cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scientific and legal challenges to the functional capacity evaluation in chronic fatigue syndrome

Background: Objective measurements of function often form the basis for legal decisions about whether a patient is fit for return to work, or conversely, entitled to disability compensation. The fu...
Insanity, Deep Selves, and Moral Responsibility: The Case of JoJo

Susan Wolf objects to the Real Self View (RSV) of moral responsibility that it is insufficient, that even if one’s actions are expressions of one’s deepest or “real” self, one might still not be morally responsible for one’s actions. As a counterexample to the RSV, Wolf offers the case of JoJo, the son of a dictator, who endorses his father’s (evil) values, but who is insane and is thus not responsible for his actions. Wolf’s data for this conclusion derives from what she takes to be our “pretheoretic intuitions” about JoJo. As it turns out, though, experimental data on actual pretheoretic intuitions does not seem to support Wolf’s claim. In this paper, we present such data and argue that, at least with respect to this particular objection, the RSV can survive Wolf’s attack intact.
Nanocomposites and Blends of Biocatalytically Synthesized Organosilicone Co-Polymers for Flame Retardant Applications

The great synthetic flexibility of organosilicone polymers, their ease of processing, low cost, and nontoxic nature present an attractive alternative solution over current flame retardant materials. Novozyme-435 catalyzed amidation reaction with silicone-based oligomer was carried out to scale up the synthesis of co-polymer which was fully characterized from its detailed spectroscopic studies. Synthesized co-polymer was compounded in polyolefins for flame retardant applications. Nanoclay [Cloisite 20A, 2C18 MMT (dimethylditallowammonium-/dimethyldioctadecylammonium-modified montmorillonite)] was used as a potential additive in co-polymer, which was then blended with polyolefins to improve their thermal as well as flame retardant properties. The present work provides an initial exciting basis for the enzymatic synthesis of silicon based co-polymers in bulk and their flame retardant applications.
Pressure dependence of energy gap of III–V and II–VI ternary semiconductors

A general expression for the pressure dependence of the energy gap of a series of group III–V and group II–VI ternary semiconductors have been derived based on Van Vechten’s dielectric theory. The results obtained are in good accord with the available experimental data. The trends in the variation of the pressure dependence of the energy gap with the nearest neighbor distance and Phillips ionicity are explored qualitatively.
The morphology of the thumb carpometacarpal joint does not differ between men and women, but changes with aging and early osteoarthritis

The high prevalence of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis (OA) in women has been previously linked to the articular morphology of the trapezium. Studies report conflicting results on how the articular shapes of male and female trapezia compare to one another, however, mainly because their findings are based on data from older cadaveric specimens. The purpose of this in vivo study was to dissociate the effect of sex from that of aging and early OA by using cohorts of healthy young and healthy older subjects, as well as patients with early stage OA. Computed tomography scans from 68 healthy subjects and 87 arthritic subjects were used to obtain 3-D bone models. The trapezial and metacarpal articular surfaces were manually delineated on scaled bone models and compared between sex, age, and health groups by using polar histograms of curvature and average curvatures. We found no sex-related differences, but significant age-group and health-group differences, in the articular surfaces of both bones. Older healthy subjects had higher curvature in the concave and lower curvature in the convex directions of both the trapezial and metacarpal saddles than healthy young subjects. Subjects with early OA had significantly different metacarpal and trapezial articular shapes from healthy subjects of the same age group. These findings suggest that aging and OA affect the articular shape of the CMC joint, but that, in contrast to previously held beliefs, inherent sex differences are not responsible for the higher incidence of CMC OA in women.
The examination of Seliberia stellata exopolymers using lectin assays

Holdfast exopolymers of the dimorphic oligotrophic bacterium Seliberia stellata were examined using fluorescent lectins under light microscopy and colloidal gold lectins using transmission electron microscopy. Examination using fluorescent-labeled lectins revealed that lectins specific for polysaccharides and monosaccharides such as glucose and/or mannose, galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine, and N-acetylglucosamine (and its dimer) adhered to holdfast structure. Colloidal gold-labeled lectin assays also suggested the presence of these sugars. Both the holdfast that mediates swarmer cell adhesion and the holdfast that facilitates rosette formation gave similar results, suggesting the structures may be the same. Another exopolymer produced later in the growth cycle was observed using transmission electron microscopy. It appeared as an amorphous glycocalyx-like material very different from holdfast exopolymers. Retention of the gold lectin Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA), suggested the presence of N-acetylglucosamine, but fluorescent analyses were unsuccessful. The data suggest that S. stellata produces at least two different exopolymers: (a) the exopolymer of the swarmer cell and rosette holdfast whose function is adhesion and whose composition is (but may not be limited to) polysaccharides and (b) a slime-like exopolymer whose composition and function remain unknown.
Fluid inclusions — What can we learn?

Abstract Fluid inclusions have been reported from all types of metamorphic rocks hence a free fluid phase must be present even at deep crustal levels. Mobile and chemically reactive fluids are thus available to transport both heat and matter through crustal rocks. The most important information gained from fluid inclusion studies is a detailed knowledge of the composition of the fluid phase(s) present during metamorphism. Early studies drew attention to the presence of variable and sometimes highly saline aqueous brines in most metamorphic environments as well as CH4 in low grade rocks and CO2 at higher grades. Subsequently the role played by brines in expanding the unmixing solvus of the aqueous and carbonic components of common metamorphic fluids to cover a wide P–T range has been emphasized. Metamorphic petrologists have only slowly adapted their thermodynamic models for metamorphic equilibria to these data. More recently, studies have demonstrated that N2 is a common phase especially in late or lower temperature fluids. Little is known of the role of nitrogen in the solid phases involved in metamorphism. Do the high nitrogen contents observed in some fluids reflect a significant nitrogen component in the minerals in those rocks? Or do processes related to the compositional evolution of the fluid phase act to concentrate nitrogen in later stage fluids?
Rectus “wrap around” flap for salvage of an infected ascending aortic graft

An application of the rectus abdominis muscle flap to salvage an infected prosthetic graft of the ascending thoracic aorta is presented. The length of this flap along with its width and thickness allows it to be wrapped around prosthetic grafts of the ascending aorta in a spiral fashion. This rectus muscle wrap around flap method is straightforward involving the use of one muscle rather than multiple muscles. The abdominal cavity is not opened as with the use of omentum. The procedure can be accomplished in a short time which is important in the critically ill patient.
Data mining for health executive decision support: an imperative with a daunting future!

Data mining is highly profiled. It has the potential to enhance executive information systems. Such enhancement would mean better decision-making by management, which in turn would mean better serv...
Incorporating research into undergraduate design courses: a patent-centered approach

It is well known and widely accepted that the integration of research and teaching in a problem-based educational setting helps to foster deep learning among students. In this paper, we describe how a patent on a rotary diesel engine, which had failed to work in practice, was used to link undergraduate research and teaching activities by orchestrating two design courses around this patent. Learning outcomes, course goals, content as well as assignments and projects were defi ned based on constructive alignment. Students' performance was assessed using so-called assessment rubrics, based on Bloom's taxonomy, which were specifi cally developed for both courses. After introducing the educational framework for this approach to enhancing student learning, we explain how both courses were designed and delivered in order to meet the higher-level educational outcomes envisaged. The paper closes with an overview of both our experiences and those of our students.
Analysis of randomized load distribution for reproduction trees in linear arrays and rings

High performance computing requires high quality load distribution of processes of a parallel application over processors in a parallel computer at runtime such that both maximum load and dilation are minimized. The performance of a simple randomized load distribution algorithm that dynamically supports tree-structured parallel computations on two simple static networks, namely, linear arrays and rings, is analyzed in this paper. The algorithm spreads newly created tree nodes to neighboring processors, which actually provides randomized dilation-1 tree embedding in a static network. We develop linear systems of equations that characterize expected loads on all processors, and find their closed form solutions under the reproduction tree model, which can generate trees of arbitrary size and shape. The main contribution of the paper is to show that the above simple randomized algorithm is able to generate high-quality dynamic tree embeddings even in very simple and sparse networks such as linear arrays, and rings. In particular, we prove that as tree size becomes large, the asymptotic performance ratio of such a randomized dilation-1 tree embedding is N/(N-1) in linear arrays and is optimal in rings.
Comparison of Two-Tank Indirect Thermal Storage Designs for Solar Parabolic Trough Power Plants

The performance of a solar thermal parabolic trough plant with thermal storage is dependent upon the arrangement of the heat exchangers that ultimately transfer energy from the sun into steam. An indirect two-tank molten salt storage system that only transfers heat with the solar field heat transfer fluid is the most commercially acceptable thermal storage design. Annual electricity generation from two differing indirect two-tank molten salt storage designs and a base case with no thermal storage were modeled. Four components were characterized in a quasi-steady state analysis dependent upon key ambient and operational parameters: solar field, storage, heat exchangers, and power block. The parameters for the collector field remained constant for all models and were based on the SEGS VI plant. The results of net power generation favor storage though the design that maximizes annual output depends on whether maximum power generation or power generation during the evening peak demand hours is desired. Additionally, the economic trade offs are discussed for the three arrangements.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Effects of axotomy on lamprey spinal neurons.

Abstract The central axonal processes of dorsal cells of larval sea lampreys were cut by a high spinal transection. Subsequent histologic changes included a loss of cytoplasmic basophilia, nuclear eccentricity, the development of a perinuclear basophilic shell, and a slight decrease in cell diameter and increase in nuclear diameter resulting in a 26% increase in the ratio of nucleus to cell diameter. These changes were maximal at 3 weeks and were related to the proximity of the cell to the transection site. Electrophysiologic changes included increased input resistance, increased voltage and current thresholds for spike initiation, decreased maximal rate of rise of action potentials, increased spike width, and increased spike overshoot. There was also an increase in axonal conduction velocity and a reduction in resting membrane potential. The electrophysiologic changes tended to lag behind the histologic changes by 1 to 2 weeks and were not clearly related to the proximity of the cell to the transection site. The cellular electrophysiologic changes could result from a decrease in the densities of sodium and potassium channels of the membrane, but there is no evidence yet to support this or any other specific hypothesis.
Decay of solution to parabolic conservation laws

(1980). Decay of solution to parabolic conservation laws. Communications in Partial Differential Equations: Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 449-473.
Line Co-57 gamma rays - New diagnostic of supernova structure

The nuclear gamma-ray lines emitted when Co-57 decays to Fe-57 should be detectable for several years following Galactic supernovae, and the time structure of their intensity relative to those emitted following the Ni-56 and Co-56 decays can reveal the structure of the exploding star. An analysis of a simplified analytic model is presented as an example.
Sickle cell disease: renal manifestations and mechanisms

Sickle cell disease (SCD) substantially alters renal structure and function, and causes various renal syndromes and diseases. Such diverse renal outcomes reflect the uniquely complex vascular pathobiology of SCD and the propensity of red blood cells to sickle in the renal medulla because of its hypoxic, acidotic, and hyperosmolar conditions. Renal complications and involvement in sickle cell nephropathy (SCN) include altered haemodynamics, hypertrophy, assorted glomerulopathies, chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, impaired urinary concentrating ability, distal nephron dysfunction, haematuria, and increased risks of urinary tract infections and renal medullary carcinoma. SCN largely reflects an underlying vasculopathy characterized by cortical hyperperfusion, medullary hypoperfusion, and an increased, stress-induced vasoconstrictive response. Renal involvement is usually more severe in homozygous disease (sickle cell anaemia, HbSS) than in compound heterozygous types of SCD (for example HbSC and HbSβ(+)-thalassaemia), and is typically mild, albeit prevalent, in the heterozygous state (sickle cell trait, HbAS). Renal involvement contributes substantially to the diminished life expectancy of patients with SCD, accounting for 16-18% of mortality. As improved clinical care promotes survival into adulthood, SCN imposes a growing burden on both individual health and health system costs. This Review addresses the renal manifestations of SCD and focuses on their underlying mechanisms.
Thin-film capacitance models

Models for distributed capacitance in a thin film are derived in the form of a system of local RC diffusion equations coupled by a global elliptic equation. Such models contain the local geometry of the distributed capacitance on which charge pis stored and the exchange of current flux on its interface with the medium. Certain singular limits are characterized, and the resulting degenerate initial-boundary-value problems are shown to be well posed.
Hand Hygiene—Action Gets Results

Abstract ISSUE: To educate staff on revised CDC guidelines for hand hygiene and improve hand hygiene compliance. PROJECT: Develop an interactive, educational year-long campaign to increase staff awareness of the importance of hand hygiene. Each month, based on a seasonal theme, we took pictures of staff performing hand hygiene. These photos were then used to make posters with educational information. To increase interest in the program, we used various “props” and “slogans” to promote our message. The posters were then placed in departments throughout the facility. To monitor the success of the program hand hygiene compliance was measured by random observations of hand hygiene compliance. The annual campaign ended with a 2004 calendar featuring photos of our staff performing hand hygiene. This calendar will continue to promote the message of “clean hands” throughout the next year. RESULTS: Hand hygiene compliance increased by 11% over the baseline rate. Staff participated in the creativity of developing unique photos and slogans. LESSONS LEARNED: Staff compliance with hand hygiene increased by promoting awareness and involving staff from all departments to promote the message. Visible reminders posted in the facility helped to promote awareness of the importance of hand hygiene.
A study of provider perceptions of individuals with dual disorders.

Human service workers devote a great deal of time in preparing to serve clients. The majority of this preparation is focused in one direction, with exposure to a limited type of client. The growing population of individuals with dual disorders of mental illness and substance abuse challenges this tradition in training, in that these clients pose unique, multiple, and overlapping characteristics, symptomatology, and behaviors requiring a synthesis of training approaches. Based on survey data collected in a county in New York State, this study discusses how providers from various agencies view individuals with dual disorders and proposes coordination and training efforts that can be designed to respond to providers’ treatment concerns.
Donovan Stewart Correll, 1908–1983

Donovan Stewart Correll who died on 28 March 1983, after some months of illness, will be missed by family, friends, and many former colleagues scattered all over the world. He was born in Wilson, North Carolina on 13 April 1908, and spent most of his early years in that state. However, before entering college at Duke University, he spent a year at various jobs in Florida and two years taking voice lessons and singing solos at church and on radio. He received the A.B. degree from Duke in 1934, the A.M. in 1936, and the Ph.D. in 1939. Some of the work for the Ph.D. was done at Harvard University (with assistance from the Anna C. Ames Memorial Scholarship), under the supervision of Professor Oakes Ames, known internationally for his work on orchids, and by whom Correll was introduced to the study of Economic Botany. This interest continued throughout his professional career and became the main focus of most of his work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1944, 1947-1956. From 1939 to 1943 Correll was a Research Associate at the Botanical Museum of Harvard University. Also in 1943, he participated as botanist with the Alaska Highway Botanical-Geological Survey, part of the Joint Economic Committees, Canada-United States. From 1944-1946 he served as a gunnery officer in the U.S. Navy, returning to Harvard as a recipient of a post-service Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship, 1946-1947, to complete research he had underway. From Cambridge he returned to the USDA, where he served from 1947-1956 in various capacities in the Specialty Crop Introductions Group, Division of Plant Exploration and Introduction, Bureau of Plant Industry, Soils, and Agricultural Engineering, and carried on studies and/or field exploration for potatoes, yams, and other steroidcontaining plants. He also led various projects involving exploration by other staff members for plants that might become useful crops for U.S. farmers to cultivate, or might provide needed food or pharmaceutical products. My acquaintance with Don Correll, which had begun at Harvard, grew at Beltsville, Maryland, after I went there to become a member of the working group he led. My efforts in that group were devoted to two projects, one concerned with taxonomic studies on various species of Dioscorea (the true yams) and the other with cooperative studies on alkaloid-bearing plants. Both these projects had much broader overall aspects involving cooperation with other governmental agencies and the testing and evaluation of the plants and plant parts under study from many points of view. These Correll administered with skill and dispatch; at the same time pursuing research on potatoes and other useful plants. Concurrently, he continued, in his spare time, studies on orchids and ferns, made many collecting trips, and with his wife raised a family of four children. His very significant Orchids of North America, North of Mexico was published in 1950; and with Professor Ames, the Orchids of Guatemala in 1952-1953. In 1956, Correll became head of the Botany Department of the Texas Research
An overview of non-cardiac cocaine toxicity

Cocaine use in the United States continues to be a significant problem. Cocaine use is responsible for approximately 143,000 Emergency Department visits annually. The cardiac effects of cocaine are well known and much is written on this topic; this is beyond the scope of this article. Cocaine use is also responsible for a variety of non-cardiac, systemic complications, which it is our purpose to review. Multiple systemic effects of cocaine are seen with both acute and chronic use. These systems include: psychological and psychiatric, neurological, renal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, obstetrical, and otolaryngological.
The Measurement Of Total Joint Loosening By X-Ray Photogrammetry

Failure of total joint replacement due to loosening of the composents either between the implant and cement or between the cement and bone is emerging as a late complication with an incidence as high as 20 percent. Loosening may not only cause pain but progressive loss of support for the prosthesis with eventual structural failure. Early diagnosis is important so that revision may be carried when deterioration or pain occurs. No method is currently available which clearly establishes loosening at an early stage except surgical exploration. We have devised a method based on our in vivo photogrammetry studies of patellar tracking patterns using metallic markers placed in bone near both components of the total joint. Stereo x-rays taken with the joint loaded and unloaded are measured for relative motion between the implant and the metallic markers. Laboratory studies using prosthetic hip components mounted in plastic bone have revealed the ability of this method to detect pistoning movements as small as 80 microns. These findings were confirmed by physical measurements.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Rat tail: A useful model for microvascular training

The rat femoral vessel model is widely used as the basic model for microvascular training; however, it offers only a limited number of anastomoses and vessel sizes. Rat tail vessels provide long length, almost as long as the tail; adequate diameters, from about 1 mm to 0.2 mm; as well as the economy and a convenient location for practicing microvascular anastomoses. It is also the best choice for anastomosing vessels smaller than 0.5 mm diameter. Using stored, frozen tails harvested from sacrificed rats of other projects makes it even more frugal and convenient. Hence, it is an ideal model for microvascular training. The related anatomy and dissecting method are described and discussed. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thoracic outlet syndrome.

Compression of the neurovascular structures in the cervicobrachial region presents a difficult problem in diagnosis and management. Patients present with a variety of subjective complaints and few objective findings, which often sheds doubt on the legitimacy of their symptoms. The term ‘‘thoracic outlet syndrome’’ (TOS) was first introduced by Peet et al to describe a conservative treatment approach of patients with TOS [1]. TOS is commonly used to describe this syndrome, which has symptoms associated with compression of the brachial plexus, subclavian vein, and artery. This term is anatomically confusing and has incited a great deal of controversy surrounding the existence of TOS, and its diagnosis and management [2–6]. Although neural and vascular compression are discussed in the TOS literature, true isolated cases of vascular compression are much less common than cases of brachial plexus nerve compression [7]. This article emphasizes the evaluation and management of the patient with brachial plexus nerve compression.
Analyzing power measurements for p-3He elastic scattering from 1.75 to 4.50 MeV

Abstract Analyzing powers for p- 3 He elastic scattering have been measured at 12 energies between 1.75 and 4.50 MeV for θ c.m. = 40° to 150°. A comparison of our results with earlier data of Drigo et al . shows substantial differences at all energies. The R -matrix fits to our data that were included in the global search calculations of Hale and Dodder are shown. These calculations established the ordering of the lowest-lying T = 1 levels of 4 He as J π = 2 − , 1 − (triplet), 0 − , and 1 − (singlet), which is the WMI (MHI) ordering.
Multimedia in a design rationale decision support system

Abstract The capture and use of design rationale information is widely recognized to be essential for the design and maintenance of large systems. Design rationale information needs to be captured from a variety of sources and contexts. A design rationale management system should be capable of representing and reasoning with both formal and informal information. REMAP/MM is a hypermedia decision support system that facilitates the capture of different types of design rationale knowledge using multiple media. The design rationale knowledge is represented using a conceptual model that includes the Issue Based Information Systems (IBIS) designed to model deliberations, a primary source of design rationale. The system incorporates models of multimedia components of design rationale, thereby facilitating reasoning with this knowledge. Decision support for the various stakeholders in systems development is provided in the areas of management of system evolution, system maintenance with changing requirements, design replay, and fulfilling ad hoc information requirements.
Efficient numerical implementation of complete-moving-hysteresis models

An efficient numerical technique for the implementation of Preisach-derived models is presented. It is shown that, when efficiently implemented, all Preisach-derived models require only a few table lookups at each field value to compute the magnetization for both locally reversible and irreversible components. In particular the complete-moving-hysteresis (CMH) model accurately describes the magnetization processes. Using this implementation technique, the computation of the magnetization using the classical Preisach model has the same order of complexity as that of a single-valued nonlinearity. The incorporation of these models into field problems using a boundary-element method (BEM) a finite-difference method (FDM), and a finite-element method (FEM) is discussed. >
The Use of Music to Enhance Reading Skills of Second Grade Students and Students with Reading Disabilities

The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy of using music as a remedial strategy to enhance the reading skills of second-grade students and students who have been identified as having a specific learning disability (SLD) in reading. First, an intensive short-term music curriculum was designed to target reading comprehension and vocabulary skills at the second grade level. The curriculum was then implemented in classrooms at two public schools in the Southeast. Reading skills were evaluated pre and post curriculum intervention via the vocabulary and reading comprehension subtests of the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test for second grade. Analysis of pre/posttest data revealed that students with a specific disability in reading improved significantly from pre to post on all three subtests: word decoding (p = .04), word knowledge (p = .01), reading comprehension (p = .01), and test total (p = .01). Paired t-tests revealed that for 2nd grade students, both treatment and control classes improved significantly from pre to post on the subtests word decoding, word knowledge, and test total. While both classes made gains from pre to post on the subtest, reading comprehension, neither improved significantly. Analysis of Covariance revealed that the treatment class made greater gains pre to post than the control class on all 3 subtests (Including reading comprehension), and significantly greater gains on the subtest, word knowledge (p = .01).
A pilot study of interleukin-2 for adult patients with acute myelogenous leukemia in first complete remission

BACKGROUND Interleukin-2 (IL-2) has immunomodulatory effects, including stimulating the activity of cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells, and inducing the generation of lymphokine-activated killer cells. The authors investigated whether IL-2 may improve the duration of complete remission (CR) and survival in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) patients in first CR. METHODS Eighteen patients were included after achieving a CR and receiving at least two courses of consolidation chemotherapy. Therapy was comprised of IL-2 4.5 × 105 U/m2 daily by continuous infusion (CI) for 12 weeks, plus boluses of 1 × 106 U/m2 on Day 8 and weekly thereafter while continuing the CI. No further chemotherapy was given after the administration of IL-2 was started. RESULTS The median age of the patients was 50 years (range, 18–73 years), and 7 patients (39%) had an antecedent hematologic disorder (AHD). The median CR duration was 12 months, with 6 patients still alive in CR at a median follow-up of 64 months (range, 50–82 months). Long term CR by cytogenetics occurred in 2 of 5 patients with a normal karyotype (CR duration of 68+ months and 72+ months, respectively), 1 of 3 patients with t(8;21) (CR duration of 82+ months), 1 patient with inv(16) (CR duration of 67+ months), none of 2 patients with −5/−7 (1 patient died in CR after 10 months), 1 of 2 patients with abnormalities in chromosome 11 (CR duration of 60+ months), and 1 of 4 patients with miscellaneous abnormalities (CR duration of 74+ months). The median survival was 47 months. To assess the significance of these results, the authors selected two historic controls receiving long term postremission chemotherapy per each IL-2 case. The controls had remained in CR for at least as long as the cases when the latter underwent treatment initiation with IL-2 and were matched for the number of induction courses required to achieve CR, AHD, cytogenetic abnormalities, and age. Six of 18 IL-2 patients (33%) were alive in CR at 3 years compared with 7 of 36 controls (19%) (P = 0.31). Nine IL-2 patients (50%) were alive at 3 years compared with 10 controls (28%) (P = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that IL-2 is tolerable in AML patients in first CR and should be studied further in future studies as a therapeutic strategy to prolong remission duration. Cancer 1999;85:1506–13. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
PHOTON BUNCHING AND MULTIPHOTON INTERFERENCE IN PARAMETRIC DOWN-CONVERSION

A number of multiphoton interference schemes involving independent fields from parametric down-conversion are analyzed. They include fourth-order (two-photon) interference between two fields from two independent parametric down-conversion processes, interference with two independent single photon Fock states (produced by gated parametric down-conversion), and quantum state teleportation and entanglement swapping. It is shown that the visibility in these interference experiments is related to a quantity that is responsible for the photon bunching effect in one of the fields (signal or idler) from the parametric down-conversion process. Besides the two-photon interference schemes, a four-photon interference scheme is discussed where we consider four-photon partition at a beamsplitter. It is found that probability distribution of the partition is dramatically changed by four-photon interference of six paths and the four-photon effect also depends on the same quantity responsible for photon bunching. We will discuss the difference between two-photon interference and four-photon interference.
Relationship of HHV8 replication and Kaposi's sarcoma after solid organ transplantation

HHV8 DNA sequences have recently been isolated from all types of Kaposi's sarcomas, and its association in the etiopathogenesis of this tumor has been established. However, little is known about the regulation of HHV8 replication in immunocompromised patients seropositive for this virus, and its impact on the development of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Through the study of a heart transplant patient who developed KS and in whom peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) had been prospectively collected before and after transplantation, we have investigated the pathogenesis of HHV8. Our results indicate that (i) HHV8 can reactivate soon after transplantation; (ii) viral replication, as determined by quantification of HHV8 DNA load of PBLs, increases significantly after transplantation; and (iii) increased HHV8 DNA levels in PBLs are associated with the development of KS.
Weight of X-Ray Shields for Interceptor Missiles

A decision to shield interceptor propulsion systems from x-rays emitted by a nuclear weapon during a nuclear engagement results in significant increases in system weight. Shielding is one alternative available to the designer to reduce the x-ray dose in the solid-propellant grain component of the propulsion system. Exposure to x-ray emissions can result in system failure by inducing unacceptable changes in the solid-propellant ballistic and mechanical properties, or premature ignition, or both. The magnitude of the shield weight required to protect the solid-propellant grain from x-rays has been determined for various motor case materials, nuclear weapon spectra, and nuclear fluence levels. The study was conducted by determining the shield thickness required to reduce the x-ray dose in the propellant to 2 cal/g. An empirical design equation suggested by Watcher was investigated and found to yield incorrect results when compared with results obtained using an energy deposition computer code. Graphite, fiberglass, and Kevlar motor case materials were studied in typical interceptor designs. Both equal-thickness and equal-strength designs were considered. Weapon spectra with blackbody temperatures ranging from 2 to 15 keV and fluence levels up to 100 cal/cm were studied. The x-ray shield material was tantalum carbide. For a motor case thickness of 1.27 cm, shield weights of approximately 1.6 g/cm are required to protect the solid propellant. For a typical interceptor design, this translates into a total weight penalty of approximately 129 kg (285 Ib).
Association between human papillomavirus DNA and temporal arteritis

Background: To examine the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) of the temporal artery. Methods: The study group consisted of 22 cases of histologically positive/biopsy confirmed GCA. The control groups consisted of 21 histologically negative temporal artery biopsies and fifteen cases of vascular margins of nephrectomies. For detection of the presence of HPV, two methods were used: 1) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping Extra, 2) Cervista™ HPV HR. All cases were from the files of the Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University in St. Louis. Results: HPV DNA was detected by PCR and genotyping in 16 of 22 (73%) histologically positive cases of GCA and in only five of 21 (24%) histologically negative temporal artery biopsies. Among the vascular margin controls, only three of 15 (20%) were positive for HPV DNA. The second, independent method (Cervista TM ) confirmed the aforesaid results with 100% concordance with the exception of three cases which had low genomic DNA for which it was not possible to perform the test. The differences in HPV positivity between the histologically positive and negative temporal artery biopsies and between the histologically positive temporal artery biopsies and controls were both statistically significant (p=0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Conclusions: The results of our study revealed a statistically significant association between HPV positivity and biopsy confirmed temporal giant cell arteritis GCA (p=0.001). Further studies are necessary to elucidate the pathophysiology underlying this association.
Photopolymerized Sol‐Gel Monolithic Column for Capillary Electrochromatography (CEC) and CEC Coupled to Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization Mass Spectrometry

Abstract A sol‐gel photopolymerization procedure was adopted to prepare the monolith in a 100 µm I.D. UV‐transparent capillary using methacryloxy‐propyltrimethoxysilane as the monomer. The chromatographic behavior of the column is evaluated with two mixtures of neutral compounds, namely 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and 11 alkyl phenyl ketones. The feasibility of applying this column for the CEC‐APPI‐MS separation and detection of these compounds was investigated.
Pharmaceutical Differences Between Block Copolymer Self-Assembled and Cross-Linked Nanoassemblies as Carriers for Tunable Drug Release

Purpose To identify the effects of cross-linkers and drug-binding linkers on physicochemical and biological properties of polymer nanoassembly drug carriers.
Dipole emission in finite photonic bandgap structures: an exactly solvable one-dimensional model

This paper considers an exact model of atomic spontaneous dipole emission and classical dipole radiation in a finite photonic bandgap (PBG) structure. The full three-dimensional (3-D) or two-dimensional (2-D) problem is reduced to a finite one-dimensional (1-D) model, which then is solved for analytically using algebraic matrix transfer techniques. The results give insight to the electromagnetic emission process in periodic dielectrics, quantitative predictions for emission in 1-D dielectric stacks, and qualitative formulas for the 2-D and 3-D problem.
Compositional analysis of autocatalytic networks in biology

Autocatalytic pathways are a necessary part of core metabolism. Every cell consumes external food/resources to create components and energy, but does so using processes that also require those same components and energy. Here, we study effects of parameter variations on the stability properties of autocatalytic pathway models and the extent of the regions of attraction around nominal operating conditions. Motivated by the computational complexity of optimization-based methods for estimating regions of attraction for large pathways, we take a compositional approach and exploit a natural decomposition of the system, induced by the underlying biological structure, into a feedback interconnection of two input-output subsystems: a small subsystem with complicating nonlinearities and a large subsystem with simple dynamics. This decomposition simplifies the analysis of large pathways by assembling region of attraction certificates based on the input-output properties of the subsystems. It enables us to numerically construct block-diagonal Lyapunov functions for families of pathways that are not amenable to direct analysis. Furthermore, it leads to analytical construction of Lyapunov functions for a large family of autocatalytic pathways.
Forecasting travel patterns using palmore’s cohort analysis

Summary The purpose of this study was to introduce Palmore's (1978) method of cohort analysis and illustrate its potential application to tourism forecasting. Results suggested that (a) older cohorts participate less frequently in international travel than younger cohorts, (b) decrease in participation continues as one ages, and (c) changes in travel behavior are due primarily to period effects. With respect to the impact these findings may have on the tourism industry, the results suggest that marketers should monitor the aggregate changes taking place within targeted cohorts, and strategic planning should not be based on an assessment of differences between cohorts at one point in time.
Treatment of Hepatitis C in 2011: What Can We Expect?

Treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the combination of a peginterferon and ribavirin. Although a fixed duration of treatment (24 weeks for patients with genotypes 2 and 3 and 48 weeks for patients with all other genotypes) has been advocated, the best results are likely to be achieved when the duration of therapy is adjusted based on the time to response. According to the principles of response-guided therapy, patients with rapid virologic response have a high rate of sustained virologic response (SVR) and a low rate of relapse, and can be treated for 24 weeks regardless of genotype. In contrast, patients who become HCV RNA undetectable at a slower rate need a longer duration of therapy. Direct-acting antiviral agents are currently being developed to treat patients with HCV genotype 1. These agents will significantly increase rapid virologic response when used with peginterferon and ribavirin; according to the concepts of response-guided therapy, such treatment will yield high rates of SVR with 24 to 28 weeks of treatment.
Antibiosis/Antixenosis in Tulip Tree and Quaking Aspen Leaves Against The Polyphagous Southern Armyworm, Spodoptera eridania

Previous studies have shown leaves of tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipifera L. (of the Magnoliaceae) and of Populus tremuloides Michx. (of the Salicaceae) to be antixenotic/antibiotic to many Lepidoptera, including one of the most polyphagous of all phytophagous insects, the southern armyworm, Spodoptera eridania Cramer (Noctuidae). We investigated the physiological responses to this phytochemical activity on neonate and late instar armyworm larvae in controlled environments with particular emphasis upon the leaf extracts containing condensed tannins and hydrolysable tannins. These tannin-containing extracts of tulip tree leaves and quaking aspen leaves were generally toxic to neonate larvae. For later instars, growth suppression was not due to digestibility-reduction, but instead to suppressed consumption rates and greatly increased metabolic (respiratory) costs as reflected in reduced biomass conversion efficiencies.
E2F-1 regulates nuclear factor-kappaB activity and cell adhesion: potential antiinflammatory activity of the transcription factor E2F-1.

Background— The transcription factor E2F-1 promotes vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis and is reported to inhibit apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in endothelial cells. Whether E2F-1 overexpression exerts potentially antiinflammatory effects in endothelial cells is not known. Methods and Results— By immunoblotting and immunofluorescence, TNF-α treatment of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) with the control vector Ad.null was followed by rapid nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65, whereas nuclear translocation of p65 was markedly reduced in HAECs overexpressing E2F-1. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and gel shift analysis of nuclear cell extracts confirmed that HAECs treated with a recombinant adenovirus encoding E2F-1 failed to associate with the binding domain of p65. Stimulation of the Ad.null-infected endothelial cells with TNF-α resulted in enhanced expression of endothelial intracellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1, and E-se...
Surface potential of a free electron metal in the RPA

Abstract The effects of correlation on the surface potential of a dense electron gas are studied in the random phase approximation for an interacting system. The model considered is the same as that originally proposed by Juretschke and subsequently studied by Loucks and Cutler using the Bohm-Pines decoupling scheme. In the high density regime, we suggest as a reasonable approximation for the Slater average surface potential, the algebraic average of Juretschke's pure exchange potential and a Thomas-Fermi type screened exchange potential. The resulting theory yields substantial agreement with that of Loucks and Cutler as a function of effective screening parameter.
Use of the resonance in extraction from a six-sector isochronous cyclotron

Abstract An investigation has been made of the use of the v r = 3 2 resonance in the extraction of particles from six-sector isochronous cyclotrons. Four pole-face geometries, two high spiral angle and two medium spiral angle, were used. The median-plane field was represented by a single harmonic. It was found that the dependence of the betatron frequency on the oscillation amplitude was very small; also, in the absence of error fields the 3 2 - resonance may easily be traversed. Upon introduction of a third harmonic gradient bump the motion becomes unstable and extraction is possible. The phase of the bump is very important and large quantitative differences in the extraction occur as the phase is changed. The well-behaved nature of the phase-space and the difference between half-integral and integral resonance extraction allows two 50% beams to be extracted, simultaneously, at two different azimuths, or with proper preparation of the center region, one 100% beam only. The extraction energy is approximately 400 MeV.
Case 207: Hodgkin lymphoma with paraneoplastic hypercalcemic pancreatitis.

In this young patient with a large thoracic malignancy and evidence of pancreatitis, the most likely unifying diagnosis is Hodgkin lymphoma with paraneoplastic hypercalcemic pancreatitis.
Time-resolved reflectance spectroscopy

Time-resolved reflectance measures the escape of photons that have been injected into a scattering medium by a very short laser pulse. In this paper, such measurements are discussed in terms of the basic equations governing the escape of photons from turbid tissue, and an experimental example of a prototype endoscopic device is given.
Infrared spectra and molecular constants of N14O2 and N15O2

Abstract The infrared spectra of N14O2 and N15O2 were observed under high dispersion with gas pressures up to 15 cm of N14O2 and 4 cm of N15O2 in a 20-meter absorption cell. Ten bands of N14O2, eight with well-resolved rotation lines; and nine bands of N15O2, seven with well-resolved rotation lines, were observed. The band centers of these bands were determined, from which all the ωi and xij were calculated. By making use of the very good assumption that the potential constants are the same for isotopic molecules, the four force constants in the most general quadratic potential function were found to be fd = 10.927 ± 0.065, fα = 1.125 ± 0.003, fdd = 2.038 ± 0.065, and fdα = 0.390 ± 0.20 (all in millidynes/A). The following ground state rotational constants were obtained from the rotational structures of the observed bands using symmetric top combination relations: for N14O2, A = 8.003, B = 0.434, C = 0.412; and for N15O2, A = 7.642, B = 0.434, C = 0.410 (all in cm−1). Theoretical spectra calculated for type A and type B bands by substituting these rotational constants into the asymmetric top equations gave excellent agreement when compared with the observed spectra. The partition function ratio for N15O2 to N14O2 is found to be 1.1080 at 25°C.