cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computation of Discrete-Hole Film Cooling: A Hydrodynamic Study

Hydrodynamic plots are presented from a numerical study conducted on a three dimensional film cooling geometry that includes the main flow, injection hole, and the plenum. The fully elliptic Navier-Stokes equations were solved over a body fitted grid using the control volume method. Turbulence closure was achieved using the k-e turbulence model. The results presented include contour plots of the resultant velocity at hole exit, as well as streamwise mean velocity and turbulence intensity contours at several cross-stream planes. Computations were performed for blowing ratios of 0.5 and 1.0, and a density ratio of 2. The injection hole was 12.7 mm in diameter, 3.5 diameters long, and inclined at 35° to the streamwise direction. Results obtained from this analysis are compared with the available experimental results. Whereas the overall agreement is good, important differences were found. Compared to the experimental jet, the computed jet showed (a) a larger vertical velocity at hole exit, (b) a smaller lateral spread in the downstream region, especially at low blowing ratios.Copyright © 1997 by ASME
A novel technique for computing electromagnetic scattering from wire antennas

In this paper, we apply a vector ϵ-algorithm to solve a system of linear equations arising in a method of moments (MoM) solution of electromagnetic scattering from a thin wire. The method is iterative in nature and hence does not require the inversion of a matrix. Therefore, it avoids the problems associated with the matrix inversion of ill-conditioned matrices. The numerical results show the usefulness of the method. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 45: 554–556, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20877
Scanning tunneling microscopy of atoms and charge-density waves in 1T-TaS2, 1T-TaSe2, and 1T-VSe2.

The surface atomic structure and the charge-density-wave (CDW) structure in the 1T phase of ${\mathrm{TaSe}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{TaS}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{VSe}}_{2}$ have been studied at 4.2, 77, and 300 K. The response of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to the CDW superlattice in 1T-${\mathrm{TaSe}}_{2}$ and 1T-${\mathrm{TaS}}_{2}$ is extremely strong, while in 1T-${\mathrm{VSe}}_{2}$ the CDW generates a much weaker response. In 1T-${\mathrm{TaSe}}_{2}$ and 1T-${\mathrm{TaS}}_{2}$ at 4.2 and 77 K the STM scans show a \ensuremath{\surd}13 ${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} \ensuremath{\surd}13 ${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$ pattern characteristic of a triple-q commensurate CDW structure. The atomic lattice and CDW superlattice are simultaneously resolved, but the atomic modulation represents a small fraction of the total STM deflection leading to a substantial variation in the atomic resolution. At 300 K we continue to observe a commensurate \ensuremath{\surd}13 ${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} \ensuremath{\surd}13 ${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$ CDW pattern in 1T-${\mathrm{TaSe}}_{2}$ while 1T-${\mathrm{TaS}}_{2}$ shows a modulated two-dimensional structure due to the incommensurate CDW wavelength characteristic of the nearly commensurate phase.The STM scans on 1T-${\mathrm{VSe}}_{2}$ show a 4${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}4${\mathbf{a}}_{0}$ CDW superlattice with a pattern that reflects a triple- to double-q transition in the CDW structure and the formation of domains. In 1T-${\mathrm{VSe}}_{2}$ the atomic modulation is dominant with a weak superimposed modulation due to the CDW superlattice. This difference in the strength of the CDW is reflected in the z deflection of the STM and in the effective barrier height as a function of tip-to-surface distance. The STM scans and profiles of z deflection have been analyzed and compared for all three materials. Defects in the CDW structure of 1T-${\mathrm{TaSe}}_{2}$ and 1T-${\mathrm{TaS}}_{2}$ have been observed which create missing CDW maxima and a variable enhancement of the surrounding CDW maxima. These appear to result from defects in the Ta layer rather than in the surface Se or S layer. Defects in the STM scans of 1T-${\mathrm{VSe}}_{2}$ are very localized and appear to be associated with Se-atom vacancies in the surface layer. The STM patterns and response will be reviewed and analyzed in terms of the band structures and Fermi surfaces of the various compounds. Results are also compared to information obtained from electron diffraction.
Efficacy and safety of self-expandable metal stents for biliary decompression in patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer: a prospective study

Background Increasing numbers of patients with resectable pancreatic cancer are receiving neoadjuvant therapy. Biliary drainage with plastic stents during this period can be associated with recurrent episodes of stent occlusion resulting in unplanned ERCPs and interruptions in therapy. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) during the neoadjuvant period for resectable pancreatic cancer. Design Patients with proven pancreatic adenocarcinoma with biliary obstruction underwent placement of SEMSs, and data on stent patency and complication rates were collected prospectively. Setting Tertiary-care referral center. Patients This study involved 55 patients with resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma who were recruited between March 2009 and December 2010. Intervention SEMSs were placed for biliary decompression. The shortest length of stent required to bridge the stricture was used so as to leave enough of the normal bile duct above the stent available for subsequent surgical anastomosis. Endoscopic reintervention was performed in those with stent malfunction. Stents were not removed before surgery. Main Outcome Measurements Stent patency rate during the neoadjuvant period, stent malfunction rate, and complication rates. Information on stent-related difficulties, if any, during surgery. Results Fifty-five patients were recruited (29 men, 26 women; age, mean [± SD] 65.9 ± 11 years; resectable 23, borderline resectable 32). Median time for neoadjuvant therapy and restaging before surgery was 104 days (range 70-260 days). At the median time of 104 days, 88% of SEMSs remained patent. By 260 days, stent malfunction occurred in 15% of patients. These included stent occlusion in 13% and stent migration in 2%. SEMS malfunction occurred in 3 of 27 patients (11%) who ultimately underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and in 5 of 21 patients (24%) with disease progression ( P = not significant). The presence of SEMSs did not interfere with pancreaticoduodenectomy in any patients who underwent surgery. Limitations Nonrandomized study. Conclusion SEMSs are effective and safe in achieving durable biliary drainage in patients with pancreatic cancer receiving neoadjuvant therapy. It is not necessary to remove SEMSs before surgery if the shortest length of stent required to bridge the stricture is used.
Effects of temperature on visual receptors in temperature-sensitive paralytic shibire (shits) mutants of Drosophila

Abstract The Drosophila mutant shibire (shits) is temperature-sensitive. At 27–28°C, a red-eyed stock of shits lost phototaxis and became paralyzed, then died within 24h. A different stock of the same allele of shits flies, which was white-eyed, was still active even if temperature was elevated to 30°C. Both red- and white-eyed shits flies showed normal electroretinographic (ERG) waveforms at 24–25°C, a permissive temperature. When shi flies were cooled to 10–11°C, no obvious ERG changes were observed in the white-eyed stock, but on- and off-transients disappeared in the red-eyed stock. When red-eyed shits and white-eyed shits flies were warmed to their restrictive temperatures of 28.5 and 39°C, respectively, the on- and off-transients disappeared within minutes. In white-eyed shits, the restrictive temperature increased with post-eclosion age. To assay differences in visual pigment turnover, we measured the absorbance difference of visual pigment by microspectrophotometry [MSP] at 25 and 35°C, respectively. The absorbance difference decreased slightly with time when the white-eyed shits flies were warmed to 35°C.
The effect of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene exposure on antigen receptor (CD3)-stimulated transmembrane signal transduction in purified subsets of human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Abstract The intracellular low-molecular-weight thiol glutathione (GSH) is an important scavenger of free radicals and plays a role in the maintenance of the redox status of protein sulfhydryl groups. We have previously shown that human peripheral blood lymphocytes sorted on their basal GSH content proliferate proportionately to their GSH levels, and that an early event in lymphocyte activation appeared to be dependent on GSH. We have now analyzed transmembrane signal transduction in cells treated with l-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), a GSH-depleting agent. Transmembrane signal transduction was measured as changes in intracellular free calcium and in protein tyrosine phosphorylation after stimulation with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. The results show a CDNB dose-dependent reduction in GSH content, the magnitude of intracellular free calcium mobilization, and the extent of tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins, including phospholipase C-γ1. This suggests a role for GSH and/or protein thiol redox status in one of the earliest events controlling the ability of lymphocytes to respond to important proliferative signals in their environment and implies that agents which deplete lymphocyte GSH may be immunosuppressive through effects on CD3/T cell receptor-dependent transmembrane signal transduction.
Sacred Spaces, Objects, Offerings, and People in the Priestly Texts: A Reappraisal

In the Priestly texts, holiness is understood both as an absolute and as a relative term to demarcate the hierarchy within the holy sphere. Rather than primarily redefining the term “holy,” the present work aims to determine the term’s function in describing spaces, objects, offerings, and people in the Priestly account. While there are several different levels of holiness for people, places, objects, and offerings, the Priestly writers have only two terms at their disposal, “holy” and “most holy,” which they use in a dizzying combination to situate elements hierarchically. Nonetheless, once the Priestly language is clarified, elements in the holy sphere fit into a fairly consistent hierarchy. Within this taxonomic system, people have access to spaces and objects of one level of holiness higher than they themselves possess. While accessing one degree higher is acceptable, two degrees proves fatal. The Priestly labels “holy” and “most holy” mediate access, express the privilege and unnaturalness of access, and indicate the consequences of improper contact, thereby safeguarding the divine abode from improper encroachment and humanity from the corresponding punishment.
Role of the Highly Conserved Histidine Residues in Rat Liver Mitochondrial Aldehyde Dehydrogenase as Studied by Site-Directed Mutagenesis

One histidine residue (H235) is conserved in all known aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH), from Escherichia coli to human, except for those from P. oleovorans and rat hepatoma. Kinetic studies with horse liver mitochondrial ALDH indicated that a group with a pKa of 7 may be involved in the active site. Using site-directed mutagenesis, the four conserved histidine residues of the six histidines in rat liver mitochondrial ALDH were converted to alanines. Only modification of H235 and H29 caused alterations in properties of the enzyme. H29A had a decreased pI suggesting that this residue may normally be protonated. Its Vmax increased, as did the Km for NAD+, while the Km for propionaldehyde decreased. H235A had the same pI as the native enzyme but the Vmax decreased by 50%. Like native enzyme, H235A was active in Hepes and Mops buffer as well as in phosphate buffer. Purified H235A was thermally less stable than was native enzyme. H235 was also changed to F, Y, E, K, and Q. All of these substitutions resulted in the formation of insoluble aggregates or inclusion bodies when they were expressed in E. coli. It appears then that the highly conserved histidine residues may not be functioning as a general base in the deacylation step as we originally suggested. Instead, both H29 and H235 may be of structural importance and the presence of a histidine residue at position 235 may be required for the newly synthesized peptide to fold and/or assemble into the native conformation of ALDH.
Improved vanadium-dioxide-based infrared spatial light modulator

As was previously reported, a spatial light modulator (SLM) is being fabricated that exploits vanadium dioxide's (VO2) thermally induced transition from a semiconductive-to-metallic state. This transformation causes the film to change from a state of low to high reflectivity in the 3 - 12 micrometers region. Thermal control of the VO2 is provided by an array of p-n junction diodes, each diode constituting the center of a single `pixel' in the SLM. As power is applied to a diode, it generates heat, thereby providing an electrical means of controlling the reflective state of the VO2 film on its surface. The design of the SLM is driven by the need for a high optical contrast, large scale implementation, and high refresh rate. Unfortunately, these requirements are not conducive to each other, so compromises must be made. Optimizations of this design using either microchannel or chemical vapor deposition diamond heat sinks are reported. Both of these simulated designs attained pixel switching times in excess of 650 Hz.
GPU-accelerated time-domain circuit simulation

Time-domain circuit simulation is often dominated by the transistor model evaluation time. An analysis of a test suite of 27 circuits shows 66% of the transient runtime is spent evaluating the core BSIM4 transistor model code. A modern graphics processing unit (GPU) is a highly paralled, high performance computer suitable for non-graphics tasks. Circuit simulation is sped up by a factor of 3 to 6, with no loss in accuracy, by moving the transistor evaluation to the NVIDIA GTX 280 GPU. Maximum GPU performance is obtained with single precision arithmetic, so transistor model code should be written with this in mind.
Spatial organization of the peripheral input to area 1 cell columns. I. the detection of ‘segregates’

Abstract Extracellular single neuron recording methods are used to study the RFs of neurons comprising area 1 cell columns in unanesthetized Macaca fascicularis monkeys. The RF data obtained in approximately radial microelectrode penetrations demonstrate that the RFs of neurons located within the same area 1 cell columns can differ strikingly, and that it is common for neighboring neurons to possess RFs differing greatly in size or configuration. However, the RF variations detected within a typical area 1 cell minicolumn (single cell radial column) appear to be substantially less than the variations observed for nearby neurons lying in different minicolumns. The RF data obtained from arrays of penetrations suggest that the skin representation in the forelimb region of area 1 is organized in a discontinuous, steplike fashion: as a mosaic of discrete 600 μm wide radial cell columns— segregates. Although the RFs of neurons of a segregate can vary substantially in size and configuration, they all share in common a single small area on the skin. The boundaries of a segregate can be mapped precisely because, unlike the situation for neurons located within the same segregate, some of the neurons located on opposite sides of a segregate boundary (belonging to different segregates) have non-overlapping RFs. Furthermore, it appears that within any given segregate there is no systematic shift in RF location as the electrode advances through a sequence of minicolumns. Systematic RF shifts occurred only when the electrode traversed the boundary between neighboring segregates.
The mechanical performance of cross‐plied composites

The mechanical performance of fiber glass epoxy, cross-plied laminates having either ductile or brittle matrices, was evaluated in tension. The laminates with ductile matrices have higher initial strength, slower crack propagation in the transverse layers and higher ultimate stress and strain. In both the ductile and brittle systems, the laminae have higher strength, stiffness and toughness than equivalent unidirectional composites. This improved performance results from the interaction between the perpendicular layers which gives them additional stiffness due to shear and transverse coupling effects and also increases the resistance of each individual layer to crack propagation and plastic flow.
Alternate methods of harmonic analysis

A modification of the traditional least square estimate is introduced and applied to the harmonic analysis of noisy periodic waveforms. The recursive Kalman filter approach is reviewed and the two methods are compared. The modified least square estimate is found to be a more efficient computational technique when the form of the signal allows its use.
Distribution of fresher blood in a statewide blood program.

A change in distribution policy by a central blood bank resulted in greater than three days of additional shelf life of blood at hospitals. This change in distribution policy was temporally associated with a decrease in statewide outdating from 11.9 to 9.2 per cent. The magnitude of the decrease in outdating is similar to that predicted by theoretical studies of the effect of longer shelf life of blood. It is suggested that the prolonged shelf life of blood at hospitals was causal to reduced outdating. This experience, taken with the theoretical studies, indicates that a central blood bank can make a major, beneficial impact on hospital outdating by distributing blood on a date closer to its date of collection.
A New Technique for the Measurement of Microwave Standing-Wave Ratios

A new microwave standing-wave-ratio (or reflection coefficient) measurement technique, apparently suitable for standards and other high precision work, is described. The technique requires that the phase angle of the unknown reflection coefficient be subjected to arbitrary, known variations-as is possible with a sliding load, for example. Accurate measurement of suitable. sliding loads furnishes standards, and with the aid of comparison techniques, enables indirect measurement of arbitrary unknowns. Generator and detector are connected to two arms of a three-arm waveguide junction. Tuning elements in the junction are (desirably) adjusted for small reflection looking into the third arm, to which the unknown connects. Observation of the detector response vs variation of phase of the unknown yields a curve, similar to a standing-wave pattern, from which the unknown is determinable by procedures that are given. The technique has the advantages of 1) being amenable to rigorous theoretical analysis, 2) enabling the attainment of heavy coupling to the detector without simultaneous severe distortion of the response pattern, and 3) being, in a sense explained in the text, fundamentally simpler than the conventional slotted-line technique.
Virogenic Hamster Tumor Cells: Induction of Virus Synthesis

Virogenic cell cultures of a hamster ependymoma originally produced by Simian Virus 40 were treated with proflavine, hydrogen peroxide, or mitomycin C. Induction of virus synthesis was observed. Similar experiments with hamster cells transformed by adenovirus type 12 or polyoma virus gave negative results
Organic geochemistry of core samples from an ultradeep hot well (300°C, 7 km)

South Texas cores of Lower Cretaceous rocks from a depth of 6400.8 to 7544.6 m at present-day temperatures of 262–296°C have high concentrations of C15+ hydrocarbons. Bitumen coefficients range from 105 to 367 mg/g and C15+ extractable bitumen ranges from 500 to 2200 ppm. Some generation potential remains associated with the kerogen of these rocks. In addition to exhibiting the above organic-geochemical properties, characteristic of the zone of intense hydrocarbon generation, these rocks also have organic-geochemical properties, attributed to the zone of hydrocarbon extinction or greenschist metamorphism. These characteristics are: high vitrinite reflectance (R0) values, 4.4–4.8; low H/C ratios, 0.30–0.58; high saturate/aromatic hydrocarbon ratios, 7.05–20.6; high hydrocarbon/NSO ratios, 2.65–4.66; and high transformation index ratios [S1(S1 + S2)], 0.61–0.87. The data from this (and other wells we have studied) show that high concentrations of C15+ hydrocarbons are thermally stable to high temperatures (at least 300°C) in abnormally-pressured semi-closed systems over geologic time. Concepts prevelant among petroleum organic geochemists concerning the thermal fate of hydrocarbons, with subsequent graphite formation, and greenschist metamorphism, are in sharp contradiction to these data. Conventional concepts of the distribution of heavy hydrocarbons with increasing temperature and depth apparently require further review and revision.
Inverse Borehole Coupling Filters And Their Applications

This paper describes a new procedure for processing VSP and crosswell data acquired using an array of hydrophone. The procedure consists of three steps. In the first step we apply an inverse borehole coupling equation to convert hydrophone pressure data into borehole squeeze pressure data, by which the tube waves are significantly attenuated and the P-wave and Swave are partially compensated for the borehole effects. In the second step, we make use of a partial differential equation that relates the borehole squeeze pressure to the pressure of the incident P-wave. In the third step, we show that one can also map the hydrophone pressure data into the geophone response, provided that both the P-wave and S-wave velocity profiles along the borehole are known. Several synthetic examples are used to demonstrate its accuracy. The Kent Cliffs hydrophone data are successfully processed using the above steps, and the data quality is found to be significantly improved.
Violence and Ecology

Rather than being fascinated with "the dark corners of the unconscious and irrational," Fritz Heider felt more comfortable in the light of reasonable thought. In this short essay, published here for the first time, Heider points out links between human attitudes and emotions, cognitive structures underlying human perception, and the structure of the external world. Our cognitive structures evolved by adapting to external reality, rather than as distortions of the human psyche. Heider was concerned with "both sides of the isomorphism of the structure of the mind and the structure of the world." However, the underlying coordination, between the structure of human cognition, reality, and the light of reasonable thought does not mean that Heider's is a "cool," serene psychology. To the contrary, warm, emotional experience was fundamental to him. Heider's essay on violence and ecology is a good example of how his overarching philosophical concerns shed light on the etiology of strong human emotions and experie...
A program to teach programming

The TEACH system was developed at MIT to ease the cost and improve the results of elementary instruction in programming. To the student, TEACH offers loosely guided experience with a conversational language which was designed with teaching in mind. Faculty involvement is minimal.A term of experience with TEACH is discussed. Pedagogically, the system appears to be successful; straighforward reimplementation will make it economically successful as well.Similar programs of profound tutorial skill will appear only as the results of extended research. The outlines of this research are beginning to become clear.
Caching and feeding decisions by Sciurus carolinensis : Responses to weevil-infested acorns

We tested the caching and feeding responses of gray squirrels ( Sciurus carolinensis ) to acorns of three species of oaks ( Quercus alba, Q. palustris , and Q. rubra ) infested with weevil larvae ( Curculio ). Experiments were designed to test the primary hypothesis that squirrels selectively cache sound acorns and the secondary hypothesis that such response may be due to increased perishability resulting from infestation. In an open, suburban oak ( Quercus ) forest in northeastern Pennsylvania, we presented free-ranging animals with whole, infested acorns, whole, noninfested acorns, and noninfested acorns from which the pericarp (shell) was removed to increase perishability. Squirrels cached significantly (20–35%) more of whole, intact acorns of red oak, dispersed these acorns significantly greater distances before caching them, and consumed shelled and infested acorns. Squirrels showed a similar response to acorns of pin oak, but ate significantly more of both infested and noninfested acorns of white oak. Squirrels also were observed to consume weevil larvae in >76% of all trials with infested acorns. These results indicate that squirrels can distinguish between infested and noninfested acorns, that they often selectively cache sound acorns, and that weevils represent a significant dietary supplement for squirrels. We also suggest that gray squirrels may exert a strong influence on the dispersal of oaks by selecting viable seeds for storage.
EPILEPSY SURGERY: CASE STUDIES AND COMMENTARIES

EPILEPSY SURGERY: CASE STUDIES AND COMMENTARIES By Kost Elisevich and Brien J. Smith 2002. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: Philadelphia Price $120. Pp. 233. ISBN 0–7817–1727–2 This small book should appeal to all professionals concerned with presurgical evaluation of patients for epilepsy surgery. It is a series of selected and largely representative case studies in the major areas of surgical evaluation. The format follows that of a clinical meeting and is more or less uniform throughout the book. The presentations begin with the relevant history of epilepsy, including a seizure history. Then the remainder of the clinical review follows. After this there is a review of the basic investigations such as neuroradiology, neuropsychology including the Wada test, and basic interictal neurophysiology. At this stage a formulation is made and then usually further neurophysiological investigation is undertaken involving varying degrees and patterns of intracranial recording. The results of this are reviewed and …
Detection of change in the Arctic using satellite and in situ data

[1] The decade of the 1990s was the warmest decade of the last century, while the year 1998 was the warmest year ever observed by modern techniques, with 9 out of 12 months of the year being the warmest months. Satellite ice cover and surface temperature data, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (wind), and ocean hydrographic data are examined to gain insights into this warming phenomenon. Areas of ice-free water in both western and eastern regions of the Arctic are found to have followed a cyclical pattern with approximately decadal period but with a lag of about 3 years between the eastern and western regions. The pattern was interrupted by unusually large anomalies in 1993 and 1998 in the western region and in 1995 in the eastern region. The area of open water in 1998 was the largest ever observed in the western region and occurred concurrently with large surface temperature anomalies in the area and adjacent regions. This also occurred at a time when the atmospheric circulation changed from predominantly cyclonic in 1996 to anticyclonic in 1997 and 1998. Detailed hydrographic measurements over the same general area in April 1996 and April 1997 indicate a warming and significant freshening in the top layer of the ocean, suggesting increases in ice melt and/or river runoff. Continuous ocean temperature and salinity data from ocean buoys at depths of 8, 45, and 75 m confirm these results and show large interannual changes during the 1996–1998 period. Surface temperature data show a general warming in the region that is highly correlated with observed decline in summer sea ice, while hydrographic data suggest that in 1997 and 1998, the upper part of the ocean was unusually fresh and warm compared to available data between 1956 and 1996.
Delirium in burn patients isolated in a plenum laminar air flow ventilation unit

The incidence of psychological morbidity associated with delirium was compared between burn patients isolated in a bed-size plenum laminar air flow ventilation unit (PLAFVU) and matched control burn patients treated in standard open cubicles. In patients with burn sizes of less than 60 per cent of body surface area, delirium developed in 40 per cent of the patients treated in the PLAFVU, but only in 7 per cent of the matched control patients (P = 0.04). Most of the patients with burn sizes of 60 per cent or greater exhibited delirium regardless of the method of treatment. The development of psychological morbidity was more strongly associated with treatment in the PLAFVU than with common causes such as hyponatraemia or septicaemia. The present study suggests that in the majority of burn patients, i.e. those with less than 60 per cent burns, the development of psychological morbidity may in fact be influenced by types of treatment which affect patient psychology, rather than being solely the result of physiological derangements.
Spontaneous symmetry breakdown in the standard dual string model

Abstract The problem of spontaneous symmetry breakdown in the standard dual string model is solved. The propagator of the resulting new model is determined, and the absence of the tachyon from the spectrum is demonstrated.
Circadian dysfunction in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Many Parkinson's disease (PD) patients exhibit sleep disorders as part of their symptoms with evidence suggesting that REM sleep disorders may be intimately associated with this disease. Possible dysfunction in the circadian system in PD has received less attention, yet problems in circadian timing are common in neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we examined the expression of daily and circadian rhythms in the alpha-synuclein overexpressing (ASO) transgenic line. We found selective deficits in the expression of circadian rhythms of locomotor activity, including lower night-time activity and greater fragmentation in the wheel-running activity in this PD model. These alterations were prominent in young adult (3-4 mo) ASO mice and worsened progressively with age, consistent with prior reports of age-related loss of motor skills. The temporal distribution of sleep was also altered in the ASO mice compared to littermate controls. In the ASO mice, the peak/trough expression of the clock gene PERIOD2 was normal in the master pacemaker of the circadian system: the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN); however, the daytime firing rate of SCN neurons was reduced in the mutant mice. Together, this data raises the possibility that a weakening of circadian output is a core feature of PD. The reduction in magnitude of circadian output would be expected to have functional consequences throughout the body.
Families and Spirituality: Therapists as Facilitators

Family therapists often encounter issues of spirituality in working with families. Instead of avoiding them, therapists can use the spiritual and religious orientations of families as resources for growth. This article will describe how therapists can help families work through spiritual problems and maximize the benefits that spirituality brings to family functioning.
In vitro screening of forty medicinal plant extracts from the United States Northern Great Plains for anthelmintic activity against Haemonchus contortus

An egg hatch assay (EHA) and a larval migration assay (LMA) involving Haemonchus contortus was used to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of methanol extracts from 40 plants that are native or naturalized within the U.S.A. Northern Great Plains. Only one of these 40 plants (i.e. Lotus corniculatus) had been previously evaluated for activity against any gastrointestinal nematode. The various extracts were initially screened at 50mg/ml diluted either in 0.5% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) or 3-(N-morpholino) propanesulfonic acid (MOPS buffer), and plants showing 100% inhibition at 50mg/ml, were further evaluated at 8 other concentrations (25-0.19 mg/ml). Extracts with 100% activity with the EHA were again screened with the LMA (50mg/ml). Two extracts with the highest LMA inhibition were also evaluated at lower concentrations (25-3.1mg/ml). Of the 40 methanolic extracts screened, 7 (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Ericameria nauseosa, Liatris punctata, Melilotus alba, Melilotus officinalis, Perideridia gairdneri, and Sanguinaria canadensis) showed significant egg-hatch inhibition in DMSO and MOPS buffer. Three extracts (Geranium viscosissimum, L. corniculatus, and Rhus aromatica) only showed significant inhibition in DMSO. The 8 extracts showing 100% efficacy at 50mg/ml exhibited dose-dependent effects at the 8 lower concentrations, and R. aromatica and E. nauseosa extracts had the lowest ED50 values. Similarly, when these 8 plant extracts were further evaluated with the LMA, the extracts of E. nauseosa and R. aromatica again exhibited the highest activity (p<0.001), with ED50 values of 4.0mg/ml and 10.43 mg/ml respectively. Three other extracts (C. viscidiflorus, M. alba and M. officinalis) also showed inhibitory activity in the LMA. These results support the need for additional evaluations of the nematocidal properties for at least these 5 plants.
Effect of hyperglycemia and continuous intravenous insulin infusions on outcomes of cardiac surgical procedures: the Portland Diabetic Project.

Objective: To describe the main findings of the Portland Diabetic Project, which elucidates the adverse relationship between hyperglycemia and outcomes of cardiac surgical procedures in patients with diabetes and delineates the protective effects of intravenous insulin therapy in reducing those adverse outcomes. Results: In this ongoing 17-year prospective, nonrandomized, interventional study of 4,864 patients with diabetes who underwent an open-heart surgical procedure, we investigated the effects of hyperglycemia, and its subsequent reduction by continuous intravenous insulin (CII) therapy, on in-hospital outcomes. Increasing blood glucose levels were found to be directly associated with increasing rates of death, deep sternal wound infections (DSWI), length of hospital stay (LOS), and hospital cost. In separate multivariate analyses, increasing hyperglycemia was found to be independently predictive of increasing mortality (P<0.0001), DSWI (P = 0.017), and LOS (P<0.002). Conversely, CII therapy, designe...
Hard loops, soft loops, and high density effective field theory

Abstract We study several issues related to the use of effective field theories in QCD at large baryon density. We show that the power counting is complicated by the appearance of two scales inside loop integrals. Hard dense loops involve the large scale μ 2 and lead to phenomena such as screening and damping at the scale gμ . Soft loops only involve small scales and lead to superfluidity and non-Fermi liquid behavior at exponentially small scales. Four-fermion operators in the effective theory are suppressed by powers of 1/ μ , but they get enhanced by hard loops. As a consequence their contribution to the pairing gap is only suppressed by powers of the coupling constant, and not powers of 1/ μ . We determine the coefficients of four-fermion operators in the effective theory by matching quark–quark scattering amplitudes. Finally, we introduce a perturbative scheme for computing corrections to the gap parameter in the superfluid phase.
A strategy for the synthesis and screening of thiol-modified peptide variants recognized by T cells☆

In this study we present a strategy for the identification of novel peptide conjugates which may be used to understand the molecular details of the recognition process or to potentially regulate T cell-mediated responses. The approach involves the incorporation of cysteine into a known peptide at a position of interest and subsequent chemical conjugation using thiol-specific agents. Conjugates derived from the nonapeptide QL9 that is recognized by CTL 2C had either enhanced or reduced activity compared to the original cys-peptides. Different classes of thiol-reactive agents (alkyl halides, alkylthiolsulfonates, and disulfides) were tested with increases in activity of over 100-fold. As with standard peptide analogs, the activity depended on the position of the cysteine within the peptide and the nature of the chemically linked functional group. Use of this approach in a cysteine 'scan' of all positions of the original peptide is cost effective and with the availability of many different thiol-specific functional groups will allow the screening of considerably larger libraries of chemically modified peptides than have been used to date. Additionally, these findings may provide insight into the pathogenesis of thiol agents involved in contact sensitivity reactions.
Design Formulas of Blind End Closures for High Pressure Vessels

The available design formulas for flat heads and blind end closures in the ASME Code, Section VIII, Divisions I and 2 are based on bending theory and do not apply to the design of thick flat heads used in the design of high pressure vessels. This paper presents new design formulas for thickness requirements and determination of peak stresses and stress distributions for fatigue and fracture mechanics analyses in thick blind ends. The use of these proposed design formulas provide a more accurate determination of the required thickness and fatigue life of blind ends. The proposed design formulas are given in terms of the yield strength of the material and address the fatigue strength at the location of the maximum stress concentration factor. Introduction of these new formulas in a nonmandatory appendix of Section VIII, Division 3 is recommended after committee approval.
Ultrafast laser machining of tapered microchannels in glass and PDMS

The ability to fabricate tapered microchannels with customizable cross sections in a variety of materials is highly desirable for microfluidic applications. This article examines ultrafast laser machining of tapered microchannel trenches in both hard (soda–lime and borosilicate glasses) and soft (PDMS elastomer) transparent solids. A simple model for channel width and depth as a function of processing parameters and threshold fluence is presented. Estimated channel sizes from the model are in good agreement with experimental results. We also show that the channel depth is a linear function of the number of laser pulses per channel width. All measurement data are found to collapse onto a single curve, which can serve as a useful guide for micromachining of tapered channels in transparent materials.
On the Kernel of a Monadic Transformation

Abstract Let J= (b0, b1, …, bh) A be an ideal in a Noetherian ring A such that b0 is nonnilpotent and let B = A[X1, …, Xh]. Then a complete description of the asymptotic, essential, and quintessential prime divisors of K = (b0X1 − b1, …, b0Xh − bh) B is given, and a more detailed description of these prime divisors of K and of Ker( B → A[ b 1 b 0 , …, b h b 0 ] ) is given when b0, b1,…, bh are an asymptotic, essential, or A-sequence. Also, it is shown that there exists a unique essential prime divisor of K if and only if b0, b1, …, bh are an essential sequence and A has exactly one prime divisor of zero.
3' adenylation determines mRNA abundance and monitors completion of RNA editing in T. brucei mitochondria.

Expression of the mitochondrial genome in protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei is controlled post-transcriptionally and requires extensive U-insertion/deletion mRNA editing. In mitochondrial extracts, 3′ adenylation reportedly influences degradation kinetics of synthetic edited and pre-edited mRNAs. We have identified and characterized a mitochondrial poly(A) polymerase, termed KPAP1, and determined major polypeptides in the polyadenylation complex. Inhibition of KPAP1 expression abrogates short and long A-tails typically found in mitochondrial mRNAs, and decreases the abundance of never-edited and edited transcripts. Pre-edited mRNAs are not destabilized by the lack of 3′ adenylation, whereas short A-tails are required and sufficient to maintain the steady-state levels of partially edited, fully edited, and never-edited mRNAs. The editing directed by a single guide RNA is sufficient to impose a requirement for the short A-tail in edited molecules. Upon completion of the editing process, the short A-tails are extended as (A/U) heteropolymers into structures previously thought to be long poly(A) tails. These data provide the first direct evidence of functional interactions between 3′ processing and editing of mitochondrial mRNAs in trypanosomes.
Graphics extraction in PDF document

PDF is a document format for final presentation. It preserves the original document layout but often not the document logical structure. Graphic illustrations such as figures and tables in PDF often consist of ungrouped graphic primitives such as lines, curves and small text elements. In this paper, we present a bottom up approach to recognize graphic illustration in PDF document. Vicinities of page elements in both 2D space and indexes in layer are used to understand the logical connection between elements. Graphics recognition and elements grouping for illustration is an important part in understanding the document logical structure. This technique can be used in automatic figure extraction, document re-flow and document transformation.
Weight-supported treadmill vs over-ground training for walking after acute incomplete SCI

Objective: To compare the efficacy of step training with body weight support on a treadmill (BWSTT) with over-ground practice to the efficacy of a defined over-ground mobility therapy (CONT) in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) admitted for inpatient rehabilitation. Methods: A total of 146 subjects from six regional centers within 8 weeks of SCI were entered in a single-blinded, multicenter, randomized clinical trial (MRCT). Subjects were graded on the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (ASIA) as B, C, or D with levels from C5 to L3 and had a Functional Independence Measure for locomotion (FIM-L) score Results: No significant differences were found at entry between treatment groups or at 6 months for FIM-L (n = 108) or walking speed and distance (n = 72). In the upper motor neuron (UMN) subjects, 35% of ASIA B, 92% of ASIA C, and all ASIA D subjects walked independently. Velocities for UMN ASIA C and D subjects were not significantly different for BWSTT (1.1 ± 0.6 m/s, n = 30) and CONT (1.1 ± 0.7, n = 25) groups. Conclusions: The physical therapy strategies of body weight support on a treadmill and defined overground mobility therapy did not produce different outcomes. This finding was partly due to the unexpectedly high percentage of American Spinal Injury Association C subjects who achieved functional walking speeds, irrespective of treatment. The results provide new insight into disability after incomplete spinal cord injury and affirm the importance of the multicenter, randomized clinical trial to test rehabilitation strategies.
Channel capacity simulation for a chirp-limited dense WDMA system using OOK modulation and optical filters

Wavelength-division-multiple-access (WDMA) systems using on-off modulation and direct detection have recently been shown to be a practical way of using the vast bandwidth offered by optical fibers.1
The Page and the Screen: The Subversive Message of World War II-Era Hollywood Films Adapted from Contemporary Novels By and About Women

ABSTRACT:This article considers subversive possibilities of World War II-era films adapted from contemporary novels featuring female characters in war-related roles. By using a novel, audiences could reference material not permissible on screen. Considering novels and films together permitted audiences to see them as supporting changes in women's roles and behavior.
The role of cognitions in OCD treatment: toward rapprochement.

The authors of the papers in this special issue have underscored the efficacy of both psychological and pharmacological treatments for OCD. Despite the potency of these interventions, complete symptom remission rarely occurs. Furthermore, problems related to treatment drop‐out, the persistence of residual symptoms despite adequate therapy, patients' vulnerability to relapse and recurrence, and the lack of a clear method for managing co‐morbidity or treating OCD subtypes remain incompletely addressed. This response to the authors' papers evaluates their positions and extends their papers by examining issues such as how cognitive therapy and exposure and response prevention can best be integrated, the role of medication in OCD treatment, factors that impact treatment readiness and/or resistance, and the need for effectiveness research.
Efficient visualization of security events in a large agent society

The paper describes the design and development of an efficient visualization tool called security console for monitoring security related events in a large agent society (Cougaar). This administrative tool is primarily used to collect and process alert messages generated by various sensors across the distributed agent society. This tool exploits the agents" hierarchical structural for aggregating security events in order to discover correlation among them. In particular, it logically groups related alerts from raw messages (by removing duplicates, if any) and applies data mining techniques (like association rules and frequency episode learning), to discover situations that have certain characteristics in common. We performed extensive experimentation with the security console in various attack scenarios that generate large number of alert messages. Reported results exhibit that this alert monitoring and correlation tool can provide a profile of attack patterns which occur more frequently in the monitored agent society.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Convection-Diffusion Controlled Laminar Micro Flames

Small laminar diffusion flames (flame height ≃2–3 mm) established by a fuel jet issuing into a quiescent medium are investigated. It was found that for these flames buoyancy effects disappeared as the flame size decreased (Fr≫1), and diffusive transport of the fuel was comparable to the convective transport of the fuel. The effect of buoyancy on these flames was studied by examining the flame shape for horizontally oriented burners. A phenomenological model was developed (based on experimentally determined flame shapes) to compare diffusion and convection transport effects. Finally, the flame shapes were theoretically determined by solving the conservation equations using similarity methods. It was seen that when the axial diffusion (in momentum and species equations) terms are included in the conservation equations, the calculated flame shape is in better agreement (as compared to without the axial diffusion term) with the experimentally measured flame shape.
Incremental Diagnosis Method for Intelligent Wearable Sensor Systems

This paper presents an incremental diagnosis method (IDM) to detect a medical condition with the minimum wearable sensor usage by dynamically adjusting the sensor set based on the patient's state in his/her natural environment. The IDM, comprised of a naive Bayes classifier generated by supervised training with Gaussian clustering, is developed to classify patient motion in- context (due to a medical condition) and in real-time using a wearable sensor system. The IDM also incorporates a utility function, which is a simple form of expert knowledge and user preferences in sensor selection. Upon initial in-context detection, the utility function decides which sensor is to be activated next. High-resolution in-context detection with minimum sensor usage is possible because the necessary sensor can be activated or requested at the appropriate time. As a case study, the IDM is demonstrated in detecting different severity levels of a limp with minimum usage of high diagnostic resolution sensors.