cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of monitoring long-bone fracture healing by measurement of either bone stiffness or resonant frequency: Numerical simulation

Development of noninvasive mechanical tests to monitor fracture healing has been hindered because relationships between bone geometry, measurement conditions, and fracture callus strength are not well understood. Beam theory was used to analyze the effects of fracture length, fracture location, end conditions, and fracture callus stiffness on mechanical properties (resonant frequency, bending stiffness, and torsional stiffness) of healing bone. Actual bone mineral geometry from a human tibia, quantified every 1 mm, was used in the beam analysis. Geometry of the fracture callus segment was uniformly scaled from the values for intact bone. Experimental tests on multisegmented machined rods were used to verify analytical methods. Mechanical properties of the healing bone initially increased very rapidly to 30-70% of the stiffness of intact bone, depending on the configuration. The increases then tapered off dramatically. Lateral bending stiffness was sensitive to changes in callus properties for a larger portion of the healing process than was either torsional stiffness or resonant frequency. Because callus strength increases at half the rate of callus stiffness, measures of whole-bone mechanical properties can provide insight into changes in callus strength until a maximum of less than one-half the strength of intact bone is regained. The analytical method presented is proposed for clinical use to develop individualized models of bone, fracture, and fixation conditions to identify early stages of healing. Because increases in whole-bone mechanical properties are small in the later stages of fracture healing, however, such measures must be used prudently beyond the initial stages.
Static axially symmetric solutions of self-dual SU(2) gauge fields in Euclidean fourdimensional space

All solutions of the stationary axially symmetric Einstein equations are shown to correspond to static axially symmetric solutions of self-dual SU(2) gauge fields. Some simple examples are given.
Inversion-rotation emission spectrum of thermally-excited NH3 in the 60–200-cm−1 region

Abstract The inversion-rotation emission spectrum of thermally-excited NH3 in the 60–200-cm−1 region has been measured using interference spectroscopy. Inv-rot frequency assignments, associated with the ν2, ν4, and 2ν2 low-lying vibrational levels, are based extensively on near-infrared absorption measurements. Refinements are made in the inv-rot molecular constants for the ν2 vibrational level, and the 2ν2 inv-rot emission spectra is extended to 2ν2a (7) → 2ν28 (8).
Selling the Market Short? The Marketplace of Ideas and the Iraq War

Chaim Kaufmann's recent article on the selling of the Iraq war makes a valuable contribution both to the debate over the origins of that war and to scholarship on threat inflation.' I agree with much of his argument: George W. Bush's administration misled the public on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) capability; its control over information helped skew the public debate; and the media were insufficiently critical of its claims. I take issue, however, with Kaufmann's contention that the White House enjoys unparalleled authority in foreign policy matters and that this mainly accounts for the administration's success. In contrast, I suggest an alternative explanation rooted in the transformative impact of the September 11 attacks on political contest in the United States.
A quasiclassical trajectory study of product state distributions from the CN+H2→HCN+H reaction

An extensive quasiclassical trajectory study of the dynamics of the CN+H{sub 2}{r_arrow}HCN+H reaction has been undertaken on two of the potential energy surfaces reported by ter Horst, Schatz, and Harding with the goal of converging product state distributions. The effect of zero-point energy violations on the behavior of the reactive cross section near threshold has been examined leading to an improved estimate of the thermal rate constant on ter Horst{endash}Schatz{endash}Harding potential energy surface 3 (3.01{plus_minus}0.24{times}10{sup {minus}14} cm{sup 3}/s at 300 K). The calculated HCN vibrational product state distribution is not statistical and exhibits a systematic over population in the stretching vibrations of the ground state bend manifold; the {endash}C{endash}N does not behave like a {open_quotes}spectator bond{close_quotes} in this reaction. There is also significant population in modes with bending excitation, but these vibrations are under populated relative to prior statistical expectations. The sensitivity of the distribution on the size of the barrier and its location in the entrance channel has been undertaken by comparing results on the ter Horst{endash}Schatz{endash}Harding potential energy surfaces 2 and 3. Similar to the case of exoergic atom-diatom reactions, the earlier barrier on ter Horst{endash}Schatz{endash}Harding potential energy surface 3 gives rise to more excitation in the {endash}C{endash}Hmore » stretching vibration. The rotational distributions of the HCN product appear similar to the thermal distribution of CN reagents from which they are born indicating that the abstraction of the light H atom perturbs the rotational motion of the cyano radical very little. The dependence of the average HCN rotational quantum number, {l_angle}J{r_angle}, on the bending quantum number, v{sub 2}, exhibits an interesting alternation such that the points for even values of v{sub 2} are larger than those for odd. (Abstract Truncated)« less
Effects of High Fat Feeding on Liver Gene Expression in Diabetic Goto-Kakizaki Rats

Effects of high fat diet (HFD) on obesity and, subsequently, on diabetes are highly variable and modulated by genetics in both humans and rodents. In this report, we characterized the response of Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, a spontaneous polygenic model for lean diabetes and healthy Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) controls, to high fat feeding from weaning to 20 weeks of age. Animals fed either normal diet or HFD were sacrificed at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks of age and a wide array of physiological measurements were made along with gene expression profiling using Affymetrix gene array chips. Mining of the microarray data identified differentially regulated genes (involved in inflammation, metabolism, transcription regulation, and signaling) in diabetic animals, as well as the response of both strains to HFD. Functional annotation suggested that HFD increased inflammatory differences between the two strains. Chronic inflammation driven by heightened innate immune response was identified to be present in GK animals regardless of diet. In addition, compensatory mechanisms by which WKY animals on HFD resisted the development of diabetes were identified, thus illustrating the complexity of diabetes disease progression.
Photonic-crystal based single photon source

We describe our work on development of high efficiency single photon sources based on the interaction of InAs quantum dots with a photonic crystal micro-cavity. Sub-poisson statistics and lifetime modifications are experimentally demonstrated. We then investigate improvement of the source using coupling to a photonic crystal waveguide for easy collection. We analyze the system using coupled mode theory, and infer the parameters needed to create good coupling efficiency.
Left-handed photonics with plasmonic nanomaterials

We explore the possibility of scaling up novel left-handed materials (LHMs) from the microwave to the optical spectral range. This would make possible imaging and nanophotolithography with spatial resolution in the tens of nanometers
Far lateral transcondylar approach: dimensional anatomy

OBJECTIVE: The far lateral extension of the classic suboccipital craniectomy has been found to reduce the depth of the field and improve the angle of surgical perspective to the ventrolateral clivus. The goal of the present study is to determine and compare the dimensions of the far lateral transcondylar approach with the suboccipital craniectomy. METHODS: Ten cadaveric specimens were used to study the anatomy at the foramen magnum (FM), occipital condyle (OC), and vertebral artery. The distances from the posterior midline of the FM to the medial and lateral borders of the OC were measured. The distance of the vertebral artery from the transverse foramen of C1 to its dural entry and the distance from the dural entry to the posteroinferior cerebellar artery were measured. The amount of OC removal that was necessary to expose the contralateral jugular tubercle was determined. A reference line was constructed from the posterior margin of the FM to the border of the OC. From this line, the angle of surgical approach provided by each exposure was measured. RESULTS: The mean distance of the vertebral artery from the transverse foramen of C1 to its dural entry was 22 ± 3 mm (standard deviation), and the distance from the dural entry to the posteroinferior cerebellar artery was 17 ± 8 mm. The distance from the posterior midline of the FM to the medial border of the OC was 27 ± 0.5 mm; the distance from the posterior midline of the FM to the lateral border of the OC was 40 ± 0.4 mm; and the long axis of the OC was 30 ± 0.4 mm. The amount of OC removal to expose the contralateral jugular tubercle without brainstem retraction was 17 ± 1 mm. The angle of surgical approach versus the reference line decreased from 88 ± 2 degrees with the suboccipital craniectomy alone to 47 ± 2 degrees for the far lateral transcondylar exposure (P < 0.001). This angle decreased an average of 2.4 degrees per millimeter of OC removal. CONCLUSION: Understanding the dimensions of the craniovertebral junction has clear implications for surgery in this area. If a lesion may be approached through a perpendicular exposure, the suboccipital craniectomy alone may be sufficient. Additional exposure of the ventrolateral clivus without brainstem retraction requires condylar removal. A more limited condylar removal than the 17 mm described in this report may be adequate if the entire 47-degree angle is not needed.
The dispersibility and stability of carbon black in media of low dielectric constant. 2. Sedimentation volume of concentrated dispersions, adsorption and surface calorimetry studies

Abstract Sedimentation volumes of coarse flocculated particles of carbon black dispersed with a commercial polyisobutene succinamide dispersing agent in hydrocarbon were used to evaluate interparticle interactions of concentrated dispersions. The sedimentation volume results are reviewed in conjunction with the earlier reported viscosity, stability and zeta-potential data [1] and suggest that a combination of steric and electrostatic interparticle repulsion has an important influence on the large changes in sedimentation volume which occur in the system. A maximum sedimentation volume occurred at a low dispersant level (
Site of attack in the radiolysis of pyrimidine compounds.

PREVIOUSLY reported experiments with thymine in dilute aqueous solutions have shown that the site of attack in radiolysis with cobalt-60 γ-rays depends on the pH (ref. 1). In acid and neutral solutions, the principal attack is on the double bond at the carbon atom remote from the methyl group, with ultimate formation of saturated products2–5. In strongly alkaline solution the attack is largely at the methyl group, with formation of the unsaturated compound, 5-hydroxymethyluracil, as the principal product. The shift in the site of attack as the pH is increased correlates well with a model based on two changes in the reaction path. At least one of these changes appears to be related to ionization of thymine1.
Endotoxin activity of a house dust extract

Abstract A commercial dust extract has been demonstrated to contain endotoxin-like activity. The clinical significance of this finding is unclear, but any substance as biologically active as endotoxin must be seriously considered to have some action when it is injected into a living organism. Any study of the action of dust extract in clinical allergy must consider this potent substance.
Solid-State 2-Micron Laser Transmitter Advancement for Wind and Carbon Dioxide Measurements From Ground, Airborne, and Space-Based Lidar Systems

NASA Langley Research Center has been developing 2-micron lidar technologies over a decade for wind measurements, utilizing coherent Doppler wind lidar technique and carbon dioxide measurements, utilizing Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) technique. Significant advancements have been made towards developing state-of-the-art technologies towards laser transmitters, detectors, and receiver systems. These efforts have led to the development of solid-state lasers with high pulse energy, tunablility, wavelength-stability, and double-pulsed operation. This paper will present a review of these technological developments along with examples of high resolution wind and high precision CO2 DIAL measurements in the atmosphere. Plans for the development of compact high power lasers for applications in airborne and future space platforms for wind and regional to global scale measurement of atmospheric CO2 will also be discussed.
Comparison of two optimum rates for noiseless encoding of a nonstationary information source

A nonstationary finite-alphabet information source mu is noiselessly encoded, first by adaptive block to variable-length codes and then by finite-state codes of this kind. It is shown that if mu belongs to a certain class of sources that includes those with finite-order Markov memory, then a stationary input-restricted channel exists such that in the first case the optimum encoding rate is equal to the largest conditional entropy for channel input given channel output, whereas in the second case it is the largest channel output entropy. A sufficient condition for the two rates to be equal is also given. >
Changes in thymine pool equilibration times during the S phase of mammalian cells

The thymine precursor pool equilibration times for DNA labelled with (/sup 3/H)thymidine during various parts of S were determined for Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and for the human cell lines HeLa S3 (aneuploid) and E-11 fibroblasts (diploid). Pool equilibration times reached maximum and minimum values at characteristic parts of S in CHO nd E-11 cells, as determined by plotting the specific activity of nascent DNA as a function of pulse-labelling times. Renaturation kinetics of nascent DNA in CHO cells had indicated previously that a class of moderately repeated nucleotide sequences had a shorter thymine pool equilibration time than other sequences, leading to their overproduction during labelling of cells with thymidine for times shorter than the pool equilibration time. In the present experiments, the replication of these sequences occurred during those parts of S in which the thymine pool equilibration times for total nascent DNA labelling were shortest. In HeLa cells, the variation in pool equilibration time was less than in CHO and E-11 cells, and renaturation kinetics revealed no overproduction of moderately repeated nucleotide sequences at any time during S. Thus, one kind of order may characterize DNA replication in CHO cells and diploid human fibroblasts but not inmore » HeLa cells.« less
Optimal rate control for video coding based on a hybrid MMAX/MMSE criterion

In this paper, we consider the problem of rate control for video transmission. We focus on finding off-line optimal rate control for constant bit-rate (CBR) transmission, where the size of the encoder buffer and the channel rate are the constraints. To ensure a maximum minimum quality is obtained over all data units (e.g., macro blocks, video frames or group-of-pictures), we use a minimum maximum distortion (MMAX) criterion for this buffer-constrained problem. We show that, due to the buffer constraints, a MMAX solution leads to a relatively low average distortion, because the total rate budget is not completely utilized. Therefore, after finding a MMAX solution, an additional minimization of average distortion criterion is proposed to increase overall quality of the data sequence by using remaining resources. The proposed algorithm (denoted MMAX+ as it incorporates both MMAX and the additional average quality optimization stage) leads to an increase in average quality with respect to the MMAX solution, while providing a much more constant quality than MMSE solutions. Moreover we show how the MMAX+ approach can be implemented with low complexity.
Haptoglobin-haemoglobin complexes studied by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

HAPTOGLOBIN, one of the α 2 globulins of human serum, is thought to combine irreversibly with haemoglobin in a molecular ratio of one to one1,2. Two bands are therefore expected after gel electrophoresis of haptoglobin to which haemoglobin has been added in non-saturating proportions, a rapidly migrating band of free haptoglobin and a slower one for the haptoglobin–haemoglobin complex. Reported results are different. In agar gel electrophoresis, a single zone occurs with a mobility that decreases with increasing haemoglobin concentration. Two possible explanations are offered by Wieme3. Complex formation may be reversible, making it possible for a few haemoglobin molecules to interact with all of the haptoglobin molecules, resulting in a migration rate intermediate between free and fully saturated haptoglobin. More probably, the haptoglobin–haemoglobiri complex has residual binding capacity for other haptoglobin molecules. In this way the influence of one haemoglobin molecule extends over several molecules of haptoglobin. Both explanations are incompatible with the commonly held ideas about the character of the haptoglobin–haemoglobin complex. In starch gel, undersaturated haptoglobin type 1-1 (ref. 4) shows a complex with a mobility intermediate between that of the uncombined and the fully saturated protein. Laurell5 suggests that haptoglobin may pick up a half molecule of haemoglobin in these conditions.
Technique and Cue Selection for Graphical Presentation of Generic Hyperdimensional Data

Several presentation techniques have been created for visualization of data with more than three variables. Packages have been written, each of which implements a subset of these techniques. However, these packages generally fail to provide all the features needed by the user during the visualization process. Further, packages generally limit support for presentation techniques to a few techniques. A new package called Petrichor accommodates all necessary and useful features together in one system. Any presentation technique may be added easily through an extensible plugin system. Features are supported by a user interface that allows easy interaction with data. Annotations allow users to mark up visualizations and share information with others. By providing a hyperdimensional graphics package that easily accommodates presentation techniques and includes a complete set of features, including those that are rarely or never supported elsewhere, the user is provided with a tool that facilitates improved interaction with multivariate data to extract and disseminate information.
Migraine treatment in pregnancy

Abstract Migraine disorders are a common entity in women, especially during childbearing years. Fortunately, because of sustained elevated levels of estradiol in pregnancy, the incidence of migraine in pregnancy diminishes. Treatment options for pregnant women with migraines should begin with nonpharmacological remedies that promote a healthier lifestyle and address factors that provoke migraines. Triggers include alcohol, oral contraceptives, fasting, caffeine, and fatigue. Some women, however, will continue to have severe intractable headaches associated with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and possible dehydration. These symptoms not only disrupt the patient but also may become a risk to the developing fetus. The choice of which pharmacological method to use should not only be based on the severity of the migraine but should account for embryotoxicity, teratogenicity, fetal growth abnormalities, and perinatal effects. Pharmacological treatment includes acetaminophen, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioid analgesics, antiemetics, and 5-HT1 receptor agonists. Mild attacks may be managed with analgesics, whereas disabling ones usually respond to more specific drug therapy. Prophylactic treatment is rarely indicated in pregnancy and should be reserved for women with migraines that are long lasting, frequent, and unaffected by analgesics. Possible drugs that can be used in pregnancy include β-blockers, calcium channel blockers, amitriptyline, and NSAIDs.
Ploidy of broccoli regenerated from microspore culture versus anther culture

The use of microspore or anther culture to generate doubled-haploids (DH) is an important adjunct to broccoli breeding. Regenerated populations from broccoli anther culture are usually mixtures of ploidy. However, ploidy composition of populations derived from microspore culture has not been reported. The purpose of the present study was to characterize regenerants derived from microspore culture, to evaluate factors influencing these characteristics and to compare results with those from anther culture. Eight populations, four from each culture method, were generated simultaneously using the same four F 1 hybrids as donor parents. The ploidy level of all regenerants was determined by DNA flow cytometry: the majority of them were diploid. As in anther culture, a mixture of ploidy was observed in all populations derived from microspore culture. Ploidy variation was more frequent among clonal families from anther culture (10%) than microspore culture (5%). 'Everest' was the most productive donor parent with both methods, while 'Greenbelt' and 'Major' were least productive in anther and microspore culture, respectively. Genotype specificity for the total number of regenerated plants and ploidy composition occurred in both culture methods.
Med-peds rheumatology in practice: assessment after twenty years

Purpose Little is known about the long-term status of pediatric rheumatology patients who transition to adult care. Increasing numbers of Med-Peds graduates have chosen to train in dual subspecialties such as rheumatology. These practitioners are able to provide continuity of care to such patients. A Med-Peds rheumatologist (BEO) has practiced at our medical center providing pediatric rheumatology services for Central Pennsylvania since 1991. Pediatric rheumatology clinics are also performed at outreach sites up to 100 miles away from the home institution, providing care in local communities. Pediatric patients who finish school may see the Med-Peds rheumatologist in the adult practice at the home institution, if they wish. Those who transition and remain with the Med-Peds rheumatologist in the internal medicine-rheumatology practice are the subject of this analysis.
Purification of Trimetallic Nitride Templated Endohedral Metallofullerenes by a Chemical Reaction of Congeners with Eutectic 9-Methylanthracene

The availability of pure samples is a major hurdle in the study of trimetallic nitride templated endohedral metallofullerenes (TNT EMFs). Current HPLC methods of purification are costly, nonrecyclable, and take considerable time. Reported herein is a solvent-free reaction of crude soot extract (empty-cage and Sc or Lu TNT EMFs) in molten 9-methylanthracene that affords almost complete conversion of empty-cage fullerenes to 9-methylanthracene adducts, while leaving TNT EMFs unreacted. After the recovered extract is washed with diethyl ether, the washed extract can then be applied to a silica gel column and subsequently flushed with toluene. To illustrate for Sc3N@C80, the sample was purified to ∼60% in a time period of 99%) in an expeditious and less costly manner.
Asymptotic expansions for laminar forced-convection heat and mass transfer. Part 2. Boundary-layer flows

This is the second of two articles by the authors dealing with asymptotic expansions for forced-convection heat or mass transfer to laminar flows. It is shown here how the method of the first paper (Acrivos & Goddard 1965), which was used to derive a higher-order term in the large Peclet number expansion for heat or mass transfer to small Reynolds number flows, can yield equally well higher-order terms in both the large and the small Prandtl number expansions for heat transfer to laminar boundary-layer flows. By means of this method an exact expression for the first-order correction to Lighthill's (1950) asymptotic formula for heat transfer at large Prandtl numbers, as well as an additional higher-order term for the small Prandtl number expansion of Morgan, Pipkin & Warner (1958), are derived. The results thus obtained are applicable to systems with non-isothermal surfaces and arbitrary planar or axisymmetric flow geometries. For the latter geometries a derivation is given of a higher-order term in the Peclet number expansion which arises from the curvature of the thermal layer for small Prandtl numbers. Finally, some applications of the results to ‘similarity’ flows are also presented.
Joint moment work during the stance-to-swing transition in hemiparetic subjects.

Abstract Following stroke many individuals are left with neurological and functional deficits, including hemiparesis, which impair their ability to walk. Our previous work reported that propulsion of the paretic leg during pre-swing is impaired and may limit gait speed and knee flexion during swing. To elucidate the mechanism of this impairment, we assessed the mechanical work produced by the hip, knee, and ankle moments during pre-swing of the paretic limb in a group of stroke subjects and compared it with the work produced by non-disabled controls walking at similar speeds. Kinematic and kinetic gait data were collected from 23 hemiparetic and 10 control subjects. The hemiparetic subjects walked at their self-selected speeds. The controls walked at their self-selected and two or three slower speeds. Even when compared to controls walking at slow speeds, ankle plantarflexor work during pre-swing was greatly reduced (−0.136±0.062 J/kg) in the hemiparetic subjects. Differences in hip (+0.006±0.020 J/kg) and knee (+0.040±0.026 J/kg) moment work partially offset the reduction in ankle work, but net joint moment work was still significantly reduced (−0.088±0.056 J/kg). The reduction in work accounts for the low energy of the paretic limb at the stance-to-swing transition previously reported. Future investigation is needed to determine if targeted training of the plantarflexors in the paretic limb improves swing-phase function and locomotor performance in hemiparetic individuals.
High-energy spectrum of the galactic center black hole Sgr A

The massive blackhole candidate Sgr A∗ may be accereting from an ambient Galactic center wind at a rate ≈ 1022 g s−1. Dissipational processes within the large-scale quasi-spherical infall, from 50 rg to 105 rg (where rg = 3 × 1011 cm is the Schwarzschild radius for M = 106 M⊙) can account well for the observed radio spectrum and flux (due to cyclotron/synchrotron emission) and its X-ray/Gamma-ray luminosity (apparently due to Bremsstrahlung emission). Small scale instabilities associated with the stagnation region of the flow produce fluctuations in the accretion rate with an amplitude of up to 30% and a time scale of several months to over a year. This may account for the long term variability of the high-energy (and radio) luminosity observed from Sgr A∗. Although the average accreted angular momentum is approximately zero, these instabilities also induce fluctuations in the specific angular momentum of the accreted gas that lead to a circularized flow at distances less than about 20 rg. Optically thick emission from this “disk” (roughly the size of Mercury's orbit) is the origin of the IR flux recently detected from the location of Sgr A∗, but is not itself a significant source of high-energy emission.
Host and phage-coded functions required for coliphage N4 DNA replication.

Escherichia coli strains containing mutations in various deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis cistrons have been tested for their ability to support bacteriophage N4 growth and, specifically, N4 DNA synthesis. N4 DNA synthesis is independent of the activity of the products of the E. coli dnaA, dnaB, dnaC, dnaE, dnaG, and rep genes. In contrast, N4 DNA replication requires the products of the dnaF, (ribonucleotide reductase) and lig (DNA ligase) genes of E. coli. N4 DNA replication, specifically processing of short DNA fragments requires the 5′-3′ exonuclease activity of the polA gene product. However, its DNA polymerizing activity is not required. In addition, the sensitivity of N4 DNA synthesis to inhibitors or temperature-sensitive mutants of E. coli DNA gyrase suggests that this activity is required for N4 DNA synthesis. To date, we have found five N4 gene products required for N4 DNA replication: dbp (a single-stranded DNA binding protein), dnp (a DNA polymerase), dns (unknown function), vRNAp (the N4 virion-associated, DNA-dependent RNA polymerase) and exo (a 5′-3′ exonuclease)
IBM’s ALERT System

IBM’s ALERT system was one of the first high-level synthesis systems, and included scheduling, data path synthesis, and structural transformations. The output was a Register-Transfer level design, specified in terms of Boolean equations.
Application of Fuzzy Graph Theory to Successional Analysis of a Multispecies Trawl Fishery

Abstract Fuzzy graph theory is applicable to any dynamical system where the values of all state variables are known for at least two points in time. This type of analysis is useful for detecting early trends in successional changes of assemblages of organisms. Seventeen successive years of research vessel trawl survey data from the Gulf of Thailand involving 38 species or species groups were amenable to this form of analysis. The compositional dynamics of the species were examined by using three fuzzy relations to describe succession from the same data set. Although fuzzy graphs resulting from these relations showed that successional trends depended somewhat upon the characteristics of the chosen relation, consistent succession to a relatively few short-lived opportunistic species occurred. After the initial perturbation, the system was not strongly time-varying and some prediction was possible from a short data set. This application of methods and algorithms of fuzzy graph theory to analysis of multispec...
Production of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor by THP-1 Cells in Response to Retinoic Acid and Phorbol Ester Is Mediated through the Autocrine Production of Interleukin-1

Abstract The human monocytic leukemic cell line, THP-1, which differentiates toward macrophages in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was investigated for its ability to produce granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). G-CSF protein was neither produced during PMA-induced differentiation nor in response to retinoic acid (RA) alone. However, when combined, PMA and RA synergistically stimulated G-CSF production with optimal effect observed at 10−7M for both PMA and RA. The synergistic interaction between PMA and RA on G-CSF production appeared to be mediated primarily through production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) since neutralization of IL-1β activity inhibited about 80% of G-CSF production. It has been previously reported that IL-1 potently synergizes with RA to stimulate G-CSF production by THP-1 cells pretreated with PMA. Using synthetic ligands to RA receptors (RAR) and retinoid X receptors (RXR) that selectively bind and activate RAR-RXR and RXR-RXR dimers respectively, we showed that the ability of RA to synergize with IL-1 was signaled through RAR-RXR heterodimer pathway. Finally, we demonstrated that RA can also enhance IL-1-induced G-CSF production in primary monocytes of human peripheral blood.
General and disease-specific use of outcomes scores for the shoulder: a survey of AOSSM, AANA, and ISAKOS members.

AbstractObjective: To report on the knowledge and use of both general and disease-specific shoulder outcomes scores among orthopedic surgeons. Methods: A 22-question Internet survey was administered to members of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, the Arthroscopy Association of North American, and the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery, and Orthopedic Sports Medicine via voluntary e-mail participation. Questions targeted demographic information, preferred surgical management of shoulder conditions, and the preferred use of shoulder outcomes instruments in clinical practice. Results: Excluding defunct and duplicate e-mails among membership societies, a total of 3892 unique e-mails were sent, from which 1129 surveys were returned and were fully completed (29%). The largest number of respondents were in private practice (52%); 21% were in academia; and 26% were in a mix of settings. As for location, 74% practiced in the United States, 10% in Europe, 8% in Mexico/South Ameri...
The Murchison Widefield Array

It is shown that the excellent Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory site allows the Murchison Widefield Array to employ a simple RFI blanking scheme and still calibrate visibilities and form images in the FM radio band. The techniques described are running autonomously in our calibration and imaging software, which is currently being used to process an FM-band survey of the entire southern sky.
Biased AC electroosmosis micropump for water management in PEM fuel cells

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are among the most promising fuel cell technologies. Recent experimental and numerical investigations on PEM fuel cells identified water management as one of the most critical issues for designing robust, high-performance PEM fuel cells. Proper water management within the cell is therefore essential, as dehydration of the membrane or flooding of the cathode result in increasing resistive losses. Flooding reduction in the fuel cell is commonly done by removing water with excessive reactant (H2 or O2) flow rates and elevated gas pressures. This mixture makes air delivery the largest parasitic load on fuel cells. Typically, this type of air delivery consumes more than 20% of the fuel cell power. As an alternative, we have developed a novel biased AC electroosmtic micropump for PEM fuel cell applications that can be fabricated with micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) compatible semiconductor microfabrication. This research paper will experimentally demonstrate the bi-directional pumping action that can prevent flooding, increase power density, and ensure stable performance of fuel cell by removing water from flooded regions and redistributing it to under-saturated regions. We also have developed an integrated complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) feedback circuit for the control of micropump.
Myocarditis: Current Trends in Diagnosis and Treatment

Myocarditis is clinically and pathologically defined as “inflammation of the myocardium.” Despite its rather clear-cut definition, the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of myocarditis continue to prompt considerable debate. The more routine use of endomyocardial biopsy has helped to better define the natural history of human myocarditis and to clarify clinicopathological correlations. Clinical presentations of the disease range from nonspecific systemic symptoms (fever, myalgias, palpitations, or exertional dyspnea) to fulminant hemodynamic collapse and sudden death. The extreme diversity of clinical manifestations has made the true incidence of myocarditis difficult to determine. Recent prospective postmortem data have implicated myocarditis in sudden cardiac death of young adults at rates of 8.6% to 12%.1,2 Furthermore, it has been identified as a cause of dilated cardiomyopathy in 9% of cases in a large prospective series.3 Recent molecular techniques have facilitated new insights into inflammatory autoimmune processes that affect the myocardium and ultimately result in acute or chronic dilated cardiomyopathy. Despite the well-established morbidity and mortality associated with myocarditis,4–7 clinical practice guidelines with regard to its evaluation and treatment are lacking.8 The wide variety of etiologies implicated in myocarditis and its heterogeneous clinical presentations5,7,9 have impeded patient identification and consensus on the most appropriate diagnostic criteria. The Dallas pathological criteria, published in 1986, served as the first attempt to develop standardized diagnostic guidelines for the histopathological classification of myocarditis.10 Active myocarditis is characterized by an inflammatory cellular infiltrate with evidence of myocyte necrosis (Figure 1), whereas borderline myocarditis demonstrates an inflammatory cellular infiltrate without evidence of myocyte injury (Figure 2). The inflammatory infiltrate should be further described as lymphocytic, eosinophilic, or granulomatous (Figure 3). The amount of inflammation may be mild, moderate, or severe, and its distribution may be focal, confluent, or diffuse, respectively. A retrospective study of 112 consecutive …
Magnetic Anisotropy and Rotational Hysteresis Loss in Epitaxial TbFe2(110) Films

The effect of in-plane strain on the magnetic anisotropy of [110]-oriented epitaxial TbFe2 films was studied. DC magnetron cosputtering was used to grow epitaxial TbFe2(110) films on A12O3(1120) substrates with an epitaxial Nb(110) buffer layer. Torque magnetometry showed that the films had uniaxial anisotropy, and the torque curves were used to determine the magnetic anisotropy constants of the films by analyzing the rotational hysteresis loss. Film strain was measured using synchrotron radiation. The film strain and anisotropy measurements confirm that the uniaxial anisotropy results from tensile strain in the TbFe2(110) films. This agrees with theoretical calculations of magnetic anisotropy which show that tensile strains can induce a uniaxial anisotropy in TbFe2(110) films.
Microfluidic transwell inserts for generation of tissue culture-friendly gradients in well plates

Gradients of biochemical molecules play a key role in many physiological processes such as axon growth, tissue morphogenesis, and trans-epithelium nutrient transport, as well as in pathophysiological phenomena such as wound healing, immune response, bacterial invasion, and cancer metastasis. In this paper, we report a microfluidic transwell insert for generating quantifiable concentration gradients in a user-friendly and modular format that is compatible with conventional cell cultures and with tissue explant cultures. The device is simply inserted into a standard 6-well plate, where it hangs self-supported at a distance of ~250 μm above the cell culture surface. The gradient is created by small microflows from the device, through an integrated track-etched porous membrane, into the cell culture well. The microfluidic transwell can deliver stable, quantifiable gradients over a large area with extremely low fluid shear stress to dissociated cells or tissue explants cultured independently on the surface of a 6-well plate. We used finite-element modeling to describe the porous membrane flow and molecular transport and to predict gradients generated by the device. Using the device, we applied a gradient of the chemotactic peptide N-formyl-met-leu-phe (fMLP) to a large population of HL-60 cells (a neutrophil cell line) and directly observed the migration with time-lapse microscopy. On quantification of the chemotactic response with an automated tracking algorithm, we found 74% of the cells moving towards the gradient. Additionally, the modular design and low fluid shear stress made it possible to apply gradients of growth factors and second messengers to mouse retinal explant cultures. With a simplified interface and well-defined gradients, the microfluidic transwell device has potential for broad applications to gradient-sensing biology.
How Should Health-Related Quality of Life Be Assessed in Patients With COPD?

The traditional approach of caring for patients with chronic respiratory disease has been to rely on pulmonary function tests to quantify the severity and to assess response to therapy. However, patients with respiratory conditions seek medical attention because of symptoms, particularly dyspnea, and impaired ability to function, which clearly impact on an individual's health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Accordingly, instruments have been developed to provide a standardized method to measure health status and levels of impairment. One of the major reasons for measuring HRQOL is to detect how much HRQOL has changed in response to therapy (an evaluative instrument). A minimum clinically significant change has been established for some HRQOL instruments in order to indicate the relative value of any measured change and to guide the interpretation as to whether the change is "clinically meaningful." Selected studies using disease-specific instruments have demonstrated that β2-agonist, anticholinergic, and theophylline medications can improve HRQOL, as compared with placebo therapy.
Saliency maps and attention selection in scale and spatial coordinates: an information theoretic approach

Information measures with respect to spatial locations and scales of objects in an image are important to image processing and interpretation. It allows us to focus attention on relevant data, saving effort and reducing false positives. In particular, the information content of a man-made scene is typically confined to a small set of scales. We devise a scale space based measure of image information. Kullback contrasts between successive resolution lengths gives the differential information gain. Experiments show that this measure gives a clear indication of characteristic lengths in a variety of real world images and is superior to power spectrum based measurements. Decomposing the expected information gain into spatial coordinates gives us a saliency map for use by an attention selector. We combine the scale and spatial decompositions into a single information measure, giving both the spatial extent and scale range of interest. The information measure has an efficient implementation, and thus can be used routinely in early vision processing. >
Prerake diversity combining for pulsed UWB systems considering realistic channels with pulse overlapping and narrow-band interference

We analyzes the prerake diversity combining schemes for pulsed ultrawideband (UWB) systems to shift the signal processing needs from the receiver to the transmitter. We consider the more realistic case that received multipath pulses could overlap with one another and its optimization based on the zero-forcing and the eigenanalysis technique. We show that in the presence of inter-pulse interference, the optimum linear prerake combining scheme in the sense of maximizing the received SNR performs the same as a conventional rake receiver with maximal ratio combining. Since for UWB systems it is important to consider the effects of narrow-band interference (NBI), we also analyze the different behaviors of prerake and rake schemes in the presence of NBI
Carbon dioxide enrichment and temperature effects on cotton canopy photosynthesis, transpiration, and water-use efficiency☆

Abstract The objectives of this study were to evaluate effects of ambient and double ambient [CO2] at a range of growing temperatures on photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, water-use efficiency and dry matter accumulation of cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum L., cv. DPL 50). In Experiment I, plants were grown outdoors until first bloom, then transferred into naturally lit growth chambers and grown for 22 days at 30/18°C with five CO2 concentrations varying from 350 to 900 μl l−1. In Experiment II, air temperatures were maintained at 20/12, 25/17, 30/22, and 35/27°C day/night during a 70-day experimental period with [CO2] of 350 and 700 μl l−1 at each temperature. Photosynthesis increased with [CO2] from 350 to 700 μl l−1 and with temperature. Plants grown at 35/27°C produced fewer bolls due to abscission compared with plants grown at optimum temperatures (30/20°C). At higher [CO2], water-use efficiency increased at all temperatures due mainly to increased canopy photosynthesis but also to more limited extent to reduced canopy transpiration. Increased photosynthesis at higher [CO2] resulted in greater dry matter accumulation at all temperatures except at 20/12°C. Respiration increased as dry matter and temperature increased. Plants grown at higher [CO2] had less respiration per unit dry matter but more per unit area. These results indicate that future increases in [CO2] are likely to benefit cotton production by increasing carbon assimilation under temperatures favorable for cotton growth. Reduced fruit weights at higher temperatures indicate potential negative effects on production if air temperatures increase as projected in a high-CO2 world.
Anesthetic management for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children with decreased myocardial function: Two case reports

This report describes the anesthetic management of two children with myocardial dysfunction undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Linear estimation-based time delay and packet dropout compensation for networked control systems

This paper studies the problem of Hinfin controller design for networked control systems (NCSs) with time delay and packet dropout. A linear estimation-based method is proposed to compensate time delay and packet dropout, a delay switching-based method is also proposed to model the variation of time delay, and Hinfin controller design is presented by using the delay switching-based method and the existing parameter uncertainty-based method. The newly proposed delay switching-based method is proved to be less conservative than the existing parameter uncertainty-based method. The simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the linear estimation-based time delay and packet dropout compensation.
Contrast echocardiography: a method to visualize changes in regional myocardial perfusion in the dog model for CABG surgery.

The ability of contrast echocardiography to assess regional myocardial perfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass in a dog model for coronary artery bypass surgery was evaluated. Sonicated Renograffin-76 microbubbles (meglumin diatrigoate and sodium diatrigoate) were injected into an aortic root proximal to an aortic occlusion clamp root while dogs were on cardiopulmonary bypass, with the heart arrested in diastole. Echocardiographic contrast-enhanced regions of myocardial perfusion were easily visualized. Differences in contrast-enhanced myocardial regions depended on coronary artery occlusion or patency. The contrast-enhanced images of myocardial perfusion showed that, for a given myocardial segment of the supplying vessel, the presence or absence of contrast effect reliably predicted vessel occlusion or patency (P less than .01). In the future contrast echocardiography may allow the direct assessment of regional myocardial perfusion in the operating room.
Developing DNA vaccines against immunodeficiency viruses.

More than a decade after the identification of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) as the causative pathogen of AIDS, the prospects for an HIV-1 vaccine in the foreseeable future are still low. Attempts using conventional vaccine approaches have not met with much success (for recent reviews see Haynes 1993; Bolognesi 1993, 1995). The live attenuated vaccine approach appeared promising when its effectiveness was demonstrated in a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) model in macaques (Daniel et al. 1994, 1992). However, additional studies in neonatal macaques raised safety concerns regarding this approach (Baba et al. 1995). The search for novel vaccine strategies that target the unique biological features of HIV-1 remains a challenging yet important task.