cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Giant Cell Myocarditis after Orthotopic Heart Transplant

Introduction Giant cell myocarditis (GCM) is a rare, T-lymphocyte driven, inflammatory disease that leads to severe myocardial dysfunction and high morbidity. De novo occurrence of GCM after orthotopic heart transplant has not been reported and there is currently little evidence to guide management. Here we present a case of new onset GCM after orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) successfully treated with high dose steroids. Case Report A 66-year-old male with end stage heart failure due to ischemic cardiomyopathy underwent OHT complicated by cytomegalovirus viremia treated with valganciclovir. His immunosuppression regimen included tacrolimus 1.5mg twice a day, mycophenolate mofetil 1g twice a day, and prednisone 15mg daily. Three months after transplant, he was found to have acute cellular rejection (grade 2R) on routine endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and treated with pulse dose steroids. EMB one month later demonstrated a focus of giant cell and histiocytes with surrounding interstitial and perivascular inflammation, suggesting a diagnosis of GCM (Figure 1A). An echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 54% without wall motion abnormalities, and mildly depressed right ventricular systolic function. He was treated with methylprednisone 1g daily for three days followed by a prolonged prednisone taper in addition to sirolimus 0.5 mg daily and tacrolimus 1.5 mg twice a day. Giant cell was absent on EMB one month later, suggesting response to therapy (Figure 1B). Patient was doing well without complications six weeks after diagnosis. Summary We present a case of GCM diagnosed on EMB in a patient who is status post orthotopic heart transplant, successfully treated with high dose steroids and immunosuppressive therapy. It is important to note that there were no giant cells in his heart explant and that we cannot definitely rule out sarcoidosis. This case however highlights the importance of early diagnosis of GCM and prompt treatment. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment strategy for these patients.
Asymmetric radical cyclopropanation of dehydroaminocarboxylates: Stereoselective synthesis of cyclopropyl α-amino acids

Summary A catalytic radical process has been developed for asymmetric cyclopropanation of dehydroaminocarboxylates with in situ-generated α-aryldiazomethanes via Co(II)-based metalloradical catalysis (MRC). Through fine-tuning the environments of D2-symmetric chiral amidoporphyrin platform as the supporting ligands, the Co(II)-metalloradical system can effectively activate various α-aryldiazomethanes to cyclopropanate different dehydroaminocarboxylates under mild conditions, enabling the stereoselective synthesis of chiral cyclopropyl α-amino acid derivatives. In addition to high yields and excellent enantioselectivities, the Co(II)-catalyzed asymmetric radical cyclopropanation exhibits (Z)-diastereoselectivity, which is the opposite of uncatalyzed thermal reaction. Combined computational and experimental studies support a stepwise radical mechanism for the Co(II)-catalyzed cyclopropanation reaction. The resulting enantioenriched (Z)-α-amino-β-arylcyclopropanecarboxylates, as showcased for the efficient synthesis of dipeptides, may serve as unique non-proteinogenic amino acid building blocks for the design and preparation of novel peptides with restricted conformations.
Variation in Cannabinoid Metabolites Present in the Urine of Adults Using Medical Cannabis Products in Massachusetts.

Among adults using medical cannabis frequently and recently, THC and CBD metabolite concentrations in urine often differed from expected exposure. Approximately one-third of samples from people reporting using CBD-dominant products contained no measurable CBD metabolite. Nearly 1 in 5 samples from those using vaped cannabis contained no detectable cannabinoids....
Investigation the Effect of Velocity inlet and Carrying Fluid on the Flow inside Coronary Artery

In this study OpenFOAM 4.4.2 was used to investigate flow inside the coronary artery of the heart. This step is the first step of our future project, which is to include conjugate heat transfer of the heart with three main coronary arteries. Three different velocities were used as inlet boundary conditions to see the effect of velocity increase on velocity, pressure, and wall shear of coronary artery. Also, three different fluids namely the University of Wisconsin solution, Gelatin, and blood was used to investigate the effect of different fluids on flow inside coronary artery. A code based on Reynolds Stress Navier Stokes (RANS) equations was written and was implemented with the real boundary condition that was calculated based on MRI images. In order to improve the accuracy of the current numerical scheme, hex dominant mesh is utilized. When the inlet velocity increases to 0.5 m/s, velocity, wall shear stress, and pressure increase at the narrower parts.
Correlates of sexually transmitted infection knowledge among late adolescents.

Background Accurate knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is imperative for young people’s development and sexual health outcomes, but STI knowledge has been found to be inadequate among youth. Little is known about the factors that are associated with STI knowledge. This study therefore comprehensively assessed correlates of STI knowledge among late adolescents. Methods: Undergraduate students (n = 419) at a large public Midwestern university completed an online survey that assessed general STI knowledge using an established modified scale, demographics, sexual health and behavioural factors, and sources of STI information. Exploratory bivariate analyses were first conducted followed by a multiple linear regression examining the correlates initially identified as significantly and strongly associated with STI knowledge. Results: Although many factors were significantly correlated with STI knowledge, gender, nationality, sexual identity, STI testing history, knowing someone diagnosed with an STI, prior school-based STI education, and receiving STI information from a healthcare provider were most strongly associated (P < 0.001 with medium or large effect sizes). All but prior school-based STI education were predictive of STI knowledge score (P = 0.103), with nationality (β = 0.172, P = 0.003) and gender (β = 0.147, P = 0.002) being the strongest predictors. Conclusions: Late adolescents’ STI knowledge was universally low, but disparities existed and were related to a variety of characteristics. These findings expand the current literature on young people’s STI knowledge and provide needed information to prioritise populations and methods for educational interventions in order to enhance STI knowledge among youth.
DNA Helicase–Polymerase Coupling in Bacteriophage DNA Replication

Bacteriophages have long been model systems to study the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication. During DNA replication, a DNA helicase and a DNA polymerase cooperatively unwind the parental DNA. By surveying recent data from three bacteriophage replication systems, we summarized the mechanistic basis of DNA replication by helicases and polymerases. Kinetic data have suggested that a polymerase or a helicase alone is a passive motor that is sensitive to the base-pairing energy of the DNA. When coupled together, the helicase-polymerase complex is able to unwind DNA actively. In bacteriophage T7, helicase and polymerase reside right at the replication fork where the parental DNA is separated into two daughter strands. The two motors pull the two daughter strands to opposite directions, while the polymerase provides a separation pin to split the fork. Although independently evolved and containing different replisome components, bacteriophage T4 replisome shares mechanistic features of Hel-Pol coupling that are similar to T7. Interestingly, in bacteriophages with a limited size of genome like Φ29, DNA polymerase itself can form a tunnel-like structure, which encircles the DNA template strand and facilitates strand displacement synthesis in the absence of a helicase. Studies on bacteriophage replication provide implications for the more complicated replication systems in bacteria, archaeal, and eukaryotic systems, as well as the RNA genome replication in RNA viruses.
Instant Taq: Rapid Autoinducible Expression and Chromatography-free Purification of Taq polymerase

DNA modifying enzymes are ubiquitous reagents in synthetic biology. Producing these enzymes often requires large culture volumes, purified nucleases and chromatographic separations to make enzymes of necessary quality. We sought to leverage synthetic biology tools to develop engineered strains allowing for not only the production but rapid purification of these reagents. Toward this goal, we report an E. coli strain enabling the rapid production and purification of Taq polymerase. The method relies on 1) autoinducible expression achieving high protein titers, 2) autolysis and auto DNA/RNA hydrolysis via lysozyme and a mutant benzonase, and 3) heat denaturation under reducing conditions to precipitate contaminating proteins including the mutant benzonase. Taq polymerase is obtained at high purities (>95% pure by SDS-PAGE) and is readily usable in standard reactions. The method takes less than 1 hour of hands-on time, does not require special equipment, expensive reagents or affinity purification. We expect this simple methodology and approach will improve access not only to Taq polymerase but to numerous additional commonly utilized reagent proteins.
Introduction to Rational Points on Plane Curves

This introduction is designed to bring up some of the main issues of the book in an informal way so that the reader with only a minimal background in mathematics can get an idea of the character and direction of the subject.
Steady and Dynamic Rheological Properties of Dense Slurries of Chlorella vulgaris

This experimental study reports the steady and dynamic rheological properties of dense slurries of the green algae Chlorella vulgaris. Biofuel production from algae growth is a promising technology that has the potential to serve as a significant component of the world’s revised energy mix. Along with providing a renewable fuel source, algae production acts as a CO2 sink, potentially reducing net CO2 emissions. Design and operation of algae biofuel production facilities require accurate knowledge of the flow characteristics of algae slurries and estimation of the pumping and harvesting energy requirements. Reliable rheological data is needed to optimize production processes to lower costs and increase yields. This study reports steady state viscosity measurements conducted using the ARES TA rotational rheometer using the common algae strain Chlorella vulgaris over the packing factor range from 0.1 to 0.8. Viscoelastic data was gathered using oscillatory tests conducted on the rotational rheometer with a double wall coquette fixture geometry. Dynamic frequency sweep tests were used to recover the storage shear modulus (G′ ), and the loss shear modulus (G″ ), which correspond to the elastic and viscous properties of the fluid, respectively. Apparent viscosity of the cell suspensions increased with increasing packing factors. Packing factors lower than 0.3 exhibited Newtonian characteristics, whereas at larger packing factors the behavior was shear-thinning. The algae suspensions exhibited both viscous and elastic behavior when subjected to oscillatory flow, behaving as a dilute solution. Finally, the frequency of the gel point increased with increasing packing factor.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Early urinary angiotensinogen excretion in critically ill neonates.

Introduction: Urinary angiotensinogen is considered a reliable biomarker for intrarenal renin-angiotensin system activity. The aims of this study were to assess the urinary angiotensinogen level during the first day of life and to evaluate its correlation with renal function in critically ill neonates. Methods: Urinary angiotensinogen concentration during the first 24 hours of life was measured in 98 critically ill neonates. Neonatal renal function was assessed by urinary levels of cystatin-C, albumin and α1-microglobulin and urinary electrolyte excretion. Results: Urinary angiotensinogen level decreased with increasing gestational age and body weight in critically ill neonates (P<0.001). After adjustment for gestational age, urinary angiotensinogen level correlated with urinary fractional excretion of sodium and urinary levels of cystatin-C and α1-microglobulin. Multivariate linear regression identified a significant impact of urinary cystatin-C on urinary angiotensinogen level (P<0.001). Furthermore, urinary angiotensinogen was significantly increased in neonates with a urinary cystatin-C-to-creatinine ratio ⩾2500 ng/mg, which was the optimal cut-off value to predict acute kidney injury in our previous study. Conclusions: The urinary angiotensinogen level correlates with the overall maturity of renal function during the early postnatal period in critically ill neonates and an increased urinary angiotensinogen level might reflect renal injury in immature neonates.
COLLATERAL DAMAGE AND COLLATERAL HEALING IN OUR AMERICAN INDIAN COMMUNITIES WHAT NEEDS TO OCCUR AND WHERE TO BEGIN

In the following article the authors will be discussing society’s current view and tolerance in regards to alcohol and substance use. Discussion will focus on the current belief system in regards to what is influencing this acceptance. The impact and outcome of this apathy will then be discussed in relation to Collateral Damage via statistics and examples. Discussion will further focus on Collateral Damage in the American Indian population what role will and can treatment play in this. Introduced will be the topic of Collateral Healing from the belief that if the user/abuser is creating Collateral Damage with their usage then the most appropriate method of intervention would be Collateral Healing.
Function and Structure in Ribonucleic Acid Phage Qβ Ribonucleic Acid Replicase: THE ROLES OF THE DIFFERENT SUBUNITS IN TRANSCRIPTION OF SYNTHETIC TEMPLATES

Phage Qβ RNA-dependent RNA replicase consists of four subunits: one is RNA phage specific (subunit II), the other three, present in the uninfected cell, are the protein biosynthesis elongation factors EF-Tu (subunit III) and EF-Ts (subunit IV) and the translation interference factor i (subunit I). When the protein biosynthesis elongation factors are removed by centrifugation of the initiated enzyme-RNA complex, the remaining two subunits (I and II) are capable of continued polymerization at a normal rate but do not initiate subsequent rounds of synthesis. Thus the protein biosynthesis factors are required for initiation but not elongation of RNA synthesis by Qβ replicase. Similar results are observed when this experiment is performed with enzyme lacking subunit I, indicating that the RNA polymerizing activity of the enzyme resides in the phage-coded polypeptide, subunit II. Guanosine tetraphosphate, a strong competitor of GTP binding by EF-Tu, inhibits initiation but not elongation by Qβ replicase on synthetic templates. However, the role of EF-T in the initiation of RNA synthesis on synthetic templates is not simply related to the functions it performs in protein biosynthesis. The aminoacyl-tRNA binding activity of EF Tu in the Qβ replicase complex can be inactivated by alkylating reagents without affecting replicase poly(U, G) polymerase activity. 5′-Guanylyl-β, γ-imidodiphosphate, an inhibitor of EF-Tu-catalyzed protein biosynthesis due to its resistance to cleavage to GDP, does not inhibit replicase activity although the compound is a competitor of GDP binding. The protein biosynthesis factors appear to play an essential role in maintaining the active conformation of the replicase enzyme complex. Catalytic activities of both EF-Tu and EFTs can be assayed when the factors are part of Qβ replicase, but the activities differ from those of the isolated factors in their sensitivity to ionic strength and dissociation by GDP.
Simian immunodeficiency virus model of HIV-induced central nervous system dysfunction.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the advances that have been made in the development and refinement of the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) model of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) dementia, and its contribution to the understanding and management of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) dementia complex (ADC) in humans. The SIV and the virus HIV are primate lentiviruses that have great genomic, structural, and virologic similarities. SIVs have been isolated from the different genera of nonhuman primates and hence are designated by subscripts indicating the type of primate from which they originally were isolated—for example, SIV mac from rhesus monkeys and SIV smm from sooty mangabey monkeys. Infection of rhesus as well as pig-tailed monkeys is the most popular nonhuman primate model of HIV disease. Progressive lymphoid changes, opportunistic infections, a wasting syndrome, and central nervous system (CNS) disease characterize the syndrome in both humans and monkeys. In humans, the HIV-associated cognitive/motor disorder, also known as ADC or neuroAIDS occurs in one-third of the patients. The etiology of CNS dysfunction resulting from HIV and SIV infections likely depends on host as well as viral factors. The SIV/nonhuman primate model of the HIV-associated cognitive/motor disorders provides a splendid system for studying this interplay.
/spl alpha/-weighted cumulant projections: a novel tool for system identification

We propose a new tool, the /spl alpha/-weighted cumulant projection (/spl alpha/-WCP), which is an one-dimensional projection of the exponentially weighted n/sup th/ order cumulants of a process. We show that a real, stable and generally nonminimum phase LTI system can be identified from a single projection, whereas a complex system requires two projections corresponding to two different values of the weight /spl alpha/. We develop two methods for system identification, one based on the complex cepstrum of /spl alpha/-WCP and the other based on the Fourier-phase of /spl alpha/-WCP. The proposed methods exhibit comparable statistical performance and substantially lower computational complexity compared to existing higher-order spectra based techniques.
Special Topic: Creativity in Christianity and Confucianism

In order respectfully and adequately to compare Confucian and Christian conceptions of creativity, it is necessary to have proper comparative categories. Put roughly, we need to know what creativity is in order to see how Confucianism and Christianity have various versions of it. In respect of what do they agree or differ? So the first order of business is to put forward, however briefly, a theory of creativity in light of which comparisons can be made. Creativity, of course, is a very complicated notion in the West and in East Asia. Two philosophical topics can reveal something of its complication: the problem of the one and the many, and the nature of change.
Evidence of imbedded vortices in a three-dimensional shear flow

Vortex phenomena encountered in an investigation of the streamwise development of the three-dimensional wake region behind the tip of a three-dimensional wedge model are reported. Pressure profiles were measured by pitot probes downstream of a tip with a nearly constant surface pressure level and a nearly continuous surface curvature in a blowdown air tunnel operating at Mach 6. Rather than the simple three-dimensional quasi-parallel shear flow expected, the measurements indicated the presence of a flow with large deficits in longitudinal pitot pressure, which are usually associated with the core region of quasi-steady longitudinal vortices. Vapor screen flow visualizations also support the presence of longitudinal vortices located primarily in the tip region and evidently forming in the vicinity of the wake neck. An increase in overall wake thickness by 100% is also observed. The origin of the vortices as quasi-steady Taylor-Gortler vortices generated in the concavely curved shear layer near the wake neck is considered. It is pointed out that the existence of longitudinal vortexes suggests that three-dimensional turbulence modeling may be much more difficult than previously supposed.
Interface effects in zinc oxide varistors

Zinc oxide varistors are electronic ceramic materials whose electrical behavior is dominated by grain boundary interface states. The unique properties of varistor ceramics are determined by the segregation of certain impurity atoms to the grain interface, creating electrical barriers to current flow. At low voltages, electrons transfer over these barriers by thermionic emission. At a critical voltage, electrons transferred over the grain interface have sufficient energy to create minority barriers (holes). These holes act to dramatically decrease the grain boundary electrical barriers leading to the observed rapid increase in current flow. Hole creation has recently been verified by optical means.
Five-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for single inoperable high-risk non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) brain metastases

Achieving durable local control while limiting normal tissue toxicity with definitive radiation therapy in the management of high-risk brain metastases remains a radiobiological challenge. The objective of this study was to examine the local control and toxicity of a 5-fraction stereotactic radiosurgical approach for treatment of patients with inoperable single high-risk NSCLC brain metastases. This retrospective analysis examines 20 patients who were deemed to have “high-risk” brain metastases. High-risk tumors were defined as those with a maximum diameter greater than 2 cm and/or those located within an eloquent cortex. Patients were evaluated by a neurosurgeon prior to treatment and determined to be inoperable due to tumor or patient characteristics. Patients were treated using the CyberKnife® SRS system in 5 fractions to a total dose of 30 Gy, 35 Gy, or 40 Gy. Twenty patients with a median age of 65.5 years were treated from April 2010 to August 2014 in 5 fractions to a median total dose of 35 Gy. At a median follow up of 11.3 months local tumor control was observed in 18 of 20 metastases (90 %). Both local failures were observed in patients receiving a lower dose of 30 Gy. Median pre-treatment dexamethasone dose was 10 mg/day and median post-treatment nadir dose was 0 mg/day. Salvage intracranial therapy was required in 45 % of patients. Symptomatic radionecrosis was observed in 4 of 20 patients (20 %), two of which were treated to 40 Gy and the remainder to 35 Gy. Kaplan-Meier 1-year, 2-year, and median survival were calculated to be 45 %, 20 %, and 13.2 months, respectively. Five-fraction SRS to a total dose of 35 Gy appears to be a safe and effective management strategy for single high-risk NSCLC brain metastases, while a total dose of 40 Gy leads to an excess risk of neurotoxicity.
Energy values of unavailable carbohydrate and diets: an inquiry and analysis

To determine digestible-energy values (DEVs) for unavailable carbohydrate (UC), an analysis was made of published data on 29 human diets with UC from several sources and intakes ranging from 4 to 93 g/d. A distinction was made between apparent DEVs, derived from UC intake and fecal loss, and partial DEVs, derived from energy intake and fecal loss. By use of a proposed calculation, partial DEVs ranged from -20 to +10 kJ/g (-4.8 to +2.4 kcal/g) in different diets; all values were below the corresponding apparent DEVs. Factors explaining this range, including analytical problems, are considered. Rather than finding discrepancies, both the partial DEVs and the energy available from the whole diet were found to be related to the apparent digestibility of UC (r = 0.88), the proportion of the diet estimated as UC (r = 0.73), and both combined (r = 0.98). Several food-energy evaluation systems are also assessed for accuracy and the implications of these observations for food-energy evaluation are discussed.
Incorporating Concept Programs into Study Guides in a Personalized Instruction Course.

This report includes not only an experimental demonstration that concepts can be taught, but also helpful suggestions for effective methods.
Integumental ultrastructure of the desert millipede, Orthoporus ornatus (Girard) (Diplopoda : spirostreptidae)

Abstract Transmission electron microscopy was used to determine how integumental ultrastructure might contribute to the unusual desiccation-resistance of the desert millipede, Orthoporus ornatus . Mycene treatment was used to reveal presumably protein-bound lipids in freshly collected summer and winter specimens. Epidermal cells of two staining types contained numerous electron-dense pigment granules. No dermal glands were detected; however, “dermal gland ducts” with presumed lipid inclusions traversed the entire cuticle. A subcuticular, electron-dense, and nonlamellate Schmidt's layer occured only in summer animals. Endocuticular lamellae varied in distinctness. The thicker exocuticle was more electron-dense and always lamellate. Abundant pore canals appeared to transport bound lipid to a well-defined epicuticle. Undergoing no obvious seasonal variation, the epicuticle consisted of layers characteristic of insects. Inner and outer epicuticles were both very osmiophilic. The presence of a possible wax layer may contribute to desiccation-resistance in O. ornatus .
Trait affect moderates cortical activation in response to state affect

To examine the influence of trait affect on cortical activation during state affect, 32 healthy female participants viewed video clips to induce positive and negative emotional states. Frontal and parietal electroencephalogram (EEG) of the alpha band was assessed while participants imagined the scene of each video that generated the most intense emotions. The results showed that affect-induced frontal asymmetry was moderated by negative trait affect. The difference in frontal asymmetry between positive and negative state affect increased linearly with negative trait affect. Moreover, positive trait affect was negatively correlated with activation in the right-parietal brain region. These results suggest that trait affect moderates the effects of state affect on brain activation.
Regions Remote from the Site of Cleavage Determine Macromolecular Substrate Recognition by the Prothrombinase Complex

The proteolytic formation of thrombin is catalyzed by the prothrombinase complex of blood coagulation. The kinetics of prethrombin 2 cleavage was studied to delineate macromolecular substrate structures necessary for recognition at the exosite(s) of prothrombinase. The product, alpha-thrombin, was a linear competitive inhibitor of prethrombin 2 activation without significantly inhibiting peptidyl substrate cleavage by prothrombinase. Prethrombin 2 and alpha-thrombin compete for binding to the exosite without restricting access to the active site of factor Xa within prothrombinase. Inhibition by alpha-thrombin was not altered by saturating concentrations of low molecular weight heparin. Furthermore, proteolytic removal of the fibrinogen recognition site in alpha-thrombin only had a modest effect on its inhibitory properties. Both alpha-thrombin and prethrombin 2 were cleaved with chymotrypsin at Trp148 and separated into component domains. The C-terminal-derived zeta2 fragment retained the ability to selectively inhibit macromolecular substrate cleavage by prothrombinase, while the zeta1 fragment was without effect. As the zeta2 fragment lacks the fibrinogen recognition site, the P1-P3 residues or the intact cleavage site, specific recognition of the macromolecular substrate by the exosite in prothrombinase is achieved through substrate regions, distinct from the fibrinogen recognition or heparin-binding sites, and spatially removed from structures surrounding the scissile bond.
Gamma-ray and neutron background comparison of US metropolitan areas

Abstract Gamma-ray and neutron background surveys were performed by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C.; Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri; Chicago, Illinois; Richmond, Virginia; Boston, Massachusetts and Baltimore, Maryland. Measurements covered a range of industrial, residential and commercial areas. Germanium grade gamma-ray data over the energy range of 0.05–3.0 MeV and neutron count rates with unmoderated He-3 sensitivity were recorded as a function of latitude, longitude and elevation in one second intervals. Typical Potassium Uranium Thorium (KUT) backgrounds were seen along with several anomalies. For example, a decrease in the thermal neutron flux in large urban canyons was seen and verified via Monte Carlo simulations. The data were collected to provide natural background models for simulation work. Germanium grade spectroscopy is required, because it provides sufficiently detailed isotopic information of the gamma-ray background. As expected a comparison of the background shows significant differences between the individual cities.
FPGA based flexible autopilot platform for unmanned systems

Diversity in unmanned vehicle designs and control as well as diversity in existing autopilots lead to major compatibility issues among different platforms. The small number of different autopilot designs currently available in the market and their limitations, justifies the rationale for proposing design of a new modular, flexible, easy to integrate autopilot, suitable for multiple platforms. A discussion and comparison of the state of the art in autopilot research is presented, followed by the introduction of an autopilot design that will provide a novel and well-needed processing platform for unmanned systems. The design is fully integrated with MATLAB/Simulink allowing for both simplified high level programming and hardware-in-the-loop capabilities, and provides a flexible FPGA-based platform that maximizes parallel processing and allows for analog signal conditioning that can be modified through digital communication from FPGA processor.
Using trapezoids for representing granular objects: Applications to learning and OWA aggregation

We discuss the role and benefits of using trapezoidal representations of granular information. We focus on the use of level sets as a tool for implementing many operations on trapezoidal sets. We point out the simplification that the linearity of the trapezoid brings by requiring us to perform operations on only two level sets. We investigate the classic learning algorithm in the case when our observations are granule objects represented as trapezoidal fuzzy sets. An important issue that arises is the adverse effect that very uncertain observations have on the quality of our estimates. We suggest an approach to addressing this problem using the specificity of the observations to control its effect. We next consider the OWA aggregation of information represented as trapezoids. An important problem that arises here is the ordering of the trapezoidal fuzzy sets needed for the OWA aggregation. We consider three approaches to accomplish this ordering based on the location, specificity and fuzziness of the trapezoids. From these three different approaches three fundamental methods of ordering are developed. One based on the mean of the 0.5 level sets, another based on the length of the 0.5 level sets and a third based on the difference in lengths of the core and support level sets. Throughout this work particular emphasis is placed on the simplicity of working with trapezoids while still retaining a rich representational capability.
A detailed study of burning fuel droplets

Solutions are presented of steady flowfields around buring fuel droplets at constant Reynolds number with finite-rate global kinetics. A finite-difference solution to the full set of conservation equations in two space dimensions provides droplet vaporization rates, drag coefficients, Nusselt numbers and flame structures over a range of Reynolds and Damkohler numbers. The study has been restricted to gas-phase combustion processes, therefore droplet internal circulation has been ignored and the droplet is assumed to be at a constant temperature near the boiling point. The results are interpreted in terms of the characteristic time scales for convection, diffusion and chemical reactions, and clearly demonstrate the effects of these scales on the presence of an envelope or wake flame. Comparisons are made with experimental measurements in the literature of envelope and wake flames on porous spheres for typical hydrocarbon fuels. Good qualitative agreement is obtained between numerical and experimental results for the two distinct flame structures.
Obesity as a risk factor for failed trial of labor in patients with previous cesarean delivery.

Objective This study was undertaken to determine whether obesity is a risk factor for failed trial of labor (TOL) in women with previous cesarean delivery (CD). Study design We performed a review of singleton gestations 36 weeks or greater with previous CD who underwent TOL from January 1998 to June 2002, stratifying by body mass index (BMI, kg/m 2 ): normal (BMI 40). Rates for failed TOL were determined, and groups compared. Results For 725 patients, failed TOL rates were as follows: 14.1%, 20.4%, 27.7%, and 30.3% for normal, overweight, obese, and morbidly obese groups, respectively ( P P =.03), respectively. Conclusion Obesity is an independent risk factor for failed TOL in patients with previous CD.
Prevention of insulin self‐association and surface adsorption

The self-association of insulin monomers into oligomers and macromolecular aggregates leads to complications in the administration of insulin, both in conventional administration and in the development of long-term insulin delivery systems. These problems are aggravated by the tendency of insulin to adsorb onto the surface of solution containers and infusion devices. Furthermore, with insulin infusion devices, shear rates can be generated which can accelerate the self-association and surface adsorption processes. The effects of urea on shear-induced insulin self-association and surface adsorption were investigated. It was found that the addition of a certain concentration range of urea to insulin solutions greatly reduces both insulin self-association and surface adsorption. Circular dichroic studies established that these concentrations of urea also preserve insulin conformation under high shear rates, where conformations are altered without urea. Higher urea concentrations lead to insulin denaturation and accelerated self-association.
Sodium Hyaluronate (Heaton®) in Keratoplasty and IOL Implantation

Abstract Sodium hyaluronate (Healon®) was used to restore the anterior chamber and replace vitreous following anterior virectomy in 30 penetrating keratoplasties. In 20 keratoplasties, balanced saline solution was used as control. Corneal thickness and intraocular pressure in the Healon-treated eyes were less than in the control group on the first day after surgery and in successive examinations. Similar results were observed in ten eyes that underwent cataract surgery and IOL implantation.
Comparison of different reactive organophosphorus flame retardant agents for cotton. Part II: Fabric flame resistant performance and physical properties

N-Methylol dimethylphosphonopropionamide (MDPA) is one of the most commonly used durable flame retardant agents for cotton. In our previous research, we developed a new flame retardant finishing system based on a hydroxy-functional organophosphorus oligomer (HFPO) and bonding agents, such as dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) and trimethylolmelamine (TMM). In this research, we compared the flame resistant performance as well as physical properties of the cotton fabric treated with these two flame retardant finishing systems. The cotton fabric treated with MDPA/TMM has a higher initial limiting oxygen index (LOI) than that of the fabric treated with HFPO/TMM due to higher nitrogen content in the system. The LOI of the cotton fabric treated with the HFPO and MDPA systems becomes identical when the treated fabric contains equal amount of phosphorus and nitrogen. The MDPA/TMM shows higher laundering durability on cotton than HFPO/TMM system. The fabric treated with HFPO/TMM and MDPA/TMM has low wrinkle resistance and low strength loss whereas the fabric stiffness significantly increases when the TMM concentration is increased.
Modeling Solid Particle Erosion in Elbows and Plugged Tees

Predicted erosion patterns on the surface of a pipe fitting can now be obtained using a technique implemented into a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. This comprehensive erosion prediction procedure consists of 1) generation of a flow field simulation, 2) computation of a large number of particle trajectories inside the flow field, and 3) erosion model equations applied as particles impinge the walls of the geometry. Other quantities related to erosion, namely the particle deposition rate as well as local average impingement angle and velocity components, are also stored in the procedure. All predicted quantities (flow solution, particle trajectories, and erosion profiles) are analyzed using a three-dimensional visualization tool that was also developed. The current work focuses on two pipe fittings commonly used in the oil and gas production industry: elbows and plugged tees. First, the flow field and erosion predictions are evaluated through comparisons with experimental data. Erosion predictions yield trends and locations of maximum wear that are consistent with experimental observations. Next, two 90-deg pipe elbows with centerline curvature-to-diameter ratios of 1.5 and 5.0 are analyzed under prescribed erosive conditions. Predicted erosion results are presented in the form of surface contours. Finally, a simulated plugged tee geometry placed under erosive conditions is studied and erosion rates are compared to that of the two elbow test cases.
Copper(II) complexes of N,N-dimethyl-2-picolinamine N-oxide

Abstract Cu(II) complexes have been prepared with N,N-dimethyl-2-picolinamine N-oxide (DMA) employing the tetrafluoroborate, nitrate, chloride and bromide salts. Complexes having 1:2 and 1:1 metal ion to ligand ratios have been isolated. Characterization has been accomplished by IR, electronic and ESR spectral measurements of the solid state. Significant changes occurred when spectral measurements of acetonitrile solutions of the various solids were attempted indicating alteration of the Cu(II) bonding occurs. Thermal data on the solids are included.
Cell-mediated immunity to homologous basement membrane (type IV) collagen in C57BL6 mice

Abstract We have studied induction of a cell-mediated immune response to homologous type IV collagen in C 57 BL 6 mice, following a single sensitizing exposure. Antigens were characterized by amino acid composition and SDS-gel electrophoresis, comparing immunogens with previously characterized standard collagens. The delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response was assayed after sensitizing mice with pepsin-treated type IV collagen (TIVp) in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA), Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA), or PBS by measuring footpad swelling at various time intervals following challenge with soluble collagen preparations. Mice sensitized with TIVp in FCA or FIA developed a peak DTH response on Day 7 at 24 hr after challenge with TIVp. Mice immunized with TIVp alone demonstrated a delayed peak DTH response 11 days after sensitization and displayed a significantly lower degree of reactivity. No evidence of an immediate hypersensitivity response was detectable at 4 hr in any group sensitized with TIVp. No group challenged with type 1 collagen or pepsin-treated type I collagen exhibited significant footpad swelling throughout these experiments; normal and adjuvant control mice failed to show significant DTH. Histology of the footpad lesions of TIVp-sensitized mice on Day 7. 24 hr after challenge with TIVp, revealed an infiltration of mononuclear cells characteristic of a DTH response. Passive transfer of 25 × 106 sensitized spleen cells at Day 7 post-TIVp injection into normal mice resulted in significant DTH responsiveness to challenge with TIVp after 48 hr; T-cell-depleted cells from TIVp-sensitized spleen failed to transfer significant DTH. These studies demonstrate the immunogenic nature of type IV collagen in a syngeneic murine model.
Audiological rehabilitation of older people: Visual and vibrotactile considerations

This paper discusses the peripheral and central visual and tactile pathways with respect to the diminishing integrity of the ageing nervous system. This discussion is based upon extant data derived from investigators in vision and vibrotactile sensation. The purpose in examining these investigations is to ascertain the problems associated with the use of vision and vibrotactile stimulation in the auditory rehabilitation of older people. Speed of processing and simultaneous use of pathways are factors to be considered carefully in order not to contribute to perceptual confusions. The writers hypothesize that the rehabilitative audiologist, when using the visual and tactile pathways of older patients for language processing is confronted with difficulties that are often encountered when using the auditory pathway in the presence of central auditory ageing effects. In view of the implications of the research findings in vision and vibrotactile sensation, suggestions are made to those professionals who work w...
712-1 Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography Under-Estimates the Severity of Functional Mitral Regurgitation

Although intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been used to guide the need for valve reconstruction in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR), the effects of hemodynamic alterations accompanying general anesthesia on MR jet size are unknown. This study was undertaken to compare MR jet size before and after the induction of general anesthesia. 46 of 133 patients undergoing mitral valve surgery between 11/92 and 4/94 had TEE performed both preoperatively under IV conscious sedation (preOp) and intraoperatively following induction of general anesthesia (IntraOp), 21 of 46 patients (46%) had degenerative mitral disease with leaflet flail (Flail) and 25 (54%) had functional MR as a result of annular dilation (Functional). The width of the MR jet at its vena contracta (Width) and the maximal jet area (Area) were determined for each patient on both PreOp and IntraOp TEE. Doppler Nyquist limits for paired studies were similar. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pressure rate product (PRP) at the time of MR jet measurements were available for 33 patients (72%). Flail Functional PreOp IntraOp PreOp IntraOp SBP(mmHg) 116 ± 17 123 ± 17 108 ± 17 120 ± 19 † PRP x 100 103 ± 97 97 ± 22 † 95 ± 22 97 ± 23 † Width (mm) 1.1 ± 0.3 1.0 ± 0.3 † 1.0 ± 03 0.7 ± 0.3 * Area (cm2) 10.1 ± 5.2 9.8 ± 4.5 † 9.0 ± 4.3 5.4 ± 3.9 * † P = NS VS. PreOp * p l 0.001 vs. PreOp We conclude that 1) MR related to leaflet flail is adequately quantified on IntraOp TEE, whereas 2) the severity of functional MR may be significantly underestimated in patients under general anesthesia. Alteration of systemic vascular resistance independent of blood pressure may be responsible for this observation. Patients with functional MR in whom mitral surgery is considered should undergo imaging for MR quantification prior to the induction of general anesthesia.
A Microcomputer Implementation Of An Intelligent Data Acquisition And Load Forecasting System

This paper reports on the hardware and the programming aspects of an intelligent data acquisition and load forecasting system that has been implemented on a desktop microcomputer. The objective was to develop a low cost and reliable system that would collect forecasted weather data, real-time electric utility load data, archive them, and issue an electric utility load forecast in 1-hour, 6-hour and upto 24-hour increments within a midnight-to-midnight time frame. Data are collected, over commercial telephone lines, from remote locations (often hundreds of miles apart), filtered and then processed. The archived data are used to form monthly summaries of hourly electric utility load (MW) and weather conditions in the area. A set of pre-selected rules are then applied on this database to develop the desired load forecast. All this work is done in a totally automated fashion, i.e., without any human intervention. The data acquisition and load forecasting system is based on an AT&T 3B2/300 UNIX based desktop microcomputer. The 3B2 serves as the "heart" of the system and performs the functions of data collection, processing, archiving, load forecasting and display. It is a multi-tasking, multi-user machine and at it's present configuration can support four users and a "super user", or system manager.
The effect of an interaction of magnetic flux and supergranulation on the decay of magnetic plages

This paper studies how the properties of large-scale convection affect the decay of plages. The plage decay, caused by the random-walk dispersion of flux tubes, is suggested to be severely affected by differences between the mean size of cellular openings within and around plages. The smaller cell size within a plage largely explains the smaller diffusion coefficient within plages as compared to that of the surrounding regions. The semipermeability of the plage periphery, together with the dependence of the diffusion coefficient on the flux-tube density, can explain the observed slow decay of plages (predicting a typical life time of about a month for a medium-sized plage), the existence of a well-defined plage periphery, and the observed characteristic mean magnetic flux density of about 100 G. One effect of the slowed decay of the plage by the semipermeability of the plage periphery is the increase of the fraction of the magnetic flux that can cancel with flux of the opposite polarity along the neutral line to as much as 80 percent as compared to at most 50 percent in the case of nonuniform diffusion. This may explain why only a small fraction of the magnetic flux is observed to escape from the plage into the surrounding network.
On the Ergodic Theory of Markov Chains

This paper presents results in the ergodic theory of Markov chains that are useful in certain cases where the well known theory of Foster and Pakes is not applicable. The paper gives the background leading to the results, describes their significance, proves two theorems, and presents an example. The conditions for ergodicity are based on the notion of conditional single transition displacement of a Markov chain due to Pakes.