cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: Improved Identification by Combined Determinations of Serum Tryptase and 24-Hour Urine 11β-Prostaglandin2α

Background Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) describes patients with episodes of mast cell mediator release, with negative bone marrow biopsy results, and the failure to meet the criteria for systemic mastocytosis. Objective Identify elevation of mast cell mediators of patients with MCAS. Methods We performed a retrospective study of 25 patients with MCAS who were evaluated at Mayo Clinic from 2006 to 2012. Patients were reviewed for MCAS symptoms and mast cell mediators, including serum tryptase and 24-hour urine N-methyl histamine (N-MH) and 11β-prostaglandin-F2α (11β-PGF2α). The study was approved by the institutional review board. Results Urinary 11β-PGF2α was the most frequently elevated product in MCAS of our 25-patient cohort. Flushing and pruritus had the greatest correlation with elevation of 24-hour urine 11β-PGF2α value at baseline. The serum tryptase level was elevated in 10 patients, whereas the N-MH level was elevated with 2 patients. Eight of 9 patients with MCAS and with elevated 24-hour urine 11β-PGF2α who underwent aspirin therapy and follow-up urinary studies had normalization of this mediator (1 patient did not have a follow-up urine study). Six of these 9 patients with MCAS who underwent aspirin therapy had symptomatic improvement. Conclusion We recommend measurement of 24-hour urine 11β-PGF2α and serum tryptase levels of patients with symptoms suggestive of MCAS. Measurement of 24-hour urine 11β-PGF2α and serum tryptase levels can help avoid misdiagnosis and overinterpretation of MCAS symptoms in clinical practice. Given that an elevation of 24-hour urine N-MH level was found only in 2 patients, measurement of this mediator may be less helpful in diagnosing MCAS. We recommend aspirin therapy for patients with MCAS and with elevated 24-hour urine 11β-PGF2α levels.
A comparison of the impact of isotope (125I vs. 103Pd) on toxicity and biochemical outcome after interstitial brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy for clinically localized prostate cancer

Abstract Purpose To compare biochemical outcomes and morbidity associated with iodine-125 ( 125 I) and palladium-103 ( 103 Pd) brachytherapy as part of combined modality therapy for clinically localized prostate cancer. Methods and Materials Between October 2002 and December 2008, 259 patients underwent prostate brachytherapy ( 125 I prescription dose, 110 Gy: n = 199; 103 Pd prescription dose, 100 Gy: n = 60) followed by external beam radiotherapy (median dose, 50.4 Gy). Eighty-seven patients also received neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy. Toxicities were recorded with CTCAE v 3.0, International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), and International Index of Erectile Function questionnaires. Results Overall, acute Grade ≥2 genitourinary toxicity occurred in 21% and 30% of patients treated with 125 I and 103 Pd, respectively ( p = 0.16). There were no significant differences in IPSS change or urinary quality-of-life scores between the isotopes at 4, 6, or 12 months ( p = 0.20, 0.21, and 1.0, respectively). IPSS resolution occurred at a median of 11 and 6 months for 125 I and 103 Pd patients, respectively ( p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, only the use of neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy was predictive of time to IPSS resolution ( p = 0.046). Late Grade ≥2 gastrointestinal toxicity occurred in 7% of 125 I patients and 6% of patients treated with 103 Pd. Of 129 potent patients at baseline, there was better erectile function in patients who received 103 Pd ( p = 0.02); however, the followup was shorter for these patients. The 5-year prostate-specific antigen relapse-free survival for 125 I and 103 Pd patients was 95.2% and 98.2% ( p = 0.73), respectively. Conclusion There were no differences in acute or long-term genitourinary or gastrointestinal toxicity between 125 I and 103 Pd in combined modality therapy for prostate cancer. There may be less erectile toxicity with the use of 103 Pd; however, additional followup of these patients is needed. There was no significant difference in 5-year prostate-specific antigen relapse-free survival between 103 Pd and 125 I.
Accuracy of race, ethnicity, and language preference in an electronic health record.

BACKGROUND Collection of data on race, ethnicity, and language preference is required as part of the “meaningful use” of electronic health records (EHRs). These data serve as a foundation for interventions to reduce health disparities.
Equation of state for cesium

(Recel~d 22 ~ b ~ o ~ |~8 ) Liquid metals occupy a unique position among all other substances as materials of high temperature containment above the melting point of the highest melting solids (1,2,3), i.e., at 5000°K and potentially at higher temperatures. The exploding metal wire technique (4,5,6) permits the raising of the temperature of metals even higher, although only for moments. The discovery of the high temperature vaporization waves of metals (7, 8) requires knowledge of some high temperature properties in order to derive others. Therefore, as many high temperature properties of metals as can be deduced and estimated are desired goals for a high temperature chemist. A knowledge of the equation of state of a metal permits one to describe in a consistent manner the whole PVT surface of a metal and derive a number of important properties, and is thus of general scientific interest. No reliable and general equation of
Sustainable Value Stream Mapping (Sus-VSM): methodology to visualize and assess manufacturing sustainability performance

Sustainable manufacturing, which involves the use of sustainable processes and systems to produce more sustainable products, is becoming increasingly important. One natural starting point for innovation and developing better strategies for sustainable manufacturing is to examine currently used best practices and how they can be adapted to meet the sustainability requirements. Lean manufacturing practices are being increasingly assessed and used as a catalyst to develop better strategies for green and sustainable manufacturing. In this regard, the potential of extending Value Stream Mapping, an important technique used in lean manufacturing to identify environmental and societal impacts/waste has received attention. A vast majority of these efforts have focused on adding energy-related metrics to Value Stream Maps while several other studies refer to ‘sustainable’ Value Stream Mapping, but limit emphasis to only environmental performance; the societal sustainability assessment as well as visualization methods to present the information in Value Stream Mapping are not addressed. This paper presents a comprehensive methodology to develop Sustainable Value Stream Mapping by identifying suitable metrics and methods to visually present them. The approach is validated through the application to an industry case study and opportunities for further improvement are discussed.
A computational study of the focus-of-attention EM-ML algorithm for PET reconstruction

Abstract The expectation-maximization maximum-likelihood (EM-ML) algorithm for image reconstruction in positron emission tomography (PET) essentially solves a large linear system of equations. In this paper, we study computational aspects of a recently developed preprocessing scheme for focusing the attention, and thus the computational resources, on a subset of the equations and unknowns in order to reduce the storage, computation, and communication requirements of the EM-ML algorithm. The approach is completely data-driven and uses no prior anatomic knowledge. The experimental results are obtained from runs on a small network of workstations using simulated phantom data as well as data obtained from a clinical ECAT 921 PET scanner.
An efficient and accurate logarithmic multiplier based on operand decomposition

Logarithmic number systems (LNS) offer a viable alternative in terms of area, delay and power to binary number systems for multiplication and division operations in signal processing. The Mitchell algorithm (MA) is a simple and low cost approach commonly used for logarithmic multiplication. However, the method involves high error due to piecewise straight line approximation of the logarithm curve. Several methods have been proposed in the literature for improving the accuracy of Mitchell's algorithm. In this paper, we propose a new method for improving the accuracy of MA using operand decomposition (OD). The OD process decreases the number of bits with the value of '1' in the multiplicands and reduces the amount of approximation. The proposed method decreases the error percentage of the Mitchell algorithm by 44.7% on the average. Since the proposed method does not require any correction term it can be used in combination with other methods for improving the accuracy of the MA based multiplier. Experimental results are presented for random input data, signal and image processing applications, which clearly indicate that the proposed method significantly outperforms previous methods proposed in the literature.
Spectral element‐FCT method for scalar hyperbolic conservation laws

A new algorithm based on spectral element discretizations and flux-corrected transport (FCT) ideas is developed for the solution of discontinuous hyperbolic problems. A conservative formulation is proposed, based on cell averaging and reconstruction procedures, that employs a staggered grid of Gauss–Chebyshev and Gauss–Lobatto–Chebyshev discretizations. In addition, high-order time-differencing schemes, a flux limiter and a general spectral filter are employed to improve the quality of the solution. It is demonstrated through model problems of linear advection and examples of one-dimensional shock formation that the proposed algorithm leads to stable, non-oscillatory solutions of high accuracy away from discontinuities. Typically, spectral or spectral element methods perform very poorly in the presence of even weak discontinuities, although they produce only exponentialy small errors for smooth solutions. Spectral element–FCT methods can provide spectral properties (i.e. minimum dispersion and diffusion errors) as well as great flexibility in the discretization, since a variable number of macroelements or collocation points per element can be employed to accommodate both accuracy and geometric requirements.
Association between Recurrent Concussion and Late-Life Cognitive Impairment in Retired Professional Football Players

Objective Cerebral concussion is common in collision sports such as football, yet the chronic neurological effects of recurrent concussion are not well understood. The purpose of our study was to investigate the association between previous head injury and the likelihood of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease in a unique group of retired professional football players with previous head injury exposure. Methods A general health questionnaire was completed by 2552 retired professional football players with an average age of 53.8 (+/-13.4) years and an average professional football playing career of 6.6 (+/- 3.6) years. A second questionnaire focusing on memory and issues related to MCI was then completed by a subset of 758 retired professional football players (> or = 50 yr of age). Results on MCI were then cross-tabulated with results from the original health questionnaire for this subset of older retirees. Results Of the former players, 61% sustained at least one concussion during their professional football career, and 24% sustained three or more concussions. Statistical analysis of the data identified an association between recurrent concussion and clinically diagnosed MCI (chi = 7.82, df = 2, P = 0.02) and self-reported significant memory impairments (chi = 19.75, df = 2, P = 0.001). Retired players with three or more reported concussions had a fivefold prevalence of MCI diagnosis and a threefold prevalence of reported significant memory problems compared with retirees without a history of concussion. Although there was not an association between recurrent concussion and Alzheimer's disease, we observed an earlier onset of Alzheimer's disease in the retirees than in the general American male population. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the onset of dementia-related syndromes may be initiated by repetitive cerebral concussions in professional football players.
Electrical Properties of Eastern Bituminous Coal as a Function of Frequency, Polarization and Direction of the Electromagnetic Wave, and Temperature of the Sample

The development of electromagnetic systems to detect and monitor an in situ underground coal gasification process requires a knowledge of the electrical properties of coal. Using a two-path interferometer at microwave frequencies (?9 GHz), the samples of solid eastern bituminous coal were tested as a function of temperature, electric-field polarization, and direction of the coal samples. There were slight decreases in the dielectric constant and conductivity of coal as a function of temperature from ambient up to 700°F. However, there were significant variations in the conductivity as a function of polarization, with the vertical polarization possessing lower conductivity. Only slight changes in conductivity were detected as a function of direction, with the face cleats exhibiting somewhat higher losses. The dielectric constant remained essentially constant as a function of polarization and direction of the electromagnetic wave. Measurements of electrical properties of coal were also made in the 0.5-100-MHz region using capacitance techniques. In general, there was a decrease in the values of dielectric constant and an increase in conductivity as the frequency increased.
The Potter's Eye: Art and Tradition in North Carolina Folk Pottery

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Mark Hewitt and Nancy Sweezy Year: 2006 Pages: 296 Publisher: University of North Carolina Press ISBN: 0-8078-2992-7 (hard cover). Prices: $39.95 USD(hard cover).
Key-key-value stores for efficiently processing graph data in the cloud

Modern cloud data storage services have powerful capabilities for data-sets that can be indexed by a single key - key-value stores - and for data-sets that are characterized by multiple attributes (such as Google's BigTable). These data stores have non-ideal overheads, however, when graph data needs to be maintained; overheads are incurred because related (by graph edges) keys are managed in physically different host machines. We propose a new distributed data-storage paradigm, the key-key-value store, which will extend the key-value model and significantly reduce these overheads by storing related keys in the same place. We provide a high-level description of our proposed system for storing large-scale, highly interconnected graph data - such as social networks - as well as an analysis of our key-key-value system in relation to existing work. In this paper, we show how our novel data organization paradigm will facilitate improved levels of QoS in large graph data stores.
Low power management for autonomous mobile robots using optimal control

This paper studies an approach of minimizing the energy consumption of a mobile robot by controlling its traveling speed and its on-board processor's frequency simultaneously. The problem is formulated as a discrete-time optimal control problem with a random terminal time and probabilistic state constraints. A general solution procedure suitable for arbitrary power functions of the motor and the processor is proposed. Furthermore, for a class of practically important power functions, the optimal solution is derived analytically. Simulation result shows that the proposed method can save up to 30% energy compared with some heuristic schemes.
DYES AND DYE MIXTURES USEFUL FOR GENERATION OF UV IN A FLASHLAMP DRIVEN TUNABLE DYE LASER

— We have used a flashlamp driven tunable dye laser combined with angle tuned frequency doubling crystals for producing UV-B radiation for action spectra studies of various organisms. Optimum UV-B power generation is needed to provide biologically effective doses at wavelengths greater than 300 nm. Optimizing power will also serve to lengthen the lifetime of dyes and other laser components at shorter wavelengths where UV-B output is more than adequate. While much information is available on dyes and dye performance from manufacturers, little information is available on the use of dyes and dye mixtures for providing the continuous high power spectrum of wavelengths necessary for biological UV action spectroscopy. We have examined a number of dyes and dye mixtures for optimal laser performance at wavelengths from 260 to 330 nm. The dyes and dye mixtures discussed here provide adequate power output in the UV-B wavelength range and have allowed us to perform numerous UV-B action spectra studies using the tunable dye laser.
Dense 24 TX + 24 RX fiber-coupled optical module based on a holey CMOS transceiver IC

A novel, compact 48-channel optical transceiver module has been designed and fabricated. At the heart of the assembly is a “holey” Optochip — a single-chip CMOS transceiver integrated circuit (IC) with 24 receiver and 24 laser driver circuits each with a corresponding through-substrate optical via (hole). The holes enable 24-channel 850-nm VCSEL and photodiode (PD) arrays to be directly flipchip soldered to the CMOS IC with substrate-side optical I/O through the otherwise absorbing bulk silicon substrate. This feature of the holey Optochip not only facilitates direct fiber-coupling to a standard 4 × 12 MMF (multimode fiber) array through a 2-lens optical system, but also maximizes highspeed performance through the close integration of the VCSEL and PD devices with the CMOS amplifier circuits. Furthermore, the holey Optochip is directly compatible with current mass-produced 850-nm VCSELs and photodiodes. These Optochips were packaged into complete modules by flip-chip soldering to high-density, high-speed organic carriers using a process very similar to standard C4 soldering used for electrical ICs. The full assembly of the Optomodule involves further attachment to a pin grid array pluggable connector. Electrical characterization of Optomodules plugged into a test circuit board incorporating the socket half of the connector was carried out and dc electrical characterization showed fully operational 24 transmitter (TX) + 24 receiver (RX) Optomodules with uniform performance for all devices within the module. High-speed characterization of all 48-channels (ch) showed good performance up to 12.5 Gb/s/ch. At 12.5Gb/s/ch, an aggregate data rate 300 Gb/s TX + 300 Gb/s RX is provided by the holey Optomodule.
How Punctual Ablation of Regulatory T Cells Unleashes an Autoimmune Lesion within the Pancreatic Islets

CD4(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are known to control the progression of autoimmune diabetes, but when, where, and how they exert their influence in this context are questions still under vigorous debate. Exploiting a transgene encoding the human diphtheria toxin receptor, we punctually and specifically ablated Foxp3(+) cells in the BCD2.5/NOD mouse model of autoimmune diabetes. Strikingly, overt disease developed within 3 days. The earliest detectable event was the activation of natural killer (NK) cells directly within the insulitic lesion, particularly the induction of Ifng gene expression within 7 hours of Treg cell ablation. Interferon-gamma had a strong impact on the gene-expression program of the local CD4(+) T effector cell population, unleashing it to aggressively attack the islets, which was required for the development of diabetes. Thus, Treg cells regulate pancreatic autoimmunity in situ through control of a central innate immune system player, NK cells.
Thermal breakdown and switching in chalcogenide glasses

Switching phenomena ha.ve been observed in a number of semiconducting glasses from the system. As, Se, Te, Tl. Two distinct switching phenomena were seen, one, a slow process which occurred in thick samples, and the other, a much faster process which occurred in thinner samples. Analyses are presented for two extreme cases of thermal switching (or breakdown). Comparison of the experimental results with the theoretical predictions indicates that the observed slow process is thermal in origin, whereas the faster process is non-thermal.
Ternary complex formation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Env, CD4, and chemokine receptor captured as an intermediate of membrane fusion.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Env-induced fusion is highly temperature dependent. When effector and target cells were coincubated at 37°C, there was a kinetic delay before fusion commenced. When effector and target cells were coincubated for varied times at 23°C, a temperature that does not permit fusion, a temperature-arrested stage was created. Raising temperature to 37°C from the 23°C intermediate eliminated the kinetic delay. Inhibitors (T22, AMD3100, and Sch-C) that block fusion by binding chemokine receptors were added after creating the intermediate so as to assess the extent of engagement between gp120 and chemokine receptors at that stage. For both CXCR4 and CCR5 as coreceptors, increasingly long times of coincubation at 23°C reduced the efficacy of the coreceptor-binding inhibitors in blocking fusion. This implies that an increasing number of ternary Env/CD4/coreceptor complexes form over time at 23°C. It also shows that ternary complex formation has a lower temperature threshold than the downstream steps that include Env folding into a six-helix bundle; this provides an experimental means to separate coreceptor binding by gp120 from the subsequent refolding of gp41 into a six-helix bundle structure. As the time of cell coincubation at 23°C was prolonged, more cells quickly fused upon the raising of the temperature to 37°C, and the increase quantitatively correlated with the greater percentage of fusion that was resistant to drugs. Therefore the pronounced kinetic delay in HIV Env-induced fusion is caused predominantly by the time needed for ternary complexes to form.
Generation of an Isogenic Collection of Yeast Actin Mutants and Identification of Three Interrelated Phenotypes

A large collection of yeast actin mutations has been previously isolated and used in numerous studies of actin cytoskeletal function. However, the various mutations have been in congenic, rather than isogenic, backgrounds, making it difficult to compare the subtle phenotypes that are characteristic of these mutants. We have therefore placed 27 mutations in an isogenic background. We used a subset of these mutants to compare the degree to which different actin alleles are defective in sporulation, endocytosis, and growth on NaCl-containing media. We found that the three phenotypes are highly correlated. The correlations are specific and not merely a reflection of general growth defects, because the phenotypes are not correlated with growth rates under normal conditions. Significantly, those actin mutants exhibiting the most severe phenotypes in all three processes have altered residues that cluster to a small region of the actin crystal structure previously defined as the fimbrin (Sac6p)-binding site. We examined the relationship between endocytosis and growth on salt and found that shifting wild-type or actin mutant cells to high salt reduces the rate of alpha-factor internalization. These results suggest that actin mutants may be unable to grow on salt because of additive endocytic defects (due to mutation and salt).
Coherent nonlinear optical response from single GaAs quantum dot trions

Coherent nonlinear optical measurements on individual charged quantum dots show trion dipole dephasing rates comparable to single excitons with negligible contributions from pure dephasing. The results are a step towards full coherent optical control of single electron spins.
High throughput power-aware FIR filter design based on fine-grain pipelining multipliers and adders

In regular FIR structure, by pipelining the multipliers one can improve the throughput. But as with the growth of operand word length, the delay in addition process becomes another important constraint. In this paper, a novel fine-grain pipelining scheme for high throughput FIR is proposed. By pipelining multipliers and adders, very high throughput can be achieved. 2-dimensional pipeline gating technique is used to make the designed FIR power aware of the precision of the operands. The average power dissipation and latency are both significantly reduced with changing of input precisions.
Simple modifications for accurate high‐temperature gas exposures using scanning electron microscopy

Relatively low-cost modifications to standard commercial scanning electron microscopes (SEM) that allow accurate exposure of sample(s) to noncorrosive gases at ambient and high temperatures are outlined. Energy-dispersive spectroscopic analysis of sample(s) exposed to noncorrosive gases at high temperatures is demonstrated. Gas exposure is limited to pressures of less than 10−4 torr (1.33 × 10−2 Pa) as a result of limitations on SEM system operation and SEM safety interlocks. Gases are limited to noncorrosive types as a result of potential damage to system detection devices and internal mechanical parts.
Six -DOF Modeling and Simulation of a Generic Hypersonic Vehicle for Conceptual Design Studies

This paper covers the development of a CFD -based Six Degrees of Freedom simulation of a generic hypersonic vehicle [1]. The model and simulation are being developed to support conceptual design studies of hypersonic vehicles with multiple cycle engines. This includes both air breathing and rocket propulsion models. This work is supporte d by the NASA grant # NCC4 -158, in support of their emphasis on new aerospace vehicle concepts and hypersonic technologies. A description of the aerodynamic and propulsion system models developed is included in this paper.
Role of endogenous retroviruses in autoimmune diseases

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) correspond to the integrated proviral form of infectious retroviruses that are trapped within the genome by mutations. Endogenous retroviruses represent a key molecular link between the host genome and infectious viral particles. Proteins encoded by ERVs are recognized by antiviral immune responses and become targets of autoreactivity. Activation of ERVs, such as human ERV-K or a human T-cell lymphotropic virus-related endogenous sequence, may also mediate pathogenicity of Epstein-Barr virus. Endogenous retrovirus peptides can directly regulate immune responses. Thus, molecular mimicry and immunomodulation by ERVs may account for self-reactivity and abnormal T- and B-cell functions in autoimmune disorders.
Highly Selective Isolation of Unknown Mutations in Diverse DNA Fragments: Toward New Multiplex Screening in Cancer

Cancer research would greatly benefit from technologies that allow simultaneous screening of several unknown gene mutations. Lack of such methods currently hampers the large-scale detection of genetic alterations in complex DNA samples. We present a novel mismatch-capture methodology for the highly efficient isolation and amplification of mutation-containing DNA from diverse nucleic acid fragments of unknown sequence. To demonstrate the potential of this method, heteroduplexes with a single A/G mismatch are formed via cross-hybridization of mutant (T-->G) and wild-type DNA-fragment populations. Aldehydes are uniquely introduced at the position of mismatched adenines via the Escherichia coli glycosylase, MutY. Subsequent treatment with a biotinylated hydroxylamine results in highly specific and covalent biotinylation of the site of mismatch. For PCR amplification, synthetic linkers are then ligated to the DNA fragments. Biotinylated DNA is then isolated and PCR amplified. Mutation-containing DNA fragments can subsequently be sequenced to identify type and position of mutation. This method correctly detects a single T-->G transversion introduced into a 7-kb plasmid containing full-length cDNA from the p53 gene. In the presence of a high excess wild-type DNA (1:1000 mutant:normal plasmids) or in the presence of diverse DNA fragment sizes, the DNA fragments containing the mutation are readily detectable and can be isolated and amplified. The present Aldehyde-Linker-Based Ultrasensitive Mismatch Scanning has a current limit of detection of one base substitution in 7 Mb of DNA and increases the limit for unknown mutation scanning by two to three orders of magnitude. Homozygous and heterozygous p53 regions (G-->T, exon 4) from genomic DNA are also examined, and correct identification of mutations is demonstrated. This method should allow large-scale detection of genetic alterations in cancer samples without any assumption as to the genes of interest.
Summary of Finite Element (FE) Sensitivity Studies Conducted in Support of the NRC/EPRI Welding Residual Stress (WRS) Program

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) are working cooperatively under an addendum to the ongoing memorandum of understanding to validate welding residual stress (WRS) predictions in pressurized water reactor (PWR) primary cooling loop components containing dissimilar metal (DM) welds. These stresses are of interest as DM welds in PWRs are susceptible to primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) and tensile weld residual stresses are the primary driver of this degradation mechanism. The NRC/EPRI weld residual stress (WRS) analysis validation program consists of four phases, with each phase increasing in complexity from laboratory size specimens to component mock-ups and ex-plant material.This paper focuses on Phase 2 of the WRS program that included an international Finite Element (FE) WRS round robin and experimental residuals stress measurements using the Deep Hole Drill (DHD) method on pressurizer surge nozzle mock-up. Characterizing variability in the round robin data set is difficult, as there is significant scatter in the data set and the WRS profile is dependent on the form of the material hardening law assumed. The results of this study show that, on average, analysts can develop WRS predictions that are a reasonable estimate for actual configurations as quantified by measurements. Sensitivity studies assist in determining which input parameters provide significant impact on WRSs, with thermal energy input, post-yield stress-strain behavior, and treatment of strain hardening have the greatest impact on DM WRS distributions.
Movement and residual activity of deltamethrin in a golf course fairway under two post-treatment irrigation timings

The impacts of two post-treatment irrigation timings on the field efficacy and residual activity of deltamethrin against nymphs of the southern mole cricket, Scaptericus vicinus Giglio-Tos, and the tawny mole cricket, S. borellii Scudder, as well as movement of deltamethrin in the turfgrass profile, were investigated in 1998. Deltamethrin followed by irrigation 24 h after treatment provided the best mole cricket control versus immediate irrigation in both field and greenhouse studies. Regardless of irrigation timing, grass clippings had the highest residual levels of deltamethrin followed by the thatch layer. Clipping residues were higher with post 24 h irrigation than immediate irrigation with few residues in the upper soil profile (top 5 cm).
Deadly liaisons: fatal attraction between CCN matricellular proteins and the tumor necrosis factor family of cytokines

Recent studies have revealed an unexpected synergism between two seemingly unrelated protein families: CCN matricellular proteins and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family of cytokines. CCN proteins are dynamically expressed at sites of injury repair and inflammation, where TNF cytokines are also expressed. Although TNFα is an apoptotic inducer in some cancer cells, it activates NFκB to promote survival and proliferation in normal cells, and its cytotoxicity requires inhibition of de novo protein synthesis or NFκB signaling. The presence of CCN1, CCN2, or CCN3 overrides this requirement and unmasks the apoptotic potential of TNFα, thus converting TNFα from a proliferation-promoting protein into an apoptotic inducer. These CCN proteins also enhance the cytotoxicity of other TNF cytokines, including LTα, FasL, and TRAIL. Mechanistically, CCNs function through integrin α6β1 and the heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) syndecan-4 to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, which is essential for apoptotic synergism. Mutant CCN1 proteins defective for binding α6β1-HSPGs are unable to induce ROS or apoptotic synergism with TNF cytokines. Further, knockin mice that express an α6β1-HSPG-binding defective CCN1 are blunted in TNFα- and Fas-mediated apoptosis, indicating that CCN1 is a physiologic regulator of these processes. These findings implicate CCN proteins as contextual regulators of the inflammatory response by dictating or enhancing the cytotoxicity of TNFα and related cytokines.
Equilibrium Order‐Disorder in Spinels

The distribution of cations in different coordinations in the spinel structure as a function of equilibrium temperature was quantitatively determined for several phases. The spinels were synthesized and/or reacted at various temperatures and pressures. The relative X-ray intensities of various reflections of the quenched phases were measured and compared with intensities calculated for various models of cation distribution. In NiAl2O4 the cation arrangements at 600° and 1550°C are (Al1.0)IV(Ni1.0 Al1.0)VIO4 and (Ni0.25Al0.75)IV(Ni0.75Al1.25)VIO4, respectively. In Ni2GeO4, between 610° and 1400°C, the concentration of Ni2+ ions in tetrahedral sites increases from 0 to 23% and in octahedral sites it decreases from 100 to 77% of total nickel present. All these transitions were reversible under equilibrium conditions and can be classified as second-order “reconstructive transition of disorder.” Many spinels cannot be classified as normal or inverse but have a cation distribution which is an equilibrium function of the temperature.
Intelligence in Nonprimates

We humans value intelligence because we tend to have more of it than other species. But the flexibility implied by intelligence is not as reliable as genetically predisposed behavior and is only valuable when environments change. Nevertheless, environments do change and many species do have the flexibility to adapt behaviorally to those changes either through simple Pavlovian or instrumental learning or through more complex cognitive mechanisms. For example, in addition to the absolute properties of stimuli, animals appear to be able to use the relation between stimuli to guide their behavior and they can also learn general principles of learning (learning how to learn). More interesting, perhaps, they can form stimulus classes of stimuli that have perceptually common characteristics (trees or water) and even classes of arbitrary stimuli that share a common meaning (stimulus equivalence). When it comes to memory, animals appear to have flexibility in remembering not only events that they have already experienced (retrospectively) but also events that they expect to experience (prospectively), and they appear to have some control over what they will and will not remember. Evidence suggests further that they have some representation of their environment, such that when necessary, they can take a novel pathway to get to a goal (cognitive mapping), and they have rudimentary numerical competence. Although their ability to reason may be limited, they do show transitive inference behavior, the ability to imitate actions that they cannot see when they perform them, and some animals are able to recognize themselves in a mirror. Interestingly, studying animal intelligence can also lead us to more critically examine the origins of what has been thought to be certain complex human behavior. For example, humans tend to value rewards more when they have to expend greater effort to obtain them (cognitive dissonance or justification of effort) but this tendency is also found in other animals and may more parsimoniously be explained as an example of contrast (between the effort expended and the reward obtained). Similarly, the suboptimal tendency that humans often have to choose alternatives that have a very low probability of a high payoff (commercial gambling) can be found in other animals and appears to result from a general tendency to discount losses and focus on the value of gains rather than their probability. Overall, it appears that other animals have (to some degree), many of the cognitive abilities of humans, while also suffering from some of the suboptimal behavior thought to be attributable to human culture.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alter chloride and fluid transport in bovine retinal pigment epithelium.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were added to the solutions bathing the apical membrane of bovine retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choroid explants. For example, niflumic acid (100 mi...
A Marine Nuclear Power Plant Design Utilizing the Direct Brayton Cycles

In this conceptual design the direct Brayton cycle is combined with a nuclear heat source and a waste-heat boiler to provide total power for a passenger ship. A steam power plant of an existing ship is replaced by a closed helium cycle. The cycle is developed and machinery components are selected based upon current manufacturing technology. Machinery, weight, volume, cost and plant efficiency are compared. This study showed that the direct Brayton cycle produced the same power at a lower weight and volume, at a higher cost and at a higher efficiency than the comparable steam plant.Copyright © 1970 by ASME
Interobserver Variability in the Measurement of Lower Leg Compartment Pressures.

Objectives:To determine whether interobserver technical variations and errors in the measurement of compartment pressures may affect measurement accuracy.Methods:Four above-knee cadaveric specimens were used to create a consistent model of lower leg compartment syndrome. Thirty-eight physicians exam
Improved Rectifying Columns

Standard rectifying columns have a single vapor feed. The two-enthalpy feed rectifier condenses a portion of this vapor feed to produce a liquid feed of the same composition. With the same total amount of cooling, the two-enthalpy feed rectifier has a smaller diameter but requires more stages than standard rectifiers. Detailed Aspen Plus simulations for 10 mol % argon–90% oxygen producing a 98% argon distillate at an external reflux ratio ∼1.2 times the minimum show the column volume could be reduced by 12.1% or energy could be reduced by 8.3% compared to the case with a standard rectifier. Savings are lower when simulations are operated closer to the minimum reflux ratio. The feed condensation temperature is 2.2 K higher than the condensation of distillate. Reducing the amount of feed condensed gives the new rectifier design excellent turn-down properties with less energy required per mole of distillate. Methanol–water and a ternary hydrocarbon mixture had larger savings than argon–oxygen.
Prediction and suppression of long-period nonpropagating seismic noise

abstract Approximately half the noise observed by long-period seismometers at LASA is nonpropagating; that is, it is incoherent over distances greater than a few kilometers. However, because it is often strongly coherent with microbarograph data recorded at the same site, a large proportion of it can be predicted by convolving the microbarogram with some transfer function. The reduction in noise level using this technique can be as high as 5 db on the vertical seismometer and higher still on the horizontals. If the source of this noise on the vertical seismogram were predominantly buoyancy, the transfer function would be time-invariant. It is not. Buoyancy on the LASA long-period instruments is quite negligible. The noise is caused by atmospheric deformation of the ground and, since so much of it can be predicted from the output of a single nearby microbarograph, it must be of very local origin. The loading process may be adequately described by the static deformation of a flat-earth model; however, for the expectation of the noise to be finite, it is shown that the wave number spectrum of the pressure distribution must be band-limited. An expression for the expected noise power is derived which agrees very well with observations and predicts the correct attenuation with depth. It is apparent from the form of this expression why it is impossible to obtain a stable transfer function to predict the noise without an array of microbarographs and excessive data processing. The most effective way to suppress this kind of noise is to bury the seismometer: at 150 m the reduction in noise level would be about 10 db.
What Lies Ahead? Expectation Management in Human-Robot Collaboration.

We aim to build robots that go beyond command-andresponse and can engage in fluent collaborative behavior with their human counterparts. This paper discusses one aspect of collaboration fluency: expectation management — predicting what a human collaborator will do next and how to act on that prediction. We propose a formal time-based collaborative framework that can be used to evaluate this and other aspects of collocated human-robot teamwork, and show how expectation management can enable a higher level of fluency and improved efficiency in this framework. We also present an implementation of the proposed theoretical framework in a simulated human-robot collaborative task.
Coherent Raman effects from individual liquid droplets at morphology-dependent resonances

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS)1 and coherent Raman mixing (CRM) have bear observed in individual liquid droplets {~30-μm radius) of H2O and ethanol. Their spectra are characterized by (1) spectrally narrow peaks that are regularly spaced in wavelength and (2) a substantially lowered threshold relative to the liquid in an optical cell. Such emission characteristics are a consequence of optical feedback provided by the spherical liquid—air interface at specific wavelengths. The wavelengths at which these morphology-dependent resonances occur can be predicted from the Lorenz-Mie scattering theory for dielectric spheres with large size parameters, x = 2π al λ (where λ is the incident wavelength, and a is the radius).
How a Small Number of Prior Clandestine Activists Came to Found and Control a Large National Student Movement Organization

The literature on Western movements suggested the importance of investigating prior activism1 in attempting to explain the emergence of a student movement such as the NZS in formerly Communist East Europe. Poland’s most notable previous oppositionist student movement (described in Chapter 2) occurred in 1968. Student activism in the seventies was relatively limited, existing in several locally organized SKSs and in a few dissident groups.
Helicobacter infection, chronic inflammation, and the development of malignancy.

Purpose of review Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori affects approximately half the world and results in malignancy in a small subset of this population. Although the frequency of infection in developed nations is falling with a resultant decline in H. pylori-associated peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer remains the second major cause of cancer death worldwide, with H. pylori infection being a major attributable factor in the development of gastric cancer. This review provides an update on the pathogenesis of Helicobacter infection, the malignancies associated with infection, and how infection and chronic inflammation may lead to the development of gastric malignancy, emphasizing recent developments in the field, particularly those published in leading journals. Recent findings Recent studies have broadened our understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation associated with Helicobacter infection, and how chronic inflammation contributes to carcinogenesis. There is also continuing evidence from eradication studies in humans and animal models to support the association of Helicobacter infection with gastric cancer. Although there are some differences in the various human trials, recent studies support the notion that early eradication of infection may prevent the development of malignancy, but once certain events have taken place, the process leading to cancer may not be reversible. Continued research into bacterial and host factors that are associated with an increased risk of the development of gastric cancer have also enhanced our understanding of this field. Summary The emerging literature has important implications for the understanding of the basic pathophysiology leading to malignancy in chronic H. pylori infection throughout the world. Treatment of infection may be beneficial in preventing the development of cancer in certain settings, and the role of antioxidants and other approaches is promising but requires further study. Findings from the investigation of host and bacterial factors that may predispose to the development of more severe disease manifestations including gastric cancer are also important developments in this area.
Synergistic Effects in Thermoplastic Polyurethanes Incorporating Hybrid Carbon Nanofillers

Abstract In this study thermoplastic polyurethane (TPUs) nanocomposites incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were prepared via melt blending and compression molding and CNT dispersion was optimized by using non-covalent surface modification (surfactant). Filler dispersion was further improved by combining two fillers with different geometric shape and aspect ratio in hybrid filler nanocomposites. Synergistic effects were observed in the TPU-GNP-CNT hybrid composites, especially when combining GNP and CNT at a ratio of 6 : 4, showing higher tensile modulus and strength with respect to the systems incorporating individual CNTs and GNPs at the same overall filler concentration. This improvement was attributed to the interaction between CNTs and GNPs limiting GNP aggregation and bridging adjacent graphene platelets thus forming a more efficient network. Hybrid systems also exhibited improved creep resistance and recovery ability. Morphological analysis carried out by scannin...
Mcl-1 small-molecule inhibitors encapsulated into nanoparticles exhibit increased killing efficacy towards HCMV-infected monocytes

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) spreads and establishes a persistent infection within a host by stimulating the survival of carrier myeloid cells via the upregulation of Mcl-1, an antiapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins. However, the lack of potent Mcl-1-specific inhibitors and a targetable delivery system has limited the ability to exploit Mcl-1 as a therapeutic strategy to eliminate HCMV-infected monocytes. In this study, we found a lead compound from a novel class of Mcl-1 small-molecule inhibitors rapidly induced death of HCMV-infected monocytes. Moreover, encapsulation of Mcl-1 antagonists into myeloid cell-targeting nanoparticles was able to selectively increase the delivery of inhibitors into HCMV-activated monocytes, thereby amplifying their potency. Our study demonstrates the potential use of nanotechnology to target Mcl-1 small-molecule inhibitors to HCMV-infected monocytes.