cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parallelization of the P-1 Radiation Model

The P-1 radiation model is spatially decomposed to solve the radiative transport equation on parallel computers. Mathematical libraries developed by third parties are employed to solve the linear systems that result during the solution procedure. Multigrid preconditioning accelerated the convergence of iterative methods. The parallel performance did not depend strongly on the radiative properties of the medium or the boundary conditions. Predictions from coupling the weighted-sum-of-gray-gases model with the P-1 approximation are compared against benchmarks for model problems. The P-1 approximation resulted in only a moderate loss in accuracy while being significantly faster than the discrete ordinates method.
A multiphase fluidic platform for studying ventilator-induced injury of the pulmonary epithelial barrier

Mechanical ventilation has been a critical part of basic life support for many years, with almost one-third of all patients in the intensive care unit requiring the aid. However studies over the past two decades have indicated that ventilators have the potential to cause or aggravate pulmonary injury. The lung with its anatomically complex architecture and unique amalgam of cell types and interfaces is very difficult to replicate in vitro. This study is focused on mimicking the distal unit of the alveolus in developing an analytical platform for evaluating cellular interactions and response to mechanostimulation. The prototype developed incorporates the ability to expose alveolar cells to sustained periods of supra-physiological pressure when cultured at an air–liquid interface with constant air-flow on the apical side and medium replenishment on basolateral surfaces. The in vitro evaluation of the alveolar, A549 and H441, cells indicated disruption of the cell layer integrity in response to sustained pressure application. The results indicate a magnitude- and duration-dependent response among both the cell types.
Unofficial Hanoians: Migration, Native Place and Urban Citizenship in Vietnam

Independent migration to Hanoi has surged dramatically over two decades of deepening market reforms, blurring the distinctions between urban and rural lives once maintained so carefully by the Communist Party of Vietnam. However many urban migrants face ongoing legal and social obstacles in Hanoi, tied to an outmoded system of household registration (ho khau), and widespread anxieties about the ‘floating population’ threatening to overwhelm the city. This article shows how one group of ‘unofficial Hanoians’—migrant motorbike taxi drivers from Nam Dinh Province—navigate a system of differentiated urban citizenship by forging communities and mutual assistance networks around shared ‘native places’ (que huong) to find employment, housing and social support in the city. It also reveals how Hanoi's marginal urban spaces—home to entrenched migrant communities of ambiguous legality—emerge as key arenas in the negotiation of Vietnamese citizenship, forcing national leaders, city officials, landlords and residents...
Relative motion of lung and chest wall promotes uniform pleural space thickness.

The pleural space is modeled in two dimensions as a thin layer of fluid separating a deformable membrane and a rigid surface containing a bump. We computed the steady-state membrane configuration and fluid pressure distribution during relative sliding of the two surfaces. For physiologically relevant values of membrane tension, shear flow-induced pressures near the bump and far-field pressure gradients are similar to those measured in vivo within the pleural space (e.g. Lai-Fook et al.) [J. Appl. Physiol.: Respirat. Environ. Exercise Physiol. 56 (1984) 1633-1639]. Deformation of the membrane over the bump suggests that the pressure field generated by the sliding motion promotes an even layer of fluid in the pleural space, preventing asperities from touching. Results also suggest a possible mechanism for pleural fluid redistribution during breathing, whereby irreversible fluid motion is associated with the deformability of the membrane.
Regional correlation among ganglion cell complex, nerve fiber layer, and visual field loss in glaucoma.

Purpose. To analyze the relationship among macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness, peripapillary nerve fiber layer (NFL) thickness, and visual field (VF) defects in patients with glaucoma.
Antigenic variation in the influenza A virus nonstructural protein, NS1

Abstract The antigenic structure of the nonstructural (NS1) protein encoded by influenza type A virus was examined using monoclonal antibodies prepared against purified NSl inclusions isolated from the cytoplasm of infected cells. Topographical analysis by competitive radioimmunoassay indicated that three different overlapping antigenic regions were present on the NS1 of A/WSN/33 (HlNl). Immunoprecipitation studies using infected cell lysates showed that antigenic determinants on A/WSN/33 NSl are common to NSl proteins encoded by a wide range of viruses of human, swine, equine, and avian origin. Several avian strains, however, were found to encode antigenically variant NSl proteins which had either extensive changes in one or more antigenic regions or small changes in epitopes within a region suggestive of antigenic drift. There was no correlation between surface antigen subtype and the antigenic profile of the NSl protein. The antigenic relationships of NSl proteins shown in this study are in agreement with the available sequence data.
Vulvar vestibulitis subjects undergoing surgical intervention: a descriptive analysis and histopathological correlates.

Abstract Objective: We describe here a series of selected patients from an established vaginitis research clinic diagnosed with vulvovestibulitis (VV) who underwent surgical intervention for focal disease. Long-term results of surgical correction are reported and characteristic histopathology findings associated with vulvar vestibulitis are emphasized. Study Design: A retrospective chart review was carried out to extract relevant clinical, histologic, and outcome data. Tissue blocks of resected specimens were reexamined for specific inflammatory response. Results: Complete data and long-term follow up were available in 16 patients who underwent surgical intervention. All were cared for by the same practitioner (CM). The mean (± S.D.) age and gravidity on presentation were 26.9 ± 5.3 years and 0.9 ± 1.5, respectively. All but one was caucasian, and 70% were nulliparous. Symptoms included entry dyspareunia (100%), discharge (70%), burning (66%), itching (20%) and other (30%). All patients had focal tenderness; other findings were erythema (50%), acetowhite staining (80%), edema (20%), micropapules (20%) and condyloma (10%). After diagnosis, initial duration of conservative management was 9.4 ± 6.9 months (1–26 months). No patients received interferon therapy. Because of persistent symptoms the 16 subjects underwent targeted partial perineoplasties. Initial histopathology results revealed chronic inflammation, parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis, edema, koilocytosis and acanthosis. When tissue blocks were cut and stained with Giemsa, large numbers of mast cells were identified. Mean postoperative follow up was 42.0 ± 22.4 months (10–70 months). Follow up after surgery showed an overall improvement in 15 16 patients (93.8%). Conclusion: VV affects primarily white, nulliparous women. In the carefully selected subject, surgical intervention has a high success rate, even on long-term follow up. Although the exact etiology for this condition has yet to be elucidated, the presence of mast cells supports an association with other genitourinary inflammatory syndromes such as interstitial cystitis; and allows for speculation about a possible role played by mast cell activation in the etiology of VV.
Performance of human chorionic gonadotropin curves in women at risk for ectopic pregnancy: exceptions to the rules

Objective To investigate the accuracy of serial hCG to predict outcome of a pregnancy of unknown location in an ethnically and geographically diverse setting. Design Multisite cohort study. Setting University hospital. Patient(s) Women with a pregnancy of unknown location. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Patients were followed until diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy (EP), intrauterine pregnancy (IUP), or miscarriage. To predict outcome, observed hCG level was compared with recommended thresholds to assess deviation from defined normal curves. Predicted outcome was compared with standard of care. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and accuracy were calculated, stratified by diagnosis. Result(s) The final diagnosis of 1,005 patients included 179 EPs, 259 IUPs, and 567 miscarriages. The optimal balance in sensitivity and specificity used the minimal expected 2-day increase in hCG level of 35%, and the minimal 2-day decrease in hCG level of 36%–47% (depending on the level) achieving 83.2% sensitivity, 70.8% specificity to predict EP. However, 16.8% of EPs and 7.7% of IUPs would be misclassified solely using serial hCG levels. Consideration of a third hCG and early ultrasound decreased IUP misclassification to 2.7%. Conclusion(s) Solely using serial hCG values can result in misclassification. Clinical judgment should trump prediction rules and continued surveillance with a third hCG may be prudent, especially when initial values are low or when values are near suggested thresholds.
Structural changes in plasma-sprayed ZrO2 coatings after hot isostatic pressing

Abstract Plasma-sprayed 8 wi. Y2O3 partially stabilized ZrO2 coatings were subjected to hot isostalic pressing (HIP) treatment. Changes in microstructure, composition and fracture mode were examined from the as-sprayed and hipped coalings by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis. A dense and crack-less ZrO2, coaling can be achieved by applying HIP treatment. During HIP treatment, the non-transformable and high yttria content tetragonal phase experiences a certain degree of recrystallization, forming fine equiaxed grains. Because of sintering effects and subsequent inter-growth between lamellac and between splats, a metallurgical bonding is realized between then-, resulting in a fracture mode of the hipped coating as mainly trans-lamella or trans-splat. After HIP treatment, a thin layer of Al203, develops al the interface between the ZrO2 coating and the metallic inner layer of Ni-5 wt.% Al alloy (bond coat). Because of obvious inter-diffusion between elements during HIP treatment, a wide transition layer is formed in the bond coat-substrate interface. The Kirkendall pores, formed in the bond coal neighboring the bond coat-transition layer interface and within the transition layer, as a result of two chemical species diffusing in opposite direction at different rates, can be partially closed up or reduced in size by applying HIP treatment.
Virus cloned from the Rauscher virus complex induces erythroblastosis and thymic lymphoma.

Abstract The pathogenicity of two ecotropic viruses cloned from a Rauscher virus complex (RV), that had been passaged in the mouse, has been studied. One of the viruses, R-MuLV, gives rise to syncytia in the XC test (XC-positive), the other, R-XC− virus, does not (XCnegative). Both cloned viruses induce erythroblastosis and thymic lymphoma after inoculation into newborn NIH Swiss mice. Another clonal isolate of R-MuLV, from a stock which has been propagated in tissue culture, similarly induces both diseases when injected into newborn NIH Swiss mice. All R-MuLV and R-XC− induced splenic and thymic tumors produced, in addition to the injected virus, mink cell focus-inducing virus. This is consistent with the idea that MCF viruses are the actual (proximal) viruses causing the proliferative processes in the hematopoietic cells which lead to the different diseases. The finding that an R-MCF virus, which in most cases induces erythroblastosis, can also induce thymic lymphoma at a low frequency suggests that both diseases could be induced by the same MCF virus.
New Phenomenon in Semiconductor Junctions—GaAs Duplex Diodes

By the introduction of a deep center, a "polarizable" GaAs junction has been obtained which exhibits duplex or multiplex stable dc current-voltage characteristics. Each conduction state, "polarized" by a characteristic threshold voltage, appears to last indefinitely with low applied voltages at room temperature. This effect can be explained by assuming that the deep center, consisting of oxygen possibly in combination with other impurities, possesses an inherent bistability.
Driving a Wedge into Acute Allergic Responses

Acute allergic or asthmatic reactions can develop with terrifying swiftness, as exemplified by the life-threatening anaphylaxis that can occur in individuals with severe peanut allergies. The hair trigger for these processes is constructed from immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against the allergen and Fc receptors (FcR) found on the surface of mast cells. IgE antibodies are initially produced in a circulating form during early encounters with an allergen but are then mopped up by mast cells’ FcRs, remaining on the cell surface in an extremely stable form for prolonged periods, thus priming the mast cell for future encounters with the allergen. When the same allergen is encountered again, the mast cell rapidly responds by dumping its cargo of histamine and other inflammatory mediators into tissues—and anaphylaxis ensues. A therapeutic capable of stripping the mast cell of the IgE would disarm this hair trigger, but developing one has been challenging owing to the subnanomolar affinity that IgE has for the FcR. In instances such as this one in which protein-protein interactions are preformed and extremely stable, conventional competitive inhibitors often fail. What is needed is a strategy for stripping away IgE from its stable interaction with the mast cell. Now, Kim and co-workers have developed a protein capable of prying these two agents apart. The protein, DARPin E2\_79, works not through competitive inhibition but by a process known as facilitated dissociation. Using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), they observed that DARPin E2\_79 could stimulate rapid dissociation of FcR and IgE. Using SPR and COPASI software, which models complex biological processes and networks, the authors concluded that E2\_79 was a disruptive inhibitor, first binding to but not dissociating the IgE\_FcR complex and then actively disrupting the interface between the two proteins. The work has substantial translational potential in a number of respects. Currently, an antibody-to-IgE therapeutic exists for the treatment of severe allergic asthma (omalizumab), but this competitive inhibitor cannot disrupt preformed IgE/FcR complexes, so it is not useful for stopping acute allergic episodes. In a more general sense, the authors note that macromolecular therapeutics such as the new disruptive inhibitor may represent an untapped strategy in biopharmaceutical development. B. Kim et al. , Accelerated disassembly of IgE–receptor complexes by a disruptive macromolecular inhibitor. Nature 491 , 613–617 (2012). [[Full Text]][1] [1]: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v491/n7425/full/nature11546.html
THROMBOCYTOPENIA AND PLATELET ASSOCIATED IMMUNOGLOBULIN (PAIg) IN PATIENTS RECEIVING ACTINOMYCIN D. (AMD)

Association of severe thrombocytopenia related to increased destruction of platelets and administration of AMD has recently been reported (J Pediatr 104:611, 1985). To investigate the etiology of this phenomenon, we reviewed the clinical and laboratory status of 40 pediatric patients with solid tumors. Twenty-eitht of the 40 patients received AMD as part of their treatment. The presence of PAIg was determined by a previously described ELISA technique (Transfusion 24:348, 1984). Eight of the 28 patients receiveing AMD demonstrated thrombocytopenia associated with increased destruction and not myelosuppression by these criteria: a) documentation of thrombocytopenia less than 7 days after administration of AMD without the concomitant depression of other cell lines and b) no evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation or other non-specific consumption. The median platelet count for thrombocytopenic patients was 80,000/ul (range 13,000-149,000). Thrombocytopenia associated with peripheral destruction did not develop in any of 12 patients not receiving AMD, Six of 8 thrombocytopenic patients on AMD had evidence of PAIg, while 9 of 19 non-thrombocytopenic AMD patients demonstrated PAIg. Also, 5 of 10 patients not receiving AMD had evidence of PAIg. Although thrombocytopenia associated with increased destruction was seen in nearly a third of patients receiving AMD, this phenomenon could not be associated with an increase in PAIg.
Ion beam induced atomic mixing in Ti/SiC

Abstract The effects of 100 keV N+2 and Ar+ ion implantation on atomic mixing and the hardness in 400 A Ti deposited SiC were investigated by means of Monte Carlo simulation, He backscattering, Auger electron spectroscopy, and Vickers indentation method. It was shown that the carbon concentration near the surface was increased remarkably by N+2 ion implantation at 1000°C, and those C atoms formed TiC. The experimental results far exceed the results obtained by the Monte Carlo simulation based on binary collision model. It was concluded that the C atoms, which originated from lattice sites in SiC by collision cascades, would migrate to the upper Ti layer by radiation enhanced thermal diffusion and react with Ti atoms.
Bony impingement limits design-related increases in hip range of motion.

Background Factors affecting risk for impingement and dislocation can be related to the patient, implant design, or surgeon. While these have been studied independently, the impact of each factor relative to the others is not known.
Glenoid spherical orientation and version.

Hypothesis Glenoid orientation likely plays an important role in shoulder mechanics and has been associated with glenohumeral instability, rotator cuff tears, and total shoulder arthroplasty outcome. Glenoid version and inclination measurements are widely used, but these measurements are 2-dimensional, and orientation of the central face must be inferred from 2 points on the outer rim. This study tested the hypothesis that sphere fitting provides an optimal assessment of glenoid face 3-dimensional orientation, and clinically important differences will exist in some individuals between sphere fit orientation and traditional version measurement. Materials and methods Computed tomography scans of 20 normal glenoids were obtained. Glenoid version was measured from resliced, pure transverse images at a series of glenoid heights. Separately, the 3-dimensional surface of each glenoid face was reconstructed. A sphere was fit to the glenoid face, and its orientation was described by 2 angles analogous to version and inclination. Results “Sphere fit version” averaged –3.2° ± 3.4° (negative indicating retroversion), and “sphere fit inclination” averaged 1.3° ± 4.7°. Absolute differences between sphere fit version and the standard mid-glenoid version averaged 1.5° (maximum 4.0°) across patients. The glenoids were, on average, 5.5° more retroverted at the 80% height than at the 20% height. Discussion Three-dimensional aspects of the glenoid, including the spiraling twist evidenced by increased retroversion superiorly, are accounted for in this novel sphere-fitting approach for assessing glenoid orientation. Conclusions For most normal glenoids, midglenoid version appears to provide an adequate measure of glenoid central face orientation. Sphere fitting has potential utility in optimizing glenoid implant alignment in total shoulder arthroplasty.
A water Cherenkov counter sensitive to nonwaveshifted ultraviolet Cherenkov photons

Abstract We describe a prototype water Cherenkov counter which has been built and tested with relativistic cosmic ray muons. An analysis of the expected photoelectron yield is described. The predicted result of 315 ± 31 photoelectrons is compared with the experimental result of 272 ± 30 photoelectrons. We find that over 70% of the Cherenkov photons detected have wavelengths less than 400 nm.
Tractography-based quantitation of diffusion tensor imaging parameters in white matter tracts of preterm newborns.

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of performing diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) to map and quantify the pyramidal white matter tracts of premature newborns. Materials and Methods Fourteen diffusion tensor MRI (DTI) examinations of nine premature newborns were evaluated. DTT was performed to segment bilateral pyramidal tracts, using a fiber-tracking algorithm originating in the cerebral peduncle (CP) and filtering through the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC) and precentral gyrus (PCG). Voxels containing the resulting tracts were then used for quantitation of DTI parameters along the tract. The DTT-based tract measurements were compared with standard manually placed region-of-interest (ROI) measurements at four locations along the pyramidal tract, and the reproducibility of each technique was evaluated. Results DTT demonstrated improved reproducibility over manual ROI measurement for pyramidal tract quantitation and was less subject to intra-operator variability (P < 0.0001, Fisher test for equal variance). In general, the anatomic locations and measurements obtained with the two techniques were in good agreement, although some systematic differences were identified in the PLIC and CP. Conclusion Fiber DTT is feasible in premature newborns, provides more reproducible tract measurements than manual ROI methods, and allows quantitation along the entire tract for more detailed DTI assessment of white matter maturation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Assessment of Postpartum Depression: A Review of the Research

The postpartum period is a time when many women are vulnerable for the development of a variety of emotional syndromes. One of the problems with treating the emotional problems is the difficulty in differentiating them. For example, there are at least three distinct postpartum depression disorders: postpartum blues, postpartum psychosis, and postpartum depression. Each of these syndromes is discussed. A review of the instruments used to test for risk factors for the development of postpartum affective disorders indicates that conceptual muddiness still exists in differentiating the three disorders. The notion of whether postpartum depression is a reactive depression to stress or a syndrome is examined. A suggestion is made to more closely examine the role of culture in the development of affective disorders in the puerperium.
Parched elastohydrodynamic lubrication: Instrumentation and procedure

A counter rotating bearing rig was designed and constructed to study transient elastohydrodynamic lubrication phenomena. New instrumentation is described and test procedures are documented. Ball and race speed measurement systems and the capacitance (film thickness) measurement system were upgraded. Methods for measuring bearing torque and race temperatures were implemented.
Computing the KAC determinant using dual model techniques and more about the no-ghost theorem

Abstract We relate some mathematical results concerning the Virasoro algebra to properties of dual models. Specifically, we show how to compute the Kac determinant using well known techniques from dual models. Then we use the Kac formula to discuss the validity of the no-ghost theorem of dual models in a more general setting than the original proofs of that theorem.
A finite thue system with decidable word problem and without equivalent finite canonical system

Abstract We present a single-axiom. Thue system with a decidable word problem for which there does not exist any finite equivalent canonical system. However, an equivalent finite canonical system for this Thue system can be obtained if new symbols are introduced in the presentation. This result settles an open question by Jantzen (1982) who asked whether every Thue system with a decidable word problem has an equivalent finite canonical system. We also discuss relationships between Thue systems and term rewriting systems.
Magnetic Properties of Solid Solutions. III. The Paramagnetic Alloys of Copper and Nickel

The magnetization of the paramagnetic alloys of copper with nickel has been studied as a function of temperature and applied field. It is found that a Curie-Weiss equation cannot represent the results and an equation of the form $\ensuremath{\chi}=aT+b+(\frac{c}{T})$ is found to be satisfactory. Alloys in the range from 30 to 38 percent nickel showed a considerable field dependence of the susceptibility at low temperatures.
Comparisons of CCN with Supercooled Clouds

Abstract More than 140 supercooled clouds were compared with corresponding out-of-cloud cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) measurements. In spite of significant differences in altitude, temperature, distances from cloud base, updraft velocity (W), entrainment, and so on, the correlation coefficients (R) between droplet and CCN concentrations were substantial although not as high as those obtained in warm clouds with less variability of nonaerosol influences. CCN at slightly lower altitudes than the clouds had higher R values than CCN measured at the same altitude. Ice particle concentrations appeared to reduce droplet concentrations and reduce R between CCN and droplet concentrations, but only above 6-km altitude and for temperatures below −20°C. Although higher CCN concentrations generally resulted in higher droplet concentrations, increases in droplet concentrations were generally less than the increases in CCN concentrations. This was apparently due to the expected lower cloud supersaturations (S) when CC...
Cytotoxicity to cultured human keratinocytes of topical antimicrobial agents

Cultured skin grafts administered clinically for closure of burn wounds may be contacted by topically applied antimicrobial agents. A study was performed to assess whether commonly used topical antimicrobial agents are toxic to cultured human keratinocytes (HK) in vitro. Serum-free MCDB 153 culture medium containing Neosporin G.U. irrigant (Neomycin, 40 micrograms/ml-polymyxin B sulfate, 200 units/ml) and a standard tissue culture antimicrobial agent of penicillin (10,000 units/ml)-streptomycin (10,000 micrograms/ml)-amphotericin B (25 micrograms/ml) had no effect on the keratinocyte growth rates when compared to standard MCDB 153 medium without antibiotics. Medium containing Sulfamylon (mafenide acetate, 0.85%), Polysporin (polymyxin B sulfate, 1 x 10(4) units/ml-bacitracin, 500 units/ml), gentamicin sulfate (0.1%), modified Dakins solution (25%), and acetic acid (0.25%) all showed statistically significant (P less than 0.01) decreases in keratinocyte growth rates. This data suggests that commonly applied antimicrobials may not be appropriate for cultured grafts in the concentrations that are used clinically.
The cytoskeleton in papillomavirus infection.

Cytoskeleton defines the shape and structural organization of the cell. Its elements participate in cell motility, intracellular transport and chromosome movement during mitosis. Papillomaviruses (PV) are strictly epitheliotropic and induce self-limiting benign tumors of skin and mucosa, which may progress to malignancy. Like many other viruses, PV use the host cytoskeletal components for several steps during their life cycle. Prior to internalization, PV particles are transported along filopodia to the cell body. Following internalization, retrograde transport along microtubules via the dynein motor protein complex is observed. In addition, viral minichromosomes depend on the host cell machinery for partitioning of viral genomes during mitosis, which may be affected by oncoproteins E6 and E7 of high-risk human PV types. This mini-review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of papillomavirus’ interactions with the host cell cytoskeletal elements.
On the technology of pastoral counseling

Formal pastoral counseling is developing as a significant and important counseling movement. Yet because of its historical tradition and current secular social climate, the pastoral counselor seems unable to translate theology and the religious model of suffering and illness into a concrete methodology of care-giving. This paper proposes that the “priestly function” or “priest/rabbi/minister-parishioner relationship” is a good place for the counselor to start identifying the religious methods and means of being with and caring for suffering individuals. The traditional practice of borrowing the psychology of the day is challenged as undermining pastoral counseling, as clergy men and women give up their own symbolic language for psychiatric jargon.
Fuzzy scheduling of job orders in a two-stage flowshop with batch-processing machines

In this paper, we present a mixed-integer fuzzy programming model and a genetic algorithm (GA) based solution approach to a scheduling problem of customer orders in a mass customizing furniture industry. Independent job orders are grouped into multiple classes based on similarity in style so that the required number of setups is minimized. The family of jobs can be partitioned into batches, where each batch consists of a set of consecutively processed jobs from the same class. If a batch is assigned to one of available parallel machines, a setup is required at the beginning of the first job in that batch. A schedule defines the way how the batches are created from the independent jobs and specifies the processing order of the batches and that of the jobs within the batches. A machine can only process one job at a time, and cannot perform any processing while undergoing a setup. The proposed formulation minimizes the total weighted flowtime while fulfilling due date requirements. The imprecision associated with estimation of setup and processing times are represented by fuzzy sets.
Determination of chemical warfare agent degradation products at low-part-per-billion levels in aqueous samples and sub-part-per-million levels in soils using capillary electrophoresis.

A significant enhancement in the method detection limits is observed in the analysis of chemical warfare agent (CWA) degradation products in environmental samples by capillary electrophoresis (CE) using electrokinetic injection. The CE method uses indirect UV detection of the nonderivitized acidic analyte and a cationic surfactant, didodecyldimethylammonium hydroxide, for reversal of the electroosmotic flow. Analytes studied include the dibasic acid methylphosphonic acid (MPA) and its monoacid/monoalkyl esters, RMPA, where R = ethyl, isopropyl, and pinacolyl (2-(3,3-dimethylbutyl)). The CE method uses an attractive buffer system which is highly stable and inexpensive, and, in addition to reversing the electroosmotic flow, provides excellent separation efficiencies within a 3-min run. This CE method is also free from interference caused by carbonate, humic acids, and fluoride. Compared to pressure injection, electrokinetic injection with this CE buffer system provided substantially lower detection limits, ...
The New Populism in Central and Southeastern Europe

Broad comparison helps explain why populism has emerged in some post-communist states but not others.
Relationship Between Angiographic Vasospasm and Regional Hypoperfusion in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose—Angiographic vasospasm frequently complicates subarachnoid hemorrhage and has been implicated in the development of delayed cerebral ischemia. Whether large-vessel narrowing adequately accounts for the critical reductions in regional cerebral blood flow underlying ischemia is unclear. We sought to clarify the relationship between angiographic vasospasm and regional hypoperfusion. Methods—Twenty-five patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage underwent cerebral catheter angiography and 15O-positron emission tomographic imaging within 1 day of each other (median of 7 days after subarachnoid hemorrhage). Severity of vasospasm was assessed in each intracranial artery, whereas cerebral blood flow and oxygen extraction fraction were measured in 28 brain regions distributed across these vascular territories. We analyzed the association between vasospasm and perfusion and compared frequency of hypoperfusion (cerebral blood flow <25 mL/100 g/min) and oligemia (low oxygen delivery with ...
Giant flow reversal in pulmonary venous flow as a possible mechanism for asynchronous pacing-induced heart failure

Background Mechanistic roles of the immediate increase in left atrial (LA) pressure in pacing-induced congestive heart failure have not been clearly understood. We evaluated the impact of asynchronous rapid ventricular pacing on LA hemodynamics in this model. Methods Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography and hemodynamic assessment were performed in 23 healthy mongrel dogs. Data were acquired before and 5 minutes after initiation of rapid right ventricular pacing (200/min). Results At 5 minutes after initiation of the pacing, giant pulmonary venous (PV) flow reversal (−76 cm/s) was observed in association with 1:1 ventriculoatrial conduction or complete atrioventricular dissociation. This giant PV flow reversal corresponded to an inappropriately timed atrial contraction, especially during systole. Cardiac output (3.21 vs 2.00 L/min, P P P P P P Conclusions The giant PV flow reversal seen during asynchronous rapid right ventricular pacing corresponds to an inappropriate atrial contraction, immediately elevates LA pressure, and may initially promote congestive heart failure. The increase in LV end-diastolic pressure associated with decreased LV ejection fraction caused decrease in the LV filling volume leading to further increase in the LA pressure. This sustained marked elevation in the LA pressure and LV end-diastolic pressure could contribute to the heart failure process.
Geomorphic controls on sediment accumulation at margins of foreland basins

The Occurrence of cyclic patterns of sedimentation on a large scale, or abrupt changes in lithology or facies patterns in foreland basins, are most commonly attributed to tectonism. Climatic controls are invoked much less often, and geomorphic controls are rarely considered except for small-scale features. Tectonism is the first-order control on sedimentation at mountain fronts by providing accommodation space for sediment accumulation, and the requisite energy for the system to operate. However, geomorphic controls on sediment yield from source areas, transformation of sediment yield in transfer systems, and feedback mechanisms between source areas and depositional basins may be the secondary controls on sediment dispersal and accumulation near mountain fronts. Drainage basins pass through a series of stages during their evolution. Sediment flux is large during initial stages of basin evolution, allowing fans to prograde rapidly. I3ut as drainage nets in the source area expand, and valleys increase their capacity to store sediment eroded from interfluves, the quantity and caliber of the sediment load at the outlet diminishes, and fan sequences begin to fine upward. Eventually the source area drainage network will expand to its maximum size. Relief is greatest in the source area at this time, and the quantity and calibre of the sediment eroded from valley walls reaches a maximum. Dynamic equilibrium between fan and source area is attained and a period during which spontaneous incision of source area valleys, fanhead entrenchment, and depositional lobe progradation occurs The amount and size of sediment supplied to the fan reaches a maximum at this time, and fan deposits coarsen upward through this period. However, feedback relationships between fan and depositional basin limit the ability of fans to prograde basinward. Fans begin to retrograde as relief in the source area declines and storage capacity increases. Fining-upward sequences are. deposited and basinal facies encroach on the fan during this final phase. Ancient alluvial fans commonly consist of coarsening- then fining-upward stratigraphic sequences consistent with this evolutionary model, and crosssections of alluvial fan deposits normally show that fan facies stack vertically near their upland sources. A typical first order fan deposit ranges in thickness between 100 m and 250 m, but those in foreland basins near thrust margins are considerably thicker, possibly in response to increased accommodation space provided by basin subsidence, extended periods of downcutting caused by continued movement on the thrust, and to basinward translation of the source area.
Role of Photoexcitation and Field Ionization in the Measurement of Accurate Oxide Stoichiometry by Laser-Assisted Atom Probe Tomography

The addition of pulsed lasers to atom probe tomography (APT) extends its high spatial and mass resolution capability to nonconducting materials, such as oxides. For a prototypical metal oxide, MgO, the measured stoichiometry depends strongly on the laser pulse energy and applied voltage. Very low laser energies (0.02 pJ) and high electric fields yield optimal stoichiometric accuracy. Correlated APT and aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used to establish the high density of corner and terrace sites on MgO sample surfaces before and after APT. For MgO, long-lifetime photoexcited holes localized at oxygen corner sites can assist in the creation of oxygen neutrals that may spontaneously desorb either as atomic O or as molecular O2. The observed trends are best explained by the relative field-dependent ionization of photodesorbed O or O2 neutrals. These results emphasize the importance of considering electronic excitations in APT analysis of oxide materials.
Closely related influenza viruses induce contrasting respiratory tract immunopathology.

The swine-origin H1N1 virus which emerged in 2009 resulted in the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century. Although the majority of infections were moderate, a significant proportion of infections were severe and characterized by acute respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary edema. We compared two isolates from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic; A/California/07/09 (CA/07) and A/Netherlands/602/09 (NL/602) viruses that share greater than 99% sequence identity. Though genetically similar, these viruses exhibit contrasting pathological effects. Mice that were infected with 800 plaque forming unit (PFU) of CA/07 virus rapidly lost weight, which was concurrent with detection of high pulmonary concentrations of MCP-1, MIG, IP-10 and TIMP-1. Initially, severe bronchiolar epithelial necrosis and acute respiratory distress was observed, followed by marked bronchiolar epithelial hyperplasia. Mononuclear cell infiltration was initially localized to perivascular and peribronchiolar interstitium and then spread to adjacent alveoli. Infiltrating cells were phenotypically CD11bhi, F4/80lo. In contrast, when mice were infected with 800 PFU of NL/602 virus, minimal weight loss was observed, and concentrations of cytokines in the lung were significantly lower. Inflammation was primarily restricted to the bronchioles and perivascular interstitium with minimal spread to alveoli. Infiltrating cells include foamy macrophages and surface markers were characterized as CD11blo/-, F4/80hi. These two genetically similar viruses can be useful strains with which to investigate immune-regulatory determinants of pathogenesis of influenza virus.
Energy surfaces, reorganization energies, and coupling elements in electron transfer

Abstract The effects of changes in the shapes and intersections of the reactant and product free-energy surfaces on the vertical reorganization parameter and the free energy of activation for an electron self-exchange reaction are considered. Parabolic free energy surfaces provide a very good description of the inner-shell reorganization process even when the stretching force constants for the oxidized and reduced forms of the redox couple differ by a factor of two. The activation energy depends on the reorganization criterion and the contributions of the individual reactants to the inner-shell barrier are quite sensitive to the model used. Optical charge transfers and the consequences of reactant, product, and transition state stabilization in weakly interacting and very strongly interacting systems are also considered. Relationships between the equilibrium constant for the comproportionation reaction forming the mixed-valence complex and the optical charge transfer parameters are presented.
A critical role of lysine residues in the stimulation of tissue plasminogen activator by denatured proteins and fibrin clots

Two-chain 70 000-dalton plasminogen activator of tissue origin displays only weak activity toward plasminogen in a two-component system. The rate of activation is enhanced a minimum of 50-fold by the presence of fibrin clots or denatured proteins. The stimulation must depend on both chemical determinants and spatial configuration, since native proteins, including fibrinogen, lack significant stimulatory activity. These studies employed chemical modifications of four stimulatory proteins (fibrin, denatured fibrinogen, denatured IgG and denatured ovalbumin) to identify a critical role for lysine residues. Arginine, aspartic acid, cysteine, cystine, glutamic acid, histidine, methionine, tyrosine and tryptophan were found not to be essential. The critical spatial determinant(s) remain(s) unknown.
Structural characterization of human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase variants bearing active site mutations.

Abstract The human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (hOGG1) protein is responsible for initiating base excision DNA repair of the endogenous mutagen 8-oxoguanine. Like nearly all DNA glycosylases, hOGG1 extrudes its substrate from the DNA helix and inserts it into an extrahelical enzyme active site pocket lined with residues that participate in lesion recognition and catalysis. Structural analysis has been performed on mutant versions of hOGG1 having changes in catalytic residues but not on variants having altered 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (oxoG) contact residues. Here we report high resolution structural analysis of such recognition variants. We found that Ala substitution at residues that contact the phosphate 5′ to the lesion (H270A mutation) and its Watson-Crick face (Q315A mutation) simply removed key functionality from the contact interface but otherwise had no effect on structure. Ala substitution at the only residue making an oxoG-specific contact (G42A mutation) introduced torsional stress into the DNA contact surface of hOGG1, but this was overcome by local interactions within the folded protein, indicating that this oxoG recognition motif is “hardwired.” Introduction of a side chain intended to sterically obstruct the active site pocket (Q315F mutation) led to two different structures, one of which (Q315F*149) has the oxoG lesion in an exosite flanking the active site and the other of which (Q315F*292) has the oxoG inserted nearly completely into the lesion recognition pocket. The latter structure offers a view of the latest stage in the base extrusion pathway yet observed, and its lack of catalytic activity demonstrates that the transition state for displacement of the lesion base is geometrically demanding.
Time-harmonic impedance tomography using the T-matrix method

A time-harmonic formulation for the electrical impedance tomography (EIT) inverse problem accounting for electrodynamic effects is derived. This work abandons the standard electrostatic impedance model for a full-wave T-matrix model. The advantage of this method is an accurate physical model that includes finite frequency effects, such as diffusion phenomena, and electrode contact impedance effects. This model offers the potential for increased resolution and larger invertible contrast objects than other methods when used on experimental data, because it may represent a more realistic physical model. Also, an accurate gradient matrix is used in the Newton iterative method so the image reconstruction converges in a few iterations. These advantages are realized with no increase in the computational complexity of this algorithm, compared to the static finite element model. A calibration technique is suggested for measurement systems, to test the validity of a theoretical model that includes electrode contact impedance effects. >
The Reliability and Validity of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) in a Female Incarcerated Population

This study examined the psychometric properties of the revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) with one specialized population. A sample of 264 incarcerated women in a large, Midwest, maximum security correctional center reported on the conflict tactics they employed against their partner (self as aggressor) and their partner employed on them (self as victim). High chronicity and severity rates of partner violence were reported, and the psychometric properties of the CTS2 were altered. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a four-factor solution for both the Self as Victim and Self as Aggressor subscales. These factors were labeled Negotiation, Sexual Coercion, Injury, and General Assault, which combined the Physical Assault and Psychological Aggression subscales originally proposed by the instrument's developers. Implications for the general use of the CTS2 and for use with incarcerated women are discussed.
Solute Transport Modelling of Organic Compounds in Groundwater West of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California

The principal objective of this study is to determine optimal remedial action for the volatile organic plume contaminating groundwater in the complex heterogeneous alluvial sediments under the west boundary of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) site and vicinity. Simulation management modelling, a combination of solute transport simulation with linear optimization of well locations and pumpage rates, will be done to determine appropriate remedial action. The study will be unique in its application and verification of simulation management modelling of groundwater contaminant transport in an extremely complex geologic regime with poorly understood contaminant sources. Presented here are results from the initial phase of the study, the solute transport modelling of the organic compounds. The finite element groundwater flow and contaminant transport code SUTRA was used in areal steady-state simulations.
Living with coeliac disease: survey results from the U.S.A.

How to cite this article: Lee A.R., Ng D.L., Diamond B., Ciaccio E.J. & Green P.H.R. (2012) Living with coeliac disease: survey results from the USA. J Hum Nutr Diet. 25, 233–238 Abstract Background: The only treatment for coeliac disease is lifelong adherence to a rigorous gluten-free diet. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of coeliac disease on the social aspects of daily life of individuals in the USA. Methods: The present study used a self-administered survey including the standard Quality of Life questionnaire (12-item short-form) with validated disease-specific questions. sas statistical software 2010 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA) was used to calculate the mean (SD). Results: Individuals with coeliac disease overall had a low positive health perception. Validated diet and disease-specific questions revealed a significant negative impact on quality of life in social settings. Specifically, the areas of travel, dining out and family life are most affected. The negative impact of diet significantly decreased over time, although it did not resolve for the domains of dining out of the home and travel. Those diagnosed in childhood and maintained on the diet had less of an impact on the quality of life as an adult. Conclusions: Individuals with coeliac disease in the USA have a diminished quality of life, especially in the social aspects of life.