cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Histological changes in the lung in diseases associated with pulmonary venous hypertension.

Summary A description is given of the histological changes found in the pulmonary arteries, veins and parenchyma of 13 patients with diseases associated with pulmonary venous hypertension. The cases were considered in three groups. The first group comprised 6 patients who had anatomical malformation of the heart leading to pulmonary venous hypertension from birth; none of them had cardiac septal defects so that the associated pulmonary arterial hypertension was related solely to the elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary veins. The second group consisted of 3 patients who had mitral atresia and a common ventricle, so that the pulmonary arterial hypertension was primarily due to a direct communication between the systemic ventricle and the lesser circulation. The third group consisted of 4 patients with heart disease leading to acquired pulmonary venous hypertension. The configuration of elastic tissue in the pulmonary trunk is of fœtal, aortic type when the hypertension in the pulmonary arteries and veins is present from birth. It is of the adult pulmonary type when the elevation of blood pressure in the pulmonary artery is acquired in adult life. The small pulmonary arteries show various grades of hypertensive pulmonary vascular disease. The pulmonary veins are thick-walled owing to increase in muscle tissue in the media and to intimal fibrosis. The formation of a distinct compact muscular media with internal and external lamin˦ in the wall of the vein is pathognomonic of pulmonary venous hypertension. The characteristic severe intimal fibrosis in the vein may be cellular or acellular; it is more pronounced in the adult with acquired pulmonary venous hypertension than in the child with congenital pulmonary venous hypertension. In the lung substance, the earliest sign of pulmonary venous hypertension is capillary distension with pulmonary h˦mosiderosis. Later severe changes occur. These are the formation and subsequent organisation of œdema coagulum in the alveolar spaces and walls. Finally, the affected lung is solid with intra-alveolar fibrosis, chronic pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, and packing of the air spaces with macrophages, many of which contain h˦mosiderin. Spicules of bone form in the alveolar spaces infrequently. The changes in the lung substance are characteristic of, but not pathognomonic of, pulmonary venous hypertension since they occur in other conditions, including pulmonary infarction.
Unconventional spin order in the triangular lattice system NaCrO2: A neutron scattering study

Abstract We report high resolution neutron scattering measurements on the rhombohedrally stacked triangular antiferromagnet NaCrO2 which has recently been shown to exhibit an unusually broad fluctuating cross-over regime extending far below the onset of spin freezing at T c . Our results show that at T c purely two-dimensional quasi-static spin correlations of the 120° type exist. Below some cross-over temperature ( T ∼ 0.75 T c ) a small incommensuration develops which helps resolve the inter-layer spin frustration and drives short-range three-dimensional magnetic order. This incommensuration assisted dimensional cross-over suggests that inter-layer frustration is responsible for stabilizing the rare 2D correlated phase above 0.75 T c .
Algal Distribution Patterns in Lake Erie: Implications for Oxygen Balances in the Eastern Basin

Abstract Depleted oxygen levels in Lake Erie once resulted in massive fish die-offs and changes in the lake's gross chemistry and biology. Given the reductions in phosphorus loads to the lake and recent invasion by Dreissenid mussels, it is likely that the sources of primary production within the lake will shift (surface, subsurface, or benthic), and that these changes may influence the lake's oxygen balance. From 1997–98, the biomass and taxonomic composition of major algal assemblages was measured (surface, subsurface, and benthic) at 16 sites throughout the entire lake (n = 100). Following thermal stratification, a subsurface phytoplankton assemblage developed in the deep waters (15–40 m depth) of all three basins in Lake Erie, and its biomass was significantly greater than surface phytoplankton (2.70 versus 1.91 mg chl/m 3 ). In the eastern basin, all samples collected from lake sediments contained considerable concentrations of phaeopigments, while only 32% of the samples contained chlorophyll (8 of 25 samples). Microscopic analysis confirmed that viable benthic algae were present in all samples analyzed (range from 6.8 to 35.2 mg C/m 2 ); however because most were pelagic diatom species, it is likely they settled out the water column. Dissolved oxygen concentrations varied 10-fold among the 57 samples taken in Lake Erie from July-October (range 1.35 to 13.26 mg/L). Most of this variation was related to changes in concentration with water column depth, with the lower values being measured in bottom waters. In the eastern basin, hypolimnetic depletion rates were similar to those measured during the 1970–80s (1.6 to 2.2 mg O 2 /L/month). Therefore, despite the occurrence of both subsurface phytoplankton and benthic algal assemblages, the rate of hypolimnetic oxygen depletion in the eastern basin of Lake Erie has not changed, suggesting that physical factors play a major role in mediating this process.
Artificial-Immune-System-Based Detection Scheme for Aircraft Engine Failures

A detection scheme based on the artificial immune system paradigm was developed for specific classes of aircraft jet engine actuator and sensor failures, including throttle, burner fuel-flow valve, variable nozzle-area actuator, variablemixer-area actuator, low-pressure spool-speed sensor, low-pressure turbine exit static-pressure sensor, and mixer pressure-ratio sensor. The NASA Modular Aero-Propulsion System Simulation model was linearized and interfaced with a supersonic fighter aircraft model and a motion-based flight simulator, providing the adequate framework for development and testing. Several engine actuator and sensor failures weremodeled and implemented into this simulation environment. A five-dimensional hyperspace was determined to build the self within the artificial immune system paradigm for detection purposes. The artificial immune system interactive design environment based on evolutionary algorithms developed at West Virginia University was used for data processing, detector generation, and optimization. Flight-simulation data for system development and testing were acquired through experiments in a motion-based flight simulator over extended areas of the flight envelope. The performance of the artificial-immune-system-based detection scheme was evaluated in terms of detection rates and false alarms. Results show that the artificial-immune-system-based approach has excellent potential for the detection of all of the classes of engine failures considered.
Improved measurement of 13C, 31P J coupling constants in isotopically labeled RNA.

Abstract 3JCP coupling constants have been measured in 1 99% 13C, 15N labeled lead-dependent ribozyme, known as the leadzyme. These coupling constants were determined by analysis of the intensity of individual crosspeaks in a spin-echo difference constant time HSQC experiment. This procedure permits improved measurement of the 3JC2′P and 3JC4′P coupling constants in isotopically labeled RNA and yielded valuable information on the β and ϵ backbone torsion angles in the leadzyme.
Spectroscopy and Kinetics of HgBr (B-X) Formation Due to Collisions of Helium Ions with Methyl Mercury Bromide Molecules

Abstract Emission resulting from collisions of 100–1000 eV He· and He2· ions with CH3HgBr molecules has been characterized in the 244–580 nm region. Emission bands due to HgBr (B-X), CH(A-X), and CH(B-X) transitions were observed besides atomic mercury lines. Emission cross-sections as a function of energy of helium ions for the strongest band of HgBr radical at 502 nm corresponding to the transition (v' = 0 − v′ = 22) were determined.
Pre-Clinical Evaluation of rHDL Encapsulated Retinoids for the Treatment of Neuroblastoma

Despite major advances in pediatric cancer research, there has been only modest progress in the survival of children with high risk neuroblastoma (HRNB). The long term survival rates of HRNB in the United States are still only 30-50%. Due to resistance that often develops during therapy, development of new effective strategies is essential to improve the survival and overcome the tendency of HRNB patients to relapse subsequent to initial treatment. Current chemotherapy regimens also have a serious limitation due to off target toxicity. In the present work, we evaluated the potential application of reconstituted high density lipoprotein (rHDL) containing fenretinide (FR) nanoparticles as a novel approach to current neuroblastoma therapeutics. The characterization and stability studies of rHDL-FR nanoparticles showed small size (<40nm) and high encapsulation efficiency. The cytotoxicity studies of free FR vs. rHDL/ FR towards the neuroblastoma cell lines SK-N-SH and SMS-KCNR showed 2.8 and 2 fold lower IC50 values for the rHDL encapsulated FR vs. free FR. More importantly, the IC50 value for retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19), a recipient of off target toxicity during FR therapy, was over 40 times higher for the rHDL/ FR as compared to that of free FR. The overall improvement in in vitro selective therapeutic efficiency was thus about 100 fold upon encapsulation of the drug into the rHDL nanoparticles. These studies support the potential value of this novel drug delivery platform for treating pediatric cancers in general, and neuroblastoma in particular
Protective role of the glutathione redox cycle against adriamycin-mediated toxicity in isolated hepatocytes.

Abstract Incubation of isolated rat hepatocytes with 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-l-nitrosourea (BCNU) resulted in the selective and extensive (> 90 per cent) inactivation of glutathione reductase. BCNU also depleted intracellular glutathione by 70 per cent but had no significant effect on Cell viability or lipid peroxidation. Incubation of BCNU-treated hepatocytes with adriamycin (ADR) resulted in a decrease in Cell viability concurrent with an increase in lipid peroxidation. These effects were not observed with untreated hepatocytes incubated with ADR. Glutathione depletion with diethylmaleate and incubation with ADR did not result in a significant decrease in Cell viability or increase in lipid peroxidation. Incubation of BCNU-treated hepatocytes with ADR in the presence of exogenous α-tocopherol resulted in a significant amount of protection from ADR-mediated damage.
Spectral Computation of Tandem Mirror Equilibria with Finite Larmor Radius Effects

A direct iterative method of solving for Tandem equilibria by moving magnetic field lines in a manner to satisfy the linearized equilibrium equations converges much more rapidly than standard relaxation techniques, typically in under a fifty iterations. At the highest β’s the number of iterations increase, but is still far less than other methods. In quadrupole tandem mirror equilibrium, octupole and higher distortions of the flux surfaces are important which forces us to abandon finite differences in the angle-like flux variable and resort to a spectral decomposition to solve the equilibrium equations. We display equilibria at the high β expected for MFTF-B and show how Finite Larmor Radius (FLR) effects strongly suppress these azimuthal distortions.
Gymnasts exhibit higher bone mass than runners despite similar prevalence of amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea.

Female athletes exhibit a higher prevalence of exercise-associated amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea compared with nonathletic women, and both conditions are related to reduced bone mineral density (BMD), particularly at the spine. This study investigated bone mass and oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea in two groups of competitive female athletes with different skeletal loading patterns: gymnasts and runners. Bone mineral density (g/cm2) of the femoral neck, lumbar spine (L2-4), and whole body was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (QDR-1000/W, Hologic Inc., Waltham, MA) in collegiate gymnasts (n = 21) and runners (n = 20), and nonathletic college women (n = 19). The runners and gymnasts had similar values for percent body fat (14.7 +/- 2.2% and 15.6 +/- 2.9%, respectively), which were lower (p controls = 0.97 +/- 0.10 g/cm2 > runners = 0.88 +/- 0.11 g/cm2. Whole body BMD was lower (p < 0.01) in runners (1.04 +/- 0.06 g/cm2) compared with gymnasts and controls (1.11 +/- 0.08 and 1.09 +/- 0.06 g/cm2, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Uncertainty and Retail Location Patterns

(1970). Uncertainty and Retail Location Patterns. Applied Economics: Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 289-298.
Hyperthermia considerations for a conducting cylinder heated by an oscillating electric field applied parallel to the cylinder axis

An exact solution is given for the electric field intensity throughout a long conducting cylinder when the oscillating field is applied parallel to the cylinder axis. Implications of importance for clinical hyperthermia are that frequencies up to 20 MHz can be used without significant losses due to depth penetration.
Internally generated conscious contents: interactions between sustained mental imagery and involuntary subvocalizations

The conscious field includes not only representations about external stimuli (e.g., percepts), but also conscious contents associated with internal states, such as action-related intentions (e.g., urges). Although understudied, the latter may provide unique insights into the nature of consciousness. To illuminate these phenomena, in a new experimental paradigm (Reflexive Imagery Task [RIT]), participants were instructed to not subvocalize the names of visually-presented objects. Each object was presented for 10 s on a screen. Participants indicated whenever they involuntarily subvocalized the object name. Research has revealed that it is difficult to suppress such subvocalizations, which occur on over 80% of the trials. Can the effect survive if one intentionally generates a competing (internally-generated) conscious content? If so, this would suggest that intentional and unintentional contents can co-exist simultaneously in consciousness in interesting ways. To investigate this possibility, in one condition, participants were instructed to reiteratively subvocalize a speech sound (“da, da, da”) throughout the trial. This internally generated content is self-generated and intentional. Involuntary subvocalizations of object names still arose on over 80% of the trials. One could hypothesize that subvocalizations occurred because of the pauses between the intended speech sounds, but this is inconsistent with the observation that comparable results arose even when participants subvocalized a continuous, unbroken hum (“daaa….”) throughout the trial. Regarding inter-content interactions, the continuous hum and object name seem to co-exist simultaneously in consciousness. This intriguing datum requires further investigation. We discuss the implications of this new paradigm for the study of internally-generated conscious contents.
Social Technologies, Informal Knowledge Practices, and the Enterprise

This article focuses on the ways in which social technologies facilitate informal knowledge sharing in the workplace. Social technologies include both common technologies such as email, phone, and instant messenger and emerging social networking technologies, often known as social media or Web 2.0, such as blogs, wikis, public social networking sites (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn), enterprise social networking technologies, etc. We know social technologies support informal interactions over digital systems and influence informal social connections among people within and across organizational boundaries. To understand the role of social technologies in informal knowledge practices, we pursue a field study of knowledge workers in consulting firms to investigate the role of social technologies in their informal knowledge sharing practices. Our theorizing from the data is guided by the conceptual premises of sociomateriality to better understand the ways social technologies are integrated with commo...
Architectural support for operating system-driven CMP cache management

The role of the operating system (OS) in managing shared resources such as CPU time, memory, peripherals, and even energy is well motivated and understood [23]. Unfortunately, one key resource — lower-level shared cache in chip multi-processors — is commonly managed purely in hardware by rudimentary replacement policies such as least-recently-used (LRU). The rigid nature of the hardware cache management policy poses a serious problem since there is no single best cache management policy across all sharing scenarios. For example, the cache management policy for a scenario where applications from a single organization are running under "best effort" performance expectation is likely to be different from the policy for a scenario where applications from competing business entities (say, at a third party data center) are running under a minimum service level expectation. When it comes to managing shared caches, there is an inherent tension between flexibility and performance. On one hand, managing the shared cache in the OS offers immense policy flexibility since it may be implemented in software. Unfortunately, it is prohibitively expensive in terms of performance for the OS to be involved in managing temporally fine-grain events such as cache allocation. On the other hand, sophisticated hardware-only cache management techniques to achieve fair sharing or throughput maximization have been proposed. But they offer no policy flexibility. This paper addresses this problem by designing architectural support for OS to efficiently manage shared caches with a wide variety of policies. Our scheme consists of a hardware cache quota management mechanism, an OS interface and a set of OS level quota orchestration policies. The hardware mechanism guarantees that OS-specified quotas are enforced in shared caches, thus eliminating the need for (and the performance penalty of) temporally fine-grained OS intervention. The OS retains policy flexibility since it can tune the quotas during regularly scheduled OS interventions. We demonstrate that our scheme can support a wide range of policies including policies that provide (a) passive performance differentiation, (b) reactive fairness by miss-rate equalization and (c) reactive performance differentiation.
Distinct roles for telethonin N-versus C-terminus in sarcomere assembly and maintenance.

The N-terminus of telethonin forms a unique structure linking two titin N-termini at the Z-disc. While a specific role for the C-terminus has not been established, several studies indicate it may have a regulatory function. Using a morpholino approach in Xenopus, we show that telethonin knockdown leads to embryonic paralysis, myocyte defects, and sarcomeric disruption. These myopathic defects can be rescued by expressing full-length telethonin mRNA in morpholino background, indicating that telethonin is required for myofibrillogenesis. However, a construct missing C-terminal residues is incapable of rescuing motility or sarcomere assembly in cultured myocytes. We, therefore, tested two additional constructs: one where four C-terminal phosphorylatable residues were mutated to alanines and another where terminal residues were randomly replaced. Data from these experiments support that the telethonin C-terminus is required for assembly, but in a context-dependent manner, indicating that factors and forces present in vivo can compensate for C-terminal truncation or mutation. Developmental Dynamics 239:1124–1135, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Predictors of isolated pulmonary hypertension in patients with systemic sclerosis and limited cutaneous involvement

Objective To determine whether there are factors, such as the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) or pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) on echocardiogram, that can predict the development of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) in patients with limited scleroderma. Methods Using the large Pittsburgh Scleroderma Databank, 106 patients who had the diagnosis of PHT after January 1, 1982, were matched with 106 controls by scleroderma subtype, age, sex, race, disease duration, and the mean time to the diagnosis of PHT after the initial Pittsburgh visit. Autoantibodies, vascular features, use of calcium channel blockers, extent of pulmonary function, and echocardiogram findings were determined at any time prior to the diagnosis of PHT (or prior to the matched time in controls). Results Patients with PHT had a mean DLCO of 52% of predicted at an average of 4.5 years prior to the diagnosis of PHT. This was markedly decreased compared with the values in controls, whose mean DLCO was 81% of predicted (P < 0.0001). The estimated mean PAP on echocardiogram was only slightly higher in the PHT patients compared with controls (34 mm Hg versus 29 mm Hg; P not significant). Nineteen PHT patients had 4 serial measurements of the DLCO during the 15 years prior to the diagnosis of PHT. The initial mean DLCO was 80% of predicted, which decreased in a linear manner to a mean of 35% of predicted at the time of diagnosis of PHT, whereas the value in controls remained at ∼80% of predicted (P < 0.0001). PHT patients had more severe Raynaud's phenomenon and more severe digital tip ulcers, but they used calcium channel blockers significantly less frequently (37% versus 61% of controls; P < 0.01). The predominance of nucleolar autoantibodies and the absence of anti–Scl 70 antibody were associated with PHT. Conclusion A decreasing DLCO is an excellent predictor of the subsequent development of isolated PHT in limited scleroderma. The DLCO may be significantly decreased for many years prior to the diagnosis of PHT. The presence of autoantibodies and the PAP may also be helpful predictors. The long-term use of calcium channel blockers may be protective, but newer agents that are more effective in treating PHT may also be helpful in altering the natural history of this serious complication in limited scleroderma.
Unit-cell geometry in plain-weave fabrics during shear deformations

The evolution of microstructure in dry plain-weave fabric during large shear deformation is described. The entire geometry of the unit cell is defined by four sinusoidal curves in terms of the yarn width, yarn spacing and fabric thickness. The change in microstructure throughout shear deformation prior to wrinkling is predicted by using only measured parameters from the undeformed fabric. Comparisons between the predicted and experimental values are included. The microstructure is shown to evolve considerably prior to wrinkling. Expressions relating fiber volume fraction to the level of shear deformation are also presented. The possibility that unit-cell volume fractions may vary by a factor of two in parts with complex curvature is shown to exist. Implications for manufacturing issues such as preform permeability and thermal conduction during forming and for mechanical property prediction of textile composites are discussed.
CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION AND TEXTURE OF CANNED PEACH HALVES INFECTED WITH Byssochlamys fulva

Byssochlamys fulva is a mold that produces ascospores which can survive thermal processing and cause spoilage of canned fruit products. The growth of B. fulva was examined in ‘Loring’ and ‘Babygold 6’ peach halves which had been processed in 40° Brix sucrose syrup, removed from cans, and then infected with this organism. Ascospore production and changes in soluble solids, total solids, pH, total acidity, total and water soluble pectin, and texture were determined 2, 4, 8 and 16 days post infection. Results indicated that ascospore production began after 8 days and was not affected by the variety or maturity of the peach. Decreases in soluble and total solids in inoculated peaches after 4 days was attributed to utilization of sucrose and conversion of peach constitutents to volatile components. There was little change in pH and total acidity of the peaches during the growth of the mold. The pectic enzymes secreted by B. fulva resulted in an initial increase in water soluble pectin followed by a decrease in total and water soluble pectins. Textural changes were noted in inoculated peaches as compared to controls. Inoculated mature peach halves of both test varieties softened more quickly than did immature halves.
Urban forestry priorities of Massachusetts (USA) tree wardens

As part of a survey we sent to tree wardens (individuals responsible for public trees) in communities in Massachusetts, USA, we examined which urban forest management tools and activities were most important to tree wardens themselves. Tree wardens generally agreed that inter-departmental communication and Chapter 87 (a state law promulgating the powers of a tree warden) were more important than having a qualified tree warden, an advocacy/advisory group, or a management plan (measures recognized by the USDA Forest Service in the Community Accomplishment Reporting System). Nearly all tree wardens prioritized removing dead and hazard trees. We discuss management implications of our results, paying particular attention to the importance of state laws in supporting urban forest management.
Examination of blood-brain barrier permeability in dementia of the Alzheimer type with [68Ga]EDTA and positron emission tomography.

Positron emission tomography with [68Ga]ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ([68Ga]EDTA) was used to examine the integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in five patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type and in five healthy age-matched controls. Within a scanning time of 90 min, there was no evidence that measurable intravascular tracer entered the brain in either the dementia or the control group. An upper limit for the cerebrovascular permeability–surface area product of [68Ga]EDTA was estimated as 2 × 10−6 S−1 in both groups. The results provide no evidence for breakdown of the BBB in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type.
Research advances on pesticide resistance in natural enemies

Recent research on the factors governing resistance development among arthropod natural enemies is reviewed, including selection studies of resistance development in the predatory miteAmblyseius fallacis (Garman) andTetranychus urticae Koch and patterns of toxicity to pesticides and mixed function oxidase activity in a group of pests, predators and parasites. New areas of resistance development in the speciesPhytoseiulus persimilis A. H. andTyphlodromus pyri Scheuten are discussed as are genetic studies of resistance inP. persimilis and the toxicology of resistance inA. fallacis. Lastly, the widespread documentation of resistance inA. fallacis, a predator of plant-feeding mites, the cecidomyidAphidoletes aphidimyza (Rond.), a predator of aphids and 2 parasites of leafhopper in orchards of North America, is discussed relative to the long-term use of organophosphate-based insecticides and programs of integrated pest control.
Transient investigation of a two phase closed thermosyphon flat plate solar water heater

This work presents an unsteady state theoretical and experimental investigation of natural circulation two phase closed thermosyphon flat plate solar water heaters. The governing equations of the heater storage tank and connecting pipes are presented and generalized in dimensionless form, while the governing equations of the different components of the collector were previously discussed by the author. Also, the author's earlier simulation program of the collector is modified to include the solution of the dimensionless governing equations of the present analysis. For verifying the modified simulation program, a two phase closed thermosyphon solar water heater is designed, constructed and tested at different meteorological conditions, initial storage tank temperatures and different hot water withdrawal load patterns. The comparison between the experimental results and their corresponding simulated ones shows considerable agreement.
Organophosphorus neuropathy target esterase inhibitors selectively block outgrowth of neurite-like and cell processes in cultured cells

This study compares two direct-acting neuropathy target esterase (NTE) inhibitors (mipafox and 2-octyl-4H-1,3,2-benzodioxophosphorin 2-oxide (OBDPO)), a metabolic precursor to an NTE inhibitor (tri-o-cresyl phosphate or TOCP) and a potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (chlorpyrifos oxon or CPO) for their effects on outgrowth of neurite-like and cell processes and on viability in differentiated cultured cells (rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC-12) and brain glial tumor (C6)). The direct-acting NTE inhibitors block process outgrowth by 50% or more at 50–100 μM for OBDPO and 100–200 μM for mipafox, well below their cytotoxic levels (EC50 values, 445–474 μM for OBDPO and 1021–1613 μM for mipafox). In contrast, the effects on process development for TOCP and CPO parallel their cytotoxicity. These findings suggest that inhibition of neurite-like and cell process outgrowth by OBDPO and mipafox may be associated with NTE inhibition.
Flooding limit in closed, two-phase flow thermosyphons

Abstract A one-dimensional, steady-state analytical model was developed to predict the CCFL in GATPTs, which treats the shear stress at the liquid-vapor interface as the sum of two terms: (a) adiabatic shear stress; and (b) dynamic shear stress. The latter accounts for the effect of evaporation/condensation at the liquid-vapor interface. The model predictions were in good agreement (within ±10%) with the data of other investigators for water and methanol. The results showed that neglecting the dynamic shear stress at intermediate and high liquid film flows underestimates the film Reynolds number at CCFL by more than 20%. The model was used to develop operation maps for R-113, acetone, methanol, heptane, water and Dowtherm-A working fluids, which give the film Reynolds number at the CCFL (or maximum power throughput) as a function of the vapor temperature in the range from 250 to 700 K. The effects of the thermosyphon inner diameter and length of the evaporator section on the film Reynolds number at CCFL were also investigated.
Lovastatin inhibits oxidized L-A-phosphatidylcholine B-arachidonoyl-gamma-palmitoyl (ox-PAPC)-stimulated interleukin-8 mRNA and protein synthesis in human aortic endothelial cells by depleting stores of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate

Human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) exposed to 50 microg/ml oxidized L-A-phosphatidylcholine B-arachidonoyl-gamma-palmitoyl (ox-PAPC) for 6h increased in interleukin-8 mRNA and protein levels. Preincubation of HAEC with the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG CoA) inhibitor, (20 microM), significantly inhibited ox-PAPC-stimulated interleukin-8 mRNA and protein levels. Mevalonate (200 microM) reversed the inhibition of ox-PAPC-stimulated mRNA and protein levels by lovastatin, indicating the inhibitory effect of lovastatin was due to inhibition of mevalonate synthesis. Addition of the geranylgeraniol (GGOL, 10 microM) but not farnesol (FOL, 10 microM), reversed the inhibitory effect of lovastatin on interleukin-8 mRNA and protein levels stimulated by ox-PAPC, indicating that lovastatin exerted its effect by inhibiting stores of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) which are necessary for geranylgeranylation of proteins. These results suggest a new mechanism for lovastatin in preventing atherosclerosis by inhibiting the inflammatory response that takes place in the vascular wall.
Mechanisms of increased brain glucose and glycogen after hydrocortisone: Possible clinical significance

We reported previously that chronic administration of hydrocortisone to normal developing mice increases the brain glucose content and cerebral energy reserve. The present report concerns possible mechanisms of this action. Increases in brain glucose (and glycogen) levels were not due to reduction of cerebral metabolic rate, and the effect of hydrocortisone in facilitating transport of hexose from blood to brain was not impressive. Chronic hydrocortisone treatment induced increases in the activities of brain glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and pyruvate carboxylase in vivo; there was no effect on eleven other enzymes of brain glucose and glycogen metabolism. In normal nursing mice, hydrocortisone produced consistent elevations in plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate (and glycerol) levels. Brain beta-hydroxybutyrate levels were also increased. Therefore, the brain glucose concentration may be elevated in these animals because of the availability of an increased supply of ketone bodies as alternative substrates for cerebral oxidative metabolism and biosynthesis. Ketonemia, elevated cerebral glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, and increased glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity in brain suggest possible explanations for the beneficial action of adrenocorticotropic hormone and glucocorticoids in the treatment of infantile myoclonic epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
Identification of structure by the common-sense approach.

SUMMARY Mistakes are often made and perpetuated in the three-dimensional interpretation of single sections. Such errors can be avoided and corrected if the observer considers carefully what kind of three-dimensional shape has the greatest probability of yielding profiles such as are seen in the microscope; and if he does not take certain published or verbal statements at their face value.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With a Paranoid Schizophrenic Patient

This case study describes the cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) of a married adult male diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. “Michael” was initially oriented to CBT for psychosis (CBTp) in a partial hospital program at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. Michael was then followed as an outpatient over 30 weekly sessions of CBTp. Over the course of treatment, Michael remained paranoid. However, his self-reported levels of conviction and preoccupation decreased measurably, and he experienced improvements in mood and psychosocial functioning. These results support a growing body of research demonstrating effectiveness of CBTp with schizophrenia and have implications for solo practitioners facing pressure to utilize evidence-based treatments. Further research is needed on the effectiveness of CBTp in outpatient settings.
K -meson multiplicities in B -meson decays

We describe a systematic procedure for analyzing K-meson multiplicity in nonleptonic and semileptonic B-meson decays. The procedure is illustrated. This analysis suggests that the branching ratio for decays b..-->..cc-bars and b..-->..cu-bard+ss-bar is roughly 50% of the nonleptonic b-quark decay.
Undersampling power-law size distributions: effect on the assessment of extreme natural hazards

The effect of undersampling on estimating the size of extreme natural hazards from historical data is examined. Tests using synthetic catalogs indicate that the tail of an empirical size distribution sampled from a pure Pareto probability distribution can range from having one-to-several unusually large events to appearing depleted, relative to the parent distribution. Both of these effects are artifacts caused by limited catalog length. It is more difficult to diagnose the artificially depleted empirical distributions, since one expects that a pure Pareto distribution is physically limited in some way. Using maximum-likelihood methods and the method of moments, we estimate the power-law exponent and the corner size parameter of tapered Pareto distributions for several natural hazard examples: tsunamis, floods, and earthquakes. Each of these examples has varying catalog lengths and measurement thresholds, relative to the largest event sizes. In many cases where there are only several orders of magnitude between the measurement threshold and the largest events, joint two-parameter estimation techniques are necessary to account for estimation dependence between the power-law scaling exponent and the corner size parameter. Results indicate that whereas the corner size parameter of a tapered Pareto distribution can be estimated, its upper confidence bound cannot be determined and the estimate itself is often unstable with time. Correspondingly, one cannot statistically reject a pure Pareto null hypothesis using natural hazard catalog data. Although physical limits to the hazard source size and attenuation mechanisms from source to site constrain the maximum hazard size, historical data alone often cannot reliably determine the corner size parameter. Probabilistic assessments incorporating theoretical constraints on source size and propagation effects are preferred over deterministic assessments of extreme natural hazards based on historical data.
Implications of boundary singularities in complex geometries

Abstract Viscoelastic flow problems are singular in Weissenberg number whenever the stress for the corresponding Newtonian flow becomes infinite at a boundary point (a re-entrant corner, for example); this is the apparent reason that the critical Weissenberg number in numerical computation decreases with increasing refinement for sufficiently fine meshes. The explicit form of the singularity for the second order fluid shows that viscoelastic stresses reach physically-unrealistic values over length scales at which the continuum hypothesis remains valid, and non-integrable stresses can result. The present study points to the need for new formulations (constitutive models and/or boundary conditions) for the description of viscoelastic flows near boundary discontinuities.
Robust bidding in LCS using loan and bid history

Traditional Learning Classifier Systems (LCS) learn syntactically simple string rules in an auction based competitive market economy by continuously interacting with their environment through a reinforcement program. All classifiers participating in an auction issue a bid proportional to their strength and a winner classifier is allowed to fire and receive a reward or punishment from its environment as a consequence of its action. However, in this kind of bidding strategy, optimal classifiers with low strength have to wait until the strength of bad classifiers has come down through continuous taxation. This slows down the convergence rate. In addition, as Genetic Algorithm(GA) has some degree of randomness, offspring classifiers that come from weak parents inherit a small strength as compared to experienced classifiers in the population and hence have to wait for some time till they mature and try their action. In this paper, we introduced bid history and loan concepts to mitigate the above shortcomings of the bidding strategy in traditional LCS. In direct analogy with real auctions, all classifiers matching the current input compare the average bid history with their potential bid based on their current strength. The average bid history parameter gives general information about the bid market (potential of competent classifiers) and determines the amount of loan a classifier should ask. We have also added a debt and due date parameters to the traditional LCS parameter list to keep track of the transaction status and accuracy and experience to grant or deny loan requests. The results obtained show a significant improvement on the performance of the system.12
Computer experimentation in and teaching of modern instrumental techniques using circular dichroism measurement as an example

Abstract Several different circular dichroism measurement techniques and instrument schemes have been examined by means of detailed Jones calculus computer simulations. The simulations are easy to set-up, extremely realistic and accurately predict what would happen if careful, well-characterized experiments were to be performed. Students can see how experiments are supposed to work and become familiar with the operational parameters. Experts can explore instrument designs and configurations, determine parameter sensitives, predict signal-to-noise ratios, calibration linearities, dynamic ranges, and so on.
Size and surface effects on phase transitions

Abstract Size effects on liquid crystal phase transitions are investigated by scanning calorimetry of samples absorbed in porous silica. For pore diameter of order 100 A, the liquid crystal transition depressions are of order 0.1°C and the solid melting points of order 10°C.
IR-192, low dose rate endobronchial brachytherapy in the treatment of malignant airway obstruction.

Abstract Purpose: To assess the value of low-dose-rate endobronchial brachytherapy in the treatment of malignant airway obstruction. Methods and Materials: Between September 1986 and April 1989, 39 patients with malignant airway obstruction had 49 catheter placements for an afterloading, low-dose-rate Ir-192 endobronchial brachytherapy. A flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope with fluoroscopic guidance was used for positioning. Thirty-eight of 39 (97%) patients completed the prescribed treatments. Ninety-seven percent had received previous external radiation in doses ranging from 36–60 Gy. One patient had metastatic renal cell carcinoma; the remainder had recurrent lung cancer. Endobronchial laser treatments were given to three patients 2–3 weeks prior to endobronchial brachytherapy. All patients were followed until death. The median dose delivered in 48 of the 49 placements was 20 Gy at 1 cm. Results: Follow-up bronchoscopy was performed in 28 (72%) of 39 patients. Of these, 13 (46%) had a complete response, 12 (43%) had a partial response, and 3 (17%) had a minor response. Dyspnea improved in 30 of 37 patients (82%); hemoptysis in 17 of 19 patients (89%); cough in 31 of 39 patients (79%); and postobstructive pneumonia in 21 of 23 patients (92%). The median survival for the entire group was 5 months (range 1–31 months). Conclusion: This technique is simple, well-tolerated and offered significant palliation.
Characterization of polybutadiene-coated zirconia and comparison to conventional bonded phases by use of linear solvation energy relationships

Abstract This paper describes the use of linear solvation energy relationships (LSERs) to thermodynamically characterize retention on a reversed-phase type material based on polybutadiene (PBD)-coated zirconia. Retention data were obtained for a large set of judiciously selected test solutes on four PBD phases (carbon loads varying from 1.5 to 5.6% by weight) in various methanol-water mobile phases. Based on the LSERs, the free energy of retention was dissected into contributions from cavity formation/dispersive interactions, dipolar interactions, and hydrogen bond (HB) donor-acceptor interactions. The PBD-zirconia phases were compared to conventional silica-based bonded reversed phases. As is the case with conventional bonded phases, the solute's size and HB acceptor basicity are the predominant retention determining factors, and on the whole, PBD-zirconia phases closely resemble conventional chemically bonded reversed phase materials. Interestingly, the solute's basicity has a larger effect on its retention on the PBD-zirconia phase than on conventional bonded phases, so relative to their behavior on conventional phases, strong hydrogen bases and highly dipolar analytes, when compared to nonpolar solutes, are less strongly retained on PBD-zirconia than on conventional phases. PBD-zirconia and conventional phases are so similar that there should be little difficulty in transferring separation methods between phases.
Dynamic size spectrometry of airborne microorganisms: Laboratory evaluation and calibration

Bioaerosol samplers need to be calibrated for the microorganisms of interest. The Aerosizer, a relatively new aerodynamic size spectrometer, is shown to be a suitable dynamic instrument for the evaluation and calibration of such samplers in the laboratory, prior to their use in the field. It provides the necessary reference count against which the microbiological response of the sampler can be compared. It measures the health-significant aerodynamic diameters of microorganisms down to 0.5 μm, thus including most of the bacteria, fungi and pollen found in outdoor and indoor air environments. Comparison tests with a laser size spectrometer indicate that the suspension of microorganisms needs to be washed several times before aerosolization to avoid coating of the airborne microorganisms with nutrients and microbial slime from the suspension, and to reduce the residue particles to sizes below the lowest size of the aerosolized microorganisms.
Potential of Multivariate Quantitative Methods for Delineation and Visualization of Ecoregions

Multivariate clustering based on fine spatial resolution maps of elevation, temperature, precipitation, soil characteristics, and solar inputs has been used at several specified levels of division to produce a spectrum of quantitative ecoregion maps for the conterminous United States. The coarse ecoregion divisions accurately capture intuitively-understood regional environmental differences, whereas the finer divisions highlight local condition gradients, ecotones, and clines. Such statistically generated ecoregions can be produced based on user-selected continuous variables, allowing customized regions to be delineated for any specific problem. By creating an objective ecoregion classification, the ecoregion concept is removed from the limitations of human subjectivity, making possible a new array of ecologically useful derivative products. A red–green–blue visualization based on principal components analysis of ecoregion centroids indicates with color the relative combination of environmental conditions found within each ecoregion. Multiple geographic areas can be classified into a single common set of quantitative ecoregions to provide a basis for comparison, or maps of a single area through time can be classified to portray climatic or environmental changes geographically in terms of current conditions. Quantified representativeness can characterize borders between ecoregions as gradual, sharp, or of changing character along their length. Similarity of any ecoregion to all other ecoregions can be quantified and displayed as a “representativeness” map. The representativeness of an existing spatial array of sample locations or study sites can be mapped relative to a set of quantitative ecoregions, suggesting locations for additional samples or sites. In addition, the shape of Hutchinsonian niches in environment space can be defined if a multivariate range map of species occurrence is available.
Secularization, History, and Political Theology: The Hans Blumenberg and Carl Schmitt Debate

Considering the enormous outpouring of scholarly work on Schmitt over the last two decades, the absence of an adequate treatment in English of Schmitt’s concept of history and the problem of secularization is quite surprising. After all, it is Schmitt himself who claims that “all human beings who plan and attempt to unite the masses behind their plans engage in some form of philosophy of history,” such that the attempt to make sense of Schmitt’s program remains incomplete without a serious treatment of his philosophy of history. This article is an attempt to address this problem by means of his exchange with Hans Blumenberg who, more than any other critic of Schmitt, was privy to the political intentions behind Schmitt’s metaphorical use of theology. While their discussion is extensive and wide-ranging, I focus here on their diverging philosophies of history, precisely that aspect that is most relevant to gaining a more expansive understanding of Schmitt’s arguments, and indeed the relationship between political thought and historical thought.