cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Bare-Metal Stents and Drug-Eluting Stents in Coronary Ostial Lesions (from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Dynamic Registry)

We compared the effectiveness of drug-eluting stents (DESs) to bare-metal stents (BMSs) in ostial lesions from an unrestricted patient cohort with 3-year follow-up. DESs have proved more effective at decreasing repeat revascularization rates compared to BMSs in patients with uncomplicated coronary artery disease. Whether DESs provide similar benefits in ostial lesions is not clearly defined. We analyzed data from 775 patients in the National, Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Dynamic Registry undergoing stenting of ostial lesions with DESs or BMSs. Patients were followed for 3 years for the occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI), repeat revascularization (coronary bypass surgery/repeat percutaneous coronary intervention), and death. In total 439 patients had 464 ostial lesions treated with BMSs and 336 patients had 351 ostial lesions treated with DESs. Adjusted DES versus BMS 3-year hazard ratios were 1.03 (95% confidence interval 0.60 to 1.78, p = 0.90) for death, 1.40 (0.83 to 2.37, p = 0.21) for MI, and 0.81 (0.59 to 1.11, p = 0.19) for repeat revascularization. In patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for aorto-ostial disease (n = 200), death and repeat revascularization did not differ between stent types, but DES-treated patients had more MI during follow-up. For coronary ostial disease (n = 574), 3-year observed rates of death or MI did not differ; however, repeat revascularization was more common in the BMS group. In conclusion, use of DESs for ostial lesions was associated with no difference in the hazard of death, MI, or overall rates of repeat revascularization compared to BMS use.
Characterization of DNA isolated from metaphase chromosomes of cells containing Epstein-Barr virus.

Abstract Chromosomes of Burkitt lymphoma cells (P3J) carrying the Epstein-Barr virus were separated into three groups according to their size. The DNA from fractionated chromosomes had buoyant densities between 1.698 and 1.699 g/cm3 in CsCl, which did not significantly differ from that of nuclear DNA and total cell DNA. Thermal denaturation (Tm: 84–85°) and overall base composition (42–43 % G+C) yielded values for the G+C content of the P3J chromosomal DNA which did not appreciably vary from those obtained by buoyant density determinations. However, a small amount of a DNA banding at a density of 1.723 g/cm3 was found in several fractionated chromosome preparations but not in DNA preparations from other cell components.
Macroscopic Quantum Interference Effects through Superconducting Point Contacts

A small-area contact between two pieces of superconducting metal or alloy is a remarkably sensitive and convenient device for demonstrating long-range quantum interference effects. It has been shown in many experiments that the critical supercurrent through a pair of such contacts in a parallel superconducting circuit has a component periodic in the flux enclosed by the topological ring formed by the parallel circuit, the periodicity being $\frac{h}{2e}$, showing that the wave function is coherent around the ring. With this configuration we have demonstrated coherence lengths of the order of millimeters or centimeters in Nb, V, Ta, Sn, Pb, and ${\mathrm{Nb}}_{0.85}$ ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{0.15}$, in rings where the enclosed area was as large as 1 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, so that the periodicity in applied field was of the order of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}7}$ G. Both bulk and thin-film materials have been used. These experiments provide general proof of London's concept of long-range phase coherence in both type-I and type-II superconductors, and in addition lead to useful laboratory instruments. We have used such devices to show quantized flux pinning in bulk type-II superconductors and to measure the magnetic field of a rotating superconductor.
Cervical Positioning for Reduction of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Mild-to-Moderate OSAS

The objective of this study was to assess whether cervical positioning could improve mild to moderate cases of the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Eighteen subjects recruited from a tertiary sleep disorders clinic population with mild to moderate cases of OSAS were evaluated using a custom-fitted cervical pillow designed to increase upper airway caliber by promoting head extension. The subjects used their usual pillows during two consecutive recorded baseline nights in our laboratory. They then used the cervical pillow for 5 days at home and returned for 2 consecutive recorded nights at our laboratory to use the cervical pillow. During the nights in our laboratory, the subjects completed questionnaires, were videotaped to record head and body position, and had full polysomnography. The subjects had a significant trend toward improvement in their respiratory disturbance indices with use of the cervical pillow, despite spending more time in the supine position and having similar amounts of REM sleep in the baseline and experimental conditions. They also had nonsignificant trends toward improvements in their sleep efficiency and subjective depth of their sleep as well as significantly fewer arousals and awakenings in the experimental compared with the baseline condition. We propose that cervical positioning (i.e., head extension) with a custom-fitted cervical pillow provides a simple, noninvasive, and comfortable means of reducing sleep-disordered breathing in patients with mild to moderate OSAS.
Wave scattering by surface-breaking cracks and cavities

Here we suggest a new approach to the analysis of two-dimensional wave scattering by arbitrarily shaped irregularities of a boundary of the half-space. This approach employs the probabilistic method of a rigorously justified representation of the scattered waves by explicit formulas involving the computation of mathematical expectations which average the values of certain functionals computed along the trajectories of the random motion governed by specified stochastic differential equations. As typical for the random walk method, the obtained solutions admit numerical implementations by simple algorithms which are practically independent of the particular geometry of the scatterer, which are inexpensive in terms of computer memory requirements, and which have virtually unrestricted capability for parallel processing. Illustrative numerical examples include problems of wave scattering by a tilted straight crack and by a circular cavity.
Video frame rate up conversion under inconsistent camera motion

In this paper, we address the problem of video frame rate up-conversion (FRC) in the compressed domain. FRC is often recognized as video temporal interpolation. This problem is very challenging when targeted for video sequences with inconsistent camera and object motion, such as sports videos. A novel compressed domain motion compensation scheme is presented and applied in this paper, aiming at up-sampling frame rates in sports videos. MPEG-2 encoded motion vectors (MVs) are utilized as inputs in the proposed algorithm. The decoded MVs undergo a cumulative spatiotemporal interpolation. An iterative rejection scheme based on the dense motion vector field (MVF) and the generalized affine motion model is exploited to detect global camera motion. Subsequently, the foreground object separation is performed by additionally examining the temporal consistency of the output of iterative rejections. This consistency check process helps coalesce the resulting foreground blocks and weed out the unqualified blocks. Finally, different compensation strategies for the camera and object motions are applied to interpolate the new frames. Illustrative examples are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach. Experimental results are compared with the popular block and non-block based frame interpolation approaches.
Opening distance of a parachute

Opening distance and inflation time prediction for parachutes deployed supersonically based on subsonic performance
Isolation of the phycodnavirus PBCV-1 by biological laser printing

The Phycodnaviridae family of viruses is diverse genetically but similar morphologically. These viruses infect eukaryotic algal hosts from both fresh and marine waters, and are an important component of aqueous environments. They play important roles in the dynamics of algal blooms, nutrient cycling, algal community structure, and possibly gene transfer between organisms. As such, it is important to identify new viruses within the Phycodnaviridae family. Biological laser printing (BioLP) was used to isolate single virus particles from solution. BioLP prints droplets containing a single virus particle directly onto a host medium, thereby enabling viruses to be isolated from unmodified samples. This manuscript demonstrates how BioLP can be used as a single-step method to separate and possibly identify viruses from complex environmental specimens.
The Hypothalamus and Social Behavior with Special Reference to the Hormonal Control of Sexual Behavior

Abstract Social behavior consists of an organized interaction between one or more individuals of a given species with another member or members of the same species. Functionally, social behavior is associated with the organization of a specific local population of animals, and, as such, will be concerned with the organization of the group within space and, especially, with reproductive activities. Social structure is usually fundamental to reproductive activity. Thus some non-reproductive social behavior, such as territorial behavior, often actually subserves reproduction. However, social structure is frequently a function of mating relationships and other reproductive interactions. For example, aggressive behavior results in the ascendency of the cock to the top of the hierarchy in flock structure and this position results in his maintaining greater mating access to hens. Or, in territorial species, the ability to successfully acquire and defend territory can lead to breeding activity and reproductive success. Social behavior, like other . . .
Flavor-illness aversions: potentiation of odor by taste in rats

For the Sprague–Dawley rat, the odor of almond-scented water proved to be a weak cue for lithium chloride-induced illness, while the taste of saccharin water was very effective. However, when the weak almond color was combined with the strong saccharin taste into a compound cue and followed by lithium chloride-induced illness in a compound conditioning paradigm, taste strongly potentiated odor. Before illness, rats were hesitant (neophobic) to consume almond-scented saccharin solutions. During extinction tests conducted after the compound solution was paired with illness, rats displayed a stronger aversion to the odor component than to the taste component. Aversions for the odor component increased in direct proportion to the concentration of the taste component that was present only on the conditioning trial. Tests with anosmic rats indicated that almond-scented tap water was primarily an olfactory cue having little if any taste component. In contrast, when the almond odor was combined with saccharin taste in a second-order conditioning paradigm, rats did not use odor to avoid taste previously made aversive by illness; nor did they acquire aversions for taste paired with aversive odor. Synergistic potentiation of aversions for the weak stimulus component by the strong component contrasts with the interference effects usually observed in classical conditioning. Taste may index the memory for distal poison cues when toxicosis is delayed after ingesting poison to circumvent interference by intervening cues. This allows the animal to form selectively an aversion for distal poison cues, thus reducing the risk of tasting poison.
Positivism and interpretation in sociology: Lessons for sociologists from the history of stress research

This paper examines the relation between positivistic and interpretive sociology, using the stress research literature as a case study. Analyzing the cultural history of the stress concept, it uncovers four central themes: anxiety, performance, adjustment, and mentalism. Examining the self-criticisms made by scientific students of stress, it focuses on the problems of temporal order, confounding, and interaction. Comparison of the cultural and scientific literatures shows that while some of the positivists' complaints derive from general methodological choices, others come from inescapable aspects of the culture's general idea of stress. Considering the past development of stress research, the paper argues that positivism and interpretation have not been Cartesian opposites but interpenetrating fractals. It then speculates about what this relation implies for future positivistic studies, both in the stress literature and more generally.
Distinct Roles for the Actin Nucleators Arp2/3 and hDia1 during NK-Mediated Cytotoxicity

Summary Background Several actin nucleators, including Arp2/3 and various formins, control numerous cytoskeletal-based functions in vivo. Results We investigated the relative roles of these nucleators. As a model system, we used natural killer (NK) lymphocytes, which display a wide range of cytoskeletal-based functions that culminate in the lysis of target cells. NK cells lacking either Arp2/3 or the formin hDia1 were ineffective in target cell lysis, but for distinct reasons. Loss of Arp2/3 function led to defects in cell adhesion and actin assembly at the junction with the target cell (the lytic synapse). In contrast, loss of hDia1 did not disrupt actin assembly at the lytic synapse. Instead, loss of hDia1 led to perturbations in the microtubule cytoskeleton, including the targeting of microtubules to the lytic synapse. Conclusions These studies reveal novel distinctions and relationships among the functions of Arp2/3, formins, and microtubules in cells. Notably, a formin mediates the capture of microtubules at the cell periphery.
Neutropenia during combination therapy of interferon alfa and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C

Interferon therapy of hepatitis C causes a decrease in neutrophil counts, and neutropenia is a common reason for dose adjustment or early discontinuation. However, it is unclear whether neutropenia caused by interferon is associated with an increased rate of infection. In this study, we assessed factors associated and clinical consequences of neutropenia before and during interferon therapy of chronic hepatitis C. A total of 119 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with the combination of interferon alfa and ribavirin were analyzed. In these studies, neutropenia was not used as an exclusion or dose modification criterion. In multivariate analysis, only black race was associated with baseline neutropenia. During treatment, neutrophil counts decreased by an average of 34%. Among 3 blacks with baseline neutropenia without cirrhosis or splenomegaly, there was little or no decrease in neutrophil counts (despite typical decreases in platelet and lymphocyte counts). Documented or suspected bacterial infections developed in 22 patients (18%), but in no patient with neutropenia. United States population estimates suggest that 76,000 blacks with hepatitis C have neutrophil counts below 1,500 cells/μL and might be denied therapy if this exclusion criterion was generally applied. In conclusion, neutropenia is frequent during treatment of hepatitis C with interferon and ribavirin, but it is not usually associated with infection. Constitutional neutropenia, which is common among blacks, should not exclude patients from therapy with interferon as these patients usually have minimal further decreases in neutrophil counts on therapy and are not excessively prone to bacterial infections.
A Content Analysis of the Portrayal of India in Films Produced in the West

A content analysis of randomly selected films (N = 24) about India produced from 1930–2000 in the US or UK was undertaken to examine the social construction of “Indian-ness.” There were significant inter-group differences in depictions of Indian versus non-Indian scenes (N = 1016) and Indian versus non-Indian characters (N = 421) across several socio-cultural variables such as character role, occupation, poverty, religious practices, and pollution. Overall, India was consistently portrayed as backward, uncivilized, savage, and traditional. These patterns of stereotypical portrayals of India across films are discussed in the context of schema theory, social identity theory, and cultural colonization.
Historical Perspectives on Diaspora Homeland Tourism: “Israel Experience” Education in the 1950s and 1960s

Homeland tourism is a powerful medium of diasporic education. Yet, efforts to understand the enterprise are hampered by neglect of the field's history. This article contributes to the historiography of diaspora homeland tourism by examining the emergence of American Jewish educational tours of Israel in the 1950s and 1960s. Archival research and oral histories reveal that the early programs were not merely homeland oriented, but also organizationally oriented, seeking to establish sponsors' institutional footholds in Israel and to foster travelers' identification not just with Israel, but also with the sponsoring organizations and their ideologies. In their divergence from present-day Jewish educational tours of Israel, the early programs suggest new lines of inquiry about contemporary homeland tourism.
Results of combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR) in treatment of obstructive endobronchial non-small cell lung cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction: We reviewed the outcome of combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR) for patients with symptomatic obstruction from endobronchial non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: Nine patients who received combined PDT and HDR for endobronchial cancers were identified and their charts reviewed. The patients were eight males and one female aged 52-73 at diagnosis, initially presenting with various stages of disease: stage IA (N=1), stage IIA (N=1), stage III (N=6), and stage IV (N=1). Intervention was with HDR (500 cGy to 5 mm once weekly for 3 weeks) and PDT (2 mg/kg Photofrin®, followed by 200 J/cm 2 illumination 48 hours post infusion). Treatment group 1 (TG-1, N=7) received HDR first; Treatment group 2 (TG-2, N=2) received PDT first. Patients were followed by regular bronchoscopies. Results: Treatments were well tolerated, all patients completed therapy, and none were lost to follow-up. In TG-1, local tumor control was achi eved in six of seven patients for: 3 months (until death), 15 months, 2+ years (until death), 2+ years (ongoing), and 5+ years (ongoing, N=2). In TG-2, local control was achieved in only one patient, for 84 days. Morbidities included: stenosis and/or other reversib le benign local tissue reactions (N=8); photosensitivity reaction (N =2), and self-limited pleural effusion (N=2). Conclusions: Combined HDR/PDT treatment for endobronchial tumors is well tolerated and can achieve prolonged local control with acceptable morbidity when PDT follows HDR and when the spacing between treatments is one month or less. This treatment regimen should be studied in a larger patient population. Keywords: Photodynamic Therapy, High Dose Rate Brachytherapy, Radiation Therapy, Lung Cancer, Therapeutic Bronchoscopy
Distribution of cytolytic activity in cultures of Gomphosphaeria aponina 1

Abstract Cultures of the blue‐green alga, Gomphosphaeria aponina, have been subjected to continuous cell centrifugation, and the distribution of cytolytic activity has been evaluated. Extracts of the cultures are cytolytic toward a red tide organism, Gymnodinium breve. Improved cytolytic assay procedures are described. Most of the cytolytic activity (60%) is associated with the chloroform extracts of the cell‐free medium, and the agreement successive experiments is good (e.g., 64 vs. 59–61% of total activity in the cell‐free extracts).
RAAS polymorphisms alter the acute blood pressure response to aerobic exercise among men with hypertension.

Limited evidence suggests renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) polymorphisms alter the blood pressure (BP) response to aerobic exercise training. We examined if RAAS polymorphisms influenced postexercise hypotension in men with high normal to Stage 1 hypertension. Forty-seven men (44.2±1.4 years, 145.1±1.6/85.5±1.1 mmHg) randomly completed three experiments: seated rest (control) and two cycle exercise bouts at 40% (LITE) and 60% (MOD) of maximal oxygen consumption. Ambulating BP was measured for 14 h after each experiment. RAAS polymorphisms associated with hypertension (i.e. angiotensin converting I enzyme, ACE I/D; angiotensin II type 1 receptor, AT1R A/C; and intron 2 of aldosterone synthase, Int2 W/C) were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion. Repeated measure ANOVA tested if BP differed between experimental conditions by RAAS genotypes. Compared to men with 0–2 variant alleles, men with ≥3 combined RAAS variant alleles had lower average systolic BP (SBP) (P=0.030) and lower average diastolic BP (DBP) (P=0.009) for 14 h only after LITE. In contrast, average BP was not different for MOD and control between RAAS variant allele groups over this time period (P≥0.05). LITE reduced BP in men with ≥3 variant RAAS alleles for 14 h, whereas MOD had no influence on BP in these men. In order to optimally prescribe exercise for its BP lowering benefits in those with hypertension, additional knowledge of how genetic variation affects the BP response to exercise is needed.
Energy transformations in middle‐latitude disturbances

In an attempt to study the ensemble energetics properties of various types of the middle-latitude synoptic-scale disturbances, the kinetic energy balance is computed over a defined large area twice daily during a five-year period. Prevailing flow patterns are examined with daily synoptic charts to group individual synoptic cases and evaluate the mean energy budgets according to the different types of disturbances. Eleven categories of transient disturbances, including various cyclonic, anticyclonic, and intermediate flow types, are considered. The balance of source and sink terms in the cyclonic and intermediate types of disturbances is basically similar with maximum generation and dissipation in the lower troposphere and at the jet stream level. However, in the anticyclonic disturbances there is adiabatic destruction of kinetic energy in the upper troposphere through cross-isobaric flow with a negative dissipation which may indicate a required supply of kinetic energy from other scales of motion in the maintenance of the anticyclonic flow. Different degrees of cyclonic and anticyclonic developments are also reflected in the intensity of the energy transformation rate and the manifestation of the transport terms. A number of individual synoptic cases are also examined.
Lek behaviour in captive sage grouse Centrocercus urophasianus

Abstract Abstract. Lek display and female choice of males was studied in captive sage grouse. Individual males showed significant repeatability in display frequency between years. Variation in female association with males in artificial arenas was largely attributable to variation in the display frequency of individual males and that of males in adjacent positions in the arena. In addition, males were shown to possess 'inherent attractiveness' which was correlated with the length of their keel. Females showed significant consistency in their choice of males, and there was no evidence of copying behaviour in their selection of males.
Studies in air-water interfacial area for wet unsaturated particulate porous media systems

Systematic experimental determinations of air-water interfacial areas were made for systems of wet but unsaturated glass beads. The areas decreased as water content increased and the pores filled up, but the decrease was not smooth. Inflections appeared in graphs ofinterfacial area vs percent water saturation. The shape of the plots and the position of the inflections depended upon the particle size distribution of the beads. It is believed that the inflections were caused by transitions from pendular to funicular configurations and by movement of water from larger to smaller pores, as the total water content in the system increased. To verify the reasonableness of these ideas, a simple two-dimensional model of a three-dimensional system was developed. It is shown that, in this model system, minimization of interfacial length (the two-dimensional equivalent of interfacial area) while maintaining constant interfacial curvature leads to transitions of the hypothesized type.
An unusual presentation of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead perforation.

Abstract Introduction Recently, there have been increased reports of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) lead perforation. Controversy exists about the safety of certain leads. Case Report A 37-year-old man with an ischemic cardiomyopathy presented four days postimplantation of an ICD lead with localized nonpleuritic chest wall pain. Imaging demonstrated proximity of the lead to the rib, suggestive of irritation of the periosteum. The lead was repositioned to the right ventricular septum without adverse effect on defibrillation. Conclusion Lead perforation presenting with focal chest pain due to rib irritation is unusual. Placement of ICD leads on the right ventricular septum should be considered to improve safety.
Ossifying fibroma in a sheep

Abstract A young adult sheep from a commercial feedlot was presented for necropsy because of a firm mass protruding from the rostral mandible which impaired mastication, resulting in weight loss. The mass was diagnosed as ossifying fibroma. Ossifying fibroma is an uncommon benign tumor of the jaw which is most frequently diagnosed in the horse, and which may be underreported in ruminants. To our knowledge, this is the first published report of ossifying fibroma in a sheep. Surgical removal of ossifying fibroma is usually curative. Treatment of ossifying fibroma could be warranted in valuable young ruminants including those used in research and breeding programs.
Topologically ordered competitive sampling

Abstract An important problem in nonparametric modeling is the selection of samples from an independent and identically distributed observation (IID) process such that the resulting sample ensemble forms a prototypical model of the observation process. This paper discusses a sampling technique that is closely related to topologically ordered competitive learning. In the context of a tightly constrained notion of topological ordering, the proposed sampling algorithm uses a randomized winner-take-all rule to modify sample ensembles in a way that generates a reversible Markov chain. The stationary density for this reversible chain is explicitly computed and used to characterize the sampling procedure's steady-state statistical behaviour. This characterization shows that topologically ordered competitive sampling can generate steady-state sample ensembles that form equi-probable partitions of the observation space. More importantly, this paper provides a formal analytical framework that can be used as a model for the analysis of other competitive learning paradigms.
The different faces of poly(ethylene glycol)

The first sign that PEO is “unusual” can be sensed from it’s unexpected water solubility or “hydrophilicity.” Thus, poly(butylene oxide), –[CH2–CH2–CH2–O–]n–, having one more methylene (CH2) group, is hydrophobic and insoluble in water, as might be expected. But so is poly(methylene oxide), –[CH2–O–]n–, which has one less methylene group.
Wavelet-based detection of transients in biological signals

This paper presents two multiresolution algorithms for detection and separation of mixed signals using the wavelet transform. The first algorithm allows one to design a mother wavelet and its associated wavelet grid that guarantees the separation of signal components if information about the expected minimum signal time and frequency separation of the individual components is known. The second algorithm expands this idea to design two mother wavelets which are then combined to achieve the required separation otherwise impossible with a single wavelet. Potential applications include many biological signals such as ECG, EKG, and retinal signals.
Pointing control and vibration suppression of a slewing flexible frame

An analytical and experimental control system design for a slewing frame containing active members is presented. This testbed is a model for the slewing of dynamically complex structures such as solar arrays and space trusses. Two of the frame's passive members are replaced by active elements that contain piezoceramic material. The active members are integral in suppressing vibrations because the torsional vibrations are difficult to control with the slewing actuator. The design is performed with a finite elementbased model that contains significant error; therefore, both control loops must have performance and stability robustness. Suppression of the torsional motion is accomplished with an active member in a positive position feedback (PPF) loop designed with frequency domain and Nyquist techniques. The pointing controller is designed using JJL synthesis to maximize the robustness of the control law. This compensator slews the structure with a two second settling time, 7% overshoot, and less than a 2% steadystate error due to static friction. With the supplementary PPF control loop closed, the settling time of the torsional vibrations is reduced from over 30 s to approximately 6 s. Thus, vibration suppression and satisfactory step response is obtained using robust control laws in multiple feedback loops.
Hemoglobin J Altgeld Gardens. A hemoglobin variant with a substitution of the proximal histidine of the beta-chain.

Hemoglobin J Altgeld Gardens (β92 (F6) His→Asp) (Hb JAG) was detected in a 21-year-old black female who also was heterozygous for β° thalassemia. Oxygen affinity of this variant was normal, but the Hill coefficient was slightly decreased. Despite the substitution of the proximal histidine molecular stability was only mildly impaired, methemoglobinemia was absent and the moderate anemia probably was not related to the abnormal hemoglobin.
Uncertainty Analysis in MCP-Based Wind Resource Assessment and Energy Production Estimation

This paper presents a mathematical framework to properly account for uncertainty in wind resource assessment and wind energy production estimation. A meteorological tower based wind measurement campaign is considered exclusively, in which measure-correlate-predict is used to estimate the long-term wind resource. The evaluation of a wind resource and the subsequent estimation of the annual energy production (AEP) is a highly uncertain process. Uncertainty arises at all points in the process, from measuring the wind speed to the uncertainty in a power curve. A proper assessment of uncertainty is critical for judging the feasibility and risk of a potential wind energy development. The approach in this paper provides a framework for an accurate and objective accounting of uncertainty and, therefore, better decision making when assessing a potential wind energy site. It does not investigate the values of individual uncertainty sources. Three major aspects of site assessment uncertainty are presented here. First, a method is presented for combining uncertainty that arises in assessing the wind resource. Second, methods for handling uncertainty sources in wind turbine power output and energy losses are presented. Third, a new method for estimating the overall AEP uncertainty when using a Weibull distribution is presented. While it is commonly assumed that the uncertainty in the wind resource should be scaled by a factor between 2 and 3 to yield the uncertainty in the AEP, this work demonstrates that this assumption is an oversimplification and also presents a closed form solution for the sensitivity factors of the Weibull parameters.
Expression of transfected DNA by primary murine keratinocytes

Primary murine keratinocytes can be maintained in culture for extended periods in a proliferative, basal cell state under conditions of reduced extracellular Ca2+ In response to increased Ca2++ concentrations, the cells undergo a well-defined program of terminal differentiation, thus serving as a convenient model in which to study the genes involved in regulating this and possibly other differentiation cascades by DNA- mediated gene transfer. However, because of their sensitivity to increased Ca2++ concentrations, the introduction of exogenous genomic DNA into primary keratinocytes by conventional methods is problematic. We have optimized the calcium phosphate DNA transfection procedure by introducing conditions that reduce the potency of Ca2+ as a differentiation signal. Primary epidermal cells were transfected with pSV2CAT, a plasmid that codes for the enzyme chloramphenicol acetyltransferase CAT. Enzyme activity was measured in cell extracts under varying transfection conditions. When the K+ concentration of the medium used for transfection by calcium phosphate precipitation is reduced from 6.5 to 0.01 mM, CAT activity following transfection increases 2–3 times. Exposure to the DNA precipitate for 2–4 h is optimal. By the use of fibroblast conditioned medium following transfection, enzyme activity can be detected in cell extracts for at least 21 d, suggesting that the exogenous gene is integrated. The low K++/Ca2+ transfection method is more effective than SrCl2 used as an alternative for CaC12 in Ca2+ sensitive cells. Low K+ medium enhances cell survival for Ca2+ mediated transfection but also appears to have a beneficial effect on DNA uptake or expression.
EFFECTS OF PARTIAL DEUTERATION ON TRANSFORMING DNA OF PNEUMOCOCCUS.

Abstract When Diplococcus pneumoniae is grown in a medium prepared by dissolving complex nutrients in 2H2O, DNA molecules bearing different genetic markers, and representing different segments of the genome, show the same degree of partial deuteration. However, considerable heterogeneity in the degree of deuteration of the DNA is revealed by the fact that the most heavily deuterated molecules are peculiarly subject to spontaneous degradation, leading to biological inactivation. After several months of storage of partially purified DNA preparations, the residual biological activity is found to be associated with the least deuterated DNA molecules. Partially deuterated DNA is not, therefore, a suitable material for experiments designed to study the fate of incorporated DNA in transformation.
FLAVOR MODIFICATIONS PRODUCED IN ICE CREAM MIX MADE WITH CORN SYRUP. 2. CO2 Production Associated with the Browning Reaction

SUMMARY— Low and high-conversion corn syrups were used to partially replace the sucrose in ice cream mix subsequently heated at various times and temperatures. The effect this practice had on the browning reaction was recorded by the amount of CO2 evolved during heating. A well-known inhibitor of the browning reaction was added to some mixes before processing. Results indicated that the variables tested significantly influenced the extent of the browning reaction in heated mix. These factors, moreover, exhibited considerable interplay, as shown by the predominance of statistically significant 2- and 3-factor interactions. Corn syrup containing the greatest concentration of reducing sugars was most active in promoting the browning reaction in ice cream mix. The effect of changing any of the variables on the reaction was most marked in mix made with this syrup. Potassium metabisulfite displayed the general effect of lowering the degree of the browning reaction.
Effect of Shoe Flexibility on Plantar Loading in Children Learning to Walk

Background: In a previous pilot study of “cruisers” (nonindependent ambulation), “early walkers” (independent ambulation for 0–5 months), and “experienced walkers” (independent ambulation for 6–12 months), developmental age significantly affected the children’s stability when walking and performing functional activities. We sought to examine how shoe structural characteristics affect plantar pressure distribution in early walkers. Methods: Torsional flexibility was evaluated in four shoe designs (UltraFlex, MedFlex, LowFlex, and Stiff based on decreasing relative flexibility) with a structural testing machine. Plantar pressures were recorded in 25 early walkers while barefoot and shod at self-selected walking speeds. Peak pressure was calculated over ten masked regions for the barefoot and shod conditions. Results: Torsional flexibility, the angular rotation divided by the applied moment about the long axis of the shoe, was different across the four shoe designs. As expected, UltraFlex was the most flexib...
Local gas holdup in a draft tube airlift bioreactor

Abstract Airlift column bioreactors are gas–liquid contact devices characterized by a rising channel and a down flow channel due to gas holdup differences in these two channels. Local gas holdup distribution strongly affects the overall gas–liquid flow dynamics in airlift columns. In this work, local gas holdup distributions in a draft tube airlift column covering both bubbly flow and churn–turbulent flow regimes have been studied using computed tomography (CT) technique as well as conventional techniques. The radial and axial evolutions of the gas holdup distribution will be discussed, together with the effects of superficial gas velocity and geometry parameters. The obtained gas holdup results will also be used to verify various empirical and semi-empirical correlations in the literature. Moreover, the obtained gas holdup information, combined with liquid flow dynamic information reported in Luo and Al-Dahhan, 2008a , Luo and Al-Dahhan, 2008b , forms a benchmark database for the design and scale-up of airlift column bioreactors and for computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modeling validations.
Excited-state characterization of nonlinear optical materials through electrofluorescence studies

Techniques to characterize the molecular excited states of nonlinear chromophores are presented. These techniques include linear absorption, fluorescence, and quadratic electroabsorption. The experiments are described and results presented. A new approach, electrofluorescence, where the fluorescence signal is modulated by an applied voltage, is also discussed. Preliminary electrofluorescence results indicate that this approach has merit as a valuable characterization technique.
Treatment of osteoarthritis with acetaminophen: efficacy, safety, and comparison with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Osteoarthritis represents a major public health problem with limited effective treatment. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used to alleviate symptoms such as pain and stiffness. However, these drugs are associated with an increased risk for the development of adverse sequelae, including serious upper gastrointestinal side effects such as symptomatic ulcers, perforation, obstruction, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The simple analgesic acetaminophen has been found to be effective in alleviating pain in patients with osteoarthritis in a placebo-controlled trial, and several trials have evaluated its efficacy and safety compared with NSAIDs. This article reviews data regarding the efficacy and safety of acetaminophen in the treatment of osteoarthritis from randomized, controlled, clinical trials, focusing on studies that compared acetaminophen with NSAIDs. In addition, literature on physician and patient preferences in this area are examined. In summary, judicious use of analgesic agents as pharmacologic therapy in patients with osteoarthritis will achieve satisfactory pain relief in most cases. Acetaminophen merits a trial as initial terapy in patients with mild to moderate pain, based on cost-effectiveness and safety profile.
Monotone iterative technique for periodic boundary value problems with causal operators

Abstract In this paper, we develop the monotone iterative technique for periodic boundary value problems with causal operators.
Have Global Ethical Values Emerged in the Public Relations Industry? Evidence from National and International Professional Public Relations Associations

Globalization has the potential to create a network society where “there is a common cultural code of values that forms the glue of the network” (Castells, The rise of the network society: The information age: economy, society, and culture, 2000). This article explores if common cultural codes of values are emerging in the public relations industry by examining the codes of ethics of 41 professional public relations associations across the world. The method for the analysis was Centering Resonance Analysis, a textual analysis methodology, that uses linguistics theory to assess main concepts, their influence, and their interrelationships (Canary and Jennings, J Bus Ethics 80: 263–278, 2008; Corman et al., Hum Commun Res 28: 157–206, 2002). The research team found that six dominant themes emerged from the codes of ethics of professional communication associations: (1) professionalism, (2) advocacy, (3) moral standards, (4) clients’ interests, (5) expertise, and (6) relationships. The findings suggest that global values that will influence organizational relationships with publics are emerging in professional communication practice.
Elevated risk of posttraumatic stress in sexual minority youths: mediation by childhood abuse and gender nonconformity.

Objectives. We examined whether lifetime risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was elevated in sexual minority versus heterosexual youths, whether childhood abuse accounted for disparities in PTSD, and whether childhood gender nonconformity explained sexual-orientation disparities in abuse and subsequent PTSD.Methods. We used data from a population-based study (n = 9369, mean age = 22.7 years) to estimate risk ratios for PTSD. We calculated the percentage of PTSD disparities by sexual orientation accounted for by childhood abuse and gender nonconformity, and the percentage of abuse disparities by sexual orientation accounted for by gender nonconformity.Results. Sexual minorities had between 1.6 and 3.9 times greater risk of probable PTSD than heterosexuals. Child abuse victimization disparities accounted for one third to one half of PTSD disparities by sexual orientation. Higher prevalence of gender nonconformity before age 11 years partly accounted for higher prevalence of abuse exposure before ag...
Effects of salt, acid, and MSG on cold storage survival and subsequent acid tolerance of Escherichia coli O157:H7

Abstract The combined effects of salt, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and pH on cold storage survival and subsequent acid tolerance of Escherichia coli O157:H7 were determined. Cold storage survival was evaluated in tryptic soy broth (TSB) with combinations of pH (7.2, 5.0, or 4.0), MSG (0, 0.5, 1%) and salt (0, 2, 4%). Survival through 21 d at 5°C and acid tolerance in simulated gastric fluid were evaluated weekly. In separate experiments, strains were tested individually for the effect of growth in the presence of MSG on subsequent acid resistance and for the ability of MSG to impact growth under acid conditions. The impact of salt on cold storage survival was greater at pH 4.0 and 7.0 compared to pH 5.0. MSG did not enhance cold storage survival. The presence of MSG alone enhanced acid tolerance following cold storage at pH 5.0 and 7.2 compared to control cells. At pH 4.0, MSG alone enhanced acid tolerance compared to control cells following 21 days cold storage. Overnight growth in TSB containing MSG did not affect subsequent acid tolerance in acidified TSB (pH 2.0). The presence of MSG in TSB (37°C) did not enable growth at lower pH.
Improved inversion time (TI) scout sequence for late gadolinium enhancement MRI of patients with implantable cardiac devices

Background Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac MRI is the clinical gold standard for non-invasive characterization of myocardial scar [1]. The LGE technique is a contrast enhanced inversion recovery (IR) FLASH sequence, and requires a priori knowledge of the initial inversion time (TI) to produce optimal contrast between healthy myocardium and scar substrate. The TI is typically assessed using a Look-Locker based TI scout sequence. Recent advances [2,3] have enabled successful application of LGE MRI to patients with cardiac implantable devices at our institution. Presence of cardiac devices, such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), gives rise to severe offresonance in the myocardium. This produces banding artifacts in standard TI scout images which cannot be used to estimate the initial TI for LGE imaging. This can result in LGE images with poor contrast and delays in patient scanning. In this abstract, we present a modification to the standard TI scout sequence that prominently reduces artifacts in TI scout images. Methods The TI scout sequence is an inversion prepared cine sequence with TrueFISP readout. Severe off-resonance from an ICD produces severe banding artifacts in TrueFISP images. In addition, in IR sequences, severe off-resonance can prevent inversion of spins in the myocardium, giving rise to hyper-intensity artifacts [2,3]. Recently, we demonstrated that a wideband (3.8 kHz) inversion pulse can overcome this off-resonance effect and invert off-resonant spins sufficiently, thereby eliminating hyper-intensity artifacts [2,3]. We modified the TI scout sequence by replacing the conventional inversion pulse (bandwidth: 1.1 kHz) with a wideband inversion pulse (spectral bandwidth: 3.8 kHz). We also replaced the TrueFISP readout with a FLASH readout. The modified sequence was tested on a group of T1 phantoms and one ICD patient. Results Figure 1 shows phantom images of the modified TI scout sequence. The phantom results show that when a flip angle of 5° is used, the modified TI scout sequence can be used to determine the optimal TI quite accurately. At higher flip angles, larger TIs may be underestimated due to signal burn-off. Figure 2 demonstrates the banding artifacts produced when the standard TI scout sequence is used in an ICD patient. The modified TI scout sequence is able to remove these artifacts completely and allow effective determination of the optimal TI. Conclusions We have modified the TI scout sequence by implementing a wideband inversion pulse and FLASH readout. Phantom results and patient studies demonstrate that the modified sequence has none of the image artifacts that occur with the standard sequence, and produces a reliable estimation of inversion time. We expect that the new TI scout sequence will lead to improved application of LGE MRI in patients with implantable cardiac devices. Funding