cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Stenorol® (Halofuginone). II. Plus Roxarsone or Bacitracin MD against Selected Strains of Chicken Eimeria

Abstract A total of 879 broiler strain chickens ranging from 2½- to 7½-weeks of age was utilized in four battery experiments to determine whether Roxarsone and/or bacitracin MD added to halofuginone were compatible and beneficial in reducing the effects of coccidial infections. The additives were generally beneficial as measured by weight gain and feed efficiency but not as measured by other parameters such as dropping score, lesion score, or oocyst production. The addition of 200 g of bacitracin/ton of feed did not give an additional response above that from 50 g/ton. Roxarsone in the ration was more effective in younger chickens (2½ week old) than older ones (6 weeks, 2 days and 7 weeks, 3 days).
Micro-RNA-181a regulates osteopontin-dependent metastatic function in hepatocellular cancer cell lines.

Background Osteopontin (OPN) is a variably expressed, secreted glycophosphoprotein that mediates the growth and metastases of hepatocellular cancer (HCC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) may be responsible for variant OPN expression, interrupting translation by binding OPN messenger RNA (mRNA) in 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs). Methods A microarray analysis identified miRNAs of interest. Plasmid constructs using a luciferase reporter with variable OPN 3'UTR mutations were transfected into 2 HCC cell lines to determine miRNA regulation of OPN expression. Western blot analyses confirmed variable OPN expression in both cell lines. Invasion, adhesion, and migration evaluated metastatic behavior in Hep G2 and Hep 3B with modified miRNA and OPN expression. Results Hep 3B produces 36 × miRNA 181a compared with Hep G2. Luciferase activity after transfection with miRNA 181a precursor was decreased in both cell lines (P Conclusion MiRNA 181a decreases OPN expression in HCC cell lines. This previously undescribed mechanism may confer metastatic characteristics to HCC.
Weak resistance in superconducting cosmic strings.

We discuss how gauge interactions between fermionic charge carriers on superconducting cos- mic strings can lead to an effective string resistance and dissipation of energy from the current. We also examine possible astrophysical implications. We find that these processes are quite important for grand-unified gauge-boson exchange, when the charge carriers are heavy fermions. In many cases they lead to very restrictive limits on the current that superconducting strings can attain.
Estimating the Basin-Scale Ocean Circulation from Satellite Altimetry. Part I Straightforward Spherical Harmonic Expansion

Direct estimation of the absolute dynamic topography from satellite altimetry has been confined to the largest scales (basically the basin-scale) owing to the fact that the signal-to-noise ratio is more unfavorable everywhere else. But even for the largest scales, the results are contaminated by the orbit error and geoid uncertainties. Recently a more accurate Earth gravity model (GEM-T1) became available, providing the opportunity to examine the whole question of direct estimation under a more critical limelight. It is found that our knowledge of the Earth's gravity field has indeed improved a great deal. However, it is not yet possible to claim definitively that our knowledge of the ocean circulation has improved through direct estimation. Yet, the improvement in the gravity model has come to the point that it is no longer possible to attribute the discrepancy at the basin scales between altimetric and hydrographic results as mostly due to geoid uncertainties. A substantial part of the difference must be due to other factors; i.e., the orbit error, or the uncertainty of the hydrographically derived dynamic topography.
Who Designed the Schmitt Box

Who designed the Schmitt box? We thought this was a simple question with a simple answer until we tried to answer it. It all started with some biographical notes about John Bernhardt Smith prepared by Mallis (1971: 315–20, portrait) who quoted Torre-Bueno (1948) as follows: “His father, an old German, was a cabinet maker and collector of insects, and he devised and made the justly famous Schmidt insect boxes …”
Fistula response to methotrexate in Crohn's disease: a case series.

Summary Background : Controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of methotrexate in the induction and maintenance of remission in luminal Crohn's disease; however, its effect on fistulizing disease is unknown. Aim : To describe the response to methotrexate therapy in a series of patients with fistulizing Crohn's disease. Methods : A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients with Crohn's disease receiving methotrexate in one practice. The response of patients with fistulizing and luminal disease was assessed using clinical and laboratory criteria. Fistula response was categorized as either complete or partial closure. Results : Thirty-seven courses of methotrexate therapy were given to 33 patients with luminal and/or fistulizing Crohn's disease. In 16 patients with fistulas, four (25%) had complete closure, five (31%) had partial closure and all had failed or were intolerant to 6-mercaptopurine therapy. Overall, response to methotrexate was seen in 23 of 37 (62%) treatment courses in patients with luminal and/or fistulizing Crohn's disease. Two of the 33 patients (6%) had a significant adverse event. Conclusions : In this case series, 56% of patients with Crohn's fistulas on methotrexate showed a complete or partial response to therapy. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of methotrexate alone, and in combination with other therapies, for the treatment of fistulizing Crohn's disease.
Distribution and identification of Plutonium(IV) species in tri-n-butyl phosphate/HNO3 extraction system containing acetohydroxamic acid

There was a significant research progress achieved with the aim to modify conventional PUREX process by stripping of plutonium from the tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) extraction product in the form of non-extractable complexes upon addition of back-hold complexation agents. The present paper reports effects of such salt-free complexant, acetohydroxamic acid (HAHA), on distribution ratio of Pu(IV) under wide concentration of nitric acid and additional nitrate. General formula of plutonium species present in the organic phase can be described as Pu(OH)x(AHA)y(NO3)4−x−y·2TBP·wHNO3.
Inaccurate spectrum databases?: public transit to its rescue!

Unlicensed, secondary users of TV whitespaces today rely on spectrum occupancy databases to determine what spectrum they can use for their communication needs. In this paper, we first show that such spectrum databases (that depend solely on propagation models as per guidelines of the FCC in the USA) can be quite inaccurate leading to under-utilization of spectrum. Next, we propose that these spectrum databases can be significantly augmented using opportunistic measurements when possible. Instead of incorporating primary detection functions in each secondary device, we propose to use vehicle-mounted spectrum sensors that collect and report measurements from the road, which can serve as useful "anchor points" to enhance existing propagation models.We have currently deployed a version of our system on a single public transit bus traveling across Madison, WI, in the USA. Based on measurements collected at over 1 million locations across a 100 square-km area, we find commercial databases tend to over-predict the coverage of certain TV broadcasts, unnecessarily blocking the usage of whitespace spectrum over large area (up to 42% measured locations). We further propose a model-fitting approach that refines existing propagation models with measurements, reclaiming a substantial amount of wasted area (up to 33% measured locations).
Scaling I 2 L for VLSI

Scaling integrated injection logic for high-density VLSI circuits is discussed. The basic principles governing the operation of an I2L device and the impact of specific process/design changes on performance are reviewed. A procedure for scaling I2L devices with geometries >1 µm is described and examples of scaled devices fabricated with e-beam slice writing techniques are given. It is shown that the I2L gate propagation delay can be scaled over the entire range of operating currents through a combination of scaling and sizing. The physical limitations that apply to submicron geometries are summarized and the performance attainable with a submicron device design is predicted.
The structure of saturated critical blocks

A 2-connected graph G is a critical block if G - v is not 2-connected for every vertex v ∈ V(G). A critical block G is a saturated critical block if G + e is not a critical block for any new edge e. The structure of all saturated critical blocks and a procedure for constructing every saturated critical block are determined. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 43: 223–237, 2003
Spectral fine-structures of low-frequency modulated distortion product otoacoustic emissions

Biasing of the cochlear partition with a low-frequency tone can produce an amplitude modulation of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in gerbils. In the time domain, odd- versus even-order DPOAEs demonstrated different modulation patterns depending on the bias tone phase. In the frequency domain, multiple sidebands are presented on either side of each DPOAE component. These sidebands were located at harmonic multiples of the biasing frequency from the DPOAE component. For odd-order DPOAEs, sidebands at the even-multiples of the biasing frequency were enhanced, while for even-order DPOAEs, the sidebands at the odd-multiples were elevated. When a modulation in DPOAE magnitude was presented, the magnitudes of the sidebands were enhanced and even greater than the DPOAEs. The amplitudes of these sidebands varied with the levels of the bias tone and two primary tones. The results indicate that the maximal amplitude modulations of DPOAEs occur at a confined bias and primary level space. This can provide a guide for optimal selections of signal conditions for better recordings of low-frequency modulated DPOAEs in future research and applications. Spectral fine-structure and its unique relation to the DPOAE modulation pattern may be useful for direct acquisition of cochlear transducer nonlinearity from a simple spectral analysis.
A Relaxed Eddy Accumulation System for Measuring Surface Fluxes of Total Gaseous Mercury

Abstract A relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) system was designed to continuously measure total gaseous mercury (TGM) fluxes over a forest canopy. TGM concentration measurements were measured at 5-min intervals with a Tekran model 2537A mercury analyzer located above the forest canopy on a walk-up meteorological tower. Ten-minute averages for up- and downdraft mercury concentrations were used to calculate the flux. The multiresolution decomposition technique was used to determine day- and nighttime averaging periods for the turbulent statistics used in the REA technique. This paper documents the REA system for mercury flux measurements and its use over a forest canopy. The REA system response to the averaging times for the turbulent statistics and corrections to up- and downdraft concentrations are major considerations when using the technique with the Tekran mercury analyzer over a forest canopy. TGM flux data collected from 18 August to 12 September 2005 are used here to demonstrate the capabilities of the...
ANOMALOUS DUAL FLUORESCENCE OF BENZANILIDE

The absorption and fluorescence spectra of benzanilide and N-methylbenzanilide have been investigated in solution and low-temperature glasses and assigned with the aid of ZINDO calculations. The anomalous dual fluorescence observed by previous workers has been assigned to the two lowest singlet states of benzanilide. The lower energy n,π* state is populated by excitation in the long-wavelength tail of the absorption band. Its fluorescence is readily detected in low-temperature glasses and at room temperature in aromatic solvents. Large NMR solvent-induced shifts provide evidence for ground-state complex formation of benzanilide with aromatic solvents. The higher energy π,π* state is populated by excitation of an allowed transition. It undergoes twisting about the amide C−N bond to form a fluorescent twisted intramolecular charge-transfer state with a maximum of 520 nm in benzene solution. In rigid glasses twisting to form the twisted charge-transfer state cannot occur, and the π,π* state undergoes interna...
Inventory Management for an Assembly System with Product or Component Returns

This paper considers an inventory system with an assembly structure. In addition to uncertain customer demands, the system experiences uncertain returns from customers. Some of the components in the returned products can be recovered and reused, and these units are returned to inventory. Returns complicate the structure of the system, so that the standard approach (based on reduction to an equivalent series system) no longer applies in general. We identify conditions on the item-recovery pattern and restrictions on the inventory policy under which an equivalent series system does exist. For the special case where only the end product (or all items used to assemble the end product) is recovered, we show that the system is equivalent to a series system with no policy restrictions. For the general case, we explain how and why the system becomes more problematic and propose two heuristic policies. The heuristics are easy to compute and practical to implement, and they perform well in numerical trials. Based on these numerical trials, we obtain insights into the impact of various factors on system performance. For example, we find that holding and backorder costs tend to increase when the average return rate, the variability of returns, or the number of components recovered increases. However, neither the product architecture nor the specific set of components being recovered seems to have a significant impact on these costs. Whether product recovery reduces total system costs depends on the magnitude of the additional holding and backorder costs relative to potential procurement cost savings.
Effortful control among low-income preschoolers in three cities: Stability, change, and individual differences

Existing developmental models of effortful control focus more on the roles of child characteristics and parenting and focus less on the contributions of poverty-related stressors to individual differences in children's self-regulatory competence. Using a representative sample of low-income, predominantly African American and Latino children (n = 439), the author examined effortful control at ages 2-4 and again 16 months later. Delayed gratification showed moderate stability and improvement over time. Risk factors were associated with individual differences in these developmental patterns, net of child age, gender, temperament, and child-mother connectedness. Low birth weight compromised preschoolers' delayed gratification and executive control. Exposure to more sociodemographic and residential stressors jeopardized children's executive control but did not jeopardize delayed gratification.
Cardiac Dimensions Determined by Cross-Sectional Echocardiography in the Normal Human Fetus from 18 Weeks to Term

Assessment of cardiac dimensions of the chambers, great arteries and veins in the human fetus is important to distinguish abnormal dimensions from normal. This study establishes normal values based on cross-sectional echocardiographic measurements over the gestational period where these measurements may be clinically useful. Ventricular and atrial dimensions were measured from the 4-chamber view, the short-axis dimension immediately below the mitral and tricuspid valve leaflets in diastole, and the long axis from the closed apposed atrioventricular valves to their respective apices. The ventricular walls and septum were measured at the level at which cavity dimensions in diastole were measured, defining both the left and right ventricular wall thickness, as well as that of the ventricular septum. Furthermore, the long axis of the right and left atria was measured from the center of the apposed atrioventricular valve leaflets to the posterior atrial wall, and the sizes of the atrial chambers were defined using their widths at the prospective broadest points through the area of foramen ovale. From a variety of views, diameters were measured at maximal expansion of the main, left and right pulmonary arteries, the ductus arteriosus, and the superior and inferior venae cavae. The data were evaluated longitudinally from 18 weeks to term, and regression analysis was performed using the best fit of a linear or polynomial equation. The data provide a means for evaluating the normal sizes and dimensions of the fetal heart chambers, as well as the thickness of the ventricular walls and septum.
Catastrophic outcomes are rare in outpatient plastic surgery: a multicenter analysis of 10,954 patients

Catastrophic outcomes of outpatient plastic surgery such as septic shock, myocardial infarction, and death are rare. Few studies have provided robust data on risk factors associated with these events. This study utilizes an independent, multicenter database to investigate the incidence and predictive factors of catastrophic outcomes associated with outpatient plastic surgery. Patients in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) participant use database who underwent outpatient plastic surgery between 2006 and 2010 were identified. Demographic information for patients and rates of catastrophic outcomes within 30 days of surgery (sepsis/septic shock, pulmonary embolism, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, coma, and death) was determined. Over the 5-year study period, 10,954 patients underwent an outpatient plastic surgery procedure. Thirty-one patients presented with catastrophic outcomes (0.28 %). These patients had a total of 34 catastrophic outcomes: 20 sepsis/septic shock (58.8 %), 5 pulmonary embolism (14.7 %), 3 stroke (8.8 %), 2 cardiac arrest (5.9 %), and 4 death (11.7 %). No occurrences of MI or coma were reported. Outpatient plastic surgery can be performed safely in accredited ambulatory facilities as demonstrated by the overall 0.28 % catastrophic outcome rate garnered from a 5-year review of the NSQIP database. Level of Evidence: Level III, prognostic/risk study.
2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α-D-galactosidases of clostridium perfringens. separation and characterization of an exoglycosidase and an oligosaccharidase

Abstract Two distinct 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α-D-galactosidases have been separated from filtrates of cultured Clostridium perfringens by electrophoresis in 6.5% poly(acryl-amide) gels. One of the enzymes had a mobility of 0.32-0.36 (relative to Bromophenol Blue) and was identified as the exoglycosidase, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α-D-galactosidase. It appears to be the same enzyme as that reported in 1972 by McGuire et al. The second of the two ezymes, having a relative mobility of 0.42-0.46, corresponds to the oligosaccharidase reported in 1972 by Huang and Aminoff. The A-specificities of human type-A erythrocytes and of water-soluble glycoproteins having A-activity are both destroyed by incubation with the 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α-D-galactosidase, but not on incubation with the oligosaccharidase. A concomitant rise in blood-group O(H) activity, as indicated by the use of a lectin from Ulex europeus , occurred in the A-erythrocytes treated with the exoglycosidase 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α-D-galactosidase.
α1‐Antichymotrypsin‐Like Proteins I and II Purified from Bovine Adrenal Medulla Are Enriched in Chromaffin Granules and Inhibit the Proenkephalin Processing Enzyme “Prohormone Thiol Protease”

Abstract: Proteolytic processing of inactive proenkephalin and proneuropeptides is essential for the production of biologically active enkephalins and many neuropeptides. The incomplete processing of proenkephalin in adrenal medulla suggests that endogenous protease inhibitors may inhibit proenkephalin processing enzymes. This study demonstrates the isolation and characterization of two isoforms of adrenal medullary α1-antichymotrypsin (ACT), referred to as ACT-like proteins I and II, which are colocalized with enkephalin in chromaffin granules and which inhibit the proenkephalin processing enzyme known as prohormone thiol protease (PTP). Subcellular fractionation demonstrated enrichment of 56- and 60-kDa ACT-like proteins I and II, respectively, to enkephalin-containing chromaffin granules (secretory vesicles). Immunofluorescence cytochemistry of chromaffin cells indicated a discrete, punctate pattern of ACT immunostaining that resembles that of [Met]enkephalin that is stored in secretory vesicles. Chromatography of adrenal medullary extracts through DEAE-Sepharose and chromatofocusing resulted in the separation of ACT-like proteins I and II that possess different isoelectric points of 5.5 and 4.0, respectively. The 56-kDa ACT-like protein I was purified to apparent homogeneity by Sephacryl S200 chromatography; the 60-kDa ACT-like protein II was isolated by butyl-Sepharose, Sephacryl S200, and concanavalin A-Sepharose columns. The proenkephalin processing enzyme PTP was potently inhibited by ACT-like protein I, with a Ki,app of 35 nM, but ACT-like protein II was less effective. ACT-like proteins I and II had little effect on chymotrypsin. These results demonstrate the biochemical identification of two secretory vesicle ACT-like proteins that differentially inhibit PTP. The colocalization of the ACT-like proteins and PTP within chromaffin granules indicates that they could interact in vivo. Results from this study suggest that these ACT-like proteins may be considered as candidate inhibitors of PTP, which could provide a mechanism for limited proenkephalin processing in adrenal medulla.
Investigation of particle damping mechanism via particle dynamics simulations

Damping systems using granular particles as the damping medium are promising for application in extreme temperature conditions. In particle-based damping systems, mechanical energy is dissipated through inelastic collisions and friction between particles. In this work, we use particle dynamics simulations to investigate and compare the damping mechanisms of a piston-type thrust damper and a box-type oscillation damper. The mechanisms of energy transfer and energy dissipation are investigated. The roles of friction and inelastic collisions, as well as the wall effects in energy dissipation, are examined. The simulation results provide better understanding of the particle damping mechanisms, which may help in the design of next generation particle damping devices.
The stability of organic solvents and carbon electrode in nonaqueous Li-O2 batteries

Abstract The effects of six types of aprotic organic solvents on the discharge performance and discharge products in Li-O 2 batteries are systematically investigated. A large amount of Li 2 O 2 is identified in the air electrodes discharged in glyme-based electrolytes, while only a small amount of Li 2 O 2 is detected in the air electrodes discharged in the electrolytes of nitrile, ionic liquid, phosphate, and sulfoxide. Li 2 CO 3 and LiF are also found as byproducts whose compositions are related to the solvents. Li 2 CO 3 is produced from oxidation and decomposition of the solvent, not from the oxidation of the carbon-based air electrode, as revealed by using a 13 C-labeled carbon electrode and the solid-state 13 C-magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance technique. LiF in the discharge products can be attributed to the attack of superoxide radical anions to the Teflon binder and/or the F-containing imide salt. The formation of these byproducts will significantly reduce the Coulombic efficiency and cycle life of the Li-air batteries. Among the studied solvents, dibutyl diglyme is the suitable solvent for Li-O 2 batteries based on its overall properties. However, better electrolytes that can ensure the formation of Li 2 O 2 but minimize other reaction products need to be further investigated for long cycling rechargeable Li-air batteries.
Intramolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition of enone-acetals

Abstract Lewis acid catalyzed condensation of unsaturated orthoformates with dienol ethers gives enone-acetals suitable for intramolecular photocyclo-additions, yielding heterocyclic precursors to sesquiterpene lactones.
Culture, gender and information technology use: A comparison of Chinese and US children

This research addressed four basic questions about culture, gender and information technology (IT) use. First, are there differences between Chinese and US children in their computer and Internet use? Second, are there differences between Chinese and US children in their use of other technologies, namely, videogames and cell phones? Third, does gender moderate the influence of culture on the use of computers, the Internet and other technologies? Fourth, are there differences among subcultural groups within cultures in their IT use? Using samples of 600 Chinese and 600 US children whose average age was 12 years old, findings indicated cultural and gender differences in technology use as well as interactions between the two. US children used computers and the Internet more than did Chinese children, with Chinese females being the least intense users. Males played videogames more than did females, with US males playing more than did Chinese males. US females lead all other groups in cell phone use, whereas Chinese females were least likely to use them. Racial and ethnic group differences indicate that diversity within cultural groups among subcultures must be considered in understanding children's IT use. Implications of cultural, gender and subcultural group differences in technology use for equity in access to technology and educational interventions for children in the use of technology are discussed.
Fractional-flux vortices and spin superfluidity in triplet superconductors.

We discuss a novel type of fractional-flux vortices along with integer flux vortices in Kosterlitz-Thouless transitions in a triplet superconductor. We show that under certain conditions a spin-tri ...
Analyses for the C-O stretch frequency shifts of CO chemisorbed on Cu(100) in the absence and presence of an electric field

Abstract We have performed cluster model calculations for CO chemisorbed in an on top and assumed bridge site of Cu(100). Detailed analyses are presented for the contributions of the local chemical bonding to the shifts of the C-O stretch frequency upon chemisorption. The repulsion due to the overlap of the free CO and metal charge distributions leads to an increase in ωe. The charge redistributions due to the interaction lead to decreases in ωe which offset the increase due to the repulsion; the major contribution arises from the metal to CO π back-donation. When an electric field is applied, ωe shifts from its value in the absence of a field. Strong evidence is presented which shows that this shift is dominantly a Stark effect which arises from the interaction of the field with the dipole moment of the unperturbed, field free, charge distribution. Field induced changes in the charge distribution give rise to partially cancelling effects so that their net contribution may be quite small.
A note on evaluation of coefficients in the polynomials of Padé approximants by solving systems of linear equations

Abstract This is a sequel to my previous paper concerning the determination of the coefficients in the polynomials which define Pade fractions, where the coefficients are found by solving systems of linear equations. The present note uses the same models and computer as before, but the computations are far more extensive so as to reveal more pointedly the effects of round off error in the coefficients as the order of the system increases. Only the main diagonal Pade entries are studied numerically. The numerics are achieved using two routines in LINPACK one of which evaluates a condition number for the matrix. This is advantageous if one suspects ill conditioning. In our previous paper, it was shown that though the relative errors in the numerator and denominator polynomials increase as the order of the system increases, the effect on the Pade approximant is virtually nil at least for the size of the variable x and the order n considered. Of course, ultimately so as to render the without bound, we should expect so much contamination due to round off so as to render the results meaningless. All of this is illustrated with numerics. Heuristic procedures based on the numerical data developed are presented to warn of deterioration due to round off.
QUANTITATIVE STUDIES ON THE BEHAVIOR OF SENSITIZED LYMPHOCYTES IN VITRO II. INHIBITORY INFLUENCE OF THE IMMUNE SUPPRESSOR, IMURAN, ON THE DESTRUCTIVE REACTION OF SENSITIZED LYMPHOID CELLS AGAINST HOMOLOGOUS TARGET CELLS

The cytocidal effect of specifically sensitized lymphoid cells on homologous target cells in culture can be inhibited by small quantities of an imidazole derivative of 6-mercaptopurine (imuran). This inhibition takes place only in the continuous presence of this drug, and at concentrations which apparently do not affect the viability of the attacking lymphoid cells. These results seem to support the contention that RNA-dependent protein synthesis on the part of the lymphoid cells is necessary for a destructive interaction between sensitized node cells and homologous target cells in vitro.
Four and one-half years' experience in the treatment of emphysema and other respiratory insufficiencies by tracheal fenestration.

SUMMARY Experience with 36 consecutive cases of respiratory cripples treated with tracheal fenestration and repeated tracheobronchial aspirations and self-aspirations is reported. Twenty-nine had diffuse emphysema, and three had bullous emphysema. Eleven of the 32 emphysema cases had so-called "dry" emphysema. Three had active pulmonary tuberculosis; one of them had active silicotuberculosis. Two had cystic fibrosis of the pancreas. Among these end stage cases of respiratory insufficiencies, the best response to this form of therapy was obtained in diffuse emphysema. Eleven of these cases were rehabilitated, and the rest of them were palliated or markedly palliated with two exceptions. One of these two gained no benefit and the other died before the operation could be completed. Pulmonary function determinations with early follow-up studies are reported. The present indications for tracheal fenestration are enumerated. Our observations during the past four and one half years confirm the initial impression that the major source of disability in advanced diffuse emphysema, including so-called "dry" emphysema, is secretional occlusion of the peripheral bronchi and bronchioles rather than bronchial and bronchiolar spasm.
Geometry-driven physical interaction between avatars and virtual environments

We present an interactive technique on virtual contact handling for avatars in virtual environments using geometry-driven physics. If a contact has occurred between an articulated avatar and a virtual environment, the global penetration depth and contact points are estimated based on a fast local penetration depth computation for decomposed convex pieces. The penetration depth and contact information are then used to resolve overlap between the avatar and the virtual environment. If applicable, joint angles for an articulated body are computed using an inverse kinematics approach based on cyclic coordinate descent. Resulting dynamic response with friction is modeled with impulse-based dynamics under the Coulomb friction law. We demonstrate the algorithm on a modestly complex virtual environment. The resulting system is able to maintain an interactive frame rate of 30–60 Hz. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors influencing the selection of hydrocodone and oxycodone as primary opioids in substance abusers seeking treatment in the United States

The purpose of the present study was to identify the factors that influence the selection of hydrocodone and oxycodone as primary drugs of abuse in opioid-dependent subjects (n = 3520) entering one of 160 drug treatment programs around the country. Anonymous, self-administered surveys and direct qualitative interviews were used to examine the influence of demographic characteristics, drug use patterns, and decision-related factors on primary opioid selection. Our results showed that oxycodone and hydrocodone were the drugs of choice in 75% of all patients. Oxycodone was the choice of significantly more users (44.7%) than hydrocodone (29.4%) because the quality of the high was viewed to be much better by 54% of the sample, compared to just 20% in hydrocodone users, who cited acetaminophen as a deterrent to dose escalation to get high and hence, its low euphoric rating. Hydrocodone users were generally risk-averse women, elderly people, noninjectors, and those who prefer safer modes of acquisition than dealers (ie, doctors, friends, or family members). In contrast, oxycodone was a much more attractive euphorigenic agent to risk-tolerant young, male users who prefer to inject or snort their drugs to get high and are willing to use more aggressive forms of diversion. Prevention and treatment approaches, and pain physicians, should benefit from these results because it is clear that not all drug abusers share the same characteristics, and the decision to use one drug over another is a complex one, which is largely attributable to individual differences (eg, personality, gender, age, and other factors).
Picosecond photoionization and geminate recombination in an organic donor—acceptor complex

Abstract The initial steps involved in the charge separation process in thin films of the organic charge-transfer complex formed from poly-N-vinylcarbazole (PVK) and 2,4,7-trinitro-9-fluorenone (TNF) are observed directly using polarization selective pico-second transient grating techniques. When forming a grating with parallel polarized writing beams, a nonexponential decay of the transient grating signal is observed. When forming a grating with perpendicularly polarized writing beams, the decay of the transient grating signal is observed to increase and to be described adequately as a single exponential. These transient grating signals have been investigated as a function both of an applied electric field and as a function of the TNF:PVK ratio. All of these results are consistent with a four-level kinetic model that includes charge hopping, geminate recombination, and field-assisted charge separation.
Diffraction of Light by Sound Waves in Optically Isotropic Media

Diffraction of light by a plane sound wave in an optically isotropic medium is described for arbitrary optical and acoustic polarizations. The index waves produced by a sound wave propagating along a crystallographic axis of a cubic crystal are determined. A partial wave analysis of the vector wave equation describing the propagation of a light wave is given, and analytic solutions of the equation are obtained in the Raman-Nath and Bragg regions of diffraction. The differences between diffraction of light by sound waves in solids and liquids are pointed out. It is shown that the solutions of the vector and scalar wave equations are significantly different only for large Bragg angles. The direction and phase dependence of a diffracted beam on the acoustic frequency and phase, respectively, is pointed out for real-time wavefront correction.
Bulk attenuation in the Earth and viscosity of the core

Recent studies indicate that bulk absorption is required somewhere in the Earth to explain the damping of the radial modes of free oscillation. This excess absorption, if attributed to bulk viscosity in the core, requires a value of ~500 P. This is theoretically reasonable and may be due to structural or concentration fluctuations. The shear viscosity is at least several orders of magnitude smaller.
The Synthesis of Tyrosine Mimetics via a Novel N(1)-C(4) Beta-Lactam Cleavage Reaction

Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of tyrosine are important mechanisms of signal transduction in the cell. These processes are mediated by tyrosine kinases, tyrosine phosphatases, SH2 domains, and phosphotyrosine binding domains. In several disease states, such as cancer and diabetes, various signaling pathways have gone awry. Thus tyrosine-based peptidomimetics are important for the development of inhibitors of signal transduction proteins.
High performance computation for DNS/LES

Abstract The paper is focused on high-order compact schemes for direct numerical simulation (DNS) and large eddy simulation (LES) for flow separation, transition, tip vortex, and flow control. A discussion is given for several fundamental issues such as high quality grid generation, high-order schemes for curvilinear coordinates, the CFL condition for complex geometry, and high-order weighted compact schemes for shock capturing and shock–vortex interaction. The computation examples include DNS for K-type and H-type transition, DNS for flow separation and transition around an airfoil with attack angle, control of flow separation by using pulsed jets, and LES simulation for a tip vortex behind the juncture of a wing and flat plate. The computation also shows an almost linear growth in efficiency obtained by using multiple processors.
On the relationship between the model order reduction problem and the simultaneous stabilization problem

This note points out the fact that, under certain conditions, the model order reduction problem is very closely tied to the simultaneous stabilization problem. These conditions occur when the reduced order model is to be used to design a suboptimal controller for a high-order plant. Under these conditions the controller must not only stabilize the low-order model, but must also stabilize the high-order plant. The result concerning the existence of a controller that will simultaneously stabilize two plants is used to conclude that the approximate inclusion of any unstable real modes of the high-order plant in the low-order model will guarantee the existence of such a controller.
Characterization of the Homeobox-Containing Gene GH6 Identifies Novel Regions of Homeobox Gene Expression in the Developing Chick Embryo

Abstract Homeobox genes are a major group of genes involved in regulating embryogenesis. Here we describe the identification of GH6, a novel chicken homeobox-containing gene and its spatial and temporal expression pattern in the developing chick embryo. Identity comparisons of the GH6 homeodomain suggest that it is closely related to the human homeobox gene H6 , with 93% amino acid conservation. Temporally, GH6 expression is highest between embryonic stages 23 and 26; however, some expression is also detectable as early as stage 13. In situ hybridization of stage 23 embryos indicates that GH6 expression occurs at high levels in discrete craniofacial regions including the second branchial arch, the neural retina, the lens epithelium, the optic nerve, and the infundibulum. GH6 expression was also seen in the developing ventricular myocardium, representing the first report of homeobox gene expression in the developing ventricle. GH6 is also expressed in sensory spinal and cranial ganglia, suggesting that GH6 plays several roles not only in the development of craniofacial structures such as the eye and ear, but also in formation of functionally defined ganglia and myocardial structures.
Experience Curves for Environmental Technology and Their Relationship to Government Actions

We seek to improve the ability of integrated assessment models (IA) to incorporate changes in CO2 capture and sequestration (CCS) technology cost and performance over time. This paper presents results of new research that examines past experience in controlling other major power plant emissions that might serve as a reasonable guide to future rates of technological progress in CCS systems. In particular, we focus on U.S. and worldwide experience with sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) control technologies over the past 30 years.
Justice and Human Rights: Reflections on the Address of Pope Benedict to the UN

The topic of human rights was prominent in Pope Benedict ’ s address to the United Nations General Assembly in the year of the Universal Declaration’s 60th anniversary. 1 As with many of Pope Benedict’s speeches, his 18 April address to the United Nations is one in which some rather complex ideas are expressed in a very condensed fashion. It is a speech that needs, as they say, to be ‘ unpacked ’ . Today, the UDHR has become the single most important common reference point for cross-national discussions of decent human behaviour, and the language of rights has become the principal language for carrying on those discussions. Pope Benedict took those facts as his starting point, noting that ‘ Human rights are increasingly being presented as the common language and ethical substratum of international relations. ’ But success has had its costs. For the more the international human rights idea has shown its power, the more intense has become the struggle to capture that power for various ends, not all of which are respectful of human dignity. In 1948, many scoffed at the idea that mere words could make a difference. By 1989, the world was marvelling that a few simple words of truth – a few courageous people willing to ‘ call good and evil by name ’ – could change the course of history. Sometimes, however, the same words that once were rays of light can become lethal arrows. And sometimes our most noble human enterprises can take a wrong turn. Who would have thought that the human rights project could become so powerful that it risked being turned against itself, and against the human person? That question comes to mind when one ponders Pope Benedict’s pointed discussion of the challenges facing human rights at the present time. The Pope began his discussion with praise for the UDHR, describing it as the outcome of a process designed ‘ to place the human person at the heart of institutions, laws, and the workings of society ’ . And he credited it with having enabled ‘ different
Solvent Extraction and Gas Absorption Using Microchannel Contactors

Microchannel devices offer many technical advantages over conventional technologies for chemical separations. The overall objective for microchemical separations is to achieve extremely high throughput per unit hardware volume by engineering devices with high contact area to volume ratios, micro-thin films, and uniform flow distribution. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s proprietary sheet architecture is being used to construct microchannel devices consisting of channels that are 50 to 500 μm deep and separated by porous contactor plates. Rapid mass transfer occurs between immiscible fluids, both gases and liquids, as they flow through the channels. By immobilizing the interface, both co-current and counter-current flow are achieved. The resulting improvements in heat and mass transfer rates through the devices result in dramatic improvements in productivity and efficiency.
Characterization of the (D2O)2 Hydrogen-Bond-Acceptor Antisymmetric Stretch by IR Cavity Ringdown Laser Absorption Spectroscopy

The IR-CRLAS technique has been used to measure the mid-infrared O−D stretching spectrum of the fully deuterated gas-phase water dimer for the first time. The instrumentally limited resolution of 1...
Minimum-noise maximum-gain telescopes and relaxation method for shaped asymmetric surfaces

For future low-noise receivers, future radio telescopes must avoid the pickup of ground radiation, and for obtaining the maximum gain with a given diameter, they should be shaped two-mirror systems. A configuration with a double asymmetry is suggested, which would improve the signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of two to three. The asymmetric shaping problem is solved by a method of iterative relaxation. Starting with an original paraboloid-hyperboioid system, the primary surface is changed in each iteration for a gradual approach to the illumination demand, including the boundary condition that the circular aperture rim is represented by an exact circle of the feed pattern, and an exactly focussing secondary mirror is calculated in each iteration. The well-documented Fortran program can be obtained from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). All calculated examples, for various strongly asymmetric configurations, converged after 6-10 iterations (within a few minutes of computer time) to an aperture efficiency of \eta \geq 99.97 percent (for geometrical optics). The maximum change of the primary surface, from the original paraboloid to its final shape, was always less than 3 percent of the aperture diameter.
Dynamic file-access characteristics of a production parallel scientific workload

Multiprocessors have permitted astounding increases in computational performance, but many cannot meet the intense I/O requirements of some scientific applications. An important component of any solution to this I/O bottleneck is a parallel file system that can provide high-bandwidth access to tremendous amounts of data in parallel to hundreds or thousands of processors. Most successful systems are based on a solid understanding of the expected workload, but thus far there have been no comprehensive workload characterizations of multiprocessor file systems. This paper presents the results of a three week tracing study in which all file-related activity on a massively parallel computer was recorded. Our instrumentation differs from previous efforts in that it collects information about every I/O request and about the mix of jobs running an a production environment. We also present the results of a trace-driven caching simulation and recommendations for designers of multiprocessor file systems. >
Structural similarities between fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and inositol monophosphatase.

Abstract Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and inositol monophosphatase are found to share a similar secondary structure topology even though their sequences have very limited homology. Both enzymes have a layered αβαβα type structure and similar tertiary structures. All but one of the metal binding residues are conserved between these two enzymes and homologous proteins. The exception is GIu-280 in fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase to Asp-220 in inositol monophosphatase.
Determination of the polynomial defining vapour-liquid split of multi-component mixtures

Abstract The material balance and equilibrium relations defining the equilibrium vapour and liquid compositions of an n -component mixture can be reduced to a polynomial of degree n — 1. Relations for the coefficients of this polynomial are derived, and eight of these expressions are presented.
The Encapsulation of Squid Diisopropylphosphorofluoridate-Hydrolyzing Enzyme within Mouse Erythrocytes

This study describes the entrapment of squid-type diisopropylphosphorofluoridate-hydrolyzing enzyme (DFPase) within mouse red blood cells. These erythrocytes thereby gain the ability to rapidly hydrolyze alkylphosphate cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitors such as diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP). DFPase rapidly hydrolyzes DFP to diisopropyl phosphate. Resealed erythrocytes provide a stable carrier system that can preserve the activity of encapsulated enzymes against otherwise rapid in vivo degradation; thus, ChE inhibitors can be degraded to relatively nontoxic metabolites by these erythrocyte carriers. Squid DFPase was purified from the hepatopancreas of Atlantic squid and DFPase activity was determined by measuring changes in fluoride ion concentration using a fluoride ion selective electrode. Mouse erythrocytes in suspension with excess squid DFPase were dialyzed against hypotonic buffer to allow the encapsulation of the enzyme to occur. Cells were then resealed by returning the suspension to isosmotic with saline. Rate of DFP hydrolysis observed with these cells was much greater than the rate of nonenzymatic hydrolysis and was directly proportional to the amount of the erythrocyte suspension added to the assay solution. The rate of hydrolysis was first order in substrate. Erythrocyte controls showed no endogenous DFPase activity. These results suggest that enzyme entrapment may be developed as a method to prevent and antagonize organophosphate poisoning.