cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of ionization on intense electron beam propagation in low pressure media

ABSTRACT One of the major obstacles to the propagation of intense electron beams in low pressure media is the occurrence of the "ion hose instability" which arises when such a propagation takes place in the so called "Ion Focus Regime" or IFR. In the simplest model of this instability, namely, the rigid beam model, the instability is known to be absolute, i.e. it grows at every point in space. When the radial motion of the ions in the propagation channel is included in the simple model, it is also known that the IFR instability transforms from absolute to connective, i.e. the wave grows as it propagates. In this paper we re-examine this problem by incorporating the effects of collisions that take place between the beam particles and those of the channel medium through which they move. Specifically we include the effects of impact ionization by the beam front as well as the avalanche ionization generated by the ions in the channel. We treat both the beam and channel ions as rigid but bendable, and solve the appropriate set of coupled equations that describe the displacements of the beam and the ions. We find the IFR hose instability to remain connective and its spatial growth rate to be reduced by about 50% for the same charge neutralization factor when avalanche ionization is superimposed on impact ionization. When an ad-hoc damping factor that simulates a spread in the betatron frequency is introduced we find that the damping rate varies inversely with the charge neutralization factor.
Sunscreens: Topical and systemic approaches for protection of human skin against harmful effects of solar radiation

This review deals with topical and systemic approaches for protection of human skin against the harmful effects of solar radiation. Two concerns about the deleterious effects of sun exposure involve: (1) acute effects (e.g., sunburn and drug-induced phototoxicity) and (2) potential long-term risks of repeated sun exposures leading to development of solar elastosis, keratoses, induction of both nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancer, and alteration of immune responses and functions. Action spectra of normal and abnormal reactions of human skin to acute and chronic effects of solar radiation are presented with a view to helping the physician prescribe the appropriate sunscreens. Factors that influence acute effects of sunburn are reviewed. Various artificial methods effective in minimizing or preventing harmful effects of solar radiation, both in normal individuals and in patients with photosensitivity-related problems, are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the commercially available chemical sunscreens and their properties. Sun protection factor (SPF) values of several brand-name formulations determined with a solar simulator under indoor conditions (laboratory) and with solar radiation under natural, field conditions are presented. Factors responsible for variations of SPF values observed under indoor and outdoor conditions are reviewed. Systemic photoprotective agents and their limitations are outlined. The photobiology of melanin pigmentation (the tanning reaction) is briefly discussed, with emphasis on the dangers of using quick-tanning lotions for stimulation of the tanning reaction.
Evolving management and outcome of esophageal cancer with airway involvement.

Abstract Background . Esophageal cancer with airway involvement, including patients with esophagorespiratory fistula (ERF), has been associated with a poor prognosis. Multimodality treatment, self-expanding metal stents, and improved supportive therapy may be impacting outcome in these patients. There is concern for the development of ERF during therapy. Methods . We retrospectively studied 74 consecutive male patients at a single institution presenting between 1/85 to 12/98 with bronchoscopic, endoscopic or radiographic confirmation of airway involvement with esophageal cancer, including 35 patients with ERF. Comparison was made between the first 35 patients (group I) and the last 39 patients (group II) with regard to antineoplastic therapy, stent placement, and survival. Results . Treatment in group I included supportive care in 17 of 35 patients, plastic stent in 7 of 35 patients, and radiation or chemotherapy in 9 of 35 patients. In group II, radiation or chemotherapy was offered to 33 patients, and self-expanding metal stents were placed in 10 of 39 patients. Surgical resection was possible after neoadjuvant therapy in 13 of 39 patients in group II, including 2 initially presenting with ERF. Median survival in group I was 16 weeks and in group II was 37 weeks. Comparison of Kaplan-Meier survival estimates using log rank testing demonstrated improved survival in group II ( p = 0.0026). Long-term survival in 4 group II patients initially presenting with ERF and receiving multimodality treatment was observed. Development of ERF during treatment occurred in 3 group II patients. Treatment failure was predominantly local in group I and local and distant in group II. Conclusions . More aggressive treatment may favorably influence outcome in esophageal cancer with airway invasion. Long-term survival and the development of ERF during therapy occurred at similar rates.
Transcranial Doppler with contrast injection for the detection of patent foramen ovale in stroke patients

Right-to-left shunt through a patent foramen ovale was searched for in 80 patients with acute ischemic stroke by simultaneously performing transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography and transcranial Doppler during agitated saline injection. A patent foramen ovale was detected by echocardiography in 14 patients (17.5%). Transcranial Doppler correctly identified all 14 patients, and 7 more patients in whom echocardiographic findings were indeterminate. Prevalence of patent foramen ovale by transcranial Doppler was therefore 26.3% (21 of 80 patients). Concordance between the two tests was 91.3% (73 of 80 patients). The delivery of contrast material to cerebral vessels is therefore demonstrable by transcranial Doppler in all patients diagnosed by contrast echocardiography, suggesting that paradoxical embolization through a patent foramen ovale may be more frequent than previously thought. Transcranial Doppler with contrast injection is a valid alternative in case of poor echocardiographic image quality.
Cross-Talk between Estrogen Receptor and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize estrogen receptor expression and signaling in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines and patient tissues, and to evaluate estrogen receptor and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) cross-activation in HNSCC. Experimental Design: Estrogen receptor expression and signaling in HNSCC cell lines were assessed by immunoblotting. In vitro proliferation and invasion were evaluated in HNSCC cell lines in response to estrogen receptor and EGFR ligands or inhibitors. Estrogen receptor and EGFR protein expression in patient tissues was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Results: Phospho–mitogen-activated protein kinase (P-MAPK) levels were significantly increased following combined estrogen and EGF treatment. Treatment of HNSCC cells with estrogen and EGF significantly increased cell invasion compared with either treatment alone, whereas inhibiting these two pathways resulted in reduced invasion compared with inhibiting either pathway alone. EGFR ( P = 0.008) and nuclear estrogen receptor α (ERα nuc ; P n = 56) compared with adjacent mucosa ( n = 30), whereas nuclear estrogen receptor β (ERβ nuc ) levels did not differ ( P = 0.67). Patients with high ERα nuc and EGFR tumor levels had significantly reduced progression-free survival compared with patients with low tumor ERα nuc and EGFR levels (hazards ratio, 4.09; P = 0.01; Cox proportional hazards). In contrast, high ERβ nuc tumor levels were not associated with reduced progression-free survival alone or when combined with EGFR. Conclusions: ERα and ERβ were expressed in HNSCC, and stimulation with estrogen receptor ligands resulted in both cytoplasmic signal transduction and transcriptional activation. Estrogen receptor and EGFR cross-talk was observed. Collectively, these studies indicate that estrogen receptor and EGFR together may contribute to HNSCC development and disease progression. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(21):6529–40)
Hyperbolic imbedding and spaces of continuous extensions of holomorphic maps

LetX be a complex subspace of a complex spaceY. We show that hyperbolic imbeddedness ofX inY is characterized by relative compactness in the compact-open topology of certain spaces of continuous extensions of holomorphic maps from the punctured diskD* toX and fromM -A toX whereM is a complex manifold andA is a divisor onM with normal crossings. We apply these characterizations to obtain generalizations and extensions of theorems of Kobayashi, Kiernan, Kwack, Noguchi and Vitali forD and for higher dimensions. Relative compactness ofX inY is not assumed.
Growth and glycine incorporation in chick embryo explants

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of several natural and synthetic nutrient media were tested on the DNA and protein-glycine contents of 11–13-somite chick embryos explanted 8 or 24 hours. 2. 2. Marked increases in both substances were obtained with explants on media containing the natural egg nutrient. Explants including more extensive areas of the extraembryonic membranes showed larger increases on such media than explants with smaller extraembryonic membranes. 3. 3. A glucose-containing medium promoted a large increase in DNA and a small increase in protein-glycine only in explants with large extraembryonic membranes. Other synthetic media had no effect on the protein-glycine content and promoted only a small increase in DNA. 4. 4. Under explantation conditions, with rapidly increasing protein-glycine contents, incorporation of glycine-1-C11 led to a small increase in the specific activities of the protein-glycine or protein-nitrogen. Under conditions of slow growth, a much greater increase in the specific activities was found to occur. This is interpreted to indicate utilization of different types of precursors for protein formation under conditions of rapid and slow growth.
Descriptive epidemiology of nonsyndromic omphalocele in Texas, 1999-2004.

Omphalocele is a congenital malformation that involves protrusion of abdominal contents into the umbilicus. Though omphalocele may present as a manifestation of several chromosomal and Mendelian syndromes, the etiology for nonsyndromic omphalocele is unknown. The present study sought to estimate the birth prevalence of nonsyndromic omphalocele in offspring of women residing in Texas from 1999 to 2004, and to describe prevalence as a function of parental and infant demographic characteristics. Data on 325 cases with nonsyndromic omphalocele and 2,208,758 live births delivered during 1999–2004 were obtained from the Texas Birth Defects Registry. These data were used to estimate omphalocele birth prevalence and obtain both crude and adjusted prevalence ratios for the association of nonsyndromic omphalocele with parental and infant demographic characteristics. Nonsyndromic omphaloceles were significantly more common among the offspring of women without previous live births (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.41–2.30), compared to the offspring of women with previous live births. The prevalence of nonsyndromic omphalocele was also increased among women aged 25–29 (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.12–2.50) and women aged 40 and older (adjusted prevalence ratio: 4.83, 95% CI: 2.63–8.86) compared to the offspring of women age <20, and in infants of multiple gestation pregnancies compared to singleton infants (adjusted prevalence ratio: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.22–3.37). In addition, among Hispanic women, the prevalence of nonsyndromic omphalocele was higher in the offspring of those born in the U.S. as compared to those born elsewhere (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.12–2.00). These findings augment the existing omphalocele literature. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
SMESH: an IO-computation balanced architecture for parallel implementations of convolution and morphological filters in real time

A high-speed special purpose architecture is presented to implement convolution and morphological filters in real-time. The highly parallel pipelined architecture developed has the characteristics of both a systolic array and an augmented 2-D mesh connected computers. We refer to this hybrid architecture as a systolic mesh (SMESH). In contrast to previous work in this area which has the emphasized the computational aspects the SMESH architecture addresses both computation and TO issues. We exploit the systolic array approach to improve the computation execution time while using a special broadcast scheme to speed-up JO communication leading to an 10-computation balanced design. I.
Synthesis of short chain carboxylic acids labelled with 13C and 2H at various positions

2-Methylpropionic, n-butyric, 2-methylbutyric and n-heptanoic acids labelled with 13C or 2H at various positions were synthesized. Carbon-13 was introduced to the carboxyl group by Grignard synthesis. Malonate ester synthesis was utilized to introduce labelled methyl group(s) at 2-position of the branched acids. Procedures for small scale synthesis by these commonly used methods are described in detail. In addition, a novel method for the introduction of a deuterium at the 2-position of these car-boxylic acids by decarboxylation of the corresponding carboxyl-deuterated malonic acid is described.
A One-Pot Procedure for Attaching two Differentiated Carbon Side Chains to Adjacent Carbons of an Arene Ring

Abstract Treatment of o-bromoiodobenzene successiveiy with a vinyl Grignard reagent (2+ equivatents) and an allylic hatide (1+ equivalent) gives a good yield of arene containing adjacent vinyl and allyl sidechains. In recent papers we showed that vinyl or vinylsilyl Grignard reagents can be used to generate and trap arynes from polyhaloarenes.2 The reaction, illustrated below for o-bromoiodobenzene, involves three steps: Grignard exchange, aryne formation, and nucteophilic addition of a second equivalent of Grignard reagent to the aryne.
Randomized controlled trial of the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan for weight loss.

The Medifast 5 & 1 Plan (MD) is a portion-controlled, nutritionally-balanced, low-fat weight-loss plan. We studied the effects of MD compared with a reduced-energy, food-based diet (FB) on body weight, waist circumference, fat mass and other measures in adults. We conducted a two-parallel-arm, randomized, controlled trial comparing MD to FB over 52 weeks. A total of 120 men and women aged 19–65 years with BMI ⩾35 and ⩽50 kg m−2 were randomized to MD (n=60) or FB (n=60). Follow-up included a 26-week weight-loss phase and 26-week weight-maintenance phase. Anthropometric, body composition, biochemical and appetite/satiety measures were performed at baseline and at 26 and 52 weeks. An intention-to-treat, linear mixed models analysis was the primary analysis. Fifty MD subjects (83.3%) and 45 FB subjects (75.0%) completed the study on assigned treatment. At 26 weeks, race-adjusted mean weight loss was 7.5 kg in MD subjects vs 3.8 kg in FB subjects (P=0.0002 for difference); reduction in waist circumference was 5.7 cm in MD vs 3.7 cm in FB (P=0.0064); and fat mass loss was 6.4 kg in MD vs 3.7 kg in FB (P=0.0011). At 52 weeks, the corresponding reductions were 4.7 vs 1.9 kg (P=0.0004); 5.0 vs 3.6 cm (P=0.0082); and 4.1 vs 1.9 kg (P=0.0019) in MD and FB subjects, respectively. In obese adults, MD resulted in significantly greater reductions in body weight and fat compared with an FB diet for 1 year after randomization.
Observation of asymmetric Stark profiles from plasmas created by a picosecond KrF laser

High-resolution extreme ultraviolet (XUV) spectra from solid targets irradiated by a picosecond KrF* laser focused to 10/sup 16/ W/cm/sup 2/ have been recorded. The line profiles of transitions in Li-like fluorine and oxygen are asymmetric and up to 2 A in width. Calculations indicate the presence of transitions of the type 2p-3p and other forbidden Stark components. 11 refs., 6 figs.
Interpreting N in the computably enumerable weak truth table degrees

Abstract We give a first-order coding without parameters of a copy of ( N ,+,×) in the computably enumerable weak truth table degrees. As a tool, we develop a theory of parameter definable subsets.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy versus surgical resection for stage I non–small cell lung cancer

Objectives Stereotactic body radiation therapy has been proposed as an alternative local treatment option for high-risk patients with early-stage lung cancer. A direct comparison of outcomes between stereotactic body radiation therapy and surgical resection has not been reported. This study compares short-term outcomes between stereotactic body radiation therapy and surgical treatment of non–small cell lung cancer. Methods We compared all patients treated with surgery (January 2000–December 2006) or stereotactic body radiation therapy (February 2004–May 2007) with clinical stage IA/B non–small cell lung cancer staged by computed tomography and positron emission tomography. Comorbidity scores were recorded prospectively using the Adult Co-Morbidity Evaluation scoring system. Charts were reviewed to determine local tumor recurrence, disease-specific survival, and overall survival. A propensity score matching analysis was used to adjust estimated treatment hazard ratios for confounding effects of patient age, comorbidity index, and clinical stage. Results A total of 462 patients underwent surgery and 76 received stereotactic body radiation therapy. Overall, surgical patients were younger ( P P P P = .04). There was no difference in local tumor control in stage IB disease ( P = .89). No disease-specific survival differences were found in patients with 1A ( P = .33) or IB disease ( P = .69). Propensity analysis matched 57 high-risk surgical patients to 57 patients undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy. In the matched comparison of this subgroup, there was no difference in freedom from local recurrence (88% vs 90%), disease-free survival (77% vs 86%), and overall survival (54% vs 38%) at 3 years. Conclusions In an unmatched comparison of clinical stage IA disease, surgical patients were healthier and had better local tumor control compared with those receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy. Propensity analysis in clinical stage IA/B non–small cell lung cancer revealed similar rates of local recurrence and disease-specific survival in patients treated with surgery compared with stereotactic body radiation therapy.
Cytogenetic evolution in the plethodontid salamander genus Aneides

Chromosomal variation in the plethodontid salamander genus Aneides was analyzed using C-banding, to visualize heterochromatin distribution, as well as silver and fluorochrome banding, to reveal nucleolus organizer regions. Evidence is presented that Aneides has undergone pronounced karyological divergence from a Plethodon-like ancestor. It is concluded that this divergence reflects accelerated rates of chromosomal rearrangements in Aneides relative to Plethodon. These rearrangements have involved mainly pericentric inversions that have occurred in one or more of the three smallest pairs of chromosomes in the karyotype. Karyological variation within and between species of Aneides was used to analyze phylogenetic relationships within the genus. This analysis revealed at least two karyologically distinct species that had not been previously recognized by morphological criteria.
Valproic acid-associated acute liver failure in children: case report and analysis of liver transplantation outcomes in the United States.

Drug-induced acute liver failure (DIALF) is a well-known complication of valproic acid (VPA) treatment; this occurs primarily in children younger than 2 years (1–4). Mechanisms involved in VPA-associated hepatotoxicity and ALF include generation of toxic VPA metabolites (e.g. 2-n-propyl-4-pentanoic acid), inhibition of mitochondrial β-oxidation, depletion of hepatic free CoA reserves, carnitine deficiency and inborn mitochondrial disorders (5–10). Liver transplantation (LT) is an ultimate treatment for DIALF with one-year patient survival probabilities of 76% for ALF associated with acetaminophen and 82% for ALF associated with antituberculosis agents and antibiotics (4). However, a lower post-LT survival was observed in children who developed DIALF due to antiepileptics, particularly VPA-associated ALF (VPA-ALF) (4, 11, 12). Regardless of LT and good hepatic graft function, children who developed VPA-ALF had continuing neurological deterioration after LT (11, 12). Although the cause is unclear, inborn mitochondrial dysfunction is postulated as a major risk factor for VPA-ALF (6, 12–14) and poor survival after LT (12). Moreover, Delarue et al (11) suggested that children with Alpers-Hutterlocher syndrome (15, 16), an inborn mitochondrial defect, who developed ALF on VPA therapy were often misdiagnosed as VPA-ALF and eventually had a poor outcome after LT. Indeed, children who develop ALF not related to VPA, but secondary to a mitochondrial defect, were shown to have reduced survival after LT (17–21). Thomson et al (18) suggested that ALF induced by a mitochondrial cytopathy be a contraindication for LT. Herein, we report a child heterozygous for POLG1 mutations who developed VPA-ALF and improved without LT. We have previously shown that being younger than 18 years and undergoing LT for antiepileptic-induced ALF were independent risk factors for post-LT mortality (4). Therefore, in addition to the case presentation, we analyzed data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) to determine if children transplanted for VPA-ALF had lower survival probability after LT compared with children transplanted for ALF secondary to other drugs (nonVPA-DIALF).
Quantum theory of nondegenerate four-wave mixing in semiconductors.

Many semiconductor materials exhibit large optical nonlinearities in the spectral regime of the fundamental absorption edge.1 Most of these nonlinearities rely on the interactions among the generated electron-hole excitations. Since the carrier-carrier intraband scattering processes establish quasi-thermal equilibrium on a sub-picosecond timescale, most theoretical studies deal only with the incoherent optical properties of semiconductors. However, effects like multi-wave mixing are phase sensitive processes which require a more elaborate treatment of the light-light interaction mediated by the incoherent medium. In this paper we present a theory of multi-wave mixing for a highly excited semiconductor. The theory is based on the fact that pulsation of the total carrier density can induce mixing since the carrier response time is of the order of nanoseconds, even if the intraband carrier-carrier scattering occurs in fractions of a picosecond. In our theory we concentrate on the population pulsations, simplifying or ignoring the many-body Coulomb effects as much as reasonably possible without having a completely unrealistic model.
Description of a new chrysidid genus from New Caledonia (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae, Amiseginae)

Author(s): Kimsey, LS | Abstract: Generic placement of the amisegine species Atoposega decorata Kimsey, 1995, is reexamined and is moved to the new genus, Noumeasega. In addition, three new species, N. bicolorata, N. kaoriensis and N. neocaledonica, also from New Caledonia are described and placed in Noumeasega. Traits that distinguish Noumeasega from Atoposega Krombein, 1957 and Mahinda Krombein, 1983, are described, and a key to the species is provided along with distribution map and images. In addition, unlike Atoposega, males are associated with females in Noumeasega.Copyright Helmuth Aguirre et al.
Mechanisms of Diaphragm Fatigue

The importance of respiratory muscle fatigue, particularly of the diaphragm, has become well recognized in the last decade. If the diaphragm muscle fails, so does effective ventilation and tissue respiration. Balance between energy supply and demand determines diaphragmatic endurance. An imbalance between energy supply and demand leads to the development of diaphragmatic fatigue. It has become clear that the process of fatigue is a complex phenomenon with multiple mechanisms accounting for changes in muscle performance. The various mechanisms involved are probably interdependent, synergistic, and integrative in nature. This article focuses on the concept of diaphragm fatigue and explores the mechanisms occurring with diaphragm fatigue including sodium-potassium derangements, which cause a decrease in velocity of propagation of muscle action; inhibition of calcium release from the sacroplasmic reticulum; and increased oxygen free radical formation related to cellular energetics. Additionally, review of therapeutic approaches to the treatment of diaphragm fatigue are presented.
Ecological Relationships in Family Day Care

This paper draws upon an observational study of interaction in Family Day Care homes (FDC) and other research to develop hypotheses about the factors that affect children's experiences in FDC. The research suggests that characteristics of children, caregivers and settings in FDC are ecologically balanced in different models of FDC. The implications of different models for children's development are discussed.
HAPPE: Human and Application-Driven Frequency Scaling for Processor Power Efficiency

Conventional dynamic voltage and frequency scaling techniques use high CPU utilization as a predictor for user dissatisfaction, to which they react by increasing CPU frequency. In this paper, we demonstrate that for many interactive applications, perceived performance is highly dependent upon the particular user and application, and is not linearly related to CPU utilization. This observation reveals an opportunity for reducing power consumption. We propose Human and Application driven frequency scaling for Processor Power Efficiency (HAPPE), an adaptive user-and-application-aware dynamic CPU frequency scaling technique. HAPPE continuously adapts processor frequency and voltage to the learned performance requirement of the current user and application. Adaptation to user requirements is quick and requires minimal effort from the user (typically a handful of key strokes). Once the system has adapted to the user's performance requirements, the user is not required to provide continued feedback but is permitted to provide additional feedback to adjust the control policy to changes in preferences. HAPPE was implemented on a Linux-based laptop and evaluated in 22 hours of controlled user studies. Compared to the default Linux CPU frequency controller, HAPPE reduces the measured system-wide power consumption of CPU-intensive interactive applications by 25 percent on average while maintaining user satisfaction.
Block of single L-type Ca2+ channels in skeletal muscle fibers by aminoglycoside antibiotics

The activity of single L-type Ca2+ channels was recorded from cell-attached patches on acutely isolated skeletal muscle fibers from the mouse. The experiments were concerned with the mechanism by which aminoglycoside antibiotics inhibit ion flow through the channel. Aminoglycosides produced discrete fluctuations in the single-channel current when added to the external solution. The blocking kinetics could be described as a simple bimolecular reaction between an aminoglycoside molecule and the open channel. The blocking rate was found to be increased when either the membrane potential was made more negative or the concentration of external permeant ion was reduced. Both of these effects are consistent with a blocking site that is located within the channel pore. Other features of block, however, were incompatible with a simple pore blocking mechanism. Hyperpolarization enhanced the rate of unblocking, even though an aminoglycoside molecule must dissociate from its binding site in the channel toward the external solution against the membrane field. Raising the external permeant ion concentration also enhanced the rate of unblocking. This latter finding suggests that aminglycoside affinity is modified by repulsive interactions that arise when the pore is simultaneously occupied by a permeant ion and an aminoglycoside molecule.
A Study of the Problems of Inactivation of Creatine Kinase in Serum

Addition of sulfhydryl groups to the reaction mixture, to stabilize serum creatine kinase (creatine phosphokinase, CPK), results in apparent increases in the activity of this enzyme in many sera. In addition, in sera from patients just after myocardial infarction, assays for sulfhydryl-activated CPK have a different clinical pattern than do those for CPK assayed without sulfhydryl activators: activities are greater and remain abnormally high longer in assays in which the enzyme is sulfhydryl activated. If the assay is done without sulfhydryl activators present, technical difficulties appear, because CPK in serum is rapidly inactivated at room temperature. CPK is apparently inactivated in at least two ways. One, which is irreversible, is inhibited by albumin; the other, which is reversible by sulfhydryl groups, seems to result from the presence of substances in the pooled serum used that are both protein bound and free.
Comments on ‘A Lur'e-type Lyapunov function for multimachine power systems with transfer conductances’

This note shows that the Lyapunov function constructed for the example multimachine power system by Saeki et al. (1985) is in error. The derivative of the Lyapunov function along the trajectories is not negative-semidefinite. This problem raises questions as to whether the hypotheses of Saeki et al. (1985 Theorem 1) can be satisfied in a multimachine power system with transfer conductances.
USE OF GLASS-FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER TENDONS FOR STRESS-LAMINATING TIMBER BRIDGE DECKS

Researchers at the University of Maine led an effort in the mid-1990s to develop and use glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) tendons, instead of the commonly used steel-threaded bars, for stress-laminating timber bridge decks. The GFRP tendons are 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) in diameter and consist of seven-wire strands similar in construction to steel prestressing strands. Because the modulus of elasticity of the GFRP tendons is approximately 1/9 that of steel, they are not as susceptible to loss of prestress as steel bars and may not have to be restressed during the life of deck. In 1997, researchers obtained funding to design, construct, and monitor a stress-laminated timber bridge located in Milbridge, Maine, utilizing the new GFRP tendons. The bridge was constructed from preservative treated No. 2 and better eastern hemlock laminations and is 4.88 m (16 ft) long, 7.75 m (25 ft, 6 in.) wide, and 350 mm (14 in.) deep. Based on 4.25 years of field monitoring the tendon forces and moisture content, the GFRP tendons have maintained an adequate prestress level without having to be restressed.
COMPARISON OF LITHIUM-ION BATTERY CATHODE MATERIALS AND THE INTERNAL STRESS DEVELOPMENT

The need for development and deployment of reliable and efficient energy storage devices, such as lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, is becoming increasingly important due to the scarcity of petroleum. Lithium-ion batteries operate via an electrochemical process in which lithium ions are shuttled between cathode and anode while electrons flowing through an external wire to form an electrical circuit. The study showed that the development of lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO 4 ) batteries promises an alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries, with their potential for high energy capacity and power density, improved safety, and reduced cost. However, current prototype LiFePO 4 batteries have been reported to lose capacity over ~3000 charge/discharge cycles or degrade rapidly under high discharging rate. In this study, we report that the mechanical and structural failures are attributed to dislocations formations. Analytical models and crystal visualizations provide details to further understand the stress development due to lithium movements during charging or discharging. This study contributes to the fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of capacity loss in lithium-ion battery materials and helps the design of better rechargeable batteries, and thus leads to economic and environmental benefits.
Assessing Integrated Language and Content Instruction

Integrated language and content instruction has become a popular alternative to traditional ESL instruction. Researchers have recommended this instructional approach to develop students' academic language ability and facilitate their transition to mainstream classes. Practitioners have also favored this approach for several reasons: to prepare students for mainstream classes, increase student motivation and interest with content themes, and make ESL students feel part of the mainstream school curricula. Over the past 10 years, much progress has been made in developing, implementing, and refining strategies and techniques that effectively integrate language and content instruction. However, the issue of assessment is still being resolved. Neither traditional language tests nor content achievement tests are adequate. The difficulty with assessment centers on isolating the language features from the content objectives so one does not adversely influence the other. This article addresses the issue of assessment in integrated classes and provides a framework for organizing assessment objectives. It recommends using alternative assessment measures, such as checklists, portfolios, interviews, and performance-based tasks. Examples of the framework being implemented in elementary and secondary school integrated language and content classes are also included.
At Issue: Will the Term Brain Disease Reduce Stigma and Promote Parity for Mental Illnesses?

The author questions both the scientific evidence and potential effect of the current trend to change the language used to describe certain serious mental illnesses (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar affective disorder) to "brain diseases." It is argued that changing nomenclature will not be effective in reducing stigma unless the treatment and financial circumstances of the seriously mentally ill are improved. Finally, it is suggested that we need to expand our understanding and treatment of "physical illnesses" to encompass the social and psychological dimensions, not narrow our view of psychiatric illnesses.
Coalition-Based Resource Reciprocation Strategies for P2P Multimedia Broadcasting

In this paper, we consider a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, where multimedia streams are broadcast by matched peers based on their resource reciprocation profiles. We propose a new framework where each peer creates a coalition of matched peers with which it can exchange resources in order to improve its utility. The utility is determined based on explicit consideration of the peer's multimedia attributes and the quality derived by the peers' reciprocation behavior. We adopt the proportional bargaining solution to negotiate the upload bandwidth among the matched peers. Proportional bargaining allows to determine each peer's optimal (in a Pareto optimal sense) upload rates in a coalition in terms of its utility impact. The impact of an incoming peer on the coalition value, which represents the collective utility achieved by the peers in a coalition, is assessed by explicitly investigating the coalition value improvement. Finally, our results show that the proposed coalition-based resource reciprocation can improve the resource allocation/scheduling algorithms deployed in existing P2P systems such as BitTorrent and CoolStreaming. We also discuss how the proposed resource reciprocation approach can be implemented in other multimedia broadcasting applications.
The Fundamentals of Political Science Research: Limited Dependent Variables and Time-Series Data

OVERVIEW In this chapter we provide an introduction to two common extensions of multiple regression models. The first deals with cross-sectional models where the dependent variable is categorical rather than continuous. The second involves time-series models, where the variables of interest are measured repeatedly over time. Throughout the chapter, we use examples from a variety of research situations to illustrate the important issues that must be addressed in each research situation. EXTENSIONS OF OLS We have come a long way in the understanding and use of regression analysis in political science. We have learned, mathematically, where OLS coefficients come from; we have learned how to interpret those coefficients substantively; and we have learned how to use OLS to control for other possible causes of the dependent variable. In Chapter 10, we introduced dummy variables, having used them as independent variables in our regression models. In this chapter, we extend this focus to research situations in which the dependent variable is a dummy variable. Such situations are common in political science, as many of the dependent variables that we find ourselves interested in – such as, whether or not an individual voted in a particular election, or whether or not two countries engaged in a dispute escalate the situation to open warfare – are dummy variables.
Finite-Frequency Kernels Based on Adjoint Methods

We derive the adjoint equations associated with the calculation of Frechet derivatives for tomographic inversions based upon a Lagrange multiplier method. The Frechet derivative of an objective function χ(m), where m denotes the Earth model, may be written in the generic form δχ = ∫ K_m(x) δ ln m(x) d^3x, where δ ln m = δm/m denotes the relative model perturbation and K_m the associated 3D sensitivity or Frechet kernel. Complications due to artificial absorbing boundaries for regional simulations as well as finite sources are accommodated. We construct the 3D finite-frequency “banana-doughnut” kernel K_m by simultaneously computing the so-called “adjoint” wave field forward in time and reconstructing the regular wave field backward in time. The adjoint wave field is produced by using time- reversed signals at the receivers as fictitious, simultaneous sources, while the regular wave field is reconstructed on the fly by propagating the last frame of the wave field, saved by a previous forward simulation, backward in time. The approach is based on the spectral-element method, and only two simulations are needed to produce the 3D finite-frequency sensitivity kernels. The method is applied to 1D and 3D regional models. Various 3D shear- and compressional-wave sensitivity kernels are presented for different regional body- and surface-wave arrivals in the seismograms. These kernels illustrate the sensitivity of the observations to the structural parameters and form the basis of fully 3D tomographic inversions.
Characterization on jointed rock masses based on PFC2D

Geometrical parameters of discontinuities, such as spacing, length, dip and fault throw between joints have a great influence on the mechanical behavior of jointed rock masses. Accurate characterization for discontinuities is important for investigate the stability of rock masses. In this paper, the PFC2D is combined with joint network generation method to examine the mechanical behaviors of jointed mass. Taking Miaogou Open-pit Mine as an example, the information and statistical distributions of discontinuities of the slope rock masses are measured by ShapeMetriX3D measuring tool. Then, the automatic generation algorithm of random joints network based on the Monte-Carlo method is proposed using the programming language (FISH) embedded within PFC2D. This algorithm could represent the discontinuities compared with the geological surveys. In simulating the compression test of a jointed rock sample, the mechanical behavior and crack propagation were investigated. The results reveal that the failure mode and crack propagation of the jointed rock are dominated by the distribution of joints in addition to the intact rock properties. The simulation result shows the feasibility of the joints generating method in application to jointed rock mass.
Evaluation of cell subpopulations isolated from human tumor xenografts by centrifugal elutriation

Abstract Human epidermoid tumor cells (Coll2, ME180, A431, HEp3) grown as xenografts in nude mice, were dissociated into single cell suspensions using an enzyme cocktail containing 0.025% collagenase, 0.05% pronase, and 0.04% DNase. The dissociated cell suspensions were separated by centrifugal elutriation into fractions containing homogeneous cell subpopulations primarily based on the difference in the rates of sedimentation. The quality of separation was evaluated by several techniques including flow cytometry, cell volume distributions, in vitro colony forming assay and morphological examination of Wright-Giemsa stained cells. In each separated fractions, the host to neoplastic cell ratio, the DNA ploidy, the plating efficiency and the cell cycle distribution were determined. After an initial separation of non-neoplastic host cells from malignant cells, a purity of >95% host cells was obtained from the four xenografts studied. DNA analysis of tumor suspensions showed that neoplastic cells of different xenografts contained aneuploid cells with a DNA index of 1.51 to 1.95. The neoplastic cells were further separated into fractions according to their positions in the cell cycle. Fractions containing >95% G,, 65% S, and 72% G 2 M cells were obtained from HEp3 xenografts. Less efficient separation with respect to cell cycle was attained with cells derived from Coll2, ME180, and A431 xenografts. Colony forming abilities of the neoplastic cells were determined at different phases of the cell cycle and found to be similar to those of the unseparated cell suspensions after corrections for non-neoplastic host cells were made. These investigations indicate that centrifugal elutriation is an effective technique of obtaining homogeneous subpopulations of cells from human tumor xenografts for various tumor biology and cell kinetics studies.
Chip-package thermal co-simulation technique for thermally aware chip design

This paper proposes an early stage, fast and accurate approach for a temperature aware, chip level circuit design. In essence, the strategy involves up front characterization of the package and the surroundings using rigorous thermal simulation techniques for on-demand available, automated and accurate thermal model for the silicon design team. The model takes as input, the chip power map and outputs steady state temperature map. This was accomplished by using a method of linear superposition for characterizing the detailed model of a chip along with its packaging and relevant surroundings. The proposed repository of compact models in library form obviates the need for advanced background in heat transfer or time consuming computations at the point of use which have traditionally been a bottleneck to early stage adoption of thermal management during chip design.
Cost of Locomotion: Unsteady Medusan Swimming

The influence of unsteady (time varying) motion on the energetics of swimming was investigated with measurements and theoretical estimates of the specific cost of locomotion for two species of hydrozoan medusae: Gonionemus vertens L. Agassiz and Stomotoca atra L. Agassiz. These species, both about 1 g, provide a broad range of swimming speeds for which locomotor energetics can be explored. The cost of locomotion (a dimensionless ratio defined as the rate of energy consumption divided by the product of an animal9s weight and speed) was estimated from the oxygen consumption rate of medusae tethered to a force platform. Swimming beat frequency, as monitored by the force platform, was correlated with velocity obtained from cine-films of freely swimming medusae. The specific cost of locomotion was 6.3 (dimensionless), nearly one order of magnitude greater than the extrapolated cost of locomotion for a vertebrate swimmer of equivalent body mass. The great magnitude of this cost is attributed to two aspects of the periodic pulsatile pattern of locomotion by these cnidarians: (1) the energy expenditure for periodic accelerations of the animal9s mass and some mass of fluid about it and (2) the energy dissipated in bell deformations and recovery strokes. Nearly 25% of the augmented cost is attributed to the energy required to overcome an unsteady flow force, that is the force required to accelerate fluid about the animal. Such a high cost of locomotion is apparently a general consequence of swimming with a discontinuous production of thrust. The mechanics of discontinuous swimming are explored by measuring the hydrodynamic coefficients associated with unsteady flows (added-mass coefficients) for models of medusae. The results suggest that the effects of vortex formation and shedding may significantly increase the magnitude of the forces produced by or resisting unsteady animal locomotion.
Virulence of Bacteria Associated with the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in New Orleans, LA

Examination of Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, for possible biological control agents revealed the presence of 15 bacteria and one fungus associated with dead termites from New Orleans, LA, USA. All but one of the bacteria species were gram-negative bacteria. Bacterial isolates from dead termites were primarily Serratia marcescens Bizio that caused septicemia in C. formosanus and also appeared to contain proteolytic enzymes. Multiple strains of S. marcescens were isolated. Six of the eight strains of S. marcescens were red, probably not pathogenic in humans, and candidates as biological control agents for C. formosanus. Bacteria isolated from termite substrata included Corynebacterium urealyticum Pitcher, Acinetobacter calcoacet/baumannii/Gen2 (Beijerinck), S. marcescens, and Enterobacter gergoviae Brenner. Some of these bacteria are potential human pathogens. Forced exposure bioassays demonstrated that the T8 strain of S. marcescens killed 100% of C. formosanus by day 19.
DNA Synthesis and Production of Interleukin 1 by Lymph Node Macrophages in Culture

When bovine lymph node cells are cultured for several days the adherent macrophage population increases by as much as tenfold. This increase in cell number is primarily due to cell division, which reaches a maximum on day 4 or 5 of culture. Although the presence of the nonadherent cells seems required for cell division, we have been unable to detect a macrophage growth factor in either the nonadherent cell populations. The adherent cells were identified as macrophages based on positive esterase staining, the presence of Fc receptors, beta-glucuronidase activity, and phagocytosis. Moreover, these adherent cells produced interleukin 1 (IL1) after exposure to lipopolysaccharide in serum-free medium. Approximately 10(7) macrophages were stimulated to produce about 900 units of IL1 in a 24-hr period. Thus, the bovine lymph node preparation is a potential source of a large number of macrophages capable of dividing in culture and of producing IL1.