cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Roads do not increase carrion use by a vertebrate scavenging community

Wildlife-vehicle collisions introduce a considerable amount of carrion into the environment, but scavenger use of this resource has not been extensively investigated. Scavengers may use roads for reliable foraging opportunities, but might also use roads for other purposes and encounter carrion opportunistically. We examined scavenging of carrion along linear features by placing 52 rabbit carcasses in each of three treatments in forested habitat during winter (Dec 2016-Mar 2017) in South Carolina, USA: roads, power line clearings (linear feature with fewer carcasses than roads due to lack of road kill), and forest interior. We used motion-activated cameras to compare arrival times and presence of vertebrate scavengers among treatments. There was no difference in proportion of carcasses scavenged or scavenger arrival time across treatments. No species arrived at roads quicker than other treatments. Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) and coyotes (Canis latrans) scavenged equally across treatments, whereas gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) scavenged along roads and power lines, but not in forests. We suggest that scavenger use of carrion near roads at this location during winter relates to factors other than carrion availability. Because some scavengers readily consumed carrion on roads, this resource has the potential to influence the ecology of these species.
Opportunities for Leadership Development in the Service of Language Teacher Associations

This chapter examines the author’s reflections of her participation in and service to Language Teacher Associations (LTAs), primarily TESOL International Association, one of its large, regional affiliates, and a smaller state affiliate. Employing a method of autoethnography, the author narrates her professional development pursuits in English Language Teaching (ELT) in several different contexts within the field, including her experiences in the communities of practice and social learning systems (Wenger, 2000) that have ultimately led to active leadership roles within them. Newcomers to the ELT field, program administrators, professors of TESL education programs, and leaders within LTAs themselves may find the reflected experiences presented here useful in developing and encouraging professional development and leadership opportunities for ELT practitioners at various levels and stages in their careers in order to support on-going training and research in pedagogy, mentoring, community networking, and meeting program evaluation criteria for accreditation.
A qualitative analysis of JPAE’s international context articles: Comparative emphasis in public affairs education

This article evaluates the Journal of Public Affairs Education’s (JPAE) contribution during its first twenty-five years to the study of international and comparative public affairs education by loo...
Measuring Time Needed for Learning to Predict Learning Outcomes.

This article describes the application of a dynamic, or process assessment, model for children with reading problems. The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate individual differences in the ...
Preclinical Experimentation in Oncology

Molecular targeting is the foundation of current cancer therapies. Although much more progress is to be made, overall survival rates have improved in a variety of cancers. Imaging is central to the assessment of those therapies, and the clinical use of nuclear imaging technologies—specifically positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)—continues to grow. The functional information provided by nuclear imaging enables us to diagnose, stage, and monitor tumor response to therapy. There also has been tremendous growth in radiosynthetic methods, the development of radiotracers, and the number of radiotracers evaluated in humans. The clinical utility of a radiopharmaceutical is ultimately determined by its ability to quantify target expression and provide high-contrast images with specificity and sensitivity. In light of this, the robust validation of radiotracers is essential and requires the use of both in vitro and in vivo model systems that can capture the heterogeneity and genetic complexity of tumors. Along these lines, some of the most important challenges include modeling the interactions between the tumor and the host immune system, faithfully representing human tumor genetic diversity, mimicking drug resistance, predicting the in vivo behavior of imaging agents, and appreciating interspecies differences. This chapter addresses these difficulties and the tools needed to evaluate radiotracers in the right model system.
Modeling Transitional States of Drivers Yielding Right-Of-Way to Pedestrians at Signalized Midblock Crosswalks using a Hazard-Based Multistate Model

This study presents an analysis of transitional states of drivers yielding right-of-way to pedestrians at signalized midblock crosswalks. The study utilizes data from twenty signalized midblock cro...
Use of Denosumab in Children With Osteoclast Bone Dysplasias: Report of Three Cases.

Denosumab has been used successfully to treat disease-associated osteoclast overactivity, including giant cell tumor of bone. Given its mechanism of action, denosumab is a potent potential treatment of other osteoclast bone dysplasias including central giant cell granuloma (CGCG), aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC), and cherubism. Relatively little is known about the safety and efficacy of denosumab in patients with these conditions, especially in children. We report on 3 pediatric patients treated with denosumab over a 3-year period at UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles and Santa Monica, CA, USA): a 12-year-old with recurrent ABC of the pelvis, a 14-year-old with CGCG of the mandible, and a 12-year-old with cherubism. All were started on a 1-year course of 15 doses 120 mg s.c., given monthly with two loading doses on day 8 and 15. All patients demonstrated rapid and pronounced clinical improvement while on denosumab, including a significant reduction in pain and sclerosis of lytic lesions on radiographs. Within 1 month of initiating therapy, 2 patients experienced hypocalcemia (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [CTCAE] grade 2) and hypophosphatemia, with 1 patient experiencing symptoms. One patient went on to experience symptomatic rebound hypercalcemia (CTCAE grade 4) 5 months after completing therapy, requiring bisphosphonates and calcitonin. For the second patient, we developed a schedule to wean denosumab involving the progressive lengthening of time between doses from 1 to 4 months in 1-month increments before cessation. We found that denosumab therapy results in significant clinical and radiographic improvement for pediatric patients with nonresectable ABC, CGCG, and cherubism. Problems with serum calcium may be more common in younger patients, with symptomatic and protracted rebound hypercalcemia after cessation of therapy the most significant. We present a potential solution to this problem with progressive spacing of doses. Potential serious adverse events from alterations in calcium homeostasis should be explored in prospective clinical trials. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Arch intervention following stage 1 palliation in hypoplastic left heart syndrome is associated with slower feed advancement: a report from the National Pediatric Quality Cardiology Improvement Collaborative.

INTRODUCTION Infants undergoing stage 1 palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome may have post-operative feeding difficulties. Although the cause of feeding difficulties in these patients is multi-factorial, residual arch obstruction may affect gut perfusion, contributing to feeding intolerance. We hypothesised that undergoing arch reintervention following stage 1 palliation would be associated with post-operative feeding difficulties. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study. We analysed data from the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative, which maintains a multicentre registry for infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome discharged home following stage 1 palliation. Patients who underwent arch reintervention (percutaneous or surgical) prior to discharge following stage 1 palliation were compared with those who underwent non-aortic arch interventions after stage 1 palliation and those who underwent no intervention. Median post-operative days to full enteral feeds and weight for age z-scores were compared. Predictors of post-operative days to full feeds were identified. RESULTS Among patients who underwent arch reintervention, post-operative days to full enteral feeds were greater than for those who underwent non-aortic arch interventions (25 versus 16, p = 0.003) or no intervention (median days 25 versus 12, p < 0.001). Arch intervention, multiple interventions, gestational age, and the presence of a gastrointestinal anomaly were predictors of days to full feeds. CONCLUSIONS Repeat arch intervention is associated with a longer time to achieve full enteral feeding in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome after stage 1 palliation. Further investigation of this association is needed to understand the role of arch obstruction in feeding problems in these patients.
The Ineffectiveness of Fact-Checking Labels on News Memes and Articles

With most Internet users now getting news from social media, there is growing concern about how to verify the content that appears on these platforms. Two experiments tested the effects of fact-che...
Pulsed Resonant Charging Power Supply for the Spallation Neutron Source Extraction Kicker PFN System

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory uses fourteen pulsed modulators in the extraction system to deflect the proton beam from the accumulation ring to the target. Each individual pulse modulator is a pulse-forming network (PFN) located in a service building external to the ring tunnel. SNS is in the planning and development phase of a proton power upgrade (PPU) to increase the beam energy from 1.0 to 1.3 GeV, and the extraction system is required to provide the same deflection at the higher beam energy. Increasing the magnet current, by charging the PFN to a higher voltage, by 20% will provide the required deflection. The existing capacitor charging power supply is incapable of charging the PFN to higher voltages between the 60 Hz pulses; therefore, a new resonant charging scheme has been developed to charge to the PPU higher voltage within the available time. This paper describes the resonant charging power supply design and presents test results from a prototype operating on a full system test stand.
Spatiotemporal Coherence Weighting for In Vivo Cardiac Photoacoustic Image Beamformation

Photoacoustic (PA) image reconstruction generally utilizes delay-and-sum (DAS) beamforming of received acoustic waves from tissue irradiated with optical illumination. However, nonadaptive DAS reconstructed cardiac PA images exhibit temporally varying noise which causes reduced myocardial PA signal specificity, making image interpretation difficult. Adaptive beamforming algorithms such as minimum variance (MV) with coherence factor (CF) weighting have been previously reported to improve the DAS image quality. In this article, we report on an adaptive beamforming algorithm by extending CF weighting to the temporal domain for preclinical cardiac PA imaging (PAI). The proposed spatiotemporal coherence factor (STCF) considers multiple temporally adjacent image acquisition events during beamforming and cancels out signals with low spatial coherence and temporal coherence, resulting in higher background noise cancellation while preserving the main features of interest (myocardial wall) in the resultant PA images. STCF has been validated using the numerical simulations and in vivo ECG and respiratory-signal-gated cardiac PAI in healthy murine hearts. The numerical simulation results demonstrate that STCF weighting outperforms DAS and MV beamforming with and without CF weighting under different levels of inherent contrast, acoustic attenuation, optical scattering, and signal-to-noise (SNR) of channel data. Performance improvement is attributed to higher sidelobe reduction (at least 5 dB) and SNR improvement (at least 10 dB). Improved myocardial signal specificity and higher signal rejection in the left ventricular chamber and acoustic gel region are observed with STCF in cardiac PAI.
Sensitivity analysis of nonsmooth power control systems with an example of wind turbines

Abstract This paper focuses on dynamic sensitivities of nonsmooth power control systems. Recent advances in nonsmooth sensitivity theory are applicable to large-scale practical problems modeled as nonsmooth semi-explicit differential-algebraic equations (DAEs). This theory is applied here to a wind turbine control system with nonsmooth input parameter profiles. First-order sensitivity information is characterized from an auxiliary, nonsmooth sensitivity system which includes discontinuities because of nonsmooth wind speed profiles. Dynamic simulations of sensitivities are provided which give new insights on design and implementation (e.g., the system’s control limits).
Modeling and numerical investigation of mechanical twinning in β-HMX crystals subjected to shock loading

This manuscript establishes a large deformation Crystal Plasticity Finite Element (CPFE) model for β-HMX (1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane) energetic crystals with emphasis on the deformation twinning behavior under shock loading conditions. The CPFE model captures the nonlinear response of the monoclinic crystal through the application of large volumetric change under shock condition, dislocation slip at low and high moving speeds and mechanical twinning idealized by the twin volume fraction evolution. The twinning behavior is distinguished from dislocation slip through the decomposition of the plastic velocity gradient in which dislocation slip, twinning and slip in the twinned region are separately considered. Third-order Birch Murnaghan EOS is incorporated in the CPFE framework to describe the volumetric deformation under extreme pressure induced by explosion or impact. The results of the numerical investigations show that the twinning behavior exhibits strong orientation dependency, which becomes more evident at higher loading regime. Particle shape significantly affects the twin concentration. Peak twin volume fraction in HMX polycrystalline with regularized particle shapes is lower compared with mesostructure with realistic particle morphologies.
Intermittent Hypoxia Exacerbates Neonatal Hyperoxia-Induced Cardiovascular Dysfunction

Background: Preterm infants exposed to high oxygen concentrations often experience frequent intermittent hypoxic spells (desaturations). There is also accumulating evidence that frequent and prolonged intermittent hypoxic spells are associated with worsened outcomes. In pilot studies, we demonstrated that these spells alter pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell function. But, whether intermittent hypoxic spells exacerbate neonatal-hyperoxia induced pulmonary hypertension (PH), cardiovascular impairment or mitochondrial damage is less explored. Objective: To determine whether intermittent hypoxic spells induce lung mitochondrial damage and exacerbate neonatal hyperoxia-induced PH, …
Einfluß der Ernährungsweise (bezügl. der Vitamine) anf die Wirkung mancher Gifte sowie auf pathologische Zustände nicht infektiöser Natur

Bei den hier zu besprechenden Zustanden ist es schwer, wenn nicht unmoglich, schon heute zu bestimmen, ob die Wirkung auf die Anwesenheit von Vitaminen oder auch auf die gewohnlichen Nahrungsbestandteile zuruckzufuhren ist. Dieses Kapitel kann erst ins klare gebracht werden, wenn uns die Vitamine in reinem oder beinahe reinem Zustande in groseren Mengen zur Verfugung stehen.
Writing History in International Criminal Trials

Why do international criminal tribunals write histories of the origins and causes of armed conflicts? Richard Ashby Wilson conducted research with judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys and expert witnesses in three international criminal tribunals to understand how law and history are combined in the courtroom. Historical testimony is now an integral part of international trials, with prosecutors and defense teams using background testimony to pursue decidedly legal objectives. In the Slobodan Milosevic trial, the prosecution sought to demonstrate special intent to commit genocide by reference to a long-standing animus, nurtured within a nationalist mindset. For their part, the defense called historical witnesses to undermine charges of superior responsibility, and to mitigate the sentence by representing crimes as reprisals. Although legal ways of knowing are distinct from those of history, the two are effectively combined in international trials in a way that challenges us to rethink the relationship between law and history.
Administration of penicillin and streptomycin by means of the hypospray apparatus; absorption, toxicity, and stability.

Abstract These studies are evidence that penicillin can be administered by means of the Hypospray apparatus. Furthermore the device has the advantage of decreasing the pain and fear of injection which attend available methods. There are several problems to be solved before the device can be used generally in clinical practice.
Occult internal iliac arterial injury identified during open reduction internal fixation of an acetabular fracture: A report of two cases

We present two cases of occult internal iliac arterial injury identified during operative reduction of a widely displaced posterior column posterior wall acetabular fracture. This complication was not recognised until reduction of the column fracture. There were no preoperative signs or symptoms indicative of a vascular injury. These cases emphasise the heightened awareness one must have when treating widely displaced posterior column fractures of the acetabulum, especially those fractures with extension into the greater sciatic notch, as previously formed clot can become dislodged and hemostasis lost. We also present management options when this complication occurs. We believe any surgeon treating acetabular fractures should be aware of this serious and potentially fatal complication.
ABET Engineering Criteria 2000

Last July, the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) recommended to the Board of Directors of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) the adoption, for a two year comment period, of a radically different set of criteria for accrediting programs of engineering in the United States. These criteria, now called ABET ENGINEERING CRITERIA 2000, could become effective in the year 2000 and will have a major impact on the way that engineering accreditation is conducted when finally adopted. This session will discuss the ABET ENGINEERING CRITERL4 2000, the process that has produced them, and the activities mw underway to study their impact and implementation.
A Pay-per-Use DoS Protection Mechanism For the Web

Internet service providers have resisted deploying Denial-of-Service (DoS) protection mechanisms despite numerous research results in the area. This is so primarily because ISPs cannot directly charge users for the use of such mechanisms, discouraging investment in the necessary infrastructure and operational support.
Limitations of immunoassays used for therapeutic drug monitoring of immunosuppressants

Although immunoassays are widely used for therapeutic drug monitoring of various immunosuppressants, a major limitation of these immunoassays is the significant cross-reactivity with various metabolites of these agents. Some immunosuppressants, such as cyclosporine, have more than 20 metabolites, which makes it difficult for the antibody used in an immunoassay to recognize only the parent drug without having interference from its metabolites. Positive bias of up to 50% has been reported in drug concentrations determined by an immunoassay when results were rechecked using a more specific chromatography combined with mass spectrometry-based method. In addition, the antibody conjugate magnetic immunoassay marketed by Siemens Diagnostics is affected by heterophilic antibodies.
Trilinearity in visual recognition by alignment

In the general case, a trilinear relationship between three perspective views is shown to exist. The trilinearity result is shown to be of much practical use in visual recognition by alignment — yielding a direct method superior to the conventional epipolar line intersection method. The proof of the central result may be of further interest as it demonstrates certain regularities across homographies of the plane.
PHYSICAL VICTIMIZATION AND BULIMIC- LIKE SYMPTOMS: IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP?*

An increasingly popular clinical impression is that physical victimization plays an important role in the etiology of bulimia. There are few data based studies, however, which have tested this belief. Therefore, data were collected to determine if those who have been victimized are more apt to be bulimic than those who have not been victimized. The four forms of victimization explored were rape, sexual molestation, child abuse and partner abuse. Only child abuse was statistically significantly related to bulimia in the bivariate analyses, although all relationships were in the predicted direction. In the multivariate analysis, severity of bulimic‐like symptoms was regressed on the four forms of victimization and on nine demographic characteristics. Child abuse was the only form of victimization related to the severity of symptoms, when controlling for the effects of the other variables. Contrary to clinical impressions, the effect of sexual molestation on severity of bulimic symptoms was negative, but not...
The size and timing of devaluations in capital-controlled economies

Abstract In this paper, we consider a policymaker in a stochastic environment who pegs the nominal exchange rate and adjusts the peg periodically so as to minimize the flow cost of real exchange-rate misalignment and the fixed cost of peg readjustment. Characterizing the real exchange rate as regulated Brownian motion permits the policymaker's problem to be solved for the optimal size and timing of devaluations. Using cross-sectional data on 80 peg episodes from seventeen Latin American countries over the 1957–1990 period, we find empirical support for the model's main predictions.
Preventive effect of specific antioxidant on oxidative renal cell injury associated with renal crystal formation.

Objective To investigate whether calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), a key element of hyperoxaluria, would induce renal cell injury through oxidative stress and also whether certain antioxidants could prevent chemically induced renal crystal formation in rats. Materials and Methods COM-exerted oxidative stress on the kidney epithelial Madin-Darby canine kidney cells was assessed using the lipid peroxidation assay. Glyoxalase I (Gly-I) activity was also determined. Two antioxidants, vitamin C and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), were then tested to determine whether they could abolish such oxidative stress in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. Both antioxidants were also tested to determine whether they might prevent or reduce renal crystal formation induced with ethylene glycol (EG) and vitamin D 3 (VD 3 ) in Wistar rats. Results COM (200 μg/mL) demonstrated ∼1.3-fold greater oxidative stress with a significant reduction in cell viability and Gly-I activity compared with controls. However, such adverse events were almost completely prevented with NAC but not with vitamin C. In the animal study, no renal crystals were seen in the sham group. However, numerous crystals, with reduced Gly-I activity and elevated oxidative stress, were found in the EG-VD 3 group. However, markedly (>70%) fewer crystals, with full Gly-I activity and diminished oxidative stress, were detected in the EG-VD 3 +NAC group. Conclusion COM exerted oxidative stress on Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, leading to cell viability reduction and Gly-I inactivation, with NAC fully preventing such adverse consequences. Similarly, numerous crystals with Gly-I inactivation and elevated oxidative stress seen in the rats (EG-VD 3 ) were also significantly prevented with NAC supplement. Thus, NAC might have clinical implications in preventing oxidative renal cell injury and, ultimately, kidney stone formation.
Midgut pH in different instars of three Aedes mosquito species and the relation between pH and susceptibility of larvae to a nuclear polyhedrosis virus

Abstract Midgut pH values were determined for second, third, and fourth instar larvae of Aedes epactius, A. atropalpus, and A. scutellaris. Larvae were fed mixtures of pH indicators and kaolin clay and observed with a stereoscope to determine midgut pH. No significant difference was found in midgut pH values among the three species when the same instar was compared. However, significant differences were found in the length of the high (9.0 to 10.0) pH region when comparing the three instars for each species. Increasing age of treated A. epactius larvae caused a decrease in susceptibility to a nuclear polyhedrosis virus—from 56% infection for 12-hr-old larvae declining to 8% infection for 72-hr larvae. The increased length of the high pH region may relate to decreasing susceptibility of A. epactius to a nuclear polyhedrosis virus as the larvae age.
HIV interactions with monocytes and dendritic cells: viral latency and reservoirs

HIV is a devastating human pathogen that causes serious immunological diseases in humans around the world. The virus is able to remain latent in an infected host for many years, allowing for the long-term survival of the virus and inevitably prolonging the infection process. The location and mechanisms of HIV latency are under investigation and remain important topics in the study of viral pathogenesis. Given that HIV is a blood-borne pathogen, a number of cell types have been proposed to be the sites of latency, including resting memory CD4+ T cells, peripheral blood monocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages in the lymph nodes, and haematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. This review updates the latest advances in the study of HIV interactions with monocytes and dendritic cells, and highlights the potential role of these cells as viral reservoirs and the effects of the HIV-host-cell interactions on viral pathogenesis.
Colorectal cancer screening in young patients with poor health and severe comorbidity.

Background Young patients with poor health and a high risk of mortality from comorbid diseases have less chance of deriving a survival benefit from colorectal cancer screening. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between colorectal cancer screening, self-reported health status, and comorbidity in a cohort of young patients, defined as patients between the ages of 50 and 64 years. Methods This was a single-center study conducted at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center from October 1, 1996, to March 30, 2004. Colorectal cancer screening information was obtained from 861 outpatients who completed the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (measure of health status) and the Kaplan-Feinstein Index (comorbidity score). Rates of screening were examined by age, physical component summary score, and severity of comorbid illnesses. Results Of the veterans, 45.9% had undergone screening within 5 years of their index visit. Screening rates were high among patients with moderate (44.9%) and severe (45.8%) comorbidities. When stratified by age group and physical component summary quartile, there was a trend toward increasing screening rates with better health status in the 50- to 54- and 55- to 59-year age groups. In the 60- to 64-year age group, high screening rates for patients with poorer health were observed: physical component summary quartiles 1 and 2, 55.7% and 54.2%, respectively. Fifty-two patients died during the 5-year follow-up; 37 (71.2%) had undergone screening for colorectal cancer. Conclusions Young patients with potentially reduced life expectancy are being screened for colorectal cancer at relatively high rates. Comprehensive assessment of health status and comorbidity should guide cancer screening decisions, especially in individuals with reduced life expectancy who may obtain the least benefit from screening.
Surface superconductivity in niobium and niobium-tantalum alloys

The critical field for surface superconductivity, ${H}_{c3}$, and the upper bulk critical field, ${H}_{c2}$, have been measured as a function of temperature and mean free path for Nb and Nb(Ta) alloys in an attempt to study the spatial variations of the superconducting interaction constant $N (0) V$ near a vacuum-metal interface. At temperatures below $\frac{T}{{T}_{c}}=0.85$ the pure-Nb sample shows $\frac{{H}_{c3}}{{H}_{c2}}$ values well above 1.695, as predicted by Hu and Korenman for the limit of long electronic mean free path. As the mean free path decreases, there is a regular depression of $\frac{{H}_{c3}}{{H}_{c2}}$ toward 1.695. At temperatures above $\frac{T}{{T}_{c}}=0.85$, however, there are striking deviations from the theory which may arise because the interaction constant is slightly depressed at the surface. A model calculation by Hu shows that changes in $N (0) V$ at the surface of 0.7% for pure Nb and 1.6% for Nb-1.0-at.%. Ta can account for the for the experimental results.
Infection of Fetal Human Astrocytes by M-Tropic HIV Is Not Inhibited by Prostaglandin-Mediated CCR5 Downregulation

Infection of Fetal Human Astrocytes by M-Tropic HIV Is Not Inhibited by Prostaglandin-Mediated CCR5 Downregulation
Idealized collision model for reactive scattering: Energy dependence of the cross section for CH3I + K → CH3 + Kl☆

Abstract The energy and temperature dependence of the reaction cross section for CH3I + K → CH3 + KI have been calculated using the reaction probability obtained from the idealized model of collinear, impulsive interaction between the atoms K and I and between the group CH3 and I. Calculated values of the cross section agree very closely with the postmaximum data by Gersh and Berastein.
Calculating Study on Flow Characteristics of Butterfly Vacuum Control Valves

Aiming at the actual demand, the gas flow characteristics of butterfly vacuum control valves are investigated in this paper. Classification and characteristic of vacuum control valves are discussed in detail. The geometric and mathematic models for two kinds of butterfly vacuum control valves, with seal and without seal, are respectively built. The gas flows through the valve at different opening angles are simulated under different pressure by means of the Fluent software. The flow percentage function and adjustment sensitivity are introduced and formulated to describe the flow regulating characteristic of control valves. The flow conductance coefficient and flow loss coefficient are defined and formulated to describe the resistance characteristic of control valves. The dates and curves of some simulating examples are given and discussed.
An Elementary Proof That Finite Groups Lack Unique Product Structures

Abstract A group G is said to have a unique m -element product structure if there is a subset S of G such that the product map φ: S m → G is a bijection. D. Dimovski (1992, J. Algebra 146 , 205–209) proved using character theory that no nontrivial finite group has a unique m -element product structure for m ⩾2. We provide an elementary proof of this fact.
β-adrenergic receptor binding characteristics and responsiveness in cultured Wistar-Kyoto rat arterial smooth muscle cells

The tone of arterial blood vessels is regulated by the catecholamines through their receptors on arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMC). beta 2-adrenergic receptors of ASMC mediate vasodilation through agonist mediated c-AMP production. Previous reports have described these receptors on freshly isolated blood vessels. This study demonstrates the presence of beta 2-adrenergic receptors on cultured rat ASMC and that these receptors are functional. beta-adrenergic receptor binding was measured using [3H]-dihydroalprenolol (DHA) binding to the membrane of cultured ASMC from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. The ASMC beta-adrenergic receptors have a Kd of 0.56 +/- 0.16 nM and a Bmax of 57.2 +/- 21.7 fmol/mg protein. Competition binding studies revealed a much greater affinity of these receptors for epinephrine than norepinephrine, indicating the preponderance of a beta 2-adrenergic receptor subtype. Isoproterenol stimulation of cultured ASMC resulted in a 14 +/- 7 fold increase in intracellular c-AMP content of these cells indicating these receptors are functional. beta-adrenergic receptors of cultured ASMC provide an excellent system in which the association between hypertension and observed beta-adrenergic receptor differences can be further explored.
Excitation of the 3 1,3 D and 4 1,3 F Levels of Helium by Direct Electron Impact, and 4 1 P-->4 1,3 F Collisional Transfer

Excitation of the $3^{1,3}D$ and $4^{1,3}F$ levels of helium by electron impact has been studied by time-resolved spectroscopy of the $3^{1}D\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2^{1}P(\ensuremath{\lambda}6678\AA{})$ and $3^{3}D\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2^{3}P(\ensuremath{\lambda}5876\AA{})$ transitions. (Excitation of the $4^{1}F$ and $4^{3}F$ levels are observed as cascade components under time resolution.) Cross sections are estimated for the direct excitation of these levels by 38-, 50-, and 100-eV electron impact. Excitation of the $4F$ levels by direct electron impact are much larger than predicted by the Born approximation but much smaller than implied by previous experimental measurements. Direct excitation of the $3^{1}D$ and $4^{1}F$ by 100-eV electron impact is in excellent agreement and satisfactory agreement, respectively, with preliminary close-coupling approximation calculations. The collisional transfer $4^{1}P\ensuremath{\rightarrow}4^{3}F$ is much smaller relative to the $4^{1}P\ensuremath{\rightarrow}4^{1}F$ transfer than has previously been suggested.
Perceptual and lexical components of auditory repetition priming in young and older adults

In the present study, we examined whether age modulates the processing of lexical and perceptual information in auditory implicit and explicit memory tests. Young and older adults performed a surface encoding task on spoken and printed words and then either identified degraded words or made explicit recognition judgments. The implicit test of perceptual identification yielded no evidence of age-related declines in the processing of either lexical information or coarse perceptual details (modality of presentation). The same test, however, produced marked age-related declines in the processing of fine-grained perceptual details (voice) when subjects were not familiarized with the talkers’ voices prior to the encoding task. Marked age differences were also observed in recognition memory. These findings suggest that although aging preserves the encoding and incidental retrieval of lexical and coarse perceptual information, it affects the encoding of fine-grained perceptual information and deliberate retrieval processes.
Hadronic Hyperon Decays in the Symmetric Quark Model

The current-current quark model provides a two-parameter description of the $S$- and $P$-wave nonleptonic decay amplitudes of hyperons.
Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II is associated with the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor

The molecular basis of long-term potentiation (LTP), a long-lasting change in synaptic transmission, is of fundamental interest because of its implication in learning. Usually LTP depends on Ca2+ influx through postsynaptic N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors and subsequent activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). For a molecular understanding of LTP it is crucial to know how CaMKII is localized to its postsynaptic targets because protein kinases often are targeted to their substrates by adapter proteins. Here we show that CaMKII directly binds to the NMDA receptor subunits NR1 and NR2B. Moreover, activation of CaMKIIα by stimulation of NMDA receptors in forebrain slices increase this association. This interaction places CaMKII not only proximal to a major source of Ca2+ influx but also close to α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptors, which become phosphorylated upon stimulation of NMDA receptors in these forebrain slices. Identification of the postsynaptic adapter for CaMKII fills a critical gap in the understanding of LTP because CaMKII-mediated phosphorylation of AMPA receptors is an important step during LTP.
Cytoprotection of kidney epithelial cells by compounds that target amino acid gated chloride channels

Glycine, strychnine and certain chloride channel blockers were reported to protect cells against lethal cell injury. These effects have been attributed to interactions with membrane proteins related to CNS glycine gated chloride channel receptors. We have investigated the pharmacology of these actions. Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells were depleted of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by incubation in glucose free medium containing a mitochondrial uncoupler. Medium Ca2+ was adjusted to 100 nM in the presence of an ionophore such that intracellular Ca2+ did not increase, and Ca(2+)-related injury mechanisms were inhibited. This permitted more sensitive quantitation of protection against cell injury attributable to glycine or other agents whose actions might be related to those of the amino acid. Two classes of compounds showed cytoprotective activity in this system: (1) ligands at chloride channel receptors, such as glycine, strychnine and avermectin B1a; (2) chloride channel blockers, including cyanotriphenylboron and niflumic acid, both of which are known to bind to channel domains of CNS glycine receptors. Morphological and functional studies showed that the compounds preserved plasma membrane integrity, but permitted cell swelling. Substitution of medium chloride by gluconate, or chloride salts by sucrose, did not substantially modify lethal damage or its prevention by glycine or other drugs. The compounds did not modify ATP declines. At least for some compounds, cytoprotection appeared to be specific to structural features on the molecules. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that a plasma membrane protein related to glycine-gated chloride channel receptors plays a significant role in cell injury, but indicate that the mechanisms of injury and protection by compounds active in this system are not related to chloride fluxes.
Purification and characterization of carboxypeptidase from terminally differentiated rat epidermal cells.

Abstract A tissue carboxypeptidase-A-like enzyme was purified to apparent homogeneity from terminally differentiated epidermal cells of 2-day-old rats by potato inhibitor affinity chromatography followed by FPLC Mono Q column chromatography. The enzyme has anMr of 35 000 as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and HPLC gel filtration. It has a pH optimum of 8.5 for hydrolysis of benzyloxycarbonyl-Phe-Leu (Km = 0.22mM, kcat = 57.9s−1). The enzyme does not hydrolyze substrates with Arg, Lys and Pro at the C-terminal and Pro at the penultimate position. Angiotensin I was effectively hydrolyzed (Km = 0.06mM, krmcast = 6.48s−) and produced both des-Leu10-angiotensin I and angiotensin II. The enzyme activity, relatively stable at 4° C and pH 8.0–10.5, was inactivated at pH values higher than 12.0 and lower than 5.0 or at 65° C for 10 min. Inhibitor profiles of the epidermal enzyme also differed slightly from those of tissue carboxypeptidase A of pancreatic or mast cell origin.
On the consistency between attitudes and behavior: Look to the method of attitude formation

Abstract A field study and a laboratory experiment were conducted to test the hypothesis that the method by which an attitude was formed is a crucial variable affecting attitude-behavior consistency. It was predicted that people who form their attitudes on the basis of direct behavioral interaction with the attitude object will demonstrate significantly greater attitude-behavior consistency than individuals whose attitudes were formed by other means. In the field study, students with direct prior experience with a housing crisis demonstrated greater consistency between their attitudes and behavioral attempts to alleviate the crisis than did students with similar attitudes but without prior direct experience. In the laboratory experiment, subjects who indicated their attitude toward a variety of puzzle types after working examples of each demonstrated greater consistency between these attitudes and subsequent behavior in a free play situation than subjects with similar attitudes formed on the basis of information given by the experimenter. It was suggested that direct behavioral experience produces an attitude which is more clearly, confidently, and stably maintained than an attitude formed through more indirect means.
Reverse osmosis separation of phenols in aqueous solutions using porous cellulose acetate membranes

Reverse osmosis separations of phenol (9.4 to 108 ppm), p-cresol (108 ppm), and p-chlorophenol (129 ppm) were studied using Loeb-Sourirajan-type porous cellulose acetate membranes, and single-solute aqueous feed solutions at 500 psig and the indicated solute concentrations. It was found that, by dissociating the solute by changing the pH of the feed solution, all the above phenols could be separated by reverse osmosis. Solute separation increased with increase in the degree of dissociation of the solute in the feed solution; and, by the appropriate choice of pore size on the membrane surface, separations of phenol approaching the degree of dissociation of phenol in the feed solution could be obtained under the operating conditions used. Similar experiments using aniline (93 ppm) as the solute showed that dissociation of solute molecules in the feed solution could be a technique generally applicable for the reverse osmosis separation of nonionic solutes in aqueous solution. The effects of operating pressure in the range 250 to 1500 psig and pore size on the membrane surface on the separation of un-ionized phenol and p-chlorophenol showed that, with respect to single-solute aqueous feed solutions of phenols, the component whose relative acidity was greater was preferentially sorbed at the cellulose acetate membrane—aqueous solution interface, and the solute concentration in the membrane-permeated product solution was a function of the extent and mobility of each of the sorbed species.
Aneurysm of the hepatic artery

Summary Diagnosis of aneurysm of the hepatic artery prior to rupture requires a celiac arteriogram. A case is reported in which the only symptom was severe pain. This is the second reported case of successful resection and end to end anastomosis.
TLR3 deficiency induces chronic inflammatory cardiomyopathy in resistant mice following coxsackievirus B3 infection: role for IL-4

Recent findings indicate that TLR3 polymorphisms increase susceptibility to enteroviral myocarditis and inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (iDCM) in patients. TLR3 signaling has been found to inhi...
Automatic contour tiler (CTI): automatic construction of complex 3D surfaces from contours using the Delaunay triangulation

An automatic contour tiler (CTI) has been designed and implemented for use with planar, simple, possibly concave, nonintersecting `wireloop' contours which are typical in medical applications. Without user interaction or guidance, CTI connects 2D contours into 3D branching structures and then produces the tiles by extracting the surface of the resulting volume. CTI is a perturbing tiler based on Boissannat's method. Previous ideas are extended by offering implementation suggestions--above and beyond theoretical considerations--that result in a robust program even in the face of ill-formed contours. CTI is one of a suite of tools written to a NCI standard. This results in very portable code and makes it practical and economical to produce portable tools regardless of the site's local data formats.
Potentiation of radiation lethality by hyperthermia in a tumor model: effects of sequence, degree, and duration of heating.

Abstract The response of multicell spheroids to combined treatment with hyperthermia and radiation was critically dependent on the sequencing and the degree of the heating. The oxygen consumption of spheroids was found to be a function of both the ambient temperature, and the time spent at that temperature. Thus, stimulation of oxygen consumption led to increased hypoxic fractions with greater net radioresistance. A dramatic potentiation of radiation damage was demonstrated when heating was sufficient to inhibit cellular oxygen utilization and thereby reoxygenate the previously hypoxic cells of the spheroids. In addition, effects not directly attributable to cellular respiration also were noted with′ varying heat sequences; radiation delivered in the middle of the heating interval was found to be the most damaging.
Semiconductor nanostructure-based photoelectrochemical water splitting: A brief review

Abstract Recent efforts on solar water splitting by nanoscale semiconductor materials is reviewed. We show that innovations in materials’ morphologies can improve charge transport and thereby increase overall power conversion efficiencies. Nanostructures of varying complexities, from one-dimensional nanotubes, nanowires, and nanorods, to two-dimensional films and nanonets, and three-dimensional porous structures have been reported to exhibit superior performance. We also summarize recent successes in advancing the field by heterogeneous nanostructures, which make it possible to achieve combined functionalities not observed with single-component materials.
A reversible colorimetric and fluorescent polydiacetylene vesicle sensor platform

Abstract A multi-functional liposome has been developed that demonstrates reversible changes in color and fluorescence intensity in response to changes in pH. Addition of a pendant tryptophan moiety gives the assembly the ability to detect Escherichia coli. The sensor platform is made from a polymerized vesicular assembly of hydrazide-terminated diacetylene lipids and a BO558 fluorescent dye. The polymer backbone is responsible for the color change, while the organization induced by hydrogen bonding of the terminal hydrazide groups permits the reversibility of the color change. Fluorescence quenching is due to internal rearrangement of the liposome and occurs in both polymerized and unpolymerized structures.
Long Day's Journey into Flight: Trading Worker Loyalty in the Undoing of Norton Company

This case presents the story of the sale of Norton Company, a 100-year-old, non-union manufacturing company in Worcester, MA, to the French conglomerate, Saint-Gobain in 1990. It begins by talking about the history of the company and how its paternalistic human resource policies infused in the workforce a powerful sense of loyalty and community-focus. It then considers how, in the early days of globalization and corporate takeovers, Norton's senior management was able to play on worker loyalty to the company and fear of job loss to rise up publicly and block a hostile takeover of Norton by a British conglomerate, BTR, only to be sold to a French conglomerate in a deal that was more lucrative for senior management. The case is useful for considering the role of paternalism, mystification, and the manipulation of resistance to serve management interests during the transition to a global economy in the early 1990s.