cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevention of renal scarring from pyelonephritis in nonhuman primates by vaccination with a synthetic Escherichia coli serotype O8 oligosaccharide-protein conjugate.

Abstract Rhesus monkeys were vaccinated with a synthetic Escherichia coli serotype O8 oligosaccharide-protein conjugate. Using our experimental pyelonephritis monkey model, we tested whether such immunization was protective against the renal damage from inflammation following experimental infection with a P-fimbriated O-antigenically homologous E. coli strain. The vaccination did not significantly alter the duration of bacteriuria or interfere with the infection. However, the vaccine was efficient in renal protection, as vaccinated animals showed significantly less intratubular infiltration of neutrophils (P 0.005) than in the control animals. Total kidney involvement in the vaccinated animals was 16.9%, compared with 32.5% in the control animals (P = 0.07).
The Beads of Translation: Using Beads to Translate mRNA into a Polypeptide Bracelet.

During this activity, by making beaded bracelets that represent the steps of translation, students simulate the creation of an amino acid chain. They are given an mRNA sequence that they translate into a corresponding polypeptide chain (beads). This activity focuses on the events and sites of translation. The activity provides students with a closer look at the process of translation, not focused solely on pairing codons with amino acids. The students move throughout the classroom, which simulates a nucleus, cytoplasm, a ribosome, and the A site, a P site, and an E site of a ribosome.
FSH and LH of the pituitary gland of gonadectomized snowshoe hares.

Experiments were designed to examine effects of bilateral gonadectomy on pituitary FSH and LH and serum LH of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) during the breeding season. Male and female hares were gonadectomized and then sacrificed at 10-, 20-, 30-, 45- and 60–day intervals, and the pituitaries were assayed for LH and FSH using modifications of the Parlow Ovarian Ascorbic Acid Depletion Assay (OAAD) and Steelman and Pohley HCG augmentation assays, respectively. In both males and females, pituitary LH and FSH increased progressively between the 10th and 60th day after gonadectomy. By the 60th day pituitary LH in the female had increased to 3 times that observed in the male; however, the male pituitary contained more FSH. Serum LH increased dramatically to the 20th day, and continued to increase at a much slower rate thereafter. (Endocrinology 92: 344, 1973)
Phonon modes in Si [111] nanowires

We solve a long standing question concerning the boundary conditions for optical phonons in nanowires. The controversy between the so-called clamped and free conditions is well documented in standard literature. We answer this question of the boundary conditions by presenting a spring-and-mass model of the Stillinger and Weber type to calculate optical and acoustic phonons in Si [111] nanowires. Our results show that this model, in parallel to the bulk case, is sufficient to describe important features of the phonon spectrum. Furthermore, our results predict that optical phonons in nanowires are subject to clamped boundary conditions.
Transfer of EMG training: another look at the general relaxation issue.

A study was made of the extent to which electromyographic (EMG) response-decrease training with biofeedback on each of two successive sites would affect the other site in terms of generalization and transfer of training. Thirty-two subjects were assigned to four groups of equal size. Groups Frontal-Arm and Arm-Frontal were first provided with auditory feedback for EMG responses on either the forehead (frontal) or forearm extensor areas in an initial set of training sessions and on the alternate area in a second set of training sessions. Control groups Relax-Arm and Relax-Frontal were provided with instructions designed to induce “motivated relaxation” on one of the two sites in initial training followed by biofeedback training on the alternate site in subsequent training. The EMG training, but not the instructions, resulted in reduced EMG potentials in both the forearm and frontal areas. However, training on one site did not appear to facilitate more rapid acquisition of reduced potentials (transfer of training) during subsequent biofeedback on the alternate site. There was also no evidence for generalized training effects in the form of reduced potentials on other sites, skin temperatures, or self-reports at the time of training on one site.
Multi-component order parameter for YBa2Cu3O7-and other high-Tc compounds

We suggest that the generalized Ginzburg-Landau free energy functional describing the superconducting phases of the 123 compounds requires at least two order parameters each one disappearing at a distinct critical temperature. We point out similarities to the heavy fermion system U 1−x Th x Be 13 , which has, however, cubic symmetry and therefore does not show the high anisotropy effects of the high Tc materials.
Structural model of the Y-Family DNA polymerase V/RecA mutasome

Abstract To synthesize past DNA damaged by chemicals or radiation, cells have lesion bypass DNA polymerases (DNAPs), most of which are in the Y-Family. One class of Y-Family DNAPs includes DNAP η in eukaryotes and DNAP V in bacteria, which have low fidelity when replicating undamaged DNA. In Escherchia coli, DNAP V is carefully regulated to insure it is active for lesion bypass only, and one mode of regulation involves interaction of the polymerase subunit (UmuC) and two regulatory subunits (UmuD’) with a RecA-filament bound to ss-DNA. Taking a docking approach, ∼150,000 unique orientations involving UmuC, UmuD’ and RecA were evaluated to generate models, one of which was judged best able to rationalize the following published findings. (1) In the UmuD’2C/RecA-filament model, R64-UmuC interacts with S117-RecA, which is known to be at the UmuC/RecA interface. (2) At the model's UmuC/RecA interface, UmuC has three basic amino acids (K59/R63/R64) that anchor it to RecA. No other Y-Family DNAP has three basic amino acids clustered in this region, making it a plausible site for UmuC to form its unique interaction with RecA. (3) In the model, residues N32/N33/D34 of UmuC form a second interface with RecA, which is consistent with published findings. (4) Active UmuD’ is generated when 24 amino acids in the N-terminal tail of UmuD are proteolyzed, which occurs when UmuD2C binds the RecA-filament. When UmuD is included in an UmuD2C/RecA-filament model, plausible UmuD/RecA contacts guide the UmuD cleavage site (C24/G25) into the UmuD proteolysis active site (S60/K97). One contact involves E11-UmuD interacting with R243-RecA, where the latter is known to be important for UmuD cleavage. (5) The UmuD2C/RecA-filament model rationalizes published findings that at least some UmuD-to-UmuD’ cleavage occurs intermolecularly. (6) Active DNAP V is known to be the heterotetramer UmuD’2C/RecA, a model of which can be generated by a simple rearrangement of the RecA monomer at the 3′-end of the RecA-filament. The rearranged UmuD’2C/RecA model rationalizes published findings about UmuD’ residues in proximity to RecA. In summary, docking and molecular simulations are used to develop an UmuD’2C/RecA model, whose structure rationalizes much of the known properties of the active form of DNA polymerase V.
Estradiol Regulates Different Genes in Human Breast Tumor Xenografts Compared with the Identical Cells in Culture

In breast cancers, estrogen receptor (ER) levels are highly correlated with response to endocrine therapies. We sought to define mechanisms of estrogen (E) signaling in a solid breast tumor model using gene expression profiling. ER(+) T47D-Y human breast cancer cells were grown as xenografts in ovariectomized nude mice under four conditions: 1) 17beta-estradiol for 8 wk (E); 2) without E for 8 wk (control); 3) E for 7 wk followed by 1 wk of E withdrawal (Ewd); or 4) E for 8 wk plus tamoxifen for the last week. E-regulated genes were defined as those that differed significantly between control and E and/or between E and Ewd or control and Ewd. These protocols generated 188 in vivo E-regulated genes that showed two major patterns of regulation. Approximately 46% returned to basal states after Ewd (class I genes); 53% did not (class II genes). In addition, more than 70% of class II-regulated genes also failed to reverse in response to tamoxifen. These genes may be interesting for the study of hormone-resistance issues. A subset of in vivo E-regulated genes appears on lists of clinical ER discriminator genes. These may be useful therapeutic targets or markers of E activity. Comparison of in vivo E-regulated genes with those regulated in identical cells in vitro after 6 and 24 h of E treatment demonstrate only 11% overlap. This indicates the extent to which gene expression profiles are uniquely dependent on hormone-treatment times and the cellular microenvironment.
Brief report: Service implementation and maternal distress surrounding evaluation recommendations for young children diagnosed with autism

There is limited evidence surrounding the ability of families of children with autism spectrum disorders to access and implement recommended interventions following diagnosis. The distress a family may encounter with regard to inability to access recommended services is also poorly understood. In this study, we present preliminary data regarding implementation of clinical recommendations following autism spectrum disorder diagnosis as well as associations of implementation with maternal functioning. In total, 75 mothers of young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder through a university-based preschool autism clinic returned surveys regarding access to recommended services as well as maternal mental health and distress. Results indicate that while families were able to implement numerous recommendations, specific categories of intervention were less likely to be received. Challenges implementing recommended services were not related to increased maternal distress. These results suggest that des...
Systemic findings associated with central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To determine systemic factors associated with central serous chorioretinopathy. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 230 consecutive patients with central serous chorioretinopathy examined in a referral setting were compared with a historical gender-matched and age-matched control group of 230 patients with ocular findings who were examined in the same referral setting. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 49.8 years, and of the control subjects, 50.0 years. The male-female ratio for both groups was 2.7:1. Patients with central serous chorioretinopathy were more likely to use psychopharmacologic medications (odds ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.30 to 5.19; P = .0049) and corticosteroids (odds ratio = 3.17; 95% confidence interval = 1.30 to 7.70; P = .0067) and were more likely to have hypertension (odds ratio = 2.25; 95% confidence interval = 1.39 to 3.63; P = .0008) than were the control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified psychopharmacologic medication use, corticosteroid use, and hypertension as factors associated with central serous chorioretinopathy. These findings reinforce the concept that stress and adaptations to stress play a role in this disorder. The findings of possible associations between central serous chorioretinopathy and both hypertension and corticosteroid usage suggest that these modifiable factors may influence morbidity of central serous chorioretinopathy.
Exact convex relaxation of OPF for radial networks using branch flow model

The optimal power flow (OPF) problem is generally nonconvex. Recently a second-order cone relaxation for OPF has been proposed using the branch flow model. In this paper, we provide sufficient conditions under which the relaxation is exact, and demonstrate that these conditions hold for a wide class of practical power distribution systems.
Optimal surgical management of severe tricuspid regurgitation in cardiac transplant patients

Background Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) with signs of right-sided heart failure is rare after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). In some instances, this condition will require surgical correction using reconstructive surgery or prosthetic valve replacement. Repair techniques of atrioventricular valves are now well described. However, the results of the different surgical procedures in this setting have not been widely reported and may depend on the type of valvular dysfunction and lesions present. Herein we report our experience in a group of patients requiring surgical correction of symptomatic severe TR after OHT. Methods We reviewed our transplant experience during the period from July 1992 to July 1999 ( n = 138 cardiac transplants). Eight patients (5.8%) developed symptomatic severe TR requiring surgical correction after a mean duration of 21 months after OHT. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the mechanism of regurgitation using Carpentier's functional classification. In Group 1 ( n = 4), the mechanism of tricuspid regurgitation was Carpentier's Type I, secondary to annular dilation. In Group 2 ( n = 4) the mechanism of TR was leaflet prolapse (Type II), due to chordal rupture after biopsy injury. Initially, tricuspid valve integrity was surgically restored in all 8 patients with either valve repair ( n = 6) or replacement ( n = 2). In Group 1, 2 patients underwent valve repair using a ring annuloplasty and 2 patients underwent valve replacement with a bioprosthetic valve ( n = 1) or pulmonary allograft ( n = 1). In Group 2, all patients underwent valve repair using a variety of techniques in combination with tricuspid annuloplasty. Results During the follow-up period, 3 of the 6 (50%) primary repairs (1 patient in Group 1 and 2 in Group 2) failed and required replacement with a bioprosthesis at 8 days, 14 days and 4 years, respectively. The pulmonary allograft failed secondary to valvular stenosis and was replaced with a bioprosthesis after 10 months. Overall, no failures occurred in any of the 5 bioprosthetic valves placed at the primary operation ( n = 1) or after failed tricuspid repair/pulmonary allograft ( n = 4), after a mean follow-up of 55 months. Conclusions TR requiring surgical correction after OHT is a rare condition and requires a tailored surgical strategy. This strategy should take into account the mechanism of valve dysfunction and specific valvular lesions. In patients with Type I dysfunction secondary to annular dilation, valve repair with a remodeling annuloplasty should be performed; however, in the presence of any residual TR on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at the completion of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), a valve replacement with a bioprosthesis is warranted during the same procedure. In patients with Type II dysfunction with leaflet prolapse and biopsy-induced chordal injury, a bioprosthetic valve replacement seems a reliable surgical option.
Production frequency and the verification of quantified statements

In Experiment I subjects were required to generate nouns and adjectives which formed true completions of sentences of the form (Quantifier) S are. The quantifiers used were All, Many, Some, Few, and No. Three further experiments examined the effect of production frequency of the predicate on verification RT for quantified statements. True sentences with high-frequency category (Experiment II) or property (Experiments III and IV) predicates were verified more quickly than those with low-frequency predicates when the quantifier was All, Many, Some, or Few; this difference reversed for No-statements. False RT was fastest in all cases when the false sentence was semantically anomalous; but in Experiment IV, when degree of relatedness of subject and predicate words was varied within false but meaningful sentences, statements with high-related predicates were rejected more quickly. In general, the effect of semantic relatedness reversed for negative (Few and No) as opposed to positive quantifiers. An ordered attribute-search model was proposed to account for subjects' performance during both predicate production and sentence verification.
Efficient algorithms for path partitions

An [a, b] path partition is a decomposition of the edges of a graph into a independent path sets and b matchings, where an independent path set is a set of paths that do not intersect each other. The path partition problem is related to other edge partition problems, such as edge coloring. It is shown that every graph with maximum degree 3 has a [LO] path partition, and every graph with maximum degree 4 has a [2,1] path partition. Algorithmic proofs are given. The algorithms have linear-time sequential implementations and log-time parallel implementations. We present a new property of graphs, the path partition, and present algorithmic proofs for some cases of small maximum degree. Path partitions are related to edgecoloring and other edge partition problems. As an example of a path partition problem we ask whether the edges of a cubic graph can be colored blue and red so that there are only red paths and blue paths and no blue (red) path intersects with another blue (red) path? Alternatively, can we decompose a cubic graph into a set of disjoint paths so that the paths can be partitioned into a red set and a blue set, where no paths of the same color intersect? We show that such a partition exists by giving an algorithm that always finds such a partition. We present efficient sequential and parallel algorithms. Similar results are given for regular graphs of degree 4, and a generalization for larger degrees is proposed. Let an independent path set be a set of vertex disjoint paths. A matching is a special independent path set in which the length of each path is 1. An [a, b] path partition is a partition of the edges of a graph into a independent path sets and b matchings. We prove that any simple graph G with d(G) = 3 has a [2,0] path partition and that any simple graph with d(G) = 4 has a [2, l] path partition, where d(G) is the maximum degree in the graph G. In a sense these results are best possible. There are graphs with d (G) = 3 which do not have a [l, l] path partition and there are graphs with d(G) =4 which do not have a [2,0] path partition. We restrict our attention in this paper to simple graphs. Unless otherwise specified, graph refers to a simple graph. There is no known previous work on this problem. However our problem is
Rhabdoid Tumor of Kidney: A Report of 111 Cases from the National Wilms' Tumor Study Pathology Center

We review 111 cases of rhabdoid tumor of kidney (RTK), including 79 entered on the National Wilms' Tumor Study (NWTS). Median age at diagnosis was 11 months, with a range from 0 to 106 months. The male:female ratio was 1.5:1. Gross features included a characteristic involvement of perihilar renal parenchyma. A wide histological spectrum was encountered, including nine major morphological patterns (classical, epithelioid, sclerosing, lymphomatoid, histiocytoid, etc.). These appearances invite confusion with other renal neoplasms. Ultrastructural studies were performed in 20 cases; immunocytochemical studies were performed in 11. Vimentin was demonstrated in all tumors; epithelial membrane antigen was seen in 7. Nonspecific decoration of cytoplasmic inclusions by a variety of immunostains was found in several cases. Several findings suggested that RTK might arise from primitive cells involved in formation of the renal medulla. There was no evidence of a histogenetic relationship to Wilms' tumor, although RTK may overlap with mesoblastic nephroma and clear cell sarcoma. Of the 70 NWTS patients with adequate follow-up, 56 (80%) have died. Every patient presenting with distant metastases died, whereas 10 of 20 with negative nodes survived. Survival rates were higher for girls (56.3% versus 11.1%). None of the histological variables had independent prognostic significance.
A general approach to relative offset settings of traffic signals

An generalised approach for simulating relative offset of traffic signals in an urban traffic network is presented. It is shown that is is possible to optimize relative offset settings of signals for various criteria. A general criterion is proposed by which either delays, stops, fuel consumption, or carbon monoxide can be selected by a proper choice of constants. When these criteria are minimized, it was found that the best criterion to be selected for offset setting is the minimization of fuel consumption, since this in turn nearly minimizes the delays, stops, and carbon monoxide emission, and it has the effect of minimizing stops at low saturation and minimizing delays as the degree of saturation increases. Further analysis of the criterion function has shown that the functions minimized are uneven around their optimum offset value and in each case an early switching is favored. The expression to determine optimum offset is updated to calculated optimum offsets that minimizes fuel consumption or carbon monoxide emission.
Young age may predict a better outcome for children with diffuse pontine glioma.

BACKGROUND. Because diffuse pontine glioma (DPG) is rare among young children, the outcome of affected patients is unknown. METHODS. The authors reviewed clinical and radiologic characteristics of all children aged <3 years with DPG who were evaluated at their institution. Inclusion followed standard magnetic resonance imaging criteria for the diagnosis of DPG. RESULTS. The median age at diagnosis in 10 patients was 2.2 years (range, 0.8–2.7 years). The median interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 2.5 months. All patients presented with cranial nerve palsy with (n = 7) or without (n = 3) other neurologic deficits attributable to brainstem involvement. All patients had pons-based tumors involving >50% of this brainstem segment. Histologic confirmation was attempted in 2 patients who had atypical radiologic features at diagnosis. Four patients initially were observed only. All patients received therapy, which consisted of radiation therapy (RT) (n = 2), RT and chemotherapy (n = 6), or chemotherapy only (n = 2). Four patients died of tumor progression after a median of 0.7 years (range, 0.5–3.7 years). Six patients have survived for a median of 2.3 years (range, 0.9–8 years). The 3-year progression-free and overall survival rates were 45% ± 19% and 69% ± 19%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS. Children aged <3 years with DPG potentially may fare better than older patients with the same diagnosis despite the use of similar therapy. The current results suggested that DPG in younger children may be distinct biologically from similar tumors in older age groups. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Translocation through the nuclear pore: Kaps pave the way

Transport through the nuclear pore complex (NPC), a keystone of the eukaryotic building plan, is known to involve a large channel and an abundance of phenylalanine-glycine (FG) protein domains serving as binding sites for soluble nuclear transport receptors and their cargo complexes. However, the conformation of the FG domains in vivo, their arrangement in relation to the transport channel and their function(s) in transport are still vividly debated. Here, we revisit a number of representative transport models-specifically Brownian affinity gating, selective phase gating, reversible FG domain collapse, and reduction of dimensionality (ROD)-in the light of new data obtained by optical single transporter recording, optical superresolution microscopy, artificial nanopores, and many other techniques. The analysis suggests that a properly adapted, simplified version of the ROD model accounts well for the available data. This has implications for nucleocytoplasmic transport in general.
A closer look at MLU: What does it really measure?

Despite the common use of mean length of utterance (MLU) as a diagnostic measure, what it actually reflects in terms of linguistic knowledge is relatively unclear. This study explored the extent to which variance in MLU could be accounted for by a measure of expressive vocabulary and a measure of morphosyntax in a group of 44 typically-developing children, ages 28-37 months. Regression techniques were employed to predict MLU from number of different words (NDW) and a tense accuracy composite (TAC). Depending on whether the variable was acting alone or in concert with the other, TAC accounted for 23% or none of the variance in MLU, while NDW accounted for 51% or 28%. We offer three potential explanations for the observed association between MLU and NDW, none of which necessarily precludes the others.
Review Essay: Whither Rural Community Development?

Partnerships in Communities: Reweaving the Fabric of Rural America, by Jean Richardson. Small Town and Rural Economic Development: A Case Studies Approach, edited by Peter V. Schaeffer and Scott Loveridge.
Treatment of Perchlorate-Contaminated Groundwater Using Highly Selective, Regenerable Ion-Exchange Technologies

Treatment of perchlorate-contaminated water using highly selective, regenerable ion-exchange and perchlorate-destruction technologies was demonstrated at a field site in California. Four treatment and four regeneration cycles were carried out, and no significant deterioration of resin performance was noted in 2 years. The bifunctional resin (Purolite A-530E) treated about 37,000 empty bed volumes (BVs) of groundwater before a significant breakthrough of perchlorate occurred at an average flow rate of 150 gpm (or 1 BV/min) and a feed perchlorate concentration of about 860 microg/L. Sorbed perchlorate (approximately 20 kg) was quantitatively recovered by eluting with as little as 1 BV of the FeCl3-HCl regenerant solution. The eluted ClO4- was highly concentrated in the third quarter of the first BV of the regenerant solution with a concentration up to 100,000 mg/L. This concentrated effluent greatly facilitated subsequent perchlorate destruction or recovery by precipitation as KClO4 salts. High perchlorate destruction efficiency (92-97%) was observed by reduction with FeCl2 in a thermoreactor, which enabled recycling of the FeCl3-HCl regenerant solution, thereby minimizing the need to dispose of secondary wastes containing ClO4-. This study demonstrates that a combination of novel selective, regenerable ion-exchange and perchlorate-destruction and/or recovery technologies could potentially lead to enhanced treatment efficiency and minimized secondary waste production.
Antegrade and retrograde conduction characteristics in three patterns of paroxysmal atrioventricular junctional reentrant tachycardia

Abstract In 20 patients with PSVT without ventricular pre-excitation, the site of reentry and functional characteristics of Ant. and Ret. pathways were studied. Three distinct patterns of PSVT were observed. In 13 patients (group I) in whom A-V node was the site of reentry, the interval between the Ant. H bundle deflection and the following atrial echo response (H-Ae) measured 30 to 85 msec. and the Ae was partially or completely obscured by ventricular electrogram. The ratio between the H-Ae and the subsequent Ae-H interval ranged 1:3.1–17.3. In a majority of Group I patients (eight out of 13) the Ret. conduction was better than Ant. conduction, as the VACS sustained a 1:1 response at faster paced rates than AVCS. The FRP of the AVCS in Group I was determined by the A-V node in all patients and significantly exceeded the FRP of the VACS; the latter was determined by the HPS in 12 out of 13 patients. In four patients (Group II) a V-A AP silent antegradely was operative during PSVT. The H-Ae in Group II valued 145 to 200 msec. and the Ae clearly followed the ventricular electrogram, the H-Ae: Ae-H being 1:0.5–1.7. The V-A conduction in all Group II patients was better than the A-V conduction. A-V node determined the FRP of the AVCS, whereas AP determined the FRP of the VACS in Group II patients, and the former significantly exceeded the latter. Good correlation existed between PSVT, Ant. and Ret. conduction patterns in Group I and Group II patients. In three patients (Group III) the H-Ae measured 270 to 470 msec. with an H-Ae:Ae-H of 1:0.2–0.4, a relationship quite the opposite of Group I patients. No definite relationship existed between PSVT, Ant. and Ret. conduction patterns in Group III patients. The data in Group III patients were compatible with (1) A-V nodal reentry with reversal of conduction balance compared to Group I, (2) intra-atrial reentry, and (3) enhanced atrail automaticity. It is concluded (1) the site of reentry in patients with PSVT is variable, (2) a fair estimation of reentry site can be made from H-Ae and Ae-H relationship, (3) all patients with PSVT have intact V-A conduction and in most the V-A conduction is better than A-V conduction, and (4) in the majority of patients with PSVT refractoriness of the AVCS exceeds that of the VACS.
Multi-dipole modeling of XLPE cable for electromagnetic field studies in large power systems

Purpose – In this paper, modeling of the XLPE cable for electromagnetic signature study at a far distance is proposed. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Due to the very small ratio of the dimensions of cables to the dimensions of the whole system, using actual geometry of the cables with all layers in this study causes deformation of the cable's model. Therefore, multi-dipole modeling is used for modeling the cables. Findings – This model includes specific voltages and currents in lines and nodes, respectively. Radiated electric and magnetic fields at a far distance are selected as the index of appropriateness of the model. Originality/value – In order to investigate the accuracy of the model, various configuration of the cable is studied. Additionally, coupling of the cable with an electrical machine is investigated. They all show that the equivalent models can be used in place of the actual model for signature studies.
Expert-VSim (abstract only): an expert simulation environment

Expert-VSim is the intended product of a current research effort. It is a software system that provides a complete, intelligent environment for the construction and simulation of discrete event models. The initial stage consisted of the construction of a simulation environment called VSim [1] and the second involves the integration of an expert system.VSim provides a highly interactive environment. Included is a graphics interface which constitutes the main model construction tool. Network models are used to describe real-world systems through an entity-activity world view. Models can be built and tested incrementally, increasing the confidence of correctness. In addition, the multi level structure of VSim allows the user to define subnetworks as nodes within a larger network. A definition language complements the graphics interface and is used to describe the details of the model as well as to create user-defined nodes. A prototype for the VSim stage has been completed and thoroughly tested.The design of the second stage is in active development and near completion. This design includes the creation of a simulation and statistics expert system to be integrated with VSim to obtain the final software product: Expert-VSim. This expert system is rule-based implemented in Prolog.The presence of such an expert system is of significant importance in the modeling and simulation process. It provides database and inference capabilities that assist the user in: the selection of probability distributions for input variables using common heuristics and procedures [2] to choose from the known theoretical distributions and estimate their parameters (with or without that availability of data), or to allow the user to fit a distribution to experimental data; the analysis of the simulation results, the construction of confidence intervals for the observed variables, and the comparison of simulation runs;the construction of the model itself by providing an on-line database containing the descriptions of the standard and user-defined node types together with the ability to traverse and inspect the multi-level structure of the model;the extension of the expert system itself by allowing the user to add to the set of rules and facts through the Prolog interface;the independent use of the statistical analysis functions and procedures available to analyze and process data;and the management of experimental and simulation data through the database capabilities of the system.
Clock Sources for Synchronized Communication Systems

The ideal clock source will have start-stop capability, maintain known phase with respect to a start signal and combine high-frequency stability with voltage tuning to permit phase lock and Doppler correction. These properties define a clock source suitable for synchronized communication systems in which a remote unit must be started in synchronism with the signal received from a local unit. For some space applications clock stabilities of the order of one part in 107 may be required. The two approaches to the problem considered are the gated crystal oscillator and the gated divider chain. The first requires that a high Q crystal oscillator be turned on in essentially steady state with insignificant transients of amplitude and phase. In the second a continuously running crystal oscillator is gated into a series of count-down dividers to obtain the clock output. Both of these approaches will produce circuits that have the required properties.
The influence of health disparities on targeting cancer prevention efforts.

Despite the advances in cancer medicine and the resultant 20% decline in cancer death rates for Americans since 1991, there remain distinct cancer health disparities among African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and the those living in poverty. Minorities and the poor continue to bear the disproportionate burden of cancer, especially in terms of stage at diagnosis, incidence, and mortality. Cancer health disparities are persistent reminders that state-of-the-art cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are not equally effective for and accessible to all Americans. The cancer prevention model must take into account the phenotype of accelerated aging associated with health disparities as well as the important interplay of biological and sociocultural factors that lead to disparate health outcomes. The building blocks of this prevention model will include interdisciplinary prevention modalities that encourage partnerships across medical and nonmedical entities, community-based participatory research, development of ethnically and racially diverse research cohorts, and full actualization of the prevention benefits outlined in the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. However, the most essential facet should be a thoughtful integration of cancer prevention and screening into prevention, screening, and disease management activities for hypertension and diabetes mellitus because these chronic medical illnesses have a substantial prevalence in populations at risk for cancer disparities and cause considerable comorbidity and likely complicate effective treatment and contribute to dispropor- tionate cancer death rates.
High frequency permittivity determination by spectra simulation and measurement of microstrip ring resonators

The S/sub 21/ spectra of microstrip ring resonators have been measured experimentally and also computed using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The dielectric constant of the substrate was determined by fitting the simulation results to the experimental data. The results are more self-consistent than those obtained using the Wheeler-Hammerstad method.
Symbolic Statistics with SymPy

Replacing symbols with random variables makes it possible to naturally add statistical operations to complex physical models. Three examples of symbolic statistical modeling are considered here, using new features from the popular SymPy project.
Military Technology Pull and the Structure of the Commercial Aircraft Industry

The commercial aircraft industry, if left to its own, would naturally tend toward monopoly and technological lethargy. However, throughout the 20th century the military energized the commercial industry by injecting critical technologies and providing competitors from the military industry. As a result, product evolution has been rapid and business failures prolific. In the last 20 years the technological interests of the military and civilian sectors have diverged. The result, which is only now beginning to be felt, is a single American commercial airframer with little incentive to take technological risks in product development. This paper develops the economic theory of the interaction of the commercial and military sectors, summarizes the economic history of the U.S. commercial aircraft industry in the 20th century, and draws examples from history to illustrate the theory.
Non-equilibrium thermodynamics of interfaces including electromagnetic effects

Abstract The application of non-equilibrium thermodynamics to a system consisting of two bulk phases and their interface is extended to include electromagnetic effects. The interface is assumed to carry singular mass, energy, and entropy densities as well as singular electric charge, electric current, polarization and magnetization. Electric and magnetic fields are allowed to be discontinuous across the interface, but not singular. Maxwell's equations are used to derive relationships among electromagnetic quantities on the surface and boundary conditions for the bulk phases. An expression for the surface entropy production including electromagnetic effects is obtained, and the resulting linear laws relating thermodynamic forces and fluxes are investigated.
THE ABUNDANCE OF RUBIDIUM IN THE S STAR R ANDROMEDAE

On 20 August 1991 the resonance lines of both K I and Rb I were found to be in emission in R Andromedae, a classical S-type Mira star. Assuming that both lines are excited by collisions with the same species, we find the ratio of K/Rb to be 30 which is a factor 10 lower than in the sun. Using earlier analyses of the Zr abundance we find that [Rb/Zr]=0.2 which may be compared with a value of [Rb/Zr]=-0.66 found by Lambert and Tomkin for the barium star HR 774. Using their analysis as modified by new n-capture cross-sections of the sensitivity of the Rb/Zr ratio to neutron density through the branching isotope 85Kr, which has a 10 year half-life, we estimate the neutron density in R And to have been about 108 cm-3 at the time of s-processing.
S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) for the treatment of acetaminophen toxicity in a dog.

An 8-month-old, spayed female Shetland sheepdog presented 48 hours after ingesting acetaminophen (1 gm/kg body weight). On presentation, the dog was laterally recumbent and hypovolemic. The dog had brown mucous membranes, severe Heinz-body hemolytic anemia, bleeding tendencies, and a red blood cell (RBC) glutathione (GSH) concentration that was 10% of reference values, despite a regenerative erythroid response. Treatment with s-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) as a GSH donor successfully rescued this dog, despite the animal's late presentation after drug ingestion. A loading dose (40 mg/kg body weight) of a stable SAMe salt per os was followed by a maintenance dose (20 mg/kg body weight) sid for 7 days. Additional therapeutic interventions included an intravenous (i.v.) infusion of one unit of packed RBCs (on admission), i.v. fluid support (3 days), and famotidine (7 days) to reduce gastric acidity. Sequential assessment of RBC GSH concentrations and RBC morphology documented response to antidote administration within 72 hours. This case suggests that SAMe may provide a therapeutic option for treatment of acetaminophen toxicosis in dogs capable of retaining an orally administered antidote and maintaining adequate hepatic function for metabolism of SAMe to its thiol substrates.
High stability Windows programming for real time control

The use of the Microsoft windows operating system as a basis for integrated security systems provides a pathway to lower development and training costs while increasing commercial hardware compatibility. However, the historical view of Windows as a high-overhead, low-stability operating system has tended to limit the number of Windows-based mission-critical automation systems relative to the more conventional embedded micro-controller or Linux-based approaches. This paper documents the use of the Windows operating system for mission critical control of an active denial security technology. The advantages offered by Windows are weighed alongside the risks. We examine specific technical risks to long-term application stability including memory leaks, page faults and stack pointer corruptions. The risks and benefits of using third-party software libraries to accelerate the development and implementation of control systems are evaluated. The trend towards the use of managed versus native code is examined along with its associated impact on application stability and testing methods. Specific counter-measures aimed at reducing the incidence of operating system instability and application fault are discussed including the use of memory analyzers, inter-locking application threads, state-based persistence recovery objects and watchdog timers. We detail some techniques for effectively employing these countermeasures toward the production of highly stable Windows-based control systems. We conclude by presenting the stability performance of a government-developed remotely operated weapon system during recent testing and qualification.
Six Keys to Commercialization

The inclinations to take measured risks and to be market driven are just two characteristics common to those companies that have achieved the most success in commercializing new technology.
Correlation of flight effects on centerline velocity decay for cold‐flow acoustically excited jets

Acoustic excitation can influence the large‐scale shear layer structure of jet flow, thereby causing the jet centerline velocity to decay more rapidly. This phenomena has numerous practical applications, such as the reduction of jet/flap impingement velocity in order to reduce flap structural loads for under‐the‐wing STOL aircraft concepts. In the present paper, cold‐flow centerline velocity decay data obtained with acoustic excitation of the jet exhaust flow are correlated with and without flight effects. Initially, static data are correlated in terms of a new acoustic parameter involving the threshold sound level needed to initiate acoustic excitation of the jet plume. It is shown that for a given flight speed, the same acoustic excitation parameter is valid as that developed for the static condition. Finally, an aerodynamic flight effects parameter is included to correlate the static and flight centerline velocity decay data with and without acoustic excitation.
The difference in effective hydrodynamic diameters of "fast" and "slow" influenza viruses propagated in de-embryonated eggs.

Abstract Several hydrodynamic parameters of the “slow” and “fast” forms of the PR8 strain of type A influenza virus propagated in de-embryonated eggs have been evaluated in order to explain the difference in their characteristic behavior during sedimentation. It has been shown that the two forms of virus have similar anhydrous partial specific volumes, similar hydrated effective partial specific volumes in sucrose solution and that the behavior of both during sedimentation under great osmotic stress is linear. It has been demonstrated for the first time, by two procedures, that the difference in S o 20, w is accounted for by a difference in the effective hydrodynamic diameters of the “slow” and “fast” forms. Sedimentation in solutions of sucrose reveals diameters of 72.7 and 79.3 mμ; evaluation of S o 20, w and V s reveals diameters of 74.3 and 84.0 mμ, respectively.
The Use of Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Asthma

en corticosteroids were first introduced for the treatment of asthma, they were hailed as miracle drugs. As experience was extended, so was the appreciation of the myriad side effects. Advances in our understanding of the physiologic properties of oral agents has led to the discovery of methods for avoiding adverse effects. Additionally, new compounds and improved delivery by the aerosol route have mitigated side effects. Even with the new knowledge gained, systemic corticosteroids remain one of the most misunderstood medications utilized in the treatment of asthma and other pulmonary diseases. Physicians have been criticized for failure to use the drugs in patients dying during an attack of asthma,’ yet their utilization during status asthmaticus has been questioned repeatedly. 2.3
Modulation of Cytochrome C Stability during Chemical and Thermal Denaturization by Addition of Hofmeister Ions

The ferric cytochrome c (Cyt c) (un)folding mechanism in the presence of ions from the Hofmeister series is examined. Unfolding was initiated both thermally and with chemical denaturants. Hofmeister ions were added singly and in pairs to alter the stability of the native folded state, the unfolded state, and two partially folded intermediates. Protein stability was characterized by either the midpoint of the chemical denaturization curve or by the melting temperature in the thermal studies. UV/VIS absorption spectroscopy and a basis spectra fitting analysis were used to determine the populations of each protein conformation along the folding pathway. These species can be differentiated by their axial heme ligands. Four species exist in solution: the native HM state (His18/Met80), the partially folded HW (His18/water) and HH (His18/His33) intermediates, and the 5C (water) unfolded state. The results indicate that the thermal and chemical denaturization pathways are not the same and that both involve significant backbone rearrangement. The relative populations of the conformational states depends on how the protein is denatured. Additionally, it was found that addition of multiple ions changed the protein's stability in an additive manner. For example addition of guanidinium, which destabilizes folded structure, can be countered by addition of phosphate, which stabilizes folded structure. Both the (un)folding kinetics and the accessible conformations were found to depend on the identity of ions present. These results are discussed in terms of the hydrophobic effect, partitioning of the ions to the protein surface, and an altered water structure around the protein.
Epidemics to eradication: the modern history of poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis has afflicted humankind since antiquity, and for nearly a century now, we have known the causative agent, poliovirus. This pathogen is an enterovirus that in recent history has been the source of a great deal of human suffering. Although comparatively small, its genome is packed with sufficient information to make it a formidable pathogen. In the last 20 years the Global Polio Eradication Initiative has proven successful in greatly diminishing the number of cases worldwide but has encountered obstacles in its path which have made halting the transmission of wild polioviruses a practical impossibility. As we begin to realize that a change in strategy may be crucial in achieving success in this venture, it is imperative that we critically evaluate what is known about the molecular biology of this pathogen and the intricacies of its interaction with its host so that in future attempts we may better equipped to more effectively combat this important human pathogen.
Guest Editorial: Adaptive Wavelet Transforms

This PDF file contains the editorial “Guest Editorial: Adaptive Wavelet Transforms” for OE Vol. 33 Issue 07
Recurrence relations for calculation of the Cartesian multipole tensor

Abstract We demonstrate that the Cartesian multipole interaction tensor may be evaluated with recurrence relations analogous to the McMurchie-Davidson algorithm for calculation of electron repulsion integrals. With these recursion relations all elements of the Cartesian multipole tensor through order L may be calculated in O ( L 4) CPU time, in contrast to current methods that scale as O ( L 6).