cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pyrimidines-19: Ring transformation of 5-nitrouracil into nitroresorcinols

The first intermolecular right transformation of a uracil derivative into the benzene system is reported. Treatment of 1,3-dimethyl-5-nitrouracil (1) with acetone in NaOMe/MeOH afforded 6-acetonyl-5,6-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-5-nitrouracil (6) which was converted into 4-nitroresorcinol (5) upon treatment with NaOEt/EtOH at reflux. Reaction of1 with butanone gave two major products, 3-(5,6-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-5-nitrouracil-6-yl)butanone (7) and the 1-(uracil-6-yl)butanone isomer (8). Prolonged treatment of7 with NaOEt/EtOH afforded 4-methyl-6-nitro-resorcinol (9) whereas8 was converted into 2-methyl-4-nitro-resorcinol (10). Treatment of1 with diethyl acetonedicar☐ylate in NaOEt/EtOH afforded diethyl-2-(5,6-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-5-nitrouracil-6-yl)-acetonedicar☐ylate (2). Prolonged treatment of2 with NaOEt/EtOH at reflux afforded (5,6-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-6-nitrouracil-6-yl)-acetate (3). Apparently,2 underwent a retroClaisen reaction to give3. Reaction of1 with ethyl acetoacetate in NaOEt/EtOH gave adduct isomers4 which underwent transformation reaction to give eventually 6-nitroresorcinol (5).
Compilation of methods in orbital mechanics and solar geometry

This paper contains a collection of computational algorithms for determining geocentric ephemerides of Earth satellites, useful for both mission planning and data reduction applications. Special emphasis is placed on the computation of sidereal time, and on the determination of the geocentric coordinate of the center of the Sun, all to the accuracy found in the Astronomical Almanac. The report is completely self-contained in that no requirement is placed on any external source of information, and hence, these methods are ideal for computer application.
The Journal Project and the I in Qualitative Research: Three Theoretical Lenses on Subjectivity and Self

From the beginnings of qualitative research in the late 19 th century to today, researchers have struggled to make sense of the notion of self or subjectivity; in other words, the I in the research. We ask ourselves: Who is the researcher? How is their notion of self present during research? How is research a site for contested notions of self? Who is the I in qualitative research? Keywords: Qualitative Research, Subjectivity, Qualitative Data Analysis Software, Arts-Based Research It was the search for I--personal and professional—that led me to undertake the Journal Project, a study of 18 months of my personal journals written between the years 2006-2008. I studied I because I had gone missing (emotionally and spiritually) in 2006, about the time I was awarded tenure from my university. Instead of sailing ahead with my life--affirmed, confirmed, and safe in my feeling of personal and professional direction, I was riddled with angst, depressed, anxious, and lost. My response to this dilemma was to study the period of personal angst post-tenure, seeking to learn more about the I that had left the premises. The Journal Project is composed of some 300 textual entries that I analyzed in NVivo (Qualitative Data Analysis Software or QDAS) and using various arts-based techniques. In this piece, I reflect upon three distinct notions of the I that consciously and unconsciously shaped my personal and professional perspectives as a qualitative researcher studying the self through the Journal Project: (a) the post-colonial I; (b) the I of solidifying post-modern subjectivity; and (c) the I of currere (Pinar, 1975). In conclusion, I consider the implications of these I’s for my own work and for current discussions in qualitative research methodology. Background
The Climate Casino: Risk, Uncertainty, and Economics for a Warming World

Yale economist William Nordhaus is the author of three previous books and dozens of journal articles on the economics of climate change, including many under the auspices of the US National Academy...
Temporal changes in epibenthic fouling community structure on a natural oyster bed in Virginia

The development of estuarine epibenthic fouling was monitored over a 19‐wk period on oyster shells sequentially deposited onto river bottom experimental plots during the summer of 1985. Each of the shell groups became fouled more rapidly than the ones deposited before it with the equilibrium fouling coverage for all four groups occurring by the time of the highest recorded water temperature in mid‐August. Sediment and detritus contributed 42–59% of shell coverage (both shell sides combined) while attached sessile organisms contributed an additional 14–37% of the total covered area. A detrended correspondence analysis ordination was used to depict changes in epibenthic biofouling community structure through time. With time, the species composition of all four shell groups both changed and became more similar to one another. The initial dominant biofouling species on each of the four shell groups reflected the settling patterns of larvae in the water column at the time of deposition of each shell group, but...
Transgene-mediated enkephalin expression attenuates signs of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal in rats with neuropathic pain.

Chronic morphine exposure induces physical dependence and tolerance. Previous studies have shown that there is a decrease in met-enkephalin levels in states of morphine physical dependence, and that increasing enkephalin during opiate physical withdrawal ameliorates the severity of the morphine withdrawal syndrome. In order to investigate the role of spinal opioid peptide in the phenomenon of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal we examined the effect of herpes simplex virus vector-mediated overexpression of proenkephalin in lumbar dorsal root ganglia in rats with neuropathic pain treated with morphine. The morphine physical dependence was induced by chronic administration of intraperitoneal (IP) morphine for 2 weeks. Rats with neuropathic pain inoculated subcutaneously with the vector-mediated overexpression of proenkephalin showed a significant reduction in jumps, ‘wet-dog’ shakes, diarrhea and ptosis precipitated by naloxone after 2 weeks of morphine treatment. The global withdrawal score was also reduced significantly by vector-mediated overexpression of proenkephalin. These studies demonstrate a role for opioid peptide in the spinal cord in mediating some of the withdrawal response.
Mechanisms of Post-traumatic Osteoarthritis After ACL Injury

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a common and devastating injury with long-term sequelae that include meniscal tears, chondral injury, and an increased risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA). ACL reconstruction is recommended to protect against knee instability, reduce the likelihood of meniscal tears and further surgery, and enable earlier return to sporting activities. ACL reconstruction, however, does not reduce the incidence of early-onset OA. In this review, we discuss the factors before and after surgery that are believed to contribute to the premature development of degenerative joint disease.
Rates of unconventional medical therapy use in patients with prostate cancer: Standard history versus directed questions

Objectives. The use of unconventional medical therapies (UMTs) in the general population has increased dramatically in the past decade. Studies have estimated that 9% to 64% of patients with cancer use UMTs, and many do not disclose this information to their physicians. This study was designed to evaluate the rates of UMT use by patients with prostate cancer revealed by standard versus directed questioning and to identify demographic markers that may predict use. Methods. A prospective study of 287 consecutive patients with cancer presenting to the Department of Radiation Oncology was performed. The prostate cancer population was 29% (84 of 287) of the total cancer patient population. Each patient underwent the standard history interview, including questions regarding prescription and over-the-counter medication. At the completion of the standard history interview, patients were then asked a set of directed questions regarding the use of UMTs. Results. Of the 84 patients with prostate cancer, 31 (37%) used unconventional therapies. The standard history revealed that 6 (19%) of 31 used UMTs, and directed questioning revealed an additional 25 patients (81%) used UMTs in the study population (P <0.001). Of those using UMTs, 65% used megavitamins, 49% used herbal remedies, 13% used meditation or guided imagery, and 20% used nonherbal natural supplements. Conclusions. UMT use is prevalent among patients with prostate cancer. Some of these treatments may have a potential biologic impact on tumor behavior, therapeutic endpoints, and measured prostate-specific antigen values. The use of directed questioning during the patient evaluation significantly increases the physician’s ability to identify patients with prostate cancer using UMTs.
Psychological reactions and retention by cocaine addicts during treatment according to HIV-serostatus: a matched-control study.

We compared retention in treatment and psychological reactions during drug abuse treatment by 22 HIV-antibody positive, physically asymptomatic cocaine addicts to 22 matched HIV-seronegative cocaine addicts. All subjects participated in an outpatient clinical research project. There were no significant differences between groups in sociodemographics and psychiatric symptom scores on entrance or cocaine use except for route of administration (chi 2 = 11.59, df = 2, p less than .005). There were no significant differences among groups regarding being informed of serostatus and beginning treatment. There was a trend (p = .079) for more seropositives to complete treatment. Using end-point analysis to compare 11 seropositive subjects who completed a minimum of 2 weeks of treatment to a matched seronegative comparison groups, there were no significant differences in mood states except for "anger/hostility" (interaction of group x time; F = 2.24, df = 13/260, p less than .05). Informing drug abusers in treatment regarding positive HIV-serostatus was not associated with a lower treatment-retention rate or adverse psychological reactions when counseling regarding HIV issues was integrated with drug abuse treatment.
Intracellular organelle transport: few motors, many signals

Bidirectional microtubule-dependent organelle transport in melanophores is regulated by cAMP through organelle-bound protein kinase A (PKA); however, the mechanisms responsible for this regulation are unknown. A recent study by Gelfand and colleagues demonstrates that, in addition to PKA, transport is regulated by the organelle-bound mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling components ERK and MEK, whose activity is required for bidirectional transport along microtubules. This pathway apparently acts downstream of PKA, suggesting that bidirectional organelle transport is regulated by a hierarchical cascade of signaling pathways.
SEPARATION OF FLAVOR COMPOUNDS FROM LIPIDS IN A MODEL SYSTEM BY MEANS OF MEMBRANE DIALYSIS

The separation of flavor compounds from lipids by membrane dialysis was studied using a model system consisting of 11 flavor compounds and corn oil dissolved in solvent. Several solvent systems and three perfluorosulfonic acid membranes were studied. The most effective solvent system was a mixture of 70% acetone and 30% pentane while the more effective membranes were ones with equivalent weights of 1200 and 1100g and thicknesses of 5 and 10 mils, respectively. Diffusion of the corn oil was less than 0.12% of the oil added. Calculation of permeances showed that diffusion decreased with increased molecular size. The diffusion of 2-methoxypyrazine was hindered by either adsorption on to or reaction with the dialysis membrane. Reaction of the membrane with acetone (solvent) resulted in the formation of two artifacts.
Effects of pharmaceuticals on Daphnia survival, growth, and reproduction

Pharmaceuticals have been globally detected in surface waters, and the ecological impacts of these biologically-active, ubiquitous chemicals are largely unknown. To evaluate the aquatic toxicity of individual pharmaceuticals and mixtures, we performed single species laboratory toxicity tests with Daphnia magna, a common freshwater zooplankton. We conducted acute (6-day) and chronic (30-day) exposure pharmaceutical bioassays and evaluated survivorship and morphology of adults and neonates, adult length, resting egg production, brood size (fecundity), and the proportion of male broods produced (sex ratio). In general, exposure to a single pharmaceutical in the 1-100 microg/l range yielded no apparent effects on the normal life processes of Daphnia. However, chronic fluoxetine exposure (36 microg/l) significantly increased Daphnia fecundity, and acute clofibric acid exposure (10 microg/l) significantly increased sex ratio. A mixture of fluoxetine (36 microg/l) and clofibric acid (100 microg/l) caused significant mortality; the same fluoxetine concentration mixed with 10 microg/l clofibric acid resulted in significant deformities, including malformed carapaces and swimming setae. Mixtures of three to five antibiotics (total antibiotic concentration 30-500 microg/l) elicited changes in Daphnia sex ratio. We conclude: (1) individual and mixtures of pharmaceuticals affect normal development and reproduction of Daphnia magna, (2) aquatic toxicity of pharmaceutical mixtures can be unpredictable and complex compared to individual pharmaceutical effects, and (3) timing and duration of pharmaceutical exposure influence aquatic toxicity.
SU-E-T-116: Dose Response in the Treatment of Unresectable Cholangiocarcinoma with Yttrium-90 Microspheres

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the dose response of radioembolization using yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres in patients treated for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. This study utilized partition dosimetry model for the dose calculation. The results show survival benefit with dose escalation. Methods: Between February 2009 and March 2013, ten patients with pathology proven unresectable cholangiocarcinoma were radioembolized with Y-90 microspheres. Patients underwent initial pre-treatment angiographic assessment for blood flow and 99mTc- MAA for lung shunt evaluation. Activity of Y-90 administration was calculated using the Body Surface Area (BSA) and target volumes which were determined by contouring the pre-treatment MRI/CT images using a radiation therapy treatment planning system. Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) method was used to assess the dosimetric results of Y90. Partition model based on the tumor to-liver activity uptake estimated from pretreatment 99mTc- MAA study was used to calculate the dose delivered to the target. The variables assessed included: administered dose, toxicity based on clinical changes, imaging based tumor response, and survival. Results: Ten patients were radioembolized with Y-90 microspheres to either one hepatic lobe or both left and right lobes. Patients were stratified by dose. Four patients who received dose greater than 140Gy (p < 0.05) all survived. The corresponding activity they received was greater than 35 mCi. Six out of ten patients died of disease with median survival of 18 weeks (range 12–81wks). Conclusion: Given the growing body of data for Y-90 microspheres in the context of cholangiocarcinoma, radioembolization may become an important treatment modality for an appropriately selected group of patients. Our study further substantiates past studies and shows additional evidence of a survival benefit with dose escalation
Design of a flight planning system to reduce persistent contrail formation to reduce greenhouse effects

During flight, aircraft emit greenhouse gases as well as water vapor and other byproducts. When water vapor combines with soot and other particulate matter, condensation trails (contrails) can form and persist in Ice Supersatured Regions (ISSR). Analysis of 45 days of varying atmospheric configurations showed that the location of ISSR can vary between Flight Level (FL) 267 to Flight Level 414, and are most prevalent in the summer months. This paper describes the design of a decision support system to assist in the flight planning of short, medium, and transcontinental routes to avoid the ISSR. The decision support system includes two independent input variables and five output dependent variables. Based on the length of the flight, and the amount of ISSR avoidance, the system can present a tradeoff analysis between (i) the miles of contrails formed, (ii) the amount of fuel consumed, (iii) the time spent in air, (iv) the distance traveled, and (v) the amount of CO2 produced. Results for a normal day's flight schedule for 45 days of ISSR configurations shows that the airline flight routes provide both warming and cooling radiative heating effects that are sensitive to the meteorological conditions and time of day (i.e. solar azimuth). Over the course of long flights, ISSR avoidance caused the aircraft to fly about two percent further; while contrail avoidance on short flights caused up to five percent or more increase in distance. Based on the analysis using the system, it is recommended that all flights over stage length of 1,000 nm be required to avoid ISSR because the radiative forcing due to contrails is tends to be greater than the radiative forcing caused by excess CO2 emissions to avoid contrail regions.
Fracture toughness of nine flowable resin composites.

Abstract Statement of Problem. Flowable composite is used in a variety of clinical applications; however, the capacity of these materials to resist crack propagation is not well understood. Purpose. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the resistance to crack propagation of 9 flowable composites as measured by the fracture toughness. Material and Methods. The composites studied include AeliteFlo, Crystal Essence, Flow-it, FloRestore, Permaflo, Revolution, Tetric Flow, VersaFlo, and Wave. Ten specimens of each composite were formed with a brass mold with a 3-mm preformed notch. The final dimensions of each specimen were 2 × 4.2 × 20 mm. All specimens were light-polymerized to manufacturer specifications and stored in air for 24 hours. The fracture toughness value, K IC (MNm −3/2 ), for each specimen was measured by use of a 3-point bending mode and a single-edge notched beam at a crosshead speed of 0.125 mm/min until fracture. The data were analyzed statistically by use of 1-way analysis of variance, t tests ( P Results. The flowable composites tested showed a spectrum of fracture toughness values ranging from 1.15 ± 0.10 MNm −3/2 for Wave to 1.65 ± 0.13 MNm −3/2 for Permaflo (significantly different, P IC values not different from each other ( P >.05) but significantly different from Wave and Permaflo. Comparisons of fracture toughness to the filler content by volume of each composite revealed no correlation. Conclusion. This in vitro study concluded that there was no significant difference among 7 of the 9 composites tested in their resistance to fracture. Permaflo showed the greatest resistance to crack propagation. There was no correlation between the filler content by volume and the fracture toughness of these flowable composites. (J Prosthet Dent 2003;89:261-7.)
Image encyption using dynamic shuffling and XORing processes

The demand for secure transfers of digital images today is growing hand-in-hand with the rapid increase of the growth of networking technology. While there are image encryption schemes in place already today, many of them have areas that are not resilient to chosen plain-text attacks, mainly the mask method. The proposed cipher in this paper takes a different approach to try and overcome these areas that may be attacked readily. To accomplish this, an index number is introduced to each image encrypted. This single index number allows the same image to be encrypted multiple times resulting in completely different cipher-images, with up to 350 million different outcomes. This is accomplished using multiple pseudo random number generators and techniques ranging from the simple to the complex.
An interesting relationship between drug absorption and melting point

The ability to predict the extent of passive intestinal drug absorption is very important for efficient lead candidate selection and development. Physicochemical-based absorption predictive models previously developed use solubility, partition coefficient and pK(a) as drug input parameters for intestinal absorption. Alternatively, this study looks at the relationship between melting point and passive transport for poorly soluble drugs. It is based entirely on the expression derived from the General Solubility Equation (GSE) that relates melting point to the product of intrinsic solubility and partition coefficient. Given that the melting point of a compound is one of the first and more reliable physical properties measured, it can be advantageously used as a guide in early drug discovery and development. This paper elucidates the interesting relationship between the melting point and dose to the fraction absorbed of poorly soluble drugs, i.e., class II and IV compounds in the Biopharmaceutics Classification System. The newly defined melting point based absorption potential (MPbAP) parameter is successful at distinguishing 90% of the 91 drugs considered being well absorbed (FA>0.5) or poorly absorbed. In general, lower melting compounds are more likely to be well absorbed than higher melting compounds for any given dose. The fraction absorbed for drugs with high melting temperatures is limited by the dose to a greater degree than it is for low melting compounds.
Interior point methods for optimal control of discrete time systems

We show that recently developed interior point methods for quadratic programming and linear complementarity problems can be put to use in solving discrete-time optimal control problems, with general pointwise constraints on states and controls. We describe interior point algorithms for a discrete-time linear-quadratic regulator problem with mixed state/control constraints and show how they can be efficiently-incorporated into an inexact sequential quadratic programming algorithm for nonlinear problems. The key to the efficiency of the interior-point method is the narrow-banded structure of the coefficient matrix which is factorized at each iteration.
Preserved anterograde and retrograde memory of rapidly acquired olfactory discrminations after neurotoxic hippocampal lesions.

A forced-choice discrimination paradigm was used in two experiments, to evaluate retrograde and anterograde amnesia in rats after hippocampal ablation. In a within-subjects design (Experiment 1), rats were trained on a set of 10 olfactory discriminations 4 weeks before surgery and on a separate set of 10 discriminations 1 week before surgery. In a mixed design (Experiment 2), rats were trained on olfactory discriminations in one of three conditions: condition 1 (10 discriminations at 4 weeks before surgery); condition 2 (10 discriminations at 1 week before surgery); or condition 3 (10 discriminations at 4 weeks before surgery and 10 discriminations at 1 week before surgery). Discriminations in both experiments were rapidly learned, requiring 7–10 trials to reach criterion. After training, half of the rats in each condition received bilateral neurotoxic lesions of the hippocampus, and the other half received sham surgery. One week after surgery, all rats were given a retention test, consisting of a single critical trial for each discrimination. In both experiments, rats with selective hippocampal lesions exhibited preserved retention of these olfactory discriminations with no observable retention gradient. A postoperative acquisition test for two new discriminations indicated that anterograde memory was also preserved, while a postoperative test of spatial learning in the Morris water maze confirmed that the hippocampal lesions impaired spatial learning. Together, these experiments refute the contention that the hippocampus is requisite for (nonspatial) olfactory memory consolidation, storage, or access, despite the condition that the information be rapidly acquired. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Highly cited publications in pediatric neurosurgery

Object The number of citations a publication receives can be used as a surrogate for the impact that article has made on its discipline. This study identifies and characterizes the most cited articles in pediatric neurosurgical journals as of April 2013.
Developing policy for eliminating international video piracy

The pirating of videocassettes of prerecorded films and television programs is a widespread international problem. Following an assessment of the political, economic, and legal factors leading to the development of the black market in prerecorded video, this essay presents a strategy for developing a policy to combat the problem effectively. The research draws on economic theory of the underground economy in other consumer products and in drug trafficking, and applies the theory to the conditions surrounding media in formulating the strategy. The case of Turkey's plan to eliminate video piracy is presented.
Upper tropospheric temperature measurements with the use of a Raman lidar

Upper tropospheric temperature profiles were measured with the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center scanning Raman lidar five months after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. To derive temperatures in regions of high aerosol content, the aerosol transmission is calculated for the Raman N(2) return signals under cloud-free conditions. The lidar-derived aerosol backscattering ratio and an estimate of the aerosol extinction-to-backscatter ratio were used to compute the aerosol transmission. With a model reference temperature at 25 km, temperature profiles with a root-mean-square difference between the lidar and radiosonde temperatures of <2 K were obtained over an altitude range of 5-10 km for a 10-min integrated measurement with 300-m resolution.
Scale model performance test investigation of exhaust system mixers for an Energy Efficient Engine /E3/ propulsion system

A scale model performance test was conducted as part of the NASA Energy Efficient Engine (E3) Program, to investigate the geometric variables that influence the aerodynamic design of exhaust system mixers for high-bypass, mixed-flow engines. Mixer configuration variables included lobe number, penetration and perimeter, as well as several cutback mixer geometries. Mixing effectiveness and mixer pressure loss were determined using measured thrust and nozzle exit total pressure and temperature surveys. Results provide a data base to aid the analysis and design development of the E3 mixed-flow exhaust system.
Formulation and verification of design criteria for Zircaloy-2 pressure tubing

Abstract Results from experimental and surveillance programs for the Zircaloy-2 pressure tubes in the Plutonium Recycle Test Reactor are reviewed. The review of these results shows that the original PRTR design basis was conservative, that a higher working stress and longer tube life can be used in present reactor applications, and that there are no indications of an increased likelihood of catastrophic failure due to normal reactor operations.
Crystal structure of 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-6-tributylstannyl-4-(3H )-quinazolinone and 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-6-iodo-4-(3H)-quinazolinone

The structures of the title compounds C26H37N2O2Sn (I) and C14H9IN2O2 (II) were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Compound I crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with a = 9.560(3) A, b = 16.899(6) A, c = 17.872(5) A, α = 65.957(7)°, β = 83.603(5)°, γ ( = 75.242(5)°, V = 2549.8(13) A3, Z = 4, and D =1.374 g/cm3. The compound consists of a quinazolinone ring with phenol and tributylstannyl moieties. Compound II crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 7.6454(12) A, b = 5.9270(9) A, c = 27.975(4) A; α = 90°, β = 95.081(3)°, γ = 90°, V = 1262.7(3) A3, Z = 4, and D = 1.915 g/cm3. The compound consists of a quinazolinone ring with phenol and iodine substituents. For both I and II, the short intramolecular O–H…N and two long intermolecular N–H…O hydrogen bonds are highly effective in holding the molecular system in a stable state. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bi-immunity results for cheatable sets

Abstract An oracle A is k-cheatable if there is a polynomial-time algorithm to determine the answers to 2k parallel queries to A from the answers to only k queries to some other oracle B. It is known that 1-cheatable sets cannot be bi-immune for P. In contrast, we construct 2-cheatable sets that are bi-immune for arbitrary time complexity classes. In addition, for each k, we construct a set that is (k + 1)-cheatable, but not k-cheatable; we show that this separation does not hold with bi-immunity. We show that if a recursive set A is bi-immune for P then there exists a nontrivial 1-cheatable set that is polynomial-time m-reducible to A. Consequently if NP contains a set that is bi-immune for P then NP contains a set that is not polynomial-time Turing-equivalent to a self-reducible set.
Trusted virtual containers on demand

TPM-based trusted computing aspires to use hardware and cryptography to provide a remote relying party with assurances about the trustworthiness of a computing environment. However, standard approaches to trusted computing are hampered in the areas of scalability, expressiveness, and flexibility. This paper reports on our research project to address these limitations by using TPMs inside OpenSolaris: our kernel creates lightweight containers on demand, and uses DTrace and other tools to extend attestation to more nuanced runtime properties. We illustrate this work with prototype application scenarios from cyber infrastructure operating the U.S. power grid.
Estimation of 26-hydroxycholesterol in serum by high-performance liquid chromatography and its measurement in patients with atherosclerosis.

Abstract A method for analysing 26-hydroxycholesterol (260HC) in serum and tissue samples using solid phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography is reported. This procedure was used to measure the levels of 260HC in the sera of apparently healthy subjects and of 18 patients with angiographically proven atherosclerosis. Sixteen of the patients had levels within or below the range detected in the apparently healthy subjects (125–294 ng/ml), indicating that high 260HC levels cannot be a major factor in the development of atherosclerosis. However, when the patients and the normal subjects were combined in a group, there was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.5, P
Traumatic torsion of testicle

Most genitourinary surgeons advocate early exploration of all enlarging scrotal masses, hematoceles, or suspected testicular ruptures resulting from trauma. Two cases of torsion of the testicle following severe blunt testicular trauma are presented. It is suggested that another indication for prompt surgical exploration of a scrotal mass after severe blunt testicular trauma is to help establish an early diagnosis of torsion of the testicle. This approach affords an opportunity for appropriate therapy and testicular salvage.
Probability of Middle-Aged Men Developing Coronary Heart Disease in Five Years

Characteristics of 11,132 men aged 40-59 years and free from coronary heart disease (CHD) at entry were related to follow-up experience, using multivariate analysis. In 5 years among 2,404 U. S. ra...
Partial side information problem: Equivalence of two inner bounds

Consider the two-terminal partial side information problem, where one source is decoded under a distortion measure, while the other acts as a helper. There are two well known inner bounds on the (convex) achievable region: (i) a bound due to Berger et al., and (ii) a suitable specialization of the general Berger-Tung bound. While the former bound admits a simpler description compared to the latter, the latter bound is generally considered more useful because it includes the former. In this backdrop, we show that the above two bounds are in fact equivalent in the sense that their convex hulls coincide. Thus, now one can, without sacrificing generality, make use of the simpler bound in settling the outstanding question of tightness, thereby marking a potential advancement. Further, one can also obtain a new algorithm for numerical simulation of Berger-Tung bound.
Defining Objects for Virtual Engineering

The technology progression over the past decade has redefined the product engineering process. Some of the challenges facing the engineering community are the advent of ubiquitous computing, software integration, and data avalanche. Engineering objects are being defined and implemented to help engineers meet these challenges. As defined in this research, engineering objects have several inherent abilities that enable them to adapt to surroundings and distinguish themselves from other objects coexisting in the same environment. These objects manage information by grouping it based on its physical counterpart, enabling users to interact intuitively with information through a single engineering object interface, and making information gathering from disparate software packages unnecessary. This paper discusses software objects as a theoretical foundation for implementing engineering objects and providing engineers with a platform to create virtualized products more naturally and rapidly.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
An ex-ovo chicken embryo culture system suitable for imaging and microsurgery applications

Understanding the relationships between genetic and microenvironmental factors that drive normal and malformed embryonic development is fundamental for discovering new therapeutic strategies. Advancements in imaging technology have enabled quantitative investigation of the organization and maturing of the body plan, but later stage embryonic morphogenesis is less clear. Chicken embryos are an attractive vertebrate animal model system for this application because of its ease of culture and surgical manipulation. Early embryos can be cultured for a short time on filter paper rings, which enables complete optical access for cell patterning and fate studies1,2. Studying advanced developmental processes such as cardiac morphogenesis are traditionally performed through a window of the eggshell3-5, but this technique limits optical access due to window size. We previously developed a simple method to culture whole embryos ex-ovo on hexagonal weigh boats for up to 10 days, which enabled high resolution imaging via ultrasonography6,7. These cultures were difficult to transport, limiting the types of imaging tools available for live experiments. We here present an improved shell-less culture system with a cost-effective, portable environmental chamber. Eggs were cracked onto a hammock created by a polyurethane membrane (cling wrap) affixed circumferentially to a plastic cup partially filled with sterile water. The dimensions of the circumference and depth of the hammock were both critical to maintain surface tension, while the mechanics of the hammock and water beneath helped dampen vibrations induced by transportation. A small footprint circulating water bath was also developed to enable continuous temperature control during experimentation. We demonstrate the ability to culture embryos in this way for at least 14 days without morphogenic defect or delay and employ this system in several microsurgical and imaging applications.
An energy signature scheme for steam trap assessment and flow rate estimation using pipe-induced acoustic measurements

The US Congress has passed legislation dictating that all government agencies establish a plan and process for improving energy efficiencies at their sites. In response to this legislation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has recently conducted a pilot study to explore the deployment of a wireless sensor system for a real-time measurement-based energy efficiency optimization framework within the steam distribution system within the ORNL campus. We make assessments on the real-time status of the distribution system by observing the state measurements of acoustic sensors mounted on the steam pipes/traps/valves. In this paper, we describe a spectral-based energy signature scheme that interprets acoustic vibration sensor data to estimate steam flow rates and assess steam traps health status. Experimental results show that the energy signature scheme has the potential to identify different steam trap health status and it has sufficient sensitivity to estimate steam flow rate. Moreover, results indicate a nearly quadratic relationship over the test region between the overall energy signature factor and flow rate in the pipe. The analysis based on estimated steam flow and steam trap status helps generate alerts that enable operators and maintenance personnel to take remedial action. The goal is to achieve significant energy-saving in steam lines by monitoring and acting on leaking steam pipes/traps/valves.
Sphingosine 1-Phosphate as a Therapeutic Target in Heart Failure More Questions Than Answers

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a naturally occurring bioactive lysophospholipid that regulates immune responses and inflammatory processes in a variety of different organ systems, including the cardiovascular system. Within the cardiovascular system S1P mediates cardioprotection following ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiac remodeling, vascular tone, angiogenesis, as well as fibroblast migration, proliferation, and differentiation (reviewed in reference 1). In the current edition of Circulation, Meissner and colleagues present novel findings in a murine heart failure model (LAD ligation) which suggest that S1P activity is modulated by a cAMP-responsive chloride channel termed the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR).2 CFTR, a member of the ATP binding cassette family of genes, was identified as the gene responsible for the loss of chloride secretion in patients with cystic fibrosis. Based on a prior report by the same group,3 which showed that the intracellular enzyme S1P phosphohydrolase that degrades extracellular S1P, was also an endogenous regulator of S1P mediated vasoconstriction, the authors hypothesized that S1P must be imported by vascular smooth muscle cells. In their current report Meissner et al. show that CFTR mRNA was present in conduit and resistance arteries throughout the vascular tree in mice. They further noted that CFTR was required for S1P uptake by vascular smooth muscle cells, and that VSMCs from wild-type (CFTR+/+) possessed a higher rate of proliferation than VSMCs from CFTR null (CFTR−/−) mice, consistent with the known anti-proliferative effects of S1P on VSMCs. At the whole organ level, S1P mediated vasoconstriction of small resistance arteries (e.g. the posterior cerebral artery) was more potent in CFTR−/− than in CFTR+/+ mice, whereas the vasoconstrictor response to phenylephrine, and the vasodilator response to acetycholine did not differ between CFTR−/− and CFTR+/+ mice. Finally the authors showed that CFTR mRNA and levels were decreased in resistance vessels of wild-type mice that had undergone acute LAD ligation, suggesting that decreased uptake of S1P of CFTR resulted in sustained S1P signaling and enhanced vascular tone. The authors further made the interesting observation that CFTR mRNA levels were downregulated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is increased in heart failure,4 and that treatment with etanercept, a TNF antagonist,5 rescued many aspects of the heart failure phenotype, including normalization of vascular tone, as well as downregulation of CFTR. Given that the CFTR downregulation was reversible, and that increased peripheral vasoconstriction contributes to disease progression in heart failure, Meissner et al. suggest that CFTR may represent a novel target for cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure, wherein inflammation is present. Before addressing this interesting question, it is instructive to first review sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling within the cardiovascular system.
Effect of solutes on the structure and energetics of a model solvent

The effect of solutes on the energetics of the solvent and the propagation of structural effects through the solvent are studied in a model one-dimensional liquid solution. The molecular origins of the difference between inserting a solute molecule into the solvent at fixed volume and at fixed pressure are illuminated. The relation between the potential of mean force between solutes at infinite dilution and the correlation function in the pure solvent is illustrated in the model.
Biomechanical comparison of translaminar versus pedicle screws at T1 and T2 in long subaxial cervical constructs.

OBJECTIVE: The first in vitro biomechanical investigation comparing the immediate and postcyclical rigidities of thoracic translaminar versus pedicle screws in posterior constructs crossing the cervicothoracic junction (CTj). METHODS: Ten human cadaveric spines underwent C4-C6 lateral mass screw and T1-T2 translaminar (n = 5) versus pedicle (n = 5) screw fixation. Spines were then potted in polymethylmethacrylate bone cement and placed on a materials testing machine. Rotation about the axis of bending was measured using passive retroreflective markers and infrared motion capture cameras. The motion of C6 relative to T2 in flexion-extension and lateral bending was assessed uninstrumented, immediately after instrumentation, and after 40,000 cycles of 4 N•m flexion-extension and lateral bending moments at 1 Hz. The effect of instrumentation and cyclical loading on rotational motion across the CTJ was analyzed for significance. RESULTS: Compared with preinstrumented spines, pedicle and translaminar screw constructs significantly (P < 0.001) decreased motion during flexion-extension and lateral bending. After cyclical loading, rotational motion at the CTJ was significantly increased (P < 0.05) during flexion-extension and lateral bending in both groups. With flexion-extension, the mean rotational motion across the CTJ was similar in the translaminar and pedicle constructs immediately after fixation, but slightly greater (P = 0.03) after cyclical loading in the translaminar versus the pedicle screw constructs (0.39 degrees versus 0.26 degrees). Nevertheless, after cyclical loading, the mean angular motion across the CTJ remained less than one half of a degree in both groups. With lateral bending, the mean rotational motion was similar in both translaminar and pedicle screw constructs. CONCLUSION: Both upper thoracic translaminar and pedicle screws allow for rigid fixation at the CTJ. Although translaminar screw constructs demonstrated one eighth of a degree more motion at the CTJ after cycling, this minimal difference is likely less than would influence the biological fusion process. Upper thoracic translaminar screws are a biomechanically effective option to rigidly stabilize the CTJ.
Domain structures and nonlinear mechanical deformation of soft Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 (PZT) piezoelectric ceramic fibers

Abstract The nonlinear mechanical deformation of two tetragonal variants of soft, morphotropic lead zirconate–titanate Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 (PZT) piezoelectric ceramic fiber was correlated with studies of the crystal structure, domain structure, and microstructure. Fibers with dense hierarchical microtwin structures having spatial dimensions of ∼10 nm showed an additional mode of stress accommodation as evidenced by a larger strain accumulation and greater anelastic response relative to fibers with conventional twin structures consisting primarily of 90° and 180° tetragonal ferroelectric–ferroelastic domains. The differing natures of the domain structures in the two variants of soft PZT materials were associated with differences in the defect chemistry. The observed sensitivity of the nonlinear mechanical deformation to the presence of spatially inhomogeneous microtwin structures is expected to be of particular importance in the engineering of flexible fiber composites and other transducers based on soft PZT piezoelectric materials intended for use under conditions of high amplitude dynamic deformation.
The role of genetics and cigarette smoking in the development of pulmonary fibrosis

: Several lines of evidence suggest that genetic factors and environmental exposure play a role in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. The authors evaluated families with familial pulmonary fibrosis (FPF), defined as the presence of two or more cases of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) in first degree family members. In total, 56 families with FPF were evaluated with 193 affected and 196 unaffected individuals. The presence of FPF was based on clinical history, DLCO, and CXR in 27 (14%); clinical history and HRCT scan in 102 (53%); clinical history and SLB in 55 (28%); and clinical history and autopsy in nine (5%). Older age (67.8 vs. 53.6; P < 0.001), male gender (48% vs. 34%; P = 0.004), and cigarette smoking (59% vs. 36%; P < 0.0001) were associated with the development of FPF. Of 237 subjects self-reported as unaffected, 10 had probable or definite FPF, and 23 had possible FPF. Evidence for aggregation of disease was highly significant (P < 0.001) among sibling pairs. Several pedigrees demonstrated vertical transmission, consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance. More than 50% of pedigrees demonstrated phenotypic heterogeneity, with several subtypes of IIP occurring within families. These findings indicate that FPF is caused by an interaction between cigarette smoking and a gene (or genes) that predisposes to the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
In situ mechanical interferometry of matrigel films.

Many biological materials and cell substrates are very soft (Young’s modulus <500 Pa) and it is difficult to characterize their mechanical properties. Here we report local elasticity of the surface layers of Matrigel films used for cell culture. We used a new measurement technology, mechanical imaging interferometry, to obtain point mechanical measurements over micron-sized areas. The median values of 650 ± 400 Pa (# measurements, n = 50), determined by the Hertz contact model, agree well with bulk measurements; however, on the microscale, the films were heterogeneous and contained regions distinctly stiffer than average (1−2 kPa). The first measurement of yield strengths of 170 ± 100 Pa (n = 43) indicates that Matrigel films deform plastically at stress levels of similar scale to cell tractional forces.
Problems with the BIS/BAS scales or Lykken's model of primary psychopathy? A reply to.

Abstract Citing a dearth of research on the Carver and White (1994) BIS scale in offender samples, its limited coverage of the psychological functions attributed to the BIS construct, and the fact that the BIS scale has a stronger association with measures of negative emotionality than with fear sensitivity, Poythress et al. (2008) “recommend a moratorium on the use of the BIS scale to test Lykken’s theory of primary psychopathy” (p. 269). In this response, we: (1) present evidence that supports the reliability and validity of the BIS scale in a large offender sample involving multiple prison sites, (2) challenge unfounded assertions regarding the inadequate coverage of the BIS, (3) propose that the problems cited by Poythress et al. are as much a function of Lykken’s model as Carver and White’s measure, and (4) conclude that further research is needed to clarify the distinction between primary and secondary psychopathy and that the BIS/BAS scales may play a valuable role in this regard.