cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Listening to Hearings: Legislative Hearings and Legislative Outcomes

In this study, I consider the role of legislative hearings in the legislative process. Previous studies of legislative outcomes often omit a discussion of hearings or do not incorporate hearings in a systematic way. One obvious purpose that hearings might serve is to provide the information and expertise necessary to solve any problems with the legislation, and once acquired, this information would allow the bill to move forward. I challenge the assumption that the information produced by legislative hearings makes it more likely that a bill will become law. I propose that in advancing a hearing, members of Congress signal that the legislation involves problems and may not be ready to move forward. To analyze the role of legislative hearings, I use bills introduced in the U.S. Senate during the 104th Congress (1995-1996). I use a bivariate probit model for hearings and subsequent events in the legislative process as dependent variables to determine whether legislative hearings and legislative outcomes are...
Magnetic Relaxation Dispersion of 7Li: Interaction with Mn(II) in the Aqueous Solvent Cage

Measurements of 7Li nuclear spin−lattice relaxation times are made at applied magnetic field strengths from 0.25 mT to 7.05 T, in order to determine directly the form of the frequency dependent spectral densities that modulate relaxation. This Magnetic Relaxation Dispersion (MRD) technique provides detailed information regarding molecular dynamics down to the picosecond time scale. 7Li MRD measurements on aqueous lithium ion relaxed by the paramagnetic Mn(II) (S = 5/2) ion reveal the formation of a cation−cation complex that has a lifetime at least as long as the rotational correlation time of approximately 100 ps. Translational electron-nuclear dipole−dipole contributions are resolvable, and there is a significant change in the nuclear electric quadrupole contribution to the 7Li relaxation. The results obtained from solutions of LiCl and LiNO3 are compared and found to be similar.
Weak Instruments: Diagnosis and Cures in Empirical Econometrics

What is the weak-instruments (WI) problem and what causes it? Universal agreement does not exist on these questions. We define weak instruments by two features: (i) two-stage least squares (2SLS) analysis is badly biased toward the ordinary least-squares (OLS) estimate, and alternative “unbiased” estimators such as limited-information maximum likelihood (LIML) may not solve the problem; and (ii) the standard (first-order) asymptotic distribution does not give an accurate framework for inference. Thus, a researcher may estimate “bad results” and not be aware of the outcome. The cause of WI is often stated to be a low R or F statistic of the reduced-form equation, in the most commonly occurring situation of one right-handside endogenous variable. We find the situation is more complex with an additional factor, the correlation between the stochastic disturbances of the structural equation and the reduced form, that needs to be taken into account. We discuss in this paper a specification test (Hahn and Hausman, 2002a) for WI, a caution against using “no moments” estimators such as LIML in the WI situation, and suggestions for different estimators, an approach to inference of Frank Kleibergen (2002) for WI. We end with a caution of how “small biases” can become “large biases” in the WI situation. We begin with the limited-information structural model under the assumptions of Hausman (1983):
Constant Dollar Financial Statements

Nominally-based financial statements are often incomplete measures of economic performance during periods of inflation. Constant dollar financial statements provide valuable supplemental information. However, accurate constant dollar performance measures such as income from farm operations (as opposed to capital gains) cannot be obtained by merely deflating the corresponding nominal performance measures. Procedures are presented that explicitly separate the effects of inflation, capital gains, and operations income upon the constant dollar financial position of the firm across time.
Comparative Computational Modeling of Airflows and Vapor Dosimetry in the Respiratory Tracts of Rat, Monkey, and Human

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models are useful for predicting site-specific dosimetry of airborne materials in the respiratory tract and elucidating the importance of species differences in anatomy, physiology, and breathing patterns. We improved the imaging and model development methods to the point where CFD models for the rat, monkey, and human now encompass airways from the nose or mouth to the lung. A total of 1272, 2172, and 135 pulmonary airways representing 17±7, 19±9, or 9±2 airway generations were included in the rat, monkey and human models, respectively. A CFD/physiologically based pharmacokinetic model previously developed for acrolein was adapted for these anatomically correct extended airway models. Model parameters were obtained from the literature or measured directly. Airflow and acrolein uptake patterns were determined under steady-state inhalation conditions to provide direct comparisons with prior data and nasal-only simulations. Results confirmed that regional uptake was sensitive to airway geometry, airflow rates, acrolein concentrations, air:tissue partition coefficients, tissue thickness, and the maximum rate of metabolism. Nasal extraction efficiencies were predicted to be greatest in the rat, followed by the monkey, and then the human. For both nasal and oral breathing modes in humans, higher uptake rates were predicted for lower tracheobronchial tissues than either the rat or monkey. These extended airway models provide a unique foundation for comparing material transport and site-specific tissue uptake across a significantly greater range of conducting airways in the rat, monkey, and human than prior CFD models.
Development of a DNA probe from the deoxyribonucleotide sequence of a 3-N-aminoglycoside acetyltransferase [AAC(3)-I] resistance gene.

The aacC1 gene encoding the 3-N-aminoglycoside acetyltransferase [AAC(3)-I] was cloned from enteric plasmid pJR88, and its deoxyribonucleotide sequence was determined. Significant nucleotide homology was noted in the region extending from the proposed -35 sequences through the first 59 base pairs of the aacC1 gene open reading frame (ORF) and the upstream flanking regions and ORFs of several other antibiotic resistance genes. Sequences were noted to be homologous with the 69-N-aminoglycoside acetyltransferase [AAC(69)-I], 299-O-aminoglycoside adenylyltransferase [AAD(299)], and 399-O-aminoglycoside adenylyltransferase [AAD(399)] resistance genes; the OXA-1, OXA-2, and PSE-2 beta-lactamase genes; and several dihydrofolate reductase genes. Small regions of homology were noted in the 39-flanking regions of these resistance genes as well. A DNA probe for the aacC1 gene was selected from the nucleotide sequence information and was tested against a series of genetically and enzymatically defined strains. The probe, which proved specific for the aacC1 gene, was then tested against a series of 58 gentamicin-susceptible and 219 gentamicin-resistant gram-negative bacilli isolated from patients at the Seattle Veterans Administration Medical Center. Only six clinical isolates were noted to carry the aacC1 gene. Each was resistant to gentamicin but susceptible to kanamycin, tobramycin, and amikacin. The presence of homologous regions of DNA at both the 39 and 59 ends of the aacC1 gene reinforces the importance of choosing probes from within the ORFs of genes and of avoiding flanking sequences. When the homology with other sequences extends into the ORF, as it does with the aacC1 gene, development of a specific probe may require determination of the nucleotide sequence.
A novel microdeletion/microduplication syndrome of 19p13.13.

Purpose: Whole genome interrogation by array-based comparative genomic hybridization has led to a rapidly increasing number of discoveries of novel microdeletion and/or microduplication syndromes. We here describe the clinical and cytogenomic correlates of a novel microdeletion/microduplication of 19p13.13. Methods: Among patients referred to the Cytogenetics laboratory for array-based comparative genomic hybridization analysis, we identified four with a deletion and one with a duplication within 19p13.13. Confirmatory fluorescence in situ hybridization and parental studies were performed. Detailed clinical findings and array profiles were reviewed and compared. Results: Patients with deletions of 19p13.13 share a unique constellation of phenotypic abnormalities. In addition to developmental disabilities, the microdeletion manifested in overgrowth, macrocephaly, and ophthalmologic and gastrointestinal findings; in contrast, the single microduplication manifested in growth delay and microcephaly. Conclusion: The consistent constellation of clinical findings associated with copy number variation of this region warrants the designation of microdeletion/microduplication syndrome of 19p13.13. An approximately 311–340 Kb smallest region of overlap encompassing 16 genes was identified. Candidate genes include MAST1, NFIX, and CALR. Identification of this syndrome has led to recommendations for diagnostic work-up and follow-up of patients with this copy number variant. Integration of detailed clinical and array data is critical for advancing both patient care and human genomic research.
Comparison of CT and MRI in patients with tibial plateau fracture: can CT findings predict ligament tear or meniscal injury?

Objective (1) To determine the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of ligament tear and avulsion in patients with tibial plateau fracture. (2) To evaluate whether the presence or severity of fracture gap and articular depression can predict meniscal injury. Design and patients A fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologist retrospectively reviewed knee CT and MRI examinations of 41 consecutive patients presenting to a level 1 trauma center with tibial plateau fractures. Fracture gap, articular depression, ligament tear and footprint avulsions were assessed on CT examinations. The MRI studies were examined for osseous and soft tissue injuries, including meniscal tear, meniscal displacement, ligament tear, and ligament avulsion. Results CT demonstrated torn ligaments with 80% sensitivity and 98% specificity. Only 2% of ligaments deemed intact on careful CT evaluation had partial or complete tears on MRI. Although the degree of fracture gap and articular depression was significantly greater in patients with meniscal injury compared with those without meniscal injury, ROC analysis demonstrated no clear threshold for gap or depression that yielded a combination of high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions In the acute setting, CT offers high sensitivity and specificity for depicting osseous avulsions, as well as high negative predictive value for excluding ligament injury. However, MRI remains necessary for the preoperative detection of meniscal injury.
An efficient manual image annotation approach based on tagging and browsing

This paper investigates new approaches to improve the efficiency of manual image annotation and help users to produce better annotation results in a given amount of time. Although important in practice, this issue has rarely been studied in a quantitative way before. To achieve this, we first propose two time models to analyze the annotation process for two popular manual annotation approaches, i.e., tagging and browsing. The complementary properties of these approaches have inspired us to merge them to develop a hybrid annotation algorithms called frequency-based annotation. Our experiments on large-scale multimedia collections have shown that the proposed algorithm can achieve an up to 40% annotation time reduction compared with the baseline methods. In other words, it can produce considerably better results using the same annotation time.
Quasi-geostrophic wave-CISK in an unbounded baroclinic shear

The free-shear problem, a minimal version of baroclinic, quasi-geostrophic wave-CISK is analyzed. The basic state consists of a zonal flow, unbounded above and below, with constant vertical shear and Brunt-Vaisala frequency and zero meridional gradient of the potential vorticity. Convective heating is parameterized in terms of the convergence below an arbitrary level. Consideration of the potential vorticity dynamics of the unstable modes illustrates how heating may act as a dynamical surrogate for potential vorticity gradients. Although highly idealized, the free-shear problem also explains much of the behavior of more general wave-CISK models.
Prostaglandin E2 mediates the stimulatory effect of methoxamine on in vivo luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) release in the ovariectomized female rhesus monkey.

Previously, we found that noradrenergic input throughα1-receptors modulates pulsatile release of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) in ovariectomized rhesus monkeys in the absence of estrogen. In the present study, the role of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in mediating α-adrenergic stimulation of LH-RH release is investigated. In the first experiment the effects of theα1-adrenergic agonists methoxamine (MTX) on LH-RH and PGE2 release were examined. Push-pull perfusion of the stalk-median eminence (S-ME) was performed in conscious, ovariectomized monkeys, and perfusate samples were collected on ice. MTX (10−5 M) was infused into the S-ME through the push cannula for 10 min at 90-min intervals, and LH-RH and PGE2 in aliquots of the same perfusate samples were measured by radioimmunoassay. Infusion of MTX significantly stimulated LH-RH release (n = 12; P < 0.01) and PGE2 release (P < 0.05). In the second experiment, the effect of PGE2 infusion on LH-RH release was tested. PGE2 (10−7 M) was infused using the same protocol as above, and LH-RH was measured in the perfusates. Infusion of PGE2 through the push cannula significantly stimulated LH-RH release (n = 23; P < 0.05). These results suggest that the stimulatory effect of MTX on LH-RH release is at least partly mediated by PGE2, since MTX stimulated not only LH-RH but also PGE2 release, and since PGE2 itself stimulated LH-RH release. Therefore, PGE2 may be an important endogenous mediator ofα1-adrenergic input stimulating pulsatile PH-RH release. Moreover, the stimulatory effects of MTX and PGE2 can be observed in the absence of estrogen in the rhesus monkey, unlike in rhodents. Our results also demonstrate the usefulness of the push-pull perfusion technique for studies of cellular mechanisms in neuroendocrine research.
Estimating International Adverse Selection in Annuities

Abstract It is well known that purchasers of annuities have lower mortality than the general population. Less widely known is the quantitative extent of this adverse selection and how it varies across countries. This paper proposes and applies several methods for comparing alternative mortality tables and illustrates their impact on annuity valuation for men and women in the U.S. and the U.K. Our results indicate that the relatively lower mortality among older Americans who purchase annuities is equivalent to using a discount rate that is 50–100 basis points below the U.K. rate for compulsory annuitants or 10–20 basis points lower than the U.K. rate for voluntary annuitants. We then draw on the mortality experience of over half a billion lives to estimate mortality differentials due to varying degrees of adverse selection controlling for country, gender, and an allowance for mortality improvements. Results show that adverse selection associated with the purchase of individual annuities reduces mortality r...
Synthesis of influenza virus proteins in infected cells: Translation of viral polypeptides, including three P polypeptides, from RNA produced by primary transcription

Abstract Virions of the WSN strain of influenza A0 virus have been found to contain three polypeptides designated P1, P2, and P3, with molecular weights of 96,000, 87,000, and 85,000, respectively. In studies of the time course of synthesis of viral proteins in chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF), these three polypeptides and viral polypeptides NP, M, and NS have been detected within 1 hr of infection. Experiments in which cycloheximide was added at the time of infection to restrict viral RNA synthesis to primary transcription for various times after infection, and then protein synthesis examined after removal of the drug, have indicated that all of the viral polypeptides can be translated from mRNA produced by primary transcription (with the possible exception of the neuraminidase polypeptide which could not be detected with certainty in the cells under the conditions used). Although these results suggest that transcripts of the entire genome are produced early in infection and by primary transcription, there is control of viral protein synthesis. This was demonstrated by findings, such as increasing rates of synthesis of the M polypeptide relative to the other proteins after longer periods of primary transcription, and a relatively small amount of polypeptide HA synthesized immediately after removal of cycloheximide. The results obtained provide evidence for control of protein synthesis at the level of transcription, but do not exclude or establish control of translation as well. In CEF cells no increase in the rate of synthesis of the three P polypeptides was detected, and their rates of synthesis declined within 4–6 hr, whereas the synthesis of the other polypeptides was amplified within 11 1 2 hr after infection or removal of cycloheximide. In contrast, in MDBK cells which produce higher titers of infectious virus and fewer incomplete particles than CEF cells, amplification of the synthesis of P polypeptides, as well as of the other polypeptides, was observed, suggesting a host-dependent effect on the control of the synthesis of these influenza virus proteins which are thought to be involved in viral RNA synthesis.
Forecasting market prices in a supply chain game

Predicting the uncertain and dynamic future of market conditions on the supply chain, as reflected in prices, is an essential component of effective operational decision-making. We present and evaluate methods used by our agent, Deep Maize, to forecast market prices in the trading agent competition supply chain management game (TAC/SCM). We employ a variety of machine learning and representational techniques to exploit as many types of information as possible, integrating well-known methods in novel ways. We evaluate these techniques through controlled experiments as well as performance in both the main TAC/SCM tournament and supplementary Prediction Challenge. Our prediction methods demonstrate strong performance in controlled experiments and achieved the best overall score in the Prediction Challenge.
Effect of botanical supplementation on cytochrome P450 phenotypes in the elderly

Background Herb-drug interactions may be of particular concern in the elderly. Single time-point, phenotypic metabolic ratios were used to determine whether supplementation of Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, garlic oil, or St. John's wort extracts affected CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, or CYP3A4 activity in elderly subjects. Methods Twelve healthy volunteers between the ages of 60 and 76 (mean= 66 years) were randomly assigned to receive each supplement for 28 days followed by a 30-day washout period. Probe drug cocktails of midazolam, caffeine, chlorzoxazone, and debrisoquine were administered before and at the end of supplementation. Pre- and post-supplementation phenotypic ratios were determined for CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2E1, and CYP2D6 using 1-hydroxymidazolam/midazolam serum ratios (1-hr), paraxanthine/caffeine serum ratios (6-hr), 6-hydroxychlorzoxazone/chlorzoxazone serum ratios (2-hr), and debrisoquine urinary recovery ratios (8-hr), respectively. Results Comparisons of pre- and post-St. John's wort phenotypic ratios revealed significant induction of CYP3A4 (~140%) and CYP2E1 activity (~28%). Garlic oil inhibited CYP2E1 (~22%). Ginseng inhibited CYP2D6, but the magnitude (~7%) did not appear clinically relevant. CYP1A2 activity in the elderly was unaffected by herb supplementation. Conclusions Elderly subjects, like their younger counterparts, are susceptible to herb-mediated changes in CYP activity, especially those involving St. John's wort. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P16–P16; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.11.063
Lipoprotein Lipase Activity and Plasma Triglyceride Clearance Are Elevated in Endurance-Trained Women

Numerous studies have examined factors regulating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in male endurance athletes, but few studies have examined HDL-C regulation in female athletes. The present study compared lipid and lipoprotein concentrations, postheparin lipolytic activities, and the clearance rate (K2) of triglycerides following an intravenous fat infusion in 12 female distance runners (aged 33 +/- 9 years, mean +/- SD) and 13 sedentary women (33 +/- 9 years). Runners were leaner and had greater maximum oxygen uptake values than controls. Runners also had nonsignificantly lower triglyceride (53 +/- 15 v 65 +/- 13 mg/dL) and higher HDL-C (62 +/- 14 v 52 +/- 8 mg/dL, P = .06). Lipoprotein lipase activity (LPLA) was 33% greater (P < .05) and fat clearance (K2) was 27% faster (P < .01) in the trained women, and LPLA correlated directly with K2 (r = .61) and HDL-C (r = .62) in this group (P < .05 for both). K2 was directly related to HDL-C in the athletes (r = .57, P = .06), and also when the active and sedentary women were combined (r = .43, P < .05). These results suggest that increased LPLA and enhanced plasma triglyceride clearance may contribute to the HDL-C levels of physically active premenopausal women.
Random diffusion model with structure corrections.

The random diffusion model is a continuum model for a conserved scalar density field $\ensuremath{\phi}$ driven by diffusive dynamics where the bare diffusion coefficient is density dependent. We generalize the model from one with a sharp wave-number cutoff to one with a more natural large wave-number cutoff. We investigate whether the features seen previously---namely, a slowing down of the system and the development of a prepeak in the dynamic structure factor at a wave number below the first structure peak---survive in this model. A method for extracting information about a hidden prepeak in experimental data is presented.
Targeted base stacking disruption by the EcoRI DNA methyltransferase

We describe a novel fluorescence-based assay for detecting DNA conformational alterations within enzyme-DNA complexes. The target adenine for EcoRI DNA methyltransferase (GAATTC) was replaced with 2-aminopurine, which fluoresces upon excitation at 310 nm. Addition of the methyltransferase to the duplex binding site results in a 14-fold increase in fluorescence intensity with a 10 nm blue shift. The fluorescence is approximately 50% of that observed with equimolar free nucleoside, consistent with extrahelical stabilization of the target base in the enzyme-DNA complex. The shift in lambda max further implies the base is placed into a low dielectric environment. For adenine-specific DNA methyltransferases, a hydrophobic pocket composed of highly conserved amino acids lies proximal to the cofactor binding site. Substitution of 2-aminopurine adjacent to the target base also results in detectable changes in fluorescence emission following complex formation with the methyltransferase. Thus, other classes of enzymes hypothesized to utilize base flipping can be investigated by this method.
Optoacoustic measurement of vibrational-translational /V-T/ rates using a short pulse CO2 laser

A technique for measuring the V-T transfer rates of polyatomic species based on the optoacoustic effect discovered by Bell, Tyndall, and Rontgen (1881) is investigated experimentally. The technique makes use of a coincidental resonance between one of the molecules vibration rotation bands and a CO2 laser line. By this absorption, the molecules can be excited to a known vibrational mode. Since typical time constants for V-T transfer are about 0.00001 sec torr, this method can be used in the pressure region up to 1 torr. The results obtained for CH3F agree with the measurements performed by other techniques.
Design analysis of the astrometrical telescope facility

This paper presents a detailed analysis of a space-based telescope requiring an accuracy of 50 pico radians. A relationship between the geometric centroid of a diffraction image and wave aberrations is derived by a combination approach of diffraction optics and geometric optics. Based on sensitivity of the centroid, one-mirror and two-mirror aplanatic telescopes are investigated. The comparison among three telescopes, parabola, Schwartzschild and Ritchey-Chretien are quantitatively carried out in terms of their sensitivities to the systematic errors and random errors. The study shows that the Ritchey-Chretien design is the most preferable.
The role of the engineer and IEEE in health care policy

Cost-benefit issues related to health care are highlighted. The establishment by IEEE of a Health Care Engineering Policy Committee is discussed. Consisting of IEEE members interested in the application of engineering to assist in rational formulation of health care legislation, regulation and policy in the United States, its goal is to provide sound technical and professional counsel, based on the best resources the IEEE can bring to bear on specific health care policy issues. Activities of the committee are described. >
TH-C-M100F-09: Design and Dosimetry Validation for Micro-Irradiator Using Monte Carlo Simulation

Purpose: New tools are needed to improve the effectiveness of small specimen irradiation performed in radiobiology research. This work is focused to support the design and dosimetry of a new micro‐irradiator, capable to deliver fields as small as 1 mm, using Monte Carlo simulation.Method and Materials: A miniature x‐ray source was introduced into a brasscollimator with 3.0 cm in diameter and 3.0 cm in length. A pinhole of 1.0 mm in diameter in the central axis of the collimator allowed a pencil photon beam. MCNP5 was used to characterize this collimated beam. Pulse height, flux and point detector were the tallies used to find dose rate at the surface of water, energy spectrum, PDD curves, penumbra, source position effect and radiation levels at 50 cm from the source at determined collimator‐surface distance (CSD). Relative importance in cell sub‐division, population control and angular distribution biasing were used to reduce computation time and keep the statistical fluctuation within 2%. Results: The designed micro‐irradiator has the following characteristics: the photon energy fluence was proportional to the source area projected in the pinhole and the average energy was 26.6 keV. At CSD=6.0 mm, the dose rate may go up to 1 Gy/min and it decayed about 10% per millimeter depth in water. The penumbra in the beam increases about 40 μm per millimeter away from the collimator. A source displacement of 0.5 mm respect to the pinhole axis resulted in a dose rate reduction of 20%. Radiation level at 50 cm was 10−7 Sv/min. Conclusion: The characteristics of the photon beam produced by the miniature x‐ray source and the pinhole collimator system are adequate to irradiate total and partial body of zebrafish embryos, cell cultures and other small specimens used in radiobiology research.
Cyclic dimeric GMP signaling and regulation of surface-associated developmental programs.

Cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP) has emerged as a ubiquitous second messenger in bacteria that controls the transition from the free-living, motile lifestyle to the biofilm lifestyle (5, 12, 19). Production and degradation of c-di-GMP are controlled by proteins containing the GGDEF and EAL or HD-GYP domains, respectively. The GGDEF domain harbors intrinsic diguanylate cyclase (DGC) activity, and the EAL or HD-GYP domain has c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity (4, 21-23). c-di-GMP was initially identified in Gluconacetobacter xylinus as an allosteric activator of cellulose synthase (20). Recent studies have shown that c-di-GMP modulates cell differentiation, biofilm formation, motility, and virulence in a diverse group of microorganisms (5, 12, 19). Our understanding of the biological processes and target molecules controlled by c-di-GMP signaling is increasing. However, at present, we have a limited understanding of the mechanisms through which c-di-GMP affects biofilm formation, mechanisms by which the activity of GGDEF/EAL proteins are regulated, and how multiple GGDEF and EAL domain proteins contribute to cellular c-di-GMP levels. In this issue, a new study by Ferreira et al. (8) is beginning to shed light on these questions in Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a facultative human pathogen responsible for the most common Vibrio-associated, seafood-borne gastroenteritis.
Platelet and endothelial expression of clotting factors for the treatment of hemophilia

Hemostasis is achieved by the coordinate interaction of plasma, platelets, and vascular endothelium. Coagulation factors circulate in plasma with synthesis in liver and in endothelium. Interaction between Factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) in plasma is critically important, but there remains some question about whether this relationship is first established within the endothelial cell or in plasma. When FVIII is expressed with VWF in a cell that stores VWF, FVIII will also be stored and released. The manuscript will summarize some studies in which gene therapy exploits this relationship between VWF and FVIII to achieve hemostasis even in the presence of circulating inhibitory antibodies to FVIII. VWF is critical to this efficacy in the presence of inhibitors. Since FIX expression in platelets is effective for hemophilia B, efficacy in the presence of inhibitory antibodies to FIX was not achieved and emphasized the importance of VWF to the efficacy of platelet FVIII expression. These approaches have been studied in murine models but will need further study before this approach can be attempted clinically.
Fundamental Studies of Metal Behavior During Solids Incineration

Abstract An experimental apparatus was constructed which allows investigation of the vaporization behavior of metal contaminants during incineration of their host substrate. Comparisons were made between equilibrium predictions and experimental observations for a number of different melals in chlorinated, inert, and reducing environments between 150°C and 650°C. The equilibrium predictions for Pb vaporization were found to show the greatest deviation from experimental observations. Comparisons showed that a knowledge of elements associated with the initial metal species, as well as omission of PbCl4 from the calculations, can be important for the equilibrium predictions. Experimental results showed that the formation of volatile PbCl4 predicted by equilibrium was not kinetically favorable under the conditions studied. Subsequent vaporization studies involving PbCl2 deposited on a silica substrate demonstrated an influence of initial concentration on the amount of Pb vaporization observed. The extent of va...
Multifluid Model of Turbulence for Li-SF6 Submerged Combustion

Abstract : Liquid metal combustion has been used as the primary energy source for underwater vehicle propulsion because of its energetic and closed-cycle characteristics. This can be achieved by injecting gaseous oxidizer (SF6) in a molten metal (Li) bath. The present paper describes a new multi-fluid (MF) combustion model for multiphase submerged diffusion flames. Each fluid has separate transport equations which are linked to other fluids' transport equations by additional source terms. The present MF model results for a submerged Li(l)-SF6(g) flame gave a much longer plume length compared to the corresponding locally-homogeneous flow (LHF) model results and is in good agreement with the experimentally measured plume length.
Improved empirical models for extraction of tissue optical properties from reflectance spectra

The use of empirical models for the extraction of optical and physiological properties from reflectance spectra is a relatively new approach, as compared to other techniques such as those based on the diffusion theory and inverse Monte Carlo algorithms. Empirical models are appealing for their ease of implementation and applicability to conditions for which analytical models are limited. Thus far, however, empirical models have been limited to only a handful of specific probe geometries. In this work, the relationship between reflectance and optical property values is explored for a wide range of geometry and tissue conditions. The influence of variation in scattering phase function, and numerical aperture of the optical fibers are investigated and incorporated into the empirical relationships for the first time. Reflectance data used in this work was simulated using an improved Monte Carlo model designed to run on a graphics processing unit (GPU). Improvements include a Modified Henyey-Greenstein and a Mie theory-based phase function in place of the conventional Henyey-Greenstein phase function, and assignment of probe-specific reflectivity conditions to better model the tissue-probe tip interface. These improvements are particularly important for probe geometries with small sourcedetector separations. Probe geometries that offer the most stable relationships between reflectance and optical property values, and hence, the best accuracy and reliability in extraction of physiological properties from tissue, are presented.
Effect of zirconium on grain growth and mechanical properties of a ball-milled nanocrystalline FeNi alloy

Abstract Grain growth of ball-milled pure Fe, Fe 92 Ni 8 , and Fe 91 Ni 8 Zr 1 alloys has been studied using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), focused ion beam (FIB) microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Mechanical properties with respect to compositional changes and annealing temperatures have been investigated using microhardness and shear punch tests. We found the rate of grain growth of the Fe 91 Ni 8 Zr 1 alloy to be much less than that of pure Fe and the Fe 92 Ni 8 alloy at elevated temperatures. The microstructure of the ternary Fe 91 Ni 8 Zr 1 alloy remains nanoscale up to 700 °C where only a few grains grow abnormally whereas annealing of pure iron and the Fe 92 Ni 8 alloy leads to extensive grain growth. The grain growth of the ternary alloy at high annealing temperatures is coupled with precipitation of Fe 2 Zr. A fine dispersion of precipitated second phase is found to promote the microstructural stability at high annealing temperatures and to increase the hardness and ultimate shear strength of ternary Fe 91 Ni 8 Zr 1 alloy drastically when the grain size is above nanoscale.
ONYX-411, a conditionally replicative oncolytic adenovirus, induces cell death in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell lines and suppresses the growth of xenograft tumors in nude mice

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most aggressive thyroid cancer variant, accounting for 1–2% of all cases, but 33% of deaths, and exhibiting an average life expectancy of 5 months. ATC is largely unresponsive to radioactive iodine, chemotherapy, external beam radiation or surgery, underscoring the need for new and effective therapies. We evaluated the therapeutic potential of an oncolytic adenovirus, ONYX-411, that replicates selectively in and kills cells with dysfunction of the retinoblastoma (RB) pathway. In the present study, we report that ONYX-411 is able to induce cell death in eight human anaplastic carcinoma cell lines in vitro. The cytopathic effect of the virus is specific to cells with RB dysfunction, which appears to be frequent in ATC. We confirmed the expression of the coxsackie adenovirus receptor, CAR, in all ATC cell lines, demonstrating the potentially universal application of this oncolytic viral therapy to ATC. In addition, the growth of xenograft tumors induced in athymic mice with the ARO and DRO cell lines was significantly reduced by ONYX-411 treatment. These results indicate that ONYX-411 can be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of ATC, rendering this class of conditionally replicating adenoviruses an attractive candidate for clinical trials.
Experiments and full-scale numerical simulations of in-plane crushing of a honeycomb

Abstract The in-plane mechanical behavior of honeycombs has been widely used as a two-dimensional model of the behavior of more complicated space filling foams. This paper deals with the mechanisms governing in-plane crushing of hexagonal aluminum honeycombs. Finite size honeycomb specimens are crushed quasi-statically between parallel rigid surfaces. The force–displacement response is initially stiff and elastic but this is terminated by a limit load instability. Localized crushing involving narrow zones of cells is initiated and subsequently crushing spreads through the material while the load remains relatively constant. When the whole specimen is crushed the response stiffens again. It has been found that although the crushing patterns that develop during the load plateau vary from specimen to specimen (influenced by geometric imperfections and by specimen size) the underlying cell collapse mechanism is common to all specimens. As a result, the level of the stress plateau and its extent in strain are quite repeatable. The crushing process is simulated numerically by full-scale FE models in which the geometric characteristics of the actual cells are used. The manufacturing of the honeycomb involves cold expansion of specially bonded aluminum sheets. This is simulated numerically in order to reproduce the material changes and residual stresses introduced to the aluminum by the process. The expanded honeycomb is then crushed as in the experiments. It is demonstrated that once the key geometric, material and processing parameters are incorporated in the models, the simulations reproduce the experimental results both qualitatively as well as quantitatively.
Accumulation and depletion of dieldrin in visceral fatty tissue of broilers.

White rock chicks were fed a commercial crumbles ration with approximately 1.0 p.p.m. of the active ingreient of technical grade dieldrin added to it. The treated feed was replaced by uncontaminated feed at various times from two to eight weeks of age. Equations were computed to describe the accumulation and depletion of the insecticide in visceral adipose tissue. Accumulations in females were described by polynomial equations with significant quadratic coefficients which indicated that the rate of accumulation leveled off between six and eight weeks. Accumulation rates in males were essentially linear through ten weeks. After removal of dieldrin from the feed, insecticide depletion from fat could be described in both sexes by equations for power curves. Replacement of contaminated feed with uncontaminated feed by two or three weeks of age resulted in concentrations at control or background levels by eight weeks of age. Replacement of contaminated feed with non-contaminated feed at ages later than three weeks did not bring concentrations below those acceptable as non-hazardous for human consumption.
A Course to Develop Competence in Critical Reading of Empirical Research in Psychology

A course designed to train students to read original empirical articles independently and critically is described. The course, conducted as a seminar, uses a case-study approach to help students develop data-reading skills and habits. Students learn to concentrate on the Method and Results sections of articles and to guard against unquestioning acceptance of authors' biases. They discover that limited statistical competence need not be an impediment to independent examination of results. Above all, they gain confidence in their ability, even as novices, to read critically the contributions of published researchers.
MEMS Dual Axis Accelerometer with H-T Shape Structure

MEMS accelerometers have been used in air bag deployment system and other applications. Most MEMS accelerometer devices are sensitive to acceleration input along one direction. In this paper, a dual-axis MEMS accelerometer which can simultaneously measure acceleration inputs along X and Y directions is proposed. The proposed MEMS accelerometer utilizes two sets of folded beams perpendicular to each other to sense acceleration inputs along X and Y directions within the device plane. The working principle of the dual-axis MEMS accelerometer is analyzed. A theoretical model is developed to predict the performance of the accelerometer. A set of example design parameters of the device is obtained based on the analysis. ANSYS simulation is used to verify the function of MEMS accelerometer. The fabrication flow of the MEMS accelerometer is suggested. Combined with a Z-axis accelerometer, the proposed dual-axis MEMS accelerometer can be used for acceleration measurement along complete X, Y and Z directions for 3D inertial navigation system.
Redescription and Molecular Characterization of Placobdella hollensis (Whitman, 1892) (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae)

Abstract Placobdella hollensis was originally named Clepsine hollensis by Whitman (1892) from specimens collected near Woods Hole, Massachusetts; however, type specimens were neither declared nor deposited. Specimens of P. hollensis were collected from Coonamessett Pond in Barnstable County (47°37′10.25″N, 70°34′20.42″W), Massachusetts, on 4 and 30 May, 2013. Their acquisition from the general locality where Whitman (1892) collected specimens facilitated redescription of P. hollensis. A neotype is designated to stabilize the concept of P. hollensis. Placobdella hollensis is unique among its congeners in its possession of accessory “eyes.” Placobdella hollensis is modestly papillated and has a dorsomedial row and a pair of paralateral rows of unpigmented papillae, two rows of three paramedial pre-anal papillae, and two rows of two paralateral pre-anal papillae. Unlike P. ali, P. multilineata, P. papillifera, and P. parasitica, the ventrum of P. hollensis does not have stripes. Placobdella hollensis does ha...
Applying lean process principles to improve labor efficiency of solar photovoltaic installations

Balance of systems (BoS) includes all costs related with solar beyond the photovoltaic modules and inverter system. BoS constitutes 78% of the cost of rooftop residential PV systems and 73% of the cost of commercial rooftop PV systems. An essential step in reducing the overall cost of PV systems is a systematic approach to labor costs reduction, supported by an understanding and quantification of the activities that make up the installation process. Historically, time and motion studies have occurred on standardized factory floors, but have been extended to the construction industry. Now this method is extended to solar PV systems, addressing barriers such as non standardized hardware, ad-hoc nomenclature, ad-hoc processes, and varying contextual parameters. The proposed methodology takes a three pronged approach to addressing these barriers, including initiation of a formalized domain specific language (DSL), utilization of a flexible site log, and creation of a robust data repository. The preliminary data from multiple residential sloped roof and commercial flat-roof sites provide comprehensive testing and validation of the proposed methodology. The data collected is used to identify the theoretical minimum installation and suggest the application of lean construction practices to further reduce installation labor and overall BoS costs by >50%.
Steroid-independent endogenous opioid peptide suppression of pulsatile luteinizing hormone release between estrus and diestrus 1 in the rat estrous cycle

Abstract We have previously demonstrated an absence of ovarian steroid negative feedback on pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) release between estrus and early diestrus 1 (D1) in the rat estrous cycle. The object of the present study was to determine if there was a steroid-independent endogenous opioid peptide (EOP) suppression of pulsatile LH release in thes same 24-h interval, and if so, which parameter(s) of pulsatile LH release were affected. Rats were bled on estrus, or 24 h following sham ovariectomy (OVX), or OVX at 08.30–10.00 h on estrus. At the time of bleeding all rats were infused i.v. for 4 h either with 0.9% saline (0.5 ml/h) or naloxone (0.005, 0.05, 0.5, or 2 mg/kg/h). At 1 h after the infusion began, rats were bled for 3 h (40 or 50 μl whole blood/5 min) between 09.30 and 12.30 h. Mean blood LH levels increased between estrus and early D1 due to increases in LH pulse amplitude and frequency. OVX on estrus decreased plasma levels of estradiol and progesterone 24 h later, but did not augment the increase in pulsatile LH release. However, naloxone infusion augmented the increase in pulsatile LH secretion in sham ovariectomized rats in a dose-dependent fashion. While infusion of 0.005 or 0.05 mg/kg/h had no effect, 0.5 or 2 mg/kg/h increased blood LH levels by increasing both LH pulse amplitude and frequency. The stimulatory effect of naloxone on pulsatile LH release was blocked by simultaneous infusion of morphine, demonstrating that the effect was mediated by EOP receptors. In addition, pituitary responsiveness to LHRH in vivo was not altered by naloxone infusion, indicating a central site of action for the EOP receptor antagonist. These data confirm our previous report that the increases in LH pulse amplitude and frequency occuring from estrus to early D1 occur in the absence of ovarian steroid negative feedback. However, pulsatile LH release would increase even further in this time interval were it not for the existence of a centrally occurring, steroid-independent EOP suppression of both LH pulse amplitude and frequency during this 24-h period of the rat estrous cycle.
Loss analysis of non-symmetrical splitters in subwavelength plasmonic waveguides

Losses were analyzed for non-symmetrical metal-dielectric-metal (MDM) splitters in subwavelength plasmonic waveguides. The simulation results show non-symmetrical MDM splitters have very high transmission and very close power splitting ratios among output ports at 1.5 um wavelength.
Onset and effects of instabilities from unstable stratification of density on mass transfer in channel shear layers at low Reynolds numbers

Abstract The onset of mixing in the shear layer located between two coincident laminar streams of different velocity in a thin, ribbon-like channel is studied. Globally unstable density stratification is employed, which, with certain experimental conditions, results in augmented mixing and entrainment, and disruption of mass transfer of solid particles compared to channels with stable density gradients, and laminar, two-dimensional flow. The mixing onset boundary is quantified in terms of the Reynolds number, Richardson number, and channel flow rate ratios using a newly developed mixing onset parameter R . The results indicate that unstable density gradients, rather than shear gradients, are most responsible for inducing the mixing.
Refinements of minimal-incision rhytidectomy

Minimal-incision rhytidectomy has achieved increased popularity in recent years and is used successfully to rejuvenate the mid-face and submental regions. A technique of minimal-incision rhytidectomy is presented that eliminates post-auricular scarring and hairline distortion without need for a visible dog ear adjacent to the lobule. All dissection is performed through an incision in the temporal hairline and pre-auricular areas. A multi-vector SMAS plication is performed with the addition of submental liposuction and limited laser resurfacing if necessary. Skin excess is distributed into the temporal hair and a downward rotation flap is utilized to eliminate the resultant dog ear. Representative results are presented utilizing this technique which has become the author's preferred method of facial rejuvenation where limited correction of cervical aging is required. With the exception of more limited correction in the mid and lower cervical areas, results are comparable to traditional methods with a more extensive scar burden. The technique presented is applicable to a wide range of patients and may have special utility in male patients and in tobacco users.