cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gender and estrous cycle effects of the 5-HT1A agonist, 8-OH-DPAT, on hypothalamic serotonin

Effects of the 5-HT1A agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT; 0.04, 0.25, or 1.0 mg/kg), on hypothalamic serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and their ratio were determined in adult male rats and in diestrous, proestrous, and estrous female rats. Consistent with its action at the somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptor, 8-OH-DPAT decreased the 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio, but the decrease was least evident in proestrous females and in males. Similar to hypothalamic tissue, there was also a decline in the 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio in the hippocampus after treatment with 0.25 mg/kg 8-OH-DPAT. When ovariectomized rats were treated with oil or estradiol benzoate followed 48 h later by oil or progesterone, 0.25 mg/kg 8-OH-DPAT produced a decrease in the hypothalamic 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio in every group except those rats treated with progesterone without estrogen priming. Treatment with estradiol benzoate increased hypothalamic 5-HIAA, and both progesterone and 8-OH-DPAT reduced the metabolite to the level of the ovariectomized control. These results suggest that both estrogen and progesterone contribute to an estrous cycle modulation of the 5-HT1A somatodendritic autoreceptor.
Analysis of peak gust versus fastest-mile wind statistics

The relationship between peak gust wind speed and fastest 1 min (or fastest-mile) wind speed occurring within the same hour has been studied for five stations in the United States. For each station at least ten years of observations were used to investigate the relationship and its variation seasonally, diurnally and with different concomitant weather events. As a result it appears that peak gust wind data could be used to estimate the fastest 1 min wind for stations where the latter is not available.
Eating Dysfunctions: How Long Can We Survive?

College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USAEating disorders represent one of the most challenging clinical presentations, regardless of the presenting individual's cultur...
Evidence for hapten recognition in receptor-mediated intracellular uptake of a hapten-protein conjugate by murine macrophage

Fluorescein-derivatized bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) was used as an exogenous antigen and fluorescent probe to measure the kinetics of antigen uptake into the endocytic pathway of murine macrophage, J774, using flow cytometry. Results revealed dependency of the rate of antigen uptake on epitope density (moles FITC/mole BSA) implicating a role for FITC in the endocytosis of the derivatized antigen. In addition, inhibition of clathrin-coated pit formation in macrophage resulted in significantly reduced uptake of differentially labeled FITC BSA probes indicating receptor-mediated endocytosis via clathrin-coated pits. Fluoresceinamine (I) was found to inhibit the endocytic uptake of FITC-BSA at 10(-6) M. Determination of fractional receptor occupancies in macrophage upon binding different FITC BSA probes and calculation of the corresponding association rates (k(on)) for these binding events yielded values of 4.2+/-0.2 x 10(6)/M/min for FITC5BSA and 1.9+/-0.1 x 10(7)/M/min for FITC22BSA, respectively, at 37 degrees C. The five-fold difference in the rates of binding and endocytosis between the two probes was discussed on the basis of receptor cross-linking by a multivalent ligand (FITC22BSA), in contrast to monovalent ligand binding, on the cell surface that would lead to more rapid and efficient internalization of the FITC22BSA antigen.
Measurement of the near infrared xenon scintillation yield near atmospheric pressure

Abstract We have measured the xenon near infrared (NIR) scintillation yield in the wavelength range from about 700 to 850 nm for gas pressures from 0.3 to 1.5 atm. We have found the NIR yield to be nearly constant above 0.9 atm, increasing by about a factor of 4.5 as pressure is lowered to 0.3 atm. Measured in number of photons emitted we estimate that at 0.3 atm the NIR yield is 45% of the ultraviolet yield near 170 nm. The NIR yield may be sufficient to form the basis of detector systems utilizing low-pressure xenon gas.
The interaction of Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Hg2+ with phospholipid bilayer vesicles

Abstract The effects of Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Zn 2+ , Cd 2+ , and Hg 2+ on phospholipid bilayer vesicles composed of 60%/40% dipalmitoyl-L-α-phosphatidylcholine/bovine brain phosphatidylserine were investigated. The parameters which were monitored were the phase transition temperature and the permeability of the vesicles. The phase transition temperature in the absence and presence of the divalent cations was determined using fluorescence polarization of trans -parinaric acid methyl ester. All of the divalent cations under investigation increased the phase transition temperature of the vesicles. The relative effectiveness of the metal ions, in decreasing order, was Zn 2+ &>; Cd 2+ &>; Hg 2+ &>; Ca 2+ &>; Mg 2+ . This alteration in the phase transition temperature is attributed to phase separation, surface charge neutralization or change in phospholipid configuration, all of which may result from binding of the divalent cations to the phosphatidylserine molecules in the vesicles. The permeability of the vesicles was investigated by measuring the release of entrapped carboxyfluorescein from the vesicles. Of the divalent cations under investigation, only Zn 2+ and Cd 2+ increased the permeability of the vesicles. These results demonstrate that Zn 2+ , Cd 2+ , and Hg 2+ have more profound effects upon phospholipid vesicles containing anionic phospholipids than do Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ and that Zn 2+ and Cd 2+ interact more strongly than does Hg 2+ . Thus, the interaction of Zn 2+ , Cd 2+ and Hg 2+ with phospholipids in membranes may be physiologically significant.
A discrete analogue of a theorem of Katznelson

In this paper we sharpen an earlier result of the author’s concerning entropy of automorphism on discrete groups. We show that the entropy of an automorphism ofZ m can be approximated arbitrarily well on a subset on which some power of α acts as a discrete shift.
210Pb scavenging in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans

The radionuclide210Pb shows significant geographic variations in the extent of its removal from the open ocean water column. This “texture of scavenging” is defined by mapping: (1) the integrated deficiency of210Pb in the water column, relative to its supply from the atmosphere and from in situ decay of dissolved226Ra, and (2) inventories of excess210Pb in deep-sea sediments. The ratio of210Pb deficiency to its supply, termed the scavenging effectiveness, is ∼ 20% in the North Equatorial Pacific and ∼ 50% in the North Atlantic. This variation is related to the combined effects of uptake of210Pb onto sinking particles and lateral transport of210Pb to areas of more intense removal. Sediment inventories of excess210Pb, normalized to the210Pb deficiency in the overlying water column, permit evaluation of the relative importance of these effects. In the North Equatorial Pacific virtually all of the210Pb removed from the water column is present in the underlying sediments but in the mid-latitude North Atlantic, the sediments comprise only about 50% of the210Pb removed. The deficiencies of210Pb in the mid-latitude North Atlantic sediments south of 50°N are qualitatively offset by surpluses in high-latitude sediments north of 50°N. Higher primary productivity and new production in the surface waters of the high-latitude North Atlantic and North Equatorial Pacific, relative to the oligotrophic central North Atlantic, may account for the greater fluxes of210Pb to bottom sediments in those areas.
How similar is similar? An evaluation of “related articles” applications among health literature portals

This study is a comparison of the relative effectiveness of similarity-based search features from multiple online health information portals. Similarity searching is the practice of retrieving potentially related information online by identifying a known relevant datum and taking advantage of a utility whose function is to find “related” online information. In the case of online health information resources, use of these applications produces varied results. Online literature retrieval services offer users the ability to identify articles in the biomedical literature that are deemed to be similar or related in some way. Among such portals, there appears to be considerable variability in the degree of precision and recall among documents retrieved using this technique. Retrieval of related articles from Medline through various interfaces produced non-identical lists of articles. This research describes the systematic comparison of similarity functions offered by multiple online health information resources and calculates precision, recall and overlap in order to identify the most effective similarity-searching application using ANOVA analysis.
Winning and losing: differences in reward and punishment sensitivity between smokers and nonsmokers

Background Smokers show increased brain activation in reward processing regions in response to smoking-related cues, yet few studies have examined secondary rewards not associated with smoking (i.e., money). Inconsistencies exist in the studies that do examine secondary rewards with some studies showing increased brain activation in reward processing brain regions, while others show decreased activation or no difference in activation between smokers and nonsmokers. Aims The goal of the current study is to see if smokers process the evaluation and delivery of equally salient real world rewards similarly or differently than nonsmokers. Methods The current study employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine brain responses in smokers and nonsmokers during the evaluation and delivery of monetary gains and losses. Results In comparison to nonsmokers, smokers showed increased activation in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex to the evaluation of anticipated monetary losses and the brain response. Moreover, smokers compared to nonsmokers showed decreased activation in the inferior frontal gyrus to the delivery of expected monetary gains. Brain activations to both the evaluation of anticipated monetary losses and the delivery of expected monetary gains correlated with increased self-reported smoking craving to relieve negative withdrawal symptoms and craving related to positive aspects of smoking, respectively. Discussion Together these results indicate that smokers are hyperresponsive to the evaluation of anticipated punishment and hyporesponsive to the delivery of expected rewards. Although further research is needed, this hypersensitivity to punishments coupled with increased craving may negatively impact quit attempts as smokers anticipate the negative withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting.
Double-blind comparison of bezafibrate versus placebo in male volunteers with hyperlipoproteinemia.

The efficacy and safety of bezafibrate were evaluated in 83 patients with type Ila, IIb, or 1V hyperlipoproteinemia. Following a 12- to 14-week placebo period on a coronary-prudent diet (Period 1), patients were assigned randomly to receive either bezafibrate 600 mg/day or placebo, plus diet in a double blind, 12-week treatment period (Period 2). The return of lipid and lipoprotein levels toward baseline was evaluated in a subsequent 8-week period on placebo plus diet (Period 3). In patients with type IIa hyperlipoproteinemia, bezafibrate significantly lowered total (14.6%, P < 0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (16.4%, P < 0.001) and total (29.9%, P < 0.001) and VLDL-triglyceride (44.0%, P < 0.001) and significantly increased HDL cholesterol (9.5%, P < 0.001). In patients with type IIb, bezafibrate had a qualitatively similar effect to that seen in type IIa on each of these lipoproteins, but the sample size was too small for statistical evaluation. In patients with type IV, bezafibrate lowered total (48.3%, P < 0.01) and VLDL-triglyceride (57.7%, P < 0.001) and VLDL-cholesterol (56.8%, P < 0.001) and increased HDL-cholesterol (16.6%, P < 0.05). All values returned toward baseline during Period 3. Only two bezafibrate patients experienced adverse events that were considered definitely treatment related; one was dropped from the study because of elevations in SGOT and SGPT, 1.5- and 4-times the upper limit of normal, respectively. For other laboratory parameters, trends upward or downward were small and of doubtful clinical significance. Bezafibrate appears to be effective and safe for modifying lipid and lipoprotein levels in patients with types Ila, IIb and IV hyperlipoproteinemia.
Tobacco Budworms: Response to Gossypol and Selection in a Field-collected Strain Under Laboratory Conditions

A cuture of Heliothis virescens (F.), collected from cotton as larvae, was maintained on diet medium containing concentrations of gossypol for 13 generations and selected for a tolerance when compared to a control culture. By selecting only larvae that weighed at least 60% of the average weight of control-culture larvae, we observed a significant increase in tolerance to gossypol. In generation 13, the concentration necessary for 95% weight reduction was significantly greater than in generations of the selected and control cultures previously tested. The gossypol treatment affected larval weights, pupal weights, percentage of pupation, and time to pupation of the selected culture compared to the control culture; however, the major effects were observed within the first generations. Fertility of females from the selected culture in generation 13 reared on 0.21% gossypol was reduced 38% compared to females from the control culture.
Temporal Patterns of Smoking Topography in the Natural Environment

Temporal patterns of smoking topography were studied in the natural environment. Six smokers smoked all cigarettes over a 10-day period using a small portable electronic recording device which allowed the measurement of a number of aspects of smoking topography. When the data were averaged in 2-hour blocks across the 10-day smoking period, all subjects except one showed differences in smoking topography as a function of time of day. There was considerable intersubject variability in the aspects of smoking topography which varied over the smoking day, and subjects also differed in the pattern of changes seen.
The effect of bleomycin on lung metabolism of prostaglandin E2 in hamster

Lung is a major site of prostaglandin synthesis and degradation. One site of metabolism has been shown to be the endothelial cell. Metabolism of prostaglandins has been shown to be influenced by both physiological and pathological mechanism. Furthermore, it has been suggested that a relationship might exist between pulmonary disease and the lung's ability to synthesize and/or degrade prostaglandins. Therefore, we evaluated if bleomycin-induced fibrosis, a model of human pulmonary fibrosis, affects the ability of lung to metabolize prostaglandins. Single pass metabolism of prostaglandin E2 was evaluated in an isolated, perfused and ventilated lung of hamsters at 5 and 500 nM concentrations 4,7,14,21 and 28 days after intratracheal bleomycin. The metabolism of prostaglandin E2 was not changed at the 5 nM level, but was significantly decreased at 500 nM level on day 14 and day 28 after intratracheal bleomycin. The results suggest that intratracheal bleomycin causes alterations in prostaglandin metabolism; the mechanism(s) is unknown but may be related to endothelial cell damage and possible changes in alveolar-capillary surface area.
Write amplification due to ECC on flash memory or leave those bit errors alone

While flash memory is receiving significant attention because of many attractive properties, concerns about write endurance delay the wider deployment of the flash memory. This paper analyzes the effectiveness of protection schemes designed for flash memory, such as ECC and scrubbing. The bit error rate of flash memory is a function of the number of program-erase cycles the cell has gone through, making the reliability dependent on time and workload. Moreover, some of the protection schemes require additional write operations, which degrade flash memory's reliability. These issues make it more complex to reveal the relationship between the protection schemes and flash memory's lifetime. In this paper, a Markov model based analysis of the protection schemes is presented. Our model considers the time varying reliability of flash memory as well as write amplification of various protection schemes such as ECC. Our study shows that write amplification from these various sources can significantly affect the benefits of these schemes in improving the lifetime. Based on the results from our analysis, we propose that bit errors within a page be left uncorrected until a threshold of errors are accumulated. We show that such an approach can significantly improve lifetimes by up to 40%.
Public Responses to Agricultural Disasters: Rethinking the Role of Government

We provide a broad overview of the role and history of federal disaster relief in U.S. agriculture. We discuss various economic arguments that may be used as justification for such disaster relief and subsidized insurance programs. In general, we find no persuasive argument that market failure justifies subsidized risk management activities by the government. Important exceptions exist in the case of catastrophic damages to public infrastructure, invasive and communicable disease threats, and the hazards posed by accidental or deliberate contamination of food supplies in that the presence of significant transactions costs may inhibit private market solutions. We also consider a panel VAR analysis of the dynamic interrelationships among market returns and farm program payments conveyed under three different types of programs—disaster assistance, crop insurance, and all other direct payments. An important finding is that disaster and insurance payments appear to imply higher subsequent levels of market income risk in agriculture. This finding is consistent with arguments that subsidized disaster assistance and insurance may lead to greater risk in agriculture. Nous presentons un large apercu du role et de l'historique du programme federal d'assistance en cas de catastrophe agricole aux Etats-Unis. Nous analysons differents arguments economiques qui peuvent justifier ces programmes d'aide et d'assurance subventionnes. En general, nous ne trouvons aucun argument convaincant comme quoi une defaillance de marche justifie des activites de gestion du risque subventionnees par le gouvernement. Cependant, des exceptions importantes existent pour les cas de dommages catastrophiques a des infrastructures publiques; de menaces de maladies contagieuses et invasives; et de dangers associes a la contamination accidentelle ou deliberee de la chaine alimentaire, auquel cas les couts de transaction importants pourraient inhiber les solutions du marche prive. Nous considerons egalement une analyse panel VAR des relations entre les rendements de marche et les paiements verses en vertu de trois types de programme: assistance en cas de catastrophe, assurance recolte et tout autre type de paiement direct. Nous en arrivons a la conclusion importante que les paiements d'assurance et d'aide aux sinistres semblent mener a des niveaux de risque relatif au revenu marchand plus eleves dans le secteur de l'agriculture. Ceci concorde avec les arguments voulant que les programmes subventionnes d'assurance et d'assistance en cas de catastrophe menent a une augmentation des risques dans le secteur de l'agriculture.
Low-cost phase-modulation fluorometer for measuring nanosecond lifetimes using a lock-in amplifier

A Stanford Research Systems SR844 lock-in amplifier was used to build a sub $10,000 phase-modulation fluorometer capable of measuring nanosecond fluorescence lifetimes. The lock-in directly provided both the DC bias and the AC signal used to modulate the intensity of a blue LED excitation source. A photomultiplier tube measured the emission, and the resulting signal was sent back through a DC block to the lock-in with no external signal processing or heterodyning required. A simple computer program was developed to automate the measuring process and correct for the most common sources of error, namely coherent pickup and stray ambient light. Several standard fluorophores were measured, and the results compare favorably with those from a research grade cross-correlation phase fluorometer up to frequencies of 100 MHz. This system can operate in several configurations, each with benefits and limitations. The system is particularly well suited for fluorescence lifetime based sensing applications, demonstrated by measuring dissolved carbon dioxide online in a bacterial fermentation.
Determination of superconducting and normal state parameters of single crystal K3C60

Abstract We report magnetroresistance measurements on superconducting single crystals of K3C60. An analysis of the experimental data yields superconducting state and normal state parameters, including the upper critical field Hc2(T), coherence length ξ, penetration depth λ, scattering time τ, mean free path l , and zero temperature resistivity ϱ(0). Some of the intrinsic single crystal parameters are significantly different from those extracted from thin film and powder specimens.
TEMPERATURE ANOMALIES UNDER THE NORTHEAST ATLANTIC RIFTED VOLCANIC MARGINS

Abstract Subsidence analysis of ODP/DSDP drill sites located on oceanic crust on the Southeast Greenland, Edoras Bank, and Voring Plateau margins, as well as on the Iceland-Faeroe Ridge, shows that the subsidence of these areas does not follow the age relationship of normal oceanic crust. By correcting for the effect of thickened oceanic crust in raising the level to which subsidence will occur and analyzing the rate of thermal subsidence, it is possible to provide maximum temperature estimates for the underlying asthenosphere through time by identifying periods of anomalous depth to basement. Isostatic models predict crustal thicknesses of 27 km under the Iceland-Faeoe Ridge, around 20 km at Edoras Bank and Southeast Greenland, and 16–17 km at the Voring Plateau. Asthenospheric temperatures at the time of continental break-up range from 50°C to 100°C above normal mantle, which are insufficient to account for the crustal thicknesses if melting is purely a passive adiabatic process. Asthenospheric upwelling must thus have been more rapid than spreading following break-up. At Edoras Bank the thermal anomaly dissipated within 5 Myr of rifting, similar to that inferred from the eastern US margin, where no plume is considered to have affected the rifting process. The need to invoke thermal input from the Iceland Plume in generating the thickened crust at Edoras Bank, and possibly elsewhere in the Northeast Atlantic, is called into question. However, a 14–20 Myr anomaly, peaking at 12 Myr post-rift, in Southeast Greenland suggests that, although the plume did provide heat to this margin, its strongest influence post-dated break-up.
Adding Users to the Website Design Process.

Alden Library began redesigning its website over a year ago. Throughout the redesign process the students, faculty, and staff that make up the user base were added to the conversation by utilizing ...
Coefficients of Thermal Expansion of Concrete with Different Coarse Aggregates–Texas Data

The first section of this paper summarizes the efforts of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to evaluate the coefficients of thermal expansion (COTEs) of a total of 93 concrete mixtures, of which the only difference is the coarse aggregate incorporated. The mean COTE value of siliceous gravel concrete is about 30 % higher than that of limestone concrete. The data in Texas shows that the upper 50 % COTE values of limestone concrete overlaps the lower 20 % COTE values of siliceous gravel concrete. The results strongly suggest that pre-qualification of coarse aggregate for typical paving concrete in aspect to COTE should be considered. A model by Emanuel and Hulsey is used to back calculate COTE of coarse aggregate. The second section of this article compares the COTE data set on existing pavement measured by Federal Highway Administration with those obtained at TxDOT concrete laboratory.
Kinship, demographic, social, and geographic characteristics of mate choice in Sanday, Orkney Islands, Scotland

The study examines marriage patterns for Sanday, a small, rural isolate in the Orkney Islands, during periods of rapid change in population growth and size. Kinship, demographic, social, and geographic characteristics of married residents born when fertility was high and population size large, are compared with those of couples born after both fertility and size began to decrease. Although social composition of spouses remained relatively unaffected for cohorts born between 1800 and 1964, significant changes in patterns of mate choice were observed with respect to consanguinity, age at marriage, age difference between spouses, birth order, sibship size, geographic propinquity, and the interaction of kinship with the other variables. Implications of observed changes in patterns of mate choice are discussed in relation to changes in population size and isolate breakdown.
AN ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL DECISIONS FOR RETIREMENT: AN EXPLORATION OF SEVERAL METHODOLOGIES WHERE THERE IS UNCERTAINTY OF INVESTMENT RETURNS AND MORTALITY†

THIS THESIS DEALS with three studies of methodological approaches to the decision problem concerning provision for retirement. The first study is made of the decision problem during the accumulation period, the working years before retirement. Background investigations are made concerning the institutional and investment environment within which the decisions and investment growth occur. Based on these investigations, a probabalistic simulation model of the accumulation period up to retirement is constructed with various elementssome beyond the decision maker's control and others which are decision variables. Experimental evidence with several subjects is discussed. One major conclusion is that within reasonably broad limits decision makers can select appropriate strategies by direct observation of the probability distributions of consequences, i.e., without more complete decision analysis involving explicit assessment of utility and backward induction. Secondly, it is felt that the summary statistics of aggregate wealth at retirement might be too brief since what the decision maker is really interested in is the standard of living he will enjoy during the retirement period, i.e., consumption levels. The second study investigates the institutional, investment and mortality environments during the period beyond the date of retirement in order to develop a simulation model which replicates the essential elements of the retirement period. Again several subjects are exposed to an interactive computer simulation model and evidence is gathered. From the experimental studies it is found that there is considerable educational value in such a model to the subjects. Individuals tend to prefer a specific annuity option; probably spend too little in the early years of retirement; and should probably spend more out of capital in these early years. The model is found to be cumbersome for analytical purposes but quite useful for educational uses. Suggestions are made for improving the model. As part of the second study utilities for wealth at retirement are assessed for several decision makers. Finally, the third, more theoretical study examines the structure of the utility for consumption during the retirement period when the lifetimes of both the decision maker and spouse, as well as investment returns, are uncertain. The theoretical underpinnings of the structure are developed and assessment techniques are investigated. Since the assessment task can be enormous there is a discussion of means by which the task can be simplified.
Enhanced absorption in optically thin solar cells by scattering from embedded dielectric nanoparticles

We present a concept for improving the efficiency of thin-film solar cells via scattering from dielectric particles. The particles are embedded directly within the semiconductor absorber material with sizes on the order of one wavelength. Importantly, this geometry is fully compatible with the use of an anti-reflective coating (ARC) to maximize light capture. The concept is demonstrated through finite-difference time domain (FDTD) simulations of spherical SiO2 particles embedded within a 1.0 µm layer of crystalline silicon (c-Si) utilizing a 75 nm ARC of Si3N4. Several geometries are presented, with gains in absorbed photon flux occurring in the red end of the spectrum where silicon absorption is weak. The total integrated absorption of incident photon flux across the visible AM-1.5 spectrum is on the order of 5-10% greater than the same geometry without any dielectric scatterers.
Transition From Forward Smoldering To Flaming In Small Polyurethane Foam Samples

Experimental observations are presented of the effect of flow velocity, oxygen concentration, and a thermal radiant flux, on the transition from smoldering to flaming in forward smoldering of small samples of polyurethane foam with a gas/solid interface. The experiments are part of a project studying the transition from smoldering to flaming under conditions encountered in spacecraft facilities, i.e., microgravity, low velocity variable oxygen concentration flows. Because the microgravity experiments are planned for the International Space Station, the foam samples had to be limited in size for safety and launch mass reasons. The feasible sample size is too small for smolder to self propagate because of heat losses to the surroundings. Thus, the smolder propagation and the transition to flaming had to be assisted by reducing heat losses to the surroundings and increasing the oxygen concentration. The experiments are conducted with small parallelepiped samples vertically placed in a wind tunnel. Three of the sample lateral-sides are maintained at elevated temperature and the fourth side is exposed to an upward flow and a radiant flux. It is found that decreasing the flow velocity and increasing its oxygen concentration, and/or increasing the radiant flux enhances the transition to flaming, and reduces the time delay to transition. Limiting external conditions for the transition to flaming are reported for this experimental configuration. The results show that smolder propagation and transition to flaming can occur in relatively small fuel samples if the external conditions are appropriate. The results also indicate that transition to flaming occurs in the char region left behind by the smolder reaction, and it has the characteristics of a gas-phase ignition induced by the smolder reaction, which acts as the source of both gaseous fuel and heat. A simplified energy balance analysis is able to predict the boundaries between the transition/no transition regions.
Comparing spatially varying coefficient models: a case study examining violent crime rates and their relationships to alcohol outlets and illegal drug arrests

In this paper, we compare and contrast a Bayesian spatially varying coefficient process (SVCP) model with a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model for the estimation of the potentially spatially varying regression effects of alcohol outlets and illegal drug activity on violent crime in Houston, Texas. In addition, we focus on the inherent coefficient shrinkage properties of the Bayesian SVCP model as a way to address increased coefficient variance that follows from collinearity in GWR models. We outline the advantages of the Bayesian model in terms of reducing inflated coefficient variance, enhanced model flexibility, and more formal measuring of model uncertainty for prediction. We find spatially varying effects for alcohol outlets and drug violations, but the amount of variation depends on the type of model used. For the Bayesian model, this variation is controllable through the amount of prior influence placed on the variance of the coefficients. For example, the spatial pattern of coefficients is similar for the GWR and Bayesian models when a relatively large prior variance is used in the Bayesian model.
Amyloidogenic mutations in human apolipoprotein A‐I are not necessarily destabilizing – a common mechanism of apolipoprotein A‐I misfolding in familial amyloidosis and atherosclerosis

High-density lipoproteins and their major protein, apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), remove excess cellular cholesterol and protect against atherosclerosis. However, in acquired amyloidosis, nonvariant full-length apoA-I deposits as fibrils in atherosclerotic plaques; in familial amyloidosis, N-terminal fragments of variant apoA-I deposit in vital organs, damaging them. Recently, we used the crystal structure of Δ(185-243)apoA-I to show that amyloidogenic mutations destabilize apoA-I and increase solvent exposure of the extended strand 44-55 that initiates β-aggregation. In the present study, we test this hypothesis by exploring naturally occurring human amyloidogenic mutations, W50R and G26R, within or close to this strand. The mutations caused small changes in the protein's α-helical content, stability, proteolytic pattern and protein-lipid interactions. These changes alone were unlikely to account for amyloidosis, suggesting the importance of other factors. Sequence analysis predicted several amyloid-prone segments that can initiate apoA-I misfolding. Aggregation studies using N-terminal fragments verified this prediction experimentally. Three predicted N-terminal amyloid-prone segments, mapped on the crystal structure, formed an α-helical cluster. Structural analysis indicates that amyloidogenic mutations or Met86 oxidation perturb native packing in this cluster. Taken together, the results suggest that structural perturbations in the amyloid-prone segments trigger α-helix to β-sheet conversion in the N-terminal ~ 75 residues forming the amyloid core. Polypeptide outside this core can be proteolysed to form 9-11 kDa N-terminal fragments found in familial amyloidosis. Our results imply that apoA-I misfolding in familial and acquired amyloidosis follows a similar mechanism that does not require significant structural destabilization or proteolysis. This novel mechanism suggests potential therapeutic interventions for apoA-I amyloidosis.
Post-larval mortality of the endoparasitic isopod castrator Portunion conformis (Epicaridea: Entoniscidae) in the shore crab, Hemigrapsus oregonensis , with a description of the host response

The shore crabs, Hemigrapsus oregonensis and H. nudus, sometimes kill the female endoparasitic entoniscid isopod, Portunion conformis, a parasitic castrator. Studies of host populations from Baja California, Mexico to Vancouver Island, Canada, show that the incidence of parasitized hosts with dead parasites and the percentage of the parasite population found dead vary markedly with locality but only occasionally with season. Both higher incidences of hosts with dead P. conformis and higher proportions of the total parasite population found dead are associated with (1) high prevalence of parasitism, (2) female hosts and (3) large hosts. Within a host, the proportion of the parasites that are dead is not related to the degree of multiple infection. Typically, either all or none of the parasites in a multiple infection are dead. Supernumerary juvenile parasites do not suffer differential mortality. The developmental stage of the female parasite does not seem to influence the likelihood of death. The presence of dead parasites may not confer an acquired immunity to re-infection. These features suggest that parasite death is typically the result of activation of a successful host defensive process rather than indicative of a defect on the part of the parasites. Parasitized female hosts can regain their reproductive capabilities following death of the parasite. Post-parasitic broods are smaller than normal. Reproductive recovery is presumed to provide the selective pressure favouring evolution of a lethal host response. The host-produced sheath surrounding female parasites is a haemocytic response. Sheaths enclosing dead parasites are thicker and more electron dense than those containing healthy parasites. The sheath of a healthy P. conformis may actually protect the parasite from a more intense host response.
Local modulation of plus-end transport targets herpesvirus entry and egress in sensory axons

The core structures of many viruses move within cells by association with host cytoskeletal motor proteins; however, the mechanisms by which intracellular viral particles are transported toward sites of replication or the cell periphery at distinct stages of infection remain to be understood. The regulation of herpesvirus directional transport in sensory neurons was examined by tracking individual viral capsids within axons at multiple frames per s. After entry into axons, capsids underwent bidirectional and saltatory movement to the cell body independently of endosomes. A comparison of entry transport to a previous analysis of capsid axonal transport during egress revealed that capsid targeting in and out of cells occurs by modulation of plus-end, but not minus-end, motion. Entry transport was unperturbed by the presence of egressing virus from a prior infection, indicating that transport direction is not modulated globally by viral gene expression, but rather directly by a component of the viral particle.
Nitric oxide synthase inhibition does not alter the reactive hyperemic response in the cutaneous circulation

Reactive hyperemia is the sudden rise in blood flow after release of an arterial occlusion. Currently, the mechanisms mediating this response in the cutaneous circulation are poorly understood. The...
An Influenza Epidemic and the Seasonality of Schizophrenic Births

The occurrence of psychosis following epidemics of influenza was noted as early as 1846 (Rorie, 1901). In the wake of the 1889–1890 influenza pandemic, Althaus (1893) reviewed 34 articles on “psychoses following influenza” which had been published in the preceding 3 years. The deadly influenza pandemic of 1918–1919 was also followed by a spate of articles, including Menninger’s (1926) review of 200 postinfluenzal psychoses admitted to a single hospital of which “one-third looked like and were labeled dementia praecox.” More recently the influenza pandemic of 1957, caused by an influenza A viral strain which was especially neurotropic, produced reports of manic and schizophrenic-like psychoses from at least six countries (Bental, 1958; Lloyd Still, 1958; Prokop, 1958; Soeiro, 1958; Loo et al., 1957; Chistovich, 1959).
Recent Trends in the Management of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

It has been nearly a century since Jules Gonin performed the first intervention for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, trans-scleral cautery, achieving successful outcomes in close to 50% of his cases. With the introduction of alternative surgical approaches in the last half-century, including Charles Schepens' scleral buckle technique and Robert Machemer's pars plana vitrectomy, the surgical success rates have risen to close to 90%. Nonetheless, despite dramatic progress in the success of reattachment surgeries, reasonable disagreement exists as to which approach (or combination of approaches) is the best form of surgical intervention for patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachments. In this review, the authors summarize the current knowledge of retinal detachment, and examine emerging results from the first large scale, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trials addressing the efficacy of these surgical approaches for retinal detachment, with the hope of identifying the most appropriate (evidence-based) therapeutic intervention for the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
Effect of ABO-Incompatible Listing on Infant Heart Transplant Waitlist Outcomes: Analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Database

Background Midterm heart transplant outcomes of ABO-incompatible (ABO-I) organ use in infants are favorable. ABO-I transplantation has resulted in reduced waitlist mortality in some countries. This study assessed the effect of an ABO-I listing strategy on pre-transplant outcomes in the United States. Methods The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN)/United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was used to identify infants aged younger than 1 year listed as status 1 for heart transplantation between January 1, 2001, and May 20, 2008. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: eligible for ABO-compatible (ABO-C) transplant and eligible for ABO-I transplant. Baseline characteristics, waitlist times, and outcomes were compared in univariate analysis. Competing risks analysis evaluated differences in time to transplant in the presence of other outcomes. Results Of 1,029 infants listed for transplant, 277 (27%) were listed for an ABO-I transplant. Overall, 92% of transplant recipients received an ABO-C organ regardless of listing type. Among recipients eligible for ABO-I, only 27% received an ABO-I organ. The percentage that underwent transplant in each group did not differ. Although infants listed for an ABO-I organ had a shorter wait time for transplant, waitlist mortality was similar. Conclusions Despite the intended merits of ABO-I heart transplantation, ABO-I listing and organ acceptance have not yielded lower waitlist mortality in the United States under the current UNOS allocation algorithm. Consideration should be given to altering the allocation system to one that gives less preference toward blood group compatibility in hopes of improving organ use and reducing waitlist mortality.
The mechanical behavior of polymer coatings: Solvent removal in polyamic acid films

The development of the mechanical properties and stresses during the formation of polyamic acid (PAA) coatings has been studied using methods such as a “propagating wave technique.” The shrinkage stress due to solvent removal in PAA coatings under a one dimensional constraint was determined to be 8 MPa. A coupling between the residual stress and solvent removal process has been observed.
A Probabilistic Model for Learning Concatenative Morphology

This paper describes a system for the unsupervised learning of morphological suffixes and stems from word lists. The system is composed of a generative probability model and hill-climbing and directed search algorithms. By extracting and examining morphologically rich subsets of an input lexicon, the directed search identifies highly productive paradigms. The hill-climbing algorithm then further maximizes the probability of the hypothesis. Quantitative results are shown by measuring the accuracy of the morphological relations identified. Experiments in English and Polish, as well as comparisons with another recent unsupervised morphology learning algorithm demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique.
Postoperative treatment of patients after liver resection for trauma: a follow-up study.

• In the last ten years, 89 hepatic resections were performed for trauma. Thirty-three patients survived and were followed up for one month to seven years: 15 patients had right lobectomy, nine left lobectomy, and nine left lateral segmentectomy. Complications were primarily pulmonary. All patients had transient derangement of liver function tests, but only three patients had liver dysfunction. Long-term follow-up showed no ill effects from the liver resection. Important postoperative treatment includes (1) adequate dependent drainage, (2) maintenance of blood volume, (3) intravenous albumin and glucose, (4) adequate nutritional support, and (5) selective use of intravenous glucagon. ( Arch Surg 112:429-435, 1977)
Auditory brainstem implantation in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2.

Objectives: Multichannel auditory brainstem implants (ABI) are currently indicated for patients with neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) and schwannomas involving the internal auditory canal (IAC) or cerebellopontine angle (CPA), regardless of hearing loss (HL). The implant is usually placed in the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle at the time of tumor resection to stimulate the cochlear nucleus. This study aims to review the surgical and audiologic outcomes in 18 patients implanted by our Skull Base Surgery Team from 1994 through 2003. Study Design: A retrospective chart review of 18 patients with ABIs. Methods: We evaluated demographic data including age at implantation, number of tumor resections before implantation, tumor size, surgical approach, and postoperative surgical complications. The ABI auditory results at 1 year were then evaluated for number of functioning electrodes and channels, hours per day of use, nonauditory side effect profile and hearing results. Audiologic data including Monosyllable, Spondee, Trochee test (MTS) Word and Stress scores, Northwestern University Children's Perception of Speech (NU-CHIPS), and auditory sensitivity are reported. Results: No surgical complications caused by ABI implantation were revealed. A probe for lateral recess and cochlear nucleus localization was helpful in several patients. A range of auditory performance is reported, and two patients had no auditory perceptions. Electrode paddle migration occurred in two patients. Patient education and encouragement is very important to obtain maximum benefit. Conclusions: ABIs are safe, do not increase surgical morbidity, and allow most patients to experience improved communication as well as access to environmental sounds. Nonauditory side effects can be minimized by selecting proper stimulation patterns. The ABI continues to be an emerging field for hearing rehabilitation in patients who are deafened by NF2.
Stochastic heat transfer enhancement in a grooved channel

We investigate subcritical resonant heat transfer in a heated periodic grooved channel by modulating the flow with an oscillation of random amplitude. This excitation effectively destabilizes the flow at relatively low Reynolds number and establishes strong communication between the grooved flow and the Tollmien–Schlichting channel waves, as revealed by various statistical quantities we analysed. Both single-frequency and multi-frequency responses are considered, and an optimal frequency value is obtained in agreement with previous deterministic studies. In particular, we employ a new approach, the multi-element generalized polynomial chaos (ME-gPC) method, to model the stochastic velocity and temperature fields for uniform and Beta probability density functions (PDFs) of the random amplitude. We present results for the heat transfer enhancement parameter $E$ for which we obtain mean values, lower and upper bounds as well as PDFs. We first study the dependence of the mean value of $E$ on the magnitude of the random amplitude for different Reynolds numbers, and we demonstrate that the deterministic results are embedded in the stochastic simulation results. Of particular interest are the PDFs of $E$ , which are skewed with their peaks increasing towards larger values of $E$ as the Reynolds number increases. We then study the effect of multiple frequencies described by a periodically correlated random process. We find that the mean value of $E$ is increased slightly while the variance decreases substantially in this case, an indication of the robustness of this excitation approach. The stochastic modelling approach offers the possibility of designing ‘smart’ PDFs of the stochastic input that can result in improved heat transfer enhancement rates.