cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Review of Surface Roughness Effects in Gas Turbines

The effects of surface roughness on gas turbine performance are reviewed based on publications in the open literature over the past 60 years. Empirical roughness correlations routinely employed for drag and heat transfer estimates are summarized and found wanting. No single correlation appears to capture all of the relevant physics for both engineered and service-related (e.g., wear or environmentally induced) roughness. Roughness influences engine performance by causing earlier boundary layer transition, increased boundary layer momentum loss (i.e., thickness), and/or flow separation. Roughness effects in the compressor and turbine are dependent on Reynolds number, roughness size, and to a lesser extent Mach number. At low Re, roughness can eliminate laminar separation bubbles (thus reducing loss) while at high Re (when the boundary layer is already turbulent), roughness can thicken the boundary layer to the point of separation (thus increasing loss). In the turbine, roughness has the added effect of augmenting convective heat transfer. While this is desirable in an internal turbine coolant channel, it is clearly undesirable on the external turbine surface. Recent advances in roughness modeling for computational fluid dynamics are also reviewed. The conclusion remains that considerable research is yet necessary to fully understand the role of roughness in gas turbines.
The Controlled Release of Bioactive Compounds from Polymeric Systems

Abstract The ability to effect profound changes in the growth and behavior of living systems through the application of minute quantities of biologically active compounds has lead to development of the multibillion dollar pest control industry. Indeed, the introduction of modern chemical pesticides was originally thought to represent the “ultimate weapon” in man's age-old battle with pests [1]. Not until the late fifties and early sixties was it recognized that the continued use of this weapon, in its present form, might well result in a Pyrrhic victory for man. As a consequence of this realization, the concept of efficient pest control has undergone considerable modification in recent years. The undesirable secondary and tertiary effects of the highly successful long-lived pesticides has caused their use to be severely restricted [2]. An additional general concern is the often gross excess of applied pesticide in relation to that necessary to achieve control of the pest in the target area. For example, d...
An atomic switch realized with the scanning tunnelling microscope

THE scanning tunnelling microscope1 (STM) has been employed in recent years in attempts to develop atomic-scale electronic devices, both by examining device-like characteristics in preexisting structures2,3 and by creating new structures by the precise manipulation of atoms and molecules with the STM tip4–6. Here we report the operation of a bistable switch that derives its function from the motion of a single atom. A xenon atom is moved reversibly between stable positions on each of two stationary conducting 'leads', corresponding to the STM tip and a nickel surface. The state of the switch is set (that is, the xenon atom is moved to the desired location) by the application of a voltage pulse of the appropriate sign across the leads. The state of the switch is identified by measuring the conductance across the leads. This switch is a prototype of a new class of potentially very small electronic devices which we will call atom switches.
Kinetic parameters of the thermoplastic/thermoset epoxy reaction by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

The melt state reaction, or fusion process of bisphenol-A and the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A can produce both linear phenoxy backbone chains and crosslinked network structures. The linear chains can be thought of as thermoplastic polymer, while the crosslinked molecular matrix is a thermoset; therefore, this resin system can be termed a thermoplastic/thermoset epoxy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has been employed to study the chemical kinetics of the urea catalyzed system. The reaction of bisphenol-A and the diepoxide follows first order kinetics with respect to epoxide concentration, through 95 percent consumption of the epoxide for reaction temperatures of 130°C and above while lower temperatures show deviation from first order behavior at 75 percent conversion. When the differential form of the kinetic equation is used for analysis, the system follows first order behavior through 60 percent conversion of the epoxide at which point the order increases to a value of 1.5. Rapid spectral collection techniques have been employed to study this behavior for the temperatures 110 to 160°C. Upon incorporation of 3,4′ bisphenol-A into the system first order behavior still adequately describes the kinetic behavior; however the rate of epoxide consumption and the activation energy are affected. Since the stoichiometric ratio of bisphenol-A to diepoxide was found to affect the rate constant, the reaction mechanisms of linear chain growth and crosslinking cannot be clearly distinguished by the sole use of this technique.
Proximal and Distal Colorectal Cancer Resection Rates in the United States Since Widespread Screening by Colonoscopy

Background & Aims Screening decreases colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality. Colonoscopy has become the most common CRC screening test in the United States, but the degree to which it protects against CRC of the proximal colon is unclear. We examined US trends in rates of resection for proximal vs distal CRC, which reflect CRC incidence, in the context of national CRC screening data, before and since Medicare's 2001 decision to pay for screening colonoscopy. Methods We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest US all-payer inpatient database, to estimate age-adjusted rates of resection for distal and proximal CRC, from 1993 to 2009, in adults. Temporal trends were analyzed using Joinpoint regression analysis. Results The rate of resection for distal CRC decreased from 38.7 per 100,000 persons (95% confidence interval [CI], 35.4–42.0) to 23.2 per 100,000 persons (95% CI, 20.9–25.5) from 1993 to 2009, with annual decreases of 1.2% (95% CI, 0.1%–2.3%) from 1993 to 1999, followed by larger annual decreases of 3.8% (95% CI, 3.3%–4.3%) from 1999 to 2009 ( P P Conclusions These findings support the hypothesis that population-level decreases in rates of resection for distal CRC are associated with screening, in general, and that implementation of screening colonoscopy, specifically, might be an important factor that contributes to population-level decreases in rates of resection for proximal CRC.
Integration of clinical and hemodynamic parameters in the prediction of long-term survival in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Background Current management guidelines for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) recommend a treatment choice based primarily on World Health Organization (WHO) functional class. This study was designed to assess how the incorporation of readily obtained clinical and test-based information may significantly improve the prediction of outcomes over functional class alone. Methods Clinical and hemodynamic variables were assessed in 484 consecutive patients presenting with WHO group 1 PAH. The primary outcome measure was time to all-cause mortality over 5 years from the index presentation (data available in all). Follow-up was censored at the time of lung or heart/lung transplant in 21 patients or at 5 years. Predictors of mortality were assessed sequentially using Cox models, with the step-wise incorporation of clinical variables, echocardiographic, and catheterization findings. Results were further compared with the REVEAL (Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-term Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Disease Management) prediction score. Results Overall median survival was 237 weeks (95% CI, 196-266), corresponding to 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates of 81.1% (77.0, 84.7), 61.1% (56.5, 65.3), and 47.9% (43.2, 52.4), respectively. The prediction of mortality was improved incrementally by incorporating clinical and echocardiographic measures with a concordance index (c-index) of 0.84 compared with that of 0.60 with functional class alone. The REVEAL prediction score was validated independently in this cohort to predict both 1-year and 5-year mortality. It had a prediction c-index of 0.71. Conclusions The integration of routine PAH clinical (predominantly noninvasive) parameters predicts long-term outcome better than functional class and, hence, should be incorporated into medical management decisions.
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome After Hip Arthroscopy

As hip arthroscopy becomes a more common procedure, more complications may occur. We present a case of abdominal compartment syndrome resulting from fluid extravasation in a 42-year-old man who underwent routine hip arthroscopy for femoral acetabular impingement. He had not had previous surgeries to that hip, and arthroscopy was performed in the supine position. After adequate distraction, arthroscopy was performed with an automated pressure- and flow-controlled pump with the pressure maintained between 40 and 60 mm Hg. We performed debridement of a degenerative tear of the anterosuperior labrum, removal of a pincer lesion, and a psoas tenotomy through a capsular window. A distended abdomen was noted on drape removal, and the patient required decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome. Extravasation of arthroscopy fluid is a potentially devastating complication during hip arthroscopy, and there should be careful monitoring by the surgeons, anesthesiologists, and operating room staff.
COMPARISON OF ACOUSTIC EMISSION ACTIVITY IN REINFORCED AND PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BEAMS UNDER BENDING

Abstract Three ordinary reinforced and two prestressed concrete beams were cyclically loaded in three point bending until failure. Crack initiation and crack propagation due to bending were monitored for acoustic emission (AE) activity and compared with visual observation. Results of source location data for both types of specimens were compared to visually observed cracks. Some insight into the percentage of AE events that must actually be detected to describe the health of the beams was gained. The existence or absence of a Kaiser effect in concrete was evaluated. Comparisons of the difference in AE behavior between ordinary reinforced and prestressed concrete beams are presented.
Induced L2-norm control for LPV systems with bounded parameter variation rates

A linear, finite-dimensional plant, with state-space parameter dependence, is controlled using a parameter-dependent controller. The parameters whose values are in a compact set, are known in real time. Their rates of variation are bounded and known in real time also. The goal of control is to stabilize the parameter-dependent closed-loop system, and provide disturbance/error attenuation as measured in induced L2 norm. Our approach uses a bounding technique based on a parameter-dependent Lyapunov function, and then solves the control synthesis problem by reformulating the existence conditions into a semi-infinite dimensional convex optimization. We propose finite dimensional approximations to get sufficient conditions for successful controller design.
How the Wood Moves

Recent studies show that the movement of plant genes across the landscape involves a complex web of pollinators and fruit-eating animals.
Solar light transmission of polymer optical fibers

Light transfer (10 m) has been shown in recent experiments that used large-core optical fibers. Theoretical models are not extensive, however, and a further correlation between the theory and experiments has not been given. In this paper, straight and bent fiber subsystem models are introduced with skew and meridional rays to predict the light transmission of POFs (plastic optical fibers). Such fibers have been realized, for example, in HSL (hybrid solar lighting) systems. The purpose of this paper is to combine the straight and bent fiber subsystems to estimate the light transmission of HSL systems. It is shown that meridional rays, for which the optical-loss parameters were estimated, better represent the experimental results compared to skew rays (±5.3% vs ±24.7% of %-difference). Model predictions were compared with the results of a commercial software. Sensitivity analysis on the subsystems indicated the most-to-least significant parameters in light transmission.
Bioaccumulation and biosorption of lead by poultry litter microorganisms

Abstract Microorganisms are known to interact with metals through a number of mechanisms, including binding the metals to their cells' walls and intracellular accumulation. Poultry litter has a high density of various microorganisms along with many nutrients. The objective of this research was to study the removal of Pb from an aqueous solution by the microorganisms found in poultry litter under an aerobic environment. A Pb(NO3)2 solution was treated with the aqueous extract of either the nonradiated litter or gamma-radiated litter in order to differentiate between the removal of Pb through bioaccumulation (by the living organisms) and biosorption (by the dead organisms). Lead removal was measured using anodic stripping voltammetry. Both the nonradiated and the gamma-radiated litter removed significant amounts of Pb. After 14 d, the amount of Pb removed through bioaccumulation by the nonradiated litter and through biosorption by the radiated litter was about 44 and 30%, respectively. There was no increase in Pb removal between 14 and 60 d. The biomass density of the aqueous extract of poultry litter increased significantly in the presence of 400 ppb Pb(NO3)2.
Effect of methyl and halogen substituents on the decay of singlet excited benzenes

Abstract Radiative and nonradiative decay constants for singlet excited states of halogen- and methyl-substituted benzenes were determined in solution. The effect of halogen substitution on the nonradiative decay is much greater than that of methyl substitution, which is obscured by effects of the solvent.
The course of necrotizing arteritis: Imaging with real-time B-mode ultrasonography.

The morphology of the acute and chronic phases of necrotizing ateritis was demonstrated by real-time B-mode ultrasonography of the external carotid artery in a 52-year-old woman with documented arteritis. The morphological changes correlated with the clinical exacerbation and remission of the symptoms.
Perspectives on...copyright and fair-use guidelines for education and libraries: electronic reserves and fair use: the outer limits of CONFU

The Conference on Fair Use (CONFU) failed twice to develop fair-use guidelines for electronic reserves. The first occurred during initial rounds of discussion that reached complete impasse in November 1995. Subsequent efforts by a smaller group proposed draft guidelines in March 1996, but influential participants attacked that document as both too restrictive and too lenient. The draft was ultimately excluded from the CONFU Report. Failure to reach consensus on electronic reserves may be attributed to diverse understandings of the law, to struggles over pivotal requirements of key negotiators, and even to the diverging perspectives of the role and meaning of electronic reserves. Although fair-use guidelines are, at best, suggestions of an understanding of fair use, the electronic-reserve guidelines offer a reasonable application, albeit not an exclusive interpretation, of fair use. The exclusion of electronic-reserve guidelines from CONFU may have been an important step in clarifying that no one is bound by these guidelines or any other guidelines, and in underscoring the responsibility that educators and librarians have for achieving a good-faith understanding of fair use.
Endotoxin Penetration Into Root Cementum of Periodontally Healthy and Diseased Human Teeth

This study was undertaken to determine the extent of in vitro penetration of E. coli endotoxin into the root cementum of periodontally healthy and diseased teeth. Freshly extracted teeth were washed in distilled water, scaled and divided into two groups of 16 teeth each. Nine diseased and five healthy teeth in the first group were immersed in various concentrations of E. coli endotoxin for 2 to 12 weeks. They were then prepared for indirect immunofluorescence examination after treatment with anti-endotoxin antibody and rhodamine conjugated secondary antibody. Teeth in the second group were prepared for autoradiographic examination by immersing nine diseased and five healthy teeth in tritium labelled E. coli endotoxin for 2 to 12 weeks. The latter technique also allowed for semi-quantitative study of the depth of endotoxin penetration by creating facets on the root at various depths after endotoxin exposure. This technique was also used to investigate the strength of endotoxin binding to the tooth surface ...
Ecophysiological responses of salt cedar ( Tamarix spp. L . ) to the northern tamarisk beetle ( Diorhabda carinulata Desbrochers) in a controlled environment

The northern tamarisk beetle (Diorhabda carinulata Desbrochers) was released in several western states as a biocontrol agent to suppress Tamarix spp. L. which has invaded riparian ecosystems; however, effects of beetle herbivory on Tamarix physiology are largely undocumented and may have ecosystem ramifications. Herbivory by this insect produces discoloration of leaves and premature leaf drop in these ecosystems, yet the cause of premature leaf drop and the effects of this leaf drop are still unknown. Insect herbivory may change leaf photosynthesis and respiration and may affect a plant’s ability to regulate water loss and increase water stress. Premature leaf drop may affect plant tissue chemistry and belowground carbon allocation. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to understand how Tamarix responds physiologically to adult beetle and larvae herbivory and to determine the proximate cause of premature leaf drop. We hypothesized that plants experiencing beetle herbivory would have greater leaf and root respiration rates, greater photosynthesis, increased water stress, inefficient leaf nitrogen retranslocation, lower root biomass and lower total non-structural carbohydrates in roots. Insect herbivory reduced photosynthesis rates, minimally affected respiration rates, but significantly increased water loss during daytime and nighttime hours and this produced increased water stress. The proximate cause for premature leaf drop appears to be desiccation. Plants exposed to herbivory were inefficient in their retranslocation of nitrogen before premature leaf drop. Root biomass showed a decreasing trend in plants subjected to herbivory. Stress induced by herbivory may render these trees less competitive in future growing seasons.
K X-Ray emission spectra from silicon and silicon compounds

Abstract Wavelength and intensities are reported for the Si K series from silicon metal using primary excitation. Included in the tabulation are the diagram lines α 1,2 and β and the non-diagram or satellite lines α′, α 3 , α 4 , α 5 , α 6 , β″ and β‴. The strongest Si K lines (α 1,2 , α 3 , α 4 , β′ and β) are listed for SiO 2 and changes in intensity, wavelength and band shape are discussed. Features of spectra from silicon compounds are shown and compared to results obtained on Al K spectra from aluminum compounds.
Phase diversity techniques for high-resolution active imaging

High-resolution imaging of space-based objects is, and has been, a topic of significant interest. Considerable effort has been expended to develop techniques for compensating or correcting image degradations caused by unknown aberrations, resulting in many successful approaches. However, current techniques are limited to scenarios where the object of interest is either naturally illuminated or is itself radiating. Active illumination using laser light can overcome this limitation, but the applicable coherence properties introduce additional challenges. To utilize laser illumination, a multi-frame phase-diversity image reconstruction algorithm tailored to the statistics of coherent light is developed. The reconstruction problem is posed in the form of a regularized optimization over the space of object pixel values and atmospheric aberration parameters. The optimization objective function is derived from the statistics of the detected light, and a regularization term including information encoded in the pupilplane intensity statistics is added to include additional knowledge and better condition the inverse problem. A representative coherent imaging system is simulated and reconstruction results are presented.
Effect of high dietary zinc on plasma ceruloplasmin and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activities in copper-depleted and repleted rats.

The effect of moderately high dietary zinc (Zn) on the activities of plasma (PL) ceruloplasmin (CP), and PL and erythrocyte (RBC) copper (Cu), Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) was determined in weanling rats fed Cu-deficient (DEF; < 1 mg Cu/kg), marginal (MAR; 2 mg Cu/kg), or control (CON; 5 mg Cu/kg) copper diets containing normal or high Zn (HZn; 60 mg/kg) for 4 wk and supplemented with oral Cu (CuS; 5 mg/L) in drinking water for 0, 1, 3, or 7 d. PL Cu decreased (67% compared to CON; p < or = 0.05) in the DEF and increased to control level after 3 d of CuS; increased in the MAR group after 1 d of CuS. HZn reduced overall PL Cu by 27% in all groups, but did not alter the linear increase in PL Cu between 0 and 3 d of Cu S. PL CP activity altered concomitantly with PL Cu levels: The time course of increase in CP activity after 0-3 d of CuS was not influenced by HZn in the diet and CP declined in the DEF group by 92%. There was no correlation between dietary Cu level and PL CP. PL SOD activity decreased by 46% (p < or = .05) in the DEF group, increased to control activity after 1 d of CuS and declined slightly after 7 d; MAR diet did not alter PL SOD. HZn diet increased PL SOD activity in all groups by 150%, reduced activity in the DEF and MAR groups by 65 and 37% and delayed the recovery of PL SOD after CuS. RBC SOD declined in the DEF and MAR groups by 56 and 33% (p < or = 0.05) and did not respond to CuS; HZn diet did not influence RBC SOD activity. These data indicate that moderately high Zn in the diet reduces PL Cu, but not PL CP activity or the recovery of PL Cu or CP activity after oral CuS of Cu-deficient rats, modifies the response of PL SOD to dietary Cu, but does not influence RBC SOD activity.
Retraining the bladder after catheterization.

In both acute and long-term care, the presence of an indwelling urethral catheter is sometimes treated as a secondary concem-unfortunately for the patient. It's essential to remove these catheters as soon as it's safely possible. The longer the catheter is left in, the greater the risk of problems. Not only does it invite infection, but an indwelling catheter also can lead to less-often-reported bladder dysfunctions, such as incomplete emptying or difficulty in initiating voiding. To minimize the use of urethral catheters on our geriatric rehabilitation unit, we've developed an effective six-step approach to helping patients regain bladder function. We begin by ruling out reversible causes of urinary retention such as physical obstructions or drug effects, then follow up with dietary change, individual voiding schedules, and careful drug therapy. The majority of our patients have decreased episodes of urinary incontinence at the time of their discharge.
Room-temperature reaction of carbon monoxide with a stable diarylgermylene.

Reactions of the heteroleptic diarylgermylenes GeAr#(Ar′) (1) or GeAr# (Ar*-3,5-Pri2) (2) (Ar# = C6H3-2,6-(C6H2-2,4,6-Me3)2; Ar′ = C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-Pri2)2; Ar*-3,5-Pri2 = C6H-2,6-(C6H2-2,4,6-Pri3)2-3,5-Pri2) with carbon monoxide at room temperature gave α-germyloxy ketones via double CO insertion into the Ge−Ar′ carbon bond in 1 and the Ge−Ar# bond in 2. The Ar#Ge-OCC(O)Ar′ and 3,5-Pri2Ar*Ge-O-CC(O)Ar# intermediates that are formed are unstable and rearrange via the insertion of the carbon of the GeOC moiety into a methyl−aryl or isopropyl carbon to form six-membered ring products.
Solid phase chemistry approach to the SAR development of a novel class of active site-directed thrombin inhibitors

Abstract A solid phase chemistry approach utilizing Mitsunobu chemistry, amine functionalization, and parallel purification was used to produce a diverse library of benzothiophene analogs. These analogs were used to advance the SAR of this class of molecules and give new directions for future studies.
Using ontogenic classification networks in a smart structures application

A key aspect of neural network application is determining how to select the network architecture, and how to use the data to optimize performance and to facilitate proper evaluation. Ontogenic (evolutionary) networks address these problems by leaving the user with minimal parameter selection and decision making, and utilizing available data more fully. We explain and illustrate this idea by comparing the classification performance for backpropagation and an ontogenic neural network. The ontogenic network is shown to have significant advantages in classification accuracy, speed, and utilization of data; furthermore, it does not require the user to determine the number of hidden units or any learning rate parameters, which avoids the trial and error approach necessary for both backpropagation and radial basis functions. In previous tests, ontogenic nets showed the ability to match backpropagation's results in a fraction of the training time. In addition, one of those problems demonstrated a further advantage of the network: by refraining from responding to patterns lying outside of the region on which it was trained, the network does not attempt to extrapolate and may signal that training and test sets lack adequate compatibility. Two new test problems arising out of a beam vibration minimization application in smart structures show the ability of the network to find solutions to low dimensional complex mappings for classifications which pose great difficulty for backpropagation.
The impact of Agent Orange exposure on presentation and prognosis of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

AbstractExposure to Agent Orange (AO) and the contaminating chemical 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) has been associated with the development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Of the 195 veterans diagnosed with CLL from 2001 to 2010 in a retrospective cohort from the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 33 (17%) were exposed to AO. Prognostic factors including Rai stage, lymphocyte doubling time and cytogenetics did not differ between exposed and unexposed patients. Exposed patients were younger at diagnosis (61 vs. 72 years, p < 0.0001) and time to CLL treatment was shorter (9.6 vs. 30.2 months, p = 0.02). Overall survival did not differ between exposed and unexposed patients on Kaplan–Meier analysis, but when adjusted for age, AO exposure had a hazard ratio of death of 1.8 compared to non-exposure (95% confidence interval 0.7–4.5, p = 0.24). The high estimate of the mortality hazard combined with the relatively low numbers in the exposure group suggests that further examination in a...
Quantitative Graphics in Statistics: A Brief History

Abstract Quantitative graphics have been central to the development of science, and statistical graphics date from the earliest attempts to analyze data. Many familiar forms, including bivariate plots, statistical maps, bar charts, and coordinate paper, were used in the 18th century. Statistical graphics developed through attention to four problems: spatial organization (17th and 18th centuries), discrete comparison (18th and early 19th centuries), continuous distribution (19th century), and multivariate distribution and correlation (late 19th and early 20th centuries). Today, statistical graphics appear to be reemerging as an important analytic tool, with recent innovations exploiting computer graphics and related technologies.
An improved current-comparator-based 1000-A transconductance amplifier for the in-situ calibration of transformer loss measuring systems

A current comparator technique and an error feedforward control strategy are applied to the design of a high current transconductance amplifier to obtain a highly stable and accurate output current. The transconductance amplifier features a current output range of 1000 A with a compliance voltage of 3 V. It has the ability to provide a highly accurate current to a circuit that is operated at high voltage. This high-current transconductance amplifier is used in a system for the in-situ calibration of transformer loss measuring systems. The output current has accuracies of better than +or-10 ppm (parts-per-million) in both magnitude and phase. >
Evaluation of a SNP map of 6q24–27 confirms diabetic nephropathy loci and identifies novel associations in type 2 diabetes patients with nephropathy from an African-American population

Previously, we performed a genome scan for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) using 638 African-American (AA) affected sibling pairs from 247 families; non-parametric linkage analysis suggested evidence of linkage at 6q24-27 (LOD 2.26). To comprehensively evaluate this region, we performed a two-stage association study by first constructing a SNP map of 754 SNPs selected from HapMap on the basis of linkage disequilibrium (LD) in 300 AAT2DM end-stage renal disease (ESRD) subjects, 311 AA controls, 43 European American controls and 45 Yoruba Nigerian samples (Set 1). Replication analyses were conducted in an independent population of 283 AA T2DM-ESRD subjects and 282 AA controls (Set 2). In addition, we adjusted for the impact of admixture on association results by using ancestry informative markers (AIMs). In Stage 1, 137 (18.2%) SNPs showed nominal evidence of association (P < 0.05) in one or more of tests of association: allelic (n = 33), dominant (n = 36), additive (n = 29), or recessive (n = 34) genotypic models, and 2- (n = 47) and 3-SNP (n = 43) haplotypic analyses. These SNPs were selected for follow-up genotyping. Stage 2 analyses confirmed association with a predicted 2-SNP "risk" haplotype in the PARK2 gene. Also, two intergenic SNPs showed consistent genotypic association with T2DM-ESRD: rs12197043 and rs4897081. Combined analysis of all subjects from both stages revealed nominal associations with 17 SNPs within genes, including suggestive associations in ESR1 and PARK2. This study confirms known diabetic nephropathy loci and identifies potentially novel susceptibility variants located within 6q24-27 in AA.
Protein-losing enteropathy after the modified Fontan operation: Oral prednisone treatment with biopsy and laboratory proved improvement

Protein-losing enteropathy occurs in up to 10% of patients following the modified Fontan procedure. Treatment is still controversial. We describe a female adolescent who developed protein-losing enteropathy 4 years after a modified Fontan procedure. Treatment with oral prednisone attenuated the protein loss with subsequent normalization of her serum total protein and albumin levels. Discontinuation of prednisone therapy was associated with relapse, which was again treated successfully with low-dose oral prednisone. Small bowel biopsy-proved diagnosis with improvement, relapse, and improvement again are documented, as are other useful laboratory findings.
Medvedev, Political Reform, and Russian Regions

While speculation and skepticism surround President Dmitry Medvedev's political reforms, their effects may already be evident in Russia's regions. In the past three years, a significant turnover of leadership has occurred in Russian Federation localities, with new, younger, and more female cohorts recruited to positions of authority. The new leadership may foreshadow a generational change in the Russian political elite as the enduring legacy of both Medvedev and Vladimir Putin.
Global co-stationarity of the ground model from a new countable length sequence

Suppose V C W are models of ZFC with the same ordinals, and that for all regular cardinals κ in W, V satisfies □ κ . If W \ V contains a sequence r:.ω→γ for some ordinal γ, then for all cardinals κ λ, (P κ (λ)) W \ V is stationary in (P κ (λ)) W . That is, a new ω-sequence achieves global co-stationarity of the ground model.
Predictors of clinical success among a national Veterans Affairs cohort with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia.

Abstract Background The treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia is exceedingly complicated, which is concerning because of the high mortality rate associated with the infection. Identification of independent predictors of clinical success can optimize patient care by assisting clinicians in treatment decisions. Objectives Our goal was to identify independent predictors of clinical success in a national Veterans Affairs (VA) cohort of patients with MRSA pneumonia. Methods A nested case-control study was conducted among a cohort of VA patients with MRSA pneumonia receiving linezolid or vancomycin between January 2002 and September 2010. Cases included those demonstrating clinical success, defined as discharge from the hospital or intensive care unit by day 14 after treatment initiation, in the absence of death, therapy change, or intubation by day 14. Control subjects represented nonsuccess, defined as therapy change, intubation, intensive care unit admission, readmission, or death between treatment initiation and day 14. The potential predictors assessed included treatment, patient demographic and admission characteristics, previous health care and medication exposures, comorbidities, and medical history. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated from logistic regression. Results Our study included 2442 cases of clinical success and 1290 control subjects. Demographic characteristics varied between the clinical success and nonsuccess groups, including age, race, and region of facility. A current diagnosis of chronic respiratory disease (46% vs 42%) and diagnosis of pneumonia in the year before the MRSA pneumonia admission (37% vs 32%) were both more common in the clinical success group. Despite these significant differences, only 2 predictors of clinical success were identified in our study: previous complication of an implant or graft, including mechanical complications and infections, in the year before the MRSA pneumonia admission (adjusted OR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.17–2.06]) and treatment with linezolid (adjusted OR, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.12–2.10]). Predictors of nonsuccess (adjusted OR [95% CI) included diagnosis of concomitant urinary tract infection (0.82 [0.70–0.96]), intravenous line (0.76 [0.66–0.89]), previous coagulopathy (0.74 [0.56–0.96]), previous amputation procedure (0.72 [0.53–0.98]), current coagulopathy diagnosis (0.71 [0.53–0.96]), dialysis (0.54 [0.38–0.76]), multiple inpatient procedures (0.53 [0.45–0.62]), inpatient surgery (0.48 [0.41–0.57]), and previous endocarditis (0.24 [0.07–0.81]). Conclusions MRSA pneumonia tends to affect patients with complex care, and identification of the predictors of clinical success is useful when considering different therapeutic approaches. In this national cohort of VA patients with MRSA pneumonia, treatment was the only modifiable variable predicting clinical success.
In utero ethanol exposure elicits oxidative stress in the rat fetus.

Prior studies in our laboratory have shown that exposure of cultured fetal rat hepatocytes to ethanol (E) blocks epidermal growth factor-dependent replication and that this is paralleled by cell membrane damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, membrane lipid peroxidation (LP), and enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species. These measures of E-mediated oxidative stress (OS) were mitigated by treatment with antioxidants, and cell replication could be normalized by maintaining cell glutathione (GSH) pools. We have now extended these studies to an in vivo model. Rats were administered E (4 g/kg, po) at 12-hr intervals on days 17 and 18 of gestation and killed on day 19, 1 hr following a final dose of E (a total of 5 doses). Fetal and maternal brain and liver were assayed for signs of OS. The 2-day in utero E exposure increased membrane LP in fetal brain as evidenced by increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels from 1.76 ± 0.12 SE (nMol/mg protein) to 2.00 ± 0.08 (p 0.05), whereas maternal liver α-tocopherol content was reduced by 31% (p < 0.05) by E treatment. It is concluded that maternal E consumption can induce an OS in fetal tissues that may contribute to the fetotoxic effects of E.
Silicon-on-insulator by graphoepitaxy and zone-melting recrystallization of patterned films

Abstract Graphoepitaxy and zone-melting recrystallization of patterned films are reviewed, with emphasis on their application to silicon on insulator (SOI). In the case of Si graphoepitaxy by partial melting with a laser or stationary strip-heater, orientation is explained on the basis of preferential retention of those grains that have (100) texture and have 〈100〉 directions parallel to the grating axis. Graphoepitaxy encompasses a wide variety of film formation methods and mechanisms of orientation. Oscillatory CVD and solid-state surface-energy-driven secondary recrystallization are low-temperature approaches which may be able to provide SOI in those situations where the high temperature of melting (1412°C) cannot be tolerated, such as multivel integrated electronics and flat-panel displays. Zone-melting recrystallization of patterned Si films has yielded: large-area, single-grain Si films on SiO 2 via an hourglass technique; entrainment of subboundaries, grain boundaries and impurities along straight lines separated by ∽100 μm; and orientation filtering by growth-velocity competition.
The acidification of rat liver lysosomes in vitro: a role for the membranous ATPase as a proton pump.

Abstract Lysosomes were purified from the livers of rats which had been treated with Triton WR-1339. The ATPase activity of these lysosomes was stimulated by preincubation with NaCl or KCl, conditions which diminish the proton gradient due to Donnan equilibrium. Subsequent to this preincubation measurements of methylamine uptake by lysosomes showed an ATP-dependent enhancement. Simultaneous measurements of the internal volumes of lysosomes confirmed that ATP-dependent methylamine uptake is due to acidification of lysosomes by 0.3 to 0.5 pH units. Because the conditions which stimulated ATP-dependent methylamine uptake also stimulated the ATPase activity it is concluded that acidification of lysosomes requires an ATPase which functions as a proton pump.
Comparison between proximal thoracic vascular measurements obtained by contrast enhanced MRA and transthoracic echocardiography in infants with congenital heart disease

Background Accurate assessment of the proximal thoracic vasculature in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) is vital in deciding the appropriate surgical or interventional procedure and predicting outcomes. In most infants this information is obtained by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). When the image quality is limited by TTE, Contrast Enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) is frequently utilized. Calculating Z-scores for measurements obtained by CE-MRA in this population is currently not possible due to the lack of normative data. Demonstrating reasonable agreement between vessel dimensions by CE-MRA and TTE will allow the use of TTE based Zscores on measurements from CE-MRA. This study examines the accuracy and agreement of proximal thoracic vascular measurements obtained by CE-MRA compared to TTE. Methods
Sport, sex segregation, and sex testing: critical reflections on this unjust marriage

We extend appreciation to Karkazis, Jordan-Young, Davis, and Camporesi for their outstanding article. They argue that the legitimacy of the new policies on hyperandrogenism in elite female athletes...
Diffusion Flame Calculations for Nonunity Lewis Number

Abstract Numerical solutions for the problem of a free convection, diffusion flame burning on a vertical fuel surface have been obtained for Lewis number from 0·05 to 10. Results are presented for the effect of Lewis number on the temperature and concentration profiles and on the burning rate.
Requirements of MEMS membrane mirrors for focus adjustment and aberration correction in endoscopic confocal and optical coherence tomography imaging instruments

We explore the use of deformable membrane mirrors for primary focus control and spherical aberration correction in confocal microscopes and optical coherence tomography instruments that are miniaturized for in-situ imaging. Membrane requirements to achieve specified system performance are explored for both high and low numerical aperture regimes. Examples of both confocal imaging and focus-tracking optical coherence tomography using varifocus silicon nitride MEMS mirrors are presented. It is envisioned that future instruments with enhanced-stroke adaptive membrane mirrors will provide high fidelity microscopy and optical coherence tomography for diagnostic imaging of intact, living tissue.
Development of a command and telemetry processing interface to be independent of ground control systems

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has developed numerous spacecraft for national security and civilian space applications that have used varied flight computers and ground control systems. On missions that have utilized different ground control systems, the command and telemetry (C&T) database development has been unique to the specific mission. On missions that have utilized a common ground control system, APL has leveraged a limited extent of commonality in the development of the C&T databases, which has shown promise in development, schedule, and cost efficiency and has improved the quality of the early C&T database deliveries. On its recent Radiation Belt Storm Probes mission (RBSP), APL developed a set of C&T tools to tackle the challenge of developing a common C&T database across multiple satellites, over full mission life cycles, that minimizes coupling with the core ground control system such that the use across different ground systems is maximized. This paper discusses the specific approach taken in evaluating the C&T database development for APL's past missions and the shortfalls that were encountered. Lessons learned were evaluated and decisions were made in implementing the RBSP C&T databases. The tool development is briefly discussed with an emphasis on the engineering use during satellite subsystem development. Recent successes during the testing are also presented. Finally, plans are described for continued improvement to the approach and tools for subsequent APL spacecraft so that the C&T database can be ported to other missions of interest.
Global Internet Monitoring Using Passive DNS

Security information exchange (SIE) is an information exchange system that lets analysts look at data in real time. Still in its early phase, the system already collects an enormous volume of data.
THE REQUIREMENT FOR HYDROCORTISONE IN ANTIBODY-FORMING TISSUE CULTIVATED IN SERUM-FREE MEDIUM.

It was previously reported from this laboratory that the secondary antibody response can regularly be elicited in vitro from fragments of rabbit lymph node node cultured in Eagle's medium supplemented with normal rabbit serum. Evidence is now presented that physiological levels of hydrocortisone (0.01 to 1.0 µM) can substitute for serum in the culture medium. However, with the omission of serum, serine (0.1 mM) must be included among Eagle's "essential" amino acids for consistent optimal antibody production. In some experiments the addition of insulin (0.5 unit/ml) and vitamin B12 (0.5 µg/ml) has further enhanced the secondary response in this serum-free medium.
Choosing among fuels and technologies for cleaning up the air

One of the central elements in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments is the regulation of emissions from motor vehicles. This legislation will have a dramatic impact on the type of cars people drive over the coming decades. Given the high cost of achieving further reductions from automobiles, there has been increasing interest in exploring new technologies and alternative fuels that improve environmental quality. The purpose of this study is to provide an integrated framework for assessing the cost effectiveness of control options that involve a combination of vehicle changes and fuel changes. This study demonstrates the importance of doing an integrated analysis in selecting an appropriate combination of technologies and fuels; it also highlights the need to consider decentralized regulatory approaches, such as effluent taxes and marketable permits, when the data are characterized by large uncertainties. The analysis suggests that a modest improvement in vehicle control technology is probably a cost effective strategy for reducing ozone; however, using a severely reformulated gasoline or an advanced technology, such as the electric vehicle, is unlikely to be cost effective compared with other available options for improving air quality. The cost savings from introducing a market-based approach in place of a vehiclemore » mandate in California and the Northeast are estimated to range from $7 to $29 billion. 54 refs., 1 fig., 8 tabs.« less
Depression among Korean, Korean American, and Caucasian American Family Caregivers

This study compared depressive symptoms among Korean, Korean American, and Caucasian American female family caregivers of older persons with dementia. The sample included Korean caregivers living in Seoul, Korea (KK); Korean American (KA) caregivers living in the Chicago and Los Angeles areas; and Caucasian American (CA) caregivers from the Chicago metropolitan area. KK caregivers were more likely to be daughters-in-law, KA caregivers were more likely to be daughters, and CA caregivers were more likely to be wives or daughters. Overall, wives were more depressed than daughters and daughters-in-law. KK caregivers were the most depressed of the three cultural groups. When caregiver relationship and cultural group were examined simultaneously, KK and KA wives were most depressed, and KA daughters-in-law were least depressed. Differences in culture and social role appeared to affect depressive symptoms among these caregivers. The findings suggest a need to further examine the associations between caregivers’ ...
The Effect of Pen Floor-Type, Environmental Temperature, and Dietary Calcium Source on the Reproductive Performance and Blood Calcium of Medium White Turkeys

Abstract This experiment was designed to study the effect of: 1) environmental temperatures of 13, 21, and 28 C, 2) laying cages vs. litter floors, and 3) limestone flour vs. oyster shell flour on the reproductive performance and blood calcium levels of turkeys. Feed consumption was significantly reduced as the environmental temperatures increased. No significant differences were obtained in egg production, settable eggs, egg weight, fertility, hatchability, or body weight within the range of pen temperatures studied. Post-lay whole blood and plasma calcium levels were lower in females held at 28 C. The difference in egg production among females in cages and on litter floors was not significant. Females in cages produced a lower percentage of settable eggs than those on litter floors and had lower post-lay total plasma calcium, whole blood calcium, and hatchability. Fertility of the caged hens and of those on litter floors was 77.0 vs. 83.3%, respectively. A sample of eggs was broken out and examined macroscopically. Results indicated a reduction in true fertility due to the cage environment. Feed consumption and body weights were similar for both pen types. Oyster shell substitution for limestone yielded better shell quality as determined by the percentage of settable eggs and by egg shell breaking strength. However, first-order interactions indicated that the effects were somewhat dependent on the temperature-floor treatment combination. No differences were found in blood calcium levels between the two calcium sources. These results showed that the reproductive potential of the egg production lines of turkeys utilized in the present study was not adversely affected by environmental temperatures as high as 28 C and that litter pens resulted in optimum reproductive performance.