cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High Manganese and Aluminum Steels for the Military and Transportation Industry

Lightweight advanced high strength steels (AHSS) with aluminum contents between 4 and 12 weight percent have been the subject of intense interest in the last decade because of an excellent combination of high strain rate toughness coupled with up to a 17% reduction in density. Fully austenitic cast steels with a nominal composition of Fe-30%Mn-9%Al-0.9%C are almost 15% less dense than quenched and tempered Cr-Mo steels (SAE 4130) with equivalent strengths and dynamic fracture toughness. This article serves as a review of the tensile and high-strain-rate fracture properties associated mainly with silicon additions to this base composition. In the solution-treated condition, cast steels have high work-hardening rates with elongations up to 64%, room-temperature Charpy V-notch (CVN) impact energies up to 200 J, and dynamic fracture toughness over 700 kJ/m2. Silicon additions in the range of 0.59–1.56% Si have no significant effect on the mechanical properties of solution-treated steels but increased the tensile strength and hardness during aging. For steels aged at 530°C to an average hardness of 310 Brinell hardness number, HBW, increasing the amount of silicon from 1.07% to 1.56% decreased the room temperature CVN breaking energy from 92 J to 68 J and the dynamic fracture toughness from 376 kJ/m2 to 265 kJ/m2. Notch toughness is a strong function of phosphorus content, decreasing the solution-treated CVN impact toughness from 200 J in a 0.006% P steel to 28 J in a 0.07% P steel. For age-hardened steels with 1% Si, increasing levels of phosphorus from 0.001% to 0.043% decreased the dynamic fracture toughness from 376 kJ/m2 to 100 kJ/m2.
Onset of laser plume formation at 248 nm on cleaved-single crystal NaCl: evidence for highly localized emissions

When a wide bandgap insulator is exposed to UV laser radiation at fluences close to the damage threshold, many laser pulses may be required before the onset of damage. Typically, damage is accompanied by the formation of a highly localized, bright, fluorescent plume. In this work, we explore the onset of damage and plume formation by imaging the laser-induced fluorescence from cleaved, single crystal NaCl exposed to pulsed 248-nm laser radiation (KrF excimer). Subsequent observations of the resulting surface topography are made by scanning electron microscopy. The onset of plume fluorescence is accompanied by localized fracture, usually associated with cleavage steps but originating some microns beneath the surface. Strong laser interactions are typically confined to the fractured region, which grows from pulse to pulse. We interpret these results in terms of absorption by deformation- induced defects along cleavage steps. Deformed material, produced by pushing a small metal sphere against the surface, damages at especially low fluences, consist with this interpretation. Indirect evidence suggests that thermal effects are localized along dislocation cores, which serve as recombination centers for laser-induced excitations.
Some Things Have Not Changed

The profession of medicine faces unprecedented pressures that jeopardize physicians' ability to care for patients. This is the perfect time for physicians to look back at the history of medicine; examine our own personal journeys; and reflect on our ideals, commitments, and accomplishments. To be effective leaders for medicine and health, physicians must work together. We must be vigilant about threats to high standards, research, education, and ethics and seize opportunities for improvement. We need to ensure that relationships with patients, students and housestaff, and other colleagues are marked by trust and healing. The days, years, and careers that we spend caring for others are most sustainable and satisfying if we also care for ourselves and our families. Many elements are required for physicians to maintain the lifegiving capabilities of our profession. Principles and thought combined with action have carried and buoyed medicine throughout time. This must not change.
What’s not inside a Cayley graph

There exist graphs of arbitrarily high girth and absolutely bounded degree which cannot be induced subgraphs of an irreducible Cayley graph.
Intentional MPI programming in a visual development environment

BladeRunner is a research project that explores the use of intentional and code generative approaches to facilitate programming in MPI (Message Passing Interface) for parallel and distributed programming. The BladeRunner development environment provides an interactive visual approach based on figures representing higher level abstractions of MPI artifacts. This, along with direct manipulation of visual abstractions, allows the user to both view and express coding intentions clearly and rapidly. As a constructive programming paradigm, direct manipulation of figures translates into coding actions reflected into generated program code. Thus, programming focus is higher level, on visual representations for MPI programming concepts, and evolution of program state reflected in diagrams, instead of syntax or language structure details.We describe the BladeRunner prototype tool, built upon the Eclipse open-source platform, and discuss the vision for this work.
For every solution there are many problems: the role and study of technical systems in socio-environmental coevolution

This paper uses a case study on the evolution of the Rhine river delta to illustrate the coevolution of the environment, the technology used to exploit it, and the institutions governing it. Three strands are interwoven: (1) Achieving equilibrium between protecting and utilizing land is difficult. In this area, as a result of exploitation, agriculture on fertile peat is succeeded by stock raising on infertile peat, peat extraction, inundation, and drainage to regain fertile soil. (2) In the dynamic between collective and individual action that accompanies these changes, individuals beget institutions and institutions beget individuals. (3) New technologies are invented, helping overcome challenges posed by the natural environment. Their unexpected consequences undermine the solutions found, leading to new technologies, etc. The ultimate cause is the interaction between human cognition and action. Our cognition is limited in the number of dimensions it can simultaneously handle, and our action (directly or...
Expression of α2-adrenergic receptor subtypes in prenatal rat spinal cord

The results of molecular cloning have revealed three subtypes of the alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors (alpha(2) AR) that have been defined alpha(2)C10 (alpha(2A)), alpha(2)C2 (alpha(2B)) and alpha(2)C4 (alpha(2C)). The differential expression of alpha(2) AR subtypes is affected by developmental factors in rat submandibular gland, lung and brain. In the spinal cord of postnatal and adult rats, alpha(2A) and alpha(2C) AR subtypes are expressed and appear to mediate pain perception. However, the relative expression of alpha(2) AR subtypes in the prenatal spinal cord is unknown. In the present study subtype-specific antibodies and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to determine the expression and localization of the alpha(2) AR subtypes in sections of embryonic day 14 rat spinal cords and primary cultures of cells isolated from these cords. Spinal cords were removed from day 14 embryos, and were sectioned or used for the preparation of cell cultures. After 9 days in culture, neurons were examined by immunofluorescence microscopy or used for preparation of total RNA. In both intact spinal cords and isolated cells, positive immunoreactivity was detected with antibodies against alpha(2A) and alpha(2B) subtypes, but not with antibodies against the alpha(2C) subtype. Using a dual-labeling approach, anti-alpha(2A) and anti-alpha(2B) immunoreactivity was present on the same population of neurons. RT-PCR results were consistent with immunofluorescence studies, and showed that mRNA encoding the alpha(2A) and alpha(2B) subtypes was present in total RNA prepared from primary cultures of rat spinal cord neurons. In contrast to spinal cords of postnatal or adult rats that express alpha(2A) and alpha(2C) AR subtypes on different neurons, prenatal spinal cords contain alpha(2A) and alpha(2B) AR subtypes, and these two subtypes appear to be co-expressed in the same cells.
TENDERNESS VARIATION IN OVINE LONGISSIMUS MUSCLE

31 lamb carcasses were split after slaughter and one side of each had pre-rigor tension applied to the longissimus muscle by weighted or mechanical methods. Warner-Bratzler shear values were obtained on each of three core positions within rib and within loin chop samples from each nontensioned and tensioned side. Differences in shear values between cores were significant (P < 0.001), and the interactions of muscle location, tension treatment and core were also significant (P < 0.001). The lateral position was the least tender in rib chops while the dorsal position was least tender in loin chops of the nontensioned sides. Pre-rigor tension made core positions more uniform in tenderness in the rib chops, while considerable tenderness variation persisted in tensioned loin chops.
Annoyances due to multiple airplane noise exposure

A laboratory study was conducted to investigate the annoyance effects of multiple aircraft noise exposure in which 250 subjects judged the annoyance of half-hour periods of airplane noise simulative of typical indoor home exposures. The variables of the aircraft noise exposure were the peak noise level of flyovers, which was constant within each period, and the number of flyovers. Each subject judged 5 of the possible 25 factorial combinations of level and number. Other variables investigated included the experience of the test subjects in making annoyance judgments and their home exposure to airplane noise. The annoyance judgments increased with both noise level and number of flyovers. The increased annoyance produced by doubling the number of flyovers was found to be the equivalent of a 4 to 6 db increase in noise level. The sensitivity of the subjects to changes in both noise level and number of flyovers increased with laboratory experience. Although the means of the annoyance judgments made in the laboratory were found to decrease with the subjects' home exposure to aircraft noise, the subjects' sensitivities to changes in both level and number were unaffected by their home exposure.
A Reappraisal of the Relationship between Span Memory and Intelligence via ''Best Evidence Synthesis''.

This paper examines the relationship between span memory [e.g., immediate memory, short-term memory (STM), simple span] and general ability (g) though a reanalysis of two data sets [Christal, R. E. (1959). Factor analytic study of visual memory. Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 72 (13, Whole No. 466); Kelley, H.P. (1964). Memory abilities: A factor analysis. Psychometric Monographs, No. 11]. Because of their large sample sizes and the multiple measures used to identify each construct, the Christal and Kelley studies were examined within a “best evidence synthesis” framework. Modern structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques were used to examine the relationship between immediate memory and g. Results indicated that in both studies, the relationship between immediate memory and g was quite substantial (.71 and .83), and that this relationship was essentially reduced by half when the common content variance of the tests was accounted for (e.g., verbal, spatial, numerical). Results are discussed within the context of recent research examining the relationship between working memory (WM) and g.
Tuning the Selectivity of Protein Photocleavage: Spectroscopic and Photochemical Studies

Site-specific photocleavage of lysozyme by N-4(1-pyrene)butyroyl-l-phenylalanine (Py-Phe) prompted us to investigate the role of the peptidyl side chain in determining the specificity of the protein photocleavage. The spectroscopic and photocleavage properties of Py-Gly, Py-(Gly)n-Phe (n = 0, 1, 2), and Py-Phe-Gly-Gly, in this context, is described here. The linker length/structure of these molecules has a profound effect on the spectroscopic and photocleavage properties of the probes. The absorption spectral changes accompanying the binding of the probes Py-(Gly)n-Phe to the proteins were independent of the linker structure or length. Binding constants of these probes with proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA) or lysozyme, varied from 2.2 ± 0.3 × 105 dm3mol-1 to 6.5 ± 0.4 × 107 dm3mol-1. Binding constants of Py-Phe and Py-Phe-Gly-Gly for BSA have been an order of magnitude larger than those of Py-Gly, Py-Gly-Phe or Py-Gly-Gly-Phe. The fluorescence spectral changes, in contrast to the absorption cha...
Multiple-Birthing Trends: Impact on Couples and Families

Current treatments for infertility often involve medical interventions that offer promising and sometimes unexpected results. One consequence has been a burgeoning of multifetal conceptions throughout the world. The purpose of this article is to review research on the effects of the multiple-birth experience on couples and families. Needs for future research and implications for couple and family counselors are presented.
Relationship Between Ages of Shields, Dips of Adjacent Sedimentary Basements, and Occurrence of Oil and Gas

Crystalline shields can become stable at different times. This stability is commonly marked by the end of magmatism and compressive deformation and the beginning of deposition of platformal sedimentary sequences. The margins of the shields are then the basements for undeformed sediments that dip away from the exposed crystalline rocks.
A Demographic and Psychographic Assessment of a Specialty Store's Customers and Non-Customers

The purpose of the study was to identify demographic and psychographic profiles of customers and non-customers of a retail specialty store. Objectives were to determine (1) the characteristics of the customers and (2) the combination of characteristics that could be used to discriminate customers from non-customers. A revised version of an instrument prepared by Walter K. Levy Associates was employed. Questionnaires were mailed to a randomly selected sample of 600 customers and 600 non-customers. Of the 760 questionnaires returned, 459 were usable—273 from customers and 186 from non-customers. Stepwise discriminant analysis was used to analyze the data. A set of 24 variables described the characteristics of the customers and non-customers. One variable was concerned with shopper viewpoint, 13 with store image, 6 with shopper behavior, 1 with media preference and usage, and 3 with demographic characteristics. The discriminant function was highly accurate in predicting which respondents were customers and w...
Designed porous media: maximal heat transfer density at decreasing length scales

Abstract This paper addresses the fundamental problem of maximizing the heat transfer rate density in a fixed volume in the limit of decreasing length scales. In this limit boundary layers disappear, optimized channels are no longer slender, and existing results for optimal spacings break down. Three configurations are optimized analytically based on the intersection of asymptotes method: volumes filled with parallel-plates channels, volumes filled with uniformly distributed spheres, and volumes filled with parallel plates and porous structure in each parallel-plates channel. The small-spacings asymptote is for slow Poiseuille and, respectively, Darcy flow. The large-spacings asymptote is based on heat transfer that approaches pure conduction around bodies immersed in a stationary medium. The geometric results are the optimal flow channel size, the optimal porosity of the assembly, and the maximized heat transfer rate density. The latter increases sharply as dimensions become smaller. This trend, and the method of optimizing flow architecture to achieve maximal heat transfer density, are essential in the continuing miniaturization of heat transfer devices.
Network-Level Changes in Expression of Inducible Fos–Jun Proteins in the Striatum during Chronic Cocaine Treatment and Withdrawal

Repeated exposure to psychomotor stimulants produce long-term changes in behavior ranging from addiction to behavioral sensitization. Many of these behaviors depend on the nigrostriatal system of the basal ganglia. We show here that chronic cocaine exposure not only leads to time-varying alterations in the inducibility of bZIP transcription factors in individual striatal neurons, but also to long-lasting network changes in which ensembles of striatal neurons express these proteins. These network-level adaptations suggest that the behavioral sensitization induced by repeated psychomotor stimulant exposure may reflect an enduring functional reorganization of basal ganglia circuits.
Reactive Ion Etching of GaN Thin Films

Reactive ion etching of GaN grown by electron-cyclotron-resonance, microwave plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on (0001) sapphire substrates was investigated. A variety of reactive and inert gases such as CC1 2 F 2 , SF 6 , CF 4 , H 2 /CH 4 mixtures, CF 3 Br, CF 3 Br/Argon mixtures and Ar were investigated. From these studies we conclude that of the halogen radicals investigated, Cl and Br etch GaN more effectively than F. The etching rate was found to increase with decreasing pressure at a constant cathode voltage, a result attributed to larger mean free path of the reactive species.
Different Costimulation Signals Used by CD4+ and CD8+ Cells That Independently Initiate Rejection of Allogenic Hepatocytes in Mice

Abstract The current study evaluated the role of CD40/CD40 ligand (CD40L) and CD28/B7 costimulation signals during alloimmune responses independently mediated by CD4+ or CD8+ T cells. Allogeneic hepatocytes were transplanted into CD8 or CD4 knock out (KO) mice under cover of costimulatory blockade. Rejection of FVB/N (H-2q) hepatocytes occurred by day 10 posttransplant in untreated CD8 or CD4 KO (H-2b) mice. Treatment of CD8 or CD4 KO mice with anti-CD40L monoclonal antibody (mAb; MR1) resulted in significant prolongation of hepatocyte survival indicating that CD40/CD40L interactions were critical in both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell initiated hepatocyte rejection. Anti-CD40L mAb also prolonged hepatocyte survival in B-cell KO (H-2b) mice, indicating that the efficacy of CD40/CD40L blockade in preventing hepatocyte rejection was B-cell (and antibody) independent. In contrast, treatment with CTLA4 fusion protein (CTLA4Ig), prolonged hepatocyte survival in CD8 KO but not CD4 KO mice, showing that CD28/B7 interactions were important in CD4+ but not CD8+ T-cell initiated hepatocyte rejection. Under selected circumstances, such as in CD40 KO mice, both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells mediate hepatocyte rejection in the absence of CD40/CD40L costimulation and without a significant contribution from CD28/B7 costimulation signals. These results highlight the disparate roles of CD40/CD40L and CD28/B7 costimulation signals in CD4+ versus CD8+ T-cell mediated immune responses to allogeneic hepatocytes. The CD4+ T-cell independent, CD40L-sensitive, CD28/B7-independent pathway of CD8+ T-cell activation in response to transplantation antigens is novel. (Hepatology 2000;32:1018-1028.)
Absence of pulse in the vessels of the upper extremities and neck in aneurysm of the aortic arch

Abstract Two cases of aneurysm of the aortic arch with absent carotid and radial pulses are reported. In a review of the literature but five similar cases were found, in only three of which was there a post-mortem examination. Syphilis was undoubtedly present in all of these cases. The clinical picture in all of the cases was that of cerebral disease, with attacks of dizziness and syncope, together with absent pulsations in the superficial vessels of the neck and upper extremities.
Polymerization of vinylcyclopropanes. V. Radical copolymerization of 1, 1‐dichloro‐2‐vinylcyclopropane with monosubstituted ethylenes

A peculiar copolymer composition equation applicable to the radical copolymerization of 1,1-dichloro-2-vinylcyclopropane with monosubstituted ethylenes was developed. The theory was applied to such ethylenes as methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and styrene. The reactivity ratio parameters which give the best fit to the experimental data were determined.
The microenvironment influences the pattern of bacterial translocation in formula-fed neonates

Abstract The authors previously demonstrated that neonatal rabbits fed conventional formula have a significantly greater incidence of bacterial translocation than do neonatal rabbits fed breast milk. They hypothesized that exogenous bacteria in the formula and/or the microenvironment of the neonatal rabbit may contribute to the higher incidence of bacterial translocation. In the present study, the authors examined the incidence of bacterial translocation in neonatal rabbits fed pasteurized formula, unsterile formula, or breast milk while being housed in a clean or unsterile environment. The rabbits were divided into five groups. Groups I and II were fed pasteurized formula; groups III and IV were fed unsterile formula. In addition, groups I and III were housed in a clean environment, and groups II and IV were kept in an unsterile environment. The neonates in group V were fed breast milk and were kept in an unsterile environment. On the seventh day, the animals were killed, and the mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, and spleen were cultured for the presence of bacteria. Bacterial translocation occurred in 100% of group IV neonates. A clean environment (groups I and III) eliminated gram-negative bacterial translocation. A reduction (50%) in the overall incidence of bacterial translocation was obtained by pasteurizing the formula (group I v group III). Group II had significantly less gram-negative bacterial translocation than did group IV. None of the neonates in group V had translocation. The data show that a clean environment abrogates gram-negative bacterial translocation. Pasteurizing the formula significantly reduces the incidence of gram-negative bacterial translocation, and further reduces overall bacterial translocation in a clean environment. The authors hypothesize that control of the microenvironment can significantly influence the pattern of bacterial translocation in formula-fed neonates, and thus potentially reduce the incidence of gut-origin sepsis. Factors present in breast milk inhibit bacterial translocation, regardless of the microenvironment.
Geometric Optics Approach to First‐Passage Distributions: Caustic Boundaries and Exponentially Small Eigenvalues

We develop singular perturbation methods for computing the first passage time distribution for one-dimensional diffusion processes. Detailed results are given for an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process, and the method is sketched for more general problems. For some parameter values, we find the presence of caustic boundaries; whereas, for other parameter values, there are exponentially small eigenvalues. We use the ray method of geometric optics and asymptotic matching.
The metal oxide fraction of pelagic sediment in the equatorial North Pacific Ocean: A source of metals in ferromanganese nodules

Abstract Pelagic sediment recovered at DOMES Site A in the equatorial North Pacific (151°W, 9° 15′N) consists of a surface homogeneous layer, approximately 10 cm thick, overlying a strongly mottled layer that is lighter in color. The radiolarian composition of both units is Quaternary. In areas where this sediment was only a few centimeters thick, the underlying sediment was early Tertiary. Clay mineralogy and major oxide composition of the two Quaternary sediments are uniform. Their similarity to continental shale suggests that the sediment has a terrigenous source. Clay mineralogy and major oxide composition of the Tertiary sediment also are uniform, although they differ markedly from the Quarternary sediment. In contrast to the major oxides, concentrations of Mn, Co, Cu, and Ni soluble in hydroxylamine hydrochlorideacetic acid are strongly different in the surface and subsurface Quaternary sediment. Mn and Ni exhibit pronounced depletions in the subsurface sediment, Ni slightly more than Mn. Cu is also depleted in the subsurface sediment, but less than Mn. It is also depleted in the subsurface Tertiary sediment, whereas the Mn concentration remains high. Concentration of Co relative to Mn increases into the subsurface Quaternary sediment to a constant Co:Mn ratio of 3 × 10−2. The trivalent REE (the REE exclusive of Ce) and Fe exhibit little down-core variation. Distribution of elements in these sediments is closely related to their concentration in associated surface ferromanganese nodules. The nodules are of two distinct types: those from the area where the Quaternary sediment is relatively thick have δ-MnO2 as the dominant manganese mineral. The ratios of Ni:Mn, Cu:Mn, and Fe:Mn in these nodules approximate the corresponding ratios of the soluble fraction of surface sediment. Todorokite is the dominant mineral of nodules recovered from areas where the Quaternary sediment is thin. Relatively high Cu/Mn, Ni/Mn, and low Fe/Mn ratios of these nodules mirror differences between the soluble fraction of surface and subsurface Quaternary sediment. These compositional trends of sediment and nodules at DOMES Site A reflect a diagenetic origin for the todorokite nodules and a predominantly hydrogenous origin for the δ-MnO2 nodules.
Supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with the Salmonella microsuspension mutagenicity assay

On-line bioassay-directed fractionation of environmental samples is important because of the need to assign toxicological activity to certain classes of chemicals. Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) was used to fractionate a coal tar standard (SRM 1597) and these fractions were successfully directed into the Salmonella microsuspension mutagenicity assay. The reverse-mutation assay used in these experiments measures mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and was performed in a total volume of approximately 200 μl. Coupling of SFC with the microsuspension assay yielded quantitative recovery of the coal tar mutagenic activity, and the SFC chromatogram was compared to the mutagenicity profile to determine the activity of each fraction. This method of coupling SFC with bioassays may have broad applicability for fractionating various environmental samples and for identifying a wide range of biological activities in such samples.
On symmetric Moore geometries

Abstract A generalized Moore geometry is said to be symmetric if the number of points incident on each line equals the number of lines incident on each point. It is shown that the diameter of a non-trivial symmetric Moore geometry can be at most 3. Some remarks are made concerning possible values of the parameters for symmetric Moore geometries of diameters 2 or 3.
Electronic structure and thermodynamic stability of uranium-doped yttrium iron garnet

The electronic and thermodynamic properties of yttrium iron garnet (Y3Fe5O12, YIG), as a possible uranium-bearing phase, have been investigated using first-principles and semi-empirical methods. The electronic structures of pure and U-doped YIG were calculated and compared in order to obtain a fundamental understanding of the incorporation mechanism and stability of U in a YIG matrix. Uranium at the A-site is in 4 + oxidation state, acting as a single donor and introducing a localized defect state in the band gap. The ionic relaxations show U at the A-site is an off-center impurity. At the B-site, uranium is in 5 + oxidation state giving rise to two localized defect states in the middle of the band gap. At thermodynamic equilibrium the incorporation of U is limited by (i) the relatively narrow stability domain of the host YIG and (ii) the precipitation of uranium oxides as secondary phases. Under Y-rich growth conditions, YIG is unstable with respect to competing phases such as the iron oxides, Y2O3 and YFeO3. Under O-rich conditions, the incorporation U is obstructed by the formation of uranium-oxide precipitates. Under Fe-rich growth conditions, the formation energies of UY (U at the A-site) and UFe (U at the B-site) become negative for 0 ≤ EF ≤ 0.62 eV and 0 ≤ EF ≤ 0.77 eV, respectively, indicating that U might be incorporated in p-type YIG.
STERN: a highly scalable parallel stereo terrain renderer for planetary mission simulations

In this paper, we describe STREN, a parallel stereo renderer for fixed-location terrain rendering tasks required for the simulation of planetary exploration missions. The renderer is based on a novel spatial data representation, called the TANPO map. This data representation stores terrain data using a simple and compact structure and provides excellent locality for such rendering applications. Experimental results show that the renderer not only performs very well, but also scales perfectly to different numbers of processors. Examples of the rendered result is show below using the red/blue stereo display method. Click on the image to view an stereo MPEG movie (2 MBytes).
THYROID GLAND DISTURBANCE AS A CAUSE OF UNEXPLAINED FEVER

THERE ARE a certain group of patients who have a moderate rise in temperature (99-100°) and for which no explanation or cause can be found. These patients are usually suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis, undulant fever, or a hidden focus of infection. The fever is often found during a routine employment or insurance examination. This group, as a rule, have no symptoms. Those who do have symptoms complain of fatigability, nervousness, irritability, insomnia, tense-ness and a feeling of body tremor. To this may be added weight loss of moderate degree, such as 5 to 10 lb. Frequently these patients have had some infection pre-ceding the onset of the fever. They are studied from all angles, including physical and laboratory examinations, without a definite diagnosis being established. In the physical examination there are three findings which were found to be common to all, namely, an enlarged thyroid gland, usually adenomatous in character; second, an increase in pulse rate, around 80 to 100 per minute...
Autoantigen-Induced Focusing of Vβ13+ T Cells Precedes Onset of Autoimmune Diabetes in the LEW.1WR1 Rat

The earliest events leading to autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D) are not known in any species. A T-cell receptor (TCR)-variable region, TCR-Vβ13, is required for susceptibility to autoimmune diabetes in rats, and selective depletion of Vβ13+ T cells with an allele-specific monoclonal antibody prevents disease in multiple rat strains. To investigate the role of Vβ13 early in diabetes, we examined islet T-cell transcripts in susceptible (LEW.1WR1) and resistant (LEW.1W and Wistar Furth) strains induced with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid. Vβ13+ T cells displayed antigenic focusing in LEW.1WR1 islets 5 days postinduction and were characterized by a substantial decrease in complementarity determining region 3 diversity. This occurred prior to significant islet T-cell accumulation (day 7) or frank diabetes (days 10–14). Vβ13+ transcripts increased in LEW.1WR1 islets during diabetes progression, but not in resistant rats. We also analyzed transcript clonality of rat TCR-Vα5, an ortholog of the dominant TCR-Vα chain found on insulin B:9-23–reactive T cells in nonobese diabetic rat islets. We observed clonal expansion of Vα5+ transcripts in prediabetic LEW.1WR1 islets, suggesting that rat Vα5 is also an important component of islet autoantigen recognition. These data provide additional evidence that genome-encoded TCR sequences are important determinants of genetic susceptibility to T1D.
What is a cohort effect? Comparison of three statistical methods for modeling cohort effects in obesity prevalence in the United States, 1971-2006.

Abstract Analysts often use different conceptual definitions of a cohort effect, and therefore different statistical methods, which lead to differing empirical results. A definition often used in sociology assumes that cohorts have unique characteristics confounded by age and period effects, whereas epidemiologists often conceive that period and age effects interact to produce cohort effects. The present study aims to illustrate these differences by estimating age, period, and cohort (APC) effects on obesity prevalence in the U.S. from 1971 to 2006 using both conceptual approaches. Data were drawn from seven cross-sectional waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 for adults and ≥95th percentile for children under the age of 20. APC effects were estimated using the classic constraint-based method (first-order effects estimated and interpreted), the Holford method (first-order effects estimated but second-order effects interpreted), and median polish method (second-order effects are estimated and interpreted). Results indicated that all methods report significant age and period effects, with lower obesity prevalence in early life as well as increasing prevalence in successive surveys. Positive cohort effects for more recently born cohorts emerged based on the constraint-based model; when cohort effects were considered second-order estimates, no significant effects emerged. First-order estimates of age–period–cohort effects are often criticized because of their reliance on arbitrary constraints, but may be conceptually meaningful for sociological research questions. Second-order estimates are statistically estimable and produce conceptually meaningful results for epidemiological research questions. Age–period–cohort analysts should explicitly state the definition of a cohort effect under consideration. Our analyses suggest that the prevalence of obesity in the U.S. in the latter part of the 20th century rose across all birth cohorts, in the manner expected based on estimated age and period effects. As such, the absence or presence of cohort effects depends on the conceptual definition and therefore statistical method used.
Cross Talk between Notch and Growth Factor/Cytokine Signaling Pathways in Neural Stem Cells

Precise control of proliferation and differentiation of multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs) is crucial for proper development of the nervous system. Although signaling through the cell surface receptor Notch has been implicated in many aspects of neural development, its role in NSCs remains elusive. Here we examined how the Notch pathway cross talks with signaling for growth factors and cytokines in controlling the self-renewal and differentiation of NSCs. Both Notch and growth factors were required for active proliferation of NSCs, but each of these signals was sufficient and independent of the other to inhibit differentiation of neurons and glia. Moreover, Notch signals could support the clonal self-renewing growth of NSCs in the absence of growth factors. This growth factor-independent action of Notch involved the regulation of the cell cycle and cell-cell interactions. During differentiation of NSCs, Notch signals promoted the generation of astrocytes in collaboration with ciliary neurotrophic factor and growth factors. Their cooperative actions were likely through synergistic phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 on tyrosine at position 705 and serine at position 727. Our data suggest that distinct intracellular signaling pathways operate downstream of Notch for the self-renewal of NSCs and stimulation of astrogenesis.
Islands of practice and the Marston/Brenner debate: toward a more synthetic critical human geography

This paper argues that an important obstacle to the continued development of critical human geography are ‘islands of practice’, through which scholars become embedded in a research and writing tra...
Evolution of simulation techniques to model electric glass furnaces

The authors outline the development of modeling tools used in the analysis of the operation and design of electric glass furnaces. They emphasize the improvement over the last few decades of techniques that encompass scaled physical models and computer models. Those milestones which, in the authors' opinion, have had important influences in the course of model development and process analysis are noted. Each type of model is critiqued with examples from literature and from the authors' experience. The efforts to relate physical or computer models to actual electric melting operations are examined as well as attempts to bridge the gap from modeling results to glass quality and furnace efficiency. Future directions in glass electric furnace modeling are discussed. >
Oversimplification of complex harvest modeling issues outlined in Welch et al. (2014)

In their paper, ‘Migration behavior of maturing sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) and Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) in Cook Inlet, Alaska, and implications for management,’ Welch et al. (Anim. Biotelem. 2:18, 2014) report data on migratory behavior and relative swimming depths of Chinook and sockeye salmon near the Eastside Setnet (ESSN) fishery, Cook Inlet, Alaska, using acoustically tagged fish and an anchored array of acoustic receivers. Using this information, they provide a model to estimate changes in Chinook and sockeye salmon harvests associated with potential regulatory changes affecting surface gillnet depths in this fishery. We are concerned that the modeling exercise paints an unrealistic picture of how simply changing gillnet dimensions would translate into a viable management approach to preserve or increase sockeye salmon harvests while minimizing catch of Chinook salmon. Much of this fishery occurs in very shallow water, and Cook Inlet tides range about 10 m with tidal current speeds reaching about 9 km hr−1. Model assumptions that gillnets in this dynamic environment were hanging vertically and that gillnets did not reach the bottom are not valid. Gillnets in this fishery billow in strong currents causing the lead lines at the bottom of the nets to rise in the water column, and an unknown but high fraction of all gillnets reach the bottom for some portion of each tide cycle. We believe further information and a more sophisticated analysis is needed to realistically model changes in Chinook and sockeye salmon harvests in relation to gillnet depths, and we are concerned about unintended consequences that may arise from unrealistic solutions based on limited data proposed in the regulatory arena.
Mobile relay and group mobility for 4G WiMAX networks

Relay is one of the key features being considered for IMT-Advanced systems. The relay architectures defined in IEEE 802.16m and 3GPP LTE-Advanced are optimized only for non-mobile relay, i.e., the Relay Station is attached to a designated Base Station and becomes a part of the fixed access network. A mobile relay architecture, where relay may switch attached BS according to operation demand, will promise more resilient relay deployment. In this paper, we first highlight three use cases where mobile relays can offer useful deployment options. Next, we propose an enhanced handover mechanism for relay-based group mobility by extending the IEEE 802.16m specification on relay. To this end, we describe the handover architecture for mobile relay highlighting the C-plane and U-plane enhancements required in order to support group mobility of mobile stations. Using illustration and comparisons, we show that mobile relay will offer significant benefits of signaling overhead reduction and provide users seamless mobility experience compared to fixed relays.
Comparison of fascin expression in anaplastic large cell lymphoma and Hodgkin disease.

Diagnostic difficulties sometimes arise in distinguishing anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) from Hodgkin disease (HD), especially the syncytial variant. Study of the biologic features of diagnostic Reed-Sternberg cells in HD, in search of specific markers for Reed-Sternberg cells, has suggested fascin as a relatively specific and sensitive marker. We studied the frequency of fascin expression in 30 ALCLs and 34 cases of classic HD, including 17 cases of the syncytial variant. Staining with CD30 and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-1 also was performed in all cases. All ALCL and HD cases showed membranous and Golgi zone CD30 positivity. Fascin stained all HD cases but also stained 67% (20/30) of the ALCLs in a cytoplasmic pattern. Fascin positivity was observed in 59% (10/17) of T-cell ALCLs and 77% (10/13) of null-cell ALCLs; ALK-1–positive ALCLs, regardless of origin, were usually fascin-positive (91% [10/11]). In conclusion, fascin shows strong positivity in all cases of classic HD but also is positive in the majority of ALCLs, including ALK-1–positive and ALK-1–negative cases. Positive staining for fascin is not useful for distinguishing ALCL from HD. In some cases, fascin negativity may help rule out classic HD.
On the estimation of the tetrachoric correlation coefficient

This paper presents briefly the rationale of the tetrachoric correlation coefficient. Pearson's results are outlined and several estimates of the coefficient are given. These estimates are compared with Pearson's expressions to determine the relative accuracy of the various approximations in determining the tetrachoric correlation coefficient.
Effects of hydroxyurea treatment on cerebral oxygenation in adult patients with sickle cell disease: an open-label pilot study.

Abstract Background: In patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO 2 ) has been reported to be below normal and to increase after red blood cell transfusion. Objective: This study was designed to determine the effects of long-term and short-term hydroxyurea (HU) treatment on cerebral oxygenation in patients with SCD. Methods: This open-label pilot study was conducted at the Department of Anesthesiology and the Center for Sickle Cell Disease, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC. Adult African American outpatients with SCD and hemoglobin (Hb) genotype HbSS (homozygous sickle Hb) who were receiving long-term (>6 months) HU treatment (15–30 mg/kg · d PO) or who had never received this treatment (control group) were enrolled. Patients in the treated and control groups were matched for age, sex, race, and Hb genotype. Cerebral oximetry (near-infrared spectroscopy) was performed to determine rSO 2 index. In a separate analysis to determine the effects of short-term HU treatment on cerebral oxygenation, hospitalized patients with SCD and vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC)receiving long-term therapy with HU were enrolled. We performed cerebral and pulse (fingernail) oximetry to determine rSO 2 index and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) after the administration of a single oral dose of HU (500-mg tablet) alone and againafter dosing concomitantly with inhaled oxygen. Results: The study enrolled 11 patients in the HU group (6 women, 5 men; mean [SD] age, 37 [8] years) and 20 controls (8 women, 12 men; mean [SD] age, 35 [6] years). Mean (SD) rSO 2 index was significantly increased (but still low) in patients receiving long-term HU treatment compared with controls (46.1% [6.6%] vs 41.2% [7.6%]; P P P P 2 failed to correlate with rSO 2 index in these patients. Conclusions: The results of this open-label pilot study in patients with SCD suggest that the low cerebral oxygenation in these patients is significantly improved but not normalized with long-term HU treatment. A single dose of HU, either alone or in combination with inhaled oxygen, did not appear to influence cerebral oxygenation in patients with VOC.
Adverse effects of medications commonly used in the treatment of migraine

The classes of medications for migraine treatment are numerous and include ergots, triptans, NSAIDs, antidepressants, anti-epilepsy drugs, antihypertensives and natural supplements. Physicians need to be aware not only of medication efficacy but also of tolerability and safety. Side effects of these drugs can sometimes be beneficial, as migraineurs frequently have comorbid conditions. For example, those with insomnia can benefit from use of a tricyclic antidepressant that is effective in preventing migraine. However, these same coexistent conditions can be worsened by migraine medication or be contraindicated and multiple medications prescribed for several conditions can result in drug-drug interactions. This article reviews adverse events associated with migraine and medications, and their implications in clinical treatment.
Learning of the Non-threshold Functions of Multiple-Valued Logic by a Single Multi-valued Neuron with a Periodic Activation Function

In this paper, a theory of multiple-valued threshold functions over the field of complex numbers is further developed. k-valued threshold functions over the field of complex numbers can be learned using a single multi-valued neuron (MVN). We propose a new approach for the projection of a k-valued function, which is not a threshold one, to m-valued logic (m≫k), where this function becomes a partially defined m-valued threshold function and can be learned by a single MVN. To build this projection, a periodic activation function for the MVN is used. This new activation function and a modified learning algorithm make it possible to learn nonlinearly separable multiple-valued functions using a single MVN.
Evaluating revascularization and flap survival using vascular endothelial growth factor in an irradiated rat model.

Objective: To evaluate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plasmid DNA (pDNA) in improving flap revascularization in a previously developed rat model. Our hypothesis was that the uptake and expression of VEGF pDNA in the wound bed would improve revascularization and flap viability. Design: Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats received a total dose of 40 Gy electron beam radiation to the ventral abdominal wall. After a recovery period, they underwent a ventral fasciocutaneous flap procedure with a 2-hour ischemia period. Group 1 (n=14) received topical VEGF pDNA, in vivo cationic polymer, and fibrin sealant. Group 2 (n=14) received topical cationic polymer and fibrin sealant only. Seven of the rats from each group underwent pedicle ligation at 8 or 14 days. The primary outcome measure was percentage of flap revascularization 5 days after pedicle ligation.
COOH-terminal truncation of flightin decreases myofilament lattice organization, cross-bridge binding, and power output in Drosophila indirect flight muscle

The indirect flight muscle (IFM) of insects is characterized by a near crystalline myofilament lattice structure that likely evolved to achieve high power output. In Drosophila IFM, the myosin rod ...
Back-transient diode logic

Conventional diode switching circuits show a significant decline in performance and efficiency as their speed of operation is increased. Faster rise and fall times require correspondingly-greater peak currents to charge and discharge circuit capacitance, at the cost of increased static power dissipation, drive requirements, and noise. These peak currents are in demand for only a brief initial and final fraction of the total signaltime duration and might ideally be gated by a 2-step switch having a low resistance during these brief time intervals, with a much greater resistance for the remainder of the signal duration. The semiconductor diode approximates this function when rapidly switched in a low impedance circuit immediately following forward conduction. This is due to the well-known hole-storage effect, a property of diodes generally considered detrimental for rapid switching operations. However, it will be shown that hole storage may also serve as the design basis for a new type of diode-switching circuit, henceforth referred to as back-transient diode logic (BTDL), which exhibits good efficiency, low noise, and excellent compatibility with vacuum tubes or transistors at switching speeds as high as 30 mp (megapulses) per second.