cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multivariate Prediction of Airflow and Temperature Distributions Using Artificial Neural Networks

Thermal Management optimization for data centers, including prediction of airflow and temperature distributions, is generally an extremely time-consuming process using full-scale CFD analysis. Reduced order models are necessary in order to provide real-time assessment of cooling requirements for data centers. The use of a simulation-based Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is being investigated as a predictive tool. A model for a basic hot aisle/cold aisle data center configuration was built and analyzed using the commercial software FloTHERM. The flow field and temperature distributions were obtained for 100 representative sets of operating conditions using the CFD package. The Latin Hypercube Sampling technique was employed to select values for three design variables: plenum height, percentage open area of the perforated tiles and air leakage fraction. The FloTHERM results were used to generate a database for the ANN training. The CFD results from 85 cases were used for training and 16 cases were used for validation. A multivariate mapping between the input design variables and output variables (individual tile flow rates and maximum rack temperatures) was obtained. Good agreement (0.5% average relative error) was obtained between the ANN model predictions and the CFD results. These preliminary results are promising and show that an ANN based model may yield an effective real-time thermal management design tool for data centers.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Aminoguanidine Ameliorates and l-Arginine Worsens Brain Damage From Intraluminal Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

Background and Purpose We studied whether the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor aminoguanidine reduces focal cerebral ischemic damage in a relatively noninvasive stroke model in which the rat middle cerebral artery (MCA) is occluded using an intravascular filament. Methods In rats anesthetized with halothane, a nylon filament was advanced into the internal carotid artery until its tip occluded the origin of the MCA. The filament was left in place for 2 hours and then withdrawn. Twenty-four hours later, rats received intraperitoneal injections of aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg BID; n=7), aminoguanidine+l-arginine (300 mg/kg QID; n=7), l-arginine alone (n=6), d-arginine alone (n=6), or vehicle (n=10). Drugs were administered for 3 consecutive days. Infarct volume was determined by image analysis in thionin-stained brain sections 4 days after ischemia. iNOS mRNA was detected with the use of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results Cerebral ischemia led to iNOS mRNA expression in the...
Oceanographers and ocean engineers: Demand exceeds supply

Excellent job opportunities exist for welltrained graduates at the doctoral level in all fields of oceanography and oceanographie engineering, but there are too few candidates to fill the jobs. That was the consensus reached last year at the Deans' Retreat, an annual conference of US and Canadian deans representing the major schools and institutes offering doctoral-level training in oceanography. The trend of decreasing numbers of doctoral candidates has evolved since 1980, when the deans first met at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Woods Hole, MA, USA The deans reported that the largest pool of applicants is in biological oceanography, but acceptances are funding-limited. The other disciplines are applicant-limited, especially in physical oceanography and ocean engineering. Regardless of discipline, mathematics is generally found to be the principal weakness in most applicants.
Compensation in the number of presynaptic dense projections and synaptic vesicles in remaining parallel fibres following cerebellar lesions.

Our previous investigations demonstrated an increase in the size of remaining synaptic sites as an intermediate or possible alternative to sprouting plasticity. The total amount of postsynaptic contact area remained relatively constant for each target neuron even though there was a marked decrease in the number of sites on these neurons. In addition, enlarged boutons containing numerous synaptic vesicles were positioned adjacent to enlarged postsynaptic sites. The question posed by this study was to determine whether dense projections, parts of the presynaptic grids of the remaining parallel fibres, spread to cover the enlarged postsynaptic sites, or if the number of these densities increased on each site to maintain the structural organization of the presynaptic grid. In addition, the number of synaptic vesicles per bouton was quantitated to determine whether they compensated by increasing their number in relationship to the increased area of the presynaptic grid. The number of parallel fibre synapses on Purkinje cells was reduced by transection of a narrow bundle of parallel fibres accompanied by a small lesion undercutting the molecular layer to destroy granule cells contributing to this bundle. The number of presynaptic dense projections was quantitated in control and lesioned preparations (using ethanolic phosphotungstic acid staining) in order to determine their correlation to the area of each site. In addition, the average number of synaptic vesicles in boutons was compared to the average size of boutons and the average contact area of the synaptic sites. At 3 to 7 days following partial deafferentation of Purkinje cells in adult rats, the density of dense projections of parallel fibre synapses on Purkinje cell spines remained uniform. This occurred throughout a range of reduction in the number of synapses in conjunction with a reciprocal increase in the size of sites. The finding of a uniform density of these projections and an increase in the size of sites implies that each granule cell axon must gain dense projections. In addition, the remaining presynaptic boutons had a uniform density of synaptic vesicles even though the volume of the boutons and the area of the synaptic contact doubled. Thus, the number of synaptic vesicles gained in proportion to the total enlargement of the contact site and the bouton size. These results strongly suggest that deficits or losses in synaptic connections of parallel fibre on Purkinje cell spines produces a compensation in the total number of synaptic vesicles and presynaptic dense projections of the remaining boutons. An enlargement of the presynaptic grid occurs in concert with redistribution of the constant total area of membrane occupied by macromolecules (or insertion of new ones) on remaining postsynaptic sites. These compensations could be facilitating efficacy of neuronal connections after lesions or neuronal attrition by re-establishing available transmitter and release sites in proportion to the constant amount of receptor area.
Outcomes of Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation of Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Objective To investigate the benefits of comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation for patients after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Design A retrospective cohort study. Setting An urban academic inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Patients This study included 58 patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation after LVAD implantation between 2009 and 2012. Methods Chart review of demographic, clinical, and functional data for patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation after LVAD implantation was performed. Main Outcome Measurements Length of stay, admission and discharge Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and FIM efficiency. Results The study included 47 male and 11 female patients ages 21.8-84.1 years (mean [standard deviation {SD}], 64.2 ± 11.2 years). The mean (SD) length of time between LVAD implantation and admission to rehabilitation was 27.0 ± 15.3 days. Twenty-one patients (36%) required transfer to an acute care hospital. Ten patients returned after transfer and completed inpatient rehabilitation. For the 47 total patients who completed inpatient rehabilitation, the mean (SD) length of stay was 20.3 ± 10.8 days (range, 7-50 days). Mean (SD) admission and discharge FIM scores were 68.4 ± 13.6 and 91.7 ± 11.8, respectively, with a mean (SD) difference between admission and discharge FIM scores of 23.4 ± 11.2. The mean (SD) FIM efficiency was 1.33 ± 0.65. Complications during rehabilitation included anemia that required transfusion, respiratory distress, epistaxis, gout flare, automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator firing, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusions Patients with LVADs demonstrate functional gains in inpatient rehabilitation. However, there is a high incidence of complications in this population, which often requires transfer to an acute care setting.
On the Packet Header Size and Network State Tradeoff for Trajectory-Based Routing in Wireless Networks

This paper considers the tradeoffs between packet header size, network state and accuracy of representation in wireless networks which use trajectory based routing techniques. The models presented here are applicable in sensor networks for which trajectory based routing techniques have previously been proposed. We begin with simple discrete models to make clear the tradeoff between header size and network state. We show that the problem of accurate representation of a trajectory with the objective of minimizing the cost incurred due to header size and network state is difficult to solve optimally. Therefore, we present two heuristics to solve this problem. We note that this work leads to further interesting problems when applied to practical systems.
When Simple Language Fails: Presenting Difficult Science to the Public:

Explanatory tools such as simple words, examples, and analogies are ineffective for overcoming an important obstacle to understanding science. This obstacle is that many fundamental scientific principles are counterintuitive (e.g., people resist wearing seat belts partly because scientific notions of inertia are counterintuitive). To assist science writers in presenting science news and concepts, this article identified 1) three major difficulties lay readers often have in understanding science, 2) the kinds of ideas readers find counterintuitive, 3) ineffective approaches for explaining these notions, and 4) effective strategies that help people understand these difficult ideas and their implications for health and safety.
Women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea but not other forms of anovulation display amplified cortisol concentrations

Abstract Objective: To test the hypothesis that increased cortisol secretion is specific to women with decreased GnRH drive and not found in eumenorrheic women or those with other causes of anovulation. Design: Cortisol concentrations in blood were determined at 30-minute intervals for 24 hours in three well-characterized groups: women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, those with other causes of anovulation, and eumenorrheic women. Setting: Academic medical center. Patient(s): Women aged 20 through 35 years, with well-defined reproductive states. Intervention(s): Venous blood samples were obtained from, and psychometric inventories were completed by, the participants. Main Outcome Measure(s): Twenty-four-hour cortisol levels, 24-hour LH pulse patterns, and serial P levels were measured in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, eumenorrheic women, and those with other causes of anovulation. Result(s): Cortisol secretion was higher in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (n = 19) than in those with other causes of anovulation (n = 19) or eumenorrheic women (n = 19). Six women who recovered from functional hypothalamic amenorrhea had cortisol levels comparable to those of eumenorrheic women and those with other causes of anovulation. Conclusion(s): These data underscore the association between increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity and reduced GnRH drive and support the concept that functional hypothalamic amenorrhea develops in response to stress-induced alterations in central neural function that modify hypothalamic function.
Explaining Calibration Accuracy in Classroom Contexts: The Effects of Incentives, Reflection, and Explanatory Style.

A 2 × 2 quasi-experimental design was used to investigate the impact of extrinsic incentives and reflection on students’ calibration of exam performance. We further examined the relationships among attributional style, performance, and calibration judgments. Participants were 137 college students enrolled in an educational psychology course. Results differed as a function of exam performance. Higher-performing students were very accurate in their calibration and did not show significant improvements across a semester-length course. Attributional style did not significantly contribute to their calibration judgments. Lower-performing students, however, were less accurate in their calibration, and students in the incentives condition showed significant increases in calibration. Beyond exam scores, attributional style constructs were significant predictors of calibration judgments for these students. The constructs targeting study and social variables accounted for most of the additional explained variance. The qualitative data also revealed differences by performance level in open-ended explanations for calibration judgments.
Towards a classification model to identify hospice candidates in terminally ill patients

This paper presents a Rough Set Theory (RST) based classification model to identify hospice candidates within a group of terminally ill patients. Hospice care considerations are particularly valuable for terminally ill patients since they enable patients and their families to initiate end-of-life discussions and choose the most desired management strategy for the remainder of their lives. Unlike traditional data mining methodologies, our approach seeks to identify subgroups of patients possessing common characteristics that distinguish them from other subgroups in the dataset. Thus, heterogeneity in the data set is captured before the classification model is built. Object related reducts are used to obtain the minimum set of attributes that describe each subgroup existing in the dataset. As a result, a collection of decision rules is derived for classifying new patients based on the subgroup to which they belong. Results show improvements in the classification accuracy compared to a traditional RST methodology, in which patient diversity is not considered. We envision our work as a part of a comprehensive decision support system designed to facilitate end-of-life care decisions. Retrospective data from 9105 patients is used to demonstrate the design and implementation details of the classification model.
R-Ras is required for murine dendritic cell maturation and CD4+ T-cell priming.

R-Ras is a member of the RAS superfamily of small GTP-binding proteins. The physiologic function of R-Ras has not been fully elucidated. We found that R-Ras is expressed by lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues and drastically up-regulated when bone marrow progenitors are induced to differentiate into dendritic cells (DCs). To address the role of R-Ras in DC functions, we generated a R-Ras-deficient mouse strain. We found that tumors induced in Rras−/− mice formed with shorter latency and attained greater tumor volumes. This finding has prompted the investigation of a role for R-Ras in the immune system. Indeed, Rras−/− mice were impaired in their ability to prime allogeneic and antigen-specific T-cell responses. Rras−/− DCs expressed lower levels of surface MHC class II and CD86 in response to lipopolysaccharide compared with wild-type DCs. This was correlated with a reduced phosphorylation of p38 and Akt. Consistently, R-Ras–GTP level was increased within 10 minutes of lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Furthermore, Rras−/− DCs have attenuated capacity to spread on fibronectin and form stable immunologic synapses with T cells. Altogether, these findings provide the first demonstration of a role for R-Ras in cell-mediated immunity and further expand on the complexity of small G-protein signaling in DCs.
Biosynthetic studies on the α-glucosidase inhibitor acarbose: the chemical synthesis of dTDP-4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-α-d-glucose

Abstract To study the biosynthesis of the pseudotetrasaccharide acarbose, dTDP-4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-α- d -glucose ( 3 ) was prepared from galactose in 16 steps. After initial protecting-group manipulations, the 6-position of galactose was deoxygenated by hydride displacement of a tosylate. Similarly a tosyl group at the 4-position was displaced upon reaction with sodium azide. Conversion of the resulting glycoside to a glycosyl phosphate was accomplished by reaction of a glycosyl trichloroacetimidate with dibenzyl phosphate. Subsequent removal of the benzyl protecting groups and reduction of the azide by hydrogenation and coupling with an activated nucleoside phosphate gave dTDP-4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-α- d -glucose.
Theory for Ligand Rebinding at Cell Membrane Surfaces

Conditions for which a ligand reversibly bound to a cell surface dissociates and then rebinds to the surface have been theoretically examined. The coupled differential equations that describe reaction at the interface between sites on a plane and three-dimensional solution have been described previously (Thompson, N. L., T. P. Burghardt, and D. Axelrod. 1981. Biophys. J. 33:435-454). Here, we use this theoretical formalism to provide an analytical solution for the spatial and temporal dependence of the probabilities of finding a molecule on the surface or in the solution, given initial placement on the surface at the origin. This general analytical solution is used to derive a simple expression for the probability that a molecule rebinds to the surface at a given position and time after release at the origin and time zero. The probability expressions provide fundamental equations that form a basis for subsequent modeling of ligand-receptor interactions in specific geometries.
Quantitative [3H] dipyridamole autoradiography: evidence for adenosine transporter heterogeneity in guinea pig brain

[3H] Dipyridamole binding in guinea pig brain slices has been characterized. Binding of [3H] dipyridamole to guinea pig forebrian slices was found to be rapid, reversible and saturable. Saturation experiments revealed a class of high affinity binding sites with a Bmax value of 592 ± 118 fmol/mg protein and Kd value of 10.8 nM ± 2.1 nM in the analysed concentration range. In competition experiments, the adenosine transport inhibitors hexobendine and dipyridamole itself were the most potent displacers (inhibition constants of 4.6 nM ± 1 nM and 11.5 nM ± 3 nM) with “pseudo-Hill” coefficients close to 1. Competition curves with nitrobenzylthioinosine, another adenosine transport inhibitor, however, showed a biphasic profile with a “pseudo-Hill” coefficient of 0.33 ± 0.04. Just 42% ± 4% of [3H] dipyridamole binding were inhibited by nanomolar concentrations of nitrobenzylthioinosine and only micromolar concentrations displaced the remainder. Subsequent quantitative autoradiography demonstrated regional differences in the inhibition of [3H] dipyridamole binding by submicromolar concentrations of nitrobenzylthioinosine. While in cortical areas of cerebrum and cerebellum 500 nM nitrobenzylthioinosine displaced binding of [3H] dipyridamole to only about one-third of its sites (in the Purkinje cell layer less than 10%), it showed similar potency as dipyridamole in various areas of the brainstem and hypothalamus. This biphasic and regionally heterogenous interaction of nitrobenzylthioinosine with [3H] dipyridamole binding sites in guinea pig brain slices strongly suggests heterogeneity of adenosine transporters.
An early molecular response induced by acute overdistension of the rabbit urinary bladder.

In the rabbit, partial urinary bladder outlet obstruction rapidly increases bladder mass and alters several parameters of normal bladder function. Previous experiments on this animal model (Buttyanet al. Neurourol. Urodyn. 11: 225–238, 1992) had identified an early molecular response to partial outlet obstruction that involved the profound induction of mRNA encoding a heat-shock gene, hsp-70, as well as induced expression of mRNA for basic fibroblast growth factor and certain protooncogenes. Numerous physiological studies of the hypertrophied rabbit bladder indicate that the primary stimulus for bladder growth may be the initial overdistension that occurs as the bladder fills following partial outlet obstruction. The present study was undertaken to determine if the sequence and characteristics of gene activation during the recovery following a brief period of overdistension of the rabbit bladder are comparable with the gene activity previously described in association with partial outlet obstruction.
Polyphosphate Chain Stability in Magnesia-Polyphosphate Cements

Polyphosphates of the general formula $${\text{N}}{{\text{a}}_n}{{\text{H}}_2}{{\text{P}}_n}{{\text{O}}_{3n + 1}} \cdot {{\text{H}}_2}{\text{O, n = 6, 15, 70}}$$ , where n is the average degree of polymerization, have been synthesized and characterized by 31P NMR and HPLC. Aqueous solutions of these polyphosphates react at room temperature with magnesia to form cement pastes that harden to amorphous materials. The compressive strengths and porosities obtained are similar to those of $${\text{MgO - }}\left( {N{H_4}} \right){{\text{H}}_2}{{\text{P}}_3}{{\text{O}}_{10}}{\text{ - }}{{\text{H}}_2}{\text{O}}$$ cements. Although polyphosphate chain length does not have a significant effect on the strength of the cement, 31P MAS-NMR spectroscopy showed that the degree of polyphosphate chain degradation decreases as the average degree of polymerization, n, increases.
The effects of network delay on task performance in a visual-haptic collaborative environment

Computer networks have grown considerably over the past decade. Faster and cheaper Internet connections have brought millions of PCs into a domain where rich content and fast downloads have become a necessity. New technology such as haptics must integrate into the existing infrastructures if it is to be considered a viable resource. As with visual and audio that preceded it, haptics too will find its home on the Internet. This research investigates the problems inherent in networks that haptic technology must overcome to make the step from a fascinating technology to a practical one.
Plasticity of Extended Subsites Facilitates Divergent Substrate Recognition by Kex2 and Furin

Yeast Kex2 and human furin are subtilisin-related proprotein convertases that function in the late secretory pathway and exhibit similar though distinguishable patterns of substrate recognition. Although both enzymes prefer Arg at P1 and basic residues at P2, the two differ in recognition of P4 and P6 residues. To probe P4 and P6 recognition by Kex2p, furin-like substitutions were made in the putative S4 and S6 subsites of Kex2. T252D and Q283E mutations were introduced to increase the preference for Arg at P4 and P6, respectively. Glu255 was replaced with Ile to limit recognition of P4 Arg. The effects of putative S4 and S6 mutations were determined by examining the cleavage by purified mutant enzymes of a series of fluorogenic substrates with systematic changes in P4 and/or P6. Whereas wild Kex2 exhibited little preference type for Arg at P6, the T252D mutant and T252D/Q283E double mutant exhibited clear interactions with P6 Arg. Moreover, the T252D and T252D/Q283E substitutions altered the influence of the P6 residue on P4 recognition. We infer that cross-talk between S4 and S6, not seen in furin, allows wild type and mutant forms of Kex2 to adapt their subsites for altered modes of recognition. This apparent plasticity may allow the subsites to rearrange their local environment to interact with different substrates in a productive manner. E255I-Kex2 exhibited significantly decreased recognition of P4 Arg in a tetrapeptide substrate with Lys at P1, although the general pattern of selectivity for aliphatic residues at P4 remained unchanged.
An introduction to object-oriented simulation in C++

An object-oriented simulation (OOS) consists of a set of objects that interact with each other over time. This p aper provides a thorough introduction to OOS, addresses the important issue of composition versus inheritance, describes frames and frameworks for OOS, and presents an example of a network simulation language as an i llustration of OOS.
Concept acquisition and the perception of meaning

Abstract The assumptions underlying the classification rule-learning description of concept acquisition are critically examined. It is argued that categorizing is an outcome of perceiving an entity's meaning, and that neither natural pattern recognition nor comprehension requires that persons must first abstract common features from concept exemplars. An alternative characterization of what it means to have a concept is proposed. The theoretical framework derives from Nelson's functional primacy hypothesis and Gibson's position that knowledge of the world is a product of direct perception. The focus of the discussion ranges from metatheoretical issues to practical implications.
G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in the brain of Sarcophaga crassipalpis during pupal diapause and the expression pattern of the cell cycle regulator, proliferating cell nuclear antigen

During pupal diapause in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga crassipalpis, the cells of the brain are arrested in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. When diapause is terminated with a topical application of hexane, cell cycling is evident within 12 hours. Four G1 and S phase regulatory genes were examined by Northern blot analysis to evaluate their expression patterns in relation to this cell cycle arrest. A distinction between diapausing and nondiapausing individuals was noted only for Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA). PCNA was highly expressed after diapause was terminated but not during diapause. In contrast, cyclin E, p21, and p53 were expressed equally at all times. In situ hybridization using PCNA probes further indicated a correlation between PCNA transcription (expression) in the brain and cell cycling. Our evidence thus suggests a potential role for PCNA as an important regulator of cell cycle arrest during diapause.
Field patterns of pulsed, focused, ultrasonic radiators in attenuating and nonattenuating media

A theoretical method which can be used to calculate the pressure field patterns of pulsed, focused, ultrasonic radiators in attenuating and nonattenuating media is discussed in this paper. The underlying principle involved is the superposition of continuous wave beams to form pressure pulses. The method is adapted to the circumstances associated with using a hydrophone to measure field patterns. Experimentally obtained hydrophone signals are then compared to theoretical predictions. The field patterns of four transducer‐pulser combinations are investigated. A medium with tissue‐mimicking acoustical properties is used to attenuate the ultrasonic beam in these studies. The theory compares favorably with experiment whether an attenuating medium is present or not. However, the theory fails at positions very close to the transducer face (∠1 cm) and when significant nonlinear effects occur during the transmission of the pulse through the medium. This work may have significant applications in research devoted to designing ultrasonic transducers for particular studies, determining dose profiles of medical ultrasonic machines, and analyzing the ultrasonic signals backscattered from within patients.
Anxiogenic β-carboline FG 7142 produces activation of noradrenergic neurons in specific brain regions of rats

By measuring the levels of two major metabolites of rat brain noradrenaline (NA), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), we investigated the effects of anxiogenic beta-carboline FG 7142, an inverse agonist of benzodiazepine (BZD) receptors, on brain noradrenergic activity of rats. Thirty min after treatment with FG 7142 (15 mg/kg IP), levels of both MHPG and DHPG in the hypothalamus, amygdala and thalamus, but not in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, significantly increased. These increases were significantly antagonized by pretreatment with BZD receptor antagonist Ro 15-1788 (15 mg/kg, IP). Sixty min after treatment with FG 7142 at the same dose, significant increases in both metabolite levels occurred in the hypothalamus, amygdala, thalamus and cerebral cortex, and increases in MHPG levels only were observed in the hippocampus. These increases were significantly blocked by pretreatment with alpha 2-adrenoreceptor agonist clonidine (100 microgram/kg, IP). The present findings suggest that FG 7142 can produce increases in brain noradrenergic activity in specific brain regions by interacting with BZD receptors, and may support the hypothesis that hyperactivity of brain noradrenergic systems may be one neural mechanism in provocation of aversive emotional changes (anxiety, fear or panic).
Measurement of 47calcium retention with a whole-body counter

A method for measuring the retention of orally administered47Ca using a whole-body counter (WBC) is described. One microcurie47Ca in 90 ml of lowfal milk was given along with 5 μCi51Cr as a stool marker. The retention of47Ca was determined at 7 days if less than 2% of the administered51Cr was present in the body. Correlation between calcium retention by the whole-bodycounting and the excreta-recovery methods was highly significant (r=0.835,P<0.0001; N=17). In 5 subjects, each studied twice while on constant self-selected diets, calcium retention was measured by the WBC method with a precision (standard deviation) of±2.6% of the administered dose or±13.9% of the mean retained fraction. Whole-body measurement of47Ca retention has the advantages over other techniques that no collections of blood or stool are needed, no residency on a metabolic ward is required, and the radiation exposure (13 mrem) is so low that multiple studies may be performed in the same subject.
Nucleosides. CXLIII. Synthesis of 5'-Deoxy-5'-substituted-2, 2'-anhydrol- (β-D-arabinofuranosyl) uracils. A New 2, 5'-to 2, 2'-Anhydronucleoside Transformation. Studies Directed toward the Synthesis of 2'-Deoxy-2'- substituted arabino Nucleosides. (4)

Treatment of 2, 5'-anhydro-3'-O-acetyl-2'-Ο-triflyluridine with a nucleophile such as NaOAc, NaN3, LiCl or LiBr, did not afford the 2'-substituted 2, 5'-anhydro-arabinosyluracil, but gave 2, 2'-anhydro-1- (5-substituted-β-D-arabinofuranosyl) uracil instead.
ERCC1 expression in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) using a novel detection platform correlates with progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving platinum chemotherapy.

Purpose To utilize a novel circulating tumor cell (CTC) technology to quantify ERCC1 expression on CTCs and determine whether ERCC1 expression levels predict efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Soil Washing Potential of a Natural Surfactant

Biodegradable natural surfactants obtained from plants can be an attractive alternative to synthetic surfactants in the remediation of contaminated soils. In this research, a plant-based surfactant obtained from the fruit pericarp of Sapindus mukurossi, a tree generally grown in tropical regions of Asia, is tested. A simple and economical method for the preparation of the surfactant is developed. An empirical formula for the surfactant was determined to be (C26H31O10)n. The aqueous solubilities of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and naphthalene in the natural surfactant solutions were found to vary linearly with the concentration of the surfactant showing trends comparable to that of typical com mercial surfactants. Natural surfactant solutions were also employed for flushing HCB from one-dimensional soil columns. HCB recoveries after 12 pore volumes of flushing with 0.5 and 1% natural surfactant solutions were 20 and 100 times more than that recovered by water flooding. These promising results warrant further re...
Family Resilience Predicts Socioeconomic Mobility of HUD Participants

Changing economic times and government policies are reshaping the way the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides services nationwide; there is both a growing demand for housing and a desire to help families become self-sufficient. In this study, the authors examined factors that contribute to increased socioeconomic mobility through the lens of family resilience. Analyzing cross-sectional data from 411 families in the San Bernardino County HUD District using discriminant function analysis, results of this study show strong preliminary evidence that certain components of family resilience predict whether an individual head of household will have full-time employment. The results of this study provide implications for social service programs aimed at socioeconomic mobility.
The prognostic significance of the ballistocardiogram in ischemic heart disease

The purpose of the present study was to explore further the possible utility of the ballistocardiogram (BCG) in the evaluation of patients with ischemic heart disease and especially to test, in a prospective way over a ten-year period, the prognostic value of repeated ballistocardiographic tracings. One attractive feature of the BCG is that it is a noninvasive technique that can be repeated as often as desired in the same individual. While it has not been possible to relate abnormalities in the BCG pattern to specific cardiovascular lesions or syndromes, or to obtain quantitative data on certain conventional hemodynamic measures, the BCG has proved of value as it reflects the force of cardiac ejection. As such, in studies by Starr and Schroeder1-4 more than 30 years ago, it yielded the only objective evidence of heart disease in subjects having suffered a myocardial infarction in the past. Confirmation followed from several laboratories.5-8 The effects of lipidemia on the BCG in patients with ischemic heart disease were reported by Kuo and Joynere and the effects of hypoxia by Penneys.lO In 1946, Star+ reported a striking prognostic capability in the BCG in ischemic heart disease. More than half of a group of subjects over age 50 whose BCG’s were abnormal, were found to have suffered myocardial infarctions at follow-up eight years later, while only 3 per cent of those with initially normal BCG’s had evidence of heart dis-
Deriving the radial distances of wide coronal mass ejections from elongation measurements in the heliosphere - application to CME-CME interaction

Abstract. We present general considerations regarding the derivation of the radial distances of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from elongation angle measurements such as those provided by SECCHI and SMEI, focusing on measurements in the Heliospheric Imager 2 (HI-2) field of view (i.e. past 0.3 AU). This study is based on a three-dimensional (3-D) magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) simulation of two CMEs observed by SECCHI on 24–27 January 2007. Having a 3-D simulation with synthetic HI images, we are able to compare the two basic methods used to derive CME positions from elongation angles, the so-called "Point-P" and "Fixed-φ" approximations. We confirm, following similar works, that both methods, while valid in the most inner heliosphere, yield increasingly large errors in HI-2 field of view for fast and wide CMEs. Using a simple model of a CME as an expanding self-similar sphere, we derive an analytical relationship between elongation angles and radial distances for wide CMEs. This relationship is simply the harmonic mean of the "Point-P" and "Fixed-φ" approximations and it is aimed at complementing 3-D fitting of CMEs by cone models or flux rope shapes. It proves better at getting the kinematics of the simulated CME right when we compare the results of our line-of-sights to the MHD simulation. Based on this approximation, we re-analyze the J-maps (time-elongation maps) in 26–27 January 2007 and present the first observational evidence that the merging of CMEs is associated with a momentum exchange from the faster ejection to the slower one due to the propagation of the shock wave associated with the fast eruption through the slow eruption.
Shale gas, wind and water: assessing the potential cumulative impacts of energy development on ecosystem services within the Marcellus play.

Global demand for energy has increased by more than 50 percent in the last half-century, and a similar increase is projected by 2030. This demand will increasingly be met with alternative and unconventional energy sources. Development of these resources causes disturbances that strongly impact terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. The Marcellus Shale gas play covers more than 160,934 km2 in an area that provides drinking water for over 22 million people in several of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States (e.g. New York City, Washington DC, Philadelphia & Pittsburgh). Here we created probability surfaces representing development potential of wind and shale gas for portions of six states in the Central Appalachians. We used these predictions and published projections to model future energy build-out scenarios to quantify future potential impacts on surface drinking water. Our analysis predicts up to 106,004 new wells and 10,798 new wind turbines resulting up to 535,023 ha of impervious surface (3% of the study area) and upwards of 447,134 ha of impacted forest (2% of the study area). In light of this new energy future, mitigating the impacts of energy development will be one of the major challenges in the coming decades.
The Effects of Socioeconomic Status on Hand Size and Strength, Vestibular Function, Visuomotor Integration, and Praxis in Preschool Children

Differences in hand size and strength, vestibular function, visuomotor integration, and praxis in preschool children as a function of socioeconomic status were investigated. Twenty-two children of lower socioeconomic status, aged 3 to 5 years, were each matched with a child of higher socioeconomic status on the basis of race, sex, hand dominance, age, height, and weight. Measures used were the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery, 1982), hand size and strength, the Standing Balance subtests of the Southern California Sensory Integration Tests (Ayres, 1972), the Bowman Unilateral Hopping Test (Flannigan, 1987), the Southern California Postrotary Nystagmus Test (Ayres, 1975), the praxis tests of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) (Ayres, 1984), and the Bowman Quality of Prone Extension Scale (Etheredge, 1987). Analyses with two separate Hotelling's T2 for correlated samples (Huck, Cormier, & Bounds, 1974) revealed significant differences in hand size and strength as well as praxis, and subsequent post hoc analyses revealed better scores for the higher socioeconomic status group on right hand strength and on the Praxis on Verbal Command subtest of the SIPT. A paired t test also revealed that the higher socioeconomic status group scored better on visuomotor integration. Analysis with Hotelling's T2 revealed no significant differences between the two groups on the vestibular measures. The results of this study suggest that on certain tests used by occupational therapists, children from a higher socioeconomic status group may function at a higher developmental level than those from a lower socioeconomic status group. When interpreting clients' test results, therefore, therapists should consider the possible influence of socioeconomic status.
Occupational Safety and Health in India: Now and the Future

India, a growing economy and world's largest democracy, has population exceeding 1.2 billion. Out of this huge number, 63.6% form working age group. More than 90% work in the informal economy, mainly agriculture and services. Less than 10% work in the organized sector; mainly industry, mining and some services. New service industries like Information Technology (IT), Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) are increasing rapidly; so is the proportion of females in the workforce. The occupational safety and health (OSH) scenario in India is complex. Unprecedented growth and progress go hand in hand with challenges such as huge workforce in unorganized sector, availability of cheap labor, meager public spending on health, inadequate implementation of existing legislation, lack of reliable OSH data, shortage of OSH professionals, multiplicity of statutory controls, apathy of stakeholders and infrastructure problems. The national policy on OSH at workplace, adopted by the government in 2009, is yet to be implemented. Some of the major occupational risks are accidents, pneumoconiosis, musculoskeletal injuries, chronic obstructive lung diseases; pesticide poisoning and noise induced hearing loss. The three most important OSH needs are: 1. legislation to extend OSH coverage to all sectors of working life including the unorganized sector; 2. spreading the awareness about OSH among stakeholders; 3. development of OSH infrastructure and OSH professionals. Other issues include integration of occupational health with primary health care.
Superactive and stereospecific catalysts. II. Kinetics of propylene polymerizations

The kinetics of propylene polymerization by superactive CH-catalyst prepared from toluene solution of MgCl2 · EH/PA/TiCl4–TEA/PES was investigated. The results are compared with CW-catalyst prepared from crystalline MgCl2/EB/PC/TEA/TiCl4–TEA/MPT (abbreviations given in the text). The former is four times more active than the latter and produces more isotactic polypropylene. The CH-catalyst has 25% of the Ti as isospecific sites as compared to 6.7% for the CW-catalysts. These sites have the same rate constant of propagation so that the higher polymerization activity of the CH-catalyst is attributable simply to a greater number of active sites. Differences in the kinetics of deactivation and of chain transfer for the two catalysts are described.
Allopurinol Absorption from Different Sites of the Rat Gastrointestinal Tract

Allopurinol exhibits good bioavailability (78–90%) after administration of oral dosage forms to humans and rabbits; however, it is not absorbed rectally from any of the dosage forms to any significant extent. Oral administration of allopurinol in a polyethylene glycol suspension, to which allopurinol may be reversibly complexed, to rabbits has been shown to produce erratic and poor absorption of allopurinol. This suggests the possibility of differential absorption of allopurinol from various sites of the Gl tract. The mechanism of allopurinol absorption was investigated in rats using the in situ Levine technique. The allopurinol absorption rate was 0.56 ± 0.10 μ/min/cm from the upper portion of the small intestine and was 0.48 ± 0.12 μ/min/cm from the midgut. The absorption from the lower portion of the small intestine was 0.33 ± 0.14 μ/min/cm and from the upper and lower large intestine segments was negligible (0.04 ± 0.06 μ/min/cm). The normalization of these absorption rates for surface area yielded flux values (normalized absorption rate as μ/min/cm2) with significant differences in permeability between small and large intestine for allopurinol. The allopurinol absorption rate increased with increases in the dose, and there was a linear relationship between dose and absorption rate. Thus, allopurinol absorption, although specific to particular sites, is not dose dependent in the dose range from 0.25 to 2.5 mg/mL. Differences in the rates of absorption may be due to anatomical differences of the various parts of the Gl tract or due to physicochemical properties of the drug itself.
Aerosols in titan's atmosphere

Aerosols in Titan's atmosphere play important roles in the transfer of solar and thermal radiation, in Titan's heat balance, in forcing atmospheric dynamics, and as a sink for photochemical reactions. In this chapter we briefly summarize the history of our knowledge of their distribution and optical properties before concentrating in greater detail on current knowledge of their properties and roles in the physics and chemistry in Titan's atmosphere. We discuss the size, shape, optical properties, and the vertical distribution of Titan's aerosols. We discuss variations of the optical properties of the aerosols with wavelength, variations of the distribution of the aerosols over the disk of Titan, and the seasonal and long-term variations in structure. We discuss the visible and thermal opacity of the aerosols, and their roles in Titan's heat balance. We summarize the history and current state of laboratory simulations of these particles, and present our understanding of their formation and life cycles in one and two-dimensional microphysical models. We also discuss the presence, location, and variations in condensation clouds over Titan's disk. Finally, we indicate the prospects for further progress in understanding the origin, distribution, and properties of Titan's aerosols in the future.
Role of sensation in swallowing function.

Objectives: Sensation in the oral cavity and laryngopharynx has long been believed to be crucial for normal swallowing. One illustration of this belief has been intense interest in reconstruction after cancer resection using sensate tissue transfer as a means of improving swallowing function. A contrarian view is that mucosal sensation, by itself, is, in fact, relatively unimportant to swallowing function. Study Design: A prospective study was designed to test the hypothesis that normal swallow function can occur with anesthesia of the upper aerodigestive tract mucosa. Methods: Baseline (sensate) swallowing function of 13 healthy adults was assessed via video endoscopic swallow studies (VESS). Each subject was then topically anesthetized with lidocaine applied to the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. Swallowing was then reassessed via VESS and compared to the baseline examination to look for differences in function. Results: There was little difference in swallowing ability between sensate and anesthetized states, even though all the subjects felt that their swallowing had been profoundly disrupted after lidocaine was applied. The main difference was a small increase in the time from food administration to swallowing. A few experienced trace aspiration, which was instantly eliminated on subsequent swallows with simple coaching. Conclusion: Normal swallowing can occur spontaneously or with simple coaching even with complete anesthesia of the upper aerodigestive tract mucosa. Current beliefs about the value of sensate free flaps and the importance of sensation in swallowing in general may need refinement.