cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Survey of Mechatronic Techniques in Modern Machine Design

Increasing demands on the productivity of complex systems, such as manufacturing machines and their steadily growing technological importance will require the application of new methods in the product development process. A smart machine can make decisions about the process in real-time with plenty of adaptive controls. This paper shows the simulation based mechatronic model of a complex system with a better understanding of the dynamic behavior and interactions of the components. This offers improved possibilities of evaluating and optimizing the dynamic motion performance of the entire automated system in the early stages of the design process. Another effect is the growing influence of interactions between machine components on achievable machine dynamics and precision and quality of components. The examples cited in this paper, demonstrate the distinguishing feature of mechatronic systems through intensive integration. The case studies also show that it will no longer be sufficient to focus solely on the optimization of subsystems. Instead it will be necessary to strive for optimization of the complete system. The interactions between machine components, the influence of the control system and the machining process will have to be considered during the design process and the coordination of feed drives and frame structure components.
Functions, applications, and design guidelines for multiple window environments

Abstract Windows are one of the most common user interface designs, despite a lack of theoretical or empirical foundation. This paper begins by defining functions of windows: operational, navigational, organizational, explanatory, metaphorical, and exploratory. Next, the minimal research on the effectiveness of windowed environments is reviewed. Based upon these findings and individual differences and screen design research, principles for designing windowed environments are presented. Perhaps the best use of windows will be as a navigational metaphor in information databases.
Toronto's "Girl Workers." The Female Body and Industrial Efficiency in Her Own Fault

Her Own Fault est un film educatif, produit en 1921 par le Conseil provincial de la sante de l’Ontario au sein de sa division de l’hygiene industrielle. Dans sa volonte d’influencer les femmes travailleuses de Toronto, le film fait etat de certains defis poses aux travailleuses d’usine au debut du siecle. Cet article situe Her Own Fault en rapport a un autre discours contemporain sur le travail des femmes et leurs habitudes de loisirs. L’auteure considere aussi le traitement que le film fait des travailleuses et les facons dont il circonscrit leur comportement et leur regard.
RESPONSE RATES TO ANONYMOUS VERSUS CONFIDENTIAL SURVEYS

This study examined return rates for a survey on perceived professional preparation by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, examining whether surveys identified as anonymous or confidentia...
Safeguards selection principles

Abstract The selection of effective safeguards is an important aspect of computer security that can be facilitated by the application of a set of 20 principles derived from computer security research and experience. These 20 principles contribute to a growing theory of computer security as the subject matures and agreement is reached on security concepts by practitioners in the field.
Agricultural Investment and the Management of the Royal Demesne Manors, 1236–1240

Between 1236 and 1240 the king's estate steward Walter de Burgo improved the productivity of about forty royal manors by systematically increasing agricultural investment to levels four to five times the medieval average. On estates where he managed the inland directly, de Burgo improved the quality of the draft animals and spent large sums on marling, smother crops, and on the purchase of foreign seed. Within four years he raised the net value of these manors 70 percent, thus demonstrating the direct link which could exist between investment levels and productivity in medieval agriculture.
Explanation of mechanical and electrical relaxation due to mobile ions in a superionic glass over the range 1 Hz-20 GHz by the coupling theory.

The observation of mechanical relaxation due to the motion of fast cations in a superionic AgI-rich borate glass has recently been extended by several groups to ten decades in relaxation time by a combination of Brillouin scattering, ultrasonic attenuation, and low-frequency dynamic mechanical measurements. The relaxation time was found to have an almost Arrhenius temperature dependence. The relaxation function is highly nonexponential at lower temperatures or frequencies, but narrows dramatically to exponential relaxation in the gigahertz range. Electrical relaxations due to the same mobile ions have been studied over eight decades by a combination of electric modulus and dc conductivity data. In this work, the coupling theory of relaxation is shown to provide an explanation for all the available mechanical and electrical relaxation data. In particular, the mechanical loss moduli as a function of temperature at 19 GHz, 5 MHz, and 110 Hz can be accurately reproduced both in peak position and shape using values of the primitive relaxation time ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0}$ and coupling parameter n obtained from the electrical relaxation data and a narrow distribution of energy barriers for mechanical relaxation which is not present in electrical relaxation.
Attention to attention in domestic dog ( Canis familiaris ) dyadic play

The social cognitive capacities of dogs, including their communication skills and use of visual attention cues, have recently been investigated in numerous experimental studies. This paper reports on research of domestic dog behavior in a natural setting, which shows sensitivity to the visual attention of their partners when engaged in dyadic rough-and-tumble play. The sequential behaviors and head-direction of both dogs were noted throughout the bouts. The behaviors were differentially used according to the partner’s posture. Play signals were sent nearly exclusively to forward-facing conspecifics; attention-getting behaviors were used most often when a playmate was facing away, and before signaling an interest to play. In addition, the mode of attention-getter matched the degree of inattentiveness of the playmate: stronger attention-getters were used when a playmate was looking away or distracted, less forceful ones when the partner was facing forward or laterally. In other words, these dogs showed attention to, and acted to manipulate, a feature of other dogs that mediates their ability to respond: which feature in human interaction is called “attention”.
The inherent disadvantage of the presidential party in midterm congressional elections

The almost inevitable midterm election loss suffered by the president's congressional party still lacks a complete explanation. It is argued here that the policy positions of the president help shape voters' perceptions of the positions of congressional candidates. Because the president implements policies before the midterm campaign begins, and because he has goals apart from winning seats in Congress, his party's candidates are at a disadvantage, relative to their opponents, in communicating the most favorable positions possible to their voters. This model of the midterm campaign not only explains midterm losses, but also accounts for rare failures of this phenomenon, as occurred in 1934.
Ferromagnetic resonance in hexagonal ferrites with anisotropic g-factors

Ferromagnetic resonance measurements on the hexagonal ferrite MgY are compared to theoretical predictions of frequency of resonance and linewidth of the Smit-Suhl and Rado models. At fixed frequency, both models give good agreement, but neither model predicts the experimentally observed dependence on frequency or field of the g-tensor component g⊥.
Stereospecific potentiation of opiate analgesia by cocaine: predominant role of noradrenaline

Cocaine hydrochloride (50 mg) pellets implanted subcutaneously in male Wistar rats potentiated the analgesia of morphine, levorphanol, methadone and buprenorphine as measured by the tail-withdrawal test. Potentiated opiate analgesia was abolished by naloxone and further enhanced by desipramine and phenoxybenzamine. Yohimbine, α-methyl p-tyrosine, haioperidol, zimelidine, methysergide, p-chlorophenylalanine produced no significant effect on potentiated opiate analgesia. Pseudococaine (dextro-cocaine), which is several-fold less potent than cocaine as an inhibitor of noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake in the CNS, had no significant effect on opiate analgesia. Analgesia produced by low doses of baclofen, a GABA agonist, was also not potentiated by cocaine. This study suggests a predominant role for noradrenaline in the Stereospecific potentiation of opiate analgesia by cocaine.
Tri-t-butylsilylamines: Synthesis, physical properties and new silylamine derivatives

Abstract Tri-t-butylsilylamine has been synthesized in excellent yield from the hydrogenation of tri-t-butylsilylazide. The pKb values of the amine and its mono- and dimethyl derivatives have been quantitatively measured in 40% H2O/60% THF solution. Stable silylammonium salts, [(CH3)3C]3SiN+H3X− (X = Cl, Br, BF4) have been isolated and characterized. In addition, boron trihalide adducts of the amine, [(CH3)3C]3SiNH2 → BX3 (X = F, Cl), have been isolated and studied.
A study of the interactive effects of strain, strain rate and temperature in severe plastic deformation of copper

Abstract The deformation field in machining was controlled to access a range of deformation parameters—strains of 1–15, strain rates of 10–100,000 s −1 and temperatures of up to 0.4 T m —in the severe plastic deformation (SPD) of copper. This range is far wider than has been accessed to date in conventional SPD methods, enabling a study of the interactive effects of the parameters on microstructure and strength properties. Nano-twinning was demonstrated at strain rates as small as 1000 s −1 at −196 °C and at strain rates of ⩾10,000 s −1 even when the deformation temperature was well above room temperature. Bi-modal grain structures were produced in a single stage of deformation through in situ partial dynamic recrystallization. The SPD conditions for engineering specific microstructures by deformation rate control are presented in the form of maps, both in deformation parameter space and in terms of the Zener–Hollomon parameter.
Limiting dilution analysis of memory cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for individual influenza virus gene products.

Abstract The frequency of memory T cells specific for individual influenza virus gene products in the spleens of BALB/c mice primed with A/Puerto Rico/8/34/1(H1N1) (PR8) influenza A virus was determined by using limiting dilution protocols. The results confirm that the influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP) is the predominant protein recognized by BALB/c cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL). This was true whether the responder splenocytes were restimulated with homologous PR8 virus or heterologous A/Japan/305/57 (H2N2) (JAP). The frequency hierarchy for BALB/c splenocytes restimulated with PR8 was NP > PB2 ⩾ H1 > NS1 > H2. The frequency of CTL specific for all other influenza gene products was too low to calculate. The CTL hierarchy for BALB/c splenocytes restimulated with JAP was NP > NS1, with all others lower than 1 in 96,000.
Gender Differences in Questions Asked in an Online Preoperative Patient Education Program

Background Although osteoarthritis more commonly affects women than men, women are 3 times less likely to undergo hip or knee replacement surgery compared with men. Disparity in the appropriate utilization of surgery between men and women is a complex subject that must take into account the willingness of a patient to proceed with the operation. Adequately addressing patient concerns before surgery may influence such willingness. Objective We examined if a gender difference can be identified in the frequency and types of questions submitted by patients scheduled for total hip or total knee arthroplasty. Methods Patients completed an online interactive preoperative educational program and a database was created containing deidentified information on surgical procedure, sex, year of birth, and any questions that were submitted. Data were also available regarding the total number of patients issued the program, the number of patients who started the program, and the number of patients who completed the program. The results were analyzed by Wilcoxon rank sum test. P values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Among the 2770 women and 1708 men included in the study, 935 (34%) and 462 (27%) asked at least 1 question, respectively. Compared with men, women asked a significantly greater number of questions overall (P < 0.001). Women also asked a significantly greater number of questions in the categories Your Condition (P = 0.031), Your Procedure (P < 0.001), and Risks and Benefits (P < 0.001). Conclusions Gender differences in concerns and physicians' ability to adequately address these concerns may contribute to disparity in use of hip and knee replacement surgery between men and women. Effective preoperative counseling for women may require additional resources to address their higher level of questions.
Retention behavior of estrogen metabolites on hydrophilic interaction chromatography stationary phases

Estrogens and estrogen metabolites are important biological mediators of the endocrine system. They have also been implicated in detrimental carcinogenesis and beneficial neuroprotective processes. The retention behavior of estrogen metabolites was investigated on five polar stationary phases, used for hydrophilic interaction chromatography, and coupled with ESI-MS. Data were fit to partitioning and surface adsorption models. Retention of the compounds, especially estrogen glucuronides, on the amide- and diol-bonded stationary phases, could be best described by the surface adsorption model; however, mixed modes of retention were observed on most stationary phases. Retention time increased while the peak efficiency decreased proportional to the number of hydroxyl groups in the analytes. The effects of salt concentration and salt type were also investigated. The presence of solvated salt ions, which interact with the stationary phase and the analyte, enhanced retention of the analytes. This was believed to be due to two effects. The increased ionic strength reduced the contribution of secondary electrostatic interactions (mixed-mode effects). It also enhanced hydrogen-bonding and partitioning (hydrophilic interaction) between the analyte and the stationary phase, likely facilitated by the associated solvated salt ions.
Cadmium and zinc influx characteristics by intact corn (Zea mays L.) seedlings

Cadmium and zinc uptake parameters were determined for intact corn (Zea mays L.) seedlings grown for 15 and 22 in nutrient solutions containing levels of Cd and Zn that were similar to those found in soil solutions. Uptake of both elements was assumed to follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Calculations were based on the concentrations of free ionic Cd (Cd2+) and Zn (Zn2+) rather than the total solution concentration. Rates of Zn uptake were measured by determining depletion of Zn for periods of up to 30 h from solutions containing initial concentrations of 1.5 and 10μmol Zn 1−1. Depletion curves suggested that Zn uptake characteristics were similar at both levels of Zn in solution. The Imax for Zn uptake decreased from 550 to 400 pmol m−2 root surface s−1 between 16 and 22 d of growth while Km decreased from 2.2 to 1.5 μmol Zn2+ 1−1. Cadmium uptake parameters were measured by controlling Cd2+ activities in nutrient solution betwen 6.3 to 164 nmol l−1 by continuous circulation of nutrient solution through a mixed-resin system. Imax for Cd uptake was 400 pmol m−2 root surface s−1 at 15 and 22 d of growth. The magnitude of Km increased from 30 to 100 nmol Cd2+ 1−1 during this time period. The Km value suggests that corn is efficient for Cd uptake. The results of these uptake studies are consistent with the observed uptake of Zn and Cd by corn seedlings in soils.
Decomposing monomial representations of solvable groups

We present an efficient algorithm that decomposes a monomial representation of a solvable group G into its irreducible components. In contradistinction to other approaches, we also compute the decomposition matrix A in the form of a product of highly structured, sparse matrices. This factorization provides a fast algorithm for the multiplication with A. In the special case of a regular representation, we hence obtain a fast Fourier transform for G. Our algorithm is based on a constructive representation theory that we develop. The term "constructive" signifies that concrete matrix representations are considered and manipulated, rather than equivalence classes of representations as it is done in approaches that are based on characters. Thus, we present well-known theorems in a constructively refined form and derive new results on decomposition matrices of representations. Our decomposition algorithm has been implemented in the GAP share package AREP. One application of the algorithm is the automatic generation of fast algorithms for discrete linear signal transforms.
Treatment ofXenopus laevis coelomic eggs with trypsin mimics pars recta oviductal transit by selectively hydrolyzing envelope glycoprotein gp43, increasing sperm binding to the envelope, and rendering eggs fertilizable

Xenopus laevis coelomic (body cavity) eggs are not fertilizable until they pass through the pars recta oviduct. A secreted pars recta oviductal protease with trypsin-like activity, oviductin, selectively hydrolyzes egg envelope glycoprotein gp43 to gp41; this limited proteolysis is believed to render the egg fertilizable. The effects of trypsin as a substitute for oviductin in modifying envelope structure and function were examined. Trypsinolysis (5 mIU for 30 min at room temperature) selectively converted gp43 to gp41 without hydrolysis of other envelope glycoproteins, and rendered coelomic eggs fertilizable in the presence of a jelly water preparation. Chymotrypsin had no effect on the acquisition of fertilizability, indicating that the reaction was dependent on trypsin-like specificity. This was confirmed by the use of p-aminobenzamindine and leupeptin to inhibit the ability of trypsin preparations to induce fertilizability. A sperm binding assay revealed that trypsin treatment dramatically increased sperm binding to egg envelopes derived from both coelomic eggs and ovarian eggs. Jelly water was not required for sperm binding. Therefore, trypsin can mimic the biological action of oviductin, selectively cleaving egg envelope gp43 to generate or expose sperm binding sites, rendering the envelope penetrable by sperm and permitting fertilization. J. Exp. Zool. 281:132–138, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Premelting at Defects within Bulk Colloidal Crystals

Premelting is the localized loss of crystalline order at surfaces and defects at temperatures below the bulk melting transition. It can be thought of as the nucleation of the melting process. Premelting has been observed at the surfaces of crystals but not within. We report observations of premelting at grain boundaries and dislocations within bulk colloidal crystals using real-time video microscopy. The crystals are equilibrium close-packed, three-dimensional colloidal structures made from thermally responsive microgel spheres. Particle tracking reveals increased disorder in crystalline regions bordering defects, the amount of which depends on the type of defect, distance from the defect, and particle volume fraction. Our observations suggest that interfacial free energy is the crucial parameter for premelting in colloidal and atomic-scale crystals.
Splenic laceration and pulmonary contusion injury from bean bag weapon.

Author(s): Patel, Amar; Toohey, Shannon; Osborn, Megan Boysen | Abstract: [West J Emerg Med. 2014;15(2):118–119.]
Growth kinetics of platelet thrombi

Abstract A model for the kinetics of a platelet thrombus growth is presented, which takes into account the principal hydrodynamic and cellular adhesion features of thrombus development. These consist of the rate at which platelets encounter the growing thrombus, their residence time near the surface of the thrombus, the rate of escape over the potential barrier between the free platelets and the surface of the thrombus, and the influence of ADP or related agents on the height of this potential barrier. The latter is explained in terms of the changes in the shape and surface potential of platelets, which are induced by exposure to ADP or related agents. In qualitative agreement with available experimental data, the model predicts an approximately exponential growth of the thrombus volume, a maximum in the growth rate with respect to the blood flow rate, and a plateau value which is reached by the thrombus volume with time. It is shown that at low flow rates the rate of provision of platelets by the blood stream is the determining factor, while at high flow rates the kinetics of adhesion to the surface of the thrombus are predominant. Under all circumstances, when the blood conduit becomes more than about half occluded, the resulting decrease in the blood flow rate decreases, in turn, the growth rate of the thrombus.
CASPARS: New Tools for Assessing Client Risks and Strengths*:

This article is part one of a two-part series on the Clinical Assessment Package for Assessing Client Risks and Strengths (CASPARS), a newly developed set of five instruments that give equal consideration to client strengths and risks. Part two will appear in the next issue of Families in Society and shows the clinical applications of the CASPARS. The instruments are Family Relationships, Emotional Expressiveness, Family Embeddedness in Community, Peer Relationships, and Sexuality. For the present article, the CASPARS were tested on a sample of 146 children and their families. The coefficient alphas and inter-rater reliabilities were .9 and above. Item-total analysis suggest good content validity, and construct validities are within acceptable ranges. The instruments are unusual in that they yield two scores: a risk score and an asset score. Responsive to the demand for clinical tools that help practitioners focus on client strengths, the instruments guide intervention toward the goals of increasing stren...
Communication Apprehension and Academic Achievement among Elementary and Middle School Students.

This study examined the relationship between communication apprehension (CA) and academic achievement (AA) among 1053 elementary and middle school students in a midwestern community. CA was operationally defined as scores on the Measure of Elementary Communication Apprehension (Garrison & Garrison, 1979). AA was operationally defined as scores on the Stanford Achievement Test. CA and AA were found to be significantly and negatively related. On three tests of achievement (mathematics, language, and reading), students high in CA demonstrated the lowest levels of learning. In the case of mathematics, students low in CA had achievement scores that were 23% higher than students high in CA.
Effect of Centrifuging Yolk-Contaminated Liquid Egg White on Functional Performance

Abstract INTRODUCTION WHEN egg white becomes contaminated with yolk, it suffers a loss of certain desirable functional characteristics. This effect was noticed by St. John and Flor (1931) who reported that one drop of yolk in 30 ml. of egg white was sufficient to reduce the egg white foam volume from an original 135 ml. to 40 ml. Smith (1959) reported that as little as 0.01 percent of yolk would impair the functional performance of egg white. He also noted that greater dispersion of the yolk throughout the albumen increased the harmful effects. Several methods have been devised for estimating the amount of yolk in egg white (Cook and Mehlenbacher, 1946; Bergquist and Wells, 1956; Colburn, 1960; Cotterill, 1961) but information in the literature on the physical properties of yolk contaminated liquid egg white is limited. Likewise, several suggestions have been forwarded for alleviating the harmful effects of yolk (Murray and…
Genetic control of necrosis—another type of programmed cell death

Necrosis has been thought to be an accidental or uncontrolled type of cell death rather than programmed. Recent studies from diverse organisms show that necrosis follows a stereotypical series of cellular and molecular events: swelling of organelles, increases in reactive oxygen species and cytoplasmic calcium, a decrease in ATP, activation of calpain and cathepsin proteases, and finally rupture of organelles and plasma membrane. Genetic and chemical manipulations demonstrate that necrosis can be inhibited, indicating that necrosis can indeed be controlled and follows a specific 'program.' This review highlights recent findings from C. elegans, yeast, Dictyostelium, Drosophila, and mammals that collectively provide evidence for conserved mechanisms of necrosis.
The effect of spatial variation in surface relaxivity on nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation rates

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation measurements are sensitive to the physiochemical environment of water in saturated porous media and can provide information about the properties of geologic material. Interpretation of NMR data typically relies on three assumptions: that pores within the geologic material are effectively isolated such that the diffusion of a proton between pores is limited (i.e., there is weak coupling); that relaxation occurs in the fast-diffusion regime; and that surface relaxivity ρ2 is uniform throughout the measured volume. We investigated the effect of spatial variation in ρ2 on the NMR relaxation measurement and evaluated two equations relating ρ2 to the NMR relaxation rate for samples containing two types of surfaces, each with a different surface relaxivity. One equation was valid when there is weak diffusional coupling between pores, the other is valid when there is strong diffusional coupling. We prepared a suite of samples composed of quartz sand and an iron-coated quartz sand. NMR relaxation occurred in two distinct regions: the weak- and strong-coupling regions. In the weak-coupling region, the equation did not accurately represent the relationship between the two ρ2 values and the NMR relaxation rate, suggesting that further research is required to understand the effect of spatially variable ρ2 in this relaxation region. In the strong-coupling region, the equation accurately represented the relationship between the two values of ρ2 and the NMR relaxation rate. The results from these laboratory experiments represented a first step towards accounting for spatial variability in ρ2 in the interpretation of NMR data.
Top quark to top squark branching fraction limits from the Fermilab Tevatron top quark experiments.

SUSY events in which a light top squark decays to a chargino may manage to pass the cuts designed for top counting experiments at the Fermilab Tevatron with no significant diminution of signal. Events in which a top decays via a top squark are detected with fair efficiency compared to SM top events when {ital {tilde t}}{sub 1}{r_arrow}{ital b{tilde W}}{sub 1}. More importantly, direct pair production of light top squarks contributes significantly to the cut samples. Many SUSY models with top squarks lighter than 100 GeV are viable even for {Gamma}({ital t}{r_arrow}{ital {tilde t}}{sub 1}){approx_equal}{Gamma}({ital t}{r_arrow}{ital bW}). {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
ΔNp53 or p44: priming the p53 pump

The human protein DeltaNp53 and its murine counterpart p44 are isoforms of the tumor suppressor p53 lacking the transactivation domain present in the first 39 (40 in mouse) amino acids of the full-length protein. This makes them similar in structure to the DeltaN isoforms of the other members of the p53 superfamily of transcription factors, p63 and p73. The principle way both the human and the murine proteins are generated is by alternative translation of the p53 mRNA utilizing a start site in exon 4. Choice of start site depends on an interaction between p53 and its cognate RNA. When the balance between DeltaNp53 (p44) and full-length p53 is altered, the function of p53 as a transcription factor is disturbed. One consequence of over-expressing p44 in mice is an acceleration of the aging process and altered expression of genes in the IGF-1 signaling cascade [Maier, B., Gluba, W., Bernier, B., Turner, T., Mohammad, K., Guise, T., et al. (2004). Modulation of mammalian lifespan by the short isoform of p53. Genes & Development, 18, 306-319]. This links p53 to the single most important growth factor pathway known to regulate lifespan in lower organisms.
Inhibitory action of galanin on gastric acid secretion in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats

Abstract The effects of galanin and two galanin fragments, GAL(9–29) and GAL(15–29), were studied for potential effects on pentagastrin- and bethanechol-stimulated gastric acid secretion in a pentobarbital-anesthetized rat experimental model. At a dose of 10 μg/kg/h, galanin potently inhibited pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion whereas inhibition of bethanechol-stimulated gastric acid secretion was not statistically significant. Simultaneous iv infusion of galanin and atropine did not affect the inhibitory action of the former. In similar experiments, a GAL(15–29) fragment was completely inactive whilst GAL(9–29) retained only about 5% potency. These results indicate that galanin probably induces its inhibitory effects by acting directly on the parietal cells rather than through a cholinergic pathway. They also demonstrate that the rat gastric acid inhibitory activity of galanin depends critically on the integrity of the first fourteen N-terminal amino acids.
Feasibility of an Iodine Gas Laser Pumped by Concentrated Terrestrial Solar Radiation

The present work demonstrates the feasibility of a t-C{sub 4}F{sub 9}I iodine gas laser pumped by concentrated terrestrial solar radiation. Iodine gas lasers have advantages when compared to solid-state systems. They pump at low concentration ({approximately}100 suns, as compared to 45,000 suns for the most efficient solid-state lasers; Cooke, 1992), and thus do not require expensive, optical-grade concentration systems. The lasant medium (iodine gas) is easily cooled by flowing the lasant medium, while solid-state lasers require complicated cooling apparatus to avoid crystal fracture from thermal gradients. Finally, a gas laser is easily upsized, as the iodine gas will expand to fill any oscillation cavity. Solid-state lasers are limited by the size of the crystal that can be grown and cooled, and the higher efficiency comes at the cost of the very high solar concentration requirements. The iodine gas under consideration has a smaller overlap with the terrestrial solar spectrum than solid state lasers, and therefore has a lower efficiency. However, comparison of relative efficiencies should also include cost estimates of highly specialized optical equipment (such as sapphire CPC`s), cooling requirements (liquid nitrogen baths), and losses due to blockage of the chopper wheel. Such simplistic comparisons as ratio of power outmore » to solar power in are misleading, as they contain the implicit assumption that solar energy must be purchased, as are fossil fuels. In reality, the solar energy is free, and the true expense is the manufacture and degree of sophistication required of the solar radiation reflection system, and the cooling system.« less
Treating human autoimmune disease by depleting B cells

Rituximab treatment is safe and justifies continued study The development of rituximab has raised the hope of a new therapeutic approach for autoimmune diseases. In the United Sates rituximab is approved for indolent CD20+ B cell lymphomas, and it is also being evaluated in many different types of lymphomas as well as other B cell malignancies such as Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. World wide more than 300 000 patients with B cell malignancies have been treated with rituximab.1 Because rituximab is generally well tolerated and because it selectively and profoundly depletes B cells, its role in immune mediated diseases, especially autoimmunity, is now also being explored. Two articles in this issue of the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases report the clinical use of rituximab in patients with autoimmune diseases.2,3 The first article consists of three case reports using rituximab in three different autoimmune diseases, and the second reports a series of 22 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with rituximab with various combinations of glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide. Both articles found rituximab was well tolerated, and both concluded that there might have been some therapeutic benefit. These articles are not the first reports on the use of rituximab in autoimmunity. Indeed, the same group reporting treatment of 22 patients with RA in this issue has previously reported on five patients with RA who had prolonged remission of RA with a three week course of treatment combining high dose, daily glucocorticoids, three weekly doses of rituximab, and two doses of cyclophosphamide.4 Other groups have reported the use of rituximab in idiopathic thrombocytic purpura, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, cold agglutinin disease, and neuropathy associated with monoclonal IgM.5–10 None of these reports was adequately controlled. Thus, additional randomised clinical trials are needed for definitive evaluation of the …
Degradation of dynorphin-related peptides by the puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase and aminopeptidase M.

The degradation of dynorphin-related peptides by the puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase and aminopeptidase M was examined using these peptides as alternate substrate inhibitors. Ki determinations showed that both aminopeptidases exhibit a higher affinity for longer dynorphin-related peptides, i.e., Ki for dynorphin A-17 = 23-30 nM with the Ki increasing to 25-50 microM for the enkephalin pentapeptides. Binding appears dependent not only on peptide length, but also on its sequence. With aminopeptidase M, as the peptide size increases from five to 10 amino acids, kcat remains relatively constant; however, as the peptide size increases beyond a decapeptide, kcat decreases significantly. With the puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase, similar results were obtained except that kcat was greatest for the pentapeptide. Thus, if one considers kcat/Km as the relevant kinetic constant for estimating in vivo peptide hydrolysis, these results are consistent with the involvement of aminopeptidase M and the puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase in the degradation of extended dynorphin-related peptides.
Synthesis, structure and catalytic properties of [Cp*Cr(C6F5)(Bn)(THF)] toward ethylene in the presence of AlEt3

Abstract Treatment of [Cp*CrCl(C 6 F 5 )] 2 with BnMgCl (Bn = benzyl) in Et 2 O/THF affords [Cp*Cr(C 6 F 5 )(Bn)(THF)] ( 1 ) which has been isolated in 72% yield. This compound whose magnetic moment is equal to of 4.037 μ B has been characterized by NMR and single crystal X-ray analysis. Compound 1 alone does not polymerize ethylene when dissolved in toluene. However, addition of excess AlEt 3 to a solution of 1 in toluene leads to a catalytically active system which readily oligomerizes ethylene under standard conditions. Oligomerization experiments carried out with [ 1 ] = 10 −3 M and [AlEt 3 ] = 9 × 10 −2 M for 15 min lead to the production of ethylene oligomers with an activity of 280 kg mol Cr −1 h −1 . The experimental molecular weight distribution observed at intermediate times during the reaction is satisfactorily accounted for by the Poisson distribution formula, which is indicative of a living polymerization system. These observations are in agreement with a catalytic cycle in which the growing alkyl chain is transferred from chromium to aluminum via a bimetallic complex in which the chromium and aluminum centers are bridged by an alkyl group and the growing polymer chain.
Krüppel-like factor 6 regulates mitochondrial function in the kidney

Maintenance of mitochondrial structure and function is critical for preventing podocyte apoptosis and eventual glomerulosclerosis in the kidney; however, the transcription factors that regulate mitochondrial function in podocyte injury remain to be identified. Here, we identified Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6), a zinc finger domain transcription factor, as an essential regulator of mitochondrial function in podocyte apoptosis. We observed that podocyte-specific deletion of Klf6 increased the susceptibility of a resistant mouse strain to adriamycin-induced (ADR-induced) focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). KLF6 expression was induced early in response to ADR in mice and cultured human podocytes, and prevented mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of intrinsic apoptotic pathways in these podocytes. Promoter analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies revealed that putative KLF6 transcriptional binding sites are present in the promoter of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase assembly gene (SCO2), which is critical for preventing cytochrome c release and activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Additionally, KLF6 expression was reduced in podocytes from HIV-1 transgenic mice as well as in renal biopsies from patients with HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) and FSGS. Together, these findings indicate that KLF6-dependent regulation of the cytochrome c oxidase assembly gene is critical for maintaining mitochondrial function and preventing podocyte apoptosis.
Three-dimensional radar imaging of buildings based on computer models

This paper describes the study of a through-the-wall radar system for three-dimensional (3-D) building imaging, based on computer simulations. Two possible configurations are considered, corresponding to an airborne spotlight and a ground-based strip-map geometry. The paper details all the steps involved in this analysis: creating the computational meshes, calculating the radar signals scattered by the target, forming the radar images, and processing the images for visualization and interpretation. Particular attention is given to the scattering phenomenology and its dependence on the system geometry. The images are created via the backprojection algorithm and further processed using a constant falsealarm rate (CFAR) detector. We discuss methods of 3-D image visualization and interpretation of the results.
White matter changes with normal aging

We evaluated brain tissue compartments in 72 healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 81 years with quantitative MRI. The intracranial fraction of white matter was significantly lower in the age categories above 59 years. The CSF fraction increased significantly with age, consistent with previous reports. The intracranial percentage of gray matter decreased somewhat with age, but there was no significant difference between the youngest subjects and the subjects above 59. A covariance adjustment for the volume of hyperintensities did not alter the foregoing results. The intracranial percentage of white matter volume was strongly correlated with the percentage volume of CSF. The finding of a highly significant decrease with age in white matter, in the absence of a substantial decrease in gray matter, is consistent with recent neuropathologic reports in humans and nonhuman primates.
Reducing hospital emergency department costs through aggressive use of diagnostic imaging

With the current pressure to decrease costs, we in emergency radiology have an advantage that can be useful for our hospitals: by aggressively using diagnostic imaging, we can help the hospital reduce the costs of taking care of emergency department patients. An appropriate response to the pressure to decrease costs in emergency diagnosstic imaging is to analyze the impact of imaging on costs, patient management decisions, and patient outcome. The most convincing type of analysis is a cost-minimization analysis in which costs are defined as resources used by the hospital in taking care of patients. This review discusses the types of analyses that can be performed, perspectives of analyses, definition of costs, and definition of quality.
GC/MS analysis of biologically important aromatic amines. Application to human dosimetry.

Human exposure to aromatic amines may be monitored by measuring the amount of sulfinamide adduct bound to hemoglobin. In order to develop a sensitive and selective method for measuring aromatic amines present in low concentrations the mass spectra of the pentafluoropropionamide derivatives of a series of aromatic amines were determined under various ionization conditions. With electron ionization the aromatic amine derivatives typically yield intense molecular ions with fragmentation leading to elimination of C2F5 and COC2F5. Higher molecular weight polycyclic aromatic amines, e.g., 6-aminochrysene, give prominent molecular ions as well as intense ions corresponding to M - 174 (loss of CNHCOC2F5). With positive chemical ionization using methane as reagent gas the derivatives give protonated molecular ions as the base peaks, as well as the associated ions at M + 29 and M + 41. Negative ion chemical ionization yields, primarily, peaks corresponding to the loss of HF from the molecular anions. Negative ion chemical ionization with selected ion monitoring is generally more suitable than positive chemical ionization or electron ionization for the quantitative analysis of aromatic amines present in biological samples in the mid femtomolar range. Exposure of human subjects to aromatic amines was determined via basic hydrolysis of the isolated sulfinic acid amide hemoglobin adducts. Analysis of the derivatized extracts by gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization/mass spectrometry demonstrated the presence of aniline, ortho-, meta-, and para-toluidine, 2-naphthylamine, and 4-aminobiphenyl. The hemoglobin adduct levels of these amines in both cigarette smokers and nonsmokers were determined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Regulation of Vitamin D Receptor Abundance and Responsiveness During Differentiation of HT-29 Human Colon Cancer Cells*

We have studied the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D3] on cellular differentiation in the HT-29 human colon cancer cell line. Our aim was to evaluate the regulation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptor (VDR) abundance and hormone responsiveness during the transition of rapidly proliferating to differentiated cells. Differentiation was induced by three means: cells were cultured in galactose-supplemented medium without glucose (GAL), grown on Matrigel-coated surfaces (MTG), or treated with 1,25(OH)2D3. Cell proliferation, assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation, was equivalently inhibited by treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3, GAL or MTG. Differentiation was assessed by the induction of amino-oligo peptidase activity which was low in the proliferating cells. Following treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3, or growth in GAL or on MTG, amino-oligo peptidase activity increased 8- to 9-fold. The abundance of VDR measured by [3H]1,25(OH)2D3 binding, decreased to half without significant change in affinity, in cells ...
Can TMAE photocathode be used for high rate applications

The paper explores the problems associated with wire aging, charging effects and self-sustaining cathode currents in the TMAE based photo-detectors. It is generally believed that anode wire aging is the most serious problem encountered in TMAE (tetrakis dimethylamino ethylene)-based Cherenkov ring imaging detectors. Although charging effects and self-sustaining cathod currents have not been studied systematically, there is concern that they too could become significant over a long period of time.
Mid-IR and far-IR investigation of AgI-doped silver diborate glasses

The structures of $x\mathrm{AgI}+(1\ensuremath{-}x){\mathrm{Ag}}_{2}\mathrm{O}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}2{\mathrm{B}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ glasses, where $0.2l~xl~0.6$, have been investigated using mid-and far-infrared spectroscopy. The mid-IR spectra revealed that in those glasses prepared using AgN${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ as the starting material for ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{2}$O, the B${\mathrm{O}}_{4}^{\ensuremath{-}}$/B${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ ratio is constant with increasing amounts of AgI as would be expected form the proposed behavior of AgI in these glasses. However, a survey of the literature revealed those glasses prepared from pure ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{2}$O show a strong linear dependence of the B${\mathrm{O}}_{4}^{\ensuremath{-}}$/B${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ ratio on AgI content. Most probably, in those glasses prepared with ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{2}$O the ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{2}$O/${\mathrm{B}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ ratio changes with AgI content due to the decomposition of ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{2}$O during melting. This different behavior is associated with AgN${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ decomposing to ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{2}$O with heating followed by incorporation into the glassy network. For ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{2}$O used directly, it is proposed that it decomposes to Ag metal and ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$(gas) with heating before it can be incorporated into the borate network. This latter behavior decreases with increasing AgI in the batch composition because AgI lowers the liquidus temperature of the melt considerably. The far-IR analysis of the AgI-doped silver diborate glasses suggests that there are three coordination environments for the ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{+}$ ions; one with iodide anions and the other two with oxygen ions. It is proposed that the separate oxygen coordination environments for the ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{+}$ ions arise from one with bridging oxygens of B${\mathrm{O}}_{4}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ units, and the other with nonbridging oxygens on B${\mathrm{O}}_{3}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ units. Furthermore, it is proposed that the ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{+}$ ions in the iodide-ion environments progressively agglomerate into disordered regions of AgI, but do not form structures similar to $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-AgI. These results appear to support the conduction pathway or "microdomain" model for ionic conduction in $x\mathrm{AgI}+(1\ensuremath{-}x){\mathrm{Ag}}_{2}\mathrm{O}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}2{\mathrm{B}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ glasses where the pathways are built up form disordered structures of AgI.
Fluvial-aeolian interactions: Part II, ancient systems

An understanding of fluvial-aeolian deposition derived from modern case-examples in a previous study is applied to the Permian Cutler Formation and Cedar Mesa Sandstone on the Colorado Plateau. These formations supply an excellent three-dimensional exposure of intertonguing fluvial and aeolian strata. Four distinct facies associations form the bulk of the Cutler Formation and Cedar Mesa Sandstone: (1) aeolian dune deposits; (2) wet interdune deposits; (3) fluvial channel deposits; and (4) overbank-interdune deposits. In addition, two distinctive types of erosion surfaces are found within the Cutler Formation and Cedar Mesa Sandstone: pebble- to granule-rich erosion surfaces (aeolian deflation surfaces) and flood surfaces. Fluvial and aeolian intertonguing result in extensive tabular sheets of aeolian sandstone separated by flood surfaces and overbank-interdune deposits. Fluvial channels are associated with the deposits overlying flood surfaces and are incised into the underlying aeolian sandstones. Overbank-interdune deposits and wet interdune deposits cover flood surfaces and intertongue with overlying aeolian sandstones. The primary characteristics of ancient fluvial-aeolian deposition are overbank-interdune deposits and pronounced extensive erosion surfaces (flood surfaces), which are parallel to underlying fluvial sandstones and thus trend parallel to the palaeoslope and palaeohydrological gradient.