cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CONFRONTING THE SUPERBUBBLE MODEL WITH X-RAY OBSERVATIONS OF 30 DORADUS C

We present an analysis of XMM-Newton observations of the superbubble 30 Dor C and compare the results with the predictions from the standard wind-blown bubble model. We find that the observed X-ray spectra cannot be fitted satisfactorily with the model alone and that there is evidence for nonthermal X-ray emission, which is particularly important at 4 keV. The combination of the bubble model and a power law gives a reasonable fit to the observed spectra. The thermal pressure and central temperature of the bubble are 3.3 × 10-11 dynes cm-2 and 7.4 × 106 K, respectively, and we infer that for a bubble age of t ~ 4 × 106 yr the ambient density is n0 38 cm-3, the mechanical luminosity is Lmech ~ 1037 ergs s-1, and the coefficient of thermal conductivity is ~0.05 of the Spitzer value. The total unabsorbed 0.1-10 keV luminosities of the eastern and western parts of the bubble are 3 × 1036 and 5 × 1036 ergs s-1, respectively. The unabsorbed 0.1-10 keV luminosity of the bubble model is ~4 × 1036 ergs s-1, and so the power-law component contributes between and of the total unabsorbed luminosity in this energy band. The nature of the hard nonthermal emission is not clear, although recent supernovae in the bubble may be responsible. We expect that about one or two core-collapse supernovae could have occurred and are required to explain the enrichment of the hot gas, as evidenced by the overabundance of α-elements by a factor of 3, compared to the mean value of ~0.5 solar for the interstellar medium in the Large Magellanic Cloud. As in previous studies of various superbubbles, the amount of energy currently present in 30 Dor C is significantly less than the expected energy input from the enclosed massive stars over their lifetime. We speculate that a substantial fraction of the input energy may be radiated in the far-infrared by dust grains, which are mixed with the hot gas because of the thermal conduction and/or dynamic mixing.
Arginine-free diet suppresses nitric oxide production in wounds

To determine the effects of dietary arginine on nitric oxide production during wound healing, we fed male Sprague-Dawley rats a low nitrate diet containing 0% or 3% l-arginine. Nitrate from daily urine samples was reduced to nitric oxide and measured with a chemiluminescence analyzer to indirectly assess nitric oxide synthesis. Once baseline nitrate levels were established, rats received circular, full thickness dermal wounds. The results demonstrate that dietary arginine is not necessary for the sudden increase in nitrate output immediately after wounding, although removal of arginine appears to limit the maximum amount of nitric oxide produced. Arginine-deficient rats had significantly lower (P < 0.001) urinary nitrate levels than the corresponding 3%-arginine group over the entire experiment. Despite lower nitrate output in the arginine-free animals, the early response to wounding was similar in both the arginine-free and 3%-arginine groups, as nitrate output doubled within 48 hours of wounding (+ 112% and + 104%, respectively). However, endogenous arginine was not sufficient to maintain increased nitrate output, which returned to baseline levels in arginine-free animals within 11 days after wounding, while the nitrate output of the 3%-arginine group remained significantly elevated (+ 30–60%, P < 0.001) through day 30 and wound closure. In addition, animals on the arginine-free diet increased nitrate output 14-fold in response to lipopolysaccharide challenge. These results suggest that removing dietary arginine does not prevent the cytotoxic activity of macrophages during the inflammatory response, but suppresses nitric oxide synthesis during later tissue repair. This may help explain previous evidence that supplemental arginine improves wound healing, although video image analysis of wounds was inconclusive.
Xenoliths in recent basaltic andesite flows from Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica: inference on the composition of the lower crust

Basaltic andesite flows erupted between 1973 and 1980 from Arenal Volcano contain abundant inclusions of anorthosite, olivine gabbro, and pyroxenites, and megacrysts of olivine and anorthite. The anorthosites with large (20 mm) anorthite grains (An96-92) exhibit deformation twinning and granulation between grain boundaries. Some olivine gabbros have angular clasts of anorthite with bent twins, pyroxene, and olivine in a finer-grained matrix which is distinctly foliated. These textural features suggest that these inclusions were deformed. An exotic (xenolithic) origin is supported in part by the mineral compositions and the estimated temperatures of equilibration: a temperature of about 975° C is obtained by two-pyroxene and Fe-Ti oxide geothermometers for the gabbros, but two-pyroxene temperatures are higher (1064 to 1120° C) for the basaltic andesite host. The olivine gabbro is thought to have crystallized at a pressure between 8.5 and 9.5 kb; whereas the lava phenocrysts crystallized at a much lower pressure of less than 5 kb. These xenoliths probably represent fragments of the lower crust below Arenal volcano. The lava flows show evidence for some contamination especially from fragments of anorthite broken apart from the larger megacrysts and xenoliths. A few phenocrysts of plagioclase in the lava samples have deformation twins. The unusually high Al2O3 content (19.4 to 23.2 wt%) of the lava samples can be attributed directly to the addition of anorthite; in fact the observed chemical variation in the lava flows (the increasing alumina and lime contents with decreasing silica) can be explained by this contamination.
Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

Purpose of review Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy remains a disease that is poorly understood in many aspects. The clinical presentation may diverge significantly from the classic unilateral, painless, sudden vision loss affecting patients over the age of 50 years. This variability might make nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy hard to differentiate from optic neuritis and arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. The course of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is also variable, often sequentially affecting the other eye. Recent findings Visual recovery has been reported, but it is not the rule. Multiple risk factors have been proposed, including crowded disc, atherosclerosis, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, hypotension, hemoconcentration, hemodilution, and hypercoagulable states. The optic nerve damage in nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy appears to result from a perfusion insufficiency in the short posterior ciliary arteries leading to infarction of the retrolaminar portion of the optic disc. The underlying mechanisms are still unclear, however. Multiple medical and surgical treatment options have been investigated, including optic nerve sheath decompression, standard and megadose corticosteroids, levodopa, carbidopa, hyperbaric oxygen, and neuroprotective agents, but no proven effective treatment is currently available. Summary Intense investigations in humans and animals are under way. Hopefully these studies will enhance our understanding of the risk factors and pathophysiology of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and aid in developing new strategies for prevention and treatment.
Prediction of mutual diffusion coefficients for polymer–solvent systems

A new equation is proposed for relating solvent self-diffusion coefficients and mutual diffusion coefficients for polymer-solvent systems. The formulation of the new equation avoids a friction-coefficient formalism, and hence the new equation does not require the thermodynamic properties of the polymer-solvent system. A comparison has been made of the predictions of the proposed equation with experimental data for the benzene-rubber system.
Plasminogen activators promote excitotoxicity-induced retinal damage

Increased levels of extracellular l-glutamate have been suggested to play a role in retinal damage in a number of blinding diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Although glutamate can cause retinal damage in part by hyperstimulating its receptors (“excitotoxicity”), the downstream events that lead to retinal damage are poorly understood. In this study, we injected kainic acid (KA), a glutamate receptor agonist that specifically hyperstimulates non-NMDA-type receptors, into the vitreous humor of CD-1 mice and have investigated the role of plasminogen activators (PAs) [tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)] in excitotoxicity-induced retinal damage. Injection of KA into the vitreous humor led to an up-regulation in tPA and an induction in uPA activity in the retina and this was associated with activation of zymogen plasminogen to active plasmin. Immunocytochemical analysis indicated that retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), constitutively express tPA and release...
Macromodelling oscillators using Krylov-subspace methods

We present an efficient method for automatically extracting unified amplitude/phase macromodels of arbitrary oscillators from their SPICE-level circuit descriptions. Such comprehensive oscillator macromodels are necessary for accuracy when speeding up simulation of higher-level circuits/systems, such as PLLs, in which oscillators are embedded. Standard MOR techniques for linear time invariant (LTI) and varying (LTV) systems are not applicable to oscillators on account of their fundamentally nonlinear phase behavior. By employing a cancellation technique to deflate out the phase component, we restore the validity and efficacy of Krylov-subspace-based LTV MOR techniques for macromodelling oscillator amplitude responses. The nonlinear phase response is re-incorporated into the macromodel after the amplitude components have been reduced. The resulting unified macromodels predict oscillator waveforms, in the presence of any kind of input or interference, at far lower computational cost than full SPICE-level simulation, and with far greater accuracy compared to existing macromodels. We demonstrate the proposed techniques on LC and ring oscillators, obtaining speedups of 30-120/spl times/ with no appreciable loss of accuracy, even for small circuits.
Coenzyme specificity of D-amino acid oxidase for the flavin moiety of fad

Summary Analogues of flavin—adenine dinucleotide have been synthesized from pyridi-nium salts of various flavin phosphate esters and N,N ′-dicyclohexylcarboxamidinium adenosine 5′-phosphoromorpholidate in pyridine with o -chlorophenol or benzyl alcohol. The behavior of these riboflavin-replaced analogues of flavin-adenine dinucleotide with D -amino acid oxidase ( D -amino acid:O 2 oxidoreductase (deaminating), EC 1.4.3.3) has led to the following conclusions about the coenzyme specificity of the enzyme: 1. A polyol side chain in the flavin is required for maximum activity, since 2′-deoxyriboflavin-adenine dinucleotide and 5′-hydroxypentylflavin-adenine dinucleotide are significantly less active than flavin-adenine dinucleotide. 2. A flavin side chain of five carbons in length is necessary for coenzymatic activity, although apparently less necessary for binding to the apoenzyme, since D -erythroflavin-adenine dinucleotide and 4′-hydroxybutylflavin-adenine dinucleotide are competitive inhibitors of flavin-adenine dinucleotide. 3. Substitutions in the isoalloxazine system which give rise to alterations in the oxidation-reduction potential of the flavin lower coenzymatic activity, since 6,7-dichlororiboflavin-adenine dinucleotide is less active than flavin-adenine dinucleotide. 4. The 3-nitrogen in the isoalloxazine ring cannot be alkylated without total loss of coenzymatic activity and considerable loss of ability to bind, as 3-methylribo-flavin-adenine dinucleotide is a relatively weak inhibitor. Overall, the results indicate considerable specificity for the flavin moiety of flavin-adenine dinucleotide by D -amino acid oxidase, though somewhat less narrow than that seen for the adenylate moiety.
Toxicological studies of chemical mixtures of environmental concern at the National Toxicology Program: health effects of groundwater contaminants.

Abstract In cooperation with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, the National Toxicology Program is participating in a Public Healt Service activity related to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund Act) by conducting toxicology studies on chemicals found in high-priority hazardous waste sites and for which adequate toxicological data are not available. As part of this effort, a project on the toxicology of chemical mixtures of groundwater contaminants was initiated. The first study, centered on the health effects of groundwater contaminants, is at the contractual stage. Nineteen organic and six inorganic chemicals, selected from more than 1000 known groundwater contaminants, will be given in drinking water to Fischer 344 rats and B6C3F 1 mice for 3 or 6 months. Controls and five dose levels, based on average concentrations (i.e., baseline level) of individual component chemicals, or 0.1-, 10-, 100-, or 1000-fold of the baseline level, will be used. Toxicological end points include mortality, clinical signs, water and food consumption, body and organ weights, clinical pathology analytes (e.g., hematology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis), gross and histopathology, neurobehavioral tests, sperm morphology and vaginal cytology evaluations (SMVCE), and cytogenetics. This paper summarizes the rationale behind our experimental design and the factors one must consider when designing studies of complex chemical mixtures.
The process is the plan: defining strategic community futures

Abstract This case study describes the application and assessment of a community-based strategic planning model to a faith-based organization. The United Jewish Communities of MetroWest New Jersey is responsible for programming, raising and allocating funds to serve a mission both global and local. A board-sanctioned process opened planning and allocations to a broader audience of community and service agencies, resulting in both dynamic synergy and conflict for the organization and its beneficiaries. This article looks at how a more strategic and inclusive planning process shaped decision-making and program evaluation. With input from professional staff and lay leadership, we consider lessons learned in the context of profound challenges facing non-profit, philanthropy-dependent organizations.
Measurement of total blood flow in the normal human retina using Doppler Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography

Aim: To measure total retinal blood flow in normal human eyes using Doppler Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT). Methods: 10 normal people aged 35 to 69 years were measured for the right eye using Doppler FD-OCT. Double circular scans around the optic nerve heads were used. Four pairs of circular scans that transected all retinal branch vessels were completed in 2 s. Total retinal blood flow was obtained by summing the flows in the branch veins. Measurements from the eight scans were averaged. Veins with diameters >33 μm were taken into account. Results: Total retinal blood flow could be measured in eight of 10 subjects: mean (SD) = 45.6 (3.8) μl/min (range 40.8 to 52.9 μl/min). The coefficient of variation for repeated measurements was 10.5%. Measured vein diameters ranged from 33.3 to 155.4 μm. The averaged flow speed was 19.3 (2.9) mm/s, which did not correlate with vessel diameter. There was no significant difference between flows in the superior and inferior retinal hemispheres. Conclusions: Double circular scanning using Doppler FD-OCT is a rapid and reproducible method to measure total retinal blood flow. These flow values are within the range previously established by laser Doppler flowmetry.
A Dopamine Receptor D2-Type Agonist Attenuates the Ability of Stress to Alter Sleep in Mice

Although sleep disruptions that accompany stress reduce quality of life and deteriorate health, the mechanisms through which stress alters sleep remain obscure. Psychological stress can alter sleep in a variety of ways, but it has been shown to be particularly influential on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Prolactin (PRL), a sexually dimorphic, stress-sensitive hormone whose basal levels are higher in females, has somnogenic effects on REM sleep. In the current study, we examined the relationship between PRL secretion and REM sleep after restraint stress to determine whether: 1) the ability of stress to increase REM sleep is PRL-dependent, and 2) fluctuating PRL levels underlie sex differences in sleep responses to stress. Because dopamine D2 receptors in the pituitary gland are the primary regulator of PRL secretion, D2 receptor agonist, 1-[(6-allylergolin-8β-yl)-carbonyl]-1-[3-(dimethylamino) propyl]-3-ethylurea (cabergoline), was used to attenuate PRL levels in mice before 1 hour of restraint stress. Mice were implanted with electroencephalographic/electromyographic recording electrodes and received an ip injection of either 0.3-mg/kg cabergoline or vehicle before a control procedure of 1 hour of sleep deprivation by gentle handling during the light phase. Six days after the control procedure, mice received cabergoline or vehicle 15 minutes before 1 hour of restraint stress. Cabergoline blocked the ability of restraint stress to increase REM sleep amount in males but did not alter REM sleep amount after stress in females even though it reduced basal REM sleep amount in female controls. These data provide evidence that the ability for restraint stress to increase REM sleep is dependent on PRL and that sex differences in REM sleep amount may be driven by PRL.
Spectral Counting of Triangles in Power-Law Networks via Element-Wise Sparsification

Triangle counting is an important problem in graph mining. The clustering coefficient and the transitivity ratio,two commonly used measures effectively quantify the triangle density in order to quantify the fact that friends of friends tend to be friends themselves. Furthermore, several successful graph mining applications rely on the number of triangles. In this paper, we study the problem of counting triangles in large, power-law networks. Our algorithm, SparcifyingEigenTriangle, relies on the spectral properties of power-law networks and the Achlioptas-McSherry sparsification process. SparcifyingEigenTriangle is easy to parallelize, fast and accurate.We verify the validity of our approach with several experiments in real-world graphs, where we achieve at the same time high accuracy and important speedup versus a straight-forward exact counting competitor.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance at 3.0T: Current state of the art

There are advantages to conducting cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) studies at a field strength of 3.0 Telsa, including the increase in bulk magnetization, the increase in frequency separation of off-resonance spins, and the increase in T1 of many tissues. However, there are significant challenges to routinely performing CMR at 3.0T, including the reduction in main magnetic field homogeneity, the increase in RF power deposition, and the increase in susceptibility-based artifacts. In this review, we outline the underlying physical effects that occur when imaging at higher fields, examine the practical results these effects have on the CMR applications, and examine methods used to compensate for these effects. Specifically, we will review cine imaging, MR coronary angiography, myocardial perfusion imaging, late gadolinium enhancement, and vascular wall imaging.
Metabolizable Energy Values of Wheat and Some By-Product Feedstuffs for Growing Chicks

Abstract ALTHOUGH metabolizable energy values have been published for many feed ingredients, values for many products used in feeds are unavailable and the published values for others vary considerably. The purpose of this paper is to present metabolizable energy values of some of the principal wheats grown in the Pacific Northwest and of some by-product feeds available in this area. PROCEDURE Determinations of metabolizable energy of the wheat varieties and samples of wheat mixed feed, barley bran, barley flour and Alaska peas were made by the method of Hill and Anderson (1958), with the exception that chromium oxide was determined by the method of Czarnocki et al. (1961). Metabolizable energy values were corrected for nitrogen retention by the equation of Hill et al. (1960). Each value reported is an average for three groups of chicks (New Hampshire X Delaware). The samples of wheat were analyzed for pentosan content by A.A.C.C. Method …
New Dyes For Photodynamic Therapy

New Dyes for Photodynamic TherapyAlan R. Morgan, S. Nonis and Ashraff RampersaudDepartments of Chemistry and Medicinal ChemistryUniversity of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606ABSTRACTA series of structurally related modified porphyrins have been synthesized. Eachcompound was tested for in vivo cytotoxicity against the FANFT- induced rat bladder tumor(designated AY -27). An attempt was then made to correlate the amount of tumor necrosisshown on examination of histologic sections of treated tumors, both four and twenty fourhours after phototherapy, with the structure of each photosensitizer.1. INTRODUCTIONAlthough DHE, a purified form of hematoporphyrin derivative (trade name Photofrin IIR)is currently the drug of choice for photodynamic therapy and is now in stage III clinicaltrials, the disadvantages related to its chemical composition and spectroscopic propertiesin the red region of the visible spectrum, and hence the rationale to find more effectivephotosensitizers, have been well documented.1We began a program three years ago to study the usefulness of purpurins, a class ofporphyrin derivative characterized by the presence of a reduced pyrrole ring and extendedconjugation at one of the macrocyclic meso positions, as photosensitizers for PDT. Aswe have recently reported,2 +3 these novel tetrapyrrolic macrocycles have good spectro-scopic properties in the visible spectrum, can be prepared in pure form and appear to behighly efficient tumoricidal agents.While working with these compounds, we became aware of reports, both from Japanese4and European 5 groups, that the pheophorbides (demetallated chlorophylls in which thephytyl group has also been removed) also showed great promise as photosensitizers for PDT.Inspection of the structures of purpurins (e.g. 1) and pheophorbides (e.g. 2) revealssome interesting structural similarities. Specifically, both are formally chlorins (i.e.a porphyrin in which one pyrrole ring has been reduced) and both contain a five memberedexocyclic ring, in addition to the porphyrin superstructure. We began a study therefore,to investigate the relationship (if any) between these structural features and the cyto-toxicity of the molecule to neoplastic tissue.
Structures and activities of cyclic ADP-ribose, NAADP and their metabolic enzymes

ADP-ribosyl cyclase and CD38 are multi-functional enzymes involved in calcium signaling. Both can cyclize NAD and its guanine analog, NGD, at two different sites of the purine ring, N1 and N7, respectively, to produce cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) and cyclic GDP-ribose, a fluorescent but inactive analog. Both enzymes can also catalyze the exchange of the nicotinamide group of NADP with nicotinic acid, producing yet another potent activator of Ca2+ mobilization, nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP). The Ca2+ release mechanism activated by NAADP is totally independent of cADPR and inositol trisphosphate indicating it is a novel and hitherto unknown Ca2+ signaling pathway. This article summarizes the current results on the structures and activities of cADPR, NAADP and the enzymes that catalyze their syntheses. A comprehensive model accounting for the novel multi-functionality of ADP-ribosyl cyclase and CD38 is presented.
Amygdala interconnections with the cingulate motor cortex in the rhesus monkey

Amygdala interconnections with the cingulate motor cortices were investigated in the rhesus monkey. Using multiple tracing approaches, we found a robust projection from the lateral basal nucleus of the amygdala to Layers II, IIIa, and V of the rostral cingulate motor cortex (M3). A smaller source of amygdala input arose from the accessory basal, cortical, and lateral nuclei, which targeted only the rostral region of M3. We also found a light projection from the lateral basal nucleus to the same layers of the caudal cingulate motor cortex (M4). Experiments examining this projection to cingulate somatotopy using combined neural tracing strategies and stereology to estimate the total number of terminal-like immunoreactive particles demonstrated that the amygdala projection terminates heavily in the face representation of M3 and moderately in its arm representation. Fewer terminal profiles were found in the leg representation of M3 and the face, arm, and leg representations of M4. Anterograde tracers placed directly into M3 and M4 revealed the amygdala connection to be reciprocal and documented corticofugal projections to the facial nucleus, surrounding pontine reticular formation, and spinal cord. Clinically, such pathways would be in a position to contribute to mediating movements in the face, neck, and upper extremity accompanying medial temporal lobe seizures that have historically characterized this syndrome. Alterations within or disruption of the amygdalo-cingulate projection to the rostral part of M3 may also have an adverse effect on facial expression in patients presenting with neurological or neuropsychiatric abnormalities of medial temporal lobe involvement. Finally, the prominent amygdala projection to the face region of M3 may significantly influence the outcome of higher-order facial expressions associated with social communication and emotional constructs such as fear, anger, happiness, and sadness.
GIS-Based Subsurface Data Management

Abstract: Effective subsurface data management is essential for economical and accurate site characterization. Subsurface data are directly related to specific locations on the earth's surface and thus appear to be well suited for GIS-based management. However, subsurface data differ from traditional GIS data in that each sampled location includes information associated with multiple z coordinates below the surface. This paper describes the computational aspects of implementing a GIS-based workbench for managing subsurface data and supporting site characterization. The scope of data management includes modeling, structure, standards, queries, sources, conversion, and integration. The concepts presented may assist application developers to fully utilize GIS technology as a major software component for effective subsurface data management.
Longitudinal analysis of parenting stress in mothers and fathers of infants with and without single-suture craniosynostosis.

Objective: To examine longitudinal differences in reported stress between parents of children with and without single-suture craniosynostosis and to compare the stress reports of mothers and fathers. Design: Multi-site, nonrandomized prospective study. Setting/Participants: Children with single-suture craniosynostosis (cases) were identified via referral of the treating surgeon or physician at the time of diagnosis, and those without single-suture craniosynostosis (controls) were recruited from pediatric practices, birthing centers, and announcements in print media. When children were aged 6, 18, and 36 months (on average), mothers and fathers of children with and without single-suture craniosynostosis completed the Parenting Stress Index. For cases, 247 mothers and 211 fathers completed the Parenting Stress Index at the first visit; corresponding numbers for controls were 254 and 220, respectively. Main Outcome Measures: The Parenting Stress Index Parent and Child Domains and subscales scores. Results: W...
The effect of part-time wear of 2-zone concentric bifocal spectacle lenses on refractive error development & eye growth in young chicks.

Abstract The purpose of this study is to characterize in young chicks the myopia control effects of part-time wear of two-zone concentric bifocal lenses. Nine-day-old chicks (n = 115) were first made myopic with monocular −10 Diopter (D) single vision (SV) lenses worn for 3 days. Over the 6 days following myopia induction, either 1) two-zone bifocal lenses (−10 D center/−5 D periphery, BFDC) were worn for 12 (full-time), 10, 8, or 6 h, with −10 D SV lenses worn for the remainder of the day, or 2) BFDC or BFNC (−5 D center/−10 D periphery) lenses were worn every other day (EOD). Control birds wore −10 D SV lenses every day. Refractive error (RE) and axial ocular dimensions were monitored every three days with retinoscopy and high frequency A-scan ultrasonography respectively. Mean interocular RE and axial length differences after 3 days of myopia induction (±SEM) were −9.6 ± 0.19 D and 0.26 ± 0.01 mm across the groups. At the end of the following 6-day treatment period, equivalent values were: −10.66 ± 0.28 D, 0.42 ± 0.02 mm (SV-control); 1) −4.61 ± 0.29 D, 0.26 ± 0.02 mm (BFDC, 12 h); −4.82 ± 0.23 D, 0.28 ± 0.02 mm (BFDC, 10 h); −5.21 ± 0.27 D, 0.24 ± 0.02 mm (BFDC, 8 h); −6.34 ± 0.34 D, 0.25 ± 0.03 mm (BFDC, 6 h); 2) −8.29 ± 0.29 D, 0.32 ± 0.03 mm (BFDC, EOD), and −8.83 ± 0.36 D, 0.33 ± 0.03 mm (BFNC, EOD). Overall, full-time BFDC and part-time BFDC and BFNC lens groups exhibited similar changes and were less myopic than the SV group. The results suggest that bifocal lenses may have myopia control effects even when worn part-time, interleaved with standard (SV) myopic corrections, especially if worn for at least 6 h per day.
Flow characteristics of poly(ethylene terephthalate) deduced from pressure drop measurements

A unique capillary die was designed which made possible the measurement of extrusion pressure at various locations along the capillary length. Entrance pressure drops, exit pressures, and other rheological characteristics were determined for the flow of poly(ethylene terephthalate) through this extrusion apparatus. The effect of die entrance angle, extrusion temperature, throughput rate and polymer molecular weight were considered. Two samples differing in molecular weight exhibited power-law behavior at shear rates below 1000s−1. The entrance pressure drops and exit pressures were observed to increase with increasing molecular weight; furthermore, at a specific temperature, both-increased with increasing shear rate. The values for entrance pressure drop obtained using Bagley analysis were consistently higher than those obtained from direct measurements.
Phase-Guided Small-Sample Simulation

Detailed cycle-accurate simulation is a critical component of processor design. However, with the increasing complexity of modern processors and application workloads, full detailed simulation is prohibitively slow and thereby severely limits design space exploration. Sampled simulation techniques eliminate the need for full simulation by simulating in detail a very small but representative subset of a target application's overall execution. Two effective and accurate sampling techniques are phase-based simulation and small-sample simulation. Both of these techniques have been adopted by the architecture design and simulation communities for research. However, both techniques were derived using a single benchmark evaluation suite and promote the same sampling method for all applications. Alternatively, an execution-aware sampling-based simulation technique can adapt during execution characteristics of the individual application being simulated and achieve the most efficient and accurate simulation acceleration. To evaluate the impact of application characteristics on simulation approaches, we compare several simulation techniques using the SpedOOO benchmark suite. Our results yield key conclusions about combining the strengths of previous simulation techniques into a single approach: (PGSS) phase-guided small-sample simulation. PGSS adapts sampling to the characteristics of the application, thereby achieving high sampling accuracy and requiring an order of magnitude less detailed simulation time than previous techniques
Selectivity of yolk protein uptake: comparison of vitellogenins of two insects.

The vitellogenins of Hyalophora cecropia and Blattella germanica have similar Stokes' radii (69 and 75,&), sedimentation coefficients (15.9 and 16.8s) and isoelectric points (pH 5.7 and 5.0), and share similar amino acid compositions with vitellogenins of other animals. The two vitellogenins show no immunological crossreaction. Blattella oocytes take up their own vitellogenin in vivo at a rapid rate and that of Hyalophora at a low rate comparable to that of a non-vitellogenic protein. Hyalophora oocytes take up their own vitellogenin rapidly in vitro and Blattella Vitellogenin only at a negligible rate. Molecular weights, shapes and charges of the vitellogenins are similar to non-vitellogenins and form no basis for selective uptake.
Subunit organization in the Dam1 kinetochore complex and its ring around microtubules

All eukaryotic cells must segregate their chromosomes equally between two daughter cells at each division. This process needs to be robust, as errors in the form of loss or gain of genetic material have catastrophic effects on viability. Chromosomes are captured, aligned, and segregated to daughter cells via interaction with spindle microtubules mediated by the kinetochore. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae one microtubule attaches to each kinetochore, requiring extreme processivity from this single connection. The yeast Dam1 complex, an essential component of the outer kinetochore, forms rings around microtubules and in vitro recapitulates much of the functionality of a kinetochore-microtubule attachment. To understand the mechanism of the Dam1 complex at the kinetochore, we must know how it binds to microtubules, how it assembles into rings, and how assembly is regulated. We used electron microscopy to map several subunits within the structure of the Dam1 complex and identify the organization of Dam1 complexes within the ring. Of importance, new data strongly support a more passive role for the microtubule in Dam1 ring formation. Integrating this information with previously published data, we generated a structural model for the Dam1 complex assembly that advances our understanding of its function and will direct future experiments.
Percutaneous valve intervention: a surgeon's perspective.

Two articles1,2 in this issue of Circulation present small series of patients who had either a percutaneous mitral annuloplasty performed via the coronary sinus or a percutaneous aortic valve replacement via a retrograde femoral artery approach. The main thrust of each article was to demonstrate the technical approach, complications, and short-term results of these techniques. It is clear that this technology is in its infancy. The technical challenges, reliability, and ability to achieve consistent results (not to mention appropriate patient selection) will be an area of active research and development over the foreseeable future. Articles pp 842 and 851 The magnitude of investment by major medical device companies and startup companies and the degree of venture capital investment will clearly drive this technology forward rapidly. Nevertheless, our role as cardiologists and cardiac surgeons is to provide guidance, perform the trials honestly with minimal bias, and work collaboratively as providers of cardiovascular care to perfect the techniques to reliably and appropriately treat the specific …
THE STUDY OF KEY-JO CLAY AS A TABLET DISINTEGRATOR

(1986). The Study of Key-Jo Clay as a Tablet Disintegrator. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy: Vol. 12, No. 11-13, pp. 1567-1585.
The Migrating Sect: An Illustration from Early Norwegian Immigration

Migrating sects are frequently disorganized, making them very unlike the ideal-typical, "stationary," sect, a cohesive body of "intimate personal fellowship." It is suggested that: (1) the sect's cohesion is based on value-consensus, not collective interdependence, (2) valueconsensus is insufficient to hold together a migrating sect, and (3) intense value-consensus may even contribute to the sect's disorganization by: (a) minimizing the importance of subsistence problems inevitable in the migration setting, thus making less likely their solution. and (b) moving sectarians to define conflicts in ideological terms, thus leading to schism and defection. The argument is illustrated from early Norwegian immigration.
The agonistic adrenal: melatonin elicits female aggression via regulation of adrenal androgens

Classic findings have demonstrated an important role for sex steroids as regulators of aggression, but this relationship is lacking within some environmental contexts. In mammals and birds, the adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a non-gonadal precursor of biologically active steroids, has been linked to aggression. Although females, like males, use aggression when competing for limited resources, the mechanisms underlying female aggression remain understudied. Here, we propose a previously undescribed endocrine mechanism regulating female aggression via direct action of the pineal hormone melatonin on adrenal androgens. We examined this in a solitary hamster species, Phodopus sungorus , in which both sexes are highly territorial across the seasons, and display increased aggression concomitant with decreased serum levels of sex steroids in short ‘winter-like9 days. Short- but not long-day females had increased adrenal DHEA responsiveness co-occurring with morphological changes in the adrenal gland. Further, serum DHEA and total adrenal DHEA content were elevated in short days. Lastly, melatonin increased DHEA and aggression and stimulated DHEA release from cultured adrenals. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that DHEA is a key peripheral regulator of aggression and that melatonin coordinates a ‘seasonal switch’ from gonadal to adrenal regulation of aggression by direct action on the adrenal glands.
Optical Coating Properties for Enhanced Blown-Sand Abrasion Resistance

Lenses and other transparent optical materials suffer rapid damage when subjected to blowing abrasive particulates. The time-scale of these impact event falls between typical scratch tests (less than 1m/s) and ballistic tests (100s of m/s) and has not been studied in depth to date. Polymeric lens materials like polycarbonate are usually treated with a scratch-resistant coating, which is commonly silica-based. The coating provides some protection, yet is not sufficient at resisting abrasion from blown sand in most commercial products. We demonstrate that silicone elastomeric coatings are superior to polycarbonate and silica glass at resisting damage by blown sand particles. Sand abrasion tests were conducted using a custom-built test apparatus that exposes the sample to 400 micron diameter quartz silica moving at 16.5 m/s (approx. 38 mph). Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of small cracks and pits in polycarbonate, coated polycarbonate, and silica glass after sand exposure. No such damage was observed in the silicone-coated samples after an identical exposure. We speculate that the elastic tensile strain at the surface is an important predictor of the material response at the time-scale of the impact. A simple mathematical model was developed using a momentum balance pre- and post-impact, and was used to approximate the maximum deformation and impact time-scale. A semispherical interaction volume was used in the model with a radius of 1.5x the particle diameter, determined through profilometry experiments. The material’s resistance to deformation was measured experimentally through a static mechanical test using a spherical indenter to represent the particle. Tensile tests were performed on both materials to identify the maximum elastic strain.Additionally, dynamic mechanical tests were performed to confirm that the mechanical behavior at long time-scales was valid at shorter time-scales of the impacts. DMA curves were shifted using the WLF equation. Profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging were used to confirm the presence or absence of blown-sand induced damage.
Importance of surgical technique in prevention of retained and recurrent bile duct stones.

Approximately 10% of the 500,000 patients who undergo cholecystectomy for gallstones each year in the U.S.A. have associated choledocholithiasis. Of the patients who have a choledocholithotomy, 10–13% are found to have retained bile duct stones in the immediate postoperative period, and an unknown additional number are found to have biliary calculi subsequently. Residual bile duct calculi come from 3 sources, namely, “retained” stones that were overlooked during the initial operation, “retained” stones that were recognized but could not be removed at the initial operation, and “recurrent” stones that re-form in the bile ducts in association with highly lithogenic bile. Most retained stones can be prevented by knowing when and how to perform common bile duct exploration. Absolute indications, which have a high yield of calculi, are: (a) palpable stones, (b) obstructive jaundice with cholangitis, (c) demonstration of stones by cholangiography, and (d) dilatation of the common duct beyond a diameter of 12 mm. Relative indications, use of which requires judgment because of a generally low yield of calculi, are: (a) jaundice without cholangitis, (b) biliary-enteric fistula, (c) small stones in the gallbladder, (d) a single-faceted gallbladder stone, and (e) pancreatitis.
Bioactive Sulfur-Containing Sulochrin Dimers and Other Metabolites from an Alternaria sp. Isolate from a Hawaiian Soil Sample

Polluxochrin (1) and dioschrin (2), two new dimers of sulochrin linked by thioether bonds, were purified from an Alternaria sp. isolate obtained from a Hawaiian soil sample. The structures of the two metabolites were established by NMR, mass spectrometry data, and X-ray analysis. Metabolite 1 was determined to be susceptible to intramolecular cyclization under aqueous conditions, resulting in the generation of 2 as well as another dimeric compound, castochrin (3). An additional nine new metabolites were also obtained, including four new pyrenochaetic acid derivatives (8–11), one new asterric acid analogue (13), and four new secalonic acid analogues (14–17). Bioassay analysis of these compounds revealed 1–3 displayed antimicrobial and weak cytotoxic activities.
Leveraging limited information to understand ecological relationships of endangered Florida salt marsh vole

We were able to substantially increase our knowledge of what is likely the least understood endangered terrestrial mammal in the United States, the Florida salt marsh vole (FSMV; Microtus pennsylvanicus dukecampbelli ). We developed a predictive landscape model that estimated 264 ha of potential habitat for FSMVs. Evaluating our model, we found voles at 8 of the 36 sites sampled, yielding a model accuracy of 22% for a subspecies that previously was known from only 3 locations. Within areas of potential habitat, FSMVs selected patches of marsh vegetation > 0.49 ha with at least some (≥ 16.75% and ≤ 43.61%) smooth cordgrass ( Spartina alterniflora ) cover. Suggestive of a meta-population dynamic, FSMV activity decreased outside of patches of smooth cordgrass and saltgrass ( Distichlis spicata ) identified by the predictive landscape model. Our hierarchical approach to studying FSMVs allowed us to leverage a limited amount of data to ultimately produce important ecological information about an endangered species. This approach easily may be adapted to other mammals with similar information needs.
Exploration and Analysis of the View of Creativity from the Perspective of Philosophy of Technology

The article has analyzed the characteristic of the creativity, including the subjectivity, openness and pluralism on the basis of the current trend of the policy shift on the philosophy of technology and the important role that the creativity plays in the science and technology progress. The article generalizes the recent research on the field of science and technology about creativity, then illustrates the current situation of creativity in promoting scientific and technological progress and technology policy shift and weighs the essential meaning of creativity in the philosophy of technology by means of literature research, theoretical analysis, logic reasoning method and relevant research methods. Furthermore, it puts forward the underlying philosophical significance of "creation" that in the current and future technology policy. It is found that creativity involves the development of human nature when traced back to the nature of philosophy of creativity. It reflects that the human creativity should be carefully developed and necessary ethical code and the corresponding management policy should be applied throughout the process of the cultivation and application of creativity. Therefore, in the study of creativity, human beings can get achievements that are beneficial to themselves rather than the dangerous ones.
Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia and transepidermal elimination in lepromatous leprosy: does T-cell plasticity play a role?

Background The longstanding concept of a Th1-Th2 dichotomy in leprosy, with Th1-predominant tuberculoid leprosy and Th2-predominant lepromatous leprosy (LL), has recently been challenged, and Cbl-b overexpression may emerge as an important factor in anergy and progression of LL. Moreover, Th17 and Th22 subsets have been identified as Th1-Th2 modulators in inflammatory skin diseases, most notably psoriasis, but their roles in leprosy have not yet been elucidated. The occurrence of pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH) with transepidermal elimination of mycobacteria in LL patients, which could theoretically be a portal for contact transmission, thus raises important immunological questions: Do Th17 and/or Th22 subsets mediate epidermal proliferation akin to Th1-driven psoriasis in supposedly Th2-predominant LL disease, and is the Th1-Th2 immunostat set systemically or locally? Furthermore, which microRNAs (miRs), signal transducers, and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins regulate this transition in leprosy, if any, and does differential Cb1-b expression play a role? Observation A 71-year-old man presented with an infiltrative dermopathy characteristic of LL, as well as several hyperkeratotic plaques. Microscopic examination of the hyperkeratotic lesions demonstrated PEH with loss of the grenz zone and transepidermal elimination of acid-fast bacilli, whereas classic histopathologic features of LL were present at other sites. Hypotheses We hypothesize that: Th17 and Th22 T-cell subsets act locally to induce T-cell plasticity in LL lesions, manifesting PEH; miR-181a is normal or increased in LL lesions with PEH compared to its expressional loss in classic LL lesions; miR-21 and STAT3 are increased in LL lesions with PEH, given their association with epithelial hyperproliferation; and Cbl-b is diminished in LL lesions with PEH compared to classic LL lesions. Conclusion By understanding the factors that regulate T-cell and cytokine responses in leprosy, it should be possible to recognize these dynamic immunologic processes clinically and histopathologically and devise specific immunologic interventions.