cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gas-phase quasi-steadiness and fuel vapor accumulation effects in droplet burning

Abstract The present investigation demonstrates that due to volume effects the amount of fuel vapor in the inner region to the flame during droplet combustion can be substantial. By properly accounting for its initial accumulation and the subsequent depletion, but still assuming gas-phase quasi-steady transport, we can formulate simplified theories for droplet vaporization and combustion. The present results generally agree with those obtained from more detailed studies allowing for transient transport in the gas phase. In particular it is shown that for low ambient oxidizer concentrations the flame-front standoff ratio increases without bound and some fuel vapor still remains at complete droplet vaporization, whereas in richer environments a steady state may be reached such that complete fuel consumption coincides with complete fuel vaporization. Effects due to droplet heating are also investigated. Experimental results on almost spherically symmetric droplet combustion conducted under subatmospheric pressure agree with the theoretical predictions. It is emphasized that when instantaneous rate of fuel vaporization is assumed to be equal to that of fuel consumption at the flame, and therefore not accounting for the amount stored in the inner region, the d 2 law yields inaccurate estimates on the rate of chemical heat release from droplet burning. The extent to which a porous-sphere experiment can simulate droplet combustion is also discussed.
Current concepts in the management of thalassemia

The thalassemias are a group of hereditary disorders in which there is a decreased production of one or more of the normal polypeptide chains of hemoglobin. In recent years with the advent of modern transfusion regimens the complications associated with chronic anemia and compensatory erythroid hyperplasia are rarely seen. The clinician is now faced with treating the complications related to repetitive transfusion therapy, including transfusional hemosiderosis, transmission of viral illnesses and proper timing of splenectomy. Chelation therapy for iron overload is an integral part of therapy and requires strict compliance if maximal benefits are to be achieved. Future areas of research include development of oral iron chelators, bone marrow transplantation and methodology for stimulating fetal hemoglobin production.
The relationship of blood velocity as measured by transcranial doppler ultrasonography to cerebral blood flow as determined by stable xenon computed tomographic studies after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Transcranial doppler (TCD) ultrasonography is often used to guide the management of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the correlation between increased blood velocity as measured by TCD ultrasonography and angiographic vasospasm was established before the routine use of hypervolemia/hemodilution and administration of nimodipine and did not address blood flow. The relationship of blood velocity as measured by TCD ultrasonography and local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) in SAH managed with these modalities is unknown. Patients presenting with aneurysmal SAH between January 1992 and September 1993 who underwent TCD ultrasonography and xenon computed tomographic (Xe/CT) LCBF studies within 12 hours were retrospectively studied. Fifty patients underwent a total of 94 paired studies, encompassing 709 vascular territories. All were treated with nimodipine and hypervolemia/hemodilution. Hematocrit, blood pressure, and partial carbon dioxide pressure were similar at the time of TCD ultrasonography and Xe/CT measurement of LCBF. When LCBF in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) was 31 ml/100 g/min had a velocity of 169 cm/s (P = 0.006). High LCBF was associated with high velocity in all vascular territories, reaching significance in all but the internal carotid artery. At the time of each study, 41 neurological examinations were focal and 53 were nonfocal. The Xe/CT measurement of LCBF in the MCA contralateral to a deficit was significantly less than in territories without corresponding clinical deficits (P = 0.01), whereas peak systolic velocities in the MCA were not significantly different (P = 0.71). Territories with increases in blood velocity in the MCA of > 50 cm/s/24 h did not have statistically different LCBF (P = 0.183). Our results suggest that increased blood velocity revealed by TCD ultrasonography correlates with increased LCBF and not with ischemia. No difference in LCBF was found in territories with and without rapid increases in blood velocity in the MCA. Furthermore, although focal neurological deficits corresponded with decreased contralateral LCBF in the MCA, increased velocity did not correlate with neurological findings. Therapeutic decisions based solely on blood velocity revealed by TCD ultrasonography might be inappropriate and potentially harmful. Xe/CT studies of LCBF are useful in guiding the management of SAH.
Process and die design for multi-step forming of round parts from sheet metal

Abstract Designing process sequences for deep drawing of round cups has traditionally been a trial and error process. This paper describes a Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) system for designing process sequences and the corresponding tooling that is currently being developed at the Engineering Research Center for Net Shape Manufacturing (ERC/NSM). This system will help designers in developing and evaluating process sequences and in predicting possible problems before the manufacturing of tools and the production of parts. This will lead to substantial savings in time and costs. The CAE system consists of a rule-based design module to generate the process sequences and an analysis module based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) to predict potential problems by simulating the forming processes. This paper discusses the implementation of the rules to design process sequences as well as some aspects of the numerical simulation of the forming processes.
An efficient numerical method for the two-fluid Stokes equations with a moving immersed boundary

We consider the immersed boundary problem in which the boundary separates two very viscous fluids with differing viscosities. The moving elastic boundary may exert a force on the local fluid. The model solution is obtained using the immersed interface method, which computes second-order accurate approximations by incorporating known jumps in the solution or its derivatives into a finite difference method. These jump conditions become coupled when the fluid viscosity has a jump across the boundary, and this coupling renders the application of the immersed interface method challenging. We present a method that first uses boundary integral equations to reduce the two-fluid Stokes problem to the single-fluid case, and then solves the single-fluid problem using the immersed interface method. Using this method, we assess, through two numerical examples, how the fluid dynamics are affected by differing viscosities in the two-fluid regions. We also propose an implicit algorithm and a fractional-step algorithm for advancing the boundary position. Because both algorithms make use of the integral form of the solution, neither one requires the solution of a large system of coupled nonlinear equations, as is traditionally the case. Numerical results suggest that, for sufficiently stiff problems, the fractional time-stepping algorithm is the most efficient, in the sense that it allows the largest time-interval between subsequent updates of global model solutions.
Liking for an evaluator as a function of her physical attractiveness and nature of the evaluations

Abstract The relationship between physical attractiveness and liking was investigated in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The physical attractiveness (attractive versus unattractive) of an evaluator and the nature of her evaluation (positive versus negative) were manipulated, and the effects of these manipulations examined. We found, as predicted, a significant interaction: the attractive evaluator who was positive was liked most, while the attractive evaluator who presented a negative evaluation was liked least. Between these two extremes, liking was greater for the unattractive-positive evaluator than the unattractive-negative evaluator.
Enzyme electrode for the determination of bilirubin

Bilirubin oxidase (EC 1.3.3.5) catalyzes the oxidation of bilirubin to biliverdin with the concurrent reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide. A platinum electrode was prepared with an immobilized bilirubin oxidase membrane. Bilirubin was determined by monitoring the increase in hydrogen peroxide concentration from the enzyme reaction. The calibration plot for bilirubin shows linearity up to 300μM. The detection limit is 0.7μM.
An all-diode ultralow noise 10 GHz frequency comb and MOPA system with 0.39 W output power based on Slab-Coupled Optical Waveguide Amplifiers

A 0.39 W, 10 GHz MOPA system based on Slab-Coupled Optical Waveguide Amplifiers (SCOWAs) is presented. The output pulse-train timing jitter (∼6 fs), amplitude noise (∼0.03%) and spectral bandwidth exhibit no visible degradation.
“smart house” and “smart-energy” applications of low-power RFID-based wireless sensors

This talk will present a number of different approaches to deploying low power autonomous wireless sensors in a variety of applications. The approaches presented involve chipless RFID based temperature sensors, energy harvesting techniques in semi-passive RFID sensor, and carbon nanotube (CNT) based wireless gas and pressure sensors. These sensors operate at a wide range of frequencies, and exhibit different characteristics which are suited to their application areas.
Energetics in the opossum, Didelphis marsupialis virginiana

Abstract 1. 1. In thermal neutrality (29–35°C) the mean oxygen consumption, 0·243 ml O 2 (g hr) −1 , was 24·8 per cent below the level predicted on the basis of weight. 2. 2. The mean minimal total thermal conductance was 0·167 cal (g hr °C) −1 almost twice the predicted level for an animal with a mean weight of 2·6 kg. 3. 3. Below thermal neutrality (between 29 and 2·5°C) the metabolism of summer acclimatized opossums increases fivefold as compared to a two- to fourfold increase for most eutherian mammals. 4. 4. These data indicate that heat production not heat conservation is the major means by which summer acclimatized Didelphis marsupialis virginiana maintain a constant body temperature below the lower critical temperature.
Isothermal shear transformation in YBa2Cu3O7−δ

Abstract An isothermal annealing experiment was carried out at 400°C to study the mechanisms of tetragonal-to-orthorhombic phase transformation and oxygen diffusion in Yba 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ . Results of magnetization vs. applied magnetic field experiments show that the tetragonal-to-orthorhombic phase transformation proceeds isothermally. This is indicative of a diffusion-controlled process. A phase boundary between the tetragonal and orthorhombic phases has been observed by using polarized light microscopy. This boundary starts from the sample's surface and moves toward the center of the sample as a result of oxygen diffusion. The tetragonal-to-orthorhombic phase transition occurs through mechanical twinning, strongly indicating a martensite-related shear transformation.
Juvenile hormone does not affect division of labor in bumble bee colonies (Hymenoptera: Apidae).

Juvenile hormone (JH) is involved in the regulation of division of labor in honey bee colonies, but it was not known whether JH plays a similar role in other social bees. Topical application of 250 μg of the JH analog methoprene or injection of 250 μg JH I did not affect worker foraging or nest activity in colonies of the primitively eusocial bumble bees Bombus ( Pyrobombus ) impatiens Cresson and B . ( P .) bimaculatus Cresson. Because bumble bees do not exhibit strong age polyethism, these results are consistent with findings in honey bees that JH influences only the performance of age-dependent tasks.
Enzymes of the γ-glutamyl, cycle in ‘aging’ WI-38 fibroblasts and in HeLa S3 cells

gamma-Glutamyltransferase ((5-glutamyl)-peptide:amino-acid 5-glutamyltransferase, EC 2.3.2.2) activity of WI-38 fibroblasts decreased only slightly in relation to a constant amount of cell-associated protein as the cells were carried in culture serially from middle to late passage numbers leading toward senescence, e.g., from population doubling level 27 through 41. Also, when the enzyme activity was expressed on the basis of a unit number of cells or unit amount of DNA, little change occurred over that range of PDLs. As the culture approached 'phase-out', the transferase activity rose sharply regardless of how the activity was expressed. The possibility is considered that the large increase in activity could be a reflection of a significant increase in size of cells and therefore changes in the membranes where the transferase is located. The occurrence of other enzymes of the 'gamma-glutamyl cycle' in WI-38 and HeLa S3 cells also was demonstrated. These included gamma-glutamylcyclotransferase ((gamma-L-glutamyl)-L-amino-acid gamma-glutamyltransferase (cyclizing), EC 2.3.2.4) and 5-oxoprolinase, whose activities showed no large increase comparable to that of the gamma-glutamyltransferase, as the culture approached 'phase-out'.
Anticarcinogenic properties of medium chain fatty acids on human colorectal, skin and breast cancer cells in vitro

Colorectal cancer, breast cancer and skin cancer are commonly-reported cancer types in the U.S. Although radiation and chemotherapy are routinely used to treat cancer, they produce side effects in patients. Additionally, resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs has been noticed in cancers. Thus, there is a need for effective and safe bioprophylactics and biotherapeutics in cancer therapy. The medicinal value of goat milk has been recognized for centuries and is primarily attributed to three fatty acids, namely capric, caprylic and caproic acids. This research investigates the anticancer property of these fatty acids on human colorectal, skin and mammary gland cancer cells. The cancer cells were treated with various concentrations of fatty acids for 48 h, and cell viability was monitored by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay. Additionally, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to elucidate the potential anti-cancer mechanisms of the three fatty acids under investigation. Capric, caprylic and caproic acids reduced cancer cell viability by 70% to 90% (p < 0.05) compared to controls. RT-qPCR data indicated that these natural molecules produced anticancer effects by down-regulating cell cycle regulatory genes and up-regulating genes involved in apoptosis. Future research will validate the anticancer effect of these fatty acids in an appropriate in vivo model.
Design and study of activatable ("OFF/ON") quantum dots (Qdots): ligand selection for Qdot surface modification for controlling Qdot fluorescence quenching and restoration

We report design and synthesis of a series of activatable "OFF/ON" CdS:Mn/ZnS quantum dot (Qdot) based sensing probes. The Qdot "OFF" state represent the "quenched state" where the Qdot fluorescence is quenched by ligands attached to Qdot surface. Fluorescence quenching is likely due to ligand assisted electron transfer process. Qdot fluorescence is restored when the electron transfer process is stopped. Using this activatable Qdots, we have successfully demonstrated usefulness of these Qdot probes for reliable detection of toxic cadmium ions in solution, selective detection of glutathione and sensitive detection of intracellular cancer drug release event. In this paper, we will discuss a simple but robust method of making water-soluble CdS:Mn/ZnS Qdots at the room-temperature. Two different water-soluble biomolecules, the N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and the glutathione (GSH) were used as surface coating ligands. This is a singlestep, one-pot synthesis where the Qdot nanocrystals were grown in the presence of the biomolecules. These Qdots were characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy. Stability of the GSH coated Qdots and the NAC coated Qdots were studied by treating with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA, a strong chelating agent for Zn and Cd ions). Our results show that fluorescence properties of Qdots are affected by the type of surface coated ligands. In comparison to the GSH coated Qdots, the NAC coated Qdots show broad but strong emission towards near infra-red region. When treated with EDTA, fluorescence property of the GSH coated Qdot was affected less than the NAC coated Qdots. This preliminary study shows that NAC coated Qdots could potentially be used to develop activatable ("OFF/ON") probes for potential deep-tissue imaging applications. Similarly, the GSH coated Qdots could be applied for probing desired analytes or for bioimaging purposes in environmentally harsh conditions.
Psychologists in academic health centers: reflections on traditions and innovations in education, science, and practice

In 2007, the Association of Psychologists in Academic Health Centers (APAHC), formerly known as Association of Medical School Psychologists (AMSP), held its first national conference since 1997. At the latter conference, the author of this article [Sheridan (1999) Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 6, 211–218] was asked to present some of the issues that would be important to health care psychologists in the next decade. These issues included the role of psychology in academic health centers, interventions psychologists offer, reimbursements for such treatments, education and training models, and research. This article examines those observations, offers new data, and explores the current challenges and opportunities for psychologists in academic health centers. The presentation also addresses aspirations of psychologists as well as resistances within the profession.
Utility of Echocardiographic Tissue Synchronization Imaging to Redirect Left Ventricular Lead Placement for Improved Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

An 80-year-old woman with severe symptomatic heart failure (ejection fraction of 13%), and left bundle branch block (QRS duration of 160 ms) underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). She had significant baseline dyssynchrony with a septal to posterior wall delay of 160 ms by echocardiographic tissue synchronization imaging (TSI). Despite exhaustive efforts, a stable posterior-lateral coronary vein lead position could not be achieved with the standard percutaneous approach, resulting in anterior coronary vein lead placement. This resulted in no improvement in the patient's symptoms or ventricular function. Follow-up TSI revealed earlier activation of the anteroseptal site and worsened dyssynchrony with septal to posterior wall delay of now 290 ms. This information prompted surgical revision of the left ventricular (LV) lead position via limited thoracotomy and posterior-lateral epicardial lead implantation. Pacing at the new lead site resulted in a 30% increase in stroke volume and symptomatic improvement. TSI in this case redirected lead position in a clinical nonresponder, resulting in a favorable response to CRT.
Kinematics of medial osteoarthritic knees before and after posterior cruciate ligament retaining total knee arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a widely accepted surgical procedure for the treatment of patients with end-stage osteoarthritis (OA). However, the function of the knee is not always fully recovered after TKA. We used a dual fluoroscopic imaging system to evaluate the in vivo kinematics of the knee with medial compartment OA before and after a posterior cruciate ligament-retaining TKA (PCR-TKA) during weight-bearing knee flexion, and compared the results to those of normal knees. The OA knees displayed similar internal/external tibial rotation to normal knees. However, the OA knees had less overall posterior femoral translation relative to the tibia between 0° and 105° flexion and more varus knee rotation between 0° and 45° flexion, than in the normal knees. Additionally, in the OA knees the femur was located more medially than in the normal knees, particularly between 30° and 60° flexion. After PCR-TKA, the knee kinematics were not restored to normal. The overall internal tibial rotation and posterior femoral translation between 0° and 105° knee flexion were dramatically reduced. Additionally, PCR-TKA introduced an abnormal anterior femoral translation during early knee flexion, and the femur was located lateral to the tibia throughout weight-bearing flexion. The data help understand the biomechanical functions of the knee with medial compartment OA before and after contemporary PCR-TKA. They may also be useful for improvement of future prostheses designs and surgical techniques in treatment of knees with end-stage OA. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:40–46, 2011
Preparation of Zeolites Supported on Optical Microfibers

Samples of zeolites supported on optical microfibers were prepared with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as a binding agent using sol−gel methods. A slower rate of TEOS hydrolysis in the sol−gel relative to the rate of silanol condensation was observed to be crucial for successful support of the zeolite particles on the optical fibers. The amount of water and the pH of the reaction gel were varied to control and optimize the rates of hydrolysis and condensation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer−Emmett−Teller (BET) surface area measurements, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the zeolite particles on the optical microfibers. The zeolite adhesion obtained was robust as the particles sustained spinning at 2000 Hz and suspension in flowing water for 12 h. The zeolite-supported optical fibers provide an improved catalyst system for the introduction of light into zeolite pores.
The relationship of diet and exercise for weight control and the quality of life gap associated with diabetes.

Abstract Objective The demanding behavioral changes for weight control to manage diabetes might contribute to lower quality of life (QOL). This research examines whether the demands of diet and exercise contribute to lower QOL among persons with diabetes. Methods Data were from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), which measures days in the last month for poor physical health, poor mental health, limited activity, pain, depression, stress, poor sleep, and high energy, as well as weight control efforts. Results Respondents with diabetes averaged more impaired days on every measure of QOL. Neither efforts to control weight nor dieting were related to any measure. Exercise was associated with reductions in impaired days on all measures. Conclusions Exercising to control weight had a powerful effect on reducing QOL differences while attempting to maintain or reduce weight, and dieting to do so had no effect.
A linear spatio-temporal model of the light-to-bipolar cell system and its reponse characteristics to moving bars

A linear spatio-temporal model for the visual pathway from receptor to bipolar cell is presented. This model is based on histological and electrophysiological data obtained from previously published work. The model incorporates the salient linear spatio-temporal dynamic characteristics of the light-to-bipolar cell system, and aims at furthering our understanding of the integrated spatio-temporal response characteristics of this system. This model is used to examine the way spatial and temporal dynamic characteristics combine to form the response of a single bipolar and of a combination of two bipolars to a moving bar stimulus. A unimodal “speed sensitivity curve” is identified than can be used to postulate speed detection schemes based on simple thresholding operations. The dependence of this speed sensitivity curve on specific temporal and spatial parameters of the receptive field is studied, giving rise to some simple speed discrimination schemata.
Speculations on global energy demand and supply going forward

Global energy demand is a function of population and standard of living growth, both of which are expected to stabilize, enabling future annual demand to be projected from historical patterns and predicted improvements in efficiency. Factors which could significantly alter the demand projection, however, include new energy requirements for water pretreatment and for carbon management. About 80% of current energy demand is met by fossil fuels and projected fossil reserves are plentiful. Concern over possible climate change may lead to the adoption of carbon management technologies in the short term and greater exploitation of non-carbon energy sources in the longer term including solar, nuclear, and geothermal, although biomass may not be a major medium for exploiting solar energy.
A cross-country decomposition analysis of manufacturing energy consumption☆

Abstract A decomposition method is used to divide a change in manufacturing energy consumption into three effects: output growth, energy intensity and structural change, using energy-balance tables and manufacturing statistics for 26 selected countries in the period 1973–1980 and 1980–1988. The findings seem to confirm the decoupling of energy and output in developed countries in contrast to the presence of a positive relationship between industrial output and energy consumption in developing countries. Moreover, rapid growth in manufacturing output, coupled with energy-intensive industrialization, seems to be the dominant factor in increasing manufacturing energy consumption in developing countries, while improved energy intensity and less energy-intensive structural change seem to exert a more pronounced dampening impact on manufacturing energy consumption in developed countries than in developing countries.
Bosonic string theory in covariant gauge

Abstract We discuss path integral formulations of the first quantization of open and closed bosonic strings in the proper-time gauges which ensure manifest covariance. The string propagators given by path integrals a la Polyakov are evaluated. The evaluated propagators uniquely determine the actions for the free string fields in the second quantized theories. The BRST invariant actions for free bosonic string fields proposed by Siegel are shown to emerge naturally. A geometrical explanation for the proper-time gauge conditions as appropriate gauge fixing conditions is presented. We also evaluate the BRST invariant one loop string path integral.
Social capital or group style? Rescuing Tocqueville’s insights on civic engagement

Social capital has become the preeminent concept for studying civic relationships, yet it will not help us assess their meanings, institution-like qualities, or potential for social capacity. Alexis de Tocqueville’s insights on these three features of civic relationships continue to be highly influential, and the popular social capital concept claims a strongly Tocquevillian heritage while systematically missing what a Tocquevillian imagination illuminates. Scenes from volunteer group settings in a midwestern US city show how a concept of group style apprehends the varying meanings, routines, and social capacities of civic ties. Group style also illuminates the process by which civic groups create “bridging” ties beyond the group. Without rejecting the social capital concept entirely, I highlight research questions and findings that social capital would ignore or misapprehend. A concluding discussion draws out implications for democratic theory, and sketches an agenda for future research on civic group style that makes good on Tocquevillian insights while moving beyond Tocqueville’s own limits.
Norepinephrine and dopamine in the limbic system of the rat.

Abstract Norepinephrine and dopamine, which were assayed by means of a sensitive enzymatic isotopic method, were found to be unevenly distributed among the areas which make up the limbic system. Both catecholamines could be detected in all of the regions studied. Many regions of the limbic system were richly endowed with one or both of these compounds. The concentration of norepinephrine was particularly high in the dorsal part of the nucleus interstitialis striae terminalis, the nucleus interstitialis striae medullaris, and the nucleus tractus diagonalis; the concentration of dopamine was very high in the olfactory tubercle and in the area amygdaloidea anterior.
Vaginal birth after cesarean for cephalopelvic disproportion: effect of birth weight difference on success.

OBJECTIVE:To estimate the effect of birth weight difference between the current and index pregnancy on vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) failure in patients whose prior cesarean was for cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD).METHODS:This was a retrospective cohort study of women with one cesarean for C
Episodic ataxia/myokymia mutations functionally expressed in the Shaker potassium channel.

Abstract Episodic ataxia type 1 is a rare, autosomal dominant neurological disorder caused by missense mutations of the Kv1.1 gene from the Shaker K + channel subfamily. To study the functional effects of the disease-causing mutations in a robust K + channel background, we introduced seven different episodic ataxia type 1 substitutions into the corresponding, conserved residues of the Shaker K + channel. K + channel currents expressed in Xenopus oocytes were studied by electrophysiology. All episodic ataxia type 1 mutations produced functional K + channels. In a Shaker N-terminal deletion mutant with fast inactivation removed, current amplitudes were significantly reduced in channels harboring an episodic ataxia type 1 mutation. Six of the seven mutations also showed depolarizing shifts (+9 to +36 mV) in the conductance voltage dependence. One mutation (F307I) shifted the midpoint of the conductance–voltage relationship by 23 mV in the hyperpolarizing direction. Episodic ataxia type 1 mutations were also expressed in ShakerH4 with intact N-terminal inactivation. In this construct, current amplitudes for episodic ataxia type 1 mutants were not significantly different from wild-type channels. All mutations altered the voltage range of steady-state inactivation; most changes were coupled to the changes in activation gating. Some episodic ataxia type 1 mutants also caused significant changes in the kinetics of N-type (F307I, E395D) or C-type (F307I, E395D, V478A) inactivation. These results suggest that episodic ataxia type 1 mutations may change K + channel function by two mechanisms: (i) reduced channel expression and (ii) altered channel gating.
Development of the Axon Membrane during Differentiation of Myelinated Fibres in Spinal Nerve Roots

Previous studies by a number of workers have shown that the axon membrane in normal mature myelinated fibres is highly differentiated, with the nodal axolemma exhibiting characteristics different to those of the internodal axolemma. However, the development of this axolemmal heterogeneity has not been previously explored. In the present study we used cytochemical methods to examine the development of nodal axolemma during the differentiation of myelinated fibres in rat spinal roots. The staining properties characteristic of normal nodal membrane appear in the axon, at gaps between Schwann cells, before the development of mature compact myelin or well defined paranodal axon--Schwann cell specializations close to the region of nodal axolemmal differentiation. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the axon membrane differentiates into nodal and internodal regions before, or early in the process of, myelination, and suggest that the differentiation of the axon membrane may provide a signal demarcating the region to be covered by the myelin-forming cell.
Lipid metabolism in the elderly

Adiposity increases with age. The size of the adipose tissue mass is determined by the balance between the recruitment of lipid substrates (ie free fatty acids) from adipose tissue and their subsequent oxidation by respiring tissues. Thus, change in the liberation of free fatty acids from adipocytes, the capacity of respiring tissue to oxidize free fatty acids or a combination of both may contribute to the age-related increase in body fat. This review focuses on studies that have examined the effect of age on free fatty acid release and the capacity of respiring tissues to oxidize fat. In vitro studies have shown that hormonal and pharmacological stimulation of lipolysis diminished with age. Despite this cellular defect, however, in vivo studies suggest that fatty acids are recruited from adipose tissue in excess of the energy demands of the body in older individuals. The capacity of respiring tissues, in particular skeletal muscle, to oxidize fat declines with age. The age-related decrease in fat oxidation is related to a reduction in both the quantity and oxidative capacity of respiring tissue. Taken together, these results suggest that an age-related decrease in the capacity of respiring tissues to oxidize fat, rather than decreased free fatty acid release, is a more likely determinant of lipid imbalance and the age-related increase in adiposity. Interventions designed to increase the mass or oxidative capacity of respiring tissue, therefore, may be effective in counteracting the age-related reduction in fat oxidation.
Surgical site infections following pediatric liver transplantation: risks and costs.

: Purpose. Infectious complications following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in both adults and children. In adults, surgical site infections complicating OLT have been shown to significantly increase resource utilization, but their impact in children has not been studied. In this study we identify risk factors for surgical site infections in children undergoing primary OLT for end-stage liver disease and estimate their impact on patient survival, graft survival, length of stay, and charges. Methods. All pediatric liver transplants (n = 77) less than 16 years of age from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Liver Transplantation Database were included in the analysis. Surgical site infections (n = 25) were defined as wound infections, abdominal abscesses, and bacterial or fungal infections of the liver, intestine, or peritoneum during the initial transplant admission. Risk of infection was estimated using logistic regression, survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and length of stay and charges were compared using Student's t-test. Multivariate analysis of charges was performed using linear regression. Results. Of the 77 patients, 25 (32.5%) developed a surgical site infection. Several factors were associated with increased risk of infections, including a leak at the biliary anastomosis (odds ratio [OR] 115, P = 0.003), preoperative white blood cell count (OR = 1.28, P = 0.009), surgery > 7 h (OR = 15.0, P = 0.011), HLA mismatches (OR = 6.0, P = 0.03), and female gender (OR = 8.0, P = 0.038). Surgical site infections did not significantly decrease either patient survival or graft survival, and increased hospital stay by an average of 21 days (P = 0.14). After controlling for other factors, patients who developed surgical site infections incurred on average $132,507 (P = 0.03) more in charges than patients who did not develop infections. Conclusions. Surgical site infections in pediatric patients following liver transplantation are significantly influenced by surgical technique and endogenous patient characteristics. Though survival outcomes are not different, the development of such infections has significant implications for resource utilization in the care of these patients.
Using generic preferences to incrementally improve plan quality

We describe a methodology for representing and optimizing user preferences on plans. Our approach differs from previous work on plan optimization in that we employ a generalization of commonly occurring plan quality metrics, providing an expressive preference language. We introduce a domain independent algorithm for incrementally improving the quality of feasible plans with respect to preferences described in this language. Finally, we experimentally show that plan quality can be significantly increased with little additional modeling effort for each domain.
Does partial replication pay off

As part counts in high performance computing systems are projected to increase faster than part reliabilities, there is increasing interest in enabling jobs to continue to execute in the presence of failures. Process replication has been shown to be a viable method to accomplish this, but previous studies have focussed on full replication levels (dual, triple, etc). In this work, we present a model for studying job interrupt times on systems of arbitrary replication degree, and arbitrary node failure distribution. We show agreement of this model with a previously developed simulator and make three key observations for systems using process replication; 1) job interrupts are not exponentially distributed (even when underlying node failures are), 2) job mean time to interrupt increases exponentially between full replication degrees, and 3) while partial replication may pay off for interrupt-dominated jobs, full replication degrees offer the best overall value.
No Discretion Required? Caseworker Autonomy and the Rules of Welfare Reform

Previous research suggest that welfare caseworkers break rules either for their own gain or to help clients. In the last decade, the rules regarding Temporary Assistance to Needy Families participation have become stricter and more prescriptive for clients although caseworkers still use discretion. Using observations and interviews in a case study of a welfare-to-work office in rural North Carolina (USA), I find caseworkers used discretion in ways that benefited the county Department of Social Services; yet, they gave accounts of sticking to the rules. Building on literature on welfare provider discretion, I broaden my focus to examine welfare workers within the broader context of worker autonomy. I draw on classic studies of worker autonomy, and I argue that placing studies of welfare worker discretion within a broader body of literature on autonomy will allow scholars to better understand contemporary issues of worker autonomy across sectors.
Interaction of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus ORF59 with oriLyt Is Dependent on Binding with K-Rta

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) displays two distinct life stages, latency and lytic reactivation. Progression through the lytic cycle and replication of the viral genome constitute an essential step toward the production of infectious virus and human disease. KSHV K-RTA has been shown to be the major transactivator required for the initiation of lytic reactivation. In the transient-cotransfection replication assay, K-Rta is the only noncore protein required for DNA synthesis. K-Rta was shown to interact with both C/EBPα binding motifs and the R response elements (RRE) within oriLyt. It is postulated that K-Rta acts in part to facilitate the recruitment of replication factors to oriLyt. In order to define the role of K-Rta in the initiation of lytic DNA synthesis, we show an interaction with ORF59, the DNA polymerase processivity factor (PF), one of the eight virally encoded proteins necessary for origin-dependent DNA replication. Using the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, both K-Rta and ORF59 interact with the RRE and C/EBPα binding motifs within oriLyt in cells harboring the KSHV bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC). A transient-transfection ChIP assay demonstrated that the interaction of ORF59 with oriLyt is dependent on binding with K-Rta and that ORF59 fails to bind to oriLyt in the absence of K-Rta. Also, using the cotransfection replication assay, overexpression of the interaction domain of K-Rta with ORF59 has a dominant negative effect on oriLyt amplification, suggesting that the interaction of K-Rta with ORF59 is essential for DNA synthesis and supporting the hypothesis that K-Rta facilitates the formation of a replication complex at oriLyt.
Enhancers in embryonic stem cells are enriched for transposable elements and genetic variations associated with cancers

Using an enhancer-associated epigenetic signature, we made genome-wide predictions of transcriptional enhancers in human B and T lymphocytes and embryonic stem cells (ES cells). We validated and characterized the predicted enhancers using four types of information, including overlap with other genomic marks for enhancers; association with cell-type-specific genes; enrichment of cell-type-specific transcription factor binding sites; and genetic polymorphisms in predicted enhancers. We find that enhancers from ES cells, but not B or T cells, are significantly enriched for DNA sequences derived from transposable elements. This may be due to the generally relaxed repressive epigenetic state and increased activity of transposable elements in ES cells. We demonstrate that the wealth of new enhancer sequences discerned here provides an invaluable resource for the functional annotation of gene-distal single nucleotide polymorphisms identified through expression quantitative trait loci and genome-wide association studies analyses. Notably, we find GWAS SNPs associated with various cancers are enriched in ES cell enhancers. In comparison, GWAS SNPs associated with diseases due to immune dysregulation are enriched in B and T cell enhancers.
The knowledge pyramid: a critique of the DIKW hierarchy

The paper evaluates the data - information - knowledge - wisdom (DIKW) hierarchy. This hierarchy, also known as the `knowledge hierarchy', is part of the canon of information science and management. Arguments are offered that the hierarchy is unsound and methodologically undesirable. The paper identifies a central logical error that DIKW makes. The paper also identifies the dated and unsatisfactory philosophical positions of operationalism and inductivism as the philosophical backdrop to the hierarchy. The paper concludes with a sketch of some positive theories, of value to information science, on the nature of the components of the hierarchy: that data is anything recordable in a semantically and pragmatically sound way, that information is what is known in other literature as `weak knowledge', that knowledge also is `weak knowledge' and that wisdom is the possession and use, if required, of wide practical knowledge, by an agent who appreciates the fallible nature of that knowledge.
Language, Power, and the Construction of Adult Education Programs:

To explain the exercise of power through the use of language and its effects on power relations and program construction, verbal interaction between three planners in two program planning meetings was analyzed. The study revealed that political relationships enacted through the use of language situated crucial planning action. Specifically, learning objectives and adult education tenets as well as ethical imperatives took shape within a socio-political context constituted by the planners' "talk." For this reason, the negotiation of power and interests was a central feature of the planning process. It can be concluded, therefore, that program construction is contingent upon communicative action. One of the implications of the study is that responsible planners must not only be aware of many levels of meaning in discourse but must also know how to use language skillfully and politically to exercise the full extent of their agency.
Power Parity, Alliance, Differential Growth, and Great Power Wars: An Empirical Research Note

Despite a volume of studies on the relationship between power distribution, the onset of war, and the impact of alliance and differential economic growth rate on the incidence of war, there is no strong conclusion about the issues. We reexamined the relationship between these variables and found that the differential growth rates in alliance-making affect the likelihood of war. This theoretically makes sense because nations are likely to try to increase their allies before they go to war, especially compared to their foes. This small but important finding adds to the literature.
A proposed causal link of interplanetary dust particles and the nuclei of comets

Abstract The most commonly discussed link between the Interplanetary Dust Particles (IDP's) and cometary nuclei is that of the flow of dust from the nucleus to interplanetary space. I present a model of a causal link related to asteroid band dust. IDP's originating in the inner planetary system (probably the asteroid belt) will have a substantial fraction of their population perturbed into highly elongated orbits by solar radiation pressure. While very distant from the planetary system these particles may accrete interstellar molecules and become part of cometary nuclei. The material then becomes part of the zodiacal cloud upon loss from the comet.
An analog bionic vocal tract

We present the first experimental integrated-circuit vocal tract. The 275 muW analog vocal tract chip can be used for real-time speech production in bionic speech-prosthesis systems where low power is critical. We also describe how our vocal tract can be used with auditory processors in a feedback speech locked loop to implement speech recognition that is potentially robust in noise.
Alternatively activated macrophages in helminth infections

Helminthic parasites can trigger highly polarized immune responses typically associated with increased numbers of CD4+ Th2 cells, eosinophils, mast cells, and basophils. These cell populations are thought to coordinate an effective response ultimately leading to parasite expulsion, but they also play a role in the regulation of associated pathologic inflammation. Recent studies suggest that macrophages, conventionally associated with IFN-γ-dominant Th1-type responses to many bacteria and viruses, also play an essential role in the Th2-type inflammatory response. These macrophages are referred to as alternatively activated macrophages (AAMΦs) as they express a characteristic pattern of cell surface and secreted molecules distinct from that of classically activated macrophages (CAMΦs) associated with microbe infections. In this review, we will discuss recent findings regarding the role of AAMΦs in the development of disease and host protection following helminth infection.
Latin America's Subtle Racism: Salient Managerial Implications For Non-Latin American Managers

Since the mid nineteen nineties most Latin American nations have implemented free market policies. The ensuing economic stability has attracted investment from non-Latin corporations, thereby causing the transfer of non-Latin executives to Latin nations. For many of these executives, their Latin assignments include an unexpected challenge: Dealing with Latin Americas subtle but pervasive racism. Such racism contributes to the mistreatment of labor and influences the promotion and hiring of executives. These behaviors, although unapologetically accepted in Latin America, hurt productivity. Non-Latin managers should, therefore, treat workers fairly and hire and promote executives based exclusively upon job related factors.