cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does laser type impact myocardial function following transmyocardial laser revascularization

Background Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) is currently clinically performed with either a CO2 or Ho:YAG laser for the treatment of severe angina. While both lasers provide symptomatic relief, there are significant differences in the laser–tissue interactions specific to each device that may impact their ability to enhance the perfusion of myocardium and thereby improve contractile function of the ischemic heart. Methods A porcine model of chronic myocardial ischemia was employed. After collecting baseline functional data with cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dobutamine stress echo (DSE), 14 animals underwent TMR with either a CO2 or Ho:YAG laser. Transmural channels were created with each laser in a distribution of 1/cm2 in the ischemic zone. Six weeks post-treatment repeat MRI as well as DSE were obtained after which the animals were sacrificed. Histology was preformed to characterize the laser–tissue interaction. Results CO2 TMR led to improvement in wall thickening in the ischemic area as seen with cine MRI (40.3% vs. baseline, P < 0.05) and DSE (20.2% increase vs. baseline, P < 0.05). Ho:YAG treated animals had no improvement in wall thickening by MRI (−11.6% vs. baseline, P = .67) and DSE (−16.7% vs. baseline, P = 0.08). Correlative semi-quantitative histology revealed a significantly higher fibrosis index in Ho:YAG treated myocardium versus CO2 (1.81 vs. 0.083, P < 0.05). Conclusions In a side-by-side comparison CO2 TMR resulted in improved function of ischemic myocardium as assessed by MRI and echocardiography. Ho:YAG TMR led to no improvement in regional function likely due to concomitant increase in fibrosis in the lasered area. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:906–911, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Multi-Disciplinary Analysis for Future Launch Systems Using NASA's Advanced Engineering Environment (AEE)

A new engineering environment constructed for the purposes of analyzing and designing Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs) is presented. The new environment has been developed to allow NASA to perform independent analysis and design of emerging RLV architectures and technologies. The new Advanced Engineering Environment (AEE) is both collaborative and distributed. It facilitates integration of the analyses by both vehicle performance disciplines and life-cycle disciplines. Current performance disciplines supported include: weights and sizing, aerodynamics, trajectories, propulsion, structural loads, and CAD-based geometries. Current life-cycle disciplines supported include: DDT&E cost, production costs, operations costs, flight rates, safety and reliability, and system economics. Involving six NASA centers (ARC, LaRC, MSFC, KSC, GRC and JSC), AEE has been tailored to serve as a web-accessed agency-wide source for all of NASA's future launch vehicle systems engineering functions. Thus, it is configured to facilitate (a) data management, (b) automated tool/process integration and execution, and (c) data visualization and presentation. The core components of the integrated framework are a customized PTC Windchill product data management server, a set of RLV analysis and design tools integrated using Phoenix Integration's Model Center, and an XML-based data capture and transfer protocol. The AEE system has seen production use during the Initial Architecture and Technology Review for the NASA 2nd Generation RLV program, and it continues to undergo development and enhancements in support of its current main customer, the NASA Next Generation Launch Technology (NGLT) program.
A Slow Brain Stem Response for Low-Frequency Audiometry

Proper choices of stimuli and of brain stem electric responses allow us to estimate peripheral auditory thresholds at 500,1 000, 2 000 and 4 000 Hz with an accuracy of about ±10 dB. With the help of sedation (secobarbital), such audiograms may be obtained from each ear of a child of any age in a single session.Tone pips (filtered clicks) or very brief tone bursts give a frequency selectivity that is clinically adequate. The rise time must be adjusted to the center frequency. A rise time of two periods with a plateau from zero to one period gives a good compromise between frequency specificity and a synchronous neural discharge.The best threshold indicator for tone pips of 2 000 Hz or higher (or unfiltered clicks) is P6 (Jewett V). At 60 dB nHL its latency is 6.0-7.0 ms (for children of 1 year or older), but near threshold it is 8.0-9.5 ms. An input pass-band of 140-3 000 Hz is appropriate.The best threshold indicator at 500 or 1 000 Hz is a nearly neglected slower wave with a scalp-negative crest at about...
Effect of intramolecular energy transfer on the rate of unimolecular isomerization: HCN⟷HNC

This paper reports calculations of the rate of isomerization of HCNHCN based on the theory of Gary and Rice as extended by Zhao and Rice. The major task is to determine the effect of intramolecular energy transfer on the prediction of the rate of isomerization. Both the full three-dimensional (3D) system and the reduced two-dimensional (2D) system obtained from freezing CN bond at 1.159 A are analyzed to check the validity of the freezing bond approximation. Meanwhile, RRKM rates are calculated to test RRKM choice of the transition state by comparing to Gary-Rice three-state model. The comparison shows that the rates from 2D model and 3D model are differing up to 20% with 2D rates consistently larger. The intramolecular energy transfer modifies the isomerization rate for HCN system up to 30% that is modestly small by the expectation. The isomerization rate predicted from RRKM theory is greater than those of Gary-Rice three-state model theory up to 65%, and it overstimates the rates under all considerations, including the contribution from intramolecular energy transfer, for the studied system by about a factor of 2.
Collaborative Learning in Engineering Students: Gender and Achievement

Background Collaboration is an ABET accreditation required component of the engineering curriculum. Research has shown that collaborative learning positively influences student achievement. The relationship between motivation, collaborative learning strategies, and achievement is not well studied in an engineering education context. Purpose(Hypothesis) A set of hypotheses were tested that predicted positive relationships between students' self-reported informal collaboration, self-efficacy for learning course material, knowledge building behaviors, and course grade. A second set of hypotheses were tested that predicted gender similarities in reported self-efficacy, and gender differences in reported collaborative learning activities. Design/Method One hundred fifty engineering students were surveyed for study 1 and 513 students were surveyed for study 2. Bivariate correlations were completed to examine relationship between study variables; multiple regression analysis was completed to examine predictive ability of variables on course grade; MANOVA was completed to examine multivariate relationship between variables. Results In study 1, students' reported use of collaborative learning strategies and reported self-efficacy for learning course material were significantly predictive of their course grade. In study 2, female students reported greater use of collaboration as a learning strategy than their male classmates; among male and female students combined, those who received “B's” in their engineering course reported more collaboration than their peers who received “A's” or “C's” and lower. Conclusion Overall, students' self reported collaborative learning strategies were associated with increased self-efficacy for learning course material and course grade, particularly for students who received “B's” in the course. Female students reported greater use of collaborative learning strategies than their male peers.
The Relationship Between Work/Nonwork Role Conflict and Job-Related Outcomes: Some Unanticipated Findings:

This study investigated the relationship between multiple dimensions of work/nonwork role conflict andfour personal and job-related outcomes. It was predicted that the work!nonwork role conflict variables would be negatively related to job and life satisfaction, job involvement, and organizational commitment. Results indicated that various aspects of role conflict are significantly related to work outcomes, but not always in the expected fashion. Specifically, conflict between job andfamily roles was negatively associated with satisfaction measures as predicted, but was positively related to job involvement and organizational commitment. The findings suggest that certain job-related attitudes may result in increased levels of interrole conflict. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Lateral diffusive spin transport in layered structures

A one-dimensional (1D) theory of lateral spin-polarized transport is derived from the two-dimensional flow in the vertical cross section of a stack of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic layers. This takes into account the influence of the lead on the lateral current underneath, in contrast to the conventional 1D modeling by the collinear configuration of lead/channel/lead. Our theory is convenient and appropriate for the current in-plane configuration of an all-metallic spintronics structure as well as for the planar structure of a semiconductor with ferromagnetic contacts. For both systems we predict the optimal contact width for maximal magnetoresistance and propose an electrical measurement of the spin-diffusion length for a wide range of materials.
New lightning current arrester design for onshore and offshore wind turbines

This paper describes the challenging operating conditions of onshore and offshore wind turbines and the requirements for the design of surge-protective devices — which result from these operating conditions. To meet these operating conditions and the requirements derived from standards and guidelines for wind turbines, a new hybrid design of varistor-based and spark-gap-based IEC Class I lightning current arresters had been designed. This paper also describes the design principles and the operational behavior of this new arrester for wind turbines.
EUS for the management of peripancreatic fluid collections after distal pancreatectomy.

Background Peripancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) are a common complication after distal pancreatectomy and are usually managed by percutaneous drainage. The role of EUS in the management of postoperative PFCs has not been previously reported. Objective To evaluate the role of EUS in the management of PFCs after distal pancreatectomy. Study Design Case series. Setting Academic tertiary referral center. Patients Symptomatic patients with PFCs after a distal pancreatectomy. Interventions At EUS, the PFCs were accessed transgastrically by using a 19-gauge FNA needle and after passage of a 0.035-inch guidewire; sequential dilation of the transgastric tract was performed up to 8 mm and multiple 7F or 10F double-pigtail stents were deployed. Nasocystic drainage catheters were deployed in those with poor drainage at the time of endoscopy. Main Outcome Measurements To evaluate the technical and treatment success and safety profile of the EUS-based approach for management of PFCs after distal pancreatectomy. Results Ten patients (6 men, 4 women; mean age, 56.8 years [range 20-76 years]) underwent EUS-guided drainage of PFCs after distal pancreatectomy over a 30-month period. Indications for distal pancreatectomy were neuroendocrine tumor in 5 patients, focal chronic pancreatitis in 2, cyst neoplasm in 1, adenocarcinoma in 1, and trauma in 1. The mean size of the PFCs (largest dimension) was 91.4 mm (range 45-140 mm). EUS-guided drainage was technically successful in all 10 patients; 1 patient underwent EUS-guided drainage of 2 large noncommunicating PFCs in the same endoscopy session. Treatment was successful in 9 (90%) of 10 patients; 1 patient had persistent symptoms requiring reoperation. No procedural complications were encountered. At a mean follow-up of 151 days (range 96-280 days), all 9 patients were doing well without any evidence of symptom recurrence. Limitations Small number of patients and lack of a comparative treatment group. Conclusions EUS-guided drainage is a minimally invasive, safe, and highly effective technique for the management of symptomatic PFC after distal pancreatectomy.
CsrA represses translation of sdiA, which encodes the N-acylhomoserine-L-lactone receptor of Escherichia coli, by binding exclusively within the coding region of sdiA mRNA.

ABSTRACT The RNA binding protein CsrA is the central component of a conserved global regulatory system that activates or represses gene expression posttranscriptionally. In every known example of CsrA-mediated translational control, CsrA binds to the 5′ untranslated region of target transcripts, thereby repressing translation initiation and/or altering the stability of the RNA. Furthermore, with few exceptions, repression by CsrA involves binding directly to the Shine-Dalgarno sequence and blocking ribosome binding. sdiA encodes the quorum-sensing receptor for N-acyl-l-homoserine lactone in Escherichia coli. Because sdiA indirectly stimulates transcription of csrB, which encodes a small RNA (sRNA) antagonist of CsrA, we further explored the relationship between sdiA and the Csr system. Primer extension analysis revealed four putative transcription start sites within 85 nucleotides of the sdiA initiation codon. Potential σ70-dependent promoters were identified for each of these primer extension products. In addition, two CsrA binding sites were predicted in the initially translated region of sdiA. Expression of chromosomally integrated sdiA′-′lacZ translational fusions containing the entire promoter and CsrA binding site regions indicates that CsrA represses sdiA expression. The results from gel shift and footprint studies demonstrate that tight binding of CsrA requires both of these sites. Furthermore, the results from toeprint and in vitro translation experiments indicate that CsrA represses translation of sdiA by directly competing with 30S ribosomal subunit binding. Thus, this represents the first example of CsrA preventing translation by interacting solely within the coding region of an mRNA target.
Correlation between transverse momentum and multiplicity for spherically exploding quark-gluon plasmas

Abstract We argue that the mean transverse momentum of particles produced in very high energy nucleus-nucleus collisions or in very high multiplicity p p collisions may be directly related to the energy per unit entropy of the hot matter originally formed. We also argue that the initial energy density is related to the mean transverse momentum and to the rapidity density of pions. A tentative analysis of cosmic ray data, and of p p collider data finds support for the conjecture that the matter produced in such collisions undergoes a phase transition from a hadron gas to a quark-gluon plasma.
Blood cell phosphofructokinase in Down's syndrome.

Measurement of erythrocyte phosphofructokinase (PFK) activity in Down's syndrome failed to confirm the nearly 50% increase reported by others. An increase of 29% was found, while leukocyte PFK activity was normal. Erythrocyte PFK differs immunochemically from platelet and leukocyte PFK, and the enzyme is probably genetically heterogeneous; therefore, it remains possible that a structural gene for erythrocyte PFK is present on chromosome 21.
Effects of Organizational Citizenship Behaviors on Selection Decisions in Employment Interviews

This article reports on an experiment examining the effects of job candidates' propensity to exhibit organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) on selection decisions made in the context of a job interview. We developed videos that manipulated candidate responses to interview questions tapping task performance and citizenship behavior content in 2 administrative positions. Results obtained from 480 undergraduates provided support for our hypotheses that job candidates who exhibited higher levels of helping, voice, and loyalty behaviors were generally rated as more competent, received higher overall evaluations, and received higher salary recommendations than job candidates who exhibited lower levels of these behaviors. These effects held even after taking into account candidate responses regarding task performance. We also found that candidate responses to OCB-related questions tended to have a greater effect on selection decisions for the higher level position (supervisor of administrative personnel) than for the lower level one (administrative assistant). Finally, content analyses of open-ended responses indicated that participants' selection decisions were particularly sensitive to candidates who exhibited low levels of voice and helping behaviors. Implications and future research are discussed.
Hybrid terminal system for simulation in science education

Once upon a time ... there was an old woman who lived in a shoe. She had so many children, she didn't know what to do...
The Effect of Price History on Demand as Mediated by Perceived Price Expensiveness

Abstract A multistage process model is proposed that predicts past prices are used to form a reference price (stage 1), the reference price determines perceived expensiveness of the current price (stage 2), and the perceived expensiveness mediates the effects of past prices on demand (stage 3). This process model is tested by measuring the effect of past prices on perceived expensiveness and actual demand in a simulated shopping experiment. The robustness of the model is studied using several price histories and controlling for alternative processes by which past prices might influence demand. Results show that the influence of price history on current demand is mediated through perceived expensiveness as the model predicts; higher past prices lead to lower perceived expensiveness of the current price and this lower perceived expensiveness leads to higher demand.
Chemically mediated interactions among juvenile mosses as possible determinants of their community structure

A field study of the distribution patterns of six closely related species of mosses along a complex altitudinal gradient found evidence suggesting differential aggressiveness among juveniles rather than evidence of differential competitive abilities among adults of the species. Work by Bopp (1963, 1968) on the moss phytohormone, factor H, suggests a means by which such interactions might be mediated. An experimental system is proposed through which the effect of patterns of early moss development upon the determination of moss community structure may be assessed.
Logistic Regression Analysis of Incidental-Tumor Data from Animal Carcinogenicity Experiments

Abstract Survival differences can have a substantial impact on the statistical comparison of tumor development in control and treated animals and thus should be taken into account routinely in the analysis of carcinogenicity data from laboratory experiments. However, the appropriate survival adjustment depends on whether the tumor of interest is fatal or incidental. The usual analysis of incidental tumors, which adjusts for survival by stratifying the animals according to age at death, has various shortcomings. Alternatively, logistic regression methods allow a continuous survival adjustment and furnish a convenient framework for solving many of the problems associated with the agestratified approach of grouping the data into time intervals. Logistic regression substitutes modeling the prevalence function for the arbitrary choice of time intervals, providing a survival adjustment (when the model holds) even when differential mortality might increase the bias or decrease the sensitivity of interval-based methods. The logistic analysis also can incorporate covariables which, if ignored, might confound the interpretation of the data. Several examples illustrate these potential advantages of basing the analysis of incidental tumors on logistic regression techniques.
Prospects for using existing resists for evaluating 157-nm imaging systems

Lithography at 157 nm represents the next evolutionary step in the Great Optical Continuum and is currently under investigation as a possible successor to 193-nm lithography. If successful, the photoresists used for this technology must be initially capable of 100-nm resolution and be extendable to less than 70 nm. Unfortunately, as with the transition to shorter wavelengths in the past, the photoresist materials developed for longer wavelengths appear to be too absorbent for practical use as a traditional high resolution single layer resist imageable with 157 nm radiation. Until new photoresist materials are developed that are sufficiently transparent to be used as single layer resists, the existing need for a resist to be used to evaluate 157 nm imaging systems, such as the prototype steppers now under development, will have to be met by employing existing resists. We have surveyed the commercial resist market with the dual purpose of identifying the general categories of commercial resists that have potential for use as tool evaluation resist and to baseline these resists for comparison against future 157 nm resist candidates. Little difference was observed in the 157- nm absorbance between different classes of resists with most resists having an absorbance between 6 and 8 per micron. Due to the high absorbance at 157 nm of polyhydroxystyrene, polyacrylate, and polycyclic copolymer based resists, the coated resist thickness will need to be under 100 nm. All four commercial resists evaluated for imaging at 157 nm showed that they are capable of acting as a tool testing resist to identify issues attributed focus, illumination, and vibration. Finally, an improved tool testing resist can be developed within the existing resist material base, that is capable of 100 nm imaging with a binary mask and 70 nm imaging with a phase shift mask. Minor formulation modification can greatly improve resist performance including improved resolution and reduced line edge roughness.
Individual Differences in Exploration: A Replication and Extension

Abstract Under this heading appear summaries of studies which, to 500 words or less, provide useful data substantiating, not substantiating, or refining what we think we know. Additional details concerning the results can be obtained by communicating directly with the investigator or, when indicated, by requesting supplementary material from Microfiche Publications.
Finite-element methods for the calculation of capillary surfaces

Abstract Galerkin finite-element methods of high accuracy are developed for solving the capillary equation, the nonlinear elliptic partial differential equation describing the shape of an interface between two immiscible fluids. The calculation of an interface meeting the walls of a capillary of square cross section at a given contact angle is used as a model problem in numerical experiments comparing the relative efficiencies of bilinear, reduced quadratic, biquadratic, and Hermite bicubic finite-element interface approximations. Newton methods are employed for solving the nonlinear algebraic equation sets resulting from the finite-element discretizations. The Hermite bicubic element is the most efficient because of the relatively few number of elements needed to calculate highly accurate interface shapes. The reduced quadratic finite-element-Newton method is also tested against a finite-difference scheme. The finite-element calculations are demonstrated more efficient.
The incidence of congestion tolls on urban highways

Abstract The incidence of an optimal short-run congestion toll is investigated using an equilibrium model of modal choice and congestion on a highway corridor served by express bus transit. It is argued that for an externality tax the usual equi-revenue analysis of burdens is inappropriate; instead, welfare effects are computed under three alternative assumptions about redistribution of toll revenues. In almost all cases the net result is benefits for all income groups. It is concluded that congestion tolls should not be rejected on grounds of income distribution, but that an explicit package of tolls and revenue uses is probably a political prerequisite for adoption.
Viral-induced wheezing episodes in preschool children: approaches to therapy.

Purpose of reviewThe high prevalence of wheezing illnesses in the preschool age group and the heterogeneity of wheezing phenotypes early in life combine to present significant challenges in the clinical management of this problem.Recent findingsRecent studies have examined multiple therapeutic strat
Habitual dietary sodium intake is inversely associated with coronary flow reserve in middle-aged male twins

Background: Evidence links dietary sodium to hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD), but investigation of its influence on cardiovascular function is limited. Objective: We examined the relation between habitual dietary sodium and coronary flow reserve (CFR), which is a measure of overall coronary vasodilator capacity and microvascular function. We hypothesized that increased sodium consumption is associated with lower CFR. Design: Habitual daily sodium intake for the previous 12 mo was measured in 286 male middle-aged twins (133 monozygotic and dizygotic pairs and 20 unpaired twins) by using the Willett food-frequency questionnaire. CFR was measured by positron emission tomography [N13]-ammonia, with quantitation of myocardial blood flow at rest and after adenosine stress. Mixed-effects regression analysis was used to assess the association between dietary sodium and CFR. Results: An increase in dietary sodium of 1000 mg/d was associated with a 10.0% lower CFR (95% CI: −17.0%, −2.5%) after adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, nutritional, and CVD risk factors (P = 0.01). Across quintiles of sodium consumption, dietary sodium was inversely associated with CFR (P-trend = 0.03), with the top quintile (>1456 mg/d) having a 20% lower CFR than the bottom quintile (<732 mg /d). This association also persisted within pairs: a 1000-mg/d difference in dietary sodium between brothers was associated with a 10.3% difference in CFR after adjustment for potential confounders (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Habitual dietary sodium is inversely associated with CFR independent of CVD risk factors and shared familial and genetic factors. Our study suggests a potential novel mechanism for the adverse effects of dietary sodium on the cardiovascular system. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT00017836","term_id":"NCT00017836"}}NCT00017836.
Ethnoscience and biodiversity: key elements in the design of sustainable pest management systems for small farmers in developing countries

Biodiversity is a salient feature of traditional farming systems in developing countries and performs a variety of renewal processes and ecological services in agroecosystems. It is of fundamental importance to understand the role biodiversity can play in reducing pest problems, if vegetation management is to be used effectively as a primary IPM tactic in small-scale sustainable agriculture. The maintenance of biodiversity in traditional agroecosystems is not random, but depends on a complex set of indigenous technical knowledge systems (ethnoscience). Thus, the ensemble of traditional crop protection practices used by indigenous farmers represents a rich resource for modern workers seeking to create IPM systems that are well adapted to the agroecological, cultural and socio-economic circumstances facing small farmers throughout the developing world.
Engineering Spacecraft Mission Software using a Model-Based and Safety-Driven Design Methodology

This paper outlines an integrated approach to system, software, and safety engineering for today’s complex, safety-critical systems. Intent Specifications, component-based systems engineering, and a new hazard analysis technique based on the Systems Theoretic Accident Modeling and Process (STAMP) are all combined in a seamless, safety-driven design methodology. This integrated approach to system software development is demonstrated through an example application of the techniques on a low-Earth orbiting satellite. The results of performing the system modeling, hazard analyses, and model simulations of the spacecraft as a whole are also presented. Finally, the approach is compared to other, current model-based systems engineering and hazard analysis techniques.
Some properties of the ascorbate free radical.

A study of the reactivity of the ascorbate radical with biological materials was performed using dopamine, cytochrome C, O/sub 2/, methanol, lactate, pyruvate, fumarate, and L-..cap alpha..-ketoglutarate. Interferring conditions were controlled by use of a modified Durrum fast kinetics spectrophotometer on line with a Van de Graaf generator. The reaction conditions and rate constants are presented in tabular form. (DDA)
Diagnostic Tools and Imaging Methods in Intervertebral Disk Degeneration

Low back pain has a negative impact on the economy and society. Intervertebral disk degeneration is linked to the occurrence of low back pain. MRI provides three-dimensional morphologic and biochemical information regarding the status of the disk. This article reviews new and evolving MRI disk-imaging techniques, including grading, relaxation-time measurements, diffusion, and contrast perfusion. In addition, high-resolution magic-angle spinning methods to correlate in vitro disk degeneration (with pain, etc) and in vivo spectroscopic results are discussed. With the potential for morphologic and biochemical characterization of the intervertebral disk, MRI shows promise as a tool to quantitatively assess disk health.
Hepatotoxicity Associated with Metformin Therapy in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Objective:To report a case of idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity associated with metformin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Case Summary:A 61-year-old obese man presented with jaundice, nausea, fatigue, and an unintentional weight loss 2 weeks following initiation of metformin. Laboratory findings revealed aminotransferase values 10–15 times the upper limit of normal. Potential causative agents, including metformin, simvastatin, and Niaspan (extended-release niacin), were discontinued. Two months later, the patient's signs and symptoms had resolved and aminotransferase values returned to normal. An objective causality assessment revealed that the adverse reaction was probably associated with metformin.Discussion:Since numerous medications and disease states can cause abnormalities in liver enzymes, it is important for providers to be able to distinguish the cause(s) and take appropriate actions. This can take a great deal of time and effort in patients with multi...
Fast and reliable kicker magnets for the SLC damping rings

The design, construction, and operation of a kicker magnet with superior electromagnetic performance and greatly improved radiation tolerance is described. A short flux return of high mu ferrite improves the field strength and linearity with current, and novel metallic field-confining structures minimize the inductance. An 8-cell structure with capacitance integrated into each cell makes the magnet a nearly perfect transmission line. The capacitor dielectric is 1 cm thick alumina-loaded epoxy, processed to eliminate air voids, and cast in a multiple step procedure developed to circumvent epoxy shrinkage. The magnet operates with pulses of up to 40 kV and 3.2 kA at 120 Hz, with magnet transit times of less than 35 nsec and field rise and fall times of less than 60 nsec.
Blind space-time detection in asynchronous multipath CDMA channels

A code-constrained inverse filter criterion based approach is presented for blind detection of asynchronous short-code DS-CDMA (direct sequence code division multiple access) signals in multipath channels using a receiver antenna array. Only the spreading code of the desired user is assumed to be known; its transmission delay may be unknown. We exploit maximization of the normalized fourth cumulant of inverse filtered (equalized) data w.r.t. the equalizer coefficients subject to the equalizer lying in a subspace associated with the desired user's code sequence. Constrained maximization leads to extraction of the desired user's signal whereas unconstrained maximization leads to the extraction of any one of the existing users. An illustrative simulation example is provided.
Feasibility and Reproducibility of Echocardiographic Measures in Children with Muscular Dystrophies.

Background Cardiac disease is a major cause of death in patients with muscular dystrophies. The use of feasible and reproducible echocardiographic measures of cardiac function is critical to advance the field of therapeutics for dystrophic cardiomyopathy. Methods Participants aged 8 to 18 years with genetically confirmed Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophy, or limb-girdle muscular dystrophy were enrolled at five centers, and standardized echocardiographic examinations were performed. Measures of systolic and diastolic function and speckle-tracking echocardiography–derived cardiac strain were reviewed independently by two central readers. Furthermore, echocardiographic measures from participants with DMD were compared with those from retrospective age-matched control subjects from a single site to assess measures of myocardial function. Results Forty-eight participants (mean age, 13.3 ± 2.7 years) were enrolled. Shortening fraction had a greater interobserver correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.63) compared with ejection fraction (ICC = 0.49). One reader could measure ejection fraction in only 53% of participants. Myocardial performance index measured by pulse-wave Doppler and Doppler tissue imaging showed similar ICCs (0.55 and 0.54). Speckle-tracking echocardiography showed a high ICC (0.96). Focusing on participants with DMD ( n = 33), significantly increased mitral A-wave velocities, lower E/A ratios, and lower Doppler tissue imaging mitral lateral E′ velocities were observed compared with age-matched control subjects. Speckle-tracking echocardiography demonstrated subclinical myocardial dysfunction with decreased average circumferential and longitudinal strain in three distinct subgroups: participants with DMD with normal shortening fractions, participants with DMD aged Conclusions In a muscular dystrophy cohort, assessment of cardiac function is feasible and reproducible using shortening fraction, diastolic measures, and myocardial performance index. Cardiac strain measures identified early myocardial disease in patients with DMD.
Erythroid cells generated in the absence of specific β1-integrin heterodimers accumulate reactive oxygen species at homeostasis and are unable to mount effective antioxidant defenses.

We have previously reported that β1Δ/Δ mice have a markedly impaired response to hemolytic stress, but the mechanisms of this were unclear. In the present study we explored in detail quantitative, phenotypic and functional aspects of erythropoiesis at homeostasis in a large number of animals for each of 3 murine models with specific β1 heterodimer integrin deficiencies. We found that, at homeostasis, β1-deficient mice have a modest uncompensated anemia with ineffective erythropoiesis and decreased red blood cell survival. Mice lacking only α4 integrins (α4β1/α4β7) do not share this phenotype. There is an increased tendency for reactive oxygen species accumulation in β1Δ/Δ erythroid cells with decreased anti-oxidant defenses at homeostasis which are exaggerated after stress. Furthermore, expansion of erythroid cells in spleen post-stress is dependent on α5β1, likely through mechanisms activating focal adhesion kinase complexes that are distinct from α4β1-mediated responses. In vivo inhibition of focal adhesion kinase activation partially recapitulates the β1Δ/Δ stress response. Mice lacking all α4 and β1 integrins (double knockouts) had, at homeostasis, the most severe phenotype with selective impairment of erythroid responses. The fact that integrins participate in mitigating stress in erythroid cells through redox activation of distinct signaling pathways by specific integrin heterodimers is a link that has not been appreciated until now.
Separation of alcohol soluble sorghum proteins using non-porous cation-exchange columns.

a b s t r a c t Kafirins, the storage proteins and major protein of the cereal grain sorghum, play an important nutritional role for millions of people in parts of Africa and Asia. Kafirins are non-water soluble, being soluble only in the presence of detergents or aqueous alcohol mixtures and are among the most hydrophobic of the cereal proteins. Limited Mw heterogeneity of kafirins reduces their resolution when separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Charge based separation techniques have been shown to have improved resolution of kafirins, but due to the nature of their solubility, ion-exchange (IE)-HPLC has not been widely used to separate these proteins. To overcome issues of solubility, two different mobile phases were evaluated. The first mobile phase was based on 60% acetonitrile at acidic pH using guanidine-hydrochloride (Gdn-HCl) gradients to elute the proteins from a non-porous cation-exchange column. The second mobile phase tested consisted of 60% acetonitrile using an increasing concentration gradient of a triethylamine phosphate (TEAP) buffer at pH 3.0. The type of alkylation reagent used to stabilize kafirin extracts prior to analysis was found to have an impact on the IE-HPLC separations with the reagent 4-vinylpyridine providing the best resolution. Separations of kafirins in the TEAP mobile phase system resulted in 10 major peaks being resolved. Combining IE-HPLC with reverse phase (RP)-HPLC into 2D separations revealed that the -kafirins clustered into three major groups not readily apparent in either 1D separation. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Integrating qualitative and quantitative methods for model validation and monitoring

The issue of monitoring a time-varying plant for qualitative (structural) changes in each model when the model's equations are not known is addressed. Problems with multivariate continuous domains are examined, and an overview of qualitative physics and the problem of qualitative learning and monitoring is given. Qualitative models and the semantics of qualitative transitions are discussed. The learning and monitoring are discussed. Results of experiments with a system that learns how to select one of the models given access to quantitative variables characterizing the controlled plant are presented. The model selection system makes its decisions only when a qualitative change in the plant's behavior takes place. >
Mathematically modelling the effects of pacing, finger strategies and urgency on numerical typing performance with queuing network model human processor.

Numerical typing is an important perceptual-motor task whose performance may vary with different pacing, finger strategies and urgency of situations. Queuing network-model human processor (QN-MHP), a computational architecture, allows performance of perceptual-motor tasks to be modelled mathematically. The current study enhanced QN-MHP with a top-down control mechanism, a close-loop movement control and a finger-related motor control mechanism to account for task interference, endpoint reduction, and force deficit, respectively. The model also incorporated neuromotor noise theory to quantify endpoint variability in typing. The model predictions of typing speed and accuracy were validated with Lin and Wu's (2011) experimental results. The resultant root-mean-squared errors were 3.68% with a correlation of 95.55% for response time, and 35.10% with a correlation of 96.52% for typing accuracy. The model can be applied to provide optimal speech rates for voice synthesis and keyboard designs in different numeri...
Nanometallic fuels for transportation: a well-to-wheels analysis

Nanometallic iron and aluminium, along with hydrogen and electricity, are among the proposed alternatives to the petroleum-based fuels for future transportation. The advantages of the metallic fuels appear to be high volumetric energy densities and zero greenhouse gas emissions during the operation of the vehicle. However, nanometallic fuels do not exist in nature, and a well-to-wheel analysis of the fuel manufacture-utilization system is required to quantify the energy consumption and assess the true environmental impact of the proposed alternative. The three-component nanometallic fuel system consisting of a metal production process, a nanoparticle formulation process and the metal combustion process is analysed in this paper. The energy balance and the environmental impact are estimated for nanometallic iron and aluminium based systems. The sustainability of once-through systems that do not involve recycle of combustion products is questionable because of resource limitations. A viable system for satisfying the transportation fuel demands will involve the reduction and recycle of the combustion products. A comparison of these nanometallic fuels with gasoline and hydrogen indicates that nanometallic fuels are the least efficient, with primary energy consumption greater than 11 MJ km−1 compared to 0.625 MJ km−1 for gasoline and 8.6 MJ km−1 for hydrogen. The nanometallic fuels will also have the most severe impact of the three, with CO2-equivalent emissions of 13.44 billion tons year−1 for iron and 21.1 billion tons year−1 for aluminium as compared to approximately 0.8 billion tons year−1 for gasoline. These emissions from nanometallic fuels are at least an order-of-magnitude higher than those for gasoline and hydrogen. The results of the analysis emphasize the need for well-to-wheel assessment for determining the true impact of technologies proposed as replacements for the current technologies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mitotic Cdc6 Stabilizes Anaphase-Promoting Complex Substrates by a Partially Cdc28-Independent Mechanism, and This Stabilization Is Suppressed by Deletion of Cdc55

Ectopic expression of Cdc6p results in mitotic delay, and this has been attributed to Cdc6p-mediated inhibition of Cdc28 protein kinase and failure to activate the anaphase-promoting complex (APC). Here we show that endogenous Cdc6p delays a specific subset of mitotic events and that Cdc28 inhibition is not sufficient to account for it. The depletion of Cdc6p in G2/M cells reveals that Cdc6p is rate limiting for the degradation of the APC/Cdc20 substrates Pds1p and Clb2p. Conversely, the premature expression of Cdc6p delays the degradation of APC/Cdc20 substrates. Abolishing Cdc6p/Cdc28p interaction does not eliminate the Cdc6-dependent delay of these anaphase events. To identify additional Cdc6-mediated, APC-inhibitory mechanisms, we looked for mutants that reversed the mitotic delay. The deletion of SWE1, RAD24, MAD2, or BUB2 had no effect. However, disrupting CDC55, a PP2A regulatory subunit, suppressed the Cdc6p-dependent delay of Pds1 and Clb2 destruction. A specific role for CDC55 was supported by demonstrating that the lethality of Cdc6 ectopic expression in a cdc16-264 mutant is suppressed by the deletion of CDC55, that endogenous Cdc6p coimmunoprecipitates with the Cdc55 and Tpd3 subunits of PP2A, that Cdc6p/Cdc55p/Tpd3 interaction occurs only during mitosis, and that Cdc6 affects PP2A-Cdc55 activity during anaphase. This demonstrates that the levels and timing of accumulation of Cdc6p in mitosis are appropriate for mediating the modulation of APC/Cdc20.
Renal nitric oxide synthase and antioxidant preservation in Cyp1a1-Ren-2 transgenic rats with inducible malignant hypertension.

Angiotensin II (ANG II)–dependent hypertension (HTN) and renal vasoconstriction are induced in Cyp1a1-Ren2 (strain name: TGR (Cyp1a1Ren2)) transgenic rats (TGR) by dietary administration of indole-3-carbinol (I3C).1 Some of the damaging cardiovascular actions of ANG II are mediated by reactive oxygen species.2–4 Studies have shown that administration of the superoxide dismutase mimetic, tempol, reduces ANG II–dependent HTN and protects tissues from oxidative stress.3,5–7 When ANG II–dependent malignant HTN is induced in Cyp1a1-Ren2 TGRs, acute systemic administration of tempol decreases the elevated blood pressure (BP) and renal vascular resistance (RVR) but produces no effect in normotensive rats.8 Chronic administration of the angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker (ARB), candesartan, normalizes BP and restores the elevated urinary excretion of 8-isoprostane to normal, supporting a role for AT1-stimulated production of superoxide anion in contributing to the malignant HTN in Cyp1a1-Ren2 rats.8 Increased levels of the superoxide anion also reduce the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), which further contributes to elevations in BP and RVR.9–11 In hypertensive Cyp1a1-Ren2 TGRs treated with tempol, acute NO synthase (NOS) inhibition with nitro-L-arginine (NLA) attenuates the tempol-induced fall in BP, thus BP increases; this also occurs in the normotensive rat.8 In addition, NLA administration increases RVR in both normotensive and hypertensive Cyp1a1-Ren2 TGRs treated with tempol and also elicits decreases in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) in hypertensive rats.8 Collectively, this suggests that a superoxide anion-mediated decrease in NO bioavailability does not fully contribute to the increased RVR in hypertensive Cyp1a1-Ren2 TGRs and that maintained intrarenal actions of NO preserve renal hemodynamics.8 The activity of renal endothelial (e)NOS and neuronal (n)NOS plays a critical role in regulating normal renal hemodynamics and sodium excretion. While eNOS is abundant throughout the renal vasculature and controls blood flow, nNOS is abundant in the macula densa and regulates blood flow via tubuloglomerular feedback.12–15 Tubular NO derived from both eNOS (mainly thick ascending limb) and nNOS (predominantly collecting duct) inhibits sodium reabsorption.15–19 In renal injury, nNOSα decreases and nNOSβ increases; although the locations and significance of these changes remain to be determined.12,14,20. In this study, we hypothesized that the maintenance of renal hemodynamic function in hypertensive Cyp1a1-Ren2 TGRs is due to the preservation of the intrarenal NO and antioxidant systems in this form of severe ANG II–dependent HTN. To test this, we investigated the intrarenal NOS and antioxidant/oxidant systems in the kidney and aorta of Cyp1a1-Ren2 TGRs with ANG II–dependent malignant HTN. The aorta was chosen as a comparison tissue to the kidney to reflect systemic vascular vs. intrarenal alterations in the NOS and antioxidant/oxidant systems in Cyp1a1-Ren2 TGRs with elevated BP.
Links in the chain of adversity following job loss: How financial strain and loss of personal control lead to depression, impaired functioning, and poor health.

The authors tested hypotheses concerning risk mechanisms that follow involuntary job loss resulting in depression and the link between depression and poor health and functioning. A 2-year longitudinal study of 756 people experiencing job loss indicates that the critical mediating mechanisms in the chain of adversity from job loss to poor health and functioning are financial strain (FS) and a reduction in personal control (PC). FS mediates the relationship of job loss with depression and PC, whereas reduced PC mediates the adverse impacts of FS and depression on poor functioning and self-reports of poor health. Results suggest that loss of PC is a pathway through which economic adversity is transformed into chronic problems of poor health and impaired role and emotional functioning.
Resource Planning and Bandwidth Allocation for Upgrading Ethernet Passive Optical Networks

The emergence of bandwidth intensive services such as video-on-demand, standard and high-definition video (STV and HDTV), along with the rapid growth of Internet traffic will put a strain on existing resources in the Ethernet passive optical network (EPON). In this paper we develop a model for Internet traffic growth to determine how to evolve EPONs to wavelength division multiplexing PONs (WDM-PONs). We believe our findings can help operators estimate when, and how much bandwidth to provision.