cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Review of Insulin-Dependent and Insulin-Independent Agents for Treating Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Potential Role for Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors

Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), continues to be a global health care problem. Although the beneficial effects of glycemic control are well established, in the United States, > 40% of adults with diabetes fail to achieve target glycated hemoglobin levels. Antidiabetic drug classes vary with respect to their mechanisms of action, glucose-lowering potential, and safety and tolerability profiles. Antidiabetic drug classes include some agents that depend on the presence or action of insulin for their therapeutic effect. As the disease state of T2DM progresses, patient pancreatic β-cell function declines, and therapies that stimulate insulin secretion or improve insulin sensitivity become less effective for this population. Therefore, the development of additional antidiabetic agents with novel mechanisms of action that can be used alone or in combination with currently approved medications may help patients achieve glycemic control. Agents that have comparable glucose-lowering capabilities but different mechanisms of action may fill treatment gaps or meet the needs of patient subpopulations. For example, inhibitors of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) represent an emerging class of glucose-lowering agents. The SGLT2 inhibitors reduce glucose reabsorption by the kidney, leading to increased urinary glucose excretion and caloric loss. In clinical trials, these agents have been shown to improve glycemic control and to reduce body weight in patients with T2DM. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibitors pose a low risk for hypoglycemia and are generally well tolerated; however, their use has been associated with an increase in the frequency of genital infections and, in some studies, urinary tract infections. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors may provide an alternative or an addition to existing therapies for the treatment of patients with T2DM.
A verbal problem checklist for use in assessing family verbal behavior

Findings are presented concerning an assessment procedure by which the large number of potential problems of family verbal behavior may be rapidly narrowed down and specified behaviorally. A central part of a three-step assessment procedure is to have the therapist use a rating schedule called the Verbal Problem Checklist (VPC), a set of 49 inductively derived categories of potentially problematic areas of verbal responding. In an assessment with nine couples referred for assistance with difficulties of marital communication, two raters made independent ratings for VPC categories for each husband and wife and for four different discussion periods, each of which lasted approximately 20 min. It was found that the VPC narrowed the number of possible problem areas from a maximum of 49 to an average of four for husbands and three for wives. Reliabilities for rates and categories were disclosed to be moderate to very high. Factors affecting reliability were noted along with the categories of verbal behavior rated most and least reliably. In a validity analysis, the ratings for the categories of overtalk and undertalk were compared with two validation criteria involving the actual amounts of talking. The findings supported the validity of the ratings and explicated the basis for the ratings. It was concluded that the VPC and the assessment procedure of which it is a part were viable methods to follow in the assesment of potential problems of family verbal behavior.
Chlorination kinetics of rhenium, rhodium and iridium

Abstract The rates of reaction between flowing chlorine and rhodium, rhenium and iridium were measured by the rates of mass change of samples of the reacting metal and correlated as functions of temperature and chlorine pressure. Attempts were made to correlate the reaction rates with the vapor pressures and decomposition pressures of the chloride products.
Mechanism of decomposition of dolomite, Ca0.5Mg0.5CO3, in the electron microscope

Abstract Decomposition of dolomite, Ca 0.5 Mg 0.5 CO 3 , induced by the electron beam in the transmission electron microscope, was studied by means of electron diffraction patterns and high-resolution images. Radiolysis of the carbonate ion gives a metastable, fcc solid solution, Ca 0.5 Mg 0.5 O, which is formed by a topotactic process so that a body diagonal of the fcc unit cell is coincident with the original dolomite c -axis. The fcc lattice constant of 0.461 ± 0.006 nm is 2% larger than the mean value for CaO and MgO. Subsequently, the fcc domains lose orientation, the specimen passes through an amorphous state, and randomly oriented crystallites of CaO and MgO are formed. The diameters of the crystallites of both the solid solution and the final CaO and MgO are in the range 1 to 10 nm. Thermal decomposition in vacuum differs from electron-beam decomposition in that the range of solid-solution compositions is much more limited in the former case. Electron-beam decomposition of minerals may be a useful method of preparation of highly reactive solid solutions that are not otherwise obtainable.
The categorization of thought disorder.

We describe the development of a new system for categorizing thought disorder. In the development phase (Study 1), we examined the degree to which speech samples and definitions of thought disorder subtypes taken from: (1) the Scale for the Assessment of Thought, Language, and Communication (TLC); (2) the Though Disorder Index (TDI); and (3) the Assessment of Bizarre-Idiosyncratic Thinking (BIT), reflected disturbances in form versus disturbances in content. Ratings were provided by naive judges, experienced clinicians, and linguistic experts. The results contributed to the development of a new system dividing thought disorder into disturbances in (1) fluency, (2) discourse coherence, (3) content, and (4) social convention. In the validation phase (Study 2), 21 schizophrenic and 19 manic subjects were interviewed, interpreted proverbs, and responded to Rorschach cards. Subjects' speech was rated using the TLC, TDI, and BIT. We also measured hallucinations, delusions, and digit span performance. The results of Study 2 provided evidence supporting the validity of our new categorization system.
Measuring Densities of Solids and Liquids Using Magnetic Levitation: Fundamentals

This paper describes an analytical system that uses magnetic levitation to measure densities of solids and water-immiscible organic liquids with accuracies ranging from ±0.0002 to ±0.02 g/cm3, depe...
A knowledge-based method for association studies on complex diseases.

Complex disorders are a class of diseases whose phenotypic variance is caused by the interplay of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Analyzing the complexity underlying the genetic architecture of such traits may help develop more efficient diagnostic tests and therapeutic protocols. Despite the continuous advances in revealing the genetic basis of many of complex diseases using genome-wide association studies (GWAS), a major proportion of their genetic variance has remained unexplained, in part because GWAS are unable to reliably detect small individual risk contributions and to capture the underlying genetic heterogeneity. In this paper we describe a hypothesis-based method to analyze the association between multiple genetic factors and a complex phenotype. Starting from sets of markers selected based on preexisting biomedical knowledge, our method generates multi-marker models relevant to the biological process underlying a complex trait for which genotype data is available. We tested the applicability of our method using the WTCCC case-control dataset. Analyzing a number of biological pathways, the method was able to identify several immune system related multi-SNP models significantly associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Crohn’s disease (CD). RA-associated multi-SNP models were also replicated in an independent case-control dataset. The method we present provides a framework for capturing joint contributions of genetic factors to complex traits. In contrast to hypothesis-free approaches, its results can be given a direct biological interpretation. The replicated multi-SNP models generated by our analysis may serve as a predictor to estimate the risk of RA development in individuals of Caucasian ancestry.
The 1995 Health Policy Debate

Three big problems brought us the health system reform debate, and with the collapse of this year's historic reform effort, all three are destined to get worse. The number of uninsured will continue to grow, as it did by more than 1 million between 1992 and 1993. 1 Middle-class health insurance problems and insecurities will also grow, as more and more Americans find their benefits cut and their out-of-pocket costs increased, their insurance dropped, or their choices constrained. 2,3 And despite the recent moderation in price increases in health, even the most optimistic forecasts see health care spending rising to levels that will consume an ever-larger share of the federal budget. 4 These realities will force renewed debate about health system reform in 1995. However, the starting point will not be the sweeping proposals of last year, but more likely the incremental reform plans we saw considered as Congress adjourned.
The tourism‐impact syndrome in developing coastal communities: A Mexican case

Abstract In 1967, a new road facilitated access to a number of small, impoverished, rural communities in a marshy region along Mexico's Pacific coast. One of these—the only one situated on the Pacific shore—began to be visited by an increasing stream of tourists. This article discusses the severe sociocultural problems which the initial phase of tourism development caused in Teacapan, and argues that these are part of a syndrome which is manifest in similar situations worldwide. By anticipating this syndrome before tourism development gets underway, planners and managers of coastal tourism development in Third World nations would be better prepared to mitigate most of its severe effects.
Donor Segmentation: When Summary Statistics Don't Tell the Whole Story

Abstract Funding pressures amidst the slow economic recovery from the late-2000's recession have forced universities, as well as other not-for-profit organizations, to increase the volume and sophistication of their direct marketing activities. The efficiency of direct marketing strategies is linked to an organization's ability to effectively target individuals. In this paper, we present a finite-mixture model framework to segment the alumni population of a university in the midwestern United States. Much of the research on customer segmentation summarizes response data ( e.g. , purchase and contribution histories) via recency, frequency and monetary value (RFM) statistics. Individuals sharing similar RFM characteristics are grouped together; the rationale being that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Summary statistics such as RFM, however, introduce aggregation bias that mask the dynamics of purchase/contribution behavior. Accordingly, we implement latent-class segmentation models where alumni are classified based on how an individual's contribution sequence compares to those of other individuals. The framework's capability to process contribution sequences, i.e. , longitudinal data, provides fundamental new insights into donor contribution behavior, and provides a rigorous mechanism to infer and segment the population based on unobserved heterogeneities (as well as based on other observable characteristics). Specifically, we analyze Markov mixture models to segment alumni based on contribution-behavior patterns, under the assumption of serially-dependent contribution sequences. We use the expectation–maximization algorithm to obtain parameter estimates for each segment. Through an extensive empirical study, we highlight the substantive insights gained through the processing of the full contribution sequences, and establish the presence of three distinct classes of alumni in the population (each with a discernible contribution pattern). The proposed framework, collectively, provides a basis to tailor direct marketing policies to optimize specific performance criteria ( e.g. , profits).
Long-Distance Delivery of Bacterial Virulence Factors by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Outer Membrane Vesicles

Bacteria use a variety of secreted virulence factors to manipulate host cells, thereby causing significant morbidity and mortality. We report a mechanism for the long-distance delivery of multiple bacterial virulence factors, simultaneously and directly into the host cell cytoplasm, thus obviating the need for direct interaction of the pathogen with the host cell to cause cytotoxicity. We show that outer membrane–derived vesicles (OMV) secreted by the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa deliver multiple virulence factors, including β-lactamase, alkaline phosphatase, hemolytic phospholipase C, and Cif, directly into the host cytoplasm via fusion of OMV with lipid rafts in the host plasma membrane. These virulence factors enter the cytoplasm of the host cell via N-WASP–mediated actin trafficking, where they rapidly distribute to specific subcellular locations to affect host cell biology. We propose that secreted virulence factors are not released individually as naked proteins into the surrounding milieu where they may randomly contact the surface of the host cell, but instead bacterial derived OMV deliver multiple virulence factors simultaneously and directly into the host cell cytoplasm in a coordinated manner.
BILATERAL TACHISTOSCOPIC WORD PERCEPTION IN APHASIC AND NORMAL SUBJECTS

The present investigation examined the role of the right cerebral hemisphere in linguistic perception following left cerebral insult which had resulted in aphasia. Bilateral tachistoscopic procedures, employing a central fixation mark, were utilized to investigate the visual half-field preferences of 30 aphasic Ss, grouped relative to the amount of time since the onset of left cerebral insult, and a group of 10 normal, control Ss. Statistical analyses indicated a significant left visual half-field preference for the aphasic Ss. In contrast, a significant right visual half-field preference was revealed for the normal, control group. Results did not show a simple decrement in recognition scores of the aphasic Ss but rather a shift in visual-field preference relative to the normal Ss' preference.
How to analyze lepton-pair production in proton--proton collisions

ABS>We propose systematic way to analyze lepton-pair production in proton-proton collisions, p + p yields l/sup +/ + 1/sup -/ + anything, in which the structure functions for the matrix element of thc product of currents can be measured separately. It enables us to obtain additional infomnation on the spin of constituents and to distinguish between the one-photon and two-photon processes. We also discuss briefly how to s and the short-distance behavior of the product of currents. (auth)
Subthalamic 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptor modulation of RU 24969-induced behavioral profile in rats

Abstract The effects of systemic administration of the serotonin (5-HT)1A/1B agonist 5-methoxy-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)1H-indole (RU 24969) on locomotor and investigatory behavior in rats have been well characterized using the behavioral pattern monitor (BPM). To elucidate the neural circuitry underlying this behavioral profile, intracerebral dose–response studies were conducted at two sites with high densities of 5-HT1B receptors, the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and substantia nigra. Infusion of RU 24969 into the STN produced systemic RU 24969-like changes in locomotor activity and patterns but an uncharacteristic increase in investigatory holepokes. Intra-STN administration of the selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) produced RU 24969-like changes in locomotor patterns only, while the 5-HT1B receptor agonist 3(1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyrid-4-yl)pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrid-5-one dihydrochloride (CP-93,129) increased locomotor activity, produced no change in locomotor patterns and nonsignificantly increased holepokes. Intranigral infusion of RU 24969 produced systemic and intra-STN RU 24969-like increases in locomotor activity. Intranigral RU 24969, however, failed to produce any changes in locomotor patterns or investigatory holepokes. Intranigral infusions of CP-93,129 or 8-OH-DPAT had no effects on locomotor activity, locomotor patterns or investigatory holepokes. These results provide evidence for multiple-site mediation of the locomotor-activating effects of RU 24969 and for a dissociation of the neural substrates underlying locomotor and investigatory components of the RU 24969-induced behavioral profile.
Neonatal acid-base status following general anesthesia for emergency abdominal delivery with halothane or isoflurane.

Abstract Study Objective: To determine whether halothane or isofurane as anesthesia for emergency abdominal delivery is associated with better fetal acid-base parameters. Design: Randomized study. Setting: Inpatient Level III perinatal referral center in a university hospital. Patients: Sixty-six gravidas undergoing emergency abdominal delivery under general anesthesia for fetal distress. Interventions: Randomization to receive halothane or isofurane at 0.7 minimum alveolar concentration as part of a standard anesthetic technique. Measurements and Main Results: Umbilical artery and vein blood gases were obtained and compared for hydrogen ion concentration, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, partial pressure of oxygen, and base deficit. There were no significant differences between the isofurane and halothane groups. Conclusions: There is no difference in the frequency or severity of acidosis associated with isofurane or halothane when used for general anesthesia for emergency abdominal delivery of a distressed fetus.
Spatial organization and dynamics of the association of Rec102 and Rec104 with meiotic chromosomes

Meiotic double-strand breaks (DSBs) are formed by Spo11 in conjunction with at least nine other proteins whose roles are not well understood. We find that two of these proteins, Rec102 and Rec104, interact physically, are mutually dependent for proper subcellular localization, and share a requirement for Spo11 and Ski8 for their recruitment to meiotic chromosomes, suggesting that they work together as a functional unit. Rec102 associated extensively with chromatin loops during leptotene and zygotene and showed preferential binding in the vicinity at least of most DSB sites, consistent with a direct role in DSB formation. However, Rec102 was associated with both DSB-hot and DSB-cold regions, ruling out a simple model in which sites of DSB formation are dictated by where Rec102/104 complexes load. Both proteins persisted on chromatin until pachytene before abruptly disappearing, indicating that they remain on chromosomes well after DSB formation. These studies reveal unexpected behaviors for Rec102 and Rec104, and point to distinct roles and subcomplexes among the DSB proteins.
Reciprocal regulation of estrogen and NGF receptors by their ligands in PC12 cells

Recent work has shown that estrogen receptor mRNA and protein co-localize with neurotrophin receptor systems in the developing basal forebrain. In the present study we examined the potential for reciprocal regulation of estrogen and neurotrophin receptor systems by their ligands in a prototypical neurotrophin target, the PC12 cell. using in situ hybridization histochemistry, RT-PCR and a modified nuclear exchange assay, we found both estrogen receptor mRNA and estrogen binding in PC12 cells. Moreover, while estrogen binding was relatively low in naive PC12 cells, long-term exposure to NGF enhanced estrogen binding in these cells by sixfold. Furthermore, concurrent exposure to estrogen and NGF receptor mRNAs deifferentially regulated the expression of the two NGF receptor mRNAs. The expression of trkA mRNA was up-regulated, while p75NGFR mRNA was down-regulated transiently. The present data indicate that NGF may increase neuronal sensitivity to estrogen, and that estrogen, by differentially regulating p75NGFR and trkA mRNA, may alter the ratio fo the two NGF receptors, and, conseuqnetly, neurotrophin responsivity. In view of the widespread co-localization of estrogen and neurotrophin receptor systems in the developing CNS, the reciprocal regulation of these receptor systems by NGF and estrogen may have important implications for processes governing neural maturation and the maintenance of neural funciton. 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Aurelia aurita bio-inspired tilt sensor

The quickly expanding field of mobile robots, unmanned underwater vehicles, and micro-air vehicles urgently needs a cheap and effective means for measuring vehicle inclination. Commonly, tilt or inclination has been mathematically derived from accelerometers; however, there is inherent error in any indirect measurement. This paper reports a bio-inspired tilt sensor that mimics the natural balance organ of jellyfish, called the ?statocyst?. Biological statocysts from the species Aurelia aurita were characterized by scanning electron microscopy to investigate the morphology and size of the natural sensor. An artificial tilt sensor was then developed by using printed electronics that incorporates a novel voltage divider concept in conjunction with small surface mount devices. This sensor was found to have minimum sensitivity of 4.21??with a standard deviation of 1.77?. These results open the possibility of developing elegant tilt sensor architecture for both air and water based platforms.
Lectures and Textual Materials as Sources of Information for Learning

Undergraduates were given material to be learned from a lecture, a transcript of the lecture, or a written text based on the lecture. Performance on a multiple-choice examination 1 wk. after original learning was the criterion. Predictor variables were sampled from the person, environment, and behavior domains of influence. A coordinated sequence of multivariate procedures was applied to the data. Differences in the person and behavior domains were associated with differences in criterion performance; differences in environment were not. Enhanced learning from text and lecture was associated with high motivation, high ability, extended studying, active studying, and with encountering a preferred performance measure. Study activities were interpreted as catalyst for both motivation and ability.
Glucocorticoid receptor expression in breast cancer associates with older patient age

Breast cancer can be classified according to estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and HER2 receptor expression. Recent evidence suggests that activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) contributes to breast cell survival, although the incidence of GR expression in primary human breast tumors is not well established. We therefore evaluated ER, PR, HER2, and GR by immunohistochemistry from 231 patients and found that while African American (AA) patient tumors were much more likely to be ER negative compared to tumors from non-AA patients, GR expression was significantly higher in tumors from patients ≥50 regardless of ancestry. Prospective examination of GR expression in tumors should be considered to determine whether GR contributes to long-term clinical outcome.
Internet of Things as a Methodological Concept

Nowadays, we are witnessing formation of a new technological marvel: Internet of Things. This construction is able to combine in a particular operational entity all the bits and pieces of the world around us. Thus, why could not this unique establishment present the long-sought essence in the Nature of Things? The two pillars of modern fundamental science-relativity and quantum mechanics-are just approximate descriptions of some properties of such a constructive possibility. The machinery of the physical world develops on a cellular automaton model employing as the transformation rule the mechanism of distributed mutual synchronization with the property of fault-tolerance. This infrastructure yields traveling wave solutions that exactly correspond to the spectrum of the stable elementary particles of matter with an upper bound on the propagation speed. On top of the considered cellular automaton infrastructure there appears a secondary formation that constitutes the mechanism of the Holographic Universe that is the basis for the Internet of Things. The holographic activities determine all the quantum mechanics properties of the physical world including the nonlocality entanglement. For living systems the arrangement of the Internet of Things elucidates the most puzzling biological capability of morphogenesis that otherwise cannot find any reasonable explanation. In this paper, we present the world view of internet of things and the application of this methodology from geospatial computing to physics. We give specific details on applying IoT concept to geospatial analysis in various fields from agriculture to medicine. We also provide detailed analysis of the profound impact of internet of things on our physical world which is a vital knowledge when it comes to geospatial research. We present calendar variation of quantum world which can be used for geospatial data gathering by fine tuning the equipment based on the time of the year.
Base-Sensitive Polymers as Imaging Materials: Radiation-Induced β-Elimination To Yield Poly(4-hydroxystyrene)

A novel family of functionalized polystyrenes that are susceptible to base-catalyzed β-elimination is reported. A study of the thermal behaviors of poly[(((((2-cyano-1,1-dimethylethyl)oxy)carbonyl)oxy)styrene], poly[(((2-cyanoethoxy)carbonyl)oxy)styrene], and poly[((((2-methylsulfonyl)ethoxy)carbonyl)oxy)styrene] confirms that they undergo facile and quantitative elimination of their side chain groups in a process that is susceptible to base catalysis. Imaging of these polymer systems was accomplished using the novel ,4,4‘-[bis[[(2-nitrobenzyl)oxy]carbonyl]trimethylene]dipiperidine as an amine photogenerator. Copolymerization of ((((2-cyano-1,1-dimethylethyl)oxy)carbonyl)oxy)styrene and ((t-butoxycarbonyl)oxy)styrene followed by selective deprotection of the t-BOC protecting groups with acid enabled the synthesis of a base-sensitive copolymer containing free phenol units with enhanced thin-film properties.
HOW MULTINATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS EVOLVE

When companies grow and expand overseas, they often experience such organizational problems as the classic conflict between line and staff and between country and functional managers. Often, the companies that succeed are those that take a gradual and adaptive approach rather than engaging in a series of abrupt and traumatic reorganizations.
Retrieval of high latitude land surface properties from the high-spectral resolution infrared sounders: AIRS, IASI, and CrIS

A methodology to retrieve the land surface infrared properties of snow and ice is presented that takes advantage of the high spectral resolution observations of a new generation of polar orbiting weather satellites. The NASA Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on the EOS Aqua platform was the first of a series of high spectral resolution sensors that includes the operational Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) on Europe's METOP platforms and the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) on the U.S. National Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellite System platforms. Application of the method described here is intended for the high latitude polar regions, e.g. Scandinavia, Siberia, Alaska/Yukon, and Antarctica. These regions provide challenges for the identification and removal of cloud effects during the polar winter. A methodology is described for the identification of clear fields of view of the sounder over snow and the estimation of surface infrared emission. An example over the Greenland ice sheet is presented. The effective identification of clear sounder fields of view and the correct interpretation of the surface emission is an important component of making high latitude data over land useable in Numerical Weather Prediction data assimilation.
Effects of Vortices With Different Circulations on Heat Transfer and Injectant Downstream of a Row of Film-Cooling Holes in a Turbulent Boundary Layer

Results are presented that illustrate the effects of single embedded longitudinal vortices on heat transfer and injectant downstream of a row of film-cooling holes in a turbulent boundary layer. Attention is focused on the changes resulting as circulation magnitudes of the vortices are varied from 0.0 to 0.15 m2 /s. Mean temperature results are presented that show how injectant is distorted and redistributed by vortices, along with heat transfer measurements and mean velocity surveys. Injection hole diameter is 0.952 cm to give a ratio of vortex core diameter to hole diameter of about 1.5–1.6. The free-stream velocity is maintained at 10 m/s, and the blowing ratio is approximately 0.5. Film-cooling holes are oriented 30 deg with respect to the test surface. Stanton numbers are measured on a constant heat flux surface with a nondimensional temperature parameter of about 1.5. Two different situations are studied: one where the middle injection hole is beneath the vortex downwash, and one where the middle injection hole is beneath the vortex upwash. For both cases, vortex centers pass within 2.9–3.4 vortex core diameters of the centerline of the middle injection hole. To quantify the influences of the vortices on the injectant, two new parameters are introduced. S is defined as the ratio of vortex circulation to injection hole diameter times mean injection velocity. S1 is similarly defined except vortex core diameter replaces injection hole diameter. The perturbation to film injectant and local heat transfer is determined by the magnitudes of S and S1. When S is greater than 1–1.5 or when S1 is greater than 0.7–1.0, injectant is swept into the vortex upwash and above the vortex core by secondary flows, and Stanton number data show evidence of injectant beneath the vortex core and downwash near the wall for x/d only up to about 17.5. For larger x/d, local hot spots are present, and the vortices cause local Stanton numbers to be augmented by as much as 25 percent in the film-cooled boundary layers. When S and S1 are less than these values, some injectant remains near the wall beneath the vortex core and downwash where it continues to provide some thermal protection. In some cases, the protection provided by film cooling is augmented because of vortex secondary flows, which cause extra injectant to accumulate near upwash regions.
In Vivo Modification of the C-Terminal Lysine of Human Lens αB-Crystallin

Abstract Both the structural and chaperone-like properties of lens α-crystallins have been implicated in maintaining lens transparency. Modifications of lens α-crystallins may lead to formation of cataract by affecting the close-packing of the crystallins or by reducing the chaperone-like activity of the α-crystallins. A previously unreported modified αB-crystallin, whose molecular weight is 72 u greater than unmodified αB-crystallin, has been isolated from human lenses by size exclusion chromatography, reversed phase HPLC and ion exchange HPLC. Approximately one nanomole of this modified αB-crystallin was obtained from each of five human eye lenses. Molecular weight determinations of peptides produced by digestion with trypsin or endoproteinase Asp-N showed that the modification is in the C-terminal region of αB-crystallin. The fragmentation pattern of peptides from the C-terminal region, analysed by tandem mass spectrometry, located the modification of the ϵ-amino group of the C-terminal lysine. The elemental composition of this modification, determined from its exact mass, is C3H4O2. Because this modification decreases the net charge of αB-crystallin by one unit, and because the C-terminus has been implicated in the chaperone activity attributed to αB-crystallin, this modification at Lys 175 may have a significant role in cataractogenesis.
Adapting overcomplete wavelet models to natural images

Overcomplete wavelet representations have become increasingly popular for their ability to provide highly sparse and robust descriptions of natural signals. We describe a method for incorporating an overcomplete wavelet representation as part of a statistical model of images which includes a sparse prior distribution over the wavelet coefficients. The wavelet basis functions are parameterized by a small set of 2-D functions. These functions are adapted to maximize the average log-likelihood of the model for a large database of natural images. When adapted to natural images, these functions become selective to different spatial orientations, and they achieve a superior degree of sparsity on natural images as compared with traditional wavelet bases. The learned basis is similar to the Steerable Pyramid basis, and yields slightly higher SNR for the same number of active coefficients. Inference with the learned model is demonstrated for applications such as denoising, with results that compare favorably with other methods.
Platinum-catalyzed synthesis of water-soluble gold-platinum nanoparticles.

The ability to control composition and size in the synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles is important for the exploitation of the bimetallic catalytic properties. This paper reports findings of an investigation of a new approach to the synthesis of gold−platinum (AuPt) bimetallic nanoparticles in aqueous solution via one-phase reduction of AuCl4- and PtCl42- using a combination of reducing and capping agents. Hydrogen served as a reducing agent for the reduction of Pt(II), whereas acrylate was used as a reducing agent for the reduction of Au(III). The latter reaction was found to be catalyzed by the formation of Pt as a result of the reduction of Pt(II). Acrylate also functioned as capping agent on the resulting nanocrystals. By controlling the feed ratios of AuCl4- and PtCl42- and the relative concentrations of acrylate, an effective route for the preparation of AuPt nanoparticles with bimetallic compositions ranging from ∼4 to 90% Au and particle sizes ranging from 2 to 8 nm has been demonstrated. The c...
Cellular architecture and its relationship with mechanical properties in expanded extrudates containing apple pomace

Abstract Cereal-based puffed foods can deliver significant amounts of fruit and vegetable fiber, however a major hurdle is the accompanying decrease in expansion and poor textural properties. The objective of this work was to develop a comprehensive understanding of the operative rheology, processing conditions, cellular architecture, macrostructure and mechanical properties of high fiber, starch-based expanded matrices produced using extrusion. The combination of phase transition analysis and non-invasive X-ray microtomography provided a unique analytical approach for this purpose. A lab-scale twin screw extruder was used for processing directly expanded products from corn flour and apple pomace blends containing up to 22.5% total dietary fiber. Different levels of pomace (0–28%) and in-barrel processing moisture (17.5–25%) resulted in extrudates with a wide range of microstructures (average cell size 0.05–3.43 mm, wall thickness 0.12–0.34 mm and void fraction 0.53–0.76). Structural anisotropy biased towards radial expansion was observed in foams without pomace, whereas cellular isotropy, higher cell number density and greater longitudinal expansion were favored in the presence of pomace. A conceptual model for foaming and collapse was developed based on flow temperature of blends (123.7–167.6 °C), specific mechanical energy, and anticipated changes in visco-elasticity and extensibility of the high-fiber melt. Cell size was significantly correlated to average crushing force (r = − 0.69), crispness work (r = − 0.69) and number of spatial ruptures (r = 0.74). Microstructure data in combination with standard theory for brittle foams was employed to understand mechanical properties of extrudates under compression.
WAGE INEQUALITY AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITY: AN EXTREME BOUNDS ANALYSIS FOR THE UNITED STATES, 1975–1990*

The past decades in the United States have been characterized by a widening in the distribution of wage income. While much research has attempted to uncover the causes of these earnings trends, much less is known about their impact upon social and economic factors. This study examines evidence for links between changes in distribution of wage income and criminal activity. Using extreme bounds analysis in conjunction with ordinary least squares regression, the study shows that robust results linking wage inequality and crime are obtainable across a rich set of model specifications for the violent crimes of murder and assault. No evidence is found linking wage inequality with the crimes of robbery and burglary. Results are inconclusive for larceny/theft, motor vehicle theft, and forcible rape. These results should be viewed as a first stage in examining the link between wage inequality and criminal activity. Research into the specific behavioral complexities underlying these relationships should be considered to affirm these results.
Two Wheels Connected by an Unactuated Variable Length Axle on Uneven Ground: Kinematic Modeling and Experiments

It has been shown in previous work that when two wheels independently joined by a fixed-length axle are placed on an uneven surface, such that the line joining the wheel contact points is not coplanar with the axle, rolling without slip is possible only if the wheels are driven at the same speed. Otherwise, the wheels must slip against the terrain due to kinematic constraints. Based on analytical kinematics, it is shown in this article that a method to prevent slip on uneven terrain is to use a variable length axle. This research explores the instantaneous and gross motion of two wheels joined by a variable length axle on uneven terrain. Next, the overall range of the axle length change is investigated through numerical simulations. Based on the results from the simulation, a novel variable length axle that possesses no prismatic joints, hence has low friction, and has high stiffness has been designed. Experimental results are obtained for the axle length change as a three wheeled laboratory prototype that includes the variable length axle travels on a smooth uneven surface. These experiments verify the kinematic model. Limitations of using an unactuated variable length axle and related future research topics are also discussed.
Calcium-dependent solvation of the myristoyl group of recoverin

Recoverin is an N-myristoylated calcium-binding protein present in the photoreceptor cells of the mammalian retina. It is believed to function as a calcium sensor in visual signal transduction by coupling the kinetics of the recovery phase of the photoresponse to changes in the levels of intracellular Ca2+. Upon binding Ca2+, recoverin undergoes a conformational change that allows it to associate with membranes in a manner that requires N-myristoyl modification. It has been proposed that, in the Ca(2+)-free conformation, the myristoyl group is sequestered in a hydrophobic part of the protein, and in the Ca(2+)-bound conformation, the myristoyl group is exposed to solution. The crystal structure of Ca(2+)-bound recoverin reveals an exposed cluster of hydrophobic residues, raising the possibility that residues in this region may function as part of an intramolecular myristoyl binding site. Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis of interactions between recoverin and 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate (ANS) shows that an increase in solvent-accessible hydrophobic surface accompanies Ca2+ binding. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of myristoyl protons show dispersed chemical shifts in the Ca(2+)-free conformation that become relatively uniform upon the addition of Ca2+. Two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) spectra of Ca(2+)-free recoverin show NOE contacts between myristoyl protons and aromatic ring protons. Tryptophan fluorescence quenching by acrylamide indicates that the myristoyl group is in proximity to a tryptophan residue only in the Ca(2+)-free conformation. These results indicate that the myristoyl group is in contact with residues in the hydrophobic cluster in Ca(2+)-free recoverin and that it is exposed to solution in the Ca(2+)-bound conformation.
The History, Present State, and Future Prospects of Underground Pumped Hydro for Massive Energy Storage

If our industrial civilization is to be sustained, it must find renewable sources of energy to replace its finite and rapidly shrinking reserves of fossil carbon. Moreover, these renewables, even if intermittent, must somehow be rendered reliable and dispatchable, most probably by developing super-massive storage facilities for energy. Historically this has meant pumped hydroelectric storage, a technology that is well developed, reliable, comparatively inexpensive, and seriously limited by a shortage of suitable reservoir sites. The obvious solution is to excavate an underground reservoir many hundreds of meters below surface level and to exchange water between it and a surface reservoir created immediately above it and diked using spoil from the excavation. This variant of hydro storage is called underground pumped hydro (UPH) and is described in detail in this review, where it will be shown that: 1) the cost per GW of pumping station could be reasonable and on the order of 1 G$US while 2) the cost of storage capacity could be less than 100 $US per kWh and in keeping with the U.S. Department of Energy's cost goals.
Nonisothermal absorption on a horizontal cylindrical tube—1. The film flow

Abstract The most important component of an absorption heat pump is the absorber in which vapor is absorbed into a liquid mixture. Commonly, the liquid mixture flows over tubes in a film mode. In this work, the condensation of a two-component vapor mixture into a two-component liquid film on a horizontal tube is considered. In general, the vapor is a volatile mixture and, theoretically, the mass transfer problem in the vapor must be solved concurrently with the problem in the liquid. In the present paper, the boundary condition on the mass fraction in the film at the interface is modified to account for this, and based on initial calculations of the dimensionless parameters; the solution for the vapor mass transfer problem need not be explicitly calculated. Analytical solutions are obtained for the mass fraction within the liquid film in terms of the pointwise absorbed mass flux. Numerical results are presented for an ammonia-water mixture typical of current applications. The case of a single-component vapor such as the case for a lithium-bromide-water mixture is also considered as a special case.
Reaching out with wireless

The application of wireless for humanitarian relief can be greatly enhanced by circumventing the range limitations of current technologies, without requiring bulky transceivers with very large antennas. In this talk, we discuss two broad approaches to this problem, and give some preliminary results that illustrate the promise of these approaches. The first approach is the use of distributed antenna arrays using cooperation among neighboring nodes. Promising results over the past few years, both in terms of theory and prototyping, indicate that such distributed arrays have the potential of providing order of magnitude range improvements, along with enhanced spatial reuse. Such distributed arrays are easy to set up and tear down, since they can be realized with nodes with compact form factor, and allow operation over large carrier wavelengths (for which conventional centralized antenna arrays would be too bulky), thus significantly enhancing propagation. The second approach is the use of autonomous mobile agents such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) as an integral part of the sensing and communications infrastructure., which can, providing connectivity in disconnected networks and for tracking survivors using radio frequency (RF) beacons. We discuss promising recent results on providing adaptive UAV-based data collection and processing for disconnected sensor networks, and on robust algorithms for following RF beacons despite large spatial fades (which apply, for example, for tracking survivors in a disaster situation).
People matter more than numbers: organized efforts against prison privatization in Florida

As the American prison population increased, so did the correctional labor force. Correctional officers in the United States have gained increased professionalism and strong representation since the 1980s. Meanwhile, many states have pushed to privatize state-run prisons in order to dampen correctional spending. Although a substantial amount of research has been conducted on the comparison of costs and qualities of confinement in public and private prisons, correctional officer labor has so far not been examined. In Florida, Senate Bill 2038, proposing the single largest expansion of prison privatization in US history, was defeated in February 2012 in the state Senate mainly as a result of lobbying by state correctional workers. By investigating the question of correctional labor from a critical perspective and by comparing salary levels, work benefits, training, and education opportunities in public and private prisons in Florida, the professionalism of correctional officers in state-run prisons vs. the ...
The Relationship Between Fluctuations in Sea Level, Wind Stress and Sea Surface Temperature in the Equatorial Pacific

Abstract Correlations among sea level, wind stress and sea surface temperature at various lags have been used to determine the relationship between these parameters in the Pacific equatorial region 10°N to 10°S. Seasonal sea level in the coastal upwelling region depends on the magnitude of the meridional component of the southeast trade. Seasonal sea level along and south of the equator (to about 110°W) depends mainly on the temperature of water advected from the coastal upwelling region. Seasonal sea level in mid-ocean is mainly a function of the degree of set-up by the zonal component of the local wind stress. In the Countercurrent trough, seasonal sea level varies inversely with the magnitude of the local meridional shear except in spring when it is directly proportional to set-up by the zonal component of the northeast trade. Year-to-year sea level fluctuations from about 4°N to 10°S in the eastern half of the ocean are caused primarily by fluctuations in the temperature of water advected away from th...
Synthesis of edatrexate (2-13C-glutamate)

The experimental antitumor drug Edatrexate, labeled with 99% 13C at the 2-position of the glutamate acid group was required for 13C-magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies in biological media. Coupling of 2,4-diamino-4-deoxy-10-ethyl-10-deazapteroic acid with diethyl L-2-13C-glutamate as promoted by BOP reagent afforded Edatrexate (2-13C-glu) diethyl ester in 60% yield following purification by column chromatography. Saponification by aqueous NaOH in 2-methoxyethanol gave the target molecule in 44% yield or 26% overall. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Longitudinal effect in the response of total electron content to magnetic storms

IN a previous study1 of the response of the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) data to magnetic storms, an average storm time behaviour of TEC for middle latitudes was deduced. On average TEC is enhanced during the first 24 h following the start of a storm, depressed for the next 24 h and near normal through the third 24 h. Another study2 has shown a strong diurnal component in TEC behaviour with the maximum enhancement occurring in the dusk sector (1600 to 1800 LT). The present study of disturbed TEC behaviour generally agrees with that reported above but in addition indicates a longitudinal effect in the behaviour of both the storm time and diurnal components of disturbed TEC.