cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Harmonic winding losses in the transformer of a forward pulse width modulated DC-DC converter for continuous conduction mode

This study presents general winding power loss expressions for a high-frequency (HF) three-winding forward transformer operated in continuous conduction mode (CCM), where the source of the transformer excitation is considered to be non-sinusoidal with many significant harmonics. The efficient operation of an isolated converter is dependent upon the performance of the transformer used. The expressions presented in this study take into account the eddy-current losses caused by current harmonics at HFs. The expressions are derived based on Fourier series of the winding current waveforms, and using Dowell's equation, which considers both the skin and proximity effects caused by eddy currents. Harmonic winding loss factors for the three windings are introduced. In addition to the power loss expressions, a step-by-step procedure to design a three-winding transformer used in a single-switch forward converter operated in CCM is presented using the area product (Ap) method.
Socioeconomic differences in social information processing and cardiovascular reactivity.

Low socioeconomic status (SES) has a profound influence on children’s physical health. As SES decreases, all-cause mortality rates increase linearly, 1 and rates of injury, pneumonia, and cancer mortality increase. 2 One potential explanation for the SES and health relationship may involve social information processing. Lower SES children, because of their more frequent exposure to unpredictable and stressful situations, may develop a schema about the world being a threatening place that requires constant vigilance. This schema may predispose children to interpreting a wide range of situations, including those that are ambiguous in outcome, as threatening. Children who display a bias toward interpreting ambiguous situations as threatening may also be prone to heightened cardiovascular reactivity during such situations. Over time, more frequent episodes of reactivity may place these children at risk for negative health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease (See F IG . 1). Research has demonstrated that lower SES is associated with heightened reactivity to laboratory stressors 3 and higher resting levels of blood pressure 4 among children. Trait variables such as hostility mediate this relationship among AfricanAmerican children. 3 In addition, adults in lower status occupations who also have hostile attributional styles have higher blood pressure elevations at work. 5 However, the role of situationally based variables such as social information-processing biases has not been investigated in children. We tested the mediational role of social information processing in a sample of 198 children (ages 8–17), half Caucasian and half African-American (Time 1: T1). Ninety of these children were retested an average of three years later (Time 2: T2). At both times, children were probed about perceptions of hostile intent and anger in response to scenarios with negative or ambiguous outcomes (Social Cognition Interview). At both times, cardiovascular reactivity was averaged across three laboratory stress tasks (mirror tracing, reaction time, cold forehead). SES was measured by family and paternal Hollingshead scores (based on parent education and occupation). At T1, among Caucasians, low-SES children responded with more hostile intent perceptions and anger than high-SES children during ambiguous, but not negative, scenarios (see T ABLE 1). In addition, analyses of the reactivity data revealed that among Caucasians, lower SES was associated with greater vascular reactivity
Quantitative assessment of dermal cellularity in nephrogenic systemic fibrosis: a diagnostic aid.

Background Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) affects patients with impaired renal function who have received gadolinium-containing contrast agents (GCCAs). Increased dermal cellularity is a key diagnostic feature of NSF, however, the histologic findings can be subtle. Objective We sought to determine whether dermal cellularity in skin biopsy specimens from NSF cases: (1) differs significantly from that of controls; and (2) correlates with duration of the skin lesions, level of plasma creatinine, GCCA dose, or a combination of these. Methods Seventeen NSF skin biopsy specimens and age-, sex-, and site-matched controls were retrieved from the dermatopathology files of the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Dermal cellularity was manually quantified on hematoxylin-eosin–stained sections and patient medical records were reviewed for demographic and clinical data. Results NSF cases showed a mean dermal cellularity of 70.8/high-power field (control mean: 14.4/high-power field, P Limitations In this retrospective analysis, duration of skin lesion was defined as the interval from most recent prior GCCA study, rather than the actual clinical onset, to time of skin biopsy, and the cumulative GCCA dose may reflect a minimum if GCCA was received at an outside institution. Conclusion Enumeration of dermal cellularity on hematoxylin-eosin–stained sections can aid in the histologic diagnosis of NSF in the setting of chronic kidney disease and GCCA exposure and is independent of patient age, sex, plasma creatinine, time from last GCCA exposure, and GCCA dose.
SYNTHESIS OF DIHYDRODIOLS OF PHENANTHRO[3,4-b]THIOPHENE AND PHENANTHRO[4,3-b]THIOPHENE

A number of sulfur analogs of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (thia-PAHs) have been identified in cigarette smoke condensate. Phenanthro[3,4-b]thiophene (P[3,4-b]T) and phenanthro[4,3-b]thiophene (P[4,3-b]T) are sulfur analogs of benzo[c]phenanthrene, which is known to be metabolized to one of the most tumorigenic fjord region diol epoxides tested thus far. Although fjord region diol epoxides of P[3,4-b]T and P[4,3-b]T are expected to be potent mutagens and tumorigens, these two thia-PAHs differ greatly in their mutagenic potencies. In contrast to P[3,4-b]T which is as mutagenic as benzo[a]pyrene, its isoster P[4,3-b]T is a nonmutagenic compound. In order to understand the basis underlying the difference in the mutagenic potency of P[3,4-b]T and P[4,3-b]T, we require these thia-PAHs and their dihydrodiol derivatives for investigating their metabolism and mutagenic/carcinogenic activity. In these studies, we have investigated the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction for an abbreviated synthesis of P[3,4-b]T, P...
Facile conversion of racemic ibuprofen to (S)-ibuprofen

Abstract The methyl ester of ibuprofen was quantitatively formed by Fischer esterification and converted into ( S )-ibuprofen in 94% yield with an ee of 94% under dynamic kinetic resolution conditions at pH 9.8, using Candida rugosa lipase, and 20% DMSO. The ( R )-methyl ibuprofen ester was observed to racemize by chiral HPLC without the Candida rugosa lipase present. The rates of in situ racemization and enzymatic hydrolysis for the dynamic kinetic resolution were determined to be 0.026 ± 0.004 and 0.053 ± 0.004 h −1 , respectively. The rate of enzymatic hydrolysis when no DMSO was present was twice as fast but no racemization occurred. A facile purification of enriched ( S )-ibuprofen was developed. Overall, 88% of racemic ibuprofen by weight was converted into ( S )-ibuprofen with an ee of 99.7%.
Exposure of human corneal epithelial cells to contact lenses in vitro suppresses the upregulation of human β-defensin-2 in response to antigens of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract Bacterial keratitis is a sight-threatening complication of contact lens wear, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a commonly isolated pathogen. The mechanisms by which lenses predispose the cornea to P. aeruginosa infection are unknown. Corneal epithelial cells express numerous innate defenses, some of which have bactericidal effects against P. aeruginosa. One of these is human β-defensin-2 (hBD-2), which is upregulated in response to lipopolysaccharide or flagellin antigens. We hypothesized that prior exposure of corneal epithelia to a contact lens would interfere with upregulation of hBD-2 in response to P. aeruginosa. A novel in vitro model was used in which cultured human corneal epithelial cells were exposed to a hydrophilic contact lens for up to 3.5 days prior to challenge with a culture supernatant of P. aeruginosa antigens for 6 h. Without prior lens exposure, the supernatant caused >2-fold upregulation of hBD-2 mRNA message and expression of hBD-2 peptide. Prior contact lens exposure blocked this upregulation without obvious effects on cell health. Western immunoblot and luciferase reporter studies showed that Pseudomonas-induced hBD-2 upregulation involved MyD88, c-Jun N-terminal kinase and both AP-1 and NF-κB transcription factors. Contact lenses did not affect surface expression of Toll-like receptor-2, -4 or -5, but did block antigen activation of AP-1, but not NF-κB, transcription factors. These data show that contact lenses can interfere with epithelial defense responses to bacterial antigens in vitro, and if translated in vivo, could help predispose the cornea to infection.
Dietary Intake and Health Behavior Among Black and White College Females

Nutrition, exercise, diet, and health risk factors of 422 Black and White college females were studied. Both groups showed marked deficiencies in key nutrients, and Black females had higher fat and calorie intake than White females. In selecting foods, White females relied more on nutrition knowledge and Black females were more influenced by cultural traditions. Body image dissatisfaction was higher in White females, complemented by increased use of compensatory dieting techniques. Self-identified risk factors were significantly different between groups, and for both groups, health behavior contradicted known risk factors.
You'll never know unless you go!

Canada's approach to presenting science and technology is strongly visitor-oriented, and geared to linking past and present in a dynamic, innovative fashion. Paul F. Donahue was formerly director-general of Collection and Research and is now director-general of Public Programmes for Canada's National Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa. He has been the provincial archaeologist for Alberta and his interests include the prehistory of north-western North America, management of archaeological resources and collection development, heritage stewardship, and the public understanding of the past.
Colicin Ia Uses Cir Protein Both As Its Primary Receptor and As Its Translocon

Colicin Ia is a bactericidal protein that kills E. coli by making a voltage-dependent ion channel in their inner membrane and de-energizing them. To do this, the colicin or its pore-forming domain must cross the outer bacterial membrane. Like all colicins, Ia first binds to an outer membrane receptor. The crystal structure of colicin Ia bound to its outer membrane receptor, the 22-strand plugged β-barrel protein, Cir, suggests the plug doesn't move upon Ia binding. Therefore, another pathway is needed for the colicin to cross the outer membrane. Group A colicins, like E3, use the periplasmic and inner membrane proteins TolA,B,Q,R,Pal in translocation; a second outer membrane protein, such as the porin OmpF or TolC, has been shown to serve as a “second receptor” and be involved in passage of the colicin across the outer membrane.Unlike the Tol-dependent colicins, no “second receptor” has ever been identified for the group B, or TonB-dependent colicins, such as colicin Ia. We show here that colicin Ia uses one copy of Cir as its receptor, for the initial binding step, and then searches for a second copy of Cir for translocation across the outer membrane. We constructed a chimeric colicin with the C-terminal channel-forming domain and N-terminal translocation domain (T-domain) of colicin Ia and the receptor-binding domain of colicin E3. Although this colicin now requires the E3 receptor protein, BtuB, presumably for binding, it still requires both the Cir and TonB proteins for killing. Furthermore, we show that the purified 225-residue colicin Ia T-domain can compete with this hybrid colicin and protect E. coli from killing, in vivo. These results imply that the T-domain binds to and opens a channel in Cir through which the colicin reaches the periplasm.
Translation of continuous phase in the wakes of single rising drops

Volumes translated in wakes of single drops of organic liquids rising through aqueous media have been measured. Organic drops studied comprised methyl isobutyl ketone, toluene, and toluene-carbon tetrachloride mixtures. Aqueous media comprised water and water-sugar solution. Distance of drop rise varied from 10 to 20 in. Drop size was varied such that Reynolds numbers of 40 to 800 were obtained. Volumes translated were nearly independent of distance for nonoscillating drops and decreased rapidly with distance for oscillating drops. Transition from nonoscillating to oscillating drops occurred at Reynolds number of 200. Measurements of drop velocities were also made.
The Science of Emotion: Research and Tradition in the Psychology of Emotion

Originally published in Contemporary Psychology: APA Review of Books, 1997, Vol 42(3), 269. This introductory text (see record 1996-97076-000) introduces readers to four major theoretical perspectives on emotion: Darwinian, Jamesian, cognitive, and social constructivist. The author presents the cent
Librarians and Technology Skill Acquisition: Issues and Perspectives

Libraries are increasingly searching for and employing librarians with significant technology skill sets. This article reports on a study conducted to determine how well prepared librarians are for their positions in academic libraries, how they acquired their skillss and how difficult they are to hire and retain. The examination entails a close look at ALA-accredited LIS program technology course offerings and dovetails a dual survey designed to capture experiences and perspectives from practitioners, both library administrators and librarianss who have significant technology roles.
NUTRITIONAL LAENNEC'S CIRRHOSIS IN THE MACACA MULATTA MONKEY.

Summary Six Macaca mulatta monkeys (4 males and 2 females) were given a diet free of choline, low in protein (5%) and rich in cholesterol (2%) for a period of 16 months. All six animals developed abnormal liver function and marked nutritional lipidic infiltration. Three male monkeys had well developed Laennec's cirrhosis. Two of these cirrhotic monkeys had slightly elevated splenic pulp pressure and portal vein pressure and showed evidence of increased collateral circulation on splenoportogram. One cirrhotic monkey died after 15 ½ months on the diet with no cause other than cirrhosis. The technique of esophagoscopy, barium swallow, percutaneous splenoportography and splenic pulp manometry in the monkey are described.
Contracting Out Government Services: Privatization at the Millenium

Abstract Utilization of the private sector in producing services is an important element in the movement toward reforming government. The aim is to contain costs, increase productivity, or improve quality. There are choices as to the type of privatization to be employed. Contracting out that involves retaining ownership and overall control but employs a private sector operator, is the dominant form. Although there is strong evidence of the benefits of privatization, several important factors must be present for optimization. In particular, the bidding process must be competitive and the contract must be carefully structured. As the airline security case illustrates, low bid contracting without careful specification of service quality can lead to poor service. How extensively a city can employ contracting out is being tested by the city of Centennial, Colorado. Although not a panacea for all fiscal and government performance problems, contracting out, if properly managed, can be a strong force for delivery...
Synthesis of MoSi2xNb and MoSi2yZrO2 composites by the field-activated combustion method

Abstract The effect of an electric of field on the combustion synthesis of MoSi 2  x Nb (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.45) and MoSi 2  y ZrO 2 (0 ⩽ y ⩽ 0.15) was investigated. The velocity of the combustion wave in both composite systems increased nearly linearly with an increase in the applied field. Composites with x ⩾ 0.45 and y ⩾ 0.15 can only be synthesized in the presence of a field. Although, in the absence of a field, the system with x = 0.45 and y = 0.15 can sustain a non-steady combustion wave, the reaction is not complete and only partial conversion to MoSi 2 is evident. For the synthesis of pure MoSi 2 , the field was shown to affect the particle size of the product. The average particle size decreased when the synthesis was carried out under the effect of the field.
Active State-like Conformational Elements in the β2-AR and a Photoactivated Intermediate of Rhodopsin Identified by Dynamic Properties of GPCRs†

G-Protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) adopt various functionally relevant conformational states in cell signaling processes. Recently determined crystal structures of rhodopsin and the beta 2-adrenergic receptor (beta 2-AR) offer insight into previously uncharacterized active conformations, but the molecular states of these GPCRs are likely to contain both inactive and active-like conformational elements. We have identified conformational rearrangements in the dynamics of the TM7-HX8 segment that relate to the properties of the conserved NPxxY(x)5,6F motif and show that they can be used to identify active state-like conformational elements in the corresponding regions of the new structures of rhodopsin and the beta 2-AR.
Twelve Significant Signs of Cervical Spine Trauma

Drawing on experience with over 400 cases of significant cervical spine trauma, we have noted 12 helpful roentgen signs that may serve to direct the physician's attention to such serious underlying changes as fractures and dislocations. These 12 anatomic alterations may provide both direct and indirect evidence of traumatic lesions which are not clearly identified on the initial radiographs. The changes fally into three principal groups: abnormal soft tissues, abnormal vertebral alignment, and abnormal articulations. Rarely do these signs occur in isolation; rather, several useful changes are usually present on the routine cervical spine series. Considering the recent marked increase in requests for skull and cervical spine films, as well as litigation arising from such studies, an appreciation of clues to occult traumatic alterations is mandatory for the practising radiologist and clinician.
An apparatus for fast and frequent samplingof large aliquots

Summary An apparatus has been constructed to perform large-scale mixing andsampling experiments for studies of moderately fast reactions. In the form described in the present communication, the apparatus is operated manually and allows rapid mixing of 100–200 ml reaction mixtures and sampling of four 25–50 ml aliquots at 3–4 sec intervals.
Segmentation of the brain from 3-D magnetic resonance images of the head

An automated procedure for segmentation of the brain from 3-D MR images of the head is described. This process combines some heuristics with a number of three-dimensional image processing and computer vision techniques including seed-based volume growing, DOG convolution and zero-crossing detection, convolution with the Zucker-Hummel operator, and watershed anaylsis. There are two broad steps: (1) rough estimation of brain voxels, and (2) refinement of the first step through a reverse-gravity watershed analysis. All operations are performed in three-dimensions in order to fully utilize the information present in the voxels generated by the 3-D MP-RAGE sequence.
Evidence of gene flow between pea and bean pathotypes of Aphanomyces euteiches.

Aphanomyces euteiches is a phenotypically diverse pathogen, but the origins of this diversity are not known. To determine if cross-fertilization occurred between pea and bean pathotypes of A. euteiches, a technique to outcross isolates of A. euteiches was developed. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and several phenotypic traits were used to identify F, hybrids. Following 16 matings among isolates of different pathotypes, 4 of 82 germinated oospore isolates were inter-pathotype F, hybrids. Two of the four hybrids were infertile, but two were fertile and used to analyze the inheritance of virulence phenotype, host specificity (pathotype), hyphal growth rate, size of the aplerotic zone, and RAPD markers. As compared with parental pea and bean pathotype isolates, F, hybrids exhibited a pea pathotype and intermediate phenotypes in hyphal growth rate and size of the aplerotic zone. Subsequent self-fertilization of F1 hybrids yielded an F2 population that demonstrated segregation of virulence phen...
Perspectives on Dimensional Analysis in Scaling Studies

Scaling, as defined here, refers to the precise identification of those structural and functional aspects of selected systems that are size-independent, over some specified size-range. Small and large instances of such systems are said to be similar in respect to those aspects. Physicists and engineers have developed an elaborate methodology for identifying quantitative similarity criteria applicable to physical systems. These criteria are usually derived by dimensional analysis of physical laws pertinent to a given system. Knowledge of similarity criteria allows one to predict quantitatively the behavior of a large-scale prototype from measurements made on a small-scale model (e.g., in a wind tunnel). Numerous workers have sought to apply this elegant methodology to scale-up in biology. After briefly reviewing dimensional analysis, scaling, and modeling, as deployed in physics and engineering, this article discusses several well-known examples of their application to bioscaling problems (chiefly in mammals) and gives reasons for doubting their validity. It concludes that this methodology is unlikely to provide explanations applicable to scale-up in diverse species.
Permutation methods applied to Quine's “New foundations”

Permutation methods for proving relative consistency results were first applied to Quine's set theory NF by Dana Scott [5]. He showed that the sentence (∃ x )( x = { x }), which asserts the existence of individuals in Quine's sense, and its negation are each consistent relative to NF. In this paper Scott's method is shown to apply to any extension T of NF whose axioms are invariant in a certain sense. (Every stratified sentence is invariant, as are many interesting unstratified sentences, such as Rosser's Counting Axiom and the sentence which asserts that every Cantorian set is strongly Cantorian.) We also use this method to prove a number of interesting relative consistency results for such extensions T of NF. Our main result (Theorem 2.4) asserts that it is consistent relative to T to assume that every well ordering of a strongly Cantorian set is order isomorphic to the well ordering by ∈ of a von Neumann ordinal. (The restriction to strongly Cantorian sets is necessary.) Therefore, although one cannot develop within NF a satisfactory theory of von Neumann ordinals, due to the many unstratified formulas which arise, our result shows that one can consistently assume as rich a theory as is allowed by the extent to which T provides for strongly Cantorian sets. This seems to be the first such “positive” consistency result for NF, and we think that the permutation method will yield others.
Least elements revisited

Least element theory is extended, for linear problems, to general multiple-objective problems, and the pre-Leontief matrix and left-hand matrix inverse notions are generalized.
Particulate Damping in Solid Propellant Rockets

Because of the simplifications used to obtain Eq. (5) some inaccuracy in the calculated Ret is introduced. At Mach 6 and lower, the values of Ret obtained by Eq. (5) are in general within 10% agreement. With the present knowledge of transition location, this accuracy seems acceptable. Because Eq. (1) is only valid above Mach 2.5, Eqs. (5) and (6) have this lower limit too. Another limitation is that the tunnel wall boundary layers have to be turbulent. From Eq. (5) it can be seen that the effect of the acoustic disturbances can now be described as a function of: 1) Reynolds number based on tunnel length, Rel . 2) Size of the tunnel test section. 3) "Aspect ratio" of the tunnel^see also Nagel Ref. 4): (c/L). 4) Mach number.
Association of the Brazil nut protein gene and Kunitz trypsin inhibitor alleles with soybean protease inhibitor activity and agronomic traits

The use of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in animal feed without heat treatment may be possible by reducing protease inhibitors. The objectives of this study were to determine to what extent soybean protease inhibitors would be reduced genetically by combining the Brazil nut protein (BNP) gene from the transgenic line BX4P9341B6 with the ti allele for the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor from the cultivar Kunitz and their effect on agronomic traits. Soybean seed from 42 F 2 -derived lines from the cross BX4P9341B6 × Kunitz were evaluated in replicated trials in 1995 for trypsin inhibitor (TI), chymotrypsin inhibitor (CI) activity, and agronomic traits. There were six lines homogeneous for presence of the BNP gene and the Ti allele (BNP+, Ti), 18 lines homogeneous for presence of the BNP gene and the ti allele (BNP+, ti), six lines homogeneous for absence of the BNP gene and presence of the Ti allele (BNP-, Ti), and 12 lines homogeneous for absence of the BNP gene and presence of the ti allele (BNP-, ti). The mean TI activity of the BNP+, ti lines was 85.1% less than for the BNP-, Ti lines representative of conventional soybean cultivars. The mean CI activity of the BNP+, ti lines was 61.4% less than the BNP-, Ti lines. The means of the four genotypic classes were not significantly different (P > 0.05) for seed yield, maturity, lodging, and protein content. It should be possible to develop high-yielding cultivars with the BNP+, ti genotype that have major reductions in TI and CI activity.
A 7-year-old boy experiencing difficulty at school

A 7-year-old boy and his parents present to their family practice at the request of the child’s teacher. Since starting grade 1, the child has been easily distracted, has difficulty focusing on assignments, struggles to remain seated during class and argues with his teacher. His parents note
On Error Control in Sequential Machines

It is shown that if a machine M con be mapped into a simpler machine M' by a homomorphism, then an error correcting/detecting code can be applied to the states of M such that the parity check bits are generated independently of the information bits that form the state assignment of M. If such a homomorphism does not exist, it is shown how to produce one by altering M if M consists entirely of loops as is the case with a digital computer. The method presented here is a generalization to sequential machines of the separate adder and checker concept used for checking addition. Methods of coding are given. Application to computers is given.
Effect of chronic growth hormone treatment on responses to epinephrine and thyrotropin-releasing hormone in lactating cows.

Abstract Bovine growth hormone was administered to four Holstein cows (late lactation) in a Latin square. Treatments were 1) control, subcutaneous injection of placebo, 2) subcutaneous injection of 25 IU growth hormone on alternate days, 3) daily subcutaneous injection of 25 IU growth hormone, and 4) continuous subcutaneous infusion of 25 IU/d growth hormone. Intravenous challenges of epinephrine and thyrotropin-releasing hormone were administered separately on the 1st d after a 12-d interval of growth hormone treatment. Baseline concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids in plasma were not affected by growth hormone treatment. However, release of nonesterified fatty acids to epinephrine challenge was positively related to amount of growth hormone in plasma during treatment and was correlated with milk fat yield and milk energy secretion. Growth hormone release following thyrotropin-releasing hormone was negatively related to amount of growth hormone in plasma during treatment. Release of prolactin to thyrotropin-releasing hormone challenge was not related to average daily dose of exogenous growth hormone. The galactopoeitic action of growth hormone may be partly attributable to its effects on responsiveness of adipose tissue to a lipolytic stimulus but apparently is not associated with changes of pituitary sensitivity to thyrotrophin-releasing hormone. Results are consistent with growth hormone functioning as a homeorhectic control of nutrient partitioning.
Pulmonary actions of LY255283, a leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist.

The actions of LY255283, a leukotriene (LT) B4 receptor antagonist, were examined on guinea pig lung. LTB4 and LY255283 displaced [3H]LTB4 from its binding site on lung membranes with pKi values of 9.9 and 7.0, respectively. In the functional correlate of the binding studies, LY255283 competitively reduced contractile responses of lung parenchyma to LTB4 (pA2 = 7.2). LTB4 produced airway obstruction which was reduced by LY255283 administered i.v. (ED50 = 2.8 mg/kg) or orally (ED50 = 11.0 mg/kg). Contractile responses to histamine, LTD4 and the thromboxane mimetic, U46619, were not reduced by LY255283. The compound also did not inhibit cyclooxygenase or 5-lipoxygenase enzymes. We conclude that LY255283 selectively antagonized pharmacologic responses to LTB4 on lung tissue and appears to be a useful tool to investigate the role of LTB4 in pulmonary disease.
The dimensions and symmetry of the seminal vesicles

The traditional anatomical description of the seminal vesicles is based on autopsy and imaging studies. Trans-peritoneal robotic-assisted laproscopic surgery, with its three-dimensional magnified view and miniature articulated working instruments, provides an opportunity to perform accurate dissections of the seminal vesicles even when extremely long and tortuous. We used specimens obtained by robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP) for accurate anatomic assessment of the dimensions of the seminal vesicles. Digital photos of 78 specimens from men (mean age 59 ± 6.1 years) who underwent RLRP were analyzed using the Image Pro Plus software. Seminal vesicle dimensions were correlated with patients’ age, weight, height, prostate weight, sexual function profile (SHIM) and symptom severity score of the lower urinary tract symptoms (IPSS). We found that the length of the seminal vesicles is highly variable (range of 8.5–94.6 mm). The average seminal vesicle length was 31 ± 10.3 mm and its average volume 7.1 ± 5.2 ml. The right seminal vesicle was significantly larger than the left in length, width and volume (P < 0.003). The seminal vesicles were found to be highly asymmetric with a mean difference of 17.8% in length and 24.9% in width between the sides. No correlation between seminal vesicle dimensions and any of the parameters tested was found. We concluded that the normal human seminal vesicles are characterized by marked (11-fold) variation in length and are asymmetric in most patients. The right seminal vesicle is significantly larger than the left. Seminal vesicle dimensions cannot be predicted from other morphometric or physiologic parameters.
Apoptotic cell-based therapies against transplant rejection: role of recipient's dendritic cells

One of the ultimate goals in transplantation is to develop novel therapeutic methods for induction of donor-specific tolerance to reduce the side effects caused by the generalized immunosuppression associated to the currently used pharmacologic regimens. Interaction or phagocytosis of cells in early apoptosis exerts potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects on antigen (Ag)-presenting cells (APC) like dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages. This observation led to the idea that apoptotic cell-based therapies could be employed to deliver donor-Ag in combination with regulatory signals to recipient’s APC as therapeutic approach to restrain the anti-donor response. This review describes the multiple mechanisms by which apoptotic cells down-modulate the immuno-stimulatory and pro-inflammatory functions of DC and macrophages, and the role of the interaction between apoptotic cells and APC in self-tolerance and in apoptotic cell-based therapies to prevent/treat allograft rejection and graft-versus-host disease in murine experimental systems and in humans. It also explores the role that in vivo-generated apoptotic cells could have in the beneficial effects of extracorporeal photopheresis, donor-specific transfusion, and tolerogenic DC-based therapies in transplantation.
Viscosity of passive human neutrophils undergoing small deformations

At issue is the type of constitutive equation that can be used to describe all possible types of deformation of the neutrophil. Here a neutrophil undergoing small deformations is studied by aspirating it into a glass pipet with a diameter that is only slightly smaller than the diameter of the spherically shaped cell. After being held in the pipet for at least seven seconds, the cell is rapidly expelled and allowed to recover its undeformed, spherical shape. The recovery takes approximately 15 s. An analysis of the recovery process that treats the cell as a simple Newtonian liquid drop with a constant cortical (surface) tension gives a value of 3.3 x 10(-5) cm/s for the ratio of the cortical tension to cytoplasmic viscosity. This value is about twice as large as a previously published value obtained with the same model from studies of large deformations of neutrophils. This discrepancy indicates that the cytoplasmic viscosity decreases as the amount of deformation decreases. An extrapolated value for the cytoplasmic viscosity at zero deformation is approximately 600 poise when a value for the cortical tension of 0.024 dyn/cm is assumed. Clearly the neutrophil does not behave like a simple Newtonian liquid drop in that small deformations are inherently different from large deformations. More complex models consisting either of two or more fluids or multiple shells must be developed. The complex structure inside the neutrophil is shown in scanning electron micrographs of osmotically burst cells and cells whose membrane has been dissolved away.
Curb the disturbance

This article reviews and compares the effects of harmonic mitigation methods on line supply and drive. Several methods are used to reduce the line current harmonics caused by pulse width modulated (PWM) ac drives: ac line reactors, dc link chokes, phase-shifting transformers, passive harmonic filters (PHFs), multipulse converters, active filters, and active front ends. Each one does a good job of harmonic reduction and also affects the total current drawn from the supply transformer, the power factor, and the dc bus voltage within the drive. Several passive and active filters and an 18-pulse converter were tested. The comparisons are supported by computer simulations of drive systems and verified by extensive tests that were conducted in the lab.
INTACT RIGHT VENTRICLE-PULMONARY ARTERY SHUNT AFTER STAGE II PALLIATION IN HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME IMPROVES PULMONARY ARTERY GROWTH

For patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who have undergone the Norwood procedure with a right ventricle–pulmonary artery (RV-PA) shunt, the shunt can either be removed or left intact at the time of the stage 2 procedure. This study aimed to determine the effects of an intact shunt on pulmonary artery growth and clinical outcomes after the stage 2 procedure. A retrospective review of patients who underwent Norwood with an RV-PA shunt from 2005 to 2010 was performed. Catheterization data, echocardiographic data, postoperative outcome variables, and mortality data were collected. Pulmonary artery size was measured at pre-stage 2 and pre-Fontan catheterizations using the Nakata Index and the McGoon Ratio. Of the 68 patients included in the study, 48 had the shunt removed at the time of stage 2 (group 1), and 20 had the shunt left intact (group 2). The two groups did not differ in terms of pre-stage 2 hemodynamics or pulmonary artery size. After stage 2, group 2 had higher oxygen saturations. The two groups did not differ regarding duration of chest tube drainage, length of hospital stay, need for unplanned interventions, or mortality. Before Fontan, the group 2 patients had higher superior vena cava (SVC) pressures and more venovenous collaterals closed. There was increased pulmonary artery growth between the pre-stage 2 and pre-Fontan catheterizations in group 2 using both the Nakata Index (+148.5 vs −52.4 mm2/m2; p = 0.01) and the McGoon Ratio (+0.36 vs +0.01; p = 0.01). These findings indicate that patients with an intact RV-PA shunt after stage 2 have greater pulmonary artery growth than patients with the shunt removed, with no increased risk of complications.
Lewis base adducts of diisobutylaluminum azide: synthesis and thermal stability

Diisobutylaluminum azide was prepared from the reaction of diisobutylaluminum hydride with trimethylsilyl azide, and it was reacted with five different Lewis bases. The monodentate ligands p-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) and the two N-heterocyclic carbenes IMes and IDipp afforded the expected adducts L·Al(i-Bu)2N3 in good yields. Reaction with the bidentate diimine (MesN=CH)2 did not stop at the adduct stage, but continued to form the iminoamide compound {MesNCH2C(i-Bu)NMes}Al(i-Bu)N3 through formal Al-i-Bu addition to one of the N–C double bonds followed by i-Bu migration. The terdentate pincer ligand 2,6-bis(diethylaminomethyl)pyridine induces azide transfer and formation of the ionic compound [2,6-(Et2NCH2)2C5H3NAl(i-Bu)2][(i-Bu)2Al(N3)2]. The compounds are thermally stable to at least 110 °C but decompose either into their precursors or into a mixture of unidentified products. All new compounds were characterized by 1H and 13C{1H} spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and the iminoamide compound {MesNCH2C(i-B...
Is adding more indicators to a latent class analysis beneficial or detrimental? Results of a Monte-Carlo study

The purpose of this study was to examine in which way adding more indicators or a covariate influences the performance of latent class analysis (LCA). We varied the sample size (100 ≤ N ≤ 2000), number, and quality of binary indicators (between 4 and 12 indicators with conditional response probabilities of [0.3, 0.7], [0.2, 0.8], or [0.1, 0.9]), and the strength of covariate effects (zero, small, medium, large) in a Monte Carlo simulation study of 2- and 3-class models. The results suggested that in general, a larger sample size, more indicators, a higher quality of indicators, and a larger covariate effect lead to more converged and proper replications, as well as fewer boundary parameter estimates and less parameter bias. Furthermore, interactions among these study factors demonstrated how using more or higher quality indicators, as well as larger covariate effect size, could sometimes compensate for small sample size. Including a covariate appeared to be generally beneficial, although the covariate parameters themselves showed relatively large bias. Our results provide useful information for practitioners designing an LCA study in terms of highlighting the factors that lead to better or worse performance of LCA.
Developmental stage-specific biosynthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors in intraerythrocytic Plasmodium falciparum and its inhibition in a novel manner by mannosamine.

Glycosylphosphatidylinositols (GPIs) are the major glycoconjugates in intraerythrocytic stage Plasmodium falciparum. Several functional proteins including merozoite surface protein 1 are anchored to the cell surface by GPI modification, and GPIs are vital to the parasite. Here, we studied the developmental stage-specific biosynthesis of GPIs by intraerythrocytic P. falciparum. The parasite synthesizes GPIs exclusively during the maturation of early trophozoites to late trophozoites but not during the development of rings to early trophozoites or late trophozoites to schizonts and merozoites. Mannosamine, an inhibitor of GPI biosynthesis, inhibits the growth of the parasite specifically at the trophozoite stage, preventing further development to schizonts and causing death. Mannosamine has no effect on the development of either rings to early trophozoites or late trophozoites to schizonts and merozoites. The analysis of GPIs and proteins synthesized by the parasite in the presence of mannosamine demonstrates that the effect is because of the inhibition of GPI biosynthesis. The data also show that mannosamine inhibits GPI biosynthesis by interfering with the addition of mannose to an inositol-acylated GlcN-phosphatidylinositol (PI) intermediate, which is distinctively different from the pattern seen in other organisms. In other systems, mannosamine inhibits GPI biosynthesis by interfering with either the transfer of a mannose residue to the Manα1–6Manα1–4GlcN-PI intermediate or the formation of ManN-Man-GlcN-PI, an aberrant GPI intermediate, which cannot be a substrate for further addition of mannose. Thus, the parasite GPI biosynthetic pathway could be a specific target for antimalarial drug development.
Isolation and characterization of two types of bluetongue virus particles

Abstract Two distinct types of particles were isolated during purification of bluetongue virus (BTV) from infected mouse L fibroblasts. Both were infectious and contained a double-stranded RNA genome composed of ten segments ranging in molecular weight from 2.7 × 106 to 0.28 × 106 daltons. BTV L (light), the particles with the greater specific infectivity, had a buoyant density of 1.36 g/cm3 in cesium chloride, a sedimentation coefficient of 550 S, and a diameter of 69.2 nm. Their surface is poorly defined. They are composed of four major capsid proteins (MW 110,000, 100,000, 58,000, and 32,000) and three minor capsid proteins (MW 155,000, 72,000, and 38,000). BTV D (dense), the particles with the lower specific infectivity, had a buoyant density of 1.38 g/cm3 in cesium chloride, a sedimentation coefficient of 470 S, and a diameter of 63.2 nm. Thirty-two capsomers were clearly visible on their surface. They contained two fewer capsid proteins (MW 110,000 and 58,000) than the other type of particles. In contrast to BTV L particles, they possessed RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity.
Dynamic grooming, routing, and wavelength assignment for real-time optical networks

One of the major problems facing optical networking is to intelligently assign physical resources such as lightpaths and regenerators to connection requests, namely the grooming, routing and wavelength assignment (GRWA) problem. Due to the high computation complexity, many heuristic methods have been proposed to solve the problem. We first propose an extended Dijkstra shortest path algorithm to solve GRWA for dynamic network while considering regeneration, quality of transmission (QoT), mixed-line-rate (MLR) and traffic grooming. This generalized adaptive shortest path (GASP) algorithm requires that each node maintain global view of network state information. In order to perform GRWA in a distributed fashion, which allows for greater network scalability, and gives individual domains more control over their data, we then apply an ant colony optimization (ACO) technique, a metaheuristic optimization algorithm used to solve dynamic problems, to real-time optical networks. We compare the two proposed algorithms and show that the ACO algorithm outperforms the GASP algorithm in terms of connection request blocking probability and network throughput while maintaining a reasonable computation complexity.
On the trail of cardiac specific transcription factors.

See article by Dellow et al. [1] (pages 24–33) in this issue. Transcription factors are the last link in signaling cascades regulating gene transcription. An increasing number of transcription factors have been described over the last years, and for many genes, essential transcription factor binding regions have been identified. The detailed understanding of the promoter regions essential for gene transcription and the different transcription factors, which are involved in promoter activation, is one of the scientific challenges of this decade and a prerequisite for targeted interventions in gene expression. In this context, the discovery of organ and gene specific transcription factors are of particular interest. In this issue of Cardiovascular Research [1], the group of Paul J.R. Barton reports on recent progress in their efforts to define the essential activation sites of the human cardiac troponin I promoter. This promoter is interesting for cardiovascular research because troponin I is one of the few sarcomeric proteins, which are exclusively expressed in cardiac muscle. One might speculate that this promoter will be useful for the development of cardiac specific targeting vectors, which might be used in future gene therapy of cardiac muscle diseases. In a previous report Bhavsar et al. demonstrated that a minimal 98 bp containing promoter segment is sufficient to initiate human troponin I gene expression [2]. Within this compact region GATA-4, MEF2/Oct-1, Sp1 and CACC box-binding factors are required for optimal gene activation. These recent findings are in accordance with an earlier report by Di Lisi et al. [3] who demonstrated that binding sites specific for Sp1, MEF2/Oct-1 and GATA are necessary for activation of the mouse cardiac troponin I promoter. In this issue, Barton's group describes two potentially novel cardiac specific transcription factors, which bind to the CACC/Sp1-box element and seem to be essential for troponin … * Tel.: +1-713-794-7949; fax: +1-713-794-7770 mflesch{at}bcm.tmc.edu
Electron beam freeforming of stainless steel using solid wire feed

Abstract The use of electron beam technology for freeforming build-ups on 321 stainless steel substrates was investigated in this work by using 347 stainless steel as a filler metal. The electron beam freeforming studies indicated that line build-ups could be deposited on the substrate material for optimized processing conditions and a slight linear thickening of the re-build occurred as a function of the deposited layer. The evolution in the formation of the Ti (C, N), (Nb, Ti) carbonitrides and Nb (C, N) precipitates was demonstrated to counteract the formation of detrimental Cr-carbides usually observed during welding stainless steels. The mechanical properties of the re-build were similar to the properties of the base metal, showing that homogeneous properties can be expected in the repaired components.
Dynamic hydroplaning of pneumatic tires

Abstract This paper examines the nature of and necessary conditions for pneumatic tire hydroplaning. Both an analysis of the fluid flow and a study of the nature and importance of tire deformation are treated. A two-dimensional mathematical treatment of the three-dimensional flow is made in terms of the mean quantities over the film thickness. Viscous and inertial effects are included and the possible effect of turbulence is analyzed. Two approximate boundary conditions for the fluid flow problem at the inlet edge are presented. Numerical results for these two cases are analyzed and then compared to the gross and detailed properties of the fluid flow system that have been determined experimentally by other investigators. The comparison shows that the results are not sensitive to the details of the leading edge condition. An experimental study performed to establish the limits of the present analysis for the hydroplaning of an arbitrary deformed surface showed theory and experiment to be in close agreement for realistic values of the parameters.