cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D economy in blacks.

The fact that fracture risk is lower and BMD is higher in blacks compared with whites is surprising in light of what is known about vitamin D status in blacks. Mean 25(OH)D levels are lower in blacks than whites at all stages of life, and a greater proportion of blacks meet criteria for vitamin D deficiency. The racial difference in serum 25(OH)D level is primarily caused by increased pigmentation reducing vitamin D production in the skin. In response to lower 25(OH)D levels and lower average calcium intake, blacks have higher average PTH levels and a higher prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism (twice the prevalence compared with whites for both sexes). This is associated with higher average levels of 1,25(OH) 2 D and lower urinary calcium excretion but not higher biochemical indices of bone turnover. In fact, in general, biochemical indices of bone formation (particularly osteocalcin levels) are lower in blacks. Bone formation rates assessed histomorphometrically are also lower, although wall thickness is maintained. During a 24-h PTH infusion, increments in levels of three different bone resorption markers are significantly lower in blacks than in whites, providing direct confirmation of the thesis that the black skeleton is resistant to the bone-resorbing effects of PTH, whereas renal sensitivity to PTH is maintained or perhaps even enhanced. Vitamin D supplementation studies in black women have shown inconsistent benefits to BMD. Skeletal and renal adaptations to vitamin D deficiency in blacks might be so effective that vitamin D supplementation might not confer any further benefit to the black skeleton. Benefits of vitamin D supplements in blacks may still play a role, however, in the prevention of other chronic diseases. J Bone Miner Res 2007;22:S2;V34-V38. doi: 10.1359/JBMR.07S220
Skeletal muscle myopathy caused by Triton WR-1339

After administration (1 g/kg every other day for a total of five injections) of Triton WR-1339, the tonic, anterior (ALD) and phasic, posterior (PLD) latissimus dorsi muscles of the chicken underwent distinct pathological modifications. Some of the morphological alterations in the muscles paralleled those seen after administration of chloroquine, increased autophagic vacuole formation in the ALD muscle and swelling of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in the PLD muscle, but other changes were unique to Triton WR-1339. These included loss of myofilaments and whole myofibrils, indentation of the sarcolemma as well as increased numbers of ribosomes in the ALD muscle and swelling of the T-tubular system in the PLD muscle. These results are compared with other lysosome mediated pathologies, as well as with other myopathies.
The LXR inverse agonist SR9238 suppresses fibrosis in a model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Objective Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. There are currently no targeted therapies for NASH. We developed a liver-specific LXR inverse agonist, SR9238, which effectively reduces hepatic lipogenesis in models of obesity and hepatic steatosis. We hypothesized that suppression of lipogenesis, which is pathologically elevated in NASH may suppress progression of hepatic steatosis to NASH.
Feature selection based on rough set and information entropy

Most existing rough set-based feature selection algorithms suffer from intensive computation of either discernibility functions or positive regions to find attribute reduct In order to improve the efficiency, we develop a new computation model based on relative attribute dependency defined as the proportion of the projection of the decision table on a condition attributes subset to the projection of the decision table on the union of the condition attributes subset and the decision attributes set Two novel algorithms to find optimal reducts of condition attributes based on the relative attribute dependency are implemented using Java 1.4, and are experimented with 10 data sets from UCI machine learning repository. The experiment results demonstrate their usefulness and are analyzed for further research.
Trends in Support of Poultry Research Among the State Agricultural Experiment Stations

Abstract Per capita consumption of poultry meat and eggs increased more rapidly than consumption of beef, pork, or dairy products from 1970 to 1978. In spite of this increase, support for poultry research declined 15% as measured by scientist years (SY's) among the state agricultural experiment stations (SAES). During this same period, support for dairy research declined 12% while research with swine and beef increased 17 and 21%, respectively. Research support also increased 2% for potatoes, 19% for corn and 91% for soybeans. Research expenditures increased for selected commodities between 1970 and 1978 as follows: poultry 69%, dairy 92%, swine and potatoes 131%, beef 154%, corn 157%, and soybeans 333%. Cash receipts during the same period increased overall by 120%. The relationship between cash receipts and research expenditures was inconsistent. Regional differences were noted in rate of expenditure increases and SY decreases for poultry research as follows: expenditures; Southern 100%, North Central 75%, Northeastern 43%, Western 35%; SY's; North Central .2%, Southern −9.0%, Northeastern −22.9%, and Western −32.9%. Some SAES have historically housed poultry personnel in a combined animal department, others have recently merged animal departments while still other poultry departments retain their administrative autonomy. Using their status in 1978 as a base, comparisons from 1970 to 1978 revealed that states with combined departments had expenditure increases for poultry research of 41 vs. 91% for those States with separate poultry departments. SY's decreased 27.5% in combined departments and 3.9% in separate poultry departments.
Structural and Biochemical Studies of TIGAR (TP53-induced Glycolysis and Apoptosis Regulator)

Activation of the p53 tumor suppressor by cellular stress leads to variable responses ranging from growth inhibition to apoptosis. TIGAR is a novel p53-inducible gene that inhibits glycolysis by reducing cellular levels of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, an activator of glycolysis and inhibitor of gluconeogenesis. Here we describe structural and biochemical studies of TIGAR from Danio rerio. The overall structure forms a histidine phosphatase fold with a phosphate molecule coordinated to the catalytic histidine residue and a second phosphate molecule in a position not observed in other phosphatases. The recombinant human and zebra fish enzymes hydrolyze fructose-2,6-bisphosphate as well as fructose-1,6-bisphosphate but not fructose 6-phosphate in vitro. The TIGAR active site is open and positively charged, consistent with its enzymatic function as bisphosphatase. The closest related structures are the bacterial broad specificity phosphatase PhoE and the fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase domain of the bifunctional 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase. The structural comparison shows that TIGAR combines an accessible active site as observed in PhoE with a charged substrate-binding pocket as seen in the fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase domain of the bifunctional enzyme.
Rhodococcus equi: An emerging opportunistic pathogen

Rhodococcus equi is emerging as a cause of pneumonia in immunocompromised people, especially those with AIDS. Like mycobacteria, R. equi is phagocytosed by alveolar macrophages and replicates within them. Recent work is beginning to elucidate the cell and molecular biology of this opportunistic pathogen and the host immune response to it.
Individual Differences in the Effects of Mood on Sexuality: The Revised Mood and Sexuality Questionnaire (MSQ-R)

Previous research using the Mood and Sexuality Questionnaire (MSQ) has revealed substantial variability in how negative mood impacts sexual response and behavior. However, the MSQ does not address differences between desire for solo or partnered sexual activity, examine the effects of sexual activity on mood, or assess the effects of positive mood. This article presents the development and factor structure of the Revised Mood and Sexuality Questionnaire (MSQ-R). An exploratory factor analysis in a sample of heterosexual men, homosexual men, and heterosexual women (N = 1,983) produced eight factors. Considerable variability was found in how moods influence sexual desire and arousal, in the effects of mood on sexual behavior, and in the reciprocal effects of sexual activity on mood. Among other findings, heterosexual women were less likely than heterosexual men and homosexual men to experience increased sexual desire and arousal when anxious or stressed, whereas homosexual men and heterosexual women were le...
Spontaneous abortion and risk of fatal breast cancer in a prospective cohort of United States women.

Controversy exists over the possible relationship between induced and spontaneous abortion and risk of breast cancer. Thus, the association of fatal breast cancer and spontaneous abortion was examined in a large prospective study of United States adult women. After seven years of follow-up, 1,247 cases of fatal breast cancer were observed among 579,274 women who were cancer-free at interview in 1982 and who provided complete reproductive histories. Results from Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for other risk factors, showed no association between a history of spontaneous abortion and risk of fatal breast cancer (rate ratio [RR]=0.89, 95 percent confidence interval [CI]=0.78–1.02). The RR did not increase with increasing numbers of abortions. Parous women who had a spontaneous abortion before their first term birth were not at increased risk compared with parous women with no history of spontaneous abortion (RR=0.76, CI=0.54–1.05). Women whose only pregnancy ended in a spontaneous abortion were not at increased risk compared with women who were never pregnant (RR=0.61, CI=0.27–1.38) or whose only pregnancy ended in a livebirth (RR=0.72, CI=0.32–1.65). These findings do not support an association between spontaneous abortion and fatal breast cancer.
Simulation of a nonlinear stochastic ecology model

A nonlinear ecological system model is formulated as a stochastic process. The formulation traces a chemical nutrient as it undergoes random exchanges between the phytoplankton, the zooplankton, and the euphotic zone of an aquatic ecosystem. The Chapman-Kolmogorov equations are derived, and simulation techniques are used to study both single realizations and the statistical parameters which govern the system.
The etiology of gastrointestinal perforations in the newborn

Abstract Perforations of the gastrointestinal tract occur in the newborn period as an apparently spontaneous event unrelated to such well-documented causes as peptic ulcerations, trauma due to intubation, perforations proximal to an obstruction, and brain damage. In spite of numerous theories proposed during the past century which attempt to demonstrate a cause and effect relationship, the majority of these lesions continue to be reported as spontaneous perforations of unknown etiology. One is impressed with the consistent clinical picture presented by these infants with perforations of the gastrointestinal tract and it is only logical to assume that any lesion so consistent in symptoms and findings would have an equally consistent underlying cause. That gastrointestinal perforations in the newborn continue to be shrouded in mystery is not surprising in view of the following factors: (1) Individual series of cases so far reported are too small to permit recognition of a common etiologic factor. (2) In many instances, case reports are so poorly documented that it is useless to attempt to derive a common etiology from a study of cases collected from the literature. (3) There has been an artificial division of perforations based on their anatomic location (i.e., stomach, small bowel, or colon) and a concomitant failure to recognize that the histopathologic picture is essentially the same regardless of the location of the lesion. (4) There has been an interjection of misleading observations such as the theory of congenital muscular defects proposed by Herbut, 1 in 1943. (5) The majority of authors have failed to recognize the similarity of so-called spontaneous perforations of the gastrointestinal tract regardless of the patient's age. It is the purpose of this communication to dispel the myth of spontaneous perforation as well as to present evidence that perforations of the gastrointestinal tract are the result of ischemic necrosis related to an asphyxial defense mechanism characterized by selective circulatory ischemia which begins to function in the presence of stress, hypoxia, or shock.
Theoretical Studies of Inorganic and Organometallic Reaction Mechanisms. 18. Catalytic Transfer Dehydrogenation of Alkanes by an Iridium(III) Pincer Complex

Density functional theory has been used to investigate the mechanism of transfer dehydrogenation of ethane catalyzed by (PCP‘)Ir(H)2 [PCP‘ = η3-C6H3(CH2PH2)2-1,3] with ethylene as the hydrogen acceptor. Our calculations show that the transfer dehydrogenation of ethane by (PCP‘)Ir(H)2 involves two stages: first, (PCP‘)Ir(H)2 is dehydrogenated by the hydrogen acceptor to produce the key intermediate (PCP‘)Ir; second, ethane is dehydrogenated by (PCP‘)Ir to produce the product ethylene and regenerate the catalyst (PCP‘)Ir(H)2. The three critical steps in this reaction are hydride transfer to ethylene, ethane oxidative addition, and dissociation of the coordinated ethylene, with barriers of 14.0, 11.6, and 23.4 kcal/mol, respectively. In contrast to acceptorless dehydrogenation catalyzed by the same pincer complex, where Ir(V) species are energetically accessible, here, the alternative path for transfer dehydrogenation involving Ir(V) intermediates is shown to be too endoergic.
Cost-effective use of autologous bone marrow transplantation: few answers, many questions, and suggestions for future assessments.

High dose chemotherapy with the support of autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) or peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) has been increasingly used in a variety of haematological and epithelial cancers over the last decade. The rationale of this approach is to overcome the chemotherapy resistance of tumour cells by increasing the dose of cytotoxic drugs. However, the clinical benefit of dose-intensification has been difficult to prove. Almost all studies of ABMT have been done without randomised comparisons with the standard form of therapy for a specific condition. From an economic perspective, the cost of ABMT has been steadily decreasing with improvements in supportive care primarily. Still, current ABMT cost estimates range from $US70 000 to $US 150 000 for each uncomplicated procedure.
The high-risk unstable angina patient. An approach to treatment.

Unstable angina, an intermediate stage in acute coronary ischaemic syndromes, accounts for about 50% of all admissions to the coronary care units in the United States today. It may progress to myocardial infarction in 15% of cases in the first 2 days, and the in-hospital mortality rate is 5%. The pathological hallmark of this syndrome, confirmed by angioscopy, is fissure of the atherosclerotic plaque within the coronary artery, leading to platelet adhesion and aggregation and fibrin-platelet thrombus formation, which may accelerate progression of the stenotic lesion.
Magnetic properties of an induced ferromagnet, Pr 3 T1, under hydrostatic pressure

The magnetization $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ of the induced ferromagnet ${\mathrm{Pr}}_{3}$T1 was measured as a function of magnetic field, temperature, and hydrostatic pressure for $0l~{H}_{0}l~60$ kG, $1.4l~Tl~20$ K, and $0l~Pl~9.3$ kbar. The Curie temperature (${T}_{C}=12$ K at $P=0$) is reduced rapidly by pressure at the rate $\frac{d{T}_{C}}{\mathrm{dP}}=\ensuremath{-}1.5$ K/kbar. At $P\ensuremath{\gtrsim}8$ kbar the system is in the highly enhanced Van Vleck paramagnetic regime. The magnetic properties of ${\mathrm{Pr}}_{3}$T1 are very sensitive to the balance between the crystalline electric field and the exchange interactions; the strong effect of pressure is attributed to an increase in the crystalline electric field with decreasing lattice constant. A molecular-field theory provides only qualitative agreement with the data. Calculations are also presented which include the tetragonal symmetry of the crystalline electric field for a ${\mathrm{Pr}}^{3+}$ ion. Experimental limitations in determining ${T}_{C}$ and the spontaneous magnetization ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}$ are discussed. The relationship between ${T}_{C}$ and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}$ as they are suppressed by pressure is compared with the molecular-field theory and a collective excitation model.
Nonlinear model-predictive control of distributed-parameter systems

Abstract This paper describes the application of nonlinear model-predictive control (NMPC) to two distributed-parameter processes. The first system is a packed distillation column. The process gain varies in sign with the reboiler heat duty due to mass transfer effects. As a result, only a linear controller with gain scheduling can successfully control the process, but this prevents the outputs from settling to a steady state. The change in the sign of the gain also implies that there is a maximum achievable separation. NMPC recognizes this limit on the achievable separation, and does not continuously alter the manipulated variables in an attempt to reach an unrealizable set point. The second example is a fixed-bed catalytic reactor. Like the packed column, the fixed-bed reactor may require that the control algorithm deal with equilibrium effects that cause the sign of the reactor gain to vary. In addition, the time constants as well as the delay time of the system vary significantly with the gas flow rate. Inverse response may also be exhibited by the system. Because of the wide range of nonlinear effects that these systems exhibit, NMPC is an intuitively appealing approach that appears to be especially well-suited for such processes. In each case NMPC performance is superior to that of traditional linear controllers.
α-α Diaspirin Crosslinked Hemoglobin, Nitric Oxide, and Cerebral Ischemic Injury in Rats

Prior studies indicate that α-α diaspirin crosslinked hemoglobin (DCLHbTM) decreases cerebral ischemia. One mechanism whereby DCLHb may ameliorate cerebral ischemia is by binding nitric oxide (NO), which has been implicated as neurotoxic. We assessed the effect of L-NAME (NO synthase inhibitor) and L-arginine (NO substrate) on ischemic brain injury after DCLHb infusion. Rats were randomized to one of the following groups: Control-no hematocrit manipulation; DCLHb-hematocrit decreased to 16% with 10% DCLHb; DCLHb/L-NAME-hematocrit decreased to 16% with DCLHb, and L-NAME given; DCLHb/L-arg-hematocrit decreased to 16% with DCLHb, and L-arginine given. After 90-min of middle cerebral artery occlusion and 4-hr of reperfusion, infarct volume was determined with TTC stain. Infarct volume (mm3, mean±SD) was greater in the Control group (142±16) than the DCLHb (43±12), DCLHb/L-NAME (45±14), and DCLHb/L-arg (71±18) groups (p<0.05); was greater in the DCLHb/L-arg group than the DCLHb and DCLHb/L-NAME groups (p<0.05)...
Variable selection and ranking for analyzing automobile traffic accident data

Variable ranking and feature selection are important concepts in data mining and machine learning. This paper introduces a new variable ranking technique named Sum Max Gain Ratio (SMGR). The new technique is evaluated within the domain of traffic accident data and against a more generalized dataset. In certain cases, SMGR is empirically shown to provide similar results to established approaches with significantly better runtime performance.
Preparation of a model Ziegler-Natta catalyst: electron irradiation induced titanium chloride deposition on magnesium chloride thin films grown on gold

Abstract The preparation and surface science study of a model catalyst for the Ziegler-Natta polymerization is reported. Ultra-thin films of MgCl 2 and TiCl 4 are prepared by gas phase deposition on gold polycrystalline foil in ultra-high vacuum conditions and are characterized by AES, XPS, ISS and TPD. TiCl 4 can be deposited on monolayer and multilayer MgCl 2 films at 330 K only after the irradiation of the magnesium halide with 1 keV electrons. The electron bombardment is effective both in UHV prior to TiCl 4 deposition and during deposition in a background pressure of TiCl 4 . The MgCl 2 films are Cl terminated when deposited. Electron irradiation of MgCl 2 induces its reduction to metallic Mg, with the enrichment of Mg atoms at the film surface. One monolayer of TiCl 4 can be chemisorbed on this surface at 330 K. The chemisorbed TiCl 4 reacts with the defect rich electron irradiated MgCl 2 substrate, with the formation of a mixed titanium/magnesium chloride film of high thermal stability. The TiCl 4 monolayer is chemisorbed on the mixed chloride surface with a heat of adsorption of 38 kcal/mol.
Evolution of vortex-surface fields in viscous Taylor–Green and Kida–Pelz flows

In order to investigate continuous vortex dynamics based on a Lagrangian-like formulation, we develop a theoretical framework and a numerical method for computation of the evolution of a vortex-surface field (VSF) in viscous incompressible flows with simple topology and geometry. Equations describing the continuous, timewise evolution of a VSF from an existing VSF at an initial time are first reviewed. Non-uniqueness in this formulation is resolved by the introduction of a pseudo-time and a corresponding pseudo-evolution in which the evolved field is ‘advected’ by frozen vorticity onto a VSF. A weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) method is used to solve the pseudo-evolution equations in pseudo-time, providing a dissipative-like regularization. Vortex surfaces are then extracted as iso-surfaces of the VSFs at different real physical times. The method is applied to two viscous flows with Taylor–Green and Kida–Pelz initial conditions respectively. Results show the collapse of vortex surfaces, vortex reconnection, the formation and roll-up of vortex tubes, vorticity intensification between anti-parallel vortex tubes, and vortex stretching and twisting. A possible scenario for understanding the transition from a smooth laminar flow to turbulent flow in terms of topology of vortex surfaces is discussed.
KINETICS OF DISSOCIATION OF NICKEL COMPLEXES WITH PENTADENTATE LIGANDS

Abstract The synthesis of the pentadentate ligands 1,4-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (BPTAN) and 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N,N′-diacetate (TCDA) are reported. The nickel(II) complexes of BPTAN and TCDA were synthesized and characterized by their elemental analyses, electrochemistry, and uv-vis spectra. The rate of nickel ion aquation from the BPTAN complex in aqueous solution in the presence of chloride ion was found to follow the rate law, Rate = k1[H+]2[Cl][NiL]/{1 + k2[Cl]}. At 60°C and I = 2.0 M, values for k1 and k2 were determined to be (1.7 ± 0.2) × 10−6 M−3 s−1 and 0.15 ± 0.04 M−1 respectively. For NiTCDA(H2O), the rate law was found to be independent of the chloride ion concentration. The rate law was found to follow the form, Rate = k1[H+][NiL]/(1 + k2H+]). At 60°C and I = 2.0 M, k1 and k2 were found to be equal to 3 M−1 s−1 and 0.90±0.07 M−1, respectively. This work has shown NiBPTAN(H2O)2+ to be one of the most inert nickel complexes to ligand dissociation that has been reported.
Effects of Insulin Dependence on Inflammatory Process, Thrombotic Mechanisms and Endothelial Function, in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Atherosclerosis

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by endothelial dysfunction, increased thrombogeneisity and abnormal inflammatory response. Hypothesis We hypothesizsed that insulin dependence/exogenous insulin administration may affect thrombotic/inflammatory status and endothelial function in patients with T2DM and coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods Fifty-five patients with T2DM + CAD (26 insulin-treated (INS) and 29 under oral biguanide + sulphonylurea (TABL)) were recruited. Endothelial function was assessed by gauge-strain plethysmography, and serum levels of inflammatory and thrombotic markers were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results There was no significant difference in endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD) between the study groups, while EDD was correlated with fasting glucose levels in both INS (r = − 0.776, p = 0.0001) and TABL (r = − 0.702, p = 0.0001). Patients in INS group had higher levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1), compared to TABL. However, TNF-α was negatively correlated with protein C (PrtC) only in INS (r = − 0.726, p = 0.01) but not in TABL group (r = − 0.066, p = 0.738). Similarly, sVCAM-1 was correlated with PrtC only among INS patients (r = − 0.451, p = 0.046) but not in TABL (r = 0.069, p = 0.727). In multivariate analysis, insulin dependence was a predictor of IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1 and sVCAM-1 levels independently from the patients' demographic characteristics, the angiographic extend of CAD or the duration of diabetes. Conclusions Insulin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus affects the expression of inflammatory cytokines and subsequently modifies the thrombotic mechanisms in patients with coronary atherosclerosis, independently from the duration of diabetes and the extend of coronary artery disease. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cultured gallbladder epithelial cells synthesize apolipoproteins A-I and E

Gallbladder epithelial cells (GBEC) are exposed to high and fluctuating concentrations of biliary cholesterol on their apical (AP) surface. GBEC absorb and efflux cholesterol, but the mechanisms of...
Comparison Between Polluted and Clean Air Masses over Lake Michigan

Abstract Clean and polluted air masses, advected over Lake Michigan, were studied using instrumented aircraft during the summers of 1976 and 1978. The results show that regardless of the degree of pollution, the particle size distribution is bimodal. The concentrations of sulfate, nitrate and trace metals in a clean air mass are more than an order of magnitude lower than those in polluted air masses. Furthermore, these concentrations are comparable with those measured in remote areas of the world. In clean air the ratio of the total light scattering to Rayleigh scattering is very close to one, indicating very low concentrations of particulates in the optically active size classes.
Synthesis and Characterization of Triazolium Iodide Ionic Liquid Electrolyte for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Imidazolium iodide compounds have been utilized in the electrolytes for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Most of the investigations with these compounds focus on the formulation of eutectic mixtures that promote efficient dissociation and diffusion of the iodide and triiodide species. Facile alternative synthetic approaches such as click chemistry (Huisgen 3+2 dipolar cycloaddition reaction) can be utilized to broaden the scope of electrochemically stable promising materials for novel electrolyte systems. Here, we report the first example of a triazolium functionalized cyclic siloxane that can be used as an electrolyte component in solvent-based DSSCs. The devices fabricated with this new triazolium salt in the electrolyte yielded short circuit current densities (26 mA/cm2), as well as power conversion efficiencies of 8%, these values are comparable to those obtained for imidazolium salt analogues.
Observation of large "fast light" pulse advancement without distortion

We observe pulses advanced by 15% of their width and experiencing only minor distortion using laser-driven potassium atoms in a novel configuration that avoids competing nonlinear optical effects.
Mecamylamine and ethanol preference in healthy volunteers.

Background: Recent evidence suggests that some of the behavioral effects of alcohol may be mediated through actions on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Mecamylamine, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, reduces alcohol preference and consumption in alcohol-preferring rats, and in humans, mecamylamine dampens some of the subjective, or mood-altering, effects of alcohol. This experiment was designed to investigate the effects of mecamylamine on consumption of alcohol in healthy social drinkers. Methods: Healthy volunteers (12 men, 12 women) participated in a choice procedure in which they chose between an alcoholic beverage and money (low, medium, or high amounts) after pretreatment with mecamylamine (7.5 or 15 mg) or placebo. Outcome measures were the number of alcoholic beverages consumed and the subjective effects of alcohol. Results: Mecamylamine (15 mg) decreased blood alcohol levels (BALs) after a small fixed dose of alcohol (0.2 g/kg). Even when the lower BALs were taken into account, mecamylamine reduced ratings of stimulation after alcohol (Addiction Research Center Inventory A scale). Mecamylamine did not significantly reduce choice for alcohol versus money. However, there was a tendency for the drug to decrease alcohol choice among participants who reported the greatest stimulant-like effects from alcohol. Conclusion: These results provide only limited support for the idea that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are involved in the rewarding effects of alcohol.
Liquid lens: An advancement in optical communications

`Liquid lens' technologies promise significant advancements in machine vision and optical communications systems. Adaptations for machine vision, human vision correction, and optical communications are used to exemplify the versatile nature of this technology.
In situ SAXS/WAXS of Zeolite Microwave Hydrothermal Synthesis

The microwave hydrothermal synthesis of silicalite zeolite was monitored in situ using small and wide angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS). A custom-built waveguide reactor provided the microwave heating at 2.45 GHz frequency. Microwave power up to 300 W was supplied by a SAIREM generator via a coax connection. A sample port in the waveguide section allowed a thin-walled glass sample vessel to be held in the microwave field. The sample vial was sealed with a fiber optic temperature probe used for monitoring the temperature. Silicalite zeolite precursor solutions were heated temperatures between 100 and 130°C for up to 120 minutes. The SAXS or WAXS patterns were simultaneously scanned during the reaction under microwaves via X-ray beam through slots in the side of the waveguide. The progress of silicalite zeolite formation was followed and the analysis of SAXS patterns showed the primary particles of 2 nm shifted to aggregates of 5.8 nm in diameter, in 120 minutes at 130°C.
Recovery of elderly patients from two or more hours of desflurane or sevoflurane anaesthesia

Background The solubility of desflurane compared with sevoflurane suggests more rapid recovery from desflurane anaesthesia. This could be important after prolonged anaesthesia and fast recovery may be advantageous in the elderly where slow recovery of mental function is a concern. We compared emergence from desflurane vs sevoflurane in elderly patients undergoing two or more hours of anaesthesia. Methods Fifty ASA physical status I, II, or III patients, 65 yr of age or older, undergoing anaesthesia expected to last two or more hours were randomly assigned to receive desflurane/nitrous oxide or sevoflurane/nitrous oxide anaesthesia. Patients were given 1–2 μg kg −1 fentanyl i.v. and anaesthesia was induced with propofol 1.5–2.5 mg kg −1 i.v. and maintained with either desflurane 2–6% or sevoflurane 0.6–1.75% with nitrous oxide 65% in oxygen. Inspired anaesthetic concentrations were adjusted to obtain adequate surgical anaesthesia and to maintain mean arterial pressure within 20% of baseline values. Early and intermediate recovery times were recorded. Digit-Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) scores and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for pain and nausea were recorded before pre-medication and every 15 min in the Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) until patients were discharged. Results Early recovery times are given as median, quartiles. The times to extubation (5 (4–9); 9 (5–13) min), eye opening (5 (3–5); 11 (8–16) min), squeezing fingers on command (7 (4–9); 12 (8–17) min); and orientation (7 (5–9); 16 (10–21) min) were significantly less ( P Conclusions Early but not intermediate recovery times of elderly patients undergoing a wide range of surgical procedures requiring two or more hours of anaesthesia is significantly ( P ≤0.05) faster after desflurane.
A truncation error injection approach to viscous-inviscid interaction.

An approach to viscous-inviscid interaction which is based on truncation error injection is presented in the context of solving flow over an airfoil. A two-dimensional interpolation scheme is used to restrict the fine grid solutions to the global coarse grid. Details on the current implementation of the approach are given, and the boundary conditions being used are discussed. Inviscid results from a NACA0012 airfoil test case and the viscous results are presented.
Modeling science objectives within a probabilistic risk assessment

The Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) mission is being designed to help us understand the Sun's influence on Earth and near-Earth space by studying the Earth's radiation belts on various scales of space and time. NASA has designated RBSP as a risk class C mission (Explanation of risk classifications for NASA payloads, can be found in NPR 8705.4, Appendix A). As a result, the pair of spacecraft (including the instrument sui tes) are designed to be largely single-string. However, there is a fair amount of functional redundancy implemented within the overlapping performance characteristics of the science payload. Various instruments' spectra provide surrogate measurements while others have inherent dependencies that need to be modeled across various phases of the mission. This paper discusses how the science objectives for full and partial mission success requirements are mapped in the Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) to show a more accurate robust risk picture for the mission.
The Whole World Could Be Watching: Human Rights and the Media

This article investigates the effect of access to media reporting and press freedom on the achievement of human rights. Past research on the role of the media on human rights has often been limited to anecdotal examples or limited case studies. There has been little comprehensive systematic investigation on the topic. Specifically, this article answers the questions: Do large communication capabilities (large numbers of TVs, radios, Internet users, and newspapers) and few journalistic restrictions advance human rights protections? Or does access to media technologies, facilitated by a state-censored media, act as a tool of human rights abuse? The statistical analysis shows what many reports have often claimed but rarely demonstrated. There is indeed a significant relationship between access to the media and press freedom and levels of human rights violations.
High-resolution Fourier-transform emission spectroscopy of the A 4 Π–X 4 ∑ − system of WN

The electronic emission spectrum of WN has been observed in the 500–580-nm spectral region with a Fourier-transform spectrometer. The bands were excited in a tungsten hollow-cathode lamp in the presence of a trace of molecular nitrogen. The observed bands have been assigned to the A4Π–X4∑− transition. The ground state is a regular 4∑− state belonging to Hund’s coupling case (a′). The principal ground-state constants obtained from the fit of the observed lines are B0=0.4663779(62),D0=3.5847(77)×10−7,γ0=0.051862(21)cm−1.The excited state, on the other hand, shows Hund’s case (c) tendencies with the spin components mixed because of interactions with other neighboring states. There have been no previous observations of the WN molecule to our knowledge.
Interleaving and Harmonic Cancellation Effects in Modular Three-Phase Voltage-Sourced Converters

This paper presents a systematic study of harmonic cancellation effects in three-phase voltage-sourced converters (VSCs), both among parallel, interleaved VSC modules and within individual phase of each VSC module. For inter-module harmonic cancellation, we will prove that the effects of interleaving on output current ripple are similar to those in interleaved buck DC-DC converters, and that inter-phase coupling and continuous variation of the duty ratio don't affect the basic harmonic cancellation mechanism. For intra-module harmonic cancellation, we will show that, over each carrier cycle, there is no fundamental difference in the PWM output between trailing-edge modulation and double-edge modulation; the later modulation method eliminates certain sideband harmonic components as reported in the literature because of the periodicity and unique structure of its PWM output spectrum over different carrier cycles. The mathematical tool we used to analyze the harmonic cancellation effects is different from conventional double-integral Fourier analysis method, and is based on first calculating the spectrum of the PWM pulse pattern over each carrier cycle, and then piecing together different cycles using frequency-domain convolution to determine the overall spectrum over a fundamental cycle. This approach provides the necessary insights into the structure of the harmonics and leads to the findings described above
Increased risk of testicular germ cell cancer among infertile men.

Background The risk of testicular cancer is thought to be higher among men seeking infertility treatment compared with the general population. Confirmation of this risk in a large US cohort of at-risk patients is lacking. This study explored the association between male infertility and subsequent development of testicular cancer in a US-based cohort. Methods A total of 51 461 couples evaluated for infertility from 1967 to 1998 were recruited from 15 California infertility centers. We linked data on 22 562 identified male partners to the California Cancer Registry. The incidence of testicular cancer in this cohort was compared with the incidence in an age-matched sample of men from the general population using the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results program. We analyzed the risk for testicular cancer in men with and without male factor infertility using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results Thirty-four postinfertility-diagnosis cases of histologically confirmed testicular cancer were identified. Men seeking infertility treatment had an increased risk of subsequently developing testicular cancer (standardized incidence ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-1.9), with a markedly higher risk among those with known male factor infertility (2.8; 1.5-4.8). In multivariable analysis, men with male factor infertility were nearly 3 times more likely to develop testicular cancer compared with those without (hazard ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-6.0). Conclusion Men with male factor infertility have an increased risk of subsequently developing testicular cancer, suggesting the existence of common etiologic factors for infertility and testicular cancer.
Venous malformations mimicking multiple mucosal polyps on screening CT colonography.

2Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, WI 53792-3252. creening for colorectal polyps by CT colonography recently has been shown to be effective when state-of-the-art technique is applied [1]. The primary target lesion for colorectal screening is the neoplastic polyp, more specifically the advanced adenoma, because its detection and removal are believed to interrupt the slow progression to cancer. The finding of a polypoid lesion on CT colonography, however, has a rather broad differential diagnosis [2]. We recently encountered another cause for a polypoid lesion on CT colonography that, to our knowledge, has not been described previously: multiple venous malformations or vascular blebs in an asymptomatic patient with quiescent and previously undiagnosed blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome.
Mechanistic modeling of swarms

Abstract In this work, we provide an introduction to an emerging field which has recently received considerable attention, namely the analysis and modeling of swarms. In a very general sense, the term swarm is usually meant to signify a group of objects (agents) that interact with one another and have a collective goal. Point-mass, particulate-like models are frequently used to simulate the behavior of groups comprised of individual units whose interaction are represented by inter-particle forces. The interaction “forces” can represent, for example in the case of Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAVs), motorized propulsion arising from inter-vehicle communication and then actuation resulting in thrust. For a swarm member, these forces have two main components, attraction and repulsion, with the fellow swarm members and the surrounding environment. This work develops and investigates (1) basic models of such systems, (2) properties of swarm models and (3) numerical algorithms, in particular temporally adaptive methods, for swarm-like systems.
The Geography of Volunteer Tourism: Place Matters

Abstract Volunteer tourism is a growing form of alternative travel and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are the primary institutions placing volunteers abroad. This empirical study focuses on the criteria used by volunteer-tourism NGOs for choosing countries and locations for their work. It also assesses how they use tourist activities and place image to market destinations and to pull or draw in potential volunteers. An examination of the postings on volunteerabroad.com showed that the activity by international volunteer NGOs is clustered or geographically concentrated in just a few places. The twelve member organizations of the International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) were used as a case study group, and interviews with the directors identified six criteria for choosing project locations. They were safety, need, attractiveness of the place, presence of local partner organizations, previous staff experience and accessibility. A review of the IVPA member websites revealed significant refer...
Salivary Gland Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

The three most common known causes of salivary gland dysfunction are medication usage, radiation therapy and Sjogren's syndrome. Current therapeutic options to treat salivary dysfunction are limited. Clinical considerations as well as the outlook for individuals experiencing salivary dysfunction are discussed.
Flexible Pavement Quality Assurance Using Ground Penetrating Radar

To produce a high-quality and long-lasting pavement, quality assurance (QA) is critical. For flexible pavements, layer thickness and in-situ density are the two most important characteristics to monitor. This paper presents the successful application of ground penetrating radar (GPR) to nondestructively and continuously measure asphaltic layer thickness and density. Ground penetrating radar surveys were conducted at a five-lane full-scale test site. Each lane is composed of four sections with the same asphaltic mixture but different densities. The GPR signal reflection was used to predict the layer thickness profile. Specific gravity models developed in an earlier study were utilized to predict the asphalt mixture density profile. The GPR-predicted thickness and density were compared to the core-measured values. Results showed that GPR achieved an average relative error of 4.9% in layer thickness measurement without using calibration cores and an average relative error of 2.6% in asphalt mixture bulk specific gravity using one calibration core.
Effects of Reinforcement Particle Size on Cold Roll Bonded (CRB) Al1100 Laminate Composites

Cold roll bonding (CRB), a fabrication process that proceeds at room temperature, has been widely used in fabricating large-scale sheet metal composites. In this study, the effect of reinforcement particle sizes, ranging from nanoscale to microscale, on the bond strength of cold roll bonded aluminum silicon carbide (Al-SiC) composites has been investigated. The bond strength was measured by the T-peel test. Scanning electron microscope was employed to study the bonding behavior at the interface of the laminate composites. Nanoparticles failed to increase the bond strength compared with the unreinforced Al sample. On the other hand, relatively large particles (tens of micrometers) increased the bond strength noticeably due to the mechanical interlocking introduced by the particles. For the largest particle (60 μm) used in this study, the bond strength was large enough to tear the Al1100 strip during the T-peel test.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Using Energy Dissipation Rate to Obtain Active Whitecap Fraction

Active and total whitecap fractions quantify the spatial extent of oceanic whitecaps in different lifetime stages.TotalwhitecapfractionWincludesboththedynamicfoampatchesoftheinitialbreakingandthestatic foam patchesduring whitecap decay. Dynamic air‐sea processes in the upper ocean are best parameterized in terms of active whitecap fraction WA associated with actively breaking crests. The conventional intensity threshold approach used to extract WA from photographs is subjective, which contributes to the wide spread of WA data. A novel approach of obtaining WA from energy dissipation rate « is proposed. An expression for WA is derived in terms of energy dissipation rate WA(«) on the basis of the Phillips concept of breaking crest length distribution. This approach allows more objective determination of WA using the breaker kinematic and dynamic properties yet avoids the use of measuring breaking crest distribution from photographs. The feasibilityofusingWA(«)isdemonstratedwithonepossibleimplementationusingbuoydataandaparametric model for the energy dissipation rate. Results from WA(«) are compared to WA from photographic data. Sensitivity analysis quantifies variations in WA estimates caused by different parameter choices in the WA(«) expression. The breaking strength parameterb has the greatest influence on the WA(«) estimates, followed by the breaker minimal speed and bubble persistence time. The merits and caveats of the novel approach, possible improvements, and implications for using the WA(«) expression to extract WA from satellite-based radiometric measurements of W are discussed.
SEVERE MEDITERRANEAN ANEMIA (COOLEY’S ANEMIA) IN A CHINESE CHILD

1. The fifth known case of Cooley’s anemia in a Chinese child is reported. Death occurred following a febrile illness which was thought to be mumps encephalitis. Autopsy findings were consistent with this diagnosis and with Cooley’s anemia. 2. The remainder of the family showed the characteristic blood findings of Cooley’s trait.