cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface tension influences on methanol droplet vaproiation in the presence of water

A computational model has been developed to study the influences of both temperature-and mass-fraction-driven surface tension forces on the transient vaporization of a methanol droplet in a hot environment containing water vapor. The model is based on the Navier-Stokes equations and includes variable transport and thermodynamic properties as well as simultaneous condensitation and vaporization. Numerical simulations have been carried out for practical flow conditions and intermediate Reynolds numbers. The results obtained show that surface tension forces dominate over surface shear forces and that the mass fraction-driven surface forces of water vapor are important during a significant portion of the droplet lifetime. The primary physical reasons for the dominance of the water-driven capillary forces are the low values of liquid mass diffisivity and the large variation of surface tension in water/alcohol mixtures. It is the conclusion of the paper that surface tenstion forces caused by surface mass fraction gradients of water should be included in alcohol droplet flows.
Effects of therapeutic hypothermia on inflammasome signaling after traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) activates the NALP1/NLRP1 inflammasome, which is an important component of the early innate inflammatory response to injury. We investigated the influence of therapeutic hypothermia on inflammasome activation after TBI. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to moderate fluid percussion brain injury. Temperature manipulation (33°C or 37°C) was initiated 30 minutes after TBI and maintained for 4 hours. At 4 or 24 hours after TBI, traumatized cortex and hippocampus were prepared for immunoblot or immunohistochemical analysis. In the normothermic groups, caspase-1, caspase-11 and expression of the purinergic receptor P2X7 increased at 24 hours after TBI. Posttraumatic hypothermia lead to decreased expression of these proteins at 24 hours compared with normothermic levels. Immunocytochemical studies showed that posttraumatic hypothermia also decreased caspase-1 staining in cerebral cortical neurons compared with normothermic TBI. Cultured cortical neurons subjected to stretch injury demonstrated significant secretion of caspase-1 into the culture medium and caspase-3 activation, both results reduced by hypothermic treatment. Posttraumatic hypothermia decreases inflammasome signaling in neurons and reduces the innate immune response to TBI at 24 hours after injury. Therapeutic hypothermia may protect the injured central nervous system by targeting the detrimental consequences of the innate immune response to injury.
The effect of increased carbon dioxide concentrations on stratospheric ozone

Consideration is given to the influence on ozone of an increased carbon dioxide concentration, for which a measurable growth has been observed in the recent past. Increased carbon dioxide can indirectly affect ozone by perturbing atmospheric temperatures, which will alter ozone production, whose rate displays a fairly strong temperature dependence. This paper presents one-dimensional model results for the steady state ozone behavior when the CO2 concentration is twice its ambient level; the results account for coupling between chemistry and temperature. When the CO2 level doubled, the total ozone burden increased in relation to the ambient burden by 1.2-2.5%, depending on the vertical diffusion coefficient used. Above 30 km, ozone concentrations were larger than the ambient values, a maximum increase of 16% being reached at 43 km. In this region the relative variations were insensitive to the choice of diffusion coefficient. Below 30 km, ozone concentrations were smaller than the unperturbed values and were sensitive to the vertical diffusion profile in this region (10-30 km).
Letter to the Editor: Electronic Data Formats for Open Storage of Published Chemical Kinetic Data

In support of the Editor's goal of providing open storage of chemical kinetic data published in the International Journal of Chemical Kinetics, we propose the adoption of XML formats from PrIMe (www.primekinetics.org) for species identification and thermochemical data, and of Chemical Markup Language (CML) for three-dimensional molecular geometries. Examples are provided in the online supplemental material of an article in this issue (Snitsiriwat, S.; Asatryan, R.; Bozzelli, J. W. Int J Chem Kinet 2010, 42, 181–199). We invite the input and assistance of the international chemical kinetics community in developing and refining these standards. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 200–201, 2010
Management of teeth in the irradiated patient

Criteria for the clinical and radiographic assessment of teeth and supporting structures in the preirradiated patient are given. Teeth in the direct line of radiation can be maintained in selected patients who are undergoing therapy for head and neck cancer. Careful clinical and radiographic evaluation is indicated. Aiveolectomy and primary closure should be done before radiation therapy is begun if teeth are to be extracted.
Direct numerical simulation of turbulent flow over a backward-facing step

Turbulent flow over a backward-facing step is studied by direct numerical solution of the Navier–Stokes equations. The simulation was conducted at a Reynolds number of 5100 based on the step height h and inlet free-stream velocity, and an expansion ratio of 1.20. Temporal behaviour of spanwise-averaged pressure fluctuation contours and reattachment length show evidence of an approximate periodic behaviour of the free shear layer with a Strouhal number of 0.06. The instantaneous velocity fields indicate that the reattachment location varies in the spanwise direction, and oscillates about a mean value of 6.28h. Statistical results show excellent agreement with experimental data by Jovic & Driver (1994). Of interest are two observations not previously reported for the backward-facing step flow: (a) at the relatively low Reynolds number considered, large negative skin friction is seen in the recirculation region; the peak |Cf| is about 2.5 times the value measured in experiments at high Reynolds numbers; (b) the velocity profiles in the recovery region fall below the universal log-law. The deviation of the velocity profile from the log-law indicates that the turbulent boundary layer is not fully recovered at 20 step heights behind the separation.The budgets of all Reynolds stress components have been computed. The turbulent kinetic energy budget in the recirculation region is similar to that of a turbulent mixing layer. The turbulent transport term makes a significant contribution to the budget and the peak dissipation is about 60% of the peak production. The velocity–pressure gradient correlation and viscous diffusion are negligible in the shear layer, but both are significant in the near-wall region. This trend is seen throughout the recirculation and reattachment region. In the recovery region, the budgets show that effects of the free shear layer are still present.
Bayes discrimination with mean square error loss

Abstract The Bayes decision strategy for classifying data among distinct classes is considered. A random variable X is assigned to that population for which the expected loss (or Bayes risk) is minimal. A 0–1 cost structure, which penalizes all misassignments with unit loss, is usually employed. This paper considers the behavior of the decision strategy under the influence of a mean square error loss function. It is found that the latter results in fewer misclassifications than the former, in many instances. Furthermore, it is more robust with respect to deviations from the assumed distribution of the data.
PEDF and its roles in physiological and pathological conditions: implication in diabetic and hypoxia-induced angiogenic diseases

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a broadly expressed multifunctional member of the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) family. This widely studied protein plays critical roles in many physiological and pathophysiological processes, including neuroprotection, angiogenesis, fibrogenesis and inflammation. The present review summarizes the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of PEDF in a variety of developing and adult organs, and discusses its functions in maintaining physiological homoeostasis. The major focus of the present review is to discuss the implication of PEDF in diabetic and hypoxia-induced angiogenesis, and the pathways mediating PEDF's effects under these conditions. Furthermore, the regulatory mechanisms of PEDF expression, function and degradation are also reviewed. Finally, the therapeutic potential of PEDF as an anti-angiogenic drug is briefly summarized.
Thermal degradation of piperazine polyamides III—The effect of ultraviolet irradiation on poly(isophthaloyl trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazine)

Abstract The thermal degradation of ultra-violet irradiated films of poly(isophthaloyl trans -2,5-dimethylpiperazine) was studied in terms of changes in the molecular weight, absorption spectra, rates and activation energies. Ultra-violet irradiation causes progressive yellowing of the samples and a rapid drop in their intrinsic viscosity from 2.91 to 1.25 during the initial ten hours; this is followed by a levelling-off in further degradation and increasing gelation. Films of the polymer which had been irradiated for 42.5 hours in a vacuum ([η] of the sol fraction ⋍ 1.0) showed increased thermal stability, as evidenced by the reduction in the rates of degradation, and an increase in the activation energy from 53 kcal/mole to 78 kcal/mole, in comparison to un -irradiated control samples. The increased thermal stability of the irradiated system is attributed to the effect of crosslinks.
Investigating and Resolving Accessory Gearbox Failures on Allison 501-K Series Engines

The U. S. Navy uses the Allison 501-K series engines as the prime mover of the Ship Service Gas Turbine Generators (SSGTGs) on DD-963, DDG-993, CG-47 and DDG-51 Class Ships. Historical data shows the engine’s most unreliable component to be the Accessory GearBox (AGB). This paper describes an intensive effort to identify and correct the root cause of the AGB failures and improve overall engine reliability and operational availability.Copyright © 1998 by ASME
Forward measurements in RHIC and LHC heavy ion collisions

Abstract Two mechanisms for forward, correlated neutron emission in heavy ion collisions motivate the construction of compact hadron calorimeters to be placed downstream of interaction regions at RHIC and LHC. Plans are now underway to build such detectors. Here we discuss recent progress in understanding their role and performance requirements.
Basin and range viewed from Borah Peak

In 1883, the brilliant geologist G. K. Gilbert wrote an article for the Salt Lake Tribune,“A theory of earthquakes of the Great Basin” (American Journal of Science (3rd Series , vol. 27, p. 49, 1884), which began There are many geologists who are very wise, but even they do not understand the forces which produce mountains. And yet it must be admitted, not only that mountains have been made, but that some mountains are still rising.
Time Relations in a Dream

IT is commonly believed that a dream which appears to be of long duration lasts in reality for a short time only. Since precise knowledge on the point is difficult to get, the following observations may be of interest. Having fallen asleep again, after being called a few mornings ago, I dreamt I was visiting a strange laboratory. On entering I was aware of a deafening hammering noise which rendered conversation impossible. My host took me to another room, where the noise was inaudible, but on returning to the first room it continued, the blows being at about the same interval. I then noticed, what I had not seen before, some one striking a pipe in a shaft in the wall, but I reflected that the force used seemed quite insufficient to produce the sound heard.
Remarks on Super-Novae and Cosmic Rays

We have recently called attention to a remarkable type of giant novae.(1) As the subject of super-novae is probably very unfamiliar we give here a few more details which are not contained in our original articles.
The Immigrants' Odds of Slipping into Poverty: Double Jeopardy?

Using Current Population Survey data, this paper shows that between 1994 and 2008 the poverty rate of immigrants fell three times faster than that of natives. This suggests that during the last business cycle the rising tide lifted immigrants’ boat higher than that of the natives. The paper also shows that the odds of experiencing poverty for both natives and immigrants depend on individual characteristics and on business cycles in the US economy. The findings support the view that the benefits of a strong economy in the form of poverty rate fall applies to all racial/ethnic groups regardless of their nativity status.
On Pike on “Union without Distinction” in Christian Mysticism

Perennialists regarding the phenomenology of mysticism, like Walter Stace, feel that all Christian mystical experiences are fundamentally similar to each other and to experiences described by mystics across religious traditions, cultures and ages. In his seminal work, Mystic Union: An Essay in the Phenomenology of Mysticism, Nelson Pike convincingly argues that this extreme position is inadequate for capturing the breadth of experiences described by the canonical Medieval Christian mystics. However, Pike may have leaned too far away from perennialism in claiming that all the experiences of (Christian) mystic union are essentially theistic. Here, I argue that Pike did not successfully establish this point and that union without distinction, often described as the pinnacle of “union” by Christian mystics, remains a viable candidate for an instance of a trans-traditionally type-identical mystical experience.
The Innovations Approach to Experimental Modeling of Flexible Structures

A technique based on the innovations approach to linear least square identification is proposed for experimental state space modeling of flexible structures. Upon the selection of the model structure and order, the unknown parameters are identified by minimizing the sum of squares of the innovations process. Contrary to having a black-box approach to experimental modeling, this technique uses physical parameterization of the structural dynamics, as well as measurement noise properties. The innovations approach to experimental modeling of the flexible structures automates the identification of unknown parameters in the model and reduces the number of these unknowns to its minimum resulting in small variances in their estimated values. The effectiveness of this experimental modeling technique is demonstrated by accurately identifying the modal information of a rectangular flexible plate, free at two sides and fixed at the other two. The plate is patched with PZT actuators and nearly-collocated sensors at two locations.
On asymptotic properties of the mark variogram estimator of a marked point process

The mark variogram [Cressie, 1993. Statistics for Spatial Data. Wiley, New York] is a useful tool to analyze data from marked point processes. In this paper, we investigate the asymptotic properties of its estimator. Our main findings are that the sample mark variogram is a consistent estimator for the true mark variogram and is asymptotically normal under some mild conditions. These results hold for both the geostatistical marking case (i.e., the case where the marks and points are independent) and the non-geostatistical marking case (i.e., the case where the marks and points are dependent). As an application we develop a general test for spatial isotropy and study our methodology through a simulation study and an application to a data set on long leaf pine trees.
Portal vein thrombosis: spectrum of helical CT and CT angiographic findings

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is the leading extrahepatic cause of portal hypertension in the Western world [1]. Etiologies of PVT include infectious processes such as sepsis, neoplasms that invade or compress the portal system such as hepatoma or pancreatic cancer, hypercoagulable states, myeloproliferative disorders, and noninfectious inflammatory processes [1, 2]. Patients are at risk for life-threatening variceal bleeds and refractory ascites. Visualization of abnormalities associated with portal vein thrombosis is crucial to diagnosis and appropriate intervention. The development of helical computed tomography (CT) has allowed volume acquisition of scanned tissues, with decreased susceptibility to motion artifacts and respiratory misregistration. Improvements in computer hardware and software have allowed real-time volume rendering of imaging data in three dimensions [3], which is especially helpful for imaging vascular pathology [4, 5]. This essay will review the spectrum of findings in portal vein thrombosis with an emphasis on the value of helical CT.
Differences in global and local level information processing in autism: An fMRI investigation

People with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have atypical visual perception of global and local information. Previous neuroimaging studies have examined the functional anatomy of locally directed attention during visual processing in ASD, but few have examined differences in both globally and locally directed attention. We performed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 17 adults with ASD and 16 typically developing (TD) subjects to examine the neurobiology of both global- and local-level information processing in ASD using an abstract hierarchical design task. TD subjects showed no regions of increased brain activation relative to subjects with ASD as assessed using whole brain analysis. Subjects with ASD exhibited greater activation in right superior frontal gyrus during locally directed attention. During globally directed attention, the ASD group showed greater right lateral occipital activation. Additionally, subjects with ASD showed less deactivation in medial prefrontal cortex (part of the default mode network) in the globally directed attention condition. Our findings help elucidate networks of brain activation related to atyipcal global and local feature processing in ASD.
Factors to consider when using expired air carbon monoxide in smoking assessment.

Abstract At first blush, expired air carbon monoxide (CO) concentration is an appealing index of smoking behavior. Unfortunately there are a number of factors which can confound any CO-based evaluation of smoking treatment. We conducted several inferential and regression analyses on variables related to expired air CO concentration, and offer a number of recommendations on the use of this promising technique.
Tunability characteristics of waveguide CO 2 lasers with internal etalons

We investigate the possibility of increased tuning range of waveguide CO2 lasers by using a longer discharge and a tilted intracavity etalon as axial mode selector. Taking into account etalon losses, the tuning range was calculated as a function of laser gain, pressure, and discharge length. Improvements depend strongly on the index of refraction and the absorbtivity of the etalon material. The comparison with a length-restricted laser without mode selection shows that the use of a CdTe etalon in a laser with 25-cm active length could increase the tuning range from 1.5 GHz to 2.2 GHz. However, an air etalon reduces the bandwidth due to higher tilting losses.
Subliminal Affect Valence Words Change Conscious Mood Potency but Not Valence: Is This Evidence for Unconscious Valence Affect?

Whether or not affect can be unconscious remains controversial. Research claiming to demonstrate unconscious affect fails to establish clearly unconscious stimulus conditions. The few investigations that have established unconscious conditions fail to rule out conscious affect changes. We report two studies in which unconscious stimulus conditions were met and conscious mood changes measured. The subliminal stimuli were positive and negative affect words presented at the objective detection threshold; conscious mood changes were measured with standard manikin valence, potency, and arousal scales. We found and replicated that unconscious emotional stimuli produced conscious mood changes on the potency scale but not on the valence scale. Were positive and negative affects aroused unconsciously, but reflected consciously in potency changes? Or were the valence words unconscious cognitive causes of conscious mood changes being activated without unconscious affect? A thought experiment is offered as a way to resolve this dilemma.
Pneumatic transport — a review (generalized phase diagram approach to pneumatic transport)

Abstract Pneumatic transport of solids is reviewed in respect of the phenomena, the problem areas, current acceptable practice and theories. Measurement techniques and devices are discussed as to their importance in providing necessary and fundamental measurements to understand and use pneumatic transport. A generalized phase diagram has been proposed to describe pneumatic transport. This generalized theory has been taken a step further in trying to incorporate the pressure loss term into the diagram that can describe the dilute- and dense-phase regimes more clearly.
Warm, Dense Plasma Characterization by X-ray Thomson Scattering

We describe how the powerful technique of spectrally resolved Thomson scattering can be extended to the x-ray regime, for direct measurements of the ionization state, density, temperature, and the microscopic behavior of dense cool plasmas. Such a direct measurement of microscopic parameters of solid density plasmas could eventually be used to properly interpret laboratory measurements of material properties such as thermal and electrical conductivity, EOS and opacity. In addition, x-ray Thomson scattering will provide new information on the characteristics of hitherto difficult to diagnose Fermi degenerate and strongly coupled plasmas.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
San Andreas Fault North of San Francisco, California

North of San Francisco the width of the San Andreas fault zone is difficult to determine. Failure to recognize slivers within this zone apparently led some earlier writers to false conclusions about stratigraphic relationships along parts of the fault trace. Previous authors9 statements that cumulative right-lateral displacement along the San Andreas fault measures hundreds of miles since Jurassic time are based chiefly on alleged stratigraphic relationships south of San Francisco. Attempts to relate amounts of displacement along the fault south of San Francisco to amounts north of San Francisco (and vice versa) may be invalidated by possible distribution of San Andreas movement along one or more other faults that may branch from or cross the San Andreas fault north of San Francisco. North of San Francisco the San Andreas fault was active before middle Pliocene time, but as yet the evidence seems insufficient to allow determination of either the type or amount of pre-middle Pliocene displacement. Present positions on opposite sides of the fault trace of areas that appear to have been marine entrances to middle Pliocene basins east of the fault trace suggest that right-lateral displacement along the San Andreas fault north of San Francisco has not exceeded 15 miles, more likely has amounted to 4 to 10 miles, and possibly has not exceeded 1 to l½ miles since middle Pliocene time. During the same time, vertical movements have raised the east side of the fault about 500 feet relative to the west side in some areas, possibly everywhere north of Bolinas.
Investing in technology

Keen, Jack M. and Bonnie Digrius. 2003. Making Technology Investment Profitable, ROI Roadmap to Better Business Cases (New York: John Wiley and Sons). Spencer, Robert H. and Randolph P. Johnston. 2003. Technology Best Practices (New York: John Wiley and Sons).
Hiding in Plain Sight: Exploiting Broadcast for Practical Host Anonymity

Users are being tracked on the Internet more than ever before as Web sites and search engines gather pieces of information sufficient to identify and study their behavior. While many existing schemes provide strong anonymity, they are inappropriate when high bandwidth and low latency are required. In this work, we explore an anonymity scheme for end hosts whose performance makes it possible to have it always on. The scheme leverages the natural grouping of hosts in the same subnet and the universally available broadcast primitive to provide anonymity at line speeds. Our scheme is strongly resistant against all active or passive adversaries as long as they are outside the subnet. Even within the subnet, our scheme provides reasonable resistance against adversaries, providing anonymity that is suitable for common Internet applications.
Motor, Visual and Emotional Deficits in Mice after Closed-Head Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Are Alleviated by the Novel CB2 Inverse Agonist SMM-189

We have developed a focal blast model of closed-head mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice. As true for individuals that have experienced mild TBI, mice subjected to 50–60 psi blast show motor, visual and emotional deficits, diffuse axonal injury and microglial activation, but no overt neuron loss. Because microglial activation can worsen brain damage after a concussive event and because microglia can be modulated by their cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2), we evaluated the effectiveness of the novel CB2 receptor inverse agonist SMM-189 in altering microglial activation and mitigating deficits after mild TBI. In vitro analysis indicated that SMM-189 converted human microglia from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the pro-healing M2 phenotype. Studies in mice showed that daily administration of SMM-189 for two weeks beginning shortly after blast greatly reduced the motor, visual, and emotional deficits otherwise evident after 50–60 psi blasts, and prevented brain injury that may contribute to these deficits. Our results suggest that treatment with the CB2 inverse agonist SMM-189 after a mild TBI event can reduce its adverse consequences by beneficially modulating microglial activation. These findings recommend further evaluation of CB2 inverse agonists as a novel therapeutic approach for treating mild TBI.
The Gaseous and Particulate Matter Emissions from High-Rise Layer Buildings in California

Gaseous and particulate matter emissions from two California high-rise layer houses were continuously measured and monitored for two years from October 2007 to October 2009. Each house had 34,000 laying hens in cages. The monitoring site was set up in compliance with a US EPA-approved site monitoring plan, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance project plan. The results showed the daily mean emission rates of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide were 0.97 g/hd-d, 1.28 mg/hd-d and 91.4 g/hd-d, respectively. The daily mean emission rates of PM2.5 PM10 and total suspended particles (TSP) were 5.9, 33.3, and 78.0 mg/hd-d, respectively. The influence of environmental conditions, ventilation rate, manure management practices on various emissions rates are presented.
Performance implications of virtualizing multicore cluster machines

High performance computers are typified by cluster machines constructed from multicore nodes and using high performance interconnects like Infiniband. Virtualizing such 'capacity computing' platforms implies the shared use of not only the nodes and node cores, but also of the cluster interconnect (e.g., Infiniband). This paper presents a detailed study of the implications of sharing these resources, using the Xen hypervisor to virtualize platform nodes and exploiting Infiniband's native hardware support for its simultaneous use by multiple virtual machines. Measurements are conducted with multiple VMs deployed per node, using modern techniques for hypervisor bypass for high performance network access, and evaluating the implications of resource sharing with different patterns of application behavior. Results indicate that multiple applications can share the cluster's multicore nodes without undue effects on the performance of Infiniband access and use. Higher degrees of sharing are possible with communication-conscious VM placement and scheduling.
Estimation of infinite dilution activity coefficients in aqueous mixtures via molecular simulation

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations are employed to calculate infinite dilution activity coefficients of water and methanol-like species in binary mixtures using a variant of the Kirkwood coupling parameter method. Differences in residual Gibbs free energies are obtained as integrals over ensemble averages of the derivatives of total potential energy with respect to simple functions of the intramolecular potential energy parameters. The calculated limiting activity coefficients are compared with the experimental values at the same temperature obtained by direct measurement of the water/methanol binary and via extrapolation from vapor–liquid equilibria data.
The crossed cortico-caudate projection in the rhesus monkey.

Abstract In the normal young adult rhesus monkey, reduced silver staining of degenerating axons revealed that the lateral prefrontal cortex projects to the caudate nucleus of the contralateral hemisphere. This crossed prefrontocaudate projection provides a means whereby the prefrontal cortex can affect the neuronal activity of the extrapyramidal motor systems in both hemispheres. These findings also support the concept that apparent neuronal plasticity in this primate telencephalic system is a result of expanded projections of axons that normally issue a minor projection to the contralateral caudate nucleus.
How process improvement efforts can drive organisational innovativeness

In this study, we draw upon literature in technology and innovation management to theorise about how process improvement efforts in organisations can drive the exploratory activity that is generally associated with more radical forms of innovation. We develop a set of propositions on how process improvement efforts might directly and indirectly drive exploration and more radical forms of organisational innovation. These propositions are organised into four categories: (1) ‘Direct’ – how exploratory forms of process improvement can directly drive innovativeness; (2) ‘Resource Capacity’ – how process improvement can increase the resource capacity that drives innovativeness; (3) ‘Knowledge’ – how process improvement efforts can strengthen knowledge resources that drive innovativeness; and (4) ‘Management Vision’ – how process improvement efforts can influence the managerial vision that moderates the effect of process improvement efforts on innovativeness.
p53 gene mutation in the bone-marrow of a patient with diffuse mixed cell type lymphoma at diagnosis predicting eventual progression to large cell lymphoma.

Mutations of the p53 tumor suppressor gene have been used as molecular genetic markers of disease and serve as a prognostic indicator in various malignancies including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Alterations in the p53 gene were investigated in a bone marrow sample from a NHL patient admitted for autologous bone marrow transplantation. Diffuse mixed small and large cell NHL, was initially diagnosed which eventually progressed to large cell lymphoma at relapse following poly-chemotherapy. A sequential technique of polymerase chain reaction-mediated single-strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) of the p53 gene revealed a shift in one band of exon 6 in the bone marrow, collected at the time of initial diagnosis. No mutations were detected in exons 5, 7, 8 and 9. Direct sequencing of exon 6 detected a single base change from G to C resulting in an amino acid substitution from glycine to histidine. Results of this study and data reviewed from other publications suggest that the missense p53 mutation s...
A murine model of intranasal immunization to assess the immunogenicity of attenuated Salmonella typhi live vector vaccines in stimulating serum antibody responses to expressed foreign antigens

Abstract The lack of a practical small animal model to study the immunogenicity of Salmonella typhi-based live vector vaccines expressing foreign antigens has seriously impeded the vaccine development process. For some foreign antigens, stimulation of serum IgG antibody is the desired, protective immune response. We administered to mice, by orogastric or intranasal (i.n.) routes, attenuated ΔaroCΔaroD S. typhi CVD 908 carrying a plasmid encoding fragment C (fragC) of tetanus toxin fused to the eukaryotic cell receptor binding domain of diphtheria toxin (fragC-bDt), and monitored serum antibody. While orogastric inoculation of three doses was not immunogenic, i.n. immunization elicited high titers of serum IgG tetanus antitoxin, generating peak ELISA geometric mean titers (GMT) of 27024 and 35658 with 108 and 109 c.f.u. dosages, respectively; 109 c.f.u. i.n. of an ΔaroA S. typhimurium live vector stimulated a peak antitoxin GMT of 376 405. Mice immunized with the S. typhi live vector were 100% protected against challenge with 100 50% lethal doses of tetanus toxin that rapidly killed all control mice. Intranasal immunization with two doses of S. typhi expressing unfused fragment C under control of an anaerobically-activated promoter derived from nirB stimulated significantly higher titers of serum neutralizing antitoxin than fused fragC-bDt controlled by the same promoter (GMT 0.10 AU ml−1 vs 0.01 AU ml−1, P=0.0095). Two i.n. doses of S. typhi encoding fragC under control of powerful constitutive promoter lpp led to significantly higher peak serum neutralizing antitoxin titers than the otherwise identical construct utilizing the nirB promoter (peak GMT 0.72 AU ml−1 vs 0.10 AU ml−1, P=0.022). The i.n. route of inoculation of mice may constitute a practical breakthrough that could expedite the development of some S. typhi-based live vector vaccines by allowing, for the first time, quantitative measurement of serum antibody responses to candidate constructs following i.n. mucosal immunization.
Diminished perception of light as a symptom of depression: further studies.

Abstract Background In a previous preliminary report, the perception of a decrease in ambient light intensity appeared to be correlated with depression. We prospectively studied this potential link in a controlled study. Methods The question, “I've noticed that the lights in my surroundings seem dimmer than usual”, was added to the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) questionnaire and administered prospectively to 213 subjects 50–80 years of age participating in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). All had visual acuity of 20/32 or better in at least one eye. Main outcome measures were the relationship between the dimness question answer and severity of depression, and the likelihood that patients reporting dimness were depressed. Results Subjects endorsing their surroundings as being dimmer than usual at least some of the time had a mean CES-D score of 10.6 (SD = 7.0) compared to a mean of 5.5 (SD = 5.4) for subjects who never noted dimness ( t = − 4.22, p = .0001). Depressed individuals (CES-D ≥ 16) were significantly more likely to report dimness than non-depressed (CES-D χ 2 = 15.6, p r = 0.31, p Limitations A relatively small number of subjects, 38 (18%), reported dimness requiring us to dichotomize their dimness level in some analyses. Conclusions Perceived dimness of one's ambient surroundings and clinical depression are linked. Health care professionals should inquire about this symptom in potentially depressed patients.
High-throughput identification of proteins with AMPylation using self-assembled human protein (NAPPA) microarrays

AMPylation (adenylylation) has been recognized as an important post-translational modification that is used by pathogens to regulate host cellular proteins and their associated signaling pathways. AMPylation has potential functions in various cellular processes, and it is widely conserved across both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. However, despite the identification of many AMPylators, relatively few candidate substrates of AMPylation are known. This is changing with the recent development of a robust and reliable method for identifying new substrates using protein microarrays, which can markedly expand the list of potential substrates. Here we describe procedures for detecting AMPylated and auto-AMPylated proteins in a sensitive, high-throughput and nonradioactive manner. The approach uses high-density protein microarrays fabricated using nucleic acid programmable protein array (NAPPA) technology, which enables the highly successful display of fresh recombinant human proteins in situ. The modification of target proteins is determined via copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The assay can be accomplished within 11 h.
Sequential injections of amobarbital sodium and lidocaine for provocative neurologic testing in the external carotid circulation.

PURPOSE To present the results of a protocol for embolization in the external carotid territory that includes provocative testing with amobarbital sodium and lidocaine. METHODS Provocative testing with sequential intraarterial injections of amobarbital sodium and lidocaine was done before embolization of 66 vascular pedicles in 26 patients with the following pathologic disorders: 8 meningiomas, 7 paragangliomas, 5 dural arteriovenous fistulas, 3 angiofibromas, 1 endolymphatic sac carcinoma, 1 metastatic renal carcinoma, and 1 Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome. Findings during provocative testing and any postembolization deficits were recorded. RESULTS Of the 66 vascular pedicles tested, only 1 showed positive findings on an amobarbital test, in which the patient had transient numbness in the contralateral leg. Results of lidocaine tests were positive, in 7 cases, in which cranial nerve deficits were suspected on the basis of anatomic findings. All deficits resolved within 15 minutes. If results of amobarbital or lidocaine tests were positive, large particles or coils were used for embolization. Otherwise, small particles or liquid agents were used. There were no complications after embolization. CONCLUSIONS Provocative testing with amobarbital can reveal dangerous anastomoses. Testing with lidocaine can show vascular supply to the cranial nerves. With the use of appropriate protocols, embolization in the external carotid territory can be done with minimal risk.
Optical WDM Networks: Future Vision

The amount of traffic being transmitted over existing networks is rising at an unprecedented rate, and telecommunications and data communications companies are racing to provide the means for meeting these demands. Many companies are turning to wavelength-division multiplexing to provide increased bandwidth; however, WDM has the potential to provide many additional benefits in terms of cost and performance. By developing architectures and protocols which fully utilize the benefits of WDM, we can ensure that this tremendous growth will continue well into the future.
The Theory of Optimal Delegation With an Application to Tariff Caps

We consider a general representation of the delegation problem, with and without money burning, and provide sufficient and necessary conditions under which an interval allocation is optimal. We also apply our results to the theory of trade agreements among privately informed governments. For both perfect and monopolistic competition settings, we provide conditions under which tariff caps are optimal. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
Modeling the Impact of Plant Toxicity on Plant–Herbivore Dynamics

Numerous empirical studies over the past two decades have documented substantial effects of plant toxins on diet choice and feeding behavior of herbivores, but analytical models have failed thus far to incorporate toxin-mediated effects of browsing on plant population dynamics. We study a mathematical model that incorporates plant toxicity in the functional response of plant–herbivore interactions. The model also includes a Lotka–Volterra type competition between plants. The model exhibits a rich variety of complex dynamics including Hopf bifurcation and period-doubling bifurcations. Differences in dynamical behavior stem from interspecific differences in plant biology and strategies for growth and defense as well as variation in responses of herbivores to toxins. Analyses suggest that for realistic parameter values, herbivores are capable of promoting coexistence of plant species by ameliorating competitive effects and hence enhancing biodiversity.
A Two-Cell Model of Search for a Moving Target

This paper formulates a two-cell model of search for a moving target as a continuous-time Markov process with known constant transition rates and detection rates, and finds the distribution of searching effort that maximizes the probability of detection in time T, and the distribution that minimizes the expected time to detection. Although the optimization problems are difficult to solve, the solutions are simple. It appears to be possible, but difficult, to generalize this model to n cells.
Immunohistochemical detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus antigen in neurovascular lesions.

At necropsy, no gross lesions were observed except for reddish consolidation of approximately 10% of the anterioventral portions of the lungs in 1 pig. Likewise, no significant gross lesions were seen in the tissues submitted from the sow. Results of experimental studies indicate that PRRSV infection is a multisystemic disease characterized initially by viremia with subsequent virus distribution and replication in multiple organs, causing interstitial pneumonia, lymphadenopathy, myocarditis, and encephalitis. 5-8,16,18 Nervous signs are uncommonly reported and are described as incoordination, paresis, splay-leggedness, and tremors in young pigs. Characteristic PRRSV-induced central nervous system (CNS) lesions include encephalitis with lymphohistiocytic perivascular cuffing, gliosis, and less often mild vasculitis.
Integration of retiming with architectural floorplanning

The concept of improving the timing behavior of a circuit by relocating registers is called retiming and was first presented by Leiserson and Saxe. They showed that the problem of determining an equivalent minimum area (total number of registers) circuit is polynomial-time solvable. In this work, we show how this approach can be reapplied in the deep sub-micron domain when area-delay trade-offs and delay constraints are considered. The main result is that the concavity of the trade-off function allows for casting this problem into a classical minimum area retiming problem. The solution paves the way for retiming to be incorporated in the architectural floorplanning stage of a design flow tailored for deep sub-micron circuits. Some examples and a register-based interconnect strategy suitable to the developed retiming technique on global wires is presented.
Rod‐ring dielectric resonator antenna

A dielectric resonator combining two cylindrical dielectrics of different material and height and excited by a coaxial probe is considered. The effect of the antenna parameters, such as the ratio of the height and radius of the dielectrics and the effect of the probe length, are investigated. Analysis of the antenna is performed numerically using the method of moments (MoM) and verified by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Agreement between the two methods is excellent. The performance of the antenna on a cellular-communication system is also considered. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 14, 441–446, 2004.
Tracking Down the Origin of Cancer: Metabolic Reprogramming as a Driver of Stemness and Tumorigenesis

Metabolic reprogramming has recently emerged as a fundamental trait of cancer cells. Initially thought to be a consequence of rapid cell proliferation, recent data have reset this idea by demonstrating that metabolic reprogramming can actually drive tumorigenesis. The cancer stem cell (CSC) theory predicts that only a small subpopulation of cancer cells with stem cell properties, which derive from the cancer cell of origin, possesses tumor-initiating potential. However, whether metabolic reprogramming drives tumor formation by regulating the genesis of CSCs is not known. Importantly, the metabolic properties of stem cells and cancer cells are strikingly similar, and metabolic reprogramming is a key factor controlling stemness in these cells. This article reviews the current understanding of cancer metabolism and how it mirrors the metabolic requirements of stem cells. These two concepts are integrated and data demonstrating that metabolic reprogramming regulates CSCs function are discussed, suggesting that metabolic regulation of stemness could be at the origin of cancer.
The Association between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adolescence and Smoking in Adulthood

This longitudinal study examined the interrelationships between early and/or middle adolescent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), middle adolescent conduct disorder (CD), and later adult smoking behavior. This is a prospective longitudinal study. Data were collected via structured interviews of representative families in the northeastern United States (N = 641). The mean ages of the offspring were as follows: 14 years (T2, 1983), 17 years (T3, 1985-1986), and 32 years (T6, 2002). The dependent variable was the participants' daily cigarette smoking in their early thirties. Logistic regression analyses indicated that the relationship between ADHD and daily smoking behavior was mediated by CD with control on gender, age, SES, and adolescent smoking. CD had a direct effect on daily smoking in adulthood. Our findings suggest that ADHD is related to CD, which in turn is associated with daily smoking. Therefore, interventions with ADHD adolescents who have ADHD at an early age might lead to some reduction in later smoking provided that the intervention has a positive effect on CD. For those adolescents who never had ADHD, our findings suggest that prevention or treatment aimed at reducing CD may be most successful in reducing daily smoking later in adulthood.
Experimental Investigation of the Nonlinear Response of Swirl-Stabilized Flames to Equivalence Ratio Oscillations

The nonlinear response of a swirl-stabilized flame to equivalence ratio oscillations was experimentally investigated in an atmospheric-pressure, high-temperature, lean-premixed model gas turbine combustor. To generate high-amplitude equivalence ratio oscillations, fuel was modulated using a siren type modulating device. The mixture ratio oscillations at the inlet of the combustion chamber were measured by the infrared absorption technique and the flame’s response, i.e., the fluctuation in the flame’s rate of heat release, was estimated by CH* chemiluminescence emission intensity. Phase-resolved CH* chemiluminescence images were taken to characterize the dynamic response of the flame. Results show that the amplitude and frequency dependence of the flame’s response to equivalence ratio oscillations is qualitatively consistent with the flame’s response to inlet velocity oscillations. The underlying physics of the nonlinear response of the flame to equivalence ratio oscillations, however, is associated with the intrinsically nonlinear dependence of the heat of reaction and burning velocity on the equivalence ratio. It was found that combustion cannot be sustained under conditions of high amplitude equivalence ratio oscillations. Lean blowoff occurs when the normalized amplitude of the equivalence ratio oscillation exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value is dependent on the mean equivalence ratio and modulation frequency.Copyright © 2010 by ASME