cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
cAMP attenuates interleukin-1-stimulated macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) expression

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is a multifunctional cytokine attributed with key biological functions beyond the first discovered role in promoting proliferation of myeloid cell lineage. The human pancreatic cancer cell line MIA PaCa-2, from which the M-CSF gene was originally cloned, was used to study regulation of M-CSF expression. Expression of M-CSF was inducible by interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and PMA as demonstrated by a biological activity assay, Northern-blot analysis and reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR. Treatment of the cells with forskolin or dibutyryl-cAMP attenuated the expression of M-CSF induced by IL-1alpha or LPS, but not by PMA. Electromobility shift assays showed that IL-1alpha predominantly activated nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), while PMA preferentially activated activator protein-1 (AP-1). The activation of NF-kappaB, but not AP-1, could be attenuated by cAMP elevation. Relative RT-PCR demonstrated that the expression of a 1.6-kb M-CSF mRNA transcript was more effectively induced by IL-1alpha than a 4.0-kb transcript. By and large the induced expression of both mRNA transcripts could be attenuated by cAMP. M-CSF promoter-driven luciferase reporter-gene assays revealed that cAMP elevation attenuated the IL-1-induced transcription activation of the M-CSF promoter, but it had no effect on PMA-induced transcription. Our findings suggest that cAMP regulates M-CSF gene expression at the transcriptional level and that its inhibitory effect involves NF-kappaB signalling pathway.
Reaching Women: Soft Media in the 2004 Presidential Election

Where and how citizens get their political information remains a key component of political decision‐making. While traditional media outlets remain significant, new and newly discovered forms of media are growing in importance. One media grouping, women's magazines, emerged as a full‐fledged source of political information in the 2004 presidential campaign. Politics is not a routine subject for magazines like O, the Oprah Magazine; Ladies Home Journal; or Latina. Even style magazines like Vogue covered the 2004 campaign. Despite their typically “softer” focus, these magazines covered the same issues and provided the same level of attention to softer, style‐based concerns as current events magazines. However, soft and hard news outlets differed significantly in the use of partisan terminology and the emphasis on strategic behavior. Women's magazines did not subscribe to the game coverage typically prevalent in presidential coverage.
Transluminal atherectomy for occlusive peripheral vascular disease.

Abstract The failure of balloon angioplasty to provide a durable result has lei to the development of other methods of catheter-associated interventional therapy. In this study, 112 patients with superficial femoral artery stenosis or occlusion were treated with percutaneous atherectomy. Patients were considered to have a simple lesion if the occluded or stenotic arterial segment was 5 cm. All atherectomies were performed in the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries; urokinase thrombolysis was used in conjunction with atherectomy in 16 patients, Atherectomy was considered successful if there was Initial atherectomy results (30 day patency) were 100% successful in the group with a simple lesion and 93% successful in the group with a complex lesion. At a mean follow-up period of 12 months (range 5 to 24), there was a continued patency rate of 93% and 86%m, respectively, in the simple and complex groups. In the patients who had restenosis, all pathologic specimens obtained during the second procedure demonstrated myointimal hyperplasia and organized thrombus. Eight major complications (7.1%) occurred, including one fatal myocardial infarction. The complication rate was 3.5% in the simple group and 8.3% in the complex group. With the exception of the myocardial infarction, all complications were associated with catheter entry site hematomas. Femoropopliteal atherectomy has a high rate of success and low morbidity and mortality or both simple and complex lesions and is a viable and competitive alternative therapy for patients with severe peripheral vascular disease. Noninvasive follow-up with segmental pressure measurements and duplex ultrasound scanning is important to detect restenosis. The adjunctive use of urokinase to simplify the segment of atherectomy and remove offending thrombus appears to be useful and safe.
Pulmonary Atresia with Ventricular Septal Defect: Report of the Oldest Known Surviving Case

The case of a 54-year-old housewife, oldest published survivor with pulmonary atresia and a ventricular septal defect (pseudotruncus arteriosus), is reported. Her remarkably favorable course is likely related to the absence of progressive hemodynamic changes, with moderate pulmonary flow adequate for nearly normal arterial oxygenation yet without increasing pulmonary vascular resistance. This case reemphasizes the relationship of longevity to pulmonary blood flow volume with this defect.
On a stochastic robotic surveillance problem

We present a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) based stochastic strategy for a robotic surveillance problem. We justify the use of stochastic strategies by showing that deterministic strategies have inherent limitations which make them unsuitable for the posed problem. We also consider the problem of surveillance with multiple agents in both centralized and decentralized setting. The centralized setting suffers from the problem of explosion in the number of states. We show that by incorporating permutation symmetry we can effectively reduce the size of the problem. For the decentralized case we show the issue of conflict resolution among the agents can be cast in the framework of finding a maximum weighted matching in a bipartite graph. We then provide a distributed implementation of the auction algorithm based on message passing which solves the conflict resolution problem.
Intimal hyperplasia following thrombectomy versus thrombolysis in occluded vein grafts.

Although the histologic effects of balloon catheter thromboembolectomy in arteries are well described, little is known about its effects on arterialized vein grafts. A chronic canine model was used to compare the intimai hyperplasia that develops following balloon catheter thrombectomy versus thrombolytic therapy when each treatment was used to open experimentally occluded reversed autogenous vein grafts. Eleven of 12 dogs survived to the time of graft thrombosis and treatment. Ten grafts in one group of animals were treated with shear force-controlled balloon catheter thrombectomy, and eleven grafts in another group of animals were treated with infusion of urokinase (average 355, 833 lU/graft). Explantation and histologic evaluation was performed 5 weeks after treatment. Data were evaluated at comparable anatomic locations. These studies demonstrated the development of intimal hyperplasia in both groups with no statistically significant differences in the intimal thickening between the two treatment groups. It is hypothesized that vessel wall damage occurs at the time of thrombosis with the adherence of thrombus to the wall, and that this may be as important in producing intimai hyperplasia as the effects of carefully performed balloon thrombectomy or lytic therapy. (Ann Vasc Surg 1997;11:559-564.)
Two-Phase Refrigerant Maldistribution in the Vertical Header and its Effect on the Heat Exchanger Performance as Evaporator in Heat Pump Mode

The vertical header is a usual feature of outdoor heat exchanger of the residential air-conditioning system, typically a multipass microchannel heat exchanger. When operating in heat pump mode, it functions as an evaporator. In such a system, refrigerant maldistribution in the header can deteriorate the performance of the heat exchanger. The objective of study in this paper is the adiabatic upward flow of the refrigerant in the second pass vertical header of microchannel heat exchanger and its effect on distribution. R410A is circulated into the header through the microchannel tubes (5 or 10 tubes) in the bottom pass and exits through tubes (5 or 10 tubes) in the top pass. Three circular headers were explored, each with the microchannel tubes inserted to half depth. The best distribution is found at high flow rate and low quality. The distribution is affected by the flow patterns in the header as well as axial momentum. A distribution correlation, obtained based on the flow rate measurement in each tube, was then incorporated with a microchannel heat exchanger model. The simulation results quantified the capacity reduction of the 2-pass microchannel condenser due to the refrigerant maldistribution.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Le regard de l’animal chez Jean-Loup Trassard et Jacques Derrida

As the notion of human singularity continues to erode, non-human animals have ceased to be amorphous objects and have acquired subjectivity in their own right. The agrarian ethic of the writer Jean-Loup Trassard has always respected the ontological status of non-human animals. His short stories, in particular, evoke uncanny encounters linking people and animals, proving that the imagination has a role to play in combating speciesism. Jacques Derrida's experience of otherness when confronted by his eat's bottomless gaze shatters his human ability to conceptualize the animal's existence. In the works of both Trassard and Derrida, such fluidity and vulnerability take the reader to the limits of anthropomorphism and contribute to animal rights discourse.
Factors associated with initiation of the immune response.

ity to synthesize nucleic acids has been inhibited by radiation; (c) the level of restoration may be augmented by the development of mitotic synchrony in the cell population; and (d) the mechanism of adjuvant activity by cytotoxic agents may be similar to that of their restorative activity in irradiated animals. The interpretation of the above is that antigenic stimulation of the antibody-producing cells takes place only during one stage of the mitotic cycle, possibly late interphase, the period of
Plane stress finite element prediction of mixed-mode rubber fracture and experimental verification

This study demonstrates through experimental validation, that one can predict critical loads of arbitrarily shaped cracked rubber specimens of the mixed-mode type (mode I and II) using a plane stress finite element method and utilizing material constants that characterize the mechanical and fracture properties of SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) material determined from experimental tests on a mode I specimen. Conversely, the finite element method can be used to extract useful critical tearing energy information from complicated, arbitrarily shaped cracked rubber specimens. The predicted critical loads or critical tearing energies for crack growth initiation and final fracture, as well as the crack growth initiation direction are compared to the experimental data with good agreement.
Critical Issues in the History, Philosophy, and Sociology of Astrobiology

Abstract Fifty years after serious scientific research began in the field of exobiology, and forty years after serious historical research began on the subject of extraterrestrial life, this paper identifies and examines some of the most important issues in the history, philosophy, and sociology of what is today known as astrobiology. As in the philosophy of science in general, and in the philosophies of particular sciences, critical issues in the philosophy and sociology of astrobiology are both stimulated and illuminated by history. Among those issues are (1) epistemological issues such as the status of astrobiology as a science, the problematic nature of evidence and inference, and the limits of science; (2) metaphysical/scientific issues, including the question of defining the fundamental concepts of life, mind, intelligence, and culture in a universal context; the role of contingency and necessity in the origin of these fundamental phenomena; and whether or not the universe is in some sense fine-tune...
Effects of Hydrogen on the Three-Dimensional Epitaxial Growth of Ni(100), (110), and (111)

The effects of hydrogen on Ni homoepitaxy have been investigated by examining rate constants for mobility of Ni during the Ni-growth process with and without the presence of a small amount of hydro...
Observations of roughening/de-faceting phase transitions in grain boundaries

Abstract Sharply faceted σ3 asymmetric tilt boundaries in Al and Au and σ11 asymmetric tilt boundaries in Al were prepared at room temperature. Each boundary contained sets of two different facets and therefore possessed a two-phase structure. These boundaries were then observed continuously by hot stage electron microscopy as they were heated to elevated temperatures and then cooled back to room temperature. Grain boundary roughening/de-faceting phase transitions were observed in which the two-phase faceted structures were replaced by roughened and delocalized single-phase interfaces which were either relatively flat or smoothly curved. Furthermore, the transition was shown to be reversible, since the reverse of this process occurred during subsequent cooling, and sharply faceted boundaries were recovered at room temperature.
Clinical and lifestyle-related risk factors for incident multimorbidity: 10-year follow-up of Finnish population-based cohorts 1982–2012

Abstract Background Multimorbidity is a huge burden to individuals and societies and more attention should be paid on its risk factors and prevention possibilities. The aim of this study was to investigate which clinical and lifestyle characteristics predict the development of multimorbidity both among initially disease-free people and among people who have diabetes or CVD. Methods Data comprised 25–64 year old, randomly selected men and women (n = 32,972) who participated in one of the five national FINRISK surveys between 1982 and 2002 in Finland. The surveys included anthropometric measurements, blood samples and structured questionnaire. Data on incident diagnoses of the five most common chronic diseases during 10 years were received from the national registers on mortality, hospitalizations, and reimbursement rights. Results Predisposing factors for multimorbidity among disease-free population were smoking, physical inactivity, and BMI. Among men also systolic blood pressure and low education predicted multimorbidity. Among men with DM at baseline, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, and smoking increased the likelihood of incident multimorbidity. Among women, significant predictors of multimorbidity were high BMI and smoking. Among men and women with CVD, the only baseline factor that was significantly associated with the development of multimorbidity in the multivariate prediction model was low fruit and vegetable consumption. Conclusion Several modifiable clinical and lifestyle risk factors were found to predict incident multimorbidity. Better recognition and management of these risk factors could potentially have a large impact on the development of multimorbidity, and consequently, premature mortality and costs of care among the aging populations.
Window effect on CO2/N2 selectivity in metal organic framework materials

Abstract Selectivity for gas separation from a binary mixture in metal organic framework (MOF) materials is identified as arising from a window effect. Our initial analysis based on geometrical models shows that the selectivity, which is related to shape and size of the gas molecules, can be tuned by the window size. Classical molecular dynamics are then used to evaluate CO 2 /N 2 selectivities in MOF-5 derivatives with various window structures. The results verify that the size/shape of molecular windows can change diffusion rates and consequently result in selectivity enhancement. The effect may effectively boost the overall performance of diffusion-driven separation in MOFs.
Cyclization of coliphage 186 DNA.

Equilibrium and kinetic studies have been made on the cyclization of coliphage 186 DNA. In 0·13 m -Na + , the melting temperature of the cohesive ends ( T m ), i.e. the midpoint of the linear monomer to cyclic monomer transition, occurs at 63°C, which is 12°C above that of λb2b5c DNA in the same medium. The molecular weight of 186 DNA is less than that of λb2b5c DNA. Sedimentation and electron microscopy data give a value 19·7 × 10 6 daltons for the former, taking the latter as 25·8 × 10 6 daltons. The difference in molecular length would predict 186 DNA a value of T m 1°C higher than that of λb2b5c. The observed increase in T m (12°C) suggests either the cohesive ends of 186 DNA are somewhat longer (by approximately four bases per end) or richer in GC (32% higher than the GC content of λ ends), or a proper combination of the two. The rate of cyclization of 186 DNA is approximately a factor of 10 faster than the rate of cyclization of λb2b5c DNA. The difference in molecular length would only account for a factor of 1·5. The activation energy for the cyclization of 186 DNA, 24 kcal., is the same as that of λb2b5c DNA within experimental error. The large difference in rates supports the notion that the rate-controlling step of the cyclization process is a chemical reaction rather than a diffusion step.
Immediate-Release Methylphenidate for ADHD in Children with Comorbid Chronic Multiple Tic Disorder.

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the safety and efficacy of immediate-release methylphenidate (MPH-IR) for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children (ages 6-12 years) with Tourette's syndrome (96%) or chronic motor tic disorder (4%). Method Two cohorts of prepubertal children ( N = 71) received placebo and three doses of MPH (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mg/kg) twice daily for 2 weeks each, under double-blind conditions as part of their involvement in a long-term observation study (1989-2004). Treatment effects were assessed with an extensive battery of parent-, teacher-, child-, and physician-completed rating scales and laboratory tasks. Results MPH-IR effectively suppressed ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, and peer aggression behaviors. There was no evidence that MPH-IR altered the overall severity of tic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder behaviors. Teacher ratings indicated that MPH-IR therapy decreased tic frequency and severity. Conclusions MPH-IR appears to be a safe and effective short-term treatment for ADHD in the majority of children with chronic tic disorder; nevertheless, the possibility of tic exacerbation in susceptible individuals warrants careful monitoring of all patients.
Quality of Life, Sustainable Civil Infrastructure, and Sustainable Development: Strategically Expanding Choice

As sustainable development becomes a more important objective in civil infrastructure planning and policymaking, quality of life (QOL) is an increasingly important measure to understand, characterize, and apply effectively in the search for and development of appropriate infrastructure solutions for sustainable development. This paper reviews the role of QOL in civil infrastructure decision making. It provides an overview and critique of methodological approaches to defining QOL and explains the significance of QOL in infrastructure decision making for sustainable development. Examples are used to demonstrate how infrastructure can be strategically developed or redeveloped to improve regional QOL and economic competitiveness while preserving or enhancing the natural environment. Based on the theoretical review and examination of infrastructure development examples, the writers suggest that a new paradigm that views infrastructure development as part of a sociotechnical system be considered. Such a paradigm would encourage strategic infrastructure designs and policies that expand choice and achieve multiple objectives for sustainable development.
A constant-false-alarm-rate algorithm

Abstract The constant-false-alarm-rate (CFAR) detection algorithm is used for the detection of an optical target in an image dominated by optical clutter. The algorithm can be used for many aerial images when a clutter-subtraction technique is incorporated. To approximate the assumption of a constant covariance matrix, the digital image scene is partitioned into subimages and the CFAR algorithm is applied to the subimages. For each subimage, local means must be computed; the “best” local mean is the one that minimizes the third moment. The clutter subtraction technique leads to a mathematically tractable algorithm based on hypotheses testing. A test statistic and a threshold level must be computed. The value of the test statistic is subimage-dependent and is compared with the detection threshold which is chosen to specify a performance level for the test. A computationally efficient and stable implementation of the CFAR algorithm is given which may use either the Cholesky decomposition or the QR decomposition with a rearrangement of the computations.
Reading Through Fictions in Ursula Le Guin's “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”

In “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas (Variations on a Theme by William James),” Ursula Le Guin presents a utopia that turns out to be an imperfect, even nightmarish dystopia. The tension between ...
A memory of oxygen binding explains the dose response of the heme-based sensor FixL.

Bradyrhizobium japonicum FixL is a modular oxygen sensor that directs adaptations to hypoxia by coupling the status of a heme-binding domain to a histidine-protein kinase activity. The oxygen-bound form is the “off-state”. The unliganded form is the “on-state” active kinase that phosphorylates a transcription factor, FixJ. We have developed methods to optimize the kinase reactions of FixL and measure the turnover rates (kcat) for reactions catalyzed by highly inhibited states of this sensor at constant, precisely known oxygen saturations. The resulting oxygen dose−response curve shows that an in vitro system with FixL and the response regulator FixJ as its only proteins manifests such a sharp ligand response that, when the proportion of deoxy-FixL decreases less than 3-fold, the kinase activity drops over 50-fold, and by the time the deoxy-FixL declines just 8-fold, the activity is inhibited over 1100-fold. This response is entirely reversible and similar to that reported for the in vivo hypoxic induction...
DISSOLVED OXYGEN IN SHALLOW NEAR‐SHORE WATER AND ITS RELATION TO POSSIBLE BUBBLE FORMATION

The oxygen content of shallow water off Mission Beach, California, was found to vary widely in both depth and time. The highcst values occurred at a subdcpth in summer. Small bubbles which are always present in the sea associated with organic matter may grow in the presence of high oxygon saturations, aided by the change in pressure caused by internal waves. These accumulate as foam on the sea surface in slicks.
Noninvasive monitoring of cerebral blood oxygenation with optoacoustic technique: An in vivo study in sheep

The optoacoustic technique was tested in vivo for noninvasive monitoring of cerebral blood oxygenation. Linear correlation of optoacoustic signals with actual blood oxygenation in the superior sagittal sinus in sheep was demonstrated.
Tissue Nitrogen Levels For Dryland Hard Red Winter Wheat

(...) This study was conducted to determine critical plant tissue N and NO 3 -N concentrations of three plant parts at three growth stages. Nitrogen was applied preplant (fall) at rates of 0, 22, 44, and 66 kg N ha −1 to establish a range of spring plant tissue N levels and grain yields within a location. Critical plant N levels were calculated by the Cate-Nelson procedure. (...)
Neuere Entwicklungen in der Chemie der Aminoborane

Die Isosterie der Gruppierungen BN und CC regt zu Vergleichen an. Neuere Untersuchungen uber Aminoborane, R1R2N–BR3R4, versuchten, diese Isosterieverhaltnisse zu erforschen. Cis-trans-Isomerie auf Grund beschrankter Drehbarkeit um die BN-Bindung, die Isolierung trimerer Verbindungen, die als formelle Analoga von Cyclohexanen aufgefast werden konnen, und der Einbau von BN-Gruppen in aromatische Systeme sind Ergebnisse solcher Untersuchungen.
Lattice study of classical inflaton decay

We study numerically the decay of the inflaton by solving the full nonlinear equations of motion on the lattice. We confirm that parametric resonance is effective in transferring energy from the inflaton to a scalar field as long as the self-interactions of the second field are very small. However, in the very broad resonance case $(q\ensuremath{\gg}1)$ the decay rate is limited by scatterings, which significantly slows down the decay. We also find that the inflaton cannot decay via parametric resonance into a scalar field with moderate self-interactions. This means that the preheating stage may be completely absent in many natural inflationary models.
Hypertonic saline solution induces prostacyclin production by increasing cyclooxygenase-2 expression.

Abstract Background: Previously, we demonstrated that hypertonic saline solution (HTS) and endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) induce prostacyclin (PGI2) production in human endothelial cells. Here, we hypothesized that HTS and LPS may induce PGI2 production by increasing cyclooxygenase (COX) expression. We further examined the activation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and questioned whether these transduction cascades might mediate COX expression. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were stimulated with varying concentrations of NaCl or LPS. Results: HTS and LPS induced prompt activation of both p38 and ERKs that peaked at 30 minutes. HTS and LPS also induced a dose-related increase in COX-2 with maximal expression within 4 to 6 hours; there was no change in COX-1. This correlated with an increase in supernatant PGI2 levels, which became statistically significant for NaCl of more than 40 mmol/L and for all LPS doses. The inhibition of p38 with SB202190 abrogated the osmotic and LPS-induced COX-2 expression and PGI2 production. Inhibition of ERK activation had no effect on COX-2 expression. Conclusions: Hyperosmolarity and LPS induce, in chronologic order, p38 and ERK activation, COX-2 expression, and PGI2 production. Because COX is the rate-limiting enzyme in prostaglandin synthesis, it is likely that the increase in PGI2 production is due to, at least in part, the increased COX-2 expression. The data also suggest that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase is involved in the signaling cascade for COX-2 expression. (Surgery 2000;128:198-205.)
Generalized dual porosity : A numerical method for representing spatially variable sub-grid scale processes

A generalized dual porosity method (GDPM) has been developed to incorporate sub-grid scale heterogeneity into large-scale flow and transport simulations. The method is spatially variable in the sense that the method can be applied with different levels of resolution for different spatial nodes in the simulation. The method utilizes the nodal connectivity structure and linear equation solvers of unstructured grids like those used in the finite element method, and can be applied to any problem without externally modifying the numerical grid. The algorithm scales linearly in CPU time and storage with the number of GDPM nodes. We demonstrate the utility and computational efficiency of the technique with two verification problems and an example problem of a field site.
Anticonvulsant activity of antiparkinsonism agents.

SummaryThe anticonvulsant activity of synthetic antiparkinsonism agents has been studied in mice with experimental seizures and in children with myoclonic spasms refractory to conventional medications. Procyclidine and trihexyphenidyl protected mice from maximal electroshock seizures. Procyclidine was the more potent compound and was also effective against pentylenetetrazol seizures. In a preliminary, short-term clinical trial, procyclidine caused a reduction in the incidence of seizures in 10 of 16 patients treated. The antiparkinsonism agents are free of severe chronic toxicity and are contraindicated only in adults with glaucoma or urethral obstruction. Further laboratory and clinical investigation of the anticonvulsant activity of this class of compounds is recommended.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: diagnosis and management

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), also known as pseudotumor cerebri, may occur at any age but is primarily a disease of obese women between the ages of 15 and 40. Diagnosis is made based on modified Dandy criteria, which include normal neuroimaging studies, elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) on lumbar puncture, signs and symptoms of elevated ICP, and a non-focal neurologic examination aside from sixth nerve paresis. Presenting symptoms include headache, pulsatile tinnitus, transient visual obscurations, diplopia, and visual field constriction. Diagnosis may be delayed because headache from other causes such as migraine is much more common, and patients may be treated for this condition without improvement before the actual diagnosis is recognized. Ophthalmologic signs may include papilledema and esotropia (from the sixth nerve palsy) as well as visual field and even visual acuity loss; the latter two signs are very ominous, as they indicate severe and potentially permanent visual damage. Medical and surgical options vary depending on the severity of the disease and are used to control headache as well as to prevent vision loss. Because most IIH is associated with obesity, weight loss is an essential element of any treatment regimen, as retrospective as well as prospective studies have shown disease resolution with as little as 6% weight reduction. Secondary causes of high ICP are being recognized in a greater number of IIH patients, and the term idiopathic likely applies to fewer patients than in the past. The underlying pathogenesis of the disorder remains elusive.
The thermal shock phenomena induced by a rapidly propagating crack tip: experimental evidence

Abstract For a crack tip rapidly propagating in a solid medium, the temperature field in the near-tip region obtained by Tzou is compared with the recent experimental result obtained by Zehnder and Rosakis. For a crack propagating at a speed of 900 m s −1 in a specimen of 4340 steel, the temperature wave solution at the transonic stage is found to preserve several unique features in the experimental results. They include: (1) a family of parallel isotherms behind the crack tip, (2) a constant temperature gradient in the vicinity of the crack tip, and (3) an intensified thermal energy cumulated in the immediate vicinity ahead of the crack tip. For a higher crack speed of 980 m s −1 , moreover, the parallel isotherm evolves into a hyperbolalike pattern which is strong evidence for the wave behavior of temperature in the near-tip region. Coincidence between the theory and the experiment reveals two important aspects: (1) the threshold value of the thermal wave speed in the 4340 steel is 900 m s −1 , and (2) the wave behavior resulting from the phase lag between the temperature gradient and the heat flux under high-rate response is an important mechanism for modelling the process of heat conduction in the near-tip region.
Sex hormones and lipoproteins in men.

Purpose To clarify the conflicting evidence of an association between endogenous sex hormones and lipoprotein metabolism in men, we examined the relationship between sex hormone levels, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), taking into account the coronary artery disease (CAD) status of the subjects. Patients and methods Sex hormone levels, total cholesterol, and HDL-C were measured in 67 men with CAD from among 191 consecutive male patients between the ages of 25 and 75 undergoing coronary angiography, in 26 men without angio-graphic evidence of CAD, and in 55 men who were clinically free of CAD. Results There was a consistently positive correlation between total estradiol or calculated free estradiol and both total cholesterol and HDL-C, which persisted after adjustment for potential confounders. Total cholesterol was associated with total testosterone after controlling for age, adiposity, and the presence or absence of CAD, but not with calculated free testosterone. No association was noted between total testosterone or calculated free testosterone and HDL-C. A significant interaction was observed between estradiol and testosterone with respect to total cholesterol. Conclusion This study demonstrates an association between sex hormone levels and lipoprotein metabolism, specifically between estradiol levels and both total cholesterol and HDL-C. Unlike most previous investigators, we were able both to control for the CAD status of our subjects and to consider unbound, biologically active hormone levels. In addition, we documented a complex interaction between endogenous testosterone and estradiol in relation to lipoprotein levels; this association should be considered in future studies.
Molecular dynamics simulation of S100B protein to explore ligand blockage of the interaction with p53 protein

As a tumor suppressor, p53 plays an important role in cancer suppression. The biological function of p53 as a tumor suppressor is disabled when it binds to S100B. Developing the ligands to block the S100B-p53 interaction has been proposed as one of the most important approaches to the development of anti-cancer agents. We screened a small compound library against the binding interface of S100B and p53 to identify potential compounds to interfere with the interaction. The ligand-binding effect on the S100B-p53 interaction was explored by molecular dynamics at the atomic level. The results show that the ligand bound between S100B and p53 propels the two proteins apart by about 2 A compared to the unligated S100B-p53 complex. The binding affinity of S100B and p53 decreases by ~8.5–14.6 kcal/mol after a ligand binds to the interface from the original unligated state of the S100B-p53 complex. Ligand-binding interferes with the interaction of S100B and p53. Such interference could impact the association of S100B and p53, which would free more p53 protein from the pairing with S100B and restore the biological function of p53 as a tumor suppressor. The analysis of the binding mode and ligand structural features would facilitate our effort to identify and design ligands to block S100B-p53 interaction effectively. The results from the work suggest that developing ligands targeting the interface of S100B and p53 could be a promising approach to recover the normal function of p53 as a tumor suppressor.
Self‐Reported vs Measured Body Mass Indices in Migraineurs

Objective To compare and contrast body mass indices calculated based on self-reported height and weight as compared with measured height and weight in migraine patients.
A Framework for Dimensionality Assessment for Multidimensional Item Response Models.

A framework is introduced for considering dimensionality assessment procedures for multidimensional item response models. The framework characterizes procedures in terms of their confirmatory or exploratory approach, parametric or nonparametric assumptions, and applicability to dichotomous, polytomous, and missing data. Popular and emerging approaches are situated within the proposed framework and illustrated via analyses of item response data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress Science Assessment.
Applying Traditional Risk-Return Analysis to Strategic IT Outsourcing Decisions

Information Technology (IT) outsourcing practices have changed significantly since 1989 when Kodak outsourced major components of its IT functions. While early outsourcing efforts were driven primarily by cost and efficiency considerations, many new initiatives are based on strategic considerations that have broader business implications beyond IS operations. The objective of this paper is to examine whether and how a risk-return model based on financial theory and transaction cost economics can be applied to the new forms of strategic IT outsourcing.
Towards detection of single rare-earth-ions in a nanophotonic resonator

We report a scheme for detecting single rare-earth-ions coupled to an Yttrium Orthosilicate (YSO) nanophotonic resonator, which could enable precise optical addressing of individual ions as single qubits for quantum information applications.
Topical tacrolimus in the treatment of bovine collagen hypersensitivity.

Background. Soft tissue augmentation with bovine collagen is a common and safe aesthetic procedure. Despite adequate pretreatment testing, allergic reactions can develop. The medical literature provides little guidance to the clinician in the management of bovine collagen hypersensitivity. Objective. We describe a case of bovine collagen allergy treated with 0.1% topical tacrolimus and corticosteroids. Methods. Clinical evaluation and management of a patient with bovine collagen hypersensitivity. Results. Our patient responded to combined therapy with oral corticosteroids and topical tacrolimus. Conclusion. Topical tacrolimus may be a useful first-line or adjuvant therapy in the management of bovine collagen allergic reactions. Further clinical experience with its use for bovine collagen hypersensitivity is required to determine its true efficacy in this condition.
Acquisition and retention of multidirectional escape behavior in preweanling rats.

The shock-escape behavior of preweanling rats in a multidirectional escape situation was examined in 3 experiments. In Experiment I, 5-, 7-, 9-, and 11-day-old rats were given shock-escape training on each of 3 days. Rats younger than 7 days of age did not improve escape responding within or over sessions. Animals 7 days of age and older, however, showed both an intrasession improvement and an intersession improvement that could not be attributed solely to maturation. In Experiment II, the escape behavior of 3-, 5-, and 7-day-olds was examined in an apparatus modified to take into account the poor locomotor abilities of these animals. They were given escape training on 3 successive days. Again, no within-session improvement was found in rats under 7 days of age. However, an intersession improvement was found in rats whose training began at 5 days of age. This improvement was due to maturation and did not reflect a cumulative effect of training. Experiment III, like Experiment I, demonstrated that the intersession improvement in the older rats was not simply a maturation effect. It also demonstrated that the improvement could not be attributed to the stress of prior handling, shock, or body temperature loss, but was, rather, a retention effect. These results support the contention that the emergence of memory is task specific.
Influence of Usual Source of Care on Differences by Race/Ethnicity in Receipt of Preventive Services

OBJECTIVE: We examined the relation between race/ethnicity and receipt of preventive services and the effect of having a usual source of care (USOC) on receipt of preventive services in different racial and ethnic groups.
Ionic Current Measurements in the Squid Giant Axon Membrane

The concepts, experiments, and interpretations of ionic current measurements after a step change of the squid axon membrane potential require the potential to be constant for the duration and the membrane area measured. An experimental approach to this ideal has been developed. Electrometer, operational, and control amplifiers produce the step potential between internal micropipette and external potential electrodes within 40 microseconds and a few millivolts. With an internal current electrode effective resistance of 2 ohm cm.(2), the membrane potential and current may be constant within a few millivolts and 10 per cent out to near the electrode ends. The maximum membrane current patterns of the best axons are several times larger but of the type described by Cole and analyzed by Hodgkin and Huxley when the change of potential is adequately controlled. The occasional obvious distortions are attributed to the marginal adequacy of potential control to be expected from the characteristics of the current electrodes and the axon. Improvements are expected only to increase stability and accuracy. No reason has been found either to question the qualitative characteristics of the early measurements or to so discredit the analyses made of them.
Eclipsing Binary Solutions in Physical Units and Direct Distance Estimation

Opportunities for extraction of distances and temperatures from eclipsing binary light curves that are in standard flux units, as opposed to traditional arbitrary units, are examined. Benefits include (1) distance becomes an ordinary solution parameter with a standard error, (2) temperatures of both stars may be derivable in favorable circumstances, and (3) semidetached and overcontact binaries suffer no loss of distance accuracy, vis-a-vis well-detached binaries. Flux calibrations enter only for the observations, while theoretical fluxes are naturally in standard units, so confrontation of theory and observation is direct, and semiempirical quantities based on color-temperature relations are not needed. The monolithic process, called direct distance estimation (DDE), also saves time and effort by avoiding separate distance estimation steps and should lead to routine distance measurements for large numbers of eclipsing binaries (EBs). Discussions compare DDE with traditional EB distance estimation, which has been restricted to well detached binaries in most publications. Aspect dependence of spectroscopic or color temperature, as affected by tides and irradiation, is treated rigorously. A temperature-distance theorem that specifies requirements for finding temperatures and distance from EB light and velocity curves is checked by several kinds of simulations. Demonstration solutions are carried out for the overcontact binary AW UMa and the semidetached binary RZ Cnc, with discussions of temperature and distance results. Although AW UMa has many observational and structural oddities, its DDE and Hipparcos distances agree. Six DDE distances for RZ Cnc, done in several ways and for three photometric bands, fall well within the 1 σ range of its Hipparcos distance. Interactions among calibrative errors, parameter values, and fitting discrepancies are discussed, as is proper weighting.
The Varicella-Zoster Virus Open Reading Frame 63 Latency-Associated Protein Is Critical for Establishment of Latency

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) expresses at least six viral transcripts during latency. One of these transcripts, derived from open reading frame 63 (ORF63), is one of the most abundant viral RNAs expressed during latency. The VZV ORF63 protein has been detected in human and experimentally infected rodent ganglia by several laboratories. We have deleted >90% of both copies of the ORF63 gene from the VZV genome. Animals inoculated with the ORF63 mutant virus had lower mean copy numbers of latent VZV genomes in the dorsal root ganglia 5 to 6 weeks after infection than animals inoculated with parental or rescued virus, and the frequency of latently infected animals was significantly lower in animals infected with the ORF63 mutant virus than in animals inoculated with parental or rescued virus. In contrast, the frequency of animals latently infected with viral mutants in other genes that are equally or more impaired for replication in vitro, compared with the ORF63 mutant, is similar to that of animals latently infected with parental VZV. Examination of dorsal root ganglia 3 days after infection showed high levels of VZV DNA in animals infected with either ORF63 mutant or parental virus; however, by days 6 and 10 after infection, the level of viral DNA in animals infected with the ORF63 mutant was significantly lower than that in animals infected with parental virus. Thus, ORF63 is not required for VZV to enter ganglia but is the first VZV gene shown to be critical for establishment of latency. Since the present vaccine can reactivate and cause shingles, a VZV vaccine based on the ORF63 mutant virus might be safer.
The effect of the Asiatic clam, Corbicula fluminea, on phytoplankton of the Potomac River, Maryland

In the summers of the 1960s and 197Os, phytoplankton in the fresh, tidal Potomac River showed a downstream gradient of low to high abundance. Phytoplankton abundance in a 6-8-km segment ofthe river, in summer 1980 and 198 1, was 40-60% below that upstream and downstream, forming a “sag.” In 1980, the highest densities of the Asiatic clam Corbicula fluminea in the reach as the phytoplankton sag. Filtration rates indicate that the volume of the sag reach could be pumped through the Corbicula population in 3-4 days. Corbicula removed 30% of the phytoplankton chlorophyll a from a river water sample in 2 h. Pheophytin a in surficial sediments correlated well with clam biomass as a consequence of phytoplankton excreted in pseudofeces. The hypotheses that peak discharges, zooplankton, toxic substances, and nutrient limitation induced the sag were not supported.
Integration of statistical methods and judgment for time series forecasting: principles from empirical research

We consider how judgment and statistical methods should be integrated for time-series forecasting. Our review of published empirical research identified 47 studies, all but four published since 1985. Five procedures were identified: revising judgment; combining forecasts; revising extrapolations; rule-based forecasting; and econometric forecasting. This literature suggests that integration generally improves accuracy when the experts have domain knowledge and when significant trends are involved. Integration is valuable to the extent that judgments are used as inputs to the statistical methods, that they contain additional relevant information, and that the integration scheme is well structured. The choice of an integration approach can have a substantial impact on the accuracy of the resulting forecasts. Integration harms accuracy when judgment is biased or its use is unstructured. Equal-weights combining should be regarded as the benchmark and it is especially appropriate where series have high uncertainty or high instability. When the historical data involve high uncertainty or high instability, we recommend revising judgment, revising extrapolations, or combining. When good domain knowledge is available for the future as well as for the past, we recommend rule-based forecasting or econometric methods. Reproduced with permission from G. Wright and P. Goodwin (eds.), Forecasting with Judgment, John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 1998, 269-293.
Tweeting for a Cause: Micro-Blogging and Environmental Advocacy

This study examines how environmental organizations utilized the micro-blogging website Twitter to engage in political advocacy during the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Using a content analysis of tweets, blogs, email, and press releases, I demonstrate that groups responded more quickly to the disaster and offered more sustained attention to the spill on Twitter compared to the other media. While Twitter adds a new element to interest groups’ efforts to shape the policy process, I also show that groups used it to support their other online communications, suggesting that the medium should not be studied in isolation.
Optical trapping with real-time feedback using planar silicon micro-ring resonators

We experimentally demonstrate optical trapping with micro-ring resonators. Tuning the incident wavelength enables controlled trapping and release of particles. The resonance frequency red-shift upon trapping enables monitoring of the particle physical properties.
The Evolution of Hospital Utilization Review Methods in the United States

The purpose of this paper is to provide a description of utilization review (UR) methods that have been used in the United States and the direction UR is likely to take in the future. In contrast to the European studies reported in this issue, which consist primarily of empirical studies quantifying the magnitude of inappropriate hospital utilization, the focus of this paper is on the methods used to perform UR operationally. Particular attention will be paid to the predominant form of UR employed in the United States, concurrent review of the need for a hospital level of care, and on the criteria used to assess appropriateness of hospital admissions and days.