cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bioactive polymer surfaces via supercritical fluids

Abstract Supercritical CO2 (scCO2) can reversibly swell thermoplastic polymers. We use this phenomenon to enhance the impregnation of a fluorescently-labeled protein into a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) matrix. Exposure to scCO2 provides simultaneous sterilization and foamed morphologies similar to those found in both hard and soft tissues in vivo. This combination of enhanced diffusion, foaming, and sterilization can conceivably be exploited to produce or modify a variety of biomedical materials. In the current study, efforts were made to control the scCO2-induced foaming in PMMA. Fundamental information regarding solid state swelling (via laser dilatometry) and foaming (via microfocus X-ray computed tomography) were used to explore the interactions between process variables. This is the first application of laser dilatometry to measure scCO2 swelling of and desorption from a polymer in situ. scCO2 at 40 °C was also used to impregnate PMMA with a fluorescently-labeled protein, a rhodamine-labeled antibody to immunoglobin. Protein impregnation was verified using confocal microscopy.
Reactive Adsorption of NO2 at Dry Conditions on Sewage Sludge-Derived Materials

Composite inorganic−carbonaceous adsorbents were obtained by pyrolysis of sewage sludge at 500, 650, and 950 °C for various periods of time. They were used as media for reactive adsorption of NO2. The surface structure and chemistry of the initial and exhausted materials were analyzed using adsorption of nitrogen, XRD, FTIR, and thermal analysis. The results indicate the high level of conversion of NO2 to NO with the retention of both species on the surface depending on its chemistry. At 650 °C as the pyrolysis temperature, the most efficient adsorbents were obtained owing to a high reactivity of their oxides toward the formation of nitrites and nitrates. When the pyrolysis temperature is low, NO2 is reduced to NO on surface sulfides and reacts with surface oxides, forming nitrites and nitrates. When adsorbents are obtained at 950 °C, the chemically stable surface prevents the formation of nitrites and nitrates, and the majority of NO2 is reduced to NO in the highly carbonized carbonaceous phase.
Disubstituted Polyacetylene Brushes Grown via Surface-Directed Tungsten-Catalyzed Polymerization

Disubstituted polyacetylene brushes were grown from modified silicon and quartz surfaces using a transition metal-catalyzed polymerization technique employing tungsten hexachloride/tetraphenyl tin (WCl6/Ph4Sn). The substrate surfaces were initially functionalized with terminal alkyne functional groups by using an alkyne-functionalized silane, O-(propagyloxy)-N-(triethoxysilylpropyl) urethane, as a surface coupling agent. Surface polymerization of 5-decyne under microwave irradiation at 150 °C for 30 min was performed on the functional surfaces to produce surfaces consisting of grafted poly(1,2-dibutylacetylene) brushes. The alkyne-functionalized and polymer-coated surfaces were characterized using surface contact angle measurements, film thickness measurements, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectrometer measurements were performed to analyze the surfaces at each step of the modification process. This simple technique demonstrates a novel way of synthesizin...
Layer-wise shell theory for postbuckling of laminated circular cylindrical shells

The layer-wise shell theory of Reddy is used to study the postbuckling response of circular cylindrical shells. The Rayleigh-Ritz method is used to solve the equations by assuming a double Fourier expansion of the displacements with trigonometric coordinate functions. Numerical results for postbuckling response of axially compressed multilayer cylinders with simply supported edge conditions are presented for different values of shell imperfections.
Availability and use of radiometric neutron monitor materials for characterizing nuclear reactor environments

Abstract The Isotope Research Materials Laboratory (IRML) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory routinely provides passive dosimeter materials to the research community for monitoring neutron energy, flux, and fluence. Important considerations in selecting these materials include, but are not limited to, response to specific neutron energies, encapsulation material, temperature limitation, size, reaction product half-life, amount of reaction product after irradiation, and competing reactions. Details relating to the preparation, characterization, and availability of specific passive dosimeter materials that address the considerations described above are summarized. Dosimetry used for characterizing the neutron environment in the Dounreay Prototype Fast Reactor for determining the integral cross sections for a wide variety of higher actinide isotopes is described.
Idiosyncratic drug hepatotoxicity

The occurrence of idiosyncratic drug hepatotoxicity is a major problem in all phases of clinical drug development and the most frequent cause of post-marketing warnings and withdrawals. This review examines the clinical signatures of this problem, signals predictive of its occurrence (particularly of more frequent, reversible, low-grade injury) and the role of monitoring in prevention by examining several recent examples (for example, troglitazone). In addition, the failure of preclinical toxicology to predict idiosyncratic reactions, and what can be done to improve this problem, is discussed. Finally, our current understanding of the pathophysiology of experimental drug hepatotoxicity is examined, focusing on acetaminophen, particularly with respect to the role of the innate immune system and control of cell-death pathways, which might provide targets for exploration and identification of risk factors and mechanisms in humans.
Spherical and nonspherical aerosol and particulate characterization using optical pattern recognition techniques

Optical pattern recognition techniques for characterizing spherical and nonspherical aerosols and particulates utilized by Dugway Proving Ground in their smoke and obscurant testing programs are presented. The three standard classes of unclassified military smokes and obscurants are included in this study, namely standard liquid aerosol smokes, fibrous obscurants, and flaked brass and graphite IR obscurants. The overall objectives of size distribution in nearly real time under conditions of high particulate loading are specified. A holographic version of the commercially available wedge-ring detector is described to replace the classical matched and phase-only filters, and some of the possible benefits are enumerated for characterizing the two classes of nonspherical obscurants. Computer simulations and experimental data collected for opaque spherical and nonspherical particles are included utilizing the classical matched filter, the phase-only filter and the holographic wedge-ring detector. Computer simulations are presented predicting the performance of a system where the output from the optical correlator utilizing the holographic wedge-ring detector is coupled directly into a optical processor to accomplish the decision making and classification tasks to enhance the speed and performance of the system
How Do U.S. Students Perceive Trans Persons

This study explored undergraduate students’ interpersonal responses, namely general feelings toward and desire for further social interaction with trans persons in a helping context. Secondarily, this study explored the relationship between participants’ intrinsic empathy, interpersonal curiosity and interest in further interaction. Two hundred fifty-one undergraduates at a moderate sized university in the southeastern United States served as participants. In order to assess baseline levels of empathy and curiosity, participants in session 1 completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Scale (Davis 1983) and the Interpersonal Curiosity Scale (Litman and Pezzo 2007). One week later, during session 2, the same students assumed the role of a peer counselor and read 1 of 4 (male, female, male-to-female, female-to-male) randomly assigned versions of an intake form completed by a fictitious peer client. Each version was identical, with the exception of the gender identity of the peer client. Participants completed various measures of affect and interest in further interaction. Male participants reported less willingness to interact with, and the strongest negative feelings toward the FTM peer client. Men reported highest willingness to interact with the MTF client and showed the lowest negative reactions towards the MTF client. Female participants’ scores on willingness to interact and on negative reactions were similar across all four intake form versions. Contrary to expectations, baseline levels of empathy and curiosity did not impact responses to gender expression. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the factors associated with anti-transgender prejudice particularly in the context of helping relationships.
Vibration control of gyroscopic systems via direct velocity feedback

Abstract This paper studies vibration control of a class of gyroscopic systems by direct velocity feedback. Of special interest is the stabilization of a gyroscopic system of many modes via a smaller number of sensors and actuators. A matrix decomposition and a co-ordinate transformation are proposed for stability analysis and controller design. Based on the information about the eigensolutions of the uncontrolled system, the asymptotic stability of the control system is determined. Also, a root locus sensitivity coefficient is defined as an index of damping introduced to each mode by the velocity feedback.
Chronic ICV enterostatin preferentially reduced fat intake and lowered body weight

Abstract Lin, L., J. Chen and D. A. York. Chronic ICV enterostatin preferentially reduced fat intake and lowered body weight. Peptides 18(5) 657–661, 1997.—The pancreatic peptide enterostatin will acutely reduce fat intake in rats provided a choice of diets. Chronic ICV infusions of enterostatin suppress the intake of high fat diet. However, the effects of chronic ICV enterostatin on diet choice has not previously been studied. To investigate this, enterostatin (0.5 μ g/h) or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was infused for 9 days into the lateral ventricle of rats adapted to a two-choice high-fat (HF) and low-fat (LF) diet regime. Enterostatin reduced intake of HF diet with the maximum depression at day 4, but there was no compensatory increase in LF intake. The body weight of enterostatin-infused rats declined. This was associated with a reduction in fat pad and liver weights compared to the CSF-infused control rats. Serum triglycerides and insulin were decreased and corticosterone was elevated in enterostatin-infused rats. The data show that enterostatin will chronically reduce fat intake and body weight and suggest that enterostatin may attenuate the appetite for fat.
Alternative Derivation of Marguerre’s Displacement Solution in Plane Isotropic Elasticity

An alternative derivation of Marguerre's solution for displacements in plane isotropic elasticity is provided. It is shown that the present approach, which is based on Green's theorem and parallel to the Airy stress function approach, is straightforward. Also, the current derivation establishes the completeness of the Marguerre solution.
The Black Death in the diocese of Ely: The evidence of the bishop's register

The Black Death of 1348-9 is thought to have killed a third to a half of the population of Europe. More exact measurements of the plague mortality are hard to come by, but the ten episcopal registers of England which survived the great pestilence provide some of the most complete and reliable information about the number of deaths on a yearly basis. Although there are qualifications to be made before using this information, the defects in the bishops' registers are not so great that the historian can afford to neglect this valuable source. In addition, there is sometimes anecdotal evidence in the registers which speaks of the human drama of the plague, in contrast to the impassive testimony of numbers. This paper will examine the evidence of the register of Thomas de Lisle, bishop of Ely from 1345 until 1361, as it relates to the Black Death. The first half of the paper will address the statistical evidence, to be followed by a discussion of the anecdotal material. De Lisle's register has not been extensi...
Adrenergic crisis from crack cocaine ingestion: Report of five cases

We report the historical, clinical, and laboratory findings in 5 patients after crack cocaine ingestion. All patients exhibited adrenergic crisis as a result of their ingestion. Analysis of their history revealed a latency period before signs and symptoms occurred as well as a wide variation in the number of crack cocaine nuggets ingested. Signs of intoxication were hypertension, tachycardia, hyperthermia, agitation, and generalized seizure activity. Treatment included therapeutic sedation with lorazepam and adrenolysis with esmolol infusion. The majority of patients showed electrocardiographic evidence of cardiac ischemia, but not elevations in serum creatinine phosphokinase enzymes--MB fraction. One patient died of complications associated with subclinical status epilepticus. The toxicities of crack cocaine ingestion are seldom appreciated. Prompt reversal of both cardiovascular and neurological signs and symptoms with appropriate pharmacologic agents is indicated.
Historical development of flutter

A historical survey of aeroelasticity, and in particular flutter, is given. The instances in which aeroelasticity played a major role in aircraft failure are detailed, and developments taking flutter into account from the days of the early aviation pioneers up to their successors in the 1950's are reviewed. Aerodynamic theories analyzing flutter are also discussed.
Decomposition kinetics of Ni(III)-peptide complexes with histidine and histamine as the third residue.

The decomposition kinetics of the Ni(III) complexes of Gly2HisGly and Gly2Ha are studied from p[H+] 3.5 to 10, where His is l-histidine and Ha is histamine. In these redox reactions, at least two N...
Influence of some external and internal environmental factors on foreign market entry mode choice in service firms

Abstract The effect of some external and internal environmental and internal faectors on service firms' choice pf foreign market entry modes is investigated. Hypotheses are developed their international oprations. These hyphothese are emperically tested using logistic regression with data collected from 175 United State service firms. The results generally conform to prediction and indicate that the influence of environmental factors may vary in importance in different situations. Some managerial and theoretical implications of these efindings are presented.
The environments of our Hominin ancestors, tool-usage, and scenario visualization

In this paper, I give an account of how our hominin ancestors evolved a conscious ability I call scenario visualization that enabled them to manufacture novel tools so as to survive and flourish in the ever-changing and complex environments in which they lived. I first present the ideas and arguments put forward by evolutionary psychologists that the mind evolved certain mental capacities as adaptive responses to environmental pressures. Specifically, Steven Mithen thinks that the mind has evolved cognitive fluidity, viz., an ability to exchange information flexibly between and among mental modules. Showing the deficiency in Mithen's view, I then argue that the flexible exchange of information between and among modules together with scenario visualization is what explains the ability to construct the novel tools needed to survive and flourish in the environments in which our hominin ancestors resided. Finally, I trace the development of the multi-purposed javelin, from its meager beginnings as a stick, in order to illustrate scenario visualization in novel tool manufacturing.
Electron Transport Chain Defect and Inefficient Respiration May Underlie Pulmonary Hypertension Syndrome (Ascites)-Associated Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Broilers

Abstract By using a series of chemical inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration, a site-specific defect in the electron transport chain was identified in mitochondria obtained from broilers with pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS; ascites). Located at the succinate:ubiquinone oxido-reductase (Complex II:CoQ) interface, this defect would allow electrons to leak from the respiratory chain and consume oxygen by forming reactive oxygen species at a greater rate than in control mitochondria. Lower levels of the primary antioxidants, α- and β-tocopherol, and glutathione (GSH) in PHS mitochondria confirmed the presence of oxidative stress. Respiration studies of PHS liver mitochondria also revealed disease-associated decreases in the respiratory control ratio (RCR, an index of electron transport chain coupling). Differences in the RCR as well as the adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to O ratio (an index of oxidative phosphorylation) between control and PHS mitochondria were accentuated by sequential additions of ADP to isolated mitochondria. In a second experiment, similar improvements in functional indices following sequential additions of ADP and responses to respiratory chain inhibitors were observed in liver mitochondria isolated from Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) males (resistant to PHS) similar to that observed in control broiler mitochondria in Experiment 1. The combined results indicate the presence of a site-specific defect at either Complex II, ubiquinone, or both in liver mitochondria obtained from broilers with PHS that may be responsible for the oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction observed in this costly metabolic disease.
Dissociation Time from DNA Determines Transcriptional Function in a STAT1 Linker Mutant

Abstract The STAT1 transcription factor is organized into several highly conserved domains, each of which has been assigned a function with the exception of the linker domain. We previously characterized a mutant in the linker domain of STAT1 that gave normal DNA binding using a standard probe in an electrophoretic mobility assay but failed to activate transcription in response to interferon γ. We now report the mechanistic basis for the inactivity of this STAT1(K544A/E545A) mutant. Rather than failing to attract transcriptional coactivators, the STAT1(K544A/E545A) mutant has a subtle biophysical defect, which prevents accumulation of the activated protein on chromatin in vivo: the mutant has comparableK d with greatly increasedk off for DNA binding. The increase in both on-rate and off-rate of DNA binding results in a substantially reduced residence time of STAT1(K544A/E545A) on STAT binding sites. We find a similar correlation between off-rate and transcriptional potency for STAT1(N460A), which bears a mutation in the DNA binding domain. These results yield insight into the rate of complex assembly involving STAT1 that leads to transcriptional stimulation.
Securing borders: China's doctrine and force structure for frontier defense

Abstract The study of military doctrine is one tool that scholars can use to understand a rising power's potential for involvement in interstate war. In its evolving joint operational doctrine, China pursues a defensive approach to securing its land borders and maintaining territorial integrity. Despite the prominence of a Taiwan conflict in China's defense planning, frontier defense remains a core mission for China's armed forces, involving almost half of the PLA's ground forces. China's force structure is consistent with a defensive doctrine for securing its borders, as light infantry units are stationed on the border itself while most maneuver units capable of offensive operations are based hundreds of kilometers away in the interior. Due to the potential for ethnic unrest in the frontiers, which places a premium on cooperation with neighboring states, China's defensive posture on the Asian continent is likely to endure.
Analysis of the First Ten Years of the Journal of Engineering Education

The analysis of the Journal of Engineering Education (JEE) is extended to the ten year period from 1993 through 2002. The most common keywords remain teaching, computers and design although “assessment” and “ABET” became popular from 1998 to 2002. The most cited reference and author are ABET Criterion 2000 and Richard Felder, respectively. The median number of JEE citations of articles published in JEE during 1993 and 1994 is one. The number of papers with financial support increased by over 80 percent. NSF is the dominant source of support. Comparing the second five-year period to the first five-year period, there were increases in the percentages of papers reporting data, doing assessment, and using educational or learning theories. These results are consistent with a journal that is becoming more research oriented.
Sensitivity of transvenous defibrillation models to adaptive mesh density and resolution: the potential for interactive solution times

Abstract The voltage gradients induced in ventricular myocardium by an electric shock have been shown to correlate to the probability of the shock producing a successful defibrillation. Finite element modeling is one method for computing these voltage gradients, although the meshing of complex biomedical domains is difficult on a patient-specific basis. We recently described an adaptive algorithm that automates the generation of finite element meshes for complex 3-D domains from bitmapped images. This article examines the sensitivity of the computed distribution of ventricular voltage gradients to the resolution of the images and to the adapted density of the mesh. The results allow us to establish an adaptation stopping criterion and a minimum input image resolution for modeling transvenous defibrillation. The sensitivity to adapted mesh density was analyzed by comparing voltage gradient histograms from successively finer meshes to histograms from a uniform mesh at the maximum possible density. Comparisons were made using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test with the number of samples required to detect a 5% difference in the histograms at the 0.05 significance level. Adaptation to a global current density error estimate of 5% or less was required in order to achieve acceptance of the null hypothesis that the distributions were the same in all cases. Defibrillation efficacy, however, is predicted from the voltage gradient in the first quartile, and the results suggest that this region of the cumulative histogram converges faster during mesh adaptation than the histogram as a whole. We also compared histograms from models generated from successively finer input images. The histogram of each model was compared with the histogram obtained from the finest possible resolution. In all cases, the null hypothesis of no difference was accepted at resolutions of 2.3 × 2.3 × 3.0 mm. The average time required to build and adapt models to a 5% accuracy at the first quartile at this resolution was 1.8 min. on a common workstation. We believe that this demonstrates a potential for the eventual synthesis of finite element computations into interactive electrode placement tools on a subject-specific basis.
Hepatitis C antiviral treatment in special populations

Early identification and consideration for antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important component in reducing morbidity and mortality. Although many HCV-infected patients do not meet current criteria for antiviral therapy, increased efforts are needed to overcome barriers to care and improve treatment candidacy. In select patients, clinicians should consider expanding treatment eligibility to reduce disease progression, lifethreatening complications, and future disease burden. Preliminary data suggest that HCV-infected "special populations," including those with substance abuse disorders (ie, injection drug use, alcohol abuse), those coinfected with HIV, and those with cirrhosis but only mild hepatic compromise, can be successfully treated with interferonbased preparations and ribavirin. Larger, controlled clinical studies are needed to validate preliminary results. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team experienced in managing HCV infection is crucial to improve treatment candidacy, address the complexities involved with treating special populations, and optimize response and ensure safety in those undergoing HCV antiviral therapy.
SMA actuated compliant bistable mechanisms

This article introduces the concept, analysis, as well as the design of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated compliant bistable mechanisms. Compliant bistable mechanisms and SMA linear actuators have noteworthy advantages. When they are combined, not only their advantageous characteristics are preserved, but also some disadvantages can be eliminated. Thus, comparing to a stand-alone SMA actuator, SMA actuated compliant mechanisms have the advantages of requiring no input to stay at the stable positions, high repeatability in positioning, lightweight and simple control. Complexity in analysis, design, and control of SMA actuators and other shortcomings of SMA actuators, such as short output stroke and small output force, are either eliminated or improved.
Synaptosomal uptake and release of dopamine in substantia nigra: Effects of γ-aminobutyric acid and substance P

Abstract Nigral tissue prepared as synaptosomes demonstrates both high and low affinity uptake of [ 3 H]dopamine. Recently accumulated [ 3 H]dopamine is releasable by 35 mM K+. Substance P increases both uptake and release of dopamine by nigral synaptosomes; γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibits release with no effect on uptake at concentrations less than 10 −4 M. In the striatum, substance P inhibits both uptake and release of dopamine. The results support the existence of dopamine-containing terminals in substantia nigra tissue. The differences in response to substance P and GABA found between nigra and striatum may reflect structural differences in dopamine-containing processes in these areas, related to their proposed origin as dend-tritic (substantia nigra) and axonal (striatal) terminals.
Influence of responsiveness, accessibility, and professionalism on journalists’ perceptions of Southwest Airlines public relations

This longitudinal study presents the results of three biennial surveys of key national journalists who routinely report on Southwest Airlines, a company widely recognized for its extraordinary public relations efforts. Synthesizing data garnered through relationship, utility, and perception scales as well as robust open-ended responses, the results support and advance media relations best practices. Ultimately, data confirm that practitioner responsiveness and accessibility to reporters are the keys to ensuring that journalists maintain positive perceptions of Southwest Airlines’ public relations. The results provide an instructive case study and recommendations to corporate public relations practitioners for cultivating favorable media relationships through a commitment to dialogic communication principles.
Design and analysis of the homogeneous and heterogeneous distribution of water confined within colloidal polymer particles

Water is known to distribute within polymeric films in multiple states differentiable by the energy of association. Potentiometric swelling of carboxylated latex samples and subsequent differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis verified this distribution of water, specifically confined within colloidal nanoparticle dimensions. DSC cooling curves can delineate between the freezable bound and freezable unbound water at low total water content but become difficult to distinguish the freezable bound contribution at high total water content. Of note is that the ratio of weakly bound water in the secondary layer to the water strongly hydrogen-bound to the polymer is approximately constant regardless of carboxylic acid type and, in fact, is greater for the case of the hydrophobic base polymer. Aside from its distribution within the particles, the total water content also appeared to be more related to the hydroplasticized glass point of the polymer colloid as opposed to the polarity of the polymer.
Echocardiographic diagnosis of septic pericarditis in infancy

Summary This infant is the youngest patient proved by echocardiography to have a septic pericardial effusion. Echocardiography was accurate and sensitive for prompt diagnosis and for follow-up purposes. The early recognition helped avoid otherwise risky and lengthy procedures.
Cryptococcal capsular polysaccharide utilizes an antigen-presenting cell to induce a T-suppressor cell to secrete TsF

A T-T hybridoma (F6.6.2) which secretes a T-suppressor factor (TsF) specific for cryptococcal capsular polysaccharide (glucuronoxylomannan, GXM) was tested to determine if antigen-presenting cells (APC) were necessary for activation of the hybridoma to secrete TsF. Normal, syngeneic spleen cells were required along with GXM before TsF could be detected in culture supernatants. Ts cells did not secrete TsF unless the APC were obtained from mice which were identical at the ‘so-called’ I-J sublocus as defined by the difference between B10.A(3R) and B10.A(5R) mice. The APC was adherent and could be depleted from spleen cell suspensions by treatment with anti-I-J and complement but not anti-I-A and complement. Additionally, treatment with anti-T cell serum or anti-immunoglobulin and complement did not remove the APC function of the spleen cell population. A role for I-E antigens in the function of the APC was determined by blocking antigen presentation to the suppressor cell with anti-I-E antibodies. The polys...
Intubation of the left main-stem bronchus in newborn infants: A new technique

SELECTIVE INTUBATION of the contralatera! bronchus has been shown to be helpful in patients with severe unilateral pulmonary emphysema? Intubating the right main-stem bronchus is usually accomplished easily by blindly advancing an endotracheal tube beyond the cariha. The endotracheal tube preferentially enters the right main-stem bronchus in most cases. Selective intubation of the left main-stem bronchus is more difficult?' Selective intubation of either the right or the left bronchus is also helpful in infants with large tracheoesophageal fistulas and to facilitate safe pulmonary resection in some infants with unilateral pulmonary disease, espeCially in bronchiectasis. We describe a new technique for selectively intubating either bronchus in newborn infants.
Value and limitations of transesophageal echocardiography in assessment of mitral valve prostheses.

BACKGROUND Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography examination has become an integral part of the investigations performed in patients with mitral valve prostheses. The limitations of the transthoracic approach are well documented. Transesophageal echocardiography provides a unique window for achieving a clear view of the mitral prosthesis. METHODS AND RESULTS This study shows the usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography in clinical practice for assessment of patients with a mitral valve prosthesis. This technique demonstrated an abnormality in 48% of patients who had normal results on transthoracic examination. The overall sensitivity of transesophageal echocardiography was 96%. CONCLUSIONS Transesophageal echocardiography constitutes an essential part of a comprehensive two-dimensional/Doppler echocardiographic examination in patients with suspected malfunction of mitral prostheses.
The Geopolitics of Eugenics and the Incarceration of Japanese Americans

Both geopolitics and eugenics as political/scientific theories emerged during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. Although in the literature these remain largely disparate areas of inquiry, many parallels exist. Both reflected a concern over the security of the state and both emphasized the identification of foreign threats and likewise intimated viable solutions to counter these threats. This paper seeks to uncover a geopolitics of eugenics. Specifically, I contend that a eugenically informed geopolitical discourse—and not solely a racist ideology—greatly informed the decision during the Second World War to incarcerate in the United States 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry. The liberties and human rights of those incarcerated were violated because, according to this discourse, their sacrifices were necessary for the preservation of a (white) race and nation.
Hamiltonian balance equations

Abstract We find Hamiltonian balance equations (HBE) in Eulerian variables in the momentum formulation. This is done by expanding Hamilton's principle (HP) for the primitive equations (PE) in powers of the Rossby number, ϵ ⪡ 1, truncating at order O(ϵ), then retaining all the terms that result from taking variations. An alternative set of Hamiltonian balance equations is derived in isopycnal variables (IHBE). The two sets of approximate equations HBE and IHBE differ from PE and isopycnal PE (IPE) at order O(ϵ2). Each of these four systems conserves energy and possesses an exact Kelvin theorem, which implies exact potential-vorticity advection. However, HBE and IHBE are balanced, while PE and IPE are not.
Reconfigurable and scalable array element design for polarimetric multifunctional PAR

A reconfigurable and scalable design of TR module for the next generation of multifunctional phased array radar (PAR) is presented and initial design validations are discussed. The TR module supports full dual-polarized array operations and various adaptive beam illumination controls for 10-cm radars. The antenna, RF, HPA and beamforming interfaces are discussed.
Stability Surface for the Blume-Capel Model

The stability surface for the Blume-Capel model is obtained in the thermodynamic space of the temperature and densities (order parameters). This surface, which separates thermodynamically stable (metastable) regions from unstable ones, is determined from divergences in the generalized static susceptibility. The susceptibility itself is derived from correlation functions which are calculated from high temperature expansions to the first order beyond the mean field approximation. Consequently the stability surface exhibits lattice-dependent effects. Die Stabilitatsflache fur das Blume-Capel-Modell wird im thermodynamischen Raum der Temperatur und Dichten (Ordnungsparameter) erhalten. Diese Flache, die thermodynamisch stabile (metastabile) Bereiche von instabilen trennt, wird aus den Divergenzen der verallgemeinerten statischen Suszeptibilitat bestimmt. Die Suszeptibilitat selbst wird aus Korrelationsfunktionen abgeleitet, die aus der Hochtemperaturentwicklung bis zur ersten Ordnung jenseits der Naherung des mittleren Feldes berechnet werden. Folglich zeigt die Stabilitatsflache gitterabhangige Effekte.
The molecular perspective: tumor necrosis factor.

Correspondence: David S. Goodsell, Ph.D., Associate Professor, The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Molecular Biology, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA. Telephone: 858-784-2839; Fax: 858-784-2860; e-mail: goodsell@scripps.edu Web site: http://www.scripps.edu/pub/goodsell Received November 10, 2005; accepted for publication November 10, 2005. ©AlphaMed Press 1083-7159/2006/$12.00/0 Scientific research often advances with serendipitous observations that lead to entirely new avenues of discovery. The story of Alexander Fleming’s discovery of lysozyme is a classic example. The path of discovery of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) began over a century ago, with the observation by Brunes that some of his cancer patients showed a spontaneous regression of tumors after they had acute bacterial infections. After decades of study, this compelling observation led to the discovery of TNF: a multifunctional signaling molecule with important roles in inflammation and apoptosis. TNF is composed of three identical protein chains. The trimeric shape of TNF is the key to its activity. As shown in Figure 1, TNF brings three copies of the Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com CME
Incarceration and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: Autopsy results in Texas prison inmates

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) houses many subjects with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who receive medical care in a comprehensive AIDS treatment center. In this case-control autopsy survey, we compared pathological outcomes of TDCJ inmates treated at the center (n = 155) with nonincarcerated patients who died during the same period (n = 155). Using multiple regression analysis and a proportional hazards model, survival time in the prisoners was equivalent to that in the controls. With few exceptions, the prevalences of opportunistic viral, fungal, protozoal, and bacterial infections contributing to mortality were equivalent between groups. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated more frequently in the inmates, and M avium intracellulare was isolated less frequently (P < .0001). The inmates had a higher prevalence of bacterial infection of the central nervous system (CNS) (9.1% v 1.4%; P < .006); half of all CNS bacterial infections were caused by M tuberculosis. Inmates had significantly lower prevalences of vacuolar myelopathy (P < .006) and severe wasting disease (P < .0009). We conclude that survival of prison inmates with AIDS treated in a comprehensive AIDS treatment center was equivalent to that of nonincarcerated subjects with AIDS. Prevalences of certain complications of AIDS differed in the inmates, showing that the prison environment influenced some of the underlying causes of AIDS morbidity and mortality.
An empirical analysis of producer perceptions of traceability in organic agriculture

This study assesses producer perceptions of traceability issues in organic agriculture, using survey data from the 2001 National Agricultural, Food and Public Policy Preference Survey. The survey provides food policy and socio-economic data that facilitate the examination of traceability issues in organic agriculture. The logistic regression models that are used to examine the relationship between traceability and organic agriculture are robust across models. The models indicate a decreased likelihood for federal government intervention on the part of organic producers for policies that improve traceability from consumer back to producer to improve food safety and tracking. However, the results suggest that organic producers with sales under $US 50,000 are more likely to indicate some willingness for government intervention. The analysis also shows that producers want food products made with biotechnology to be labeled if there is a scientifically determined difference in the product. While education may be an avenue to facilitate greater acceptance of traceability issues, the results indicate a negative relationship between the acceptance of traceability and farmers with a bachelor‘s degree. This finding is surprising given the on-going debate surrounding biotech foods and traceability. Clearly the reluctance on the part of producers with bachelor‘s degrees to embrace tracing could hinder such efforts if those producers assume leadership positions in their communities. Perhaps such results are a reflection of the confidence that those producers have in the quality of organic produce.
Regeneration of antennae and its control of molting in the terrestrial isopod, Armadillidium vulgare

The interactions of regeneration and pregnancy controls on the duration of different stages of molting in the pillbug Armadillidium vulgare were determined by removing the antennae during different stages of the molt cycle of the nonovigerous and ovigerous animals. Removal of one or two antennae from the males during the beginning of stage C (intermolt period) of their molting cycle resulted in regeneration and shortening of stage C and thereby in acceleration of ecdysis. Further, removal of both antennae induced the animals to ecdyse within 1–4 days of each other, thus providing a convenient method of synchronizing the molt cycle. Amputation of both antennae from males in late stage C also resulted in regeneration; however, the duration of stage C was lengthened, resulting in a delay in ecdysis. Amputation of both antennae from males and nonovigerous females in the middle of preecdysis (stage D) resulted in molting without regeneration and on schedule like the control animals. However, the antennaless animals regenerated their antennae, shortened their intermolt period (stage C), and ecdysed precociously. From these results, we conclude that amputation, before the critical period in the molt cycle of the pillbugs (during stage C), prevents the release of ecdysteroids and, consequently, generalized apolysis until regeneration is completed, whereupon this block is removed and generalized apolysis and further events of molting occur. Once ecdysteroid release has been initiated to cause generalized apolysis, as in stage D, amputation does not prevent the further events of molting. Amputation of both antennae during the beginning of the intermolt period in the ovigerous females, although permitting regeneration, did not immediately stimulate ecdysis as in the nonovigerous animals; instead, it occurred only after release of the larvae from the brood pouch. When compared to the control ovigerous animals, the overall length of stage C was shortened. The results obtained from the antennal amputations during different physiological stages of the pillbug show that of all the stages of the molt cycle, stage C is labile, and its duration is affected by regeneration and pregnancy.
Both K63 and K48 ubiquitin linkages signal lysosomal degradation of the LDL receptor

Linkage-specific ubiquitination often leads to distinct cellular events. It has been difficult to establish definitively the requirement for a particular linkage in mammalian degradation pathways due to the inability to deplete endogenous ubiquitin while maintaining cell viability. The E3 ubiquitin ligase inducible degrader of the LDL receptor (IDOL) targets the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) for degradation. The nature of the linkages employed to signal lysosomal degradation of the LDLR, and to signal proteasomal autodegradation of IDOL, have not been determined. We used an inducible RNAi strategy to replace endogenous ubiquitin with mutants lacking K48 or K63. We found that IDOL catalyzes the transfer of ubiquitin chains to itself and to the LDLR that do not contain exclusively K48 or K63 linkages. Thus, LDLR can be targeted to the lysosome by either K48 or K63 linkages. We further demonstrate that although both ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 (UBE2)Ds and UBE2N/V1 can catalyze LDLR ubiquitination in a cell-free system, UBE2Ds appear to be the major E2 enzymes employed by IDOL in cells, consistent with their ability to catalyze both K48 and K63 linkages. The results reveal mechanistic insight into the posttranscriptional control of lipoprotein uptake and provide a test of the requirement of linkage-specific ubiquitination for specific lysosomal and proteasomal degradation pathways in mammalian cells.
All-IP network architecture for mobile WiMAX

The mobile broadband wireless industry is in the midst of a significant transition in terms of capabilities and means of delivering multimedia IP services anytime, anywhere. This paper describes the network architecture for mobile WiMAX, a next-generation OFDMA-based broadband wireless technology developed and published by the IEEE as 802.16e-2005. The all-IP mobile network specification is being defined by the Network Working Group (NWG) in the WiMAX Forum. The adoption of all-IP functional architecture tenets and IETF-standardized protocols enables mobile WiMAX to deliver a wider selection of IP services while lowering capital and operational expenditures with a much faster time to market realization. This paper presents some of the inherent technical challenges and proposed solutions in developing the mobile WiMAX network architecture including support for both low-latency applications and non-real-time applications. We offer the details for some of the key functions realized in the network including handover and low-power idle mode operation. A sequel to this paper will address remaining key functions including network discovery and selection, radio resource management, QoS management and security that are integral to the initial network specification and more advanced IP services that will be supported in the next revision of the specification
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF AIRBORNE SEPARATION ASSURANCE FOR FREE FLIGHT

Airborne separation assurance is a key requirement for free flight operations. This paper investigates the feasibility of airborne separation assurance for free flight by evaluating the performance...
An exact current partitioning and its effect on base transit time in double heterojunction bipolar transistors

Abstract The current transport across the abrupt base-collector heterojunction of double heterojunction bipolar transistors (DHBTs) has been studied by partitioning the total collector current into thermionic and tunneling components within a unified formulation. An exact quantum mechanical calculation, including image force lowering of the potential energy barrier, is performed in calculating the total current. A modified junction velocity is calculated and compared with previously reported results. It is shown that the estimation of junction velocity using the previously reported simplified calculation severely underestimated tunneling, especially at low reverse bias. The modified junction velocity is used to study the base transit time of DHBTs.
Do multiple trials help Univariate methods

Cooperative Coevolutionary Algorithms (CCEAs) and Univariate Estimation of Distribution Algorithms (Univariate EDAs) are closely related algorithms in that both update marginal distributions/populations, and test samples of those distributions/populations by grouping them with collaborators drawn from elsewhere to form a complete solution. Thus the quality of these samples is context-sensitive and the algorithms assume low linkage among their variables. This results in well-known difficulties with these methods. While EDAs have commonly overcome these difficulties by examining multivariate linkage, CCEAs have instead examined basing the fitness of each marginal sample on the maximum of several trials. In this study we examine whether multiple-trial CCEA approach is really effective for difficult problems and large numbers of subpopulations; and whether this approach can be used to improve Univariate EDAs as well.
Molecular Characterization of Infectious Clones of the Minute Virus of Canines Reveals Unique Features of Bocaviruses

Minute virus of canines (MVC) is a member of the genus Bocavirus in the family Parvoviridae. We have molecularly cloned and sequenced the 5- and 3-terminal palindromes of MVC. The MVC genome, 5,404 nucleotides (nt) in length, shared an identity of 52.6% and 52.1% with that of human bocavirus and bovine parvovirus, respectively. It had distinct palindromic hairpins of 183 nt and 198 nt at the left-end and right-end termini of the genome, respectively. The left-end terminus was also found in two alternative orientations (flip or flop). Both termini shared extensive similarities with those of bovine parvovirus. Four full-length molecular clones constructed with different orientations of the left-end terminus proved to be infectious in Walter Reed canine cell/3873D (WRD) canine cells. Both MVC infection and transfection of the infectious clone in WRD cells revealed an identical RNA transcription profile that was similar to that of bovine parvovirus. Mutagenesis of the infectious clone demonstrated that the middle open reading frame encodes the NP1 protein. This protein, unique to the genus Bocavirus, was essential for MVC DNA replication. Moreover, the phospholipase A2 motif in the VP1 unique region was also critical for MVC infection. Thus, our studies revealed important information about the genus Bocavirus that may eventually help us to clone the human bocavirus and study its pathogenesis.