cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Progress in the development of a battery-based pulsed power system

The development of compact, portable pulsedpower devices is of continuing interest, and recent technological developments such as high-energy-density capacitors, the emergence of SiC high-power devices, and the combined high power and energy density in electrochemical energy storage devices present an opportunity to use these technologies in applications of interest, such as high power lasers, railguns, and microwave systems. Several challenges exist when attempting to integrate these emerging devices into the development of a compact rep-rate pulsed-power system. These include but are not limited to the input power management, DC-DC converter efficiencies, and thermal management. This paper discusses the development of a battery-powered, rep-rate charger for a 60-kJ capacitor bank, and the desire to study the feasibility of such a system, especially the efficiency and reliability of the battery packs. This paper will discuss the system design and results from experiments to date.
Chapter 13 Tumor-Specific Liposomal Drug Release Mediated by Liposomase

Despite the large arsenal of anticancer agents currently available and recent efforts in developing molecularly targeted therapies, the prognosis for many solid cancers remains dismal. A major obstacle to successful cancer therapy is the limited specificity of most anticancer agents. One approach to this problem is to construct drug carriers that preferentially accumulate at the cancer site, thus targeting otherwise nonselective cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents to cancer cells. Liposomes stand out in this regard as the most successful drug carrier that has been approved for clinical use. Currently, most clinical liposomal formulations involve the use of PEGylated phospholipids that help prolong their residence time in the systemic circulation. Paradoxically, the robustness of these long-circulating formulations also obstructs the release of their payloads at the cancer site. This chapter describes a recently discovered bacterial protein capable of targeted liposome disruption within tumors.
Ketone body enzymes in mammalian tissues. Effect of high fat diet.

Abstract Acetoacetyl coenzyme A thiolase activity of rat liver and 3-oxo acid CoA transferase activity of rat kidney were increased by 77% and 45%, respectively, after a diet containing 45% fat was given ad libitum for 1 week. No increase in activity of these two enzymes was noted in brain, not even after the rats were on the diet for 2 weeks. The data suggest that the ability of the adult rat brain to utilize ketone bodies does not depend on the nutritional state of the rat.
Comparison of lipopolysaccharides from Brazilian purpuric fever isolates and conjunctivitis isolates of Haemophilus influenzae biogroup aegyptius. Brazilian Purpuric Fever Study Group.

Abstract Haemophilus influenzae biogroup aegyptius (H. aegyptius) has been identified as the etiologic agent of the recently described disease Brazilian purpuric fever (BPF). Although there is heterogeneity among the strains associated with conjunctivitis, isolates from patients with BPF appear to be derived from a single clone. The clinical presentation of BPF suggests that bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are involved in its pathogenesis. We prepared LPS from H. influenzae biogroup aegyptius and found them to be similar to H. influenzae type b LPS in apparent size (by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis), biological activities, and fatty acid composition. We compared LPS from BPF clone isolates with LPS from non-BPF clone isolates in tests of Limulus lysate activation, spleen cell mitogenesis, promotion of neutrophil adherence to LPS-treated endothelial cells, and the dermal Shwartzman reaction. In none of these activities were LPS from the BPF clone isolates more potent. Because LPS shed from growing bacteria may be involved in the pathogenesis of purpura, we also measured the rate at which LPS were released into culture medium during bacterial growth and found no significant difference between BPF clone and non-BPF clone isolates.
Enhanced Survival of the Cyanobacterium Oscillatoria terebriformis in Darkness under Anaerobic Conditions

Oscillatoria terebriformis, a thermophilic cyanobacterium, maintained viability in darkness under anaerobic conditions by fermenting exogenous glucose or fructose to lactic acid. The time period of survival was greatly extended when the environmental redox potential was lowered by the addition of sodium thioglycolate or titanium(III) citrate. When exposed to aerobic conditions in darkness, many trichomes underwent lysis in 6 h, and death of all cells occurred in 2 to 3 days. The endogenous aerobic respiration rate was high, and the limited dark aerobic survival period appeared to be due to depletion of stored glycogen. Fructose or glucose did not support or increase aerobic respiration in darkness or lengthen aerobic survival time. Enhanced survival of O. terebriformis in darkness under anaerobic, reducing conditions correlates well with the natural nighttime position of this species within sulfide-rich microbial mats associated with hot springs of western North America.
An Introduction to Mill's Utilitarian Ethics: Appendix: An Overall View of Mill's Utilitarianism

T he purpose of this appendix is to give an overall view of Mill's essay entitled Utilitarianism . No attempt will be made to engage in critical discussion of the issues that it raises. This appendix is merely a summary of the structure and the main points of the essay. The essay has five chapters, the first of which, entitled “General Remarks,” might be regarded as a preface. The second chapter, “What Utilitarianism Is,” presents a succinct formulation of the utilitarian “creed” and then attempts to answer objections to it, objections supposedly based on mistaken interpretations of its meaning. Chapter 3, “Of the Ultimate Sanction of the Principle of Utility,” is a discussion of the sources of motivation for conformity to a morality based on the general happiness. Chapter 4 is Mill's presentation “Of What Sort of Proof the Principle of Utility Is Susceptible.” The final and longest chapter, which Mill had begun writing as a separate essay, is “On the Connexion between Justice and Utility.” This last chapter is in the form of an answer to another objection to utilitarianism, but in this case the objection could be better described as due to an inadequate and incomplete analysis of the idea and sentiment of justice, rather than a mistaken interpretation of utility. Mill's project in the chapter is to show that, when properly understood, justice is consistent with, subordinate to, and an important branch of utility, rather than opposed to it.
TMP-reactive autoantibodies in human SLE sera demonstrate thymine-dependent oligonucleotide specificity.

Abstract Autoantibodies present in the sera of lupus patients and specific for single-stranded (ss) DNA were fractionated into subsets based upon their reactivity towards 5′ nucleotide haptens. As evaluated by ELISA testing, antibodies retained by TMP-agarose bound to TMP-BSA and ssDNA but not to other nucleotide-BSA conjugates or to double-stranded (ds) DNA. Competition-inhibition studies further revealed that TMP-enriched oligo- and polynucleotides were the preferred antigens for these affinity purified antibodies. Similar assays with sequence- or size- defined oligonucleotides further implied that those oligonucleotides comprised entirely of TMP residues were most antigenic and that antigenicity increased with size (length). These results document the existence of a TMP-dependent oligonucleotide specificity among a diverse population of autoanti-ssDNA antibodies.
A prospective comparison of class IA, B, and C antiarrhythmic agents in combination with amiodarone in patients with inducible, sustained ventricular tachycardia.

BACKGROUND Clinical experience suggests that combinations of antiarrhythmic agents provide more effective control of ventricular tachyarrhythmias than does therapy with single agents. METHODS AND RESULTS Antiarrhythmic and electrophysiological effects of three class I antiarrhythmic agents, one from each subclass A, B, and C, were assessed in single use and in combination with amiodarone in patients with inducible, sustained ventricular tachycardia that was not suppressed by monotherapy with these agents. Thirty-one patients underwent an electrophysiology test on four occasions: at baseline; after 2-4 days of treatment with quinidine, mexiletine, or encainide; after 2 weeks of treatment with 1,200 mg/day amiodarone; and last, after 2-4 days of treatment with both amiodarone and the previously tested class I agent. The combination of a class I agent and amiodarone prevented the induction of sustained ventricular tachycardia in only one of 31 (3%) patients. Ventricular tachycardia became hemodynamically stable in 11 of 31 (34%) patients because of a marked prolongation in the tachycardia cycle length. It increased from 323 +/- 39 to 423 +/- 84 msec (n = 11, p less than 0.01) by adding encainide to amiodarone therapy, and it showed a tendency to lengthen when quinidine was added to amiodarone (from 373 +/- 77 to 425 +/- 58 msec; n = 10, NS). Each class I agent increased amiodarone-induced depression in myocardial conduction, but the extent of the additional depression seemed to differ among the three subclasses. Ventricular refractoriness was increased by all class I agents when used in combination with amiodarone, although not by mexiletine or encainide when used alone. CONCLUSIONS Class I antiarrhythmic agents slow ventricular conduction and increase ventricular refractoriness when used in combination with amiodarone. When amiodarone and class I drugs by themselves do not suppress the induction of ventricular tachycardia, the combination of amiodarone and a class I agent seldom results in noninducibility; however, it often lengthens the ventricular tachycardia cycle length and may render the ventricular tachycardia hemodynamically stable.
Application of a swept-potential electrochemical detector in the liquid-chroamtographic determination of nitrosamines

Abstract A swept-potential detector, operating in the square-wave voltammetric mode, is used in the liquid-chromatographic determination of a mixture of eight nitrosamines. Only three compounds were completely separated by the C-18 column. Three more were resolved by educing constant-potential chromatograms from the computer buffer. Mathematical deconvolution via fast-Fourier transform was applied to the remaining components.
Diabetic neuropathy: clinical features, etiology, and therapy.

Diabetes mellitus is a common cause of peripheral nervous system disorders that manifest in a variety of clinical forms, many of which are often misdiagnosed. Over the past two decades, our understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetic nerve injury has improved remarkably through the elucidation of the important roles of the polyol pathway of glucose metabolism, oxidative injury, advanced glycosylation endproducts, vascular insufficiency, and other mechanisms. A large number of clinical treatment trials based upon this abundant scientific data have met with limited success, but ongoing and future trials offer promise for more dramatic success in treating this common cause of morbidity and mortality in the diabetic population.
Sequences of two adjacent genes, one (DAL2) encoding allantoicase and another (DCG1) sensitive to nitrogen-catabolite repression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract Reported are the nucleotide sequences of the yeast allantoicase-encoding gene (DAL2) and that of an unknown gene adjacent to it. Expression of the unidentified gene is sensitive to nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR) and regulated by the DAL80 product, a previously documented control element regulating allantoin pathway gene expression. Both genes possess multiple upstream activation sequences (UAS) homologous to the Uasntr element shown to be required for sensitivity to NCR. Also present upstream from DAL2 is a mutant form of the upstream induction sequence required for response of DAL7 to induction. Its occurrence in mutant form is consistent with the poor induction of DAL2 expression observed in vivo.
Methane release below a tropical hydroelectric dam

[1] Tropical reservoirs upstream from hydroelectric dams are known to release significant amounts of methane to the atmosphere. Here we demonstrate that methane emissions downstream from hydroelectric dams can also be large. Emissions of CH4 downstream of Balbina reservoir in the central Amazon basin (Brazil) were calculated from regular measurements of degassing in the outflow of the turbines and downstream diffusive losses. Annual emissions from the reservoir surface and downstream from the dam were 34 and 39 Gg C, respectively. The downstream emission alone represented the equivalent of 3% of all methane released from central Amazon floodplain.
Multiple scattering in random media I. Restricted two-body additive approximation

We present a microscopic theory of the problem of finding the properties of a particle interacting with potentials located at random sites. The sites are governed by a general probability distribution. The starting point is the multiple scattering equations for the amplitude 〈k 1|T α|k 2〉 in terms of the individual scattering amplitudes 〈k 1|T α|k 2〉. We work with quantitiesA α defined by 〈k 1|T α|k 2〉=〈k 1|T α|k 2〉exp[i(k 1−k 2)R α]. The theory is based on a splitting of the fundamental equation forA into equations for the mean Āα ≡A and the fluctuationsδAδA α. Neglect of the fluctuations yields the quasicrystalline approximation. We rearrange the equation forδAδA α to isolate the collective part of the fluctuations. We then make the simplest microscopic truncation which is thatδAδA α is a restricted two-body additive function of the site positions. With the contribution of the collective fluctuations, this yields results forA that are accurate to ordert 4.
Quadrupole source in prediction of the noise of rotating blades - A new source description

The aim of this paper is to perform a theoretical study of the quadrupole term of the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings (FW-H) equation to obtain practical results for applications to rotating blades. The quadrupole term of the FW-H equation is algebraically manipulated into volume, surface and line sources using generalized function theory and differential geometry. The volume source is of the type in Lighthill's jet noise theory. The surface sources are on the blade and shock surfaces and the line source is at the trailing edge. It is shown that contribution of volume sources in the boundary layer and wakes can be written in the form of surface integrals. It is argued that the surface and line sources and the part of the volume sources in the boundary layer, wakes and vortices near the blades should be sufficient in calculation of the noise of high speed rotating blades. The integrals correspoding to the various sources appearing in the formula for calculation of the acoustic pressure are briefly derived.
The 5′-Untranslated Region of Human Transferrin mRNA, Which Contains a Putative Iron-Regulatory Element, Is Bound by Purified Iron-Regulatory Protein in a Sequence-Specific Manner

Abstract Human transferrin mRNA contains a 5′-untranslated region that (1) has homology to an iron responsive element and (2) is implicated in translational iron regulation of human transferrin transgenes in transgenic mice. Ferritin mRNA contains a 5′-untranslated region iron-responsive element, but iron regulation of ferritin differs from that of human transferrin transgenes in both magnitude and direction. Structural differences between the ferritin iron-responsive element and the human transferrin putative iron-responsive element may influence their iron-regulatory protein interactions and direct the differing translational responses. This study examines human transferrin RNA nucleotide sequence requirements for binding of cytoplasmic proteins and purified iron-regulatory protein. Mutations of the putative transferrin iron-responsive element similarly affected binding of purified iron-regulatory protein and liver cytoplasmic proteins, providing evidence that the IRP is one of the liver cytoplasmic proteins that binds the human transferrin iron-regulatory element and suggesting that it may be involved in iron-regulation of transferrin.
Time in India's development programmes

In India the high cost of savings makes the efficient use of investable resources crucial. Robert Repetto's empirical study of selected Indian development programs shows that efficiency in investment depends largely on the effective management of time and on success in accelerating the benefits of investment projects. The author discusses improvements at program and sectoral levels that have been adopted by Indian planners and managers, as well as others that may be within reach. Selected case studies indicate how his general argument applies to the development of infant industries, the choice of techniques, and the conduct of social programs. This statistically documented study has implications for development planning in all labor-abundant economies.
Functional context, biosynthesis, and genetic encoding of pyrrolysine

In Methanosarcina spp., amber codons in methylamine methyltransferase genes are translated as the 22nd amino acid, pyrrolysine. The responsible pyl genes plus amber-codon containing methyltransferase genes have been identified in four archaeal and five bacterial genera, including one human pathogen. In Escherichia coli, the recombinant pylBCD gene products biosynthesize pyrrolysine from two molecules of lysine and the pylTS gene products direct pyrrolysine incorporation into protein. In the proposed biosynthetic pathway, PylB forms methylornithine from lysine, which is joined to another lysine by PylC, and oxidized to pyrrolysine by PylD. Structures of the catalytic domain of pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (archaeal PylS or bacterial PylSc) revealed binding sites for tRNAPyl and pyrrolysine. PylS and tRNAPyl are now being exploited as an orthogonal pair in recombinant systems for introduction of useful modified amino acids into proteins.
The role of viruses in the evolution of antibody diversity

Summary We propose an alternate concept for the creation of antibody diversity involving the role of viruses as mediators of genetic exchange. We suggest that both species specificity and the diversity of the immune response arose as a consequence of virus co-evolution with host organisms. Processes such as viral transformation, transduction, and integration provide mechanisms of nucleotide exchange with the host leading to antibody diversity. In this model the genes coding for antibodies are stabilized through a process of antigenic and natural selection. Stabilization of genes ensures vertical transmission of appropriate nucleotide sequences.
SOCIAL EXCHANGE THEORY: CONTENT AND CONTEXT EFFECTS ON THE WASON SELECTION TASK '

This study manipulated the context or background story accompanying a Wason Selection Task. The content of the story and the instructions were the same in the control and two experimental condition...
The design of a high performance packet-switched network

Abstract The Lambda network is a high performance, single stage, packet-switched interprocessor communication network designed for a distributed memory, parallel processor computer. Its design arises from the desired network characteristics of minimizing mean and maximum packet transfer time, local routing, expandability, deadlock avoidance, and fault tolerance. The network is based on fixed degree nodes and has O (log p) mean and maximum packet transfer distances, where p is the number of processors. The routing method is detailed and schemes for expandability, deadlock avoidance, and fault tolerance are presented. The network's performance is demonstrated via computer simulation on stochastically defined problems. The network is shown to have performance superior to that of the hypercube network for reasonable size networks (⩾32 processors) when similar technology and network node designs are used for both.
Preparation of recombinant carbohydrate deficient active analogs of human chorionic gonadotropin from insect cells.

Abstract Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has four N-glycosyl chains, two in each subunit. Several analogs lacking one or more specific N-linked carbohydrate chains have been purified from insect cells by immunoaffinity chromatography on a monoclonal antibody, B17, column Traces of the hCGβ mutant present, if any, were removed by a second immunoaffinity chromatography on a column of hCGβ specific monoclonal antibody, B158. N-glycosylation was inhibited by the replacement of either Asn or Thr to Gln in the consensus sequence, -Asn × Ser/Thr-, for N-glycosylation. All analogs were overexpressed in High-Five insect cells with the expression levels ranging between 1.5 to 15 μg/ml and were found homogeneous by SDS-PAGE under nonreducing and reducing conditions. Their molecular sizes ranged between 34k to 44k. The receptor binding affinity of all the analogs was unaltered as determined by radio receptor assay using rat ovarian membranes. The availability of these analogs should facilitate studies on the effec...
Analysis of murine Snrpn and human SNRPN gene imprinting in transgenic mice.

The SNRPN gene is known to be expressed exclusively from the paternal allele and to map to the critical region for the neurobehavioral disorder, Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). As a means to investigate the mechanism of imprinting for the SNRPN gene, we have sought to recapitulate the imprinted expression of the endogenous gene. Using an 85-kb murine Snrpn clone, containing 33 kb of 5′ and 30 kb of 3′ flanking DNA, we obtained two intact transgenic lines. One line, containing two copies of the Snrpn transgene, recapitulated the imprinted expression pattern of the endogenous locus, whereas the other transgenic line, containing a single copy, was expressed upon both maternal and paternal inheritance. This suggests that a 6.6-kb region of maternal-specific DNA methylation that we have identified may be sufficient to confer imprinted expression, but not in a copy-number independent manner. Finally, we produced five lines of transgenic mice using a 76-kb human SNRPN clone containing 45 kb and 7 kb of 5′ and 3′ flanking DNA, respectively. We found all the lines were expressed upon both maternal and paternal inheritance, regardless of copy number, suggesting that the imprinting machinery in mouse and human may have diverged.
The Use of Dream Discussions in Counseling.

Dream discussions in counseling can aid in setting up and maintaining therapeutic contact with clients. The authors review the historical underpinnings of dreams and summarize several dream theories.
Tactics and strategies in political ecology research

Geographers working within political-cultural ecology and biogeography have often used a framework, or the general concept, of adaptation. The use of this blanket term, however, was and remains especially problematic for cultural-political ecology research, which tends to focus on a different scale of time–space analysis, while placing greater emphasis on the fine and coarse influences of political economy. To refine our understanding of daily activities that may lead towards adaptation, the concepts of ‘tactics’ and ‘strategy’ can bridge shorter-term phenomena that do not require the leap of scale implied by the loose use and implementation of the term adaptation.
Optimal control of Markovian jump processes

Those optimality conditions in [17] which pertain to the control of Markovian jump processes are presented. These conditions are justified in an intuitive manner. A fairly comprehensive list of references is appended.
The Juxtamembrane Wedge Negatively Regulates CD45 Function in B Cells

CD45 is a receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase highly expressed on all nucleated hematopoietic cells. We previously generated mice containing a point mutation in the juxtamembrane wedge of CD45. Demonstrating the critical negative regulatory function of the wedge, the CD45 E613R mutation led to a lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) and a lupus-like autoimmune syndrome. Here we show the central role of B cells in this phenotype. Genetic elimination of B cells, but not T cells, ablates the LPD. In contrast to CD45-deficient B cells, the E613R mutation generates hyperresponsive B cells. Comparison of CD45-deficient and CD45 E613R mice reveals dichotomous effects of these mutations on B cell development. Together, the results support a role for CD45 as a rheostat, with both positive and negative regulatory functions, that fine-tunes the signal transduction threshold at multiple checkpoints in B cell development.
Regulation of isometric contraction in skeletal muscle

The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences in isometric twitch contraction times of skeletal muscles are related more closely to myosin adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity or to the ability of the sarcotubules to accumulate Ca2+. The isometric contraction time was observed to be shorter in the crureus muscle than in the soleus muscle of the rabbit. These muscles were found to have similar myosin ATPase activities, but sarcotubules isolated from crureus had a faster rate of Ca2+ uptake than soleus sarcotubules. Furthermore, the yield of sarcotubules was 41% higher from crureus. Likewise, the isometric contraction time of rat soleus decreased during the first 3 weeks of life, but no change was observed in myosin ATPase activity. However, sarcotubular uptake of Ca2+ increased as did the yield of sarcotubules (44% higher). It is suggested that the differences in isometric contraction time between skeletal muscles are related more closely to the sarcotubular Ca2+ uptake than to the activity of myosin ATPase.
The Disguises of Wage-Labour: Juridical Illusions, Unfree Conditions and Novel Extensions

Once we shift the intension of the concept of wage-labour from juridical attributes of negative ownership and contractual freedom to the actual performance of capital-positing labour, the extension of the concept – the cases that fall under it – changes as well. Once the concept of wage-labour is intensively re-defined as capital-positing labour, it becomes evident that the history and the geographical scope of wage-labour have not been well understood. This shift in the intension of the concept of wage-labour also disjoins the association between capitalism and freedom.
Two epistemic world-views: Prefigurative schemas and learning in complex domains

Epistemic world-views are beliefs about learning and, relatedly, about the phenomena of the world that prefigure the form knowledge schemata will take for an individual. Features of two kinds of epistemic world-views are presented: one is associated with various kinds of oversimplification of complexity known to be related to learning failure in ill-structured domains (e.g., belief in the orderliness and teleological homogeneity of phenomena, and adherence to strategies of analytic decomposition and compartmentalization); the other is characterized by opposing features more conducive to the processing of complexity. An assessment instrument intended to identify these epistemic world-views, the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI), is discussed. A factor analysis of the CFI scores of a sample of medical students provided support for the hypothesis that the features of the two world-views form correlated constellations. The importance of having a more expansive and flexible underlying cognitive stance in an increasingly complex world is addressed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anticoagulants and the elderly: A researh dilemma

Venous thromboembolism is a problem commonly encountered in adult patients. Despite the widely accepted belief that anticoagulants form the basis of therapy, much debate remains regarding their use in the elderly. Although deep venous thrombi and pulmonary emboli are largely age-prevalent disorders, most studies have not addressed the question of whether aging may influence both the metabolic handling of and therapeutic response to anticoagulants. Variability of response as a function of age, as well as attendant risks of anticoagulant therapy in the geriatric patient are discussed. Fertile areas for future research are also summarized.
STUDIES ON BIOLUMINESCENCE : II. THE PARTIAL PURIFICATION OF CYPRIDINA LUCIFERIN.

Some solubility, oxidation, reduction, and compound-forming characteristics of extracts of Cypridina luciferin have been presented. A method of purification has been described which increased the amount of luciferin per unit of dry weight, as measured by the total light emitted, to about two thousand times that in the dry starting material. The best yields were from 50 to 65 per cent.
EEG in Benign and Malignant Epileptic Syndromes of Childhood

Summary: Characteristic appearances of epileptiform EEG activity in children aged between 2 and 10 years are described. Emphasis is placed on the value of careful analysis of background EEG and how the epileptiform activity itself may overlap between benign and malignant epileptic syndromes. Illustrations are used to underscore this emphasis. Irrespective of how “classic” an EEG appearance is, accurate classification of a child's epileptic syndrome requires integration of all available clinical data. EEG is just one component of this equation.
Comparison of Two Approaches to Model Cure-Induced Microcracking in Three-Dimensional Woven Composites

Finite element models of 3D woven composites are developed to predict possible microcracking of the matrix during curing. A specific ply-to-ply weave architecture for carbon fiber reinforced epoxy is chosen as a benchmark case. Two approaches to defining the geometry of reinforcement are considered. One is based on the nominal description of composite, and the second involves fabric mechanics simulations. Finite element models utilizing these approaches are used to calculate the overall elastic properties of the composite, and predict residual stresses due to resin curing. It is shown that for the same volume fraction of reinforcement, the difference in the predicted overall in-plane stiffness is on the order of 10%. Numerical model utilizing the fabric mechanics simulations predicts lower level of residual stresses due to curing, as compared to nominal geometry models.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Calendar calculating idiots savants and the smart unconscious

Abstract The fact that there are individuals of very limited general intelligence who can perform exceptionally well in one or two isolated domains has always puzzled psychologists who must somehow account for this anomaly in their theories of human ability. It is generally agreed that understanding these idiots savants (here called mono-savants) will increase our understanding of the mind. In this paper calendar calculating over a very extensive time period is accounted for by invoking unconscious processes that act on material to which individuals are innately atrracted and predisposed, and which they study intensively. Support for this viewpoint is drawn from recent empirical evidence that finding and using redundancies, patterns, and algorithms can occur outside of conscious awareness and, to a large extent, irrespective of general intelligence.
The determinants of location choices for food processing plants

This article examines the determinants of location choices for new food processing plants using the results of a telephone survey. Six categories of business climate factors (market, infrastructure, labor, personal, environmental regulation, and fiscal policy) containing 41 specific location factors are considered. The survey responses are analyzed in their entirety, by types of raw products processed, and by plant size. Findings indicate that plant location choices are driven by market and infrastructural factors. Fiscal policies such as tax and development incentives are insignificant. Implications of the findings for devising incentive packages to attract new plants are given.
Laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection, laparoscopically assisted seminal vesicle mobilization, and total perineal prostatectomy versus radical retropubic prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

Objectives. The outcomes of patients with prostate cancer who were candidates for radical prostatectomy were compared with patients who underwent either: (1) radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP); or (2) laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection, laparoscopically assisted seminal vesicle mobilization, and total perineal prostatectomy (LN-SV-TPP). Methods. The staging, surgical, and early postoperative characteristics of 10 consecutive patients treated by RRP were compared with 12 consecutive patients who underwent LN-SV-TPP. Results. Patients who underwent LN-SV-TPP versus RRP had respective median blood loss of 450 versus 1250 cc (P=0.001), median anesthesia time of 330 versus 287.5 minutes (P=0.05), median surgical time of 237.5 versus 237.5 minutes (P=0.6), median units transfused of 0 versus 1 (P=0.05), median time to ambulation of 1 versus 2 days (P=0.002), median time to oral intake of 1 versus 3.5 days (P<0.001), median hospital stay of 3 versus 6 days (P<0.001), and median morphine requirements of 44 versus 119 mg (P<0.001). Conclusions. LN-SV-TPP is less morbid than RRP concerning blood loss, blood transfusions, pain, and postoperative recovery. Compared with LN-SV-TPP, RRP is faster and is particularly indicated for ease of performing a nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy
Freefall, self-efficacy, and leading in dangerous contexts.

We examined whether completion of a military Freefall parachuting program enhanced self-efficacy in the domains of leader self-control and leader assertiveness. The Freefall program was particularl...
Tandem mass spectral decompositions of protonated N-acyloligoalanines and N-acyloligoglycines as models for those of the protonated free oligopeptides

The intensities of the y-type and b-type ions in the tandem mass spectra of the [M + 1]+ ions of acylated oligomers of alanine and glycine give evidence that these ions are not structurally similar to the [M + 1]+ ions of the free oligomers. For example, the intensities do not follow statistical or linear free energy relationships as would be expected if they were homologous. Instead there are sharp differences in intensities: the y3 ions are considerably more intense than expected, and the b2 ions are less intense. The ions whose intensities differ sharply seem to involve cleavages where the amount of stabilization of a product of cyclization changes when the terminal nitrogen is acylated.
INTERFERON-α-INDUCED ACUTE RENAL ALLOGRAFT REJECTION

The immunomodulating effects of interferons have led to their use in the treatment of a variety of illnesses, including cancer (1), and virally mediated infections, such as hepatitis (2). In addition, IFN has been given to immunosuppressed patients in an attempt to reconstitute the immune response to prevent viral infections such as CMV and herpes Simplex (3). Since CMV and viral hepatitis are potentially serious complications of renal transplantation (3, 4), the use of IFN for prophylaxis or treatment has been advocated in this setting. However, the potential effects of giving an immuno-modulator such as IFN to immunosuppressed transplant patients raises theoretical concerns about activation of immune responses and an increased risk of allograft rejection. Current immunosuppressive regimes for renal transplantation include CsA or FK506 in combination with steroids and sometimes AZA. While the mechanisms of action of CsA and FK506 are not completely understood, these agents appear to inhibit T cell activation through binding to specific binding cellular proteins (immunophilins), thereby altering intracellular signaling pathways and ultimately inhibiting expression of IL-2 and other cytokines (5). Both CsA (6) and FK506 (7) may inhibit IFN production, and low levels of circulating IFN-α have been described in renal transplant recipients (8). Although IFN modulate the immune response-both at the level of T cell activation (9) and antigen expression (10), the exact roles of these compounds in the immunosuppressive action of CsA and FK506 are not known. A number of studies have claimed efficacy of IFN-α preparations in the treatment of chronic persistent hepatitis (2) and trials of IFN preparations for viral prophylaxis in renal transplant recipients have been reported (3, 11, 12). The results of such trials suggested a benefit of prophylaxis for viral infections (3, 11), but, at times, at the expense of increased rejection (12). The complex issues involved in using IFN to treat hepatitis in a transplanted, immunosuppressed population prompted us to review our experience with IFN-α treatment in renal transplant patients.
TFMPP and RU24969 enhance serotonin release rat hipocampus

Using a batch method for incubation of hippocampal slices, we have examined the effects of 5-methoxy-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinyl)-1H-indole (RU24969) and (m-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (TFMPP) on release of endogenous 5-hydroxytryotamine (5-HT). Release of 5-HT from slices was enhanced by RU24969 and TFMPP at concentrations from 1 to 10 mumols. The 5-HT uptake inhibitors imipramine and fluoxetine, but not the autoreceptor antagonist methiothepin, blocked the enhancement in 5-HT. These results suggest that RU24969 and TFMPP, previously identified as potent agonists at the nerve terminal autoreceptor, also interact at higher concentrations with the reuptake carrier to enhance extracellular levels of 5-HT.
Tissue remodeling in the acute otitis media mouse model.

Abstract Objectives Otitis media is an infectious, inflammatory process involving the middle ear space. Chronic inflammation is associated with fibrosis, scarring and osteogenesis within the middle ear, which may contribute to subsequent hearing loss and increase the difficulty of treatment. Methods Heat-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae was injected into the middle ears of 8–12 week old Balb/c mice. Control mice were treated with PBS middle ear injections. Middle ears were harvested at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days following injection (n = 8 for each time point). The middle ears were processed using standard RT-PCR techniques. Up- and down-regulation of mRNA expression of various members of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) and Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) families was quantified and compared to PBS treated controls (n = 8 for each time point). Results Significant upregulation of MMP2, MMP3 and MMP9 was observed at varying time points (p Conclusions Inflammation within the middle ear following injection of bacterial products results in changes in the regulation of several tissue remodeling cytokines and proteinases in the mouse model. Further understanding of these molecular processes may allow for the development of treatment modalities aimed at preventing middle ear tissue remodeling.
First Report of Phytophthora Blight Caused by Phytophthora capsici on Snap Bean in New York.

Phytophthora capsici Leonian is an important pathogen of solanaceous and cucurbit crops. Phytophthora blight was first reported on snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Michigan in 2003 (2) and Connecticut in 2010 (3). This report documents the discovery of P. capsici on snap bean (cv. Bronco) grown in Riverhead, NY in September 2008 and August 2010 on snap bean (cv. Valentino) in Holley, NY, more than 690 km away. Disease was favored by frequent rainfall and prolonged wet periods with air temperatures of 24 to 29°C. Both locations were commercial fields previously planted to pepper or cucurbits affected by P. capsici. In Riverhead, infected pods had characteristic yeast-like growth of P. capsici, which were predominantly sporangia. In Holley, large water-soaked lesions were observed on snap bean foliage, and as the disease progressed, leaves became necrotic and detached from the plant. Reddish brown lesions were observed on stems in advance of white areas of sporulation. Infected pods displayed white myce...
Calibration of the M4 Variable Speed Limit scheme and promising initial results

On behalf of the Welsh Government, Atkins managed the installation of the M4 Variable Speed Limit (VSL) scheme, between Junctions 24-28, to reduce congestion, improve safety and reduce emissions. This innovative scheme uses the Controlled Motorway (CM) concept but has unequally spaced gantries, with some separated by fairly large distances. Where there is a long gap between overhead gantries, post-mounted MS4 signs are used to provide repeater speed limit information to drivers. This allows significant cost savings from reduced infrastructure, while retaining the benefits of using speed control to reduce congestion. However it means the Controlled Motorway algorithm was being used in a new and previously untested way, so it was important to ensure that its implementation would be successful. To do this, modelling was performed by Atkins to check the scheme would have a positive impact and verify the chosen CM algorithm parameters before they were used in the live system. The modelling was a success, and the live system was activated in mid-November 2011 and calibrated for a month in November-December 2011. Initial feedback and findings are very promising; drivers and control room operators believe the system is an improvement, and there are initial indications of congestion reduction. (6 pages)
Electronic structure and molecular topology of boron and aluminum suboxides

Abstract Semiempirical and ab initio calculations on the suboxides B 2 O, B 2 O 2 , Al 2 O, and Al 2 O 2 predict linear BOB, linear OBBO, linear AlOAl, and cyclic OAlOAl molecular structures. These structures could not have been predicted on the basis of a set of simple topological rules. The calculations provide additional evidence that the tentative structures adopted on the basis of the available thermochemical and spectroscopic data are correct.
Enhanced verification by temporal decomposition

This paper addresses the presence of logic which has relevance only during initial time frames in a hardware design. We examine transient logic in the form of signals which settle to deterministic constants after some prefix number of time frames, as well as primary inputs used to enumerate complex initial states which thereafter become irrelevant. Experience shows that a large percentage of hardware designs (industrial and benchmarks) have such logic, and this creates overhead in the overall verification process. In this paper, we present automated techniques to detect and eliminate such irrelevant logic, enabling verification efficiencies in terms of greater logic reductions, deeper Bounded Model Checking (BMC), and enhanced proof capability using induction and interpolation.
Comparative efficacies of 2 cysteine prodrugs and a glutathione delivery agent in a colitis model.

Oxidant-mediated injury plays an important role in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recently, antioxidants were shown to modulate colitis in mice. In this study, the protective effects of L-cysteine and glutathione (GSH) prodrugs are further evaluated against progression of colitis in a murine model. ICR mice were fed compounds incorporated into chow as follows: Group (A) received chow supplemented with vehicle. Group (B) was provided 2-(RS)-n-propylthiazolidine-4(R)-carboxylic-acid (PTCA), a cysteine prodrug. Group (C) received D-ribose-L-cysteine (RibCys), another cysteine prodrug that releases L-cysteine. Group (D) was fed L-cysteine-glutathione mixed sulfide (CySSG), a ubiquitous GSH derivative present in mammalian cells. After 3 days, the animals were further provided with normal drinking water or water supplemented with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Mice administered DSS developed severe colitis and suffered weight loss. Colonic lesions significantly improved in animals treated with PTCA and RibCys and, to a lesser extent, with CySSG therapy. Hepatic GSH levels were depleted in colitis animals (control vs DSS, P 0.05). Protein expressions of serum amyloid A and inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), osteopontin (OPN)] were significantly increased in colitis animals and improved with therapies. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses showed significant upregulation of the macrophage-specific markers, COX-2 and CD68, which suggests macrophage activation and infiltration in the colonic lamina propria in colitis animals. These abnormalities were attenuated in prodrug-treated mice. In conclusion, these data strongly support the novel action of the PTCA against colitis, which further supports a possible therapeutic application for IBD patients.
Freeze-tolerance adaptations, including haemolymph protein and lipoprotein nucleators, in the larvae of the cranefly Tipula trivittata

The terrestrial overwintering larvae of the cranefly Tipula trivittata were freeze tolerant (able to survive the freezing of their extracellular body fluids) throughout the winter and spring of 1982–1983 until they pupated in mid-May. The larvae were most cold tolerant (24 h lower lethal temperatures of −25 to −30°C) in late January and early February. Sorbitol, at a maximal concentration of ∼0.4 M, was the only polyol determined to be present at high levels and sorbitol accounted for most of the seasonal fluctuation in osmotic concentration. Haemolymph inorganic ion (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−) concentrations did not vary seasonally. The supercooling points of the larvae remained constant at −6 to −7°C over the study period because of the presence of haemolymph ice nucleating factors. These ice nucleating factors consist not only of haemolymph proteins, as had been demonstrated previously in other insect species, but also lipoproteins.
Inositol 1-,4-,5-trisphosphate-dependent Ca2+ signaling by the recombinant human PTH/PTHrP receptor stably expressed in a human kidney cell line

We previously reported the preparation and partial characterization of a series of human embryonic kidney cell lines (HEK-293) stably expressing various numbers of the recombinant human (h) parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTH-related protein (PTHrP) receptor (Rc). Using this expression system we examined ligand (PTH or PTHrP) binding characteristics and cyclic AMP responsiveness. We have now extended these studies to investigate the calcium signal transduction pathways activated by the hPTH/PTHrP Rc. In parental HEK-293 cells, which lack endogenous PTH/PTHrP Rc, incubation with hPTH(1-34) had no effect on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i. In HEK-293 clone C-21, stably expressing approximately 400,000 Rc/cell, PTH stimulated an increase in [Ca2+]i by Ca2+ release from intracellular stores; PTH released Ca2+ exclusively from the IP3 sensitive Ca2+ pool. Unlike previous studies, the ability of PTH to elicit both cAMP responses and [Ca2+]i transients occurred over a wide range of Rc numbers (between 400,000 and 3000 Rc/cell); both responses were always observed at PTH concentrations in the same dose range although the magnitude of the responses decrease with Rc number. Pretreatment of C-21 cells with pertussis toxin for 24 h, which significantly enhanced PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation, did not modulate PTH-stimulated [Ca2+]i transients. At each PTH concentration tested which resulted in increased cAMP levels, there was also an increase in [Ca2+]i transients. Treatment of C-21 cells with a battery of midregion and C-terminal PTH or PTHrP peptides showed no effect on either [Ca2+]i transients or cAMP accumulation, indicating a lack of functional interactions between these peptides and the form of the hPTH/PTHrP Rc stably expressed in these cells. Immunological analysis of G-protein expression demonstrated the presence of Gs, Gi, and Gq in all parental and transfected cells lines examined. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the hPTH/PTHrP Rc, stably expressed in HEK-293 cells, elicits responses in both the cAMP and IP3-dependent [Ca2+]i pathways and is responsive only to N-terminal PTH/PTHrP peptides.