cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective reduction of nitric oxide over noble metals

Abstract Laboratory studies of the partitioning of CO between NO and O 2 under net lean conditions over the noble metals Ir, Rh, Pt, and Pd showed that over Ir alone is the CO + NO reaction favored over the CO + O 2 reaction. Furthermore, Ir exhibited a particle size dependence such that small Ir crystallites were more effective for reducing NO than large particles. Space velocity experiments showed that NO and O 2 react simultaneously with CO over Ir. NO reduction is positive order in NO concentration under the conditions studied. The NO reaction is enhanced by CO (CO is not inhibiting) but inhibited by competitive adsorption of oxygen. The conversion of oxygen was determined by CO availability and was slightly retarded by NO. A reaction mechanism is proposed for the reduction of NO in the presence of excess O 2 at 550 °C. We hypothesize that a different site requirement for NO and O 2 adsorption may be important in determining the selectivity of the catalyst when the number of vacant adsorption sites is limited. Ir differs from Rh in that Ir is able to maintain high NO conversion at elevated temperatures in the presence of excess oxygen. Rh, on the other hand, promotes NO reduction at lower temperatures than does Ir. Rh is expected to make a greater contribution to both CO oxidation and NO reduction during catalyst warmup than Ir. Iridium can be lost from the catalyst under our reaction conditions, presumably via volatilization.
A study of the temperature dependence of radiation sensitivity of dry spores of Bacillus Megaterium between 5° K and 309° K

Die Temperaturabhangigkeit der Rontgenstrahlenempfindlichkeit trockener Sporen vonBacillus megaterium wurde uber einen Temperaturbereich von 5°K bis 309°K gemessen. Die Empfindlichkeit ist temperaturunabhangig unterhalb 130°K; sie entspricht der van-t'Hoff-Arrhenius-Regel zwischen 130°K und 310°K bei einer Aktivierungsenergie von 0,110 kcal.
The relationship between knowledge and clinical performance in novice and experienced critical care nurses

Purpose The purpose of this study was to measure directly the knowledge and performance of novice and experienced critical care nurses in a simulated task environment. Methods Nurses were required to control the physiologic deterioration of patients with respiratory compromise in 4 scenarios and were also tested on their knowledge of the constructs present in the scenarios. Results The results indicate that experienced nurses possessed highly superior knowledge when compared with novice nurses ( P Conclusion The results demonstrate the lack of linkage between knowledge and clinical performance, which calls into question the supposition by many in nursing that knowledge and performance are inextricably linked.
Efficacy of atenolol as a single antihypertensive agent in hyperthyroid cats

beta-Adrenergic blockers, particularly atenolol, are often recommended for the tachycardia and hypertension that accompany hyperthyroidism; however, the effects of monotherapy with atenolol on both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) have not been reported. Twenty hyperthyroid cats with SBP > or = 160 mmHg were studied retrospectively to investigate the SBP and HR lowering effects of atenolol. Median pre-treatment SBP and HR for all cats were 186.5 mmHg and 231 beats/min, respectively. All cats were treated with atenolol at a dosage of 1-2 mg/kg PO q 12h for a minimum of 5 days prior to reassessment and treatment with radioactive iodine. SBP and HR both decreased following atenolol therapy in this group of cats to median values of 171.5 mmHg (P=0.0088) and 185/min (P=0.0003). However, when successful clinical control of hypertension was defined as a post-treatment SBP < 160 mmHg, atenolol monotherapy was ineffective in 70% of the cases. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline serum total thyroxine or atenolol dosage between clinical responders and non-responders. While atenolol effectively reduces HR in most cats with hyperthyroidism, elevated SBP is poorly controlled, and the addition of another vasodilator such as amlodipine or an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor is needed to treat associated hypertension.
Intensity-Value Corrections for Integrating Sphere Measurements of Solid Samples Measured Behind Glass

Accurate and calibrated directional-hemispherical reflectance spectra of solids are important for both in situ and remote sensing. Many solids are in the form of powders or granules and to measure their diffuse reflectance spectra in the laboratory, it is often necessary to place the samples behind a transparent medium such as glass for the ultraviolet (UV), visible, or near-infrared spectral regions. Using both experimental methods and a simple optical model, we demonstrate that glass (fused quartz in our case) leads to artifacts in the reflectance values. We report our observations that the measured reflectance values, for both hemispherical and diffuse reflectance, are distorted by the additional reflections arising at the air-quartz and sample-quartz interfaces. The values are dependent on the sample reflectance and are offset in intensity in the hemispherical case, leading to measured values up to ∼6% too high for a 2% reflectance surface, ∼3.8% too high for 10% reflecting surfaces, approximately correct for 40-60% diffuse-reflecting surfaces, and ∼1.5% too low for 99% reflecting Spectralon® surfaces. For the case of diffuse-only reflectance, the measured values are uniformly too low due to the polished glass, with differences of nearly 6% for a 99% reflecting matte surface. The deviations arise from the added reflections from the quartz surfaces, as verified by both theory and experiment, and depend on sphere design. Empirical correction factors were implemented into post-processing software to redress the artifact for hemispherical and diffuse reflectance data across the 300-2300 nm range.
Skew-Symmetric Algorithm for Inverting NxN Quaternion Equations Using NxN Real Variable Matrix Arithmetic

Quaternion matrix inverses and linear equation solutions are often computed by transforming a given A ∈ QN xN quaternion matrix into an equivalent \(A \in {\cal R}^{4N x4N}\) real matrix. The transformation process is well-known, but as N becomes large the computational costs increase rapidly. This paper presents a multi-level skew-symmetric partitioning algorithm for the \({\cal R}^{4N x4N}\) matrix representation that requires only four \({\cal R}^{4N x4N}\) matrix inversions to complete the solution. A two-stage algorithm is presented. First the \({\cal R}^{4N x4N}\) matrix is partitioned into four blocks using two \({\cal R}^{2N x24N}\) matrices. A partitioned matrix inverse is presented for inverting each \({\cal R}^{2N x2N}\) matrix partition. A second level of the partitioning exploits the skew-symmetric sub-structure of the \({\cal R}^{2N x2N}\) partitioned matrix inverse solutions. The proposed algorithm improves the computational performance ∼ 2X and minimizes the memory requirements by only requiring processing for four \({\cal R}^{N xN}\) matrix partitions, when compared to standard algorithms for inverting the \({\cal R}^{4N x4N}\) matrix. Example applications are presented for a purely quaternion matrix inversion algorithm, as well as solution algorithms for the \({\cal R}^{2N x2N}\) and \({\cal R}^{4N x4N}\) real variable versions of the algorithms.
Phase-retrieval X-ray microscopy by Wigner-distribution deconvolution

Abstract Microdiffraction data collected in a scanning transmission X-ray microscope (STXM) are used to obtain phase and amplitude images of objects, to the same resolution as STXM incoherent bright-field images (in this case, 45 nm). The images are retrieved by deconvolving an estimate of the Wigner distribution of the objective lens from the data set. A full characterisation of the phase and amplitude of the microscope transfer function is made from data sets collected from a known test object. This has allowed very accurate phase and amplitude maps of specimens to be retrieved. The effects of the coherence of the beam incident on the objective lens are studied, and maps of the mutual coherence function are obtained. The theory of Wigner-deconvolution phase-retrieval is reviewed with reference to X-ray microscopes.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel pyrimidine derivatives as sub-micromolar affinity ligands of GalR2

GalR1 and GalR2 represent unique pharmacological targets for treatment of seizures and epilepsy. A novel series of 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine derivatives were synthesized and found to have sub-micromolar affinity for GalR2. Optimization of a series of 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidines led to the discovery of several analogs with IC50 values ranging from 0.3 to 1 μM.
Spin Susceptibility of Intercalated Graphite and Doped Polyacetylene

We have examined the electronic susceptibility of intercalated graphite and doped (CH) x using ESR [1]. The dopant in both cases was AsF 5 . For metallic intercalated graphite and for heavily doped (CH) x , the low frequency Schumacher-Slichter technique was used to determine the density of states at the Fermi energy. In the case of doped (CH) x , susceptibility measurements as a function of temperature allowed separate determination of the Curie and Pauli contributions.
A cross-cultural study of values of Germans and Americans

Abstract The Rokeach Value Survey was used as the instrument to study the values of German and American university students. The Survey was translated into German by the hack-translation method. It was administered to 199 students in Germany in May, 1982 and to 231 students in the United States in the fall. 1982. The results show the differences as well as the similarities between the two groups in their value orientations. The distinct differences between the two groups are: (1) the Germans are more competence oriented in the means they desire to attain their end-states of existence; however, their end-states of existence are society-oriented and interpersonal. (2) The Americans are morality oriented in the modes of conduct they desire to attain their end-states of existence: their end-slates of existence are more personal or self-centered and intrapersonal than those of the Germans. Thus, the means to the end, as well as the end, differ for both groups.
Equatorial Currents in the Pacific 1950 to 1970 and Their Relations to the Trade Winds

Abstract The mean meridional profile of dynamic topography across the zonal currents of the equatorial Pacific Ocean is disturbed by the observed deviation of monthly sea level at island stations from the long-term mean. From these monthly profiles the sea level difference across the major zonal currents for the period 1950–70 can be derived. A strong seasonal signal is apparent in the intensity of the currents, as well as large short- and long-term anomalies. Most of the energy of the currents is in the low frequencies. The North Equatorial Current and the Countercurrent fluctuate synchronously and in opposition to the South Equatorial Current. The fluctuations of the currents are related to the trade winds and are more strongly influenced by the position of the trade winds than by their strength. When the northeast trades are strong and in a southerly position during the first half of the year, both the North Equatorial Current and the Counter-current are weak; when the trades are weaker and in a more n...
The physical examination in cosmetic surgery: communication strategies to promote the desirability of surgery.

Cosmetic surgery is a controversial medical practice that is rapidly expanding in the United States. In 2004 alone, 9.2 million procedures were performed. From breast augmentation to tummy tuck, Americans are taking surgical/medical/health risks to alter their bodily appearance. Although many scholars have criticized the practice, few have looked closely at how plastic surgeons interact with prospective surgical candidates. This essay explores videotaped data of naturally occurring interactions between plastic surgeons and patients seeking to transform their physical appearance. Drawing on action-implicative discourse analysis (Tracy, 2005), the article describes plastic surgeons' embodied and discursive activities during a typical physical examination. The core analysis shows how the patient's body and its aesthetic features can be used by plastic surgeons as interpretive resources to promote the desirability of surgery. By touching excess tissue, pinching it, moving it, or applying tools and artifacts (...
Nonparametric Probability Density Estimation for Sensor Networks Using Quantized Measurements

We develop a nonparametric method for estimating the probability distribution function (pdf) describing the physical phenomenon measured by a sensor network. The measurements are collected by sensor-processor elements (nodes) deployed in the region of interest; the nodes quantize these measurements and transmit only one bit per observation to a fusion center. We model the measurement pdf as a Gaussian mixture and develop a Fisher scoring algorithm for computing the maximum likelihood (ML) estimates of the unknown mixture probabilities. We also estimate the number of mixture components as well as their means and standard deviation. Numerical simulations demonstrate the performance of the proposed method.
Role of 5-HT1A receptors in fluoxetine-induced lordosis inhibition

Abstract The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine (Prozac®), is an effective antidepressant that is also prescribed for other disorders (e.g. anorexia, bulimia, and premenstrual dysphoria) that are prevalent in females. However, fluoxetine also produces sexual side effects that may lead patients to discontinue treatment. The current studies were designed to evaluate several predictions arising from the hypothesis that serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptors contribute to fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction. In rodent models, 5-HT1A receptors are potent negative modulators of female rat sexual behavior. Three distinct experiments were designed to evaluate the contribution of 5-HT1A receptors to the effects of fluoxetine. In the first experiment, the ability of the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-2-pyridinylcyclohexanecarboxamide (WAY100635), to prevent fluoxetine-induced lordosis inhibition was examined. In the second experiment, the effects of prior treatment with fluoxetine on the lordosis inhibitory effect of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist, (±)-8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), were studied. In the third experiment, the ability of progesterone to reduce the acute response to fluoxetine was evaluated. WAY100635 attenuated the effect of fluoxetine; prior treatment with fluoxetine decreased 8-OH-DPAT's potency in reducing lordosis behavior; and progesterone shifted fluoxetine's dose–response curve to the right. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that 5-HT1A receptors contribute to fluoxetine-induced sexual side effects.
Human T lymphocyte-derived helper factor (HHF): Cellular and physical characterization

Abstract Human helper factor (HHF), a soluble factor(s) derived from pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-stimulated irradiated peripheral blood T lymphocytes, will partially substitute for helper T lymphocytes in activating B lymphocytes to produce immunoglobulin (Ig). Activation of irradiated T lymphocytes with PWM resulted in the appearance of detectable HHF within 24 hr. This production of HHF was completely dependent on protein synthesis while a limited amount of RNA synthesis was required. The appearance of HHF was independent of DNA gene expression or DNA synthesis. The protein nature of HHF was demonstrated by the susceptibility of HHF to trypsin treatment and inactivation by incubation at 56°C for 60 min. HHF did not bear Ig determinants as it was not absorbed on an anti-Ig immunoabsorbent. However, HHF activity was removed by an anti-human “Ia-like” immunoabsorbent suggesting that HHF bears “Ia-like” determinants produced by helper T lymphocytes. HHF has a molecular weight range between 50,000 and 100,000, was stable to repeated freeze-thawing, and was resistant to treatment with ribonuclease. Helper T lymphocytes were shown to be the T lymphocytes responsible for HHF production as treatment of T lymphocytes with an anti-human helper T-lymphocyte antiserum and complement removed the ability of T cells to provide cellular help and their ability to make HHF.
The explosive growth of small voids in vulnerable cap rupture; cavitation and interfacial debonding

While it is generally accepted that ruptures in fibrous cap atheromas cause most acute coronary deaths, and that plaque rupture occurs in the fibrous cap at the location where the tissue stress exceeds a certain critical peak circumferential stress, the exact mechanism of rupture initiation remains unclear. We recently reported the presence of multiple microcalcifications (μCalcs) <50 μm diameter embedded within the fibrous cap, μCalcs that could greatly increase cap instability by introducing up to a 5-fold increase in local tissue stress. Here, we explore the hypothesis that, aside from cap thickness, μCalc size and interparticle spacing are principal determinants of cap rupture risk. Also, we propose that cap rupture is initiated near the poles of the μCalcs due to the presence of tiny voids that explosively grow at a critical tissue stress and then propagate across the fibrous cap. We develop a theoretical model based on classic studies in polymeric materials by Gent (1980), which indicates that cavitation as opposed to interfacial debonding is the more likely mechanism for cap rupture produced by μCalcs <65 μm diameter. This analysis suggests that there is a critical μCalc size range, from 5 μm to 65 μm, in which cavitation should be prevalent. This hypothesis for cap rupture is strongly supported by our latest high resolution μCT studies in which we have observed trapped voids in the vicinity of μCalcs within fibrous caps in human coronaries.
Assessing state population projections with transparent multiregional demographic models

Population projection models that are conceptually simple enough to be called transpar- ent may be used to check the validity of projections generated by "black box" models whose behavior may be somewhat shrouded in mystery. This paper adopts a multiregional demographic model to illustrate how such a validation procedure might be carried out on state population projections produced by the U.S. Bureau of the Census in 1988. In October of 1988, the U.S. Bureau of the Census issued a new set of state population projections disaggregated by age, sex, and race (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1988). Although the projections were produced by the well- known cohort-component method, they represent a significant advance in governmentally-produced projection methodology in that they reflect, for the first time, a multiregional modeling perspective (Rogers, 1975). Internal mi- gration is represented in terms of state-to-state rates and not with net migra- tion rates, as was the case with the projections issued five years earlier (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1983). The 1988 projections also were the Census Bureau's first state projections to be produced by single years of age for individual calendar years and to incorporate a procedure that permits updating for recent migration trends. Despite these enhancements, the projections were not received with enthu- siastic approval by some state agencies charged preparing similar population projections. For example, the Wisconsin State Data Center challenged the Bureau's prognosis for the state - a two percent decline between 1995 and 2010. Demographer Balkrishna Kale of the Wisconsin Center called the projections too pessimistic:
Metallization of Fluid Nitrogen and the Mott Transition in Highly Compressed Low- Z Fluids

Electrical conductivities are reported for degenerate fluid nitrogen at pressures up to 180 GPa (1.8 Mbar) and temperatures of $\ensuremath{\sim}7000\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$. These extreme quasi-isentropic conditions were achieved with multiple-shock compression generated with a two-stage light-gas gun. Nitrogen undergoes a nonmetal-metal transition at 120 GPa, probably in the monatomic state. These N data and previous conductivity data for H, O, Cs, and Rb are used to develop a general picture of the systematics of the nonmetal-metal transition in these fluids. Specifically, the density dependences of electrical conductivities in the semiconducting fluid are well correlated with the radial extent of the electronic charge-density distributions of H, N, O, Cs, and Rb atoms. These new data for N scale with previous data for O, as expected from their similar charge-density distributions.
Onboard Run-Time Goal Selection for Autonomous Operations

We describe an efficient, online goal selection algorithm for use onboard spacecraft and its use for selecting goals at runtime. Our focus is on the re-planning that must be performed in a timely manner on the embedded system where computational resources are limited. In particular, our algorithm generates near optimal solutions to problems with fully specified goal requests that oversubscribe available resources but have no temporal flexibility. By using a fast, incremental algorithm, goal selection can be postponed in a "just-in-time" fashion allowing requests to be changed or added at the last minute. This enables shorter response cycles and greater autonomy for the system under control.
Transplantation of high panel-reactive antibody left ventricular assist device patients without crossmatch using on-bypass pheresis and alemtuzumab.

Background Highly sensitized (HS) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients with high panel-reactive antibody (PRA) levels present a challenge. Alemtuzumab, a potent depleting agent for T and B lymphocytes (months to years), and plasmapheresis, offer an opportunity for heart transplantation to these patients who might die of VAD complications on the transplant waiting list. This study compared rates of acute rejection and survival of a HS LVAD cohort with a contemporaneous control group after heart transplant. Methods Clinical courses of 31 consecutive patients who underwent transplantation between January 2006 and January 2011 were reviewed. Eight patients with a T or B PRA of 70 or more (HS+) received non-crossmatched, ABO-compatible hearts using intraoperative plasmapheresis and alemtuzumab induction. Controls (HS–) received basiliximab induction. Acute rejection was defined as International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation grades 2R or higher, or antibody-mediated rejection. Results The difference in survival between HS+ and HS– groups at 1 year (100% vs 94%) or at a mean follow-up of 2.3 and 2.4 years (75% vs 70%) was not significant. Retrospective lymphocytotoxic crossmatches were positive in 7 of 8 HS+ patients (6 T+ and B+, 1 B+) vs none in the HS– group ( p p = 0.07). Risk of humoral rejection was significantly increased in the HS+ group (38% vs 4%; p = 0.04). Conclusions Heart transplantation with plasmapheresis and alemtuzumab in HS LVAD patients, most with a positive crossmatch, does not compromise midterm survival. The expected higher rates of rejection, especially beyond the first postoperative year, demand adjustments in surveillance strategies and immunosuppressive management.
Modeling of velocity distributions of dust in tokamak edge plasmas and dust–wall collisions

Velocity distribution functions of dust particles of various sizes are simulated in different regions of a tokamak using the DUSTT code. It is shown that dust particles accelerated by plasma flows can reach very high speed >1 km/s at the terminal stages of vaporization. Collisions of beryllium and tungsten dust particles with beryllium wall are modeled with the LS-DYNA material structural analysis code. It is demonstrated that the collisions at high speed ∼1 km/s can cause significant damage to the wall or complete dust destruction depending on dust and wall material parameters.
A Comparison of Latino, Black, and Non-Hispanic White Attitudes Toward Homosexuality

Latinos, Blacks, and non-Hispanic Whites are compared on two dimensions of attitudes toward homosexxuality utilizing a cumulated file from the General Social Survey. Latinos do not differ from Whites and are more tolerant thati Blacks on the morality dimension of attitudes toward homosexuality but are less tolerant than either of the other groups on the dimension measuring approval of civil liberties for homosexuals. There are no differences in attitudes toward homose-xuality between Mexican Americans and other Latinos. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
The behavior of consumer loan rates during the 1990 credit slowdown

Abstract This study re-examines the 1990 credit slowdown by investigating the loan pricing behavior of commercial banks. We find strong evidence that large, undercapitalized banks contributed to the credit slowdown by charging consumers a higher-than-average loan rate relative to better-capitalized institutions. This disparity in lending exists even after accounting for bank funding costs. Thus, we argue that there was a lending slowdown that occurred among large, undercapitalized banks. The reluctance to lend among undercapitalized banks is at least suggestive of behavior that is consistent with a credit crunch.
Characterizing search spaces for Tabu search and including adaptive memory into a genetic algorithm

Abstract A large number of heuristic search algorithms are available for function optimization. Each of these heuristics, e.g., simulated annealing, genetic algorithms, tabu search, etc., has been shown to be effective at finding good solutions efficiently. However, little work has been directed at determining what are the important problem characteristics for which one algorithm is more efficient than the others. By examining two problems, the location-allocation problem and the quadratic assignment problem, characteristics of successfil tabu search are illustrated. A tabu search for the location-allocation problem is described and implemented. The results of this tabu search are compared against a genetic algorithm. For the quadratic assignment problem, tabu search has been shown more effective than genetic algorithms; however, for the location-allocation problem, the genetic algorithm finds better solutions more efficiently than tabu search. To. investigate what characteristics of the location-allocati...
Education and the Interface between Racial Perceptions and Criminal Justice Attitudes

Recent work has implicated negative attitudes toward blacks in support for toughened criminal-justice measures. This suggests that the issue of crime may be implicitly “racialized,” despite a lack of overt racial content. The present study examines the hypothesis that education may weaken the relationship between negative racial perceptions and crimerelated policy attitudes. In contrast to traditional views about the role of education in the domain of race-related attitudes, the results of analyses using several different generalpopulation samples suggest that the effects of education are somewhat paradoxical: they reduce the intensity of negative racial perceptions, while bolstering the relationship between these perceptions and criminal justice attitudes.
EFFECT OF NATURAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC LANDSCAPE MATRICES ON THE ABUNDANCE OF SUBANDEAN BIRD SPECIES

The nature of the landscape matrix can control the capacity of forest organ- isms to move among forest patches. Some matrices may constitute foraging or breeding habitat and, as a result, could influence the local abundance of forest organisms and their persistence in fragmented landscapes. This study represents a first approach to examining the effect of natural vs. anthropogenic landscape matrices on the abundance of neotropical birds in forest sites. The influence of three contrasting matrices on the relative abundance of 113 bird species in a subandean region was evaluated. Species were grouped into cat- egories showing the same response to the matrix, and these groups were then examined to determine whether ecological characteristics or taxonomic affinities were associated with responses to surrounding matrices. The abundance of individual species in forest plots within a continuous forest matrix was compared with their abundance in forest fragments embedded in pastures or exotic-tree plantations. The matrix surrounding forest areas was a major factor influencing bird abundance: 65.5% of the species showed significant dif- ferences in abundance among sites surrounded by different matrices. The most important explanatory factors in the variation in abundance within fragments were: abundance within continuous forest, presence in the anthropogenic matrices, migratory strategy, and habitat association. Species with small geographic ranges and species of terrestrial insectivores had low tolerance to fragmentation. Responses were highly species specific and largely independent of foraging strata, trophic group, and taxonomic affinities. Several lines of evidence indicate an increased connectivity among forest remnants surrounded by exotic- tree plantations compared to pastures. Landscape supplementation by the exotic-tree plan- tation matrix was observed for a hummingbird species. These results suggest that struc- turally complex anthropogenic matrices have potential as management tools for bird con- servation by complementing habitat protection and restoration.
2H2O-Based High-Density Lipoprotein Turnover Method for the Assessment of Dynamic High-Density Lipoprotein Function in Mice

Objective— High-density lipoprotein (HDL) promotes reverse cholesterol transport from peripheral tissues to the liver for clearance. Reduced HDL-cholesterol (HDLc) is associated with atherosclerosis; however, as a predictor of cardiovascular disease, HDLc has limitations because it is not a direct marker of HDL functionality. Our objective was to develop a mass spectrometry–based method for the simultaneous measurement of HDLc and ApoAI kinetics in mice, using a single 2 H 2 O tracer, and use it to examine genetic and drug perturbations on HDL turnover in vivo. Approach and Results— Mice were given 2 H 2 O in the drinking water, and serial blood samples were collected at different time points. HDLc and ApoAI gradually incorporated 2 H, allowing experimental measurement of fractional catabolic rates and production rates for HDLc and ApoAI. ApoE −/− mice displayed increased fractional catabolic rates ( P P Conclusions— 2 H 2 O-labeling can be used to measure HDLc and ApoAI flux in vivo, and to assess the role of genetic and pharmacological interventions on HDL turnover in mice. Safety, simplicity, and low cost of the 2 H 2 O-based HDL turnover approach suggest that this assay can be scaled for human use to study effects of HDL targeted therapies on dynamic HDL function.
Skin cancer in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

There has been a well-documented association between non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and melanoma as well as non-melanoma skin cancers. In addition, there have been multiple reports documenting aggressive skin cancers in the setting of lymphoma. This article highlights the existing data in regards to the association between non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia and the common forms of skin cancer. Patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia who subsequently develop non-melanoma skin cancer have worse outcomes demonstrated by increased rates of local recurrence, regional metastasis and death. Similarly, patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia who subsequently develop melanoma have demonstrated trends towards worse outcomes, including a possible increased risk towards recurrence, metastasis and melanoma-specific mortality. Common forms of skin cancer may share genetic aberrations with lymphoma, which may be one of ...
Bubble dispersion and interphase coupling in a free-shear flow

The interaction of a dilute dispersed cloud of microbubbles with a planar free-shear layer is investigated experimentally. The emphasis of this study is on the role of the coherent large scales of the flow in the bubble dispersion field and the energy redistribution within the carrier phase. The interphase momentum transfer integrals that appear in the volume-averaged momentum and energy equations account for redistribution of energy from potential to kinetic within the carrier phase. This results from both the hydrostatic and dynamic pressure fields. The energy redistribution within the carrier phase that is associated with the large-scale structures of the flow possesses significant inhomogeneities within the mixing layer. Peaks of enhanced kinetic energy generation are associated with the upwelling regions at the downstream edge of the coherent vortex cores, and weaker peaks of kinetic energy destruction are associated with downwelling regions. The contribution of the quasi-steady drag term to the total energy redistribution is found to be dominant in only a limited region of the flow field.
Power transformation for enhancing responsiveness of quality of life questionnaire.

We investigate the effect of power transformation of raw scores on the responsiveness of quality of life survey. The procedure maximizes the paired t-test value on the power transformed data to obtain an optimal power range. The parallel between the Box–Cox transformation is also investigated for the quality of life data.
Information leak in the Chord lookup protocol

In peer-to-peer (P2P) systems, it is often essential that connected systems (nodes) relay messages which did not originate locally, on to the greater network. As a result, an intermediate node might be able to determine a large amount of information about the system, such as the querying tendencies of other nodes. This represents an inherent security issue in P2P networks. Therefore, we ask the following question: through the observation of the network traffic in a P2P network, what kind of information can an adversarial node learn about another node in the same network? We study this question in the case of a specific P2P system - Chord. We also study the effects of the parameters of Chord (such as finger-table size) and the various enhancements to Chord (such as location caching and data caching) on the amount of information leaked.
Spectral characteristics of electromagnetic wave scattering by rotating propellers and its effect on clutter discrimination

On aircraft that are propeller driven, the transmitted electromagnetic (EM) signal which emanates from a transmitting array on the aircraft is modulated, both spatially and spectrally, by the rotating propellers. The spectral effect is to introduce a discrete frequency spread (about the monotonic transmitted carrier frequency) to the propeller scattered fields. These additional spectral lines result in additional competing clutter patches at various cone angles for a given Doppler bin. If one is doing space time adaptive processing (STAP), the existence of these additional clutter patches at different cone angles require pattern suppression in each of the directions of clutter return. The extent to which this modulation modifies the intended transmitted waveform is an issue that can have serious ramifications on the overall system performance. The computational approach used is to consider the motion of the propeller as a succession of stationary snapshots to examine the radiation field variation. The method of moments (MoM) was used for examining the fields scattered from stationary propellers. >
The neurovascular unit in the setting of stroke

Microvessels and neurons respond rapidly and simultaneously in focal regions of ischaemic injury in such a way as to suggest that the responses could be coordinated. The ability of neurons to modulate cerebral blood flow in regions of activation results from neurovascular coupling. But little is known about the microvessel-to-neuron direction of the relationship. The presence and participation of intervening glial cells implies the association of microvessels, glia, and neurons in a 'neurovascular unit'. The interdependent functions of the cellular and matrix components of this theoretical unit have not been rigorously explored, except under conditions of injury where, for the most part, only single components or tissue samples have been studied. Whereas maintenance or timely re-establishment of flow reduces tissue and neuron injury in both humans and animal models, protection of neuron function in humans has not prevented the evolution of injury despite the inherent mechanisms of neurovascular coupling. However, occlusion of flow to the brain rapidly identifies regions of neuron-vascular vulnerability within the vascular territory-at-risk. These coalesce to become the mature ischaemic lesion. The failure, so far, of clinical trials of neuron protectant agents to achieve detectable tissue salvage could be explained by the vulnerability (and lack of protection) of essential components of the 'unit'. This presentation summarizes evidence and thoughts on this topic. These support the need to understand component interactions within the neurovascular unit.
Biological Basis for Syphilis

Syphilis is a chronic sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum. Clinical manifestations separate the disease into stages; late stages of disease are now uncommon compared to the preantibiotic era. T. pallidum has an unusually small genome and lacks genes that encode many metabolic functions and classical virulence factors. The organism is extremely sensitive to environmental conditions and has not been continuously cultivated in vitro. Nonetheless, T. pallidum is highly infectious and survives for decades in the untreated host. Early syphilis lesions result from the host's immune response to the treponemes. Bacterial clearance and resolution of early lesions results from a delayed hypersensitivity response, although some organisms escape to cause persistent infection. One factor contributing to T. pallidum's chronicity is the paucity of integral outer membrane proteins, rendering intact organisms virtually invisible to the immune system. Antigenic variation of TprK, a putative surface-exposed protein, is likely to contribute to immune evasion. T. pallidum remains exquisitely sensitive to penicillin, but macrolide resistance has recently been identified in a number of geographic regions. The development of a syphilis vaccine, thus far elusive, would have a significant positive impact on global health.
A Distributed Algorithm for the Replica Placement Problem

Caching and replication of popular data objects contribute significantly to the reduction of the network bandwidth usage and the overall access time to data. Our focus is to improve the efficiency of object replication within a given distributed replication group. Such a group consists of servers that dedicate certain amount of memory for replicating objects requested by their clients. The content replication problem we are solving is defined as follows: Given the request rates for the objects and the server capacities, find the replica allocation that minimizes the access time over all servers and objects. We design a distributed approximation algorithm that solves this problem and prove that it provides a 2-approximation solution. We also show that the communication and computational complexity of the algorithm is polynomial with respect to the number of servers, the number of objects, and the sum of the capacities of all servers. Finally, we perform simulation experiments to investigate the performance of our algorithm. The experiments show that our algorithm outperforms the best existing distributed algorithm that solves the replica placement problem.
Finding Meaning in the Loss of a Child: Journeys of Chaos and Quest

The death of a child can be one of the worst things to happen to a family. Despite the significance of such a powerful event, parental loss is an area that has not been fully explored in the literature. This study uses narrative methodology to explore the grief experienced by 10 parents before and after the death of their child. We found four primary tensions in the stories written by parents: a time of chaos and control; disruption and normalcy in family life; heartening and disheartening experiences with others; and senselessness and meaning in death. The analysis illuminates the personal, familial, and social nature of grief. Parents grieve the loss of their child, but they are also deeply affected by changes in family and social relationships. The discussion elaborates on the transformation that some parents reveal as they move from "chaos" to "quest" narratives, and the role of narratives in health and healing.
University Students Development Of Emotional Intelligence Skills For Leadership

The study was conducted to add to the knowledge base and further the understanding of Emotional Intelligence and leadership theory. Freshmen business students enrolled in BUAD 1201: Principles of Business Administration and graduating senior business students enrolled in MGMT 4325: Decision Making and Business Policy class provided the data for the descriptive study of student profiles. Some interesting and relevant findings were found in developing both the first-year freshmen profiles and graduating senior student profiles. When examining the range in which first-year freshmen students and graduating seniors fell, the results indicated that both groups of students fell within the same range for all areas of the Personal Excellence Map (PEM), which were develop, strengthen, and enhance categories of personal excellence and leadership. The data provided a general benchmark of Emotional Intelligence skills as described by the PEM. With the exception of Positive Influence area of skill, the PEM skill areas in the five dimensions were in strengthen and enhance categories of development for first-year freshmen and graduating senior students. This study developed benchmarks of development and a rationale for initiating development of Personal Excellence skills for university students in business.
Taking the Bitter with the Sweet: A Law of War Based Analysis of the Military Commission

The decision by President Bush to create a military commission to try captured members of Al Qaeda for alleged crimes committed during the Global War on Terror has been the subject of extensive scholarly analysis and criticism. This article critiques the proposed use of the military commission for the prosecution of violations of the law of war through the lens of military law and the law of war. The article demonstrates how military tribunals serve the dual interests of adjudicating allegations of such offenses and contributing to compliance with the laws of war; and why the legitimacy of such tribunals requires establishing application of the laws of war to the subjects of prosecution and complying with the minimal standards of fairness established by the laws of war for such adjudications. The article concludes that, in theory, use of military commissions to adjudicate alleged violations of the laws of war is a legitimate exercise of presidential authority, and that the military component of the War on Terror does provide a valid jurisdictional predicate for the invocation of this authority derived from the law of war. However, the article also concludes that both the nature of the available charges and the procedural construct related to the currently proposed military commission render the pending process inconsistent with the obligations of imposed by the laws of war.
Unresolved Issues in the Psychoanalytic Theory of Homosexuality and Bisexuality

ABSTRACT Powerful ideological currents, masked as scientific approaches, complicate the scientific study of homosexuality. Regarding the psychoanalytic theory of homosexuality, it is generally accepted that homosexuality cannot be considered as part of the perversions or “paraphilias.” In contrast to perversions, homosexuality implies a sexual disposition and set of sexual activities that can be as broad, flexible, and rich as can heterosexual commitment. There does not exist one homosexuality, but a spectrum of homosexual orientations that reflect different psychodynamics, possibly different etiological factors and that range clinically from severe psychopathology to health. The same spectrum, however, may be described for heterosexuality, although idealized, normative formulations regarding heterosexuality are more readily available. If we assume an unconscious, primitive, universal bisexuality, then we may also assume the universal presence of homosexual as well as heterosexual tendencies. From a psych...
Blocking Action of Tetraethylammonium on Lobelin-Induced Thoracic Pain

SummaryThe hypothesis is offered that specialized pain receptors exist in the visceral or parietal pleura and that TEA relieves certain types of thoracic pain by blocking these receptors. Attempts to demonstrate these receptors in lightly narcotized animals have been unsuccessful. However, it has been demonstrated that lobeline injected intravenously into man will produce substernal burning and coughing, which can be blocked by the prior injection of TEA. The significance of these observations is discussed.
Encountering the Past in Nature: Essays in Environmental History

A deeper understanding of contemporary environmental problems requires us to know where we come from, and the study of environmental history will help us in that quest. Environmental history, in short, may be described as an attempt to study the interaction between humans and nature in the past. How have human societies affected their environment and vice versa? What does history tell us about ecological change? The essays in Encountering the Past in Nature provide various approaches to the new discipline. Experts with diverse educational backgrounds tackle important issues in environmental history, ranging from the intellectual formation of environmental concepts to case studies of forest history and animal extinction. Most essays in the collection focus on the issue of wilderness and the various uses of forest resources. Encountering the Past in Nature also offers introductory essays on the historiography and methodology of this field of historical study. Encountering the Past in Nature is a useful addition to the introductory texts currently available in the United States.
Transient optomechanically induced transparency in a silica microsphere

We report an experimental study of transient optomechanically induced transparency (OMIT) using a silica microsphere as a model optomechanical resonator. Transient OMIT processes were probed with a time-gated heterodyne detection technique. OMIT spectral responses were also measured as the OMIT process evolved toward the steady state. The transient OMIT behaviors observed are in good agreement with theoretical calculations based on the coupled-oscillator model. Specifically, the characteristic time scale for establishing the OMIT process is determined by the optomechanical cooperativity as well as the mechanical damping rate.
Cooling Gas Injection In Supersonic Turbulent Flowfiled With A Transverse Sonic Injection Jet

*† A shock-interaction flowfield generated by transverse sonic injection into a supersonic flow was simulated by solving the Favre-averaged Navier-Stokes equations using the weighted essentially nonoscillatory (WENO) schemes. Three-dimensional results indicate that there appear four pairs of vortices around the secondary injection. In the upstream of the square injection there exist two main recirculation regions and the primary vortex induces the horseshoe vortex region. After the secondary injection flow ejects from the square hole, it is forced by the supersonic main flow and then it becomes a pair of counter rotation vortices towards downstream. In the downstream there is a low-pressure region that conduces a pair of helical vortices.