cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microstructure–property relations of a steel powder metal under varying temperatures, strain rates, and stress states

Abstract This study is a first to analyze the microstructure and associated plasticity and fracture characteristics under finite deformations for quantifying different applied stress state, strain rate, and temperature effects on a porous powder metal steel (FC-0205). The complexities of the inelastic deformation from the coupled plasticity-damage evolution induced stress-state differences (compression, tension, and torsion) up to 20% at just 2% strain when examining the stress–strain behavior. As far as the temperature effect, when the temperature increased, the yield stress and work hardening rate decreased as is typical in steel alloys. As the strain rate increased, the yield stress displayed an increase. The yield stress did exhibit an increase as strain rate increased for both porosity levels. However, when the strain rate increased, the work hardening did not increase as is typical in dense steel alloys. It might be that the competitions of the microbuckling and dislocation emission and interaction under compression have different rates of change, and hence the applied strain rate differences could induce these non-intuitive results. The fracture process was dominated by the stereological statistics of the porosity. The pore volume fraction (porosity) ranged from 9 to 19%, the average pore diameter was approximately 6 μm with a maximum of 160 μm, and the average nearest neighbor distance was approximately 10 μm with a maximum of 60 μm. Since the nearest neighbor distance was close to the pore size, the stress interaction between pores was almost immediate upon loading thus causing a coalescence interaction that was dominant for the tensile fracture process. Some minor cleavage planes were also observed in tension. The greater the initial porosity, the lower the elastic modulus, work hardening rate, and strain to failure. For compression, because of the large amounts of porosity, microbuckling of ligaments between pores was a key inelastic deformation mechanism along with dislocation emission and movement. For torsion, cleavage planes were very prevalent on the fracture surfaces.
The prognostic importance of patient pre-operative expectations of surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis.

Abstract The influence of psychosocial variables in the outcome of surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) has not been evaluated. We studied 257 patients with LSS pre-operatively and at 6 months to: (a) relate patient expectations of surgery to baseline function and pain; and (b) determine how patient expectations and pre-operative function interact to predict post-operative outcomes. Results : On average, patients experienced substantial pain relief, improved function and satisfaction. Patients with many pre-operative expectations, particularly patients with low baseline function, reported more improvement in post-operative function than patients with few expectations. More ambitious expectations for physical function were also associated with improved function and satisfaction at 6 months. Conversely, having more numerous pain relief expectations was associated with more pain and less satisfaction with pain relief. Conclusion : Patient expectations influence recovery from surgery at 6 months. To improve outcomes and satisfaction, clinicians should discuss expectations with patients pre-operatively.
Estimation of mutation rates from the number of rare alleles in a sample

To estimate the mutation rate from rare electrophoretic variants, a revised estimating equation is derived that takes into account the sampling distribution of the observed number of rare alleles in a sample drawn from the population. A check of the approximations used here suggests that the derived estimating equation is superior to the currently available one that is based on the expected number of rare alleles in the population. The new method is illustrated with a collation of electrophoretic data from literature. It is shown that the assumptions made in the theoretical treatment do not affect the estimate, per se, when the observed number of rare alleles is chosen as a statistic for estimating the mutation rates.
Computational Simulation of the Docking of Prochlorothrix Hollandica Plastocyanin to Photosystem I: Modeling the Electron Transfer Complex

We have used several docking algorithms (GRAMM, FTDOCK, DOT, AUTODOCK) to examine protein-protein interactions between plastocyanin (Pc)/photosystem I (PSI) in the electron transfer reaction. Because of the large size and complexity of this system, it is faster and easier to use computer simulations than conduct x-ray crystallography or nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. The main criterion for complex selection was the distance between the copper ion of Pc and the P700 chlorophyll special pair. Additionally, the unique tyrosine residue (Tyr 12 ) of the hydrophobic docking surface of Prochlorothrix hollandica Pc yields a specific interaction with the lumenal surface of PSI, thus providing the second constraint for the complex. The structure that corresponded best to our criteria was obtained by the GRAMM algorithm. In this structure, the solvent-exposed histidine that coordinates copper in Pc is at the van der Waals distance from the pair of stacked tryptophans that separate the chlorophylls from the solvent, yielding the shortest possible metal-to-metal distance. The unique tyrosine on the surface of the Prochlorothrix Pc hydrophobic patch also participates in a hydrogen bond with the conserved Asn 633 of the PSI PsaB polypeptide (numbering from the Synechococcus elongatus crystal structure). Free energy calculations for complex formation with wild-type Pc, as well as the hydrophobic patch Tyr 12 Gly and Pro 14 Leu Pc mutants, were carried out using a molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzman, surface area approach (MM/PBSA). The results are in reasonable agreement with our experimental studies, suggesting that the obtained structure can serve as an adequate model for P. hollandica Pc-PSI complex that can be extended for the study of other cyanobacterial Pc/PSI reaction pairs.
LSDA+U study of cupric oxide : Electronic structure and native point defects

A first-principles study on strongly correlated monoclinic cupric oxide CuO has been performed by using the $\mathrm{LSDA}+\mathrm{U}$ method. The optimized structural parameters of the crystal CuO are in good agreement with the experimental data. The electronic structures and magnetic properties calculated from the $\mathrm{LSDA}+\mathrm{U}$ method show that, in its ground state, CuO is a semiconducting, antiferromagnetic material with an indirect band gap of $1.0\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ and local magnetic moment per unit formula of $0.60{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}$, which agree with the experimental results. The carrier effective masses in CuO are larger than those in silicon, indicating smaller carrier mobilities. We have also investigated native point defects in CuO. Our results show that CuO is intrinsically a $p$-type semiconductor because Cu vacancies are the most stable defects in both Cu-rich and O-rich environments.
Maternal Care Effects on the Development of a Sexually Dimorphic Motor System: The Role of Spinal Oxytocin

Maternal licking in rats affects the development of the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB), a sexually dimorphic motor nucleus that controls penile reflexes involved with copulation. Reduced maternal licking results in decreased motoneuron number, size, and dendritic length in the adult SNB, as well as deficits in adult male copulatory behavior. Our previous findings that licking-like tactile stimulation influences SNB dendritic development and upregulates Fos expression in the lumbosacral spinal cord suggest that afferent signaling is changed by differences in maternal stimulation. Oxytocin afferents from the hypothalamus are a possible candidate, given previous research that has shown oxytocin is released following sensory stimulation, oxytocin modulates excitability in the spinal cord, and is a pro-erectile modulator of male sex behavior. In this experiment, we used immunofluorescence and immediate early gene analysis to assess whether licking-like tactile stimulation of the perineum activated parvocellular oxytocinergic neurons in the hypothalamus in neonates. We also used enzyme immunoassay to determine whether this same stroking stimulation produced an increase in spinal oxytocin levels. We found that stroking increased Fos immunolabeling in small oxytocin-positive cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, in comparison to unstroked or handled control pups. In addition, 60 s of licking-like perineal stimulation produced a transient 89% increase in oxytocin levels in the lumbosacral spinal cord. Together, these results suggest that oxytocin afferent activity may contribute to the effects of early maternal care on the masculinization of the SNB and resultant male copulatory behavior.
Periodic and event-triggered communication for distributed continuous-time convex optimization

We propose a distributed continuous-time algorithm to solve a network optimization problem where the global cost function is a strictly convex function composed of the sum of the local cost functions of the agents. We establish that our algorithm, when implemented over strongly connected and weight-balanced directed graph topologies, converges exponentially fast when the local cost functions are strongly convex and their gradients are globally Lipschitz. We also characterize the privacy preservation properties of our algorithm and extend the convergence guarantees to the case of time-varying, strongly connected, weight-balanced digraphs. When the network topology is a connected undirected graph, we show that exponential convergence is still preserved if the gradients of the strongly convex local cost functions are locally Lipschitz, while it is asymptotic if the local cost functions are convex. We also study discrete-time communication implementations. Specifically, we provide an upper bound on the stepsize of a synchronous periodic communication scheme that guarantees convergence over connected undirected graph topologies and, building on this result, design a centralized event-triggered implementation that is free of Zeno behavior. Simulations illustrate our results.
Institutional differences as sources of growth differences

Until recently, most studies investigating the determinants of growth failed to incorporate the importance of institutions into the empirical analysis. This paper highlights the importance of institutions on growth and development and evaluates the empirical results on the effect of institutions on growth and investment. It provides ample evidence that the institutional environment in which an economic activity takes place is an important determinant of economic growth. This paper uses alternative measures of institutional quality to capture the role of institutions in explaining growth differences across countries. When these institutional variables are incorporated into the core regression equations as additional explanatory variables in two different sample periods, both samples yield similar results. The empirical results reveal that countries with high levels of economic growth are characterized by high levels of economic freedom and judicial efficiency, low levels of corruption, effective bureaucracy, and protected private property.
Statistical distribution of spacecraft maximum structural response.

Under nonstationary random excitations resulting from booster engine shutdown, a direct statistical analysis of spacecraft maximum response is performed, and the spacecraft structural reliability is obtained. It is found that the Gumbel (1958) Type I asymptotic distribution of maximum values provides a reasonably good statistical model for spacecraft maximum responses. This approach makes it possible to perform the reliability-based optimum design of spacecraft structures.
Prognostic factors for outcomes of patients with refractory or relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes undergoing allogeneic progenitor cell transplantation

Allogeneic progenitor cell transplantation is the only curative therapy for patients with refractory acute myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes. To identify prognostic factors in these patients, we performed a retrospective analysis of transplantation outcomes. Patients were selected if they had undergone an allogeneic transplantation between January 1988 and January 2002 and were not in remission or first untreated relapse at the time of transplantation. A total of 135 patients were identified. The median age was 49.5 years (range, 19-75 years). At the time of transplantation, 39.3% of patients had not responded to induction therapy, 37% had not responded to first salvage therapy, and 23.7% were beyond first salvage. Forty-one patients (30%) received unrelated donor progenitor cells. Eighty patients (59%) received either a reduced-intensity or a nonmyeloablative regimen. A total of 104 (77%) of 135 patients died, with a median survival time of 4.9 months (95% confidence interval, 3.9-6.6 months). The median progression-free survival was 2.9 months (95% confidence interval, 2.5-4.2 months). A Cox regression analysis showed that Karnofsky performance status, peripheral blood blasts, and tacrolimus exposure during the first 11 days after transplantation were predictive of survival. These data support the use of allogeneic transplantation for patients with relapsed or refractory acute myelogenous leukemia/myelodysplastic syndromes and suggest that optimal immune suppression early after transplantation is essential for long-term survival even in patients with refractory myeloid leukemias.
Cyromazine-sensitive stages of housefly development: influence of penetration metabolism and persistence on potency

Cyromazine is a potent inhibitor of housefly (Musca domestica L.) larval development when administered orally to adults or incorporated into larval media, and of pupal metamorphosis on topical application shortly before or after pupariation. Pupae are most sensitive to cyromazine within 1 hr after pupariation and with tetrahydrofuran as the carrier solvent, giving topical LD50 values of 3 μg/g for the total puparium plus pupa and 0.2 μg/g calculated for the pupa only. Tetrahydrofuran is more effective than methanol in facilitating rapid cyromazine penetration during this critical pupal stage. The rate of cyromazine penetration or accumulation at sensitive stages appears to be more critical than the extent of metabolism in limiting cyromazine toxicity. Houseflies shortly after pupariation provide a sensitive and convenient organism for studies on cyromazine mode of action. RESUME Sensibilite a la cyromazine de differents stades de developpement chez Musca domestica: influence de la penetration, du metabolisme et de la persistance sur la toxicite La cyromazine (N-cyclopropyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine or CGA-72662) est un puissant inhibiteur de developpement chez Musca domestica. Le traitement des adultes par voie orale n'altere pas l'eclosion des œufs, mais inhibe fortement le developpement des larves. Incorporee au milieu larvaire, elle donne une DL50 de 0.11 ppm. La sensibilite des pupes, traitees par application topique, decroit rapidement avec l'âge et est dependante du solvant utilise. Une heure apres pupaison et avec le tetrahydrofuran comme vecteur, la DL50 est de 3 μg/g, soit 0.2 μg/g pour la pupe sans puparium. Compare au methanol, le tetrahydrofuran facilite la penetration de la cyromazine pendant ce stade critique. La penetration est egalement un facteur de la resistance des pupes âgees. La toxicite de la cyromazine apparait donc principalement dependante de sa vitesse de penetration et de son accumulation dans l'organisme plutot que de son metabolisme. Juste apres pupaison, la jeune pupe chez M. domestica s'avere etre un materiel sensible et pratique pour l'etude du mode d'action de la cyromazine.
The forward biased, Abrupt p-n junction

The abrupt, forward biased pn-junction is solved very accurately for its terminal characteristics and injection efficiency for all values of forward bias. This is accomplished by using a three-region approach and formulating the transport problem in terms of the local pn-product. Analytic solutions are derived for low, medium and high injection conditions. The low injection regime is characterized by negligible majority carrier density increases. However, in this injection region bulk width modulations due to decreasing transition layer widths modify the standard diffusion model results. The medium injection condition prevails if majority carrier density changes due to injection are significant on the lightly doped side of the junction. This as well as an inreasing bulk voltage drop are taken into account to establish new relationships for injection efficiency, which is decreasing with injection, and the terminal characteristics. The high injection regime involves significant majority carrier modulation in both bulk regions. The injection efficiency becomes a constant which is determined by mobility differences since diffusion currents are negligible. The transition region vanishes in width and its total voltage drop goes to zero. The current through the device is governed by a power law because it is a conductivity modulated resistor.
Bleomycin-Induced Alterations in DNA Replication: Relationship to DNA Damage†

Bleomycin (BLM), a well-known DNA scission agent, is assumed to inhibit intracellular DNA replication by damaging the DNA template (cis-acting mechanism), although other DNA damaging compounds can alter DNA replication through modulation of crucial replication factor(s) (trans-acting mechanism). The present study examines the relationship between DNA damage and inhibition of replication caused by BLM in the well-defined simian virus 40 (SV40) intracellular and cell-free in vitro systems. Treatment of SV40-infected BSC-1 cells for 2 h with BLM at 50 microg/mL, induced 0.3 break/viral genome. Under the same treatment conditions, analysis of replication intermediates on two-dimensional gels showed a decrease in both mass of SV40 replication intermediates and replication activity. The mass of SV40 intermediates was decreased to about 30%, whereas replication activity was reduced to less than 5%. These results suggest that BLM inhibits both initiation and elongation phases of SV40 replication. In a cell-free DNA replication system, extracts from BLM-treated cells (50 micro/mL) were able to support SV40 DNA replication by only 50%. In this study, non-drug-treated DNA template was used, implying that BLM can induce a trans-acting effect. Finally, the drug-induced effects on SV40 DNA replication in cell-free and intracellular viral systems were compared to the effects on genomic DNA replication in BSC-1 cells. Overall, the results support the concept that BLM-induced inhibition of DNA replication occurs by both trans- (inhibition of replication of nondamaged template) and cis-acting mechanisms (template damage).
Review: Adiponectin – The missing link between maternal adiposity, placental transport and fetal growth?

Adiponectin has well-established insulin-sensitizing effects in non-pregnant individuals. Pregnant women who are obese or have gestational diabetes typically have low circulating levels of adiponectin, which is associated with increased fetal growth. Lean women, on the other hand, have high circulating levels of adiponectin. As a result, maternal serum adiponectin is inversely correlated to fetal growth across the full range of birth weights, suggesting that maternal adiponectin may limit fetal growth. In the mother, adiponectin is predicted to promote insulin sensitivity and stimulate glucose uptake in maternal skeletal muscle thereby reducing nutrient availability for placental transfer. Adiponectin prevents insulin-stimulated amino acid uptake in cultured primary human trophoblast cells by modulating insulin receptor substrate phosphorylation. Furthermore, chronic administration of adiponectin to pregnant mice inhibits placental insulin and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, down-regulates the activity and expression of key placental nutrient transporters and decreases fetal growth. Preliminary findings indicate that adiponectin binds to the adiponectin receptor-2 on the trophoblast cell and activates p38 MAPK and PPAR-α, which inhibits the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway. In contrast to maternal adiponectin, recent reports suggest that fetal adiponectin may promote expansion of adipose tissue and stimulate fetal growth. Regulation of placental function by adiponectin constitutes a novel physiological mechanism by which the endocrine functions of maternal adipose tissue influence fetal growth. These findings may help us better understand the factors determining birth weight in normal pregnancies and in pregnancy complications associated with altered maternal adiponectin levels such as obesity and gestational diabetes.
Interdisciplinary characterization of fracture systems at the US/BK site, Grimsel Laboratory, Switzerland

Abstract We have implemented a characterization methodology for fractured rock sites that combines geophysical and geologic information to aid hydrologic modelling. This approach concentrates on fracture zones, which commonly dominate the hydrologic behaviour of large rock masses. This approach contrast with approaches that focus on individual fractures and are largely statistically-based. The general philosophy is to identify and locate the major fracture zones, and then establish the essential and recurring patterns in which fractures are organized with the zones. We make a concerted effort to use this information on fracture systematics to link site-specific geologic and geophysical information. The procedure generally is applied to a specific site in a four-step sequence. First, information on the region encompassing the site is assembled and a model of the geologic structure in the vicinity of the target site is prepared. The major structures that might intersect the site are identified in this stage. Second, detailed geologic mapping is conducted to define the structural systematics of the major fracture zones near the site and to gain insight into how fluid might flow along the zones. Third, a preliminary model of the major structures at the site is prepared using the regional information together with geologic mapping and borehole surveys along the target site perimeter. Finally, the model is refined based on geophysical techniques [such as vertical seismic profiling (VSP) and geophysical tomography] that can image a rock mass at distances of at least several tens of meters from a borehole. Results to date from the US/BK site at the Grimsel Rock Laboratory in Switzerland indicate that this approach can contribute significantly to the hydrologic evaluation of a fractured rock mass.
Effects of instilled combustion-derived particles in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Part I: Cardiovascular responses

Epidemiological studies have reported statistically significant associations between the levels of ambient particulate matter (PM) and the incidence of morbidity and mortality, particularly among persons with cardiopulmonary disease. While similar effects have been demonstrated in animals, the mechanism(s) by which these effects are mediated are unresolved. To further investigate this phenomenon, the cardiovascular and thermoregulatory effects of an oil combustion-derived PM (HP-12) were examined in spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats. The particle used in this study had considerably fewer water-soluble metals than the residual oil fly ash (ROFA) particles widely used in previous animal toxicity studies, with Zn and Ni constituting the primary water-leachable elements in HP-12. Rats were surgically implanted with radiotelemeters capable of continuously monitoring electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate (HR), systemic arterial blood pressure (BP), and core temperature (Tco). Animals were divided into four dos...
Spark Spectrum of Copper (Cu II)

Terms in the spectrum of Cu(II.).---The spark spectrum of copper consists of (1) a low set of terms $^{3}D$ and $^{1}D$ from the structure (${d}^{9}s$); (2) an intermediate set $^{3}P$, $^{3}D^{\ensuremath{'}}$, $^{3}F$, $^{1}P$, $^{1}D^{\ensuremath{'}}$, $^{1}F({d}^{9}p)$; (3) a high set $^{3}D$, $^{1}D({d}^{9}, s)$; (4) probably a $^{1}S({d}^{10})$, the lowest term and giving combinations outside the observed range. All of these terms except $^{1}S$ have been identified by intensities of combinations and by Zeeman effects. They are all inverted except $^{3}F$ which is only partially so; and the interval rule does not hold. The terms ${^{3}D_{3}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and $^{1}F_{3}$ apparently share their $g$-sum and are otherwise not differentiable. The value of $^{1}S$ can be found from arc spectrum limits to be about 22224 wave numbers lower than $^{3}D_{3}$. The application of the combination principle makes possible the calculation of accurate wave numbers in the ultra-violet to $\ensuremath{\lambda}1944$.Comparison with corresponding terms in Ni(I) and Pd (I).---A comparison is made with corresponding terms in Ni(I) and Pd(I) and it is shown that the limits of the component term series in all three cases apparently do not agree with Hund's predictions. It is important that the difference $^{3}D_{3}\ensuremath{-}^{3}D_{1}$ in the three spectra is constant within the series to less than $\frac{1}{10}%$; in the case of Cu(II), being apparently absolutely constant and equal to the difference $^{4}D_{4}\ensuremath{-}^{4}D_{1}$ of the arc spectrum.An ionization potential for Cu(II) is calculated as about 20.5 volts.
Parametric Stability of a Nonlinear Rotating Blade

The stability of period-1 motions of a rotating blade with geometric nonlinearity is studied. The roles of cubic stiffening geometric term are considered in the study of nonlinear periodic motions and its stability and bifurcations of a rotating blade. The nonlinear model of a rotating blade is reduced to the ordinary differential equations through the Galerkin method, and the gyroscopic systems with parametric excitations are obtained. The generalized harmonic balance method is employed to determine the period-1 solutions and the corresponding stability and bifurcations.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
DNA adducts: biological markers of exposure and potential applications to risk assessment

DNA adducts have been investigated extensively during the past decade. This research has been advanced, in part, by the development of ultrasensitive analytical methods, such as 32P-postlabeling and mass spectrometry, that enable detection of DNA adducts at concentrations as low as one adduct per 109 to 1010 normal nucleotides. Studies of mutations in activated oncogenes such as ras, inactivated tumor suppressor genes such as p53, and surrogate genes such as hprt provide linkage between DNA adducts and carcinogenesis. The measurement of DNA adducts, or molecular dosimetry, has important applications for cancer risk assessment. Cancer risk assessment currently involves estimating the probable effects of carcinogens in humans based on results of animal bioassays. Estimates of risk are then derived from mathematical models that fit data of tumor incidence at the high animal exposures and extrapolate to probable human exposures that may be orders of magnitude lower. Molecular dosimetry could extend the observable range of mechanistic data several orders of magnitude lower than can be achieved in carcinogenesis bioassays. This measurement also compensates automatically for individual and species differences in toxicokinetic factors, as well as any nonlinearities that affect the quantitative relationships between exposure and molecular dose. As a result, molecular dosimetry can provide a basis for conducting high- to low-dose, route-to-route, and interspecies extrapolations. The incorporation of such data into risk assessment promises to reduce uncertainties and produce more accurate estimates of risk compared to current methods.
Recent developments in electrophoretic separations on microfluidic devices

Research combining the areas of separation science and microfluidics has gained popularity, driven by the increasing need to create portable, fast, and low analyte-consumption devices. Much of this research has focused on the developments in electrophoretic separations, which use the electrokinetic properties of analytes to overcome many of the problems encountered during system scale-down. In addition, new physical phenomenon can be exploited on the microscale not available in standard techniques. In this study, the innovative developments, including electrophoretic concentration, sample preparation/conditioning, and separation on-chip are reviewed, along with some introductory discussions, from January 2008 to July 2010.
Utilization of ion chromatography and statistics to determine important acids in chromium plating and electropolishing solutions

Abstract Inadequate monitoring of sulfuric and chromic acids in chromium plating solutions and phosphoric and sulfuric acids in electropolishing solutions is a serious problem for the industry resulting in poor quality products and wasted resources. This is especially true for the narrow tolerances required to chromium plate cannon systems. Current online and offline instrumental analysis methods either do not result in acceptable precision or are time consuming. Two similar methods, which are improvements on existing ion chromatographic methods, are presented here that provides acceptable analysis and monitoring of these acids in this chromium plating process coupled with an extensive statistical evaluation of the experimental data. For chromium plating solutions, the resultant means and precisions are 2.50 ± 0. 11 g/l sulfuric acid and 250 ± 5 g/l chromic acid. For electropolishing solutions, these values are 685 ± 4 g/l phosphoric acid and 845 ± 5 g/l sulfuric acid.
Evaluation and Management of the Unstable Patella

IN BRIEF: Patellar dislocation is an uncommon source of anterior knee pain, but it can cause significant morbidity in young, active patients who are particularly prone to recurrent instability. Most first-time dislocations are successfully treated with initial brace immobilization followed by rehabilitation. Surgical stabilization of recurrent instability has a high success rate and is usually required if nonoperative measures fail. By identifying the problem early and prescribing appropriate treatment, physicians may prevent further knee damage and minimize long-term sequelae.
THE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF ECLAMPSIA

Hypertensive disease remains second only to embolic phenomena as a leading cause of maternal mortality. This article covers the major physiologic and pathologic findings to be considered when managing pregnant women with eclampsia. Attention to detail and an increased degree of suspicion will improve fetal and maternal outcomes.
Spontaneous peripelvic extravasation due to bladder carcinoma.

Abstract A case of bladder carcinoma which caused extensive spontaneous peripelvic extravasation due to chronic ureteral obstruction is reported. The importance of excluding an obstructing neoplasm when confronted with spontaneous urinary extravasation and the need for aggressive management in this situation are emphasized.
Airway Simulation to Guide Stent Placement for Tracheobronchial Obstruction in Lung Cancer

Abstract Background . To effectively palliate large airway obstruction in advanced unresectable lung cancer (stage IIIB or IV), we developed an airway imaging technique to guide selective endobronchial metallic stent placement. Methods . Fourteen consecutive patients with severe dyspnea (American Thoracic Society grade 4) had a combination of fiberoptic bronchoscopy, chest roentgenography, computed tomographic scanning, helical computed tomography with three-dimensional reconstruction, and intraluminal bronchography with selective bronchial guidewire placement under fluoroscopy to visually reconstruct and simulate the abnormal airway before and during stent placement. Wallstent or Gianturco intraluminal stents were used alone or in combination (up to five stents) to establish patency of the distal trachea and the major bronchi. Results . All 14 patients had successful deployment with initial relief of airway stenosis (>75% predicted diameter). No procedural complications were noted. However, technical problems included stent foreshortening and imprecision of placement, misinterpretation of bronchography (mucous versus tumor), and airway maintenance during manipulation. Length of stay attributable to the procedure averaged 4 days. Stent placement initially improved the dyspnea score in 7 of 14 patients. Five of 14 died in less than 1 month, with the remainder alive at up to 8 months' follow-up. Of those surviving more than 1 month, the Karnofsky score improved in 4 and was unchanged in 5, with 2 dependent (Karnofsky score 70). Conclusions . A protocol combining helical computed tomography with three-dimensional reconstruction, bronchography, and bronchoscopy allows accurate assessment of malignant airway obstruction to facilitate intralumenal stent placement for relief of stenosis. Patient selection to favor effective palliation and cost effectiveness has yet to be defined.
Animalworks in China

The experimental art scene in post-Tiananmen China has featured an array of animal bodies, both living and dead, as well as interspecies encounters ranging from the playful to the sadistic, from the gently collaborative to the violently conflictual, which interrogate and destabilize contemporary constructions of the nature-culture binary.
A technique for analysis of runoff hydrographs

Abstract An inverse square transformation of the Pearson Type III function has been utilized to fit single peak runoff hydrographs. The function has only one parameter, but different values are estimated for the rising and falling portion of the hydrograph. The two limbs of the hydrograph are matched at the hydrograph peak. Fitting and goodness-of-fit techniques, and plotting of the observed and calculated hydrographs have been fully automated. The procedure has been tested on a sample of 135 hydrographs, and some preliminary analyses have been obtained.
Writing and publishing instructional and research software

Many psychologists who currently use computers in research and instruction will eventually consider developing software of their own. Recommendations for structuring, writing, documenting, and possibly publishing software, as well as dealing with publishers, modifying programs, and converting syntax, are presented in hopes of stimulating the writing of new software.
Contribution of aldosterone to cardiovascular and renal inflammation and fibrosis

The steroid hormone aldosterone regulates sodium and potassium homeostasis. Aldosterone and activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor also causes inflammation and fibrosis of the heart, fibrosis and remodelling of blood vessels and tubulointerstitial fibrosis and glomerular injury in the kidney. Aldosterone and mineralocorticoid-receptor activation initiate an inflammatory response by increasing the generation of reactive oxygen species by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and mitochondria. High salt intake potentiates these effects, in part by activating the Rho family member Rac1, a regulatory subunit of reduced NADPH oxidase that activates the mineralocorticoid receptor. Studies in mice in which the mineralocorticoid receptor has been deleted from specific cell types suggest a key role for macrophages in promoting inflammation and fibrosis. Aldosterone can exert mineralocorticoid-receptor-independent effects via the angiotensin II receptor and via G-protein-coupled receptor 30. Mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonists are associated with decreased mortality in patients with heart disease and show promise in patients with kidney injury, but can elevate serum potassium concentration. Studies in rodents genetically deficient in aldosterone synthase or treated with a pharmacological aldosterone-synthase inhibitor are providing insight into the relative contribution of aldosterone compared with the contribution of mineralocorticoid-receptor activation in inflammation, fibrosis, and injury. Aldosterone-synthase inhibitors are under development in humans.
Feasibility of dose adjustment based on differences in long-term clearance rates of inhaled particulate matter in humans and laboratory animals.

Abstract Long-term pulmonary clearance rates were evaluated for several laboratory animal species, dogs, and humans to determine if differences among species exist, and if so, the adequacy of the data for dose adjustment. Within each species, large variations in clearance rates were seen, probably as a result of differences in solubility of the aerosol particles, differences in measurement techniques, possible lung damage, transport to lung-associated lymph nodes, and binding of dissolved chemicals to cellular macromolecules in the lung. While few direct comparisons among species using the same aerosol were available, mechanical clearance of particles from the alveolar regions of dogs and humans was generally slower than in most laboratory species, with t 1 2 values several-fold longer. Particle clearance rate variations of this magnitude were shown to induce potentially large differences in bioavailability. This can result in large errors in assessing human risk from animal studies unless a dose adjustment is made. It is suggested that despite limitations on available data, a two- to threefold adjustment of dose when extrapolating from small laboratory animals to humans, for quantitative risk assessment, should be considered, unless solubility half-times are very short.
A simplified algorithm for computing stationary cost variances for a class of optimally controlled jump parameter systems

Although procedures exist for finding the cost variances of an optimally controlled, stochastic, jump parameter system, the computational complexity inherent in these procedures impedes their general use. An algorithm is provided here that will provide the stationary cost variance with significantly less effort. An example illustrating the mechanics of the algorithm is presented.
Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES): creation of a gastric valve for safe and effective transgastric surgery in humans

Introduction NOTES has become a clinical reality. There remain, however, many challenges that need to be addressed in order to refine the technique. One of the most feared potential complications of transgastric surgery is a leak from the port of entry into the peritoneum. When withdrawing the endoscope into the gastric lumen it is difficult to make a secure closure due to the loss of pneumogastrium. We present a novel and safe technique for creating a gastrotomy developed in our animal laboratory and applied in all of our human NOTES cholecystectomies.
TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE EFFECTS ON THE OXIDATION OF HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE GEOGRIDS

Abstract Two acceleration incubation methods were used to evaluate the oxidative resistance of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geogrids. In Series #1, forced air ovens at elevated temperatures of 55, 65 and 75 °C were utilized to assess two types of HDPE geogrids, GG-1 and GG-2. After 84 months of incubation, the tensile properties and molecular weight remained unchanged, while the amount of antioxidants, which was measured by the standard oxidation induction time (OIT), decreased as incubation time increased. The depletion mechanisms of antioxidants were found to be significantly different between the two geogrids. For geogrid GG-1, depending on the incubation temperature, the OIT versus incubation time curves can be divided into two or three linear regions: Regions I, II and III. In Region I, the OIT-retained values remained constant. Region II occurred within few months of incubation; it consisted of a steep slope indicating rapid depletion rate of antioxidants. Region III, which followed immediately after Region II, exhibited a gradual decrease of OIT. In contrast, geogrid GG-2 showed an exponential decrease of OIT with aging time. Under the temperature acceleration condition, the predicted lifetimes of antioxidants in GG-1 and GG-2 are 172 and 122 years, respectively, using the Arrhenius model at a constant site temperature of 20 °C. The second incubation method, Series #2, combined elevated temperature with high oxygen pressure. The acceleration of antioxidant depletion is governed by the oxygen partial pressure instead of total pressure in the incubation pressure cell. The antioxidant reaction rate increases exponentially with pressure. The lifetime of antioxidant is predicted to be 116 years for GG-1 at conditions of 20 °C and 1 atm.
Magnetic resonance imaging in social phobia

Abstract Recent studies have implicated dopamine and the basal ganglia circuits in the pathophysiology of social phobia. Twenty-two patients who met DSM-III- R criteria for social phobia and 22 age- and sex-matched control subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI was performed with a 1.5 Tesla General Electric Signa System. No statistically significant difference was demonstrated between social phobia patients and normal control subjects in respect to total cerebral, caudate, putamen, and thalamic volumes. Although this study failed to demonstrate any specific cerebral structure abnormalities in patients with social phobia, it did reveal an age-related reduction in putamen volumes in patients with social phobia that was greater than that seen in controls. This age-related reduction in putamen volumes in patients with social phobia was not correlated with the severity of their illness.
Positive and negative biopsies in the pre-prostate specific antigen and prostate specific antigen eras, 1980 to 1997.

Purpose:: We assess temporal trends in prostate biopsy incidence, utilization and cancer yield in the community before and after the introduction of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) to the community medical practiceMaterials and Methods:: Study subjects comprised all Olmsted County men with a first prostate biopsy performed between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 1997. Medical records of all study subjects (1,729) were reviewed for clinical information from the first and all subsequent biopsies.Results:: Annual age adjusted prostate biopsy incidence increased from 113/100,000 (95% confidence interval 76, 150) in 1980 to 487/100,000 (421, 554) in 1992 and decreased to 264/100,000 (219, 309) in 1997. For men 50 to 59 years old biopsy incidence increased 400% from 137/100,000 in 1980 to 1986 to 686/100,000 in 1993 to 1997. Overall, there were 93/100,000 more negative biopsies and 49/100,000 more positive biopsies in 1993 to 1997 than in 1980 to 1986. The overall cancer yield of 36% was essentially unch...
Continuous Sharing of a Record-Oriented Output Device within a Distributed Function Laboratory Computer Network

An attempt to partition along functional lines a computer system for control of and data collection from a set of laboratory experiments leads to the notion of sharing of peripheral devices. Peripheral devices can be shared in two fundamentally different ways, reserved for discrete periods of time or continuously shared. The design and implementation of a subsystem to handle the continuous sharing of a record-oriented device is discussed.
Neurological mechanisms of chest pain and cardiac disease

SCS is an efficacious, reversible, and safe therapy that improves quality of life, increases exercise tolerance, and relieves angina pectoris, but clinical trials in North America are needed to confirm the data coming from Europe. Neuronal convergence onto STT cells underlies the referred pain associated with angina pectoris. With pain referred to the chest and upper arm, cardiac nociceptive information is transmitted via sympathetic afferent fibers to thoracic cells. With pain referred to the jaw and neck, cardiac nociceptive information is transmitted via vagal afferent fibers onto cervical cells. SCS can modulate the responses of thoracic STT cells to nociceptive input originating from the heart. SCS modulates cardiac function. It stabilizes neurons in the intrinsic cardiac nervous system, and can reduce infarct size via adrenoreceptors.
Single-shot two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy.

Multidimensional infrared spectroscopy is a robust tool for studying the structural dynamics of molecules. In particular, two-dimensional infrared (2DIR) spectroscopy can reveal vibrational coupling among the internal modes of molecules, uncovering the transient structure of complex systems. While spectroscopically very powerful, current experimental techniques are time consuming to perform, requiring ~ 106 laser shots for a single 2DIR spectrum. In this work, we demonstrate a new technique that can acquire a full 2DIR correlation spectrum using a single ultrafast laser pulse. This apparatus will allow 2DIR spectroscopy to be extended to systems that were unattainable with previous technology,including, irreversible chemical reactions, rapid flow experiments, or with low repetition rate laser systems.
A Magnetic Rotary Encoder for Patterned Media Lithography

Bit patterned media (BPM) is expected to enable the magnetic storage density in hard disk drives (HDDs) beyond 1 Tb/in2. BPM uses isolated magnetic islands to record the data information. However, the large volume fabrication of those patterned media disks at an affordable cost is a challenge for this new technology. A master template is the first step for patterned media fabrication. Using nano-imprint technology, the master template can be replicated to tens of thousands of pattern disks. A rotary electron beam lithography machine or plasmonic nanolithography machine is recommended to assist in the fabrication of the master template. In both systems, a high resolution encoder system for positioning in the rotary lithography machine is necessary. In this paper, a magnetic rotary encoder system is introduced. The encoder system can be operated at several thousand revolution per minute (RPM). The scale pitch is 90 nm which is one to two orders smaller than current optical encoders. The resolution is about 2.8 million counts per revolution (CPR). A flying magnetic head is used to retrieve the readback signal from the magnetic encoders. A field programmable gate array (FPGA) is implemented to finish the high speed signal processing and provide a digital format encoder signal to trigger the lithography machine at a rate of several Mega Hertz.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
EFFECT OF COOKING METHOD ON THE AROMA CONSTITUENTS OF SWEET POTATOES [IPOMOEA BATATAS (L.) LAM.]

To better understand the factors controlling the flavor of horticultural products, the effect of method of cooking on the volatile flavor of sweet potatoes was assessed. Volatile extracts from sweet potatoes cooked by baking, boiling, and microwaving were studied by GC, GC-MS and GC olfactory assessment. GC-olfactory analysis identified 37 compounds that were odor-active, 36 of which were identified. Compared with conventional baking, boiling and microwaving yielded only 54.26% and 6.43% of the relative total yield of aroma-active compounds, respectively. From aroma extract dilution analysis, four compounds contributed to the aroma from each cooking method. In addition, cooking method specific aroma contributing compounds accounted for the unique aroma of each of the cooked products. Thus the flavor of cooked sweet potatoes is dependent upon the method of cooking both on a sensory and chemical level.