cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control of overall thermal efficiency of combustion heating systems

A method for analyzing the energy performance of central combustion heating systems has been derived. The method consists of a combination of measuring a minimum number of key system parameters and using them as input for HFLAME, the digital model used to simulate the dynamic performance of the heating system. HFLAME is based on the stack loss method, uses only input that can be obtained during field measurements, and relies on the steady state operation of the burner to calibrate flows and temperatures. This methodology is being applied to the study of a variety of furnace/boiler designs, modes of operation and control options, aimed at reducing the energy consumption for residential space heating. One of the main reasons for the substantial, difference between steady state furnace efficiency and average seasonal system efficiency was found to be caused by the furnace draft flows during the burner off-period. Power burners can reduce the losses, LD, caused by those flows considerably by virtue of functioning like leaky dampers in the off-period. Other reasons for the generally high LD losses are: low average furnace load (oversizing), the use of pilot flame ignition systems, frequent system cycles and high fan/pump control set points. Although typical seasonal efficiency data for gas fired heating systems are about 60%, and 66% for those fired with oil, we estimate that efficiencies of up to 69%, respectively 76%, can be achieved by attending to careful selection, sizing, installation and adjustment.
A peptide that mimics the Vth region of β2glycoprotein I reverses antiphospholipid-mediated thrombosis in mice

Antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies bind to beta2glycoprotein I (beta2GPI) and cause endothelial cell (EC) activation and thrombosis in mice. beta2GPI binds to EC through its Vth domain and induces their activation. TIFI is a 20 amino acid synthetic peptide that shares similarity with the Vth domain of beta2GPI. Our objectives were to examine the ability of TIFI to affect aPL-mediated thrombosis in mice and the interactions of TIFI, beta2GPI with phospholipid surfaces and target cells. CD1 mice were injected with IgG from a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome (IgG-APS) or with control IgG-NHS and with either TIFI or with control peptide (VITT). Size of induced thrombi was determined. Inhibition and competition studies were done using aPL antibodies, cardiolipin (CL) liposomes in the presence of varying amounts of TIFI and beta2GPI. Binding of fluorescinated beta2GPI to human ECs and to murine macrophages in the presence or absence of TIFI, was also examined. TIFI significantly decreased thrombus size in mice injected with IgG-APS. TIFI reverted the beta2GPI-dependent binding of aPL antibodies to CL liposomes in a dose-dependent fashion. This effect was abrogated by addition of beta2GPI, suggesting that TIFI displaces the binding of beta2GPI to phospholipids. TIFI inhibited the binding of fluorescinated beta2GPI to human EC and to murine macrophages. The data indicate that TIFI abrogates thrombogenic properties of aPL in mice by competing with beta2GPI and preventing its binding to target cells. This may be important in designing new modalities for the treatment of thrombosis in APS.
Surgical Resection of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Cavernous Malformations: Delayed Complications, Long-term Outcomes, and Association with Cryptic Venous Malformations

OBJECTIVE: To examine outcomes and delayed complications after the surgical resection of intramedullary spinal cord (IMSC) cavernous malformations. The association of these lesions with cryptic intraparenchymal venous malformations at surgery also was analyzed. METHODS: The records of 17 patients who underwent resection of their histologically verified IMSC cavernous malformations were analyzed. There were nine female and eight male patients (mean age, 40.1 yr). The locations of the cavernous malformations were as follows: cervical, eight; thoracic, eight; and conus medullaris, one. The mean follow-up period was 48.3 months. Immediate postoperative and long-term neurological outcomes were compared, and delayed complications were assessed. RESULTS: The patients presented with radiculopathy (n = 6), myelopathy (n = 10), and conus medullaris syndrome (n = 1). Intraoperatively, 16 (94.1%) IMSC cavernous malformations were associated with cryptic venous malformations. Immediately after surgery, four (23.5%) patients worsened neurologically whereas one (5.9%) improved. At long-term follow-up, however, 10 (58.9%) patients had improved and only 1 (5.9%) remained worse. Four (23.5%) patients experienced delayed complications. Three had undergone incomplete resection and experienced subsequent hemorrhage, necessitating subsequent resection. Another patient developed radiological tethering of the thoracic spinal cord without clinical symptoms. Two of the three patients who had undergone subsequent resection developed symptomatic tethering of the cervical spinal cord. In one of the two patients, the tethering was associated with an iatrogenic cerebellar tonsillar herniation. Both patients required surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The frequent coexistence of IMSC cavernous malformations with cryptic venous malformations in this series indicates a need for operative vigilance to preserve these venous anomalies. Delayed complications were the result of incomplete resection. The resultant hemorrhage required reexploration, which led to tethering of the spinal cord. Most patients who underwent resection, however, had improved neurologically at long-term follow-up.
Sources of relaxin in the rabbit.

The ovaiy, uterus and placenta have been suggested as possible sites for the formation of relaxin (Herrick, 1928; Hisaw, 1926, 1929; Hisaw, Zarrow, Money, Talmage and Abramovitz, 1944; Zarrow, 1947, 1948). Not only has it been possible to extract relaxin from these three organs but there is some indication that they may serve as sources of the hormone in the normal economy of the organism. However, this work was carried out on different species so that it is difficult to evaluate the relative role of the various sites in the formation of relaxin in a given species. In the sow, the ovary would appear to be the major source (Hisaw and Zarrow, 1948), whereas the placenta may play a more significant role in the mouse (Newton and Beck, 1939; Hall and Newton, 1947) and the guinea pig (Herrick, 1927; Zarrow, 1948). In view of the many possible sources of relaxin noted among different species,
Recovery from disordered drinking by vagotomized rats.

Abstract Within 8 weeks after bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy, rats failed to respond to 3 stimuli of thirst: water consumption in absence of food, cellular dehydration produced by hypertonic NaCl, and beta-adrenergic activation using isoproterenol. Sixteen weeks post-surgery, however, these deficits in drinking behavior disappeared. Eight weeks after surgery, for example, following intragastric loads of 5% NaCl at 1 ml/100 g body weight, vagotomized rats drank 2.3 ± 0.3 ml water; their sham-operated controls drank 17.4 ± 1.6 ml. The corresponding values 16 weeks post-surgery were 17.4 ± 0.7 for the vagotomized rats and 17.9 ± 0.7 ml for the laparotomized controls. When isoproterenol (0.05 mg/100 g) was injected, for the initial tests vagotomized rats and their controls drank 3.2 ± 0.3 ml and 15.8 ± 0.8 ml water, respectively, and the corresponding values 16 weeks post-surgery were 15.8 ± 0.7 ml and 14.9 ± 0.7 ml, respectively. There was no recovery of efferent vagal function so recovery of drinking was probably not due to nerve regeneration.
Hadronic models for the photoproduction of psi's

We examine the photoproduction of the $\ensuremath{\psi}(3095)$ within the context of the assumption that the $\ensuremath{\psi}$ contains a pair of new fundamental constituents. Using an inequality based on unitarity, we derive a lower limit on the cross section $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\gamma}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}D\overline{D}+\mathrm{anything})\ensuremath{\gtrsim}300$ nb where the $D'\mathrm{s}$ are hadrons carrying the new constituent bound to ordinary quarks. This suggests that it should be possible to detect $D'\mathrm{s}$ from their leptonic decays in $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ beams. Comparing the unitarity relations for $\ensuremath{\gamma}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\psi}p$ and $\ensuremath{\psi}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\psi}p$, we predict corrections to the vector-dominance hypothesis so that ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{tot}}(\ensuremath{\psi}p)$ is about a factor of two larger than expected. We discuss briefly the precision necessary for experiments on nuclear targets to test this prediction.
Rotavirus disease and its prevention in infants and children.

Rotavirus disease causes immense morbidity and mortality in developing countries. In the United States, mortality is very rare, but the health care and societal costs of rotavirus-related morbidity exceed one billion dollars annually. A new vaccine that prevents the illness recently was marketed in the United States. Economic issues surround national recommendations for its use. Economic, safety, and effectiveness issues will be resolved only with surveillance systems that document the effectiveness of immunization programs and their cost-effectiveness.
Reconstructing nonlinear structure in regression residuals

Phase space reconstruction is investigated as a diagnostic tool for uncovering structure of nonlinear processes in regression residuals. Results in the form of phase portraits (e.g. scatter plots of reconstructed dynamical systems) and descriptive statistics provide information that can identify underlying structural components from stochastic data outcomes, even in cases where such data appear essentially random, and provide insights categorizing structural components into functional classes to inform econometric/time series modeling efforts. Empirical evidence supporting this approach is provided using simulations from an Ikeda mapping. An application to US hops exports is used to illustrate the application of the approach.
Synthesis and characterization of BaIn0.3−xYxCe0.7O3−δ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) proton conductors

Abstract The morphological and electrical properties of yttrium (Y) and indium (In) doped barium cerate perovskites of the form BaIn0.3−xYxCe0.7O3−δ (with x = 0–0.3) prepared by a modified Pechini method were investigated as potential high temperature proton conductors with improved chemical stability and conductivity. The sinterability increased with the increase of In-doping, and the perovskite phase was found in the BaIn0.3−xYxCe0.7O3−δ solid solutions over the range 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3. The conductivities decreased from x = 0.3 to 0 while the tolerance to wet CO2 improved for BaIn0.3−xYxCe0.7O3−δ samples with an increase of In-doping. BaIn0.1Y0.2Ce0.7O3−δ was found to have relatively high conductivity as well as acceptable wet CO2 stability.
Sunspots and the physics of magnetic flux tubes. VI - Convective propulsion. VII - Heat flow in a convective downdraft

The effect of negative aerodynamic drag in an ideal fluid subject to convective instability is considered. It is shown that a cylinder moving in such a fluid is propelled forward in its motion by the convective forces and that the characteristic acceleration time is comparable to the onset time of convective motions in the fluid. It is suggested that convective propulsion plays an important role in the dynamics of flux tubes extending through the surface of the sun. The suppression of the upward heat flow in a Boussinesq convective cell with free upper and lower boundaries by a downdraft is then analyzed. Application to the solar convection zone indicates that downdrafts of 1 to 2 km/s at depths of 1000 to 4000 km beneath the visible surface of the sun are sufficient to reduce the upward heat flux to a small fraction of the ambient value.
Purification and properties of a protein component of messenger ribonucleoprotein particles that shares a common epitope with eucaryotic elongation factor Tu.

A 62-kDa polypeptide, which reacts with antibodies directed against a peptide corresponding to a portion of the amino-terminal structure of eucaryotic elongation factor Tu (eEF-Tu), was purified from the 0.5 M NaCl wash of rabbit reticulocyte polysomes. Previous work has shown that this polypeptide is a constituent of messenger ribonucleoprotein particles (mRNPs) from a variety of mammalian cell types [Greenberg, J.R. and Carroll, E. C. (1985) Mol. Cell Biol. 5, 342-351]. The purified polypeptide bound mRNA as well as rRNA using a nitrocellulose-filter assay. The same nitrocellulose-filter assay failed to detect binding to GTP. Using a competition-binding assay, it was established that the purified polypeptide interacts with poly(U) and poly(G) but not with poly(A). This preference for synthetic polynucleotides was the same as found for eEF-Tu [Slobin, L.I. (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 4895-4900]. Furthermore, treatment of the purified RNA-binding protein with trypsin resulted in a rapid cleavage of two peptide bonds resulting in fragments of 60 kDa and 53 kDa. Trypsin also cleaves eEF-Tu rapidly at two bonds resulting in two large polypeptide fragments [Slobin, L.I., Clark, R.V. & Olson, M.O.J. (1981) Biochemistry 20, 5761-5767]. The amino acid sequence of the first 39 residues of the purified RNA-binding protein was determined and found to possess no homology to eEF-Tu.
Promoting communities of practice among non-native speakers of English in online discussions

An online discussion involving text-based computer-mediated communication has great potential for promoting equal participation among non-native speakers of English. Several studies claimed that online discussions could enhance the academic participation of non-native speakers of English. However, there is little research around participation patterns in online discussions for non-native speakers of English. This descriptive pilot study considered the concept of communities of practice as it examined the online postings of three non-native and three native speakers of English who were enrolled in an online course on Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Content analysis was employed to study the 201 postings. The findings showed that the non-native speakers of English posted more messages in online discussions than their native peers did, and their postings showed more reflection on and accommodation of other students' perspectives than their native peers' postings. The pattern and freq...
A strategy of escalating doses of benzodiazepines and phenobarbital administration reduces the need for mechanical ventilation in delirium tremens

Objective:Patients with severe alcohol withdrawal and delirium tremens are frequently resistant to standard doses of benzodiazepines. Case reports suggest that these patients have a high incidence of requiring intensive care and many require mechanical ventilation. However, few data exist on treatme
Experiments of Compressible Homogeneous and Isotropic Turbulence Interacting With Expansion Waves

The interaction of traveling expansion waves with grid-generated turbulence was investigated in a large-scale shock tube research facility. The incident shock and the induced flow behind it passed through a rectangular grid, which generated a nearly homogeneous and nearly isotropic turbulent flow. As the shock wave exited the open end of the shock tube, a system of expansion waves was generated which traveled upstream and interacted with the grid-generated turbulence; a type of interaction free from streamline curvature effects, which cause additional effects on turbulence. In this experiment, wall pressure, total pressure and velocity were measured indicating a clear reduction in fluctuations. The incoming flow at Mach number 0.46 was expanded to a flow with Mach number 0.77 by an applied mean shear of 100 s−1 . Although the strength of the generated expansion waves was mild, the effect on damping fluctuations on turbulence was clear. A reduction of in the level of total pressure fluctuations by 20 per cent was detected in the present experiments.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Pilot Two-Way CATV Systems

Pilot two-way CATV systems have been mounted in the United States largely to assess the marketability of various interactive services (e.g., subscriber response) and to assess technical problems over operating CATV systems. Such tests were at their peak in the early 1970's. Twelve systems which have been publicly tested are considered briefly. Three of these, the Theta-Com subscriber response system (SRS), the Coaxial Scientific Telecinema system, and the MITRE MITRIX system, are considered in some detail.
Molecular investigation of the phylogenetic position of the polar nudibranch Doridoxa (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Heterobranchia)

The phylogenetic position of the polar nudibranch genus Doridoxa within Nudibranchia is controversial. Because Doridoxa is only found in polar deep waters specimens available for research are scarce. Additionally, Doridoxa possesses a mixture of morphological traits that are present in the two major lineages of nudibranchs (dorids and cladobranchs), making classification difficult. All previous classification attempts were based on the careful study of morphological characters and resulted in conflicting classification schemes. For the present paper, we had access to a representative specimen of Doridoxa that yielded clean sequences of two mitochondrial genes (16S, CO1) and a nuclear gene (H3). The goal of this study was to determine the phylogenetic position of Doridoxa within Nudibranchia using molecular data. Our results revealed that Doridoxa appears to be a member of Cladobranchia and therefore a more derived group of nudibranchs than previously considered by most authors.
No metal cofactor in orotidine 5'-monophosphate decarboxylase.

Orotidine 5'-monophosphate decarboxylase (OMP decarboxylase, ODCase) is an important enzyme that catalyzes the final step of de novo pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis. The mechanism of this unique enzyme and whether metal ions play any role in catalysis have been topics of intense research interest. In this report, the role of Zn in ODCase was reexamined. Atomic absorption (AA) and X-ray absorption (XAS) spectroscopic studies did not detect zinc in active enzyme samples at high concentration. The XAS results also indicated the absence of other transition metal ions in ODCase.
Oral Transmission of Brugia pahangi to Jirds (Meriones unguiculatus)

WHEN Manson first incriminated mosquitoes in the transmission of Wuchereria bancroft1,2, he suggested that filariasis is acquired by drinking water in which infected mosquitoes had died. Later evidence showed that mosquitoes could convey infective larvae directly to human skin4. Yokogawa later revived the issue of oral transmission but concluded that infection per os was highly improbable5. It seems, therefore, that no one has hitherto demonstrated transmission of W. bancrofti or any other mosquito-“nursed” filarial worm by mouth. We report here oral infection of the dark-clawed Mongolian jird (gerbil), Meriones unguiculatus, with the filarial worm Brugia pahangi.
Structure–activity relationships of novel non-competitive mGluR1 antagonists: A potential treatment for chronic pain

A series of novel mGluR1 antagonists have been prepared. Incorporation of fragments derived from weak lead matter into a library led to enhanced potency in a new chemical series. A chemistry driven second library iteration, covering a greatly enhanced area of chemical space, maintained good potency and introduced metabolic stability.
The CDK‐activating kinase CAK1 can dosage suppress sporulation defects of smk1 MAP kinase mutants and is required for spore wall morphogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways are evolutionarily conserved kinase cascades that are required for the response of eukaryotic cells to a wide variety of environmental stimuli. MAP kinase pathways are also required for the execution of developmental and differentiative programs in a variety of cell and tissue types. SMK1 encodes a developmentally regulated MAP kinase in yeast that is required for spore wall morphogenesis. Cyclin-dependent kinase-activating kinases (CAKs) phosphorylate a conserved threonine residue in the activating loop of cyclin-dependent kinases. CAK1 encodes the major CAK activity in yeast and is required for cell cycle progression. The work presented here demonstrates that CAK1 functions positively in the spore wall morphogenesis pathway. First, CAK1 has been isolated as a dosage suppressor of a conditional smk1 mutant that is defective for spore wall morphogenesis. Second, CAK1 mRNA accumulates during spore development contemporaneously with SMK1 mRNA. Third, cak1 mutant strains have been isolated that are able to complete meiosis I and II but are specifically defective in assembly of the spore wall. These results show that cell cycle progression and morphogenetic pathways can be regulated by a single gene product and suggest mechanisms for coordinating these processes during development.
Elastic Properties of Plain and Double Knit Cotton Fabrics

The elastic behavior of plain and double knit fabrics was studied before and after laundering. Thirty-four fabrics were knit of 24/1, 20/1, and 16/1 cotton yarns. Elonga tion, recovery, and growth were determined by a manual method and by the Instron machine set at predetermined extension. Also, elongation and growth were measured with loads of 2 and 4 lb applied manually and after extension of 10% in lengthwise specimens and of 30% in widthwise specimens. Relationships of cover factor to elongation and to growth were studied.
Microbiological Characterization of Imported and Domestic Boneless Beef Trim Used for Ground Beef

The United States imports lean boneless beef trim from Australia (AUS), New Zealand (NZL), and Uruguay (URY) to meet demand for ground beef production. The reported incidence of and etiological agents responsible for foodborne diseases differ between these countries and the United States. Our objective was to determine whether current U.S. microbiological profiling adequately addresses the potential differences between foreign and domestic beef trim. We compared the hygienic status of imported and domestic (USA) beef trim by enumeration of aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. We also compared the prevalence of pathogens between imported and domestic samples by screening for the presence of Salmonella, Campylobacter spp., Listeria spp., and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). A total of 1,186 samples (487 USA, 220 AUS, 223 NZL, and 256 URY) of boneless beef trim were analyzed. Results of enumeration revealed significant differences between samples from all countries, with the lowest pathogen numbers in samples from AUS and the highest in samples from URY. Six Salmonella isolates (1 NZL, 1 URY, and 4 USA), 79 L. monocytogenes isolates (4 AUS, 5 NZL, 53 URY, and 17 USA), and 7 Campylobacter isolates (1 NZL, 1 URY, 5 USA) were found among the trim samples tested. Non-O157 STEC prevalence was 10% in NZL samples and about 30% in all of the other samples; 99 STEC strains were isolated. Serotyping of these isolates revealed that serotypes associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome were not different in prevalence between imported and domestic beef trim. Although it may be tempting to do so, these data cannot be used to compare the microbiological quality of beef trim between the countries examined. However, these results indicate that the current pathogen monitoring procedures in the United States are adequate for evaluation of imported beef trim.
A Robust Statistical Scheme to Monitor Transient Phenomenon in Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks have been deployed for various critical monitoring applications in hostile environments such as monitoring the concentration levels of hazardous gas species in a battle field. Due to the sensitivity of such applications, it becomes mandatory to record the transient variations in the phenomenon, and take corrective actions, if necessary. At the same time it is important to shield the network from false data injection by adversaries who intend to disrupt the functioning of the system. While many schemes exist to prevent false data injection, they are counterproductive to preserving the transient observations. We devise a robust statistical scheme to monitor transient phenomenon while being immune to false data injection attacks. The key idea of our scheme is to require each sensor node to report a statistical digest of recent sensed readings in addition to the current reading; then inter-sensor statistical tests are designed and utilized to help preserve transient data while restricting the impact of false data injection significantly. Detailed theoretical analysis and in-depth simulations are presented to corroborate our scheme.
Thermal oxidation of Cu nanofilm on three-dimensional ZnO nanorod arrays

Three-dimensional (3D) ZnO–CuO core-shell nanorod arrays have been synthesized by a three-step process on silicon (100) substrates. A hydrothermal method was used to grow 3D ZnO nanorod arrays, followed by deposition of Cu nanofilm using sputtering, which was oxidized subsequently at 400 °C to form CuO shell surrounding ZnO nanorod core. The control over oxygen flow and pressure during the Cu nanofilm oxidation was found to improve the uniformity and intactness of CuO shell surrounding ZnO nanorod core. With higher oxygen flow, more conformal CuO thin film coating was achieved on the 3D ZnO nanorods array as a result of more sufficient oxygen access at the bottom portion of ZnO nanorods array. Higher pressure during thermal oxidation favored the formation of non-conformal ZnO–CuO core-shell nanorods and impurity Zn2SiO4 possibly at the interface of ZnO and Si substrate. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy revealed higher absorption efficiency in the visible region in ZnO–CuO core-shell nanorods than in pure ZnO nanorods. The fabricated ZnO–CuO core-shell nanorods could be useful nanoscale building blocks in solar cells and light emitting devices.
Reconceptualizing the Corporation and Competition

Two somewhat independent shifts are causing academics, businessmen, and policy makers to rethink fundamental ideas about the corporation and competition. The first is the increased level of international competition, particularly from the Japanese and other developmental states which have relentlessly been challenging American and European corporations in the global marketplace. These competitive pressures are leading, at least in some circles, to a re-evaluation of American institutions and policies. The second and more subtle shift is occurring within economics and is driven by a dissatisfaction with orthodox theory. Textbook views of the corporation as a black box, or production function, are giving way to views of the corporation as an institution for economizing on transaction costs, for housing organizational learning, and for capturing value from technological innovation. In addition, some fundamental rethinking is occurring with respect to how corporations ought to cooperate and compete. This latter issue has not gone very far to date, but it will probably become an increasingly important consideration in the years ahead.
Interlocked feedback loops within the Drosophila circadian oscillator.

Drosophila Clock ( dClk ) is rhythmically expressed, with peaks in mRNA and protein (dCLK) abundance early in the morning. dClk mRNA cycling is shown here to be regulated by PERIOD-TIMELESS (PER-TIM)–mediated release of dCLK- and CYCLE (CYC)–dependent repression. Lack of both PER-TIM derepression and dCLK-CYC repression results in high levels of dClk mRNA, which implies that a separate dClk activator is present. These results demonstrate that the Drosophila circadian feedback loop is composed of two interlocked negative feedback loops: a per-tim loop, which is activated by dCLK-CYC and repressed by PER-TIM, and a dClk loop, which is repressed by dCLK-CYC and derepressed by PER-TIM.
Peptoids on Steroids: Precise Multivalent Estradiol–Peptidomimetic Conjugates Generated via Azide–Alkyne [3+2] Cycloaddition Reactions

We have developed a family of functionalized peptidomimetic oligomers for the multivalent display of bioactive ligands in a site-directed manner. Sequence-specific N-substituted glycine peptoid oligomer scaffolds were synthesized on solid phase to include up to six azidoalkyl sidechains. These constructs were used as substrates for Cu(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne [3+2] cycloaddition reactions. 17α-ethynylestradiol was conjugated at up to six positions along the peptoid backbone, generating estradiol–peptidomimetic conjugates in good yield. We evaluate how the binding avidities of these compounds to the estrogen receptor are enhanced when the valency of hormone ligand presentation is increased.
Mechanical properties of nanostructured amorphous metal multilayer thin films

The hardness of amorphous metal multilayered films was investigated by nanoindenation. Bilayer material systems of amorphous CuNb, FeB, and FeTi were produced by dc sputtering on 〈112-0〉 sapphire substrates to a total thickness of 1 μm. The bilayer periods (Λ) ranged from 2 to 50 nm. The films’ noncrystallinity was verified by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron diffraction. The layer structure was verified by transmission electron microscopy and grazing angle XRD. The hardness and elastic modulus properties of the films, measured by nanoindentation, were shown to be statistically equivalent to the rule mixtures predictions. The hardness behavior is in contrast with the behavior of crystalline multilayered films, which generally display significant enhancements as the bilayer period is decreased below 10 nm. The lack of a significant hardness variation in the amorphous films strongly suggests that dislocation-mediated mechanisms do not govern inhomogeneous flow in amorphous metals.
Local Pulmonary Ventilation Using Nonradioactive Xenon-enhanced Ultrafast Computed Tomography

Using ultrafast computed tomography, we have developed a technique for measuring local ventilation in a volume of 1 cm3 in the normal supine lung. The technique employs the inert gas xenon in its nonradioactive form and makes use of its radiopaque properties. The inhalation of xenon results in changes in density which can be detected and measured in Hounsfield units using ultrafast computed tomography. Using this property and assuming a monoexponential form for the washin curve of the inert gas, it is possible to calculate ventilation at a local level. The methodology also permits measurements of minute ventilation during the procedure, thus permitting standardization. Using this technique, we calculated local ventilation in six normal subjects and have demonstrated a minor gradient in ventilation between the dorsal and ventral regions of the lung while in the supine position.
Functional anatomy of the testicular vascular pedicle in the rhesus monkey: evidence for a local testosterone concentrating mechanism (38513).

SummaryThe detailed anatomy of arteries and veins in the testicular pedicle of the rhesus monkey, with special emphasis on an area of extensive surface contact between these vessels in the spermatic cord, is described. The mean plasma testosterone concentration in blood from the testicular artery was significantly greater than the mean for samples collected simultaneously from the contralateral femoral artery in 11 monkeys. These observations are interpreted as supportive of the hypothesis that a hormone concentrating mechanism involving the local transfer of testosterone between the vessels of the pampiniform plexus and the spermatic artery exists in the male rhesus monkey.The authors gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Dr. P. T. K. Toivola in developing surgical procedures and his suggestions in preparing the manuscript. Photographs were taken by Mr. W. P. Steffenhagen. Expert technical assistance was provided by R. Abrams, G. Scheffler, J. Scheffler, and A. Mitchell.
Coronary artery calcium versus intima-media thickness as a measure of cardiovascular disease among asymptomatic adults (from the Rancho Bernardo Study).

Detection and quantification of subclinical coronary heart disease by noninvasive imaging techniques offers the potential for earlier diagnosis with targeted prevention and therapy. This study, designed to determine the extent to which carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) predicts coronary artery calcium (CAC) in asymptomatic older adults, included 141 men and 137 women ≥55 years of age with no previous coronary heart disease who had B-mode ultrasound of the common and/or internal carotid arteries in 1997 to 1999 to measure IMT and electron beam computed tomographic scanning in 2001 to 2002 to measure CAC score. Overall, 29% of participants had a severe plaque burden (CAC score >400); 50% of these had a CAC score >800. IMT of the common and internal carotid arteries was significantly associated with the CAC score measured an average of 3 years later. The ability to correctly identify subjects with a severe CAC score (sensitivity) was 50% to 60% for an IMT of the internal or common carotid artery >80th percentile (internal carotid IMT ≥1.9 mm and common carotid IMT ≥1.04 mm). Specificity, the ability to correctly identify those who did not have a severe CAC score (≥400), was ∼75%. In conclusion, IMT of the carotid arteries predicted the severity of CAC burden an average of 3 years later in community-dwelling asymptomatic older adults.
Milk production and nitrogen utilization in response to postruminal infusion of sodium caseinate in lactating cows.

Five lactating, rumen-fistulated Holstein cows were used to obtain additional information concerning the effects of postruminal infusion of sodium caseinate on milk production and amino acid utilization. A 7-day continuous abomasal infusion of approximately 450 g/day of sodium caseinate was preceded and followed by 7-day infusions of an isonitrogenous-isocaloric solution of glucose, monosodium glutamate, and urea. Total collections of milk, urine, and feces were obtained during the last 5 days of each infusion period. On the last day of each period, arterial and mammary venous blood samples were obtained for analysis of plasma free amino acids. During infusion of sodium caseinate, milk production, milk protein (NX 6.38) production, and efficiency of nitrogen utilization for milk crude protein production were increased. Arterial plasma concentrations of free histidine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, valine, and total essential amino acids were elevated above control levels during infusion of sodium caseinate, while ornithine and tyrosine were decreased. Calculation of the relative concentration of essential amino acids in arterial plasma and in milk protein indicated that methionine and lysine were least abundant in plasma relative to their requirement for milk protein synthesis. A high percentage extraction from arterial plasma by the mammary gland also suggested that methionine and lysine may have been the essen tial amino acids in most critical supply for milk protein synthesis. Calculation of up take to output ratios of individual plasma amino acids by the mammary gland sug gested that significant quantities of extracted arginine, isoleucine, leucine, threonine, and valine were utilized in pathways other than direct incorporation into milk protein. J. Nutr. 105: 1111-1121, 1975.
A water trap for static cryo-headspace gas chromatography

The headspace gas in static headspace gas chromatography contains mostly saturated water vapor. In the case of the cryofocusing enrichment technique this may cause baseline distortion in the early part of the chromatogram or may even lead to ice-plugging of the capillary column. A water-trap is described in which the water vapor is removed from the headspace gas before entering the cryo-trap. The water trap is packed with lithium chloride on a porous support and is regenerated after each analysis by heating under backflush conditions. It therefore can be used for automatic operation. Data are given for the precision and accuracy, and some practical examples, for environmental and flavor analysis are shown.
Providing General and Preconception Health Care to Low Income Women in Family Planning Settings: Perception of Providers and Clients

This study examines both provider and client perceptions of the extent to which general health concerns are addressed in the context of publicly supported family planning care. A mail survey of family planning providers (n = 459) accepting Medicaid-covered clients in Arkansas and Alabama gathered data on reported actions and resource referral availability for ten categories of non-contraceptive health concerns. A telephone survey of recent family planning clients of these providers (n = 1991) gathered data on the presence of 16 health concerns and whether and how they were addressed by the family planning provider. Data were collected in 2006–2007. More than half (56%) of clients reported having one or more general health concerns. While 43% of those concerns had been discussed with the family planning providers, only 8% had been originally identified by these providers. Women with higher trust in physicians and usual sources of general health care were more likely to discuss their concerns. Of those concerns discussed, 39% were reportedly treated by the family planning provider. Similarly, over half of responding providers reported providing treatment for acute and chronic health conditions and counseling on health behaviors during family planning visits. Lack of familiarity with referral resources for uninsured clients was identified as a significant concern in the provision of care to these clients. Greater engagement by providers in identifying client health concerns and better integration of publicly supported family planning with other sources of health care for low income women could expand the existing potential for delivering preconception or general health care in these settings.
Non‐additive effects of invasive tree litter shift seasonal N release: a potential invasion feedback

Many invasive plant species strongly alter ecosystem processes by producing leaf litter that decomposes faster and releases N more quickly than that of native species. However, while most studies of invasive species litter impacts have only considered the decomposition of species in monoculture, forest litter layers typically contain litter from many species. Many litter mixtures decompose in a non-additive manner, in which the mixture decomposes more quickly (synergistic eff ect) or more slowly (antagonistic eff ect) than would be expected based on decomposition of the component species ’ litters in isolation. We investigated the potential for non-additive eff ects of invasive species ’ litter by conducting a one-year litter bag experiment in which we mixed the litters of four native tree species with each of four invasive species. Litter mixtures frequently lost mass at non-additive rates, although not at every loading ratio, and the presence, sign, and strength of eff ects depended on species composition. Non-additive eff ects on N loss occurred in more litter combinations, and were almost always antagonistic at 90 days and synergistic at 365 days. Invasive species litter with lower C:N led to more strongly synergistic N loss with time. During the growing season, non-additive patterns of N loss almost always resulted in increased N release – up to six times greater than would be expected based on single-species decomposition. Consequently, we suggest that invasive species may further synchronize N release from the litter layer with plant N demand, enhancing any positive litter feedback to invasion. Th ese results highlight the need to consider non-additive eff ects of litter mixing in invaded forest communities, and suggest that estimates of invasive species ’ impacts on ecosystem processes would be improved by considering these eff ects.
Challenges in exploitation of loop parallelism in embedded applications

Embedded processors have been increasingly exploiting hardware parallelism. Vector units, multiple processors or cores, hyper-threading, special-purpose accelerators such as DSPs or cryptographic engines, or a combination of the above have appeared in a number of processors. They serve to address the increasing performance requirements of modern embedded applications. How this hardware parallelism can be exploited by applications is directly related to the amount of parallelism inherent in a target application. In this paper we evaluate the performance potential of different types of parallelism, viz., true thread-level parallelism, speculative thread-level parallelism and vector parallelism, when executing loops. Applications from the industry-standard EEMBC 1.1, EEMBC 2.0 and the MiBench embedded benchmark suites are analyzed using the Intel C compiler. The results show what can be achieved today, provide upper bounds on the performance potential of different types of thread parallelism, and point out a number of issues that need to be addressed to improve performance. The latter include parallelization of libraries such as libc and design of parallel algorithms to allow maximal exploitation of parallelism. The results also point to the need for developing new benchmark suites more suitable to parallel compilation and execution.
Disaster Metrics: Quantification of Acute Medical Disasters in Trauma-Related Multiple Casualty Events through Modeling of the Acute Medical Severity Index

IntroductionThe interaction between the acute medical consequences of a Multiple Casualty Event (MCE) and the total medical capacity of the community affected determines if the event amounts to an acute medical disaster.Hypothesis/ProblemThere is a need for a comprehensive quantitative model in MCE that would account for both prehospital and hospital-based acute medical systems, leading to the quantification of acute medical disasters. Such a proposed model needs to be flexible enough in its application to accommodate a priori estimation as part of the decision-making process and a posteriori evaluation for total quality management purposes.MethodsThe concept proposed by de Boer et al in 1989, along with the disaster metrics quantitative models proposed by Bayram et al on hospital surge capacity and prehospital medical response, were used as theoretical frameworks for a new comprehensive model, taking into account both prehospital and hospital systems, in order to quantify acute medical disasters.ResultsA quantitative model called the Acute Medical Severity Index (AMSI) was developed. AMSI is the proportion of the Acute Medical Burden (AMB) resulting from the event, compared to the Total Medical Capacity (TMC) of the community affected; AMSI = AMB/TMC. In this model, AMB is defined as the sum of critical (T1) and moderate (T2) casualties caused by the event, while TMC is a function of the Total Hospital Capacity (THC) and the medical rescue factor (R) accounting for the hospital-based and prehospital medical systems, respectively. Qualitatively, the authors define acute medical disaster as “a state after any type of Multiple Casualty Event where the Acute Medical Burden (AMB) exceeds the Total Medical Capacity (TMC) of the community affected.” Quantitatively, an acute medical disaster has an AMSI value of more than one (AMB / TMC > 1). An acute medical incident has an AMSI value of less than one, without the need for medical surge. An acute medical emergency has an AMSI value of less than one with utilization of surge capacity (prehospital or hospital-based). An acute medical crisis has an AMSI value between 0.9 and 1, approaching the threshold for an actual medical disaster.ConclusionA novel quantitative taxonomy in MCE has been proposed by modeling the Acute Medical Severity Index (AMSI). This model accounts for both hospital and prehospital systems, and quantifies acute medical disasters. Prospective applications of various components of this model are encouraged to further verify its applicability and validity.Bayram JD, Zuabi S. Disaster metrics: quantification of acute medical disasters in trauma-related multiple casualty events through modeling of the Acute Medical Severity Index. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(2):1-6.
Smoking Adversely Affects Survival in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients

Smoking adversely affects hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcome. We asked whether smoking affected outcome of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients treated with chemotherapy. Data were collected on 280 AML patients treated with high-dose cytarabine and idarubicin-containing regimens at Roswell Park Cancer Institute who had smoking status data at diagnosis. Patients' gender, age, AML presentation (de novo vs. secondary), white blood cell (WBC) count at diagnosis, karyotype and smoking status (never vs. ever) were analyzed. Among the 161 males and 119 females with a median follow-up of 12.9 months, 101 (36.1%) had never smoked and 179 (63.9%) were ever smokers. The proportion of patients between never and ever smokers was similar to respect to age, AML presentation, WBC count at diagnosis or karyotype based on univariate analysis of these categorical variables. Never smokers had a significantly longer overall survival (OS) (60.32 months) compared to ever smokers (30.89; p = 0.005). In multivariate analysis incorporating gender, age, AML presentation, WBC count, karyotype and smoking status as covariates, age, karyotype and smoking status retained prognostic value for OS. In summary, cigarette smoking has a deleterious effect on OS in AML.
Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor Levels in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy Correlation With Disease Severity and Cardiac Autoantibodies

Background There is evidence that autoimmunity plays an important role in the initiation and progression of myocardial injury in dilated cardiomyopathy. Abnormalities of both cellular and humoral immunity have been described in this disease. Soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels in the serum reflect activation of T lymphocytes in the periphery or in tissues. The present study explored the possibility that activation of cellular immunity is frequent in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and may have functional consequences. Methods and Results Serum sIL-2R levels were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 50 dilated cardiomyopathy patients, 30 patients with ischemic heart disease, and 22 normal control subjects. In addition, the presence of anti–β-receptor and antimyosin antibodies was sought in the serum of cardiomyopathy patients. High sIL-2R levels (>1400 pg/mL) were found in 38% of the dilated cardiomyopathy patients but only 6% of the ischemic heart disease pati...
Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Children's Asthma: Satisfaction, Care Provider Responsiveness, and Networks of Care:

We explain why some caretakers opt for alternative medicine for the treatment of children's asthma whereas others do not. In the past 15 years, asthma care has been standardized, with clinical practice guidelines centered on advanced pharmacological regimes. Clinicians argue that with proper biomedical treatment and environmental control, asthma should be a manageable chronic disease. Yet many patients forego available pharmacological treatments for alternative medicine or complement prescribed drugs with unconventional treatments. On the basis of open-ended, in-depth qualitative interviews with 50 mothers of children with asthma, we argue that the experience with biomedical treatments, social influence in mother's network of care, concerns about adverse and long-term effects, health care providers' responsiveness to such concerns, and familiarity with alternative treatments explain why some families rely on alternative medicine and others do not.