cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heat transfer in reacting systems Effect of chemical kinetics on the thermal conductivity of gases

Abstract The effect of chemical kinetics on the conduction of heat through a reacting gas at rest between a pair of infinite parallel plates has been analysed by solving the non-linear equations of change with the aid of an electronic-analog computer. A technique for solving the so-called “stiff” differential equations is presented. For illustrative purposes the analysis has been applied to the case of purely homogeneous gas-phase reversible reactions with two quite different kinetic mechanisms being considered: (1) isomerization with uni-molecular forward and reverse steps: A ⇄ B and (2) a more complicated reaction with bimolecular forward and reverse steps: 2AB ⇄ A 2 + B 2 . Complete temperature equilibration of the gas with the solid walls was assumed. The temperature differences between the plates were not restricted to small values and thus the variation in reaction rate with position could not be neglected. The analysis leads to a dimensionless parameter consisting of a ratio of an effective diffusion time to an effective reaction time, the effective thermal conductivity of the gas increasing with an increase in this parameter. Values of the ratio of the effective reacting thermal conductivity to the reacting thermal conductivity at equilibrium are presented as a function of this parameter.
Vitamin D Supplementation and Cancer Prevention

It is estimated that approximately 1 billion people worldwide have blood concentrations of vitamin D that are considered suboptimal. Much research has been conducted over the past 30 years linking low vitamin D serum concentrations to both skeletal and nonskeletal conditions, including several types of cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, upper respiratory tract infections, all-cause mortality, and many others. Several observational studies and a few prospectively randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that adequate levels of vitamin D can decrease the risk and improve survival rates for several types of cancers including breast, rectum, ovary, prostate, stomach, bladder, esophagus, kidney, lung, pancreas, uterus, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Individuals with serum vitamin D concentrations less than 20 ng/mL are considered most at risk, whereas those who achieve levels of 32 to 100 ng/mL are considered to have sufficient serum vitamin D concentrations. Vitamin D can be obtaine...
Cross-Differentiation from the CD8 Lineage to CD4 T Cells in the Gut-Associated Microenvironment with a Nonessential Role of Microbiota

Summary CD4 and CD8 T cell lineages differentiate through respective thymic selection processes. Here, we report cross-differentiation from the CD8 lineage to CD4 T cells, but not vice versa, predominantly in the large-intestine-associated microenvironment. It occurred in the absence or distal presence of cognate antigens. This pathway produced MHC-class-I-restricted CD4 + Foxp3 + T reg (CI-T reg ) cells. Blocking T cell-intrinsic TGFβ signaling diminished CI-T reg populations in lamina propria, but it did not preclude the CD8-to-CD4 conversion. Microbiota were not required for the cross-differentiation, but the presence of microbiota led to expansion of the converted CD4 T cell population in the large intestine. CI-T reg cells did not promote tolerance to microbiota per se, but they regulated systemic homeostasis of T lymphocytes and protected the large intestine from inflammatory damage. Overall, the clonal conversion from the CD8 lineage to CD4 T cell subsets occurred regardless of "self" or "nonself." This lineage plasticity may promote "selfless" tolerance for immune balance.
Inhalation toxicity of dibutylhexamethylenediamine in rats

Dibutylhexamethylenediamine (DBHMD), a polymer intermediate, is strongly alkaline and is corrosive to eyes and skin. Its inhalation toxicity was defined in rats in both acute and subchronic studies. A 4-hr LC50 of 0.22 mg/litre was obtained for DBHMD of either 80.6 or 98.25% purity. Clinical signs of irritation were apparent during and immediately following exposure and no delayed deaths occurred. The mortality dose-response line was relatively steep. Reduction of exposure times to 5 min produced an LC50 of 51 mg/litre, with similar clinical signs and a steep dose-response line. These data suggest that the product of concentration and time (Ct) is constant for exposure times ranging from 5 min to 4 hr. Repeated (ten) exposures to 0.0125 mg/litre caused no signs of adverse response in rats. A concentration of 0.0234 mg/litre caused some mortality, mucous-membrane irritation, changes in haematological parameters (including erythrocyte counts, haemoglobin, concentration and total and differential leucocyte counts) and an increased acidity and decreased volume of urine. Death at this exposure level was attributed to cardiac failure secondary to pulmonary oedema and congestion, with evidence of hepatic congestion, diffuse cardiac myocytolysis and oedema, and thymic atrophy and congestion. Changes in the heart and thymus were seen in one of two rats killed after the tenth exposure. Clinical and pathological changes observed after the ten exposures were absent after a 14-day recovery period. DBHMD is highly toxic following acute inhalation and produces a steep dose-response following either single or multiple exposures.
Implications of a Froissart bound saturation of γ * -p deep inelastic scattering. II. Ultrahigh energy neutrino interactions

In part I [M. M. Block et al., preceding article, Phys. Rev. D 88, 014006 (2013)] we argued that the structure function ${F}_{2}^{\ensuremath{\gamma}p}(x,{Q}^{2})$ in deep inelastic $ep$ scattering, regarded as a cross section for virtual ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{*}p$ scattering, has a saturated Froissart-bounded form behaving as ${ln﻿}^{2}(1/x)$ at small $x$. This form provides an excellent fit to the low $x$ HERA data, including the very low ${Q}^{2}$ regions, and can be extrapolated reliably to small $x$ using the natural variable $\mathrm{ln}﻿(1/x)$. We used our fit to derive quark distributions for values of $x$ down to $x={10}^{\ensuremath{-}14}$. We use those distributions here to evaluate ultrahigh energy (UHE) cross sections for neutrino scattering on an isoscalar nucleon, $N=(n+p)/2$, up to laboratory neutrino energies ${E}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{16}--{10}^{17}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ where there are now limits on neutrino fluxes. We estimate that these cross sections are accurate to $\ensuremath{\sim}2%$ at the highest energies considered, with the major uncertainty coming from the errors in the parameters that were needed to fit ${F}_{2}^{\ensuremath{\gamma}p}(x,{Q}^{2})$. We compare our results to recently published neutrino cross sections derived from next-to-leading order parton distribution functions, which become much larger at high energies because of the use of power-law extrapolations of quark distributions to small $x$. We argue that our calculation of the UHE $\ensuremath{\nu}N$ cross sections is the best one can make based the existing experimental deep inelastic scattering data. Further, we show that the strong interaction Froissart bound of ${ln﻿}^{2}(1/x)$ on ${F}_{2}^{\ensuremath{\gamma}p}$ translates to an exact bound of ${ln﻿}^{3}{E}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ for leading-order-weak $\ensuremath{\nu}N$ scattering. The energy dependence of $\ensuremath{\nu}N$ total cross section measurements consequently has important implications for hadronic interactions at enormous center-of-mass energies not otherwise accessible.
"He's dizzy when he stands up": an introduction to initial orthostatic hypotension.

Initial orthostatic hypotension is a normal short-lived response to rapid standing caused by a sudden increase of gravitational force. It is not a form of autonomic disease or maladaptation and is distinct in signs and symptoms from vasovagal faint. In some young subjects, the extent of hypotension may be large enough to produce symptoms. If symptoms impair the quality of life treatment in the form of aversive maneuvers should be employed.
The Changing Face of Biomedical Research in Tuberculosis

Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality despite improvements in detection and treatment. Current global control strategies are not sufficient to significantly affect TB rates worldwide and are unlikely to meet global targets without new diagnostic tests, drugs, and vaccines. Increasing rates of drug-resistant TB coupled with co-infection in people with HIV infection, threaten to reverse gains made in controlling both diseases. Control of TB includes many interconnected components. NIH/NIAID supports fundamental, translational, and clinical TB studies and provides resources to facilitate research on candidate products. In an era of limited government funding, clinical use of candidate products, and a changing landscape of organizations participating in TB research and development, it is critical to re-evaluate each partner's contributions. This rethinking will ensure that limited resources focus on medical gaps, and tasks are undertaken by the most suitable organizations. Collaborative efforts are essential to advance in TB research and development.
Androgynic phenotypes in obese women.

A sample of 521 Caucasian women from an outpatient obesity clinic were classified by androgynic design. Photographs and outline sketches were obtained and eventually characteristic body outline patterns were developed. The distinct patterns of androgynic phenotypes were useful in recording the amount, distribution and texture of fat tissue. The phenotypic patterns remained relatively constant despite weight fluctuations. In the group studied the magnitude of obesity and the age at which it first occurred were related to androgynic patterns. Early menarche and early onset of obesity were associated. Constitutional differences, as shown by the body outline drawings, are clinically useful in evaluating the kind and degree of obesity.
Stressful Life Experiences in Adolescence and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Young Adulthood

Abstract Purpose An increasing number of studies have provided evidence for the persistent influence of childhood/adolescent socioeconomic adversities on subsequent health outcomes. However, less is known about the distinct and additive influences of these early socioeconomic adversities and adolescents' own stressful life experiences on health outcomes in young adulthood. Methods We used data from 11,030 adolescents who participated in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health at Waves 1, 3, and 4 and provided biomarker data at Wave 4. Three early socioeconomic adversities (community socioeconomic adversity, family economic hardship, and low parental education) were evaluated. Adolescents' stressful transition to young adulthood was captured by six specific precocious life events as follows: early sex, early marriage or cohabitation, early leaving home, early pregnancy, early employment, and truncated education. A summary measure of cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk was assessed using nine biomarkers. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate regression analyses were employed. Results Early socioeconomic adversities and stressful life transition events were uniquely associated with elevated levels of cardiometabolic (CM) biomarkers and cumulative CM disease risk. For all of the biomarkers, young adults in high-adversity/stress groups were more likely to be in the high CM disease risk groups (>75th percentile) than in the low-adversity/stress groups. Conclusions These findings provide support for the influence of multiple early socioeconomic adversities and adolescents' stressful life transitions on their CM disease risk as young adults. Increased efforts to prevent and mitigate these experiences may improve disease risks across a number of biomarkers.
Adaptation of body protein metabolism in adult and aging man.

Abstract Aging causes a selective loss in lean body mass, muscle being most extensively eroded. This presentation is an analysis of the consequences of this age-related loss for protein and amino acid metabolism. The use of stable isotopes allows us to measure the dynamics of protein metabolism in the intact human subject, while the output of 3-methylhistidine permits estimates of muscle turnover to be made which show a smaller reduction in body protein turnover per kg body weight in elderly subjects. This is due to the reduced contribution by muscle protein turnover, which decreases from 30 per cent of total body protein turnover in the young adult to 20 per cent in the elderly, and can be entirely accounted for by the reduced mass of muscle, the rate of turnover per unit muscle weight being unchanged. The consequences of the changing proportions of major tissues with age has been examined for its impact on amino acid metabolism. The interaction of various organs in order to ensure metabolism of different amino acids is described. After a meal containing abundant protein, the liver selectively degraded the excess of most essential amino acids, while allowing the three branched-chain essential amino acids to pass through, so that in consequence they account for more than 50 per cent of the amino acid outflow from the splanchnic area. During this period of absorption muscle takes up amino acids, over 70 per cent being the branched-chain amino acids where they are catabolised, the nitrogen becoming available for formation of non-essential amino acids for muscle protein synthesis. The release of large amounts of glutamine from muscle is dependent on branched-chain amino acid degradation, whereas the relaese of large amounts of alanine is regulated by availability of pyruvate from glucose. The study of amino acid metabolism in elderly compared with young adults and its relationship to the declining mass of muscle with age is still in its initial stages. Metabolism of glycine at different levels of protein intake fails to demonstrate any significant effects of aging on metabolism of this amino acid. On the other hand, the flux of leucine shows a significant reduction in fasting elderly female subjects. This observation should be followed up by studying leucine kinetics following a meal of meat, in order to determine whether the reduced mass of muscle in the elderly will restrict the capacity to metabolise branched-chain amino acids. It has been concluded that the extensive age-related change in muscle mass should be explored for its impact on the nutritional requirements for branched-chain amino acids, their metabolism in health and disease, and their therapeutic uses at different ages.
Effects of tensile overloads on crack closure and crack propagation rates in 7050 aluminum

Abstract It has been suggested that the crack closure concept can account for the retardation in crack growth rate following removal of tensile overloads. To test this possibility measurements of effective stress were made on center notched cracked specimens during tests in which tensile overloads were applied. A comparison of the changes in crack growth rate and in effective stress following removal of the overload indicates that the crack growth rate reaches a minimum value before the effective stress does indicating that the closure concept cannot account for the decrease in crack growth rate. Additional evidence for the inability of crack closure to account for the retardation in crack growth rate is provided by specimens run at a high mean stress and then overloaded. No crack closure is observed when there is a high mean stress present, yet the crack growth rate does decrease by an amount about the same as that observed at low mean stresses where crack closure is present. Measurements of closure stress and effective stress were obtained from load-displacement curves recorded using an extensometer mounted across the crack on the specimen centerline. This procedure also enabled us to measure the distance over which the crack faces were in contact when the stress was at its minimum value in the stress cycle. The length of crack closed reached a minimum value later than did either the crack growth rate or the effective stress. It occurred when the crack tip had propagated nearly across the plastic zone created by the application of the overload.
Hypolipidemic effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract Hypercholesterolemia with increased plasma concentrations of low density lipoproteins (LDL) is a major risk factor for the premature development of coronary atherosclerosis in humans and is best exemplified by patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. The recent development of several specific competitive inhibitors of the ratelimiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, HMG CoA reductase) has opened up an important new avenue of therapy for patients with hypercholesterolemia who are not responsive to dietary treatment alone. Three drugs, lovastatin (mevinolin), simvastatin (synvinolin) and pravastatin (CS 514), are currently undergoing clinical trials in North America and Europe; the former has recently been approved for general use. Experience with lovastatin and simvastatin in the treatment of patients with primary and secondary causes of hypercholesterolemia is reviewed. The relative potency of simvastatin appears to be greater than that of lovastatin and pravastatin but, with each drug, decreases in the plasma concentrations of LDL cholesterol of 30% to 50% can be achieved. The hypocholesterolemic effects of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors can be potentiated by combination therapy with other approved lipid-lowering medications including the bile acid sequestrants and nicotinic acid. If long-term safety can be satisfactorily established, specific inhibitors of HMG CoA reductase represent a major advance in the therapy of hypercholesterolemia and afford the potential to reduce substantially the high incidence of premature atherosclerosis that occurs in patients with persistent hypercholesterolemia.
Observation of structural units at symmetric [001] tilt boundaries in SrTiO3

Incoherent Z-contrast imaging in the scanning transmission electron microscope allows atom column positions to be deduced directly from the experimental image, including locations where the column separation is less than the resolution limit. Maximum entropy analysis applied to the incoherent image locates the high-Z columns to an accuracy of ±0.2 A. Oxygen coordination at the boundary plane can be deduced by high spatial resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy, and approximate column positions determined by simple bond-valence sum calculations. Observations of 25° (Σ=85), 36° (Σ=5) and 67° (Σ=13) [001] symmetric tilt grain boundaries in SrTiO3 bicrystals show that “half columns” are a ubiquitous feature of grain boundary structural units. The observed structural units can be combined to produce structural models for symmetric tilt boundaries over a 0–90° range. The Σ=17 (410), Σ=5 (310), and Σ=5 (210) are found to be favored boundaries and the structures of all the other tilt boundaries are comprised of these units combined with Σ=1 (100) and Σ=1 (110) structural units. All the proposed boundary models show continuity of grain boundary structure over the entire misorientation range. The Σ=17 (410) structural unit is asymmetric which induces microfacetting on all boundaries less than the Σ=5, 36.87° misorientation.
Classical and quantum chaos in a circular billiard with a straight cut.

We study classical and quantum dynamics of a particle in a circular billiard with a straight cut. Classically, this system can be integrable, nonintegrable with soft chaos, or nonintegrable with hard chaos as we vary the size of the cut. We plot Poincar\'e surfaces of section to study chaos. Quantum mechanically, we look at Husimi plots, and also use the quantum web, the technique primarily used in spin systems so far, to try to see differences in quantum manifestations of soft and hard chaos.
Spectroscopy of Hydrothermal Reactions. 10. Evidence of Wall Effects in Decarboxylation Kinetics of 1.00 m HCO2X (X = H, Na) at 280−330 °C and 275 bar

Decomposition kinetics of 1.00 m formic acid and sodium formate to form CO2 (and H2) were probed under hydrothermal conditions of 280−330 °C and 275 bar. Flow reactor spectroscopy cells constructed from different metals (316 stainless steel, 90/10 Pt/Ir alloy, and grade 2 Ti) with diamond and sapphire windows were used to determine the rate of formation of CO2 in situ by IR spectroscopy. A single fluid phase was maintained. CO2 was produced at different rates depending on the metal and, in the case of 316 stainless steel, with a lot-dependent, concentration−time profile. The values of Ea = 87−121 kJ/mol resemble those previously reported for surface- and H2O-catalyzed decarboxylation of formic acid. Much higher Ea values are reported for unimolecular decomposition. Sodium formate decarboxylates more slowly than formic acid. In contrast to formic acid, the rate of decarboxylation of malonic acid in all of the cells is the same within error, which is consistent with a homogeneous unimolecular reaction.
COMPARISON OF DATA LOGGER OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS ABOARD SHIP AND TOWED ON THE SEAFLOOR

A number of new, submersible water quality data loggers(probes) have recently been introduced to the market place which have interesting applications to developing Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and future surveys in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The probe chosen for this study is typical of today. This probe has the capability for multi-parameter measurement of temperature (degrees Centigrade), dissolved oxygen (mg/1), conductivity (mmhos/cm), salinity (ppt), pH (units), and depth (meters). It can be preprogrammed for remote data logging, tethered by underwater cable to a surface readout, or operated aboard ship by a flow cell connected to a submersible pump. A new operational parameter was tested using the probe mounted inside a towed seafloor sled. A pump mounted inside the sled allowed a sediment-water slurry from the seafloor to be pumped aboard ship. A second probe was mounted on the survey ship with a flow cell connected to the submersible pump. With one probe on the surface and the other on the seafloor, a simultaneous comparison was made utilising the data collected on the same sediment water sample. Advantages gained from this study can be used to cross-calibrate in situ seafloor analyses with those made aboard ship. It also demonstrates the probe's durability for seafloor measurements either in the static or towed mode of operation.
Lessons Learned from STEMI Clinical Trials

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of the death in the United States. From 2009 to 2010, however, the rate of heart disease causing death decreased by 2.5% in part due to evolving techniques used to treat and prevent heart disease. Management of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has evolved accordingly and the studies investigating treatment strategies that have led to an evidence-based approach are reviewed in this article.
Philanthropy in the Workplace: How a Financial Institution Communicates Charitable Giving Values

As corporations increasingly support America's philanthropic projects, employees are more likely to receive employer-constructed messages touting the importance of giving and volunteering. This case study employs qualitative methods, including interviews, focus groups, and archival data, to examine how one financial institution communicated its philanthropic values to employees. Findings reveal that the employer communicated giving values through repetition and consistency of philanthropic discourse and actions. As a result, employees viewed charitableness as an integral part of the organization's overall value system and used charitable values to make sense of other company practices, even those outside the conventional notions of corporate philanthropy.
Who can be morally obligated to be a vegetarian

Kathryn Paxton George has recently argued that vegetarianism cannot be a moral obligation for most human beings, even if Tom Regan is correct in arguing that humans and certain nonhuman animals are equally inherently valuable. She holds that Regan's “liberty principle” permits humans to kill and eat innocent others who have a right to life, provided that doing so prevents humans from being made worse off. George maintains that obstaining from meat and dairy products would in fact make most humans worse off. I argue that Regan's “liberty principle” either contradicts his “equal rights view” or does not permit the slaughter of another for food. I show that a different view recognizing the moral rights of nonhumans but according them less value than normal adult humans, “the unequal rights view”, would permit such action if human survival or health depended upon it. However, it would also permit the slaughter of innocent humans in the same circumstances. Finally, I argue that current nutritional research does not support George's contention that most humans would suffer if they ceased eating other animals and their products.
Dreams of Death

This study examines the frequency and characteristics of overt dreams of dying among healthy young adults. Dreams of dying are found to be a rare but distinctive content category; most surprisingly they are overwhelmingly pleasant dreams. Slightly more than half of these accounts involve a lengthy afterlife sequence, and may best be interpreted as symbolizing other psychological changes. The remainder of the dreams are more focused on the process of death, and seem to illustrate the struggle to achieve an acceptance of mortality. Death dreams of healthy young people are also found to have some distinctive differences from those previously described among the terminally ill.
Optical properties and process impacts of high transmission EAPSM

We explore technical and practical issues to apply EAPSM technology with high transmission into ArF lithography. This technique needs to be reviewed in the standpoint of process and device fabrication using short wavelength, high NA, OAI and OPC technology. In this paper, we analyze optical characteristics of multi-stacked film that composed of phase material like MoSi, Cr-SiON, Cr-SiO2, and Ta-SiO2. Three-dimensional analyses of film structure are to consider intensity variations and optical influence by n &k value, thickness and polarization light. The comparison will be focused on optimization or determination of each high T materials. Moreover, we specify CD impacts of mask CD error, variations of phase and transmission for various pattern size, and 3D structure. Polarization effect in this structure and high NA condition will be also interesting part to be studied impacts on process. In the device application of technology, we consider overall process margin to satisfy cell & periphery design rule and OPC treatment to improve process windows. Optimum SRAF design and tri-tone mask technology will be key issue to improve DOF margin of specific design rule in OPC treatment. For 65nm technology or less, intensity formation distributed on mask affects CD and process margin directly on wafer patterning process. High transmission EAPSM will have specifically differences with 6% EAPSM in OPC treatment and it will be required new OPC rule in ArF lithography. Using simulation and experiment, we find high transmission EAPSM has advantages in device manufacturing and approach technical issue to be solved in material, process and device application. This technique shows to improve exposure latitude & DOF margin, and to reduce MEEF in process. Finally it will be good candidate to satisfy lithography requirement of 65nm and 45nm node.
Spatial Point Process Models of Defensive Strategies: Detecting Changes

The study of stochastic processes can take many forms. Theoretical properties are important to ensure consistent model definition. Statistical inference on unknown parameters is equally important but can be difficult. This is principally because many of the standard assumptions for proving consistency and asymptotic normality of estimators involve independence and homogeneity. In the case where inference is concerned with detecting change in a spatial process from one time point to another, a statistical-computing approach can be rewarding. Regardless of the complexity of the stochastic process, if simulating from it is relatively easy, then detecting change is possible using a Monte Carlo approach. The methodology is applied in a military scenario, where a country’s defensive posture changes as a function of its perceived threat. For tactical-decision purposes, it is extremely important to know whether the country’s perceived threat level has changed.
Personal characteristics important to back injury.

Occupational low-back injury is a significant problem in nursing. This study demonstrated that personal characteristics of individuals are related to occupational low-back injury and that these characteristics have implications for nursing practice.
Stochastic co-optimization of charging and frequency regulation by electric vehicles

Smart electrical grid infrastructure, such as advanced metering, will enable demand side participation in electrical energy and ancillary services markets. Deterministic optimization models have been proposed for minimizing the cost of charging electric vehicles (EVs) in liberalized market settings. These models include revenues that EVs could earn by providing ancillary services such as secondary frequency regulation. Optimization models currently in the literature do not account for the uncertainty in the costs and benefits of providing regulation. We propose a stochastic dynamic programming method to optimize EV charging and frequency regulation decisions under uncertainty. Expected future costs are included in decision problems as convex piecewise-linear approximations of non-convex value functions. Simulations demonstrate the benefit of charging an EV using our method over an expected value dynamic programming scheme. We also show that the proposed method gives high quality solutions.
Exome sequencing of a patient with suspected mitochondrial disease reveals a likely multigenic etiology

The clinical features of mitochondrial disease are complex and highly variable, leading to challenges in establishing a specific diagnosis. Despite being one of the most commonly occurring inherited genetic diseases with an incidence of 1/5000, ~90% of these complex patients remain without a DNA-based diagnosis. We report our efforts to identify the pathogenetic cause for a patient with typical features of mitochondrial disease including infantile cataracts, CPEO, ptosis, progressive distal muscle weakness, and ataxia who carried a diagnosis of mitochondrial disease for over a decade. Whole exome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of these data were conducted on the proband. Exome sequencing studies showed a homozygous splice site mutation in SETX, which is known to cause Spinocerebellar Ataxia, Autosomal Recessive 1 (SCAR1). Additionally a missense mutation was identified in a highly conserved position of the OCRL gene, which causes Lowe Syndrome and Dent Disease 2. This patient’s complex phenotype reflects a complex genetic etiology in which no single gene explained the complete clinical presentation. These genetic studies reveal that this patient does not have mitochondrial disease but rather a genocopy caused by more than one mutant locus. This study demonstrates the benefit of exome sequencing in providing molecular diagnosis to individuals with complex clinical presentations.
Biofeedback, Meditation, and Mindfulness

Biofeedback has its beginnings in research conducted on yogis and Zen masters decades ago. Research shows the pervasive positive impact that meditative and mindfulness practices have on individuals. Mindfulness-based practices have been taken out of their broader contexts—extracted from deeper systems of yogic and Buddhist disciplines. Clinicians need to be aware of the unintended consequences of divorcing these practices from their original systems. Biofeedback, meditation, and mindfulness training share important techniques for effecting positive changes.
Nozzle-geometry effects in liquid jet impingement heat transfer

Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of nozzle geometry (diameter and aspect ratio) on the local heat transfer coefficients from a small heat source to a normally impinging, axisymmetric, submerged and confined liquid jet of FC-77. A single jet with nozzle diameters in the range of 0.79–6.35 mm and up to seven different nozzle aspect ratios in the range of 0.25–12 were tested, at turbulent jet Reynolds numbers from 4000 to 23 000 and nozzle to heat source spacings of 1–14 jet diameters. The results indicate that at very small nozzle aspect ratios (Ild ⩽ 1), the heat transfer coefficients are the highest. As the aspect ratio is increased to values of 1–4, the heat transfer coefficients drop sharply, but with further increases in lid of up to 8–12, the heat transfer coefficients gradually increase. This effect is less pronounced as the nozzle to target spacing is increased. Possible explanations for these trends are provided in terms of flow separation at the nozzle entrance and its effect on the exit velocity profiles. The nozzle diameter also has a definite effect on the heat transfer coefficients.
Imatinib Mesylate (Gleevec) Inhibits Ovarian Cancer Cell Growth through a Mechanism Dependent on Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor α and Akt Inactivation

Purpose: We identified the platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) as an ovarian cancer-specific gene by microarray hybridization using primary cultures. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether disruption of the platelet-derived growth factor-regulated growth pathway by Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec), a partially selective PDGFR inhibitor, inhibits growth of ovarian cancer cells expressing PDGFR. Experimental Design: To investigate the effects of Imatinib mesylate in ovarian cancer, we established an in vitro model by immortalizing primary ovarian cells, which express endogenous PDGFR, and we evaluated the effects of Imatinib on cell proliferation. In addition, we investigated the involvement of Akt in mediating Imatinib-inhibited cell growth inhibition. Results: We found that 39% of ovarian tumors express PDGFR by immunohistochemistry. We showed that Imatinib inhibits the growth of ovarian cancer cells in a PDGFR-specific manner, at clinically relevant concentrations (IC 50 0 -G 1 and preventing progression through S phase. Imatinib inhibits both PDGFRα and Akt phosphorylation at a concentration of 1 μm. Stable expression of constitutively active Akt induces partial resistance to PDGFR inhibition in ovarian cancer cells, as demonstrated by cell proliferation assay and cell cycle analysis. Conclusions: Our data indicate that Imatinib mesylate inhibits the growth of ovarian cancer cells through PDGFR inactivation. In addition, our results suggest that constitutive Akt activation modulates sensitivity to Imatinib in ovarian cancer cells.
Causal effect of intergroup contact on exclusionary attitudes.

The effect of intergroup contact has long been a question central to social scientists. As political and technological changes bring increased international migration, understanding intergroup contact is increasingly important to scientific and policy debates. Unfortunately, limitations in causal inference using observational data and the practical inability to experimentally manipulate demographic diversity has limited scholars’ ability to address the effects of intergroup contact. Here, I report the results of a randomized controlled trial testing the causal effects of repeated intergroup contact, in which Spanish-speaking confederates were randomly assigned to be inserted, for a period of days, into the daily routines of unknowing Anglo-whites living in homogeneous communities in the United States, thus simulating the conditions of demographic change. The result of this experiment is a significant shift toward exclusionary attitudes among treated subjects. This experiment demonstrates that even very minor demographic change causes strong exclusionary reactions. Developed nations and politically liberal subnational units are expected to experience a politically conservative shift as international migration brings increased intergroup contact.
Increasing patient preparedness for sacral neuromodulation improves patient reported outcomes despite leaving objective measures of success unchanged

Purpose: We assessed how a group shared appointment influenced patient preparedness for sacral nerve stimulation for refractory overactive bladder and/or urge urinary incontinence. We also evaluated subjective and objective outcomes.Materials and Methods: Patients considering sacral nerve stimulation were prospectively enrolled and invited to attend a group shared appointment. This 75-minute presentation included a question and answer period with an implanting surgeon and an implanted patient. Control patients received standard office counseling. A patient preparedness questionnaire was completed after the group shared appointment or office counseling. Response to treatment was determined using the postoperative satisfaction questionnaire, Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) and voiding diaries.Results: In our study 36 women with a mean ± SD age of 61 ± 15 years underwent sacral nerve stimulation. There was no significant difference in patient demographics between the 19 women who attended th...
Auditory steady-state response, upper facial EMG, EEG and heart rate as predictors of movement during isoflurane-nitrous oxide anaesthesia

We have studied the relationship between patient movement and changes in the auditory steady-state evoked potential, upper facial muscle electromyogram (FEMG), electroencephalographic-zero crossing frequency (EEG–ZCF) and heart rate during emergence from anaesthesia. Twelve healthy patients underwent surgery during stable isoflurane-nitrous oxide-oxygen anaesthesia without neuromuscular block. After skin closure, anaesthesia was discontinued abruptly while mechanical ventilation was continued until the patient moved. The magnitude of change in each physiological signal was evaluated in decibels (dB). Both the auditory steady state evoked potential and FEMG showed significant increases in amplitude during the last 5-min period before movement (6.1 and 10.7 dB, respectively). EEG-ZCF increased rapidly after anaesthesia was discontinued (2.5 dB) but there was no further increase in activity before movement. Heart rate did not change before movement. The use of the decibel transformation offers a promising method of displaying and interpreting changes in physiological variables during anaesthesia.
Microbubble-enhanced cavitation for noninvasive ultrasound surgery

Experiments were conducted to explore the potential of stabilized microbubbles for aiding tissue ablation during ultrasound therapy. Surgically exteriorized canine kidneys were irradiated in situ using single exposures of focused ultrasound. In each experiment, tip to eight separate exposures were placed in the left kidney. The right kidney was then similarly exposed, but while an ultrasound contrast agent was continually infused. Kidneys were sectioned and examined for gross observable tissue damage. Tissue damage was produced more frequently, by lower intensity and shorter duration exposures, in kidneys irradiated with the contrast agent present. Using 250-ms exposures, the minimum intensity that produced damage was lower in kidneys with microbubbles than those without (controls) in 10 of 11 (91%) animals. In a separate study using /spl sim/3200 W/cm/sup 2/ exposures, the minimum duration that produced damage was shorter after microbubbles were introduced in 11 of 12 (92%) animals. With microbubbles, gross observable tissue damage was produced with exposure intensity /spl ges//spl sim/800 W/cm/sup 2/ and exposure duration /spl ges/10 /spl mu/s. The overall intensity and duration tissue damage thresholds were reduced by /spl sim/2/spl times/ and /spl sim/100/spl times/, respectively. Results indicate that acoustic cavitation is a primary damage mechanism. Lowering in vivo tissue damage thresholds with stabilized microbubbles acting as cavitation nuclei may make acoustic cavitation a more predictable, and thus practical, mechanism for noninvasive ultrasound surgery.
Latino Migrations to the U.S. Heartland: “Illegality,” State Controls, and Implications for Transborder Labor Rights

Reexamination of the notion of “illegality” reveals the important role of state in crafting an “illegal” class and opens the way for a structural interpretation of recent Latin American migratory f...
Granulocytic sarcoma in nonleukemic patients.

Sixteen patients presenting with granulocytic sarcoma without evidence of acute leukemia were seen and diagnosed at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute at Houston from 1962 to 1985. Seven of them (44%) did not develop acute leukemia. Of these seven, four are alive with no evidence of disease 3.5 to 16 years after initial presentation; the remaining three patients died of their disease within 2 to 8 months of presentation. Two of 16 patients were diagnosed within the last 15 months and do not have adequate follow-up. The seven remaining patients developed acute leukemia within 1 week to 13 months of the diagnosis of granulocytic sarcoma. Six of them died 5 weeks to 16 months after diagnosis; one patient has been in complete remission for 8 years. Twelve of these 16 cases (75%) were initially misdiagnosed, most frequently as large cell lymphoma. The remaining four cases were correctly diagnosed as granulocytic sarcoma. The naphthol-ASD-chloroacetate esterase stain was required to make the correct diagnosis in all cases. Contrary to findings in other series, granulocytic sarcoma arising in nonleukemic patients does not necessarily progress to acute leukemia. At least four of 16 (25%) patients in this series did not develop acute leukemia during the 3.5 to 16 years they have been followed. No prognostic factors were identified in this series to predict which patients would develop acute leukemia and which ones would not.
MONITORING THE ABUNDANCE OF BIRD POPULATIONS

LARGE-SCALE, LONG-TERM PROGRAMS to monitor bird abundance have provided the foundation for many of our most successful programs to study and conserve bird populations (Brown et al. 2001, Williams et al. 2002, Kushlan et al. 2002, Rich et al. 2004, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2004). Those programs help identify species at risk and limiting factors, suggest and help evaluate management approaches, and document recovery at the regional and rangewide scale. It is difficult to think of a major wildlife issue for which monitoring has not provided essential information. Yet despite the critical role of bird monitoring programs, many of them are poorly designed and coordinated, and many improvements could be made at relatively low cost. In a welcome addition to the bird-monitoring literature, Conway and Gibbs (2005) describe improved methods for surveying secretive marsh birds. Their study is notable because it is based on >16,000 point counts contributed, at the authors' request, by 15 cooperators working on 12 species in 10 states. Only by recruiting collaborators (they wrote to more than 100 authors) could Conway and Gibbs have compiled such a large and spatially extensive database on that relatively unknown group of birds. Their specific question was whether secretive marsh birds are best monitored by broadcasting calls, listening passively, or doing both. Most of their collaborators used both methods, so Conway and Gibbs (2005) used differences in numbers recorded during passive and active periods, thereby excluding extraneous sources of variation such as site, observer, and weather. They also adjusted results to enable comparison of numbers that would have been recorded with periods of equal duration. They compared number recorded per
The accuracy of vegetation stand boundaries derived from image segmentation in a desert environment

Line intercept sampling was used to determine if boundaries between desert scrub vegetation stands corresponded with boundaries between regions in an image derived from a segmentation algorithm applied to Thematic Mapper (TM) data for the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California. An image segmentation algorithm developed by Woodcock and Harward (1992) was applied to images comprising TM bands 3, 4, and 5, from April 1987, principal components images based on April 1987 and June 1990 imagery, and each with texture added. The Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to determine coordinates of both physiographic (land-form) and vegetation boundaries in the field as they intersected line transects. These boundary locations were then registered to the segmented images. Image region boundaries that fell within E tolerances (spatial error bounds) of surveyed boundaries were considered accurate. Image region boundaries showed less than 10 percent omission error but about 50 percent commission error when compared with the true locations of vegetation and physiographic boundaries. The use of image principal components and texture in the segmenfations did not produce anticipated increases in the correspondence between field-mapped and image-region vegetation boundaries, although there is some suggestion that multidate principal components may be sensitive to vegetation boundaries, and texture to physiographic boundaries.
Reovirus triggers cell type-specific proinflammatory responses dependent on the autocrine action of IFN-β

Resident cells of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, including epithelial and fibroblast cells, are the initial sites of entry for many viral pathogens. We investigated the role that thes...
Experimental Data in Support of a Direct Displacement Mechanism for Type I/II l-Asparaginases

Bacterial L-asparaginases play an important role in the treatment of certain types of blood cancers. We are exploring the guinea pig L-asparaginase (gpASNase1) as a potential replacement of the immunogenic bacterial enzymes. The exact mechanism used by L-asparaginases to catalyze the hydrolysis of asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia has been recently put into question. Earlier experimental data suggested that the reaction proceeds via a covalent intermediate using a ping-pong mechanism, whereas recent computational work advocates the direct displacement of the amine by an activated water. To shed light on this controversy, we generated gpASNase1 mutants of conserved active site residues (T19A, T116A, T19A/T116A, K188M, and Y308F) suspected to play a role in hydrolysis. Using x-ray crystallography, we determined the crystal structures of the T19A, T116A, and K188M mutants soaked in asparagine. We also characterized their steady-state kinetic properties and analyzed the conversion of asparagine to aspartate using NMR. Our structures reveal bound asparagine in the active site that has unambiguously not formed a covalent intermediate. Kinetic and NMR assays detect significant residual activity for all of the mutants. Furthermore, no burst of ammonia production was observed that would indicate covalent intermediate formation and the presence of a ping-pong mechanism. Hence, despite using a variety of techniques, we were unable to obtain experimental evidence that would support the formation of a covalent intermediate. Consequently, our observations support a direct displacement rather than a ping-pong mechanism for l-asparaginases.
Friction Pile Groups in Cohesive Soil

Nondimensional techniques, based on methods of dimensional analysis, form rational basis for investigating load-settlement characteristics of friction pile groups in cohesive soil; agreement between results of small scale laboratory studies and full scale field tests indicates that such basis greatly enhances transformation from model studies to prototype response by avoiding difficult task of modeling soil properties.