cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inertial oscillations and hydromagnetic multiple boundary layers in a rotating fluid

A study is made of the non-torsionally generated unsteady hydromagnetic flow in a semi-infinite expanse of an electrically conducting rotating viscous fluid bounded by an infinite non-conducting porous plate subjected to uniform suction or blowing in the presence of an external magnetic field. The structure of the steady and the unsteady velocity field and the associated multiple boundary layers are investigated. An asymptotic analysis of the solution is carried out for small and large times to describe the manner of the transient approach to the ultimate steady-state flow including the various physical processes involved in it. The difficulty of the hydrodynamic solution associated with the case of blowing and resonant frequency is resolved in this paper. It is shown that the oscillatory boundary layer flows confined to the ultimate boundary layers are established through the inertial oscillations and the propagation of diffused hydromagnetic waves. Es wird eine Untersuchung der drehungsfrei erzeugten instationaren hydromagnetischen Stromung in einem unendlichen Halbraum einer elektrisch leitenden rotierenden zahen Flussigkeit vorgenommen. Die Flussigkeit ist durch eine unendliche nichtleitende porose Platte beschrankt, die auf gleichmasigen Sog oder Ausblasen in Gegenwart eines auseren Magnetfeldes beansprucht wird. Die Struktur des stationaren und des instationaren Geschwindigkeitsfeldes und die damit verbundenen mehrfachen Grenzschichten werden ermittelt. Eine asymptotische Analyse der Losung wird fur kurze und lange Zeiten ausgefuhrt, um die Art der momentanen Naherung an den stationaren Grenzzustand der Stromung einschlieslich der verschiedenen physikalischen Prozesse, die sich dabei abspielen, zu beschreiben. Die Schwierigkeit der hydrodynamischen Losung, die mit dem Fall des Ausblasens und der Eigenfrequenz verbunden ist, wird in dieser Arbeit gelost. Es wird gezeigt, das die schwingenden Grenzschichtstromungen, die sich auf die ausersten Grenzschichten beschranken, durch die Tragheitsschwingungen und die Ausbreitung von diffusen hydromagnetischen Wellen bestimmt werden.
Switching in amorphous semiconductors

This article presents experimental data on switching and other related properties of (1−x)As2Se3·xSb2Se3 materials. These data indicate that the threshold switching mechanism is electronic in thin devices (<10 μm) and thermal in thick devices. In addition, it raises some questions about the crystallization/phase separation model for memory switching.
A grounded capacitor high-Q inductance simulator for tuned circuits applications

An operational amplifier (OA) RC realization of a high-Q inductor is presented. The circuit uses two OA's in unity gain connections, two grounded condensers, and three resistors. It is characterized by low sensitivity and good high-frequency performance. The active inductor, being open-circuit unstable, is suitable for tuned circuit and oscillator applications.
Allotype suppression in the rabbit: Persistence of passive antibody and the establishment or abrogation of chronic suppression

Abstract Lasting allotype suppression of the rabbit, induced by perinatal treatment with the appropriate antibodies, can be alleviated by the administration of immunoglobulin of the suppressed type during the first few weeks of life but not later. Experiments described here sought to determine the relative roles of the age of the treated rabbit and of the level of residual passive immunity in this apparently age-dependent phenomenon. The data show that spontaneous termination of effective passive immunity prior to 4 weeks of age results in significant though incomplete suppression which is insensitive to the modifying maneuver, and that prolonging the state of passive immunity beyond the second month of life similarly renders the rabbit resistant to induced accelerated release from suppression. Thus neither age-dependent characteristics of the rabbit or its lymphoid cells nor the duration of passively acquired immunity alone are sufficient explanations for the critical period during which modification of suppression can be achieved.
Co-delivery of FGF-2 and G-CSF from gelatin-based hydrogels as angiogenic therapy in a murine critical limb ischemic model

Peripheral artery disease and critical limb ischemia have become prevalent health risks in the United States due to an increasing elderly population and the prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus. Although highly invasive endarterectomy is the most popular method for treatment, angiogenic therapies based on growth factor administration are quickly becoming a popular alternative. Enzymatic degradation of these factors in vivo may be avoided by their incorporation in a delivery vehicle where the growth factor's release rate can be controlled by altering the vehicle's properties (i.e. cross-linking density, material selection, biodegradation, etc.). Herein, we report on the immobilization and controlled release of human recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) and human recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) from ionic, gelatin-based hydrogel scaffolds to re-establish perfusion and induce capillary outgrowth in a murine hindlimb ischemic model. In vitro studies showed that endothelial cell proliferation was highly depended on FGF-2, whereas G-CSF stimulated migration and formation of a tubular network. When FGF-2 and G-CSF were used in combination there was an 82% increase in endothelial branch point formation compared to control groups. Leg reperfusion was assessed with laser Doppler perfusion imaging, while capillary outgrowth in the ischemic leg was evaluated using CD31(+) and alpha-SMA immunostaining. The co-delivery of G-CSF (1000 ngml(-1)) and FGF-2 (1000 ng ml(-1)) from the gelatin hydrogels resulted in a 3-fold increase in the perfusion levels and a 2-fold increase in capillary density and positive alpha-SMA vessels compared to the empty vehicle group. In conclusion, the co-delivery of FGF-2 and G-CSF was superior to bolus administration or the delivery of either factor alone in promoting reperfusion and mature vessel formation.
Alcohol reverses the proconflict effect of corticotropin-releasing factor.

Abstract Alcohol has tension reducing properties in man that are reflected in a release of punished responding in a rat operant conflict test. In contrast, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), injected centrally produces a suppression of punished and non-punished responding in the conflict test consistent with its hypothesized role in mediating behavioral responses to stress. Alcohol in a dose of 0.75 g/kg reversed the suppressive effects of 0.5 μg CRF injected intracerebroventricularly on punished responding but augmented the suppression of unpunished responding by CRF. Results suggest that one mechanism for the tension reducing properties of acute alcohol intoxication may involve a suppression of brain CRF systems.
Stenoses in dialysis fistulas: treatment with percutaneous angioplasty.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed on 30 stenotic lesions in 25 dialysis access fistulas. The fistulas were in 23 patients with a mean age of 53 years. Lesions were detected with angiography within a few days after poor flow or increased venous pressure was documented during dialysis. Twenty-two lesions were in patients with polytetrafluoroethylene graft fistulas, five were in patients with bovine carotid fistulas, and three were in patients with endogenous arteriovenous fistulas. There were 28 venous stenoses (20 at the anastomotic site and eight more proximally) and two arterial stenoses. The overall success rate was 80%, with a 6-month patency of 76% and a mean patency after PTA of 9.4 months. Among the venous lesions, the success was 100% for proximal lesions and 71% for anastomotic lesions. There were two technical failures, which required surgery for revision of the fistulas, and four self-limited hematomas. PTA is a safe and effective treatment for stenoses in dialysis fistul...
Treatment of immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis

No therapy is uniformly effective in the management of immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL amyloidosis). Despite the common generalization, therapy is highly effective. Options available to patients with AL amyloidosis include high-dose therapy, but this is applicable to only about one fourth of patients. Therapies shown to be effective are based on alkylators, dexamethasone, or combinations of an alkylator and steroids. In the past 5 years, novel agents previously shown to be effective in multiple myeloma (eg, thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib) have been shown to have efficacy in the management of AL amyloidosis. Predictors of outcome include the serum brain natriuretic peptide, the number of organs involved, and the severity of cardiac involvement detected by echocardiography. Virtually all patients are candidates for a trial of therapy, and it is possible to find a nontoxic regimen that can be administered to virtually any patient.
MRI Features of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Review of the Literature

e describe a case of hidradeni-tis suppurativa in a 31-year-oldwoman with Crohn’s diseasediagnosed by MRI and con-firmed histologically. This disorder is rareand is characterized by recurrent abscesses,sinus tract formation, and scarring. It sharescharacteristics with acne conglobata, dissect-ing cellulitis of the scal p, and pilonidal sinus.The imaging findings include markedthickening of the skin, induration of the sub-cutaneous tissues, and formation of multiplesubcutaneous abscesses. The differential di-agnosis for these findings includes carbun-cles, lymphadenitis, and infected Bartholin’sor sebaceous cysts.Two previous cases are described in the ra-diology literature, with only one report de-scribing the MRI findings. However, these tworeports describe the imaging features of thecomplications of this disease rather than theimaging features of the disease. We describethe MRI features within the skin and subcuta-neous tissues of the typical form of hidradeni-tis suppurativa that, to our knowledge, has notbeen described previously. We also review theliterature. Hidradenitis suppurativa is usuallydiagnosed clinically. This disease may bechronic and progressive; there is no single ef-fective treatment, and surgical debridementmay be required. Our patient eventually re-quired radical surgery for treatment.
Airborne cable detection with a W-band FMCW imaging sensor

Numerous accidents occur each year due to wire strikes for both military and commercial helicopters leading to a significant number of fatalities. The millimeter-wave sensor presents itself as an ideal candidate for a solution because it can see the very small attributes of the typical power line/cable wire as well as operate when visual conditions worsen due to environmental issues such as fog, smoke or dust. This paper presents recent results on the development of a W-band FMCW imaging sensor with potential application to cable detection and imaging. The sensor front end is integrated with a radar signal generator, processor, and data acquisition unit for the purpose of closing the loop between prototype demonstration and system development. Real-time imaging is achieved at a 10 Hz frame rate with a field of view of 30°. A complete flight demonstration of this system was performed on a Honeywell-operated AStar helicopter to validate the flight-worthiness of the sensor under close to actual operational conditions. The development of such technology that can detect and avoid obstacles such as cables and wires especially for rotorcraft platforms will save lives, assets, and enable the execution of more complex and dangerous tactical missions.
Selective attention in ambiguous-figure perception: An individual differences analysis

Ten human vs. nonhuman ambiguous-figure stimuli were presented to a sample of 520 subjects for identification. Using an individual differences analysis, four stimulus factors were identified and homogeneous subgroups of like-perceiving subjects were isolated. Possible cues utilized in judgments of stimulus factors were described. Homogeneous subgroups of subjects were differentially characterized on the basis of age and clinical diagnostic classification. The study illustrates the usefulness of the individual differences approach to the study of ambiguous-figure stimuli.
Infrared Analysis of Pharmaceuticals I: Application of the Potassium Bromide Disk Technique to Some Steroids, Alkaloids, Barbiturates, and Other Drugs

The quantitative potassium bromide disk technique has been investigated and methods have been adopted for its application to some pharmaceuticals. Average deviations from linearity within ±4.0 per cent were obtained with some crystalline compounds. Analyses of pharmaceutical preparations, by hand-grinding or vibrator-grinding methods, resulted in average agreement within ±3 to ±4.5 per cent with ultraviolet spectrophotometric or gravimetric determinations.
Differential Adoption of Laparoscopy by Treatment Indication

Purpose: The diffusion of laparoscopic renal surgery has been gradual. While surgery for benign and malignant kidney disease is usually within the urological domain, donor nephrectomy is multidisciplinary. Therefore, we compared the use of laparoscopy by procedure indication (kidney donor, and benign and malignant kidney disease) to examine potential specialty specific associations with the slow uptake of this technology.Materials and Methods: Data on 53,461 patients undergoing nephrectomy for all indications between 1998 and 2003 were abstracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification procedure and diagnostic codes. Generalized estimating equations were fitted to measure the association between laparoscopy use and the procedure indication (kidney donor, benign kidney disease and kidney cancer).Results: The use of laparoscopy varied by treatment indication. In 2003, 33% of kidney donors underwent a laparoscopic approach compa...
Venture Labor: Work and the Burden of Risk in Innovative Industries

Neff, G. (2012). Venture Labor: Work and the Burden of Risk in Innovative Industries. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. 216 pages. Professor Gina Neff's Venture Labor is an intricate case study of a key mo...
Cataract surgery and glaucoma.

Purpose of reviewTo summarize the recent advances in the management of patients with coexisting cataract and glaucoma.Recent findingsAlthough some evidence suggests that cataract surgery may be useful in the clinical management of eyes with angle closure glaucoma, recent studies show that the decrea
Lytic KSHV Infection Inhibits Host Gene Expression by Accelerating Global mRNA Turnover

The stimulation of host gene expression by lytic gene products of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) has been proposed to play a critical role in KS development. We show, however, that lytic KSHV infection strongly inhibits host gene expression early in infection by accelerating global mRNA turnover. This function is mediated by KSHV ORF37, a homolog of a DNA exonuclease widely present in other herpesviruses but which in KSHV has uniquely evolved additional functions that mediate its participation in RNA degradation. The ability of KSHV to inhibit host gene expression has important implications for models of KS pathogenesis that invoke activation of host transcription in lytically infected cells as a source of angiogenic or oncogenic factors.
Picomolar Inhibitors of HIV Reverse Transcriptase Featuring Bicyclic Replacement of a Cyanovinylphenyl Group.

Members of the catechol diether class are highly potent non-nucleoside inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (NNRTIs). The most active compounds yield EC50 values below 0.5 nM in assays using human T-cells infected by wild-type HIV-1. However, these compounds such as rilpivirine, the most recently FDA-approved NNRTI, bear a cyanovinylphenyl (CVP) group. This is an uncommon substructure in drugs that gives reactivity concerns. In the present work, computer simulations were used to design bicyclic replacements for the CVP group. The predicted viability of a 2-cyanoindolizinyl alternative was confirmed experimentally and provided compounds with 0.4 nM activity against the wild-type virus. The compounds also performed well with EC50 values of 10 nM against the challenging HIV-1 variant that contains the Lys103Asn/Tyr181Cys double mutation in the RT enzyme. Indolyl and benzofuranyl analogues were also investigated; the most potent compounds in these cases have EC50 values toward wild-type HIV-1 near 10 nM ...
Interactive user productivity

Interactive user productivity is a measure of effective communication between man and the computer. Explored in this paper is the relationship between computer response time and user performance, and the separation of user cost from system cost. Strategies for effectively managing installations are presented and discussed.
A gas cell target for studying fusion and damped collisions of light nuclei

Abstract A compact gas cell target for studying fusion and damped collisions of light nuclei has been constructed. The specifications, geometry and other features of the target are described. Typical experimental results obtained with the gas target are presented.
Changes in the Si−O Vibrations of Smectite Layers Accompanying the Sorption of Interlayer Water

The frequencies of Si−O stretching, νSi-O, in layers of montmorillonite and of H−O−H bending, ν2, in the interlayer water were investigated by infrared spectroscopy. Oriented gels of Li- and Na-montmorillonite equilibrated at different water contents, mw/mc, were obtained by using a miniature pressure membrane apparatus. One part of each gel was used for the gravimetric determination of mw/mc. The other part was transferred to an FTIR spectrometer where the spectrum of the gel was measured by attenuated total reflectance. Thus, the dependence of both νSi-O and ν2 on mw/mc was determined in the same samples. The absorption bands for Si−O stretching were resolved by using a curve-fitting technique to determine the frequency, area, and height of the component peaks. Two prominent peaks, labeled peak III and peak IV, were selected for analysis. It was found that νSi-O for each peak and the ratio of the areas (or heights) of the two peaks were all exponential functions of mc/mw. Moreover, a linear relation was...
Low temperature specific heat of b. c. c. titanium molybdenum alloys

Abstract Low temperature specific heat measurements in the range of 1·4 to 4·2°K were made with b.c.c. Ti-Mo alloys. The λ vs. e/a plot shows a maximum at e a = 4·4 and a shallow minimum at e a = 5·75. These results are considered in the light of the average band behavior as derived from pure 3 d and 4 d bands. The superconducting electronic specific heat data are in accord with the BCS theory and fit the equation C es λT c = 10·71 exp ( -1·59T c T ) . The interaction parameter V is nearly constant at 0·165. The minimum in the Debye Temperature θ D vs. e / a curve corresponds to the maximum in the density of states at about the same electron concentration.
PROTEIN CONCENTRATE FROM NORMAL AND HIGH-LYSINE CORNS BY ALKALINE EXTRACTION: PREPARATION

An alkaline extraction process was developed to produce protein concentrates and starch from ground normal and high-lysine corns. Optimum extraction of protein occurred at pH 11.7 in 0.1N sodium hydroxide with 150g corn per 900 ml solvent. The corn was extracted twice with sodium hydroxide solutions After centrifugation, each alkaline extract was adjusted to pH 4.7 to recover the protein as a precipitate. Bran was removed from starch and protein by screening the second alkaline dispersion, and the protein and starch were separated by centifugation. The protein content (nitrogen × 6.25) of the concentrate varied between 63 and 71% and accounted for 52–63% of the total corn protein. Highlysine corn yielded more concentrate than normal corn, as well as more starch.
Why Do White Americans Oppose Race-Targeted Policies? Clarifying the Impact of Symbolic Racism

Measures of symbolic racism (SR) have often been used to tap racial prejudice toward Blacks. However, given the wording of questions used for this purpose, some of the apparent effects on attitudes toward policies to help Blacks may instead be due to political conservatism, attitudes toward government, and/or attitudes toward redistributive government policies in general. Using data from national probability sample surveys and an experiment, we explored whether SR has effects even when controlling for these potential confounds and whether its effects are specific to policies involving Blacks. Holding constant conservatism and attitudes toward limited government, SR predicted Whites' opposition to policies designed to help Blacks and more weakly predicted attitudes toward social programs whose beneficiaries were racially ambiguous. An experimental manipulation of policy beneficiaries revealed that SR predicted policy attitudes when Blacks were the beneficiary but not when women were. These findings are consistent with the claim that SR's association with racial policy preferences is not due to these confounds.
Influence of the chemistry of conjugation of poly(ethylene glycol) to Hb on the oxygen-binding and solution properties of the PEG-Hb conjugate.

Our recent studies on PEG–Hb [poly(ethylene glycol)–Hb] conjugates generated by thiolation-mediated maleimide-chemistry based PEGylation demonstrated that the vasoactivity of the PEG–Hb conjugates is a function of the configuration of the PEG chains on the surface of the protein and is independent of the PEG/protein-mass ratio [Manjula, A. G. Tsai, Intaglietta, H.-C. Tsai, Ho, Smith, Perumalsamy, Kanika, Friedman and Acharya (2005) Protein J. 24, 133–146]. A Hb conjugated with six PEG5k chains (SP-PEG5k)6-Hb, was vasoinactive. In an attempt to understand whether the chemistry of conjugation of PEG to Hb has any influence on the modulation of its functional and solution properties, we have now generated a new hexaPEGylated-Hb, (propyl-PEG5k)6-Hb, by reductive alkylation chemistry. CD (circular dichroism) spectral measurements indicated that the overall secondary structure of Hb is not adversely influenced upon PEGylation. (Propyl-PEG5k)6-Hb exhibited an increased O2 affinity with decreased co-operativity and decreased modulation by allosteric effectors comparable with that of (SP-PEG5k)6-Hb, although its Cys-93(β) is not derivatized as in the latter. On a molecular mass basis, PEG linked to Hb by reductive alkylation increased its COP (colloidal osmotic pressure) more efficiently than when linked by thiolation-mediated maleimide-chemistry. These results demonstrate that the functional properties of PEG–Hb conjugates may be a direct consequence of surface decoration of Hb with PEG, but are independent of the site (pattern) and/or the chemistry of PEGylation. However the solution properties of PEGylated Hb are influenced by the site (pattern) and/or the chemistry of PEGylation and the presence or absence of an ‘extension arm’ between the conjugating site of Hb and the PEG chain.
Magnetic force microscopy study of domain walls in Co2Z ferrite

Abstract Hexaferrite Co 2 Z was synthesized through the modified Pechini method. Partially oriented samples were obtained after consolidation with uniaxial pressing and calcination/sintering at 1300 °C/1330 °C. The sample composition and morphology was identified with X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). MFM studies of the single grains revealed a domain structure with 0.7 μm wide. The Co 2 Z static magnetization was measured with a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and was used to calculate a single grain domain with a thickness of 4.8 μm. This result is in good agreement with SEM observations of the single grain thickness.
Quick-access sample system for low-temperature ESR/ENDOR at K-band

Abstract A microwave cavity and probe system suitable for ESR and ENDOR studies of unstable radicals at temperatures down to approximately 90 K is described. The system is designed for K-band (≈24 GHz) and to permit rapid transfer of the sample into the cavity with minimal warming.
Bases for finite fields and a canonical decomposition for a normal basis generator

In this note structural properties of a normal basis generator for a finite field F over a subfield F are highlighted. These properties are related to the existence of intermediate subfields E between F and F. A canonical decomposition of a normal basis generator is given and the possibility for a product of normal basis generators to be a normal basis generator is considered.
A taxonomy for mechanical design

This paper presents a taxonomy that provides a basis for characterizing mechanical design methods and theories. The taxonomy has three primary divisions: the environment, the problem, and the process. Each of these factors is further subdivided into its important characteristics. For example, the process is divided into plan, processing action, effect, and failure action. This paper discusses the options for each characteristic. An overview of the proposed taxonomy is given in section 2 of this paper. Section 3 describes details of the design environment; section 4 gives details on the description of the design problem itself; and section 5 provides details on the design process. In section 6, the taxonomy is applied in two ways: it is first used to clarify the meaning of differing, commonly used design terms, such as selection design, configurational design, parametric design, and redesign; and, second, the taxonomy is used to classify a representative sample of design process research efforts.
“Taking another route”: Daily survival narratives from mothers who are homeless

Homelessness among families has become a growing social problem for communities, yet little is known about the types of daily survival strategies such families employ. This paper presents results of a qualitative study of the coping narratives of 64 mothers living in temporary emergency shelters with their children. The women reported using a variety of coping responses to daily stressful events. These included the use of direct actions and more palliative strategies. Results suggest that stress and coping theory may be useful for understanding homelessness. Implications for program development and future research are discussed.
Effects of passive body heating on body temperature and sleep regulation in the elderly: a systematic review.

Insomnia in the elderly is associated with circadian body temperature changes. Manipulating body temperature prior to sleep onset may improve sleep quality in the elderly. This systematic review analyzed the effect of passive body heating on body temperature and sleep quality. Three studies related to passive body heating for the elderly identified from a computerized database search were evaluated. All of them used crossover designs to examine effects of passive body heating on sleep quality. Passive body heating such as a warm bath immersed to mid-thorax with 40-41 degrees C water for 30 min in the evening could increase rectal body temperature, delay occurrence of body temperature nadir and increase slow wave sleep (deep sleep) in healthy female elderly with insomnia. The elderly also perceived "good sleep" or "quickness of falling asleep" after the bathing condition. Evening warm bath facilitates nighttime sleep for the healthy elderly with insomnia.
Dosimetry and instrumentation for helium and heavy ions

Abstract The use of large particle accelerators for biological experiments and medical procedures requires a very reliable and accurate beam-monitoring system. The instrumentation at the 184-in. cyclotron medical facility and the Bevalac biomedical facility includes beam-monitoring devices and instruments used in their calibration. The variables involved in hellum- and heavy-ion dosimetry will be discussed.
Photopolymerization of bovine hemoglobin entrapped nanoscale hydrogel particles within liposomal reactors for use as an artificial blood substitute.

Lipogel particles encapsulating bovine hemoglobin (BHb) were synthesized via photopolymerization of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPA) and poly(acrylamide) (pAAm) monomers within liposomal reactors. Nanoscale hydrogel particles (NHPs) encapsulating bovine hemoglobin, which represent a hybrid between acellular and cellular hemoglobin based oxygen carriers, were formed upon solubilization of the lipid bilayer of lipogel particles encapsulating BHb. Lipogels and NHPs encapsulating BHb constitute a new class of blood substitute that prevents both dissociation of hemoglobin (Hb) and in vivo exposure of acellular Hb, while allowing oxygen transport through the polymer matrix. pNIPA and pAAm particles encapsulating BHb displayed oxygen affinities ranging from 9.9 ± 1.9 to 14.4 ± 0.1 mmHg for lipogels, methemoglobin levels ranging from 9.3 ± 3.7% to 26.0 ± 5.0% for lipogels and NHPs, and encapsulation efficiencies ranging from 34.2 ± 3.4% to 97.4 ± 15.8% for lipogels and NHPs. Interestingly, the methemoglobin le...
An evaluation of the influence of reproductive factors on the risk of metastases from uveal melanoma.

Background: There is a paucity of data concerning the possible role played by hormonal factors in the risk of metastases from intraocular melanomas. Methods: The authors studied the influence of post-diagnosis pregnancy and oral contraceptive use in a group of women of reproductive age (45 or younger) who were treated for uveal melanoma by proton beam irradiation. A baseline reproductive history had been collected before irradiation for all women, and interim reproductive data were collected by mailed questionnaire. Results: In this age group, the overall rate of metastasis among women was similar to that of men treated during the same interval (adjusted rate ratio: 1.28; 95% confidence interval: 0.62–2.67). A total of 24 full-term pregnancies were reported among the 139 women still menstruating at diagnosis. Twenty-three women reported regular oral contraceptive use. Metastases developed in 15 of the 139 women. Compared with other women in the series, rates of metastases were not higher among the women who reported pregnancies ( P = 0.932) or oral contraceptive use ( P = 0.424) after diagnosis. Conclusions: Although based on limited numbers, results suggest that the hormonal environment has no appreciable influence on risk of metastases in younger women with uveal melanoma.
Deformation microstructures of Ti-52 at.% Al-3 at.% V alloy

Abstract Deformation microstructures of the γ-TiAl phase in a polycrystalline Ti-52A1-3V (all compositions are given in atomic per cent) alloy have been studied by transmission electron microscopy. Heat-treated samples of this alloy were subjected to 3% plastic strain in compression at both room temperature and 600°C. The room-temperature deformation microstructure is characterized mainly by the presence of b = 〈 101]-type superdislocations together with a large number of faulted dipoles and some b= 〈 110]-type dislocations. In contrast, the elevated temperature (600°C) deformation microstructure is dominated by b= 〈 110]-type screw dislocations lying on {111} planes. An addition of 3 at.% V does not significantly change the deformation microstructure of the γ-TiAl phase.
The structure of the ampullae of lorenzini in Dasyatis garouaensis and its implications on the evolution of freshwater electroreceptive systems

The peripheral electroreceptive system of the African freshwater stingray, Dasyatis garouaensis, consists of numerous tubules, each originating as a minute cutaneous pore and terminating within the dermis as a slightly expanded bulb. These “mini-ampullae” range in size from ca. 0.75 to 2.00 mm long in adults and appear to increase in both size and number ontogenetically. They are heavily concentrated on the ventrum, particularly around the mouth. Each canal wall consists of several (2–6) layers of stratified epithelium that varies from columnar to squamous with the proximity to the pore. The corresponding ampulla is innervated and contains a patch of relatively small sensory cells interspersed among large, vacuolated cells. Both ampulla and canal are surrounded by a thick connective tissue coat. The electroreceptive system of this exclusively freshwater, African species is similar to that of the South American Potamotrygonidae. Both taxa possess shorter, narrower canals with smaller, much simpler (less alveolate) ampullae than the marine dasyatids. The arrangement of the sensory epithelium also appears similar. However, D. garouaensis differs from Potamotrygon in the histological nature of the canal wall, the complexity of the cutaneous pore and the relative thickness of the connective tissue tunic. The functional significance of these similarities and differences reflects the constraints of the freshwater environment on electrosensitivity.
The Putative Mesoamerican Domestication Center of Phaseolus vulgaris Is Located in the Lerma–Santiago Basin of Mexico

Mesoamerican food agriculture is defi ned by the milpa cropping system, consisting of maize (Zea mays L.), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and squash (Cucurbita spp.). In recent years, a domestication center for maize has been proposed in the Balsas River basin in west-central Mexico, raising the question whether the Balsas basin was also the center of origin for Mesoamerican food agriculture in general. We conducted a survey of genetic diversity for 26 microsatellite markers in a representative sample of 155 wild and domesticated common bean from its Mesoamerican gene pool. Microsatellite diversity was analyzed with STRUCTURE, neighbor-joining tree construction, and principal coordinate analysis. Most Mesoamerican domesticated accessions clustered in a single group, suggesting a single domestication. Furthermore, the most closely related wild beans to the domesticated clade originated from a restricted region in the Rio Lerma–Rio Grande de Santiago basin in west-central Mexico, distinct from the Balsas basin. Although wild maize and Phaseolus beans grow together in the wild, they appear to have been domesticated in different regions to be reunited later on in a single cropping system. Crop domestications in Mesoamerica may therefore have a diffuse rather than a single geographic origin. Archaeological and ecological investigations into the origins of agriculture should be refocused from the arid eastern half of Mexico to the west-central part of the country.
Direct estimation of the intensity contrast of high-energy laser pulses

The focal spot of the incoherent pedestal preceding a high-energy laser pulse is predicted using the coherence properties of imaging systems, determining the on-shot intensity contrast of kilojoule laser pulses from OMEGA EP.
Describing Typical Capstone Course Experiences From a National Random Sample

The pedagogical value of capstones has been regularly discussed within psychology. This study presents results from an examination of a national random sample of department webpages and an online s...
Long-Term Compliance with a Lipid-Lowering Diet

Compliance with a lipid-lowering diet was sustained in only 30% of patients following an initial three-month intervention. Additional strategies are required to support long-term adherence.
Considerations for installing and applying arc resistant low and medium voltage control equipment in forest products industries

Recent changes to some electrical safety standards, such as the NFPA-70E and CSA-Z462, have emphasized the need to look for improved safety compliance to mitigate the risks associated with the operation and maintenance of electrical equipment. Improved low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) control equipment designs, including enhanced structural protection systems, have continued to evolve in support of improved personnel protection. The requirements for employee safe work practices have all targeted reducing the risks of electrical arc hazards. However, arcs accompanied by explosions continue to occur in electrical systems. Factors such as inappropriate human interaction with the equipment, equipment malfunctions because of misuse or lack of regular maintenance or unforeseen events continue to contribute to the unexpected release of explosive electrical energy in the workplace. New arc resistant LV and MV control equipment designs provide an additional level of protection if properly installed and applied. This paper will outline the added benefits of properly applied arc resistant equipment along with the details surrounding the appropriate installation and site application considerations when arc resistant control products are being considered for inclusion in forest product industry production facilities.
Functional communication during signaled reinforcement and/or extinction†

Schedule thinning following functional communication training (FCT) can increase treatment feasibility. Multiple-schedule arrangements are often used in this process; however, the current literature provides little information on the optimum signal arrangements. In the current study, we examined the effects of three signal arrangements (i.e., signaled FR1, signaled EXT, and signaled FR1/EXT) on rates of problem behavior at dense schedule values and during schedule thinning. At all schedule values, signaled FR1/EXT controlled collateral behavior better than did signaled FR1 or signaled EXT. Additionally, for the single signal arrangements, the signaled FR1 was more efficient than the signaled EXT at dense schedules whereas the inverse was true at leaner schedules. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Therapeutic response in musculoskeletal soft tissue sarcomas: evaluation by MRI

This paper provides a literature review of the use of magnetic resonance imaging in monitoring the treatment response of soft tissue sarcomas (STS). The basic classification and physiology of the soft tissue tumor is introduced. Then, the major treatment options for STS are summarized with brief coverage of possible responses and grading systems. Four major branches of MR imaging techniques are covered, including conventional T1- and T2-weighted imaging, contrast-enhanced MR imaging, MR diffusion and perfusion imaging, and MR spectroscopy, with a focus on the tumor microenvironment. Although this literature survey focuses on recent clinical developments using these MR techniques, research venues in pre-clinical studies, as well as in potential applications other than soft tissue sarcomas, are also included when comparable and/or mutually supporting. Examples from other less-discussed MR imaging modalities are also briefly covered, not only to complement but also to expand the scope and depth of information for various kinds of lesions.
Analysis of Double-Stranded RNA from Microbial Communities Identifies Double-Stranded RNA Virus-like Elements

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can function as genetic information and may have served as genomic material before the existence of DNA-based life. By developing a method to purify dsRNA, we have investigated the diversity of dsRNA in microbial populations. We detect large dsRNAs in multiple microbial populations. Analysis of an aquatic microbial population reveals that some dsRNA sequences match metagenomic DNA, suggesting that microbes contain pools of sense-antisense transcripts. In addition, ∼30% of the dsRNA sequences are not present in the corresponding DNA pool and are strongly biased toward encoding novel proteins. Of these "dsRNA unique" sequences, only a small percentage share similarity to known viruses, a large fraction assemble into RNA virus-like contigs, and the remaining fraction has an unexplained origin. These results have uncovered dsRNA virus-like elements and underscore that dsRNA potentially represents an additional reservoir of genetic information in microbial populations.
Sulforaphane Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common hematological cancer in children. Although risk-adaptive therapy, CNS-directed chemotherapy, and supportive care have improved the survival of ALL patients, disease relapse is still the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Therefore, new drugs are needed as frontline treatments in high-risk disease and as salvage agents in relapsed ALL. In this study, we report that purified sulforaphane, a natural isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables, has anti-leukemic properties in a broad range of ALL cell lines and primary lymphoblasts from pediatric T-ALL and pre-B ALL patients. The treatment of ALL leukemic cells with sulforaphane resulted in dose-dependent apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest, which was associated with the activation of caspases (3, 8, and 9), inactivation of PARP, p53-independent upregulation of p21CIP1/WAF1, and inhibition of the Cdc2/Cyclin B1 complex. Interestingly, sulforaphane also inhibited the AKT and mTOR survival pathways in most of the tested cell lines by lowering the levels of both total and phosphorylated proteins. Finally, the administration of sulforaphane to the ALL xenograft models resulted in a reduction of tumor burden, particularly following oral administration, suggesting a potential role as an adjunctive agent to improve the therapeutic response in high-risk ALL patients with activated AKT signaling.
Parasitic-Aware Design of Integrated DC–DC Converters With Spiral Inductors

Integrated dc–dc converters are widely used for the realization of power converters suitable for energy harvesting and computing systems. In such systems, integrated converters are the ideal candidate due to their small size and low power consumption. Integrated dc–dc converters typically use spiral inductors to achieve high levels of integration and performance. However, under scenarios where energy scarcity is paramount, the integrated converter with spiral inductor requires careful modeling and optimization to achieve maximum efficiency. In this paper, we provide a parasitic aware design technique that takes into account the spiral inductor resistance as well as the switching parasitics, while utilizing numerical methods, to arrive at converter designs with robust performance and optimal efficiency. We translate the various system constraints into design rules and use them to formulate the various design parameters, from switching frequency to duty cycle, in terms of the inductance. We study how these parameters are dependent on each other, giving rise to multiple tradeoffs. We also present a method for minimizing power losses using optimization techniques, which leverage our formulation of the system parameters in terms of inductance.
A stopping rule for iterative image restoration with constraints

A method is presented for estimating the optimal stopping point in a constrained iterative image restoration algorithm. Terminating an iterative algorithm early can improve the restoration considerably. The optimal number of iterations cannot be determined a priori. The optimal number of iterations changes when constraints are enforced in the iterative procedure. The generalized cross-validation criterion is modified to estimate the optimal stopping point in the presence of constraints on the solution. An efficient estimation procedure is adopted that allows evaluation of the criterion in an iterative manner with a computational complexity on the same order as the constrained restoration. The benefit of this procedure is demonstrated with examples. >
On the optimal spectral Chebyshev solution of a controlled nonlinear dynamical system

In a recent paper we considered the numerical solution of the controlled Duffing oscillator: minimize J = 1/2∫ -T 0 U 2 (τ)dτ, subject to X(τ) + w 2 X(τ) + ∈X 2 (τ) = U(τ) (- T ≤ τ ≤ 0), where T is known, with X(- T) = x 0 , X(0) = 0, by the pseudospectral Legendre method, which shows that in order to maintain spectral accuracy the grids on which a physical problem is to be solved must also be obtained by spectrally accurate techniques. This paper presents an alternative spectrally accurate computational method of solving the nonlinear controlled Duffing oscillator. The method is based upon constructing the Mth-degree interpolation polynomials, using Chebyshev nodes, to approximate the state and the control vectors. The differential and integral expressions which arise from the system dynamics and the performance index are converted into an algebraic nonlinear programming problem. The results of computer-simulation studies compare favourably with optimal solutions obtained by closed-form analysis and/or by other numerical schemes.
Observational aspects of sunspot oscillations

Oscillatory phenomena observed in sunspot umbrae and penumbrae are reviewed and critically discussed. A natural interplay between the thermal atmospheric stratification and the ordered collimation imposed by the intense magnetic field leads naturally to the characteristic properties of the umbral chromospheric and photospheric oscillations and their interpretation as low-beta (beta = 8pip/B2) slow magneto-acoustic-gravity waves guided along the ambient magnetic field.
Salivary histatin 5 is an inhibitor of both host and bacterial enzymes implicated in periodontal disease.

One of the salient features of periodontitis and gingivitis is the increase in the levels of bacterial and host-derived proteolytic enzymes in oral inflammatory exudates. This study evaluated the potential of histatin 5, a 24-residue histidine-rich salivary antimicrobial protein, to inhibit these enzymes. Using biotinylated gelatin as a substrate, histatin 5 was found to inhibit the activity of the host matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of 0.57 and 0.25 μM, respectively. To localize the domain responsible for this inhibition, three peptides containing different regions of histatin 5 were synthesized and tested as inhibitors of MMP-9. Peptides comprising residues 1 to 14 and residues 4 to 15 of histatin 5 showed much lower inhibitory activities (IC50, 21.4 and 20.5 μM, respectively), while a peptide comprising residues 9 to 22 showed identical activity to histatin 5 against MMP-9. These results point to a functional domain localized in the C-terminal part of histatin 5. To evaluate the effect of histatin 5 on bacterial proteases, a detailed characterization of histatin 5 inhibition of gingipains from Porphyromonas gingivalis was carried out using purified Arg- and Lys-specific enzymes. Kinetic analysis of the inhibition of the Arg-gingipain revealed that histatin 5 is a competitive inhibitor, affecting only the Km with a Ki of 15 μM. In contrast, inhibition of Lys-gingipain affected both the Km and Vmax, suggesting that both competitive and noncompetitive competitive processes underlie this inhibition. The inhibitory activity of histatin 5 against host and bacterial proteases at physiological concentrations points to a new potential biological function of histatin in the oral cavity.
An empirical analysis of the BASC Frontal Lobe/Executive Control scale with a clinical sample

Data from a clinical sample of children and adolescents were used to examine the characteristics of the Frontal Lobe/Executive Control (FLEC) scale of the Behavior Assessment System for Children Parent Rating Scales, including preliminary evidence of the scale's clinical utility and relationship to other behavioral measures of executive function and characteristics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Results indicate that participants in the ADHD and other clinical groups received very similar scores on the FLEC scale, and both groups were rated significantly higher in behaviors associated with executive dysfunction than were participants in the no diagnosis group. Correlational results indicate that scores on the FLEC scale were significantly correlated with scores on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Parent Form and Conners' Parent Rating Scales Revised-Short Form. Based on our results, the FLEC scale appears to be a useful behavioral rating tool in the assessment of executive function that may serve as a supplement to more traditional measures.