cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Piezoelectric cantilever-pendulum for multi-directional energy harvesting with internal resonance

Piezoelectric transducers are widely employed in vibration-based energy harvesting schemes. Simple piezoelectric cantilever for energy harvesting is uni-directional and has bandwidth limitation. In this research we explore utilizing internal resonances to harvest vibratory energy due to excitations from an arbitrary direction with the usage of a single piezoelectric cantilever. Specifically, it is identified that by attaching a pendulum to the piezoelectric cantilever, 1:2 internal resonances can be induced based on the nonlinear coupling. The nonlinear effect induces modal energy exchange between beam bending motion and pendulum motions in 3-dimensional space, which ultimately yield multidirectional energy harvesting by a single cantilever. Systematic analysis and experimental investigation are carried out to demonstrate this new concept.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel Tissue-specific Transcriptional Activating Element in the 5′-Flanking Region of theCYP2A3 Gene Predominantly Expressed in Rat Olfactory Mucosa

CYP2A3 is expressed preferentially in rat olfactory mucosa and is believed to play important roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis in the chemosensory tissue. DNase I footprinting analysis revealed a single protected region in the proximal promoter of the CYP2A3 gene with nuclear extracts from olfactory mucosa, but not from liver, lung, kidney, or brain. The core sequence of the binding site, named the nasal predominant transcriptional activating (NPTA) element, is similar to that of nuclear factor 1, but it interacted with unique proteins detected only in the olfactory mucosa in electrophoretic mobility shift assays or on Southwestern blots. The NPTA element is conserved in ratCYP2A3, mouse Cyp2a5, and humanCYP2A6 genes and was found to be essential for transcriptional activity of the CYP2A3 promoter in in vitro transcription assays. NPTA-binding proteins were detectable at day 1 and were much more abundant at day 8 than at day 60 after birth. Furthermore, their levels decreased dramatically during chemically induced degeneration of the olfactory epithelium, paralleling the disappearance of CYP2A3 protein, and rebounded to higher than pretreatment levels during recovery. Thus, we have identified a novel transcriptional activation element potentially responsible for the olfactory mucosa-predominant expression of theCYP2A3 gene in rats and orthologous genes in mice and humans.
Phonon thermal transport through tilt grain boundaries in strontium titanate

In this work, we perform nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations to study phonon scattering at two tilt grain boundaries (GBs) in SrTiO3. Mode-wise energy transmission coefficients are obtained based on phonon wave-packet dynamics simulations. The Kapitza conductance is then quantified using a lattice dynamics approach. The obtained results of the Kapitza conductance of both GBs compare well with those obtained by the direct method, except for the temperature dependence. Contrary to common belief, the results of this work show that the optical modes in SrTiO3 contribute significantly to phonon thermal transport, accounting for over 50% of the Kapitza conductance. To understand the effect of the GB structural disorder on phonon transport, we compare the local phonon density of states of the atoms in the GB region with that in the single crystalline grain region. Our results show that the excess vibrational modes introduced by the structural disorder do not have a significant effect on phonon scattering at the GBs, but the absence of certain modes in the GB region appears to be responsible for phonon reflections at GBs. This work has also demonstrated phonon mode conversion and simultaneous generation of new modes. Some of the new modes have the same frequency as the initial wave packet, while some have the same wave vector but lower frequencies.
Racial Transition and White‐Voter Support for Black Candidates in Urban Elections

Traditional black threat theory predicts an inverse relationship between the size of a jurisdiction's black population and white crossover voting. Recently, a modified black threat theory suggests that it may be more reasonable to expect a curvilinear U-shaped relationship between black density and white crossover voting, due to changes in both racial composition and white group status. Using Gary King's Ecological Inference (EI) procedure to estimate white crossover voting at the election unit level through precinct-level data, this study examines the relationship between black density and white crossover voting across 29 biracial elections in New Orleans between 1977 and 1998. Results of our analysis support neither a negative, nor a U-shaped relationship. Rather, the shape of the relationship is an upward half-U. We explain this nonlinear relationship by suggesting that as blacks become a majority, white voters begin to cast votes for black candidates in a strategic manner.
Adjuvant therapies for HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders

Objective HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is a frequent and heterogeneous complication of HIV, affecting nearly 50% of infected individuals in the combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) era. This is a particularly devastating statistic because the diagnosis of HAND confers an increased risk of HIV-associated morbidity and mortality in affected patients. While cART is helpful in the treatment of the more severe forms of HAND, there is a therapeutic gap in the milder forms of HAND, where cART is less effective. Multiple adjuvant therapies with various mechanisms of action have been studied (N-methyl D-aspartate [NMDA]-receptor antagonists, MAO-B inhibitors, tetracycline-class antibiotics, and others), but none have shown a clear positive effect in HAND. While this lack of efficacy may be because the appropriate therapeutic targets have not yet been determined, we aimed to discuss that study results may also influenced by clinical trial design. Methods This report is a systematic review of clinical trials of adjuvant therapies for HAND performed from January 1996 through June 2014. Results Possible drawbacks in study design, including lack of standardized case definitions, poorly defined target populations, inappropriate dose selection and measurable outcomes, and brief study durations may have masked true underlying mechanistic effects of previously investigated adjuvant therapies for HAND in specific patient populations. Conclusions A proposal for streamlining and maximizing the likelihood of success in future clinical studies using a ‘learning and confirming’ investigational paradigm, incorporating stronger adaptive Phase I/II study designs, computerized modeling, and population/goal of treatment-specific Phase III clinical trials is presented.
Meta-analysis based on weighted ordered P-values for genomic data with heterogeneity

Background Meta-analysis has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in genomic data analysis, due to the fast growth of available data and studies that target the same questions. Many methods have been developed, including classical ones such as Fisher’s combined probability test and Stouffer’s Z-test. However, not all meta-analyses have the same goal in mind. Some aim at combining information to find signals in at least one of the studies, while others hope to find more consistent signals across the studies. While many classical meta-analysis methods are developed with the former goal in mind, the latter goal has much more practicality for genomic data analysis.
Substrate analogs induce an intermediate conformational change in Toxoplasma gondii adenosine kinase

Adenosine kinase (AK) is a key enzyme in purine metabolism in the ubiquitous intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii and is a potential chemotherapeutic target for the treatment of T. gondii infections. To better understand the structure-activity relationship of 6-substituted purine ribosides, the structures of the T. gondii AK-N6,N6-dimethyladenosine (DMA) complex, the AK-DMA-AMP-PCP complex, the AK-6-methyl mercaptopurine riboside (MMPR) complex and the AK-MMPR-AMP-PCP complex were determined to 1.35, 1.35, 1.75 and 1.75 A resolution, respectively. These structures reveal a conformation intermediate between open and closed, with a small lid-domain rotation of 12 degrees . Residues Gly143-X-X-Gly146 undergo torsional changes upon substrate binding, which together with a Gly68-Gly69 switch induces a hinge bending of the lid domain. The intermediate conformation suggests that ATP binding is independent of adenosine binding. Orienting the gamma-phosphate group of ATP into the optimal catalytic position may be the last step before the onset of chemical catalysis and may require the translocation of Arg136 following the complete closure of the lid domain. 6-Substituted purine-nucleoside analogs are accommodated in a hydrophobic cavity. Modification at the N6 or C6 position of the nucleoside would affect the interactions with the surrounding residues and the binding affinity.
PROTON STRENGTH FUNCTIONS FROM (p,n) CROSS SECTIONS

To an accuracy of \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10%, ($p, n$) total cross sections averaged over resonances have been measured from threshold to about 500 kev above threshold for 12 nuclei from ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{37}$ to ${\mathrm{Nb}}^{93}$. For each nucleus the excitation function of the average cross section is a monotonically increasing function of proton energy. At 500 kev above threshold the cross sections vary from 40 mb for ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{37}$ to 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ mb for ${\mathrm{Nb}}^{93}$. One new threshold, that for ${\mathrm{Se}}^{77}(p, n){\mathrm{Br}}^{77}$, was found to be 2.175\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.004 Mev. In the course of calibrating the neutron detector with an Sb-Be source, a new determination was made of the ${\mathrm{Sb}}^{124}$ half-life: 59.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5 days.A black-nucleus square-well model was used to compute the cross sections for formation of the compound system. The Coulomb penetrabilities that appear in this calculation qualitatively account for the very large range of cross sections observed. In a more detailed comparison compound-nucleus formation was assumed, and the Hauser-Feshbach formalism was used to include the effects of proton and, especially, $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray emission from the compound nucleus. In general, there is agreement with the shapes of the excitation functions but not always with the magnitudes. The ratio of observed to black-nucleus cross-section peaks up by about a factor of 2 between ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{65}$ and ${\mathrm{Se}}^{82}$. The maximum in the peak is between masses 70 and 75. This peak may be correlated (by a complex-potential model) with a peak in the strength function for $s$-wave protons and, to a lesser extent, with a peak in the strength function for $d$-wave protons. Proton strength functions were calculated for a complex square-well of radius $R=1.45{A}^{\frac{1}{3}}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ cm with the approximation of a Coulomb potential constant inside the well and equal to $(\frac{4}{3})(\frac{Z{e}^{2}}{R})$. In order to fit the observed position of the peak, $A\ensuremath{\sim}70 \mathrm{to} 75$, the depth of the specifically nuclear part of the well was required to be 46 Mev, 4 Mev deeper than the neutron well of Feshbach, Porter, and Weisskopf.
Unsupervised texture segmentation using Markov random field models

The problem of unsupervised segmentation of textured images is considered. The only explicit assumption made is that the intensity data can be modeled by a Gauss Markov random field (GMRF). The image is divided into a number of nonoverlapping regions and the GMRF parameters are computed from each of these regions. A simple clustering method is used to merge these regions. The parameters of the model estimated from the clustered segments are then used in two different schemes, one being all approximation to the maximum a posterior estimate of the labels and the other minimizing the percentage misclassification error. The proposed approach is contrasted with the algorithm of S. Lakshamanan and H. Derin (1989), which uses a simultaneous parameter estimation and segmentation scheme. The results of the adaptive segmentation algorithm of Lakshamanan and Derin are compared with a simple nearest-neighbor classification scheme to show that if enough information is available, simple techniques could be used as alternatives to computationally expensive schemes. >
Geologic storage of carbon dioxide and enhanced oil recovery. II. Cooptimization of storage and recovery

Abstract Geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in oil and gas reservoirs is one possibility to reduce the amount of CO2 released to the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide injection has been used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes since the 1970s; the traditional approach is to reduce the amount of CO2 injected per barrel of oil produced. For a sequestration process, however, the aim is to maximize both the amount of oil produced and the amount of CO2 stored. It is not readily apparent how this aim is achieved in practice. In this study, several strategies are tested via compositional reservoir simulation to find injection and production procedures that “cooptimize” oil recovery and CO2 storage. Flow simulations are conducted on a synthetic, three dimensional, heterogeneous reservoir model. The reservoir description is stochastic in that multiple realizations of the reservoir are available. The reservoir fluid description is compositional and incorporates 14 distinct components. The results show that traditional reservoir engineering techniques such as injecting CO2 and water in sequential fashion, a so-called water-alternating-gas process, are not conducive to maximizing the CO2 stored within the reservoir. A well control process that shuts in (i.e. closes) wells producing large volumes of gas and allows shut in wells to open as reservoir pressure increases is the most successful strategy for cooptimization. This result holds for both immiscible and miscible gas injection. The strategy appears to be robust in that full physics simulations employing multiple realizations of the reservoir model all confirmed that the well control technique produced the maximum amount of oil and simultaneously stored the most CO2.
Pre-counseling Education for Low Literacy Women at Risk of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC): Patient Experiences Using the Cancer Risk Education Intervention Tool (CREdIT)

The Cancer Risk Education Intervention Tool (CREdIT) is a computer-based (non-interactive) slide presentation designed to educate low-literacy, and ethnically and racially diverse public hospital patients at risk of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) about genetics. To qualitatively evaluate participants’ experience with and perceptions of a genetic education program as an adjunct to genetic counseling, we conducted direct observations of the intervention, semi-structured in person interviews with 11 women who viewed CREdIT, and post-counseling questionnaires with the two participating genetic counselors. Five themes emerged from the analysis of interviews: (1) genetic counseling and testing for breast/ovarian cancer was a new concept; (2) CREdIT’s story format was particularly appealing; (3) changes in participants’ perceived risk for breast cancer varied; (4) some misunderstandings about individual risk and heredity persisted after CREdIT and counseling; (5) the context for viewing CREdIT shaped responses to the presentation. Observations demonstrated ways to make the information provided in CREdIT and by genetic counselors more consistent. In a post-session counselor questionnaire, counselors’ rating of the patient’s preparedness before the session was significantly higher for patients who viewed CREdIT prior to their appointments than for other patients. This novel educational tool fills a gap in HBOC education by tailoring information to women of lower literacy and diverse ethnic/racial backgrounds. The tool was well received by interview participants and counselors alike. Further study is needed to examine the varied effects of CREdIT on risk perception. In addition, the implementation of CREdIT in diverse clinical settings and the cultural adaptation of CREdIT to specific populations reflect important areas for future work.
Serologic studies in patients with lupus erythematosus and psoriasis

We present four patients with coexistent lupus erythematosus (LE) and psoriasis. This is an unusual combination. All four patients had antibodies to Ro, which were absent in twenty-four control psoriatics. Antibodies to Ro occur in only 25% to 30% of unselected SLE patients, but occur in approximately 60% of "antinuclear antibody (ANA)-negative" LE patients, many of whom are highly photosensitive. The increased frequency of anti-Ro in our patients suggests that this may be a specific serologic marker for the LE/psoriasis overlap. Also, since anti-Ro correlates with photosensitivity, LE/psoriasis overlap patients may be at increased risk for photosensitivity, which occurred in two of our patients, one of whom developed severe systemic disease following ultraviolet (UVB) phototherapy. Screening for anti-Ro antibodies may be appropriate in psoriatics prior to UVB phototherapy.
MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF HOLMIUM AND THULIUM METALS

The magnetic moments of holmium and thulium metals have been measured in applied fields of 3000-18 000 oersteds, over the temperature range of 4.2-300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Holmium, paramagnetic above 133\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, appears to be antiferromagnetic between 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and 133\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, and ferromagnetic below 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Thulium was found to be paramagnetic above 51\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and possibly antiferromagnetic below 51\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K.
Some Notable Swedish-American Geologists with a Kansas Connection

Seven Swedish-American geologists who have made notable contributions to the study of the geology of Kansas are discussed. Two immigrated from Sweden and five are first or second generation descendants. All taught in a college or university, had connections with a state or the federal geological survey, and all had an international outlook.
It's yet another empirical question

Neil Jacobson (1997) suggests that we should sharpen the theoretical roots of behavior therapy. In this commentary, some historical observations on the context of theory in behavior therapy are provided along with implications of narrowing the scope of behavior therapy.
Optical Second-Harmonic Generation Using a Focused Gaussian Laser Beam

This paper reports analytical and experimental results on optical second-harmonic generation in the focus of the lowest order transverse mode of a cw gas laser beam. The results of the calculation are explained in physical terms and are confirmed by experiments carried out in crystals of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP). The dependence of the second-harmonic power generated in a negatively birefringent crystal upon the crystal double-refraction angle and the divergence, or diffraction, of the focused beam is obtained. There are found to be four distinct asymptotic regions, determined by the ratios of the characteristic lengths ${z}_{R}$ and ${l}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ to the crystal length $l$, where the Rayleigh range of the focused beam ${z}_{R}$ characterizes the focus, and ${l}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ is characteristic of the crystal double-refraction angle $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and the laser beam focal spot size ${w}_{0}$. Proceeding from weak focusing to strong focusing (or in the direction of decreasing ${w}_{0}$), the second-harmonic power in the four regions varies as $\frac{{l}^{2}}{{{w}_{0}}^{2}}$, $\frac{l}{\ensuremath{\alpha}{w}_{0}}$, $\frac{{w}_{0}}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$, and ${{w}_{0}}^{2}$, respectively. There is an optimum degree of focusing, determined only by the crystal length, for which a maximum amount of second-harmonic power is generated. This degree of focusing corresponds to ${z}_{R}=\frac{l}{\ensuremath{\pi}}$, and the corresponding power which is generated depends upon both $l$ and $\ensuremath{\alpha}$. Optimum focusing in a crystal of ADP 1 cm long yields about 400 times more second-harmonic power than the collimated laser beam. The excellent agreement between analysis and experiment allows the accurate measurement of optical nonlinearities using focused beams. The results for the general case of a crystal anywhere along the focused beam are also presented. Interpretation of them shows that the limiting of second-harmonic generation by double refraction is determined by beam divergence, not beam radius.
Species isolation mechanisms in Rhyacionia frustrana and R. rigidana.

Some possible mechanisms for isolation of the Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock), and the pitch pine tip moth, R. rigidana (Fernald), were investigated. Females of both species were attractive to their respective males for only short periods and female calling times overlapped only slightly. Response of males to their respective females was inhibited by the presence of calling females of the other species. Data from this and previous studies indicate that four mechanisms may isolate R. frustrana and R. rigidana. Three mechanisms are apparently capable of isolating these species alone: morphological differences in genitalia, species specific female sex pheromones, and reciprocal inhibition of male response. A fourth mechanism is time of female calling. It is effective in combination with inhibition, which is strongest during the period of overlap in female calling times.
Declaration of Brain Death in Neurosurgical and Neurological Practice

A survey of neurosurgeons and neurologists assessed physician practices in the declaration of brain death. Ninety-four per cent of the respondents thought that the diagnosis of brain death was legitimate; most thought that it was justified by a failure of somatic survival after brain death. Fifty-four per cent of the respondents had made the diagnosis themselves 1 to 5 times a year. The criteria used to make the diagnosis varied significantly among the respondents. Most required the absence of a pupillary reflex (88%), the absence of a corneal reflex (85%), a lack of ventilatory effort with disconnection of the ventilator (84%), and the absence of eye movements with head turning (80%). Fewer required an absent cough reflex (61%) or gag reflex (69%), dilated pupils (59%), a body temperature under 90 degrees F (56%), or a blood barbiturate level of zero (43%). Over 65% required an isoelectric electroencephalogram; 29% required only one, and 36% required two electroencephalograms 24 hours apart. Twenty-six per cent required absent deep tendon reflexes. The time required for the declaration varied from 6 to 24 hours. There was wide variation in the response to a hypothetical situation in which the family of a patient fulfilling brain death criteria did not want death to be declared. Seventy-eight per cent of the respondents would continue ventilatory support, although about a third of these would declare the patient dead while doing so. Only 6% would stop the ventilator despite the family's wishes. These results substantiate a wide variation in the actions of neurologists and neurosurgeons in brain death declaration. This has important implications for decisions about death in neurology and neurosurgery.
Hepatic Dysfunction with Systemic Antifungal Agents

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/18-3_4-12803 Successful therapy of many systemic fungal infections has been possible with the availability of several antifungal agents. However, most of these drugs may have potential hepatotoxic side effects since they are partly metabolized and degraded through the liver. Hepatic dysfunction is generally not a very serious problem, but caution is required so that adequate monitoring may be done to avoid more severe complications. This paper will summarize the hepatic reactions from the antifungal agents with particular reference to a recently used drug, ketoconazole.
Minimal Phototoxic Doses and 8-MOP Plasma Levels in PUVA Patients

We have simultaneously measured plasma levels of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and photosensitivity to longwave ultraviolet irradiation (UV-A) over a time scale from 1-8hr in 20 nonfasting volunteers undergoing photochemotherapy for psoriasis with 8-MOP and UV-A (PUVA). Five 4cm 2 patches of skin on the buttocks were irradiated (365 nm, 2–28 joules) with fluorescenet lamps (Sylvania FR72T12) at each of 4 times from 2–6hr after ingestion of the 8-MOP. THe skin reaction was measured as the minimal phototoxic dose (MPD) for each of the 4 exposures at 48hr after irradiation. 8-MOP was extracted from plasma by the benzene extraction method we have previously desribed. 8-MOP levels were determined by UV absorbance after separation by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) in a silisca particle column eluted with methylene chloride:acetonitrile (95::5). Two volunteers displayed unusual biphasic time-course patterns under the nonfasting conditions. Monophasic patters were observed for both patients under fasting conditions. Two volunteers under fasting conditions demostrated reproducible time-course patters on 4 occasions each. All subjects received approximately the same 8-MOP dose (mg/kg), but peak plasma levels of the drug varied widely from person to person, and there was no correlation between dose and peak plasma level. For each subject, however, there was a correlation between 8-MOP plasma level and MPD such that an inverse proportionality existed. In our population of 20 volunteers no erythema was observed in 4 patients whose peak 8-MOP palsma levels were below 30ng/ml. In 10 patients maximum sensitivity to irradiation occured simultaneously with the development of peak levels of 8-MOP observed with time. On the average there is a 0 to 1hr delay between peak 8-MOP plasma concentration and maximum sensitivity to irradiation. In our experience we have found that knowledge of a patient's pattern of plasma levels of 8-MOP over time is a valuable tool for evaluating patients who respond poorly to PUVA therapy.
Problems Faced by Undergraduates Studying Electromagnetics

The problems faced by undergraduate students studying electromagnetic theory have been highlighted. These problems have been found to be associated with the background of the students, the choice of textbook, and the instructor's teaching methods. Several recommendations are made to deal with these problems.
Vehicle weight estimates using a buried three-axis seismometer

Broadband data from a 3-axis buried seismometer was used to develop classification algorithms to estimate relative vehicle weight and distinguish between tracked and wheeled vehicles. The automated algorithms were incorporated into a standalone detection and classification system that is written in C and hosted on a Pentium PC clone. Classifications are based on characteristics identified in low-frequency seismic spectra for a variety of ground vehicles and environments. Results from the initial spectral analysis are summarized, and details of the algorithms and their performance are presented. Absolute vehicle weight estimates, which are the focus of current efforts, may be possible given measured source levels and propagation information.
An Evaluation of Two NEXRAD Wind Retrieval Methodologies and Their Use in Atmospheric Dispersion Models

Abstract Two entirely different methods for retrieving 3D fields of horizontal winds from Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) radial velocities have been evaluated using radar wind profiler measurements to determine whether routine wind retrievals would be useful for atmospheric dispersion model applications. The first method uses a physical algorithm based on four-dimensional variational data assimilation, and the second simpler method uses a statistical technique based on an analytic formulation of the background error covariance. Both methods can be run in near–real time, but the simpler method was executed about 2.5 times as fast as the four-dimensional variational method. The observed multiday and diurnal variations in wind speed and direction were reproduced by both methods below ∼1.5 km above the ground in the vicinity of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, during July 2003. However, wind retrievals overestimated the strength of the nighttime low-level jet by as much as 65%. The wind speeds and directions ...
Plasmin Activity and Milk Coagulation

Abstract Monthly milk samples were collected from 19 Holstein and 19 Jersey cows in separate herds during 10-mo lactations (380 total samples). Effects of breed-herd, lactation number, season, and stage of lactation and the interactions of these parameters on plasmin, plasminogen, and milk-clotting measurements were determined. Lactation number had the greatest influence on plasmin activity, which increased during lactation but was not influenced by breed-herd, pH, protein, or fat. Stage of lactation and season were the only factors that influenced plasminogen. Percentage of plasminogen activated was highest during late lactation, in milk from fourth and later lactation cows, and during fall and winter. Plasmin activity did not influence milk-clotting parameters. Clotting time decreased as pH decreased and as protein and fat increased. Increased protein and fat improved firming rate of curd. Milk samples collected in the fall had the highest firming rates, and stage of lactation did not influence firming rate. Lower pH, higher protein, and higher fat decreased cutting time. Increased protein and fat improved curd firmness. Jersey herd milk had firmer curd than Holstein herd milk. Lactation number and stage of lactation did not influence curd firmness.
The use of echolocation by the wandering shrew (Sorex vagrans)

Abstract Six wandering shrews ( Sorex vagrans ) were trained to echolocate the position of a platform and drop to it. They preferentially directed their ultrasonic emissions at the platform. With their ears plugged, they were unable to locate it above chance levels even though they increased their emission rate. Shrews with hollow tubes in their ears performed as effectively as controls. Echolocating shrews, trained on an elevated Y-maze, detected a 15×15-cm flat metal barrier to a distance of 65 cm. The minimum detectable barrier at 20 cm was 3·5×3·5 cm. They detected a target with a 4×4-cm hole to 30 cm. Their dependence on echolocation was inversely related to familiarity with an area. Audition was important for the location of suitable cover in strange areas. The adaptive significance of echolocation to the wandering shrew is discussed.
Quantification of O-GlcNAc protein modification in neutrophils by flow cytometry.

� Abstract Observations of intracellular O-linked b-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) protein modification are primarily performed by Western blot or immunofluorescence microscopy. The goal of this study was to develop a flow cytometric-based assay for O-GlcNAc signaling and thus provide a more quantitative and rapid method to facilitate clinical analyses. Isolated peripheral blood neutrophils were stimulated with fMLF after adherence to glass cover slips. Cells in suspension were treated with either fMLF or PMA. Unstimulated cells served as controls. Neutrophils were fixed with formaldehyde and permeabilized with cold methanol before intracellular O-GlcNAc staining. Cells on cover slips were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy, and suspension cell data were acquired by flow cytometry. O-GlcNAc protein modification was increased following neutrophil stimulation with either 100 nM fMLF or 10 nM PMA. Increases were detected following either treatment using both flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The time necessary for the completion of staining, data acquisition, and analysis was considerably less using flow cytometry. In addition, flow cytometry allows for the analysis of a substantially greater number of cells. Neutrophil protein modifications by O-GlcNAc are rapidly detected using flow cytometry and provide information similar to that observed using fluorescence microscopy. Published 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. y
Solving the 3D MHD equilibrium equations in toroidal geometry by Newton's method

We describe a novel form of Newton's method for computing 3D MHD equilibria. The method has been implemented as an extension to the hybrid spectral/finite-difference Princeton Iterative Equilibrium Solver (PIES) which normally uses Picard iteration on the full nonlinear MHD equilibrium equations. Computing the Newton functional derivative numerically is not feasible in a code of this type but we are able to do the calculation analytically in magnetic coordinates by considering the response of the plasma's Pfirsch-Schluter currents to small changes in the magnetic field. Results demonstrate a significant advantage over Picard iteration in many cases, including simple finite-@b stellarator equilibria. The method shows promise in cases that are difficult for Picard iteration, although it is sensitive to resolution and imperfections in the magnetic coordinates, and further work is required to adapt it to the presence of magnetic islands and stochastic regions.
Natural killer cells and viral infections.

Natural killer (NK) cells play a key role in innate host defense against viruses. Significant progress has been made in understanding the specific response of NK cells during viral infections by the recent identification of an NK cell receptor involved in in vivo resistance, and its ligand. New insight has also been provided in NK cell cytokine and chemokine responses, highlighting the complexity of regulatory pathways. Taken together, a more comprehensive view of the role of NK cells in innate immunity is now available.
Interest-aware implicit multicast (iCast): opportunistic mobile data dissemination without per-group management

The unprecedented tight coupling between mobile devices and their users provides new opportunities to infer users' behavior and interest. Much of the future mobile services shall center on human behavior and interests, and will rely heavily on the paradigm of multicast communications, as in group communication in mobile social networks. In this paper, we introduce a new casting paradigm, interest-aware implicit multicast (iCast) that works based on the inferred interest profiles. In this paradigm, messages are sent to a behavioral interest profile (not to an IP or device address). In this manner it is considered opportunistic where the users are implicitly matched based on their profiles using co-clustering algorithm. There is no need for explicit member join or leave, and no per-group membership management. We explore a spectrum of architectures including centralized, semi- centralized and distributed and conduct a campus-wide case study for the evaluation of the second architecture. Within this architecture, we suggest two different message delivery approaches including semi and full interest-aware; and show how the later approach can significantly improve the performance utilizing a set of recommendations that are built based on a behavioral interest model of mobile society.
Effects of species composition, management intensity, and shade tolerance on vertical distribution of leaf area index in juvenile stands in Maine, USA

Leaf area index (LAI) affects forest-atmosphere fluxes and light interception rates and thus influences forest productivity. Early silvicultural treatments affect LAI partitioning among species of different shade tolerance in natural stands due to changes in composition and structure. We examined effects of species compositional objectives (conifer, hardwood, and mixedwood) and management intensity (low: thinning and/or release to 2,500 crop trees ha−1, medium: thinning and/or release plus planting to 2,500 crop trees ha−1, and a second year of vegetation control) on LAI and its vertical distribution in different shade tolerance groups over a 7-year period. Hardwood LAI increased by 242 and 318 % in the low and medium hardwood treatments, respectively, compared to a 123 % increase in the untreated control. Thinning possibly increased resource availability for upper stratum shade intolerant hardwoods, while also increasing light penetration through the canopy for midstory shade tolerant hardwoods. Conifer treatments substantially reduce overtopping hardwood LAI, facilitating an increase in conifer LAI by 281 and 378 % in the low and medium treatments, respectively. The height from the canopy base where LAI peaked increased between 29 and 80 % in the low mixedwood and medium hardwood treatments from pre-treatment through 7 years post-treatment. Comparatively, LAI at the peak increased by 16 and 36 % in the low and medium conifer treatments, respectively, with a minimal change in the height of the LAI peak. These contrasting responses were likely due to slower conifer reaction following treatment than hardwoods and stacking of conifer foliage within the middle portion of the canopy.
The crystal and molecular structure of dinitratobis(2- methylmercaptoaniline)Cd(II) monohydrate: A trigonal bipyramidal Cd SN2O2 polyhedron wit

Abstract The single crystal X-ray structure determination of dinitratobis-(2-methylmercaptoaniline) has been carried out. The structure consists of neutral mole
Further considerations on the inconsistency in toughness evaluation of AISI 4340 steel austenitized at increasing temperatures

A study has been made of the influence of austenitizing temperature on the ambient temperature toughness of commercial AISI 4340 ultrahigh strength steel in the as-quenched (untempered) and quenched and tempered at 200°C conditions. As suggested in previous work, a systematic trend ofincreasing plane strain fracture toughness(K)Ic anddecreasing Charpy V-notch energy is observed as the austenitizing temperature is raised while the yield strength remains unaffected. This effect is seen under both static and dynamic (impact) loading conditions, and is rationalized in terms of a differing response of the microstructure, produced by each austenitizing treatment, to the influence of notch root radius on toughness. Since failure in all microstructures was observed to proceed primarily by a ductile rupture (microvoid coalescence) mechanism, an analysis is presented to explain these results, similar to that reported previously for stress-controlled fracture, based on the assumption that ductile rupture can be considered to be strain-controlled. Under such conditions, the decrease in V-notch Charpy energy is associated with a reduction in critical fracture strain at increasing austenitizing temperatures, consistent with an observed decrease in uniaxial and plane strain ductility. The increase in sharp-crack fracture toughness, on the other hand, is associated with an increase in “characteristic distance” for ductile fracture, resulting from dissolution of void-initiating particles at high austenitizing temperatures. The microstructural factors which affect this behavior are discussed, and in particular the specific role of retained austenite is examined. No evidence was found that the enhancement of fracture toughness at high austenitizing temperatures was due to the presence of films of retained austenite. The significance of this work on commonly-used Charpy/KIc empirical correlations is briefly discussed.
The Measured Effect of Delay in Completing Operative Performance Ratings on Clarity and Detail of Ratings Assigned

Purpose Operative performance ratings (OPRs) need adequate clarity and detail to support self-directed learning and valid progress decisions. This study was designed to determine (1) the elapsed time between observing operative performances and completing performance ratings under field conditions and (2) the effect of increased elapsed time on rating clarity and detail. Methods Overall, 895 OPRs by 19 faculty members for 37 general surgery residents were the focus of this study. The elapsed time between observing the performance and completing the evaluation was recorded. No-delay comparison data included 45 additional ratings of 8 performances collected under controlled conditions immediately following the performance by 17 surgeons whose sole responsibility was to observe and rate the performances. Item-to-item OPR variation and the presence and nature of comments were indicators of evaluation clarity, detail, and quality. Results Elapsed time between observing and evaluating performances under field conditions were as follows: 1 day or less, 116 performances (13%); 2 to 3 days, 178 performances (20%); 4 to 14 days, 377 performances (42%); and more than 14 days, 224 performances (25%). Overall, 87% of performances rated more than 14 days after observation had no item-to-item ratings variation compared with 62% rated with a delay of 4 to 14 days, 41% rated with a delay of 2 to 3 days, 42% rated within 1 day, and 2% rated immediately. In addition, 70% of ratings completed more than 14 days after observation had no written comments, compared with 49% for those completed with a delay of 4 to 14 days, 45% for those completed in 2 to 3 days, and 46% for those completed within 1 day. Moreover, 47% of comments submitted after more than 14 days were exclusively global comments (less instructionally useful) compared with 7% for those completed with a delay of 4 to 14 days and 5% for those completed in 1 to 3 days. Conclusions The elapsed time between observation and rating of operative performances should be recorded. Immediate ratings should be encouraged. Ratings completed more than 3 days after observation should be discouraged and discounted, as they lack clarity and detail about the performance.
GALE: A Graphics Assisted Learning Environment for computer-based interactive videodisc education

GALE, a Graphics Assisted Learning Environment, is a computer-based interactive videodisc authoring tool. GALE was created as the authoring package for AI/LEARN/Rheumatology, an independent study system for teaching rheumatology to medical trainees. GALE has potential widespread application beyond rheumatology. Interactive videodisc technology is a prime feature of GALE. Other highlights are: WordPerfect macros which simplify programming, graphics-based large text characters, tracking of user responses, hypertext-like definition capabilities, color coded screens to distinguish between hypertext branches and the mainstream of the course content and ability to overlay text on the video image. GALE runs on a PC-compatible computer with selected Pioneer LaserDisc players. GALE uses WordPerfect 5.1 for text editing and has been designed for use by non-programmers.
Interface-controlled pulsed-laser deposited polymer films in organic devices

Abstract Matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) allows homogeneous film coverage of organic materials for layer-by-layer growth providing a tighter control of the polymer–dielectric interface in field-effect transistors (FETs) and metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) diodes. Electrical characteristics of FETs and MIS diodes using MAPLE and spin-coated grown fluorene copolymer films are compared. Current–voltage characteristics of MAPLE grown FETs without any surface modification show a better performance compared to the spin-coated FETs. Capacitance–voltage and conductance–voltage investigations of the MIS structures show that loss as well as accumulation capacitance and time constant dispersions are less in the MAPLE grown film compared to the spin-coated film.
Platinum group elements in Kostomuksha komatiites and basalts: Implications for oceanic crust recycling and core-mantle interaction

We report precise PGE (Os, Ir, Ru, Pt, and Pd) concentrations for komatiite-basalt lava sequences of the Kostomuksha greenstone belt, and for the komatiite standards KAL-1 (Abitibi) and WITS-1 (Barber- ton). The flowtop breccia komatiites (MgO 5 27.5%) from the Kostomuksha sequence, which represent the composition of the primary komatiite liquid, have Os 5 1.5 6 0.1 ppb, chondritic (Os/Ir)N 5 1.06 6 0.05, and moderately fractionated PGE patterns, (Pd/Os)N 5 6.5 6 0.4. Based on the KAL-1 standard, the Alexo primary liquid had Os 5 1.8 6 0.1 ppb, (Os/Ir)N 5 1.05 6 0.05, and (Pd/Os)N 5 8.5 6 1.0. PGEs in the Kostomuksha komatiites exhibit incompatible behavior during magmatic differentiation, with bulk D values of Os, Ir 5 0.75, Pt 5 0.52 and Pd 5 0. PGE abundances from Kostomuksha komatiites and basalts were used to calculate the Pt/Os and Re/Os composition of a magnesian Archean oceanic crust. The Pt-Re-Os isotopic evolution of this crust was modeled, indicating that coupled 186,187 Os enrichments observed in some modern plumes require a non-crustal source. A previously proposed model for core-mantle interaction by physical admixture was evaluated and was shown to produce mantle sources with high PGE abundances (Os 5 6 to 14 ppb, Pd 5 140 ppb for 1% outer core addition) and (Os/Ir)N $ 1, depending on the assumptions made. These features were not observed in the Kostomuksha komatiites (g 187 Os(T) 51 3.6), shown here to be derived from a reservoir with ;25% lower absolute PGE abundances than primitive mantle. If the radiogenic initial 187 Os/ 188 Os in the Kosto- muksha komatiite is an outer core signature, then core-mantle interaction cannot have involved physical admixture of outer core material into mantle plume sources. Instead, it must have occurred in the form of isotopic equilibration between liquid outer core and solid mantle at the core-mantle boundary. Copyright © 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd
Prognosis for rehabilitation of the older adult and the aged hemiplegic patient

Abstract The frequency of cerebral vascular accidents and the time expended by medical and ancillary personnel on the physical treatment of hemiplegic patients make it imperative that methods be sought for a greater ability to predict the results of physical rehabilitation. The influence of different factors, particularly the type of motor involvement, the degree of sensory deficit, visual disturbances, bowel and bladder control, contractures, local and thalamic types of pain, speech disorders and abnormalities of higher psychologic functions on prognosticating physical rehabilitation of adult hemiplegic patient has been discussed.
Quantitative structure-pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamic relationships ☆

Quantitative structure-activity relationships have long been considered a vital component of drug discovery and development, providing insight into the role of molecular properties in the biological activity of similar and unrelated compounds. Recognition that in vitro bioassay and/or pre-clinical activity are insufficient for anticipating which compounds are suitable leads for further development has shifted the focus toward integrated pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) processes. Over the last decade, considerable progress has been made in constructing empirical and mechanistic quantitative structure-PK relationships (QSPKR), as well as diverse mechanism-based pharmacodynamic models of drug effects. In this review, traditional and contemporary approaches to developing QSPKR models are discussed, along with selected examples of attempts to couple QSPKR and pharmacodynamic models to anticipate the intensity and time-course of the pharmacological effects of new or related compounds, or quantitative structure-pharmacodynamic relationships modeling. Such models are in accordance with the goals of systems biology and the ideal of designing drugs and delivery systems from first principles.