cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An approximate approach to study the free vibration of a string with an arbitrary variation in mass density and tension, with attached concentrated masses, and its application to hanging chain and rotating cord

Abstract A multi-stepped approximation has been developed to study the free vibration of a string with arbitrary variation in the tension and the mass density. To achieve this objective, a novel exact approach is developed to study free vibration of a string with N uniform sections of different mass densities under N different tensions with N+1 attached concentrated masses and springs at the ends. The two advantages of this approach are that it leads to a single frequency equation for any number of sections and the same computer program can be used to solve different problems using pertinent data. This method is applied to cases where tension and/or mass density changes continuously such as hanging chain, rotating chain, or inhomogeneous strings vibrating in either horizontal or vertical position. In all cases, the results obtained using this approach agreed with previous results obtained using exact and approximate methods. It was found that natural frequencies of a fixed string under constant tension T with linear variation in the mass density, ρ ( x ) = ρ 0 ( 1 + α x / L ) , can be approximated using a very simple equation, ω n = ( n π / L ) [ T / { ρ 0 ( 1 + 0.5 α ) } ] 1 / 2 and results reasonably agree with previous results for a wide range of α . New results for many other cases are also presented in what follows.
Loss of Thermionic Emission in Oxide-Coated Cathode Tubes Due to Mechanical Shock

From the data presented here, it will be shown that large variations in the ability of a commercial pentode to maintain emission levels in the presence of shock are observed in groups of the same type from different production lots. Also, marked differences will be observed in a triode type having the same production date but exhausted on different days. It will be noted, too, that a standard A.S.T.M. diode displays only a very minor drop in activity after shock but when the diode has the cathode coating lengthened or a grid is inserted into the structure, the decrease in cathode activity with shock increases. Gas is observed momentarily immediately after shock in the "diodes" in which the grids are inserted. Replacing bumper type micas with smaller ones which do not contact the bulb result in less decrease in emission with shock, and increasing the number of micas in the standard diode has the effect of increasing the loss in activity after shock. In addition, it will be shown that the use of micas of different grades has, we believe, significant differences in the effect of shock on cathode activity.
Transport study of Li-implanted NiO single crystal films

Abstract Single crystals of NiO have been grown on MgO substrates using a CVD technique. Selected crystals have been implanted with Li ions up to fluences of 3 × 1016 Li atoms/cm2. Using an electrode geometry of inter-digitated fingers, the dc conductivity and photoconductivity over a wide temperature range (77–400 K) and optical energy (0.1–6 eV) have been measured. In addition the release of trapped charge (either injected at the electrodes or induced by photo-stimulation) has been measured from 77–300 K. These results are compared with the electrical behavior of unimplanted NiO films where the activation energies, the photo-conductance spectrum and the rich spectrum of TSC release peaks have provided a model for the conduction processes. Electrical transport can be interpreted on a small polaron model with a mobility of about 10−4 cm2/V s at about 200 K. Additional information is provided by channelling studies immediately after ion implantation and subsequent annealing.
Postmeiotic mitoses without chromosome replication in a mutagen-sensitiveNeurospora mutant

Abstract In the recessive mutagen-sensitive mutant mus-8 , no ascospores are formed. Ascospore delimiting membranes may be defective. Multiple postmeiotic mitoses occur, apparently without chromosome replication (at least at the first two mitoses). This results in many small nuclei, most of which contain only a few chromosomes or a single chromosome. These events resemble those in certain higher-plant mutants such as polymitotic in Zea mays .
A rigorous, engineer-friendly approach for modelling realistic, composite rotor blades

A rigorous approach is presented for the modelling of composite beam structures of the type encountered in wind turbine blades, helicopter rotor blades and the like. The analysis methodology is based on a dimensional reduction of the geometrically nonlinear, threedimensional, anisotropic theory of elasticity. Small parameters stemming from the beamlike geometry of slender structures such as wind turbine blades lead to a splitting of the problem into a (usually) linear, two-dimensional cross-sectional analysis and a geometrically exact nonlinear, one-dimensional beam analysis. The incorporation of such beam analyses into flexible multibody codes presents a unified and powerful approach to the modelling of wind turbines with composite rotor blades. The generality and power of the methodology are illustrated in several examples. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A diabetes-associated T-cell autoantigen maps to a telomeric locus on mouse chromosome 6.

Abstract Identification of diabetes-associated T-cell autoantigens is important for understanding the immunopathology of diabetes and developing improved therapeutic strategies. We have used a genetic approach to move toward identifying the autoantigen recognized by a diabetogenic islet-specific T-cell clone from a nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse. The unique antigen recognition pattern of this clone was utilized to map the gene encoding the antigen (or its expression) by genetic linkage analysis. In vitro analysis of T-cell proliferation by this clone showed that the capacity of the islets to stimulate T cells segregates as a single codominant gene in BALB/cByJ x (BALB/cByJ x NOD/Bdc) backcross mice. This phenotype was tightly linked to two microsatellites in the telomeric region of mouse chromosome 6.
An Approximate Three - Dimensional Reservoir Simulation Model

A new method for solving two-dimensional cross-sectional and three-dimensional reservoir simulation problems has been developed. It uses the basic reservoir flow equations, but it solves them only approximately. The new method has been tested on a variety of problems. The results of these tests show the approximations involved to be quite accurate in reservoirs that have good vertical communication. In reservoirs with restricted vertical communication, the results are less accurate but are generally good enough for most engineering purposes. The new method uses less computing time than conventional simulation. The amount of improvement obtained is quite problem-dependent; decreases of 28 to 67 percent were obtained in the set of test cases run.
Betulinic acid derivatives as HIV-1 antivirals

Betulinic acid (BA) derivatives are low molecular weight organic compounds synthesized from a plant-derived natural product. Several BA derivatives are potent and highly selective inhibitors of HIV-1. Depending on the specific side-chain modification, these compounds function by inhibiting HIV fusion or, as recently demonstrated, by interfering with a specific step in HIV-1 maturation. BA derivatives have potential as novel HIV-1 therapies, and additional studies of their mechanisms of action are likely to further define the novel targets of these compounds and elucidate the basic biology of HIV-1 fusion and maturation. In this review, recent studies of the novel mechanisms of action of this interesting class of antiviral compounds are discussed.
Cryptococcal Peritonitis: Report of a Case Developing During Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis and Review of the Literature

A patient developed cryptococcal peritonitis with systemic dissemination during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). This case prompted a search of the literature for cases of cryptococcal peritonitis; 19 previously reported cases were identified. On the basis of their clinical characteristics, these cases were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 10 cases developing during CAPD. Treatment consisted of removal of the peritoneal dialysis catheter and administration of a short course of amphotericin B. Eight of the 10 cases had a benign course, and nine patients survived. Group 2 comprised 10 cases developing in patients with severe underlying illnesses, such as chronic liver disease, AIDS, systemic lupus erythematosus, and leukemia. Disseminated cryptococcosis was documented in eight of the nine patients in this group for whom relevant information was available. Seven patients died, some despite antifungal therapy. Cryptococcal disease may have protean manifestations and an insidious course. Accordingly, the diagnosis of cryptococcal peritonitis may well be delayed. An awareness of this entity may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment and possibly to improved outcome.
The occurrence of the pentose phosphate pathway in Ascaris lumbricoides.

Abstract 1. 1. The presence of a partial pentose phosphate pathway in the intestinal roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides , has been demonstrated. Several of the enzymes have been partially purified and some of the products of the enzyme reactions characterized. Evidence for a complete pentose phosphate cycle involving a transaldolase reaction however is not as yet available. 2. 2. The enzymic formation of ether-extractable acids from ribose 5-phosphate labeled in the 1 position is reported. Their structure and mechanism of formation remain to be investigated.
Synucleinopathy pathology and REM sleep behavior disorder plus dementia or parkinsonism.

Objective: To determine if synucleinopathy pathology is related to REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) plus dementia or parkinsonism. Methods: The clinical and neuropathologic findings were analyzed on all autopsied cases evaluated at Mayo Clinic Rochester from January 1990 to April 2002 who were diagnosed with RBD and a neurodegenerative disorder. Ubiquitin and/or α-synuclein immunocytochemistry was used in all cases. The clinical and neuropathologic diagnoses were based on published criteria. Results: Fifteen cases were identified (14 men). All had clear histories of dream enactment behavior, and 10 had RBD confirmed by polysomnography. RBD preceded dementia or parkinsonism in 10 (66.7%) patients by a median of 10 (range 2 to 29) years. The clinical diagnoses included dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) (n = 6); multiple-system atrophy (MSA) (n = 2); combined DLB, AD, and vascular dementia (n = 1); dementia (n = 1); dementia with parkinsonism (n = 1); PD (n = 1); PD with dementia (n = 1); dementia/parkinsonism/motor neuron disease (n = 1); and AD/Binswanger’s disease (n = 1). The neuropathologic diagnoses were Lewy body disease (LBD) in 12 (neocortical in 11 and limbic in 1) and MSA in 3. Three also had argyrophilic grain pathology. In the LBD cases, concomitant AD pathology was present in six (one also with Binswanger’s pathology, and one also with multiple subcortical infarcts). Conclusion: In the setting of degenerative dementia or parkinsonism, RBD often reflects an underlying synucleinopathy.
Marketing Communication Intensity Across Industries

Marketing communication intensity (i.e., the ratio of advertising and promotional expenditures to sales) has been an important topic for both business managers and academics. Here, we investigate cross-sectional and time-series variation of communication intensity due to: type of offering (product versus service) and type of market (consumer versus industrial). Overall, we find that both of these factors affect variation of communication intensity across industries and over time. However, the effect of market type is much more dramatic than the effect of offering type. Such knowledge about patterns in communication intensity levels helps managers make decisions about how much to spend on advertising and promotion.
Prediction by postexercise fluoro-18 deoxyglucose positron emission tomography of improvement in exercise capacity after revascularization

The extent of ischemic and hibernating myocardium, which may be detected by increased postexercise uptake of fluoro-18 deoxyglucose (FDG) using positron emission tomography, may determine the degree of functional benefit after revascularization. This study examined the influence of the amount of this FDG-avid myocardium on changes in left ventricular function and exercise parameters after revascularization. Echocardiography and exercise testing were performed before and after intervention in 23 patients who had undergone positron emission tomography for the evaluation of myocardial perfusion (using rubidium-82), and postexercise FDG imaging in the fasting state. Follow-up echocardiography (22 +/- 14 weeks after revascularization) was compared with preoperative FDG activity in 7 myocardial regions per patient. Systolic function improved after intervention in 19 of 26 malperfused, dysfunctional FDG-avid regions (73%), and did not improve in 35 of 47 dysfunctional regions without increased FDG uptake (74%). The influence of the amount of FDG-avid tissue on changes in functional state was examined by comparing 9 patients with multiple (greater than or equal to 2) FDG-avid regions with the remainder. Those with multiple FDG-avid regions demonstrated improvement in peak rate-pressure product (20 +/- 4 to 26 +/- 4 x 10(3), p less than 0.02), and percentage of maximal heart rate achieved at peak (84 +/- 10% to 93 +/- 6%, p = 0.04), neither of which changed significantly in the remaining patients. Exercise capacity increased from 5.6 +/- 2.7 to 7.5 +/- 1.7 METS in the group with multiple FDG-avid regions; this increase of 55 +/- 18% exceeded the increase of 13 +/- 10% in the remainder (p = 0.04).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR INCORPORATING ASSET UTILIZATION DECISIONS INTO REPLACEMENT ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT Replacement analysis has generally been treated as a tactical decision. However, the economic life of an asset is dependent on its utilization, which is an operational decision. Traditional replacement models assume fixed levels of asset utilization to. determine minimum cost replacement schedules, preventing analysis of different utilization/replacement scenarios that may lead to lower overall cost solutions. This problem arises when a multitude of assets may be utilized to achieve a required service level. A model is presented that simultaneously determines tactical (replacement) and operational (utilization) decisions in a general and flexible manner.
The hard X-ray burst spectrometer on the solar maximum mission

The primary scientific objective of the spectrometer is to provide a greater understanding of the role of energetic electrons in solar flares. This will be achieved by observations of high energy X-rays in the energy range from 20 to 200 keV with time resolution of 0.128s on a continuous basis and as short as 1 ms for limited intervals. The X-ray detector is an actively shielded CsI(Na) crystal with a thickness of 0.635 cm and a sensitive area of 71 sq cm. In the first year after launch, it is expected that approximately 1000 flares above the sensitivity threshold of 0.2 photons/(sq cm s) lasting for one second, will be detected.
Local adaptations of two naturally occurring neuronal conductances, gK+(A) and gK+(Ca), allow for associative conditioning and contiguity judgements in artificial neural networks

Features of two potassium conductances implicated in the acquisition of conditioned reflexes, the slow calcium dependent conductance (gK+(Ca)) and the fast transient conductance (gK+(A)), were incorporated into a 6 � 6 element artificial neural network. Adaptive algorithms derived from observations of cortical neurons during associative learning changed gK+(A) in proportion to the product of this current and an EPSP-induced second messenger concentration, and changed gK+(Ca) as a function of a spike-induced second messenger concentration. This network concurrently acquired two distinct representations in response to presentation of stimuli: one resembled associative conditioning (defined in terms of its senstivity to forward pairing vs. simultaneous or backward pairing); the other reflected contiguous pairings of stimuli. The acquisition of one representation did not markedly interfere with acquisition of the other. This network may accordingly serve as an example of a self-organizing system which minimizes the postulated inherent cross talk between functionally dissiminar representations (Minsky and Papert 1988).
Classification of Groups

I often ask authors to include a statement in their manuscripts that clarifies the type of group they are describing for readers. It seems to me that, for most of us mere mortals, it is very diffic...
Fenofibrate in the treatment of dyslipidemia associated with HIV infection

Importance to the field: Dyslipidemia is common among HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. A higher risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) is associated with specific antiretroviral medications. The aging of HIV infected people and the intersection of other CHD risk factors have led to the need for developing effective interventions to lower the risk of CHD events.Areas covered in this review: The authors review current literature on the use of fenofibrate and related derivatives in HIV-infected people with dyslipidemia using antiretroviral therapy.What the reader will gain: Fibrates have been demonstrated to reduce the risk of CHD events in HIV seronegative individuals with mixed results on survival benefits. There are no published studies of CHD outcomes using fibrates in people with HIV infection. Several studies conducted in HIV infected people demonstrate the ability of fenofibrate to lower triglycerides and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with few adverse events...
Decrease in locus coeruleus [3H]idazoxan binding site density in genetically epilepsy-prone (GEPR) rats

Deficits in norepinephrine synthesis, transmitter level, turnover and reuptake have been reported in the brain of genetically epilepsy-prone (GEPR) rats. We investigated the hypothesis that these alterations may trigger a compensatory downregulation of locus coeruleusα2-adrenergic receptors and an upregulation of postsynapticα2-adrenergic receptor density in forebrain regions of GEPR rat brain.α2-adrenergic receptor density was measured in the locus coeruleus and 7 forebrain regions of control and GEPR rats by in vitro [3H]idazoxan autoradiography. Specific [3H]idazoxan binding site density was decreased significantly in the locus coeruleus of both GEPR-3 and GEPR-9 rats compared to controls. No significant differences in specific [3H]idazoxan binding were observed in the 7 forebrain regions of GEPR-9 rats compared to control. Reduced locus coeruleusα2-adrenergic receptor density in GEPR rats may produce a net increase in locus coeruleus noradrenergic cell firing, an effect which could, in part, offset the impact of reduced noradrenergic influence in GEPR rat forebrain. Additionally, decreased norepinephrine levels in GEPR rat brain may be a long-term consequence of reducedα2-adrenergic receptor-mediated inhibition of locus coeruleus firing activity.
Bandit problems in networks: Asymptotically efficient distributed allocation rules

This paper studies the multi-agent bandit problem in a distributed networked setting. The setting considered assumes only one bandit (the major bandit) has accessible reward information from its samples, whereas the rest (the minor bandits) have unobservable rewards. Under the assumption that the minor bandits are aware of the sampling pattern of the major bandit (but with no direct access to its rewards), a lower bound on the expected average network regret is obtained. The lower bound resembles the logarithmic optimal regret attained in single (classical) bandit problems, but in addition is shown to scale down with the number of agents. A collaborative and adaptive distributed allocation rule DA is proposed and is shown to achieve the lower bound on the expected average regret for a connected inter-bandit communication network. In particular, it is shown that under the DA allocation rule, the minor bandits attain sub-logarithmic expected regrets as opposed to logarithmic in the single agent setting.
Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Predicts Cognition in Pediatric Brain Injury

Apparent diffusion coefficient maps from diffusion-weighted imaging predict gross neurologic outcome in adults with traumatic brain injury. Few studies in children have been reported, and none have used apparent diffusion coefficient maps to predict long-term (>1 year) neurocognitive outcomes. In this study, pooled regional and total brain diffusion coefficients were used to predict long-term outcomes in 17 pediatric brain injury patients. Apparent diffusion coefficient values were grouped into peripheral and deep gray and white matter, posterior fossa, and total brain. Regions of interest excluded areas that appeared abnormal on T 2 -weighted images. Apparent diffusion coefficient values from peripheral regions were inversely correlated with cognitive functioning. No significant correlations were apparent between the cognitive scores and apparent diffusion coefficient values for deep tissue or the posterior fossa. Regression analyses suggested that combined peripheral gray and white matter apparent diffusion coefficients explained 42% of the variance in the combined neurocognitive index. Peripheral gray diffusion coefficients alone explained an additional 20% of variance after accounting for clinical variables. These results suggest that obtaining apparent diffusion coefficient values, specifically from peripheral brain regions, may predict long-term outcome after pediatric brain injury. Discrepancies in the literature on this topic, as well as possible explanations, including sampling and clinical considerations, are discussed.
A Note on the Green Invariants in Finite Group Modular Representative Theory

As in Finite Group Modular Representation Theory, let $${\mathcal{O}}$$ be a commutative complete noetherian ring with an algebraically closed residue field k. Let G be a finite group and let N be a normal subgroup of G. First suppose that V is an indecomposable $${\mathcal{O}}(G/N)$$ -module, so that Inf G G/N (V) is an indecomposable $${\mathcal{O}}$$ G-module. We relate the Green invariants of V as an $${\mathcal{O}}(G/N)$$ -module to those of Inf G G/N (V) as an $${\mathcal{O}}$$ G-module. Secondly, let V and W be indecomposable $${\mathcal{O}}$$ G-modules. Assume that W is an endo-permutation lattice and that $$W \mathop\otimes\limits_{\mathcal{O}} V$$ is also an indecomposable $${\mathcal{O}}$$ G-module. We relate the Green invariants of the $${\mathcal{O}}$$ G-modules V and $$W \mathop\otimes\limits_{\mathcal{O}} V$$ . (This situation arises under important Morita equivalences.)
Selection of the 3′‐splice site in group I introns

A model for selection of 3′-splice sites in splicing of RNA precursors containing group I introns is presented. The key feature of this model is a newly identified tertiary interaction between the catalytic core of the intron and the 3′-splice site. This tertiary pairing would bring the 3′-splice site into the core of the intron, which is known to contain RNA sequences and structures essential for catalyzing the splicing reactions. The proposed tertiary interaction can coexist with P10, a pairing between 3′-exon sequences and the ‘internal guide sequence’ near the 5′-end of the intron. The model predicts that three RNA-RNA interactions are important in selection of 3′-splice sites: (i) binding of intron sequences with the core; (ii) pairing of exon sequences with the internal guide sequence; and (iii) binding of the terminal guanosine to an unknown site within the core.
The Biogeographic History of Small Mammals in the Great Basin: Observations on the Last 20,000 Years

Evidence from archaeological and paleontological sites meets key predictions drawn from J. H. Brown's argument that boreal mammals colonized the Great Basin during the Pleistocene, only to become isolated on, and differentially extinct across, Great Basin mountains during the Holocene. Sylvilagus idahoensis decreased in abundance here at about 7,000 years ago, apparently at about the same time that Ochotona princeps became extinct in the lowlands of the northern half of the Great Basin. These shifts seem correlated with a decrease in effective precipitation inferred from paleobotanical data. Hares ( Lepus sp.) appear to have been more abundant during the earlier Holocene than during later times in many more northerly parts of the Great Basin, while several sites suggest survival of the extinct noble marten ( Martes nobilis ) until a few thousand years ago. The fact that boreal mammals are isolated on Great Basin mountains has important implications for the management of high altitude habitats in this region.
Synthesis and cellular profiling of diverse organosilicon small molecules.

Small-molecule synthesis coupled with cellular profiling using multidimensional screening can be used to assess the impact of varying stereochemical and appendage contexts on biological activity. In this communication, we describe the synthesis and cellular profiling of chiral organosilicon small molecules derived from a crotylsilane annulation pathway. We considered that incorporating a main-group element, such as silicon, within the chiral environment of a more complex product could provide new structures where the distinctive chemical properties of silicon may contribute to new biological activity. The annulation of various indole-2,3-dione (isatin) reagents with functionalized crotylsilanes provides efficient access to spiro-oxindole structures for biological evaluation. The modular placement of aryl iodide functional groups in the isatin component can be used in appending processes for further substitution, such as conversion of the aryl iodide to various amido functionalities using the Buchwald amid...
Prenatal dexamethasone augments the sex-selective developmental neurotoxicity of chlorpyrifos: implications for vulnerability after pharmacotherapy for preterm labor.

Abstract Glucocorticoids are routinely given in preterm labor and are also elevated by maternal stress; organophosphate exposures are virtually ubiquitous, so coexposures to these two agents are pervasive. We administered dexamethasone to pregnant rats on gestational days 17–19 at a standard therapeutic dose (0.2 mg/kg); offspring were then given chlorpyrifos on postnatal days 1–4, at a dose (1 mg/kg) that produces barely-detectable (
The inner circle of the trusted advisor

Much has been written about consultants and, of late, executive coaches. The estimate is that there are presently about 30,000 of both types and they earn almost $30 billion in the USA alone. But there is a neglected side, especially to executives – the trusted advisor. Although the number of trusted advisors may be small, their impact may be even greater than all executive coaches combined. They work behind the scenes, often without a written contract (although they are very well paid), must be always available, are employed often as secret emissaries, function regularly as an early warning system, and routinely are engaged in deep and even profound dialogue with the CEO. S/he serves as an alter ego or professor offering an endless seminar that integrates theory and practice. S/he may previously have been a consultant or coach but no one chooses to become a trusted advisor, because trusted advisors are chosen.
Drug Use, Drug Prohibition and Minority Communities

Drug problems, including alcohol and tobacco abuse, present major public health concerns for the American people. Drug abuse and its related difficulties have been associated with both increased morbidity and premature mortality. In the United States, ethnic minorities have experienced the overall negative impact of drug abuse much more severely than the general population. The impact of drug prohibition in the United States has not been to eliminate or minimize the use of illicit drugs. Indeed, in recent times, the use of some illegal substances (e.g., cocaine) has increased among certain segments of our population; while the use of licit substances (e.g., alcohol) has decreased among specific groups. Unfortunately, drug prohibition and related policies have contributed to the differential impact of the negative consequences of drug abuse on ethnic and racial minorities. The passage and enforcement of repressive drug laws, to curb what is essentially a public health problem, has not been demonstrated to be a productive mechanism for the amelioration of drug related problems within our minority communities.
How and when should we monitor chimerism after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Chimerism analysis has become an important tool for the peri-transplant surveillance of engraftment. It offers the possibility to realize impending graft rejection and can serve as an indicator for the recurrence of the underlying malignant or nonmalignant disease. Most recently, these investigations have become the basis for treatment intervention, for example, to avoid graft rejection, to maintain engraftment and to treat imminent relapse by pre-emptive immunotherapy. This invited review focuses on the clinical implications of characterization of hematopoietic chimerism in stem cell transplantation.
Azimuthally Varying Graded Reflectivity Mirrors

Space variant optics have novel and useful spatial and spectral properties. In this paper, we present a novel optical component that exploits the properties of resonant structures to make an azimuthally varying spectral filter.
Is the Blood-Brain Barrier Relevant in Metastatic Germ Cell Tumor?

Purpose: Germ cell tumors are uniquely chemosensitive and curable, even with advanced metastatic disease. Central nervous system recurrence can terminate a complete remission in other chemosensitive tumors, such as small cell lung cancer, because of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We propose to document that the BBB is also relevant in germ cell tumors despite their dramatic chemosensitivity. Methods and Materials: We present five cases illustrating the concept of the BBB in patients with metastatic testicular cancer treated with chemotherapy. Results: In our large series of patients with metastatic testicular cancer treated with chemotherapy, we identified 5 unique patients. These patients were rendered free of disease only to experience relapse in the brain alone. This included 1 patient who initially had good-risk metastatic disease by means of the International Germ Cell Collaborative Group staging system at the onset of chemotherapy. Conclusions: The BBB is relevant in patients with metastatic testicular cancer.
Vanadate-Induced Trapping of Nucleotides by Purified Maltose Transport Complex Requires ATP Hydrolysis

The maltose transport system in Escherichia coli is a member of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily of transporters that is defined by the presence of two nucleotide-binding domains or subunits and two transmembrane regions. The bacterial import systems are unique in that they require a periplasmic substrate-binding protein to stimulate the ATPase activity of the transport complex and initiate the transport process. Upon stimulation by maltose-binding protein, the intact MalFGK 2 transport complex hydrolyzes ATP with positive cooperativity, suggesting that the two nucleotide-binding MalK subunits interact to couple ATP hydrolysis to transport. The ATPase activity of the intact transport complex is inhibited by vanadate. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of inhibition by vanadate and found that incubation of the transport complex with MgATP and vanadate results in the formation of a stably inhibited species containing tightly bound ADP that persists after free vanadate and nucleotide are removed from the solution. The inhibited species does not form in the absence of MgCl 2 or of maltose-binding protein, and ADP or another nonhydrolyzable analogue does not substitute for ATP. Taken together, these data conclusively show that ATP hydrolysis must precede the formation of the vanadate-inhibited species in this system and implicate a role for a high-energy, ADP-bound intermediate in the transport cycle. Transport complexes containing a mutation in a single MalK subunit are still inhibited by vanadate during steady-state hydrolysis; however, a stably inhibited species does not form. ATP hydrolysis is therefore necessary, but not sufficient, for vanadate-induced nucleotide trapping.
Fusion materials irradiations at MaRIE's fission fusion facility

Abstract Los Alamos National Laboratory's proposed signature facility, MaRIE, will provide scientists and engineers with new capabilities for modeling, synthesizing, examining, and testing materials of the future that will enhance the USA's energy security and national security. In the area of fusion power, the development of new structural alloys with better tolerance to the harsh radiation environments expected in fusion reactors will lead to improved safety and lower operating costs. The Fission and Fusion Materials Facility (F3), one of three pillars of the proposed MaRIE facility, will offer researchers unprecedented access to a neutron radiation environment so that the effects of radiation damage on materials can be measured in situ, during irradiation. The calculated radiation damage conditions within the F3 match, in many respects, that of a fusion reactor first wall, making it well suited for testing fusion materials. Here we report in particular on two important characteristics of the radiation environment with relevancy to radiation damage: the primary knock-on atom spectrum and the impact of the pulse structure of the proton beam on temporal characteristics of the atomic displacement rate. With respect to both of these, analyses show that F3 has conditions that are consistent with those of a steady-state fusion reactor first wall.
Holocene carbon flux histories of the world’s peatlands: Global carbon-cycle implications

This paper proposes a novel approach using basal peat ages and carbon (C) accumulation profiles from the world’s major peatland regions to decompose C flux terms from time-dependent C pool data observed from peat cores. Our peat-data syntheses show that the total peat C pools are 547 GtC, 50 GtC, and 15 GtC for northern, tropical and southern peatlands, respectively. The modeled net C balance (NCB) has a mean value of 41.8 TgC/yr for northern peatlands during the Holocene, ranging from 83.1 TgC/yr in the early Holocene around 9 ka (1 ka = 1000 cal. yr BP) to 21.5 TgC/yr around 2 ka, a temporal pattern mostly owing to the delayed effect of long-term decay of previously accumulated peat C. NCB from tropical and southern peatlands represents much smaller terms, mostly less than 10 TgC/yr. Northern peatlands represent about 90% of global total peatland C pool of 612 GtC and >90% of global peatland NCB. Our bottom-up global peatland synthesis indicates a decrease in rates of peatland area expansion and reduced...
Robust 4D flow denoising using divergence-free wavelet transform

Purpose To investigate four-dimensional flow denoising using the divergence-free wavelet (DFW) transform and compare its performance with existing techniques. Theory and Methods DFW is a vector-wavelet that provides a sparse representation of flow in a generally divergence-free field and can be used to enforce “soft” divergence-free conditions when discretization and partial voluming result in numerical nondivergence-free components. Efficient denoising is achieved by appropriate shrinkage of divergence-free wavelet and nondivergence-free coefficients. SureShrink and cycle spinning are investigated to further improve denoising performance. Results DFW denoising was compared with existing methods on simulated and phantom data and was shown to yield better noise reduction overall while being robust to segmentation errors. The processing was applied to in vivo data and was demonstrated to improve visualization while preserving quantifications of flow data. Conclusion DFW denoising of four-dimensional flow data was shown to reduce noise levels in flow data both quantitatively and visually. Magn Reson Med 73:828–842, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inhibition of Factor XII-Mediated Activation of Factor XI Provides Protection Against Experimental Acute Ischemic Stroke in Mice

Blood coagulation factor XI (FXI) is an established risk factor for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and thrombosis, but is also needed for normal hemostasis. Contact factor XII (FXII), an upstream activator of FXI, also contributes to experimental stroke, but is not required for hemostasis. We investigated whether selectively inhibiting FXII-mediated FXI activation, while leaving other FXI and FXII functions intact, could improve the outcome of experimental AIS in mice. Twenty-four hours before induction of AIS by placement of a filament into the internal carotid artery for 60 min, mice were anticoagulated with an antibody directed against the apple 2 domain of FXI. This antibody selectively reduces the prothrombotic activation of FXI by FXIIa but does not affect activated FXI or hemostatic activation of FXI by thrombin, thus leaving hemostasis intact in mice and primates. In this model of AIS/reperfusion injury, mice that received the antibody before AIS displayed less ischemic damage, manifested as reduced cerebral infarction and fibrin deposition (thrombosis), increased cortical reperfusion, and improved neurological behavior. Further, the antibody-anticoagulated mice had no detectable hemostasis impairment. Consistent with the neuroprotective phenotype of FXII-deficient mice, our data suggest that a single molecular event, FXII-mediated FXI activation, contributes to the development of experimental AIS.
Elucidation of the Role of Hydrophobic Bonding in Influencing Intestinal Absorption of Model Sulfonamides and Revealing Possible Mechanism of Drug Absorption in Rat Model

□ A recirculation technique was used to study the first-order kinetics of intestinal absorption of un-ionized sulfadiazine, sulfamera- zine, and sulfamethazine in rats in situ at 32, 35, and 38 °C.The absorption rate constant (K ab ) of each sulfonamide increased with increase in temperature and, at each temperature, was the highest for sulfamethazine and the lowest for sulfadiazine.Applying the activated complex formation theory, the energy of activation (EJ, free energy of activation (AF*), enthalpy of activation (AH*), and entropy of activation (AS*) of absorption were determined for the sulfonamides to gain some insight into the mechanism of their intestinal absorption.The high values of AF* indicated that the barrier for sulfonamide absorption was great.For each drug, the value of AH* was positive and that of AS* negative.However, AH* and AS* were the highest for sulfamethazine and the lowest for sulfadiazine, thus revealing the influence of hydrophobic bonding in increasing K ab of the sulfonamides with the increase in methyl group content of their molecules.By considering the facts that (1) the microvillus membrane of the intestinal absorptive cells regulates the rate of passive absorption of drugs, (2) the microvillus membrane is rich in proteins, which are located external to the membrane and exposed to the intestinal fluid, and (3) hydrophobic bonding contributes to the activation parameters of absorption, it was postulated that the activated complex formed in the absorption process consisted of a transient association of the sulfonamide molecules with some protein component of the microvillus membrane.
Design and implementation of a self-configuring ad-hoc network for unmanned aerial systems

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) as such in general, need wireless networks in order to communicate. UAS are very flexible and hence allow for a wide range of missions by means of utilizing dierent UAVs according to the mission requirements. Each of these missions also poses special needs and requirements on the communication network. Especially, mission scenarios calling for UAV swarms increase the complexity and call for specialized communication solutions. This work focuses on these specialties and needs and describes the selection process, adaptation and implementation of an ad-hoc routing protocol tailored to an UAV surrounding and a correspondingly adapted communication method.
Children's Representations of Attachment Relationships in Family Drawings.

Children's representational models of self and attachment figures were investigated in family drawings at age 8-9 in a high-risk, racially mixed sample. Drawings were scored using a series of specific signs and a group of theoretically derived, global rating scales. When specific signs were treated in a combined way (versus separately), they were significantly related to early attachment history in predicted ways. Similarly, specific rating scales were found to be significantly related to early relationship history. Analyses exploring the relative contributions of early attachment history and contemporary measures of child IQ, life stress, and emotional functioning revealed that even after contemporary influences were taken into account, attachment history made a significant contribution to the prediction of negative drawing outcome. Results were interpreted as supporting an organizational perspective on development where qualitative differences in early relationships are hypothesized to shape core representational models of the self and to exert an ongoing influence on later representational processes.
EFFECT OF 1-AMINOCYCLOPENTANE-1-CARBOXYLIC ACID (CYCLOLEUCINE) ON DEVELOPING RAT CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM PHOSPHOLIPIDS

— Treatment of developing rats with 1-amino-cyclopentane carboxylic acid (cycloleucine) resulted in changes in brain and spinal cord phospholipid content and fatty acid composition. General findings were a decrease in ethanolamine phospholipid content, and relative increase in the saturated fatty acid content of ethanolamine phospholipid. In all the different cycloleucine experiments conducted, there was consistently less fatty aldehyde present in the methylated ethanolamine phospholipid fatty acid-fatty aldehyde fractions than in corresponding controls. In some experiments fatty aldehyde was almost completely absent, suggesting the presence of little plasmalogen. Changes in fatty acids of phosphatidyl choline, the other phospholipid examined in this manner, were generally minor. Administration of massive amounts of sodium propionate in addition to cycloleucine did not result in an appreciable odd-chain fatty acid increase in the CNS. Examination of the spinal cords by electron microscopy demonstrated considerable myelin splitting in one set of animals. No other ultrastructural changes were evident. The suitability of this drug to produce a neurological condition and pathological state similar to that seen in B12-deficient subacute combined degeneration is discussed.
Throughput maximization on the downlink of a CDMA system

We propose a rate scheduling algorithm to maximize the network throughput of a variable data rate CDMA system and prove its optimality. The system uses OVSF (orthogonal variable spreading factor) codes and the algorithm finds the optimum rate assignments on the binary code tree under constraints on the total transmit power and minimum QoS (rate) requirement of each user. The algorithm is optimal in the sense that it maximizes the total network throughput within the constraints and achieves this with minimum possible power. The algorithm works in a greedy fashion and has a polynomial time complexity of O(N), where N is the number of users. We also extend our results to a more general set of combinatorial optimization problems where the user rates can be any integer multiples of a basic rate (such as multi-code CDMA), not necessarily the set of rates on the binary tree structure, but the optimal solutions are still greedy achievable.
Arbitrary two-qubit computation in 23 elementary gates

We address the problem of constructing quantum circuits to implement an arbitrary two-qubit quantum computation. We pursue circuits without ancilla qubits and as small a number of elementary quantum gates as possible. Our lower bound for worst-case optimal two-qubit circuits calls for at least $17$ gates: $15$ one-qubit rotations and $2$ controlled-NOT (CNOT) gates. We also constructively prove a worst-case upper bound of $23$ elementary gates, of which at most four (CNOT gates) entail multiqubit interactions. Our analysis shows that synthesis algorithms suggested in previous work, although more general, entail larger quantum circuits than ours in the special case of two qubits. One such algorithm has a worst case of $61$ gates, of which $18$ may be CNOT gates.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MALARIA AMONG UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL ASSIGNED TO DIPLOMATIC POSTS

The epidemiology of malaria among U.S. government personnel attached to diplomatic posts has not been reported. We reviewed malaria surveillance reports on persons with onset of symptoms between January 1988 and December 2004. Among 684 slide-proven cases, the median age was 36 years. There were 565 (82.6%) cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria and 56 (8.2%) of P. vivax malaria. A total of 89.9% were infected in Africa and 5.8% were infected in Asia; 95% of the P. falciparum cases originated in sub-Saharan Africa. One-fourth of all cases were reported in 1990-1991. The average annual incidence (per 1,000 personnel) of Plasmodium between 1995 and 1999 was highest in west Africa (8.96), followed by central Africa (8.08), and east Africa (4.27). No or irregular chemoprophylaxis was reported by 58.5%. Among those who indicated regular prophylaxis, 78% took regimens no longer considered adequate. In sub-Saharan Africa, cases were reported in every month. There were three deaths. Prevention of malaria among U.S. Government employees attached to diplomatic posts should particularly focus on those serving in sub-Saharan Africa and malarious areas of Asia.
Assessing model efficacy in forecasting EPS of Chinese firms using fundamental accounting variables: a comparative study

In this paper, we compare the forecasting accuracy of two neural network models in forecasting earnings per share of Chinese listed companies based upon fundamental accounting variables. In one neural network model, weights estimated by back propagation were utilised, and in the other model a genetic algorithm was utilised. Based upon a sample of 723 Chinese companies in 22 industries over a ten year period, we found that the neural network model, using a genetic algorithm in forecasting, outperforms the neural network model with back propagation. Results also showed that the addition of fundamental accounting variables used in the neural network models further improved forecasting accuracy.