cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Photoelectric Clot Timer for the Performance of Prothrombin Times

This report consists of an evaluation of a commercially available photoelectric clot timer which can be used for performing prothrombin times. In the last two years, approximately 40,000 determinations have been satisfactorily performed with this apparatus. In addition, with the use of the timer, we have been able to pick up unsuspected fibrinogen deficiencies during the course of the performance of routine prothrombin times.
The calculation of 3D high-frequency electromagnetic fields during induction heating using the BEM

A numerical 3-D-calculation method for the simulation of the electromagnetic field for different applications of high-frequency induction heating is developed. The calculation program uses the boundary-element method (BEM) and runs on an efficient personal computer. The setup to be considered is divided into groups of bodies with specific material properties which allow the formulation of simplified conditional equations for the electric vector potential at the surfaces of the setup components. Some examples of numerically calculated high-frequency current distributions indicate the efficiency of the program developed. >
Can plasma iohexol disappearance be used to measure GFR in children with chronic kidney disease

Can plasma iohexol disappearance be used to measure GFR in children with chronic kidney disease?
Mammalian central nervous system axolemma: histochemical evidence for axonal plasma membrane origin of bovine and rat axolemma-enriched membrane fractions.

Abstract Purified myelinated axons were isolated from fresh bovine corpus callosum and rat brainstem and osmotically shocked to strip myelin and axolemma from axon filaments. Two axolemma-enriched fractions, myelin, and a pellet of myelin-free axons were harvested by discontinuous sucrose centrifugation of the shocked myelinated axons. By electron microscopy the axolemma-enriched fraction was composed of trilaminar membrane vesicles (diameter 50–1000 nm) and linear membrane fragments; myelin fragments were seldom seen but some mitochondria) membrane contamination was evident. The classical myelin stain Luxol Fast Blue never counter-stained the myelin-free axons, but did stain myelin, myelinated axons, and to a lesser extent, both axolemmal fractions. The staining of the axolemma-enriched fraction was amorphous and seemed incommensurate with the level of myelin contamination. Acetylcholinesterase staining of the axolemma-enriched fraction counterstained with Luxol Fast Blue revealed a number of acetylcholinesterase-positive membrane vesicles by light microscopy. Occasional enzyme-positive vesicles were also evident in the myelin while myelin-free axons showed virtually no Luxol Fast Blue stain but were heavily stained for the enzyme. Higher resolution histochemical staining by electron microscopy confirmed the light microscopy, showing acetylcholinest erase reaction product lining the axolemma of bovine and rat CNS neurons. Myelin, mitochondria, and other diverse membranes showed no reaction product. About 30% of bovine corpus callosal axons showed some acetylcholinesterase staining but only 3% of the total lengths of all the bovine CNS axolemma showed reaction product. Positive acetylcholinesterase staining could also be demonstrated in a small proportion of the bovine axolemma-enriched membranes, with reaction product lining the membrane fragments and captured within their vesicles. The percentage of vesicles that were stained closely agreed with the percentage of axolemma) length stained in the whole white matter. Since acetylcholinesterase staining was highly localized to the axonal plasma membrane, the acetylcholinesterase-positive membrane fragments in the axolemma-enriched membranes could only originate from the axolemma. We conclude on the basis of the operational behavior of these axolemmal vesicles that many of the membranes found in these fractions are derived from the axonal plasma membrane.
A priori estimates and existence for quasi-linear elliptic equations

We study the boundary value problem of quasi-linear elliptic equation $$\begin{array}{rl} {\rm div}(|\nabla u|^{m-2} \nabla u) + B(z,u,\nabla u) = 0 &\quad {\rm in}\, \Omega,\\ u = 0 &\quad {\rm on} \,\partial\Omega, \end{array}$$ where $${\Omega\subset\mathbb{R}^n}$$ (n ≥ 2) is a connected smooth domain, and the exponent $${m\in(1,n)}$$ is a positive number. Under appropriate conditions on the function B, a variety of results on a priori estimates, existence and non-existence of positive solutions have been established. The results are generically optimum for the canonical prototype B = |u| p-1 u, p > m − 1.
Rescue coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) after aortic composite graft replacement.

Background Aortic root replacement (ARR) has been recognized as the standard therapy for diseases of the aortic root since its introduction into clinical practice. ARR currently provides excellent long-term benefit with acceptable perioperative risk and excellent long-term morbidity and mortality. During ARR, coronary button misalignment may produce myocardial ischemia, ventricular arrhythmias, and pump failure leading to death if unrecognized. Here we review our experience with coronary insufficiency after ARR. Methods Between January 1995 and March 2006, 139 consecutive patients underwent ARR at Yale-New Haven Hospital. A retrospective review of their medical records was conducted. The mean age of the patients was 54.5 years. Aortic root aneurysm was the indication for surgery in 123 patients, acute type A dissection in 14, and endocarditis in two. Results All patients underwent a modified Bentall operation with a mechanical (87%) or biological (13%) valve prosthesis and coronary artery button reimplantation. The overall 30-day mortality was 4.3% (six patients). Three patients (2.2%) underwent rescue coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to the left, right, or both coronary arterial systems for ischemia due to presumed coronary button misalignment. These patients presented with ventricular arrhythmias or hemodynamic compromise. All three showed excellent response to rescue CABG and remain alive and well in late follow-up. Conclusion Coronary insufficiency after reconstruction of the aortic root is an uncommon but acutely life-threatening occurrence. This lethal condition may present with difficulty in weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass; echocardiographic signs of major wall motion abnormalities; and electrocardiographic evidence of ischemia, pump failure, and ventricular arrhythmias. Rescue CABG in this situation is life-saving. Immediate rescue CABG should be performed if coronary ischemia is suspected after composite graft replacement of the aortic root.
Effects of minoxidil and nitroprusside on reflex increases in myocardial contractility.

Abstract 1 The effects of nitroprusside and minoxidil on increases in myocardial contractility resulting from carotid artery occlusion were investigated in anaesthetized dogs. The results were compared with those produced by intravenous influsion of noradrenaline. 2 Nitroprusside and minoxidil attenuated the pressor responses produced by carotid artery occlusion. 3 Nitroprusside, but not minoxidil, attenuated the maximal myocardial contractility resulting from carotid occlusion. 4 The pressor and contractility responses to noradrenaline infusion were unaffected by either agent. 5 Nitroprusside failed to alter the myocardial responses produced by dimethylphenylpiperazinium. 6 These results, in conjunction with those of other investigators who have demonstrated that nitroprusside does not affect the release of noradrenaline from adrenergic neurons, suggest that nitroprusside may inhibit sympathetic nervous system reflex activity via an afferent and/or central component.
Structure–property relationship for sintered SiC by field assisted sintering technique

Abstract This research is focused on utilizing the field assisted sintering technique (FAST) to produce dense SiC ceramic tiles and examine the sintering behavior of SiC with changing temperature, hold time, pressure, and heating rate. A preprocessed SiC powder with carbon and boron carbide additives and a mean particle size of 0.9 μm were used to produce the SiC ceramic tiles. The sintered ceramic tiles were then characterized for material properties. Material properties were plotted as a function of processing parameter and optimum conditions were explored. Using the FAST process, this research showed that it was possible to sinter SiC in less than 30 min to near theoretical densities. There was also no processing of powder or green sintering of any kind. The sintered ceramic tiles were characterized and the results showed the relationship between density, microhardness, and grain-size with respect to FAST processing parameters such as temperature, pressure and hold-time. Understanding this relationship will make it possible to tailor the material properties to fit the needs of a given application.
Variation Within Herds in Composition of Herd Milk

Abstract Within herd variation in composition among biweekly samples of milk during one year was determined by summarizing the data obtained from 88 herds representing the 2,536 herds supplying the Twin City Milk Producers Association. Arithmetic averages of the 88 Standard deviations and ranges in herd standard deviations by constituents follow: fat (average—0.224%, range—0.086-0.528%); solids-not-fat (average—0.147%, range—0.058-0.340); protein (average—0.181%, range—0.062-0.323%); casein (average—0.167%, range—0.056-0.290%). Haulers obtained samples from each farm herd in a routine way and the analytical work was routine. Thus, the variations reported include herd factors, influence of sampling, and analytical variations.
Antibiotic prophylaxis in head and neck oncologic surgery: The role of Gram-negative coverage

Many studies have elucidated the risk factors associated with peri-operative infection following head and neck cancer surgery (HNS), the implications of infection for total treatment cost, and the clinical benefits of successful antimicrobial prophylaxis. The most appropriate antibiotic use is achieved by focusing on patients with clean, contaminated wounds. Thereafter, the usefulness of an antibiotic agent depends on its antimicrobial spectrum, tolerability profile, and cost. Successful antimicrobial prophylaxis requires antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and anaerobic organisms. The β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination, sulbactam–ampicillin, has just such an antimicrobial spectrum. A double-blind, randomized clinical trial, involving patients undergoing HNS, recorded a lower post-operative infection rate among patients receiving peri-operative sulbactam–ampicillin 0.5 g/1.0 g IV q6h compared with those receiving clindamycin 600 mg IV q6h (13.3 vs. 27.1%; P=0.02). Culture of strains from infected individuals indicated a significantly lower proportion of Gram-negative organisms for sulbactam–ampicillin than for clindamycin (32 vs. 81%; P<0.05). There was a significant difference in the median duration of surgery between infected and non-infected individuals (8.5 vs. 5.9 h; P<0.0001). These data support the use of sulbactam–ampicillin to reduce the incidence of post-operative infection following HNS.
Planning proton therapy of the eye

We describe a program for planning treatments of the eye with charged particle beams. Many of its features apply to treatment planning programs in general. These include the three‐dimensional definition of the tumor volume and of normal structures, the possibility of delivering the treatment beam from any direction in space, the provision of arbitrary viewpoints including a ‘‘beam’s eye’’ point of view, the design and fabrication of the field shaping aperture, the specification of the necessary beam quality (range and modulation), the calculation and display of isodose contours on any plane in space and on relevant surfaces, the identification of the extent to which normal structures are included or excluded from the beam, and the simulation of the desired alignment film with which patient alignment can be verified.
Smokers' self-categorization and the reduction of cognitive dissonance.

Abstract Sixty per cent of a sample of smokers who smoked between one and two packages of cigarettes per day considered themselves “moderate” smokers, while the remaining 40% considered themselves “heavy” smokers. This study compares the answers of these two groups of smokers to questions concerning the health risk of smoking. The results suggest that those respondents who assigned themselves to the lower-risk category, i.e., the “moderate”, were more aware of the pathological, long-term effects of smoking than the smokers who classified themselves as “heavy” smokers. The smokers' tendency to minimize the extent of their smoking, as well as the avoidance of words which have threatening association for the smoker were interpreted as a means for reducing cognitive dissonance.
Access fees and economic benefits in the Western Pacific United States purse seine tuna fishery

Abstract Ideally, fees paid by distant water fishing nations for access to tuna resources in exclusive economic zones would approximate the net economic value of the tuna harvested, while leaving fishing operations profitable. This paper develops a linear programming approach to assess short-run profitability, optimum access fees and net economic benefits for US tropical tuna purse seiners operating under the South Pacific Tuna Treaty. Results suggest that there is potential for sizable short-run profits and net economic benefits after payment of an access fee equal to the imputed ‘marginal value of the tuna harvested.
Far-Infrared Vacuum Grating Spectrometer*

A far-infrared grating spectrometer has been developed specifically to investigate gases and solids in the 200–1000μ region. The monochromator is a ƒ/2 Czerny–Turner system and three gratings with constants of 250, 500, and 1000μ are employed. Filtering of unwanted radiation is accomplished by using metallic-mesh reflection filters and a conical light pipe is used for the concentration of the light onto a Golay detector window. This instrument is calibrated by using the pure rotation spectrum of water vapor or methylchloride (CH3Cl).
Analysis of a device for single pixel terahertz imaging

Terahertz imaging currently is done using single pixel imagers mechanically scanned over the field of view. Focal planes will reduce the need for mechanical scanning but are still under development. In the 70s, Jacobs [1][2], et. al., proposed and demonstrated a device for millimeter wave imaging using a single pixel. The device obviated the need for large mechanical scanning mechanisms by using an optically scanned bulk semiconductor in a resonant structure. In this research, a device of this type is analyzed for suitability as an element in a terahertz or sub-millimeter wave imager. The device is simulated under simultaneous illumination from a coherent RF source and a coherent optical source (a laser). A computational electromagnetic model of the device is described. Device and system performance metrics are defined and predicted performance presented. Finally design of a system incorporating this device is discussed.
On the origin of activity in solar-type stars

Abstract The magnetic flux of solar coronal active regions is thought to originate in strong toroidal magnetic fields generated by a dynamo at the base of the convection zone. Once generated, this magnetic flux rises through the convection zone as discrete buoyant flux tubes, which may be formed into S2-shaped loops by their interaction with convective: cells and strong downdrafts. The loops are prevented from fragmentation by twist and curvature of their axes, which are writhed by the Coriolis effect and helical convective turbulence. These Σ-shaped loops emerge through the photosphere to form dipolar sunspot pairs and coronal active regions. These regions' free energy, relative magnetic helicity, and tendency to flare and erupt reflect the convection zone phenomena that dominate their journey to the surface, in which helical convective turbulence appears to play a primary role. Recent research leads me to suggest a new paradigm for activity in solar-type stars with deep-seated (tachocline) dynamos. In the present paradigm, dynamo models are expected to explain the distribution of activity in the H-R diagram, as reflected in mean chromospheric emission in lower main-sequence stars. In the new paradigm, dynamo action simply generates the flux that is necessary, but not sufficient, for such activity, and the amplitude of activity depends; most importantly on the kinetic helicity and turbulence of convection zone flows.
Heterogeneous response of hepatic mixed function oxidases to chronic phenobarbital administration

Effects of chronic phenobarbital (PB) administration (75mg/kg, p.o. for 59 days) on certain hepatic mixed function oxidases (HMFO) were investigated in male Sprague-Dawley rats to determine whether maximal induction is maintained throughout this period or whether further alterations occur in the inductive effect. As demonstrated by measurements of 14CO2 excretion rates in breath after a singl i.p. injection of [dimethylamine-14C]aminopyrine ([14C]aminopyrine), PB in the above dose for 7 days accelerated hepatic aminopyrine demethylation 92 per cent above control values. However, after 59 days of PB administration, 14CO2 excretion was only 5 per cent above control values; thus, initial PB-induced enhancement of aminopyrine N-demethylation declined with time. Phenobarbital administration did not affect total (unlabeled) CO2 output, indicating that decreased 14CO2 excretion did not result from potential PB-induced reduction of CO2 output. In contrast, total cytochrome P450 content and aniline hydroxylase activity remained elevated throughout the 59 days of PB treatment. Ethylmorphine N-demethylase activity and aminopyrine N-demethylase activity (using a 3.0 mM substrate concentration) remained elevated until 28 days of PB administration, after which time these activities decreased significantly (P < 0.05), finally reaching 71 and 83 per cent respectively, of peak activity. Kinetic analyses of aminopyrine N-demethylation by hepatic microsomes revealed the Km values were unchanged from 4 to 59 days of PB administration, but that Vmax increased to a maximum of 15.5 on day 28, after which it decreased to 6.60 on day 59. This pattern of change for Vmax of aminopyrine N-demethylase was similar to that for enzyme activity obtained using a constant 3.0 mM concentration of aminopyrine. Although aminopyrine N-demethylase activity (using a 3.0 mM substrate concentration) peaked after 2 days of PB treatment, 7 days of PB treatment reduced this activity to 14 per cent below peak values. After 59 days of PB treatment, aminopyrine N-demethylase activity (at a 0.3 mM substrate concentration) declined to 61 per cent of the peak value attained on day 2. Another chronic PB study was performed and different time points selected to determine the reproducibility of these differential alterations of MFO activity. Results in the second study were similar to those obtained in the first study. Appreciable loss with time of the inductive effects produced by PB on aminopyrine metabolism both in vitro and in vivo suggests a heterogeneous response of hepatic MFO to PB; metabolism of aniline remained at peak inductive values throughout the 59 days of PB administration, whereas ethylmorphine metabolism declined only slightly.
Breast cancer genetics and managed care : The Kaiser Permanente experience

In 1996, with evolution of the science of cancer genetics and the advent of commercially available BRCA1 and later BRCA2 testing, Kaiser Permanente began to apply these advances in clinical practice. Recommendations for referral to genetic counseling were developed in 1997 as the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Referral for Genetic Counseling for Inherited Susceptibility for Breast and Ovarian Cancer. Implementation of these guidelines with associated protocols in Kaiser Permanente's Northern California Region has occupied the ensuing years and includes dissemination of the high-risk guidelines for breast and ovarian cancer, dissemination of patient and physician educational materials on the breast cancer guidelines, monthly classes and taped healthphone messages for patients, interactive videoconferencing for physicians, a training seminar for medical geneticists who will counsel patients at risk, publication of articles on breast cancer and genetic risk in health plan member- and physician-directed magazines, identification and training of clinical specialists and supporting clinicians to care for patients before and after counseling, individual counseling and testing of patients and families, and development of a data registry. Implementing the guidelines helped us communicate the uncertainty surrounding breast cancer testing, and we were obliged to learn more about ethical, legal, societal, and insurance controversies surrounding genetic testing. Given the lack of effective prevention for breast or ovarian cancer and the difficulty of treatment, the appropriate use of genetics in patient care is essential. In the near future, we will see the need for cancer genetics to become an integral part of practice throughout the spectrum of health care. We at Kaiser Permanente feel that the breast cancer guideline project is the first step in this process.
Transient scattering of Rayleigh-Lamb waves by a surface-breaking crack: Comparison of numerical simulation and experiment

The transient scattering of Rayleigh-Lamb waves by a surface-breaking crack in a plate is investigated in both time and frequency domains by using the hybrid numerical method which combines the finite element discretization of the vicinity of the crack with the Green's function integral representation of the exterior scattered field. The frequency domain response is obtained by solving a set of large sparse unsymmetric complex matrix equations, elements of which are stored in a compacted data structure, by the biconjugate gradient method. The time domain solution is then obtained by using FFT. The source function generated by a steel ball impact is extracted by a direct integration technique. It is then used to simulate some available experimental results. Good agreement has been obtained. Numerical and experimental results show the effect of the crack more in the near field than far away.
Migdal-kadanoff Recursion Relations in SU(2) and SU(3) Gauge Theories

Abstract We study the Migdal recursion relations and the reformulation due to Kadanoff for SU(2) and SU(3) lattice gauge theory, using analytic approximations for large and small couplings and numerical methods for all couplings. In SU(2) we obtain the beta function and the expectation value of the plaquette, which is compared with recent Monte Carlo results. In analogy to U(1), we find that a Villain form (periodic gaussian) for the exponential of the plaquette action is a good approximation to the result of the Migdal renormalization transformation. We also perform some calculations in SU(3) and find that its behavior is similar to SU(2).
Infection of Sweetpotato by Fusarium solani and Macrophomina phaseolina Prior to Harvest

The end rot disease complex, caused mainly by Fusarium solani and Macrophomina phaseolina, can be an important postharvest problem in sweetpotato. The disease develops a few weeks after storage roots are harvested and stored. Isolations attempted after harvest showed that the pathogens can be present inside the storage roots before symptoms appear. To determine how and when end rot pathogens enter sweetpotato storage roots, two greenhouse experiments were designed using tissue culture-derived plants free of F. solani and M. phaseolina. In one experiment, plants were grown in autoclaved soil, and 1 month after transplanting, plants were inoculated at the soil line with either noninfested toothpicks or toothpicks infested with each fungus alone or combined. In the other experiment, plants were grown in noninfested soil or in soil infested with each fungus alone or combined. F. solani and M. phaseolina were isolated from roots, storage roots, and plant stems below the soil line, at the soil line, and 5 cm above the soil line in both experiments. This suggests these fungi are capable of invading sweetpotato plants and storage roots from infested soil, and can systemically colonize the plant from infected plant propagation material.
Evidence for Cenozoic tectonism in the southwest Georgia Piedmont

Paleocene nonmarine sediment in the Georgia Piedmont has been isolated from correlative Coastal Plain deposits by high-angle reverse faults and subsequent erosion. The reverse faults also offset surficial deposits of probable Pliocene age. The sediments, preserved north of Pine Mountain, in the vicinity of Warm Spring9s, Georgia, consist of (1) a lower sedimentary sequence, herein called the “Republic Mine beds,” composed mainly of massive, locally bauxitic, kaolinitic clay and well-bedded, coarse to fine quartz sand; and (2) an upper sequence, herein called “surficial deposits,” composed predominantly of clayey quartz sand and quartzite gravel. The compositional and textural dissimilarities between the two sequences indicate differences in provenance, depositional environment, and tectonic setting. The orientation of the faults and the sense of fault movement near Warm Springs indicate that this area of the western Georgia Piedmont is unlike that of the tectonic regimes previously documented in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains. The orientation of some structures and the amount and rate of fault deformation are more similar to features in the Gulf Coastal tectonic province, whereas the involvement of basement rocks in fault zones and the compressional style of deformation are comparable to tectonic features described elsewhere in the eastern United States, especially in Coastal Plain sediments along the Fall Line of the Atlantic Coastal Plain.
Near Real-Time Closed-Loop Optimal Control Feedback for Spacecraft Attitude Maneuvers

Abstract : Optimization of spacecraft attitude maneuvers can significantly reduce attitude control system size and mass, and extend satellite end-of-life. Optimal control theory has been applied to solve a variety of open-loop optimal control problems for terrestrial, air, and space applications. However, general application of real-time optimal controllers on spacecraft for large slew maneuvers has been limited because open-loop control systems are inherently vulnerable to error and the computation necessary to solve for an optimized control solution is resource intensive. This research effort is focused on developing a near real-time optimal control (RTOC) system for spacecraft attitude maneuvers on the Air Force Institute of Technology's 2nd generation simulated satellite, SimSat II. To meet the end goal of developing a RTOC controller, necessary preliminary steps were completed to accurately characterize SimSAT II's mass properties and attitude control system. Using DIDO, a pseudospectral-based optimal control solver package, to continuously solve and execute a sequence of optimized open-loop control solutions in near real-time, the RTOC controller can optimally control the state of the satellite over the course of a large angle slew maneuver. In this research, simulation and experimental results clearly demonstrate the benefit of RTOC versus other non-optimal control methods for the same maneuver.
Nicotine's opioid and anti-opioid interactions: Proposed role in smoking behavior

Nicotine produced antinociception in mice which was antagonized noncompetitively by naloxone. In addition, at significantly lower doses, nicotine noncompetitively antagonized morphine-induced antinociception. A speculative suggestion regarding the opiatergic and anti-opiatergic actions of nicotine is that it significantly promotes and maintains smoking behavior.
Ferromagnetism in partially oxidized CuCl

A search for superconductivity in systems of CuCl/Si and CuCl2/Si leads to the observation of ferromagnetism with a Tc of 18 K in powder samples. The magnetism emerges when pure CuCl is exposed to humid air, while the observed magnetic moment depends on the exposure level. We used magnetic field modulated microwave spectroscopy, as well as SQUID magnetometry, to identify magnetic phase transitions as a function of temperature. Crystallographic phase information of partially oxidized CuCl specimens is obtained via x-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement. Transition temperature and moment are found to be unmatched with transitions in CuCl based compounds reported to date.
Responses and afferent pathways of C1-C2 spinal neurons to cervical and thoracic esophageal stimulation in rats.

Because vagal and sympathetic inputs activate upper cervical spinal neurons, we hypothesized that stimulation of the esophagus would activate C1–C2 neurons. This study examined responses of C1–C2 s...
Bacteriology of Earphone Contamination

Bacterial samples of earphones used in clinical audiological evaluations were examined for the presence of three pathogenic microorganisms which have been associated with otitis media and otitis ex...
Relationships of general vocabulary, science vocabulary, and student questioning with science comprehension in students with varying levels of English proficiency

This study investigated the influence of general vocabulary knowledge, science vocabulary knowledge, and text based questioning on the science reading comprehension of three types of students who varied in their English language proficiency. Specifically, grade 5 English-Only speakers, English Language Learners in the United States, and students learning English as a Foreign Language in a Spanish-speaking country were compared across the aforementioned variables to examine their relationship to reading comprehension. Findings indicated that general vocabulary, science vocabulary, and questioning contributed significant variance to the explanation of science reading comprehension. However, no particular variable was found to interact with language proficiency in their contribution to science reading comprehension. Findings are discussed in terms of the roles that each variable could play in content area comprehension. Implications for content-area literacy instruction of second-language students are considered.
Scaling of adverse-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layers

An asymptotic analysis is developed for turbulent boundary layers in strong adverse pressure gradients. It is found that the boundary layer divides into three distinguishable regions: these are the wall layer, the wake layer and a transition layer. This structure has two key differences from the zero-pressure-gradient boundary layer: the wall layer is not exponentially thinner than the wake; and the wake has a large velocity deficit, and cannot be linearized. The mean velocity profile has a y½ behaviour in the overlap layer between the wall and transition regions.The analysis is done in the context of eddy viscosity closure modelling. It is found that k-e-type models are suitable to the wall region, and have a power-law solution in the y½ layer. The outer-region scaling precludes the usual e-equation. The Clauser, constant-viscosity model is used in that region. An asymptotic expansion of the mean flow and matching between the three regions is carried out in order to determine the relation between skin friction and pressure gradient. Numerical calculations are done for self-similar flow. It is found that the surface shear stress is a double-valued function of the pressure gradient in a small range of pressure gradients.
Co-receptor requirements for fibroblast growth factor-19 signaling.

FGF19 is a unique member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family of secreted proteins that regulates bile acid homeostasis and metabolic state in an endocrine fashion. Here we investigate the cell surface receptors required for signaling by FGF19. We show that βKlotho, a single-pass transmembrane protein highly expressed in liver and fat, induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in response to FGF19 treatment and significantly increased the interactions between FGF19 and FGFR4. Interestingly, our results show that αKlotho, another Klotho family protein related to βKlotho, also induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in response to FGF19 treatment and increased FGF19-FGFR4 interactions in vitro, similar to the effects of βKlotho. In addition, heparin further enhanced the effects of both αKlotho and βKlotho in FGF19 signaling and interaction experiments. These results suggest that a functional FGF19 receptor may consist of FGF receptor (FGFR) and heparan sulfate complexed with either αKlotho or βKlotho.
Spatial outlier detection based on iterative self-organizing learning model

In this paper, we propose an iterative self-organizing map (SOM) approach with robust distance estimation (ISOMRD) for spatial outlier detection. Generally speaking, spatial outliers are irregular data instances which have significantly distinct non-spatial attribute values compared to their spatial neighbors. In our proposed approach, we adopt SOM to preserve the intrinsic topological and metric relationships of the data distribution to seek reasonable spatial clusters for outlier detection. The proposed iterative learning process with robust distance estimation can address the high dimensional problems of spatial attributes and accurately detect spatial outliers with irregular features. To verify the efficiency and robustness of our proposed algorithm, comparative study of ISOMRD and several existing approaches are presented in detail. Specifically, we test the performance of our method based on four real-world spatial datasets. Various simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A clinical evaluation of rapid automatic noninvasive blood pressure determination with the Ohmeda 2120 "return-to-flow" method.

Most commercial noninvasive blood pressure devices use the oscillometric method for determination of blood pressure. The Ohmeda 2120 noninvasive blood pressure monitor uses the oscillometric technique, but it also includes a “Sys Stat” mode for rapid determination of systolic blood pressure up to ten times per minute. This Sys Stat mode uses the “return-to-flow” method, in which the pressure on an upper arm cuff decreases in small steps until a finger sensor detects the first pulse of blood. Data from 16 patients monitored with the Ohmeda 2120 unit and with an arterial cannula were analyzed. The line of regression was Sys Stat = 0.85 (arterial) + 9.49. The Ohmeda 2120 monitor tended to under-estimate the arterial pressure, particularly at higher pressures. Several factors could have contributed to this underestimation. Even so, the accuracy is sufficient for clinical use under most circumstances. More importantly, in an urgent situation, the Sys Stat mode can provide a reading of systolic blood pressure within seconds.
Defective secretion of saliva in transgenic mice lacking aquaporin-5 water channels.

Abstract Aquaporin-5 (AQP5) is a water-selective transporting protein expressed in epithelial cells of serous acini in salivary gland. We generated AQP5 null mice by targeted gene disruption. The genotype distribution from intercross of founder AQP5 heterozygous mice was 70:69:29 wild-type:heterozygote:knockout, indicating impaired prenatal survival of the null mice. The knockout mice had grossly normal appearance, but grew ∼20% slower than litter-matched wild-type mice when placed on solid food after weaning. Pilocarpine-stimulated saliva production was reduced by more than 60% in AQP5 knockout mice. Compared with the saliva from wild-type mice, the saliva from knockout mice was hypertonic (420 mosm) and dramatically more viscous. Amylase and protein secretion, functions of salivary mucous cells, were not affected by AQP5 deletion. Water channels AQP1 and AQP4 have also been localized to salivary gland; however, pilocarpine stimulation studies showed no defect in the volume or composition of saliva in AQP1 and AQP4 knockout mice. These results implicate a key role for AQP5 in saliva fluid secretion and provide direct evidence that high epithelial cell membrane water permeability is required for active, near-isosmolar fluid transport.
Acousto-optic, point receiver hydrophone probe for operation up to 100 MHz.

Abstract This work describes the results of initial evaluation of a wideband acousto-optic hydrophone probe designed to operate as point receiver in the frequency range up to 100 MHz. The hydrophone was implemented as a tapered fiber optic (FO) probe sensor with a tip diameter of approximately 7 μm. Such small physical dimensions of the sensor eliminate the need for spatial averaging corrections so that true pressure–time (p–t) waveforms can be faithfully recorded. The theoretical considerations that predicted the FO probe sensitivity to be equal to 4.3 mV/MPa are presented along with a brief description of the manufacturing process. The calibration results that verified the theoretically predicted sensitivity are also presented along with a brief description of the improvements being currently implemented to increase this sensitivity level by approximately 20 dB. The results of preliminary measurements indicate that the fiber optic probes will exhibit a uniform frequency response and a zero phase shift in the frequency range considered. These features might be very useful in rapid complex calibration i.e. determining both magnitude and phase response of other hydrophones by the substitution method. Also, because of their robust design and linearity, these fiber optic hydrophones could also meet the challenges posed by high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and other therapeutic applications. Overall, the outcome of this work shows that when fully developed, the FO probes will be well suited for high frequency measurements of ultrasound fields and will be able to complement the data collected by the current finite aperture piezoelectric PVDF hydrophones.
Symmetric-Core Collective Model for Odd-Odd Nuclei with Applications in the 2s-1d Shell

A model for odd-odd nuclei is described in which the odd neutron and proton are coupled to a symmetric, rotating core. The Hamiltonian consists of four parts: ${H}_{R}$, the Hamiltonian for a rotating core of fixed shape; ${H}_{p}$ and ${H}_{n}$, the Hamiltonians for a proton and a neutron moving in a symmetric oscillator potential with 1\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}s and ${1}^{2}$ terms; and ${V}_{\mathrm{pn}}$, the residual neutron-proton interaction. This latter was taken to have a Gaussian radial dependence with a Serber exchange mixture with parameters picked to reproduce the low-energy singlet and triplet scattering lengths. The energy eigenvalues were obtained by an exact diagonalization of the total Hamiltonian using a core-particle basis to which a truncation procedure is applied to account for the filling of the shells. The model has been applied to $^{28}\mathrm{Al}$, $^{30}\mathrm{P}$, $^{32}\mathrm{P}$, and $^{36}\mathrm{Cl}$, determining the core-strength parameter $P$, the deformation parameter $\ensuremath{\beta}$, and the well-depth parameter $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ by fitting to the known energy-level sequence. The state functions so obtained were used to calculate static magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole moments, and for $^{30}\mathrm{P}$ the mixing ratio ${\ensuremath{\delta}}^{2}$ for two ${2}^{+}$ to ground transitions. The fit to the measured energy levels is quite successful; however, only in $^{28}\mathrm{Al}$ and $^{30}\mathrm{P}$ is the residual neutron-proton interaction needed. The values obtained for the static moments are rather poor. The results are compared, where possible, to a shell-model calculation.
Environmental sensor network data packaging and transmission via cellular networks

Here we present a part of our work on environmental sensing networks. Specifically, we focus on the data packaging and transmission from a field site to an ingest server. Such networks gather environmental data and periodically transmit it via the commercial cellular data networks. The ingest server processes the data, populates a relational data base, and makes data accessible through a Web interface.
Uptake of γ-aminobutyric acid by mitochondrial and synaptosomal fractions from mouse brain

Summary The accumulation of γ-amino[ 14 C]butyric acid ([ 14 C]GABA) by purified nerve ending particles (synaptosomes) and mitochondria of mouse brain was investigated in the presence of aminooxyacetic acid, which prevents metabolic degradation of GABA. The accumulation of GABA by synaptosomes and brain mitochondria was Na + dependent and involved both energy independent and dependent accumulation processes. Pyruvate and glucose stimulated synaptosomal GABA accumulation at 30°C and that of mitochondria was stimulated by pyruvate and not by glucose. 2,4-Dinitrophenol, ouabain and malonate inhibited energy dependent accumulation of GABA by synaptosomes and brain mitochondria, and iodoacetate only affected the glucose stimulated synaptosomal uptake of GABA at 30°C. Results were presented which demonstrate a marked time dependent loss of uptake capacity by the subcellular fractions. A rapid procedure for obtaining a functionally superior mitochondrial fraction was described.
Mycotic Aneurysm of the Common Iliac Artery and Distal Aorta Following Stent Placement

A 43-year-old man was evaluated for disabling left leg claudication. Aortography demon strated occlusion of the left common and external iliac arteries with reconstitution of the left common femoral artery. During this procedure a 10 mm x 9.4 cm Wallstent was placed from the proximal common iliac to the mid-external iliac artery followed by a 10 mm Palmaz stent placed proximal to the Wallstent. He returned after 2 weeks with recurrent symptoms and an absent left femoral pulse. Repeat aortography confirmed that the stented iliac artery was thrombosed. Following thrombolysis, a stenosis distal to the Wallstent was identified and another 8 mm x 4 cm Wallstent was inserted to dilate the stenotic lesion. He did well until the following week when he returned complaining of fever, anorexia, and low back pain. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from the blood. An initial computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated only inflammation around the distal aorta, but owing to unremitting fever and symptoms, he underwent ...
Chondrocytes isolated from tibial dyschondroplasia lesions and articular cartilage revert to a growth plate‐like phenotype when cultured in vitro

We report here a comparative study of the development and behavior of chondrocytes isolated from normal growth plate tissue, tibial dyschondroplasic lesions, and from articular cartilage. The objective of these studies was to determine whether the properties exhibited by chondrocytes in dysplasic lesions or in articular cartilage were due to their cellular phenotype, their environment, or both. We had previously analyzed the electrolytes and amino acid levels in the extracellular fluid of avian growth plate chondrocytes. Using these data, we constructed a culture medium (DATP5) in which growth plate cells essentially recapitulate their normal behavior in vivo. Here, we used DATP5 to examine the behavior of chondrocytes isolated from lesions of tibial dyschondroplasia (TD). We found that once isolated from lesion and grown in this supportive medium, dysplasic chondrocytes behaved essentially like normal growth plate cells. These findings suggest that the cause of TD is local factors operating in vivo to prevent these cells from developing normally. With respect to articular chondrocytes, our data indicate that they more closely retain normal protein and proteoglycan synthesis when grown in serum-free media. These cells readily induced mineral formation in vitro, both in the presence and absence of serum. However, in serum-containing media, mineralization was significantly enhanced when the cells were exposed to retinoic acid (RA) or osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1). Our studies support previous work indicating the presence of autocrine factors produced by articular chondrocytes in vivo that prevent mineralization and preserve matrix integrity. The lack of inhibitory factors and the presence of supporting factors are likely reasons for the induction of mineralization by articular chondrocytes in vitro.
Influence of photo-Fries reaction products on the photodegradation of bisphenol-A polycarbonate

Abstract The photodegradation of BPA polycarbonate (PC) can be described as an autoaccelerating process initiated by the formation of biphenol products arising from a formal photo-Fries reaction pathway. Evidence comes from spiking PC films with model compounds of photo-Fries reaction products, pre-exposure of films to generate photo-Fries products, and kinetic analysis. Published data on products formed during natural PC weathering are consistent with this pathway.
Sharing in Childhood as a Precursor to Support for National Health Insurance

The relationship between sharing in childhood and political identity and opinions on national health insurance in adulthood were examined. It was found that sharing at age 5 was positively associated with a liberal political identity and endorsement of national health insurance at ages 23 and 32. These results remained after controlling for sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ego-control, ego-resiliency, maternal egalitarian parenting attitudes, and paternal egalitarian parenting attitudes. In addition, analyses showed that the relationship between sharing and endorsement of national health insurance was independent of political identity.
Reduced Brain Metabolism in Hyperactive Girls

Objective This study assesses the effect of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and gender on cerebral glucose metabolism (CMRglu), using positron emission tomography and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose.
Incentive regulation, service quality, and standards in U.S. electricity distribution

The widespread use of incentive regulation in telecom, electricity, and other industries in the U.S. and elsewhere has raised questions about its possible adverse effect on the quality of service. This paper examines U.S. electricity distribution utilities in the years 1993–1999, several of which were subject to incentive regulation. Controlling for other possible influences, including possible endogeneity of the regulatory regime, the data and model indicate that incentive regulation is indeed associated with significantly longer duration of service outages, although not necessarily more frequent outages. Importantly, this quality reduction is offset in cases where regulation incorporates service quality standards. We also examine the causal chain connecting incentive regulation, cost expenditures, and service quality. We conclude that careful design of quality standards can allow incentive regulation to achieve cost savings without quality degradation.
Structural Basis for the Methylation State-Specific Recognition of Histone H4-K20 by 53BP1 and Crb2 in DNA Repair

Histone lysine methylation has been linked to the recruitment of mammalian DNA repair factor 53BP1 and putative fission yeast homolog Crb2 to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), but how histone recognition is achieved has not been established. Here we demonstrate that this link occurs through direct binding of 53BP1 and Crb2 to histone H4. Using X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we show that, despite low amino acid sequence conservation, both 53BP1 and Crb2 contain tandem tudor domains that interact with histone H4 specifically dimethylated at Lys20 (H4-K20me2). The structure of 53BP1/H4-K20me2 complex uncovers a unique five-residue 53BP1 binding cage, remarkably conserved in the structure of Crb2, that best accommodates a dimethyllysine but excludes a trimethyllysine, thus explaining the methylation state-specific recognition of H4-K20. This study reveals an evolutionarily conserved molecular mechanism of targeting DNA repair proteins to DSBs by direct recognition of H4-K20me2.