cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Broadband soil susceptibility measurements for EMI applications

Abstract When seeking low-metal targets, the success rate of an electromagnetic induction (EMI) system is often determined by the susceptibility of the soil near the object. In this paper, we begin the process of characterizing a random soil in terms of its effect on EMI sensor readings. After providing a brief review of the theory behind how soil susceptibilities affect EMI measurements, we measure the susceptibilities of 43 samples of soil from the United States, Puerto Rico, Iraq, and Afghanistan using a custom susceptibility sensor. We define a set of metrics and give the distribution of values for how magnetically active the soils are, how dispersive they are, and how well the commonly used log model fits to their susceptibility as a function of frequency. All measurements taken in the study are consistent with the log model of susceptibility if one accounts for the noise floor of the sensor. The sensor used for the measurements is described briefly and validated using a set of magnetic salts.
Dissimilar effects of hemicastration on plasma LH and FSH in photostimulated tree sparrows (Spizella arborea)

Abstract To assess the influence of the testes on the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis during early photostimulation, we hemicastrated or castrated male tree sparrows and transferred them, along with laparotomized males, from a winter-like day length to one known to be gonado-stimulatory. At Days 0, 10, and 21 of photostimulation, we estimated concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serial and pooled plasma samples, respectively, by radioimmunoassays specific for each gonadotropin. Concentrations of LH were similar in photostimulated hemicastrates and intact males, but concentrations of FSH were consistently higher in the former. Hemicastration thus appears to reduce the intensity of the inhibitory feedback signal for FSH, but not for LH. Concentrations of LH and FSH were markedly higher in castrates than in hemicastrates or intact males. Castration, unlike hemicastration, is a potent stimulus for secretion of both LH and FSH in photostimulated tree sparrows.
Specific, high-affinity binding sites for angiotensin II on Mycoplasma hyorhinis.

Summary Mycoplasmataceae are known to express various proteins that are similar to those present in mammals. We report a strain of Mycoplasma hyorhinis isolated from opossum kidney cells with specific, high-affinity binding sites for human angiotensin II (K d = 5.1±1.9 nM). In contrast, two strains of M. hominis revealed no specific binding. These binding sites resembled mammalian angiotensin II receptors by their high affinity and by their sensitivity to dithiothreitol. However, they are different from mammalian angiotensin II receptors in that they bind angiotensin I with high affinity (K d = 1.6±0.29 nM) but not angiotensin III (K d ∼ 330,000 nM). [ 125 I]-angiotensin II binding was not inhibited by angiotensin receptor subtype antagonists DuP 753 and CGP 42112A but it was sensitive to bacitracin and aprotinin. Positions Asp 1 , Ile 5 , His 6 and Pro 7 were essential for binding to M. hyorhinis as deletion of these residues led to a more than 10,000-fold decrease in affinity.
Hydrogen reduction of Pt(NH3)2+4 supported on montmorillonite

Abstract The addition of molecular hydrogen at 140 °C to Pt(NH3)2+4 complexes exchanged on Wyoming montmorillonites, at varying metal weight to support weight ratios, results in metal reduction according to the reaction Pt(NH3)2+4 + H2 → Pt + 2NH+4 + 2NH3. In a parallel reaction the concurrent reduction of structural iron(III) occurs, producing an increase in the layer charge of the mineral. Charge balance is maintained by the additional formation of ammonium cations by ammine protonation. Metal reduction is accompanied by the collective migration of atoms and/or crystallites from the internal surface of the mineral to sites of low negative charge on the external surface and edges. At high metal concentrations, large clusters of 100 A are easily visible by transmission electron microscopy. Also apparent is a high proportion of the metal crystallites formed in diameters of 50 A or less. As the metal concentration decreases, mean metal diameters decrease and the particle size distributions become narrower.
The magnetic structure of arch filament systems

Photographic-type magnetograms are used in conjunction with Hα filtergrams to study the structure and evolution of magnetic fields associated with arch filament systems. The magnetograms show that the opposite ends of the arch filaments are indeed rooted in photospheric magnetic fields of opposite polarity. Furthermore, these magnetic field systems are in every case new magnetic flux appearing at the solar surface. Time lapse studies show the detailed process by which the flux tubes emerge through the surface. First, supergranules bring individual strands of magnetic flux to the surface and sweep the two feet of the flux tube to opposite sides of the supergranule. Then, the flux tube rises through the chromosphere, creating a visible arch filament. It is also shown that the observed rotation of the axis of an arch filament system in the plane of the solar surface is caused by the emergence of successive flux loops, each possessing different axial tilts.
Ocular and Sinus Microsporidial Infection Cured With Systemic Albendazole

Purpose To report treatment of a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and ocular and paranasal sinus microsporidial infection. METHOD: Case report. Results A patient with AIDS and ocular microsporidial infection experienced resolution of ocular symptoms with topical fumagillin, but symptoms recurred upon cessation of therapy. Paranasal sinus microsporidial infection was diagnosed. The patient received sequential systemic treatment with itraconazole followed by albendazole. Sinus symptoms resolved with albendazole. He remained symptom-free with a normal examination 17 months after concluding therapy. Conclusions Although fumagillin and itraconazole may have played a role, systemic albendazole appears to be responsible for clinical resolution of microsporidial infection.
Theoretical model of inner-shell excitation by outer-shell electrons

An analysis shows that atomic inner-shell states can be strongly excited by coherently driven outer-shell electrons. A time-dependent Hartree-Fock treatment illustrates the nature of this nonlinear intershell coupling. A substantial fraction of the absorbed energy can be channeled into inner-shell excitation.
In vivo antigen presentation

Monoclonal antibodies specific for defined peptide-MHC complexes are now being used to physically detect T-cell receptor ligands. These reagents have resulted in the identification of the cells that present antigen in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues after various forms of antigen administration. In addition, recent advances in real-time imaging technology have begun to measure the rate and directionality of T-cell movement relative to antigen-presenting cells in lymph nodes, shedding light on the earliest events in T-cell activation in a physiological setting.
Detailed geophysical studies on the northern Hawaiian Arch using a deeply towed instrument package

Abstract A survey of a 20 km by 20 km area near the crest of the Hawaiian Arch (24°25′N 157°40′W) has been conducted with near-bottom instruments and a sea-floor acoustic navigation system having positional accuracy on the order of tens of meters. The southern portion of the area is dominated by part of a 100 km long eastwest trending ridge similar to other such ridges that characterize the bathymetry of the northern arch. Narrow-beam, near-bottom echo soundings show the ridge and other bathymetric highs to be flanked by long narrow grabens on the order of 500 m wide and 50–60 m deep. Other such measurements characterize much of the bathymetry of the area as rolling and lobate. A shape similar to a subareal lava dome was mapped on the northern flank of the ridge. The ridge was formed by a combination of volcanic and tectonic processes that uplifted and tilted several hundred meters of the pre-existing sediments. Interpretation of conventional reflection profiles and near-bottom, side-looking sonar data suggests volcanic material has been extruded on the sediment covered ocean floor and intruded into the sedimentary column. Near-bottom magnetic data over an intrusive feature near the center of the area reveals large anomalies up to 1,000 γ in amplitude. Bottom photographs and piston cores show volcanic glass in the form of small (1–5 cm) fragments, substantiating other evidence of recent volcanic activity.
A Generalization of Pratt-Arrow Measure to Nonexpected-Utility Preferences and Inseparable Probability and Utility

The Pratt-Arrow measure of local risk aversion is generalized for then-dimensional state-preference model of choice under uncertainty in which the decision maker may have inseparable subjective probabilities and utilities, unobservable stochastic prior wealth, and/or smooth nonexpected-utility preferences. Local risk aversion is measured by the matrix of derivatives of the decision maker's risk-neutral probabilities, without reference to true subjective probabilities or riskless wealth positions, and comparative risk aversion is measured without requiring agreement on true probabilities. Risk-neutral probabilities and their derivatives are shown to be sufficient statistics for approximately optimal investment and financing decisions in complete markets for contingent claims.
Mid-term outcomes in HIV-positive patients after primary total hip or knee arthroplasty.

Abstract We hypothesized that infection rates following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in those with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) without hemophilia or drug use would be similar to rates in HIV-negative patients. Records at an urban HIV referral hospital were searched for patients who underwent primary total hip and knee arthroplasty from 2003 to 2010. The primary outcome was revision for infection. 372 HIV-negative and 22 HIV-positive TJA patients met inclusion criteria. The HIV-positive group had more deep infections than the HIV-negative group (9.1% v 2.2%, P =0.102). There were no infections in those with AIDS-defining CD4 counts. Those with HIV may have a higher risk of developing a deep infection. A low CD4 count is not an absolute contraindication to TJA in HIV positive patients.
Immunofluorescence localization of peripheral proteins in cultured human keratinocytes.

To gain preliminary data on the location of a 195 kD cell peripheral protein of epidermal keratinocytes recognized by monoclonal antibody AE11, immunofluorescence staining was carried out on cultured human epidermal cells. B11 antidesmosomal polyclonal antibody and AE3 antikeratin monoclonal antibody staining were used as comparative reference controls. Desmosomal antigens span the cell membrane and keratins constitute a family of cytoplasmic proteins. The cultured cells were systematically used either unfixed, fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde, or fixed with methanol at 4°C. The former two preparations were designed to expose only the surface antigens, whereas the latter method permeated the membrane to allow cytoplasmic staining. Differences in staining patterns were observed in the basal layer as compared with the upper layers with all three antibodies. B11 antidesinosomal antibody staining was consistent in pattern after either paraformaldehyde or methanol fixation. In addition to the punctate staining along adjacent cell surfaces as shown in the basal layer, the surface planes of the upper cells exhibited parallel arrays of linear streaks, demonstrating the distribution of desmosomal proteins. Antikeratin staining by AE3 showed the typical filamentous staining in basal cells. However, a homogeneous patchy staining of suprabasal cells was observed. The presence of punctate surface staining using antikeratin antibody on paraformaldehyde fixed cells suggests leakage of keratin to the cell surface. AE11 showed stronger staining in the top cells on methanol treated cultures and a punctate surface staining of the cells fixed with paraformaldehyde. These observations provide useful preliminary information in localizing peripheral proteins in epidermal keratinocytes.
Thermoresponsive Poly-N-isopropylacrylamide Gels Modified with Colloidal Gold Nanoparticles for Electroanalytical Applications. 1. Preparation and Characterization

Preparation and spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization of thermoresponsive poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) hydrogels modified with gold colloidal nanoparticles is described. Gold nanoparticles of various sizes in the range from 2.7 to 18 nanometers in diameter were synthesized and introduced to NIPA polymeric gels during the polymerization process. Dry, ground polymers were reswelled by solutions of well-known and well-controlled composition. Such polymeric gels undergo discontinuous reversible volume phase transition in response to temperature increase; this results in a release of up to 90% of solvent from the polymeric matrix. The potential window was determined in NIPA gels modified with gold nanoparticles and compared to that in pure NIPA gels. Diffusion coefficients of electroactive probes in NIPA gels modified with gold and in expelled solutions were determined. It was found that diffusion coefficients of Fc(MeOH)2 in swollen neat NIPA and NIPA-gel modified with gold nanoparticles are identical within experimental error and they are approximately 10–30% smaller than those in aqueous solutions. Concentration of Fc(MeOH)2 in expelled solutions was up to 30% smaller than in swollen gel. Mole fractions of electroactive probes in collapsed gels and expelled solutions were also determined.
Failure mechanisms of LWR steel containment buildings subject to severe accident loadings

Abstract The potential failure mechanisms in LWR steel containment buildings subject to quasi-static pressurization and elevated temperature are identified. For each failure mechanism, the relevant structural response measures are discussed. For mechanisms involving leakage, the importance of seal performance is also discussed. Criteria that can be used to evaluate threshold environments are presented for several failure mechanisms. Results of tests on scale models and seal tests that support the criteria are referenced.
Thermal emission rates and activation energies of electrons and holes at cobalt centers in silicon

The thermal emission rates of electrons and holes of silver-doped silicon are measured by the dark current and the dark and photo capacitance transient techniques. The wider range of the present data (nine orders of magnitude) provides a more accurate determination of the thermal activation energies and the Arrhenius constants. Data fitted to et = A exp ( – ΔE/kT) give: (i) donor center: ΔE = ED – Ev = (405 ± 2) meV and A = (5.16 ± 0.55) × 1013 s−1 and (ii) acceptor center: ΔE = EC – EA = (593 ± 2) meV and A = (1.32 ± 0.11) × 1013 s−1. Die thermischen Emissionsraten von Elektronen und Lochern aus silberdotiertem Silizium wurden aus dem Dunkelstrom und mit Hilfe einer nichtstationaren Dunkel- und Photokapazitatsmethode bestimmt. Der grosere Bereich der vorliegenden Meswerte (neun Grosenordnungen) ermoglicht eine genauere Bestimmung der thermischen Aktivierungs-energien und der Arrhenius-Konstanten. Die an et = A exp ( – ΔE/kT) angepasten Meswerte ergeben (i) fur das Donatorzentrum: ΔE = ΔED — ΔEy = (405 ± 2) meV und A = (5,16 ± 0.55) × 1013 s−1 und (ii) fur das Akzeptorzentrum: ΔE = EC – EA = (593 ± 2) meV und A = (1,32 ± 0.11) × 1013 s−1.
Observation of triply coincident nonlinearities in periodically poled KTiOPO 4

We report the simultaneous quasi-phase-matching of all three possible nonlinearities for propagation along the X axis of periodically poled (PP) KTiOPO4 (KTP) for second-harmonic generation of 745 nm pulsed light from 1490 nm subpicosecond pulses in a PPKTP crystal with a 45.65??m poling period. This confirms the recent Sellmeier fits for KTP by Kato and Takaoka [Appl. Opt.41, 5040 (2002)] . Such coincident nonlinearities are of importance for realizing compact sources of multipartite continuous-variable entanglement [ Pfister et al., Phys. Rev. A70, 020302 (2004) ], and we propose a new simpler method for entangling four fields on the basis of this triple coincidence.
13C NMR assignment of protonated carbons in d‐type porphyrins

The 13C resonances for all protonated carbons have been observed and assigned for the free base esters derived from the following natural products: heme d, the prosthetic group of the bacterial cytochrome oxidase cytochrome d; heme d1, the prosthetic group of the dissimilatory nitrite reductase cytochrome cd1; and a stable form of sulfheme, the chemically modified prosthetic group from the degradation product of myoglobin known as sul-fmyoglobin. These partially saturated porphyrins have in common that a heteroatom or atoms has added to a pyrrolic carbon. 13C NMR spectra were obtained on limited amounts of naturally derived samples by proton-detected heteronuclear correlation spectroscopy.
Floquet theory: A useful tool for understanding nonequilibrium dynamics

Many ecological systems experience periodic variability. Theoretical investigation of population and community dynamics in periodic environments has been hampered by the lack of mathematical tools relative to equilibrium systems. Here, I describe one such mathematical tool that has been rarely used in the ecological literature but has widespread use: Floquet theory. Floquet theory is the study of the stability of linear periodic systems in continuous time. Floquet exponents/multipliers are analogous to the eigenvalues of Jacobian matrices of equilibrium points. In this paper, I describe the general theory, then give examples to illustrate some of its uses: it defines fitness of structured populations, it can be used for invasion criteria in models of competition, and it can test the stability of limit cycle solutions. I also provide computer code to calculate Floquet exponents and multipliers.
Acute corneal edema with subsequent thinning and hyperopic shift following selective laser trabeculoplasty

We report 4 cases of acute corneal edema with subsequent thinning and hyperopic shift following routine selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma. Four women from 3 clinical sites developed acute corneal edema and haze within 2 days of uneventful SLT. In the following weeks to months, all treated corneas thinned to below pre-procedure thicknesses with resultant hyperopic shifts of nearly 2.0 diopters (D) to greater than 6.0 D. All eyes were moderately to highly myopic prior to SLT (spherical equivalent from −5.00 to −12.5 D). The corrected distance visual acuity 6 to 11 months after SLT was within 2 Snellen lines of the pre-procedure acuity in all patients; 2 patients required contact lenses. Corneal edema with subsequent corneal thinning and resultant hyperopic shift is an uncommon but possibly underrecognized complication of SLT, the etiology of which remains unknown but may be associated with moderate to high myopia. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Kidney transplant complications from undiagnosed benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Background It is estimated that approximately 50% of males over 50 have benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). BPH is underappreciated in anuric patients with end stage renal disease, and failure of diagnosis in this population can lead to complications after kidney transplantation. Methods A single-center retrospective review of male patients over 50 yr of age transplanted from January 1, 2010, until September 30, 2013, was performed. Outcomes assessed were as follows: graft survival, urinary retention, discharge with Foley catheter, and urinary tract infection (UTI). Results Of 147 patients, 17.0% were diagnosed with BPH before transplant, 19.0% received a BPH diagnosis after transplant, and 64% did not have BPH. Compared to those without BPH, a post-transplant BPH diagnosis was associated with urinary retention during the transplant admission (0% vs. 46.4%, p < 0.01), discharge with Foley catheter (0% vs. 21.4%, p < 0.01), readmission related to urinary retention (0% vs. 46.4%, p < 0.01), and UTI (18.0% vs. 64.3%, p < 0.01). Patients with prior diagnosis of BPH and on therapy had similar outcomes to those without BPH. Conclusions Following kidney transplant, urinary tract complications are more common in patients with BPH; however, being on medical therapy prior to transplantation diminishes the incidence of these complications significantly.
Early childhood anemia and mild or moderate mental retardation

Background Previous studies questioned the link between early childhood anemia and detrimental child development. Objective A population-based study was conducted to examine the association between early childhood anemia and mild or moderate metal retardation at 10 y of age. Design The present study linked early childhood nutrition data collected by the Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and school records. Hemoglobin values were used to determine the relation between anemia in early life and children's placement in special education classes for mild or moderate mental retardation. Subjects were all participants in the WIC program. A computer program was used to link data from birth, WIC, and school records. Results Logistic regression showed an increased likelihood of mild or moderate mental retardation associated with anemia, independent of birth weight, maternal education, sex, race-ethnicity, the mother's age, or the child's age at entry into the WIC program. Conclusion These findings support the proposition that efforts to prevent mild and moderate mental retardation should include providing children with adequate nutrition during early childhood.
Grandmother Caregiver-in-Chief Continues the Tradition of African American Families

Grandmother caregiving in African American communities is a tradition used across social classes and circumstances of adult children and grandchildren. Yet, in the literature, it is viewed as a str...
Does quality improvement implementation affect hospital quality of care

The authors examined how the association between quality improvement (QI) implementation in hospitals and hospital clinical quality is moderated by hospital organizational and environmental context. The authors used Ordinary Least Squares regression analysis of 1,784 community hospitals to model seven quality indicators as a function of four measures of QI implementation and a variety of control variables. They found that forces that are external and internal to the hospital condition the impact of particular QI activities on quality indicators: specifically data use, statistical tool use, and organizational emphasis on Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI). Results supported the proposition that QI implementation is unlikely to improve quality of care in hospital settings without a commensurate fit with the financial, strategic, and market imperatives faced by the hospital.
Collaborative filtering for brain-computer interaction using transfer learning and active class selection.

Brain-computer interaction (BCI) and physiological computing are terms that refer to using processed neural or physiological signals to influence human interaction with computers, environment, and each other. A major challenge in developing these systems arises from the large individual differences typically seen in the neural/physiological responses. As a result, many researchers use individually-trained recognition algorithms to process this data. In order to minimize time, cost, and barriers to use, there is a need to minimize the amount of individual training data required, or equivalently, to increase the recognition accuracy without increasing the number of user-specific training samples. One promising method for achieving this is collaborative filtering, which combines training data from the individual subject with additional training data from other, similar subjects. This paper describes a successful application of a collaborative filtering approach intended for a BCI system. This approach is based on transfer learning (TL), active class selection (ACS), and a mean squared difference user-similarity heuristic. The resulting BCI system uses neural and physiological signals for automatic task difficulty recognition. TL improves the learning performance by combining a small number of user-specific training samples with a large number of auxiliary training samples from other similar subjects. ACS optimally selects the classes to generate user-specific training samples. Experimental results on 18 subjects, using both nearest neighbors and support vector machine classifiers, demonstrate that the proposed approach can significantly reduce the number of user-specific training data samples. This collaborative filtering approach will also be generalizable to handling individual differences in many other applications that involve human neural or physiological data, such as affective computing.
Path-Goal Leaders’ Behaviors and Subordinates’ Personalities: Resulting Subordinates’ Behaviors

The aim of the present study was to test the path-goal theory of leadership and analyze its relationship with expectancies and behavioral outcomes. In a sample of 230 pairs of supervisor and subord...
Updates on functions of ceramide in chemotherapy-induced cell death and in multidrug resistance.

The sphingolipid ceramide, a bioeffector lipid, is known to regulate anti-proliferative responses, such as apoptosis, growth arrest, differentiation and senescence in various human cancer cell lines. Previous studies have demonstrated that many anti-cancer agents cause elevation of endogenous ceramide levels generated via the de novo pathway and/or the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin, accompanied by apoptotic cell death in human cancer cells. It has also been shown that decreased levels of endogenous ceramide by over-expression of glucosylceramide synthase, which clears ceramide levels by incorporating it into glucosylceramide, results in the development of a multidrug resistant phenotype in cancer cells. These studies demonstrate that ceramide plays important roles in the response of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. The goal of this review is to provide an update on recent studies which shed new light into the roles of ceramide in chemotherapy-induced apoptosis and in multidrug resistance (MDR) in human cancer cells.
c-Myc and Cyclin D3 (CcnD3) Genes Are Independent Targets for Glucocorticoid Inhibition of Lymphoid Cell Proliferation

Glucocorticoids inhibit the expression of critical cell cycle-regulatory genes. The G1 cyclin gene CcnD3, which encodes cyclin D3, is inhibited by dexamethasone in P1798 murine T lymphoma cells. Glucocorticoids also inhibit expression of the catalytic partner of cyclin D3, Cdk4. Inhibition of these two genes results in a decrease in the ability to phosphorylate the Rb-1 tumor suppressor gene product. Stable transformation with SV40 T antigen expression vectors prevents glucocorticoid-mediated cell cycle arrest, which is consistent with the conclusion that glucocorticoids inhibit Rb-1 phosphorylation. Overexpression of cyclin D3 suffices to restore Rb-kinase activity in glucocorticoid-treated cells. Nevertheless, overexpression of cyclin D3 does not prevent glucocorticoid inhibition of cell proliferation. Cells transformed with Cdk4 expression vectors, with or without cyclin D3 expression vectors, also undergo G0 arrest in the presence of dexamethasone. Glucocorticoids inhibit c-Myc expression in lymphoid cells, and transient expression of c-Myc protein attenuates the lytic response in glucocorticoid-treated human leukemia cells (R. Thulasi, D. V. Harbour, and E. B. Thompson, J. Biol. Chem., 268: 18306-16312, 1993). However, P1798 cells stably transfected with c-Myc expression vectors are sensitive to glucocorticoid-mediated G0 arrest. Such transformants withdraw from the cell cycle when treated with dexamethasone. P1798 cells were transformed so as to express both c-Myc protein and cyclin D3 in the presence of glucocorticoids. These Myc/D3 cells continue to proliferate in the presence of dexamethasone, and virtually all of these cells are capable of entering S phase in the presence of the steroid. Rapid apoptotic cell death occurs when wild-type P1798 cells are treated with dexamethasone in serum-free medium. Myc-transformed and cyclin D3-transformed cells also die rapidly when treated with glucocorticoids in the absence of serum. T antigen transformants are resistant to glucocorticoid-mediated apoptosis in serum-free medium. Double transformants that express both cyclin D3 and c-Myc are also resistant to apoptosis in the presence of dexamethasone. We conclude that inhibition of both CcnD3 and c-Myc genes is critical to glucocorticoid-mediated G0 arrest. Furthermore, those genes that convey resistance to growth arrest also convey resistance to cell death.
Effect of radiation on the penetration of irinotecan in rat cerebrospinal fluid

Purpose Anticancer agents are useful for treating brain tumors, but sub therapeutic concentrations due to decreased blood–brain barrier (BBB) penetration limit their effectiveness. This study evaluated the effect of cranial radiation on the pharmacokinetics of irinotecan in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Hemodynamic responses to dobutamine during acute normovolemic hemodilution

The effects of dobutamine (DOB) on myocardial performance, systemic hemodynamics, and oxygen delivery during acute normovolemic hemodilution in anesthetized rats were studied. Forty-two Sprague Dawley rats (body weight 375 to 425 g) were divided into six equal groups. Hemodynamic and cardiac indices were measured or calculated at baseline, 30 minutes after the initiation of hemodilution (HD), and 15 minutes after DOB or saline infusion. Myocardial performance in response to acute pressure or volume loads was studied in all groups of animals. HD to a hematocrit (Hct) value of 20% resulted in no change in heart rate (HR), increased CI, SVI, and LV dP/dt, and decreased MAP, SVRI, and oxygen delivery index (O2DI). HD increased peak SV and CI after preload stress while the left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) was unchanged. Infusion of DOB as 7.5 or 15 micrograms/kg/min increased HR, CI, and LV dP/dt as well as LVDP. At the same time, DOB decreased MAP and SVR, whereas the SVI remained unchanged. In non-HD animals both doses of DOB increased LVDP, but only the larger dose increased CI, whereas peak SV decreased with the smaller dose. Arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) increased, whereas pH and arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) decreased; however, O2DI remained unchanged. Concomitant hemodilution and DOB infusion resulted in attenuation of HR response to DOB, exaggerated the drop in MAP and SVR, and increased LV dP/dt. Only the larger dose of DOB increased the CI, whereas neither dose could alter the SVI in HD animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Digital controller design for electronic ballasts with phase control

This work presents an approach for digital controller design and implementation in resonant inverters and electronic ballasts. The controller is designed around an inner phase loop for fast regulation of the resonant tank operating point and an outer current loop to control the output load current. The concept of direct digital phase control is reviewed, followed by a description of a complete dual-loop digital controller design. The controller is applied to an HID ballast control system with additional functions including lamp startup and output overvoltage protection. The digital system is described with Verilog coding and can be synthesized and implemented automatically in standard digital logic. An FPGA-based test bed for the digital controller is implemented for rapid prototyping, reprogrammability, and realistic hardware realization.
A long affair with renal tubules

This essay provides a summary of my professional activities. My interest in renal physiology started as a medical student in Vienna, when I became acquainted with Homer Smith's essays on kidney function. After moving to the United States in 1951, I was fortunate to be mentored by Robert Pitts, in whose Department of Physiology at Cornell Medical College in New York I was given early independence, intellectual stimulation, and the opportunity to pursue experiments on single renal tubules. The problem of how the nephron manages its myriad of transport functions has never lost its fascination for me, and I am profoundly grateful to the many colleagues at Cornell Medical College and at Yale University School of Medicine who shared my passion for the kidney.
On the (n, m, k)-cast capacity of wireless ad hoc networks

The capacity of wireless ad-hoc networks is analyzed for all kinds of information dissemination based on single and multiple packet reception schemes under the physical model. To represent the general information dissemination scheme, we use (n, m, k)-cast model [1] where n, to, and k (k ≤ m) are the number of nodes, destinations and closest destinations that actually receive packets from the source in each (n, m, k)-cast group, respectively. We first consider point-to-point communication, which implies single packet reception between transmitter-receiver pairs and compute the (n, m, k)-cast communications. Next, the achievable throughput capacity is computed when receiver nodes are endowed with multipacket reception (MPR) capability. We adopt maximum likelihood decoding (MLD) and successive interference cancellation as optimal and suboptimal decoding schemes for MPR. We also demonstrate that physical and protocol models for MPR render the same capacity when we utilize MLD for decoding.
Controlled mode tuning in 1-D ‘RIM’ plasmonic crystal trench cavities probed with coupled optical emitters

We present a design of plasmonic cavities that consists of two sets of 1-D plasmonic crystal reflectors on a plasmonic trench waveguide. A 'reverse image mold' (RIM) technique was developed to pattern high-resolution silver trenches and to embed emitters at the cavity field maximum, and FDTD simulations were performed to analyze the frequency response of the fabricated devices. Distinct cavity modes were observed from the photoluminescence spectra of the organic dye embedded within these cavities. The cavity geometry facilitates tuning of the modes through a change in cavity dimensions. Both the design and the fabrication technique presented could be extended to making trench waveguide-based plasmonic devices and circuits.
Mesopontine cholinergic projections to the hypoglossal motor nucleus

Mesopontine cholinergic (ACh) neurons have increased discharge during wakefulness, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, or both. Hypoglossal (12) motoneurons, which play an important role in the control of upper airway patency, are postsynaptically excited by stimulation of nicotinic receptors, whereas muscarinic receptors presynaptically inhibit inputs to 12 motoneurons. These data suggest that ACh contributes to sleep/wake-related changes in the activity of 12 motoneurons by acting within the hypoglossal motor nucleus (Mo12), but the origins of ACh projections to Mo12 are not well established. We used retrograde tracers to assess the projections of ACh neurons of the mesopontine pedinculopontine tegmental (PPT) and laterodorsal tegmental (LDT) nuclei to the Mo12. In six Sprague-Dawley rats, Fluorogold or B subunit of cholera toxin, were pressure injected (5-20 nl) into the Mo12. Retrogradely labeled neurons, identified as ACh using nitric oxide synthase (NOS) immunohistochemistry, were found bilaterally in discrete subregions of both PPT and LDT nuclei. Most retrogradely labeled PPT cells (96%) were located in the PPT pars compacta region adjacent to the ventrolateral tip of the superior cerebellar peduncle. In the LDT, retrogradely labeled neurons were located exclusively in its pars alpha region. Over twice as many ACh neurons projecting to the Mo12 were located in the PPT than LDT. The results demonstrate direct mesopontine ACh projections to the Mo12. These projections may contribute to the characteristic of wakefulness and REM sleep increases, as well as REM sleep-related decrements, of 12 motoneuronal activity.
Over Rehearsed A Cellist With Paget-Schroëtter

21-year-old black man presented with acute onset of rightarm and shoulder swelling with associated pain one dayafter performing 100 push-ups. He had been previously healthyand active with no significant past medical history. In particular,he had no antecedent history of shoulder trauma or deep venousthrombosis. He was right-handed and played the cello up to 6hours a day. Physical examination on admission was notable foredema involving the right upper arm, shoulder, and infraclavic-ular region. Abduction of the right arm was restricted because ofpain. Jugular venous pressure was not elevated. No dilatedsuperficial or collateral veins were seen on the anterior chestwall. No pulse or neurological deficits were noted in the rightarm at baseline or with attempts at Adson maneuver (neckextension, head away from affected side, and a deep breath).Duplex ultrasound of the right upper extremity revealed acutenonocclusive thrombus in a dilated axillary vein (Figure 1). Thevein walls were partially compressed with external transducerpressure, and spontaneous Doppler flow was minimal withdelayed augmentation on forearm compression. No cervical ribwas seen on chest x-ray, and computerized tomography angiog-raphy of the chest showed no pulmonary emboli. Prothromboticscreen was negative for activated protein-C resistance, pro-thrombingenemutationG20210A,proteinSandCdeficiencies,antithrombin III deficiency, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipinantibodies, and hyperhomocysteinemia.The patient was anticoagulated with intravenous unfrac-tionated heparin on admission. His symptoms and edemagradually lessened over the ensuing 4 days. Contrast venog-raphy was performed with the intent to perform catheter-directed thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, or both.Venography revealed patent right axillary and subclavianveins with no evidence of thrombus (Figure 2). Maturecollateral venous communications, however, were foundbetween the axillary and subclavian veins. An Adson maneu-ver performed during venography demonstrated dynamicobstruction of the axillary vein lateral to the thoracic inletwhile flow was still visualized through the venous collateralnetwork (Figure 3). The patient was discharged on oralanticoagulation therapy. Orthopedic opinion is pending forpossible musculoskeletal pathogenesis.Paget-Schroetter syndrome (effort-induced axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis) typically presents after vigorousactivity involving arm abduction, cervical extension, andshoulder depression, especially in the presence of a mechan-ical abnormality at the thoracic inlet where the vein iscompressed between a hypertrophied anterior scalene muscleor subclavius tendon and the first rib. It is postulated thatmicrotrauma to the venous vessel wall activates the coagula-
Virginia Department of Transportation Early Experience with Self-Consolidating Concrete

This paper summarizes the work conducted by the Virginia Department of Transportation on self-consolidating concrete (SCC). Initially, a laboratory study with locally available materials was conducted to develop and evaluate the properties of SCC, including flow, segregation, strength, permeability, resistance to cycles of freezing and thawing, and drying shrinkage. Studies at two precast plants followed. Then, one of the precast plants furnished SCC for an arch bridge. The other plant fabricated two bulb T-beams with SCC. Studies also were conducted with cast-in-place SCC. A structures pad at the FHWA Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, a median on I-64, and a column in Norfolk, Virginia, were constructed with SCC. The results show that SCC can be produced successfully and provide many benefits to transportation agencies and the construction industry.
A framework for integrated resource planning: the role of natural gas fired generation in New England

A decision-making framework, the Integrated Resource Planning framework, for electric power systems planning is discussed. A case study concerning the future role of natural gas in New England electric system is examined. The strength of the Integrated Resource Planning framework is that it does not rely on static one-time forecasts. Different perspectives on the relative value of competing attributes allow decision-makers to weigh and constructively discuss the tradeoffs associated with any one decision. An analysis of planning strategies for the electric power industry in New England shows that a strategy of diversified technology options and a large reserve margin both offer robust solutions to the problems raised by uncertainties in fuel prices and load growth. >
Review of current technologies for reduction of Salmonella populations on almonds.

After the 2001 and 2004 Salmonellosis outbreaks that were associated with raw almonds, ensuring the microbial safety of almonds by treating them to achieve a minimum 4-log reduction of Salmonella population became mandatory in California, the world’s largest almond producer. In this paper, we summarize potential pathways of microbial contamination during almond production and manufacturing. Furthermore, we review sanitization technologies, including chemical, thermal, and non-thermal methods, as well as proprietary systems with regard to microbial and sensory quality of almonds and compare various aspects of their use during almond processing.
A Panel Data Design for Estimation of Hospital Cost Functions

This paper estimates a multiple-output hospital cost function using a panel data technique that allows for correlation between unobservable individual effects and observable determinants of behavior. Analysis of 1733 facilities for the period of 1987–1991 yields estimates that differ widely from those obtained from a more standard cross-sectional procedure. While the latter method results in negative and stable measures of ray economies of scale, the panel model indicates positive economies of scale that fall slightly over time.
Viacom International, Inc., et al v. YouTube, Inc., et al.

On March 13, 2007, Viacom International, Inc. and its affiliates, Comedy Partners, Country Music Television, Inc., Paramount Pictures Corporation and Black Entertainment Television, LLC (collectively as “Viacom”), commenced an action for direct, contributory and vicarious copyright infringement and inducement of copyright infringement against YouTube, Inc., YouTube, LLC and Google, Inc. (collectively as “YouTube”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. This action was consolidated with a putative class action law suit, which was filed on May 4, 2007, for purposes of discovery. The most recent development in the case is an order from the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, which directed BayTSP, Inc (“BayTSP”) to produce records and documents related to its efforts in policing infringing material hosted by YouTube.
Microstructure and Fracture At the Cement Paste-Aggregate Interface

The mechanical behavior of concrete is thought to be affected by the microstructure of the paste-aggregate interface, which differs in several respects from the microstructure of bulk paste. General aspects of interfacial microstructure, which appear to be fairly well understood, are reviewed. Recent microstructural studies using backscattered electron imaging show that there is a zone along the interface (approximately 50 μm wide) within which there are generally few large unhydrated clinker grains, many large voids (greater than 5 μm), a generally porous microstructure, many hollow-shell hydration grains, and in some cases little calcium hydroxide. The tendency for cracks to develop or grow along the paste-aggregate interface is discussed in relation to specific features of the interfacial microstructure.
Immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of triptolide: A mini review.

Objective: Triptolide, the active component of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F has been used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions for over two hundred years in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the processes through which triptolide exerts immunosuppression and anti-inflammation are not understood well. In this review, we discuss the autoimmune disorders and inflammatory conditions that are currently treated with triptolide. Triptolide also possesses anti-tumorigenic effects. We discuss the toxicity of various triptolide derivatives and offer suggestions to improve its safety. This study also examines the clinical trials that have investigated the efficacy of triptolide. Our aim is to examine the mechanisms that are responsible for the immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects of triptolide. Materials and Methods: The present review provides a comprehensive summary of the literature with respect to the immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties of triptolide. Results: Triptolide possesses immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. Conclusion: Triptolide can be used alone or in combination with existing therapeutic modalities as novel treatments for autoimmune disorders, cancers, and for immunosuppression.
The Hopf algebra Rep $ U_{q} \widehat{\frak g \frak l}_\infty $

We define the Hopf algebra structure on the Grothendieck group of finite-dimensional polynomial representations of \( U_{q} \widehat{\frak g \frak l}_N \) in the limit \( N \to \infty \). The resulting Hopf algebra Rep \( U_{q} \widehat{\frak g \frak l}_\infty \) is a tensor product of its Hopf subalgebras \( \textrm{Rep}_{a} U_{q} \widehat{\frak g \frak l}_\infty \), \( a \in \mathbb{C}^\times/q^{2{\mathbb Z}} \). When q is generic (resp., q2 is a primitive root of unity of order l), we construct an isomorphism between the Hopf algebra \( \textrm{Rep}_{a} U_{q} \widehat{\frak g \frak l}_\infty \) and the algebra of regular functions on the prounipotent proalgebraic group \( \widetilde{SL}_{\infty}^{-} \) (resp., \( \widetilde{GL}_{l}^{-} \)). When q is a root of unity, this isomorphism identifies the Hopf subalgebra of \( \textrm{Rep}_{a} U_{q} \widehat{\frak g \frak l}_\infty \) spanned by the modules obtained by pullback with respect to the Frobenius homomorphism with the algebra generated by the coefficients of the determinant of an element of \( \widetilde{GL}_{l}^{-} \) considered as an \( l \times l \) matrix over the Taylor series. This gives us an explicit formula for the Frobenius pullbacks of the fundamental representations. In addition, we construct a natural action of the Hall algebra associated to the infinite linear quiver (resp., the cyclic quiver with l vertices) on \( \textrm{Rep}_{a} U_{q} \widehat{\frak g \frak l}_\infty \) and describe the span of tensor products of evaluation representations taken at fixed points as a module over this Hall algebra.
Who benefits from ethnic income redistribution

Abstract We know very little about who benefits from the distribution of ethnic income in different parts of the world. Although neoclassical and Marxian theories have come to opposite conclusions concerning who will gain from ethnic income changes, comparativists have largely ignored the question. This cross-cultural study examines the relative gains and losses among 10 pair-wise comparisons in five multiethnic countries. The results show some encouraging signs of interethnic equalization for 7 out of the 10 comparisons, but there are some disturbing reversals in the 1980s. In most cases the dispersion of gains within the upwardly mobile groups are skewed in favor of the richest income groups; however, there are cases where the dispersion of gains is relatively even between top and bottom income groups. Upper-income groups also prospered within the downwardly mobile groups. Thus, the evidence does not support either the Marxian contention that group progress is due to workers usurping the economic privileges of the rich, or the neoclassical position that ethnic equalization is inversely related to within group inequalities.