cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust Fluid Processing Networks

Fluid models provide a tractable and useful approach in approximating multiclass processing networks. However, they ignore the inherent stochasticity in arrival and service processes. To address this shortcoming, we develop a robust fluid approach to the control of processing networks. We provide insights into the mathematical structure, modeling power, tractability, and performance of the resulting model. Specifically, we show that the robust fluid model preserves the computational tractability of the classical fluid problem and retains its original structure. From the robust fluid model, we derive a (scheduling) policy that regulates how fluid from various classes is processed at the servers of the network. We present simulation results to compare the performance of our policies to several commonly used traditional methods. The results demonstrate that our robust fluid policies are near-optimal (when the optimal can be computed) and outperform policies obtained directly from the fluid model and heuristic alternatives (when it is computationally intractable to compute the optimal).
Jesus and politics in contemporary scholarship

Until recently, and for a variety of reasons, most historical Jesus scholarship has typically seen Jesus as essentially non-political. Recently, this has begun to change, to a large extent because of the fuller description of the social world of Jesus made possible by the use of interdisciplinary models and insights. Seen within the context of a social world described as a peasant, patriarchal and purity society, many of the Jesus traditions reflect both a sharp critique of society and advocacy of an alternative social vision. Jesus' action in the temple (including E P Sanders view of it) is treated as a case study of the difference made by an interdisciplinary understanding of the social context of Jesus' public activity.
Blockers of NMDA receptors restore paired-pulse inhibition in the rat dentate gyrus lesioned by perforant path stimulation

Abstract The `dormant basket cell' hypothesis postulates, that after status epilepticus, inhibitory interneurons in the hippocampus are deafferented from their excitatory inputs. We provide evidence for active suppression of hippocampal inhibition. Status epilepticus-like perforant path stimulation induced loss of interneurons and loss of inhibition in the rat dentate gyrus. This loss was transiently reversed by antagonists acting at three different sites of the N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Intrahippocampal administration of γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonists, which were expected to increase inhibition, resulted in the opposite effect. Although the substrate for the observed effects of pharmacological agents cannot be certainly confined to the `dormant' basket cell, they suggest the expression of hippocampal circuits that actively suppress inhibition through an NMDA synapse.
Non-Iterative Reinforced Concrete Design Methodology for Combined Axial Force and Bending Moment

This paper presents a non-iterative reinforced concrete design methodology that can be used to design structural components such as beam-columns, walls and slabs of reinforced concrete structures subjected to combined axial force and bending moment. The paper demonstrates that the required reinforcing area of a demand point (paired axial force and bending moment) on the interaction diagram can be accurately computed by 1) constructing two non-dimensionalized capacity curves approximated by a combination of polygon segments that are expected to bound all possible design cases including the demand point, 2) dividing the area enclosed by the lower- and upper-bound capacity segments into several four-sided capacity polygons, 3) locating a capacity polygon where the demand point is located and identifying associated lower- and upper-bound capacity segments, 4) identifying a capacity segment that passes through the demand point by linear interpolation from the given two bounding segments, and finally 5) determining the required reinforcing area for the demand point by linear interpolation between the minimum and maximum reinforcing ratios associated with the pre-defined lower- and upper-bound capacity segments, respectively. This essentially eliminates a cumbersome need to perform iterative trial and error solutions to obtain the required reinforcing area for the combined axial force and moment concrete design. Illustrative design examples per ACI 349 and ACI 359 are presented within the paper.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Increased phosphorylation of myosin light chain kinase after an increase in cyclic AMP in intact smooth muscle

The role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate-mediated phosphorylation of myosin light chain kinase in relaxing smooth muscle was examined. The kinase was immunoprecipitated from tissue extracts and the phosphate content was determined. The addition of forskolin to resting or methacholine-contracted muscles resulted in an increase in myosin light chain kinase phosphorylation of myosin light chain kinase is one of the reactions in the process by which cyclic adenosine monophosphate causes relaxation of smooth muscle.
Modulation of cortical activity in response to visually induced postural perturbation: combined VR and EEG study.

Abstract There is evidence from EEG studies that unexpected perturbations to standing posture induce a differential modulation of cortical activity compared to self-initiated and/or predictable conditions. However, the neural correlates of whole body postural response to visually induced perturbations on standing posture have not been examined. Here we employ a novel experimental paradigm via combined virtual reality (VR) and EEG measures to examine the effects of visually induced perturbations on the dynamics of postural responses. Twelve Penn State student-athletes without prior history of neurologic disorders and/or orthopaedic injuries participated in this study. There were no differences in response/reaction time measures between both spatially and temporally unpredictable and fully predictable conditions ( p > .05). However, significantly stronger modulation of frontal–central EEG theta activity was present prior to onset of unpredictable postural perturbations ( p theta in unpredictable conditions reflects increased effort to recruit additional brain resources to meet the demands of the postural tasks.
An oncofetal 60-kilodalton protein in the plasma of tumor-bearing and carcinogen-treated rats

A Mr 60,000 protein, detected by its ability to induce the release of RNA from isolated nuclei, is present in the plasma of tumor-bearing and carcinogen-treated rats, together with low amounts of 2 messenger RNA transport proteins identified earlier in normal cells. The Mr 60,000 protein has been identified in tumor cell cytoplasm and in amniotic fluid, but does not appear to cross the placental barrier. Significant amounts of the Mr 60,000 oncofetal protein appear in the plasma of carcinogen-treated rats within a few weeks of treatment. It may be the fetal form of the adult messenger RNA transport proteins.
The development of lexical fluency in a second language

A goal of second language (L2) learning is to enable learners to understand and speak L2 words without mediation through the first language (L1). However, psycholinguistic research suggests that lexical candidates are routinely activated in L1 when words in L2 are processed. In this article we describe two experiments that examined the acquisition of L2 lexical fluency. In Experiment 1, two groups of native English speakers, one more and one less fluent in French as their L2, performed word naming and translation tasks. Learners were slower and more error prone to name and to translate words into L2 than more fluent bilinguals. However, there was also an asymmetry in translation performance such that forward translation was slower than backward translation. Learners were also slower than fluent bilinguals to name words in English, the L1 of both groups. In Experiment 2, we compared the performance of native English speakers at early stages of learning French or Spanish to the performance of fluent bilingu...
Stroke and sickle cell disease

Abstract Sickle cell disease has evolved from an illness of abnormal red blood cells to a multisystemic molecular disease. It attacks at an early age, with stroke being one of the most feared complications. Sickle hemoglobinopathy is inherited in a Mendelian fashion, with a 25% chance of inheriting the disease if both parents are heterozygous. The polymerization of red blood cells in harsher environments, such as hypoxia, acidosis, or dehydration, is the basic change that can promote subsequent systemic diseased states. Stroke in sickle cell patients is fairly common, with an incidence ranging between 4% and 8%. The most common stroke is ischemic, but hemorrhagic stroke can be seen in up to 2% of patients, particularly in early adulthood. Several risk factors increase the likelihood for stroke. Evaluating the middle cerebral and internal carotid arteries with transcranial Doppler has emerged as a very accessible marker of stroke risk (using time-averaged mean velocities above 200 cm/sec). Stroke presentation follows usual clinical patterns, but it can be confused in the presence of other illnesses such as pain crises or pain treatments. Clinical diagnosis relies on many of the usual modalities used in stroke evaluation, with particular importance for those that allow full-vessel visualization (magnetic resonance angiography, angiography). The pathophysiology of endothelial proliferation manifests itself in both small and large vessels. Other hematologic abnormalities, perhaps with hypercoagulable states, might compound the risk of stroke. Intracranial hemorrhage etiology may occur, especially in older patients. The landmark STOP trial has established periodic transfusion as a clear primary prevention method to reduce the incidence of stroke in patients at risk. There are still many unanswered questions, but this first century of sickle cell disease knowledge has brought hope for a long-term cure of this life-threatening disease.
General Amyloid Inhibitors? A Critical Examination of the Inhibition of IAPP Amyloid Formation by Inositol Stereoisomers

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP or amylin) forms amyloid deposits in the islets of Langerhans; a process that is believed to contribute to the progression of type 2 diabetes and to the failure of islet transplants. An emerging theme in amyloid research is the hypothesis that the toxic species produced during amyloid formation by different polypeptides share common features and exert their effects by common mechanisms. If correct, this suggests that inhibitors of amyloid formation by one polypeptide might be effective against other amyloidogenic sequences. IAPP and Aβ, the peptide responsible for amyloid formation in Alzheimer's disease, are particularly interesting in this regard as they are both natively unfolded in their monomeric states and share some common characteristics. Comparatively little effort has been expended on the design of IAPP amyloid inhibitors, thus it is natural to inquire if Aβ inhibitors are effective against IAPP, especially since no IAPP inhibitors have been clinically approved. A range of compounds inhibit Aβ amyloid formation, including various stereoisomers of inositol. Myo-, scyllo-, and epi-inositol have been shown to induce conformational changes in Aβ and prevent Aβ amyloid fibril formation by stabilizing non-fibrillar β-sheet structures. We investigate the ability of inositol stereoisomers to inhibit amyloid formation by IAPP. The compounds do not induce a conformational change in IAPP and are ineffective inhibitors of IAPP amyloid formation, although some do lead to modest apparent changes in IAPP amyloid fibril morphology. Thus not all classes of Aβ inhibitors are effective against IAPP. This work provides a basis of comparison to work on polyphenol based inhibitors of IAPP amyloid formation and helps provide clues as to the features which render them effective. The study also helps provide information for further efforts in rational inhibitor design.
Open-pollinated, interspecific F1 hybrid seed orchards of Leucaena: I. Rootstock effects

Seed orchards of Leucaena were established at two experimental sites in Hawaii to produce either triploid or tetraploid interspecific hybrid seed by interplanting clonal self incompatible diploid (L. diversifolia, L. esculenta) or tetraploid (L. pallida) species with self- compatible L. leucocephala lines and the F1 hybrid of L. diversifolia (2n = 4x) × L. leucocephala. The seed parents were grafted onto three seedling rootstocks (L. diversifolia (2n = 4x), shrubby L. leucocephala, and giant L. leucocephala) to compare rootstock effects on scion growth. This paper reports on the effects of rootstock on scion growth during the first year based on total truck cross sectional area, height growth, and crown habit. In the triploid seed orchard, rootstock significantly affected the growth of four of the six clones, while in the tetraploid orchard the growth of two of the five clones was significantly affected by rootstock. Crown habit was independent of rootstock. Our study suggests that rootstock effects depend on the specific scion and rootstock combination, and site.
Coupling chemical weathering with soil production across soil-mantled landscapes

Soil-covered upland landscapes constitute a critical part of the habitable world. Our understanding of how they evolve as a function of different climatic, tectonic and geological regimes is important across a wide range of disciplines and depends, in part, on understanding the links between chemical and physical weathering processes. Extensive previous work has shown that soil production rates decrease with increasing soil column thickness, but chemical weathering rates were not measured. Here we examine a granitic, soil-mantled hillslope at Point Reyes, California, where soil production rates were determined using in situ produced cosmogenic nuclides (10Be and 26Al), and we quantify the extent as well as the rates of chemical weathering of the saprolite from beneath soil from across the landscape. We collected saprolite samples from the base of soil pits and analysed them for abrasion pH as well as for major and trace elements by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and for clay mineralogy by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. Our results show for the first time that chemical weathering rates decrease with increasing soil thickness and account for 13 to 51 per cent of total denudation. We also show that spatial variation in chemical weathering appears to be topographically controlled: weathering rate decreases with slope across the divergent ridge and increases with upslope contributing area in the convergent swale. Furthermore, to determine the best measure for the extent of saprolite weathering, we compared four different chemical weathering indices – the Vogt ratio, the chemical index of alteration (CIA), Parker's index, and the silicon–aluminium ratio – with saprolite pH. Measurements of the CIA were the most closely correlated with saprolite pH, showing that weathering intensity decreases linearly with an increase in saprolite pH from 4·7 to almost 7. Data presented here are among the first to couple directly rates of soil production and chemical weathering with how topography is likely to control weathering at a hillslope scale. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and Optimization of a Tubular Linear Electromagnetic Vibration Energy Harvester

This paper presents the design and optimization of tubular linear electromagnetic transducers (LETs) for the applications of large-scale vibration energy harvesting from vehicle suspensions, tall buildings, or long-span bridges. The LETs are composed of magnet and coil assemblies, which convert the vibration energy into electricity when moving relatively with each other. The parameters of the LETs, such as the thickness of the magnets in the axial direction and the thickness of the coils in the radial direction, are optimized using finite-element method to achieve high power density and damping density. Four LETs with different configurations namely, single-layer axial magnets and steel spacers, double-layer axial magnets and steel spacers, single-layer axial and radial magnets, double-layer axial and radial magnets are investigated for further improvement. It is found that the parameter optimization can increase the power density [W/m 3] of LETs to 3.8 times compared with the initial design by Zuo and coworkers, and the double-layer configuration with both radial and axial magnets can improve the power density up to 5.6 times, approaching to the energy dissipation rate of traditional oil dampers. A prototype using off-shelf axial NdFeB magnet is built and tested on a vibration shaker. The experiment results show that the prototype of 63.5 mm ( 2.5'') outer diameter and 305 mm (12 in) compressed length can harvest 2.8 W power at 0.11 m/s relative velocity and provide a damping coefficient of 940 N·s/m. It is estimated that average 26-33 W electrical power and 1680-2142 N·s/m damping coefficient can be achieved at 0.25 m/s root-mean-square velocity for different LETs of 3'' outer diameter and 12'' compressed length.
Multi-scale Experimentation and Numerical Modeling for Process Understanding of CO2 Attenuation in the shallow subsurface

Abstract The goal of this study is to quantify the effects of geologic heterogeneity on the dynamic process of CO 2 attenuation in shallow aquifers through the use of multi-scale laboratory experimentation and numerical modelling. First, an experiment was conducted in an intermediate scale two-dimensional cell that was packed with water-saturated porous media in a simple heterogeneous configuration. Constant-head boundary conditions were applied to the system, and then CO 2 -saturated water was injected through it. As the CO 2 -saturated water migrated through the system, gas phase CO 2 evolved within the porous media, as observed by dielectric saturation sensors. The outflow of CO 2 gas from the top of the system was monitored by a gas flow meter, and the outflow of water from the side of the tank was monitored via collection into a container that was placed on a computer-interfaced scale. After the multiphase CO 2 evolution appeared to have reached steady state, clean water was injected through the cell until all of the CO 2 was expelled from the system. In addition to the experiments, numerical models were performed using the Finite Element Heat and Mass transfer (FEHM) code as a first step toward planning larger scale experiments. Results indicate that the presence of geologic heterogeneity, which is ubiquitous in natural environments, can significantly hinder the migration of CO 2 in the shallow subsurface.
Management of Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis

Patients with atherosclerotic asymptomatic carotid artery disease are at a heightened risk of major adverse cardiovascular events including ischemic stroke. Intensive risk factor modification, including lifestyle interventions and the use of evidence based medical therapies, reduces the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in this population. Carefully selected patients with severe asymptomatic carotid stenosis may benefit from carotid endarterectomy or stenting. Patient and lesion characteristics may help to carefully select patients most likely to benefit from revascularization. Emerging therapies, including novel lipid lowering therapies, anti-platelet therapies, and anti-coagulant therapies, may further reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with stable atherosclerotic disease. The most important aspect of the management of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis is reducing the overall cardiovascular risk of the patient.
Biplane Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of Patent Foramen Ovale

Patent foramen ovale is associated with unexplained systemic embolic events or persistent hypoxemia. The diagnosis of a patient foramen ovale is based on the existence of an interatrial right-to-left shunt. Biplane transesophageal echocardiography with its increased ability to provide accurate anatomic detail may allow the visualization of the actual opening of the patent foramen ovale. In 19 patients with transesophageal positive contrast studies, we assessed the value of the vertical versus the horizontal plane in the diagnosis of a patent foramen ovale. The patent foramen ovale opening could be seen and sized in the vertical plane in 10 studies (53%). In none of these 10 cases was the opening seen also in the horizontal plane. We conclude that in a significant number of cases, biplane transesophageal echocardiography adds morphological detail to the diagnosis of patent foramen ovale. The ability to size the actual opening may have therapeutic implications.
First-Principles Calculation of pKa Values for Organic Acids in Nonaqueous Solution

Electronic structure theory, mainly the density functional theory (DFT), is applied to calculate the pKa values for a variety of organic acids in several nonaqueous solvents: namely DMSO, MeCN, and THF. Following the supermolecule approach the solute molecule, together with a few solvent molecules in close proximity, is treated explicitly by the electronic structure theory, and the remaining solvent environment is approximated by using a standard dielectric continuum model. It is found that in most cases including only one explicit solvent molecule gives satisfactory results for pKa estimations. Next, the equilibrium position free energy difference is calculated between a reference acid−base pair whose pKa is known experimentally and the acid−base pair whose pKa is to be determined theoretically. This bypasses the step of treating the solvated proton that most of the current theories have difficulty with and, to a large extent, induces favorable error cancelations in the final theoretical results. Accurat...
Enhancement of sialyltransferase in two melanoma cell lines that are growth-inhibited by retinoic acid results in increased sialylation of different cell-surface glycoproteins☆

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated the ability of retinoic acid (RA) to inhibit the growth of two spontaneous murine melanoma cell lines (B16-F1 and S91-C2) and to augment both sialyltransferase activity and the sialylation of an M r 160,000 cell-surface glycoprotein. The present study examined the effects of RA on an ultraviolet irradiation-induced murine melanoma cell line K-1735P. Like the two spontaneous melanomas, the uv-induced melanoma exhibited susceptibility to the growth-inhibitory action of RA. Both the anchorage-dependent and the anchorage-independent growths of the K-1735P cells were suppressed by RA, with IC 50 values of 5 × 10 −9 and 3 × 10 −12 M , respectively. Sialyltransferase activity in both S91-C2 and K-1735P cells treated with 10 −6 or 10 −5 M RA increased two- and three-fold, respectively, as compared with untreated cells. In contrast, cell-surface sialo- and galactoglycoproteins, revealed by labeling with periodate and tritiated borohydrate or with neuraminidase, galactose oxidase, and tritiated borohydrate, respectively, varied between the S91-C2 and the K-1735P cells, and each cell line's modulation by RA was also distinct. These findings suggest that although RA can increase the activity of sialyltransferase in different melanoma cells, this increased activity may, in turn, result in an increased sialylation of distinct cell-surface glycoproteins
Factors affecting signature propagation through intense forward-scattering atmospheres

Methods are examined for modeling signature propagation through optically dense atmospheres accounting for both direct signal attenuation, isotropic scattering, and strong forward (multiple) scattering considering both existing analytical approaches and numerical Monte Carlo photon transport simulations. Examples are given for the case of upward propagation through plane layers in the form of angular distribution functions, based on a point source of light, from which one can determine an atmospheric modulation transfer function (MTF) widely used in simulating the effects of obscurants in imaging systems performance models. Methods can also be used to estimate correction factors for compensating errors in transmission measurements due to multiple forward scattering into the sensor field of view. Results suggest that even at large optical thicknesses where the directly transmitted signal is minimal, there is enough spatial contrast in the diffuse signal to make point sources detectable. However the major effect is on the broadening of the received signal which for the case of isotropic scattering yielded values on the order of 5-10 m for the width of the point spread function (PSF) for a sensor field of view of 100 milliradians. For more intense forward scattering the relative signal strength is increased and the PSF widths are decreased.
Quantitative nutritional studies with water-soluble, chemically defined diets. VII. Nitrogen balance in normal and tumor-bearing rats following forced feeding.

Abstract Water-soluble, chemically defined diets were prepared and force-fed to normal rats in amounts predetermined to produce no appreciable loss or gain of weight. When the Walker tumor was implanted in such animals and allowed to grow, and the forced feeding continued, the tumor-bearing animals gained greatly in weight, this gain being due practically entirely to the tumor. Although the carcass weight did not change appreciably, there was a loss of nitrogen which could only be accounted for by translocation of nitrogen from the carcass to the tumor. Otherwise adequate, nitrogen-free, water-soluble diets when force-fed produced nearly equal losses in body weight of normal rats and of the carcasses of tumor-bearing animals, and nearly equal excretion of nitrogen; the continued growth of the tumors in such animals together with the loss of nitrogen from the carcasses suggests that the tumor growth was based on nitrogen translocated from the carcass.
On the incompatibility of connectivity and local pooling in Erdős-Rényi Graphs

For a wireless communications network, Local Pooling (LoP) is a desirable property due to its sufficiency for the optimality of low-complexity greedy scheduling techniques. However, LoP in network graphs with a primary interference model enforces an edge sparsity that may be prohibitive to other desirable properties in wireless networks, such as connectivity. In this paper, we investigate the impact of the edge density on both LoP and the size of the largest component under the primary interference model, as the number of nodes in the network grows large. For Erdos-Renyi graphs, we employ threshold functions to establish critical values for the edge probability necessary for these properties to hold. These thresholds demonstrate that LoP and connectivity (or even the presence of a giant component) cannot both hold asymptotically for a large class of edge probability functions. A similar incompatibility for random geometric graphs is suggested by our simulation results.
Compact laser sources for laser designation, ranging and active imaging

Recent advances in compact solid sate lasers for laser designation, eye-safe range finding and active imaging are described. Wide temperature operation of a compact Nd:YAG laser was achieved by end pumping and the use of multi-λ diode stacks. Such lasers enabled construction of fully operational 4.7 lb laser designator prototypes generating over 50 mJ at 10-20 Hz PRF. Output pulse energy in excess of 100 mJ was demonstrated in a breadboard version of the end-pumped laser. Eye-safe 1.5 µm lasers based on flash-pumped, low PRF, Monoblock lasers have enabled compact STORM laser range finders that have recently been put into production. To achieve higher optical and electrical efficiency needed for higher PRF operation, Monoblock lasers were end-pumped by a laser diode stack. Laser diode end-pumped Monoblock lasers were operated at 10-20 Hz PRF over a wide temperature range (-20 to +50 o C). Compared with bulk compact solid state lasers, fiber lasers are characterized by lower pulse energy, higher PRF’s, shorter pulses and higher electrical efficiency. An example of fiber lasers suitable for LIDAR, and atmospheric measurement applications is described. Eye-safe, low intensity diode pumped solid state green warning laser developed for US Army checkpoint and convoy applications is also described.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of a fluorine-18-labeled nonsteroidal androgen receptor antagonist, N-(3-[18F]fluoro-4-nitronaphthyl)-cis-5-norbornene-endo-2,3-dicarboxylic imide

Abstract Introduction Androgen receptor (AR), which is overexpressed in most prostate cancers, is the target of androgen ablation and antiandrogen therapies: it is also the target for the receptor-mediated imaging of AR-positive prostate cancer using radiolabeled ligands. Previous AR imaging agents were based on a steroidal core labeled with fluorine. To develop a novel class of nonsteroidal imaging agents, with binding and pharmacological characteristics that are more similar to those of clinically used AR antagonists, we synthesized N -(3-fluoro-4-nitronaphthyl)- cis -5-norbornene-endo-2,3-dicarboxylic imide (3-F-NNDI), an analog of recently reported AR antagonist ligands. Methods 3-F-NNDI was synthesized in six steps starting with 1-nitronaphthalene, with fluorine incorporation as the final step. The labeling of 3-F-NNDI with fluorine-18 was achieved through a novel, extremely mild, S N Ar displacement reaction of an o -nitro-activated arene trimethylammonium salt, and 3-[ 18 F]F-NNDI was prepared in high specific activity. Results and Discussion 3-F-NNDI was found to have an AR-binding affinity similar to that of its parent compound. In vitro assays demonstrated high stability of the labeled compound under physiological conditions in buffer and in the blood. Androgen target tissue uptake in diethylstilbestrol-pretreated male rats, however, was minimal, probably because of extensive metabolic defluorination the radiolabeled ligand. Conclusions This study is part of our first look at a novel class of nonsteroidal AR antagonists as positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents that are alternatives to steroidal AR agonist-based imaging agents. Although 3-[ 18 F]F-NNDI has significant affinity for AR, it showed limited promise as a PET imaging agent because of its poor target tissue distribution properties.
Measurement of Ultrasonic Attenuation Coefficient of Mud

Ultrasonic attenuation coefficient of media phase is an important parameter in process tomography by amplitude method. At normal temperature (25°C), the experiment adopts continuous pulse string with the frequency of 0.5 MHz to measure ultrasonic attenuation coefficient of mud (average particle size about 300µm; water content 17%; mud-sand ratio 1:9). By the formula α= (1 / Z) 20lg (P0 / PZ), the attenuation coefficient of mud is calculated to be about 4.26×10-1dBcm – 1.
Lipid composition of liver microsomes from rats treated with acetone

The metabolism of certain compounds by rat hepatic microsomal preparations obtained from acetone-treated rats is greater than that measured in microsomes obtained from control rats. Since the lipid composition of membranes can significantly influence metabolism catalyzed by membrane-bound enzymes, studies were conducted in order to determine whether acetone-induced alterations in microsomal metabolism are associated with changes in the lipid composition of these membranes. Phospholipid and cholesterol concentrations were measured in extracts of rat liver microsomes obtained from rats treated with acetone, sodium phenobarbital, or vehicle. Acetone treatment did not alter the phospholipid and cholesterol content of the microsomes, whereas sodium phenobarbital (positive control) caused a significant decrease in cholesterol content/mg microsomal protein. These data indicate that acetone-induced alterations in microsomal metabolism may not be attributed to changes in the phospholipid and cholesterol content of the microsomes.
Sound generation by shock-vortex interaction.

dynamic interaction between a secondary slot jet and a supersonic primary stream. Data on flow geometry and specific impulse ratio have been successfully correlated at constant freestream Mach number and Reynolds number. Data on specific impulse ratios from four sources have been shown to correlate fairly well, even though a wide range in Mach number, Reynolds number, and plate geometry is represented in the data. Further data are required to test the usefulness and validity of the proposed correlation parameter, particularly with respect to the variables Mj, 7.,-, and 700, which were constant in all the data shown here.
Using Bowen Theory to Enhance Understanding of the Intergenerational Transmission of Dating Violence

This study used Bowen theory to broaden our understanding of the intergenerational transmission of dating violence. A sample of single, never-married college students completed measures of violence perpetrated or received in their dating relationships, and measures of childhood violence and differentiation of self (a central component of Bowen theory). Using structural equation modeling, three models were compared: family-of-origin violence and current violence; differentiation levels (self and couple) and current violence; and then all variables combined. In the final model, couple differentiation accounted for the most variance in dating violence when controlling for family-of-origin violence. Furthermore, couple differentiation partially mediated the relationship between being the victim of parent-to-child violence and having low levels of differentiation and being a perpetrator or victim of dating violence. Findings support the notion that Bowen's theory of intergenerational transmission adds to our u...
A method towards face recognition

This paper proposes and analyses the pyramidal Gabor eigenface (PGE) algorithm for face recognition. It can be realised directly in the spatial domain by using one-dimensional (1D) filter masks to extract the Gabor facial features. This is in contrast to the two-dimensional (2D) Fourier implementation that must be applied in both frequency and spatial domains in the general 2D Gabor-based facial feature extraction methods. Eigenface decomposition is then used to further reduce the redundancy of these face features. Because, Gabor features are characterised by strong spatial locality with scale and orientation selectivity, they can cope with variation problems due to illumination, facial expression change and orientation. Eigenface cannot handle such variations. The analysis of the algorithm and the experimental results using AT&T (formally Olivetti) face database show that the cost of the algorithm and the number of Gabor features in the PGE algorithm are significantly lower than the ones in the classic 2D Gabor wavelet-based methods and have better recognition results.
Statistical mechanics of networks: Estimation and uncertainty

Abstract Exponential random graph models (ERGMs) are powerful tools for formulating theoretical models of network generation or learning the properties of empirical networks. They can be used to construct models that exactly reproduce network properties of interest. However, tuning these models correctly requires computationally intractable maximization of the probability of a network of interest—maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). We discuss methods of approximate MLE and show that, though promising, simulation based methods pose difficulties in application because it is not known how much simulation is required. An alternative to simulation methods, maximum pseudolikelihood estimation (MPLE), is deterministic and has known asymptotic properties, but standard methods of assessing uncertainty with MPLE perform poorly. We introduce a resampling method that greatly outperforms the standard approach to characterizing uncertainty with MPLE. We also introduce ERGMs for dynamic networks—temporal ERGM (TERGM). In an application to modeling cosponsorship networks in the United States Senate, we show how recently proposed methods for dynamic network modeling can be integrated into the TERGM framework, and how our resampling method can be used to characterize uncertainty about network dynamics.
Analysis of the organizational characteristics related to tight budget goals

Abstract. This study extends our knowledge of the role of budgets in complex organizations. Using survey methods with a sample of Canadian firms, the analysis examines the relationship between tight budget goals and firm performance. Additionally, the effects of business strategy and internal structural characteristics are considered. Statistical tests suggest that tight budget goals are positively related to firm performance, and that business strategy and internal organizational conditions are associated with tightness in budget goals. Resume. L'auteur ajoute a notre connaissance du role des budgets dans les organisations complexes. A l'aide de methodes d'analyse appliquees a un echantillon d'entreprises canadiennes, il etudie la relation entre les objectifs budgetaires rigoureux et la performance de l'entreprise. Il se penche en outre sur les consequences de la strategie commerciale et des caracteristiques structurales internes de l'entreprise. Les tests statistiques donnent a penser que les objectifs budgetaires rigoureux affichent une relation positive avec la performance de l'entreprise, et que la strategie commerciale et la structure organisationnelle interne sont liees a la rigueur des objectifs budgetaires.
DNMT3A mutational analysis in primary myelofibrosis, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and advanced phases of myeloproliferative neoplasms

DNMT3A mutational analysis in primary myelofibrosis, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and advanced phases of myeloproliferative neoplasms
p53 Nuclear Accumulation and Bcl-2 Expression in Contiguous Adenomatous Components of Colorectal Adenocarcinomas Predict Aggressive Tumor Behavior

For subsets of colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) patients, nuclear accumulation of p53 (p53nac) and Bcl-2 expression are prognostic indicators. To understand their role in the progression of CRC we evaluated 90 CRCs and their contiguous adenomatous components (CAdCs) for immunohistochemical expression of these markers. In general, p53nac and Bcl-2 expression was significantly increased when comparing normal colonic epithelia to CAdCs and CRCs. Thirteen (14%) CAdCs that demonstrated p53nac continued to express p53nac in their contiguous CRCs. A similar trend was observed in Bcl-2 expression in that the majority of CAdCs expressing Bcl-2 continued to express it in their matching CRCs (39/44). Patients whose CAdCs and their contiguous CRCs demonstrate p53nac had shorter median survival (35.9 months) than those patients whose CAdCs and CRCs did not (80.56 months). However, patients whose CAdCs had p53nac and lacked Bcl-2 expression had the lowest median survival (15.74 months) when compared with patients whose CAdCs did not demonstrate p53nac but had increased expression of Bcl-2 (71.77 months). These findings suggest that in those adenomas that demonstrate p53nac but lack Bcl-2 expression, their contiguous CRCs are more likely to be aggressive as they progress. (J Histochem Cytochem 56:305–312, 2008)
A study of patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital after pelvic operations.

Abstract Of 203 women admitted to the Syracuse Psychiatric Hospital in 1958, there were 9 in whom a pelvic operation was seemingly a precipitating factor for the psychiatric disorder. This was in sharp contrast to the number of women admitted following operations of all other kinds (5 patients). In 8 of the 9 cases, admission to a psychiatric hospital occurred between 2 weeks and 5 months postoperatively. The most common clinical picture was that of an agitated depression (7 patients). There was a remarkable consistency in the belief that the removal of the uterus and ovaries meant the end of all sexual life, at least in a feeling way. It was as though the loss of these organs was pictured as having an effect similar to that of the removal of the penis and testicles. The loss of the ability to bear children may produce profound psychological reactions whether or not children are consciously desired. The ability to have children, even if it is never used, is of significance in the self-image of a woman. The removal of the uterus and adnexa, because of their meanings in terms of sexual and childbearing functions, may profoundly affect the feelings of womanliness which are so crucial to the self-image. This would most likely lead to profound psychiatric disorders in those patients who have been least secure in this respect, and who, for one reason or another, are unable to mobilize adequate defenses. These factors would seem to account for the high incidence of adverse reactions to pelvic operations.
Sexually dimorphic gene expression in the developing mouse gonad.

Abstract Over the course of a few days, the bipotential embryonic mouse gonad differentiates into either a testis or an ovary. Though a few gene expression differences that underlie gonadal sex differentiation have been identified, additional components of the testicular and ovarian developmental pathways must be identified to understand this process. Here we report the use of a PCR-based cDNA subtraction to investigate expression differences that arise during gonadal sex differentiation. Subtraction of embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) XY gonadal cDNA with E12.5 XX gonadal cDNA yielded 19 genes that are expressed at significantly higher levels in XY gonads. These genes display a variety of expression patterns within the embryonic testis and encode a broad range of proteins. A reciprocal subtraction (of E12.5 XX gonadal cDNA with E12.5 XY gonadal cDNA) yielded two genes, follistatin and Adamts19 , that are expressed at higher levels in XX gonads. Follistatin is a well-known antagonist of TGFβ family members while Adamts19 encodes a new member of the ADAMTS family of secreted metalloproteases.
Prenatal chromosomal microarray analysis: a survey of prenatal genetic counselors' experiences and attitudes

Objective Studies showing the efficacy and accuracy of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in prenatal diagnosis may position it as a first-tier prenatal test. This study seeks to characterize the practices and attitudes of North American prenatal genetic counselors regarding CMA. Method Genetic counselors (N = 196) in Canada and the USA responded to an anonymous online survey. Completed surveys were analyzed (n = 160). Results Most respondents viewed CMA as useful (73%), presented CMA to patients (84%), and had ordered CMA at least once (69%). The use of full versus targeted arrays varied. Logistic regression analyses identified three significant predictors for the view that prenatal CMA is useful: more prenatal counseling experience, younger age, and previously presenting CMA to a patient. Three factors predicted the likelihood of offering CMA to prenatal patients: percentage of time spent in prenatal practice, belief that CMA is useful, and practicing in the USA (versus Canada). Reasons cited for not using CMA included financial concerns, the possibility of ambiguous results, and ethical concerns. Most respondents (n = 111) believed that ambiguous results are an ethical issue. Conclusion Clinical guidelines for prenatal CMA, further research on specific copy number variants, and broader availability of targeted arrays to reduce ambiguous results are needed. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of drought and changes in vapour pressure deficit on water relations of Populus deltoides growing in ambient and elevated CO2

The means by which growth CO(2) concentration ([CO(2)]) affects anatomy and water relations responses to drought and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) were studied for yearly coppiced, 4-year-old Populus deltoides clones that were grown in either 400 mumol mol(-1) (ambient) or 800 mumol mol(-1) (elevated) CO(2) for 3 years. It was hypothesized that, during drought, trees growing in elevated [CO(2)] would have a lower volume flux density of water (J(V)), stomatal conductance (g(s)) and transpiration per leaf area (E), as well as a lower stomatal density and a greater stomatal response to drought and changes in VPD than would trees in ambient [CO(2)]. Trees in elevated [CO(2)] actually had higher J(V) values throughout the study, but did not differ from trees in ambient [CO(2)] with respect to g(s) or E under saturating light or E scaled from J(V) (E(scaled)), all of which indicates that the higher J(V) in elevated [CO(2)] resulted from those trees having greater leaf area and not from differences in g(s). Furthermore, although plants in elevated [CO(2)] had greater absolute leaf loss during the drought, the percentage of leaf area lost was similar to that of trees in ambient [CO(2)]. g(s) and E under saturating light were affected by changes in VPD after the first 9 days of the experiment, which coincided with a large decrease in water potential at a soil depth of 0.1 m. Trees in elevated [CO(2)] had a greater stomatal density and a lower wood density than trees in ambient [CO(2)], both traits that may make the trees more susceptible to xylem cavitation in severe drought. Drought and VPD effects for the P. deltoides clone were not ameliorated by long-term growth in elevated [CO(2)] compared with ambient [CO(2)], and plants in elevated [CO(2)] possessed anatomical traits that may result in greater stress associated with long-term drought.
Survival of Inoculum of Phytophthora capsici in Soil Through Time Under Different Soil Treatments

From September 2001 until August 2002 and from September 2002 until August 2003, inoculum of Phytophthora capsici consisting of mycelium and oospores was buried in soil under three different soil treatments: soil solarization, fumigation with methyl bromide and chloropicrin, and white-on-black plastic mulch without fumigation or solarization. The effect of these soil treatments on the population and survival of P. capsici was evaluated through time after 28, 63, 119, 175, 245, and 343 days. Three techniques were used for detection of the localized inoculum in soil: soil dilution plating (SDP), a modified soil dilution plating technique with an overlay assay to allow for extra incubation (mSDPO), and lemon leaf baiting of soil (LLB). No viable inoculum was detected from any soil samples from the fumigated plots regardless of the soil detection technique used. By the last sampling date, viable oospore inoculum was still detected in both soil solarization and nontreated soils, but only using mSDPO and LLB. Overall, the mSDPO assay was the most sensitive assay, followed by LLB. Using mSDPO, populations in the last sampling date were 32.9 CFU/g soil for the untreated plots and 14.7 CFU/g soil for the solarized plots. Survival of P. capsici for a year would indicate that oospores have the potential to survive from year to year, and possibly much longer, in Florida and other locations.
Dispersion of the third-order nonlinear-optical properties of poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazole) and its molecular composites with polyamides

With third-harmonic generation |χ(3)(−3ω; ω, ω, ω)| has been measured in the range 0.8–2.4 μm for thin films of poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazole) (PBZT) and its molecular composites with nylon-66 and poly(trimethylhexamethylene terephthalamide). For pure PBZT, |χ(3)(−3ω; ω, ω, ω)| = (8.3 ± 1.7) × 10−11 esu near the peak of the three-photon resonance at 1.3 μm, and |χ(3)(−3ω; ω, ω, ω)| = (6.0 ± 1.5) × 10−12 esu off resonance at 2.4 μm. A new theoretical treatment that includes the effects of inhomogeneous broadening and vibronic transitions on χ(3) and permits accurate analytic fits of the dispersion data is presented. By preparation of molecular composites it has been discovered that these composites induce macroscopic ordering, or orientational anisotropy, of the PBZT, which can lead to an apparent enhancement of χ(3). The implications of the dispersion of the nonlinear properties of these materials are discussed. We have also measured the damage threshold of PBZT and found it to be ~50 GW/cm2 for 30–50-ps pulses at 1.9 μm.