cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of a Large Hole on the Stress Concentration Factor of a Satellite Hole in a Tension Field

Stress concentration factors have been determined for large hole to small hole diameter ratios (D/d) of 10 to 50 for two holes in an infinitely wide tension-loaded panel. Finite element analysis was used to model the system of two holes in a plate that approximates the infinitely wide and tall case. Both the D/d ratio and edge to edge hole spacing were examined for hole placement along an axis perpendicular to the direction of the tension field. It was found for large D/d ratios that the stress concentration factor was only dependent on the distance between the hole edges divided by the large hole diameter. For the configurations analyzed, the stress concentration factors varied from approximately 3 to 11.
Emotional agency appraisals influence responses to preference inconsistent information

Bringing together the literature on emotional appraisals and the literature on biased processing in judgment, two studies investigate how incidental emotions varying in valence and agency influence decision making after exposure to preference consistent vs. inconsistent information. We show that emotions differ in their response to preference inconsistent information due to their differences in self vs. other agency appraisals, whereas no emotional differences were found in response to preference consistent information. Negative emotions associated with other agency appraisals increase resistance to preference inconsistent information whereas negative emotions associated with self agency appraisals encourage acceptance of preference inconsistent information relative to neutral conditions. We show this pattern reverses for positive emotions. These effects were driven by changes in confidence after exposure to inconsistent information and reflected in evaluative judgments. We discuss the significance of these findings for the emotions, preference consistency, and decision-making literatures.
KATP channel pharmacogenomics: From bench to bedside

Inheritance plays a significant role in defining drug response and toxicity. Advances in molecular pharmacology and modern genomics emphasize genetic variation in dictating inter-individual pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. A case in point is the homeostatic ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel, an established drug target that adjusts membrane excitability to match cellular energetic demand. There is an increased recognition that genetic variability of the K(ATP) channel impacts therapeutic decision-making in human disease.
Uptake, transport, delivery, and intracellular activity of antimicrobial agents

Antibiotic interactions with cells, including polymorphonuclear neutrophils, may influence therapeutic outcomes. Selected microbes (e.g., Legionella pneumophila) may survive ingestion by polymorphonuclear neutrophils and are thus protected from the action of antimicrobial agents that remain extracellular. Antibiotics that penetrate the cell can kill these microbes. Certain antibiotics are concentrated inside phagocytes, and when the phagocyte migrates toward the site of infection, the antibiotic-loaded cell carries the active agent to the infecting microbes. Active antibiotic may be released when the short-lived phagocyte dies. Even microbes considered to be extracellular pathogens, such as pneumococci, may survive high concentrations of antibiotic by entering cells. Antibiotics that penetrate and are active in cells may aid in enhancing therapeutic outcomes and in eliminating the carrier state for some pathogens.
Proton-induced beauty production at fixed target energies

Abstract Experimental results on B hadro-production at fixed target energies do not fit over a smooth pattern. A new result from FNAL E-771, using an 800 GeV/c proton beam on a Si target, continues the trend of inconsistencies among experiments. A discussion of the 771 results versus the only other existing proton-induced data point, from FNAL E-789, is presented.
The reactivation of an unfolded subunit enzyme covalently linked to a solid surface.

Abstract Rabbit muscle lactate dehydrogenase (L-lactate:NAD + oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.27) was covalently coupled to porous glass beads by two procedures. In Procedure I the enzyme was coupled directly to the surface by reaction with the enzyme's carboxyl groups. Procedure II involved coupling to succinyl-glass through the enzyme's amino groups in the absence of activating reagent. Following complete inactivation in 7.0 M guanidine · HCl, substantial reactivation of the bound enzyme, approx. 10–20%, could be obtained by simply exposing the enzyme to substrate solution after removal of the denaturing agent and washing with buffer. The enzyme could be reconstituted, as judged by total recovery of activity, by incubation of the bound enzyme with a solution of lactate dehydrogenase.
Testing the Firm as a Filter of Corporate Political Action

This study tests an integrative model of corporate political action, the filter model, based on the behavioral theory of the firm. The filter model posits that external political, economic, and industry environments are mediated by organizational structures and resources to affect a firm’s political actions. The authors rate the filter model’s predictive power against that of an economic-based direct-effects model by examining the efforts of about 1,100 U.S.-domiciled manufacturing firms to influence trade policy. LISREL analysis demonstrates that the integrative filter model provides a superior explanation of corporate political action.
Changes in sexist attitudes toward women during introductory women's and men's studies courses

Sexism toward women scores of university students at the beginning of an introductory women's and men's studies (gender studies) course were compared with sexism levels of the same students at the end of the course and with sexism levels of controls. Differences in sexism levels associated with Bem's sex role categories were investigated. Sexism levels among students in every category, except undifferentiated, were significantly lower at the end of the course, while controls showed no pre/post differences. As expected, males were higher than females both at pretest and at posttest, and sexism in both sex groups decreased significantly by equivalent amounts; but androgynous males in the introductory course were lower in sexism than sex-typed males and androgynous females were lower than sex-typed females. Undifferentiated subjects decreased in sexism least during the course, and cross-typed and androgynous males decreased most. The relationship of sexism to several additional variables not included in formal hypotheses also is discussed. These variables were age, religion, ethnicity, SES, and grade earned in the gender studies course.
Partial purification and characterization of CTP:cholinephosphate cytidylyltransferase from castor bean endosperm.

Abstract CTP:cholinephosphate cytidylyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.15) has been purified approximately 600-fold from postgermination endosperm of castor bean. The enzyme was solubilized with n -octyl β- d -glucopyranoside and then subjected to ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. The K m 's of the purified enzymatic activity were 0.37 and 1.1 m m for CTP and choline phosphate, respectively. Magnesium was required for activity. The purified cytidylyltransferase activity was inhibited by both phosphate and ATP. The extent of ATP inhibition was dependent on preincubation time, temperature, and Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ concentrations. The possible regulation of cytidylyltransferase in castor bean endosperm by protein phosphorylation is discussed.
Refractory hypoxemia due to intrapulmonary shunting associated with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma

Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma caused severe refractory hypoxemia due to intrapulmonary shunting in a patient. Preoperative evaluation by occlusion of the pulmonary lobar artery supplying the tumor showed normalization of the arterial oxygen saturation. Resection of the involved lobe corrected the intrapulmonary shunting, and the patient required no further supplemental oxygen. However, with recurrence of the tumor over the next 6 months the patient became progressively more hypoxemic and died.
A Delicacy of Empathy: Hhume's Many Meanings of Sympathy

The argument of this article is that Hume uses multiple definitions of “sympathy” and that they map closely to the multidimensional meaning of empathy, which distinguishes empathic receptivity, empathic understanding, empathic interpretation, and empathic responsiveness. The section on how Hume is relevant today uses “humanity” as a bridge between sympathy and empathy. A review of the literature on the debate about sympathy in the Hume literature is provided to establish what has been overlooked in the many meanings of sympathy, namely, receptivity, interpretation, and optimal responsiveness. These are then engaged in the sections on sympathy as receptivity to affects, interpretation, and optimal responsiveness, each correlated with the parallel aspects of empathy.
Modeling and analysis of the product assignment problem in single stage electronic assembly systems

Consider the production of an evolving family of similar products, each having a well-defined life cycle. The fundamental production resources are inherently flexible, i.e., reconfigurable and reprogrammable. Two distinct strategies can be followed in configuring production facilities: (1) focused facilities, where a facility is dedicated to one product at a time, but may be reassigned; and (2) nonfocused facilities, where setup operations permit a variety of products to be produced during a given planning period. When focused facilities are used, which is a common strategy in some electronics companies, products must be assigned to specific facilities. If facilities are not identical, and capacity is limited, then changing production requirements may force reassignment of products from one facility to another. Thus, the product assignment/reassignment decision may have a significant impact on the production capacity required. This paper concentrates on the product assignment/reassignment decision when a pure focused facility strategy is used. This problem is analyzed and a number of insights are developed. Based on this analysis, the problem is reformulated and an optimal solution procedure based on a multi-commodity network flow model is presented and tested for the product assignment/reassignment decision.
The Disintegration of Nitrogen by Neutrons

Measurements made on 29 Wilson cloud chamber photographs of the disintegration of nitrogen by artificially produced neutrons (beryllium+deutons) are presented and discussed. It is shown that the loss in kinetic energy can be satisfactorily accounted for by postulating the momentary production of a radioactive nitrogen ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$ by a radiative capture of the neutron. This nitrogen disintegrates with the emission of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particles so that the half-life on the Gamow theory is around ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}20}$ sec. A distinction is thus made between nuclear transformations in which the energy absorbed is a constant (such as in the case of the disintegration of nitrogen by $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particles) and those in which the proper disintegration energy $E$ is a constant. Disintegrations caused by neutrons are, as far as the data from cloud chamber measurements go, all of this latter type. For nitrogen $E$ is found to be 3.1 MV. The scatter of the values of $E$ is probably all to be attributed to experimental error but may in part be due to the short life of the radioactive ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$. The energy level from which the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle leaves the ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$ nucleus is roughly identified with the resonance level through which an $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle may enter a ${\mathrm{B}}^{11}$ nucleus in the reverse reaction. A mass for the radioactive ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$ of 15.0166 is proposed on the basis of the mechanism here discussed. The data of other workers on the transmutation of oxygen, fluorine and neon are reviewed in the light of these considerations and lend support to them. The values found for $E$ are nearly the same for all of the four elements on which data exist.
Carbonic anhydrase isozyme distribution and characterization in metabolic fiber types of the dorsal levator muscle of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus.

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) distribution and characterization were examined in white and light pink fibers of the dorsal levator muscle of the blue crab. White fibers were structurally and metabolically characterized as fast twitch glycolytic, while the light pink fibers were fast oxidative. All subcellular fractions of both fiber types had significant levels of CA activity; cytoplasmic and microsomal activity was significantly higher in light pink vs white fibers. Cytoplasmic CA from both fiber types was highly sensitive to the inhibitors acetazolamide and chlorzolamide, with Ki values of approximately 2 and 0.4 nM, respectively. Further analysis confirmed that cytoplasmic CA from both fiber types was kinetically similar to the high turnover Type II isoform. It appears that the evolution of the CA Type III isoform, found in vertebrate red muscle, did not occur with the differentiation of metabolic fiber types in crustaceans. Membrane-associated CA, which was also kinetically similar to the Type II isoform, was 20-fold higher in light pink fibers, suggesting a physiological role in facilitated CO2 efflux from the muscle fiber during periods of prolonged maximal activity. J. Exp. Zool. 290:234–246, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Response of lamb ductus arteriosus to nitroglycerin and nitroprusside.

In certain forms of congenital heart disease, patency of the ductus arteriosus is critical for survival. Since the administration of prostaglandin is associated with adverse side effects, this study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of nitroglycerin and nitroprusside on ductal blood flow during oxygen-induced ductal closure. Fifteen near-term fetal lambs were instrumented acutely. Ductal blood flow and pre- and post-ductal pressures were monitored continuously. After obtaining control data, intravenous bolus injections of nitroglycerin (250 μg), nitroprusside (250 μg), or prostaglandin E1 (5 μg) were administered during ventilation with either 100% nitrogen or 100% oxygen. All three agents significantly increased ductal blood flow during nitrogen ventilation (PO2 = 15 ± 1 mm Hg). When the lambs were ventilated with 100% oxygen, the arterial PO2 increased to 107 ± 14 mm Hg, and this was associated with a marked decreased in ductal blood flow from 275 ± 44 to 83 ± 11 ml/min (P < 0.05). When nitroglycerin was administered during oxygen-stimulated ductal closure, ductal blood flow increased 184%, from 79 ± 18 to 225 ± 18 ml/min (P < 0.05); nitroprusside increased ductal blood flow 126%, from 86 ± 20 to 195 ± 25 ml/min (P < 0.05); prostaglandin E1 increased ductal blood flow 110%, from 84 ± 18 to 178 ± 17 ml/min (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that both nitroglycerin and nitroprusside are potent vasodilators of the ductus arteriosus and, like prostaglandin E1, can markedly attenuate the oxygen-induced ductal vasoconstriction. These results imply that nitroglycerin and nitroprusside may be useful clinically in maintaining ductal patency.
Comments on "The Clinical EEG-A Search for a Buried Message"

It is noted that a meaningful method of extracting information from the EEG must take into account the current understanding of the origin of scalp-recorded brain electrical activity, as well as many application-specific details. In previous studies which considered these points, useful information has been derived from EEG recordings.
Chlorophyll and β-carotene pigments in moroccan virgin olive oils measured by high-performance liquid chromatography

Chlorophyll and β-carotene concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in virgin olive oils, which were press-extracted from green and semi-black olives. Pheophytin A was found to be the major chlorophyll isomer in all oil samples. The occurrence of this pigment at higher concentrations in oil extracted from green olives is a possible indication of its time-related destruction during olive ripening. Some evidence for thein vivo existence of pheophytin A is also presented. Beta-carotene concentration in oils was found to decrease during olive ripening.
Genetically engineered Newcastle disease virus for malignant melanoma therapy

Despite the advances in cancer therapies in the past century, malignant melanoma continues to present a significant clinical challenge due to lack of chemotherapeutic response. Systemic therapy with immunostimulatory agents such as interferon and interleukin-2 (IL-2) has shown some promise, though each is associated with significant side effects. Over the past 50 years, oncolytic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has emerged as an alternative candidate for cancer therapy. The establishment of reverse-genetics systems for the virus has allowed us to further manipulate the virus to enhance its oncolytic activity. Introduction of immunomodulatory molecules, especially IL-2, into the NDV genome was shown to enhance the oncolytic potential of the virus in a murine syngeneic colon carcinoma model. We hypothesize that a recombinant NDV expressing IL-2 would be an effective agent for therapy of malignant melanoma. We show that recombinant NDV possesses a strong cytolytic activity against multiple melanoma cell lines, and is effective in clearing established syngeneic melanoma tumors in mice. Moreover, introduction of murine IL-2 into NDV significantly enhanced its activity against syngeneic melanomas, resulting in increased overall animal survival and generation of antitumor immunity. These findings warrant further investigations of IL-2-expressing NDV as an antimelanoma agent in humans.
Dual-earner couples and the decision to work less: A conceptual model

Abstract This paper examines the factors that affect the decision made by dual-earner couples concerning the possibility of one (or both) partners working a reduced-hours schedule. We rely on a comprehensive review of the literature on part-time work among dual-earner couples and on the factors that affect the decisions couples make about their work hours as well as preliminary findings from our ongoing study to consider two key questions: (1) What factors do dual-earner couples take into account when they consider whether one or both might work a reduced-hours schedule? (2) If the couple decides that one partner will work a reduced-hours schedule, how do they decide which partner reduces the hours of employment? Most previous research has focused on the centrality of gender in the decisions that couples make concerning the hours that they work. However, our review of the literature and the preliminary findings of our current research suggest that there are other factors that affect (directly or indirectl...
Peroxisomes in the rat brain and the effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate during postnatal development. An electron-microscopic study.

Peroxisomes were identified in the neurons of cerebral cortex of 12-day-old suckling rats from normal and plasticizer di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)-fed mothers. The study suggests that DEHP passe
Instantaneous fault current limiter for PWM-controlled Voltage Source Converters

The PWM-controlled Voltage Source Converters (VSCs) are commonly used in industrial and utility applications. In spite of superior features of fast voltage regulation and stable DC-link voltage, PWM-controlled VSCs have the major drawback of being sensitive to the grid disturbances especially the unbalanced conditions and system faults. Unbalanced input voltage generates large negative sequence current flow into the converter which results in oscillations with twice the line frequency on the DC-link voltage. This negative sequence current flow might damage the semiconductor switches. Beside the negative sequence voltage, the input voltage distorted with other harmonics also causes converter performance deterioration by producing harmonics on the DC-link voltage. This paper presents an alternative solution to improve the PWM-controlled VSC performance under unbalanced conditions and system faults and also under distorted input voltage condition caused by other harmonics rather than the negative sequence voltage. This solution is based on direct calculation of the negative sequence (or other harmonics) reference voltage without using any current regulator. This elimination of the current regulator makes the proposed controller very fast and robust. The effectiveness of this solution has been validated by simulation and Hardware-In-the-Loop test.
Scientific and Technological Thinking

Contents: Preface. M.E. Gorman, R.D. Tweney, D.C. Gooding, A.P. Kincannon, Editors' Introduction. N.J. Nersessian, Interpreting Scientific and Engineering Practices: Integrating the Cognitive, Social, and Cultural Dimensions. K.N. Dunbar, J.A. Fugelsang, Casual Thinking in Science: How Scientists and Students Interpret the Unexpected. D. Klahr, A Framework for Cognitive Studies of Science and Technology. S.B. Trickett, C.D. Schunn, J.G. Trafton, Puzzles and Peculiarities: How Scientists Attend to and Process Anomalies During Data Analysis. J. Shrager, On Being and Becoming a Molecular Biologist: Notes From the Diary of an Insane Cell Mechanic. R.D. Tweney, R.P. Mears, C. Spitzmuller, Replicating the Practices of Discovery: Michael Faraday and the Interaction of Gold and Light. P. Thagard, How to Be a Successful Scientist. D.C. Gooding, Seeing the Forest for the Trees: Visualization, Cognition, and Scientific Inference. M.F. Ippolito, Problem Representation in Virginia Woolf's Invention of a Novelistic Form. G. Bradshaw, What's So Hard About Rocket Science? Secrets the Rocket Boys Knew. T.P. Hughes, A Systems Ordered World. M.E. Gorman, Levels of Expertise and Trading Zones: Combining Cognitive and Social Approaches to Technology Studies. B. Allenby, Technology at the Global Scale: Interactive Cognitivism and Earth Systems Engineering and Management. M.E. Gorman, R.D. Tweney, D.C. Gooding, A.P. Kincannon, The Future of Cognitive Studies of Science and Technology.
Free energy of the fcc and hcp lattices under first- and second-neighbor harmonic interactions

Abstract The harmonic contribution to the high-temperature expansion of the Helmholtz free energy was calculated for the hcp and fcc lattices for an arbitrary analytic central pair potential with interactions extending to first and second neighbors. The numerical method used was not the usual extrapolation based upon a sampling of points in the first Brillouin zone but rather an extrapolation of the properties of finite crystals to the thermodynamic limit ( N → ∞).
Super-resolution for a 3D world.

Technological developments are pushing the emerging super-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques into the world of three-dimensional imaging.
A delayed-advanced model for the electrodynamics two-body problem

On montre que la classe de donnees initiales newtonnienne pour laquelle une solution unique existe peut etre elargie pour inclure le cas de vitesse initiale petite mais non nulle
Expansion and maintenance of human embryonic stem cell–derived endothelial cells by TGFβ inhibition is Id1 dependent

Previous efforts to differentiate human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into endothelial cells have not achieved sustained expansion and stability of vascular cells. To define vasculogenic developmental pathways and enhance differentiation, we used an endothelial cell-specific VE-cadherin promoter driving green fluorescent protein (GFP) (hVPr-GFP) to screen for factors that promote vascular commitment. In phase 1 of our method, inhibition of transforming growth factor (TGF)beta at day 7 of differentiation increases hVPr-GFP(+) cells by tenfold. In phase 2, TGFbeta inhibition maintains the proliferation and vascular identity of purified endothelial cells, resulting in a net 36-fold expansion of endothelial cells in homogenous monolayers, which exhibited a transcriptional profile of Id1(high)VEGFR2(high)VE-cadherin(+) ephrinB2(+). Using an Id1-YFP hESC reporter line, we showed that TGFbeta inhibition sustains Id1 expression in hESC-derived endothelial cells and that Id1 is required for increased proliferation and preservation of endothelial cell commitment. Our approach provides a serum-free method for differentiation and long-term maintenance of hESC-derived endothelial cells at a scale relevant to clinical application.
Mixing an energy drink with an alcoholic beverage increases motivation for more alcohol in college students.

Background There has been a dramatic rise in the consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) in social drinkers. It has been suggested that AmED beverages might lead individuals to drink greater quantities of alcohol. This experiment was designed to investigate if the consumption of AmED would alter alcohol priming (i.e., increasing ratings of wanting another drink) compared with alcohol alone.
Principles of neural cell migration

A basic property of immature neurons is their ability to change position from the place of their final mitotic division in proliferative centers of the developing brain to the specific positions they will occupy in a given structure of the adult nervous system. Proper acquisition of neuron position, attained through the process of active migration, ultimately affects a cell's morphology, synaptic connectivity and function. Although various classes of neurons may use different molecular cues to guide their migration to distant structures, a surface-mediated interaction between neighboring cells is considered essential for all types of migration. Disturbance of this cell-cell interaction may be important in several congenital and/or acquired brain abnormalities. The present article considers the basic mechanisms and principles of neuronal cell migration in the mammalian central nervous system.
Interlaminar fracture toughness of woven E-glass fabric composites

Composite materials fabricated using woven fabrics are characterized for fracture toughness. Crack propagation behavior in woven fabric composites is investigated with respect to the periodic pattern produced as a result of the weave structure. Additionally, experimental methods for determining fracture toughness are investigated for woven fabric composites and a numerical technique to detect crack onset is proposed. Fracture characterization methods for mode I, mode II, and mixed-mode are investigated. A case study encompassing DCB, ENF, and three MMB test configurations is presented for a typical marine-grade E-glass fiber reinforced composite with a toughened vinyl ester resin matrix. The aim of this article is to investigate the fracture behavior of a heavy woven fabric composite. The most important outcomes of this study are a numerical technique to detect crack initiation and a discussion of the fracture behavior of woven fabric composites.
Enzymatic removal of formalin‐fixed tissues from polyester arteries, and its effect on physical properties of fibers

A method is presented that can be utilized for the removal of formalin-fixed tissues from arterial grafts without affecting fiber material properties. Such a method could prove highly useful for studying the changes in the structure and properties of graft fiber as functions of important clinical variables. Information on what actually happens to the arterial graft material in situ with passage of time is greatly lacking in the current graft literature. The method proposed involves treatment of the formalin-fixed fiber-tissue complex with an enzymatic preparation containing enzymes derived from the porcine pancreas (pancreatin) in solution with tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane buffer at pH 7.6. Studies with two different grafts--a Microknit Dacron Bifurcation from a clinical patient 10 1/4 years after implantation and stored in formalin for 11 months, and a Sauvage Filamentous Velour of Dacron from an animal 24 h after implantation and stored in formalin for nine months--showed that the treatment was highly effective in completely removing the tissues at concentrations of pancreatin as low as 2.5%. The same treatment given to the virgin yarns of grafts revealed no significant effects on tensile, dimensional, and morphological properties.
Effects of certain chemicals on mucus-producing cells of Petromyzon marinus

Abstract Tissue samples that contained slime-secreting cells were taken from the gills and epidermis of larval lampreys that had been poisoned by several compounds. Histochemical treatment of these pathological tissues helped delineate the fate of these mucus-producing areas of the ammocetes. It was shown that the slime-secreting cells, located at the tips of the gill filaments, lining the gill chamber, and scattered throughout the epidermis reacted differently to the same toxicant. The secretory cells of the gills were, without exception, the most sensitive to chemical attack.
X‐RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS OF PEWTER: ENGLISH AND SCOTTISH MEASURES

Analyse aux rayons X de vaisselle d'etain et de mesures de capacite en etain, anglaises et ecossaises (XVIII et XIXss.).
Metamaterial measurement in a cylindrical coaxial fixture with consideration for inter-element coupling

A great deal of research has been dedicated to the design and synthesis of metamaterials to acheive interesting electromagnetic properties such as very high, sub-unity, and even negative effective relative permeabilities and permittivities. While the design and fabrication of various metamaterial structures can be a challenge, it can be equally demanding in some cases to make accurate measurements that properly characterize the metamaterial. It has been shown that coaxial measurements of metamaterial structures can provide appealing advantages over other approaches although in some cases, it may be necessary to modify the metamaterial depending on its structure or mode of excitation. Fortunately, for planar metamaterials designed to operate under approximately TEM wave excitation, a coaxial cell can work quite nicely. It has, however, been discussed that inter-element coupling along with coupling to the waveguide walls can cause discrepancies between the behavior of the metamaterial in a waveguide and its behavior in an intended application.
Post-infarction ventricular arrhythmias originating in papillary muscles.

Objectives The aim of this study was to define the role of papillary muscles (PAPs) in post-infarction ventricular arrhythmias. Background Papillary muscles have been implicated in arrhythmogenesis; however, their role in post-infarction ventricular arrhythmias has not been well-defined. Methods In a series of 9 patients (age 65 ± 9 years, ejection fraction 0.36 ± 0.1) with post-infarction ventricular arrhythmias, electroanatomic mapping in conjunction with intracardiac echocardiography demonstrated that 1 of the PAPs was involved in the arrhythmia. Magnetic resonance imaging with delayed enhancement (DEMRI) was performed in all patients without contraindications. A consecutive series of 9 patients (age 64 ± 8 years, ejection fraction 0.32 ± 0.14) with ventricular arrhythmias that did not originate from the PAP served as a control group and also underwent DEMRI. Results Heterogeneous uptake of gadolinium during magnetic resonance imaging was observed more frequently in arrhythmogenic PAPs than in PAPs that were not involved in ventricular arrhythmias (p = 0.01). The PAPs in the control patients did not take up contrast or show homogeneous contrast uptake. Radiofrequency ablation eliminated all arrhythmias originating from PAPs. Echocardiography after the ablation showed no new or worsened mitral regurgitation. Conclusions Papillary muscles that lie within an infarct zone might give rise to ventricular arrhythmias. Heterogeneous uptake of gadolinium in magnetic resonance images might be predictive of arrhythmogenic PAPs. Radiofrequency catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular ectopy arising in a PAP has a high success rate.
Electrochemical formation of quantum-conductance Cu-metal nanobridges

The electrodeposition of copper with formation of narrow nanobridge contacts was investigated. Stable quantum nanobridges (QNB) with ballistic conductance have been obtained by pulsed Cu deposition/electroetching on Cr interdigitated microelectrodes nanolithographed on a quartz wafer. The minimum quantum conductance associated with monatomic-wide constriction in the nanobridge was observed. Stepped differential conductance G = ng 0 (where g 0 is the minimum quantum conductance and n = 1, 2, 3, ...) was generally observed although fractional multiples of go were also found, likely due to the deviations of the nanowire junction geometry from linear configuration and reflection losses. In the layer-by-layer Cu deposition/etching technique employed for junction formation, the current amplification associated with interdigitated electrode pattern was utilized, which allowed us for easy electrochemical control with no need for special instrumentation. Quantum mechanical calculations of the electronic structure of Cu-QNB have been carried out using small-cluster approach with configuration 14-m-14, where m denotes the number of Cu atoms in the monatomic-wide bridge, and the base electrodes are simulated by clusters with 14 Cu atoms each. The calculations performed for m = 1 to 4, indicate that corrugations of electron density along the conductance channel virtually disappear for m = 3, whereas for even number of Cu atoms in the bridge, a distinct, very narrow constriction is formed in the center of the bridge. These results corroborate earlier findings for alkali metals, for which considerable differences between odd and even number of atoms in a monatomic-wide conductance channel have been reported.
Standard model contributions to the neutrino index of refraction in the early Universe.

With the standard electroweak interactions, the lowest-order coherent forward-scattering amplitudes of neutrinos in a {ital CP}-symmetric medium (such as the early Universe) are zero, and the index of refraction of a propagating neutrino can only arise from the expansion of gauge-boson propagators, from radiative corrections, and from new physics interactions. Motivated by nucleosynthesis constraints on a possible sterile neutrino (suggested by the solar-neutrino deficit and a possible 17-keV neutrino), we calculate the standard model contributions to the neutrino index of refraction in the early Universe, focusing on the period when the temperature was of the order of a few MeV. We find sizable radiative corrections to the tree-level result obtained by the expansion of the gauge-boson propagator. For {nu}{sub {ital e}}+{ital e}({ital {bar e}}){r arrow}{nu}{sub {ital e}}+{ital e}({ital {bar e}}) the leading-log correction is about +10%, while for {nu}{sub {ital e}}+{nu}{sub {ital e}}({bar {nu}}{sub {ital e}}){r arrow}{nu}{sub {ital e}}+{nu}{sub {ital e}}({bar {nu}}{sub {ital e}}) the correction is about +20%. Depending on the family mixing (if any), effects from different family scattering can be dominated by radiative corrections. The result for {nu}+{gamma}{r arrow}{nu}+{gamma} is zero at the one-loop level, even if neutrinos are massive. The cancellation of infrared divergence in amore » coherent process is also discussed.« less
Co-simulation framework of SystemC SoC virtual prototype and custom logic (abstract only)

To address the increasing demand of System-on-Chip (SoC) for high performance applications and IP programmability, specialized SoC with custom logic is developed in a single chip or multi-chip system. Like any other SoC platforms, early software development before hardware availability using a Virtual Prototype (VP) is essential. However, the existing RTL for custom logic makes it non-trivial to simulate the entire system with software models written in high-level language (i.e. SystemC/C/C++). In this paper, we describe our unique virtual prototyping framework called "FPGA-In-the-Loop (FIL)" to enable co-simulation of software models in the VP and custom logic running in the FPGA at native speed. This platform enables designers to start early software development and integration of the entire hardware platform without needing to develop software models for custom logic. More importantly, our contributions lie in overcoming two of the biggest challenges in such co-simulation systems; 1) the communication channel performance bottleneck and 2) software-visible asynchronous signal timing correctness (i.e. interrupt). Our framework was able to 1) optimize communications between the VP and FPGA to achieve up to 872 Mbps effective throughput and 2) guarantee software-visible asynchronous signal delivery timing (i.e. interrupts) between the two simulation domains. Finally, we implemented our framework on a commercial hybrid platform with SoC and FPGA to demonstrate the complete embedded Linux stack communicating with custom video/touchscreen IPs running in the FPGA.
Defective Mucosal Movement at the Gastroesophageal Junction in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Little is known about the role of muscularis mucosa at the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). To evaluate the movement of the mucosa/muscularis-mucosa/submucosa (MMS) at the GEJ in normal subjects and in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Gastroesophageal junctions of 20 non-GERD subjects and 10 patients with GERD were evaluated during 5 mL swallows using two methods: in high-resolution endoluminal ultrasound and manometry, the change in the GEJ luminal pressures and cross-sectional area of esophageal wall layers were measured; in abdominal ultrasound, the MMS movement at the GEJ was analyzed. Endoluminal ultrasound: In the non-GERD subjects, the gastric MMS moved rostrally into the distal esophagus at 2.17 s after the bolus first reached the GEJ. In GERD patients, the gastric MMS did not move rostrally into the distal esophagus. The maximum change in cross-sectional area of gastroesophageal MMS in non-GERD subjects and in GERD patients was 289 % and 183 %, respectively. Abdominal ultrasound: In non-GERD subjects, the gastric MMS starts to move rostrally significantly earlier and to a greater distance than muscularis propria (MP) after the initiation of the swallow (1.75 vs. 3.00 s) and (13.97 vs. 8.91 mm). In GERD patients, there is no significant difference in the movement of gastric MMS compared to MP (6.74 vs. 6.09 mm). The independent movement of the gastric MMS in GERD subjects was significantly less than in non-GERD subjects. In non-GERD subjects, the gastric MMS moves rostrally into the distal esophagus during deglutitive inhibition and forms a barrier. This movement of the MMS is defective in patients with GERD.
Sol−Gel-Derived Carbon Aerogels and Xerogels: Design of Experiments Approach to Materials Synthesis

A design of experiments approach was conducted to determine the effects of the gel pH (5.5 and 7.0), weight percentage of solids (5 and 20%), pyrolysis temperature (800 and 1050 °C), and gel type (aerogel or xerogel) on the surface area, pore volume, and electrochemical double-layer capacitance of carbonized resorcinol/formaldehyde resins. The full 24 factorial design carried out on 16 different materials (8 carbon aerogels and 8 carbon xerogels) and the full 23 factorial designs carried out on the carbon aerogels and carbon xerogels individually revealed significant differences between these two types of gels, with specific two-factor interactions observed that could not have been easily resolved with the traditional approach of changing one variable at a time. The gel pH was found to be the most dominant factor (parameter) affecting not only the surface area and pore volumes of both types of gels but also the capacitance, more so for the carbon aerogels in all cases. On average, the carbon aerogels exhi...
An experimental investigation of NO2 emission characteristics of a heavy-duty H2-diesel dual fuel engine

Abstract This paper investigated the nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) emissions of a heavy-duty diesel engine operated in hydrogen (H 2 )-diesel dual fuel combustion mode with H 2 supplemented into the intake air. Preliminary measurements using the 13-mode European Stationary Cycle (ESC) demonstrated the significant effect of H 2 addition on the emissions of NO 2 . The detailed effects of H 2 addition and engine load on NO 2 emissions were examined at 1200 RPM. The addition of a small amount of H 2 increased substantially the emissions of NO 2 and the NO 2 /NO x ratio, especially at low load. Increasing the engine load was found to inhibit the enhancing effect of H 2 on the conversion of NO to NO 2 with the maximum NO 2 /NO x ratio observed at lower H 2 concentration. The maximum NO 2 emissions of the H 2 -diesel dual fuel operation were three (at 70% load) to five (at 10% load) times that of diesel operation. Further increasing the addition of H 2 beyond the point with maximum NO 2 emissions still produced more NO 2 than for diesel-only operation. Based on the experimental data obtained, the engine load and maximum averaged bulk mixture temperature were not the main factors dominating the formation of NO 2 in the H 2 -diesel dual fuel engine. A preliminary analysis demonstrated the significant effect of the unburned H 2 on NO 2 emissions. When mixed with the hot combustion product, the unburned H 2 that survived the main combustion process might further oxidize to raise the HO 2 levels and enhance the conversion of NO to NO 2 . In comparison, the changes in the combustion process including the start of combustion, combustion duration and maximum heat release rate may not contribute substantially to the increased NO 2 emissions observed.
HIV-1 Entry Inhibitors in the Side Pocket

As inhibitors of the gp41 conformational change undergo more extensive clinical testing, we can anticipate that, as for all other antiretroviral agents studied to date, virus variants exhibiting some degree of drug resistance will emerge. Viruses selected in tissue culture systems to be resistant to C34 peptides exhibit changes in the hydrophobic groove of the N36 trimer, not in the pocket (Rimsky et al. 1998xRimsky, L.T, Shugars, D.C, and Matthews, T.J. J. Virol. 1998; 72: 986–993PubMedSee all ReferencesRimsky et al. 1998). Indeed, the pocket-lining residues are well conserved among primate immunodeficiency viruses, providing hope that any resistant virus variants will be significantly reduced in fitness. However, the viral capacity for variation in this structure may only be revealed once the selective pressure associated with pocket-specific inhibitors is applied. The potential coevolution of complementary N36 and C34 gp41 regions creates a greater number of opportunities for the development of resistance. The wealth of new knowledge about gp41 structure and function, and about HIV-1 entry in general, should assist efforts to address these challenges. Therapeutic additions to our current armamentarium of antiretroviral agents would be most welcome.
The influence of ethanol on cell membrane fluidity, migration, and invasion of murine melanoma cells

The short-term effects of ethanol (85.4, 170.8, and 256.2 mM) on cellular viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion were investigated on murine melanoma cells. Experiments with the fluorescent probe 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene indicated that the two highest concentrations of ethanol induced low microviscosity (high lipid fluidity). Cellular viability and proliferation, as determined by the incorporation of [3H]IdUR, were unaffected by all three concentrations of ethanol. A membrane migration assay and a collagen type IV invasion assay evaluated cellular migration and invasion, respectively. For B16F10 and K1735 cells, the migration rate was significantly increased by 170.8 and 256.2 mM concentrations of ethanol. Although the invasion of B16F10 cells was not affected, invasion of K1735 cells was inhibited by 170.8 and 256.2 mM ethanol. The effect of ethanol on the cytoskeleton was monitored by fluorescent staining of F-actin. In contrast to untreated cells, F-actin staining of 256.2 mM ethanol-treated cells showed spike-like projections from the cell surface. Our findings suggest that ethanol can influence cell migration and invasion in vitro, as well as F-actin organization.
Minimum Concave Cost Flows in Certain Networks

The literature is replete with analyses of minimum cost flows in networks for which the cost of shipping from node to node is a linear function. However, the linear cost assumption is often not realistic. Situations in which there is a set-up charge, discounting, or efficiencies of scale give rise to concave functions. Although concave functions can be minimized by an exhaustive search of all the extreme points of the convex feasible region, such an approach is impractical for all but the simplest of problems. In this paper some theorems are developed which explicitly characterize the extreme points for certain single commodity networks. By exploiting this characterization algorithms are developed that determine the minimum concave cost solution for networks with a single source and a single destination, for acyclic single source multiple destination networks, and for acyclic single destination multiple source networks. An interesting theorem then establishes that for either single source or single destination networks the multi-commodity case can be reduced to the single commodity case. Applications to the concave warehouse problem, a single product production and inventory model, a multi-product production and inventory model, and a plant location problem are included.
Strategies for Recruiting Middle Eastern-American Young Adults for Physical Activity Research: A Case of Snowballs and Salaam

Recruitment of minorities into health studies is a process that has been the subject of recent research effort. The prevalence of hypokinetic disease in the fast growing Middle Eastern-American community is higher than whites and some minority groups and descriptive research is needed to further quantify morbidity status and antecedent behavior. To date, we know of no study that reports recruitment methods of Middle Eastern-American young adults, a demographic group that is transitioning into an at-risk stratum for ethnically associated morbidity. We report and analyze a multi-method approach used in recruiting 240 young adults of this ethnic group into a 1-week study of physical activity utilizing activity logs and pedometers. Participants were primarily recruited through snowball sampling (48.3%), flyers (15.8%), presentations to university campus organizations (15.4%), and graduate research assistants (10.8%). Access was facilitated by assistants who were community insiders; active recruitment was more successful than passive recruitment; and different techniques appealed to different group segments based on gender and religion.
Adoption after cancer: adoption agency attitudes and perspectives on the potential to parent post-cancer.

The relationship between adoption and cancer may seem distant. Infertility, however, is oftentimes a consequence of cancer treatment, rendering cancer survivors incapable of biological reproduction. For this reason, the growing population of cancer survivors has a distinct relationship with adoption, as it may provide their only opportunity to parent. It is estimated that 1,479,350 men and women will be diagnosed with cancer in 2009. Remarkably, the overall 5-year relative cancer survival rate for 1999–2005 was 66.1% [1]. Since both cancer incidence rates and cancer survival rates are on the rise, the growing population of cancer survivors will likely be faced with the long-term consequences of their disease treatment, including infertility.