cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Steam-pyrolysis activation of wood char for superior odorant removal

Abstract A pre-charred, wood-based carbonaceous precursor was activated using a two-step process (steam-pyrolysis activation) to investigate the potential for optimizing an activation protocol for the production of powdered activated carbon (PAC) tailored to effectively remove the taste- and odor-causing compound 2-methylisoborneol (MIB). Activation temperature, activation time, and steam-to-carbon ratio were the activation parameters modified to find the best operating conditions. The success of the tailored PACs was judged on performance in batch experiments, which were designed to simulate actual water treatment plant conditions and used natural water spiked with 14 C-MIB. Activation temperature had the greatest impact on PAC performance, with 1123 K providing the best operating point. The pore size distribution data revealed a strong correlation between an increase in mesoporosity and MIB removal in the raw waters. In addition, the tailored PAC with the optimized activation protocol outperformed existing commercially available PAC, indicating the plausibility of tailoring activation protocols for superior MIB removal from natural waters.
Heterogeneity of lignin concentration in cell corner middle lamella of white birch and black spruce

Raman microprobe spectroscopy was used to study the concentration of lignocellulosics in the cell corner middle lamella. Spectra obtained from 1.6 μm regions, from 30 cell corner middle lamellae of both birch and spruce, showed the presence of lignin. However, the relative concentration of lignin to cellulose varied considerably. These results corroborate the view expressed in previous reports of the need for caution in using the lignin concentration values of cell corner middle lamella as a internal reference for studying the variation of lignin concentration in other morphological regions of the cell wall, such as secondary cell wall layers.
Jarvis L. Moyers (1943–2011)

Jarvis L. Moyers, former director of the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and long-term supporter and mentor for atmospheric scientists and, in particular, atmospheric chemists, passed away in Silver Spring, Md., on 22 June 2011. He had been a member of AGU for many years and, at the upcoming Fall Meeting, will be presented posthumously with the 2011 AGU Edward A. Flinn III Award for “unselfish cooperation in research through facilitating, coordinating, and implementing activities.” No one could be more deserving of such an award. His long and distinguished tenure at NSF began as a rotator in the Research Applied to National Needs program in 1976, and he returned to NSF permanently in 1983 as program director for Atmospheric Chemistry. Later he served as section head of the Lower Atmosphere Research section, head of the National Center for Atmospheric Research/Facilities section, director of the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences, and acting assistant director for Geosciences at NSF. In 2006, he received the Presidential Distinguished Rank Award “for his outstanding leadership and exemplary record of achievement in service to the nation's science and engineering enterprise.”
Model System for Aseptic Processing of Paniculate Foods using Peroxidase

Process evaluation for aseptic processing of participate foods was carried out using a model food system with a bioindicator. The model food was alginate spheres in Carboxy-methyl cellulose and the bioindicator was Horseradish peroxidase. Inactivation in the system was studied to determine thermal characteristics in the range 100–130°C using TDT cans. The D-value was 4.1, 2.6, 1.4 and 1.0 min at 100, 110, 120, and 130°C, respectively and the z-value was 48.4°C. Spherical particles containing immobilized peroxidase were made with alginate and dehydrated potato. These were processed in a continuous flow system at 110, 120, or 130°C. Destruction of peroxidase was related to thermal treatment received and was used to verify numerical simulation. Results were compared with those of a simulation for particle heating. Data showed good agreement between experimental and simulated results.
Ontogeny of (--)-[3H]norepinephrine uptake properties of synaptic storage vesicles of rat brain.

Summary The ontogeny of [ 3 H]norepinephrine uptake mechanisms has been examined in synaptosomes and storage vesicles isolated from rat whole brain. The [ 3 H]norepinephrine accumulated by synaptosomes was low in neonates, but reached adult levels by 15 days of age. In contrast, development of [ 3 H]norepinephrine uptake into isolated rat brain storage vesicles was not complete until 38 days of age. Kinetic analysis of the developing vesicular uptake mechanism revealed no change in K m , while maximal uptake increased progressively from birth to maturity. Storage vesicles from immature and adult rats exhibited similar energy requirements for uptake as determined by their dependence on ATP-Mg 2+ concentration; furthermore, the degree of inhibition of [ 3 H]norepinephrine uptake by other amines was the same in both vesicle preparations. Thus, storage vesicles isolated from adult and developing rats display an in vitro [ 3 H]norepinephrine uptake mechanism with properties that are kinetically and pharmacologically similar. The results suggest that, while the number of storage vesicles in the central nervous system increases during development, those vesicles that are present possess a fully functional amine uptake system.
Study of some approximation schemes in the spin-boson problem

Some approximation schemes used in the description of the evolution of the spin-boson system are studied through numerical and analytic methods. Among the procedures investigated are semiclassical approximations and the memory function approach. An infinitely large number of semiclassical approximations are discussed. Their two extreme limits are shown to be characterized, respectively, by effective energy mismatch and effective intersite transfer. The validity of the two limits is explored by explicit numerical calculations for important regions in parameter space, and it is shown that they can provide good descriptions in the so-called adiabatic and anti-adiabatic regimes, respectively. The memory function approach, which provides an excellent approximation scheme for a certain range of parameters, is shown to be connected to other approaches such as the non-interacting blip approximation. New results are derived from the memory approach in semiclassical contexts. Comments are made on thermal effects in the spin-boson problem, the discrete non-linear Schroedinger equation, and connections to the areas of dynamic localization, and quantum control.
A system software structure for distributed multimedia systems

Digital audio and video data are different from traditional media in their time-criticalness and high bandwidth requirements. These requirements and the fact that typical multimedia applications perform only few operations on the continuous-media data suggest the use of new techniques for data handling in distributed, integrated, digital multimedia systems. This paper proposes a system software structure which encapsulates the processing of continuous-media data into stream handlers of a real-time environment. This environment is controlled by traditional non-real-time functions for resource, buffer and continuous-media data stream management. On top of this system, distributed multimedia applications can be built.
Zero or compact products of several Hankel operators

In this paper we give a necessary and sufficient condition for the product of several Hankel operators on the Hardy space of the unit disk to be zero or compact. This extends results of Brown and Halmos [2], Axler, Chang and Sarason [1], Volberg [8] and Xia and Zheng [9] on zero or compact products of two or three Hankel operators.
Best Friends: The Role of Confidantes in Older Women's Health

ABSTRACT This article explores personal, network, and community contexts in older women's friendships and health. Twenty-six older women (mean age, 67; range 55–85 years) in San Francisco were asked to choose the one individual to whom they felt the closest and then discuss how this individual contributed to their health. Their choices were numerous, diverse, contextual, and circumstantial. Other women were chosen most often; however, this belies the complexity of their choices. Confidants were chosen primarily for expressive reasons, but instrumental reasons proved important too, particularly for lower class women. Older women called upon their closest ties with physical, social, and emotional problems; they were less likely to call upon them with mental, financial, or spiritual concerns. Family members were preferred to friends for direct caregiving; however, some older women felt they would call upon their friends as well. Confidants kept older women healthy by offering advice and encouragement about d...
ESI-MS/MS quantification of 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one facilitates rapid, convenient diagnostic testing for cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis

Abstract Background The genetic disorder cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) frequently remains undiagnosed for many years. Left untreated CTX is associated with the development of cataracts, xanthomas and severe neurological dysfunction. The method routinely used to screen for CTX is GC-based measurement of elevated 5α-cholestanol from hydrolyzed plasma. A plasma test for CTX utilizing ESI-MS/MS methodology would be beneficial. Methods Development of rapid, simple LC-ESI-MS/MS methodology to test plasma for CTX is described. Two hour Girard derivatization allowed for 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one quantification by isotope dilution LC-ESI-MS/MS within 12 min from un-hydrolyzed affected patient plasma (5 µl). Results Adequate sensitivity and reproducibility were achieved for quantification of 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, which demonstrated improved utility as a diagnostic marker of disease and to monitor treatment compared to 5α-cholestanol. The mean plasma concentration of 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one in untreated CTX-affected patients (n = 6) was 107-fold that in unaffected subjects (n = 9), with the lowest concentration in affected patients > 10-fold the highest concentration in unaffected subjects. Conclusion Quantification of the bile acid precursor 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one with LC-ESI-MS/MS is a novel approach to improved diagnostic testing of plasma for CTX, amenable to high-throughput analysis and automated sample handling. Development of ESI-MS/MS methodology should make CTX testing more widely available and facilitate easier diagnosis of CTX.
Dissociation in maltreated versus nonmaltreated preschool-aged children

Abstract Objective: Dissociation is linked to the experience of child maltreatment for adults and for school-aged children. The goals of the current paper were: First, to extend existing research and examine the link between child maltreatment and preschool-aged children; and second, to examine which subgroups of maltreated preschoolers are most likely to evidence dissociation. Method: A well-validated measure of dissociation in children, The Child Dissociative Checklist (CDC; Putnam, Helmers, & Trickett, 1993 ), was utilized in a sample of low SES maltreated and nonmaltreated preschoolers ( N = 198). A measure of internalizing and externalizing symptoms was also utilized. The maltreated children were assessed for sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and also for severity, chronicity, and multiple subtypes of maltreatment. Results: The sexually abused, physically abused, and neglected groups each demonstrated more dissociation than did the nonmaltreated group. Dissociation in the clinical (psychopathological) range was associated with physical abuse. Moreover, maltreatment severity, chronicity, multiple subtypes, and internalizing and externalizing symptomatology were each related to dissociation. Conclusions: Child maltreatment is a factor in dissociation in preschool-aged children as it is in older children and in adults. Sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, severity, and chronicity are all implicated. Developmentally sensitive interventions that look beyond comorbidity with behavioral symptoms for dissociative preschool-aged children are needed.
Crystallography of ordered colloids using optical microscopy. 2. Divergent-beam technique

A technique has been developed to extract quantitative crystallographic data from randomly oriented colloidal crystals using a divergent-beam approach. This technique was tested on a series of diverse experimental images of colloidal crystals formed from monodisperse suspensions of sterically stabilized poly-(methyl methacrylate) spheres suspended in organic index-matching solvents. Complete sets of reciprocal lattice basis vectors were extracted in all but one case. When data extraction was successful, results appeared to be accurate to about 1% for lattice parameters and to within ~2° for orientation. This approach is easier to implement than a previously developed parallel-beam approach with the drawback that the divergent-beam approach is not as robust in certain situations with random hexagonal close-packed crystals. The two techniques are therefore complimentary to each other, and between them it should be possible to extract quantitative crystallographic data with a conventional optical microscope from any closely index-matched colloidal crystal whose lattice parameters are compatible with visible wavelengths.
Estimated performance and future potential of solar dynamic and photovoltaic power systems for selected LEO and HEO missions

Solar photovoltaic and thermal dynamic power systems for application to selected low-earth-orbit (LEO) and high-earth-orbit (HEO) missions are characterized in the regime 7 to 35 kWe. Input parameters to the characterization are varied to correspond to anticipated introduction of improved or new technologies. A comparative assessment is made of the two power system types for emerging technologies in cells and arrays, energy storage, optical surfaces, heat engines, thermal energy storage and thermal management. The assessment is made to common ground rules and assumptions. The four missions (space station, sun-synchronous, Van Allen belt and geosynchronous earth orbit) are presentative of the anticipated range of multikilowatt earth-orbit missions. The results give the expected performance, mass and drag of multikilowatt earth-orbiting solar power systems and show how the overall system figure of merit will improve as new component technologies are incorporated. >
Modulation of DPK Cell Function by the Kappa Opioid Agonist U50,488H

A large body of evidence has been reported that has shown that opioid compounds modulate the function of the immune system. It is apparent, moreover, that both endogenous and exogenous opioid compounds exert immunomodulatory activity. It is well established that opioid administration leads to altered antibody responses,1–7 delayed-type hypersensitivity responses,8–10 and natural killer cell activity.11–14 The mechanism of this immunomodulation is uncertain and may be due to an interaction of the opioid compound with multiple populations of immune cells. Macrophage and T cell functions can be altered following treatment with opioid compounds, and this includes changes in macro- phage microbicidal and tumoricidal activity,15–17 macrophage phagocytic activity,18–22 and the production of the T cell products IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ.23–27
Strain differences in the response of the mouse to diethylstilbestrol

BALB/c StCrlfC3Hf/Nctr, CS7BL/6J, C57BL/6 X BALB/c F1 hybrid (B6CF1), and monohybrid‐cross offspring from the breeding of B6CF1 mice were examined with respect to uterine, vaginal, and thymus responses to diethylstilbestrol (DES). About 400 mice of each genetic population were used. Weanling mice were fed DES at dietary concentrations of 2.5 to 1,000 ppb (μg/kg feed) for 6 days and were killed by cervical dislocation about 20 hr after removal of the feed. C57BL/6, B6CF1, and the monohybrid‐cross offspring did not differ in the uterine‐weight response to DES, but the slope of the dose‐response line was shallower for the BALB/c than for the other strains. Dietary DES concentrations of 250 ppb or more inhibited the uterotrophic response in all populations. Vaginal cornification occurred at lower concentrations of DES in the C57BL/6 strain than in the B6CF1 animals. BALB/c and monohybrid‐cross offspring were indistinguishable from each other in their vaginal response to DES and were less sensitive to DES than...
Determining magnetic wire insulation stability

Many high-temperature magnet-wire insulations are available which will meet initial design requirements and their suitability in this regard can be determined by comparatively simple and routine tests. Assessing the ability of such materials to maintain adequate properties throughout desired equipment life is somewhat more complicated. Consideration must be given to factors influencing deterioration and a criterion selected for the determination of insulation life. The most realistic results will be obtained when the material is tested in a configuration where the physical and electrical stresses are representative of those found in actual apparatus.
Application of nonlinear inverse methods to the control of powered-lift aircraft over the low-speed flight envelope

This paper presents a summary of experience in the design of velocity vector control systems for operation of short take-off and landing (STOL) and short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft over their low-speed flight envelopes. A nonlinear inverse control method developed at NASA Ames Research Center was employed to deal with the highly nonlinear, multi-dimensional aerodynamic and propulsion system characteristics that are inherent in these aircraft. The method partitions the control system into a command element that is defined solely by the dynamic response to achieve good flying qualities, and a nonlinear inverse element that computes the aerodynamic and propulsion control effector positions required to satisfy the pilot's commands and to regulate against disturbances. Experience gained at flight evaluations with a powered-lift STOL aircraft and in piloted simulation with a STOVL aircraft design indicates that this system design approach produces the desired flying qualities over the low-sp...
ABC's of output analysis

We present a brief overview of several of the basic output analysis techniques for evaluating stochastic dynamic simulations. This tutorial is intended for those with little previous exposure to the topic, for those in need of a refresher course, and especially for those who have never heard of output analysis. We discuss the reasons why simulation output analysis differs from that taught in basic statistics courses, and point out how to avoid common pitfalls that may lead to erroneous results and faulty conclusions.
Detection and quantification of coronary stenosis severity with myocardial contrast echocardiography

The development of microbubble contrast agents and new imaging modalities now allows the assessment of myocardial perfusion during echocardiography. These microbubbles are excellent tracers of red blood cell kinetics. Apart from providing a spatial assessment of myocardial perfusion, myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) can also be used to quantify the 2 specific components of myocardial blood flow-flow velocity and myocardial blood volume. The method to quantify myocardial blood flow velocity is based on rapid destruction of microbubbles by ultrasound, and subsequent assessment of the rate of replenishment of microbubbles into the myocardial microcirculation within the ultrasound beam elevation. Assessment of steady state myocardial video intensity (VI) provides a measure of myocardial or capillary blood volume. Perfusion defects that develop distal to a stenosis during hyperemia are therefore due to capillary derecruitment. We have shown that the degree of derecruitment (and therefore the severity of a perfusion defect) is proportional to stenosis severity. Because the capillary bed also provides the greatest resistance to hyperemic flow, decreases in capillary blood volume distal to a stenosis during hyperemia result in increases in microvascular resistance, which is the mechanism underlying the progressive decrease in flow reserve in the presence of a stenosis. Consequently, both the severity of a perfusion defect and quantification of abnormal myocardial blood flow reserve on MCE can be used to determine stenosis severity. As imaging methods with MCE continue to be refined, the optimal imaging algorithms for clinical practice still need to be determined. MCE, however, holds promise as a noninvasive, instantaneous, on-line method for the detection and quantification of coronary artery disease.
Mechanisms of lithospheric extension at mid-ocean ridges

SUMMARY We examine the extensional deformation of oceanic plates at mid-ocean ridges, especially within an axial yield zone where pervasive faulting occurs. Thermal models of ridges are developed which include the effects of lithospheric thickening on the mantle flow, the heat of magmatic crustal accretion at the ridge axis, and the hydrothermal cooling due to seawater circulation in the crust. When hydrothermal circulation occurs, the brittle lithospheric plate at slow-spreading ridges could be as thick as 8-9 km, thicker than the crust; while the plate at fast-spreading ridges is only 1-2 km. For a typical slow-spreading ridge, several kilometres of plate thickening are expected within a distance of 15 km from the ridge axis. When subjected to the extensional force due to horizontal stretching, shear failure by normal faulting will occur pervasively in an axial zone, where the lithospheric plate is the thinnest. Adopting perfectly plastic rheology as a continuum description of deformation on the distributed faults, we obtain approximate solutions for the stress distribution in the yield zone. Within this yield zone, sea-floor topography increases significantly away from the ridge axis so that the resuiting gravity sliding force balances the differential horizontal extensional force due to the thickening of the lithospheric plate. Basal stresses induced by the viscously deforming asthenosphere could significantly influence the stresses inside the lithospheric plate only if the mantle viscosity beneath the ridge is on the order of 10" Pa s, significantly higher than generally accepted values of 10" Pa s. Model calculations reveal that although the seafloor topography at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 13-15 ON is regionally compensated, it is locally supported by stresses in the lithospheric plate. The deviation of the lithospheric plate from its thermal isostatic equilibrium position can be explained by necking due to plastic stretching in the axial yield zone and elastic deflection of strong plates outside the yield zone. The best fit models require the yield zones to have a half width of 10-15 km. We find systematic variations in the gravity and topography of the East Pacific Rise, which indicate strong influence of plate spreading rate on the ridge thermal and mechanical structure. At the 16-17 ON area, where the half-spreading rate is 4.3 cm yr-', a prominent axial topographic high and an axial mantle Bouguer gravity low exist, implying a crustal or sub-crustal low density body. The gravity low disappears at the 20-21"N area, where the half-spreading rate is 3.6 cm yr-'. As the plate spreading rate decreases from 4.3 cm yr-' at the 16-17 ON area to 2.7 cm yr-' at the 22-23 ON area, axial ridge topography changes from higher than the thermal isostatic equilibrium position to lower than the isostatic position. The low axial topography at the 22-23"N area can be explained by the existence of a low amplitude median valley.
Political parties, independents, and the electoral market in sub-Saharan Africa

In this article we investigate how parties ‘close out the electoral market’ by monopolizing the channels of upward mobility for aspiring politicians (by reducing the number of independents). We analyse data from (1228) single-member constituency elections from three sub-Saharan African countries (Ghana, Malawi and Zambia) and six national legislative elections. We find that level of incumbent governing party support is the strongest predictor in explaining the likelihood that independent candidates would run for office at the constituency level across all three cases'
Ten-Year Predicted Coronary Heart Disease Risk in HIV-Infected Men and Women

BACKGROUND Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), in addition to traditional vascular risk factors, may affect coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. METHODS Among HIV-infected (931 men and 1455 women) and HIV-uninfected (1099 men and 576 women) adults, the predicted risk of CHD was estimated on the basis of age, sex, lipid and blood pressure levels, the presence of diabetes, and smoking status. RESULTS Among HIV-infected men, 2% had moderate predicted risk of CHD (10-year CHD risk, 15%-25%), and 17% had high predicted risk (10-year CHD risk of > or = 25% or diabetes). Among HIV-infected women, 2% had moderate predicted CHD risk, and 12% had high predicted CHD risk. Compared with users of protease inhibitor-based HAART, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for moderate-to-high risk of CHD was significantly lower among HAART-naive individuals (OR, 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-0.89). Users of HAART that was not protease inhibitor based (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.53-1.01) and former HAART users (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.46-1.03) were also less likely than users of protease inhibitor-based HAART to have moderate-to-high CHD risk, although 95% CIs overlapped the null. Low income was associated with increased likelihood of moderate-to-high CHD risk (for annual income $40,000: OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.51-3.56 ). Elevated body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) predicted increased likelihood of moderate-to-high CHD risk (for BMI of 18.5-24.9 vs. BMI of 25-30: OR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.03-1.93]; for BMI of 18.5-24.9 vs. BMI > or = 30: OR, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.25-2.56]). CONCLUSIONS Among HIV-infected adults, in addition to antiretroviral drug exposures, being overweight and having a low income level were associated with increased predicted CHD risk. This suggests a need to target HIV-infected men and women with these characteristics for vascular risk factor screening.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common anxiety disorder that appears to be due to a disturbance in central serotonergic functioning. Drugs, such as clomipramine, that inhibit neuronal reuptake of serotonin are effective in treating OCD. Behavioral therapy techniques are also effective.
Burned-Out Primary Testicular Cancer: Sonographic and Pathological Characteristics

AbstractPurpose: Rarely, a testicular scar is discovered in a patient with a presumed extragonadal germ cell tumor. Of 6 patients originally diagnosed with retroperitoneal extragonadal germ cell tumors who had echogenic foci on scrotal sonography 5 had definite histological evidence of a regressed primary testicular cancer.Materials and Methods: Six men 21 to 36 years old presented with palpably normal testes and a presumed retroperitoneal extragonadal germ cell tumor. After chemotherapy each patient underwent retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and ipsilateral orchiectomy. The entire testis was submitted for histological evaluation and all calcifications were identified.Results: Scrotal sonography revealed an echogenic focus or foci in all cases, which corresponded to intratubular hematoxyphilic bodies in 2. In 3 cases the echogenic foci were intratubular psammoma bodies close to a fibrous scar with hemosiderin deposition, 1 of which contained a focus of intratubular germ cell neoplasia. The hematoxyph...
A Comparison of Ultrasound and Surgical Findings in Suspected Ectopic Pregnancy

A retrospective review was conducted of patients assigned ICD-9 codes for ectopic pregnancy between 1993 and 1996, to compare ultrasonographic assessment with surgically confirmed anatomic pathologic conditions. Demographic information, ultrasound findings, operative reports, and pathology reports were assessed. One hundred thirty of 154 patients (84%) who underwent surgery for treatment of ectopic pregnancy had preoperative ultrasound examinations. Ultrasound findings of an adnexal mass correctly predicted the presence of an ectopic pregnancy subsequently confirmed at surgery in 91 of 130 women, yielding a sensitivity of 70%. The sensitivity of sonographically predicting the location of an ectopic was 60%, and the presence of hemoperitoneum was 78%. Despite advances in technology, sonography should be used in an ancillary role to clinical judgment in the assessment algorithm of this common clinical condition.
Inhibition of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha-Induced NF-κB Activation by the Adenovirus E3-10.4/14.5K Complex

Recombinant adenoviruses (Ads) are useful tools in gene transfer because they are able to infect a wide variety of tissues and cell types and do not require a replicating target cell. However, transgene expression is only transient due to host innate and acquired immune responses to the virus. Most recombinant Ads have deletions of early region 3 (E3) genes, allowing more space for insertion of the transgene. Although the E3 region is not necessary for infection, it has been observed that these "nonessential" genes have immunomodulatory properties. We demonstrate here that the E3 region of Ad inhibits the activation of NF-kappa B induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1. Ad E3 is able to prevent NF-kappa B from entering the nucleus, where it is normally active. Ad E3 also appears to function by preventing the activation of the kinase complex, IKK, which is responsible for phosphorylation of I kappa B that retains NF-kappa B in the cytoplasm in an inactive state. The prevention of NF-kappa B activation has been mapped to a complex of two of the seven E3 products, E3-10.4K and E3-14.5K (RID alpha/beta). These and other studies indicate that, by using Ad vectors containing the E3 region, it may be possible to reduce the harmful proinflammatory effects of TNF-alpha and other cytokines that compromise the use of Ad gene therapy vectors in vivo.
Law and Morality

As is clear from the last four chapters, one would not find anything in Merleau-Ponty’s texts resembling a fully developed discussion of law and morality. And certainly one would find nothing of the way this issue has been skewed in most discussions of it in the previous two decades of Anglo-American philosophy by being focussed almost exclusively on sexuality.1 Instead, as with Merleau-Ponty’s other references to law, those that concern morality are usually situated in the contexts of politics, economics, and history. Although productive of less exciting discussions, perhaps, these contexts do at least have the compensatory advantage of generating more interesting and thorny philosophical problems.
Measurement of gene amplification in FFPE tumor tissues by quantitative real-time PCR in comparison with FISH

14086 Background: Amplified oncogenes such as HER2 and EGFR have proven to be good targets for molecular therapy. Recent retrospective analyses suggest that EGFR amplification predicate better resp...
Antigenic dissimilarity of streptokinases.

Conclusions1. Streptokinases produced by different strains of Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus are antigenically different. 2. Determination of antistreptokinase titers is probably of little value in the diagnosis of streptococcal infection.
Femtosecond Laser Writing of Waveguides in Glass

Femtosecond laser writing was used to fabricate waveguides in undoped and rare-earth doped polyphosphate glasses. The influence of glass composition and laser parameters on waveguide properties and structural changes in the glass will be discussed.
Rapid Thermal Processing and Properties of Sol-Gel Derived Ferroelectric Thin-Films for Non-Volatile Memories.

Ferroelectric Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 or PZT (52/48) thin-films (0.5 μm) were integrated onto Pt passivated Si wafers (3-4 inches) by polymeric solgel processing followed by rapid thermal annealing. Dense and crack-free perovskite microstructures were obtained by densification of the amorphous gel-matrix prior to crystallization. The films exhibited submicron grains (0.2-0.6 μm) with a columnar growth habit. High field measurements on thin-films determined Pr, Psp, and Ec in the ranges of 29-32 μC/cm2. 44-58 μC/cm2, and 50-60 kV/cm, respectively, and ferroelectric switching times below 3 ns.
Abstract 5310: Positron emission tomography imaging of endometrial cancer using an anti-EMP2 minibody

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Endometrial cancer is increasingly affecting pre-menopausal women, prompting a need to develop fertility-sparing therapy, and monitor response to treatment by quantitative non-invasive strategies. Epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2) is a tetraspan protein associated with surface localization and function of cancer-relevant integrin isoforms, and EMP2 expression in endometrial cancer correlates with increasing cancer stage and poor prognosis. As EMP2 is highly expressed in endometrial cancer, this pre-clinical study tested the feasibility of non-invasive detection of human endometrial tumor xenografts using a radiolabeled anti-EMP2 diabody and positron emission tomography (PET). EMP2 biodistribution in murine organ was determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Anti-EMP2 minibody (MB83) fragment was designed and transfected into CHO-K1 cells. Purified minibody was DOTA conjugated and the binding activity was tested by flow cytometry using endometrial cancer cell line, Hec-1A/EMP2 cells. Then conjugated minibody was chelated with Cu-64. In vivo biodistribution of Cu-64 labeled MB83 in Balb/c nu/nu mice were determined by microPET imaging and AMIDE sofeware. MB83 location was determined by microPET in mice bearing Hec1a/EMP2 xenograft. EMP2 expression was detectable in the lung but not other organs by either western or immunohistochemistry. The absence of detectable EMP2 protein in the organs reflects that the target tumor with high EMP2 protein could uptake anti-EMP2 antibody which could be observed by microPET. The specific uptake of MB83 minibody within the Hec1a/EMP2 tumor can be seen both visually and quantitatively. Selective tumor uptake became more specific over time. In contrast, 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D- glucose (FDG) microPET uptake by HEC-1A/EMP2 was minimal, reflecting the poor detection of gynecologic cancer cell types by conventional FDG-PET imaging. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of imaging endometrial and other gynecological cancers which have upregulated EMP2 expression using recombinant anti-EMP2 antibodies. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5310. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5310
Tachykinin regulation of airway smooth muscle cell proliferation

The tachykinins, substance P (SP) and neurokinins A (NKA) and B (NKB), have been identified in the respiratory tract and implicated in mediating neurogenic inflammation of the airways. To the extent that these neuropeptides may be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma, a condition associated with hyperplasia of airway smooth muscle (ASM), we examined the mitogenic effects and mechanisms of action of tachykinins in cultured rabbit ASM cells. SP was found to elicit dose-dependent (10(-14) to 10(-4) M) stimulation of ASM cell proliferation, with a mean (+/- SE) maximal increase in cell number of 169 +/- 6.1% of control. In contrast, NKA and NKB had little and no effect on ASM cell growth, respectively. Because SP is nonselective in its binding to the tachykinin receptors, to identify the specific NK receptor subtype(s) mediating the promitogenic action of SP, in separate studies we found that 1) the NK1-receptor-specific agonist, [beta-Ala4, Sar9, Met(O2)11]SP-(4-11) induced stimulation of ASM cell growth similar in magnitude to that elicited by SP; 2) in contrast, neither the NK1- nor NK2-receptor-specific agonists, [beta-Ala8]NKA-(4-10) and [MePhe7]NKB, respectively, had any effect on ASM cell growth; and 3) the promitogenic action of SP was inhibited by the NK1-receptor antagonist, GR-82,334. Moreover, in extended experiments, we found that the phospholipase C and phospholipase A2 inhibitors, neomycin and quinacrine, respectively, each inhibited SP-induced ASM cell proliferation by approximately 45%. Collectively, these observations provide new evidence that the tachykinin SP induces ASM cell proliferation, and that this action is mediated by transmembrane signaling coupled to selective activation of the NK1 receptor.
Balloon catheter sinuplasty in young children.

BACKGROUND Balloon catheter sinuplasty (BCS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) was found to be successful in adults. The safety and feasibility of BCS in children has been recently established. The purpose of this study was to study the outcome of this technology in CRS in children. METHODS A prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized evaluation was performed on patients with CRS. Thirty-two children between the ages of 2 and 11 years were enrolled. Safety was assessed by rate of adverse events. Effectiveness was assessed using the Sino-Nasal (SN)-5 quality-of-life questionnaire for children with CRS at 52 weeks follow-up. RESULTS Thirty-two children were enrolled of which 24 completed their 52 weeks follow-up. No adverse events were reported because of the procedure. SN-5 score improved from a mean of 4.9 at baseline to a mean of 2.95 at 52 weeks (p -1.5), 7 (29%) had moderate improvement (>-1.0 and -0.5 and <-1.0), 1 (4%) remained the same, and 2 (8%) had worsening scores. CONCLUSION Balloon catheter dilation of the sinus ostia in children was safe and a significant number showed improvement of their SN-5 at 1 year follow-up. Additional studies comparing balloon sinuplasty to other modalities of treatment in children are needed to determine its efficacy in the treatment of CRS in children.
A Simple 1-D Boundary Condition Representing Combined Convective-Radiative Heat Transfer Across a Double Membrane Semi-Transparent Assembly

AbstractIn computer simulations of buildings and other structures, in relation to HVAC and fire, it is fairly common to need to represent boundaries which are made up of double semi-transparent membranes. An obvious example is a double-glazed window. When setting up a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model of the building, it is sometimes the case that detailed representation of this type of boundary is superfluous, and the CFD user wishes simply to replace the assembly by thermal and radiative boundary conditions. The present paper reports a simple steady-state one-dimensional model of such assemblies, accounting for the influences of solar radiation and radiation originating inside the building, as well as convective transfer. The theory is well suited for CFD or zone (lumped-parameter) models.
Dynamic Programming Methods

Dynamic programming deals with a procedure of optimization that solves problems concerned with a sequence of interrelated decisions. Ordinarily in a problem of dynamic programming, one is optimizing an objective function that simplifies to be the sum of objective functions that are dependent on individual decisions and the situations in the sequence of decision. The essence of the dynamic programming technique is that the current situation is transformed into a new situation through a decision, leading to a recursive relation. The technique of dynamic programming was developed by Richard Bellman in the early 1950s. The method of backward induction as used in solving statistical problems in sequential analysis may be regarded a precursor of the technique of dynamic programming. The technique has been found useful in solving problems in control theory, sequential decision theory, and the theory of adaptive processes. Optimization problems in various other applications in business also reduce to those of dynamic programming. Numerical answers to difficult optimization problems sometimes are possible through the use of dynamic programming.
Control and Control Theory for Flexible Robots

As the requirements for robot performance increase, the dynamics of the manipulator become more dominated by flexibility. These flexible effects generate model uncertainty which reduces the end-point positioning accuracy of the manipulator. Residual vibration or tip deflection due to uncertain payloads may contribute to the error in tip position. This paper addresses several control strategies currently used by researchers to account for flexibility in robots and their ability to perform tasks despite the flexibility. The demands for increased robot accuracy coupled with high speed and large workspace requirements necessitate the evaluation of robot flexibility. The influence of flexibilityon modelling and controller design must be better understood to achieve these requirements. This paper presents a review of current research in the control .of flexible robots and reports on algorithms with specific experimental and theoretical results. Other researchers have conducted such surveys regarding modelling, design and control of flexible robot arms. Desoyer, Kopacek, Lugner and Troch (24) compare various modelling methods for I ightweight robots and discuss the effects of flexibi lity on possible control strategies. They examine the kinetostatic method, the vibrational mode approach and the finite element method as a means of modelling flexible systems. Troch and Kopacek (60) discuss control strategies for flexible robots, designs based on model simplification and the effects of actuator dynamics. Peng and Liou (43) survey experimental studies involving flexible mechanisms from a designer's point of view. They examine the identification of damping and mode shapes, vibration reduction and various means of measuring flexible mechanism responses. Book (11) describes the modelling of flexibility, the large motion equations used and the design of flexible arms. He also presents trajectory planning and trajectory tracking strategies for the control of flexible robot arms. . This paper begins with a short discussion of modelling the behavior of a flexible beam. The mathematical expression forthe beam deflection is given as a function of mode shapes and generalized coordinates. The difficulty in choosing appropriate mode shapes and representing the correct boundary conditions is then presented. Once an expression for t~e beam deflection is established, it can be incorporated into a recursive Lagrangian approach for modelling the dynamics of a serial chain of flexible links. The dependence of several control algorithms on model information is then investigated. The control methods surveyed involve end-point tracking, trajectory planning, modal damping and vibration suppression. Several model identification algorithms are also presented to demonstrate adaptive control for flexible systems with_variable payload.
The West Africa Disaster Preparedness Initiative: Strengthening National Capacities for All-Hazards Disaster Preparedness.

Objective The Ebola outbreak demonstrated the need for improved disaster response throughout West Africa. The West Africa Disaster Preparedness Initiative was a training and assessment effort led by US Africa Command and partners to strengthen capacities among 12 West African partner nations (PNs). Methods Series of 3-week training sessions with representatives from each PN were held from 13 July through 20 November 2015 at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra, Ghana. A team conducted Disaster Management Capabilities Assessments (DMCAs) for each PN, including a review of key data, a survey for leaders, and in-person interviews of key informants. Results All 12 PNs generated a national Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan and Emergency Operations Center standard operating procedures. DMCA metrics were generated for each PN. Top performers included Ghana, with a plan rated good/excellent, and Benin and Burkina Faso, which both achieved a satisfactory rating for their plans. More than 800 people from 12 nations were trained. Conclusion PNs have improved disaster management capabilities and awareness of their strengths and weaknesses. The Economic Community of West African States has increased its lead role in this and future planned initiatives. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:431–438)
Alternative ventilation strategies in U.S. offices: Comprehensive assessment and sensitivity analysis of energy saving potential

Abstract Mature technologies exist to reduce the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) energy associated with ventilation and use ventilation proactively to save energy. This study investigated the energy use impacts in U.S. office buildings of multiple alternative ventilation strategies that combined: economizing, demand controlled ventilation (DCV), supply air temperature reset (SR), and/or a doubled ventilation rate. We used energy simulations in a Monte Carlo analysis, sampling 17 building inputs and varying locations to match the climate zone distribution of the U.S. office stock. Results indicated the possibility for significant savings compared to a baseline that ventilated constantly at a minimum rate in both a small office type with a constant air volume (CAV) HVAC system and a medium office type with a variable air volume (VAV) system. In 95% of instances, HVAC source energy savings were 5–25% in the small-CAV office (median: 11%) and 6–42% in the medium-VAV office (median: 27%). In the small-CAV office, DCV typically saved the most energy, usually from heating, and heating degree days and occupant density were decisive influences. In the medium-VAV office, economizing and SR were most important, DCV usually only had minor impacts, and zone temperature setpoints, along with climate indicators, were the critical influences. Other than infiltration, envelope characteristics did not strongly influence energy impacts. The untapped primary energy savings of alternative ventilation strategies over the 74% of U.S. office floorspace reasonably represented by our modeling was estimated at 36 TWh per year, with an annual value of U.S. $1.25 billion.
Metabolic Consequences of Restorative Surgery After Gastric Bypass.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) improves the metabolic profile of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Surgical weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity and β-cell function. Furthermore, there is a growing body of evidence explaining improvement of T2DM after bariatric surgery by weight-independent neurohormonal mechanisms, including changes in gut hormones, bile acids, and gut microbiota. Changes to gastrointestinal anatomy (for example, exclusion of the duodenum in RYGB) can directly influence glucose homeostasis, independent of weight loss (1–3). Bariatric and metabolic surgery is not without some risk, though, and reoperation is sometimes necessary to manage long-term complications. Metabolic consequences of reoperative bariatric procedures have not been well characterized (4,5). The aim of this report is to present examples of how reoperative surgery can impact the metabolic effects of these operations. The first patient was a 47-year-old woman with a BMI of 38 kg/m2. She had a history of T2DM …
META-ANALYSIS ON THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF NEW ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS COMPARED WITH VITAMIN K ANTAGONISTS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CARDIOVERSION FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Background: Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been found to be safe and effective for the prevention of systemic thromboembolim (STE) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) but their experience in patients undergoing cardioversion (CV) is limited. Methods: A comprehensive literature search