cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A review of monochromatic excimer light in vitiligo.

Summary Phototherapy is a mainstay of vitiligo treatment and has varying rates of efficacy. Narrowband ultraviolet (UV) B (NB-UVB) and UVA have been used for decades, but it is only recently that monochromatic excimer light (MEL) was developed for use in dermatology and adapted for the treatment of vitiligo. The specific 308-nm radiation wavelength is delivered in a targeted form by the xenon-chloride excimer laser and is also available in an incoherent form that is commonly referred to as the excimer lamp. MEL administered by both laser and lamp has shown efficacy superior to NB-UVB for the treatment of vitiligo and induces more changes at the cellular level than conventional UVB modalities. The excimer laser is effective in adults and children with vitiligo in all skin types as monotherapy or in combination with other established vitiligo therapeutics. Treatment regimens studied included excimer laser two to three times weekly for up to 36 weeks. Patients commonly achieved > 75% repigmentation. The laser has also been used in combination with topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors and vitamin D analogues, as well as surgery, thus further expanding treatment options for patients with vitiligo. The excimer lamp has been used for treatments one to three times a week for up to 24 weeks and was found to be equal to excimer laser in a head-to-head comparison. It has also been used in combination with topical corticosteroids and oral vitamin E. Both MEL modalities have a limited adverse side-effect profile. Long-term effects are yet to be determined; however, based on available data on UVB phototherapy as well as the properties of MEL devices, there is probably only a minimal increased malignancy risk.
Physical Stability of Octenyl Succinate-Modified Polysaccharides and Whey Proteins for Potential Use as Bioactive Carriers in Food Systems.

The high cost and potential toxicity of biodegradable polymers like poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid (PLGA) has increased the interest in natural and modified biopolymers as bioactive carriers. This study characterized the physical stability (water sorption and state transition behavior) of selected starch and proteins: octenyl succinate–modified depolymerized waxy corn starch (DWxCn), waxy rice starch (DWxRc), phytoglycogen, whey protein concentrate (80%, WPC), whey protein isolate (WPI), and α-lactalbumin (α-L) to determine their potential as carriers of bioactive compounds under different environmental conditions. After enzyme modification and particle size characterization, glass transition temperature and moisture isotherms were used to characterize the systems. DWxCn and DWxRc had increased water sorption compared to native starch. The level of octenyl succinate anhydrate (OSA) modification (3% and 7%) did not reduce the water sorption of the DWxCn and phytoglycogen samples. The Guggenheim–Andersen–de Boer model indicated that native waxy corn had significantly (P < 0.05) higher water monolayer capacity followed by 3%-OSA-modified DWxCn, WPI, 3%-OSA-modified DWxRc, α-L, and native phytoglycogen. WPC had significantly lower water monolayer capacity. All Tg values matched with the solid-like appearance of the biopolymers. Native polysaccharides and whey proteins had higher glass transition temperature (Tg) values. On the other hand, depolymerized waxy starches at 7%-OSA modification had a “melted” appearance when exposed to environments with high relative humidity (above 70%) after 10 days at 23 °C. The use of depolymerized and OSA-modified polysaccharides blended with proteins created more stable blends of biopolymers. Hence, this biopolymer would be suitable for materials exposed to high humidity environments in food applications. Practical Application Effective delivery systems for natural ingredients such as antioxidants, colorants, sweeteners, aromas and flavoring agents, processing aids, and antimicrobials are necessary to maximize their solubility, bioavailability, stability and masking of stronger flavors of the enriched food. We characterized selected systems from natural proteins and/or polysaccharides to determine their applicability in environments with high relative humidity. This information is helpful for future design of stable bioactive carrier systems when exposed to a wide range of environments.
Fast training of support vector machines using sequential minimal optimization

This chapter describes a new algorithm for training Support Vector Machines: Sequential Minimal Optimization, or SMO. Training a Support Vector Machine (SVM) requires the solution of a very large quadratic programming (QP) optimization problem. SMO breaks this large QP problem into a series of smallest possible QP problems. These small QP problems are solved analytically, which avoids using a time-consuming numerical QP optimization as an inner loop. The amount of memory required for SMO is linear in the training set size, which allows SMO to handle very large training sets. Because large matrix computation is avoided, SMO scales somewhere between linear and quadratic in the training set size for various test problems, while a standard projected conjugate gradient (PCG) chunking algorithm scales somewhere between linear and cubic in the training set size. SMO's computation time is dominated by SVM evaluation, hence SMO is fastest for linear SVMs and sparse data sets. For the MNIST database, SMO is as fast as PCG chunking; while for the UCI Adult database and linear SVMs, SMO can be more than 1000 times faster than the PCG chunking algorithm.
Chapter 5.4 Experience, structural plasticity and neurogenesis

Abstract: The adult hippocampus is a structurally plastic region in which dendritic remodeling, synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, and cell death have all been reported to occur in the absence of damage or pathology. These ongoing structural changes are modulated by both hormones and experience, and may contribute to aspects of hippocampal function, such as learning and memory, response to novelty, and regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. In turn, environmental complexity, learning, stress, and aversive experience appear to shape the hippocampus by regulating its structural plasticity. This chapter focuses on structural changes in the adult hippocampus, including dendritic remodeling and neurogenesis, and how these processes are affected by hormones and experience throughout life.
Breakdown of de Gennes Scaling in (R1-xR'x)Ni2B2C Compounds.

The superconducting transition temperatures $({T}_{c})$ and N\'eel temperatures $({T}_{N})$ have been determined for thirty $({R}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{R}_{x}^{\ensuremath{'}}){\mathrm{Ni}}_{2}{\mathrm{B}}_{2}\mathrm{C}$ single crystals. For ${T}_{c}g{T}_{N}$, deviations from de Gennes scaling occur that are probably due to crystalline electric field effects. For ${T}_{c}l{T}_{N}$ there is a complete breakdown of de Gennes scaling. In $({\mathrm{Dy}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{R}_{x}^{\ensuremath{'}}){\mathrm{Ni}}_{2}{\mathrm{B}}_{2}\mathrm{C}$, ${R}^{\ensuremath{'}}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\mathrm{Lu}$ suppresses ${T}_{c}$ an order of magnitude more rapidly than ${R}^{\ensuremath{'}}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\mathrm{Ho}$. This breakdown is inferred to arise from pair breaking by collective magnetic excitations.
Privacy and Intellectual Freedom

This essay offers an account of the complex ways intellectual freedom and privacy are interrelated. We pay particular attention to both the constitutional dimensions of these important values, as well as the important roles that social and professional norms play in their protection in practice. Our examination of these issues is divided into three parts. Part I lays out the law and legal theory governing privacy as it relates to intellectual freedom. Part II examines a special context in which law and professional norms operate together to protect intellectual freedom through privacy – the library. Finally, Part III discusses how government actions and other threats can infringe individuals’ privacy, potentially threatening intellectual freedom.
Effects of JAK-STAT inhibitors on glucocorticosteroid resistant release of CXCR3 chemokines from human bronchial epithelial cells

COPD is associated with glucocorticosteroid insensitive inflammation. CXCR3 chemokines are elevated in COPD and may drive recruitment of CD8+ lymphocytes. Expression of CXCR3 chemokines is regulated by IFNγ. This study investigated the effect of JAK-STAT inhibitors PF95 and PF13 on CXCR3 chemokine production from human bronchial epithelial cells. Beas-2B and primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) were pre-treated with PF95, PF13, or Dexamethasone (DEX) then stimulated with IFNγ or IFNγ+TNFα. After 24h, cytokines were measured by ELISA. Inhibition of the JAK-STAT pathway was measured by immunoblotting for phosphorylated and total STAT-1 and STAT DNA binding using Trans-AM kits. DEX had no effect on the release of CXCL9, 10 or 11, however all were inhibited by the JAK-STAT inhibitors stimulated with either IFNγ or IFNγ+TNFα (Table 1). HBEC responded similarly to Beas-2B. Both inhibitors attenuated phosphorylation of STAT-1 in a concentration dependent manner. DNA binding of STAT-1 and STAT-3was inhibited but not of STAT5a or STAT5b. JAK-STAT inhibitors therefore attenuate release of CXCR3 chemokines from airway epithelial cells under conditions of glucocorticosteroid insensitivity and have potential as a new anti-inflammatory treatment in COPD patients.
Noise and signal decoupling in maximum likelihood reconstructions and Metz filters for PET images

The authors have chosen some Metz filters for FBP (filtered backprojection) reconstructions based on matching the mean signal amplitude spectra of FBP images with those of ML (maximum likelihood) reconstructions. It is demonstrated that, for the mean signal behavior, FBP with Metz filters of various orders can achieve similar performance to ML over a range of image resolution. However, for images with resolution beyond the intrinsic detector resolution, the variance as shown by the noise power spectrum increased significantly for FBP compared to ML. This suggested that the noise was decoupled from the signal in the process of signal recovery for ML due to its noise model and nonlinearity. Such decoupling is not possible with FBP. However, ML has very limited advantages over FBP for most images with resolution equivalent to or lower than the intrinsic resolution, or if mean signals are obtained from a large number of noisy ensembles. >
On the explicit determination of certain solutions of periodic differential equations

We consider the class of equations of the form (∗)w′′ + A(z)w = 0, where A(z) is a nonconstant entire periodic function (where, for convenience, we take the period to be 27φi), and where we assume that A(z) is a rational function of ez . The solutions of such equations are entire functions of infinite order of growth, but such equations can possess one or two linearly independent solutions each of whose zero-sequences has a finite exponent of convergence. In this paper, we develop a method which involves using only the simple technique of undetermined coefficients, which can test any equation (∗) for the existence of a solution whose zero-sequence has a finite exponent of convergence. The method will also produce explicitly any such solution.
Liquid–Liquid Extraction of 3FOx and 5FOx Polyoxetane Diols: Impact on Polyurethane Mechanical Properties, Surface Morphology, and Wetting Behavior

Laboratory prepared and commercial poly(2-2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy-2-methyl)oxetane, P[3FOx] and poly(2-2,2,2-pentafluoropropoxy-2-methyl)oxetane, P[5FOx] polyols contain varying amounts of cyclics and low molar mass (LMW) constituents as byproducts of ring opening polymerization. Guided by phase diagrams determined by cloud point measurements, P[3FOx] diol separation is achieved. The impact of purification is explored via the preparation of P[3FOx] and P[5FOx] polyurethanes from cyclic/ LMW-free diols. Mechanical properties are improved because of higher polyurethane molecular weights. AFM revealed complex rugosity that is correlated with dynamic contact angles free from effects of water contamination.
Implications of rhyolitic ignimbrite boulders in the Middle Jurassic Carmel Formation of southern Utah

Previously undocumented cobbles and boulders of partly welded to welded rhyolitic tuff have been discovered within dominantly fine-grained deposits of the Middle Jurassic Carmel Formation. These large clasts occur in mudflow deposits and fluvial conglomerates of the upper member of the Carmel Formation in south-central Utah. The composition and texture of the monolithic tuff clasts indicate that they were derived from ignimbrite deposits. An increase in abundance and size of the volcanic clasts, as well as paleocurrent indicators in enclosing sedimentary rocks, suggest a southwestern source. The clasts were most likely derived from a volcanic source associated with the Jurassic magmatic arc that lay in a belt across contiguous parts of Nevada, California, and southern Arizona. The paleogeographic implications are that the magmatic arc lay just off the edge of the Colorado Plateau and the associated volcanic apron likely overlapped the plateau.
Methylation of DNA by N-nitroso-2-oxopropylpropylamine: Formation of O6- and 7-methylguanine and studies on the methylation mechanism

Abstract Administration of N -nitroso-2-oxopropylpropylamine (NOPPA) to rats formed both 7-methylguanine and O 6 -methylguanine in liver DNA. The O 6 - to 7-methylguanine ratio (0.07 after 12 hr) was similar to the ratio of the methylated guanines obtained with N -nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) for the same time period. NOPPA hydrolyzed to yield N -nitrosomethylpropylamine (NMPA), but only in solutions at high pH. We found no evidence for an enzyme in rat liver capable of converting NOPPA to NMPA.
Morphometry of fetal growth

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) complicates about 5% of all pregnancies and is responsible for substantial perinatal mortality and morbidity. With ultrasound, it is possible to assess fetal brain growth indirectly by measurement of the biparietal diameter, head circumference and transcerebellar diameter. As liver size is affected most profoundly by IUGR, measurement of the abdominal circumference of the fetus provides the earliest evidence of fetal growth restriction. Placental size, assessed with ultrasound, can also indicate the severity of the condition. Once a fetus is diagnosed as having IUGR, its well-being can be monitored with standard heart-rate testing and ultrasound assessment of fetal behaviour. Doppler analysis of the wave form of the fetal arterial and venous circulation hold the greatest promise for managing pregnancies complicated by IUGR. □ Intrauterine growth retardation, fetal growth, ultrasound measurements, brain growth, liver growth, placental size
Modelling habitat overlap among sympatric mesocarnivores in southern Illinois, USA

Abstract Few researchers have developed large-scale habitat models for sympatric carnivore species. We created habitat models for red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ), coyotes ( Canis latrans ) and bobcats ( Lynx rufus ) in southern Illinois, USA, using the Penrose distance statistic, remotely sensed landscape data, and sighting location data within a GIS. Our objectives were to quantify and spatially model potential habitat differences among species. Habitat variables were quantified for 1-km 2 buffered areas around mesocarnivore sighting locations. Following variable reduction procedures, five habitat variables (percentage of grassland patches, interspersion–juxtaposition of forest patches, mean fractal dimension of wetland patches and the landscape, and road density) were used for analysis. Only one variable differed ( P
Base-Pairing between 23S rRNA and tRNA in the Ribosomal A Site

Abstract The aminoacyl (A site) tRNA analog 4-thio-dT-p-C-p-puromycin (s 4 TCPm) photochemically cross-links with high efficiency and specificity to G2553 of 23S rRNA and is peptidyl transferase reactive in its cross-linked state, establishing proximity between the highly conserved 2555 loop in domain V of 23S rRNA and the universally conserved CCA end of tRNA. To test for base-pairing interactions between 23S rRNA and amino-acyl tRNA, site-directed mutations were made at the universally conserved nucleotides U2552 and G2553 of 23S rRNA in both E. coli and B. stearothermophilus ribosomal RNA and incorporated into ribosomes. Mutations at G2553 resulted in dominant growth defects in E. coli and in decreased levels of peptidyl transferase activity in vitro. Genetic analysis in vitro of U2552 and G2553 mutant ribosomes and CCA end mutant tRNA substrates identified a base-pairing interaction between C75 of aminoacyl tRNA and G2553 of 23S rRNA.
Effectiveness of Signal Control at Channelized Right-Turning Lanes: An Empirical Study

This article presents an investigation into the driver's behavior at channelized right-turn lanes using raised (curbed) islands, where an exclusive signal control is used for the channelized traffic movement. Three study sites in the cities of Belgrade and Bozeman in southwest Montana were investigated in this study. A literature review revealed an overall lack of knowledge concerning the operational and safety aspects of channelized right-turn lanes, especially concerning which type of traffic control is used. This may explain, to a large extent, the lack of guidance in practice and the broad range of behaviors demonstrated by drivers during this investigation. The three study sites were observed using surveillance cameras on mobile traffic-monitoring trailers with data collection duration of 5 days at each location. The results of the investigation showed that more than one half of the drivers using the channelized turn lane treated the traffic signal as a yield control, whereas only a very small percen...
A causal model of sexual arousal to erotic fantasies

To test a causal model derived from discrete affect (Tomkins, 1962) and involvement (Mosher, 1980) theories, 120 male and 121 female subjects responded to four erotic conditions with self‐reports of discrete affects and subjective sexual arousal. The four erotic conditions were (a) recall of a past heterosexual episode, (b) recall of a past masturbatory episode, (c) free sex fantasy, and (d) guided sex fantasy. The model posits (a) a direct effect of sex on sex guilt only; (b) sex guilt and masturbation guilt would have direct effects and indirect effects on sexual arousal; and (c) discrete positive affects would amplify sexual arousal, discrete negative affects would attenuate sexual arousal, and discrete affects would mediate the indirect effects of sex guilt on sexual arousal. Covariance structure analysis (Duncan, 1975; Kenny, 1979) was used to generate path coefficients. Incremental fit indices indicated an excellent goodness of fit of the model. Sex had no significant paths. Sex guilt had both direc...
Why is the central gas disk of the Galaxy tilted

Independent analyses of the HI and CO within 2 kpc of the galactic centre have shown that the gas distribution is best described as a disk-like structure with a rotation axis inclined 20–25° to that of the Galaxy1–3. Detailed models of the gas as an expanding circular disk2 or a thin elliptical bar3 describe the observations equally well, but they have no dynamical basis. We propose that the bending wave theory of Bertin and Mark4 can provide the dynamical explanation for the tilt, and that the predictions of the theory are independent of the kinematic model of the gas distribution. We show here that the predicted relationship between the disk surface density distribution and the height of the bending are satisfied for both the disk-like and bar-like models of the gas.
Partitioning of a fluorescent phospholipid between fluid bilayers: dependence on host lipid acyl chains

The partition coefficient Kp was measured for a headgroup-labeled phospholipid (12:0,12:0)-N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)-PE (12-NBD-PE), equilibrated between LUV of a series of phosphatidylcholines (PC). Fluorescence resonance energy transfer between the 12-NBD-PE and a headgroup-rhodamine-labeled PE was used to find the equilibrium concentration of the 12-NBD-PE in the different LUV. Reliable equilibrium concentrations were obtained by monitoring the approach to equilibrium starting from a concentration below and from a concentration above the ultimate values. Using (16:0,18:1delta9)-PC as the reference lipid, Kp ranged from a high value of 1.65 favoring (16:0,18:1delta9)-PC over (16:1delta9,16:1delta9)-PC, to a low value of 0.90, favoring (22:1delta13,22:1delta13)-PC over (16:0,18:1delta9)-PC. The Kp values enabled calculation of the acyl chain contribution to the excess free energy of mixing for (12:0,12:0) acyl chains at infinite dilution in the L alpha phase of PC having acyl chains of (16:0,18:1delta9), (16:1delta9,16:1delta9), (18:1delta9,18:1delta9), (18:1delta6,18:1delta6), (20:1delta11,20:1delta11), and (22:1delta13,22:1delta13). (14:1delta9,14:1delta9)-PC was found to transfer so rapidly between LUV as to preclude reliable Kp measurement.
The stigma of disease: Implications of genetic screening

As the field of human genetics successfully continues to unravel the secrets of an individual's genetic makeup, the social processes of stigmatization and ostracism of those with "undesirable" traits have the potential to increase. An historical example that may shed light on the problems of applying genetic technology to disease prevention is the institution of quarantine. This essay discusses the concept of "quarantine mentality" and the desire for healthy society to separate itself from those labeled "ill" or abnormal, and addresses two episodes in American history when genetics was applied to the formulation of social policy toward the "diseased": the eugenics movement of the early 20th century and the early attempts of genetic screening programs for sickle cell anemia during the 1970s.
Postnatal maturation of the dopaminergic innervation of monkey prefrontal and motor cortices: a tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemical analysis

The mature functional architecture of the primate prefrontal cortex arises during a protracted period of postnatal development. Although catecholaminergic afferents arrive in the primate cortex quite early during fetal development, several lines of evidence suggest that substantial changes in the dopaminergic innervation of prefrontal cortex may occur during postnatal development. In this study, we used immunocytochemical techniques and antibodies against tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis, to examine the precise time course from birth to adulthood of the maturational changes of tyrosine hydroxylase-labeled axons in prefrontal cortical areas 9 and 46 and primary motor cortex (area 4) of rhesus monkeys. In area 9, the densities of tyrosine hydroxylase-labeled axons and varicosities in the superficial and deep cortical layers remained relatively constant during postnatal development. In contrast, marked developmental changes in innervation density occurred in the middle cortical layers. For example, in deep layer III, the density of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive varicosities was relatively low and uniform in animals under 1 month of age but then increased by a factor of three in animals 2-3 months of age. The density of labeled varicosities continued to increase, reaching a peak (sixfold greater than in the youngest animals) in animals 2-3 years of age before declining to stable adult levels. Similar laminar-specific patterns of change also occurred in areas 46 and 4, although regional differences were present in the magnitude and precise time course of these developmental changes. These findings demonstrate that the innervation of monkey frontal cortex by tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive axons undergoes a protracted, laminar-specific pattern of change during postnatal development that continues through adolescence and into early adulthood. These developmental refinements may interact with other modifications of cortical circuitry that underlie the functional maturation of these regions.
Negative regulation of the weel protein kinase by direct action of the nim1/cdr1 mitotic inducer

Abstract The wee1 protein kinase suppresses the entry into mitosis by mediatingthe inhibitory tyrosine phosphorylation of p34 cdc2 . Genetic studies have suggested that the nim1 protein kinase (also known as cdr1) acts as a positive regulator of mitosis by down-regulating the wee1 pathway in yeast cells. We have overexpressed the nim1 protein in both bacteria and insect cells. The recombinant nim1 protein autophosphorylates on both tyrosine and serine residues and can phosphorylate the isolated wee1 protein directly in a cell-free system. The nim1-catalyzed phosphorylation of the wee1 protein occurs in its C-terminal region and leads to a substantial drop in its activity as a cdc2-specific tyrosine kinase. This nim1-dependent inhibition of the wee1 protein kinase can be reversed readily in vitro by treatment with a protein phosphatase. These experiments provide direct biochemical evidence that the wee1 protein is subject to negative regulation by phosphorylation and indicate that the niml protein acts as an inhibitory, wee1-specific kinase.
Limit distributions of sums of m-dependent Bernoulli random variables

The set of limit distributions of row sums of a triangular array of Bernoulli random variables which is strictly stationary and m-dependent in each row is characterized. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the convergence of the row sums to a given limit distribution are found. The case of convergence to a Poisson distribution is given special attention.
Multispectral, hyperspectral, and LiDAR remote sensing and geographic information fusion for improved earthquake response

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Remote Sensing Center (RSC) and research partners have completed a remote sensing pilot project in support of California post-earthquake-event emergency response. The project goals were to dovetail emergency management requirements with remote sensing capabilities to develop prototype map products for improved earthquake response. NPS coordinated with emergency management services and first responders to compile information about essential elements of information (EEI) requirements. A wide variety of remote sensing datasets including multispectral imagery (MSI), hyperspectral imagery (HSI), and LiDAR were assembled by NPS for the purpose of building imagery baseline data; and to demonstrate the use of remote sensing to derive ground surface information for use in planning, conducting, and monitoring post-earthquake emergency response. Worldview-2 data were converted to reflectance, orthorectified, and mosaicked for most of Monterey County; CA. Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data acquired at two spatial resolutions were atmospherically corrected and analyzed in conjunction with the MSI data. LiDAR data at point densities from 1.4 pts/m2 to over 40 points/ m2 were analyzed to determine digital surface models. The multimodal data were then used to develop change detection approaches and products and other supporting information. Analysis results from these data along with other geographic information were used to identify and generate multi-tiered products tied to the level of post-event communications infrastructure (internet access + cell, cell only, no internet/cell). Technology transfer of these capabilities to local and state emergency response organizations gives emergency responders new tools in support of post-disaster operational scenarios.
Discussion of Katherine Oram's Case

This case is a wonderful example of the impressive transformations that can be achieved in a psychoanalytic encounter between a gifted clinician and a gifted patient. It is discussed from the point of view of the development of evocative object constancy and of the sadomasochistic relationships that ensue when there are deficits in object constancy and attachment. For many patients with these issues, to be with anyone means being in pain and to be without pain means being alone. This is illustrated with examples in both the transference and the countertransference.
A numerical model for dynamic wave rotor analysis

A numerical model has been developed which can predict the dynamic (and steady state) performance of a wave rotor, given the geometry and time dependent boundary conditions. The one-dimensional, perfect gas, CFD based code tracks the gasdynamics in each of the wave rotor passages as they rotate past the various ducts. The model can operate both on and off-design, allowing dynamic behavior to be studied throughout the operating range of the wave rotor. The model accounts for several major loss mechanisms including finite passage opening time, fluid friction, heat transfer to and from the passage walls, and leakage to and from the passage ends. In addition, it can calculate the amount of work transferred to and from the fluid when the flow in the ducts is not aligned with the passages such as occurs in off-design operation. Since it is one-dimensional, the model runs reasonably fast on a typical workstation. This paper will describe the model and present the results of some transient calculations for a conceptual four port wave rotor designed as a topping cycle for a small gas turbine engine.
Synchrony, waves and ripple in spatially coupled Kuramoto oscillators with Mexican hat connectivity

Spatiotemporal waves of synchronized activity are known to arise in oscillatory neural networks with lateral inhibitory coupling. How such patterns respond to dynamic changes in coupling strength is largely unexplored. The present study uses analysis and simulation to investigate the evolution of wave patterns when the strength of lateral inhibition is varied dynamically. Neural synchronization was modeled by a spatial ring of Kuramoto oscillators with Mexican hat lateral coupling. Broad bands of coexisting stable wave solutions were observed at all levels of inhibition. The stability of these waves was formally analyzed in both the infinite ring and the finite ring. The broad range of multi-stability predicted hysteresis in transitions between neighboring wave solutions when inhibition is slowly varied. Numerical simulation confirmed the predicted transitions when inhibition was ramped down from a high initial value. However, non-wave solutions emerged from the uniform solution when inhibition was ramped upward from zero. These solutions correspond to spatially periodic deviations of phase that we call ripple states. Numerical continuation showed that stable ripple states emerge from synchrony via a supercritical pitchfork bifurcation. The normal form of this bifurcation was derived analytically, and its predictions compared against the numerical results. Ripple states were also found to bifurcate from wave solutions, but these were locally unstable. Simulation also confirmed the existence of hysteresis and ripple states in two spatial dimensions. Our findings show that spatial synchronization patterns can remain structurally stable despite substantial changes in network connectivity.
Surgical coronary revascularization and antiarrhythmic therapy in survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Abstract Background Patients who survive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are at high risk for recurrent arrest. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) confers a survival advantage, but it is unclear whether antiarrhythmic drugs or an implanted defibrillator confer added benefit. This study was designed to determine predictors for further treatment, survival, and therapeutic internal cardiac defibrillator (ICD) discharge in this patient population. Methods One hundred and eight patients undergoing CABG after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were identified over a 12-year period. Case records were retrospectively reviewed. Follow-up was obtained and predictors of outcome events were analyzed. Results Fifty-four (50%) patients underwent CABG only. Fifty-four received additional treatment that included ICD placement in 23 (21%), antiarrhythmic medications in 19 (18%), or both in 12 (11%). Predictors of ICD placement included left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 40% and perioperative intraaortic balloon counterpulsation. ICD or medical management increased survival in patients with LVEF 65 years, Cleveland Severity Score >8, and female gender. Predictors of therapeutic ICD discharge included age >65 years, reoperative CABG, LVEF Conclusions Patients with coronary artery disease anatomically suitable for CABG who survive an acute out-of-hospital cardiac arrest should undergo EP testing after CABG. Approximately half of these patients are adequately treated by CABG alone. The remainder may benefit from ICD placement or medical antiarrhythmic management.
Diurnal patterns in homecage behavior of rats after acute exposure to triethyltin.

Abstract Diurnal patterns of eating, drinking, locomotor activity, and rearing in male Fischer-344 rats were examined for 11 days after a single oral dose of triethyltin bromide (TET) at 0, 1.5, 3, or 5 mg/kg. The 5 mg/kg group exhibited a time-related drop in food consumption and body weight until 3 of 10 rats were sacrificed moribund 11 days after dosing. Doses of 1.5 and 3 mg/kg TET did not reduce body weight or consumption of food and water. In contrast, food consumption was significantly increased 7 and 11 days after 3 mg/kg TET, and diurnal patterns of eating and drinking were disrupted 7 days after 3 and 5 mg/kg TET. A phase shift in licking patterns was induced by the high dose. Unlike trimethyltin (TMT), TET did not affect efficiency of eating. Diurnal patterns of both horizontal and vertical activity were disrupted at all dose levels on Day 2 after dosing; by 16 days after dosing, recovery was evident in all rats including those surviving 5 mg/kg TET. These results show that (1) a near-lethal dose of TET produced a reversible syndrome of hypoactivity, aphagia, and weight loss similar to that seen after acute TMT; (2) in the absence of the above signs, diurnal patterns of behavior revealed effects of TET at doses as low as 1.5 mg/kg; (3) the magnitude of the effect depended on the time of day at which the response was measured; and (4) TET did not produce the same effects on ingestive behaviors (polydipsia and reduced feeding efficiency) that were previously observed after acute TMT.
Experimental determination of the molar volume and derivation of the expansion coefficient, entropy change on compression, compressibility, and first-sound velocity for liquid 3 He from 35 to 1200 mK and from the saturation pressure to 24 atm

The molar volume of liquid3He,V(P, T), was determined from measurements of the dielectric constant over the temperature range 35–1200 mK and from the vapor pressure to 24 atm. Analytical expressions were fitted to the molar volumes in order to calculate the isobaric expansion coefficient αP, the isothermal compressibility κK T, and the first-sound velocityc 1; the expansion coefficient was integrated numerically to arrive at the entropy change on compression. Values ofV(P, T) and the derived quantities are presented in tabular form at even temperatures and pressures. From this work it was found thatV(0, 0)=36.873±0.015 cm3/mole and thatc 1(0, 0)=178.4 m/sec, about 2.5% lower than the presently accepted value of 183.4 m/sec.
Utility of natriuretic peptide testing in the evaluation and management of acute decompensated heart failure

The B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the amino-terminal fragment of proBNP (NT-proBNP) are increased in heart failure in proportion to severity of symptoms, degree of left ventricular dysfunction, and elevation of cardiac filling pressures. These natriuretic peptides (NPs) are increasingly used for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in acute heart failure. While NP levels on admission provide independent prognostic information, serial determinations during hospitalization and at discharge better reflect adequacy of treatment and prognosis. The addition of BNP and NT-proBNP to usual clinical decision making enhances detection of high-risk patients who need aggressive follow-up and adjustment of treatment.
A Genetic Algorithm Based Multi-Objective Thermal Design Optimization of Liquid Cooled Offset Strip Fin Heat Sinks

A genetic algorithm based multi-objective thermal design optimization of liquid cooled offset strip fin heat sinks is presented. Using water and HFE-7000 as coolants, Matlab’s genetic algorithm and direct search toolbox functions were utilized to determine the optimal thermal design of the offset strip fin heat sink based on the total thermal resistance and power consumption under constant pressure drop. For a relatively small fin length, the total thermal resistance decreases with increasing fin length and aspect ratio α. For larger fin lengths, the total thermal resistance increases with increasing fin length whereas the power consumption continuously increases with increasing fin length and aspect ratio α for a given pressure drop. A plot of the Pareto front indicates a trade-off between the total thermal resistance and pumping power consumption.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Synthesis and Electrochemistry of Undeca-substituted Metallo-benzoylbiliverdins

The high-yield preparation of metallo-benzoylbiliverdins 9, 10, and 11 from either oxidation of dodeca-substituted porphyrin 6 in the presence of NaNO2/TFA and air followed by metalation or by reac...
Rheological study of structural transitions in triblock copolymers in a liquid crystal solvent.

Rheological properties of triblock copolymers dissolved in a nematic liquid crystal (LC) solvent demonstrate that their microphase separated structure is heavily influenced by changes in LC order. Nematic gels were created by swelling a well-defined, high molecular weight ABA block copolymer with the small-molecule nematic LC solvent 4-pentyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl (5CB). The “B” midblock is a side-group liquid crystal polymer (SGLCP) designed to be soluble in 5CB and the “A” endblocks are polystyrene, which is LC-phobic and microphase separates to produce a physically cross-linked, thermoreversible, macroscopic polymer network. At sufficiently low polymer concentration a plateau modulus in the nematic phase, characteristic of a gel, abruptly transitions to terminal behavior when the gel is heated into its isotropic phase. In more concentrated gels, endblock aggregates persist into the isotopic phase. Dramatic changes in network structure are observed over small temperature windows (as little as 1 °C) due to tccche rapidly changing LC order near the isotropization point. The discontinuous change in solvent quality produces an abrupt change in viscoelastic properties for three polymers having different pendant mesogenic groups and matched block lengths.
Simulations of the instability of the m=1 self-shielding diocotron mode in finite-length non-neutral plasmas

The “self-shielding” m=1 diocotron mode in Malmberg–Penning traps has been known for over a decade to be unstable for finite length non-neutral plasmas with hollow density profiles. Early theoretical efforts were unsuccessful in accounting for the exponential growth and/or the magnitude of the growth rate. Recent theoretical work has sought to resolve the discrepancy either as a consequence of the shape of the plasma ends or as a kinetic effect resulting from a modified distribution function as a consequence of the protocol used to form the hollow profiles in experiments. Both of these finite length mechanisms have been investigated in selected test cases using a three-dimensional particle-in-cell code that allows realistic treatment of shape and kinetic effects. A persistent discrepancy of a factor of 2–3 remains between simulation and experimental values of the growth rate. Simulations reported here are more in agreement with theoretical predictions and fail to explain the discrepancy.
Forced Annular Mode Patterns in a Simple Atmospheric General Circulation Model

Abstract Previous studies using simplified general circulation models have shown that “annular modes” arise as the dominant mode of variability. A simple GCM is used here to explore to what extent these modes are also the preferred response of the system to generic forcing. A number of trials are conducted under which the model is subjected to an artificial, zonally symmetric angular momentum forcing, and the climatologies of these trials are compared to that of the control. The forcing location is varied among the several trials. It is found that the changes in the model’s climatology are generally annular mode–like, as long as the imposed forcing projects strongly upon the annular modes of the unforced model. The role of changes to the eddy–zonal flow feedback versus the action of direct forcing is also considered through the use of a zonally symmetric version of the model. It is found that the direct responses to forcing are insufficient to capture either the strength or the structure of the annular mo...
In vivo biochemical analyses reveal distinct roles of β-importins and eEF1A in tRNA subcellular traffic

Bidirectional tRNA movement between the nucleus and the cytoplasm serves multiple biological functions. To gain a biochemical understanding of the mechanisms for tRNA subcellular dynamics, we developed in vivo β-importin complex coimmunoprecipitation (co-IP) assays using budding yeast. Our studies provide the first in vivo biochemical evidence that two β-importin family members, Los1 (exportin-t) and Msn5 (exportin-5), serve overlapping but distinct roles in tRNA nuclear export. Los1 assembles complexes with RanGTP and tRNA. Both intron-containing pre-tRNAs and spliced tRNAs, regardless of whether they are aminoacylated, assemble into Los1–RanGTP complexes, documenting that Los1 participates in both primary nuclear export and re-export of tRNAs to the cytoplasm. In contrast, β-importin Msn5 preferentially assembles with RanGTP and spliced, aminoacylated tRNAs, documenting its role in tRNA nuclear re-export. Tef1/2 (the yeast form of translation elongation factor 1α [eEF1A]) aids the specificity of Msn5 for aminoacylated tRNAs to form a quaternary complex consisting of Msn5, RanGTP, aminoacylated tRNA, and Tef1/2. Assembly and/or stability of this quaternary complex requires Tef1/2, thereby facilitating efficient re-export of aminoacylated tRNAs to the cytoplasm.
Ordered stripe phases in the cuprates

Abstract The photoemission spectrum of an ordered stripe array is calculated, including effects of long-range Coulomb repulsion. For all dopings, the dispersion is a superposition of two features, a magnetic stripe band with Mott gap and a charged stripe band with prominent superlattice minigaps, particularly one near the Fermi level E F . These two gaps resemble the experimental photoemission spectra of La 2-x Sr x CuO 4 and Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O δ , which are modified by increasing stripe fluctuations.
Indirect assay of plasma-renin.

Abstract Estimates of the endogenous renin in the plasma or serum of normal human and dog, published from various laboratories in terms of "plasma renin activity ", are unsuitable for comparison, because, due to technical differences, values differ widely (0·35 to 10·4 ng. angiotensin per ml. per hour). By reference to pure angiotensin and to an internationally acceptable standard preparation of renin, in Goldblatt units (GU), it has become possible to tabulate in uniform terms, for comparison, the results of seventeen published assay procedures. The lower limits of sensitivity—i.e., the concentration of renin required to generate angiotensin at a rate of 0·5 ng. per ml. per hour—in the various procedures ranged from 0·26 × 10 -5 to 6·2 × 10 -5 GU per ml.
Directed Evolution of the Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetase AdmK Generates New Andrimid Derivatives In Vivo

Many lead compounds in the search for new drugs derive from peptides and polyketides whose similar biosynthetic enzymes have been difficult to engineer for production of new derivatives. Problems with generating multiple analogs in a single experiment along with lack of high-throughput methods for structure-based screening have slowed progress in this area. Here, we use directed evolution and a multiplexed assay to screen a library of >14,000 members to generate three derivatives of the antibacterial compound, andrimid. Another limiting factor in reengineering these mega-enzymes of secondary metabolism has been that commonly used hosts such as Escherichia coli often give lower product titers, so our reengineering was performed in the native producer, Pantoea agglomerans. This integrated in vivo approach can be extended to larger enzymes to create analogs of natural products for bioactivity testing.
Older Americans and the Nutrition Facts Food Label

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To identify the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of older Americans related to the Nutrition Facts food label. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of older Americans in relation to the Nutrition Facts food label (NFL). The purpose of the study was to: 1) determine if older Americans possess the knowledge and skills needed to use the NFL; 2) determine the attitudes of older Americans toward food labels; and 3) determine if older Americans are using the NFL as a tool in planning a healthy diet. A sample of convenience was utilized. Fifty subjects volunteered to participate at three senior nutrition centers in Southeast Missouri. The mean age was 70 years old. There were 33 females and 17 males. The subjects answered a 17 item questionnaire which was developed by the researchers and was adapted for use by older Americans. Sixteen point type was used. Results reached from analysis of the data were: 1) 58% of participants could use the NFL to find one piece of information and 28% could use the NFL for more complex tasks; 2) 70% of participants believe that the NFL is a useful tool for consumers, 60% believe it is easy to understand, and 42% believe it to be truthful; 3) 72% of participants use the NFL to fit a food into their diet sometimes or more frequently, and 64% use the NFL the first time they purchase a food sometimes or more frequently. A number of older Americans refused to participate because they noted that they were not concerned with nutritional intake "at their age". They stated that they were more concerned with "eating what they want" rather than with the nutritional content of food or its potential impact on health. This attitude makes the well balanced meals provided at senior citizen centers even more important to the participants' well being and presents a challenge to nutrition educators to provide relevant and useful education to this population group. Label reading education would provide senior citizens with simple information about label use and it would reinforce the idea that the information on the label is truthful.
An improved bus aggregation technique for generating network equivalents

The requirements of a network equivalent to be used in a planning tool (such as the SuperOPF being developed at Cornell) for analyzing policy options, impacts on reliability, costs and emissions for networks as vast as the entire Eastern Interconnection, are very different from those assumed in the development of traditional equivalencing procedures. In this paper, a novel network equivalencing approach using bus aggregation techniques is proposed that shows promise for modeling such large systems in the context of analyzing policy options and emissions. This approach is superior to the existing bus aggregation methods in that a) under the base case, the equivalent-system inter-zonal power flows exactly match those calculated using the full-network-model b) as the operating conditions change, errors in line flows are minimized c) the method is more computationally efficient than other bus aggregation methods proposed heretofore. The proposed method is tested on an illustrative six-bus system and promising results are observed.