cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Delocalization of classical waves in highly anisotropic random media

We discuss localization phenomena in multilayer films doped with scattering particles. If the films exhibit a particular type of transmission resonance then above a critical frequency waves in the sample can decay as a power law rather than exponentially. This phenomenon is independent of the scattering strength of the particles, in stark contrast to previous work. We find that this phenomenon has many similarities to a second order phase transition. This work points to interesting avenues in the study of waves in anisotropic disordered media.
Functionalized poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) enhances drug delivery and provides chemical moieties for surface engineering while preserving biocompatibility.

Abstract Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is one of the more widely used polymers for biomedical applications. Nonetheless, PLGA lacks chemical moieties that facilitate cellular interactions and surface chemistries. Furthermore, incorporation of hydrophilic molecules is often problematic. The integration of polymer functionalities would afford the opportunity to alter device characteristics, thereby enabling control over drug interactions, conjugations and cellular phenomena. In an effort to introduce amine functionalities and improve polymer versatility, we synthesized two block copolymers (PLGA-PLL 502H and PLGA-PLL 503H) composed of PLGA and poly(e-carbobenzoxy- l -lysine) utilizing dicyclohexyl carbodiimide coupling. PLGA-PLL microspheres encapsulated approximately sixfold (502H) and threefold (503H) more vascular endothelial growth factor, and 41% (503H) more ciliary neurotrophic factor than their PLGA counterparts. While the amine functionalities were amenable to the delivery of large molecules and surface conjugations, they did not compromise polymer biocompatibility. With the versatile combination of properties, biocompatibility and ease of synthesis, these block copolymers have the potential for diverse utility in the fields of drug delivery and tissue engineering.
Estimation of the acoustic impedance of lung versus level of inflation for different species and ages of animals

In a previous study, it was hypothesized that ultrasound-induced lung damage was related to the transfer of ultrasonic energy into the lungs (W. D. O'Brien et al. 2002, "Ultrasound-induced lung hemorrhage: Role of acoustic boundary conditions at the pleural surface," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 111, 1102-1109). From this study a technique was developed to: 1) estimate the impedance (Mrayl) of fresh, excised, ex vivo rat lung versus its level of inflation (cm H(2)O) and 2) predict the fraction of ultrasonic energy transmitted into the lung (M. Oelze et al. 2003, "Impedance measurements of ex vivo rat lung at different volumes of inflation." J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 114, 3384-3393). In the current study, the same technique was used to estimate the frequency-dependent impedance of lungs from rats, rabbits, and pigs of various ages. Impedance values were estimated from lungs under deflation (atmospheric pressure, 0 cm H(2)O) and three volumes of inflation pressure [7 cm H(2)O (5 cm H(2)O for pigs), 10 cm H(2)O, and 15 cm H(2)O]. Lungs were scanned in a tank of degassed 37 degrees C water. The frequency-dependent acoustic pressure reflection coefficient was determined over a frequency range of 3.5-10 MHz. From the reflection coefficient, the frequency-dependent lung impedance was calculated with values ranging from an average of 1.4 Mrayl in deflated lungs (atmospheric pressure) to 0.1 Mrayl for fully inflated lungs (15 cm H(2)O). Across all species, deflated lung (i.e., approximately 7% of the total lung capacity) had impedance values closer to tissue values, suggesting that more acoustic energy was transmitted into the lung under deflated conditions. Finally, the impedance values of deflated lungs from different species at different ages were compared with the thresholds for ultrasound-induced lung damage. The comparison revealed that increases in ultrasonic energy transmission corresponded to lower injury threshold values.
Infection and growth of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in cultures of chick embryo lung epithelium.

Abstract The present report constitutes a quantitative study of various stages of infection of chick embryo lung epithelium in vitro with Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The virus was assayed throughout these experiments by the plaque technique. The velocity constant for adsorption was determined as well as the true multiplicity of infection. One-step growth curves were carried out in which both the virus liberated into the medium, and that remaining associated with the cells (cell-associated virus or CAV) were measured. It was found that extracellular virus and CAV were equal in amount during the period of exponential virus increase, and the apparent release time (i.e. the time required for release of a newly formed virus particle into the medium after it has gained the property of infectivity) was calculated as about 80 minutes. Further study showed that practically all of this time was spent at the cell surface. In fact, there was no compelling evidence for infective virus at any place other than the cell surface. X-ray inactivation studies showed that both CAV and released virus occur as independent particles rather than in clumps. The small fraction of inoculated virus which retains its infectivity upon coming in contact with susceptible cells and which can be found associated with these cells during the latent period is largely resistant to serum inactivation. These particles are somehow protected from serum neutralization by their association with subcellular particulates, but do not participate in the infectious cycle unless liberated by homogenization and plated on another cell layer.
Photosensitive disorders of the skin with ocular involvement.

Abstract Patients with photosensitive disorders of the skin may present with ocular manifestations that are evident at birth or may be manifested later with progression of the disorder. Dermatologists should be able to recognize these and appropriately refer patients for further management. Ocular involvement associated with immunologically mediated photodermatoses, drug- and chemical-induced photosensitivity, photodermatoses associated with defective DNA repair/chromosome instability, and photoaggravated dermatoses are reviewed. Photodermatoses are commonly classified into four general groups: (1) immunologically mediated photodermatoses; (2) drug- and chemical-induced photosensitivity; (3) photodermatoses associated with defective DNA repair/chromosome instability; and (4) photoaggravated dermatoses. Photodermatoses in these groups with ocular involvement will be discussed. In addition, skin diseases associated with photophobia are also described.
LEUKEMIA IN GREEK CHILDREN

Two hundred children with leukemia, aged 3 months to 14.5 years were examined during the 5 year period January 1972- December 1976. Hundred seventy five children had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 25 had : AML (12), APr.L(7), acute myelomonocytic (3) and chronic myelocytic (3). Male:female ratio was 1.47. Forty per cent of the patients were 2 to 5 years old. Intensive treatment (AL6B 71-11) was applied to 96 of the 175 patients with ALL. Of these 13 did not respond to initial treatment and died during the first 3 months. Of the remaining 83,about 30% are in their first remission more than 3 years, and only one developed leukemic meningitis so far. Twenty-two of the 25 children with non LL received intensive care. Eleven (50%) died during first trimester. Four are in first remission for 24,28,32 and 33 months (2 AML, 1 APr.L, 1 Ch.ML). Two of the 200 children developed diabetic coma while on 1-osparaginase treatment.
Butterflies and Tachinidae: does the parasite always kill its host?

Summary The first case is reported of a non-lethal interaction between a butterfly and tachinid which had little effect on host or parasite, and is discussed in its implications in relation to tropical tachinids and their hosts.
An ellipsoidal mirror display analyzer system for electron energy and angular measurements

Abstract A new electron imaging analyzer is described which consists of a retarding field ellipsoidal mirror low pass energy filter, a retarding field spherical grid high pass filter, and an area detector which consists of a CEMA multiplier, phosphor screen, and data acquisition system. This analyzer system energy analyzes and directly displays and measures all angular (momentum) directions within a ∼85° cone (∼1.8 sr). Angular resolutions of δθ ⋍ 2° and energy resolutions ΔE ⪅ 100 meV are obtained for angle-resolved photoemission measurements using synchrotron radiation. It has a very high throughput when used as an angle-integrated analyzer, with a resolution ΔE ⪅ 0.2 eV which can be achieved for a wide range of energies through the use of a spherical pre-retard lens. Descriptions are given of the ellipsoidal mirror design, system design, and system performance.
Prevalence and correlates of asthma in the elderly

Purpose The prevalence of asthma has been increasing for the past two decades. Bronchial asthma in the elderly has not received as much attention as asthma among children and adults. Recent studies have suggested that asthma is not an uncommon condition in the elderly. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence and correlates of asthma and asthma symptoms in the West Texas elderly population. Methods Texas Tech 5000 is a telephone-administered longitudinal health study of the elderly age 65 and older residing in the 108 counties that comprise West Texas. In wave 3 of the survey a total of 3392 subjects participated with a response rate of 89%. Subjects with emphysema were excluded and the analysis was restricted to subjects with non-Hispanic white or Hispanic race or ethnicity (n = 3021). The sample data were weighted using U.S. Census 2000 West Texas population. The prevalence and predictors of current asthma, probable asthma and wheezing were estimated using survey logistic regression analyses. Health-related quality of life (QoL) was determined using a 15-item mini-Asthma QoL scale and a 12-item SF-12 scale. Results The prevalence of current asthma was 6.3%, whereas 19.7% reported having wheezing in the previous 12 months. The prevalence of current asthma was lowest among Hispanic Americans (4.1%, 95% CI = 2.0, 6.2). The most common nocturnal asthma symptoms reported were cough and shortness of breath. A significant impairment in QoL (especially for rural residents) was observed for the environmental stimuli domain among subjects with asthma. Significant physical impairment (lower PCS score on the SF-12 scale) was also observed for subjects with current asthma (P Conclusion This study identified several risk factors associated with current asthma. Given that older individuals spend most of their time indoors, routine environmental assessment should be considered as part of their asthma management plan.
Studies on mercapturic acid synthesis by humans

Abstract Bromobenzene (300 mg./k.) was administered to three human subjects over a period of two days. No untoward toxic effects were observed. Mercapturic acid could not be isolated from the urine by chloroform extraction. Isotope dilution and iodine titration analyses indicated that very little, if any, bromobenzene was conjugated and excreted as a mercapturic acid.
Importance of formaldehyde in cloud chemistry

A physical-chemical model which is an extension of that of Hong and Carmichael (1983) is used to investigate the role of formaldehyde in cloud chemistry. This model takes into account the mass transfer of SO2, O3, NH3, HNO3, H2O2, CO2, HCl, HCHO, O2, OH and HO2 into cloud droplets and their subsequent chemical reactions. The model is used to assess the importance of S(IV)-HCHO adduct formation, the reduction of H2O2 by HCHO, HCHO-free radical interactions, and the formation of HCOOH in the presence of HCHO in cloud droplets. Illustrative calculations indicate that the presence of HCHO inhibits sulfate production rate in cloud droplets. The direct inhibition of sulfate production rate in cloudwater due to nucleophilic addition of HSO3(-) to HCHO(aq) to form hydroxymethanesulfonate is generally low for concentrations of HCHO typical of ambient air. However, inhibition of sulfate production due to formaldehyde-free radical interactions in solution can be important. These formaldehyde-free radical reactions can also generate appreciable quantities of formic acid.
Influence of Dynamic Processes upon Complete Fusion of Heavy Nuclei at Subbarrier Energies

Excitation functions for complete fusion of $^{90}\mathrm{Zr}$+$^{90}\mathrm{Zr}$ and $^{90}\mathrm{Zr}$+$^{94}\mathrm{Zr}$ have been found to decrease gradually over a broad energy range below the nominal barrier. The effective barrier for $^{90}\mathrm{Zr}$+$^{94}\mathrm{Zr}$ was 10.5 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 3.0 MeV higher than the nominal barrier implying a critical effective fissility of 31.5 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.5. Although deep-interpenetration processes appear to limit fusion at near-barrier energies, weak-contact dynamics enable these cold, heavy nuclei to fuse with comparative ease at lower energies.
Delineating the Character of the Entrepreneurial University

We gain insight into the emerging character of the entrepreneurial university by pursuing empirical answers to two questions: How are such universities initially formed? And how do they sustain themselves? My 1998 book, Creating Entrepreneurial Universities, used European cases to conceptualize five ‘pathways of transformation.’ My 2004 book, Sustaining Change in Universities, in search of exemplars of entrepreneurial action, turns to 14 internationally distributed case studies to clarify anew these transforming steps and to suggest dynamics of change that produce a new steady state change. Drawn largely from the book's concluding chapter, this article emphasizes key features of change-promoting organization in universities and highlights the growing centrality of university-led action based on flexible and adaptive self-reliance.
Physiological role of large, Ca2+-activated K+ channels in human glomerular mesangial cells

SUMMARY 1 Contraction assays and patch clamp methods were used to determine the role of K+ channels in the regulation of contractile tone of human mesangial cells (MC) in culture. 2 MC contraction was induced by vasoconstrictor agents, such as angiotensin II (AngII; 100nmol/L) and glybenclamide (Glyb), but not by iberiotoxin (IbTX), a blocker of large Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BK(Ca)). These results suggest that Glyb-sensitive K+ channels, but not BK(Ca) channels, were active at rest. 3 In the presence of 100nmol/L IbTX, contraction by Angll was slightly, but not significantly, enhanced, indicating that BK(Ca) has a minimal role as a negative feedback regulator of contraction. Nitroprusside (NP; 100μmol/L), a nitric oxide (NO) donor, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP; 1.0 μmol/L) and db-cGMP (10μmol/L) attenuated AngII-induced contraction in the absence, but not in the presence, of IbTX, suggesting that BK(Ca) channels were activated by cGMP. 4 In patch clamp experiments, three distinct K+-selective channels of 9, 65 and 150 pS (outward currents) were found in excised, inside-out patches. The 150 pS channel was completely inhibited by 100nmol/L IbTX and displayed ***voltage- and calcium-dependent gating qualitatively similar to BK(Ca) in other cell types. 5 In cell attached (CA) patches, the response of BK(Ca) to bath AngII (100nmol/L) was relatively minor in control solutions, but was considerably greater in the presence of db-cGMP. 6 In excised patches, Mg-ATP (1 mmol/L) plus db-cGMP (1 μmol/L) activated BK(Ca) in the absence, but not the presence, of the non-specific kinase inhibitor, staurosporine. 7 Separate experiments showed that BK(Ca) were also activated by arachidonic acid and high ambient glucose concentrations. 8 These results indicate that: (i) resting MC tone is sensitive to glybenclamide and apamin; and (ii) the role of BK(Ca) as a negative feedback regulator of contraction is minimal under normal conditions but is markedly enhanced by cGMP-stimulating relaxants and arachidonic acid.
Responsibility and Adjustment in Siblings of Children with Disabilities: Update and Review:

This article provides a review of research addressing the role of home and child care responsibility in the psychological adjustment of siblings of children with disabilities, as defined by special education law. Early classic studies are reviewed followed by more recent work on gender and SES of the sibling, the relationship of sibling responsibility to adjustment, and the level of home and child care responsibility for siblings with and without a brother/sister who has a disability. The author concludes that neither the existence of higher levels of responsibility for siblings of children with disabilities nor the classification of responsibility as a psychological risk factor have been established. In studies that included comparison groups, girls had more home and child care responsibility than boys, whether or not there was a child with a disability in the home. However, the siblings worry about future responsibility and cognitions about the responsibility that does exist are worthy of further explor...
Solid phase reductive alkylation techniques in analogue peptide bond and sidechain modification

Abstract The presence of a reduced peptide bond in a biologically active peptide usually has profound effects on conformation and potency. The CH2NH group may be a useful tool for delineating important hydrogen-bonding points and may also offer a general strategy for the production of enzyme resistance and potent competitive antagonists containing minimal structural alteration. The introduction of the group by solid phase reductive alkylation with a protected amino acid aldehyde offers a rapid route to peptides containing one or even many bond replacements. Potential racemization problems have been investigated and appear to be mostly related to the LiAlH4 reduction of ammo acid dimethylhydroxamates to the aldehydes. Conditions are presented which prevent this, however, prolonged storage of amino acid aldehydes does appear to result in substantial racemization. The stability of commonly used side chain protecting groups to synthetic conditions was also investigated. The reactivity of the CH2NH group to subsequent coupling reactions is surprisingly low. Its utility as an additional derivatization point in analogue design is examined. Some biological effects of peptide bond replacement and also solid-phase N-alkylation of several types of peptide hormones are discussed.
Hypercalcemia associated with gastric pythiosis in a dog

: A 20-month-old castrated male Labrador Retriever with a 3-month history of anorexia, weight loss, and vomiting was evaluated. Plasma biochemical abnormalities included marked hyperglobulinemia and hypercalcemia. Serum levels of parathyroid hormone, parathyroid hormone-related protein, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were either low or within reference intervals. Gastric wall thickening and abdominal lymphadenomegaly were observed with abdominal ultrasonography. Cytologic evaluation of a sample obtained via fine-needle aspiration of the gastric wall revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation and numerous poorly stained hyphae. Partial gastrectomy was performed, and a diagnosis of gastric pythiosis was made by immunohistochemical staining of infected gastric tissue, as well as by immunoblot serology. This case demonstrates that diagnostic samples for cytologic evaluation can be obtained by fine-needle aspiration of Pythium insidiosum-infected tissues and that a presumptive diagnosis can be made by examination of a Romanowsky-stained smear. Furthermore, pythiosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for hypercalcemia, especially in young dogs with inflammatory lesions that have a granulomatous component. The mechanism for the hypercalcemia in this dog was not determined; however, calcium concentrations normalized after surgical resection of the gastric lesion.
The Role of the Thioredoxin and Glutaredoxin Pathways in Reducing Protein Disulfide Bonds in the Escherichia coliCytoplasm

In Escherichia coli, two pathways use NADPH to reduce disulfide bonds that form in some cytoplasmic enzymes during catalysis: the thioredoxin system, which consists of thioredoxin reductase and thioredoxin, and the glutaredoxin system, composed of glutathione reductase, glutathione, and three glutaredoxins. These systems may also reduce disulfide bonds which form spontaneously in cytoplasmic proteins when E. coli is grown aerobically. We have investigated the role of both systems in determining the thiol-disulfide balance in the cytoplasm by determining the ability of protein disulfide bonds to form in mutants missing components of these systems. We find that both the thioredoxin and glutaredoxin systems contribute to reducing disulfide bonds in cytoplasmic proteins. In addition, these systems can partially substitute for each otherin vivo since double mutants missing parts of both systems generally allow substantially more disulfide bond formation than mutants missing components of just one system. Some of these double mutants were found to require the addition of a disulfide reductant to the medium to grow well aerobically. Thus, E. coli requires either a functional thioredoxin or glutaredoxin system to reduce disulfide bonds which appear after each catalytic cycle in the essential enzyme ribonucleotide reductase and perhaps to reduce non-native disulfide bonds in cytoplasmic proteins. Our results suggest the existence of a novel thioredoxin in E. coli.
Lymphocyte Transformation in Response to Human Thyroid Extract in Patients with Subacute Thyroiditis

Abstract Seven patients with subacute thyroiditis were studied for evidence of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to human thyroid extract, as judged from lymphocyte transformation responses, measured by the increase in labeled thymidine uptake in vitro. Significant transformation was observed in lymphocytes from five of the seven patients with active subacute thyroiditis, and in the lymphocytes from only three of 15 patients with Graves' disease (x2, P = 0.036). Repeat studies of lymphocyte transformation were done in four of the patients with subacute thyroiditis, three of whom initially showed abnormal responses. By eight weeks after initial studies, when all patients were in clinical remission without treatment, transformation responses were within the normal range. Thyroid antibodies were absent or present in low titer (< 1:100) in sera of patients with subacute thyroiditis and became undetectable by eight weeks in those patients initially positive. In contrast, significant titers of antithyroid antibodies...
IGF-I stimulates granulosa cell-derived insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5: evidence for medication via type I IGF receptors

Although the precise role of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) in ovarian physiology remains a matter of study, existing data suggest a possible antigonadotropic role in the context of follicular atresia. Given the above and the need for improved understanding of the regulation of ovarian IGFBPs, we have set out to explore the ability of IGF-I to modulate IGFBP levels in cultured rat granulosa cells. Specifically, granulosa cells (5 x 10(5) viable cells/dish) from immature (23-25 days old), estrogen-primed rats were cultured under serum-free conditions for 72 h in the absence or presence of IGF-I. At the conclusion of this incubation period, media samples were collected and subjected to Western ligand blotting. Treatment with IGF-I (100 ng/ml) resulted in a substantial (P IGF-I > IGF-II > or = [Leu27]IGF-II.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effect of a new carbon dioxide laser treatment on dissolution profiles of dental enamel

Previous studies have shown that pretreatment of dental enamel by specific carbon dioxide laser conditions inhibited subsequent acid dissolution of the enamel surface. The aim of the present study was to examine the dissolution profiles following irradiation by a new short pulse carbon dioxide laser treatment. Bovine enamel blocks were irradiated at 9.6 μm with a 5-8 μs or a 20-30 μs pulse duration laser using overlapping spots, and a range of fluences. Dissolution profiles were measured in an acetate buffer. Higher fluences produced rapid initial dissolution followed by a plateau with a low dissolution rate. For caries inhibition purposes the high solubility decomposition phases need to be avoided or removed.
Fabrication and Characterization of Micro-Patterned Magnetorheological Elastomeric Structures

This paper presents fabrication and characterization of micro-patterned magnetorheological elastomeric structures composed of magnetorheological fluid (MRF) sandwiched with magnetorheological elastomeric (MRE) materials. The MRE structures are made of polydimethylsiloxane (PMDS) with and without an additive of carbonyl iron (CI) particles with a size range of 6–9 um and the MRF is composed of silicon fluid mixed with the CI particles of the same size range. Three different SU-8 master molds of plain, longitudinal, and latitudinal patterns are constructed. Also, four MR elastomeric structures of different CI particle arrangements of isotropic MRE, anisotropic top-to-bottom-aligned MRE, anisotropic side-to-side-aligned MRE, and pure PDMS for each SU-8 master mold are fabricated. MRE structures are then characterized by using a tensile testing machine under a normal condition (off-state) and a low magnetic field condition (on-state). The tensile tests were performed to experimentally investigate their tunable properties. Later, the data gathered are compared for different conditions.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The Impact of Symbolic and Non-Symbolic Quantity on Spatial Learning

An implicit mapping of number to space via a “mental number line” occurs automatically in adulthood. Here, we systematically explore the influence of differing representations of quantity (no quantity, non-symbolic magnitudes, and symbolic numbers) and directional flow of stimuli (random flow, left-to-right, or right-to-left) on learning and attention via a match-to-sample working memory task. When recalling a cognitively demanding string of spatial locations, subjects performed best when information was presented right-to-left. When non-symbolic or symbolic numerical arrays were embedded in these spatial locations, and mental number line congruency prompted, this effect was attenuated and in some cases reversed. In particular, low-performing female participants who viewed increasing non-symbolic number arrays paired with the spatial locations exhibited better recall for left-to-right directional flow information relative to right-to-left, and better processing for the left side of space relative to the right side of space. The presence of symbolic number during spatial learning enhanced recall to a greater degree than non-symbolic number—especially for female participants, and especially when cognitive load is high—and this difference was independent of directional flow of information. We conclude that quantity representations have the potential to scaffold spatial memory, but this potential is subtle, and mediated by the nature of the quantity and the gender and performance level of the learner.
THE IMPACT OF METALLOCENES ON PVC

PVC has been under attack from environmental groups for some time. Whatever the merits of the environmentalists' arguments, PVC has resisted this attack in many applications because of a unique combination of performance and price. As a result, the PVC industry has been experiencing a period of good growth. Metallocene based polyolefin resins are the first materials that appear to be a threat to that position. Recent reports of the performance of metallocene resins have demonstrated an incredible performance boost when compared with conventional PE or PP. This talk will examine the threat from the development of metallocenes.
Length of Stay Heuristics: Do They Really Make a Difference?

Abstract Most of the original revenue management systems used by hotels assumed one-night stays. In this article, an evaluation is made of a more sophisticated decision rule that incorporates a guest's actual length of stay (whether it be one or more nights). A heuristic approach is presented that could be used by more firms in the hotel industry to achieve improvements in expected contribution of up to 2.94% over Belobaba's expected marginal revenue decision rule (a standard of comparison for decision rules that don't incorporate length of stay). The sensitivity of the difference in expected contribution between these rules is tested for three different hotel properties (actual hotel data) which have differing values for the input parameters (e.g., length of stay profile, no-show rates, average rates for each rate category), and managerial insights are presented.
Effective size of the transverse dimension of x-ray-tube focal spots.

Corrections for nonuniform x‐ray intensity distributions have been computed for the dimension perpendicular to the anode–cathode axis of x‐ray‐tube focal spots. These correction factors were developed from comparison of OTFs for focal spots with uniform intensity distributions to those for focal spots with symmetric double‐peaked intensity distributions.
Hybrid Monte Carlo simulation of ripple transport in stellarators

Abstract A rapid “hybrid” Monte Carlo simulation has been developed to investigate helical ripple transport at low collision frequencies in stellarators. The simulation is a hybrid in the sense that the majority of ripple trapped particles are followed through the iterative conservation of their longitudinal adiabatic invariant, J , while those particles in a narrow region of phase space on either side of the ripple trap/detrap boundary are followed using guiding center equations of motion. This formulation is much faster than a purely guiding center treatment, making all collision frequency regimes of interest accessible at reasonable costs in computer time. It is shown that local toroidal variation of the magnetic field yields considerably more complicated trapping/detrapping orbits than allowed in analytic theory and that the form of J used in this work correctly describes this behavior. The methods employed allow the examination of stellarator configurations for which the magnitude of the toroidal well, e t , is larger than that of the helical well, e h , as well as configurations more often treated in which e h > e t . Results are obtained for the usual analytic model of the helical ripple, e h = e h ( r ), as well as a more realistic model for which e h = e h ( r , θ ). It is shown that even a rather weak dependence of e h on poloidal angle can alter the magnitude of the diffusion coefficient as well as its scaling with collision frequency.
Goal uncertainity in a generalized information system: convergence properties of the estimated expected utilities ∗

The concept of goal uncertainty in a generalized information system is modeled by treating utility functions as interval valued rather than real valued. Furthermore, since the system is dynamic, the intervals shrink as information accumulates. The lower (upper) endpoints of these intervals are shown to be sub(super) martingales. Decision rules are formulated to select the appropriate course of action for each cycle through the decision-information feedback loop which is the heart of this information system. Finally, the theory of multifunctions is used to obtain convergence theorems for the estimated expected utilities generated by this system
Spectroscopic and Thermodynamic Comparisons of Escherichia coli DNA Photolyase and Vibrio cholerae Cryptochrome 1

Escherichia coli DNA photolyase and cryptochrome 1 isolated from Vibrio cholerae, a member of the CRY-DASH family, are directly compared using a variety of experimental methods including UV-vis and Raman spectroscopy, reduction potential measurements, and isothermal titration calorimetry. The semiquinone form of the cryptochrome has an absorption spectrum that is red-shifted from that of the photolyase, but the Raman spectrum indicates that the FAD binding pocket is similar to that of photolyase. The FADH(-)/FADH* reduction potential of the cryptochrome is significantly higher than that of the photolyase at 164 mV vs NHE, but it also increases upon substrate binding (to 195 mV vs NHE), an increase similar to what is observed in photolyase. The FADH(-)/FADH* reduction potential for both proteins was found to be insensitive to ATP binding. Isothermal titration calorimetry found that photolyase binds tighter to substrate (K(A) approximately 10(5) M(-1) for photolyase and approximately 10(4) M(-1) for cryptochrome 1), and the binding constants for both proteins were slightly sensitive to oxidation state. Based upon this work, it appears that this cryptochrome has significant spectroscopic and electrochemical similarities to CPD photolyase. The thermodynamic cycle of the enzymatic repair in the context of this work is discussed.
Rotation of a cylinder about an eccentric parallel axis in a viscous fluid

A circular cylinder in an infinite fluid rotates rigidly about a fixed axis which is parallel to, but does not coincide with, its geometric axis. It is found that, depending on the relative magnitude of the Reynolds number R and eccentricity e, the flow may have two, one or no boundary layers. General solutions for R [Lt ] are obtained. It is found that owing to eccentricity there exist both a flow periodic in the circumferential direction and a non-periodic flow which is a function only of the radial distance from the centre of the cylinder. The non-periodic flow is caused by the nonlinear Reynolds stress and contributes to the torque experienced by the cylinder. The high Reynolds number case, \[ 1 \Lt R \Lt\epsilon^{-\frac{3}{2}}, \] is solved by matched asymptotic expansions. The stream function can be represented by Hankel functions of order 1/3 and a slight decrease in torque is found. In the low Reynolds number case, R [Lt ] 1, the torque is increased owing to eccentricity when R R > 0·145. A physical explanation is presented.
Reaching Semantic Interoperability through Semantic Association of Domain Standards

The vision of semantic interoperability has led much research on ontology matching. Research in this area primarily focuses on discovering similarity between entities of ontologies. The performance of proposed approaches relies on the existence of such similarity relationship and sufficient data for inferring it. However, in reality, many distributed systems do not have such presumptions. This paper addresses this challenge by associating the entities through affinity semantic (to what degree they are related in their application context). Through the analysis of a motivating example in building construction industry, this paper formally defines semantic association based on multiple-perspective domain standards. This paper hypothesizes that the establishment and the use of such standards can practically serve as a framework for reaching semantic interoperability between autonomous information systems. This paper also shows that such framework has the potential to make revolutionary impacts on workflow automation, information retrieval, and ontology matching research areas
Abnormal Circulatory Responses to High Altitude in Subjects with a Previous History of High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema

In five men with a history of susceptibility to high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), hemodynamics and pulmonary gas exchange were measured at sea level, and again 24 hours following ascent to an altitude of 3,100 m. At sea level, all findings were essentially normal including a mean pulmonary arterial pressure [See Equation in PDF File] of 13.8 ± 1.9 mm Hg. None of the subjects developed clinically detectable pulmonary edema at altitude. Wedge pressures and cardiac output remained normal. [See Equation in PDF File] increased remarkably, being 38.8 ± 10.3 mm Hg at rest and 53.2 ± 11.6 mm Hg during moderate exercise. Acute relief of hypoxia only partially relieved this pulmonary hypertension. Arterial blood gases were normal at sea level. In spite of hyperventilation at altitude, arterial O2 pressure was only 50.8 ± 6.1 torr at rest and fell to 41.4 ± 3.3 torr during exercise due to a widening of the alveolar-arterial O2 pressure difference to 28.0 ± 6.8 torr. Hence, these men susceptible to HAPE developed...
A Versatile Protocol for mRNA Electroporation of Xenopus laevis Embryos

Xenopus laevis is an ideal model system for investigating the mechanisms of pattern formation. The ability to express exogenous mRNA or introduce morpholinos into cleavage-stage Xenopus embryos has allowed gain- and loss-of-function experiments that reveal molecular-genetic control of development and regeneration. However, injection of mRNAs into cleavage-stage embryos provides limited spatio-temporal control: It is difficult to limit targeting to small regions (e.g., inducing foci of expression) and the fate map does not facilitate targeting some tissues, such as those of the tail. Likewise, early injection can result in unwanted developmental defects because mRNA can be translated long before the desired time point. These are especially important limitations when studying developmental and regenerative processes during the gastrula to tailbud stages. Although transgenic techniques allow precise control over spatio-temporal expression of genes when the appropriate promoter is available, the process of creating stable transgenic animals is time-consuming. Electroporation provides an alternative method for delivering mRNA and other nucleic acids, enabling the targeting of single cells or groups of cells at any stage of development. This protocol describes detailed electroporation parameters for the transfection of mRNA into a wide range of tissues in embryos at gastrula to tailbud stages, with high efficiency and expression as early as 4 h post electroporation.
Characterizing indoor and outdoor 15 minute average PM2.5 concentrations in urban neighborhoods

While a number of studies have looked at the relationship between outdoor and indoor particulate levels based on daily (24 h) average concentrations, little is known about the within-day variability of indoor and outdoor PM levels. It has been hypothesized that brief airborne particle excursions on a time scale of a few minutes to several hours might be of health significance. This article reports variability in measurements of daily (24 h) average PM 2.5 concentrations and short-term (15 min average) PM 2.5 concentrations in outdoor and indoor microenvironments. Daily average PM 2.5 concentrations were measured using gravimetry, while measurements of 15 min average PM 2.5 mass concentrations were made using a light scattering photometer whose readings were normalized using the gravimetric measurements. The measurements were made in 3 urban residential neighborhoods in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area over 3 seasons: spring, summer, and fall of 1999. Outdoor measurements were made at a central m...
Degree bounds for linear discrepancy of interval orders and disconnected posets

Let P be a poset in which each point is incomparable to at most @D others. Tanenbaum, Trenk, and Fishburn asked in a 2001 paper if the linear discrepancy of such a poset is bounded above by @?([email protected])/[email protected]?. This paper answers their question in the affirmative for two classes of posets. The first class is the interval orders, which are shown to have linear discrepancy at most @D, with equality precisely for interval orders containing an antichain of size @D+1. The stronger bound is tight even for interval orders of width 2. The second class of posets considered is the disconnected posets, which have linear discrepancy at most @?([email protected])/[email protected]?. This paper also contains lemmas on the role of critical pairs in linear discrepancy as well as a theorem establishing that every poset contains a point whose removal decreases the linear discrepancy by at most 1.
A Path to a Public-Private Partnership: Commercial Logistics Concepts Applied to Disaster Response

This paper initiates an exploratory investigation with the aim of providing a better understanding of the applicability of several commercial logistics processes to humanitarian logistics. The paper begins with background information, including humanitarian logistics literature and then summarizes current government agencies' and nongovernmental organizations' policies. Stakeholder theory is used to explore the motivations of commercial organizations to participate in humanitarian logistics operations. Next, the adequacy of emergency management policy is evaluated and four commercial logistics frameworks are analyzed for application to immediate disaster response. The analysis includes ratings of the frameworks and open-ended comments from a sample of logistics experts. Findings provide guidance to the implementation of commercial logistics processes to disaster response efforts.
Variable-to-fixed length codes for sources with memory

We analyze a generalization of Tunstall (1968) coding to sources with memory and demonstrate that this code becomes asymptotically optimal as the dictionary size increases. >
Estimation of the Incident Probability of Brain Metastases in Hippocampal-Sparing Whole-Brain Radiation

proximity to critical dose-limiting structures, owing to the increased risk of radiation necrosis. With advances in non-invasive, frameless, imageguided stereotactic techniques, fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (FSRS) is increasingly employed to treat such high risk patients, with the intention of preserving the high rates of local control seen with SRS while minimizing late radiation-induced toxicity. The purpose of this retrospective analysis is to review and present our FSRS outcome data for lesions thought to be at high risk for necrosis with traditional high dose single fraction SRS. Materials/Methods: Patients treated with FSRS between November 2009 and July 2011 were identified for analysis. FSRS was recommended for large brain metastases, previously irradiated, or those located in high risk areas of the brain or brainstem. All lesions received 30Gy in 5 fractions utilizing LINAC-based, image-guided localization and frameless immobilization. Stereotactic treatment plans were developed using a treatment planning system. Primary endpoints evaluated were local control, distant in-brain failure, radionecrosis, and survival and were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods calculated from the completed treatment date. Results: Forty patients with 58 lesions were eligible for analysis. Mean treatment volume was 9.4cc (range: 0.1-57.4cc). Seventeen lesions were greater than 10cc, 30 were previously treated with whole brain radiation therapy, and six were located in the brainstem. Mean follow-up was 12.4 months. The crude local control rate was 84%. The actuarial local control at 12 and 24mo was 86% and 64%, respectively. The 12 and 24mo actuarial rates of distant in-brain failure were 41% and 56%, respectively. Radiation necrosis was identified in one lesion for an overall necrosis risk of 2%. The median survival for the entire cohort was 21mo. The overall actuarial survival at 6, 12, and 24mo was 62%, 55% and 39%, respectively. Conclusions: Local control rates of brain metastases using high dose single fraction SRS (18-22Gy) have been reported in the range of 80-90% at 12mo. Large lesions (>3-4cm) treated to lower single doses, as recommended by the RTOG to reduce the risk of radiation necrosis, demonstrate worse local control rates and inferior outcomes. This retrospective review of our experience with FSRS for high risk brain metastases demonstrates a low risk of radiation necrosis while maintaining local control rates comparable to high dose single fraction SRS. Author Disclosure: A. Masino: None. L.E. Pater: None. C. Freese: None. R. Warnick: None. C. McPherson: None. J.C. Breneman: None.
Effects of biological control agents and exotic plant invasion on deer mouse populations

Exotic insects are commonly introduced as biological control agents to reduce densities of invasive exotic plants. Although current biocontrol programs for weeds take precautions to minimize ecological risks, little attention is paid to the potential nontarget effects of introduced food subsidies on native consumers. Previous research demonstrated that two gall flies (Urophora affinis and U. quadrifasciata) introduced for biological control of spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) dramatically affect the foraging ecology of the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), a native generalist predator with important trophic linkages. In the current study, we found that relative abundance of deer mice was elevated twofold in grassland habitats with high densities of spotted knapweed and gall fly food sources, compared to those dominated by native vegetation, in two of three years. Availability of gall fly larvae during the critical overwinter period appeared to reduce overwinter population declines of mice in knapweed-invaded habitats. These positive effects on populations apparently overshadowed negative effects on breeding productivity associated with knapweed invasion and loss of the gall fly resource during the summer. Our results suggest that insect biocontrol agents can subsidize native consumer populations, setting the stage for various indirect effects on food webs. Comprehensive understandings of the conditions under which introduced biological control agents may exhibit nontarget effects on native food webs are needed to further develop criteria for screening potential biocontrol agents before they are released.
Boundary-layer solutions of single-mode convection equations

Nonlinear thermal convection between two stress-free horizontal boundaries is studied using the modal equations for cellular convection. Assuming a large Rayleigh number R the boundary-layer method is used for different ranges of the Prandtl number σ. The heat flux F is determined for the values of the horizontal wavenumber a which maximizes F . For a large Prandtl number, σ [Gt ] R ⅙ (log R ) −1 , inertial terms are insignificant, a is either of order one (for $\sigma \geqslant R^{\frac{2}{3}}$ ) or proportional to $R^{\frac{1}{3}}\sigma^{-\frac{1}{2}}$ (for $\sigma \ll R^{\frac{2}{3}}$ ) and F is proportional to $R^{\frac{1}{3}}$ . For a moderate Prandtl number, \[ (R^{-1}\log R)^{\frac{1}{9}} \ll \sigma \ll R^{\frac{1}{6}}(\log R)^{-1}, \] inertial terms first become significant in an inertial layer adjacent to the viscous buoyancy-dominated interior, and a and F are proportional to R ¼ and \[ R^{\frac{3}{10}}\sigma^{\frac{1}{5}} (\log\sigma R^{\frac{1}{4}})^{\frac{1}{10}}, \] respectively. For a small Prandtl number, $R^{-1} \ll \sigma \ll (R^{-1} \log R)^{\frac{1}{9}}$ , inertial terms are significant both in the interior and the boundary layers, and a and F are proportional to ( $R \sigma)^{\frac{9}{32}} (\log R\sigma)^{-\frac{1}{32}}$ and ( $R \sigma)^{\frac{5}{16}} (\log R \sigma)^{\frac{3}{16}}$ , respectively.