cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postoperative evaluation of the Fontan procedure by radionuclide angiography

Seven patients were evaluated by radionuclide angiography (RNA) following Fontan-like procedures for complex cyanotic congenital defects. Both first-pass and ECG gated equilibrium angiography were performed in each. Residual right-to-left shunts, right atrial (RA) outflow and pulmonary arterial obstruction, and left ventricular dysfunction were demonstrated by these techniques. In addition, RA ejection fraction (RAEF) by gated equilibrium scan was measured in each patient. Relatively low RAEF was seen in conjunction with residual obstruction to pulmonary flow. RNA is useful in the postoperative evaluation of patients after Fontan procedures.
A functional screen for Krüppel-like factors that regulate the human γ-globin gene through the CACCC promoter element

Abstract Kruppel-like factors (KLFs) have been systematically screened as potential candidates to regulate human γ-globin gene expression through its CACCC element. Initially, 21 human proteins that have close sequence similarity to EKLF/KLF1, a known regulator of the human β-globin gene, were identified. The phylogenetic relationship of these 22 KLF/Sp1 proteins was determined. KLF2/LKLF, KLF3/BKLF, KLF4/GKLF, KLF5/IKLF, KLF8/BKLF3, KLF11/FKLF, KLF12/AP-2rep and KLF13/FKLF2 were chosen for functional screening. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that all eight of these candidates are present in human erythroid cell lines, and that the expression of the KLF2, 4, 5 and 12 mRNAs changed significantly upon erythroid differentiation. Each of the eight KLF mRNAs is expressed in mouse erythroid tissues, throughout development. UV cross-linking assays suggest that multiple erythroid proteins from human cell lines and chicken primary cells interact with the γ-globin CACCC element. In co-transfection assays in K562 cells, it was demonstrated that KLF2, 5 and 13 positively regulate, and KLF8 negatively regulates, the γ-globin gene through the CACCC promoter element. The data collectively suggest that multiple KLFs may participate in the regulation of γ-globin gene expression and that KLF2, 5, 8 and 13 are prime candidates for further study.
Testing procedures for measuring oral vibrotactile thresholds: III. Effects obtained using a nonclamping method

Lingual vibrotactile thresholds were obtained from 20 randomly selected adult subjects utilizing a modified testing technique which does not clamp the lingual structure. Results across five frequencies showed a flat nonsummating response that was significantly different from previous results in which some degree of lingual clamping was procedurally employed. Findings were consistent over test-retest conditions and supported the view that lingual clamping may distort tissues so as to excite ventrally based frequency-responsive mechano-receptors.
The use of pressure to study electronic excitations

Abstract Pressure is a very powerful and versatile tool for studying electronic excitations. Examples are given both for delocalized (band to band) and localized excitations. The band-to-band excitations discussed here show the approach to zero energy gap for sulfur and the thallous halides. For localized excitations there is a balance between the effects of pressure on the stabilization of the bonding and destabilization of the antibonding states and, on the other hand, the increase in intensity of the Van der Waals forces. Examples are given of the various effects using a number of organic molecules and metals cluster compounds.
Alumina as a Devitrification Inhibitor during Sintering of Borosilicate Glass Powders

Cristobalite is formed when borosilicate glass (Corning Code 7740) is sintered at temperatures ranging from 700 to 1,000 C. The precipitation kinetics, determined by XRD analysis, exhibit a characteristic incubation period which decreases with increasing sintering temperature, from 60-120 min at 700 C to 3-5 min at 1,000 C. Activation analysis of precipitation shows an activation energy of 75 kJ/mol, which is close to that for the diffusion of Na[sup +] in borosilicate glass, suggesting mass-transport-controlled kinetics. With added alumina content greater than a critical value, however, the cristobalite formation in the borosilicate glass is completely prevented at the sintering temperatures investigated. The critical alumina content is found to decrease with decreasing alumina particle size but with increasing sintering temperature. The above result, similar to observations previously made in a binary glass mixture containing a low-softening borosilicate glass (BSG) and a high-softening high silica glass (HSG) is attributed to a strong coupling between Al[sup 3+] from alumina and Na[sup +] from borosilicate glass. The coupling reaction causes segregation of Na[sup +] in borosilicate glass to alumina, thus forming a Na[sup +]- and Al[sup 3+]-rich reaction layer around alumina particles far too rapid for cristobalite formation.
Epigenetic regulation in amyloid precursor protein and the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (LNS) is a neurogenetic disorder of purine metabolism in which the enzyme, hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) is defective. A major unsolved question is how the loss of HPRT enzyme function affects the brain to cause the neurobehavioural syndrome in LNS and its attenuated variants (LNVs). To address this issue, a search for a link between LNS and the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is developed. Here, I identified, for the first time in fibroblasts from normal subjects as well as from LNS and LNV patients: (a) several APP-mRNA isoforms encoding divers APP protein isoforms ranging from 120 to 770 amino acids (with or without mutations and/or deletions) accounted for epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of alternative APP pre-mRNA splicing and (b) five novel independent polymorphisms in the APP promoter: -956A>G, -1023T>C, -1161A>G, -2224G>A, -2335C>T relative to the transcription start site. A role for epistasis between mutated HPRT and APP genes affecting the regulation of alternative APP pre-mRNA splicing in LNS is suggested. An accurate quantification of various APP isoforms in brain tissues for detection of initial pathological changes or pathology development is needed. My findings may provide new directions not only for investigating the role of APP in neuropathology associated with HPRT-deficiency in LNS but also for the research in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders by which various APP isoforms involved in the pathogenesis of the diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
A 63 GHz single-feed low-profile Fabry-Pérot cavity antenna using a thick metallic FSS

A simple solution for a 63 GHz planar single-feed Fabry-Perot cavity (FPC) antenna covered by a thick metallic frequency selective surface (FFS) is proposed. The antenna is fed through a planar feed consisting of a coplanar-waveguide-fed slot on the ground plane of the cavity. The FSS is made of periodic circular slots in a thick Brass plate. Moreover, the sides of the metallic FSS are terminated with vertical metallic walls leading to a self-supported low-profile FPC filled with air. Good agreement is observed between measured and simulated results.
Crystals within thylakoids: A structural analysis

Crystals are reported completely enclosed within the thylakoid of spinach chloroplasts. These crystals are visualized in freeze-fractured preparations as well as thin sections, and may represent a first stage in organelle degeneration. A method whereby the lattice structure of a crystal may be determined rapidly with the use of an electron microscope fitted with a goniometer stage is discussed. Determination of the lattice structure of these crystals found within spinach thylakoids is outlined.
Participation of amino groups in the active sites of antibodies.

Abstract The effect of modification of amino groups on the binding activity of various antihapten antibodies was studied. The antibodies were prepared against positively charged, negatively charged, and neutral haptens. The lysyl residues in the antibody preparations were modified to an extent of 65–70 per cent with N-carboxy- DL -alanine anhydride. Modification of amino groups in antibodies prepared against two negatively charged haptens ( p -azobenzenearsonate and p -azobenzephosphonate) resulted in a decrease in the number of antibody combining sites, while the average combining constant for these antibodies was unaffected by the modification procedure. The loss of antibody combining sites could be protected against by the presence of hapten during the alanylation reaction. The active sites of antibodies against two other negatively charged haptens ( p -azobenzoate and p -azobenzenesulfonate) were little affected by modification of protein amino groups. The extent of participation of amino groups in the antibody sites seems to vary to a large extent within a population of antibody molecules made against a single hapten. Anti- p -azobenzenearsonate antibody after papain digestion was separated into four Fab fractions with different properties by column chromatography, and the effect of amino group modification on these four fractions varied considerably. The loss in binding activity was not due to conformational changes following modification of amino groups outside of the antibody combining sites since loss of activity could be prevented by the presence of hapten during the alanylation, and since modification of amino groups in antibodies prepared against a neutral hapten (3-azopyridine) and against a positively charged hapten ( p -azophenyltrimethylammonium) resulted in no change in either the average binding constant or the number of antibody combining sites. These results show that amino groups contribute to the positive charge in the combining sites of at least some antibody molecules directed against certain nharged haptens and appear to be absent or not available for alanylation in the active sites of antibody molecules directed against some other negatively charged, positively charged, or neutral haptens.
Potential sources of productivity growth within Chinese industry

Abstract This paper presents an approach for modeling and estimating potential sources of productivity growth within four major sectors of Chinese industry—the state and collective sectors and heavy and light industry. The findings, based upon industrial data from293 Chinese counties, indicate that substantial productivity gains can be achieved by transferring technology from the state to the collective sector, exploiting enterprise and agglomerative scale economies, and reallocating investment and labor to take advantage of large disparities between factor returns among the sectors. The implications for the results of several idiosyncracies of Chinese industrial prices and data are examined.
Heavy-chain directed B-cell maturation: continuous clonal selection beginning at the pre-B cell stage

A number of laboratories have demonstrated a biased representation of certain V-region segments in the primary B-cell repertoire. This may reflect clonal selection at the pre-B cell stage of differentiation. Here, Robert Schwartz and David Stollar suggest that pre-B cells undergo positive selection directed by the presence of surface heavy chain with low affinity to autoantigen. This mechanism would account for the anti-self property of the pre-immune B-cell repertoire.
Weekly ixabepilone administration in heavily pretreated metastatic breast cancer patients.

Ixabepilone 40 mg/m2 administered on an every 3-week schedule is approved for use in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) as monotherapy, or in combination with capecitabine in anthracycline/taxane resistant tumors. Because the mechanism of action and toxicity profile is similar to the taxanes, it has been suggested that weekly administration (15–20 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 15 for 28 days/cycle) may provide a therapeutic advantage while minimizing toxicity. We report 24 MBC patients treated with weekly ixabepilone. Demographics, ER/PR/HER-2/neu, ECOG performance status (PS), sites of metastatic disease, lines of previous therapy, dosage, treatment duration, dose reductions/interruptions, hematologic/non-hematologic toxicities, growth factor use, reasons for discontinuation, time to progression (TTP), and response rate were recorded. Median age was 61 years (33–79). 0–1 ECOG PS was 54%. Sixty-seven percent of patients received ≥4 previous chemotherapy regimens. Median treatment duration was 1.4 months (0.5–10.8). Median dose was 16 mg/m2 (15–20). In 37.5% of patients, the dose was held due to toxicities with median missed dose of 2. Partial response and stable disease were 4 and 48%. Median TTP was 2.1 months (0.9–16.4). Majority of patients discontinued therapy due to disease progression (84%). Grade 3–4 neutropenia and neuropathy were 4% and 8%. It is not yet clear whether the weekly administration of ixabepilone impacts the risk/benefit profile. There are clinical data to suggest that weekly ixabepilone is efficacious and tolerable. Upcoming clinical trials will continue to inform the question. Our data suggest that weekly ixabepilone is well tolerated with a manageable side-effect profile in this small, heavily pretreated population.
CHAIN SHUFFLING : INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE SPECIFICITY AND SELECTIVITY OF ANTIBODY CATALYSIS

The antibody phage display system has been investigated as a vehicle for the potential altering of a catalytic antibody's specificity and chemical reactivity. Using previously identified catalytic antibodies, heavy and light “chain shuffling” experiments have been conducted. Catalytic activity and specificity requirements in terms of antibody complementarity-determining regions were probed by interchanging heavy and light chain genes between antibodies that catalyze class-similar but different chemical reactions with substrates that are enantiomerically opposed. The results were that antibody-hapten binding specificity was only slightly altered, but catalytic activity was severely compromised.
PICC Education Project at UVA

tution occurs in the interventional radiology setting. Patients undergoing PICC placements do not routinely receive sedation and analgesia; patients undergoing port placement receive sedation and analgesia on a routine basis. Patients frequently verbalize a high degree of anxiety prior to both procedures. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of music on patient’s level of pain and anxiety just prior to, during, and after the procedures.
An integrated protein localization and interaction map for Potato yellow dwarf virus, type species of the genus Nucleorhabdovirus

The genome of Potato yellow dwarf virus (PYDV; Nucleorhabdovirus type species) was determined to be 12,875 nucleotides (nt). The antigenome is organized into seven open reading frames (ORFs) ordered 3'-N-X-P-Y-M-G-L-5', which likely encode the nucleocapsid, phospho, movement, matrix, glyco and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase proteins, respectively, except for X, which is of unknown function. The ORFs are flanked by a 3' leader RNA of 149 nt and a 5' trailer RNA of 97 nt, and are separated by conserved intergenic junctions. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that PYDV is closely related to other leafhopper-transmitted rhabdoviruses. Functional protein assays were used to determine the subcellular localization of PYDV proteins. Surprisingly, the M protein was able to induce the intranuclear accumulation of the inner nuclear membrane in the absence of any other viral protein. Finally, bimolecular fluorescence complementation was used to generate the most comprehensive protein interaction map for a plant-adapted rhabdovirus to date.
A monoclonal antibody detecting an Ia specificity mapping in the I-A or I-E subregion

An H-2s anti-H-2d monoclonal la antibody (CE197) is described which appears to detect a new Ia specificity that maps either in the I-A or the I-E subregion, depending on the haplotype examined. Binding inhibition studies with radiolabeled, monoclonal I-A-and I-E-specific antibodies imply that CE197 reacts with a public determinant shared by a variety of A α -A β and E α -E β dimers.
Regulation of Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretion by Glutamate Receptors in Human Ntera 2 Neurons (NT2N)

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) can be cleaved by a beta-secretase to generate a beta-amyloid peptide, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. However, APP can also be cleaved by an alpha-secretase to form a non-amyloidogenic secreted form of APP (APP-S). APP-S secretion can be physiologically regulated. This study examined the glutamatergic regulation of APP in the human neuronal Ntera 2 (NT2N) cell line. Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes 1alpha/beta and 5alpha were identified in the NT2N neurons by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Stimulation of these phosphatidylinositol-linked receptors with glutamate or specific receptor agonists resulted in a dose- and time-dependent increase in the secretion of the amyloid precursor protein (APP-S), measured by the immunoprecipitation of APP-S from the medium of [35S]methionine-labeled NT2N neurons. The glutamate-induced APP-S secretion was maximal at 30 min and at a concentration of 1 mM glutamate. Glutamate-induced APP-S secretion required activation of phospholipase C, which resulted in inositol 1, 4,5-trisphosphate production, as shown by the rapid glutamate-induced accumulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Glutamate also caused an increase in intracellular Ca2+. The protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, a phorbol ester, as well as 1-oleoyl-2-acetoyl-3-glycerol, a cell-permeable diacylglycerol analog, also stimulated APP-S secretion. These findings suggest that APP-S secretion from NT2N neurons can be regulated by the activation of phosphatidylinositol-linked metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling pathway.
Genus-optimized strategy for the identification of chlamydial type III secretion substrates

Among chlamydial virulence factors are the type III secretion (T3S) system and its effectors. T3S effectors target host proteins to benefit the infecting chlamydiae. The assortment of effectors, each with a unique function, varies between species. This variation likely contributes to differences in host specificity and disease severity. A dozen effectors of Chlamydia trachomatis have been identified; however, estimates suggest that more exist. A T3S prediction algorithm, SVM-based Identification and Evaluation of Virulence Effectors (SIEVE), along with a Yersinia surrogate secretion system helped to identify a new T3S substrate, CT082, which rather than functioning as an effector associates with the chlamydial envelope after secretion. SIEVE was modified to improve/expand effector predictions to include all sequenced genomes. Additional adjustments were made to the existing surrogate system whereby the N terminus of putative effectors was fused to a known effector lacking its own N terminus and was tested for secretion. Expansion of effector predictions by cSIEVE and modification of the surrogate system have also assisted in identifying a new T3S substrate from C. psittaci. The expanded predictions along with modifications to improve the surrogate secretion system have enhanced our ability to identify novel species-specific effectors, which upon characterization should provide insight into the unique pathogenic properties of each species.
Isolation and partial characterisation of bovine rumen myosin.

Myosin was isolated from rumen muscle and purified by DEAE Sephadex A-50 chromatography. The purified myosin gave only two bands on SDS gel electrophoresis, one corresponding to the heavy chain of 210 000 D and the other corresponding to a light chain of 17 000 D. The pH optimum of the rumen myosin ATPase activity was found to be at 7·6; and at pH 9·1, there was no detectable activity. The ATPase activity of the rumen myosin was found to be lower than that of the skeletal myosin. Since it is known that the light chains are located on the globular head of the myosin molecule, where the ATPase activity is found, the lower rumen myosin ATPase activity may be due to the absence of certain light chains that are commonly found in the skeletal myosin. The rumen myosin also had a lower basic amino acid content and a lower ratio of basic to acidic amino acids than the corresponding skeletal muscle counterpart.
Maternal diabetes and oocyte quality

Maternal diabetes has been demonstrated to adversely affect preimplantation embryo development and pregnancy outcomes. Emerging evidence has implicated that these effects are associated with compromised oocyte competence. Several developmental defects during oocyte maturation in diabetic mice have been reported over past decades. Most recently, we further identified the structural, spatial and metabolic dysfunction of mitochondria in oocytes from diabetic mice, suggesting the impaired oocyte quality. These defects in the oocyte may be maternally transmitted to the embryo and then manifested later as developmental abnormalities in preimplantation embryo, congenital malformations, and even metabolic disease in the offspring. In this paper, we briefly review the effects of maternal diabetes on oocyte quality, with a particular emphasis on the mitochondrial dysfunction. The possible connection between dysfunctional oocyte mitochondria and reproductive failure of diabetic females, and the mechanism(s) by which maternal diabetes exerts its effects on the oocyte are also discussed.
The Predictive Value of Routine Urine Drug Screening in a High-Risk Obstetric Population

This study assesses the incidence of drug usage in our high-risk obstetrical population and correlates these findings to patient history, pregnancy complications, and routine prenatal drug screens. Intrapartum drug screens for cocaine and marijuana metabolites were performed on 466 patients. Prenatal drug screens were available on 269 of these women. Positive cocaine and marijuana screens occurred in 9.6% and 3.6% of intrapartum screens and in 8.6% and 7.4% of prenatal screens, respectively. Positive marijuana screens were not associated with any prenatal risk factor or adverse pregnancy outcome. Intrapartum cocaine use was associated with an increased incidence of absent/poor prenatal care, sexually transmitted disease, preterm rupture of membranes, abruption, and low birth weight. Antenatal cocaine or marijuana use was significantly associated only with low birth weight. A positive prenatal drug screen was associated with a high incidence of a positive intrapartum screen. A majority of complications occ...
The significance of tribochemistry on the performance of PTFE-based coatings in CO2 refrigerant environment

Abstract This work reports on the tribological performance of three commercially available PTFE-based coatings (PTFE/pyrrolidone (C1), PTFE/pyrrolidone (C2) and PTFE/MoS2 (C3)) deposited onto engineered disk samples (substrates) made out of three different commonly used materials (gray cast iron, sintered iron and Al390-T6). Controlled oscillatory experiments were conducted to simulate the operating conditions of piston-type compressors in the presence of environmentally friendly CO2 refrigerant. It was found that the substrate played a major role on the tribological performance of the coatings and one of the coatings (PTFE/MoS2) was found to significantly improve the scuffing performance of Al390-T6 substrate. Furthermore, the tribological performance was found to improve with increasing CO2 pressure since a thicker patchy PTFE transfer layer was formed at the substrate–pin interface. XPS analysis showed that metal fluorides have a beneficial role on the tribological performance of these coatings.
Incorporation of strontium into otoliths of an estuarine fish

Abstract Patterns of Sr/Ca variability in fish otoliths have been widely applied as tracers of movement between freshwater and marine habitats, with the assumption that low salinity habitats correspond to lower otolith levels of Sr/Ca. On the other hand, fluvial estuaries can contain steep gradients in Sr/Ca, and in some estuaries, freshwater values of Sr/Ca can exceed marine values, which are relatively constant across marine habitats. Therefore, to interpret Sr/Ca variability in otoliths of fish that move through estuaries, information is needed about both the incorporation of strontium into otoliths and the nature of the gradient of Sr/Ca in the water. We conducted four experiments to evaluate the incorporation of strontium into fish otoliths under estuarine conditions, using white perch ( Morone americana ) as a model estuarine fish. One laboratory and the two field experiments tested the relationship between Sr/Ca in the otolith and that in the water. A fourth experiment investigated the effect of salinity, independently of the water chemistry (Sr was manipulated while maintaining a constant salinity and Ca level). All four experiments supported a direct relationship between Sr/Ca in the otolith and the water, across a range of estuarine salinities. Results also indicated that the incorporation of strontium into otoliths of estuarine fishes should be constant across broad gradients of Sr/Ca in estuarine waters. While the experiments supported past applications of tracing estuarine and diadromous movements with otolith Sr/Ca chronologies, we emphasize the need to understand the underlying nature of Sr/Ca gradients in estuaries, which may limit or confound reconstructions of estuarine habitat use.
Exploration and exploitation innovation processes : The role of organizational slack in R & D intensive firms.

Abstract This study considers how organizational slack (available and recoverable) affects the process of innovation by facilitating or hindering the process of exploration and exploitation in the case of technology intensive firms. It is argued that the R & D intensity of the firm moderates the effect of organizational slack on innovation quantity, innovation quality as well as the process of exploration and exploitation. These hypotheses are tested using a sample of 208 technology intensive firms in a variety of manufacturing industries during 1989–1995. The hypotheses are supported for the measure of available slack but not recoverable slack. These findings suggest that different types of slack may impact firm behavior in different ways.
Introduction: Future directions in small arms control

This special issue is both a response to, and echo of, recent calls for greater academic research into the problems posed by small arms and light weapons (SALW).1 That such calls are necessary is p...
The [Mn2(2-OHsalpn)2]2-,1-,0 System: An Efficient Functional Model for the Reactivity and Inactivation of the Manganese Catalases

The complexes [Mn(2-OH(X-sal)pn)]2n- (where X = 5-OCH3, H, 5-Cl, 3,5-diCl, or 5-NO2 and where n = 0 or 2) are shown to be excellent hydrogen peroxide disproportionation catalysts in acetonitrile. When carried out in an open vessel, the reaction can occur for over 5000 turnovers without an indication of catalyst decomposition. The disproportionation reaction cycles between the [MnIII(2-OH(X-sal)pn)]2 and the [MnII(2-OH(X-sal)pn)]22- oxidation levels. All derivatives show saturation kinetics with the highest kcat (21.9 ± 0.2 s-1) observed for the [MnIII(2-OH(5-Clsal)pn)]2 dimer and the optimal kcat/KM (990 ± 60 s-1·M-1) observed for the [MnIII(2-OHsalpn)]2. The first step of the reaction is proposed to be the binding of peroxide to the [MnIII(2-OH(X-sal)pn)]2 through an alkoxide shift to form a ternary intermediate {[MnIII(2-OH(X-sal)pn)]2(H2O2)}. We propose that the turnover-limiting step is the oxidation of peroxide from this intermediate. The binding efficiency of the peroxide is dependent on the phenyl-...
Ensemble average and ensemble variance behavior of unsteady, one-dimensional groundwater flow in unconfined, heterogeneous aquifers: an exact second-order model

A new stochastic model for unconfined groundwater flow is proposed. The developed evolution equation for the probabilistic behavior of unconfined groundwater flow results from random variations in hydraulic conductivity, and the probabilistic description for the state variable of the nonlinear stochastic unconfined flow process becomes a mixed Eulerian–Lagrangian–Fokker–Planck equation (FPE). Furthermore, the FPE is a deterministic, linear partial differential equation (PDE) and has the advantage of providing the probabilistic solution in the form of evolutionary probability density functions. Subsequently, the Boussinesq equation for one-dimensional unconfined groundwater flow is converted into a nonlinear ordinary differential equation (ODE) and a two-point boundary value problem through the Boltzmann transformation. The resulting nonlinear ODE is converted to the FPE by means of ensemble average conservation equations. The numerical solutions of the FPE are validated with Monte Carlo simulations under varying stochastic hydraulic conductivity fields. Results from the model application to groundwater flow in heterogeneous unconfined aquifers illustrate that the time–space behavior of the mean and variance of the hydraulic head are in good agreement for both the stochastic model and the Monte Carlo solutions. This indicates that the derived FPE, as a stochastic model of the ensemble behavior of unconfined groundwater flow, can express the spatial variability of the unconfined groundwater flow process in heterogeneous aquifers adequately. Modeling of the hydraulic head variance, as shown here, will provide a measure of confidence around the ensemble mean behavior of the hydraulic head.
Dynamic modeling and stability analysis of an experimental test bench for electric-ship propulsion

This paper describes dynamic modeling and stability analysis of a dynamometer system in an electric ship propulsion test bench. The studied dynamometer is comprised of two electric machines coupled mechanically by one shaft. One of the electric machines acts as the propeller and applies power to the shaft; the other machine emulates the load condition and absorbs power.
Environmental Change in Mountains and Uplands

The influence of humankind on the natural resources of Earth over the past 300 years has been simply astonishing. Thirty to 50 percent of the land surface has been transformed by human action; more than half of all accessible fresh waters are used for human activities; SO2 and fixed nitrogen production from human activities are greater than from all natural sources combined; and emissions of important greenhouse gases have increased to the point at which global climate is affected. No place on Earth has been untouched, though some regions have been more permanently altered than others.
Modeling the System and Component Performance Interactions of a SOFC Based APU for Changes in Application Load: Transient Response and Control Strategy

Solid-Oxide-Fuel-Cell (SOFC) stacks respond in seconds to changes in load while the balance of plant subsystem (BOPS) responds in times several orders of magnitude higher. This dichotomy diminishes the reliability and performance of SOFC electrodes with changes in load. In the same manner current and voltage ripples which result from particular power electronic subsystem (PES) topologies and operation produce a negative effect on the SOFC stack subsystem (SS) performance. The difference in transient response among the sub-systems must be approached in a way which makes operation of the entire system not only feasible but ensures that efficiency and power density, fuel utilization, fuel conversion, and system response are optimal at all load conditions. Thus, a need exists for the development of transient component- and system-level models of SOFC based auxiliary power units (APUs), i.e. coupled BOPS, SS, and PES, and the development of methodologies for optimizing subsystem responses and for investigating system-interaction issues. In fact the transient process occurring in a SOFC based APU should be systematically treated during the entire creative process of synthesis, design, and operational control, leading in its most general sense to a dynamic optimization problem. This entails finding an optimal system/component synthesis/design, taking into account on- and off-design operation, which in turn entails finding an optimal control strategy and control profile for each sub-system/component and control variable. Such an optimization minimizes an appropriate objective function while satisfying all system constraints. A preliminary set of chemical, thermal, electrochemical, electrical, and mechanical models based on first principles and validated with experimental data have been developed and implemented using a number of different platforms. These models have been integrated in order to be able to perform component, subsystem, and system analyses as well as develop optimal syntheses/designs and control strategies for transportation and stationary SOFC based APUs. Some pertinent results of these efforts are presented here.© 2004 ASME
Aging Adults and Seasonal Influenza: Does the Vitamin D Status (H)Arm the Body?

Vitamin D (VitD), although originally described as an essential hormone for bone and mineral homeostasis, appears to have an active role in regulating specific facets of human immunity. Indeed, VitD has been shown to have significant effects on cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation. Evidence that VitD affects clearance of selected pathogens is supported by epidemiological and clinical data, while its coadministration with influenza vaccine in mice enhanced both mucosal and systemic antibody responses. This paper aims to examine how VitD may contribute to limiting the burden of influenza infection in the aging and aged adults, a population in which this burden remains considerable. Furthermore, we discuss how VitD status may play a role in host resistance to influenza virus and influence the immunogenicity of the influenza vaccines currently licensed for adults aged 65 years or over by its effects on innate and adaptive immunities.
Submodel estimation of a structural vector error correction model under cointegration

Abstract In this paper we derive the concentrated likelihood function of a mutually independent subsystem (submodel) of equations from a p-dimensional vector error component model under cointegration. The structural estimates of the subsystem parameters are identified by exclusion restrictions. The maximum likelihood estimates may be useful for counterfactual policy analysis.
Medicaid ‘Welcome-Mat’ Effect Of Affordable Care Act Implementation Could Be Substantial

The Affordable Care Act will have important impacts on state Medicaid programs, likely increasing participation among populations that are currently eligible but not enrolled. The size of this “welcome-mat” effect is of concern for two reasons. First, the eligible but uninsured constitute a substantial share of the uninsured population in some states. Second, the newly eligible population will affect states’ Medicaid caseloads and budgets. Using the Massachusetts 2006 health reforms as a case study and controlling for other factors, we found that among low-income parents who were previously eligible for Medicaid in Massachusetts, Medicaid enrollment increased by 16.3 percentage points, and Medicaid participation by those without private coverage increased by 19.4 percentage points, in comparison to a group of control states. In many states the potential size of the welcome-mat effect could be even larger than what we observed in Massachusetts. Our analysis has potentially important implications for other ...
5.3.1 A Safety-Driven Systems Engineering Process

This paper describes a new systems engineering process for safety-driven development that combines three state-of-the-art techniques: 1) Intent Specification, a framework for organizing system development and operational information in a hierarchical structure; 2) the STAMP model of accident causation, a system-theoretic framework upon which to base more powerful safety engineering techniques; and 3) STAMP-based Hazard Analysis (STPA).
Globally convergent numerical method in diffusion tomography

ABSTRACT We prent a fundamentally novel mathematical algorithm for reconstruction of small inclusion hidden in thediffuse background. This is a numerical method with an a priori guaranteed global convergence. Our theory,which we call Carleman's Weight Method aur that this technique should provide images with the fint possible resolution. Work on numerical testing is in progress. We also provide a brief historical survey for inverse versusforward problems. 1 Introduction. There is a recent interest in mathematical methods of image reconstruction of small inclusions hidden in the diffuse background, c.f. [1, 2, 5, 6, 15, and 16]. Lasers are sources ofradiation in this case. Those problems are calledDiffusion Tomography (DT). In particular, it was shown in [5, 6, and 15] that imagss can be obtained indeed from the experimental data. DT leads inevitably to n-Dimensional (ii= 2,3) Inverse Scattering Problem (ISP) either for the transport or forthe diffusion, or for the telegrpah equation. While a number of numerical methods has been developed for nD JSPs,
Modularity and reliability in the organization of organisms

An organism persists only if it satisfies internal and external constraints. Within the organism networks of processes meet the constraints. In such networks a principle of matching often obtains: the pattern of coupling among processes matches the correlation among constraints. That is, a module—a cluster of coupled processes—meets a constraint. Dissociable modules meet dissociable constraints. A hierarchy of modules meets a hierarchy of constraints. We have inquired whether such matching is predicted by an optimality criterion in a simple example. We find that in an ensemble of networks with unreliable processes, the networks that meet the constraints with highest reliability obey the principle of matching. The difference in reliability between modular and nonmodular networks that meet the same constraints is a function of the probability of success per process. Our results suggest that this difference is maximal at a probability of success that increases monotonically with the number of processes in the network.
Comparison of six microwave antennas for hyperthermia treatment of cancer: sar results for single antennas and arrays.

Abstract Interstitial techniques of inserting catheters into tumors for the purpose of applying therapeutic irradiation and hyperthermia are in widespread use. Several miniature microwave antenna designs are currently used for these treatments. These include multisection, hot-tip, 2- and 3-node, dipole and helical antennas, all of which are commercially available. The antenna designs are diverse enough to have a dramatic effect on the power deposition patterns either as single antennas or when used in arrays. Aside from the dipole antenna, most of the antennas have never been evaluated experimentally or theoretically in arrays, although the array configuration is used in the vast majority of all clinical treatments. Power deposition or SAR (specific absorption rate) tests were run in muscle equivalent phantom. Single antennas were evaluated at 400 points in a plane and isoSAR contours drawn, normalized to maximum SAR. Single antennas were also compared in large and small diameter catheters to evaluate catheter dependent antenna performance. The dipole, multisection, hot-tip and helical antennas were evaluated in arrays of four antennas located at the corners of a square, spaced 2.0 cm apart. Arrays of antennas were evaluated at 441 points in three planes orthogonal to the antenna axes. Results in the single antenna studies showed that the dipole was less affected by snugness of catheter fit than the multisection, hot-tip or helical antennas. In large catheters, the latter three antennas showed more extreme tip heating performance. The 2- and 3-node antennas deposited only 20% SAR in the distal 30 mm of antenna length. In arrays, the multisection, hot-tip, and dipole antennas all yielded 80–90% SAR centrally in the central measurement plane. Comparing the three antennas, the dipole array deposited 20% more power centrally in a plane near the insertion point, and the multisection and hot-tip antenna designs deposited 10% more central power in a plane near the antenna tips. The helical antenna array deposited only 30% SAR centrally in the plane near the antenna tips and in the central plane. Only 10% SAR was measured centrally near the insertion point, as expected for tip-heating antennas. Finally, the clinical significance of the results is discussed as applied to human tumors undergoing hyperthermia treatments.
Guiding fault-driven adaption in multicore systems through a reliability-aware static task schedule

Future multicore systems suffer from high and varying fault rates due to device scaling, increasing number of processing notes, varying environmental issues and aging effects. Efficient fault tolerant solutions capable of combining the advantages of static optimization and runtime adaptation are needed. To achieve this goal, we propose a static reliability-aware scheduling technique, aiming to guide runtime adaptation and relieve most of the computational overhead. The proposed static scheduler considers “reliability level” (RL) as an intermediate scheduling dimension and creates a “task-to-RL-to-core” mapping. This enables the “RL-to-core” mapping to be efficiently adapted at runtime according to fault rate variations, while the “task-to-RL” mapping can still be reused. Experimental studies show that by considering fault rates during static scheduling, runtime application execution time can be improved by up to 19% in a non-constant fault rate environment.
The Effect of Achievement Goals: Does Level of Perceived Academic Competence Make a Difference?

Researchers using a goal orientation framework have hypothesized that learning goals are associated with adaptive patterns of behavior, regardless of the level of perceived ability. In contrast, perceived ability is hypothesized to moderate the relation between performance goals and patterns of adaptive or maladaptive behavior. We examined this hypothesis in two samples of seventh grade middle school students, focusing on the math domain in one sample and on the English domain in the other. Using two different statistical methods, median split and multiple regression, we found only little support for the role of perceived competence as a moderator between performance goals and patterns of behavior. Contrary to what has been suggested, we found some evidence that perceived competence moderated the relation between learning goals and behavior. Implications of these findings for recent efforts to use goal theory to reform classrooms and schools are discussed.
Compression of powerful x-ray pulses to attosecond durations by stimulated Raman backscattering in plasmas

Backward Raman amplification (BRA) in plasmas holds the potential for longitudinal compression and focusing of powerful x-ray pulses. In principle, this method is capable of producing pulse intensities close to the vacuum breakdown threshold by manipulating the output of planned x-ray sources. The minimum wavelength limit of BRA applicability to compression of laser pulses in plasmas is found.
Issues and status of "modelling industrial plasmas" from papers and discussions

A brief review is given of the four invited EPTSW talks dealing with industrial plasmas. Then a summary is presented of the round-table discussion session for industrial plasmas, including the similarities and differences between issues for fusion plasmas and industrial plasmas.
New therapies for advanced glycation end product nephrotoxicity: current challenges.

Abstract Background: The role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in diabetic nephropathy has been developed during several years of research and increasingly complex AGE biochemistry. However, the structural diversity of AGE chemistry has created new challenges in the search for AGE-based inhibition therapies. Results: The challenges include the need to standardize measurements of serum and tissue AGE levels, identifying nephrotoxic AGE compounds, understanding the cell biological state of AGEs in the diabetic kidney, determining the mechanism of action of selective inhibition of the glycation cascade, and forming complementary therapies. Conclusion: Current challenges in the development of new therapies for AGE nephrotoxicity are reviewed. Am J Kidney Dis 41(S1):S42-S47. © 2003 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Microsomal metabolism of hydroxyl radical scavenging agents: relationship to the microsomal oxidation of alcohols.

Previous studies provided indirect evidence that hydroxyl radicals are involved in the oxidation of primary aliphatic alcohols by rat liver microsomes. In the current study, three ·OH scavengers were used as chemical probes to evaluate ·OH production by microsomes. The scavengers and their products were 3-thiomethylpropanal (methional) and 2-keto-4-thiomethylbutyric acid, which yield ethylene gas, and dimethylsulfoxide, which yields methane gas. We observed that microsomes actively generate the appropriate hydrocarbon gas from each scavenger when electron transport is initiated with NADPH. Hydrocarbon gas production is augmented by 0.5 mm azide, an agent which inhibits catalase and, thereby, permits H2O2 to accumulate. However, no metabolism of scavengers occurs when H2O2 is added in the absence of microsomes. These results are consistent with a presumed role for H2O2 as a precursor of hydroxyl radicals. In addition, no metabolism of scavengers occurs when azide and H2O2 are added either to boiled microsomes or to intact microsomes in the absence of electron transport (NADPH-generating system omitted). Therefore, both H2O2 and simultaneous electron transport are required. Ethanol inhibits the metabolism of the scavengers. Similarly, the scavengers inhibit the oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde; inhibition in the presence of azide is competitive. These latter results indicate a competition between the scavengers and ethanol for metabolically generated ·OH in microsomes. The specificity of this interaction is evident from the observation that the scavengers do not affect the activities of microsomal aminopyrine demethylase or aniline hydroxylase. Two model ·OH-generating systems (Fenton's reagent and iron-EDTA-ascorbate) were also studied and they produced acetaldehyde from ethanol and hydrocarbon gases from the scavengers. These results, as a whole, tend to verify a role for ·OH in the microsomal oxidation of alcohols.
Analysis of coupled intra- and extraluminal flows for single and multiple capillaries

Abstract Matched asymptotic expansions are used to study a model of the coupled fluid flow in the capillaries and tissue of the microcirculation. These capillaries are long, narrow cylindrical tubes embedded in a uniform tissue space. The capillary, or intraluminal, flow is assumed to be that of an incompressible Navier-Stokes fluid wherein colloids are represented as dilute solute; the extraluminal flow in the tissue is according to Darcy's law. Central to this fluid exchange is the boundary condition on the fluid radial velocity at the semipermeable wall of the capillary. This boundary condition, involving the local hydrostatic and colloidal osmotic pressures in both the capillary and the tissue, together with the radial gradient of the tissue hydrostatic pressure, couples the intra- and extraluminal flow fields. With this model we investigate the relationship between transport properties, hydrostatic pressures, and flow exchange for a single capillary, and describe the fluid transport in the tissue space produced by an array of such capillaries.
NEUROTICS AND THE VALIDITY OF SORT VARIABLES

The SORT was administered to 25 neurotic patients in a Veterans Administration Hospital and the 15 scores for each S were compared with SORT norms for 200 employed telephone workers. Significant differences in favor of Rorschach rationale were obtained for 4 of the 15 SORT variables. One of these four variables, Fch, which measures anxiety on the standard Rorschach and whose content and concurrent validity have been challenged in recent studies of college students' SORT performance, was significant at the .01 level. This pilot study supports the construct validity of Rorschach rationale for the 15 SORT variables when applied to neurotic patients.