cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dominance of Research and Publication: An Unrelenting Tyranny

The "research and publication reward model" has a strong and growing grip on higher education. Clearly and heavily favoring publication, it pays little more than lip-service to classroom teaching. Service is treated as no more important than teach ing, and frequently less important (Baldrich et al. 1978, Brooks and German 1983, Jauch 1976, Ladd 1979, Mauksch 1980, Seldin 1975, Shulman 1979, Tuckman 1976, Tuckman 1979). This reward model is askew with the realities of academic life, both in terms of what faculty members actually do with their time and how they view themselves (Ladd 1979). Further, many college faculty members believe that the principal purpose of most higher education institutions is to teach undergraduate and graduate students (Astin 1980, Ladd 1979). In her historical sketch of faculty rewards, Shulman summarizes, "It is axiomatic that the reward system is incongruent with the real ac tivities and interests of most faculty and the pur poses of most institutions" (Shulman 1979, 45). The consequences of this are pernicious, both to the major purposes of higher education and to the health and vitality of the faculty. This is particu
Liver cadmium levels in North Carolina residents who died of heart disease

Using data from an autopsy series, we found a strong positive correlation between liver concentration of cadmium and death from heart disease. In view of recent experiments reported in the literature, the possibility that a low level of cadmium has a toxic effect on the cardiac conduction system is supported.
Prospecting for Adipose Progenitor Cell Biomarkers: Biopanning for Gold with In Vivo Phage Display

In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Daquinag et al. (2011) take a lesson from the oncology field to search for stromal progenitor cells within adipose tissue. Their use of phage display biopanning in vivo identified an isoform of the extracellular matrix protein decorin as a receptor for the adipokine resistin.
Oncogenic signaling pathways and origins of tumor-initiating stem-like cells of hepatocellular carcinomas induced by hepatitis C virus, alcohol and/or obesity

This review article discusses the importance and oncogenic signaling pathways of tumor-initiating cells (TICs) in several etiologies of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) induced by hepatitis C virus (HCV), alcohol, obesity and/or chemicals. Stem cells may be present in cancer tissue, and a hierarchy of cells is formed, as is the case for normal tissue. Tumor formation, growth and propagation are maintained by a small proportion of cells with stem cell-like properties. TICs are present in alcohol-fed HCV transgenic mice, diethylnitrosamine/phenobarbital-treated mice (chemical carcinogenesis) and Spnb2 +/- mice (defective TGF-β signal). Alcohol/obesity-associated endotoxemia induces the stem cell marker Nanog through TLR4 signaling to generate TICs and liver tumors in several HCC models. The oncogenic pathway (such as the STAT3 and TLR4-NANOG pathway) and mechanism of generation of TICs of HCCs associated with HCV, alcohol and obesity are discussed. Understanding the molecular stemness signaling and cellular hierarchy and defining key TIC-specific genes will accelerate the development of novel biomarkers and treatment strategies. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of liver TICs and discusses unanswered questions about the concept of liver TICs. (This project was supported by NIH grants 1R01AA018857 and P50AA11999).
A Multidimensional Scaling Analysis of Male Body Perception in Men With Muscle Dysmorphia: "The Adonis Complex"

Men with muscle dysmorphia (MD) are preoccupied with the idea that their bodies are insufficiently lean or muscular. This study used multidimensional scaling analysis to explore distortions in male body perception associated with MD. Men aged 18- 46 were grouped into 41 low- and 16 high-MD samples using the Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory (Rhea, Lantz, & Cornelius, 2004). Participants judged similarities among photos of 27 male bodies (including icons representing Actual and Ideal Selves) and rated the bodies on nine attribute dimensions. MDS analysis found that both low- and high-MD men used the same dimensions in organizing their perceptions of male bodies, but high-MD men displayed significantly greater distance between Actual and Ideal Selves than did low-MD men on several dimensions. MDS is described as a useful tool for understanding the perceptual and cognitive distortions of MD that may have value in diagnosing MD, initiating therapeutic discussions, and evaluating outcomes.
Improvement of plasma spraying efficiency and coating quality

A commercial torch has been modified to introduce an additional anti-vortex and shroud gas flow to counter the detrimental effects brought about by the vortex plasma gas flow which is used to stabilize the cathode arc attachment and to increase the anode life. Deposition efficiency and coating quality are used as criteria to judge the modified versus the nonmodified torch. High-speed videography and computerized image analysis systems are used to determine the particle trajectories, velocities, and the plasma jet geometry. The results show that the additional anti-vortex and shroud gas flow to the torch can keep the particles closer to the torch axis and reduce the amount of entrainment of cold air into the plasma jet. The consequence is that deposition efficiency and coating quality are substantially improved.
Polysulfide Distribution During Kraft Pulping

Polysulfides increase yield from kraft pulping by selectively oxidizing the reducing end groups of the polysaccharides thereby protecting them from hydrolysis. The principal polysulfide homologue formed in white liquor after addition of elemental sulfur was found to be the S22− species. Analysis of both cooking liquor and wood chips during early cooking suggests that the polysulfide present in the chips degrades more slowly than the fraction dissolved in the bulk liquor. The alkalinity inside the chips is lower than that in the bulk liquor. We propose that the rate of degradation of the polysulfides contained within the chip is correspondingly reduced. As pulping proceeds and the structure of the chips open up, the diffusion barrier across the chip is reduced and the polysulfide concentration in the chip and in the bulk liquor begins to even out. It follows that pre-equilibration of wood chips with polysulfide before pulping may reduce the optimum polysulfide dose.
Difficulties with the lognormal model in mean estimation and testing

A frequent assumption in environmental risk assessment is that the underlying distribution of an analyte concentration is lognormal. However, the distribution of a random variable whose log has a t-distribution has infinite mean. Because of the proximity of the standard normal and t-distribution, this suggests that a distribution such as the gamma or truncated normal, with smaller right tail probabilities, might make a better statistical model for mean estimation than the lognormal. In order to assess the effect of departures from lognormality on lognormal-based statistics, we simulated complete lognormal, truncated normal, and gamma data for various sample sizes and coefficients of variation. In these cases, departures from lognormality were not easily detected with the Shapiro-Wilk test. Various lognormal-based estimates and tests were compared with alternate methods based on the ordinary sample mean and standard error. The examples were also considered in the presence of random left censoring with the mean and standard error of the product limit estimate replacing the ordinary sample mean and standard error. The results suggest that in the estimation of or tests about a mean, if the assumption of lognormality is at all suspect, then lognormal-based approaches may not be as good as the alternative methods.
Permeability of the blood-brain barrier to parenteral 5-hydroxytryptamine in the neonate chick.

Abstract Permeability of the blood-brain barrier to parenteral 5-hydroxytrypamine (5HT) was investigated in neonate chicks. Animals administered 8 mg/kg 5-HT entered a roosting state. They were killed in this condition 10 min after injection and the brain removed for amine analysis. Serotonin levels were significantly elevated both in whole brain and all major brain areas of the amine injected chicks. Whereas the naturally occurring concentration of 5-HT was greatest in brainstem, this area accumulated the least of the injected amine relative to endogenous concentration. Hemispheres and optic lobes of untreated chicks had about half the concentration of 5-HT present in brainstem, but injected chicks had an increase of approximately 2 and 3 times that of brainstem, respectively. This may reflect a greater ability of braintem to convert 5-HT to 5-HIAA. The roosting resulting from increased brain 5-HT levels seems to mimic the depressive phase of the natural process responsible for the characteristic ongoing behavior of rapid alternation between sleep and arousal in neonate chicks.
A Diffusive Light Source for Quantification of Optical Properties of Superficial Layers

We present a method for performing quantitative spectroscopy of superficial tissue volumes. We have employed a two-layer model, for which the upper, high-scattering layer's optical properties are known, to recover the optical properties of phantoms.
Congenital familial sensory neuropathy with anhidrosis.

Three mentally retarded children, including 2 siblings, with recurrent episodes of unexplained fever, repeated traumatic and thermal injuries, and self-mutilating behavior are described. Sweating could not be provoked by thermal, painful, emotional, or a variety of chemical stimuli. A defect of the cutaneous sensory mechanism is indicate by their inability to form an axon flare after intracutaneous injection of histamine. Subcutaneous administration of mecholyl or neostigmine, in doses capable of producing lacrimation in normal children, failed to do so in the present patients, despite their occasional ability to lacrimate spontaneously. The disorder exemplified by these patients is compared with other hereditary and congenital causes of insensitivity to pain or deficient sweating. An autosomal recessive mode of inheritance is probable.
Anticonvulsant activity of the nipecotic acid ester, (±)-m-nitrophenyl-3-piperidinecarboxylate

Abstract The nipecotic acid ester, (±)-m-nitrophenyl-3-piperidinecarboxylate hydrochloride (MNPC) is a potent inhibitor of uptake of GABA in vitro and should be able to penetrate into the brain much more readily than the parent compound nipecotic acid. A study of the effects of MNPC on convulsions induced by chemicals which interfere with GABA-mediated neurotransmission was carried out in the mouse, with MNPC being administered by subcutaneous injection 30, 60 or 90 min prior to challenge with bicuculline. It was found that MNPC protected against convulsions induced by bicuculline with ED50 values for clonic and tonic convulsions of 157.8 and 138.8 mg kg , respectively, at the time of peak effect of 60 min and MNPC abolished both the clonic and tonic components of isoniazid convulsions with respective ED50 values of 255.3 and 76.7 mg kg at 1 hr. Picrotoxin and pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures were also blocked with corresponding ED50 values for clonic convulsions of 224.9 and 235.9 mg kg at 1 hr. No serious side effects were observed during the 90 min period after the administration of MNPC in doses up to 600 mg kg .
Quasi-Three-Dimensional Nonreflecting Boundary Conditions for Euler Equations Calculations

This article presents a theory for the construction of steady-state quasi-three-dimensional nonreflecting boundary conditions for the Euler equations. These allow calculations to he performed on truncated domains without the generation of spurious nonphysical reflections at the far-field boundaries. The theory is based upon Fourier analysis and eigenvectors applied to the linearized Euler equations. It is presented within the context of transonic axial flow turbomachinery computations. The effectiveness of the new boundary conditions is demonstrated by comparing results obtained using this new formulation and calculations performed with the standard onedimensional approach. c ht k,l P P Pt R
A General Actuator Model Based on Nonlinear Equivalent Networks

To facilitate interaction control, variable-impedance actuators have been developed; however, they are fundamentally nonlinear. A general nonlinear actuator model which could be identified unambiguously from observations with the actuator in situ would be useful. Equivalent circuits seem promising because they separate forward path dynamics from interactive dynamics. Can this linear circuit concept be applied to nonlinear systems? In this paper, equivalent circuits are first generalized to comprise two nonlinear parts joined by a linear connector. Modeling actuators in this way reveals an important insight: a Thevenin-type network does not permit unambiguous identification of the forward path dynamics, whereas a Norton-type network does. That is because the Norton source is a zero of the interaction-port operator, whereas the Thevenin source is not. With that insight, an equivalent circuit is further generalized to a network of two nonlinear parts joined nonlinearly, with the restriction that the source/forward path is a zero of the interaction port operator. A Norton-type network in that nonlinear form is unambiguously identifiable. It appears to provide a versatile representation of nonlinear actuators.
High-dispersion ultraviolet spectra of the peculiar star RX Puppis

High spectral resolution observations of the peculiar star RX Puppis obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer suggest the presence of a complex gaseous ring system which surrounds an accreting hot secondary. The anomalous line intensity ratio of the C IV 1548, 1550 A doublet during the observations exceeded the optically thick limit, implying the presence of a high-velocity wind. Additionally, the C IV doublet exhibits about four or five narrow emission components, which are redshifted up to velocities of at least about + 300 km/s (with respect to the rest wavelength).
Lithospheric buoyancy and collisional orogenesis: Subduction of oceanic plateaus, continental margins, island arcs, spreading ridges, and seamounts

The sizes of continental blocks, basaltic oceanic plateaus, and island arcs that would cause collisional orogenesis when they enter a subduction zone are calculated in an analysis based upon the assumption of local isostasy and the assumption that plate subduction is primarily driven by the negative buoyancy of the lithosphere. Buoyancy analysis indicates that the bulk density contrast between 80-m.y.-old oceanic lithosphere capped by a 7-km-thick basaltic crust and the less dense underlying asthenosphere is on the order of 0.04 gm/cm 3 . Oceanic lithosphere that is ∼10 m.y. old is the youngest that is more dense than the asthenosphere and hence inherently susceptible to subduction. Subduction zone metamorphism causes the crustal layer of basalt/gabbro to transform into more dense amphibolite and eclogite. Where eclogite formation is extensive, the descending oceanic lithosphere increases in bulk density by as much as 0.04 gm/cm 3 . Lithosphere that is 100 km thick with a 30-km-thick granitic continental crust resists Subduction because it is ∼0.09 gm/cm 3 less dense than the asthenosphere. Contrasts in lithospheric bulk density (crust + mantle) of 3 are the difference between whether subduction is nearly inevitable (as for normal ocean crust) or greatly resisted (as for thick, ancient continents). Collisional orogenesis is defined as a plate interaction of the sort that causes a rearrangement of plate motions, generally with the initiation of a new subduction zone and the creation of mountains. Buoyancy analysis indicates that only bodies of continental and oceanic island are crust that are > ∼15 km thick make the lithosphere buoyant enough to jam a subduction zone. Oceanic island arc complexes built upon ocean crust typically must be active for more than ∼20 m.y. to attain crustal thicknesses so that their attempted subduction causes collisional orogenesis. Oceanic plateaus where basaltic crust as much as ∼17 km thick caps 100-km-thick lithosphere are inherenty subductable and actually less buoyant than normal oceanic lithosphere following subduction metamorphism. Basaltic plateaus must have crustal thicknesses >∼30 km to typically cause collisional orogenesis during subduction. Short subducting seamounts (
Dynamics of human sleep sigma spindles

Abstract 1. 1. The frequency of the sigma activity within the human sleep σ-spindles was defined in terms of the time between alternate zero crosses of the filtered EEG. The overall program or policy for data collection was described as a nest: twenty spindles from each of three epochs of stage 2 sleep from each of 2 nights sleep from each of five subjects. These spindles were evident in terms of human detection. 2. 2. The average frequencies for the three groups studied are respectively 12.90, 13.57 and 13.60 c/sec (group I: 10–15 years old, group II: 20–40, and group III: 65 and above). 3. 3. The average sigma frequency of group I is probably different from the average sigma frequencies of groups II and III ( i.e. , the frequencies are different at the 0.10 level of significance using a one sided t test). The average sigma frequencies of groups II and III are not significantly different. 4. 4. The average frequency of the sigma activity within the individual σ-spindles is remarkably stable; i.e. , the night-to-night variation of the frequency is quite small. Furthermore, although the epoch-to-epoch variation is small, the “average frequency” tends to be less in the middle of the night. 5. 5. The maximum frequency change within the individual σ-spindle is in excess of 2 c/sec.
Effect of anordiol on ovarian hormone secretion, ovulation, and uterine and vaginal responses in the immature rat

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities of the potential contraceptive agent anordiol in the immature rat. A dose of 2.45 μmol of anordiol (AD), estradiol (E2), clomiphene citrate (CC), tamoxifen (TA), or the vehicle alone was administered to rats on the 25th and 29th days of age. Serum hormones were measured between 16∶00 and 17∶00 on days 30, 31, and 32; organ weights were determined on day 32. Anordiol and estradiol treatments significantly increased ovarian and uterine weight and serum LH concentrations, but CC and TA had no effect on these parameters. Vaginal cornification occurred before day 32 in all rats receiving anordiol or estradiol and in 3/5 and 4/5 rats receiving CC and TA, respectively, but not in control rats. Based on serum progesterone levels, ovulation was induced only in rats receiving anordiol or estradiol. All of the compounds tested significantly increased serum testosterone above levels in control animals, but both AD and E2 induced ovulation without a further increase in serum testosterone. We conclude that in the immature rat anordiol produces estrogenic responses in the vagina, uterus and in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, whereas TA and CC are estrogenic only on the vaginal and uterine epithelium.
Immunochemical identification of the serine protease inhibitor α1-antichymotrypsin in the brain amyloid deposits of Alzheimer's disease

Two approaches--molecular cloning and immunochemical analysis--have identified one of the components of Alzheimer's disease amyloid deposits as the serine protease inhibitor alpha 1-antichymotrypsin. An antiserum against isolated Alzheimer amyloid deposits detected immunoreactivity in normal liver. The antiserum was then used to screen a liver cDNA expression library, yielding three related clones. DNA sequence analysis showed that these clones code for alpha 1-antichymotrypsin. Antisera against purified alpha 1-antichymotrypsin stained Alzheimer amyloid deposits, both in situ and after detergent extraction from brain. The anti-amyloid antiserum recognizes at least two distinct epitopes in alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, further supporting the presence of this protein in Alzheimer amyloid deposits. In addition to being produced in the liver and released into the serum, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin is expressed in Alzheimer brain, particularly in areas that develop amyloid lesions. Models by which alpha 1-antichymotrypsin could contribute to the development of Alzheimer amyloid deposits are discussed.
A new in vitro model of venous hypertension: The effect of pressure on dermal fibroblasts

Abstract Purpose Venous hypertension leads to venous stasis ulcers. White cell activation, protein leakage from pressurized capillaries, and cytokine imbalances have all been implicated as indirect effects of venous hypertension that contribute to dermal changes seen in chronic venous insufficiency. The direct effect of increased tissue pressures on dermal elements has not been investigated. Prior studies have shown that fibroblasts isolated from venous ulcers have altered growth rates, morphologies, and protein production similar to senescent or aged fibroblasts. We hypothesize that neonatal fibroblasts (NNFs) cultured in conditions of increased atmospheric pressure will demonstrate altered cell function when compared with those grown at normal atmospheric pressure (ATM). Methods A pressure incubator was used to culture populations of NNFs at ATM, 60 mm Hg over ATM (ATM + 60 mm Hg), and 120 mm Hg over ATM (ATM + 120 mm Hg). NNF population growth rates were determined by periodic flow cytometry analysis over a 2-week period. Light microscopy and digital imaging were used to evaluate cell morphology. Senescence-associated B-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity was determined using the X-Gal stain. Fibronectin production was assessed by exposing cells sequentially to anti-fibronectin antibodies and Oregon Green-conjugated goat anti-mouse secondary antibodies. Flow cytometry then was used to determine relative proportions of cells staining positively for fibronectin. Statistical analysis was accomplished with analysis of variance. Results Populations of cells grown under increased pressures (both ATM + 60 and ATM + 120) showed reduced growth rates ( P Conclusions This study demonstrated that NNFs grown in culture under increased pressures undergo a transformation not seen in cells grown at atmospheric pressure. Cells grown under pressure demonstrated reduced growth rates, increased fibronectin production, and abnormal morphologies similar to fibroblasts isolated from venous ulcers. This study suggests that pressure elevations (like venous hypertension) can directly result in altered cell function and morphology that may contribute to the delayed wound healing seen in patients with venous ulcers. This model uses a pressurized incubator that may prove to be a valuable adjunct in studying the effects of venous hypertension.
Effect of increased leptin and C-reactive protein levels on mortality: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objective Leptin and C-reactive protein (CRP) have each been linked to adverse cardiovascular events, and prior cross-sectional research suggests that increased levels of both biomarkers pose an even greater risk. The effect of increased levels of both leptin and CRP on mortality has not, however, been previously assessed.
Solid‐Waste Management: Cooperative Extension Initiative

The Cooperative Extension (CEX) program has long been known for effective agricultural programming that brought science and technology to grass‐roots users within the food production community. However, it recently has embarked on a series of new initiatives that are likely to propel the CEX into domains far beyond its traditional role. These initiatives include management of natural resources, water quality, and waste management, all of which are traditional domains of environmental engineering. This paper discusses the Extension National Waste Management Initiative, with particular emphasis on the foreseen impacts of this program on rural communities. The Extension National Waste Management Initiative is necessitated by changes in minimum standards for solid‐waste‐disposal facilities that led to widespread reexamination of local waste‐management practices including those of rural communities. As a result, numerous landfills, especially those serving small rural communities, are expected to close. Anothe...
Nursing education: The past, present and future

Nurses constitute the greatest number of healthcare workers in the United States and globally. Increasingly, the role they play in meeting societal demands for safe, evidence-informed, quality care is being recognized. However, how they are educated around the world varies greatly. The purpose of the paper is provide a brief review of the evolution of nursing education in the United States and globally, describe the current and projected state of nursing education, and discuss some pressing challenges educators face as they strive to meet the charge to prepare nurses to care for more complex patients situated in ever-changing health-care systems.
Non-linear and linear enhancement of enzymatic reaction kinetics using a biomolecule concentrator

In this work we investigate concentration-enhanced enzyme activity assays in nanofluidic biomolecule concentrator chips which can be used to detect and study very low abundance enzymes from cell lysates and other low volume, low concentration samples. A mathematical model is developed for a mode of operation of the assay (J. H. Lee, B. D. Cosgrove, D. A. Lauffenburger and J. Han, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2009, 131, 10340–10341) in which enzyme and substrate are concentrated together into a plug on chip which results in a non-linear enhancement of the reaction rate. Two reaction phases, an initial quadratic enzyme-limited phase and a later, linear substrate-limited phase, are predicted and then verified with experiments. It is determined that, in most practical situations, the reaction eventually enters a substrate-limited phase, therefore mitigating the concern for non-specific reactions of biosensor substrates with off-target enzymes in such assays. We also use this mode to demonstrate a multiplexed concentration-enhanced enzyme activity assay. We then propose and demonstrate a new device and mode of operation, in which only the enzyme is concentrated and then mixed with a fixed amount of substrate in an adjacent picolitre-scale reaction chamber. This mode results in a linear enhancement of the reaction rate and can be used to perform mechanistic studies on low abundance enzymes after concentrating them into a plug on chip.
Immunoglobulin light chain variable (V) region genes influence clinical presentation and outcome in light chain–associated amyloidosis (AL)

Light chain-associated amyloidosis (AL) is a plasma cell dyscrasia in which the secreted monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) light chains form amyloid fibrils. There is considerable heterogeneity in clinical presentation, and prognosis of the disease relates to the severity of organ dysfunction induced by amyloid deposits. The mechanisms by which the amyloid fibrils are deposited as well as the predilection for specific organ sites have not been clearly elucidated. This study characterizes the repertoire of immunoglobulin light chain variable genes used by the clonal B cell in AL amyloid patients, and the association of light chain variable region (VL) genes with clinical presentation and outcome is assessed in 58 (32 lambda and 26 kappa) patients. A preferential use of VL germ-line genes was noted for both AL kappa and lambda patients. There was a significant correlation between the use of the Vlambda VI germ-line donor, 6a, and renal involvement as well as the Vlambda III gene, 3r, with soft-tissue AL. The use of a biased VL gene repertoire also correlated with clinical outcome, revealing important trends for predicting prognosis. The use of Vlambda II germ-line genes was associated with cardiac amyloidosis and affected survival adversely. The presence of multiple myeloma also correlated with a poor prognosis. The presence of renal disease, on the other hand, was associated with improved survival. Therefore, identification of the clonal VL gene in AL has important implications in determining clinical outcome.
Estuarine shoreline change detection using Japanese ALOS PALSAR HH and JERS-1 L-HH SAR data in the Albemarle-Pamlico Sounds, North Carolina, USA

An edge extraction model has been developed that uses multitemporal satellite synthetic aperture radar data to delineate shorelines in estuaries. Using Japanese ALOS PALSAR HH data acquired in December 2006 and JERS-1 L-HH SAR data in December 1994, we mapped shorelines of the outer Pamlico Peninsula, Dare County, North Carolina, USA, spanning 12 years. To assess the validity and accuracy of the delineation, we compared (a) 1994 shorelines versus those derived from the 1993 digital orthophotographs, and (b) 2006 shorelines versus field data collected in February 2007. With promising results, we then analysed and quantified the shoreline changes between 1994 and 2006 on the north, east, and south sides of the Peninsula. Virtually no discernible changes on the north and south sides were found. However, significant landward migration in the middle to southern portion on the east shore was observed. Spatial retreat of shorelines varied greatly, with the maximum rate averaged over a span of 12 years exceeding 11 m year-1. The results support further monitoring of shorelines in estuaries using active remote sensing and the potential for the methodology developed to identify erosional hotspots.
Navier-Stokes calculation of solid-propellant rocket motor internal flowfields

A comprehensive numerical analysis has been carried out to study the detailed physical and chemical processes involved in the combustion of homogeneous propellant in a rocket motor. The formulation is based on the time-dependent full Navier-Stokes equations, with special attention devoted to the chemical reactions in both gas and condensed phases. The turbulence closure is achieved using both the Baldwin-Lomax algebraic model and a modified k-epsilon two-equation scheme with a low Reynolds number and near-wall treatment. The effects of variable thermodynamic and transport properties are also included. The system of governing equations are solved using a multi-stage Runge-Kutta shceme with the source terms treated implicitly. Preliminary results clearly demonstrate the presence of various combustion regimes in the vicinity of propellant surface. The effects of propellant combustion on the motor internal flowfields are investigated in detail.
The effect of family status and schizotypy on electrophysiologic measures of attention and semantic processing.

Abstract Background: Disturbances in both attention and language are central to the phenomenology of the schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative contributions of two factors, family status and schizotypy, on electrophysiologic measures of attention and semantic processing in family members of individuals with schizophrenia. Methods: Fifteen first-degree relatives of individuals with schizophrenia and 15 comparison subject controls participated in diagnostic evaluations, an assessment of schizotypy, and two event-related potential (ERP) paradigms. The first paradigm was an auditory P300 “oddball” task designed to assess attentional functioning. The second was an N400 sentence paradigm particularly sensitive to language processing. Results: Both relatives and individuals higher in schizotypy, but not their respective comparison groups, showed reductions in P300 amplitude. In the N400 paradigm, individuals higher in schizotypy, but not relatives, showed a reduced N400 effect. There were no differences in latency for either group on either component. Conclusions: The results suggest that both family status and schizotypal presentation independently contribute to disturbances in electrophysiologic measures sensitive to attention and language. Whereas higher levels of schizotypy appear to be associated with disturbances in both attention and language processing, family membership appears to place individuals at risk for attentional deficits alone.
Comment on “Existence and uniqueness results for a nonlinear differential equation arising in viscous flow over a nonlinearly stretching sheet”

Abstract The article named above appeared recently in Applied Mathematics Letters and investigated a boundary value problem governing viscous flow over a nonlinearly stretching sheet. The authors of the work assert existence and (under certain restrictions) uniqueness of a solution to the problem for all relevant values of the parameter governing the stretching rate of the sheet. Unfortunately, several proofs presented in the article are incorrect. We will prove that for a range of parameter space the solution to the BVP is not unique. For these parameter values there are infinitely many solutions to the problem. The same incorrect analysis is reproduced in several other papers (see the references). Some of the claims of these papers are contradicted by established results on, for example, the Falkner–Skan problem.
The antimetastatic activity of enkephalin-like peptides

[Met5]Enkephalin and [Leu5]enkephalin, two naturally occurring opioid-like peptides were found to decrease the number of spontaneous pulmonary metastases in C57BL6J mice implanted in the foot pad with the B16-BL6 melanoma. The number of such metastatic nodules were reduced more than 2-fold. This effect was noted after several different injection schedules. In addition to their effect on metastasis the growth rate of the primary tumor was also decreased by these compounds.
Solvent effects in oscillator/amplifier configured dye lasers.

To optimize the output of dye lasers excited by high-powered pump lasers, it seems to be implicit that the dye: solvent combination that produces the maximum output for the oscillator is also the optimum for use in the amplifier. This paper reports an example whereby the optimized output of the oscillator/amplifier dye laser was obtained through the use of two different solvents: DCM and DMSO.
Beam Steering in Anisotropic Metamaterials

We propose tunable anisotropic metamaterials consisting of silver nanorods and dielectric medium for applications to beam steering and demultiplexing. The tunability is achieved by changing the fill fraction and the properties of the dielectric medium.
College-bound sisters. Exploring one pregnancy prevention program.

We were several years into an intervention program to prevent second pregnancies among adolescent mothers when we noted that the younger sisters of the women in our community frequently followed in the footsteps of their older siblings and joined the ranks of very young mothers. A search of the nursing and related literature revealed that although the problem was well-recognized this group of at-risk mothers had largely been ignored by the research community. East and Felice (1992) had reviewed the handful of studies done to date and confirmed that in the U.S. younger sisters of adolescent mothers were about twice as likely as other girls to become pregnant. The need for intervention was obvious and we committed ourselves to designing and intervention that would help reduce the incidence of pregnancy among this high-risk group of teen girls. (excerpt)
Shake-and-Bake, a recent advance in the direct methods of X-ray crystallography

Abstract The phase problem is formulated as one of constrained global minimization which leads to the so-called minimal principle. This principle is the theoretical basis of Shake-and-Bake, an algorithm for the automatic solution of the phase problem, ab initio. The distinguishing feature of Shake-and-Bake is that it alternates phase refinement in reciprocal space, via the minimal principle, with density modification in real space.
Tree mortality in drought-stressed mixed-conifer and ponderosa pine forests, Arizona, USA

We monitored tree mortality in northern Arizona (USA) mixed-conifer and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws) forests from 1997 to 2007, a period of severe drought in this area. Mortality was pervasive, occurring on 100 and 98% of 53 mixed-conifer and 60 ponderosa pine plots (1-ha each), respectively. Most mortality was attributable to a suite of forest insects, mediated by drought stress. The number of trees dying from 2002 to 2007 was more than 200% greater than the number dying from 1997 to 2002 in mixed-conifer forest and 74% greater in ponderosa pine forest. Extent of mortality was spatially variable in both forest types. Median cumulative mortality (the ratio of dead to live trees) increased by approximately 53 and 65% in mixed-conifer and ponderosa pine forests, respectively, from 2002 to 2007. Median mortality rates from 2002 to 2007 were approximately 2.0% year-1 in mixed-conifer forest (range = 0-28.5%) and 0.4% year-1 in ponderosa pine forest (range = 0-13.6%). Mortality rates generally were not strongly related to either elevation or stand density. Mortality was nonrandom with respect to tree size classes and species. Proportions of trees dying were greatest in the largest size classes, particularly in mixed-conifer forest, where mortality in the largest size class exceeded 22% from 2002 to 2007. Mortality in mixed-conifer forest was particularly pronounced for quaking aspen (85%) and white fir (28%), the least drought tolerant species present. These results provide an early glimpse of how these forest types are likely to respond to predicted climate changes in the southwestern USA. They suggest that these forests are not resilient to climate change, and that treatments to increase resilience to climate change may be appropriate. Research on causes of spatial heterogeneity in extent of mortality might suggest valuable approaches to aid in increasing resilience.
Endoscopically placed nitinol stents for pediatric tracheal obstruction

Objective: To provide preliminary clinical data regarding endoscopically placed nitinol stents for children with tracheal obstruction as a temporizing measure to allow for trach tube decannulation while awaiting growth to allow for tracheal resection. Methods: This case series describes the experiences of two children (ages 5 and 15) who were dependent upon tracheotomy because of acquired tracheal obstruction. Both patients had combined tracheomalacia and tracheal stenosis. After failing tracheoplasty with rib graft augmentation both patients suffered from extensive tracheal disease, which was too long to allow for immediate tracheal resection. Intervention: Endoscopic placement of nitinol stents in the obstructed tracheal segment using fluoroscopic guidance. All tracheotomy tubes were removed immediately after successful stent deployment with the patient still under general anesthesia. Results: Four stents were placed in total. The first patient's initial stent was too narrow and was, therefore, removed and replaced at a later date with a larger diameter stent. The second patient experienced distal migration of his initial stent requiring stent removal and replacement at a later date. Both patients remain successfully decannulated (follow-up, 25 and 26 months) and are currently living more normal lives as they grow and await tracheal resection. Conclusion: Preliminary use of nitinol stents for pediatric tracheal obstruction has enabled successful decannulation in two children with complicated airways. Our results with this series of patients suggest that nitinol stents can be safely used in children as a temporizing measure until tracheal resection can be safely performed. With this approach children can live free from the hassles of trach care, social isolation and peer ridicule. Limited pediatric experience exists in the literature about nitinol stents. Thus, our experience with stent selection and placement will help others avoid problems encountered in this initial series.
Composite lithium battery anodes based on carbon@Co3O4 nanostructures: Synthesis and characterization

Abstract We report on the formation of carbon/Co 3 O 4 (C@Co 3 O 4 ) composite nanospheres using a hydrothermal approach, followed by application of a thin coating of monosaccharide-derived carbon veneered on the surface of Co 3 O 4 by high temperature calcination. When evaluated as the negative electrode for Li-ion batteries (LIBs), the C@Co 3 O 4 structures exhibit attractive energy storage capacity and improved cycle life, over more than 100 repeated discharge/charge cycles. We hypothesize that the improved electrochemical performance of the composite electrodes originates from the enhanced structural stability of the active Co 3 O 4 particles, imparted by the carbon coating. Consistent with this hypothesis, post mortem analysis performed on pristine Co 3 O 4 and composite C@Co 3 O 4 anodes subjected to prolonged cycling indicate that surface cracking, particle breakage, and primary particle fusion evident in the pristine Co 3 O 4 material are substantially reduced in anodes comprised of C@Co 3 O 4 .
Multiple scattering theory of the density of states in semiconductors

Abstract A method for calculating the electronic density of states of a semiconductor in the presence of impurity scattering is given. The approach is based on a low density multiple scattering expansion. The calculation treats the density of states of the conduction band, shifts of the band edge, and the profiles of the impurity bands. It is performed for a simple model, using a spherical well potential for the individual impurity centers, but could be extended to any scattering potential. The first impurity band forms when the potential is sufficiently strong that one center can bind an electron. The impurity bands are of finite width, have a flat upper edge, and an asymmetrically broadened tail on the low energy side.
Analysis of the Activity and Regulon of the Two-Component Regulatory System Composed by Cjj81176_1484 and Cjj81176_1483 of Campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial diarrheal disease and a frequent commensal of the intestinal tract in poultry and other animals. For optimal growth and colonization of hosts, C. jejuni employs two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) to monitor environmental conditions and promote proper expression of specific genes. We analyzed the potential of C. jejuni Cjj81176_1484 (Cjj1484) and Cjj81176_1483 (Cjj1483) to encode proteins of a cognate TCS that influences expression of genes possibly important for C. jejuni growth and colonization. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the regulons of the Cjj81176_1484 (Cjj1484) histidine kinase and the Cjj81176_1483 (Cjj1483) response regulator contain many common genes, suggesting that these proteins likely form a cognate TCS. We found that this TCS generally functions to repress expression of specific proteins with roles in metabolism, iron/heme acquisition, and respiration. Furthermore, the TCS repressed expression of Cjj81176_0438 and Cjj81176_0439, which had previously been found to encode a gluconate dehydrogenase complex required for commensal colonization of the chick intestinal tract. However, the TCS and other specific genes whose expression is repressed by the TCS were not required for colonization of chicks. We observed that the Cjj1483 response regulator binds target promoters in both unphosphorylated and phosphorylated forms and influences expression of some specific genes independently of the Cjj1484 histidine kinase. This work further expands the signaling mechanisms of C. jejuni and provides additional insights regarding the complex and multifactorial regulation of many genes involved in basic metabolism, respiration, and nutrient acquisition that the bacterium requires for optimal growth in different environments. IMPORTANCE Bacterial two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) link environmental cues to expression of specific genes that enable optimal bacterial growth or colonization of hosts. We found that the Campylobacter jejuni Cjj1484 histidine kinase and Cjj1483 response regulator function as a cognate TCS to largely repress expression of target genes encoding a gluconate dehydrogenase complex required for commensal colonization of the chick intestinal tract, as well as other genes encoding proteins for heme or iron acquisition, metabolism, and respiration. We also discovered different modes by which Cjj1483 may mediate repression with and without Cjj1484. This work provides insight into the signal transduction mechanisms of a leading cause of bacterial diarrheal disease and emphasizes the multifactorial and complex regulation of specific biological processes in C. jejuni.
Shape recovery methods for visual inspection

The advancement of three-dimensional machine vision is closely related to the development of robust and efficient shape recovery methods. The author addresses the recovery problem associated with three different classes of surfaces: (a) specular surfaces; (b) surfaces with varying reflectance; and (c) rough and textured surfaces. Three realtime machine vision systems have been developed based on these results. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed methods and systems are applicable to a variety of visual inspection problems. >
Gastrointestinal Satiety Signals IV. Apolipoprotein A-IV

The focus of this article is to review evidence that apolipoprotein A-IV (apo A-IV) acts as a satiety factor. Additionally, information regarding the general involvement of apo A-IV in the regulation of food intake and body weight is stated. Apo A-IV is a glycoprotein synthesized by the human intestine. In rodents, both the small intestine and liver secrete apo A-IV, but the small intestine is the major organ responsible for circulating apo A-IV. There is now solid evidence that the hypothalamus, especially the arcuate nucleus, is another active site of apo A-IV expression. Intestinal apo A-IV synthesis is markedly stimulated by fat absorption and does not appear to be mediated by the uptake or reesterification of fatty acids to form triglycerides. Rather, the local formation of chylomicrons acts as a signal for the induction of intestinal apo A-IV synthesis. Intestinal apo A-IV synthesis is also enhanced by a factor from the ileum, probably peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY). The inhibition of food intake by apo A-IV is mediated centrally. The stimulation of intestinal synthesis and secretion of apo A-IV by lipid absorption are rapid; thus apo A-IV likely plays a role in the short-term regulation of food intake. Other evidence suggests that apo A-IV may also be involved in the long-term regulation of food intake and body weight, as it is regulated by both leptin and insulin. Chronic ingestion of a high-fat diet blunts the intestinal as well as the hypothalamic apo A-IV response to lipid feeding. It also suppresses apo A-IV gene expression in the hypothalamus. Whereas it is tempting to speculate that apo A-IV may play a role in diet-induced obesity, we believe the confirmation of such a proposal awaits further experimental evidence.