cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Biosynthesis of Lipoic Acid

Abstract Lipoic acid is an eight-carbon straight-chain fatty acid containing sulfhydryl groups at C6 and C8, which can reversibly undergo oxidation to the disulfide-containing dithiolane form, a characteristic that is essential for its role as a redox cofactor in a number of multienzyme complexes that are involved in energy and amino acid metabolism. In its biologically relevant form, lipoic acid is covalently attached to a specific lysyl residue of a lipoyl carrier protein, affording a 14 A appendage. This “swinging arm” allows for the transport of reaction intermediates to successive active sites within the multienzyme complexes that require the lipoyl cofactor. This article provides a historical overview of lipoic acid, and details our current understanding of the biosynthetic pathways that produce it. Recent advances including the regeneration of the auxiliary iron-sulfur cluster in the RS enzyme lipoyl synthase are described. Finally, we reflect on gaps in our understanding which lay the foundation for future discoveries to be made in this emerging field.
The relationship between joining a US free trade agreement and processed food sales, 2002-2016: a comparative interrupted time-series analysis.

OBJECTIVE To examine changes in sales of highly processed foods, including infant formulas, in countries joining free trade agreements (FTAs) with the US. DESIGN Annual country-level data for food and beverage sales come from Euromonitor International. Analyses are conducted in a comparative interrupted time-series (CITS) framework using multivariate random-effects linear models, adjusted for key confounders: gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, percent of the population living in urban areas and female labor force participation rate. Memberships in other FTAs and investment treaties are also explored as possible confounders. SETTING Changes are assessed between 2002 and 2016. PARTICIPANTS Ten countries joining US FTAs are compared with eleven countries without US FTAs in force; countries are matched on national income level, world region and World Trade Organization membership. RESULTS After countries join a US FTA, sales are estimated to increase by: 0·89 (95 % CI 0·16, 1·6; P = 0·016) kg per capita per annum for ultra-processed products, 0·81 (95 % CI 0·47, 1·1; P < 0·001) kg per capita per annum for processed culinary ingredients and 0·17 (95 % CI 0·052, 0·29; P = 0·005) kg per capita under age 5 per annum for baby food. No significant change is estimated for minimally processed foods. In statistical models, large unexplained variations in country-specific trends suggest additional unmeasured country-level factors also impact sales trends following entry into US FTAs. CONCLUSIONS These findings strongly support the conclusion that joining US FTAs can contribute to detrimental changes in national dietary consumption that increase population risk of non-communicable diseases.
LINEAR QUADRATIC TRACKING PROBLEMS IN HILBERT SPACE: APPLICATION TO OPTIMAL ACTIVE NOISE SUPPRESSION

In this note we discuss a quadratic tracking problem for systems described by infinite dimensional evolution equations. We present theoretical results for feedback controls as well as general approximation results. Applications to a problem arising in active noise suppression are given.
Pyruvate Kinase Controls Signal Strength in the Insulin Secretory Pathway

Pancreatic β cells couple nutrient metabolism with appropriate insulin secretion. Here, we show that pyruvate kinase (PK), which converts ADP and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) into ATP and pyruvate, underlies β cell sensing of both glycolytic and mitochondrial fuels. Plasma membrane-localized PK is sufficient to close KATP channels and initiate calcium influx. Small-molecule PK activators increase the frequency of ATP/ADP and calcium oscillations and potently amplify insulin secretion. PK restricts respiration by cyclically depriving mitochondria of ADP, which accelerates PEP cycling until membrane depolarization restores ADP and oxidative phosphorylation. Our findings support a compartmentalized model of β cell metabolism in which PK locally generates the ATP/ADP required for insulin secretion. Oscillatory PK activity allows mitochondria to perform synthetic and oxidative functions without any net impact on glucose oxidation. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic route for diabetes based on PK activation that would not be predicted by the current consensus single-state model of β cell function.
Adverse Events After SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on immunosuppressive and biologic therapies were largely excluded from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 messenger RNA vaccine trials. METHODS: We evaluated adverse events (AE) after messenger RNA vaccination in 246 adults with IBD participating in a longitudinal vaccine registry. RESULTS: In general, AE frequency was similar to that reported in the general population. AEs were more common among younger patients and those with previous COVID-19. AEs were less common in individuals receiving advanced therapies with biologics or small-molecule inhibitors. DISCUSSION: Those with IBD and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases can be reassured that the AE risk is likely not increased, and may be reduced, while on advanced therapies.
The stigma of digital amputation: a survey of amputees with analysis of risk factors.

The purpose of this study was to quantify the stigma associated with digital amputation and examine factors associated with it. One hundred and sixty-four digital amputees completed the Neurologica...
Von Saher v. Norton Simon Museum of Art at Pasadena: California's Temporary Suspension of the Statute of Limitations in Holocaust Art Cases Violates the Foreign Affairs Doctrine

In 2002, the California state legislature enacted a law temporarily suspending the statute of limitations in certain Holocaust art cases. In doing so, it removed a major procedural obstacle facing plaintiffs and effectively revived claims once considered time-barred. Seven years later, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held in von Saher v. Norton Simon Museum of Art at Pasadena that this California law was unconstitutional under the foreign affairs doctrine, because it impermissibly intruded on the federal government's exclusive power to make and resolve war. In so holding, the Ninth Circuit became the first court in the United States to restrict the authority of the states to inject themselves into the realm of Holocaust art litigation.
Temporomandibular Joint from the Pyramids to Total Joint Replacement and Beyond

The nonsurgical and surgical management of painful temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders has evolved over the centuries. Unfortunately, etiologic sophisms and often unproven mechanistic treatment philosophies still survive. Reviewing the history of the management of TMJ disorders not only addresses the complexity of the problem, but also demonstrates the importance of being aware of the prior pitfalls so that as the science of diagnosis and management unfold, we as clinicians and researchers do not continue to fall into or repeat the shortcomings of the past in the future.
PEER Physics: An evidence-based framework for inclusive physics curricula

Physics is one of the least diverse disciplines amongst the natural sciences. Large-scale studies, such as those from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, have indicated that students from underrepresented and racially minoritized groups score below students from dominant groups, and female students are typically outperformed by their male peers. While there are several complex systemic factors that maintain the status quo, we ask: what is it about how we engage our students in physics classes that perpetuates these inequities, and: how can our pedagogy promote inclusion?
Is Nutritional Labeling a Sustainable Option for Restaurants

This paper will examine the feasibility of restaurants integrating or providing nutritional information labels on food menus to increase business sales and gain customer satisfaction. It weighs the pros and cons of the usage of nutritional information labeling that has changed over time due to government policies, and clearly explains how restaurants can make use of nutrition labeling to increase and sustain the business. It will then further analyze both general advantages and disadvantages, consisting of economic, social, health and environmental impacts with an unbiased perspective. With a different set of clientele for the varying types of restaurants, nutritional information labeling would inevitably be deemed as more favorable for certain restaurants. Recommendations have been made with regards to what the restaurant operators can implement to jump on the bandwagon of the health trend, increase their market share, and sustain in the long run.
Left ventricular hypertrophy and mortality after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis: A high risk subgroup identified by preoperative ralation wall thickness☆

Abstract Objectives. We investigated the relation between the extent and pattern of left ventricular hypertrophy and surgical outcome in 54 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis. Background. Previous work from our laboratory has demenstrated that a subgroup of patients, mostly elderly women with Doppler evidence of abnormal intracavitary flow acceleration, had an unexpectedly high in-hospital mortality rate after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis. We hypothesized that marked concentric hypertrophy, rather than the Doppler signal itself, was related to the poor outcome. Methods. A retrospective analysis of the clinical, hemodynamic and echocardiographic data in patients who survived aortic valve replacement versus those who died in the hospital was performed. Results. There were no differences between the 42 survivors and 12 nonsurvivors with to the clinical or hemodynamic variables. Of the echocardiographic variables analyzed, diastolic relative wall thickness was found to be significantly different between the two groups. Patients who died had significantly greater relative wall thickness (mean ± SD) than those who survived (0.72 ± 0.38 vs. 0.56 ± 0.15, p = 0.04). Analysis by gender demonstrated that the relation between ventricular geometry and mortality held true only for women. Conclusions. We conclude that excessive ventricular hypertrophy, manifested as a markedly increased relative wall thickness, is associated with a significantly increased risk of postoperative mortality after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis.
Novel approach for peripheral subcutaneous field stimulation for the treatment of severe, chronic knee joint pain after total knee arthroplasty

Objective: The objective of this study is to present a novel approach for the treatment of severe, chronic knee joint pain following total knee arthroplasty utilizing peripheral subcutaneous field stimulation and discuss the role of this treatment modality in patients with symptoms that are refractory to conventional pharmacologic, surgical, and physical therapies. Materials and Methods: Presented are two case reports of patients with chronic intractable knee pain where peripheral nerve stimulation via a permanent neurostimulating implant was introduced successfully. Both patients presented with persistent knee pain, for greater than one year, after having had total knee arthroplasty. The patients' symptoms failed to be alleviated by a variety of interventions including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), oral antidepressants, membrane stabilizers, opioids, physical therapy, surgical revisions, manipulation under anesthesia, local anesthetic patches, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. In each case, direct stimulation of the knee was achieved utilizing a peripheral nerve stimulator via a periarticular approach. Results: Neuromodulation daily has produced both significant pain relief and functional improvement. Significant decreases in pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores and improvement in functional capacity were observed during the stimulation trial and during the follow-up after permanent implantation. The mean VAS score changed dramatically. Conclusions: Introduction of a peripheral subcutaneous field stimulation directly to the painful knee area is a novel and simple procedure that was extremely effective for the relief of pain and may provide a breakthrough in the treatment of chronic intractable knee pain following total knee arthroplasty. The periarticular approach has several advantages, including only small incisions over the lateral and medial knee, proximal thigh and abdomen resulting in minimal strain on the lead array with flexion and extension contributing to overall stability of this system.
Further Studies of Transverse Stress Effects in Cable-In-Conduit Conductors

The effect of transverse stress on critical current has been examined for Cable-In-Conduit Conductors (CICCs) containing three active superconducting composite strands in cables containing a total of 21 strands. In measurements of this type reported previously, only soft copper was used for the inactive strands, allowing the possibility that peaking of stresses at strand cross-over points were avoided by deformation of the copper strands during CICC fabrication and testing. In the present experiments, the degree of critical current degradation was measured as a function of applied load for various void fractions for cable patterns using stainless steel wires as the inactive strands. The reduction of critical current, expressed as a function of load divided by the projected area of the core of the superconducting composite strand, was found to be similar to that observed in cables containing copper inactive strands. All the CICCs tested show a higher sensitivity to transverse stress as compared to single wires. At compressive loads of 50 MPa or less, the region of interest to magnet designers, the critical current is, at worse, 79% of the critical current in unloaded samples. The sensitivity to transverse load is a function of CICC void fraction, lower void fractions having less susceptibility to degradation. The results of this investigation indicate that the performance of large magnets employing CICC designs need not be seriously degraded due to transmitted or self-induced Lorentz loads.
Computing wrench cones for planar contact tasks

The successful execution of any contact task fundamentally requires the application of wrenches (forces and moments) consistent with the task. We develop an algorithm for computing the entire set of wrenches consistent with achieving a given augmented contact mode (e.g., sliding at contact 1, rolling at contact 2, and approaching potential contact 3) for one fixed and one moving part in the plane.
Tailored Extended Finite-Element Model for Predicting Crack Propagation and Fracture Properties within Idealized and Digital Cementitious Material Samples

This paper presents a tailored extended finite-element model (XFEM) to predict crack propagation and fracture properties within idealized and digital cementitious material samples. The microstructure of the idealized cement-based materials includes the cement paste, particles, and interfacial boundaries. The tailored XFEM was developed to allow crack propagation within finite elements by using discontinuous enrichment functions and level-set methods. The Heaviside jump and the elastic asymptotic crack-tip enrichment functions were used to account for the displacement discontinuity across the crack-surface and around the crack-tip. The maximum fracture energy release rate was used as a criterion for determining the crack growth. The shielding effects within the interfacial zone were addressed with a numerical search scheme. The tailored XFEM was implemented with a MATLAB program to simulate the compact tension (CT) and the single-edge notched Beam (SEB) tests. For a homogeneous CT testing sample, the XFEM prediction on stress intensity factors was verified with the fracture mechanics analysis. The idealized samples of cement-based materials were generated with varied microstructures, including particle locations, orientations, and shape factors. The tailored XFEM was applied to investigate the effects of these microparameters on the fracture patterns of the idealized samples under CT loading. The XFEM simulation was also conducted on a homogeneous offset-notched SEB sample to predict the mixed-mode crack propagation. The predicted crack path matches well with refined cohesion fracture modeling from a recent study. Further validation of the tailored XFEM was conducted with fracture simulation of a digital SEB sample generated from the actual tested specimen. The predicted crack path was favorably compared with the fracture pattern of the tested concrete specimen with a middle notch. These simulation results indicated that the tailored XFEM has the ability to accurately predict the crack propagation and fracture properties within idealized and digital cementitious material samples.
P53, YB-1 and the AP-1 family of transcription factors mediate MMP-2 transcription induced by skeletal muscle ischemia

Introduction: The expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) is essential to the angiogenic response following tissue ischemia. The transcriptional regulators of MMP gene expression in ischemia are unknown. We hypothesized that the AP-1 family of transcription factors as well as factors activated by genotoxic stress (p53, YB-1) are involved in transcriptional activation of MMP-2 in skeletal muscle ischemia. Methods: Hindlimb ischemia was induced in CD-1 mice and chromatin immunoprecipitation of the AP-1 and RE-1 sites (−1140 to −1050 bp) within the mouse MMP-2 gene was performed with antibodies to known transcription factors on gastrocnemius chromatin extracts. The significance of the AP-1/RE-1 sites was defined with transgenic mice containing constructs of rat MMP-2 promoter fragments (−1687 to + 3400 bp) coupled to the beta-galactosidase gene with deletion of the −1140/−1050 segment in selected mice. Limb oxygen tension was determined by laser Doppler and beta-galactosidase activity determined by chemiluminescent assay. Results: Ischemia induced binding of the transcription factors FosB, JunB, FosC, JunC, and Fra2 to the AP-1 site and decreased binding of the negative regulator JunD. Ischemia induced p53, YB-1 binding to the RE-1 site and decreased AP-2 alpha binding. Deletion of these proximal sites decreased MMP-2 transcription (23.3 ± 5.6 RLU/mcg protein vs. 71 ± 11.5, n = 5, p < .05) with similar tissue ischemia (16.2 ± 2.3 mm O2 vs. 17.1 ± 1.3, p = N.S.). Conclusions: The AP-1 and RE-1 sites are critical for MMP-2 transcription in ischemia. Identification of the specific transcription factors responsible for gene expression will aid in the design of therapy to treat critical limb ischemia.
Cattle Grazing Preference among Eight Endophyte-Free Tall Fescue Cultivars

`HiMag' tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) was selected for high Mg concentration to reduce grass tetany risk to ruminants, but neither animal preference nor consumption of HiMag were known. The objectives were to evaluate methods of quantifying preference and to determine intake and preference by cattle (Bos taurus L.) of HiMag relative to seven other tall fescues. All entries were free of a fungal endophyte [Neotyphodium coenophialum (Morgan-Jones & Gams) Glen, Bacon & Hanna] that reduces cattle performance. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications of eight cultivars nested within each of three test pastures. Six heifers grazed the vegetative to boot-stage pastures for 48 h in May, June, August, and September of 1993 and 1994. The pastures, located at 1200 m elevation, were furrow irrigated. Pre- and post-grazed forage were clipped and weighed to determine yield and utilization (48-h utilization < 50%). Preference scoring of 0 to 10 (0 to 100% of forage eaten) was done by four trained observers at 24, 30, and 48 h. The heifers quickly learned to distinguish between cultivars, and their order of preference was Kenhy > KY 31 > HiMag = Barcel = Cl = Stargrazer > M096 = Mozark. The cultivar x trial(year) interaction for preference indicated that cultivars responded differently to weather conditions, which in turn affected animal preference. Preference scoring had high repeatability and ranked cultivars similarly to the clip-and-weigh method of measuring utilization. Preference scoring was accomplished with 27% of the experimental error and only 6% of the time required for clip-and-weigh. Only 44% of the variation in preference score (PS) was explained by the model: PS = 8.8 - 1.1(Mg DM yield ha-1). Estimated dry matter (DM) intake of HiMag was 6.4 kg (animal unit day)-1. Consumption and preference of HiMag by cattle are satisfactory relative to other tall fescue cultivars.
Temporal changes in medial basal hypothalamic LH-RH correlated with plasma LH during the rat estrous cycle and following electrochemical stimulation of the medial preoptic area in pentobarbital-treated proestrous rats.

Abstract In the present studies we have simultaneously measured changes in medial basal hypothalamic (MBH) leutenizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) and in plasma LH by radioimmunoassay in female rats at various hours during the 4-day estrous cycle and under experimental conditions known to alter pituitary LH secretion. In groups of rats decapitated at 12.00 h and 15.00 h on estrus and diestrus, plasma LH remained at basal levels (5–8 ng/ml) and MBH-LH-RH concentrations showed average steady state concentrations of2231±205pg/mg. On the day of proestrus hourly measurements of MBH-LH-RH between 12.00 h and 21.00 h suggested rhythmic rises and falls in the decapeptide concomitant with rises and falls in plasma LH. In a second group of pentobarbital-anesthetized proestrous rats a significant decline in MBH-LH-RH occurred (to573±137pg/mg) which then remained at low concentrations between 14.00 h and 18.00 h proestrus. Following bilateral preoptic area (MPOA) electrochemical stimulation of pentobarbital-treated proestrous rats, LH was significantly increased by 30 min, peaked between 90–120 min and returned to basal levels by 210 min poststimulation. In the same animals within 15 min poststimulation, MBH-LH-RH increased from the basal concentrations noted after pentobarbital anesthesia to elevated levels comparable to those observed throughout estrus, diestrus and on proestrous morning. Further, as plasma LH rose to peak concentrations and declined to basal plasma values, rhythmic rises and falls in MBH-LH-RH were observed with intervals between pulses of approximately 60 min. Seemingly, hypothalamic LH-RH is released as pulsatile pulses from a releasable pool; this pool is replenished and again LH-RH is discharged in response to constant stimulation by the preoptic brain.
SHERPA: A mobile application for students and educators in the classroom

Mobile computing is becoming ubiquitous across many areas including education. Many of the education-based applications are targeted toward the student as the end-user and trying to create a more effective educational environment using mobile technology. At our institution, we are investigating such applications, but wanted to look at tools focusing on the educator as well as the student. In this regard, we have developed and are testing a mobile productivity tool, SHERPA, for use by both the student and the instructor in the classroom. It is designed to assist the instructor in a number of administrative classroom activities and facilitate instructor-to-instructor communication. Student functionality includes the ability to interact with the instructor and other students, arrange collaborative meetings, and provide feedback on lectures. SHERPA is designed with a cloud computing architecture and attempts to leverage information sharing between instructors with common students. SHERPA was initially developed and tested in Fall semester 2010 with more extensive evaluation in the Spring 2011 semester. User feedback is very positive. This paper will describe SHERPA's functionality and design, its use in the classroom, instructor experience and feedback on the tool, and future plans.
Exploratory studies of tokamaks as fusion test reactors

Studies have been performed to explore various plasma burn scenarios for a tokamak test reactor which could follow the next generation of large tokamak experiments. Tradeoffs between an ignited burning plasma and a sub-ignited driven plasma are examined in terms of device size and performance as a fusion engineering test facility. It is found that plasma performance levels, measured by ignition margin, amplification factorQ, and fusion power output, increase with device size, more optimistic transport scaling laws, lower magnetic field ripple, and higherΒ. The performance of a generally low stress (B0=4 T) reference device, with major radiusR=4.5 m and minor radiusa=1.3 m in a D-shaped (κ=1.6) plasma has been evaluated over a wide range of operating parameters. In particular, a moderate fusion power output of 300 MW is obtained, the driven plasma havingQ≅ 10, an edge ripple of 1%, and a density ranging between 1.0 and 1.5×1014 cm−3. The same device operated at a higher general level of stress (B0=5.3 T) is predicted to achieve ignition, but is not required for the mission of an engineering test facility and would entail greater technical risk.
Computerized tomographic scan and gunshot wounds of the head: indications and radiographic findings

The authors document their experience with the computerized tomographic (CT) scanner for evaluating gunshot wounds of the head. Only those patients who were considered to be operative candidates and who were neurologically stable were scanned. In the postoperative period, patients who were not scanned preoperatively and those whose condition did not improve were also scanned. In the preoperative period the CT scanner is useful for identifying and localizing missile tracks, bony and metallic fragments, intra- and extraparenchymal hematomas, intracranial air, and brain swelling. In the postoperative period the CT scanner may demonstrate retained bone fragments, edema, brain abscess, and intracranial air. The limitations of the CT scan in evaluating gunshot wounds include an inability to define vascular lesions suchas traumatic aneurysms and post-traumatic spasm. Metallic scatter from missile fragments may render certain CT cuts uninterpretable. In addition, the CT scan may appear minimally abnormal in spite of immediate and irreversible injury caused by a shock wave transmitted to brain stem structures. The CT scanner has superceded angiography as a diagnostic tool for evaluating gunshot wounds of the head because it is noninvasive and rapid, allows visualization of the entire head, can resolve very small lesions that produce little or no mass effect, can help to determine the nature of intracranial lesions and may quantitate the amount of hemorrhage and edema. Because it enables physicians to visualize intracranial structures in three dimensions, the CT scan may precisely define missile tracks and contiguous lesions in a manner not heretofore possible with other diagnostic modalities. Thus, it is invaluable for the rational planning of surgical therapy.
WHEN PEOPLE DIED: AN EXAMINATION OF SEASONALITY OF MORTALITY USING AN HISTORIC AFRICAN AMERICAN POPULATION

ABSTRACT Data from cemeteries can provide social scientists with rich, longitudinal data on death patterns (Trevino-Richard 1984). To improve social scientist's understanding of the seasonal patterns of deaths to African Americans in the postemancipation era, this research uses cemetery records and frames the pattern in the context of the demographic transition and modernization theories. The vast majority of previous research has considered impacts on seasonality in isolation—without controls for demographic variables. Therefore, researchers do not know how seasonality effects are influenced by demographics, socioeconomic factors, and/or change over time. The inequality in seasonality of death can be attributed to three main factors: a lack of access to (1) quality healthcare, (2) temperature management, and (3) the education required to have an occupation of higher status than general laborer. These three qualities, often seen in segments of society that are labeled “second class,” are seen in the popul...
conZA8 Encodes an Abundant Protein Targeted to the Developing Macronucleus in Euplotes crassus

During macronuclear development in the ciliate Euplotes crassus, micronuclear-derived chromosomes undergo a series of rearrangements that include polytenization, DNA splicing, chromosome fragmentation, and telomere addition and processing. Although cis-acting signals that may function in the regulation of these events have been characterized, the proteins that mediate these events have not yet been identified. To identify development-specific factors that may be involved in DNA rearrangement, we previously isolated clones of a number of genes that are expressed only during early macronuclear development. Here, we report the genomic and cDNA sequences of one of these genes, conZA8. The analysis indicates that the conZA8 gene encodes a novel, 468-amino acid, proline-rich protein. Antibodies were raised against both a recombinant form of the conZA8 protein and an internal peptide. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analyses indicated that the conZA8 protein is highly abundant, expressed only during the polytene chromosome stage of macronuclear development, and localized to the developing macronucleus. Possible functions of the conZA8 protein are discussed.
Air-Side Heat Transfer in Finned Tube Heat Exchangers

Because of the low heat transfer coefficient of gases, it is necessary to use extended surfaces on the gas side when exchanging heat with liquids or two-phase fluids. Such finned tube exchangers are a very important basic class of heat exchangers. Although finned tube exchangers have been in existence for 50 yr, there have been numerous developments in the technology. This paper attempts to survey the recent developments related to the air-side aspects of heat exchanger design. Nearly all of the recent developments have been empirical because of the complicated gas-side flow structure. Among the developments discussed are the use of special surface geometries for enhanced heat transfer, row effects, local heat transfer coefficient distribution, and correlations for heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop. Two important design configurations—circular finned tubes and plate fin designs—are considered separately.
Surgical management of leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava.

Introduction Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare tumor for which en bloc resection offers the only chance of cure. Due to its rarity, however, optimal strategies for the management of the primary tumor and subsequent recurrences are not well defined.
Judicial Structure and Its Political Functioning In Society: New Approaches to Teaching and Research in Public Law

O NCE AGAIN Glendon Schubert has taken a long stride by writing a book which, from the conventional point of view of public law, is unique.1 In Judicial Policy-Making, Schubert attempts, among other innovations, to adapt a classification scheme to study the titular phenomenon. This classification is based chiefly upon the concepts "system," "structure" and "function." Surprisingly, very little has been done in studying the judiciary employing these concepts-particularly the latter two, i.e., structure and function. One political scientist treated the judiciary of the United States from this conceptual perspective, but it was only as a small part of a study of the entire American political system.2 Schubert is thus the first to devote a substantial part of a book to a structural/functional analysis of a judiciary.
Quantitative prediction of molecular miscibility in dextran systems as model carbohydrate polymers

Abstract This paper demonstrates the application of an advanced thermodynamic model to quantitatively predict molecular miscibility in model carbohydrate mixtures. It adds onto our previous paper on application of original Flory–Huggins theory that did not enable successful prediction of miscibility in dextran systems. In the current paper, Painter–Coleman association model was examined with its capability to account for strong hydrogen-bonding interactions on miscibility. Thermodynamics of mixing (free energy of mixing and its 2nd derivative, enthalpy and entropy of mixing, free energy of hydrogen-bonding contribution) were calculated using Miscibility Guide and Phase Calculator Software. It was quantitatively demonstrated that hydrogen-bonding significantly contributed to predictive miscibility in carbohydrate blends. When hydrogen bond formation of pentanol (an analogue compound for which hydrogen-bonding was previously characterized by Painter–Coleman group) was approximated to the hydrogen bond formation in dextrans, miscibility was successfully predicted. The generated knowledge is a step forward for understanding the thermodynamic basis for miscibility/immiscibility in carbohydrate polymer blends.
A Novel Strategy for Inhibiting Growth of Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Blocking Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Activity

Pancreatic cancers frequently carry mutations in the K-ras, p53, and p16 genes, which regulate cell proliferation. Transition from G1 to S phase of the cell cycle requires activation of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) which is inhibited by olomoucine and roscovitine. The purpose of this study was to determine whether olomoucine and roscovitine can block Cdk2 kinase activity and inhibit proliferation of four human pancreatic cancer cell lines with various genetic alterations. Human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines BxPC-3, PANC-1 Capan-2, and CAV were treated with olomoucine or roscovitine. Cdk2 kinase activity was determined using histone H1 as the substrate. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed by DNA flow cytometry. Cell numbers were quantitated by Coulter counter. Olomoucine and roscovitine blocked Cdk2 activity in all four pancreatic cancer cell lines. Both compounds also inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent fashion. Roscovitine was at least threefold more potent than olomoucine for both Cdk2 activity and cell proliferation. We have shown that Cdk inhibitors, olomoucine and roscovitine, block proliferation of human pancreatic cancer cells regardless of their mutations in K-ras p53, or p16 genes. These compounds represent a novel therapeutic strategy with potential therapeutic benefits for pancreatic cancers.
Systolic Time Intervals in Infants with Congestive Heart Failure

Using the apexcardiogram as a time reference for opening and closure of the aortic valve, systolic time intervals (STI) in infants were determined in 150 normal infants ranging in age from 1 day to 1 year. Thirty infants with congestive heart failure secondary to a variety of congenital and acquired heart diseases were studied in a similar manner for comparison. The data revealed that heart failure in the infant is not marked by any one pattern of STI. In specific disease entities associated with congestive heart failure, the STI appear to be consistent. In infants with congestive heart failure due to congenital heart disease, the STI do not correspond with values reported in the adult with hypertensive or arteriosclerotic disease. The differences are explained by viewing STI in infants primarily a function of hemodynamic alterations dictated by an underlying cardiovascular anomaly rather than a result of a primary myocardial derangement. The findings in the infant with chronic heart failure due to primary myocardial disease tend to parallel data previously reported in the adult with arteriosclerotic disease and chronic heart failure.
Geochemical Phase Diagrams and Gale Diagrams

The problem of predicting the possible topologies of a geochemical phase diagram, based on the chemical formula of the phases involved, is shown to be intimately connected with and aided by well-studied notions in discrete geometry: Gale diagrams, triangulations, secondary fans, and oriented matroids.
Treatment Dose Verification in Liver SBRT Using a Deformable Respiratory Motion Model and Treatment Beam's-Eye-View Fluoroscopy With Tumor Tracking

• A patient with hepatocellular carcinoma was treated with SBRT 40Gy/4fx. Gold fiducial markers were implanted to mark the tumor location. • 4D-CT was used for ITV definition/planning and modeling of deformable motion between respiratory phases. • In the TPS, beams were applied to each phase’s 3DCT. Each resulting dose distribution was spatially transformed via the motion model onto a common anatomical space (planning CT). • MVF with fiducial tracking yielded tumor motion during radiation delivery. Motion analysis determined the duty cycle for each respiratory phase. A duty cycle weighted average of the deformed dose distributions yielded the composite delivered dose distribution. • Breathing variability in SBRT causes deviation of delivered dose distribution from the planned dose. • The goal was to calculate the actual dose delivered to a moving tumor using measurements of implanted fiducial marker position obtained using beam’s-eye-view MV fluoroscopy (MVF).
Influence of pressure on the superconducting state of RNi2B2C (R = Y, Ho, Er, and Tm) compounds

Abstract Measurements of the superconducting transition temperature T c under hydrostatically applied pressure have been carried out on single-crystalline RNi 2 B 2 C (R = Y, Ho, Er, Tm) superconductors. YNi 2 B 2 C exhibit peaks in T c ( P ) centered at ≈0.52 GPa and ≈0.94 GPa with initial slopes of d T c /d P ≈+0.03 K/GPa and d T c /d P ≈+0.17 K/GPa, respectively. T c (P) of HoNi 2 B 2 C and TmNi 2 B 2 C decreases in a nearly linear fashion with d T c /d P ≈−0.25 K/GPa and −0.45 K/GPa, respectively. The discussion of the T c (P) results focuses on the shape of the density of states near the Fermi level. The strong negative d T c /d P value (as well as the low T c ( P = 0)) of TmNi 2 B 2 C is attributed to the existence of magnetic correlations above T c .
Crowd Density Analysis with Marked Point Processes [Applications Corner]

This article presents a Bayesian approach that estimates the count and location of individuals in a video frame. Crowds are modeled by a marked point process (MPP) that couples a spatial stochastic process governing number and placement of individuals with a conditional mark process for selecting body size, shape, and orientation. Given a noisy, binary mask image where pixels are labeled foreground or background, the approach seeks a configuration of cutout shapes that simultaneously "covers" as many foreground pixels and as few background pixels as possible.
Hepatotoxicity of androstenedione in pregnant rats

Androstenedione, a naturally occurring steroid hormone, is a dietary supplement used to enhance athletic performance. Little is known, however, about the safety of its use by young adults including women of child bearing age. To test the possible hepatotoxic effects of androstenedione use, this study was undertaken using a rat model. Pregnant rats (six rats/dose) were exposed to androstenedione in corn oil by gastric intubation at 0, 5, 30 or 60 mg/kg body weight/day beginning 2 weeks before mating and continuing through gestation day 19. On gestation day 20, blood and livers were collected from the pregnant rats for analysis of hepatotoxicity endpoints: serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), total microsomal P450, nuclear DNA damage and lipid peroxidation. Under these experimental conditions, no significant differences were observed in any of these biomarkers over the concentration range examined.
The Coming Of Age Of Hybrids: Notes On Ethnographic Praxis

It has been nearly 15 years since Donna Haraway wrote in Simians, Cyborgs and Women that, “In so far as we know ourselves in both formal discourse and in daily practice we find ourselves to be cyborgs, hybrids, mosaics, chimeras.” While Haraway's referent was not the community of practitioners, scholars and change agents assembled for the EPIC conference, her attention to the particular arrangements of material goods, human labor and social relations in processes and histories that have consequences for people's lives resonates with the themes addressed in the workshops and with concerns that bring many of us to this conference. In this talk I will explore how ethnographic praxis is constituted in and through our focus on the here and now of everyday practice by which logical divisions and dualism such as material – social, virtual – real, local –global, spiritual – secular are unmasked. Recognizing both our hybrid subjects and our hybrid identities, I will suggest we turn the analytic lens on ourselves and acknowledge and celebrate our pragmatism, our lives on the margins, and our commitment to the ephemeral, situated orderliness of everyday practice.
Placeworlds: Using Virtual Worlds to Foster Civic Engagement

This article describes a pilot program in Boston, Massachusetts, that incorporates virtual worlds into the urban planning process. The authors argue that the immersive, playful, and social qualities of the virtual world Second Life are uniquely appropriate to engage people in dialogue about their communities. By sharing experiences of a planned space and having the opportunity to deliberate over, comment on, and alter that space, previously disempowered individuals are able to form politically powerful groups. This takes place through the formation of what the authors call placeworlds, a subgroup of the Habermasian lifeworld that is organized around the shared understanding of place. Second Life and similar virtual world platforms offer profound possibilities for how local communities can imagine themselves as political actors in the face of global and homogenizing political systems.
Hearing in mammals: the least weasel

Audiograms were obtained for two least weasels ( Mustela nivalis ) using behavioral methods. The hearing range of the least weasel for intensities of 60 dB SPL extends from 51 Hz to 60.5 kHz with a region of best hearing extending from 1 kHz to 16 kHz. The least weasel appears to be similar in its hearing to other members of the order Carnivora for which data are available. The high-frequency hearing ability of the least weasel lends additional support to the relationship between functional interaural distance and high-frequency hearing, whereas its sensitivity to low frequencies in the absence of obvious morphological specialization of the middle ear makes the least weasel unusual among small mammals.
Three-dimensional coating of nanofibers on surfaces of poorly conductive objects

Abstract Rectangular-shaped, poorly conductive synthetic polymer scaffolds composed of a mixture of polycaprolactone and poly-L-lactic acid (PCL/PLLA, 75:25) were coated directly with nanofibers composed of PLLA using an electrospinning technique having a modified design for the electrically grounded collector. The design modification consisted of mounting each scaffold onto a fine-point needle which was attached directly to the ground electrode of the electrospinning unit. Nanofibers were collected on all six surfaces of each scaffold. The coated scaffolds were then dried at ambient temperature overnight before sterilization by immersion in 100% ethanol to assess and ensure adherence between the scaffold and nanofibers. Photomicrographs from scanning electron microscopy illustrate nanofiber coverage over all six surfaces of the polymer scaffold. The design in this manner for three-dimensional coating of poorly conductive objects advances electrospinning capability for numerous new applications.
Convergence in Almost Periodic Competition Diffusion Systems

The paper deals with the convergence of positive solutions for almost-periodic competition diffusion systems. The asymptotic almost periodicity of a positive solution for such a system is described by the almost periodicity of the ω-limit set of the corresponding positive motion in the associated skew-product flow. In the framework of the skew-product flow, it will be proved that the ω-limit set of any spatially homogeneous positive motion contains at most two minimal sets which are both almost automorphic. It will also be proved that if each spatially homogeneous positive solution is asymptotically almost periodic and each spatially homogeneous positive almost periodic solution is lower (upper) asymptotically Lyapunov stable, then every positive solution converges to a spatially homogeneous almost periodic solution. Several important special cases are described where every positive solution converges to a spatially homogeneous almost-periodic solution.
Delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction with renal failure.

Abstract A 30-year-old woman without history of prior transfusion suffered a haemolytic episode, characterised by rapidly developing anaemia and acute renal failure, five days after receiving two units of whole blood for treatment of upper-gastrointestinal bleeding. Red-cell-antigen studies demonstrated that, although donor and recipient bloods were completely compatible at the time of transfusion, development of antibodies to donor cells after transfusion had precipitated the haemolytic episode.
Three-dimensional atom probe tomography of oxide, anion, and alkanethiolate coatings on gold

We have used three-dimensional atom probe tomography to analyze several nanometer-thick and monomolecular films on gold surfaces. High-purity gold wire was etched by electropolishing to create a sharp tip suitable for field evaporation with a radius of curvature of <100 nm. The near-surface region of a freshly etched gold tip was examined with the atom probe at subnanometer spatial resolution and with atom-level composition accuracy. A thin contaminant layer, primarily consisting of water and atmospheric gases, was observed on a fresh tip. This sample exhibited crystalline lattice spacings consistent with the interlayer spacing of {200} lattice planes of bulk gold. A thin oxide layer was created on the gold surface via plasma oxidation, and the thickness and composition of this layer was measured. Clear evidence of a nanometer-thick oxide layer was seen coating the gold tip, and the atomic composition of the oxide layer was consistent with the expected stoichiometry for gold oxide. Monomolecular anions layers of Br(-) and I(-) were created via adsorption from aqueous solutions onto the gold. Atom probe data verified the presence of the monomolecular anion layers on the gold surface, with ion density values consistent with literature values. A hexanethiolate monolayer was coated onto the gold tip, and atom probe analysis revealed a thin film whose ion fragments were consistent with the molecular composition of the monolayer and a surface coverage similar to that expected from literature. Details of the various coating compositions and structures are presented, along with discussion of the reconstruction issues associated with properly analyzing these thin-film systems.
Mathematical modeling of viral infection dynamics in spherical organs

A general mathematical model of viral infections inside a spherical organ is presented. Transported quantities are used to represent external cells or viral particles that penetrate the organ surface to either promote or combat the infection. A diffusion mechanism is considered for the migration of transported quantities to the organ inner tissue. Cases that include the effect of penetration, diffusion and proliferation of immune system cells, the generation of latently infected cells and the delivery of antiviral treatment are analyzed. Different antiviral mechanisms are modeled in the context of spatial variation. Equilibrium conditions are also calculated to determine the radial profile after the infection progresses and antiviral therapy is delivered for a long period of time. The dynamic and equilibrium solutions obtained in this paper provide insight into the temporal and spatial evolution of viral infections.