cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcomes in Diabetic Versus Nondiabetic Patients Who Present With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Are Treated With Drug-Eluting Stents

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at a greater risk of mortality and cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention than those without DM. We aimed to determine whether differences exist in the long-term mortality of patients with versus without DM who present with acute myocardial infarction and receive drug-eluting stents. Data were collected on 161 patients with and 395 without DM referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction and treated with drug-eluting stents. The patients with cardiac arrest or cardiogenic shock were excluded. The 1-year major cardiac event (MACE) rates, defined as death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization, were compared between the 2 groups. The patients with DM were sicker at baseline. The MACE rates at 1 year were significantly increased in those with DM compared to those without DM. This was primarily driven by all-cause mortality. No differences in Q-wave myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, stent thrombosis, type of drug-eluting stents used, or procedure-related renal failure were seen. No differences were found in death or MACE rates at 1 year after adjusting for age, gender, race, systemic hypertension, peripheral artery disease, and a history of chronic renal failure between the 2 groups (weighted log-rank statistic, p = 0.37 and p = 0.37, respectively). In patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction, those with DM were sicker than those without DM. In conclusion, after correction for co-morbid conditions, no difference was seen in the 1-year MACE or death rates between those with and without DM who presented with acute myocardial infarction and were treated with drug-eluting stents.
Solid-state acid-base interactions in complexes of heterocyclic bases with dicarboxylic acids: crystallography, hydrogen bond analysis, and 15N NMR spectroscopy.

A cancer candidate, compound 1, is a weak base with two heterocyclic basic nitrogens and five hydrogen-bonding functional groups, and is sparingly soluble in water rendering it unsuitable for pharmaceutical development. The crystalline acid−base pairs of 1, collectively termed solid acid−base complexes, provide significant increases in the solubility and bioavailability compared to the free base, 1. Three dicarboxylic acid−base complexes, sesquisuccinate 2, dimalonate 3, and dimaleate 4, show the most favorable physicochemical profiles and are studied in greater detail. The structural analyses of the three complexes using crystal structure and solid-state NMR reveal that the proton-transfer behavior in these organic acid−base complexes vary successively correlating with ΔpKa. As a result, 2 is a neutral complex, 3 is a mixed ionic and zwitterionic complex and 4 is an ionic salt. The addition of the acidic components leads to maximized hydrogen bond interactions forming extended three-dimensional networks....
Computation of transient flow rates in passive pumping micro-fluidic systems

Motion in micro-channels of passive flow micro-fluidic systems can be controlled by proper design and estimated by careful modeling. We report on methods to describe the flow rate as function of time in a passive pump driven micro-fluidic system. The model considers the surface energy present in small droplets, which prompts their shrinkage and induces flow. The droplet geometries are controlled by the micro-fluidic system geometry and hydrophilicity of the droplet channel contact area so that the chord of the droplet's cross section is restrained as the fluid is pumped. The model uses interfacial thermodynamics and the Hagen–Poiseuille equation for calculating the flow rate in micro-channels. Existing analyses consider the theoretical relationships among sample volume and induced flow rate, surface energy of the drops at the entrance and exit ports, and the resistance to flow. This model provides more specific information on the influence of the experimental conditions in computations of the flow rate. The model was validated in four sets of experiments. Passive pumps with 1.8 mm diameter, hydrophobic or hydrophilic entry ports, 5.0 or 10.0 mm channel length, and 2.5 or 3.3 mm diameter reservoir ports provided initial flow rates between 85 nL s−1 and 196 nL s−1.
Characterization of silanol reactivity and acidity on octadecyl-bonded chromatographic supports by29Si solidstate nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and surface titration

Abstract Surface analysis and chromatographic data are used to examine the structure of surface groups in a reversed-phase chromatographic environment involving an octadecyl-derivatized silica substrate. The support is characterized by 29 Si solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and surface titration, and results are compared to other spectroscopic methods for the quantitation of surface species. Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance data permits examination of the number and reactivity of single versus geminal hydroxyl sites as a function of octadecyldimethylsilyl coverage. It is postulated that an acidic, reactive subset of surface silanols exists that includes a large proportion of the geminal silanol sites, and a subset of the single silanol sites including hydrogen-bonded species such as the vicinal silanols. Knowledge of surface structure helps to explain various types of chromatographic behavior including the inaccessibility of some surface region silanols at moderate silane coverages, the partition-like behavior of octadecyl substrates, and the pH-dependent retention of non-polar solutes in reversed-phase chromatography.
Ductal carcinoma in situ: a brief review of treatment variation and impacts on patients and society.

Nearly 20% of all breast cancer cases are ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), with over 60,000 cases diagnosed each year. Many of these cases would never cause clinical symptoms or threaten the life of the woman; however, it is currently impossible to distinguish which lesions will progress to invasive disease from those that will not. DCIS is generally associated with an excellent prognosis regardless of treatment pathway, but there is variation in treatment aggressiveness that appears to exceed the medical uncertainty associated with DCIS management. Therefore, it would seem that a significant proportion of women with DCIS receive more extensive treatment than is needed. This overtreatment of DCIS is a growing concern among the breast cancer community and has implications for both the patient (via adverse treatment-related effects, as well as out-of-pocket costs) and society (via economic costs and the public health and environmental harms resulting from healthcare delivery). This paper discusses DCIS treatment pathways and their implications for patients and society, and calls for further research to examine the factors that are leading to such wide variation in treatment decisions.
Radiation pressure on a submerged absorptive partial reflector deduced from the Doppler shift

When a light pulse is reflected from a mirror, energy and momentum are exchanged between the electromagnetic field and the material medium. The resulting change in the energy of the reflected photons is directly related to their Doppler shifts arising from the change in the state of motion of the mirror. Similarly, the Doppler shift of photons that enter an absorber is intimately tied to the kinetic energy and momentum acquired by the absorber in its interaction with the incident light. The argument from the Doppler shift yields expressions for the exchanged energy and momentum that are identical with those obtained from Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz law of force, despite the fact that the physical bases of the two methods are fundamentally different. Here, we apply the Doppler-shift argument to a submerged partial reflector (one that absorbs a fraction of the incident light), deducing, in the process, the magnitude of the photon momentum within the submerging medium. We also discuss the case of the submerging medium having a negative refractive index and show the absence of the so-called ``reversed'' Doppler shift when the reflector is detached from the negative-index medium.
Magnetic resonance imaging of laser phototherapy: initial experience

Interventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a newly established field, made possible by improvements in imaging times and the development of nonferromagnetic materials. Interstitial laser therapy (ILT) is a promising new technology in which laser energy is adininistered percutaneously via optical fibers. In this study, MRI was used to image acute experimental lesions induced nv ILT. Nine experimental lesions were induced in the musculature of an adult swine using an argon laser,' with output power of 1–4 watts, and exposure times of 10–40 s. T2-weighted images were obtained immediately after laser energy administration. The animal was then sacrificed and lesions were dissected and examined histologically. On MRI, target like lesions were seen with a high intensity center surrounded by two alternating concentric rings of low and high intensity. Histologically, concentric zones of tissue disruption were present. A center cavity was surrounded by a zone of coagulative necrosis, followed by a zone of vascuolated tissue abutting normal muscle. We conclude that MRI is capable of imaging acute histological changes. Appropriate development of a scale relating MR changes to acute and long-term histologic changes will allow us to optimize 3 D control and monitoring of ILT.
“Spurious nonsignificance” in rank correlation

Spearman’s rho and Kendall’s tau rank correlations are acknowledged as highly utilitarian for a discipline increasingly responsive to the ordinal properties of much of its measurements. Rho and tau are conceptually reviewed, and concern is noted for the possibility that these rank correlation coefficients could be nonsignificant when underlying variables are strongly associated in a nonlinear fashion. An example of “spurious nonsignificance” is provided in which exploratory techniques involving a scattergram and the one-sample runs test are used to discern the true relationship of variables. Emphasis is placed on avoiding possible loss or misinterpretation of information in many nonsignificant rank correlations.
Server Transcoding of Multimedia Data for Cross-Disability Access

Multimedia transmission over wide-area networks currently only considers the server and network resource constraints and client device capabilities. It is also essential that the accessibility of the multimedia content for different users with diverse capabilities and disabilities be considered. In this paper we develop a transcoding technique to present the multimedia content to suit diverse disabled user groups by using an ability based classification approach. Using ability-based prioritization, the appropriate alternate modalities and quality levels are chosen to replace the inaccessible modalities. The transcoding process allows for refinements to cater to specific types and degrees of impairments. Our performance results illustrate the benefits of the ability-based transcoding approach.
The Ebb and Flow of Sociological Interest in Values

Contemporary sociology and social psychology have largely ignored the study of values. In this essay, I explore the reasons for that condition, the exceptions to the rule, and the areas that would most benefit from the consideration of values.
Novel Method for Inside Diameter Determination

AbstractMolded component development and release procedures require that numerous dimensions be obtained. Outside dimensions of a part can often be easily measured, but inside dimensions can be difficult to measure especially on small pieces. A new method is described for the measurement of the inside diameter of small orifices. A negative copy of the orifice or cavity is made with a low-shrinkage, harden in place polyester resin. The inside dimensions of the orifice are then taken from the outside dimensions of the copy. The method is equally accurate compared to other methods of measurement, and is much easier to accomplish. The procedure was applied to the study of some critical dimensions of oral inhalers used with metered dose inhalation aerosols.
Theory, algorithms, and applications of level set methods for propagating interfaces

We review recent work on level set methods for following the evolution of complex interfaces. These techniques are based on solving initial value partial differential equations for level set functions, using techniques borrowed from hyperbolic conservation laws. Topological changes, corner and cusp development, and accurate determination of geometric properties such as curvature and normal direction are naturally obtained in this setting. The methodology results in robust, accurate, and efficient numerical algorithms for propagating interfaces in highly complex settings. We review the basic theory and approximations, describe a hierarchy of fast methods, including an extremely fast marching level set scheme for monotonically advancing fronts, based on a stationary formulation of the problem, and discuss extensions to multiple interfaces and triple points. Finally, we demonstrate the technique applied to a series of examples from geometry, material science and computer vision, including mean curvature flow, minimal surfaces, grid generation, fluid mechanics, combustion, image processing, computer vision, and etching, deposition and lithography in the microfabrication of electronic components.
Copula-based flood frequency (COFF) analysis at the confluences of river systems

Many civil infrastructures are located near the confluence of two streams, where they may be subject to inundation by high flows from either stream or both. These infrastructures, such as highway bridges, are designed to meet specified performance objectives for floods of a specified return period (e.g. the 100 year flood). Because the flooding of structures on one stream can be affected by high flows on the other stream, it is important to know the relationship between the coincident exceedence probabilities on the confluent stream pair in many hydrological engineering practices. Currently, the National Flood Frequency Program (NFF), which was developed by the US Geological Survey (USGS) and based on regional analysis, is probably the most popular model for ungauged site flood estimation and could be employed to estimate flood probabilities at the confluence points. The need for improved infrastructure design at such sites has motivated a renewed interest in the development of more rigorous joint probability distributions of the coincident flows. To accomplish this, a practical procedure is needed to determine the crucial bivariate distributions of design flows at stream confluences. In the past, the copula method provided a way to construct multivariate distribution functions. This paper aims to develop the Copula-based Flood Frequency (COFF) method at the confluence points with any type of marginal distributions via the use of Archimedean copulas and dependent parameters. The practical implementation was assessed and tested against the standard NFF approach by a case study in Iowa's Des Moines River. Monte Carlo simulations proved the success of the generalized copula-based joint distribution algorithm. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prior exposure to glucocorticoids potentiates lipopolysaccharide induced mechanical allodynia and spinal neuroinflammation.

Abstract While stress and stress-induced glucocorticoids are classically considered immunosuppressive, they can also enhance proinflammatory responses to subsequent challenges. Corticosterone (CORT) primes rat immune cells, exacerbating pro-inflammatory responses to subsequent immune challenges. Stress can also sensitize pain. One possibility is that stress primes spinal immune cells, predominantly glia, which are key mediators in pain enhancement through their release of proinflammatory cytokines. Therefore, we aimed to identify whether prior CORT sensitizes spinal cord glia such that a potentiated pro-inflammatory response occurs to later intrathecal (IT) lipopolysaccharide (LPS), thereby enhancing pain. Rats received subcutaneous CORT/vehicle 24 h before IT LPS/vehicle. Hind paw pain thresholds were measured before CORT/vehicle, before and up to 48 h after IT LPS/vehicle. In separate rats treated as above, lumbar spinal cord tissue was collected and processed for proinflammatory mediators. CORT alone had no effect on pain responses, nor on any pro-inflammatory cytokines measured. LPS induced allodynia (decreased pain threshold) lasting 24 h following LPS and potentiated spinal IL-1 and IL-6 protein. Coadministration of IL-1 receptor antagonist with LPS IT completely blocked the allodynia irrespective of whether the system was primed by CORT or not. At 24 h, TLR2, TLR4, MD2, and CD14 mRNAs were significantly elevated within the spinal cord in the CORT + LPS group compared to all other groups. Prior CORT before a direct spinal immune challenge is able to potentiate pain responses and pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Pertechnic Acid : an Aperiodic Variation in Acid Strength

FOR a given oxidation level the oxy-acids in a given sub-group of the periodic table are normally found to exhibit a regular variation in acid strengths. In group VII, for example, Cobble1 lists the logical pK values as −2.25, (−1.5) and −1.25 for HMnO4, HTcO4 (estimated, with due regard for the lanthanide contraction) and HReO4. The general behaviour of pertechnic acid in aqueous neutralimetry certainly is consistent with that of a monoprotic and ‘relatively’ strong acid.
The prediction Of Accuracy In Digital Cross-Correlation Of Stereo-Pair Images

The cross-covariance function is commonly used to locate conjugate imagery in digital stereo-pair images. Statistical analysis of the covariance function leads to expressions for the probability of correlation error, P , and the estimated mean-square-error over a region of imagery. These expressions depend only on the image auto-correlation function, the match window, and the number of correlator taps. The presence of distortion between images is modelled by comparinc a function f(x) with its distorted form f(h(x)). The effect of distortion on the expected cross-covariance function is shown to be a convolution with the image auto-ccvariance function. The result indicates that the choice of the true correlation oeak does not necessarily imply correct image conjugacy. The effect of distortion on the error prediction expressions is discussed.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Asymmetric inhibitory treatment effects in multilingual aphasia

Findings from recent psycholinguistic studies of bilingual processing support the hypothesis that both languages of a bilingual are always active and that bilinguals continually engage in processes of language selection. This view aligns with the convergence hypothesis of bilingual language representation. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that when bilinguals perform a task in one language they need to inhibit their other, nontarget language(s) and that stronger inhibition is required when the task is performed in the weaker language than in the stronger one. The study of multilingual individuals who acquire aphasia resulting from a focal brain lesion offers a unique opportunity to test the convergence hypothesis and the inhibition asymmetry. We report on a trilingual person with chronic nonfluent aphasia who at the time of testing demonstrated greater impairment in her first acquired language (Persian) than in her third, later learned language (English). She received treatment in English followed by treat...
Bayes minimax estimation of multiple Poisson parameters

Abstract For the p -variate Poisson mean, under the sum of weighted squared error losses, weights being reciprocals of variances, a class of proper Bayes minimax estimates dominating the usual estimate, namely the sample mean is produced. An example is given to illustrate this. The interrelation of our results with those of Clevenson and Zidek is pointed out.
Mass propagation of algae for photosynthetic gas exchange

Engineering data on the design and operation of algal culture systems for photosynthetic gas exchange are virtually non-existent. The authors have conducted intermediate and definitive level engineering studies to characterize algal systems—with a view to extrapolating to larger-scale systems for life support in closed spaces. Light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and dilution rate were the principal parameters used to control the photosynthetic rate and, consequently, oxygen production. Carbon dioxide absorption rate, equilibrium density, and cellular growth rate were also investigated. It was found that: (1) properly jacketed high intensity, incandescent lamps provided a suitable light source for growing algae; and (2) physiologically safe (0·5 per cent) concentrations of carbon dioxide produced growth comparable to that obtained at higher concentrations. A dilution rate of nearly 0·1 volume change per hour produced the best oxygen yield (2·41 × 10−3 lb/h) for the definitive system. Maximum cell doubling time was 5·1 h. The highest culture density attained was 5·9 mm3/ml, and the maximum dry weight algae yield was 3·0 × 10−3 lb/h.
Predictors of mitral annulus early diastolic velocity: impact of long-axis function, ventricular filling pattern, and relaxation

Aims Although left ventricular (LV) relaxation is well recognized as a predictor of mitral annulus (MA) early diastolic ( E ′) velocity, its significance relative to other predictors of E ′ is less well understood. Methods and results We assessed 40 healthy volunteers, 43 patients with acutely decompensated chronic systolic heart failure (HF), and 36 patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) using echocardiography and right or left heart catheterization. Data were obtained at baseline. In addition, in healthy volunteers haemodynamics were varied by graded saline infusion and low body negative pressure, while in HF patients it was varied by vasoactive drug treatment. E- and A-wave velocity ( E / A ) ratio of the mitral valve inflow, systolic MA velocity integral ( s ′ integral) and E ′ and late velocity ( A ′) of lateral and septal MA pulsed wave velocities were assessed by echocardiography. Time constant of isovolumic pressure decay τ) was calculated from isovolumic relaxation time/[ln(aortic dicrotic notch pressure) – ln(LV filling pressure)]. In all three groups, s ′ integral was the strongest predictor of E ′ (partial r = 0.53–0.79; 0.81 for three groups combined), followed by E / A ratio (partial r = 0.10–0.78; 0.26 for all groups combined) and τ (partial r = −0.1 to 0.023; −0.21 for all groups combined). Conclusion In healthy adults, patients with systolic HF, or patients with HOCM, E ′ is related to LV long-axis function and E / A ratio, a global marker of LV filling. E ′ appears less sensitive to LV relaxation.
Transient liver function abnormality following treatment with rabbit antithymocyte globulin for nonmyeloablative hematopoetic stem cell transplant: Two case reports:

Rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) is increasingly used in nonmyeloablative hematopoetic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Elevated liver function tests (LFTs) have been reported for antithymocyte glo...
Trends in pesticide use on soybean, corn and cotton since the introduction of major genetically modified crops in the United States.

BACKGROUND Genetically modified (GM) varieties of soybean, corn and cotton have largely replaced conventional varieties in the United States. The most widely used applications of GM technology have been the development of crops that are resistant to a specific broad-spectrum herbicide (primarily glyphosate) or that produce insecticidal compounds within the plant itself. With the widespread adoption of GM crops, a decline in the use of conventional pesticides was expected. RESULTS There has been a reduction in the annual herbicide application rate to corn since the advent of GM crops, but the herbicide application rate is mostly unchanged for cotton. Herbicide use on soybean has increased. There has been a substantial reduction in the amount of insecticides used on both corn and cotton since the introduction of GM crops. CONCLUSIONS The observed changes in pesticide use are likely to be the result of many factors, including the introduction of GM crops, regulatory restrictions on some conventional pesticides, introduction of new pesticide technologies and changes in farming practices. In order to help protect human and environmental health and to help agriculture plan for the future, more detailed and complete documentation on pesticide use is needed on a frequent and ongoing basis. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 6-Dependent CD40 Signaling Primes Macrophages to Acquire Antimicrobial Activity in Response to TNF-α

IFN-gamma is considered an essential stimulus that allows macrophages to acquire activity against intracellular pathogens in response to a second signal such as TNF-alpha. However, protection against important pathogens can take place in the absence of IFN-gamma through mechanisms that are still dependent on TNF-alpha. Engagement of CD40 modulates antimicrobial activity in macrophages. However, it is not known whether CD40 can replace IFN-gamma as priming signal for induction of this response. We show that CD40 primes mouse macrophages to acquire antimicrobial activity in response to TNF-alpha. The effect of CD40 was not caused by modulation of IL-10 and TGF-beta production or TNFR expression and did not require IFN-alphabeta signaling. Induction of antimicrobial activity required cooperation between TNFR-associated factor 6-dependent CD40 signaling and TNFR2. These results support a paradigm where TNFR-associated factor 6 signaling downstream of CD40 alters the pattern of response of macrophages to TNF-alpha leading to induction of antimicrobial activity.
Preliminary studies on the use of internal carbon sources in the removal of nitrogen from sewage with a model treatment system using alternating aerobic and anaerobic conditions

A description is presented of the design and performance of a model sewage treatment system consisting of one aerobic reactor and clarifier plus one anaerobic reactor, with an aerobic-mixed-liquor-volume/anaerobic-mixed-liquor-volume ratio of 1:4. Effluent values of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate nitrogen were found to be 0, 0, and about 5 ppm, respectively. Effluent organic nitrogen was not determined, having been assumed to be negligible. Approximately 90% of the total influent nitrogen was removed by nitrification plus denitrification. Sludge production was found to be minimal, and it was never necessary to waste sludge from the system.
Carrier envelope phase effects on polarization gated attosecond spectra

Polarization gated high harmonic generation in argon gas was phase matched to produce a single or double pulses with 10 4 photons. It was accomplished by optimizing the argon gas pressure. The spectrum interference of the two pulses is affected by the carrier-envelope phase like in Young's experiments. The XUV flux is sufficient for measuring the single shot XUV spectrum in the 33eV-55eV photon energy range. The spectral profile was a super-continuum for some shots and showed discrete high harmonics peaks for other shots. The carrier-envelope phase of pulses from grating-based chirped pulse amplification was also varied smoothly to cover a 2π range by controlling the grating separation. It is demonstrated that XUV spectra measures both the absolute value of the phase and the stability of the phase by measuring the phase with an f-to-2f setup and by the variation of XUV spectra from polarization gated high harmonics generation.
PAVIS: a tool for Peak Annotation and Visualization.

Summary: We introduce a web-based tool, Peak Annotation and Visualization (PAVIS), for annotating and visualizing ChIP-seq peak data. PAVIS is designed with non-bioinformaticians in mind and presents a straightforward user interface to facilitate biological interpretation of ChIP-seq peak or other genomic enrichment data. PAVIS, through association with annotation, provides relevant genomic context for each peak, such as peak location relative to genomic features including transcription start site, intron, exon or 5 0 /3 0 -untranslated region. PAVIS reports the relative enrichment P-values of peaks in these functionally distinct categories, and provides a summary plot of the relative proportion of peaks in each category. PAVIS, unlike many other resources, provides a peak-oriented annotation and visualization system, allowing dynamic visualization of tens to hundreds of loci from one or more ChIP-seq experiments, simultaneously. PAVIS enables rapid, and easy examination and cross-comparison of the genomic context and potential functions of the underlying genomic elements, thus supporting downstream hypothesis generation. Availability and Implementation: PAVIS is publicly accessed at http://manticore.niehs.nih.gov/pavis.
Efficient rectangle indexing algorithms based on point dominance

An approximate count of the number of (1) k-dimensional rectangles that contain, overlap or are within a query rectangle Q, and (2) linearly moving points that are to the left of a moving query point Q on the x-axis at time t, can be found in (poly)-logarithmic time in the number of rectangles or moving points.
Infrared Characterization of RF Sputter Etching of Polyimide Thin Films

We present infrared spectroscopy as a means of characterizing polyimide structural changes occurring by RF argon ion sputtering. Samples of PMDA-ODA polyimide on chromium coated substrates have been sputter etched from initial thicknesses of 400 A down to 10 A. Relative intensity changes in imide vibrational absorption bands have been interpreted in terms of orientational reordering which occurs during the ion sputtering process. The appearance of a new vibration at 1580 cm-1 in the spectra of samples etched below 50 A is assigned as the Elu mode of graphite corresponding to a surface damage layer which is of a graphitic form.
On the18O16O record of reaction progress in open and closed metamorphic systems

A general formalism is described for predicting shifts in mineral 180/160 attending changes in intensive and extensive thermochemical parameters during metamorphism. The method involves solving simultaneously linear differential equations describing changes in 6180 with requisite mass balance and thermodynamic equations and can be modified to accommodate a variety of open and closed-system conditions. Analytical solutions for 61So as a function of reaction progress (~) are presented for simple systems experiencing closed-system evolution, Rayleigh dehydration, and fluid infiltration. An example application involving 6180 zoning in garnet illustrates that comparisons of predicted covariations among 6180 values, cation concentrations, and mineral abundances to patterns preserved in natural rocks can be used to reconstruct metamorphic net-transfer reaction histories. Such comparisons also provide new tests useful for determining the relative importance of other processes, such as Ostwald ripening, during the textural evolution of metamorphic rocks. The presented methodology constitutes the necessary framework for evaluating small-scale variations in 6180 in the context of parageneses in metamorphic rocks.
Linear and nonlinear finite element analysis on multiprocessor computer systems

Several general purpose computer systems with multiple processors operating concurrently are currently being commercially produced. Most of the present generation of finite element software was not designed to take advantage of this new technology. The purpose of this paper is to present the advantages of a new architecture for finite element programs which will operate efficiently on computer systems with any number of processors. Also, the basic approach is effective for multiprocessor computers with local or shared memory. The new computer program architecture is based on an initial application of a simple algorithm which automatically subdivides the complete finite element domain into a number of subdomains equal to the number of available processors. The resulting data structure requires a minimum of communication between processors during the formation of basic element matrices, reduction of subdomain matrices and the postprocessing of element results. The assembly and solution of the global system of subdomains can be accomplished directly or iteratively, and new concurrent solution algorithms can be introduced. Several of the ideas presented here have been tested on various types of computer. The new program architecture indicates that it is possible to obtain speed-up times of over 90 per cent of the maximum theoretical values if appropriate numerical methods are employed.
Absence of Decussation of the Superior Cerebellar Peduncles in Patients With Joubert Syndrome

Joubert syndrome (JS) is characterized by absence of decussation of both corticospinal tracts and superior cerebellar peduncles (SCP). Our hypothesis was that evidence for absence of SCP decussation may be found on routine brain MRI studies. Midsagittal T1-weighted images from 20 JS patients and 30 age-matched controls were retrospectively reviewed. An ill-defined area of lower T1 signal in the inferior midbrain was considered the sign of SCP decussation, and its presence or absence was noted. Fractional anisotropy (FA) maps were obtained in three JS patients and four controls. The SCP decussation was not visualized in any subject under 30 months of age. In subjects above 30 months of age the sign of the SCP decussation was absent in all 6 JS patients and present in all 16 controls. FA maps confirmed the absence of the SCP decussation in the JS patients. The SCP decussation is well seen on routine brain MRI studies in controls older than 30 months of age and absent in all JS patients, confirming the proposed lack of commissural fibers in JS, and accounting in part for the molar tooth sign.
Attenuation and backscatter from a derived two-dimensional duststorm model

Fundamentals of attenuation and radar backscatter through duststorms are reviewed. A duststorm is modeled as circularly symmetric having a visibility with a minimum at its center (e.g., maximum mass loading) and which exponentially increases radially to a fixed maximum visibility threshold level (minimum mass loading). This model enables the convenient calculation of the two dimensional (2-D) structure of radar backscatter and path attenuation. As an example, the parameters of the exponential function describing the visibility distribution for a particular duststorm was derived using measurements made in the Sudan by other investigators operating a 10.5 GHz, 25 km link. A comparison of the calculated and measured attenuation time-series showed relatively close agreement. Both attenuation levels and backscatter levels due to even intense duststorms are expected to be relatively small for frequencies up to 10 GHz. For example, the peak attenuation for the duststorm that contained visibilities smaller than 2 m was less than 6.5 dB. Modeled backscatter due to this duststorm gave levels smaller than that obtained by an equivalent rainrate of 0.6 mm/h. Although the calculations were obtained for X-band, they may be extended to higher frequencies. Frequency scaling at 37 GHz, for example, showed a peak equivalent path attenuation level of at least 26.6 and 48 dB under varying assumptions.
Comparison of Diversity, Nondiversity, and Coding on a Parallel FSK HF Channel

Selected short block and convolutional code improvements using dual inband frequency diversity and nondiversity frequency-shift keyed experimental data obtained on a 2800-km HF path are compared. It is shown that time dispersion techniques (interleaving, diffusion, etc.) are necessary for the short codes to perform measurably better than uncoded dual inband diversity With interleaving, more than two orders of magnitude improvement resulted. The measured binary errors on a nondiversity FSK subchannel (one of 16) are shown to be statistically dependent (nonrandom) for transmission frequencies between the path lowest usable frequency and maximum usable frequency. The range of gap and burst distributions are given indicating the small difference in distribution for the set of frequencies and times on this particular mid-latitude HF path. Comparison of nondiversity and diversity burst distributions present the burst length reductions and change in distribution brought about by diversity.
Interaction of CarD with RNA Polymerase Mediates Mycobacterium tuberculosis Viability, Rifampin Resistance, and Pathogenesis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection continues to cause substantial human suffering. New chemotherapeutic strategies, which require insight into the pathways essential for M. tuberculosis pathogenesis, are imperative. We previously reported that depletion of the CarD protein in mycobacteria compromises viability, resistance to oxidative stress and fluoroquinolones, and pathogenesis. CarD associates with the RNA polymerase (RNAP), but it has been unknown which of the diverse functions of CarD are mediated through the RNAP; this question must be answered to understand the CarD mechanism of action. Herein, we describe the interaction between the M. tuberculosis CarD and the RNAP β subunit and identify point mutations that weaken this interaction. The characterization of mycobacterial strains with attenuated CarD/RNAP β interactions demonstrates that the CarD/RNAP β association is required for viability and resistance to oxidative stress but not for fluoroquinolone resistance. Weakening the CarD/RNAP β interaction also increases the sensitivity of mycobacteria to rifampin and streptomycin. Surprisingly, depletion of the CarD protein did not affect sensitivity to rifampin. These findings define the CarD/RNAP interaction as a new target for chemotherapeutic intervention that could also improve the efficacy of rifampin treatment of tuberculosis. In addition, our data demonstrate that weakening the CarD/RNAP β interaction does not completely phenocopy the depletion of CarD and support the existence of functions for CarD independent of direct RNAP binding.
Long-term exposure to elevated levels of circulating TIMP-1 but not mammary TIMP-1 suppresses growth of mammary carcinomas in transgenic mice

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) regulates matrix metalloproteinase activity, acts as a growth stimulator and inhibits apoptosis. We developed transgenic mice to evaluate the relevance of circulating versus mammary TIMP-1 in mammary carcinogenesis. The transgene was placed under the control of the albumin (Alb) promoter for the production of large amounts of TIMP-1 in the liver and release into the systemic circulation to achieve chronically elevated blood levels. The initial 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) mammary carcinogenesis study showed greatly decreased tumor incidence in heterozygous Alb-TIMP-1 mice (25%), compared with their wild-type (wt) littermates (83.3%). Metastatic mammary carcinomas were induced in the Alb-TIMP-1 mice through breeding with mice expressing the polyomavirus Middle T antigen (MT) under the control of the mouse mammary tumor virus-long terminal repeat (MMTV-LTR). Both the mammary tumor burden and the incidence of lung metastases were lower in the Alb-TIMP-1/MMTV-MT mice than their MMTV-MT littermates. Analysis of the Alb-TIMP-1/MMTV-MT tumors showed evidence of decreased proliferative activity and inhibition of apoptosis, whereas microvascular density was not affected. Transgenic expression of TIMP-1 in mammary epithelial cells was accomplished by using MMTV-LTR. In contrast to the Alb-TIMP-1 mice, there was insignificant difference in the growth of both DMBA- and MT-induced mammary tumors between heterozygous MMTV-TIMP-1 mice and their wt littermates. The MT-induced mammary tumors of the MMTV-TIMP-1 mice were separated into 'low' and 'high' TIMP-1 expressing groups. The 'high' TIMP-1 expressing tumors exhibited significantly higher proliferative activity than the tumors of the MMTV-MT only mice, whereas the number of apoptotic cells and microvascular density were not different. The findings of this study show that circulating TIMP-1, but not mammary-derived TIMP-1, has growth suppressive effects on DMBA and MT-induced mammary carcinomas.
Rotating Convection Driven by Differential Bottom Heating

Convection experiments were carried out in a rectangular tank as a model of oceanic meridional overturning circulation. The objective was finding a relation between the meridional heat flux and thermal forcing. To make the meridional heat flux estimate possible, the heat flux was fixed at one bottom end of the tank using an electrical heater. Temperature was fixed at the other end using a cooling plate. All other boundaries were insulated. In equilibrium, the heat input to the fluid H was the same as the meridional heat flux (heat flux from the source to the sink), so it was possible to find a scaling law relating H to the temperature difference across the tank DT and rotation rate f. The experimental result suggests that the meridional heat transport in the experiment was mostly due to geostrophic flows with a minor correction caused by bottom friction. When the typical values of the North Atlantic are introduced, the geostrophic scaling law predicts meridional heat flux comparable to that estimated in the North Atlantic when the vertical eddy diffusivity of heat is about 1 cm 2 s21.
Fibrogenic and Immunotoxic Responses to Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a major product of the emerging nanotechnology industry that have numerous applications. Human exposure to CNTs is inevitable as they will be manufactured and incorporated into consumer products. CNTs represent a widely varying class of nanomaterials that vary due to numbers of concentric walls (single versus multiple) and manufacturing process that result in variable rigidity and metal catalyst content. Moreover, post-synthesis functionalization to enhance the properties of CNTs will create a vast array of new nanomaterials that have unknown effects on biological systems. Toxicologists have been proactive in investigating the potential adverse effects of CNTs, and an overwhelming body of evidence shows that fibrosis is a common outcome of pulmonary exposure in rodents. CNTs also have adverse effects on the immune system, including impaired macrophage function and exacerbation of preexisting lung inflammatory diseases. In addition, CNTs may cause systemic immune suppression. A major issue is the potential carcinogenic effects of CNTs, particularly with regards to mesothelioma. The overall goal is to predict and prevent human disease that could occur from CNT exposure.
Risk Factors for Latina Adolescents’ Mental Health and Well-Being

Understanding how various risk factors influence the decision to take one’s own life is a critical aspect of being able to plan and implement effective prevention programs, interventions, and recovery treatments. We take an ecodevelopmental approach to understand multiple levels of ecological risk, so that we can really understand Latina teens within the U.S. context of negative stereotypes and strict immigration enforcement policies that may increase discrimination and family separation. Latina teens may encounter stressors that are atypical compared to other U.S. adolescents. Many studies have identified family as central to the perceptions of Latina teens; however, when families face unusual distress or conflict, it can lead to extreme actions by Latinas, including suicide ideation, plans, and attempts. A handful of studies also suggest that being a victim and bully contributes to suicidal ideation among Latina adolescents, as does dating violence. Lastly, alcohol and substance use have often been overlooked in suicide research, but it appears from national studies that there may be a link between substance use and Latina adolescent suicidal behaviors, which deserves further investigation.
Portable Energy and Propulsion Technologies

To provide locomotion for transport vehicles involves the availability of two inter-dependent components: (1) A portable fuel (stored chemical energy) or a portable energy source in the form of a battery (stored electrical or flywheel energy); and (2) an engine or motor that consumes stored portable energy and converts it into mechanical motion. Various portable fuels and energy storage devices have been developed in the last century, the champion fuel being petrol because of its low cost and availability, and the champion battery being the lead-acid device because of its ruggedness and recharge ability. Engines can be divided into three categories: (I) internal combustion engines (ICEs) fed by portable chemical fuels that can react with oxygen in the air, (II) motors driven by the electricity from chemical or mechanical storage batteries, and (III) fuel-cell engines (FCEs) fed by chemical fuels that react with atmospheric oxygen. ICEs in category (I) can convert the heat of fuel combustion into mechanical motion via piston action with an efficiency of 30–40%, while motors in category (II) can convert electricity from a storage battery via induction into mechanical motion of the wheels of an automobile via a gear-train with an efficiency of 85–95%. FCEs in category (III) utilize an electrochemical reaction between atmospheric oxygen and a fuel that takes place on special electrodes with an efficiency between 45% and 85%. The generated electricity then drives a motor as in (II). The quoted efficiencies are ratios of delivered energy of mechanical motion divided by energy extracted from a fuel or battery. Although FCEs are more efficient than ICEs, because of problems discussed below, the ICE has so far won out in the automotive field. It is presently the most developed device for propelling cars. Motors driven by batteries alone have also lost out against ICEs because of driving range limitations discussed below. In what follows, we first review portable fuels and energy holding batteries, and then discuss ICEs and FCEs.