cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulated bacterial growth

Abstract A mathematical model system for the simulation of bacterial growth is presented, based on eight observable growth parameters used as input. These parameters reflect the chain elongation rates of DNA, RNA and protein, the control of stable RNA and RNA polymerase genes, the functional activities of ribosomes and RNA polymerase, and the control of DNA replication and cell division. With observed values for these parameters, the model system simulates the exponential increase in the number of ribosomes and RNA polymerase molecules, as well as in the amounts of DNA, RNA and protein and in the cell number. The doubling time of this exponential increase and the simulated cell composition (DNA, RNA and protein per cell, or RNA and protein per genome) assume the correct values typical for the culture in which the input parameters were observed, and independent of the zero time conditions of the system which can be arbitrarily chosen. The simulation can be used to check the consistency of observed growth parameters, or to indirectly find the kinetic behavior of growth parameters which cannot be readily observed, or to analyze experiments involving a perturbation of steady-state growth. As examples of the latter, the simulation of a “step-up” experiment is presented in which the effects of a step-wise increase in the DNA replication velocity are analyzed, and the simulation of a nutritional shift-up, in which the kinetic changes in the gene activities for rRNA and rprotein genes are examined.
Influence of gonadal hormones and age on 1,2- dimethylhydrazine-induced colon carcinogenesis

BD-II and BD-IX male and female rats received weekly subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of 15 mg/kg 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride (DMH) beginning at either 35, 120 or 210 days of age and continuing for 20 weeks. Control animals received only the DMH vehicle. Additional BD-II and BD-IX male and female rats of the three age groups were gonadectomized at 21, 106 and 196 days. Beginning 14 days after gonadectomy, the rats received 15 mg/kg of DMH by s.c. injection once a week for 20 weeks. Animals were sacrificed 35 weeks after the initial DMH injection. Control rats of the appropriate age and sex did not develop colon tumors. BD-IX rats are apparently more sensitive to DMH than BD-II rats. The incidence of DMH-induced cancer is less in females than in males in both the BD-II and BD-IX animals. Gonadectomy does not affect cancer incidence in either BD-II males or females nor in the BD-IX females but reduced the incidence in BD-IX males exposed initially at either 120 or 210 days. Administration of androgen to castrate BD-IX males (120-day-old group) increases the incidence of colon cancer to that approaching the intact animal but has little effect in the BD-II castrate male. These data suggest a genetically influenced susceptibility to DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis between BD-II and BD-IX rats. Furthermore, a sex difference is evident in both BD lines but age appears to be a factor only in older BD-IX females. Apparently, androgens influence DMH-induced tumorigenesis in BD-IX males only if the initial exposure of DMH occurs after sexual maturity.
The Novel Function of Advanced Glycation End Products in Regulation of MMP-9 Production

Background Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), formed from proteins and peptides by nonenzymatic glycoxidation after contact with aldose sugars, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related cardiac and vascular dysfunction. Our previous study demonstrated significantly elevated levels of AGE and the receptor for AGE (RAGE) in human abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) tissues. Inhibition of AGE signaling by targeted gene deletion of RAGE markedly reduced the development of aneurysm in a mouse model of AAA. We also showed that AGE may stimulate aneurysm formation by promoting metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying this novel function of AGE. Methods The murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 was pretreated with AGE, TGF-β, and MAPK inhibitors. The protein was collected for Western blot analysis. Culture supernatants were collected to determine MMP-9 activity by gelatin zymography. Results We found that AGE induced the production of MMP-9 in macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. This induction of MMP-9 was markedly diminished by pretreatment with TGF-β. To delineate the underlying molecular mechanism, we showed that AGE increased phosphorylation of p44/42 ERK, p38, JNK, and PI3K in macrophages. Moreover, AGE induced active p65 subunit of NF- κB. Inhibition of ERK (UO126) or p38 (SB203580), but not PI3K (LY294002 or wortmannin), blocked AGE-induced MMP-9 expression. In contrast, inhibition of JNK (SP-600125) significantly enhanced the stimulatory effect of AGE on MMP-9. Furthermore, TGF-β suppressed AGE-induced expression of the active p65 subunit of NF-κB. Conclusions Our data indicate that AGE induces MMP-9 through activation of ERK, p38 mitogen-activated protein and NF-κB, a pathway that is antagonized by TGF-β. This finding in conjunction with previously reported AGE functions in inflammation suggests that anti-AGE therapies could be effective in the prevention of human AAA development and progression.
Balancing ontological and operational factors in refining multiagent neighborhoods

In this paper, we present our work balancing ontological and operational factors in building collaborations within multiagent neighborhoods. This innovation takes into account the desired level of performance, service priorities, and relaying of tasks to determine whether an agent should entertain ontological learning, which are more expensive but more rewarding in the long run, or carry out operational learning, which are less expensive and more rewarding in the short term. The domain of application is multiagent, distributed information retrieval, where agents, safe-guarding information or data resources, improve their local services by collaborating with others. Each agent is capable of providing query services to its users, and is equipped with an ontology defining the concepts that it knows and the associated documents. When collaborating, an agent needs to determine which agents to approach and how to approach them. Experiments show that with balanced profile-based reinforcement learning (operational) and inference-based ontological learning, agents reach desired level of performance while improving the neighborhood health and communication cost.
Auricular composite grafting to repair nasal vestibular stenosis

Nasal vestibular stenosis is defined as a narrowing of the nasal inlet resulting in airway obstruction. Causes include nasal trauma, infection, and iatrogenic insults. The objectives of this article are to illustrate nasal vestibular stenosis and to analyze common causes and surgical treatments. The operative technique of the senior author (M.S.K.), will be presented. Donor site morbidity and patient outcomes will be discussed. Sixteen patients were seen during a 5-year period. Eleven women and 5 men were evaluated and found to have nasal vestibular stenosis. Three patients had stenosis as a result of nasal fracture or laceration. Stenosis developed in the remaining 13 as a result of nasal surgery. All patients underwent auricular composite grafting, and grafts took in 100%. Partial skin slough occurred in up to 50%; however, re-epithelialization was seen within 3 weeks. Complications were seen at the donor site. Immediate patient satisfaction was seen and continues during long-term follow-up.
Unipolar Diffusion Charging of Ultrafine Aerosols

Experimental data are reported for unipolar diffusion charging of NaCl and Ag aerosols in the 0.004- to 0.075-μm-diameter range. Monodisperse, uncharged particles were exposed to unipolar positive ions produced by a corona discharge. The nt product was varied between 3 × 106 and 1 × 107 (ions/cm3) (s), where n is the unipolar ion concentration and t is the charging time. The resulting aerosol charged fraction was measured by using a single-particle-counting condensation nucleus counter in conjunction with an electrostatic condenser. From the measured charged fraction and the known charging parameters, the combination coefficient between the neutral particles and the positive ions are obtained. Measurements are then compared with the available charging theories. It is found that the theory of Marlow and Brock best predicts charging rates in the ultrafine particle size range. Above 10 nm, the data approach the theory of Fuchs consistent with the experimental observation of Adachi et al. *Presented at Semina...
Early Experience in the US with Intramyocardial Injection of Fibroblast Growth Factor–1 for Refractory Angina

Coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death and heart failure in the US. Despite advancing technology a significant number of patients have refractory angina not amenable to revascularization by medical, interventional or surgical means with a negative impact on quality of life. Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) have been shown to induce angiogenesis in ischemic territories. The only study to evaluate the efficacy of intramyocardial injection of FGF-1 as sole therapy was done in Europe by Stegmann et al. Methods: The protocol for a Phase I, open label, dose escalation, multicenter trial underway in the US to evaluate safety, and effectiveness of human FGF-1 for refractory angina pectoris was approved by the IRB. Eligible subjects had a 3 month history of refractory CCS Angina Class III to IV triggered by minimal physical effort despite optimal management and were not candidates for revascularization. Proof of reversible myocardial ischemia and LVEF of 30% was required. At baseline subjects underwent a physical exam, fundoscopic exam and laboratory tests, CCS Angina scores and Seattle Angina Questionnaires (SAQ). Myocardial SPECT-thallium, rest and stress echocardiograms, and coronary angiography with left ventriculography were performed. The intramyocardial administration of FGF-1 was administered via mini-thoracotomy. Each patient received two injections of 1μg FGF-1/kg. Testing was repeated after 12 weeks. Results: Evidence of increased area of contrast distribution and myocardial blush via angiography and of increased perfusion via SPECT was noted in the treatment areas. CCS Angina Class improved (Figure 1) as did SAQ scores when compared to baseline. No major adverse cardiac events, malignancies, or ophthalmologic changes were seen during the 12 week follow-up. Conclusion: Intramyocardial injection of FGF-1 appears to be safe. The early results are promising in improving patients’ quality of life and ability to function in daily living. We await the results of the entire 32 patient cohort. 025
Interleukin-2 differentially regulates IL-2 receptors on murine cloned cytolytic and helper T cells

Abstract The effects of interleukin-2 (IL-2) on the expression of IL-2 receptors by cloned cytolytic and helper T lymphocytes were studied using three anti-IL-2 receptor antibodies. IL-2 enhanced the expression of IL-2 receptors on all clones tested. A steep dose-response curve was observed with no measurable effect seen below 2 units/ml and maximal IL-2 receptor expression with greater than 5 units/ml. IL-2 receptor expression peaked 24–48 hr after the addition of IL-2. The subsequent decrease in IL-2 receptor expression correlated with a decrease in the levels of IL-2 remaining in the culture supernatants of cytolytic T lymphocyte cells. Removing residual IL-2 from cultures resulted in the rapid return of IL-2 receptor expression to unstimulated levels. The daily addition of low levels of IL-2 to cultures resulted in the prolonged expression of high levels of IL-2 receptors by non-IL-2-producing cloned cytolytic T cells. Cloned helper T cells which make IL-2 showed the initial increase in IL-2 receptor levels, but the daily addition of IL-2 did not prolong IL-2 receptor expression in these cells. These data suggest that IL-2 receptors on those cells which do not make IL-2 are regulated differently from receptors on cells which themselves make IL-2.
Stagnation-point viscous flow of an incompressible fluid between porous plates with uniform blowing

The axially-symmetric laminar flow of an incompressible viscous fluid resulting from uniform injection through two parallel porous plates is analyzed. An exact numerical solution as well as asymptotic solutions for high and low Reynolds numbers are obtained. It is found that the velocity component normal to the porous plates is everywhere independent of radial position. This property of uniform accessibility may make this flow geometry a useful experimental tool analogous to the rotating disc. The analysis of high Peclet number mass transfer across the center plane of this geometry is presented as an example.
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Development at Preschool Age: Main Results of a French Study

Very high levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy are harmful for the central nervous system of the child and affect morphogenesis and growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of moderate prenatal alcohol exposure on development at preschool age in a longitudinal study. Pregnant women were interviewed on their alcohol consumption during pregnancy at their first visit to the maternity hospital of Roubaix, France. The development of their 160 children was assessed at the age of 41/2. Multiple regression analyses indicated that consumption of 1.5 oz of absolute alcohol (approximately 3 drinks) or more during pregnancy was significantly related to a decrease of 7 points on the general cognitive index of the McCarthy scales, after controlling for confounders. This level of consumption was also related to a higher score on minor neurological anomalies, a lower height of the child, and a higher score on facial features. This level of 1.5 oz of absolute alcoholk/day should not be interpreted as a biological threshold, because the study does not allow conclusions to be drawn regarding the effects of lower levels of alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can affect the development of the child, at levels well below those associated with fetal alcohol syndrome.
Fair‐use guidelines: A selected bibliography

Citations focus primarily on the literature about the proposed guidelines from the Conference on Fair Use (CONFU), including background, analysis, and news coverage. CONFU literature, and indeed the literature of the fair-use guidelines developed since the early 1970s, reflect differing views on the adequacy of fair-use law, how the law may balance the needs of users and owners of copyrighted works, and the law's applicability to new technologies and media. An examination reveals the literature often lacks systematic reviews and analyses of the needs of academic users and the interests of copyright owners.
Role of cement content on the properties of self-flowing Al2O3 refractory castables

Abstract In this work, Al 2 O 3 self-flowing castables (SFCs) were produced based on various cement contents. The SFCs were sintered at 1273 K, 1573 K and 1773 K and the exhibited properties were experimentally determined. Among the properties determined in this work are bulk density (BD), apparent porosity (AP), water absorption (WA), cold crushing strength (CCS), modulus of rupture (MOR) and fracture toughness ( K IC ). It is found that additions of 5% cement lead to SFCs with maximum MOR and K IC values after firing at 1773 K. Firing at 1573 K leads to a reduction in both, MOR and K IC . In SFC containing 3% cement, maximum K IC values of 3.53 MPa m 1/2 were achieved after firing at 1573 K. In the low cement SFCs (1 wt%) after firing at 1773 K the exhibited K IC values were below those obtained in either the SFC-3 or SFC-5, but they were significantly high (3.43 MPa m 1/2 ).
Stochastic modeling of controlled-drug release

Abstract A drug release process by the oral route is random in nature and thus is subject to constant fluctuations. Moreover, individuals have varied tolerances to such fluctuations. The objective of this work is to characterize these fluctuations by a stochastic formalism. The system under consideration, i.e., the gastrointestinal tract consists of four consecutive compartments, i.e., stomach, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The master equation of the system as well as the governing equations for the means, variances, and covariances of the random variables, each representing the number of microspheres in an individual compartment, have been derived through the probabilistic population balance. These equations have been numerically solved to predict the total release fraction of drug and its internal fluctuations, and the dynamic statistics (means, variances, and covariances) of the amount of drug in each compartment at any time after administration. The dissolution-intensity functions in the model have been recovered from the available in vitro dissolution data from controlled-release pellets of isosorbide-5-nitrate (IS-5-N) by assuming that the rate of release is of the first order. The residence times and transition-intensity functions of drug in the individual compartments have been estimated from the available data generated by the gamma scintigraphies of IS-5-N pellets labeled by 111 In . Based on these parameters, the total numbers of dissolved drug microspheres and their fluctuations at any instance have been calculated. The model is in accord with the existing in vivo dissolution data of the same drug independently obtained through plasma analysis. More important, the model predicts that fluctuations in terms of the standard deviations of the numbers of particles in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum can be of the same orders of magnitude as the corresponding mean numbers when 100 microspheres are simultaneously administered orally; in practice, such fluctuations characterized by these deviations could result in an undesirable release profile. Discussion is given of the potential direct clinical application of the results obtained as well as the plausible indirect application of these results and the model derived to the analyses of chemical and biochemical reactors.
Yeast Endonuclease G: Complex Matters of Death, and of Life

In a recent issue of Molecular Cell, Buttner et al. (2007) described dual roles for the conserved mitochondrial protein endonuclease G in budding yeast apoptosis and proliferation that illuminate some of the contradictory and confusing findings regarding this protein in mammalian cells.
Designing meaningful density functional theory calculations in materials science—a primer

Density functional theory (DFT) methods for calculating the quantum mechanical ground states of condensed matter systems are now a common and significant component of materials research. The growing importance of DFT reflects the development of sufficiently accurate functionals, efficient algorithms and continuing improvements in computing capabilities. As the materials problems to which DFT is applied have become large and complex, so have the sets of calculations necessary for investigating a given problem. Highly versatile, powerful codes exist to serve the practitioner, but designing useful simulations is a complicated task, involving intricate manipulation of many variables, with many pitfalls for the unwary and the inexperienced. We discuss several of the most important issues that go into designing a meaningful DFT calculation. We emphasize the necessity of investigating these issues and reporting the critical details.
A comparison of extinction limits and spreading rates in opposed and concurrent spreading flames over thin solids

Flame-spread phenomena over thin solids are investigated for purely forced-opposing and concurrent flows. A two-dimensional, opposed-flow, flame-spread model, with flame radiation, has been formulated and solved numerically. In the first part of the paper, flammability limits and spread rates in opposed flow are presented, using oxygen percentage, free-stream velocity, and flow-entrance length as parameters. The comparison of the flammability boundaries and spread-rate curves for two different entrance lengths exhibits a cross-over phenomenon. Shorter entrance length results in higher spread rates and a lower oxygen-extinction limit in low free-stream velocities, but lower spread rates and a higher oxygen-extinction limit in high free-stream velocities. The entrance length affects the effective flow rate that the flame sees at the base region. This affects the radiation loss and gas residence-time in an opposing way to cause the cross-over. Radiation also affects the energy balance on the solid surface and is in part responsible for the solid-fuel non-burn-out phenomenon. In the second part of the paper, a comparison of flammability limits and flame-spreading rates between opposing and concurrent spreading flames are made; both models contain the same assumptions and properties. While the spread rate in concurrent spread increases linearly with free-stream velocity, the spread rate in opposed flow varies with free-stream velocity in a non-monotonic manner, with a peak rate at an intermediate free-stream velocity. At a given free-stream velocity, the limiting oxygen limits are lower for concurrent spread, except in the very low free-stream-velocity regime, where the spreading flame may be sustainable in opposed mode and not in concurrent mode. The cross-over disappears if the two spread modes are compared using relative flow velocities with respect to the flames rather than using free-stream velocities with respect to the laboratory.
Preparation of a 990-member chemical compound library of hydantoin- and isoxazoline-containing heterocycles using multipin technology

The development of a useful chemistry for the construction of polyfunctional heterocycles--first through solution and solid phase (resins) and then library production via SynPhase crowns--is reported. Bead-based synthetic work was done on Merrifield resin where treatment with benzylamine in the presence of DBU followed by reaction with 4-chloromethylbenzoyl chloride afforded amide-linked resin 9. Finally, TFA.NH2-polystyrene macro crowns were derivatized with 4-(hydroxymethyl)benzoic acid to afford pin 14 which was coupled with Boc-protected amino acid 2 in the presence of DIC to deliver pin 15. Deprotection and reaction with phenyl isocyanate afforded urea functionalized pin 17 which underwent 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction to give pin 19. Finally, compound 20 was obtained with moderate diastereoselectivity (20:21::8:1) by the reaction of pin 19 with a catalytic amount of Et3N.
HOW DO MNEMONIC AND THEMATIC STRATEGIES AFFECT STUDENTS’ PROSE LEARNING?

In two experiments, college students were randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions, and given a set of fictitious biographical passages to read and remember. The conditions were: control, where subjects were left to their own devices while studying the passages; mnemonic, where each biographical name was mnemonically linked to the specific facts contained in each passage; thematic, where a central idea or theme, in the form of a geographical or cultural setting (e.g., royal, poverty-stricken, military), was provided for each passage; and mnemonic + thematic, which was a combination of the two respective constituents. Based on previous research findings, it was predicted that the mnemonic strategy would facilitate both subjects' name-information recall and their organization of the biographical information (as reflected by passage clustering), whereas the thematic strategy would facilitate only passage clustering. Contrary to predictions, however, an interesting complementary pattern was de...
Delayed hypersensitivity, immune deviation, antigen processing and T-cell subset selection in syphilis pathogenesis and vaccine design

T-cell mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) is the predominant immune mechanism for clearing tissues of infecting organisms in the primary lesion of syphilis. Here, Stewart Sell and Pei-Ling Hsu propose a strategy for vaccination against syphilis in which selective induction of DTH may be accomplished by using BCG vectored vaccines containing selected DNA sequences for T. pallidum antigens.
Emotions within reason: Resolving conflicts in risk preference

This research focused on differential effects of emotional and rational preferences in decision making and how people resolve conflicting risk preferences caused by inconsistency between their emotional reactions to and rational assessment of a risk problem. In addition, effects of the framing of choice outcomes on emotional, rational, and overall risk preferences were examined. Adopting a within-subjects design, Study 1 showed that the emotional choice preference was often the opposite of the rational choice preference and was more risk-seeking than the rational preference. The overall favourability rating for a chosen option was significantly higher when the emotional choice and rational choice were the same than when they were opposed. Emotional preferences were significantly more susceptible than rational preferences to the hedonic tone of risky choice framing. The overall preference was a compromise of the conflicting emotional and rational preferences in some risk domains, and resembled either the e...
Dual use of one-dimensional, long-pitch metallic gratings for polarization-diverse light absorption enhancement in organic photovoltaic structures

We report design and experimental realization of an organic PV device structure to trap incident light in all polarization states utilizing 1D, long-pitch (> 1000 n m) gratings. Polarization diversity was achieved by balancing the plasmonic and guided mode-based light trapping routes between different polarization states. The experiment showed strong enhancements in absorption in all polarization states and translate into a 15∼25% increase in the power conversion efficiency.
Choreographing Exile: Lothar Warneke's and Omar Saavedra Santis's Blonder Tango

Lothar Warneke's film Blonder Tango, based on exiled Chilean Omar Saavedra Santis's novel of the same title, pairs German and Chilean experiences of violence, antifascism, and exile against the backdrop of 1970s East Germany. Three aspects of the film are particularly rich points of entry into the treatment of antifascist solidarities globally, all of them underwritten by diverse practices of comparison: intermediality, translation, and rewritings of cultural and literary histories. For both the novel and the film, translative reading opens meaningful relationships among territories, conflicts, and protagonists in tandem with a contrapuntal, historical analysis. This article explores what competing assessments of the film as a project and as an artifact tell us about the kinds of cultural labor that antifascism does for different constituencies in a Chilean-German relationship. In the process, it offers one model for rethinking the objects and methods of analysis in German Cultural Studies today.
Somatostatin inhibits growth hormone-releasing factor-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in GH3 cells

GH3 cells were used to study the effect of rat growth hormone-releasing factor on adenylate cyclase activity and its interaction with somatostatin. Rat GRF stimulates adenylate cyclase activity (ED5 0 = 6 X 10(-8) M) and somatostatin-14 inhibits this GRF-stimulated activity in a non-competitive manner without affecting the basal enzyme levels. Inhibition by somatostatin-14 is observed at concentrations as low as 10(-11) M and the half-maximal effect is obtained with 10(-8) M. Somatostatin-28 is more potent than SS-14 and has an ED5 0 of 3 X 10(-11) M. VIP is more active than rat GRF in stimulating adenylate cyclase activation. We conclude that in GH3 cells rat GRF behaves as a partial VIP agonist by interacting with VIP-preferring receptors and its effects are inhibited by somatostatin.
Two Stable Equilibria of a Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Model

Abstract Two stable equilibria have been obtained from a global model of the coupled ocean-atmosphere system developed at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory of NOAA. The model used for this study consists of general circulation models of the atmosphere and the world oceans and a simple model of land surface. Starting from two different initial conditions, “asynchronous” time integrations of the coupled model, under identical boundary conditions, lead to two stable equilibria. In one equilibrium, the North Atlantic Oman has a vigorous thermohaline circulation and relatively saline and warm surface water. In the other equilibrium, there is no thermohaline circulation, and an intense halocline exists in the surface layer at high latitudes. In both integration the, air-sea exchange of water is adjusted to remove a systematic bias of the model that surpresses the thermohaline circulation in the North Atlantic. Nevertheless these results raise the intriguing possibility that the coupled system may have a...
Space to Romp and Roam and How It May Promote Land Conservation

ABSTRACT: This study examined the significant life experiences (SLE) of individuals who had placed conservation easements on private property. Specifically, this study explored how early life experiences may impact one's conservation ethic to effect decisions on land protection. The researchers utilized a sequential embedded mixed methods research design, relying on both qualitative and quantitative data in order to develop an understanding of the phenomenon. All participants for this study were individuals who had placed a conservation easement on her or his property in Indiana. The mixed method analysis indicates that individual and informal experiences in and about the outdoors had the greatest perceived impact and were significantly different than more formalized experiences among the study's participants. The discussion focuses on the impact of informal experiences in the outdoors and the impact on the self-perceived development of conservation ethics as significant life experiences pertaining to con...
Bubble and Film Dynamics During Condensation of Refrigerants in Minichannels

Condensation of Refrigerant R404a in channels of diameter 0.5–3 mm is investigated. The specific focus of this work is to obtain quantitative information on flow mechanisms using image analysis techniques on high speed video. Experiments are conducted on condensing R404a at mass fluxes ranging from 200 to 800 kg m−2 s−1 at vapor qualities of 0.05 to 0.95. The experiments are conducted at the high pressures representative of actual operation of air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, instead of extrapolating findings for adiabatic air-water mixtures at atmospheric pressure to high pressure refrigerant condensation. Pressure drops are also measured as a function of geometry and operating conditions during the flow visualization experiments. Quantitative image analysis enables detailed computation of void fraction and vapor bubble parameters such as frequency, velocity, diameter and length with a high degree of repeatability and with low uncertainties. The effect of operating conditions on the flow patterns, void fractions, and vapor bubble parameters for saturation temperatures ranging from 30 to 60°C is documented. The resulting void fraction models provide closure for pressure drop and heat transfer models, which has thus far not been possible in the reported works in the literature.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The use of contact desensitization, demonstration-plus-participation and demonstration-alone in the treatment of acrophobia.

Abstract The following three treatments were contrasted: (1) Contact Desensitizalion (CD) which consists mainly of goal response demonstration, the use of T-contact in shaping response replication, and subsequent independent response practice by S; (2) Demonstration-plus-Participation (DP) which differs from the foregoing treatment only in that T-contact is not provided when S is guided with response replication; and (3) Live Modeling (LM) in which S observes T demonstrate the target responses but does not practice them. Severely acrophobic Ss improved significantly with CD and DP treatment only. CD was more effective than DP: DP was superior to LM. Ss were treated individually.
The tyranny of change: Organizational Development revisited

The premise of this paper is that planned organizational change, commonly known as organizational development, induces compliance and conformity in organizational members and thereby increases the power of management. These consequences occur because organizational development efforts create uncertainty, interfere with the informal organization, reinforce the position of management, and further entrench management purposes. These consequences occur regardless of the intentions of management and regardless of whether the goals of the organizational development intervention were achieved. Instead of examining these consequences, practitioners and theorists have engaged in self-deception and depoliticized the practice of induced organizational change by creating a field known as Organizational Development.
Association of Serum Osteoprotegerin With Left Ventricular Mass in African American Adults With Hypertension

BACKGROUND African-Americans with hypertension are susceptible to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Serum osteoprotegerin level has been reported to be associated with LVH. We investigated the association of osteoprotegerin with LV mass (LVM) in 898 African-Americans with hypertension (mean age 65 years, 71% women).
Religious coping research and contemporary personality theory: An exploration of Endler's (1997) integrative personality theory

Notable weaknesses in the literature on religion and mental health include theoretical inconsistencies and lack of integration with contemporary personality theory. The current study explored a potential solution to these theoretical limitations. A modified form of Endler's (1997) interactive model of personality was applied to the prediction of religious coping and tested using structural equation modelling. As predicted by the model, personality dispositions predicted coping directly, as well as indirectly through perception of the situation and situational anxiety. These patterns were, as expected, found to interact with the type of situation. Results indicated that having a positive disposition appears to buffer one's negative perceptions of situations over which one has little control. Participants tended to use more religious coping in low-control situations; in high-control situations, participants tended not to use negative religious coping techniques such as pleading for miracles.
Impact of Prehospital Electrocardiogram Protocol and Immediate Catheterization Team Activation for Patients With ST-Elevation–Myocardial Infarction

Guidelines recommend implementing prehospital electrocardiograms (PH ECG) into systems of care for patients with suspected ST-elevation–myocardial infarction to reduce door-to-balloon time (DTB). We developed a PH ECG protocol with an affiliated emergency medical service, combining 4 features: (1) PH ECG acquisition; (2) emergency medical service interpretation without PH ECG transmission; (3) prehospital activation of the cardiac catheterization team; and (4) emergency department bypass. We compared data from June 1, 2006, to August 31, 2007 (preimplementation group, n=50), with data from October 1, 2007, to June 30, 2010 (postimplementation group, n=82), analyzing all patients with ST-elevation–myocardial infarction transported by an affiliated EMS and treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. PH ECGs were acquired in 33 (66%) and 67 (82%) patients in the preimplementation and postimplementation groups, respectively ( P =0.041). Median DTB was 59 and 57 minutes for the preimplementation and postimplementation groups, respectively ( P =0.28). In a prespecified subgroup analysis of postimplementation patients (n=38) who had prehospital activation of catheterization team and emergency department bypass, median DTB was 32 minutes ( P <0.001 compared with preimplementation group). Our PH ECG protocol increased the frequency of PH ECG acquisition and decreased DTB for patients when all 4 features of our PH ECG protocol were carried out. Prehospital electrocardiograms (PH ECG) can decrease reperfusion times for patients with ST-elevation–myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).1–16 However, even when PH ECG are acquired, they may not be optimally utilized and integrated. A recent scientific statement by the American Heart Association (AHA) stated, “the central challenge for healthcare providers is not to simply perform PH ECG, but to use and integrate the diagnostic information from a PH ECG with systems of care.”17 The American College of Cardiology/AHA (ACC/AHA) guidelines for STEMI encourage a first medical contact-to-balloon time (FMCTB) within 90 …
Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) for stroke. The perspective at 8 years.

Objective:To review the 8-year experience with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) for stroke, with commentary on ramifications for the approach to stroke treatment, directions in stroke research, and sociological aspects of stroke as a disease of concern in our society.Background:Approv
Impurity-induced localization in cuprate superconductors

Abstract The localization in a disordered metal by means of the perturbation approach is considered. It is shown that in the case of a given impurity potential a small disorder leads to localization in 2D as well as in 1D and causes the weak localization in 3D. In contrast, in the case of the impurity potential screened by electrons (interacting electrons) the disorder effect on polarizability can significantly be suppressed by the Coulomb vertex corrections to the bare impurity vertex as shown. The application of the results to 1D–3D and layered 2D cases are discussed.
Trace-element partitioning at conditions far from equilibrium: Ba and Cs distributions between alkali feldspar and undercooled hydrous granitic liquid at 200 MPa

This study examines the effects of increasing supersaturation, attained by single-step liquidus undercooling (ΔT), on the partitioning of barium and cesium between potassic alkali feldspar (Afs) and hydrous granitic liquid at 200 MPa. The investigation is motivated by trace-element distribution patterns in granitic pegmatites which cannot be simulated by fractionation models using "equilibrium" partition coefficients, and thus its purpose is to assess if, how, and why partition coefficients for compatible and incompatible trace elements may vary when crystal growth commences far from the crystal–melt equilibrium boundary. Barium expands the liquidus stability field of potassic feldspar to higher temperatures, such that liquidi for the Ba-rich (~0.5 wt% BaO) compositions used are ~100 °C higher than for Ba-absent analogues. At low degrees of undercooling (ΔT~50 °C), values of DBaAfs/m. (~10–20) fall within the range of previous investigations, as do values of DCsAfs/m. (≤0.10) from experiments at all temperatures. Progressively greater undercooling is manifested in the run products by increasingly skeletal to cuneiform crystal morphologies, increased compositional zonation of Afs, and the development of compositional boundary layers in glass. Whereas the partitioning behavior of Cs (incompatible) is not measurably affected, strong undercooling apparently causes the partitioning of Ba (highly compatible) to deviate from equilibrium behavior. Feldspars produced by strong undercooling (ΔT≥100 °C) are heterogeneous, such that DBaAfs/m. versus K/K+Na varies linearly between the average value at 850 °C and the equilibrium value appropriate to the temperature of growth. Hence, high supersaturation accompanying undercooling produces feldspar compositions by isothermal growth which record a vestige of the liquid line of descent (i.e., an ontogeny within zoned crystals which approximately tracks the feldspar liquidus from high temperature to the final low temperature of actual crystal growth). Such zoning patterns may mimic normal patterns produced by fractionation with decreasing temperature under near-equilibrium (near-liquidus) conditions. Increasing fluorine contents tend to exacerbate the effects of undercooling by inhibiting feldspar nucleation, causing both K/K+Na ratios and compatible trace-element partitioning behavior in feldspar to deviate from equilibrium values. This effect continues until nucleation lag is overcome, whereupon a period of rapid growth from supersaturated liquid follows which is similar to that in F-absent compositions. Electronic Supplementary Material to this paper can be obtained by using the Springer LINK server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1008/s00410-002-425-y.
Defensive execution of transactional processes against attacks

It is a well known problem that the attack recovery of a self-healing system rolls back not only malicious transactions, but also legitimate transactions that are dependent on the malicious transactions. Rolling back and re-executing damaged transactions increase the response time of the system and may cause a significant processing delay. In such situations, the availability of the system is compromised and the system suffers the vulnerability of denial of service (DoS). In this paper, we propose a defensive executing technique and analyze its effectiveness. Our technique concurrently executes multiple paths of a transactional processes based on the prediction generated by a discrete time Markov chain. The defensive execution can reduce the delay caused by recovery. We also propose a branch cutting technique to reduce the extra cost introduced by defensive execution. Our analytical results show that our technique is practical against transactional level attacks
MIMO Radar Waveform Constraints for GMTI

Ground moving-target indication (GMTI) provides both an opportunity and challenge for coherent multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar. MIMO techniques can improve a radar's angle estimation and the minimum detectable velocity (MDV) for a target. However, the challenge of clutter mitigation places significant constraints on MIMO radar waveforms. In this paper, the loss of target return because of clutter mitigation (signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) loss) is the driving performance metric. The ideal, orthogonal repeated-pulse waveform is shown not to exist. Pulse-to-pulse time-varying waveforms, such as Doppler-division multiple access (DDMA), are shown to offer SNR loss performance approaching ideal MIMO systems.
High-speed response of optically-pumped InGaAs/InGaAsP microdisk lasers

Transient step-response and small-signal response of intensity-modulated InGaAs/InGaAsP microdisk lasers have been measured for the first time at room temperature. Microdisk lasers operating at room temperature have a measured turn-on delay of 100 ps and a –3 dB small-signal bandwidth in excess of 1.4 GHz.
Effects of kelthane® on reproduction of captive eastern screech-owls

Eastern screech-owls (Otus asio) were fed diets containing 10 ppm Kelthane® with 3.4% DDT-related contaminants (old technical formulation), 10 ppm Kelthane with no detectable DDT contaminants (new technical formulation) or a control diet. Food consumption, adult weight and date of initiation of egg laying were similar for birds in control and dosed treatment groups. Most measures of reproductive success were similar for control and dosed treatment groups. Shell weight and thickness index were significantly lower for both dosed groups than for controls. Shell thickness was significantly lower for the new Kelthane treatment than for controls. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE were significantly higher in eggs laid by pairs receiving old Kelthane than in those of birds receiving new Kelthane or in controls. Concentrations of dichlorobenzophenone, dicofol and dechlorodicofols were significantly higher in carcasses of dosed owls than in controls, whereas concentrations of DDE were significantly higher in carcasses of owls fed old Kelthane than in controls or owls fed new Kelthane.
Operational applications of remote sensing in hydrology: success, prospects and problems

Abstract The use of remote sensing information in operational hydrology is relatively limited, but specific examples can be cited for determining precipitation, soil moisture, groundwater, snow, surface water and basin characteristics. The application of remote sensing in hydrology can be termed operational if at least one of two conditions are met: (a) the application produces an output on a regular basis, or (b) the remote sensing data are used regularly on a continuing basis as part of a procedure to solve a problem or make decisions. When surveying the various operational applications, simple approaches and simple remote sensing data sets are the most successful. In the data-sparse developing countries, many operational remote sensing approaches exist (out of necessity) that may not be needed in developed countries because of existing data networks. To increase the use of remote sensing in operational hydrology in developed countries, pilot projects need to be increased and information services must b...
Genetic induction of tumorigenesis in swine.

The transition from basic to clinical cancer research for a number of experimental therapeutics is hampered by the lack of a genetically malleable, large animal model. To this end, we genetically engineered primary porcine cells to be tumorigenic by expression of proteins known to perturb pathways commonly corrupted in human cancer. Akin to human cells, these porcine cells were quite resistant to transformation, requiring multiple genetic changes. Moreover, the transformed porcine cells produced tumors when returned to the isogenic host animal. The ability to now rapidly and reproducibly genetically induce tumors of sizes similar to those treated clinically in a large mammal similar to humans in many respects will provide a robust cancer model for preclinical studies dependant on generating large tumors.
A 1-V Quasi Rail-to-Rail Operational Amplifier with a Single Input Differential Pair

A quasi rail-to-rail (VDD -Vdsa, -Vss) operational amplifier with a single differential pair is presented. A new common-mode adapter circuit based on a differential pair structure is proposed. With the common-mode adapter circuit, the common-mode input range is extended; the differential-mode signal is not affected. A two-stage operational amplifier with the proposed common-mode adapter is designed with TSMC 0.18 mum CMOS technology. With a 1 V supply voltage and a 15 pF capacitance load, the simulation shows the DC gain is about 82 dB, unity-gain frequency is about 6 MHz, and the phase margin is about 60deg.
Reconciling the theory and practice of (un)reliable wireless broadcast

Theorists and practitioners have fairly different perspectives on how wireless broadcast works. Theorists think about synchrony; practitioners think about backoff. Theorists assume reliable communication; practitioners worry about collisions. The examples are endless. Our goal is to begin to reconcile the theory and practice of wireless broadcast, in the presence of failures. We propose new models for wireless broadcast and use them to examine what makes a broadcast model good. In the process, we pose some interesting questions that help to bridge the gap.
A descriptive profile of type B personality.

Psychologic, behavioral, sociodemographic and environmental variables were examined in a battery of self-report instruments administered to 98 subjects who had agreed to participate in the second phase of a longitudinal investigation of health in middle adulthood. Type B individuals, in contrast to coronary-prone Type A personalities, experience less stress as a result of the frustrations of daily life and feel less pressured by too many things to do. They are more likely to view life as a joy and express fewer concerns about the meaning of life than do Type As. Type Bs in midlife tend to be married, employed full time, satisfied with their work, and in better general health. They tend to have fewer days of illness, visits to physicians, hospitalizations, surgical procedures, and prescriptions. Although coronary disease is known to be relatively rare in Type Bs, their advantaged general health status has not been recognized.