cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complexity, polymorphism, and connectivity of mouse Vk gene families

To define the polymorphism and extent of the mouse immunoglobulin kappa (Igk) gene complex, we have analyzed restriction-enzyme digested genomic DNA from 33 inbred strains of mice with labeled DNA probes corresponding to 16 Vx protein groups (1 of them previously undescribed) and the Jk/CK region (V, variable; J, joining; C, constant). These probes detected between 1 and 25 distinct restriction enzyme fragments (REF) that appeared in up to eight polymorphic patterns, thus defining eight mouse Jgk haplotypes. The investigated portion of the VA repertoire was estimated to encompass between 60 and 120 discernable Vk gene-containing REFs. In contrast to mouse VH gene families, several Vk gene families defined by these probes appeared to overlap. This observation has implications for Vk gene analyses by nucleic acid hybridization and raises the possibility that the VA gene complex is a continuum of related sequences.
Rate of Kidney Function Decline in Older Adults: A Comparison Using Creatinine and Cystatin C

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in elderly persons and to compare estimates based on creatinin
The relationship between measured performance and satisfaction with care among clinically complex patients.

Background Recent work has shown that clinically complex patients are more likely to receive recommended care, but it is unknown whether higher achievement on individual performance goals results in improved care for complex patients or detracts from other important but unmeasured aspects of care, resulting in unmet needs and lower satisfaction with care.
Thirtieth Anniversary of African Geographical Review: History, Adoption, Institutionalization, and the Future of the Journal

Abstract This paper reflects on the 30th anniversary of the African Geographical Review (AGR) by looking at the history and future of the journal. It originated in a panel discussion organized by the current editors of the AGR at the 2010 annual meeting of the Association of American Geographers (AAG) in Seattle. It synthesizes presentations made by participants of the panel including William Moseley, Florence Margai, Isaac Luginaah, Maano Ramutsindela, Padraig Carmody, Kefa Otiso, Bakama BakamaNume, and Ian Yeboah among others. The paper demonstrates how the East African Geographical Review (EAGR), a regional journal serving the East African region from 1963 to 1996, has grown into the mouthpiece of the Africa Specialty Group (ASG) of the AAG. The role of individual agency and the tenacity of the editors of the journal since its arrival in the United States have been central in growing it into the ASG's mouth piece. We anticipate that when the next stocktaking of the AGR occurs, the AGR will be a leading...
Models of Invasion of Enteric and Periodontal Pathogens Into Epithelial Cells: A Comparative Analysis:

Bacterial invasion of epithelial cells is associated with the initiation of infection by many bacteria. To carry out this action, bacteria have developed remarkable processes and mechanisms that co-opt host cell function and stimulate their own uptake and adaptation to the environment of the host cell. Two general types of invasion processes have been observed. In one type, the pathogens (e.g., Salmonella and Yersinia spp.) remain in the vacuole in which they are internalized and replicate within the vacuole. In the other type, the organism (e.g., Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Shigella flexneri, and Listeria monocytogenes) is able to escape from the vacuole, replicate in the host cell cytoplasm, and spread to adjacent host cells. The much-studied enteropathogenic bacteria usurp primarily host cell microfilaments for entry. Those organisms which can escape from the vacuole do so by means of hemolytic factors and C type phospholipases. The cell-to-cell spread of these organisms is mediated by microfilaments. The investigation of invasion by periodontopathogens is in its infancy in comparison with that of the enteric pathogens. However, studies to date on two invasive periodontopathogens. A actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas (Bacteroides) gingivalis, reveal that these bacteria have developed invasion strategies and mechanisms similar to those of the enteropathogens. Entry of A. actinomycetemcomitans is mediated by microfilaments, whereas entry of P. gingivalis is mediated by both microfilaments and microtubules. A. actinomycetemcomitans, like Shigella and Listeria, can escape from the vacuole and spread to adjacent cells. However, the spread of A. actinomycetemcomitans is linked to host cell microtubules, not microfilaments. The paradigms presented establish that bacteria which cause chronic infections, such as periodontitis, and bacteria which cause acute diseases, such as dysentery, have developed similar invasion strategies.
Suramin sodium: Pronounced effects on methotrexate transport and anti-folate activity in cultured tumor cells

Suramin is an experimental anti-neoplastic agent which has shown promising activity against prostatic carcinoma and lymphoma in clinical trials. To elucidate its mechanism of action, suramin was examined for an effect on the transport of folate compounds by tumor cells. Influx of the anti-folate methotrex-ate via the reduced-folate carrier system of CCRF-CEM cells was found to be highly sensitive to inhibition by suramin but not to various other arylsulfonic acids. Inhibition by suramin was competitive, and the inhibition constant Ki was 1.3 μM, a value 3-fold lower than the Kt for half-maximal influx of methotrexate. Folate binding to the membrane-associated folate-binding protein of KB cells was not affected by suramin. Growth studies revealed that the response of human CCRF-CEM, KB, PC-3 and MCF-7 cells to methotrexate was antagonized from 6- to 17-fold by pharmacological levels (10–200 μM) of suramin. Conversely, growth inhibition was additive or synergistic when suramin was combined with metoprine, a lipophilic anti-folate which enters cells by diffusion. Synergism was observed between metoprine and suramin in CCRF-CEM cells, which take up folate exclusively through the reduced-folate carrier (inhibitable by suramin), whereas additivity was observed for KB cells, which rely largely on the folate-binding protein (unaffected by suramin) for folate import. Our results indicate that inhibition of cellular transport of folate compounds may explain part of the anti-neoplastic effects of suramin on tumor cells. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
MARKET PENETRATION AND LOCATIONAL CONFLICT IN FRANCHISE SYSTEMS

This paper addresses the questions of market penetration and locational conflict in a franchise system of distribution. The models developed provide a means to evaluate alternative scenarios and the effects of various franchise policies. It is shown that the market penetration and location goals of the members of a franchise system coincide only under a very limited set of circumstances.
A mixed EHL model with asymmetric integrated control volume discretization

A transient, non-Newtonian, mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication model is proposed for heavily loaded point contacts of rough surfaces. An asymmetric integrated control volume (AICV) scheme is used to achieve faster solutions with reduced discretization errors. A unified approach is adapted to handle asperity contacts and the fast Fourier transforms are used to compute elastic deformation. Model predictions with the AICV scheme are compared with a conventional discretization scheme to demonstrate its benefits. Accuracy of this model is verified through comparisons to published experiments. An example contact is analyzed under varying conditions to demonstrate the capabilities of this model.
Vasoreactivity before and after handgrip training in chronic heart failure patients

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the vasodilatory and vasoconstrictor responses of the brachial artery in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and controls (CON) before and after a period of training and detraining. Methods CHF ( n = 10; age = 62 ± 8 yrs) and CON ( n = 10; age = 55 ± 5 yrs) subjects completed 4 weeks of bilateral handgrip training (20 min; 60% of maximal handgrip strength; 15 grips*min −1 ; 4 days*week −1 ). Handgrip strength was measured using a hand dynamometer. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (BAFMD) and cold pressor test (CPT) responses were determined using ultrasonography prior to training, at the end of 4 weeks of training and following 4 weeks of detraining. Absolute (mm) BAFMD and CPT responses were combined to yield a vascular operating range (VOR). Results Baseline BAFMD was higher in CON (CHF: 2.98 ± 1.49%; CON: 6.21 ± 1.21%; p = 0.01), while CPT responses were higher in CHF (CHF: 3.38 ± 0.83%; CON: 2.46 ± 0.62%; p = 0.05). Baseline VOR tended to be greater in the CON subjects (CHF: 0.28 ± 0.05 mm; CON: 0.32 ± 0.12 mm; p = 0.06). Training increased handgrip strength (∼5%; p p = 0.01) and VOR (CHF: 0.28 ± 0.05 mm – 0.3 ± 0.09 mm; CON: 0.32 ± 0.12 mm – 0.42 ± 0.11 mm; p = 0.01). There were no significant changes in CPT responses. All markers approached pre-training values following detraining. Conclusion Handgrip exercise increases strength, BAFMD and VOR in both CHF and CON subjects. These improvements are transient and return to pre-training values after removal of the training stimulus.
Effect of two-photon absorption on optical parametric oscillation

For the first time, we show that two-photon absorption strongly affects backward and forward optical parametric oscillation in certain wavelength ranges. We have introduced a normalized coefficient of two-photon absorption. We have obtained a simple expression for the threshold intensities in the presence of two-photon absorption, that is the same for both configurations of optical parametric oscillation. The threshold intensities increase as the two-photon absorption coefficient increases. As the same time, the conversion efficiencies decrease. We have shown that even if the threshold intensity is just increased by a very small factor due to two-photon absorption the conversion efficiency can be reduced considerably. We have considered several nonlinear optical materials as examples to illustrate how to optimize the performance of optical parametric oscillators in the presence of strong two-photon absorption in the extended wavelength ranges.
Furrow Irrigation with Physically Based Spatially Varying Infiltration

Abstract A kinematic wave furrow irrigation model in which a physically based infiltration equation could be spatially constant or variable was developed. The model was used to study the effects of spatial variability of infiltration on furrow irrigation performance. The infiltration sub-model was based on the Green and Ampt equation, and the one-dimensional equation of horizontal infiltration. Geostatistics were used to characterize the spatial variability of infiltration along the furrow. Comparisons were made between results predicted by models with constant and spatially varying infiltration with actual results. Comparisons were made using the following irrigation performance parameters; application and requirement efficiencies, tailwater ratio, distribution uniformity and the deep percolation ratio. The results indicate that simulation models which incorporate spatial variability of infiltration, predict irrigation performance parameters closer to the actual values than those that assume spatially constant infiltration.
An Optimal Strategy for Energy Allocation in a Multiple Resource Environment

We consider a model for a population in discrete time with nonoverlapping generations that has fecundity proportional to the amounts of two essential resources obtained up to a saturating level. A population’s strategy defines how individuals divide their total available energy between efforts to obtain the two resources. We assume that the total amount of each resource obtained is a positive, increasing, concave down function of the total energy exerted toward the resource. By considering two competing subpopulations that have different energy allocation strategies, we characterize the stability of all possible equilibria and find a unique optimal strategy where a fixed subpopulation resists invasion by a small competing subpopulation using any other strategy. Except when one of the resources is readily obtained above the saturation level, this optimal strategy is to divide effort equally between the resources. We illustrate the behavior of the model, directly showing the effects of an invading subpopulation with pairwise invasibility plots.
Solubility of nitrogen in alpha vanadium from 600° to 1200°C

Abstract Alloy specimens in the vanadium-rich region of the vanadium-nitrogen system were prepared by the reaction of high-purity vanadium foil and nitrogen. Specimens were annealed, quenched, and examined by X-ray and metallographic techniques to determine the degree of nitrogen solubility in α vanadium. Solubility was determined as a function of temperature at equilibrium pressure. Equilibrium pressures were not measured. Nitrogen solubility is found to be 1.15 wt. % at 600°C, 1.65 wt. % at 800°C, 2.20 wt. % at 1000°C, and 2.95 wt. % at 1200°C. A sluggish transformation is observed between 500° and 600°C for alloys having nitrogen contents above 1 wt. %. It is likely that a peritectoid compound having a composition near V13N is formed. The composition range of the hexagonal β phase could not be established accurately because of the small difference in lattice dimensions between the vanadium-saturated and nitrogen-saturated compound. The range is narrow, probably lying between VN0.32 and VN0.36 and does not appear to vary within the temperature range 300°–1000°C.
Tervalent phosphorus acid derivatives

The large numbers of publications in this area, in the period under review and the limitations on space, have made it necessary to be selective in the choice of material. In general, the bias is towards the synthesis, novel uses and applications of tervalent phosphorus acid derivatives. A major aspe...
Physical representations of the geomagnetic field

The familiar Gaussian analysis of the geomagnetic field by the method of spherical harmonics clearly indicates that the predominant portion of the so-called permanent magnetism of the Earth is due to internal causes. One of the striking results of this analysis is the dominance of the harmonics of the first degree. These first-degree harmonics may be physically represented by a dipole at the center of the Earth with its south-seeking end directed toward a point in latitude 78°5 north, longitude 291°2 east. An improved representation of the field which partially takes into account harmonics above the first degree is furnished by shifting this dipole 342 km toward a point in latitude 6°5 north, longitude 161°8 east [see 1 under “References” at end of paper].
The Utility of Historical Aerial Photographs for Detecting and Judging the Effectiveness of Rangeland Remediation Treatments

Aerial photographs are a type of remote sensing data that are especially valuable for rangeland applications. Advantages of these data include relative ease of interpretation and acquisition, affordability, high resolution (1–2 meters), and provision of a common reference for communication among those involved in rangeland management. Additionally, air photos are especially well suited for analysis of historical rangeland remediation treatments because acquisition of widespread aerial photographic coverage began during the 1930s. Several types of treatments can be easily identified and monitored over time, including contour terraces, brush water spreaders, rootplow seeding, water ponding dikes, shrub removal by grubbing, and grazing restrictions. The use of archived aerial photographs allows the opportunity to recreate the management history of rangeland, as well as to serve as a point of departure for involvement in more sophisticated satellite-based remote sensing systems.
Chronic abdominal wall pain: a frequently overlooked problem: Practical approach to diagnosis and management

Chronic abdominal wall pain is frequently misdiagnosed as arising from a visceral source, often resulting in inappropriate diagnostic testing, unsatisfactory treatment, and considerable cost. Its prevalence in general medical practice is unknown, although it may account for about 10% of patients with chronic idiopathic abdominal pain seen in gastroenterological practices. The most common cause appears to be entrapment of an anterior cutaneous branch of one or more thoracic intercostal nerves; myofascial pain and radiculopathy are less frequent. Sharply localized pain and superficial tenderness are suggestive of abdominal wall origin. Carnett's test (accentuated localized tenderness with abdominal wall tensing) is a helpful diagnostic sign, especially when incorporated with other findings. Early exclusion of a parietal source should increase diagnostic accuracy when evaluating patients with chronic abdominal pain. Reassurance of patients by the correct diagnosis and avoidance of precipitating causes is often sufficient treatment. However, accurately placed anesthetic/corticosteroid injections give substantial pain relief to more than 75% of patients, often for prolonged periods, and may be confirmatory for the source of the complaint. The probability of missing visceral disease is small (probably less than 7%) with strict adherence to diagnostic criteria and diligent observation of patients.
WNT AGONIST DECREASES TISSUE DAMAGE AND IMPROVES RENAL FUNCTION AFTER ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION

Renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury (IRI) after shock states or transplantation causes tissue damage and delayed graft function, respectively. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a critical role in nephrogenesis. We therefore hypothesized that pharmacological activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling by the Wnt agonist, a synthetic pyrimidine, could protect kidneys from IRI. Adult male rats were subjected to bilateral clamping of the renal pedicles with microvascular clips for 60 min, followed by reperfusion. The Wnt agonist (5 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle (20% dimethyl sulfoxide in saline) was administered intravenously 1 h before ischemia. Blood and renal tissues were collected 24 h after IR for evaluation. Renal IR caused a significant reduction of β-catenin and its downstream target gene cyclin D1 by 65% and 39%, respectively, compared with the sham, whereas the Wnt agonist restored them to sham levels. The number and intensity of cells staining with the proliferation marker Ki67 in ischematized kidneys were enhanced by the Wnt agonist. The integrity of the renal histological architecture in the Wnt agonist group was better preserved than the vehicle group. The Wnt agonist significantly lowered serum levels of creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase and inhibited the production of interleukin 6 and interleukin 1β and myeloperoxidase activities. Lastly, the Wnt agonist reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitrotyrosine proteins, and 4-hydroxynonenal in the kidneys by 60%, 47%, and 21%, respectively, compared with the vehicle. These results indicate that the Wnt agonist improves renal regeneration and function while attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidneys after IR. Thus, pharmacologic stimulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling provides a beneficial effect on the prevention of renal IRI.
Towards Cooperative Localization of Wearable Sensors using Accelerometers and Cameras

This work describes a new approach for localizing people by cooperative sensor fusion of lightweight camera and wearable accelerometer measurements. We present the algorithm to identify people moving around as they are detected by cameras deployed in the infrastructure. The algorithm uses a correlation metric to develop an ID matching algorithm that can associate people in the scene to their global ID emitted from a wireless accelerometer sensor node worn on their belts. First we conduct a set of preliminary experiments to verify that the quantities of interest easily measurable by off-the-shelf components. We validate our metric and the performance of the proposed ID matching algorithm using simulations on testbed data that also includes a crowded scenario.
Dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, obesity, waist-hip ratio, and noninsulin-dependent diabetes in postmenopausal women: the Rancho Bernardo Study.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels were determined in morning specimens from 659 fasting postmenopausal women who were not using estrogen therapy or antidiabetic medication. All women had concurrent oral glucose tolerance tests and measurements of body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR). DHEA levels were weakly and inversely associated with BMI but not with WHR or glucose tolerance status. DHEAS levels were not associated with BMI but were positively associated with WHR, diabetes, and impaired glucose tolerance. In analyses adjusted for or stratified by WHR, the DHEAS association with abnormal carbohydrate tolerance was reduced but still independent of fat distribution. Because this was a cross-sectional study, it was not possible to determine whether DHEAS levels were raised by central obesity or vice versa. At a minimum, these data strongly suggest that the positive association of DHEAS with both central obesity and abnormal glucose tolerance does not...
Boy or girl : gender preferences from a Darwinian point of view

This article reviews evolutionary biological studies of sex-biased post-natal parental investment that may be relevant to the issue of preconception gender selection. The focus is on tests of the Trivers–Willard hypothesis, which predicts that natural selection has favoured parents that bias investment in favour of the sex with the best reproductive prospects. Because resource abundance and scarcity often have greater effects on male than on female reproductive success, the Trivers–Willard model predicts that natural selection will most often favour parents who favour males when conditions are good and females when conditions are poor. Empirical tests of this hypothesis are mixed in terms of the appropriateness of their methods and their relevance to the model. Tests with more appropriate measures of such key variables as parental investment tend more often to provide support for the hypothesis. The implications of these findings for the issue of preconception gender selection are briefly discussed.
Blood brain barrier and neuroinflammation are critical targets of IGF-1-mediated neuroprotection in stroke for middle-aged female rats.

Ischemia-induced cerebral infarction is more severe in older animals as compared to younger animals, and is associated with reduced availability of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1. This study determined the effect of post-stroke IGF-1 treatment, and used microRNA profiling to identify mechanisms underlying IGF-1’s neuroprotective actions. Post-stroke ICV administration of IGF-1 to middle-aged female rats reduced infarct volume by 39% when measured 24h later. MicroRNA analyses of ischemic tissue collected at the early post-stroke phase (4h) indicated that 8 out of 168 disease-related miRNA were significantly downregulated by IGF-1. KEGG pathway analysis implicated these miRNA in PI3K-Akt signaling, cell adhesion/ECM receptor pathways and T-and B-cell signaling. Specific components of these pathways were subsequently analyzed in vehicle and IGF-1 treated middle-aged females. Phospho-Akt was reduced by ischemia at 4h, but elevated by IGF-1 treatment at 24h. IGF-1 induced Akt activation was preceded by a reduction of blood brain barrier permeability at 4h post-stroke and global suppression of cytokines including IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α. A subset of these cytokines including IL-6 was also suppressed by IGF-1 at 24h post-stroke. These data are the first to show that the temporal and mechanistic components of post-stroke IGF-1 treatment in older animals, and that cellular components of the blood brain barrier may serve as critical targets of IGF-1 in the aging brain.
Dislocations and Mechanical Properties of MgO‐Al2O3 Spinel Single Crystals

MgO-nAl 2 O 3 spinel single crystals can be deformed plastically at high temperatures, displaying a range of interesting features. Stress-strain curves often exhibit strong work hardening followed by prominent work softening due to glide and climb processes. The critical resolved shear stress (CRSS) at a given temperature decreases dramatically, by almost 2 orders of magnitude, with increasing deviation from stoichiometry, i.e., as n increases from 1 to 3.5. The CRSS is proportional to exp(-T/T 0 ) and to [V c ] -2 , where T is the temperature in kelvin, T 0 a characteristic temperature, and [V c ] the concentration of charge-compensating cation vacancies. The Burgers vector is 1/2 , and slip can occur on {111} and {110} planes. Slip on {111} planes is believed to occur between the Kagome cation layer and the adjacent anion layer. Slip on (110) planes is slightly easier (and has a higher T 0 ), because the planes are more widely separated. The temperature dependence of the CRSS can be explained in terms of the Peierls stress for partial dislocations, either in terms of a steep and high Peierls potential or in terms of temperature and stress-dependent kink diffusion. The dependence of CRSS on [V c ] -2 can be explained in terms of kink nucleation at cation vacancies.
Radiative and Collision-Induced Relaxation of Atomic States in the 2 p 5 3 p Configuration of Neon

Application of techniques previously developed by the authors for the precise measurement of excited-state lifetimes has been made to radiative and collision-induced relaxation in the ten fine-structure levels of the $2{p}^{5}3p$ configuration of atomic neon. Lifetimes are determined as a function of pressure by studying the transient decay of isolated optical transitions from levels excited by short bursts of threshold-energy electrons. Measurements of the total radiative lifetimes have been made for these ten states within errors ranging from about 1 to 3%. The present work represents an improvement in the accuracy with which these lifetimes have been determined of at least an order of magnitude over previous experimental determinations. Discrepancies (which in some cases amount to an order of magnitude in the mean values) with previous lifetime studies are shown to be easily attributable to radiative cascade effects arising from nonthreshold excitation. The radiative lifetimes for these levels (Paschen notation) are, in nsec: $2{p}_{1}(14.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3)$; $2{p}_{2}(18.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3)$; $2{p}_{3}(17.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)$; $2{p}_{4}(19.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3)$; $2{p}_{5}(19.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4)$; $2{p}_{6}(19.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)$; $2{p}_{7}(19.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4)$; $2{p}_{8}(19.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)$; $2{p}_{9}(19.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.6)$; and $2{p}_{10}(24.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4)$. Variations \ensuremath{\approx} 5% in the radial part of the transition probability were encountered for different $3p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3s$ transitions; these variations may be attributed to configuration interaction. Calculations of ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{2}$ from the Coulomb approximation agreed with the experimentally determined values within this spread. Cross sections for inelastic excitation transfer were encountered for the more closely spaced states which were comparable to gas kinetic cross sections, but which could not be determined in the present work to within much less than 50% error in most cases. The relationship of the present work to problems in the gas laser field is discussed.
Osseous surgery for crown lengthening: a 6-month clinical study.

Background: Despite the fact that surgical crown lengthening is a commonly performed treatment, little is known about the specific surgical endpoints of the procedure or the stability of the newly attained crown height over time. Recent clinical reports have ranged across a spectrum from significant tissue rebound to remarkable stability using similar surgical techniques. The purpose of this study was to assess the stability of surgical crown lengthening procedures performed by various surgeons using specific guidelines to determine surgical endpoints. Specifically, we sought to determine the following: 1) What is the immediate increase in clinical crown height following surgery? 2) How stable is the established crown length over a 6-month period? 3) How much supporting bone is removed to establish the new crown length? 4) How does the position of the flap margin relative to the alveolar bone at surgical closure relate to the stability of crown height? Methods: Twenty-five patients requiring crown lengthe...
Supersymmetric effective action in three dimensions

A perturbative calculation of the parity-violating part of the supersymmetric effective action for a scalar superfield coupled to a background-gauge superfield in three dimensions is presented using the massless version of the Bogolubov-Parasiuk-Hepp-Zimmermann renormalization procedure.
Detergent Fiber Traits to Predict Productive Energy of Forages Fed Free Choice to Nonlactating Dairy Cattle

Abstract Hay crops that were predominately alfalfa, clover or grass, and silage corn were harvested at early and late maturities to give a wide range in fiber contents. Hay crops were stored as field-cured hay and wilted silage. Each was fed for ad libitum intake to three or more nonlactating digestibility and calorimetry to measure DM intake, TDN, digestible energy, and metabolizable energy. Various fiber components (ADF, NDF, lignin), and expressions computed from them, were used to estimate TDN and digestible energy of forages or groups of forages having homogenous relationships. Stepwise backward elimination procedure was employed to discard independent variables or their squared terms at 5% probability to develop significant, biologically sound, practical predictive relationships. Standard NRC equations were used to extend energy densities to NE L . Free choice DM intake of forages (fed alone) was not closely related to NDF percentages. Estimates of NE L generally were higher when computed via TDN as opposed to digestible energy or metabolizable energy, which did not differ. We present equations to predict NE L from ADF via digestible energy for legumes, grasses, and corn silage, which differ markedly, in some cases, from those m current use. Equations for grasses had low r 2 , but these could not be compared with published ones, which apparently are based on treatment means rather than individual-animal observations. The NE L of hay crops and corn silages also were predicted from an expression of lignified NDF in DM with moderate precision.
Use of a Partially Deployed Wallstent to Act as an Inferior Vena Cava Filtration Device during Coil Embolization of a High-flow Arteriovenous Fistula

Closure of high-flow arteriovenous (AV) fistulas with endovascular coil embolization can be technically challenging and fraught with complication as a result of the possibility of coil migration into venous circulation and subsequent embolization to distant sites such as the heart and lungs. Filtration of the AV fistula's central venous outflow may allow trapping of coils that inadvertently pass into the venous system during the procedure. This useful measure can reduce the morbidity associated with such interventions. The present report describes an unusual case of a large high-flow renal AV fistula embolized with the use of a partially deployed Wallstent as a temporary filtration device within an enlarged suprarenal inferior vena cava. This method further allows removal of any trapped coils without the need for a snare device.
The use of transesophageal echocardiography to avoid left atrial thrombus during percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty

During mitral balloon valvuloplasty, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been employed for the accurate placement of the transseptal needle, guide wires, and balloon catheters and to provide an immediate evaluation of the results of the procedure. We describe a case demonstrating that TEE can be used to avoid a left atrial appendage thrombus during the placement of wires and catheters. With TEE guidance, we feel left atrial appendage thrombi are no longer an absolute contraindication to percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Stabilizing viral nano-reactors for nerve-agent degradation

Virus like particles, and other naturally occurring protein containers, have emerged as excellent building blocks for nanomaterials design and synthesis. Here we exploit a directed assembly and encapsulation approach to sequester multiple copies of a phosphotriesterase (PTE) enzyme within the capsid of bacteriophage P22. Phosphotriesterase, from Brevundimonas diminuta, is an intriguing enzyme as it is highly active against a wide range of harmful insecticides and nerve agents such as Soman and Sarin. However, difficulty in expressing large quantities of the active recombinant enzyme has limited efforts to scale-up its use. Additionally, as a mesophilic enzyme its low heat tolerance and susceptibility to proteolysis makes it a less than ideal candidate as a practical bioremediation tool. Through encapsulation of the PTE within the P22 capsid, we demonstrate a greatly enhanced thermal tolerance of the enzyme, maintaining 50% of its activity to 60 °C. Additionally, the P22 capsid confers protection to the enzyme from proteases, as well as stabilizing the enzyme against desiccation. Thus, our engineered P22 encapsulation system greatly enhances the stability of the mesophilic phosphotriesterase and results in a robust and active nanoparticle reactor.
Design of Active Circulators Using High-Speed Operational Amplifiers

Design formulas and prototype realizations of an operational amplifier based active circulators operating from dc to 500 MHz are presented. The operational unit of the circulator consists of a chip-resistor based voltage divider and an Op Amp differential amplifier which can be easily fabricated at low cost for general low power applications. An existing widely used circuit is shown to be a special case of the more generalized theory presented in this letter. Our design shows a return loss of greater than 10 dB, an insertion loss flatness within ±0.8 dB, and an isolation greater than 20 dB at frequencies below 500 MHz.
Call for Papers-Special Issue of Manufacturing & Service Operations Management: Value Chain Innovations in Developing Economies

Motivation As the world becomes more globalized, the value chains of most companies span over many continents, and increasingly, developing economies constitute important parts of the supply side of these value chains. The supply could be in the form of sourcing of natural resources and materials, or manufacturing operations in which these economies provide low cost of labor. The supply can also be in the form of intellectual capital as some of these economies develop their design and innovation capabilities. Similarly, these economies are becoming sources of demand, as even the bottom of the pyramid had huge demand needs and so they can be potentially big markets. While they form parts of the global value chains, most of these economies faced challenges of extreme poverty. About 1.2 billion people in the world still live below US$1.25 per day. Hence, innovations in the value chains of these developing economies, while benefiting global enterprises, can also play a role in the alleviation of poverty. This special issue is M&SOM’s call to stimulate research in how value chain innovations can make a difference in developing economies.
Mixed-matrix membranes composed of Matrimid® and mesoporous ZSM-5 nanoparticles

Mixed-matrix membranes were prepared from Matrimid® and mesoporous ZSM-5 nanoparticles containing crystalline ZSM-5. The ideal selectivity for H2/N2 separation increased from 79.6 for pure Matrimid® to 143 at 10% loading, while the selectivity of O2/N2 increased from 6.6 for pure Matrimid® to 10.4 at 20% loading. The ideal H2/CH4 separation factor increased from 83.3 to 169 at 20% loading. The results suggest that the mesopores of the ZSM-5 material provide good contact between the nanoparticles and the polymer, since the polymer chains can penetrate into the mesopores. The micropores of ZSM-5 crystals provide size and shape selectivity.
Family History of Diabetes, Awareness of Risk Factors, and Health Behaviors Among African Americans

Objectives. We examined the role of family history of diabetes in awareness of diabetes risk factors and engaging in health behaviors. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1122 African American adults without diabetes who were participants in Project DIRECT (Diabetes Interventions Reaching and Educating Communities Together). Results. After adjustment for age, gender, income, education, body mass index, and perceived health status, African Americans with a family history of diabetes were more aware than those without such a history of several diabetes risk factors: having a family member with the disease (relative risk [RR] = 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03, 1.15), being overweight (RR = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.05, 1.18), not exercising (RR=1.17; 95% CI=1.07, 1.27), and consuming energy-dense foods (RR = 1.10; 95% CI = 1.00, 1.17). Also, they were more likely to consume 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day (RR=1.31; 95% CI=1.02, 1.66) and to have been screened for diabetes (RR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.12, 1.29). Conclusions. African Americans with a family history of diabetes were more aware of diabetes risk factors and more likely to engage in certain health behaviors than were African Americans without a family history of the disease. (Am J Public Health. 2007;97:907‐912. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2005.077032)
Coupled Hidden Markov Model for Electrocorticographic Signal Classification

This paper investigates the spatial and temporal dynamics in multi-channel electrocardiographic (ECoG) time series signals using Coupled Hidden Markov Model (CHMM). The signals are recorded in a hand motion control task, when the subject uses a joystick to move a cursor appearing on the screen to hit a virtual target. We detect signal onset using two heuristic schemes based on the experiment process. We apply CHMM to capture the spatial and temporal dynamics between two different channels within fixed length of duration, where each channel is modelled by HMM. The interdependence between two channels are modelled by transitions between hidden states of different individual HMM. There are eight possible directions that the target may appear. We learn eight sets of parameters using EM algorithm to characterize the signal patterns for each possible direction of movement. Given the test signals, the set of learned parameters which produces highest probability likelihood decides the class label. The effectiveness of the model is measured by classification accuracy. The results indicate that CHMM outperforms conventional HMM in most of the cases and is significantly better than first order autoregressive model.
Accurate identification of melanoma tumor margins: a review of the literature

More than 8000 people die of melanoma in the USA annually. Although early detection of melanoma results in a 5-year survival of up to 90–95%, those presenting at advanced stages have dismal prognoses due to ineffective systemic therapies. In general, patients with early melanoma can be successfully treated with local surgery. However, approximately 8–20% of lentigo maligna melanomas recur, leading to frequent re-excisions, cosmetic issues and, as a result, increased medical costs. An accurate evaluation of melanoma margins is important to prevent local tumor recurrence and progression to advanced stage disease. This review will discuss the role of clinically based noninvasive tools, histology, immunohistochemistry and molecular technologies in melanoma margin assessment.
Hypercapnic cerebral edema presenting in a woman with asthma: a case report

Common causes of non-traumatic acute cerebral edema include malignant hypertension, hyponatremia, anoxia, and cerebral vascular accident. The computed tomographic images and data obtained during care of the patient described in this case report provide evidence that hypercarbia can cause increased intracranial pressure and coma without permanent brain injury. Partial pressure of carbon dioxide evaluation for coma is essential to provide faster diagnosis and therapeutic correction in certain common critical disease states. We present the case of a patient in a coma associated with cerebral edema during a typical asthma exacerbation with hypercapnic respiratory failure. An obese 63-year-old African American woman with asthma presented to our hospital with facial swelling and shortness of breath. Immediately following intubation for hypercapnic respiratory failure, she was noted to have a dilated, unresponsive right pupil. An emergent computed tomographic head scan revealed that she had increased intracranial pressure. A neurosurgeon agreed with the computed tomography interpretation and recommended no surgical intervention. The patient's respiratory acidosis was corrected with ventilatory management over several hours in the intensive care unit. Nine and one-half hours later a follow-up head computed tomographic scan was read as normal without cerebral edema. At 12 hours, the patient's right pupil was 5 mm in diameter and reactive. By 24 hours, her pupils were symmetrically equal and reactive. Her symptoms had improved, and she was extubated. A brain magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed no abnormalities. Alteration of consciousness related to hypercapnia during respiratory failure is not generally thought to be related to cerebral edema. Respiratory acidosis resulting from hypercarbia is known to produce carbon dioxide narcosis and coma, but no current treatment algorithm suggests that rapid hypercapnia correction can be critical to neurologic outcome. To the best of our knowledge, our case is a unique example of the physiological changes that may occur in relation to arterial carbon dioxide concentration in the normal brain in the setting of typical hypercapnic respiratory failure. Correction of respiratory acidosis reversed the neurologic symptoms and physiology causing cerebral edema and coma in our patient. Rare similar cases have been sporadically reported in the medical literature, typically in children. Our case is also unusual in that rapid deterioration and clinical status were directly observed on simultaneous computed tomographic scans. Had this patient been found unresponsive, or had she had brief respiratory or cardiac arrest, the scan could have been interpreted as global anoxic injury leading to a different therapeutic course.
TEM Investigation of the Core/Cladding Interface of La2O3-Al2O3-SiO2 Glasses for High Power Fiber Lasers

For fabricating Yb 3+ doped La 2 O 3 -Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 glasses for high-powered fiber lasers, it is critical to choose the right core glass composition to obtain a high numerical aperture and to avoid phase separation. TEM techniques were used to study the relationship between the core composition and phase separation. In the study, inter-diffusion between the core and cladding glasses was found. The inter-diffusion caused large density fluctuation in the region of the core/cladding interface in fibers containing relatively high concentrations of La 2 O 3 . The TEM results were used to optimize the chemical composition of the core glass for high-power fiber lasers.
Interactive remote large-scale data visualization via prioritized multi-resolution streaming

The simulations that run on petascale and future exascale supercomputers pose a difficult challenge for scientists to visualize and analyze their results remotely. They are limited in their ability to interactively visualize their data mainly due to limited network bandwidth associated with sending and reading large data at a distance. To tackle this issue, we provide a generalized distance visualization architecture for large remote data that aims to provide interactive analysis. We achieve this through a prioritized, multi-resolution, streaming architecture. Since the original data size is several orders of magnitude greater than the display and network technologies, we stream downsampled versions of representation data over time to complete a visualization using fast local rendering. This technique provides the necessary interactivity and full-resolution results dynamically on demand while maintaining a full-featured visualization framework.
Bond-Slip Mechanisms of Steel Fibers in Concrete

A comprehensive experimental program on pullout and pullthorugh tests of steel fibers from a cement-based matrix is described. Emphasis is placed on the accurate measurements of the pullout load versus end-slip response. Parameters included 3 different type of fibers, three different mortar matrixes with low medium, and high strengths, one cement-based slurry matrix, and additives such as latex, fly ash, and microsilica. The medium from which the fiber was pulled out included a control mortar mix without fibers, mortar mixes with 1, 2, and 3 % fibers by volume, and a SIFCON matrix containing about 11 % fibers by volume. For smooth fibers, 5 different diameters and 3 different embedment lengths were investigated. Experimental pullout load versus slip curves are needed to derive typical bond shear stress versus slip curves considered to be a property of the interface.
Antiparkinsonian effects of remacemide hydrochloride, a glutamate antagonist, in rodent and primate models of Parkinson's disease

Loss of dopaminergic innervation of the striatum results in overactivity of the glutamatergic pathways from the subthalamic nucleus to the internal segment of the globus pallidus and the substantia nigra pars reticulata, the output nuclei of the basal ganglia. Previous work has shown that local blockade of glutamate receptors in the internal segment of the globus pallidus or substantia nigra pars reticulata leads to marked suppression of parkinsonian signs. We have now examined whether systemic administration of a glutamate receptor antagonist has antiparkinsonian effects in rodent and primate models of Parkinson's disease. Remacemide hydrochloride is an anticonvulsant, neuroprotective compound with antagonist activity at the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ion channel. In normal rats and monoamine-depleted rats, remacemide hydrochloride did not cause locomotor hyperactivity, unlike MK-801. When monoamine-depleted rats were treated with a subthreshold dose of levodopa methylester, remacemide hydrochloride (5-40 mg/kg, orally) caused a dose-dependent increase in locomotor activity. Moreover, remacemide hydrochloride (10 mg/kg, orally) potentiated the effects of each suprathreshold dose of levodopa methylester tested (100-200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Parkinsonian rhesus monkeys were tested with oral doses of vehicle plus vehicle, vehicle plus levodopa-carbidopa, and remacemide hydrochloride (5 mg/kg) plus levodopa-carbidopa. Blinded clinical scoring of videotapes revealed that treatment with remacemide hydrochloride plus levodopa-carbidopa was substantially better than levodopa-carbidopa plus vehicle or vehicle plus vehicle. The effects of remacemide hydrochloride lasted at least 5 hours. We conclude that certain N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists have antiparkinsonian actions and low potential for side effects. Clinical trials of remacemide hydrochloride in patients with Parkinson's disease may be warranted.