cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
REGGE PARAMETERS IN CROSSING-EVEN KN SCATTERING.

The method of Olsson is used to estimate the Pomeranchuk $P$ and ${P}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ parameters in $\mathrm{KN}$ scattering. Assuming that the forward crossing-even $\mathrm{KN}$ amplitude has the asymptotic form, $\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\Sigma}{s=P,{P}^{\ensuremath{'}}}^{}{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{s}[\frac{{e}^{\ensuremath{-}i\frac{1}{2}\ensuremath{\pi}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}}}{sin\frac{1}{2}\ensuremath{\pi}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}}]{(\frac{\ensuremath{\omega}}{{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}})}^{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}}$, where $\ensuremath{\omega}$ is the kaon lab energy and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}=1$ BeV, we find that a good fit to the dispersion sum rules is given by ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{P}=17.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1$ mb BeV, ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{P}=1$, ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{{P}^{\ensuremath{'}}}=7.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.7$ mb BeV, ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{{P}^{\ensuremath{'}}}=0.89\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10$. These parameters give a reasonable fit to the high-energy scattering.
Standard and goal-oriented adaptive mesh refinement applied to radiation transport on 2D unstructured triangular meshes

Standard and goal-oriented adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) techniques are presented for the linear Boltzmann transport equation. A posteriori error estimates are employed to drive the AMR process and are based on angular-moment information rather than on directional information, leading to direction-independent adapted meshes. An error estimate based on a two-mesh approach and a jump-based error indicator are compared for various test problems. In addition to the standard AMR approach, where the global error in the solution is diminished, a goal-oriented AMR procedure is devised and aims at reducing the error in user-specified quantities of interest. The quantities of interest are functionals of the solution and may include, for instance, point-wise flux values or average reaction rates in a subdomain. A high-order (up to order 4) Discontinuous Galerkin technique with standard upwinding is employed for the spatial discretization; the discrete ordinates method is used to treat the angular variable.
An academic program providing realistic training in software engineering

An academic program at Harvey Mudd College, called the Clinic program, brings projects from industry on campus to be studied and solved by student teams. The objective of the Clinic is to provide students, working as small teams under careful faculty supervision, an opportunity to work on real world problems of sufficient magnitude and complexity. Under this program, students can acquire essential skills of software engineering, such as team work, software project management, software design methodology, and communication skills, in a realistic environment. Sample software projects undertaken by the Clinic are described. Experience so far has shown that the program is a viable transition from an academic to industrial world.
Adaptive variation in environmental and genetic sex determination in a fish

Two general mechanisms of sex determination have been identified among gonochoristic vertebrates: environmental sex determination where offspring become male or female in response to an environmental factor(s) during development (for example, some fishes and reptiles); and genetic sex determination where sex is determined by genotype at conception (as in birds and mammals). How do these sex-determining systems evolve? Direct evidence is virtually non-existent because the sex-determining systems of most species appear to have little genetic variation. Here we provide the first evidence of adaptive variation in environmental and genetic sex determination within a species. We show that in a fish with temperature-dependent sex determination, populations at different latitudes compensate for differences in thermal environment and seasonality by adjusting the response of sex ratio to temperature, and by altering the level of environmental as opposed to genetic control. The adjustments observed are precisely those predicted by adaptive sex ratio theory.
A counterjet in the elliptical galaxy M87

JETS in radio galaxies have a variety of observed morphologies, in particular appearing in both one-sided and two-sided forms. It is not known whether jets can be intrinsically one-sided, or if the one-sided appearance is the result of an asymmetry in a two-sided jet. An asymmetry could be real, or apparent because of geometrical and possibly relativistic effects creating a large difference in the apparent visibility of the two sides. The elliptical galaxy M87 hosts a weak but well known one-sided radio jet, which is very visible at optical and even X-ray wavelengths. Using the New Technology Telescope of the European Southern Observatory in Chile, we have identified an optical counterpart to the radio hotspot in the southeast lobe of M87, at about the same distance as the radio jet but oppositely located. Polarization data identify the optical emission as synchrotron radiation, and the severe energetic requirements of maintaining this emission suggest con-tinuous replenishment at the site of the hotspot. We propose that this is provided by an invisible 'counterjet'. We argue that the counterjet cannot be identical to the visible known jet, but must be intrinsically somewhat fainter.
An Interference-Rejection AM Receiver

The last ten years has seen a fantastic increase in the public's enthusiasm for high-fidelity audio equipment. "Stereo" is a word that everyone knows, even if they don't know the meaning. FM broadcasting has reached its heyday after decades of neglect, and AM radio is losing much of its audience to FM because of the public's desire for stereo and the good fidelity reception which FM offers. This is occuring in spite of the fact that AM broadcast offers several advantages over FM, such as freedom from multipath and shadowing and wide range night time coverage. The audience now desires good fidelity.
The a Priori, Intuitionism, and Moral Language

Recent Anglo-Saxon, and especially British ethical theory has developed upon the assumption that something more satisfactory than ethical intuitionism was philosophically necessary. To discover that the good was unanalysable, to be intuited, and consequently either noted or not noted, as the case may be, by the attentive observer was not as philosophically or morally helpful as one might wish. In the attempt to overcome this deficiency contemporary moral philosophers, especially the “prescriptivists”, turned to the language of morals to understand how this language functioned, and how its more descriptive and more evaluative functions (assuming these may be distinguished) were related.
The Conduit Between Lifeworld and System: Habermas and the Rhetoric of Public Scientific Controversies

The vibrancy and health of political culture in democratic societies increasingly depends on the publicity and resolution of public scientific controversies. However, creating a framework for analysis that avoids reductive categorization remains a difficult task. This essay proposes a Habermasian framework of analysis for public scientific controversies and draws out its rhetorical implications. We argue that the roots of public scientific controversies are found in moments of urgency that call forth contested scientific theories into the public realm. These controversies embed epistemological disputes over knowledge-claims within pragmatic contexts, thus forcing interested parties to achieve some level of intersubjective consensus on the legitimacy of broad-based policies that fuse politics, ethics, and science. These controversies thus provide the situational grounds that make possible, if not always actual, the interaction among citizens, scientists, and legislators through rhetorical forums that featu...
Lipid oxidation in emulsions as affected by charge status of antioxidants and emulsion droplets.

The influence of charge status of both lipid emulsion droplets and phenolic antioxidants on lipid oxidation rates was evaluated using anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and nonionic polyoxyethylene 10 lauryl ether (Brij)-stabilized emulsion droplets and the structurally similar phenolic antioxidants gallamide, methyl gallate, and gallic acid. In nonionic, Brij-stabilized salmon oil emulsions at pH 7.0, gallyol derivatives (5 and 500 μM) inhibited lipid oxidation with methyl gallate > gallamide > gallic acid. In the Brij-stabilized salmon oil emulsions at pH 3.0, low concentrations of the galloyl derivatives were prooxidative or ineffective while high concentrations were antioxidative. In SDS-stabilized salmon oil emulsions, oxidation rates were faster and the galloyl derivatives were less effective compared to the Brij-stabilized emulsions. Differences in antioxidant activity were related to differences in the ability of the galloyl derivatives to partition into emulsion droplets and to increase the pro...
Engineering superior DNA vaccines: MHC class I single chain trimers bypass antigen processing and enhance the immune response to low affinity antigens.

It is commonly believed that delivery of antigen into the class I antigen presentation pathway is a limiting factor in the clinical translation of DNA vaccines. This is of particular concern in the context of cancer vaccine development as many immunodominant peptides derived from self tumor antigens are not processed and presented efficiently. To address this limitation, we have engineered completely assembled peptide/MHC class I complexes whereby all three components (class I heavy chain, β2m, and peptide) are attached by flexible linkers and expressed as a single polypeptide (single chain trimers or SCT). In this study, we tested the efficacy of progressive generations of SCT DNA vaccines engineered to (1) enhance peptide binding, (2) enhance interaction with the CD8 coreceptor, and/or (3) activate CD4+ helper T cells. Disulfide trap SCT (dtSCT) have been engineered to improve peptide binding, with mutations designed to create a disulfide bond between the class I heavy chain and the peptide linker. dtSCT DNA vaccines dramatically enhance the immune response to model low affinity antigens as measured by ELISPOT analysis and tumor challenge. SCT engineered to enhance interaction with the CD8 coreceptor have a higher affinity for the TCR/CD8 complex, and are associated with more robust CD8+ T cell responses following vaccination. Finally, SCT constructs that coexpress a universal helper epitope PADRE, dramatically enhance CD8+ T cell responses. Taken together, our data demonstrate that dtSCT DNA vaccines coexpressing a universal CD4 epitope are highly effective in generating immune responses to poorly processed and presented cancer antigens.
Computer-aided discovery of formal specification behavioral requirements and requirement to implementation mappings

This paper presents two computer-aided techniques for discovering formal specification behavioral requirements and for mapping components and methods within an implementation to their driving requirements. The first technique is an informal technique while the second technique is formal. The first technique uses a system reference model abstraction and a set of existing formal specifications to discover implementation components that are not well covered by the formal specification set. This technique also provides a mapping between requirements and code segments driven by those requirements. The second technique uses a bounded constraint solver to match a set of tests with a generic formal specification taken from a small library.
Cyclosporine uptake by cultured human proximal tubule cells

Characteristics of cyclosporine A (CsA) uptake in cultured normal human proximal tubule cells (PTC) have been studied. The uptake was very rapid, concentration dependent, and reached a steady state level within 10 min. Kinetic analysis yielded an apparent Km of 5.0 μM and Vmax of 66.7 pmoles/min μg DNA. Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, at 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mM had no inhibitory effect on CsA uptake. Subcellular distribution of CsA following 1, 2, 5, and 10 min incubation of PTC suspension was determined by digitonin differential solubilization. The cytosol fraction contained 26% and the nuclear fraction contained 74% of CsA at all time periods studied. These studies demonstrate that in normal human renal PTC, uptake of CsA is rapid and saturable. Most of the CsA, once taken up by the human PTC, is concentrated in the nucleus.
Whole-Genome Analysis, Stem Cell Research, and the Future of Biobanks

The convergence of the genomic revolution and biobanking with rapid progress in stem cell research holds vast potential for personalized medicine and novel therapies. In this Forum, we explore social and ethical considerations emerging from strategies to realize the promise of these remarkable technologies.
Arthur A. Oliner and his contributions to the field of leaky waves: A personal perspective

Prof. Arthur A. Oliner is probably best known in the technical world for his fundamental contributions to the field of leaky waves and leaky-wave antennas. Here we review some of his contributions in these areas, as seen from a personal perspective by the author.
Difference-Frequency Resonance Measurement of the 3p 4 , 3p 2 Neon Fine-Structure Splitting*

The energy splitting of the fine-structure levels 3p4, 3p2 in neon has been measured using difference-frequency resonance techniques in the 3.39-μ He–Ne laser system. A method of observing these resonances, based on the different tuning rates with resonator-length change of two close optical oscillation frequencies and their difference, is described and a dependence of the resonance line shape and center frequency on the optical-frequency intensities is noted.
Influence of high mainstream turbulence on leading edge heat transfer

The influence of high mainstream turbulence on leading edge heat transfer was studied. High mainstream turbulence was produced by a bar grid (Tu = 3.3–5.1 percent), passive grid (Tu = 7.6–9.7 percent), and jet grid (Tu = 12.9–15.2 percent). Experiments were performed using a blunt body with a semicylinder leading edge and flat sidewalls. The mainstream Reynolds numbers based on leading edge diameter were 25,000, 40,000, and 100,000. Spanwise and streamwise distributions of local heat transfer coefficients on the leading edge and flat sidewall were obtained. The results indicate that the leading edge heat transfer increases significantly with increasing mainstream turbulence intensity, but the effect diminishes at the end of the flat sidewall because of turbulence decay. Stagnation point heat transfer results for high turbulence intensity flows agree with the Lowery and Vachon correlation, but the overall heat transfer results for the leading edge quarter-cylinder region are higher than their overall correlation for the entire circular cylinder region. High mainstream turbulence tends not to shift the location of the separation-reattachment region. The reattachment heat transfer results are about the same regardless of mainstream turbulence levels and are much higher than the turbulent flat plate correlation.
Interconnections: a Contractual Analysis of the Regulation of Bottleneck Telephone Monopolies

This paper employs an institutional framework to analyze the regulation of dominant telecommunications firms in vertically related markets. It focuses on two alternative regulatory regimes employed in the telecommunications industry: (1) a divestiture regime in which the dominant firm is precluded from entering competitive, vertically related markets; and (2) an integrated/open access regime in which the dominant firm is allowed to enter these markets subject to providing competitors with equal access to its network. An analytical framework based on transaction cost economic theory is developed and applied to three case studies of regulation and competition its telecommunications industry. The main findings are that higher levels of transactional complexity and uncertainty lead to increased transaction and regulatory costs under both regimes, and that when one controls for transactional characteristics, the efficiency attributes of the two regulatory regimes do not differ greatly. Copyright 1996 by Oxford University Press.
Fractally configured neural networks

Abstract A model is described for one method of instantiating constraints in neural networks, such as are required to account for nativist assertions in an associationist context. An implementation, inspired by some of the processes of biological development, is presented for the construction of networks with such constraints. This implementation, which generates fractally configured neural networks, is investigated by applying it to a simple generalization problem.
CERCLA landfill closures: Construction considerations

Abstract A properly functioning cover over an uncontrolled landfill which is regulated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) depends on both a well-engineered cover design and prudent construction practices. This paper focuses on several geosynthetic construction issues which ultimately impact the performance of the final constructed cover. Preparation and placement issues related to subgrade preparation, geosynthetic placement, cover soil placement and test sections are presented. Storage and seaming of the geosynthetics are discussed. Construction quality control and quality assurance programs are emphasized. In addition, relevant design issues pertaining to settlements, interface friction, and rigid-nonrigid connections are discussed. Although these issues apply to all landfills, this paper is based on experience gained from design, review and construction oversight of CERCLA landfill covers by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Computational modeling of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) in newborn babies

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a congenital heart defect (CHD) in which left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped. To better understand this unique physiology, a computational model of the hypoplastic heart was constructed on the basis of compartmental analysis. Lumped parameter model of HLHS is developed based on the electrical circuit analogy. Model is made up of three parts: hypoplastic heart, pulmonary circulation and systemic circulation. Plots of blood pressure and flow for various parts of body show great match between predicted values and what we expected for the case of HLHS babies. Influence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and ASD resistances on cardiac output and pulmonary to systemic flow was also studied. Results show that by increasing the PDA resistance causes more flow to pulmonary compartments and so the ratio increases. Blood flow increases by decreasing of pulmonary artery resistant. Increasing the PDA resistance causes decrease the cardiac output because of more resistance against blood occurs. Saturation increases by decreasing of pulmonary artery resistant.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Call for papers: Neurology: Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation, a new Neurology journal

The year 2014 will see the debut of Neurology® Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation, a new online-only, open-access journal in the Neurology collection of publications. Many may ask whether we need a new biomedical journal. Our mission and vision statements embody why our answer is yes:
A wavelet-based regularization scheme for HRR radar profile enhancement for use in automatic target recognition

ABSTRACT Cetin 1-2 has applied non-quadratic optimization methods to pro duce feature-enhanced high-range resolution (HRR) radar profiles. This work concerned ground-based targets and was carried-out in the temporal domain. In this paper, we propose a wavelet-based- half-quadratic technique 3 for ground-to-air target identifi cation. The method is tested on simulated data generated by standard techniques 4 . This analysis shows the ability of the proposed method to recover high-resolution features such as th e locations and amplitudes of the do minant scatterers in the HRR pro Þ le. This suggests that the technique potentially may help improve the performance of HRR target recognition systems. Keywords: High range-resolution radar, wavelets, signal re construction, non-quadratic optimization, superresolution. 1. INTRODUCTION In the case of HRR profiles it is felt that the underlying target, and hence its profile, has high-frequency features that are not captured by the resolution supported by the data and, if some of the high frequency information can be recovered, more accurate target identification is possible. To model the situation the high- and low-resolution profiles are assumed to be connected by a linear relation of the form
Chronology of Genetic Changes in thevpu, env,andnefGenes of Chimeric Simian–Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Strain HXB2) during Acquisition of Virulence for Pig-Tailed Macaques

Abstract Recently, we developed a highly pathogenic variant of simian–human immunodeficiency virus, SHIV-4 (containing the tat, rev, vpu, and env of the HXB2 strain of HIV-1 in a genetic background of SIV mac 239), through a series of four bone marrow-bone marrow passages—first in rhesus monkeys and then in pig-tailed macaques [Joag et al. (1996) J. Virol. 70, 3189–3197]. Inoculation of pig-tailed macaques with this pathogenic virus (SHIV KU-1 ) causes subtotal elimination of CD4 + T cells and fatal opportunistic infections, usually within 6 months. Genetic characterization of SHIV KU-1 showed that it has a functional vpu gene (the first codon is ATG vs ACG for the vpu of SHIV-4) and several amino acid substitutions in Env and nef [Stephens et al. (1997) Virology 231, 313–321]. Two pig-tailed macaques, PPc and PQc, were the first to develop a severe loss of CD4 + T cells and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome and were euthanized at 26 and 105 weeks, respectively. In this report, we analyzed the changes that occurred in the vpu, nef, and env (gp120) genes of the virus used to inoculate macaques PPc and PQc and established the chronology of changes that occurred in these viral genes as these two animals lost their CD4 + T cells and progressed to develop acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Compared with SHIV-4, the virus used to inoculate macaques PPc and PQc had 0, 3, and 0 consensus amino acid changes in the Vpu, gp120, and Nef, respectively. An analysis of the viral sequences amplified from peripheral blood mononuclear cells samples taken at various times after inoculation of PPc revealed that the vpu had not reverted to an open reading frame (closed vpu, ACG) at 4 weeks after inoculation, but by 16 weeks vpu had reverted to an open reading frame (open vpu, ATG). Macaque PQc, which had a longer course of disease, had a closed vpu at 4 and 16 weeks, but by 28 weeks, both closed and open vpu were detected. From 39 to 105 weeks, only an open vpu was detected. In both macaques, the reversion to an open vpu correlated well with the second phase (major) of CD4 + T cell loss. An analysis of the nef and env sequences isolated from the same times after inoculation revealed an association between the reversion of vpu to an open reading frame and the accumulation of increased numbers of consensus changes in these two viral proteins. These data suggest that the concomitant reversion of vpu to an open reading frame along with increased substitutions in Nef and gp120 were important genetic changes in the viral genome that were responsible for the increased and highly efficient rate of replication of the virus in CD4 + T cells and macrophages, which in turn led to elimination of the CD4 + T cells and profound loss of immunocompetence in the infected animals.
Video reports as a novel alternate assessment in the undergraduate chemistry laboratory

The increased use of video capable cellular phones to document everyday life presents educators with an exciting opportunity to extend this capability into the introductory laboratory. The study assessed whether students enrolled in a southeastern U.S. university's first-year laboratory course retained technical information at a higher rate after creating a technique video. These videos were created on hand-held video capable devices that students owned prior to enrolling in the course, eliminating additional cost to students. Pre-/post-test analysis (N = 509) was performed to determine short- and long-term learning gains regarding reporting the volume of graduated glassware to the proper number of significant figures. Though both groups used various graduated glassware throughout the term, chi-square analysis showed that students who created a video detailing use of a Mohr pipet reported the volume of graduated glassware correctly on the final exam and laboratory practical at a significantly higher rate than those students who received only verbal instruction on the technique.
Substance P stimulates IL-1 production by astrocytes via intracellular calcium.

There is increasing evidence that local substance P (SP) exacerbates peripheral inflammations, partly by stimulating production of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). SP may play similar roles in certain central nervous system inflammations. Multiple sclerosis plaques, for example, form around veins which are innervated by unmyelinated SP-containing fibers, and astrocytes in multiple sclerosis plaques stain for SP. We tested whether SP could stimulate IL-1 and TNFα production by cultured astrocytes and whether calcium was the second messenger in this process. We found that both SP and the calcium ionophore A23187 raised intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and stimulated IL-1 production in astrocytes. SP also nonsignificantly increased TNFα production by astrocytes. Treatment with dibromo BAPTA/AM, an intracellular calcium buffer, blocked SP-induced IL-1 production. These findings indicate that SP induces IL-1 production by astrocytes and uses calcium as a second messenger. Our results indicate local SP may play a role in multiple sclerosis and certain other central nervous system inflammations.
Enhancement of Overall Plant Growth, a New Response to Brassins

SPECIFIC responses involving plant growth and behaviour are obtained with plant hormones and synthetic growth-regulating substances1. Enhancement of overall growth involving all parts of the plant has not been demonstrated with these substances. Using the fatty hormones, brassins, we increased repeatedly the overall growth of bean and some other kinds of plants in greenhouse conditions during the past 3 yr2. These findings have broad implications for the existence of hormone control factors of a new type.
Crystal chemistry of Zn-rich rhodonite ( fowlerite )

Rhodonite (ideally MnSiO 3 ) is a triclinic pyroxenoid that typically contains significant concentrations of Ca, Fe, and Mg. A variety called fowlerite contains concentrations of Zn up to 10 wt% and has been found only at Franklin, New Jersey. Data from electron microprobe analyses, single-crystal X-ray structure refinements, and preliminary Mossbauer spectra suggest marked differences in the crystal chemistry of rhodonite and fowlerite. Cations in Zn-poor rhodonites and in fowlerites exhibit distinct substitutional trends. Substitution of Zn in fowlerite occurs entirely at M4, and Ca displays a stronger preference for M5 in fowlerite than in Zn-poor rhodonite. Further, the distinctive compositional variations in fowlerite lead to strongly mutually correlated lattice parameter variations distinct from those in Zn-poor rhodonite. Mean M-O distances in fowlerite, with the exception of , are strongly correlated with all unit-cell edges. For Zn-poor rhodonites, neither nor are significantly correlated with cell edges, and the mean bond lengths for M1, M3, and M5 are correlated strongly with only a and b. The most striking distinctions between fowlerite and typical rhodonite occur in the geometrical details of M4 and M5. Distortion in the M4 site of magnesian rhodonite, typical Mn-rich rhodonite, and fowlerite increases with both increasing electron population and mean electronegativity. The M4 site assumes increasing amounts of tetrahedral character with increasing electron density (i.e., increasing Zn concentration). As M4 becomes more Zn-rich, tetrahedral, and covalent in character, M5 becomes more Ca-rich, less distorted, and more ionic in character. This suggests that “pure” fowlerite (nominally Ca 0.2 Zn 0.2 Mn 0.6 O 3 , or CaZnMn 3 O 15 ) may contain an unequivocally four-coordinated M4 site occupied solely by Zn, and with Ca largely restricted to M5.
Folding graft copolymer with pendant drug segments for co-delivery of anticancer drugs.

Abstract A graft copolymer with pendant drug segments can fold into nanostructures in a protein folding-like manner. The graft copolymer is constructed by directly polymerizing γ -camptothecin-glutamate N -carboxyanhydride (Glu(CPT)-NCA) on multiple sites of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based main chain via the ring open polymerization (ROP). The “purely” conjugated anticancer agent camptothecin (CPT) is hydrophobic and serves as the principal driving force during the folding process. When exposed to water, the obtained copolymer, together with doxorubicin (Dox), another anticancer agent, can fold into monodispersed nanocarriers (with a diameter of around 50 nm) for dual-drug delivery. Equipped with a PEG shell, the nanocarriers displayed good stability and can be internalized by a variety of cancer cell lines via the lipid raft and clathrin-mediated endocytotic pathway without premature leakage, which showed a high synergetic activity of CPT and Dox toward various cancer cells. In vivo study validated that the nanocarriers exhibited strong accumulation in tumor sites and showed a prominent anticancer activity against the lung cancer xenograft mice model compared with free drugs.
Inferior short-term safety profile of endoscopic third ventriculostomy compared with ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus: a population-based study.

Background In small series, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has been shown to potentially have efficacy similar to that of ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) for idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Therefore, some clinicians have advocated for ETV to avoid the potential long-term complications associated with VPS. Complication rates for these procedures vary widely based on limited small series data. Objective We used a nationwide database that provides a comprehensive investigation of the perioperative safety of ETV for iNPH compared with VPS. Methods We identified discharges with the primary diagnosis of iNPH (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code 331.5 [ICD-9]) with ICD-9 primary procedure codes for VPS (02.34) and ETV (02.2) from 2007 to 2010. We analyzed short-term safety outcomes using univariate and hierarchical logistic regression analyses. Results There were a total of 652 discharges for ETV for iNPH and 12,845 discharges for VPS for iNPH over the study period. ETV was associated with a significantly higher mortality (3.2% vs 0.5%) and short-term complication (17.9% vs 11.8%) rates than VPS despite similar mean modified comorbidity scores. On multivariate analysis, ETV alone predicted increased mortality and increased length of stay when adjusted for other patient and hospital factors. Conclusion This is the first study that robustly assesses the perioperative complications and safety outcomes of ETV for iNPH. Compared with VPS, ETV is associated with higher perioperative mortality and complication rates. This consideration is important to weigh against the potential benefit of ETV: avoiding long-term shunt dependence. Prospective, randomized studies are needed.
Stretching and breakup of droplets in chaotic flows

We investigate the stretching and breakup of a drop freely suspended in a viscous fluid undergoing chaotic advection. Droplets stretch into filaments acted on by a complex flow history leading to exponential length increase, folding, and eventual breakup; following breakup, chaotic stirring disperses the fragments throughout the flow. These events are studied by experiments conducted in a time-periodic two-dimensional low-Reynolds-number chaotic flow. Studies are restricted to viscosity ratios p such that 0.01 1, on the other hand, stretch substantially, O (102–104), before they break, producing very small fragments that rarely break again. This results in a more non-uniform equilibrium drop size distribution than in the case of low-viscosity-ratio systems where there is a succession of breakup events. We find as well that the mean drop size decreases as the viscosity ratio increases.The experimental results are interpreted in terms of a simple model assuming that moderately extended filaments behave passively; this is an excellent approximation especially for low-viscosity-ratio drops. The repetitive nature of stretching and folding, as well as of the breakup process itself, suggests self-similarity. We find that, indeed, upon scaling, the drop size distributions corresponding to different viscosity ratios can be collapsed into a master curve.
The Cyril Burt Question: New Findings

Cyril Burt presented data in his classic paper "Intelligence and social mobility" that were in perfect agreement with a genetic theory of IQ and social class. A detailed analysis of these data reveals, beyond reasonable doubt, that they were fabricated from a theoretical normal curve, from a genetic regression equation, and from figures published more than 30 years before Burt completed his surveys.
The free and the beta 2-microglobulin-associated heavy chains of HLA-A, B alloantigens share the antigenic determinant recognized by the monoclonal antibody Q1/28.

Serological and immunochemical assays have shown that the monoclonal antibody Q1/28 recognizes an antigenic determinant which is expressed on the heavy chain of subsets of HLA-A, B antigens and is distinct from those defining the serological polymorphism of this system. Association of the HLA-A, B heavy chain with beta 2-microglobulin is not required for expression of the antigenic determinant recognized by the monoclonal antibody Q1/28, since this antibody can immunoprecipitate a 45 000 m.w. component from radiolabeled lymphoid-cell glycoproteins immunodepleted with either an anti-human beta 2-microglobulin xenoantiserum or the MoAb W6/32 to framework determinants of HLA-A, B, C antigens. Furthermore, the MoAb Q1/28 can immunoprecipitate a 45 000 m.w. component from an NP40 lysate of radiolabeled Daudi cells, which lack the genetic information for beta 2-microglobulin. The determinant recognized by the MoAb Q1/28 is relatively resistant to denaturing treatments and does not appear to be carbohydrate in nature. The MoAb Q1/28 is the first example of an antibody which recognizes an antigenic determinant expressed on both the beta 2-microglobulin-associated and free HLA-A, B heavy chains.
Mechanism of lung ventilation in the caecilian Dermophis mexicanus

The pattern of lung ventilation in the terrestrial caecilian Dermophis mexicanus was investigated by recording pressure changes of buccal and pleuroperitoneal cavities and activity of the buccal musculature. This species uses a fairly typical sarcopterygian buccal pumping system to inflate its single lung. What distinguishes it from other amphibians is the large number of buccal pumping cycles that occur in each ventilatory cycle. Up to 29 buccal cycles were observed to occur in a single respiratory cycle, with a mean of 16.1 ± 3.0 buccal cycles. This long series of buccal cycles avoids the sarcopterygian pattern of rebreathing expired air because only the first buccal cycle pumps expired air back into the lung. The series of buccal cycles also generates pleuroperitoneal pressures that are three to ten times greater than those observed in other amphibians. We suggest that these high pleuroperitoneal pressures are necessary for the maintenance of body form and locomotor function in terrestrial caecilians. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Conformation and intramolecular hydrogen-bonding in the crystal structure of potassium D-gluconate monohydrate

Abstract The D -gluconate ion is found to have the planar, extended carbon-chain conformation in the crystal structure of potassium D -gluconate monohydrate, with an intramolecular hydrogen-bond between 0-2 and 0-4. The D -gluconate ions and water molecules are linked in puckered sheets by a series of intermolecular hydrogen-bonds that involve the water molecules, the carboxylate groups, and pairs of hydroxyl groups. One hydroxyl group in the ion does not form a hydrogen bond. The potassium ions lie between the puckered sheets, with an eight-fold coordination of six D -gluconate groups and two water oxygen atoms. The crystal structure was determined from three-dimensional, CuKα, X-ray diffraction data taken on an automatic diffractometer.
Overview: Procedure Versus Protection: An Impossible Separation

This overview focuses upon the fundamental cohesion between myocardial protection and mechanical repair for surgical success. Currently, our attention is directed toward the natural evolution of more complex surgical methods, while there is slower rise in interest in advanced methods of protection. The absence of manuscripts on myocardial protection in major meetings suggests that the concept of protection has been solved, even though there remain reports of use of intraaortic balloon and mechanical devices that appear when protection is inadequate. This Seminar volume will introduce a series of articles about risk patients for whom evolving methods of protection are used. We will point out frontiers of protection that should develop together with advances in technical surgical approaches so that these two essential components that insure the safe conduct of cardiac operations can grow together.
Tetrahedron treatment of the fcc lattice

Abstract A computer program for calculating the disorder-order phase diagrams of FCC-based binary alloys is presented. The cluster variation method is used, with the tetrahedron as the basic cluster. Ordered phases are the Cu3Au type (L12) and the CuAu type (L10). Energy parameters are independent of temperature and composition, and include the many-body effect within a tetrahedron. A detailed explanation of the computer program is presented in the main body of the paper. Three example calculations are shown.
Symbiotic effectiveness of antibiotic-resistant mutants ofRhizobium japonicum

The response of selected strains ofRhizobium japonicum to fifty-five antibiotics was determined. The most effective antibiotics for these strains include Kanaymcin, Streptomycin, Dihydrostreptomycin, Triburon, and Viomycin. Mutants were recovered which were resistant to these drugs individually and in various combinations of two. Single and double mutants, which grew as well as the sensitive parent strain on nonselective media, were tested for infectivity and effectiveness of nitrogen-fixation in soybeans. Six weeks after germination, plants were harvested and compared with respect to size, number of nodules, color, number of trifoliate leaves, dry weight, and total nitrogen.
Effects of electrically-stimulated exercise and passive motion on echocardiographically-derived wall motion and cardiodynamic function in tetraplegic persons

The purposes of the study were (1) to characterize left ventricular wall motion, and the cardiodynamic and metabolic responses during electrical stimulation cycle ergometry (ESCE) exercise in tetraplegic people; (2) to test whether these responses linger into the post-exercise recovery period; and (3) to test whether they differ from those imposed by lower extremity continuous passive motion (CPM). Subjects were six tetraplegic males aged 25.8 +/- 3.1 (mean +/- SD) years with spinal cord injuries of 6.7 +/- 3.5 years' duration at the C5 and C6 levels (Frankel classifications A and B). On randomized non-consecutive days, subjects underwent either 30 min of steady-state exercise using transcutaneous electrically-stimulated contractions of bilateral quadriceps, hamstring, and gluteus muscle groups, or 30 min of continuous passive motion at 50 rpm. Data were taken at rest, min 15 and 30 of treatment, and min 5, 15, and 30 post-treatment. Stroke volume (SV) was measured echocardiographically as the product of the left ventricular outflow tract area and the integrated area under the left ventricular outflow tract flow-velocity curve acquired by doppler ultrasound. This value was multiplied by heart rate (HR) to determine the cardiac output (CO). Oxygen consumption (VO2) was monitored spirometrically, with arteriovenous oxygen difference (a-vO2DIFF) computed algebraically. Data were analyzed using repeated measures within-subjects design anaysis of variance, with significance accepted at the 0.05 level. Results showed five subjects had small hyperkinetic ventricles at rest that became more dynamic during ESCE than CPM. Though no systolic dysfunction was noted, all but one subject exhibited some degree of septal hypokinesis at rest and during exercise, possibly indicative of left ventricular noncompliance. Significant effects of condition (ESCE vs CPM), trial (measurement time point), and their interaction, were observed for CO (P < 0.05, 0.01, and 0.0001, respectively), HR (P < 0.0001, 0.05 and 0.005, respectively), and VO2 (P < 0.001, 0.05 and 0.005, respectively). A significant trial and condition by trial interaction was found for a-vO2DIFF (P < 0.05 and 0.0001, respectively). No effects for condition, trial or their interaction were found for SV or BPDIAS. Electrical stimulation cycle ergometry-treated subjects achieved peak VO2 of 712 +/- 300 ml min-1, 2.63 times baseline, with 56% elevation of a-vO2DIFF. Cardiac output increased from 3.5 +/- 1.51 min-1 to 6.0 +/- 2.11 min-1, an elevation solely attributable to a 57% increase in HR. Thus, both CO and a-vO2DIFF accounted for elevated VO2 during ESCE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Wearable Technology: If the Tech Fits, Wear It

“Wearable technology” and “wearable devices” are phrases that describe electronics and computers that are integrated into clothing and other accessories that can be worn comfortably on the body. Ex...
Medical image coding based on wavelet transform and distributed arithmetic coding

Image compression plays a crucial role in medical imaging, allowing efficient manipulation, storage, and transmission. Nevertheless, in medical applications the need to conserve the diagnostic validity of the image requires the use of lossless compression methods, producing low compression factors. In this paper, a novel near-lossless compression scheme is proposed here and yields significantly better compression rates. In this proposed method, base points, direction images and D-value images are obtained from RGB color space image by transformation. Base points, direction images are encoded by binary coding, distributed arithmetic coding. Wavelet coefficients of D-value images are encoded by adaptive Huffman coding. As a result, high over all compression rates, better diagnostic image quality and improved performance parameters are obtained. The algorithm is tested on experimental medical images from different modalities and different body districts and results are reported.
Videogrammetric Model Deformation Measurement Technique

The theory, methods, and applications of the videogrammetric model deformation (VMD) measurement technique used at NASA for wind tunnel testing are presented. The VMD technique, based on non-topographic photogrammetry, can determine static and dynamic aeroelastic deformation and attitude of a wind-tunnel model. Hardware of the system includes a video-rate CCD camera, a computer with an image acquisition frame grabber board, illumination lights, and retroreflective or painted targets on a wind tunnel model. Custom software includes routines for image acquisition, target-tracking/identification, target centroid calculation, camera calibration, and deformation calculations. Applications of the VMD technique at five large NASA wind tunnels are discussed.
A critical look at technological innovation typology and innovativeness terminology: a literature review

Abstract A plethora of definitions for innovation types has resulted in an ambiguity in the way the terms ‘innovation’ and ‘innovativeness’ are operationalized and utilized in the new product development literature. The terms radical, really-new, incremental and discontinuous are used ubiquitously to identify innovations. One must question, what is the difference between these different classifications? To date consistent definitions for these innovation types have not emerged from the new product research community. A review of the literature from the marketing, engineering, and new product development disciplines attempts to put some clarity and continuity to the use of these terms. This review shows that it is important to consider both a marketing and technological perspective as well as a macrolevel and microlevel perspective when identifying innovations. Additionally, it is shown when strict classifications from the extant literature are applied, a significant shortfall appears in empirical work directed toward radical and really new innovations. A method for classifying innovations is suggested so that practitioners and academics can talk with a common understanding of how a specific innovation type is identified and how the innovation process may be unique for that particular innovation type. A recommended list of measures based on extant literature is provided for future empirical research concerning technological innovations and innovativeness.
Self-Actualizing: Where Ego Development Finally Feels Good?

This article addresses a paradox surrounding psychosocial maturity and self-actualizing in relation to well-being. Several stage theories of maturity (notably ego development; Loevinger, 1976) culminate in self-actualizing, which Maslow (1968) characterizes as the pinnacle of psychological health and well-being. However, empirical measures of maturity and well-being do not correlate. In a reanalysis of three datasets, we find preliminary support for the notion that people scoring at the highest stage of Loevinger's ego development might have higher levels of well-being and narrate a more growth-focused self-identity than people scoring at all other stages. Drawing on Erikson's (1959/1994) claim that the acceptance of life's complexities underlies ego integrity, we attempt to provide a theoretical explanation for how well-being might emerge normatively at the highest stage of psychosocial maturity.
Beta Interferon Controls West Nile Virus Infection and Pathogenesis in Mice

Studies with mice lacking the common plasma membrane receptor for type I interferon (IFN-αβR(-)(/)(-)) have revealed that IFN signaling restricts tropism, dissemination, and lethality after infection with West Nile virus (WNV) or several other pathogenic viruses. However, the specific functions of individual IFN subtypes remain uncertain. Here, using IFN-β(-)(/)(-) mice, we defined the antiviral and immunomodulatory function of this IFN subtype in restricting viral infection. IFN-β(-)(/)(-) mice were more vulnerable to WNV infection than wild-type mice, succumbing more quickly and with greater overall mortality, although the phenotype was less severe than that of IFN-αβR(-)(/)(-) mice. The increased susceptibility of IFN-β(-)(/)(-) mice was accompanied by enhanced viral replication in different tissues. Consistent with a direct role for IFN-β in control of WNV replication, viral titers in ex vivo cultures of macrophages, dendritic cells, fibroblasts, and cerebellar granule cell neurons, but not cortical neurons, from IFN-β(-)(/)(-) mice were greater than in wild-type cells. Although detailed immunological analysis revealed no major deficits in the quality or quantity of WNV-specific antibodies or CD8(+) T cells, we observed an altered CD4(+) CD25(+) FoxP3(+) regulatory T cell response, with greater numbers after infection. Collectively, these results suggest that IFN-β controls WNV pathogenesis by restricting infection in key cell types and by modulating T cell regulatory networks.