cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SHOCK SYNTHESIS OF SILICIDES--II. THERMODYNAMICS AND KINETICS

Abstract A thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of shock-induced reactions in the (Nb or Mo)-Si systems provides a framework for the extraordinary high reaction rates and a quantitative interpretation of the experimental results obtained in Part I. The thermodynamic analysis is conducted by adding the heat of reaction to the shock energy; increases in shock pressure, temperature, and velocity are predicted. At the particle level, melting at the silicon-metal interface is found to be a necessary condition for the initiation of reaction; heat conduction calculations enable the prediction of a critical molten (Si) region size for which the heat generated through the reaction exceeds the heat lost to the unreacted regions. The calculation of melt fraction (of Si) as a function of shock energy coupled with critical melt pool sizes enables the determination of a minimum shock energy for the initiation of shock-induced reaction. At the local level, the reaction kinetics can be rationalized through the production of a liquid-phase reaction product (NbSi2), the formation of spherical nodules (∼2 μm diameter) of this product through interfacial tension and their subsequent solidification (in times of 1–5 ns). The heat generated by the reaction is sufficient to melt niobium along the interface which facilitates both the expulsion of the NbSi2 nodules into the liquid Si, and the generation of fresh Nb interface for further reaction. In addition, the dissolved Nb enriches the surrounding Si liquid, promoting more NbSi2 reaction and formation.
Complete removal of load is detrimental to rotator cuff healing.

Hypothesis This study evaluated the effect of the mechanical environment on the healing rotator cuff by paralyzing the supraspinatus muscle in the operative shoulder of a rat model of rotator cuff injury and repair. Methods Unilateral shoulders of rats underwent a supraspinatus injury and repair. Botulinum toxin A was used to paralyze the muscle after repair. Postoperatively, 1 group was immobilized and 1 group was allowed free range of motion. Saline-injected, casted rats were used as the control group. Repairs were evaluated histologically, geometrically, and biomechanically. Results Specimens from the saline-injected rats had greater scar volume and cross-sectional area of the repair compared with the paralyzed groups. Structural properties were increased in the saline group compared with the paralyzed groups. Free range of motion (ie, uncasted group) resulted in modest improvements in biomechanical properties but did not obviate the effect of paralysis. Conclusions Complete removal of load was detrimental to rotator cuff healing, especially when combined with immobilization. Level of evidence Basic science study.
Effects of acceleration on reverse osmosis desalination

Abstract Hollow fine-fiber reverse osmosis elements were run in a continuous-flow centrifuge at accelerations up to 1000 G. Under acceleration, the elements produced more desalted water and passed less salt, showing a reduction of concentration polarization. Reduced data showed that the mass transfer co-efficient of salt from the membrane surface to the bulk of the brine increased with acceleration to the 0.3 power. Acceleration also improved flow distribution by eliminating regions of high-density stagnant brine. Use of a centrifuge will allow utilization of higher transport membranes.
Farmers' Welfare and Changing Food Prices: Nonparametric Evidence from Rice in Madagascar

This paper uses nonparametric density estimation and kernel smoothing techniques to examine the instantaneous distributional implications of rice price changes in Madagascar. While many farmers do not participate in product markets as either buyers or sellers, and net sales or marketable surplus are fairly small for many others, the roughly one-third of rice farmers who fall below the poverty line face significant negative first-order welfare effects from increases in the mean or variance of rice prices. Conversely, the first-order gains from rice price increases are highly concentrated among the largest rice farmers and particular regions in Madagascar.
Pelvimetry and the persistance of racial science in obstetrics

In the late nineteenth century, Mexican scientists became fixated on pelvic structure as an indicator of racial difference and hereditary worth. Forty years later, in his 1931 dissertation, medical student Gustavo Aldolfo Trangay proposed the implementation of a eugenic sterilization campaign in Mexico. He even reported performing clandestine sterilizations in public clinics, despite federal laws that prohibited doctors from doing so. Trangay reasoned that his patients were unfit for motherhood, and he claimed that their small pelvic cavities were a sign of biological inferiority. His focus on anatomical measurements--and especially pelvic measurements--was not novel in Mexico, but his work shows how doctors used nineteenth century racial science to rationalize eugenic sterilization.
Phthalocyanine/rigid rod composite fibers : structure formation and its relation to conductivity

Abstract Phthalocyanines (NiPc, (SiPcO) n ) dispersed in a rigid rod fiber matrix are produced through dry jet-wet spinning. NiPc appears in single size domains arranged quasi-regularly while (SiPcO) n forms domains in more than one size scales (probably 3). Changes in domain organization with composition and their effect on fiber conductivity is discussed.
Additional phytoalexin‐like compounds in Ht‐gene resistance of corn to Helminthosporium turcicum

SUMMARY Four additional compounds inhibitory to germination of Helminthosporium turcicum spores were isolated from lesion-extracts of field-grown Ht-gene corn (Zea mays) lines which were inoculated with H. turcicum. The compounds were named phytoalexins A3, A4-I, A4-II and A5. A3, A4-1 and A4-1 showed over 99% inhibition of H. turcicum spores at 1 mg/ml of 10% ethanol and LD50 of about 600 μg/ml. A5 showed an LD50 of about 800 μg/ml of 10% ethanol. The ultraviolet, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron impact mass spectra and field desorption mass spectra showed that these compounds might be related to the previously described phytoalexins A1 and A2. They seem to have the following functional groups: aromatic ring, hydroxyl and/or phenolic groups, carbonyl groups, probably a carboxylic acid or ester type and a long aliphatic side chain.
Interactive and large-domain solutions of higher-order viscous-flow equations

Two approaches for the solution of the partially parabolic Reynolds equations are evaluated using the same numerical techniques and turbulence model. Comparisons are made between interactive viscous-inviscid solutions and non-interactive large-domain solutions for the flow over the tail and in the wake of axisymmetric and three-dimensional bodies to highlight the differences between the two strategies. Both approaches yield satisfactory results, though the interactive solutions appear to be computationally more efficient for the three-dimensional bodies.
Host–Salmonella interaction: human trials

Human clinical trials, including experimental challenges of volunteers with pathogenic Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, small phase I and II trials that monitor the immune responses to vaccines, and large-scale controlled field trials that assess vaccine efficacy under conditions of natural challenge, have helped elucidate the interactions between Salmonella typhi and human hosts.
The Search for Homoaromatic Semibullvalenes. 6.1 X-ray Structure and Charge Density Studies of 1,5-Dimethyl-2,4,6,8-semibullvalenetetracarboxylic Dianhydride in the Temperature Range 123−15 K

The structure of the bisannelated semibullvalene 11, which was originally predicted to be in a symmetrical homoaromatic ground state, was investigated by ultralow-temperature diffraction experiment...
Hardness and microstructure of tungsten heavy alloy subjected to severe plastic deformation and post-processing heat treatment

Abstract The hardness and thermal stability of 90W–8Ni–2Fe tungsten heavy alloy (WHA), following severe plastic deformation by equal channel angular extrusion, are reported. Square bars measuring 25×25×150 mm3 were processed at 300 °C to plastic strains of 2.68. The hardness of WHA increased with increased strain, from 29 Rockwell Hardness C (HRC) in the as-received condition, to ~50 HRC. ECAE refined the grain size of the tungsten particles from tens of microns to 270 nm. This decrease in tungsten grain size correlates with the increase in hardness following a Hall–Petch relationship. Annealing results indicate that the matrix phase recrystallizes at 500 °C, while the tungsten-rich phase begins to recrystallize at near ~800 °C. The morphology of the tungsten-rich particles changes from near-spherical to elongated platelets or ellipsoids, depending on processing strain path. The results suggest ECAE is an effective technique for manipulating the microstructure, phase morphology, and mechanical properties of WHA.
Advance Directives among Elderly Veterans

The goal of this study was to identify various sociodemographic and clinical variables related to the completion of advance directives among 281 elderly male veterans recruited from the acute medical inpatient unit of a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Results found the rates of advance directives to be higher among elderly male veterans compared to other populations (44% had either a durable power of attorney or a living will, 34.2% had a living will, and 35.2% had a durable power of attorney). In addition, individuals who completed an advance directive were significantly more likely to be Caucasian than non-Caucasian. Other than race, there were other important factors including religiosity, desire for life-saving treatment, social support, and depressive symptoms that were related to the completion of advance directives among elderly veterans. Such factors seem consistent with the research literature on nonveteran populations.
Retrospective analysis of yeast colonization and infections in paediatric bone marrow transplant recipients.

Summary. Sixty-four paediatric patients who underwent allogeneic (n= 35), autologous (n= 28) or syngeneic (n= 1) bone marrow transplantation (BMT) between 1992 and 1994 were evaluated retrospectively. As antifungal prophylaxis, all patients received amphotericin B tablets and 62 of 64 (96.9%) received oral fluconazole. Weekly surveillance cultures revealed fungal colonization in 35 patients (54.7%). Six patients (9.4%) were colonized before BMT only, 17 (26.6%) after BMT only and 12 (18.8%) both before and after BMT. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated fungus [21 of 46 fungal isolates (45.7%)], followed by C. glabrata [14 isolates (30.4%)]. Non-albicans species of Candida were most frequently isolated after BMT from the faeces, often in high numbers. Autologous marrow recipients had a higher fungal colonization rate both before and after BMT than allogeneic marrow recipients. One patient suffered from invasive pulmonary aspergillosis after BMT. No fungaemias or deep-seated yeast infections were observed. Six of the seven patients who had to be treated with intravenous amphotericin B because of antibiotic-refractory fever had undergone autologous BMT. Multivariate analysis of various parameters showed only pre-BMT yeast colonization to be independently associated with post-BMT colonization. Thus, systemic mycoses occurred only rarely in this study population; however yeast colonization after BMT (especially with non-albicans species) was a frequent event in spite of double prophylaxis with oral amphotericin B and fluconazole. Zusammenfassung. Vierundsechzig padiatrische Patienten, die sich zwischen 1992 und 1994 einer allogenen (n= 35), autologen (n= 28) oder syngenen (n= 1) Knochenmarktransplantation (KMT) unterzogen, wurden retrospektiv evaluiert. Als Antimykotikaprophylaxe erhielten alle Patienten Amphotericin-B-Tabletten, und 62 von 64 (96.9%) erhielten Fluconazol per os. Wochentliche Uberwachungskulturen ergaben eine Pilzbestedlung bei 35 Patienten (54.7%). Sechs Patienten (9.4%) waren nur vor KMT besiedelt, 17 (26.6%) nur nach KMT und 12 (18.8%) vor und nach KMT. Candida albicans war der am haufigsten gefundene Sprospilz [21 von 46 Isolaten (45.7%)], gefolgt von C. glabrata [14 Isolate (30.4%)]. Nicht-albicans-Spezies von Candida fanden sich am haufigsten nach KMT in den Faeces, oft in hoher Keimzahl. Die Empfanger von autologem Knochenmark hatten eine hohere Pilzbesiedlungsrate sowohl vor als auch nach KMT als die Patienten mit allogener KMT. Ein Patient erkrankte nach KMT an einer Lungenaspergillose. Fungamien oder systemische Sprospilzinfektionen wurden nicht beobachtet. Sechs der sieben Patienten, die wegen antibiotika-resistentem Fieber mit intravenosem Amphotericin B behandelt werden musten, waren autolog transplantiert worden. Eine multivariate Analyse verschiedener Parameter zeigte, das nur eine Sprospilzbesiedlung vor KMT unabhangig mit einer Besiedlung nach KMT
Effect of boron on the mechanism of strain transfer across grain boundaries in Ni 3 Al

The effect of boron on the mechanism of strain transfer across grain boundaries in Ni/sub 3/Al has been investigated by dynamic recording of events occurring during in-situ straining in the transmission electron microscope. Boundaries in both doped and undoped material can act as effective barriers to dislocation motion, large numbers of dislocations being incorporated into the boundary without any plastic strain occurring in the adjacent grain. In the undoped material, the grain-boundary strain is relieved by the sudden failure of the grain boundary. In the doped material the strain is relieved by the sudden generation and emission of large numbers of dislocations from the grain boundary. This effect may be understood by boron either increasing the grain-boundary cohesion or reducing the stress required to operate grain-boundary dislocation sources, rather than easing the passage of slip dislocations through the grain boundary.
Mechanisms of abnormal lamellar body secretion and the dysfunctional skin barrier in patients with atopic dermatitis

I review how diverse inherited and acquired abnormalities in epidermal structural and enzymatic proteins converge to produce defective permeability barrier function and antimicrobial defense in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Although best known are mutations in filaggrin (FLG), mutations in other member of the fused S-100 family of proteins (ie, hornerin [hrn] and filaggrin 2 [flg-2]); the cornified envelope precursor (ie, SPRR3); mattrin, which is encoded by TMEM79 and regulates the assembly of lamellar bodies; SPINK5, which encodes the serine protease inhibitor lymphoepithelial Kazal-type trypsin inhibitor type 1; and the fatty acid transporter fatty acid transport protein 4 have all been linked to AD. Yet these abnormalities often only predispose to AD; additional acquired stressors that further compromise barrier function, such as psychological stress, low ambient humidity, or high-pH surfactants, often are required to trigger disease. T(H)2 cytokines can also compromise barrier function by downregulating expression of multiple epidermal structural proteins, lipid synthetic enzymes, and antimicrobial peptides. All of these inherited and acquired abnormalities converge on the lamellar body secretory system, producing abnormalities in lipid composition, secretion, and/or extracellular lamellar membrane organization, as well as antimicrobial defense. Finally, I briefly review therapeutic options that address this new pathogenic paradigm.
Impact of abandoned mine tailings on the arsenic concentrations in Moira Lake, Ontario

Abstract Arsenic has accumulated in the different compartments of Moira Lake for the last 160 years, since mining and mineral processing began in the area. The annual total fluvial input of arsenic (As) to the lake is approximately 3.5 tonnes. The dissolved As concentrations in the water show seasonal differences, with an average concentration of 62 μg/L during the summer, and 22 μg/L in winter. The As bound to particles represent approximately 8% of the total As burden in the water column. Arsenic bound to the organic humic, fulvic and lipid fractions represents approximately 1% of the total As in Moira Lake waters. The dissolved As profile of interstitial waters are characterized by subsurface maxima with concentrations four to six times greater than the lake waters. Inorganic As makes up the majority of the As in all the porewater profiles examined. The upward diffusion of As-enriched interstitial waters can explain the distribution of As(III) and As(V) in the overlying lake water. The diffusion upward through the hypolimnion of the arsenite originated in the interstitial water explain the thermodynamic disequilibrium in the distribution of As species in the surface waters of Moira Lake.
Characterization of ultrafine particle number concentration and size distribution during a summer campaign in southwest Detroit.

Abstract This paper presents results from a study conducted in southwest Detroit from July 20 to July 30, 2002, to characterize ambient ultrafine particles (d p < 0.1 μm), and to examine the effect of local sources and meteorological parameters on the ultrafine number concentration and size distribution. The number concentrations of ambient particles in the size range of 0.01–0.43 μm were obtained from a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS). Meteorological parameters including ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, and solar radiation flux were also monitored concurrently atop a 10-m tower. On average, ultrafine particles ranged from 1.4 × 104 to 2.5 × 104 cm–3, with significant diurnal and daily variations, and accounted for ∼89% of the total number concentration (0.01 < d p < 0.43 μm). Time-series plots of the 5-min number concentrations revealed that peak concentrations often occurred during morning rush hour and/or around solar noon when photochemical activity...
Selective reduction of GluR2 protein in adult hippocampal CA3 neurons following status epilepticus but prior to cell loss

Kainic acid (KA) induces status epilepticus and delayed neurodegeneration of CA3 hippocampal neurons. Downregulation of glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2) subunit mRNA [the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) subunit that limits Ca2+ permeability] is thought to a play role in this neurodegeneration, possibly by increased formation of Ca2+ permeable AMPA receptors. The present study examined early hippocampal decreases in GluR2 mRNA and protein following kainate-induced status epilepticus and correlated expression changes with the appearance of dead or dying cells by several histological procedures. At 12 h, in situ hybridization followed by emulsion dipping showed nonuniform decreases in GluR2 mRNA hybridization grains overlying morphologically healthy-appearing CA3 neurons. GluR1 and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor mRNAs were unchanged. At 12-16 h, when little argyrophilia or cells with some features of apoptosis were detected by silver impregnation or electron microscopy, single immunohistochemistry with GluR2 and GluR2/3 subunit-specific antibodies demonstrated a pattern of decreased GluR2 receptor protein within CA3 neurons that appeared to predict a pattern of damage, similar to the mRNA observations. Double immunolabeling showed that GluR2 immunofluorescence was depleted and that GluR1 immunofluorescence was sustained in clusters of the same CA3 neurons. Quantitation of Western blots showed increased GluR1:GluR2 ratios in CA3 but not in CA1 or dentate gyrus subfields. Findings indicate that the GluR1:GluR2 protein ratio is increased in a population of CA3 neurons prior to significant cell loss. Data are consistent with the "GluR2 hypothesis" that reduced expression of GluR2 subunits will increase formation of AMPA receptors permeable to Ca2+ and predict vulnerability to a particular subset of pyramidal neurons following status epilepticus.
Analysis of Mismatch Repair Defects in the Familial Occurrence of Lymphoma and Colorectal Cancer

Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) is an autosomal dominant disorder featuring familial clustering of colorectal and/or endometrial cancer, and other malignancies. Except for a rare case report, Hodgkin's disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) have not been considered part of HNPCC. Recent murine models for HNPCC have shown an increased incidence of B- and T-cell lymphoma, as well as tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and other organ systems, involving defects in genes resulting in faulty mismatch repair (MMR) of DNA. These MMR genes include MLH 1, MSH 2, MSH 3, MSH 6, PMS 1 and PMS 2. We sought to analyze the occurrence of NHL and HD in families with clusters of colorectal cancers (CRC). Probands from 21 kindreds were classified as HNPCC (3), HNPCC-like (5), and HNPCC-variant (13); seen and followed by Clinical Genetics at Memorial Hospital the kindreds were assessed for the occurrence of NHL or HD. Of the 21 pedigrees, a total of 37 patients were identified who were diagnosed with le...
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: ten- to 21-year follow-up after partial septal myectomy.

Abstract This study reviews the outcome in 36 consecutive patients who survived partial septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy operated on between 1960 and 1972. All patients were followed up until death or until June 1981 (mean 13.4 years). Of the 26 survivors, 17 had been more than mildly symptomatic preoperatively, but only 1 remained so postoperatively. The operation was effective in relieving the obstruction (peak systolic pressure gradient reduced from 79 to 8 mm Hg [p
Brain Regions and Drug Addiction

Robert F. Service reports on an interesting study by Astrid Nehlig and her colleagues at the recent American Chemical Society meeting (News Focus, 9 Apr. p. [244][1]). Nehlig and her colleagues found that caffeine does not result in increased blood flow to the nucleus accumbens, a brain area known to be involved in many drugs of abuse. In contrast, she found increased blood flow to the caudate-putamen. These results fit well with studies showing that caffeine induces expression of the activity-dependent gene c-Fos in the caudate-putamen, with little activation in the nucleus accumbens ([1][2]). However, a lack of activity in the nucleus accumbens does not indicate that the drug is not addictive. Several other brain regions, including the caudate-putamen, have been linked to drug addiction. Moreover, all drugs of abuse that have been studied induce expression of c-Fos in the caudate-putamen, but not all induce this gene in the nucleus accumbens ([1][2]). Activation of the nucleus accumbens is neither necessary nor sufficient for addiction. 1. [↵][3]1. R. E. Harlan, 2. M. M. Garcia , Mol. Neurobiol. 16, 221 (1998). [OpenUrl][4][PubMed][5][Web of Science][6] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.284.5412.243 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [4]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DMolecular%2Bneurobiology%26rft.stitle%253DMol%2BNeurobiol%26rft.aulast%253DHarlan%26rft.auinit1%253DR.%2BE.%26rft.volume%253D16%26rft.issue%253D3%26rft.spage%253D221%26rft.epage%253D267%26rft.atitle%253DDrugs%2Bof%2Babuse%2Band%2Bimmediate-early%2Bgenes%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bforebrain.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F9626665%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [5]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=9626665&link_type=MED&atom=%2Fsci%2F284%2F5417%2F1123.5.atom [6]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000073956600001&link_type=ISI
Analysis of host responses to microbial infection using gene expression profiling

Gene expression profiling offers new opportunities for understanding host-cell responses to microbial pathogens and their products. Current strategies involve either first identifying mRNAs that differ in their expression status under different experimental conditions and later defining the identity of the respective genes (for example, differential display or serial analysis of gene expression), or alternatively assessing changes in the expression of already defined genes (for example, cDNA or oligonucleotide microarrays). Early studies indicate the power of gene expression profiling for providing new insights into groups of genes whose expression is altered during the course of host-microbe interactions, and for the discovery of cellular genes that were not previously recognized to be regulated by infection.
Small-World Power-Law Interconnects for Nanoscale Computing Architectures

Interconnects on today’s chips have become more important than transistors and this trend is predicted to continue with ongoing miniaturization and forthcoming beyond-silicon technologies. Current ad hoc interconnect technology is not suitable for multi-billion-transistor chip integration and we argue that radically new approaches potentially offer better performance for a lower price. The goal of this paper is to explore certain design and performance tradeoffs of both regular and irregular interconnect fabrics for self-assembled nanoscale electronics in a realistic framework. We show that fabrics with small-world-like properties have major advantages in terms of performance and robustness over purely regular fabrics. Our findings support the unconventional approach of self-assembling nanoscale electronics in a mostly random manner, which is believed to be more fabrication friendly and thus cheaper to realize.
An Interaction of a Rarefaction Wave and a Transonic Shock for the Self-Similar Two-Dimensional Nonlinear Wave System

We study a two dimensional Riemann problem for the self-similar nonlinear wave system which gives rise to an interaction of a transonic shock and a rarefaction wave. The interesting feature of this problem is that the governing equation changes its type from supersonic in the far field to subsonic near the origin. The subsonic region is then bounded above by the sonic line (degenerate) and below by the transonic shock (free boundary). Furthermore due to the rarefaction wave in the downstream, which interacts with the transonic shock, the problem becomes inhomogeneous and degenerate. We establish the existence result of the global solution to this configuration, and present analysis to understand the solution structure of this problem.
Perturbation of red cell volume: Rectification of osmotic flow

Abstract A method is described which allows determination of the concentration dependence of the filtration coefficient L p for membranes of intact cells. After a small, sudden perturbation of solution osmolality the cell volume exponentially approaches a new equilibrium value. The time constant of this osmotic process is measured by turbidity changes and is used to calculate L p for each set of experimental conditions. Application of this method to beef and human erythrocytes has shown: (a) Values of L p are in good agreement with those found by other investigators using other techniques. (b) L p is independent of cell size and osmolality of the suspending medium. (c) An apparent rectification of water flow occurs, inward flow being 40–50% greater than outward flow for the same osmotic gradient. The two latter results contradict the recent conclusions of Rich et al. ( J. Gen. Physiol. , 52 (1968) 941) but are consistent, nevertheless, with the experimental data reported by these investigators.
High-dose systemic glucocorticoid therapy in the treatment of severe asthma: A case of resistance and patterns of response

At some frequent interval, perhaps once a month, REFERENCES these would be reported to a central data collection 1. Yunginger JW. Sweeney KG. Stumer WQ. ct ,jl. Fatal i’ood center. Of course it would be ideal if each patient induced anaphylaxis. JAMA 1988;260: 1450-2 could be evaluated to determine if a food (and which 2. Sampson HA. Mendelson L, Rosen JP. Patal and trear-fatal food food) was actually responsible for the symptoms, but anaphylaxis reactions in children. N Engl J 2lcd 1992327:
Household income and subjective well-being after spinal cord injury: a longitudinal study.

Background: Studies regarding subjective well-being (SWB) after spinal cord injury (SCI) are increasing in recent years, but little has been contributed to the relationship between income and SWB. Objective: By using longitudinal data, we want to identify (1) the overall trend in SWB over a 10-year period; (2) the association between household income and SWB at baseline; (3) the variation of the trajectory of SWB over 10 years among different household income groups; and (4) the variation of change rates of SWB over 10 years among different household income groups. Methods: We conducted a cohort study, including 434 participants who completed 3 measurements in 1998, 2003, and 2008. They were identified from outpatient records of 2 midwestern hospitals and a southeastern specialty hospital. Results: People with lower household income experienced more life problems and less life satisfaction at the baseline measurement. During the 10-year period, their health problems and environmental barriers significantl...
Detection System for Reaction-Rate Analysis in a Low-Volume Proteinase-Inhibition Assay

Abstract High-throughput screening of large combinatorial chemical libraries in biochemical assays will benefit from reduced reagent volume and increased speed of measurement. Standard assays typically are performed in 96-well microtiter plates having 200-μL well volumes and up to an hour of incubation time. In this paper, we demonstrate a technique for precise and rapid measurement of the progress of an enzymatic reaction and its inhibition with reduced volume and time (for this work, the assay was mixed at the 200-μL level and detected in 2-μL volumes with minutes of total assay time). Directly measuring the enzyme activity in the small volume format yields a precise value for the median inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) of an inhibitor compound. The model assay is the endoproteolytic cleavage of a small fluorogenic peptide by human neutrophil collagenase (MMP-8). The fluorogenic peptide was labeled at one end with a UV/blue fluorophore ( N -methylanthranilyl) and at the other end with a quencher (dinitrophenol). To generate inhibition data, a hydroxamate peptide analog inhibitor of collagenase, actinonin, was included in the reaction. The experiments were performed using ultraviolet laser illumination (325 nm wavelength) and parallel fluorescence detection by a cooled, charge-coupled-device camera system to increase sensitivity and speed. The assay volume was reduced to 2 μL for data collection, and the total time for mixing, incubation, and measurement was less than 6 min. For comparison to a standard format, the same assay was performed in a 96-well microtiter plate in 200 μL using 30 min of incubation and measurement in a microtiter plate fluorimeter. Median inhibitory concentrations (IC 50 ) for actinonin of 73 ± 16 and 100 ± 14 nM were obtained in the 2- and 200-μL assays, respectively. One concern with assay miniaturization and increases in throughput is a potential loss of precision and accuracy. Laser excitation and parallel detection of fluorescence is a promising approach for increased speed and reduced cost without loss of precision for proteinase inhibition assays.
Identification of small-molecule inhibitors of human angiogenin and characterization of their binding interactions guided by computational docking.

Angiogenin (ANG) is a potent inducer of angiogenesis and an RNase A homologue whose ribonucleolytic activity is essential for its biological action. Recently, we reported the identification of small non-nucleotide inhibitors of the enzymatic activity of ANG by high-throughput screening (HTS) [Kao, R. Y. T., et al. (2002) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 99, 10066-10071]. Two of the inhibitors that were obtained, National Cancer Institute compound NSC-65828 [8-amino-5-(4'-hydroxybiphenyl-4-ylazo)naphthalene-2-sulfonate] and ChemBridge compound C-181431 [4,4'-dicarboxy-3,3'-bis(naphthylamido)diphenylmethanone], were judged to be suitable for further development, and one of these (NSC-65828) was shown to possess antitumor activity in mice. Here we have used computational docking as a guide for the identification of available NSC-65828 and C-181431 analogues that bind more tightly to ANG, and for the characterization of inhibitor binding modes. Numerous analogues were found to have greater avidity than the HTS compounds or any small nucleotide inhibitors; four were considered to be of interest as potential leads (K(i) = 5-25 microM). Two of these analogues bind more tightly to ANG than to RNase A, and are the first small molecules shown to exhibit this selectivity. The predicted binding orientations of the HTS compounds and the new lead inhibitors were evaluated by determining the effects of ANG active site mutations on inhibitory potency. The results with ANG variants R5A, H8A, N68A, and des(121-123) are highly consistent with the docking models. Affinity changes observed with Q12A and Q117G reveal aspects of active site function that are not apparent from the free ANG crystal structure or from the modeled complexes. These findings should prove to be useful in the design of more effective and specific ANG antagonists.
Characterization of subpopulations of OC and OB bone cells obtained by sedimentation at unit gravity.

Immediately after isolation from calvaria, OC and OB bone cells populations 1–6 were individually characterized by sedimentation at unit gravity. This procedure was used to generate from each population 4 fractions that contained cells of different sizes. Sedimentation results suggested that freshly isolated OC cell populations consisted of cells that were generally smaller and demonstrated less size heterogeneity than OB cells. After sedimentation the cells in each fraction were cultured for 6 days and then characterized with regard to cell separation based on basal biochemical characteristics and hormonal responses to PTH and CT. The largest cells in the later released OC cells appeared to be a mixture of OC and OB cells (approx. 15% of populations 2+3). All OB cell fractions appeared to be free of OC cells. The highest basal OC activities and hormonal responses occurred in the larger cells of population 2, whereas in OB cells (populations 5 and 6), this occurred in the cells of small to intermediate size. Finally, although the absolute size of the cells in each fraction increased during culture, the size differential within the fractions and between OC and OB cells was maintained even after 6 days.
Chasing eddies and their wall signature in DNS data of turbulent boundary layers

We present an automated and physically rooted method to identify and temporally track hairpin packets and their wall signatures in direct numerical simulation data of turbulent boundary layers. Statistical tools and pattern-recognition algorithms are combined to identify the coherent structures and their signature on the wall, and object segmentation and feature-tracking algorithms are assessed and enhanced to achieve automatic monitoring of the temporal evolution of individual packets and their wall signatures. The visualization algorithms are validated against the statistical analysis. We demonstrate that the average geometric packet is representative of strong statistical ones. Satisfactory results are presented for the canonical case of an isolated hairpin packet convecting in channel flow, and for fully turbulent boundary layers. The method is also suitable for use in combination with experimental particle image velocimetry (PIV) data.
NEURONAL DEGENERATION, SYNAPTIC DEFECTS, AND BEHAVIORAL ABNORMALITIES IN TAU45-230 TRANSGENIC MICE

The complement of mechanisms underlying tau pathology in neurodegenerative disorders has yet to be elucidated. Among these mechanisms, abnormal tau phosphorylation has received the most attention because neurofibrillary tangles present in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related disorders known as tauopathies are composed of hyperphosphorylated forms of this microtubule-associated protein. More recently, we showed that calpain-mediated cleavage leading to the generation of the 17kDa tau₄₅₋₂₃₀ fragment is a conserved mechanism in these diseases. To obtain insights into the role of this fragment in neurodegeneration, we generated transgenic mice that express tau₄₅₋₂₃₀ and characterized their phenotype. Our results showed a significant increase in cell death in the hippocampal pyramidal cell layer of transgenic tau₄₅₋₂₃₀ mice when compared to wild-type controls. In addition, significant synapse loss was detected as early as six months after birth in transgenic hippocampal neurons. These synaptic changes were accompanied by alterations in the expression of the N-methyl-d-aspartate glutamate (NMDA) receptor subunits. Furthermore, functional abnormalities were detected in the transgenic mice using Morris Water Maze and fear conditioning tests. These results suggest that the accumulation of tau₄₅₋₂₃₀ is responsible, at least in part, for neuronal degeneration and some behavioral changes in AD and other tauopathies. Collectively, these data provide the first direct evidence of the toxic effects of a tau fragment biologically produced in the context of these diseases in vertebrate neurons that develop in situ.
Caloric intake, body weight, and cancer: A review

Abstract The literature is reviewed for evidence concerning the relation between caloric intake, body weight, and cancer. Convincing experimental data regarding caloric intake and benign and malignant tumor incidence have been available since the 1940s and demonstrate that caloric restriction significantly reduces tumor incidence for a variety of tumor types in several animal models. Some epidemiological investigations provide evidence for a positive calorie‐cancer association in humans, although it is difficult (in these studies) to separate the effects of calories per se from those of dietary fat. A larger number of investigations have evaluated body weight alone, and high relative body weight or high caloric intake has been associated with increased risk of cancer of the breast, colon, rectum, prostate, endometrium, kidney, cervix, ovary, thyroid, and gallbladder. In contrast, lung, bladder, and stomach cancers appear to be inversely associated with body weight, and some prospective studies of men demo...
Scattering of a Strong Laser Field by an Electron Wave Packet

Quantum electrodynamics indicates that an electron scatters light independent of its wave-packet size, even when larger than the stimulating wavelength. We highlight this theoretical conclusion and give a progress report on experimental validation.
Multiple chromosomal rearrangements structured the ancestral vertebrate Hox-bearing protochromosomes.

While the proposal that large-scale genome expansions occurred early in vertebrate evolution is widely accepted, the exact mechanisms of the expansion—such as a single or multiple rounds of whole genome duplication, bloc chromosome duplications, large-scale individual gene duplications, or some combination of these—is unclear. Gene families with a single invertebrate member but four vertebrate members, such as the Hox clusters, provided early support for Ohno's hypothesis that two rounds of genome duplication (the 2R-model) occurred in the stem lineage of extant vertebrates. However, despite extensive study, the duplication history of the Hox clusters has remained unclear, calling into question its usefulness in resolving the role of large-scale gene or genome duplications in early vertebrates. Here, we present a phylogenetic analysis of the vertebrate Hox clusters and several linked genes (the Hox “paralogon”) and show that different phylogenies are obtained for Dlx and Col genes than for Hox and ErbB genes. We show that these results are robust to errors in phylogenetic inference and suggest that these competing phylogenies can be resolved if two chromosomal crossover events occurred in the ancestral vertebrate. These results resolve conflicting data on the order of Hox gene duplications and the role of genome duplication in vertebrate evolution and suggest that a period of genome reorganization occurred after genome duplications in early vertebrates.
Magnetically orientable phospholipid bilayers containing small amounts of a bile salt analogue, CHAPSO

Buffered mixtures of the detergent 3-(cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPSO) and dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) orient in the presence of a strong magnetic field over a wide range of water contents (at least 65–85%) and CHAPSO:DMPC molar ratios (typically 1:10–1:3). 31P NMR studies show that the phospholipid in such mixtures is oriented with its director axis perpendicular to the magnetic field. 31P and 2H NMR results also suggest that the structure and dynamics of the DMPC molecules are similar to that of pure phospholipids existing in the liquid crystalline (L alpha) bilayer phase. The ability of 1:5 CHAPSO:DMPC samples to orient is highly tolerant of large changes in temperature, pH, and ionic strength, as well as to the addition of substantial amounts of charged amphiphiles or soluble protein. However, 2H NMR studies of deuterated beta-dodecyl melibiose (DD-MB) solubilized in the system indicate the head group conformation and/or dynamics of this glycolipid analogue is dependent upon the CHAPSO concentration. Despite the latter results, the orientational versatility of the system, together with the nondenaturing properties of CHAPSO, makes this system useful in spectroscopic studies of membrane-associated phenomena.
Free software and the economics of information justice

Claims about the potential of free software to reform the production and distribution of software are routinely countered by skepticism that the free software community fails to engage the pragmatic and economic `realities' of a software industry. We argue to the contrary that contemporary business and economic trends definitively demonstrate the financial viability of an economy based on free software. But the argument for free software derives its true normative weight from social justice considerations: the evaluation of the basis for a software economy should be guided by consideration of the social and cultural states which are the ultimate goals of any economic arrangement. That is, the software economy should be evaluated in light of its ability to provide justice. We conclude with a discussion of possible avenues for reform.
Solidification of a binary mixture saturating an inclined bed of packed spheres

Abstract In this paper, an experimental study is reported for the problem of freezing of a binary mixture (water and NH 4 Cl) saturating an inclined bed of spheres. Two different beds consisting of spheres with markedly different thermal conductivities (glass and steel) were studied. The effect of the inclination angle of the bed with respect to the gravity vector, on the temperature field in the bed and on the interface shape between the solid and the mixed phase regions, was determined. Engineering correlations are reported for the dependence of the volume of the completely frozen region on time for both the steel-bead bed and the glass-bead bed for representative initial concentrations.
The Self‐Conscious Emotions: How are they Experienced, Expressed, and Assessed?

The self-conscious emotions (e.g., embarrassment, guilt, pride, shame) are a special class of emotions that critically involve the self, including the capacity to form stable self-representations and to evaluate oneself relative to internal and external standards. In this article, we summarize five areas of recent research on self-conscious emotions: (a) the cognitive elicitors, or causal appraisals, that generate them; (b) their non-verbal expressions; (c) the underlying neural processes; (d) the degree to which their experience and expression varies across cultures; and (e) the measures that have been developed to assess them. In each section, we provide recommendations for future research directions.
Behavioral factors related to elderly alcohol abuse: research and policy issues

Although researchers have provided valuable descriptions of samples of older problem drinkers and have discussed possible causes of and treatments for alcohol abuse among the aged, important questions remain. Risk factors associated with the onset of alcohol abuse in later life have not yet been clearly identified. Practitioners and researchers serving this population in the future will require a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and needs of older clients experiencing alcohol-related problems. This paper reviews the existing literature with regard to elderly alcohol abuse and outlines future directions for research activity.
Financial Forecasting with Gompertz Multiple Kernel Learning

Financial forecasting is the basis for budgeting activities and estimating future financing needs. Applying machine learning and data mining models to financial forecasting is both effective and efficient. Among different kinds of machine learning models, kernel methods are well accepted since they are more robust and accurate than traditional models, such as neural networks. However, learning from multiple data sources is still one of the main challenges in the financial forecasting area. In this paper, we focus on applying the multiple kernel learning models to the multiple major international stock indexes. Our experiment results indicate that applying multiple kernel learning to the financial forecasting problem suffers from both the short training period problem and non-stationary problem. Therefore we propose a novel multiple kernel learning model to address the challenge by introducing the Gompertz model and considering a non-linear combination of different kernel matrices. The experiment results show that our Gompertz multiple kernel learning model addresses the challenges and achieves better performance than the original multiple kernel learning model and single SVM models.
A hierarchical Bayesian non-linear spatio-temporal model for the spread of invasive species with application to the Eurasian Collared-Dove

The spread of invasive species is a long studied subject that garners much interest in the ecological research community. Historically the phenomenon has been approached using a purely deterministic mathematical framework (usually involving differential equations of some form). These methods, while scientifically meaningful, are generally highly simplified and fail to account for uncertainty in the data and process, of which our knowledge could not possibly exist without error. We propose a hierarchical Bayesian model for population spread that accommodates data sources with errors, dependence structures between population dynamics parameters, and takes into account prior scientific understanding via non-linear relationships between model parameters and space-time response variables. We model the process (i.e., the bird population in this case) as a Poisson response with spatially varying diffusion coefficients as well as a logistic population growth term using a common reaction-diffusion equation that realistically mimics the ecological process. We focus the application on the ongoing invasion of the Eurasian Collared-Dove.
Optimization techniques for stochastic dynamic programming

Supercomputer optimizations for a computational method of solving stochastic dynamic programming problems are presented. The computational method is valid for a general class of optimal control problems that are nonlinear dynamic systems perturbed by general Markov noise in continuous time, i.e., nonsmooth Gaussian, as well as jump Poisson, noise. Optimization techniques for vector multiprocessors or vectorizing supercomputers include advanced data structures, loop restructuring, and compiler directives. These advanced computing techniques and supercomputing hardware help alleviate Bellman's 'curse of dimensionality' in dynamic programming computations, by permitting the solution of larger problems. >