cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discrete approximations to continuous shortest-path: application to minimum-risk path planning for groups of UAVs

This paper addresses the weighted anisotropic shortest-path problem on a continuous domain, i.e., the computation of a path between two points that minimizes the line integral of a cost-weighting function along the path. The cost-weighting depends both on the instantaneous position and direction of motion. We propose an algorithm for the computation of shortest-path that reduces the problem to an optimization over a finite graph. This algorithm restricts the search to paths formed by the concatenation of straight-line segments between points, from a suitably chosen discretization of the continuous region. To maximize efficiency, the discretization of the continuous region should not be uniform. We propose a novel "honeycomb" sampling algorithm that minimizes the cost penalty introduced by discretization. The resulting path is not optimal but the cost penalty can be made arbitrarily small at the expense of increased computation. This methodology is applied to the computation of paths for groups of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) that minimize the risk of being destroyed by ground defenses. We show that this problem can be formulated as a weighted anisotropic shortest-path optimization and show that the algorithm proposed can efficiently produce low-risk paths.
Kinetic relationships between phosphate-oxygen exchange and hydrolytic cleavage of adenosine triphosphate catalyzed by myofibrils.

Abstract We studied the time course of 18O exchange between water and inorganic orthophosphate catalyzed by rat skeletal myofibrils during the hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate. A lag period of 3 to 4 min occurred, during which Pi liberated from ATP contained only the amount of 18O expected from the hydrolytic reaction. Following this lag period, an exchange of 18O between water and Pi was noted, the rate of this exchange paralleled the rate of the hydrolysis of ATP. The lag period was eliminated in the presence of 1,2-bis(2-dicarboxy methylaminoethoxy)ethane. An exchange of 18O between water and Pi of the medium was detectable in the absence of ATP and, during ATP hydrolysis, at high concentrations of medium Pi (above 30 mm). The predominant exchange reaction observed is one occurring between water and an intermediate in the hydrolysis of ATP by myofibrils. The lag in 18O exchange may be related to the formation of an activated myosin-phosphate intermediate.
Random geometric graph diameter in the unit disk with l p metric

Let n be a positive integer, λ>0 a real number, and 1≤ p≤ ∞. We study the unit disk random geometric graphGp(λ,n), defined to be the random graph on n vertices, independently distributed uniformly in the standard unit disk in ${\mathbb R}^2$, with two vertices adjacent if and only if their lp-distance is at most λ. Let $\lambda=c\sqrt{\ln n/n}$, and let ap be the ratio of the (Lebesgue) areas of the lp- and l2-unit disks. Almost always, Gp(λ,n) has no isolated vertices and is also connected if c>ap−−1/2, and has $n^{1-a_pc^2}(1+o(1))$ isolated vertices if c<ap−−1/2. Furthermore, we find upper bounds (involving λ but independent of p) for the diameter of Gp(λ,n), building on a method originally due to M. Penrose.
Court Review of Labor Arbitration Awards after the Supreme Court's Eastern Coal Decision

This article addresses the law concerning judicial review of arbitrators' decisions. Courts may become involved in the arbitration process at various stages in the dispute resolution process. It is the responsibility of courts for example, to determine whether a union and employer have agreed to arbitration. The author reviews the Supreme Court's decision in Eastern Assoc. Coal Corp. v. United Mine Workers where it considered the parameters of judicial power to set aside arbitration award on the basis that they violated public policy.
Defect Engineering of Samples for Non‐Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Ultrasound Testing

Defect engineered, samples were successfully fabricated by introducing hollow polymer spheres into the bulk of pressed Al 2 O 3 samples. The polymer spheres burned out at ∼525°C during sintering of the samples at 1600°C for three hours. An ultrasound C-scan system was used to nondestructively image the spherical pores within the matrix by gating several regions of the bulk and detecting large attenuation changes in the sample. The C-scans revealed different spherical pore distributions for three different gated thickness regions within the bulk. Microscopy was used to evaluate the cross-section of one of the defect engineered samples, and spherical pores were located, confirming the presence of the engineered defects and adding legitimacy to the results of the ultrasound C-scan study.
The Effect of SNR Structure on Non-Equilibrium X-Ray Spectra

A technique is presented for characterizing the ionization structure and consequent thermal x-ray emission of a SNR when non-equilibrium ionization effects are important. The technique allows different theoretical SNR models to be compared and contrasted rapidly in advance of detailed numerical computations. In particular it is shown that the spectrum of a Sedov remnant can probably be applied satisfactorily in a variety of SNR structures, including the reverse shock model advocated by Chevalier (1982) for Type I SN, the isothermal similarity solution of Solinger, Rappaport and Buff (1975), and various inhomogenous or ‘messy’ structures.
Enzymatic synthesis of cytidine diphosphate 3,6-dideoxyhexoses. V. Partial purification of the two protein components required for introduction of the 3-deoxy group.

Abstract Two protein fractions, designated E1 and E3, which are required for the TPNH-dependent reduction of cytidine diphosphate 4-keto-6-deoxy-d-glucose to an intermediate (presumed to be CDP-4-keto-3,6-dideoxy-d-glucose) have been partially purified from extracts of Pasteurella pseudotuberculosis 25 VO and Salmonella typhimurium LT-2. These fractions are free of thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase. Both proteins are required, and no partial reaction has been observed under various conditions in the presence of either protein fraction alone. A mutant of S. typhimurium which cannot synthesize CDP-abequose was found to be missing E1. Some preliminary observations regarding the mechanism of the reaction are described and have been discussed.
Children and Libraries in the Golden State

Californian Bessie Condos Egan relates the fascinating story of children and youth services and family literacy in the libraries of the nation's most complex and multicultural state. By exploring the demographical breakup of California, Egan outlines the problems that come along with rapid growth along with the areas that need attention in regards to children's literacy services.
Dynamic optimization of cutoff grade in underground metal mining

In order to maximize the overall economic gain from a metal mine operation, selection of cutoff grades must consider two important aspects: the time value of money and the spatial variation of the grade distribution in the deposit. That is, cutoff grade selection must be dynamic with respect to both time and space. A newly developed method that fulfills these requirements is presented. In this method, the deposit or a portion of it under study is divided into “decision units” based on the mining method and sample data. The statistical grade distribution and the grade-tonnage relationship of each decision unit are then computed based on the samples falling in the unit. Each decision unit with its grade-tonnage relationship is considered as a stage in a dynamic programming scheme and the problem is solved by applying a forward dynamic programming based algorithm with an objective function of maximizing the overall net present value (NPV). A software package is developed for the method and applied to an underground copper mine in Africa.
Extraction of oxidized bacteriochlorophyll from illuminated photosynthetic reaction center particles

Abstract Illuminated and dark-adapted reaction center particles from Rhodopseudomonas spheroides were extracted with methanol, and the spectra of the extracts were compared. Spectra of extracts of illuminated reaction center particles showed less absorption due to bacteriochlorophyll than did spectra of extracts of dark-adapted reaction center particles. The lost absorption in extracts of illuminated reaction center particles was restored by the addition of ascorbate. This showed that these extracts contained oxidized bacteriochlorophyll which could be rereduced in vitro . The spectrum of the restored absorption was different from that of the original bacteriochlorophyll, indicating that an alteration of the oxidized bacteriochlorophyll had taken place. This apparent alteration may have been due to the presence of the detergent lauryl-dimethylamine oxide in the extracts. However, equilibration of the protein with this detergent may have been a requirement for the extraction of photooxidized bacteriochlorophyll.
391 GENTAMICIN THERAPY IN PREMATURE NEONATES: DOSAGE INTERVAL (DI) BASED ON GESTATIONAL AGE (GA)

Peak gentamicin serum concentrations (GSC) of 4-12 mcg/ml and trough concentrations < 2 mcg/ml are recommended for effective therapy without toxicity. Currently recommended gentamicin dosage regimens for premature neonates within the first week of life have a significant incidence of toxic or subtherapeutic GSC. In a previous study by the authors using a standard regimen with fixed DI, an inverse linear correlation was found between peak and trough GSC and GA. A new gentamicin dosage regimen was formulated based on this correlation using a one-compartment pharmacokinetic model. This regimen consists of a 3.5 mg/kg dose given at a DI which is inversely related to GA: DI = 50.5 - 0.76 GA. This regimen is designed to yield peak and trough GSC of 8.0 mcg/ml and 1.5 mcg/ml, respectively, in premature infants, irrespective of GA. To test this new regimen, 32 premature neonates were studied within the first week of life. Mean GA was 31.4 weeks (range 25-36); mean birth weight was 1675 grams (range 570-2900). Mean peak and trough GSC (± SD) were 7.0 ± 1.17 mcg/ml and 1.1 ± 0.26 mcg/ml, respectively. All GSC were within the recommended range. This is the lowest incidence of inappropriate GSC in any series reported in the literature. Serial peak and trough GSC did not vary significantly in individual patients during the first 4 days of therapy. The previously observed correlation between GSC and GA was lost with this regimen. We conclude that relating DI to GA in this fashion is a simple and effective way of achieving optimal peak and trough GSC in premature infants of various GAs.
Self-Reciprocal Irreducible Polynomials Over Finite Fields

We classify monic self-reciprocal irreducible polynomials over finite fields in terms of their orders. We also study the weights of these polynomials.
Psychological Influences of Individuals with Cancer in Remission

We conducted a qualitative research study, interviewing 25 cancer survivors regarding their personal constructs of coping and adjustment of having cancer in remission. Two themes emerged from the data. One was that participants spoke of desires to engage each day with a carpe diem attitude. They shared numerous accounts of how life’s brevity became an experienced reality for them, and they wished to capitalize on what life offered daily. Second, the cancer survivors related deliberate alterations of their daily habits. Health became a more paramount concern for these individuals; and eating habits, sun exposure, exercise, and other similar measures were infused into new daily routines. We relate the findings to the broader psychological literature regarding coping, handling anxiety, and integrating physical and psychological health.
High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of aniline in arsanilic acid and sodium arsanilate

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for assaying aniline in arsanilic acid using an internal standard (7-hydroxycoumarin) was developed. Separation by HPLC was achieved in less than 20 min on a reversed-phase column (μbondapak C 18 .) using acetonitrile—water (10:90) as the mobile phase and ultraviolet detection at 235 nm. The method was applied to detect trace levels of aniline in arsanilic acid and sodium arsanilate used to medicate feed. The aniline content of arsanilic acid ranged from 0.1 to 0.2% (0.1–0.2 ppm equivalent in complete feed), and none was detected in sodium arsanilate. The HPLC method is rapid and accurate, and is capable of monitoring trace levels (5 ng) of aniline in arsanilic acid used to prepare medicated feed.
Radiographic Alignment of Unstable Distal Radius Fractures Fixed With 1 or 2 Rows of Screws in Volar Locking Plates

Purpose We tested the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the change in volar tilt of the articular surface of the distal radius on lateral radiographs obtained before suture removal and 3 months or more after surgical fracture fixation when 1 or 2 rows of screws are used in the distal part of a volar locked plate. Methods We retrospectively identified 364 consecutive patients with a distal radius fracture treated by 2 surgeons with open reduction and volar locked plate fixation between 2007 and 2011 at our institution. A manually case-matched design with one-to-one matching of 2 different strategies for screws in the distal part of the plate (1 row versus 2 rows) on the basis of sex, AO type, presence of dorsal comminution, ulna fracture, mechanism of injury, and age (± 8 y) resulted in a group of 34 pairs, 68 total fractures. Radiographic alignment was measured before suture removal and 3 months or more after surgery. Results The change in volar tilt of the articular surface was −1.2° in the 1-row group and −0.9° in the 2-row group, which was not significantly different. The secondary displacement of radial inclination and ulnar variance were likewise small and not statistically significant. Conclusions We found no advantage of 2 rows of distal screws over a single row of screws with respect to maintenance of achieved restoration of volar angulation after volar locked plate fixation of AO type A and C fractures of the distal radius. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.
Measurements of the interfacial fracture energy of thermal barrier coatings

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) have been extensively used in aircraft engines for improved durability and performance for more than 15 years. In this study, chevron-notched sandwich specimens proposed recently by Shaw are chosen for the study of the interfacial fracture energy of TBCs. The specimen of this kind has been successfully used to quantify the fracture energy of TBCs. The specimen of this kind has been successfully used to quantify the fracture energy of several metal/oxide and metal/silicide interfaces. The main advantages of this test specimen are: (1) it provides a rigorous fracture mechanics quantification for the bimaterial interface; (2) the fracture energy obtained arises mainly from the chemical bonding at the interface; (3) the test specimen is easy to fabricate (either diffusion or adhesive bonding), and the test is easy to implement (e.g., neither fatigue precracking nor crack length monitoring is needed); (4) no special compliance calibration of specimens is necessary because previously developed compliance calibrations for homogeneous materials can be utilized directly; (5) the test specimen is suitable for the fracture energy measurement of a single interface as well as for interfacial regions composed of several discrete interfaces, which is often the case for TBCs; and (6) themore » test method allows the interfacial fracture energy of TBCs to be found independent of the poorly characterized TBCs' elastic modulus as to which there is great uncertainty (e.g., the modulus in tension may be different then in compression). As will be shown in this study, all the aforementioned advantages are maintained for TBCs. Furthermore, the failure location using the chevron notched sandwich specimen duplicates the service failure mode. Thus, the data obtained can be utilized directly for lifetime prediction modeling.« less
Serum beta — Lipoproteins: studies in a patient and in guinea pigs after the ingestion of organophosphorus compounds

A patient admitted to this hospital with Parathion poisoning had a marked reduction in serum cholinesterase activity and concentration of low density lipoprotein. The enzyme and the lipoprotein levels returned to normal with clinical recovery. Guinea pigs treated with phospholine iodide showed depressed levels of serum cholinesterase and beta-lipoprotein. It is suggested that the decrease in beta-lipoproteins is due to the decrease in cholinesterase activity.
Accelerator mass spectrometry of 36Cl, 129I and 187Os

The accelerator mass spectrometry program at Rochester is at present based on measurements of the long-lived radioisotopes 36 Cl and 129 I, and on the determination of osmium isotope ratios in sub-ppb level samples. This paper describes the present configuration of the instrument and some recent results.
Synthesis, Structures, and Olefin Polymerization Behavior of Sterically Crowded Tris(pyrazolyl)borate Zirconium and Hafnium Complexes

The synthesis, molecular structures, and olefin polymerization behavior of the sterically crowded tris(pyrazolyl)borate complexes TpMsZrCl3 (2a; TpMs = HB(3-mesitylpyrazolyl)3-), TpMs*ZrCl3 (2b; Tp...
Stepsize selection in continuation procedures and damped Newton's method

In this work we explore the relation of the problem of satisfying a sufficient decrease criterion in a damped Newton's method to the problem of stepsize selection for continuation methods. We show that there is a strong connection between the two, and that standard line search techniques used for computing damping parameters have direct application to the stepsize selection problem. The performance of the resulting continuation technique is demonstrated for several standard example problems.
Do individuals with a severe mental illness experience greater alcohol and drug-related problems? A test of the supersensitivity hypothesis

The supersensitivity hypothesis posits that individuals with a severe mental illness (i.e., schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; SMI) are more likely to be diagnosed with a substance abuse as opposed to a substance dependence diagnosis, and experience greater negative consequences associated with substance use at lower levels of consumption, as compared with non-SMI substance abusers. This is the first known study to test this hypothesis with a control group of non-SMI substance abusing individuals. Forty-two individuals with only a substance use disorder (SUD-only) and 53 dually diagnosed individuals (DD) were compared on measures of substance use, alcohol and drug dependence, negative consequences, substance use outcome expectancies, and motivation for change. A third group of SMI-only individuals (i.e., no SUD; n=35) were also recruited and all three groups were compared on psychological symptoms. Substance use, negative consequences, substance use outcome expectancies, motivation for change, and severity of alcohol and drug dependence were not found to differ significantly between the DD and SUD-only groups. However, the DD group had significantly greater levels of psychological symptoms, as compared with the SMI-only and SUD-only groups. Overall, this study does not provide support for the supersensitivity hypothesis.
Tumor-mediated immunosuppression: Prevention by inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis☆

Abstract The addition of MC16 tumor cells (a prostaglandin E2-producing cell line induced in C57B1/6J mice by methylcholanthrene) to cultures of normal syngeneic spleen cells inhibits the antibody response of these cells to sheep red blood cells. This inhibition can be blocked by adding to the cultures prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, such as indomethacin, flufenamic acid and aspirin. These MC16 tumor cells are also immunosuppressive in vivo . Mice bearing the syngeneic MC16 tumor become unresponsive to sheep red blood cells as the tumor grows. As in the in vitro test system, inhibitors of prostaglandin synthetases seem to block the immunosuppressive activity of MC16 cells in vivo since tumor-bearing mice, treated therapeutically with indomethacin, responded normally in their production of antibody to sheep red blood cells.
Stable Isotope Ecology of a Late Miocene Population of Gomphotherium productus (Mammalia, Proboscidea) from Port of Entry Pit, Oklahoma, USA

Abstract The stable carbon and oxygen isotope compositions of serial samples of enamel from tusks of Gomphotherium productus (Mammalia, Proboscidea) from Port of Entry Pit, Oklahoma (early Hemphillian North American Land Mammal Age, ca. 7.5 Ma), were measured to examine intra-annual and interannual variation. Sample series from each of six tusks spanned approximately one year of tusk growth. Carbon isotope compositions range from −11.3 to −9.2‰ (VPDB) and exhibit no pattern of seasonal variation, indicating the diet of gomphotheres at Port of Entry Pit was dominated by C3 vegetation throughout the year. Phosphate oxygen isotope composition (δ18Op) ranges from 18.9 to 22.2‰ (VSMOW); carbonate oxygen isotope composition (δ18Oc) ranges from 26.1 to 30.1‰ (VSMOW). None of the tusks exhibit seasonal variation in δ18O, and the average within-tusk range in δ18Op is 1.7‰. Neither the fluorine composition of the specimens nor the relationship between δ18Op and δ18Oc values from splits of the same samples suggest s...
Sex, Behavior, and Teacher Expectancies

A variety of personal characteristics have been shown to be influential in teacher-student relationships. The sex of the child as well as the appropriateness of his behavior were the factors evaluated in this study. An analysis of the results indicated that sex-inappropriate behavior was viewed less favorably than sex-appropriate behavior. A discussion of the results was presented with regard to support for previous studies and implications for future research.
Response to Group-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Older Adults with Bipolar Disorder

Abstract Older adults with bipolar disorder have received considerably less attention than other age groups. Much of what is known and utilized for treatment of bipolar disorder in older adults is based on data extrapolated from adults with pharmacological intervention often being indicated as the treatment of choice. However, it has been well established that adults with bipolar disorder can benefit from structured psychosocial interventions such as cognitive/behavioral treatment. As a result, psychosocial interventions have been recommended as a useful adjunctive treatment in the older adult population. In our case study, we review the progress of two older adult patients, who participated in group-based cognitive behavioral therapy. It appeared that this treatment approach was quite effective in reducing both manic and depressive symptoms in these patients and helping them develop skills to cope with and manage their disorder. Our findings based on these case histories suggest that older adults are exc...
Effects of submarine groundwater discharge on the present‐day extent of relict submarine permafrost and gas hydrate stability on the Beaufort Sea continental shelf

We investigate the role of submarine groundwater discharge on the offshore temperature and salinity field and its effect on the present-day extent of submarine permafrost and gas hydrate stability on the North American Beaufort Shelf with a two-dimensional numerical model based on the finite volume method. This study finds that submarine groundwater discharge can play a large role in submarine permafrost evolution and gas hydrate stability, suggesting that local hydrology may control the evolution of submarine permafrost as strongly as does sea level or paleoclimatic conditions. Submarine permafrost evolution shows transient behavior over potentially long time scales (e.g., several glacial cycles) before a balance of density- and pressure-driven flows is established with the permeability variations imposed by the overlying permafrost layer. The “detectable” offshore permafrost extent is related to the quasi-stationary location of the saltwater-freshwater transition. Larger values of submarine groundwater discharge allow permafrost to extend farther offshore because fresh pore water preserves relict ice. Therefore, differences in the permafrost extent at locations that share similar paleoclimatic history may be explained in part by differences in the local hydrology. Gas hydrate stability on the North American Beaufort Shelf may be more widespread than currently thought because low-ice saturation, highly degraded submarine permafrost likely exists beyond the boundary detectable by common geophysical methods.
New directions in binational water resource management in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands

Abstract The onset of the 21st century sees the U.S.-Mexico border facing numerous challenges in meeting demand for water resources across a diverse set of interests, while also protecting water quality and providing for in-stream uses. This chapter surveys ongoing water resource management efforts in the border region and also examines a broad transboundary water resource management literature to identify existing innovations of note and also to offer ideas for future research. The increasing role of public participation and a democratic decision and policy making process, watershed-based approaches to transboundary water resource management, and the role of water markets are useful areas of investigation uncovered. I suggest that these concepts can form the foundation for future research efforts that may be fruitful in examining the many water resource management challenges that the region will face in the future.
The Effects of Perceptual Congruence and Sex on Subordinates' Performance Appraisals of Their Managers

In an investigation of the relationship between subordinates' perceptual congruence (SPC) and sex on subordinates' performance appraisals of their immediate managers, SPC was found to be significan...
Rituximab—A Drug with Many Facets and Cures: A Treatment for Acute Refractory Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure Secondary to Severe Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare systemic anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA-) associated granulomatous vasculitis of the small and medium sized blood vessels. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a rare life-threatening complication of GPA. In our patient, cyclophosphamide was held secondary to complications of acute kidney injury, hematuria, and concern for a possible hemorrhagic cystitis. However, during the workup for hematuria the patient acutely developed respiratory failure and was found to have DAH. The patient was initially supported with mechanical ventilation volume control mode, steroids, and plasma exchange. With no improvement of oxygenation, the mode of ventilation was changed to airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) and the patient was started on rituximab. The patient clinically improved over the next few days, was able to be extubated, and was transferred out of the intensive care unit.
Breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: how does it relate to breast cancer in African-American women?

BACKGROUND African-American women have had a lower incidence, yet higher mortality rate from breast cancer compared with White-American women. African-American women also have had a higher risk for early-onset, high-grade, node-positive, and hormone receptor-negative disease. Similar features have characterized hereditary breast cancer, prompting speculation that risk factors could be genetically transmitted. Further evaluation of this theory required the study of breast cancer among women from sub-Saharan Africa because of their shared ancestry with African-American women. METHODS Publications from 1988 to 2004 of English-language literature on breast cancer in Africa were reviewed. RESULTS Women from sub-Saharan Africa were found to have a low incidence of breast cancer. This was partly explained by a largely protective reproductive history, including late menarche, early menopause, high parity with prolonged breastfeeding, irregular menses, and fewer ovulatory cycles. The average age at diagnosis, however, was approximately 10 years younger than breast cancer patients of western nations, and disease stage distribution was shifted toward more advanced disease, which resulted in higher mortality rates. These features were found to be similar to data on breast cancer in African-American women. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 have been reported in African-American women, but the extent of the contribution of BRCA1 and BRCA2 to breast cancer burden in Africa was uncertain. Limited financial resources lead to suboptimal cancer data collection, as well as delayed diagnosis and treatment of many African breast cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS Parallels between breast cancer burdens of African-American and sub-Saharan–African women were provocative, indicating the need for further exploration of possible genetically transmitted features related to estrogen metabolism and/or breast cancer risk. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
FURTHER STUDIES OF THE STIMULATION OF DNA SYNTHESIS IN CULTURES OF SPLEEN CELL SUSPENSIONS BY HOMOLOGOUS CELLS IN INBRED STRAINS OF MICE AND RATS

The early proliferative response previously demonstrated in rabbits has now been shown to follow the mixing of spleen cell suspensions from 2 inbred strains of mice or rats. The size of the response is comparable to that seen in cells from hyperimmune animals exposed to antigen in vitro . Autoradiographs of cells from stimulated cultures showed 1 to 4 per cent of the total population had incorporated thymidine. Modifications in the conditions necessary for the culture of mice and rat spleen cell suspensions and the measurement of thymidine incorporation are described. No responses were observed in isologous mixes. The responses obtained on mixing individual pairs of spleens from different strains showed relatively little variation. Responses were obtained in all of the 21 possible combinations between 7 inbred strains of mice. Responses were obtained when parental cells were mixed with their F1 hybrids. Analysis of these responses showed that, in every case, parental-F1 hybrid responses were less intense than those between the 2 parents. It was shown that there was no inherent defect in the ability of the hybrid cells to respond when mixed with an unrelated strain. The results suggested that the hybrid cells made no response to the parent cells although this was not conclusively established. This has been taken as circumstantial evidence that the response is immunological in nature. The significance of the vigor of the response and the large fraction of the immunologically competent cells that take part is discussed.
Proposed Gas Turbine Procurement Standard, Rating and Performance

It has been difficult for users to compare gas turbines produced by different manufacturers due to different approaches used in specifying terms and operating modes. This paper describes standard ratings and commonly used performance indicators, the dependence of these data on ambient conditions at the site of the gas turbine, and on the manner in which the machine is operated. This paper is one of a series of ASME papers (see Appendix) which present a proposed Gas Turbine Procurement Standard. Comments and suggestions would be welcomed by the authors in order to improve this material and hence result in a more usable Gas Turbine Procurement Standard.
Social Signals in Primate Orbitofrontal Cortex

Primate evolution produced an increased capacity to respond flexibly to varying social contexts as well as expansion of the prefrontal cortex. Despite this association, how prefrontal neurons respond to social information remains virtually unknown. People with damage to their orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) struggle to recognize facial expressions, make poor social judgments, and frequently make social faux pas. Here we test explicitly whether neurons in primate OFC signal social information and, if so, how such signals compare with responses to primary fluid rewards. We find that OFC neurons distinguish images that belong to socially defined categories, such as female perinea and faces, as well as the social dominance of those faces. These modulations signaled both how much monkeys valued these pictures and their interest in continuing to view them. Far more neurons signaled social category than signaled fluid value, despite the stronger impact of fluid reward on monkeys' choices. These findings indicate that OFC represents both the motivational value and attentional priority of other individuals, thus contributing to both the acquisition of information about others and subsequent social decisions. Our results betray a fundamental disconnect between preferences expressed through overt choice, which were primarily driven by the desire for more fluid, and preferential neuronal processing, which favored social computations.
Pituitary Resistance to Thyroid Hormone Syndrome Is Associated with T3 Receptor Mutants that Selectively Impair β2 Isoform Function

Resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) syndrome is an inherited inability to respond appropriately to T3 hormone. In generalized RTH, the T3 response of both the pituitary and periphery is disrupted. In pituitary (or central) RTH, the ability of the pituitary to sense (and down-regulate) elevated T3 is selectively impaired, whereas the periphery remains relatively T3 responsive, resulting in peripheral thyrotoxicity. Both forms of disease are linked to mutations in thyroid hormone receptor (TR)-β. TRβ is expressed by alternate mRNA splicing as two isoforms: TRβ2, found primarily in the pituitary/hypothalamus, and TRβ1, expressed broadly in many tissues. We report here that the wild-type TRβ2 isoform displays an enhanced T3 response relative to the TRβ1 isoform. Mutations associated with generalized RTH (P453S, G345S) impair both TRβ2 and TRβ1 function proportionally, whereas mutations associated with pituitary-specific RTH (R338L, R338W, R429Q) disproportionately disrupt TRβ2 function. We propose that in the...
Filamentary Loop Systems and Spontaneous Current Sheets in the Solar Corona

The solar coronal plasma is too hot and too highly conducting thermally to be static in the absence of powerful inward forces. Sufficiently strong and closed magnetic field configurations do, however, contain the plasma in the low corona in spite of its high temperature. Very many of these closed loop structures, with greatly varying physical characteristics, coexist in quasi-static mutual equilibrium in the corona. We model three-dimensional (3D) loop systems by horizontally stacking many diverse loops into a 3D equilibrium solution, where individual loops are separated from each other by tangential discontinuities. Simulated narrowband filter images of this solution reproduce the filamentary appearance of loop systems familiar from observations. A simple 3D time-dependent model of horizontal shearing motions is also presented. We then investigate the dissipation and field reconnection across these tangential discontinuities that must form spontaneously in coronal magnetic fields. The postdiffusion dynamics are dictated by the outward cross-field gas pressure gradient forces, which are increasing functions of pressure and temperature. Thus, in isothermal systems a net plasma outflow results from each field diffusion, while in nonisothermal systems relatively hot loops tend to expand as a result of field diffusion processes, which may allow hot plasma ultimately to escape into the solar wind. Accompanying cool downflows predicted by the calculations may be identified with observed persistent mass downflows in active region loops in cool coronal lines. In addition, current sheet dissipation in a sheared loop system may create field-aligned counterflow patterns in neighboring loops, a phenomenon that has also been observed.
Automatic modulation classification using zero crossing

A modulation recogniser that automatically reports modulation types of constant-envelope modulated signals is developed using zero-crossing techniques. The zero-crossing sampler, as a signal conditioner, has the advantage of providing accurate phase transition information over a wide dynamic frequency range. Signal parameters such as zero-crossing variance, carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) and carrier frequency are estimated. Phase difference and zero-crossing interval histograms play the role of features for modulation recognition. The classifier performance is given in the form of a confusion matrix. The simulation results obtained demonstrate that a reasonable average probability of correct classification is achievable for CNR ≥ 15 dB.
A Note on a Bridged-T Network

A bridged-T network previously employed for the measurement of resistance is analyzed, and is shown to be useful as the frequency-determining element of a resistance-tuned oscillator. The resistance-capacitance form of the network permits a wide tuning range and simple switching between ranges, while the resistance-inductance network suggests the possibility of building an oscillator having decade frequency dials. With both forms of the network a moderate value of equivalent Q can be obtained, which is desirable for accuracy and stability of frequency calibration.
Intraluminal Antibiotic Treatment of Central Venous Catheter Infections in Patients Receiving Parenteral Nutrition at Home

We carried out an open, uncontrolled, prospective study to evaluate intraluminal antibiotic therapy for bloodstream infections arising from subcutaneously tunneled central venous catheters in patients receiving parenteral nutrition therapy at home. Seven bacterial infections were treated with intraluminal antibiotics (mean duration, 8.6 days) sometimes accompanied by systemic antibiotics (mean duration, 2.1 days). All seven infections were cured. Two infections caused by Candida species were treated with intraluminal amphotericin B. Fungal infections was suppressed during treatment but later relapsed, as confirmed by pulsed field DNA electrophoresis typing of bloodstream isolates. The concentration of antibiotic was assayed in intraluminal fluid from catheters of patients receiving treatment with vancomycin or gentamicin. The concentration was initially approximately 5 mg/mL, and it remained at > or = 2.5 mg/mL throughout the period that the solution was locked in the catheter. Our findings show that intraluminal therapy is effective against selected bacterial infections and can suppress fungal infections in subcutaneously tunneled catheters.
Noninvasive diagnostic features of partial absence of the pericardium.

Abstract Congenital absence of the pericardium usually involves the left side of the heart, and may be partial or complete. This condition is usually an incidental finding on a chest xray, in the operating room or at autopsy.1 Patients are generally asymptomatic, but dyspnea, syncope or atypical chest pain can occur.2,3 Much more rarely, sudden death may ensue if the left atrium or ventricle incarcerates through a partial defect.4 Surgical repair is therefore generally recommended when a partial pericardial defect is diagnosed. We report the case of an asymptomatic patient in whom the diagnosis was suggested radiographically and confirmed by cross-sectional echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging. The findings on cross-sectional echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging are compared with cineangiography.
Experimental and predicted pressure and heating distributions for an Aeroassist Flight Experiment vehicle in air at Mach 10

The Aeroassisted Flight Experiment vehicle for whose scale model pressure and heat-transfer rate distributions have been measured in air at Mach 10 is a 60-deg elliptic cone, raked off at a 73-percent angle, with an ellipsoid nose and a skirt added to the base of the rake plane to reduce heating. The predictions of both an inviscid flow-field code and a Navier-Stokes solver are compared with measured values. Good agreement is obtained in the case of pressure distributions; the effect of Reynolds number on heat-transfer distributions is noted to be small.
Biventricular remodeling in murine models of right ventricular pressure overload.

Right ventricular (RV) failure is a major cause of mortality in acute or chronic lung disease and left heart failure. The objective of this study was to demonstrate a percutaneous approach to study biventricular hemodynamics in murine models of primary and secondary RV pressure overload (RVPO) and further explore biventricular expression of two key proteins that regulate cardiac remodeling: calcineurin and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1).
Thermofluid modeling and experiments for free surface flows of low-conductivity fluid in fusion systems

Abstract The paper summarizes results of experimental and theoretical studies related to the flow of liquids with a free surface and poor electrical and thermal conductivity, such as molten salts, under conditions relevant to fusion energy systems. These results have been obtained over last several years when developing the liquid wall concept as a part of the APEX project [M.A. Abdou, The APEX TEAM, On the exploration of innovative concepts for fusion chamber technology, Fusion Eng. Des. 54 (2001) 181–247]. As a theoretical tool a modified K – ɛ model of turbulence coupled with the Navier–Stokes equations written in the thin-shear-layer approximation is used for studying wavy, turbulent flows in a spanwise magnetic field. The experimental part covers current results for supercritical flows in regimes transitional from “weak” to “strong” turbulence, which are expected to occur in the reference liquid wall flows. The paper also describes on-going work on novel schemes of heat transfer promotion and current directions for direct numerical simulation.
Transfer and adsorption steps affecting partial hydrogenation of triglyceride oils

The numerous transfer, adsorption and true hydrogenation steps which occur during the partial hydrogenation of triglyceride oils are reviewed and discussed. Transfer steps involve the transfer or diffusion of the reactants to the catalyst surface and possibly also into the pores of the catalyst. In addition, the reaction products must then also be transferred back to the main body of the triglyceride oil. Such reaction products include not only the saturated groups (formed by the hydrogenation of the unsaturated groups) but also the geometrical and positional isomers of the original unsaturated groups. Once an unsaturated group reaches the catalyst surface, it is generally assumed that it is adsorbed on the catalyst. Polyunsaturated fatty groups are however preferentially adsorbed relative to monounsaturated fatty groups. The overall kinetics of hydrogenation affects the relative ratio of the adsorption of the polyunsaturated to the monounsaturated groups at the catalyst surface. Transfer and adsorption steps frequently, if not always, are the critical steps in controlling the degree of isomerization and selectivity of reactions in the partial hydrogenation process. Additional information is still needed relative to these steps but the general trends which occur are discussed.
Receptor for the group B coxsackieviruses and adenoviruses: CAR.

Considerable progress towards the characterisation of the long-sought receptor, CAR (coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor), shared by group B coxsackieviruses (CVB) and most adenoviruses (Ad) has been made since it was isolated and cloned in 1997. The primary sequence of CAR shows that it is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of proteins, containing two Ig superfamily domains: an amino-terminal V-like module and a C2-like module. The CAR cytoplasmic domain, representing nearly one-third of the protein, is separated from the C2-like module by a single membrane-spanning sequence. The structure of the CAR V-like module complexed with the Ad fibre knob has been determined using recombinant proteins, and reveals three CAR modules associated with a single knob. Although recombinant CAR expressed in mammalian cells confers permissivity to CVB infection, details of the interaction between CAR and CVB remain to be elucidated. The expression of CAR appears to be highly regulated with respect to both cell type and developmental age. In rodents, CAR is expressed at high levels just before birth, and declines thereafter. Expressed levels have been found to increase in regenerating muscle and in response to immunological mediators or inflammation, and in RD cells and umbilical vein endothelial cells in response to high cell density. These studies indicate that CAR expression is highly regulated, but the mechanisms and molecules that mediate the expression remain to be discovered. The physiological function of CAR and its natural ligand also remain to be discovered. In addition, while CAR expression generally correlates with viral tropism, the relationship between the physiological function of CAR and the pathologies of CVB and Ad infections remain to be described.
Comparative proteomics analysis of sarcosine insoluble outer membrane proteins from clarithromycin resistant and sensitive strains of Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori causes disease manifestations in humans including chronic gastric and peptic ulcers, gastric cancer, and lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Increasing rates of H. pylori clarithromycin resistance has led to higher rates of disease development. Because antibiotic resistance involves modifications of outer membrane proteins (OMP) in other Gram-negative bacteria, this study focuses on identification of H. pylori OMP’s using comparative proteomic analyses of clarithromycin-susceptible and -resistant H. pylori strains. Comparative proteomics analyses of isolated sarcosine-insoluble OMP fractions from clarithromycin-susceptible and -resistant H. pylori strains were performed by 1) one dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis protein separation and 2) in-gel digestion of the isolated proteins and mass spectrometry analysis by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Iron-regulated membrane protein, UreaseB, EF-Tu, and putative OMP were down-regulated; HopT (BabB) transmembrane protein, HofC, and OMP31 were up-regulated in clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori. Western blotting and real time PCR, respectively, validated UreaseB subunit and EF-Tu changes at the protein level, and mRNA expression of HofC and HopT. This limited proteomic study provides evidence that alteration of the outer membrane proteins’ profile may be a novel mechanism involved in clarithromycin resistance in H. pylori.