cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Right Ventricular Working Heart Preparation

An isolated working rat heart preparation was modified to study right ventricular (RV) performance. All hearts were perfused with a Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer via a Langendorff column at 90 mm Hg. Right atrial filling (preload) was varied by raising a buffer reservoir from 5 cm below to 10 cm above the right atrium while pulmonary artery outflow resistance remained fixed. RV systolic pressure and the maximum rise and decrease in pressure development (+/- dP/dt) were measured via a catheter in the RV. Cardiac output was collected with a catheter placed in the pulmonary artery. One group of hearts, monitored at a fixed preload (0 cm H2O) for 2 hr, and another group of hearts, in which two ventricular function curves were performed, demonstrated the stability and reproducibility of the preparation. Additionally, the ability of this preparation to measure changes in inotropy was studied. A negative inotropic effect was measured after verapamil (5 X 10(-8) M) treatment. Positive dP/dt showed the greatest depression (30%) and was significantly lower at every preload. A positive inotropic effect was demonstrated by reducing the buffer Ca2+ concentration to 1.9 mM for the first work curve followed by an addition of Ca2+ (2.8 mM final concentration) or ouabain (5 X 10(-5) M) for the second work curve. Again, the greatest effect was found in the dP/dt measurements (elevated by 20 and 30%, respectively). Thus, this preparation manifests qualities similar to those used in studying the left ventricle and allows investigation of various cardiac diseases which may affect RV pump function.
Modeling needs for predicting responses to CO2 enrichment: plants, communities and ecosystems

Abstract Carbon dioxide enhancement of plant growth is an important direct effect of rising atmospheric CO 2 . New or modified modeling approaches are needed to understand and predict responses of native species and ecosystems to CO 2 enrichment. As atmospheric CO 2 doubles within the next 100 years, validated models will be important tools for predicting responses such as changed productivity, altered composition of plant communities, and changes in amounts of sequestered carbon. Needs for modeling plant and ecosystem responses are discussed as part of a comprehensive plan for research of direct effects of CO 2 on vegetation. Primary needs are: (a) a level of model complexity commensurate with general ecological knowledge, one which treats principal CO 2 response functions; (b) the development of models for predicting plant, community and ecosystem responses to CO 2 , (c) an evaluation of sensitivity and uncertainty of CO 2 -dependent model parameters; and (d) validation of model predictions. A secondary need is to establish a framework for evaluating data requirements for models.
PELAGIC PHOSPHORUS METABOLISM IN ANTARCTIC WATERS1

Eleven large quantitative samples of the particulate material in Antarctic and subantarctic surface waters were obtained with a continuous flow system. Each sample was divided into those particles which were retained by a No. 20 plankton net with a pore size of about 30 p ( class I ) and those which passed through the net but were retained by a Sharples Supercentrifuge (class II ). Total phosphorus and organic nitrogen were determined on aliquots of class I and II samples, and the remaining material was chemically fractionated into acidsoluble organic phosphorus, phospholipids, orthophosphate, oligopolyanions, and ribonuclcic acid-polyphosphates. About two-thirds of the nonparticulate phosphorus was orthophosphate. From 3 to 7.5% of total phosphorus was particulate. Over half of the particulate phosphorus was in class II; “aP-phosphate experiments inclicated that these particles incorporated phosphate at least six times as rapidly as class I particles. In class II particles orthophosphate and RNA-polyphosphate constitute 80 to 85% of the total phosphorus; in class I the phospholipids are also a large fraction. RNA-polyphosphatc was the most rapidly labeled fraction from the class II particles.
Echocardiographic detection of right ventricular hypertrophy

M-mode echocardiographic right ventricular wall thickness (RVW) and diastolic right ventricular internal diameter (RVID), when above the accepted normal range (RVW less than or equal to 5 mm, RVID less than or equal to 26 mm), are frequently used clinically to predict the presence of right ventricular hypertrophy. RVID was compared to anatomic right ventricular mass (RVM) in 27 patients and to RVW in 13 patients to determine their accuracy for predicting right ventricular hypertrophy (RVM greater than 65 gm). When increased, both measurements were specific for right ventricular hypertrophy. The specificity for RVW above 5 mm was 100% and for RVID greater than 26 mm was 79%. Neither was a sensitive indicator of hypertrophy. Only 36% of those with anatomic right ventricular hypertrophy had an echocardiographically dilated ventricle, and 67% had a thickened free wall. Neither measurement proved to be an accurate predictor of RVM, with a correlation for RVW of 0.56 and for diastolic RVID of 0.19.
Modeling and measurement of interfacial area concentration in two-phase flow

Abstract This paper presents experimental and modeling approaches in characterizing interfacial structures in gas–liquid two-phase flow. For the modeling of the interfacial structure characterization, the interfacial area transport equation proposed earlier has been studied to provide a dynamic and mechanistic prediction tool for two-phase flow analysis. A state-of-the-art four-sensor conductivity probe technique has been developed to obtain detailed local interfacial structure information in a wide range of flow regimes spanning from bubbly to churn-turbulent flows. Newly obtained interfacial area data in 8 × 8 rod-bundle test section are also presented. This paper also reviews available models of the interfacial area sink and source terms and existing databases. The interfacial area transport equation has been benchmarked using condensation bubbly flow data.
Transient ovarian failure: a complication of uterine artery embolization

Abstract Objective: To report a case of transient ovarian failure shortly after arterial embolization for treatment of uterine fibroids, followed by recovery of ovarian function. Design: Case report. Setting: A university-based hospital. Patient(s): A 49-year-old woman with menorrhagia and anemia secondary to uterine fibroids and refractory to medical management. The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level on cycle day 3 before the procedure was 8.2 mIU/mL. Intervention(s): Bilateral uterine artery embolization for treatment of menorrhagia. Main Outcome Measure(s): Serum FSH level. Result(s): The patient developed amenorrhea and hot flashes 3 months after uterine artery embolization. Her serum FSH level at that time was 140.1 mIU/mL. Four months later, uterine bleeding resumed; her serum FSH level was 2.1 mIU/mL. Conclusion(s): Uterine artery embolization may hasten ovarian failure. This procedure should be reserved for women who have completed their child-bearing or are poor candidates for myomectomy. Patients should be counseled appropriately about the risk of possible ovarian failure.
Treatment of eating disorders in primary care: A systematic review

This review evaluated psychological treatments for Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder conducted in primary care. Five studies met inclusion criteria. Guided self-help cognitive-behavioral therapy via a self-help book may be a beneficial, first-line treatment for reducing binging and purging symptoms. Outcomes combining self-help with antidepressants remain unclear, although antidepressants alone may provide reduction of symptoms. High attrition and non-compliance rates among studies reviewed indicate the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance between provider and patient. Further research in primary care is needed to develop a standard of care for patients with eating disorders.
Neoclassical light – An assessment of the voyage into Hilbert space

I thank Rodger Walser and his colleagues for organizing this conference to celebrate George Sudarshan’s birthday and landmark achievements in science. It is an honor for me to be here and also a great pleasure to be back in Austin to join the chorus of the FOGS. I would like begin with a brief historical introduction and then turn to topics that we haven’t heard so much about thus far in the symposium, namely experiments in Quantum Optics. Let me remind you that blackbody radiation has had a profound impact on physics since the time of Planck. However, even in more modern times after the development of quantum mechanics and quantum electrodynamics, one really did not know how to describe the underlying field fluctuations as required for diverse interference phenomena. Emil Wolf laid critical foundations for this enterprise with his theory of classical coherence developed in collaboration with Max Born in their classic book Principles of Optics. A great challenge to the physics community was the experiment by R. H. Brown and R. Q. Twiss in 1956 [1], which led to a confusing and controversial time for photons and fields. In 1958 Leonard Mandel helped to resolve the controversy by explaining how light fluctuations are converted to photocurrents in the detection process, albeit in with a classical description of the field [2]. The confusion arose from the effort to understand, on the one hand, interference phenomena that are expressed in terms of the complex amplitude of the electromagnetic field, for which only a classical description was available. On the other hand, quantum electrodynamics had been developed based upon energy eigenstates (i.e., Fock states) with photons as quanta. It was really difficult to understand how the electric and magnetic fields behave in terms of these quantum states. For example, the expectation value of any electromagnetic field is zero in a Fock state. The confusion was compounded by the historic invention of the maser and laser and by the pressing need for quantum theories of the dynamical processes of these and other laboratory advances.
Sensitivity of Land‐Atmosphere Exchanges to Overshooting PBL Thermals in an Idealized Coupled Model

[1] The response of atmospheric carbon dioxide to a given amount of surface flux is inversely proportional to the depth of the planetary boundary layer (PBL). Overshooting thermals that entrain free tropospheric air down into the boundary layer modify the characteristics and depth of the mixed layer through the insertion of energy and mass. In addition, entrainment “dilutes” the effects of surface fluxes on scalar quantities (temperature, water vapor, carbon dioxide, etc.) in the PBL. Therefore, incorrect simulation of PBL depth can lead to linear errors in estimates of carbon dioxide fluxes in inverse models. Dilution by entrainment directly alters the surface-air gradients in scalar properties, which serve as the “driving force” for surface fluxes. In addition, changes in near-surface temperature and water vapor affect surface fluxes through physiological processes in plant canopies (e.g. stomatal conductance). Although overshooting thermals are important in the physical world, their effects are unresolved in most regional models. We explore the sensitivity of surface fluxes and PBL scalars to the intensity of PBL top entrainment by manipulating its strength in an idealized version of the coupled SiB-RAMS model. An entrainment parameterization based on the virtual potential temperature flux at the surface is implemented into SiB-RAMS to produce a warmer and drier mixed layer, to alter the surface fluxes, and to increase the depth of the PBL. These variations produce modified CO2 concentrations and vary with the strength of the parameterized entrainment.
Electrical Aspects of Adsorbing Colloid Flotation. VII. Cooperative Phenomena

Abstract Flotation is assumed to occur when a condensed film of surfactant forms on the particles to be floated, making their surfaces hydrophobic and permitting bubble attachment. This hemi-micelle formation is a cooperative phenomenon resulting from van der Waals forces between the hydrocarbon tails of the surfactant ions. The effects of temperature, ionic strength, and particle surface potential are examined by means of a statistical mechanical approach described by Fowler and Guggenheim. The effect of hemi-micelle formation at the air-water interface on the efficiency of flotation by a coulombic mechanism is also examined. Increasing temperature increases the surfactant concentration necessary for flotation; increasing ionic strength decreases this critical surfactant concentration, but also decreases the magnitude of the air-water surface potential, which decreases flotation efficiency.
Early Acadian sinistral shear in north-central Maine, USA

A previously unrecognized sinistral shear event recently has been identified in Silurian–Devonian rocks of the Millimagassett Lake region, north-central Maine, USA. This event predates the ‘classic’ Early-Mid-Devonian Acadian orogeny of the region, yet affects rocks as young as Early Devonian. The Millimagassett Lake sinistral shear zone places significant time constraints on an early phase of Acadian tectonics that may well extend throughout the northern and Newfoundland Appalachians.
Pouch enlargement and band slippage : two different entities

Pouch enlargement and band slippage are the most common late complications of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Often, confusion exists among surgeons regarding the denomination or even the treatment of these two different entities. This study aimed to establish the differences in clinical presentation, radiologic features, and management between pouch enlargement and band slippage. The authors hypothesized that pouch enlargement can be managed nonoperatively (via band deflation), that band slippage is an acute complication requiring surgical treatment, and that tailored adjustment allows earlier diagnosis of pouch enlargement in asymptomatic patients. From March 2001 to December 2004, 516 patients underwent LAGB placement. Barium swallow was performed preoperatively, postoperatively, and during band adjustments (“tailored adjustment”). Pouch enlargement was defined as dilation of the pouch, and band slippage was considered when band and stomach were prolapsed. Four radiologic types of pouch enlargement were considered: band 45°, band 45° with covering of the band, band 0°, and band smaller than 0°. A total of 1,600 barium swallows were performed with 516 patients. As a result, pouch enlargement was diagnosed for 61 patients (12%) and band slippage for 12 patients (2%). In this study, pouch enlargement was found to be a chronic complication that can be managed conservatively with a 77% success rate. Tailored adjustment allows early diagnosis of pouch enlargement, thus preventing adjustments in patients with undiagnosed pouch enlargement. Surgical treatment should be considered when medical treatment fails. By comparison, band slippage is an acute complication that requires surgical treatment in every case (100%).
Relationship between bone growth rate and hypertrophic chondrocyte volume in new zealand white rabbits of varying ages

The dynamics of longitudinal bone growth are very complex, and potential targets for control could be any one of a number of cells or physiologic processes. Previous studies have demonstrated a linear relationship between hypertrophic cell morphology and bone growth rate in various growth plates and animals. It is unclear whether this relationship varies with age or growth plate. This study tested for significant correlations between mean terminal hypertrophic cell volume and bone growth rate as a function of age and growth plate in the New Zealand White rabbit. Three male rabbits in each of five age groups (2, 3, 5, 8, and 12 weeks old) were used to analyze growth plates from the proximal femur, proximal tibia, and proximal and distal radius. With use of tetracycline labeling and stereological techniques, bone growth rates and hypertrophic chondrocyte volumes were measured. The data were stratified by age and growth plate location and were analyzed using linear regressions. Analyses of covariance were used to test for significant differences. First, there were significant differences due to age. Linear relationships between bone growth rate and hypertrophic chondrocyte volume existed only for the older age groups (all r2 > 0.8), not for the 2 or 3-week-old groups. Also, the slope of the relationship was significantly higher in 5-week-old rabbits than in the 8 and 12-week-old groups, Second, there were significant differences between species. A comparison of the rabbit data with pig and rat data in the literature showed significant differences between all three species. Third, significant differences between growth plates were found. Although hypertrophic chondrocyte volume plays an important role in bone growth, its function may be dependent on age, species, and location.
Determining soil contamination profiles from intensities of capture-gamma rays using above-surface neutron sources

Abstract Four methods are presented to estimate contaminant concentration profiles in soil from the intensities of neutron-induced capture-gamma photon intensities measured at the soil surface. In particular, the method of linear regularization with and without an iterative positivity constraint, the Backus–Gilbert method, and the maximum entropy method are applied to the soil contamination problem. Example results obtained with the four methods are given for photon intensities calculated for idealized test contaminant profiles in soil irradiated by neutron sources above the surface.
Target Practice: A Batesonian "Field" Guide for Communication Studies.

It is a general assumption of this book that both genetic change and the process called “learning” (including the somatic changes induced by habit and environment) are stochastic processes. In each case there is, I believe, a stream of events that is random in certain aspects and in each case there is a nonrandom selective process which causes certain of the random selective components to “survive” longer than others. Without the random, there can be no new thing. (1980, p. 163) I begin from a discrimination I owe to Horst Mittelstaedt, who pointed out that there are two “sorts” of methods of perfecting an adaptive act. Let us suppose that the act is the shooting of a bird. In the first case this is to be done with a rifle. The marksman will look along the sights of his rifle and will note an error in its aim. He will correct the error, perhaps creating a new error which again he will correct, until he is satisfied. He will then press the trigger and shoot. What is significant is that the act of self-correction occurs within the single act of shooting. Mittelstaedt uses the term Feedback to characterize this whole genus of methods of perfecting an adaptive act. In contrast, consider the man who is shooting a flying bird with a shotgun or who uses a revolver held under the table where he cannot correct its aim. In such cases, what must happen is that any aggregate of information is taken in through sense organs; that upon this information, computation is completed; and that upon the (approximate) result of that computation, the gun is fired…, The man who would acquire skill with a shotgun or in the art of shooting pistols under the table must practice his art again and again, shooting at skeet or some dummy target. By long practice, he must adjust the setting of his nerves and muscles so that in the critical event, he will “automatically” give an optimum performance. This genus of methods Mittelstaedt calls Calibration. (Ibid., pp. 215–216) There are subcycles of living and dying within the bigger, more enduring ecology. But what shall we say of the death of the larger system? Our biosphere? Perhaps under the eye of heaven, or Shiva, it doesn't matter. But it's the only one we know. (Ibid., p. 230)
Production of macromolecular chloramines by chlorine-transfer reactions.

Chlorination of treated wastewaters is undertaken to prevent dispersal of human pathogens into the environment. Except in well-nitrified effluents, the primary agents in chlorination, Cl2(g) or NaOCl(aq), are short-lived and quickly transfer oxidative chlorine to secondary agents (N-chloramines), which then participate in the disinfection process. Maturation of residual chlorine resulting from chlorine-transfer reactions is still poorly characterized. Using gel permeation and reversed-phase liquid chroma tography combined with a novel, oxidant-specific detector, unanticipated trends during the maturation of residual chlorine in wastewater are identified. Within 2 min after addition of NaOCl, and continuing for several hours at least, significant amounts of oxidative chlorine are transferred to secondary agents that are moderately to strongly hydrophobic and to agents that have high relative molecular masses (Mr 1300−25000). It is hypothesized that hydrophobic stabilization of organic chloramines (RNHCl°) ...
Risk Perception Issues in the use of Motorized Shoulder Belt/Manual Lap Belt Systems:

Two experiments employed surveys to address seat belt experience and use as well as perceptions of risk associated with various seat belt configurations. In Experiment 1, a questionnaire was administered to two samples: 104 students at the University of Houston and 162 volunteers at a shopping mall in Raleigh, North Carolina. of primary interest was the use of manual lap belts in motorized shoulder belt systems and reasons for their use or non use. Results showed that compared to manual three point belts, usage rates for manual lap belts in the motorized system were lower. Forgetting and traveling a short distance were frequently cited as reasons for not fastening belts. Estimates of fatalities in a head-on collision scenario indicated lap belts and shoulder belts were perceived to provide equal protection. In Experiment 2, 147 students at the University of Houston completed a follow-up questionnaire. Usage patterns were virtually the same as in Experiment 1. Estimates of likelihood to use lap belts after...
Lung Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in a Rat Model of Lung Hypoplasia and Pulmonary Hypertension

Lung Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in a Rat Model of Lung Hypoplasia and Pulmonary Hypertension
Familial benign hypercalcemia

Mild hypercalcemia was recognized in a 7-year-old boy during an evaluation for headaches. Subsequently, an additional eleven members of four generations of the family were found to have mild hypercalcemia, normal levels of immunoassayable parathyroid hormone (IPTH) during hypercalcemia, normal or low serum phosphate for age, and low urinary calcium excretion. Administration of prednisone for ten days did not decrease serum calcium values. Ionized calcium was increased proportional to the elevation of the total serum calcium. Surgical exploration of the proband revealed three histologically normal parathyroid glands and a fourth which was grossly normal, with no tumor in the anterior medastinum. Calcium infusion increased serum calcium values while IPTH leveis decreased. The persistence of normal IPTH concentration despite elevated serum total and ionized calcium values suggests an abnormality of the receptor mechanism for the calcium ion control of the secretion of parathormone by the parathyroid glands. The family pedigree indicates an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance.
β-Catenin-mediated transactivation and cell–cell adhesion pathways are important in curcumin (diferuylmethane)-induced growth arrest and apoptosis in colon cancer cells

The development of nontoxic natural agents with chemopreventive activity against colon cancer is the focus of investigation in many laboratories. Curcumin (feruylmethane), a natural plant product, possesses such chemopreventive activity, but the mechanisms by which it prevents cancer growth are not well understood. In the present study, we examined the mechanisms by which curcumin treatment affects the growth of colon cancer cells in vitro. Results showed that curcumin treatment causes p53- and p21-independent G(2)/M phase arrest and apoptosis in HCT-116(p53(+/+)), HCT-116(p53(-/-)) and HCT-116(p21(-/-)) cell lines. We further investigated the association of the beta-catenin-mediated c-Myc expression and the cell-cell adhesion pathways in curcumin-induced G(2)/M arrest and apoptosis in HCT-116 cells. Results described a caspase-3-mediated cleavage of beta-catenin, decreased transactivation of beta-catenin/Tcf-Lef, decreased promoter DNA binding activity of the beta-catenin/Tcf-Lef complex, and decreased levels of c-Myc protein. These activities were linked with decreased Cdc2/cyclin B1 kinase activity, a function of the G(2)/M phase arrest. The decreased transactivation of beta-catenin in curcumin-treated HCT-116 cells was unpreventable by caspase-3 inhibitor Z-DEVD-fmk, even though the curcumin-induced cleavage of beta-catenin was blocked in Z-DEVD-fmk pretreated cells. The curcumin treatment also induced caspase-3-mediated degradation of cell-cell adhesion proteins beta-catenin, E-cadherin and APC, which were linked with apoptosis, and this degradation was prevented with the caspase-3 inhibitor. Our results suggest that curcumin treatment impairs both Wnt signaling and cell-cell adhesion pathways, resulting in G(2)/M phase arrest and apoptosis in HCT-116 cells.
Trypanosoma lewisi: effects of immunosuppression on the serological reactivities of exoantigens and cellular antigens of bloodstream parasites.

Abstract Groups of rats were immunosuppressed with antithymocyte serum (ATS) and infected with Trypanosoma lewisi. Immunodiffusion studies were performed which demonstrated that trypanosome exoantigens, present in the plasma of these animals, were precipitated by antibodies in the sera of rats undergoing a typical primary T. lewisi infection; extracts of trypanosomes which had been collected from ATS-treated rats contained antigens which also were precipitated by antibodies in these sera. These precipitating antibodies could not be detected using either the plasma of untreated infected rats or extracts of trypanosomes which had been collected from untreated rats. With the exoantigens, precipitating antibodies were detected in serum samples collected from rats 14 to 250 days after infection. With the extract, precipitating antibodies were found as early as 5 days after infection and could be detected as late as 90 days after infection. Antigens of trypanosome extracts partially blocked the precipitin reactions between antisera and exoantigens, suggesting the presence of common antigens in the two preparations. Intact trypanosomes were serologically more reactive when collected from immunosuppressed rats. Trypanosomes collected from ATS-treated rats were agglutinated by antisera at titers fourfold higher than trypanosomes collected from untreated hosts. Absorption with exoantigens from immunosuppressed infected rats blocked trypanosome agglutination, indicating that these antigens are of cell surface origin. The experiments suggest that a likely result of immunosuppressing the host is a trypanosome antigen preparation that is a more reactive serodiagnostic reagent.
Central Transmission Time Differences in the Auditory Brainstem Response as a Function of Sex, Age, and Ear of Stimulation

Averaged auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) to monaural clicks were recorded from twenty-nine men and women and twenty children. Differences in the wave I to wave V transmission time, and wave I to wave III transmission time as a function of ear of stimulation and reference, sex, size and age were investigated. The wave I—V transmission time was shorter for the women compared to the men. Individual wave latencies were compared and the transmission time difference was found to be due to small, incremental differences between successive waves rather than to one particular wave component. Size differences, as measured by nasion-inion length and subject height, did not correlate to the transmission time difference and did not appear to contribute to the sex difference. An ear of stimulation difference was found in the women's group. The sex difference in transmission time was seen in the children's data, but the difference was not significant. Thus, sex differences, age differences, and ear of reference diff...
Analysis of heuristics for the design of tree networks

We analyze the tour partitioning heuristics for the Capacitated Minimum Spanning Tree problem. Lower bounds for the worst-case performance ratios of these heuristics are obtained by using worst-case examples. We also generalize the heuristics to the multi-center case with the same worst-case bounds.
Interactions between auditory and somatosensory feedback for voice F0 control

Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of both kinesthetic and auditory feedback for control of voice fundamental frequency (F0). In the present study, a possible interaction between auditory feedback and kinesthetic feedback for control of voice F0 was tested by administering local anesthetic to the vocal folds in the presence of perturbations in voice pitch feedback. Responses to pitch-shifted voice feedback were larger when the vocal fold mucosa was anesthetized than during normal kinesthesia. A mathematical model incorporating a linear combination of kinesthesia and pitch feedback simulated the main aspects of our experimental results. This model indicates that a feasible explanation for the increase in response magnitude with vocal fold anesthesia is that the vocal motor system uses both pitch and kinesthesia to stabilize voice F0 shortly after a perturbation of voice pitch feedback has been perceived.
An evaluation of simplified finite element models for spot-welded joints

Spot-welded joints are widely used in automobile structures. Since a typical vehicle contains several thousands of spot welds, it is often not practical in a vehicle structural analysis to model each and every spot-welded joint in detail. As such, simplified structural models have been proposed in the literature for spot-welded joints in large-scale structural computations. To be adequate, a simplified joint model must be able to produce relevant loading, stress or deformation quantities around a joint that are sufficiently accurate when compared to the results of a more refined model. To this end, the current paper describes the findings of a careful study in which several types of simplified finite element structural models for spot-welded joints are implemented with several mesh refinements and their performance is evaluated against converged three-dimensional finite element models. Various loading conditions and joint parameters are considered. The evaluation is carried out based on comparisons of the structural stiffness of the joint. A detailed error analysis is provided. It is found that most of the simplified joint models and mesh refinements have good accuracy when a joint is subjected to tension, torsion, and out-of-plane bending. However, under in-plane bending and torsion conditions, large errors are introduced even when fine meshes are used.
A comparison of low-cloud satellite wind estimates with analyses based on aircraft observations in a disturbed tropical regime

Low-level, ATS-3 satellite wind estimates are compared with values of wind direction and speed interpolated from analyses based on research aircraft observations of a synoptic tropical wave of moderate intensity on 26 July 1969 during BOMEX. The data were stratified according to whether a satellite estimate was positioned in one of three regions; namely, east or west of the wave trough or north of the disturbance center. When cloud and analysis vector magnitude deviations were computed, regional differences became apparent. These differences are attributed to the physical behavior of the cloud targets tracked under the influence of the surrounding large-scale environment.
Visibility in the southwest—An exploration of the historical data base

Abstract This paper investigates visibility in the Southwest United States by analyzing over 25 yr of airport visibility observations and more than 10 yr of NASN pariculate data. The visibility data, when subjected to careful quality checks and plotted as cumulative frequency distributions, yield results that are consistent from airport to airport and that agree with conclusions reached using data from photographic photometers and integrating nephelometers. The airport data indicate that median visibility is 30–55 miles in large urban centers of the Southwest and 65–80 miles at suburban/nonurban locations. Although still quite good, visibility has deteriorated approx 10–30% from the middle 1950's to the early 1970's at almost all of the 12 trend study sites. These decreases in visibility are equivalent to increases in extra extinction (above-and-beyond blue-sky scatter) of 20–70%. Regression models indicate that secondary aerosols (nitrates and especially sulfates) dominate extra extinction. The results of the regression models are consistent with other findings published in the literature and with fundamental principles of aerosol optics. Several of the conclusions in this paper are verified by large scale reductions in sulfates (on the order of 40–70%) and increases in visibility (on the order of 5–25%) during the 9-month, industry-wide copper strike in 1967–1968.
A conceptual and methodological model for studying dietary habits in the community

This paper presents a conceptual and methodological model to study dietary habits in the community. This effort is in response to the need to develop multi‐dimensional concepts of dietary behavior in free‐living populations and innovative methods appropriate for their study. A theoretical construct, dietary habit, is presented. After describing current methods used in both social and nutrition research, a model is suggested for integrating them in epidemiological research design to study dietary habit. This model is adapted from the sociological technique of triangulation.
Age and Sex Differences in Expectancy for Success Among American Children

Summary This study investigated expectancy for success and actual performance of 179 American boys and girls at seven, nine, and 11 years of age in a tossing task which was labeled by children as a neutral task. Children were asked to give a verbal estimate of the number of successful trials out of 10 they expected to complete. The dependent measures were expectancy scores and performance scores. Results indicated significant grade and sex differences on expectancy for success and actual performance. Generally, the findings yielded no support for the notion that sociocultural expectations regarding motor performance of females are undergoing rapid changes. The results suggest that boys still have higher expectations for success and show better performance than girls on a simple neutral motor task.
Modal parameter identification of a MEMS gyroscope

This paper reports the experimental system identification of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory microelectromechanical (MEMS) vibrational rate gyroscope. A high-order two-input/two-output transfer function for the microgyroscope is identified and mapped to a three-mode rigid plate model that reveals the orientation of important vibrational modes.
Novel Treatment for Mantle Cell Lymphoma Including Therapy-Resistant Tumor by NF-κB and mTOR Dual-Targeting Approach

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is one of the most aggressive B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas with a median survival of about five years. Currently, there is no curative therapy available for refractory MCL because of relapse from therapy-resistant tumor cells. The NF-κB and mTOR pathways are constitutively active in refractory MCL leading to increased proliferation and survival. Targeting these pathways is an ideal strategy to improve therapy for refractory MCL. Therefore, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo antilymphoma activity and associated molecular mechanism of action of a novel compound 13-197, a quinoxaline analog that specifically perturbs IκB kinase (IKK) β, a key regulator of the NF-κB pathway. 13-197 decreased the proliferation and induced apoptosis in MCL cells including therapy-resistant cells compared to control cells. Furthermore, we observed down-regulation of IκBα phosphorylation and inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation by 13-197 in MCL cells. In addition, NF-κB regulated genes such as cyclin D1, Bcl-XL and Mcl-1 were down-regulated in 13-197-treated cells. 13-197 also inhibited the phosphorylation of S6K and 4E-BP1, the downstream molecules of mTOR pathway that are also activated in refractory MCL. Further, 13-197 reduced the tumor burden in vivo in the kidney, liver, and lungs of therapy-resistant MCL bearing NOD-SCID mice compared to vehicle treated mice; indeed, 13-197 significantly increased the survival of MCL transplanted mice. Together, results suggest that 13-197 as a single agent disrupts the NF-κB and mTOR pathways leading suppression of proliferation and increased apoptosis in malignant MCL cells including reduction in tumor burden in mice.
Locating redox couples in the layered sulfides with application to Cu[Cr2]S4

Abstract Use of LiPF6 in EC:DEC as electrolyte has allowed electrochemical extraction of Li from LiV1−yMyS2 and LiTi1−yMyS2 (M=Cr or Fe). The data show access not only to the Ti(IV)/Ti(III) and V(IV)/V(III) redox couples, but also to the V(V)/V(IV) and Fe(III)/Fe(II) couples in these layered sulfides. However, the Cr(IV)/Cr(III) couple could not be accessed. The concept of redox-couple pinning is outlined and applied to the V(V)/V(IV) and Fe(III)/Fe(II) couples, which are pinned at the top of the S-3p bands. Holes associated with the “pinned” couples occupy orbitals of dominant S-3p character, but they have sufficient cation-3d character to prevent condensation of the holes into p–p antibonding states of disulfide bonds. Strong covalent bonding in the pinned couples creates itinerant-electron states in the partially occupied couples. Application to the metallic, ferromagnetic thiospinel Cu[Cr2]S4 favors location of the itinerant holes in states of a pinned Cu(II)/Cu(I) couple having primarily S-3p character.
Teleimmersive archaeology: simulation and cognitive impact

In this paper we present the framework for collaborative cyber-archaeology with support for teleimmersive communication which aims to provide more natural interaction and higher level of embodiment. Within the framework we create tools for exploration, interaction and communication of archaeologists in a shared virtual environment. Users at different geographical locations are captured by a set of stereo cameras to generate their real-time 3D avatars. The proposed framework is intended to serve as a virtual simulation environment where advanced behaviours, actions and new methodologies of research and training in archaeology, cognitive science and computer science could be tested.
Control of fluid mixing using entropy methods

We consider the problem of motion planning for fluid mixing. The control problem consists of determining the flow that will mix best among the ones achieved by composing purely horizontal and vertical shears on a two dimensional torus. This is a prototypical problem for many practical fluid flow applications, and describes the basic stretching and folding mechanisms involved in mechanical mixing. Our approach is to study the mixing process using the ergodic theoretic concepts of strong mixing and entropy. In a more general context, we develop the necessary tools for an ergodic theory of sequences of transformations. A number of generalizations of previous results obtained by the authors are presented. In particular, the maximum entropy optimization problem is posed and solved here not only on the sequence of the shear flows to be applied but also on the shape of the functions involved. The solution of the problem turns out to have a direct physical interpretation linking some facts in ergodic theory and fluid dynamics. Other general results, such as the characterization of mixing properties for sequences under a suitable convergence assumption, are also applied to our physical problem.
The EVE VLSI information management environment

A complex object-oriented database system constructed using a physical database which is record oriented is described. The data model includes behavioral and timing information, and is comprehensive, covering the entire design process. The use of a commercial record-oriented database allowed rapid implementation of the system, supported schema changes, and provided a multiuser environment with database control support functions. Using such a database to support high-level synthesis activities is novel. >
The S.A.G.E. project: a model for library support of distance education

This paper describes the process and creation of a library resources and services Web page within WebCT, a course authoring program that is being used to deliver complete course content over the Internet in a distance education program at The Ohio State University. A librarian at the Prior Health Sciences Library was asked to join a faculty team to teach and provide library services for a series of three courses. The students are working health professionals who cannot attend regularly scheduled classes. Illustrations are included of the WebCT course page and the library resources and services page. The initial process and planning are described, and recommendations for future research are identified.
Epidemiologic background and long-term course of disease in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected blood donors identified before routine laboratory screening. Transfusion Safety Study Group.

BACKGROUND: The long-term course of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-related disease among seropositive blood donors has not been described. The enrollment and epidemiologic background of HIV-1- infected donors in the Transfusion Safety Study and their immunologic and clinical progression are described. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Through the testing of approximately 200,000 sera from donations made in late 1984 and early 1985, 146 anti-HIV-1-positive donors and 151 uninfected matched donors were enrolled. These two cohorts were followed with 6-month interval histories and laboratory testing. RESULTS: Seropositive donors detected before the institution of routine anti-HIV-1 screening disproportionately were first-time donors and men with exclusively male sexual contacts. The actuarial probability of a person's developing AIDS within 7 years after donation was 40 percent; the probability of a person's dying of AIDS was 28 percent. AIDS developed more often when the donor was p24 antigen-positive at donation. Over a 3-year period, significant decreases occurred in CD4+, CD2+CD26+, CD4+CD29+, and CD20+CD21+ counts, but not in CD8+ subsets, CD20+, or CD14+. CONCLUSION: The high proportions of first-time donations and exclusively homosexual men among seropositive donors suggest that test-seeking may have contributed to the high HIV-1 prevalence in the repository. Implementation of alternative test sites when routine donor screening began in 1985 may have averted many high- risk donations. The disease course in HIV-1-infected donors had the same wide spectrum of immunologic and clinical manifestations as were reported for other cohorts
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound improves spinal fusion.

Background context: Increasing the incidence of solid bony fusion is a primary goal in spine surgery. Daily low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy has been shown to improve and accelerate the bone healing process. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of daily low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy to improve the rate and quality of spinal fusion. Study design: Canine fusion model prospective study. Patient sample: Fourteen adult male dogs were used. Outcome measures: Radiographic grading of plain films, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), gross palpation, torsional stiffness and histologic grading were used to determine the presence or absence of fusion. Methods: Posterior noninstrumented bilateral fusions were evaluated at the L2–L3 and L5–L6 levels. Treatment with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound for 20 minutes per day over the fusion site (stimulated) was compared with fusion sites that received no stimulation (nontreated controls) at 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. Plain film radiographs, CT and MRI, mechanical torsion testing and histologic examination were performed. Results: At 6 weeks, ultrasound treated sites were more frequently fused compared with nontreated controls, although the difference in fusion rate was not statistically significant. At 12 weeks after surgery complete radiographic and histologic fusion occurred in 100% of ultrasound-treated sites. In the nontreated control sites 78% had achieved complete radiographic fusion and 44% had complete histologic fusion. Compared with control sites, the histological and mechanical fusion rate was significantly greater in ultrasound-treated sites (P<.05) at 12 weeks. A statistically significant increase in mechanical stiffness in ultrasound-treated sites was also found at 12 weeks after surgery. Conclusions: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy may be a useful means to ensure successful spine fusion.
The Strength and Weakness of Cotton Fibers

The structural reversals in cotton fibers are a preferred location of break when the fiber is ruptured in tension. With the aid of a polarizing microscope, observations were made of the fraction of fibers breaking at the reversals under various conditions of moisture content, specimen length, and chemical treatment. It is concluded that the cellulose in the region of the reversals is more highly crystalline than the cellulose between the reversals. The cause for breakage at the reversals is then explained on the basis of internal stresses at these points which cause the fiber to tear apart when tension is applied. The weak places between reversals which give rise to fiber rupture are believed to be at structural defects or thin places. The mean breaking stresses for fibers breaking at the reversals vary significantly from those for fibers breaking between reversals for some varieties of cotton. The distributions of weak-spot location and strength for reversals and structural defects are discussed for thre...
Large-scale marine ecosystem change and the conservation of marine mammals

Papers in this Special Feature stem from a symposium on large-scale ecosystem change and the conservation of marine mammals convened at the 86th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists in June 2006. Major changes are occurring in multiple aspects of the marine environment at unprecedented rates, within the life spans of some individual marine mammals. Drivers of change include shifts in climate, acoustic pollution, disturbances to trophic structure, fisheries interactions, harmful algal blooms, and environmental contaminants. This Special Feature provides an in-depth examination of 3 issues that are particularly troublesome. The 1st article notes the huge spatial and temporal scales of change to which marine mammals are showing ecological responses, and how these species can function as sentinels of such change. The 2nd paper describes the serious problems arising from conflicts with fisheries, and the 3rd contribution reviews the growing issues associated with underwater noise.
The CME link to geomagnetic storms

The coronal mass ejection (CME) link to geomagnetic storms stems from the southward component of the interplanetary magnetic field contained in the CME flux ropes and in the sheath between the flux rope and the CME-driven shock. A typical storm-causing CME is characterized by (i) high speed, (ii) large angular width (mostly halos and partial halos), and (iii) solar source location close to the central meridian. For CMEs originating at larger central meridian distances, the storms are mainly caused by the sheath field. Both the magnetic and energy contents of the storm-producing CMEs can be traced to the magnetic structure of active regions and the free energy stored in them.