cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Allogeneic Liver Transplantation: A Role of CD4 T Cells in Early Allograft Injury.

Background A major discrepancy between clinical and most experimental settings of liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is the allogenicity. Methods In the current study, we first established a murine model of allogeneic orthotopic liver transplantation with extended cold ischemia time (18 h). Roles of CD4 T cells in the pathogenesis of IRI in liver allografts were determined using a depleting anti-CD4 antibody. The clinical relevance of CD4 as a marker of liver IRI was analyzed retrospectively in 55 liver transplant patients. Results CD4 depletion in both donors and recipients resulted in the most effective protection of liver allografts from IRI, as measured by serum transaminase levels and liver histology. CD4 depletion inhibited IR-induced intragraft neutrophil/macrophage infiltration and proinflammatory gene expressions. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis of human liver biopsies (2 h postreperfusion) revealed that posttransplant, rather than pretransplant, CD4 transcript levels correlated positively with proinflammatory gene expression profile. When we divided patients into subgroups according to intragraft CD4 levels, the high CD4 cohort developed a more severe hepatocellular damage than that with low CD4 levels. Conclusions CD4 T cells play a key pathogenic role in IRI of allogeneic liver transplants, and intragraft CD4 levels in the early postreperfusion phase may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target to ameliorate liver IRI and improve orthotopic liver transplantation outcomes.
Ozone-induced lipid changes in the wildtype and toc132toc120 heterozygote mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Abstract We measured the fatty acids and lipid content in the wildtype and toc132toc120 heterozygote mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana that were exposed to elevated levels of ozone. The goal was to assess whether a defective atToc132/120 receptor would alter the mutant's response to ozone-induced stress. Increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in wildtype plants that were exposed to ozone for 3 h and left in an ozone-free environment for 21 h. The increased levels of MDA were not positively correlated with changes in the levels of triunsaturated fatty acids from which MDA is derived. In both the wildtype and mutant plants, absolute amounts of the glycerolipids were not altered by ozone treatment. The untreated mutant, however, accumulated decreased levels of chloroplast lipids and triunsaturated fatty acids. In ozone-treated wildtype, the levels of 16:3 were significantly decreased and this was mirrored by decreased levels of TOC132 and FAD5 transcripts, and increased levels of SP1 E3 ligase transcripts. These data suggest a possible increase in protein ubiquitination under ozone-induced stress. In contrast, in ozone-treated mutant, the FAD5 transcripts accumulated at the control level. The untreated mutant, however, accumulated significantly increased levels of CAT1 and FAD7 transcripts, which indicates that a defective chloroplast receptor induced cellular stress. In ozone-treated wildtype, there was a small increase in 34:6-phosphatidic acid, which indicates that a small amount of the chloroplast-derived MGDG was degraded in response to ozone-induced stress. Overall, these data indicate that the wildtype and mutant responded differently in lipid composition and oxidation to ozone-induced stress.
A double inclusion model for liquid metal polymer composites

Abstract Liquid metal elastomer composites have gained significant attention in advanced technologies including wearable electronics, soft robotics, and human-computer interactions. This is due to the combination of metallic conductivity and fluidic properties of liquid metal (LM) inclusions in addition to their facile fabrication process. With the emergence of gallium-based liquid metal nanocomposites and advances in synthesis and integration of LM nanoparticles in a variety of polymer matrices, there is a pressing need for a materials design tool to accelerate the development of these multifunctional composites. Here, we introduce a double inclusion (DI) model capable of predicting the properties of polymer composites with core-shell liquid metal droplets. The size-dependent elasticity of LM inclusions is modeled by considering the solid gallium oxide interphase between the liquid metal core and the solid polymer matrix. As the size of inclusions reduces from tens of microns to tens of nanometers, the role of the oxide interface (shell) becomes more dominant. The results of the DI model show excellent agreement with finite element analysis and experimental results for a wide range of droplet sizes and volume fractions. This model provides a design framework for the synthesis of LM composites with tailored multifunctional properties.
Exploring Task Parallelism for the Multilevel Fast Multipole Algorithm

The Multi-Level Fast Multipole Algorithm (MLFMA), a variant of the fast multiple method (FMM) for problems with oscillatory potentials, significantly accelerates the solution of problems based on wave physics, such as those in electromagnetics and acoustics. Existing shared memory parallel approaches for MLFMA have adopted the bulk synchronous parallel (BSP) model. While the BSP approach has served well so far, it is prone to significant thread synchronization overheads, but more importantly fails to leverage the communication/computation overlap opportunities due to complicated data dependencies in MLFMA. In this paper, we develop a task parallel MLFMA implementation for shared memory architectures, and discuss optimizations to improve its performance. We then evaluate the new task parallel MLFMA implementation against a BSP implementation for a number of geometries. Our findings suggest that task parallelism is generally superior to the BSP model, and considering its potential advantages over the BSP model in a hybrid parallel setting, we see it to be a promising approach in addressing the scalability issues of MLFMA in large scale computations.
Adaptability and Countermeasures of HVDC line protection under the UHVDC system with multiple receiving ends

In UHVDC transmission system, the inverter station is located in different geographical locations, and there are two sections of lines in single pole of HVDC system, which brings challenges to the traditional closed line protection. In this paper, firstly, the structural characteristics of series connection mode and the output characteristics of each converter in case of line fault are analysed, and the adaptability of conventional line protection in series multiple receiving ends system is studied. According to the characteristics of UHVDC system with multiple receiving ends in series connection mode, a hierarchical protection strategy is proposed and verified in PSCAD model.
What's Wrong with Penal Populism? Politics, the Public, and Criminological Expertise

This article discusses “penal populism” and its conflict with criminological expertise. It considers the proper balance between professional expertise and community sentiment in the formulation of crime control and penal policy—especially in respect of policy measures where moral rather than instrumental considerations are involved. It raises theoretical questions about the nature of “public opinion”—does it exist other than as an artifact of survey instruments?—and its proper role in a democratic polity. And it considers the professional responsibility of criminological experts in relation to policy formation and political debate. The performance of public health experts during the COVID pandemic is presented as an instructive case in point. Can criminology establish itself as a credible form of social scientific knowledge worthy of public trust? And how should criminologists comport themselves when engaging with questions of public policy and political controversy?
What do we mean by the effect of a mixture as a whole

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The analysis of health effects of exposure mixtures is a critically important issue in human epidemiology. One element of mixtures epidemiology that we may want to know is the c...
An Incentive Mechanism for UAVs Crowdsensing Markets, a Negotiation Approach

Abstract In this paper, we present an incentive mechanism for Unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAVs) crowdsensing. In particular, we propose a solution to the problem of sensing coverage of lower regions of the atmosphere where a set of UAVs transverse it as part of their daily activities. We propose a UAV sensing market where data collection is an additional by-product that UAVs obtained while following their regular trajectories. In this model, participants use negotiation to compete and cooperate with each other while participating in data collection campaigns. Using the Virtual Robotics Environment (VRep) and extensive simulations, we show that our algorithm performs well in terms of sensing coverage, and participants retention while using a limited budget.
New Bearing Selection Concepts and Mounting Guidelines for Off-Highway Wheels

The application of tapered roller bearing analysis concepts to off-highway wheels and final drive planetaries is discussed, and ways of avoiding bearing problems are examined. In the systems approach to bearing selection, factors affecting off-highway wheel bearings are load zone, lubrication, alignment, and spall propagation. Although the traditional approach to bearing selection encompasses duty cycles, histograms, and other environmental considerations, analytical studies show wide variance between operating conditions on which early, empirical selection methods were based and typical duty cycles. Bearing analysis in progress for new applications demonstrates the need to investigate work cycles for loaders and scrapers and the impact of load transients. Increased operating and maintenance costs highlight the importance of sound design practices and proper bearing assembly and setup procedures. The quest to move greater payloads with maximized fuel economy, minimized purchase cost, while meeting Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Environmental Protection Agency standards will require even greater effort from the design engineer.
Upper and lower bounds of Choice Number for successful channel assignment in cellular networks

A cellular network is often modeled as a graph and the channel assignment problem is formulated as a coloring problem of the graph. Cellular graphs are used to model hexagonal cell structure of a cellular network. Assuming a 2-band buffering system where the interference does not extend beyond two cells away from the call originating cell, we study a version of the channel assignment problem in cellular graphs that been studied only minimally. In this version, each node has a fixed set of frequency channels where only a subset of which may be available at a given time for communication (as other channels may be busy). Assuming that only a subset of frequency channels are available for communication at each node, we try to determine the size of the smallest set of free channels in a node that will guarantee that each node of the cellular graph can be assigned a channel (from its own set of free channels) that will be interference free in a two band buffering system. The mathematical abstraction of this problem is known as the Choice Number computation problem and is closely related to the List Coloring problem in Graph Theory. In this paper we establish a lower and an upper bound of the distance-2 Choice Number of cellular graphs. In addition we also conduct extensive experimentation to study the impact of the availability of the number of free channels in a node to the percentage of the total number of nodes in the network that can be assigned an interference free channel in a two band buffering system.
Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of vaginal and paraurethral leiomyomas: can they be diagnosed before surgery?

Study Type – Diagnostic (non-consecutive) Level of Evidence 3b OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of vaginal and paraurethral leiomyomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS All patients with pathologically confirmed paraurethral and vaginal wall leiomyomas from January 2006 to August 2007 were reviewed. Patients with no preoperative MRI of the pelvis were excluded. RESULTS Five patients were identified; all had a firm, smooth, non-tender, non-fluctuant mass. MRI showed a well-circumscribed shape, a homogeneous signal that was hypointense or isointense to muscle on T1- and hyperintense or isointense to muscle on T2-weighted images, and uniform enhancement. In all cases, MRI excluded urethral diverticulae, and pathology showed leiomyoma, of which one had atypical features. CONCLUSION Paraurethral and vaginal wall leiomyomas can be identified before surgery with a reasonable degree of certainty, based on their clinical and MRI characteristics.
Modeling and Life Prediction Methodology for Titanium Matrix Composites Subjected to Mission Profiles

Titanium matrix composites (TMC) are being evaluated as structural materials for elevated temperature applications in future generation hypersonic vehicles. In such applications, TMC components are subjected to complex thermomechanical loading profiles at various elevated temperatures. Therefore, thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) testing, using a simulated mission profile, is essential for evaluation and development of life prediction methodologies. The objective of the research presented in this paper was to evaluate the TMF response of the (0/90)2s SCS-6/Timetal-21S subjected to a generic hypersonic flight profile and its portions with a temperature ranging from -130 C to 816 C. It was found that the composite modulus, prior to rapid degradation, had consistent values for all the profiles tested. A micromechanics based analysis was used to predict the stress-strain response of the laminate and of the constituents in each ply during thermomechanical loading conditions by using only constituent properties as input. The fiber was modeled as elastic with transverse orthotropic and temperature dependent properties. The matrix was modeled using a thermoviscoplastic constitutive relation. In the analysis, the composite modulus degradation was assumed to result from matrix cracking and was modeled by reducing the matrix modulus. Fatigue lives of the composite subjected to the complex generic hypersonic flight profile were well correlated using the predicted stress in 0 degree fibers.
Gender- and age-specific risk factors for wheeze from birth through adolescence.

SummaryBackground and Objective Cross-sectional gender differences in wheeze are well documented, but few studies have examined the gender-specific risk factors for wheeze longitudinally. This study aims to identify gender- and age-specific risk factors for wheeze from birth through adolescence. Methods The incidence of wheeze was ascertained every 6 months through age 14 years in a birth cohort consisting of 499 children with a parental history of atopy. Gender- and age-specific risk factors were identified through generalized estimating equations. Results A total of 454 (91.0%) and 351 (70.3%) children were followed past age 7 and 13 years, respectively. Maternal asthma was a risk factor for wheeze in girls (OR = 2.05, 95% CI 1.44–2.91, P < 0.0001) and boys (OR = 1.79, 1.29–2.48, P = 0.0004) and had a similar effect on wheeze throughout the ages. Paternal asthma (OR = 1.83, 1.38–2.57, P = 0.0005) and infant bronchiolitis (OR = 2.15, 1.47–3.14, P < 0.0001) were risk factors for boys only, with similar effects throughout the ages. Conclusion Using a prospective cohort, we identified gender- and age-specific risk factors for wheeze. The identification of gender-specific early life risk factors may allow for timely interventions and a more personalized approach to the treatment of asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:955–962. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A genetic screen for components of the mammalian RNA interference pathway in Bloom-deficient mouse embryonic stem cells

Genetic screens performed in model organisms have helped identify key components of the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. Recessive genetic screens have recently become feasible through the use of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells that are Bloom's syndrome protein (Blm) deficient. Here, we developed and performed a recessive genetic screen to identify components of the mammalian RNAi pathway in Blm-deficient ES cells. Genome-wide mutagenesis using a retroviral gene trap strategy resulted in the isolation of putative homozygous RNAi mutant cells. Candidate clones were confirmed by an independent RNAi-based reporter assay and the causative gene trap integration site was identified using molecular techniques. Our screen identified multiple mutant cell lines of Argonaute 2 (Ago2), a known essential component of the RNAi pathway. This result demonstrates that true RNAi components can be isolated by this screening strategy. Furthermore, Ago2 homozygous mutant ES cells provide a null genetic background to perform mutational analyses of the Ago2 protein. Using genetic rescue, we resolve an important controversy regarding the role of two phenylalanine residues in Ago2 activity.
Polyamine‐mediated regulation of protein acetylation in murine skin and tumors

Overexpression of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), resulting in increased polyamine metabolism, is a common feature of epithelial tumors. Polyamines play a complex role in promoting tumor development, affecting diverse cellular processes, including gene expression. One way polyamines may affect gene expression is to modulate the multiprotein complexes comprised of transcription factors and coregulatory factors that alter chromatin structure by acetylating/deacetylating nearby histones. We have capitalized on ODC-overexpressing cultured cells and K6/ODC and ODC/Ras transgenic mouse models, in which ODC overexpression is targeted to hair follicles, to evaluate the influence of polyamines on the acetylation of histones and other proteins. ODC overexpression was found to alter intrinsic histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and deacetylase activities and histone acetylation patterns. The high HAT activity exhibited by ODC transgenic mouse skin and tumors might be partly attributed to enhanced p300/creb-binding protein (CBP)-associated HAT activity and increased levels of Tat interactive protein, 60 kDa (Tip60) HAT protein isoforms. Altered association of Tip60 with E2F1 and a subset of newly identified Tip60-interacting transcription factors was detected in ODC mouse skin and tumors, implying novel polyamine modulation of Tip60-regulated gene expression. Polyamine effects on HAT enzymes also influence the acetylation status of nonhistone proteins. Overexpression of ODC in skin serves as a novel stimulus for acetylation of the tumor suppressor protein, p53--a target of both p300/CBP and Tip60--with concomitant increased binding to, and increased transcription of, a downstream target gene. The future challenge will be to elucidate the multiple mechanisms by which polyamines influence enzymes that regulate protein acetylation and gene transcription to promote cancer.
A capacitance-graded cryogenic high voltage bushing for vertical or horizontal mounting

Abstract The cryogenic high voltage bushing for the terminations of the 138 kV, 4100 A superconducting cable prototype at the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is described. The bushing is energized with the line-to-ground voltage between the coaxial centre and outer surrounding conductors, in the axial direction there is a temperature difference from ambient to about 6 K. The capacitively graded bushing can be mounted in any position. It is vacuum tight and withstands pressures of more than 20 bar. The heat leak of the insulation body in axial direction is only 8.5 W. The electrical specifications of the bushing are: 825 kV , 1.2 × 50 μs impulse voltage; 240 kV rms ac 2h test voltage: and > 160 kVs partial discharge inception voltage. This bushing concept may easily be modified to meet most conceivable thermal, mechanical and electrical requirements of cryogenic high voltage engineering.
Evidence for a change of state in lithium tetra-ammine below 77 K

Abstract Using a novel modification of the standard crossed-coil helicon method, we have investigated the temperature dependence of the Hall coefficient, RH, of the metal-ammonia compound lithium tetra-ammine, Li(NH3)4. When cooling from 77 K, there is a discontinuous change in RH of 25 per cent near 64 K. This may be evidence of a new low temperature phase.
Linearized, time-dependent, non-adiabatic quantum correlation functions

Abstract A new approximate method for the calculation of quantum time correlation functions is derived. The new theory combines the linearized path integral approach and the mapping Hamiltonian formulation so that time correlation functions can be calculated for systems in which non-adiabatic electronic transitions are important.
Microwave Study of Positive Ion Collection by Probes

The theory of the positive ion saturation region of probes at low pressure is modified to take into account the directed current at the sheath edge. This drift current explains the discrepancy between the theoretical and experimental ratio of the electron saturation probe current to the positive ion saturation probe current. The theory is checked by using microwave methods to obtain an independent measurement of the ion density. Probe and microwave measurements are compared in the pressure region of 0.05-6 mm Hg in hydrogen, argon, and helium.
The Visual-Cognitive Model for Internet Advertising in Online Market Places

Social media and online firms are currently facing severe challenges generating revenue through online banner ads, and for two decades, current studies in the information systems, advertising, and marketing literature have shown that online banner ad click-through rates are decreasing steadily (Idemudia, 2014; Idemudia et al., 2007; Li et al., 2012). To address these issues, the Visual-Cognitive (VC) model has been developed for online market places and Internet advertising. An experiment was conducted in which independent variables such as familiarity of online banner ads, perceived security of online banner ads, and matches between web users' needs and banner ad content were manipulated. The theoretical background for the VC model is the Visual Perception Theory. The VC model shows that perceived usefulness of online banner ads has a positive and significant effect on the intention to click online banner ads. Also, the VC model shows that perceived security of online banner ads, matches between web users' needs and banner ad contents, and perceived familiarity of online banner ads have positive and significant effects on perceived usefulness of those ads. These findings strongly support the Visual Perception Theories. Thus, the VC model has significant research and practical implications relating to social media and online firms.
Development of metoprolol tartrate extended-release matrix tablet formulations for regulatory policy consideration

Abstract This research study was designed to develop model extended-release (ER) matrix tablet formulations for metoprolol tartrate (100 mg) sufficiently sensitive to manufacturing variables and to serve as the scientific basis for regulatory policy development on scale-up and post approval changes for modified-release dosage forms (SUPAC-MR). Several grades and levels of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Methocel K4M, K15M, K100M and K100LV), fillers and binders were studied. Three granulation processes were evaluated; direct compression, fluid-bed or high-shear granulation. Lubrication was performed in a V-blender and tablets were compressed on an instrumented rotary tablet press. Direct compression formulations exhibited poor flow, picking and sticking problems during tableting. High-shear granulation resulted in the formation of hard granules that were difficult to mill but yielded good tablets. Fluid-bed granulations were made using various binders and appeared to be satisfactory in terms of flow and tableting performance. In vitro drug release testing was performed in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer using USP apparatus 2 (paddle) at 50 rpm. At a fixed polymer level, drug release from the higher viscosity grades (K100M) was slower as compared to the lower viscosity grades (K100LV). In addition, release from K100LV was found to be more sensitive to polymer level changes. Increase in polymer level from 10 to 40% and/or filler change from lactose to dicalcium phosphate resulted in about 25–30% decrease in the amount of metoprolol release after 12 h. The results of this study led to the choice of Methocel K100LV as the hydrophilic matrix polymer and fluid-bed granulation as the process of choice for further evaluation of critical and non-critical formulation and processing variables.
An experimental transformation of a large expert knowledge base.

An experiment is described in which a significant part of the INTERNIST knowledge base for diagnosis in internal medicine is translated into an EXPERT model. INTERNIST employs the largest and broadest knowledge base of all the medical consultation systems that have been developed in recent years. EXPERT is a general system for designing consultation models. The translated model shows reasonable competence in the final diagnostic classification of 431 test cases. There are differences in the internal representation and reasoning strategies of the two systems. However, when a knowledge base has been encoded in a relatively uniform manner, this experiment demonstrates the feasibility of transfer of knowledge between large-scale expert systems.
Computational complexity of PERT problems

Computational complexity results for two PERT problems are presented. A project is specified by precedence relations among tasks. Task durations are independent random variables with discrete, finite ranges. The following results are obtained: (1) computing a value of the cumulative distribution function of project duration is #P-complete, (2) computing the mean of the distribution is at least as hard, and (3) neither of the problems in (1) and (2) can be computed in time polynomial in the number of points in the range of the project duration unless P = NP.
Isolation and Long-Term Culture of Human Hair-Follicle Melanocytes

We report a method to establish long-term cultures of melanocytes derived from human hair follicles. Normal human scalp was transected 1 mm below the epidermis, and hair follicles in the remaining dermis were isolated by collagenase treatment. Hair-follicle cell suspensions were prepared by trypsin/ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid treatment and cultured in a mixture of Eagle's minimum essential medium (supplemented with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate and cholera toxin) and keratinocyte serum-tree medium. After contaminating fibroblasts and keratinocytes were removed, cells with two distinct morphologies remained. These Included large, dendritic and deeply pigmented cells, which did not proliferate and which disappeared by the third passage, and small bipolar cells, which initially were unpigmented, proliferated very rapidly, and became pigmented after the addition of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine to the culture medium, Both cell types were melanocytes as confirmed by electron microscopy and by staining with antibodies to S-100, G D3 , and melanosomal antigens. The availability of cultured hair-follicle melanocytes will facilitate investigations of the role of these cells in normal and abnormal hair biology.
Purine N-oxides—XXXIX N-acetoxy derivatives of N-hydroxyxanthines

Abstract N-Acetoxyderivatives of 3-hydroxyxanthine and several of its methyl derivatives of 1-hydroxyxanthine, and of 8-aza-3-hydroxyxanthine are described. The UV spectra of the 7 or 9-acetyl derivatives of 1- and 3-N-acetoxyxanthines indicate the presence of intramolecular H-bonding which influences the tautomeric structures.
ISOMERIZATION OF RUCL2(CYTTP)(CYTTP=C6H5P(CH2CH2CH2P(C6H11)2)2) IN SOLUTION

The structure of RuCl 2 (Cyttp) (Cyttp=C 6 H 5 P(CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 P(C 6 H 11 ) 2 ) 2 ) in solution is very dependent on the polarity and coordination ability of the solvents. In non-polar solvents such as benzene, mer -RuCl 2 (Cyttp) and fac -RuCl 2 (Cyttp) are present in about equal quantity. In halogenated solvents (such as dichloromethane, chloroform, CDCl 2 CDCl 2 ), three isomers are present: fac -RuCl 2 (Cyttp) (predominant), [Ru 2 Cl 3 (Cyttp) 2 ]Cl (minor) and mer -RuCl 2 (Cyttp) (trace). In other polar solvents such as CD 3 COOD and CD 3 NO 2 the ionic dinuclear complex [Ru 2 Cl 3 (Cyttp) 2 ]Cl is the major species along with fac -RuCl 2 (Cyttp). In methanol, only [Ru 2 Cl 3 (Cyttp) 2 ]Cl is present. Acetonitrile complexes are formed when RuCl 2 (Cyttp) is treated with acetonitrile. The X-ray structure of fac -RuCl 2 (Cyttp) has been determined in space group P 2 1 / n with cell parameters a =11.912(4), b =11.953(2), c =31.303(8) A, β=94.32(2)°, V =4444 A 3 , Z =4, R =0.042 and R w =0.050 for the 4985 intensities with F 0 2 > 3σ( F o 2 ) and the 439 variables.
Variational principles for integrals

We consider the problem of approximating integrals of the form ∫ 1W where W may be a simple (e.g. polynomial) form in the integration variables. A variational expression is given which approximates this integral in terms of integrals of W with suitably chosen trial functions. The power of this method is compared with that of Gaussian quadrature in a few examples. Some generalizations of the method are discussed.
Single-trial latency variability of auditory evoked potentials may indicate immediate memory in the albino rat.

Fast habituation (FH) is defined as a decrease in auditory evoked potential (AEP) amplitude in response to the second of a pair of temporally juxtaposed (e.g. 1-s) tones. The degree of FH may depend, in part, on the subject's ability to anticipate the stimulus sequence. This paradigm has been used in our laboratory to study cognitive functioning in human subjects. We have also developed an animal model to investigate, more comprehensively, the anatomical and physiological basis of this phenomenon seen in human subjects. In the present investigation, we wished to determine the relationship between single-trial latency variability and AEP amplitude for two conditions: one for which FH is known to occur and one for which it is not present, due to the length of the interstimulus interval (ISI). Here AEPs were obtained to 40 pairs of 100-ms pure tone stimuli (70-dB SPL, 1- and 5-s ISI, 10-s interpair interval) from 19 chronically implanted, unanesthetized, restrained male Sprague-Dawley rats. The AEP latencies, amplitudes, and the single-trial latency variabilities were obtained for each component (P1, N1, P2 and N2). Findings indicated that FH was present for the 1-s ISI condition but not for the 5-s ISI condition. In addition, single-trial latency variability was negatively correlated with both Tones 1 and 2 AEP amplitudes in the 5-s ISI condition but only with Tone 1 amplitude in the 1-s ISI condition. Thus, single-trial latency variability predicted AEP amplitude only when FH did not occur. These results support earlier findings reported from our laboratory suggesting that the decrease in amplitude during FH is not related to increased variability in the time domain but rather to decreased neuronal output.
US Coast Guard air station location with respect to distress calls: A spatial statistics and optimization based methodology

We study the problem of suitably locating US Coast Guard air stations to respond to emergency distress calls. Our goal is to identify robust locations in the presence of uncertainty in distress call locations. Our analysis differs from the literature primarily in the way we model this uncertainty. In our optimization and simulation based methodology, we develop a statistical model and demonstrate our procedure using a real data set of distress calls. In addition to guiding strategic decisions of placement of various stations, our methodology is also able to provide guidance on how the resources should be allocated across stations.
Strategic intelligence and networked business

The chances of firms achieving, or being subjected to, strategic surprise have escalated with the growth of internetworking technologies and the opportunities these afford for various forms of information warfare (IW) and net terrorism. The more a business depends on sophisticated information systems, the greater its vulnerability to stealth attack. Defensive IW will soon become a necessary cost of doing business. In practical terms, this means identifying mission-critical information assets, conducting threat assessments, implementing information systems security procedures and developing strategic intelligence and counter-intelligence capability.
Comparative studies of lensing methods

Predictions of the standard thin lens approximation and a new iterative approach to gravitational lensing are compared with an ``exact'' approach in simple test cases involving one or two lenses. We show that the thin lens and iterative approaches are remarkably accurate in predicting time delays, source positions and image magnifications for a single monopole lens. However, observationally significant errors were found when the thin lens method was applied to lensing configurations with two lenses. In these cases, the iterative method remained accurate beyond observational limits.
Liquid fractionation. Part III: Geochemistry of zoned magmas and the compositional effects of liquid fractionation

Abstract Compositional variations of zoned magmas ranging from basalt to rhyolite and basanite to phonolite are compatible with crystal-liquid fractionation. There is no difference in the trends within zoned magmas and those of differentiated suites erupted over long times in the form of separate homogeneous extrusions. Apparent anomalies in the trace-element variations of zoned high-silica magmas can be explained by fractionation of accessory phases. The wide range of incompatible trace-element abundances in silicic magmas requires extended crystal-liquid fractionation. This cannot take place in the zoned, static, and viscous upper parts of silicic magma chambers. Most of the compositional variations must develop during flow of buoyant differentiated liquid up the walls of a magma reservoir. Distribution coefficients measured from zoned magmas cannot be used directly to model fractionation in a flowing boundary layer, because the mineral assemblage crystallizing on the wall differs from the phenocryst assemblage that grows after segregation to form a zoned magma layer under the roof of the chamber, and kinetic effects in the boundary layer tend to increase trace-element enrichments and depletions. Similar effects result from crystallization on the chamber roof, and from periodic extractions of roof-zone magma by eruption or intrusion. Laboratory experiments illustrate the roles of crystallization and diffusion during and after ascent of boundary-layer magmas. Theory suggests that the effects of fractionation and mixing will be dominant in the boundary layer at the wall and under the roof of a magma chamber, but ordinary diffusion may also be detectable in the roof zone. The compositional ranges and volumes of different igneous suites are well explained by multi-stage liquid-fractionation processes. The Soret effect cannot explain the differentiation of zoned magmas unless they are above their liquidus temperatures. Linear correlation of most incompatible elements in zoned magmas suggests that vapor phase transport is not important to their differentiation.
Improved nonparametric tolerance intervals based on interpolated and extrapolated order statistics

The standard approach to construct nonparametric tolerance intervals is to use the appropriate order statistics, provided a minimum sample size requirement is met. However, it is well-known that th...
Wave structure in Stokes’ second problem for a dusty, second-grade gas

Abstract Stokes’ second problem for a dusty second-grade gas, assumed incompressible, is considered. Exact solutions for both the gas and dust phases are determined and examined. In addition, low- and high-frequency asymptotic results are presented for the main propagation parameters, limitations imposed by the continuum assumption are determined, and special cases of the coefficients are noted. Finally, Stokes’ first problem for a dusty second-grade gas is briefly considered and we then apply our findings to an issue regarding dipolar fluids.
Continuous rat intravenous infusion.

Hypovolemic shock and ischemic injury to the graft commonly cause death in small animals after organ transplantation. A venous line must be readily available to replace fluids before fatal complications occur. To establish a venous line, researchers expose a vein by preliminary surgery. This time-consuming procedure adds unnecessary trauma to the recipient and worsens the results. The possibility of long-term fluid transfusion in small animals by serial injections at close intervals is quite limited. We describe a simple technique of continuous IV infusion by catheterization of the rat dorsal penile vein with a 24-gauge, 3/4-inch catheter. This easy-to-learn technique has permitted us to establish a venous line quickly without trauma in 148 rats while doing donor and recipient procedures for small bowel and ileocecal segment transplantation. The technique we describe has eliminated one of the most frequent causes of postoperative mortality after organ transplantation—hypovolemic shock. We would like to emphasize that other measures, including avoiding massive bleeding and reducing operative and warm ischemic time, are also very important in preventing this complication. The massive IV infusion alone may not totally eliminate hypovolemic shock if other factors are neglected. The use of this technique has allowed us to perform small bowel transplantation with 90% success. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Co-sleeping, an ancient practice: issues of the past and present, and possibilities for the future

Co-sleeping-infants sharing the mother's sleep space-has prevailed throughout human evolution, and continued over the centuries of western civilization despite controversy and blame of co-sleeping mothers for the deaths of their infants. By the past century, "crib death" was recognized, later identified as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and generally found to occur more frequently during bed sharing. Pediatricians warned parents of the dangers of SIDS and other risks of bed sharing, and the frequency of bed sharing decreased markedly over the years. However, during recent decades, bed sharing began to increase, though major issues were raised, including: whether bed sharing actually exacerbates or is protective against the occurrence of SIDS, whether the practice facilitates breast feeding, whether bed sharing is beneficial for an infant's development, and other concerns. Dissention may soon be diminished by use of a crib which opens at the mother's bed-side and is becoming a popular approach to mother-and-infant closeness through the night.
Adaptive Training of Neural Networks for Automatic Seismic Phase Identification

A neural network module has been implemented in the Prototype International Data Centre (PIDC) for automated identification of the initial phase type of seismic detections. Initial training of the neural networks for stations of the International Monitoring System (IMS) requires considerable effort. While there are many seismic phases in the analyst-reviewed database that can be assumed as the ground-truth resource of the initial phase type of Teleseism (T), Regional P (P), and Regional S (S), no ground-truth database of noise (N) is available. To reduce analyst effort required in building a ground-truth database, an “Adaptive Training Approach” is proposed in this paper. This approach automatically selects training patterns to take advantage of the learning ability of neural networks and information on the accumulated observation database. Using this approach, neural networks were trained on the data provided by station STKA, Australia. The performance of automated phase identification has been improved significantly by the retrained neural networks. This approach is also validated by comparison with the performance using the ground-truth noise database.
The role of benzene photolysis in Titan haze formation

Abstract During the Cassini mission to the saturnian system, benzene (C 6 H 6 ) was observed throughout Titan’s atmosphere. Although present in trace amounts, benzene has been proposed to be an important precursor for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon formation, which could eventually lead to haze production. In this work, we simulate the effect of benzene in Titan’s atmosphere in the laboratory by using a deuterium lamp (115–400 nm) to irradiate CH 4 /N 2 gas mixtures containing ppm-levels of C 6 H 6 . Proton-transfer ion-trap mass spectrometry is used to detect gas-phase products in situ . HCN and CH 3 CN are identified as two major gases formed from the photolysis of 2% CH 4 in N 2 , both with and without 1 ppmv C 6 H 6 added. Inclusion of benzene significantly increases the total amount of gas-phase products formed and the aromaticity of the resultant gases, as shown by delta analysis of the mass spectra. The condensed phase products (or tholins) are measured in situ using high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometry. As reported previously by Trainer et al. (Trainer, M.G., Sebree, J.A., Yoon, Y.H., Tolbert, M.A. [2013]. Astrophys. J. 766, L4), the addition of C 6 H 6 is shown to increase aerosol mass, but decrease the nitrogen incorporation in the organic aerosol. The pressure dependence of aerosol formation for the C 6 H 6 /CH 4 /N 2 gas mixture is also explored. As the pressure decreases, the %N by mass in the aerosol products decreases.
Poor Adherence to AASLD Guidelines for Chronic Hepatitis B Management and Treatment in a Large Academic Medical Center

Poor Adherence to AASLD Guidelines for Chronic Hepatitis B Management and Treatment in a Large Academic Medical Center
Primary melanocytic tumor of the cerebellopontine angle mimicking a vestibular schwannoma: case report.

OBJECTIVE: The majority of tumors of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) are benign. We report the case of a primary malignant melanoma of the cerebellopontine angle that mimicked vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma). We discuss the differential diagnosis and prognosis of melanotic lesions at this location. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old man presented with a 7-year history of unilateral deafness and a several month history of imbalance, intractable nausea and vomiting, as well as weight loss. A neurological work-up revealed a large tumor in the left CPA radiographically diagnosed as a vestibular schwannoma. INTERVENTION: A translabyrinthine approach revealed a pigmented, vascular neoplasm encasing vessels and cranial nerves of the left CPA. The tumor was subtotally resected, and a histopathological diagnosis of melanoma was made. The patient had no history of cutaneous melanoma, and no other site of disease was ever discovered. CONCLUSION: This case most likely represents primary melanoma of the central nervous system that mimicked a vestibular schwannoma. The differential diagnosis of melanotic lesions of the CPA is discussed as are the prognostic implications of each diagnosis.
Active Conical and Planetary Gearing System for Wind Turbines

The purpose of this research project is to explore the possibility of harvesting the energy of the wind by taking advantage of higher wind speeds. Two active gearbox systems allowing a variable speed at the input shaft and delivering a constant speed at the output shaft are currently being built and tested. The first system consists of an assembly of spur, planetary, and ring gears run and controlled by electrical motors. The second system consists of an assembly of a conical shaft, a wheel, and a set of centrifugal masses. The two gearing systems can act separately as a continuously variable transmission (CVT) between the wind turbine hub and the electricity generator which requires an entry speed corresponding to a frequency of 60 Hz. The two gearing systems are designed using the SolidWorks CAD software for modeling and simulation, and the gearing design theory is used to dimension the required spur, planetary and ring gears for the first proposed system. Betz’s law associated with appropriate and realistic wind turbine efficiency is used to estimate the wind power transferred to the turbine hub. The law is also used to determine the hub angular speed as a function of the wind speed. The kinematic gearing theory is used to establish the different gearing ratios of the planetary system, and the kinematic relationships between the system stages. The forces and torques acting on the first and the second systems are computed using the equilibrium equations. The speed ratios are calculated for the first and second system using the kinematic theory. Ideally, the electrical power consumed by the regulating motor for the first system is minimal so that a maximum percentage of the generated electrical power is supplied to the electricity grid. For the second system the totality of the harvested power is transmitted through the conical/wheel system. For the planetary system, when the wind speed deviates from a certain optimum value, the electrical controls activate a regulating motor to guarantee that the generator input speed remains constant. Currently, a prototype of a more robust planetary gearing system than a previously made one is under construction while a newly constructed conical system is under experimental testing. Running speeds, torques, power transfer and distribution for the two systems will be measured. The generated electrical power is measured using different load resistances and compared to the electrical power consumed by the regulating motor for the planetary system. The torques are measured using a prony brake system while the angular speeds are measured using tachometers. It is expected that the power consumed by the regulating motor for the gearing system will remain a small percentage of the power supplied to the grid for various hub input speeds.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
OPTimising Production′s Potential

OPT has attracted considerable interest in recent years. Essentially it revolves around a philosophy of identifying the bottlenecks in a production system and minimising their impact on that system, though it has often been wrongly identified with the proprietary software for achieving this philosophy. Successful implementation of OPT requires a change in the performance measures applied to manufacturing. However, if these are made, substantial benefits can be obtained equivalent, in many respects, to those claimed for JIT but in a wider range of contexts than those to which just‐in‐time methods apply.