cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Further evaluation of a latex agglutination test for detection of hepatitis B antigen.

A latex test for detection of Hepatitis B Antigen (HBAg) has been demonstrated to have sensitivity equivalent to counterelectrophoresis, but an unacceptable frequency of false-positive results. The false-positive rate can be reduced to approximately 3 per cent by heating the test serum for 10 minutes at 60 C. The remaining false positives are largely caused by antiglobulin antibodies in the test serum. Although the test is unacceptable for routine HBAg testing in its present form, its speed and simplicity would make it a useful technique for selection of the safer units when fresh blood components must be transfused prior to completion of the more time-consuming tests.
The needs of patients with systemic sclerosis--what are the difficulties encountered?

Abstract When the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is made and you are told “ You have SSc ”, it is a strange feeling for the patient, because you don't yet know what it is exactly. It is a very intense shock to hear this, and it is also difficult to try to imagine what will follow. There is no cure for SSc; there are just treatments that are capable of reducing the symptoms. The main difficulties and pitfalls encountered by the patients occur: before the diagnosis; during treatment; at the hospital and with the physicians; if surgery is necessary; at home; with family and friends… How do you live with SSc? You need strong, active support to help you to live with this illness; without this, we cannot handle it. The way to communicate, to inform, to consider this disease is changing, because times are changing, patients are changing, and the opinions of the specialists are also changing. Of course it's a long way, but what we, the patients, hope for is to be better understood by you, the doctors. Please pay attention to what we say; we're the ones suffering from this disease. SSc is part of us; we are not merely medical cases! Please think about it. Together we can help you to fight, to find out more, to find a cure.
Multiscale structure of the magnetic field and speed at 1 AU during the declining phase of solar cycle 23 described by a generalized Tsallis probability distribution function

[1] This paper describes the multiscale structure of fluctuations in the solar wind speed V and magnetic field strength B at 1 AU in 2003, during the declining phase of the solar cycle 23. As expected, there was a corotating stream and a corotating interaction region (CIR) that recurred every 27 days, but the stream and CIR changed considerably from one solar rotation to the next. There were also other types of physical structures (intermittent turbulence at the smallest scales, compound streams and ejecta at intermediate scales, and the collection of streams and ejecta of different sizes and shapes at the largest scales). A multiscale description of these fluctuations is more appropriate than a model of a recurrent stream with small-scale fluctuations superimposed. The probability distribution functions (PDFs) of changes of V and B on scales from 1 hour to ≈171 days can be described by a generalization of the PDF derived by Tsallis from a nonadditive entropy function in the context of nonextensive statistical mechanics.
Construction of invariants from Clebsch-Gordan coefficients

Abstract A diagrammatic technique is developed which enables one to recognize the sum of a series of products of Clebsch-Gordan coefficients. Algebraic manipulation is replaced by the far simpler recognition of patterns in diagrams.
Resilience: Talking, Resisting, and Imagining New Normalcies Into Being

Human resilience is the ability to “bounce back” or reintegrate after difficult life experiences. I argue that, rather than an individual phenomenon that someone either possesses or does not, resilience is developed, sustained, and grown through discourse, interaction, and material considerations. There are several communicative processes involved. These include: (a) crafting normalcy, (b) affirming identity anchors, (c) maintaining and using communication networks, (d) putting alternative logics to work, and (e) downplaying negative feelings while foregrounding positive emotions, such as hopefulness and self-efficacy. Commentary on how the field of communication as a whole and through specific disciplinary areas can contribute to scholarship on and practice in resilience concludes this Address, which serves as an initial exploration into human communication resilience processes.
A Comparison of Main Rotor Smoothing Adjustments Using Linear and Neural Network Algorithms

Helicopter main rotor smoothing is a maintenance procedure that is routinely performed to minimize destructive airframe vibrations induced by non-uniform mass and/or aerodynamic distributions in the main rotor system. This important task is both time consuming and expensive, so improvements to the process have long been sought. Traditionally, vibrations have been minimized by calculating adjustments based on an assumed linear relationship between adjustments and vibration response. In recent years, artificial neural networks have been trained to recognize non-parametric mappings between adjustments and vibration response. This study was conducted in order characterize the adjustment mapping of the Vibration Management Enhancement Program's PC-ground base system (PC-GBS), and compare it to the linear adjustment mapping used in the aviation vibration analyzer (AVA). Results show that, in a majority of situations, the neural network algorithms in PC-GBS produce adjustments that are identical to those produced by a linear algorithm similar to that used by AVA. Therefore, the use of neural networks for creating the mapping between adjustments and vibration response, provides no significant improvement over a linear mapping.
Nuisance Chironomids and their Control: A Review

Nonbiting midges of the family, Chironomidae, are one of the most common and abundant organisms in inland natural or man-made aquatic ecosystems, existing in extremely diversified habitats. Although most chironomids are aquatic, a few occur in decaying matter, under bark, or in moist ground. The aquatic forms inhabit all along the course of streams and rivers, from shallow and fast-flowing head waters, to deep and slow-moving waters in lagoons. In stagnant waters, midges occur in small and shallow temporary or permanent ditches and ponds to large and shallow or deep lakes. They are present in “clean” waters saturated with dissolved oxygen as well as in “polluted“ waters very low in oxygen. Thus, they exhibit a very wide range of tolerance to environmental conditions. They are so adaptive in nature that some species are known to survive even in brackish, estuarine, or marine environments. The occurrence and survival of certain species in inland polluted waters indicate the type of pollution in their habitat.
Reduced IP3-Mediated Ca2+ Signaling in Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Context of Fragile X and Tuberous Sclerosis Syndromes

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting up to 2% of children and characterized by impaired social skills, delayed or disordered language and communication skills, and repetitive, stereotypic behavior. Growing evidence supports a role of Ca2+ signaling in the pathogenesis of ASD. Inositol trisphosphate (IP3)-mediated Ca2+ release from intracellular stores participates in a variety of functions, from synaptic plasticity and memory, to long-term gene transcription changes and immune response. IP3 is produced upon stimulation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) and binds to IP3 receptor/channel (IP3R) in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), liberating Ca2+ sequestered in the ER lumen into the cytoplasm. Here, we report that human fibroblasts from three genetically distinct monogenic models of ASD – fragile X and tuberous sclerosis TSC1 and TSC2 – uniformly display depressed Ca2+ release through IP3 receptors. We observed defects in whole-cell Ca2+ signals evoked by G-protein-coupled cell surface receptors and by photoreleased IP3, and at the level of local elementary Ca2+ events, suggesting fundamental defects in IP3R channel activity in ASD. Given its ubiquitous functions in the body, malfunctioning of IP3-mediated signaling may account for the heterogeneity of non-neuronal symptoms seen in ASD, such as gastrointestinal tract problems and immunological complications.
Advanced permanent magnet machines for a wide range of industrial applications

This paper provides an overview of four distinct applications of advanced permanent magnet machine technologies. It describes the specific application benefits that are accomplished with permanent magnet solutions for Oil&Gas, aviation, automotive, and wind turbine applications. The technology development for these four first-of-a-kind machines is presented, each of which advancing the state of the art in power density, torque density, or speed.
Fundamentals of a 3-D “snowball” model for surface roughness power losses

SEM photographs of a typical copper conductors prepared by the PCB industry exhibit a 3-D "snowball" structure of copper surface distortions. We have developed an analytical basis for the electromagnetic scattering by the copper "snowballs" to predict additional power losses to those presented by the propagating medium that compare well with the observed measurements for a set of rough microstrip lines. In this paper we describe the fundamental concepts involved with the 3D scattering theory of our analysis.
Self-phase modulation of incoherent light revisited

The effects of self-phase modulation on a Gaussian incoherent field propagating in a dispersionless nonlinear Kerr medium are calculated without assuming the mean-field-theory approximation. Deviations between the exact and approximate solutions for the correlation time compression ratio as a function of the pulse power and fiber length are computed.
Adaptation by Elders to New Living Arrangements Following Hospitalization: A Qualitative, Retrospective Analysis

Relocation experience emerged as a major finding from two previous studies that tracked elders in the community after discharge from a transitional unit. This study involved follow-up of 5 elders from the two previous studies who relocated to a variety of new living arrangements. Purposes were (a) to identify how decisions were made to change living arrangements, (b) to describe the process of adaptation to relocation as it evolved over time including challenges and strategies used to address them, and (c) to identify indicators of effective adaptation. A phenomenological approach based on interviews, observations, and comparative analysis was used to capture the insiders' views of these elders. An account of each individual adaptive process was developed. Comparison across cases led to two major themes—sense of place and sense of self—which are proposed as indicators of effective adaptation. Implications of findings for service provision, public policy, and future research are examined.
Designing Light Alloys for Fatigue Crack Growth Resistance

Fatigue crack growthresistance is critical to the design and performance of structural components.This study focuses on understanding the microstructural mechanisms of fatigue crack propagation in commonly used structural materials, cast and wrought aluminum and titanium alloys, with various microstructures resulting from changes in chemistry or heat treatment (A535-F, 6061-T6, and mill- and b-annealed Ti-6Al-4V).Stress ratio effects were evaluated by conducting fatigue crack growth tests on compact tension specimens at low, intermediate, and high stress ratios, R=0.1, 0.5, and 0.7, respectively. Initial flaw size effects were also studied by performing small crack growth tests at R=0.1. Data reduction strategies compensating for closure and Kmax effects on crack growth and design curves will be presented.
Object-oriented analysis of visual computer-human interfaces

Abstract This describes the construction of an object-oriented model of the mental and motor processes in which a person engages while working with a computer interface. It explains how the object-oriented methodology generates a model that is more suited to highly visual interfaces than pure, grammar-based models. The model also preserves the essential properties of an extended task action grammar, but is more amenable to mathematical analysis. The paper discusses how the model represents various conceptual aspects of an interface and establishes a mathematical basis for computing complexity and performance metrics of interface quality. As an example, it draws upon the application of the methodology to the analysis of a visual interface to a system for performing mathematical computations.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF TOKEN REINFORCEMENT ON DIVERGENT VERBAL RESPONDING1

The effect of token reinforcement on three classes of divergent verbal responding to verbal stimulus items from three measures of the Wallach-Kogan Creativity test was examined. The subjects consisted of two “gifted”, two “average”, and two “learning disabled” children from a public-school setting. The design utilized both an intra-subject and inter-subject multiple-baseline design with a reversal design added. Tokens were dispensed contingent upon the number of appropriate verbal responses to each stimulus item, i.e., a continuous schedule of reinforcement was used—one token per appropriate response. Interobserver agreement on “appropiateness” was 993%. The tokens could be used to “purchase” items listed in a “menu” format (e.g., ball and jacks—100 tokens). Consistently large effects of token reinforcement were observed, without generalization of effect across the three classes of behaviors, or conditions. These results support the works of Goetz and Baer (Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1973, 6, 209–217), Goetz and Salmonson (Behavior Analysis and Education, G. Semb, (Ed.), University of Kansas, 1972, 53–61), and Maloney and Hopkins (Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1973, 6, 425–434). Implications lie in continued experimental analysis of behavior approach to the concept called “creativity”. Additionally, implications are made in classroom application of assessing and intervening in the area of divergent responding for children with deficits in those areas.
Moving toward and beyond equity: the Food & Fitness approach to increasing opportunities for health in communities

Through creating avenues for authentic civic engagement of individuals living in vulnerable communities, the Food & Fitness community partnerships have actualized innovative ways to change the traj...
Vitiligo-related pigment cell differentiation antigens are expressed on malignant melanoma cells following phenotypic reversion induced by contact inhibitory factor.

Abstract Most vitiligo sera contain antibodies to surface antigens on pigmented human melanocytes but not to human or mouse amelanotic melanoma cells. A density dependent line of hamster amelanotic melanocytic cells (FF) produces a diffusible factor (CIF) which restores contact inhibition of growth as well as several other normal phenotypic characteristics to hamster, murine, and human melanoma cells. The ability of CIF to induce the expression of a phenotypic characteristic of pigmented human melanocytic cells, i.e., the vitiligo-related surface antigens, on hamster and mouse amelanotic melanoma cells was investigated. Vitiligo and normal sera were reacted with CIF-treated and untreated hamster and mouse amelanotic melanoma cells for both indirect-immunofluorescence assays and ELISA. Immunofluorescence testing showed that about 80% of hamster and mouse melanoma cells had pigmentcell antigens (in the absence of pigmentation) in a granular surface pattern after, but not prior to, CIF-induced morphologic revision and confluent growth. Less than 5% of the control hamster and mouse melanoma cells expressed such antigens at confluence. These results were confirmed by ELISA. Metabolic-labeling studies with 35 S-methionine showed that the vitiligo antigens were synthesized by the CIF. treated melanoma cells. The slowing of melanoma cell proliferation in isoleucine-deficient medium failed to elicit the expression of vitiligo antigens. Since antigen appearance following phenotypic reversion occurred without pigment induction, it is concluded that vitiligo-related surface antigens and pigmentation are distinct aspects of a differentiated function which may be non-coordinately expressed. The expression of pigmentcell differentiation antigens on amelanotic melanoma cells is an additional feature of the pleiotypic trans-species response to CIF.
Mechanism of Action of TSH on Pyrimidine Nucleotide Synthesis

TSH stimulation of orotic acid conversion to pyrimidine nucleotides in bovine thyroid slices was investigated. Precursors of phosphorylated ribose, an essential component in the reactions involved, such as glucose, ribose and inosine, also stimulated nucleotide formation. The presence of glucose enhanced the magnitude of the TSH response, whereas both ribose and inosine completely abolished the stimulating effect of the hormone. The potencies of the precursors in stimulating nucleotide synthesis appeared to be inversely related to their expected values as substrates for energy production, with glucose being the poorest stimulant and inosine the most potent. Aspartate, succinate and acetate, which are excellent substrates for thyroid slices, had no influence on nucleotide formation. Neither TSH, glucose nor ribose affected nucleotide synthesis at orotic acid concentrations of 2.0 μimoles/vessel, but all 3 produced a significant stimulation at 8.0 μmoles/vessel. TSH also stimulated the incorporation of urac...
Measuring the Temperature Coefficient of Resistance for Nanospring Combustion Catalysts

Platinum has been recognized as a viable combustion catalyst. Its change in electrical resistance with temperature has been used to measure light-off temperatures and rates of heat generation for various fuel-oxygen mixtures at the University of Idaho. In an attempt to maximize the surface area for these reactions to occur, platinum-coated nanosprings have been manufactured. A reliable method of determining an effective temperature-dependent temperature coefficient of resistance (α(T)) for the nanosprings assembly has been developed and verified using pure platinum. Measured values of α(T) for platinum were matched against literature data at 373 and 1100 K. A linear fit was assumed for the gap between these temperatures; measurements made with platinum at intermediate temperatures were in good agreement. Using the same methodology, α(T) for the nanosprings assembly will be determined, which will allow for further research of the nanosprings in catalytic combustion.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Recovery of Fish Communities in a Warm Water Stream Following Pollution Abatement

The long-term recovery process for fish communities in a warm water stream in East Tennessee was studied using quantitative measurements over 20 years. The stream receives effluents from a U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) facility, but since 1985 these effluents have been greatly reduced, eliminated, or diluted as part of a substantial long-term pollution abatement program. The resulting changes in water quantity and quality led to a recovery of the fish communities, evidenced by significant changes in species richness, abundance (density and biomass), and community composition (e.g., number of fish species sensitive to stress). The fish community changes occurred over a spatial gradient (downstream from the headwater release zone nearest the DOE facility) and temporally, at multiple sampling locations in the stream. Changes in measured parameters were associated with specific remedial actions and the intervening steps within the recovery process are discussed with regard to changes in treatment processes.
Simulating patient-specific heart shape and motion using SPECT perfusion images with the MCAT phantom

The spline-based Mathematical Cardiac Torso (MCAT) phantom is a realistic software simulation designed to simulate single photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) data. It incorporates a heart model of known size and shape; thus, it is invaluable for measuring accuracy of acquisition, reconstruction, and post-processing routines. New functionality has been added by replacing the standard heart model with left ventricular (LV) epicaridal and endocardial surface points detected from actual patient SPECT perfusion studies. LV surfaces detected from standard post-processing quantitation programs are converted through interpolation in space and time into new B-spline models. Perfusion abnormalities are added to the model based on results of standard perfusion quantification. The new LV is translated and rotated to fit within existing atria and right ventricular models, which are scaled based on the size of the LV. Simulations were created for five different patients with myocardial infractions who had undergone SPECT perfusion imaging. Shape, size, and motion of the resulting activity map were compared visually to the original SPECT images. In all cases, size, shape and motion of simulated LVs matched well with the original images. Thus, realistic simulations with known physiologic and functional parameters can be created for evaluating efficacy of processing algorithms.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Supported Hybrid Bilayer Membranes as Rugged Cell Membrane Mimics

Supported planar lipid bilayers based on alkanethiol-tethering chemistry are becoming increasingly important biomimetic materials. Hybrid bilayers containing thiol-derivatized alkane moieties plus natural lipids provide a biomimetic matrix that permits the successful reconstitution of membrane protein activity. The hybrid membrane is self-assembled and sufficiently rugged to be of practical use in research and in commercial sensing applications. The coupling of the bilayer to a metal support allows a wide range of analytical techniques to be applied to this model membrane. This article reviews some of the fundamental studies of the formation, structure, and response of hybrid bilayer membranes.
How Much Do They Think It Affects Them and Whom Do They Believe?: Comparing the Third-Person Effect and Credibility of Blogs and Traditional Media

Using an experimental design, this study investigated third-person effect and media credibility as a result of media attribution. Specifically, we compared third-person effect across four media sources: personal blogs, media blogs, online news, and print newspaper. Overall, participants exhibited third-person effects equally across the mediums. Third-person effect regressed with credibility.
Constrained multidimensional scaling inN spaces

A gradient method is used to obtain least squares estimates of parameters of them-dimensional euclidean model simultaneously inN spaces, given the observation of all pairwise distances ofn stimuli for each space. The procedure can estimate an additive constant as well as stimulus projections and the metric of the reference axes of the configuration in each space. Each parameter in the model can be fixed to equal some a priori value, constrained to be equal to any other parameter, or free to take on any value in the parameter space. Two applications of the procedure are described.
The Search for Innovation Styles

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test is known to be a quick and easy way to build good team dynamics. However the workplace is not always built around four person teams that you can easily change based on individual personalities. Research has shown that the various MBTI personalities associate with different learning styles. This gives reason to believe that different individual designers may synthesize data and conceptualize ideas differently in a design environment. If this is true, designers may need a customizable environment or they may need to explore different ways to achieve their potential. This paper examines how individuals with different MBTI personality types take in and view information during the conceptualization stages of product design and whether the way information is inputed is vital to an innovative product design.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Effect of Plasma Exchange and Immunosuppression on Rh0(D), Viral, and Bacterial Antibody Titers in Rhlmmunized Women*

Pharmacologic immunosuppression and plasmapheresis have both been advocated as adjunctive methods of treatment for Rh immunization, but a combined regimen of the two has not been attempted. We treated four nonpregnant, severely Rh-sensitized female volunteers with intensive plasma exchange and either promethazine 150 mg or prednisone 60 mg per day in an attempt to remove circulating anti-Rho(D) and prevent further synthesis of the antibody. Each patient received three or four exchanges. The Rho(D) antibody titer decreased by at least one dilution immediately following 11 of 14 plasma exchanges and was ultimately lowered at least two dilutions in all patients. In one case the titer was reduced from 1:512 to 1:16, and a low titer was maintained for the duration of treatment. However, this regimen could increase the risk of infection for a mother and/or infant, as evidenced by the concomitant lowering of viral and bacterial antibody titers in these women.
Identification and Partial Purification of a Stage-Specific 33 kDa Mitochondrial Protein as the Alternative Oxidase of the Trypanosoma brucei brucei Bloodstream Trypomastigotes

The glycerophosphate oxidase (GPO), the unique terminal oxidase of bloodstream trypanosome (TAO), appears to be functionally similar to the alternative oxidases of some plants and higher fungi. Immunoblotting of mitochondrial proteins of bloodstream trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma brucei with monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies to Sauromatum guttatum (voodoo lily) and Symplocarpus foetidus (skunk cabbage) alternative oxidases respectively revealed two proteins of about 33 kDa (p33) and 68 kDa (p68). These proteins are not present in procyclic trypomastigotes. Electrophoresis under rigorous denaturing conditions indicated p68 to be the dimer of p33. Indirect immunofluorescent studies of bloodstream and procyclic trypomastigotes with monoclonal antibody to plant alternative oxidase also showed the localization of 33 kDa protein in the mitochondria of the bloodstream trypomastigotes. The functional TAO activity could be solubilized efficiently from the mitochondrial membrane of the bloodstream trypomastigotes by 1% NP-40 or 10 mM lauryl maltoside. When fractionated by Superose 12 gel filtration chromatography, p33 was co-purified with the TAO enzymatic activity. The apparent molecular size of the active enzyme complex was found to be 160 kDa. Gradual disappearance of the 33 kDa protein and the TAO enzymatic activity were well correlated during in vitro differentiation of the bloodstream to procyclic trypomastigotes. This study implies that the net biosynthesis of p33, an essential subunit of TAO, is decreased during differentiation from bloodstream to procyclic trypomastigotes.
The Thermal Expansion of GeS and GeTe

The thermal expansion of GeS has been studied above room temperature up to the melting point of 658 ± 5°C by X-ray diffraction techniques using a 190 mm diameter Unicam high temperature camera. The thermal expansion of the crystallographic axes is linear with distinct changes in the rate of expansion at about 250°C, 370°C and 510°C. No first-order structural transformation was observed for this system up to the melting point. The results of additional studies on GeTe are in general agreement with those of others and confirm trends in the thermal expansion behavior of the germanium monochalcogenide series. Die thermische Ausdehnung des GeS und GeTe Die thermische Ausdehnung des GeS wurde rontgenographisch mittels einer 190 mm Unicam Hochtemperaturkamera von Zimmertemperatur bis zum Schmelzpunkt von 658 ± 5°C untersucht. Die thermische Ausdehnung der kristallographischen Achsen ist linear mit betonten Anderungen der Ausdehnungskoeffizienten bei ungefahr 250°C, 350°C und 510°C. Eine Strukturumwandlung erster Ordnung wurde fur diese. Verbindung bis zum Schmelzpunkt nicht beobachtet. Die Ergebnisse zusatzlicher Messungen am GeTe stimmen mit denen anderer uberein und bestatigen den Trend im thermischen Ausdehnungsverhalten der Germaniummonochalkogenide.
What nuclear cardiology can learn from nuclear oncology.

Combining PET and CT imaging technology to determine regional myocardial perfusion, perfusion reserve, ventricular function, coronary angiographic results, coronary calcification, and coronary artery inflammation offers an opportunity to bring together a constellation of important measurements to characterize coronary heart disease. These images can be recorded in an outpatient environment, providing information that can be added to data available from blood tests of inflammation, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and patient performance on exercise testing. Addition of the focal assessment of coronary vascular inflammation should provide a key assessment, identifying coronary lesions at high risk of rupture or erosion. These considerations suggest that applying the technology now used in nuclear oncology offers great potential for nuclear cardiology.
Chemical kinetics and modeling of combustion processes

Chemical kinetic modeling is an important tool in the analysis of many combustion systems. The use of detailed kinetic models in the interpretation of fundamental kinetics experiments in shock tubes and plug flow reactors is widespread. Recently these models, coupled with fluid mechanical models, have become valuable in helping to understand complex phenomena in practical combustion devices. This paper reviews the mechanisms used for the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels and some of the practical problems to which they have been applied. Chemical kinetic reaction mechanisms are strongly hierarchical in that mechanisms for the combustion of more complex fuels contain within them submechanisms for simpler fuel molecules. With this basic structure in mind, mechanisms for H2−O2, CO, CH4, and CH3OH are discussed, followed by C2 species including ethane, ethylene, and acetylene, and finally by a single C3 species, propane. Validation of the elementary reactions and rates in a reaction mechanism is strongly influenced by the combustion environment being studied. For this reason, we emphasize comprehensive reaction mechanisms developed using data from a variety of experimental systems. We review some of the principles and techniques involved in the development and application of these kinetics models for hydrocarbon fuels. Applications of reaction mechanisms to combustion systems include purely kinetic problems and others requiring a treatment of transport effect. The former class includes shock tubes, plug flow reactors, and stirred reactors, while the latter includes laminar flame propagation, flame quenching, and flame inhibition. Each of these combustion systems is discussed, emphasizing the role of chemical kinetics.
Modeling Fischer-Tropsch chemistry: the thermochemistry and insertion kinetics of ClRuH(CH2)

The insertions of metal-bound CH/sub x/ into M-H and M-CH/sub 3/ bonds have been proposed as the chain initiation and propagation steps, respectively, in the Fischer-Tropsch reductive polymerization of CO to form alkanes. As a model for this important elementary reaction, the authors have examined the properties and migratory insertion reactivity of a prototypical coordinatively saturated complex ClRuH(CH/sub 2/) using ab initio methods (generalized valence bond + configuration interaction). The Ru==CH/sub 2/ double bond is covalent, with D/sub e/(Ru==C) = 84.7 kcalmol. The optimum geometry has the CH/sub 2/ plane perpendicular to the ClRuH plane, with a rotational barrier of greater than or equal to 13.6 kcalmol. The lowest energy conformer of the singlet state of ClRuH(CH/sub 2/) has an in-plane ..pi.. bond, which facilitates the insertion of the CH/sub 2/ ligand into the adjacent Ru-H bond. Using analytic gradient techniques combined with GVB-MCSCF wave functions to find the minimum energy pathway, they find that the insertion proceeds with a moderate barrier (11.5 kcalmol) and is exothermic by 7.1 kcalmol. From a thermodynamic cycle designed to probe basis set and electron correlation deficiencies, they estimate an actual barrier to insertion of 10.9 +- 1.7 kcalmol and an exothermicity of 10.5more » +- 1.0 kcalmol.« less
Modulated iontophoretic delivery of small and large molecules through microchannels

Abstract The objective of this work was to modulate transdermal drug delivery by iontophoresis though skin microchannels created by microneedles. Calcein and human growth hormone were used as a model small and large molecule, respectively. In vitro permeation studies were performed on porcine ear skin under three different settings: (a) modulated iontophoresis alone, (b) pretreatment with microneedles and (c) combination of microneedles pretreatment and modulated iontophoresis. For modulated iontophoresis, 0.5 mA/cm 2 current was applied for 1 h each at 2nd and 6th hour of the study. Methylene blue staining, calcein imaging and pore permeability index suggested maltose microneedles created uniform microchannels in skin. Application of iontophoresis provided two peaks in flux of 1.04 μg/(cm 2 h) at 4th hour and 2.09 μg/(cm 2 h) at 8th hour of study for calcein. These peaks in flux were significant higher when skin was pretreated with microneedles ( p p
Liquid scintillation counting of solid-state plastic pellets to distinguish bio-based polyethylene

Abstract Bio-based polyethylene (bio-PE) is chemically identical to conventional fossil-based PE. The only method to differentiate them is radiocarbon (14C) analysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of liquid scintillation counting (LSC) as a screening method. The pellets of bio-PE and fossil-PE were soaked in a scintillation cocktail, and measured by LSC. The counting rate of bio-PE increased as a function of time and then saturated (35 ± 1.7 cpm) in 30 h. This counting rate was much higher than that of fossil-PE (3.3 ± 0.5 cpm). Pre-soaking of PE in toluene (the solvent of the scintillation cocktail) enhanced the counting rate of bio-PE. Bio-PE with higher crystallinity showed a lower counting rate. These results suggest that the solvent of the scintillation cocktail permeated into the non-crystalline regions, inducing scintillation of bio-PE in the solid state. LSC is a potential high-throughput screening method to detect bio-PE.
Differential dependence on protein kinase C of arachidonic acid metabolism stimulated by hydrogen peroxide and by zymosan in the alveolar macrophage

The dependence on protein kinase C (PKC) of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism stimulated by the biologically important oxidant HzOz, as compared to zymosan particles, was investigated in the rat alveolar macrophage. The PKC inhibitor staurosporine markedly reduced AA release and eicosanoid synthesis stimulated by zymosan, but only slightly inhibited AA release and metabolism induced by H202. Furthermore, in macrophages depleted of PKC by extended exposure to phorbol 1Zmyristate 13-acetate, AA release in response to zymosan was greatly inhibited, whereas that stimulated by H20z was attenuated to a significantly lesser degree. Thus, zymosan-stimulated AA metabolism requires active PKC, whereas H,O,-induced metabolism is largely PKC-independent. This provides direct evidence for the existence of two pathways of agonist-stimulated AA metabolism, which differ in their dependence on PKC, in the alveolar macrophage.
Anti-retroviral therapy is associated with decreased alveolar glutathione levels even in healthy HIV-infected individuals.

Objective Lung infections are a leading cause of death in HIV-infected individuals. Measuring redox in HIV-infected individuals may identify those with chronic oxidative stress who are at increased risk for lung infection. We sought to estimate the association between HIV infection and oxidative stress in the lung, as reflected by decreased levels of glutathione and cysteine in the epithelial lining fluid. Methods Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was collected from healthy HIV-infected subjects and controls. Individuals were excluded if they had evidence of major medical co-morbidities, were malnourished or smoked cigarettes. Results We enrolled 22 otherwise healthy HIV and 21 non-HIV subjects. Among the HIV-infected subjects, 72.7% were on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) with a median CD4 count of 438 (279.8–599) and viral load of 0 (0–1.0) log copies/mL. There were no significant differences in median BAL fluid glutathione and cysteine levels between HIV and HIV-uninfected subjects. However, BAL glutathione was significantly higher in HIV-infected subjects on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) compared to those not on ART [367.4 (102–965.3) nM vs. 30.8 (1.0–112.1) nM, p = 0.008]. Further, HIV infection with ART was associated with an OR of 2.02 for increased BAL glutathione when adjusted for age and body mass index, whereas HIV infection without ART was associated with an OR of 2.17 for decreased BAL glutathione. Conclusion HIV infection without ART was associated with increased oxidative stress, as reflected by decreased alveolar glutathione levels, in otherwise healthy HIV-infected individuals. Further study needs to be done identify predictors of lung health in HIV and to address the role of ART in improving lung immunity.
Neurogenic stuttering with right hemisphere stroke: A case presentation

Abstract A 29 year old, right-handed male of African origin was admitted to a primary stroke center hospital for left-sided weakness accompanied by stuttering speech of 48 h duration. Results of magnetic resonance imaging brain scan demonstrated a small acute infarction in the right periventricular corona radiata white matter on diffusion weighted sequences. Thorough evaluation of his speech and language skills revealed mild neurogenic stuttering. His symptoms and diagnostic work-up are presented, with a review of the process of differential diagnosis between neurogenic stuttering and psychogenic stuttering.
Quantitative Reasons Why Ideal Air Standard Engine Cycles are Deficient

The ideal air standard engine (IASE) cycles provide reasonable trend predictions of items such as thermal efficiency with respect to compression ratio, but over-predict the absolute values of the efficiency, as well as cylinder pressures and temperatures, and possess other such deficiencies. This study is aimed at quantifying the reasons for these deficiencies, by comparing the results from a thermodynamic cycle simulation (i.e. a representation of actual engines) and the IASE cycles. One of the major deficiencies of IASE cycles is the assumption of no heat transfer. For one case (compression ratio of 8), the gross indicated thermal efficiency for the cycle simulation increased from 35.9% to 41.9% by eliminating all heat transfer. The 41.9% thermal efficiency was in good agreement with the IASE cycle efficiency (41.8%) for a ratio of specific heats of 1.26. Other deficiencies were the assumed instantaneous combustion and lack of true property evaluations. The maximum cylinder pressures and temperatures we...
Enkephalin analogue effects in the amygdala central nucleus on conditioned heart rate

The experiment was conducted to assess the effects of enkephalin analogue administration into the amygdala central nucleus on the acquisition of classically conditioned heart rate responding in rabbits. Bilateral injections of either D-Ala2, Met5-enkephalinamide (DALA) or D-Ala2, D-Leu5-enkephalin (DADL) were administered in a 1.0 μl volume into the central nucleus immediately prior to the conditioning session. Administration of DALA significantly attenuated the acquisition of conditioned heart rate responding whereas groups which received comparable doses of DADL exhibited conditioned responding which did not differ from the vehicle-injected control group. The effect on conditioned responding produced by DALA administration was blocked by concurrent administration of the opiate antagonist naloxone. These results provide some support for the involvement of mu receptor activity within the central nucleus region of the amygdala in conditioning processes.
Exclusive production of higher-generation hadrons and form-factor zeros in quantum chromodynamics.

Perturbative QCD predictions are given for the e e pair production of vector and pseudoscalar hadrons which are bound states of heavy quarks. A striking result is the prediction of an exact zero above threshold for the production of helicity-zero hadron pairs.
Tracking Progress in Teenage Driver Crash Risk in the United States Since the Advent of Graduated Driver Licensing Programs

INTRODUCTION: This study examined U.S. teenagers' crash rates since 1996, when the first graduated driver licensing (GDL) program in the United State was implemented. METHODS: Passenger vehicle driver crash involvement rates for 16-19 and 30-59 (middle-aged) year-olds were examined, using data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, National Automotive Sampling System General Estimates System, Census Bureau, and National Household Travel Surveys. RESULTS: Per capita fatal and police-reported crash rates in 2012 were lower for 16year-olds than for middle-aged drivers but older teenagers' rates were higher. Mileage-based fatal and police-reported crash rates in 2008 were higher for teenagers than for middle-aged drivers and higher for 16-17year-olds than for older teenagers. In 1996-2012, teenagers' per capita fatal and police-reported crash rates declined sharply, especially for 16-17year-olds, and more so than for middle-aged drivers. Substantial declines also occurred in teenagers' mileage-based fatal and police-reported crash rates from 1995-96 to 2008, generally more so than for middle-aged drivers. Regarding factors in fatal crashes in 1996 and 2012, proportions of young teenagers' crashes occurring at night and with multiple teenage passengers declined, more so than among older teenagers and middle-aged drivers. The proportion of fatally injured drivers who had been drinking declined for teenagers but changed little for middle-aged drivers. Improvements were not apparent in rates of driver errors or speeding among teenage drivers in fatal crashes. CONCLUSIONS: Teenage drivers' crash risk dropped during the period of implementation of GDL laws, especially fatal crash types targeted by GDL. However, teenagers' crash risk remains high, and important crash factors remain unaddressed by GDL. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Although this study was not designed to examine the role of GDL, the results are consistent with the increased presence of such laws. More gains are achievable if states strengthen their laws. Language: en
Survey of the magnetic signature of a moving surface vessel by multiple AUVs

A formation of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with magnetometers has been used to perform a magnetic field survey of a moving surface vessel. The vessel had a nonmagnetic fiberglass hull. A permanent magnet with a known dipole moment was placed at the bow and a small intrinsic field was measured near the stern of the surface vessel. Measurements were taken at various surface vessel orientations, AUV orientations, and AUV depths. The measured field survey was compared to the fields predicted by a dipole model of the permanent magnet with an RMS error between measured and predicted fields of 3.04 nT in the vicinity of the surface vessel. The measured fields were also used to reconstruct a two-dipole model for the surface vessel accounting for the permanent magnet and the intrinsic field with an RMS error between the measured field and the model field of 2.13 nT in the vicinity of the surface vessel. The two-dipole reconstruction solution contained a dipole at a position very close to the permanent magnet on the surface vessel bow and an additional dipole at a position reasonably close to the stern of the boat.
Futility and rationing in liver retransplantation: when and how can we say no?

Donor livers are a scarce, life-saving resource. For patients whose lives depend upon liver transplantation, the policies defining priority for donor livers are of ultimate importance. Fair and just utilization of available livers requires that policy makers understand how to balance the needs and interests of each of the stakeholders. Although significant medical and surgical advances have been made in the last three decades, many patients who undergo liver transplantation will eventually have early complications or recurrent liver disease resulting in failure of their transplanted liver graft. When this occurs, repeat liver transplantation is often the only definitive treatment. Unfortunately, retransplantation has lower graft survival rates than primary transplant (Fig. 1). Numerous prognostic models have been developed to aid clinical decision-making as to whether or not pursuit of retransplantation can be justified based on the estimated survival after retransplantation. The fundamental principles of medical ethics i.e. autonomy, non-malfeasance, beneficence, justice, and utility can further inform the rational application of prognostic models to retransplantation. Yet, to do so, will require a blunt and frank dialogue, within our transplant community and society at large, about the concepts of futility and rationing. Medical and surgical advancements of the last 3 decades have established liver transplantation as a lifesaving intervention for patients with advanced liver disease that is now available in most regions of the world. In general, long term patient survival after liver transplantation is excellent, particularly when compared to the survival of patients with end stage liver disease without transplantation. For example, in the United States, patient survival after liver transplantation is 88%, 74%, and 60% at 1, 5, and 10 years nationally, with single center reports of long term patient survival as high as 68% and 64% at 10 and 15 years, respectively [1,2]. The ubiquitous application of the procedure
Dependence of Purinergic P2X Receptor Activity on Ectodomain Structure

Purinergic receptors (P2XRs) activate and desensitize in response to the binding of extracellular nucleotides in a receptor- and ligand-specific manner, but the structural bases of their ligand preferences and channel kinetics have been incompletely characterized. Here we tested the hypothesis that affinity of agonists for binding domain accounts for a ligand-specific desensitization pattern. We generated chimeras using receptors with variable sensitivity to ATP in order: P2X4R > P2X2aR = P2X2bR ≫ P2X7R. Chimeras having the ectodomain Ile66–Tyr310sequence of P2X2R and Val61–Phe313sequence of P2X7R in the backbone of P2X4R were expressed but were non-functioning channels. P2X2a + X4R and P2X2b + X4R chimeras having the Val66–Tyr315 ectodomain sequence of P2X4R in the backbones of P2X2aR and P2X2bR were functional and exhibited increased sensitivity to ligands as compared with both parental receptors. These chimeras also desensitized faster than parental receptors and in a ligand-nonspecific manner. However, like parental P2X2bR and P2X2aR, chimeric P2X2b + X4R desensitized more rapidly than P2X2a + X4R, and the rate of desensitization of P2X2a+X4R increased by substituting its Arg371–Pro376intracellular C-terminal sequence with the Glu376–Gly381 sequence of P2X4R. These results indicate the relevance of interaction between the ectodomain and flanking regions around the transmembrane domains on ligand potency and receptor activation. Furthermore, the ligand potency positively correlates with the rate of receptor desensitization but does not affect the C-terminal-specific pattern of desensitization.