cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of the Flow Boiling Heat Transfer Performance of R134a in a Microchannel Evaporator With Louvered Fins

The need for more compact and more efficient heat exchangers in the aerospace, automotive, and HVAC&R industries has led to the development of heat exchangers that utilize minichannel or microchannel tubes coupled with louvered fins. Minichannel and microchannel heat exchangers exhibit enhanced heat transfer with a minimal increase in pressure drop over conventional round tube, plain fin heat exchangers often with a significant reduction in the required refrigeration charge and overall heat exchanger size. This paper presents the development and validation of a finite volume, steady-state evaporator model to be used as an aid in heat exchanger design and analysis. The model focuses on evaporator geometries that include minichannel and microchannel tubes with louvered fins and headers. Multiple published correlations provide the user with options for calculating the air-side and refrigerant-side heat transfer and pressure drops within the control volume. Once the model was validated, it was then briefly used to study the effects of maldistribution of refrigerant within the inlet headers on the cooling capacity and refrigerant side pressure drop.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
High resolution PIV measurements around a model turbine blade trailing edge film-cooling breakout

Film cooling downstream of a model turbine blade trailing edge has been studied experimentally. High resolution particle image velocimetry was used to obtain spatially resolved mean velocity and turbulence measurements in the immediate vicinity of the trailing edge breakout. The mean velocity measurements imply the presence of a pair of counter-rotating longitudinal vortices shed from the sides of the breakout lands. The turbulent shear stress measurements above the breakout are significantly intensified as blowing ratio is increased. These results suggest that there is a strong mixing between the film cooling slot jets and the mainstream flow which degrades the film cooling effectiveness.
Acquired autoimmune thrombocytopenia post-bone marrow transplantation for severe combined immunodeficiency

Children with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) have profoundly diminished humoral and cellular immunity resulting in death during infancy unless immune reconstitution occurs by bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Thrombocytopenia post-bone marrow transplantation can be seen in relation to infection, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and rarely, as an autoimmune phenomenon due to immune dysregulation. We report two cases of severe AITP following BMT for SCID. Both cases developed large intracerebral hemorrhages from which one died. Autoimmune thrombocytopenia in this setting can be life-threatening and we recommend early and active intervention.
Comparative in vitro activity of the new oral macrolide azithromycin.

The in vitro activity of the new oral macrolide azithromycin was compared with that of erythromycin against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Ninety percent of hemolytic streptococci groups A and B, andStreptococcus pneumoniae were inhibited by 0.5 µg/ml. Activity of azithromycin was similar to that of erythromycin; erythromycin-resistant staphylococci and streptococci were not inhibited. Azithromycin was more active than erythromycin againstHaemophilus influenzae (MIC90 1 µg/ml) andNeisseria gonorrhoeae. It inhibitedCampylobacter spp. andPasteurella multocida, and had an MIC50 of 8 µg/ml forEscherichia coli, Salmonella spp.,Shigella spp. andYersinia enterocolitica compared to an erythromycin value of > 64 µg/ml.
Embedded Virtual Machines for Robust Wireless Control and Actuation

Embedded wireless networks have largely focused on open-loop sensing and monitoring. To address actuation in closed-loop wireless control systems there is a strong need to re-think the communication architectures and protocols for reliability, coordination and control. As the links, nodes and topology of wireless systems are inherently unreliable, such time-critical and safety-critical applications require programming abstractions and runtime systems where the tasks are assigned to the sensors, actuators and controllers as a single component rather than statically mapping a set of tasks to a specific physical node at design time. To this end, we introduce the Embedded Virtual Machine (EVM), a powerful and flexible programming abstraction where virtual components and their properties are maintained across node boundaries. In the context of process and discrete control, an EVM is the distributed runtime system that dynamically selects primary-backup sets of controllers to guarantee QoS given spatial and temporal constraints of the underlying wireless network. The EVM architecture defines explicit mechanisms for control, data and fault communication within the virtual component. EVM-based algorithms introduce new capabilities such as predictable outcomes and provably minimal graceful degradation during sensor/actuator failure, adaptation to mode changes and runtime optimization of resource consumption. Through case studies in process control we demonstrate the preliminary capabilities of EVM-based wireless networks.
Optical Pattern Recognition For Terminal Guidance

Several recent advances in optical pattern recognition are described as they apply to terminal missile guidance. Practical pattern recognition aspects are emphasized, specifically maintaining correlation in the presence of expected differences between the input and reference imagery.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
CTC and International Research and Information Systems

There is a long history of creating digital libraries of legal materials in general and of international legal materials in particular. This article highlights the history of several noteworthy examples of earlier digital libraries. It then describes the creation of the Cape Town Convention Academic Project digital library. Finally, the article applies lessons learned from the histories of the earlier libraries to analyse issues the Cape Town Convention library may face in the future.
Electrocaloric response of KNbO3 from a first-principles effective Hamiltonian

Abstract The electrocaloric response of KNbO3 is calculated using a first-principles based effective-Hamiltonian. Both indirect and direct molecular dynamics simulations are used to determine the adiabatic temperature change as a function of temperature and applied electric field. Both the magnitude of the electrocaloric response, ΔTmax, and the temperature where the maximum is observed, T*, are comparable for both molecular dynamics approaches. The results are well represented by a simple second-order regression.
A Cauchy integral approach to Hele-Shaw problems with a free boundary: The case of zero surface tension

In this paper, we study a nonlinear and nonlocal free-boundary dynamics — the Hele-Shaw problem without surface tension when the fluid domain is either bounded or unbounded. The key idea is to use a global quantity, the Cauchy integral of the free boundary, to capture the motion of the boundary. This Cauchy integral is shown to be linear in time. The free boundary at a fixed time is then recovered from its Cauchy integral at that time. The main tool in our analysis isCherednichenko's theorem concerning the inverse properties of the Cauchy integrals. As products of our approach, we establish the short-time existence and uniqueness of classical solutions for analytic initial boundaries. We also show the non-existence of classical solutions for all smooth but non-analytic initial boundaries when there is a sink at either a finite point or at infinity. When the fluid domain is bounded, all solutions except the circular one break down before all the fluid is sucked out from the sink. Regularity results are also obtained when there is a source at a finite point or at infinity.
The fate of axonal debris in Wallerian degeneration of rat optic and sciatic nerves. Electron microscopy and immunofluorescence studies with neurofilament antisera.

Immunofluorescence demonstrated that axonal debris reacting with neurofilament antisera persist up to 4 months in rat optic nerves undergoing Wallerian degeneration. Antisera used in this study allowed the isolation of the 72,000- and 150,000-dalton neurofilament polypeptides from rat spinal cord by immunoaffinity chromatography. After 2 weeks of degeneration, proteins co-migrating with these neurofilament polypeptides were no longer identifiable in rat optic nerves, which suggests that immunofluorescent structures persisting in the nerves after this period contained neurofilament degradation products of different molecular weight. Additional evidence as to the persistence of axonal debris in degenerated optic nerves was obtained by electron microscopy. Two distinct types of axonal degeneration were observed in rat optic nerves by this method, floccular swelling and increased electron density of the axoplasm. In both types of degeneration, axoplasmic filaments and tubules were not identifiable. Although floccular material disappeared after 2 weeks of degeneration, so that only empty myelin sheaths remained, electron-dense axons persisted longer and were probably phagocytosed together with their myelin sheaths. In sciatic nerves, cross-reaction with neurofilament antisera had almost completely disappeared 10 days after transection. The same was true for nerves which had been tightly ligated to prevent axonal growth and to squeezed nerves which showed vigorous regeneration. A few scattered, brightly immunofluorescent fragments which persisted in nerves up to 2 weeks after transection were exceptions to these findings.
Stimulation of Cellular Signaling and G Protein Subunit Dissociation by G Protein βγ Subunit-binding Peptides

We previously developed peptides that bind to G protein βγ subunits and selectively block interactions between βγ subunits and a subset of effectors in vitro (Scott, J. K., Huang, S. F., Gangadhar, B. P., Samoriski, G. M., Clapp, P., Gross, R. A., Taussig, R., and Smrcka, A. V. (2001) EMBO J. 20, 767–776). Here, we created cell-permeating versions of some of these peptides by N-terminal modification with either myristate or the cell permeation sequence from human immunodeficiency virus TAT protein. The myristoylated βγ-binding peptide (mSIRK) applied to primary rat arterial smooth muscle cells caused rapid activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in the absence of an agonist. This activation did not occur if the peptide lacked a myristate at the N terminus, if the peptide had a single point mutation to eliminate βγ subunit binding, or if the cells stably expressed the C terminus of βARK1. A human immunodeficiency virus TAT-modified peptide (TAT-SIRK) and a myristoylated version of a second peptide (mSCAR) that binds to the same site on βγ subunits as mSIRK, also caused extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation. mSIRK also stimulated Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, and phospholipase C activity and caused Ca2+ release from internal stores. When tested with purified G protein subunits in vitro, SIRK promoted α subunit dissociation from βγ subunits without stimulating nucleotide exchange. These data suggest a novel mechanism by which selective βγ-binding peptides can release G protein βγ subunits from heterotrimers to stimulate G protein pathways in cells.
Measuring Hospital Ethics Committee Success

As hospital ethics committees (HECs) become more common in American hospitals, their degree of success should be measured. Just as new technological procedures are evaluated, institutional innovations should also be evaluated. Currently, little is known about the success of HECs, and some authors have wondered whether these committees serve any useful purpose at all. This article reviews the descriptive results of a 1990 study on HEC success as they pertain to the question of how to measure committee success.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Two Tests of Preschool Language

The Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-Preschool (CELF-P) and the Structured Photographic Expressive Language Test-Preschool (SPELT-P) were administered to 20 children developing normally...
Vocational Home Economics Teacher Educators: A Profile

The objectives of this study were: (a) to identify personal and professional infor mation about vocational home economics teacher educators, (b) to determine the job satisfaction of these teacher educators, and (c) to investigate the relation ships of selected characteristics of the teacher educators with their level of job satisfaction. Overall, these teacher educators appear to have a relatively high level of job satisfaction. Seven variables accounted for 27% of the variance of the dependent variable, job satisfaction. The variables that appear to raise job satis faction include age, programs located within a home economics department/college, and salary. Variables appearing to lower job satisfaction include having a graduate degree, never being married, teaching more hours per semester, and being located at institutions with high enrollment. Salary, having a graduate de gree, and never being married also accounted for a significant amount of unique variance in the dependent variable. Personal and professional factors as a set contributed more than the employment situation or teacher education setting variable sets.
Institutional uncertainty and the maturity of international loans

Abstract This paper shows that non-economic uncertainty in foreign countries contributes to a bias toward short-term maturity in international lending. Frequent government changes and weak institutions explain why some countries find it difficult to obtain long-term financing. Debt maturity is also explained by the level of economic and financial development of a country, the composition of loan portfolios in terms of the type of borrowers, and debt restructuring programs, among other variables. The results are obtained using data on international lending by three groups of U.S. banks: large, medium-sized, and small. Small banks shorten the maturity of their international loans in response to uncertainty to a greater extent compared to large banks.
Computational resources for cryo-electron tomography in Bsoft

The Bsoft package [Heymann, J.B., Belnap, D.M., 2007. Bsoft: image processing and molecular modeling for electron microscopy. J. Struct. Biol. 157, 3-18] has been enhanced by adding utilities for processing electron tomographic (ET) data; in particular, cryo-ET data characterized by low contrast and high noise. To handle the high computational load efficiently, a workflow was developed, based on the database-like parameter handling in Bsoft, aimed at minimizing user interaction and facilitating automation. To the same end, scripting elements distribute the processing among multiple processors on the same or different computers. The resolution of a tomogram depends on the precision of projection alignment, which is usually based on pinpointing fiducial markers (electron-dense gold particles). Alignment requires accurate specification of the tilt axis, and our protocol includes a procedure for determining it to adequate accuracy. Refinement of projection alignment provides information that allows assessment of its precision, as well as projection quality control. We implemented a reciprocal space algorithm that affords an alternative to back-projection or real space algorithms for calculating tomograms. Resources are also included that allow resolution assessment by cross-validation (NLOO2D); denoising and interpretation; and the extraction, mutual alignment, and averaging of tomographic sub-volumes.
Toward interactive statistical modeling

When solving machine learning problems, there is currently little automated support for easily experimenting with alternative statistical models or solution strategies. This is because this activity often requires expertise from several di erent fields (e.g., statistics, optimization, linear algebra), and the level of formalism required for automation is much higher than for a human solving problems on paper. We present a system toward addressing these issues, which we achieve by (1) formalizing a type theory for probability and optimization, and (2) providing an interactive rewrite system for applying problem reformulation theorems. Automating solution strategies this way enables not only manual experimentation but also higher-level, automated activities, such as autotuning.
Social attraction among and between albino and hooded rats

Cross- or within-strain pairs of albino and hooded rats were allowed to affiliate freely in an open field. All rats, whether male or female, albino or hooded, were highly gregarious, and this gregariousness increased over days. Although hooded rats showed more defecation and immobility than did albinos, there were no differences in overall social attraction, and rats in cross-strain pairs did not differ from rats in same-strain pairs. The results suggest that emotionality does not necessarily lead to affiliation in rats and that sociability does not depend on similarity of such static stimulus characteristics as fur color.
Influence of Soybean (Glycine max) Population and Herbicide Program on Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Control, Soybean Yield, and Economic Return

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats) has become one of the most prominent and difficult weeds to control in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in North Carolina. A survey was conducted in North Carolina during fall 2010 to estimate the magnitude of this problem. Palmer amaranth was present in 39% of 2,512 fields representing 0.24% of soybean ha in North Carolina. In recent years, growers have reduced soybean seeding rates in an effort to decrease production costs associated with technology fees. However, given the increase in prevalence of Palmer amaranth and the difficultly in controlling this weed due to herbicide resistance, growers may need to reconsider reductions in seeding rates. Therefore, research was conducted during 2010 and 2011 to determine if Palmer amaranth control, soybean yield, and economic return were affected by soybean plant population, preemergence (PRE) and postemergence (POST) herbicides, and herbicide resistant traits (glufosinate-resistant and glyphosate-resistant cultivars). Applying PRE or POST herbicides and increasing soybean population increased Palmer amaranth control, soybean yield, and economic return when compared with POST herbicides only or when lower soybean populations were present. Efficacy of glufosinate and glyphosate did not vary in most instances, most likely because these herbicides were applied timely, and the frequency of glyphosate resistance did not exceed 10% in these fields.
The Relevance of Iron in Erythropoietin-Stimulated Erythropoiesis

Several clinical models have generated insight into the relationship between erythropoietin (EPO), iron, and erythropoiesis. Patients with chronic hemolytic anemias or hemochromatosis can increase erythropoiesis six- to eightfold over basal rates, whereas patients with blood loss, such as those donating autologous blood, can increase erythropoiesis only two- to fourfold over basal levels, even with pharmacologic doses of recombinant human EPO. A substantial limitation to the dose/response relationship between EPO therapy and the erythropoietic response is iron-restricted erythropoiesis, even in the presence of storage iron. Novel approaches to iron supplementation therapy when erythropoietic agents are used are indicated.
A critical look at metamaterials for antenna-related applications

The main objective of this paper is to take a critical look at the promise of metamaterials for antenna performance enhancement and to recommend directions of possible future research on these materials.
The interpretation of HRTEM images of partially amorphized pyrochlore structure types

Results of image simulations on partially amorphous microlite (Ca{sub 2}Ta{sub 2}O{sub 7}, pyrochlore structure) are presented. Results indicate that HRTEM images are not sensitive to position of amorphous layers within a crystalline matrix. It is also observed that the limit of detection of amorphous material within a crystalline matrix is dependent on total thickness. In thin crystals (<150{Angstrom}), up to 75 vol% crystalline material can give rise to aperiodic images, yet addition of a small amount of crystalline material (80 vol% crystalline) produces a periodic image. Images calculated for isolated spheres of amorphous material distributed within crystalline microlite suggest that isolated domains of amorphization are observable at sample thicknesses less than 3x the diameter of the feature. Image contrast of amorphized domains is enhanced by imaging at defocus settings significantly different than Scherzer focus. This indicate that interpretation of HRTEM images of partially amorphized crystalline materials should be undertaken with caution, and estimates of the volume of damage considered only qualitative.
Phage-based nanomaterials for biomedical applications☆

Recent advances in nanotechnology enable us to manipulate and produce materials with molecular level control. In the newly emerging field of bionanomedicine, it is essential to precisely control the physical, chemical and biological properties of materials. Among other biological building blocks, viruses are a promising nanomaterial that can be functionalized with great precision. Since the production of viral particles is directed by the genetic information encapsulated in their protein shells, the viral particles create precisely defined sizes and shapes. In addition, the composition and surface properties of the particles can be controlled through genetic engineering and chemical modification. In this manuscript, we review the advances of virus-based nanomaterials for biomedical applications in three different areas: phage therapy, drug delivery and tissue engineering. By exploiting and manipulating the original functions of viruses, viral particles hold great possibilities in these biomedical applications to improve human health.
Studies on electrophoretic heterogeneity in isometric plant viruses.

Abstract Purified bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) and cowpea yellow mosaic virus (CYMV) displayed electrophoretic heterogeneity after disc electrophoresis on acrylamide gel. Electrophoretic components of BPMV fractionated by preparative Tiselius electrophoresis demonstrated similar absorption spectra, specific infectivities, and amino acid compositions. Separated top component of CYMV, which contains no RNA, as well as the two nucleoprotein components each had two electrophoretic components. Protein extracted from CYMV was resolved into several bands of disc electrophoresis, suggesting possible heterogeneity of structural protein.
Corrections to strong-stretching theories

X ABSTRACT: We derive the strong-stretching approximation from the full partition function for diblock copolymer melts. Using a perturbation expansion for the free energy, with ( N) -1/3 as the expansion parameter, we calculate the leading corrections to the asymptotic N f ∞ limit for the domain period and the free energy. The leading corrections to the free energy scale as log N. They arise from the entropy gain due to the wandering of chain ends over the domains and the entropy loss to localize the joints in the interfacial region.
Multiband OFDM-UWB signals over hybrid fiber-wireless Link

The Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Ultra-Wideband (OFDM-UWB) technique that widely used for the new emerging networks requires further investigation in terms of fiber length and UWB signal degradation. Simulations are used in this work to estimate the system performance which consists of two main links: wireless and optical, where the channel is considered as point to point between the UWB transmitter and the UWB receiver. In this paper, we demonstrate the use of UWB signals of carrying data to the end users within a campus area through an optical fiber link. A cost effective optical components are used in the system. The UWB signals are transmitted over a channel bandwidth of 528 MHz via low bit rate OFDM-subcarriers. Then, the accumulated data from each OFDM subcarrier is transmitted over an optical channel. Finally, UWB signals are wirelessly distributed to the end user over a short distance depending on the data rate being used. For this point to point system, using simulations, the performance of the system in terms of the bit error rate (BER) is examined. The results show that the wireless channel effects have the larger impact on the overall system performance compared with the fiber length effect.
Nonlinear interval model control of quasi-keyhole arc welding process

This paper addresses the development of a nonlinear model based interval model control system for the quasi-keyhole arc welding process, a novel arc welding process which has advantages over the laser welding process and conventional arc welding processes. The structure of the nonlinear model chosen was proposed based on an analysis of the quasi-keyhole process to be controlled. Because of the variations in the manufacturing conditions, the parameters of the nonlinear model are uncertain but bounded by fixed intervals if the range of the manufacturing conditions is specified. To determine the intervals, extreme operating conditions/parameters (manufacturing conditions) were used to conduct experiments. Each experiment gives a set of model parameters and the interval for each parameter is given by the minimum and maximum among the values obtained from different experiments. Closed-loop control experiments have verified the effectiveness of the developed system as a robust control which requires no re-adjustment and can function properly when fluctuations/variations in manufacturing conditions, and thus the process dynamics, change, vary, or fluctuate.
Origin of Photocatalytic Activity of Nitrogen-Doped TiO2 Nanobelts

Experiments combined with the density functional theory (DFT) calculation have been performed to understand the underlying photocatalysis mechanism of the nitrogen-doped titania nanobelts. Nitrogen-doped anatase titania nanobelts are prepared via hydrothermal processing and subsequent heat treatment in NH3. Both the nitrogen content and the oxygen vacancy concentration increase with increasing the NH3 treatment temperature. Nitrogen doping leads to an add-on shoulder on the edge of the valence band, the localized N 2p levels above the valence band maximum, and the 3d states of Ti3+ below the conduction band, which is confirmed by DFT calculation and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement. Extension of the light absorption from the ultraviolet (UV) region to the visible-light region arises from the N 2p levels near the valence band and from the color centers induced by the oxygen vacancies and the Ti3+ species. Nitrogen doping allows visible-light-responsive photocatalytic activity but lowers U...
Blockade of the expression of sensitization and tolerance by ondansetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, administered during withdrawal from intermittent and continuous cocaine

The present experiment evaluated the ability of the 5-HT3 antagonist, ondansetron, administered during withdrawal from chronic cocaine administration, to block the expression of sensitization and tolerance induced by the intermittent or continuous administration of cocaine, respectively. Rats were pretreated with 40 mg/kg/per day cocaine for 14 days by either SC injections or osmotic minipumps, or 0.9% saline, administered via osmotic minipump. During the first 5 days of withdrawal from this pretreatment regimen, all rats received a daily SC injection of 0–1.0 mg/kg ondansetron. On day seven of with-drawal from the cocaine pretreatment (2 days after the final ondansetron injection) all subjects received a 15.0 mg/kg IP cocaine challenge. Their behavior was then rated according to the Ellinwood and Balster (1974) scale for 60 min. The results indicated that daily injections of ondansetron, on days 1–5 of withdrawal from the pretreatment regimen, had no significant effect on the subsequent behavioral response to cocaine in the saline control subjects. In contrast, daily injections of ondansetron, on days 1–5 of withdrawal from intermittent cocaine administration, significantly blocked the expression of sensitization. In the continuous cocaine group, ondansetron injections, on days 1–5 of withdrawal from continuous cocaine administration, also blocked the expression of behavioral tolerance. The results therefore indicate that changes in 5-HT3 receptor function are associated with the expression of tolerance and sensitization, respectively.
Synapses of crayfish abdominal ganglia with special attention to afferent and efferent connections of the lateral giant fibers.

The abdominal ganglia of the crayfish Astacus pallipes contain numerous vertebrate-like synapses which are characterized by presynaptic vesicles, darkened pre- and post-synaptic membranes, cleft material, and post-synaptic “fuzz”. Such synapses occur throughout the ganglia but are most easily found dorsally, where the neuropile is relatively coarse. The neuropile is far from homogeneous. Regional variations in fiber size, in degree of profile tortuosity, and in kind, magnitude, and distribution of vesicular content result in conspicuous textural variations. The structural polarity of synapses between the lateral giant fibers and other neurons is consistent with known physiological polarity and, hence, validates our criteria for recognition of synapses within the ganglion.
Stimulation of hydrocarbon biosynthesis by ecdysterone in the flesh fly Sarcophaga bullata.

Abstract Ecdysterone has been shown to stimulate hydrocarbon biosynthesis in Sarcophaga bullata at pupariation. When post-feeding larva were treated with 3H-acetate 10·5 hr after hormone administration, a 1·3 times greater quantity of 3H-acetate was incorporated into hydrocarbon in the ecdysterone injected insects than controls. A similar experiment with a 24 hr delay of 3H-acetate administration following hormone treatment resulted in 3·3 times greater incorporation into hydrocarbon of treated animals. Isolated integuments synthesize hydrocarbon from acetate better than internal tissues, and the integuments of ecdysterone-treated insects incorporate acetate into hydrocarbon 9·8 times better than integuments of control insects. This indicates that cuticular hydrocarbon biosynthesis not only occurs in the integument, but that a locus of regulation is present in the integument.
454: Biliverdin-Supplementation into the Preservation Solution Prevents Lung Cold Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Purpose: Biliverdin (BV), one of the byproducts of heme catalysis through the heme oxygenase system, is known to be a scavenger of reactive oxygen species. We hypothesized that the addition of BV to the perfusate and cold storage solution could protect rat lung grafts from oxidative injury via its anti-oxidant properties. Methods and Materials: Orthotopic left lung transplantation was performed in a syngeneic Lewis to Lewis rat combination under 100% oxygen mixed with isoflurane. Grafts were preserved in low potassium dextran solution at 4C for 6 hrs. The lung graft function was assessed by graft pulmonary vein (PV) blood gas analysis. Results: Prolonged cold storage and reperfusion impaired graft function and resulted in a decrease of graft PV PaO2 to 195 mmHg at 2 hrs after reperfusion from 297 mmHg in sham operated animals. BV treatment significantly improved lung graft function (graft PV PaO2 of 244.8 mmHg). Graft MDA level, a marker of lipid peroxidation, increased to 0.38 M 2 hrs after reperfusion compared to those of sham controls (0.25 M). BV reduced MDA levels to 0.28 M, demonstrating that BV attenuated graft oxidative injury. The effect of BV on proinflammatory cytokine production was also evaluated. Realtime RT-PCR revealed that intragraft mRNA for IL-6 and TNFwere rapidly upregulated within 2 hrs after reperfusion and elevated to 693 fold and 12 fold from base line of sham-operated controls. BV markedly inhibited the increase of these inflammatory mediators to 417 fold and 8.4 fold. IRI resulted in recruitment of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) into the grafts, but BV-treatment did not reduce the number of infiltrating PMN cells (control 47/0.1mm vs BV 44/ 0.1mm). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that exposure of the lung grafts to BV during cold storage can impart potent cytoprotective effects in lung I/R injury and significantly improve function of lung grafts following extended cold preservation and transplantation by a mechanism involving amelioration of oxidative injury and subsequent inflammatory events.
Metabolism of cocaine by human placentas: implications for fetal exposure.

Abstract To assess placental metabolism of cocaine, placentas were obtained at the time of delivery and the microsomes were extracted by ultracentrifligation within 2 hours. Placental microsomes were cultured with cocaine at physiologic plasma concentrations similar to those of cocaine users (0.75 µg/ml). Two control groups were established. In the first group an anticholinesterase was added to the culture to suppress enzyme activity, and in the second cocaine was cultured alone without placental microsomes to obtain baseline spontaneous conversion of the drug. The results indicate that cocaine is biotransformed by the human placenta, presumably by cholinesterase activity. This suggests that the placenta may provide a moderate degree of protection from cocaine-induced morbidity, such as abruptio placentae and fetal growth retardation, by converting cocaine into less active metabolites. These results also have pharmacogenetic implications because cholinesterase activity varies among individuals. Hence placentas that cannot transform the drug may place the conceptus at greater risk of developmental abnormalities.
Local macromolecule diffusion coefficients in structurally non-uniform bacterial biofilms using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP).

Pure culture Pseudomonas putida biofilms were cultivated under controlled conditions to a desired overall biofilm thickness, then employed within classical half-cell diffusion chambers to estimate, from transient solute concentrations, the effective diffusion coefficient for several macromolecules of increasing molecular weight and molecular complexity. Results of traditional half-cell studies were found to be erroneous due to the existence of microscopic water channels or crevasses that perforate the polysaccharidic gel matrix of the biofilm, sometimes completely to the supporting substratum. Thus, half-cell devices measure a composite transfer coefficient that may overestimate the true, local flux of solutes in the biofilm polysaccharide gel matrix. An alternative analytical technique was refined to determine the local diffusion coefficients on a micro-scale to avoid the errors created by the biofilm architectural irregularities. This technique is based upon the Fluorescence Return After Photobleaching (FRAP), which allows image analysis observation of the transport of fluorescently labeled macromolecules as they migrate into a micro-scale photobleached zone. The technique can be computerized and allows one to map the local diffusion coefficients of various solute molecules at different horizontal planes and depths in a biofilm. These mappings also indirectly indicate the distribution of water channels in the biofilm, which was corroborated independently by direct microscopic observation of the settling of fluorescently-labeled latex spheres within the biofilm. Fluorescence return after photobleaching results indicate a significant reduction in the solute transport coefficients in biofilm polymer gel vs. the same value in water, with the reduction being dependent on solute molecule size and shape.
A two phase hybrid RSS/AoA algorithm for indoor device localization using visible light

A two phase hybrid algorithm for estimating the location of a mobile node, which has the capability of measuring signal strength, azimuth, and elevation, in a smart space environment over the visible light channel is proposed. In contrast to conventional triangulation approaches which are performed in a simplified plane, the smart room architecture requires a non-planar solution due to the illumination requirement. Furthermore, conventional triangulation approaches can at times produce numerically ill-defined solutions, thereby prohibiting a notion of target location. Instead of solely relying on triangulation, the mobile node estimate their locations through a two phase approach in which they firstly exploit the signal strength observables with unique IDs to establish a coarse estimate, and secondly use the azimuth and elevation observables to establish a fine estimate. In many cases, the fine estimate will improve upon the coarse estimate; however when triangulation fails, the algorithm yield the coarse estimate rather than a localization failure. Since the environment model relies on the primary requirement of adequate illumination, the number of LED anchors and transmit power for communication functions are determined. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the hybrid two phase localization approach in a smart space indoor environment by having a median coarse phase accuracy of 34.88 cm and a fine phase median accuracy of 13.95 cm
Modeling and analysis of an ePFC (enhanced power flow controller) with conduction angle control

Series Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices have been employed to increase power transfer capability of transmission networks and to provide direct control of power flow over designated transmission routes. However, high costs and reliability concerns associated with implementing one large FACTS device capable of altering the power flow in a wide transmission network have limited widespread deployment of FACTS solutions. Recently, concept of Distributed FACTS (D-FACTS) was proposed as an alternative approach to realize cost-effective power flow control through multiple, small, fixed series impedance injections. This paper extends the functionality of D-FACTS concept by introducing variability in impedance injection of D-FACTS devices, thereby improving their controllability. Furthermore, this paper also presents a more detailed analytical treatment of such a topology termed enhanced Power Flow Controller (ePFC). It is shown that employing 1st order (assume s sinusoidal voltage across compensation capacitor) and 2nd order (assumes sinusoidal current in the transmission line) fundamental impedance model are inaccurate methods to analyze effective impedance inserted by ePFC. Instead, a new mathematical model that is based on sinusoidal voltage difference between two end buses is proposed. The efficacy of this approach and its advantages as compared to existing models are presented.
A second UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase is required for differentiation and development in Dictyostelium discoideum.

Uridine diphosphoglucose pyrophosphorylase (UDPGP) is a developmentally regulated enzyme in Dictyostelium discoideum, which is involved in trehalose, cellulose, and glycogen synthesis. Two independent UDPGP proteins are believed to be responsible for this activity. To determine the relative contributions of each protein, the genes encoding them were disrupted individually. Cells lacking the udpgp1 gene exhibit normal growth and development and make normal levels of cellulose. In agreement with these phenotypes, udpgp1− cells still have UDPGP activity, although at a reduced level. This supports the importance of the second UDPGP gene. This newly identified gene,ugpB, encodes an active UDPGP as determined by complementation in Escherichia coli. When this gene is disrupted, cells undergo aberrant differentiation and development ending with small, gnarled fruiting bodies. These cells also have decreased spore viability and decreased levels of glycogen, whose production requires UDPGP activity. These phenotypes suggest that UgpB constitutes the major UDPGP activity produced during development. Sequence analysis of the two UDPGP genes shows that UgpB has higher homology to other eukaryotic UDPGPs than does UDPGP1. This includes the presence of 5 conserved lysine residues. Udpgp1 only has 1 of these lysines.
The Association Between Suicidal Ideation and Childhood and Adult Victimization

Despite the burgeoning literature on suicidal behavior, there are meager data available on the relationship between suicidal ideation and emotional abuse in childhood; adult physical or sexual victimization; and adult re-victimization in those with a history of childhood maltreatment. This study addressed these gaps in the literature. In a sample of 494 female undergraduates, current suicidal ideation was assessed dichotomously using an item from the SCL-90 and victimization was assessed retrospectively with validated multi-item measures. Analyses revealed an association between suicidal ideation and emotional and physical abuse in childhood and a history of partner violence. No relationship was found between childhood sexual abuse or forced sex in adulthood and suicidal ideation. Additionally, results of multiple logistic regression analyses did not support the hypothesis that the relationship between childhood victimization and SI is moderated by re-victimization in adulthood.
Detection of microbial antigens in metal working fluids

In recent years there have been several reports of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) or an HP-like illness occurring among machinists working with water-based metal working fluids (MWF). Microbial contamination of the MWF is common and microbial agents have been suspected to be causal agents for the HP-like illness, but no specific etiologic agent has been identified to date. In particular, gram negative bacteria and biocide resistant mycobacterial species may colonize the MWF, and may stimulate an inflammatory response if inhaled. Because direct culture techniques provide data only about viable organisms present at the time the sample was collected, we have been evaluating techniques to detect microbial substances (antigens) that may be present and persist in the MWF. We have found that the endotoxin of gram negative bacteria can be detected in MWF using the limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay, and may be present in high concentrations. In addition, MWF samples have been analyzed by Western Blot techniques using polyclonal antibodies to mycobacteria to demonstrate the presence of mycobacterial antigens in these samples. The use of non-culture-based techniques for the assessment of microbial contamination of MWF may help to determine the role of microorganisms in the etiology of HP associated with MWF exposure.
Growth of a neuroinvasive strain of bluetongue virus in suckling mice.

Some strains of bluetongue virus cause congenital brain damage in bovine and ovine fetuses, as well as in neonatal mice. Two strains of bluetongue virus serotype 11 (UC-2 and UC-8) which differ in neuroinvasiveness were used to determine the biological basis for this difference. UC-2 and UC-8 were inoculated subcutaneously into newborn mice and virus was titrated from blood, plasma and brain tissues over 14 days. For the invasive UC-8 strain, 50–175 plaque forming units of virus per ml was found associated with the blood cells and no virus was detected in the plasma. The virus was detected in the brain at day one post inoculation, and again at day 7, increasing to day 11. The results indicate that UC-8 was able to reach the brain soon after inoculation and to replicate and/or remain in the blood circulation better than UC-2. Immunohistochemical examination of frozen brain sections revealed a sudden, multifocal appearance of UC-8 at day 9, with more viral antigen seen at days 11 and 13, which was barely detected by day 15. Viral antigen was not associated with blood vessels in the brain, indicating that the viral invasion was not from infected vascular endothelium. No virus was detected in the mice infected with strain UC-2.
Environmental risk induced by TiO2 dispersions in waters and sediments: a case study

A southern Italian area that is characterized by large outcrops of rocks that are rich in titanium oxide (TiO2) phases were investigated to determine the mineralogical risk induced by the natural dispersion of TiO2 minerals. Rock, sediment and surface water samples were collected to determine the physicochemical and mineralogical factors (i.e., size distribution, morphology and alteration) indicative of potential TiO2 toxicity. X-ray diffraction data suggested that titanium oxides were present as rutile and anatase. Scanning electron microscopy images showed elongated TiO2 morphologies; fibres were found as either isolated or embedded/enclosed in flake-like phyllosilicates. The concentration of fibres in stream water ranged from 1.7 to 4.6 million fibres per litre. The highest fibre amounts in the sediments were in the <8-µm fraction, while single fibres were primarily concentrated in the <2-µm fraction. The results indicate that titanium oxide minerals represent a natural source of environmental risk and that the geomineralogical characterization of rich TiO2 areas is indispensable for understanding their geoavailability, dispersion and distribution.
Decreased length of stay after TKA is not associated with increased readmission rates in a national Medicare sample.

Background There is a trend toward decreasing length of hospital stay (LOS) after TKA although it is unclear whether this trend is detrimental to the overall postoperative course. Such information is important for future decisions related to cost containment.
Development of intermolecular potentials for predicting transport properties of hydrocarbons

We explore the ability of a modified form of an n-6 potential to represent transport property data of n-paraffins over a range of temperatures, pressures, and chain lengths. General features of the relationship between the potential form and resulting properties are investigated for methane, where it is shown that the tunable softness of the potential function allows for adjustment of transport properties, through modulation of the magnitude of the density fluctuations, while leaving thermodynamic properties such as liquid density and vapor-liquid coexistence properties essentially unchanged. We tune potential parameters of a united atom model for n-paraffins to viscosity and density data of low molecular weight (C4-C10) species and demonstrate the robust predictive capability of viscosity-temperature-pressure relationships for species up to n-C36.