cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intermittent Divertor Filaments in the National Spherical Torus Experiment and Their Relation to Midplane Blobs

While intermittent filamentary structures, also known as blobs, are routinely seen in the low-field-side scrape-off layer of the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) (Ono et al 2000 Nucl. Fusion 40 557), fine structured filaments are also seen on the lower divertor target plates of NSTX. These filaments, not associated with edge localized modes, correspond to the interaction of the turbulent blobs seen near the midplane with the divertor plasma facing components. The fluctuation level of the neutral lithium light observed at the divertor, and the skewness and kurtosis of its probability distribution function, is similar to that of midplane blobs seen in Dα; e.g. increasing with increasing radii outside the outer strike point (OSP) (separatrix). In addition, their toroidal and radial movement agrees with the typical movement of midplane blobs. Furthermore, with the appropriate magnetic topology, i.e. mapping between the portion of the target plates being observed into the field of view of the midplane gas puff imaging diagnostic, very good correlation is observed between the blobs and the divertor filaments. The correlation between divertor plate filaments and midplane blobs is lost close to the OSP. This latter observation is consistent with the existence of 'magnetic shear disconnection' due to the lower X-point, as proposed by Cohen and Ryutov (1997 Nucl. Fusion 37 621).
Study of optimum tilt angles for solar panels in different latitudes for urban applications

Abstract Solar panels are one of the most promising renewable technologies for energizing future buildings. For roof top solar panel installations, knowledge of the optimum tilt angle is important to have the maximum annual or seasonal energy yield. The annual optimum tilt angle is dependent on many factors such as the latitude of the location and the weather condition. In an urban application, the optimum tilt angle can be affected by the surrounding obstacles. Consequently, new concerns such as shading or sky blocking effects have to be taken into consideration. In this paper, a simple method is proposed based on a modified sky model to calculate the optimum angle of installation for the urban applications. The obtained results demonstrate the dependency of the optimum angle of installation on the latitude, weather condition and surroundings.
Investigations of the interactions between synthetic antimicrobial polymers and substrate-supported lipid bilayers using sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy.

Sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy was used to analyze interactions between solid-supported lipid bilayers acting as models for cellular membranes and several membrane-active random copolymers with different lipophilic side chains, named 0R (no group), 33Me (methyl group), 11Bz (benzyl group), and 33Bu (butyl group), according to both the identity and percentage of the side chains within the polymer. Biological tests of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and hemolytic concentration were performed. The inherent surface sensitivity of SFG allowed for independent monitoring of isotopically labeled lipid bilayer leaflets as a function of concentration to study polymer−bilayer interaction mechanisms. Concentrations at which each bilayer leaflet was disrupted were quantitatively determined for each copolymer. Spectroscopic evidence of interaction with the bilayer below the critical concentrations was observed for the 11Bz polymer. The lipophilic butyl side chain of the 33Bu polymer ...
Load Transfer Mechanism to Offshore Jackets During Pile Driving

Dynamic loads induced by pile driving during offshore installations can cause fatigue damage to secondary and primary jacket members. To check the fatigue performance of these members, a time domain fatigue analysis is required. The big unknown in performing such analysis is the input forcing function. The mechanism by which these loads are transferred to the jacket is complex and not fully understood. In this paper a mechanism of load transfer is presented. A simplified analytical model to compute the magnitude and shape of the input force is developed. This model considers the effect of hammer type, pile geometry, pile stick-up length, leg batter, guide location and friction. A parametric study was performed to examine these parameters on the force transferred to the jacket. Pile driving forces were determined for two piles and two hammers. Results generated by this model are compared well to measured data of a North Sea jacket monitored during pile driving. The simplified model is extended to compute pile dynamic stresses during driving. Results compared well with inelastic finite element analysis.
Advancing the Cause of Computation in the Physics Curriculum

There are numerous approaches to incorporating computational science advances in education. Many physics departments now teach a course in CP, usually in the upper division. Some also teach a lower division scientific computing class. And, of course, computers are often used to help teach physics classes, but value is usually placed on the physics and not the computation. Although there is as yet no standard CP curriculum, there are now several excellent texts available for CP classes. However, few textbooks cover the standard topics in a physics curriculum while also integrating modern computational techniques. The authors are proposing a series of advanced textbooks that address the interface of physical and computational sciences.
Development of a Chemoenzymatic Manufacturing Process for Pregabalin

A new manufacturing process for (S)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid (Pregabalin), the active ingredient in Lyrica, has been developed. Using Lipolase, a commercially available lipase, rac-2-carboxyethyl-3-cyano-5-methylhexanoic acid ethyl ester (1) can be resolved to form 2-carboxyethyl-3-cyano-5-methylhexanoic acid (2). A heat-promoted decarboxylation of 2 efficiently generates (S)-3-cyano-5-methylhexanoic acid ethyl ester (3), a known precursor of Pregabalin. This new route dramatically improved process efficiency compared to the first-generation process by setting the stereocenter early in the synthesis and enabling the facile racemization and reuse of (R)-1. The chemoenzymatic process also reduced organic solvent usage resulting in a mostly aqueous process. Compared to the first-generation manufacturing process, the new process resulted in higher yields of pregabalin (40–45% after one recycle of (R)-1), and substantial reductions of waste streams corresponding to a 5-fold decrease in the E facto...
Individual differences in responses to ethanol and d-amphetamine: a within-subject study.

Background: In some individuals, ethanol (EtOH) produces marked stimulant-like subjective effects resembling those of stimulant drugs, like d-amphetamine (AMP). In this study, we examined the neurochemical basis of these individual differences by examining the same subjects’ responses to both EtOH and AMP. A positive correlation between subjects’ responses to the two drugs may suggest that AMP and EtOH produce their stimulant-like subjective effects by a shared mechanism. Methods: Twenty-seven volunteers (17 male, 10 female), aged 21–35, received beverages or capsules containing EtOH 0.8 g/kg, AMP 10 or 20 mg, or placebo on four separate sessions in random order and under double-blind conditions. Various self-reported and objective drug effects were measured, including measures sensitive to subjective and cognitive stimulant-like effects. Results: EtOH and AMP produced their prototypical subjective and behavioral effects, including increased ratings of stimulant-like subjective effects, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and improved vigilance performance after AMP and increased ratings of sedative-like subjective effects, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and impaired vigilance performance after EtOH. Consistent with previous reports, there was substantial intersubject variability in subjective responses to EtOH: some subjects reported primarily stimulant-like effects, whereas others reported primarily sedative-like effects. To examine the relationship between these responses to EtOH and subjects’ responses to AMP, correlations were examined between effects of EtOH and AMP. For all subjects together, there was a significant positive correlation between responses to EtOH and 20 mg AMP on the ARCI A scale (a measure of stimulant-like subjective effects;r= 0.41, p < 0.05). Among only those subjects who reported primarily stimulant-like effects from EtOH, the correlation between EtOH and AMP was 0.64 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Subjects who experience pronounced stimulant-like effects from EtOH also report greater stimulant effects from AMP, suggesting that these effects may be mediated through similar mechanisms. These correlations between the drugs’ effects were not observed on other measures, such as DSST or vigilance task performance or heart rate. This may indicate that these other effects are mediated by separate mechanisms. The study illustrates a novel approach to studying the neurochemical basis of drug effects.
THE IDEAL PREPARATION OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHERS.

already exists somewhere and can reasonably be expected to exist anywhere. I have not tried to make it stand for supreme or absolute perfection. Secondly, I have used the term foreign language teacher to refer to anyone who teaches a language other than the learner's mother tongue. Although most of my comments bear directly on contemporary languages, including English, it will be found that, to a surprising extent, the same considerations apply to classical language as well. Thirdly, since preparation implies preparation for something, I have considered it a part of my assignment to be explicit about what it is our teachers are preparing for. A great deal has happened to language teaching since the Second World War, and particularly during the last decade. Just what is our status in the academic world in the middle of the nineteen-sixties? Certainly our profession now presents many features that were not characteristic of us in the nineteen-thirties, and it is no thanks to the kind of teaching that was current and typical at that time that we are where we are today. We can no longer think of language teaching only as it was then, wedded to word lists, grammar analysis, and translations, with almost no use whatever of the target language as used by those who speak it natively. Today there is a greatly increased range of objectives and activities, an open-mindedness, a receptivity to leadership, a sense of importance and urgency, an awareness of public interest in and support for what we do-not to mention federal financial aid-and a satisfaction in accomplishment, all of which would have been hard to discover among those engaged in language teaching between the two World Wars.
A novel UV laser for lidar applications

A novel ultraviolet laser is demonstrated using a dual wavelength Nd:YAG oscillator, sum frequency and second harmonic process. Synchronous pulses at 1.052 and 1.319 micrometers are amplified, mixed and subsequently doubled, producing pulses at 0.293 micrometers. An attractive feature of this laser design is that it is line tunable. With a properly designed resonator, a potential of 44 possible ultraviolet laser transitions can be operated, resulting in a line tunable UV laser in the wavelength range 0.263 to 0.339 micrometers.
Restoration of Plant–Pollinator Interactions: Pollination Neighborhood and Asymmetric Pollen Flow Between Restored Habitats in a Beetle‐Pollinated Aroid

Two processes globally threatening natural ecosystems are changes in land use and deforestation. Two methods used to restore threatened ecosystems are: (1) unassisted forest regeneration, which promotes the establishment of plants and fauna arriving from surrounding habitats and (2) assisted restoration, which involves the reconstruction of forests by planting native or exotic trees. Functional attributes, such as plant–pollinator interactions, are essential for ecosystem recovery. Unfortunately, information regarding the effect of restoration on pollination systems is limited. Forty years ago, a tropical cloud forest in Colombia was restored through unassisted forest regeneration, as well as by establishing monospecific plantations of the exotic Chinese ash Fraxinus chinensis. The understories of both restoration strategies were colonized by the beetle-pollinated aroid Xanthosoma daguense. Using isolation-by-distance and multi-strata mark-recapture models, I estimated in each restoration strategy two fundamental pollination processes: (1) the magnitude of X. daguense pollination neighborhood and (2) the directionality of pollen flow among plants colonizing both restoration strategies. In addition, I recorded pollinator visits and fruit production for X. daguense in each restored habitats. The pollination neighborhood of X. daguense in the ash plantation is two times larger than its pollination neighborhood in natural regeneration. Inflorescences in the ash plantation donated 10 times more pollen to inflorescences in natural regeneration. Plants in natural regeneration produced two times more infructescences and more fruits than plants in ash plantation. Results show that the selection of different restoration strategies can alter two major components of plant–pollinator interactions in plants colonizing restored habitats, pollination neighborhoods, and pollen flow within the population.
The Presence and Distribution of Lubricin in the Caprine Intervertebral Disc

Lubricin is a large, multifunctional glycoprotein that is known to play a role as a boundary lubricant in diarthrodial joint articulation. The hypothesis of this study was that lubricin is present in the intervertebral disc in a distribution consistent with serving to facilitate interlamellar tribology. The objectives were to: (1) determine the distribution of lubricin in the normal caprine disc; and (2) investigate the synthesis of lubricin by caprine annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in vitro, using immunohistochemical methods. Caprine lumbar intervertebral discs from five levels and four animals were studied. Positive staining revealed the presence of the lubricin in the outer AF of nearly all samples. No staining was present in the inner AF or the NP. Within the outer AF, lubricin was prominent in the layers separating lamellae and in the extracellular matrix of the lamellae. Some of the AF cells within the lubricin-positive regions demonstrated intracellular lubricin staining, suggesting that these cells may be synthesizing the lubricin protein observed. Immunohistochemistry performed on monolayer cultures of primary AF and NP cells demonstrated intracellular lubricin staining in both cell types. Thus, lubricin is selectively present in the outer caprine intervertebral disc AF, and its distribution suggests that it may play a role in interlamellar tribology. Cells from both the annulus and nucleus were found capable of synthesizing lubricin in vitro, suggesting that these cells may be a potential source of the glycoprotein under some conditions.
On the Angular Distribution of Alpha-Particles Produced in the Li 7 -Proton Reaction

The angular distribution of the alpha-particles ejected in the reaction, ${\mathrm{Li}}^{7}$+${\mathrm{H}}^{1}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2 ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$, is discussed. It is assumed that the ${\mathrm{Li}}^{7}$-nucleus is odd, that the incident proton is in a $P$ state and that a broad and a sharp nuclear resonance level participate in the reaction. The angular momentum 0 and $2 \ensuremath{\hbar}$ are assigned to the broad and to the sharp levels, respectively. The constants entering into the theory could be determined only by extending the measurements on angular dependence to proton energies higher than 400 kev. The results are in qualitative agreement with the dependence on energy of the reaction yield and of the angular distribution observed so far.
Comparison of Seasonal Infection of Citrus Roots by Phytophthora citrophthora and P. nicotianae var. parasitica

Excised feeder roots from mature citrus trees located in climatically different regions were infected with zoospores of Phytophthora citrophthora and P. nicotianae var. parasitica at different times of the year under identical laboratory conditions. Zoospores encysted on and caused infection in roots from all locations year round. Both pathogens had the most encysted zoospores on roots from November to January and the least from March to May. Infection by P. nicotianae var. parasitica was consistently higher than P. citrophthora in the excised summer roots (May to September) and lower in January 1998 and November 1997. Infection by both species of Phytophthora dropped to a minimum in March when carbohydrate levels in roots were lowest. Temperature was not solely responsible for determining seasonal fluctuations of P. nicotianae var. parasitica and P. citrophthora. Root carbohydrate content also could not be correlated with seasonal infection. Other physiological or microbial factors associated with citrus roots may cause seasonal Phytophthora infection fluctuations. Infection of citrus seedling roots by P. citrophthora at 16°C reduced root starch content but not glucose compared to P. nicotianae var. parasitica, whereas infection at 30°C by P. nicotianae var. parasitica lowered root glucose but not starch content compared to P. citrophthora.
Isolation of melanin from human plasma lipofuscin.

AbstractHuman plasma lipofuscin and its melanin component were isolated and quantified. Electron paramagnetic resonance, infrared, ultraviolet and visible spectra of this melanin exhibited absorption characteristics very similar to those of known melanins. The human plasma lipofuscin contained approximately 85 % protein, 3 % melanin, 0.4 % lipid and 0.25 % mucoprotein constituents and emitted yellow-green fluorescence in 366-nm light. The ethanol-ether lipid extract obtained after acid hydiolysis from the lipid-melanin fraction of this lipofuscin was also found to fluoresce in yellow-green color in 366-nm light and produced similar fluorescence excitation and emission spectra as those of the human plasma lipofuscin in water solution. The isolated melanin component was not fluorescent.
Seasonal Patterns of Energy Allocation to Basal Metabolism, Activity and Production for Livestock in a Nomadic Pastoral Ecosystem

Energy budgets and estimates of forage intake requirements were developed for adult camels, cattle, sheep, and goats managed by nomads in the arid Turkana District of north-western Kenya. The estimates were developed by combining our field data on livestock activity patterns, diet quality, weight changes and milk yields with literature based estimates of the associated costs and efficiencies. On an annual basis, the average animal walked 17 km/day and had a total metabolizable energy (ME) allocation of 47% for basal metabolism, 16% for travel, 14% for other activities, and 23% for production. Season and species influenced patterns of energy demand and allocation. Average daily ME requirements ranged from 8·7 MJ (sheep) to 76·7 MJ (camels). ME demand for all species peaked during wet (April-May) or early-to mid-dry periods (June-October), and decreased considerably in the late-dry season (November-March). In the wet season the average sheep or goat allocated 45% of its ME budget to production of milk and gain, followed by cattle (36%) and camels (25%). All species were more similar in ME allocation for production during the late-dry season (7–13%; all to lactation), yet patterns of weight loss during this time indicated that camels experienced the lowest degree of negative energy balance. On an annual basis, camel budgets were the most deviant, as they allocated relatively more ME to activity and relatively less to basal metabolism or weight gain. Estimates of forage dry-matter intakes (per unit live weight per day) ranged from 3·8% (cattle, camels) to 4·6% (sheep, goats) throughout the year, and intakes declined for most species by an average of 50% from the wet to late-dry intervals. This approach has revealed ecological differences among livestock species that help explain the utility of multi-species holdings in this system.
Can Venture Capitalists Tame the Wolves? An Analysis of Fraudulent Underwriters, IPO Characteristics, and VC Certification

A recent hit movie, The Wolf of Wall Street, highlighted the fraudulent activity of the investment bank Stratton Oakmont. Unfortunately, this was not the only such financial firm convicted of illegal behavior during the 1990s; there were at least 34 Initial Public Offering (IPO) underwriters that were the subject of SEC enforcement during this period. I examine the characteristics of IPOs underwritten by these investment banks, particularly as they compare to other IPOs. I find that IPOs underwritten by sanctioned investment banks (particularly those that were less active in the IPO market) were significantly different with respect to both firm and offer characteristics, including having higher underpricing and worse long-term performance. Further, such IPOs, while less likely to be backed by a venture capitalist, were positively impacted by this third-party relationship, in that underpricing was lower and long-term return was higher; this is likely due, at least in part, to the certification role provided by venture capitalists.
Neonates with short bowel syndrome: an optimistic future for parenteral nutrition independence.

Importance The introduction of hepatoprotective strategies and multidisciplinary management has significantly improved the outcome of neonates with short bowel syndrome (SBS) who require parenteral nutrition (PN). Objective To determine the probability of weaning from PN based on intestinal length in neonates with SBS amidst the new era of hepatoprotective strategies and multidisciplinary management. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective medical record review at a single-center academic institution. Neonates with no more than 100 cm of small intestine at a corrected gestational age of no more than 30 days who were diagnosed with a surgical gastrointestinal disease and PN dependent for at least 2 weeks were included. Data were collected from January 1, 2004, through June 1, 2012. Exposure Neonates with SBS requiring PN. Main Outcomes and Measures The probability of wean from PN without reinitiation for at least 1 year, as determined by logistic regression. Predictors of wean were evaluated using exact conditional logistic regression. Predictors of time to wean were determined by Cox proportional hazards regression. Results Sixty-three patients with a median (25th percentile, 75th percentile [interquartile range (IQR)]) gestational age of 31 (27, 35) weeks, birth weight of 1423 (895, 2445) g, small intestinal length of 41.0 (24.0, 65.0) cm, and predicted length of 29.0% (17.1%, 45.5%) underwent analysis. Fifty-one patients (81%) received a fish oil–based lipid emulsion (1 g/kg/d), 40 (63%) were weaned, 11 (17%) remained PN dependent, 4 (6%) underwent transplant, and 8 (13%) died while on PN. Excluding patients who underwent transplant or died, the median (IQR) small intestinal length was 55.0 (28.0, 75.0) cm in weaned and 26.0 (14.0, 41.0) cm in PN-dependent patients ( P = .006), with 40 of 51 (78%) weaned by study end. The cumulative probability of wean for patients with at least 50 cm of small intestine was 88% after 12 and 96% after 24 months. Patients with less than 50 cm of small intestine had a cumulative probability of wean of 23% after 12, 38% after 24, and 71% after 57 months. Small intestinal length was found to be the primary predictor of wean. Notable predictors of time to wean included the amount of small intestine remaining (hazard ratio, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.45-2.58] per 20 cm of intestine; P P = .001), and intestinal lengthening procedure (0.19 [0.04-0.84]; P = .03). Conclusions and Relevance The majority of patients will wean from PN despite short intestinal length, likely as a result of new management strategies combined with a multidisciplinary team approach.
A 32 key keyboard for the HP PDMS.

The keyboard remains the primary human interface device for existing patient data management systems. The standard bedside keyboard for the Hewlett-Packard PDMS has 16 keys which are used for both numeric data entry and multiple functions, accessed by shift key combinations. We have designed and constructed a 32 key keyboard which speeds single keystroke access to all PDMS functions. The new keyboard is backwards compatible and requires no PDMS software changes. A 32 key keyboard offers many advantages for use with the HP PDMS. The device presented is backwards compatible with the vendor’s keyboard and requires no software changes. This keyboard could serve as an updated functional replacement for thousands of keyboards now in use.
Systems genetics of behavior: a prelude

Behaviors are among the most complex phenotypes -- the end product of intertwined networks of genetic, molecular, cellular, physiological, environmental, and social factors. While reductionist methods that test contributions of single genes are crucial to define components of behavior, there are now complementary integrative methods that can model and predict behavior in a more global context. Systems genetics is a new field that exploits massive multiscalar data to study patterns of covariation in complex biological systems. As applied to behavioral genetics, this field looks inside the black box to understand hierarchies of molecular and cellular traits and connections that link gene variants and environment to behavior. Here we explore recent progress and challenges in this new field.
A cultural theory of development: What does it imply about the application of scientific research?

Abstract Following the tenets of a theory of development which accords culture a fundamental constituting role in creating human development, this paper proposes a critical approach to the application of research by developmental psychologists. After sketching the sociohistorical context within which developmental research is currently being conducted, a concept of culture derived from agricultural metaphors that run deep in the English language is introduced. These general considerations are followed by an example of basic/applied research in the author's own community. ∗
Applications of Boolean programming optimisation methodology to the direct solution of crystal structures

WE have found that Boolean optimisation methods can be used to derive phase information from observed X-ray structure factors. This will provide a new approach to the problem of the loss of phase information during X-ray diffraction experiments, which has been a major limitation to the study of the structure of matter. The possibilities of the method are demonstrated here in the successful application of integer programming optimisation techniques to the three-dimensional solution of centrosymmetric structures.
956-119 Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction and Thrombolytic Therapy: An Appraisal of Clinical Heterogeneity and Indications for Treatment

Clinical trials to determine the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy trials consider all patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction (IMI) as a single group, but these patients have heterogeneous clinical characteristics. Stratification of IMI patients by the amount of myocardium at risk and the time to treatment should clarify the precise indications for thrombolytic therapy. This study is an independent secondary analysis of the TIMI II patient data available through the NHLBI. Clinical features were used to identify IMI subgroups in the TIMI II trial characterized by increased myocardium at risk. There were 861 patients with IMI who had one or more of the following markers for myocardium at risk: anterior ST depression, hypotension defined as a systolic blood pressure l 100 mmHg, or advanced AV block. There were 455 patients with IMI who did not have any markers of increased myocardium at risk. The subgroups for each marker and the group without any marker were then stratified by time to thrombolysis and their outcomes were compared to historical controls with hypothesis tests and confidence intervals. Patients with IMI plus anterior ST depression, hypotension, or AV block who received thrombolysis had a highly statistically significant decre,1se in mortality (p l 0.001) compared to historical controls. Patients with IMI plus hypotension or AV block had a significant decrease in mortality only up to 3 hours from onset of symptoms (p l 0.05). In patients with simple 1MI, an insignificant relative reduction in mortality of 15.4% was seen from a baseline mortality of 2.5%. Consequently, thrombolytic therapy cannot be justified for all patients with IMI, but it is clearly indicated for IMI with anterior ST depression, advanced AV block, and hypotension. The decrease in mortality for patients with hypotension or AV block declines steeply over the first 3 hours. IMI with anterior or lateral ST elevation, right ventricular infarction, or new bundle-branch block is hypothesized to have the same benefit but could not be tested because the data was not available in the TIMI II database. To demonstrate significance of the relative reduction in mortality for patients with simple IMI would require 32,220 patients. For the individual patient with a simple inferior myocardial infarction, the essentially immaterial benefit of 15.4% relative reduction in mortality from a baseline mortality of 2.5% may not outweigh the risk of a hemorrhagic complication of therapy. In conclusion, IMI patients should be considered on an individual basis, with consideration given to the amount of myocardium at risk and the time to treatment.
Mouse model of chronic and binge ethanol feeding (the NIAAA model)

Chronic alcohol consumption is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, the most widely used model for alcoholic liver injury is ad libitum feeding with the Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet containing ethanol for 4-6 weeks; however, this model, without the addition of a secondary insult, only induces mild steatosis, slight elevation of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and little or no inflammation. Here we describe a simple mouse model of alcoholic liver injury by chronic ethanol feeding (10-d ad libitum oral feeding with the Lieber-DeCarli ethanol liquid diet) plus a single binge ethanol feeding. This protocol for chronic-plus-single-binge ethanol feeding synergistically induces liver injury, inflammation and fatty liver, which mimics acute-on-chronic alcoholic liver injury in patients. This feeding protocol can also be extended to chronic feeding for longer periods of time up to 8 weeks plus single or multiple binges. Chronic-binge ethanol feeding leads to high blood alcohol levels; thus, this simple model will be very useful for the study of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and of other organs damaged by alcohol consumption.
Observations on the pentastome Raillietiella grhyrae Bovien, 1927 (Cephalobaenida: Cephalobaenidae) from Mabuya homalocephala in Kenya.

Pentastomes were collected from the lizard, Mabuya homalocephala, in Kenya. These were identified as belonging to the Group II species complex of the genus Raillietiella, or those forms with the second pair of hooks blunt-tipped, and are considered as Raillietiella gehyrae Bovien, 1927. A detailed description of the external and internal morphology of the adults, eggs, and larvae is presented and the morphological characteristics of these specimens are compared with those in descriptions from other hosts and localities. The systematics of this and other species of Raillietiella are discussed in the light of current knowledge concerning pentastome taxonomy. Although there appears to be considerable metrical variation, all the species with a blunt-tipped second pair of hooks (Group II of Raillietiella species from lizards) are morphologically indistinguishable based on this and previous descriptions, and all are considered in the present study as a single species, R. gehyrae. Also, the biology and life history of this species are discussed.
Plasma lens for high-flux x-ray radiation

We have developed the Scaled Thermal Explosion Experiment (STEX) to provide a database of reaction violence from thermal explosion for explosives of interest. Such data are needed to develop, calibrate, and validate predictive capability for thermal explosions using simulation computer codes. A cylinder of explosive 25, 50 or 100 mm in diameter, is confined in a steel cylinder with heavy end caps, and heated under controlled conditions until reaction. Reaction violence is quantified through non-contact micropower impulse radar measurements of the cylinder wall velocity and by strain gauge data at reaction onset. Here we describe the test concept, design and diagnostic recording, and report results with HMX- and RDX-based energetic materials.
Radiation-Associated Valvular Disease*

The prevalence of radiation-associated cardiac disease is increasing due to prolonged survival following mediastinal irradiation. Side effects of radiation include pericarditis, accelerated coronary artery disease, myocardial fibrosis and valvular injury. We evaluated the cases of three young patients with evidence of significant valvular disease following mediastinal irradiation. One patient underwent the first reported successful aortic and mitral valve replacement for radiation-associated valvular disease (RAVD) as well as concurrent coronary artery revascularization. A review of the literature revealed 35 reported cases of RAVD, with only one successful case of valve replacement that was limited to the aortic valve. Asymptomatic RAVD is diagnosed 11.5 years after mediastinal irradiation compared with 16.5 years for symptomatic patients, emphasizing that long-term follow-up is important for patients receiving mediastinal irradiation. This study defines a continuum of valvular disease following radiation that begins with mild asymptomatic valvular thickening and progresses to severe valvular fibrosis with hemodynamic compromise requiring surgical intervention. (Chest 1991; 99:538–45)
Computation of stresses and displacements in a layered elastic medium

Abstract This paper presents an exact analysis of stresses and displacements in a linear elastic half-space composed of one or two layers bonded to another homogeneous half-space. Much of the computational difficulties encountered in the direct application of the integral transform methods have been circumvented. The analytical solutions for stresses and displacements are in a form suitable for numerical computation. Three numerical examples are given: 1. (1) an elliptically distributed pressure over a circular area, 2. (2) an approximate solution of a layered half-space indented by a right circular cone, and 3. (3) a uniform pressure applied over a rectangular area.
Empirical Medical Therapy for Idiopathic Male Infertility: A Survey of the American Urological Association

Purpose: We determined empirical medical therapy practice patterns for idiopathic infertility.Materials and Methods: We performed a survey of 7,745 practicing American Urological Association members from July to November 2010. Respondents were questioned on empirical medical therapy use, patient evaluation and selection, and preferred medications.Results: A total of 387 urologists (5%) participated in the survey, of whom 16% had infertility fellowship training, two-thirds used empirical medical therapy and 78% treated with empirical medical therapy and surgery. Laboratory values important for identifying ideal candidates include sperm concentration, serum follicle-stimulating hormone and serum testosterone. The most common medications used were clomiphene citrate, human chorionic gonadotropin and anastrozole. Of respondents 25% would treat infertile males with testosterone while the patient actively pursued pregnancy. Overall 60.5% of respondents would treat with empirical therapy for 3 to 6 months. Of fe...
The Effect of Commitment on Adoption and Diffusion of Grass Cycling

Using a design that also permitted an assessment of the extent to which any increase in grass-cycling behavior diffused to the neighbors of treated participants, two types of commitment strategies ...
Adiabatic theory in regions of strong field gradients

The theory for the generalized first invariant for adiabatic motion of charged particles in regions where there are large gradients in magnetic or electric fields is developed. The general condition for an invariant to exist in such regions is that the potential well in which the particle oscillates change its shape slowly as the particle drifts. It is shown how the Kruskal (1962) procedure can be applied to obtain expressions for the invariant and for drift velocities that are asymptotic in a smallness parameter epsilon. The procedure is illustrated by obtaining the invariant and drift velocities for particles traversing a perpendicular shock, and the generalized invariant is compared with the magnetic moment, and the drift orbits with the actual orbits, for a particular case. In contrast to the magnetic moment, the generalized first invariant is better for large gyroradii (large kinetic energies) than for small gyroradii. Expressions for the invariant when an electrostatic potential jump is imposed across the perpendicular shock, and when the particle traverses a rotational shear layer with a small normal component of the magnetic field are given.
NO Disproportionation Reactivity of Fe Tropocoronand Complexes

The synthesis and characterization of divalent [Fe(TC-5,5)] (1) and trivalent [Fe(OTf)(TC-5,5)] (2) tropocoronand complexes are described. Compound 1 reacts with 1 equiv of NO to form the {FeNO}7 complex 3. A single-crystal X-ray structure determination of 3 reveals a trigonal bipyramidal geometry with a linearly coordinated nitrosyl (Fe−N−O = 174.3(4)°) having a short Fe−N distance of 1.670(4) A. EPR and Mossbauer spectroscopy, SQUID susceptometry, and normal coordinate analysis indicate 3 to be a low-spin {FeIII(NO-)}2+ species. In the presence of excess NO, 3 converts to a metastable nitrosyl−nitrito complex that decomposes by losing NO2, which subsequently nitrates the aromatic tropolone rings of the ligand. The final products of the NO disproportionation reaction are N2O and [Fe(NO)(TC-5,5-NO2)] (4). The νNO stretching band of 4 is increased to 1716 cm-1 from its value of 1692 cm-1 in 3, owing to the electron-withdrawing nitro groups on the ligand, and the compound no longer promotes the disproportio...
Nutritional Status and Risk Factors for Chronic Disease in Urban-Dwelling Adults with Down Syndrome.

Nutritional status and biochemical risk factors for chronic disease were assessed in 48 community-dwelling adults with Down syndrome in the Chicago area. Dietary intake was measured using a food frequency questionnaire completed by the participant's primary caregiver; anthropometric measures included height and weight and waist circumference. Plasma glucose and lipid concentrations were assessed following a 10-hour fast. Overall, 89% of participants were overweight or obese, 54% had large waist circumferences, and none met the current guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake. Mean concentrations for lipids and glucose, however, were within normal limits; and prevalence for hypertension, elevated lipids, and glucose were less than those for the general population of the United States.
On-line real time computer algorithm for monitoring the ECG waveform.

Abstract A totally computerized method of analyzing the ECG waveform is described. On-line monitoring is done on a real time basis which is a unique aspect of this method. On-line capability is crucial where continuous monitoring is imperative, i.e., in a Coronary Care Unit. This method of analysis requires finding reference points on the QRS. The parameters being measured by the computer for each cycle are the duration of the cycle, and four specific parameters for every wave within the cycle. In a typical PQRST cycle, 21 parameters are measured. This method represents a significant beginning toward a reliable continuous real time monitor for detection of intra and inter cycle variations from a stable rhythm for the purpose of arrhythmia detection.
Investment allocation and urbanization in socialist economic development: The case of Czechoslovakia of☆

Abstract This paper tests two hypotheses about economic ;fficiency of development strategies of socialist countries. The first is that they overinvest in industry and that increased investment in agriculture would increase the output growth rate. The second is that efforts to limit urbanization have enabled these countries to grow more rapidly by minimizing the need for urban-infrastructure investments. The hypotheses are tested by means of counterfactual simulations performed with an econometric model of Czechoslovakia. We find that growth would have been faster only in the long run, had more investment been directed to agriculture. Urbanization policies appeared only to control inflationary pressures.
Filter-feeding behavior and particle retention efficiency of Sacramento blackfish

Abstract We analyzed the feeding behavior and particle retention efficiency of pump filter-feeding Sacramento blackfish Orthodon microlepidotus presented with plastic microspheres and zooplankton. The rate of water processing by Sacramento blackfish was the product of buccal volume and pumping rate. Buccal volume increased exponentially with fish size whereas pumping rate decreased with fish size. Pumping rate, determined from slow-motion videotape playback, was positively correlated with temperature and unaffected by prey density. The amount of time spent feeding was correlated with temperature and prey density, but uncorrelated with fish size. Feeding experiments with plastic microspheres indicated that Sacramento blackfish from 5.1 to 14.8 cm standard length retained particles larger than 35 μm, while larger fish (28.4–30.8 cm) retained particles larger than 25 μm. Although fish ranging from 5 to 31 cm standard length all filter-fed, their behavior changed as they grew. Small fish tended to feed visual...
N-[1-13C]acetylimidazole as a reagent for tyrosyl modification in protein NMR studies: Acetylation of cytochrome c

Abstract The reaction of N-[1-13C] acetylimidazole with cytochrome c and guanidinated cytochrome c was evaluated as a means of introducing NMR-detectable groups as conformation-dependent probes. Resonances from both N-[1-13C]acetyl lysyl and O-[1-13C]acetyl tyrosyl groups were observed when ferricytochrome c was acetylated. However, only O-[1-13C]acetyl tyrosyl resonances were seen with acetylated guanidinated ferricytochrome c. Chemical shifts of the four O-[1-13C]acetyl tyrosyl groups were conformation dependent and ranged from 172 to 176 ppm. A convenient method for the preparation of N-[1-13C]acetylimidazole is described.
Evaluation of skin stapling for wound closure in the emergency department.

Automatic skin staplers have been commonly used for surgical wound closure for many years. The efficiency and ease of placement of skin staplers make them an attractive alternative to suture repair of selected lacerations in the emergency department. Emergency physicians, however, have been reluctant to use staplers in the ED. We evaluated skin staples in 76 patients presenting with 87 lacerations to the scalp, trunk, or extremities, excluding hands and feet. Patients returned to the ED in two and seven to ten days for wound check and staple removal. Skin stapling was assessed for efficiency, cosmetic results, complications, and cost-effectiveness. Only one significant complication was noted in our study group — a dehiscence of a scalp laceration secondary to hematoma collection. There was also a minor dehiscence of a superficial laceration of the leg due to inadquate primary closure, which did not result in any cosmetic deformity. No infectious complications, delayed wound healing, or cosmetics problems were seen. Skin stapling was easier and quicker than suture repair at a lower overall cost in most circumstances. Our study shows skin stapling to be an efficient and cost-effective alternative method to suture wound closure for selected laceration in patients presenting to the ED, without compromising wound healing or cosmetic results.
Optimization of step rockets by the discrete maximum principle.

Optimum stage weight distribution in multistage rocket obtained by discrete maximum principle
Generation of nonspecific murine cytotoxic T cells in vitro by purified human interleukin 2.

Abstract Murine spleen cells developed into nonspecific cytotoxic cells within 72 hr of culture in the presence of highly purified sources of human interleukin 2. In whole spleen cell cultures, human interleukin 2 generated effector cells which were Thy 1.2 + , Lyt 2.2 + , resistant to γ irradiation (1000 R), and capable of lysing both H-2 compatible and incompatible targets. The effector cells generated in this manner were not restricted to classical natural killer cell-sensitive targets. If thymus-derived cells (T cells) were depleted from the spleen cell population before culture with human interleukin 2, the effector cells generated were enriched in effectors capable of lysing natural killer cell-sensitive targets. Interferon was not produced in interleukin 2-stimulated spleen cell cultures. In addition, heterologous antibody to murine -γ-interferon did not abrogate the generation of cytotoxic cells by human interleukin 2. These and additional data suggest that human interleukin 2 is capable of stimulating γ-irradiation-sensitive Thy 1.2 + cell(s) capable of lysing a variety of target cells regardless of inherent sensitivities to classical natural killer cells. Thy 1.2 − cells were also stimulated by human interleukin 2 and lysed only natural killer cell-sensitive targets. Human interleukin 2 caused some Thy 1.2 − cells to become susceptible to lysis by anti-Thy 1.2 serum and complement.
Optimal gill packing in agaric sporocarps

Packing configurations for radially arranged reproductive surfaces were studied by means of mathematical models and morphometric measurements of 32 sporocarps representing 25 species of gilled mushrooms. Sporocarp cap radius, gill width, and the distance between gills had the greatest effect on the modeled maximum amount of surface area and in determining which of the packing configurations was optimal. The stalk radius, minimum gill length, and loss of gill area due to tapering at attachment had less effect on the amount of surface area that is possible to pack in a given radial arrangement. Our model based on the power of two assumption used by previous workers was able to predict 95% of the variation in the observed sporocarp surface area. Analysis of the surface area data for the 32 sporocarps suggests that many species of gilled mushrooms do not use optimal solutions to gill packing problems and consequently have somewhat lower fecundity than might be possible. The models and data given here provide evidence that many species of gilled mushrooms may exhibit a form of developmental constraint.
Picosecond resolution measurements of NO3 unimolecular decomposition. The NO + O2 channel☆

Abstract The title reaction has been studied with picosecond resolution at energies near threshold. Expansion cooled nitrate radicals were photoexcited to admixtures of 2 E′ and ground state 2 A′ 2 levels, ensuring a unimolecular decomposition mechanism. NO was monitored by LIF. The dissociation rate is ≈ 1 × 10 9 s −1 just above the 16800 cm −1 NO+O 2 barrier and increases rapidly with energy, reaching 5.5 × 10 9 s −1 at 17040 cm −1 . A marked signal decrease at higher energies is attributed to NO 2 +O dominating above its thermodynamic threshold. These observations support three-center NO+O 2 formation via 2 A′ 2 .