cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design of control system for solid state variable capacitor with minimum DC capacitor

A variable AC capacitor (with capacitance variable from 0 to C ac ) can be implemented by an H-bridge and an additional phase leg connected to an AC capacitor with fixed capacitance, C ac . This paper proposed a complete control system for the solid state variable capacitor (SSVC) to absorb double line frequency ripple power and other even order frequency ripple power caused by the harmonics of grid voltage. Based on the relationship between the ripple power and the energy of the AC capacitor, the voltage and current reference of C ac are obtained to absorb different frequency ripple simultaneously. To enhance the steady-state performance, closed-loop compensation for the capacitor voltage reference is adopted to fully eliminate the ripple power to dc capacitor. The AC capacitor control consists of an inner proportional-resonant (PR) current loop and an outer voltage loop. By adopting the proposed control system, SSVC can reduce the dc capacitance to the minimum just for absorbing switching ripples. The total size of capacitor is reduced by 13 times compared to the conventional H-bridge system. Experimental results are shown to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control system.
Comparative risk of renal, cardiovascular, and mortality outcomes in controlled, uncontrolled resistant, and nonresistant hypertension

We sought to compare the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), ischemic heart event (IHE), congestive heart failure (CHF), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and all-cause mortality among 470,386 individuals with resistant and nonresistant hypertension (non-RH). Resistant hypertension (60,327 individuals) was subcategorized into two groups: 23,104 patients with cRH (controlled on four or more medicines) and 37,223 patients with uRH (uncontrolled on three or more medicines) in a 5-year retrospective cohort study. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to estimate hazard ratios adjusting for age, gender, race, body mass index, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and comorbidities. Resistant hypertension (cRH and uRH), compared with non-RH, had multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 1.32 (1.27–1.37), 1.24 (1.20–1.28), 1.46 (1.40–1.52), 1.14 (1.10–1.19), and 1.06 (1.03–1.08) for ESRD, IHE, CHF, CVA, and mortality, respectively. Comparison of uRH with cRH had hazard ratios of 1.25 (1.18–1.33), 1.04 (0.99–1.10), 0.94 (0.89–1.01), 1.23 (1.14–1.31), and 1.01 (0.97–1.05) for ESRD, IHE, CHF, CVA, and mortality, respectively. Men and Hispanics had a greater risk for ESRD within all three cohorts. Individuals with resistant hypertension had a greater risk for ESRD, IHE, CHF, CVA, and mortality. The risk of ESRD and CVA were 25% and 23% greater, respectively, in uRH compared with cRH, supporting the linkage between blood pressure and both outcomes.
Resin‐Based Composites

Composite dental restorative filling materials are synthetic resins that have had a revolutionary impact on dental practice. No other dental materials have stimulated such rapid change in an inarguably short period of time. The advent of resin-based composite occurred during the “Golden Age of Dentistry” and mirrored the overall effect that high technology had on society. Virtually everyone has been made aware of “bonding” or “cosmetic dentistry” by the mass media. The success of “bonding” or “cosmetic dentistry” depended on the development of esthetic dental restorative (filling) materials such as resin-based composites and to the advent of dental adhesives, which allowed for the successful placement of the new esthetic materials. Keywords: resins; fabrication; acrylic; matrix phase; dispersed phase
Chapter 5 The Separation of Cells and Subcellular Particles by Colloidal Silica Density Gradient Centrifugation

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the practical use of colloidal silica as a gradient medium. It also explains procedures for its use along with its advantages. The use of density gradient centrifugation has played a major role in the recent advances made in cellular and molecular biology. The use of colloidal silica was first reported in 1959 by Mateyko and Kopac. Colloidal silica refers to an aqueous suspension of colloidal particles formed by polymerization of monosilicic acid from SiO 2 , dissolved in water. The colloidal suspension is most stable for storage at pH 8–10. The gradient may be formed by conventional techniques such as the layering of various concentrations, or by using a gradient-forming machine. An attractive feature of colloidal silica as a gradient medium is that it is possible to self-form a gradient in a short time by high-speed centrifugation. The rapid, self-forming features make colloidal silica very convenient. Another advantage of silica is its ability to control the osmotic pressure to match the osmolarity of the particles to be separated. This allows harvesting of cells and particles under iso-osmotic conditions.
Electrically tuned photonic crystal/ liquid crystal laser

The emission wavelength of ultra-small photonic crystal laser is electrically controlled with an applied gate voltage. High quality factor porous-cavity laser design enables strong interaction between strong optical fields and infiltrated liquid crystals.
Comparison of tumor to normal tissue count ratio using static and SPECT images

2243 Objectives Radioembolization using Yittrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres treatment for unresectable hepatic tumor requires image analysis using Tc-99m macro aggregated albumin (MAA) administered through a hepatic artery. The purpose of this research is to determine if static image analysis compared to SPECT analysis significantly affects the calculated tumor to normal ratios (TN). Methods Forty- seven patients with metastatic hepatic tumor were administered approximately 148 MBq of MAA. Following administration, static and SPECT images were obtained. TN were calculated using two different methods. First method used count data from regions of interest (ROI) drawn on SPECT images and was calculated as the counts per voxel for an iso-contour ROI based on the FWHM from the tumor divided by the counts per voxel for adjacent normal tissue. Second method used count data from an iso-contour ROI drawn on static images and was calculated as the average counts from tumor tissue divided by the average counts from adjacent normal tissue. The two methods were compared using Student’s T-test. Results Average TN from the method using the SPECT data was 5.1 ± 4.9 (range of 0.8 and 22.3). The average TN from static image analysis was 2.5 ± 0.8 (range of 1.2 and 4.3). The difference is a statistically significant (p-value = 0.0005). Conclusions TN range from SPECT analysis is wider when compared to the TN from static image analysis suggesting that the SPECT method may be more representative of the hetero-distribution of the microspheres within tumorous tissue. With the use of SPECT imaging, a more representative distribution of microspheres can lead to a better understanding of the effective treatment dose using Y-90 microspheres treatment for metastatic hepatic tumors.
Lightning activity within a tornadic thunderstorm observed by the optical transient detector (OTD)

The first storm-scale, total lightning observations from space during tornadogenesis are presented. During the overpass of an Oklahoma supercell, just minutes prior to tornado touchdown on 17 April 1995, the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) OTD (Optical Transient Detector) detected a total of 143 flashes during approximately 3 minutes of observation time. The estimated total flash rate ranges from 45 (raw counts) to 78 (corrected for detection efficiency) flashes min-1. This total flash rate was at least 17 times greater than the cloud-to-ground lightning rate detected by the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN), indicating most of the lightning was intracloud. Cloud-to-ground lightning at this time was also dominated by positive polarity flashes. In addition, total lightning rates were decreasing rapidly prior to touchdown. These OTD observations are consistent with the limited results from recent ground based measurements of total lightning activity in tornadic storms and corroborate that such storms have unusually high total flash rates, are dominated by intracloud lightning, and that the total flash rates are observed to decrease rapidly in the minutes prior to touchdown.
Human factors dimensions in the evolution of increasingly automated control rooms for near-earth satellites

The NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center is responsible for the control and ground support for all of NASA's unmanned near-earth satellites. Traditionally, each satellite had its own dedicated mission operations room. In the mid-seventies, an integration of some of these dedicated facilities was begun with the primary objective to reduce costs. In this connection, the Multi-Satellite Operations Control Center (MSOCC) was designed. MSOCC represents currently a labor intensive operation. Recently, Goddard has become increasingly aware of human factors and human-machine interface issues. A summary is provided of some of the attempts to apply human factors considerations in the design of command and control environments. Current and future activities with respect to human factors and systems design are discussed, giving attention to the allocation of tasks between human and computer, and the interface for the human-computer dialogue.
Further characterization of HLA homozygous typing cell lines at the LMP2 polymorphic codon 60 by an ARMS typing method

LMP2 is a subunit of the 20S proteasome within the cellular cytosolic compartment that is thought to cleave proteins into approximately 9 amino acid long oligopeptides. It is hypothesized that changes in the low molecular mass protease (LMP) gene sequence may alter the activity or specificity in which the LMP genes cleave peptides. Currently, the typing method for LMP2 involves polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction enzyme digestion, and gel electrophoresis. To help reduce the cost and cumbersomeness of this method, a new typing method was adapted for the LMP2 gene. To establish this new amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) typing method, primers have been defined, amplification conditions optimized, and control cell lines sequenced to validate testing parameters. Results are listed for selected 10th and 11th International Histocompatibility Workshop homozygous cell lines.
Baroclinic Instability in a Model with Shear and Static Stability Adjustable in the Meridional Plane

Abstract Normal mode solutions are found numerically in a quasi-geostrophic model that includes five or ten vertical levels and either five or nine latitude “levels.” Wind shear and static stability may be adjusted at any of the vertical or latitude levels. Attention is focused on arrangements of static stability and, to a lesser extent, vertical shear that produce large growth rates, while restricting the horizontal gradients of static stability and shear to maintain the validity of the quasi-geostrophic assumption. The association of small static stability and/or large vertical shear in the lower troposphere with large growth rate of short wavelengths found by Staley and Gall is further confirmed. It is also found that rapid amplification of short wavelengths is little diminished even when the small static stability is very localized (in latitude) in the lower troposphere. The perturbations, however, attenuate rapidly away from regions of small static stability. Large static stability above low static s...
Models to support active sensing of biological aerosol clouds

Elastic backscatter LIght Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) is a promising approach for stand-off detection of biological aerosol clouds. Comprehensive models that explain the scattering behavior from the aerosol cloud are needed to understand and predict the scattering signatures of biological aerosols under varying atmospheric conditions and against different aerosol backgrounds. Elastic signatures are dependent on many parameters of the aerosol cloud, with two major components being the size distribution and refractive index of the aerosols. The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) has been in a unique position to measure the size distributions of released biological simulant clouds using a wide assortment of aerosol characterization systems that are available on the commercial market. In conjunction with the size distribution measurements, JHU/APL has also been making a dedicated effort to properly measure the refractive indices of the released materials using a thin-film absorption technique and laboratory characterization of the released materials. Intimate knowledge of the size distributions and refractive indices of the biological aerosols provides JHU/APL with powerful tools to build elastic scattering models, with the purpose of understanding, and ultimately, predicting the active signatures of biological clouds.
Immune System Alteration in the Rat after Indirect Exposure to Methyl Mercury Chloride or Methyl Mercury Sulfide

Methyl mercury is a well-recognized health hazard. It is an environmental contaminant that accumulates in the food chain. The primary source of mercury exposure for humans is through the consumption of contaminated fish. We studied the effects of indirect methyl mercury exposure on the immune system of Sprague-Dawley rats. The effects of different forms of methyl mercury on immune system development were studied in Sprague-Dawley rats at 6 and 12 weeks of age. Rats were indirectly exposed to mercury during gestation and during nursing by exposing pregnant rats to either 5 or 500 micrograms/liter of methyl mercury chloride (CH3HgCl) or 5 micrograms/liter of methyl mercury sulfide [(CH3Hg)2S] in their drinking water. Total body, splenic, and thymic weights were measured, and NK cell cytolytic activity and lymphoproliferative response to T and B cell mitogens were evaluated in the offspring. At 6 weeks of age, total body and splenic weights were significantly increased in both high- and low-dose methyl mercury chloride-exposed groups. Rats exposed to methyl mercury sulfide had a significant increase in thymic weight at 6 weeks of age. At 12 weeks, the total body and organ weights were not different from controls. The lymphocyte proliferative response of splenocytes to PWM was enhanced at 6 weeks in both CH3HgCl exposed groups and not affected in the (CH3Hg)2S exposed group. NK cell activity was not affected in either group at 6 weeks of age. At age 12 weeks, NK cell activity was statistically significantly decreased by 56.6% in both CH3HgCl-exposed groups and not affected in the (CH3Hg)2S-exposed rats. The lymphocyte proliferative response of splenocytes to the B cell mitogen pokeweed remained increased in the CH3HgCl groups. Indirect exposure of rats (during gestation and nursing) to different forms of methyl mercury reveals that chloride forms have prolonged predominantly enhancing effects on lymphoproliferative response of splenocytes, followed by significant depression of NK cell activity.
How Long Can We Live? A Review Essay*

Bjorn Lomborg, The Skeptical Environmentalist: Measuring the Real State of the World Andrew Mason and Georges Tapinos (eds.), Sharing the Wealth: Demographic Change and Economic Transfers between Generations Nancy Foner, Ruben G. Rumbaut, and Steven J. Gold (eds.), Immigration Research for a New Century: Multidisdplinary Perspectives
Long-term cerebrospinal fluid and blood lymphocyte dynamics after rituximab for pediatric opsoclonus-myoclonus

Introduction Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is an autoimmune paraneoplastic disorder characterized by B and T cell abnormalities in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and propensity for relapse. The study aim was to assess whether rituximab-induced B cell ablation in CSF outlasts repopulation in blood and if there are changes in other lymphocyte subsets.
Endoscopic transorbital ligation of the anterior ethmoid artery

Control of bleeding during endoscopic surgery of the skull base and orbit is critical to maintain adequate visualization and avoid damage to surrounding critical structures. One technique for achieving adequate hemostasis is ligation of the feeding vessels of the nasal and sinus cavities. Endoscopic vessel ligation techniques may also be used as a definitive procedure for the treatment of refractory epistaxis. Although endoscopic ligation of the sphenopalatine artery has been widely adopted, techniques for reliable endoscopic ligation of the anterior ethmoid artery have only recently been described.
1041 Diagnostic Accuracy of Directed Cholangioscopic Biopsies and Confocal LASER Endomicroscopy in Cytology-Negative Indeterminate Bile Duct Stricture: a Multicenter Comparison Trial

experts in determining final diagnosis based on visual impression alone was 70%. Conclusion: The Monaco classification identifies 8 consensus criteria that may be used in the visual characterization of biliary lesions on cholangioscopy. Use of these criteria demonstrated that ulceration and papillary projections were more greatly associated with a malignant diagnosis, while previously believed diagnostic findings of abnormal vessels were not. A large, prospective study is needed to validate potential malignant criteria to develop a scoring system to optimize the diagnostic accuracy of cholangioscopy. Table 1. Revised Criteria Observed in Benign or Malignant diagnoses clips
T-junctions, apparent depth, and perceived lightness contrast

Observers performed lightness matches for physically equivalent gray targets of a simultaneous lightness contrast display and displays in which both targets were on the same background. Targets either shared a common line-texture pattern with their respective backgrounds or did not. Results indicate that when targets share a line-texture pattern with their respective backgrounds, a contrast effect is obtained. However, when the target's pattern is different than the background's pattern, perceived contrast is significantly reduced and the target appears as a separate 3-D entity. This result applies to both vertically and horizontally oriented displays, to targets that are increments or decrements, and to line-texture patterns that are black or white. Line patterns that are shared by targets and backgrounds result in T-junctions that provide occlusion information. We conclude that targets and backgrounds perceived to be on separate planes because of T-junctions are less likely to be perceptually grouped together and that their luminance values are less likely to be compared with one another.
The impact of preparation and support procedures for children with sickle cell disease undergoing MRI.

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) often undergo MRI studies to assess brain injury or to quantify hepatic iron. MRI requires the child to lie motionless for 30–60 min, thus sedation/anesthesia might be used to facilitate successful completion of exams, but this poses additional risks for SCD patients. To improve children’s ability to cope with MRI examinations and avoid sedation, our institution established preparation and support procedures (PSP). To investigate the impact of PSP in reducing the need for sedation during MRI exams among children with SCD. Data on successful completion of MRI testing were compared among 5- to 12-year-olds who underwent brain MRI or liver R2*MRI with or without receiving PSP. Seventy-one children with SCD (median age 9.85 years, range 5.57–12.99 years) underwent a brain MRI (n = 60) or liver R2*MRI (n = 11). Children who received PSP were more likely to complete an interpretable MRI exam than those who did not (30 of 33; 91% vs. 27 of 38; 71%, unadjusted OR = 4.1 (P = 0.04) and OR = 8.5 (P < 0.01) when adjusting for age. PSP can help young children with SCD complete clinically interpretable, nonsedated MRI exams, avoiding the risks of sedation/anesthesia.
Species-specific footdrumming in kangaroo rats: Dipodomys ingens, D. deserti, D. spectabilis

Abstract Footdrumming was compared in three allopatric species of kangaroo rat, Dipodomys from three habitats. Analysis of footdrumming recordings revealed species-specific patterns of drumming ranging from single thumps to individual footdrumming signatures. The desert kangaroo rat, D. deserti drums single thumps spaced 0.25–0.30 s apart that are sometimes introduced with a short footroll. The giant kangaroo rat, D. ingens drums long footrolls that can average over 100 drums at 18 drums/s. The banner-tailed kangaroo rat, D. spectabilis drums three to 38 footdrums in a footroll combined into sequences of two to 12 footrolls at a rate of 17 drums/s. In playback tests, all three species stood in alert postures and entered the burrow in response to footdrumming of their own and the other species. The rats also responded in species-specific ways. Dipodomys spectabilis drummed to its own species’ footdrumming, but not to playbacks of the single drums of D. deserti Instead of footdrumming to playbacks of its own species, D. deserti approached the speaker more frequently than did either of the other two species. Dipodomys ingens footdrummed equally to all footdrumming playbacks. The species’ differences reflect differences in social tolerance and spacing. Dipodomys deserti rarely engages in footdrumming exchanges and chases visitors from the burrow. Dipodomys spectabilis engages in frequent footdrumming exchanges and some chases, and D. ingens seems to tolerate close neighbours and footdrums periodically.
All fiber 1064-nm time-lens source for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and stimulated Raman scattering microscopy

We use the time-lens concept to demonstrate a new scheme for synchronization of two pulsed light sources for biological imaging. An all fiber, 1064 nm time-lens source is synchronized to a picosecond solid-state Ti: Sapphire mode-locked laser by using the mode-locked laser pulses as the clock. We demonstrate the application of this synchronized source for CARS and SRS imaging by imaging mouse tissues. Synchronized two wavelength pulsed source is a major technical difficulty for CARS and SRS imaging. The time-lens source demonstrated here may provide an all-fiber, user friendly alternative for future SRS imaging.
Asymmetric synthesis of sulfinimines: Chiral ammonia imine synthons

Abstract Two Andersen-type procedures for the preparation of enantiopure sulfinimines 1 (R=H) in better than 95% ee from nitriles and aldehydes are described.
Note on the Importance of Frost Weathering in the Disintegration and Erosion of Till in East-Central Wisconsin

Frost weathering of glacial till exposed in stream banks, fields, and construction sites in east-central Wisconsin results in extensive disintegration and dehydration of the till. Erosion of the till granules produced by this weathering accounts for much of the stream-bank erosion in this area. Till granules carried by streams are usually transported as bedload and frequently form bar deposits. Thus, it would not be surprising to find in the stratigraphic record, deposits of fine-grained sediment that accumulated as granule-size particles in association with coarser sands and gravels.
Molecular Mechanisms of Thoracic Aortic Dissection

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a highly lethal vascular disease. In many patients with TAD, the aorta progressively dilates and ultimately ruptures. Dissection formation, progression, and rupture cannot be reliably prevented pharmacologically because the molecular mechanisms of aortic wall degeneration are poorly understood. The key histopathologic feature of TAD is medial degeneration, a process characterized by smooth muscle cell depletion and extracellular matrix degradation. These structural changes have a profound impact on the functional properties of the aortic wall and can result from excessive protease-mediated destruction of the extracellular matrix, altered signaling pathways, and altered gene expression. Review of the literature reveals differences in the processes that lead to ascending versus descending and sporadic versus hereditary TAD. These differences add to the complexity of this disease. Although tremendous progress has been made in diagnosing and treating TAD, a better understanding of the molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms that cause this disease is necessary to developing more effective preventative and therapeutic treatment strategies.
Photolytic Deposition of Insb Films

Films of InSb were deposited on GaAs substrates at room temperature by excimer laser photolysis at 193 or 248 m of a mixture of trimethylindium (TMIn) and trimethylantimony (TMSb) in a hydrogen carrier medium. These films were compared to thermally grown MOCVD InSb films by optical microscopy and x-ray analysis and found to be stoichiometric polycrystalline, InSb. In situ UV absorption spectroscopy has been used for the first time on an MOCVD system to monitor and control the partial pressures of the metalorganic reactants during deposition. This latter diagnostic was found to be critically important since parasitic reactions cause depletion of TMIn during transport from the source bubbler to the growth chamber.
Variable glyceryl dinitrate formation as a function of route of nitroglycerin administration.

Plasma concentrations of 1,2- and 1,3-glyceryl dinitrates were measured in each of four healthy volunteers who received intravenous infusions (10, 20, and 40 micrograms/min), topical ointment (20 mg/200 cm2), and oral solution (6.5 mg) doses of nitroglycerin and from two subjects who received sublingual (0.4 mg) nitroglycerin. The ratio of 1,2-glyceryl dinitrate to 1,3-glyceryl dinitrate (dinitrate ratio) was determined for each subject after each dose and was found to vary with route of administration. Dinitrate ratios were 7.36, 4.60, 3.86, and 1.99 for intravenous, sublingual, topical, and oral doses, respectively. Nonspecific metabolism of nitroglycerin would result in twice as much of the 1,2-dinitrate as the 1,3-dinitrate (i.e., a dinitrate ratio of 2.0, such as that produced after oral administration). A high ratio (e.g., after intravenous administration) indicates that the metabolism was more specific. These results indicate that metabolite formation depends on route of administration, implying different metabolic specificity of enzymes in the gut, liver, skin, sublingual mucosa, and blood vessels.
Commentary on Howland

In response to Howland’s paper, this seeks to place the focal point of the battle of Munichia in the archaeological remains of Piraeus and what is known of the location of the sanctuary of Bendis. It also considers whether the battle that took place around Munichia would have had sufficient verbal and historical resonance to evoke memory by the framing of the Republic.
Psychological effects of hematopoietic SCT on pediatric patients, siblings and parents: a review

Although hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) has become standard therapy for many life-threatening disorders of childhood, there is little research on the psychosocial ramifications of HSCT on patients, siblings and parents. Pediatric patients experience numerous psychological reactions throughout hospitalization, the procedure and recovery process: anxiety, depression, behavioral and social problems, and post-traumatic stress reactions. Similarly, sibling donors are at risk of developing emotional disturbances such as post-traumatic stress reactions, anxiety and low self-esteem. Parental distress, anxiety and depression levels are often increased as a result of their child undergoing the HSCT process. The distress and anxiety may be even greater for parents whose healthy child also becomes part of the HSCT process through donating their marrow. Thus, it is critical to develop interventions for pediatric patients and their families. There is, however, minimal research of interventions aimed at decreasing distress and improving emotional and psychosocial functioning for children undergoing HSCT, siblings and parents. Cognitive-behavioral interventions are the most researched treatment approaches for children with cancer and chronic illness and these are promising in improving emotional distress, compliance with treatment and behavioral problems associated with HSCT. Appropriate arenas in which pediatric patient interventions may focus include social skills and emotional well-being. Familial interventions that aim to enhance protective factors, improve communication, and decrease parental anxiety and depression are crucial, and cancer-specific interventions may serve as a template for the development of HSCT-specific interventions.
Job transfers: a neglected aspect of migration in Malaysia.

This article examines the incidence of [job-related] transfers in Malaysia. The retrospective migration data from the Malaysia Family Life Survey [conducted in 1976-1977] are used to demonstrate that transfers comprise 18 percent of all migration in the country and that there has been a rise in the incidence of transfers over a 35 year period. Factors underlying this trend are outlined. Furthermore significant differences in age educational attainment and other characteristics between transferees and other types of migrants are identified and their implications discussed. (EXCERPT)
Sites of contact between λ operators and λ repressor

DNA bearing lambda operator sequences was methylated by dimethyl sulfate (DMS) in the presence or absence of lambda repressor. Under the experimental conditions, DMS methylates only the purine residues. The presence of lambda repressor affects only the methylation of certain G residues in the operators. Repressor blocks the methylation of certain G's and enhances the methylation of other G's. Since the reactive ring-nitrogen of G lies in the major groove of double-stranded DNA, and the reactive ring-nitrogen of A lies in the minor groove, the above results imply that the repressor makes contacts in the major groove of the helix. The repressor effect on G-methylation is sharply confined to the three 17 base pair units within each lambda operator previously proposed as the repressor-binding sites.
Antibody to epitope tag induces internalization of human muscarinic subtype 1 receptor

Abstract: We have studied the effect of an antibody against the epitope EYMPME on the internalization of the human muscarinic cholinergic receptor hm1 tagged with the epitope at the amino terminus. The antibody to the tag induces internalization of the hm1 receptor within minutes after exposure of human embryonic kidney 293 cells transfected with the tagged receptor. This antibody-induced internalization is reversible following removal of the antibody. In contrast to hm1 internalization induced by the agonist carbachol, internalization induced by antibody is not blocked by the muscarinic antagonist atropine. The mechanism of antibody-mediated internalization does not appear to involve receptor dimerization by the antibody, as Fab fragments derived from the antibody also induce internalization. The pathway of antibody-induced internalization, similar to the agonist-induced process, is mediated by clathrin-coated vesicles. Furthermore, antibody treatment does not result in any second messenger production, as measured by phosphoinositide accumulation. Our data show that internalization of a G protein-coupled receptor can be triggered by interaction of the amino terminus of the receptor with an exogenous ligand and can occur independently of second messenger production. This result suggests that the receptor can exist in multiple conformations, each mediating distinct downstream events.
Establishing Mission Requirements Based on Consideration of Aircraft Operations

The design requirements for a next-generation commercial aircraft can do much to secure its fate as a success or failure. New aircraft are often designed to meet or surpass the capabilities of an existing aircraft they are intended to replace. However, in the case of unconventional aircraft, this could lead to significant overdesign resulting in nonviable concepts. Instead, a method of analyzing observed aircraft use is presented with the intent of establishing a set of requirements based on replacing aircraft utility instead of capability. Two aircraft in the commercial fleet are used as example cases, and launch customers for each aircraft are assumed. Data originating from diverse sources are combined to present a probabilistic representation of aircraft use. The data collected include the payloads carried, ranges flown, and assigned cruise altitudes as well as the field length, elevation, and hot day characteristics of the airports used, and the launch customers’ fleet size history. Quantitative and q...
Discussions of vaginal douching with family members.

Abstract Purpose This study examined women's personal douching history and the information they were given by others. Methods Participants in the study (N = 199; mean age = 28.92) completed a 48-question survey on douching practices and attitudes. Results Fifty-seven percent of participants had douched and 39% currently douche. The majority of women reported douching after menstruation, before or after sex, or as needed. Reasons for douching included maintaining cleanliness, feeling good and fresh, eliminating vaginal odor, and removing menstrual blood. Most women (69%) had at least one discussion about douching, with 49% having a discussion with their mother and 22% with a health care provider (HCP). Of the women who currently do not douche, 47% stopped after a HCP instructed them to quit; whereas, 100% of women whose HCP encouraged douching went on to douche. Furthermore, 66% of women planned to discuss douching with a younger girl, with 57% encouraging or being neutral and 43% discouraging it. Women who have previously douched were more likely to discuss and encourage douching than women who had never douched. Also, women who have received a discussion about douching or were encouraged to douche were more likely to douche than women who had not received a discussion or were discouraged. Conclusions Results from this study suggest that younger generations may be taught about or encouraged to douche by their mothers. By giving women accurate information and discouraging douching, women may be less likely to douche or encourage douching in their daughters.
Novel Bioresorbable Stent Design and Fabrication: Congenital Heart Disease Applications

The design and development of bioresorbable stents tailored for treatment of pediatric patients with congenital heart disease is described. First, we examined the mechanical properties of thermally annealed PL-32 and PL-18 PLLA fibers using an Instron 5565 tensiometer. Stent designs ranging from 3 to 6 mm diameter and up to 15 mm length were examined. We adapted a winding jig to enable fabrication of coiled stents consisting of double-opposed helices. Double-opposed helical stents were thermally annealed for strength and flexibility. Following winding, stents were crimped on appropriately sized balloon catheters, and then expanded in a 37 °C water bath. Mechanical characteristics were measured as a function of stent size and design. PL-32 fiber has stronger mechanical properties with a 33% increase in stiffness. The opposing coil design improves stent expansion for larger stent designs. In addition, the stiffness of small diameter double-opposed helical stents was higher than values for the larger diameter stents hence having higher collapse pressure 1.07 ± 0.02 atm and the resistance to external pressure-induced collapse for larger diameter stents was lower decreasing to 0.63 ± 0.02 atm. The larger deformations at larger diameters were experienced since mechanical strain in the stent fibers is increased under these conditions. This led to increased twisting of the coils and higher striation angle measurements ranging from 17.5° to 26.7° from smaller to larger stents. The large diameter double opposed helix stents showed larger axial shortening of 3–3.5% and higher elastic recoil increase of 1.12%. The PL-32 stents also showed a slower degradation of 5% over 6 months. Modulating the number of coils within the double helical stent design and winding in opposing directions favorably affects stent mechanical properties.
An infinite sum of products of Jacobi polynomials

Starting with a formula by Noble [Proc. Cambridge Philos. Soc. 59, 363 (1963), Eq. (16)] for a certain sum of products of Jacobi polynomials, another sum of this type is evaluated.
Micromechanical cantilevers and scanning probe microscopes

We have fabricated two microelectromechanical scanning tunneling microscopes (Micro- STMs) with 3D (xyz) actuators and integrated high aspects ratio tips. The reduction in the size of scanning probe microscopes allows for faster scanning speeds, array architectures, and massively parallel operation. The two Micro-STMs are fabricated from single crystal silicon using the high-aspect-ratio SCREAM process and are small enough to be used in array architectures. The torsional cantilever design used for out-of-plane (z) motion can be easily be adapted to scanning force microscopy. Typical atomic force microscope cantilevers have spring constants on the order of 0.01 - 10 N/m. To produce cantilevers with lower spring constants, ordinary thin film techniques would require longer (several mm) and thinner (sub- micrometers ) cantilevers. A mechanical analysis of torsional cantilevers reveals that high aspect ratio rectangular beams, such as the ones we fabricate, are easily twisted. By using the torsional design, we can achieve lower spring constants (10-1 - 10-7 N/m) without having to make a very thin film cantilever. We have demonstrated torsional cantilevers with spring constants on the order of 10-2 N/m. These cantilevers can be used as extremely sensitive force sensors for atomic force microscopy.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
When are automatic social comparisons not automatic? The effect of cognitive systems on user imagery-based self-concept activation

Abstract Following the tenets of the selective accessibility model of assimilation and contrast, three studies observed implicit consumer self-concept assimilation (contrast) to age-based imagery when the discrepancy between the self-concept and advertisement imagery was moderate (extreme). However, these responses were not fully automatic as only consumers who processed user imagery reflectively demonstrated increased accessibility of similarity/dissimilarity information. Impulsive processing of the user imagery instead increased the accessibility of consumer's pre-existing dominant self-age association. A final experiment revealed that these changes in the active-self mediated response to subsequently advertised products. Taken together, these results support a two-systems model of cognition and suggest that assimilation/contrast responses to advertising and subsequent behavior are influenced by the consumer's processing strategy.
IMPORTANCE OF F1-ATPASE RESIDUE ALPHA -ARG-376 FOR CATALYTIC TRANSITION STATE STABILIZATION

The functional role of essential residue α-Arg-376 in the catalytic site of F1-ATPase was studied. The mutants αR376C, αR376Q, and αR376K were constructed, and combined with the mutation βY331W, to...
Intertriginous pustular psoriasis

We describe 6 patients who presented during infancy with erythematous papules or pustules localized to the neck and sometimes other intertriginous areas as well. Most of these infants were initially thought to have dermatitis or a bacterial or candidal infection. A biopsy specimen established the diagnosis of pustular psoriasis in 5 of the 6 cases. In 4 cases, the psoriasis became more widespread during the months to years after diagnosis. Treatment included topical therapy in all cases and systemic therapy in 3 cases. Two cases have remained particularly recalcitrant. Pustular psoriasis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of an intertriginous papulopustular eruption in an infant. Pustular psoriasis presenting in the intertriginous areas, and particularly the neck, seems specific to infants and may portend progressive extension to widespread involvement. A limitation is that this was a retrospective case series.
Selection of bioclimatically representative biological reserve systems under climate change

Biological reserves are intended to protect species, communities, and ecosystems in human-dominated landscapes. However, existing protected areas represent only relatively small, geographically biased samples of species and habitats. Climate change and habitat loss can exacerbate these biases and the net result is a small, skewed subset of historic environmental conditions. We developed a general model to improve the representation of environmental conditions across the range of at-risk species or any other elements targeted for conservation. We implemented the model as an integer linear-programming problem to select additional areas to complement existing reserves and create new portfolios that are bioclimatically representative across a range of climatic scenarios. We demonstrated the use of the model for a small dataset including two hydrologic variables across the range of five species of fairy shrimp (Anostraca) in the Central Valley ecoregion of California, USA under three climate scenarios. The bioclimatic representation model identified solutions that meet biodiversity representation goals and substantially improve bioclimatic representation at minimal additional cost in terms of total land selected for a conservation portfolio. Additional constraints rewarding bioclimatic representation under two conflicting climate scenarios resulted in only a small decrease in the performance of solutions with respect to current climate. We conclude that this model provides a general tool for improving bioclimatic representation, and results from the Central Valley case study suggest an encouraging, testable hypothesis that climatically robust bioclimatic representation can be achieved at negligible marginal costs.
Tridimensional personality questionnaire and serotonin in bulimia nervosa

Abstract To determine the relationship between Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ) scales and bulimia nervosa, TPQ scores of 27 bulimic women, age range 21–59, were compared with values for an age-matched sample of 128 normal control women drawn from the national norming sample by Przybeck. Scores for Novelty Seeking and Harm Avoidance were significantly higher, while scores for Reward Dependence were significantly lower for the bulimic women. A stepwise regression model of severity of purging on TPQ selected Novelty Seeking and a composite depression score, with Novelty Seeking being the stronger of the two predictors. Whole blood serotonin levels did not relate to TPQ scores or to purging frequency.
Epidermal growth factor in the healing of second degree burns: a controlled animal study.

Abstract The effects of the topical application of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the healing of partial-thickness scald burns in rats was evaluated. Time to complete healing, the rate of healing, daily percentage weight change, and cell growth were the measured parameters. We were able to demonstrate an insignificant healing advantage with the topical application of EGF, by itself or in combination with silver sulphadiazine. This insignificant healing advantage does not warrant clinical evaluation.
THE VALUE ORIENTATIONS OF OLDER ADULTS TOWARD EDUCATION

Community colleges and technical institutes are enrolling increasing numbers of adults of all ages. Those in the 60+ age category possess value orientations toward education that are quite different from those of younger adults. The identification and recognition of these differences should result in relevant, purposive programming for them. Institutional characteristics that attract older adults are also important considerations for educators planning to meet their needs. The older adults' value orientation toward education and those institutional characteristics that attract them to continue educational pursuits are identified and discussed.
Seismic behavior of reinforced concrete bridges with skew-angled seat-type abutments

Abstract This study focuses on identifying trends in seismic behavior of reinforced concrete bridges with seat-type abutments under earthquake loading, especially with respect to abutment skew angle. To that end, a detailed approach for modeling skew-angled seat-type abutments is proposed; and a comprehensive variety of bridge configurations are considered. Specifically, three short bridges located in California are selected as seed bridges, from which different models are spawned by varying key bridge structural parameters such as column-bent height, symmetry of span arrangement, and abutment skew angle. Through extensive nonlinear time-history analyses conducted using three suites of ground motions, it is demonstrated that demand parameters for skew-abutment bridges, such as deck rotation and column drift ratio, are higher than those for straight bridges. By investigating the sensitivity of various response parameters to variations in bridge geometry and ground motion characteristics, it is shown that bridges with larger abutment skew angles bear a higher probability of collapse due to excessive rotations, and that the shear keys can play a major role in reducing deck rotations and thus the probability of collapse.
Microfluidic System for Facilitated Quantification of Nanoparticle Accumulation to Cells Under Laminar Flow

The identification of novel, synthetic targeting ligands to endothelial receptors has led to the rapid development of targeted nanoparticles for drug, gene and imaging probe delivery. Central to development and optimization are effective models for assessing particle binding in vitro. Here, we developed a simple and cost effective method to quantitatively assess nanoparticle accumulation under physiologically-relevant laminar flow. We designed reversibly vacuum-sealed PDMS microfluidic chambers compatible with 35 mm petri dishes, which deliver uniform or gradient shear stress. These chambers have sufficient surface area for facile cell collection for particle accumulation quantitation through FACS. We tested this model by synthesizing and flowing liposomes coated with APN (K D ~ 300 μM) and VCAM-1-targeting (K D ~ 30 μM) peptides over HUVEC. Particle binding significantly increased with ligand concentration (up to 6 mol%) and decreased with excess PEG. While the accumulation of particles with the lower affinity ligand decreased with shear, accumulation of those with the higher affinity ligand was highest in a low shear environment (2.4 dyne/cm2), as compared with greater shear or the absence of shear. We describe here a robust flow chamber model that is applied to optimize the properties of 100 nm liposomes targeted to inflamed endothelium.