cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
pH modification for silica control

ABSTRACT Lowering solution pH slows the polymerization of silica and formation of silica scale. In batch systems, lowering the pH of approximately 200 ppm silica solutions prevents scale formation for over 300 h. Silica scale forms most quickly near pH 8. Solutions with pH 3.6–3.7 can maintain silica levels of 1,000–3,000 ppm for roughly 90 h. Bench-scale membrane testing showed that silica scale formation lag times of approximately 72 h were achievable after lowering the pH to 4.5–4.7, which might allow flushing of silica-laden solutions through, for example, flow reversal, before scale formation occurs during water treatment.
The enthalpy of sublimation of germanium difluoride and the thermodynamics of sublimation of the Group IVa difluorides

The standard enthalpy of sublimation of germanium difluoride has been determined using both mass spectrometric and vacuum balance techniques. From these experiments a value of Δ H ° sub (GeF 2 ,c,298.15 K) = (20.5 ± 1.8) kcal mol −1 was obtained. § This result was used to calculate a value of −(136.9 ± 2.1) kcal mol −1 for the standard enthalpy of formation of gaseous germanium difluoride. A discussion of the thermodynamics of sublimation of the Group IVa difluorides is given and an attempt is made to correlate the energy of the sublimation process with bonding changes occurring within the Group. Average bond dissociation energy values of the fluorides of the Group IVa elements are tabulated and discussed.
Chromatin Proteins: Key Responders to Stress

Environments can be ever-changing and stresses are commonplace. In order for organisms to survive, they need to be able to respond to change and adapt to new conditions. Fortunately, many organisms have systems in place that enable dynamic adaptation to immediate stresses and changes within the environment. Much of this cellular response is coordinated by modulating the structure and accessibility of the genome. In eukaryotic cells, the genome is packaged and rolled up by histone proteins to create a series of DNA/histone core structures known as nucleosomes; these are further condensed into chromatin. The degree and nature of the condensation can in turn determine which genes are transcribed. Histones can be modified chemically by a large number of proteins that are thereby responsible for dynamic changes in gene expression. In this Primer we discuss findings from a study published in this issue of PLoS Biology by Weiner et al. that highlight how chromatin structure and chromatin binding proteins alter transcription in response to environmental changes and stresses. Their study reveals the importance of chromatin in mediating the speed and amplitude of stress responses in cells and suggests that chromatin is a critically important component of the cellular response to stress.
Surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism during the third trimester.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a rare diagnosis in the third trimester of pregnancy. A 58% fetal complication rate, including perinatal death and preterm labor, following late gestation parathyroidectomy has been reported. These statistics, however, are based on small sample sizes and were reported when our current technology was unavailable. CASE: A 30-year-old woman presented in the early third trimester with primary hyperparathyroidism. Despite conservative management, her ionized calcium level increased to 1.88 mmol/L (normal 1.17–1.33 mmol/L). At 34 4 7 weeks, she had an uncomplicated parathyroidectomy. At 38 3 7 weeks she delivered a 3182-g female infant. Neither the mother nor baby had complications. CONCLUSION: This supports the contention that pregnant women with hyperparathyroidism not controlled by conservative measures can be treated successfully with parathyroidectomy, regardless of gestational age.
How Can Companies Go Global? Global Integrators and the Global Mindset

Companies continue to look for better and faster ways to globalise. Organisation researchers have not yet identified the many possible integrators for globalising a company, particularly those which are most powerful. This study examines the literature relative to globalisation and presents the results of a survey of senior managers/HRD professionals of 20 global companies in Asia, Europe and the Americas
Importance of Surrogate Markers in Evaluation of Antiviral Therapy for HIV Infection

CONVENTIONAL randomized clinical trials of new treatments usually rely on clinical end points that directly show the effect of the new treatment on outcomes such as quality or length of life. In chronic diseases, like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, standard clinical end points may be either distant in time or rare, and thus require a trial of long duration, large sample size, or both to demonstrate the value of a new treatment. A surrogate marker for that clinical end point would allow more rapid completion of clinical investigations of new therapies. The use of surrogate markers in evaluating effective therapies for HIV infection has drawn considerable attention. See also pp 158 and 161. A perfect surrogate marker for use in the study of a new therapeutic agent must be biologically plausible, measurable in all patients with the disease, predictive of disease progression (ie, worsening with
Evolution of a bacterial regulon controlling virulence and Mg(2+) homeostasis.

Related organisms typically rely on orthologous regulatory proteins to respond to a given signal. However, the extent to which (or even if) the targets of shared regulatory proteins are maintained across species has remained largely unknown. This question is of particular significance in bacteria due to the widespread effects of horizontal gene transfer. Here, we address this question by investigating the regulons controlled by the DNA-binding PhoP protein, which governs virulence and Mg2+ homeostasis in several bacterial species. We establish that the ancestral PhoP protein directs largely different gene sets in ten analyzed species of the family Enterobacteriaceae, reflecting both regulation of species-specific targets and transcriptional rewiring of shared genes. The two targets directly activated by PhoP in all ten species (the most distant of which diverged >200 million years ago), and coding for the most conserved proteins are the phoPQ operon itself and the lipoprotein-encoding slyB gene, which decreases PhoP protein activity. The Mg2+-responsive PhoP protein dictates expression of Mg2+ transporters and of enzymes that modify Mg2+-binding sites in the cell envelope in most analyzed species. In contrast to the core PhoP regulon, which determines the amount of active PhoP and copes with the low Mg2+ stress, the variable members of the regulon contribute species-specific traits, a property shared with regulons controlled by dissimilar regulatory proteins and responding to different signals.
Ensaero—A multidisciplinary program for fluid/structural interaction studies of aerospace vehicles

A computational procedure is developed that uses a moving zonal grid concept to model complex flexible aerospace vehicles. The Euler/Navier-Stokes equations are used to model the flow, and computations are made using efficient methods based on both central and upwind schemes. The structure is represented by a finite element method which can model general aerospace vehicles. Provisions are made to accommodate other disciplines such as controls and thermal loads. The code is capable of computing unsteady flows on flexible wings with vortical flows. Adaptation of this procedure for parallel processing and validation for complete aerospace configurations is in progress.
Cotransplantation of human mesenchymal stem cells enhances human myelopoiesis and megakaryocytopoiesis in NOD/SCID mice.

Objective. For approximately 5% of autologous transplant recipients and a higher proportion of allogeneic transplant recipients, low level and delayed platelet engraftment is an ongoing problem. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), which can be derived from bone marrow as well as other organs, are capable of differentiation into multiple cell types and also support hematopoiesis in vitro. Because cotransplantation of marrow-derived stromal cells has been shown to enhance engraftment of human hematopoietic stem cells, we hypothesized that cotransplantation of MSC could enhance platelet and myeloid cell development. Materials and Methods. We tested this hypothesis by transplantation of CD34-selected mobilized human peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) into sublethally irradiated NOD/SCID mice with or without culture-expanded human MSC and evaluated human myeloid, lymphoid, and megakaryocytic engraftment with flow cytometry and in vitro cultures. Results. WefindthatMSCcotransplantationenhances humancellengraftmentwhenalimiting dose (1 × 10 6 ) of CD34 cells is administered. This enhancement is characterized by a shift in the differentiation of human cells from predominantly B lymphocytes to predominantly CD13, CD14, and CD33 myeloid cells with a corresponding increase in myeloid CFU in the marrow. Megakaryocytopoiesis is enhanced by MSC cotransplantation as assessed by an increase in both marrow CFU-MK and circulating human platelets. In contrast, MSC do not affect the percentage of human bone marrow cells that expresses CD34. Conclusions. Cotransplantation of human mesenchymal stem cells with CD34-selected hematopoietic stem cells enhances myelopoiesis and megakaryocytopoiesis. 2003 International Society for Experimental Hematology. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.
Effect of aging on thyroid economy in man.

: The effects of aging on the thyroid are discussed under the headings of metabolic indices, thyroid function, hormone production, blood concentration, and thyroregulatory mechanisms. Possibly elderly men differ from elderly women with regard to thyroid economy, but the available data are too few and contradictory to permit drawing firm inferences about the effects of aging.
Left ventricular unloading with intra-aortic counter pulsation prior to reperfusion reduces myocardial release of endothelin-1 and decreases infarction size in a porcine ischemia-reperfusion model.

Objectives: We tested the hypothesis that unloading the left ventricle with intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation just prior to reperfusion provides infarct salvage compared with left ventricular (LV) unloading postreperfusion or reperfusion alone. Background: Previous reports demonstrated infarct salvage with complete LV unloading with an LVAD prior to reperfusion; however, partial LV unloading using intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABPs) has not been evaluated. Methods: Twenty-eight Yorkshire pigs were subjected to 1 hr of left anterior descending artery occlusion and 4 hr of reperfusion. An IABP was inserted and activated just prior to reperfusion (IABP-Pre), or 15 min after reperfusion (IABP-Post), or not at all (control). Results: At baseline, the hemodynamic data were similar in the three groups. Myocardial infarct size expressed a percentage of zone at risk in control animals was 44.9% ± 4.8%, IAPB-Pre group 20.9% ± 5.1% (P < 0.05 compared to control), and IABP-Post group 33.2 ± 6.1% (P = 0.16 vs. control group). There was a correlation between transcardiac endothelin-1 release at 15 min postreperfusion and infarct size (r = 0.59). Conclusion: LV unloading with an IABP prior to reperfusion reduces the extent of myocardial necrosis in hearts subjected to 1 hr of left anterior descending artery occlusion and 4 hr of reperfusion compared with either reperfusion alone or LV unloading after reperfusion. Inhibition of myocardial ET-1 release by LV unloading may be a significant mechanism of myocardial protection. These data suggest that in high-risk STEMI patients, IABP unloading prior to reperfusion might be more beneficial than IABP placement postreperfusion. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mixed foods are similarly categorized by 8–13 year old children

Abstract Food search in a computerized 24 h dietary recall (24 hdr) for children should be easiest when the categories reflect children's categorization of foods, in contrast to professional categories. This study assessed how 8–13 year old children categorized and labeled mixed foods (e.g. fried rice, lasagna), and how these were influenced by child characteristics. A set of 48 cards with pictures and names of mixed foods from 14 professionally defined food groups was sorted by each child into piles of similar foods. Participants (n=146), including 8–13 year old 130 English speaking, and 16 Spanish speaking children, attended data collection in the summer, 2006. One way ANOVA, pairwise comparisons and Robinson matrices for identification of clusters were used. Children created an average of 10.5 (±5.5) piles with 6.0 (±4.1) cards per pile. No substantial differences in Robinson clustering were detected across subcategories for each of the demographic characteristics, body mass index, or 6-n-propylthiouracil sensitivity. For the majority of the piles, children provided “taxonomic-professional” (26.0%) labels, such as vegetables, sandwiches and drinks, or “specific-food item” (23.0%) labels, i.e. the name of the food. These categories may be used to facilitate mixed food search in a computerized 24 hdr for children in this age group.
Improved Electricity Load Forecasting via Kernel Spectral Clustering of Smart Meters

This paper explores kernel spectral clustering methods to improve forecasts of aggregated electricity smart meter data. The objective is to cluster the data in such a way that building a forecasting models separately for each cluster and taking the sum of forecasts leads to a better accuracy than building one forecasting model for the total aggregate of all meters. To measure the similarity between time series, we consider wavelet feature extraction and several positive-definite kernels. To forecast the aggregated meter data, we use a periodic autoregressive model with calendar and temperature information as exogenous variable. The data used in the experiments are smart meter recordings from 6,000 residential customers and small-to-medium enterprises collected by the Irish Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The results show a 20% improvement in forecasting accuracy, where the highest gain is obtained using a kernel with the Spearman's distance. The resulting clusters show distinctive patterns particularly during hours of peak demand.
Calculation of three-dimensional thermal-gradient-induced stress birefringence in slab lasers

The thermal-gradient-induced stress birefringence and depolarization losses were reported previously for a Yb:YAG slab in which the plane-strain approximation applied. In this paper we present analyses of these phenomena applying a full three-dimensional treatment of deposited pump power and cooling in a Yb:YAG slab. We treat both straight-through and zigzag propagation and the cases of the slab length along the crystalline [1 1 1] and [1 1 0] axes. We also describe the losses in a slab with undoped Brewster ends and pump edges.
PROJECTION TECHNIQUES FOR ITERATIVE SOLUTION OF Ax = b WITH SUCCESSIVE RIGHT-HAND SIDES

We present two projection techniques for computing approximate solutions to linear systems of the form Ax^n=b^n, for a sequence n=1,2,..., e.g., such as arises from time discretization of a partial differential equation. The inexpensive approximate solutions can be used as initial guesses for iterative solution of the system, resulting in significantly reduced computational expense. Examples of two- and three-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes calculations are presented in which x represents the pressure, and A is a discrete Poisson operator. In flows containing significant dynamic activity, these projection techniques lead to as much as a two-fold reduction in solution time.
Association of ocular and oculodermal melanocytosis with the rate of uveal melanoma metastasis: analysis of 7872 consecutive eyes.

Importance Ocular/oculodermal (oculo[dermal]) melanocytosis is a congenital periocular pigmentary condition that can lead to the development of uveal melanoma, estimated at 1 in 400 affected patients. In this study, patients with melanocytosis who developed uveal melanoma were found to have double the risk for metastasis compared with those without melanocytosis. Objective To determine the relationship of oculo(dermal) melanocytosis to the prognosis of patients with uveal melanoma. Design, Setting, and Patients Retrospective chart review of 7872 patients with uveal melanoma treated at the Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Institute, from August 25, 1970, through August 27, 2008. Exposures Enucleation, plaque radiotherapy, local resection, or thermotherapy. Main Outcomes and Measures Metastasis and death. Results Of 7872 patients with uveal melanoma, oculo(dermal) melanocytosis was present in 230 (3%). The melanocytosis involved the sclera (92%), iris (17%), choroid (12%), eyelid (8%), and temporal fossa (1%). Eyes with melanoma and oculo(dermal) melanocytosis had a relative risk for metastasis 1.6 times greater compared with those with no melanocytosis ( P P P = .02), and 1.9 times higher with scleral melanocytosis ( P P P = .001) and the presence of subretinal fluid ( P = .05), and the only factor predictive of death was increased tumor thickness ( P = .009). Conclusions and Relevance Patients with uveal melanoma associated with oculo(dermal) melanocytosis have double the risk for metastasis compared with those with no melanocytosis. All patients with oculo(dermal) melanocytosis should undergo ophthalmic examination and imaging on a twice-yearly basis because this could help with the early detection of melanoma.
Projections and terminations of single respiratory axons in the cervical spinal cord of cat

Position, divergence, branching, and termination patterns of single, respiratory axons were studied in cat cervical spinal cord by injecting horseradish peroxidase (HRP) intra-axonally. We stained 12 axons which were characterized by their firing patterns and by electrical stimulation. Five axons discharged during inspiration (I); the remaining 7 discharged during expiration (E). No injected axon was evoked by stimulating ipsilateral phrenic nerve roots while 7 (4 I, 3 E) of 12 were excited at a short latency from stimulating at a medullary site (on the midline, 1-2 mm rostral to the obex, approximately 3 mm below the dorsal medullary surface) where many bulbospinal respiratory axons decussate. All injected stem axons were located in the ventral and ventrolateral funiculi, traversed in a rostrocaudal direction, and were stained for lengths ranging from 3.6 to 12.4 mm. Mean axonal diameter was 2.9 microns. In 6 axons (4 I, 2 E), 14 collaterals were stained: 1 on each E axon, 2 on one I axon, 3 each on 2 others and 4 on another I axon. Collaterals emerged perpendicularly from the descending stem axon and projected directly to the ventral horn. The average distance between neighboring collaterals was 1.0 mm (n = 7). Collaterals did not arborize until they were near or within the ventral horn. Both en passant and terminaux types of presynaptic boutons were found primarily within the rostrocaudal cylinder that defined the phrenic motor column. In addition, some boutons were located dorsomedial to the phrenic motor column. We conclude that I axons, presumably of medullary origin, have multiple collaterals which terminate primarily in the phrenic motor column. However, the same axon can have terminals in different regions of the ventral horn, which are known to contain dendrites of phrenic motoneurons.
Characterization of the subunits of thymidylate synthetase

Abstract N-terminal analysis of thymidylate synthetase by the Edman procedure gives rise to a single spot when analyzed on three separate thin layer chromatographic systems. In each case this spot is consistent with only the phenythiohydantoin of methionine. Dansylation confirms the presence of only methionine as the N-terminus and the subtractive dansyl-Edman technique indicates that only leucine is found as the amino acid once removed from the N-terminus. Cyanogen bromide treatment of car☐ymethylated thymidylate synthetase results in the formation of five fragments as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis and by dansylation of the cyanogen bromide peptides. All of the results are consistent with the conclusion that thymidylate synthetase is composed of two subunits with identical primary structures.
Global change: Carbon in idle croplands.

The collapse of the Soviet Union had diverse consequences, not least the abandonment of crop cultivation in many areas. One result has been the vast accumulation of soil organic carbon in the areas affected.
Effect of Capitate Morphology on Contact Biomechanics After Proximal Row Carpectomy

Purpose Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is used as a treatment for a variety of wrist pathologies to maintain motion and to improve strength and decrease pain. Several studies have looked at how PRC alters wrist characteristics, although they did not provide an explanation for the variability observed in outcomes. Studies have classified the capitate into 3 unique types: round, V-shaped, or flat. We hypothesized that these differences in morphology could affect the contact biomechanics between the radius and the capitate after PRC. Methods A total of 14 cadaveric wrists underwent PRC. They were classified by capitate morphology and then loaded to 200 N in a neutral position, flexion, and extension. We measured contact area, contact pressure, and location using pressure-sensitive film in all 3 positions and compared their morphology types. Results Nine wrists had a round-type capitate, 4 had a V-shaped capitate, and 1 had a flat capitate, which we excluded from statistical analysis. Comparing round and V-shaped types, we found no differences in contact area, pressure, or location in any wrist position For the V-shaped capitates, there was increased contact pressure in flexion and extension compared with the wrist in neutral. Center of pressure translated dorsal and radial in flexion to volar and ulnar in extension for all types. Conclusions When we compared V-shaped and round-type capitates, we found no significant differences in contact characteristics of the wrist after PRC. There were some differences in contact pressure for V-shaped capitates in various wrist positions. Clinical relevance Differences between round and V-shaped capitates do not appear to affect contact biomechanics after PRC. Thus, these 2 capitate shapes may not necessarily be a factor in the decision-making process to perform PRC.
The segment as the minimal planning unit in reading aloud and speech production: a reply to Sulpizio and Burani (2014).

The size of the minimal planning unit used in phonological and phonetic encoding is important in acknowledging in its own right, but it is also important because of its role in testing other encodi...
Persuasive Communication of Risk Information: A Test of Cue Versus Message Processing Effects in a Field Experiment

Portions of the elaboration likelihood model of persuasion were tested in a natural selling with adults of various ages and educational backgrounds as subjects. The persuasive communication concerned risks of largl-scale use of coal for electricity production. The dependent variable was attitude change. Elaboration likelihood (EL) was operationalized through involvement and need for cognition. Highly credible sources were found to be more persuasive than less credible sources for low-EL but not for high-EL subjects. More persistence of attitude change (measured 14 months later) and stronger beliefs-attitude-intention consistency were found for high- than for low-EL subjects. Analyses of separate effects of involvement and need for cognition indicated that the two factors interacted concerning effects of source credibility. Need for cognition was related to attitude persistence. Involvement moderated beliefs-attitude-intention consistency, and need for cognition moderated attitude-intention consistency. Bo...
The Role of Specific Interactions and Transreactions On the Compatibility of Polyester Ionomers with Poly(ethylene terephthalate) and Nylon 6,6

The compatibility of polyester ionomers with polar polymers (i.e., poly(ethylene terephthalate) and nylon 6,6) is under investigation for their potential use as minor component compatibilizers. Binary blends have been prepared by both solution and melt-mixed methods to determine the effect of melt-processing on blend compatibility. The effect of the sulfonate group and counterion type on compatibility was evaluated by blending sulfonated and nonsulfonated forms of the amorphous polyester ionomer with both nylon 6,6 and poly(ethylene terephthalate). The melting point and phase behavior of the blends were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), respectively. A comparison of the melting behavior between the melt and solution blends suggests compatibility due to specific interactions for the ionomer/nylon 6,6 blends, and transesterification for the ionomer/poly(ethylene terephthalate) blends. The phase morphology of the melt blends is consistent with the results obtained by DSC analysis.
Maximal Class Numbers of CM Number Fields

Fix a totally real number eld F of degree at least 2. Under the assumptions of the generalized Riemann hypothesis and Artin’s conjecture on the entirety of Artin L-functions, we derive an upper bound (in terms of the discriminant) on the class number of any CM number eld with maximal real subeld F . This bound is a renement of a bound established by Duke in 2001. Under the same hypotheses, we go on to prove that there exist innitely many CM-extensions of F whose class numbers essentially meet this improved bound and whose Galois groups are as large as possible.
Understanding and meeting the needs of farmers with amputations.

BACKGROUND Despite the hazardous nature of the occupation, farmers who sustain serious permanently disabling injuries return to the physical labor of production agriculture. It is estimated that amputations account for 11% of all major farm-related injuries. PURPOSE This report describes the process of reentry to farm work of farmers across the United States who experienced above-the-wrist traumatic amputations. SAMPLE Interviews with 16 farmers revealed the unique features of the work and world view of these workers who labor in the fields. FINDINGS The occupational recovery process included questioning, analyzing, and "getting along." Prostheses and formal rehabilitation programs were viewed as minimally helpful. Suggestions and resources that may be helpful for the orthopaedic nurse to assist this high-risk work group are included.
Drug abuse treatment in criminal justice settings: enhancing community engagement and helpfulness.

This study examined the impact of a treatment readiness program on probationers receiving drug abuse treatment in a modified therapeutic community (TC). The program we developed was designed to inc...
Looking outside inside: ancient Roman garden rooms

Abstract From the head of the porticus extends a triclinium. Looking through its doors onto the xystus, [the triclinium] views nearby the meadow and much of the countryside, [and] from the windows on one side [it looks onto] the xystus and the villa part which projects, [while] from the windows on the other side it gazes forth onto the grove and the tree branches of the hippodrome[-garden] lying next to it. Almost opposite the middle part of the porticus a diaeta is set back a little. It encircles a tiny open court, which is plunged into shade by four plane trees. In the midst of these trees water pours forth from a marble basin, which waters and nourishes with its delicate spray the plane trees surrounding it and the ground under the plane trees. In this diaeta is a sleeping room which closes out the day, noise and sound, and joined to it is an informal dining space for friends: it looks onto that little courtyard, the porticus wing, and the same views which the porticus has. And there is another chamber...
The Meat-axe and f-cyclic matrices

Abstract Let M ( d , F ) denote the algebra of d × d matrices over a field F, and denote by m X ( t ) and c X ( t ) the minimal and the characteristic polynomials of X ∈ M ( d , F ) . We call X an f-cyclic matrix if f is an irreducible factor of m X ( t ) which does not divide c X ( t ) / m X ( t ) . We present a version of the Meat-axe algorithm that uses f-cyclic matrices. One advantage of f-cyclic matrices is that they unify and generalize previous work of Parker, Holt and Rees, Ivanyos and Lux, Neumann and Praeger. The greater abundance of f-cyclic matrices may lead to an improved probability/complexity analysis of the Meat-axe . The difficulties that occur when the Schur index exceeds one are explored.
Phenobarbital treatment enhances insulin-mediated glucose metabolism and improves lipid metabolism in the diabetic rat

Previous studies with healthy volunteers and non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDDM) patients have shown a strong association between overall glucose metabolism and hepatic microsomal enzyme activity. In this study, the effects of 10-day oral administration of phenobarbital (PB), a potent inducer of the hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidase system, on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the basal state and on glucose kinetics during submaximal hyperinsulinemic (5 mU.kg-1.min-1 insulin) clamps were investigated in nondiabetic rats and in rats made diabetic by the intravenous (IV) administration of either low-dose (40 mg/kg) or high-dose (55 mg/kg) streptozocin (STZ). In control rats receiving PB in drinking water (0.5 mg/mL), serum insulin and triglyceride levels were diminished without any change in glucose and cholesterol concentrations in the fed state. Administration of PB in drinking water (0.25 mg/mL) to both groups of diabetic rats decreased their water intake and serum triglyceride levels in the absence of an effect on glucose, insulin, and cholesterol concentrations in the fed state. However, fasting serum glucose levels and basal glucose turnover rates were lower in both groups of diabetic rats receiving PB. PB treatment increased the heparin-releasable lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity of epididymal fat in both control and low-dose diabetic groups; this was not assessed in the high-dose diabetic group. Neither peripheral glucose utilization nor hepatic glucose production during submaximal insulin clamps was modified by PB treatment in nondiabetic rats. In contrast, PB administration enhanced insulin-mediated peripheral glucose utilization, as well as suppression of hepatic glucose production, in both low-dose and high-dose diabetic groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cardiac response of elderly adults to normal activities and aerobic walking

To assess the cardiac response of elderly adults, three sedentary men and six women (M = 68 years) with no known cardiovascular disease had their cardiac responses to activities done in a laboratory setting (walking, climbing stairs, carrying bags, shuffleboard); normal daily activities and aerobic walking (pace at 60% of the age-adjusted heart rate) were assessed by a 24-hour holter monitor. Supraventricular and ventricular ectopies were common during the 24 hours of monitoring, but none occurred during any of the activities. Bradycardia occurred at night, along with some supraventricular and ventricular ectopy, none clinically significant. Heart rate increased as the intensity of the activity increased (e.g., 68/ minute for carrying 5 pounds of groceries to 90/ minute during aerobic walking). When prescribing exercise or activity limitations, the chronotropic effects of usual daily activities must be considered in counseling sedentary, apparently healthy older adults.
Stress-induced morphological instabilities at the nanoscale examined using the phase field crystal approach

The stress-induced morphological instability of an interface is examined with the recently developed phase field crystal (PFC) approach. Our results show that the interface width, generally assumed to be zero thickness in classical theory, is a crucial length scale for phenomena at the nanoscale. We find that the critical wavenumber of the instability deviates from the prediction of the continuum theory when the length scale of the instability is on the order of the interface width. In addition, we find that large stresses induce nonlinear elastic effects that alter both the wavelength of the instability and the interfacial morphology. This nonlinear elastic effect is generic and thus will be observable during heteroepitaxy. Finally, we show that the diffusional dynamics employed in the PFC model can capture quantitatively the stress field that accompanies the diffusional evolution of interfaces.
c-FLIP protects eosinophils from TNF-α-mediated cell death in vivo.

Understanding the signals that regulate eosinophil survival and death is critical to developing new treatments for asthma, atopy, and gastrointestinal disease. Previous studies suggest that TNF-α stimulation protects eosinophils from apoptosis, and this TNF-α-mediated protection is mediated by the upregulation of an unknown protein by NF-κB. Here, we show for the first time that eosinophils express the caspase 8-inhibitory protein c-FLIP, and c-FLIP expression is upregulated upon TNF-α stimulation. Considering that c-FLIP expression is regulated by NF-κB, we hypothesized that c-FLIP might serve as the “molecular switch” that converts TNFRI activation to a pro-survival signal in eosinophils. Indeed, we found that one c-FLIP isoform, c-FLIPL, is required for mouse eosinophil survival in the presence of TNF-α both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, our results suggest c-FLIP as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of eosinophil-mediated disease.
Bronchial stump disruption following inadvertent right mainstem intubation 9 years after pneumonectomy

Abstract An 82-year-old man, with a history of right pneumonectomy 9 years prior to admission, was emergently intubated for respiratory failure resulting from rapid atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. Postintubation chest radiograph demonstrated the tube to be in the right bronchial stump. Over the next 48 hours gas exchange remained poor, endotracheal suctioning produced copious serosanguinous secretions, and chest radio-graphs showed increasing air, with air fluid levels, in the previously opacified right hemithorax. Bronchoscopy demonstrated air bubbling from the posterior wall of the right bronchial stump, consistent with a bronchopleural fistula. The authors conclude that right mainstem intubation, in the setting of a previous right pneumonectomy, can lead to disruption of the bronchial stump with drainage of fluid from the postpneumonectomy space into the functioning left lung with severe compromise of gas exchange.
A genetical and embryological study of partial complementation between lethal alleles at the T locus of the house mouse

Abstract The earliest-acting lethals at the T locus of the house mouse, t0 and t12, were combined in compounds, and found to produce 12% of the expected number of newborn compounds, thus demonstrating partial complementation. Embryological studies showed that most of the t 0 t 12 embryos die between 11 and 12 days, but show onset of abnormality at 7 days, when primitive streak and mesoderm are forming. The most common defects in older embryos and newborns are abnormal forebrains and varying degrees of anophthalmia, most often asymmetric. The origin of the pleiotropic effects is discussed. Only one-third of the compounds born have lived to be weaned, and only 27% to adulthood. The life span of these is shortened. The t 0 t 12 females are generally fertile, the males always sterile. The lethal period is polyphasic. Death occurs at three periods which are critical in mammalian development: placentation, birth, and the neonatal period. The reasons for this are discussed. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that each allele supplies something not produced by the other, so that an interaction product may be formed in sufficient quantity to carry the embryo well beyond the lethal periods of homozygotes, but most often below a critical threshold which determines whether fairly normal development may proceed. The relationship of various t alleles and the function of the T locus is discussed, and it is concluded that the entire region is responsible for centers of organization in the embryo which produce substances needed to trigger the chain of inductions which make up development. This investigation showed that the t alleles carried in stocks labeled T t 0 and T t 1 are now indistinguishable.
Automated Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction of Irradiated Reactor Pressure Vessel Steels

In this work, we outline the development of an automated, high-throughput robotic system designed for the structural characterization of radioactive samples at the X-ray Powder Diffraction beamline of the National Synchrotron Light Source-II (NSLS II).Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Early "simple" release of posttraumatic elbow contracture associated with heterotopic ossification.

Abstract "Simple" elbow release in the setting of heterotopic ossification is defined as excision of ectopic bone and removal of restricting soft tissues without associated articular procedures. In the past, such procedures were postponed until bone scans were quiescent, serum alkaline phosphatase was normal, and the ectopic bone was mature. Postoperative management sometimes included radiation therapy, prolonged nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and intensive physiotherapy. We believe that delayed treatment beyond the time of fracture healing is unnecessary to obtain results comparable to those of previous studies. Similarly, we propose that radiation therapy is not necessary after excision of heterotopic ossification. Fourteen patients (15 elbows) were prospectively managed with early excision of posttraumatic heterotopic ossification, immediate postoperative mobilization, and a 5-day course of indomethacin. The average time from injury to release was 23 weeks. The mean preoperative arc of flexion/extension was 43°; that of pronation/supination was 79°. After 2 years, the corresponding values were 120° and 152°. Cubital tunnel syndrome, present in 5 patients, resolved after surgery. Three postoperative complications occurred in 2 patients. There were no recurrent contractures or loss of motion. (J Hand Surg 1999;24A:370–380. Copyright © 1999 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)
Conditioning Cucumbers to Increase Heat Resistance in the EFE System

The ethylene-forming enzyme system (EFE) in cucumber fruit (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Burpee Hybrid II) developed an increased tolerance to hot water immersions of 30 to 60 min at 45 degrees C and 30 to 50 min at 46 degrees C when conditioned at 32.5 +/- 0.5 degrees C in air for 24 hr. Thermodynamic analysis of the heat inactivation of the ethylene-forming enzyme (EFE) system in conditioned and unconditioned cucumbers showed: Increased D-value in the heat resistant EFE of conditioned cucumbers; larger energies of activations and Q(10) for conditioned cucumbers; larger entropy and enthalpy changes in conditioned cucumbers. The EFE system in conditioned cucumbers was in a more ordered state than in control cucumbers which was speculated to be due to the formation of hydrophobic bonds during conditioning thereby increasing the thermostability of the EFE system.
A Note on Landau's Problem for Bounded Intervals

(1975). A Note on Landau's Problem for Bounded Intervals. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 82, No. 9, pp. 927-929.
Ultimate sensitivity of time-resolved optoacoustic detection

The major limitation in sensitivity of the optical tomography is associated with strong optical attenuation in human tissues. Opto-acoustic tomography overcomes this limitation utilizing detection of acoustic waves instead of detection of transmitted photons. Exceptional sensitivity of the opto-acoustic tomography allows early detection of small tumors located dep in human tissues, such as breast. This paper demonstrates that an optimally designed opto-acoustic imaging system can detect early 1-mm tumors with minimal blood content of only 7 percent at the depth of up to 7-cm within the breast attenuating laser irradiation 3.3 times per each 1-cm of its depth. A theoretical consideration of the ultimate sensitivity of piezo-detection in a wide ultrasonic frequency band is developed. The detection sensitivity is presented as a function of the ultrasonic frequency, tumor dimensions and optical absorption coefficient. Comparative analysis of piezo and optical interferometric detection of opto-acoustic transients is presented. The theoretical models of piezo detection were developed for the open-circuit and short-circuit schemes of operation. The ultimate sensitivity limited by thermal noise of electric capacitor of the piezo-element was estimated. It was shown that the limit of detection depends on the frequency band, the electric capacity of the transducer and the sped of sound in the piezo-element. Comparative analysis of various piezo-materials was made from the point of view of their utility for sensitive opto-acoustic detection.
EFFECTS OF L-TRYPTOPHAN (A NATURAL SEDATIVE) ON HUMAN SLEEP

Abstract Five healthy volunteers given L-tryptophan for ten consecutive nights had an increase in non-rapid-eye-movement sleep (non-R.E.M.) and delta wave sleep while they manifested a decrease in R.E.M. sleep. Seven patients with insomnia receiving L-tryptophan for either 5 or 10 consecutive nights had increases in total sleep and non-R.E.M. sleep when compared with placebo control periods. Since reducing brain serotonin by synthesis inhibition reduces R.E.M. sleep and increasing brain serotonin by 5-hydroxytryptophan administration increases R.E.M. sleep, it seems likely that L-tryptophan produces its sleep effects through a non-serotonin mechanism. Further evidence for this hypothesis derives from the finding that L-tryptophan produced significant increases in non-R.E.M. and decreases in R.E.M. sleep when given in the presence of p -chlorophenylalanine, a drug which blocks the metabolism of tryptophan to serotonin.
Hybridizing experimental, numerical, and analytical stress analysis techniques

Good measurements enjoy the advantage of conveying what actually occurs. However, recognizing that vast amounts of displacement, strain and/or stress-related information can now be recorded at high resolution, effective and reliable means of processing the data become important. It can therefore be advantageous to combine measured result with analytical and computations methods. This presentation will describe such synergism and applications to engineering problems. This includes static and transient analysis, notched and perforated composites, and fracture of composites and fiber-filled cement. Experimental methods of moire, thermo elasticity and strain gages are emphasized. Numerical techniques utilized include pseudo finite-element and boundary-element concepts.
Release of leukotriene B4 from sublethally injured oligodendrocytes by terminal complement complexes.

: In the present study, the interaction of the terminal complement complexes with Oligodendrocytes was investigated for observation of its effect on membrane lipid hydrolysis. [14C]Arachidonic acid was incorporated into the membrane lipids of cultured Oligodendrocytes before sensitization with anti-galactocerebroside antiserum. Cells were then exposed to excess C6-deficient rabbit serum reconstituted with limiting doses of C6 to form various numbers of C5b-9 complexes. Qualitative analysis of the supernatants by HPLC revealed the presence of compounds that coeluted with arachidonic acid and its oxygenated derivatives, prostaglandin E2, leukotrienes E4 and B4, and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. The kinetics of leukotriene B4 release by excess C5b-8 was quantitated by radioimmunoassay. Leukotriene B4 release approached a maximum around 30 min, and C6 dose-response studies performed at l h showed that maximal levels of leukotriene B4 were detected over a range of sublytic C5b-9 attack. Maximal release of leukotriene B4 was also achieved by C5b-8 without further enhancement by addition of lytic doses of C9. Results indicate that sublytic attack of Oligodendrocytes by complement induces release of lipid-derived inflammatory mediators.
Error Bars Considered Harmful: Exploring Alternate Encodings for Mean and Error

When making an inference or comparison with uncertain, noisy, or incomplete data, measurement error and confidence intervals can be as important for judgment as the actual mean values of different groups. These often misunderstood statistical quantities are frequently represented by bar charts with error bars. This paper investigates drawbacks with this standard encoding, and considers a set of alternatives designed to more effectively communicate the implications of mean and error data to a general audience, drawing from lessons learned from the use of visual statistics in the information visualization community. We present a series of crowd-sourced experiments that confirm that the encoding of mean and error significantly changes how viewers make decisions about uncertain data. Careful consideration of design tradeoffs in the visual presentation of data results in human reasoning that is more consistently aligned with statistical inferences. We suggest the use of gradient plots (which use transparency to encode uncertainty) and violin plots (which use width) as better alternatives for inferential tasks than bar charts with error bars.
Additive Effect of TAK-491, a New Angiotensin Receptor Blocker, and Pioglitazone, in Reducing Myocardial Infarct Size

We assessed the effects of TAK-491 (a newly designed potent and selective ARB) alone and in combination with pioglitazone (PIO) on myocardial infarct size (IS). Rats received TAK-491 (0.3, 1, 3, or 10 mgkg−1d−1), PIO (1.0 or 2.5 mgkg−1d−1), or PIO 2.5 mgkg−1d−1 with TAK-491 (1 or 3 mgkg−1d−1) for 4 days. On day 5 rats underwent 30-minute coronary artery occlusion and 4-hour reperfusion. Area at risk (AR) was assessed by blue dye and IS by TTC. Left ventricular (LV) dimensions and function was assessed by echocardiography 35 days after infarction. TAK (1.0–10 mgkg−1d−1), PIO (1.0 to 2.5 mgkg−1d−1), PIO2.5+TAK1.0, and PIO2.5+TAK3.0 significantly reduced IS. IS was the smallest in the TAK 10.0, followed by PIO+TAK 3.0. The protective effects of TAK and PIO were additive, as IS was smaller in the PIO2.5+TAK1.0 than in PIO 2.5 alone (p = 0.008) or TAK1.0 alone (p = 0.002); and in PIO2.5+TAK3.0 than in PIO alone (p < 0.001) or TAK3.0 alone (p < 0.001). TAK, PIO and their combination tended to attenuate LV remodeling and improved LV function 35 days after infarction; however, the differences among individual groups were not statistically significant. Both TAK-491 and PIO increased calcium-dependent nitric oxide synthase activity, whereas only PIO increased COX2 expression and activity. Both PIO and TAK-491 increased Akt, ERK 1/2 and eNOS phosphorylation and inhibited BAX activation. TAK-491 and PIO independently limited myocardial IS in a dose-dependent fashion; and the effects were additive. The mechanism of protection and the role of TAK-491 in this clinical setting should be further investigated.
ACT as treatment of a disorder of excessive control: Anorexia

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a conceptually driven approach to treatment that is directed at undermining the experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion that are assumed to produce restrictive and damaging behavioral patterns. ACT has recently been applied to the treatment of a number of behavioral problems. The current paper explores how an ACT perspective might guide the treatment of disordered eating based on the presentation of an adolescent female. Particularly, methods focused on addressing the treatment-resistant nature of anorexia, working with the complex control issues related to both eating and private events, facilitating the differentiation of the patient's sense of self from her private events and physical being, and assisting the client in refocusing on her valued directions are described. An ACT approach to treating anorexia seems strongly indicated, and further research is needed to assess the efficacy of ACT for this difficult problem.