cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal opportunistic maintenance of a k-out-of-n:G system

The opportunistic maintenance of a k-out-of-n:G system is studied in this paper. In many applications, it spends less cost and time to perform maintenance on several components jointly than on each component separately. Based on this fact, two new (τ, T) opportunistic maintenance models with the consideration of reliability requirements are proposed. In these two models with two decision variables τ ≤ T, only minimal repairs are performed on failed components before time τ, and corrective maintenance of all failed components are combined with preventive maintenance (pm) of all functioning but deteriorated components after τ; if the system survives to time T without perfect maintenance, it will be subject to pm at time T. Considering maintenance time, asymptotic system cost rate and availability are derived. The results obtained generalize and unify some previous research in this area. Application to aircraft engine maintenance is presented.
Gas detection using surface acoustic wave delay lines

Abstract Experimental results are presented for a gas detector employing surface acoustic waves (SAWs). The SAW piezoelectric gas (SAWPG) detector consists of twin SAW delay lines fabricated on a single piezoelectric substrate and each connected in an oscillator configuration. The propagation path of one delay line oscillator is coated with a selectively sorbent film, while the other is uncoated and used as a stable reference. Phase delay changes due to mass loading or stress effects induced by gases sorbed on the delay line containing the film result in corresponding frequency shifts relative to the reference oscillator; these shifts are proportional to gas concentration. Since SAW energy is concentrated near the film, the detector is found to be highly sensitive. For demonstration purposes both SO 2 and H 2 S detectors have been fabricated that are capable of measuring concentrations in air of 10 ppb of SO 2 and 10 ppm of H 2 S.
Origins of Bilateral Symmetry: Hox and Dpp Expression in a Sea Anemone

Over 99% of modern animals are members of the evolutionary lineage Bilateria. The evolutionary success of Bilateria is credited partly to the origin of bilateral symmetry. Although animals of the phylum Cnidaria are not within the Bilateria, some representatives, such as the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis , exhibit bilateral symmetry. We show that Nematostella uses homologous genes to achieve bilateral symmetry: Multiple Hox genes are expressed in a staggered fashion along its primary body axis, and the transforming growth factor–β gene decapentaplegic ( dpp ) is expressed in an asymmetric fashion about its secondary body axis. These data suggest that bilateral symmetry arose before the evolutionary split of Cnidaria and Bilateria.
Social media in travel, tourism and hospitality: theory, practice and cases

Social media in travel, tourism and hospitality: theory, practice and cases, edited by Marianna Sigala, Evangelos Christou and Ulrike Gretzel, Surrey, England and Burlington, VT, Ashgate Publishing...
Colorectal liver metastases: making the unresectable resectable using irreversible electroporation for microscopic positive margins – a case report

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a non-thermal injury tissue ablation technique that uses electrical pulses to cause cell death. IRE damages the endothelial cells of blood vessels; however these cells re-grow, and thus IRE does not result in permanent damage to blood vessels. We report the novel use of IRE for ablation of microscopically positive margins after resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) impinging on hepatic veins. A 68-year-old female was found to have colon cancer and synchronous bilateral unresectable liver metastases. Chemotherapy with FOLFOX and cetuximab was initiated, with subsequent conversion to resectability of the CRLM. The patient underwent colectomy followed by right liver posterior sectionectomy with wedge resection of segment 5. Resection of tumor impinging on the left and middle hepatic veins would have required left hepatectomy, with insufficient remnant liver volume. The CRLM were meticulously dissected off the hepatic veins leaving a microscopically positive margin, and IRE was then used for margin ablation, leaving intact hepatic veins and venous blood flow. The patient is alive and without recurrent disease now 30 months after resection. Herein we review the IRE technology and its use in ablation of liver metastases. Use of IRE margin ablation for microscopically-positive CRLM resection may lead to long-term patient survival; further prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm this finding.
Accuracy of electrocardiogram interpretation by cardiologists in the setting of incorrect computer analysis.

Abstract Background Overreading of 12 lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) is required to circumvent errors of computerized ECG interpretation. The accuracy of the overreading physician's interpretation of ECGs that were incorrectly read as atrial fibrillation by a computer algorithm has not been systematically examined. Methods A total of 2298 ECGs with the computerized interpretation of atrial fibrillation from 1085 patients were analyzed by 2 electrophysiologists, who identified 442 ECGs (19%) from 382 patients (35%) that were incorrectly interpreted as atrial fibrillation. Charts were reviewed to determine the interpretation of the ECG by the ordering physician (primary reader) and the overreading cardiologist. Results Cardiologists as primary readers more often corrected the misinterpreted ECGs as compared with internists, emergency physicians, or other specialists (94% vs 71%, P P Conclusion Knowledge of an individual patient on whom an ECG is ordered may result in a more critical rhythm assessment and might account for the higher accuracy of rhythm interpretation by the cardiologist as compared with the interpretation by the overreading cardiologist who is lacking relevant clinical information.
AMOUR V: A Hovering Energy Efficient Underwater Robot Capable of Dynamic Payloads

In this paper we describe the design and control algorithms of AMOUR, a low-cost autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) capable of missions of marine survey and monitoring. AMOUR is a highly maneuverable robot capable of hovering and carrying dynamic payloads during a single mission. The robot can carry a variety of payloads. It uses internal buoyancy and balance control mechanisms to achieve power efficient motions regardless of the payload size. AMOUR is designed to operate in synergy with a wireless underwater sensor network (WUSN) of static nodes. The robotâs payload was designed in order to deploy, relocate and recover the static sensor nodes. It communicates with the network acoustically for signaling and localization and optically for data muling. We present control algorithms, navigation algorithms, and experimental data from pool and ocean trials with AMOUR that demonstrate its basic navigation capabilitrials with AMOUR that demonstrate its basic navigation capabilities, power efficiency, and ability to carry dynamic payloads.
Chemical synthesis, spectral properties, and chromatography of 4α-methyl and 4β-methyl isomers of (24R)-24-ethyl-5α-cholestan-3β-ol and (24S)-24-ethyl-cholesta-5,22-dien-3β-ol

Abstract Described herein are chemical syntheses of the following compounds: 4-methyl-(24S)-24-ethyl-cholesta-4,22-dien-3-one, 4,4-dimethyl-(24S)-24-ethyl-cholesta-5, 22-dien-3-one, 4β-methyl-(24R)-24-ethyl-5α-cholestan-3β-ol, 4α-methyl-(24R)-24-ethyl-5α-cholestan-3β-ol, 4α-methyl-(24S)-24-ethyl-5α-cholest-22-en-3β-ol, 4-methyl-6β-bromo-(24S)-24-ethyl-cholesta-4, 22-dien-3-one, 4α-raethyl-(24S)-24-ethyl-cholesta-5, 22-dien-3β-ol, 4α,5α-epoxy-(24S)-24-ethyl-cholesta-4,22-dien-3β-yl acetate, 4β-methyl-(24S)-24-ethyl-cholest-22-en-3β,5α-diol, 4β-methyl-5α-hydroxy-(24S)-24-ethyl-cholest-22-en-3β-yl acetate, 4β-methyl-(24S)-24-ethyl-cholesta-5, 22-dien-3β-yl acetate and 4β-methyl-(24S)-24-ethyl-cholesta-5, 22-dien-3β-ol. Chromatographic, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectral data are presented for the compounds under consideration.
Error analysis of update methods for the symmetric eigenvalue problem

Cuppen’s divide-and-conquer method for solving the symmetric tridiagonal eigenvalue problem has been shown to be very efficient on shared memory multiprocessor architectures.In this paper, some error analysis issues concerning this method are resolved. The method is shown to be stable and a slightly different stopping criterion for finding the zeroes of the spectral function is suggested.These error analysis results extend to general update methods for the symmetric eigenvalue problem. That is, good backward error bounds are obtained for methods to find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of $A + \rho ww^T $, given those of A. These results can also be used to analyze a new fast method for finding the eigenvalues of banded, symmetric Toeplitz matrices.
Quantitative analysis of estimated scattering coefficient and phase retardation for ovarian tissue characterization

In this report, optical scattering coefficient and phase retardation quantitatively estimated from polarization-sensitive OCT (PSOCT) were used for ovarian tissue characterization. A total of 33 ex vivo ovaries (normal: n = 26, malignant: n = 7) obtained from 18 patients were investigated. A specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 86% were achieved by using estimated scattering coefficient alone; and a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 43% were obtained by using phase retardation alone. However, a superior specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 100% were achieved if these two parameters were used together for classifying normal and malignant ovaries. Quantitative measurement of collagen content obtained from Sirius red histology sections shows that it correlates with estimated scattering coefficient and phase retardation. Our initial results demonstrate that quantitative analysis of PSOCT could be a potentially valuable method for distinguishing normal from malignant ovarian tissues during minimally invasive surgery and help guide surgical intervention.
Predation and Food as Factors Affecting Survival of Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in a Soybean Ecosystem

Direct field observations and use of radioactive phosphorus (32P) as a tracer showed 18 insect and 6 spider species, representing 6 orders and 19 families, to be predators of Nezara viridula (L.) in a soybean ecosystem in Louisiana. Solenopsis invicta Buren was the dominant egg predator during the vegetative stages of soybean development, while cannibalism of eggs by adults and nymphs of N. viridula was also frequently observed during this stage. Grasshoppers were the more important egg feeders during the reproductive stages of plant development. Life tables developed for N. viridula in field cages showed that survival to adult was 0.5% during the vegetative and flowering stages and 4.5% during pod set, but it increased significantly to 38.2% when seeds were formed. Under field conditions during the latter period, survival to fourth-instar nymphs declined to 8.7%, from which it was concluded that, in this particular ecosystem, 33.6% mortality was caused by predation and 57.7% was due to other factors.
Polycrystalline diamond pressure microsensor

Abstract Diamond deposition processing and silicon photolithographic and etching techniques were used to create undoped diamond diaphragms a few millimetres in diameter and 5–10 microns thick. Delineated and electrically isolated doped diamond resistors nominally 100 microns wide by 500 microns long by 4 microns thick, with thick film silver-based interconnect are fabricated on top of the diaphragm. Zero strain values of the resistors are nominally a few hundred kΩ Isolation ratio is greater than 103. As the membrane is flexed by pressure, the ΔR R piezoresistance (PZR) of the diamond resistors was measured. Various PZR configurations and temperature behaviour were examined.
Pre–B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Presenting as an Orbital Mass in an 8-Month-Old

Purpose To present the case of an 8-month-old girl with undiagnosed pre–B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) presenting as an orbital mass. Design Observational case report and literature review. Methods Review of clinical history, radiologic findings, histology of cervical lymph node and orbital biopsies, and follow-up. Results An 8-month-old girl presented with a 2-week history of right-sided tearing, lid swelling, proptosis, and rhinorrhea. A computed tomographic scan of the orbits revealed a homogeneous, retrobulbar orbital mass eroding into the ethmoid sinuses and nasal cavity, as well as cervical lymphadenopathy. Biopsy of the lesion and enlarged lymph node disclosed medium-sized, uniform, cytologically atypical lymphocytes in a starry sky pattern. Immunohistochemical analysis showed reactivity to antibodies against CD-10, CD-19, CD-34, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase. Cytogenetic analysis of the tumor also revealed a gene rearrangement on chromosome 11q23. Based on these findings, the diagnosis of pre–B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia was made, and systemic as well as intrathecal chemotherapy was instituted, which resulted in rapid remission of the leukemia. Conclusions The initial presentation of ALL as an orbital mass is exceedingly rare. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the earliest reported case of pre–B-cell ALL presenting as an orbital lesion.
COMPLEMENTARY HISTORIES AND COLLAPSE INTO THE PAST IN STANDARD QUANTUM MECHANICS

It follows from the standard quantum formalism that in the time between any two noncommuting measurements there are two quantum states of the same system representing two complementary, forward and backward histories, histories that may be observed in two complementary experiments. It follows from this in turn that all interpretations of quantum mechanics based on the idea of a single state between measurements should be rejected. The non-existence of a faster-than-light nonlocality and of paradoxes in EPR-type experiments1 can be proved in the frame of the standard formalism when the reality of backward histories is taken into account.
New developments for net-effect plots

We review the graphics for studying the net-effects of predictors, including both the global and local net-effect plots. Then some new definitions of net-effects and corresponding graphical methods are introduced for studying and visualizing the main and interaction net-effects of the mean functions and the distribution functions. A sufficient dimension reduction method, called central solution subspace bivariate sliced inverse regression (CSS-BiSIR), is proposed for reducing the size of the graphical problem. This facilitates the graphical interpretations of the net-effects, and also allows us to visualize the net-effects of nonelliptically distributed predictors. WIREs Comput Stat 2013, 5:105–113. doi: 10.1002/wics.1247
Characterization of proteoglycan production and processing by chondrocytes and BMSCs in tissue engineered constructs

Summary Objective The goal of this study was to characterize the proteoglycan (PG) production and processing by bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) within a tissue engineered construct. Methods Bovine BMSCs and articular chondrocytes (ACs) were isolated from an immature calf, seeded into agarose gels, and cultured up to 32 days in the presence of TGF-β1. The localization of various PGs was examined by immunofluorescence and histological staining. The role of proteolytic enzymes in construct development was further investigated by examining the effects of aggrecanase and MMP inhibitors on PG accumulation, aggrecan processing, and construct mechanics. Results BMSCs developed a matrix rich in sulfated-glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) and full-length aggrecan, but had low levels of versican. The BMSC constructs had less collagen II and aggrecan compared to the AC constructs cultured under identical conditions. AC constructs also had high levels of pericellular collagen VI, while BMSCs had a pericellular matrix containing little collagen VI and greater levels of decorin, biglycan, and fibronectin. Treatment with the aggrecanase inhibitor did not affect sGAG accumulation or the dynamic moduli of the BMSC constructs. The MMP inhibitor slightly but significantly inhibited sGAG accumulation and lowered the dynamic moduli of BMSC constructs. Conclusions The results of this preliminary study indicate that long-term culture of BMSCs with TGF-β1 promotes the development of an aggrecan-rich matrix characteristic of native articular cartilage; however, BMSCs accumulate significantly lower levels of sGAG and assemble distinct pericellular microenvironments compared to ACs. PG turnover does not appear to play a major role in the development of tissue engineered cartilage constructs by BMSCs.
Pain management: A quality improvement project

Pain management in the PACU is vital to patient care and favorable outcomes. Understanding all aspects of pain management is essential when caring for surgical patients. Most PACUs have quality improvement (QI) and/or risk management projects that involve pain management. This article discusses a QI project on the management of pain and the effect it had on nursing practice. The QI committee developed an improvement program that identified a patient care need and changed practice to improve patient care. The project began with the question "Are we accurately assessing patients' pain, or is the pain assessed only what the nurse perceives?" The QI data collected indicated that 100% of patients were discharged with adequate pain relief. The question was answered by following the recommendations of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations for the QI process, in addition to using a model for linking outcomes to care processes developed by Windle and Houston.
Molecular Organization of Sarcoglycan Complex in Mouse Myotubes in Culture

The sarcoglycans are a complex of four transmembrane proteins (α, β, γ, and δ) which are primarily expressed in skeletal muscle and are closely associated with dystrophin and the dystroglycans in the muscle membrane. Mutations in the sarcoglycans are responsible for four autosomal recessive forms of muscular dystrophy. The function and the organization of the sarcoglycan complex are unknown. We have used coimmunoprecipitation and in vivo cross-linking techniques to analyze the sarcoglycan complex in cultured mouse myotubes. We demonstrate that the interaction between β- and δ-sarcoglycan is resistant to high concentrations of SDS and α-sarcoglycan is less tightly associated with other members of the complex. Cross-linking experiments show that β-, γ-, and δ-sarcoglycan are in close proximity to one another and that δ-sarcoglycan can be cross-linked to the dystroglycan complex. In addition, three of the sarcoglycans (β, γ, and δ) are shown to form intramolecular disulfide bonds. These studies further our knowledge of the structure of the sarcoglycan complex. Our proposed model of their interactions helps to explain some of the emerging data on the consequences of mutations in the individual sarcoglycans, their effect on the complex, and potentially the clinical course of muscular dystrophies.
In-network aggregation trade-offs for data collection in wireless sensor networks

This paper explores in-network aggregation as a power-efficient mechanism for collecting data in wireless sensor networks. In particular, we focus on sensor network scenarios where a large number of nodes produce data periodically. Such communication model is typical of monitoring applications, an important application domain sensor networks target. The main idea behind in-network aggregation is that, rather than sending individual data items from sensors to sinks, multiple data items are aggregated as they are forwarded by the sensor network. Through simulations, we evaluate the performance of different in-network aggregation algorithms, including our own cascading timers, in terms of the trade-offs between energy efficiency, data accuracy and freshness. Our results show that timing, that is, how long a node waits to receive data from its children (downstream nodes in respect to the information sink) before forwarding data onto the next hop (toward the sink) plays a crucial role in the performance of aggregation algorithms for applications that generate data periodically. By carefully selecting when to aggregate and forward data, cascading timers achieves considerable energy savings while maintaining data freshness and accuracy. We also study in-network aggregation's cost-efficiency using simple mathematical models. Since wireless sensor networks are prone to transmission errors and losses can have considerable impact when data aggregation is used, we also propose and evaluate a number of techniques for handling packet loss. Simulations show that, when used in conjunction with aggregation protocols, the proposed techniques can effectively mitigate the effects of random transmission losses in a power-efficient way.
Valve-sparing aortic root replacement and remodeling with complex aortic valve reconstruction in children and young adults with moderate or severe aortic regurgitation

Objectives The durability of valve-sparing aortic root procedures with aortic regurgitation due to leaflet disease is questioned. Here, we review our experience in combined aortic root and valve reconstruction in children and young adults. Methods All valve-sparing aortic root procedures from 2000 to 2012 were reviewed, and patients with aortic valve repair beyond resuspension were included. Root procedures were classified as replacement with reimplantation, root remodeling, or aortic annular and sinotubular junction stabilization. The primary end point was structural valve deterioration, a composite of aortic valve reoperation and/or moderate or greater regurgitation at follow-up. Results Thirty-four patients were included during the study period. The surgery consisted of reimplantation in 13 patients, remodeling in 16 patients, and annular and sinotubular junction stabilization in 5 patients. Valve repair consisted of leaflet procedures in 26 patients and subannular reduction in 15 patients. During a median follow-up of 4.2 months (range, 2 weeks-8 years), there were 5 reoperations for aortic valve replacement due to aortic regurgitation, and 2 patients presented with moderate or greater regurgitation. Freedom from structural valve deterioration was 70.1% ± 10.3% at 1 year and remained stable thereafter, although it was significantly worse in the reimplantation group ( P = .039). A more severe degree of preoperative aortic regurgitation ( P = .001) and smaller graft to aortic annulus ratio ( P = .003) were predictors of structural valve deterioration. Conclusions Valve-sparing root and valve reconstruction can be done with low operative risk and allows valve preservation in most patients. These data should question the assumption that reimplantation is superior when associated with complex valve reconstruction.
Long-term effects of topsoil removal on soil productivity factors, wheat yield and protein content

Quantifying long-term effects of soil erosion on plant production and soil quality can aid in restoring degraded soils. The objectives of this study were to determine the long-term effects of topsoil removal on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and soil productivity factors. In 1982, the surface 0, 6, 12, and 18 cm of topsoil was mechanically removed from a Williams loam (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, frigid Typic Argiustoll) and subsequently cropped. Soil samples were collected in 1998. There was no difference in soil organic matter (SOM), particulate organic matter (POM), mineralizable N, or water stable soil aggregates (WSA) in the surface 15 cm. Though not significant, there was an average increase of 1.2 g SOM kg−1 soil from the surface 15 cm since 1982, but fungal and bacterial biomass was reduced. The SOM and POM increased in the surface 15 cm of soil where grass was planted in strips between plots. Topsoil removal did not affect soil water at planting nor wheat yields from 1998–2001. The...
The induction of axial blisters in the chick embryo by trypan blue

The hemorrhage, blister formation, and rumplessness observed in the chick embryo following treatment with trypan blue may be due to (1) increased ventricular blood pressure or (2) to necrosis and edema in the caudal region of the embryo by inhibiting nutrient utilization. To test the role of increased ventricular blood pressure in the induction of caudal blisters, primitive streak to 7-somite chick embryos were cut in half, separating the upper presumptive heart region from the lower presumptive trunk and tail regions. Each half was then explanted on media containing trypan blue for 24 hours. In intact embryos treated with 0.04 mM trypan blue the frequency of blisters in the posterior region was 80.8%. The blisters usually appeared on both sides of the neural tube, below or in the region of the last few somites. In transected embryos treated with trypan blue, the frequency of blisters in the posterior halves which had beating hearts was 2.6%. However, the frequency of blisters in the posterior halves which were not connected to beating hearts was 47.8%. In some cases the blisters were found in posterior halves in which the rump was not well developed or present at all. Thus, we may conclude that: (1) direct connection between the heart and the rump is not necessary for the induction of caudal blisters. (2) The presence of a well-differentiated rump is also not necessary for blister formation. We suggest that trypan blue acts directly on organs or structures found in the caudal region of the chick embryos.
Psychophysical estimation of speed discrimination. II. Aging effects.

We studied the effects of aging on a speed discrimination task using a pair of first-order drifting luminance gratings. Two reference speeds of 2 and 8 deg∕s were presented at stimulus durations of 500 ms and 1000 ms. The choice of stimulus parameters, etc., was determined in preliminary experiments and described in Part I. Thresholds were estimated using a two-alternative-forced-choice staircase methodology. Data were collected from 16 younger subjects (mean age 24 years) and 17 older subjects (mean age 71 years). Results showed that thresholds for speed discrimination were higher for the older age group. This was especially true at stimulus duration of 500 ms for both slower and faster speeds. This could be attributed to differences in temporal integration of speed with age. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were not statistically observed to mediate age differences in the speed discrimination thresholds. Gender differences were observed in the older age group, with older women having higher thresholds.
Density Gradient Centrifugation: Fixation of Bands by Photopolymerization of Acrylamide

A method for immobilization of proteins in a density gradient is described. This method eliminates the collection of drops or the use of a schlieren optical system, but visualizes the results of the Amido Schwarz stain. Although only sucrose gradients have been examined, the method possibly may be extended to other gradients.
Properties of Words on Four Letters from Those on Two Letters with an Application to DNA Sequences

The problem of classifying words on four letters into equivalence classes under the operations of conjugacy and reverse complementation is solved by using a surjective mapping to words on two letters of even length. This classification problem for words on four letters arises in the study of DNA sequences. For words on two letters the concept of a lexical word, which is based on a total order relation, allows one to assign a distinguished word to each conjugacy class. The mapping between words on four letters and those on two letters is used to assign a distinguished word to the conjugacy classes of words on four letters. The Mobius inversion formulas are basic to this enumeration problem.
Relationship among adverse childhood experiences, history of active military service, and adult outcomes: Homelessness, mental health, and physical health

Objectives. We determined whether a report of adverse childhood experiences predicts adult outcomes related to homelessness, mental health, and physical health and whether participation in active military service influences the relationship between childhood and adult adversity.Methods. Using data from the 2010 Washington State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we tested by means of logistic regression the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and 3 adult outcomes—homelessness, mental health, and physical health—as well as differences among those with a history of active military service.Results. Adverse childhood experiences separately predicted increased odds of experiencing homelessness as an adult and mental health and physical health problems. Childhood adversity increased the likelihood of adult homelessness and poor physical health among individuals with no history of active military service and the likelihood of mental health problems among individuals with a history of acti...
Net ultrafiltration in peritoneal dialysis: role of direct fluid absorption into peritoneal tissue.

‘Net ultrafiltration’ in peritoneal dialysis refers to the difference between the osmotically induced ultrafiltration into the peritoneal cavity and the fluid loss from the cavity during dialysis. Rec
A porous body model for predicting temperature distribution in wire-wrapped fuel rod assemblies

Abstract A porous body model, new in its application for predicting temperature distributions in wire-wrapped fuel rod assemblies, has been developed. The model developed for thermal transport in wire-wrapped rod bundles is similar in principle to the one which has long been successfully used for heat transfer in fixed beds of packed solids. Although the model is applicable to bundles in forced and mixed (combined forced and free) convection, attention in this paper is confined to bundles operating in forced (negligible natural) convection only. The results obtained from this analysis were found to predict available data with as good a precision as does the more complex analysis.
Impacts of large scale wind power integration on power system

In China, many of the best resources for wind generation are located far away from load centers. Large generating facilities connected to distant load centers by long AC transmission lines face numerous technical challenges. Oriented by the current state and development of wind power generation in China, impacts of large scale wind power integration on power system are addressed in this paper to demonstrate the necessity of wind power planning on the regional or higher level. Through the researches on several practical projects of wind farms integration and wind power generation planning, the paper presents the potential impacts of wind power integration on the generation scheduling and dispatch, the load flow, voltage stability, transmission capability, system short-circuit capacity, system transient stability. Furthermore, the wind power integration research before their planning and construction is indispensable to sustained and healthy development of wind power generation for a region or wider area.
Increased glutamine consumption in small intestine epithelial cells during sepsis in rats

Background Previous reports have emphasized increased intestinal glutamine consumption during sepsis. This may be of clinical significance as glutamine is a (and perhaps the) physiologic fuel for the intestine. A problem remains, however, as glutaminase, the major enzyme for the degradation of glutamine, is decreased rather than increased in sepsis. This implies an alteration in the metabolic fate of glutamine in sepsis, which may be of clinical significance. Methods We determined the effect of sepsis on glutamine metabolism in mucosa of small intestine. Sepsis was induced in rats by cecal ligation and puncture. Control rats were sham-operated. After 16 hours, glutamine consumption was measured in isolated enterocytes, and glutaminase, glutamine synthetase, and glutamine transaminase activities and DNA synthesis were determined in mucosa. Results Glutamine consumption was increased during sepsis in enterocytes from the tips of the villi and was unchanged in enterocytes from the midportions of the villi and the crypts. As previously shown, mucosal glutaminase activity was reduced. However, glutamine synthetase and glutamine transaminase activities were stimulated in septic rats, suggesting an increase in metabolism of glutamine via alternate pathways. DNA synthesis was increased during sepsis, especially in crypt cells. Conclusions Increased or unchanged glutamine consumption in enterocytes from septic rats, despite reduced glutaminase activity, appears to reflect increased activity of other enzyme systems and/or increased utilization of the amino acid for DNA and protein synthesis. Since other aspects of glutamine metabolism may also be deranged in sepsis, a continual enterai supply of glutamine to the intestinal lumen during sepsis may be clinically useful.
Influence of self-association of proteins on their precipitation by poly(ethylene glycol)

Abstract The influence of self-association on the precipitation of proteins by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was investigated using several model self-associating proteins. These include α-chymotrypsin and chymotrypsinogen, β-lactoglobulin A and glutamate dehydrogenase. With few exceptions, conditions which promote self-association also enhance precipitation by PEG, while conditions which inhibit self-association also inhibit precipitation by PEG. Chymotrypsin and chymotrypsinogen self-associate at pH 8.5 and low ionic strength and, under these conditions, they were precipitated by moderate concentrations of PEG (10–20%, w v ). Low concentrations of salts ( m ) reversed the self-association and prevented precipitation up to 25% PEG. By contrast, salt did not prevent the precipitation of covalently cross-linked oligomers of chymotrypsinogen. In acid (pH 4.5), the effects of salts on both self-association and precipitation of these proteins were opposite to the effects at pH 8.5. Different salts were generally found to have similar effects, but SO42− was particularly effective in enhancing precipitation in acid. At pH 3 and 8, β-lactoglobulin A is primarily a monomer and was not precipitated by 25% PEG at these pH values. Maximum precipitation occurred at pH 4.7, which is the reported optimum for self-association. Glutamate dehydrogenase associates to polymers at neutral pH and was precipitated by 15% PEG. The combined presence of NADH and GTP (1 m m ) prevented polymer formation and abolished precipitation. Toluene further enhanced polymerization in the absence of cofactors but did not enhance precipitation. However, PEG was found to strongly inhibit the polymerization induced by toluene. The results of these studies suggest that it may be possible to selectively enhance or inhibit the PEG precipitation of a self-associating protein through manipulation of its oligomeric state.
Benzimidazole ribonucleosides: Observation of an unexpected nitration when performing non-aqueous diazotizations with t-butyl nitrite

Abstract Mild, non-acidic conditions used in the non-aqueous diazotization of a 2-aminobenzimidazole nucleoside with t -butyl nitrite gave an unexpected 4-nitrobenzimidazol-2-one nucleoside which was not formed when primary alkyl nitrites were used. The isolated compounds were evaluated for activity against herpesviruses and for cytotoxicity against human foreskin fibroblast cells.
Serum magnesium and copper levels in myocardial infarction

The serum levels and urinary excretion of magnesium and copper were studied in 66 patients with either acute myocardial ischemia or myocardial infarction. Serum for magnesium and copper determinations was obtained daily for three days. The initial serum magnesium levels were normal in patients with ischemia but were low in some patients with myocardial infarction. Patients developing ventricular arrhythmias with myocardial infarction showed the lowest levels of serum magnesium. Copper in the serum appeared elevated in patients developing acute congestive heart failure but the elevation was not statistically significant. These data indicate that a decrease in serum magnesium as evaluated may be associated with ventricular arrhythmias in patients with myocardial infarction; thus continued observations of magnesium levels in the myocardial infarction patient is warranted.
The covariance structure and likelihood function for multivariate dyadic data

This paper extends the results in Li and Loken [A unified theory of statistical analysis and inference for variance component models for dyadic data, Statist. Sinica 12 (2002) 519-535] on the statistical analysis of measurements taken on dyads to the situations in which more than one attribute are measured on each dyad. Starting from the covariance structure for the univariate case obtained in Li and Loken (2002), the covariance structure for the multivariate case is derived based on the group symmetry induced by the assumed exchangeability in the units. Our primary objective is to document the Gaussian likelihood and the sufficient statistics for multivariate dyadic data in closed form, so that they can be referenced by researchers as they analyze those data. The derivation carried out can also serve as an example of multivariate extension of univariate models based on exchangeability.
On the law of intelligence

Abstract The law of intelligence is presented in test independent form. Mental abilities, physical brain size, and infant motor capacity follow the same law of growth from birth to adolescence. Mental growth is independent of race, SES or the Flynn effect. The vitality of the mental age scale calls for a reexamination of Wechsler’s deviation IQ. This paper builds on Yen’s method of standardized differences (1986). The main theoretical advance here is to put development back into intelligence testing and to show a universality among different measures of the growth of the human nervous system.
Occult Fallopian Tube Carcinoma Detected in Routine Pelvic Washing Specimens Submitted for Staging: Another Justification for Pelvic Washing Cytology?

Peritoneal washing cytology is important in the staging, prognosis, and treatment schema for women diagnosed with gynecologic malignancies. Additionally, peritoneal washings are often performed before the specific diagnosis or even the distinction between benign or malignant lesion is known. Occasionally, the cytology and surgical pathology specimens, although obtained during the same procedure, will show unexpected and/or discordant findings. Perhaps, the greatest dilemma occurs when atypical cells suggestive of malignancy are identified in peritoneal washing specimens when a corresponding benign or discordantly low grade malignant diagnosis is made in the surgical pathology specimen. We present two such cases in which further investigation proved extremely valuable, not only leading to resolution of initially discrepant cytologic and surgical pathology findings but also in the process leading to second diagnoses of early fallopian tube carcinoma. Increasing evidence appears to be pointing to the fallopian tube as the site of origin of many serous carcinomas previously thought to be of primary pelvic or ovarian origin. These cases further confirm the utility of peritoneal washing cytology as a diagnostic modality when routine gross examination and sampling of the surgical specimens alone would have failed to provide the complete diagnosis. Diagn.
Hypoxia. 4. Hypoxia and ion channel function

The ability to sense and respond to oxygen deprivation is required for survival; thus, understanding the mechanisms by which changes in oxygen are linked to cell viability and function is of great importance. Ion channels play a critical role in regulating cell function in a wide variety of biological processes, including neuronal transmission, control of ventilation, cardiac contractility, and control of vasomotor tone. Since the 1988 discovery of oxygen-sensitive potassium channels in chemoreceptors, the effect of hypoxia on an assortment of ion channels has been studied in an array of cell types. In this review, we describe the effects of both acute and sustained hypoxia (continuous and intermittent) on mammalian ion channels in several tissues, the mode of action, and their contribution to diverse cellular processes.
Real Time Neutron Radiography and Its’ Application to the Study of Internal Combustion Engines and Fluid Flow

Real time neutron radiography (RTNR) is now proving to be a valuable research tool in the study of hydrogenous fluid flow. Whereas neutron radiography compliments other forms of radiography by making it possible to image many objects and substances that otherwise can not be imaged, RTNR adds the important dimension of motion which greatly enhances the value of the technique. Further, video processing techniques used in real time radiography provide many ways in which the image can be enhanced and studied. The Phoenix Memorial Laboratory (PML) at the University of Michigan has recently developed and installed a facility dedicated to RTNR. The work at PML has shown that RTNR of dynamic events can provide information enabling the researcher to follow dynamic events that were previously impossible or impractical.
N-Terminal Phosphorylation Sites of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 ICP0 Differentially Regulate Its Activities and Enhance Viral Replication

The herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infected cell protein 0 (ICP0) is an immediate-early phosphoprotein that transactivates viral gene expression. Evidence suggests that phosphorylation regulates the functions of ICP0, and three regions (termed regions I, II, and III) in the protein are known to be phosphorylated. Mutation of the putative phosphorylation sites within region I, termed Phos 1, which lies in the N-terminal portion of ICP0, impairs the E3 ubiquitin (Ub) ligase and ND10-disrupting activities of ICP0 in cell culture and diminishes viral replication. To identify the specific phosphorylation site(s) or residues responsible for the phenotypes observed with Phos 1, individual residues within region I were mutated to alanine (S224A, T226A, T231A, and T232A) and one double mutant S224A/T226A was constructed. Tissue culture studies demonstrated that the S224A, S224A/T226A, T231A, and T232A mutants were unable to dissociate the cellular protein PML from ND10 and that the S224/T226A mutant was defective in its ability to dissociate the cellular protein Sp100 from ND10. Additionally, the transactivation activity of ICP0 was impaired in the S224A and S224A/T226A mutants. The S224A and S224A/T226A mutant forms were more stable than wild-type ICP0, suggesting that their ability to autoubiquitinate was limited. Moreover, one ICP0 ubiquitination target, USP-7, was also more stable after infection with these two mutants. Lastly, the replication of the S224A and S224A/T226A mutant viruses was reduced in cell culture and in vivo. Overall, our data suggest that specific phosphorylation sites within region I differentially regulate the activities of ICP0, which are required for efficient viral replication.
Use of a Computer-Based System to Measure and Manage Energy Consumption in the Home

Energy use in homes represents 21% of US total energy demand in 2004. Managing this sector is an important priority for addressing global warming, conserving resources and improving energy security. Much energy is wasted in delivering energy services not actually used by residents. Two examples include heating/cooling and lighting of unoccupied houses and rooms, and overheating or overcooling to make up for temperature variations. IT-enabled monitoring and control technologies have played an important role in eliminating similar kinds of inefficiencies in other sectors, so it is natural to think that these systems could have an important role in the home as well. The technology level of energy control in most homes is at least 20 years old, with simple programmable thermostats still in only about a quarter of US homes. Networked thermostats, power meters and switches, and zone heating are technologies that can provide information on energy use and allow it to be controlled for distribution only when needed. In addition to direct energy savings, there is also a demand to reduce indirect needs for energy infrastructure through peak shifting, or redistributing of electricity demand more evenly throughout the day. In addition to surveying these energy management issues, this article also relates the experience of a pilot project setting up monitoring/control systems in three Sacramento homes. The design specifications of these systems combine capabilities for Web-based monitoring and control and peak shifting via pre-cooling, and load shedding. The pilot has shown that such a monitoring and control system satisfying the design parameters can be implemented via mainly off-the-shelf parts. Much work remains to be done however, to develop low-cost user friendly systems attractive to typical homeowners
Reliability model and implementation for EEPROM emulation using flash memory

EEPROM emulation techniques are used with block-erasable Flash memories for embedded applications requiring nonvolatile storage of data that is updated in byte or word granularity. In this paper, we discuss the reliability of the emulated EEPROM using Flash memories. The reliability depends on many factors, including the emulation scheme, the EEPROM targets, and the Flash architecture used. Achieving reliability targets is a process of matching these factors with the endurance and data retention characteristics of the Flash technology. We present a model for combining parameters of emulation implementations with technology capability that can be used to predict reliability of the emulated EEPROM. This model enables selection of optimal layout of Flash blocks for emulation to meet a given EEPROM reliability target.
Integrative Array Analyzer: a software package for analysis of cross-platform and cross-species microarray data

Summary: The rapid accumulation of microarray data translates into an urgent need for tools to perform integrative microarray analysis. Integrative Array Analyzer is a comprehensive analysis and visualization software toolkit, which aims to facilitate the reuse of the large amount of cross-platform and cross-species microarray data. It is composed of the data preprocess module, the co-expression analysis module, the differential expression analysis module, the functional and transcriptional annotation module and the graph visualization module. Availability: http://zhoulab.usc.edu Contact: [email protected]
Periradicular healing in response to Diaket root-end filling material with and without tricalcium phosphate.

Summary The healing of the periradicular tissues was evaluated when the polyvinyl resin Diaket with and without tricalcium phosphate was used as surgical root-end filling material. Non-surgical root canal treatment was performed on 56 mandibular premolar roots in mongrel dogs. Following root-end resection, root-end cavity preparations were filled with Diaket, the comparative material, or Diaket in combination with tricalcium phosphate, the experimental material. Postsurgically, healing of the tissues adjacent to the filling materials and in the surrounding surgical site were evaluated at 30 and 60 days. There was virtually no statistically significant difference between the experimental and comparative group at or within the 30- or 60-day period with regard to inflammation, connective tissue formation, root-end encapsulation, cementum formation, or bone apposition. Findings suggest that cementogenesis occurred over both materials. The overall healing of the periradicular tissues was favourable.