cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pore blocking mechanisms during early stages of membrane fouling by colloids

A method based on a simple linear regression fitting was proposed and used to determine the type, the chronological sequence, and the relative importance of individual fouling mechanisms in experiments on the dead-end filtration of colloidal suspensions with membranes ranging from loose ultrafiltration (UF) to nanofiltration (NF) to non-porous reverse osmosis (RO). For all membranes, flux decline was consistent with one or more pore blocking mechanisms during the earlier stages and with the cake filtration mechanism during the later stages of filtration. For ultrafiltration membranes, pore blocking was identified as the largest contributor to the observed flux decline. The chronological sequence of blocking mechanisms was interpreted to depend on the size distribution and surface density of membrane pores. For salt-rejecting membranes, the flux decline during the earlier stages of filtration was attributed to either intermediate blocking of relatively more permeable areas of the membrane skin, or to the cake filtration in its early transient stages, or a combination of these two mechanisms. The findings emphasize the practical importance of the clear identification of, and differentiation between mechanisms of pore blocking and cake formation as determining the potential for the irreversible fouling of membranes and the efficiency of membrane cleaning.
Convergence Rate for a Curse-of-dimensionality-Free Method for Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman PDEs Represented as Maxima of Quadratic Forms

In previous work of the author and others, max-plus methods have been explored for solution of first-order, nonlinear Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman partial differential equations (HJB PDEs) and corresponding nonlinear control problems. Although max-plus basis expansion and max-plus finite-element methods provide computational-speed advantages, they still generally suffer from the curse-of-dimensionality. Here we consider HJB PDEs where the Hamiltonian takes the form of a (pointwise) maximum of linear/quadratic forms. The approach to a solution will be rather general, but in order to ground the work, we consider only constituent Hamiltonians corresponding to long-run average-cost-per-unit-time optimal control problems for the development. We consider a previously obtained numerical method not subject to the curse-of-dimensionality. The method is based on construction of the dual-space semigroup corresponding to the HJB PDE. This dual-space semigroup is constructed from the dual-space semigroups corresponding to the constituent linear/quadratic Hamiltonians. The dual-space semigroup is particularly useful due to its form as a max-plus integral operator with kernel obtained from the originating semigroup. One employs repeated application of the dual-space semigroup to obtain the solution. Here, we consider constituent Hamiltonians which contain linear and constant terms as well as purely quadratic terms. This greatly expands the allowable class of problems. However, there are solution existence issues, and the error bounds are more difficult.
Morphology of the bicuspid aortic valve and elasticity of the adjacent aorta in children.

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital malformation with the known sequela of ascending aortic dilation. The morphology of the BAV and the elasticity of the adjacent ascending aorta appear to influence the outcome. We prospectively examined 48 pediatric patients with an isolated, native BAV for the morphology and size of the aortic valve, aortic root, sinotubular junction, and ascending aorta and their elasticity indexes. A cohort of 48 matching subjects with tricuspid aortic valves was investigated as controls. A comparison of the aortic valve subtypes showed normal-size aortic dimensions in the tricuspid aortic valves. In contrast, in the BAVs, the ascending aorta and aortic valve itself tended to dilate with age and aortic elasticity deteriorated. In the BAVs, the stiffness was significantly greater (4.43 ± 1.82 vs 3.43 ± 0.81 in the tricuspid aortic valves; p = 0.001). The distensibility indexes decreased inversely in the BAVs (6.57 ± 2.83 vs 7.84 ± 2.04 cm2 × dynes−1 × 10−6, p = 0.013; and 53.5 ± 26.0 versus 64.3 ± 17.9 kPa−1 × 10−3, p = 0.020). The anteroposterior-oriented phenotype of BAVs showed significantly stiffer and less distensible elasticity even after correction for congenital valve dysfunction, which was more frequent in the left–right-oriented phenotype. In conclusion, the morphology of the BAV seems to play a major role in the outcome of BAV disease, although the left–right phenotype is more prone to congenital valve dysfunction, the anteroposterior phenotype showed worse elasticity quality.
Micro-hybrids in rural China

Abstract The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, home of the Gobi desert and Yellow River, is also home to the largest concentration of small wind turbines in the world. Since the 1970s, small wind systems have become increasingly popular for rural, dispersed households in this region. Today, some 140,000–150,000 of these systems have been disseminated, powering about a third of the unelectrifiedpopulation. While wind turbines are now ubiquitous in this region, low-wind summer months can be frustrating for the herdsmen, as the system output drops to a fraction of its rated capacity and batteries cannot be fully charged. As a result, Inner Mongolian herdsmen are leading the rest of the world in micro-hybrids by adding solar PV to their wind systems. A thriving wind and PV/industry exists today in Inner Mongolia, where renewable energy equipment is sold along the main streets of the towns and cities (Figure 1). Dr Debra Lew, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, USA reports.
Synergism of Accessory Factors in Functional Expression of Mammalian Odorant Receptors

The discovery of odorant receptors led to endeavors in matching them with their cognate ligands. Although it has been challenging to functionally express odorant receptors in heterologous cells, previous studies have linked efficient odorant receptor expression with N-terminal modifications and accessory proteins, including the receptor-transporting proteins (RTPs) and Ric8b. Here we have shown that a shorter form of RTP1, RTP1S, supports robust cell-surface and functional expression of representative odorant receptors. Using a combination of accessory proteins, including RTP1S, Ric8b, and Gαolf, a diverse set of untagged odorant receptors were successfully expressed heterologously due to the synergistic effects among the various accessory proteins. Furthermore, the addition of an N-terminal rhodopsin tag to the odorant receptors, along with the same set of accessory proteins, exhibits an additional level of synergism, inducing enhanced odorant receptor responses to odorants and thus defining a more efficient heterologous expression system. We then showed that the presence or absence of different N-terminal tags has little effect on the ligand specificity of odorant receptors, although the amount of receptor expressed can play a role in the ligand response profile. The accuracy of the odorant receptor heterologous expression system involving tagged odorant receptors and various accessory proteins promises success in high throughput de-orphaning of mammalian odorant receptors.
An experimental investigation of heulandite-laumontite equilibrium at 1000 to 2000 bar Pfluid

The univariant reaction governing the upper stability of heulandite (CaAl2Si7O18·6H2O), heulandite=laumontite+3 quartz+2H2O (1), has been bracketed through reversal experiments at: 155±6° C, 1000 bar; 175±6° C, 1500 bar; and 180±8° C, 2000 bar. Reversals were established by determining the growth of one assemblage at the expense of the other, using both XRD and SEM studies. The standard molal entropy of heulandite is estimated to be 783.7±16 J mol−1 K−1 from the experimental brackets. Predicted standard molal Gibbs free energy and enthalpy of formation of heulandite are −9722.3±6.3 kJ mol−1 and −10524.3±9.6 kJ mol−1, respectively. The reaction (1), together with the reaction, stilbite=laumontite+3 quartz+3 H2O, defines an invariant point at which a third reaction, stilbite=heulandite+ H2O, meets. By combining the present experimental data with past work, this invariant point is located at approximately 600 bar and 140° C. Heulandite, which is stable between the stability fields of stilbite and laumontite, can occur only at pressures higher than that of the invariant point, for \(P_{H_2 O}\)= Ptotal.These results are consistent with natural parageneses in low-grade metamorphic rocks recrystallized in equilibrium with an aqueous phase in which \(a_{H_2 O}\) is very close to unity.
Effects of Freezing on Collagen Nanoscale Structure in Engineered Tissues

The present study aims to systematically investigate the freezing-induced changes that occur at multiple levels of organization of collagen nanostructure in the engineered tissues (ET). Collagen is a major constituent of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of biological tissues, and is also used for scaffold of engineered tissues and biomaterials [1, 2]. Given its abundance and widespread physiological function in vivo, a proper understanding of the relationships between the collagen’s structure, properties, and function is essential for the improvement of current tissue cryopreservation protocols that suffer from highly variable and tissue specific outcomes [3, 4].Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Boundary value problems in spaces of distributions on smooth and polygonal domains

We study boundary value problems of the form [email protected]=f on @W and Bu=g on the boundary @[email protected], with either Dirichlet or Neumann boundary conditions, where @W is a smooth bounded domain in R^n and the data f,g are distributions. This problem has to be first properly reformulated and, for practical applications, it is of crucial importance to obtain the continuity of the solution u in terms of f and g. For f=0, taking advantage of the fact that u is harmonic on @W, we provide four formulations of this boundary value problem (one using nontangential limits of harmonic functions, one using Green functions, one using the Dirichlet-to-Neumann map, and a variational one); we show that these four formulations are equivalent. We provide a similar analysis for f 0 and discuss the roles of f and g, which turn to be somewhat interchangeable in the low regularity case. The weak formulation is more convenient for numerical approximation, whereas the nontangential limits definition is closer to the intuition and easier to check in concrete situations. We extend the weak formulation to polygonal domains using weighted Sobolev spaces. We also point out some new phenomena for the ''concentrated loads'' at the vertices in the polygonal case.
Detection of neurogenic detrusor contractions from the activity of the external anal sphincter in cat and human.

Aims Individuals with spinal cord injury or neurological disorders may develop bladder contractions at low volumes (neurogenic detrusor overactivity), which can lead to significant health problems. Present devices can inhibit unwanted contractions through continuous electrical stimulation of sensory nerves, but do not enable conditional stimulation only at the onset of bladder contractions. The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship between the electrical activity of external anal sphincter (EAS) and bladder pressure during neurogenic detrusor contractions and to determine whether EAS activity could be used to detect the onset of bladder contractions. Methods Bladder pressure and EAS electromyogram (EMG) were recorded in nine adult male cats. Retrospective clinical data consisting of bladder pressure and EAS EMG from 41 spinal cord injured individuals with neurogenic detrusor overactivity were analyzed. A CUSUM algorithm was used to detect the onset of bladder contractions from the EAS EMG. Results EAS EMG activity increased at the onset of bladder contractions in six cats (dyssynergic) and decreased (synergic) in three cats. The onset of bladder contractions was detected within 3 sec of the start of the contraction for both the synergic and dyssynergic data sets. The onset of bladder contractions was detected within 1 sec of the start of the bladder contraction for both synergic and dyssynergic human subjects. Conclusions Recordings of the EAS EMG can be used to detect robustly the onset of neurogenic detrusor contractions. The EAS EMG is a suitable signal to control closed-loop inhibitory electrical stimulation to maintain urinary continence. Neurourol. Urdynam. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of different salts of sodium and potassium on the growth of Atriplex prostrata (Chenopodiaceae)

Abstract Although there are a variety of ions occurring in the soil throughout most of North America, the majority of halophyte literature focuses on the effects of NaCl on plants. In this study, a comparison is made of the effects of NaCl, KC1, Na2SO4, and K2SO4, on growth of the halophyte Atriplex prostrata Boucher ex DC (SYN: A. triangularis Willd.) at 0, ‐0.75, ‐1.00, and ‐1.50 MPa. Plant survival, height, number of leaves, nodes, and branches were recorded weekly. Photosynthesis was measured once before plants were harvested and dry mass was determined after one month. Content of Na+, K+,‐Mg2+, and Cl‐ in plant tissue was also measured. A general trend observed was that all plant growth parameters decreased with a lowering of the medium osmotic potential, and that K+ salts were more inhibitory than Na+ salts. Ion content of plant tissue generally increased with a lowering of osmotic potential. Our data indicated that K+, a plant macronutrient, was more inhibitory to plant growth than Na+. It is possi...
Anapole moment of a diatomic polar molecule

We discuss the magnetic toroidal dipole moments (anapole moments) of diatomic molecules by analyzing a calculable ``toy model'' for a heteronuclear diatomic molecular ion. The model consists of a single unpaired electron with spin \ensuremath{\sigma}, in the electrostatic potential of two different point charges; all spin-dependent interactions are neglected. We show that this model predicts a toroidal dipole moment of order \ensuremath{\alpha}${\mathit{ea}}_{0}^{2}$ oriented in the direction n^\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\ensuremath{\sigma}, where n^ is the molecular axis. A simple relation is derived between the three static dipole moments of this model: electric, magnetic, and toroidal. Numerical results are given for a particular choice of model parameters. In addition to the usual magnetic dipole field, there is a toroidal magnetic field inside the molecule, which we evaluate for this model. The two fields are similar in strength but have opposite behavior under spatial inversions, so that the magnetic field, as well as the electric field, fails to have a center of inversion.
Dynamical screening and electron self-energy in the presence of polar interaction in quasi-2D heterostructures

The author reports for the first time a full dynamical and finite-temperature study of the electron self-energy in the presence of coupling with polar optical phonons in a GaAs-GaAlAs system. The electron effective mass increases significantly with increasing temperature from 4.2 to 60K. The polaronic enhancement of the effective mass, however, is extremely small. The imaginary part of the self-energy shows appreciable deviation from that obtained by a static screening model.
Effects of sediment microtopography on small-scale spatial distributions of meiobenthic nematodes

Abstract The influence of sediment microtopography on the small-scale spatial distribution of meiobenthic nematodes was investigated using time series statistical techniques to analyze data obtained from numerous small cores. Two transects, each 1 m long and comprised of contiguous 6 mm cores, were collected from an intertidal sand flat characterized by regularly spaced, asymmetrical sediment ripples of 8 cm wavelength. Autocorrelation coefficients and power spectral estimates showed a statistically significant periodicity at the wavelength of the sediment ripples in the fluctuation of total nematode abundance. Within each transect, several separate series of density oscillations were present, all with successive density peaks spaced 8 cm apart, but phase-shifted with respect to each other. Cross-correlation coefficients between nematode abundance and ripple height revealed that the highest densities of nematodes tend to be associated with ripple crests. These results indicate that nematodes can respond to small-scale environmental heterogeneity produced by sediment microtopography, although the exact mechanism by which this occurs remains unknown. A sequence of events extending over several tidal cycles probably generates this distribution pattern. Observations of stained sediments and fecal pellets showed that organic material accumulates in troughs at low tide and is subsequently buried by migrating ripple crests during the succeeding high tide. As this process is repeated, multiple series of organically enriched zones are laid down, all with the same spacing. Each series is displaced from the one laid down previously by a distance equal to the total movement of the ripples between their times of deposition. It is hypothesized that nematodes are attracted to this buried organic material.
Design of Lange-couplers and single-sideband mixers using micromachining techniques

This paper reports on the design and performance of micromachined Lange-couplers and single-sideband mixers (SSB) on thin dielectric membranes at Ku-band. The micromachined Lange-coupler results in a 3.6/spl plusmn/0.8 dB coupling bandwidth from 6.5 to 20 GHz. The Lange-coupler and an interdigital filter are used in a 17-GHz SSB. The SSB mixer requires 1-2 mW of local oscillator (LO) power without dc bias and achieves a 30 dB upper-sideband (USB) image rejection for an IF frequency of 1 GHz and above. The micromachined membrane technology can be easily scaled to millimeter-wave monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC's) to meet the low-cost requirements in automotive or portable communication systems.
Ultrasonic Treatment of Magnesium Alloy Melts and its Effects on Solidification Microstructures

The effects of high intensity ultrasonic melt treatment on the microstructure of magnesium alloys were investigated in this paper. Magnesium melts were treated with power ultrasonic wave and then cooled to a predetermined temperature. With the increase in ultrasonic power, the structure exhibited refined and spheroidzed crystal grains. After further increasing the ultrasonic power, the grains tended to somewhat coarsened. And increasing the ultrasonic processing time led to a grain refinement of magnesium alloy.
Case reports of congenital hypoplasia and hypocalcification of the enamel

Abstract This family has a history of hypoplasia of the enamel extending through at least five generations. Photographs and radiographs of members of the last two generations are presented. A marked sex-linked characteristic is noted in that ten out of the eleven cases occurred in female patients. In four out of the five generations, one male member of the family was unaffected.
Facultative heterochromatin formation at the IL-1 beta promoter in LPS tolerance and sepsis

The clinical phenotype in sepsis that is observed as LPS tolerance is determined by silencing of pro-inflammatory genes like IL-1 beta (IL-1β). This study shows that facultative heterochromatin (fHC) silences IL-1β expression during sepsis, where we find dephosphorylated histone H3 serine 10 and increased binding of heterochromatin protein-1 (HP-1) to the promoter. In both human sepsis blood leukocytes and an LPS tolerant human THP-1 cell model, we show that IκBα and v-rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog B (RelB) function as dominant labile mediators of fHC formation at the IL-1β promoter. Protein synthesis inhibition decreases levels of IκBα and RelB, converts silent fHC to euchromatin, and restores IL-1β transcription. We further show TLR dependent NFκB p65 and histone H3 serine 10 phosphorylation binding at the promoter. We conclude that the resolution phase of sepsis, which correlates with survival in humans, may depend on the plasticity of chromatin structure as found in fHC.
Prediction of the Circumferential Film Thickness Distribution in Horizontal Annular Gas-Liquid Flow

We develop a liquid film symmetry correlation and a liquid film thickness distribution model for horizontal annular gas-liquid pipe flows. The symmetry correlation builds on the work of Williams et al. A new correlating parameter is presented. The liquid film thickness model is based on the work of Laurinat et al. The circumferential momentum equation is simplified to a balance between the normal Reynolds stress in the film's circumferential direction and the circumferential component of the weight of the film. A model for the normal Reynolds stress in the circumferential direction is proposed. The symmetry correlation is used to close the model equations. The model is valid for films with disturbance waves, and is shown to be applicable to air-water flows over a range of conditions from low velocity asymmetric to high velocity symmetric annular flows
Phenolic Compounds in Red Oak and Sugar Maple Leaves Have Prooxidant Activities in the Midgut Fluids of Malacosoma disstria and Orgyia leucostigma Caterpillars

Phenolic compounds are generally believed to be key components of the oxidative defenses of plants against pathogens and herbivores. However, phenolic oxidation in the gut fluids of insect herbivores has rarely been demonstrated, and some phenolics could act as antioxidants rather than prooxidants. We compared the overall activities of the phenolic compounds in red oak (Quercus rubra) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) leaves in the midgut fluids of two caterpillar species, Malacosoma disstria (phenolic-sensitive) and Orgyia leucostigma (phenolic-tolerant). Three hypotheses were examined: (1) ingested sugar maple leaves produce higher levels of semiquinone radicals (from phenolic oxidation) in caterpillar midgut fluids than do red oak leaves; (2) O. leucostigma maintains lower levels of phenolic oxidation in its midgut fluids than does M. disstria; and (3) phenolic compounds in tree leaves have overall prooxidant activities in the midgut fluids of caterpillars. Sugar maple leaves had significantly lower ascorbate:phenolic ratios than did red oak leaves, suggesting that phenolics in maple would oxidize more readily than those in oak. As expected, semiquinone radicals were at higher steady-state levels in the midgut fluids of both caterpillar species when they fed on sugar maple than on red oak, consistent with the first hypothesis. Higher semiquinone radical levels were also found in M. disstria than in O. leucostigma, consistent with the second hypothesis. Finally, semiquinone radical formation was positively associated with two markers of oxidation (protein carbonyls and total peroxides). These results suggest that the complex mixtures of phenolics in red oak and sugar maple leaves have overall prooxidant activities in the midgut fluids of M. disstria and O. leucostigma caterpillars. We conclude that the oxidative defenses of trees vary substantially between species, with those in sugar maple leaves being especially active, even in phenolic-tolerant herbivore species.
The problem of mainstreaming digital libraries

This paper examines the problem of digital library adoption by traditional libraries, and the efforts of the National Science Digital Library and the OCKHAM Initiative to address this problem.
Health behaviors of cancer survivors of different sexual orientations

Objective This study identifies differences by sexual orientation in health behaviors of cancer survivors.
The Identification of Cells During the Proliferative Phase of Spleen Enlargement of Chick Embryos Following Injection with Adult Blood

Abstract THE observation that grafting of chick embryos with adult spleen cells leads to enlargement of the embryonic spleen was first made by Murphy in 1916 but it was not until the demonstration of its immune nature (Simonsen, 1957) that this process was properly understood. Splenomegaly is nowadays regarded as a manifestation of the graft-versus-host reaction which occurs when embryos are challenged with immunologically competent cells, provided these differ from their host in at least one of the major histocompatibility antigens (Jaffe and McDermid, 1962). A number of puzzling features remain, one of which is the relative role played by donor and host components in the period of intense cellular proliferation. In the chicken, Murphy (1916) believed the enlargement to be due to the multiplication of embryo cells stimulated by the graft. Simonsen (1957) took the opposite view: namely that splenomegaly was the result of proliferating donor cells. An intermediate point …
Biology and treatment of the mamba snakebite

Mambas are venomous African snakes that are capable of inflicting fatal envenomation. The mambas (genus Dendrosaspis) are members of the family Elapidae [1]. Four species of mamba inhabit equatorial and southern Africa. Without medical treatment, mamba bites are frequently fatal. First aid treatment includes lymphatic retardation with immobilization and pressure wrap. Medical management requires the intravenous administration of mamba-specific antivenin.
Maternal cells in chorionic villi from placentae of normal and abnormal human pregnancies.

PROBLEM: We asked if activated macrophages and CD4 positive T lymphocytes in placental chorionic villi with villitis were of maternal or fetal origin, METHOD: We employed a double antibody immunocytochemical technique on placental sections from three normal and four abnormal pregnancies with small-for-gestational-age infants. All studied placentae were mismatched for the matemal-fetal HLA-DRw 52 antigen. Areas of immunopathology were identified by using a monoclonal antibody to a monomorphic determinant on HLA-DR, and the origin of immunological cells in areas of immunopathology was identified by using a monoclonal antibody to a polymorphic determinant on HLA-DRw 52. RESULTS: We used a double antibody technique that employed monoclonal antibodies to HLA-DR and HLA-DRw 52 antigens and placentae that were mismatched for the maternal-fetal HLA-DRw 52 antigen. We found that the vast majority of immunological cells within villi with inflammation were of maternal origin. Quantitative studies showed that between 75 and 100% of the cells in normal as well as in abnormal pregnancies were of maternal origin, and that abnormal pregnancies had a significantly higher percentage of villi with maternal cellular infiltrates. CONCLUSION: Our data show unequivocally that cells in areas of placental immunopathology are predominantly of maternal origin, and that abnormal pregnancies are associated with significantly more villi containing immunological calls of maternal origin
Doppler-Radar Analysis of a Low-Precipitation Severe Storm

Abstract This is a detailed study of the structure and evolution of a convective storm that formed along the dryline in Oklahoma on 26 April 1984 and developed into a supercell. Dual-Doppler wind analyses, analyses of surface-mesonetwork and instrumented-tower data, storm-intercept photographs, analyses of raingage data from a dense network, and storm reports are presented and discussed. The storm exhibited the following low-precipitation (LP) characteristics: the absence of any strong, evaporatively cooled, storm-scale downdraft near the surface; a paucity of rain reaching the ground; large hail; long-lived rotating updrafts; and a strong, relatively small in areal extent, unicellular radar echo. The storm split, and its right-moving member developed into an isolated, high-precipitation supercell. It is suggested that the region under cloud base was associated with strong radar echo caused by widely spaced, large water droplets and hailstones. Separate cyclonically and anticyclonically rotating updrafts ...
Somatotopic mapping of sensory neurons innervating mechanosensory hairs on the larval prolegs of Manduca sexta.

The abdominal prolegs are the principal locomotory appendages of the larval tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. The prolegs bear numerous mechanosensory bristle sensilla, each innervated by an afferent neuron that arborizes within the central nervous system (CNS). Based on their positions on the proleg, we have divided the sensilla into planta hairs (PHs), lateral hairs (LHs), and medial hairs (MHs). Previously, we found that PH afferents produce monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in proleg retractor muscle motoneurons, the size of which depends on the position of the hair in the PH array. In this paper we examined the central arbors of the proleg afferents to determine whether there was an anatomical correlate to the pattern of synaptic strengths. We found that the afferent arbors are arranged somatotopically within the CNS in a pattern similar to that for bristle afferents elsewhere on the abdomen; i.e., the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral position of a hair on the proleg was reflected in the location of the afferent arbor along the corresponding axes within sensory neuropil. All afferents terminated within a similar ventral region of neuropil. The arbors of PH, MH, and to a lesser extent, LH afferents, were enlarged as compared to afferents innervating hairs elsewhere on the abdomen. This feature, combined with the dense innervation of the proleg, causes the proleg region to be relatively overrepresented in sensory neuropil. We also examined the afferents innervating a pair of ventral midline hairs (VMHs) present in each abdominal segment, which, unlike the other afferents, showed segment-specific central arbors. We conclude that the somatotopic mapping of afferent arbors may contribute to the specificity of synaptic connections in this system.
Synthesis of oxa and dithiazepine azetidinones

Abstract Oxa and dithiazepine azetidinones are prepared from the versatile halomethyl sulfide intermediate 5 .
Fasting-induced increases in food hoarding are elevated in adult hamsters treated neonatally with monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Despite the increased consumption of fast food, >80% of all food eaten occurs at home. In addition, hungry humans and fasted hamsters hoard more food than there non-hungry counterparts. Given the increasing prevalence of obesity, understanding the mechanisms underlying appetitive ingestive behaviors (foraging, food hoarding) may provide a new target for intervention beyond that more well-studied consummatory ingestive behavior (food intake). Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) are two neuropeptides that play a role in both phases of ingestion in a variety of species. Central injections of either peptide increase food intake in laboratory rats and food hoarding in Siberian hamsters. The likely source of NPY and AgRP subserving these responses endogenously is NPY/AgRP synthesizing arcuate (Arc) neurons. Because fasting increases Arc NPY and AgRP synthesis in rats and Siberian hamsters and because fasting increases food hoarding in hamsters, we tested whether destruction of NPY/AgRP-producing Arc neurons by neonatal treatment with MSG blocks fasting-induced increases in food hoarding in adult Siberian hamsters. Surprisingly, food hoarding in MSG-treated animals was increased 100% more than controls with refeeding after a 56 h fast, with the greatest increase occurring during the first hour postfast. The underlying cause of this increase could be MSG-induced increased NPY receptors shown to occur in MSG-treated rats that also have an exaggerated NPY-induced increased food intake. These data suggest a similar increase in NPY receptors with MSG treatment in Siberian hamsters. This work was funded by NIH R01 DK 78358.
Just Molly and me, and donor makes three: lesbian motherhood in the age of assisted reproductive technology.

SUMMARY The psychological experiences of lesbian mothers, both coupled and single, are compared and contrasted with heterosexual and gay parents who use assisted reproductive technology, focusing on issues of parental desire, fertility, babies conceived from science rather than sex, presence of an outside party in conception, genetic asymmetry, social anxieties, legal protections, disclosure, and gender. The psychological meaning of the donor or surrogate as an “extra” and “missing” piece of the family, along with the interactive effects of homophobia and “reproductive technophobia” are considered. Lesbian families are recognized to be constructing a new narrative of a bio-social family as they define and live their experience.
Effluent Quality during Harvest of Channel Catfish from Watershed Ponds

Abstract Water samples were collected twice daily during the draining and harvesting of three ponds containing channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) during January 1992. Samples were analyzed for selected water quality variables. For each tonne of fish produced, an average of 9.2 kg nitrogen, 0.57 kg phosphorous, 22.5 kg biochemical oxygen demand, and 530 kg settleable solids were discharged. Approximate chemical budgets for organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorous were prepared. Of the organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorous added in feed, averages of 3.1%, 28.5%, and 7.0%, respectively, were released in effluents; 18.5%, 30.7%, 31.8%, respectively, were removed in fish. Of the nitrogen, phosphorous, and biochemical oxygen demand discharged, 50% was discharged in the last 15–20% of effluent discharged. Of the settleable solids discharged, 50% was released in the last 5% of effluent discharged. These findings suggest that the best way to minimize the pollution potential of aquaculture pond effluents is...
Hardware for production test of RFID interface embedded into chips for smart cards and labels used in contactless applications

Application-oriented, production wafer test of the RFID interfaces embedded in VLSI devices such as contactless applications for smart cards and identification TAGs, falling in the frequency range below 20 MHz, require a specific testing solution. There must be external circuitry on the probe card with limits of the parallel test to 1 to 3 devices. A test solution embedded into standard ATE and capable of testing up to 32 dies in parallel, without any external circuits will be discussed in this paper.
Empirical models of the magnetospheric magnetic field

A general overview of magnetospheric modeling is given, along with a more detailed discussion of several empirical models which are widely used. These models are composed of representations of the Earth's main internal field (basically a bipolar field), plus external field contributions due to ring currents (carried by the particles in the Van Allen radiation belts), magnetopause currents (the boundary surface between the Earth's magnetic field and interplanetary magnetic field carried by the solar wind), and tail currents (carried by particles in the neutral sheet of the magnetotail). The empirical models presented here are the Mead-Fairfield, Olsen-Pfitzer tilt-dependent (1977), Tsyganenko-Usamo, Tsyganenko (1987), Olsen-Pfitzer dynamic (1988), Tsyganenko (1989), and Hilmer-Voight models. The derivations, agreement with quiet time and storm time data from the two satellite programs, Spacecraft Charging at High Altitudes (SCATHA) and Combined Release Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES), and computational requirements of these models are compared.
The design and implementation of a prototype structured modeling environment

This paper describes the design and implementation of the prototype structured modeling environment FW/SM. The underlying design principles provide the central focus. Other points of interest include discussions of FW/SM's delivery platform, its interface to external packages, and its optimization interfaces. The intended audience is all modeling system evaluators, designers, and implementors, including those who do not happen to take a structured modeling approach.
Management of complications after hypospadias repair.

Abstract Objectives To review our experience with hypospadias complications (seen after 10%–15% of repairs) and to identify factors influencing outcome. Methods We reviewed the available medical records of 113 patients who underwent repeat operation for hypospadias complications. Of the 113 patients, 40% had undergone the initial repair at our institution (internal referral); 60% had undergone the initial repair elsewhere before referral (external referral). The variables potentially affecting outcome were reviewed, including the severity of the defect, concomitant disease, age at the initial operation and revisions, type of complications and treatment, and the number of revisions. Outcomes were compared on the basis of specialty and experience. Results Isolated hypospadias was present in 81% and other genitourinary abnormalities in 10%. External referral patients were older at the first revision (7.3 versus 4.2 years, P = 0.027). Complications included fistula (73%), stricture (12%), breakdown of repair (10%), and diverticulum formation (11%). Successful revision was independent of the initial defect. The first, second, and third revision was successful in 77%, 64%, and 67% of patients, respectively. The cumulative success rate was 77%, 92%, and 97% after each respective repair attempt. The success of the repair was independent of the patient’s age at the initial operation/revision and of the interval from the initial repair to reoperation. Internal referral and external referral patients had similar results. Specific experience with the repair of hypospadias complications correlated with a successful outcome (P Conclusions Complications after hypospadias repairs are common, with fistula accounting for approximately 75%. The outcome in our series was independent of hypospadias severity, patient age at repair, number of revisions, stent use, and referral status. Repairs performed by an experienced pediatric urologist were associated with improved outcomes (P
Predicting User-Perceived Quality Ratings from Streaming Media Data

Media stream quality is highly dependent on underlying network conditions, but identifying scalable, unambiguous metrics to discern the user-perceived quality of a media stream in the face of network congestion is a challenging problem. User-perceived quality can be approximated through the use of carefully chosen application layer metrics, precluding the need to poll users directly. We discuss the use of data mining prediction techniques to analyze application layer metrics to determine user-perceived quality ratings on media streams. We show that several such prediction techniques are able to assign correct (within a small tolerance) quality ratings to streams with a high degree of accuracy. The time it takes to train and tune the predictors and perform the actual prediction are short enough to make such a strategy feasible to be executed in real time and on real computer networks.
SOME TENSIONS BETWEEN AUTONOMY AND SELF-GOVERNANCE

The notions of autonomy and self-governance each capture something crucial about the moral dimensions of agents and actions. These notions are central to the ways in which we conceptualize ourselves and others. The concept of autonomy is especially crucial to understanding the distinct status of moral agents. For its part, self-governance has a significant relation to the evaluation of agents as individuals with particular characters, leading particular sorts of lives, and performing particular actions. Neither notion—autonomy nor self-governance—fully assimilates or dominates the other. Moreover, there are some important strains between them. There are certain forms of regard that the autonomy of an agent demands that are at odds with what an agent's exercise of self-governance merits. In this essay I plan to show this, and offer a diagnosis of why this is the case.
HCV Synthesis Project: Preliminary analyses of HCV prevalence in relation to age and duration of injection

Abstract Early acquisition of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection appears to affect a substantial proportion of injection drug users (IDUs)—between 20 percent and 90 percent. Analysing the range of HCV prevalence estimates in new injectors may help identify factors that can be modified to reduce HCV transmission. The HCV Synthesis Project is a meta-analysis of studies of HCV epidemiology and prevention in drug users worldwide. In this preliminary analysis, we examined data from 127 studies of IDUs that reported HCV prevalence in relation to age or year since onset of drug injection, analysing heterogeneity and calculating summary statistics where appropriate. Six studies reported gender-specific HCV prevalence rates among young or new injectors; the group mean prevalence was 47 percent for men and 44 percent for women (NS). Group mean age for HCV-negatives was 24.7 years (range 24–28) and 26.1 years (range 21–31) for HCV-positives ( n =8 studies). Data were examined from 13 studies that compared HCV prevalence among young injectors to older injectors using 5-year age categories; substantial variation was present within these categories such that measures of central tendency were not calculated. Similarly, among studies reporting HCV prevalence among IDUs in relation to 1-year intervals of duration of injection ( Our findings confirm previous studies reporting high risk of acquiring HCV shortly after onset of injection; thus, HCV prevention programmes must emphasize methods to reach new injectors. Future research should (1) report data on time to infection in depth, (2) provide detailed information on study methodology, and (3) characterize the research setting with respect to underlying factors that affect injection practices and networks. This will permit synthesis of a greater number of studies and may lead to the identification of factors that impede HCV transmission.
Noncoherent eigenbeamforming for a wideband cellular uplink

In this paper, we investigate wideband space-time communication on the uplink of an outdoor cellular system, in which the base station is equipped with N antennas and the mobile has a single antenna. We assume noncoherent reception at the base station, which incurs significantly less overhead than pilot-based estimation of the space-time channel from each mobile to the base station. Noncoherent communication techniques are particularly well suited to outdoor cellular systems for which channel time variations are significant due to mobility at vehicular speeds
Assessing cost-effectiveness and value as imaging grows:the case of carotid artery CT.

Computed tomographic (CT) angiography is an imaging test that is safer and less expensive than an older test in diagnosing narrowing of the carotid arteries—the most common cause of stroke in US adults. Our examination of Medicare data between 2001 and 2005 found that about 20 percent of the time this test was used, it substituted for the older test. The majority of new use, however, constituted “incremental” use, in cases where patients previously would not have received any test. We found no evidence that the growth in CT angiography led to more patients’ being treated for carotid artery disease. The value of the test as a substitute for the older procedure may be enough to still justify expanding use. Tracking the uses of emerging technologies to encourage efficient use is essential, but it can be challenging in cases where new tools have multiple uses and information is incomplete.
Defining the IASB’s governance network: a social network analysis

The purpose of this study was to define and examine the IASB’s governance network. The IASB’s governance network was bound to include 14 organisational members and 407 individual actors. I used social network methodology to examine the professional and geographic perspectives represented as well as the extent to which the governance network was structurally embedded. It was found that the network forms a definable hierarchy that exhibits qualities of structural embeddedness. Banking interests were more embedded within the governance network than any other professional, academic, or social group. Also, a strong Western influence was detected. The societal benefit of this effort was to engage society in general and accounting researchers in particular in hopes of encouraging discourse about regulatory processes with both macro and micro consequences.
Death Concerns Among Individuals Newly Diagnosed with Lung Cancer

Confronting the reality of death is an important challenge for individuals facing life-threatening illness such as lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death. Few studies, however, document the nature of death-related concerns in individuals newly diagnosed with lung cancer. The aims of this exploratory study were to examine unsolicited death-related concerns among newly diagnosed individuals, and to determine if age, gender, marital status, stage of disease, type of treatment, presence of comorbid conditions, and veteran status were related to extent of death concerns. A mixed-method approach was used to examine death concerns in 73 individuals newly diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. Seven categories related to death were identified: psychological preparation, time left, impact, behavioral preparation, acceptance, cancer death experiences, and post-death. Stage of disease and veteran status were factors that were related to increased numbers of death-related content. Findings demonstrate that death concerns are varied, primarily negative, and are relevant to the person facing a new lung cancer diagnosis, thus highlighting the importance for health care providers to assess, discuss, and listen for death concerns in the acute care setting.
CFTR Inhibitors for Treating Diarrheal Disease

Secretory diarrhea remains a major health challenge worldwide. Excessive fluid secretion in the intestine caused by enterotoxins results in activation of luminal Cl- channels on enterocytes. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein is the major cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-regulated Cl- channel activated in cholera as well as in diarrheas caused by other bacterial enterotoxins. Small-molecule screens have yielded CFTR inhibitors with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values as low as 4 nmol/l. The data from proof-of-concept studies in animal models support the development of CFTR inhibitors for antidiarrheal therapy.
Proteasome Inhibition Reduces Donor-Specific Antibody Levels

Abstract Background Current antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) therapies (intravenous immunoglobulin, apheresis, rituximab, polyclonal antibodies) do not target the primary antibody producing B cells, that is, the plasma cell. We report the preliminary results from the first clinical experience with plasma cell targeted therapy with bortezomib. Bortezomib is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of plasma cell tumors (multiple myeloma). Methods Kidney transplant patients with mixed acute cellular rejection (ACR) and AMR episodes (by Banff ‘97 criteria, update 2005) were treated with bortezomib (1.3 mg/m 2 per dose × 4) at standard labeled doses. Patients were monitored by serial donor specific anti-HLA antibody (DSA) determinations [Luminex/Labscreen beads] and quantified by conversion to fluorescence intensity to molecules of equivalent soluble fluorescence (MESF). Results Five patients were treated with bortezomib. Each patient also had coexisting ACR. In each case, bortezomib treatment led to prompt ACR and AMR rejection reversal. DSA levels decreased significantly in all patients (except 1 patient who had short follow-up). Observed toxicities from bortezomib included a transient grade III thrombocytopenia (1 patient) and mild-to-moderate nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (3/5 patients). Opportunistic infections were not observed. Conclusions Bortezomib therapy provides effective reduction in DSA levels with long-term suppression. These preliminary results indicate that proteasome inhibition provides an effective means for reducing HLA antibody levels in transplant recipients.