cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unconditionally Stable Finite Difference, Nonlinear Multigrid Simulation of the Cahn-Hilliard-Hele-Shaw System of Equations

We present an unconditionally energy stable and solvable finite difference scheme for the Cahn-Hilliard-Hele-Shaw (CHHS) equations, which arise in models for spinodal decomposition of a binary fluid in a Hele-Shaw cell, tumor growth and cell sorting, and two phase flows in porous media. We show that the CHHS system is a specialized conserved gradient-flow with respect to the usual Cahn-Hilliard (CH) energy, and thus techniques for bistable gradient equations are applicable. In particular, the scheme is based on a convex splitting of the discrete CH energy and is semi-implicit. The equations at the implicit time level are nonlinear, but we prove that they represent the gradient of a strictly convex functional and are therefore uniquely solvable, regardless of time step-size. Owing to energy stability, we show that the scheme is stable in the $L_{s}^{\infty}(0,T;H_{h}^{1})$ norm, and, assuming two spatial dimensions, we show in an appendix that the scheme is also stable in the $L_{s}^{2}(0,T;H_{h}^{2})$ norm. We demonstrate an efficient, practical nonlinear multigrid method for solving the equations. In particular, we provide evidence that the solver has nearly optimal complexity. We also include a convergence test that suggests that the global error is of first order in time and of second order in space.
The Scope for Broadening Climate-Related Disaster Risk Reduction Policies in Mumbai

This article presents the limitations of current climate-related disaster risk reduction policies that do not incorporate the underlying conditions in urban areas like Mumbai. It argues that climate risks exist at the intersection of changing nature of extreme events due to changes in climate (physical risk); presence of people, infrastructure, and resources in locations where these events are occurring (exposure); and the inability of exposed communities to reduce these losses or cope with them (vulnerability) due to simultaneous socioeconomic and political stresses. Hence, the article concludes that it is critical to apply a broader approach to understand the workings of underlying processes that affect all components and contribute to the production of risk and vulnerability in society.
A new 3D MHD algorithm: the distribution function method

A new three-dimensional (3D) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) algorithm is described. The 31) MHD equations are solved in conservative form using a finite-volume scheme. The hydrodynamic variables in a cell are updated by calculating fluxes across the cell interfaces. The fluxes of mass, momentum and energy across cell interfaces are calculated by integrating a Boltzmann-like distribution function over velocity space. The novel feature of the method is that the distribution function incorporates most of the electromagnetic terms. In addition, the electric field along cell edges, which is used to update the magnetic field at cell faces, is also calculated using the Boltzmann-like distribution function. An important aspect of the method is that it provides a theoretical framework to incorporate additional terms in the 3D MHD equations (e.g. an anisotropic ion stress tensor and anisotropic temperature distributions).
Robust Quantification of Uncertainty in Heterogeneity for Chemical EOR Processes: Applying the Multi-Level Monte Carlo Method

tial uncertainty for CEOR processes while greatly reducing the computational requirement — up to two orders of magnitude when compared to traditional MC for both the Gaussian and the non-Gaussian reservoir models. The method can be easily extended to other EOR processes to quantify different kinds of spatial uncertainty, such as carbon dioxide (CO 2) EOR. Other possible extensions of this method are also discussed. Reservoir heterogeneity can be detrimental to the success of chemical enhanced oil recovery (CEOR) processes. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the effect of uncertainty in reservoir heterogeneity on the performance of CEOR. Usually, a Monte Carlo (MC) sampling approach is used, where a number of stochastic reservoir model realizations are generated and then numerical simulation is performed to obtain a certain objective function, such as the recovery factor. Monte Carlo simulation (MCS), however, has a slow convergence rate and requires a large number of samples to produce accurate results. This can be computationally expensive when using large reservoir models. This study used a multiscale approach to improve the efficiency of uncertainty quantification regarding reservoir heterogeneity. This multiscale approach is known as the multilevel Monte Carlo (MLMC) method. This method is based on performing a small number of ex - pensive simulations on the fine scale model and a large number of less expensive simulations on coarser upscaled models, then combining the results to produce the quantities of interest. The purpose of this method is to reduce computational cost while still maintaining the accuracy of the fine scale model. The re - sults of this approach have been compared with a reference MCS that assumes a large number of simulations on the fine scale model. Other advantages of the MLMC method are its nonintrusiveness and its scalability, which allows it to incorpo - rate an increasing number of uncertainties. This study used MLMC to efficiently quantify the effect of uncertainty in heterogeneity on the recovery factor of CEOR processes. The permeability field was assumed to be the random input. This method was first demonstrated using a Gaussian 3D reservoir model. Different coarsening algorithms, such as the renormalization and pressure solver methods, were used, and the results were compared. The results were next com - pared with running the MC approach for the fine scale model while equating the computational cost for the MLMC method. Both of these results were then compared with the reference case, which is assumed to use a large number of runs of the fine scale model. Finally, the method was extended to a channelized non-Gaussian generated 3D reservoir model. The results show that it is possible to robustly quantify spa -
Pilot study of estramustine added to radiosurgery and radiotherapy for treatment of high grade glioma.

Patients with high grade glioma generally have poor prognoses. Addition of radiosensitizing agents might improve the response to irradiation. The chemotherapeutic agent estramustine sensitizes experimental gliomas to radiation. Gliomas express estramustine binding proteins, and cytotoxic concentrations of estramustine metabolites are found in gliomas after oral administration. Twenty three patients, aged 25–78, with new or recurrent high grade glioma were treated with estramustine and radiosurgery and/or radiotherapy. Patients with recurrent tumors were treated with estramustine and Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery; eligible tumors were limited to 4 cm maximal diameter. Patients with newly diagnosed tumors were treated with estramustine and fractionated radiotherapy, with radiosurgery also performed if the tumor was less than 4 cm maximal diameter. Estramustine (16 mg/kg per day orally) was started three days prior to radiosurgery, or, if only radiotherapy was performed, on the first day of radiotherapy. Estramustine was continued until the completion of radiosurgery and/or radiotherapy (72 Gy, 60 fractions, 1.2 Gy bid over 6 weeks). Of the 13 patients treated for newly diagnosed glioblastoma, median survival was 16 months with 38% 2-year survival. Of five patients treated for recurrent glioblastoma, survival was 3, 8, 9, 15, and 23+ months. Two patients with recurrent anaplastic astrocytoma survived for 24 and 48+ months. One patient with recurrent anaplastic mixed glioma survived 5+ months. Two patients with newly diagnosed anaplastic oligodendroglioma survived 20 and 42+ months. Four of the new glioblastoma patients developed deep vein thrombosis. The results of this pilot study indicate some benefit, and further investigation incorporating estramustine into clinical trials is suggested.
FuzzEA: A Fuzzy Logic Approach to Efficiency Analysis

Abstract We apply fuzzy logic to measure the efficiency of a unit that consumes multiple inputs to produce multiple outputs. We demonstrate how the fuzzy inference process produces an efficiency profile of a producing unit, which can serve as the output of the analysis or which can be “defuzzified” to produce a specific efficiency score. The approach, which we call FuzzEA for Fuzzy Efficiency Analysis, allows the analyst to measure the efficiency of an individual unit without collecting detailed data for all comparable units. The approach allows the analyst, in conjunction with the context expert, to incorporate industry-specific experiential knowledge concerning relevant ratios of inputs and outputs, information often known as benchmarks, or “rules of thumb.” Therefore, the analyst may prefer the FuzzEA approach when detailed data on all producing units are either unavailable or cumbersome to collect, or when the analyst requires efficiency results for only one or a small number of units. Finally, contex...
Cationic amphiphilic drugs inhibit the synthesis of long-chain fatty acyl coenzyme A in rat brain microsomes.

Abstract The effect of cationic amphiphilic drugs (CAD) on the synthesis of thiol esters of coenzyme A with long-chain fatty acids was studied in microsomes of rat brain in vitro. The results indicate that propranolol, tetracaine and to a lesser extent, chloroquine, inhibit enzyme activity. Procaine and lidocaine did not inhibit enzyme activity in concentrations up to 0.8 mM. This inhibition seems to be directed primarily to the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acyl coenzyme A. The results also suggest that this inhibition may be due to the action of CAD on the microsomal membrane and not to an interaction of these drugs with the fatty acid substrates. Propranolol Tetracaine Chloroquine Arachidonic acid Docosahexanoic acid Long-chain acyl coenzyme A synthetase Local anesthetic
Stability of uniform temperature fields in linear heat conductors with memory

Abstract In this paper we consider the asymptotic behavior of temperature fields in linear heat conductors with memory. Using the method of energy integrals, we establish stability for the history problem both in the case when the governing heat equation is parabolic in character and when the heat equation is hyperbolic and predicts finite wave speeds.
Interferon-alpha treatment of female (NZW x BXSB)F(1) mice mimics some but not all features associated with the Yaa mutation

Objective Male (NZW × BXSB)F1 mice develop antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and proliferative glomerulonephritis that is markedly accelerated by the Yaa locus encoding an extra copy of Tlr7. Female (NZW × BXSB)F1 mice with only 1 active copy of Tlr7 develop late-onset glomerulonephritis but not APS. Because a major function of Toll-like receptor 7 is to induce type I interferons (IFNs), our goal was to determine whether IFNα can induce or accelerate the manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in female (NZW × BXSB)F1 mice. Methods Eight-week-old female (NZW × BXSB)F1 mice were injected with a single dose of adenovirus expressing IFNα. Mice were monitored for the development of thrombocytopenia and proteinuria. Sera were tested for anticardiolipin and anti-Sm/RNP antibodies. Mice were killed at 17 or 22 weeks of age, and their kidneys and hearts were examined histologically and by immunohistochemistry. Spleen cells were phenotyped, and enzyme-linked immunospot assays for autoantibody-producing B cells were performed. Results IFNα markedly accelerated nephritis and death in female (NZW × BXSB)F1 mice. A significant increase in spleen cell numbers associated with a striking increase in the number of activated B and T cells was observed. Marginal-zone B cells were retained. IFNα-induced increased titers of autoantibodies were observed, but thrombocytopenia was not observed. Cardiac damage was milder than that in male mice. Conclusion IFNα accelerates the development of renal inflammatory disease in female (NZW × BXSB)F1 mice but induces only mild APS and does not induce thrombocytopenia. The effect of IFNα on SLE disease manifestations is strain dependent. These findings are relevant to our understanding of the physiologic significance of the IFN signature.
Introduction: DSFD 2013 in Yerevan, Armenia

The 22nd international conference on the Discrete Simulation of Fluid Dynamics (DSFD 2013) was held on the campus of the American University of Armenia in Yerevan, Armenia on 15–19 July 2013. Approximately 60 participants took part in the conference, with discussions ranging from lattice Boltzmann and lattice-gas models of fluids, to smoothed-particle hydrodynamics and stochastic rotation dynamics. The conference presented a unique opportunity for communities of computational fluid dynamicists from the region to share their research with each other, and with an audience of some of the world's leading experts in the field.
Some recent research on fear‐arousing message appeals

(1966). Some recent research on fear‐arousing message appeals. Speech Monographs: Vol. 33, No. 4, pp. 377-391.
Minimum hot-cold and electric utility cost for a finite-capacity reservoir system

Abstract This paper quantifies the minimum hot-cold-electric utility cost for a finite-capacity reservoir system. A non-convex, nonlinear optimization problem formulation is presented whose global optimum is identified in analytic form. The optimum electric, hot, and cold utility usage is also explicitly identified. A case study on distillation is employed to illustrate the method.
Methanol adsorption on single crystal NiO(100) studied by HREELS deconvolution

Abstract High resolution electron energy loss spectra (HREELS) of transition metal oxide substrates are dominated by very intense Fuchs-Kliewer surface phonons, limiting the use of HREELS in adsorbate vibrational analysis. A deconvolution algorithm, first proposed by Cox, Egdell and Williams, has been used to remove much of the phonon structure, allowing a significantly broader range to be available for adsorption studies. The deconvolution process is found to be robust to the choice of instrument response function and surface quality, and is self-correcting to adsorbate and other induced changes in surface phonon structure. The procedure is applied to the NiO(100)OCH3,ads adsorbate system, yielding deconvoluted HREEL adsorbate spectra that are comparable in numbers and positions of characteristic adsorbate vibrational modes.
How Should MDG Success and Failure be Judged: Faster Progress or Achieving the Targets?

This paper addresses the debate about the use of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as performance measures in three ways. First we clarify the concept; like other global goals, the MDGs are benchmarks for gauging progress toward important objectives and should not be treated as planning goals. Second, when used as measures of national performance, the criterion of success should focus on the pace of progress rather than on achieving the targets. Third, we propose an alternative measurement method and find that with this metric, countries of Africa outperform global averages in progress to achieving the MDG targets.
Preparation of amorphous iron-containing and crystalline iron oxide films by glow discharge and their properties

Abstract Reflective, pinhole-free, iron-containing films were obtained by introducing iron pentacarbonyl vapors, Fe(CO)5, into an inductively coupled r.f. glow discharge reactor. The films were amorphous with a particle size less than 0.1 μm based on the results of X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning electron micrographs. The chemical, electrical, and structural properties of these films depend upon the temperature of the deposition. The films exhibit the α-Fe phase after being annealed. The adhesive strength between the films and the aluminum substrates normally exceeds 4000 lbf in−2. Fe3O4 films with a preferred orientation (400) were successfully prepared by introducing either oxygen or carbon dioxide with iron pentacarbonyl into the glow discharge reactor at temperatures above 200°C. The influence of the CO2 flow rate on the compositions of the Fe3O4 films was studied as was the relationship between composition and sheet conductivities.
Determining Measurement Accuracy in Antenna Test

The task of making accurate antenna measurements is complicated by the numerous sources of measurement error in the antenna test range. In addition to the test system peformance, the overall measurement uncertainty depends strongly upon the range configuration and user-selected operating conditions. A correct understanding of these systematic and random error sources can help optimize the test range, instrument configuration, and measurement technique to achieve the highest levels of measurement accuracy. This paper describes dominant error sources present on an antenna test range and gives methods for quantifying their effects on measurement accuracy.
Quantitative analysis of short chain fatty acids using gas liquid chromatography

The short-chain fatty acids, propionic to pelargonic, have been analyzed by gas liquid chromatography, as their butyl, phenacyl, and decyl esters to overcome losses due to their volatility. The three methods are compared and the decyl ester procedure offers the most advantages.
Role of fine needle aspiration in the diagnosis of lesions of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and nasopharynx

The oral cavity, oropharynx and nasopharynx are readily accessible to fine needle aspiration (FNA). This study reviews the author's experience with 93 FNA from these sites: 76 from the oral cavity, eight from the oropharynx, and eight from the nasopharynx. Thirty-nine (42%) of the FNA were positive for malignancy with no false-positive diagnoses. In 15 cases the FNA provided the initial diagnosis of cancer and in 24 cases documented recurrence. Five (5%) of the FNA interpreted as suspicious for malignancy were subsequently proven malignant by biopsy. There were 33 (36%) negative FNA with seven false-negative diagnoses confirmed by biopsies. Fifteen FNA (16%) were unsatisfactory and malignancy was found by biopsy in two of these cases. These results emphasize the importance of repeating the FNA or recommending biopsies in negative and unsatisfactory FNA when clinically indicated to assure accuracy in diagnosis. A positive FNA may be regarded as a definitive diagnostic test and treatment instituted accordingly. No complications resulted from these FNA. This study demonstrates the application, safety, and accuracy of FNA in these anatomic sites.
Formation and evolution of naphthalene radical cations in thermally treated H-ZSM-5 zeolites

Abstract The effect of zeolite pre-treatment conditions on the ionization of naphthalene, to form naphthalene radical cations, is investigated on H-ZSM-5 with Si/Al ratios of 12 and 18. The ZSM-5 samples were prepared using an all-inorganic route to avoid heating the sample prior to naphthalene adsorption. Naphthalene is adsorbed into ZSM-5 by mixing solid naphthalene with the pre-treated ZSM-5 sample. The samples are characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, nitrogen adsorption isotherms, UV/Vis diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy and ammonia temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). The samples are treated in Ar at 780 °C or in oxygen at 500 °C. Radical cation formation is observed in both cases with a higher ionization yield observed for the oxygen-treated samples and also for the sample with the lower aluminum content (Si/Al ∼ 18). Control experiments using silicalite-1 or Na-ZSM-5 show that framework Al and Bronsted acid sites are both needed to form electron-abstracting sites. The time-evolution of the UV/Vis spectra after naphthalene adsorption indicates that after a few hours, the naphthalene radical cation captures an electron from the zeolite framework forming long-lived electron–hole pairs. The rate of formation of the electron–hole pairs as well as details of the electron–hole electronic transitions observed by UV/Vis spectroscopy are different, indicating that the sites generated by the Ar and O2 treatments are different as well. Oxygen gas treatment at temperatures as low as 200 °C lead to the formation of naphthalene radical cations, suggesting that the electron-abstracting sites can be formed during calcination procedures used prior to catalyst testing. These electron-abstracting sites appear to be responsible for the changes in the selectivity of the propane cracking vs. dehydrogenation reaction at high temperatures, as was recently reported.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Study the Inhibitory Effect of Thiazole and Thiadiazole Derivatives Toward the Corrosion of Copper in Acidic Media

The authors describe the synthesis and characterization of two different five-member heterocycle derivatives (thiazole and thiadiazole) by several organic procedures. These compounds were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, and elemental analyses. Also, the authors attempt to study the inhibition effects of these derivatives to the corrosion of copper in nitric acid media by weight loss technique. The temperature factor affecting the inhibition efficiency of these derivatives is discussed. Also, the inhibition efficiency depended on the changing substituents on the molecules. It was found from the results that the thiadiazole inhibitors have inhibition efficiency more than thiazole inhibitors.
Outcome of gastroschisis: a 20-year case review of infants with gastroschisis born in Galveston, Texas.

Abstract Background/Purpose In the past decade, the preferred method of closure of gastroschisis at our institution has been staged reduction using a silo with repair on an elective basis (SR) rather than primary surgical closure (PC). We performed a 20-year case review of infants with gastroschisis at a university hospital to compare these shifts in management and to determine factors affecting outcome. Methods Seventy-two cases were reviewed from 1983 to 2003. Times to first and full feeds were outcome variables for statistical analysis. Results The prevalence of gastroschisis increased from 0.03% to 0.1% since 1983. Patients had low birth weights (mean = 2294 g) and were borderline premature (mean = 35.8 weeks). Only 3% of the infants were African American. There was a high rate of cesarean deliveries (57%). Ten patients (15%) had gastroschisis complicated by liver herniation, intestinal atresia(s), and/or necrosis/perforation. Most patients were managed by SR (67%). Eight percent of the infants died, 9% developed necrotizing enterocolitis, and 50% had other gastrointestinal complications. Twenty-seven percent of the infants managed with SR did not need initial mechanical ventilation. However, the patients who underwent SR were ventilated longer after birth as compared with those who underwent PC ( P P P = .001), and there was a trend of starting feeds later ( P = .06). When patients with a complicated gastroschisis were excluded, the differences between the SR and PC groups were even greater ( P = .01; P Conclusions In our patient population, the prevalence of gastroschisis increased by more than 400% since 1983. The defect was rare in African-American infants. Management by SR was associated with longer ventilation times and longer times to first and full feeds for both uncomplicated and complicated gastroschisis cases.
Bound-state conditions from theND−1 equations

I derive conditions on the input to the matrixND−1 equations for there to be a bound state with given mass and couplings. Forn dynamically coupled channels there aren+1 conditions,n of which are essentially algebraie.
Squamous cell carcinoma of prostate.

Abstract A primary squamous cell carcinoma occurring in the prostate of a sixty-nine-year-oldman is described. A radical excision that included cystoprostatectomy, total penectomy, scrotectomy, pubic symphysiectomy, and abdominoperineal resection of rectum was done. The patient died of systemic metastases six months after diagnosis. Review of the literature suggests that such a cancer of the prostate is rare, highly aggressive, and responds poorly to any mode of therapy Histogenesis of this tumor remains controversial; however, it probably does not originate from the prostatic acinar cells.
PHOTOADDITION OF p‐AMINOBENZOIC ACID TO THYMINE AND THYMIDINE

— Several studies in the literature have shown that DNA is damaged after UV irradiation in the presence of the sunscreen agent p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), both in vivo and in vitro. One type of damage has been shown to be the result of increased yields of pyrimidine cyclobutane dimer formation. However, it has been suggested that other types of lesions are produced as well. We have studied the photochemistry of the thymine-PABA and thymidine-PABA systems and report here the isolation and characterization of thymine-PABA and thymidine-PABA photoadducts. These products have been identified, respectively, as 5-(2-amino-5-carboxyphenyl)-5,6-dihydrothymine and isomeric forms of 5-(2-amino-5-carboxyphenyl)-5,6-dihydrothymidine. The quantum yields for the formation of these adducts in deaerated aqueous solutions at pH 7.0 have been determined to be 9.5 × 10–4 and 4.3 × 10–3 for the thymine and thymidine based adducts respectively. A pH profile for the thymine-PABA system indicated a maximum quantum yield for adduct formation at pH 6.5, although it could be detected over the whole pH range studied (pH 3.5–11.0).
Productive Simian Virus 40 Infection of Neurons in Immunosuppressed Rhesus Monkeys

There currently is no animal model of JC virus-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Reactivation of simian virus 40 (SV40) in immunosuppressed rhesus monkeys, however, rarely causes a PML-like illness. We sought to isolate a neurotropic clone of SV40 and determine its pathogenic potential in monkeys. The clone SV40CNS1 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction from the brain DNA of a simian/human immunodeficiency virus-infected monkey that had developed PML and meningoencephalitis. Compared with the SV40 prototype 776, SV40CNS1 had a small number of single-amino-acid mutations and caused a productive infection in monkey fibroblasts. It was inoculated into 2 SV40-negative, simian/human immunodeficiency virus-immunosuppressed monkeys. Both animals developed meningoencephalitis with productive SV40 infection of cerebral cortical neurons and glia in the superficial layers of the cortex and at the gray-white junction. Focal SV40-infected cells were also found in the cerebellar molecular and granule cell layers and white matter. Both animals also developed disseminated SV40 infection with nephritis and pneumonitis. Thus, SV40CNS1 is infectious and pathogenic in immunosuppressed monkeys, but it induces encephalitis with fulminant productive infection in cortical neurons and systemic disease, rather than PML. These findings shed new light on SV40 neurotropism and expand the host cell range of this virus.
Heparin-induced hyperkalemia in a patient diagnosed with thyroid storm.

Objective: To describe a case of heparin-induced hyperkalemia and the role for transtubular potassium gradient (TTKG) to guide fludrocortisone therapy. Case Summary: A 52-year-old white male developed hyperkalemia after receiving intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH) for atrial fibrillation during thyroid storm. Admission laboratory results were noteworthy for normal potassium levels, undetectable thyroid-stimulating hormone, and mild transaminitis. Treatment for thyroid storm was initiated but UFH was stopped because the international normalized ratio was subsequently found to be elevated. Rising potassium levels developed just 24 hours after UFH discontinuation, without exogenous potassium supplementation, renal dysfunction, or acidosis. A TTKG was low, reflecting a hypoaldosterone state. In addition, the Naranjo probability scale indicated probable medication-associated hyperkalemia. Heparin-induced hyperkalemia (HIH) was suspected and oral fludrocortisone 0.2 mg was given daily alongside serial TTK...
C−H Bond Activation by Rhodium(I) Phenoxide and Acetate Complexes: Mechanism of H−D Exchange between Arenes and Water

New rhodium(I) complexes (PNP)Rh(X) (PNP = 2,6-bis(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)pyridine) (X = OTf (1), OAc (3), OH (8), OCH2CF3 (9), OC6H5 (10), OC6H4NO2 (11)) have been prepared. Hydroxide complex 8 and trifluoroethoxide complex 9 undergo stoichiometric activation of benzene-d6 to form the phenyl complex (PNP)Rh(C6D5). Acetate and aryloxide complexes 3, 10, and 11 are active catalysts for H−D exchange between arenes and water. Control experiments indicate that the rhodium complexes are the active catalysts and that the observed exchange is not catalyzed by adventitious acid. Mechanistic studies of the H−D exchange reaction support a pathway involving dissociation of aryloxide or acetate ligand. The reaction is accelerated by added alcohol and, for the acetate complex, inhibited by added sodium acetate.
Anatomic Stereotactic Catheter Ablation on Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Images in Real Time

Background— Targets for radiofrequency (RF) ablation of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and nonidiopathic ventricular tachycardia are increasingly being selected on the basis of anatomic considerations. Because fluoroscopy provides only limited information about the relationship between catheter positions and cardiac structures and is associated with radiation risk, other approaches to mapping may be beneficial. Methods and Results— An electromagnetic catheter positioning system was superimposed on 3D MR images using fiducial markers. This allowed the dynamic display of the catheter position on the true anatomy of previously acquired MR images in real time. In vitro accuracy and precision during catheter navigation were assessed in a phantom model and were 1.11±0.06 and 0.30±0.07 mm (mean±SEM), respectively. Left and right heart catheterization was performed in 7 swine without the use of fluoroscopy, yielding an in vivo accuracy and precision of 2.74±0.52 and 1.97±0.44 mm, respectively. To assess the...
Differential heterodyne detection with diffractive optics for multidimensional transient-grating spectroscopy

Heterodyne detection with a local oscillator generated by a diffractive optic provides good phase stability, but suffers from interfering single-beam-bleach signals. This interference is a problem in four-beam transient gratings, but becomes more severe in higher order transient gratings. A simple and low noise method to eliminate this interference is demonstrated in both a four-wave-mixing, first-order-transient-grating experiment and in a six-wave-mixing, second-order-transient-grating experiment.
Observations of chaos in microwave circuits

This paper summarizes observations of chaotic behavior in some microwave circuits that have been reported over the last 10 years. Also, it extends results previously reported for a PIN diode limiter in order to identify the nonlinearities in the diode that allow for chaotic behavior. Further knowledge of chaotic microwave parameters will allow system designers to make use of these properties in future applications.
Automated system identification and controller tuning for digitally controlled dc-dc converters

Digital controllers are often used in interleaved multi-phase dc-dc converters. System identification is desirable for precise frequency-domain characterisations and subsequent stability assessment and/or controller design. The digital nature of the feedback signal facilitates the communication between the converter and a processing unit, which is used here to estimate the system parameters by means of system identification in situ . The phase loss, zero-order-hold effect and asynchronised sampling of the digital controller are discussed. Design limitations and desired dynamic behaviours complicate the controller design process and necessitate automated tuning of the controller. Therefore a computer-generated auto-tuning framework is set forth that provides the required controller coefficients to meet desired time and frequency performance criteria. This is an offline optimisation-based process that minimises a cost function formulated using appropriate error terms. The identification results for single- and multi-phase dc-dc converters closely match those obtained from conventional network analysers. Also, the auto-tuning performance is verified in time and frequency domains using hardware measurements and numerical simulations.
Tuberculous brain abscess in an adolescent with complex congenital cyanotic heart disease

A 15-year-old boy presented with low-grade fever, frontal headache and projectile vomiting. Physical examination revealed clubbing, central cyanosis and systolic murmur at the base of the heart. Twelve-lead electrocardiography revealed rightward P wave axis, prominent anterior precordial forces with an R/S ratio in V1 approaching 1, and reverse precordial progression, suggestive of dextrocardia (figure 1), and confirmed by chest roentgenogram (figure …
Replanning with RRTs

We present a replanning algorithm for repairing rapidly-exploring random trees when changes are made to the configuration space. Instead of abandoning the current RRT, our algorithm efficiently removes just the newly-invalid parts and maintains the rest. It then grows the resulting tree until a new solution is found. We use this algorithm to create a probabilistic analog to the widely-used D* family of deterministic algorithms, and demonstrate its effectiveness in a multirobot planning domain
Tankyrase, a Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase at Human Telomeres

Tankyrase, a protein with homology to ankyrins and to the catalytic domain of poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP), was identified and localized to human telomeres. Tankyrase binds to the telomeric protein TRF1 (telomeric repeat binding factor-1), a negative regulator of telomere length maintenance. Like ankyrins, tankyrase contains 24 ankyrin repeats in a domain responsible for its interaction with TRF1. Recombinant tankyrase was found to have PARP activity in vitro, with both TRF1 and tankyrase functioning as acceptors for adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylation. ADP-ribosylation of TRF1 diminished its ability to bind to telomeric DNA in vitro, suggesting that telomere function in human cells is regulated by poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation.
Multifunctional behaviors of reconfigurable superbot robots

Superbot consists of Lego-like but autonomous robotic modules that can reconfigure into different systems for different tasks. Examples of configurable systems include rolling tracks or wheels (for efficient travel), spiders or centipedes (for climbing), snakes (for burrowing in ground), and climbers (for inspection and repair in space). This video shows several configurations and behaviors that are new for modular and reconfigurable robots. Each SuperBot module is a complete robotic system and has a power supply, micro- controllers, sensors, communication, three degrees of freedom, and six connecting faces (front, back, left, right, up and down) to dynamically connect to other modules. This design allows flexible bending, docking, and continuous rotation. A single module can move forward, back, left, right, flip-over, and rotate as a wheel. Modules can communication with each other for totally distributed control and can support arbitrary module reshuffling during their operation. The modules have both internal and external sensors for monitoring self-status and environmental parameters. They can form arbitrary configurations (graphs) and can control these configurations for different functionality such as locomotion, manipulation, and self-repair. This video shows the latest status the SuperBot modules and all these behaviors were made in just one week. The fact that SuperBot can achieve so much in so short a time demonstrates the unique value of modular, multifunctional and self-reconfigurable robots.
Categorical contrast and audience appeal: niche width and critical success in winemaking

Previous studies show that producers that span category boundaries exhibit lower fit to category schemas, accumulate less expertise, and elicit negative reactions from both critics and consumers. We propose that the negative reaction to category spanning also depends on another mechanism: widespread category spanning lowers categorical contrastthe sharpness of a categorys boundaries. Lowered contrast blurs boundaries among categories due to the impairment of the comparison processes underlying evaluations and the growing disagreement about the meaning of the category. These processes lower the appeal of all products in a category and make it problematic for any offer to receive widespread acclaim. By making boundaries less salient, reduced contrast also lowers the advantages of category specialism. These propositions receive support in an analysis of style categories and ratings of Barolos and Barbarescos, elite Italian wines.
The treatment of hypertensive emergencies

Abstract Prompt, skillful, parenteral administration of hypotensive agents may be lifesaving when hypertension acutely threatens the integrity of the cardiovascular system. Reserpine given intramuscularly is effective in most hypertensive emergencies. Because of its soporific effect it should be avoided when lesions of the central nervous system make it essential that the patient's level of consciousness be observed closely. Ganglion-blocking agents possess potent antihypertensive properties when given parenterally, but they may cause urinary retention and ileus, and for this reason should not be used in the immediate postoperative state. The intravenous infusion of sodium nitroprusside is the most reliable method of reducing blood pressure promptly, but its administration must be supervised constantly by trained personnel.
NCSX Trim Coil design

The National Compact Stellarator Experiment (NCSX) was being constructed at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory before work was stopped in 2008. The objective of this experiment was to develop the stellarator concept and evaluate it's potential as a model for future fusion power plants. Stellarator design requires very precisely positioned Modular Coils of complex shape to form 3D plasmas. In the design of NCSX, Trim Coils were required to compensate for both the positioning of the coils during assembly and the fabrication tolerances of the Modular Coils. Use of the Trim Coils allowed for larger tolerances increasing ease of assembly and decreasing overall cost. A set of Trim coils was developed to suppress the toroidal flux in island regions due to misalignment, magnetic materials, and eddy currents. The requirement imposed upon the design forced the toroidal flux in island regions below 10% of the total toroidal flux in the plasma. An analysis was first performed to evaluate candidate Trim Coil configurations iterating both the size, number, and position of the coils. The design was optimized considering both performance and cost while staying within the tight restraints presented by the space limited geometry. The final design of the Trim Coils incorporated a 48 Coil top bottom symmetric set. Fabrication costs were minimized by having only two coil types and using a planar conventional design with off the shelf commercial conductor. The Trim Coil design incorporated supports made from simple structural shapes assembled together in a way which allowed for adjustment as well as accommodation for the tolerance build up on the mating surfaces. This paper will summarize the analysis that led to the optimization of the Trim Coils set, the trim coil mechanical design, thermal and stress analysis, and the design of the supporting Trim Coil structure.
Factors Controlling Pre-Columbian and Early Historic Maize Productivity in the American Southwest, Part 1: The Southern Colorado Plateau and Rio Grande Regions

Maize is the New World’s preeminent grain crop and it provided the economic basis for human culture in many regions within the Americas. To flourish, maize needs water, sunlight (heat), and nutrients (e.g., nitrogen). In this paper, climate and soil chemistry data are used to evaluate the potential for dryland (rain-on-field) agriculture in the semiarid southeastern Colorado Plateau and Rio Grande regions. Processes that impact maize agriculture such as nitrogen mineralization, infiltration of precipitation, bare soil evaporation, and transpiration are discussed and evaluated. Most of the study area, excepting high-elevation regions, receives sufficient solar radiation to grow maize. The salinities of subsurface soils in the central San Juan Basin are very high and their nitrogen concentrations are very low. In addition, soils of the central San Juan Basin are characterized by pH values that exceed 8.0, which limit the availability of both nitrogen and phosphorous. In general, the San Juan Basin, including Chaco Canyon, is the least promising part of the study area in terms of dryland farming. Calculations of field life, using values of organic nitrogen for the upper 50 cm of soil in the study area, indicate that most of the study area could not support a 10-bushel/acre crop of maize. The concepts, methods, and calculations used to quantify maize productivity in this study are applicable to maize cultivation in other environmental settings across the Americas.
Hemodynamic Phenotype of the Failing Fontan in an Adult Population

Fontan failure can occur even with normal systolic ventricular function and often in the context of significant liver disease. We hypothesized that Fontan failure is hemodynamically distinct from traditional heart failure and characterized by low systemic vascular resistance (SVR) index and preserved cardiac index. Twenty-seven symptomatic adult Fontan (SAF) patients who underwent catheterization from 2001 to 2011 constituted our study group. Fifty-four predominantly asymptomatic pediatric Fontan (PF) patients who underwent catheterization during the same period were randomly selected to perform a control:case cohort analysis. Clinical comparisons were made between the 2 groups. The adults were more symptomatic than the PF cohort (New York Heart Association classes I and II or III and IV: 48% or 52% [SAF] vs 94% or 6% [PF], respectively, p 5 /m 2 (p = 0.02), and cardiac index 2.7 ± 0.8 versus 2.8 ± 0.7 L/min/m 2 (p = 0.25). By imaging, the SAF cohort demonstrated a greater incidence of abnormal liver texture changes (96% vs 75%, p = 0.04) and nodularity (77% vs 42%, p = 0.02). In conclusion, adult patients with failing Fontan circulation had a lower SVR index and similar cardiac index compared with the pediatric cohort. Liver disease in the adults was more advanced. Our data suggest that Fontan failure is a distinct circulatory derangement with hemodynamic features similar to portal hypertension, albeit with limited ability to augment cardiac output.
Caspase-8 and Apoptosis-inducing Factor Mediate a Cytochrome c-independent Pathway of Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Cells Induced by the Dietary Phytochemical Chlorophyllin

Chlorophyllin (CHL), an antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll, was recently found to be highly effective as a chemopreventive agent in a high-risk population exposed unavoidably to aflatoxin B(1) in the diet (P. A. Egner et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 98: 14601-14606, 2001). The current study examined the response of HCT116 human colon cancer cells to CHL treatment. Cells exposed to concentrations in the range 0.0625-0.5 mM CHL underwent growth arrest and apoptosis after 24 h, with the formation of a sub-G(1) peak in the attached cell population and nuclear condensation in the floating cell population. There was a concentration-dependent attenuation of mitochondrial membrane potential (deltapsi(m)) without the release of cytochrome c or activation of the caspase-9/caspase-3/poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase pathway. However, apoptosis-inducing factor was released from mitochondria into the cytosol and translocated to the nucleus, leading to concentration-dependent cleavage of nuclear lamins. The upstream mediators of this CHL-induced apoptosis pathway were identified as caspase-8/caspase-6 and truncated Bid, acting in conjunction with other proapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family, such as Bak. These findings suggest that CHL might trigger apoptosis via interaction with putative "death receptors" in the plasma membrane of cancer cells, leading to initial cleavage of procaspase-8 and activation of subsequent downstream events, resulting in the destruction of nuclear lamins. Importantly, E-cadherin and alkaline phosphatase, which are indicators of cell differentiation, were strongly induced at all concentrations of CHL. Thus, in addition to being an effective blocking agent during the initiation phase, these findings support a role for CHL as a suppressing agent and as a possible novel therapeutic strategy directed toward aberrant cell proliferation in the colon.
The propagation of disturbance in savannas through food webs

. Savanna-grassland ecosystems are highly interactive due to effects among interconnected trophic elements. This can cause disturbance at one level in the trophic web to be propagated through that web to have effects far removed from the initial locus of disturbance. The reconstructed effects of rinderpest upon African savannas, acting directly upon susceptible grazers and browsers but in directly upon many other ecosystem components, are used as a case history illustrating the propagation of disturbance in savanna ecosystems.
Function of the eustachian tube after weekly exposure to pepsin/hydrochloric acid.

Abstract Objective: To determine the effects of repeated pepsin/hydrochloric acid (HCl) exposure on the eustachian tube (ET). Study Design and Setting: ET function was studied in 22 rats. Group I (control) rats received transtympanic phosphate buffered saline solution; groups II (0.5 mg/ml) and III (2.0 mg/ml) received transtympanic pepsin/HCl. Test solutions were applied on day 0 with ET function evaluated on days 1, 2, 3, and 7 after exposure. Each 7-day period represents 1 cycle; all groups underwent 4 cycles. ET function was evaluated using passive opening and closing pressure, and active clearance of positive and negative pressure tests. Results: Rats exposed to pepsin/HCl had elevated passive opening pressures and a decreased ability to clear positive and negative pressure. A temporal relationship exists. Conclusion: The results suggest middle ear exposure to pepsin/HCl leads to ET dysfunction in rats, and that this dysfunction is enhanced with repeated exposures. Significance: Gastroesophageal reflux may induce ET dysfunction. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;125:123-9.)
Scaling Theory of the Asymmetric Anderson Model.

A scaling theory is used to show that for temperatures $T\ensuremath{\ll}U$, the properties of the asymmetric Anderson model ($U\ensuremath{\gg}|{E}_{d}|, \ensuremath{\Delta}$) are universal functions of the scaling invariants $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ and ${{E}_{d}}^{*}={E}_{d}+(\frac{\ensuremath{\Delta}}{\ensuremath{\pi}})\mathrm{ln}(\frac{{W}_{0}}{\ensuremath{\Delta}})$, where ${W}_{0}$ is the conduction electron bandwidth or $U$, whichever is smaller. Crossovers between various regimes of simple behavior as the temperature changes are described. $|{{E}_{d}}^{*}|\ensuremath{\lesssim}\ensuremath{\Delta}$ is identified as the criterion for a "mixed-valence" ground state, where the susceptibility $\ensuremath{\approx}{\ensuremath{\Delta}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. For $\ensuremath{-}{{E}_{d}}^{*}\ensuremath{\gg}\ensuremath{\Delta}$, there is a local-moment regime with a Kondo temperature ${T}_{\mathrm{K}}\ensuremath{\approx}\ensuremath{\Delta}\mathrm{exp}(\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}{{E}_{d}}^{*}}{2\ensuremath{\Delta}})$.