cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Conceptual And Numerical Model for Thermal-Hydrological-Chemical Processes in the Yucca Mountain Drift Scale Test

A numerical model was developed to predict the coupled thermal, hydrological, and chemical (THC) processes accompanying the Drift Scale Test (DST) at Yucca Mountain, NV. The DST has been closely monitored through the collection of gas, water, and mineral samples as well as thermal, hydrological, and mechanical measurements. A two-dimensional dual permeability model was developed to evaluate multiphase, multicomponent, reaction-transport processes in the fractured tuff. Comparisons between results using the TOUGHREACT code and measured water (e.g., pH, SiO2(aq), Na+, K+) and gas (CO2) compositions show that the model captures the chemical evolution in the DST. Non-reactive aqueous species (e.g., Cl) show strong dilution in fracture waters, indicating little fracture-matrix interaction. Silica concentrations are higher than in the initial pore water and show a trend of increasing reaction with fracture-lining silicates at higher temperatures. The narrow precipitation zone of predominantly amorphous silica observed above the heaters was also captured.
The impact of the NSF engineering education scholars workshop on one new faculty member

As I was preparing to complete my dissertation and begin my job search, I attended the NSF Engineering Education Scholars Workshop at Carnegie Mellon University from July 21-26, 1997. The workshop was instrumental in motivating my final year of graduate work as well as my choice of an academic career over a career in consulting. It created a tremendous amount of excitement about teaching among the participants and gave us an idea of the range of responsibilities expected of a faculty member. In addition, the workshop helped me to prepare for my first semester of teaching by providing a systematic methodology for course design. The skills I developed and the resources provided through the workshop enabled me to choose appropriate goals and objectives, learning activities, and evaluation methods for the course. In the presentation, I will describe these issues in more detail, and I will also discuss how the workshop facilitated my ability to respond to the dynamics of and challenges presented by the course during the semester .
Role of tumor necrosis factor-α and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in blood-brain barrier disruption after peripheral thermal injury in rats: Laboratory investigation

Object A relationship has been found between peripheral thermal injury and cerebral complications leading to injury and death. In the present study, the authors examined whether tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α) and matrix metalloproteinase–9 (MMP-9) play a causative role in blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption after peripheral thermal injury. Methods Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to thermal injury. One hour later, 8 rats were injected with TNF-α neutralizing antibody, and 8 were injected with doxycycline, an inhibitor of the MMP family proteins; 16 rats did not receive any treatment. Brain tissue samples obtained 7 hours after injury in the treated animals were examined for BBB function by using fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran and by assessing parenchymal water content. Protein expression of basement membrane components (collagen IV, laminin, and fibronectin) was quantified on Western blot analysis, and MMP-9 protein expression and enzyme activity were determined using Western blot ...
The gene encoding rat nuclear pore glycoprotein p62 is intronless.

Glycoproteins of the nuclear pore complex are thought to play an important role in the transport of regulatory proteins and ribonucleoproteins across the nuclear envelope. However, the genetic elements and signals that control the expression of nuclear pore glycoproteins are poorly understood. To study the transcriptional regulation of mammalian nuclear pore glycoprotein biosynthesis, we have isolated the gene coding for the major rat nuclear pore glycoprotein p62. The p62 gene consists of a 2941-base pair region that is linear with the full length p62 cDNA with no intervening sequences. Quantitative Southern analysis revealed that the gene is present in single copy. The p62 gene encodes a 525-amino acid open reading frame that directs the synthesis of the 62-kDa pore glycoprotein in vitro and in transfected cultured cells. The 5‘-flanking region contains two potential transcription start sites; primer extension analysis revealed that the furthest upstream site is preferentially used in vivo. When linked to a reporter gene, the 5‘-flanking region of the p62 gene serves as an active promoter.
Comorbidity in anxiety disorders.

Ever since Feinstein coined the term “comorbidity”, referring to the presence of any additional coexisting ailment in a patient with a particular index disease (J Chronic Dis 23:455–468, 1970), aspects of the phenomenon have been extensively studied. The aims of this chapter are: (1) to summarize the evidence of psychiatric comorbidity in anxiety disorders from adult population-based studies; (2) to present findings from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R); (3) to summarize evidence of psychiatric comorbidity in anxiety disorders from child and adolescent population-based samples; (4) to provide a summary of evidence on comorbidity from family and genetic studies; and (5) to examine patterns of comorbidity between anxiety disorders and medical conditions. Throughout each of these aims, implications of the comorbidity are explored, including whether these patterns reflect a need for redefining the disorders or rather an etiologic or even causal path.
Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers for free-space interconnects

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers have emerged as viable optical sources for lowpower, low-cost interconnects. Work over the past few years has involved the use of several different structures, including etched-mesa, proton-implanted and dielectric apertured types. Although much of the development work aimed at manufacture has focused on the proton-implanted structure, more recent work suggests that lower threshold, higher-efficiency configurations may be more desirable for future applications. In this review, we briefly outline the different structures, introduce a general design formalism, overview growth and fabrication issues, summarize some integration work, and finally review some applications that have been identified. Free-space interconnects with AlGaAs/GaAs-based materials will be emphasized including a brief summary of recent work on links using integrated microlenses on the VCSELs and detectors to avoid external optics. For completeness, we shall also include some discussion of the progress in long-wavelength InP-based (1.3 - 1.55 μm) and short-wavelength AlInGaP/GaAsbased (0.8 - 0.6 μm) VCSELs as well as guided-wave data links.
Structural trends among second-generation voltage-gated sodium channel blockers.

Publisher Summary The chapter examines the second-generation voltage-gated sodium (Na v ) channel blockers and patent applications of the past decade and highlights structural trends by clustering compounds with similar structures. The term ‘second generation’ refers to compounds identified in the search for Na v subtype selectivity, as opposed to compounds whose Na v activity was characterized subsequent to their use in the clinic. Na v channels are transmembrane proteins that control the flow of sodium ions across cell membranes. They are important regulators of cellular excitability, contributing to the initiation and propagation of action potentials in neurons, heart and muscle. The term ‘structural trends' refers to two-dimensional substructure motifs shared between compounds. This chapter discusses small-molecule Na v channel blockers. Blockers act as channel modulators, stabilizing one of the non-conducting states. An examination of structural trends among Na v channel blockers showed that the structure–activity relationships (SAR) are subtle and unpredictable. Small structural changes switch the selectivity between TTX-sensitive and TTX-resistant members, however these changes are often highly scaffold specific. Further developments in understanding the fine structure of Na v channels will help to rationalize these findings and facilitate the next round of drug design for these clinically important targets.
Distribution of viral abundance in the reef environment of Key Largo, Florida.

The distribution of viral and microbial abundance in the Key Largo, Fla., reef environment was measured. Viral abundance was measured by transmission electron microscope direct counts and plaque titer on specific bacterial hosts in water and sediment samples from Florida Bay (Blackwater Sound) and along a transect from Key Largo to the outer edge of the reef tract in Key Largo Sanctuary. Water column viral direct counts were highest in Blackwater Sound of Florida Bay (1.2 x 10(7) viruses per ml), decreased to the shelf break (1.7 x 10(6) viruses per ml), and were inversely correlated with salinity (r = -0.97). Viral direct counts in sediment samples ranged from 1.35 x 10(8) to 5.3 x 10(8)/cm(3) of sediment and averaged nearly 2 orders of magnitude greater than counts in the water column. Viral direct counts (both sediment and water column measurements) exceeded plaque titers on marine bacterial hosts (Vibrio natriegens and others) by 7 to 8 orders of magnitude. Water column viral abundance did not correlate with bacterial direct counts or chlorophyll a measurements, and sediment viral parameters did not correlate with water column microbial, viral, or salinity data. Coliphage, which are indicators of fecal pollution, were detected in two water column samples and most sediment samples, yet their concentrations were relatively low (<2 to 15/liter for water column samples, and <2 to 108/cm(3) of sediment). Our findings indicate that viruses are abundant in the Key Largo environment, particularly on the Florida Bay side of Key Largo, and that processes governing their distribution in the water column (i.e., salinity and freshwater input) are independent of those governing their distribution in the sediment environment.
Mental Health and Social Problems: A Social Work Perspective, by Nina Rovinelli Heller and Alex Gitterman (Eds.)

The editors have done something important for social work by offering a volume—one they hope is both textbook and reference book—that rejects the bifurcation of dialogue around the mental health st...
Levamisole in the treatment of erythema multiforme: A double-blind trial in fourteen patients

Abstract Fourteen patients with oral erythema multiforme participated in a double-blind study using levamisole. Patient response to treatment was determined by pain severity, duration of attacks, and frequency of attacks. All patients on levamisole experienced a decrease in signs and symptoms, while only two patients reported some degree of pain relief from placebo. Five of the patients experienced side effects from levamisole, the most common being dysguesia, skin rash, and headache.
Scintigraphic prediction of pulmonary arterial systolic pressure by regional right ventricular ejection fraction during the second half of systole

In 49 patients in whom gated equilibrium ventriculography and cardiac catheterization were performed within a 6 day interval, total and fractional portions of global and regional right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) were correlated with pulmonary arterial systolic pressure. Pulmonary arterial systolic pressure was normal (30 mm Hg or less) in 27 patients (Group I) and elevated (31 mm Hg or greater) in 22 patients (Group II). The second-half regional RVEF was 38 +/- 8% (mean +/- standard deviation) with a range of 30 to 54% for Group I and 22 +/- 6% with a range of 13 to 32% for Group II. The difference between the means was statistically significant (p less than 0.001). Use of a second-half regional RVEF of 30% as the criterion of elevated pulmonary arterial systolic pressure resulted in a sensitivity of 0.86 and a specificity of 1.00. A power curve fit in which pulmonary arterial systolic pressure . 10.91 (second-half regional RVEF)-0.87 allowed accurate estimation (r . -0.85) of pulmonary arterial systolic pressure from the second-half regional RVEF. It is concluded that second-half regional RVEF may be used to accurately detect pulmonary arterial hypertension and to estimate its extent.
The reality of a universal language faculty

While endorsing Evans & Levinson's (E&L's) call for rigorous documentation of variation, we defend the idea of Universal Grammar as a toolkit of language acquisition mechanisms. The authors exaggerate diversity by ignoring the space of conceivable but nonexistent languages, trivializing major design universals, conflating quantitative with qualitative variation, and assuming that the utility of a linguistic feature suffices to explain how children acquire it.
Clinical aspects of allergic disease

Abstract Background: National and international guidelines recommend the use of inhaled antiinflammatory medications in patients with all but the mildest forms of asthma. Twice daily dosing may increase compliance with therapy. Objective: We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 400 μg twice daily triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) compared with placebo in adult patients with mild-to-moderate asthma who were poorly controlled by β 2 -agonist therapy. Methods: We performed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, including a screening visit, a 7- to 21-day pretreatment baseline phase, and a 6-week double-blind treatment phase. Efficacy was measured by weekly spirometry and daily diary recordings of peak flow rates, asthma symptom scores, and albuterol use. Eligible patients used albuterol four or more times per day, had total asthma symptom scores of 15 or greater (possible total, 60) over 5 of 7 baseline days, and had FEV 1 measurements of 60% of predicted value or greater. Results: One hundred twenty-one patients were randomized to treatment. TAA was superior to placebo for all efficacy measures, with significant improvements in asthma symptoms, albuterol use, morning and evening peak flow rates, and forced vital capacity evident at Treatment Week 1. Significant improvements in other pulmonary function measurements were observed after 2 or more weeks. All efficacy variables improved progressively throughout the study. Conclusions: Twice daily TAA (400 μg) decreased asthma symptoms and improved lung function in patients with mild-to-moderate asthma compared with placebo. Therapeutic benefit was evident within 1 week and increased throughout treatment.
On-line data capture by image matching on the mobile mapping system

A mobile mapping system which integrates the global positioning system (GPS) and stereo cameras was developed by the Center for Mapping of the Ohio State University. This system was calibrated using the bundle adjustment with the relative orientation constraints. To extract the useful data from those images, a three-step image matching method based on the epipolar geometry was developed: first, the approximated position is estimated from the system geometry; second, the cross correlation method with the significant maximal coefficient was used. A variable size of template is employed to find the significant maximal correlation coefficient. Third, least squares matching was used to have the sub pixel accuracy. Using this matching method, the point, profile and surface can be measured by selecting points in a single image of a stereo pair. Finally, this technique is extended to extract three dimensional edges by line following. All data captured by the mobile mapping system are available in a global coordinate system.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Molecular Squares with Paramagnetic Diruthenium Corners: Synthetic and Crystallographic Challenges

The reaction of Ru2(μ-O2CMe)4Cl with ∼2.5 equiv of HDAniF (HDAniF = N,N‘-di(p-anisyl)formamidine) in refluxing THF resulted in the synthesis of cis-Ru2(μ-DAniF)2(μ-O2CMe)2Cl (1). This Ru25+complex, which has two labile acetate groups occupying two equatorial cisoid positions, was used for the construction of discrete paramagnetic supramolecular arrays. Subsequent reactions of 1 with HO2C−CO2H (oxalic acid) and 1,4-HO2C−C6H4−CO2H (terephthalic acid) followed by recrystallization from 1,2-C2H4Cl2/hexanes solutions containing wet MeCN or 4-Butpy (4-tert-butylpyridine) gave crystals of [{cis-Ru2(μ-DAniF)2Cl(H2O)}(μ-oxalate)]4·MeCN·2(C6H14)·12(H2O) (2) and [{cis-Ru2(μ-DAniF)2Cl0.646(4-Butpy)1.354}(μ-terephthlate)]4Cl1.414·17(1,2-C2H4Cl2)·C6H14 (3), respectively. These are the first polygonal supramolecular assemblies consisting of paramagnetic M2 units at each apex, where M2 = Ru25+. Compounds 2 and 3 have been structurally characterized, and their electrochemistry and magnetic properties have been studied. Th...
Industrializing America and the Irish: Towards the new departure

(1979). Industrializing America and the Irish: Towards the new departure. Labor History: Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 579-595.
Discovery of a Second High-Frequency Quasi-Periodic Oscillation from the Microquasar GRS 1915+105

We report the discovery in archival Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer data of a ~40 Hz quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) in the hard X-ray flux from the Galactic microquasar GRS 1915+105. The QPO is detected only in the hard X-ray band above ~13 keV and was discovered in observations in which the previously known 67 Hz QPO is present. The 40 Hz QPO has a typical rms amplitude of ~2% in the 13-27 keV band and a width of ~5.5 Hz (FWHM). We show that the 67 and 40 Hz QPOs are detected in the same observations in 1997 July and November. However, the QPO is not detected in observations from 1996 April, May, and June in which the 67 Hz QPO was first discovered. The frequency of the 67 Hz QPO is significantly higher in the 1997 observations by about 5% compared with the 1996 data. The identification of the 40 Hz QPO makes GRS 1915+105 the second black hole binary to show a pair of simultaneous high-frequency QPOs (the other being GRO J1655-40). The similarities between the properties of the 67 Hz QPO in GRS 1915+105 and the recently discovered 450 Hz QPO in GRO J1655-40 suggest that the pairs of frequencies in these systems may be produced by the same physical mechanism, with the frequency differences between the two being likely due to different black hole masses in the two systems. We discuss the implications of our result for the mass and spin of GRS 1915+105 as well as for models of X-ray variability in black holes and neutron stars.
The Fourier transform spectrum of the infrared combination band (ν1 + ν3) of UF6

Abstract Infrared spectra obtained at moderate resolution (0.008 cm −1 ) show sufficient structure to permit identification of band centers without fully resolved fine structure. Spectroscopic constants can be obtained to a precision compatible with the resolution of the spectrum.
An intervention to improve nurse-physician communication in depression care.

Objectives: Depression in older adult home care recipients is frequently undetected and inadequately treated. Failed communication between home healthcare personnel and the patient's physician has been identified as a barrier for depression care. The purpose of this pilot intervention study was to improve nurse competency for communicating depression-related information to the physician. Design: A single group pre-post experimental design. Setting: Two Medicare-certified home healthcare agencies serving an urban and suburban area in New York. Participants: Twenty-eight home care nurses, all female Registered Nurses. Intervention: Two-hour skills training workshop. Measurements: To evaluate the intervention, pre-post changes in effective nurse communication using Objective Structured Clinical Examinations and nurse survey reports. Results: The intervention significantly improved the ability of the home care nurse to perform a case presentation in a complete and standard organized format pre versus postintervention. The intervention also increased nurse-reported certainty to communicate depression-related information to the physician. Conclusions: Our findings provide support for the ability of a brief, depression-focused communication skills training intervention to improve home care nurse competency for effectively communicating depression-related information to the physician.
Isochronal Annealing Studies in Pu and Pu Alloys Using Magnetic Susceptibility

Abstract The isochronal annealing of the low temperature accumulated damage from the radioactive decay of plutonium in α-Pu, δ-Pu 1− x Ga x ( x = 0.043) and δ-Pu 1− x Am x ( x = 0.224) was characterized using magnetic susceptibility. In each specimen, thermal annealing, as tracked by magnetic susceptibility, only commenced when T > 33 K and the magnetic susceptibility changes due to defects were fully annealed at T ∼ 300 K. The α-Pu magnetic susceptibility isochronal annealing data is similar to earlier measurements of resistivity characterized isochronal annealing. However, the δ-Pu 1− x Ga x ( x = 0.043) magnetic susceptibility isochronal annealing data, when compared with similar resistivity data, indicates that for this alloy magnetic susceptibility studies are more sensitive to vacancies than to the interstitials accumulated at low temperatures. The Pu 1− x Am x ( x = 0.224) alloy shows a remarkable change in properties, over a limited temperature range beginning where interstitial defects are first mobile, and characterized by an induced effective moment of order 1.1 μ B /Pu. This transient behavior may be evidence for a disorder driven low temperature phase transition, perhaps indicative of a compositional and structural proximity to a state possessing significant magnetic moments.
Leadership behaviours that foster nursing group power

Today's health care environment presents many challenges to nursing groups as they seek to achieve their goals. All resources must be recognized and effectively utilized. Power, defined as the capacity to achieve goals (Sieloff 1995), is a valuable resource that can assist nursing groups in the achievement of their goals. The leader of a nursing group can make a significant difference in a group's ability to actualize their power capacity. The purpose of this article is to identify and discuss the use of a tool (Sieloff-King Assessment of Group Power within Organizations) to identify the nurse leader/group power variables that can be used to improve a nursing group's power as a resource in the achievement of its goals. Using behaviours related to a Nurse Leader's Power Competency and Power Perspective variables, identified in the Theory of Group Power within Organizations (Sieloff 1999), a nurse leader can foster a nursing group's power.
System reliability based on system wear

This paper describes methods for formulating and estimating system reliability in settings where failure results from wear of system parts reaching a critical threshold. We propose a model concerned with the stochastic behavior of wear in which a right-continuous non-decreasing wear process is composed of “continuous” and “jump” parts. Several properties of our proposed model are presented, bounds are obtained for the reliability function, and the unknown parameters are estimated by the method of maximum likelihood. From these an estimate of the reliability function is obtained. In this part, contrary to common practice, we do not assume availability of failure data.
The politics of polling: Polling and the constitution of counter-publics during ‘reform’ in Iran

This article focuses on the ways in which opinion polls in Iran were conducted during the ‘reform’ in Iran (1997–2005). Instead of highlighting the various ways in which polls strategically manipulate, persuade or represent ‘the people’, the article shows how the specific modes of interpretation of polls enable different kinds of publics. Drawing on the case of the Ayandeh Polling Institute, the author demonstrates how opinion polling in Iran was utilized as a political strategy that contributed to the formation of a counter-public, which served as the backbone of the reform movement. The author highlights not just the macro-historical processes within which the practice of polling is embedded, but also the micro-interactional impact of polling on the people whose opinions are being gauged.
Effects of halothane on isometric contractions of isolated heart muscle.

In isometric contractions of an isolated heart muscle preparation exposed to halothane (0.10, 0.40, 0.85, 1.05 and 2.35 volumes per cent), peak developed tension and maximum rate of tension development were reduced as much as 53 per cent and 57 per cent, respectively, in direct proportion to the concentration of the anesthetic. Time to peak tension and total twitch duration were not decreased more than 6.3 per cent by any concentration of halothane. Resting tension was affected only by the highest concentration, 2.35 volumes per cent, which lowered it 6.8 per cent Relaxation time and muscle length were not altered. Recovery from the effect of halothane was essentially complete in each instance. The results are consistent with the concept that halothane exerts its cardiac effects primarily by a direct reduction in active state intensity of heart muscle.
The role of PCV chemotherapy in the treatment of central neurocytoma: illustration of a case and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Most central neurocytomas follow a benign clinical course. However, more aggressive variants have been described requiring additional surgical resection, radiation, or chemotherapy. Chemotherapy has rarely been used as an adjuvant therapy for central neurocytomas. METHODS We report a case of a 20-year-old girl who underwent four subtotal resections, over the course of 3 years, for a large central neurocytoma that continued to progress. She was not a candidate for stereotactic radiosurgery, given the large tumor size. To avoid radiation injury in a young patient, she was treated with six cycles of chemotherapy including procarbazine, CCNU, and vincristine. Procarbazine was stopped after 2 cycles because of the development of a rash. Serial magnetic resonance imaging was used to follow treatment response. RESULTS Her tumor started to decrease in size after 2 cycles of chemotherapy and continued to shrink until it stabilized after 5 cycles of chemotherapy. A small area of residual tumor with minimal enhancement persisted along the left lateral ventricle and remained stable for at least 16 months after the completion of chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is only the fourth report describing the use of chemotherapy for progression of central neurocytomas as a treatment alternative to radiation therapy. The use of procarbazine, CCNU, and vincristine has not been previously described for the treatment of a central neurocytoma and presents an additional treatment option.
A flow cytometric immunoassay for β2-microglobulin in whole blood

Flow cytometers can discriminate a single particle type in an unwashed whole blood sample. Utilizing this capability. we devised a homogeneous bead-immobilized sandwich immunoassay for soluble beta2M (beta2-microglobulin) in whole blood, utilizing an antibody that discriminates soluble from cellular beta2M. A 4 microm bead was chosen that fluoresces only in a FACScan flow cytometer's FL3 channel. thus allowing triggering on this bead to the exclusion of the many blood cell events. The bead was adsorbed with a capture antibody (clone A7801) which binds only to soluble and not to cellular beta2M. This antibody appears to recognize an epitope on beta2M which interfaces to the heavy chain of cellular Class I MHC molecules. The signal antibody (PE conjugate of clone L376, emitting in the FL2 channel) binds to both soluble and cellular beta2M (present in roughly equal amounts in normal blood). The various parameters required for a flow cytometric immunoassay were optimized. The 4 microm sized bead was adequately large to give a near full scale signal at saturation. The relative amounts of signal antibody and capture beads were balanced to give a low blank, minimal 'hook effect', and reasonable event rate on the flow cytometer. The amount of blood added was selected to give a signal near the bottom of the immunassay range for normals with the higher range available for clinical samples. The assay requires no washing, minimizes blood handling, and has a working range (2.5 decades) that is compatible with the biological range of beta2M concentrations with a single blood dilution.
Proprioceptive indentation of the campaniform sensilla of cockroach legs

1. Individual proprioceptive campaniform sensilla of tibial Group 6 in the cockroachBlaberus discoidalis were stimulated by combinations of proprioceptive and punctate stimuli. 2. Punctate stimulation during a proprioceptive discharge increased the response rather than decreasing it, indicating that proprioceptive stimuli indent, rather than bulge, the cap of the sensillum. 3. The magnitude of the indentation associated with a strong proprioceptive discharge was estimated from compliance and sensitivity measurements to be in the range 10 to 50 nanometers. 4. The excitatory strain of the tibial cuticle appears to be compression perpendicular to the long axis of the cap of the sensillum. We suggest that the elaborate structure of the cap cuticle serves to amplify the tibial cuticular strain to squeeze the terminal of the dendritic sensory process.
Influence of Age on the Association of Retinol-binding Protein 4 With Metabolic Syndrome

Objective: The relationships of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) with insulin sensitivity and body fat distribution have been investigated in a few recent studies with conflicting results. This may have been due to differences in ages of the subjects in the different studies. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the association of RBP4 and insulin sensitivity and percent trunk fat are influenced by age. Methods and Procedures: Cross-sectional analyses of 48 young subjects and 55 elderly subjects. Insulin sensitivity was determined by a hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp. Body fat distribution was determined by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results: In the young subjects, RBP4 levels were associated with insulin sensitivity (r = −0.30, P = 0.04), percent trunk fat (r = 0.54, P < 0.001), triglycerides (r = 0.44, P = 0.003), low-density lipoprotein (r = 0.38, P = 0.01). In contrast, in the elderly subjects there was no correlation between RBP4 levels and insulin sensitivity (r = −0.18, P = 0.20), percent trunk fat (r = 0.00, P = 0.10), triglycerides (r = 0.25, P = 0.10), and low-density lipoprotein (r = −0.11, P = 0.47). Discussion: The associations of RBP4 with insulin sensitivity, percent trunk fat, and lipid levels are influenced by age.
Novel approach to measurement-based load modeling via analog and Jacobi-based methods

Abstract This paper addresses a concrete problem in the field of power engineering. Although measurement-based modeling techniques have potential to drastically improve the quality of load representation in power system studies and positively affect results, they are not applied (in industry) for reasons of computational complexity. These limitations stem from the optimization methods (e.g. Newton–Raphson) and hardware implementations (e.g. digital computer) generally employed. In this work, the authors examine a simple, alternative method which relies on Jacobi optimization and analog emulation hardware to reduce computational complexity, facilitate online applications, and make measurement-based load modeling more attractive to utilities and independent system operators (ISO’s). They hypothesize and later demonstrate that the alternative will yield results comparable to that of traditional methods.
Composite lamination—analysis and modeling

Multilayer printed circuits are a prime example of complex polymer composites. One of the critical steps in manufacturing of the circuit boards is the lamination process, which is frequently simulated by the aborted flows test (AFT). In order to obtain a composite free of voids and good interlaminar adhesion, it is imperative for the resin to flow into metal interfaces as well as intermix in the resin interfaces. On an empirical basis, the AFT is used as a process monitor for making prepreg, the glass fiber reinforced dielectric which supports the circuitry. Under a given set of conditions (temperature profile, pressure, layup), AFT measures advancement and reactivity of prepreg. By using a given batch of prepreg, the optimum laminating conditions can be identified, which are mainly a function of the temperature profile. Here, a calorimetric and rheological study of prepreg cure kinetics during lamination is presented. The flow process is being modeled by calculating the viscosity from combining a temperature dependent viscosity term with a kinetically controlled molecular weight term.
Detectability of weakly interacting dark matter candidates

Abstract We have examined the detectability of weakly interacting dark matter candidates that constitute not all, but only a subdominant component of galactic cold dark matter. We find that neutralinos may remain detectable in direct dark matter searches even if they constitute only 1% of the halo dark matter. Regarding indirect detection, we find that upward-going muon fluxes in underground detectors from neutralino annihilations in the Sun and in the Earth can remain above the threshold of detectability of 10 muons/km2/yr for neutralinos composing 1% or more of the halo dark matter. Thus if a signal is seen in any of the current dark matter searches it is possible we are only detecting the subdominant component of the total cold dark matter.
Strong convergence of path for continuous pseudo-contractive mappings

The purpose of this paper is to study the convergence of a path that begins at the unique fixed point of a strongly pseudo-contractive operator defined on a closed and convex subset of a reflexive Banach space and converges to a fixed point of a pseudo-contractive mapping. Primarily, it is proven that a convex combination of these two operators is indeed strongly pseudo-contractive under the weakly inward condition. This fact generalizes a result of Barbu for accretive operators.
Multi-port solid state transformer for inter-grid power flow control

This paper discusses about a multi-port solid state transformer (SST) which can be used as an inter-grid power flow controller. The objective of the converter is to integrate renewable energy sources with the existing grid along with controlled power flow between the grids. As an example, this paper describes a three terminal isolated SST with an integrated battery bank connected to it. The energy extracted from the renewable energy sources can be stored in the battery bank or can be directly fed to the utility grid. A suitable converter structure is chosen to activate bidirectional power flow between the energy sources. The extracted energy can also be used to supply the local demand. A laboratory prototype of the converter has been built and the functionality of the converter is validated with detailed experimental results.
An ab initio study of the peak tensile strength of tungsten with an account of helium point defects

Abstract Analyses in the present work focus on understanding the effect of helium (He) point defects on the peak tensile strength of tungsten (W) using an ab initio simulation framework. Nine W nanostructure samples that include three different grain boundary (GB) configurations for each of the following case: first without any He point defects, second with He point defects solely in substitutional sites, and third with He point defects solely in interstitial sites, are analyzed. Peak tensile strength of the examined nanostructures is analyzed as a function of temperature, the type of He point defect site, and the type of GB configuration. The tensile strength decreases by up to 21% in the presence of GBs when compared with the single crystalline case. Presence of interstitial He point defects leads to highest increase in the tensile strength. A linear relationship between structural fractal dimension and tensile strength is observed in all examined structures. Therefore, a fractal dimension based empirical relationship is developed to characterize the strength of the examined nanostructures as a function of temperature, type of He point defect site, and type of GB configuration. The developed relation is found to predict strength data for structures that were not included in the empirical relation development, establishing a notion that fractal dimension could be a possible way to interpret infinitesimal material volume quantum mechanical strength data for higher scale continuum plasticity modeling.
MnBi nanoparticles with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

Abstract A ribbon of a Mn-Bi meta-stable phase was fabricated by melt-spinning a Bi-rich Mn-Bi alloy (Mn 10 Bi 90 ). Employing magnetic field heating to an as-spun sample up to 530 K in a magnetic field of 10 kOe results in a highly c -axis preferred orientation, showing the remanence magnetization ratio M r / M s ≈ 1.0 on the demagnetization curve for the heat-treated sample. The magnetic field heating also produces the c -axis preferred orientation in an ex situ annealed sample composed of MnBi particles with a random c -axis orientation. Investigating magnetization change upon changing the heating temperature suggests that MnBi particle rotation at an optimized heating temperature plays an important role in aligning the c -axis along the applied field.
Weathering, dust, and biocycling effects on soil silicon isotope ratios

Abstract Silicon isotope ratios (δ30Si) of bulk mineral materials in soil integrate effects from both silicon sources and processing. Here we report δ30Si values from a climate gradient of Hawaiian soils developed on 170 ka basalt and relate them to patterns of soil chemistry and mineralogy. The results demonstrate informative relationships between the mass fraction of soil Si depletion and δ30Si. In upper ( 1 m deep) soil horizons generally correlate with the isotope fractionation predicted by a study of dissolved Si in basalt-watershed rivers and driven by preferential 28Si removal from the dissolved phase during precipitation. In contrast, after correcting for the influence of dust, secondary mineral Si depletion and δ30Si values in shallow (
Galaxy CloudMan: delivering cloud compute clusters

Background Widespread adoption of high-throughput sequencing has greatly increased the scale and sophistication of computational infrastructure needed to perform genomic research. An alternative to building and maintaining local infrastructure is “cloud computing”, which, in principle, offers on demand access to flexible computational infrastructure. However, cloud computing resources are not yet suitable for immediate “as is” use by experimental biologists.
Cortical and subcortical projections of the middle temporal area (MT) and adjacent cortex in galagos

Projections of the middle temporal visual area, MT, and of visual cortex adjoining MT were investigated with autoradiographic methods in the prosimian primate, Galago senegalensis. Ipsilateral cortical targets of MT included area 17, area 18, cortex caudal to MT, cortex ventral to MT, and parietal-occipital cortex dorsal to MT. This pattern of projections suggests that extrastriate cortex contains a number of visual subdivisions in addition to MT. Contralateral projections were to MT and parietal-occipital cortex. Projections from MT to areas 17 and 18 connected regions representing similar parts of the visual hemifield while the location of callosal projections in MT matched the location of the injection site in the other hemisphere. Label in area 17 wac concentrated in layers I, III, and VI whereas other cortical areas were most densely labeled in the granular and supragranular layers. Subcortical projections of MT included the reticular nucleus of the thalamus, the lateral posterior nucleus, the superior pulvinar, the inferior pulvinar, the superior colliculus, and the pontine nuclei. The projection pattern to the superior and inferior pulvinar nuclei suggests that MT projects in a topographic manner to two subdivisions within each of these structures. Injections in cortex just outside of MT labeled area 18, inferotemporal cortex, parietal-occipital cortex, and, to a lesser extent, MT. The projections to inferotemporal cortex clearly distinguish the bordering cortex from MT. Contralateral cortical terminations were in locations corresponding to the injection site. Subcortical targets were generally similar to those seen after MT injections, although additional projections were observed depending on the location of the injection. Comparison of these results from the prosimian galago with studies in New and Old World monkeys indicates there are substantial similarities in projections. Thus, some of the cortical and thalamic subdivisions described for monkeys appear to exist in prosimians.
On the lattice dynamics of grey tin

Abstract The lattice dynamics of grey tin is studied by fitting a Born-von Karman model to the experimental neutron scattering data of Price and Rowe. In agreement with earlier conclusions drawn for Ge, it is found that fifth neighbor interactions are essential for achieving a good fit. New information is obtained concerning the values of the elastic constants and the Σ2, Σ4 branches of the dispersion curves. The density of phonon states is calculated employing the analytical integration method of Gilat and Raubenheimer. Calorimetric data for α-Sn agree reasonably with the results of the computation.
Endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors in ischaemia–reperfusion injury and preconditioning

Ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) is a pivotal mechanism of organ injury during stroke, myocardial infarction, organ transplantation and vascular surgeries. Ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) is a potent endogenous form of tissue protection against I/R injury. On the one hand, endocannabinoids have been implicated in the protective effects of IPC through cannabinoid CB1/CB2 receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms. However, there is evidence suggesting that endocannabinoids are overproduced during various forms of I/R, such as myocardial infarction or whole body I/R associated with circulatory shock, and may contribute to the cardiovascular depressive state associated with these pathologies. Previous studies using synthetic CB1 receptor agonists or knockout mice demonstrated CB1 receptor-dependent protection against cerebral I/R injury in various animal models. In contrast, several follow-up reports have shown protection afforded by CB1 receptor antagonists, but not agonists. Excitedly, emerging studies using potent CB2 receptor agonists and/or knockout mice have provided compelling evidence that CB2 receptor activation is protective against myocardial, cerebral and hepatic I/R injuries by decreasing the endothelial cell activation/inflammatory response (for example, expression of adhesion molecules, secretion of chemokines, and so on), and by attenuating the leukocyte chemotaxis, rolling, adhesion to endothelium, activation and transendothelial migration, and interrelated oxidative/nitrosative damage. This review is aimed to discuss the role of endocannabinoids and CB receptors in various forms of I/R injury (myocardial, cerebral, hepatic and circulatory shock) and preconditioning, and to delineate the evidence supporting the therapeutic utility of selective CB2 receptor agonists, which are devoid of psychoactive effects, as a promising new approach to limit I/R-induced tissue damage.
Alveolar-arterial oxygen differencein premature infants breathing 100 per cent oxygen

A large alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient indicativeof atelectasis or unventilated alveoli has been shown to be present in the premature infant for many days after birth Thoracic gas volume decreases markedly in the first days of life of the premature infant. Gas trapping is suggested to be the explanation for this initial large volume.
A cognitive-pragmatic approach to situation-bound utterances

Abstract This study focuses on a particular type of formulaic expressions called situation-bound utterances (SBUs). Since the meaning of these pragmatic units is shaped by the interplay of linguistic and extralinguistic factors, they can be best accounted for in a theoretical framework which represents a knowledge-for-use conception. A cognitive-pragmatic approach to SBUs reveals that in many cases cognitive mechanisms such as metaphor and conventional knowledge are responsible for the unique situational meaning of SBUs. In this respect, SBUs are similar to other formulaic expressions such as idioms and conventional implicatures whose meaning structure can also be better accounted for if the underlying cognitive mechanisms are examined. It will be claimed that the relationship of SBUs to socio-cultural concepts resembles that of words and concepts as described in Cruse (1992). SBUs will be classified according to their formula-specific pragmatic properties which are either encoded in the expression or charged by the situation. The investigation of the characteristic features of SBUs and the development of their situational meaning necessitates the review of two important theoretical issues: the creative aspect of language use and the role of formulaic expressions in the development of syntax. It will be argued that the formulaic-creative dichotomy makes sense only at sentence level, whereas it loses its significance at discourse level. Not all types of formulaic expressions contribute to syntactic development in an L2, because some of them (including SBUs) are almost never split into constituents by L2 learners. Errors in the use of SBUs can mainly be due to the lack of native-like conceptual fluency and metaphorical competence of adult L2 learners, who rely on their L1 conceptual system when producing and comprehending SBUs in the target language.
Optical characterization of arch-shaped ARROW waveguides with liquid cores

We present the characterization of the optical properties of integrated antiresonant reflecting optical (ARROW) waveguides with arch-shaped liquid cores. Optical mode shapes and coupling, waveguide loss, and polarization dependence are investigated. Waveguide loss as low as 0.26/cm with near-single-mode coupling and mode areas as small as 4.5microm2 are demonstrated. A detailed comparison to ARROW waveguides with rectangular cores is presented, and shows that arch-shaped cores are superior for many applications.
IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL CTL EPITOPES OF TUMOR-ASSOCIATED ANTIGEN MAGE-1 FOR FIVE COMMON HLA-A ALLELES

Identification of CTL epitopes for tumor-specific responses is important for the development of immunotherapies to treat cancer patients. We have developed a strategy to identify potential CTL epitopes based on screening of sequences of target proteins for presence of specific motifs recognized by the most common HLA-A alleles, and identification of high affinity binding peptides using in vitro quantitative assays. A systematic analysis using the sequence of the product of the tumor-associated MAGE-1 gene has been carried out. All possible peptides of nine and ten residues, containing binding motifs for HLA-A1, -A2.1, A-3.2, -A11 and -A24 were synthesized and tested for binding using a quantitative assay. Out of 237 possible peptide/MHC combinations, 47 cases demonstrated good binding affinity (Kd ⩽ 500 nM). Several peptides were identified as good MHC binders for each one of the five HLA-A alleles studied (five for HLA-A1, 11 for HLA-A2.1, 10 for HLA-A3.2,16 for HLA-A11 and five for HLA-A24. Furthermore, eight of these peptides were found to bind well to more than one HLA-A allele. These results have important implications for the development of immunotherapeutic vaccines to treat malignant melanoma.