cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of human cytochrome P450 2B6 in Escherichia coli: Characterization of catalytic activity and expression levels in human liver

Expression of human cytochrome P450 (P450) 2B6 in Escherichia coli was achieved following supplementation of the expression medium with chloramphenicol. The recombinant protein was purified using Ni(2+)-nitrilotriacetate chromatography and was characterized with regard to its spectral properties and catalytic activities toward typical P450 substrates. The purified recombinant protein was also used to raise polyclonal antibodies in rabbits. Examination of a panel of human liver microsomal preparations revealed expression of P450 2B6 in most samples, with levels of <1 to 30 pmol 2B6/mg microsomal protein. Examination of purified P450 2B6 preparations revealed the presence of a protease-sensitive site located 126 residues away from the N-terminus. The identity of the cleavage boundary was verified by protein sequence analysis. Cleavage of P450 2B6 at that site results in the presence of a lower molecular weight fragment of approximately 35 kDa in purified preparations. An immunoreactive peptide of a similar molecular weight was consistently observed in some but not all human liver microsomal preparations suggesting cleavage at the same site. Examination of catalytic activities of the purified reconstituted protein indicated the potential utility of (S)-mephenytoin N-demethylation and testosterone 16beta-hydroxylation as markers for P450 2B6.
Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation Evaluation of Adaptive Signal Control

Increasingly, adaptive signal control and other nontraditional solutions are being implemented in an attempt to improve signal system efficiencies, reduce congestion, enhance signal control responsiveness to incidents, and reduce signal-retiming costs. However, neither field nor simulation studies alone have proven sufficient to evaluate such systems. To overcome the limitations of field data or simulation-only studies, hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS) or software-in-the-loop simulation (SILS) may be used. HILS and SILS provide a means for realistic testing, under controlled and repeatable conditions, of signal strategies not directly emulated in a simulation model. This paper presents the initial findings of a HILS evaluation of ACTRA [i.e., semiactuated, coordinated, time-of-day (TOD)] and adaptive signal control on an 11-intersection arterial section. The HILS test bed generally provides a reasonable representationof both TOD and adaptive signal control performance. However, the adaptive a.m. HIL...
Metabolic fate of VLDL apolipoproteins B and E in hepatectomized rats

Abstract The metabolic fate of VLDL apolipoproteins B and E was examined in functionally hepatectomized rats. 1 h after hepatectomy, there was almost complete absence of ultracentrifugally isolated VLDL lipid and protein, including apolipoproteins B and E. Analysis of apolipoprotein concentrations by electroimmunoassay showed hepatectomy did not affect the total serum concentrations of apolipoproteins B and E; thus, hepatectomy caused a redistribution of these apolipoproteins from VLDL to higher density lipoproteins. In the LDL (d = 1.03–1.063 g/ml) fraction, hepatectomy increased the concentrations of free cholesterol (40%), esterified cholesterol (57%) and protein (18–67%), due to an increase in apolipoproteins B (22–48%) and E (250–300%). After hepatectomy, the HDL fraction accumulated the greatest total amount of apolipoprotein E. Since the majority of apolipoprotein E was isolated in the d > 1.21 g/ml fraction after sequential ultracentrifugation, the redistribution of apolipoproteins B and E was further defined by fractionation of serum on 5 M agarose columns. Electroimmunoassay of the column fractions showed that the apolipoprotein B peak eluted before the apolipoprotein E peak. Although a considerable portion of apolipoprotein E eluted with A-I, the peak of apolipoprotein E eluted before the A-I peak in both groups. These data suggest that a portion of apolipoprotein E is associated with particles which are smaller than LDL but are larger than A-I-rich HDL. Hepatectomy caused an accumulation of apolipoprotein B in LDL, and apolipoprotein E and cholesterol in particles which were smaller than LDL and may represent HDL1. It is likely that under normal physiological conditions the liver plays a role in the removal of these apolipoprotein E-rich particles which are derived, at least in part, from the metabolism of VLDL.
ONE PION EXCHANGE POTENTIAL DEUTERON

The one-pion-exchange potential which depends on a single (cutoff) parameter is shown to provide an adequate description of most of the deuteron observables, provided that the parameter is adjusted to produce the correct binding energy. In particular, the tensor observables $\ensuremath{\eta}$ and $Q$ are within a few percent of their experimental values. Substituting this potential for the $^{3}S_{1}\ensuremath{-}^{3}D_{1}$ potential of a super-soft-core model in a Faddeev calculation of the $^{3}\mathrm{H}$ ground state increases the binding energy by only 0.1 MeV.
Composite Action of Concrete-Filled Rectangular GFRP Tubes

AbstractThis paper investigates the composite action and performance of rectangular concrete-filled glass fiber–reinforced polymer (GFRP) tubes in four-point bending. The study compares the performance of three different concrete-filled beam configurations with different levels of adhesive bonding of the concrete core to the GFRP tube. The three different configurations include (1) unbonded, (2) bonding of the flanges, and (3) bonding of the flanges and webs. The results show low composite action for the unbonded beam configuration up to full composite action for the completely bonded beam configuration. An analytical study is presented to provide insight into the failure mechanism for the fully bonded beam configuration and to predict ultimate capacity. For evaluation, the stiffness and strength of the fully bonded concrete-filled GFRP tube considered in this study is compared with a conventional steel reinforced concrete beam, concrete-filled steel tube, and concrete-filled GFRP tube with carbon FRP (CF...
Placement of an esophageal temperature probe by nurses.

Background Current guidelines support therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest. An esophageal temperature probe (ETP) provides a core temperature assessment; however, accurate placement is necessary. Objectives To demonstrate accurate placement of an ETP and evaluate the effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation with anatomic imaging. Methods Registered nurses (RNs) were educated using 3-dimensional, high-fidelity simulation with VH Dissector technology (Touch of Life Technologies, Aurora, Colorado) to demonstrate ETP placement. The RNs provided survey responses on the effectiveness of simulation before and after using the simulator. Results : Thirty-two RNs participated and did not demonstrate difficulties with the skill; however, 53.1% required more than 1 attempt for accurate placement in the distal esophagus. Survey results found that participants had increased confidence and high satisfaction with simulation and 3-dimensional imaging (P Conclusions Literature is lacking to guide ETP placement. In this study, RNs overestimated the depth for ETP insertion. Accurate temperature readings are highly dependent on accurate anatomical location placement. Providing skill competency training that incorporated anatomical imaging technology enhanced RNs' awareness for effective skill acquisition.
An Integration of Learning, Production and Cost Theory

ABSTRACT This paper integrates learning theory and the conventional theory of production to obtain a cost function in which total costs ore a function of cumulative output as well as the firm's rate of output. The theory implies that marginal costs are a decreasing function of cumulative output (via learning). The relationship between marginal costs and the rate of output depends on returns to scale. The theory is tested using proprietary data covering a fifteen year period on the annual rate of output, cumulative output, and costs of radar “platform” produced by an anonymous defense contractor.
Applying perceptual organization to the detection of man-made objects in non-urban scenes

Abstract A new approach for the detection of large man-made objects in a non-urban area using a single monochrome image is presented. In this study, the man-made objects may be unspecified and the appearance of the objects is unpredictable. Prominent features that distinguish man-made objects from natural objects are identified. A computational framework of applying perceptual organization and using the prominent features is presented. Techniques are developed to group low level image features hierarchically into a region-of-interest (ROI) likely to enclose man-made objects or a substantial part of the man-made objects. These techniques include feature extraction, primitive structure formation, and segmentation. Some of these methods are novel and others present unique properties and advantages compared to previous related works. Experimental results are presented using real images that include several different man-made objects in complex backgrounds or a natural scene without man-made objects. It is shown that the located ROIs properly enclose the man-made objects in the scenes.
THE APOLIPOPROTEIN(a) GENE: LINKAGE DISEQUILIBRIA AT THREE LOCI DIFFERS IN AFRICAN AMERICANS AND CAUCASIANS

Abstract Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an independent, genetically regulated cardiovascular risk factor. Lp(a) plasma levels are largely determined by the apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) component, and differ across ethnicity. Although a number of polymorphisms in the apo(a) gene have been identified, apo(a) genetic regulation is not fully understood. To study the relation between apo(a) gene variants, we constructed haplotypes and assessed linkage equilibrium in African Americans and Caucasians for three widely studied apo(a) gene polymorphisms (apo(a) size, +93 C/T and pentanucleotide repeat region (PNR)). Apo(a) size allele frequency distributions were different across ethnicity ( p p p p =0.023). In conclusion, allele and haplotype frequencies and the nature of the linkage disequilibrium differed between African Americans and Caucasians at three apo(a) gene polymorphisms.
Enhancing tensile ductility of a particulate-reinforced aluminum metal matrix composite by lamination with Mg-9%Li alloy

A laminated metal composite has been made by press bonding alternating layers of a particulate-reinforced aluminum metal matrix composite (MMC), 6090/SiC/25p, and a highly ductile Mg-9%Li alloy. The mechanical properties including tensile ductility were evaluated for the 50-50 volume fraction laminated composite. The tensile yield strength of the composite obeyed the rule of averages in agreement with other laminates based on aluminum and ultrahigh carbon steel. Lamination of the Al MMC material is shown to increase the tensile ductility from 8.0% to 11.5%. The ductility of the laminated composite was found to be limited by interlayer reaction products developed during processing which led to delamination. Thus necking of the MMC Al layers could occur leading to premature failure.
Pedagogical treatment and change in preservice teacher beliefs: An experimental study

This study addresses if preservice English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ beliefs about the effectiveness of authentic, commercial, and teacher-made instructional materials can be changed after a semester-long pedagogical treatment. Data were collected from 90 preservice EFL teachers (Experimental: 45, Control: 45) at a public university in Turkey using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and retrospective reflection essays. Data analyses involved t-tests, multivariate analysis of gain scores, and interview transcriptions. Findings suggested that although change in preservice teachers’ beliefs after a well-structured treatment was not very common, they were far from rare. Qualitative results also revealed that some beliefs of participants became more favorable about the effectiveness of some aspects of these materials while others remained unchanged or became less favorable.
Stimulated Raman and electronic excitation of CH4–OH reactant complexes

Abstract Binary complexes composed of OH and CH4 reactants have been stabilized in a shallow well in the entrance channel to the hydrogen abstraction reaction. The CH4–OH reactant complexes are identified by laser-induced fluorescence in the OH A 2 Σ + –X 2 Π (1,0) and (0,0) spectral regions as well as by stimulated Raman excitation in the vicinity of the symmetric stretching mode (ν1) of CH4. The binding energy of CH4–OH is found to be 210±20 cm−1 in its ground electronic state and increases slightly upon vibrational excitation of the ν1 mode of methane.
Characterization of soil conditions at the field level for soil specific management

Abstract Soil variability within fields is well documented by a variety of sources: soil survey, soil testing, and crop yields. Technology is emerging to vary field management procedures as the machinery traverses fields. This new concept can increase farm profitabily and reduce environmental pollution. Operational methods of soil characterization includes US National Cooperative Soil Survey maps and databases, various methods of field soil sampling, aerial photography and remote sensing techniques, and some soil sensors. Although some techniques have been used for many years, there is still a strong need to improve precision and procedures of methods. Soil specific management is a high technology type management. Easy-to-use soil characterization tools must be developed and incorporated into decision aid systems to insure a successful adoption of this emerging technology.
The effect of the virus-serum incubation period upon vaccinia virus serum neutralization titers

Rabbit and human vaccinia virus immune sera were titrated by the plaque reduction serum neutralization (SN) method. Titers determined following a 2-h, 37 degree C virus-serum incubation period were not significantly different from those determined following an 18-h incubation period (2-h, 37 degree C incubation followed by a 16-h, 4 degree C period). However, control virus plaque counts decreased significantly after the longer incubation period. Numerous factors affecting SN titer estimation are reviewed. Standardization of SN test conditions may be useful in comparative potency evaluation of vaccinia-vectored recombinant DNA viral vaccines.
Gas-Phase Acidities of Cysteine-Polyalanine Peptides I: A3,4CSH and HSCA3,4

The gas-phase acidities of four cysteine-polyalanine peptides, A(3,4)CSH and HSCA(3,4), were determined using the extended Cooks kinetic method with full entropy analysis. A triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer with an electrospray interface was employed for the experimental study. The ion activation was achieved via collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments. The deprotonation enthalpies (Delta(acid)H) of the peptides were determined to be 332.2 +/- 2.0 kcal/mol (A(3)CSH), 325.9 +/- 2.0 kcal/mol (A(4)CSH), 319.3 +/- 3.0 kcal/mol (HSCA(3)), and 319.2 +/- 4.0 kcal/mol (HSCA(4)). The deprotonation entropies (Delta(acid)S) of the peptides were estimated based on the entropy term (Delta(DeltaS)) and the deprotonation entropies of the reference acids. By using the deprotonation enthalpies and entropies, the gas-phase acidities (Delta(acid)G) of the peptides were derived: 325.0 +/- 2.0 kcal/mol (A(3)CSH), 320.2 +/- 2.0 kcal/mol (A(4)CSH), 316.3 +/- 3.0 kcal/mol (HSCA(3)), and 315.4 +/- 4.0 kcal/mol (HSCA(4)). Conformations and energetic information of the peptides were calculated through simulated annealing (Tripos), geometry optimization (AM1), and single-point energy calculations (B3LYP/6-31+G(d)), respectively. The calculated theoretical deprotonation enthalpies (Delta(acid)H) of 334.2 kcal/mol (A(3)CSH), 327.7 kcal/mol (A(4)CSH), 320.6 kcal/mol (HSCA(3)), and 318.6 kcal/mol (HSCA(4)) are in good agreement with the experimentally determined values. Both the experimental and computational studies suggest that the two N-terminal cysteine peptides, HSCA(3,4), are significantly more acidic than the corresponding C-terminal ones, A(3,4)CSH. The high acidities of the former are likely due to the helical conformational effects for which the thiolate anion may be strongly stabilized by the interaction with the helix macrodipole.
Interleukin 12 and innate molecules for enhanced mucosal immunity.

Recent strategies for understanding the mechanisms underlying mucosal immune responses and subsequent development of mucosal vaccines for induction of targeted immunity now include cytokines and molecules of innate immunity. These studies have shown that cytokines influencing the development of T helper (Th) cells differentially affect the outcome of mucosal vs systemic immune responses to mucosal vaccines. Serum antigen-specific antibody (Ab) responses were enhanced when either IL-6 or IL-12 was mucosally administered with a protein antigen, while only IL-12 induced antigen-specific mucosal IgA Ab responses. Mucosal IL-6 and IL-12 also affected the type of Th cell responses induced by CD4+ T cells from mice that received IL-12 secreted larger amounts of IFN-γ and IL-6 when compared with mice nasally treated with IL-6. Discrepancies in the ability to enhance mucosal or systemic immune responses were also observed when human neutrophil peptide (HNP) defensins or lymphotactin were nasally coadministered with protein antigens. Only lymphotactin promoted mucosal secretory IgA (S-IgA) Ab responses while both lymphotactin and defensins enhanced systemic immunity to mucosally co-administered protein antigens. Mixed antigen-specific Th1-and Th2-type CD4+ T cell responses were induced in the systemic compartment by both lymphotactin and the mixture of HNP-1, HNP-2, and HNP-3 defensins. However, HNPs failed to significantly enhance cytokine secretion by mucosally derived, antigen-specific CD4+ T cells relative to those isolated from the systemic compartment. In summary, these studies clearly show that IL-12 and lymphotactin are able to trigger S-IgA Ab responses and provide new avenues for the design of safe and targeted mucosal vaccines.
Exploiting Social Networks for Large-Scale Human Behavior Modeling

The Cooperative Communities (CoCo) learning framework leverages everyday social connections between people to personalize classification models. By exploiting social networks, CoCo spreads the burden of providing training data over an entire community.
A new radioenzymatic assay for histamine using purified histamine N-methyltransferase.

Abstract Radioenzymatic assays for histamine (Hm) have found wide application. However, these procedures may lack the sensitivity necessary to quantify Hm in certain biological samples, such as human plasma. Purification of histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) has permitted the development of a new and highly sensitive radioenzymatic assay for Hm. HNMT was purified by sequential ion exchange, hydrophobic and molecular exclusion chromatography. The use of purified HNMT in the Hm assay has allowed the inclusion of high specific activity tritiated S-adenosyl-L- methionine ([ 3 H]SAME) and the development of a simplified solvent extraction product isolation procedure. This assay has a sensitivity of approximately 2 picograms and is specific for Hm. Hm was easily quantified in human plasma and was found to be 303 ± 81 pg/ml (mean ±SD) in 8 male subjects. Substantial blank reduction and increased product conversion occur when purified HNMT is utilized in the Hm radioenzymatic assay, thus, increasing the sensitivity and possibly improving the specificity of this procedure.
Pseudo-resonance in the cochlea

A general two-variable approach to the coupled hydroelastic problem of an idealized cochlea is carried out. The basic small parameter is the slenderness of the cochlea. A typical non-linear eigenvalue problem in the transverse cross-section plane results for the phase-function. The slow amplitude and phase variation are obtained analytically. Viscous effects produce traveling waves and a sharp cut-off.
Phenological adaptations of a colonizing insect: The southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella.

The developmental rate, critical photoperiod, and diapause intensity were determined for three populations of the southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella, from Missouri, Mississippi and Kansas. Mississippi larvae grew at the highest rate and Missouri larvae grew at the lowest rate. The zero developmental temperatures (°C) for the Missouri population were estimated from regression lines as follows: 10.5° (eggs), 10.8° (diapausing larvae), 13.3° (non-diapausing larvae) and 11.4° (pupae). The required heat units were: 85° (eggs), 588° (diapausing larvae), 333° (non-diapausing larvae) and 149° days (pupae). However, the observed low temperature limit for larval growth under constant temperature regimes was approximately 17°C.The critical day lengths for diapause induction observed at 25°C were: 15 h 11 min (Missouri); 15 h 20 min (Mississippi); and 15 h 22 min (Kansas). The photoperiodic response of the Mississippi larvae was more or less retained at 30°C, whereas the response of the Missouri larvae was completely suppressed at this temperature. Diapause was most easily terminated in the Kansas larvae. The most intense diapause was observed in the Mississippi larvae.Model seasonal life cycles of the three geographic populations were constructed using photothermograms. Although the models showed good agreement with the field situation for the Missouri and the Kansas populations, some unknown factor(s) remains to account for an extremely long critical photoperiod in the Mississippi population.
Finding the optimal allocation to a health-care reimbursement account

Abstract A health-care reimbursement account offers tax savings to eligible employees who are willing to face a risk of losses due to unused account balances. Finding the optimal allocation to such an account requires decision making in the face of uncertain future medical expense. The allocation which minimizes expected total cost (sum of medical expense, excess taxes and forfeiture) is found for a known household expense distribution. This distribution would not be known in practice and must be estimated. Using the gamma density function as an approximation the variability in this distribution (specifically, the shape parameter α) is estimated using US Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES) data. Separate estimates are provided for groupings by age and family size. It is assumed that the mean is unique to each household; thus each family in the CES represents a distinct population. A transformation to an F distribution is used to estimate the common value of α for each group. The optimal allocation is a multiple of the estimated mean: the multiplier depends on α, the probability that no expense will be incurred, the household marginal tax rate, and its risk preferences between the two losses. Values of the multiplier are provided for selected cases. It is shown that the results are relatively insensitive to moderate errors in the estimation process.
Separable-potential fits to resonance parameters

The strength and range parameters of simple separable potentials for $n\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}$ scattering are determined from knowledge of the resonance-pole locations in the ${P}_{\frac{1}{2}}$ and ${P}_{\frac{3}{2}}$ $n\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}$ scattering amplitudes. The phase shifts associated with these potentials are compared with experiment. Agreement with the experimental phase shift is good for the ${P}_{\frac{3}{2}}$ case where the resonance is sharp; however, the predicted phase shift for the broad ${P}_{\frac{1}{2}}$ "resonance" is poor. The results are interpreted on the basis of the resonance-pole proximity to the physical region.
Comments on "Concurrent Search and Insertion in AVL Trees"

Ellis' concurrent AVL insertion algorithm1is discussed in this correspondence. We note that obtaining a block of storage for the new AVL leaf may become a serial bottleneck for the entire insertion algorithm. We indicate a potential solution and refer the reader to another paper [1] in which the full details are given.
Effects of L-arginine on the afferent resting activity in the cephalopod statocyst.

Abstract The effects of bath application of the nitric oxide (NO) precursor l -arginine ( l -ARG) on the resting activity (RA) of afferent crista fibers were studied in isolated statocysts of the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis under various experimental conditions. l -ARG (threshold 10 −7 M) had three different effects: inhibition, excitation, and excitation followed by an inhibition; only the inhibitory effect of l -ARG was dose-dependent. d -Arginine ( d -ARG) had no effect. When the preparation was pre-treated with NO synthase inhibitors ( N G -Nitric- l -arginine methyl ester HCl ( l -NAME), N G -Nitro- l -arginine ( l -NOARG)), both the inhibitory and the excitatory effects of l -ARG significantly decreased at higher concentrations (10 −5 to −4 M), or were completely blocked at lower concentrations (10 −7 to −6 M), of l -ARG. When the preparation was pre-treated with guanylate cyclase inhibitors (1 H -[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), methylene blue (M-BLU), cystamine (CYS)), l -ARG had only excitatory effects, whereas its effects were only inhibitory when the preparation was pre-treated with adenylate cyclase inhibitors 2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine (DDA), MDL-12330A (MDL), nicotinic acid (NIC-A)). l -ARG had no effects when the pre-treatment was with a guanylate cyclase inhibitor and an adenylate cyclase inhibitor combined; in that situation, the RA of the afferent fibers remained. These data indicate that in cephalopod statocysts, a cGMP and a cAMP signal transduction pathway (presumably via the generation of NO) are responsible for the effects of l -ARG on the RA of crista afferent fibers. They also indicate that the l -ARG–cGMP pathway is the dominant pathway and is inhibitory, and that both pathways have only modulatory effects on, but are not essential for, the generation of the RA.
Effect of redox conditions on bacterial and fungal biomass and carbon dioxide production in Louisiana coastal swamp forest sediment.

Abstract Fungal and bacterial carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) production/emission was determined under a range of redox conditions in sediment from a Louisiana swamp forest used for wastewater treatment. Sediment was incubated in microcosms at 6 Eh levels (–200, –100, 0, + 100, + 250 and + 400 mV) covering the anaerobic range found in wetland soil and sediment. Carbon dioxide production was determined by the substrate-induced respiration (SIR) inhibition method. Cycloheximide (C 15 H 23 NO 4 ) was used as the fungal inhibitor and streptomycin (C 21 H 39 N 7 O 12 ) as the bacterial inhibitor. Under moderately reducing conditions (Eh > + 250 mV), fungi contributed more than bacteria to the CO 2 production. Under highly reducing conditions (Eh ≤ 0 mV), bacteria contributed more than fungi to the total CO 2 production. The fungi/bacteria (F/B) ratios varied between 0.71–1.16 for microbial biomass C, and 0.54–0.94 for microbial biomass N. Under moderately reducing conditions (Eh ≥ + 100 mV), the F/B ratios for microbial biomass C and N were higher than that for highly reducing conditions (Eh ≤ 0 mV). In moderately reducing conditions (Eh ≥ + 100 mV), the C/N microbial biomass ratio for fungi (C/N: 13.54–14.26) was slightly higher than for bacteria (C/N: 9.61–12.07). Under highly reducing redox conditions (Eh ≤ 0 mV), the C/N microbial biomass ratio for fungi (C/N: 10.79–12.41) was higher than for bacteria (C/N: 8.21–9.14). For bacteria and fungi, the C/N microbial biomass ratios under moderately reducing conditions were higher than that in highly reducing conditions. Fungal CO 2 production from swamp forest could be of greater ecological significance under moderately reducing sediment conditions contributing to the greenhouse effect (GHE) and the global warming potential (GWP). However, increases in coastal submergence associated with global sea level rise and resultant decrease in sediment redox potential from increased flooding would likely shift CO 2 production to bacteria rather than fungi.
Asynchronous phase-modulated optical fiber-ring buffer

We investigate the dynamics of a 5?Gbit/s packet of ones and zeros loaded into a 0.5-kbit, phase-modulated optical fiber-ring buffer. A new mode of operation is explored in which the cavity length of the buffer is slightly detuned from the frequency driving the phase modulator. We examine the conditions for successful packet loading and the packet storage behavior. In addition, relaxation oscillations, which affected the storage time of previous high-speed optical ring buffers, are nearly eliminated with a cw holding beam, and significantly enhanced storage times are obtained.
Electrospinning of nanofibers

Nanotechnology is the study and development of materials at nano levels. It is one of the rapidly growing scientific disciplines due to its enormous potential in creating novel materials that have advanced applications. This technology has tremendously impacted many different science and engineering disciplines, such as electronics, materials science, and polymer engineering. Nanofibers, due to their high surface area and porosity, find applications as filter medium, adsorption layers in protective clothing, etc. Electrospinning has been found to be a viable technique to produce nanofibers. An in-depth review of research activities on the development of nanofibers, fundamental understanding of the electrospinning process, and properties of nanostructured fibrous materials and their applications is provided in this article. A detailed account on the type of fibers that have been electrospun and their characteristics is also elaborated. It is hoped that the overview article will serve as a good reference tool for nanoscience researchers in fibers, textiles, and polymer fields. Furthermore, this article will help with the planning of future research activities and better understanding of nanofiber characteristics and their applications.
Benefits associated with achieving optimal risk factor levels for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in older men

Background Most incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurs after patients reach the age of 65. The additive benefits of aggressive risk factor management with advancing age are not well established. Objective To evaluate the relationship between control of four modifiable risk factors (smoking, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and aspirin use) and risk of CVD in a primary prevention population of older men. Materials and Methods U.S. male physicians from the Physicians' Health Study (n = 4182; an epidemiologic follow-up of a randomized trial of aspirin and beta-carotene) who in 1997 were ≥65 years, free of CVD and diabetes, and had a blood sample on file were studied. Cox proportional hazard models were adjusted for age and competing causes of death. The first of any CVD event, defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, angina, coronary revascularization, nonfatal stroke, transient ischemic attack, carotid artery surgery, and other peripheral vascular disease surgery, was measured. Results Mean follow-up was 9.3 years, mean age was 73 years, and 96% were nonsmokers. Compared with when 4 of 4 risk factors were controlled (6.0% of participants), control of 0 of 4 risk factors almost quadrupled the risk of CVD (0.4% of participants; event rate 41.2%; hazard ratio [HR] 3.83, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.72–8.55); control of 1 of 4 risk factors more than doubled the risk (14.2% of participants; HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.80–3.57); control of 2 of 4 risk factors almost doubled the risk (43.8% of participants; HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.41–2.69), and those with control of 3 of 4 risk factors also were at increased risk (35.6% of participants; HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.30–2.50). Control of each additional risk factor was associated with greater cardiovascular protection ( P for trend P = .002). Depending on the number of risk factors controlled, the number-needed to control to prevent one CVD event ranged from 5 to 22. Conclusion Control of 4 treatable risk factors (nonsmoking, control of non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure, and aspirin use) was associated with substantial protection against incident cardiovascular events in older men even after adjustment for competing causes of mortality.
The Rate of Profit and the Problem of Stagnant Investment: A Structural Analysis of Barriers to Accumulation and the Spectre of Protracted Crisis

This paper situates the subprime crisis in the context of the performance of the American economy over the last twenty-five years. The restructuring of the US economy is briefly reviewed, followed by an examination of some of the contradictions of the neoliberal model. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the reasons behind stagnant investment, and how the US finance-led accumulation-regime has become dependent upon, and threatened by, credit-creation delinked from the financing of fixed-capital formation. I argue that while the defeat of the remnants of the New-Deal/Civil-Rights liberal-democratic coalition has provided the political context for the bold re-assertion of the prerogatives of capitalist owners, the neoliberal model has not provided a path out of problems of stagnation and growing debt-dependency that presently plague the US (and global) economy. Further, I argue that evidence suggests that the post-1982 restoration of profitability that underpinned the relative improvement of US economic performance has peaked, and that compelling historical and theoretical reasons exist to expect that the profit-rate will decline in the coming decade. This will introduce additional stresses on the current debt-structure of the US economy, triggering a period of prolonged crisis and economic dislocation. The conclusion is that the US economy faces the spectre of a protracted crisis associated with the reassertion of the falling rate of profit.
LDV flowfield measurements on a straight and swept wing with a simulated ice accretion

Simulated glaze ice accretion effects on a flowfield are presently studied for the case of a 3D semispan wing with NACA 0012 airfoil section on a rectangular untwisted planform. The model was tested at both zero-sweep and 30-deg sweep setting with four-beam/two-color LDV flowfield mapping. The comparison of LDV-measure velocity profiles with 3D Navier-Stokes predictions revealed correct trends, but with several differences that are attributable to the turbulence models and grid resolution used in the computations.
Status of identification of VHE γ-ray sources

With the recent advances made by Cherenkov telescopes such as H.E.S.S. the field of very high-energy (VHE) γ-ray astronomy has recently entered a new era in which for the first time populations of Galactic sources such as e.g. Pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) or Supernova remnants (SNRs) can be studied. However, while some of the new sources can be associated by positional coincidence as well as by consistent multi-wavelength data to a known counterpart at other wavelengths, most of the sources remain not finally identified. In the following, the population of Galactic H.E.S.S. sources will be used to demonstrate the status of the identifications, to classify them into categories according to this status and to point out outstanding problems.
Protein partitioning and transport in supported cationic acrylamide-based hydrogels

The partitioning and transport of myoglobin in cationic, acrylamide-based hydrogels are studied by a microscopic visualization method. Homogeneous cationic gels are synthesized inside fused-silica capillaries with a square section, which allow a direct determination of protein concentration profiles during transient adsorption and desorption. Diffuse, self-similar profiles are observed and used to determine the equilibrium protein binding capacity and the protein diffusivity in the gel. Mass-transfer rates are found to be essentially independent of the external solution concentration, but to vary dramatically with the gel polymer concentration. A Fickian diffusion model with a flux based on the adsorbed-phase concentration gradient is consistent with the experimentally determined concentration profiles for both positive and negative protein concentration steps. The equilibrium and rate parameters determined for the capillary-supported gels also compare favorably with those obtained from macroscopic measurements using composite ion-exchange media comprising similar gels held within the pores of porous silica particles.
Signs and the process of interpretation: sign as an object and as a process

Historically the words representation and symbol have had overlapping meanings, meanings that usually disregard the role played by the interpreter. Peirce’s theory of signs accounts for these meanings and also for the role of the interpreter. His theory draws attention to the static and dynamic nature of signs. Sign interpretation can be viewed as a continuous dynamic and evolving process. The static and dynamic nature of signs helps us understand the teaching–learning activity as a process of interpretation on the part of teacher and students. The paper attempts to explain the classroom interpretation process on the part of the actors involved using the Peircean theory of signs.
Adjunctive therapy of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis with itraconazole

Itraconazole is a new orally active antifungal triazole with impressive activity against Aspergillus spp. Six patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), aged 14 to 49 years, were treated with oral itraconazole (200 mg twice daily) for a mean of 3.9 months (range, one to six months; three patients continue on therapy). Two patients received two courses. Three patients had underlying cystic fibrosis, and three had severe asthma; four of the six required continuous high-dose systemic prednisone (mean, 43 mg/day; confidence interval [CI], 23 to 63 mg/day) at the start of therapy. In those treated for two months or longer, the mean total serum IgE level fell from 2,462 U/ml (CI, 752 to 4,202 U/ml) to 502 U/ml (CI, 123 to 880 U/ml) during each course, and the mean daily steroid dosage was decreased to a mean of 24 mg/day (CI, 11 to 37 mg/day). All patients experienced improvement in pulmonary function during the trial, with mean FEV 1 increasing from 1.43 to 1.77L/sec and mean FVC from 2.3 to 2.9 L in those treated for two months or longer. The mean steady-state serum concentration of itraconazole was 5.1 μg/ml (range, 1.8 μg/ml to 7.3 μg/ml); the patient with the lowest concentrations had the least significant clinical response. Cultures of sputum from two of three patients became negative for A fumigatus during therapy. No adverse clinical effects occurred except loss of libido in one patient. We conclude that oral itraconazole may be an effective adjunctive therapy in ABPA, possibly by clearing the airway of Aspergillus, and that randomized trials of this agent are warranted to better define its usefulness in this disorder. (Chest 1991; 100:813-19)
Effects of Physical Exercise on Cognitive Functioning in the Elderly

In this paper, we summarize the effects of aging on physiological and cognitive processes in elderly individuals, discuss the ameliorative effects of physical exercising on these processes, and present a review of previous reports of the effects of physical exercise on cognitive functioning in the elderly. We also underscore issues concerning research design and methodology. Thirteen of 18 studies provided sufficient information for calculation of statistical power and effect sizes. Although these studies included a total of 87 statistical tests, the power exceeded. 4 in only 10 instances. Despite inadequate power, effects of exercise were strong enough to yield significant results (<.05) in 23 of these tests. Of the 87 effect sizes determined by using pre- to postassessment data for the exercise group, 56 fell within the very small to medium range (.04 to .49), and 15 fell within the medium to large range (.05 to 1.59). We conclude that exercise promotes modest changes in cognitive functioning in the aged. Given demonstrated improvements in both physical and psychological health, a sound empirical basis exists for prescription of exercise for older adults.
Deep Neural Network Approaches to Speaker and Language Recognition

The impressive gains in performance obtained using deep neural networks (DNNs) for automatic speech recognition (ASR) have motivated the application of DNNs to other speech technologies such as speaker recognition (SR) and language recognition (LR). Prior work has shown performance gains for separate SR and LR tasks using DNNs for direct classification or for feature extraction. In this work we present the application of single DNN for both SR and LR using the 2013 Domain Adaptation Challenge speaker recognition (DAC13) and the NIST 2011 language recognition evaluation (LRE11) benchmarks. Using a single DNN trained for ASR on Switchboard data we demonstrate large gains on performance in both benchmarks: a 55% reduction in EER for the DAC13 out-of-domain condition and a 48% reduction in ${C_{avg}}$ on the LRE11 30 s test condition. It is also shown that further gains are possible using score or feature fusion leading to the possibility of a single i-vector extractor producing state-of-the-art SR and LR performance
Interrelationship of Cabbage Variety, Season, and Insecticide on Control of the Cabbage Looper and the Imported Cabbageworm

Feeding damage and populations of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), and the imported cabbageworm, Pieris rapae (L.), were studied on numerous commercial varieties of cabbage. Based on feeding damage, the most resistant varieties evaluated were Mammoth Red Rock and Savoy Perfection Drumhead; the most susceptible Were Copenhagen Market 86 and Stein’s Flat Dutch. These 4 varieties were selected for detailed studies. Interactions between varieties and larval sizes were significant for both insect species. This fact was exemplified in the antibiosis of Mammoth Red Rock to the cabbage looper. More eggs and small larvae were found on Mammoth Red Rock than on the other 3 varieties, but there were fewer large larvae, and feeding damage on it was relatively light. Almost all eggs on all varieties were deposited on the outer leaves. Maturing larvae of both insect species migrated to the heads. This habit, coupled with antibiosis, probably accounted for the relatively light feeding damage to the heads of varieties which were preferred for egg deposition. Resistant varieties responded more favorably to insecticidal treatment than susceptible varieties. However, this difference tended to disappear under the heavier infestations of late season.
Transformation of Organic Solvents into Carbon-Based Materials by Liquid-Phase Plasmas

The possibility of modifying chemical properties of organic liquids under the influence of strong electric fields created by pulsed electrical discharges with energies on the order of J/pulse is quite intriguing. Considering the majority of carbon-based materials today are almost exclusively synthesized from gaseous precursors, the realization of this process even seems necessary. The goal of this study was to examine the possibility of synthesizing carbon materials using streamer-like electrical discharges in three different organic liquids: methanol, acetone and pentane. The morphology of the deposited carbon was imaged using scanning electron microscopy whereas energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to analyze chemical composition of the resulting films and particles. The results have shown that electrical discharges in all three liquids result in the carbon deposition on the high-voltage electrode. Depending on the type of the organic liquid, the thickness of the carbon layer deposited on the electrode can rise 10–70 % above baseline levels and the deposition is accompanied by a change in surface morphology of the electrode. Electrical discharges in acetone and pentane also result in the deposition of solid carbon particles in the bulk liquid. The mechanism for the formation of solid carbon byproducts was correlated with chemical reactions in plasma.
An Examination of the Co-Morbidity Between Chronic Pain and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder on U.S. Veterans

The purpose of this study was to assess the comorbidity between chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and examine the extent to which PTSD is associated with changes in the multidimensional experience of pain in a sample of Veterans with chronic pain. It was hypothesized that Veterans with comorbid chronic pain and PTSD would report significantly higher scores on measures of pain intensity, pain behaviors, pain-related disability, and affective distress than Veterans with pain alone. Data were obtained from 149 Veterans who completed self-report questionnaires as part of their participation in a Psychology Pain Management program at a northeastern Department of Veterans Affairs health care facility. Analyses indicated that 49% of the sample met criteria for PTSD. A multivariate analysis of covariance was conducted with age, sex, pain duration, and depressive symptom severity as covariates. In partial support of our hypothesis, the presence of PTSD was found to contribute significantly to measures of affective distress, even after controlling for the effects of depressive symptom severity. The implications of these data are discussed.
Applied Stapling Technique in Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy: Efficient, Effective and Efficacious

AbstractPurpose: We demonstrated the efficiency, efficacy and effectiveness of the endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA) stapler in radical retropubic prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: A total of 21 patients with organ confined prostate cancer on preoperative staging underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy. During these procedures we analyzed the applicability and efficacy of the endoscopic GIA vascular stapler to effect ligation, division and stapling of the dorsal vein complex and lateral pedicles of the prostate. This group was compared to 7 controls in whom we performed surgery for organ confined disease, using the stapler solely for the lateral prostatic pedicles or not at all depending on availability. One patient with localized muscle invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder underwent radical cystectomy using the endoscopic GIA stapler in a sequential fashion to ligate and divide all pedicles of the specimen.Results: Mean total operative time was 2 hours (range 1 hour 40 mi...
A new form of exact solutions for mode I, II, III crack problems and implications

Abstract A new form of an exact linear elastic solution is obtained for the problem of a crack in a semi-infinite plate subjected, at infinity, to antiplane stress (Mode III) loading. The use of the conformal mapping technique results in a convenient stress and displacement solution for each point of the semi-infinite domain. For completeness, the solution technique is extended to Mode I, II problems with center-cracks as well as the Mode III V-notch problem. It is shown that the limiting case of the V-notch collapses to the stress functions independently derived for the edge-cut. At distances equivalent to 10% of the crack length away from the crack tip, the exact solutions give stresses about 7.5% greater than the one-term results. Ramifications of the exact solutions to finite-element solutions, elastic-plastic and diffusion problems are discussed.