cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term C-14 source term for a high-level waste repository

This paper evaluates the possibility of long-term Carbon-14(C-14) releases from spent fuels and containers in the anticipated environments of the proposed Yucca Mountain high-level waste repository. Long-term degradation mechanisms of spent fuel matrices, cladding, and containers are evaluated. Under dry conditions, formation of higher oxides, such as U{sub 3}O{sub 8}, may lead to significant C-14 releases from the spent fuel matrix. It is unclear whether there will be significant C-14 releases from lower oxidation to UO{sub 2.4} or from the unoxidized matrix. Under aqueous dissolution conditions, C-14 releases from the spent fuel matrix can be significant. Under aqueous dissolution or dry conditions, it is unlikely that there will be significant C-14 releases from cladding, unless severe localized corrosion takes place. In considering containers and cladding as metallic barriers, the authors discuss qualitatively various factor governing total C-14 containment inside metallic barriers. C-14 releases can be delayed, even by the formation of small through-wall pits in metallic barriers. Although the authors do not have completely definitive information yet, it is clear that the spent fuel matrix, cladding, and containers can serve as important barriers to C-14 releases from waste packages in a repository environment.
Influence of the Secondary Interaction Energy Minimum on the Early Stages of Colloidal Aggregation.

The pair interaction energy of charged colloidal particles in electrolyte solutions can exhibit a large barrier as well as a pronounced secondary minimum. We discuss the effect of a secondary energy minimum on aggregation kinetics by modeling irreversible dimer formation as a two-step process in which charged colloidal particles in electrolyte solutions first aggregate reversibly into the secondary minimum before they can cross the energy barrier. In the classical regime of slow aggregation, the secondary minimum is seen to have a pronounced effect if either the ionic strength of the solution is high (e.g., 0.1 M for particles of 150-nm radius) or particles are large (≥350-nm radius for an ionic strength of 0.01 M). Under these conditions, our calculations predict a transient period of fast aggregation into the secondary minimum followed by slow primary aggregation. The aggregation in this second regime is found to take place at a lower rate than what would be expected in the absence of the secondary minimum or from an earlier linearized model for secondary aggregation. The crossover time between the two regimes strongly depends on the particle size but not on the particle concentration, which however determines the degree of aggregation reached within the fast regime. We also conclude that a previously observed severe discrepancy between measured and predicted aggregation rate constants for submicron particles is not due to the neglect of secondary aggregation in the theoretical treatment.
INTERPRETATION OF NONLOGARITHMIC SURVIVOR CURVES OF HEATED BACTERIA

SUMMARY— Complex survivor curves of heated bacteria are interpreted to be composites of several convex survivor curves that represent populations of different heat resistances in a single culture of bacteria. The variation in heat resistance appears to be physiological rather than genetic since subcultures of heat-resistant cells were no more heat resistant than the parent culture. Composite cures can appear to be nearly exponential. Results support a multiple-site hypothesis of thermal death. Tailing of survivor curves, with small numbers of cells surviving extended heating, was frequently noted when curves were carried through 6–9 log cycles. Such tailing might be of practical importance because it would predict that small numbers of cells might survive much longer heating than would be predicted from D-values calculated from curves carried through 4–5 log cycles.
Different Modes of Transport for 3H-Thymidine, 3H-FLT, and 3H-FMAU in Proliferating and Nonproliferating Human Tumor Cells

1464 Objectives Donepezil is an acethylcholine esterase inhibitor and one of the major therapeutic drugs for Alzheimer’s decease (AD). Although it is widely used in AD patients, the pharmacokinetics of Donepezil remains unproven in vivo. We aimed to optimize the radiosynthesis of 11C-Donepezil from 11C-CH3OTf , to reduce the amount of precursor for economic efficiency and high specific activity, and to provide it for pharmacokinetic study. Methods We tested the form of precursor (hydrochloride salt or non hydrochloride salt), the concentration of precursor (0.25~1.0 mg/ml), the amount of precursor solution (0.2 ml or 1.0 ml), and the amount of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as the base. Results Radiochemical yield (RCY) was less than 5% for hydrochloride salt precursor and over 30% for non hydrochloride salt precursor. RCY was over 30 % for 0.5 mg/ml or more of precursor concentration, but was less than 5% with 0.25 mg/ml. Good RCY (35%) resulted from 0.2 ml and 1.0 ml of volume amount of precursor solution. RCY more than 35% needed 9 times higher content of NaOH than that of precursor. With 0.5 mg/ml in acetone and 5 μl of 1M NaOH, we obtained 600 MBq of 11C-Donepezil (specific activity was about 150 GBq/μmol) within 30 min (20 microA and 30 min irradiation). 11C-Donepezil produced was injected to rats. Planar positron imaging system (PPIS) showed a distribution similar to that reported previously in ex vivo 14C-Donepezil study. Conclusions We optimized the radiosynthesis of 11C-Donepezil by employing easy and reliable methods and succeeded to analyze whole body pharmacokinetics of 11C-Denepezil in rats. Detailed pharmacokinetics of 11C-donepezil can be evaluated in rat with PPIS and potentially in humans with PET. Research Support This work was supported by research grants from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (No. 19591416), Japan
Symmetry of the gap in Bi2212 from photoemission spectroscopy.

In a recent Letter, Shen et al have detected a large anisotropy of the superconducting gap in Bi2212, consistent with d-wave symmetry, from photoemission spectroscopy. Moreover, they claim that the change in their spectra as a function of aging is also consistent with such an intrepretation. In this Comment, I show that the latter statement is not entirely correct, in that the data as a function of aging are inconsistent with a d-wave gap but are consistent with an anisotropic s-wave gap.
SOLID-STATE PRODUCTION OF PHENOLIC ANTIOXIDANTS FROM CRANBERRY POMACE BY RHIZOPUS OLIGOSPORUS

ABSTRACT Cranberry pomace is a byproduct of the cranberry processing industry that can be targeted for production of value-added phenolic ingredients. Bio-processing of pomace by solid state fermentation (SSF) using food grade fungi provides unique strategies to improve nutraceutical properties and to produce functional phenolic ingredients. Several functional phenolic phytochemicals exist as glycosides or as other conjugated forms with reduced biological activity. We hypothesize that during SSF the fungal glycosidases mobilize some phenolic antioxidants in cranberry pomace and their activity by hydrolysis via β-glucosidase and releasing the aglycone. To develop this strategy we used food grade fungus Rhizopus oligosporus. Our goal was to target the release of simple phenolic aglycones and mobilized diphenyls. SSF of cranberry pomace was done for 16 days with nitrogen sources, ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and fish protein hydrolysate (FPH). The two nitrogen treatments increased water extractable phenolics by...
Strengthening mechanism of bonded alumina crowns

The results of this study suggest that the strengthening of aluminous porcelain with Sn-plated Pt is an effect of (1) a chemical interaction involving diffusion and dissolution of Sn-oxide in the glass phase of the porcelain and (2) a better wetting of te Sn-plated substrate by the porcelain. This conclusion supports and confirms the earlier hypothesis of McLean and Sced.
Sea level and initiation of Predynastic culture in the Nile delta

PREDYNASTIC occupation of the Nile valley and delta, dating back to at least 5000 BC, has been attributed by most archaeologists to environmental factors, primarily regional climate change and fluctuating Nile flood stages1–5. Here we propose instead that initiation of farming settlements in the Nile delta was closely related to eustatic sea level. We present geological analyses of late Quaternary subsurface sections throughout the delta which reveal that the deceleration in sea-level rise that occurred at about 6500–5500 BC was a prime factor in the accumulation of Nile silt, and the creation of the widespread and fertile delta plain. As rising sea level reduced the gradient of the river course, a system of meandering Nile distributaries evolved, with increased overbank deposition burying the former (early Holocene), partially vegetated sandy plain. The broadening, seasonally flooded, fecund plain, with its increasing plant cover, provided a setting that was conducive to evolving agricultural activity and was therefore instrumental in the development of Predynastic communities in the Nile delta.
Study of Shaking Table Test on Seismic Performance of 750 kV Post Insulator

The applicability of seismic waves for the seismic performance estimation of 750 kV post insulator has been investigated in full-scale shaking table test. the input seismic waves comprise El Centro seismic wave, Landers seismic wave, sine beat wave and artificial standard wave. The testing results indicate that, high dynamic responses of the equipment can be obtained under artificial standard wave condition. In addition, due to comprehensive enveloping ability and gentle spectral curve, artificial standard wave is ideal for the seismic performance evaluation of 750 kV post insulator in the test. An finite element model has been developed and numerical seismic analysis has been performed. Satisfactory match between the simulated and measured results reveals the reliability of the test. The achievements obtained in this paper are helpful in choosing reasonable input wave for shaking table test, and also provide technical support on determining seismic capacity of high voltage electrical equipment.
Metallacryptate Single-Molecule Magnets: Effect of Lower Molecular Symmetry on Blocking Temperature

The structural characterization of complexes [MnII4MnIII22(pdol)12(OCH3)12(O)16(N3)6] (1) and [MnII4MnIII22(pdol)12(OCH3)12(O)16(OH)2(H2O)(OCH3)3]·ClO4·5CH3OH (2), where pdol2- is di-2-pyridyl methanediol, reveals that each has a metallacryptand shell that encapsulates a manganese oxide core. Variable-temperature direct current magnetic susceptibility measurements on 2 indicate a paramagnetic ground state that results from an overall antiferromagnetic interaction in the cluster, with χT values decreasing from 300 K (51.2 cm3 K mol-1) to 2 K (19.8 cm3 K mol-1). Variable-temperature alternating current magnetic susceptibility measurements imply that both 1 and 2 behave as single-molecule magnets. Fitting the frequency-dependent out-of-phase magnetic susceptibility to the Arrhenius equation yields an effective energy barrier, Ueff, to magnetization relaxation of 16.5 ± 0.7 K (11.5 ± 0.5 cm-1) for 1 and 36.2 ± 2.0 K (25.1 ± 1.4 cm-1) for 2. The larger value for 2 is in agreement with the lower molecular symme...
Transrectal Prostate Ultrasonography: Variability of Interpretation

AbstractPurpose: The current study was designed to compare the interpretation of the individual performing transrectal ultrasound examination (operator) with experienced individuals who interpreted the examination with and without the availability of clinical data. Inter-observer and intra-observer variability was compared to determine the reproducibility and reliability of the study.Materials and Methods: All patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for treatment of localized carcinoma of the prostate underwent a transrectal ultrasound examination before the procedure. The sonogram was interpreted by the operator and reviewers. The radical prostatectomy specimen was examined pathologically and the staging as determined by ultrasound was compared with the pathological findings.Results: Ultrasound operator accuracy for extracapsular extension and seminal vesicle invasion was 0.70 and 0.74, respectively, compared with the accuracy of the reviewers, which ranged from 0.59 to 0.75 and 0.44 to 0.74 for extrac...
Protective Effects of Diallyl Sulfide, a Garlic Constituent, on the Warm Hepatic Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury in a Rat Model

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of diallyl sulfide (DAS) on the warm hepatic ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury in a rat model. Rats (n = 8–10/group) were subjected to sham operation or warm ischemia (1 h)-reperfusion (3 h) preceded by a single intraperitoneal dose (1.75 mmol/kg) of DAS or vehicle, and relevant biochemical parameters were monitored. Warm IR injury caused a significant increase in the plasma markers of liver injury, which was attenuated by DAS. The hepatoprotective effects of DAS were associated with significant reductions in lipid peroxidation markers and in situ generation of superoxide in the liver and increases in the glutathione levels of the liver and bile, suggestive of an antioxidant effect for DAS. Additionally, DAS caused an almost twofold increase in the protein expression of the liver heme oxygenase-1, an enzyme that confers cytoprotection against oxidative stress. Whereas the total cytochrome P450 remained unchanged, the protein levels and activity of CYP2E1, which plays an important role in the generation of reactive oxygen species, significantly decreased by DAS pretreatment. DAS protects the liver from warm IR injury by reducing oxidative stress through, at least in part, induction of heme oxygenase-1 and inhibition of CYP2E1.
Perceptions of physicians and patients with organic and functional gastrointestinal diagnoses.

Background & Aims: We studied patient after-hours telephone calls to gastrointestinal (GI) fellows at a university program to determine requests made,physicians’ responses,and perceptions of patients and physicians to these requests. Methods: During a 4-month period,4 GI fellows taking call were asked about reasons for patientinitiated after-hours telephone calls,actions taken,and their perceptions about the nature of the request,the illness impact,and their role in the care administered. Patients were telephoned within 1 week and asked the same questions about their perceptions of the call. Results: Patients (N 102) made 103 telephone calls, averaging 8.7 minutes,for symptoms (56%),procedurerelated concerns (19%),and medications (18%). Physicians usually referred the patient to the clinic or emergency room (40%) or provided discussion and reassurance (36%). Patients’ perceptions differed from physicians’ perceptions: patients believed their problems to be more severe and more disabling and requests were more reasonable than perceived by the physician. Furthermore,their interactions with physicians (physician helpfulness,satisfaction with the recommendation,and likeability of the physician) were more positive than believed by physicians. Physicians believed phone calls from patients with functional disorders were less serious and less reasonable,that these patients were less disabled,and also that these patients were less liked than patients with an organic diagnosis. Conclusions: In this study,physicians carried a lower perception of the importance of telephone requests,the impact of the disorder,and their perceived helpfulness to patients than did patients making these requests. Physician perceptions were significantly lower for all these factors for patients with functional GI diagnoses. Additional studies are needed to understand the reasons for differing perceptions between physicians and patients.
Balancing Cure and Quality of Life After Radical Prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy is used to treat a substantial number of patients each year in the United States. The goal of the procedure includes lifelong control of cancer while maintaining normal functions that contribute to a global quality of life (QOL). Much like sensitivity-specificity tradeoffs in screening or the Phillips curve (employment versus inflation) in economics, we are concerned that methods to improve cure diminish QOL and vice versa. The holy grail of prostate cancer treatment, short of primary prevention, is cure and normal QOL. Four articles in this issue of The Journal address these tradeoffs. Black men suffer a disproportionate burden from prostate cancer, as the disease develops earlier, risk and death rate are higher and outcomes of treatment are worse when controlling for other prognostic factors. 1 With the suggestion that the disease in black men may have an intrinsically worse prognosis, whether nerve sparing approaches compromise cancer control is an important question. Carver et al (page 700) examined the ability to offer nerve sparing to black compared to white men as well as cancer related outcomes. While there was no significant difference in the performance of nerve sparing procedures (p 0.25), 69.3% of white and 58.6% of black men underwent the procedure. Although again not statistically significant, pT3 disease was found in 25% of black compared to 14.3% of white men. With relatively short followup biochemical recurrence was similar (11.3% in black and 9.1% in white men). On first blush, these data suggest similar application of QOL related surgery techniques and outcomes but short followup and a
Distribution of Tenr, an RNA-binding protein, in a lattice-like network within the spermatid nucleus in the mouse.

In a molecular screen for cDNAs that encode protamine RNA-binding proteins, we obtained seven independent clones that encode Tenr, a testis nuclear RNA-binding protein. Tenr is a 72-kDa protein that has one copy of a previously described RNAbinding domain. Northwestern blotting experiments showed that a maltose-binding protein-Tenr fusion binds to a variety of RNAs in vitro and that it does not bind to single-stranded or double-stranded DNA. The Tenr gene is transcribed exclusively in the testis, and its mRNA is restricted to cells from the pachytene spermatocyte stage through the round spermatid stage. Immunolocalization of the Tenr protein within the testis showed that it is first detected postmeiotically, demonstrating that the Tenr mRNA is under translational control. The Tenr protein is localized to round and early elongating spermatid cells, and confocal microscopy revealed a lattice-like nuclear distribution suggesting association with the nuclear scaffold. We suggest that the Tenr protein may be involved in testis-specific nuclear posttranscriptional processes such as heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA) packaging, alternative splicing, or nuclear/cytoplasmic transport of mRNAs.
Plane elastic standing waves of finite amplitude

A plane standing wave solution is obtained for homogeneous, isotropic, incompressible nonlinearly elastic solids. The motion describes the nonlinear interaction of two oppositely propagating, circularly polarized waves. It is used to obtain exact steady state solutions for nonlinear vibrations of a plate and for reflection and transmission of finite amplitude, circularly polarized waves at a plane interface.
Nano-Devices for Probing Single Molecules

By confining molecules to 2-dimensional sheets or zero-dimensional wells, with nanometer-scale dimensions, one can observe individual fluorescently labeled molecules for long times, at high concentrations, and without surface attachment. We present two simple nano-devices that achieve these goals. We use these devices to obtain previously inaccessible information on molecular size, composition, and dynamics.2-dimensional confinement is achieved near the point of contact between a convex lens and a planar coverslip. The lens-coverslip spacing varies smoothly from zero to many microns as the radial distance from the point of contact is increased. Commercial fused silica optics have surface roughness of approximately 1 nm, so one can select a vertical confinement with nanometer accuracy simply by imaging at a given radius from the point of contact. The lens-coverslip system allows: a) fluorescence imaging of immobilized single molecules in the presence of a micromolar concentration of diffusing fluorophores; b) long-time observations of freely diffusing single molecules in dilute solution, which further allows determination of diffusion coefficients, brightness, and spectral dynamics molecule-by-molecule; and c) direct mechanical measurement of the size distribution in a population of fluorescently labeled molecules.Zero-dimensional confinement is achieved in nanometer-scale wells in a fused silica coverslip. A solution of fluorophores is washed over the wells, and then the bulk solution is replaced with a fluorinated oil. At most one molecule, or molecular complex, is immobilized in a nanoscale water droplet in each well. As with the lens-coverslip system, the dimple machine allows long-time observations of individual molecules, without surface attachment and in the presence of a high fluorescence background. By counting the number of photobleaching steps in each of several thousand chambers, we determine the distribution of stoichiometries in multimeric complexes.
Effect of geometry and dielectric material on thermo-mechanical strain on micro-vias in build-up substrates

Build-up substrates have been preferable solutions for small and high performance systems for more than a few decades. Micro-vias need to be smaller to realize ever higher wiring density in build-up substrates, but there has been concern on the reliability. This paper focuses on Cu filled micro-vias of 25 μm in diameter and investigates the strain on micro-vias using a finite element method for varying geometric parameters and material properties. The strain becomes smaller with shrinking micro-vias, and a prediction equation for the strain is developed as a function of the aspect ratio and material properties for both single and stacked micro-vias.
Coarse-grained atomistic simulation of dislocations

Abstract This paper presents a new methodology for coarse-grained atomistic simulation of dislocation dynamics. The methodology combines an atomistic formulation of balance equations and a modified finite element method employing rhombohedral-shaped 3D solid elements suitable for fcc crystals. With significantly less degrees of freedom than that of a fully atomistic model and without additional constitutive rules to govern dislocation activities, this new coarse-graining (CG) method is shown to be able to reproduce key phenomena of dislocation dynamics for fcc crystals, including dislocation nucleation and migration, formation of stacking faults and Lomer–Cottrell locks, and splitting of stacking faults, all comparable with fully resolved molecular dynamics simulations. Using a uniform coarse mesh, the CG method is then applied to simulate an initially dislocation-free submicron-sized thin Cu sheet. The results show that the CG simulation has captured the nucleation and migration of large number of dislocations, formation of multiple stacking fault ribbons, and the occurrence of complex dislocation phenomena such as dislocation annihilation, cutting, and passing through the stacking faults. The distinctions of this method from existing coarse-graining or multiscale methods and its potential applications and limitations are also discussed.
Humeral shaft fractures following TSA

Abstract Periprosthetic fractures are difficult postoperative complications after arthroplasty. Fractures that occur intraoperatively should be stabilized at the time of surgery. Revision stems can bypass the fracture. Plates and cerclage wires are another option. Fractures that occur in the postoperative setting may be treated non operatively if the fracture involves the shaft distal to the stem and the stem is stable. Greater tuberosity fractures can also be treated non operatively if the stem is stable. Fractures that result in instability or occur in the setting on an unstable prosthesis require operative revision. Radial nerve palsy is a common complication of operative treatment, and the nerve should be carefully protected.
Generalized Buchsbaum-Rim Multiplicities and a Theorem of Rees

Abstract Given M, a submodule of Nwhich is in turn a submodule of a free R-module, where Ris a Noetherian local ring which is equidimensional and universally catenary, the theorem of Rees asserts that the integral closures of Mand Nagree provided their multiplicities agree. We extend this result to modules of non-finite colength by introducing a chain of submodules H i (M)which give an increasingly good approximation to the integral closure of M, and a sequence of numbers based on the multiplicity of a pair of modules. Some applications to problems in equisingularity are given. Dedicated to Steven L. Kleiman on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
Traditional versus social values as antecedents of racial stereotyping and policy conservatism

Recent studies of racial attitudes have focused on traditional values, such as individualism, as important antecedents of Americans' opinions on racial issues, with mixed results. We focus on another set of values that has its roots in an older research tradition examining the psychological sources of racial prejudice, which suggests that prejudice against blacks is part of a more encompassing set of values regarding one's acceptance of social diversity. We find that these social values—conformity and social intolerance—are much stronger predictors of racial stereotypes and racial policy attitudes than traditional values of individualism and equalitarianism. We also find these social values to condition an ethnocentric response toward international outgroups in a domain as diverse as foreign affairs, thus providing additional evidence of the pervasive and general nature of values related to a rejection of diversity. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of our findings for future research.
Vacuum-deposited polycrystalline silicon solar cells on foreign substrates

Abstract The problem of fabricating low cost solar cells on foreign substrates has been addressed through the use of vacuum-deposited polycrystalline silicon films. The experimental cells consisted of the following layers on an Al 2 O 3 substrate: TiB 2 bottom electrode/p-type polycrystalline silicon film/n-type silicon region/TiAg electrode. The formation and properties of each layer are described. Interfacial reactions and purity were examined by secondary ion mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. A reactionbettween silicon and TiB 2 resulting in large silicon crystallite growth has been identified. The n-type region was formed by standard phosphorus diffusion techniques. Typical photovoltaic responses without an antireflection coating were V oc = 0.28 V, J sc = 18 mA cm -2 , an efficiency of 2.7% and a fill factor of 0.55. The factors limiting the cell efficiency were primarily the grain size and the purity of the p-type silicon layer.
Dynamic regulation of Smad expression during mesenchyme to epithelium transition in the metanephric kidney

Abstract Genetic studies have revealed a role for the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily growth factors in development of the mouse kidney. In this study, we have characterized developmental expression of Smad proteins, the downstream effectors of TGFβ superfamily ligands. Immunohistochemistry detecting Smads 1–5 and 8 was performed on 11.25–15.5 dpc kidney sections. We find that Smad proteins are readily detected in metanephric mesenchyme but are coordinately down-regulated in condensing mesenchyme and derivative structures such as renal vesicles. In order to define the stage at which down-regulation occurs, we used the heterologous inducer lithium chloride to promote condensation in isolated cultured mesenchymal explants and subsequently assayed expression of Smad 4. Down-regulation is complete in lithium chloride induced mesenchymal condensates, indicating that Smad regulation takes place at an early stage, prior to mesenchyme to epithelium transition.
Assessment of Antral Protective Mechanisms and Intestinal Susceptibility Gradient to Ulcer Formation

Summary and conclusions1) In Group II type of preparation described herein (antral exclusion with 50% of acid peptic secreting tissue attached to antrum) no abettment of ulcer diathesis was noted. Ulcer was not observed at either neostoma. 2) When, however, a similar fundic pouch was attached to the duodenum (Group I preparation) ulcer occurred at this neostoma in 50% of dogs studied and interestingly not in the short duodenal segment, but just over on the jejunal side, an occurrence which suggests an increased gradient of susceptibility to peptic ulceration.
A computer method for systematic sensitivity analysis of building thermal networks

A computer technique for efficient and systematic sensitivity analysis of building thermal networks is presented. The method is based on the discrete frequency domain nodal formulation. Its primary advantage is that sensitivities of individual network functions can be calculated without the need to invert a system matrix when changes are made in the building model. Thus, if during design a building element is changed, or if a new elemebt is added, only a few scalar operations are involved, which are easily performed. The method may be used for optimization of building thermal performance by variation of design parameters, or for studies of the effect of changes in physical parameters such as convective heat transfer coefficients.
Growth Hormone, Glutamine, and a Modified Diet Enhance Nutrient Absorption in Patients With Severe Short Bowel Syndrome

Background: Massive loss of intestinal surface area results in the short bowel syndrome characterized by malabsorption of fluid, electrolytes, and other nutrients. Although the remaining bowel undergoes morphological and functional adaptation, often these changes are inadequate to support the individual by enteral feedings, and parenteral nutrition is required to prevent dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, and malnutrition. Substances such as growth hormone, glutamine, and fiber exert bowel-specific trophic effects and either directly or indirectly influence nutrient absorption. This study was undertaken to determine whether the co-administration of exogenous growth hormone, supplemental glutamine, and a modified fiber-containing diet could enhance nutrient absorption in patients who had undergone massive intestinal resection. Methods: Ten patients (5 men, 5 women, aged 43 ± 4 years) with short bowel syndrome were studied 6 ± 1 years after surgical resection. All patients were admitted to the Clinical ...
A Rotating Thyristor Excitation System for Hydroelectric Generators

A contemporary approach to the high response excitation system for hydroelectric generators is described. This approach eliminates the conventional mechanical commutator, the main generator field collector rings, and many field power connections and switching devices external to the generating unit. Excitation power generation, and commutation are accomplished by using an AC exciter and thyristor rectifier bridge directly connected to the generator shaft. These elements, in combination with a sophisticated static regulator depending only on electrically derived inputs, provide improved positive damping of electric power system oscillations by proper control of excitation. This system was first applied to three 142,105 KVA, 90 RPM generators now in commercial operation.
Effects of supplementation of BH4 after prolonged ischemia in skeletal muscle.

Purpose: To determine whether the supplementation of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4, an essential cofactor of nitric oxide synthase; NOS) could attenuate endothelial dysfunction and improve NOS activity and cell viability in skeletal muscle after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Methods:A vascular pedicle isolated rat cremaster muscle model was used. Cremaster muscles were subjected to 4 h of ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Rats were given either normal saline or BH4 by intravenous injection at 1 min prior to reperfusion. After reperfusion, average arteriole diameter, capillary perfusion, endothelial-dependent/-independent vasodilatation, NOS activity, and muscle cell viability were evaluated. Results: Supplementation of BH4 prior to reperfusion significantly attenuated reperfusion-induced vasoconstriction, poor capillary perfusion, and endothelial dysfunction and enhanced cNOS activity and slightly improved cell viability in the skeletal muscle after I/R. Conclusion: Supplementation of BH4 during reperfusion provided a significant protection against I/R injury in rat skeletal muscle. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
MapShaper.org: a map generalization Web service

Map is a macromedia flash-based WYSIWYG map generalization Web service for real-time generalizing and editing of vector map data. Requiring only a Web browser with the flash plug-in, it offers line and shape simplification and smoothing. Users can upload map files, perform generalization operations, and export and download their work
Genetic counseling in obstetrics and gynecology.

Summary It is the increasing responsibility of the obstetrician and gynecologist to assume a role in genetic counseling. He is ideally suited for this by the very nature of his specialty, since his contact with patients covers the entire life span of womanhood. It is hoped that he will make an effort to supplement his treatment with counseling, early recognition and diagnosis of abnormal conditions and treatment of these deformities. It is suggested that by obtaining an adequate history and performing a thorough physical examination of mothers during prenatal care, and of the babies at the time of delivery, a great step may be taken in this direction.
Targeted and nontargeted remodeling.

there may be two kinds of bone remodeling: one that is stochastic, in the sense that it is not site-dependent (although it is probably not truly random); and a second that is targeted toward specific sites. The areas defined in what follows require greater research efforts to determine how these different components of the remodeling system are controlled. Questions that remain to be addressed include whether targeted remodeling does in fact occur; how much of bone’s total turnover is targeted and how much is nontargeted (stochastic); and whether these forms of remodeling are independently controlled, can respond differently to therapeutic measures, and can therefore be modulated independently of one another.
PUT YOUR ROBOT IN, PUT YOUR ROBOT OUT: SEQUENCING THROUGH PROGRAMMING ROBOTS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

This article examines the impact of programming robots on sequencing ability in early childhood. Thirty-four children (ages 4.5–6.5 years) participated in computer programming activities with a developmentally appropriate tool, CHERP, specifically designed to program a robot's behaviors. The children learned to build and program robots over three sessions, of 1.5 hours duration each, in a laboratory setting. The participants' sequencing skills were assessed before and after the intervention using a picture-story sequencing task. Pre- and post-test scores were compared using a paired sample t-test. A significant increase in post-test scores compared to pre-test scores was found.
Impact of NBTI on FPGAs

Device scaling such as reduced oxide thickness and high electric field has given rise to various reliability concerns. One such growing issue of concern is the degradation of PMOS devices due to negative bias temperature instability (NBTI). NBTI has detrimental effects on the threshold voltage of the PMOS transistor thereby leading to lower performance and noise degradation over time in digital systems. The degradation is measured as reduction in static noise margin (SNM) of SRAM cells in memories and as timing impact in digital circuits. In this work, a comprehensive analysis of the impact of NBTI on different components for current and future generation FPGAs was provided. Solutions based on the reversible nature of this phenomenon and the static probabilities at the gate of the PMOS devices in any system were also provided. An average of 53.2% of the lost SNM was recovered and improved the FIT rate by 2.48% for a X4VFX40 device by using the proposed method
The equatorward extent of auroral activity during 1973-1974

The equatorward boundary of auroral activity during 1973-1974 has been derived from DMSP photographs and their associated auroral analysis records. On a time scale of days, the equatorward position of the northern auroral oval varied in phase with the average level of geomagnetic activity. In general, this variation was associated with the occurrence of solar flares and coronal holes. On a time scale of hours, the equatorward position of the oval correlated with the AE index of substorm activity and with the strength of the southward component of the interplanetary magnetic field.
Thermo-elastic analysis of functionally graded materials using Voronoi elements

In this study, the thermo-elastic behavior of a bi-material and a functionally graded material is investigated using a special hybrid finite element analysis. The algorithm evolves from the natural discretization of the domain into basic structural elements, Voronoi elements, by Dirichlet tesselation. For heterogeneous microstructures, the Voronoi elements contain a second phase of which the effects on the displacement and temperature fields are accurately accounted for. The accuracy and the efficiency of the algorithm are verified by comparing the solutions with results obtained from a standard finite element analysis. The advantages of the algorithm for studying the micromechanistic behavior of heterogeneous solids, such as functionally graded materials, are elucidated.
Cysteine Is the Metabolic Signal Responsible for Dietary Regulation of Hepatic Cysteine Dioxygenase and Glutamate Cysteine Ligase in Intact Rats

Cysteine, rather than a precursor or metabolite of cysteine, appears to mediate the upregulation of cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) and the downregulation of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL) in cultured primary rat hepatocytes. However, similar experiments in intact rats have not been performed to confirm in vivo that changes in hepatic cysteine levels are associated with the regulation of CDO or GCL activity. Therefore, rats were fed a low protein basal diet (100 g casein/kg diet) with or without supplemental sulfur amino acids (8 g cystine, 9 g homocystine or 10 g methionine/kg diet) and with or without propargylglycine (PPG, 1 mmol/kg), an irreversible inhibitor of cystathionine -lyase. Rats were fed the assigned diet for 2 full days and up until the mid-point of the dark cycle on d 3, at which time they were killed for collection of liver. Rats fed the PPG-containing diets had hepatic cystathionine -lyase activities that were 16% of the uninhibited level. PPG treatment reduced CDO activity by 50 and 54%, increased GCL activity by 41 and 61% and lowered total cysteine concentration by 33 and 64% in liver of the homocystine and methionine-supplemented groups, respectively, but not in the cystine- supplemented groups or unsupplemented groups. Glutathione levels were not affected by PPG treatment in any groups. These experiments are consistent with a role for cysteine, rather than a precursor or metabolite of cysteine, in the metabolic signaling responsible for diet-induced regulation of CDO and GCL. J. Nutr. 133: 2697-2702, 2003.
Putting community first: mainstreaming CSR for community-building in India and China

Community-building is studied as a multidimensional process that leads to sustainable improvements in the well-being of individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole. The study looks at the role organizations play in developing countries as an integral function of inter-connectedness between organizations and community. A total of 100 Indian and Chinese organizations were analyzed for the available corporate social responsibility (CSR) information and initiatives using quantitative content analysis. The sample was drawn from the 2011 Forbes Global 2000 list. Significant differences were found between Indian and Chinese organizations in the levels of community-building. Findings also revealed information on the most common CSR terms, issues, and modes used by the organizations and how those differ culturally. Cultural scores on collectivism were also looked at for each country to analyze the relationship between organizations and community-building.
An Electrochemical Theory for Oxygen Reboil

Oxygen reboil often occurs when glass is melted in air in platinum containers. Oxygen blisters develop even when well-fined glass is remelted under similar conditions. Experiments show that this reboil is prevented or greatly reduced by: (1) Eliminating electron conductors from the system, (2) removing oxygen from the atmosphere over the melt, (3) applying an external bucking potential, (4) reversing concentration gradients, or (5) removing temperature gradients. These results suggest that oxygen reboil, which occurs at a platinum-glass interface, results from the discharge of a concentration cell or a thermal cell. The proposed mechanism is: O2−→½ O2+ 2e− at the anode and ½ O2+ 2e−→ O2− at the cathode, with electron transport in the platinum and, to complete the circuit, alkali ions in the glass.
Receptor-mediated adhesive and anti-adhesive functions of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan preparations from embryonic chicken brain

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans inhibit the adhesion of cells to extracellular matrix proteins that otherwise permit adhesion. Although proteoglycans are widely assumed to act by masking the other protein in a mixed substrate, recent studies suggest that proteoglycans inhibit adhesion through mechanisms initiated by their binding to specific cell surface receptors. To explore this issue, we developed a purification scheme to isolate proteoglycan aggregates, monomers, and core proteins. Two distinct adhesion assays were used to study the interaction of these proteoglycan preparations with human foreskin fibroblasts: the gravity assay in which cell attachment is stabilized by cell spreading, and the centrifugation assay in which spreading does not play a role. All proteoglycan preparations mediate adhesion in the centrifugation assay but not in the gravity assay. In the centrifugation assay, proteoglycan aggregates and monomers are considerably more active than other extracellular matrix proteins while proteoglycan core proteins are at least as active as other extracellular matrix proteins. Proteoglycan core proteins bind to cell-associated hyaluronic acid, but not to integrins. Using mixed substrates in the gravity assay, all proteoglycan preparations inhibited cell attachment to fibronectin and vitronectin but not to collagen I and laminin. Although proteoglycan aggregates and monomers are more active than core proteins in inhibiting adhesion in the gravity assay, core proteins are still clearly active. A variety of control experiments suggest that the inhibition of cell attachment by proteoglycans is mediated through the specific interactions of proteoglycans with cell surface receptors, resulting in the inhibition of cell spreading. These results suggest at least two molecular mechanisms for proteoglycan-fibroblast interactions, one involving the chondroitin sulfate on the proteoglycan and an as yet unidentified receptor, the other involving the proteoglycan core protein and cell-associated hyaluronic acid.
Peanut Hull Flour as Dietary Fiber in Wheat Bread

Peanut hull flour (PHF) at 0, 4, and 8% was added to wheat bread (WB) to increase the dietary fiber content. The bread was tested for textural properties, proximate composition, dietary fiber content, specific volume, color, and some sensory attributes. While addition of PHF caused some changes in the bread, all samples were evaluated by a panel as being acceptable. From the standpoint of bread quality, PHF is an acceptable material which can be added to WB to increase the level of dietary fiber.
Ovine Abortion and Stillbirth due to Purulent Placentitis caused by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis was isolated from an aborted placenta and stillborn lamb from a sheep flock having multiple abortions. Given intravenously, it caused elevated body temperatures and purulent placentitis in eight of nine ewes. Two ewes died following infection at 2.5 months of gestation. Two ewes infected at 3.5 months gestation aborted; three infected at four months gave birth to weak, premature, or moribund lambs. One ewe infected at 4.5 months gave birth to a healthy lamb. One lamb which died minutes after birth had focal necrotizing hepatitis, a lesion observed in a stillborn lamb during the original disease outbreak. Y. pseudotuberculosis was reisolated from endometrial, placental, and fetal lesions of experimentally infected animals.
Effect of prostaglandin inhibitors on bile salt-induced mucosal damage of porcine colon

The effect of endogenous prostaglandin inhibition on bile salt-induced colonic injury and secretion was studied microscopically and by measurements of [14C]mannitol clearance and transmural potential difference in vivo. Bile salt-induced mucosal damage and permeability increased sequentially with concentration, and these degenerative changes were accelerated with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. Mepacrine, a phospholipase inhibitor, gave similar results, whereas nordihydroguaiaretic acid, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, was ineffective. The effect of indomethacin was abolished by prostaglandin E2 replacement; however, exogenous prostaglandin or prior bile salt exposure failed to result in additional protection. Concentrations of bile salts below the threshold for damage elicited net secretion in the presence or absence of indomethacin, and indomethacin was also without effect on the bile salt-induced secretion at damaging concentrations. Restitution of a completely denuded surface was unaffected by indomethacin, and occurred within 30 min of recovery. The present evidence suggests that endogenous prostaglandins render the mucosa more resistant to acute injury by events independent of the repair process. In addition, the bile salt-induced secretion, which can be dissociated from increased mucosal permeability and microscopic damage, is unlikely to be the result of increased mucosal synthesis of prostaglandins.
The Effect of Padding Foam on the Compression Characteristics of Some Agglomerated Food Powders

Se ha seleccionado un material para relleno que sirva para evitar la compactacion de alimentos aglomerados en polvo. El uso de rellenos se utiliza ampliamente durante la cosecha o manufactura de frutas y verduras para minimizar danos mecanicos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el efecto de amortiguamiento de algunos materiales plastico de diferentes espesores y situados en diferentes posiciones en alimentos aglomerados en polvo cuando se aplica una compresion uniaxial. El efecto del relleno se evaluo mediante dos nuevos indices: el indice de relleno y el de la eficacia de relleno. El primer indice se basa en el comportamiento de fuerza-deformacion durante la compresion mientras que el segundo se basa en la comparacion de los pesos del mismo alimento en polvo que mantiene el tamano original de particula con o sin el uso de relleno. El espesor del relleno y su posicion dentro del lecho del alimento afectaron significativamente a la relacion fuerza deformacion para los dos alimentos ensayados: cafe soluble y leche en polvo. El efecto del relleno, en terminos de los dos indices propuestos fue mas notable cuando el material de relleno se coloco en la parte superior del lecho. El indice de eficacia del relleno fue mas util que el indice del relleno en detectar la compactacion en estos dos casos.