cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Cushing response evoked by a fourth ventricular brainstem mass.

We report a case of a patient with a mass lesion of the pontomedullary junction with paroxysmal episodes of autonomic and other homeostatic dysfunction that echo the classic Cushing response to intracranial hypertension.1
Management of menstrual migraine: a review of current abortive and prophylactic therapies

After menarche, women have an increased prevalence of migraine compared to men. There is significant variability in the frequency and severity of migraine throughout the menstrual cycle. Women report migraines occur more frequently during menses, and that those are more severe than other migraines. This creates a unique challenge of effectively treating menstrually related and pure menstrual migraines. As with treatment of other migraines, both abortive and prophylactic treatment regimens are used. Triptans demonstrate efficacy in the abortive management of menstrually related and pure menstrual migraines. For migraines that occur primarily during menses or that are particularly resistant to other therapies, intermittent prophylactic therapies can be used. Naproxen and estrogens have been studied for this use. More recently, triptans have been examined and have shown efficacy for intermittent prophylaxis of menstrual migraine.
The consequences of measurement in quantum mechanics II. A detailed position measurement thought experiment

Abstract A thought experiment is described for the process of position measurement, using ordinary quantum mechanics in detail. The treatment is nonrelativistic and essentially one-dimensional, and involves the perfectly-reflecting collision of two particles represented by Gaussian wave packets. From simultaneous momentum-time measurements on the measuriing particle (number 2) information concerning the position and momentum of the measured particle, number 1, is obtained both for a single measurement interaction and an ensemble. Momentum measurements on particle 2 are correlated with those on particle 1, a fact reflected in the use in quantum mechanics of the joint space of both particles. The only position of particle 1 which is meaningful for measurement is the collision position, xc. We have not solved the problem of finding an operator for xc, but we offer as a preliminary to the discussion of this problem a special semiclassical definition for the position measurement in terms of the intersection of the paths (with appropriate quantum spreads) of particle 2 before and after collision. By this definition xc is inferred from the initial conditions and the measured momentum and time of particle 2. The time measurement necessitates using a current density in the subspace of particle 2. It is found that the probability of observing x1 to be at a given xc in a given range dxc is not in general approximated by the quantity ψ 1 ∗ ψ 1 dx c as asserted by ordinary quantum mechanics, but rather by an expression ψ c ∗ ψ c dx c which has a maximum for the same value as x1 but has a variance depending on the initial states of both particle 1 and particle 2. An important result is that the uncertainty product of the third kind [see Part I, Ann. Phys. 46, 577 (1968)] Δ2xcΔ2pr1, where Δ2pr1 is the variance of the momentum of particle 1 after collision, can be made less than h 2 4 . On the other hand, Δ2xcΔ2pr1 does have a lower limit for a model in which particle 2 is replaced by a gamma ray. This calculation suggests that the gamma-ray microscope example of Bohr and Heisenberg was not appropriate for illustrating the uncertainty principle. In the nonrelativistic case there is enough latitude in the choice of parameters that Δ2xc and Δ2pr1 can be made to depend on the independently specifiable variances of different particles; e.g., we can cause Δ2xc to be roughly equal to the intial-position variance of particle 2, and Δ2pr1 to be roughly equal to the initial-position variance of particle 1. We show that the projection postulate or the “reduction of the wavepacket” is not needed in this example, and that the state of the measured system after the interaction that yields a meaningful measurement of xc is a mixture. Our results raise the question of whether the physical implications of quantum mechanics go beyond the logical content of currently available axiomatic formulations of the theory.
Molecular cloning and characterization of the human dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase promoter.

Abstract Several studies have demonstrated that dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (EC 1.3.1.2) has a critical role in the pharmacokinetics of the anticancer agent 5-fluorouracil. We previously reported the structural organization of the human DPYD gene. In this article, we describe the molecular cloning and functional characterization of 1.2 kb of the 5′ flanking region of the DPYD gene. Sequence analysis demonstrated that this region of the DPYD gene lacks the typical TATA or CCAAT boxes with several GC-rich regions containing potential cis -regulatory elements. Progressive 5′ deletions of the 5′ flanking region were fused to the luciferase reporter gene and transient expression measured following transfection into HeLa and 293 cells. Comparative analysis of luciferase activity revealed that a 208 bp region of the DPYD gene (−121/+86) contained equivalent transcriptional activity to the complete 1.2 kb 5′ flanking region of the DPYD gene. Site-directed mutagenesis of the luciferase reporter constructs demonstrated that the −72/−23 sequence contained two regulatory regions (designated elements I and II) essential for promoter activity. Gel shift experiments demonstrated that both regulatory elements specifically bind with protein(s) from nuclear extracts of 293 cells. Competitive binding experiments with 293 nuclear extracts and radiolabeled oligonucleotides (corresponding to elements I and II) suggest that the same protein(s) bind to both regulatory elements. We conclude that constitutive expression of the DPYD gene involves a limited GC-rich region of the 5′ flanking sequence of the DPYD gene which contains two regulatory elements.
Coupling of a gas chromatograph to a simultaneous-detection inductively coupled plasma mass spectrograph for speciation of organohalide and organometallic compounds

A gas chromatograph (GC) has been coupled to an inductively coupled plasma Mattauch–Herzog geometry mass spectrograph (ICP-MHMS) equipped with a novel detector array. In its current state of development the detector array, termed the focal plane camera (FPC), permits the simultaneous monitoring of up to 15 m/z values. A heated line was used to transfer the capillary-column effluent from the GC to the ICP torch, though due to instrument operating conditions, the transfer line was terminated 50 mm ahead of the ICP torch. Minimal tailing was observed, with the most severe effect seen for high-boiling analytes. With this coupling, absolute limits of detection are in the tens to hundreds of femtogram regime for organometallic species and in the single picogram regime for halogenated hydrocarbons.
Ab initio force fields of glycine dipeptide in C5 and C7 conformations

We have followed up our previous ab initio calculations of the force fields and dipole-moment derivatives of glycine dipeptide in C5 and C7 conformations with similar studies of the L-alanyl compound [CH&ONHCH(CHB)CONHCHs]. We have done, with the 4-21 Gaussian basis set, calculations of the three lowest-energy optimized conformations with intramolecular hydrogen bonding that were derived by Scarsdale et al.: the Cg, Q, and Cg structures. The quadratic force constants were scaled, as in our previous work, using the set of scale factors derived by Fogarasi and Bal&s for small amides, with slight modifications. The differences in the force constants, harmonic frequencies, dipole derivatives, and infrared intensities among the conformations and within each conformation are discussed and related, where possible, to differences in hydrogen bonding and structure. The results are also compared and integrated with those on Gly dipeptide. The force constants and dipole derivatives show that the CT hydrogen bond is the strongest, in agreement with the NH.**0 geometries, even though the SCF energy of this conformer is the highest. The NH stretch and the amide I and II modes are compared with available infrared data on Ala dipeptide in argon matrix, and the comparison supports the empirically based conclusion that C, and C7 conformations are both present in the matrix-isolated sample. The problem of distinguishing between the C$ and CT forms is also discussed.
Imatinib mesylate lacks efficacy in relapsed/refractory peripheral T cell lymphoma

Platelet derived growth factor-α (PDGFR-α) is expressed in peripheral T cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL, NOS). Imatinib mesylate demonstrated in vitro cytotoxicity against primary PTCL, NOS cells. We initiated a trial of imatinib in 12 patients with relapsed or refractory T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (T-NHL). PDGFR-α expression by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to assess for FIP1L1-PDGFR-α fusion and/or PDGFR-α amplification were not required for study entry. We documented no objective responses. The median progression-free survival was 21.0 days (90% confidence interval [CI] 15.0, 28.0) and median overall survival was 154 days (90% CI 35, 242). Four patients had tissue available for analysis of PDGFR-α by immunohistochemistry and three of these patients' tumors expressed PDGFR-α. Imatinib was not effective for the treatment of peripheral T cell lymphoma in an unselected group of patients in which PDGFR-α expression was not required for study entry.
Constitutive expression of proinflammatory complement components by subsets of neurons in the central nervous system

The brain is largely protected from damage due to infection, trauma, and aberrant processes by the innate immune system. These studies were undertaken to determine whether neurons in normal brains constitutively express complement components. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical studies with specific riboprobes and antibodies, respectively, revealed that most hippocampal neurons, many pyramidal cortical neurons and cerebellar Purkinje neurons in normal murine brains constitutively express C3, C5 and C6. The constitutive expression by neuronal subsets of components of the complement activation and membrane attack pathways suggests that the complement system represents a "first line" of host defense in the brain.
Geometric Moments From Hartley Transform Intensities

In this paper, we present a new hybrid optical / digital processor that computes the geometric moments using the recently introduced Hartley transform (HT) . This transform has the attractive property of being real when the signal is real. We prove an important result that all geometric moments of an image can be computed recursively from the various partial derivatives (near origin) of the HT intensity .
Highly cited literature of high-speed compressible flow research

Abstract High-speed flow research has been sponsored and performed at differing levels of effort since the late 1800s. For example, hypersonic research has experienced numerous cycles since the 1950s, with various periods of high research activity, followed by equally long periods of very low activity. This lack of continuity in high-speed flow research has led to a situation where researchers of one “generation” often do not know what the researchers of previous “generations” have done, mainly due to large losses of institutional knowledge in government, industry, and academic organizations. Therefore, a chronically weak area in research papers, reports, and reviews is the complete identification of critical background documents that form the building blocks and intellectual heritage for modern compressible flow research. A method for systematically determining these critical references is presented in the context of its application to high-speed flow using Citation-Assisted Background, which is based on the assumption that many critical documents tend to be highly cited within the literature, although not necessarily recently. While Citation-Assisted Background is a highly systematic approach for identifying critical references, it is not a substitute for the judgement of the researchers, but rather complements their expertise. In this critical review of high-speed compressible flow, important documents have been identified using Citation-Assisted Background, but other documents have been added by the authors to enhance the picture provided by the highly-cited documents.
Embryotoxicity of irradiated and nonirradiated automotive exhaust and carbon monoxide.

Abstract This study was undertaken to compare the effects on chick embryogenesis of continuous exposure to diluted unreacted and photochemically reacted automotive exhaust with exposure to comparable levels of carbon monoxide. From Day 1 through 14 days of development, survival decreased almost equally in both exhaust groups but no gross anomalies were apparent in surviving embryos. An equivalent level of carbon monoxide had considerably less effect on survival than did exhaust and did not result in any gross anomalies. Exhaust and carbon monoxide exposure groups exhibited decreased embryonic weight, hematocrit, and feather formation and increased heart/body weight ratio, liver discoloration, and increased serum GPT activity. Carbon monoxide exposure resulted in increased spleen weight. Irradiated exhaust had a less pronounced effect than unreacted exhaust with respect to several parameters including serum enzymes. Differing effects of exposure to nonirradiated versus irradiated exhaust appear to be associated with components other than carbon monoxide. Cumulative effects of these components could explain the variations in biological response between the two exhaust atmospheres.
Multifunctional Gold Nanoparticles for Diagnosis and Therapy of Disease

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have a number of physical properties that make them appealing for medical applications. For example, the attenuation of X-rays by gold nanoparticles has led to their use in computed tomography imaging and as adjuvants for radiotherapy. AuNPs have numerous other applications in imaging, therapy and diagnostic systems. The advanced state of synthetic chemistry of gold nanoparticles offers precise control over physicochemical and optical properties. Furthermore gold cores are inert and are considered to be biocompatible and nontoxic. The surface of gold nanoparticles can easily be modified for a specific application, and ligands for targeting, drugs or biocompatible coatings can be introduced. AuNPs can be incorporated into larger structures such as polymeric nanoparticles or liposomes that deliver large payloads for enhanced diagnostic applications, efficiently encapsulate drugs for concurrent therapy or add additional imaging labels. This array of features has led to the aforemen...
Incorporation of an iterative, linear segmentation routine into a mammographic mass CAD system.

In previous research, we have developed a computer-aided detection (CAD) system designed to detect masses in mammograms. The previous version of our system employed a simple but imprecise method to localize the masses. In this research, we present a more robust segmentation routine for use with mammographic masses. Our hypothesis is that by more accurately describing the morphology of the masses, we can improve the CAD system’s ability to distinguish masses from other mammographic structures. To test this hypothesis, we incorporated the new segmentation routine into our CAD system and examined the change in performance. The developed iterative, linear segmentation routine is a gray level-based procedure. Using the identified regions from the previous CAD system as the initial seeds, the new segmentation algorithm refines the suspicious mass borders by making estimates of the interior and exterior pixels. These estimates are then passed to a linear discriminant, which determines the optimal threshold between the interior and exterior pixels. After applying the threshold and identifying the object’s outline, two constraints on the border are applied to reduce the influence of background noise. After the border is constrained, the process repeats until a stopping criterion is reached. The segmentation routine was tested on a study database of 183 mammographicimages extracted from the Digital Database for Screening Mammography. Eighty-three of the images contained 50 malignant and 50 benign masses; 100 images contained no masses. The previously developed CAD system was used to locate a set of suspicious regions of interest (ROIs) within the images. To assess the performance of the segmentation algorithm, a set of 20 features was measured from the suspicious regions before and after the application of the developed segmentation routine. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed on the ROIs to examine the discriminatory capabilities of each individual feature before and after the segmentation routine. A statistically significant performance increase was found in many of the individual features, particularly those describing the mass borders. To examine how the incorporation of the segmentation routine affected the performance of the overall CAD system, free-response ROC (FROC) analysis was employed. When considering only malignant masses, the FROC performance of the system with the segmentation routine appeared better than the previous system. When detecting 90% of the malignant masses, the previous system achieved 4.9 false positives per image (FPpI) compared to the post-segmentation system’s 4.2 FPpI. At 80% sensitivity, the respective FPpI were 3.5 and 1.6.
4-Vinylpyridine-Modified Nickel and Cobalt Dibenzoylmethanates as New Hosts: Inclusions with Carbon Tetrachloride and Chlorobenzene

Abstract Bis(4-vinylpyridine)bis(dibenzoylmethanato)metal(II), [M(ViPy)2(DBM)2] (M = Ni(II), Co(II); ViPy = 4-Vinylpyridine; DBM = C6H5COCHCOC6H5 −, dibenzoylmethanate) is a new metal-complex host. Its inclusions with carbon tetrachloride (host:guest = 1:2; triclinic, P 1, Z = 1) and chlorobenzene (host:guest = 1:1; monoclinic, P2 1 /c, Z = 4) are consistent with the van der Waals packing of neutral complex (host) and solvent (guest) molecules. In the host unit, four oxygens from two chelate DBM-units provide a square-planar environment around the metal center that is extended to octahedral coordination by two apical nitrogens from two vinylpyridine moieties in the trans-position. In the carbon tetrachloride inclusions, the host traps two guest molecules in large prolate spheroidal cavities. In the chlorobenzene inclusions, guest species are located inside 8-shaped serpentine channels along the y-axis. The nickel and cobalt versions of the inclusion compounds were found to be very similar.
First-principles simulations of copper diffusion in tantalum and tantalum nitride

To explore potential applications of tantalum and tantalum nitrides (TaN) as diffusion barrier materials in integrated circuits with Cu interconnects, we carry out detailed first-principles simulations of Cu/Ta and Cu/TaN systems. Various interfacial structures between Cu- and Ta-based compounds are examined by considering different surface orientations, in-plane arrangements, surface terminations, and chemical compositions. The coexistence of strong Cu-N ionic bonding and Ta-Cu covalent/metallic bonding dictates the stable interfacial structures. Using nudged elastic band method, we calculate the diffusion energy barriers of Cu to the pre-existing vacancies across Cu/Ta, Cu/TaN interfaces, and in bulk TaN compounds. As a comparison, Cu diffusion in Si is also studied. It was found that Cu can easily diffuse into Si either spontaneously or with small energy barriers. On the other hand, although the Cu/Ta interfacial diffusion barrier is low, the high vacancy formation energy in Ta renders Cu diffusion difficult. We find that fcc TaN is an excellent candidate for diffusion barrier material owing to its extremely high interfacial diffusion energy barrier. The bulk diffusion barrier of Cu in fcc TaN is also very high.
A very unusual acute complication of pacemaker implantation.

A 69-year-old woman presented to our institution with the new onset of fatigue, a single syncopal event, and low heart rates. She was diagnosed with complete heart block and subsequently referred for the implantation of a dualchamber permanent pacemaker. Because of a history of breast carcinoma with left radical mastectomy and lymph node dissection, a right subclavicular implantation approach was undertaken. Prior to skin incision, a right upper extremity venogram was performed to define the vascular anatomy (image not included). Following the skin incision, a subcutaneous pocket was formed. A micropuncture needle kit was then employed to obtain what was purported to be right subclavian venous access and using the modified Seldinger technique, a peel-away sheath was inserted over a guidewire. Attempts to pass a pacemaker lead through the introducer sheath failed; thus, a cine contrast was injected through the putative sheath. This injection generated an extraordinary series of images not typically anticipated with pacemaker implantation (see at-
Use of rhodamine B as a biomarker for oral plague vaccination of prairie dogs.

Oral vaccination against Yersinia pestis could provide a feasible approach for controlling plague in prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) for conservation and public health purposes. Biomarkers are useful in wildlife vaccination programs to demonstrate exposure to vaccine baits. Rhodamine B (RB) was tested as a potential biomarker for oral plague vaccination because it allows nonlethal sampling of animals through hair, blood, and feces. We found that RB is an appropriate marker for bait uptake studies of 10 mg RB per kg target animal mass. Whiskers with follicles provided the best sample for RB detection.
Cultural Identity and Mental Health: Differing Trajectories Among Asian and Latino Youth

Asians and Latinos are the 2 fastest growing immigrant populations in the United States. In this 3-year longitudinal study, we explored trajectories of mental health symptoms (withdrawn/depressed and somatic symptoms) among 163 first- and second-generation Asian (n = 76) and Latino (n = 97) adolescents. The focus of the study was to examine how ethnic identity and U.S. identity, as 2 separate processes of identity development, affect mental health symptoms, and whether these relationships are moderated by ethnic group, Asian or Latino. Participants were recruited when they entered 10th grade, and 2 additional waves of data were gathered at 12-month intervals. Results revealed that somatic and depressed symptoms decreased over time for both groups. Similarly, for both groups, U.S. identity and ethnic identity increased over time. Ethnic identity was associated with lower levels of withdrawn/depressed symptoms for both Latino and Asian youth. Ethnic identity was associated with lower levels of somatic symptoms for Asian youth, but not for Latino youth. U.S. identity was not associated with reduced levels of somatic or withdrawn/depressed symptoms for either group. Implications for clinicians are discussed.
The effect of density dependence on community structure

Abstract The effect of population density controls on the relationship between stability and species richness was explored by constructing Monte Carlo community models with density dependent population controls. Simulated communities with more initial species exhibit proportionally fewer extinctions. This form of stability is greatest at low interaction strengths and intermediate connectivities. Stability appeared to be related to the fact that species with more interactions were less likely to be driven to extinction by negative interactions. Species with mutualistic (+ / +) and commensal (0/ +) interactions survive at greater than expected proportions, while those with relatively more competitive (− / −) and amensal (0 / −) interactions tend toward extinction. Incorporation of density dependent population control thus leads to features that previous community models have not exhibited. It is suggested that communities with many of the populations controlled by abiotic factors in a density dependent fashion should exhibit increased stability with more species.
NEWVIEW: an interactive software environment for digital image processing

NEWV.EEW is a highly interactive software environment designed especially for the manipulation, processing, analysis and display of digital image (two-dimensional) data. It is designed using the paradigm of an algorithm developer's workbench to support a wide variety of digital image processing applications, from remote sensing to desktop publishing. The system consists of a comprehensive library of image processing algorithms and a library of fast, novel, raster rendering routines for display manipulation. Combined with a mouse-driven, multi-window display manager, it provides a unified and versatile environment for the development and testing of image processing algorithms.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Oaths, Autonomic Ordeals, and Power1

POWER has been defined (Webster 1961:1778) as the ability to act or to produce an effect. Broadly speaking, human beings display power in the use of physical force, the making of rational decisions, the dependence upon chance or, alternatively supernaturally determined outcomes, or any combination of these.2 Furthermore, power can be contested, as in games, tested as in physical fitness tests, or self-tested as in self-imposed tasks of various sorts.3 All these major applications of power are found embedded in the decision-making processes of primitive law, but they have not been systematically studied. This exploratory cross-cultural study considers two widespread appeals to supernatural power, the oath and the autonomic ordeal. Substantial support is offered for the hypothesis that oaths and ordeals occur in "trials" where physical force and strategy obtain, but where these applications of power are not sufficient to permit the resolution of an indeterminant situation without incurring the risk of excessive costs. Secondly, consideration is given to the hypothesis that oaths and ordeals are psychologically viable cultural patterns which probably contribute to more correct or successful outcomes than otherwise (in terms of the legal system, but not necessarily in terms of the viewpoints of individuals). Essentially, though, this investigation must be regarded as a preliminary view of some of the applications of power within primitive law. In this discussion ordinary definitions of the words oath, ordeal, and power will be used. Power is defined above. An "oath" is "a solemn, usually formal calling upon God or a god to witness to the truth of what one says or to witness that one sincerely intends to do what one says" (Webster 1961:1678). An "ordeal" is "a primitive means used to determine guilt or innocence by submitting the accused to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under supernatural control" (Webster 1961:1587). Although oaths vary widely in precise form from culture to culture, they are easily identified in ethnographic literature. In rare instances actions without associated verbal behavior can clearly be seen as swearing or affirming, although even here there is always the possibility that the pattern has not been fully reported. The following occurence among the Rwala Bedouin is an illustrative example of an oath.
Molecular mechanisms of α-synuclein neurodegeneration

α-Synuclein is an abundant highly charged protein that is normally predominantly localized around synaptic vesicles in presynaptic terminals. Although the function of this protein is still ill-defined, genetic studies have demonstrated that point mutations or genetic alteration (duplications or triplications) that increase the number of copies of the α-synuclein (SCNA) gene can cause Parkinson's disease or the related disorder dementia with Lewy bodies. α-Synuclein can aberrantly polymerize into fibrils with typical amyloid properties, and these fibrils are the major component of many types of pathological inclusions, including Lewy bodies, which are associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease. Although there is substantial evidence supporting the toxic nature of α-synuclein inclusions, other modes of toxicity such as oligomers have been proposed. In this review, some of the evidence for the different mechanisms of α-synuclein toxicity is presented and discussed.
Marrow fat and bone--new perspectives.

Context: There is growing interest in the relationship between bone mineral density, bone strength, and fat depots. Marrow adipose tissue, a well-established component of the marrow environment, is metabolically distinct from peripheral fat depots, but its functional significance is unknown. Objective: In this review, we discuss animal and human data linking the marrow adipose tissue depot to parameters of bone density and integrity as well as the potential significance of marrow adipose tissue in metabolic diseases associated with bone loss, including type 1 diabetes mellitus and anorexia nervosa. Potential hormonal determinants of marrow adipose tissue are also discussed. Conclusions: We conclude that whereas most animal and human data demonstrate an inverse association between marrow adipose tissue and measures of bone density and strength, understanding the functional significance of marrow adipose tissue and its hormonal determinants will be critical to better understanding its role in skeletal integ...
US national surveillance of breastfeeding behavior.

The Healthy People 2010objective to increase US national breastfeeding rates uses data from the Ross Laboratories Mothers Survey for monitoring. Because of scientific and political problems related to the use of these data, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently held a meeting on surveillance systems for monitoring breastfeeding behaviors in the United States. Participants identified and discussed 12 surveillance systems that collect or could collect breastfeeding data. None of the existing systems met the participants' definition of an ideal system, although each was seen as providing additional insight into breastfeeding behaviors. Key recommendations are to (1) justify the need for additional resources to build a comprehensive national system; (2) add questions on breastfeeding incidence, duration, and exclusivity to the National Immunization Survey; (3) ensure that breastfeeding questions on national surveys are consistent; and (4) encourage state use of the breastfeeding module...
The effect of skin location, production interval and permeability on performance of horizontal wells

Abstract A three-dimensional reservoir simulation study has been carried out based on the production performance of an actual horizontal well completed on an oilrim reservoir. Although the absolute values of the simulation results are applicable to the well and reservoir studied, the main conclusions of the study are pertinent to horizontal well performance in general. The study quantified the detrimental effect of formation damage and low vertical/horizontal permeability ratio on the productivity of a horizontal well, which may be improved by increasing the length of the producing interval. Well productivity is found to be more adversely affected by formation damage near the toe-end than by that near the heel-end. Thus, when stimulating a horizontal well, intervals near the toe-end should not be ignored.
A Tablet Based Application for Teaching Function and Exploring Concept Alternatives During Early Design

This paper describes the design, implementation, and usage of a tablet based application as a mechanism for concept exploration and function realization in early stage design. Specifically, this work reports on the transformation of a methodology, known as Form Follows Form, into an interactive, multi-touch iPad application that can be used to explore concept alternatives and as tool to increase student awareness and recognition of functionality. Users are able to specify an initial concept to an engineering problem by dragging, dropping, and connecting basic components that they envision as a potential solution. The application then leverages a database of reverse engineered products and algorithms to abstract the underlying functionality of the user specified solution. Students can use the abstracted functionality as a baseline for generating concept alternatives on their own, and also, explore concept and component alternatives suggested by the application. The goal of the application is to reduce design fixation and to provide multiple approaches for concept exploration activities.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
DNA Binding Characteristics of RegA A CONSTITUTIVELY ACTIVE ANAEROBIC ACTIVATOR OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS GENE EXPRESSION IN RHODOBACTER CAPSULATUS

Abstract In the purple non-sulfur bacteriumRhodobacter capsulatus, RegA and RegB comprise a two-component regulatory system that is required for maximal anaerobic transcription of key photosynthesis genes. RegB is a sensor kinase that uses ATP to phosphorylate its cognate response regulator, RegA. The mechanism under which RegA∼P influences transcription of target genes has been unclear given that past attempts to demonstrate DNA binding activity by isolated RegA have failed. This led to a model invoking a role for RegA∼P as an intermediate in a more complex multicomponent phosphoryl transfer cascade. In the present study, we describe the isolation of a mutant version of RegA (RegA*) which promotes high level expression of photosynthesis genes independent of RegB. DNase I footprint analyses show that purified RegA* binds to the promoters of the puf and puc operons at locations that are consistent with RegA functioning as a transcriptional activator for these operons. We conclude that RegA functions, like most members of the response regulator family, as a DNA-binding protein that directly affects the expression of its target genes.
Composition and daily intakes of some trace metals from canned beers in Nigeria.

The concentration of a number of metals in a selection of brands of canned beers available in the Nigerian market was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry after HNO3/H2O2 digestion. The results of the survey indicated that chromium, iron, nickel, cadmium and lead were present at concentrations above the permissible levels in drinking water, while the metals cobalt, zinc, aluminium and copper were present at levels below the permissible limits in drinking water. The metal content in the different beer types do not pose a risk to consumer health since the estimated metal daily intake per kg bodyweight is below the provisional tolerable intake of these metals as set by the World Health Organization.
An overviewof texture and motion based video coding at Purdue University

In recent years there has been a growing interest in developing novel techniques for increasing the coding efficiency of video compression methods. We approach the problem by not encoding all the pixels, in particular, regions belonging to areas that the viewer will not perceive the specific details in the scene could be skipped or encoded at a much lower data rate. This approach can also be expanded by considering a model of the human visual perception system. In this paper we review some of the approaches we have investigated at Purdue University. The goal is to determine where “detail-irrelevant” regions in the frame are located and not encode them. We will also discuss a set of subjective quality evaluation experiments to determine what is the overall perceptual quality of these approaches.
Simeprevir and Sofosbuvir for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection

Abstract Purpose Chronic hepatitis C infection affects a large proportion of the world’s population and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The standard of care for treatment of hepatitis C infection has been peginterferon and ribavirin, with or without a first-generation protease inhibitor. In late 2013 and early 2014, sofosbuvir and simeprevir obtained regulatory approval, offering the first possibility for all-oral treatment regimens. We provide a review of the clinical efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir- and simeprevir-containing regimens. Methods Studies were identified in PubMed using the terms sofosbuvir and simeprevir in combination with hepatitis C. Abstracts of additional studies presented at professional meetings but not yet published were also reviewed. All Phase 3 trials published by August 1, 2014, as well as Phase 2 studies for which there was not a corresponding Phase 3 trial, were included in the review. Findings Simeprevir was studied with peginterferon and ribavirin in 7 published Phase 3 trials, with overall efficacy rates of 59% to 100%. Sofosbuvir was studied with ribavirin and with or without peginterferon in 6 Phase 3 trials with overall efficacy rates of 50% to 93%. Patient groups with lower response rates tended to have cirrhosis and be older, men, and previous null responders. Simeprevir and sofosbuvir were studied in combination in 1 Phase 2a study with overall efficacy of 92%. Additional studies demonstrated the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir regimens in patients before and after liver transplantation. Overall, the simeprevir- and sofosbuvir-containing regimens were tolerated better or as well as peginterferon and ribavirin regimens, with fatigue, headache, and nausea the most common adverse events. Implications Results from numerous Phase 3 clinical trials indicate that sofosbuvir- and simeprevir-containing regimens are highly effective and safe for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection. The approval of these 2 agents has led to a complete overhaul of published guidelines, with sofosbuvir- and simeprevir-containing regimens included in preferred regimens.
Simulations of radiative effects on the Rayleigh–Taylor instability using the CRASH code

Abstract Future experiments at the National Ignition Facility will be able to generate diagnosable Rayleigh–Taylor instability growth in the presence of locally generated, high radiation fluxes. This interplay of radiative energy transfer and hydrodynamic instability is relevant to many astrophysical systems, such as core-collapse red supergiant supernovae. Previous simulations of high-energy-density Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities in the presence of a hot environment near a radiative shock demonstrate behavior that differs from that found in non-radiative cases. However, these simulations considered only 1D or single wavelength cases. Here we report simulations of an entire experimental system using the CRASH code. These simulations lead to modified predictions, attributed to the effects of radial energy losses.
Numerical study of stress-transport turbulence models: Implementation and validation issues

Abstract The primary goal of this work is to implement, validate and compare in shear-free and simple wall-bounded turbulent flows the performance of five stress-transport turbulence models that have recently appeared in the open literature. A secondary goal of this work is to analyze and study the effort and difficulties encountered by programmers when implementing turbulence models developed by other researchers. The need for standardized procedures and for the development of efficient numerical techniques is advocated as a means to reduce the model-variance and code dependency of turbulent models. The second-order models chosen for this study are the Launder–Shima, the Jakirlic–Hanjalic, the elliptic-blending model of Manceau, the Turbulent Potential Model proposed by Perot and an unidentified model. For comparison reasons, Wilcox k – ω eddy-viscosity model was included in the study. The validation and the study of the performance of the models were performed through the comparison of the numerical solutions with experimental data and analytical solutions. The five benchmark flowfields considered in this study encompass the shear-free and wall-bounded regimes and are the flat plate without pressure gradient, the flow over a plate with a moderately adverse pressure gradient, and the self-similar flows of the mixing layer, the plane jet and the axi-symmetric jet. The tested stress-transport models produced results in general agreement with the experiments. However, no clear advantage of the stress-transport model over Wilcox k – ω model was noticed in these simple flowfields. The Launder–Shima model could not predict accurately the skin friction on a flat plate but it performed well in all the other cases. Although the test cases used were simple, a major difficulty encountered in this effort is the unreliability of the open literature as a resource for turbulence model implementation. A general lack of consistency was observed between model versions published in different journals or at different times. The detrimental effect that such a lack of structure and consistency has on the CFD community is discussed.
Polymer melts and polymer solutions near patterned surfaces

We present analytical solutions for density profiles of homopolymer melts and of the mathematically equivalent, incompressible polymer solutions near heterogenous, periodically patterned surfaces. The theory employs an analytic density functional-self-consistent field theory, and particular applications consider striped and checkerboard patterns. The computations illustrate the competing influences of the pattern size and the bulk correlation length ξ on the density profile both at the surface and orthogonal to the surface. The density profiles are determined by the bulk correlation length ξ if the thickness of the stripes L is larger than 2ξ and by L if L<2ξ.
C-halogenation of the closo-[CB11H12]- anion

A synthesis is described of the four C-halogenated 1-X-CB 1 1 H - 1 1 anions (X = I, Br, Cl, F) using N-halosuccinimides and N-fluorobis(benzenesulfonyl)amine as halogenating agents. The procedure yields only the desired product next to unreacted starting material. Regularities in the 1 1 B and 1 3 C NMR chemical shifts of singly halogenated icosahedral carboranes are summarized.
Erratum to: SUMO-mediated regulation of DNA damage repair and responses: [Trends in Biochemical Sciences 40 (2015) 183 – 242]

In the Review article ‘SUMO-mediated regulation of DNA damage repair and responses’ by Prabha Sarangi and Xiaolan Zhao, which was published in the March 2015 issue of Trends in Biochemical Sciences, the phrase ‘promotes their accrual’ in the second sentence in paragraph 3 on page 7 was incorrectly positioned. The correct sentence is:
Ion distribution functions in an inductively coupled plasma

Summary form only given, as follows. In developing plasma processes, it is important to understand the effect of different process parameters on the distribution functions of ions which are incident on a wafer surface. In this work, two dimensional ion distribution functions are calculated using a kinetic model based on the method described in Hitchon et al. (1989). For lower pressure regimes, fluid techniques become inadequate for tracking ions, making a kinetic technique necessary. This kinetic module is but one component of a multimodule hybrid, which also includes modules for calculating electric fields, the electrostatic potential, and the electron energy distribution function (EEDF). The EEDF calculation is based on a non-local approach. A comparison of ion distributions, and how they vary with process parameters such as system geometry, pressure, and coil placement will be presented.
Domoic acid enhances the K(+)-evoked release of endogenous glutamate from guinea pig hippocampal mossy fiber synaptosomes.

Abstract The presynaptic effects of domoic acid (Dom) on hippocampal mossy fiber synaptic transmission were examined using a subcellular fraction enriched in mossy fiber synaptosomes. Domoic acid significantly increased the K+-evoked release of endogenous glutamate from superfused guinea pig mossy fiber synaptosomes. The presynaptic facilitation produced by Dom was dose-dependent and was antagonized by the prior application of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX). At a concentration of 30 μM, both domoic acid and kainic acid significantly increased the extent to which membrane depolarization augmented the availability of cytosolic free calcium in mossy fiber synaptosomes. These results are consistent with the suggestion that domoic acid enhances the release of mossy fiber neurotransmitters in the guinea pig hippocampus through the activation of a CNQX-sensitive presynaptic receptor.
The Biology and Morphology of Crithidia acanthocephali n. sp., Leptomonas leptoglossi n. sp., and Blastocrithidia euschisti n. sp.*

Three new species of Trypanosomatidae were isolated from three species of bugs: Leptomonas leptoglossi from Leptoglossus phyllopus, Crithidia acanthocephali from Acanthocephala femorata, and Blastocrithidia euschisti from Euschistus servus. All were cultured axenically and on avian embryo membranes. In addition to differences in morphology the three organisms displayed different growth rates in the chorio-allantoic fluids of duck and chick embryos incubated at 30°C. L. leptoglossi grew most abundantly. B. euschisti barely maintained itself while C. acanthocephali occupied an intermediate position. When the temperature of incubation was raised to 37°C, there was continued multiplication of L. leptoglossi and C. acanthocephali, but there was no growth of B. euschisti in either duck or chick embryos. It is suggested that the criteria of morphology, cultural characteristics in vitro and in vivo, plus physiological characters be used as future aids in classification of the Trypanosomatidae.
Hypersensitivity of bronchopulmonary C-fibers induced by airway mucosal inflammation: cellular mechanisms.

Abstract Stimulation of vagal bronchopulmonary C-fibers induces bronchoconstriction and hypersecretion of mucus, and is either directly or indirectly involved in eliciting cough reflex. Our recent studies have shown that the excitability of these afferents is markedly elevated in experimental conditions involving acute injury or inflammation of airway mucosa (e.g. after exposure to ozone), and cyclo-oxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid locally released in the airways may contribute partially to the C-fiber hypersensitivity. Among the various prostanoids, prostaglandin E2 administered by slow infusion augmented the responses of pulmonary C-fibers to both lung inflation and various chemical stimulants in anesthetized rats. The PGE2-induced hypersensitivity of these sensory nerves could also be demonstrated in cultured neurons using the whole-cell perforated patch–clamp recording technique; PGE2 perfusion markedly and reversibly increased both the magnitude of inward current (in voltage–clamp mode) and the number of action potentials (in current–clamp mode) evoked by capsaicin in the small-diameter nodose and jugular ganglion neurons isolated from adult rats. Moreover, PGE2 enhanced the membrane excitability of these neurons in their response to injected current pulses and voltage steps. In conclusion, the sensitizing effect is caused by a direct action of PGE2 on pulmonary C-fibers, and the cAMP/protein kinase A transduction cascade is probably involved.