cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Near-IR absorption in high-purity photothermorefractive glass and holographic optical elements: measurement and application for high-energy lasers

Volume Bragg gratings (VBGs) in photothermorefractive (PTR) glass are widely used for laser beam control including high-power laser systems. Among them, spectral beam combining based on VBGs is one of the most promising. Achieving 100+ kW of combined laser beams requires the development of PTR glass and VBGs with an extremely low absorption coefficient and therefore methods of its measurement. This paper describes the calorimetric method that was developed for measuring a low absorption coefficient in PTR glass and VBGs. It is based on transmission monitoring of the intrinsic Fabry–Perot interferometer produced by the plane-parallel surfaces of the measured optical elements when heated by high-power laser radiation. An absorption coefficient at 1085 nm as low as 5×10−5 cm−1 is demonstrated in pristine PTR glass while an absorption coefficient as low as 1×10−4 cm−1 is measured in high-efficiency reflecting Bragg gratings with highest purity. The actual level of absorption in PTR glass allows laser beam control at the 10 kW level, while the 100 kW level would require active cooling and/or decreasing the absorption in PTR Bragg gratings to a value similar to that in virgin PTR glass.
Calorimetric and phenomenological studies of the PbZrO3:PbTiO3 system

Abstract The perovskite structure solid solutions between antiferroelectric PbZrO3 and ferroelectric PbTiO3 embrace a number of technologically important piezoelectric compositions grouped near the morphotropic phase boundary (composition close to Zr:Ti ratio 1:1). Heats of transition Q(J/m3) and ferroelectric transition temperature Tc(K) for a series of carefully prepared (chemically coprecipitated) composition in the Pb(ZrxTi1-x)O3 solid solution system in the range 0.0 < x ≤ 0.6 were measured using a Perkin Elmer DSC2 thermal analyser under computer control. The composition dependence of the transition entropy S(J/m3/deg) and the Curie Weiss constant were deduced from a combination of calorimetric and phenomenological data. The anomalous behaviour of the heat of transition for compositions near the morphotropic boundary is discussed on the basis of an extended phenomenological theory for the PbZrO3:PbTiO3 system(1).
Infectious RNA transcribed from stably cloned full-length cDNA of dengue type 4 virus.

Abstract Dengue virus is an enveloped positive-strand RNA virus with a genome approximately 11 kilobases in length. The four serotypes of dengue virus are currently the most important members of the flavivirus family in terms of geographical distribution and the incidence of infection in humans. In this communication we describe successful cloning of a stable full-length cDNA copy of dengue type 4 virus that can be used as the template for in vitro transcription of infectious RNA. Evidence is presented that dengue virus recovered from permissive cells transfected with the in vitro RNA transcripts retained a mutation that was engineered into full-length cDNA. The properties of the virus produced by cells transfected with infectious RNA transcripts of dengue cDNA resembled those of the virus from which the cDNA clone was derived. The dengue virus recombinant DNA system should prove helpful in gaining a better understanding of the molecular biology of dengue viruses and should facilitate the development of a safe and effective live vaccine for use in humans.
A Volume of Fluid Phase Change Model on Adaptive Octree Grids

A three-dimensional phase change model using finite volume has been developed. Interface thermal conditions that are consistent with the mixture formulation within the volume tracking framework are introduced. The computational grid is dynamically adapted near the interface using an octree based structure. Up to three levels of adaption are used to provide improved accuracy in regions of steep gradients of flow variables near the liquid-vapor interface at a reduced computational cost. Interface jump conditions are imposed by specifying mass, momentum, and energy sources for the mixture variables in the interface cells. Second order accurate liquid and vapor temperature gradients at cell faces are calculated based on the location and orientation of the interface (sharp interface approach). These estimates are then used to calculate the mass source terms, which are distributed in the interface cells consistent with the mixture formulation. Such an approach maintains the interface at saturation while the mixture temperatures of the liquid and vapor in the interface cells can be superheated. A one-dimensional cavity flow problem is used to test for the proper coupling of vapor generation rate with energy and momentum flux effects. Three-dimensional bubble growth rates at 5 ° C uniform superheat ( J a = 8.6 , density ratio ∼ 140 , and conductivity ratio ∼ 2.3 ) of refrigerant FC-87 are compared with theory in the diffusion controlled regime. The analytical solution of Mikic for bubble radius as a function of time with a non-zero initial radius is used to validate the numerical solution. The numerical solution is validated against theoretical prediction of bubble radius as a function of time for a more complete validation of the balances of mass, momentum, and energy at the liquid-vapor interface.
In Whose Turban Does the Lord Reside?: The Objectification of Charisma and the Fetishism of Objects in the Hindu Kingdom of Kota

The shiny, black stone statue of Shri Nathji that today resides in the busy pilgrimage town of Nathdvara (Rajasthan, India) is the preeminent image of the Vaisnava sect of the Vallabha Sampradaya. Like all statues in the sect, the image is an anthropomorphic manifestation of Krishna, the sect's paramount deity (see Plate 1). More than simply representing Krishna, Vallabhite statues are believed to contain this deity's ‘immanent presence’ and to possess (and emanate) his mystical powers. In order to partake of these powers, the worship of images is a regular feature of Vallabhite religious practice, and pilgrimage to important temples, such as the Shri Nathji Temple, is a cherished goal of all members of the sect. This article examines how the Hindu rajas of western India attempted to bind these mystical powers to the service of their rule and what consequences this had both for royal action and for the maintenance and perpetuation of the divine powers of the statues themselves.
Availability of Iron from Food Cooked in an Iron Utensil Determined by an In Vitro Method

Availability of iron from food cooked in iron utensils was determined by an in vitro method. Foods were cooked in iron (I) and in noniron (NI) utensils and combined to form meals. Applesauce and the meal contained more iron when cooked in I than in NI. The meals were subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Iron from the digestion mixture which diffused across a semipermeable membrane was measured calorimetrically and by radioassay. Treatment (cooked I vs NI) did not affect dialyzable iron. The radioassay showed higher dialyzable iron than the calorimetric method. Iron added to food by cooking in iron utensils was as available (as indicated by dialysis) as native food iron.
Binding of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) to annexin II: effect of vitamin D metabolites and calcium.

We have recently reported that annexin II serves as a membrane receptor for 1alpha,25-(OH)(2)D(3) and mediates the rapid effect of the hormone on intracellular calcium. The purpose of these studies was to characterize the binding of the hormone to annexin II, determine the specificity of binding, and assess the effect of calcium on binding. The binding of [(14)C]-1alpha,25-(OH)(2)D(3) bromoacetate to purified annexin II was inhibited by 1alpha, 25-(OH)(2)D(3) in a concentration-dependent manner. Binding of the radiolabeled ligand to annexin II was markedly diminished by 1alpha, 25-(OH)(2)D(3) at 24 microM, 18 microM, and 12 microM and blunted by 6 microM and 3 microM. At a concentration of 12 microM, 1beta, 25-(OH)(2)D(3) also diminished the binding of [(14)C]-1alpha, 25-(OH)(2)D(3) bromoacetate to annexin II, but cholecalciferol, 25-(OH)D(3), and 24,25-(OH)(2)D(3) did not. Saturation analyses of the binding of [(3)H]-1alpha,25-(OH)(2)D(3) to purified annexin II showed a K(D) of 5.5 x 10(-9) M, whereas [(3)H]-1beta,25-(OH)(2)D(3) exhibited a K(D) of 6.0 x 10(-9) M. Calcium, which binds to the carboxy terminal domain of annexin II, had a concentration-dependent effect on [(14)C]-1alpha,25-(OH)(2)D(3) bromoacetate binding to annexin II, with 600 nM calcium being able to inhibit binding of the radiolabeled analog. The inhibitory effect of calcium was prevented by EDTA. Homocysteine, which binds to the amino terminal domain of annexin II, had no effect on the binding of the bromoacetate analog to the protein. The data indicate that 1alpha,25-(OH)(2)D(3) binding to annexin II is specific and suggest that the binding site may be located on the carboxy terminal domain of the protein. The ability of 1beta,25-(OH)(2)D(3) to inhibit the binding of [(14)C]-1alpha, 25(OH)(2)D(3) bromoacetate to annexin II provides a biochemical explanation for the ability of the 1beta-epimer to inhibit the rapid actions of the hormone in vitro.
The splitting of intrinsic energy and the origin of mass density in continuum mechanics

We show that the total intrinsic energy of a body must split into the sum of two terms—an internal energy which depends upon ‘state’ and a kinetic energy which is quadratic in the square of the particle speed.We use the non-relativistic group invariance structure of a generalized form of the balance of energy in continuum thermomechanics, together with a fundamental axiomatic requirement. The fundamental concepts of motion, force, power, heating and intrinsic energy are introduced as primitive, and we derive the notion of mass and its balance. When James Serrin died on August 23, 2012, this work had just been completed. Jim was my close, personal and treasured friend for over 40 years. We collaborated on several works over those years, and we often talked together and socialized on various occasions. I had highest respect for him in all human and professional ways, and there was a definite mutual expression of affection and appreciation. A friendship could not contain more. This paper drew him back to a subject he had worked on years ago, and he was happy to be involved again with a fundamental issue in continuum mechanics. My efforts in this work are dedicated to the memory of James Serrin. He was such a scholar of great breadth and depth—He was wise and witty, and I benefited greatly from his presence. Roger Fosdick
The hydrolysis of poly(lactic acid)/ poly(hexamethylene succinate) blends

Reactive melt blends of semi-crystalline oligo(hexamethylene succinate) (PHS) and highly amorphous poly(lactic acid) (PLA) have been prepared in order to study the effects of phase separation upon hydrolytic stability at pH 7.4 and 37 °C. Amorphous compatible blends were obtained at 10 and 20wt% PHS while crystalline phase separation was observed at 30 and 40wt% PHS. Gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) has shown that, in each instance, the molecular weights of PLA homopolyester and the PHS/PLA blends approach 1000 Daltons after 35 days of hydrolysis. However, major differences in the rate of hydrolysis between PLA and the blends are only seen within the first 2 weeks of degradation. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has indicated that Tg minima of the materials are reached after 21 days and that the PHS crystalline phase is more susceptible to hydrolytic attack if compared with the induced PLA crystallites. In accordance with these findings, the presence of PHS and PLA crystallinity at higher concentrations of oligoester seems to complicate the degradation of the blends as the possibility exists for significant concentration fluctuations.
Surface restructuring of polymers

Abstract Time-dependent contact angle measurements are employed to follow the dynamics of surface modifications of various polymeric surfaces of different hydrophilicities. The equilibration of a hydrophilic polymer in a strong polar environment (such as water) induces an increase in the polarity of the surface; the subsequent exposure of the restructured solid to a nonpolar environment decreases the polarity of the surface. The dynamics of these processes depends on the history of the specimen. Various phenomena, such as surface restructuring by the reorientation of the buried polar or nonpolar moieties, water penetration into the polymer, and the reorganization of water in the neighborhood of the surface, are suggested to be responsible for the time evolution of the dynamic contact angles.
An introduction to catastrophes

Even social and biological scientists familiar with the uses of mathematical models in their fields will find conceptually novel and sometimes mathematically forbidding elements in catastrophe models. One major difficulty is that these models use concepts that are more familiar to mathematicians and physicists than to behavioral scientists: potential functions and gradient systems, for instance. Starting from the basic elements of linear systems and their usual analysis (trajectories, equilibrium, stability of equilibria, comparative statics) it is possible to construct a conceptual and mathematical path from these familiar notions to more unfamiliar ideas and techniques dealing with structural stability and catastrophes. This is the aim: to present such a path from simple to complex, from old to new, from familiar to unfamiliar. In a later section of the paper, the approaches of Thom and Zeeman to the scientific use of the catastrophe concept are presented. The conceptual framework employed in the paper is that of general systems theory and the basic notion within which all the remaining techniques and ideas find their place is that of a state-determined dynamic system. Apart from such an expository function, the paper also shows that the use of catastrophe concepts need not imply a special catastrophe model if analysis of any given dynamic model is extended to the problem of the implications for the events in state space of trajectories in parameter space. In this way, an effort is made to make this notion more accessible and useful in science.
Systematic review of clinical decision support interventions with potential for inpatient cost reduction

Background Healthcare costs are increasing rapidly and at an unsustainable rate in many countries, and inpatient hospitalizations are a significant driver of these costs. Clinical decision support (CDS) represents a promising approach to not only improve care but to reduce costs in the inpatient setting. The purpose of this study was to systematically review trials of CDS interventions with the potential to reduce inpatient costs, so as to identify promising interventions for more widespread implementation and to inform future research in this area.
Reduction in distribution system harmonics and improvement in power factor with current control in power converters

The problem of harmonic pollution of distribution system and the lowering of system power factor by power converter equipment has been studied by computer simulation of an electric vehicle battery charger, used as an example. The results of an extensive series of simulation runs illusttate that the severity of the problem is dependent on the technique for controlling charging current. The results pint out that it is possible to design chargers which will inject less harmonics and operate at near power factor. By mixing chargers with different current control technique, it is possible to achieeve a required overall operating condition in a cluster of chargers.
Reactions of Genistein with Alkylperoxyl Radicals

Antioxidant actions of the soy isoflavone genistein are believed to contribute to its overall chemopreventive activity. However, the mechanisms of its antioxidant reactions remain unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize the reaction products of genistein (5,7,4‘-trihydroxyisoflavone) with peroxyl radicals generated by thermolysis of 2,2‘-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) (AMVN). Genistein oxidations with AMVN-derived peroxyl radicals yielded orobol (5,7,3‘,4‘-tetrahydroxyisoflavone), a hydroxylated derivative of genistein, and several stable adducts of 4‘-oxogenistein with AMVN-derived radicals. Some of these adducts include novel structures resulting from secondary oxidations of the AMVN-derived moiety. For all the observed oxidation products, the modifications occurred on the B-ring of the molecule. Genistein oxidation product structures provide potentially useful markers of genistein antioxidant chemistry.
Pulse shape analysis in segmented detectors as a technique for background reduction in Ge double-beta decay experiments

The need to understand and reject backgrounds in Ge-diode detector double-beta decay experiments has given rise to the development of pulse shape analysis in such detectors to discern single-site energy deposits from multiple-site deposits. Here, we extend this analysis to segmented Ge detectors to study the effectiveness of combining segmentation with pulse shape analysis to identify the multiplicity of the energy deposits.
Higgs model with ghost-field formalism

The Higgs model for the interaction of vector and scalar fields is treated by means of the ghost-field formalism, which preserves the unitarity of the scattering operator as well as simplifies the renormalization procedure. Our ghost-field formalism has some similarity to the ${R}_{\ensuremath{\xi}}$ formalism with $\ensuremath{\xi}=1$, but it does not require the introduction of the so-called gauge-compensating terms. Applications to the second-order self-energy of a scalar particle and to the fourth-order scattering of vector particles are discussed.
The pseudobinary system NaF-Na2SiF6

Abstract The NaF-Na2SiF6 system was established by differential thermal analyses under constrained vapor conditions to be a simple eutectic system. A polymorphic transition of Na2SiF6 at 560 ± 3 °C was confirmed. The eutectic temperature and composition (mole fraction of NaF) are 695°C and 0.523 respectively. The solid solubility of Na2SiF6 in NaF is negligible while the solubility of NaF in Na2SiF6 is 6.0 mol.% at 695°C. The melting temperature of Na2SiF6 was determined to be 930 ± 10°C. Liquidus data and the thermodynamic properties of NaF were employed to evaluate the thermodynamic properties of liquid salt solutions and the enthalpy of fusion for Na2SiF6. The liquid solutions are described by the relations (where ΔGxs is in calories per mole) Δ- xs (NaF) = 4(−4773+3.334T) (1−X NaF ) 2 (2−X NaF ) 2 Δ- xs (Na 2 SiF 6 ) = 2(−4773+3.334T) (X NaF ) 2 (2−X NaF ) 2 The enthalpy of fusion was estimated to be 8665 cal mol−1.
Low-voltage process-adaptive logic and memory arrays for ultralow-power sensor nodes

We propose process variation tolerant circuit techniques for robust digital subthreshold logic and memory for ultralow power sensor nodes. Based on the concepts developed in this paper, we present an 8×8 process-tolerant FIR filter, working in both superthreshold and subthreshold regions featuring adaptive β-ratio modulation and integrated level converters. Ultra-dynamic voltage scaling (UVDS) enables the filter operation at 85mV consuming 40nW. For memory applications, we propose Schmitt Trigger based SRAM bitcell exhibiting built-in process variation tolerance. Functional SRAM with the proposed memory bitcell is demonstrated at 160mV in 0.13µm CMOS technology.
Mitochondrial DNA repeats constrain the life span of mammals

Abstract Mitochondrial DNA deletions, which are often flanked by repeats, are found in elderly organisms of many species. In this article, I describe the analysis of the mitochondrial genomes of 61 mammalian species and show that the number of the longer repeats constrains the typical life span. I also show that the number of repeats that occur in randomly shuffled sequences is a rough lower limit to the number in the actual sequences. These two constraints imply a maximum life expectancy for mammals of 80–100 years.
Particulate organic acids in the atmosphere of Italian cities: Are they environmentally relevant?

Abstract Mono- and dicarboxylic n-alkyl acids were extensively investigated in downtown Rome, Italy, and in Montelibretti, ∼30 km NE of the city, during 2005–2007. Congeners ranging from lauric to mellisic, and from succinic to α,ω-docosanedioic acids were evaluated as well as phthalic, palmitoleic and oleic acids, by solvent extraction of airborne particulates followed by derivatization with propanol in the presence of boron trifluoride, and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis. Shorter measurements were made in Milan, in Taranto, at suburban and rural sites of Italy, and in the polar regions, from 1996 to 2005. The predominance of palmitic and stearic acids observed elsewhere was confirmed, and the behaviour of azelaic and phthalic acids resulted strongly dependent upon the year season. In the urban sites, among the long-chain compounds, the lignoceric acid was usually the most abundant, while the cerotic, montanic and mellisic homologues cumulatively never exceeded 8% of the total. Unlike other contaminants, the concentrations of organic acids remained fairly invariant over the last decade, suggesting that more attention must be paid to them in the future.
Left ventricular geometric remodeling and residual stress in the rat heart

Theoretical considerations and observations of residual stress suggest that geometric remodeling in the heart may also alter residual stress and strain. We investigated whether changes in left ventricular geometry during physiologic growth were associated with corresponding changes in myocardial residual strain. In anesthetized rats from eight age groups ranging from 2-25+ weeks, the heart was arrested and isolated, and equatorial slices were obtained. The geometry of the intact, unloaded state was recorded, as well as the "opening angle" of the stress-free configuration after radial resection of the tissue slice. The tissue was fixed and embedded for histological examination of collagen area fraction. Heart weight increased 10-fold with age and unloaded internal radius increased almost 4-fold. However, wall thickness increased only 66 percent, so that the ratio of wall thickness to internal radius decreased significantly from 2.22 +/- 0.29 (mean +/- SD) at 2 weeks to 0.81 +/- 0.47 at 25 weeks. Opening angle of the stress-free slice decreased significantly from 87 +/- 16 deg at 2 weeks to 51 +/- 16 deg, and correlated linearly with wall thickness/radius ratio. Collagen area fraction increased with age. Hence physiologic ventricular remodeling in rats decreases myocardial residual strain in proportion to the relative reduction in wall thickness-radius ratio.
Changes in pharyngeal respiratory muscle force produced by K+ channel blockade

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the contractility of pharyngeal respiratory muscles can be augmented by altering membranous K+ channel conductance. The effects on twitch force of two K+ channel blockers, tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10 mM) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 0.3 mM), were examined in vitro for sternohyoid and diaphragm muscle strips. Both agents augmented isometric twitch force of both muscles. In response to TEA twitch force of the sternohyoid muscle increased significantly more than that of the diaphragm (by 33 +/- 7 vs. 9 +/- 1%, P = 0.004), whereas with 4-AP the increase in twitch force of the sternohyoid muscle was comparable to that of the diaphragm (55 +/- 15 vs. 64 +/- 6%, P = 0.50). 4-AP shifted the force-frequency relationship of both muscles leftward but did not alter peak tetanic force, so that force with 4-AP exceeded that without drug at stimulation frequencies below 60 Hz. In contrast TEA reduced force at stimulation frequencies > 20 Hz. The isometric contraction times of both muscles was variably prolonged, more so with 4-AP (by 30 +/- 15% for the sternohyoid and 32 +/- 3% for the diaphragm) than with TEA (by 9 +/- 2% for the sternohyoid and 5 +/- 2% for the diaphragm). For the group of muscles and K+ channel blockers, the degree of augmentation of twitch force correlated with the degree of prolongation of contraction time (r = 0.82, P < 0.001), consistent with blocking delayed rectifier K+ channels as the mechanism of increasing muscle force.
Quantitative features of digitized radiographic bone profiles.

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to examine the use of four image features in describing digitized radiographic bony scan lines, or profiles. These features include the mean pixel intensity, I(x) ; pixel intensity variance, var I (x); mean absolute Fourier transform coefficient, | F(u) | ; and mean spatial first moment of the absolute Fourier coefficients, M1. In an animal model I(x) and M1 differed significantly while | F(u) | tended to differ significantly between digitized radiographic profiles of osteoporotic (n = 6) and control (n = 6) rabbit humeri. Case examples illustrating the application of this technique to digitized radiographs of human interproximal alveolar bone are presented.
Memristor fabrication and characterization: an adaptive coded aperture imaging and sensing opportunity

The memristor, experimentally verified for the first time in 2008, is one of four fundamental passive circuit elements (the others being resistors, capacitors, and inductors). Development and characterization of memristor devices and the design of novel computing architectures based on these devices can potentially provide significant advances in intelligence processing systems for a variety of applications including image processing, robotics, and machine learning. In particular, adaptive coded aperture (diffraction) sensing, an emerging technology enabling real-time, wide-area IR/visible sensing and imaging, could benefit from new high performance biologically inspired image processing architectures based on memristors. In this paper, we present results from the fabrication and characterization of memristor devices utilizing titanium oxide dielectric layers in a parallel plate conuration. Two versions of memristor devices have been fabricated at the University of Dayton and the Air Force Research Laboratory utilizing varying thicknesses of the TiO 2 dielectric layers. Our results show that the devices do exhibit the characteristic hysteresis loop in their I-V plots.
Henoch-Schönlein purpura in adults.

65-YEAR-OLD MAN PRESENTED with a 1-week history of abdominal pain and was noted to have cute kidney failure, with a serum creatinine level of 3.9 g/dL (343 mol/L). The patient had experienced multiple ospitalizations in the prior 12 months and had demontrated chronic kidney disease, with a serum creatinine level n the 2.2to 2.4-mg/dL (194to 211mol/L) range. A ecent prior hospitalization had shown unilateral hydronehrosis with stones on the left, and a bladder catheter had een left in place due to urinary retention. The patient resented this time with a 1-week history of nausea and bdominal pain, and was found to have methicillin-resistant taphylococcal aureus in his urine and a positive stool result or Helicobacter pylori antigen. He was treated with triple herapy for the H pylori (ampicillin, clarithromycin, and a roton pump inhibitor) and vancomycin for his urinary tract nfection, with improvement of his abdominal pain. Due to ctive urinary sediment with the possibility of white blood ell casts, ampicillin and clarithromycin were stopped after days of therapy, but vancomycin therapy was continued for he urinary tract infection. Although urine examination was ubsequently negative for eosinophils, due to concern over ossible interstitial nephritis, prednisone, 30 mg twice daily, as initiated. There was no evidence of obstruction on repeat ultraound, and repeat urinalysis showed 3 protein, 60 to 100 ed blood cells/high-power field, and 60 to 100 white blood ells/high-power field, with a urine protein-creatinine ratio f 6.2. Platelet count was 132 10/ L (132 10/L). iven the active sediment with the high proteinuria, serologial workup was performed, and results included normal omplement levels, negative anti–glomerular basement memrane antibody, negative antinuclear antibody, antineutrohil cytoplasmic antibody positive at 1:80, but negative yeloperoxidase and proteinase 3 antibodies, negative seologies for hepatitis B and C, and serum and urine protein lectrophoreses negative for monoclonal proteins. Despite teroid therapy, the patient’s acute kidney failure progressed nd subsequently required emergent placement of a tunneled atheter and initiation of dialysis therapy. The patient’s abdominal pain and nausea recurred, and an ncreased alkaline phosphatase level prompted a computed omographic scan of the abdomen without radiocontrast due o a history of Crohn disease and concern for sclerosing holangitis. This showed no abnormalities, but an ultrasound f the liver showed dilated intrahepatic and extrahepatic ucts, with a 1-cm portal vein thrombosis. A questionable ass was seen in the liver on magnetic resonance imaging. evels of tumor markers, including -fetoprotein and carcioembryonic antigen, were normal, but a CA19-9 level was rossly elevated at 12,439 U/mL (normal, 55 U/mL). After
Synthesis and Characterization of Monosized Doped TiO2 Powders

Monosized spheroidal doped TiO2 particles with an average diameter of 0.3 to 0.7 μm were prepared by the controlled cohydrolysis of mixtures of titanium alkoxide and either niobium or tantalum alkoxide. An inorganic salt precipitation technique was used to put Ba, Cu, or Sr onto the surface of singly doped TiO2 particles. Chemical analyses by several methods demonstrated the reproducibility and reliability of the doping procedures
Testing for the Supremacy of a Multinomial Cell Probability

Tests for the supremacy of a multinomial cell probability are developed. The tested null hypothesis states that a particular cell of interest is not more probable than all others. Rejection of this null leads to the conclusion that the cell of interest has a strictly greater probability than all other cells. The null hypothesis constrains the multinomial probability vector to a nonconvex region that is a union of closed convex cones. The likelihood ratio test for this problem is derived and shown to be equivalent to an intersection–union test. The least favorable configuration of the multinomial probability vector in the null parameter space is derived, and the limiting null distribution of the test statistic that is stochastically greatest is shown to be a mixture of point mass at zero and a chi-square distribution with a single degree of freedom. Asymptotic and valid finite-sample testing procedures are proposed and examined via a simulation study and the analysis of two datasets. The proposed procedure...
VEIN-GRAFT WRAPPING FOR THE TREATMENT OF RECURRENT COMPRESSION OF THE MEDIAN NERVE

Recurrent compressive neuropathy of the median nerve due to cicatrix is an extremely challenging clinical problem. Available treatment techniques are difficult and results uncertain. Early experience with the autogenous vein graft wrapping technique has shown great promise for the treatment of chronic compressive neuropathy after other procedures have failed. We report on 3 patients with average follow-up of 2 years. Postoperatively, all the patients had significant improvement on electromyograms, and the findings of both subjective and objective assessments were excellent or good for 2 patients. The procedure is simple; the donor is readily available; no complications were noted in the donor area, and the graft tissue has good compatibility. This technique can also be applied for chronic compression of any peripheral nerve.
Alcohol Use and Risk of HIV infection among Men Who Have Sex with Men

In the United States, men who have sex with men (MSM) currently represent more than 50% of those living with HIV and over 70% of HIV+ men (CDC 2007, http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/msm/resources/factsheets/pdf/msm.pdf). Male-to-male sexual contact has been identified as the predominant route of transmission among this sub-group, which underscores the need for research that targets risk factors associated with risky sex-related HIV acquisition. Along these lines, research has shown that one potentially important predictor variable for risky sex among MSM is alcohol use. The major aim of this paper is to review and integrate empirical evidence on the association of alcohol use and risky sex among MSM. A summary of the quantitative research is provided first, followed by a critique of the reviewed literature, a discussion of the consistency of the existing empirical evidence with predictions of current theories, and finally, recommendations for future research designed to evaluate alcohol-related sexual risk in MSM.
‘Will the Real Borromini Please Stand Up?’: One Method of Introducing Critical Reading and Analysis Through a Study of Architectural History

Abstract The principles of art criticism introduced by Professor Theodore M. Greene and elaborated by Professor Bernard C. Heyl have proven effective in engaging fourth-year architectural students in critical reading and analysis. By selecting numerous examples from writings on the life and work of Francesco Borromini, a designer of interest to most architectural students, different critical perspectives and various ways of structuring an argument and proving a point are demonstrated, leading students to grasp the difference between subjective opinion and criticism based upon more objective criteria. The essay explains Greene's classifications and the assignments created to introduce skills for academic research and evaluation.
A quantitative study of synaptic contacts on interneurons and relay cells of the cat lateral geniculate nucleus.

The relative proportions of synapses made by retinal and extraretinal terminals on interneurons and relay cells in lamina A of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the cat were estimated quantitatively in a sample of 4003 synapses. Processes of interneurons or relay cells were identified by presence or absence of GABA immunoreactivity, respectively, in thin sections treated with post-embedding anti-GABA immunogold. On the basis of ultrastructural features, synaptic terminals were interpreted as belonging to retinal axons, cortical axons or axon collaterals of relay cells. GABAergic terminals were positively identified by being immunoreactive. GABA(-) terminals with heterogeneous and poorly defined characteristics, which could not be identified in the above classes, were grouped together in an “undetermined” category. Among the total synaptic inputs to interneurons, the following relative percentages of synapses from different terminals were obtained: retinal 25%, cortical 37%, GABAergic 26%, axon collaterals 2%, undetermined 6%. The vast majority of retinal terminals synapse on dendritic appendages of interneurons rather than on their dendritic trunks (about 20∶1). By contrast, the majority of cortical terminals synapse on dendrites rather than on dendritic appendages (about 5∶1). Virtually all axon-collaterals synapses were established on dendritic appendages. 17% of the dendritic profiles of interneurons contain synaptic vesicles; many of these profiles were seen in postsynaptic relation to cortical axons and in presynaptic relation with relay dendrites. Given the extensive electrotonic lengths of these cells observed by others, and the expected high electric resistance of the slender stalks that are known to connect the dendritic appendages to interneurons, these results suggest that microcircuits involving the interneuronal dendritic appendages with dendrites of relay cells are under predominantly retinal control. The microcircuits established by presynaptic dendritic trunks with relay dendrites, are under predominantly cortical control. The axonal (spiking) output of interneurons would be under control of the few retinal synapses on proximal dendrites of these cells. Among the total synaptic inputs to relay cells, the following relative percentages of different synapses were obtained: retinal 12%, cortical 58%, GABAergic 24%, axon collaterals 0.3%, undetermined 5%. Relay cells receive twice the number of cortical synapses than interneurons, suggesting that direct cortical excitatory influences on relay cells are more preponderant than cortico-interneuron mediated inhibition on these cells. The observed proportions of dendritic profiles of relay cells and interneurons (80% and 20%, respectively) in the geniculate neuropil are similar to the known proportions of somata of both types of cells in the A-laminae. This suggests a similarity in the average dendritic branching of relay cells and interneurons.
Teaching Family Concepts Through Case Study

Three cases are presented that are designed to generate discussion of system-based hypotheses from trainees in family counseling. The cases involve many key concepts that tend to emerge within initial interviews. Several key system ideas are presented for each case. Follow-up information is provided that helps to present a fuller picture of the individuals described, as well as to emphasize the importance of recognizing the adaptive capabilities of human beings.
Effects of experimentally induced mild hyperthyroidism on growth hormone and insulin secretion and sex steroid levels in healthy young men.

Although triiodothyronine (T3) exerts major regulatory actions in both animals and humans, most clinical studies of T3 administration have been relatively short-term. The present study examined the effects of more than 2 months (63 days) of low-dose T3 treatment on overnight pulsatile growth hormone (GH) secretion, short-term insulin secretion, and of sex steroid levels in seven healthy, lean men studied at an inpatient metabolic unit. At baseline, there were strong correlations between sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and several measures of GH production, including total GH production (r = .99), GH interburst interval (r = -.75), and GH mass (r = .82). SHBG was also inversely correlated with basal insulin secretion (r = -.74). There was a 42% increase in serum levels of total testosterone (18.5 +/- 1.3 to 26.3 +/- 1.8 nmol/L, P = .005) and a 150% increase in SHBG (18.0 +/- 2.2 to 44.9 +/- 7.0 nmol/L, P = .008) following T3 treatment. Estradiol and free testosterone levels were unchanged by treatment, although free testosterone decreased from 142.8 +/- 18.4 to 137.3 +/- 19.5 pmol/L. T3 treatment significantly reduced the GH interburst interval (P < .05) and produced slight increases in the measures of GH secretion. There were no statistically significant effects of T3 treatment on insulin secretion, although insulin peak amplitude, mass secreted per burst, and total production all decreased. We conclude that experimentally induced T3 excess in healthy men produces significant and sustained changes in sex hormone levels and GH secretion. Furthermore, there are strong associations between SHBG and both GH and insulin secretion independent of thyroid hormone excess that require additional study.
T and B lymphocyte differentiation from hematopoietic stem cell

Until the past few years, it has been thought that lymphoid and myeloid lineage segregation represents the first step of lineage restriction during hematopoiesis from hematopoietic stem cell. Recent investigation of the cell populations within multipotent progenitors in the bone marrow has led to new understanding of how hematopoietic stem cells diversify into different hematopoietic cell types. This review focuses on the recent advances in understanding the developmental events that occur during hematopoietic stem cell specification into the T and B lymphocyte lineages in adult mice.
Comparative conformational studies on the tryptic digestion fragments of human immunoglobulins M and G

Abstract IgM 1 immunoglobulins were cleaved into Fabμ and (Fc)5μ fragments by tryptic digestion. Comparative circular dichroism studies with the corresponding IgG fragments show that the Fab portions of IgG and IgM proteins have very similar CD spectral features, although the same is not true for their Fc fragments. These studies indicate the presence of higher amount of beta-structured regions in Fcμ than in Fcγ. Also, there are considerable differences in their pH-dependent structural transitions as measured by CD spectral changes. The conformational differences between IgG and IgM immunoglobulins are more pronounced in their Fc portions, which carry out class specific biological functions, rather than in Fab portions, which contain antigen combining sites.
INTEGRATED OPTICAL THRESHOLD GATES FOR DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING.

Low level processing or preprocessing is often the starting point in many computer vision systems. This stage is typically characterized as picture processing and uses gradients, edge templates, filters, thresholding, and other enhancement techniques. The next stage in computer vision commonly deals with the processed image, usually binary in nature, and extracts intrinsic features such as size, shape, boundary, orientation, moments, etc. A new class of multiple-valued integrated optical processors is proposed for the parallel implementation of selected preprocessing algorithms. The basic component of the multiple-valued processor is an integrated optical threshold gate.(1-3) The parallel processing algorithms required for both smoothing and boundary determination with an integrated optical thresholding array are described. One possible architecture for an optical parallel digital image processor is presented.© (1985) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Identification of Sugars in Royal Jelly

THE presence of sugars in the nutrients of the honey-bee termed royal jelly has been reported; but the analyses were based on fermentation and reducing power investigations1,2 or paper chromatography evidence3,4. The chromatographic evidence indicated the presence of components having the same RF values as glucose and sucrose in all samples studied, and in certain samples, RF values corresponding to sucrose, maltose and ribose. Because this evidence was not based on an evaluation of physical constants of the crystalline sugars and their derivatives, an investigation was undertaken to isolate and identify precisely the carbohydrate components of this bee larval food.
Bonding Test for Tungsten Plates by Pulse Discharge Sintering Method

Bonding experiment has been performed for tungsten plates with the Pulse Discharge Sintering (PDS) method. The bonded interfaces have been evaluated by observing the optical microstructure and ultrasonic imaging, and the effect of bonding condition on the bending strength of the bonded samples was examined. For the samples bonded without insert material in between the tungsten component plates, evidence of grain growth across the bonded interface was observed, indicating the occurrence of diffusion bonding. Many pores have been found at the interface of the bonded sample when tungsten powder was used as insert material, whereas pores were not observed for the sample bonded with tantalum powder as insert material. The bending strength of the samples bonded with tantalum and tungsten powder as insert materials, and that bonded without inser materia has been measured to be about 400, 200 and 100 MPa, respectively. The bonded sample with tantalun ha been found to possess a higher bending strength than that of the tungsten component plate. It has been demonstrated that a longer activating pulse discharge time in the PDS process leads to a higher bending strength for both samples bonded with tungsten powder and without insert material.
Effect of capsaicin administration to neonatal rats on the substance P content of discrete CNS regions

Substance P (SP) levels were determined by radioimmunoassay in microdissected CNS regions of adult animals treated with capsaicin as neonates and of vehicle controls. Capsaicin treatment reduced the SP content of the spinal trigeminal nucleus and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord whereas it had no effect on the SP levels in the ventral horn of the spinal cord, the nucleus tractus solitarius or in midbrain and forebrain areas analyzed.
An experimental study of bottom rewetting in a rod bundle geometry

Abstract The effect of various flow parameters on the rewetting velocity in a bottom rewetting phenomena has been experimentally studied in a 3×3 rod bundle geometry. The rod bundle geometry consisted of nine test rods surrounded by a radiatively heated square shroud. The rewetting tests were conducted at atmospheric pressures for low mass and heat flow ranges. Typical rewetting velocities measured in this study were in order to 1 to 5 mm/s. For a given test condition, an increasing inlet subcooling was accompanied by an increasing rewetting velocity. The rewetting velocity was first found to be decreased with increasing vapor quality until a critical value, for a given mass flux. For the vapor qualities higher than the critical value, the rewetting velocity was found to be increased with increasing vapor quality. For a given mass flux, the critical value of the vapor quality corresponded to the flooding limit of the flow. A Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC) post-test calculation was performed for a subcooled inlet reflood test. The TRAC model considered only the test bundle and consisted of four components including ten fluid cells. The calculated and measured wall and vapor temperatures were the principle parameters for comparison. The precursory cooling rate above the quench front is found to be overpredicted by TRAC, resulting in overprediction of the rewetting velocity.
Optimism and Pessimism in Business Leaders1

Male business leaders responded to 3 instruments, the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI-SELF), the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory (KAI), and a measure of optimism and pessimism (O/P). Approximately 5 to 6 (range = 3 to 9) of each of the 48 leaders' direct reports rated their leaders on the LPI (LPI-OBSERVER) and also responded to the O/P instrument. As predicted, both the leaders and their direct reports had lower mean scores on pessimism than a normative group; neither group differed from the norm on optimism. The leader KAI scores were negatively correlated with pessimism, and positively, though not significantly so, with optimism. Optimism was positively correlated with 2 factors of the LPI-OBSERVER, but pessimism was not correlated with any of the five LPI factors.
Proteins associated with the membrane surface of lens fiber cells

Abstract The urea-soluble proteins (USP) from dogfish lenses were studied by high-resolution analytic methods. Immunoprecipitates were dissolved and analyzed in 8 m -urea-Tris-glycine buffer by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. All USP components were found to have properties in common with the water-soluble lens proteins (WSP) as characterized by Ferguson plots. Water-soluble lens proteins showed a preferential affinity for the isolated membrane ghosts of lens and red blood cells. Species differences are noted which may be related to species-specific functional requirements of the lens.