cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Lived Religion of Buddhists: Integrating Concepts from Social Work and Religious Studies

Social workers in multicultural societies are likely to encounter clients from diverse religious backgrounds including traditions such as Buddhism. Culturally sensitive practice with such clients necessitates ongoing self-awareness of personal religious and spiritual beliefs and acknowledging personal biases. This article illustrates ways in which social workers may combine this self-awareness with knowledge of concepts from social work and religious studies to form a working knowledge of Buddhism and an understanding of the diversity within this tradition. This interdisciplinary approach, facilitated through social work education, may be used to understand the lived religious experiences of Buddhist clients in order to provide effective practice and appropriate services.
Tumor-Targeted Nanoparticles: State-of-the-Art and Remaining Challenges

This chapter discusses the rationale of targeted nanomedicines, different approaches to achieve this goal, current challenges, and considerations for their future development. Here, nanomedicines refer to particulate materials with a diameter in nanometer scale, prepared with natural or synthetic polymers, lipids, or inorganic solids, in the form of polymer-drug conjugates, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) or micelles, dendrimers, nanotubes, nanocrystals, nanorods, nanoshells, or nanocages. Nanomedicines used as a carrier of a drug are often called nanocarriers. Nanoparticles and nanocarriers are also interchangeably used. Throughout this chapter, the term “nanoparticles” will represent various types of nanocarriers. Keywords: tumor-targeted nanoparticle; nanomedicine; nanocarrier; passive targeting; active targeting
Calculation of transonic potential flow past wing-tail-fuselage combinations using the multigrid technique

A computer program for calculating transonic potential flow fields about three-dimensional wing-tail-fuselage combinations has been developed. The transonic potential equation is approximated and solved numerically using a finite-volume method on a boundary conforming coordinate system. The multigrid technique is utilized to accelerate convergence of the relaxation scheme and thus to allow computations about multiple-component airplanes with reasonable expenditure of computer resources. The wlng-tail flow interaction is investigated and results indicate that the tail exerts a noticeable effect on the wing loading when the tall is located near the wing trailing edge.
Inexact Multiple-Grained Causal Complexes

Causality can be imprecise as well as granular. Complete knowledge of all possible causal factors could lead to crisp causal understanding. However, knowledge of at least some causal effects is inherently inexact and imprecise. It is unlikely that complete knowledge of all possible factors can be known for many subjects. It may not be known what events are in the complex; or, what constraints and laws the complex is subject to. Consequently, causal knowledge is inherently incomplete and inexact. Whether or not all of the elements are precisely known, people recognize that a complex of elements usually causes an effect. Causal complexes are groupings of finer-grained causal relations into a larger-grained causal object. Commonsense world understanding deals with imprecision, uncertainty and imperfect knowledge. Usually, commonsense reasoning is more successful in reasoning about a fewer large-grained events than many fine-grained events. However, the larger-grained causal objects are necessarily more imprecise than some of their components. A satisficing solution might be to develop large-grained solutions and then only go to the finer-grain when the impreciseness of the large-grain is unsatisfactory.
A high pressure X-ray diffraction study of aragonite and the post-aragonite phase transition in CaCO3

CaCO3-aragonite has been examined to pressures of 50 GPa using angle-dispersive synchrotron X-ray diffraction at 300 K. A progressive pressure-induced change takes place in the diffraction patterns, with the (021) and (111) diffraction lines of aragonite converging toward one another with compression. The ultimate convergence of these lines and shifts in intensity in the diffraction pattern imply that CaCO3-aragonite undergoes a transition to a trigonal structure near 50 GPa. This transition is similar to that occurring in BaCO3 at 7 GPa and SrCO3 at 35 GPa. Indeed the b / a ratio of aragonite at 50 GPa is ![Formula][1] : the critical value for producing a transition to a trigonal structure, and similar to that of BaCO3 at low pressure. The occurrence of this phase transition is in general accord with systematics in aragonite-structured divalent cation carbonates. If free CaCO3 exists in the deep mantle, either as a consequence of subduction or carbonatite melt fractionation, we anticipate that it is likely to occur as a trigonal phase. [1]: /embed/tex-math-1.gif
Anion-exchange chromatography of DNA restriction fragments

The abilities of several high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) anion-exchange packings to separate DNA restriction fragments, ranging in size from 50 to 23 000 base pairs, were studied. The ion exchangers investigated include the porous packings Protein-Pak DEAE-5PW, Nucleogen-DEAE 4000-7, Poros-Q and BakerBond WP-PEI, and the non-porous packings TSK Gel DEAE-NPR, Gen-Pak FAX, and ProPac PA1. The results indicated that the non-porous packings could separate all 18 fragments (<600 base pairs) in a pBR322 DNA-HaeIII digest, while of the porous packings, only Nucleogen-DEAE 4000-7 could resolve DNA fragments in this size range. Only Gen-Pak FAX and TSK Gel DEAE-NPR could significantly resolve the very large DNA fragments (125–23 000 base pairs) of a λ DNA-HindIII digest. The chromatographic parameters governing this separation by Gen-Pak FAX were optimized so that six of eight fragments were resolved. Split-peak phenomena were observed at low flow-rates when employing non-porous packings, but were eliminated by the incorporation of organic modifiers or surfactants, suggesting that, under certain conditions, hydrophobicity may play a significant role in separations on this packing. Gen-Pak FAX also separated 21 of 23 fragments in a 1000-base pair DNA ladder, a performance which, in addition to the quantitative capabilities of HPLC, makes anion-exchange chromatography a powerful method complementary to slab-gel electrophoresis, and perhaps preferable over agarose gel electrophoresis for applications such as the confirmation of plasmid integrity.
Acute tolerance to effects of topical glucocorticosteroids

SUMMARY Tachyphylaxis (acute tolerance) to two important actions of topical glucocorticosteroids is demonstrated. In humans, topically active glucocorticoids applied to the skin cause vasoconstriction initially but this response fades with successive applications. In hairless mouse epidermis, inhibition of DNA synthesis and mitosis is caused by one application of a glucocorticoid but with repeated administration of the drug this effect is lost. The degree of inhibition of cell division appears to be similar 30 and 54 h after one application of steroid to that following three or five applications during such a time period. These findings suggest that an optimum therapeutic approach to the use of these agents exists.
A dynamic method for the study of heterogeneous catalytic kinetics

For a trial multistep mechanism for a heterogeneous catalytic reaction, it is suggested that dynamic experiments can be used to calculate the forward and reverse rate constants of individual steps. The experiments consist of the measurement of the composition of the effluent from a continuous stirred-tank catalytic reactor as a function of time as the input composition to the reactor is perturbed. The method of moments is used to obtain the kinetic constants for a trial mechanism from the experimental data.
Foundations of database searching: integrating evidence-based medicine into the medical curriculum.

Library integration into the medical school curriculum is a crucial aspect of meeting Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) Accreditation Standards and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Medical School Objectives Project (MSOP) guidelines. To accomplish this, academic health sciences libraries seek to develop evidence-based medicine (EBM) literature searching classes within the medical school curriculum. Establishing a basic understanding of the fundamental concepts behind health sciences database searching among medical students is a prerequisite for a more demanding evidence-based literature searching curriculum. The George T. Harrell Health Sciences Library, Penn State College of Medicine, sought to incorporate an evidence-based medicine literature searching structure by working within the existing problem-based learning system during the preclinical years. Students in the clinical years will participate in evidence-based assignments during their rotations. A fourth-year EBM el...
Prediction of Oil Slick Motions in Narragansett Bay

ABSTRACT In the development of meaningful oil spill contingency plans, it is of great value in establishing the response to a spill emergency to have predictions of oil slick motions once the spill occurs. In an attempt to evaluate some of the present technical literature on oil spill motion, a calculation was made for the oil spill motion which occurred in Narragansett Bay in September, 1960 when the tanker P.W. Thirtle ran aground and emitted about 24,000 barrels of Bunker C oil over a 12 hour period before successful abatement of the source was completed. The existing literature on oil slick spreading was reviewed and the work of Fay was chosen to represent the slick's spreading characteristics. The existing literature on oil slick drift was reviewed and the work of Teason, et. al, was used to establish the drift motion under the influence of current and wind actions. An available numerical hydrodynamic model of Narragansett Bay was used to calculate the current characteristics in the vicinity of the s...
New Strategies for Preparing Electrically Conductive Langmuir-Blodgett Films

The fabrication, structure and electrical properties of new electrically conductive Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films of polyaniline and polypyrrole have been investigated. Polyaniline in its emeraldine-base form was mixed with stearic acid (PAN-B/SA) to produce stable films at the air-water interface (5/1 or 10/1 mole ratio of PAN-B/SA). These films were then transferred into multilayer films which were found to exhibit conductivities of about 1 S/cm upon doping with hydrochloric acid. The alkyl chains of the stearic acid molecules were found to be distributed randomly throughout the LB film thereby exerting a minimal influence on the electrical properties of the polyaniline phase. In addition to this mixed monolayer approach, a novel method of fabricating highly conductive polypyrrole LB films has been developed. This method is based on the sequential exposure of ferric stearate LB films to hydrogen chloride (HC1) gas and pyrrole vapor. Each of these two solid state reactions was found to impart dramatic chemical and structural changes to the film. Polypyrrole LB films with conductivities as high as 5 S/cm were produced via this process. The electrical and optical properties of films made by both techniques were examined in order to elucidate their structure/property relationships.
GROWTH FACTOR REACTIVE MALIGNANT CELLS IN ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA

Growth and differentiation of mature lymphocytes is regulated by lymphokines. Some of these T-cell derived factors are also involved in the development of precursor cells. To investigate, whether T-cell factors are involved in the growth of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells of non-T-non-B-type, we have cultured bone marrow cells of ALL patients in the presence of: 1. normal culture medium, 2. supernatant (SN) from stimulated monocytes, 3. SN from stimulated tonsillar T-cells, 4. Lymphocult-T-LF (Biotest).In three out of eight cases studied so far the malignant cell continued to proliferate in the presence of tonsillar T-cell SN for up to three weeks. In contrast, in the presence of medium or the other SN tested, the cells died rapidly in vitro. Furthermore, dosedependent growth induction by tonsillar T SN could be demonstrated by 3H-Thymidine uptake. Phenotypically all cases studied have been classified as common-ALL expressing markers of B-cells defined by monoclonal antibodies. In addition to this particular phenotype, the clinical course in two patients showed progressive disease despite intensive chemotherapy. According to BFM-83 protocol, both patients had a low risk factor with respect to relapse. Thus, investigstions on growth regulation in ALL cells in vitro may not only give new insights into the biology of ALL, but may also be important by functionally defining particular subgroups of ALL.
N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide in scleroderma-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension

We read with great interest the report by Williams et al .1 regarding N-TproBNP levels in patients with scleroderma-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH). In studying a large cohort of scleroderma patients, the authors found that N-TproBNP levels (i) significantly correlate with cardiopulmonary haemodynamics, (ii) predict development of pulmonary hypertension in patients with scleroderma, and (iii) predict survival. These findings are quite important given the need for reliable non-invasive tools to assess …
MAC protocol identification approach for implement smart cognitive radio

Cognitive radio (CR) is regarded as a solution to address the spectrum scarcity issue in wireless communications. In CR, an unlicensed network user is enabled to dynamically/adaptively access the frequency channels according to the current state of the radio environment and, therefore, CR refers to a smart radio as defined in an “observe-learn-decision” cognitive cycle. In this paper, we consider the medium access control (MAC) protocols as radio parameters in the cognitive cycle, and propose a new approach called MAC protocol identification to implement smart cognitive MAC. The MAC protocol identification approach enables CR users to sense and identify the network MAC protocol types. The identification results will be used by CR users to adaptively change their transmission parameters in order to improve the spectrum hole utilization efficiency, save energy, minimize the interference to the primary users, as well as facilitate communications among heterogeneous CR networks. To verify that the MAC protocol identification is feasible, we propose a MAC identification process based on machine learning techniques in this paper, and some experimental results are presented.
A latency-optimized hybrid network for clustering FPGAs (abstract only)

The data-intensive applications that will shape computing in the coming decades require scalable architectures that incorporate scalable data and compute resources and can support unstructured (e.g., logs) and semi-structured (e.g., large graph, XML) data sets. To explore the suitability of FPGAs for these computations, we are constructing an FPGA-based system with a memory capacity of 512 GB from a collection of 32 Virtex-5 FPGAs spread across 8 enclosures. This poster describes the system's interconnect that combines inter-enclosure high-speed serial links and wide, single-ended intra-enclosure on-board traces with a network topology that optimizes for latency and bandwidth for small packets. The network uses a multi-level radix-12 router optimized for the asymmetry between the inter- and intra-enclosure links. The system has a peak theoretical bisection bandwidth of 247.2 Gb/s and a total switching capacity of 2.13 Tb/s. Under random traffic, the network sustains an aggregate throughput of 354.3 Gb/s. The channel transceivers and router consume 22% of the FPGAs' Block RAMs and 33% of their FPGA Slices.
Curious random counting statistics: Theory, an actual flight experiment and possible applications for a suggested electrical circuit

Abstract A particular method of collecting and transmitting experimental data to Earth from a pair of balloon-borne cosmic ray electron detectors is shown to lead to a curious distribution in counting statistics which is not interpretable on the basis of a simple Poisson distribution. Dead-time corrections and a “house-keeping” mode, together with the fact that the instrumental scaler only has a finite number of channels, lead to a calculable distortion of the basic statistical distribution. When these effects are allowed for, remarkably good agreement is achieved between theoretical expectations and observations. The above results have led us to the design of a simple electrical circuit which incorporates the capability of (1) removing variable “seeing” conditions and (2) easily detecting periodic components in an event rate which has a high random component. These are features which are of great interest under particular experimental conditions.
AGG interruptions within the maternal FMR1 gene reduce the risk of offspring with fragile X syndrome

The ability to accurately predict the likelihood of expansion of the CGG repeats in the FMR1 gene to a full mutation is of critical importance for genetic counseling of women who are carriers of premutation alleles (55–200 CGG repeats) and who are weighing the risk of having a child with fragile X syndrome. The presence of AGG interruptions within the CGG repeat tract is thought to decrease the likelihood of expansion to a full mutation during transmission, thereby reducing risk, although their contribution has not been quantified. We retrospectively analyzed 267 premutation alleles for number and position of AGG interruptions, length of pure CGG repeats, and CGG repeat lengths present in the offspring of the maternal transmissions. In addition, we determined the haplotypes of four markers flanking the 5′-UTR locus in the premutation mothers. We found that the presence of AGG interruptions significantly increased genetic stability, whereas specific haplotypes had a marginal association with transmission instability. The presence of AGG interruptions reduced the risk of transmission of a full mutation for all maternal (premutation) repeat lengths below ~100 CGG repeats, with a differential risk (0 vs. 2 AGG) exceeding 60% for alleles in the 70- to 80-CGG repeat range. Genet Med 2012:14(8):729–736
Theoretical Analysis of Heteroaromatic Thioaminyl Radicals. Part 1: A Comparison of Ab Initio and Density Functional Methods in Calculations of Molecular Geometry and Isotropic Hyperfine Coupling Constants†

Molecular parameters of 23 heterocyclic radicals containing the thioaminyl fragment were systematically investigated with ab initio and DFT methods. Several basis sets were used to establish correlations between calculated and experimental geometries and isotropic hyperfine coupling constants. Distribution of spin and charge densities in the radicals was analyzed using the UB3LYP/6-31G* method. The data were subsequently analyzed with an emphasis on the quality of correlation rather than on the absolute accuracy of the calculated values. This resulted in a set of empirical scaling factors relating the calculated and experimental hfcc for cyclic thioaminyl radicals and provided a tool for routine design, structural elucidation, and characterization of new radicals. The protocol is used in the critical analysis of hfcc for several previously reported radicals. A companion paper (ref 1) follows in this issue [Kaszynski, P. J. Phys. Chem. A 2001, 105, 7626].
The Pathway of Bone Fluid Flow as Defined by In Vivo Intramedullary Pressure and Streaming Potential Measurements

The pathway for intracortical fluid flow response to a step-load was identified in vivo using intramedullary pressure (ImP) and streaming potential (SP) measurements, and allowed the development of a load-induced flow mechanism which considers mechanotransduction and mechanoelectrotransduction phenomena. An avian model was used for monitoring, simultaneously, ImP and SP under axial loading which generated peak strains of approximately 600 microstrain (μe). ImP response to step-load decayed more quickly than SP relaxation, in which multiple time constants were observed during the relaxations. While the initial relaxation of SP showed a decay on the order of 200 ms, ImP decayed on the order of approximately 100 ms. After the initial decay (∼200 ms after loading), ImP quickly relaxed to base line, while SP continued to dominate relaxation. It appears that the decay of ImP is indicative of resistive fluid flow occurring primarily in the vasculature and other intraosseous channels such as lacunar-canalicular pores, and that SP represents the fluid flow in the smaller porosities, i.e., lacunar-canalicular system or even microspores. These results suggest that SP and ImP decays are determined by a hierarchical interdependent system of multiple porosities, and that the temporal dynamics of load-bearing define the manner in which the fluid patterns and pressures are distributed. © 2002 Biomedical Engineering Society.
Overcharging a black hole and cosmic censorship

We show that, contrary to a widespread belief, one can overcharge a near extremal Reissner-Nordstr\"om black hole by throwing in a charged particle, as long as the back reaction effects may be considered negligible. Furthermore, we find that we can make the particle's classical radius, mass, and charge, as well as the relative size of the back reaction terms arbitrarily small, by adjusting the parameters corresponding to the particle appropriately. This, however, is not sufficient to justify ignoring back reaction; a naive estimate indicates that cosmic censorship may be preserved. This suggests that the question of cosmic censorship is still not wholly resolved even in this simple scenario. We contrast this with attempting to overcharge a black hole with a charged imploding shell, where we find that cosmic censorship is upheld. We also briefly comment on a number of possible extensions.
Dietary cation-anion balance and cation source effects on production and acid-base status of heat-stressed cows.

Abstract Two 4 × 4 replicated Latin square studies, each containing 8 lactating Holstein cows, were conducted simultaneously in south Georgia during the summer. The effects of dietary cation source (Na or K) and increasing dietary cation-anion balance (milliequivalents of Na + K – Cl per kilogram of feed DM) within cation source (control = 120.4 meq/kg of feed DM; Na source = 219.7, 347.8, 464.1 meq/kg of feed DM; K source = 231.2, 352.6, 456.0 meq/kg of feed DM) were determined on performance and acid-base chemistry during hot, humid weather. Cow body temperatures were elevated by environmental conditions but were not affected by dietary cation-anion balance. Differences in body temperature from dietary cation source probably were related to differences in cow BW. Intake of DM increased linearly, but yields of milk and FCM did not change with increasing dietary cation-anion balance, and cation source had no effect. Milk fat and protein percentages were not altered by dietary cation-anion balance, and greater milk fat and protein percentages from cows offered the Na versus K source diets probably were due to differences between cows in the two Latin squares. Alterations in blood acid-base chemistry with increasing dietary cation-anion balance were as expected. Greater blood buffering capacity, indicated by blood base excess and bicarbonate content, may be responsible for the improved feed intake.
Trends in hepatitis B virus screening at the onset of chemotherapy in a large US cancer center

National organizations recommend screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) before chemotherapy but differ regarding which patients should be screened. We aimed to determine contemporary screening rates at a cancer center and the possible influence on these rates of publication of national recommendations. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of HBV screening in cancer patients registered during the period from January 2004 through April 2011. Screening was defined as HBsAg and anti-HBc tests ordered around the time of initial chemotherapy. We compared screening rates for 3 periods: January 1, 2004, through December 18, 2008 (Food and Drug Administration and American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases 2007 recommendations); December 19, 2008, through September 30, 2010 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases 2009, Institute of Medicine, and American Society of Clinical Oncology recommendations); and October 1, 2010, through April 30, 2011. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of screening. Of 141,877 new patients, 18,688 received chemotherapy, and 3020 (16.2%) were screened. HBV screening rates increased over the 3 time periods (14.8%, 18.2%, 19.9%; P < 0.0001), but <19% of patients with HBV risk factors were screened. Among patients with hematologic malignancies, over 66% were screened, and odds of screening nearly doubled after publication of the recommendations (P < 0.0001). Less than 4% of patients with solid tumors were screened, although odds of screening increased 70% after publication of the recommendations (P = 0.003). Other predictors of screening included younger age, planned rituximab therapy, and known risk factors for HBV infection. Most patients with solid tumors or HBV risk factors remained unscreened, although screening rates increased after publication of national recommendations. Efforts are needed to increase awareness of the importance of HBV screening before chemotherapy to identify patients who should start antiviral prophylaxis.
Chemical processes and sustainability

In a pair of companion papers, sustainability indicators for chemical processes are explored for their potential contributions to the further understanding of sustainability and continuing needs for supporting data. Design modifications of existing and new chemical process technology are required by the chemical industry’s response to meet society’s needs for chemicals derived from ecological materials. The use of ecological services by new processes must be scrutinized through complete sustainability assessment to enable decision makers in the selection of environmentally suitable technology. Sustainability indicators are analyzed through taxonomic classification in accordance with the proposed directions of GREENSCOPE (Gauging Reaction Effectiveness for the Environmental Sustainability of Chemistries with a multi-Objective Process Evaluator) methodology. The first paper offers a taxonomic analysis of sustainability indicators and inventories them into several different categories. There are 66 indicators identified in the category of environmental indicators for sustainable assessment of chemical processes. There are 26 efficiency, 33 economic, and 15 energy indicators which were also identified for evaluation. The obvious issue with this large inventory and its testing is the availability of the requisite data. From this analysis, we can expect to see future research provide testing results in database form to permit the evaluation of chemical process sustainability. The data needs are analyzed in detail in the second paper. The structured methodology for taxonomic analysis of sustainable indicator evaluation permits the clear identification of process sustainability.
Prophylactic reinfusion of T cells for T cell-depleted allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

Abstract To increase the graft-vs.-leukemia (GVL) effect while maintaining a low mortality from graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD), we conducted a prospective study of T cell titration for 144 patients (90 related, 54 unrelated) between June 1994 and June 1997. Following infusion of a T cell-depleted marrow graft, predetermined doses of T cells, based on the risk factors for GVHD, were administered up to 3 times if greater than a grade II acute GVHD was not seen. Graft failure occurred in three unrelated recipients (2%). Cumulative grades II-IV acute GVHD were seen in 58 +/- 9% of all recipients; 52 +/- 11% related and 75 +/- 13% unrelated. The incidence of grades II-IV acute GVHD following the third add-back (AB) of T cells 78 median days after marrow infusion was lower than that of the earlier ABs: first AB, 36 +/- 8%; second AB, 32 +/- 11%; third AB, 15 +/- 12% (p Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 1999;5(1):15-27.
Intraoperative echocardiography is indicated in high-risk coronary artery bypass grafting

Background. Intraoperative echocardiography is a valuable monitoring and diagnostic technology used in cardiac surgery. This reports our clinical study of the usefulness of intraoperative echocardiography to both surgeons and anesthesiologists for high-risk coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods. From March to November 1995, 82 consecutive high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were studied in a four-stage protocol to determine the efficacy of intraoperative echocardiography in management planning. Alterations in surgical and anesthetic/hemodynamic management initiated by intraoperative echocardiography findings were documented in addition to perioperative morbidity and mortality. Results. Intraoperative echocardiography initiated at least one major surgical management alteration in 27 patients (33%) and at least one major anesthetic/hemodynamic change in 42 (51%). Mortality and the rate of myocardial infarction in this consecutive high-risk study population using intraoperative echocardiography and in a similar group of patients without the use of intraoperative echocardiography was 1.2% versus 3.8% (not significant) and 1.2% versus 3.5% (not significant), respectively. Conclusions. We conclude that when all of the isolated diagnostic and monitoring applications of perioperative echocardiography are routinely and systematically performed together, it is a safe and viable tool that significantly affects the decision-making process in the intraoperative care of high-risk patients undergoing primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting and may contribute to the optimal care of these patients.
Screened Coulomb scattering in the eikonal approximation

Scattering amplitudes and cross sections for screened Coulomb potentials are examined using the eikonal approximation. We use the method of $h$ transforms to show that if the screening function is sufficiently smooth, then the screened cross section ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}$ approaches the Coulomb cross section ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{C}$ as the screening radius $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$. On the other hand, for a sharply cut-off Coulomb potential ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}$ does not approach ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{C}$ as $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$. These results agree with results obtained earlier using the Born approximation.
Global stability for cholera epidemic models.

Cholera is a water and food borne infectious disease caused by the gram-negative bacterium, Vibrio cholerae. Its dynamics are highly complex owing to the coupling among multiple transmission pathways and different factors in pathogen ecology. Although various mathematical models and clinical studies published in recent years have made important contribution to cholera epidemiology, our knowledge of the disease mechanism remains incomplete at present, largely due to the limited understanding of the dynamics of cholera. In this paper, we conduct global stability analysis for several deterministic cholera epidemic models. These models, incorporating both human population and pathogen V. cholerae concentration, constitute four-dimensional non-linear autonomous systems where the classical Poincare-Bendixson theory is not applicable. We employ three different techniques, including the monotone dynamical systems, the geometric approach, and Lyapunov functions, to investigate the endemic global stability for several biologically important cases. The analysis and results presented in this paper make building blocks towards a comprehensive study and deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanism in cholera dynamics.
STUDIES OF CORTICAL METABOLITES IN POST-ASPHYXIATED NEWBORN INFANTS

31-P NMR spectroscopy allows noninvasive measurements of phosphorus containing oxidative metabolites (ATP), phosphocreatine (PCr), inorganic phosphate (Pi), and phosphorylated monoester (PME). We used 31-P NMR to study cortical metabolism in 7 asphyxiated infants (mean gestational age (GA) 32 wks, birth weight (BW) 1430 gms). Although they had perinatal asphyxia, their neurologic and head ultra sound exams were normal at the time of spectroscopy (mean 27 D). One infant (BW 1400 gms, GA 30 wks) was studied postmortem. Babies were stabilized in an isolette and placed into a 1.9Tsuperconducting magnet. Four hundred spectra were obtained over 20 min from the left temporal-parietal region. Human newborn cortical 31-P NMR spectra had large amounts of PME (>7m mole/kg fw); a high ratio of PME/ATP (1.60±.055); low phosphate potential, PCr/Pi (2.22±.95), pH = 7.1±.2. These results differ from newborn gerbils and mature dogs in which PME is small, PME/ATP T1.0, and PCr/Pi T7.5. In the postmortem baby, PME was present in equal concentrations, but PCr and ATP had been depleted. We have previously suggested that PME is primarily a sugar phosphate (G-6-P, R-5-P); however, its presence after death suggests that it is not metabolically active and probably represents either phosphoryl choline or phosphoryl ethanolamine which may be present for later myelin synthesis. PCr normally serves as a reservoir for rapid conversion to ATP; the low PCr concentration in human newborns suggests that they have little metabolic reserve and consequently may be more vulnerable to cerebral hypoxia/ischemia. (NIH T35-HD-07217-1OA1 & NIH-HD-15973-01)
Microtubule stabilization by assembly-promoting microtubule-associated proteins: a repeat performance.

Microtubules (MTs) are important in a variety of dynamic cellular events such as chromosome segregation during meiosis and mitosis, vesicle and organelle transport, and organization of cellular components during morphogenetic events (e.g., polarization, directed migration, and process outgrowth). In addition, MTs are major components of many stable cellular structures such as ciliary and flagellar axonemes, axons and dendrites, and asymmetric processes in nonneuronal cells. The versatility that allows MTs to participate in such diverse functions may be conferred by several biochemical changes in the constituents of MTs; these include the expression of multiple a and p tubulins encoded by distinct genes [reviewed in Joshi and Cleveland, 19901, the posttranslational modification of a and p tubulin [reviewed in Joshi and Cleveland, 1990; Bulinski and Gundersen, 19911, and the expression or modification of various microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). A critical feature of MT function is the balance between two antithetical properties of MTs: stability and instability. Stability allows MTs to act as a skeletal framework, while instability allows plasticity in the organization of this framework. MT stabilization is of undisputed importance in the generation and maintenance of asymmetries in differentiating cells such as neurons, myoblasts, and epithelia [reviewed in Bulinski and Gundersen, 19911. However, inappropriate or excessive stabilization of MTs can be deleterious to cellular structure and function. Evidence has accumulated that implicates MAPs as major effectors of MT stability in vivo. Clearly, an understanding of the complexity of MT functions will require elucidation of the role of MAPS in the modulation of MT dynamics.
Superoxide dismutase-like activities of copper(II) complexes tested in serum

The superoxide dismutase-like activities of a series of coordination complexes of copper were evaluated and compared to the activities of bovine erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (superoxide: superoxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.15.1.1) in serum using the nitroblue tetrazolium chloride (NBT)-reduction assay and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. A 40% inhibition was observed for the initial rate of the NBT reduction by superoxide dismutase in serum, but more than 40% inhibition was achieved with CuSO4, Cu(II)-dimethylglyoxime, Cu(II)-3,8-dimethyl-4,7-diazadeca-3,7-dienediamide, Cu2[N,N'-(2-(O-hydroxy-benzhydrylidene)amino)ethyl]2-1,2-ethane dia mine), Cu(II)-(diisopropylsalicylate)2, Cu(II)-(p-bromo-benzoate)2, Cu(II)-(nicotinate)2 and Cu(II)-(1,2-diamino-2-methylpropane)2. The electron paramagnetic resonance technique of spin trapping was used to detect the formation of superoxide (O2-.) and other free radicals in the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system under a variety of conditions. Addition of the spin trapping agent 5,5-dimethylpyrroline 1-oxide (DMPO) to the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system in fetal bovine serum produced the O2-.-spin adduct of DMPO (herein referred to as superoxide spin adduct, DMPO-OOH) as the well known short-lived nitroxyl whose characteristic EPR spectrum was recorded before its rapid decay to undetectable levels. The hydroxyl radical (HO.) adduct of the spin trap DMPO (herein referred to as DMPO-OH) was detected to a very small extent. When CuSO4, or the test complexes of copper, were added to the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system in serum containing the spin trap, the yield of DMPO-OOH was negligible. In addition to their superoxide dismutase-like activity, CuSO4 and the copper complexes also behaved as Fenton-type catalysts as seen by the accumulation of varying amounts of the hydroxyl spin adduct DMPO-OH. Both the Fenton-type catalysis and the superoxide dismutase-like action of these compounds were lost when a chelator such as EDTA was included in the xanthine-xanthine oxidase incubation mixture. Addition of superoxide dismutase instead of the copper compounds to this enzyme system abolished the formation of superoxide adduct DMPO-OOH, and no hydroxyl adduct DMPO-OH was detected. This effect of superoxide dismutase remained unaltered by EDTA.
Gene silencing by chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor I (COUP-TFI) is mediated by transcriptional corepressors, nuclear receptor-corepressor (N-CoR) and silencing mediator for retinoic acid receptor and thyroid hormone receptor (SMRT).

Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factors (COUP-TFs) are orphan receptors that belong to the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor (TR) superfamily and can repress the transcriptional activity of several target genes; however, the precise mechanism of this repression is unknown. Transfection of a Gal4 DNA-binding domain fused to the putative ligand-binding domain of COUP-TFI (Gal4-COUP-TFI) significantly represses the basal transcriptional activity of a reporter gene containing Gal4-binding sites. Cotransfection of COUP-TFI can relieve the Gal4-COUP-TFI repression in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, COUP-TFIΔ35, which lacks the repressor domain (the C-terminal 35 amino acids), fails to relieve this repression. This finding suggests that the repressor domain of COUP-TFI may squelch a limiting amount of corepressor in HeLa cells. In addition, increasing concentrations of TRβ also can relieve the COUP-TFI repression in a hormone-sensitive manner. Similarly, overexpression of increasing concen...
Barriers Impacting Employment After Burn Injury

This study investigates the barriers to return to work after burn injury. The electronic records of burn survivors treated at a Regional Burn Center outpatient clinic from 2001 to 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria included employment at the time of burn injury and age 18 years or older. Documentation of barriers to return to work were reviewed and classified into eight categories. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of return to work at more than 1 year. Ordered logistic regression analysis was performed to determine barrier predictors of employment. The authors identified 197 patients for inclusion in the study. The age was 37 +/- 0.8 (mean +/- SEM) and total body surface area burned was 16 +/- 1.3%. Two thirds (n = 132) of subjects returned to work by 1 year. The most common barriers included pain (n = 79), neurologic problems (n = 69), impaired mobility (n = 58), and psychiatric issues (n = 51). Pain was the most frequent barrier to return to work at all time intervals. Significant predictors of return to work at more than 12 months included length of hospital stay, inpatient rehabilitation, electric etiology, and burn at work (P < .05). Impaired mobility was a statistically significant (P < .05) barrier and other medical issues showed a trend toward statistical significance (P = .054) in predicting return to work at more than 12 months. There are many barriers that impede return to work in the burn population, including pain, neurologic problems, impaired mobility, and psychiatric issues. Early identification of those at risk for prolonged unemployment should prompt expeditious referral to comprehensive rehabilitation services that include work hardening and vocational training programs.
Late Quaternary slip rate gradient defined using high‐resolution topography and 10Be dating of offset landforms on the southern San Jacinto Fault zone, California

[1] Recent studies suggest the San Jacinto fault zone may be the dominant structure accommodating PA-NA relative plate motion. However, because the late Quaternary slip history of the southern San Andreas fault system is insufficiently understood, it is difficult to evaluate the partitioning of deformation across the plate boundary and its evolution. Landforms displaced by the Clark fault of the southern San Jacinto fault zone were mapped using high-resolution airborne laser-swath topography and selected offset landforms were dated using cosmogenic 10Be. Beheaded channels at Rockhouse Canyon, displaced by 500 ± 70 m and 220 ± 70 m, have been dated to 47 ± 8 ka and 28 ± 9 ka, respectively. Farther south, near the southern Santa Rosa Mountains, an alluvial deposit displaced by 51 ± 9 m has been dated to 35 ± 7 ka. From these sites, the slip rate of the Clark fault is determined to diminish southward from 8.9 ± 2.0 to 1.5 ± 0.4 mm/yr. This implies a slip-rate decrease along the Clark fault from Anza southeastward to its surface termination near the Salton Trough, where slip is transferred to the Coyote Creek fault, and additional deformation is compensated by folding and thrusting in the basin. These data suggest that since ∼30 to 50 ka, the slip rate along the southern San Jacinto fault zone has been lower than, or equivalent to, the rate along the southernmost San Andreas fault. Accordingly, either the slip rate of the San Jacinto fault has substantially decreased since fault initiation, or fault slip began earlier than previously suggested.
The relationship between chronic H. pylori infection, CagA seropositivity and stroke: meta-analysis

Abstract Aims: There is contrasting evidence on the relevance of chronic infection by Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) as a risk factor for stroke. We performed a meta-analysis of case-control studies to assess association of H. pylori infection and more virulent H. pylori strains, bearing the cytotoxin-associated gene-A (CagA) antigen, with different types of stroke. Methods: Outcome measures were: H. pylori and CagA seroprevalence in (1) patients with stroke versus controls, and (2) patients with stroke due to large vessel stroke versus patients with other types of stroke and controls. Results: Seven cross-sectional, case-control studies were included. Odds ratio for individual case-control studies and pooled OR for the association between H. pylori seropositivity and stroke was 1.49 (95% CI 1.24–1.81), for the association between stroke and anti-CagA positivity was 2.23 (95% CI 1.49–3.36). Patients with large vessel stroke had higher odds for H. pylori infection than patients with other types of stroke (odds ratio 1.65; 95% CI 1.12–2.45), and than controls (odds ratio 1.61; 95% CI 1.13–2.32). Conclusions: Association between H. pylori positivity, anti-CagA positivity and stroke is modest and seems higher with stroke due to large vessel disease. This meta-analysis suggests that the role of CagA positive H. pylori strains in different stroke etiologic subclasses should be the target of future prospective investigation.
A 4-K computer language for experimentation with human subjects

This paper describes a conversational language for programming psychological experiments on small computers. The language can handle experiments of considerable complexity or with a large number of stimuli in less than 4-K core storage. The language is convenient for human experimentation because it can evaluate verbal responses and store and selectively display verbal stimuli.
Suppression of background noise in a transonic wind-tunnel test section

Some exploratory tests were recently performed in the transonic test section of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center 14-in. wind tunnel to suppress the background noise. In these tests, the perforated walls of the test section were covered with fine wire screens. The screens eliminated the edge tones generated by the holes in the perforated walls and significantly reduced the tunnel background noise. The tunnel noise levels were reduced to such a degree by this simple modification at Mach numbers 0.75, 0.9, 1.1, 1.2, and 1.46 that the fluctuating pressure levels of a turbulent boundary layer could be measured on a 5-deg half-angle cone.
Racial and socioeconomic status differences in depressive symptoms among black and white youth: an examination of the mediating effects of family structure, stress and support.

Stress research shows that race, socioeconomic status (SES), and family context significantly impact an adolescent's psychological well-being, yet little is known about the mediating effects of family context on racial and SES differences in depressive symptoms among Black and White youth. We investigate these associations using a sample of 875 (45% female) from a South Florida com- munity-based study of youth mostly between the ages of 19 and 21. Ordinary least squares (OLS) analyses find that Blacks and lower SES youth have more depressive symp- toms than Whites and those in higher SES families. Racial disparities are partially mediated by family related stressors and SES differences are fully explained by family stressors and emotional support. We also find that emotional family support conditions the relationship between race and depressive symptoms such that Whites experience more depressive symptoms at lower levels of emotional support but Blacks have more symptoms at higher levels. The findings highlight the importance of identifying factors within the family context that influence a youth's psycho- logical well-being and ability to cope with adversities.