cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Requirement for Autophagy in the Long-Term Persistence but not Initial Formation of Memory B cells

Autophagy is required for the long-term maintenance of Ag-specific memory B cells. However, whether autophagy is also important for the initial formation of memory B cells remains unclear. In this study, we show that newly generated memory B cells do not display active autophagy but are capable of forming Ab-secreting cells after rechallenge with Ags. Increases in autophagy took place over time after the initial formation of memory B cells. The expression of transcription factors involved in autophagy, but not changes in epigenetic regulation by DNA methylation, was required for autophagy gene expression and the development of active autophagy in memory B cells. This indicates that autophagy is not critical for the initial generation of memory B cells but is required for their long-term persistence. Our results suggest that promoting autophagy to improve Ab-dependent immunological memory is more effective during memory B cell maintenance stage.
The State in Myanmar – By Robert H. Taylor

Distinguished Myanmar/Burma scholar Robert H. Taylor has produced an updated edition of The State in Burma, which first appeared two decades ago. This welcomed addition to the literature centers on...
Optical array interferometry: imaging through the atmosphere

Imaging array interferometry in the optical regime offers the promise of observing faint sources of small angular extent. A ground based system, however, must ameliorate the effects of atmospheric turbulence to maintain the very high resolution imaging capabilities of the instrument. Observing these interesting sources will require large diameter collectors with partial wavefront compensation. We highlight the mathematical treatment expressing the ensemble average image spectrum for the image plane and pupil plane interferometers. The theory treats aperture co-phasing and wavefront compensation by the idealized removal of an arbitrary number of Zernike modes.
A Set of Orthogonal Polynomials Induced by a Given Orthogonal Polynomial

Given an integern ⩾ 1, and the orthogonal polynomialsπn(·; dσ) of degreen relative to some positive measuredσ, the polynomial system “induced” byπn is the system of orthogonal polynomials\(\{ \hat \pi _{k,n} \} \) corresponding to the modified measure\(d\hat \sigma _n = \pi _n^2 d\sigma \). Our interest here is in the problem of determining the coefficients in the three-term recurrence relation for the polynomials\(\hat \pi _{k,n} \) from the recursion coefficients of the orthogonal polynomials belonging to the measuredσ. A stable computational algorithm is proposed, which uses a sequence ofQR steps with shifts. For all four Chebyshev measuresdσ, the desired coefficients can be obtained analytically in closed form. For Chebyshev measures of the first two kinds this was shown by Al-Salam, Allaway and Askey, who used sieved orthogonal polynomials, and by Van Assche and Magnus via polynomial transformations. Here, analogous results are obtained by elementary methods for Chebyshev measures of the third and fourth kinds. (The same methods are also applicable to the other two Chebyshev measures.) Interlacing properties involving the zeros ofπn and those of\(\hat \pi _{n + 1,n} \) are studied for Gegenbauer measures, as well as the orthogonality—or lack thereof—of the polynomial sequence\(\{ \hat \pi _{n,n - 1} \} \).
Towards Franchising Mobilization Strategy in Large-Scale Energy Efficiency Retrofit Industry

Implementing large-scale energy retrofit projects for reducing residential energy consumption requires large scale mobilization and training of contractors with the appropriate skill sets for carrying out the retrofits. General contractors, one of the key parties in these types of projects, play a crucial role in facing the challenge of large-scale, national level mobilization. Most retrofit projects are performed in a fragmented manner, that is, a small percentage of contractors undertake executing all the retrofit tasks, and other contractors, typically trade subcontractors, prefer to operate only in their specific fields of proficiency. In addition, most general contractors operate in very geographically specific markets, limiting their market share and access. We propose a transition step in the conduct of energy efficiency retrofits by adopting a franchising business model as a leveraging strategy for general contractors in the retrofit industry. This study is being carried out to investigate the conceptual and practical benefits of franchising a mobilization option for large-scale energy retrofit industry. Based on the nature of this industry, a practical franchising arrangement is also proposed for this sector.
Transition Readiness in Adolescents and Emerging Adults with Diabetes: The Role of Patient-Provider Communication

Transition from pediatric to adult care represents a high risk period for adolescents and emerging adults with diabetes. Fundamental differences between pediatric and adult care delivery models may contribute to increased risk for poor health outcomes. This review provides a brief overview of models of care in pediatric and adult settings and focuses on patient-provider communication content and quality as potential points of intervention to improve transition-related outcomes. This review also highlights disparities in transition and communication for adolescents and emerging adults from racial/ethnic minority groups and discusses recent changes in health care legislation that have significant implications for the transition process. Intervention opportunities include programs to enhance developmentally-appropriate patient-provider interactions and increased attention to promoting transition readiness skills. Improving patient-provider communication may hasten the development of vital self-advocacy skills needed in adult health care systems and, thus, help establish a lasting pattern of positive diabetes self-care.
Channel die compression revisited : Application of a set of basic crystal hardening inequalities to (110) loading

Abstract A rigorous analytical investigation of (1 1 0) compression of fcc crystals in a channel die is carried-out for all lattice orientations between lateral constraint directions (channel-wall normals) ( 0 0 1 ¯ ) and ( 1 1 ¯ 2 ¯ ) . It is proved that a set of basic slip-system hardening inequalities, that are consistent with experiments on fcc crystals in high symmetry, multiple-slip orientations in tension [Havner, K.S., 2005. On lattice and material-frame rotations and crystal hardening in high-symmetry axial loading. Philos. Mag. 85 (25), 2861–2894.], uniquely predict load-axis stability in (1 1 0) channel die compression, with lattice rotation and finite shearing about the loading direction as found experimentally for this range of orientations. It also is established from the inequalities that the evolving lateral constraint stress will be less than that predicted by classic (isotropic) Taylor hardening.
Idiopathic Hemochromotosis and Alpha‐1‐Antitrypsin Deficiency: Coexistence in a Family with Progressive Liver Disease in the Proband

A patient with coexistent hemochromatosis and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency which led to cirrhosis and death despite adequate therapy for hemochromatosis is reported. Evaluation of the family revealed first degree relatives with iron overload and others with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency but none with both conditions. The role of family studies in the early recognition and possible prevention of overt clinical disease in individuals with either of these two genetic diseases is discussed.
Cata-Fisheye Camera for Panoramic Imaging

We present a novel panoramic imaging system which uses a curved mirror as a simple optical attachment to a fish- eye lens. When compared to existing panoramic cameras, our "'cata-fisheye" camera has a simple, compact and inexpensive design, and yet yields high optical performance. It captures the desired panoramic field of view in two parts. The upper part is obtained directly by the fisheye lens and the lower part after reflection by the curved mirror. These two parts of the field of view have a small overlap that is used to stitch them into a single seamless panorama. The cata-fisheye concept allows us to design cameras with a wide range of fields of view by simply varying the parameters and position of the curved mirror. We provide an automatic method for the one-time calibration needed to stitch the two parts of the panoramic field of view. We have done a complete performance evaluation of our concept with respect to (i) the optical quality of the captured images, (ii) the working range of the camera over which the parallax is negligible, and (iii) the spatial resolution of the computed panorama. Finally, we have built a prototype cata-fisheye video camera with a spherical mirror that can capture high resolution panoramic images (3600times550pixels) with a 360deg (horizontal) x 55deg (vertical) field of view.
High Energy Resolution Scintillators for Nuclear Nonproliferation Applications

The detection of ionizing radiation is important in numerous applications related to national security ranging from the detection and identification of fissile materials to the imaging of cargo containers. A key performance criterion is the ability to reliably identify the specific gamma-ray signatures of radioactive elements, and energy resolution approaching 2% at 662 keV is required for this task. In this work, we present discovery and development of new high energy resolution scintillators for gamma-ray detection. The new ternary halide scintillators belong to the following compositional families: AM2X5:Eu, AMX3, and A2MX4:Eu (A = Cs, K; M = Ca, Sr, Ba; X = Br, I) as well as mixed elpasolites Cs2NaREBr3I3:Ce (RE = La, Y). Using thermal analysis, we confirmed their congruent melting and determined crystallization and melting points. Using the Bridgman technique, we grew 6, 12 and 22 mm diameter single crystals and optimized the Eu concentration to obtain the best scintillation performance. Pulse-height spectra under gamma-ray excitation were recorded in order to measure scintillation light output, energy resolution and light output nonproportionality. The KSr2I5:Eu 4% showed the best combination of excellent crystal quality obtained at fast pulling rates and high light output of ~95,000 photons/MeV with energy resolution of 2.4% at 662 keV.
Diffusion-limited Reaction of Free Nitric Oxide with Erythrocytes

Concentration changes of nitric oxide (NO) were monitored using an NO-sensitive electrode in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with either free oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb) or red blood cells (RBCs). In aerated PBS, the half-life of 0.9 microM NO is greater than 4 min. NO is undetectable (<50 nM) when added to a solution of oxyHb because the reaction of NO with oxyHb is rapid. The disappearance rate of NO in PBS containing RBCs is rapid, compared with PBS, but it is much slower (by a factor of approximately 650) than with an equivalent solution of free oxyHb. The half-life of NO is inversely proportional to the concentration of RBCs, independent of oxyHb concentration inside RBCs, and the disappearance rate of NO is first order in NO concentration and first order in the concentration of RBCs. After all the oxyHb reacts with NO to form methemoglobin, the disappearance rate of NO slows greatly. These data indicate that the reaction of NO with oxyhemoglobin within RBCs is limited by the diffusion of NO into the cell, which has also been shown previously for the reaction of O2 with deoxyhemoglobin. Experimental data show that the half-life of NO in the presence of 2.1 x 10(6) RBCs/ml is 4. 2 s. From this value, we estimate that the half-life of NO in whole blood (5 x 10(9) RBCs/ml) will be 1.8 ms. A simple analytical expression for the half-life of NO in PBS with RBCs was derived in this study based on a spherical diffusion model. The calculated half-life of NO from the expression is in good agreement with the experimental values.
Radar Imagery of Oil Slicks

A joint agency controlled oil slick experiment, sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, was conducted in the Pacific Ocean in the Fall of 1970. The Naval Research Laboratory's synthetic aperature radar was used to detect and monitor the slicks at frequencies of 428, 1228, 4455, and 8910 MHz during the low sea state conditions encountered. At frequencies of 1228 MHz and higher, the slicks were depicted with sharp boundaries. At 428 MHz, the boundaries were indistinct. Approximately 400 liters of oil was detected as it was being discharged from the generating ship and larger spills were mapped from the initial thickness to equilibrium thicknesses of 1 micron or less. Thin streamers of oil and wind blown films were also imaged. Area growth rates were obtained for 2500 liter spills of API 26.1 crude oil and API 9.7 fuel oil on a calm sea. The respective rates, from approximately 1 to 4 hours after the spills, were 134 m2/s and 16 m2/s.
Improving the Understanding of Statistical Significance Reporting Effect Size

The use of effect size as an approach to improve the communication of the clinical or policy significance of a statistically significnat t-test was investigated with three groups of statistics students Presenting only the values of t, df, and probability resulted in an overestimation of the difference between the means of a control group and the treatment group Including a statement about effect size and the percentile rank of the mean of the treatment group with respect to the control group, improved the students' accuracy (p < .05). Providing effect size information enabled undergraduates to nearly match the accuracy of graduate students who were not given effect size information.
Preliminary stress measurements in central California using the hydraulic fracturing technique

Use of the hydraulic fracturing technique for determining in situ stress is reviewed, and stress measurements in wells near the towns of Livermore, San Ardo, and Menlo Park, California are described in detail. In the Livermore well, four measurements at depths between 110 and 155 m indicate that the least principal compressive stress is horizontal and increases from 1.62 to 2.66 MPa. The apparent direction of maximum compression is N 70° E (±40°). At the San Ardo site the least principal stress is that due to the overburden weight. At depths of 240.2 and 270.7 m the minimum and maximum horizontal stresses are estimated to be 11.4 and 22.5 MPa, and 12.0 (±1.1) and 15.8 (±3.3) MPa, respectively. From an impression of the fracture at 240.2 m, the direction of maximum compression appears to be about N 15° E. The rock in the Menlo Park well is too highly fractured to yield a reliable measurement of the horizontal stresses. The data indicate, however, that the least principal stress is vertical (due to the overburden weight) to a depth of 250 m.
Current status of heart and lung transplantation.

From March 1981, to August 1985, twenty-eight heart-lung transplants in 27 patients were performed at Stanford University. The actuarial survival at 1, 3, and 4 years was 64%, 55%, and 39%, respectively. In these 28 transplants, there were 8 perioperative deaths (29%) and 4 late deaths. Four of the perioperative deaths were related to previous operations and extensive adhesions which resulted in massive blood transfusion requirements. Of the 4 late deaths, 3 were attributed to primary pulmonary dysfunction resulting from obliterative bronchiolitis. One additional late death was due to cardiac allograft atherosclerosis with an anteroseptal myocardial infarction. The majority of the patients who have been discharged from the hospital have assumed normal lifestyles, with 3 of our patients participating in physically demanding athletic events.
HYPERBOLIC STEFAN PROBLEM WITH APPLIED SURFACE HEAT FLUX AND TEMPERATURE-DEPENDENT THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

Abstract The hyperbolic Stefan problem with an applied surface heat flux and temperature-dependent thermal conductivity is solved numerically for a semi-infinite slab using Mac-Cormack's predictor-corrector method. Solutions are presented for cases where the melt temperature is both below and above the instantaneous jump in surface temperature at time t = O+. The interface condition, surface temperature, and internal temperatures are presented for different Stefan numbers and melt temperatures, as well as thermal conductivity both increasing and decreasing with temperature. The results obtained from the hyperbolic solution are compared with those obtained from the parabolic solution.
Validation of the Santa Casa evaluation of spasticity scale

Spasticity is a clinical condition that has negative repercussions on function. A scale capable of quantifying the severity and impact of an injury is fundamental to the rehabilitation process. The objective of this study was to retest and validate the Santa Casa evaluation of spasticity scale, a descriptive assessment of activities of daily living, transfers and locomotion. We analyzed spasticity and functional status in 97 hemiparetic patients. With statistical significance (p<0.05), this new scale demonstrated reliability in assessing clinical-functional conditions and reproducibility as a daily assessment scale for use during rehabilitation.
RNA architecture dictates the conformations of a bound peptide.

Background The biological function of several viral and bacteriophage proteins, and their arginine-rich subdomains, involves RNA-mediated interactions. It has been shown recently that bound peptides adopt either β-hairpin or α-helical conformations in viral and phage peptide-RNA complexes. We have compared the structures of the arginine-rich peptide domain of HIV-1 Rev bound to two RNA aptamers to determine whether RNA architecture can dictate the conformations of a bound peptide. Results The core-binding segment of the HIV-1 Rev peptide class II RNA aptamer complex spans the two-base bulge and hairpin loop of the bound RNA and the carboxy-terminal segment of the bound peptide. The bound peptide is anchored in place by backbone and sidechain intermolecular hydrogen bonding and van der Waals stacking interactions. One of the bulge bases participates in U·(A·U) base triple formation, whereas the other is looped out and flaps over the bound peptide in the complex. The seven-residue hairpin loop is closed by a sheared G·A mismatch pair with several pyrimidines looped out of the hairpin fold. Conclusions Our structural studies establish that RNA architecture dictates whether the same HIV-1 Rev peptide folds into an extended or α-helical conformation on complex formation. Arginine-rich peptides can therefore adapt distinct secondary folds to complement the tertiary folds of their RNA targets. This contrasts with protein-RNA complexes in which elements of RNA secondary structure adapt to fit within the tertiary folds of their protein targets.
Risks of imbalanced information on US hospital websites.

Conducting a Google search for a disease is how many people get information about their illness and possible treatments. In a national survey sponsored by the Pew Research Center, 72% of adult Internet users reported looking online for health information in the past 12 months and 43% reported searching for information about a specific medical treatment or procedure.1 Valuable data and tools–including hospital quality ratings, professional treatment guidelines, and patient decision aids–are increasingly available via the Internet and may help patients facing decisions about where to seek care or whether to undergo a medical procedure. Clinicians often encourage patients to engage with these types of information as a means of promoting patient involvement in medical decisions and offloading tasks from the too-brief clinical encounter. Unfortunately, valuable online health information may be hard to identify amid a growing number of online advertisements.
Interpolating R-Values From Thermograms

We have developed a method for measuring R-values for large areas of building envelopes with thermography and contact sensors. The technique entails locating thermal extremes on a building surface with thermography. Contact sensors determine the R-values at these locations. A thermographic map provides the basis from which to interpolate R-values for all other locations within the area surveyed. This paper explains the interpolation technique we employed and demonstrates some of the difficulties of the method. Further experience will define the limitations of the technique more fully.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Uncertainty Estimation for Numerical Solutions of Wall Bounded Turbulent Flows

In this study numerical solutions are presented for a steady state, incompressible, 2-D turbulent flow near a wall. For this specific problem a manufactured (exact) solution was provided by the organizers of the 2006 Lisbon Workshop [6]. With the help of manufactured solution, assessment of the true error and other relevant uncertainty measures are possible. The calculations were performed using the commercial flow solver FLUENT along with some user defined functions to define source terms and velocity profiles at boundaries. Though the flow regime is turbulent; the numerical solution is carried out for pseudo-laminar flow. This was done in order to avoid the errors implicit in turbulence models. The transformation from turbulent to laminar flow was done by defining a momentum source term which precludes the pressure gradient term. A detailed grid convergence analysis was performed. Using three-grid triplets the limiting values of the variables solved as the grid size tends to zero were calculated using different extrapolations. The L2 norms of the true error obtained from various extrapolations are assessed. These results exhibit solution convergence as the grid size decreases. It was also shown that cubic spline extrapolation perform the best among the methods considered.© 2006 ASME
A Low Temperature Expansion for Classical N -Vector Models III. A Complete Inductive Description, Fluctuation Integrals

We give a complete inductive description of the effective densities generated by applications of the renormalization transformations to the densities of the classical N-vector models described in the paper [1], and we formulate the main theorems of this sequence of papers. This description includes now all the “large field” domains, which we've excluded from the discussions of [1, 4]. We apply the renormalization transformation to a density satisfying the inductive hypotheses, we introduce “large field-small field” partitions, and we determine and analyze the fluctuation integrals in the general setting.
Factors determining angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor underutilization in heart failure in a community setting

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors were underprescribed for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) treated in the community setting in the early 1990s despite convincing evidence of benefit. Hypothesis: We postulated that (1) the prevalence of ACE inhibitor use has increased, and (2) prescribing biases have narrowed, as community physicians have gained additional clinical experience with these drugs for treatment of CHF. Methods: We examined rates of ACE inhibitor use among 1, 150 patients with CHF hospitalized at 10 community hospitals in 1995, evaluated determinants of ACE inhibitor prescription, and compared the results with survey data gathered among similar patients during 1992. Results: Compared with 1992, ACE inhibitor use prior to hospital admission was increased among all patients (42 vs. 33%, p < 0.001) and the subset with a history of CHF (53 vs. 39%, p< 0.0005). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor prescription at hospital discharge also increased among all survivors (64 vs. 51%, p < 0.00005) and the subset eligible for ACE inhibitor treatment based on clinical trial criteria (77 vs. 66%, p = 0.04). Multivariate analysis suggested no change in the prescribing biases previously observed; ACE inhibitor use was related to lower ejection fraction, lower serum creatinine, documentation of left ventricular systolic function, younger patient age, prescription of any diuretic drug, and nonprescription of alternate vasodilators and calcium blockers. In multivariate analyses, physician specialty did not predict ACE inhibitor use. Conclusions: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use among patients with CHF is increasing but remains below the 80-90% rates of drug tolerance documented in randomized clinical trials. This discrepancy is partially explained by the prevalence of renal impairment and “diastolic” heart failure in the community setting. However, age bias, use of alternative vasodilators, and substandard quality of care may also play a role.
A Singular Quasilinear Anisotropic Elliptic Boundary Value Problem. II

We consider the problem UaUxx + ubUyy + p(x)=0 with a > 0, b > 0, on a smooth convex bounded region in R2 with Dirichlet boundary conditions. We show that if the positive function p is uniformly bounded away from zero, then the problem has a classical solution.
LTE-advanced MIMO uplink for mobile system

By increasing multimedia communications, mobile communications are expected to reliably support high data rate transmissions. To provide higher peak rate at a better system efficiency, which is necessary to support broadband data services over Wireless links, we need to employ long term evolution Advanced (LTE-A) Multiple-input multiple-output MIMO uplink. The outline of this paper is to investigate and discuss the Long Term Evolution (LTE) for broadband wireless technologies and to discuss its functionality. We explore how LTE uses the inter-technology mobility to support a variety of access technology. This paper investigates the channel capacity and bit error rate of MIMO-OFDM system. In addition, it introduces various MIMO technologies employed in LTE and provide a brief overview on the MIMO technologies currently discussed in the LTE-Advanced forum.
A rapid micro procedure for determination of free and esterified cholesterol in blood serum using silicic acid separation.

Abstract A procedure for the determination of free and esterified cholesterol in human serum has been described. Separation of the two components is based on column chromatography on silicic acid. The method gives results in agreement with the standard digitonin precipitation method, but it is faster and more convenient to use and offers distinct improvement over the published silicic acid method.
Mechanical response and fatigue analysis of the first wall structure of the PROMETHEUS IFE reactor

Abstract Analysis of the mechanical response of the PROMETHEUS inertial fusion energy (IFE) reactor first wall is presented. Time-dependent stress, strain and displacement fields are numerically determined for an SiC-SiC composite first wall structure, in response to two types of pulsed loadings. These are ablation momentum associated with sudden evaporation of the protecting liquid metal film due to X-ray deposition and the interaction of the first wall with the induced pressure shock waves during cavity heat up and cool down phases. Based on these results, a modular first wall concept is recommended. Fatigue life time calculations based on residual stiffness and damage evolution criteria for the SiC-SiC composite first wall structure are presented.
Induction of hemoglobin synthesis in dimethylsulfoxide-treated friend erythroleukemic cells grown in the presence of cytochalasin B

Abstract The experiments reported here were designed to determine the necessity for nuclear and/or cell division for erythroid differentiation in the presence of the inducer, dimethylsulfoxide (Me 2 SO). Murine erythroleukemic cells are induced to synthesize hemoglobin only when the cells are cultured at a density which allows them to replicate in the presence of Me 2 SO. Hemoglobin is not detected in the cytoplasm of the cells prior to 48 h. Cells grown in the presence of inducer (Me 2 SO)+cytochalasin B (CB) do not divide, but do undergo karyokinesis thereby increasing in size as they become multinucleated. Under these experimental conditions, the CB-treated cells are also capable of synthesizing hemoglobin. Measurements of the rate of hemoglobin synthesis suggest that induced CB-treated cells accumulate more hemoglobin per induced cell than do cells induced by Me 2 SO alone. These results indicate that: (a) while cytokinesis is not required to induce hemoglobin synthesis, the ability of the cells to replicate their genomes is critical, and possibly allows Me 2 SO to interact with the genome to initiate the erythroid cell program; (b) CB does not alter the time course of hemoglobin synthesis; and (c) the increased levels of hemoglobin in the CB-treated cells is probably related to the increased cell-size mediated by the mold metabolite, and not to the induction of a higher percentage of cells.
State of stress before and after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake

The state of tectonic stress in the epicentral area of the 17 January 1994, Northridge earthquake (Mw 6.7) is investigated by applying a stress inversion method to P-wave polarity data from earthquakes in Northridge from July 1981 to January 1994 and from the Northridge aftershocks during January 1994 to December 1995. A 3-D crustal model is used to trace the rays taking off from the hypocenter, which reduced the effects of large structural heterogeneities on the determination of the stress tensor. We found significant temporal changes of stress orientations induced by the Northridge earthquake. The principal pressure (P) axis is oriented N32°E from 1981 to June 1992, and N30°E from 28 June 1992 to 16 January 1994, suggesting that the stress field in Northridge was not affected by the 1992 Landers earthquake. During two weeks following the Northridge mainshock, the P-axis is oriented N13°E, which is a significant (17°) change from that before the earthquake (N30°E). Between February 1994 and August 1995 the P-axis orientation changes from N18°E to N26°E, and finally ends up at N34° by the end of 1995, which is close to that before the Northridge earthquake. These results suggest that the stresses rotated coseismically, then rotated more slowly back to their original orientation. The aftershocks caused by the mainshock changed the stress distribution in the crust, which showed up as a regional stress change. The stress recovery appears to have completed within two years after the mainshock, which is very short compared to the time scale of the earthquake cycle.
Some physicochemical properties of mucus.

Abstract The hypobranchial mucus of Busycon canaliculatum (L.) is surface active when dispersed in sea water. Freshly secreted mucus is adsorbed at the surface in greatest excess after a dilution of about tenfold. The viscosity of the fresh secretion is about 9 cp.; this decreases slightly during measurement but drops no further with increased rate of shear. The viscous properties are associated with the presence of particles 1000–4000 A. in diameter which sediment in 90 min. under centrifugal force 30,200 × g. These particles may be aggregates of smaller particles found in abundance in the supernatant fluid. The solubility and viscous and detergent characteristics of mucus may be helpful in understanding its biological roles.
Gas Turbine Compressor System Design Using Dynamic Process Simulation

Almost all petrochemical processes are modeled as steady state to establish the required sizes of pipe, vessels, compressors, pumps, and valves. A dynamic simulation study of the process compressor system design can now be done as part of the initial plant design activity. The system piping design and proper placement of the anti-surge valves (ASV) along with preliminary valve sizing can be evaluated. Additional control strategies may be evaluated for emergency shut down (ESD). This will confirm the system design to safely shutdown a compressor without surge. Many of the issues that may be uncovered during study execution can save time and expense before the initial commissioning of the process. For a plant start up, the driver capability, compressor loading, positions of valves, and control philosophy may be tested before the components are committed to hardware.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The effects of modeling simplifications on craniofacial finite element models: The alveoli (tooth sockets) and periodontal ligaments

Several finite element models of a primate cranium were used to investigate the biomechanical effects of the tooth sockets and the material behavior of the periodontal ligament (PDL) on stress and strain patterns associated with feeding. For examining the effect of tooth sockets, the unloaded sockets were modeled as devoid of teeth and PDL, filled with teeth and PDLs, or simply filled with cortical bone. The third premolar on the left side of the cranium was loaded and the PDL was treated as an isotropic, linear elastic material using published values for Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio. The remaining models, along with one of the socket models, were used to determine the effect of the PDL's material behavior on stress and strain distributions under static premolar biting and dynamic tooth loading conditions. Two models (one static and the other dynamic) treated the PDL as cortical bone. The other two models treated it as a ligament with isotropic, linear elastic material properties. Two models treated the PDL as a ligament with hyperelastic properties, and the other two as a ligament with viscoelastic properties. Both behaviors were defined using published stress-strain data obtained from in vitro experiments on porcine ligament specimens. Von Mises stress and strain contour plots indicate that the effects of the sockets and PDL material behavior are local. Results from this study suggest that modeling the sockets and the PDL in finite element analyses of skulls is project dependent and can be ignored if values of stress and strain within the alveolar region are not required.
Multiple transitions in rotating turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard convection.

Sometimes it is thought that sharp transitions between potentially different turbulent states should be washed out by the prevailing intense fluctuations and short coherence lengths and times. Contrary to this expectation, we found a sequence of such transitions in turbulent rotating Rayleigh-B\'enard convection as the rotation rate was increased. This phenomenon was observed in cylindrical samples with aspect ratios (diameter/height) $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}=1.00$ and 0.50. It became most prominent at very large Rayleigh numbers up to $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{12}$, where the fluctuations are extremely vigorous, and was manifested most clearly for $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}=1.00$. It was found in the heat transport as well as in the temperature gradient near the sample center. We conjecture that the transitions are between different large-scale structures which involve changes of symmetry and thus cannot be gradual [L. Landau, Zh. Eksp. Teor. Fiz. 7, 19 (1937); L. D. Landau, Phys. Z. Sowjetunion 11, 26 (1937); L. D. Landau, in Collected Papers of L. D. Landau, (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1965), pp. 193--216].
Combined-degree programs: a valuable alternative for motivated students who choose medicine early.

The author reviews the history and philosophy of combined-degree programs and summarizes research on the performances of students in these programs. He notes that about one-fifth of U.S. medical schools offer programs that integrate premedical and medical school studies and lead to the award of both an undergraduate and an M.D. degree in six to eight years. The students in these programs perform as well as students electing traditional programs, if not better. The author concludes that university-affiliated medical schools might well consider establishing combined-degree programs as a means of (1) achieving better integration of the premedical and medical curricula and (2) allowing greater access to combined-degree programs for students mature enough early on to select careers in medicine.
The Impact of Failing to Give an Apology and the Need-for-Cognition on Anger

This study examined how failing to give an apology would affect the anger of persons high and low in the need-for-cognition. We hypothesized that failing to apologize when there was an opportunity would lead to more anger than a no communication control condition, and that apologizing would lead to less anger than the control condition. Further, we hypothesized that these effects would be particularly strong in participants with a low need-for-cognition. To test these hypotheses 60 participants were put in an anger inducing situation and randomly assigned to one of three conditions: apology, no apology (fail to apologize), and control condition where there was no opportunity for an apology. As predicted, failure to apologize was associated with more anger than the control condition. With participants low in the need-for-cognition, the failure to apologize resulted in more anger than either the no communication control or the apology condition.
On the development of nano and microscale precipitates upon isothermal aging of nickel base superalloy 59

Abstract Alloy 59 is a Ni base alloy, which has a nominal chemical composition of 59% Ni, 16% Mo, 23% Cr and 1% Fe. Exposure of the alloy to high temperature effects can result, depending on the prevailing thermal conditions, in the precipitation of second phases, thus profoundly affecting the alloy properties. Accordingly, the present work was initiated with the purpose of investigating microstructural evolution of the alloy, focusing on the nanoscale and microscale second phase precipitation brought about by isothermal aging. The aging treatment was carried out at two different temperatures (700 and 900 °C) for time intervals varying between 1 and 100 h. Electron microscopy observations have revealed the presence, in both the as-received and aged alloy, of a large population of nanoscale precipitates corresponding to the Ni(Mo,Cr) 2 phase. In addition, the aged specimens were found to contain microscale Ni 2 (Mo,Cr) 2 particles, formed at the grain boundaries as well as within the grains. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations, made on specimens taken from the heat affected zone of a welded plate, have revealed the absence of microscale precipitates, and microstructural features thus remained similar to those of the as-received alloy. Accordingly, the susceptibility of the alloy to pit corrosion within the heat affected zone cannot be linked to the formation of Mo–Cr rich precipitates.
Evidence that increased ovarian aromatase activity and expression account for higher estradiol levels in African American compared with Caucasian women.

Context: Serum estradiol levels are significantly higher across the menstrual cycle in African American (AAW) compared with Caucasian women (CW) in the presence of similar FSH levels, yet the mechanism underlying this disparity is unknown. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether higher estradiol levels in AAW are due to increased granulosa cell aromatase mRNA expression and activity. Design: The design of the study included daily blood sampling and dominant follicle aspirations at an academic medical center during a natural menstrual cycle. Subjects: Healthy, normal cycling AAW (n = 15) and CW (n = 14) aged 19–34 years participated in the study. Main Outcome Measures: Hormone levels in peripheral blood and follicular fluid (FF) aspirates and aromatase and FSH receptor mRNA expression in granulosa cells were measured. Results: AAW had higher FF estradiol [1713.0 (1144.5–2032.5) vs 994.5 (647.3–1426.5) ng/mL; median (interquartile range); P < .001] and estrone [76.9 (36.6–173.4) vs 28...
Interleukin-29 Functions Cooperatively with Interferon to Induce Antiviral Gene Expression and Inhibit Hepatitis C Virus Replication

The interferon (IFN)-related cytokine interleukin (IL)-29 (also known as IFN-λ1) inhibits virus replication by inducing a cellular antiviral response similar to that activated by IFN-α/β. However, because it binds to a unique receptor, this cytokine may function cooperatively with IFN-α/β or IFN-γ during natural infections to inhibit virus replication, and might also be useful therapeutically in combination with other cytokines to treat chronic viral infections such as hepatitis C (HCV). We therefore investigated the ability of IL-29 and IFN-α or IFN-γ to cooperatively inhibit virus replication and induce antiviral gene expression. Compared with the individual cytokines alone, the combination of IL-29 with IFN-α or IFN-γ was more effective at blocking vesicular stomatitis virus and HCV replication, and this cooperative antiviral activity correlated with the magnitude of induced antiviral gene expression. Although the combined effects of IL-29 and IFN-α were primarily additive, the IL-29/IFN-γ combination synergistically induced multiple genes and had the greatest antiviral activity. Two different mechanisms contributed to the enhanced gene expression induced by the cytokine combinations: increased activation of ISRE promoter elements and simultaneous activation of both ISRE and GAS elements within the same promoter. These findings provide new insight into the coregulation of a critical innate immune response by functionally distinct cytokine families.
Tax administration reform and fi scal adjustment: the case of Indonesia (2001–7)

Tax administration reforms can play an important role in fiscal adjustment. This role is examined by reviewing Indonesia's tax reform cum fiscal adjustment experience since 2001. The paper describes Indonesia's fiscal adjustment strategy, its tax administration reforms, and assesses the impact of these reforms on fiscal adjustment. Evidence suggests tax administration improvements had a strong positive impact on the tax yield and a positive effect on the investment climate. Lessons are presented for designing tax administration reforms within the context of a fiscal adjustment program and reform priorities are identified for Indonesia's ongoing efforts to strengthen tax administration.
Thermal Modeling for Laser-Assisted Machining of Silicon Nitride Ceramics with Complex Features

The feasibility of laser-assisted machining (LAM) and its potential to significantly reduce fabrication costs and improve product quality have been shown experimentally' for various ceramic materials. However, no systematical investigation has been performed to expand LAMs capability to parts with complex features, although such capability is essential for industrial applications. This paper presents a transient, three-dimensional thermal model developed for LAM of workpieces with complex geometric features and its validation by in-process surface temperature measurements with an infrared camera. It is shown that the LAM experiments designed based on the predictions by the thermal model successfully produced silicon nitride parts with complex features, thus demonstrating the capabilities of LAM in fabricating ceramic parts suitable for industrial implementation.
Are plant populations in fragmented habitats recruitment limited? Tests with an amazonian herb

Decreased recruitment is hypothesized to be a primary mechanism driving the local extinctions of plant species from fragmented landscapes. A critical but untested assumption of this claim is that reductions in fecundity by individual plants actually result in demographic vulnerability at the population level. I tested this "recruitment limitation hypothesis" using three years of census data from 13 populations of the Amazonian un- derstory herb Heliconia acuminata, which I integrated with empirical estimates of seedling establishment into matrix demographic models. I asked: (1) How much recruitment is necessary for X > 1? (2) What are the projected values of X for H. acuminata populations in fragments and continuous forest, given empirical estimates of seedling emergence? (3) What are the actual values of X for populations in fragments and continuous forest, and why might projected and estimated values of X differ? (4) What other demographic stages contribute to X, and how are these affected by fragmentation? Simulation models suggest that extreme reductions in recruitment are necessary for population declines, and empirical estimates of seedling establishment were frequently below these thresholds. As a result, Heliconia acuminata populations in fragments are projected to shrink at a rate of 1-1.5% per year, while those in continuous forest are projected to grow 2.3-4% per year. Annual censuses, however, indicated populations in both continuous forest and fragments grew at rates well in excess of those, projected by matrix models. This discrepancy is due to higher- than-predicted seedling numbers. While elasticity analyses indicated transitions related to growth and survivorship actually made the greatest proportional contribution to X, these results suggest that dispersal into fragments is common and helping populations overcome the negative demographic consequences of reduced seedling establishment. Additional de- mographic studies of plant populations in fragmented areas are urgently needed to identify other potential mechanisms responsible for population declines. Particular attention should be paid to appraising the effect of fragmentation on plant growth and survivorship, as altering these life-history stages may have the most serious consequences for population growth rates.
An Electrospun Polyaniline Nanofiber as a Novel Platform for Real-Time COX-2 Biomarker Detection

The presence of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) biomarker has been associated with the development of certain types of cancer such as breast cancer. Moreover, reliable quantification of COX-2 as an enzyme responsible for pain and inflammation is vital. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of sensitive COX-2 detection via integration of nanoporous polyaniline fibers on the microfabricated platform to develop a label-free biosensor. Highly porous polyaniline nanofibers were fabricated in different diameters and integrated on the interdigitated microelectrodes to develop electrochemical platforms. Characterization results revealed that the smaller diameter improved the sensitivity of the biosensor due to enhancement in the specific surface area. The developed biosensor was able to detect analyte as low as 0.1pg/mL with a large dynamic linear range of 10fg/mL to 1μg/mL. The fabricated sensor showed remarkable sensitivity towards COX-2 antigen suggesting the significant contribution of this nanofiber based platform to the enhanced sensitivity in COX-2 analyte detection.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Development of Food Intake Patterns for the MyPyramid Food Guidance System

Objective: The purpose of this research was to design food intake patterns based on typical American food selections that would meet Dietary Guidelines and Dietary Reference Intake recommendations. Design: Analytic process to identify appropriate amounts from each food group that together will meet nutritional goals for various age/gender groups. Variables Measured: Projected intake of energy, 9 vitamins, 8 minerals, 8 macronutrients, and dietary fiber in each food intake pattern. Analysis: Iterative comparison of nutrients in each food intake pattern to Dietary Reference Intakes and Dietary Guidelines recommendations set as goals for that pattern. Results: Food intake patterns were established that met almost all nutrient goals within estimated energy needs. Intakes of vitamin E at all energy levels, potassium at lower energy levels, and sodium at higher energy levels did not meet goals. Conclusions and Implications: The food intake patterns provide a foundation of food choices that will meet nutritional recommendations. They form the scientific basis for the MyPyramid Food Guidance System and can also be used as a starting point for developing other educational programs or materials.