cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Interferon and Adenine Arabinoside Treatment of Hepatitis B Virus Infection on Cellular Immune Responses

Fifteen patients with chronic hepatitis B were treated with adenine arabinoside (Ara-A) or human leukocyte interferon (HLI). Cellular immune response to hepatitis B virus surface antigen and antigens prepared from herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, and cytomegalovirus was measured by a lymphocyte blast transformation assay and an assay for interferon production. Measurements were made before, during, and after antiviral treatment. Unlike patients convalescing from acute hepatitis B, only 2 of 15 patients with chronic hepatitis B had significant blast transformation to hepatitis B surface antigen. One such response occurred during the pretreatment period of HLI therapy, and the other was in a patient undergoing low-dose ( 5 U/kg per day) HLI therapy. Mononuclear cell cultures were tested for interferon production in the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen. Cells from only 1 of 15 patients produced detectable levels of interferon. In contrast, all of these patients had normal cellular immune responses to herpesvirus antigens. Transformation responses to herpes antigens decreased three- to fivefold after patients were treated with >10 5 U of HLI per kg per day. Antiviral therapy with 5 U of HLI per kg per day or Ara-A did not produce a detectable depression of transformation response. Ara-A produced marked lymphocytopenia and a marked lymphocyte fragility after 5 or more days of therapy. In vitro Ara-A was toxic to lymphocytes at concentrations as low as 0.5 μg/ml. These changes in lymphocyte parameters may affect the outcome of antiviral therapy.
Hydroxyproline in Serum as a Homeostatic Index for Calcium in Cattle

Abstract Hydroxyproline, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase values were determined in serum over 24h in Holstein cows. The cows represented two age groups and three percents of diet calcium. Hydroxyproline followed a cyclic pattern dipping at 0800 and 1600h after milking at 0500 and 1530h. Phosphorus showed a 24h rhythm peaking at 1600h. No other time effects were demonstrated. Hydroxyproline and alkaline phosphatase were both lower in the older cows, indicating a decreased calcium mobilization from bone with age. There was a correlation coefficient of only .20 between serum calcium and hydroxyproline. The calcium concentration in serum was maintained within a narrow range presumably as a result of homeostatic mechanisms involving bone resorption, i.e. the release of calcium and hydroxyproline. In this way serum hydroxyproline may indicate the degree of homeostasis required to maintain serum calcium.
MEKK3 Directly Regulates MEK5 Activity as Part of the Big Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase 1 (BMK1) Signaling Pathway

Big mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase (BMK1), also known as ERK5, is a member of the MAP kinase family whose cellular activity is elevated in response to growth factors, oxidative stress, and hyperosmolar conditions. Previous studies have identified MEK5 as a cellular kinase directly regulating BMK1 activity; however, signaling molecules that directly regulate MEK5 activity have not yet been defined. Through utilization of a yeast two-hybrid screen, we have identified MEKK3 as a molecule that physically interacts with MEK5. This interaction appears to take place in mammalian cells as evidenced by the fact that cellular MEK5 and MEKK3 co-immunoprecipitate. In addition, we show that a dominant active form of MEKK3 stimulates BMK1 activity through MEK5. Moreover, we demonstrate that MEKK3 activity is required for growth factor mediated cellular activation of endogenous BMK1. Taken together, these results identify MEKK3 as a kinase that regulates the activity of MEK5 and BMK1 during growth factor-induced cellular stimulation.
Determination of the Relationship Between Capillary Pressure and Saturation in PEMFC Gas Diffusion Media

This paper describes a method of measuring the relationship between capillary pressure and porous media saturation in the gas diffusion layer (GDL) of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Such a relationship is commonly used to model the liquid water flow in the GDL. The method utilized to characterize the GDL behavior mimics the actual transport of liquid water within the GDL by utilizing the actual fluids of interest in a PEMFC cathode (water and air), and by introducing all water from a single face to simulate the water production at the catalyst layer. Other porosimetry methods rely on totally non-wetting or totally wetting fluids to achieve saturation and consequently the resulting capillary pressure measurements must be scaled to the emulate the situation in the PEMFC GDL. Capillary pressure versus saturation curves for two different GDL materials (one paper, one cloth), each with four different bulk loadings of PTFE (0, 10, 20 and 30 wt%), were measured. Results show that the PTFE loading has a relatively small effect on the capillary pressure within the pressure range normally associated with PEMFC water transport. The results also show that carbon cloth based GDL materials require greater capillary pressures than paper materials to achieve significant saturation and that compression has a homogenizing effect on the pore structure and the slope of the capillary pressure – saturation Pc (S) behavior of both materials. Representative curves for the derivative of the Pc (S) function are developed for each type of diffusion media within the appropriate saturation range.© 2008 ASME
A687V EZH2 is a gain-of-function mutation found in lymphoma patients.

Heterozygous point mutations at Y641 and A677 in the EZH2 SET domain are prevalent in about 10–24% of Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). Previous studies indicate that these are gain-of-function mutations leading to the hypertrimethylation of H3K27. These EZH2 mutations may drive the proliferation of lymphoma and make EZH2 a molecular target for patients harboring these mutations. Here, another EZH2 SET domain point mutation, A687V, occurring in about 1–2% of lymphoma patients, is also shown to be a gain-of-function mutation that greatly enhances its ability to perform dimethylation relative to wild-type EZH2 and is equally proficient at catalyzing trimethylation. We propose that A687V EZH2 also leads to hypertrimethylation of H3K27 and may thus be a driver mutation in NHL.
Transient Evolution of Langmuir Turbulence in Ocean Boundary Layers Driven by Hurricane Winds and Waves

AbstractA large-eddy simulation (LES) model, which adopts wave-averaged equations with vortex force, is used to investigate Langmuir turbulence and ocean boundary layer (OBL) dynamics in high-wind hurricane conditions. The temporally evolving spatially asymmetric wind and wave Stokes drift velocity imposed in the LES are generated by a spectral wave prediction model adapted to Hurricane Frances traveling at a speed of 5.5 m s−1. The potency of Langmuir turbulence depends on the turbulent Langmuir number, the wind–Stokes drift alignment, and the depth scale of the Stokes profile Ds relative to the OBL depth h. At the time of maximum winds, large-scale vigorous coherent cells develop on the right-hand side of the storm under the inertially rotating winds; the Stokes drift velocity is well tuned to the surface winds. Much weaker cells develop on the left-hand side of the storm, partly because of reduced Stokes production. With misaligned winds and waves the vertical momentum fluxes can be counter to the grad...
Effects of conjugation in length and dimension on spectroscopic properties of fluorene-based chromophores from experiment and theory.

A series of one-photon absorption spectra for fluorene-based donor−π-acceptor molecules is presented and spectroscopically assigned, based upon the results obtained from time-dependent density functional theory. The computed excitation energies were generally shown to be in good agreement with experiment, particularly when compared to results from measurements carried out in a nonpolar solvent, which were available for some molecules. The computed oscillator strengths may resolve discordant experimental values in some cases, for example, for AF-380, AF-270, and AF-295. However, a quantitative comparison between computed and observed oscillator strengths is complicated by band overlapping. Thus, the computed extinction coefficients obtained by summing over the Gaussian bands are useful in such cases.
Electrophoretic transfer of proteins and nucleic acids from slab gels to diazobenzylozymethyl cellulose or nitrocellulose sheets

Abstract A new electrophoretic technique for transferring proteins and nucleic acids from either polyacrylamide or agarose slab gels has been developed as an alternative to blotting. The method is fast, efficient and versatile. Efficient transfer of DNA to both nitrocellulose membrane and diazobenzyloxymethyl cellulose as well as efficient transfer of proteins to diazobenzyloxymethyl cellulose is demonstrated.
Comparison of the Racial/Ethnic Prevalence of Regular Aspirin Use for the Primary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

In 2002, the United States Preventive Services Task Force and the American Heart Association recommended aspirin for the primary prevention of coronary heart disease in patients with Framingham risk scores ≥6% and ≥10%, respectively. The regular use of aspirin (≥3 days/week) was examined in a cohort of 6,452 White, Black, Hispanic, and Chinese patients without cardiovascular disease in 2000 to 2002 and 5,181 patients from the same cohort in 2005 to 2007. Framingham risk scores were stratified into low (
The chiroptical properties of proteins. II. Near‐ultraviolet circular dichroism of lysozyme

A study of the near-uv CD spectrum of lysozyme was carried out in the presence and absence of the inhibitor tri-N-acetylglucosamine, and theoretical chiroptical calculations based on the tetragonal crystal structure of the enzyme and the enzyme-inhibitor complex were performed. The results of these calculations indicate that the near-uv CD spectrum of lysozyme can be adequately explained in terms of negative rotatory strengths arising from the tryptophan 1La (293–300 nm) and the disulfide n-σ* bands (250 rm), and positive rotatory strength contributions from the tryptophan 1Lb bands (291 nm) and the tyrosine 1Lb bands (275 nm). Contributions to the rotatory strength of each band were approximated in terms of specific interactions between chromophores. It was found that the rotatory strength of most of the near-uv transitions arises primarily from coupling interactions involving other side-chain chromophores and amide groups which are in close proximity. Changes which are observed in the lysozyme CD spectrum on binding of tri-N-acetylglucosamine may be explained in terms of changes in the rotatory strength which result from interactions of the 1La transitions of the active-site tryptophans with the acetamide groups of the inhibitor. The reasonable agreement which is found between the experimental and calculated rotatory strengths implies that the crystal conformation of lysozyme must resemble the solution conformation.
Sexuality, society, and senior citizens: An analysis of sex talk among prostate cancer support group members

After attending meetings of a prostate cancer support group for three years, I considered the ways group members talked about sex and sexuality. I reviewed extant research on the disease and its effects on sexual function, along with relevant work on sexuality in general. In my role as a participant-observer at the group meetings, I noted the amount and prevalence of talk about sex in the survivors’ conversations about prostate cancer. I investigated the survivors’ efforts to contest and revise the definition of sex that they inferred from society at large—a definition that limits “real” sexual activity to spontaneous acts of penile-vaginal penetration. Such a definition also denounced anything else as phony at worst, and incomplete at best. Consequently, the meetings illustrated the dissonance between group members’ prior expectations, beliefs, and experiences of sexuality and a new set of behaviors that could constitute sexuality. My observations also revealed the significance of support group facilitators in generating talk about sexuality.
High-speed high-resolution fiber diameter variation measurement system.

A fiber diameter variation measurement system is described which is capable of measuring transparent fibers with 0.02% diameter resolution and 6-μm axial resolution at a measurement rate of 1 kHz and with a working distance of >100 mm. The principles of its operation are discussed in detail, and experimental confirmation of its performance is reported. A theoretical calculation of the optimum obtainable diameter resolution for a given set of experimental parameters is also presented.
The modified card agglutination test: an accurate tool for detecting anaplasmosis in Columbian black-tailed deer.

Inoculation of susceptible calves confirmed that the modified card agglutination test accurately detected the anaplasmosis infection status of each of 35 Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus). Anaplasma marginal, and specific antibodies, were demonstrated only in calves which received blood from deer that were positive by the card test. The modified card agglutination testing of deer serum was performed in the manner recommended for testing cattle serum with bovine-origin antigen and bovine serum factor.
Folding pattern of the alpha-crystallin domain in alphaA-crystallin determined by site-directed spin labeling.

Abstract The folding pattern of the α-crystallin domain, a conserved protein module encoding the molecular determinants of structure and function in the small heat-shock protein superfamily, was determined in the context of the lens protein αA-crystallin by systematic application of site-directed spin labeling. The sequence-specific secondary structure was assigned primarily from nitroxide scanning experiments in which the solvent accessibility and mobility of a nitroxide probe were measured as a function of residue number. Seven β-strands were identified and their orientation relative to the aqueous solvent determined, thus defining the residues lining the hydrophobic core. The pairwise packing of adjacent strands in the primary structure was deduced from patterns of proximities in nitroxide pairs with one member on the exposed surface of each strand. In addition to identifying supersecondary structures, these proximities revealed that the seven strands are arranged in two β-sheets. The overall packing of the two sheets was determined by application of the general rules of protein structure and from proximities in nitroxide pairs designed to distinguish between known all β-sheet folds. Our data are consistent with an immunoglobulin-like fold consisting of two aligned β-sheets. Comparison of this folding pattern to that of the evolutionary distant α-crystallin domain in Methanococcus jannaschii heat-shock protein 16.5 reveals a conserved core structure with the differences sequestered at one edge of the β-sandwich. A β-strand deletion in αA-crystallin disrupts a subunit interface and allows for a different dimerization motif. Putative substrate binding regions appear to include a buried loop and a buried turn, suggesting that the chaperone function involves a disassembly of the oligomer.
Tomographic measurements of pore filling at infiltration fronts

For certain porous media and initial conditions, constant flux infiltrations show a saturation profile which exhibits overshoot. This overshoot is the cause of gravity driven fingering, cannot be described by standard models of unsaturated flow, and is likely controlled by the exact nature of the pore filling at the initial front. Here we report synchrotron X-ray micro-tomography measurements of the porous medium and measure which pores are filled by water and air at the initial wetting front as a function of flux. We find that at high fluxes all the pores are filled with water; for intermediate fluxes, the pores along the edge of the column remain unsaturated; and for low fluxes the pores in the bulk of the experimental column remain unsaturated. This suggests that the unsaturated overshoot conditions observed at higher fluxes are primarily an edge effect of the column. The results can help delineate the correct continuum models that can capture overshoot and gravity driven fingering.
Calcium channels mediate phase shifts of the Bulla circadian pacemaker.

1. Light-induced phase advances of the activity rhythm of theBulla ocular circadian pacemaker are blocked when the extracellular calcium concentration is reduced with EGTA to 0.13 μM. Phase advances are also blocked in low calcium solutions without EGTA ([Ca]<50 μM). 2. The dependence of light-induced phase delays on extracellular calcium concentration in EGTA-free seawater was determined. Phase delays are blocked at calcium concentrations below 400μM, and reduced at concentrations of 1 mM and 3.5 mM (relative to shifts in normal ASW, [Ca] = 10 mM). Phase delays are also reduced and blocked at calcium concentrations higher than normal (60 mM and 110 mM, respectively). 3. Low calcium EGTA also blocked both phase delays and phase advances induced by pulses of depolarizing high K+ seawater. Low calcium EGTA pulses presented alone at the same times did not generate significant phase shifts. 4. The organic calcium channel antagonists verapamil, diltiazem and nitrendipine as well as the inorganic calcium channel antagonists La3+, Co2+, Cd2+, and Mn2+ were applied along with light pulses, however, the treated eyes were either phase shifted by these substances, or these substances were found to be toxic. 5. The inorganic calcium channel antagonist Ni2+ blocked both light-induced phase delays and advances at a concentration of 5 mM. Ni2+ applied alone did not generate significant phase shifts. Phase delays induced by high K+ seawater were blocked in the presence of 50 mM Ni2+ but not in 5 mM Ni2+. The light-induced CAP activity of the putative pacemaker cells was not inhibited by Ni2+, suggesting that its blocking action was probably via its known role as a calcium channel antagonist.
Tangible Resources for Preparing Patients for Antiviral Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C

Background Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infected patients with coexisting mental health and/or substance abuse issues face significant barriers to treatment and are often deferred. This paper sought to highlight critical pre-treatment strategies and provide tangible resources for HCV clinicians to facilitate preparation and successful treatment of these patients.
Sweet Potato Meal versus Ground Corn in the Ration of Dairy Cows

Summary A comparative study of the effect of ground snapped white corn and sweet potato meal on the liveweight and milk and butterf at production of dairy cows was conducted during the spring and summer of 1946. Analysis of variance revealed no significant differences in the milk and butterfat production or in the liveweights of cows when the sweet potato meal or corn constituted 36 per cent of the concentrate mixture. The sweet potato meal was as palatable as the ground corn when each of these concentrates constituted 36 per cent of the concentrate mixture. No excessive or objectionable laxative effect upon the digestive system of the cows was noted when they were fed the sweet potato meal mixture. The cows fed the sweet potato meal had a sleeker, brighter hair coat than did those fed the corn ration.
Swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) diversity in Sinclair and Hanford swine.

Abstract The swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) haplotype B is associated with increased penetrance of the tumor traits in Sinclair swine cutaneous melanoma (SSCM). We established a series of Sinclair × Hanford swine crosses to facilitate genetic mapping of the tumor-associated loci. In this study, the SLA diversity in the founding animals was characterized for effective selection of maximum tumor penetrance in the pedigrees. Using the sequence-based typing (SBT) method we identified a total of 29 alleles at five polymorphic SLA loci ( SLA-1 , SLA-3 , SLA-2 , DRB1 and DQB1 ) representing six class I and five class II haplotypes. We subsequently developed a rapid PCR-based typing assay using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) to efficiently follow the SLA types of the crossbred progeny. In a total of 469 animals we identified three crossovers within the class I region and three between the class I and class II regions, which corresponded to recombination frequencies of 0.39% and 0.56%, respectively. We also confirmed the presence of two expressed SLA-1 loci in three of the class I haplotypes and were able to determine the relative chromosomal arrangement of the duplicated loci in two haplotypes. This study furthers our understanding of the allelic architecture and polymorphism of the SLA system and will facilitate the mapping of loci associated with the expression of SSCM.
Naturalistic Inquiry Applied to the Evaluation of a Teacher Education Program.

Abstract A team of six teacher educators (in addition to the authors, other team members are Susan Peters, Michigan State University; Ginger Fisher, Holy Family College, Philadelphia; and Tom skrtic, University of Kansas) was invited to evaluate an innovative teacher education program which has merged elementary and special educatin into one major. Naturalistic inquiry methodology was employed to evaluate the program. This paper (a) presents a theoretical and philosophical discussion of naturalistic inquiry and differentiates it from quantitative methodology, (b) takes the reader through the entire naturalistic evaluation process from the initial site visit through the writing of the case study and the audit, (c) provides a brief description of the organization of the case study and a limited discussion of the major findings, and (d) discusses implications of naturalistic inquiry as they apply to this particular study and to evaluation of teacher education programs in general.
Publishing in Academic Journals: Strategic Advice for Doctoral Students and Academic Mentors

Given the increasingly competitive nature of the academic job market and the profession of sociology at large, publishing has become an even more important marker of scholarly success. This article discusses the benefits of publishing in academic journals during graduate school. We outline a series of strategies that doctoral students can use to achieve this important objective and address the role of academic mentors in fostering their students’ research productivity. Strategic advice on each facet of the publication process (e.g., academic writing, journal selection, manuscript submission, and revision for resubmission) is offered. Faculty mentors and graduate program directors are encouraged to create an environment in which graduate student publications are the norm rather than the exception.
Novel neuroimaging modalities in the evaluation of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

Although for the vast majority of patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension knowledge of the exact site of the underlying spinal CSF leak is not necessary, it is for patients with recalcitrant symptoms. Such patients may require directed treatments such as percutaneous fibrin glue injections or surgery. A variety of MRI techniques have been shown to be able to detect CSF leaks as well and sometimes better than the “gold standard” – CT-myelography. For unusually rapid CSF leaks – particularly those ventral to the spinal cord – digital subtraction myelography or dynamic CT-myelography are indicated. Some patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension verified by intracranial MRI are never found to have a spinal CSF leak using current techniques.
Directional detection of dark matter in universal bound states

It has been suggested that several small-scale structure anomalies in $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{CDM}$ cosmology can be solved by strong self-interaction between dark matter particles. It was shown by Braaten and Hammer [Phys. Rev. D 88, 063511 (2013)] that the presence of a near threshold S-wave resonance can make the scattering cross section at nonrelativistic speeds come close to saturating the unitarity bound. This can result in the formation of a stable bound state of two asymmetric dark matter particles (which we call darkonium). The work of Laha and Braaten [Phys. Rev. D, 89, 103510 (2014)] studied the nuclear recoil energy spectrum in dark matter direct detection experiments due to this incident bound state. Here we study the angular recoil spectrum and show that it is uniquely determined up to normalization by the S-wave scattering length. Observing this angular recoil spectrum in a dark matter directional detection experiment will uniquely determine many of the low-energy properties of dark matter independent of the underlying dark matter microphysics.
24.6 A CMOS micro-flow cytometer for magnetic label detection and classification

Flow cytometry is widely used in medicine for hematology, immunology, chemotherapy and pathology, as well as in food and water safety. While present instruments are predominantly used in laboratory environments, there is a growing and unmet need for devices that can be used in point-of-care (PoC) settings. The main impediments to PoC solutions are the fluorescent labels, which require sophisticated sample pre-processing and calibration to reduce background, and optics that are difficult to miniaturize. Label-free approaches such as reported in [1] eliminate this problem but have limited applications due to a lack of specificity. Substituting magnetic labels avoids this limitation and eliminates the need for preprocessing, but present solutions use μHall sensors [2] or giant-magneto-resistors (GMRs) [3], which are not available in standard CMOS technology. CMOS LC-tank spectrometry [4] is amenable to integration but does not achieve the bandwidth and sensitivity required for flow cytometry. In this paper, we present a magnetic flow cytometer integrated in standard CMOS technology assembled in a single-use microfluidic cartridge that meets all the above-mentioned requirements.
Shadowed negative binomial state

Abstract Given a real photon-number distribution p r ( n ), a virtual distribution p s ( n ) = (−1) n p r ( n ) can be defined as its shadow. The combination of the two is called a shadowed state. This concept is illustrated by the negative binomial state. The nonclassical effects are studied by using the Q and R parameters and the nonclassical depth.
Investigation of 2P Be- shape resonances using a quadratically convergent complex multiconfigurational self-consistent field method.

We develop, implement, and apply a quadratically convergent complex multiconfigurational self-consistent field method (CMCSCF) that uses the complex scaling theorem of Aguilar, Balslev, and Combes within the framework of the multiconfigurational self-consistent field method (MCSCF) in order to theoretically investigate the resonances originated due to scattering of a low-energy electron off of a neutral or an ionic target (atomic or molecular). The need to scale the electronic coordinates of the Hamiltonian as prescribed in the complex scaling theorem requires the use of a modified second quantization algebra suitable for biorthonormal spin orbital bases. In order to control the convergence to a stationary point in the complex energy hypersurface, a modified step-length control algorithm is incorporated. The position and width of 2 P Be" shape resonances are calculated by inspecting the continuum states of Be - . To our knowledge, this is the first time that CMCSCF has been directly used to determine electron-atom/molecule scattering resonances. We demonstrate that both relaxation and nondynamical correlation are important for accurately describing shape resonances. For all of the calculations, the quadratically convergent CMCSCF was found to converge to the correct stationary point with a tolerance of 1.0 x 10 -10 au for the energy gradient within 10 iterations or less.
Electron Beam Testing And Its Applications To VLSI Technology

With the recent advances in instrumentation, automation and spectrometer design, the Electron Beam Tester is fast becoming a standard tool for design verification and failure analysis of Very Large Scale Integrated Circuit (VLSI) technology products. This paper presents a brief overview of the principles of operation and a discussion of the different testing modes. The application of voltage contrast to VLSI technology is illustrated with a few typical examples taken from failure analysis and design verification stages of memory and microprocessor products. Present limitations and future trends of Electron Beam Testing are discussed.
Empirically Supported Trauma Treatment for an Adult Latino Man Diagnosed With PTSD: Overcoming Barriers to Engagement

Treatment initiation and engagement of clients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be challenging due to early treatment dropout when a client with PTSD is unwilling to confront feared tr...
Determination of Amine Oxide Micellar Activities in Nonswamping Electrolyte Solutions

The method of Rathman and Christian for determining the micellar activities of dimethyldodecylamine oxide by pH titration in the presence of swamping electrolyte has been extended to accommodate nonswamping electrolyte conditions. Dimethyltetradecylamine oxide (AO±) was used as a model surfactant in this study. The effect of the added chloride on the critical micelle concentration (cmc) values of HAO+ and AO± was experimentally determined and incorporated into the titration method. Under the experimental conditions used, the change in the cmc value of AO+ was negligible while the cmc of HAO± changed logarithmically with increasing chloride concentration (slope = −0.58). Results show a dependency of the interaction parameter, β, between AO± and HAO+ on the ratio of the initial chloride to surfactant concentrations. The pKa and cmc values are also reported. To overcome the need for experimentally determining the change in the cmc value of HAO+ with respect to the added chloride concentrations, an approximat...
Bearings-only tracking with iterated extended risk sensitive filter

This paper concerns the application of an iterated extended risk sensitive filter (IERSF) to target tracking problems. The relative merits of IERSF vis-a-vis the extended risk sensitive filter (ERSF) for a bearings-only tracking problem using root mean square error (RMSE) and robustness with uncertainty in initial condition are explored. An ERSF weakness, specifically an accumulation error in the computation of innovation steps due to approximating nonlinear functions at a recently available prior estimate, is presented. By using the IERSF with proper tuning of risk factor and local iteration, the filtering divergence may be overcome, and a stable, robust, and unbiased estimation is satisfactorily obtained. With numerical simulation results, the tracking performance of IERSF is compared with the performance of ERSF and extended Kalman filter. The IERSF results in reduced estimation error without much of an increase in burden of the associated computational algorithm.
Compression depolarization of PZT piezoelectric materials under high electromechanical driving levels

This paper examines the compressive depolarization of commercial lead zirconate titanate PZT-5A piezoelectric ceramics by evaluating the actuation strain at different electric fields, compressive stresses and stress durations. Varying the combination of these parameters allows further understanding of the coupling effects among them. The experimental results showed a remarkable difference between the under-load actuation and the residual actuation, determined at zero stress after exposure to compressive stress. Under-load actuation was reduced relatively low at high compressive stress either at low or high electric excitation levels and was found to be relatively independent of stress duration, while high electric drive residual actuation was found to be strongly dependent upon stress duration and maintained its initial actuation for short compression duration. The data also indicates that the compressive stress combined with high negative electric field can expedite the depolarization of material.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hemodynamic Responses of Broiler Pulmonary Vasculature to Intravenously Infused Serotonin

Serotonin is a potent pulmonary vasoconstrictor actively accumulated by mammalian platelets and avian thrombocytes and released into the plasma during platelet or thrombocyte aggregation. Serotonin has been implicated in the mechanisms responsible for pulmonary hypertension in several human and animal studies. However, the role of serotonin in pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS, ascites) in broilers previously had not been evaluated. In the present study we evaluated the pulmonary hemodynamic responses of broilers to intravenous infusions of serotonin dissolved in 2.5% (wt/vol) mannitol solution (carrier vehicle). Carrier vehicle infusion alone had no influence on any of the hemodynamic variables. Serotonin infusion triggered rapid increases in pulmonary arterial pressure to approximately 50% above pre-infusion baseline values, accompanied by decreases in mean systemic arterial pressure and cardiac output. The peak pulmonary arterial pressure response occurred within approximately 70 s after the start of serotonin infusion and remained elevated above baseline values over the course of a 10-min infusion period. Pulmonary arterial pressure and cardiac output returned to pre-infusion baseline values upon cessation of serotonin infusion, whereas mean systemic arterial pressure returned toward pre-infusion base-line values. Pulmonary hypertensive responses were associated with increased pulmonary vascular resistance (pulmonary vasoconstriction). The peak pulmonary arterial pressure attainable was inadequate to propel the normal cardiac output through the elevated pulmonary vascular resistance. Consequently, the impeded venous return to the left ventricle caused dependent reductions in stroke volume, cardiac output, and mean systemic arterial pressure. Reductions in cardiac output were associated with reductions in stroke volume but not heart rate. Any factor that reduces the pulmonary vascular capacity or increases the pulmonary vascular resistance theoretically can increase the incidence of PHS. The present study provides direct evidence that serotonin can trigger pulmonary vasoconstriction and pulmonary hypertension in broilers.
Kinetics of the Reaction of Propargyl Radical with Nitric Oxide

The reaction between the propargyl radical (C3H3) and NO has been investigated as a function of temperature (195−473 K) and pressure (3−100 Torr) by using color center laser infrared kinetic spectroscopy. At room temperature and below, the reaction rate was found to depend strongly on the helium buffer gas pressure and, at any fixed buffer gas density, to decrease with increasing temperature. This behavior is consistent with the reaction occurring by termolecular addition to produce C3H3NO. Data collected over a wide pressure range at 195 and 296 K were fitted to a semiempirical model developed by Troe for reactions of this type. The structure and energetics of the adduct were explored by performing both B3LYP 6-311++G(2df,2pd) and G2 calculations. The enthalpy change, ΔH, for addition of NO to the CH end of propargyl was determined as −123 and −138 kJ/mol, respectively, by using these two methods. The calculations also showed that NO can add at the CH2 end of propargyl but with a smaller binding energy. ...
Integrated metamaterials for efficient and compact free-space-to-waveguide coupling

We applied nonlinear optimization to design nanophotonics-based metamaterials for efficient free-space-to-waveguide coupling. Three devices were designed, fabricated and characterized. The first device couples incident light into a multi-mode waveguide, the second device couples incident light into a single-mode waveguide directly, and the third device couples and separates two orthogonal polarizations into two multi-mode waveguides. All devices offer comparable or higher coupling efficiencies, are easier to fabricate, and demonstrate higher bandwidth when compared to conventional devices. Furthermore, each device is at least an order of magnitude smaller in area than previously reported devices. The highly efficient single-mode waveguide-coupler is a unique device that has not been experimentally demonstrated before. We further performed careful simulations to underscore the tolerance of these devices to fabrication errors. Their robustness is primarily a result of the large number of coupled guided-mode resonances that are responsible for each device performance.
Shock waves generated by confined XeCl excimer laser ablation of polyimide

We investigate shock waves generated by excimer laser ablation of sheet polyimide confined in water. The velocities of the ablation-induced pressure waves in the water are determined by an optical probe system. We measure supersonic velocities up to a few hundred microns away from the irradiated surface, indicating the formation of shock waves. We use these velocities to calculate the corresponding pressures. They are already in the kbar range at fluences comparable to the threshold of ablation. The shock pressure varies as the square root of the incident laser fluence, a behavior that is explained by the rapid heating of the confined gaseous products of ablation. The initially planar shock waves propagate, become spherical, and decay within a few hundred microns in the surrounding water to acoustic waves. During spherical expansion the shock pressure drops as the inverse of the square of the propagation distance. The shock waves generated may be relevant in explaining photoacoustic damage observed in biological tissue after excimer-ablation at corresponding irradiances. They may also be important in material processing applications of excimer laser ablation of polymers as they can lead to plastic deformation.
Optimizing pretransfusion antibody detection and identification:a parallel, blinded comparison of tube PEG,solid-phase, and automated methods

BACKGROUND: The ideal pretransfusion testing strategy identifies maximal significant antibodies at minimal cost. Objectives of this study were to compare the characteristics of three testing methods and determine their optimal incorporation into the following generic testing sequence: 1) screen, for antibodies 2) if results are positive, use primary identification method, 3) if results are inconclusive, use secondary identification method. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 2000 consecutive, unselected, coded specimens were tested with three screening methods—PEG IAT, manual and automated solid phase red cell adherence assay (SPRCA). Of 202 positive results, 187 were of sufficient volume and were tested with both PEG and manual SPRCA identification panels, yielding 82 with significant antibodies, plus one that was negative by both methods found on retrospective review of nonstudy results. Calculations were made on the 1985 volume-sufficient specimens, simulating the possible testing permutations. RESULTS: Manual SPRCA was the most sensitive antibody screen (67/83 = 81%) and the least specific (1840/1902 = 97%); automated SPRCA was the least sensitive (54/83 = 65%) and most specific (1883/1902 = 99%); and PEG was intermediate in both sensitivity (64/83 = 77%) and specificity (1860/1902 = 98%). Of the identification panels, manual SPRCA identified more antibodies than PEG (67 versus 66) but had more inconclusive results (41 versus 20). Of overall strategies, manual SPRCA screening with either sequence of identification methods identified the most antibodies (66). The combination of PEG screen, PEG identification, and manual SPRCA identification identified slightly fewer antibodies (63) but had the lowest reagent cost, total (reagent plus labor) cost, and cost per antibody identified. The sequence of automated SPRCA screening with manual SPRCA identification, and PEG identification had the lowest hands-on time. CONCLUSIONS: The most cost-effective pretransfusion strategy is PEG screen with PEG identification, plus manual SPRCA identification when PEG identification is inconclusive.
Combining Stream-Based and State-Based Verification Techniques

Algebraic verification techniques manipulate the structure of a circuit while preserving its behavior. Algorithmic verification techniques verify properties about the behavior of a circuit. These two techniques have complementary strengths: algebraic techniques are largely independent of the size of the state space, and algorithmic techniques are highly automated. It is desirable to exploit both in the same verification. However, algebraic techniques often use stream-based models of circuits, while algorithmic techniques use state-based models. We prove the consistency of stream- and state-based interpretations of circuit models, and show how stream-based verification results can be used hand-in-hand with state-based verification results. Our approach allows us to combine stream-based algebraic rewriting and state-based reasoning, using SMV and SVC, to verify a pipelined microarchitecture with speculative execution.
External Fixation Techniques for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Diabetic Foot

Wound healing in high-risk patients with diabetes is often lengthy and fraught with complications. Techniques in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the diabetic foot continue to develop as a result of advances in external fixation. This article highlights the surgical aspect of the diabetic foot with an emphasis on the indications, advantages, technical pearls, and complications with use of external fixation as an adjunct to plastic and reconstructive surgery of the diabetic foot.
Routine clinical brain MRI sequences for use at 3.0 Tesla

Purpose To establish image parameters for some routine clinical brain MRI pulse sequences at 3.0 T with the goal of maintaining, as much as possible, the well-characterized 1.5-T image contrast characteristics for daily clinical diagnosis, while benefiting from the increased signal to noise at higher field. Materials and Methods A total of 10 healthy subjects were scanned on 1.5-T and 3.0-T systems for T1 and T2 relaxation time measurements of major gray and white matter structures. The relaxation times were subsequently used to determine 3.0-T acquisition parameters for spin-echo (SE), T1-weighted, fast spin echo (FSE) or turbo spin echo (TSE), T2-weighted, and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) pulse sequences that give image characteristics comparable to 1.5 T, to facilitate routine clinical diagnostics. Application of the routine clinical sequences was performed in 10 subjects, five normal subjects and five patients with various pathologies. Results T1 and T2 relaxation times were, respectively, 14% to 30% longer and 12% to 19% shorter at 3.0 T when compared to the values at 1.5 T, depending on the region evaluated. When using appropriate parameters, routine clinical images acquired at 3.0 T showed similar image characteristics to those obtained at 1.5 T, but with higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), which can be used to reduce the number of averages and scan times. Recommended imaging parameters for these sequences are provided. Conclusion When parameters are adjusted for changes in relaxation rates, routine clinical scans at 3.0 T can provide similar image appearance as 1.5 T, but with superior image quality and/or increased speed. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;22:13–22. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Characterization of Photosensitivity and Pupil Oscillation Rate in Migraine (I9-2.003)

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a widely prevalent neurologic disorder affecting roughly 6% of men and 18% of women in the United States. Little is known about the underlying biological processes resulting in migraine and whether varying clinical symptoms, such as photophobia, may represent pathophysiologically distinct subtypes. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction and sensory hyperexcitability have been proposed as possible mediators of migraine. Quantitatively describing photophobia thresholds and pupillary function (via pupil oscillation rate) in migraine patients may uncover physiological endophenotypes relevant to both diagnosis and treatment. We present a multi-modal, non-invasive optical method of investigating pupillary autonomic function and photosensitivity and show its utility in distinguishing migraineurs from controls. DESIGN/METHODS: We recruited a total of 23 subjects into migraine and control groups. Pupil oscillation rate was measured using a slit-lamp attached to a binocular. Photophobia threshold was determined using halogen lights that were modulated by a rheostat and whose output was measured by a photometer. Pupil diameter changes were documented during light sensitivity threshold testing using an infrared CCD camera. RESULTS: Photophobia threshold for subjects with migraine were significantly lower compared to normal control subjects (median [interquartile range]: 2.57 [0.48] vs. 3.09 [0.57] log lux, p = 0.005). Pupil oscillation rate for subjects with migraine were significantly slower compared to normal control subjects (1470.5 [520] vs. 1084.0 [373.3] ms/cycle, p = 4.59 x 10^-6). Preliminary pupillometry analysis (n = 9) suggests a trend toward greater pupil diameter at photophobia threshold in subjects with migraine (40.53%) compared to control (28.07%) subjects (p = 0.055). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with migraine have lower light thresholds and slower pupil oscillation rate compared to control subjects. These findings indicate that photosensitivity threshold and pupil oscillation rate distinguish migraineurs from controls, and justify the further use of these methods to investigate physiological endophenotypes of migraine. Disclosure: Dr. Hunter has nothing to disclose. Dr. Peterson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cortez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Theriot has nothing to disclose. Dr. Brennan has received personal compensation for activities with MAP Pharmaceuticals and Allergan, Inc. as an advisory board member.
Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in human and rabbit gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells

The aim of this study was to identify the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoform expressed in freshly dispersed rabbit gastric smooth muscle cells and in cultured rabbit gastric, human intestinal, and guinea pig taenia coli smooth muscle cells. RT-PCR products of the predicted size (354 bp) were obtained with endothelial NOS (eNOS)-specific primers, but not neuronal NOS (nNOS)- or inducible NOS (iNOS)-specific primers, in all smooth muscle preparations except guinea pig taenia coli. Control RT-PCR studies showed absence of the endothelial markers, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), and the interstitial cell marker, c-kit, from cultures of smooth muscle cells. Cloning and sequence analysis showed that the predicted amino acid sequence (117 residues) in rabbit and human smooth muscle cells differed by only one residue from that of human eNOS. Northern blot analysis, using the PCR-generated and cloned eNOS cDNA from rabbits and humans as probes, demonstrated the expression of eNOS mRNA (4.4 kb) in both species. eNOS, but not nNOS or iNOS, transcripts were localized by in situ RT-PCR in single, freshly dispersed rabbit gastric smooth muscle cells; expression was evident in the majority of cells in each preparation. We conclude that eNOS is selectively expressed in rabbit gastric and human intestinal smooth muscle cells. The results confirm functional evidence for the existence of a constitutive NOS in smooth muscle cells of the gut in different species, except for guinea pig taenia coli.