cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the Performance of a Parallel Solver for Turbulent Reacting Flow Simulations

This article describes results of an effort to improve the parallel efficiency of a solver for turbulent reacting flows on two computer architectures. The compact finite-difference scheme employed for the solution of the differential equations involves the inversion of multiple tridiagonal matrices at each time step. Detailed performance evaluation of the standard LU, parallel partition LU, and parallel diagonal dominant algorithms are presented. The speed-up and efficiencies of these parallel strategies are critically compared and evaluated based on both computation and communication complexities, on the CRAY XT4 and IBM Blue Gene/P architectures.
Management of abdominal malignancies: updates from the International Association of Surgeons, Gastroenterologists and Oncologists

The 22nd World Congress of the International Association of Surgeons, Gastroenterologists and Oncologists was held from 5-8 December 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand. Themed 'Challenges and Controversies in the Management of Abdominal Diseases: Current Possibility and Future Expectation', the congress featured ten main topics including: upper GI tract surgery, lower GI tract surgery, hepatic surgery, biliary tract surgery, pancreatic surgery, interventional chemo-immuno-radiotherapy, laparoscopic endoscopic surgery, multidisciplinary approaches, innovation and advanced technology and robotic surgery. Approximately 200 guest speakers were invited to share their experiences and expertise, while 600 abstracts were submitted for oral and poster presentations. In this article, the authors highlight and summarize some of the presentations from this conference.
Joint Flow Routing and Relay Node Assignment in Cooperative Multi-Hop Networks

It has been shown that cooperative communications (CC) has the potential to significantly increase the capacity of wireless networks. However, most of the existing results are limited to single-hop wireless networks. To explore the behavior of CC in multi-hop wireless networks, we study a joint optimization problem of relay node assignment and flow routing for a group of sessions. We develop a mathematical model and propose a solution procedure based on the branch-and-bound framework augmented with cutting planes (BB-CP). We design several novel components to speed-up the computational time of BB-CP. Via numerical results, we show the potential rate gain that can be achieved by incorporating CC in multi-hop networks.
Preliminary interpretation of plasma electron observations at the third encounter of Mariner 10 with Mercury

Plasma electron count observations made during the first and third encounters of Mariner 10 with Mercury (i.e., during Mercury I and III) are reported. They provide detailed information on the magnetosphere of Mercury, especially those from Mercury III. A low-flux region was observed about closest approach (CA) of Mercury III, whereas no such region was detected by the lower-latitude Mercury I; a hot plasma sheet was measured on the outgoing (and near-equator) trajectory of Mercury I, while only cool plasma sheets were observed in the magnetosphere by Mercury III. Findings are similar, on a reduced scale, to models of the earth's magnetosphere and magnetosheath.
Design of the AmeriFlux Portable Eddy Covariance System and Uncertainty Analysis of Carbon Measurements

The AmeriFlux network continues to improve the understanding of carbon, water, and energy fluxes across temporal and spatial scales. The network includes 120 research sites that contribute to the understanding of processes within and among ecosystems. To improve the networks ability and confidence to synthesize data across multiple sites, the AmeriFlux quality assurance and quality control laboratory was established to reduce the within- and among-site uncertainties. This paper outlines the design of the portable eddy covariance system (PECS) and subsequent data processing procedures used for site comparisons. Because the PECS makes precision measurements of atmospheric CO2, the authors also present the results of uncertainty analyses in determining the polynomials for an infrared gas analyzer, estimating the CO2 in secondary standards, and estimating ambient CO2 in field measurements. Under field conditions, drift in the measurement of CO2 increased the uncertainty in flux measurements across 7 days by 5% and was not dependent on the magnitude or direction of the flux. The maximum relative flux measurement error for unstable conditions was 10.03 mol CO2 m 2 s 1 .
Registration of images with geometric distortions

A technique for registration of images with geometric distortions is described. This technique uses two surface splines to represent the X-component and the Y-component of a mapping function. A mapping function is described in such a way that it would map corresponding control points in the image exactly on top of each other and map other points in the image by interpolation using information and local geometric distortion between the images. >
Mesolimbic dopaminergic system relates to sucrose intake, but not intake of salt, umami compounds or lysine in rats.

The mesolimbic dopaminergic system projected from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is important in understanding palatability-induced feeding behavior. Here, first we investigated whether bilateral lesions of dopamine cells in the VTA of rats would influence taste preferences for their favorite tastes, i.e. salt (NaCl), umami (monosodium glutamate, inosine-5'-monophosphate, guanine-5'-monophosphate) and sweet (sucrose). Among these taste stimuli, only the consumption of sucrose solutions was significantly decreased in VTA lesioned rats, preferences (including consumption of tastants fluids) for the other taste stimuli were unaffected. Next, we tested whether VTA lesioned rats with slightly deficient in the amino acid lysine (by feeding rats with a lysine deficient diet for 6 days) could detect and choose the deficient amino acid in a choice test. Both VTA lesioned rats and control rats chose lysine solution and there was no difference between two groups. These results suggest that the dopaminergic neurons in the VTA influence sucrose consumption, but do not alter consumption of palatable umami compounds and salt, furthermore do not affect the animals' recognition to the essential amino acid lysine under deficient condition in it. Different central pathways must underlie sucrose preference and preferences for these amino acids and ribonucleotides.
Insulin effects on CYP2E1, 2B, 3A, and 4A expression in primary cultured rat hepatocytes

Although hyperketonemia and/or altered growth hormone secretion caused by diabetes have been implicated in enhanced CYP2E1, 2B, 3A and 4A expression, the effect of insulin on hepatic P450 expression, in the absence of associated metabolic/hormonal alterations, remains unknown. Primary cultured rat hepatocytes have been shown (Zangar et al., Drug Metab. Dispos., 23:681, 1995) to express stable and inducible CYP2E1 mRNA and protein levels, and provide an excellent system for mechanistic examination of the effect of insulin on CYP2E1, 2B, 3A and 4A expression. Maintaining primary rat hepatocytes in culture in the absence of insulin for 48, 72, or 96 h increased CYP2E1 mRNA levels 5-, 11-, and 4-fold, respectively, relative to cells maintained in the presence of the standard concentration of 1 microM insulin. In contrast, CYP2B mRNA levels increased only approximately 2-fold in the absence of insulin, when compared with the presence of 1 microM insulin. CYP2E1 and 2B protein levels were increased 6.7- and 3.8-fold, respectively, in cells cultured for 96 h in the absence of insulin as compared with those cultured in medium containing 1 microM insulin. Concentration-response studies revealed that decreasing the concentration of insulin below 10 nM (i.e. 1 nM, 0.1 nM, no insulin) increased CYP2E1 mRNA levels 4-, 7-, and 11-fold, respectively. In contrast, no such concentration-dependence was observed for CYP2B mRNA expression. As CYP3A and 4A expression is also elevated in diabetic rats, the effects of insulin on these P450s was also examined. CYP3A mRNA levels were unaltered and CYP4A mRNA levels were decreased marginally (approximately 50%) by the absence of insulin relative to levels in cells cultured in the presence of 1 microM insulin over 96 h in culture. The results of this study provide evidence that insulin itself, in the absence of other diabetes-induced metabolic or hormonal alterations, affects CYP2E1 and 2B, but not CYP3A or 4A, expression in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. Furthermore, CYP2E1 expression is differentially regulated by insulin relative to CYP2B, 3A or 4A. This study also demonstrates that decreasing the concentration of insulin in the culture medium provides a method by which CYP2E1 levels can be increased in primary cultured hepatocytes to facilitate mechanistic studies on the regulation of CYP2E1 expression.
Alteration of epileptogenesis genes.

Retrospective studies suggest that precipitating events such as prolonged seizures, stroke, or head trauma increase the risk of developing epilepsy later in life. The process of epilepsy development, known as epileptogenesis, is associated with changes in the expression of a myriad of genes. One of the major challenges for the epilepsy research community has been to determine which of these changes contributes to epileptogenesis, which may be compensatory, and which may be noncontributory. Establishing this for any given gene is essential if it is to be considered a therapeutic target for the prevention or treatment of epilepsy. Our laboratories have examined alterations in gene expression related to inhibitory neurotransmission that have been proposed as contributing factors in epileptogenesis. The GABAA receptor mediates most fast synaptic inhibition, and changes in GABAA receptor subunit expression and function have been reported in adult animals beginning immediately after prolonged seizures (status epilepticus [SE]) and continue as animals become chronically epileptic. Prevention of GABAA receptor subunit changes after SE using viral gene transfer inhibits development of epilepsy in an animal model, suggesting that these changes directly contribute to epileptogenesis. The mechanisms that regulate differential expression of GABAA receptor subunits in hippocampus after SE have recently been identified, and include the CREB-ICER, JAK-STAT, BDNF, and Egr3 signaling pathways. Targeting signaling pathways that alter the expression of genes involved in epileptogenesis may provide novel therapeutic approaches for preventing or inhibiting the development of epilepsy after a precipitating insult.
The role of the vasculature in regulating venous return and cardiac output: historical and graphical approach.

To review the physiology of cardiac output regulation by the peripheral vasculature. This will enable the clinician to understand and manage the complex circulatory changes in vanous forms of shock, and in other common altered circulatory states encountered in anaesthetic practice. Articles were obtained from a Medline review (1966 to present; search terms: shock, venous return, cardiac output) and a hand search (Index Medicus). Other sources include review articles, personal files, and textbooks. At steady state, cardiac output is equal to venous return (VR). Venous return depends on mean systemic pressure (PMS, which is the pressure in the peripheral vasculature driving blood flow to the heart, right atrial pressure (PRA, and the resistance to venous return (Rv. When considenng VR, PRA is the downstream pressure to VR. and not simply an indirect measure of the volume status. The pressure gradient for VR is, therefore, PMS−PRA, and in a system obeying Ohm’s Law, $$VR = \frac{{P_{MS} - P_{RA} }}{{R_{RA} }}$$ Shock and other altered circulatory states cause changes in both VR and cardiac function. The circulation can be conveniently described by a venous return and a cardiac output curve. By drawing these curves for each clinical situation. a clear understanding of the altered circulatory state is obtained, and treatment options can be clearly defined. The peripheral circulation controls cardiac output in many clinical conditions. Manipulation of the peripheral circulation is as important to the successful treatment of shock and other altered circulatory states, as is the manipulation of cardiac output.
Immigration and the metropolis: Reflections on urban history

This article presents an outline of the relationship between migration and the city in its evolution over time. I sketch the central aspects of this historical relation as a prelude to examining three aspects of the contemporary scene: the various determinants of contemporary labour flows; the political sources of resistance to international migration; and the renewed protagonist role of metropolitan areas as strategic nodes of the international system. As part of the latter process, I sketch the rise of transnationalism as a novel form of adaptation to immigration and as a potential response to the overriding logic of global capitalism. Implications of a migration-centred approach to cities for theory and policy are dismissed.
The Chieftain Cup and a Minoan rite of passage

The scene carved in relief on a Middle Minoan III-Late Minoan I serpentine footed conical cup or chalice from Ayia Triada has attracted the attention of numerous scholars since its discovery and initial publication. The cup is 11·5 cm in height with a maximum diameter of 9·9 cm. Two male figures are depicted facing each other (Plate VIIa). The figure on the right (hereafter, figure A), stands before a rendering perhaps of a pillar with even, horizontal, divisions to indicate stone blocks. His hair is arranged in tresses that hang to his waist, one of which is pulled in front of his ear. He wears three necklaces, several arm bands and bracelets, and around his waist, a short belted kilt into which is inserted a dagger. On his feet he wears boots which reach up to his mid-calf and are decorated with horizontal incisions. In his extended right hand he holds a straight staff; his left hand is empty and is thrust back, bent at the elbow. The facing figure (hereafter, figure B), is shorter and more simply attired. His hair appears short and gathered in a top-knot. In his right hand he holds a long sword and in his left, a long-handled object with a curved top, interpreted by some scholars to be a ritual sprinkler. Around his neck he wears a simple collar, a short kilt is wrapped around his waist, and on his feet he wears undecorated boots which reach to his mid-calf. On the back of the cup are three male figures carrying large flattened animal skins, usually identified as ox hides or shields. Only the heads of these males are visible above the ‘hides’. Their hair is worn short in the front and hangs freely behind their ears.
Practice Guidelines: A New Reality in Medicine: III. Impact on Patient Care

Practice guidelines are being introduced throughout medicine, but expectations about their impact on patient care depend on whether one is a clinician, patient, payer, administrator, or politician. Proponents hope that guidelines will enhance the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of practitioners and will optimize health outcomes, costs, and malpractice decisions, but scientific evidence of these effects is limited. There are also concerns that guidelines could harm patient care. Clinicians worry that guidelines will promote "cookbook medicine," decrease their autonomy and income, and increase medicolegal liability. A particular concern relates to the expansion of enforcement programs that require clinicians to follow guidelines or face financial or other penalties. Guidelines can rarely define optimal care with certainty, due to poor science, imperfect analytic processes, and differences in patients. Recommendations are often worded in highly specific language that achieves clarity at the expense of scientific validity. Rigid enforcement of such guidelines could harm patients, interfere with the individualization of care, increase costs, and promote unfair judgments against clinicians who deviate from them for good reasons. A model that links the intensity of enforcement to the scientific and clinical quality of guidelines is proposed.
Predicting Prognosis for the Conduct-Problem Boy: Can Family History Help?

ABSTRACT Objective Many children with conduct disorder develop life-course persistent antisocial behavior; however, other children exhibit childhood-limited or adolescence-limited conduct disorder symptoms and escape poor adult outcomes. Prospective prediction of long-term prognosis in pediatric and adolescent clinical settings is difficult. Improved prognosis prediction would support wise allocation of limited treatment resources. The purpose of this article is to evaluate whether family history of psychiatric disorder can statically predict long-term prognosis among conduct-problem children. Method Participants were male members of the Dunedin Study, a birth cohort of 1,037 children (52% male). Conduct-problem subtypes were defined using prospective assessments between ages 7 and 26 years. Family history interviews assessed mental disorders for three generations: the participants' grandparents, parents, and siblings. Results Family history of externalizing disorders distinguished life-course persistent antisocial males from other conduct-problem children and added significant incremental validity beyond family and child risk factors. A simple three-item family history screen of maternal-reported alcohol abuse was associated with life-course persistent prognosis in our research setting and should be evaluated in clinical practice. Conclusions Family history of externalizing disorders distinguished between life-course persistent versus childhood-limited and adolescent-onset conduct problems. Brief family history questions may assist clinicians in pediatric settings to refine the diagnosis of conduct disorder and identify children who most need treatment.
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Following Arterial Blood Gas Sampling in the Intensive Care Setting

A 54-year-old woman developed signs and symptoms consistent with reflex sympathetic dystrophy in her left upper extremity following arterial puncture. Diagnosis was confirmed by bone scan, and sympathetic blockade with intravenous regional bretylium completely relieved her severe, intractable pain. (CHEST 1995; 108:578-80)
Exposure of environmental estrogenic compound nonlyphenol to noble rats alters cell-cycle kinetics in the mammary gland

p-Nonylphenol is an environmental estrogen-like chemical. Nonylphenol has previously been shown to mimic the actions of estrogen both in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, we have examined the effects of an environmental estrogenic chemical, nonlylphenol, on the proliferative activity, cell-cycle kinetics, and differentiation of the mammary gland of female Noble rats. The exposure of animals to two different doses of nonlylphenol (0.01 and 7.1 mg/24 h) significantly increased proliferation of the mammary epithelial cells. Both labeling index and growth fraction were increased by nonlylphenol treatment. Labeling index and growth fraction were 24 and 38%, respectively, for a low dose of nonylphenol; and 32 and 67%, respectively, for a high dose of nonlyphenol, compared to 18 and 35%, respectively, of controls. In addition, nonlylphenol exposure altered cell-cycle kinetics. Both low and high doses of nonylphenol significantly increased the conversion of mammary epithelial cells from G0 to G1 and S-phase cells by 2.2-and 2.6-fold, and by 11- and 4-fold, respectively, compared to that of controls. Differentiation measured by the degree of lobular maturation revealed that the conversion of immature structures to mature structures was significantly increased in response to nonylphenol exposure compared to that of control. Based on the previously reported estrogenic activity of an equivalent dose of nonylphenol to that of DES (0.01 mg/d), a calculated theoretical dose of the order of 105- to 106-fold higher of nonlylphenol will be required to produce the same biological effects as DES. However, the data of this study showed that exposure of 0.01 mg/d of nonlylphenol produced profound effect on cell proliferation in the mammary gland. The weak estrogenic activity of nonlylphenol does not explain its profound effect on cell proliferation observed in this study. Perturbation of cell cycle is considered as a risk factor for the development of cancer. Changes in proliferation and cell cycle have been shown to lead to genetic instability, ultimately resulting in cell transformation. Our results indicated an increase in labeling index and growth fraction, and a perturbation in cell-cycle kinetics from nonlylphenol exposure. Perturbation of cell cycle in response to nonlylphenol exposure may produce adverse effects in the mammary glands of the Noble rats.
Measurement of pain: The psychometric properties of the Pain-O-Meter, a simple, inexpensive pain assessment tool that could change health care practices

A self-administered pain assessment tool called the Pain-O-Meter (POM) was developed for the purposes of improving assessment and management of pain in acute and chronic pain patients. The POM is a hard, white, plastic tool that measures 8-in. long by 2-in. wide and 1-in. thick. Two methods for assessing pain are located on the POM. The first is a 10-cm visual analogue scale (POM-VAS) with a moveable marker that patients use to rate their pain. The second is a list of 15 sensory and 11 affective word descriptors (WDS). Each WDS is assigned an intensity value that can be as low as 1 or as high as 5. A pain intensity score is provided for the sensory and the affective WDSs. This psychometric study, which employed correlational and comparative designs, investigated the test-retest reliability and the concurrent and construct validity of the POM-VAS and the POM-WDS in 279 patients with acute or chronic pain. High correlations were found between initial and repeat pain intensity ratings on the POM-VAS (r = 0.88, P < 0.001) and POM-WDS (r + 0.84, P < 0.001) (test-retest reliability). Correlations between the POM-WDS and the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) (r = 0.69, P < 0.001) and POM-VAS (r = 0.85, P < 0.001) supported the concurrent validity of the POM-WDS. Construct validity was also supported for the Pain-O-Meter by showing that pain scores decreased significantly for POM-WDS (t + 5.53, P < 0.001), and POM-VAS (t = 6.18, P < 0.001) after the patients were treated with pain medication. The use of a pain tool, such as the POM, could improve patient care by facilitating the documentation of pain and evaluation of pain relief measures.
Bidirectional Ventricular Tachycardia Caused by Digitalis Toxicity

A 70-year-old black man with a history of hypertension and idiopathic cardiomyopathy was admitted to our hospital after presenting to the emergency department with cellulitis, sepsis, respiratory failure, and acute renal failure. The initial ECG revealed atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response and a left bundle-branch block (LBBB). The ventricular response was accelerated by vasopressor agents administered for septic shock. He received intravenous esmolol …
Long-Term Potentiation: In pursuit of a retrograde messenger

Platelet-activating factor is the latest candidate retrograde messenger involved in transmitting a signal from the postsynaptic to the presynaptic cell during long-term potentiation.
DNA Gating effect from single layer graphene

In this letter, single stranded Deoxyribonucleic Acids (ssDNA) are found to act as negative potential gating agents that increase the hole density in single layer graphene (SLG). Current-voltage measurement of the hybrid ssDNA/graphene system indicates a shift in the Dirac point and “intrinsic” conductance after ssDNA is patterned. The effect of ssDNA is to increase the hole density in the graphene layer, which is calculated to be on the order of 1.8×10 12 cm -2 . This increased density is consistent with the Raman frequency shifts in the G-peak and 2D band positions and the corresponding changes in the G-peak full-width half maximum. This patterning of DNA on graphene layers could provide new avenues to modulate their electrical properties and for novel electronic devices.
Justice Clarence Thomas's First Year On the U.S. Supreme Court: A Reason for African Americans to be Concerned

The nomination of Judge Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Supreme Court produced mixed reaction in the African American community. On one hand, many were pleased that President Bush had appointed a conservative African American to replace a retiring liberal African American (Editor's Comment, 1992; Puddington, 1992; Saunders, 199 la). These supporters contended that Thomas believes in self-help and individuals pulling themselves up by their bootstraps without any assistance from the government. On the other hand, many, knowing Thomas's tenure at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and his speeches on civil rights, were extremely uneasy about the president's selection (Carelli, 1991; Carmody, 1991; Higginbotham, 1992; Ireland, 1991; Rubin, 1991). The senate confirmation battle, aggravated by Professor Anita Hill's allegation of sexual harassment against Thomas, was riveting and bitter. In response to one senator's question, Thomas stated that the confirmation experience had sensitized him to fairness and due process to those who have been accused of wrongdoing. Following his confirmation, many wondered how the confirmation experience would affect Thomas on the U.S. Supreme Court (Barrett & Abramson, 1991; Coyle & Strasser, 1991; Saunders, 1991b).
Equilibria in exchange economies with a countable number of agents

Abstract The existence of equilibria is established in an overlapping generations exchange economy, where each generation lives for two periods and the commodity space is the positive cone of an infinite dimensional Riesz space. In particular, we establish the existence of equilibria in the stochastic overlapping generations model, i.e., we establish the existence of equilibria when the commodity space in each period is L ∞ equipped with the Mackey topology τ ( L ∞ , L 1 ).
Quantum state control interference lithography and trim double patterning for 32-16 nm lithography

Double patterning has been proposed as a method to extend DUV lithography to 32nm and below. Here, a new form of double, or higher, multiple exposure technique is proposed. This new form of lithography uses a combination of Quantum State Control (QuSC) chemistry, Amplitude Modulation Optical Lithography (AMOL), and multiple micro-stepped exposures, without development between exposures. Further it is proposed to use this form of lithography (called QuSC-litho), to pattern a perfect grating grid, and to trim this grid with an earlier generation lithography tool. QuSC lithography uses short optical pulses to modulate a photochemical pathway while an intermediate is still in a defined vibrational excited state. This is a variation of Stimulated Emission Depletion Microscopy (STED) developed for fluorescence microscopy. With this approach immersion tools that produce 90 nm pitch and 45 nm features should be able to pattern levels with 22 nm features with a 1:1 line-space ratio. This approach is much less sensitive to misalignment than present double patterning approaches. Key to successful deployment of QuSC lithography is defining a resist photochemistry consistent with the QuSC process. There are several approaches to Photo Acid Generator (PAG) - matrix interaction that may be consistent with this approach.
Surgical Management of Fulminant Diverticulitis

The optimal management of fulminant or complicated diverticulitis is the subject of debate in recent literature. The most common management strategy remains resection and end colostomy or Hartmann’s procedure, first introduced in the 1940s, despite the introduction of more current approaches supported by decreased morbidity and mortality by various studies. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the strategies described for the management of fulminant diverticulitis and the most recent evidence available to support these approaches. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the Hartmann’s procedure approach, as well as the most current management strategies, and offer both citation and review of relevant recent studies.
Diffusion of troponin testing in unstable angina patients: adoption prior to guideline release

Abstract Background We examined diffusion of troponin testing in Medicare patients with unstable angina before the release of year 2000 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommending measurement in all patients with acute coronary syndromes. Methods We identified unstable angina admissions from Medicare administrative files for 22 Alabama hospitals over two time periods: 03/1997–02/1998 and 01/99–12/1999. Data were obtained from chart abstraction. Patients not confirmed for unstable angina by a clinical algorithm were eliminated. Results For 1997–1998, 1116 (87.7%) of all identified cases were clinically confirmed for unstable angina, and 1176 (90.3%) were confirmed for 1999. In 1997–1998, 235 (21%) of unstable angina patients had troponin measured, compared to 822 (70%) in 1999. From 1999, patients with troponin measurement, vs. those without, more likely had typical angina (50.9%, 37.4%), chest pain on arrival (72.8%, 57.1%), and chest pain at rest (45.4%, 37.2%) and more often received EKG within 20 min of presentation (46.3%, 27.9%) ( P P Conclusions This study demonstrates increasing and appropriate use of troponin before guideline release. Our findings suggest that guidelines may codify currently accepted practice rather than always disseminate new knowledge. The same forces that lead to guideline development and release may also lead to changes in clinical practice before guideline release.
Axonal conduction and injury in multiple sclerosis: the role of sodium channels

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause of neurological disability in young adults. Recent studies have implicated specific sodium channel isoforms as having an important role in several aspects of the pathophysiology of MS, including the restoration of impulse conduction after demyelination, axonal degeneration and the mistuning of Purkinje neurons that leads to cerebellar dysfunction. By manipulating the activity of these channels or their expression, it might be possible to develop new therapeutic approaches that will prevent or limit disability in MS.
Nano graphite platelets enhanced blue emission in alternating current field induced polymer based electroluminescence devices using Poly (9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl) as the emitter

Abstract We report a simple way of enhancing blue emission in Poly (9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl) (PFO) based alternating current field driven electroluminescence devices by mixing graphite nano platelets in the emission layer. Significantly strong and well resolved blue peaks at 437 nm and 470 nm are observed both in the devices’ electroluminescence and photoluminescence spectra with the presence of graphite nano platelets. The origin of this strong blue emission has been identified as the PFO’s beta-phase formation confirmed by transmission electron microscopy images and UV–Vis absorption spectra. The nano platelets loading in PFO solution can be controlled by the dispersion time in organic solvents. When the loading increases, the green emission in the electroluminescence spectrum can be reduced. This technique has been found useful in the generation of bright white light when illuminating through down conversion phosphor.
Failure analysis of a Ti-6Al-4V rotating main rotor component from an army helicopter

This paper discusses the failure analysis of a Ti-6Al-4V rotating main rotor component and contrasts the perspectives of the design/mechanical engineer and the manufacturing/materials engineer. Cracking initiated at mechanical marks located on the surface of the outer diameter of a planetary post at the transition radius and was propagated by high-cycle fatigue in service. These crack initiation defects were most likely produced by a machining or a surface finishing tool. Fractographic evidence suggests that high stresses were also encountered in service and played a significant role in the premature cracking of these components. The debate centers on whether the components would have failed in the absence of the surface defects. There were several manufacturers of this component, which are compared in this study. The workmanship on the outer diameter of the planetary post at the transition radius of a carrier that had not failed, manufactured by Company B, was superior to that of the two cracked carriers produced by Company A. However, analysis of the service conditions indicates that the components may have been loaded near the yield strength of the material.
Effects of water condensation and evaporation on diesel chain-agglomerate morphology

Abstract Diesel engines emit chain-agglomerate particles that can serve as cloud condensation nuclei. This research uses an Environment Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) to study the effect of cloud processing on morphologies of individual diesel chain-agglomerates. Particles produced using a Caterpillar 3304 diesel engine from fuels with sulfur contents of 0.84%, 0.32% and 0.034% by weight were collected on silicon wafer substrates. They were subjected to one to three water condensation-evaporation cycles in the ESEM. This process was recorded on video tape, and digitized images of individual particles were used to find the particle's fractal dimension before and after each condensation-evaporation cycle. Significant collapse occurred in particles generated from both the mid-range sulfur fuel (0.32% S) and the low sulfur fuel (0.034% S). The average fractal dimension of the particle images increased from 1.56 to 1.76 and from 1.40 to 1.54 for particles from low and mid-range sulfur fuel, respectively. We observed no significant morphological change in particles from high sulfur fuels. The experiments reflect lower limits for the degree of collapse that diesel chain-agglomerate particles undergo during atmospheric cloud processing.
148 Evolutionary dynamics of conformational flexibility

A fundamental assumption in biology is that protein structure is more conserved than protein sequence. This opinion stems from observations of the fold distribution of protein structures present in the protein data bank (PDB), where homologous proteins are found to display the same fold. However, the set of proteins in PDB is not representative of protein sequence space. The predominant experimental method used for the structural characterization of the proteins in PDB is X-ray crystallography. Thus, conformational flexibility is lost and a static snapshot of a protein’s dynamic structure remains. Using structural disorder as a proxy for protein dynamism, it seems that at least 30% of eukaryotic proteins have dynamic regions, that is, regions with conformational flexibility. Little is known about the conservation of structurally disordered regions, except that they often evolve at an elevated rate compared to the structured regions. Our preliminary results indicate that there are regions that show fast ev...
THE AFFINITY OF ONION CELL WALLS FOR CALCIUM IONS

A B S T R A C T Cell walls prepared from onion bulbs were found to exhibit an affinity for Ca". The adsorption of this ion was enhanced by the action of pectin methylesterase. It was confirmed that Ca++ reacts with two COO- groups and the corresponding affinity constant, K, was found to be: log K = 4.25. The action of pectin methylesterase had no effect upon K. The cell walls, as prepared, had 25 % of the total COO- groups occupied by Ca++, 14 % by Mg++, and 39 % by H+. Treatment with acidified ethanol removed all of the metallic cations. K+ and Mg++ could displace Ca++ from the cell walls. At concentrations from 10- to 3 X 1O-' M it required from 4.9 to 13.2 moles of Mg++ to displace one mole of Ca++. For K+ it required 80 moles to displace 1 mole of Ca++ at K+ concentrations from 0.65 X 10-2 to 1.6 X 10-2 M. IT HAS BEEN known for a long time that cations, especially Ca++ and Mg++ are associated with the cell walls of higher plants (Bonner, 1950; Henglein, 1955; Miihlethaler, 1961). These ions have been presumed to be associated primarily with pectin for a variety of reasons, such as: (1) Ca was known to form stable salts with pectin and related polymers of galacturonic acid. Moreover, pectic substances exhibit very selective exchange equilibria with Ca++ (Deuel and Stutz, 1958; Kohn 1968). (2) Galacturonic polysaccharides are
Simultaneous autoanalysis of calcium and phosphorus

Abstract A method is described for the simultaneous autoanalysis of calcium and phosphorus in plasma or in ashed materials. Calcium is determined using plasmocorinth B in alkaline solution. Phosphorus is determined by reduction of the phosphomolybdate complex with 1-amino-2-naphthol-4-sulfonic acid (N-4 method). The method is compared with manual analytical procedures.
Rolling element bearing contact geometry analysis

Rolling element bearings are subjected to a variety of loads during the operation of machinery. Raceway contact geometries should be designed and analyzed in a manner which accurately models internal contact stress distributions for these different load cycle conditions. To properly determine contact stresses, analyses should determine the orientation of rolling elements relative to the raceways through consideration of load, bearing alignment and bearing internal geometry. Since design loads are not always well defined and machinery upgrades may increase loads, contact geometry designs should have sufficient flexibility to handle conditions differing from the initial design loads. An analytical procedure with examples is discussed. Presented at the 50th Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois May 14–19, 1995
Late repair of bronchial rupture in a child by bronchial replantation

A 3-yr-old boy suffered blunt trauma to the anterior chest. Immediate treatment resulted in resolution of acute respiratory distress. Subsequent events led to the recognition of previous bronchial rupture six months later. Primary bronchial repair was not feasible and bronchial replantation onto the trachea was employed. An excellent early result was achieved.
So What? Now What? Implications for Youth Work Practice.

SUMMARY Youth work is a profession in development, engaged in the creation and practical application of its own theoretical base. This chapter connects the theoretical discussion and description of not-knowing to recommendations for practical action. Four lessons learned from the research are presented: (a) not-knowing is normal; (b) not-knowing cannot be prevented and need not be avoided; (c) the problems associated with not-knowing are more directly caused by youth workers' adherence to the myth of supercompetence; and (d) phenomenology offers a useful model for expanding youth work practice. From these lessons, recommendations are provided for front-line youth workers, supervisors, and the development of the profession as a whole.
Expression of GIRK (Kir3.1/Kir3.4) channels in mouse fibroblast cells with and without β1 integrins

G protein-activated K+ channel (GIRK) subunits possess a conserved extracellular integrin-binding motif (RGD) and bind directly to β1 integrins. We expressed GIRK1/GIRK4 channels labeled with green fluorescent protein in fibroblast cell lines expressing or lacking β1 integrins. Neither plasma membrane localization nor agonist-evoked GIRK currents were affected by the absence of β1 integrins or by incubation with externally applied RGD-containing peptide. Mutation of the aspartate (D) of RGD impaired currents, GIRK glycosylation, and membrane localization, but the interaction with β1 integrins remained intact. Thus, β1 integrins are not essential for functional GIRK expression; and the GIRK-integrin interactions involve structural elements other than the RGD motif.
Replication Protein A Stimulates the Werner Syndrome Protein Branch Migration Activity

Loss of the RecQ DNA helicase WRN protein causes Werner syndrome, in which patients exhibit features of premature aging and increased cancer. WRN deficiency induces cellular defects in DNA replication, mitotic homologous recombination (HR), and telomere stability. In addition to DNA unwinding activity, WRN also possesses exonuclease, strand annealing, and branch migration activities. The single strand binding proteins replication protein A (RPA) and telomere-specific POT1 specifically stimulate WRN DNA unwinding activity. To determine whether RPA and POT1 also modulate WRN branch migration activity, we examined biologically relevant mobile D-loops that mimic structures in HR strand invasion and at telomere ends. Both RPA and POT1 block WRN exonuclease digestion of the invading strand by loading on the strand. However, only RPA robustly stimulates WRN branch migration activity and increases the percentage of D-loops that are disrupted. Our results are consistent with cellular data that support RPA enhancement of branch migration during HR repair and, conversely, POT1 limitation of inappropriate recombination and branch migration at telomeric ends. This is, to our knowledge, the first evidence that RPA can stimulate branch migration activity.
Aggressive Attitudes Predict Aggressive Behavior in Middle School Students

This prospective study found that self-reported attitudes toward peer aggression among 403 middle school students were both internally consistent (Cronbach's alphas = .81 and .82) and stable over t...
High-resolution quantitative spiral perfusion for microvascular coronary dysfunction detection

Background Quantitative first-pass CMR can assess the severity of microvascular coronary dysfunction(MCD) in subjects with signs and symptoms of ischemia but without obstructive coronary artery disease(CAD). In patients with MCD, abnormalities of myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) occur globally but may also vary in their transmural extent. Thus, high spatial resolution quantitative CMR perfusion imaging is needed to differentiate between the subendocardial and subepicardial layers. Given the efficiency and SNR of spiral trajectories, we have developed the accelerated high-resolution absolute
Spectroscopic measurements of NO2 in a Colorado thunderstorm: Determination of the mean production by cloud-to-ground lightning flashes

[1] Ground-based visible absorption spectroscopy of zenith-scattered sky light was used to measure changes in the column abundance of NO2 during the passage of a thunderstorm over Boulder, Colorado, on September 12, 2002. The measurements showed a 10-fold rise in slant column NO2 within the thunderstorm cell, consistent with an increase of about 7 ppbv in the lower core updrafts and main precipitation shaft. Mean mixing ratios of about 3 and 1.5 ppbv were inferred for the upper cell and anvil, respectively. These observations, together with measurements from the Denver NEXRAD and the Colorado State University (CSU) CHILL radars, and cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flash data from the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN), are used to estimate the flash mean production of NOx by CG lightning. The measurements suggest a mean production rate of (5.8 ± 2.9) × 1026 NOx molecules per CG flash, intermediate between the values derived from previous spectroscopic studies and in good agreement with the widely used value of 6.7 × 1026 NOx molecules per CG flash estimated by Price et al. [1997]. This agreement may be fortuitous, however, since the lightning in the present study was about a factor of two less energetic than the mean assumed by Price et al. and the production of (2.3 ± 1.4) × 1017 NOx/J inferred here is significantly larger than the value of 1 × 1017 NOx/J assumed in their calculations. These differences can be reduced, however, if the estimates of Price et al. are recalculated using newer peak current data from the NLDN, and more recently published flash energy production rates of Wang et al. [1998].
A multi-constrained multicast QoS routing algorithm

Opposed to the situation that the constrained minimum Steiner tree (CMST) problem has been attracting much attention in quality of service (QoS) routing area, little work has been done on multicast routing subject to multiple additive constraints even though this is required by many emerging applications. In this paper, we propose a heuristic HMCMC to find feasible solutions to this problem. HMCMC has a provably low time complexity, and its basic idea is to construct a multicast tree step-by-step, which is done essentially based on the latest research results on multi-constrained unicast routing. Computer simulations demonstrate that HMCMC can achieve a high success ratio of finding feasible solutions.
Pore-Space Statistics and Capillary Pressure Curves From Volume-Controlled Porosimetry

Far more information about pore spaces of reservoir rock samples can be obtained from volume-controlled mercury porosimetry than from conventional pressure-controlled mercury porosimetry. Yuan and Swanson demonstrated this in landmark experiments with their apparatus for pore examination (APEX). With a mechanism-based, computer-facilitated model of pore-level displacement, the authors discover how much useful information about a porous medium can be extracted from volume-controlled mercury porosimetry. APEX mercury injection is quasistatic; so is their simulation. Displacements under this condition consist of smooth, reversible changes punctuated by jumps in capillary pressure, P[sub c], the sequence of which follows from the structure of the porous medium and the saturation history. Thus, careful examination of P[sub c] fluctuations provides detailed information about pore-size distributions. The results account quantitatively for the APEX mercury P[sub c] curves precisely measured by Yuan and Swanson. In the work, sample size -- an aspect not reported previously -- is a main factor in APEX response. Using Monte Carlo simulation, the authors find the optimum-sized specimen for examining a pore space with particular properties and investigate withdrawal experiments, withdrawal after partial reinjection, and full scanning loops.
Assessing QT prolongation in conscious dogs: Validation of a beat-to-beat method

A model of sling-trained, conscious mongrel dogs instrumented with telemetric arterial pressure transmitters and ECG leads was validated for assessment of the QT-RR interval relationship at clinically used free and total plasma concentrations of positive and negative standards with known outcomes. The beat-to-beat technique for assessing the dynamic boundaries of the individual cardiac cycles was compared to the same data with typically used averaging techniques and corrections applied. Positive standards E-4031, cisapride, terodiline, and terfenadine showed increased sensitivity toward detection at clinically relevant levels when an outlier analysis of beats beyond the normal autonomic boundary is applied. Since methods to correct the QT interval for heart rate are often confounded with changes in autonomic state, a validation of the changes with reflex tachycardia induced by vasodilatation after nitroprusside and reflex bradycardia induced by sudden vasoconstriction with phenylephrine where shown to be differentiated from direct effects of repolarization with E-4031. These changes were also demonstrated to be identical to effects observed in humans after standing or challenged with a similar dose of phenylephrine. The conscious dog is also a sensitive model for studying the arrhythmia liability induced by beat-to-beat changes in cardiac ECG restitution (the relationship between QT and TQ intervals) and hysteresis. However, some caveats based on observations may need to be considered due to inherent differences in QT intervals and sinus arrhythmia between canines and humans.