cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Measurement Uncertainties for Thermal Conductivity of Nanofluids using Transient Plane Source (TPS) Technique

Colloidal suspensions formed by suspending nanoparticles, nanotubes or nanowires in liquid solvents are termed as nanofluids. The thermo-physical properties of nanofluids have been studied extensively in the literature in the past two decades (involving both experimental and numerical computational models) for determining their efficacy in thermal management applications (TMA) and thermal energy storage (TES) platforms. Numerous reports exist in the literature focusing on anomalous enhancement of the thermal conductivity of nanofluids. Inconsistency in these results have created controversies in the literature owing to several factors (such as the strong sensitivity of the material properties of the test samples to small variations in synthesis protocols and metrology techniques used). In this study, the experimental measurement of thermal conductivity of nanofluids was performed using Transient Plane Source (TPS) technique. To limit the onset of natural convection appropriate measurement time and sensor power were determined by performing parametric analyses and concomitant experiments. The transient effects due to natural convection were numerically analyzed for the experimental set up. The experimental validation of numerical predictions for the measurement protocols were performed for the thermal conductivity measurement of three different pure liquids. After establishing the appropriate criteria (on the limitations of the measurement protocols), the thermal conductivity of SiO 2 based aqueous nanofluids was measured. Furthermore, the results were also contrasted with existing reports and correlations in the literature. This study helped determine the measurement uncertainties and restrictions in the experimental parameter envelopes for determining the appropriate conditions necessary to measure the thermal conductivity of nanofluids with sufficient precision and accuracy.
On fitting data for parameter estimates: residual weighting and data representation

We describe a fundamental problem in fitting rheological data to infer parameters and thus structural information about a material. The results may depend greatly on subjective choices in the fitting method making such inferences non-unique and therefore highly uncertain or wrong. We study experimental data and demonstrate that the most commonly used fitting scheme for oscillatory linear viscoelastic data is deceptively wrong for the purpose of inference, i.e., viscoelastic moduli (G′,G″) weighted by the experimental data. Our results establish best practices for fitting rheological data, linear viscoelastic or otherwise, with strong implications for inverse problems of structural inference.
Enhanced Bactericidal Effects of Pyrazinamide Toward Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Upon Conjugation to a {Au(I)-triphenylphosphine} + Moiety

As part of the quest for new gold drugs, we have explored the efficacy of three gold complexes derived from the tuberculosis drug pyrazinamide (PZA), namely, the gold(I) complex [Au(PPh3)(PZA)]OTf (1, OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate) and two gold(III) complexes [Au(PZA)Cl2] (2) and [Au(PZO)Cl2] (3, PZO = pyrazinoic acid, the metabolic product of PZA) against two mycobacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium smegmatis. Only complex 1 with the {Au(PPh3)}+ moiety exhibits significant bactericidal activity against both strains. In the presence of thiols, 1 gives rise to free PZA and {Au(PPh3)}-thiol polymeric species. A combination of PZA and the {Au(PPh3)}-thiol polymeric species appears to lead to enhanced efficacy of 1 against M. tuberculosis.
ON STRUCTURAL IDENTIFICATION

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the concepts of structural identification. A problem that constantly recurs when developing mathematical models of biological systems is that some model parameters are unknown. The chapter discusses whether these unknown parameters can be estimated from observations of the response of the biological system to a pulse input. Parameter identification techniques have been developed to answer this question. These techniques determine a set of model parameters that can be used to simulate the observed biological system response mathematically. In many applications, a priori knowledge of the structure and parameters of a system may provide a substantial reduction in the collection of systems eligible for modeling a given biological system. This chapter presents the structural identifiability of a subfamily. In the absence of all a priori conditions, both controllability and observability are necessary for structural identifiability. The presence of a priori conditions may eliminate the need for either or both conditions. The chapter discusses the use of transfer matrix. It also presents a direct method of determining structural identifiability that easily incorporates any a priori knowledge concerning the system.
Newly Named Klebsiella aerogenes (formerly Enterobacter aerogenes) Is Associated with Poor Clinical Outcomes Relative to Other Enterobacter Species in Patients with Bloodstream Infection.

Objectives:Enterobacter aerogenes was recently renamed Klebsiella aerogenes. This study aimed to identify differences in clinical characteristics, outcomes, and bacterial genetics among patients with K. aerogenes versus Enterobacter species bloodstream infections (BSI). Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with K. aerogenes or Enterobacter cloacae complex (Ecc) BSI from 2002-2015. We performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) and pan-genome analysis on all bacteria. Results: Overall, 150 patients with K. aerogenes (46/150 [31%]) or Ecc (104/150 [69%]) BSI were enrolled. The two groups had similar baseline characteristics. Neither total in-hospital mortality (13/46 [28%] versus 22/104 [21%]; p=0.3) nor attributable in-hospital mortality (9/46 [20%] versus 13/104 [12%]; p=0.3) differed between patients with K. aerogenes versus Ecc BSI, respectively. However, poor clinical outcome (death before discharge, recurrent BSI, and/or BSI complication) was higher for K. aerogenes than Ecc BSI (32/46 [70%] versus 42/104 [40%]; p=0.001). In a multivariable regression model, K. aerogenes BSI, relative to Ecc BSI, was predictive of poor clinical outcome (odds ratio 3.3; 95% confidence interval 1.4-8.1; p=0.008). Pan-genome analysis revealed 983 genes in 323 genomic islands unique to K. aerogenes isolates, including putative virulence genes involved in iron acquisition (n=67), fimbriae/pili/flagella production (n=117), and metal homeostasis (n=34). Antibiotic resistance was largely found in Ecc lineage 1, which had a higher rate of multidrug resistant phenotype (23/54 [43%]) relative to all other bacterial isolates (23/96 [24%]; p=0.03). Conclusions:K. aerogenes BSI was associated with poor clinical outcomes relative to Ecc BSI. Putative virulence factors in K. aerogenes may account for these differences.
Cooperative Air-Ground Vehicle Routing using Chance-Constrained Optimization

This paper studies a cooperative air-ground routing problem, in which an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a ground vehicle coordinate with one another to visit a set of targets. The UAV, subject to limits on storage capacity and maximum flight distance, must rendezvous with the ground vehicle periodically, to upload the collected data and recharge. To solve such a cooperative routing problem, we formulate a chance-constrained mixed-integer linear program (CC-MILP), where the chance constraint captures uncertainties in the model, such as uncertain speed or travel time of the two vehicles. Consequently, the obtained solution is less conservative compared to those found using robust methods, since only the worst case realization of uncertainties is considered in the later methods. Also novel to our approach, is that air ground rendezvous locations are not restricted to occur only at targets. Instead, the two vehicles are free to meet at any point on the UAV's path, which significantly increases the feasible solution space and leads to better solutions. We corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed approach through a set of numerical simulations on randomly generated instances.
Eﬀect of cell thickness on the electro-optic response of polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals with negative dielectric anisotropy

As previously reported, direct current (DC) electric field can be used to control the photonic properties of polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals (PSCLCs) with negative dielectric anisotropy, such as the position and bandwidth modulation of the selective reﬂection notch. This dynamic EO response of PSCLCs is explained by the ﬁeld-induced deformation of the polymer stabilized networks mediated by ionic charges trapped in the polymer networks. In this poster, we report the effect of cell thickness on electro-optic response for relatively thin PSCLC samples (≤5 μm). Increasing the DC ﬁeld strength shifts the reﬂection notch to longer wavelength (red shifting tuning) and eventually disappears at high DC ﬁelds. The tuning range is dependent on the cell thickness. The reversible transition from reﬂective to clear state is due to an electrically driven chirp in the pitch across the small cell gap.
Influence of contextual factors on death by suicide in rural and urban settings.

PURPOSE To examine the association between contextual factors, represented by geographic and community health variables, and suicide among rural and urban Department of Veterans Affairs health care users (VA users). METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of 12,700,847 VA users between 2003 and 2017. We assigned contextual factors based on individuals' home address at the ZIP Code (area deprivation), county (sunlight exposure, altitude, and community health), and state level (firearm ownership), using publicly available data sources. We grouped contextual factors by quintiles or prespecified thresholds, depending on the nature of each variable. We obtained mortality data from the National Death Index. We measured the effect of living in a place with the highest versus lowest level of each contextual factor on odds of suicide using logistic regression, adjusting for individual compositional factors abstracted from VA electronic medical records data. We used random forest modeling to build prediction models for suicide based on contextual factors among rural and urban veterans. FINDINGS Almost all contextual factors we examined were significantly associated with suicide among rural and urban VA users, even after adjusting for individual compositional factors. However, no contextual variables were strong protective or risk factors (0.5 2.0), and prediction models leveraging these contextual factors had poor accuracy among both rural (0.51, 95% CI: 0.48-0.54) and urban (0.53, 95% CI: 0.51-0.55) VA users. CONCLUSIONS A wide variety of contextual factors is significantly associated with suicide among rural and urban VA users. However, the factors we measured contributed very little to individual-level suicide risk.
Solid State Transformer for Medium Voltage Grid Applications Enabled by 10 kV SiC MOSFET based Three-Phase Converter Systems

The emergence of wide bandgap semiconductors in power electronics has made it possible to manufacture medium voltage (MV) devices with low on-state resistance and offer fast switching transitions. This has enabled high switching frequencies in MV applications, which reduces the size and weight of the magnetic components and has opened up many opportunities in the field of power transmission and distribution. With the increasing popularity of MVac and MVdc microgrids, it has become necessary to have suitable MVac/MVdc, MVac/MVac, or MVac/LVac converters to integrate MVac systems with AC or DC microgrids. On account of this, an MV solid-state transformer (MV-SST) enabled by 10 kV SiC MOSFETs is developed to integrate an MV grid of 4.16 kV to a low voltage (LV) grid of 480 V. The MV-SST is divided into three stages: MVac/MVdc stage, MVdc/LVdc stage, and LVdc/LVac stage. These three stages ensure an SST operation to integrate MVac and LVac grids and provide an option to integrate DC loads or DC grids at the DC ports. This paper discusses the design, development, and operation of the 10 kV SiC MOSFETs based SST. A concise description of the hardware challenges in developing the MV-SST system is also shown. A brief description of the design aspects of different parts of the system (MVac/MVdc stage, MVdc/LVdc stage, and LVdc/LVac stage) is highlighted. Stability analysis for integrating the different converter systems is also provided to ensure that the system remains stable in its rated operating conditions. The operation and feasibility of the MV-SST system are demonstrated by experimental results.
Osteotomy: Coronal and Axial Plane Deformity

Lower extremity alignment has a direct impact on the biomechanics of the knee. Malalignment can predispose the knee to various issues and exacerbate intra-articular pathology, such as lesions of the cartilage or meniscus. Limb malalignment can be addressed by corrective procedures. Varus deformity of the lower extremity results in medial compartment overload, which is typically corrected with medial opening wedge or lateral closing wedge osteotomies of the proximal tibia. Valgus deformity results in lateral compartment overload and can often be corrected with medial closing wedge or lateral opening wedge osteotomies of the distal femur. Abnormalities in femoral rotation, often manifesting as patellofemoral instability, can be addressed with femoral or tibial derotational osteotomies to correct femoral anteversion and external tibial torsion. This chapter reviews lower extremity alignment in the normal, varus, and valgus states, and describes the indications and techniques to perform surgical intervention aimed to correct lower extremity malalignment.
"Go to the ant": Engineering principles from natural multi-agent systems

Agent architectures need to organize themselves and adapt dynamically to changing circumstances without top-down control from a system operator. Some researchers provide this capability with complex agents that emulate human intelligence and reason explicitly about their coordination, reintroducing many of the problems of complex system design and implementation that motivated increasing software localization in the first place. Naturally occurring systems of simple agents (such as populations of insects or other animals) suggest that this retreat is not necessary. This paper summarizes several studies of such systems, and derives from them a set of general principles that artificial multi-agent systems can use to support overall system behavior significantly more complex than the behavior of the individuals agents.
Clinical and Serological Evaluation of 6162 Comparative Slide Tests with Cardiolipin, Natural Lecithin Antigen and Cardiolipin, Synthetic Lecithin Antigen1

There is evidence justifying the assumption that reagin is an antibody to an antigen in T. Pallidum that reacts not only with the lipids of this organism but also with similar lipids in mammalian tissues. These tissue lipids were identified in 1941 by Pangborn as cardiolipin and lecithin. Since then, antigens with these chemical reagents in optimal proportion have given better results in the serodiagnosis of syphilis than have the lipid tissue extracts from which they have been isolated.
Man Up Monday: An integrated public health approach to increase sexually transmitted infection awareness and testing among male students at a midwest university

ABSTRACTObjective: This campaign sought to (a) increase awareness of sexual health and chlamydia testing; (b) motivate students, particularly sexually active men who do not pursue regular sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, to get tested; and (c) improve the capacity of the student health center to provide free chlamydia testing and treatment for all students. Participants: Students enrolled at a 4-year public research university (N = 333). Methods: Collaborative partnerships formed the foundation of a campus marketing and testing campaign, with treatment for students testing positive for chlamydia. Results: A total of 333 students were tested over 5 consecutive Mondays, showing a chlamydia incidence of 9.6%. The incidence for females and males were 8.6% and 10.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The campaign was effective in reaching men, an at-risk population not traditionally emphasized in STI testing.
Questions for an Epidemic

It is a perverse reaction, but one that I notice myself having more and more frequently these days. After all, it should not still be happening, not here in America, and most definitely not in Boston, where we probably have more HIV research laboratories and epidemiologists per square inch than anyplace else in the world. Yet here she is, with her squirming, beet-faced toddler on her lap, a metaphor for my unwillingness to give her the result. Behind her, a vast, bottomless, horribly red poppy in a print of the famous Georgia O'Keeffe painting threatens to inundate us, like some . . .
Stable isotopes in a branching coral monitor seasonal temperature variation

Reef corals, both fossil and recent, are potentially useful monitors of the surface ocean ‘climate’. Because coral reefs flourish only in relatively warm water1,2, the very presence of reef corals constrains the estimation of local temperature ranges. Studies of hermatypic corals have shown that coral growth rate3–8, density band formation (in some species)9–15, and stable isotopic composition14–23, all respond to variations in water temperature and light intensity. We have measured the stable isotopic composition of specimens of the branching reef coral Pocillopora damicornis which have grown in the field while seawater temperatures were continuously recorded. Detailed oxygen isotope profiles of branches of this species indicate that seasonal changes in temperature and seawater isotopic composition are precisely recorded. Isotopic profiles may be used to estimate growth rates of branching corals, which lack annual density banding. The method provides a technique for high resolution palaeoclimatic reconstruction of seasonal temperature ranges and accurate estimation of rates of reef carbonate production.
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Chondritis of Laryngeal Cartilage with Recurrent Airway Obstruction

OBJECTIVE: Chronic inflammatory pathology such as laryngopharyngeal reflux, autoimmune disease, vocal abuse, or post-traumatic cartilage exposure has been associated with recurrent laryngeal granuloma formation. The objective of this study is to present a case of recurrent, obstructive granulomatous lesions of the larynx due to chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa chondritis, which has not been previously described in the literature.
A Stochastic Approach in Estimating the Pseudo‐Relative Spectral Velocity

Abstract In the prediction of ground motion from seismological model by random vibration theory, the basic assumption as that the ground motion process is a bandlimited Gaussian white noise (BGWN). For pseudo‐response spectral values, the estimation is based on the response of a single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) system due to the input of BGWN. The function of an SDOF is a narrowband filter. Therefore, the response of an SDOF is a narrowband process that no longer satisfies the assumption of bandlimited random process. The property of a narrowband process is significantly different from that of a bandlimited process and should be incorporated into the estimation of pseudo‐spectral values. A stochastic methodology is proposed to estimate the spectral values on the basis of narrowband Gaussian stationary process. A key feature of the method is the use of envelope crossings in lieu of press crossings of the ground motion amplitude level. This substitution makes the estimation of spectral values more accurate. ...
Predator transitions in stream communities: a model and evidence from field studies

AbstractThe role of predators (particularly top predators such as fish) in structuring stream communities has been debated for 2 decades. Much of the debate may have been caused by the lack of a conceptual framework for evaluating predator effects in stream communities. First, I propose a general conceptual model of the factors (abiotic, such as stream permanence and disturbance regime; biotic, such as predation) that can influence community structure, and the conditions in which these various factors would be expected to be important. Hydrologic permanence and disturbance transitions separate streams where abiotic factors are most important in determining community structure from streams with relatively benign disturbance regimes where predation may be more important. Second, I focus on the potential effect of predators in perennial streams with relatively benign disturbance regimes. Such streams are divided longitudinally into sections where different types of predators might be important in determining...
Evidence for the coexistence of glutamate decarboxylase and Met-enkephalin immunoreactivities in axon terminals of rat ventral pallidum.

Evidence for the coexistence of glutamate decar☐ylase (GAD) and Met-enkephalin (Met-Enk) in axon terminals of ventral pallidum was demonstrated by colocalization of anti-GAD and anti-Met-Enk immunoreactivities in alternate adjacent 1 μm serial sections. Conventional electron microscopy of immunostained ventral pallidum confirmed that the immunoreactive structures were boutons which made predominantly symmetrical synapses on ventral pallidal cell bodies and dendrites.
Gender, birth order and family role identification among adult children of alcoholics

Much attention has been paid to the influence of family dynamics in role identification development for the children of alcoholics. This article considers the development of stable and enduring behavior traits for the child through examination of alcoholic parent(s)gender, child birth order, and child gender correlates. An examination of the main and interaction effects of child gender, gender of the alcohol parent(s), and child birth order on strength of identification with the Hero, Scapegoat, Mascot or Lost Child family roles revealed significant gender differences for the Mascot, and Lost Child roles. The presence of two alcoholic parents was significant in producing diminished strength of identification with Mascot role behaviors.
This is a letter to the editor

Sir, In Eye 2012 (correspondence section), there is a letter written by B Drury and F Imrie1 which I would like to address. In this correspondence, they describe an unfortunate accident in which the parent of a child undergoing vision therapy was struck by a screw when performing tasks with a ball attached to a string. The authors use this as an opportunity to strike out at all of behavioural optometry, calling into question the methods they use; they even go one leap forward and question the efficacy of vision therapy. The question at hand is not the efficacy of the procedures used, but the obvious bias on the part of the authors in this attack. When performing a therapy task, no activity is failsafe. This is true for vision therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and so on. If a patient receiving orientation and mobility training after losing sight bangs into something and gets a cut, should we then question the efficacy and safety of that type of training as well? In closing, while I am sorry to hear of the incident that took place, I implore the authors and readers to simply look up the word ‘accident' in the dictionary or online.
Temperature dependence of electric and magnetic gluon condensates.

The contribution of Lorentz nonscalar operators to finite temperature correlation functions is discussed. Using the local duality approach for the one-pion matrix element of a product of two vector currents, the temperature dependence of the average gluonic stress tensor is estimated in the chiral limit to be [l angle][bold E][sup 2]+[bold B][sup 2][r angle][sub [ital T]]=([pi][sup 2]/10)[ital bT][sup 4]. At a normalization point [mu]=0.5 GeV we obtain [ital b][approx]1.1. Together with the known temperature dependence of the Lorentz scalar gluon condensate we are able to infer [l angle][bold E][sup 2][r angle][sub [ital T]] and [l angle][bold B][sup 2][r angle][sub [ital T]] separately in the low-temperature hadronic phase.
Suggestion for proposal reviews

The recent letters to Eos concerning whether journal manuscript reviews should be anonymous or not has us thinking about another important and fixable problem concerning peer review: the lack of opportunity to rebut incorrect comments made in the review of proposals. Review comments that are incorrect and overly negative are common (much more so than comments that are incorrect and overly positive) and detrimental to authors, but at least, for journal manuscripts, authors can write point-by-point responses to reviewer comments and submit them with a revised manuscript. This can be a very effective means of addressing the problem and having a good paper accepted, in spite of reviews with Incorrect and Overly Negative Statements (IONS). On the other hand, with proposals to funding agencies, this same opportunity generally does not exist (though we know of a program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture that allows authors to include up to one page of responses to previous review comments when a proposal is re-submitted). The common occurrence of IONS in review of proposals, and a lack of good opportunity to rebut them, may lead to problems in award decisions. IONS in review can not be eliminated, but their role in award decisions can be reduced.
Mapping national identity narratives in Ukraine

Since 1991, the absence of the concept of a Ukrainian nation and national identity has led to a controversial, often ambivalent process of identity formation. The aim of this paper is to analyze and map the widely shared concepts about national identity that exist in Ukrainian society after 20 years of independence. Analysis of 43 interviews with Ukrainian political and intellectual elites reveals five different shared narratives: (1) dual identity; (2) being pro-Soviet; (3) a fight for Ukrainian identity; (4) a recognition of Ukrainian identity; and (5) a multicultural-civic concept. Each narrative is characterized by three main features: a coherent structure with strong internal logic and justification of its legitimacy; connection to a specific conception of power and morality; and an opposition to other narratives. All these features lead to the perception of society as a zero-sum game where one narrative must prevail over all others. At the same time, all these features ensure that there can be neith...
Geochemistry of ostracode calcite: Part 2. The effects of water chemistry and seasonal temperature variation on Candona rawsoni

Abstract Reconstruction of lake paleochemistry from the isotope and trace-element composition of fossil ostracodes requires an understanding of geochemical variations induced by the seasonality of shell formation. Monthly field collections of live Candona rawsoni from two hyposaline lakes in the eastern Dakotas reveal large variations in σ 18 O values (2–5%o) and Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios (up to 35%) among individual adults within the same assemblage. Because the measured variations in water chemistry were small, the amplitude of ostracode σ 18 O and Mg/Ca variations must result from seasonal temperature variation. Ostracode Sr/Ca ratios, which should be temperature independent, shows strong positive covariance with shell Mg/Ca. These results imply that Sr uptake in ostracode calcite increases with the Mg content of the shell. The partitioning coefficient for Mg, on the other hand, appears to decreases at high values of Mg/Ca in the host water. The geochemical variability in the field collections indicates that C. rawsoni populations are composed of multiple overlapping generations that attain maturity at different times. Many juveniles apparently undergo several molts in mid-summer and persist as penultimate instars (A-1) into the following spring. Geochemical analysis of late-instar juvenile C. rawsoni from lacustrine sedimentary records is likely to provide information on mid-summer conditions. Large numbers of fossil ostracodes should be analyzed from each stratigraphic interval to eliminate seasonal noise from the paleochemistry records of temperate-region lakes.
The development of MK-801, kainate, AMPA, and muscimol binding sites in cat visual cortex

Previous work using homogenate binding has shown that the development of (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]-cyclohepten-5,10imin e maleate (MK-801) binding in cat visual cortex increases from 21 days to 42 days, the height of the plastic period, and decreases in adulthood. We have studied the generality of this finding by examining the development of NMDA binding sites in several brain regions and by examining the development of other binding sites in the visual cortex. After confirming the original finding, we extended it by showing that the sensitivity of MK-801 binding sites to glutamate and glycine decreases when the cat becomes an adult. We then examined the regional specificity of MK-801 binding. Retinal binding did not change significantly with age. Binding in both visual cortex and hippocampus increased significantly from 7 days to 42 days regardless of whether binding was measured per milligram wet weight or per milligram protein. The decline from 42 days to adulthood was less dramatic in the hippocampus than in the visual cortex and was statistically significant only when binding was measured per milligram protein. Saturation analyses also showed a difference in the two structures. Bmax in the visual cortex, but not in the hippocampus, decreased from 42 days to adulthood. To determine whether these developmental changes were specific to MK-801 binding sites, we compared the age-dependent binding of MK-801, kainate, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), and muscimol. Like MK-801, kainate binding increased from 7 days to 42 days and decreased from 42 days to adulthood. AMPA and muscimol binding showed a similar increase in binding from 7 days to 42 days but did not decrease significantly from 42 days to adulthood. Displacement experiments suggest that AMPA and kainate bind to separate sites. The 42-day peak in NMDA and kainate binding suggests that their associated receptors may have a role in determining the plastic period of visual cortex.
In vitro inhibition of the primary antibody response to sheep erythrocytes by cyclophosphamide

Abstract The Mishell-Dutton in vitro antibody-producing assay has been found useful for recognizing immunosuppressive chemicals (Archer et al., 1978). In addition to specificity, the system offers the advantage of complex cellular interactions involved to achieve the ultimate response. The disadvantage of the assay, as pointed out by Kutz et al. (1980), is that chemicals which require activation to reactive metabolites are not detectable. It is the purpose of this communication to report on the inclusion of a system for metabolic activation in the Mishell-Dutton assay and the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide when used with the described modification.
Comments on the process and product of the health impacts assessment component of the national assessment of the potential consequences of climate variability and change for the United States.

In 1990 Congress formed the U.S. Global Change Research Program and required it to conduct a periodic national assessment of the potential impacts of climate variability and change on all regions and select economic/resource sectors of the United States. Between 1998 and 2000, a team of experts collaborated on a health impacts assessment that formed the basis for the first National Assessment's analysis of the potential impacts of climate on human health. The health impacts assessment was integrated across a number of health disciplines and involved a search for and qualitative expert judgment review of data on the potential links between climate events and population health. Accomplishments included identification of vulnerable populations, adaptation strategies, research needs, and data gaps. Experts, stakeholders, and the public were involved. The assessment is reported in five articles in this issue; a summary was published in the April 2000 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives. The assessment report will enhance understanding of ways human health might be affected by various climate-associated stresses and of the need for further empirical and predictive research. Improved understanding and communication of the significance and inevitability of uncertainties in such an assessment are critical to further research and policy development.
Efficacy of PDE-5-inhibitors for erectile dysfunction. A comparative meta-analysis of fixed-dose regimen randomized controlled trials administering the International Index of Erectile Function in broad-spectrum populations.

Efficacy of PDE-5-inhibitors for erectile dysfunction. A comparative meta-analysis of fixed-dose regimen randomized controlled trials administering the International Index of Erectile Function in broad-spectrum populations
Linearity is polynomially decidable for realtime pushdown store automata

If M is a realtime deterministic pushdown store acceptor, the language L ( M ) accepted by M by final state and empty store is linear context-free if and only if a certain grammar obtained from M is linear context-free. Hence, it is polynomially decidable for realtime deterministic pushdown store automata M whether L(M) is linear context-free. If M is a realtime deterministic pushdown store acceptor and L ( M ) is linear context-free, we can construct a realtime single turn deterministic pushdown store automaton {if27-1} with {if27-2}. Hence “ L ( M ) = L ” is decidable for M a realtime deterministic pushdown store acceptor and L the language accepted by final state by a single turn deterministic pushdown store acceptor.
Analysis of Immune Regulatory Genes' Copy Number Variants in Graves' Disease

Background: Copy number variants (CNVs) have recently been reported to be associated with several autoimmune conditions. Moreover, loci involved in immunity are enriched in CNVs. Therefore, we hypo...
Variation in aggressive behaviour in the poeciliid fish Brachyrhaphis episcopi: population and sex differences.

Aggression is often positively correlated with other behavioural traits such as boldness and activity levels. Comparisons across populations can help to determine factors that promote the evolution of such traits. We quantified these behaviours by testing the responses of wild-caught poeciliid fish, Brachyrhaphis episcopi, to mirror image stimuli. This species occurs in populations that experience either high or low levels of predation pressure. Previous studies have shown that B. episcopi from low predation environments are less bold than those that occur with many predators. We therefore predicted that fish from high predation populations would be more aggressive and more active than fish from low predation populations. However, we found the opposite – low predation fish approached a mirror and a novel object more frequently than high predation fish suggesting that ‘boldness’ and aggression were higher in low predation populations, and that population-level boldness measures may vary depending on context. When tested individually, low predation fish inspected their mirror image more frequently. Females, but not males, from low predation sites were also more aggressive towards their mirror image. Variation in female aggression may be driven by a trade-off between food availability and predation risk. This suggests that the relationship between aggression and boldness has been shaped by adaptation to environmental conditions, and not genetic constraints.
On rate-sensitive habituation

The responses elicited by many stimuli diminish in strength with repeated stimulus presentation (habituation). This property is consistent with models in which short-term memory for recent stimuli suppresses the current response. Habituation also depends on stimulus spacing: It occurs more rapidly when interstimulus intervals (ISIs) are short than when they are long, but also recovers more rapidly after short ISIs (rate sensitivity). The effect of ISI on habituation rate is consistent with a simple one-stage process, but the effect of ISI on recovery rate seems to require a serial process in which two or more habituating units are cascaded, with earlier (peripheral) units in the series having shorter time constants than later (central) units. Rate-sensitive habituation may underlie puzzling effects of reinforcement learning such as the partial-reinforcement and successive-contrast effects.
Water and energy

The science and engineering required for harnessing the energy from falling water are well established; the basic concepts are understood by the general public, and up to the last decade, there was strong public acceptance in developing water resource projects to provide an economic, reliable, and renewable source of electric power. At this time, however, water development projects are being critically analyzed with regard to overall justification on an economic, environmental and social basis. Further, various alternative power sources are being considered, which are widely variable with regard to economic justification, environmental effects, social and political problems, technology, reliability, and practical utilization.
Oscillations of the intertropical convergence zone and the genesis of easterly waves. Part I: diagnostics and theory

We examine the mean and transient state of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) by analyzing data and using simple theory. We concentrate on the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean noting that there exists in this region a well-developed mean ITCZ. Furthermore, it is a region where there has been considerable discussion in the literature of whether easterly waves develop in situ or propagate westwards from the Atlantic Ocean. The region is typical of tropical regions where there is a strong cross-equatorial pressure gradient (CEPG): mean convection well removed from the equator but located equatorward of the maximum sea-surface temperature (SST) and minimum sea level pressure (MSLP). Further to the west, near the dateline where the CEPG is much smaller, convection is weaker and collocated with SST and MSLP extrema. It is argued that in regions of significant CEPG that the near-equatorial tropical system is inertially unstable and that the rectification of the instability for a given CEPG determines the location and intensity of the climatological ITCZ. Using simple theoretical arguments, we develop an expression for the mean latitude of the ITCZ as a function of the CEPG. We note on a day-by-day basis that the ITCZ is highly transient state with variability occurring on 3–8 day time scales. Transients with amplitudes about half of the mean ITCZ, propagate northwards from the near-equatorial southern hemisphere as anomalous meridional oscillations, eventually amplifying convection in the vicinity of the mean ITCZ. It is argued that in these longitudes of strong CEPG the mean ITCZ is continually inertially unstable with advections of anticylonic vorticity across the equator resulting in the creation of an oscillating divergence–convergence doublet. The low-level convergence produces convection and the resultant vortex tube stretching generates cyclonic vorticity which counteracts the northward advection of anticylonic vorticity. During a cycle, the mid-troposphere heating near 10oN oscillates between 6 and 12 K/day at the inertial frequency of the latitude of the mean convection. As a result, there exists an anomalous and shallower, oscillating meridional circulation with a magnitude about 50% of the mean ITCZ associated with the stable state following the generation of anticylonic vorticity. Further, it is argued that the instabilities of the ITCZ are directly associated with in situ development of easterly waves which occur with the inertial period of the latitude of the mean ITCZ. The dynamical sequences and the genesis of easterly waves are absent in the regions further to the east where the CEPG is much weaker or absent altogether. In a companion study (Part II), numerical experiments are conducted to test the hypothesis raised in the present study.
Determination of iron in seawater by flow injection analysis using in-line preconcentration and spectrophotometric detection

A highly sensitive flow injection analysis (FIA) method for determining the concentration of iron in seawater has been developed. The technique is a modification of the catalytic batch method previously reported by Hirayama and Unohara. By optimising the chemistry for FIA and incorporating in-line preconcentration of the iron from seawater onto a column of resin-immobilised 8-hydroxyquinoline, the detection limit of the method has been reduced to 0.025 nM. The typical precision of the method for a 0.35 nM Fe sample is 2.5% (n = 6). The method has been used at sea in its preconcentration mode to determine iron in open ocean water samples from the equatorial Pacific and the North Atlantic. It has also been used in a direct injection mode for hydrothermal plume samples from around Loihi Seamount in the Central Pacific.
Comparison of Measured and Estimated Cognitive Ability in Older Adolescents with and without ADHD.

Premorbid intellectual function estimation is a crucial part of patient evaluation following a traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially in individuals with ADHD who are at higher risk for TBI compa...
A simple finite element model of diffusion, finite deformation, plasticity and fracture in lithium ion insertion electrode materials

We describe a finite element method for modeling deformation, diffusion, fracture and electrochemical reactions in materials used as lithium ion insertion electrodes. With a view to modeling high-capacity composite electrode materials such as silicon or tin, the model accounts for finite deformations and plastic flow, and models the evolving electrochemical boundary conditions resulting from the creation of new fracture surfaces using a cohesive zone. In addition, a simple mixed element is used to account for the driving force for diffusion arising from stress gradients. In this approach, the equations for diffusion and deformation are fully coupled, and can be integrated using a stable implicit time-stepping scheme. The method is illustrated by modeling plastic flow and fracture during cyclic lithiation of a thin-film Si electrode and a simple model of a battery microstructure.
Insights into the behavior of LWR steel containment buildings during severe accidents

Abstract Investigations into the performance of steel containment subject to pressure and temperature greater than their design basis loads are discussed. The timing, mechanism, and location of a containment failure, i.e., release of radioactive material, have an important impact on the consequences of a severe accident. We review the results of experiments on steel containment models pressurized to failure, on aged and unaged seals subjected to elevated temperature and pressure, and on electrical penetration assemblies tested for leakage. Based on the results, the important features and details of analytical methods that can be used to predict containment performance are identified. Finally, we speculate on the performance of steel containments in severe accident conditions.
Pancytopenia with mixed cryoglobulinemia: Evidence for anti-precursor cell activity of cryoglobulin—Effects of plasmapheresis

The efficacy of plasmapheresis in a patient with mixed cryoglobulinemia and pancytopenia is shown. The cryoglobulin was shown to have precursor cell suppressing activity and its depletion by plasmapheresis resulted in improvement of blood counts. Indications, limitations and guidelines for plasmapheresis in various diseases are discussed.
Brainstem cavernous malformations: a review with two case reports

Central nervous system (CNS) cavernous malformations (CMs) are developmental malformations of the vascular bed with a highly variable clinical course due to their dynamic nature. We present one case of "de novo" brainstem cavernous malformation after radiation therapy adding to the increasing number of reported cases in the medical literature, and the case of a pregnant patient with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage related to brainstem CMs to illustrate the complex nature in management of these patients, followed by a review of clinical and radiographic characteristics. CMs account for 8-15% of all intracranial and intraspinal vascular malformations. Although traditionally thought to be congenital in origin, CMs may present as acquired lesions particularly after intracranial radiation therapy. Clinical manifestations are protean and surgical treatment should be considered for patients with progressive neurologic deficits.
A turning cabin simulator to reduce simulator sickness

A long time problem associated with driving simulators is simulator sickness. A possible cause of simulator sickness is that the optical flow experienced in driving simulators is much different from that experienced in real world driving. With the potential to reduce simulator sickness, a turning cabin driving simulator, whose cabin rotates around the yaw axis was built. In the multi-projector display system, algorithms were implemented to calibrate both geometric distortions and photometric distortions via software to produce a seamless high-resolution display on a cylindrical screen. An automotive seat was mounted on an AC servo actuator at the center of the cylindrical screen. The force feedback steering wheel, and gas and brake pedals, were connected to the simulator's computer. Experiments were conducted to study the effect of optical flow patterns on simulator sickness. Results suggested that the optical flow perceived by drivers in the fixed base simulator was greater than that in the turning cabin simulator. Also, drivers reported a higher degree of simulator sickness in the fixed base simulator. The lower amount of optical flow perceived in the turning cabin simulator is believed to be a positive factor in reducing simulator sickness.
Gorgias’ and Isocrates’ use of the encomium

This essay compares the Encomium of Helen by Gorgias and the Helen of Isocrates in order to show how epideictic rhetoric in general and the encomium in particular were conceived at the beginning of the history of rhetoric. The analysis suggests that during the late fifth and early fourth centuries B.C., genres were not rigid molds to be used mechanically but normative types sufficiently stable to warrant observance and sufficiently elastic to admit of varied treatment.