cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterizing turbulent flow over 3-D idealized and irregular rough surfaces at low Reynolds number

Abstract The focus of this work is to demonstrate that the response of flow over a rough wall is significantly different for idealized and irregular roughness when the spacing between the roughness elements ( λ ) is changed for a given height of the roughness ( h ) . For this purpose, turbulence flow in a channel with walls covered with idealized and irregular roughness has been simulated where the λ / h has been systematically varied in the range of 3–35. A detailed study of the flow statistics such as mean flow, root mean square of velocity and vorticity fluctuations was performed. For the idealized roughness both the inner and outer layer of the turbulent boundary layer are altered due to surface roughness, whereas, only the inner layer is altered due to an irregular roughness with similar geometrical parameters. Two distinct regimes that are evident for flow over idealized roughness based on streamwise spacing ( λ / h ) can be unified using solidity ratio (measure of degree of sparseness) parameter. Irregular roughness exhibits no sensitivity to λ / h parameter, suggesting that instead of solidity ratio, statistical parameters such as skewness and kurtosis of roughness distribution are more important to classify flow over irregular roughness.
SIL, HIL, and Vehicle Fuel Economy Analysis of a Pre-Transmission Parallel PHEV

EcoCAR 2 is a collegiate level Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition which challenges students to re-engineer a General Motors (GM) donated 2013 Malibu Eco as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle over the course of three years. The competition is organized by Argonne National Laboratory with the U.S. Department of Energy and GM as the headline sponsors. As part of this competition, Mississippi State University (MSU) has designed a pre-transmission parallel PHEV which utilizes a 145 kW permanent magnet brushless DC motor, a 18.9 kWh Li-ion battery, and a GM 1.4 L turbocharged engine which has been tuned for E85 fuel. A supervisory control system has been utilized to interface the hybrid components to the production vehicle, and implements a control strategy enabling charge depleting (CD) and charge sustaining (CS) modes of operation. In order to develop this control strategy and evaluate the vehicle, a simulation model has been constructed in Matlab Simulink for software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation. This vehicle model has been constructed using a combination of dSPACE Automotive Simulation Models and MSU developed component models. Each of these component models has been parameterized from manufacturer provided data in order to ensure the accuracy of the vehicle evaluations. An analysis of the vehicle’s fuel economy has been performed using SIL and HIL simulation over four drive cycles for CD and CS modes of operation. A combined fuel economy has been calculated according to SAE Standard J1711 for both E85 and gasoline fuels.
Impact of intravascular ultrasound on the long-term clinical outcomes in the treatment of coronary ostial lesions.

Objectives To evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with ostial lesions who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with and without the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Background A higher rate of adverse cardiac events is associated with PCI of ostial lesions as compared with nonostial disease. Methods From 7/2002 to 8/2010, 225 patients with 233 coronary ostial lesions underwent PCI with (n = 82) and without (n = 143) IVUS guidance. Ostial lesions included both native aorto-ostial or major coronary vessel (left anterior descending, left circumflex, and ramus intermedius) lesions. Clinical outcomes [cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularization (TLR)] at a mean follow-up of 4.2 ± 2.5 years were compared between patients undergoing PCI of an ostial lesion with and without use of IVUS using univariate and propensity score adjusted analyses. Results Aorto-ostial lesions (n = 109) comprised 47% of lesions, whereas the remaining lesions (53%) involved major coronary vessels. After propensity score adjustment, IVUS use was associated with lower rates of the composite of cardiovascular death, MI, or TLR (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.29-0.99; P = 0.04), composite MI or TLR (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18–0.83; P = 0.01), and MI (HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11–0.85; P = 0.02) as compared with no IVUS. The use of IVUS was also associated with a trend towards a lower rate of TLR (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.17–1.02; P = 0.06). Conclusions PCI of coronary ostial lesions with the use of IVUS was associated with significantly lower rates of adverse cardiac events.© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dilemmas of Intra-Commonwealth Representation during the Rhodesian Problem, 1964–65

By the mid-1960s the arrangements for intra-Commonwealth representation between its sovereign member states were well established. The racial tension engendered by the problem of Rhodesian independence threatened the continued existence of the Commonwealth, but the conventions of Commonwealth diplomatic representation made the problem more difficult to manage. This article examines how Rhodesian attitudes towards the Commonwealth and the exclusion of Rhodesia from the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference ruled out the possibility of multilateral diplomatic engagement. Opportunities to influence the Rhodesian Government were therefore restricted to bilateral exchanges, but the mechanisms for such diplomatic representation, though technically correct in terms of Commonwealth relations, were limited and inadequate. This historical case study therefore confirms the necessity for sufficient representation between sovereign states and other international actors, but demonstrates that the parties to such a d...
Simple geometric characteristics fail to reliably predict abdominal aortic aneurysm wall stresses.

Abstract Purpose: The treatment of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is typically based on the potential for rupture. Current rupture assessments are in turn based on statistics from aggregate populations and are incapable of providing precise risk estimates for individual AAAs. Significant benefit could be realized if rupture potential for individual AAAs could be reliably determined on the basis of simple geometric characteristics or the results of symmetric thin-shell analysis. This study seeks to determine whether it is possible to estimate wall stresses by use of these simple measures. Methods: Linear finite element analysis was used to estimate the distribution of von Mises stresses in a series of homogeneous, isotropic, three-dimensional AAA models subject to static loading and assumed to have zero residual stresses. The magnitude of the peak stress was tabulated for each model along with the following characteristics: aneurysm volume; maximum diameter; maximum radius; maximal wall distention; aspect ratio (ratio of greatest anteroposterior diameter to transverse diameter); local radii of curvature (in both longitudinal and circumferential directions); and maximum symmetric thin-shell stress estimates (on the basis of the meridional contour). The relationship between peak stress and each of the characteristics was assessed by use of Spearman rank correlation coefficients, with values less than 0.95 interpreted as signifying unreliable associations. Results: Peak stresses in the individual models ranged from 1.79 × 10 6 dyne/cm 2 to 15.1 × 10 6 dyne/cm 2 . The circumferential and longitudinal radii of curvature were frequently able to predict the locations of high stress, but were unreliable in predicting the magnitude of peak stress. The aspect ratio showed the strongest correlation with peak wall stress ( r = 0.88, 95% CI, 0.68-0.96), whereas the other characteristics showed even less correlation. Symmetric thin shell analysis accurately predicted stresses in axially symmetric models, but it was incapable of predicting either the location or magnitude of peak stress in asymmetric models. Conclusions: Simple geometric criteria and symmetric thin shell analyses are unreliable in predicting AAA stresses. Future attempts to estimate wall stress and assess risk of rupture for individual AAAs may require detailed threedimensional modeling. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:308-15.)
Reintroduction of Lake Sturgeon in the St. Louis River, Western Lake Superior

Abstract Lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens declined in abundance in Lake Superior's St. Louis River during the late 1800s and were eliminated from the river during the early 1900s because of the combined effects of exploitation, pollution, and habitat alteration. Since then, exploitation in the river and in Lake Superior has been reduced. Furthermore, water quality in the St. Louis River has improved, and its upper-estuary spawning habitat has remained relatively unchanged and adequate. Lake sturgeon have been stocked annually in the St. Louis River since 1983; from 1983 to 1994 stockings included 736,000 fry, 128,000 fingerlings, and 500 yearlings of the Lake Winnebago strain. Relative abundance, distribution, and growth were determined by sampling marked fish in the St. Louis River estuary and western Lake Superior with graded-mesh gill nets and bottom trawls. During 1983–1998, 644 lake sturgeon were caught in 15,486 m of gill net, and 196 were caught in 1,200 trawl tows. Lake sturgeon were sampled mos...
A social–ecological assessment of vacant lots in New York City

Abstract Land vacancy is a persistent phenomenon in urban landscapes in the United States, yet little is known about the ways vacant lots are used in practice and the functions they serve in local communities. Here, we offer insight into the composition, uses and neighborhood context of vacant lots in New York City. Using ArcGIS and Google Earth, we conducted a visual survey of 5% of vacant lots in each New York City borough, collecting land cover and actual use data. Results indicate that many vacant lots in New York City are used as community gardens, residential yards, parks, parking areas and sports fields. Neighborhood income and lot vegetation are significantly associated with most of the ways that vacant lots are used in practice. In particular, lots which are actually unused (33%) tend to be located in neighborhoods with relatively high population density and low median household income levels. We suggest that by assessing vacant lot uses, ecological characteristics and the social characteristics of neighborhoods in which vacant lots are located, planners may be able to more effectively address urban land vacancy while supporting urban sustainability and resilience.
Same day Pegfilgrastim and CHOP chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Objectives: To determine if “same day” Pegfilgrastim (Pf) with CHOP chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma impacts on nadir white blood count (WBC) levels or on the nadir day. Methods: Ten patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated with CHOP-R; CHOP with liposomal Doxorubicin replacing H; or CVAD received ‘same day’ Pf in a minimum of one cycle of chemotherapy to a maximum of 6 cycles with 8 of 10 patients receiving same day Pf for some but not all cycles allowing for comparison of nadir WBC levels within patients. Results: A total of 43 cycles of chemotherapy were reviewed. Same day Pf was administered with 21 of 43 cycles in all 10 patients with 8 of 10 receiving 22 cycles without Pf as well. White blood count nadir level and nadir day were compared in 9 patients in whom same day Pf was or was not administered in selected cycles. One patient experienced febrile neutropenia in a single cycle. Median nadir count and nadir day for cycles delivered with same day Pf was 1500 cells/ml (range, 200–11,000) at 14 days (range, 7–14 days). Median nadir count and nadir day cycles not delivered with same day Pf was 1600 cells/m3 and day 14 (range, 7–14), respectively. Four of 21 cycles (19%) delivered with same day Pf were associated with grade 4 leukopenia compared with 2 of 23 cycles (9%) delivered without same day Pf. With regard to the total 10 patient population 4 patients had a grade 4 leukopenia experience with same day Pf and 2 patients had a grade 4 leukopenia experience without same day Pf. Grade 4 leukopenia had a median nadir day of 7. Conclusions: Same day Pf may accentuate neutropenia in some patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma receiving standard CHOP or CHOP-R chemotherapy but expanded studies are necessary to establish this point definitively. The accentuated neutropenia may be related to the specific chemotherapy regimen or drug, eg, cyclophosphamate since same day Pf was safe with regimens in which a non alkylating agent (taxane, gemcitabine, navelbine, cisplatin) was used with a weekly chemotherapy dosing schema and did not generate accentuated neutropenia.
Confirming alcohol-moderated links between cannabis use and dependence in a national sample

The present study confirmed findings that alcohol moderates the link between cannabis use and dependence. The study examined a large, diverse national sample of 856 people who consumed cannabis and alcohol at least twice per week. The study possesses several methodological improvements over past research, including less subjective measures of cannabis use and interview-based data collection. Cannabis use and alcohol consumption interacted to predict cannabis dependence symptoms. Cannabis use covaried with cannabis dependence particularly in people who consumed greater amounts of alcohol. These data further support the hypothesis that alcohol increases problems associated with cannabis use.
Role of COPD in Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk

The association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been documented through a substantial number of studies within the past few decades. This review examines the historical development of pulmonary function as a risk factor for CVD and elucidates on the possible mechanisms of this association prescribed by the contemporary literature. Most data indicates pulmonary inflammation as a substantial factor in the initiation of CVD, but the precise mechanism remains ambiguous. Additionally, COPD often remains misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed due to the lack of apparent symptoms and an adequate classification scheme, exacerbating the high costs of managing this illness. Furthermore, there are no well proven methods for the prevention of COPD outside of smoking cessation. The current literature reveals a discrepancy in the assessment of COPD as a predictor of CVD and highlights a need for future studies.
Iodine in rat alveolar macrophages following amiodarone treatment: quantitative X-ray microanalysis

The techniques of cryomicrotomy and X-ray microanalysis were used to quantitatively measure the subcellular distribution of iodine in rat alveolar macrophages following a single administration of the iodine-containing antiarrhythmic drug, amiodarone. When frozen, dried sections were analyzed, small amounts of iodine were found throughout the alveolar macrophages, but the major accumulations were observed in amorphous bodies and dense granules. The highest to lowest accumulation is in the following order: amorphous bodies (90 mmole I/kg dry wt) greater than dense granules (50 mmole I/kg dry wt) greater than nucleus = cytosol (10 mmoles I/kg dry wt). The amorphous bodies can contain high and low levels of iodine and the granules are found to have high and low levels of iron. Granules with the high and low levels of iron and amorphous bodies with the high and low levels of iodine can be found in the same cells. X-ray microanalysis proved useful in describing the intracellular distribution of iodine-labeled species following amiodarone administration.
Regulation of tight junction proteins and bladder epithelial paracellular permeability by an antiproliferative factor from patients with interstitial cystitis.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Previous reports have suggested that the bladder epithelial barrier may be compromised in interstitial cystitis (IC). Antiproliferative factor (APF) is a small glycoprotein made specifically by bladder epithelial cells in patients with IC that induces changes in expression of certain epithelial cell proteins and profoundly inhibits cell growth. Therefore, we confirmed the increased permeability and decreased tight junction formation of bladder epithelial cell monolayers grown from biopsies in patients with IC compared to cells from normal controls. We then determined the effect of APF on the permeability of normal bladder epithelial cell monolayers and the expression of tight junction proteins.Materials and Methods: Permeability was determined by measuring the 14C-mannitol and 3H-inulin flux between cells in confluent monolayers on Transwell culture plates (Corning, Corning, New York). Tight junction formation was assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy and the expression of specific pr...
N-Chloro-alkoxy-s-triazine-Based Antimicrobial Additives: Preparation, Characterization, and Antimicrobial and Biofilm-Controlling Functions

A series of N-chloro-alkoxy-s-triazine antimicrobial additives were synthesized in this study. The structures of the samples were confirmed with FTIR, 1H NMR, and thermal analyses. The N-chlorinated alkoxy-s-triazines provided potent antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, Gram-positive bacteria) and Escherichia coli (E. coli, Gram-negative bacteria) under waterborne test conditions. The N-chlorinated alkoxy-s-triazines were incorporated into polyurethane, one of the most widely used polymer materials, as antimicrobial additives through solvent casting. Upon contact, the resultant films provided a total kill of S. aureus and E. coli, and they successfully prevented the formation of bacterial biofilms on film surfaces, pointing to great potential of the new N-chloro-alkoxy-s-triazine antimicrobial additive approach for a broad range of antimicrobial and Biofilm-controlling applications.
Developments in Constrained Control Using Reference Governors

Abstract The paper provides an overview of reference governors, command governors and extended command governors, which are add-on schemes for enforcing pointwise-in-time state and control constraints in set-point tracking problems. It emphasizes recent developments based on the authors work and a new strategy for implementing command governors as they apply to nonlinear systems. Comments on future directions in reference governor research are made. A list of references is included.
Absence of non-organ specific autoimmune reactions in patients treated by curative radiotherapy

Abstract The sera of 177 patients referred for curative radiotherapy for a localized cancer were studied before and up to 6 months following radiotherapy for the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid factor and immune-induced phenomena characteristic of connective tissue disease. Fourteen had lymphoma, and all others had carcinoma. Two-thirds had locally advanced tumors. All patients were treated with a minimum tumor dose of 4000 rad in 4 weeks. Twenty of 177 (11%) had ANA prior to treatment. Two-thirds of these had locally advanced cancers. Only 4 patients had ANA detected in their sera for the first time following radiotherapy, 1 at the completion and 3 patients at 3 months after treatment. There was no appreciable increase in the incidence of rheumatoid factor in these patients compared to healthy individuals, either before or after treatment. Serum levels of C3 and C4 components of complement and lysozyme were within normal limits before and after radiotherapy. Thus, these common non-organ specific antibodies and evidence for large scale complement activation could not be demonstrated in sera of patients with localized cancer following curative radiotherapy.
Myocyte Nitroso-Redox Imbalance in Sepsis NO Simple Answer

Our initial understanding that the inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS or NOS2) dependent NO production in cardiac myocytes would restore contractile function and improve outcome in septic shock failed.1 This was, in part, because of our then lack of understanding of the complexity of NO signaling in the cardiovascular system in health and disease. The initial paradigm that NO acts as a diffusible molecule to depress cardiovascular function uniformly and diffusely has been replaced by a more sophisticated yet incomplete model of NO signaling. It calls for NO to act in very defined signaling domains, through distinct signal transduction mechanism, sub-serving focused physiologic functions.2 It is now well established that NO and NO-related species are significant modulators of cardiac muscle excitation-contraction coupling and that these species affect a number of molecules and channels that coordinate this process.2 It has been further established that mammalian cardiac myocytes express all 3 of the isoforms of nitric oxide synthase: endothelial (eNOS or NOS3), neuronal (nNOS or NOS1), and iNOS or NOS2. Furthermore what determines the modulatory effects (sometimes directionally opposite) with regard to physiologic function is not only the signal transduction mechanism, but the spatial confinement of the enzyme within the cardiac myocyte. For example, NOS3 is targeted to the sarcolemmal caveolae associated with the caveolar membrane protein caveolin 3. There, it is coupled through the β-3 adrenergic3 and muscarinic receptor, gyuanylyl cyclase and the second messenger cGMP to negatively regulate l-type Ca2+ channel-dependent Ca2+ influx. It thus acts as a negative modulator of adrenergic signaling to balance and constrain positive inotropy. On the other hand nNOS is confined to the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)4 where it is associated with the ryanodine receptor (RYR 2), and positively modulates channel function, enhancing contractile response to …
Development of a Complex Adaptive PNN System for the Rapid Detection of E.coli

Abstract The objective of this research is to develop a complex adaptive piecewise linear regression/probabilistic neural network (PNN) intelligent system for the rapid detection and classification of Escherichia coli (E.coli). The rapid detection and classification of E.coli is important because current methods require a long period of analysis before a classification can be determined. The objective of this paper is to describe the design and preliminarily evaluate an Intelligent Decision Support System (IDSS) that will validate the following hypotheses: an intelligent decision support system (IDSS) to allow the rapid collection and classification of E.coli can be designed and preliminarily evaluated, which will significantly decrease detection and classification times for E.coli bacteria, thereby addressing the food spoilage problem. The research in this paper provides a preliminary answer to: What performance improvement percentage can be realized against the 16 to 48 hours required for the conventional multistep methods of detection of microorganisms (using E.coli data as a baseline)? For the 16 hour period we have a 6.7% reduction in the time-to-detect period ((16-15)/15 × 100% = 6.7%) and for the 48 hour period we have a 220% reduction in time ((48- 15)/15×100% = 220%).
Who Sues Government?: Evidence From the Moscow Theater Hostage Case:

Courts can better protect rights when citizens are willing and able to litigate in response to government abuses of power. However, if people are not socialized to the possibility of litigating aga...
Interactions of Radiation, Microphysics, and Turbulence in the Evolution of Cirrus Clouds

A two-dimensional cirrus cloud model has been developed to investigate the interaction and feedback of radiation, ice microphysics, and turbulence-scale turbulence, and their influence on the evolution of cirrus clouds. The model is designed for the study of cloud-scale processes with a 100-m grid spacing. The authors have incorporated a numerical scheme for the prediction of ice crystal size distributions based on calculations of nucleation, diffusional growth, advection, gravitational sedimentation, and turbulent mixing. The radiative effect on the diffusional growth of an individual ice crystal is also taken into account in the model. The model includes an advanced interactive radiative transfer scheme that employs the d-four-stream approximation for radiative transfer, the correlated k-distribution method for nongray gaseous absorption, and the scattering and absorption properties of hexagonal ice crystals. This radiation scheme is driven by ice water content and mean effective ice crystal size that represents the ice crystal size distribution. To study the effects of entrainment and mixing on the cloud, a second-order turbulence closure has been developed and incorporated into the model. Simulation results show that initial cloud formation occurs through ice nucleation associated with dynamic and thermodynamic forcings. Radiation becomes important for cloud evolution once a sufficient amount of ice water is generated. Radiative processes enhance both the growth of ice crystals at the cloud top by radiative cooling and the sublimation of ice crystals in the lower region by radiative heating. The simulated ice crystal size distributions depend strongly on the radiation fields. In addition, the radiation effect on individual ice crystals through diffusional growth is shown to be significant. Turbulence begins to play a substantial role in cloud evolution during the maintenance and dissipation period of the cirrus cloud life cycle. The inclusion of turbulence tends to generate more intermediate-to-large ice crystals, especially in the middle and lower parts of the cloud. Incorporation of the second-order closure scheme enhances instability below the initial cloud layer and brings more moisture to the region above the cloud, relative to the use of the traditional eddy mixing theory.
Direct attachment of DNA to semiconducting surfaces for biosensor applications

Abstract In this work we propose a novel method of immobilizing nucleic acids for field effect or high electron mobility transistor-based biosensors. The naturally occurring 5′ terminal phosphate group on nucleic acids was used to coordinate with semiconductor and metal oxide surfaces. We demonstrate that DNA can be directly immobilized onto ZrO2, AlGaN, GaN, and HfO2 while retaining its ability to hybridize to target sequences with high specificity. By directly immobilizing the probe molecule to the sensor surface, as opposed to conventional crosslinking strategies, the number of steps in device fabrication is reduced. Furthermore, hybridization to target strands occurs closer to the sensor surface, which has the potential to increase device sensitivity by reducing the impact of the Debye screening length.
First-principles modeling of geomagnetically induced electromagnetic fields and currents from upstream solar wind to the surface of the Earth

Abstract. Our capability to model the near-space physical phenomena has gradually reached a level enabling module-based first-principles modeling of geomagnetically induced electromagnetic fields and currents from upstream solar wind to the surface of the Earth. As geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) pose a real threat to the normal operation of long conductor systems on the ground, such as high-voltage power transmission systems, it is quite obvious that success in accurate predictive modeling of the phenomenon would open entirely new windows for operational space weather products. Here we introduce a process for obtaining geomagnetically induced electromagnetic fields and currents from the output of global magnetospheric MHD codes. We also present metrics that take into account both the complex nature of the signal and possible forecasting applications of the modeling process. The modeling process and the metrics are presented with the help of an actual example space weather event of 24–29 October 2003. Analysis of the event demonstrates that, despite some significant shortcomings, some central features of the overall ionospheric current fluctuations associated with GIC can be captured by the modeling process. More specifically, the basic spatiotemporal morphology of the modeled and "measured" GIC is quite similar. Furthermore, the presented user-relevant utility metrics demonstrate that MHD-based modeling can outperform simple GIC persistence models.
An Analysis of Analysts' Projected Gains

The authors find that analysts favor value stocks and prefer low-momentum stocks with high-growth prospects, which have been shown to provide excess returns in conjunction with value strategies. The results suggest that accusing sell-side analysts of chasing price momentum and pushing growth stocks amounts to selling them short.
Suppression of ethanol intake in alcohol-preferring rats by prior voluntary saccharin consumption

In a situation offering a free choice between 0.1% saccharin solution and tap water, Fawn Hooded (FH) rats consumed 363.0 +/- 33.5 ml/kg/day of saccharin solution. Subsequently those animals drank 3.0 +/- 0.4 g/kg of ethanol in a free choice between water and 10% ethanol solution. Control FH rats that did not have access to saccharin consumed 5.0 +/- 0.5 between groups was significant: p = 0.006). When control rats were exposed to the choice between 10% ethanol solution and 0.1% saccharin solution for 4 days they consumed 383.7 +/- 27.5 ml/kg/day of saccharin solution and their ethanol intake dropped to 1.2 +/- 0.3 g/kg/day. When these rats were returned back to alcohol/water choice and exposure to saccharin was discontinued, their alcohol intake was still reduced (3.7 +/- 0.3 g/kg/day for at least 10 consecutive days). Exposure of alcohol-experienced alcohol-preferring P rats with high (6.8 +/- 0.5 g/kg/day) and stable alcohol intake to saccharin/water choice for 4 days also resulted in a significant attenuation of their ethanol intake for at least 6 days following saccharin cessation. Thus, voluntary consumption of saccharin can suppress subsequent alcohol intake in both alcohol-naive and alcohol-experienced rats.
The role of cyclooxygenases in inflammation, cancer, and development

The cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes catalyze a key step in the conversion of arachidonate to PGH2, the immediate substrate for a series of cell specific prostaglandin and thromboxane synthases. Prostaglandins play critical roles in numerous biologic processes, including the regulation of immune function, kidney development, reproductive biology, and gastrointestinal integrity. There are two COX isoforms, which differ mainly in their pattern of expression. COX-1 is expressed in most tissues, whereas COX-2 usually is absent, but is induced by numerous physiologic stimuli. Surprisingly, disruption of Cox1 (Ptgs1) in the mouse did not result in gastrointestinal abnormalities. cox-2 (Ptgs2) null mice show reproductive anomalies and defects in kidney development. Epidemiologic, animal, and human data indicate that NSAIDs, inhibitors of cyclooxygenase, are chemopreventive for colon cancer. COX-2 is overexpressed in 50% of benign polyps and 80-85% of adenocarcinomas. Offspring from cox-2 null by Apcdelta716 matings exhibit an 86% reduction in polyp number when compared to offspring from control animals, thus providing genetic evidence that COX-2 contributes to tumor formation or growth. The in vivo mechanism by which COX-2 affects tumor growth has not been determined. It is possible that both tumor and stromally derived COX-2 could influence tumor angiogenesis and/ or immune function.
Tunneling injection quantum dot lasers

We investigate tunneling injection quantum-dot (QD) lasers both theoretically and experimentally. Our laser structure consists of two tensile-strained quantum wells (QWs) coupled to a compressive-strained QD layer. The QWs serve as efficient carrier collectors and as a medium to inject electrons into the QDs by tunelling. Polarization-resolved amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) spectroscopy is used to extract the transverse-electric (TE) and transverse-magnetic (TM) polarized optical gain spectra at very low to near threshold injection currents. At a low bias current, the TE polarized ASE from the ground state of the QD layer is observed. At an intermediate current level, the coupling of the QW ground state to the QD excited state becomes important and an increase of the TM polarized emission from the tensile-strained QWs at a higher energy level becomes significant. Near threshold current, we observe TE gain narrowing due to the QD excited-state activation and the pinning of TM gain with subsequent TE lasing above threshold. We explain the physics of tunneling injection from the QWs into the QDs and how the tunneling injection affects the polarization resolved optical gain spectra as the injection current level increases.
Significance of lipoxygenase-derived monohydroxy fatty acids in cutaneous biology.

The skin displays a highly active metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Dietary deficiency of linoleic acid (LA), an 18-carbon (n-6) PUFA, results in characteristic scaly skin disorder and excessive epidermal water loss. Although arachidonic acid (AA), a 20-carbon (n-6) PUFA, is metabolized via cyclooxygenase pathway into predominantly prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGF2α. The 15-lipoygenase is very active in this tissue and catalyzes the transformation of 20-carbon AA into predominantly 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE). Similarly, the epidermal 15-lipoxygenase also catalyzes the transformation of 18-carbon LA and 20-carbon dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) to 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) and 15-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (15-HETrE), respectively. The monohydroxy fatty acids are incorporated in phospholipids which undergo catalysis to yield substituted-diacylglycerols (13-HODE-DAG) and 15-HETrE-DAG) which exert anti-inflammatory/antiproliferative effects on the skin.
Clinical presentation of actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma

Background Actinic keratosis is a skin lesion that can progress to squamous cell carcinoma but cannot always be clinically distinguished from a squamous cell carcinoma. Objective The purpose of this article is to describe the clinical presentation of actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma. Methods The author's clinical experience and a review of the literature were used to describe actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma. Results There is a continuum and a progression from actinic keratoses to squamous cell carcinoma so that there is no way to reliably distinguish between the two diagnoses. Conclusion Because it can be impossible to distinguish between an actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma, treatment of actinic keratoses should be aggressive to stop the progression to squamous cell carcinoma.
Retention of cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills by physicians, registered nurses, and the general public.

To evaluate retention of CPR skills by medical residents (MDs), registered nurses (RNs), we tested single-rescuer CPR skills of 21 MDs, 17 RNs, and 21 laypersons using recording manikin and American Heart Association criteria. All study participants had been trained from 4 to 12 months before testing. No MD or RN and only one layperson performed each step correctly and in proper sequence. If calls for assistance were eliminated, one additional layperson, two MDs, and two RNs performed correctly. There were no significant differences between the MDs and RNs. MDs and RNs did better (p less than .01) in assessment compared to laypersons, but some individuals in each group initiated ventilations and compressions without assessing need. There was no difference in the ability to perform ventilations; all three groups did poorly. MDs and RNs performed compression skills better than laypersons (p less than .01), but all had difficulty with rate and depth of compressions. Moreover, only one-third of the general public demonstrated correct hand placement. Despite more training and experience, MD and RN performance was comparable to layperson performance. These data suggest that improving basic life-support skills could save more lives.
Physicochemical aspects of transdermal permeation

Abstract The nature and state of lipids are often important regulators in many membrane functions and properties. Current studies probe the physicochemical aspects of the enhanced permeabilities of lipophilic solutes through hairless mouse stratum corneum. The barrier properties of the stratum corneum to lipophilic solutes haue been related to the order and mobility of the hydrocarbon portion of the lipoidal pathway. Temperature enhanced permeabilities of the solutes were associated with the gel to liquid crystalline transition of the lipid hydrocarbon chains. Minor enhancement also resulted from decreased order within pathway. Thermal pretreatments in the presence or absence of hydration also affected the pretransitional order of the lipids, although the gel to liquid crystalline transition remained within the same temperature region during thermal perturbation. Therefore, the physicochemical nature of the lipoidal pathway affects the barrier properties of the stratum corneum.
Theoretical Study of the Vinyl Allene Oxide to Cyclopent-2-en-1-one Rearrangement: Mechanism, Torquoselectivity and Solvent Effects

Density-functional calculations in the gas phase and solvent (PCM) at the B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,2p)//B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) level were performed to study a series of six reactions that involve the rearrangement of vinyl allene oxides to cyclopent-2-en-1-ones along two distinct mechanistic pathways, namely concerted and stepwise. Calculations predict that stepwise pathways are highly competitive processes that occur via biradical/zwitterionic intermediates. Torquoselectivity is predicted to result from the concerted pathway leading to a stereodefined 4,5-disubstituted cyclopent-2-en-1-ones that should have memory of the starting terminal double-bond geometry and oxide configuration. The stepwise pathway cannot show torquoselectivity as cyclization of the planar oxidopentadienyl zwitterion can follow enantiomorphous conrotations. The concerted/stepwise mechanistic preference depends mainly on the olefin geometry and is further modulated by epoxide substitution. The influence of the solvent (PCM model for dichlorom...
Interpreting cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis in HIV in the era of potent antiretroviral therapy

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis may be seen in asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals. This finding complicates interpretation of CSF abnormalities when such individuals are evaluated for other central nervous system infections. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between CSF pleocytosis, central nervous system (CNS) antiretroviral penetration, adherence to antiretroviral medication regimens, neurological symptoms and performance on neuropsychological tests. Clinically stable HIV-infected individuals at any peripheral blood CD4+ T cell count or any plasma viral load were asked to attend study visits at entry and every 6 months thereafter for at least one year. At each visit, they underwent a standardized neurological and medication history; neurological examination; a brief neuropsychological test battery: venipuncture; lumbar puncture; and assessment of medication adherence. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to assess the relationships between CSF pleocytosis and other variables. CSF pleocytosis was independently and significantly related to lack of current antiretroviral use (OR 5.9, 95% CI 1.8–18.6, p = 0.003), CD4 count > 200/ul (OR 23.4, 95% CI 3.1–177.3, p = 0.002) and detectable plasma HIV RNA (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.1–9.4, p = 0.03). At visits where antiretrovirals were used, and taking into account detectable plasma HIV RNA, an antiretroviral regimen that contained two or more agents with good CNS penetration conferred a trend toward lower odds of CSF pleocytosis (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.18–1.12, p = 0.087). CSF pleocytosis is a characteristic of HIV disease that varies significantly with easily identifiable clinical and laboratory features. Use of antiretroviral agents decreases the odds of pleocytosis. This association may be stronger when the regimen contains two or more agents with good CNS penetration.
Custom-made multiphoton microscope for long-term imaging of neuronal cultures to explore structural and functional plasticity

We use dissociated cultures of E-18 rat cortical neurons to study how they process the information. To correlate electrophysiological data with corresponding network structure, we observe effects of the stimuli on structural changes in this culture using multiphoton microscopy. To keep our 2D and 3D cultures alive for long-term studies, it is necessary to protect them against photodamage. At the same time, we need a flexible microscope design to accommodate our multielectrode array (MEA) electrophysiological station. We have constructed a custom-designed multiphoton microscope based on design of Tsai et al. The microscope is optimized for two-photon imaging to collect maximum possible fluorescent signal using minimum excitation laser intensity. Special attention is paid to get uniformly illuminated images and the ability to use the entire bandwidth of the pulsed laser (700-1000 nm) with the same set of optical components. Flexibility of the design will allow us to easily change or incorporate other optical components suitable for different experimental needs. This microscope will allow us to do electrophysiology and imaging concurrently while maintaining the optimum temperature and CO2 levels.
Multiscale Creep Compliance of Epoxy Networks at Elevated Temperatures

Epoxy networks are thermoset polymers for which an important structural length scale, molecular weight between crosslinks (M c), influences physical and mechanical properties. In the present work, creep compliance was measured for three aliphatic epoxy networks of differing M c using both macroscale torsion and microscale depth-sensing indentation at temperatures of 25 and 55°C. Analytical relations were used to compute creep compliance (J(t)) for each approach; similar results were observed for the two techniques at 25°C, but not at 55°C. Although creep compliance measurement differed at elevated temperatures, there were clear correlations between M c, glass transition temperature, T g, and the observed time-dependent mechanical behavior via both techniques at 55°C, but these correlations could not be seen at 25°C. This work demonstrates the capacity of depth-sensing indentation to differentiate among epoxy networks of differing structural configurations via J(t) for small material volumes at elevated temperatures.
Late toxicity from salvage radiation therapy for prostate cancer: intensity-modulated radiation therapy vs. 3D-conformal radiation therapy

This study aims to compare late toxicity in patients undergoing salvage radiation therapy (SRT) for a detectable prostate-specific antigen level after radical prostatectomy between those who received low-dose three-dimensional-conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), high-dose 3D-CRT and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). We retrospectively identified 266 patients who underwent SRT at our institution. Patients were categorized into three groups: low-dose 3D-CRT (≤66.6 Gy, N = 142), high-dose 3D-CRT (>66.6 Gy, N = 49), and high-dose IMRT (>66.6 Gy, N = 75). Low-dose IMRT patients were not included due to their small number (N = 22). Late toxicity was defined as occurring 90 days or more after SRT completion. The cumulative incidence of any late complication at 5 years after SRT was 11.0 % for the low-dose 3D-CRT group, 18.8 % for the high-dose 3D-CRT group, and 14.7 % for the high-dose IMRT group, with no significant differences between groups (P ≥ 0.17). No significant difference between groups was found in the occurrence of any specific complication, although there were nonsignificant trends toward an increased incidence of diarrhea at 5 years in the high-dose 3D-CRT group (7.0 %) compared with the low-dose 3D-CRT (1.4 %, P = 0.061) and high-dose IMRT groups (0.0 %, P = 0.068), and more grade 2+ late complications in the high-dose 3D-CRT group (14.0 %) than the low-dose 3D-CRT group (6.0 %, P = 0.059). Our results indicate that with the advancement in planning and delivery of SRT, it is possible to administer IMRT at higher doses without significantly increasing the risk of late complications. Future studies involving larger numbers of high-dose IMRT patients will further strengthen these findings.
Video-Centric Network Coding Strategies for 4G Wireless Networks: An Overview

The impact of Internet content and IP based television on networks is growing. Video is now ubiquitous in the home and on the street. It demands new approaches to video transmission to meet the growing traffic volume. This paper presents a novel strategy for network coding in video transmission. It uses a variety of coding approaches and adds feedback and device discovery to tailor the coding to the receiver ecosystems and can achieve better overall performance than the non coded versions.
Effect of electrolyte and adsorbates on charging rates in mesoporous gold electrodes.

The classical model for porous electrodes reported by De Levie several decades ago (and expanded upon since then) was developed mainly to describe pores with micrometer-scale diameters. Presumably it will break down as pore diameters approach atomic dimensions. Mesoporous gold formed by dealloying is a valuable test platform for this because its 10 nm pores are on the boundary of this expected breakdown and because the electrochemical and surface properties of gold are relatively well understood. The De Levie model works for these electrodes at high salt concentrations, but under dilute conditions, there is not enough salt locally to charge the interface, increasing real impedance on intermediate time scales. Specific adsorption on pore walls can cause a similar increase and also cause an effective mobility decrease, tunable through electrolyte choice and the use of alkanethiol monolayers. These effects are not expected in micrometer-scale pores and are important considerations when designing devices with...
Life Tables and Population Dynamics of the Southwestern Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Texas Corn

Life tables are presented from six field populations of first- and second-generation southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella Dyar, infesting corn during a 3-yr study in the Texas High Plains. Survival from egg to adult was greater for first (0.20–0.52) than second (0.007–0.038) generation. Key-factor analysis identified egg mortality during first generation and large larval and diapausing larval mortality during the second generation as largely responsible for observed changes in generation survival. Stage-specific mortality for the first generation was predominately density-independent, and only negligible mortality was caused by natural enemies and intraspecific competition. Density-dependent mortality occurred in large larvae during the second generation. Intraspecific competition (cannibalism) and infection by Beauveria bassiana (Balsoma) Vuillemin were major second-generation mortality factors for large larvae and apparently were responsible for the observed density-dependent mortality. Adults developing from first-generation larvae on whorl-stage corn were significantly more fecund than second-generation adults developing as larvae on post-tassel-stage corn. The net reproductive rate was considerably greater during the first (Ro = 95) than second (Ro = 4) generation. Management tactics are proposed for reducing the economic effect of second-generation southwestern corn borer by suppressing the first-generation population increase.
Drugs: An update

Abstract Pediatric regional anesthesia is now well-established and has an important place for peri- and postoperative pain control in children. We also need drugs safe and effective for epidural administration; ropivacaine and levobupivacaine seem to offer a wider safety margin in comparison with the old drugs and are able to provide a valid pain control. Various adjuvants can be used in order to potentiate the analgesic duration; clonidine and ketamine are probably among the best drugs. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.