cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Numerical Study of NOx Formation From the Lean Premixed Combustion of CH4 Mixed With CO2 and N2

This paper describes an experimental and numerical study of the emission of nitrogen oxides (NO x ) from the lean premixed (LPM) combustion of gaseous fuel alternatives to typical pipeline natural gas in a high intensity, single-jet, stirred reactor (JSR). In this study, CH 4 is mixed with varying levels CO 2 and N 2 . NO x measurements are taken at a nominal combustion temperature of 1800K, atmospheric pressure, and a reactor residence time of 3 ms. The experimental results show the following trends for NO x emissions as a function of fuel dilution: (1) more NO x is produced per kg of C H 4 consumed with the addition of a diluent, (2) the degree of increase in emission index is dependent on the chosen diluent; N 2 dilution increases NO x production more effectively than equivalent CO 2 dilution. Chemical kinetic modeling suggests that NO x production is less effective for the mixture diluted with CO 2 due to both a decrease in N 2 concentration and the ability of CO 2 to deplete the radicals taking part in NO x formation chemistry. In order to gain insight on flame structure within the JSR, three dimensional computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations are carried out for LPM CH 4 combustion. A global CH 4 combustion mechanism is used to model the chemistry. While it does not predict intermediate radicals, it does predict CH 4 and CO oxidation quite well. The CFD model illustrates the flow field, temperature variation, and flame structure within the JSR. A 3-element chemical reactor network (CRN), including detailed chemistry, is constricted using insight from spatial measurements of the reactor, the results of CFD simulations, and classical fluid dynamic correlations. GRI 3.0 is used in the CRN to model the NO x emissions for all fuel blends. The experimental and modeling results are in good agreement and suggest the underlying chemical kinetic reasons for the trends.
Anharmonic Phonon Dispersion Relations, Group Velocities, and Branch-Dependent Specific Heat Capacities Measured Directly From Molecular Dynamics Simulations at Finite Temperatures

This paper investigates anharmonic phonon dispersion relations measured directly from molecular dynamics simulations at finite temperatures and pressure. The measured dynamical matrix and resulting anharmonic dispersion relations do not require an a-priori analytical expression regarding the strength of anharmonic processes. Therefore, no assumptions concerning the degree of anharmonicity are made beyond specifying an interatomic potential. We calculate phonon properties pertinent to thermal transport in graphene. Specifically, we demonstrate the calculation of phonon dispersion relations and group velocities over the entire Brillouin Zone, as well as the branch-dependent contribution to specific heat capacity and ballistic thermal conductance. We highlight the capabilities of this technique to lend fundamental insight into the anharmonic characteristics of phonon-mediated transport. Finally, we discuss how anharmonic phonon dispersion relations may be used to evaluate the differences in phonon properties between various interatomic potentials commonly used in the simulation of phonon-mediated thermal transport.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Non-aqueous spray solvents and solubility effects in desorption electrospray ionization.

The use of non-aqueous solvents in desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) is explored by analyzing a set of 43 compounds using binary mixtures of chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, and acetonitrile as the spray solvent. Comparisons of data obtained from chloroform/tetrahydrofuran (1:1) and chloroform/acetonitrile (1:1) spray solvents with the standard aqueous-based spray solvent (methanol/water, 1:1) shows that the non-aqueous systems have practical value for DESI, especially in the analysis of hydrophobic compounds. Non-aqueous spray solvents were used to ionize thermometer molecules (benzyl pyridinium salts) and showed lower internal energies (softer DESI ionization compared with methanol/water, 1:1), a result that has parallels in known solvent effects in electrospray ionization and is explained by solvent effects on surface tension. Consideration of octanol/water partition coefficients (Kow) of the 43 analytes in the light of their DESI results reveals the importance of the solubility of analyte in the spray solvent in producing high quality mass spectra. This finding provides additional support for the droplet pick-up description of the DESI mechanism, which is based on analyte dissolution in the spray solvent, followed by splashing of subsequently arriving droplets in the liquid film to form microdroplets of dissolved analyte. DESI solvent optimization can be improved by the use of Kow of the analyte as an indication of the polarity of the most appropriate solvent system.
Efficient syntheses of 5'-deoxy-5'-fluoroguanosine and -inosine.

Substitution of oxygen with a weak hydrogen bond acceptor such as fluorine provides a single-atom modification that can have grave effects on the chemical and medicinal properties of nucleoside analogues. To that end, we present a simple and high-yielding method for the novel synthesis of 5‘-deoxy-5‘-fluoroguanosine and 5‘-deoxy-5‘-fluoroinosine utilizing an intramolecular electron-withdrawing approach. The properties of the resulting modified nucleosides, as well as the halogenated intermediates, are notable for their similarity to nucleoside analogues used in the treatment of cancer, as well as enzyme inhibitors designed to target parasitic protozoa.
Sampling and signaling in plasmacytoid dendritic cells: the potential roles of Siglec-H

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) detect viruses through toll-like receptor (TLR)7 and TLR9 and respond by secreting type I interferons (IFNs). Because TLR7 and TLR9 are present in endosomes, a mechanism is required to capture and deliver viruses to TLRs. A member of the sialic acid binding Ig-like lectin (Siglec) family, Siglec-H, has recently been identified as a specific surface marker for pDCs in mice. Siglec-H is endocytosed and can mediate the uptake of antigens for processing and presentation. Thus, Siglec-H might have a role in the capture of viruses or other pathogens for their delivery to intracellular TLRs. Paradoxically, Siglec-H also transmits intracellular signals through the associated adaptor DAP12, which reduces pDC responses to TLR ligands. In this review, we discuss models to explain the potential outcomes of Siglec-H engagement in the pDC secretion of type I IFN.
Pharmacological Blockade of A2A Receptors Prevents Dermal Fibrosis in a Model of Elevated Tissue Adenosine

Adenosine is a potent modulator of inflammation and tissue repair. We have recently reported that activation of adenosine A2A receptors promotes collagen synthesis by human dermal fibroblasts and that blockade or deletion of this receptor in mice protects against bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis, a murine model of scleroderma. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is the principal catabolic enzyme for adenosine in vivo, and its deficiency leads to the spontaneous development of pulmonary fibrosis in mice. The aim of this study was to characterize further the contributions of endogenous adenosine and adenosine A2A receptors to skin fibrosis. Taking advantage of genetically modified ADA-deficient mice, we herein report a direct fibrogenic effect of adenosine on the skin, in which increased collagen deposition is accompanied by increased levels of key mediators of fibrosis, including transforming growth factor β1, connective tissue growth factor, and interleukin-13. Pharmacological treatment of ADA-deficient mice with the A2A receptor antagonist ZM-241385 prevented the development of dermal fibrosis in this model of elevated tissue adenosine, by reducing dermal collagen content and expression of profibrotic cytokines and growth factors. These data confirm a fibrogenic role for adenosine in the skin and reveal A2A receptor antagonists as novel therapeutic agents for the modulation of dermal fibrotic disorders.
The mechanism of photoelectrochemical detection of alkyl and aryl ketones and aldehydes

Abstract A photoelectrochemical detector for liquid chromatography, which combines photochemistry and electrochemistry to exploit the redox properties of photogenerated excited states, intermediates, and/or products is characterized, and optimized. The photoelectrochemical detector is responsive to alkyl and aryl ketones and aldehydes, and the limits of detection are in the 2–10 ng range. The mechanism of detection is shown to parallel the photoreduction of carbonyl compounds, and the photoreaction sequence proceeds via radical intermediates which are oxidized at the working electrode. The radical intermediates account for ca. 80% of the photocurrent, and the remaining signal is derived from the oxidation of various photoreduction and photohydrolysis products. The proposed mechanism is delineated by using both electrochemical and photochemical techniques, and the mechanism is successfully utilized to predict analyte reactivity. The analytical utility of photoelectrochemistry as the basis of a liquid chromatographic detector is demonstrated.
Solid-Liquid Equilibrium between Three Isomers of Tetramethylbenzene

The solid-liquid equilibrium relationships between three isomers of tetramethylbenzene were determined by melting point measurements, in relation to the fractional crystallization of durene from C10-aromatic mixture.1) Among three binary systems which were composed of a pair of tetramethylbenzenes respectively, durene-isodnrene and durene-prehnitene systems could be regarded as ideal solutions, but the remaining one could not be so.2) The ternary equilibrium diagram of durene-isodurenc-prehnitene system was built up experimentally with the data for the above examined three binary systems.3) From these reuslts it was concluded that the solubility of durene in each system composed of three isomers of T. M. B. could be given by the same curve as calculated theoretically and that it could be obtained as a primary crystal from those systems, so far as its concentration was over several percentages, regardless of the contents of other components.
Parasitoids (Hymenoptera : Aphidiidae and Aphelinidae) and their effect on aphid (Homoptera : Aphididae) populations in irrigated grain in southwestern Idaho

A survey of parasitoids of cereal aphids was conducted on irrigated wheat, Triticum aestivum L.; barley, Hordeum vulgare L.; and corn, Zea mays (L.) Moench., grown under irrigation in southwestern Idaho from 1986 to 1989. Six species of primary parasitoids (four species of Aphidiidae and two of Aphelinidae) and five species of hyperparasitoids (two species of Pteromalidae, one Megaspilidae, one Encyrtidae, and one Alloxystidae) were identified from 1,244 specimens obtained from the mummies of seven species of aphids that were found in the field or reared from 8,698 live, field-collected aphids. Aphidius eroi Haliday most frequently parasitized Sitobion avenae (F.), Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker), and Macrosiphon euphorbiae (Thomas) (≥91% ofthe primary parasitoids obtained), whereas Praon sp. (possibly gallicum Stary) attacked these aphids only occasionally. Multiple species of paras ito ids were reared from Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov) (six species), Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (four species), Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (five species), and R. maidis (Fitch) (four species); however, only Diaeretiella rapae (M'lntosh) and Aphelinus varipes (Foerster) were of importance for D. noxia or R. padi. Other parasitoids, including Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson), A. ervi , Praon sp., and Aphelinus sp., were occasionally found parasitizing this host. Developmental time at room temperature from host mummification to emergence of parasitoid adults was 5.0–5.5 d for A. eroi, 6.5–6.9 d for D. rapae, ≍8.5 d for Praon sp., and 9.8–12.1 d for A. varipes, with variation among the aphid hosts. Parasitism suppressed the populations of S. avenae more than those of M. dirhodum on small grains. The role of parasitoids in control of D. noxia was limited; parasitism exceeded 5% only during times of declining host populations. On corn, a high rate of parasitism of S. avenae , M. dirhodum , and M. euphorbiae , primarily by A. ervi , was observed from mid-June through July, while R. padi was subject to detectable mortality, mostly attributed to A. varipes , through early October.
Turbulent Flow in Longitudinally Finned Tubes

An experimental investigation of fully developed, steady, turbulent flow in longitudinally finned tubes has been performed. A two-channel, four-beam, laser-Doppler velocimeter was used to measure velocity profiles and turbulent statistics of air flow seeded with titanium dioxide particles. Mean velocities in axial, radial, and circumferential directions were measured over the tube cross sections and pressure drop in the tubes was measured at six stations along the test section length in order to calculate the fully developed friction factor. Four experimental tube geometries were studied: one smooth tube; two 8-finned tubes (fin height-to-radius ratios of 0.333 and 0.167), and one 16-finned tube (fin height-to-radius ratio of 0.167); detailed measurements were taken at air flow rates corresponding to Reynolds numbers of approximately 5,000, 25,000, and 50,000. Friction factor data were compared to literature results and showed good agreement for both smooth and finned tubes. The wall shear stress distribution varied significantly with reynolds number, particularly for Reynolds numbers of 25,000 and below. Maximum wall shear stress was found at the fin tip and minimum at the fin root. Four secondary flow cells were detected per fin (one in each interfin spacing and one in each core region for each fin); secondary flowsmore » were found to be small in comparison to the mean axial flow and relative magnitudes were unaffected by axial flow rate at Reynolds numbers above 25,000. The fluctuating velocities had a structure similar to that of the smooth tube in the core region while the turbulence in the interfin region was greatly reduced. The principal, primary shear stress distribution differed considerably from that of the smooth tube, particularly in the interfin region, and the orientation was found to be approximately in the same direction as the gradient of the mean axial velocity, supporting the use of an eddy viscosity formulation in turbulence modeling.« less
(Star PS)‐block‐(Linear PI)‐block‐(Star PS) Triblock Copolymers – Thermoplastic Elastomers with Complex Branched Architectures

Polystyrene-block-polyisoprene-block-polystyrene triblock copolymers were synthesized with star-shaped branching in the polystyrene phase. The block copolymers were formed through sequential anionic polymerization by first synthesizing linear polystyrene, followed by star coupling using 4-(chlorodimethylsilyl)styrene, then the polymerization of isoprene, followed by difunctional coupling with dichlorodimethylsilane. The polymerization was followed by gel permeation chromatography and the resulting copolymers were characterized by 'H NMR spectroscopy to examine the polyisoprene microstructure.
Regulation of Extrinsic Pathway Factor Xa Formation by Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor

Abstract Tissue factor (TF) pathway inhibitor (TFPI) regulates factor X activation through the sequential inhibition of factor Xa and the VIIa·TF complex. Factor Xa formation was studied in a purified, reconstituted system, at plasma concentrations of factor X and TFPI, saturating concentrations of factor VIIa, and increasing concentrations of TF reconstituted into phosphatidylcholine:phosphatidylserine membranes (TF/PCPS) or PC membranes (TF/PC). The initial rate of factor Xa formation was equivalent in the presence or absence of 2.4 nm TFPI. However, reaction extent was small ( 108 m −1·s−1) that was substantially greater than the value (7.34 ± 0.8 × 106 m −1·s−1) directly measured. Thus, VIIa·TF is inhibited at near diffusion-limited rates by Xa·TFPI formed during catalysis which cannot be explained by studies of the isolated reaction. We propose that the predominant inhibitory pathway during factor X activation may involve the initial inhibition of factor Xa either bound to or in the near vicinity of VIIa·TF on the membrane surface. As a result, VIIa·TF inhibition is unexpectedly rapid, and the concentration of active factor Xa that escapes regulation is linearly dependent on the availability of TF.
Complex Nanostructures: Synthesis and Energetic Applications

Connected through single crystalline junctions, low dimensional materials such as nanowires and nanorods form complex nanostructures. These new materials exhibit mechanical strengths and electrical conductivities superior to their constituents while maintaining comparable surface areas, an attribute ideal for energetic applications. More efficient solar cells, higher capacity batteries and better performing photoelectrochemical cells have been built using these materials. This article reviews this exciting new class of materials and covers topics from controlled syntheses to applications in photovoltaics, chemical energy conversion and electrical charge storage. Mechanisms responsible for the improved performance are discussed. The prospect of their applications in a broader energy-related field is analyzed.
CAN VIRUS LABORATORY HELP IN THE MANAGEMENT OF INFANTS HOSPITALIZED FOR SUSPECTED SEPSIS

Young infants hospitalized with signs of sepsis are generally evaluated and treated for bacterial diseases, but only a few are culture positive. The possible impact of virus diagnosis in the routine treatment of such infants was not previously studied. We studied prospectively from July 1, 1982 to June 30, 1984 233 previously healthy infants < 3-months-old hospitalized for suspected sepsis in order to determine: 1) presence of bacterial and viral pathogens; 2) the ability of the virus laboratory to provide the appropriate diagnosis within 72 hrs from admission. Bacterial infections were found in 23 infants (bacteremia - 5, bacteremia + meningitis - 4, UTI - 4, Bacterial gastroenteritis - 4, soft tissue/skeletal infect. - 6). Virus was detected in 138/233 (65%) infants (positive culture - 132, IFA - 34, CIE - 3). The most commonly detected viruses during the summer were enteroviruses (EV) - 63% of infants. During the winter, the most common viruses were respiratory syncytial virus and influenza A virus - 65% of the infants. Of the EV infected infants virus was isolated from blood, CSF or both in 63%. Virus was detected in 33% of the virus-positive infants within 24 hours of admission, 56% within 48 h and 64% within 72 h. Viral infections cause most hospitalization for suspected sepsis in infants < 3-months-old, and can often be detected early enough to influence management decisions.
Self-state representations: Patterns of interconnected beliefs with specific holistic meanings and importance

Self-discrepancy theory proposes that distinct relations among different self-state representations (e.g., the actual, ideal, ought, and can selves) can produce distress. Like cybernetic theory, it assumes that people self-regulate through a discrepancy-reducing feedback process. Like cognitive neuroscience theory, it assumes that the internal representations are interconnected such that activation of one element can initiate the running off of established patterns. Like Gestalt psychology, it assumes that each pattern has a meaning and importance that is not deducible from knowledge of the isolated elements. Together, these assumptions yield predictions that pose challenges for simple theories of knowledge representation. Evidence for two such predictions is presented: (1) Exposure to positive input can produce distress; and (2) the same belief can produce more distress when combined with a positive than with a negative belief.
Kidney protection and regeneration following acute injury: progress through stem cell therapy.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical entity with high morbidity and mortality rates and ever increasing medical costs. A large number of patients who are hospitalized with morbidities such as diabetes, vascular disease, or chronic kidney disease are at high risk to develop AKI due to ischemic and nephrotoxic insults. The pathophysiology of ischemic and toxic forms of AKI is complex and includes tubular and vascular cell damage and inflammation. Given the seriousness of this essentially therapy-resistant complication, treatment beyond supportive measures and renal replacement therapy is urgently needed. Recent stem cell research has shown promising results, and cell therapy–based interventions are advancing into clinical trials. An example is our phase 1 clinical trial (NCT00733876) in which cardiac surgery patients at high risk of postoperative AKI were treated safely with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells. Together with the introduction of biomarkers for an earlier and specific AKI diagnosis, currently tested stem cell–based therapies are expected to provide an entirely new class of diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
The murine p8 gene promoter is activated by activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in the gonadotrope-derived L\T2 cell line

The factor p8 is a high mobility group (HMG) A family member that is upregulated during the cellular stress response in numerous tissues. Because expression of this protein encourages cellular transformation, our goal is to characterize the mechanism by which the p8 gene is regulated. Using LsT2 cells as a model of a transformed cell in which p8 plays a role in tumor formation, we dissected the p8 promoter into its minimal functional units and found that activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), a factor also upregulated during cellular stress responses, enhances p8 promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, ATF4 binds in the highly conserved major activation domain of the p8 proximal promoter between-130 and-100 bp. Furthermore, we show that six of the nine base pairs that encompass the putative element are essential for ATF4 binding. These findings increase our know ledge of the mechanisms regulating the p8 gene in a genetically defined tumor model.
Chemical and elemental composition of big bluestem as affected by ecotype and planting location along the precipitation gradient of the Great Plains

Abstract Three big bluestem ecotypes from central Kansas (Cedar Bluffs and Webster populations), eastern Kansas (Konza and Top of the World populations), and Illinois (12Mile and Fults populations), as well as the Kaw cultivar, were harvested from four reciprocal garden planting locations (Colby, Hays, and Manhattan, KS; and Carbondale, IL) and evaluated for their chemical (glucan, xylan, arabinan, lignin and ash) and elemental (carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur) compositions. The objective of this research was to study the effects of ecotype and planting location on the chemical and elemental compositions of big bluestem along the Great Plains precipitation gradient (∼1200 to 400 mm mean annual precipitation). All the populations revealed a large variation in cellulose (31.8–36.5%), hemicellulose (24.96–29.74%), lignin (14.4–18.0%), carbon (47.3–51.3%), and nitrogen (4.91–6.44%). Planting location had significant effects on both chemical and elemental compositions of big bluestem. Ecotype had significant effects on glucan, xylan, lignin, and ash contents as well as on carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen elemental fractions. In addition, the interaction between ecotype and planting location had significant effects on glucan, lignin, and hydrogen. Planting location had a greater effect on chemical and elemental compositions than the ecotype and interaction between location and ecotype. The total sugar content of the big bluestem (regardless of ecotype) increased as the Great Plains precipitation gradient increased from west to east. Annual precipitation, growing degree days and potential evapotranspiration in 2010 explained up to 97%, 88% and 80% of the variation in compositions, respectively.
Laparoscopic repair reduces incidence of surgical site infections for all ventral hernias

The role of laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias remains incompletely defined. We hypothesize that laparoscopy, compared to open repair with mesh, decreases surgical site infection (SSI) for all ventral hernia types. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were reviewed to identify studies evaluating outcomes of laparoscopic versus open repair with mesh of ventral hernias and divided into groups (primary or incisional). Studies with high risk of bias were excluded. Primary outcomes of interest were recurrence and SSI. Fixed effects model was used unless significant heterogeneity, assessed with the Higgins I square (I 2), was encountered. There were 5 and 15 studies for primary and incisional cohorts. No difference was seen in recurrence between laparoscopic and open repair in the two hernia groups. SSI was more common with open repair in both hernia groups: primary (OR 4.17, 95 %CI [2.03–8.55]) and incisional (OR 5.16, 95 %CI [2.79–9.57]). Laparoscopic repair, compared to open repair with mesh, decreases rates of SSI in all types of ventral hernias with no difference in recurrence. These data suggest that laparoscopic approach may be the treatment of choice for all types of ventral hernias.
Differences in cervical cancer mortality among black and white women.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether stage of disease and treatment patterns account for mortality differences between black and white women with cervical cancer. Methods: Using data obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program for 1988–1994, we determined the associations between race and stage, and race and treatment. Racial differences in survival for up to 7 years of follow-up were adjusted for age, marital status, SEER location, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage of disease, lymph node status, grade, histology, and treatment. Results: Cumulative mortality was 36% (366 deaths in 1029 women) for black women and 24% (1215 deaths in 5021 women) for white women; unadjusted hazard ratio was 1.60 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43, 1.80). Black women were more likely to present with advanced disease than white women (43.8% compared with 34.8%). In a model adjusting for demographics and FIGO stage, the hazard ratio for black women compared with white women decreased to 1.35 (95% CI 1.19, 1.54). Treatment varied by race, with black women receiving surgery less often (33.5% compared with 48.2%, respectively) and radiation therapy more often (35.3% and 25.2%, respectively) than white women. In a comprehensive model including demographic factors, FIGO stage, other tumor characteristics, and treatment, the adjusted hazard ratio for mortality remained high for black women at 1.30 (95% CI 1.14, 1.48). Conclusion: Race remains an independent predictor of cervical cancer survival after accounting for age, stage of disease, treatment patterns, and other factors. Future studies should assess racial differences in clinical severity of disease, comorbidity, and socioeconomic status.
Support of respiration and citrulline synthesis by isolated hepatic mitochondria from Squalus acanthias by acyl-CoAs and other nitrogen-donating substrates.

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of different substrates supporting respiration and glutamine-dependent citrulline synthesis from ornithine, ammonia, and bicarbonate by isolated hepatic mitochondria from Squalus acanthias (spiny dogfish) were determined. 2. 2. Highest rates of respiration were achieved with succinate, palmitoyl-CoA, and β-hydroxybutyrate as oxidizable substrates. All acyl-CoAs tested (from C-2 to C-22) supported carnitine-dependent respiration at a substantial rate. Short-chain fatty acids did not support respiration. 3. 3. Ammonia required for citrulline synthesis could be formed from glutamate, or from leucine plus α-ketoglutarate which gives rise to glutamate by transamination, as the result of glutamate dehydrogenase activity, but the reaction was inhibited by succinate or other oxidizable substrates. Alanine or ornithine could not be substituted for leucine, suggesting that leucine may specifically activate glutamate dehydrogenase. 4. 4. Glutamate required for citrulline synthesis could be formed from α-ketoglutarate and ammonia as the result of glutamate dehydrogenase activity if succinate was present. Transamination of α-ketoglutarate with ornithine present in the reaction mixtures provided glutamate at a rapid rate whether or not succinate was present. 5. 5. These results are consistent with the view that hepatic dogfish mitochondria efficiently utilize acyl-CoAs derived from triglyceride stores in the liver to support respiration, glutamine-dependent citrulline synthesis from ammonia, and formation of ketone bodies as a major fuel for muscle.
Prayer Coping, Disclosure of Trauma, and Mental Health Symptoms Among Recently Deployed United States Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Conflicts

U.S. military veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts are at risk for developing adverse mental health symptoms. This study was conducted to examine the associations between prayer coping, attitudes toward trauma disclosure, and mental health symptoms (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] and depression) among 110 U.S. veterans who had returned from deployments in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom within the previous 6 months. Bivariate analyses revealed that prayer coping was positively correlated with an urge to talk about potentially traumatic experiences. When controlling for combat exposure, social support, and disclosure attitudes, multivariate regression analyses indicated that two of the prayer functions—praying for assistance and for calm and focus—were each uniquely linked with less PTSD and depressive symptomatology. In addition, a reliance on avoidant prayer was uniquely correlated with greater depressive symptomatology. These findings support emerging ideas about p...
Joint attention in autism: Teaching smiling coordinated with gaze to respond to joint attention bids

Abstract Children with autism demonstrate early deficits in joint attention and expressions of affect. Interventions to teach joint attention have addressed gaze behavior, gestures, and vocalizations, but have not specifically taught an expression of positive affect such as smiling that tends to occur during joint attention interactions. Intervention was applied to teach smile and gaze shift with eye contact to respond to others’ joint attention instructions. All targeted responses increased during intervention, with generalized performance as well as maintenance of performance during follow-up. Related measures of joint attention and characteristics of autism showed overall improvements from pre- to post-intervention.
The relation between pain beliefs, negative thoughts, and psychosocial functioning in chronic pain patients

Cognitions and beliefs appear important in predicting adjustment to chronic pain. The current study examines how cognitions and beliefs are related to psychosocial functioning. One hundred and sixty-three chronic pain out-patients were assessed. Regression analyses were performed using scores on the Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory and the Inventory of Negative Thoughts in Response to Pain as predictor variables and responses to the West Haven Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory as criterion variables. Pain cognitions and pain beliefs were correlated. After controlling for demographics, employment status and pain severity, pain beliefs and cognitions accounted for a significant amount of the variance in general activity, pain interference, and affective distress. Negative cognitions, particularly negative self-statements, were more predictive of outcome than pain beliefs. Although these data are correlational, they provide additional support for a biopsychosocial model of adjustment to chronic pain.
Chronic hypoxia in vivo renders neocortical neurons more vulnerable to subsequent acute hypoxic stress

We studied the neurophysiology of neurons from the central nervous system (CNS) of rats that were exposed to a long-term (3-4 weeks) low oxygen (FiO2 = 9.5 +/- 0.5%) environment (exposed). Age-matched normoxic animals served as controls (naive). We measured membrane potential (Vm) and input resistance (Rm) at rest and in response to two levels (20% and 0% O2) of acute in vitro hypoxia using intracellular recordings in the brain slice from two areas of the CNS, layer 2/3 of the neocortex (NCX) and the hypoglossal nucleus in the brainstem (XII). Resting Vm and Rm were not different between exposed and naive neurons. However, acute hypoxia elicited dramatic differences between exposed and naive NCX neurons. Exposed NCX depolarized 5 x more (delta Vm = 53.2 +/- 7.0 mV; n = 13; mean +/- S.E.M.) than naive NCX (delta Vm = 10.6 +/- 2.0; n = 8) in response to 20% O2. In 0% O2, naive NCX showed anoxic depolarization (delta Vm > 20 mV/min) much sooner (mean latency of 4.8 +/- 0.4 min; n = 18) than naive NCX (8.8 +/- 1.0 min; n = 19). Rm decreased 2-4 times more in exposed NCX compared to naive NCX in response to O2 deprivation. In addition, while all naive NCX recovered to baseline Vm and Rm when re-oxygenated, exposed NCX exhibited a much slower recovery compared to naive NCX, and almost 20% of the exposed NCX failed to recover Vm and Rm following in vitro hypoxia. In contrast to NCX, there was little difference between exposed XII and naive XII. We conclude that chronic hypoxia renders neurons in the neocortex more vulnerable to subsequent acute stress such as O2 deprivation.
Role of physical and neuroendocrine factors in proximal electrolyte reabsorption.

Abstract Isotonic reabsorption by the proximal tubule is mediated by an active transport process that is subject to physiologic control mechanisms. One school of thought proposes that the primary, and perhaps overriding, variables regulating proximal transport are physical factors (oncotic and hydrostatic pressures) in the peritubule environment. However, recent data indicate that membrane permeability is an important variable that must be considered when evaluating the regulatory role of physical factors. Such changes in membrane permeability could be the mechanism by which certain hormones regulate reabsorption by the proximal tubule. Hormones effecting sodium transport per se, such as aldosterone, do not have any effect on proximal reabsorption. However, hormones, such as parathyroid hormone, which have a primary effect on an anion reabsorption, specifically bicarbonate and phosphate, are effective in regulating proximal reabsorption. It is suggested that the physiologic regulation of isotonic reabsorption by the proximal tubule is mediated by hormonal regulation of these anions.
Alcohols selectively stimulate phospholipase D-mediated hydrolysis of phosphatidylethanolamine in NIH 3T3 cells

Abstract Addition of alcohols to NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, prelabeled with [2-14C]ethanolamine, resulted in increased degradation of [14C]phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn). Long-chain alcohols, like octanol or nonanol, were more potent than methanol or ethanol. The main water-soluble product of alcohol-stimulated [14C]PtdEtn hydrolysis was [14C]ethanolamine. Addition of ethanol to cells, specifically prelabeled with [32P]PtdEtn, enhanced the formation of [32P]phosphatidic acid (PtdOH), suggesting the involvement of a phospholipase D-type enzyme. At lower concentrations (10–150 mM), ethanol acted through a protein kinase C (PKC)-independent mechanism. At higher concentrations (150–300 mM), the effect of ethanol was partially inhibited both by the PKC inhibitor H7 and by the down-regulation of PKC achieved by treatment of cells with 200 nM TPA for 24 h, suggesting that activation of PKC contributed to the ethanol effect. Alcohol; Phospholipase D; Phosphatidylethanolamine hydrolysis
Vilazodone: a brief pharmacological and clinical review of the novel serotonin partial agonist and reuptake inhibitor

Background: Vilazodone is the latest US Food and Drug Administration approved antidepressant agent available in the USA. Its putative mechanism of antidepressant action enhances the release of sero...
Teaching a Research Methods Course in Developmental Psychology: Some Principles, Methods, and Problems.

Experimental Child Psychology taught by a teacher who believes that research is fun only if the problems are not too easily solved.
Critical points in low-energy positron-atom scattering

Critical points, which represent minima in differential scattering cross sections as a function of scattering angle and incident projectile energy, are theoretically predicted for elastic scattering of low-energy positrons by Ar, Kr, and Xe. It is demonstrated that these points arise due to low-energy positron diffraction effects.
Acceleration waves in an extensible elastica

Abstract We consider here the propagation of acceleration waves in planar elastic rods that are capable of bending and stretching. The moment-curvature and force-stretch relations used have sufficient generality as to afford a description of materially inhomogeneous, geometrically non-uniform, slender elastic rods undergoing finite deformations. It is shown that either the curvature of the rod or its rate of stretch suffers a jump discontinuity at an acceleration wave. The former wave is shown to have the characteristics of a longitudinal shock wave propagating into an inhomogeneous elastic body. Speeds of propagation and conditions governing the evolutionary behavior of these waves are derived. Discontinuities induced by these waves, and higher order waves are also considered.
Holocene forest development and maintenance on different substrates in the Klamath Mountains, northern California, USA.

The influence of substrate on long-term vegetation dynamics has received little attention, and yet nutrient-limited ecosystems have some of the highest levels of endemism in the world. The diverse geology of the Klamath Mountains of northern California (USA) allows examination of the long-term influence of edaphic constraints in subalpine forests through a comparison of vegetation histories between nutrient-limited ultramafic substrates and terrain that is more fertile. Pollen and charcoal records spanning up to 15 000 years from ultramafic settings reveal a distinctly different vegetation history compared to other soil types. In non-ultramafic settings, the dominant trees and shrubs shifted in elevation in response to Holocene climate variations resulting in compositional and structural changes, whereas on ultramafic substrates changes were primarily structural, not compositional. Fire activity was similar through most of the Holocene with the exception of declines over the last 4000 years on ultramafic substrates, likely due to the reduction of understory fuels and cooler wetter conditions than in the middle Holocene. These results suggest that the tree and shrub distributions were more responsive to past climate changes on non-ultramafic substrates compared to those on ultramafic substrates. The combination of these dynamics may help explain high levels of plant diversity in the Klamath Mountains and provide insights for managing these complex ecosystems.
An HIV RNase H Inhibitory 1,3,4,5-Tetragalloylapiitol from the African Plant Hylodendron gabunensis

A new compound, 1,3,4,5-tetragalloylapiitol (1), was isolated from the aqueous extract of the plant Hylodendron gabunensis and was found to be a potent inhibitor of RNase H enzymatic activity. The structure of 1 was elucidated by NMR analyses to be an apiitol (2) sugar moiety substituted with four gallic acid residues. Optical rotation measurements of the free sugar following basic hydrolysis indicated that the 3S absolute configuration was the same as that of d-apiitol. Compound 1 inhibited HIV-1, HIV-2, and human RNase H with IC50 values of 0.24, 0.13, and 1.5 µM, respectively, but it did not show inhibition of E. coli RNase H at 10 µM.
Preoperative x-ray therapy as an adjunct to radical neck dissection.

The incidence of cervical recurrence following radical neck dissection for cancer of the head and neck region is reported from various clinics to be 25 to 30%. In an attempt to reduce this high incidence, a controlled prospective study of the effect of preoperative radiation to the neck was established. Patients subjected to radical neck dissection for epidermoid cancer were included. Those born on odd-numbered birthdays received 2,000 R to the entire neck in 5 equal treatments on successive days from Betatron or 60Cobalt source. Those born on even-numbered birthdays received no preoperative radiation and serve as controls. The surgery was carried out as soon as possible after the completion of the irradiation. A review of 5 years experience with the program reveals that this low dosage preoperative radiation had no demonstrable adverse effects on the operative procedure, the incidence of postoperative complications or the duration of postoperative hospitalization. The treated patients enjoyed a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of cervical recurrence, especially in those patients with histologically proven cervical nodal metastases where the difference between the treated and the control series was highly significant.
Determination of the half-life of lipoprotein lipase in cultured granulosa cells.

Abstract The incorporation of [ 3 H]leucine into granulosa lipoprotein lipase was determined by an immunoadsorbent method: a sensitive, specific, and quantitative technique using antiserum to avian adipose lipoprotein lipase coupled to Sepharose 4B as the immunoadsorbent. The sole 3 H-labeled protein bound to the immunoadsorbent was shown to be lipoprotein lipase by: (1) sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, (2) gel filtration on Sephadex G-100, and (3) isoelectric focusing in 8 M urea of the dissociated protein. As measured by a specific radioimmunoassay, all but 4.5% of total enzyme protein, from 1.45 to 380 ng avian lipase, bound to 200 μl immunoadsorbent. This immunoadsorbent has a quantitative binding capacity (96.5%) over a 200-fold range of enzyme concentration. Using this method, the half-life of lipoprotein lipase under steady-state conditions in cultured granulosa cells was found to be 11.26 h.
Tc-99m red blood cell scintigraphic detection of CMV-induced small bowel hemorrhage

A 4-month-old female child, recently diagnosed with parentally-acquired HIV complicated by moderate immunosuppression and pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), presented with hematochezia. A Tc-99m bleeding study was performed and demonstrated a site of brisk bleeding in the distal ileum. The patient was taken to the operating room and resection of the distal ileum revealed the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) enteritis. In immunocompromised children presenting with gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, CMV enteritis should be considered.
Forces causing osmotic pressure.

Abstract An analysis of forces acting on a simple system that includes a solvent, solute, and a semipermeable membrane shows the basic mechanism of osmotic pressure can be expressed as any of three forces: that due to the interaction of solute particles with the semipermeable membrane; that due to the cohesiveness of the solvent; or that due to the solute particles interacting with the free surface of the solvent.
Impact wear of elastomers

Abstract Prior studies of the impact wear of elastomers have led to the identification of several critical phenomena, such as thermal and chemical degradation and the existence of the threshold stress phenomena, beyond which catastrophic wear occurs. These studies, however, provided very little information about the normal progression of the damage below threshold values or in the absence of catastrophic failure. The present paper presents the results of a study concerned with the normal progression of wear, which was stimulated by design optimization, reliability and life goals. The results of a series of impact wear tests on several elastomers are reviewed and their general behavior is summarized. A model for the impact wear of elastomers is developed and compared with the experimental results. This model is then applied to several practical engineering situations and the theoretical results compared with the corresponding experimental results. It was concluded that there are two phases for the impact wear of elastomers. The initial phase, which does not result in loss of material, tends to stabilize, and is similar to compression set. The latter phase involves material loss and primarily results from a surface fatigue mechanism.
Capacity of distributed MIMO with finite size

Previous work has shown that distributed cooperative MIMO systems (e.g., the hierarchical MIMO cooperation scheme) can provide large gains in capacity if the size of the MIMO systems is a function of the total number of nodes in the network (n). However, no results have been reported on the scaling laws of distributed cooperative MIMO systems when the number of transmit and receive antennas are of finite size, which is the case in real networks. This paper uses the extended network model to demonstrate that, if the size of distributed MIMO systems is restricted to a finite size, then there is at most a constant gain compared to point-to-point communications. Opportunistic interference management (OIM) is introduced as an alternative to distributed MIMO, and it is shown that it provides higher order gains than distributed cooperative MIMO systems under the same assumption of having a finite number of transmit and receive antennas. More specifically, OIM achieves a throughput capacity of equation in fading channels when the transmission range T (n) is equation where θ is a constant parameter close to zero. This constitutes an order gain of Θ (log log 2 over Θ log n) compared to point-to-point communications and distributed MIMO systems! Given that it is much easier to implement OIM schemes than distributed cooperative MIMO systems, these results indicate that OIM is a far better choice to making wireless ad hoc networks scale than distributed cooperative MIMO systems.
Joint moment control of mechanical energy flow during normal gait

The study purpose was to estimate the ability of joint moments to transfer mechanical energy through the leg and trunk during gait. A segmental power analysis of five healthy adult subjects revealed that internal joint extensor moments removed energy from the leg and added energy to the trunk, while flexor moments and gravity produced the opposite effects. The only exception to this pattern was during the push off phase of gait when the ankle plantar flexor moment added energy to both the leg and the trunk. Pairs of joint moments with opposite energetic effects (knee extensor vs gravity, hip flexor vs ankle plantar flexor) worked together to balance energy flows through the segments. This intralimb coordination suggests that moments with contradictory effects are generated simultaneously to control mechanical energy flow within the body during walking.