cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contribution of tropical cyclones to extreme rainfall events in the southeastern United States

Extreme precipitation has been increasing in the United States over the past century. In light of the associated impacts and possible linkages to climate change, this topic has garnered a great deal of attention from the scientific community and general public. Because tropical cyclones are a common source of heavy rainfall in the southeastern United States, we examined the contribution of tropical cyclone precipitation relative to overall extreme precipitation from all weather systems combined. We used a surface observation network over the period 1972-2007, consisting of first-order and Cooperative Observer Program weather stations. Furthermore, to account for precipitation that may be unmeasured by rain gauges because of windy conditions during tropical cyclones, we employed a wind-corrected data set and the North American Regional Reanalysis. According to several metrics of extreme precipitation, we found that extreme precipitation from tropical cyclones has been increasing over the past few decades. Additionally, the contribution of tropical cyclone precipitation to overall extreme precipitation has been significantly increasing by approximately 5%-10% per decade in the southeastern Atlantic coastal states. We attribute this rise in tropical cyclone contribution to an increase in both the storm wetness (precipitation per storm) and storm frequency over the period of record. There is little evidence that changes in storm duration are responsible for the increase. As such, we believe that an important factor in accurately projecting changes in extreme precipitation rests on whether tropical cyclone activity is driven more by natural decadal oscillations or by large-scale warming of the environment.
Epidemiology of traumatic brain injury patients at Kilimanjaro Christian medical centre, Moshi, Tanzania

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects 10 million people annually. Clinical epidemiology can inform prevention initiatives to curb this burden. Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) is a referral hospital for 11million people with neurosurgical capacity located in Moshi, Tanzania. Methods Secondary analysis of a prospective observational TBI Acute Care Registry at the KCMC Casualty Department (CD) included all patients presenting between May 5 and July 27th, 2013. Means with standard deviations (SD), Fisher's exact or Chi-squared with a binomial logistic regression reporting Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated using Stata IC (College Station, TX). Results 171 total patients were enrolled in the TBI Registry. The mean age was 32.1 years (range 1–99, SD 16.6), with 71% between 15 and 45years of age. 82% were male and 28% cases involved alcohol. Causes of TBI were road traffic injuries (RTI) (74%), assaults (13%) or falls (8%). 52% of RTI's involved motorcycle users. The mean Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) was 12.6 (range 3-15, SD 4.04) with 19% of patients having severe TBI (GCS of Conclusion Most TBI patients were young males involved in road traffic collisions, predominantly involving motorcycles. Over a quarter of them involve alcohol. Our data support that TBI causes significant death and disability.
Distinct and expanded roles for reference librarians

Purpose – Proposes advocating that reference librarians have a distinct and important role in the development, management, dissemination, and sustainability of institutional repositories.Design/methodology/approach – Suggests working with faculty and students to encourage them to share their research and instructional products, and to contribute to the extension of their discipline's knowledge base in new and meaningful ways.Findings – Notes that reference librarians are natural partners to be involved with institutional repositories because of their service orientation, subject experience as knowledge managers, and communication skills.Originality/value – Makes important recommendations about the role of the reference librarian in contributing to the success of institutional repositories.
Substratum contacts and cytoskeletal reorganization of BALB/c 3T3 cells on a cell-binding fragment and heparin-binding fragments of plasma fibronectin

Abstract BALB/c 3T3 cells make both close contacts and tight-focal contacts (with associated microfilament stress fibers) on plasma fibronectin (pFN)-coated substrata. To resolve the importance of the heparan sulfate-binding or cell-binding activities of the pFN molecule in these adhesive responses, a cell-binding fragment (120K) (CBF) free of any heparan sulfate-binding activity was prepared from human pFN by chymotrypic digestion and isolated as described by Pierschbacher et al. (Cell 26 (1981) 259) [13]. These adhesive responses to CBF were also compared to those of the model heparan sulfate-binding protein, platelet factor-4 (PF4), or heparin-binding fragments (HBF) of pFN. On intact pFN, >70% of the cells formed tight-focal contacts and associated stress fibers by 4 h, the latter staining with NBD-phallacidin. In contrast, cells spread differently on CBF and failed to form tight-focal contacts; staining with NBD-phallacidin was localized to spiky projections at the cell margin with no detectable stress fiber formation. On PF4 or HBF, cells failed to form tight-focal contacts but did spread well and formed long microfilament bundles in peripheral lamellae. Spreading on CBF, HBF, or PF4 was paralleled by formation of close contacts. Spreading and to some extent attachment of cells on CBF was inhibited with a small peptide containing the ArgGlyAspSer sequence; responses on HBF were unaffected by this peptide. When mixtures of CBF and PF4 were tested, cells still failed to form tight-focal contacts and stress fibers. These results demonstrate that the binding of CBF to its probable receptor under conditions routinely used to assay spreading activity results in an incomplete adhesive response compared with intact pFN. While this partial response may result from quantitative differences in the density of active cell-binding domains on the substratum, the pattern of microfilament reorganization produced by the binding of PF4 to cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans suggests that the ability of pFN to promote formation of tight-focal contacts and stress fibers may reside in the coordinate interaction of two or more binding activities in the intact molecule.
Induction of cIAP-2 in Human Colon Cancer Cells through PKCδ/NF-κB

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) prevents apoptosis in certain cells; however, the mechanisms are largely unknown. Inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP) family members, including NAIP, cIAP-1, cIAP-2, XIAP/hILP, survivin, and BRUCE, block apoptosis by binding and potently inhibiting caspases. Activation of NF-κB contributes to cIAP-2 induction; however, the cellular mechanisms regulating cIAP-2 expression have not been entirely defined. In this study, we examined the role of the PKC and NF-κB pathways in the regulation of cIAP-2 in human colon cancers. We found that cIAP-2 mRNA levels were markedly increased in human colon cancer cells by treatment with the phorbol ester, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), or bryostatin 1. Inhibitors of the Ca2+-independent, novel PKC isoforms, but not inhibitors of MAPK, PI3-kinase, or PKA, blocked PMA-stimulated cIAP-2 mRNA expression, suggesting a role of PKC in PMA-mediated cIAP-2 induction. Pretreatment with the PKCδ-selective inhibitor rottlerin or transfection with an antisense PKCδ oligonucleotide inhibited PMA-induced cIAP-2 expression, whereas cotransfection with a PKCδ plasmid induced cIAP-2 promoter activity, which, taken together, identifies a role for PKCδ in cIAP-2 induction. Treatment with the proteasome inhibitor, MG132 or inhibitors of NF-κB (e.g. PDTC and gliotoxin), decreased PMA-induced up-regulation of cIAP-2. PMA-induced NF-κB activation was blocked by either GF109203x, MG132, PDTC, or gliotoxin. Moreover, overexpression of PKCδ-induced cIAP-2 promoter activity and increased NF-κB transactivation, suggesting regulation of cIAP-2 expression by a PKCδ/NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate a role for a PKC/NF-κB-dependent pathway in the regulation of cIAP-2 expression in human colon cancer cells. These data suggest a novel mechanism for the anti-apoptotic function mediated by the PKCδ/NF-κB/cIAP-2 pathway in certain cancers.
The medial graph and voltage-current duality

Abstract The theories of current graphs and voltage graphs give powerful methods for constructing graph embeddings and branched coverings of surfaces. Gross and Alpert first showed that these two theories were dual, that is, that a current assignment on an embedded graph was equivalent to a voltage assignment on the embedded dual. In this paper we examine current and voltage graphs in the context of the medial graph, a 4-regular graph formed from an embedded graph which encodes both the primal and dual graphs. As a consequence we obtain new insights into voltage-current duality, including wrapped coverings. We also develop a method for simultaneously giving a voltage and a current assignment on an embedded graph in the case that the voltage-current group is abelian. We apply this technique to construct self-dual embeddings for a variety of graphs. We also construct orientable and non-orientable embeddings of K p , q with dual K r , s for all possible p , q , r , s even with pq = rs .
On the derivative of the Perron vector whose infinity norm is fixed

In the recent paper the authors studied the derivaties of the Perron vector at an n × n essentially nonnegative and irreducible matrix A when the Perron vector is subjected to the normalization that one of its components is held a fixed constant in a neighbourhood of A or that the pth norm of the of the eigenvector is held a fixed constant in such a neighborhood. The Perron vector subject to the normalization that its infinity norm is held a fixed constant in a neighborhood of A does not necessarily imply that it is differentiable at A. In this paper we give formulas for the first derivative of this Perron vector where it is differentiable. Our formulas also accommodate left and right derivatives of the eigenvector.
Myocardial short-range force responses increase with age in F344 rats

The mechanical properties of triton-permeabilized ventricular preparations isolated from 4, 18 and 24-month-old F344 rats were analyzed to provide information about the molecular mechanisms that lead to age-related increases in diastolic myocardial stiffness in these animals. Passive stiffness (measured in solutions with minimal free Ca(2+)) did not change with age. This implies that the aging-associated dysfunction is not due to changes in titin or collagen molecules. Ca(2+)-activated preparations exhibited a characteristic short-range force response: force rose rapidly until the muscle reached its elastic limit and less rapidly thereafter. The elastic limit increased from 0.43+/-0.01% l(0) (where l(0) is the initial muscle length) in preparations from 4-month-old animals to 0.49+/-0.01% l(0) in preparations from 24-month-old rats (p<0.001, ANOVA). Relative short-range force was defined as the maximum force produced during the short-range response normalized to the prevailing tension. This parameter increased from 0.110+/-0.002 to 0.142+/-0.002 over the same age-span (p<0.001, ANOVA). Analytical gel electrophoresis showed that the maximum stiffness of the preparations during the short-range response and the relative short-range force increased (p=0.031 and p=0.005 respectively) with the relative content of slow beta myosin heavy chain molecules. Elastic limit values did not correlate with myosin isoform content. Simulations based on these results suggest that attached beta myosin heavy chain cross-bridges are stiffer than links formed by alpha myosin heads. In conclusion, elevated content of stiffer beta myosin heavy chain molecules may contribute to aging-associated increases in myocardial stiffness.
Gas-liquid two-phase flow in narrow horizontal annuli

Abstract Experimental data associated with the two-phase flow regimes, void fraction and pressure drop in horizontal, narrow, concentric annuli are presented. Two transparent test sections, one with inner and outer diameters of 6.6 and 8.6 mm, and an overall length of 46.0 cm; the other with 33.2 and 35.2 mm diameters and 43.0 cm length, respectively, were used. Near-atmospheric air and water constituted the gas and liquid phases, respectively. The gas and liquid superficial velocities were varied in the 0.02–57 and 0.1–6.1 m s −1 ranges, respectively. The major two-phase flow patterns observed included bubbly, slug/plug, churn, stratified, and annular. Transitional regimes, where the characteristics of two distinct flow regimes could be observed in the test sections, included bubbly-plug, stratified-slug and annular-slug. The obtained flow regime maps were different than flow regime maps typical of large horizontal channels and microchannels with circular cross-sections. They were also different from the flow regimes in rectangular thin channels. The measured average void fractions for the two test sections were compared with predictions of several empirical correlations. Overall, a correlation proposed by Butterworth [Butterworth, D., 1975. A comparison of some void fraction relationships for co-current gas–liquid flow. Int. J. Multiphase Flow 1, 845–850] based on the results of Lockhart and Martinelli (1949) provided the most accurate prediction of the measured void fractions. The measured pressure drops were compared with predictions of several empirical correlations. The correlation of Friedel [Friedel, L., 1979. Improved friction pressure drop correlations for horizontal and vertical two-phase pipe flow. 3R Int. 18, 485–492] was found to provide the best overall agreement with the data.
Hidden Quasi-One-Dimensional Superconductivity in Sr 2 RuO 4

We show that the interplay between spin and charge fluctuations in ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}{\mathrm{RuO}}_{4}$ leads unequivocally to triplet pairing which has a hidden quasi-one-dimensional character. The resulting superconducting state spontaneously breaks time-reversal symmetry and is of the form $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\sim}({p}_{x}+i{p}_{y})\stackrel{^}{z}$ with sharp gap minima and a $d$ vector that is only weakly pinned. The superconductor lacks robust chiral Majorana fermion modes along the boundary. The absence of topologically protected edge modes could explain the surprising absence of experimentally detectable edge currents in this system.
Observation of the Transition from Uncollapsed to Collapsed Excited f -Wave Functions in I − , Xe, and Cs + via the Giant Post-Collision-Interaction Auger Effect

The nature of the final $f$-wave functions, i.e., spatially collapsed versus uncollapsed, involved in $4d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}4f$, $\ensuremath{\epsilon}f$ giant absorption resonances in ${\mathrm{I}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, Xe, and ${\mathrm{Cs}}^{+}$ is revealed by studying the post-collision interaction (PCI) in the ${N}_{4,5}{O}_{2,3}{O}_{2,3}$ Auger decay of the $4d$ hole. While small PCI Auger shifts \ensuremath{\lesssim}0.2 eV are observed for ${\mathrm{I}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and Xe with uncollapsed $f$-wave functions, a giant PCI Auger shift of \ensuremath{\sim} 1 eV is observed for ${\mathrm{Cs}}^{+}$ with collapsed $f$-wave functions.
On configuration spaces, their homology, and Lie algebras

Abstract Homological and geometric properties of configuration spaces of points in Euclidean space are described. Connections to non-abelian analogues of exterior algebras and mapping class groups are also given.
The increasing burden of imported chronic hepatitis B--United States, 1974-2008.

Background Without intervention, up to 25% of individuals chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) die of late complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. The United States, which in 1991 implemented a strategy to eliminate HBV transmission through universal immunization, is a country of low prevalence. Approximately 3,000–5,000 U.S.-acquired cases of chronic hepatitis B have occurred annually since 2001. Many more chronically infected persons migrate to the United States yearly from countries of higher prevalence. Although early identification of chronic HBV infection can reduce the likelihood of transmission and late complications, immigrants are not routinely screened for HBV infection during or after immigration. Methods To estimate the number of imported cases of chronic hepatitis B, we multiplied country-specific prevalence estimates by the yearly number of immigrants from each country during 1974–2008. Results During 1974–2008, 27.9 million immigrants entered the U.S. Sixty-three percent were born in countries of intermediate or high chronic hepatitis B prevalence (range 2%–31%). On average, an estimated 53,800 chronic hepatitis B cases were imported to the U.S. yearly from 2004 through 2008. The Philippines, China, and Vietnam contributed the most imported cases (13.4%, 12.5%, and 11.0%, respectively). Imported cases increased from an estimated low of 105,750 during the period 1974–1977 to a high of 268,800 in 2004–2008. Conclusions Imported chronic hepatitis B cases account for approximately 95% of new U.S. cases. Earlier case identification and management of infected immigrants would strengthen the U.S. strategy to eliminate HBV transmission, and could delay disease progression and prevent some deaths among new Americans.
Geography, paradox and environmental ethics

As a diverse and divided discipline, geography embodies tensions central to the para- doxical nature of human dwelling on earth, from which questions of environmental ethics arise. The article reviews major ontological and epistemological tensions within geography - that between nature and culture, and objectivism and subjectivism - emphasizing the ways in which common resolutions to these tensions often represent flawed strategies of avoiding paradox. It then connects these tensions to important philosophical dimensions of environmental ethics. I argue that normative environmental ethics must be built on an adequate sensitivity to the nature/ culture tension, and that environmental meta-ethics - specifically, the problem of relativism as applied to environmental discourse - must be similarly informed by the object/subject tension. The most fundamental contribution geography can make, therefore, lies in establishing a philosophical space for environmental ethics that takes paradox seriously and avoids its simplistic resolutions.
An Exact Algorithm for Hierarchically Well-Formulated Subsets in Second-Order Polynomial Regression

Variable selection in multiple regression requires identifying the best subset from among a set of candidate predictors. In the case of polynomial regression, the variable selection process can be further complicated by the need to obtain subsets that are hierarchically well formulated. We present a branch-and-bound algorithm for selection of the best hierarchically well-formulated subset in second-order polynomial regression. We apply the new algorithm to a well-known data set from the regression literature and compare the results with those obtained from a branch-and-bound algorithm that does not impose the hierarchical constraints. This comparison reveals that the hierarchical constraints yield only a small penalty in explained variation. We offer Fortran and MATLAB implementations of the branch-and-bound algorithms as supplemental materials associated with this work.
A computationally efficient approach for inverse material characterization combining Gappy POD with direct inversion

Abstract An approach for computationally efficient inverse material characterization from partial-field response measurements that combines the Gappy proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) machine learning technique with a physics-based direct inversion strategy is presented and evaluated. Gappy POD is used to derive a data reconstruction tool from a set of potential system response fields that are generated from available a priori information regarding the potential distribution of the unknown material properties. Then, the Gappy POD technique is applied to reconstruct the full spatial distribution of the system response from whatever portion of the response field has been measured with the chosen system testing method. Lastly, a direct inversion strategy is presented that is derived from the equations governing the system response (i.e., physics of the system), which utilizes the full-field response reconstructed by Gappy POD to produce an estimate of the spatial distribution of the unknown material properties. The direct inversion technique is a particularly computationally efficient inversion technique, requiring a cost equivalent to a single numerical analysis. Therefore, the majority of the computational expense of the presented approach is the one-time potential response generation for the Gappy POD technique, which leads to an approach that is substantially computationally efficient overall. Two numerically simulated examples are shown in which the elastic modulus distribution was characterized based on partial-field displacement response measurements, both static and dynamic. The inversion procedure was shown to have the capability to efficiently provide accurate estimates to material property distributions from partial-field response measurements. The direct inversion with Gappy POD response estimation was also shown to be substantially tolerant to noise in comparison to the direct inversion given measured full-field response. Lastly, a physical example regarding elastography of an arterial construct from ultrasound imaging response measurements is shown to validate the practical applicability of the direct inversion approach with Gappy POD response reconstruction.
Global variation of a 40-bp VNTR in the 3'-untranslated region of the dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3).

Abstract Background: The dopamine transporter (DAT) is the primary mechanism for dopamine clearance from the synapse in midbrain dopaminergic neurons, and the target of psychostimulant and neurotoxic drugs such as cocaine, amphetamine, and MPTP. Consequently, the gene for DAT (SLC6A3) has been the focus of many population-based case-control association studies using a 40-bp VNTR in the 3′-untranslated region. Results have differed depending on the population studied, suggesting allele frequency effects are involved. For this reason, a global survey of allele frequencies for this VNTR polymorphism was performed. Methods: Individuals ( n = 1528) from 30 populations around the world were typed for this VNTR using PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: As with previous studies, the ten-repeat allele is most common, except for a Middle Eastern population in which the nine-repeat allele is most frequent. Frequencies of the nine- and ten-repeat alleles vary widely even among European populations. Conclusions: Many previous association studies have used "white" or "black" U.S. populations. However, many different ethnic groups have contributed to these populations. The large variation in allele frequencies observed in this study emphasizes the inadequacy of most past studies using the case-control design and the importance of matching patient and control populations in future association studies.
Absolute hardness as a measure of aromaticity

Abstract Absolute hardness, which is half the HOMO-LUMO gap in Hartree-Fock or Huckel theory, is shown to be an excellent measure of aromaticity, and a principle of maximum hardness is established.
Designs and Tolerances of Numerical Aperture 0.8 Objective Lenses for Page-Based Holographic Data Storage Systems

A two-element aspheric objective lens having numerical aperture (NA) of 0.8 has been designed for media interchangeable holographic recordings. Lens design tolerance of offence against the sine condition and lens aberrations of object and reference beams have been formalized by coupled wave theory and related to diffraction efficiency of holograms. An optimum first-order power arrangement of objective lenses having two air-spaced elements has been identified by minimizing fifth-order aberrations and is further optimized ray-trace-based optimization code. Within tolerances criteria required for media-interchangeable systems, the design has demonstrated high NA of 0.8 with long working distance of 20% of the focal length.
Coordinated aerobiological sampling of a plant pathogen in the lower atmosphere using two autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are an important tool to track the long-distance movement of plant pathogens above crop fields. Here, we describe the use of a control strategy (coordination via speed modulation) to synchronize two autonomous UAVs during aerobiological sampling of the potato late blight pathogen, Phytophthora infestans. The UAVs shared position coordinates via a wireless mesh network and modulated their speeds so that they were properly phased within their sampling orbits. Three coordinated control experiments were performed August 14–15, 2008. In the first two experiments, two UAVs were vertically aligned at two different altitudes [25 and 45 m above ground level (AGL)] with identical sampling orbits (radii of 150 m). In the third experiment, two UAVs shared the same altitude (35 m AGL) with different sampling orbits (radii of 130 and 160 m). Orbit times did not vary significantly between the two UAVs across all three aerobiological sampling missions, and the phase error during sampling converged to zero within 2 min following the start of the coordinated control algorithm. Viable sporangia of P. infestans were recovered following two of the coordinated flights. This is the first detailed report of autonomous UAV coordination during the aerobiological sampling of a plant pathogen in the lower atmosphere. UAVs operating independently of one another may experience significant sampling variations during the course of a flight. Coordinating the flight of two or more UAVs ensures that the vehicles enter, sample, and exit a spore plume at consistent times. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experimental investigation on structural repair and strengthening of damaged prestressed concrete slabs utilizing externally bonded carbon laminates

This paper presents the results of a feasibility study to investigate the flexural behavior of structurally damaged full-scale pretensioned concrete slabs retrofitted with bonded carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminates. The effect of CFRP laminates bonded to the soffit of precracked solid and voided slabs is investigated in terms of flexural strength, deflections, cracking behavior and failure modes. The results, generally, indicate that strengthening of significantly cracked slabs by bonding CFRP laminates is structurally efficient and that the retrofitted slabs are restored to stiffness and strength values nearly equal to or greater than those of the original undamaged slabs. The results indicate that the retrofitted slabs maintained adequate structural integrity and composite action at all stages of testing up to failure.
End-User Visualization and Manipulation of Distributed Aggregate Data

Aggregate visualization and manipulation enables the viewing and interaction of dynamically changing data sets in a graphically meaningful way. However, off-the-shelf applications typically provide only limited ways to view static aggregates and generally do not support manipulation of aggregate data through the resulting visualization. To be fully dynamic, an aggregate visualization should be customizable to suit the individual's needs and should allow end-users to modify the data through direct manipulation. This paper describes a software system that empowers end-users to create interactive aggregate visualizations through a visual language interface. Included are mechanisms for specifying how aggregate data is processed from multiple sources of a distributed application, providing functionality similar to project, select, join, and cross product of relational databases. This approach gives end-users the power to create customized, interactive visualizations of dynamically changing aggregate data without the need for textual programming.
Continuum regularization of quantum field theory (II).: Gauge theory

Abstract Following a recent letter, and a study of the scalar prototype in I, this paper discusses our new covariant-derivative regularization in the case of d -dimensional gauge theory. Details are given both at the ( d + 1)-dimensional stochastic level and at the d -dimensional level of the regularized Schwinger-Dyson equations. The regularized formulation is gauge-covariant, manifestly Lorentz invariant, ghost-free, and ultraviolet finite to all orders.
Characterization of size, surface charge, and agglomeration state of nanoparticle dispersions for toxicological studies

Characterizing the state of nanoparticles (such as size, surface charge, and degree of agglomeration) in aqueous suspensions and understanding the parameters that affect this state are imperative for toxicity investigations. In this study, the role of important factors such as solution ionic strength, pH, and particle surface chemistry that control nanoparticle dispersion was examined. The size and zeta potential of four TiO2 and three quantum dot samples dispersed in different solutions (including one physiological medium) were characterized. For 15 nm TiO2 dispersions, the increase of ionic strength from 0.001 M to 0.1 M led to a 50-fold increase in the hydrodynamic diameter, and the variation of pH resulted in significant change of particle surface charge and the hydrodynamic size. It was shown that both adsorbing multiply charged ions (e.g., pyrophosphate ions) onto the TiO2 nanoparticle surface and coating quantum dot nanocrystals with polymers (e.g., polyethylene glycol) suppressed agglomeration and stabilized the dispersions. DLVO theory was used to qualitatively understand nanoparticle dispersion stability. A methodology using different ultrasonication techniques (bath and probe) was developed to distinguish agglomerates from aggregates (strong bonds), and to estimate the extent of particle agglomeration. Probe ultrasonication performed better than bath ultrasonication in dispersing TiO2 agglomerates when the stabilizing agent sodium pyrophosphate was used. Commercially available Degussa P25 and in-house synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles were used to demonstrate identification of aggregated and agglomerated samples.
Exploiting equilateral-triangular architectures for VLSI systolic implementation

Abstract An equilateral-triangular systolic architecture is presented for computing divided differences and for Bezier curve and surface fitting in computer graphics. Several systolic algorithms are devised for the systolic architecture. These algorithms employ different computation styles, such as the two pass style and the progressive pipeline style. The systolic algorithms greatly improve the speed of computation. Investigation shows that most of the numerical problems involving binomial coefficients can be parallelized on the equilateral-triangular systolic architecture. Therefore, this architecture can be employed in computing a large class of functions.
Heparin inhibits reactive oxygen species generation by polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leucocytes.

Abstract To examine the hypothesis that heparin may affect leukocyte function and that it may have anti-inflammatory properties, we investigated the effect of heparin on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by leucocytes. Heparin was injected intravenously at a dose of 10000 units into eight normal subjects. Blood samples were collected from the antecubital vein sequentially, prior to and following heparin at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 hours. ROS generation was inhibited significantly by polymorphonuclear cells (PMNL) at 0.5, 1, and 2 hours and returned to baseline level at 4 hours. Similarly, ROS generation was inhibited markedly by mononuclear cells (MNC) at 0.5 hours, with a peak inhibition at 1 hour; it returned to baseline level by 4 hours. The maximum inhibition of ROS generation by PMNL was 57.3±19% of the basal, while that by MNC was 56.4±11% of the basal. Since ROS are proinflammatory and cause tissue damage, it is possible that heparin may have an anti-inflammatory effect in vivo, apart from its antithrombotic effect. Since ROS also bind to nitric oxide (NO) and reduce the bioavailability of NO, heparin may indirectly increase the bioavailability of NO and thus act as a vasodilator. This effect of heparin may be of particular relevance to its use in unstable angina and following thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction in preventing reperfusion injury.
INTRAOSSEOUS BLOOD UTILIZATION TO ASSESS SODIUM, POTASSIUM AND GLUCOSE DURING PROLONGED CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION AND DRUG INFUSIONS 283

Intraosseous (IO) blood samples can be used for routine laboratory studies. However, whether intraosseous samples are useful during CPR and drug infusions is unknown. We compared Na+, K+ and glucose levels from an IO cannula with central venous (CV) samples during CPR and after drug infusions. Piglets were mechanically ventilated and IO, carotid and PA cannulas inserted. Following hypoxic arrest, chest compressions and mechanical ventilation was resumed. During CPR, at 5, 10 and 15 min, animals received normal saline (NS, n=6), epinephrine (Epi, n=6), and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3, n=8) via IO. Blood from IO and CV were obtained pre-arrest (xx),and 5 min and 30 min of CPR. The table shows mean and r values at specified times. (p <.05 statistically significant)
Acid-catalyzed aci-nitro tautomerism epimerization of α, ω-bis-hydroxymethyl-α, ω-dinitroalkanes

Abstract The low-melting isomers of 2,5-dinitro-1,6-hexanediol (IB) and 2,6-dinitro-l,7-heptanediol (IIB) undergo facile acid-catalyzed epimerization to form the respective high-melting isomers (IA and IIA) in water or in aprotic solvents. The dimethyl ether and bis-phenylurethan derivatives of IB are not epimerized by acid catalysts under the same conditions. The rate of the isomerization, IB → IA, has been determined in n hydrochloric acid at 60° and compared with rates of other acid-catalyzed reactions occurring in this medium. The rates of tautomerization to the nitro form, of the mono and bis-nitronic acids derived from I, have been measured and found to be very rapid relative to the isomerization reaction. Mechanisms for the epimerization and related acid-catalyzed reactions of nitroalkanes are presented and discussed.
NMR studies of single crystals of H2: II. The spectrum of isolated ortho-H2 pairs

The NMR spectrum of isolated ortho-H2 pairs has been measured on two single crystals of H2 with ortho concentrations below about 2%. The experiments were carried out over a temperature range between 0.025 and 1 K, and spectra were recorded with the magnetic field applied in a number of directions. Extending the previous analysis of the spectrum for isolated ortho-H2 to the present data led to the determination of the crystal orientation. The complicated pair spectrum includes the signals from the nine nonequivalent pair orientations in the crystal and is a function of the two lowest rotational states. These states are split by an energy δ, which is different for the pairs with axis respectively in and out of the basal plane of the crystal (denoted IP and OP), namely % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafeart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4baFfea0dXde9vqpa0lb9% cq0dXdb9IqFHe9FjuP0-iq0dXdbba9pe0lb9hs0dXda91qaq-xfr-x% fj-hmeGabaqaciGacaGaaeqabaWaaeaaeaaakeaacqqHuoarcaGGOa% Gaam4taiaadcfacaGGPaGaai4laiaadUgadaWgaaWcbaGaamOqaaqa% baGccqWIdjYocaaI2aGaaGinaiaad2gacaWGlbaaaa!3DD4!\[\Delta (OP)/k_B \simeq 64mK\] and % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafeart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4baFfea0dXde9vqpa0lb9% cq0dXdb9IqFHe9FjuP0-iq0dXdbba9pe0lb9hs0dXda91qaq-xfr-x% fj-hmeGabaqaciGacaGaaeqabaWaaeaaeaaakeaacqqHuoarcaGGOa% GaamysaiaadcfacaGGPaGaai4laiaadUgadaWgaaWcbaGaamOqaaqa% baGccqGH8aapcaaI1aGaaeiiaiaad2gacaWGlbaaaa!3D85!\[\Delta (IP)/k_B < 5{\rm{ }}mK\].
Heat Pipes in the Magnetic-Field Environment of a Fusion Reactor

Heat pipes have been proposed for use in environments where there are strong magnetic fields such as in controlled fusion reactors. The presence of a magnetic field can influence the performance of a heat pipe significantly, depending on the heat-pipe geometry, its orientation in the magnetic field, the heat-pipe materials and fluid properties, as well as the magnetic-field strength. A liquid-metal heat pipe, specifically designed to operate in a magnetic field, will employ a compound wick structure with the optimum liquid-flow passage size larger and the vapor flow passage proportionately smaller than for the no-magnetic-field design. The basic conclusion is that the presence of a magnetic field always results in a lower maximum heat-flux capability, but the detrimental effects of the magnetic field can be greatly reduced by using a heat-pipe geometry optimized for operation in the specific magnetic-field environment.
CT scan detects linear tear in ovarian yolk sac tumor

Abstract Yolk sac tumors are rare malignant ovarian tumors. These tumors grow rapidly and often exhibit a tear in its capsule at surgery and pathology. We present a case of a patient whose CT detected a capsular tear. Along with an elevated alpha fetoprotein (AFP), this finding enabled a specific preoperative diagnosis.
The synthesis and properties of solution processable phenyl cored thiophene dendrimers

In this paper we describe the convergent synthesis of a new class of phenyl cored thiophene dendrimers, which are promising candidates for use in organic semiconductor devices. We have prepared dendrimers with three and four dendrons around the core as well as dendrimers with 1st and 2nd generation dendrons. All the dendrimers were soluble in common organic solvents such as chloroform, THF and toluene. The structures and size properties are confirmed by a number of techniques including NMR, GPC and MALDI-TOF-MS. Decomposition was studied by TGA with initial breakdown of the hexyl surface groups followed by the aromatic core. The spectroscopic properties were studied by UV-vis and PL spectrometry which demonstrated substantial differences between the dendrimers with three and four dendrons. Optical band gaps varied between 2.34 and 2.60 eV for thin films of the dendrimers and electronic band gaps were, on average, 0.3 eV greater than the optical band gaps. The smallest band gap was measured for the dendrimer with four 2nd generation dendrons around the phenyl core. Fluorescence lifetimes of the molecules in solution ranged from 200 to 560 ps. This range in values was attributed to differences in internal conversion rates associated with varying degrees of flexibility of the extended dendrons.
Instantons on the lattice

Abstract By modifying the lattice action of spin and gauge models we insure that the system cannot tunnel between topological sectors by local Monte Carlo (MC) steps. We insure the correct weight of the topological sectors in the statistical sum by considering global MC steps. This strategy permits us to study the effects of topological objects in ϑ-vacua, 〈Q2〉 scaling and chiral symmetry breaking in a straightforward way.
UGT1A1*28 polymorphism as a determinant of irinotecan disposition and toxicity

The metabolism of irinotecan (CPT-11) involves sequential activation to SN-38 and detoxification to the pharmacologically inactive SN-38 glucuronide (SN-38G). We have previously demonstrated the role of UGT1A1 enzyme in the glucuronidation of SN-38 and a significant correlation between in vitro glucuronidation of SN-38 and UGT1A1 gene promoter polymorphism. This polymorphism (UGT1A1*28) is characterized by the presence of an additional TA repeat in the TATA sequence of the UGT1A1 promoter, ((TA)7TAA, instead of (TA)6TAA). Here we report the results from a prospective clinical pharmacogenetic study to determine the significance of UGT1A1*28 polymorphism on irinotecan disposition and toxicity in patients with cancer. Twenty patients with solid tumors were treated with a 90 min i.v. infusion of irinotecan (300 mg m(-2)) once every 3 weeks. The frequency of UGT1A1 genotypes was as follows: 6/6--45%, 6/7--35% and 7/7--20%, with allele frequencies of 0.375 and 0.625 for (TA)7TAA and (TA)6TAA, respectively. Patients with the (TA)7TAA polymorphism had significantly lower SN-38 glucuronidation rates than those with the normal allele (6/6>6/7>7/7, P = 0.001). More severe grades of diarrhea and neutropenia were observed only in patients heterozygous (grade 4 diarrhea, n = 1) or homozygous (grade 3 diarrhea/grade 4 neutropenia, n = 1 and grade 3 neutropenia, n = 1) for the (TA)7TAA sequence. The results suggest that screening for UGT1A1*28 polymorphism may identify patients with lower SN-38 glucuronidation rates and greater susceptibility to irinotecan induced gastrointestinal and bone marrow toxicity.
C. elegans RNA-binding protein GLD-1 recognizes its multiple targets using sequence, context, and structural information to repress translation.

Caenorhabditis elegans GLD-1, a maxi-KH motif containing RNA-binding protein, has various functions mainly during female germ cell development, suggesting that it likely controls the expression of a selective group of maternal mRNAs. To gain an insight into how GLD-1 specifically recognizes these mRNA targets, we identified 38 biochemically proven GLD-1 binding regions from multiple mRNA targets that are among over 100 putative targets co-immunoprecipitated with GLD-1. The sequence information of these regions revealed three over-represented and phylogenetically conserved sequence motifs. We found that two of the motifs, one of which is novel, are important for GLD-1 binding in several GLD-1 binding regions but not in other regions. Further analyses indicate that the importance of one of the sequence motifs is dependent on two aspects: (1) surrounding sequence information, likely acting as an accessory feature for GLD-1 to efficiently select the sequence motif and (2) RNA secondary structural environment ...
A simple and versatile tissue adhesive applicator for endonasal endoscopic skull base surgery

Repair of dural defects following endonasal endoscopic cranial base surgery remains a challenge. A variety of reconstructive techniques have been described, many of which utilize tissue adhesives or glues. One of the main difficulties with the endonasal use of these sealants is the available applicators, which often result in the imprecise and excessive application of the material. In this report, we describe the modified use of straight and curved suction tips as simple and versatile rigid tissue adhesive/glue applicators for use during endonasal skull base surgery.
Men versus Women: Does Size Matter in Total Knee Arthroplasty?

The role played by femoral component sizing in the clinical outcome of primary TKA is currently debated. Oversizing the femur in patients with smaller knees could lead to overstuffing the knee capsule with resulting pain and reduced range of motion. We asked whether the distribution of femoral component sizes differed between genders and whether the availability of additional sizes benefited genders differently and led to a measurable improvement in knee flexion and Knee Society scores or pain. We retrospectively examined two groups of consecutive knees of patients who underwent primary TKA using similar techniques and constraint: Group 1 (93 men and 90 women) who had available four original sizes and Group 2 (106 men and 106 women) after the introduction of three new smaller sizes. More than twice as many new smaller sizes were used in women (52.3%, 56 of 106) compared to men (17.9%, 19 of 106). At the scheduled 6-month followup visit (average, 6 months; range, 5–7 months), we found no differences in the knee score, pain score, and knee flexion in men and women before the additional sizes (Group 1) and after the new sizes (Group 2). Additional sizes therefore did not appear to influence short-term outcomes.
Parametric phase control in vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser arrays with two-cavity species

Closely packed arrays of actively interacting vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers show spontaneous long-range phase locking into periodic Bloch steady states. We study the case in which a staggered application of two biases creates a two-cavity-species array. Analysis and simulations show that the phase shift Phi_AB among neighbor sites is controlled by the ratio of the applied biases I_A/I_B among two-cavity species. For modest array sizes, the near field Phi_AB causes a small angular deviation (beam steering) in the far-field pattern relative to the uniform array I_A = I_B case.
Variation resources at UC Santa Cruz

The variation resources within the University of California Santa Cruz Genome Browser include polymorphism data drawn from public collections and analyses of these data, along with their display in the context of other genomic annotations. Primary data from dbSNP is included for many organisms, with added information including genomic alleles and orthologous alleles for closely related organisms. Display filtering and coloring is available by variant type, functional class or other annotations. Annotation of potential errors is highlighted and a genomic alignment of the variant's flanking sequence is displayed. HapMap allele frequencies and linkage disequilibrium (LD) are available for each HapMap population, along with non-human primate alleles. The browsing and analysis tools, downloadable data files and links to documentation and other information can be found at http://genome.ucsc.edu/.
Brownfields in Historical Context

The notion of a brownfield brings to mind sites littered with the remains of past industrial activity: crumbling buildings, frozen machinery, and railroad tracks overgrown with weeds. To anybody interested in an area's history and cultural heritage, such sites can be potential treasures (Brown, 2001; Quivik, 2001). But to others, especially city officials struggling to maintain a solid tax base and neighbors worried about safety and property values, these sites are more likely to be seen as blights on the landscape, pieces of industrial property that have been used, discarded, and left for another generation to deal with (Jakle and Wilson, 1992). Unlike “greenfields,” vacant pieces of property that have never been developed, brownfields come with the risk of contamination and the costs of demolition and cleanup.
Hypothetical mechanisms for the cellular and neurophysiologic basis of secondary epileptogenesis: proposed role of synaptic reorganization.

Abstract This review article evaluates the hypothetical cellular mechanisms responsible for chronic lesion-induced epilepsy. Emphasis is given to particular clinical characteristics of secondary epileptogenesis: (a) a temporal latency, (b) the involvement of distant but related sites, and (c) irreversibility. Although loss of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons or increased excitatory input to these interneurons may contribute to epileptogenesis, several studies have provided evidence that inhibition is not depressed in epileptogenic regions and may actually be enhanced. Axonal sprouting, synaptic reorganization, and formation of new recurrent excitatory circuits have been proposed to account for the increased seizure susceptibility of temporal lobe epilepsy. Recent data support the hypothesis that local inhibitory circuits mask the multisynaptic excitatory interactions that are associated with mossy fiber sprouting in the dentate gyrus and that physiological mechanisms that reduce inhibition or increase excitability unmask the new recurrent excitatory circuits responsible for seizures. A hypothesis based on axonal sprouting and synaptic reorganization can account for the essential clinical characteristics of secondary epileptogenesis and may have widespread applicability to the general phenomenon of lesion-induced epilepsy.