cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wake solids holdup characteristics behind a single bubble in a three-dimensional liquid-solid fluidized

Abstract A light transmittance technique using a dual optical fiber probe was used to measure the local solids holdup in a three-dimensional gas-liquid-solid fluidized bed. The bubble can be clearly identified in the same signal, thus permitting the simultaneous determination of the local solids holdup profile in the wake of a single bubble and the rise velocity and chord length of the bubble. The solid holdup behavior was studied in the wake of single bubbles rising in a liquid-solid fluidized bed for different liquid velocities, particle sizes and bubble sizes. Over the range investigated in this study, the wake solids holdup was found to decrease with decreasing mean solids holdup in the bed, to depend only slightly on bubble Reynolds number and to decrease with increasing particle size.
Inhibition of the phosphatase PTEN protects mice against oleic acid-induced acute lung injury

Background and purpose: Injury to the lung parenchyma is a constitutional feature shared by many lung diseases. The protein, phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome Ten (PTEN) is a major suppressor of phosphoinositide-3 kinase/Akt signalling, a vital survival pathway in lung parenchymal cells. Based on this, we hypothesized that PTEN inhibition in vivo would enhance cell tolerance to stress thereby preventing acute lung injury. Experimental approach: We evaluated the ability of a PTEN inhibitor, potassium bisperoxo (1,10-phenanthroline) oxovanadate [bpV(phen)], to prevent acute lung injury induced by oleic acid (OA) in adult C57BL/6 mice. Lung assessments included bronchoalveolar lavage, tissue morphology, immunostaining for markers of cell death, cell identity, phospho-Akt and phospho-ERK levels and oximetry. Key results: OA induced acute lung injury in a dose- and time-dependent manner. No injury was observed in the vehicle control or bpV(phen) treatment groups. PTEN inhibition by bpV(phen) increased lung tissue levels of phospho-Akt and ERK and but not focal adhesion kinase. This occurred in conjunction with a statistically significant reduction in protein content, lactate dehydrogenase, as well as tumour necrosis factor-α and chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid when compared with OA treatment alone. The incidence of alveolar lesions, consistent with acute lung injury, and terminal uridine deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL)-positive cells was also significantly reduced. Importantly, PTEN suppression maintained pulmonary function. Conclusions and implications: Treatment with bpV(phen) significantly reduced the severity of acute lung injury in mice indicating that additional investigation is warranted to understand the important role that this phosphatase may play in the lung.
Energy-Conservation Considerations in the Characterization of Impact Ionization in Semiconductors

A simple expression for the ionization coefficient of charged carriers in a semiconductor as a function of electric field and lattice temperature has been developed by simultaneously fitting three physical asymptotic cases to Baraff's result. These cases are for low field (Shockley), high field (Wolff), and limitations imposed by energy conservation at high electric field or when the energy loss by phonon scattering is negligible. Given the threshold energy for ionization and the optical-phonon energy, our expression requires a single additional parameter to predict experimental results. Although the final expression is thus essentially a one-point fitting, it reproduces experimental data over as much as four decades of ionization coefficient with better accuracy than frequently used empirical two-parameter expressions. Excellent fits with much of the existing electric field dependence of the ionization coefficients for electrons and holes in Ge, Si, GaAs, and GaP were obtained. The temperature dependence was examined in the cases of GaAs and Si and excellent agreement was obtained in the case of GaAs. Some data on Si were found to be in considerable error in the sense that the data do not appear to be consistent with energy conservation.
Pilot trial of 1% pimecrolimus cream in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in African American adults with associated hypopigmentation

Background African Americans with seborrheic dermatitis may manifest associated hypopigmenation. Corticosteroids and antifungals are often used for treatment, yet chronic use of corticosteroids may be associated with skin atrophy, increased intraocular pressure, or further hypopigmenation. Pimecrolimus has been used successfully in a few patients with seborrheic dermatitis. Objectives This open-label, pilot trial assessed the efficacy and tolerability of pimecrolimus in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in African Americans with hypopigmentation. Methods Five African American adults with seborrheic dermatitis used a thin layer of pimecrolimus on the involved areas twice per day for 16 weeks. Clinical measures of improvement included erythema, scaling, and pruritus. Hypopigmentation was measured objectively using a mexameter. Results All participants noted a marked decrease in the severity of their condition. An improvement in hypopigmentation was also noted. For all indicators, the magnitude of improvement was most marked during the initial 2 weeks of treatment. Limitations This was an open-label pilot trial limited to just 6 participants, only 5 of whom completed the study. Conclusions Topical pimecrolimus cream may be an excellent alternative therapeutic modality for treating seborrheic dermatitis in African Americans, particularly in those with associated hypopigmentation.
Evaluation of network trust using provenance based on distributed local intelligence

Provenance can play a significant role in a military information system for supporting the calculation of information trust. A node's trust can change over time after its initial deployment due to various reasons such as energy loss, environmental conditions or exhausting sources. We introduce a node-level trust-enhancing mechanism for information networks using provenance. A unique characteristic of the proposed trust architecture presented here is the use of provenance through the path of the information from source to destination in determining the information trust. In this proposed architecture each node in the system has a trust and provenance vector. Each information item transmitted over the network has a trust value associated with it. Nodes reexamine and update the trust value associated with the information, creating a distributed system that is more flexible and more responsive. As our system allows reconfigurations, initiatives taken by the intermediate nodes such as replacement of untrusted nodes will enhance the network trust in mission critical situations faster than a centralized approach.
Contactless electroreflectance study of a GaAIAs/InGaAs/ GaAs/GaAIAs step quantum well structure

Using contactless electroreflectance at 300 and 77K, we have studied the inter-subband transitions from a GaAlAs/InGaAs/GaAs/GaALAs step quantum well structure (small well inside a large well) consisting of two layers A (InxGa1−xAs) and B (GaAs) with widths LA and LB, respectively, bounded by two thick barrier regions of Gax AlyAs. By comparison of the observed spectral features with an envelope function calculation, including the effects of strain, we have been able to characterize the potential profile of the structure, i.e., LA, LB, x, and y. There is very good agreement between experiment and the intended materials param-eters. Such configurations are of considerable importance since (a) they form the basis for pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistors, and (b) also have applications in optoelectronics due to their large Stark shifts.
Arsenic, cadmium and neuron specific enolase (ENO2, γ-enolase) expression in breast cancer.

Background Neuron specific enolase (ENO2, γ-enolase) has been used as a biomarker to help identify neuroendocrine differentiation in breast cancer. The goal of the present study was to determine if ENO2 expression in the breast epithelial cell is influenced by the environmental pollutants, arsenite and cadmium. Acute and chronic exposure of MCF-10A cells to As+3 and Cd+2 sufficient to allow colony formation in soft agar, was used to determine if ENO2 expression was altered by these pollutants.
The Ephrin VAB-2/EFN-1 Functions in Neuronal Signaling to Regulate Epidermal Morphogenesis in C. elegans

Abstract The Eph receptor VAB-1 is required in neurons for epidermal morphogenesis during C. elegans embryogenesis. Two models were proposed for the nonautonomous role of VAB-1: neuronal VAB-1 might signal directly to epidermis, or VAB-1 signaling between neurons might be required for epidermal development. We show that the ephrin VAB-2 (also known as EFN-1) is a ligand for VAB-1 and can function in neurons to regulate epidermal morphogenesis. In the absence of VAB-1 signaling, ephrin-expressing neurons are disorganized. vab-2/efn-1 mutations synergize with vab-1 kinase alleles, suggesting that VAB-2/EFN-1 may partly function in a kinase-independent VAB-1 pathway. Our data indicate that ephrin signaling between neurons is required nonautonomously for epidermal morphogenesis in C. elegans .
Structure of apo- and monometalated forms of NDM-1--a highly potent carbapenem-hydrolyzing metallo-β-lactamase.

The New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1) gene makes multiple pathogenic microorganisms resistant to all known β-lactam antibiotics. The rapid emergence of NDM-1 has been linked to mobile plasmids that move between different strains resulting in world-wide dissemination. Biochemical studies revealed that NDM-1 is capable of efficiently hydrolyzing a wide range of β-lactams, including many carbapenems considered as “last resort” antibiotics. The crystal structures of metal-free apo- and monozinc forms of NDM-1 presented here revealed an enlarged and flexible active site of class B1 metallo-β-lactamase. This site is capable of accommodating many β-lactam substrates by having many of the catalytic residues on flexible loops, which explains the observed extended spectrum activity of this zinc dependent β-lactamase. Indeed, five loops contribute “keg” residues in the active site including side chains involved in metal binding. Loop 1 in particular, shows conformational flexibility, apparently related to the acceptance and positioning of substrates for cleavage by a zinc-activated water molecule.
NLO properties of interacting polyene chains

Abstract The effects of interchain interactions on the nonlinear optical properties for polyacetylene oligomers of various chain lengths are examined at the semiempirical level using a supermolecule model approach. Results have been obtained for energy, polarizability, and second hyperpolarizability. This study shows that interchain interactions tend to attenuate the polarizability and second hyperpolarizability for polyacetylene oligomers. These results point to the necessity of considering intermolecular interactions in theoretical studies of nonlinear optical properties in condensed phases.
Comparison of outgassing models for the Landsat thematic mapper sensors

The Thematic Mapper (TM) is a multi-spectral electro-optical sensor featured onboard both the Landsat 4 (L4) and Landsat 5 (L5) satellites. TM sensors have seven spectral bands with center wavelengths of approximately 0.49, 0.56, 0.66, 0.83, 1.65, 11.5 and 2.21 μm, respectively. The visible near-infrared (VNIR) bands are located on the primary focal plane (PFP), and two short-wave infrared (SWIR) bands and the thermal infrared (TIR) band are located on the cold focal plane (CFP). The CFP bands are maintained at cryogenic temperatures of about 91 K, to reduce thermal noise effects. Due to the cold temperature, an ice film accumulates on the CFP dewar window, which introduces oscillations in SWIR and an exponential decay in TIR band responses. This process is usually monitored and characterized by the detector responses to the internal calibrator (IC) lamps and the blackbody. The ice contamination on the dewar window is an effect of the sensor outgassing in a vacuum of the space environment. Outgassing models have been developed, which are based on the thin-film optical interference phenomenon. They provide the coefficients for correction for outgassing effects for the entire mission's lifetime. While the L4 TM ceased imaging in August 1993, the L5 TM continues to operate even after more than 23 years in orbit. The process of outgassing in L5 TM is still occurring, though at a much lower rate than during early years of mission. Although the L4 and L5 TM sensors are essentially identical, they exhibit slightly different responses to the outgassing effects. The work presented in the paper summarizes the results of modeling outgassing effects in each of the sensors and provides a detailed analysis of differences among the estimated modeling parameters. For both sensors, water ice was confirmed as a reasonable candidate for contaminant material, the contaminant growth rate was found to be gradually decreasing with the time since launch, and the indications exist that some film may remain after the CFP warm-up procedures, which are periodically initiated to remove accumulated contamination. The observed difference between the models could be contributed to differences in the operational history for the sensors, the content and amount of contaminant impurities, the sensor spectral filter responses, and the internal calibrator systems.
Post-mastectomy radiotherapy following adjuvant chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow transplantation for breast cancer patients with ≥ 10 positive axillary lymph nodes

Between 287 and 291, 49 women with operable breast cancer involving ≥ 10 axillary nodes were treated following mastectomy, with four cycles of Cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin, 5FU, followed by high doses of Cyclophosphamide, Cisplatin, Carmustine (HDCT) with autologous bone marrow transplant support. Forty patients received local regional radiotherapy (generally to the chest wall, internal mammary, supraclavicular, axillary nodal areas; minimum 44–50 Gy, 1.8–2 Gy/fraction, ±10–15 Gy scar boost; standard radiation techniques). The first nine patients did not receive local-regional radiotherapy. Three developed a local-regional failure (6–12 months after HDCT); six are without evidence of disease. Local-regional radiotherapy (LR XRT) was delivered to the subsequent 40 patients following HDCT + autologous bone marrow transplant. Six received < 44 Gy of the planned local regional radiotherapy due to significant toxicity and one of these failed locally. Only one local failure was observed among the 34 patients who received ? 44 Gy. Two additional patients developed distant metastases. None of these 40 patients have failed in the axilla despite the fact that the axilla was irradiated in only 18 cases. Overall, 3640 (90%) of these patients are without evidence of disease 4–30 months following HDCT (approximately 10–36 months after mastectomy, median 22 months). Radiotherapy was interrupted or discontinued because of progressive dyspnea, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia in nine patients. Further studies to determine the roles of local-regional radiotherapy and HDCT in the development of these toxicities are underway. These encouraging results suggest that HDCT + autologous bone marrow transplant + local-regional radiotherapy may improve the survival rate in these high risk patients. A national randomized study to test the efficacy of this HDCT regimen is currently underway (Cancer and Leukemia Group B #9082 and Southwest Oncology Group #9114).
Optical activity associated with the sulfur to metal charge transfer bands of Zn and Cd GAL4.

The N-terminal DNA-binding domain of the GAL4 transcription factor, isolated as a proteolytic fragment of 63 amino acid residues, GAL4(63), or cloned as a 62-residue subdomain, GAL4(62*), binds 2 Cd(II) ions. Both Cd derivatives show intense ellipticity bands associated with -S(-)-->Cd charge transfer bands at 250 nm (+), 233 nm (-), and 218 nm (+). Molar ellipticity values are (5-7) x 10(4) deg.cm2.dmol-1. The energies and pattern (+,-,+) of these ellipticity bands are similar to those observed for the Cd(II) clusters of metallothionein. The latter are believed to be due to the presence of bridging cysteine ligands (Willner, H.W., Vasak, M., & Kagi, J.H.R., 1987, Biochemistry 26, 6287-6292). Circular dichroism provides further evidence that the GAL4 DNA-binding domain forms a binuclear Cd cluster with the amino acid sequence -C11-X2-C14-X6-C21-X6-C28-X2-C31-X6-C38- found in GAL4(62*). Zn2GAL4(62*) has much weaker ellipticity associated with the higher energy -S(-)--> Zn charge transfer bands. Removal of the metal ions from GAL4(62*) results in substantial changes in the near UV circular dichroism due to both loss of the charge transfer bands and changes in the conformation of the peptide backbone. Binding of the UASG enhancer DNA element to either Zn or Cd GAL4(62*) alters the ellipticity of the -S(-)--> metal charge transfer bands suggesting that DNA binding is associated with some changes in conformation around the metal cluster.
Witness to War: Virginal Vicissitudes in Vicente Aranda's Libertarias (1996)

“Accepting a priori the assumption that women are best thought of as victims in any nationalist mobilization that has turned violent dulls the analytical curiosity. Ultimately, this dulled curiosit...
Laser-Phase-Noise Induced Stochastic Resonance Fluorescence

Stochastic fluctuations of coherent and incoherent components of resonance fluorescence intensity induced by Wiener-L’evy laser-phase noise are investigated. Statistical properties of the atomic dipole moment for different values of laser linewidth and different strength of the driving field are calculated. The stochastic Mollow spectra of atomic dipole fluctuations are derived. It is shown that these spectra exhibit a triplet structure which is purely classical and entirely laser-noise dependent.
Human endometrial endothelial cells generate distinct inflammatory and antiviral responses to the TLR3 agonist, Poly(I:C) and the TLR8 agonist, viral ssRNA.

Problem Human endometrial endothelial cell (HEEC) innate immunity remains poorly characterized. Based on their direct contact with the circulation, HEECs are uniquely positioned to be exposed to viral infections. This study evaluated the innate immune response generated by HEECs after exposure to the TLR3 agonist, Poly(I:C) and the TLR8 agonist, viral ssRNA. Method of Study HEECs were treated with or without Poly(I:C) or ssRNA. Culture supernatants were measured for cytokines by multiplex analysis. RNA was analyzed by qRT-PCR for type I interferons and antiviral factors. Results Treatment of HEECs with Poly(I:C) rapidly upregulated the secretion of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, G-CSF, GM-CSF, MCP-1, MIP-1β, RANTES, and GRO-α after 12 hr, while ssRNA treatment induced the slower secretion of IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, G-CSF, VEGF, and GRO-α after 24 hr. Both viral components induced HEEC IFN-α and IFN-β expression. While treatment with Poly(I:C) induced APOBEC3G and OAS expression, treatment with ssRNA upregulated APOBEC3G and M×A mRNA. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that HEECs can differentially sense and respond to viral components by generating distinct inflammatory and antiviral immune responses, indicating that these cells likely play an active role in the immune protection of the uterus toward viral infections.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Perceived Neighborhood Risk as a Predictor of Emotional Well-Being

Little is known about the living conditions of grandparents raising grandchildren and how such environments may impact their emotional well-being. Using a probability sample of 465 grandparent caregivers, multivariate analyses showed no statistically significant main effect between grandparents' perceived neighborhood conditions and their emotional well-being. However, a statistically significant interaction effect indicated that increasing levels of perceived neighborhood risk decreases grandparents' emotional well-being among permanent, rather than non-permanent, grandparent caregivers. Findings are discussed, and practice implications suggest neighborhood conditions should be addressed in psychosocial assessments protocols used to understand the needs of this underserved population.
EFFECTS OF SALIVA AND PLASMA FROM CYSTIC FIBROSIS PATIENTS ON MEMBRANE TRANSPORT

Abstract Other studies have indicated that some body-fluids from cystic fibrosis (C.F.) patients can alter the movement of molecules across cell membranes. In the present study saliva from patients with C.F. did not inhibit the mucosal-to-serosal flux of sodium, or the uptake of alanine in rat jejunum. C.F. plasma did not inhibit the uptake of 3-O-methylglucose by rat intestine. Influx and efflux of sodium in normal human erythrocytes were not affected by C.F. saliva.
Object targeting by array singular modes

This paper studies the characteristics of the singular modes of a scalar wave system, in which two arrays communicate with each other in the presence of multi-object scattering. The channel matrix between the arrays is determined by rigorously solving Helmholtz equations subject to boundary conditions using the integral equation method. The singular value decomposition of the channel matrix results in the system's source and field modes, each of which has a unique array factor associated. The results reveal how various system modes target the scattering objects with their radiation beams, suggesting a potential application of using these singular modes to localize objects.
Laparoscopy-assisted vaginal pelvic exenteration.

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, morbidity and survival outcome of laparoscopy-assisted vaginal pelvic exenteration. Methods. Since 2000, we have performed 5 cases of en-bloc pelvic exenteration combining a vaginal or perineal approach and laparoscopic approach. All patients had received previous pelvic irradiation. One patient underwent a total type II exenteration with ileal-loop diversion, an omental flap and a temporary colostomy. Two patients underwent a middle and posterior exenteration: one was a type III exenteration with perineal rectal resection and a gracilis myocutaneous flap; the second one was a type II exenteration with a colorectal anastomosis and a vaginal reconstruction using a gluteal thigh flap. Two patients underwent a type I anterior and middle exenteration with continent Miami pouch and vaginal reconstruction by omental cylinder. Results. Mean time of the procedure was 6 h (range: 4.5–9). Peroperative bleeding was less than 500 cm 3 . Two patients presented minor complications: a perineal abscess after perineal rectal resection and an abdominal wound abscess. Mean length of hospital stay was 27 days. Three patients are free of disease. Two patients presented groin metastasis. One patient died of disease after 8 months. Conclusion. Laparoscopic or laparoscopy-assisted vaginal pelvic exenteration followed by reconstruction is feasible with curative intent in selected patients.
Urologic complications of renal transplantation

ROLOGIC complications occur in approximately 12% of patients undergoing renal allograft transplantation.L~6~7~z3~26~z7~43~46 These complications seldom bear an immunologic relationship to the source of the kidney; rather, they depend on the surgical technique of donor nephrectomy and implantation, on the uremia and anemia found in the transplant recipient, and on the use of postoperative immunosuppressive therapy. At the Downstate Medical Center during the 5-year period from 1972 to 1976,43 1 patients underwent renal allograft transplantation. Of these, 40 developed urologic complications, a 9.2% complication rate. Within the last 1M years, however, the experience at this medical center has been similar to that at other transplantation centers, with a complication rate less than 3%.37 Since most urologic complications are associated with a decrease in graft function, they usually are discovered during evaluation of a possible episode of rejection or of acute tubular necrosis. It is extremely important that urologic complications be differentiated from rejection and acute tubular necrosis, since many of the complications are surgical emergencies, and it is imperative that an early diagnosis be made. The mortality from urinary tract fistula may approach 50% if the condition is untreated, but generally it has remained less than 1% when the condition has been identified and appropriate surgical correction has been made. If a urologic complication is not identified and the patient is presumed on the basis of decreased renal function to be experiencing a rejection episode, then increased doses of steroids will increase the morbidity. Therefore the transplantation physician must be as aware of the potential for a mechanical problem associated with graft function as he is for rejection and acute tubular necrosis. Urologic complications are usually due to extravasation, obstruction, and extraurinary collections. These complications may occur in the immediate posttransplantation period or years after transplantation. The more common complications, which usually occur early, are urinary extravasation, urinary obstruction, and vascular occlusion. The less common complications, which usually occur late in the course of
Human template estimation using a Gaussian processes algorithm

In this paper we propose the use of a machine-learning algorithm based in Gaussian Processes to estimate a human observer linear template for the detection of a signal in a noisy background. Estimating a human observer template is not novel, however the use of a multi-kernel Gaussian Processes approach is. This model provides spatial smoothing by using a sparse kernel representation. For validation purposes, we train this model observer with the ground truth and the estimated template is actually the same as the statistically optimal detector. Next, we present the human observer template estimated for the detection of a signal on a different power-low background.
Impact of the donor body mass index on the survival of pediatric liver transplant recipients and Post-transplant obesity†

In adult liver transplant recipients, the donor body mass index (dBMI) is associated with posttransplant obesity but not with graft or patient survival. Because of the obesity epidemic in the United States and the already limited supply of liver donors, clarifying whether the dBMI affects pediatric outcomes is important. United Network for Organ Sharing data for pediatric liver transplants in the United States (1990-2010) were evaluated. Data on transplants performed between 2004 and 2010 (n = 3788) were used for survival analyses with Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models and for posttransplant obesity analyses with generalized estimating equations. For children receiving adult donor livers, a dBMI of 25 to <35 kg/m2 was not associated with graft or patient survival in univariate or multivariate analyses. A dBMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 increased the risk of graft loss [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.29-5.01, P = 0.007] and death (HR = 3.56, 95% CI = 1.64-7.72, P = 0.001). For pediatric donors, the dBMI was not associated with graft loss or mortality in a univariate or multivariate analysis. An overweight or obese donor was not a risk factor for posttransplant obesity. Overweight and obesity are common among liver transplant donors. This analysis suggests that for adult donors, a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to <35 kg/m2 should not by itself be a contraindication to liver donation. Severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) in adult donors increased the risk of graft loss and mortality, even after adjustments for recipient, donor, and transplant risk factors. Posttransplant obesity was not associated with the dBMI in this analysis. Further research is needed to clarify the impact of donor obesity on pediatric liver transplant recipients. Liver Transpl, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Antisense TGF-beta2 immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: treatment in a rat tumor model.

Background: The overexpression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) appears to induce immunosuppression toward the tumor cells.
Parallel fast-floquet analysis of trim and stability for large helicopter models

A parallel shooting method based on the fast-Floquet theory and damped Newton iteration is developed to predict helicopter trim (control settings and periodic responses) and the equivalent Floquet transition matrix; the parallel eigenanalysis of this matrix by a library subroutine leads to the damping levels and frequencies. The parallel fast-Floquet analysis comprises these shooting and eigenanalysis methods. It is compared with three other analyses: the parallel analysis based on Floquet theory and the serial analyses based on Floquet and fast-Floquet theories. The comparison is based on the growth of run time with the model order or number of states and on computational reliability figures such as eigenvalue condition numbers. The parallel fast-Floquet analysis is further investigated on the basis of performance measures such as speedup and efficiency, which, respectively, quantify how the parallel run time compares with the predicted uniprocessor run time and how effectively the processors are used. Isolated-rotor models with nearly 600 states are treated with dynamic stall and wake; both rigid flap-lag and elastic flap-lag-torsion motions are considered. Even with the fast-Floquet theory, the serial run time still is prohibitive for models with more than 100 states; indeed it grows between quadratically and cubically with the model order. By contrast, in the parallel fast-Floquet analysis, the run time and its growth with the order can be controlled by increasing the number of processors on the basis of speedup and efficiency.
Managing Varices: Drugs, Bands, and Shunts

Drugs, bands, and shunts have all been used in the treatment of varices and variceal hemorrhage and have resulted in improved outcomes. However, the specific use of each of these therapies depends on the setting (primary or secondary prophylaxis, treatment of AVH) and on patient characteristics. The indications for each are summarized in Table 4.
Similar flows about axisymmetric bodies rotating in a fluid at rest

The class of similar flows engendered by members of a corresponding class of bodies of revolution rotating about axes of symmetry in an otherwise undisturbed fluid is discussed. Several examples of such flows are considered in detail under the assumptions that the physical properties of the fluid are constant and that dissipation and curvature effects are negligible. The well known flows associated with rotating disks and right circular cones are shown to be two special cases.
Temporal profile of angiogenesis and expression of related genes in the brain after ischemia

Angiogenesis is an intricately regulated phenomenon. Its mechanisms in the ischemic brain have not been clearly elucidated. The authors investigated expression of angiogenesis-related genes using a complementary DNA (cDNA) array method as well as Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, and compared these studies with a temporal profile of angiogenesis in mouse brains after ischemia. The number of vessels significantly increased 3 days after injury, and proliferating endothelial cells increased as early as 1 day. This means that angiogenesis occurs immediately after the injury. Ninety-six genes implicated in angiogenesis were investigated with a cDNA array study. It was found that 42, 29, and 13 genes were increased at 1 hour, 1 day, and 21 days, respectively. Most of the well-known angiogenic factors increased as early as 1 hour. Vessel-stabilizing factors such as thrombospondins also increased. At 1 day, however, thrombospondins decreased to lower levels than in the control, indicating a shift from vascular protection to angiogenesis. At 21 days, many genes were decreased, but some involved in tissue repair were newly increased. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry showed findings compatible with the cDNA array study. Many molecules act in an orchestrated fashion in the brain after ischemia and should be taken into account for therapeutic angiogenesis for stroke.
Perceptions of campus climate, academic efficacy and academic success among community college students: an ethnic comparison

The present study examined whether there are ethnic differences in perceptions of campus climate, social support, and academic efficacy among community college students, and whether student perceptions were associated with academic success. A total of 475 community college students completed a questionnaire that measured students’ perceptions of cultural congruity, college environment, mentoring, peer social life and academic self efficacy. Ethnic differences were observed, as African American and Caucasian students reported higher levels of cultural congruity than Asian students and higher academic self efficacy than Asian and Latino students. There were also ethnic differences in the relationship between the students’ perceptions and GPA. Cultural congruity and efficacy correlated with GPA among Latino students, academic efficacy correlated with GPA among Asian students, peer social support and college environment correlated with GPA among Caucasians, however, none of the perceptions scales correlated with GPA among African American students. The lack of relationship between academic efficacy and GPA among African American and Caucasians students is discussed.
A Unified Approach to Mixed Linear Models

Abstract The mixed model equations as presented by C. R. Henderson offers the base for a methodology that provides flexibility of fitting models with various fixed and random elements with the possible assumption of correlation among random effects. The advantage of teaching analysis of variance applications from this methodology is presented. Particular emphasis is placed upon the relationship between choice of estimable function and inference space.
Deficits in receptor-mediated endocytosis and recycling in cells from mice with Gpr107 locus disruption

ABSTRACT GPR107 is a type III integral membrane protein that was initially predicted to be a member of the family of G-protein-coupled receptors. This report shows that deletion of Gpr107 leads to an embryonic lethal phenotype that is characterized by a reduction in cubilin transcript abundance and a decrease in the representation of multiple genes implicated in the cubilin–megalin endocytic receptor complex (megalin is also known as LRP2). Gpr107 -null fibroblast cells exhibit reduced transferrin internalization, decreased uptake of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) cargo and resistance to toxins. Colocalization studies and proteomic analyses suggest that GPR107 associates with clathrin and the retromer protein VPS35 and that GPR107 might be responsible for the return of receptors to the plasma membrane from endocytic compartments. The highly selective deficits observed in Gpr107 -null cells indicate that GPR107 interacts directly or indirectly with a limited subset of surface receptors.
Not left to chance: Introducing an undergraduate interprofessional education curriculum

Teaching diverse health profession students to work in teams, communicate, understand each other's roles and responsibilities, and effectively collaborate is imperative for creating a practice-ready workforce. This short report introduces an innovative undergraduate interprofessional curriculum for students enrolled in the baccalaureate majors of applied exercise science, athletic training, dental hygiene, nursing and pre-occupational therapy. The process of designing this program of study, guided by the method of appreciative inquiry, is highlighted. The format and learning activities created for this novel curriculum are described. Congruence for this endeavor is explored through alignment with the recent national Interprofessional Education Collaborative expert panel report. Preparing graduates to fulfill the dual identity of discipline-specific clinician and interprofessional team member is an essential curricular consideration for contemporary health profession education.
Generation of narrow-bandwidth paired photons : Use of a single driving laser

We use a single Ti:Sapphire laser to cool, pump, and to render transparent a cloud of 87Rb atoms. Paired photons are generated into opposing single-mode fibers at a rate of 750 counts per second.
Schatzki’s ring: long-term results following dilation

The purpose of this study is to report long-term results of 61 patients with Schatzki's ring who were dilated for relief of dysphagia. The severity of Schatzki's ring was mild in 28 patients (46%), moderate in 26 (43%), severe in 5 (8%), and indeterminate in 2 (3%). Follow-up information was available in 56 of 61 patients (mean, 75 months). During follow-up, 35 patients (63%) developed recurrent dysphagia and required repeated dilations: 19 patients (34%) had one to two dilations, 9 patients (16%) had three to seven dilations, 6 patients (11%) had more than seven dilations; 1 patient underwent surgery for resection of the Schatzki's ring (2%). The mean (range) dilation-free interval was 50.1 months (11.8 to 100 months) in mild cases, 44.5 months (8.9 to 82 months) in moderate cases, and 28.6 months (9 to 76 months) in severe cases. There was no significant correlation between the severity of Schatzki's ring on initial presentation and the subsequent dilation-free interval. Our data indicate that recurrent dysphagia is common among patients with Schatzki's ring after a successful dilation, and that the severity of Schatzki's ring is not a good prognostic indicator of the need for subsequent dilation.
Contributions from Earth's Atmosphere to Soil

Soils are mixtures of material derived from substrate weathering, plant decomposition, and solute and particulate deposition from the atmosphere. The relative contribution from each source varies widely among soil types and environments. Atmospheric deposition of marine and mineral aerosols can have a major impact on the geochemistry and biogeochemistry of the Critical Zone. Some of the best-studied examples are from ocean islands because of the strong geochemical contrast between bedrock and atmospheric sources, but for the most part continental areas are more severely impacted by atmospheric deposition. With dust flux greater than 10% of the global river sediment flux, deposition from the atmosphere plays an important role in the biogeochemistry of soils worldwide.
Measuring Wheat Senescence with a Digital Camera

Documenting crop senescence rates is often difficult because of the need for frequent sampling during periods of rapid change and the subjective nature of human visual observations. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using images produced by a digital camera to measure the senescence rate of wheat and to compare the results with changes in greenness determined by two established methods. Measurements were made as part of an experiment to determine the effects of elevated CO 2 and limited soil nitrogen on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at the University of Arizona's Maricopa Agricultural Center, near Phoenix, AZ. Greenness' measurements were made during senescence of the crop with a color digital camera, a hand-held radiometer, and a SPAD chlorophyll meter. The green to red (G/R) for each pixel in an image was calculated and the average G/R computed for cropped images from a digital camera representing 1 m 2 for each treatment and sample date. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was calculated from the red and near-infrared canopy reflectances measured with a hand held radiometer. A SPAD reading was obtained from randomly selected flag leaves. All three methods of measuring plant greenness showed similar temporal trends. The relationships between G/R with NDVI and SPAD were linear over most of the range of G/R. However, NDVI was more sensitive at low values than G/R. G/R was more sensitive above G/R values of 1.2 than SPAD because the upper limits of SPAD measurements were constrained by the amount of chlorophyll in the leaf, while G/R responded to both chlorophyll concentration in the leaves as well as the number of leaves present. Color digital imaging appears useful for quantifying the senescence of crop canopies. The cost of color digital cameras is expected to decrease and the quality and convenience of use to improve.
Functional Characterization of Premnaspirodiene Oxygenase, a Cytochrome P450 Catalyzing Regio- And Stereo-specific Hydroxylations of Diverse Sesquiterpene Substrates

Solavetivone, a potent antifungal phytoalexin, is derived from a vetispirane-type sesquiterpene, premnaspirodiene, by a putative regio- and stereo-specific hydroxylation, followed by a second oxidation to yield the α,β-unsaturated ketone. Mechanistically, these reactions could occur via a single, multifunctional cytochrome P450 or some combination of cytochrome P450s and a dehydrogenase. We report here the characterization of a single cytochrome P450 enzyme, Hyoscyamus muticus premnaspirodiene oxygenase (HPO), that catalyzes these successive reactions at carbon 2 (C-2) of the spirane substrate. HPO also catalyzes the equivalent regio-specific (C-2) hydroxylation of several eremophilane-type (decalin ring system) sesquiterpenes, such as with 5-epi-aristolochene. Moreover, HPO displays interesting comparisons to other sesquiterpene hydroxylases. 5-Epi-aristolochene di-hydroxylase (EAH) differs catalytically from HPO by introducing hydroxyl groups first at C-1, then C-3 of 5-epi-aristolochene. HPO and EAH also differ from one another by 91-amino acid differences, with four of these differences mapping to putative substrate recognition regions 5 and 6. These four positions were mutagenized alone and in various combinations in both HPO and EAH and the mutant enzymes were characterized for changes in substrate selectivity, reaction product specificity, and kinetic properties. These mutations did not alter the regio- or stereo-specificity of either HPO or EAH, but specific combinations of the mutations did improve the catalytic efficiencies 10-15-fold. Molecular models and comparisons between HPO and EAH provide insights into the catalytic properties of these enzymes of specialized metabolism in plants.
Implementation of Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment in Community Mental Health Organizations

This preliminary study examined the extent to which leadership and program licensure are associated with the delivery of co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorder (COD) treatment in mental health service organizations. Using a random sample of 52 outpatient programs in low-income and racial and ethnic minority communities, this study examined the association between program leadership and licensed status and implementation of evidence-based protocols and practices to address COD. Understanding of findings was enhanced with focus groups conducted at six clinics. Most programs (81%) reported offering COD treatment but at different degrees. Directorial leadership was positively associated with the delivery of COD treatment (β = 0.253, p = .047, 95% CI = 0.003, 0.502) as well as COD supervision and training (β = 0.358, p = .002, 95% CI = 0.142, 0.575). In contrast, program licensure was negatively associated with COD treatment (β = -0.235, p = .041, 95% CI = -0.460, -0.010) and COD supervision a...
Acoustic microelectromechanical viscometer

A rigid, planar, non-resonating boundary is introduced parallel to the surface of the piezoelectric resonator in a measurand chamber in order to both reduce the separation space (l) between the resonator and confining wall and confine the measurand fluid between those surfaces in order to reliably measure acoustic viscosity independently form the mass density (ρ) of the measurand fluid. The hypothesis is that when the penetration depth (δ) is comparable to the separation distance (l) between the resonator and the confining wall, then resonator perturbation is a sensitive function of the abbreviated separation space. Variations in the spacing between the resonator and confining wall are accomplished by adjusting the rigid, planar, non-resonating boundary, or confining wall, with a means for lateral movement. The ability to accurately adjust and control small spaces thereby enables MEMS versions of viscometers and associated types of fluid sensors.
Fast, Volumetric Imaging of In Vivo Brains with Swept Confocally Aligned Planar Excitation (SCAPE) Microscopy

We demonstrate the use of SCAPE microscopy to image both neural activity via GCaMP and vascular hemodynamics in the awake behaving mouse brain at 10-20 volumes per second with cellular resolution over large fields of view. The performance of SCAPE is compared to in-vivo two-photon microscopy.
Induction of IL-17 and nonclassical T-cell activation by HIV-Tat protein

Chronic immune activation is a major complication of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV infection and can cause a devastating immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in the brain. The mechanism of T-cell activation in this population is not well understood. We found HIV-Tat protein and IL-17–expressing mononuclear cells in the brain of an individual with IRIS. Tat was also present in the CSF of individuals virologically controlled on ART. Hence we examined if Tat protein could directly activate T cells. Tat transcriptionally dysregulated 94 genes and induced secretion of 11 cytokines particularly activation of IL-17 signaling pathways supporting the development of a proinflammatory state. Tat increased IL-17 transcription and secretion in T cells. Tat entered the T cells rapidly by clathrin-mediated endocytosis and localized to both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Tat activated T cells through a nonclassical pathway dependent upon vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 and downstream secondary signaling pathways but independent of the T-cell receptor. However, Tat stimulation of T cells did not induce T-cell proliferation but increased viral infectivity. This study demonstrates Tat’s role as a virulence factor, by driving T-cell activation and contributing to IRIS pathophysiology. This supports the necessity of an anti-Tat therapy in conjunction with ART and identifies multiple targetable pathways to prevent Tat-mediated T-cell activation.
Evaluation of isoproterenol as a method of stress testing

Abstract Thirty-five patients undergoing diagnostic coronary arteriography were evaluated before catheterization by both a standard treadmill exercise test and by the intravenous infusion of isoproterenol in a concentration of 0.2 mg. per 100 c.c. of 5 per cent dextrose/water at a rate of 1 to 2 μg per minute. S-T segment depression of 1 mm. or greater of the ischemic type was considered to be a positive test. The isoproterenol test was comparable to the treadmill exercise test in predicting the presence or absence of coronary artery disease (71 per cent correct predictions with the isoproterenol test versus 68 per cent with the treadmill test) and was administered safely and easily. The isoproterenol test had several advantages: (1) the baseline is stable and the intraprocedure ECG can be more easily monitored; (2) the test can be applied in situations where exercise is impossible, for example, when a patient had severe claudication, incapacitating pulmonary disease, etc.; (3) other monitoring such as phonocardiograms, blood pressure, etc., can be easily obtained; and (4) cardiac catheterization is not required in contrast to stress by atrial pacing. The isoproterenol test would appear to have a useful role in the clinical assessment of coronary artery disease.