cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Removal of enzymatic and fermentation inhibitory compounds from biomass slurries for enhanced biorefinery process efficiencies.

Abstract Within the biorefinery paradigm, many non-monomeric sugar compounds have been shown to be inhibitory to enzymes and microbial organisms that are used for hydrolysis and fermentation. Here, two novel separation technologies, polyelectrolyte polymer adsorption and resin-wafer electrodeionization (RW-EDI), have been evaluated to detoxify a dilute acid pretreated biomass slurry. Results showed that detoxification of a dilute acid pretreated ponderosa pine slurry by sequential polyelectrolyte and RW-EDI treatments was very promising, with significant removal of acetic acid, 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, and furfural (up to 77%, 60%, and 74% removed, respectively) along with >97% removal of sulfuric acid. Removal of these compounds increased the cellulose conversion to 94% and elevated the hydrolysis rate to 0.69 g glucose/L/h. When using Saccharomyces cerevisiae D5A for fermentation of detoxified slurry, the process achieved 99% of the maximum theoretical ethanol yield and an ethanol production rate nearly five-times faster than untreated slurry.
Melting cathode copper—A case study in process energy efficiency

Melting of cathode copper in the reverberatory, the electric are furnace and the Asarco shaft furnace is analyzed in order to evaluate specific capacity, process fuel equivalent and the energy efficiency for each process. The Asarco furnace possesses considerably higher specific capacity and energy efficiency than the reverberatory as a result of the basic design for counter-current flow. The electric are furnace has lower energy efficiency than the reverberatory (with a waste-heat boiler) because the inefficiency in generation of electric power from fuel more than outweighs the very low heat loss from the electric furnace.
Gluconic acid influences texture and color of canned asparagus

The color and texture of canned asparagus spears were measured using a shear-press and a Gardner color difference meter. Canning spears with 1% gluconic acid reduced pH of asparagus tissue to ≃4.1 within 24 hr. After 5 mo storage, the 1% acidified pasteurized spears were lighter, less green, and more yellow than nonacidified retorted spears. Acidification with a milder thermal process almost doubled firmness of the acidified spears
Noncircular Refractive Index Profile and Breakdown of Mode Degeneracy of Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers

Spatially and spectrally resolved near-field images of the transverse mode patterns of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) are obtained by confocal microscopy with optical spectrum analyzer. A non-circular internal effective index profile of the VCSEL is inferred from the observed wavelength splitting of the degenerated modes. Using the mode intensity patterns associated with their spectral information, an elliptical parabolic profile superposed to a step-like refractive index profile is extracted by fitting the internal structural parameters of VCSEL. Wavelength splitting of the degenerated LG01 modes is calculated from the fitting results, and is found to be in reasonable accord with our experiment results.
Brownian Dynamics Simulations of the Growth of Metal Nanocrystal Ensembles on Electrode Surfaces in Solution: 2. The Effect of Deposition Rate on Particle Size Dispersion†

An adaptation of the Brownian dynamics simulation method has been used to model the growth of a particular 200-particle ensemble of silver nanoparticles. This ensemble of particles was randomly positioned on an electrode of total area 1.0 × 10-9 cm2, and these particles possessed a significant size distribution. The growth of this distribution was investigated at overpotentials ranging from −1 mV to −200 mV. These simulations demonstrate that reduced rates of electrodeposition effectively reduce the particle size dispersion present in an ensemble of particles. The beneficial effect of “slow growth” is brought about by the elimination or reduction of the diffusional coupling present between neighboring particles on the electrode surface.
In situ characterization of small V2O5 crystallites supported on TiO2 (anatase)

Comportement de petits cristallites de V 2 O 5 deposes sur TiO 2 etudie par spectrometrie Raman laser et spectrometrie de photoelectrons RX dans des atmospheres oxydante et inductrice a haute temperature
Oxygen-induced alterations in lung vascular development in the newborn rat.

Summary: Newborn rats were exposed to air or hyperoxic conditions for the first 6 days of life. Resulting effects on the pulmonary vascular bed were determined by analysis of barium angiograms, scanning electron microscopy of methylmethacrylate corrosion casts and whole lung, morphometric estimations of pulmonary arteries/area and capillary number/area, and arterial blood gas measurements. Similar studies were also performed on the lungs of animals allowed to recover in air for 1 and 2 wk. Although the general pattern of the pulmonary arterial bed by barium angiograms appeared similar, diminished branching or underfilling of the distal arterial segments was more frequently encountered in hyperoxic-exposed animals. Morphometric examination and corrosion casts revealed differences in vascular pattern and density between hyperoxia and air-exposed animals. The number of capillaries/mm2 of lung tissue was less in hyperoxic-exposed pups than controls after 6 days of exposure to hyperoxia but markedly increased to slightly above control levels by 2 wk of air recovery. The number of 20–50 μm size vessels/mm2 followed a similar pattern of change. Corrosion casts of lungs exposed to 6 days of hyperoxia revealed less microvascular density compared to air controls, but after 1 wk recovery in air, hyperoxic-exposed animals had a more extensive network of microvessels. Maximum Pao2 attained by animals in the various groups closely resembled the patterns of change in microvessel density. These findings support the thesis that a major alteration of lung vascular growth and development occurs subsequent to exposure of the newborn to hyperoxia.
The Role of cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinase in Controlling Cardiomyocyte cGMP

See related article, pages 1232–1240 The role of cGMP as a second messenger in physiological and pathophysiological processes is widely appreciated.1,–,3 The successes of drugs that target the cGMP-signaling pathway (nitrovasodilators and PDE5 inhibitors [sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil]) have inspired interest in other cardiovascular benefits that might derive from a better understanding of this pathway.2,4,–,7 Elevation of cGMP in cardiomyocytes or intact heart is associated with a negative inotropic effect,8 blunting and/or reversal of cardiac hypertrophy,5 protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury,4,7 and changes in apoptosis.9,10 Activation of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG)I and phosphorylation of target proteins is involved in each of these processes, although the precise mechanisms that bring about these effects are not fully understood.1,2 cGMP activation of PKG in cardiomyocytes lowers cellular calcium, which can reduce contractility and counter calcineurin-mediated dephosphorylation/activation/nuclear translocation of NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells), which promotes expression of a cadre of prohypertrophic genes.2,5,6 PKG-mediated phosphorylation of an unknown protein increases opening of mitochondrial K+/ATP channels, thereby diminishing damages resulting from ischemia/reperfusion or myocardial infarction.11,12 Moreover, cGMP elevation suppresses β-adrenergic signaling in the heart and is associated with activation of PKG phosphorylation of troponin (Tn)I.8,13,14 PKG activation increases the GTPase activity of RGS2 (regulator of G protein–coupled signaling 2) and thereby interferes with Gαq/11-coupled signaling.15 Several groups have provided evidence for spatially and functionally distinct cellular pools of cGMP.16, …
Increased Blood Flow Induces Regression of Intimal Hyperplasia

We have previously shown that high shear stress inhibits growth of developing neointima in a primate model of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft healing. We used this model to test the hypothesis that increased shear stress can cause atrophy of an established neointima. High porosity PTFE grafts were inserted into the aorto-iliac circulation bilaterally in baboons. These grafts develop neointimal hyperplasia comprising smooth muscle cells and a luminal surface of confluent endothelium. Neointima was allowed to develop for 2 months. At that time 8 animals were sacrificed. In eight other animals blood flow in one of two grafts was increased by construction of a femoral arterio-venous fistula. These animals were sacrificed 2 months later (4 months after graft placement). At four months, intimal cross sectional area was smaller on the high shear stress side compared to the contralateral, normal shear stress side (2.53 +/- 0.75 versus 6.83 +/- 0.65 mm2, P < .05). Neointima from grafts exposed to 2 months normal shear stress followed by 2 months of high shear stress had regressed when compared to normal-shear stress grafts studied at 2 months (2.53 +/- 0.75 versus 4.56 +/- 0.68 mm2, P < .05). Morphometric analysis using transmission electron microscopy revealed that the decrease in intimal cross sectional area was attributable to a loss of both smooth muscle cells and matrix. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase was induced in high-flow graft intima. These observations support the conclusion that elevated shear stress can cause vessel wall atrophy. This process might be mediated by nitric oxide.
The role of latency in herpesvirus infections

A fundamental characteristic shared by all of the herpesviruses that infect humans in an ability to establish a long-term latent infection. To accomplish this, the human herpesviruses have evolved mechanisms by which they are maintained in host cells and evade detection by host immune responses. This article discusses important aspects of herpesvirus biology that operate during latency to influence the pathogenesis and transmission of these viruses in humans.
Ion energy distributions from photon- and electron-stimulated desorption: Reflection approximation.

A simple final-state potential consisting of an exponential repulsion and an image term is used in conjunction with a Franck-Condon model to fit ion energy distributions (IED) resulting from photon- or electron-stimulated desorption. For all of the metal-adsorbate systems studied the IED is essentially a reflection of the ground vibrational state of the chemisorbed species, i.e., a Gaussian with slight asymmetry, usually to the high-energy side, caused by the curvature of the simple exponential repulsion. In at least two cases, however, the asymmetry is to the low-energy side. We suggest that this result could be due to a reversed curvature in the effective final-state potential indicative of multiple curve crossings (electron hopping) from ion to atom and back as the final species desorbs.
In vitro T cell proliferation from kidney allograft biopsies with unremarkable pathology: New strategies for an old problem

Acute rejection of renal allografts is mediated by infiltrating alloreactive T cells. The goals of this study were to correlate T cell proliferation with rejection and to determine whether T cell proliferation in the absence of rejection would predict future rejection episodes. Toward this, kidney biopsies (n=100) were cultured in the presence of interleukin-2. Cultures were examined at 4, 24, and 48 hr for T cell proliferation. A strong correlation was observed between T cell proliferation at any time point and rejection. There was not a significant correlation between T cell proliferation in biopsies with no rejection and the occurrence of a rejection episode within 2 months. However, T cell proliferation after 4 hr was a better predictor of the occurrence of rejection within 2 months compared with observations after 24 and 48 hr. Therefore, a subgroup of patients with unremarkable biopsies but T cell proliferation may be at risk for rejection and warrant closer observation and possible tailoring of immunosuppression.
Assessment of taurine bioavailability in pelleted and extruded diets with red drum Sciaenops ocellatus

Abstract Taurine has been reported to be efficacious in supporting growth of carnivorous fish species, particularly when supplemented to diets primarily containing plant feedstuffs. Although taurine may become unavailable to some extent by heat and moisture, and is susceptible to the Maillard reaction with reducing sugars, information is lacking on the stability and bioavailability of taurine subjected to extrusion processing in the manufacture of compounded fish feeds. Therefore, a feeding trial was conducted with juvenile red drum to determine the bioavailability of synthetic taurine in diets processed by cold pelleting and extrusion technology. Experimental diets were formulated without animal ingredients to contain 38% digestible protein and 20% lipid. Diets were supplemented with taurine at either 0, 0.5, 1, 2 or 4% of diet. Half of each diet was processed using conventional cooking extrusion conditions, and the other half of each diet was processed at cold temperatures, with minimal shear and pressure, resulting in 10 experimental diets. Taurine was very stable to manufacturing by cold extrusion or extrusion cooking. Post-extrusion taurine concentration was 98.9% of target values with a coefficient of variation of 2.4%. Groups of 12 juvenile red drum (averaging 4.3 g/fish) were sorted by size and stocked into each of 30, 38-L aquaria as part of an indoor brackish water (6–7 ppt) recirculating system. Each diet was fed to three replicate groups of fish twice daily at rates close to apparent satiation for 6 weeks. Fish were group weighed weekly to adjust feeding rations. At the end of the trial, three fish per aquarium were collected for determination of body condition indices and whole-body proximate composition, as well as basal taurine concentrations in plasma and muscle. Three additional fish per aquarium were bled at 5 h post-feeding for determination of post-prandial plasma taurine concentrations. Best performance of red drum in weight gain and feed efficiency was observed with the supplementation of taurine up to 1% of diet while proximate composition and condition indices were not affected by dietary taurine. Plasma and muscle taurine concentrations showed that extrusion processing significantly reduced the bioavailability of taurine. Slope ratio analysis of plasma taurine data indicated cooking extrusion reduced taurine bioavailability by 36.6%. This study, demonstrated that red drum gained more weight when fed plant-based diets supplemented with taurine regardless of diet processing technique. Statement of Relevance Tuarine supplementation to plant-based diets for carnivorous fish species is becoming more common. This study assessed the bioavailability of taurine in cold pelleted and extrusion processed diets to red drum, and found that extrusion processing reduced taurine bioavailability by approximately 37% compared to cold pelleting.
A New Scattered Circular Polarization Raman Optical Activity Instrument Equipped with a Charge-Coupled-Device Detector

A simple and fully computer-controlled scattered circular polarization Raman optical activity (SCP-ROA) instrument is described which consists of a fast single monochromator and a thermoelectrically cooled charge-coupled-device (CCD) detector as the key spectral elements. A conventional circular analyzer, formed by a quartz zero-order quarter-wave plate attached to a motorized 360° rotator and a fixed linear dichroic sheet polarizer, is employed for the modulation between orthogonal circular polarization states in the scattered radiation within a right-angle scattering geometry. Well-resolved depolarized SCP-ROA spectra of (1S)-(–)-α-pinene and (R)-(+)-pulegone are presented within the wave-number region of ∼550 to 1200 cm−1 as typical examples of the excellent performance of this novel multichannel ROA instrument.
Evolution of Annealing Twins in Sputtered Cu Films

The Monte Carlo Potts model with n-fold method was used to simulate grain structure evolution in thin Cu films according to energetic competition principles. Surface/interface, grain boundary, and strain energy factors were applied to determine grain growth and crystallographic texture evolution as a function of film thickness. Furthermore, annealing twins were simulated through specific criteria that arbitrarily insert twin grains into the structure through grain boundary energy considerations. Four different types of microstructures were observed experimentally and simulated by the Monte Carlo technique.
Elastic waves in a composite containing inhomogeneous fibers

We consider the problem of elastic wave propagation in a composite with multiple-coated fibers. The fibers are assumed to be composed of N concentric layers of homogeneous isotropic or transversely isotropic materials and randomly distributed in the matrix medium. We use a homogenization technique which combines the Generalized Self Consistent model (GSCM) and a statistical averaging procedure to calculate the frequency dependent phase velocity and attenuation of the average waves. In the case of a fiber containing a single interface layer, the influence of the thickness, density, and shear modulus of the interface on the phase velocity and attenuation of the average waves is investigated through a parameter study. The results show that changes in the thickness and density of the interface have no significant effect on the phase velocity of the average waves but the shear modulus has a stronger influence. The feasibility of nondestructively characterizing the interface properties through the inversion of low frequency phase velocity data is discussed.
Structural perfection in physisorbed films: A synchrotron x-ray diffraction study of xenon adsorbed on the Ag(111) surface.

Synchrotron x-ray scattering has been used to investigate the structure and growth of xenon films physisorbed on the Ag(111) surface. For growth under quasiequilibrium conditions, the bulk Xe-Xe spacing is reached;at monolayer completion and fcc films of thickness greater-than-or-equal-to 220 angstrom are observed. Under kinetic growth conditions, intensity oscillations in the specular reflectivity as a function of time demonstrate nearly layer-by-layer growth. Modeling of the intensity at a fixed coverage allows profiling of the Xe/vacuum interface as well as a direct determination of the film's thickness and layer spacings.
All-Atom Models of the Membrane-Spanning Domain of HIV-1 gp41 from Metadynamics

The 27-residue membrane-spanning domain (MSD) of the HIV-1 glycoprotein gp41 bears conserved sequence elements crucial to the biological function of the virus, in particular a conserved GXXXG motif and a midspan arginine. However, structure-based explanations for the roles of these and other MSD features remain unclear. Using molecular dynamics and metadynamics calculations of an all-atom, explicit solvent, and membrane-anchored model, we study the conformational variability of the HIV-1 gp41 MSD. We find that the MSD peptide assumes a stable tilted α-helical conformation in the membrane. However, when the side chain of the midspan Arg 694 “snorkels” to the outer leaflet of the viral membrane, the MSD assumes a metastable conformation where the highly-conserved N-terminal core (between Lys681 and Arg694 and containing the GXXXG motif) unfolds. In contrast, when the Arg694 side chain snorkels to the inner leaflet, the MSD peptide assumes a metastable conformation consistent with experimental observations where the peptide kinks at Phe697 to facilitate Arg694 snorkeling. Both of these models suggest specific ways that gp41 may destabilize viral membrane, priming the virus for fusion with a target cell.
Technology follies. The uncritical acceptance of medical innovation.

"WHAT procedures or practices are we involved in now which will rank with bloodletting as a folly of our time?" 1 The need for ongoing assessment of both new and old medical technologies is undisputed. 2-6 Nevertheless, much, if not most, of contemporary medical practice still lacks a scientific foundation. 7,8 Recent reviews of emerging technologies suggest that little progress has been made in requiring rigorous evidence of efficacy or validity before adoption and dissemination of new technologies. 9-11 The road to medical progress has been littered with potholes—or, more accurately, craters. While some new technologies have clearly improved health and reduced costs, others have not. For example, the introduction of D immune globulin dramatically reduced hemolytic disease of the newborn in the United States, as did the use of vaccines for several infectious diseases. Similarly, the advent of laparoscopic tubal sterilization improved the safety of this operation and made
Perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB)-based polymer blends for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs)

Abstract A phase-separated morphology, as observed in block copolymers, for proton exchange materials (PEM) is expected to result in improved PEM fuel cell performance. Blending hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers provides an easier route to this phase-separated morphology especially for an otherwise difficult block copolymer synthesis. Blends of hydrophilic and hydrophobic perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) polymers were prepared and characterized as PEMFC membranes. The [2 π +2 π ] cyclodimerization of 4,4'-bis(trifluorovinyloxy)biphenyl and 4,4'-sulfonyl-bis(trifluorovinyloxy)biphenyl monomers afforded the hydrophobic homopolymers biphenyl perfluorocyclobutyl (BP-PFCB) and sulfonyl-bridged biphenyl perfluorocyclobutyl (SO 2 -PFCB), respectively. The hydrophilic homopolymer was prepared by post-sulfonation of the BP-PFCB using chlorosulfonic acid and thionyl chloride, yielding sulfonated biphenyl (sBP-PFCB) polymer. Blends of sBP-PFCB with SO 2 -PFCB and BP-PFCB were prepared in 1:1 mol ratios, resulting in higher ion exchange capacity (IEC) values and reduced membrane swelling by water when compared to Nafion ® . The pure hydrophilic sBP-PFCB polymer showed a 2.40 mmol/g IEC, while its 1:1 mol ratio blends with BP-PFCB and SO 2 -PFCB, gave IECs of 1.36 and 1.37 mmol/g, respectively, which are over 1.5× that of Nafion ®' s. Blending these polymers combined the mechanically and thermally stable PFCB backbone with the highly acidic sulfonated PFCB and displayed nanophase-separated morphologies without the challenge of controlling polydispersities. Proton conductivity of 6 and 8×10 −2 S/cm for the sBP-PFCB blend with BP-PFCB and SO 2 -PFCB respectively, was achieved at 80° C and 100% relative humidity. Testing a 1:1 mol ratio of sBP- and SO 2 -PFCB blend at ∼100° C and 50% relative humidity showed a higher proton conductivity of 1.5×10 −1 S/cm. These results confirm that the blends of hydrophilic (sulfonated) and hydrophobic PFCB polymers can be promising materials for fuel cell membranes.
The PRO-SELF pain control program improves patients' knowledge of cancer pain management.

Purpose/objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducational program (i.e., PRO-SELF Pain Control Program) compared to standard care in increasing patients' knowledge regarding cancer pain management. Design Randomized clinical trial. Setting Seven outpatient settings in northern California. Sample 174 outpatients with cancer and pain from bone metastasis. Methods Following randomization into either the PRO-SELF or standard care group, patients completed the Pain Experience Scale (PES) prior to and at the completion of the intervention. Main research variables Total and individual item scores on the PES. Findings Total PES knowledge scores increased significantly in the PRO-SELF group (21%) compared to the standard care group (0.5%). Significant improvements in knowledge scores for patients in the PRO-SELF group were found on five of the nine PES items when compared to baseline scores. Conclusions The PRO-SELF Pain Control Program was an effective approach to increase patients' knowledge of cancer pain management. Implications for nursing The use of a structured paper-and-pencil questionnaire, such as the PES, as part of a psychoeducational intervention provides an effective foundation for patient education in cancer pain management. Oncology nurses can use patients' responses to this type of questionnaire to individualize the teaching and to spend more time on the identified knowledge deficits. This individualized approach to education about pain management may save staff time and improve patient outcomes.
Discovery of 16.6 and 25.5 Second Pulsations from the Small Magellanic Cloud

We report the serendipitous detection of two previously unreported pulsars from the direction of the Small Magellanic Cloud, with periods of 16.6 and 25.5 s. The detections are based on archival Proportional Counter Array data from the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer. The observation leading to these detections occurred in 2000 September, extending over 2.1 days with an exposure of 121 ks. A possible identification of the 16.6 s pulsar with an X-ray source (RX J0051.8-7310) seen by both the ROSAT and ASCA imaging X-ray satellites is presented.
Pharmacokinetic drug interactions in palliative care: focus on opioids.

Abstract Opioid analgesics are crucial for pain management in most patients receiving palliative care. Contemporary models advocate for the provision of palliative care services as early as possible in a course of illness, suggesting that many patients will receive palliative care services, and opioids, concurrent with complex disease-modifying therapies. This article reviews the metabolic pathways of commonly prescribed opioid analgesics and provides a survey of what is known about how disease-modifying therapies alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of opioids. Existing treatment guidelines are reviewed. Practical suggestions are offered.
Protein splicing in the absence of an intein penultimate histidine.

Protein splicing is a self-catalytic process in which an intervening sequence, termed an intein, is excised from a protein precursor, and the flanking polypeptides are religated. The conserved intein penultimate His facilitates this reaction by assisting in Asn cyclization, which results in C-terminal splice junction cleavage. However, many inteins do not have a penultimate His. Previous splicing studies with 2 such inteins yielded contradictory results. To resolve this issue, the splicing capacity of 2 more inteins without penultimate His residues was examined. Both the Methanococcus jannaschii phosphoenolpyruvate synthase and RNA polymerase subunit A′ inteins spliced. Splicing of the phosphoenolpyruvate synthase intein improved when its penultimate Phe was changed to His, but splicing of the RNA polymerase subunit A′ intein was inhibited when its penultimate Gly was changed to His. We propose that inteins lacking a penultimate His (i) arose by mutation from ancestors in which a penultimate His facilitated splicing, (ii) that loss of this His inhibited, but may not have blocked, splicing, and (iii) that selective pressure for efficient expression of the RNA polymerase yielded an intein that utilizes another residue to assist Asn cyclization, changing the intein active site so that a penultimate His now inhibits splicing.
A narrow-gap ion chamber for beam motion correction in proton radiography experiments

Abstract A small gap, segmented hydrogen ion chamber was constructed for beam position monitoring in dynamic proton radiography imaging experiments at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. The radiographs, acquired by a set of individually gated CCD cameras, are normalized (“flattened”) using CCD images of the raw beam. However, movement of the beam centroid from pulse to pulse introduces errors in this image normalization process. The ion chamber operates in a burst mode and provides measurements of beam centroid location on a pulse-to-pulse basis. Performance was tested for pulse time separations as low as 358 ns. The chamber makes possible flattening of dynamic CCD images on a per pulse basis and substantially reduces normalization errors due to beam movement.
Intrapulmonary foam at birth: an adaptational phenomenon.

Summary: The first inflation and deflation with air of excised lungs of mature fetal lambs and rabbits from the natural liquid-filled state invariably produced foam which was apparent in the trachea when transpulmonary pressure was <0 (lambs) and in terminal lung units (TLU) when monitored by stereomicroscopy (rabbits). Similarly, examination of neonatal lungs of lambs and rabbits that had breathed spontaneously (1 breath to 15 min) revealed bubbles in small airways and in TLU. Volume-pressure diagrams of excised lungs (lambs) revealed relatively low apparent opening pressures, low pressures at maximal volume, and appearance of foam in large airways after withdrawal of a volume of air equivalent to 30% or more of functional residual capacity (FRC) during deflation. The latter is consonant with the presence of bubbles in TLU. Studies of excised lungs indicated that additional foam may be produced during the second inflation. The extent to which subsequent breaths may contribute to foam production could not be determined, but it was apparent that the early neonatal lung (up to 15 min in our studies) is a three-phase system of intrapulmonary foam, free air, and liquid. The phospholipids of fetal pulmonary fluid (FPF) from which foam is produced were incorporated preferentially (in relation to the proteins) into the bubble films. Speculation: Intrapulmonary foam at birth could play an important role in a number of vital adaptations that are known to occur. 1) Bubbles apposing the walls of TLU are air pockets within thin films across which gas exchange would be facilitated beginning with the first breath. 2) Intrapulmonary foam may play a role in maintenance of dilated airways during expiration and at end-expiration when transpulmonary pressures are high. 3) Oxygenation and distention of TLU by foam could be the earliest stimuli for rapid fall of pulmonary vascular resistance. 4) The phospholipids of bubble films could be immediate precursors of the alveolar lining layer that needs to be established quickly at birth. 5) The large thoracic gas volume to FRC ratio of neonatal lungs may be due, in part at least, to intrapulmonary foam. Whereas foam volume and foam production were not quantified in our studies, it appears that the duration of the “foam lung” state and the relative amounts of intrapulmonary foam and free air would depend on FPF volume at the time air breathing is begun and on the rate at which FPF is subsequently absorbed.
Behavior of Cu(P) and Oxygen Free High Conductivity Cu Anodes under Electrodeposition Conditions

Research was carried out in part at beamline X23A2 at the National Synchrotron Light Source, Brookhaven National Laboratory, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Division of Materials Sciences and Division of Chemical Sciences. H.S.I. was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Division of Materials Sciences, Office of Basic Energy Science under Contract No. DE-AC02-76CH00016.
Three-dimensional reconstruction of hepatic bridging fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C viral infection.

Abstract Background/Aims : Fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C infection begins in portal tracts, and can progress to ‘bridging fibrosis' and eventually lead to cirrhosis. All current fibrosis staging systems are based on these three conceptual fibrosis stages (portal fibrosis, bridging fibrosis, cirrhosis) and vary only in how these stages are further subdivided. Despite the importance of bridging fibrosis, little is known about its three-dimensional characteristics. Methods : Foci of bridging fibrosis were digitally reconstructed in three dimensions on two separate liver specimens with chronic hepatitis C viral infection. The amount of portal fibrosis was then correlated with bile duct diameter on trichrome-stained sections. Results : After three-dimensional reconstruction, the bridges were seen to represent webs or membranes of fibrosis located at branch points of the portal tracts that extended between two portal branches, much like the webbing between the thumb and forefinger in a baseball-mitt. Direct measurements indicated that early portal fibrosis was associated with portal tracts containing bile ducts of approximately 18–19 μm diameter. Conclusions : Fibrosis bridges are located at branch points of portal tracts and are composed of three-dimensional webs or membranes that extend between portal tracts; when viewed as two dimensions on a glass slide, a ‘bridge' of fibrosis is seen.
Suppression of Internal Resonances of Rubber Isolators Using Dynamic Vibration Absorbers

This paper presents methods to improve the performance of rubber isolators by controlling their Internal Resonances (IRs). IRs are associated with isolators’ internal elastic motions that are due to their inertia. It is well known that IRs degrade the isolator performance as predicted by ideal massless isolator models. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there are no reported works on the suppression of such IRs to improve the isolator performance. This paper proposes two novel approaches to suppress IRs. The first approach uses passive dynamic vibration absorbers (PDVA’s) directly embedded into the isolator. The effectiveness of this approach is investigated analytically using a three degree-of-freedom vibration model. It is shown that the PDVA’s are very effective in attenuating the IRs and improve the isolator’s performance at high frequencies. However, the PDVA’s are ineffective at low frequencies. To overcome this limitation, an active control force is added between the DVA masses, forming the hybrid DVA (HDVA) approach. The effectiveness of both the PDVA and the HDVA approaches is demonstrated experimentally. It is shown that, compared to the original isolator, in the isolation region of the experimental system, adding PDVA’s reduces the force transmissibility by 18.5% and the overall noise radiated by the foundation by 4.3 dB. Furthermore, the HDVA approach reduces the force transmissibility and radiated noise by 92.2% and 9.1 dB, respectively.© 2005 ASME
Determination of Scaling Parameter and Dynamical Resonances in Complex-Rotated Hamiltonian II: Numerical Analysis

This paper is concerned with the determination of a unique scaling parameter in complex scaling analysis and with accurate calculation of dynamics resonances. In the preceding paper we have presented a theoretical analysis and provided a formalism for dynamical resonance calculations. In this paper we present accurate numerical results for two non-trivial dynamical processes, namely, models of diatomic molecular predissociation and of barrier potential scattering for resonances. The results presented in this paper confirm our theoretical analysis, remove a theoretical ambiguity on determination of the complex scaling parameter, and provide an improved understanding for dynamical resonance calculations in rigged Hilbert space.
Presence in virtual environments as a function of type of input device and display update rate

Abstract Presence in virtual environments can be defined as the participant's feeling or sense of “being there” in the virtual environment. Two factors which may influence the level of presence experienced by a participant within a virtual environment are the display update rate and the type of input device used for navigating within the virtual environment. This paper presents the results of a study examining the relationship between two types of input device and three display update rates on the user's sense of presence within a virtual environment. In the experiment, eight subjects used either a joystick or a SpaceBall to navigate through a virtual representation of Stonehenge at update rates of 10, 15, and 20 Hz. The task was to search for an object hidden within the virtual environment. It was found that although the type of input device had no effect on the user's sense of presence, an update rate of at least 15 Hz was the critical value for the user feeling present in the virtual environment. Implications of the results for the design of virtual environments and for creating a sense of presence within virtual environments are discussed.
Direct analysis of melamine in complex matrices using a handheld mass spectrometer

A low temperature plasma ambient ionization source, coupled to a portable mass spectrometer (Mini 10.5), is used for the determination of melamine contamination in whole milk and related materials. Thermally assisted desorption and ionization of the analyte was achieved with the plasma probe. The small size, low power consumption and capability for direct sampling without pretreatment makes plasma ionization an appropriate ionization method for use with a handheld mass spectrometer. The standard discontinuous atmospheric pressure interface used to connect atmospheric pressure ion sources to mass spectrometers (Gao et al., Anal. Chem., 2008, 80, 4026-4032) was modified by using supplementary pumping to increase the ion transfer efficiency. Whole milk, fish, milk powder and other complex matrices spiked with melamine were placed on glass slides close to the vacuum inlet and analyzed without sample pretreatment. Quantitation in complex matrices was achieved using MS/MS of protonated melamine m/z 127 to yield the characteristic fragment ion of m/z 85. Analysis rates of two samples per minute, levels of melamine as low as 250 ng/mL in whole milk (below the regulatory level in the US of 1 ppm (1 microg/mL) or the European level of 2.5 ppm (microg/mL)), a linear dynamic range of 0.5-50 microg/mL and a relative standard deviation of ca. 7.6-16.2% were achieved. The importance of melamine to public health and the prior lack of a rapid, sensitive and yet highly specific field analysis method add to the relevance of this study.
From multivariate to qualitative measurement: Representation of shape

The measurement of biological forms has traditionally relied on metric measurements analyzed in terms of a suitable Cartesian space. Yet biological forms are not produced in such a framework and consequently there may be disjunction between analytical framework and biological process. A number of systems for the representation of form are examined and it is argued that all are defective, to one degree or another, at the level of congruence with biological process. Metric frameworks, it is suggested may not be sufficient and representations based on the concept of grammars and fractals are also briefly reviewed. It is concluded that representation of form in accordance with underlying structuring processes is still lacking.
Role of Apoptosis in Colon Cancer Biology, Therapy, and Prevention

Deregulation of apoptosis is a hallmark of human cancer and contributes to therapeutic resistance. Recent advances in cancer genomics have revealed a myriad of alterations in key pathways that directly or indirectly increase tumor cell survival. This review outlines the pathways of apoptosis in mammalian cells, and highlights the common alterations of apoptosis regulators found in colon cancer, the role of apoptosis, and underlying mechanisms in colon cancer treatment and prevention, including recent advances in investigational agents, such as kinase inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, heat shock protein 90 inhibitors, BH3 mimetics, tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand, and inhibitor of apoptosis protein antagonists. The topics also include novel concepts as well as opportunities and challenges for drug discovery and combination therapy by exploring cancer-specific genetic defects, and therefore selective induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. Although the emphasis is on colon cancer, the main theme and many of the aspects are applicable to other solid tumors.
Induced- θ contribution to the neutron electric dipole moment

We study the $\mathrm{CP}$-violating $\ensuremath{\theta}$ term in QCD induced by the renormalization-group evolution of the chromoelectric dipole moments of gluons and heavy quarks. It is pointed out that this renormalization-group effect makes the neutron electric dipole moment from the $\ensuremath{\theta}$ term at the hadronic scale dominate over that from other contributions in a large class of models without a Peccei-Quinn symmetry.
Three-Dimensional Atom-Probe Tomography: Advances and Applications

AbstractThis review presents the historical temporal evolution of an atom-probe tomograph (APT) from its genesis (1973) from field-ion microscope images of individual tungsten atoms (1955). The capabilities of modern APTs employing either electrical or laser pulsing are discussed. The results of the application of APTs to specific materials science problems are presented for research performed at Northwestern University on the following problems: (a) the segregation of Mg at α-Al/Al3Sc heterophase interfaces, (b) phase decomposition in ternary Ni-Al-Cr and quaternary Ni-Al-Cr-Re alloys, and (c) 3-D nanoscale composition mapping of an InAs semiconductor nanowire whose growth was catalyzed by gold. These results demonstrate that it is now possible to obtain highly quantitative information from APT that can be compared with modeling, theory, simulations, and/or first-principles calculations.
Evidence against a hypothesis of vestibular efferent function

Efferent stimulation and nicotinic agonists can either decrease or increase the frequency of occurrence of EPSPs recorded from VIIIth nerve afferents in the frog. It has been hypothesized that the distribution of hair cell resting membrane potentials overlaps the equilibrium potential dictated by the nicotinic-gated channels on the hair cells. Nicotinic mediated increases in EPSP frequency would then be due to depolarization of hair cells that were more hyperpolarized at rest, while decreases in EPSP frequency would be due to hyperpolarization of hair cells more depolarized at rest. In order to test this hypothesis, while recording from afferents which showed an increase in EPSP frequency due to bath application of the nicotinic agonist DMPP (1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperizinium iodide), hair cells were depolarized with 10 mM K+ in the bath, and then the effects of DMPP on EPSP frequency were assessed. In this situation, DMPP still increased EPSP frequency, suggesting that the equilibrium potential for the nicotinic-gated channel was much more positive than the resting potentials of the hair cells. An alternative hypothesis then seems likely, that the nicotinic receptors on hair cells are able to activate different iontophores that result in either hair cell depolarization or hyperpolarization, dependent upon which iontophore predominates in the hair cells innervating a particular afferent.
Low cost inverter suitable for medium-power fuel cell sources

A low-cost high performance fuel cell inverter for 48 V to 120 V/sub ac/ conversion is described. The design addresses total system cost including battery and battery management while providing a current sourced interface for the fuel cell and galvanic isolation at the output. The inverter topology eliminates the need for a DC intermediate voltage by using an AC-link output inverter. This circuit is based on a square-wave cycloconverter combined with a simple new control approach to produce a "PWM cycloconverter" that supports the use of either IGBTs or SCRs to further reduce the system cost.
THE NORM AND MODULUS OF A FOGUEL OPERATOR

We develop a method for calculating the norm and the spec- trum of the modulus of a Foguel operator. In many cases, the norm can be computed exactly. In others, sharp upper bounds are obtained. In particular, we observe several connections between Foguel operators and the Golden Ratio.
Quality Assurance of Hot-Mix Asphalt: Comparison of Contractor Quality Control and Georgia Department of Transportation Data

Quality assurance is the process by which highway construction elements are sampled and tested to ensure compliance with specifications and other project requirements. The results of contractor-performed tests, originally performed for quality control purposes, are increasingly used in the acceptance decision in many states. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) uses contractor-performed tests in the acceptance decision on acceptable corroboration of GDOT-performed tests. Statistical analyses were performed to assess differences between tests conducted on hot-mix asphalt concrete by GDOT and its contractors during the 2003 construction season. Measurements of gradation and asphalt content taken by both parties were compared both across all projects and on a project-by-project basis for projects large enough to meet sample size requirements for this type of analysis. Both tabular and graphic representations of data are used to interpret the results. Statistically significant differences occur in some cases; these differences are much more common when comparing variability of these measurements than with the means. At the project level, on most projects in which statistically significant differences occur, the GDOT value typically is larger.
From Compliance To Consultation: the Changing Role of the Public Personnel Administrator:

The public personnel administrator's role is undergoing rapid change as agency managers demand more organizational knowledge of human resources. The traditional role of the personnelist focuses on ...
Early complications in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting with hyperleukocytosis.

Background The optimal management of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with hyperleukocytosis is unclear, largely because the risk of leukostasis-related complications is poorly characterized. Procedure We reviewed the presenting characteristics, initial management, and frequency and type of complications in all children seen at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with previously untreated ALL and an initial leukocyte count >200 × 109/L. Results A total of 178 children, representing 8% of all children with ALL, had an initial leukocyte count >200 × 109/L; 67 patients had a leukocyte count >400 × 109/L. Sixteen patients (9%) had neurological complications with 12 of these patients experiencing symptoms at presentation. Four patients (2%), all with initial leukocyte counts >400 × 109/L, suffered a CNS hemorrhage. Pulmonary leukostasis occurred in 11 patients (6%). The degree of hyperleukocytosis was significantly predictive of neurological (P = 0.006) and respiratory (P = 0.014) complications. The majority of complications occurred at presentation. Cytoreduction (94 patients) decreased the leukocyte count but delayed initiation of chemotherapy (P = 0.013). Conclusions Serious leukostasis-related complications are relatively uncommon in childhood ALL and most occur at presentation. Their incidence increases in proportion to the leukocyte count. A large subset of cases can be managed successfully without cytoreduction. Cytoreduction may be considered for patients with leukocyte counts >400 × 109/L or patients who have complications at presentation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2005; 45:10–15. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.