cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of electrostatic forces on droplet suspensions

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effect of electrostatic forces on droplet suspensions. Direct numerical simulations are used to examine the effect of electric fields on the behavior of suspensions of drops in dielectric fluids. The effect of electric field is modeled using the leaky dielectric model coupled with the full Navier–Stokes equations. The governing equations are solved using a front-tracking volume technique. The interaction of the drops is strongly dependent on the conductivity and the permittivity ratio. But fibration, where drops line up into long columns, takes place over a wide range of these parameters. The hydrodynamic interaction because of fluid circulation induced by the electric field has a strong influence on the drop distribution and the rate of fibration.
A Parametric Study of a Lithium-Cooled Tokamak Blanket

Two design models illustrate the methodology used to obtain the acceptable ranges for a set of design parameters for a lithium-cooled tokamak blanket. The methodology can also be used to identify the limiting constraints for a particular design. For typical tokamaks, header diameter is approx. 12 cm; coolant inlet velocity is found to be < 0.1 m/s to maintan a reasonable hoop stress in the header. For the constant Q' model, where tubes are distributed to match the volumetric heat generation, the limiting constraints are found to be the total number of tubes and the maximum size of the headers that can fit radially in the blanket. The maximum first wall neutron loading is 7 MW/m/sup 2/. For the constant T/sub max/ model, where cooling channels are placed so that the peak temperatures between the channels are equal, the limiting constraint is found to be the thermal stress in the channel wall. The first wall neutron loading is found to be 2.1 MW/m/sup 2/.
Unintended Harm? Race Differences in the Relationship Between Advance Care Planning and Psychological Distress at the End of Life.

Abstract Context Research has revealed racial disparities in advance care planning and intensity of end-of-life care. Studies of the relationship between advance care planning and sadness and anxiety at the end of life are inconclusive. Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which the relationship between advance care planning and sadness and anxiety at the end of life differs by race. Methods This study analyzes data from 315 Medicare beneficiaries from the 2011–2016 National Health and Aging Trends Study. Caregiver-assessed sadness/anxiety at decedent's end of life was categorized as none, managed needs, and unmanaged needs. We used multinomial logistic regression and calculated relative risk and predicted probability of reporting sadness/anxiety by race and advance care planning status, controlling for demographic and health characteristics. Results Among non-Hispanic black/African-Americans who died, end-of-life discussions and having a health care proxy increased the predicted probability of caregivers reporting unmanaged needs related to sadness/anxiety by factors of 2.6 and 3.5, respectively (discussions: from 15% to 39%, P = 0.03; health care proxy: from 12% to 42%, P = 0.008). By contrast, among non-Hispanic white decedents, end-of-life discussions and naming a health care proxy were not associated with caregivers reporting unmanaged needs related to sadness/anxiety. Conclusion Advance care planning may not work the same way for black and white individuals. End-of-life discussions and naming a health care proxy are potentially harmful to dying black patients' mental health. This finding suggests a need for additional research to understand why caregivers report unmanaged sadness/anxiety for dying black patients who engaged in advance care planning and increased attention to these patients' mental health at the end of life.
Early mortality and safety after transcatheter aortic valve replacement using the SAPIEN 3 in nonagenarians.

Background Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been performed for many elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). The SAPIEN 3 is one of the latest balloon-expandable prosthesis. This study aimed to investigate the early clinical outcomes after TAVR using the SAPIEN 3 in nonagenarians. Methods A total of 97 consecutive patients underwent TAVR for severe AS between December 2015 and December 2016. Of these, 85 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR using the SAPIEN 3 were included. According to the age, patients were classified into age ≥ 90 years group (17 patients) or age < 90 years group (68 patients). The clinical outcomes including all-cause mortality and composite endpoint of early safety at 30 days were evaluated. Results The Society of Thoracic Surgeons score in age ≥ 90 years group was higher than age < 90 years group (12.3 ± 6.1% vs. 8.5 ± 5.1%, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between the two groups. However, the life-threatening bleeding and major vascular complications in age ≥ 90 years group were greater than age < 90 years group (11.8% vs. 1.5%, P = 0.04 and 11.8% vs. 1.5%, P = 0.04, respectively). The composite endpoint of early safety at 30 days was similar between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that prior myocardial infarction was an independent predictor of the composite endpoint of early safety (odds ratio: 4.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-22.21, P = 0.047). Conclusions The early mortality and safety after TAVR using the SAPIEN 3 in nonagenarians were similar and acceptable despite of higher operative risk.
Route of Vaccine Administration Influences the Impact of Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3 Ligand (Flt3L) on Chlamydial-Specific Protective Immune Responses.

We tested the hypothesis that the impact of the Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3-ligand (Flt3L; FL) on recombinant Vibrio cholerae ghost (rVCG) vaccine-induced chlamydial immunity is influenced by route of vaccine delivery. Female C57BL/6J mice were immunized rectally (IR) or intramuscularly (IM) with rVCG co-expressing the Chlamydia trachomatis PmpD and PorB proteins (rVCG- PmpD/PorB) with and without FL or glycoprotein D of HSV-2 (rVCG-gD2) as antigen control. Vaccine evaluation was based on measurement of T cell proliferation, Th1/Th2 cytokine, and humoral responses at systemic and mucosal compartments, and protection against intravaginal challenge infection. Results revealed that high levels of CD4+ T cell-mediated and humoral immune responses, were elicited in mice as a function of both IR and IM immunization. Unexpectedly, co-administration of vaccine with FL enhanced specific Th1-type cytokine levels and T cell proliferative responses following IR but not IM immunization. While administration of vaccine with FL enhanced the specific mucosal and systemic IgA antibody responses following both immunization routes, IgG2c responses were not enhanced following IR delivery. The vaccine-induced immune effectors protected mice against live heterologous C. muridarum infection irrespective of route of vaccine administration, with the regimen incorporating FL having a protective advantage. Further evaluation showed that protection afforded by the FL adjuvanted vaccine was facilitated by CD4+ T cells, as indicated by reduction in the intensity and duration of genital chlamydial shedding by naive mice following adoptive transfer of immune CD4+ T cells. Taken together, the results indicate that comparable protective immunity, which is enhanced by co-delivery with FL, is elicited in the female genital tract against Chlamydia infection after mucosal and systemic administration, highlighting the ability of FL to function as an effective immunostimulator at both mucosal and systemic sites. The differential modulation of humoral and cellular immune responses, and protective immunity afforded by the FL adjuvanted vaccine following IR administration indicates that the immunomodulatory impact of FL on chlamydial-specific immunity is influenced by the route of vaccine administration. Thus, targeting of VCG-based vaccines to antigen presenting cells by co-delivery with FL is a feasible immunization approach for inducing effective chlamydial immunity in the female genital tract.
Predictors of Women’s Emergency Contraception Use and Men’s Support of Partner’s Use among College Students

Background: The unintended pregnancy rate in the United States is high, and emergency contraception (EC) is a birth control method that prevents unintended pregnancies. Despite the fact that many college campuses provide access to EC, undergraduate college students have relatively high rates of unintended pregnancies. Purpose: This study examined whether perceptions and knowledge regarding EC use were associated with women’s intentions to use EC, and men’s intentions to support their partner’s EC use. Methods: This study utilized a convenience sample of 96 female and 118 male southern California community college undergraduate students. Results: Women had stronger intentions to use EC if they thought they could successfully obtain it at a pharmacy, while men reported they were more likely to support a partner’s use if they thought that EC use is morally acceptable. Conclusions: The findings suggest that increasing women’s knowledge about the accessibility of EC may lead to increased use of EC if needed. Men’s moral stance regarding EC use may impact the degree to which they will support their female partners using EC. Further implications are discussed.
Peripheral Nerve Impairment and Recurrent Falls Among Women: Results From the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation

BACKGROUND Falls and related injuries are important public health concerns yet underappreciated in early aging. This study examined the association of peripheral nerve impairment (PNI) with fall outcomes in early old aged women (60-72 years). METHODS Women (n = 1,725; mean age 65.1 ± 2.7 years) from the longitudinal cohort Study of Women's Health Across the Nation completed a PNI questionnaire on presence, frequency, and severity of symptoms, and 10- and 1.4-g monofilament testing in 2016-2017. PNI was defined as four or more self-reported symptoms or monofilament insensitivity. Recurrent falls (two or more) and recurrent fall injuries (two or more falls with one or more injuries) in the previous 12 months were assessed via questionnaire. Poisson regression was used to generate risk ratios (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the fall outcomes, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS Approximately 12.3% of participants reported two ore more falls, 7.6% reported recurrent falls with injury, and 15.8% reported four or more PNI symptoms. Women with recurrent falls were more likely to report four or more PNI symptoms compared to women without recurrent falls (32.1% vs 13.5%; p < .001). One quarter (25.6%) of participants had four or more PNI symptoms or monofilament insensitivity; after adjusting for covariates, women with either symptoms or insensitivity were more likely to report recurrent falls compared to women with neither (RR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.24, 2.17). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that PNI may identify those at high risk for falls, particularly among women during early late life. Neuropathy screening instruments such as symptom questionnaires or monofilament testing are easy to implement and may have utility for fall risk assessment.
Legacy effects of contrasting organic grain cropping systems on soil health indicators, soil invertebrates, weeds, and crop yield

Abstract Elucidating relationships between the soil food web, soil processes, and agroecosystem function is a critical step toward a more sustainable agriculture. Soil and crop management practices can alter these relationships, and their effects can persist even after imposing new management practices. In 2005, the Cornell Organic Grain Cropping Systems Experiment was established in central New York. Four cropping systems that varied in fertilizer inputs, tillage practices, and weed control were compared: High Fertility, Low Fertility, Enhanced Weed Management, Reduced Tillage. Two crop rotation entry points were included in the experiment. In June 2017, the entire experimental site (plots and alleyways) was plowed and seeded with sorghum sudangrass [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench x S. sudanense (Piper) Stapf] as part of a uniformity trial to assess legacy effects of past management practices. Prior to initiating the uniformity trial, soil samples were collected and analyzed for soil health indicators. Soil samples were also collected to assess soil invertebrate abundance and community structure 34 and 70 days after planting. Sorghum sudangrass and weed biomass were sampled at the end of the uniformity trial in September 2017. Legacy effects of past management that were observed during the uniformity trial were associated with differences in nutrient inputs and soil disturbance, as well as the preceding crop. The High Fertility system had greater soil phosphorus than the Low Fertility system, and in one of the two crop rotation entry points, soil aggregate stability and soil respiration were greater in the Reduced Tillage system compared to the Enhanced Weed Management system. The Enhanced Weed Management cropping system also had a soil invertebrate community characterized by more disturbance tolerant taxa. Weed biomass varied by crop rotation entry point, but not cropping system. Sorghum sudangrass biomass was greater in the Reduced Tillage system than the Low Fertility system, and the entry point that had greater weed biomass also had greater sorghum sudangrass biomass. Piecewise structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test relationships between response variables and showed that soil phosphorus, soil aggregate stability, and soil respiration explained variation in abundance of some invertebrates, and that aggregate stability, soil respiration, soil moisture, weed biomass, and a select group of invertebrates affected sorghum sudangrass biomass production. Overall our findings show that soil invertebrates can mediate the relationship between soil health indicators and crop productivity, and provide support for including direct measurements of soil invertebrates in soil health assessments.
Back-to-Back Connected Multiplexers for a Broadband Channel Splitter and Channel Combiner

A new design topology for a broadband channelizer and re-combiner for sub-channel signal processing in RF-front ends is introduced by utilizing back-to-back connected multiplexers. The proposed configuration uses the multiplexer networks with a parallel-connected topology of filters that have complementary even-number-order channel networks. The proposed design topology improves the insertion loss almost two times of the case using the conventional cascaded diplexer configuration. The obtained insertion loss is almost uniform over the multi-octave bandwidth which eliminates amplitude compensation for an ultra-wideband application. A prototype eight-channel back-to-back connected multiplexer is being fabricated to cover 2 GHz to 18 GHz with 2 GHz sub-channel bandwidth as a proof of concept.
An Effective Approach to Classify Abnormal Network Traffic Activities using Wavelet Transform

Understanding network activities has become the most significant task in network security due to the rapid growth of the Internet and mobile devices usages. To protect our computing infrastructures and personal data from network intruders or attacks, identifying abnormal activities is critical. Extracting features from network traffic data is considered as an essential task to be performed because it affects the overall performances to identify the activities accurately. Although researchers proposed several approaches, they mainly focused on identifying the best possible technique to detect abnormal network activities. Only a few studies considered utilizing feature extraction techniques. In this paper, we introduced a new approach, with which an integrative information feature set is determined to identify abnormal network activities using wavelet transformation. Instead of extracting features by attributes, the approach uses all attributes information to extract features and to design a reliable learning model to detect abnormal activities by reducing false positives. Two machine learning techniques, Logistic Regression (LR) and Naive Bayes, are utilized to show the effectiveness of the approach. A visualization method is also used to emphasize our approach. As a result, we found that our proposed approach produces a better performance result with less computational time in detecting abnormal network activities.
AfricaOS: Using a distributed, proposal-based, replicated state machine towards liberation from the Berlin Conference of 1885.

The Berlin Conference of 1885 has influenced the way native Africans, and the African Diaspora live their daily lives. France contractually controls several resources generated by the continent of Africa. Herein lies a technical proposal to free Africa from the financial and economic agreements coerced upon the continent over a century ago by utilizing decentralized collaboration through advanced technology. AfricaOS (AOS) aims to provide a philosophical, and fundamental framework for implementing a simple, distributed, collaborative computer for agreement amongst peers. The work also demonstrates an algebra over transactions, use of the protocol for privatization, a method for tokenizing barter economies, and methods to design mechanisms for use in implementing protocol behavior.
A General Lotto game with asymmetric budget uncertainty.

We consider General Lotto games of asymmetric information where one player's resource endowment is randomly assigned one of two possible values, and the assignment is not revealed to the opponent. We completely characterize the Bayes-Nash equilibria for two such formulations -- namely, one in which the opponent's endowment is fixed and common knowledge, and another where the opponent has a per-unit cost to utilize resources. We then highlight the impact these characterizations have on resource allocation problems involving a central commander that decides how to assign available resources to two sub-colonels competing in separate Lotto games against respective opponents. We find that randomized assignments, which induce the Bayesian game interactions, do not offer strategic advantages over deterministic ones when the opponents have fixed resource endowments. However, this is not the case when the opponents have per-unit costs to utilize resources. We find the optimal randomized assignment strategy can actually improve the commander's payoff two-fold when compared to optimal deterministic assignments, and four-fold in settings where the commander also pays a per-unit cost for resources.
Impact of a structured interview on beta-lactam reaction documentation quality

Incomplete documentation of β-lactam reactions often leads to inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a structured interview on the quality of β-lactam reaction documentation. After 203 interviews, documentation of the core components of a β-lactam reaction improved (48% vs 1%; P < .001).
VPS35 Downregulation Alters Degradation Pathways in Neuronal Cells.

Background The vacuolar protein sorting 35 (VPS35) is the main component of the retromer recognition core complex system which regulates intracellular cargo protein sorting and trafficking. Downregulation of VPS35 has been linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases via endosome dysregulation. Objective Here we show that the genetic manipulation of VPS35 affects intracellular degradation pathways. Methods A neuronal cell line expressing human APP Swedish mutant was used. VPS35 silencing was performed treating cells with VPS35 siRNA or Ctr siRNA for 72 h. Results Downregulation of VPS35 was associated with alteration of autophagy flux and intracellular accumulation of acidic and ubiquitinated aggregates suggesting that dysfunction of the retromer recognition core leads to a significant alteration in both pathways. Conclusion Taken together, our data demonstrate that besides cargo sorting and trafficking, VPS35 by supporting the integral function of the retromer complex system plays an important role also as a critical regulator of intracellular degradation pathways.
Vena caval filters: a comprehensive review

Hematologists are often asked to treat patients with venous thromboembolic disease. Although anticoagulation remains the primary therapy for venous thromboembolism, vena caval filters are an important alternative when anticoagulants are contraindicated. To assess the evidence supporting the utility of these devices, a comprehensive review of the English language literature was performed. Except for one randomized trial, the vena caval filter literature consists of case series or consecutive case series. The mean duration of follow-up for each of the 5 filter types varies from 6 to 18 months. All are about equally effective in the prevention of pulmonary embolism (2.6%-3.8%). Deep venous thrombosis (6%-32%) and inferior vena cava thrombosis (3.6%-11.2%) after filter placement vary widely among different filter types primarily because of differences in outcome assessment. Thrombosis at the insertion site is a common complication of filter placement (23%-36%). In view of the absence of randomized comparisons, no filter can be designated as superior in safety or efficacy. Vena caval filters represent a potentially important but poorly evaluated therapeutic modality in the prevention of pulmonary emboli. Randomized trials are necessary to establish the appropriate place for vena caval filters in the treatment of venous thromboembolic disease. (Blood. 2000;95:3669-3677)
CALIPSO Observations of Near-Cloud Aerosol Properties as a Function of Cloud Fraction

This paper uses spaceborne lidar data to study how near-cloud aerosol statistics of attenuated backscatter depend on cloud fraction. The results for a large region around the Azores show that: (1) far-from-cloud aerosol statistics are dominated by samples from scenes with lower cloud fractions, while near-cloud aerosol statistics are dominated by samples from scenes with higher cloud fractions; (2) near-cloud enhancements of attenuated backscatter occur for any cloud fraction but are most pronounced for higher cloud fractions; (3) the difference in the enhancements for different cloud fractions is most significant within 5km from clouds; (4) near-cloud enhancements can be well approximated by logarithmic functions of cloud fraction and distance to clouds. These findings demonstrate that if variability in cloud fraction across the scenes used to composite aerosol statistics are not considered, a sampling artifact will affect these statistics calculated as a function of distance to clouds. For the Azores-region dataset examined here, this artifact occurs mostly within 5 km from clouds, and exaggerates the near-cloud enhancements of lidar backscatter and color ratio by about 30. This shows that for accurate characterization of the changes in aerosol properties with distance to clouds, it is important to account for the impact of changes in cloud fraction.
Conditional, hierarchical, multi-agent preferences

We develop a revealed-preference theory for multiple agents. Some features of our construction, which draws heavily on Jeffrey's utility theory and on formal constructions by Domotor and Fishburn, are as follows. First, our system enjoys the "small-worlds" property. Second, it represents hierarchical preferences. As a result our expected utility representation is reminscent of type constructions in game theory, except that our construction features higher order utilities as well as higher order probabilities. Finally, our construction includes the representation of conditional preferences, including counterfactual preferences.
Cloned Bacillus subtilis chromosomal DNA mediates tetracycline resistance when present in multiple copies.

Plasmid pCIS7, containing 11.5 kilobases (kb) of Bacillus subtilis DNA, was isolated from a Tn917 transposon insertion in tetracycline-sensitive B. subtilis KS162. When integrated into the chromosome of B. subtilis 168, this plasmid conferred tetracycline resistance upon reiteration of the plasmid DNA sequences in the chromosome. Deletions and subclones of pCIS7 were constructed and introduced into an Escherichia coli in vitro transcription-translation system. A 72-kilodalton protein was localized to a 3.1-kb PstI-EcoRI fragment of the plasmid. Amplification of the 3.1-kb PstI-EcoRI fragment was required for expression of tetracycline resistance in B. subtilis 168. By hybridization to previously characterized clones, the 11.5-kb fragment was localized to the origin region of the chromosome. Through contour-clamped homogeneous electric field electrophoresis, this cluster of clones was shown to reside on a 200-kb NotI fragment bridging SfiI fragments of 150 and 250 kb and was oriented with respect to the purA and guaA loci, developing an accurate physical map of the region surrounding the origin of replication. Images
Protistan epibionts of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis mccradyi Mayer

Mnemiopsis mccradyi, a common coastal ctenophore, was observed to bear two distinct, exclusive assemblages of protistan epibionts. The mobiline peritrich, Trichodina ctenophorii (Estes et al., 1997), and small Flabellula-like gymnamoebae inhabited only the surface of the comb plates. By contrast, small Vexillifera-like gymnamoebae and large Protoodinium-like dinoflagellates were found on the ectoderm. The relationship of the epimicrobial protists with their host varied from possible mutualism (vexilliferids) to commensalism (trichodinids) to parasitism (flabellulids and protoodinids). Trichodinids may benefit from comb plate attachment by enhanced food capture. Although they did not obviously impair comb plate beating, they did distort the surface and appear to produce fissures in the comb plate surface, which could provide inroads for more severe comb plate damage by amoebae. By contrast, when flabellulid amoebae occurred in very high surface densities (up to ~5000 mm-2), they clearly damaged comb plates by eroding the surface. Where flabellulid pseudopodia invaded the comb plate, we observed local degradation of comb plate cilia, as evidenced by central pair disorientation and plasma membrane perturbation and overt phagocytosis of comb plate cilia. Ectodermal vexilliferids, which occurred at much lower densities, did not appear to have any degradative impact on the ctenophore. By contrast, clusters of ectodermal protoodinids were found in localized depressions most likely caused by invasive phagocytosis. The impact of the protistan assemblages on ctenophore populations is unclear, but under conditions of severe infestation they might depress ctenophore population density.
Governance and returns on investment : an empirical investigation

Using data from the World Bank's Operations Evaluation Department, the authors examine the link between the performance of Bank-financed projects and various indicators of country governance. They find that: there is a strong statistical, and possibly casual, link between civil liberties and project performance. After controlling for a variety of determinants of project performance, they find that in countries with the best civil liberties records projects have an economic rate of return between 8 and 22 percentage points higher than the rate of return in countries with the worst civil liberties. (The average rate of return in the sample is 6 percent). The typical political regime (whether authoritarian or democratic) and the status of more purely political liberties do not appear to significantly affect project performance.
Radiofrequency Systems and Coils for MRI and MRS

The sections in this article are 1 Introduction 2 Rf System 3 Rf Coils 4 Biographical Sketch Related Articles
Autofocus Bayesian compressive sensing for multipath exploitation in urban sensing

Exploitation of group sparsity under multipath propagation enables high-resolution ghost-free imaging in urban sensing and through-the-wall radar imaging applications. Multipath exploitation schemes typically require exact prior information of the indoor scene layout and transceiver locations to eliminate ghosts targets. Imperfections in the prior knowledge lead to performance degradation of such schemes. In this paper, a novel autofocus Bayesian compressive sensing approach is proposed for joint scene reconstruction and correction of phase errors resulted from transceiver position uncertainties. Supporting simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Peripapillary Scleral Thickness in Perfusion-Fixed Normal Monkey Eyes

As part of our ongoing studies of the optic nerve head (ONH) as a biomechanical structure, we recently reported the results of thickness measurements for the posterior scleral shell of perfusion-fixed normal and early glaucomatous monkey eyes.1 These data are important for building finite element models of the load-bearing connective tissues of the perfusion-fixed monkey posterior pole. In the preparation of the scleral shells for that study, a 6-mm diameter trephination of the optic nerve and peripapillary sclera was performed to allow characterization of the thickness of the peripapillary sclera (0–1500 μm from the scleral canal). Accurate measurement of peripapillary scleral thickness is necessary for adequate modeling of the important transition between the peripapillary sclera, the scleral canal wall, and the peripheral laminar beams. Because scleral wall stress is inversely proportional to scleral thickness, variation in scleral thickness by location in the peripapillary region is likely to have a significant effect on the stresses in the scleral canal wall that are transferred to the lamina cribrosa. Accurate modeling of the conditions at the boundary zone between the lamina and the sclera is crucial to any models of the ONH. IOP-related stress within the immediate peripapillary sclera is also important, because the effects of such stress may diminish the volume flow of blood through the contained branches of the posterior ciliary arteries.2,3 In addition, this stress is likely to be increased in myopia and other conditions in which the peripapillary sclera is thinned4,5 and may underlie changes in the peripapillary scleral collagen that have been reported in human eyes with glaucoma.6 The purpose of the present study was to characterize the thickness of the peripapillary sclera within 1500 μm of the posterior scleral canal opening in this subset of nine normal monkey eyes that had been perfusion fixed at an IOP of 10 mm Hg.
Activation of platelets by heparin-induced thrombocytopenia antibodies in the serotonin release assay is not dependent on the presence of heparin.

Summary. The serotonin release assay (SRA) tests for antibodies responsible for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). By definition, SRA-positive antibodies cause platelet serotonin release in vitro, in the presence of low concentrations of heparin, but not with excess heparin. Many SRA-positive sera activate platelets in the presence of saline without drug, either as a result of residual heparin in the specimen, or because of intrinsic features of the HIT antibodies. The present experiments show that neither exhaustive heparinase treatment, nor chromatographic removal of heparin abrogates the spontaneous platelet activation caused by these HIT antibodies. This is the first study to systematically demonstrate that in vitro activity of HIT antibodies can be independent of heparin. In addition, T-gel chromatography demonstrated differences among fractions of enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-positive HIT antibodies within individual specimens. Certain ELISA-positive fractions had SRA activity while others did not, and the SRA activity was not proportional to HIT antibody ELISA titer. These data suggest that antibodies formed as a result of heparin treatment are heterogeneous, and that some can contribute to the pathogenesis of HIT even when heparin is no longer present.
Vibration transmission at floor/joist connections in wood frame buildings

Floors in wood frame buildings usually consist of a number of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) sheets supported by a series of parallel wood joists. The OSB subfloor is connected to the joists by a number of equally spaced screws. When predicting flanking transmission in wood frame buildings using statistical energy analysis (SEA), two issues need to be addressed. Firstly, one needs to determine whether the joist should be treated as a beam or as a plate strip. Secondly, the frequency dependent behaviour of the joist/floor connection should be characterized. Both topics will be discussed in the following paragraphs, which deal with structure-borne sound transmission in the direction normal to the joists.
Effect of preoperative chemotherapy on local-regional disease in women with operable breast cancer: findings from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-18.

PURPOSETo determine whether preoperative doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) permits more lumpectomies to be performed and decreases the incidence of positive nodes in women with primary breast cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSWomen (n = 1,523) were randomized to National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) B-18; 759 eligible patients received postoperative AC and 747, preoperative AC. The clinical size of breast and axillary tumors was determined before each of four cycles of AC and before surgery. Tumor response to preoperative therapy was clinically complete (cCR), partial (cPR), stable (cSD), or progressive disease (cPD). Tissue from patients with a cCR was evaluated for a pathologic complete response (pCR).RESULTSBreast tumor size was reduced in 80% of patients after preoperative therapy; 36% had a cCR. Tumor size and clinical nodal status were independent predictors of cCR. Twenty-six percent of women with a cCR had a pCR. Clinical nodal response occurred in 89% of node-positive patients:...
Oxidation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by an oxoferryl porphyrin π-cation radical

Abstract Pre-formed oxoferryl tetrakis (2,6-dichlorophenyl)porphinatoiron π-cation radical at −80°C in methylene chloride:methanol-d4 is used as a low-turnover oxidant to elucidate oxidation pathways of pyrene and benzanthracene. Quantitative incorporation of the oxo oxygen in pyrene quinones and benzanthracene phenols, determined by 18O-labeling experiments, indicates that a substantial proportion of the products arise via a tight complex in which the oxoferryl unit is accessible to the periphery of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. Methoxylated products indicate that one-electron transfers by an outer-sphere oxidation mechanism also occur. Thus dual reaction pathways are demonstrated. Modeling cytochrome P450-mediated oxidations by reactions of pre-formed oxoferryl porphyrin π-cation radicals under single- or low-turnover conditions appears to be a straightforward strategy for investigation of cytochrome P450 mechanisms. Nevertheless, it has rarely been exploited and, to date, reports concern only oxoferryl tetramesitylporphyrin π-cation radical epoxidation of olefins. The catalyst employed here is more active, and thus closer in behavior to cytochrome P450.
Development of a Method for the Prediction of Pressure-Viscosity Coefficients of Lubricating Oils Based on Free-Volume Theory

Mise au point d'une methode de calcul des coefficients determinant la relation pression-viscosite des huiles lubrifiantes. Utilisation de la theorie du volume libre
Identification of Structural Motifs in P-Glycoprotein Responsible for the Drug-Mediated Inhibition of ATP Hydrolysis

P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) is the most studied member of the ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily. This transporter utilizes energy from ATP hydrolysis for the efflux of a great variety of compounds, including anticancer drugs. P-gp is expressed at the apical surface of epithelial cells in the intestines, kidney, liver, adrenal gland, blood-brain barrier, and placenta, and therefore affects the pharmacokinetics of many drugs. The expression of P-gp at the surface of tumor cells is also one of the mechanisms of multidrug resistance, which occurs in many cancers. The development of an effective inhibitor requires first the understanding of the mechanism of action of P-gp. In our recent work, mutagenesis and molecular modeling studies led to the identification of a pair of phenylalanine-tyrosine structural motifs that mediate the inhibition of ATP hydrolysis by drugs such as zosuquidar, tariquidar and elacridar. Upon mutation of any of these residues, drugs that inhibit the ATPase activity of P-gp switch to stimulation of the activity. Molecular modeling revealed that the phenylalanine residues interact with the tyrosines in an edge-to-face conformation, helping the tyrosines to adopt the proper orientation to effectively establish hydrogen-bond contact with the inhibitor. Biochemical investigations along with transport studies in intact cells showed that the inhibitors bind at a high affinity site to produce inhibition of ATP hydrolysis and transport function. Upon mutation of tyrosine or phenylalanine residues that disrupts the structural motifs, they bind at lower affinity sites, leading to stimulation of ATP hydrolysis and poor inhibition of transport.
Heavy Flavor Tracker (HFT): The new silicon vertex detector for the STAR experiment at RHIC

The HFT is the vertex–detector upgrade for the STAR experiment at RHIC. It is replacing the decommissioned silicon drift detector (SVT) with active pixel technology close to the beam pipe in order to increase by about an order of magnitude the track-pointing (DCA) resolution. This will allow direct and full topological reconstruction of charmed meson decays (e.g. D0) and a better determination of the B–meson spectra. Key measurements include D0 elliptic flow (v2) determination, especially in the lower transverse momenta (pT) region, and identified heavy quark suppression studies at high pT via the nuclear modification factor ( R C P and R A A ).
Design Considerations for Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Brayton Cycles With Recompression

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) Brayton cycles have the potential to offer improved thermal-to-electric conversion efficiency for utility scale electricity production. These cycles have generated considerable interest in recent years because of this potential and are being considered for a range of applications, including nuclear and concentrating solar power (CSP). Two promising SCO2 power cycle variations are the simple Brayton cycle with recuperation and the recompression cycle. The models described in this paper are appropriate for the analysis and optimization of both cycle configurations under a range of design conditions. The recuperators in the cycle are modeled assuming a constant heat exchanger conductance value, which allows for computationally efficient optimization of the cycle’s design parameters while accounting for the rapidly varying fluid properties of carbon dioxide near its critical point. Representing the recuperators using conductance, rather than effectiveness, allows for a more appropriate comparison among design-point conditions because a larger conductance typically corresponds more directly to a physically larger and higher capital cost heat exchanger. The model is used to explore the relationship between recuperator size and heat rejection temperature of the cycle, specifically in regard to maximizing thermal efficiency. The results presented in this paper are normalized by net power output and may be applied to cycles of any size. Under the design conditions considered for this analysis, results indicate that increasing the design high-side (compressor outlet) pressure does not always correspond to higher cycle thermal efficiency. Rather, there is an optimal compressor outlet pressure that is dependent on the recuperator size and operating temperatures of the cycle and is typically in the range of 30–35 MPa. Model results also indicate that the efficiency degradation associated with warmer heat rejection temperatures (e.g., in dry-cooled applications) are reduced by increasing the compressor inlet pressure. Because the optimal design of a cycle depends upon a number of application-specific variables, the model presented in this paper is available online and is envisioned as a building block for more complex and specific simulations. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4027936]
Direct numerical solution of the Schrödinger equation for quantum scattering problems.

A direct numerical solution of the Schr\"odinger equation for quantum scattering problems is presented. The wave function for each partial wave is expanded in coupled spherical harmonics and the corresponding radial functions are expanded in a local basis set using finite-element analysis, with the appropriate scattering boundary conditions. The method is shown to give very accurate results for elastic phase shifts (S,P,D, and F) and resonance positions for electron-hydrogen scattering.
Mixed paternity despite high male parental care in great tinamous and other Palaeognathes

Mixed paternity or the presence of offspring sired by more than one male in a brood is common in birds. The hypothesis that mixed paternity should be low when male involvement in care is high has received widespread support in among-species comparisons that report a negative relationship between the percentage of mixed paternity and the extent of male parental care. These analyses have not incorporated data from Palaeognathes, a group where male only care is widespread. Understanding patterns of paternity in this group allows us to test assumptions about the predicted relationship between paternity and male-only care. I studied paternity of great tinamou, Tinamus major , and found high levels of mixed paternity in their nests (60% of nests and 24% of chicks). The incidence of mixed paternity was higher in larger clutches laid by multiple females than in smaller clutches laid by a single female. However, males that acquired larger clutches sired more offspring overall. Mixed paternity in this group is most likely the result of sequential mating by females. Together with previous findings in other Palaeognathes, these results show that high levels of mixed paternity and male parental care coexist in birds, while paternity assurance is not required for male parental care to be maintained, because males can increase their reproductive success by mating with multiple females, by siring offspring in other males' nests and by reducing predation risk to their offspring in larger clutches. Under these conditions male parental care can evolve despite the likelihood of mixed paternity.
An instrument for measuring commutation

“BLACK BANDS” have been used for many years JD to compare the commutating ability of d-c machines and to set the brushes in the proper place. A black band, as used here, is defined as the number of amperes by which the current through the commutating winding can be changed without producing sparking at the brush faces. This band width usually is taken at 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 per cent of rated load. This is plotted as shown in Figure 1, the black band being the shaded portion.
New approaches for designing ‘programmable’ microfluidic devices

By exploiting the inherent interactions between soft particles and patterned substrates, researchers are developing new methods for controlling the motion of microcarriers and cells in microchannels. Anna Balazs reveals how these could be used to control precisely reactions on the microscale. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Kimberly Jensen, Mobilizing Minerva: American women in the First World War

Mobilizing Minerva: American women in the First World War, by Kimberly Jensen, Urbana and Chicago, University of Illinois Press, 2008, xvii + 244 pp. Kimberly Jensen's work, Mobilizing Minerva: Ame...
Charles S. Johnson's The Negro in Chicago

Charles S. Johnson’s classic study of the Chicago race riot of 1919,The Negro in Chicago, can provide contemporary social scientists with valuable historical insight into urban race relations and a model of methodological comprehensiveness. This review of Johnson’s study suggests the influence of the Chicago School of Sociology and especially of Robert Park on its methodological and conceptual framework. In contrast to the tendency of many recent studies of black urban communities to maintain a narrow theoretical and empirical focus,The Negro in Chicago draws on a wide array of types of data and uses an organic metaphor to suggest the complex interrelatedness of urban residents in the many contexts of their daily lives.
Reduction of aromatic nitro compounds as catalyzed by rhodium trichloride under water-gas shift reaction conditions

Abstract Described are quantitative studies of the CO/H 2 O reduction of various nitroaromatics to the respective anilines under water–gas shift reaction (WGSR) conditions catalyzed by solutions of RhCl 3 in aqueous amines. The most active media were aqueous tetramethylethylenediamine and 2-picoline solutions. The reduction rates exhibited first-order dependence on P (CO) over the 0.3–1.5 atm range, but turnover frequencies decreased as the total rhodium concentration increased over the range 5–40 mM. The latter behavior was interpreted in terms of the coexistence of mononuclear and polynuclear Rh species in the system, the mononuclear being the more catalytically active. Relative shift reaction and reduction rates indicate that the nitroaromatics must be reduced by an independent catalytic cycle rather than by the WGSR produced H 2 .
Monoclonal antibodies to the P protein of Sendai virus define its structure and role in transcription.

Abstract Four monoclonal antibodies specific for Sendai virus nucleocapsid protein P were used to examine both the antigenic structure of P and its role in transcription. Three distinct antigenic regions were delineated on P by competitive radioimmunoassays (RIAs), and through Western blot analysis all three sites were mapped to a 40,000-MW (40K) Staphylococcus aureus protease V8-digestion fragment, which remains associated with the neucleocapsid structure. To study the function of P, nucleocapsids were treated with saturating amounts of anti-P monoclonal antibodies and it was found that transcription in vitro was inhibited by 60–90%. Data, therefore, are consistent with the conclusion that the P protein is required for transcription and that the 40K protease-resistant core contains the functionally important portion of the molecule. Further analysis of the P structure showed that some of the 40K fragments were linked by disulfide bonds. These results suggest that the protease-resistant 40K fragment is in the carboxylterminal half of P, since the three cysteine residues of P are found there ( C. Giorgi, B. M. Blumberg, and D. Kolakofsky (1983) , Cell 35 , 829–836).