cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infection of BALB/c Mice with a Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Recombinant Virus Expressing IFN-γ Driven by the LAT Promoter

Abstract A recombinant herpes simplex virus type 1 expressing murine interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was constructed (HSV-IFN-γ) to study the effect of IFN-γ expression on HSV-1 infection of mice. HSV-IFN-γ was created by inserting the gene for murine IFN-γ under the control of the latency-associated transcript (LAT) promoter in a LAT-negative recombinant virus. ELISA analysis confirmed that the recombinant virus expressed high levels of IFN-γ in tissue culture. The recombinant HSV-IFN-γ had reduced virulence compared with the wild-type and LAT − parental strains as judged by death following ocular and ip infections in BALB/c mice. Replication of HSV-IFN-γ was wild type in tissue culture and mouse eyes. In addition, peak HSV-IFN-γ titers in mouse trigeminal ganglia (TG) and brain were similar for all viruses, although HSV-IFN-γ appeared in the TG and brains of ocularly infected mice earlier than either parental virus. Following stimulation with UV-inactivated virus, lymphocytes from HSV-IFN-γ-infected mice appeared to produce a steady level of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IFN-γ throughout the first week of infection, while the IL-2 and IFN-γ levels in lymphocytes from wild-type and the LAT-negative parental virus, dLAT2903, varied over time. Also in contrast to lymphocytes from wild-type and dLAT2903-infected mice, lymphocytes from HSV-IFN-γ-infected mice produced no detectable IL-4. Following stimulation with recombinant IFN-γ (rIFN-γ), lymphocytes from HSV-IFN-γ-infected mice produced higher levels of IFN-γ, as compared to lymphocytes from control virus-infected mice. Finally, CTL and cell proliferation induced by HSV-IFN-γ were similar to those of both parental viruses. Thus, this report demonstrates that (i) HSV-IFN-γ had reduced neurovirulence, despite having enhanced replication in the TG of infected mice; (ii) HSV-IFN-γ did not enhance CTL activity above that seen in wild-type infected mice; and (iii) HSV-IFN-γ induced a T H 1 pattern of cytokine response.
Density gradient enrichment of Escherichia coli lpxL mutants

Abstract We previously described enrichment of conditional Escherichia coli msbA mutants defective in lipopolysaccharide export using Ludox density gradients (Doerrler WT (2007) Appl Environ Microbiol 73; 7992–7996 ). Here, we use this approach to isolate and characterize temperature-sensitive lpxL mutants. LpxL is a late acyltransferase of the pathway of lipid A biosynthesis (The Raetz Pathway). Sequencing the lpxL gene from the mutants revealed the presence of both missense and nonsense mutations. The missense mutations include several in close proximity to the enzyme's active site or conserved residues (E137K, H132Y, G168D). These data demonstrate that Ludox gradients can be used to efficiently isolate conditional E. coli mutants with defects in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and provide insight into the enzymatic mechanism of LpxL.
Numerical analysis of waveguide-enhanced optical bistability

We present the results of a simulation study of a multilayer structure for which strongly enhanced (resonant) electric fields are produced at the surface of, and in the interior of, a planar waveguide which is evanescently coupled to an incoming beam in a prism geometry. The resulting field enhancements can far exceed those associated with the well-known surface plasmon resonance in a typical silver film excited in the conventional attenuated total reflection geometry. Simulations are performed for optical bistability for the case of a typical YAG laser beam coupled to a zinc oxide (ZnO) waveguide, demonstrating that the effect should occur for reasonable values of the parameters involved.
Aβ(1-42) and aluminum induce stress in the endoplasmic reticulum in rabbit hippocampus, involving nuclear translocation of gadd 153 and NF-κB

Apoptosis may represent a prominent form of neuronal death in chronic neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. Although apoptosis under mitochondrial control has received considerable attention, mechanisms used within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and nucleus in mediating apoptotic signals are not well understood. A growing body of evidence is emerging from different studies which suggests an active role for the ER in regulating apoptosis. Disturbances of ER function have been shown to trigger two different apoptotic pathways; one involves cross-talk with mitochondria and is regulated by the antiapoptotic Bcl-2, and the second is characterized by the activation of caspase-12. Also, stress in the ER has been suggested to result in the activation of a number of proteins, such as gadd 153 and NF-kappa, and in the downregulation of the antiapoptotic protein, Bcl-2. In the present study, the intracisternal injection in aged rabbits of either the neurotoxin aluminum maltolate or of Abeta(1-42), has been found to induce nuclear translocation of gadd 153 and the inducible transcription factor, NF-kappaB. Translocation of these two proteins is accompanied by decreased levels of Bcl-2 in both the ER and the nucleus. Aluminum maltolate, but not Abeta, induces caspase-12 activation which is a mediator of ER-specific apoptosis; this is the first report of the in vivo activation of caspase-12. These findings indicate that the ER may play a role in regulating apoptosis in vivo, and could be of significance in the pathology of neurodegeneration and related disorders.
A cluster of necrotizing enterocolitis in term infants undergoing open heart surgery

Abstract Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal disease of unknown cause that predominantly affects premature infants, but it has been reported in term infants with congenital heart disease. Methods: In August and September of 1997, 4 cases of NEC in term infants with congenital heart disease were identified among 24 infants undergoing cardiac surgical procedures at our institution. Because nosocomial NEC had not previously been identified among infants in our pediatric intensive care unit, a case-control study was conducted to identify risk factors for NEC. All infants less than 4 months old undergoing cardiac surgery without development of NEC during the epidemic period were selected as controls. Results: The only significant risk factor associated with case-infants was a higher mean temperature gradient (rectal/toe) during the immediate 12-hour postoperative period (4.0°C vs 2.0°C, P
Strategy for on-line preconcentration in chromatographic separations.

In chromatographic separations, the heights of peaks are proportional to the concentrations of sample components present in an injected mixture. In general, an increase in the peak height cannot be achieved by simply increasing the injection time or the sample plug length. An exception occurs if some form of on-line preconcentration is possible. We present a new strategy for achieving on-line preconcentration by the use of a porous chromatographic material that acts as a solid-phase extractor as well as a stationary-phase separator. We are able to realize significant on-line preconcentration using capillary columns filled with a photopolymerized sol−gel (PSG). More than 2-cm plugs of sample solution can be loaded into the capillary and concentrated using a running buffer that is the same as the injection buffer (to avoid solvent gradient effects). As a demonstration, mixtures of three different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, eight different alkyl phenyl ketones, and five different peptides in solutions...
CRITICAL INDICES OF THE LAMBDA TRANSITION.

Abstract The Widom-Kadanoff scaling laws are derived assuming that the free energy is an analytic function of temperature and the order parameter except at the transition point. Using this formulation and microscopic theory we argue for an additional relation for the critical indices of the liquid helium λ-transition.
Directions for development of the field of electroactive polymer (EAP)

In last few years, the rate of development and advances in the field of EAP has accelerated significantly and it is increasingly getting closer to the point of finding them used in commercial products. Substantial development has been reported in the understanding of their drive mechanisms and the parameters that control their electro-activation behavior. Further, efforts are being made to develop mass production techniques with greatly improved actuation capability and operation durability. The recent efforts to develop energy harvesting techniques, haptic interfacing (including refreshable braille displays), and toys are further increasing the likelihood of finding niches for these materials. In this paper, the author sought to examine the potential directions for the future development of the field of EAP in relation to the state-of-the-art.
Computational Inference Methods for Selective Sweeps Arising in Acute HIV Infection

During the first weeks of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection, cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) select for multiple escape mutations in the infecting HIV population. In recent years, methods that use escape mutation data to estimate rates of HIV escape have been developed, thereby providing a quantitative framework for exploring HIV escape from CTL response. Current methods for escape-rate inference focus on a specific HIV mutant selected by a single CTL response. However, recent studies have shown that during the first weeks of infection, CTL responses occur at one to three epitopes and HIV escape occurs through complex mutation pathways. Consequently, HIV escape from CTL response forms a complex, selective sweep that is difficult to analyze. In this work, we develop a model of initial infection, based on the well-known standard model, that allows for a description of multi-epitope response and the complex mutation pathways of HIV escape. Under this model, we develop Bayesian and hypothesis-test inference methods that allow us to analyze and estimate HIV escape rates. The methods are applied to two HIV patient data sets, concretely demonstrating the utility of our approach.
Residence time effects on monoclonal antibody binding to adsorbed fibrinogen

Fibrinogen adsorbed to polymeric surfaces and then allowed to reside on the surface while it is kept in a buffer solution for a period of time (the 'residence time') undergoes postadsorptive changes that decrease its SDS elutability, displaceability by plasma, polyclonal antifibrinogen binding, and ability to support platelet adhesion (summarized in Chinn et al. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 26, 757 (1992)). In order to better understand the nature of the changes in adsorbed fibrinogen, the binding of ten different monoclonal antifibrinogen molecules to fibrinogen adsorbed from plasma to Biomer and several other surfaces has been measured after increasing residence time in buffer. Three of the monoclonal antibodies used bind to sequences that have been implicated in platelet binding to fibrinogen. One of these (M1) binds to the C-terminal region of the gamma chain (402-411), another (R1) binds to the N-terminal region of the A alpha chain containing an RGDF sequence (95-98), and the third (R2) binds to the C-ter...
Foundations of Astrophysics

1. Early Astronomy 2. Emergence of Modern Astronomy 3. Orbital Mechanics 4. The Earth-Moon System 5. Interaction of Radiation and Matter 6. Astronomical Detection of Light 7. The Sun 8. Overview of the Solar System 9. Earth and Moon 10. The Planets 11. Small Bodies in the Solar System 12. The Solar System in Perspective 13. Properties of Stars 14. Stellar Atmospheres 15. Stellar Interiors 16. The Interstellar Medium 17. Formation and Evolution of Stars 18. Stellar Remnants 19. Our Galaxy 20. Galaxies 21. Active Galaxies 22. Clusters and Superclusters 23. Cosmology 24. History of the Universe
Phagocytosis and cell division.

MOST investigators believe that reticulo-endothelial cells, through ingestion of the antigen, play an initial part in the synthesis of antibody1,2. Study of phagocytosis of particulate antigens lends support to this concept3. Since antibody is merely one form of protein, its formation could theoretically occur immediately; however, it appears to be delayed several hours or days4.
Verknüpfung von Metallzentren durch linear verbrückende, π‐gebundene Liganden: p‐Phenylendiimidodimolybdän‐Komplexe

Preparation du complexe Mo 2 VI Cl 6 L 2 L' (L=THF; L'=p-phenylenediazide). Il peut etre reduit en complexes isolables Mo 2 V , Mo 2 IV et Mo 2 III
Nonlinear system approximations

We are interested in approximating a nonlinear system by a feedback linearizable system instead of a linear system. Two approaches presently exist in the literature. One involves the concept of involutivity to a certain order, and the other considers a canonical expansion and pure feedback approximation. We show the relationship between these two methods. This provides insight into lower order invariants in the equivalence problem for two nonlinear systems. Moreover, the output time responses for a nonlinear system and its feed-back linearizable approximation are mentioned.
A model for estimating efforts required for developing small-scale business applications

Abstract Estimating the amount of effort required for developing an information system is an important project management concern. The author has developed a model that estimates small-scale software development effort in 4GL and end-user computing environments. In addition to presenting and evaluating the proposed model, this paper evaluates two of the most popular models currently used to estimate software development effort i.e., lines of code (LOC), and function points (FP). Results of the study show a significant correlation between the software development effort and all three models. Compared to LOC and FP models, the models developed in this research are less costly and easier to use in a small-scale software development environment.
BETA DECAYS AND DELAYED GAMMAS FROM FISSION FRAGMENTS

A theoretical study is made of the gross behavior of beta decays following nuclear fission in times from 10/sup -2/ to 10 sec. First a simple model is formulated to describe the situation in terms of a few parameters. Then the most uncertain of these parameters are chosen to fit the observed rate of delayed gamma emission (assumed proportional to the beta-decay rate) for the /sup 235/U(n,f) process. The description is extended to other isotopes by assuming that they differ only by small shifts of their initial fragment distributions away from that appropriate to neutroninduced fission of /sup 235/U. The result is a theoretical summary of the presently available data that can be used in predictive extrapolation of that data to situations not yet studied experimentally. (auth)
Proliferative Responses of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease to Synthetic Peptide Epitopes of Human Thyroid Peroxidase

In order to analyze T cell epitopes of human thyroid peroxidase (TPO), 60 peptides based on the sequence of TPO were synthesized and used as antigens in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-proliferation assay. PBMCs were obtained from 19 patients with Graves' disease, 19 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and 24 normal subjects. Significant proliferation of PBMC to these peptides occurred only among the autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) patients, whereas normal subjects did not respond to any of the peptides with a stimulation index over 2. Many peptides induced isolated positive responses and eight produced stimulation of PBMCs from multiple patients on comparison to control PBMC responses. To confirm the significance of reactivity to the peptides PBMCs from four patients were studied on two occasions, and the proliferative responses found to be reproducible. Four peptides, designated according to the amino acid sequence as pi 10-129, p211-230, p842-861, and p882-901, stimulated patients' PBMC...
Dissection of the Transactivation Function of the Transcription Factor Encoded by the Eye Developmental Gene PAX6

Abstract PAX6 is a transcription activator that regulates eye development in animals ranging from Drosophila to human. The C-terminal region of PAX6 isproline/serine/threonine-rich (PST) and functions as a potent transactivation domain when attached to a heterologous DNA-binding domain of the yeast transcription factor, GAL4. The PST region comprises 152 amino acids encoded by four exons. The transactivation function of the PST region has not been defined and characterized in detail by in vitro mutagenesis. We dissected the PST domain in two independent systems, a heterologous system using a GAL4 DNA-binding site and the native system of PAX6. Our data consistently showed that in both systems all four constituent exons of the PST domain are responsible for the transactivation function. The four exon fragments act synergistically to stimulate transcription, although none of them can function individually as an independent transactivation domain. Combinations of two or more exon fragments can reconstitute substantial transactivation activity when fused to the DNA-binding domain of GAL4, but they surprisingly do not produce much activity in the context of native PAX6, although the mutant PAX6 proteins are stable and their DNA-binding function remains unaffected. Our data suggest that these mutants may antagonize the wild-type PAX6 activity by competing for target DNA-binding sites. We conclude that the PAX6 protein contains an unusually large transactivation domain that is evolutionarily conserved to a high degree and that its full transactivation activity relies on the synergistic action of the four exon fragments.
Effectiveness of Certain Procedures for Alteration of Auditory and Oral Tactile Sensation for Speech

To determine the effectiveness of auditory masking and intraoral anesthetics on speech, certain motor and sensory tests were administered under 4 conditions: (1) auditory masking and oral anesthesia, (2) oral anesthesia alone, (3) auditory masking alone, and (4) normal. These speech samples were compared with a sample judged to be of “moderate” defectiveness by clinical standards. Within the limitations of the study, 3 conclusions appear justified. (1) One's own auditory feedback can be effectively eliminated by a combination of white and sawtooth noise. (2) Tactile sensation can be eliminated from the oral cavity without significantly interfering with motor innervation. (3) Speech that is intelligible and exhibits a degree of defectiveness which is less than that of a clinically “moderate” speech problem can be produced without oral tactile and auditory feedback.
Involvement of extracellular Ca2+ influx through voltage-independent Ca2+ channels in endothelin-1 function

Abstract This article reviews the types and roles of voltage-independent Ca 2+ channels involved in the endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced functional responses such as vascular contraction, cell proliferation, and intracellular Ca 2+ -dependent signaling pathways and discusses the molecular mechanisms for the activation of voltage-independent Ca 2+ channels by ET-1. ET-1 activates some types of voltage-independent Ca 2+ channels, such as Ca 2+ -permeable nonselective cation channels (NSCCs) and store-operated Ca 2+ channels (SOCC). Extracellular Ca 2+ influx through these voltage-independent Ca 2+ channels plays essential roles in ET-1-induced vascular contraction, cell proliferation, activation of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, regulation of proline-rich tyrosine kinase, and release of arachidonic acid. The experiments using various constructs of endothelin receptors reveal the importance of G q and G 12 families in activation of these Ca 2+ channels by ET-1. These findings provide a potential therapeutic mechanism of a functional interrelationship between G q /G 12 proteins and voltage-independent Ca 2+ channels in the pathophysiology of ET-1, such as in chronic heart failure, hypertension, and cerebral vasospasm.
Diabetes and anxiety in US adults: findings from the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Aims Anxiety disorders may cause substantial impairment in patient functioning and well-being. Little is known about the relationship between diabetes and anxiety. We estimated the prevalence of lifetime diagnosis of anxiety in adults aged ≥ 18 years with and without diabetes in the USA. Methods We analysed data from the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (total, N = 201 575; 20 142 with diabetes; 39.4% men, 77.9% non-Hispanic Whites, 8.1% non-Hispanic Blacks and 7.7% Hispanics; mean age 52.4 years). Diabetes and lifetime diagnosis of anxiety were self-reported. A multivariable log–binomial model was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) of anxiety based on diabetes status. Results The overall age-adjusted prevalence of lifetime diagnosis of anxiety was 19.5 and 10.9% in people with and without diabetes, respectively. After adjustment for educational level, marital status, employment status, current smoking, leisure-time physical activity and body mass index, people with diabetes had a 20% higher prevalence of lifetime diagnosis of anxiety than those without (PR 1.20; 95% CI 1.12, 1.30). There were no significant differences in the PR by gender (P = 0.06). However, the ratios differed significantly by age (P = 0.04) and by race/ethnicity (P < 0.01), indicating that people aged 18−29 years (PR 1.70; 95% CI 1.19, 2.43) and Hispanics (PR 1.69; 95% CI 1.33, 2.15) had a higher ratio than their counterparts. Conclusion Diabetes was significantly associated with anxiety in adults in this large population-based sample, particularly in Hispanics and young adults.
A Modified National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale for Use in Stroke Clinical Trials Preliminary Reliability and Validity

Background and Purpose—The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is accepted widely for measuring acute stroke deficits in clinical trials, but it contains items that exhibit poor reli...
The absent father of Sino-French cinema: Contemporary Taiwanese cinema and 1950s French auteurs

In contemporary Sino-French cinema, father characters who are dead, long lost or geographically distant leave gaping holes in the lives of the offspring left behind. The absent fathers in Sino-French films by Taiwanese auteurs Cheng Yu-chieh, Hou Hsiao-hsien and Tsai Ming-liang serve as metaphors for French auteurs. French New Wave films constitute the majority of the intertexts; however, early 1950s French cinema and even late nineteenth-century painting reflect the expansiveness of French influence. Despite the possibility of an orientalist dynamic, Taiwanese auteurs not only pay homage to their French ‘fathers’, and especially New Waver Francois Truffaut, but also strike out on their own, contributing innovative work to contemporary transnational cinemas.
Radiology series: Cone beam computed tomography: The fundamentals of image reconstruction and anatomy

This review is the first of series of CBCT. Multiplanar reconstructions for continuing education in three dimensional head and neck anatomy. This review gives the reader the needed anatomical references and clinical relevance for accurate interpretation of CBCT anatomy. The information is useful to all dental clinicians. All images are labeled and complete with legends. Only bone window settings are used for display of the CBCT images. The selected slices are displayed at a resolution of 300 micrometers.
Semantic processing in Spanish-English bilinguals with aphasia

The present study was aimed at examining the effect of current language use/exposure on the neural representation of languages in Spanish–English stroke participants with aphasia using a semantic judgment task. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed on three participants with aphasia and three normal controls who had demonstrated a shift toward dominance in their second language (English). The behavioral and imaging results indicate that all participants processed their non-dominant native language (Spanish) differently compared to their dominant second language (English). Specifically, increased activation was observed in the left frontal cortex and anterior cingulate gyrus during the weaker native language processing. Further, in participants with aphasia, increased bilateral activation was observed during the weaker native language processing, indicating that decreased language usage/proficiency results in a distributed network of activation. The results of this study demonstrate that the neural substrates of language recovery in bilingual stroke patients are similar to regions engaged by normal bilinguals but include additional regions reflecting a compensatory network to subserve successful language processing.
On the Reliability of a convoy of unmanned intelligent vehicles and their collaboration and coordination

There is an increasing interest in the use of a convoy of unmanned intelligent vehicles for defense and security. These vehicles have a number of sensors associated with them. It is very important to have a highly reliable sensor network so as to determine the dynamic reliability of the intelligent vehicle system for a safe battlefield environment. The mobility, path planning and navigation of such convoy of vehicles are in the state of infancy. However, it is considered important to develop the reliability techniques so that a commander in the battle of field can predict the reliability of the various stages of the movement of the convoy. He can then take decisions depending on reliabilities determined at various places and time. In this paper a combination of intelligent techniques like fuzzy and Boolean algebra techniques are exploited to determine the reliability of the network in the battlefield. The branches of reliabilities are determined using intelligent approaches like fuzzy logic while terminal reliabilities are determined using Boolean algebra. Based on this approach, a new algorithm is proposed in determining the dynamic reliability of convoy of unmanned intelligent vehicles. Such an approach will help in the collaboration and coordination of the convoy of vehicles.
Takayasu Arteritis: What is the Long-Term Prognosis?

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a form of idiopathic large vessel vasculitis that predominantly affects women of reproductive age. Although TA is a rare disease, the interpretation of longitudinal data from several countries provides new insights into the clinical course and outcomes in TA across different racial and ethnic groups. Contemporary studies belie prior perceptions of TA as a disease with a self-limited, benign course. We now recognize this disease as one that often relapses, leaves the patient chronically dependent on glucocorticoids for disease control, and frequently leads to disability. Limited data suggest that the targeted inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) might be an effective therapy for TA.
Can organizational behavior explain the export intention of firms? The effects of organizational culture and ownership type

Abstract The research objective of this paper is to examine the export intention of firms from the standpoint of organizational behavior. A model is designed to study the effects of two organizational behavior dimensions, namely organizational culture and ownership type, on the export intention of American firms. The findings indicate that adaptable cultures increase and internally oriented cultures decrease the likelihood of a firm's intention to export. Data analysis further indicates a strong association between ownership type and the export intention of firms. Externally controlled firms have the highest level of export intention followed by manager-controlled and owner-controlled firms. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed in the paper.
A survey of statistical methods on remote sensing in russian literature from 1976 to 1985

In this article we review the major areas of remote sensing in the Russian literature for the period 1976 to 1985 that use statistical methods to analyze the observed data. For each of the areas, the problems that have been studied and the statistical techniques that have been used are briefly described
Photochemistry of phenanthrene, pyrene, and fluoranthene in ice and snow

Abstract Although polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common pollutants in snow, there is little quantitative data about their rates of photodegradation in this environment. To begin to address this gap, we have measured the degradation kinetics of phenanthrene, pyrene, and fluoranthene on ice, as these are the most abundant PAHs in arctic snow. Frozen aqueous solutions of individual PAHs, with and without added hydrogen peroxide (HOOH) as a source of hydroxyl radical ( OH), were illuminated with simulated sunlight. For all three PAHs, direct photodecay is the main mechanism of degradation, while OH-initiated indirect photodegradation is a minor sink. Rate constants (±1 SE) for direct photodegradation extrapolated to midday, surface snow conditions at Summit, Greenland on the summer solstice are 3.8 (±0.8) × 10 −5 , 28 (±3) × 10 −5 , and 1.4 (±0.7) × 10 −5 s −1 for phenanthrene, pyrene, and fluoranthene, respectively. Apparent quantum efficiencies for photodegradation with simulated sunlight were 3.8 (±0.8) × 10 −3 , 4.3 (±0.5) × 10 −4 , and 2 (±1) × 10 −5 , respectively. Calculated PAH lifetimes in surface snow under Summit conditions are 1–19 h during mid-summer, but increase to >100 days in the dark winter. While the short photodegradation lifetimes in the summer suggest that there should be no appreciable PAH levels in this season, past measurements at Summit sometimes show significant levels of these PAHs in summer surface snow. This discrepancy is likely due to differences in PAH location between lab samples (where the PAHs are probably in quasi-liquid layers) and real snow (where PAHs are likely primarily associated with particulate matter).
Analysis of Rotor-Fuselage Interactions Using Various Rotor Models

Accurate prediction of the rotor and fuselage interaction is essential for the design and analysis of modern rotorcraft. A variety of Navier-Stokes based methodologies have been employed in the past to simulate these effects. The purpose of this study is to examine the merits of some of the simplified techniques of modeling the rotor and their influence on the physics of the overall rotor/fuselage interaction problem. Specifically, a constant actuator disk, varying actuator disk, and blade element actuator disk are considered. The computational results are compared with wind tunnel data obtained on various rotorcraft models. The constant actuator disk is found to be inadequate for most applications, but can be easily improved upon by allowing for pressure variations about the blade radius and azimuth.
Aspirin Absorption Rates and Platelet Inhibition Times With 325-mg Buffered Aspirin Tablets (Chewed or Swallowed Intact) and With Buffered Aspirin Solution

Large clinical trials such as the second International Study of Infarct Survival routinely gave patients with myocardial infarction a chewed aspirin, yet there are no data to show whether chewing of aspirin is better, or worse, than swallowing a whole tablet. We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled study to determine whether chewing aspirin or administering it in solution accelerates its absorption and antiplatelet activity. On separate days, 12 fasting volunteers ingested 325 mg of buffered aspirin, either by chewing a tablet for 30 seconds before swallowing it with 4 ounces of water, swallowing a whole tablet with 4 ounces of water, or drinking 4 ounces of Alka Seltzer. Frequent blood samples were obtained for serum aspirin, salicylate, and thromboxane B2 (TxB2) concentrations. With all formulations of aspirin, serum TxB2 decreased 50% when the plasma aspirin concentration reached approximately 1,000 ng/ml. A 50% and 90% decrease in serum TxB2 occurred more quickly after chewing a tablet than after a tablet was swallowed whole. For example, the t 50% for serum TxB2 inhibition was 5.0 +/- 0.6 minutes with the chewed tablet versus 12.0 +/- 2.3 minutes when the tablet was swallowed (p = 0.01). A 50% decrease in serum TxB2 occurred 7.6 +/- 1.2 minutes after Alka Seltzer solution (p = 0.04 vs chewing a tablet; p = 0.13 vs swallowing a whole tablet). Chewing an aspirin tablet is the most effective way of accelerating absorption of aspirin into the blood and shortening the time required for an antiplatelet effect.
Combining network reductions and simulation to estimate network reliability

Network reduction techniques are mainly used with exact approaches such as factoring to compute network reliability. However, exact computation of network reliability is feasible only for small sized networks. Simulation is an alternative approach to estimate network reliability. This paper discusses the effect of using network reductions before estimating network reliability using a simulation. Theoretical and empirical results are provided to understand the source of variance reduction in simulation due to network reductions.
Maglev-Girder Interaction for Centralized and De-Centralized Controllers

This paper presents a comparison between the centralized and de-centralized controllers of a magnetically levitated vehicle. The simulation accounts for the interaction between the vehicle and girder through the control electromagnetic levitation force of the vehicle. In this way, the effects of: controller dynamics, electrodynamics, vehicle dynamics, and vehicle velocity are considered in order to provide a more realistic simulation. The main purpose of this work is to qualify the performance of each controller in sustaining an acceptable ride quality referred to ISO2631.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Gas Exchange of Avian Eggs with Special Reference to Turkey Eggs

Abstract Surveying the gas exchange of avian eggs shortly before hatching, one finds certain functions that are common among various precocial species and that suggest a basic strategy of development independent of the size of the egg or its incubation time. These common characteristics at time of hatching can be described as follows: 1) The total amount of O2 that will have been consumed is about 100 ml O2 · g−1 and equivalent to a caloric expenditure of .5 Kcal · g−1. 2) The O2 concentration in the air cell shortly before pipping will have fallen from 21% initially to 14%, while the CO2 concentration will have reached a value of about 6%. 3) Eggs will have lost about 15% of their initial mass due to the loss of water vapor, yet their relative water content will still be the same as when they were laid. These common end results require a precise pore geometry
Completely asynchronous optimistic recovery with minimal rollbacks

Consider the problem of transparently recovering an asynchronous distributed computation when one or more processes fail. Basing rollback recovery on optimistic message logging and replay is desirable for several reasons, including not requiring synchronization between processes during failure-free operation. However previous optimistic rollback recovery protocols either have required synchronization during recovery, or have permitted a failure at one process to potentially trigger an exponential number of process rollbacks. We present an optimistic rollback recovery protocol that provides completely asynchronous recovery, while also reducing the number of times a process must roll back in response to a failure to at most one. This protocol is based on comparing timestamp vectors across multiple levels of partial order time. >
React and Wind ${\rm Nb}_{3}{\rm Sn}$ Common Coil Dipole

This paper presents a summary of the design, construction and test results of a common coil dipole DCC017 made using ldquoreact & windrdquo Nb3Sn technology. It reached the computed short sample field of 10.2 T at 10.8 kA after a number of quenches. In order to build high field magnets with brittle pre-reacted superconductors one must develop magnet designs, tooling and construction techniques that keep conductor degradation due to bending and handling to a tolerable level. The successful construction and test of this magnet demonstrates that it is possible to design and build magnets in the 10 (plus) T range using ldquoreact & windrdquo technology. The magnet is based on a 2-layer common coil design with a clear horizontal space of 31 mm. A unique feature of the design is a tall 338 mm clear vertical open space that can facilitate possible flat racetrack coil testing in a high background field without dis-assembling the magnet.
Fast Stable Merging and Sorting in Constant Extra Space

In an earlier research paper 9 , we presented a novel, yet straightforward linear-time algorithm for merging two sorted list in a fixed amount of additional space. Constant of proportionality estimates and empirical testing reveal that this procedure is reasonably competitive with merge routines free to squander unbounded additional memory, making it particularly attractive whenever space is a critical resource. In this paper, we divise a relatively simple strategy by which this efficient merge can be made stable, and extend our results in a nontrivial way to the problem of stable sorting by merging
Permeability and Retention Studies of (-)Epicatechin Gel Formulations in Human Cadaver Skin

ABSTRACT(-)Epicatechin (EC) is a major antioxidant component of grape seed extract which has become increasingly popular in topical skin preparations. This study assessed the following: (1) the permeability through cellulose membranes of EC in three different gel formulations (Carbopol®940, Klucel®, and Ultrez™10); (2) the effect of three different antioxidants (butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), alpha-tocopherol (VE), and ascorbic acid (AA)) on the stability and penetration properties of EC; and (3) the permeability and retention of EC in Ultrez™10 gels, supplemented with BHT or VE, on human cadaver skin. Permeability studies through cellulose membranes showed that different gelling agents do not significantly affect the permeability of EC (n = 7/gel; p > 0.05). BHT and VE have antioxidant properties superior to AA (p < 0.05) and preserve 100% of the initial content of EC for 28 days. Permeation studies on cadaver human skin, following application of two anhydrous gel formulations (0.5% EC in Ultrez™10 cont...
The Infectious Diseases Impact Statement: A Mechanism for Addressing Emerging Diseases

The use of an Infectious Diseases Impact Statement (IDIS) is proposed for predictive assessments of local changes in infectious diseases arising from human-engineered activities. IDIS is intended to be analogous to an Environmental Impact Statement. The drafting of an IDIS for specific activities, particularly in developing nations, would provide a formal mechanism for examining potential changes in local health conditions, including infected and susceptible populations, diseases likely to fluctuate in response to development, existing control measures, and vectors likely to be affected by human activities. The resulting survey data could provide a rational basis and direction for development, surveillance, and prevention measures. An IDIS process that balances environmental alterations, local human health, and economic growth could substantially alter the nature of international development efforts and infectious disease outbreaks. A 1995 report by Aksoy et al. (1) describing the GAP (Turkish acronym for the Southeastern Anatolia Irrigation Project) irrigation project in Turkey suggests that anticipating the emergence or expansion of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases in a limited environment is a useful exercise. According to the report, a number of diseases (e.g., leishmaniasis, malaria, and schistosomiasis) are likely to increase in direct response to the expansion of irrigation and the increases in under water acreage and human population in the GAP region. The succinct overview of the disease and vector conditions in the GAP area could serve as a starting point for creating what will be referred to in this article as an Infectious Diseases Impact Statement (IDIS), a document that would be analogous to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) routinely used in the United States to assess the likely effects of construction, irrigation, agricul
Many-body iterative T-matrix method for large aspect ratio particles

For a particle with rotational symmetry, the T-matrix is a powerful method for calculating the scattering properties. However, as the aspect ratio of the particle (defined as the ratio of the length of the rotational axis to the maximum dimension perpendicular to the rotational axis) deviates further from unity, the conventional T-matrix method becomes less efficient. Furthermore, when the aspect ratio is significantly large, the T-matrix algorithm diverges due to limited digital precision in numerical simulation. In this study, a many-body iterative T-matrix method (MIBT) is employed to calculate the scattering properties of a prolate particle (i.e., a particle with an aspect ratio larger than unity). The particle is divided into a number of sub-particles for which the scattering properties can be solved with the T-matrix method. The scattering properties of the original particle are acquired by adding the contributions of the artificially divided sub-particles and their interactions. Furthermore, the MBIT method is applicable to prolate particles with the sub-particles having the same or different refractive indices.
Antiepileptic drug use by pregnant women enrolled in Florida Medicaid

Objective: The study aims were to investigate secular trends in antiepileptic drug (AED) use in women during pregnancy, and to compare the use of first- and second-generation AEDs. Methods: Study participants consisted of female Florida Medicaid beneficiaries, older than 15 years, and pregnant within the time period 1999 to 2009. Fifteen AEDs were categorized into first and second generation of AEDs. Continuous use of AEDs was defined as at least 2 consecutive AED prescriptions totaling more than a 30-day supply. Polytherapy was defined as 2 or more AEDs continuously used for at least 30 overlapping days. Annual prevalence was estimated and compared. Results: We included 2,099 pregnant women who were enrolled in Florida Medicaid from 1999 to 2009 and exposed to AEDs during pregnancy. Although there were fluctuations, overall AED use in the study cohort did not increase from 2000 to 2009 (β ± standard error [SE]: −0.07 ± 0.06, p = 0.31). The use of first-generation AEDs decreased (β ± SE: −6.21 ± 0.47, p p p = 0.0019), but this decrease was only for women receiving an AED for epilepsy and was not present for other indications. Conclusion: The second-generation AEDs are replacing first-generation AEDs in both monotherapy and polytherapy. Valproate use has declined for epilepsy but not other indications. Additional changes in AED use are expected in future years.
The UNC-6/Netrin receptors UNC-40/DCC and UNC-5 inhibit growth cone filopodial protrusion via UNC-73/Trio, Rac-like GTPases and UNC-33/CRMP.

UNC-6/Netrin is a conserved axon guidance cue that can mediate both attraction and repulsion. We previously discovered that attractive UNC-40/DCC receptor signaling stimulates growth cone filopodial protrusion and that repulsive UNC-40–UNC-5 heterodimers inhibit filopodial protrusion in C. elegans. Here, we identify cytoplasmic signaling molecules required for UNC-6-mediated inhibition of filopodial protrusion involved in axon repulsion. We show that the Rac-like GTPases CED-10 and MIG-2, the Rac GTP exchange factor UNC-73/Trio, UNC-44/Ankyrin and UNC-33/CRMP act in inhibitory UNC-6 signaling. These molecules were required for the normal limitation of filopodial protrusion in developing growth cones and for inhibition of growth cone filopodial protrusion caused by activated MYR::UNC-40 and MYR::UNC-5 receptor signaling. Epistasis studies using activated CED-10 and MIG-2 indicated that UNC-44 and UNC-33 act downstream of the Rac-like GTPases in filopodial inhibition. UNC-73, UNC-33 and UNC-44 did not affect the accumulation of full-length UNC-5::GFP and UNC-40::GFP in growth cones, consistent with a model in which UNC-73, UNC-33 and UNC-44 influence cytoskeletal function during growth cone filopodial inhibition.
Probing Excited-State Electron Transfer by Resonance Stark Spectroscopy. 1. Experimental Results for Photosynthetic Reaction Centers

Higher order Stark spectroscopy has recently been introduced and applied to characterize the electrooptic properties of chromophores in bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers.1 In the course of these studies, an unusually large and broad higher order Stark effect with a novel line shape was discovered in the region of the monomeric bacteriochlorophyll absorption band. The origin of this new feature has been explored by comparing results from reaction centers in which the chromophores are modified or the environment around the chromophores has an altered amino acid residue composition. Taken together, these results demonstrate that this unusual higher order Stark effect is related to both the monomeric bacteriochlorophyll and bacteriopheophytin on the electron-transfer pathway of the reaction center. The effects of mutations and the oxidation of the special pair on this signal specifically suggest the involvement of charge-separated species between these monomeric chromophores. In part 2 (following pape...
Accounting Students' Perceptions of Important Skills for Career Success

Abstract Given numerous calls from the accounting profession to emphasize nontechnical skills in accounting programs, it seems appropriate and important to ascertain whether that message has reached students. In this study, we surveyed approximately 270 students attending undergraduate and graduate accounting classes at the same college to assess their perceptions of the importance of nontechnical and technical accounting skills. We related students' perceptions to student characteristics. Analyses of the responses show some differences across demographic groups. The results indicate that undergraduate students could benefit from greater awareness of the importance of nontechnical skills and that female students should be more aware of the importance of leadership skills.
NF-κB activation and susceptibility to apoptosis after polyamine depletion in intestinal epithelial cells

The maintenance of intestinal mucosal integrity depends on a balance between cell renewal and cell death, including apoptosis. The natural polyamines, putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are essential for mucosal growth, and decreasing polyamine levels cause G(1) phase growth arrest in intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) cells. The present study was done to determine changes in susceptibility of IEC-6 cells to apoptosis after depletion of cellular polyamines and to further elucidate the role of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in this process. Although depletion of polyamines by alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) did not directly induce apoptosis, the susceptibility of polyamine-deficient cells to staurosporine (STS)-induced apoptosis increased significantly as measured by changes in morphological features and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. In contrast, polyamine depletion by DFMO promoted resistance to apoptotic cell death induced by the combination of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and cycloheximide. Depletion of cellular polyamines also increased the basal level of NF-kappaB proteins, induced NF-kappaB nuclear translocation, and activated the sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Inhibition of NF-kappaB binding activity by sulfasalazine or MG-132 not only prevented the increased susceptibility to STS-induced apoptosis but also blocked the resistance to cell death induced by TNF-alpha in combination with cycloheximide in polyamine-deficient cells. These results indicate that 1) polyamine depletion sensitizes intestinal epithelial cells to STS-induced apoptosis but promotes the resistance to TNF-alpha-induced cell death, 2) polyamine depletion induces NF-kappaB activation, and 3) disruption of NF-kappaB function is associated with altered susceptibility to apoptosis induced by STS or TNF-alpha. These findings suggest that increased NF-kappaB activity after polyamine depletion has a proapoptotic or antiapoptotic effect on intestinal epithelial cells determined by the nature of the death stimulus.