cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vapor growth and properties of thin film ZnSxSe1−x

Abstract ZnS x Se 1− x has been heteroepitaxially deposited onto GaAs by hydrogen vapor transport in an open-tube reactor. ZnS x Se 1− x alloy films over the entire composition range were grown and determined to be monocrystalline. The effects of reactant partial pressure and substrate temperature on alloy composition have been investigated. Capacitance-voltage measurements on Au/ZnS x Se 1− x Schottky diodes indicated donor densities of the order of (0.7−20) × 10 15 cm −3 in films grown under zinc-rich conditions.
FiehnLib: Mass Spectral and Retention Index Libraries for Metabolomics Based on Quadrupole and Time-of-Flight Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

At least two independent parameters are necessary for compound identification in metabolomics. We have compiled 2 212 electron impact mass spectra and retention indices for quadrupole and time-of-flight gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for over 1 000 primary metabolites below 550 Da, covering lipids, amino acids, fatty acids, amines, alcohols, sugars, amino-sugars, sugar alcohols, sugar acids, organic phosphates, hydroxyl acids, aromatics, purines, and sterols as methoximated and trimethylsilylated mass spectra under electron impact ionization. Compounds were selected from different metabolic pathway databases. The structural diversity of the libraries was found to be highly overlapping with metabolites represented in the BioMeta/KEGG pathway database using chemical fingerprints and calculations using Instant-JChem. In total, the FiehnLib libraries comprised 68% more compounds and twice as many spectra with higher spectral diversity than the public Golm Metabolite Database. A range of unique c...
Sex-role egalitarianism, feminism, and sexual identity.

This study of 132 feminists found no statistically significant differences among heterosexuals, bisexuals, or lesbians on the Sex-role Egalitarianism Scale. The hypothesis of greater sex-role egalitarianism among lesbians was not supported.
The negative ion states of c-C4F8

Abstract Multiple negative ion states account for three different positive electron affinities, E a of c-C 4 F 8 reported in the literature. From published data and a kinetic model the following are obtained: anion neutral partition function ratios; Log [ Q an ( 0 ) ] = − 3.2 ( 3 ) , Log [ Q an ( 1 ) ] = 0.0 ( 3 ) and Log [ Q an ( 2 ) ] = 0.0 ( 3 ) ; electron affinities E a (0)=1.05(8), E a (1)=0.66(3) and E a (2)=0.50(5) eV; activation energies for electron attachment E 1 (0)=0.25(2), E 1 (1)=0.02(2) and E 1 (2)=0.00 eV. The electron affinities correspond to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals A 2u =−0.75 eV and two degenerate E u −0.42 eV. Semi-empirical multiconfiguration configuration interaction calculations using the CURES-EC procedure support the E a . Bond dissociation energies, frequencies and internuclear distances are calculated for the neutral and the anions. Herschbach ionic Morse person empirical curves are calculated with these values and electron impact data.
Molecularly imprinted polymers via living radical polymerization: Relating increased structural homogeneity to improved template binding parameters

Abstract This work examined imprinted polymer networks prepared via controlled/living radical polymerization (LRP) and conventional radical polymerization (CRP) on chain growth, network formation, and efficiency of producing molecularly imprinted, macromolecular memory sites for the template molecule, diclofenac sodium. LRP extended the reaction-controlled regime of the polymerization reaction and formed more homogeneous polymer chains and networks with smaller mesh sizes. In addition, LRP negated the effect of the template on polymer chain growth resulting in polymers with a more consistent PDI independent of template concentration in the pre-polymerization solution. Improved network homogeneity within imprinted poly(HEMA-co-DEAEM-co-PEG200DMA) networks prepared via LRP resulted in a 38% increase in template binding affinity and 43% increase in the template binding over imprinted networks prepared via CRP and a 97% increase in affinity and 130% increase in capacity over non-imprinted networks prepared by LRP. By varying certain parameters, it was possible to create imprinted networks with even higher template binding affinities (155% over non-imprinted) and capacities (261% over non-imprinted). This work is the first to conclusively demonstrate that the observed improvement in binding parameters in weakly crosslinked, imprinted polymer networks could be explained by the more uniform molecular weight evolution associated with the LRP mechanism and the longer lifetime of an active polymer chain relative to the total polymerization time, which allowed for the formation of a more homogenous imprinted polymer network.
Graft interposition colpocleisis, perineorrhaphy, and tension-free sling for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence in elderly patients.

Abstract Study objective We sought to describe the outcome of combined colpocleisis, perineorrhaphy, and tension-free sling procedure for advanced uterovaginal prolapse and stress urinary incontinence in patients who are elderly and medically compromised. Design Prospective analysis. Setting University hospital. Patients Thirty-nine women were enrolled. Median age of patients was 82 years (76–94 years). Interventions All patients had advanced uterovaginal prolapse with perineal relaxation and incontinence and each wore a large pessary. Measurements and main results Median estimated blood loss was 42 mL (range 10–65 mL), median operating time was 58 minutes (range 45–76 minutes), and median hospital stay was 8 hours (range 0–3 days). Thirty procedures were accomplished without general anesthesia. Le Fort colpocleisis was reinforced with excessive mesh strips from the sling by placing mesh between anterior and posterior vaginal walls at the time of closure. No intraoperative complications occurred and none had postoperative voiding difficulty or significant discomfort. One patient required hospitalization for cardiac arrhythmias and 3 others for observation purposes only. Median follow-up has been 24 months. Follow-up physical examinations were performed for postoperative evaluation. One patient required reoperation for minor posterior compartment prolapse and another has started to show some apical prolapse again. Neither patient had a perineorrhaphy at the time of initial procedure. Two patients required some graft excision as a result of exposure from the side without any loss of support or discomfort. In all, 37 patients (37 of 39) are extremely pleased with the prolapse repair and 35 patients (35 of 39) report significant improvement of stress incontinence. Conclusion Concomitant severe pelvic organ relaxation and stress urinary incontinence can be surgically treated safely and rapidly using a tension-free sling and colpocleisis with perineorrhaphy under local anesthesia and sedation, thereby eliminating potential risks of general anesthesia and invasive surgery. A novel technique of graft interposition colpocleisis has been used.
School Accountability and Professional Job Responsibilities: A Perspective From Secondary Principals:

This article reports how secondary principals perceive the status of the accountability movement and their professional job responsibilities in the context of accountability. The data were collected frm a nationally representative sample of secondary principals during the Schools and Staffing Survey 1999-2000. Respondents reported that there were specific incentives or corrective measures for meeting performance goals, that numerous responsibilities were added to their traditional roles, that they paid substantial attention to instructional leadership, and that management tasks still occupied more time and energy than leadership initiatives.
Investigation of TCR Triggering Mechanism with Membrane Anchored Fab' Fragments

The T-cell receptor (TCR) is a critical component in the recognition of foreign antigens by the immune system. Still, the mechanism of triggering that differentiates true antigen molecules from self-peptides is unclear. Recent work in our group (O'Donoghue, Pielak et al eLife, 2013) suggests that that relatively slow dissociation kinetics of the antigen/TCR complex are a major factor in TCR triggering. Still, these kinetic characteristics vary widely between different TCR clones, even when they are stimulated by the same antigen. For this reason, and to investigate the contribution of other physical factors in TCR triggering, we will discuss results from experiments using membrane anchored TCR binding antibody fragments at physiologically relevant densities.
Matter Radii of 29-35 Mg

We have computed matter radii for the ground states of ${}^{29--35}$Mg for a variety of reasonable assumptions about the structure of the relevant states. For cases in which the dominant configuration is generally agreed, our computed radii are in good agreement with experimental ones. For cases in which the dominant configuration is unknown or ambiguous, comparisons between the calculated and experimental ${R}_{m}$ do not allow a decision as to the preferred configuration.
Grid Economics: A Selective Discussion of Two Research Problems

The last 5 years have seen considerable discussion of various types of Grids—compute Grids, storage Grids, and data Grids. Using the checklist given in Foster (http://www-fp.mcs.anl.gov/∼foster/Articles/WhatIsTheGrid.pdf, 2002) to define a Grid, two important problems that arise in the context of resource sharing in Grid computing environments are discussed. First, the well documented problem in compute Grid environments that arises from the inability of consumers to accurately estimate their resource requirements is presented. This results in incorrect scheduling of requests for Grid resources and social welfare loss. To address this problem, two research proposals are briefly described. The first approach argues for the design of decision support tools to help users with resource estimation while the second approach studies the design of resource allocation mechanisms that can work with stochastic specifications of resource requirements. This is in contrast to the traditional point estimates of resource required by extant mechanisms. Next, resource provisioning and pricing problems that arise in data storage and retrieval Grids are described. These Grids differ fundamentally from compute Grids but share some economic characteristics with P2P file sharing networks. Drawing on this connection, pricing mechanisms and resource provisioning research is briefly discussed.
Vietnam: The Global Economy and Macroeconomic Outlook

After almost a decade of high growth, Vietnam’s growth rate fell during 2011–13. Since 2001, the country has also experienced two bouts of high inflation, booms and busts in equity and real estate markets, and episodes of large capital inflows and outflows. Against the backdrop of the global economy, this paper provides an account of macroeconomic developments in Vietnam during 2011 to 2013, examines the imbalances that came to a head in 2011, the macroeconomic stabilization achieved during 2012 to 2014, and the outlook and challenges going forward. The paper concludes that successfully designing and implementing a broad set of policies — staying the course on macroeconomic stabilization, while accelerating the pace of structural reform significantly, and integrating into the global economy — will allow Vietnam to further advance the remarkable gains that it has already made in poverty alleviation and achieving its Millenium Development Goals.
Does the State Promote Communal Violence for Electoral Reasons

It has often been alleged, most recently in the recommendations of India's National Advisory Council (NAC), that the Indian state promotes, or is complicit in, Hindu-Muslim violence for political or electoral reasons. But the evidence for the claim has historically been sketchy. In StevenWilkinson's work, Votes and Violence, the argument is that the evidence supporting state complicity is systematic.We examine this argument and find it to be fundamentally flawed.
Chemoimmunotherapy of metastatic large bowel cancer. Nonspecific stimulation with BCG and levamisole

The administration of two chemoimmunotherapy programs to 103 consecutive patients with metastatic colorectal cancer resulted in improved survival for patients who achieved either objective tumor regressions or disease stabilization for more than 8 weeks. Objective tumor regression was observed in 47% of patients treated with the Ftorafur-methyl-CCNU-methotrexate-Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (FTOR-MeM-BCG) program and in 34% of patients treated with the 5-~uorouracil-methotrexate-Baker’s antifol (FU-M-BAF) f Levamisole progra’m. The combined median duration of survival for patients who achieved objective tumor regression and disease stabilization with FTOR-MeM-BCG was 13 months compared with 6 months for patients who had progression of disease (p = 0.001). The corrcsponding values for patients treated with FU-M-BAF f levamisole were 11 months and seven months, respectively (p = 0,001). While the role of BCG immunotherapy in these results remains speculative, the administration of levamisole immunotherapy did not appear to have influenced results significantly. Patients who presented at diagnosis with Dukes A, B and C lesions, and therefore had longer disease-free intervals, responded more frequently to chemoimmunotherapy and survived longer than patients who presented at diagnosis with Dukes D lesions. Similarly, greater antitumor effect was observed in patients with lower pretreatment plasma CEA levels. Evaluation of these pretreatment characteristics may have significant implications for the design of future clinical trials. Canccr 40: 2 73 1 -2 739, 1 9 77.
Electronic Workflow for Imaging in Clinical Research

In the transition from paper to electronic workflow, the University of Colorado Health System’s implementation of a new electronic health record system (EHR) forced all clinical groups to reevaluate their practices including the infrastructure surrounding clinical trials. Radiological imaging is an important piece of many clinical trials and requires a high level of consistency and standardization. With EHR implementation, paper orders were manually transcribed into the EHR, digitizing an inefficient work flow. A team of schedulers, radiologists, technologists, research personnel, and EHR analysts worked together to optimize the EHR to accommodate the needs of research imaging protocols. The transition to electronic workflow posed several problems: (1) there needed to be effective communication throughout the imaging process from scheduling to radiologist interpretation. (2) The exam ordering process needed to be automated to allow scheduling of specific research studies on specific equipment. (3) The billing process needed to be controlled to accommodate radiologists already supported by grants. (4) There needed to be functionality allowing exams to finalize automatically skipping the PACS and interpretation process. (5) There needed to be a way to alert radiologists that a specialized research interpretation was needed on a given exam. These issues were resolved through the optimization of the “visit type,” allowing a high-level control of an exam at the time of scheduling. Additionally, we added columns and fields to work queues displaying grant identification numbers. The build solutions we implemented reduced the mistakes made and increased imaging quality and compliance.
Longitudinal examination of mentoring relationships on organizational commitment and citizenship behavior

In most occupations, younger less experienced individuals learn from older, more experienced mentors. Mentorship relationships are often the primary means through which employees become socialized into an organization and career. Much research has shown that mentors advance a proteges career by providing emotional support and confidence, suggesting useful strategies for achieving work objectives, providing opportunities for the protege to demonstrate competence, bringing the protege to the attention of top management, protecting the protege from the repercussions of errors, helping them avoid risky situations for their careers, and advancing the proteges career by nominating him or her for promotions (cf. Kram & Hall, 1996; Ragins, 1995; 1997a; 1997b; Russell & Adams, 1997). One theoretical framework that provides insight into the mentoring process is social learning theory (Bandura, 1986). Social learning the-
The Goblin Spider Genus Costarina (Araneae, Oonopidae), Part 1

ABSTRACT The type species of Costarina, C. plena (O. P.-Cambridge), is redescribed, has an unusually broad distribution (extending from southern Mexico to northern Costa Rica), and is sometimes sympatric with a relatively widespread new sibling species, C. subplena. The same region also houses 26 additional new species with much smaller distribution ranges: C. iviei, C. llama, C. oaxaca, C. mixtepec, C. naja, C. sepultura, and C. bochil from southern Mexico, C. belmopan, C. peten, C. macha, C. cahui, C. morales, and C. izabal from Belize and Guatemala, C. cortes, C. cofradia, C. cusuco, C. tela, C. ceiba, C. branstetteri, C. olancho, C. muralla, C. coma, and C. gracias from Honduras, and C. waspuk, C. musun, and C. blanco from Nicaragua. At least 11 of these highly localized, microdistributed species have been taken in sympatry with C. plena. Because C. plena and C. subplena are the only members of the genus that have been collected in western and southern Guatemala, we suspect that this area represents t...
Displacement of Yukon-derived sediment from Bering Sea to Chukchi Sea during Holocene time

Since Shpanberg Strait was opened by sea-level transgression about 12,000 B.P., one-third to one-half of the sediment load of the Yukon River has bypassed the northern Bering Sea to accumulate in the thick blanket of Holocene[1][1] sediment in the southern Chukchi Sea. Prior to the transgression of Norton Sound about 9500 B.P., more than half of the Yukon River sediment may have been bypassed to the Chukchi Sea. After about 5000 B.P., deposition of Yukon sediment significantly increased in the Bering Sea when the present Yukon subdelta was apparently formed in the southern part of Norton Sound. Even now, one-third of the Yukon load may be carried to the Chukchi Sea, because the continual strong northward circulation of the Alaskan Coastal Water advects some of the Yukon sediment plume, along with masses of sediment intermittently resuspended by storms. This major displacement of sediment 500 to 1,000 km from a river source has important implications for models of advective transport over shelves, paleogeographic reconstructions of sedimentary environments in epicontinental seas, and development of nonsubsiding deltas, such as the Yukon. [1]: #fn-1
An Introduction to Scientific Research and Methods in Geography by Daniel R. Montello and Paul C. Sutton

Daniel R. Montello and Paul C. Sutton. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2006. xv and 303 pp., maps, diagrams, notes, bibliog., and index. $44.95 paper (ISBN 1-4129-0287-8). When I look back on...
Management of maternal hydrocephalus requires replacement of ventriculoperitoneal shunt with ventriculoatrial shunt: a case report.

Background Women with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt require special care during pregnancy, although they develop few complications related to hydrocephalus.
Angiotensin II immunoreactivity in push-pull perfusates from the paraventricular nucleus

Abstract Push-pull perfusion of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in sodium pentobarbital anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats indicates the release of angiotensin II-immunoreactive material in this area. Attempts to demonstrate a neuronal origin of this material by chemical depolarization with perfusate containing either 40 or 120 mM K + were unsuccessful. However, this material does appear to be of central origin since intravenous infusion of arginine-vasopressin, a similar sized peptide, did not result in the appearance of increased levels of this substance in the perfusate, indicating that the integrity of the blood-brain barrier was not compromised by the perfusion.
An evoked potential study of limbic projections to nuclei of the cat septum

Abstract A study of the relationship between connections of limbic structures and septal nuclei of the cat was conducted with the evoked potential technique. 1. 1. Limbic structures project via a variety of imputs, differentially to a number of septal nuclei. Some of the nuclei of the septum are activated by more than one limbic structure. 2. 2. The dorsal hippocampus projects to dorsal nuclei of the septum especially to the n. medialis pars anterior via the fornix and diagonal band. 3. 3. Connections to n. dorsalis pars intermedia, n. medialis pars anterior and n. accumbens from the ventral hippocampus and hippocampal gyrus would appear to be multisynaptic via the diagonal band and perhaps fornix. 4. 4. The antero-ventral nucleus of the thalamus has connections with the n. septalis fimbrialis and n. septalis medialis pars anterior via the fornix and diagonal band. 5. 5. The amygdala projects to ventral posterior structures of the septum, especially the n. accumbens and olfactory tubercle via the longitudinal association bundle, stria terminalis and diagonal band. 6. 6. The mammillary body projects to the n. septalis medialis pars anterior via the fornix.
The vesicle-to-micelle transition of phosphatidylcholine vesicles induced by nonionic detergents: effects of sodium chloride, sucrose and urea.

Abstract The vesicle-to-micelle transition of egg phosphatidylcholine LUVs induced by octylglucoside was studied in buffers with 0–4 M sodium chloride, sucrose or urea. We used both light scattering and fluorescent probes to follow the lipid–detergent complexes in these buffers. The vesicle-to-micelle transition process was fundamentally the same in each solute. However, the detergent-to-lipid ratio required for micelle formation shifted in ways that depended on the aqueous solute. The partitioning of octylglucoside between the vesicles and the aqueous phase was primarily determined by the change in its critical micelle concentration (cmc) induced by each solute. Specifically, the cmc decreased in high salt and sucrose buffers but increased in high concentrations of urea. Cmc for two additional nonionic detergents, decyl- and dodecyl-maltoside, and three zwittergents (3-12, 3-14 and 3-16) were determined as a function of concentration for each of the solutes. In all cases NaCl and sucrose decreased the solubility of the detergents, whereas urea increased their solubilities. The effects clearly depended on acyl chain length in urea-containing solutions, but this dependence was less clear with increasing NaCl and sucrose concentrations. The contributions of these solutes to solubility and to interfacial interactions in the bilayers, pure and mixed micelles are considered.
On the suppression of the gluon radiation for quark jets penetrating a dense quark gas

Suppression of the gluon-emission probability due to secondary scattering (the Landau-Pomeranchuk effect) is considered for an ultra-relativistic quark penetrating a dense gas of thermal quarks. With some appeal to QED, a simple expression for the suppression factor is obtained which reveals strong damping throughout the gluon spectrum for gas densities typical of nuclear matter. The suppression, which is due to multiple rather than single scattering, is in particular pronounced for soft gluon emission. The obtained reduction factor is believed to describe the damping of the Abelian radiation component to within a factor of\(\sqrt 2 \). For the non-Abelian component comparison of emission and scattering angles hints at a suppression comparable to that pertaining to the Abelian component.
The inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes by pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment in a static chamber

Abstract An experimental analysis of the effect of pulsed electric field (PEF) energy on the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes was conducted using a custom-designed static chamber and a gel suspension medium for treatment. This allowed PEF energy to be delivered to the suspension under near isothermal conditions. The effects of variations in the number of pulses (5–50 pulses), electric field strength (15–30 kV/cm), temperature (0–60°C) and media bases (water and skim milk) on the inactivation of L. monocytogenes were examined. At temperatures less than 50°C a maximum of 1 log reduction was obtained for L. monocytogenes regardless of pulse number or electric field strength within the ranges examined. In skim milk no reduction occurred. At 50°C and 55°C synergy between PEF and thermal energy was observed. The experimental approach separated the contribution of PEF and thermal energy to total kill and thus allowed this synergy to be quantified. At 55°C the kill due to PEF energy increased to 4.5 logs with another 4.5 logs reduction attributable to thermal energy. It appears that under the conditions of this study PEF alone has a very limited effect on the reduction of L. monocytogenes. However, the addition of thermal energy not only contributed to the kill, but also increased the susceptibility of L. monocytogenes to PEF energy.
Intracellular redox status controls membrane localization of pro- and anti-migratory signaling molecules

Shifts in intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) have been shown to contribute to carcinogenesis and to tumor progression. In addition to DNA and cell damage by surges in ROS, sub-lethal increases in ROS are implicated in regulating cellular signaling that enhances pro-metastatic behavior. We previously showed that subtle increases in endogenous H2O2 regulate migratory and invasive behavior of metastatic bladder cancer cells through phosphatase inhibition and consequential phosphorylation of p130cas, an adapter of the FAK signaling pathway. We further showed that enhanced redox status contributed to enhanced localization of p130cas to the membrane of metastatic cells. Here we show that this signaling complex can similarly be induced in a redox-engineered cell culture model that enables regulation of intracellular steady state H2O2 level by enforced expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2) and catalase. Expression of Sod2 leads to enhanced p130cas phosphorylation in HT-1080 fibrosarcoma and UM-UC-6 bladder cancer cells. These changes are mediated by H2O2, as co-expression of Catalase abrogates p130cas phosphorylation and its interaction with the adapter protein Crk. Importantly, we establish that the redox environment influence the localization of the tumor suppressor and phosphatase PTEN, in both redox-engineered and metastatic bladder cancer cells that display endogenous increases in H2O2. Importantly, PTEN oxidation leads to its dissociation from the plasma membrane. This indicates that oxidation of PTEN not only influences its activity, but also regulates its cellular localization, effectively removing it from its primary site of lipid phosphatase activity. These data introduce hitherto unappreciated paradigms whereby ROS can reciprocally regulate the cellular localization of pro- and anti-migratory signaling molecules, p130cas and PTEN, respectively. These data further confirm that altering antioxidant status and the intracellular ROS environment can have profound effects on pro-metastatic signaling pathways.
A single intraseptal injection of nerve growth factor facilitates radial maze performance following damage to the medial septum in rats

Abstract Rats were trained on a radial maze and then given electrolytic lesions of the MS followed by a single intraseptal injection of 5 μg of NGF. Three days later they were re-tested on the maze. They were also post-operatively tested for hyperemotionality. MS lesions severely impaired performance on the radial maze and produced increased emotionality. MS lesions also produced a general decrease in hippocampal high affinity choline transport and acetylcholinesterase staining, which was not affected by NGF administration. NGF treatment ameliorated the behavioral deficit in the radial maze but had no effect on the hyperemotionality. In order to determine whether the NGF was working to restore previously learned spatial abilities, the type of learning strategy used by the animals was also assessed. NGF treatment did not restore previously learned spatial strategies but facilitated recovery of alternative learning strategies. The reduction in cognitive deficit was also paralleled by reduced ventricular enlargement in the NGF treated rats. The present results suggest that a single injection of NGF can produce a long-lasting improvement on a cognitive task and reduce some of the injury-induced, secondary reactive changes that occur following electrolytic MS lesions.
A SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING SCENIC RIVERS

. A system is presented for evaluating streams for inclusion in “scenic river” systems. Rating criteria are proposed which are objective and pertinent to recreational, scenic and natural qualities of the river and its banks. The critieria should also be selected for simplicity and economy in application. Numerical ratings of eight criteria are shown for Indiana conditions. These were applied to streams meeting minimum qualifications. The rating criteria are measures of bank vegetation, stream course alterations, man-made structures and roads near and across the river, aesthetic quality of the water, and special natural features.
SU-E-I-69: Magnetic Resonance Metal Artifact Evaluation with Routine Clinical Cardiac Sequences.

Purpose: To examine schemes to grade the severity of metal susceptibility artifacts on image quality using cardiac MRI pulse sequences. Methods: A post‐thoracotomy patient was simulated with a stainless steel sternal wire (Syneture,MA; size=6, diameter=48mm), placed securely on an ACR MRI phantom. Phantom was scanned on a 1.5‐T Siemens using cardiac MRI sequences:1)TrueFISP, 2)Gradient‐Recalled‐Echo (GRE), 3)Turbo‐Spin‐ Echo (TSE), 4)Turbo‐Inversion‐Recovery‐Magnitude (TIRM), 5)Dark‐ blood‐IR‐FS (DBFS) with and without the wire (FOV=30×30cm, slice‐ thickness/slice‐gap=7.0/1.5mm, matrix size=192×192, slices=17). Image quality degradation was assessed in terms of signal loss and spatial deformation; signal loss by a) measuring the largest diameter of signal drop and b) number of slices with a signal drop and spatial deformation in VelocityAI (Atlanta,GA) by computing the rigid transformation indices between the phantom's internal grid with and without the metal. Results:Image quality was evaluated in terms of signal loss, spatial deformation and ring artifacts. Signal loss: TruFISP and GRE showed the largest signal drop diameter (13 and 16cm respectively). GRE sequence showed a signal drop in —12 slices where as signal drop occurred in only ∼4–5 slices with other sequences. Spatial deformation: GRE sequence showed the maximum with a ∼9mm grid deflection followed by TSE and DBFS (∼8mm). An average deflection of 5.4mm was observed on most of the sequences except T rueFISP and TIRM (Omm). Rigid body transformation showed a maximum x,y,z‐translation of −4.7, 0.3 and 1.69 mm and x,y,z‐angular rotation of 0.2, − 1.5 and 0.5° for GRE sequence followed by TSE and DBFS confirming the spatial distortion results. Concentric ring artifacts with signal loss were also observed on TrueFISP and DBFS images.Conclusions: Quantification of cardiac MR sequences to metal tolerance and the impact on image quality has shown that GRE and TrueFISP are the most metal‐susceptible and TIRM is the most metal‐tolerant sequence in terms of both signal loss and spatial deformation. This study helped in creating a separate cardiac metal protocol comprising of mainly metal‐tolerant sequences thus reducing scan time and patient discomfort.
Novel risk factors in long-term hypertension incidence in type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background Data from longitudinal studies suggest that biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are associated with development of hypertension. None of these studies have examined the association of these markers with hypertension risk in persons with diabetes. We examined the associations of inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers with long-term hypertension incidence in persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods The 15-year cumulative incidence of hypertension was measured in Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy participants (n = 795). Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg and/or history of current antihypertensive treatment. We measured serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor–α, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule–1 (sVCAM-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule–1, and serum total homocysteine as "novel" markers of hypertension development. The relation of risk factors to hypertension incidence was determined using a proportional hazards approach with discrete linear logistic regression modeling. Results After controlling for age, gender, diabetes duration, body mass index, glycosylated hemoglobin, baseline systolic and diastolic blood pressure, proteinuria, and chronic kidney disease status, sVCAM-1 was significantly related to higher odds of developing incident hypertension (odds ratio per log sVCAM-1 1.95, 95% CI 1.01-3.74). None of the other markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction were related to incident hypertension in the cohort. Conclusions Our data showed that sVCAM-1 as a marker of endothelial dysfunction was the strongest predictor of hypertension risk in individuals with type 1 diabetes. This association was independent of the presence of diabetic nephropathy.
Obstructive sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, and age: will geriatricians be caught asleep on the job?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly recognized in older persons as an important cause of morbidity and mortality, resulting in cardiovascular disease, cognitive dysfunction, and disturbed sleep. It has been cited as an independent risk factor for the metabolic syndrome (MS). The elevated levels of cytokines, such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a, which also increase with age, are a common feature of both OSA and MS. Intermittent hypoxia caused by the recurring episodes of apnea and near-apnea in OSA is a major cause of its systemic effects. Mathematical models of OSA show how obesity and anatomic changes in the upper airways, which may be age-related, interact with the networks responsible for the chemical and neural control of breathing to cause the recurrent intermittent hypoxia of sleep apnea. Treatment of OSA with continuous positive airway pressure improves some aspects of the metabolic syndrome, reduces cardiovascular morbidity, and improves domains of cognitive function. OSA is more difficult to identify in the elderly because many of its symptoms can be caused by other disorders which are common in the elderly. Clinicians who encounter OSA may be advised to search for the presence of MS, and vice versa.
Hybrid rocket instability

The paper provides a brief review of theoretical and experimental studies concerned with hybrid rocket instability. The instabilities discussed include atomization and mixing instabilities, chuffing instabilities, pressure coupled combustion instabilities, and vortex shedding. It is emphasized that the future use of hybrid motor systems as viable design alternatives will depend on a better understanding of hybrid instability.
The orthogonal rational functions of Higgins and Christov and algebraically mapped Chebyshev polynomials

Abstract It is shown that the rational functions of Higgins and Christov, orthogonal on [−∞, ∞], are Chebyshev polynomials of the first and second kinds with an algebraic change of variable. Because of these relationships, the existing theory and algorithms for mapped Chebyshev polynomials also apply to the rational functions: the Higgins and Christov functions have excellent numerical properties. However —precisely because of these same connections—it is usually simpler to use the change of variable rather than write computer programs that employ the Higgins and Christov functions themselves. Nonetheless, the result is a series of orthogonal rational functions. For some problems whose solutions decay slowly (algebraically rather than exponentially with ¦y¦), such as the “Yoshida jet” in oceanography, a Christov expansion is the only spectral series that converges rapidly.
Treatment of recalcitrant, multiply operated tibial nonunions with the RIA graft and rh-BMP2 using intramedullary nails

Nonunions of the tibia continue to present some of the most difficult challenges in orthopaedic fracture care. Whether the consequence of the initial presenting injury, co-morbidity or subsequent attempts at fixation, the biological environment is often compromised. Compounding this problem is a lack of consensus on the best approach to addressing nonunited tibia fractures, placing them at risk for multiple, and sometimes ill-informed attempts at nonunion repair. We present nine cases of recalcitrant tibial nonunions which had previously undergone 4 or more attempts at repair treated with a protocol using RIA graft, rh-BMP2 and intramedullary nail fixation.
Analysis of Current Treatments Used in Clinical Practice in a Pediatric Summer Camp Population for Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background: Many treatment options exist for children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet the lack of clinical guidelines for management has lead to great variation in care. The purpose of this project was to evaluate current treatment modalities in children from the Northeast US who applied to the 2010 session of Camp Oasis, a Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)-sponsored camp for children ages 8–17 with medically stable IBD. Methods: Patient demographics, medical history, and current medications were entered into the camp database. The subjects were divided into two groups; Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis/indeterminate colitis (UC/IC). In all, 164 applicants were included, 121 (74%) with CD and 43 (26%) with UC/IC. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to median age at the time of camp, median age at diagnosis, or median length of illness. Of the 121 applicants with CD, 13 (10.7%) were on an antibiotic, 56 (46.3%) were on a 5-aminosalicylate (5-ASA), 10 (8.3%) were on corticosteroids, 57 (47.1%) were on immunomodulators, and 44 (36.4%) were on a biologic agent. Six (5%) were on both an immunomodulator and a biologic agent. Of the 43 subjects with UC/IC, 27 (62.7%) were on a 5-ASA, two (4.7%) were on corticosteroids, 13 (30.2%) were on an immunomodulator, and four (9.3%) were on a biologic agent. The groups were similar with regard to surgery (20.7% for CD and 18.6% for UC/IC). Conclusions: Identifying current treatment patterns may serve to highlight variations in care among this pediatric IBD population. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012)
Cyclooxygenase-2–specific inhibitors: are they safe?

The basic tenet of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) hypothesis rests on the fact that sparing of inhibition of COX-1 should result in greater safety than if both COX isoforms are inhibited. This increase in safety should be most evident in those organs and tissues in which COX-1 alone has important, necessary physiologic functions (e.g., the stomach and platelets). Data from large clinical trials are now available to support the superior gastrointestinal safety of COX-2 inhibitors, not only for endoscopic endpoints but also for clinically significant outcomes. Additionally, lack of effect on platelets has been demonstrated at doses many times higher than being used clinically. Unfortunately, the COX-2 inhibitors still retain some of the side effects seen with traditional dual COX inhibitors (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), namely, effects on the kidney that may manifest as an increased incidence of hypertension, edema, and associated clinical states. Similarly, effects on reproductive functions, endothelial function, and wound healing are theoretically possible but need to be evaluated in well-controlled clinical trials.
On the optimal regulation of financial guarantees

This paper examines the economic basis for the regulation of financial guarantees or commitments by a third party to provide payments in the event of default. It is argued that regulators can serve as monitors who minimize information or agency costs. However, in the U.S. markets private rating agencies provide such a monitoring function so that regulation is warranted only in the event that there are problems with these private monitors. In addition, since guarantees are directly linked to securitization, regulatory actions that encourage securitization tend to encourage the growth of financial guarantees.
Experimental Investigation of the Fluid Motion in a Cylinder Driven by a Flat-Plate Impeller

The flow field in a cylindrical container driven by aflat-bladed impeller was investigated using particle image velocimetry (PIV). A range of Reynolds numbers (0.005-7200), based on the container radius r W , were investigated using four Newtonian fluids: water (Re=7200,6800), 85/15 glycerin/water mixture (Re=108), pure glycerin (Re=8), and corn syrup (Re=0.02,0.005). Two impellers with a radius of 0.43r w , and 0.95r w were used to drive the flow. The 0.43r w , impeller was shown to generate a vortex near the tip of the blades. The peak magnitude of the vortices and the size of the vortices in the radial direction decreased with increasing Reynolds number Additionally, the vortex generated at the high Reynolds number was unsteady with a trailing shear layer that periodically shed vorticity into the flow field. The structure of the flow in the region between the blade and the cylinder wall showed a Reynolds number dependence, though the two lowest Reynolds number (0.02 and 8) flows investigated had quantitatively similar flow structures. These cases were found to have a closed region of reverse flow between the blade tip and the cylinder wall. No recirculating flow was indicated for the Re =108 and 7200 cases. These data indicate that there may be a critical condition below which there is little dependence in the flow structure on the Reynolds number.
Pathophysiology of malnutrition in the adult cancer patient.

A number of common metastatic cancers are associated with marked weight loss at the time of diagnosis. Cancer patients with weight loss at the time of diagnosis have decreased mean survival compared to similar cancer patients without weight loss. Provision of excess calories alone does not appear to change median survival in patients with advanced cancer and many patients either maintain body weight or lose weight while receiving calories which would be predicted to result in weight gain. The authors recently have extended their studies to head and neck cancer patients without detectable metastatic disease in order to detect systemic metabolic effects of a localized tumor. These patients failed to gain weight despite the administration of apparently adequate calories by continuous enteral alimentation. Abnormalities of carbohydrate metabolism with secondary effects on fat and protein metabolism have been identified, in several populations of patients with common cancers. These abnormalities offer potential points of intervention which may enhance nutritional therapy as rehabilitation and as a potential biological modifier of the response of specific cancers to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
A benchmark model for parallel ns3

ns3 is a simulation framework for computer networks, derived from a long line of serial simulators. Recently, ns3 incorporated a parallel, distributed scheduler, which enables distributed ns3 simulation for the first time. In this paper we discuss the current implementation and some of its limitations, with an eye to exploring potential improvements. In order to gauge progress, it is essential to have a meaningful performance metric and a suitable benchmark problem. Therefore we outline how to measure the simulation critical path and use that to construct a parallel performance metric. Second, we propose a scalable benchmark model, inspired by the global Internet.
η2 complexes of [RuII (hedta)]−: sensitivity of the 1H NMR chemical shifts of the olefinic protons to alpha ring substituents

Abstract The η2 coordination of olefinic units with RuII centers with amine and oxygen donors has generally been associated with signature 1H and 13C NMR parameters. An upfield 1H NMR shift of between + 1.0 and + 2.0 ppm for protons of the η2 unit and an upfield 13C NMR shift of +40 to +80 ppm for the η2 carbons has been noted previously. A series of [RuII(hedta)L]− complexes, hedta3− = N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetate (L=3-cyclohexene-1-methanol (1), 2-cyclohexene-1-one (2), pyrithyldione (3), 1,3-dimethyluracil (4). 3-deazauracil (5), 3-methylcytosine (6), have been examined by 1H NMR and electrochemical methods. The η2 complexes of [RuII(hedta)L]− (L=1–6) exhibit the anticipated RuII/III wave in the range of 0.45 to 0.71 V versus NHE. Isolated olefinic cyclic units such as 1 exhibit a reduced upfield 1H NMR shift of between +0.39 and +0.80 ppm. Olefinic protons of the η2 units with adjacent withdrawing carbonyl moieties exhibit more positive upfield 1H NMR shifts (> +0.80 ppm). The presence of an alpha NR(R′) functionality of the ring promotes a downfield 1H NMR shift in the range of −0.02 to −0.46 ppm for [RuII(hedta)L]− complexes that is not observed for [RuII(NH3)5L]2+ complexes. The 1H NMR shifts of the η2-coordinated olefinic units are both a function of chemical groups adjacent to the olefinic binding site and the secondary ligand system of the Ru(II) center. The 13C NMR shifts of the η2 carbons of the [RuII(hedta)L]− series remain in the range of +40 to +80 ppm upfield of the free ligand for complexes 1–6.
CHIRAL SULFOXIMINES AS AUXILIARY LIGANDS FOR ASYMMETRIC SYNTHESIS

(1979). CHIRAL SULFOXIMINES AS AUXILIARY LIGANDS FOR ASYMMETRIC SYNTHESIS. Phosphorus and Sulfur and the Related Elements: Vol. 6, No. 1-2, pp. 149-149.
Biodegradation in soil of hydrophobic pollutants in nonaqueous‐phase liquids (NAPLs)

A study was conducted to determine the mineralization in soil and subsoil of hydrophobic organic compounds present in several nonaqueous-phase liquids (NAPLs). When present in soil in some NAPLs, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was not appreciably mineralized, phenanthrene was slowly transformed after an acclimation phase, and hexadecane and naphthalene were biodegraded rapidly. The extent of suppression of biodegradation of test compounds varied with different solvents as NAPLs. The rate of mineralization in subsoil of phenanthrene dissolved in some NAPLs was very slow, but additions of N and P enhanced the degradation. The addition of N and P to soil did not increase the mineralization of DEHP dissolved in NAPLs. The existence of a NAPL in polluted environments may thus markedly affect the susceptibility of organic compounds to biodegradation.