cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute and chronic electrophysiologic changes surrounding radiofrequency lesions.

Electrophysiologic Changes Surrounding RF Lesions. Introduction: Arrhythmia recurrences may occur after acutely successful radiofrequency (RF) ablation, suggesting reversible electrophysiologic effects on myocardial tissue. The aim of this study was to examine the electrophysiologic changes occurring in myocardium surrounding acute and chronic RF lesions. Methods and Results: RF lesions (60°C for 30 sec) were produced on the epicardial left ventricular surface of 35 isolated perfused rabbit hearts. Microelectrode transmembrane action potential recordings were made at 0.25-mm intervals along the epicardial (n = 20) or intramural (n = 6) aspects of the lesions for up to 3.5 mm from the lesion edge at baseline and after acute RF lesion formation. In nine hearts, chronic lesions were studied with epicardial recordings made 22 ′ 13 days after RF lesion formation. In the acute hearts at 600-msec paced cycle length, action potential duration at 50% repolarization (APD 5 0 ) and 90% repolarization (APD 9 0 ) were reduced by up to 41% and 19%, respectively, within 2.5 mm from the lesion edge (all P < 0.05). Maximal action potential amplitude (APD m a x ) was reduced by 16% at 0.25 mm from the lesion edge (P = 0.009) but dV/dt was not changed. Conduction time (CT) from the outermost recording site to the lesion edge (3.5-mm distance) was reduced from 16 ′ 3 msec at baseline to 13 ′ 4 msec post ablation (P = 0.006). Qualitatively similar findings occurred at 200-msec cycle lengths. There were no changes in APD, CT, APD m a x , or dV/dt surrounding the chronic lesions at 22 ′ 13 days after lesion formation. Conclusion: Acutely following RF energy delivery, APD, APD m a x , and CT are reduced in the tissue surrounding the lesion. These electrophysiologic changes resolve within 22 ′ 13 days of lesion formation.
Synthesis of Diphosphopyridine Nucleotide by Cell Nuclei isolated in Aqueous Media

IT has recently been demonstrated that reasonably homogeneous preparations of cell nuclei can be isolated in good yield from rat or mouse liver1. By means of centrifugal fractionation of liver homogenates prepared in an aqueous medium (0.25 M sucrose – 0.0018 M calcium chloride), it has been possible to obtain 70–90 per cent of the nuclei with a minimum of cytological alteration in preparations containing by direct count less than 1 per cent of the intact cells of the tissue and less than 0.5 per cent of the free mitochondria of the homogenates.
Superplasticity in fine grained ceramics and ceramic composites: current understanding and future prospects

Superplasticity in ceramics has now been reported in a wide range of materials with elongations to failure of more than 100%. Although the experimental observations of large deformation are in some ways similar to those reported in numerous metallic alloys, there are significant differences in the mechanical properties and cavitation failure characteristics of superplastic ceramics. This paper provides an overview of superplastic deformation and failure in ceramics, with specific emphasis on a 3 mol.% yttria stabilized zirconia and a zirconia-20wt.%alumina composite. It is demonstrated that there is a transition in the deformation behavior of zirconia which is dependent on the grain size and the impurity content of the material. Many of these materials fail by the nucleation, growth and interlinkage of cavities, so that the ductility is governed by the imposed stress and the grain size. Potential areas for additional research on superplastic ceramics are highlighted.
ACTION SPECTRA FOR PHOTOREACTIVATION OF MUTATION TO PROTOTROPHY IN STRAINS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI POSSESSING AND LACKING PHOTOREACTIVATING‐ENZYME ACTIVITY*

— The action spectrum and dose-rate dependence for photoreactivation of mutation to prototrophy in late-lag-phase cultures of Escherichia coli H3r30 (which lacks active photo-reactivating enzyme) are roughly similar to those for photoprotection from killing in other strains. It is suggested that photoreactivation of this mutation in H/r30 is an indirect effect, similar in mechanism to photoprotection. The action spectrum and dose-rate dependence for photoreactivation of mutation to prototrophy in late-lag-phase cultures of E. coli H3r30-R (which possesses active photoreactivating enzyme) are roughly similar to those for photoreactivation of killing in most other strains. It is suggested that photoreactivation of this mutation in H/r30-R is a direct effect at long wavelengths, but that there is an indirect component at short wavelengths. A quite different interpretation of these data is noted. Finally, it is found that, under the conditions of these experiments, indirect photoreactivation of killing in H/r30 and H/r30-R is weak or nonexistent.
Potential costs and benefits of newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency.

Objective Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a rare, treatable disorder of the immune system. The incidence is unknown but may be more common than published estimates because infants frequently die of infection before diagnosis. SCID is a candidate for universal newborn screening, so there is a need to determine under which circumstances screening would be cost-effective. Study design We assumed a screening program for SCID would use T-cell lymphopenia as the screening criterion and performed a cost-utility analysis comparing universal screening with screening only those with a family history of SCID. Results Assuming society is willing to pay $50,000 for every quality-adjusted life-year saved, a SCID screening test that cost less than $5 with a false-negative rate of 0.9% and a false-positive rate of 0.4% would be considered cost-effective. A nationwide screening program would cost an additional $23.9 million per year for screening costs but would result in 760 years of life saved per year of screening. The cost to detect 1 case of SCID would be $485,000. Conclusion SCID screening could result in a large benefit to detected individuals, making screening relatively cost-effective in spite of the low incidence of the disease. However, an adequate test is critical to cost-effectiveness.
The nature and determinants of spatial retreat in the pigeon between periodic grain presentations

Pigeons were exposed to fixed-time and fixed-interval schedules that ranged from 30 to 960 sec. The probability of a subject’s location in the rear of the chamber (away from the reinforcer dispenser) peaked during the postreinforcer period, and was referenced to proportional time between reinforcers. Increasing the interreinforcer interval generally increased time in the rear. In some sessions (Experiment 1), location in the rear produced an explicit stimulus change (altered the color and intensity of lights, i.e., time-out); this change increased time spent in the rear without affecting its temporal locus or its relation to the interreinforcer interval. During Experiment 2, a keypeck (near the reinforcer site) produced the explicit stimulus change used in Experiment 1. The characteristics of keypeck time-out resembled those of movement to the rear of the chamber (with and without an explicit stimulus change), suggesting that movement away from the reinforcer site is functionally homologous to keypeck time-out.
A Short-Term Intervention Improves Nutrition Attitudes in Low-Income Women Through Nutrition Education Relating to Financial Savvy

We examined how a short-term nutrition intervention influenced nutrition attitudes in a low-income, ethnically diverse population of women in Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota (n = 118). Each woman received government assistance for food purchases, yet the majority felt that buying healthful food items was impossible on a tight budget. Educational sessions were aimed at increasing financial savvy in relation to purchasing healthful foods on a limited income. Attitudes regarding the ability to buy nutritious foods increased, whereas those reflecting an inability decreased. Government programs may benefit from financial education components directly related to nutrition to increase the health of poor, urban populations through improved financial literacy.
Integrated optical devices for photonics instrumentation systems

Integrated optical devices for photonics instrumentation systems0. McWright, D. Lafaw, M. Lowry, and W. TindallLawrence Livermore National Laboratory,P.O. Box 808, Mail Stop L-156, Livermore, CA 94550ABSTRACTWe discuss the design, fabrication, and evaluation of high speed integrated optical devices for application tophotonics insirumentation systems. Specifically, we have demonstrated integrated optical devices with bandwidths inexcess of 25GHz and implemented these devices in single-shot, streak camera based recording schemes.1. INTRODUCTIONIntegrated optical devices have reached a high level of technological maturity and are rapidly fmding application in anumber of different optical systems (1). While fiber-optic based telecommunication systems have been the drivingforce behind much of the early work done in integrated optical device research, the devices are also finding applicationin many other types of systems. Our interest in integrated optics stems from a need to develop very high speed dataacquisition systems; indeed, integrated optics is the preferred technology for transmitting high density, high speed, andhigh fidelity information (2). Here, we describe the design, fabrication, and evaluation of high speed integrated opticaldevices for application to single-shot, photonics insirumentation systems.Specifically, we have been developing high speed integrated optical diagnostic systems which can be used totransmit an analog signal from a remote radiation sensor (Fig. 1). Many conventional diagnostic systems use electricalcables. Electrical cable is lossy and dispersive, so our electrical cable based systems, which frequently use electricalcables of hundreds of meters in length, are generally not satisfactory for transmitting temporal information below 1 ns.Furthermore, electrical cables are very susceptible to interference from ionizing radiation, which is present in many ofthe environments where our diagnostic signals are present.
Selective Electroless Metal Deposition for Integrated Circuit Fabrication

Selective electroless metal deposition process was studied for its applications in integrated circuit fabrication. Compared to selective metal deposition by CVD process, such as the selective tungsten deposition process, the selective electroless deposition process is more attractive due to its simplicity as well as process flexibility. A variety of material such as Ni, Co, Pd, and Cu were studied for contact filling, via filling, and for conductor patterns. These materials were selectively deposited on a variety of surfaces such as silicon, silicide, Al‐Si, through patterned CVD silicon dioxide, CVD silicon oxynitride, and photoresist. Although this process is still in its early stage of development, very promising results have already been achieved. The experimental conditions and results for selectively filled contact holes, via holes, and conductor patterns are described using actual examples.
Depressive Effects of Underlining and Adjunct Questions on Children's Recall of Text.

Half of a sample of ten-year-old school children (N=69) were given conceptual postquestions after every paragraph of text, while the other half were not given any postquestions. Additionally, these children either generated their own underlining of one sentence per paragraph, received text with topic sentences underlined for them, or were given text without underlining of any kind. The results indicated that the readers preponderantly chose for underlining subordinate, passage details rather than superordinate, conceptual material, even when given conceptual postquestions focusing on the topic sentences of the passage. Recall of passage details was most depressed when children were provided with both underlining and conceptual postquestions. These results suggested a comprehension rather than a metacomprehension deficit, whereby underlining and adjunct questions may hinder rather than help recall performance in young readers.
Strange Weather in King Lear

This article argues that King Lear can help re-shape the emerging discourse of eco-criticism. The play's focus on human dis-harmony with the non-human environment resonates with recent developments in ecological science like the “post-equilibrium shift”. Shakespeare's representations of dis-equilibrium in the storm scenes can correct eco-criticism's reliance on pastoral and Romantic visions of harmony. The play's emphasis on the way natural systems, especially the weather, disrupt humanity's meaning-making capacities generates an alternative to dualistic notions of the self–nature relationship. By representing ecological instability and pluralized selfhood, King Lear reminds “green” readers how difficult and disorderly living in a mutable eco-system can be.
The Mentoring-Empowered Model: Professional Role Functions in Graduate Student Advisement

The Mentoring-Empowered Model provides a developmental framework for graduate student advisement that addresses the psychosocial and developmental needs of graduate students. The model is based upo...
Evaluating remediation alternatives for mine drainage, Little Cottonwood Creek, Utah, USA

The vast occurrence of mine drainage worldwide, documented in descriptive studies, presents a staggering challenge for remediation. Any tool that can move beyond descriptive study and helps to evaluate options for remediation in a way that maximizes improvements to the water quality of streams and minimizes cost of remediation could save valuable resources and time. A reactive solute transport model, calibrated from two detailed mass-loading studies in Little Cottonwood Creek (LCC), Utah, provides a tool to evaluate remediation options. Metal loading to LCC is dominated by discharge from two mine drainage tunnels. Discharge from an upstream tunnel has been treated by a fen to reduce metal loading. Discharge from the downstream tunnel (WDT) can be controlled because of a bulkhead that creates a mine pool. Simulations of remedial options for three compliance locations suggest that the water-quality standards for Cu and Zn at upstream and downstream compliance locations are met using various combinations of fen treatment and WDT regulation, but the complete compliance at the middle compliance location requires the highest level of fen treatment and the greatest regulation of WDT discharge. Reactive transport modeling is an useful tool for the evaluation of remedial alternatives in complex natural systems, where multiple hydrologic and geochemical processes determine metal fate.
Detection of falsification using infrared imaging: time domain moving average

In this paper continuation of previous research done on lie detection using infrared imaging has been presented. Previously it was shown that lie detection using infrared imaging is possible and is actually very accurate (with accuracy of up to 84%). This paper showed a different type of detection algorithm using the implementation of time moving average. All data for this experiment was collected from 11 subjects, which were asked to answer 15 questions in three different times. The first time they were asked to state the truth, the second time they were asked to lie, and finally they were asked to mix their answers and state when they lied and when they said the truth. Then three different post processing methods were used in order to attempt and detect lies. This paper presents the results of detection using the time moving average method. It was first shown that this method has the same characteristics that support the hypothesis, meaning the truth data does not have wide peaks, and the lie data has wide peaks. Then the accuracy of the time domain moving average was found to be 85%, which is greater than current polygraph and previous methods presented. Finally, it was concluded that this method is more efficient and these findings could lead to a new era in the lie detection industry due to this method's efficiency, accuracy, and cost effectiveness.
A MODEL THAT QUANTITATIVELY EXPLAINS GEODYNAMICS

A model is presented that traces quantitatively the history of geodynamic processes, from the time of origin of the Earth to the present time. Initially, the Earth underwent a slow, cool, homogeneous accretion, then a non-catastrophic formation and melting of the core. Thereupon, the gravitational interaction of the Moon and core produced a thermal power of about 1013 watts. It is this power that creates the buoyant force for the upflow of convection. The convection is shown to serve three function: (1)the transference of heat from the mantle base to the surface for radiation to space: (2)the uplift to the surface and separation from the convection cycle of “incompatible” constituents: and (3) the redistribution of heat from the mantle's base to its body by conductive transfer. The “incompatible” constituents include continental, oceanic, atmospheric. Petroleum and radionuclide materials. They are stored initially in the asthenosphere region up to a limiting capacity that ensures the thermal integrity of the lithospheric shell. The capacity range is regulated by a periodic relief mechanis: namely, a controlled penetration of the lithosphere and eruption of continental and other “incompatible” material to the surface. The transfer of radionuclides to the surface region acts to regulate the conductive thermal loss from the Earth's interior in order to maintain a steady state. Mantle heat lost by removal of radionnuclides is replaced via conductive transfer from the hot, upflowing convection. The mechanisms of cooling in the 400-km deep surface leg of the convection, the formation of the continents, and the pattern of heat flow from the Earth's surface are analysed in detail. A thermodynamic analysis of the convection cycle is presented, as well as detailed power analyses for the various work functions that are involved in the convection. Values obtained for power input and out put of the convection are in agreement to within 2%.
The Diagnosis and Treatment of Joplin's Neuroma

Joplin's neuroma is a rare perineurial fibrosis of the medial plantar digital proper nerve arising from various etiologies but most commonly after bunion surgery. Treatment for this painful great toe problem remains controversial. It is our purpose to describe our experience with this chronic pain problem, considering it to be a neuroma requiring resection. A retrospective medical record review of 8 patients with medial hallux pain related to the digital nerve was performed. Each patient had failed to respond to >6 months of nonoperative therapy. At surgery, the medial digital nerve to the hallux was identified distally, the neuroma was resected distally, and the proximal end of the nerve was implanted into the arch of the foot in 7 (87.5%) of the 8 patients. At a mean follow-up of 25 (range 13 to 43) months, 6 results (75%) were excellent, 1 (12.5%) was good, and 1 (12.5%) was fair. The 1 fair result was in the only patient in whom the distal end of the divided nerve was not implanted proximally, according to the patient's request. In conclusion, surgical resection of the medial plantar nerve to the hallux with implantation of the proximal end of the nerve into the arch of the foot, can be expected to result in good to excellent relief of pain in 80% of the patients.
The Sexual Politics of Empire: Civic Honor and Official Crime outside Renaissance Venice

This article examines a series of cases in which the Venetian state prosecuted officials who had committed “crimes against honor” during their terms in office. These crimes were mostly sexual in nature, and they thus provide a window into the way that the Venetian state perceived individual and collective honor of state, subject, and officeholder. A key part of the self-definition and thus the reputation of the Venetian state was its ability to ensure peace and defend order. Sex crimes by officials representing the Venetian state did not just violate subjects’ honor; they implicated the Venetian state as a whole in “lawless and tyrannical” actions and undermined Venetian attempts to legitimate its republican empire. The prosecutions of these officials also reveal the sometimes blurry boundaries between public service and private interests in the Venetian state’s administration of its empire.
Hidden segregation? The limits of geographically based affirmative action

Abstract Recent legal and political decisions in the US have sharply limited the use of racial affirmative action, particularly in university admissions. In response, a number of states have turned to geographic diversity as a proxy for racial diversity. Under such plans, top ranking students in each high school are guaranteed admission to elite state universities. Using a formal model, a comprehensive data set on Texas high school students, and admissions figures from Texas A&M University, the article demonstrates that under such plans, racial diversity at the university level is dependent on racial segregation at the high school level. Indeed, without narrowing the gap between white and minority measures of achievement, the proportion of minorities admitted to university can only be increased by raising the level of segregation. The analysis suggests two conclusions: first, that despite the effort to use geographic criteria to achieve racial diversity, there may simply be no adequate proxy for racial identity other than racial identity. Second, such plans hide the political and social activities that maintain racial segregation, and treat segregation as a natural and inevitable condition that does not violate principles of legal equality.
Catalytic effects of heavy metals on the growth of carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles

The effects of bismuth, lead, and tungsten on the cobalt-catalyzed synthesis of single-layer carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles have been studied. When co-vaporized with cobalt in an electric arc, bismuth and lead increase the yield of single-layer nanotubes and broaden the range of tube diameters, compared to the case where only cobalt is used. Tungsten is found to reduce the nanotube yield and does not change the tube diameter distribution. Both tungsten and bismuth increase the graphitization of the carbon encapsulating the cobalt particles found in the soot, while lead does not. None of these three heavy metals catalyzes the formation of single-layer nanotubes without a transition metal present.
X-ray scatter correction in breast tomosynthesis with a precomputed scatter map library

Purpose: To develop and evaluate the impact on lesion conspicuity of a software-based x-ray scatter correction algorithm for digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) imaging into which a precomputed library of x-ray scatter maps is incorporated. Methods: A previously developed model of compressed breast shapes undergoing mammography based on principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assemble 540 simulated breast volumes, of different shapes and sizes, undergoing DBT. A Monte Carlo (MC) simulation was used to generate the cranio-caudal (CC) view DBT x-ray scatter maps of these volumes, which were then assembled into a library. This library was incorporated into a previously developed software-based x-ray scatter correction, and the performance of this improved algorithm was evaluated with an observer study of 40 patient cases previously classified as BI-RADS® 4 or 5, evenly divided between mass and microcalcification cases. Observers were presented with both the original images and the scatter corrected (SC) images side by side and asked to indicate their preference, on a scale from −5 to +5, in terms of lesion conspicuity and quality of diagnostic features. Scores were normalized such that a negative score indicates a preference for the original images, and a positive score indicates a preference for the SC images. Results: The scatter map library removes the time-intensive MC simulation from the application of the scatter correction algorithm. While only one in four observers preferred the SC DBT images as a whole (combined mean score = 0.169 ± 0.37, p > 0.39), all observers exhibited a preference for the SC images when the lesion examined was a mass (1.06 ± 0.45, p < 0.0001). When the lesion examined consisted of microcalcification clusters, the observers exhibited a preference for the uncorrected images (−0.725 ± 0.51, p < 0.009). Conclusions: The incorporation of the x-ray scatter map library into the scatter correction algorithm improves the efficiency of the algorithm. The observer study presented here is also the first test of the scatter correction algorithm with patient images and human observers, and demonstrates its potential to improve the clinical performance of DBT.
H/sub infinity / optimal control as a weighted Wiener-Hopf problem

It is shown that H/sub infinity / optimization is equivalent to weighted H/sub 2/ optimization in the sense that the solution of the latter problem also solves the former. The weighting rational matrix that achieves this equivalence is explicitly computed in terms of a state-space realization. The authors do not suggest transforming H/sub infinity / optimization problems to H/sub 2/ optimization problems as a computational approach. Rather, their results reveal an interesting connection between H/sub infinity / and H/sub 2/ optimization problems which is expected to offer additional insight. For example, H/sub 2/ optimal controllers are known to have an optimal observer-full state feedback structure. The result obtained shows that the minimum entropy solution of H/sub infinity / optimal control problems can be obtained as an H/sub 2/ optimal solution. Therefore, it can be expected that the corresponding H/sub infinity / optimal controller has an optimal observer-full state feedback structure. >
Colorectal cancer screening behavior and health insurance status (United States).

Objective:The purpose of this study was to examine the association between health insurance status and CRC screening behavior among a diverse sample of ambulatory patients.
Thermal oligomerization of isophthalonitrile catalyzed by o-carborane

The thermal reaction of equimolar quantities of isophthalonitrile and o-carborane has been shown to produce an adduct oligomer of isophthalonitrile. The structure was determined to involve condensation of three to five isophthalonitrile molecules to form a triazine-type system. This type of bonding gave rise to a trimer and pentamer. Further, the reaction was a homogeneous liquid phase reaction in which o-carborane is involved in a catalytic manner in the oligomerization. The overall reaction has first-order kinetics with an activation energy of 32.2 kcal/mole.
Design and Characterization of MEMS Based Optical Coherence Tomography Endoscopic Probe

This study focused on the effects of the MEMS mirror, plastic housing and the variations in the assembly process on the performance of the MEMS-OCT imaging probes. Simulation and experimental results are shown and compared.
Elevated lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation in nerve from diabetic rats: effects of aldose reductase inhibition, insulin, and neurotrophic factors

We investigated the effect of treatment with an aldose reductase inhibitor, insulin, or select neurotrophic factors on the generation of oxidative damage in peripheral nerve. Rats were either treated with streptozotocin to induce insulin-deficient diabetes or fed with a diet containing 40% d-galactose to promote hexose metabolism by aldose reductase. Initial time course studies showed that lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation were significantly elevated in sciatic nerve after 1 week or 2 weeks of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, respectively, and that both remained elevated after 12 weeks of diabetes. The increase in nerve lipid peroxidation was completely prevented or reversed by treatment with the aldose reductase inhibitor, ICI 222155, or by insulin, but not by the neurotrophic factors, prosaptide TX14(A) or neurotrophin-3. The increase in nerve DNA oxidation was significantly prevented by insulin treatment. In contrast, up to 16 weeks of galactose feeding did not alter nerve lipid peroxidation or protein oxidation, despite evidence of ongoing nerve conduction deficits. These observations demonstrate that nerve oxidative damage develops early after the onset of insulin-deficient diabetes and that it is not induced by increased hexose metabolism by aldose reductase per se, but rather is a downstream consequence of flux through this enzyme. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of prosaptide TX14(A) and neurotrophin-3 on nerve function and structure in diabetic rats is not due to amelioration of increased lipid peroxidation.
Effects of Nickel Treatment on H3K4 Trimethylation and Gene Expression

Occupational exposure to nickel compounds has been associated with lung and nasal cancers. We have previously shown that exposure of the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells to NiCl2 for 24 hr significantly increased global levels of trimethylated H3K4 (H3K4me3), a transcriptional activating mark that maps to the promoters of transcribed genes. To further understand the potential epigenetic mechanism(s) underlying nickel carcinogenesis, we performed genome-wide mapping of H3K4me3 by chromatin immunoprecipitation and direct genome sequencing (ChIP-seq) and correlated with transcriptome genome-wide mapping of RNA transcripts by massive parallel sequencing of cDNA (RNA-seq). The effect of NiCl2 treatment on H3K4me3 peaks within 5,000 bp of transcription start sites (TSSs) on a set of genes highly induced by nickel in both A549 cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed. Nickel exposure increased the level of H3K4 trimethylation in both the promoters and coding regions of several genes including CA9 and NDRG1 that were increased in expression in A549 cells. We have also compared the extent of the H3K4 trimethylation in the absence and presence of formaldehyde crosslinking and observed that crosslinking of chromatin was required to observe H3K4 trimethylation in the coding regions immediately downstream of TSSs of some nickel-induced genes including ADM and IGFBP3. This is the first genome-wide mapping of trimethylated H3K4 in the promoter and coding regions of genes induced after exposure to NiCl2. This study may provide insights into the epigenetic mechanism(s) underlying the carcinogenicity of nickel compounds.
C16:0-Ceramide Signals Insulin Resistance

A substantive literature has accumulated implicating sphingolipids, in particular ceramides, as mediators of insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome. Thanks to recent technical advances in mouse genetics and lipidomics, two independent laboratories identify the same sphingolipid, C16:0-ceramide, as principal mediator of obesity-related insulin resistance (Turpin et al., 2014; Raichur et al., 2014).
Hydrodynamic Cavitation: Characterization of a Novel Design with Energy Considerations for the Inactivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Apple Juice

A Shockwave Power Reactor consisting of an annulus with a rotating pock-marked inner cylinder was used to induce hydrodynamic cavitation in calcium-fortified apple juice flowing in the annular space. Lethality on Saccharomyces cerevisiae was assessed at processing temperatures of 65 and 76.7 degrees C. Details of the novel equipment design were presented and energy consumption was compared to conventional and pulsed electric fields processing technologies. The mean log cycle reduction of S. cerevisiae was 6.27 CFU/mL and all treatments resulted in nonrecoverable viable cells. Induced lethality from hydrodynamic cavitation on S. cerevisiae exceeded the predicted values based on experimentally determined thermal resistance. Rotation of 3000 and 3600 rpm at flow rates greater than 1.0 L/min raised product temperature from 20 to 65.6 or 76.7 degrees C, respectively, and energy input was less than 220 kJ/kg. Conversion efficiency from electrical to thermal was 55% to 84%. Hydrodynamic cavitation enhanced lethality of spoilage microorganisms in minimally processed juices and reduced energy usage.
Optimal configuration of a multicore server processor for managing the power and performance tradeoff

We consider the problem of power and performance management for a multicore server processor in a cloud computing environment by optimal server configuration for a specific application environment. The motivation of the study is that such optimal virtual server configuration is important for dynamic resource provision in a cloud computing environment to optimize the power and performance tradeoff for certain specific type of applications. Our strategy is to treat a multicore server processor as an M/M/m queueing system with multiple servers. The system performance measures are the average task response time and the average power consumption. Two core speed and power consumption models are considered, namely, the idle-speed model and the constant-speed model. Our investigation includes justification of centralized management of computing resources, server speed constrained optimization, power constrained performance optimization, and performance constrained power optimization. Our main results are (1) cores should be managed in a centralized way to provide the highest performance without consumption of more energy in cloud computing; (2) for a given server speed constraint, fewer high-speed cores perform better than more low-speed cores; furthermore, there is an optimal selection of server size and core speed which can be obtained analytically, such that a multicore server processor consumes the minimum power; (3) for a given power consumption constraint, there is an optimal selection of server size and core speed which can be obtained numerically, such that the best performance can be achieved, i.e., the average task response time is minimized; (4) for a given task response time constraint, there is an optimal selection of server size and core speed which can be obtained numerically, such that minimum power consumption can be achieved while the given performance guarantee is maintained.
Respiration in the burrowing brittlestar, Hemipholis elongata Say (Echinodermata, Ophiuroidea): a study of the effects of environmental variables on oxygen uptake

Abstract The burrowing brittlestar Hemipholis elongata (Say) maintains a constant M O 2 of 3.79±1.47 μmol O2 g−1 h−1 (for 0.2–0.3 g animals, mean±S.D., n=7), measured in the burrow, over a broad range of PO2. Below the critical PO2 of 37 mmHg, M O 2 becomes dependent on the oxygen tension. M O 2 is a function of the size of H. elongata; the scaling exponent is 0.83 and is similar to those reported for other echinoderms. The M O 2 of H. elongata is unaffected by removal from the burrow, by hypercapnia, by exposure to hydrogen sulfide, or by temperature change in the range from 20 to 32°C. The relative insensitivity of H. elongata to these factors may be an adaptation to life in the highly variable estuarine and tidal creek environments where the animals are frequently found.
Surface organelles assembled by secretion systems of Gram-negative bacteria: diversity in structure and function.

Gram-negative bacteria express a wide variety of organelles on their cell surface. These surface structures may be the end products of secretion systems, such as the hair-like fibers assembled by the chaperone/usher (CU) and type IV pilus pathways, which generally function in adhesion to surfaces and bacterial–bacterial and bacterial–host interactions. Alternatively, the surface organelles may be integral components of the secretion machinery itself, such as the needle complex and pilus extensions formed by the type III and type IV secretion systems, which function in the delivery of bacterial effectors inside host cells. Bacterial surface structures perform functions critical for pathogenesis and have evolved to withstand forces exerted by the external environment and cope with defenses mounted by the host immune system. Given their essential roles in pathogenesis and exposed nature, bacterial surface structures also make attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. This review will describe the structure and function of surface organelles assembled by four different Gram-negative bacterial secretion systems: the CU pathway, the type IV pilus pathway, and the type III and type IV secretion systems.
Bistatic specular scattering from rough dielectric surfaces

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the nature of bistatic scattering from rough dielectric surfaces at 10 GHz. This paper focusses specifically on the dependence of coherent and incoherent scattered fields on surface roughness for the specular direction. The measurements, which were conducted for a smooth surface with ks >
Prospective evaluation of C-reactive protein, smoking and lung cancer death in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Chronic inflammation plays an important role in lung carcinogenesis. Few prospective studies have examined associations between lung cancer, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), a measure of systemic inflammation, and inflammatory lifestyle factors, such as smoking and obesity. This study prospectively examined the relationship between CRP and lung cancer death and its interrelationships with several lifestyle factors. Baseline data on smoking and other lifestyle variables were collected for 8,950 participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III: 1988-1994). Baseline CRP levels were measured in serum samples by nephelometry. Mortality status was ascertained through probabilistic record matching using the National Death Index through 2006. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for CRP and lung cancer death, with adjustment for smoking and other variables. During 18 years of follow-up, 219 individuals died from lung cancer. Multivariate regression models revealed a dose-response effect for elevated CRP and risk of lung cancer death when adjusting for age, gender, BMI and smoking. Compared to individuals with CRP 7 mg/l, P-trend <0.0001). The risk of lung cancer death for smokers increased 9-fold in adjusted models (P<0.0001). When stratified by gender and smoking status the effects of CRP were similar for smokers and males but did not reach statistical significance for females and non-smokers. This study supports a dose-dependent relationship between lung cancer death and CRP for males and smokers, but additional efforts are needed to better elucidate these relationships in women and non-smokers. The results suggest that CRP may emerge as a valuable tool in identifying high-risk subgroups of smokers for lung cancer prevention strategies.
Understanding Proposed Changes to the H-1B Visa: Protecting American Government Interests, Improving the Opportunities for American Companies, or Potentially Hurting Hopeful Immigrants?

This paper will examine the US government’s proposed changes to the H-1B visa, a dual-intent visa meant to bring highly-skilled individuals to the US labor market. It will first explain what the H-1B visa is and is not and what might happen to the H-1B visa in the future. The focus of the paper, however, will be on how the H-1B visa program is failing. The thesis of this article is that reform to the H-1B visa may be very good for the US employer and the US economy. However, the proposed legislation keeps a number of disadvantageous features for H-1B holders intact, rather than addressing them.
A Flush-Mounted Glide-Path System

An instrument-landing system glide-path has been developed which produces a straight-line path originating directly from the touchdown region on the runway. This system makes use of five flush-mounted runway antennas which are mounted directly in the runway, thus eliminating the ground-reflected signals which are presently used to form the path. As a result, the effects of terrain irregularities in the approach region are minimized. Additional benefits realized in flush-mounting the glide-path system are the elimination of parallax problems encountered by flight close in, and the elimination of hazards of antenna supporting masts and buildings near the runway. Potential use of the glide-path at low elevations is enhanced by the paralleling of the path limits during the last 600 feet of the flight path. The path limits cease to converge and maintain a constant value which provides tolerance especially necessary for pilot-controlled flights, while still maintaining sufficient margin of safety. This new glide-path system is completely compatible with the present airborne equipment, and only a minor addition to the transmatter need be made. Automatic servo monitoring is provided for maximum stability in addition to conventional fail-safe monitoring.
Diabetes mellitus impairs tendon-bone healing after rotator cuff repair

Introduction Studies have demonstrated a significant decrease in skeletal mass, bone mineral density, and impaired fracture healing in the diabetic population. However, the effect of sustained hyperglycemia on tendon-to-bone healing is unknown. Materials and methods Forty-eight male, Lewis rats underwent unilateral detachment of the supraspinatus tendon followed by immediate anatomic repair with transosseous fixation. In the experimental group (n = 24), diabetes was induced preoperatively via intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg) and confirmed with both pre- and post-STZ injection intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests (IPGTT). Animals were sacrificed at 1 and 2 weeks postoperatively for biomechanical, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analysis. Serum hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were measured at 2 weeks postoperatively. Statistical comparisons were performed using Student t tests with significance set at P Results IPGTT analysis demonstrated a significant impairment of glycemic control in the diabetic compared to control animals ( P P P P Discussion Sustained hyperglycemia impairs tendon-bone healing after rotator cuff repair in this rodent model. These findings have significant clinical implications for the expected outcomes of soft tissue repair or reconstructive procedures in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control.
Functional groups positioned in unusual asymmetric microenvironments

Abstract Selective functionalization of a rigid, C-shaped molecular cleft containing two convergent carboxylic acid groups has led to the preparation of molecules which bear a reaction site within a well-defined asymmetric region.
Evidence of non-compliance with instructions in attentional focus research

An external focus of attention has been associated with superior learning compared to internal focus or no focus conditions. Despite considerable support for an external focus advantage, a few issues still need investigation (Wulf, 2007). The present study examined the effects of focus instructions on the performance and learning of the standing discus throw and determined the extent of adherence to focus instructions by obtaining post-experimental verbal reports from participants. Twenty-four male college students were randomly assigned to external, internal and control focus conditions. They were given basic instruction on the throwing technique and presented a video model of the correct form. Focus instructions dealt with "trailing the movement with the discus" (external), "leading the movement with the hip" (internal), or "doing your best" (control). Four blocks of ten throws were performed in acquisition and one block of ten throws was performed in a 24hr retention test. The last two throws of each block were videotaped and measured for later analyses. The results indicated no differences between conditions on form or distance scores. However, the interviews indicated that participants in the internal and external focus groups used a combination of internal and external focus cues during acquisition and retention. These findings corroborate those of Maxwell and Masters (2002) and Poolton, Maxwell, Master, and Raab (2006) that showed learners used internal and external attentional focus cues interchangeably. Future research should examine the extent of adherence to focus instructions and the effects of task demands and/or learner preferences on focus instructions.
Post‐Translational Inactivation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Transgenic Sickle Cell Mouse Penis

ABSTRACT Introduction Sickle cell disease (SCD)‐associated priapism is characterized by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) dysfunction in the penis. However, the mechanism of decreased eNOS function/activation in the penis in association with SCD is not known. Aims Our hypothesis in the present study was that eNOS is functionally inactivated in the SCD penis in association with impairments in eNOS post‐translational phosphorylation and the enzyme's interactions with its regulatory proteins. Methods Sickle cell transgenic (sickle) mice were used as an animal model of SCD. Wild‐type (WT) mice served as controls. Penes were excised at baseline for molecular studies. eNOS phosphorylation on Ser‐1177 (positive regulatory site) and Thr‐495 (negative regulatory site), total eNOS, and phosphorylated AKT (upstream mediator of eNOS phosphorylation on Ser‐1177) expressions, and eNOS interactions with heat‐shock protein 90 (HSP90) and caveolin‐1 were measured by Western blot. Constitutive NOS catalytic activity was measured by conversion of L‐[ 14 C]arginine‐to‐L‐[ 14 C]citrulline in the presence of calcium. Main Outcome Measures Molecular mechanisms of eNOS dysfunction in the sickle mouse penis. Results eNOS phosphorylated on Ser‐1177, an active portion of eNOS, was decreased in the sickle mouse penis compared with WT penis. eNOS interaction with its positive protein regulator HSP90, but not with its negative protein regulator caveolin‐1, and phosphorylated AKT expression, as well as constitutive NOS activity, were also decreased in the sickle mouse penis compared with WT penis. eNOS phosphorylated on Thr‐495, total eNOS, HSP90, and caveolin‐1 protein expressions in the penis were not affected by SCD. Conclusions These findings provide a molecular basis for chronically reduced eNOS function in the penis by SCD, which involves decreased eNOS phosphorylation on Ser‐1177 and decreased eNOS‐HSP90 interaction. Musicki B, Champion HC, Hsu LL, Bivalacqua TJ, and Burnett AL. Post‐translational inactivation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the transgenic sickle cell mouse penis. J Sex Med 2011;8:419–426.
Linear Summation of Torque Produced by Selective Activation of Two Motor Fascicles

Linear summation of torque was observed while applying selective activation to two different motor fascicles in the cat sciatic nerve. The excitatory stimulus was applied to two or more contacts housed in a four contact self-sizing spiral cuff electrode. To achieve a linear summation of torque, a delay between the two stimuli that was longer than the length of the facilitatory period but less than the length of the refractory period was used. Using a 900-mus delay between pulses, linear summation of two different torque outputs was successfully achieved in 125 out of 129 trials across five cats. These trials were performed using cuff electrodes that were in place for periods ranging up to 352 days. The results of these studies support the hypothesis that a single self-sizing spiral cuff with multiple contacts and a single lead may be used in place of several muscle-based electrodes each with its own separate lead