cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Portable Piezospectroscopy system: non-contact in-situ stress sensing through high resolution photo-luminescent mapping

Through the piezospectroscopic effect, certain photo-luminescent materials, once excited with a laser, produce spectral emissions which are sensitive to the stress or strain that the material experiences. A system that utilizes the piezospectroscopic effect for non-contact stress detection over a material's surface can capture important information on the evolution of mechanical response under various conditions. Therefore, the components necessary for piezospectroscopic mapping and analysis have now been integrated into a versatile and transportable system that can be used with photo-luminescent materials in any load frame or on a variety of structures. This system combines compact hardware components such as a portable laser source, fiber optics, spectrograph, charge-coupled device (CCD), and an X-Y-Z stage (with focusing capabilities) with a series of data analysis algorithms capable of analyzing and outputting high resolution photo-luminescent (PL) maps on-site. Through a proof of concept experiment using a compressed polycrystalline alumina sample with sharp machined corners, this system successfully captured high resolution PL maps with a step size of 28.86μm/pixel and located high stress concentrations in critical areas, which correlated closely with the results of a finite element model. This work represents an important step in advancing the portability of piezospectroscopy for in-situ and non-contact stress detection. The instrumentation developed here has strong implications for the future of non-destructive evaluation and non-invasive structural health monitoring.
MEN'S ACCOMMODATIONS TO WOMEN ENTERING A NONTRADITIONAL OCCUPATION: A Case of Rapid Transit Operatives

This article examines problems that arise when women enter nontraditional blue-collar occupations. Despite job security, women's arrival in one such workplace generated strains by threatening assumptions of male supremacy. Previous research has examined women's modes of accommodation to male-dominated workplaces. In this case, men as well as women developed accommodative patterns that allowed them to accept women as co-workers without giving up their beliefs about male superiority.
The influence of morphological variation on Candida albicans adhesion to denture acrylic in vitro.

Abstract Using denture acrylic pieces coated with either whole human stimulated saliva or oral streptococci, the binding ability of three different Candida albicans strains was investigated. The C. albicans strains include a clinical isolate with the commonly observed, smooth, round colonial morphology (strain 613p), a morphological variant spontaneously derived from the clinical isolate strain 613p (strain 613mlBK) and a clinical isolate from an oral lesion that was also a morphological variant upon primary isolation (strain 228). Levels of adhesion to the acrylic pieces were determined radiometrically using C. albicans cells metabolically labelled with [35S]-methionine. Whole stimulated saliva significantly increased the binding of all strains compared to uncoated acrylic. However, the level of binding of strain 613p to saliva-coated acrylic was significantly greater than the levels observed for the morphological variant strain 613mlBK. Coating acrylic pieces with either Streptococcus sanguis NCTC 10904, Strep. mutans GS-5 or Strep, sobrinus ATCC 27352 instead of saliva resulted in significantly greater binding by strain 613p compared to uncoated acrylic. Pre-coating the acrylic with the oral streptococci did not significantly increase the binding of morphological variant strains 613mlBK and 228 compared to uncoated acrylic. In general, preincubation of adherent streptococci with sucrose to induce the synthesis of extracellular carbohydrate polymers did not significantly increase the binding levels of the C. albicans strains above those observed using streptococci in buffer alone. Compared to its parental strain 613p, morphological variant strain 613mlBK adhered poorly to denture acrylic coated with either salivary constituents or oral streptococci, while strain 228 adhered to the same substrates at an intermediate level. Furthermore, physical disaggregation of clusters of the morphological variant strain 613mlBK did not appear to increase its binding capacity to saliva-coated denture acrylic. The effect of whole stimulated saliva on the adherence of C. albicans 613p to a variety of plastic substrates in addition to denture acrylic was examined. Overall, saliva pre-coating of the various plastics promoted C. albicans 613p adhesion. The adhesion of strain 613p to denture acrylic coated with whole stimulated saliva from each of five different donors or with parotid and submandibular/sublingual saliva from each of two donors was also examined. Regardless of donor, a coating of whole stimulated saliva significantly increased the binding of strain 613p to denture acrylic compared to uncoated acrylic. In addition, a coating of parotid saliva significantly increased the binding of strain 613p to denture acrylic compared to submandibular/sublingual saliva.
Integrin α5/β1 Expression Mediates HER-2 Down-regulation in Colon Cancer Cells *

HER-2 is constitutively activated and overexpressed in many cancers, and its inhibition in colon cancer cells diminishes tumorigenicity and induces apoptosis. Little is known about the regulation of HER-2 signaling in colon cancer cells. Integrin α5/β1 expression is frequently lost in colorectal cancer cells compared with normal intestinal epithelium, and colon cancer cells lacking integrin α5/β1 expression utilize HER-2 signaling for proliferation and tumorigenicity. Re-expression of integrin α5/β1 in colon cancer cells abrogated their tumorigenicity, but how this occurs is not well known. Stable expression of integrin α5/β1 in colon cancer cells with little or no detectable integrin α5/β1 protein expression resulted in the post-transcriptional down-regulation of HER-2 protein. Integrin α5/β1 was found to interact with HER-2, and the cytoplasmic domain of integrin α5/β1 was sufficient to mediate HER-2 down-regulation. Integrin α5/β1-mediated down-regulation of HER-2 was the result of increased lysosomal targeting. The inhibition of HER-2 signaling represents a potential mechanism by which integrin α5/β1 exerts its tumor suppressor-like activity in colon cancer cells. These results also suggest that a novel function for integrin α5/β1 is the control of HER-2 expression.
Proximal Dissection Originating in Atherosclerotic Thoracic Aneurysms: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications—Case Studies:

Three patients with atherosclerotic thoracic or thoracoabdominal aneurysms with extensive intramural dissection originating from the aneurysm and extend ing proximally are described. All patients presented with severe back pain sug gesting an acute change in the status of the atherosclerotic aneurysm. In retrospect, the pain was probably secondary to acute dissection. The proximal dissection was not recognized preoperatively in 2 patients and this led to signifi cant intraoperative problems. A combination of computerized axial tomo graphy and angiography should allow accurate preoperative diagnosis. An awareness that these two processes (atherosclerotic aneurysm and proximal dis section) can coexist should allow such a preoperative diagnosis to be considered and help prevent intraoperative difficulties.
Research on the Temperature Properties of Plate during the Laminar Cooling Process

For the purpose of realizing high-precision control of temperature profile during laminar cooling process after hot rolling, the characters of temperature variation inside hot plate are analyzed with the finite element method. The temperature properties of the plate, including the temperature drop, the temperature difference in the plate thickness direction, the cooling rate, and the red-back process, is researched under different cooling conditions. The law of the temperature properties variation with the plate thickness and the flow rate is obtained.
Academic Self-Efficacy among African American Youths: Implications for School Social Work Practice.

School performance among African American youths continues to be a major concern. The promotion of self-esteem remains a major focus of school-based intervention programs designed to improve children's academic performance and behavior. Empirical data suggest that academic self-efficacy rather than self-esteem is the critical factor for school success, but few studies have examined self-efficacy and self-esteem w^ith an African American population. Furthermore, although school social workers tend to focus on nonacademic factors that inhibit student performance, little is known about how these factors may be associated with academic self-efficacy.This article explored cross-sectional relationships of various factors to academic self-efficacy. Findings suggest that strategies that build a student's belief in the importance of education may do more to increase academic self-efficacy among African American youths than would a focus on self-esteem. Implications for school social work practice are discussed. KEY ^: academic self-efftcacy;African American youths; school completion; school social work
An improved model for saturated salient pole synchronous motors

An improved model for the transient analysis of saturated salient pole synchronous motors is presented. With the aid of saturation factors obtained by means of test or finite elements, Park's equations for a synchronous machine are modified to independently account for the saturation of the d and q-axis magnetizing flux linkages in the region of the stator teeth and rotor pole fact as well as saturation of the total flux linking the stator core. The model is used to calculate the starting performance for a direct on line start as well as the transient performance during a load change. Both transients are correlated with both test results and the results predicted by a traditional model employing only d-axis main flux saturation. The new model demonstrates an improvement over more traditional models indicating that an appropriate representation of the main flux and core saturation effects are important for synchronous machine analysis. Figure 1 shows the complete equivalent d-q circuit model developed in the full paper. The inductance Lsa represents the reluctance of flux lines which are primarily in air. Lsc represents the magnetic reluctance of the stator core, Lsb accounts for the leakage inductances which are primarily iron related, i.e., slot leakage, tooth top and harmonic leakage. Lmd, Lmq account for the magnetizing flux linkages representing the MMF drop in the stator tooth top and field pole. In general, all of these inductances except Lsa can saturate.
Risk-sharing, adjustment, and trade☆

Abstract We consider a dynamic model of labor mobility in a small open economy with stochastic terms of trade. Migration is costly and markets for labor income risk are absent. Risk-aversion slows down the movement of the most productive workers into the risky sector, and speeds up that of the least productive ones. The effect of tariffs and autarky on risk-bearing is examined. A given policy may improve social welfare for some initial conditions and lower it for others. Thus policy design for such an economy is context-specific and can be time-inconsistent.
Radionuclide methods for cardiac output determination.

For repeated determinations of cardiac output, radionuclides have provided a safe, reliable and minimally invasive approach. The techniques used are (1) the first-pass dilution method and (2) the derivation of stroke volume from end-diastolic and end-systolic ventricular volumes. Each of the two techniques offers specific advantages, thus, both may be used clinically according to the type of evaluation that is required. Their development has been helped by the availability of adequate radiopharmaceuticals as well as highly efficient precordial detection devices, computer systems, and data handling ‘software’. The associated patient exposure to radioactivity has not precluded clinical application because of the small doses used and the protective measures applied.
Immediate spica casting of pediatric femoral fractures in the operating room versus the emergency department: comparison of reduction, complications, and hospital charges.

BACKGROUND Immediate spica casting for pediatric femur fractures is well described as a standard treatment in the literature. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the application of a spica cast in the emergency department (ED) versus the operating room (OR) with regard to quality of reduction, complications, and hospital charges at an academic institution. METHODS An institutional review board-approved retrospective review identified 100 children aged 6 months to 5 years between January 2003 and October 2008 with an isolated femur fracture treated with a hip spica cast. Patients were compared based on the setting of spica cast application. RESULTS There were 79 patients in the ED cohort and 21 patients in the OR cohort. There were no significant differences in age, weight, sex, fracture pattern, prereduction shortening, injury mechanism, duration of spica treatment, time to heal, or length of follow-up between cohorts. There were no significant differences in the rate of loss of reduction requiring revision casting or operative treatment (6.3% vs. 4.8%), the need for cast wedging (8.9% vs. 14.3%), or minor skin breakdown (12.7% vs. 14.3%). There were no sedation or anesthetic complications in either group. There were no significant differences in the quality of reduction or the rate of complications between the 2 groups. Spica casting in the OR delayed the time from presentation to cast placement as compared with the ED cohort (11.5 h vs. 3.8 h, P<0.0001) and lengthened the hospital stay (30.5 h vs. 16.9 h, P=0.0002). The average hospital charges of spica cast application in the OR was 3 times higher than the cost of casting in the ED ($15,983 vs. $5150, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Immediate spica casting in the ED and OR provide similar results in terms of reduction and complications. With the significantly higher hospital charges for spica casting in the OR, alternative settings should be considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III--Retrospective comparative study.
Expectations and Stability in Neo-Keynesian Growth Theory

I. Introduction, 71. — II. Investment and profits, 73. — III. Flexible expectations, 79. — IV. Elastic expectations, 88. — V. Adaptiveness and flexibility combined, 91.
Legionnaires' disease. Association with severe bronchospasm and hypoventilation.

A 31-year-old man with Legionnaires' disease, who presented with severe pneumonia and hypoxemia, later developed severe bronchospasm and marked hypercapnia, a complication not previously reported in Legionella infection. He responded to therapy with erythromycin and a bronchodilator.
A modeling technique for characterizing ion-implanted material using C- V and DLTS data

Abstract A new modeling technique for determining free-carrier, shallow-level donor, trap and mobility profiles of ion-implanted GaAs MESFETs is presented. This technique uses the results of C–V and conductance DLTS measurements to calibrate a theoretical model. The model eliminates assumptions commonly made in other simple characterization techniques. A sample case is presented which indicates the importance of this more rigorous treatment.
Brachial artery reactivity in patients with severe sepsis: an observational study

Ultrasound measurements of brachial artery reactivity in response to stagnant ischemia provide estimates of microvascular function and conduit artery endothelial function. We hypothesized that brachial artery reactivity would independently predict severe sepsis and severe sepsis mortality. This was a combined case-control and prospective cohort study. We measured brachial artery reactivity in 95 severe sepsis patients admitted to the medical and surgical intensive care units of an academic medical center and in 52 control subjects without acute illness. Measurements were compared in severe sepsis patients versus control subjects and in severe sepsis survivors versus nonsurvivors. Multivariable analyses were also conducted. Hyperemic velocity (centimeters per cardiac cycle) and flow-mediated dilation (percentage) were significantly lower in severe sepsis patients versus control subjects (hyperemic velocity: severe sepsis = 34 (25 to 48) versus controls = 63 (52 to 81), P < 0.001; flow-mediated dilation: severe sepsis = 2.65 (0.81 to 4.79) versus controls = 4.11 (3.06 to 6.78), P < 0.001; values expressed as median (interquartile range)). Hyperemic velocity, but not flow-mediated dilation, was significantly lower in hospital nonsurvivors versus survivors (hyperemic velocity: nonsurvivors = 25 (16 to 28) versus survivors = 39 (30 to 50), P < 0.001; flow-mediated dilation: nonsurvivors = 1.90 (0.68 to 3.41) versus survivors = 2.96 (0.91 to 4.86), P = 0.12). Lower hyperemic velocity was independently associated with hospital mortality in multivariable analysis (odds ratio = 1.11 (95% confidence interval = 1.04 to 1.19) per 1 cm/cardiac cycle decrease in hyperemic velocity; P = 0.003). Brachial artery hyperemic blood velocity is a noninvasive index of microvascular function that independently predicts mortality in severe sepsis. In contrast, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, reflecting conduit artery endothelial function, was not associated with mortality in our severe sepsis cohort. Brachial artery hyperemic velocity may be a useful measurement to identify patients who could benefit from novel therapies designed to reverse microvascular dysfunction in severe sepsis and to assess the physiologic efficacy of these treatments.
Influence of substratum critical surface tension on bacterial adhesion—in Situ studies☆

Abstract Data on the effect of substratum critical surface tension on the rate of microbiological attachment to solid surfaces immersed in natural seawater are considered. Apparently conflicting trends in the data are examined in terms of the surface energetics of adsorption of molecular organic “conditioning films” to the solid surface. A model based on interfacial tension and the work of Good and co-workers is presented which accounts for the presence of both types of behavior and points out that experimental results are extremely sensitive to the details of initial surface preparation.
A Note on Heat Generation Due to Surface Rubbing

Abstract The question of heat generation by frictional rubbing is examined from the point of view of material elastic properties. Theory suggests and evidence is presented that low modulus materials tend to generate more internal heat during rubbing then high modulus materials of similar thermal properties.
Adaptation of fast marching methods to intracellular signaling

Imaging of signaling phenomena within the intracellular domain is a well studied field. Signaling is the process by which all living cells communicate with their environment and with each other. In the case of signaling calcium waves, numerous computational models based on solving homogeneous reaction diffusion equations have been developed. Typically, the reaction diffusion approach consists of solving systems of partial differential equations at each update step. The traditional methods used to solve these reaction diffusion equations are very computationally expensive since they must employ small time steps in order to reduce the computational error. The presented research suggests the application of fast marching methods to imaging signaling calcium waves, more specifically fertilization calcium waves, in Xenopus laevis eggs. The fast marching approach provides fast and efficient means of tracking the evolution of monotonically advancing fronts. A model that employs biophysical properties of intracellular calcium signaling, and adapts fast marching methods to tracking the propagation of signaling calcium waves is presented. The developed model is used to reproduce simulation results obtained with reaction diffusion based model. Results obtained with our model agree with both the results obtained with reaction diffusion based models, and confocal microscopy observations during in vivo experiments. The adaptation of fast marching methods to intracellular protein or macromolecule trafficking is also briefly explored.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Authentic leadership practices informed by a rural hospital study

The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of work environment characteristics across employee groups in a rural hospital to determine if authentic leadership and management practices were perceived to be actualized in the organization. Creating a healthy work environment through authentic leadership practices is critical to sustaining care quality improvements (QIs) and patient safety. In light of fewer financial and educational resources, an academic-practice partnership provides evidencebased support for administrators in rural hospitals. This mixed methods study involved the following measures: 1) Descriptive cross-sectional survey of hospital employees regarding work environment characteristics (N = 139/188; 74% response rate), yielding statistical power of .95, and 2) multiple qualitative focus groups with employees (N = 37) to explore contextual factors potentially influencing perceptions of work environment. There were statistically significant differences among perceived levels of vitality for hospital administrative staff compared to clinical and ancillary staff ( p < .000 – p < .026). Thematic content of qualitative data revealed issues regarding a perceived lack of authentic leadership and management behaviors. Adopting best practices related to QIs may first require a paradigm shift by hospital leadership and management through conscious promotion of mutual trust and healthy work behaviors. An academic-practice partnership can provide data-based insights into work environment characteristics that may need attention so that the hospital administrator may empower staff-driven, collaborative QIs from an evidence-based stance.
On Improving the Effectiveness of Large Telescopes

A family of two-mirror correctors has been devised in a more advanced form than that obtained by Paul in 1935. These correctors can be used in combination with any paraboloidal telescope of even the largest size and will yield a greatly enlarged photographic field without the need for refracting elements of any kind. Such correctors will be of particular use in the ultraviolet, and for space-borne telescopes into the far ultraviolet, with performance limited only by diffraction over angular fields appreciably larger than available heretofore.
They might be giants: a review of small presses and little magazines: an interview with Whitney Pastorek, Editor of Pindeldyboz

This installment of “They Might Be Giants” highlights a small online/print zine from New York called Pindeldyboz. Described by its editor Whitney Pastorek as a lit mag, Pindeldyboz publishes new fiction every week or so at the Web site but then publishes longer fiction once a year in the annual print zine of the same name. While this may indicate a split personality on the part of the editor/publisher, the goals of both the print and online versions are the same: to publish good fiction.
T-Box transcription factor Tbx20 regulates a genetic program for cranial motor neuron cell body migration

Members of the T-box transcription factor family (Tbx) are associated with several human syndromes during embryogenesis. Nevertheless, their functions within the developing CNS remain poorly characterized. Tbx20 is expressed by migrating branchiomotor/visceromotor (BM/VM) neurons within the hindbrain during neuronal circuit formation. We examined Tbx20 function in BM/VM cells using conditional Tbx20-null mutant mice to delete the gene in neurons. Hindbrain rhombomere patterning and the initial generation of post-mitotic BM/VM neurons were normal in Tbx20 mutants. However, Tbx20 was required for the tangential (caudal) migration of facial neurons, the lateral migration of trigeminal cells and the trans-median movement of vestibuloacoustic neurons. Facial cell soma migration defects were associated with the coordinate downregulation of multiple components of the planar cell polarity pathway including Fzd7, Wnt11, Prickle1, Vang1 and Vang2. Our study suggests that Tbx20 programs a variety of hindbrain motor neurons for migration, independent of directionality, and in facial neurons is a positive regulator of the non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway.
Chronic Cadmium Exposure Attenuates Conditioned Place Preference Produced by Cocaine and Other Drugs

Adult male rats were exposed ad lib for 40 days to 100 ppm dietary cadmium chloride (group cadmium) or an identical diet with no added cadmium (group control). Conditioned place preference (CPP) was conducted in a two-chamber apparatus in which all drugs were paired with the least-preferred side as determined by a pretest. In Experiment 1, animals received 0, 2.5, or 5 mg/kg cocaine HCl (IP) for 4 days and vehicle only for 4 days. Control animals showed a place preference for the drug side at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, while the cadmium-exposed animals showed a preference at 5 mg/kg only. In Experiment 2, animals received 0, 5, or 10 mg/kg of the D1/D2 dopamine receptor agonist apomorphine HCl (SC) for 4 days and vehicle only for 4 days. Control animals showed a place preference at 5 and 10 mg/kg, while metal-exposed animals showed a preference at 10 mg/kg only. To determine the possible effects of alterations of learning mechanisms by cadmium, a conditioned place aversion (CPA) procedure was employed for Experiment 3. Animals received 0, 10, or 40 mg/kg lithium chloride (IP) for 4 days or vehicle only for 4 days. Control animals showed a significant place aversion at 40 mg/kg, while cadmium-exposed animals did not. These findings are discussed within a framework of possible metal-induced disturbance of neurochemical function and/or associative processing.
Synthesis, electrochemistry, and reactivity of cerium(III/IV) methylene-bis-phenolate complexes.

A series of cerium complexes containing a 2,2′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenolate) (MBP2–) ligand framework is described. Electrochemical studies of the compound [Li(THF)2Ce(MBP)2(THF)2] (1) reveal that the metal based oxidation wave occurs at −0.93 V vs Fc/Fc+. This potential demonstrates significant stabilization of the cerium(IV) ion in the MBP2– framework with a shift of ∼2.25 V from the typically reported value for the cerium(III/IV) couple of E°′ = +1.30 V vs Fc/Fc+ for Ce(ClO4)3 in HClO4 solutions. Compound 1 undergoes oxidation to form stable cerium(IV) species in the presence of a variety of common oxidants. The coordination of the redox-active ligands 2,2′-bipyridine and benzophenone to 1 result in complexes in which no apparent metal-to-ligand charge transfer occurs and the cerium ion remains in the +3 oxidation state.
66 Orai1 IS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN CALCIUM OSCILLATION AT FERTILIZATION IN PORCINE OOCYTES

During mammalian fertilization, the sperm induces an oscillation in the oocyte's intracellular free calcium concentration that stimulates oocyte activation. The train of calcium spikes is maintained by an influx of calcium across the plasma membrane, probably through a mechanism known as store-operated calcium entry. Despite their importance, little is known about the identity and regulation of the calcium entry channels that mediate calcium influx at fertilization. Previously we have shown that the Orai1 protein is localised in the plasma membrane of pig oocytes and plays an important role in calcium entry after depletion of the intracellular calcium stores. In this study, we investigated the function of Orai1 in signal transduction during fertilization. In Experiment 1, Orai1 levels were down-regulated by injecting immature pig oocytes with small interfering RNA (siRNA) against Orai1; control cells were injected with scrambled siRNA. The injected oocytes were then matured in vitro for 44 h. In Experiment 2, Orai1 was overexpressed by microinjection of mRNA encoding Orai1 conjugated to the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP-Orai1) 36 h after the beginning of maturation; these oocytes were incubated for an additional 8 h. At the end of the incubation period the oocytes were loaded with the calcium indicator dye fura-2 and inseminated. Changes in the intracellular free calcium concentration were monitored by means of a fluorescence imaging system. Some of the fertilized oocytes were cultured for 7 days, at which time embryo development together with the total nuclear number of the embryos were recorded. Data were subjected to 1-way ANOVA; differences between treatments were analysed using the Tukey test. The level of Orai1 protein was significantly lower in Orai1 siRNA-injected oocytes compared to the control group, as determined by Western blot, indicating successful down-regulation of Orai1. During fertilization, control oocytes displayed a series of calcium transients that lasted up to 8 h. However, in Orai1 siRNA-injected oocytes (9 out of 10 measured) only 1 calcium rise could be observed; these oocytes were unable to generate repetitive calcium signals after gamete fusion. Overexpression of Orai1 also disrupted the pattern of the normal fertilization calcium signal; the oscillation ceased after just a few Ca2+ rises in 8 out of 10 oocytes. The percentage of cleaved oocytes was lower in the siRNA-injected group compared to both non-injected or control siRNA-injected oocytes (38.4 ± 4.6% vs 70.5 ± 2.8% and 70.4 ± 2.4%; P < 0.05). The frequency of blastocyst (1.9 ± 0.8% vs11.0 ± 3.1% and 9.9 ± 1.4%) and the total cell number per blastocyst (19.8 ± 0.8 vs 36.2 ± 0.7 and 33.5 ± 5.5) was also significantly lower in oocytes with down-regulated Orai1 levels. These results indicate that an Orai1-mediated calcium influx is required to maintain proper calcium oscillation at fertilization and is also essential to support subsequent embryo development.
Simple single-shot complete spatiotemporal characterization of the intensity and phase of a complex ultrashort pulse

We demonstrate a simple single-shot device, called Spatially and Temporally Resolved Intensity and Phase Evaluation Device: Full Information from a Single Hologram (STRIPED FISH), for completely characterizing the intensity and phase of an arbitrary ultrashort pulse in space and time (x,y,t). Improvements are made on the measurable bandwidth, aberrations eliminations, and the intensity uniformity of the multiple holograms in our device. To demonstrate the capability, we perform single-camera-frame measurements of spatiotemporally complex subpicosecond crossed and chirped double pulses from a Ti:Sapphire oscillator. To display the resulting four-dimensional intensity-and-phase data, we generate intuitive movies of the measured pulses based on our newly-developed method.
Prophylactic cranial irradiation dose effects on late cognitive function in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Prophylactic central nervous system treatment has dramatically improved the disease-free survival of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Long-term neuropsychological sequelae are documented in children who received 2400 cGy prophylactic cranial irradiation. The dose was reduced to 1800 cGy. Available reports on developmental consequences, with short follow-up, have yielded inconsistent results. This study assesses radiation dose effects on cognitive function in children with leukemia who received central nervous system prophylaxis with 2400 cGy versus 1800 cGy whole brain radiotherapy. All leukemic children also received intrathecal methotrexate. A control group of children (treated for Wilms' tumor) received no central nervous system therapy. Nineteen children were treated with 2400 cGy, 16 children with 1800 cGy. The 12 control children received no irradiation. All patients were off therapy for at least 70 months. The 1800 cGy and 2400 cGy patient groups were off therapy for equivalent periods of time (range 70-123 mo) at follow-up testing. Mean age at diagnosis was 49 months, at testing: 142 months. The male to female ratio was 1/1. Standardized psychological tests were administered. Full-Scale, Verbal, and Performance IQ were measured with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised. Wide Range Achievement Testing evaluated reading, spelling, and arithmetic abilities. Children treated with 1800 cGy performed significantly better than those who received 2400 cGy, and at the same level as controls. There were statistically significant differences between the 1800 cGy and 2400 cGy subjects in all measures. 2400 cGy patients had deficiencies in IQ and academic performance. 1800 cGy patients scored approximately 12 points higher than 2400 cGy children. Eleven children, two in the control group, two in the 1800 cGy, and seven in the 2400 cGy group had IQ scores of less than 90. Eight of the nine irradiated children with deficits had radiotherapy before age 5. These results indicate a mild, but diffuse information processing deficit in children who received 2400 cGy, but not in children who received 1800 cGy. These findings with a minimum of 6 years of follow-up provide new information on late effects of CNS prophylaxis in ALL. Reducing the cranial RT dose from 2400 cGy to 1800 cGy reduced neurotoxicity to acceptable levels.
Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry of nitriles, isothiocyanates and oxazolidinethiones derived from cruciferous glucosinolates

Hydrolysis/autolysis of the glucosinolates found in wild and cultivated cruciferous plants can yield a variety of nitrogenous compounds for the alkyl or aryl moiety. These products include nitriles, isothiocyanates and oxazolidinethiones, all of which may present potential hazards in foods and feeds. More than 70 glucosinolates are known, and almost all the hydrolysis products are amenable to analysis by gas chromatography. The reaction can proceed in different ways, depending upon the conditions of hydrolysis or treatment of the plant during harvest or storage, and confirmation of the identifications made by retention data is sometimes needed. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry can usually provide this additional structural information. Spectra of alkyl or aryl nitriles and isothiocyanates that contain other functional groups (hydroxyl, episulphide, methylthio, sulphinyl, sulphonyl) and oxazolidinethiones are presented and discussed.
Percutaneous primary jejunostomy tubes inserted using fluoroscopic guidance: comparison to laparoscopically inserted jejunostomy tubes

Purpose To evaluate the success rate, complications, and long term outcomes of primary percutaneous jejunostomy(J)-tubes inserted under fluoroscopic guidance in comparison to surgical J-tubes inserted under laparoscopic guidance. Materials and Methods Between 6/2010 and 8/2012, 48 patients (28 males, mean age 57 years) underwent percutaneous insertion of a primary J-tube using fluoroscopic guidance. Insertions at prior J-tube sites were excluded. For comparison, we reviewed all laparoscopic J-tube insertions from 1/2006 to 6/2011 in the absence of a concurrent major abdominal surgery, revealing 85 patients (45 males, mean age 56 years). Procedural, radiologic, and clinical notes were retrospectively reviewed. Results All J-tubes inserted with fluoroscopic guidance were performed using moderate sedation, whereas general anesthesia was required for all laparoscopic J-tubes. The technical success rate for radiologic J-tube insertion was 98% (47/48) compared to 95% (81/85) for laparoscopic J-tubes (p=0.65). One major periprocedural complication was encountered with fluoroscopic J-tube insertion (fluid collection that resolved with antibiotics) with zero major long term complications. With laparoscopic J-tube insertion, 3 patients had a major periprocedural complication (hemorrhage, extraluminal positioning, and bowel obstruction) and one had a major long-term complication (necrotizing fasciitis/abscess). Tract infection occurred in 3 patients after fluoroscopic J-tube insertion compared to 4 patients after laparoscopic J-tube insertion (p=0.71). Pericatheter leakage occurred in 13% (6/47) of fluoroscopic J-tubes compared to 14% (11/81) of laparoscopic J-tubes (p=1.0). The rate of tube exchange due to clogging for radiologic and laparoscopic J-tubes was 2.3 and 0.9 per 1000 patient days respectively. The rate of inadvertent tube dislodgement was 1.9 and 3.5, respectively. Conclusion Fluoroscopically inserted primary J-tubes demonstrated a very high technical success rate comparable to laparoscopically inserted J-tubes, with a very low major complication rate. However, whereas all surgically inserted J-tubes utilized general anesthesia, all fluoroscopically inserted J-tubes were performed using moderate sedation.
On Scattering in a Piezoelectric Medium by a Conducting Crack

The work is concerned with the characterization of a Kirchhoff diffraction field in a piezoelectric material. An exact solution is obtained for the full scattering fields around the tip of a semi-infinite crack, which is electrically conducting and is loaded with both SH acoustic incident waves and in-plane electrical incident waves. First, it is found that a conducting crack in a piezoelectric solid is not completely opaque to the electro-acoustic wave, i.e., the electro-acoustic wave can penetrate and transmit to the other side of the crack surface. Second, the analysis has confirmed that the interaction between electrical wave and acoustic wave will provide multiple electrical and electro-acoustic head waves. Third, by solving the problem, we have established a rigorous electro-acoustic scattering theory in piezoelectric/ferroelectric media, which is different from the scattering theory in purely elastic media. The characterization of the scattering fields in piezoelectric media provides a unique signature database for electro-acoustic waves in piezoelectric materials.
Transparency A Concept Analysis

This column is a review of the use of the term transparency as it relates to healthcare with specific emphasis on nursing practice. Concept analysis is guided by Parse’s concept inventing approach. The relevance of this concept to nursing has become increasing important in the language of healthcare. There is no standard definition of the term in nursing or healthcare. Transparency or lack thereof shapes the future of disciplines. The author provides a theoretical definition of transparency for nurses to consider.
Excess Glucose Intake Induces Accelerated β-Cell Polyploidization in Normal Mice: A Possible Deleterious Effect

Normal nondiabetic homozygous and heterozygous littermates of db/db diabetes-prone mice (seven/group) were fed a 5% solution of glucose as their sole source of liquid for 10 wk. Controls (seven/group) drank tap water, and both groups received stock diet ad libitum. Body weights, tail lengths, food and fluid con sumption were recorded throughout the study, and plasma and urine glucose were measured during wk 10. The total caloric intake, including the glucose solution drunk by some of the mice, was not significantly different among the four groups. No differ ences in plasma or urine glucose were detected. Total-body dry weight, water and lipid were measured, and pancreata were analyzed for /3-cell polyploidy by a combination of Feulgen cytophotometry and nuclear size analysis. The percentage of polyploid 0-cells was significantly higher in the animals that drank glucose than in those that drank water and was independent of both genotype and growth indices attributable to genotype. The greater polyploidization was interpreted as reflecting premature aging of the 0-cell population. It was hypothesized that such glucose- induced premature aging in animals with a genetically restricted potential for 0-cell proliferation could contribute to the precipitation of overt diabetes. J. Nutr. 115: 271-278, 1985.
The Role of MicroRNA-133 in Cardiac Hypertrophy Uncovered

See related article, pages 166–175 Studies of microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently uncovered a new level of intricacy in the regulation of gene expression during organogenesis and pathogenesis.1 miR-133, which is enriched in cardiac and skeletal muscle, is involved in cell specification,2 differentiation,3 and development.4 It is also downregulated during cardiac hypertrophy,5–7 which suggested that it may play a role in the underlying pathogenesis. Studies that included targeted deletion, overexpression, and antisense-specific knockdown of miR-133 have unraveled many aspects of its function and targets but have not directly revealed its role in the development of pressure overload–induced hypertrophy. In particular, targeted deletion of miR-133a-1 or miR-133a-2, each of which resulted in ≈50% reduction in cardiac miR-133, equivalent to the decrease associated with cardiac hypertrophy, exhibited no cardiac growth or functional abnormalities under normal or pressure overload conditions.4 On the other hand, complete ablation of miR-133 via double knockout resulted in aberrant proliferation and apoptosis of myocytes, cardiac defects, and prevalent embryonic lethality, whereas those that escaped the lethal phenotype ended with severe cardiac dilatation, but no myocyte hypertrophy.4 In contrast, knockdown of miR-133 via antisense targeting was sufficient for inducing cardiac hypertrophy and reinduction of the fetal gene program in the adult mouse heart.6 The discrepancy between the outcomes could be explained by the different onsets of …
A "fall-back" technique for difficult inferior vena cava filter retrieval.

Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the results of an alternative technique for inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) retrieval that can be used when the retrieval hook cannot be snared. Methods Retrospective review of all patients undergoing attempted IVCF retrieval by a single surgeon between March 2009 and March 2011 was undertaken. After December 2009, in cases where the retrieval hook could not be snared, an 18F/85 cm sheath was inserted into the internal jugular vein and a Bentson wire (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) and snare were advanced across separate interstices of the filter. The resulting "lasso" was pulled up below the collar at the top of the filter, and the filter collapsed into the sheath. Results Over 28 months, 34 patients underwent attempted retrieval of Gunther Tulip filters (Cook Medical). Patients were 44 ± 15 years old; 59% were women (n = 20). Filters were placed for venous thromboembolism with contraindication to anticoagulation in seven cases and prophylactically in 27 cases. Of the prophylactic cases, 18 (67%) were placed before planned bariatric surgery. Before December 2009, the success rate was 86% (6 of 7): the retrieval hook of one filter could not be snared and seemed to be embedded in the wall of the cava. After adoption of the described technique, the success rate was 96% (26 of 27): one patient refused further attempts at central venous catheterization after multiple unsuccessful attempts. Filters retrieved conventionally by snaring the hook (n = 18) were implanted on average for 4.8 ± 3.7 months and 12.1 ± 10.1 months for those retrieved using the new technique (n = 14; P = .02). All patients were discharged on the day of the procedure without complication. The one patient in whom the retrieval hook could not be snared before December 2009 has refused another attempt at retrieval. Conclusions The method of IVCF retrieval described here was successful in every instance in which it was attempted. It was associated with no morbidity despite the customary use of an 18F sheath in the internal jugular vein. The approach constitutes an appropriate "fall-back" technique when the retrieval hook of a removable IVCF cannot be snared.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Oryzalin Analogs against Toxoplasma gondii

The synthesis and evaluation of 20 dinitroanilines and related compounds against the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii is reported. Using in vitro cultures of parasites in human fibroblasts, we determined that most of these compounds selectively disrupted Toxoplasma microtubules, and several displayed sub-micromolar potency against the parasite. The most potent compound was N(1),N(1)-dipropyl-2,6-dinitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-benzenediamine (18b), which displayed an IC(50) value of 36 nM against intracellular T. gondii. Based on these data and another recent report [Ma, C.; Tran, J.; Gu, F.; Ochoa, R.; Li, C.; Sept, D.; Werbovetz, K.; Morrissette, N. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 2010, 54, 1453], an antimitotic structure-activity relationship for dinitroanilines versus Toxoplasma is presented.
In vitro effects of medium tonicity, nutrient concentration, and free chlorine content on Acanthamoeba.

Abstract Background The environment preferred by Acanthamoeba trophozoites and the mechanism by which the amebae enters the cornea are not yet fully understood. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease may help with prevention and treatment. Purpose To define the preferred environments for Acanthamoeba survival and proliferation in vitro by examining the effect of tonicity, nutrient concentration, and free chlorine content on Acanthamoeba. Materials and methods Human corneal isolates of Acanthamoeba castellanii and Acanthamoeba polyphaga trophozoites were cultured at 22 °C (room temperature) in PYG (peptone–yeast extract–glucose) medium. The effect of tonicity on amebae was determined by incubating trophozoites in sodium chloride solutions in concentrations ranging from 0% to 10% for 19 days. Two different sets of media were prepared—one with and the other without added nutrients. The tonicity varied from 50 to 3438 mOsm/L while the pH was maintained at 6.7–6.8. Aliquots were recovered to determine the number and morphologic type of the amebae. To test the effect of chlorine, Acanthamoeba trophozoites were incubated for 7 days in buffered solutions with free chlorine concentrations varying from 0 to 5 mg/L free chlorine at 22 °C. The pH was maintained at 7.2 and the tonicity varied from 88 to 92 mOsm/L. Trophozoites were enumerated by hemocytometer. Results Low tonicity solutions ( Conclusions Acanthamoeba prefer hypotonic environments. Nutrients merely slowed the conversion of trophozoites to cysts at higher tonicity levels. Chlorine concentrations less than 5 mg/L, ocular irritation level, did not effectively convert trophozoites into cysts. We conclude that contact lens patients should avoid hypotonic ocular exposures, especially tap water and stagnant media such as lake water, and water from poorly maintained swimming pools and hot-tubs.
Procedures for the evaluation of conflicts in rankings of alternatives

A critical problem in decision analysis is how to evaluate the difference between two or more different rankings of a set of alternatives. In this paper it is assumed that a group of decision makers has already established a ranking for each one of a set of alternatives. Then, the problem examined here is how to evaluate the differences among these rankings. This problem does not have a unique solution and thus we consider a number of alternative approaches. The analysis presented here illustrates that this problem is not trivial and, moreover, it is associated with some counter-intuitive issues.