cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a Medicare Claims-Based Model to Predict Persistent High-Dose Opioid Use After Total Knee Replacement.

Objective To develop a claims-based model to predict persistent high-dose opioid use amongst patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR). Methods Using Medicare claims (2010-2014), we identified patients ≥65 years who underwent TKR with no history of high-dose opioid use (>25 mean morphine equivalents (MME)/day) in the year prior. We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify distinct opioid use patterns. The primary outcome was persistent high-dose opioid use in the year after TKR. We split the data into training (2010-2013) and test (2014) sets and used logistic regression with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regularization utilizing a total of 83 pre-operative patient characteristics as candidate predictors. A reduced model with ten pre-specified variables which included demographics, opioid use and medication history was also considered. Results The final study cohort included 142,089 patients who underwent TKR. The group-based trajectory model identified 4 distinct trajectories of opioid use (Group 1- short-term, low-dose, Group 2- moderate-duration, low-dose, Group 3- moderate-duration, high-dose, and Group 4-persistent high-dose). The model predicting persistent high-dose opioid use achieved high discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.85; 95% CI, 0.84-0.86)) in the test set. The reduced model with ten predictors performed equally well (AUC=0.84; 95% CI, 0.84-0.85). Conclusions In this cohort of older patients, 10.6% became persistent high dose (mean=22.4 MME/day) opioid users after TKR. Our model with 10 readily available clinical factors may help identify patients at high risk of future adverse outcomes from persistent opioid use after TKR.
Free bounded archimedean $$\ell $$ ℓ -algebras

We show that free objects on sets do not exist in the category $${\varvec{ba}}\varvec{\ell }$$ of bounded archimedean $$\ell $$ -algebras. On the other hand, we introduce the category of weighted sets and prove that free objects on weighted sets do exist in $${\varvec{ba}}\varvec{\ell }$$ . We conclude by discussing several consequences of this result.
Temperature-dependent mechanisms of dislocation–twin boundary interactions in Ni-based equiatomic alloys

Abstract The high entropy alloy FeNiCoCrMn and its subsets have exhibited an unusual combination of strength and ductility dependance on temperature, showing a significant increase in ductility as temperature decreases. This phenomenon is intriguing, and the underlying mechanism is critical for understanding the mechanical properties of these materials. Here, we investigate the interaction between a screw dislocation and a coherent twin boundary in Ni-based equiatomic alloys using atomistic simulations. We find that the dominant mechanism for this interaction changes as a function of temperature, which could be one of the underlying causes of the enhanced ductility at cryogenic temperatures in these alloys. Further investigations reveal the interaction's temperature dependence arises from a critical parameter related to the stacking fault energy and the distance between the Shockley partial dislocations. The insights extracted herein contribute to a fundamental understanding of plastic deformation in Ni-based equiatomic alloys and can be utilized for developing design strategies to achieve superior strength and ductility in structural materials.
Computational simulations of respiratory-laryngeal interactions and their effects on lung volume termination during phonation: Considerations for hyperfunctional voice disorders

Glottal resistance plays an important role in airflow conservation, especially in the context of high vocal demands. However, it remains unclear if laryngeal strategies most effective in controlling airflow during phonation are consistent with clinical manifestations of vocal hyperfunction. This study used a previously validated three-dimensional computational model of the vocal folds coupled with a respiratory model to investigate which laryngeal strategies were the best predictors of lung volume termination (LVT) and how these strategies' effects were modulated by respiratory parameters. Results indicated that the initial glottal angle and vertical thickness of the vocal folds were the best predictors of LVT regardless of subglottal pressure, lung volume initiation, and breath group duration. The effect of vertical thickness on LVT increased with the subglottal pressure—highlighting the importance of monitoring loudness during voice therapy to avoid laryngeal compensation—and decreased with increasing vocal fold stiffness. A positive initial glottal angle required an increase in vertical thickness to complete a target utterance, especially when the respiratory system was taxed. Overall, findings support the hypothesis that laryngeal strategies consistent with hyperfunctional voice disorders are effective in increasing LVT, and that conservation of airflow and respiratory effort may represent underlying mechanisms in those disorders.
Collaborative conversations during the time of COVID‐19: Building a “meta”‐learning community

Problem Approach Outcomes Next Steps COVID‐19 created new research, clinical, educational, and personal challenges, while simultaneously separating work teams who were under work‐from‐home restrictions. Addressing these challenges required new forms of collaborative groups.To support the department community and the rapid sharing of new research, educational, clinical, and personal efforts, a Core Team from the Department of Learning Health Sciences at the University of Michigan developed a meeting series called the COVID Conversations. This Experience Report shares the organizational structure of the COVID Conversations, proposes a comparison to traditional Learning Communities, and reports the results of a questionnaire that gathered details about department members' COVID‐related activities.We identify and describe salient similarities and differences between the COVID Conversations and the characteristics of Learning Communities. We also developed and piloted a taxonomy for characterizing LHS research projects that may be further developed for use in Learning Community planning, in conjunction with other maturity grids and ontologies. We propose the term “Meta‐Learning Community” to describe the structure and function of the COVID Conversations.In academic medicine, remote work, telemedicine, and virtual learning may be here to stay. The COVID Conversations constitute a distinct and innovative form of collaborative work in which separate teams addressing distinct goals, yet sharing a common passion to tackle the issues brought by the pandemic, are able to share experiences and learn from one other. The challenges of COVID‐19 have made evident the need for multiple forms of organizing teamwork, and our study contributes the notion of a “Meta”‐Learning Community as a new form of collaborative work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Learning Health Systems is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Prevalence and Impact of Neuropathic and Nonneuropathic Pain in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.

Abstract Objective To compare prevalence, intensity ratings, and interference ratings of neuropathic pain (NeuP) and nociceptive pain in people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Six SCI Model System centers in the United States. Participants Convenience sample of 391 individuals (N=391) with traumatic SCI, 18 years or older, 81% male, 57% White. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Survey based on the International Spinal Cord Injury Pain Basic Data Set and the Spinal Cord Injury Pain Instrument, including 0-10 numeric ratings of pain intensity and pain interference with daily activities, mood, and sleep Results A total of 80% of those surveyed reported having at least 1 pain problem; 58% reported 2 or more pain problems; 56% had probable NeuP; and 49% had non-NeuP. When comparing ratings for all pains (n=354 for NeuP, n=290 for non-NeuP) across participants, probable NeuPs were significantly more intense (6.9 vs 5.7) and interfered more with activities (5.2 vs 3.7), mood (4.9 vs 3.2), and sleep (5.4 vs 3.6) than non-NeuPs (all P Conclusions Independent assessment of the pain conditions experienced by an individual with SCI is useful in understanding the differential effect that pain type has on quality of life. This is particularly important regarding sleep interference and should be kept in mind when determining treatment strategies for meeting patient-centered outcome goals.
Resolving Confusions over Third-Order Accuracy of Unstructured MUSCL

In this paper, the authors discuss the unstructured MUSCL (U-MUSCL) reconstruction scheme, an unstructured-grid extension of the κ-scheme of Van Leer, proposed by Burg for the edge-based discretiza...
Controlling the wettability and adhesion of carbon fibers with polymer interfaces via grafted nanofibers

Abstract Interfacial properties in carbon fiber composites is one of the key parameters controlling their structural functionality. Here, we introduce a novel method to engineer carbon fiber-epoxy interfaces, via inclusion of nanofibers, towards higher interfacial strength and energy dissipation. In our method, thermally stabilized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers are grafted onto carbon fibers via electro-spinning process, followed by nanofiber consolidation via solvent vapor and thermal treatment. These treatments partially dissolves nanofibers along the nanofiber-fiber interface and trigger entropic elasticity in nanofibers, thus, increasing the nanofiber-fiber interactions. The hybridization of carbon fibers with PAN nanofibers increased the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) by ∼48%, from 10.8 ± 2.6 to 15.9 ± 4.9 MPa. Postmortem fractography points to mechanical interlocking between nanofibers and epoxy and reinforcing effects of nanofibers in matrix as root causes of IFSS enhancement. As a result of adding nanofibers to carbon fiber, junction failure mode changes from a dominantly adhesive failure (at epoxy-fiber interface) to dominantly cohesive failure, and failure plane slightly shifts away from epoxy-fiber interface to within the epoxy. Compared to other types of whiskers grown on carbon fibers, such as CNTs, the method proposed here requires low temperatures (below 300 °C), during which no surface damages are expected to accumulate on carbon fibers.
The Stigma of Charity: Gender, Class, and Disaster Assistance

This article examines the stigma associated with needing and receiving assistance after a natural disaster. I conducted a qualitative, longitudinal study of women who survived the 1997 Grand Forks, North Dakota, flood. Based on sixty in-depth interviews and observation, the data show the ways in which the stigma affected these women when they had to accept charity, many of them for the first time in their lives. Factors that played a role include the self-sufficient culture of North Dakota, the caregiving role of giving and self-sacrifice, the experience of downward mobility and loss of middle-class status, the utilization of impression management techniques, and the ways in which the women shifted their former views of poor people and welfare recipients. I conclude with a discussion of how the examination of the stigma of charity illuminates the construction of class, gender, and race in white, middle-class consciousness.
Improved QIM strategies for gaussian watermarking

This paper revisits the problem of watermarking a Gaussian host, where the embedder and attacker are subject to mean-squared distortion constraints. The worst (nonadditive) attack and unconstrained capacity have been identified in previous work. Here we constrain the encoding function to lie in a given family of encoding functions — such as spread-spectrum or fixed-dimensional Quantization Index Modulation (QIM), with or without time-sharing, with or without external dithering. This gives rise to the notion of constrained capacity. Several such families are considered in this paper, and the one that is best under the worst attack is identified for each admissible value of the watermark-to-noise ratio (WNR) and the noise-to-host ratio (NHR). With suitable improvements, even scalar QIM can outperform any (improved) spread-spectrum scheme, for any value of WNR and NHR. The remaining gap to unconstrained capacity can be bridged using higher-dimensional lattice QIM.
West African women in music: an analysis of scholarship, women's participation in music in West Africa: a reflection on fieldwork, self, and understanding

In June of 2006, as I packed to travel to Ghana to conduct two months of pre-dissertation exploratory research on women's music, I also packed a host of ideas about women's music in west Africa, having conducted extensive library research on the topic in the two years of graduate study I had completed just previous to my arrival in Ghana. I was hoping to find an interesting, fundable music tradition during my fieldwork that summer. I held the belief that women's music existed in west Africa as a category whose boundaries I could clearly define. I thought maybe I'd find the rare female drummer who had broken free from the taboos of gender roles in society. I wished for a group that might demonstrate a sense of female solidarity, developed through the creation of sound and movement. I sought a music tradition where women expressed themselves musically.
Liberalization, Crisis, Intervention: The Chilean Financial System, 1975-1985

This paper surveys the evolution of the Chilean financial system from 1975 to 1985, analyzes the causes and the consequences of the major crisis in the financial system during 1981-83, and examines the measures adapted to contain the crisis and restore the financial system to normalcy. The analysis suggests that certain features of the financial sectorgrowing loans of dubious quality, limited central bank supervisionraised the vulnerability of the sector to the external shocks and macroeconomic policy changes experienced by Chile. Channels through which financial sector troubles may have exacerbated the impact of real shocks are also explored.
Bulk Single Crystals Grown from Solution on Earth and in Microgravity

The growth of crystals has been of interest to physicists and engineers for a long time because of their unique properties. Single crystals are utilized in such diverse applications as pharmaceuticals, computers, infrared detectors, frequency measurements, piezoelectric devices, a variety of high-technology devices, and sensors. Solution crystal growth is one of the important techniques for the growth of a variety of crystals when the material decomposes at the melting point and a suitable solvent is available to make a saturated solution at a desired temperature. In this chapter an attempt is made to provide some fundamentals of growing crystals from solution, including improved designs of various crystallizers.
Object-oriented techniques based on specifications

Object-oriented techniques form a promising approach for realizing an integrated computer-aided software development environment capable of detection and correcting errors early in the development process. The author discusses the connection between formal specifications, object-oriented data models, reusable components, and engineering databases. >
Individual Investor Sentiment and Stock Returns

This paper investigates a unique dataset that enables us to determine the aggregate buy and sell volume of individual investors for a large cross-section of NYSE stocks. We find that individuals trade as if they are contrarians, and that the stocks that individuals buy exhibit positive excess returns in the following month. These patterns are consistent with the idea that risk-averse individuals provide liquidity to meet institutional demand for immediacy. We further examine the relation between individual investor sentiment and short-horizon (weekly) return reversals that have been documented in the literature. Our results reveal that individual investor sentiment predicts future returns, and that the information content of investor sentiment is distinct from that of past returns or past volume. Furthermore, the trading of individuals predicts weekly returns in the post-2000 era for stocks of all sizes, while past return seems to have lost its predictive power for all but small stocks over the same time period. Lastly, we note that there is very little cross-sectional correlation of our individual sentiment measure across the stocks in our sample.
Tissue composition of mammographically dense and non-dense breast tissue.

Mammographic density is a strong risk factor for breast cancer but its underlying biology in healthy women is not well-defined. Using a novel collection of core biopsies from mammographically dense versus non-dense regions of the breasts of healthy women, we examined histologic and molecular differences between these two tissue types. Eligible participants were 40 + years, had a screening mammogram and no prior breast cancer or current endocrine therapy. Mammograms were used to identify dense and non-dense regions and ultrasound-guided core biopsies were performed to obtain tissue from these regions. Quantitative assessment of epithelium, stroma, and fat was performed on dense and non-dense cores. Molecular markers including Ki-67, estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) were also assessed for participants who had >0% epithelial area in both dense and non-dense tissue. Signed rank test was used to assess within woman differences in epithelium, stroma and fat between dense and non-dense tissue. Differences in molecular markers (Ki-67, ER, and PR) were analyzed using generalized linear models, adjusting for total epithelial area. Fifty-nine women, mean age 51 years (range: 40–82), were eligible for analyses. Dense tissue was comprised of greater mean areas of epithelium and stroma (1.1 and 9.2 mm2 more, respectively) but less fat (6.0 mm2 less) than non-dense tissue. There were no statistically significant differences in relative expression of Ki-67 (P = 0.82), ER (P = 0.09), or PR (P = 0.96) between dense and non-dense tissue. Consistent with prior reports, we found that mammographically dense areas of the breast differ histologically from non-dense areas, reflected in greater proportions of epithelium and stroma and lesser proportions of fat in the dense compared to non-dense breast tissue. Studies of both epithelial and stromal components are important in understanding the association between mammographic density and breast cancer risk.
Late Archean molecular fossils from the Transvaal Supergroup record the antiquity of microbial diversity and aerobiosis

Abstract Cores recovered during the Agouron Griqualand Drilling Project contain over 2500 m of well-preserved late Archean Transvaal Supergroup sediments, dating from ca. 2.67 to 2.46 Ga. Bitumen extracts of these strata were obtained using clean drilling, sampling and analysis protocols that avoided overprinting syngenetic molecular fossil signatures with contaminant hydrocarbons. Comparisons of biomarker contents in stratigraphically correlated intervals from diverse lithofacies in two boreholes separated by 24 km, as well as across a ∼2 Gyr unconformity, provide compelling support for their syngenetic nature. The suite of molecular fossils identified in the late Archean bitumens includes hopanes attributable to bacteria, potentially including cyanobacteria and methanotrophs, and steranes of eukaryotic origin. This molecular fossil record supports an origin in the Archean Eon of the three Domains of cellular life, as well as of oxygenic photosynthesis and the anabolic use of O2.
Surface circulation downstream of the Point Arena upwelling center

Abstract Measurements from recently installed 5 MHz high-frequency radar (CODAR) stations south of Point Arena, California, are used to describe surface current patterns during the upwelling season (June–August 2007). The systems provide hourly current maps on a 5-km grid, covering a region from approximately 10 to 150 km offshore (the continental shelf into the deep ocean). These HF-radar observations provide an unprecedented view of circulation in this “coastal transition zone”, between the wind-driven circulation over the shelf and the California Current circulation offshore. Circulation patterns include: (1) bifurcation of the coastal upwelling jet downstream of Point Arena into an along-shelf (down-coast) branch and an offshore branch, and (2) a large-scale anticyclonic meander that often develops into an eddy-like recirculation south of the bifurcation. The “recirculation” feature extends well offshore, with surface currents 50–100 km from the coast consistently opposing the wind stress. The spatial and temporal evolution of the surface current features during upwelling events affects surface transport from Point Arena to areas in the south, increasing the travel time of a substantial fraction of newly upwelled water from a few days to roughly two weeks. Thus, surface currents even far offshore influence coastal transport of nutrients, phytoplankton and larvae on ecologically relevant timescales, with resultant connectivity patterns very different than implied by a simple examination of the mean flow.
Mechanism and thermodynamics of the polarographic deposition of aquo in (III)

Abstract The electroactive species responsible for polarographically reversible electro-deposition of aquo In(III) from noncomplexing electrolyte is identified as in(OH) 2 2+ formed by loss of 2 protons from aquo In(III). The ability of coordinated hydroxide ion to facilitate electrodeposition is attributed primarily to its ability to increase the ease of dehydration of the aquo metal ion. The value of the reversible half-wave potential for deposition of aquo In(II) is established and used to correct inherent inconsistencies in polarographically-measured stability constants of aquo In(III).
An analysis of Brain Trauma Foundation traumatic brain injury guideline compliance and patient outcome.

Abstract Introduction Evidence-based guidelines for the care of severe traumatic brain injury have been available from the Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF) since 1995. A total of 15 recommendations compose the current guidelines. Although each individual guideline has been validated in isolation, to date, little research has examined the guidelines in composite. We examined the relationship between compliance with the BTF severe TBI guidelines and mortality. Materials and methods In a Pennsylvania-verified, mature Level II trauma centre, patients with an admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤8 and an abnormal head CT from 2007 to 2012 were queried from the trauma registry. Exclusion criteria included: patients who sustained a non-survivable injury (AIS head 6), died ≤24h, and/or were transferred to a paediatric trauma centre. Strict adherence to the BTF guidelines was determined in a binary fashion (yes/no). We then calculated each patient's percent compliance with total number of guidelines. Bivariate analysis was used to find significant predictors of mortality ( p Results 185 Patients met inclusion criteria. Percent compliance ranged from 28.6% to 94.4%, (median=71.4%). Following adjustment for age, AIS head, and GCS motor, patients with 55–75% compliance (AOR: 0.20; 95%CI: 0.06–0.70) and >75% compliance (AOR: 0.27; 95%CI: 0.08–0.94) had reduced odds of mortality, as compared to Conclusion Our data indicate that full compliance with all 15 severe TBI guidelines is difficult to achieve and may not be necessary to optimally care for patients.
Erectile Dysfunction in Heart Failure Patients

Chronic heart failure (HF) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are 2 highly prevalent disorders that frequently occur concomitantly. Coronary artery disease, HF, and ED share several common risk factors, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, and dyslipidemia. Additionally, the distinct physiologic sequelae of HF create unique organic and psychologic factors contributing to ED in this patient population. Standard HF therapy with beta-receptor blockers, digoxin and thiazide diuretics may worsen sexual dysfunction owing to medication side effects. This may, in turn, lead to noncompliance in misguided efforts to retain satisfactory sexual activity, with secondary worsening of cardiac capacity. This review describes the unique aspects of ED in the HF population.
Do air monitoring station data represent the surrounding community exposure

When the magnitude of measured CO concentrations at a monitoring station was compared with concentrations of surrounding areas (Los Angeles County), the temporal pattern and general variations described by the data are in accord, but the magnitude of the measurements of the monitoring station was consistently higher than that obtained by measurements of pooled, grab samples. No significant effects of distance were observed in analysis of variance.
Identification of the Functionally Relevant Calmodulin Binding Site in Smooth Muscle Caldesmon

Abstract The C-terminal region of smooth muscle caldesmon (CaD) interacts with calmodulin (CaM) and reverses CaD's inhibitory effect on the actomyosin ATPase activity. We have previously shown that the major CaM-binding site (site A) in this region is within the segment from Met-658 to Ser-666 (Zhan, Q., Wong, S. S., and Wang, C.-L. A.(1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 21810-21814). Recently, another segment (site B), Asn-675 to Lys-695, was reported to bind CaM (Mezgueldi, M., Derancourt, J., Calas, B., Kassab, R., and Fattoum, A. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 12824-12832). To assess the functional relevance of these two putative CaM-binding sites, we have examined three synthetic peptides regarding their effects on CaM's ability to reverse CaD-induced inhibition of actomyosin ATPase activity: GS17C (Gly-651 to Ser-667), VG29C (Val-685 to Gly-713), each containing one CaM-binding site, and MG56C (Met-658 to Gly-713), which contains both sites. We found that although VG29C did bind CaM, its affinity was weakened by GS17C, and it failed to compete with CaD for CaM under the conditions where GS17C effectively displaced CaD from CaM. MG56C had an effect similar to that of GS17C. These experiments demonstrated that site A for CaM binding is involved in regulating the inhibitory property of CaD.
MYCOPLASMAS (PPLO) AND DISEASE: SERUM ANTIBODY TITERS IN A HOSPITAL POPULATION OF ELDERLY PATIENTS

: In a random sample of sera from a predominantly male group of hospital patients with an average age of 67, complement-fixing antibodies were found in 20 per cent to M. hominis type 1, in 16 per cent to Unknown Strain CE 5, in 1 per cent to M. pharyngis and in 2 per cent to M. pneumoniae. These percentages are lower than those reported in the literature for younger populations of patients. Thus the immunological experience with mycoplasmas (pleuropneumonia-like organisms) varies from one population to another. In general, however, the incidence of mycoplasmal infection seems to be lower in older than in younger populations. The findings also indicate that the mere isolation of these organisms from the sera of patients who manifest a disease process does not constitute evidence of an etiological relationship unless other correlates can be established.
Parent resources during adolescence: effects on education and careers in young adulthood

Building on the Wisconsin Model of Status Attainment, this study examined the contextual process of obtaining educational attainment and the subsequent work outcomes and career satisfaction. This study used the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) with structural equation modeling techniques to assess US participants from adolescence to young adulthood (N = 8309). Socioeconomic resources provided by parents in adolescence directly predicted education outcomes and were partially mediated by family success expectations. Family success expectations were an important predictor of education outcomes. Neither socioeconomic resources nor success expectations directly predicted work outcomes or career satisfaction. Instead, education was the direct predictor of career satisfaction with work outcomes partially mediating. A multiple group analysis was conducted to compare outcomes between men and women. The discussion explores the implications of the findings and educational attainment for ...
SM30 protein function during sea urchin larval spicule formation.

Abstract A central issue in better understanding the process of biomineralization is to elucidate the function of occluded matrix proteins present in mineralized tissues. A potent approach to addressing this issue utilizes specific inhibitors of expression of known genes. Application of antisense oligonucleotides that specifically suppress translation of a given mRNA are capable of causing aberrant biomineralization, thereby revealing, at least in part, a likely function of the protein and gene under investigation. We have applied this approach to study the possible function(s) of the SM30 family of proteins, which are found in spicules, teeth, spines, and tests of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus as well as other euechinoid sea urchins. It is possible using the anti-SM30 morpholino-oligonucleotides (MO’s) to reduce the level of these proteins to very low levels, yet the development of skeletal spicules in the embryo shows little or no aberration. This surprising result requires re-thinking about the role of these, and possibly other occluded matrix proteins.
Air trench waveguide bend for high-density optical integration

Air trench structure for reduced-size bends in low (Δn=0.01-0.1) and medium (Δn=0.1-0.3) index contrast waveguides is proposed. Local high index contrast at bends is achieved by introducing air trenches. An air trench bend consists of cladding tapers to avoid junction loss, providing adiabatic mode shaping between low and high index contrast regions. Drastic reduction in effective bend radius is achieved. We present FDTD simulations of bends in representative silica index contrasts, fabrication scheme and waveguide loss measurement results using Fabry-Perot loss measurement technique. We employed CMOS compatible processes to realize air trench bends and T-splitters to achieve low production cost and high yield. A simple, compact waveguide and T-splitter are fabricated and evaluated. The loss measurement results show that losses are consistent with theoretical simulations. By using air trench waveguides, other applications such as BioMEMS (e.g. Evanescent-field sensor) or EDWA can be realized.
Exponential asymptotic stability of a class of dynamical systems with applications to models of turbulent flow in two and three dimensions

We consider a class of dynamical systems of the form d u /d t + Bu + F(u) = b on a Hilbert space H where the self-adjoint linear operator B is positive with a strictly positive first eigenvalue and b = b 0 + b 1 such that ( b 0 , Bv ) = 0 for all v ∈ H . Given two solutions u and v , we set u − v = w and show that if u(t) → 0 and v(t) → 0 as t → ∞, then in fact eventually w(t) → 0 at an exponential rate. We apply these results to the two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations (NSEs), the three-dimensional hyperviscous NSEs and the three-dimensional NS-α equations on bounded domains and also establish stability in the sense of Lyapunov; for these systems we assume a condition on b 1 to impose decaying turbulence. We also show for the case of decaying turbulence that Leray solutions of the three-dimensional NSEs on bounded domains eventually become regular in addition to decaying to zero. In particular, they eventually satisfy the conditions needed for the abstract stability results.
In search of homunculus politicus

This paper addresses the question: What is the political analog to Homo economicus, familiar from economics. Difficulties arise indefining what community objectives are motivations for political man.
Microvessels of the chick chorioallantoic membrane uniformly restrict albumin extravasation during angiogenesis and endothelial cytodifferentiation

Abstract The present study served to evaluate extravasation of albumin across the microvascular endothelium of the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) during the establishment of endothelial barrier functions (days 4.5 to 6.0), during a rapid phase of normigenesis (day 10), and after initiation of endothelial cytodifferentiation (day 14). CAM preparations in shell-less cultures were evaluated by intravital fluorescence confocal microscopy and videodensitometry after microinjections of chicken serum albumin (CSA) conjugated to Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) (1% in Avian Ringers). At each observed temporal stage, FITC-CSA extravasation from the CAM pre-capillaries, capillaries, and post-capillaries was uniformly negligible. Since the endothelial glycocalyx imparts a net negative luminal charge, impedance of CSA transport by mutual charge repulsion was also evaluated. Accordingly, CAM microvessels were pre-infused with protamine sulfate (100 μl/ml) to neutralize the negative charge. However, interstitial accumulation of FITC-CSA remained negligible. Thus, the presence of tight junctional clefts and paucity of plasmalemmal vesicles during CAM normigenesis probably serve as the principal morphologic correlates to the observed albumin restriction. Further, the normigenic CAM endothelium presents a more restrictive barrier to macromolecules than that of most angiogenic endothelia.
Comparison of the muscarinic-cholinergic and lysophosphatidate inhibition of fibroblast adenylate cyclase demonstrating desensitization to the cholinergic stimulus

Abstract Muscarinic stimulation of cultured fibroblasts decreases initial rates of cAMP accumulation in response to hormones 50–70%. This inhibitory effect of muscarinic stimulation on cAMP accumulation in intact cells was desensitized 65–75% by a 60 min pretreatment with the muscarinic agonist carbachol (10 μM), with a t 1 2 of 11 min. The carbachol pretreatment resulted in a diminished carbachol inhibition of adenylate cyclase in broken cell preparations. The phospholipid monooleylphosphatidate (MOPA) which also inhibited hormone-stimulated cAMP accumulation with a half maximal effect at 0.03 μM (as compared with 0.5 μM for carbachol), displayed many of the characteristics of muscarinic inhibition such as loss of activity with time of pretreatment. However, fibroblasts did not become desensitized to prolonged MOPA treatment; rather, it appeared that the MOPA was being inactivated. Also, the desensitization to carbachol did not prevent further inhibition by MOPA. The inhibitory effects of maximal doses of MOPA and carbachol in combination were no greater than the effect of carbachol alone, suggesting that they shared an intermediate in their inhibition of cAMP accumulation. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that muscarinic inhibition of adenylate cyclase is mediated by the formation of a phospholipid. However, the desensitization to the cholinergic stimulus does not appear to involve the intermediate, but rather a modification at the receptor level.
What if you don't get well after an accident.

The author shares her experience three years following a life-threatening accident. Many individuals must learn to live with long-term disability. Maximizing assets can facilitate optimal quality of life in spite of limitations. Language: en
Successful Treatment of Severe Hyponatremia in a Patient With Renal Failure Using Continuous Venovenous Hemodialysis

Both hyponatremia and its rapid correction can cause neurological disorders. Slowly correcting hyponatremia (especially when asymptomatic) at a rate of 0.5 mEq/L/h is recommended; however, little information exists about treatment of hyponatremia in patients requiring dialysis. We report a case of successfully treated hyponatremia using continuous venovenous hemodialysis with a specially prepared dialysate containing a lower than usual sodium concentration.
Submergent Macrophytes: Growth Under Winter Ice Cover

Densities of 26 submergent macrophyte species were determined in situ regularly for 3 years by individuals using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba). Although most of these species grew only during the summer, ten maintained high population densities and productivity throughout the winter. Maximum winter photosynthetic activity was 10 to 20 percent of summer rates. Extensive productivity of submergent aquatic plants under winter ice cover has not been well documented.
Degeneracy of orientational configurations in the hcp phase of solid hydrogen

Abstract We have used computer experiments to determine temperature and concentration dependence of the ordering behavior of classical rotators interacting via a nearest neighbor quadrupolar interaction. A single apparent first order transition is found, in contradiction to mean field results, and there is some evidence that the ordering is primarily two-dimensional in nature.
Toward a New Political Economy of Metropolitan Regions

The nation is not the real economy; nor are state or local political jurisdictions. Metropolitan-centered economic regions are the functional economies. These metropolitan economic regions are linked in a highly interdependent system of regional economies. This system of regional economies overlays the political geography of the nation but does not correspond to national boundaries, just as metropolitan economic regions do not correspond to state or local political boundaries. Policymaking thus confronts two major but noncongruent systems: Economic federalism and political federalism. Noncongruence constitutes a major obstacle to economic policymaking and implementation. A political economy of these two federalisms is needed to fuse politics and policy.
Asphalt Pavement Design: Highway versus Railroad

The use of alphalt pavements as railroad trackbeds has received considerable attention in recent years. However, very little is known about the design of such pavements for railroad use. A comparison between highway and railroad pavements shows that, due to the difference in loading conditions, the stresses and strains in railroad pavements are quite different from those in highway pavements. To prevent fatigue crackings, the horizontal tensile strain at the bottom of asphalt layer can be used as a design criterion for both pavements. To minimize permanent deformation, the vertical compressive stress at the top of subgrade should be used for the design of railroad pavements, instead of the vertical compressive strain as is most frequently used for the design of highway pavements. The use of full depth asphalt concrete is not as effective in railroad pavements as in highway pavements.
Tetrabenzo-24-crown-8 tris(1,2-dichloroethane) solvate

The title compound, C32H32O8·3C2H4Cl2, illustrates how tetrabenzo-24-crown-8 may be solvated by a common solvent-extraction diluent, 1,2-di­chloro­ethane (DCE). Two mol­ecules of DCE occupy the crown cavity, forming weak hydrogen bonds to the ether O atoms and the crown arene rings, while the crown adopts its most commonly observed binding conformation. The asymmetric unit is composed of two mol­ecules of tetrabenzo-24-crown-8 and six mol­ecules of DCE.
Sarcocystis neurona and Sarcocystis falcatula: monitoring of schizogony in cell culture using fluorescent nuclear labeling

Abstract The nuclei of merozoites of Sarcocystis neurona and Sarcocystis falcatula were labeled with the fluorescent marker Syto®21. It was shown that the marker would label the parasites and that they would retain the marker throughout schizogony. Thus, there was sufficient marker in the daughter merozoites to make them easily visible with fluorescence microscopy. This technique will be helpful in studying the developmental biology of these parasites in vitro.
PLAY‐DOH® AND WATER‐SOAKED GAUZE SPONGES AS ALTERNATIVE BOLUS MATERIAL FOR COBALT‐60 TELETHERAPY

A study was performed to determine if carefully made boluses of either Play-Doh, or water-soaked cotton gauze sponges differed from the commercial bolus material, Superflab, in producing maximum radiation dose when irradiated with cobalt-60 photons. The radiation doses were measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters calibrated to be accurate for cobalt-60 photon energies at doses less than 10.0 cGy. The resulting radiation doses were similar when using Play-Doh, water-soaked sponges, or Superlab. Doses resulting from Play-Doh boluses more consistently approximated those of Superflab. The results of this study suggest that either Play-Doh or water-soaked cotton gauze sponges can suffice as material for carefully made bolus for cobalt-60 teletherapy.
Rapporteur summary: the potential for modeling the health care decision-making process

Today's remaining sessions are directed toward examining the health care decision-making process. The breakout that follows this plenary session will examine new medical missions for the national laboratories and Federal capabilities at system modelling. The general public is familiar with models in one form or another, but modelling in the engineering sense is not often well understood nor accepted by non-engineers. There are various reasons for modelling a system. The most prevalent reasons are: (1) to determine how a system works; and (2) to predict the system response (output or outcomes) to various external perturbations (stimuli) or to changes in system parameters. A good model of a system is essential to the analyses of many processes even though not all models render valid results. Most engineers are accustomed to the logical process of model development, verification, validation, and reiteration to improve the model's applicability and prediction capability.
Cardiovascular effects of melanin-concentrating hormone

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is a cyclic 19-amino acid neuropeptide exclusively synthesized in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) and the zona incerta (ZI) that has been implicated in the regulation of energy balance. Despite what is known about the orexigenic effect of MCH, whether MCH has distinct cardiovascular and metabolic effects has yet to be determined. Thus, our goal here was to characterize the concurrent cardiovascular, metabolic, and behavioral responses of male rats to chronic intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of MCH. Male Long-Evans rats were instrumented with telemetry transmitters for measurement of heart rate (HR) and housed in room calorimeters for assessment of food intake and oxygen consumption (VO(2)) at standard lab ambient temperature (23 degrees C) in order to examine physiological responses to chronic infusion of MCH (8 microg/d and 16 microg/d). Our findings provide the first evidence that chronic administration of MCH induces bradycardia and reduced mean arterial pressure, while it did not affect VO(2). A second experiment was performed in which the physiological responses to an acute icv infusion of MCH were observed. The results of experiment 2 indicate that MCH leads to a low HR that is maintained during the first 2 h post-infusion, the time period during which MCH acutely stimulated feeding. Collectively, these findings confirm that MCH may be an important modulator of sympathetic nervous system activity and thus may play a critical role in coordinating normal responses to negative energy balance.
Assessment of Damage Caused by Tarnished Plant Bug and Alfalfa Plant Bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) on Alfalfa Grown for Forage in Wisconsin

Relative damage to alfalfa due to feeding by the tarnished plant bug, Lygus Lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Hemiptera: Miridae), and the alfalfa plant bug, Adelphocoris Lineolatus (Goeze) (Hemiptera: Miridae), was assessed with alfalfa plants grown in field cages. Feeding by adults and nymphs of both species reduced dry weight and length of stems in established stands (at least 1 yr old) of alfalfa, but feeding had no consistent effect on percentage of crude protein. However, feeding by caged adult plant bugs caused a reduction in length of stem and biomass in newly seeded alfalfa and an increase in percentage of crude protein. Sprays applied at various stages of alfalfa development and plant bug population densities failed to show that either species reduced yield or quality during this 2-yr study.
Desmosome assembly and dynamics

Desmosomes are intercellular junctions that anchor intermediate filaments (IFs) to the plasma membrane, forming a supracellular scaffold that provides mechanical resilience to tissues. This anchoring function is accomplished by specialized members of the cadherin family and associated cytoskeletal linking proteins, which together form a highly organized membrane core flanked by mirror-image cytoplasmic plaques. Due to the biochemical insolubility of desmosomes, the mechanisms that govern assembly of these components into a functional organelle remained elusive. Recently developed molecular reporters and live cell imaging approaches have provided powerful new tools to monitor this finely tuned process in real time. Here we discuss studies that are beginning to decipher the machinery and regulation governing desmosome assembly and homeostasis in situ and how these mechanisms are affected during disease pathogenesis.
In situ studies of radiation induced crystallization in Fe/a-Y2O3 nanolayers

Abstract Oxide dispersion strengthened ferritic alloys have superior radiation tolerance and thus become appealing candidates as fuel cladding materials for next generation nuclear reactors. In this study we constructed a model system, Fe/Y 2 O 3 nanolayers with individual layer thicknesses of 10 and 50 nm, in order to understand their radiation response and corresponding damage mitigation mechanisms. These nanolayers were subjected to in situ Kr ion irradiation at room temperature up to ∼8 displacements-per-atom. As-deposited Y 2 O 3 layers had primarily amorphous structure. Radiation induced prominent nanocrystallization and grain growth in 50 nm thick Y 2 O 3 layers. Conversely, little crystallization occurred in 10 nm thick Y 2 O 3 layers implying size dependent enhancement of radiation tolerance. In situ video also captured grain growth in both Fe and Y 2 O 3 and outstanding morphological stability of layer interfaces against Kr ion irradiation.