cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-dimensional computational model of the movement of the solid–gas interface during the layering process in inertial confinement fusion targets in a non-uniform thermal environment

Abstract The redistribution of deuterium (DD) or of a deuterium–tritium mixture (DT) to form a layer on the inside of spherical inertial confinement fusion (ICF) capsules is a challenging problem because of the symmetry requirements of the fuel layer thickness, the smoothness requirement of the inside target surface, and the time restriction on the production process. Heat- and mass-transfer processes have been identified to interact with one another to influence the outcome of the layering process. For example, the mass redistribution speed of the fuel inside the shell towards a uniform layer and the final layer thickness uniformity depend on the variation in local heat transfer coefficient along the outer target surface. The focus of this work was to develop a numerical tool to help understand the physics involved in the layering process to be able to assess the influence of key parameters on the transient layer formation. The coupled mass and heat transfer processes governing target layering have been studied numerically, implementing unique boundary conditions to track the movement of the gas–solid boundary on the inside of the shell. The model was validated through comparison with theoretical results and laboratory-scale experiments. With this model, a window of parameters can by identified, under which layering experiments are likely to be successful.
Overexpression of protein kinase C-η attenuates caspase activation and tumor necrosis factor-α-induced cell death

Abstract The protein kinase C (PKC) signal transduction pathway regulates cell death by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF). We previously showed that the induction of novel PKCη isozyme by PKC activators correlated with their ability to protect MCF-7 breast cancer cells against TNF cytotoxicity. In the present study, we have transfected PKCη in MCF-7 cells to directly examine its involvement in cell death by TNF. Overexpression of PKCη delayed TNF-induced cell death in MCF-7 cells. TNF caused a rapid activation of caspase-8 and -7 in cells transfected with a vector. The activation of these caspases was potentiated by the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide (BIM) which downregulates PKCη and sensitizes cells to TNF. Overexpression of PKCη delayed the activation of caspase-8 and -7 by both TNF and the combination of BIM and TNF. These results suggest that PKCη protects MCF-7 cells against TNF-induced cell death by preventing the activation of caspases.
Fast solar electrons, interplanetary plasma and km-wave type-III radio bursts observed from the IMP-6 spacecraft

IMP-6 spacecraft observations of low frequency radio emission, fast electrons, and solar wind plasma are used to examine the dynamics of the fast electron streams which generate solar type-III radio bursts. Of twenty solar electron events observed between April, 1971 and August, 1972, four were found to be amenable to detailed analysis. Observations of the direction of arrival of the radio emission at different frequencies were combined with the solar wind density and velocity measurements at 1 AU to define an Archimedean spiral trajectory for the radio burst exciter. The propagation characteristics of the exciter and of the fast electrons observed at 1 AU were then conpared. We find that: (1) the fast electrons excite the radio emission at the second harmonic; (2) the total distance travelled by the electrons was between 30 and 70% longer than the length of the smooth spiral defined by the radio observations; (3) this additional distance travelled is the result of scattering of the electrons in the interplanetary medium; (4) the observations are consistent with negligible true energy loss by the fast electrons.
On the decomposition of datalog program mappings

In an earlier paper one of the authors initiated an investigation into the composition of datalog program mappings in order to analyze serially executed datalog queries. In this paper, the reverse process of composition, namely decomposition, and related topics are examined. A number of results are presented and shown to be useful for the optimization of datalog queries. In particular, a canonical decomposition into (usually) smaller programs is given, as well as the decomposition of strongly linear programs and bounded programs into single-rule programs. The class of prime or nondecomposable programs is then introduced and scrutinized. Major results include the primality of a class of single-rule programs called symmetric, and the existence of arbitrarily large primes. Finally established are the decomposition of bounded programs into single-rule primes, and a condition for the uniqueness of decomposition into primes.
Interrupted Infusion of Echocardiographic Contrast as a Basis for Accurate Measurement of Myocardial Perfusion: Ex Vivo Validation and Analysis Procedures

Background Echocardiographic quantification of myocardial perfusion is based on analysis of contrast replenishment after destructive high-energy ultrasound impulses (flash-echo). This technique is limited by nonuniform microbubble destruction and the dependency on exponential fitting of a small number of noisy time points. We hypothesized that brief interruptions of contrast infusion (ICI) would result in uniform contrast clearance followed by slow replenishment and, thus, would allow analysis from multiple data points without exponential fitting. Methods Electrocardiographic-triggered images were acquired in 14 isolated rabbit hearts (Langendorff) at 3 levels of coronary flow (baseline, 50%, and 15%) during contrast infusion (Definity) with flash-echo and with a 20-second infusion interruption. Myocardial videointensity was measured over time from flash-echo sequences, from which characteristic constant β was calculated using an exponential fit. Peak contrast inflow rate was calculated from ICI data using analysis of local time derivatives. Computer simulations were used to investigate the effects of noise on the accuracy of peak contrast inflow rate and β calculations. Results ICI resulted in uniform contrast clearance and baseline replenishment times of 15 to 25 cardiac cycles. Calculated peak contrast inflow rate followed the changes in coronary flow in all hearts at both levels of reduced flow ( P Conclusion ICI provides the basis for accurate and reproducible quantification of myocardial perfusion using fast and robust numeric analysis, and may constitute an alternative to the currently used techniques.
Bidirectional reflectance spectroscopy: 1. Theory

An approximate analytic solution is derived for the radiative transfer equation describing particulate surface light scattering, taking into account multiple scattering and mutual shadowing. Analytical expressions for the following quantities are found: bidirectional reflectance, radiance coefficient and factor, the normal, Bond, hemispherical, and physical albedos, integral phase function and phase integral, and limb-darkening profile. Scattering functions for mixtures can be calculated, as well as corrections for comparisons of experimental transmission or reflection spectra with observational planetary spectra. The theory should be useful for the interpretation of reflectance spectroscopy of laboratory surfaces and the photometry of solar system objects.
Pulmonary Hypertension After Liver Transplantation : Case Presentation and Review of the Literature

Hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension are the most common pulmonary vascular complications in patients with cirrhosis. Usually but not universally mutually exclusive, they each may present prior to liver transplantation and, if severe enough, may be a contraindication to transplant. However, there have been a number of case reports describing patients developing pulmonary hypertension de novo after liver transplantation. This report describes one such patient from our institution and reviews the medical literature describing this unusual clinical entity.
A PRECISION MEASURING MICROSCOPE EMPLOYING LASER INTERFEROMETRY

ABSTRACT We have equipped a Koristka R-5 microscope with a laser-interferometry system on the X and Z axes. This system is connected to a Hewlett-Packard (HP)-9835 computer which collects and processes microscope measurements in real time. This semi-automatic laser interferometer microscope (SLIM) permits measurements, along a cosmic ray track, to be made in several sheets of plastic track detector and analyzed in real time. The processed data can be stored in the HP-9835 and subsequently transferred to larger computers by direct computer-to-computer communication over existing telephone lines.
STUDIES ON EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS II. PATHOGENESIS OF THE DISEASE IN THE GUINEA PIG

After inoculation with equine encephalomyelitis virus by various routes, guinea pigs were sacrificed at early stages, before symptoms were apparent. The brains were studied histologically, with serial sections; all lesions were noted, and subjected to topographical analysis. Nine cases are presented in detail. With any given mode of inoculation the distribution of lesions varied very widely from one instance to another. In some cases, affected regions bore a striking and definite anatomical relationship to each other. These distributions can be explained only by the assumption that the anatomical pathways played some role in the spread of the virus. In other instances lesions were present in areas, the anatomical connections of which were entirely normal. Attention is called to the frequency of lesions in the neocortex, with intact subcortical centers. Such distribution is held to render nerve spread extremely improbable. The only satisfactory explanation of such random distributions is by direct passage of virus from the blood stream into the brain tissue. There is no histological difference between lesions which result from blood spread and those resulting from nerve spread.
Isospin purity of the T = 1 states in 6Li☆

A study of the relative cross sections of the analogue reactions 7Li(d,tt)6Li and 7Li(d, τ)6He shows that the two lowest T = 1 levels in 6Li have high isospin purity (α2 < 0.008). Additional confirmation of high degree of isospin purity comes from an examination of the wave functions involved.
Rationally simplifying non-rational expressions

Rational simplification programs can be generalized to simplify larger classes of expressions. This paper describes some of the additional capabilities of MACSYMA's [6] rational simplification programs. In section 2 we describe the results of a test of these features.
Optimization of sperm irradiation protocol for induced gynogenesis in Siberian sturgeon, Acipenser baerii

The great diversity of optimal UV irradiation doses are used for DNA inactivation in fish sperm forcing authors to repeat optimization of irradiation treatment every time. Analysis of sperm UV irradiation protocol for induction of gynogenesis showed the importance of sperm UV light absorption estimations. The UV absorption investigation in Siberian sturgeon sperm showed average extinction coefficient 7.69 × 10−8 ± 1.04 × 10−8 cm2. It is resulted in high heterogeneity of UV irradiation of undiluted sperm samples. Therefore, it is strongly suggested to specify doses only with defined concentration of spermatozoa; otherwise, the difference in absorbance level between samples can bring a significant error to optimal UV dose estimation. This was confirmed by UV-irradiated sperm motility investigation. Results of motility investigation of UV-irradiated sperm revealed high sensitivity of Siberian sturgeon spermatozoa motion mechanisms to UV irradiation, with complete loss of motility after homogeneous UV irradiation at doses above 2,000 J/m2. Partial gynogenesis was conducted using diluted and undiluted sperm. Ploidy level of hatched larvae was estimated by flow cytometry. Percentage of haploid hatched larvae revealed sperm DNA inactivation efficiency. The highest percentage of haploid putative gynogenotes 19.67 ± 4.19 % was obtained at UV irradiation dose 200 J/m2 with sperm diluted to 1:4.
Frequency of abnormal retinal nerve fibre layer and ganglion cell layer SDOCT scans in healthy eyes and glaucoma suspects in a prospective longitudinal study.

Background/aims To examine the frequency of abnormal retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFLT) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) measurements among healthy and glaucoma suspect and preperimetric glaucoma (GSPPG) eyes in a prospective longitudinal study. Methods Normal and GSPPG eyes with ≥18 months follow-up were included. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) was performed annually in normal and biannually in GSPPG eyes. One eye was randomly selected for inclusion. RNFLT and GCC parameters with p>5% were classified as ‘within normal limits (WNL)’ and p Results 23 normal and 74 GSPPG eyes were followed for a mean 43.4±9.6 months. During serial follow-up, 100% and 91% of normal eyes had all RNFLT and GCC parameters classified as WNL, respectively. 27 (37%) and 17 (23%) of GSPPG eyes had an ONL classification in at least one RNFLT and GCC parameter, respectively. A high percentage (41%–56%) of RNFLT and GCC measurements classified as ONL were not replicated on subsequent scans. The rates of loss for all parameters were similar (p>0.05) between the groups. Conclusions Specificity in this sample of healthy eyes was very high for RNFLT and GCC parameters. Confirmation of suspected SDOCT abnormalities is recommended to differentiate reproducible loss from long-term variability.
Arrays of nanowires on silicon wafers

Nanowires made of thermoelectric-relevant materials were grown in the pores of alumina templates fabricated on silicon wafers. This architecture combines the nanometer-scale, self-assembly nature of the anodic alumina with the micro-scale, versatile nature of integrated circuits processing. The nanowires can be made by the pressure injection technique, and even more conveniently by electrochemical deposition. The geometry is adequate for 2-point transport measurements on the nanowire arrays, and for fabrication of nanowire-based devices made of several materials and several components. In this context, a fabrication scheme for a thermoelectric device, containing both n-type and p-type legs, is suggested.
Wise use of statistical tools in ecological field studies

The currently dominating hypothetico-deductive research paradigm for ecology has statistical hypothesis testing as a basic element. Classic statistical hypothesis testing does, however, present the ecologist with two fundamental dilemmas when field data are to be analyzed: (1) that the statistically motivated demand for a random and representative sample and the ecologically motivated demand for representation of variation in the study area cannot be fully met at the same time; and (2) that the statistically motivated demand for independence of errors calls for sampling distances that exceed the scales of relevant pattern-generating processes, so that samples with statistically desirable properties will be ecologically irrelevant. Reasons for these dilemmas are explained by consideration of the classic statistical Neyman-Pearson test procedure, properties of ecological variables, properties of sampling designs, interactions between properties of the ecological variables and properties of sampling designs, and specific assumptions of the statistical methods. Analytic solutions to problems underlying the dilemmas are briefly reviewed. I conclude that several important research objectives cannot be approached without subjective elements in sampling designs. I argue that a research strategy entirely based on rigorous statistical testing of hypotheses is insufficient for field ecological data and that inductive and deductive approaches are complementary in the process of building ecological knowledge. I recommend that great care is taken when statistical tests are applied to ecological field data. Use of less formal modelling approaches is recommended for cases when formal testing is not strictly needed. Sets of recommendations, "Guidelines for wise use of statistical tools", are proposed both for testing and for modelling. Important elements of wise-use guidelines are parallel use of methods that preferably belong to different methodologies, selection of methods with few and less rigorous assumptions, conservative interpretation of results, and abandonment of definitive decisions based a predefined significance level.
Kisspeptin Signaling in the Brain

Kisspeptin (a product of the Kiss1 gene) and its receptor (GPR54 or Kiss1r) have emerged as key players in the regulation of reproduction. Mutations in humans or genetically targeted deletions in mice of either Kiss1 or Kiss1r cause profound hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Neurons that express Kiss1/kisspeptin are found in discrete nuclei in the hypothalamus, as well as other brain regions in many vertebrates, and their distribution, regulation, and function varies widely across species. Kisspeptin neurons directly innervate and stimulate GnRH neurons, which are the final common pathway through which the brain regulates reproduction. Kisspeptin neurons are sexually differentiated with respect to cell number and transcriptional activity in certain brain nuclei, and some kisspeptin neurons express other cotransmitters, including dynorphin and neurokinin B (whose physiological significance is unknown). Kisspeptin neurons express the estrogen receptor and the androgen receptor, and these cells are direct targets for the action of gonadal steroids in both male and female animals. Kisspeptin signaling in the brain has been implicated in mediating the negative feedback action of sex steroids on gonadotropin secretion, generating the preovulatory GnRH/LH surge, triggering and guiding the tempo of sexual maturation at puberty, controlling seasonal reproduction, and restraining reproductive activity during lactation. Kisspeptin signaling may also serve diverse functions outside of the classical realm of reproductive neuroendocrinology, including the regulation of metastasis in certain cancers, vascular dynamics, placental physiology, and perhaps even higher-order brain function.
Occupational asthma in a florist caused by the dried plant, baby's breath.

Abstract A 34-yr-old gift shop owner with a history of virus-induced bronchospasm and seasonal allergic rhinitis developed daily asthma when he began working with dried plants. Extracts were made from these dried plants, including baby's breath, German statice, leather leaf fern, and eucalyptus. Intradermal skin tests with these extracts were positive for the dried plant, baby's breath ( Gypsophilia panniculata ). The patient's serum contained elevated levels of IgE antibody to baby's breath extract, his leukocytes released histamine after challenge in vitro with the baby's breath extract, and bronchial challenge with baby's breath extract produced >20% fall in his FEV 1 from baseline. He recovered fully after avoiding the plant. This is the first report of a case of IgE-mediated occupational asthma involving the dried plant, baby's breath.
Extinction of Conservation and Transitivity of Weight.

Abstract This study attempted to determine whether children will relinquish their belief in Piagetian concepts upon presentation of disconfirming evidence. Two age groups were tested: third- and fourth-grade, and sixth-grade. Conservation of weight and transitivity of weight were the concepts examined; the discrepant feedback consisted of three trials with either non-conservation or nontransitivity outcomes. Resistance or extinction was inferred from the subject's explanations for the outcomes, his responses on subsequent trials, and his performance on a one-month delayed posttest. Conservation subjects showed only moderate resistance by any of these measures; furthermore, there was no evidence of a developmental increase in resistance. Transitivity subjects, in contrast, were much less likely than conservers to change their judgments on either the initial or the delayed test; they also showed the expected developmental increase in resistance to extinction. The results are interpreted as indicating that Piagetian concepts may vary in the extent to which they entail feelings of logical necessity.
Cicatrizing conjunctivities associated with paraneoplastic lichen planus

Abstract PURPOSE: To report two cases of cicatrizing conjunctivitis associated with paraneoplastic lichen planus. METHODS: Case reports. RESULTS: Two patients were examined because of redness and discomfort in both eyes. A 63-year-old woman with follicular, small-cleaved cell lymphoma had cicatrizing conjunctivitis, stomatitis, vulvitis, and skin lesions. A 25-year-old man with malignant thymoma had cicatrizing conjunctivitis, erosive stomatitis, and penile papules. Histopathologic studies of conjunctiva and skin biopsy specimens in the first patient and labial biopsy specimens in the second revealed lichen planus. CONCLUSION: Paraneoplastic lichen planus is a possible cause of cicatrizing conjunctivitis associated with inflammatory skin and mucous membrane disease.
The four Cs of the HR profession: Being competent, curious, courageous, and caring about people

The Society for Human Resource Management has conducted research to determine how the HR profession is perceived by other, non-HR executives. The results present a mixed acceptance of HR professionals. The author contends that successful HR professionals today and in the future must be competent, curious, courageous, and caring about people—the four Cs. Each area is broken down into separate components, and examples from various companies' HR roles are used to demonstrate how each quality works to make the HR function an inherent valuable asset. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Observation of A Nonclassical Berry’S Phase in Quantum Optics

The question of the classical vs. quantum nature of Berry’s phases in optics is discussed. We present the results of a quantum optics experiment demonstrating a nonclassical Berry’s phase. This experiment involved coincidence detection of photon pairs produced in parametric fluorescence, in conjunction with a Michelson interferometer in which one member of each pair acquired a geometrical phase due to a cycle in polarization states. The experiment constitutes the first observation of Berry’s phase at the single photon level. We have verified that each interfering photon was essentially in an n=1 Fock state, by means of a beamsplitter following the interferometer combined with a triple coincidence technique. The results can be interpreted in terms of a nonlocal collapse of the wave function.
Building trustworthy systems: guided state estimation as a feasible approach for interpretation, decision and action based on sensor data

Sensor management plays a key role in control of critical infrastructure systems. This paper describes an approach for improving capabilities for interpretation, decision, and action based on sensor data through application of an intermediate level of aggregation. Improvements in complex system understanding are needed now at the interface between human understanding of system state and machine understanding of system state. The human understanding of the state of the system (situation understanding) must be achieved under ever more demanding time constraints. As expectations increase for faster, more-informed (better) decisions by humans at the supervisory-control level, improvements are needed for providing support for interpreting sensor data to understand current system behaviors and make informed human decisions on actions needed to cause future system behaviors to comply with some planned sequence of events or patterns of behavior. Likewise, as the number and capabilities of networked sensors increase, improvements are needed in enabling autonomous control systems at local levels to understand current system behaviors and make informed machine decisions on actions needed to cause future system behaviors to comply with some planned sequence of events or patterns of behavior. The paper discusses achieving an intermediate level of aggregation: (1) as a scientific basis for understanding complex system behaviors, (2) as an effective tool for creation of technologies based an intermediate level of aggregation and (3) as a basis for education of leaders who must make decisions based on understanding of the current system state.
How to Cut All Edges of a Polytope.

Abstract : A survey of mutually related problems, conjectures and results is presented, dealing with variants of the notion of the cut-number m(P) of a polytope P . Here m(P) is the least number of hyperplanes needed to intersect all edges of the polytopes P . Cut-numbers and similar notions are of interest in many contexts, ranging from pattern recognition through graph theory to functional analysis. (Author)
Anthropology Explored: The Best of Smithsonian AnthroNotes

Anthropology Explored: The Best of Smithsonian AnthroNotes. Ruth Osterweis Selig and Marilyn R. London, eds. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1998. 348 pp.
Effects of Calcium on Cadmium Uptake and Binding in the Rat Intestine

Cadmium uptake in vitro was evaluated in everted duodenal, jejunal, and ileal segments of the rat small intestine. Washing the sacs with EDTA subsequent to cadmium exposure distinguished labile and nonlabile cadmium compartments. These compartments were distinct with respect to regional distribution, kinetics, and effect of calcium. Uptake into the nonlabile cadmium compartment but not into the labile cadmium compartment was time dependent, consistent with transport and adsorption processes, respectively. Initial uptake rates for the nonlabile cadmium compartment showed both saturable and first-order kinetics. Calcium inhibited only the saturable mechanism. Cadmium uptake rate and sensitivity to calcium were greatest in the duodenum due to the predominance of the saturable mechanism in this region. Distal to the duodenum cadmium uptake exhibited primarily first-order kinetics. The Vmax for the saturable process was reduced 90% by calcium. The absence of competitive inhibition indicates that calcium and cadmium do not share a common carrier-mediated uptake mechanism. The amount of cadmium bound in the labile compartment was comparable in all segments and could be described by a nonlinear function which was the sum of the saturable and second-order terms. Addition of calcium had an apparent cooperative effect on cadmium binding, increasing the second-order term of binding in the labile compartment. Thus calcium was found to have a dual effect on cadmium accumulation by intestinal tissue: inhibition of saturable duodenal uptake and stimulation of binding throughout the small intestine.
Differential Regulation of Copper-Zinc Superoxide Dismutase and Manganese Superoxide Dismutase in the Rat Corpus Luteum: Induction of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Messenger Ribonucleic Acid by Inflammatory Cytokines

This study was undertaken to investigate the regulation of mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and cytosolic copper-zinc SOD (Cu,Zn-SOD) in the corpus luteum by inflammatory cytokines. We first examined the developmental expression of both SOD mRNAs in the rat corpus luteum throughout pregnancy. SOD mRNA levels were determined by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Whereas Cu,Zn-SOD mRNA levels decreased during late pregnancy, Mn-SOD mRNA levels remained elevated. We secondly examined the effects of inflammatory reaction on luteal SODs. Rats received injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 5 mg, i.p.) on Day 15 of pregnancy, and corpora lutea were removed 2 h later. LPS caused an increase in Mn-SOD mRNA levels in the corpus luteum and a decrease in serum progesterone levels, but neither in levels of Cu,Zn-SOD mRNA. To further study the effects of LPS or LPS-induced cytokines, we incubated either whole corpora lutea obtained on Day 15 of pregnancy or a temperature-sensitive simian virus-40 transformed luteal cell line (GG-CL; derived from large luteal cells of the corpus luteum of pregnant rats) in serum-free medium with LPS, interleukin-1a (IL-1a), IL-b, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor a. LPS and these cytokines induced a remarkable increase in Mn-SOD mRNA levels in both corpora lutea and GG-CL cells but had no effect on Cu,Zn-SOD mRNA expression. In conclusion, Cu,Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD mRNAs are differently expressed and regulated in the corpus luteum of pregnancy. Mn-SOD mRNA, but not Cu,ZnSOD mRNA, is highly induced by inflammatory cytokines and may play an important role in protecting luteal cells from inflammation-mediated oxidative damage.
Living in an age of online incivility: examining the conditional indirect effects of online discussion on political flaming

Communication scholars have examined the potential pitfalls and rewards associated with the ability to communicate in online spaces. We continue in that line of research by proposing a mediated moderated communication process model focused on what conditions lead people to engage in aggressive online communication behaviors, otherwise known as flaming. Specifically, we argue that online political discussion socializes individuals to see flaming as an acceptable behavior. This increase in perceived acceptability in turn increases intention to flame. Results demonstrate that this increase in intention to flame is greater among those with high levels of verbal aggression. To test our model, we conducted two surveys that asked students and blog users questions about their online media behaviors. Results replicate across both surveys.
Transmural Dispersion of Repolarization in Failing and Nonfailing Human Ventricle

Rationale: Transmural dispersion of repolarization has been shown to play a role in the genesis of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation in different animal models of heart failure (HF). Heterogeneous changes of repolarization within the midmyocardial population of ventricular cells have been considered an important contributor to the HF phenotype. However, there is limited electrophysiological data from the human heart. Objective: To study electrophysiological remodeling of transmural repolarization in the failing and nonfailing human hearts. Methods and Results: We optically mapped the action potential duration (APD) in the coronary-perfused scar-free posterior-lateral left ventricular free wall wedge preparations from failing (n=5) and nonfailing (n=5) human hearts. During slow pacing (S1S1=2000 ms), in the nonfailing hearts we observed significant transmural APD gradient: subepicardial, midmyocardial, and subendocardial APD80 were 383±21, 455±20, and 494±22 ms, respectively. In 60% of nonfailing hearts (3 of 5), we found midmyocardial islands of cells that presented a distinctly long APD (537±40 ms) and a steep local APD gradient (27±7 ms/mm) compared with the neighboring myocardium. HF resulted in prolongation of APD80: 477±22 ms, 495±29 ms, and 506±35 ms for the subepi-, mid-, and subendocardium, respectively, while reducing transmural APD80 difference from 111±13 to 29±6 ms ( P Conclusions: We present for the first time direct experimental evidence of a transmural APD gradient in the human heart. HF results in the heterogeneous prolongation of APD, which significantly reduces the transmural and local APD gradients.
Science and public policy: what's proof got to do with it?

In recent years, it has become common for opponents of environmental action to argue that the scientific basis for purported harms is uncertain, unreliable, and fundamentally unproven. In response, many scientists believe that their job is to provide the “proof” that society needs. Both the complaint and the response are misguided. In all but the most trivial cases, science does not produce logically indisputable proofs about the natural world. At best it produces a robust consensus based on a process of inquiry that allows for continued scrutiny, re-examination, and revision. Within a scientific community, different individuals may weigh evidence differently and adhere to different standards of demonstration, and these differences are likely to be amplified when the results of inquiry have political, religious, or economic ramifications. In such cases, science can play a role by providing informed opinions about the possible consequences of our actions (or inactions), and by monitoring the effects of our choices. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

There have been significant advances in laparoscopic skills and instrumentation since Schuessler and colleagues performed the first laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in 1991 (1). Only nine laparoscopic radical prostatectomies (LRPs) were performed between 1991 and 1995. However, the surgery was difficult, with long operating times, and the laparoscopic approach for the treatment of prostate cancer was believed to offer no advantage over open surgery. In 1998, Guillonneau and colleagues reported their initial experience with the surgery with early results of the transperitoneal approach comparable to contemporary series of open radical prostatectomy (2). Since then, several centers have performed the LRP in increasing numbers with early results comparable to open surgery.
The Events Following Queen Cell Construction in Honeybee Colonies

IBRA has always tried to serve bee research and beekeeping in the best possible way. To do this it has had to evolve and change with the times: witness our current efforts to make our material instantly available on the web, in accordance with the demands of current researchers and readers. In an age when the initial response of most people to something unknown is “to Google it”, the new generation of post graduate researchers may find it hard to realise the important part played by printed journals only a generation ago. Such a journal was Journal of Apicultural Research now commencing its Fiftieth Volume. It was first published in 1962 and came about as a result of pressure on IBRA, then the Bee Research Association, to create a separate international journal for the publication of original research papers. To this day the journal remains the world's foremost English language bee research journal. To celebrate those fifty years of excellence we are reproducing here the very first article ever published:...
Leadership Social Power as a Component of KMS Success

This study investigated the relationships between a leader's of Leadership Social Power LSP profile and Knowledge Management Systems KMS. Previous research has established that KMS success is positively impacted by leadership commitment to KMS, knowledge quality, and knowledge use. Yet how little we know about the constructs of leadership that may impact KM. The goals of this research focused on discovering how the manner in which leaders exert power-their LSP profile-influenced each of these KM success factors. This research was able to empirically demonstrate that LSP is a factor of that success and was able to effectively predict Leadership Commitment to KMS, Knowledge Content Quality, and Knowledge Use based upon predominate manner of Leadership Social Power used by the KM leaders.
Financial and Social Hardships in Families of Children with Medical Complexity.

Objective To describe hardships experienced by families of children with medical complexity (CMC) and compare them with those experienced by families of children with asthma. Study design We assessed hardships in a cohort of 167 families of CMC. Surveys assessed sociodemographics and hardships (eg, financial: inability to pay bills; social: limited help from family/friends). CMC cohort hardships were compared with those of an established cohort of children hospitalized with asthma using multivariable logistic regression. Results CMC had diagnoses in a median of 5 different complex chronic condition categories (most common neurologic/neuromuscular), and the majority (74%) were dependent on technology. Over 80% of families of CMC reported experiencing ≥1 hardship; 68% with financial and 46% with social hardship. Despite higher socioeconomic status than families with asthma, families of CMC often experienced more hardships. For example, families of CMC were significantly more likely to report failure to pay rent/mortgage (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.6, 4.3) and the expectation of little to no help from family/friends (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.9, 4.7). Conclusions Families of CMC frequently report financial and social hardships, often at rates higher than families with asthma who were generally of lower socioeconomic status. Identifying and acting upon hardships may be an important addition to the care of CMC.
Receptivity to freestream vortical disturbance of 2D and 3D airfoils

Leading-edge receptivity of 2D and 3D airfoils to freestream vortical disturbances is studied by direct numerical simulation with the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. A contravariant-based system is derived for general curvilinear coordinates, and simulations are conducted by using the so-called spatial approach. Small amplitude harmonic vortical disturbances parallel to the axis of the airfoils are introduced at the upstream boundary imposing to the basic steady-state flow. Wavelength conversion in the leading-edge receptivity process (Goldstein, 1983) is verified by present computations. Numerical results for the flat plate with an elliptic leading edge coincide with that of Buter and Reed (1994). Receptivity of more realistic geometries, i.e., 2D and 3D Joukowsky airfoils, which has not been investigated before, is observed and deemed essential to later stages of natural transition: which in turn leads to the catastrophic breakdown into turbulence. (Author)
Variations of Wave-Energy Levels and Coastal Sedimentation, Eastern Nicaragua

High rates of weathering, abundant rainfall, and high discharge rates combine to supply large volumes of sediment to the coastal zone of eastern Nicaragua. This terrigenous sediment is confined to a narrow section of the inner shelf (<30 km wide) due to the circulation pattern within a coastal boundary layer. Sediment transport within the inner shelf and shore zone is to the south. This simple transport pattern is considerably modified by variations in wave-energy levels that are a function of shelf width, bottom friction, and wave sheltering. In northern sections, the shelf is up to 200 km wide but narrows to less than 20 km in the south. A direct result is that wave-energy levels at the shoreline are of the order of three times greater in the south. In the north the Rio Coco delta is propagating seaward in a fluvially dominated environment, whereas the Rio San Juan delta in the south has a wave-dominated morphology characterized by deflected distributaries. Other major accumulation features have developed where wave-shadowing is produced by offshore reefs and cays. Alongshore a spatial variation was recorded, with straight beaches and simple linear bars in the north that change to rhythmic beach topography and crescentic nearshore bars as wave-energy levels increase toward the south.
Bandwidth Effects on Mack-Mode Instability

Hypersonic Mack-mode instability on the Purdue compression cone is investigated by means of the nonlinear parabolized stability equations method. To date, most nonlinear stability analyses have considered a single frequency primary mode, however experimental observations find a finite-bandwidth of disturbances. To determine the effects of disturbance bandwidth on Mack-mode stability, the nonlinear evolution of different numbers of primary Mack-modes is considered. It is found that disturbance bandwidth has a negative feedback effect, suppressing the growth of the primary Mack-modes. A novel methodology is introduced to isolate nonlinear saturation effects from other nonlinear mechanisms. In addition to nonlinear saturation, a separate mechanism, “nonlinear detuning,” is found to have a significant influence on Mach-mode growth. These results suggest that bandwidth should be accounted for when studying the later stages of transition and developing hypersonic laminar flow control schemes.
Early Enteral Nutrition in Trauma: Is There Still Any Doubt?

Early enteral nutrition support has been standard in the care of the injured patient for nearly three decades. The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) provided the most recent management recommendations for nutritional support of trauma patients in 2004. Simply stated, the recommendation provided by the authors described the superiority of support via the enteral route within the first 72 h of injury when feasible. This statement implied that both the timing of initiation and route of support had potential to impact patient outcomes. The American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) in conjunction with the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) published a broader set of guidelines in 2009 and 2016 that generally agreed with the EAST recommendations and were applicable to critically ill patients. The superiority of the enteral route for delivery of nutritional support has been theorized to be associated with the non-nutritional benefits of substrate provision at the level of the gastrointestinal tract within a 72-h therapeutic window. These concepts, at least in part, were the product of trials performed by surgeons in the setting of severe trauma and are now applied broadly to critically ill patients. However, as is clearly stated in the above guidelines, there are significant limitations inherent in the available literature. The breadth of literature in clinical nutrition has been plagued with issues including small trial size, the presence of multiple confounding variables, diverse control groups, and heterogeneous patient populations. Trials examining the role of early enteral nutrition support in injured patients have similar limitations. Over the last decade several significant trials have been conducted examining questions regarding nutrition support in the ICU, many of which conflict with historical findings. As a result of these trials, the practice of clinical nutrition is evolving rapidly. The objectives of this review include the following: discussion of the historical perspective on nutrition support in the setting of trauma, brief summary of existing data and more recent trials of importance, and how these trials may impact longstanding dogma.
Creaming in Flocculated Oil-in-Water Emulsions

Publisher Summary Many foods are emulsions during or after manufacture. In oil-in-water emulsions, the dispersed oil droplets generally possess a lower density than the continuous aqueous phase. Unless the droplets are very small or the emulsion is very concentrated, the density difference leads to the gradual accumulation of the droplets at the top of the container (creaming) with consequent loss of perceived quality. Polysaccharide stabilizers are frequently used to reduce the rate of creaming as well as to impart the required mouth-feel properties to a food product. This chapter presents a paper that presents creaming results for n-alkane-in-water emulsions containing the polysaccharide hydroxyethylcellulose. The analysis of the data in the paper draws heavily on the work of A. S. Michaels and J. C. Boiger, who investigated the sedimentation behavior of flocculated kaolin suspensions. Their treatment includes general descriptions of flocculated systems and it has been found to be a useful starting point for the preliminary analysis of the results presented in the paper.
Clinical Equipoise and Shared Decision-making in Pulmonary Nodule Management. A Survey of American Thoracic Society Clinicians.

Rationale: Guidelines for pulmonary nodule evaluation suggest a variety of strategies, reflecting the lack of high-quality evidence demonstrating the superiority of any one approach. It is unclear whether clinicians agree that multiple management options are appropriate at different levels of risk and whether this impacts their decision-making approaches with patients.Objectives: To assess clinicians’ perceptions of the appropriateness of various diagnostic strategies, approach to decision-making, and perceived clinical equipoise in pulmonary nodule evaluation.Methods: We developed and administered a web-based survey in March and April, 2014 to clinician members of the American Thoracic Society. The primary outcome was perceived appropriateness of pulmonary nodule evaluation strategies in three clinical vignettes with different malignancy risk. We compared responses to guideline recommendations and analyzed clinician characteristics associated with a reported shared decision-making approach. We also asses...
Multi-object path planning for optimal classifier

A scenario of ground agent classifying scattered objects of interest is introduced. Objects of interests are arbitrarily oriented and placed in a contested area. Ground agent with sensor capabilities is moving around each object to collect measurements and classify this object. Agent is required to collect as much measurements as needed to minimize its probability of misclassifying this object. In addition, path optimization condition is imposed on agent's path. As it might be typical in these scenarios, agent might classify same object differently depending on agent's position with respect to object's location and orientation. In this paper, we formally introduce and formulate this problem.
Validation of a Cystic Fibrosis Medication Knowledge Questionnaire

Low adherence to cystic fibrosis (CF) treatment is associated with poor health outcomes, while knowledge of the disease and medication regimen can positively influence adherence. This study’s purpo...
Terrestrial Nanotoxicology: Evaluating the Nano-Biointeractions in Vascular Plants

The effects of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in living organisms are described in a myriad of articles. Most of the literature on this topic is devoted to plants of different gender and species. Studies from laboratories and greenhouse facilities highlight effects on chlorophyll production, plant growth, stress enzyme activities, phytotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity. With few exceptions, research reports show that toxic effects of ENPs on plants are associated with particle size, phase, surface properties, exposure concentration, and soil chemistry. ENPs have been found to be taken through roots from soilless/soil media and translocated to the aboveground organs. However, the uptake and translocation can occur in reverse if important amounts of ENPs are exposed to the foliage. This chapter includes an analysis of the most recent and relevant information about the interaction of ENPs with vascular plants. Most of the reviewed literature refers to highly produced and used ENPs. Data about exposure to carbon nanotubes (CNTs), cerium dioxide (nano-CeO2), titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2), zinc oxide (nano-ZnO), copper oxide (nano-CuO), gold (nano-Au), iron (nano-Fe3O4), silver (nano-Ag), and others ENPs are discussed.
Resilience Processes in Development

How do children and adolescents “make it“ when their development is threatened by poverty, neglect, maltreatment, war, violence, or exposure to oppression, racism, and discrimination? What protects them when their parents are disabled by substance abuse, mental illness, or serious physical illness? How do we explain the phenomenon of resilience-children succeeding in spite of serious challenges to their development-and put this knowledge to work for the benefit of all children and society? The scientific study of resilience emerged about 30 years ago when a group of pioneering researchers began to notice the phenomenon of positive adaptation among subgroups of children who were considered “at risk” for developing later psychopathology (Masten, 2001).