cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
84. CAN FACULTY DEVELOPMENT BE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE IN OUR OVER-SCHEDULED WORLD?

Background Faculty are responsible for teaching medical learners, yet most have little training on how to be effective educators. The ACGME common program requirements mandate that all physicians supervising trainees receive faculty development on an annual basis, but time and resources for educational faculty development are scarce. We led brief faculty development sessions at division meetings. Feedback was chosen as the first topic based on a faculty needs assessment and resident ACGME survey results. Purpose: To evaluate 1. Feasibility of visiting all departmental divisions to conduct brief educational faculty development sessions 2. Effectiveness of a faculty development session on knowledge of specific feedback. Methods Baseline quantity of specific feedback reported by residents and faculty was obtained by survey. Our session on specific feedback consisted of power point slides and video clips. It was delivered during regularly scheduled division meetings. A knowledge quiz was given before and after each session. Results 62 Faculty from 15 divisions completed the sessions over a 7-week period. 22/62 (35%) faculty answered all pre-test questions correctly. This increased to 48/62 (77%) post intervention. Post-session, faculty self-reported a positive trend in the specificity of their feedback. Survey comments also indicate the session was well-received. Discussion As 14 sessions were completed by two presenters during a short time period and with limited resources, this approach to educational faculty development seems feasible. Each session was completed in under 20 minutes, making it efficient. Improved post-test results indicate effectiveness. Next steps include utilizing the knowledge quiz and quantitative survey 3 months after the initial intervention to evaluate for lasting effects. Similar sessions could cover additional faculty development topics in the future, both within our department and in other departments at our institution. This would address weaknesses of the pilot study, which include a small study size and assessing for generalizability of the approach.
Mixtures of octanol and an ionic liquid: Structure and transport.

Ionic liquids (ILs) with long alkyl substituents are amphiphilic, which leads to a bicontinuous liquid structure. The strongly interacting anionic and cationic head groups form a long range charge network, with the hydrocarbon tails forming a nonpolar domain. Such nonpolar domains have been shown to dissolve a variety of neutral organic solvents. In mixtures of ILs with solvents the neutral organic molecules residing in the nonpolar domains experience different environments and friction from the charged cations and anions. Thus, the neutral molecules diffuse much faster than predicted by hydrodynamic scaling using the average viscosity of the mixture. In this work, we report studies on the structure and transport properties of mixtures of 1-octanol with the IL trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (P6,6,6,14+/NTf2−). The majority of the atom fraction in the P6,6,6,14+ cation comprises four hydrocarbon substituents. The unique amphiphilic nature of ILs with the P6,6,6,14+ cation makes 1-octanol fully miscible with the IL at ambient temperatures. X-ray scattering experiments show that the IL structure persists in the mixtures for 1-octanol mole fractions as large as xoct = 0.90. The self-diffusion coefficients of the three molecular species in the mixtures were measured by NMR experiments. The self-diffusion of the P6,6,6,14+ cation is well described by the Stokes–Einstein equation, while the diffusivity of the NTf2− anion is slightly lower than the hydrodynamic prediction. The measured diffusivities of octanol in these mixtures are 1.3–4 times higher than the hydrodynamic predictions.
Conceptual Work Matters

This chapter, of my own authorship, focuses on the historical fact that William Stern developed his critically personalistic perspective in psychology at a time of ever broadening advocacy among psychologists for severing their discipline’s ties to philosophy. Firmly opposed to that prospect, Stern understood that such a severance would in time blunt psychologists’ facility with the conceptual issues that inevitably arise in any scientific discipline alongside its empirical and methodological concerns, and that such a development would ultimately undermine the integrity of psychology as a genuinely scientific discipline. The cleft between psychology and philosophy did materialize, however, in time transforming psychology into what has become a highly scientistic discipline. It is argued that until mainstream psychology recognizes once again the extent to which conceptual work matters, the rich possibilities for the field offered by Stern’s critically personalistic vision will remain unrealized.
Perirectal Extragastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: An Unusual Presentation.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), even though rare, remain the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. When GISTs occur outside of the GI tract, they are termed extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGISTs). Most GISTs arise from the stomach (50-70%) and small intestine (20-30%). A smaller percentage of these tumors also occurs in the large intestine (5%) and esophagus (2-5%). EGISTs have histopathological and molecular characteristics that are similar to GISTs. However, the precise incidence and tumor behavior of EGISTs are not fully understood. EGISTs have no specific symptoms or radiologic features, and in most cases, the presenting complaint is abdominal pain or discomfort. Yet, they tend to be more aggressive and have a worse prognosis than GISTs. Morphologic diagnosis based on microscopic examination of histological sections is the standard diagnostic procedure for GIST/EGIST. In this patient-centered study, we present a case of EGIST that originated in the anterior perirectal space, an extremely rare location; we also describe the endoscopic approach that was used to biopsy the tumor.
Development of a thermal control coating for space suits

Past space suits and the current Shuttle suit, which are constructed primarily from fabric, use the Integrated Thermal and Micrometeoroid Garment, which insulates the astronaut from his environment. The new generation of hard suits affords designers the opportunity to incorporate thermal control into the suit structure. Environmental influence on the suit temperature and heat flux can then be minimized with a high reflectance coating. Candidate coatings have been identified and ranked on the basis of thermophysical properties; wear, corrosion and atomic oxygen degradation resistance; and coating process and cost. Laboratory determination of properties, thermal cycling and wear resistance tests are underway to identify the optimum coating. A computer model is being developed to evaluate various environmental configurations. Preliminary results are presented here.
The Availability of Private Remedies for Acid Rain Damage

This article considers whether one whose property is injured by acid rain can maintain a private action for damages. It considers how the jurisdictional and venue questions may be resolved to permit acid-rain plaintiffs to bring suit in the state of their choice. Once this is accomplished, plaintiffs must next establish the liability of individual defendants for their injuries. Although acid rain can probably be linked generally to industrial sources, evidence is likely to prove insufficient to match acid rain with particular sources. Plaintiffs may be able to establish liability if the burden of proof on causation is shifted to the defendants once injury to plaintiffs is seen. Recent cases in some states suggest rationales for burden shifting that may apply. Lawsuits would be complex, time consuming, and costly for the courts. Many judges may conclude that problems of such threat to the environment and society as posed by acid rain should be addressed by legislative action. 375 references.
Abstract 15817: Tricuspid Valve Imaging by 3D Transesophageal Echocardiography: Feasibility of Coaptation Length Measurement and Its Relationship With Severity of Regurgitation

Background: The coaptation length (CL) of the mitral valve leaflet decreases with increasing mitral regurgitation. Visualization of the CL of the tricuspid valve (TV) is challenging using conventional 2D echocardiography. The aims of this study were: (1) to test the feasibility of visualizing and quantifying the CL of the TV using three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and (2) to study it relationship with the severity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Methods: Full-volume 3D TEE datasets of the TV were obtained in 24 patients from the transgastric approach. Using multiplanar reconstruction, short-axis plane depicting an en-face view of the TV was used to mark the central coaptation point (Fig. A). Three planes cutting through this point were then selected to view the 3 coaptation lines between: (1) anterior and posterior, (2) septal and anterior, and (3) septal and posterior TV leaflets (Figs. B-D). The CL was measured in each of these planes to obtain mean CL. The severity of tricuspid regurgitation was graded qualitatively as “none”, “trace”, “mild” and “moderate”. Results: Visualization of leaflet coaptation was feasible in 17/24 patients (71%). The mean CL was 0.89±0.03 cm in patients with no TR (N=4), 0.64±0.13 with trace TR (N=6), 0.50±0.07 with mild TR (N=3) and 0.13±0.11 with moderate TR (N=4). Since there was no overlap between the “moderate” group and the other 3 groups, the threshold of average CL for moderate TR was estimated to be between 0.25 (highest value in the “moderate” group) and 0.39 cm (lowest value in the other groups) (Fig. E). Conclusion: Visualization of the TV leaflet coaptation length from transgastric 3D TEE images is feasible in the majority of patients. TV coaptation length is inversely related to the severity of TR. The ability to visualize and quantify the CL of the TV may be useful when planning tricuspid valve repair surgery. Our findings suggest that CL below the threshold may indicate clinically significant TR. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
A tunable x-band substrate integrated waveguide cavity filter using reconfigurable liquid-metal perturbing posts

A tunable bandpass filter based on reconfigurable liquid-metal perturbing posts in a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity is demonstrated. The design consists of four reconfigurable posts in a single cavity which provide five center frequencies from 10.13 GHz to 11.31 GHz. To enable frequency tuning, nontoxic liquid-metal Galinstan is hydraulically actuated to activate and deactivate posts. The five states have an average peak insertion loss of 1.35 dB with fractional bandwidths of 0.6% to 1% and unloaded quality factors of 96 to 154.
Theoretical analysis of lesion detectability in penalized maximum-likelihood patlak parametric image reconstruction using dynamic PET

Detecting cancerous lesion is a major clinical application in emission tomography. In previous work, we have studied penalized maximum-likelihood (PML) image reconstruction for lesion detection in static PET. Here we extend our theoretical analysis of static PET reconstruction to dynamic PET. We study both the conventional indirect reconstruction and direct reconstruction for Patlak parametric image estimation. In indirect reconstruction, Patlak parametric images are generated by reconstructing a sequence of dynamic PET images first and then performing Patlak analysis on the time activity curves (TACs) pixel-by-pixel. In direct reconstruction, Patlak parametric images are estimated directly from raw sinogram data by incorporating the Patlak model into the image reconstruction procedure. PML reconstruction is used in both the indirect and direct reconstruction methods. We use a channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) to assess lesion detectability in the Patlak slope image. Simplified expressions for evaluating the lesion detectability have been derived and applied to the selection of the regularization parameter value to maximize the lesion detectability. The proposed method is validated using computer-based Monte Carlo simulation. Good agreements between theoretical predictions and Monte Carlo results are observed. The theoretical formula also shows the benefit of the direct method in dynamic PET reconstruction for lesion detection.
Amino acid substitution in P3 of Soybean mosaic virus to convert avirulence to virulence on Rsv4‐genotype soybean is influenced by the genetic composition of P3

Summary The modification of avirulence factors of plant viruses by one or more amino acid substitutions converts avirulence to virulence on hosts containing resistance genes. Limited experimental studies have been conducted on avirulence/virulence factors of plant viruses, in particular those of potyviruses, to determine whether avirulence/virulence sites are conserved among strains. In this study, the Soybean mosaic virus (SMV)–Rsv4 pathosystem was exploited to determine whether: (i) avirulence/virulence determinants of SMV reside exclusively on P3 regardless of virus strain; and (ii) the sites residing on P3 and crucial for avirulence/virulence of isolates belonging to strain G2 are also involved in virulence of avirulent isolates belonging to strain G7. The results confirm that avirulence/virulence determinants of SMV on Rsv4-genotype soybean reside exclusively on P3. Furthermore, the data show that sites involved in the virulence of SMV on Rsv4-genotype soybean vary among strains, with the genetic composition of P3 playing a crucial role.
A computational-grid based system for continental drainage network extraction using SRTM digital elevation models

We describe a new effort for the computation of elevation derivatives using the shuttle radar topography mission (SRTM) results. Jet Propulsion Laboratory's (JPL) SRTM has produced a near global database of highly accurate elevation data. The scope of this database enables computing precise stream drainage maps and other derivatives on continental scales. We describe a computing architecture for this computationally very complex task based on NASA's information power grid (IPG), a distributed high performance computing network based on the GLOBUS infrastructure. The SRTM data characteristics and unique problems they present are discussed. A new algorithm for organizing the conventional extraction algorithms (Jenson and Domingue, 1988) into a cooperating parallel grid is presented as an essential component to adapt to the IPG computing structure. Preliminary results are presented for a Southern California test area, established for comparing SRTM and its results against those produced using the USGS national elevation data (NED) model.
Taxotere inhibition of VEGF- and bFGF-induced endothelial cell migration is a result of Hsp90 degradation

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 3034 In addition to their effects on tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis, microtubule-binding agents have been shown to be highly potent inhibitors of angiogenesis. We recently determined that taxotere, a microtubule stabilizing drug with significant clinical anti-tumor activity, inhibited endothelial cell migration, a critical step in tumor-associated angiogenesis; this occurred at concentrations significantly lower than those required for the inhibition of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation. While taxotere had no effect on the extent of VEGF-induced Tyr951 phosphorylation of the VEGF receptor FLK1/KDR (VEGFR-2), it inhibited all subsequent downstream events. In this study, we sought to further define the molecular site of action for the effects of taxotere on VEGF signaling pathways. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a chaperone protein implicated in a wide range of receptor-mediated cellular actions based on its ability to maintain the correct folding, function and stability of client signaling molecules. Taxotere (10 pM) caused the rapid and near complete loss of Hsp90 protein in HUVEC, and this could be prevented by the proteasome inhibitor PSI. Decreased expression of Hsp90 by taxotere was the likely cause of the observed decrease in the VEGF-induced association of VEGFR-2 with integrin α5β1 and with FAK (focal adhesion kinase), and in the inhibition of FAK and paxillin tyrosine phosphorylation. This could have prevented signaling from the focal adhesions. Stimulation of endothelial cells with VEGF is known to enhance the recruitment of AKT and eNOS to Hsp90. Treatment of endothelial cells with taxotere inhibited Hsp90-AKT complex formation, resulting in decreased phosphorylation of AKT on Ser473. This impeded the activation of eNOS and prevented subsequent NO generation. FAK and paxillin activation appeared to be less important in bFGF-induced HUVEC migration, compared to migration induced by VEGF. bFGF did stimulate AKT phosphorylation, however, and we showed that taxotere inhibited both bFGF-induced migration and AKT phosphorylation, suggesting that inhibition of AKT signaling, independent of focal adhesion inhibition, can be sufficient to prevent cell migration. While many inhibitors of Hsp90 are currently under clinical investigation as anti-angiogenic agents, this appears to be the first account of a drug that reduces Hsp90 function by enhancing its proteasomal degradation. Further, the depletion of Hsp90 levels is a previously undescribed action of taxotere. This has broader implications for taxotere’s effects on tumor cells, given the role of Hsp90 and chaperone proteins in maintaining the conformation of oncogenic signaling proteins, in guiding the disposition of key regulators of cell growth and differentiation, and in allowing tumor cells to tolerate mutations in signaling molecules that might otherwise be lethal.
Oxidoreductase-type enzymes and redox proteins involved in fermentative metabolisms of hyperthermophilic Archaea.

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the properties of enzymes that catalyze redox reactions and are involved in the fermentation pathways of hyperthermophilic archaea. Such enzymes are defined as those that catalyze a reaction with an associated electron transfer event, wherein an external electron carrier is either reduced or oxidized. Terms such as oxidoreductase, reductase, oxidase, and dehydrogenase are sometimes used to describe such enzymes. Description of the physiological functions of the oxidoreductase-type enzymes that are characterized from species of Pyrococcus and Thermococcus is given in this chapter. The nature of these enzymes has led to both insight and confusion into the primary fermentation pathways in these organisms. The properties of the enzymes and their associated redox proteins are discussed with an emphasis on recent developments in the structure of these enzymes and their evolutionary relationships.
Preoperative Iris Rubeosis and Diabetic Vitrectomy Results

Abstract Six hundred and forty-five patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for diabetic retinopathy without preoperative iris rubeosis were followed for six months and compared with 69 patients that had preoperative pupillary rubeosis and 30 patients that had preoperative peripheral iris and/or angle rubeosis. Preoperatively, the patients' general characteristics were quite similar, but those cases with peripheral iris rubeosis had poorer visual acuities due to a higher incidence of dense vitreous hemorrhages (70%), as compared with those without rubeosis (56%), and a higher incidence of cataracts and prior cataract surgery. The operative procedures were complicated by retinal holes in 40% of the cases with peripheral rubeosis compared with 24% of those without rubeosis. Postoperatively, elevated intraocular pressures occurred in 67% of the cases with preoperative peripheral rubeosis compared with 58% of those with preoperative pupillary rubeosis and 37% of those without preoperative rubeosis. Postoperative steroids were required more frequently in those eyes with preoperative rubeosis. Six months after vitrectomy, the visual results were much better in those eyes without preoperative rubeosis, but 27% of the cases with preoperative peripheral rubeosis had obtained 6/60 visual acuity or better. As expected, there was a direct correlation between the extent of iris rubeosis at the preoperative examination and at the six-month postoperative examination. Regression of preoperative rubeosis definitely occurred in some eyes during the postoperative period. Phthisis had occurred or was occurring in 23% of the eyes with preoperative peripheral rubeosis compared with 15% of the eyes without preoperative rubeosis or with rubeosis confined to the pupil. Determination of the exact incidence of neovascular glaucoma during the six-month follow-up period was difficult, but was probably 33% for those cases with preoperative peripheral rubeosis, as compared with 17% for those without preoperative rubeosis. Opacities of the anterior segments prevented evaluation of more posterior structures in many cases, especially those with preoperative peripheral rubeosis of which 47% had obscured vitreous cavities, as compared with 20% of those without preoperative rubeosis. Of those that could be visualized, the vitreous cavities were usually clear and the retinas attached.
Heat transfer and kinetics in a catalyst bed of rectangular cross section: Air oxidation of nitric oxide with silica gel

The results of an investigation of heat transfer and reaction kinetics in a fixed-bed catalytic reactor of slab geometry are described. The particular reaction studied is the air oxidation of nitric oxide with silica gel. Conversions and catalyst-bed temperatures were observed in the experimental, nonisothermal slab reactor, but only a sample of these data are reported and analyzed here. A mathematical analysis of the processes occurring in a slab reactor has been developed which leads to a design method for such reactors that permits prediction of catalyst-bed temperatures and conversions from a knowledge of specific reaction rates and the physical properties of the system. The design method involves a step-by-step procedure but requires a small number of steps. To evaluate the accuracy of the design method and to illustrate its use, the specific reaction-rate data together with published thermal-conductivity data have been used with the method to predict the results of a run on the experimental nonisothermal reactor. Good agreement between calculated and observed temperatures and conversions was obtained. Specific reaction rates, derived from integral conversions in an experimental, isothermal reactor, are reported.
Complete work-up of the one-sector scalar-capital theory of interest rate: Third installment auditing Sraffa’s never-completed “Critique of Modern Economic Theory”

Abstract For future vector analysis of heterogeneous non-aggregatable capitals, we exhaustively analyze a labor-corn-scalar capital intertemporal model with joint or single-good production, in both neoclassical Clarkian or Sraffa–von Neumann alternative discrete technologies. Our novel Master Function proves qualitative parallelism of non-spurious marginalisms for Clark and Sraffa technologies. Importantly, most “strange” phenomena stressed by J. Robinson-Sraffa, do not trace to capital heterogeneity: a one-capital scenario, under joint production, can invalidate Ricardo’s fundamental inverse tradeoff between profit and wage rate. Still, though, all competitive equilibria obey intertemporal Pareto optimality and agree with Senior’s filter-down apologetics.
Cross-sectional associations of blood elements, clotting factors, nephropathy, and retinal outcomes in long duration type 1 diabetes

Purpose: To determine the association of blood elements, selected clotting factors, and nephropathy with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and macular edema (ME) in those with long duration type 1 diabetes.Methods: Participants (N = 442) were seen in 2005–2007 at the 25-year follow-up of a population-based study of diabetic retinopathy, and were eligible for this analysis. Fundus photographs were graded using a standard retinopathy severity scheme. Laboratory measures included hematocrit, white blood cell and platelet counts, serum fibrinogen, interleukin-6, and von Willebrand factor.Results: In models including duration of diabetes, hypertension, and diabetic nephropathy, only hematocrit was marginally associated with decreased odds of PDR (odds ratio 0.87; 95% confidence interval 0.74–1.01; P for trend per quintile = 0.06). Stratifying by nephropathy status, in those with and without nephropathy, there were no significant associations of any laboratory measures with PDR or ME. None of the variabl...
Quantitative 123I IMP and 99mTc HMPAO imaging in the dog following cocaine administration.

Abstract SPECT and associated imaging procedures were used in beagle dogs to (1) evaluate the uptake, distribution, and clearance properties of i.v.-injected 123 I IMP (IMP) and 99m Tc HMPAO (HMPAO) in the brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys; (2) quantify the acute effects (after 15 sec) of very low doses (0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg) cocaine on the kinetics and localization properties of IMP and HMPAO; and (3) evaluate comparative imaging properties of IMP and HMPAO for measuring regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). Regional and global uptake and localization of IMP or HMPAO were evaluated in control studies using dynamic planar (0–30 min) and SPECT imaging (at 35 min). The regional distribution properties of IMP and HMPAO in the brain were estimated from regions of interest (ROIs) drawn around anatomic structures on MR slices and manually registered with corresponding SPECT slices. Cocaine significantly reduced the 30-min IMP uptake in the brain and lungs by ~15%, but only slightly changed HMPAO uptake in the brain and other organs. In the control studies, the respective uptakes of IMP in the brain and lungs were 9 and 39% greater ( p p p p p
Amygdala and orbitofrontal reactivity to social threat in individuals with impulsive aggression.

Background Converging evidence from animal and human lesion studies implicates the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in emotional regulation and aggressive behavior. However, it remains unknown if functional deficits exist in these specific brain regions in clinical populations in which the cardinal symptom is impulsive aggression. We have previously shown that subjects diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder (IED), a psychiatric disorder characterized by reactive aggressive behavior, perform poorly on facial emotion recognition tasks. In this study we employed a social-emotional probe of amygdala-OFC function in individuals with impulsive aggression. Methods Ten unmedicated subjects with IED and 10 healthy, matched comparison subjects (HC) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while viewing blocks of emotionally salient faces. We compared amygdala and OFC reactivity to faces between IED and HC subjects, and examined the relationship between the extent of activation in these regions and extent of prior history of aggressive behavior. Results Relative to controls, individuals with IED exhibited exaggerated amygdala reactivity and diminished OFC activation to faces expressing anger. Extent of amygdala and OFC activation to angry faces were differentially related to prior aggressive behavior across subjects. Unlike controls, aggressive subjects failed to demonstrate amygdala-OFC coupling during responses to angry faces. Conclusions These findings provide evidence of amygdala-OFC dysfunction in response to an ecologically-valid social threat signal (processing angry faces) in individuals with a history of impulsive aggressive behavior, and further substantiate a link between a dysfunctional cortico-limbic network and aggression.
Time to get a new mountain? The role of function in children's conceptions of natural kinds.

Abstract Prior research indicates that young children are promiscuously teleological, attributing purpose not only to artifacts, but also to living and non-living natural entities. This study further examines the role of function in children's reasoning about different object kinds by indirectly probing children's intuitions about what types of entities can be rendered functionless. Specifically, children were asked to decide whether entities that could no longer perform certain activities should be fixed/replaced (e.g. “Do you need to get a new one?”). Results reveal that young children broadly view both artificial and natural kinds that can no longer perform certain activities as needing to be fixed or replaced. These findings suggest that the teleo-functional bias not only influences children's explanatory preferences but also their category judgments.
Optimization of ethanol flow rate for improved catalytic activity of Ni particles to synthesize MWCNTs using a CVD reactor

During synthesis of MWCNTs using CVD, role of carbonaceous material and catalyst, besides other process parameters, has considerable influence on the structure and yield of pristine nanotubes. In present study, different flow rates (i.e. 10, 25, 40 and 55 sccm) of precursor ethanol were used for the synthesis of MWCNTs at 750 oC in a CVD reactor, where nickel particles were supported on quartz as catalyst. Further, these nanotubes were characterized using XRD, SEM, TGA and Raman spectroscopy to investigate the effect of ethanol flow rate on the catalytic activity of nickel for optimum production of MWCNTs. It was observed that at different ethanol flow rates, variations in synthesis products (i.e. CNTs, amorphous carbon and carbon nanoparticles) were associated with catalytic activity. Maximum catalytic activity of nickel particles was attained by optimizing ethanol flow rate (at 25 sccm). At the optimum flow rate a maximum purity of MWCNTs (>83%) was attained along with other relevant structures i.e. amorphous carbon <1.5% and SWCNT <10% balancing with retained catalytic particles. Any increase from the optimum limit caused not only defects within the CNTs' structure but also increased the impurities which were correlated with the reduction in activity of the nickel particles due to the saturation of active sites.
Scientific progress in marketing

Hunt (1983) notes the distinction between writing “on” the philosophy of science and writing about the “use” of the philosophy of science, and he remarks that a fundamental aspect of understanding the use and unity of the philosophy of science in marketing research “stems from the common acceptance by the sciences of a methodology for the justification (confirmation, validation, corroboration) of knowledge” (p. 20). Consistent with this comment, Mario Bunge (Hunt 1983) states “Science has not the monopoly of truth but only the monopoly of the means for checking truth and enhancing it” (p. 83). This issue of the AMS Review is about such scientific progress in marketing. Probably the best way to open this issue is with a quote from Paul Surgi Speck (Hunt, 1983, p. 348):
Electrochemical fatigue sensor response to Ti–6 wt% Al–4 wt% V and 4130 steel

Some of the finer details concerning electrochemical–mechanical interactions under cyclic stressing, observed by the electrochemical fatigue sensor (EFS), are reported, with emphasis on a series of ramp-and-hold cyclic tests on samples of hardened Ti–6 wt% Al–4 wt% V and 4130 steel. These tests were designed to further our understanding of the mechanisms underlying EFS response by revealing its timing and morphology, as well as any dependence on stress range, strain rate or mean stress. The EFS is an instrument that monitors an electrochemical current (‘the EFS current’) as a means of investigating fatigue damage in metals; specimens are fatigued in a benign electrolyte, under controlled conditions, so that their fatigue lives do not differ from those obtained in air. The results show that cyclic loading produces a cyclic EFS current with extrema located at points in the loading cycle where the strain rate is highest. Localized fatigue straining and crack-associated plasticity enhance the EFS current, pro...
The financial effects of kidney stone prevention

The financial effects of kidney stone prevention. Prevention of nephrolithiasis (NL) is now medically feasible and widely recommended. However, diagnosis and treatment of remediable causes of stones requires testing and drugs that impose a cost; this cost is balanced by the presumed reductions in stone related events and medical encounters. In order to assess the balance between these, we have analyzed results from 1092 patients with NL unselected except for having clinical follow-up during treatment. From this population, we have derived the changes in rates of new stones, hospitalizations, cystoscopies, and surgical procedures. From these changes, and assignment of a range of possible dollar costs, we estimate that medical stone prevention will result in an average saving of $2,158 ± $500 (sem)/patient/year, which is the difference between an expenditure of $1,068/patient on yearly drugs and testing, and a reduction of $3,226 per patient in medical costs. Medical prevention of NL seems justified on a cost saving basis quite apart from its benefits to patients in terms of reduced morbidity and risk from procedures, obstruction, and infection.
The safety of intraaortic balloon pump catheter insertion through suprainguinal prosthetic vascular bypass grafts.

Abstract To determine the safety of intraaortic balloon pump catheter insertion for critical coronary ischemia through suprainguinal prosthetic bypass grafts, we examined our experience of 19 intraaortic balloon pumps placed through grafts in 17 patients by means of surgical exposure (8) or the percutaneous (11) approach. Fourteen intraaortic balloon pumps were placed through matured grafts at a time remote (2 to 13 years; mean, 7 years) from their vascular bypass surgery. Five were inserted through nonmatured grafts during the same hospitalization as their vascular reconstructive surgery (1 to 12 days; mean, 4 days). One patient, a day after an aortoiliac bypass, died during an urgent, surgical intraaortic balloon pump insertion for cardiogenic shock. All other patients had prompt reversal of their cardiac ischemia. Decreased limb perfusion developed during use of the intraaortic balloon pump in three patients, all of whom had their intraaortic balloon pump placed percutaneously through mature grafts. Two of these required surgical thrombectomy. Ten intraaortic balloon pump insertions in eight patients survived the hospitalization and were followed for a mean of 24 months (range, 2 weeks to 64 months). No localized groin or graft infections were identified. No bleeding complications or pseudoaneurysms occurred. Thus in patients with unstable, severe, cardiac disease, intraaortic balloon pumps can be safely placed through indwelling suprainguinal bypass grafts. (J VASC SURG 1991;13:830-7.)
Multiparameter iterative convergence accelerator for crystalline LCGTO calculations

Abstract A novel utilization of the multiparameter dynamical convergence accelerator introduced by Pratt for atomic electronic structure calculations is presented for the Wang-Callaway LCGTO energy band codes. The instabilities in the original Pratt technique are shown to arise from its application to r-space potentials and are eliminated rigorously by applying the technique instead to the Fourier coefficients of the electron density. Test results for both Ne and Al show a 20–35% reduction in the number of iterations necessary to achieve self-consistency depending on the criterion used. The simple modifications necessary to implement the technique are outlined.
Audible GSR feedback and systematic desensitization: A case report

Use of audible feedback of GSR as a subjectively measured test of patient anxiety and progress during treatment has been demonstrated in the laboratory. This paper, describing its clinical use with a spider phobic patient, shows the technique to be clinically feasible and efficient.
Intraventricular Daptomycin and Intravenous Linezolid for the Treatment of External Ventricular-Drain—Associated Ventriculitis Due to Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium

Objective:To report the successful treatment of external ventricular-drain (EVD)– associated infection due to vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) with intraventricular daptomycin and in...
Inhibition of pink color development in cooked, uncured ground turkey through the binding of non-pink generating ligands to muscle pigments

Abstract The pink color defect in cooked, uncured turkey is a sporadic problem that can result in economic loss and consumer dissatisfaction. Fourteen ligands were tested in ground turkey samples for their ability to reduce pink color development in control samples and in the presence of 150 ppm sodium nitrite or 1.0% nicotinamide (pink color producing agents). The 14 ligands evaluated were: 3-amino pyridine (AP), 4-benzoylpyridine (BP), diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DA), ethylenedinitrilo-tetraacetic acid disodium salt (EA), 2,3 dihydroxybenzoic acid (DB), 3-ethyl pyridine (EP), trans 1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N',N' tetraacetic acid monohydrate (HA), calcium reduced nonfat dried milk (NM), 2,3 phthalic acid (PA), 3-picoline (PC), pyrrole (PY), pyridazine (PZ), pyridinedicarboxcylic acid (YA), and pyrazinedicarboxcylic acid (ZA). All ligands were incorporated into ground turkey at 0.20 mg/g (meat weight basis) except for NM (30 mg/g). Color was evaluated using a reflectance spectrophotometer to measure pigment changes (nicotinamide hemochrome, nitrosohemochrome) and with a chroma meter to determine CIE L* a* b* values. Reduction in pink color development was apparent with the addition of the ligand alone and in the presence of sodium nitrite and especially nicotinamide. The four most effective ligands tested were DA, EA, HA, and NM. In general, pink color reduction was highest in the ligand only and the ligand plus nicotinamide samples as was observed by CIE a* and nicotinamide hemochrome value reductions.
Open-label randomized trial of torsemide compared with furosemide therapy for patients with heart failure.

Abstract Purpose Because the bioavailability of oral furosemide is erratic and often incomplete, we tested the hypothesis that patients with heart failure who were treated with torsemide, a predictably absorbed diuretic, would have more favorable clinical outcomes than would those treated with furosemide. Patients and methods We conducted an open-label trial of 234 patients with chronic heart failure (mean [± SD] age, 64 ± 11 years) from an urban public health care system. Patients received oral torsemide (n = 113) or furosemide (n = 121) for 1 year. The primary endpoint was readmission to the hospital for heart failure. Secondary endpoints included readmission for all cardiovascular causes and for all causes, numbers of hospital days, and health-related quality of life. Results Compared with furosemide-treated patients, torsemide-treated patients were less likely to need readmission for heart failure (39 [32%] vs. 19 [17%], P P = 0.03). There was no difference in the rate of admissions for all causes (92 [76%] vs. 80 [71%], P = 0.36). Patients treated with torsemide had significantly fewer hospital days for heart failure (106 vs. 296 days, P = 0.02). Improvements in dyspnea and fatigue scores from baseline were greater among patients treated with torsemide, but the differences were statistically significant only for fatigue scores at months 2, 8, and 12. Conclusions Compared with furosemide-treated patients, torsemide-treated patients were less likely to be readmitted for heart failure and for all cardiovascular causes, and were less fatigued. If our results are confirmed by blinded trials, torsemide may be the preferred loop diuretic for patients with chronic heart failure.
A LEARNING METHOD TO DETERMINE HOW TO APPROACH AN UNKNOWN OBJECT TO BE GRASPED

We present a learning algorithm to determine the appropriate approaching pose to grasp a novel object. Our method focuses on the computation of valid end-effector orientations in order to make contact with the object at a given point. The system achieves this goal by generalizing from positive examples provided by a human operator during an offline training session. The technique is feature-based since it extracts salient attributes of the object to be grasped rather than relying on the availability of models or trying to build one. To compute the desired orientation, the robot performs three steps at run time. Using a multi-class Support Vector Machine (SVM), it first classifies the novel object into one of the object classes defined during training. Next, it determines its orientation, and, finally, based on the classification and orientation, it extracts the most similar example from the training data and uses it to grasp the object. The method has been implemented on a full-scale humanoid robotic torso equipped with multi-fingered hands and extensive results corroborate both its effectiveness and real-time performance.
Photodynamic Laser Therapy: A Bladder Cancer Protocol

This data, along with data from other research studies, indicate that PDT is a promising new treatment for noninvasive bladder cancer. In the current study at Veterans Administration Medical Center, three of the four patients who received Thiotepa have had recurrences of their bladder tumors or positive urine cytology. The three patients who received PDT have not experienced any recurrences or positive urine cytology. Since we have been involved in this trial, we have developed some recommendations that other institutions may want to follow. The tip of the laser fiber is very bright. To decrease eye strain and fatigue, a lens cap with a green eye shield should be used on the cytoscope. All staff should wear green-colored safety eye glasses. This will protect their eyes from constant exposure to the intense incandescent radiation, and if the fiber should break, it would protect their eyes from the bright red color. With all the extra equipment such as ultrasound, power meters, light sources, and anesthesia equipment, it is important to avoid tripping over extension cords. The cords should be covered. Also, it is important not to bump into the equipment, which can happen because the OR is dark. At this time, the laser technician is the only person authorized at our medical center to operate the argon-pumped tunable dye laser. In the future, if more research programs are started or therapy is approved for other uses, additional personnel will be trained.
Some observations on pollen grains in suspension in the estuary of the Delaware River

Abstract Pollen spectra of samples or suspended and bottom sediments in the Delaware River estuary represent the regional vegetation of the Basin as a whole rather than local plant communities. There appears to be a relationship between the number of pollen grains and the quantity of mineral matter in suspension, suggesting that the two types of particles are transported together and in similar fashion, that is, by water currents primarily.
Stationarity and nonstationarity in time series analysis

Abstract In this paper we introduce a new class of methods to test, model and describe nonstationary processes. To frame these methods, we generalize the dynamical description of autonomous systems to the case of nonautonomous systems. Of particular interest are systems for which the driving force is recurrent. For these systems we describe a method to find recurrences and to improve the statistics in reconstructing the tine series and, consequently, to improve the predictability. Another objective is a proper description of the nonstationarity. All these methods are applied to four examples.
Repolarization inhomogeneities in ventricular myocardium change dynamically with abrupt cycle length shortening.

BACKGROUND In single heart cells, abrupt changes in stimulation rate elicit complex alterations in repolarization. The effects of rate change on dispersion of repolarization, however, have not been well characterized. METHODS AND RESULTS To determine the effects of abrupt cycle length (CL) shortening on spatial inhomogeneity of repolarization in a syncytium of ventricular cells, 124 action potentials were simultaneously recorded from Langendorff-perfused guinea pig hearts using high-resolution optical mapping with voltage-sensitive dye. The distribution of ventricular action potential durations (APDs) mapped during each cardiac cycle was used to calculate mean APD and repolarization dispersion index (DI), defined as the variance of the distribution. After abruptly shortening CL from 500 to 300 msec, mean APD declined exponentially in normoxic controls (by 23 +/- 3 msec, p less than 0.0001). This response was characterized by beat-to-beat oscillations of APD that were synchronized at all ventricular sites. After 30 minutes of hypoxia, mean APD decreased from 175.0 +/- 13.3 to 76 +/- 25.7 msec. However, during hypoxia, abrupt CL shortening lowered mean APD by only an additional 6 +/- 6 msec, and APD oscillations were no longer synchronized throughout the ventricle. In controls, beat-to-beat DI decreased significantly (-51.0 +/- 6.8%, p less than 0.01) by the sixth post-CL shortening beat and then recovered (by 15-20 beats). In contrast, DI failed to decrease during hypoxia (+7.1 +/- 23%). Two mechanisms for the transient decline of DI in controls were identified: synchronous APD oscillations and transient diminution of the apical-to-basal ventricular APD gradient. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that inhomogeneity of ventricular repolarization, as measured by DI, changes dynamically with CL shortening. Furthermore, the hypoxic ventricle does not attenuate DI after abrupt CL shortening and thereby lacks a physiological response expected to diminish vulnerability to arrhythmias.
Disparity between solution‐phase equilibria and charge state distributions in positive‐ion electrospray mass spectrometry

Two peptides, bradykinin and gramicidin S, were used to investigate the relationship between protonation in the solution phase and charge state distribution observed in electrospray ionization (ES) mass spectra. The degree of protonation in solution was estimated using acid-base equilibrium calculations where possible. Protonation in solution was varied by adjusting pH, solvent composition and peptide concentration. Major disparities were observed between calculated solution-phase peptide protonation and the charge state distributions observed in ES mass spectra. The [(M + 2H)2+]/[(M + H)+] ratio calculated in solution was larger than the abundance ratio (M + 2H)2+ /(M + H)+ in the ES mass spectra of all acidic aqueous (pH 9.5) the opposite was true. At high pH, electrophoretic droplet charging may reduce the activity of OH− in positively charged droplets. The results at low pH imply the existence of supplementary factors in the ES ionization process which largely attenuate the degree of charging in the gas phase as compared with solution. Factors such as the increasing intra- and intermolecular coulombic repulsion between charge carriers (protons) and increasing attractive forces between protonated sites and counterions at progressively later stages of charged droplet evaporation were hypothesized to be chiefly responsible for this effect. Non-aqueous solvents of high basicity compete with analytes to some extent for available protons, forming protonated solvent molecules while decreasing the sensitivity and the degree of multiple charging of peptides.
Solving the Navier-Stokes Equations by the CESE Method

The CESE method is a new numerical paradigm for nonlinear hyperbolic conservation laws. In this paper, we extend the CESE method for solving viscous flows. Both viscous and inviscid fluxes are incorporated into the space-time integration of the CESE method to enforce flux conservation locally and globally. To overcome excessive numerical damping, incurred by clustered mesh for resolving the boundary layer, a CFL number insensitive scheme, recently developed by Chang, is employed. The capabilities of the present scheme are demonstrated by numerical solutions of a shock/ boundary layer interaction problem and a driven cavity flow. Without preconditioning the flow equations, the present approach can calculate flows at all speed.