cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neutron irradiation effects on the density, tensile properties and microstructural changes in Hi-Nicalon™ and Sylramic™ SiC fibers

Abstract Tensile results are presented for ceramic grade (cg) Nicalon™, Hi-Nicalon™ and Sylramic™ SiC fibers which have all been neutron irradiated in the high flux isotope reactor (HFIR) at damage levels of 0.1, 0.5, 2 and 5 dpa. Single fibers were tensile tested and the results were analyzed using Weibull statistics. Fiber axial displacements were measured with a laser micrometer which allowed for the determination of the tensile moduli. Density changes were measured with a gradient column. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to assess microstructural damage and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to measure uniform strain, degree of crystallinity, average coherence length and root-mean-square microstrain. The physical and tensile results indicate that cg Nicalon™ and Hi-Nicalon™ are unstable in a neutron field. Both fiber types densify by 3–5% which would be detrimental to a composite's matrix cracking stress due to weakening or debonding of the interface. The Sylramic™ swells which is similar behavior to the monolithic SiC. The failure strength of the Sylramic™ drops by 50% after an irradiation temperature of 500°C which would have little effect on the matrix cracking condition of a composite. The Sylramic™ fiber strength decrease would significantly reduce the ultimate composite strength but the composite strength would remain above the matrix cracking strength such that the fibers may still potentially be viable for fusion applications.
Fatty Infiltration of Right Ventricle (Adipositas Cordis): An Unrecognized Cause of Early Graft Failure After Cardiac Transplantation

Fatty infiltration of the right ventricle is usually an incidental finding at post-mortem, but may have clinical significance at times of physiologic stress. We report a case of fatal right ventricular dysfunction immediately after cardiac transplantation secondary to massive fatty infiltration of the donor right ventricle. Ante-mortem diagnosis of fatty infiltration may be difficult to determine despite non-invasive cardiac evaluation. If the diagnosis of fatty infiltration is suspected at time of donor harvest, the relative risks and benefits of proceeding with transplantation should be carefully assessed.
Adherence of Albunex to an Apical Left Ventricular Thrombus

Abstract A previously unrecognized left ventricular thrombus developed a distinct echogenic rim after intravenous injection of albumin microbubbles despite no visible opacification of the left-sided chambers. Absence of visible left ventricular opacification suggests a low density of microbubbles crossing the pulmonary vasculature and a high affinity of the microbubbles for the thrombus or its endothelial surface. These findings support previous observations that albumin microbubbles demonstrate transient adherence to abnormal endothelium. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 1999;12:761-2.)
Sphingolipids - The enigmatic lipid class: Biochemistry, physiology and pathophysiology

Abstract The “sphingosin” backbone of sphingolipids was so named by J. L. W. Thudichum in 1884 for its enigmatic (“Sphinx-like”) properties. Although still an elusive class of lipids, research on the involvement of sphingolipids in the signal transduction pathways that mediate cell growth, differentiation, multiple cell functions, and cell death has been rapidly expanding our understanding of these compounds. In addition to the newly discovered role of ceramide as an intracellular second messenger for tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and other cytokines, sphingosine, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and other sphingolipid metabolites have recently been demonstrated to modulate cellular calcium homeostasis and cell proliferation. Perturbation of sphingolipid metabolism using synthetic and naturally occurring inhibitors of key enzymes of the biosynthetic pathways is aiding the characterization of these processes; for examples, inhibition of cerebroside synthase has indicated a role for ceramide in cellular stress responses including heat shock, and inhibition of ceramide synthase (by fumonisins) has revealed the role of disruption of sphingolipid metabolism in several animal diseases. Fumonisins are currently the focus of a FDA long-term tumor study. This review summarizes recent research on (i) the role of sphingolipids as important components of the diet, (ii) the role of sphingoid base metabolites and the ceramide cycle in expression of genes regulating cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, (iii) the use of cerebroside synthase inhibitors as tools for understanding the role of sphingolipids as mediators of cell cycle progression, renal disease, and stress responses, and (iv) the involvement of disrupted sphingolipid metabolism in animal disease and cellular deregulation associated with exposure to inhibitors of ceramide synthase and serine palmitoyltransferase, key enzymes in de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis. These findings illustrate how an understanding of the function of sphingolipids can help solve questions in toxicology and this is undoubtedly only the beginning of this story.
Proline incorporation into the proline and hydroxyproline of earthworm-cuticle collagen

Abstract Studies in vivo of the incorporation of proline into earthworm cuticle have shown that, as with vertebrate collagens, proline and not free hydroxyproline is the source of both proline and hydroxyproline in cuticle collagen. Purified salt-soluble cuticle collagen preparations contain a component highly labeled in proline and resistant to collagenase (EC 3.4.4.19), but sensitive to trypsin (EC 3.4.4.4). The labeled proline in crude collagen preparations, although much higher in specific activity than hydroxyline, decays with about the same time-constant as the hydroxyproline; this and related observations suggest that injection-stimulated synthesis rather than normal turnover is being measured in these experiments. Digestion of cuticle collagen with collagenase releases most of the hydroxyproline in dialyzable form, implying extensive degradation to small fragments.
Laparoscopic Repair of Giant Paraesophageal Hernia Results in Long-Term Patient Satisfaction and a Durable Repair

Laparoscopic repair of giant paraesophageal hernia (LRGPEH) is routinely performed in many centers, but high recurrence rates have led to concerns regarding this approach. We evaluate long-term recurrence rates, symptom improvement and correlation with radiographic recurrence, and risk factors for recurrence in our cohort of patients. A cohort of consecutive patients with a minimum of 5 years potential follow-up (1997–2003) post-LRGPEH was identified from a prospective database. Clinical outcomes, barium esophagram (BE), and quality-of-life (QoL) measures were obtained. Laparoscopic repair was successful in 185/187 patients. Routine clinical follow-up (median 77 months) was available for all patients. Detailed questionnaires and BE were obtained in 65% and 82% of patients. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Health-Related QoL (GERD-HRQoL) scores were excellent to good in 86.7%. BE (median 51 months) demonstrated radiographic hernia recurrence in 15% of patients, but without consistent symptom association. There was a trend toward increased risk of radiographic recurrence in patients with a history of pulmonary disease (p = 0.08). Seven reoperations (4.4%) were performed for symptomatic recurrence (median 44 months postoperative). LRGPEH performed in our minimally invasive center of excellence resulted in a durable repair with a high degree of satisfaction and preservation of GERD-related QoL at a median follow-up of over 6 years.
A third space for reflection by teacher educators: A heuristic for understanding orientations to and components of reflection

While the importance of the development of reflection in teacher education programs is widely acknowledged, articulations of the frameworks and strategies of teacher educators that guide its development in preservice teachers are less clear. To facilitate understanding, we present a heuristic to describe and interpret the construct in two dimensions: orientations to and components of reflection. The orientation dimension considers the increasing complexity of reflective thought through five levels: technical, reflection-in and on-action, deliberative, personalistic, and critical. In contrast to these philosophical orientations, the components dimension describes how teacher educators operationalize and implement reflective practice in the curriculum of teacher education courses. Four components are considered: stimuli, content, process, and outcome. These two dimensions are organized into a heuristic that contains descriptors for each confluence of components and orientations. This heuristic is useful in ...
Stenting of the right ventricular outflow tract

Objective To assess the indication, technical aspects, and outcome of stenting of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) in the management of symptomatic patients with severely limited pulmonary blood flow. Methods Retrospective case note and procedure review of patients undergoing stenting of the RVOT over an 8 year period. Patients Between 2005 and 2012, 52 selected patients underwent percutaneous stent implantation into a very narrow RVOT to improve pulmonary blood flow. Median age at stent implantation was 63 (range 4–406) days and median weight was 3.8 (1.7–12.2) kg. Results 52 patients underwent stent implantation. Median procedure time was 57 (24–260) min and fluoroscopy time 16 (5.5–73) min. There was one procedural death (1.9%) and one emergency surgery (1.9%). Saturations increased from 71% (52–83%) to 92% (81–100%) (p Conclusions Stenting of the RVOT is an effective treatment option in the initial management of selected patients with very reduced pulmonary blood flow.
A Numerical Study of the Thermal Performance of Two Stationary Insert Designs in Internal Compressible Flows

Enhancement of the natural and forced convection heat transfer has been the subject of numerous academic and industrial studies. Air blenders, mechanical agitators, and static mixers have been developed to increase the forced convection heat transfer rate in compressible and incompressible flows. Stationary inserts can be efficiently employed as heat transfer enhancement devices in the natural convection systems. Generally, a stationary heat transfer enhancement insert consists of a number of equal motionless segments, placed inside of a pipe in order to control flowing fluid streams. These devices have low maintenance and operating costs, low space requirements and no moving parts. A range of designs exists for a wide range of specific applications. The shape of the elements determines the character of the fluid motion and thus determines thermal effectiveness of the insert. There are several key parameters that may be considered in the design procedure of a heat transfer enhancement insert, which lead to significant differences in the performance of various designs. An ideal insert, for natural conventional heat transfer in compressible flow applications, provides a higher rate of heat transfer and a thermally homogenous fluid with minimized pressure drop and required space. To choose an insert for a given application or in order to design a new insert, besides experimentation, it is possible to use Computational Fluid Dynamics to study the insert performance. This paper presents the outcomes of the numerical studies on industrial stationary heat transfer enhancement inserts and illustrates how a heat transfer enhancement insert can improve the heat transfer in buoyancy driven compressible flows. Using different measuring tools, thermal performance of two different inserts (twisted and helix) are studied. It is shown that the helix design leads to a higher rate of heat transfer, while causes a lower pressure drop in the flowfield, suggesting the insert effectiveness is higher for the helix design, compared to a twisted plate.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Decoding of natural scene categories from transformed images using distributed patterns of fMRI activity

Perceiving natural scene categories is fast (Potter et al. 1976, Thorpe et al. 1996, Fei-Fei et al. 2007) and can be done with only little attention (Fei-Fei et al. 2002). How and where is this information represented in the brain? We investigate the contribution of several visual areas—V1, lateral occipital complex (LOC), fusiform face area (FFA) and parahippocampal place area (PPA)—to scene categorization. Introduction
Judgments about illegal performance-enhancing substances: Reasoned, reactive, or both?:

This study applied aspects of the Theory of Reasoned Action and the Prototype/Willingness model to understand cognitions associated with the use of illegal performance-enhancing substances. There were two study objectives. One was to investigate whether the illegal-is-effective heuristic (i.e. belief that illegal performance-enhancing substances are more effective than legal performance-enhancing substances) affects willingness to use illegal performance-enhancing substances. The second was to examine whether attitudes, norms, and prototypes influence the willingness and intentions to use illegal performance-enhancing substances. The illegal-is-effective heuristic was a significant predictor of willingness but was not a significant predictor of intentions. Implications for future research and prevention efforts are discussed.
A CASE OF DYSTROPHIA ADIPOSOGENITALIS

Two considerations have impelled us to report the following case of dystrophia adiposogenitalis. One of the outstanding characteristics of the condition in question is a more or less pronounced psychotic trend. The subjects are frequently introverted and have a more or less pronounced inferiority complex. Timme has recently emphasized this fact. There are in the literature, however, relatively few cases reported with regard to psychopathological features. A second consideration is the desirability of more data on the therapeusis of the condition. The patient, E. O'F., male, age 16, was first seen in the dispensary, January 28th, 1920. At that time plans were made to keep him under observation while undergoing treatment for his endocrine disorder. As a matter of fact, he proved to be a recalcitrant patient and it was only with difficulty that sufficient co-operation was obtained to permit carrying out a diagnostic and therapeutic study. For this reason the data reported are deficient in certain particulars...
Integrating Community Health Simulation Scenarios: Experiences from the NCSBN National Simulation Study

Abstract Using simulation in nursing education is increasing as an active learning pedagogy that promotes critical thinking and enhances students' knowledge and skills. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) conducted a national simulation study to provide evidence of the educational outcomes of students having simulation replace varying amounts of clinical time in their nursing education. Schools chosen to conduct this study integrated simulation into clinical experiences in all courses in the curriculum. Incorporating simulation in a community health curriculum was a challenge because there was limited literature on the use of simulation in this area. As a member of the NCSBN National Simulation Study, this study team was among the first to implement community health simulations in the study. The National League of Nursing/Jeffries Simulation Framework served as the underpinnings of developing and integrating simulated community health scenarios. This article describes how the team successfully assessed, planned, and implemented realistic community health simulations that provided meaningful learning to students. Specific details of the challenges to create a realistic experience are discussed as well as the benefits gained through implementing community health simulations.
Antiplatelet agents in tissue factor–induced blood coagulation

Several platelet inhibitors were examined in a tissue factor (TF)-initiated model of whole blood coagulation. In vitro coagulation of human blood from normal donors was initiated by 25 pM TF while contact pathway coagulation was suppressed using corn trypsin inhibitor. Products of the reaction were analyzed by immunoassay. Preactivation of platelets with the thrombin receptor activation peptide did not influence significantly the clotting time or thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT) formation. Addition of prostaglandin E(1) (5 microM) caused a significant delay in clotting (10.0 minutes) versus control (4.3 minutes). The prolonged clotting time is correlated with delays in platelet activation, formation of TAT, and fibrinopeptide A (FPA) release. In blood from subjects receiving acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or aspirin), none of the measured products of coagulation were significantly affected. Similarly, no significant effect was observed when 5 microM dipyridamole (Persantine) was added to the blood. Antagonists of the platelet integrin receptor glycoprotein (gp) IIb/IIIa had intermediate effects on the reaction. A 1- to 2-minute delay in clot time and FPA formation was observed with addition of the antibodies 7E3 and Reopro (abciximab) (10 microg/mL), accompanied by a 40% to 70% reduction in the maximal rate of TAT formation and delay in platelet activation. The cyclic heptapetide, Integrilin (eptifibatide), at 5 microM concentration slightly prolonged clot time and significantly attenuated the maximum rate of TAT formation. The disruption of the gpIIb/IIIa-ligand interaction not only affects platelet aggregation, but also decreases the rate of TF-initiated thrombin generation in whole blood, demonstrating a potent antithrombotic effect superimposed on the antiaggregation characteristics.
The View from Silicon Valley: From Academe to Innovative Startups

Silicon Valley has a long history new startup companies based upon innovations developed in the world-class university laboratories at Stanford University and the University of California at Berkeley. I have had several students start companies, served on the boards of several companies and evaluated many proposals to venture capital groups. I will describe some of the important foundations required to make successful transitions from university innovations into viable companies and lessons learned in the process.
Structure of the vervet-monkey-disease agent.

Abstract Details of the structure and size of the infective agent of vervet-monkey disease are described. The agent appears in electron micrographs in the form of bulbous head with long narrow tail.
Share, steal, or buy? A social cognitive perspective of music downloading.

The music downloading phenomenon presents a unique opportunity to examine normative influences on media consumption behavior. Downloaders face moral, legal, and ethical quandaries that can be conce...
Chemical potential and carrier density in bismuth thin films under three-dimensional quantizations

Three-dimensional quantizations of the energy spectrum can be realized in semimetal bismuth by applying a magnetic field perpendicular to a bismuth thin film. Numerical calculations were made of the chemical potential and the carrier (electrons and holes) density in three-dimensionally quantized bismuth films. The nonparabolic, ellipsoidal electronic band model for bismuth was used. The chemical potential and carrier density were evaluated as functions of temperature, film thickness, and magnetic field intensity. Comparison of the calculated results and experimental data suggests that the energy-band model would remain valid in thin films and the localized electrons would amount to 1% (order of magnitude) of the carrier density. The electrons would assume two-dimensional motions once the film thickness is reduced below about 350 A\r{}.
Effect of multispecies ionization on electrical conductivity calculations.

Multiple species ionization effect on electrical conductivity/current density of seeded noble gas plasmas
Recent Trends in Residential Energy Use in OECD Countries and their Impact on Carbon Dioxide Emissions: A Comparative Analysis of the Period 1973–1992

In the late 1970s and for most of the 1980s, residential energy use in the OECD underwent significant changes. Many of these changes were a result of more efficient energy use in response to higher energy prices, energy efficiency programs, and the appearance of new technologies for saving energy. This study analyzes these changes and the impact of energy use on carbon emissions in the residential sector for nine OECD countries for the period from 1973 to 1992. The major findings of this analysis are: (i) CO2 emissions per capita were lower in 1992 in almost all of the countries we studied; (ii) The two primary changes were improvements in energy efficiency and a decrease in the share of fossil fuels used for electricity and district heating production; (iii) The main source of growth in emissions from residential energy use was increased ownership of electric appliances, where, in spite of important improvements in energy efficiency, ownership grew so rapidly that electricity use (and subsequent emissions) increased; (iv) Changes in fuel mix, including both the changes in the share of fuels used in households and the share of fuels used to generate electricity and district heating, led to a decrease in emissions in the nine countries; (v) Increasing the efficiency of electric appliances and further reductions in the intensity of space heating are probably the key elements in a strategy to improve efficiency as a means to lowering CO2 emissions.
Statin myopathy: a review of recent progress.

Purpose of reviewStatins are commonly prescribed lipid-lowering medications that significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However, they can have myotoxic effects ranging in severity from myalgias to rhabdomyolysis. This review focuses on recent progress in defining the clinical featur
Extrahepatic pseudoaneurysms and ruptures of the hepatic artery in liver transplant recipients: endovascular management and a new iatrogenic etiology.

To characterize extrahepatic pseudoaneurysm regarding incidence and etiology and determine the effectiveness of endovascular management. A retrospective audit of 1,857 liver transplants in two institutions was performed (1996–2009). Recipients’ demographics, clinical presentation, transplant type, biliary anastomosis, and presence of biliary endoprostheses were noted. Pseudoaneurysms were classified into iatrogenic (associated with biliary endoprosthesis or angioplasty) or spontaneous extrahepatic pseudoaneurysms. Spontaneous and iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms were compared for time from transplant, presenting symptoms, location in the arterial anatomy, and 3-month graft survival. Arterial patency and 6-month graft survival were calculated. Twenty pseudoaneurysms were found (1.1 %, 20/1,857): 9 (0.5 % of transplants, 9/1,857) were spontaneous and 11 (0.6 % of transplants, 11/1,857) were “iatrogenic” (due to minimally invasive procedures: 4 angioplasty and 7 biliary endoprostheses). Sixty percent (12/20) underwent endovascular management (4 coil embolization and 8 stent-grafts). Technical success was 83 % (10/12) with a mean arterial patency of 70 % (follow-up mean, 4.9; range, 0–18 months). The 1-, 3-, and 6-month graft survival was 70, 40, and 35 %, respectively. Due to minimally invasive procedures, posttransplant extrahepatic pseudoaneurysms are no longer an exclusive complication of the transplant surgery itself. Endovascular management is effective to stabilize patients but has not improved historic postsurgical graft survival.
A coupled theory of damage mechanics and finite strain elasto-plasticity. I : Damage and elastic deformations

Abstract A coupled theory of elasticity and continuum damage mechanics is formulated here. It is assumed that the material undergoes damage with small elastic strains. The hypothesis of elastic energy equivalence is used in order to produce the proposed coupling. The damage variable used represents average material degradation which reflects the various types of damage at the microscale level like nucleation and growth of voids, cavities, micro-cracks and other microscopic defects. The proposed model is numerically implemented using finite elements with an Updated Lagrangian description. It is also shown how the model can be applied to problems of ductile frActare. The problem of crack initiation in a thin plate with a center crack that is subjected to uniaxial tension is analyzed using the proposed model. The theory is extended to coupling of damage and finite strain plasticity in the companion paper. It is shown there how the model can be used to solve problems in elasto-plastic ductile fracture.
The effect of cobalt ion on nucleation of calcium-carbonate polymorphs

Abstract Cobalt, like Mg, may cause the precipitation of aragonite rather than calcite in aqueous solutions due to the adsorption and crystal poisoning of calcite by a hydrated ion. Solutions containing NaCl and CaCl 2 , having the ionic strength and Ca content of seawater (35‰ salinity), were spiked with known amounts of CoCl 2 . Calcium carbonate was precipitated by the addition of 0.7 ml of 1 M Na 2 CO 3 . All experimental runs were made at 25°C, and all products were examined by X-ray diffraction. At low concentrations of Co ( −4 M ) calcite and vaterite formed. At concentrations from 5·10 −4 M to 2·10 −3 M , the products consisted of combinations of calcite and vaterite; aragonite and calcite; aragonite and vaterite; calcite, vaterite and aragonite. In solutions of 3·10 −3 M CoCl 2 , most precipitates were aragonite with only one sample containing a small amount of calcite. All precipitates from 5·10 −3 M CoCl 2 solutions either contained aragonite or were amorphous. Solutions with concentrations of 1 · 10 −2 M CoCl 2 produced only amorphous precipitates. All precipitates contained an amorphous violet phase, assumed to be basic cobaltous carbonate (2CoCO 3 ·Co(OH) 2 ·H 2 O).
An ad-hoc diagnostic tool for checking for interaction in a nonreplicated experiment

In a nonreplicated experiment, the assumption of no interaction is made to facilitate hypotheses testing. An ad-hoc graphical procedure is described for detecting major departures from the no interaction assumption.
Arterial Stiffness in Children: Pediatric Measurement and Considerations.

Background: Arterial stiffness is a natural consequence of aging, accelerated in certain chronic conditions, and predictive of cardiovascular events in adults. Emerging research suggests the importance of arterial stiffness in pediatric populations. Methods: There are different indices of arterial stiffness. The present manuscript focuses on carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and pulse wave analysis, although other methodologies are discussed. Also reviewed are specific measurement considerations for pediatric populations and the literature describing arterial stiffness in children with certain chronic conditions (primary hypertension, obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, hypercholesterolemia, genetic syndromes involving vasculopathy, and solid organ transplant recipients). Conclusions: The measurement of arterial stiffness in children is feasible and, under controlled conditions, can give accurate information about the underlying state of the arteries. This potentially adds valuable information about the functionality of the cardiovascular system in children with a variety of chronic diseases well beyond that of the brachial artery blood pressure.
The Single Administration Estimate of the Proportion of Agreement of a Proficiency Test Scored with a Latent Structure Model

Several methods have been proposed for estimating the reliability of a criterion-referenced test. This paper describes and compares seven procedures which can be applied to the more general case of proficiency tests that are scored with latent structure models. Results suggest that the predictive estimate is the most accurate of the procedures.
Optical control of enzymatic conversion of sucrose to glucose by bacteriorhodopsin incorporated into self-assembled phosphatidylcholine vesicles

Abstract This report describes an alternative method to modulate enzyme activity optically through pH modulation. Bacteriorhodopsin (BR) is used to regulate the activity of an enzyme which it does not naturally regulate. In this study BR controlled the pH-dependent conversion of sucrose to glucose by the enzyme, invertase. BR is oriented in the wall of phosphatidylcholine vesicles so that at pH values greater than 4–5 it pumps protons into the vesicles and at pH values less than 4 it pumps protons out of the vesicle when illuminated with light of the proper wavelength. The bulk-solution pH correspondingly changes as a result. At an initial pH of 5.57 the change in pH of the solution due to pumping by the bacteriorhodopsin-vesicle complex was 0.17 pH units. To study this effect on the enzyme, samples containing BR vesicles and invertase were assayed for enzyme activity under dark and illuminated conditions. It was found that changes in enzyme activity, upon illumination, were generally larger than predicted for the corresponding changes in the bulk solution pH generated by the BR vesicles.
Protein component of two isolates of barley yellow dwarf virus.

Abstract A single major protein was identified in preparations of the MAV and RPV isolates of barley yellow dwarf virus in tests based on SDS gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight of each protein was measured in experiments using a series of gels of different acrylamide concentrations. Although the precision of these determinations was affected by some anomalous migration of the proteins, we estimate the molecular weight of the protein of the MAV isolate to be 23,500, and that of RPV to be 24,450.
Crack stability in simply supported four-point and three-point loaded beams of brittle materials

Abstract The feasibility of utilizing simple beam specimens as candidates for fracture-toughness testing of brittle nonmetallic materials was explored. Four-point and three-point loaded beams were examined via theoretical considerations with regard to crack growth stability and constant deflection loading, taking into account the stiffness or compliance of the loading system. It was found that the compliance of the loading system played a major role with regard to crack growth stability. Also, a three-point loaded beam exhibited greater stability than a four-point loaded beam. Nevertheless, the geometry of both beam specimen configurations was optimized within practical limits to yield a test system that would serve as a potentially successful candidate for fracture-toughness testing, if the compliance of the testing machine and ancillary equipment could be kept below a practicable level. Experimental verification of the theoretical predictions of stability of both the four-point and three-point loaded beams was accomplished. Load—displacement curves were determined for beams fabricated from a quasi-brittle material, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), having various initial crack lengths. Fracture toughness of PMMA was also obtained via two methods: the critical stress intensity approach and the energy of fracture. The results from these two methods corroborated each other and established data available in the literature.
Growing up the hard way: pathways of urban adolescents.

Presented a description and initial findings from the Adolescent Pathways Project (APP). There is a dearth of developmentally and ecologically anchored knowledge concerning adolescents, particularly poor and ethnically diverse urban adolescents, other than that they are at greater risk for behavioral, emotional, and educational problems. As a result, our ability to develop and implement grounded prevention programs is severely limited. The APP was intended to fill this knowledge gap. Using an accelerated longitudinal design, the APP examines the developmental trajectories of an ethnically diverse sample of 1,333 black, Latino, and white youth from inner-city public schools in Baltimore, Washington, DC, and New York. It involves four interrelated studies: Youth, Parent, School, and Neighborhood. The project's major aim is to identify the critical psychological, developmental, and ecological factors that facilitate positive as well as negative outcomes. This initial description of the APP presents the overarching ecological-developmental framework and guiding questions, as well as initial findings central to the tenets of community psychology. Language: en
Another Instance of Bat Versus Ant

When investigating a colony of Eptesicus fuscus on July 9, 1957, at Battle Ground, Tippecanoe Co., Indiana, the author noticed a subadult male with the head of an insect attached to its …
A Note on Satellite Dynamics

It is demonstrated here that inertial differentiation of angular momentum-is independent of the choice of the moving reference coordinate system. The results agree with Greensite [1] and contradict Sen's results [2] by indicating a basic error in his derivation. However, Sen's step [2] is correct.
Long-Term Performance Data and Analysis of CIS/CIGS Modules Deployed Outdoors

The long-term performance data of copper indium diselenide (CIS) and gallium-alloyed CIS (CIGS) photovoltaic (PV) modules are investigated to assess the reliability of this technology. We study and report on numerous PV modules acquired from two manufacturers (A and B), deployed at NREL's outdoor test facility (OTF) in various configurations in the field: some are free standing, loaded with a fixed resistance and periodically tested indoors at STC; other modules are connected to data acquisition systems with their performance continuously monitored. Performance is characterized using current-voltage (I-V) measurements obtained either at standard test conditions or under real-time monitoring conditions: the power parameters plus other factors relating to quality like diode quality factors or series resistance are analyzed for changes against time. Using standard diode analysis to determine the sources of degradation indicates that CIS modules can exhibit between moderate and negligible degradation, with the dominant loss mode being fill factor declines along with decreases in open-circuit voltage, for illumination intensities near 1-sun. At lower intensities, current losses can appear appreciable. The real-time performance data also indicate that fill factor loss is the primary degradation mode, generally as a result of increases in series resistance.
Cardiac Mast Cells Mediate Left Ventricular Fibrosis in the Hypertensive Rat Heart

Correlative data suggest that cardiac mast cells are a component of the inflammatory response that is important to hypertension-induced adverse myocardial remodeling. However, a causal relationship has not been established. We hypothesized that adverse myocardial remodeling would be inhibited by preventing the release of mast cell products that may interact with fibroblasts and other inflammatory cells. Eight-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats were treated for 12 weeks with the mast cell stabilizing compound nedocromil (30 mg/kg per day). Age-matched Wistar-Kyoto rats served as controls. Nedocromil prevented left ventricular fibrosis in the spontaneously hypertensive rat independent of hypertrophy and blood pressure, despite cardiac mast cell density being elevated. The mast cell protease tryptase was elevated in the spontaneously hypertensive rat myocardium and was normalized by nedocromil. Treatment of isolated adult spontaneously hypertensive rat cardiac fibroblasts with tryptase induced collagen synthesis and proliferation, suggesting this as a possible mechanism of mast cell-mediated fibrosis. In addition, nedocromil prevented macrophage infiltration into the ventricle. The inflammatory cytokines interferon-γ and interleukin (IL)-4 were increased in the spontaneously hypertensive rat and normalized by nedocromil, whereas IL-6 and IL-10 were decreased in the spontaneously hypertensive rat, with nedocromil treatment normalizing IL-6 and increasing IL-10 above the control. These results demonstrate for the first time a causal relationship between mast cell activation and fibrosis in the hypertensive heart. Furthermore, these results identify several mechanisms, including tryptase, inflammatory cell recruitment, and cytokine regulation, by which mast cells may mediate hypertension-induced left ventricular fibrosis.
Periodic fever syndromes.

1. Donald P. Goldsmith, MD* 1. *Professor of Pediatrics, Drexel University College of Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, Pa After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the differences between the periodic fever (or autoinflammatory syndromes) and autoimmune disorders. 2. Summarize the ethnic predilection and genetic basis for the most common periodic fever syndromes. 3. Recognize the salient clinical features of the most common periodic fever syndromes 4. List the current therapeutic choices for the management of the most common periodic fever syndromes. Any list of the causes of fever of unknown origin in childhood is extensive and must include broad categories such as infectious diseases, neoplastic conditions, and rheumatic/inflammatory disorders. The periodic fever syndromes most often have been included in the rheumatic/inflammatory category, but their proper classification and pathogenesis remain unclear. Within the past 10 years, significant strides have been made in the understanding of the periodic fever syndromes, which now are considered to result from primary dysregulation of the innate immune system. Many rheumatic disorders that are considered when evaluating for a cause of fever of unknown origin are defined by aberrations of the adaptive or acquired immune system. Antigen recognition by adaptive immune surveillance is accomplished through T and B lymphocytes and is characterized by the enhanced development of either autoantibodies or autoreactive T cells. Within the innate immune system, aberrations are not based on self-targeting by autoantibodies or lymphocytes but rather occur through the activation of antigen-independent inflammatory mechanisms. Neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells (rather than T and B cells) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and IL-12 are the primary cellular effectors and mediators of innate immunity. To accommodate this new information, the term autoinflammatory disorders has been advanced to classify these conditions more accurately. Many of these disorders are hereditary and have typical ethnic predilections. Thus, the periodic fever syndromes from the nosologic view now are considered to exist within the broader …
1,3-Butadiene Exposure and Metabolism among Japanese American, Native Hawaiian, and White Smokers

Background: We hypothesize that the differences in lung cancer risk in Native Hawaiians, whites, and Japanese Americans may, in part, be due to variation in the metabolism of 1,3-butadiene, one of the most abundant carcinogens in cigarette smoke. Methods: We measured two biomarkers of 1,3-butadiene exposure, monohydroxybutyl mercapturic acid (MHBMA) and dihydroxybutyl mercapturic acid (DHBMA), in overnight urine samples among 584 Native Hawaiians, Japanese Americans, and white smokers in Hawaii. These values were normalized to creatinine levels. Ethnic-specific geometric means were compared adjusting for age at urine collection, sex, body mass index, and nicotine equivalents (a marker of total nicotine uptake). Results: We found that mean urinary MHBMA differed by race/ethnicity (P ¼ 0.0002). The values were highestin whitesandlowestin JapaneseAmericans.Thisdifference wasonlyobservedinindividualswiththe GSTT1-nullgenotype(P ¼0.0001).Nodifferenceacrossrace/ethnicitywasfoundamongthosewithatleastone copy of the GSTT1 gene (P � 0.72). Mean urinary DHBMA did not differ across racial/ethnic groups. Conclusions:The differencein urinaryMHBMAexcretionlevelsfromcigarettesmokingacrossthree ethnic groupsis,inpart,explainedbytheGSTT1genotype.MeanurinaryMHBMAlevelsarehigherinwhitesamong GSTT1-null smokers. Impact: The overall higher excretion levels of MHBMA in whites and lower levels of MHBMA in Japanese Americans are consistent with the higher lung cancer risk in the former. However, the excretion levels of MHBMA in Native Hawaiians are not consistent with their disease risk and thus unlikely to explain their high risk of lung cancer. See all the articles in this CEBP Focus section, "Cancer in Asian and Pacific Islander Populations." Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2240–9. � 2014 AACR.
Extraction of 3,4,4'-Trichlorocarbanilide from Rat Fecal Samples for Determination by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Triclocarban (3,4,4′-Trichlorocarbanilide; TCC) in the environment has been well documented. Methods have been developed to monitor TCC levels from various matrices including water, sediment, biosolids, plants, blood and urine; however, no method has been developed to document the concentration of TCC in fecal content after oral exposure in animal studies. In the present study, we developed and validated a method that uses liquid extraction coupled with HPLC-MS/MS determination to measure TCC in feces. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation in control rats without TCC exposure was 69.0 ng/g and 92.9 ng/g of feces, respectively. The base levels of TCC in feces were lower than LOD. At 12 days of treatment, the fecal TCC concentration increased to 2220 µg/g among 0.2% w/w exposed animals. The concentration in fecal samples decreased over the washout period in 0.2% w/w treated animals to 0.399 µ/g feces after exposure was removed for 28 days. This method required a small amount of sample (0.1 g) with simple sample preparation. Given its sensitivity and efficiency, this method may be useful for monitoring TCC exposure in toxicological studies of animals.
Creating positive change in community organizations: A case for rediscovering Lewin

As nonprofits, especially those with a community mission, pursue developmental goals, they may benefit from various planning and analytical tools. This article explores an application of Kurt Lewin's planned change model to an assessment and revisioning process undertaken by a community-based organization, indicating the ongoing usefulness of Lewin's work in the nonprofit sector. Using a case study approach, we examined the actions embarked on by the organization to address decreased funding and client losses. The Lewin model is overlaid to illustrate its value in structuring organizational decision making and development. The model is a three-step process of unfreezing from old practices, moving and changing the organization into new directions based on formally identified needs, and refreezing into more effective organizational modes. When combined with other standard practices such as strategic planning, Lewin's model provides a practical and theoretically insightful tool for nonprofits wishing to refine their missions and programs and engage in successful organizational change.
Correlates of Immune Protection following Cutaneous Immunization with an Attenuated Burkholderia pseudomallei Vaccine

ABSTRACT Infections with the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei (melioidosis) are associated with high mortality, and there is currently no approved vaccine to prevent the development of melioidosis in humans. Infected patients also do not develop protective immunity to reinfection, and some individuals will develop chronic, subclinical infections with B. pseudomallei. At present, our understanding of what constitutes effective protective immunity against B. pseudomallei infection remains incomplete. Therefore, we conducted a study to elucidate immune correlates of vaccine-induced protective immunity against acute B. pseudomallei infection. BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were immunized subcutaneously with a highly attenuated, Select Agent-excluded purM deletion mutant of B. pseudomallei (strain Bp82) and then subjected to intranasal challenge with virulent B. pseudomallei strain 1026b. Immunization with Bp82 generated significant protection from challenge with B. pseudomallei, and protection was associated with a significant reduction in bacterial burden in lungs, liver, and spleen of immunized mice. Humoral immunity was critically important for vaccine-induced protection, as mice lacking B cells were not protected by immunization and serum from Bp82-vaccinated mice could transfer partial protection to nonvaccinated animals. In contrast, vaccine-induced protective immunity was found to be independent of both CD4 and CD8 T cells. Tracking studies demonstrated uptake of the Bp82 vaccine strain predominately by neutrophils in vaccine-draining lymph nodes and by smaller numbers of dendritic cells (DC) and monocytes. We concluded that protection following cutaneous immunization with a live attenuated Burkholderia vaccine strain was dependent primarily on generation of effective humoral immune responses.
Kusanagi's body: Gender and technology in mecha‐anime

This article comments on the increasing significance of the action heroine in media entertainment by focusing on Mamoru Oshii's animated film, Ghost in the Shell. The author argues that the body of...
Identification and Chemical Synthesis of a Host Cell Receptor Binding Site on Hepatitis B Virus

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has not yet been propagated in vitro, and knowledge concerning its reaction with receptors on target cells remained scant. We have located within the HBV envelope proteins a sequence mediating the attachment of HBV to human hepatoma HepG2 cells. A synthetic peptide analog (PLGFFPDHQLDPAFGANSNNPDWDFNP) is recognized by both cell receptors and anti-HBV antibodies and elicits antibodies reacting with native HBV. The synthetic peptide is a promising immunogen expected to elicit protective antibodies based on the concept of the attachment blockade pathway of virus neutralization. The approach described here, based on anti-peptide antisera and the binding of peptide analogs to cell receptors is generally applicable for the delineation of cell receptor binding sites on viruses with known gene sequences.
Hospital staff nurses' shift length associated with safety and quality of care

The objective of this study was to analyze hospital staff nurses' shift length, scheduling characteristics, and nurse reported safety and quality. A secondary analysis of a large nurse survey linked with hospital administrative data was conducted. More than 22 000 registered nurses' reports of shift length and scheduling characteristics were examined. Extended shift lengths were associated with higher odds of reporting poor quality and safety. Policies aimed at reducing the use of extended shifts may be advisable.
What makes some control problems hard

The goal of this article is to suggest a framework for viewing control applications that will help the control practitioner understand and articulate the nature of the engineering challenge. The author hopes that this framework will provide a useful guide to approaching new control applications while increasing the chances of success. He explores the question in five phases: control strategy, control physics, control architecture, control hardware, and control tuning.
Equitable list coloring and treewidth

Given lists of available colors assigned to the vertices of a graph G, a list coloring is a proper coloring of G such that the color on each vertex is chosen from its list. If the lists all have size k, then a list coloring is equitable if each color appears on at most ⌈|V(G)|-k⌉ vertices. A graph is equitably k -choosable if such a coloring exists whenever the lists all have size k. Kostochka, Pelsmajer, and West introduced this notion and conjectured that G is equitably k-choosable for k>Δ(G). We prove this for graphs of treewidth w≤5 if also k≥3w-1. We also show that if G has treewidth w≥5, then G is equitably k-choosable for k≥maxlΔ(G)+w-4, 3w-1r. As a corollary, if G is chordal, then G is equitably k-choosable for k≥3Δ(G)-4 when Δ(G)>2. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory