cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Superresolution mapping of energy landscape for single charge carriers in plastic semiconductors

The performance of conjugated polymer devices is largely dictated by charge transport processes. However, it is difficult to obtain a clear relationship between conjugated polymer structures and charge transport properties, due to the complexity of the structure and the dispersive nature of charge transport in conjugated polymers. Here, we develop a method to map the energy landscape for charge transport in conjugated polymers based on simultaneous, correlated charge carrier tracking and single-particle fluorescence spectroscopy. In nanoparticles of the conjugated polymer poly[9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-1,4-benzo-{2,1′-3}-thiadiazole)], two dominant chain conformations were observed, a blue-emitting phase (λmax = 550 nm) and a red-emitting phase (λmax = 595 nm). Hole polarons were trapped within the red phase, only occasionally escaping into the blue phase. Polaron hopping between the red-emitting traps was observed, with transition time ranging from tens of milliseconds to several seconds. These results provide unprecedented nanoscale detail about charge transport at the single carrier level. To understand the complex nanoscale structure-property relationships in conjugated polymers for device applications, new methods for tracking charge transport are required. Here, the authors employ superresolution mapping to study the charge carrier dynamics in conjugated polymer nanoparticles.
Illicit Trafficking of Radioactive and Nuclear Materials

Abstract Nuclear and radioactive materials are ubiquitous in modern life and are present worldwide—so is the risk of their misuse. Understanding the phenomena of illicit nuclear trafficking assists us in preventing occurrences, mitigates its consequences, and promotes methods for better security and safety of these materials. The chapter examines available data on illicit trafficking in order to assist practitioners in developing a robust approach to address trafficking and thwart perpetrators’ efforts.
Discharge Instruction Comprehension and Adherence Errors: Interrelationship Between Plan Complexity and Parent Health Literacy.

Objective To examine associations between parent health literacy, discharge plan complexity, and parent comprehension of and adherence to inpatient discharge instructions. Study design This was a prospective cohort study of English/Spanish-speaking parents (n = 165) of children ≤12 years discharged on ≥1 daily medication from an urban, public hospital. Outcome variables were parent comprehension (survey) of and adherence (survey, in-person dosing assessment, chart review) to discharge instructions. Predictor variables included low parent health literacy (Newest Vital Sign score 0-3) and plan complexity. Generalized estimating equations were used to account for the assessment of multiple types of comprehension and adherence errors for each subject, adjusting for ethnicity, language, child age, length of stay, and chronic disease status. Similar analyses were performed to assess for mediation and moderation. Results Error rates were highest for comprehension of medication side effects (50%), adherence to medication dose (34%), and return precaution (78%) instructions. Comprehension errors were associated with adherence errors (aOR, 8.7; 95% CI, 5.9-12.9). Discharge plan complexity was associated with comprehension (aOR, 7.0; 95% CI, 5.4-9.1) and adherence (aOR, 5.5; 95% CI, 4.0-7.6) errors. Low health literacy was indirectly associated with adherence errors through comprehension errors. The association between plan complexity and comprehension errors was greater in parents with low (aOR, 8.3; 95% CI, 6.2-11.2) compared with adequate (aOR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.2-6.5) health literacy (interaction term P = .004). Conclusions Parent health literacy and discharge plan complexity play key roles in comprehension and adherence errors. Future work will focus on the development of health literacy-informed interventions to promote discharge plan comprehension.
A Dataflow / von Neumann Hybrid

In the previous Chapter, it was concluded that satisfactory solutions to the problems raised for von Neumann architectures can only be had by altering the architecture of the processor itself. It was further observed that dataflow architectures do address these problems satisfactorily. Based on observations of the near-miss behavior of certain von Neumann parallel processors (e.g., the Denelcor HEP [40, 52]), it is reasonable to speculate that dataflow and von Neumann machines actually represent two points on a continuum of architectures. The goal of the present study is to develop a new machine model which differs minimally from the von Neumann model, yet embodies the same latency and synchronization characteristics which make dataflow architectures amenable to parallel processing.
Breeding thresholds in opportunistic Odonata records

Abstract Numerous interacting abiotic and biotic factors shape an organism's spatial distribution, and these factors vary spatially and temporally, such that habitat used for breeding may differ from habitat used at other times of the life cycle. We address this complex issue in the context of citizen science and opportunistic species occurrence records, a valuable data source for biogeography and conservation. We focus on the insect order Odonata, the dragonflies and damselflies, which as adults are popular in citizen science programs. Our goal was to devise a means to estimate with high confidence whether a site supports a breeding population if only opportunistic data are available. Our approach fitted logistic curves from occupancy models of observations of tenerals (newly emerged adults that cannot yet disperse from a natal site) against counts of all adults, adult females only, and incidence of breeding behaviors (ovipositing, mate guarding, tandem pairs). Models included median body size and abundance class as covariates of detectability. We subjected logistic curves to a Bayesian two-segment piecewise regression to obtain best estimates of the threshold (with associated credible intervals as an estimate of uncertainty) to assess if a given predictor (e.g., adult count) or combination of predictors was associated with breeding occurrence. We found that no single threshold fit all odonates: thresholds of varying precision were identified for the suborders (dragonflies, damselflies) and for families and select genera in each suborder. Counts of females greatly reduced the required threshold, whereas breeding behavior data reduced the threshold in some cases. Our study shows it is possible to identify breeding occurrences in opportunistic adult Odonata records. It also highlights how citizen scientists should record not only a sound species list with rudimentary counts of adults but also note the sex and breeding behavior. The identification of breeding occurrences in extensive opportunistic data is pertinent to understanding species' distributions and habitat requirements along with their ecological sensitivity and value as bioindicators.
On the front lines of disclosure: A conceptual framework of disclosure events

An important yet understudied element of the stigma disclosure calculus is the response of individuals who are the recipients of stigmatizing information—individuals who are essentially on the fron...
Aspects and applications of nonlocal Lorentz violation

We consider simple scalar theories with quadratic terms that are nonlocal and Lorentz violating. Unlike similar Lorentz-invariant nonlocal theories that we have considered previously, the theories studied here are both ghost-free and unitary as formulated in Minkowski space. We explore the possibility that the scale of nonlocality could be low in a dark sector, where the stringent constraints on the violation of Lorentz invariance may be accommodated via the weak coupling to the standard model. We point out that long-range forces may originate from such a sector and be distinguishable from more conventional beyond-the-standard-model possibilities. We present a model in which a nonlocal, Lorentz-violating dark sector communicates with the standard model via a sector of heavy vectorlike fermions, a concrete framework in which phenomenological constraints and signals can be investigated.
The Role of Teacher Dispositions in a Global Teaching Context

Dispositions are a vital aspect to teacher preparation. Dispositions provide the holistic view to teaching future teachers that is often missing in teacher preparation programs. Commonly, the focus of training in teacher preparation programs is on pedagogical and content specific instruction. However, teacher preparation programs have a greater responsibility to further prepare candidates through dispositional development. In the 21st century, it is imperative that teachers are communicatively and culturally competent. Teacher dispositions relate directly to 21st century skills. This chapter focuses on defining dispositions, explaining their significance in teacher preparation programs and establishing how dispositional training can be employed in practical settings. Including teacher dispositions as an integral aspect of teacher preparation globally could help to establish meaningful and clear connections regarding what is truly needed for successful intercultural and international education in the 21st century.
Angular-Momentum Biased Circulator with a Common-Differential Mode Topology for RF and Modulation Isolation

This paper presents a single ended magnetless circulator with inherent common-differential mode rejection between the RF and modulation paths. The circulator consists of three first-order bandstop LC filters differentially powered and modulated, eliminating the requirement of filters for isolation between the RF and modulation paths. A preliminary printed-circuit-board prototype at 1.78 GHz is fabricated and measured, showing an isolation of more than 20 dB, insertion loss of 5.5 dB, 2.6% bandwidth and power handling of 21 dBm, comparable to other designs in existing literature.
Dynamic-Phasor Model of Transformer Inrush Simulation for Unbalanced Distribution System

Power system stability is a critical concern, with respect to the increasing distributed energy resources, microgrids, and an emphasis on enhancing resiliency. For stability analysis and evaluation, modeling and simulation capabilities are important. In this paper, the authors' previous work [1] on modeling transformer inrush dynamics is improved with a new formulation of the key equation that converts the dynamic-phasor into a time-domain value. Simulation results in an electromechanical time-scale are compared with PSCAD results in an electromagnetic time-scale to demonstrate the improvement. The impact of simulation step size is discussed. In addition, explanations and analysis are provided on two modeling techniques utilized since the previous work. This work is being incorporated into the next release of GridLAB-D. The improved transformer inrush calculation enables more accurate predictions of current amplitudes for analyzing the dynamics of distribution operation and control.
A Standard Scale to Measure Equine Keeper Status and the Effect of Metabolic Tendency on Gut Microbiome Structure

Thriftiness in horses has been associated with more efficient nutrient harvesting in digestion, absorption and/or utilization, but the relative contribution of the gut microbiome to host metabolic tendency is not well understood. Recognizing the unreliability of owner reported assignment of keeper status, this research describes a novel tool for calculating whether a horse is an easy (EK) or hard (HK) keeper and then characterizes microbiome differences in these groups. The Equine Keeper Status Scale (EKSS) was developed and validated based on data gathered from 240 horses. Estimates of dietary energy intakes and requirements to achieve the optimal BCS score of 5 were used in EKSS assignments. Sixty percent of owners’ characterizations disagreed with EKSS identified keeper assignments. Equine fecal 16S rRNA profiles (n = 73) revealed differences in α and β diversities and taxa abundances based on EKSS assignments. EK communities had more Planctomycetes and fewer Euryarcheaota, Spirochaetes and Proteobacteria than HK indicating functional differences in nutrient harvesting between groups. Differences in the gut microbiomes of horses based on keeper assignment point to host/microbial interactions that may underlie some differences in metabolic tendency. The EKSS enables robust, repeatable determination of keeper status which can be used by researchers and horse owners.
Nachhaltigkeit messbar machen – Integration von ISO 26000 in die Sustainability Balanced Scorecard

CSR ist fur viele nach wie vor nicht greifbar, nicht zuletzt deshalb, weil es auf dem Gebiet Kennzahlen und Messung von CSR derzeit noch sehr wenig Literatur und Hilfestellung gibt. Das derzeit bekannteste Instrument ist die Sustainability Balanced Scorecard (SBSC). Sie beruht auf dem Konzept der Balanced Scorecard (BSC) nach Kaplan und Norton und erganzt die klassische BSC durch die Integration der drei Saulen des CSR-Konzepts: Okonomie, Okologie und Soziales. Die SBSC ist ein Instrument des strategischen Nachhaltigkeitsmanagements. Sie baut auf einer vorhandenen Strategie auf und hilft, diese erfolgreich umzusetzen. Die SBSC dient dazu, neben okonomischen Zielen auch Umwelt- und Sozialziele systematisch und gleichwertig bei der Identifikation, Steuerung und Kontrolle der strategischen Erfolgsfaktoren zu berucksichtigen.
Immunological response to bolus versus multiple injections of hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc®) in a murine biocompatibility model

Local tissue reactivity to intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc®) has been described. We used a murine biocompatibility model to study the inflammatory response to Synvisc® after a single bolus injection versus the traditional three shot series of injections. Air pouches were established subcutaneously in BALB/c mice, which were injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), 5 mg ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene particles (to simulate synthetic joint wear debris, positive control), 0.5 mL Synvisc® (one injection/week for three weeks, harvested 14 days after last injection), or 1.5 mL Synvisc® bolus (harvested either 14 or 28 days after last injection). Inflammatory gene expression and inflammation of air pouch tissue, and serum antibody titers to Synvisc® were determined. Inflammation was observed with all Synvisc® treatments relative to PBS (p < 0.01). However, the three injection series of Synvisc® resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) greater tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene expression compared to both PBS and bolus single shot Synvisc® harvested after 14 or 28 days. While all Synvisc® treatments resulted in serum antibodies to Synvisc® (p < 0.02 compared to PBS control group), mice that received three injections of Synvisc® had higher levels than mice receiving a single injection (p < 0.01). These results demonstrate that a single bolus injection of Synvisc® led to less inflammation and a lower antibody response when compared to the three-shot series of injections, supporting the current change in treatment from multiple injections to a single injection of Synvisc®. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1375–1380, 2014.
Familial Spontaneous Pneumothorax

A family is described in which four persons in three generations suffered spontaneous pneumothoraces: a newborn, an infant, an adolescent, and an adult. Review of the literature reveals 61 reports of familial spontaneous pneumothorax in 22 families. The ratio of male to female cases is approximately 1.8. Affected parents and affected children (including affected fathers and sons) are seen in ten families, while affected siblings with unaffected parents are noted in 13 families. Consanguinity has not been reported. Although autosomal dominant inheritance has been suggested as an explanation of familial spontaneous pneumothorax, available pedigree data are not adequate for statistical analysis. Physicians should be aware of the familial occurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax so that members of such families may be appropriately managed when problems arise.
Achilles' heel of cancer?

The p53 protein is inactivated in most human cancers. One outcome is a defect in controlling cell division. Might a virus that exploits this defect prove useful in treating cancer?
Radiation-Hydrodynamics of HII Regions and Molecular Clouds

Two-dimensional calculations of ionization-shock fronts surrounding neutral cloud clumps reveal that a radiation-driven implosion of the clump can occur. The implosion of a cloud clump results in the formation of density enhancements that may eventually form low mass stars. The smaller globules produced may become Herbig-Haro objects, or maser sources.
Reoperative transabdominal surgery for ileoanal pouch salvage

Abstract Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (RP/IPAA) is performed for surgical management of ulcerative colitis (UC) familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), indeterminate colitis, and an extremely selected subset of patients with Crohn׳s disease (CD). Around one-tenth of ileoanal pouches fail in long term due to septic, mechanic, functional, or biologic complications. Transanal, transabdominal, or combined approaches are safe and feasible to salvage ileoanal pouch. This article focuses on reoperative transabdominal surgery for ileoanal pouch salvage. Transabdominal redo IPAA surgery is technically complex and a patient-driven procedure. The success of transabdominal redo IPAA surgery is highly correlated with patient׳s motivation, physician's experience, institutional infrastructure, and caseload.
Nitrate Transport System in Neurospora crassa

Nitrate uptake in Neurospora crassa has been investigated under various conditions of nitrogen nutrition by measuring the rate of disappearance of nitrate from the medium and by determining mycelial nitrate accumulation. The nitrate transport system is induced by either nitrate or nitrite, but is not present in mycelia grown on ammonia or Casamino Acids. The appearance of nitrate uptake activity is prevented by cycloheximide, puromycin, or 6-methyl purine. The induced nitrate transport system displays a Km for nitrate of 0.25 mM. Nitrate uptake is inhibited by metabolic poisons such as 2,4-dinitrophenol, cyanide, and antimycin A. Furthermore, mycelia can concentrate nitrate 50-fold. Ammonia and nitrite are non-competitive inhibitors with respect to nitrate, with Ki values of 0.13 and 0.17 mM, respectively. Ammonia does not repress the formation of the nitrate transport system. In contrast, the nitrate uptake system is repressed by Casamino Acids. All amino acids individually prevent nitrate accumulation, with the exception of methionine, glutamine, and alanine. The influence of nitrate reduction and the nitrate reductase protein on nitrate transport was investigated in wild-type Neurospora lacking a functional nitrate reductase and in nitrate non-utilizing mutants, nit-1, nit-2, and nit-3. These mycelia contain an inducible nitrate transport system which displays the same characteristics as those found in the wild-type mycelia having the functional nitrate reductase. These findings suggest that nitrate transport is not dependent upon nitrate reduction and that these two processes are separate events in the assimilation of nitrate.
Signal transduction of stress via ceramide

The sphingomyelin (SM) pathway is a ubiquitous, evolutionarily conserved signalling system analogous to conventional systems such as the cAMP and phosphoinositide pathways. Ceramide, which serves as second messenger in this pathway, is generated from SM by the action of a neutral or acidic SMase, or by de novo synthesis co-ordinated through the enzyme ceramide synthase. A number of direct targets for ceramide action have now been identified, including ceramide-activated protein kinase, ceramide-activated protein phosphatase and protein kinase Czeta, which couple the SM pathway to well defined intracellular signalling cascades. The SM pathway induces differentiation, proliferation or growth arrest, depending on the cell type. Very often, however, the outcome of signalling through this pathway is apoptosis. Mammalian systems respond to diverse stresses with ceramide generation, and recent studies show that yeast manifest a form of this response. Thus ceramide signalling is an older stress response system than the caspase/apoptotic death pathway, and hence these two pathways must have become linked later in evolution. Signalling of the stress response through ceramide appears to play a role in the development of human diseases, including ischaemia/reperfusion injury, insulin resistance and diabetes, atherogenesis, septic shock and ovarian failure. Further, ceramide signalling mediates the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy and radiation in some cells. An understanding of the mechanisms by which ceramide regulates physiological and pathological events in specific cells may provide new targets for pharmacological intervention.
Improved selection of patients for reoperation for medullary thyroid cancer by imaging with radiolabeled anticarcinoembryonic antigen antibodies

Abstract Background. This study examined the utility of using radiolabeled anticarcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) as a noninvasive imaging method to aid in the selection of patients for reoperation after operation for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Methods. Sixteen patients with persistent or recurrent hypercalcitoninemia since operation for MTC, but who had negative or equivocal conventional imaging study results, were given 99mTc-, 123I-, or 131I-labeled NP-4 or MN-14 anti-CEA MAbs. Scintigraphic images were then performed to determine detection of tumor lesions. Results. The MAb scans were positive in 13 (81 %) of the 16 patients studied. However, in only three of the 13 patients was disease confined to the cervical or mediastinal nodes. In 10 patients, disease was additionally or solely found in distant organs such as liver (five patients), bone (four patients), and periaortic nodes (one patient). On the basis of our studies, only three of the 13 patients with positive scans would benefit from repeat neck exploration, another three would possibly benefit from neck or mediastinal exploration and hepatic resection, and the remaining seven patients would not benefit from any reoperation with curative intent. Conclusions. MTC imaging with anti-CEA MAbs could be very useful in determining the ideal candidates for repeat neck exploration.
Experimental Investigation of the Location of Maximum Erosive Wear Damage in Elbows

Erosive wear damage of elbows due to solid particle impact has been recognized as a significant problem in several fluid handling industries. Solid particle erosion is a complex phenomenon due to different parameters causing material removal from the metal surface. The particle density, size, shape, velocity, concentration, impact angle, and impacting surface material properties are some of the major parameters. Among the various factors, the particle impact velocity has the greatest influence in erosion. The particle impact velocity and impact angles depend on the fluid velocity and fluid properties. The particle to particle, particle to fluid, and particle to wall interactions increase the complexity of the erosive wear behavior. In multiphase flow, the presence of different fluids and their corresponding spatial distribution of the phases, adds another dimension to the problem. Most of the previous investigations were focused on determination of erosion in terms of mass loss of the eroding surfaces without identifying the specific location of the maximum erosive wear. During this investigation, magnitude of erosion at different location of an elbow specimen was measured to determine the location of maximum erosion. Experimental investigation of erosion in single-phase and multiphase flows was conducted at different fluid velocities. Both mass loss and thickness loss measurements were taken to characterize erosion behavior and erosion patterns in an elbow. Experimental results showed different erosion behavior and location of maximum erosion damage in single-phase and multiphase flows. The locations of maximum wear due to erosion were also different for horizontal flow compared to vertical flow.
The impact of sleep deprivation on neuronal and glial signaling pathways important for memory and synaptic plasticity

Sleep deprivation is a common feature in modern society, and one of the consequences of sleep loss is the impairment of cognitive function. Although it has been widely accepted that sleep deprivation affects learning and memory, only recently has research begun to address which molecular signaling pathways are altered by sleep loss and, more importantly, which pathways can be targeted to reverse the memory impairments resulting from sleep deprivation. In this review, we discuss the different methods used to sleep deprive animals and the effects of different durations of sleep deprivation on learning and memory with an emphasis on hippocampus-dependent memory. We then review the molecular signaling pathways that are sensitive to sleep loss, with a focus on those thought to play a critical role in the memory and synaptic plasticity deficits observed after sleep deprivation. Finally, we highlight several recent attempts to reverse the effects of sleep deprivation on memory and synaptic plasticity. Future research building on these studies promises to contribute to the development of novel strategies to ameliorate the effects of sleep loss on cognition.
Thermoacoustic Control Modeling

Thermoacoustics can be viewed as the combination of two feedback coupling mechanisms between heat release fluctuation and the acoustics of the combustor: one resulting from the perturbations in velocity causing fluctuation in flame surface area and the other from perturbation in equivalence ratio, both causing perturbation in heat release. As in most feedback system, instability could occur when heat release perturbation is in phase with the acoustic pressure perturbation of the combustion enclosure. The emphasis of this paper is the state space formulation of the acoustics model to be used as part of the thermoacoustics model containing the first two interaction mechanisms.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
1128 BREAST MILK RELATED “PHYSIOLOGIC HYPERCALCEMIA AND HYPERMAGNESEMIA” WITHOUT CHANGES IN CALCIOTROPIC HORMONES

Simultaneous Ca, Mg, P and calciotropic hormone levels have not been reported prospectively in sera of breast fed infants and their mothers and in relation to breast milk minerals. Eighteen lactating mothers and their exclusively breast fed term infants were followed for 6 mos. Breast milk Ca and Mg did not change, but P was decreased by 6 wks (14.7±0.6 vs 12.7±0.4mg/dl, p<.02) and to 10.7±0.4mg/dl by 6 mos (p<.001). Changes in breast milk minerals did not reflect changes in maternal serum. Maternal serum Ca and Mg increased from 8.6±0.2 to 9.6±0.3 mg/dl (p<.005) and 1.95±.06 to 2.15±.07mg/dl (p<.05); P was unchanged. However, as breast milk P decreased, infant serum P also decreased from 7.9±0.4 to 5.7±0.1mg/dl (p<.001) by 6 mos. By linear regression, infant P vs breast milk P, r=0.388, p<.01. As infant serum P fell, Ca and Mg increased from 9.2±0.3 to 10.4±0.3mg/dl (p<.005) and 1.92±0.07 to 2.47±0.08mg/dl (p<.001), respectively. Serum Ca and Mg at 6 mos were elevated vs adults (Ca 9.7±0.07 and Mg 2.19±0.02 mg/dl, p<0.01). Infant serum parathyroid hormone and calcitonin remained unchanged and did not correlate with serum Ca, Mg or P. Thus breast milk Ca, Mg and P do not reflect maternal serum minerals; infant serum P decreases with decrease in breast milk P; relative hypercalcemia and hypermagnesemia occur in breast fed infants at age 6 mos unrelated to changes in calciotropic hormones; we speculate that the Ca and Mg changes are related to decreasing P in breast milk.
Value of programmed ventricular stimulation in the evaluation and management of patients with nonsustained ventricular tachycardia associated with coronary artery disease.

Abstract Programmed ventricular stimulation with up to 3 extrastimuli at the right ventricular apex was performed in 52 patients with spontaneous nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) associated with coronary artery disease. There were 44 men and 8 women, aged 66 ± 9 years (range 45 to 86). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 41 ± 14%. Nonsustained VT was asymptomatic in 10 patients (19%), while the arrhythmia was detected during evaluation of palpitations in 5 patients (10%), presyncope in 11 (21%) and syncope in 26 patients (50%). All patients were tested in the drug-free state and were classified as having no inducible arrhythmia (31 patients, group I), or an inducible arrhythmia (21 patients, group II). The age, gender, type of heart disease, symptoms and left ventricular ejection fraction were similar in both groups. Group I patients had a higher overall incidence of syncope. Group I patients received no therapy, while group II patients received antiarrhythmic therapy guided by electropharmacologic testing. At 21 ± 17 months there was no sustained VT in either group. There were 3 deaths in group I patients, including 1 sudden, 1 nonsudden cardiac and 1 noncardiac death. In group II patients 6 deaths occurred including 4 nonsudden cardiac and 2 noncardiac deaths. In patients with nonsustained VT and coronary artery disease undergoing programmed ventricular stimulation, the incidence of significant arrhythmic events is low in those without therapy with no inducible arrhythmia, and in those with an inducible arrhythmia with therapy guided by electrophysiologic testing.
Approximation and Segment Count Reduction in Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

For a given mtimesn nonnegative real matrix A, a binary segmentation with 1-norm relative error e is a set of pairs (alpha,S)={(alpha1, S1), (alpha2, S2), ..., (alphak, Sk)}, where each alphai is a positive number and Si is an mtimesn binary matrix, and e=|A-Sigmai k=alphaiSi |1/|A|1 where |A|1 is the 1-norm of a vector which consists of exactly all the entries of the matrix A. Given A and positive scalars gamma, delta, we consider the optimization problem of finding a binary segmentation alphaS that minimizes z=Sigmai k=alphai+gammak+deltae subject to certain constraints on Si. This problem provides a major challenge in preparing a clinically acceptable treatment plan for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and is known to be NP-hard. In this paper, we present an effective heuristic algorithm for the above problem with an additional constraint klesK, where K is a given positive integer. Reducing k subject to achieving an acceptable value of e is very desirable in both IMRT and intensity modulated arc therapy (IMAT). Our algorithm can be used as a valuable tool to find a clinically deliverable solution with a tradeoff between these two competing metrics
A novel nociceptor signaling pathway revealed in protein kinase c ε mutant mice

Abstract There is great interest in discovering new targets for pain therapy since current methods of analgesia are often only partially successful. Although protein kinase C (PKC) enhances nociceptor function, it is not known which PKC isozymes contribute. Here, we show that epinephrine-induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and acetic acid–associated hyperalgesia are markedly attenuated in PKCe mutant mice, but baseline nociceptive thresholds are normal. Moreover, epinephrine-, carrageenan-, and nerve growth factor– (NGF-) induced hyperalgesia in normal rats, and epinephrine-induced enhancement of tetrodotoxin-resistant Na + current (TTX-R I Na ) in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, are inhibited by a PKCe-selective inhibitor peptide. Our findings indicate that PKCe regulates nociceptor function and suggest that PKCe inhibitors could prove useful in the treatment of pain.
Higher-order complexity through R-group effects in self-assembled tripeptide monolayers.

Self-assembled monolayers of tri-l-leucine and tri-l-valine formed on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) substrates have been examined using scanning tunneling microscopy. These monolayers exhibit markedly different structures, even though the tripeptides differ by only a minor change in the amino acid R-group. This minor change in R-group apparently affects the balance between hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions that control the monolayer structures. Implications of this effect for evolution of molecular complexity in prebiotic synthesis on environmental surfaces are discussed.
High-capacity long-haul transmission using ultra-low loss optical fiber

Increasing OSNR requirements for high bit rate signals and multi-level modulation formats drive the need for new optical fiber with ultra-low loss and large effective area. We present recent transmission results with fibers of this type.
Risk management through learning: Management practices for radical innovation success

Abstract The study investigates a subset of management practices that may contribute to success of radical innovation efforts by large established firms. We focus on that subset of practices concerned with learning oriented approaches to risk management. Three such practices are examined: a) a real options approach to funding and evaluating projects, b) propensity to experiment in the marketplace, and c) commercialization of early applications quickly, which we call a harvesting strategy. Building on the learning, resource based view and dynamic capabilities literatures we argue that these three practices will facilitate radical innovation success. Industry clockspeed is incorporated as a moderator of the relationships between these practices and various manifestations of radical innovation success. Data collected from 85 high level individuals involved in radical innovation efforts in large firms indicate that real options approaches and experimental learning have strong positive effects on all measures of RI success, while harvesting strategies impact the development of new competencies, but not the other RI success measures. Harvesting strategies are more impactful when industry clockspeed is low.
Engineered smooth muscle tissues: regulating cell phenotype with the scaffold.

Culturing cells on three-dimensional, biodegradable scaffolds may create tissues suitable either for reconstructive surgery applications or as novel in vitro model systems. In this study, we have tested the hypothesis that the phenotype of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in three-dimensional, engineered tissues is regulated by the chemistry of the scaffold material. Specifically, we have directly compared cell growth and patterns of extracellular matrix (ECM) (e.g., elastin and collagen) gene expression on two types of synthetic polymer scaffolds and type I collagen scaffolds. The growth rates of SMCs on the synthetic polymer scaffolds were significantly higher than on type I collagen sponges. The rate of elastin production by SMCs on polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffolds was 3.5 ± 1.1-fold higher than that on type I collagen sponges on Day 11 of culture. In contrast, the collagen production rate on type I collagen sponges was 3.3 ± 1.1-fold higher than that on PGA scaffolds. This scaffold-dependent switching between elastin and collagen gene expression was confirmed by Northern blot analysis. The finding that the scaffold chemistry regulates the phenotype of SMCs independent of the scaffold physical form was confirmed by culturing SMCs on two-dimensional films of the scaffold materials. It is likely that cells adhere to these scaffolds via different ligands, as the major protein adsorbed from the serum onto synthetic polymers was vitronectin, whereas fibronectin and vitronectin were present at high density on type I collagen sponges. In summary, this study demonstrates that three-dimensional smooth muscle-like tissues can be created by culturing SMCs on three-dimensional scaffolds, and that the phenotype of the SMCs is strongly regulated by the scaffold chemistry. These engineered tissues provide novel, three-dimensional models to study cellular interaction with ECM in vitro.
On the response of spherical premixed flames under rotation

We investigate the influence of flow rate and rotation on the structure and response of burner-stabilized spherical premixed flames. Asymptotic methods are employed in which we exploit the limit of large activation energy to resolve the reaction zone structure, and a perturbation analysis is carried out for small rates of rotation. We first construct the leading order solution, which describes a stationary (nonrotating) spherical flame. This configuration is analyzed to determine extinction characteristics, and the various mechanisms for stabilization of curved flames are also identified. Rotation is then included as a perturbation, and closed form solutions of the appropriate governing equations are obtained. We find that a secondary flow is induced inward toward the burner poles and outward from the equator. This in turn deforms the flame into a pancake shape that may be flattened either at the poles or the equator, depending on the combined effects of Lewis number, flame stretch, and ambient temperature. We also present results for the related problem of a rotating monopropellant droplet in the Appendix.
Microstructure‐based processing parameters of thermoplastic composite materials. Part I: Theoretical models

Processing parameters for composites are predicted by new models which are based on the microstructure of the composite. Three types of termoplastic prepregs are considered, ICI tape, BASE commingled two, and CCMI powder coated tow. The permeability of the composites depends on their fiber distribution. The elastic behavior of the fiber network compression depends on the fiber oreientation. These two are integrated to predict the processing parameters.
Parental Attitudes Toward Children Walking and Bicycling to School

Recent research suggests that, besides traditional sociodemographic and built environment attributes, the attitudes and perceptions of parents toward walking and bicycling play a crucial role in deciding which travel modes children take to school. However, little is known about the factors that shape these parental attitudes. The current study aims to investigate this unexplored avenue of research and to identify the influences on parental attitudes toward children walking and bicycling to school as part of a larger nationwide effort to make children more physically active and combat rising trends of childhood obesity in the United States. Through the use of a multivariate ordered response model (a model structure that allows different attitudes to be correlated), the current study analyzes five parental attitudes toward children walking and bicycling to school on the basis of data drawn from the California add-on sample of the 2009 National Household Travel Survey. In particular, the subsample from the L...
Phosphatic Shell Formation in Atremate Brachiopods

The atremate brachiopods are unique in that they possess shells of calcium phosphate. In Lingula adamsi and Gloltidia pyramidata , the shell mineral is (CO3 + F)-containing apatite and is crystallo-chemically similar but not identical to the mineral francolite. The shell of Glottidia consists of a thin periostracum, a mineralized thick primary layer, and alternating mineralized layers and less mineralized chitin layers. The basic unit of the crystals is the spherulite. Proteinaceous and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) matrices are present in the primary and mineralized layers. The GAGS in the chitin layer are morphologically different from those of the other layers. The GAGS are intimately associated with the apatite crystals. Shell formation appears to be mediated by three different types of cells in the outer epithelium. The cells primarily involved in the mineral formation are characterized by many vacuoles with electron-dense granular inclusions containing Ca, P, and S. The connective tissue at the anterior edge of the mantle also contains fine granules with Ca, P, and S. Those granules are considered to be a mineral reserve for shell formation. Some problems of the mechanisms of shell formation are discussed.
Investigation of Incident Lamb Wave Parameters on Detection of Composite Delamination

A preliminary investigation of excitation signal parameters on the detection of delamination in composite plates is presented. Composite plates typical of aerospace applications are used and excitation is provided through integrated PZT actuator. A scanning laser vibrometer is used for recording structural responses. Experimental results at three frequencies (15, 18, and 20 kHz) and two pulse widths (3.5 and 5.5 cycles) show the significant effects of incident Lamb waves on damage signature. Numerical studies using a commercial finite element code (ABAQUS) show good correlation with experimental results with appropriate level of structural damping.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Stratification and terminal differentiation of cultured epidermal cells.

As keratinocytes move from the basal to the outer layers of a stratified squamous epithelium, they enlarge and terminally differentiate. Hence, the stage of terminal differentiation is correlated with both cell size and position. To determine whether position is an important signal in differentiation, we have now grown human keratinocytes in conditions that prevented stratification but not cell enlargement. Involucrin, a marker of terminal differentiation, was synthesized in such a monolayer, but only by large cells. We conclude that the onset of involucrin synthesis, while normally restricted to cells in a non-basal position, does not depend on this position for an essential signal; however, a signal associated with increased cell size is not ruled out. When monolayer cultures were induced to stratify, the large involucrin-containing cells preferentially adopted a suprabasal position, indicating that terminal differentiation is associated with a decrease in substrate adhesiveness. Suprabasal cell position is therefore a consequence rather than a cause of terminal differentiation.
Theory and computations of two-photon absorbing photochromic chromophores

Exponential growth in information technology generates ever increasing amounts of data, making recording density of the storage media crucially important. Two-photon absorption was proposed as a basis for high-density multi-layer technology for optical memory and logic devices. This technology suggests to use polymers, doped with photochromic compounds that undergo a reversible photoinduced isomerization, or photoswitching. In this review we consider recent theoretical works and benchmarking studies of the DFT-based methods, capable to predict two-photon absorption (2PA) and photochemical activity, Next we review the applications of these methods to design a prototype molecule that combines the photon-mode recording property of photochromic compounds with large 2PA cross-section. We conclude that a posteriori Tamm-Dancoff approximation to the second order CEO approach in Density Functional Theory is the powerful tool for both quantitative predictions and qualitative understanding of the excited state processes in photophysics and photochemistry. We also emphasize general principles for the rational design of a two-photon operated photoswitch.
Adhesion-Induced Tangential Driving Force Acting on a Spherical Particle Lying on a Sinusoidal Surface

A spherical particle lies on a sinusoidal surface under the force of adhesion. Both the sphere and the wavy body are considered to be elastic. Because the radius of curvature of the surface varies with position, the composite radius of curvature of the sphere and the surface also varies with position. The total energy of the system, which includes the adhesion energy, decreases as the composite radius of curvature increases. As a consequence, it is energetically favorable for the sphere to move away from the surface peaks and toward the valleys. The existence of this adhesion–energy-induced driving force is demonstrated theoretically and its value is determined for a range of sphere positions. Linear theory predicts that it can be as large as ∼ 2% of the pull-off force. The inclusion of nonlinear effects would be expected to increase this driving force.
The IBM POWER visualization system: A system for HDTV postproduction, and more

The unique combination of processing power, memory capacity, and I/O bandwidth found in the IBM POWER Visualization System (PVS) makes it an ideal tool for high-end, format and resolution-independent, digital postproduction applications. From computer graphics rendering to video editing, rotoscoping, and special effects, the versatile nature of this general-purpose computer allows it to adapt constantly to the specific tasks required during almost any phase of the postproduction process. In this articles, we first examine the hardware architecture of the PVS with specific attention paid to the different subsystems and peripherals which provide the large computational power and bandwidth necessary to do HDTV editing and effects work. Next, we describe the PVS system software layer which enables application level software to fully use all of the capabilities of the hardware. We then explore a novel on-line, nonlinear editing and effects environment available for the PVS, which allows HDTV resolution material to be digitally edited and processed at full resolution. Finally, we conclude by describing some of the applications of the PVS which allow it to be used in a variety of other ways.©1994 John Wiley & Sons Inc
The morpheme-to-stress principle in Tohono O'odham

In this paper, I describe and analyze a novel pattern of secondary stress in Tohono O'odham. Tohono O'odham (formerly known as Papago) assigns primary stress to the first syllable in content words (Hale 1959; Saxton 1963; Hill and Zepeda 1992). Fieldwork by the author on Tohono O'odham shows that a word-final secondary stress is disallowed in monomorphemic words but is allowed in polymorphemic words. This descriptive generalization holds regardless of the morphological composition or the derivational history of the word. This appears to be a novel stress pattern in the world's languages; no similar pattern appears in either Halle and Vergnaud (1987) or Hayes (1995), two important typological works on metrical systems. Optimality theory (McCarthy and Prince 1993; Prince and Smolensky 1993) ranks constraints in a single hierarchy that evaluates both derived and underived words without a serial derivation. O'odham secondary stress is accounted for in this way by proposing the morpheme-to-stress principle, a constraint requiring that each morpheme be stressed. This is true, as long as rhythmic considerations against clashes and lapses are respected. The morpheme-to-stress principle provides an optimality-theoretic account of this interesting metrical asymmetry between derived and underived words in Tohono O'odham and offers an account of other types of morphological stress systems.
Amplification of Specific Binding Events between Biological Species Using Lyotropic Liquid Crystals

This paper reports the orientational behavior of lyotropic liquid crystals (LCs) formed from 29.4 wt % potassium laurate and 6.6 wt % decanol (remainder water) that are supported on gold films possessing an anisotropic nanometer-scale topography (wavelength ∼10 nm, amplitude ∼2 nm). The gold-coated surfaces are decorated with biotin-functionalized alkanethiols to which anti-biotin immunoglobulin G (IgG) is specifically bound. Similar to the behavior of thermotropic LCs, we observe the anisotropic topography of these surfaces to cause formation of a single domain of uniform planar or near planar aligned nematic phase of lyotropic LC. However, the relaxation of the lyotropic LC to the uniform alignment is slow (∼30 min) compared to thermotropic phases (∼seconds). When the anti-biotin IgG was bound specifically to the surface functionalized with biotin, the optical appearance (using polarized light) of the lyotropic LC was azimuthally nonuniform and easily distinguished from the appearance of the lyotropic p...