cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two publications in the IEEE Antennas and Propagation journals that impacted my career

Since the late 1970s, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society (IEEE APS) journals were my primary source of information on the latest developments in radar scattering, numerical methods, antennas, and all sorts of wireless applications. In this presentation, I will highlight two IEEE APS journal papers that changed my research direction. Serendipitously, results from these research directions turned out to also have significant influence in my career, my graduate assistants and the community at large.
Evidence for phonon-mediated coupling in superconducting Ba1−xKxBiO3

Abstract Superconducting Ba 1−x K x BiO 3 , with a T c of 30K, shows a large 18 O isotope effect which indicates that phonons are involved in the pairing mechanism. Superconducting energy gap measurements from IR reflectivity and tunneling are consistent with moderate coupling (2Δ/kT c = 3.5 ± 0.5). A characteristic phonon energy of about 40 meV would be required to obtain the high T c . Neuron scattering measurements show a large density of phonons in the range 40 to 80 meV and strong coupling of electrons to these modes is indicated in tunneling spectroscopy. Additional results are reported, including the structural phase diagram, which suggest that superconductivity is phonon mediated.
Perspectives and Research Challenges in Veterinary Infectious Diseases

Technical breakthroughs have highlighted the host–microbe interactome to explore the immune system and the role for microorganisms in the development and function of the immune system. While these interaction studies have provided a window on the pathogenesis of the disease, there is a distinct lack of information on the effect of these interactions in the overall host physiology. For example, the seminal work conducted in human medicine demonstrating that subclinical inflammation has dramatic effects on host physiology resulting in diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This is an area of interest for this journal. What effects do subclinical infections have on the pathophysiology of animals resulting in what is believed to be acceptable production losses, but may actually be preventable? The immune response and nutrient metabolism are two fundamental biological systems indispensable to maintaining and preserving life. Each of these systems is capable of modulating the activity of the other to ensure that the host animal is capable of coordinating the appropriate responses under any conditions. Thus, metabolic systems are integrated with pathogen-sensing and immune responses, and these pathways are evolutionarily conserved. Yet, we know very little about the effect of infections on host metabolism. Several important networks sense and manage nutrients and integrate with immune and inflammatory pathways to influence the physiological and pathological metabolic states. For example, the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), a family of the innate sensors, recognize specific microbial components, but can also sense nutritional signals, such as elevated glucose levels and saturated fatty acids. Likewise, metabolism-signaling pathways, such as leptin and other hormones, can also regulate immune functions. Thus, any immune alteration, specifically inflammation, can cause disturbances in host metabolism. New insights into infectious disease pathogenesis and animal production that can result in the discovery of novel diagnostic approaches and/or therapeutics are of high priority for the journal. The Veterinary Infectious Disease specialty section seeks to become an outlet for veterinary research into infectious diseases through the study of the pathogen or its host or of the host’s environment, or by addressing combinations of these aspects of the disease system. We vision research in this area will exploit the very latest technologies to improve our understanding of the host–pathogen interface or its relationship with the host animal’s environment. With this in mind, we see the following areas of research that present needs and challenges in the immediate future.
Dose-ranging study of the safety and pharmacokinetics of atrasentan in patients with refractory malignancies.

Purpose: Atrasentan is an orally bioavailable selective antagonist of the endothelin receptor ET A . Due to the potential activity of this agent against prostate cancer, the majority of subjects enrolled in prior studies had been male. This Phase I study sought to determine the toxicity and pharmacokinetics of daily atrasentan in a population of both female and male subjects with advanced malignancies. Experimental Design: Patients with refractory malignancies received atrasentan once daily at doses ranging from 5 mg to 75 mg. At least 3 subjects were treated at each dose level before enrollment began at the next higher dose level. Enrollment for specific dose levels was expanded if any subject experienced serious drug-related toxicity. Plasma concentration profiles for atrasentan were determined after dosing on days 1 and 28. Results: Thirty-five patients received atrasentan at doses from 5 mg to 75 mg. The most frequent drug-related adverse events were headache (60%), rhinitis (49%), and peripheral edema (31%). These toxicities were mild to moderate in severity and reversible on cessation of treatment. Dose escalation was stopped at the 75-mg dose level due to the occurrence of three severe adverse events (2 hyponatremia and 1 hypotension). Atrasentan was rapidly absorbed after oral administration; mean time to maximum observed concentration ranged from 0.3 to 1.7 h. Terminal elimination half-life averaged 26 h. No significant difference between sexes was found in any atrasentan pharmacokinetic parameter tested, including maximum observed plasma concentration, time to maximum observed concentration, minimum observed plasma concentration, area under the plasma concentration-time curve, and elimination rate constant. Conclusions: Atrasentan is well tolerated in both female and male cancer patients at doses of up to 60 mg/day with dose-limiting toxicity observed at 75 mg/day. The most frequently observed toxicities were headache, rhinitis, and edema. There was no statistically significant difference in atrasentan pharmacokinetics between sexes.
Hypocalcemic electrocardiographic abnormalities in diseases of the liver.

Because of the relatively frequent appearance of electrocardiographic suggestions of hypocalcemia in patients with liver disease, the records of 194 such individuals were reviewed for this finding. Eighteen “hypocalcemic” tracings were found in this group. There was no relation to the levels of serum calcium or potassium, nor to other biochemical findings. Three normocalcemic cirrhotics responded to intravenous calcium by shortening of the S-T segments. While the implications of these findings remain unclear, it is of interest that certain of the metabolic derangements of liver disease are also known to affect calcium metabolism. Possible relationships among these phenomena are discussed.
Digitized mapping: the key to achieving a common command and control picture

One of the main goals in transforming the Army is the process of moving away from the use of paper maps and grease pencils into more embedded and computer orientated forms of command and control. There are currently many weapons platforms trying to achieve this function; however, each platform is developing their own solution that meet individual needs. The Army as a whole needs to standardize on a single path forward to ensure that all systems can communicate across the digitized battlefield, allow for each platform will have a "common picture", and promote software reuse across the Army. Once this "common picture" is achieved, our armed forces will have the information needed to continue our domination of the battlefield.
The response of the HMX-based material PBXN-9 to thermal insults: Thermal decomposition kinetics and morphological changes

Abstract PBXN-9, an HMX-formulation, is thermally damaged and thermally decomposed in order to determine the morphological changes and decomposition kinetics that occur in the material after mild to moderate heating. The material and its constituents were decomposed using standard thermal analysis techniques (DSC and TGA) and the decomposition kinetics are reported using different kinetic models. Pressed parts and prill were thermally damaged, i.e. heated to temperatures that resulted in material changes but did not result in significant decomposition or explosion, and analyzed. In general, the thermally damaged samples showed a significant increase in porosity and decrease in density and a small amount of weight loss. These PBXN-9 samples appear to sustain more thermal damage than similar HMX–Viton A formulations and the most likely reasons are the decomposition/evaporation of a volatile plasticizer and a polymorphic transition of the HMX from β to δ phase.
Modeling strong motions produced by earthquakes with two-dimensional numerical codes

We present a scheme for generating synthetic point-source seismograms for shear dislocation sources using line source (two-dimensional) theory. It is based on expanding the complete three-dimensional solution of the wave equation expressed in cylindrical coordinates in an asymptotic form which provides for the separation of the motions into SH and P-SV systems. We evaluate the equations of motion with the aid of the Cagniard-de Hoop technique and derive close-formed expressions appropriate for finite-difference source excitation.
Expanding Learning Presence to Account for the Direction of Regulative Intent: Self-, Co- and Shared Regulation in Online Learning

As the pivotal role of self-regulation has been widely accepted in online learning literature, much interest is focused on identifying pedagogical strategies to help foster regulatory behaviors in online learners. The authors of this article argue that the learning presence (LP) construct, a recently proposed addition to the Community of Inquiry (CoI) theoretical framework of online learning, needs to be included in these conversations. To this end, they re-articulate and clarify the underlying structure of LP by drawing on the theoretical models of self-regulation, co-regulation, and socially shared regulation. They further present examples to illustrate how LP can manifest itself in learners’ discourse in the online learning environment. Finally, they conclude by outlining strategies online instructors can use to help learners execute regulatory behaviors and thus demonstrate LP in online courses.
Soil-atmosphere exchange of CH4, CO2, NOx, and N2O in the Colorado shortgrass steppe under elevated CO2

In late March 1997, an open-top-chamber (OTC) CO2 enrichment study was begun in the Colorado shortgrass steppe. The main objectives of the study were to determine the effect of elevated CO2 (∼720 μmol mol−1) on plant production, photosynthesis, and water use of this mixed C3/C4 plant community, soil nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) cycling and the impact of changes induced by CO2 on trace gas exchange. From this study, we report here our weekly measurements of CO2, CH4, NOx and N2O fluxes within control (unchambered), ambient CO2 and elevated CO2 OTCs. Soil water and temperature were measured at each flux measurement time from early April 1997, year round, through October 2000. Even though both C3 and C4 plant biomass increased under elevated CO2 and soil moisture content was typically higher than under ambient CO2 conditions, none of the trace gas fluxes were significantly altered by CO2 enrichment. Over the 43 month period of observation NOx and N2O flux averaged 4.3 and 1.7 in ambient and 4.1 and 1.7 μg N m−2 hr −1 in elevated CO2 OTCs, respectively. NOx flux was negatively correlated to plant biomass production. Methane oxidation rates averaged −31 and −34 μg C m−2 hr−1 and ecosystem respiration averaged 43 and 44 mg C m−2 hr−1 under ambient and elevated CO2, respectively, over the same time period.
Effect of helium-neon laser auriculotherapy on experimental pain threshold.

This study was conducted to examine the effects of helium-neon laser auriculotherapy on experimental pain threshold. Eighty healthy female and male subjects, aged 18 to 39 years, were assigned randomly to one of two treatment groups. Subjects in the Experimental Group (n = 41) received laser stimulation, and subjects in the Control Group (n = 39) received sham stimulation to appropriate acupuncture points on the left ear. Experimental pain threshold at the ipsilateral wrist was determined with an electrical stimulus immediately before and after treatment. The mean change (posttreatment minus pretreatment) for the Experimental Group was greater than the mean change for the Control Group ( p < .05). The Experimental Group demonstrated a statistically significant ( p < .05) increase in mean pain threshold after treatment, but the Control Group did not. Results indicate that helium-neon laser auriculotherapy can increase experimental pain threshold and suggest a possible alternative for patients intolerant of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
New advances in the pharmacologic approach to circulatory shock

Anesthesiologists continue to play important roles in all aspects of critical care medicine. Although a unique pharmacology has evolved for use in the intensive care unit (ICU),’ much of the pharmacologic approach to the critically ill patient remains similar to the pharmacologic approach used for other perioperative conditions. Perhaps no area of critical care pharmacotherapy has evolved with more rapidity or more frustration than the pharmacologic approach to the treatment of circulatory shock. The purpose of this review is to detail our present approach to the treatment of this life-threatening condition, and to provide insight into the new avenues for therapy. Circulatory shock is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in acutely ill, hospitalized patients. Although commonly divided into four major types of circulatory shock (cardiogenic, hypovolemic, obstructive, and distributive), all forms of circulatory shock involve inadequate tissue perfusion and inadequate cellular oxygen (0,) delivery.* Cardiogenic shock is most often a consequence of acute myocardial infarction (MI), but it can also be a secondary consequence of valvular heart disease, worsening of congestive heart failure, myocardial trauma, and. so forth. Hypovolemic shock is usually due to hemorrhage, but it may also be a consequence of adrenal insufftciency or diabetes insipidus. Obstructive shock is usually due to pulmonary embolism or pericardial tamponade. Finally, distributive shock includes circulatory shock due to anaphylaxis, spinal cord shock, or, most commonly, septic shock. It is in the area of the treatment of septic shock that most new information has been realized. F!ecent evidence supports the concept that we may be missing the potential for cardiogenic or obstructive shock by failing to recognize myocardial injury in critically ill patients,3 and failing to recognize the extremely high prevalence of deep venous thrombosis in medical ICU patients despite the administration of prophylactic therapy.4 Thus, it may be that patients are predisposed to myocardial injury, which may develop into cardiogenic shock, and that patients may be at risk for the development of obstructive shock due to pulmonary emboli. Theise two recent realizations prompt me to suggest that screening critically injured patients for the possibility of myocardial injury if they have been traumatically injured is reasonable, and that patients should probably be screened with Doppler ultrasound for deep venous thrombosis. Before getting into some of the new treatment strategies used in septic shock
A Singlehop Collaborative Feedback Primitive for Wireless Sensor Networks

To achieve scalability, energy-efficiency, and timeliness, wireless sensor network deployments increasingly employ in-network processing. In this paper, we identify singlehop feedback collection as a key building block for in-network processing applications, and introduce a basic singlehop primitive, pollcast. The key idea behind this primitive is to exploit the receiver-side collision detection information at the MAC-layer to speed-up collaborative feedback collection. Using pollcast, a node can get an affirmation about the existence of a node-level predicate P in its neighborhood in constant time by asking all nodes where P hold to reply simultaneously. We have implemented pollcast on Tmotes using Chipcon 2420 radio. Our results show that this primitive is indeed lightweight, resilient, and effective. Our paper is also the first time receiver-side collision detection is achieved in a practical manner for Chipcon 2420 radio.
Association of the ankle-brachial index with history of myocardial infarction and stroke.

Background Ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing is a simple, noninvasive method to diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD) and is associated with all-cause mortality. The association of ABI levels and myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke is less certain. We sought to further characterize the association between ABI levels and history of MI and stroke. Methods Using data from the Life Line Screening program, 3.6 million self-referred participants from 2003 to 2008 completed a medical questionnaire and had bilateral ABIs performed. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between ABI cutoff points (ABI 1.40) and ABI levels with history of MI, stroke, and MI or stroke (MI/stroke). Models were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, physical activity, and family history of cardiovascular disease. Separate sex-specific models were performed. Results Overall, 155,552 (4.5%) had an ABI 1.40. An ABI P 1.40 was also associated with higher odds of MI (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.14-1.24), stroke (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.22-1.38), and MI/stroke (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.17-1.27), all P Conclusions In a large national screening database, there is a strong, consistent relationship between ABI levels and a history of prevalent MI, stroke, and MI/stroke.
Concurrent Chemotherapy and Re-irradiation for Locoregionally Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer

Recurrent and second primary tumors arising within a previously radiated head and neck volume represent a difficult clinical scenario to manage. For patients who have resectable disease, surgery is the standard treatment. Chemotherapy is the standard for patients with unresectable or metastatic disease but offers no chance for cure. Re-irradiation (RRT) with concurrent chemotherapy is a potentially curative treatment option. In this article, we will review the basis for current chemoradiotherapy (CRT) regimens used in previously radiated patients, focusing on outcome and toxicity. Additionally, we will review radiotherapy techniques used in this setting and highlight the differences between definitive radiotherapy and RRT. Controversies, such as the utility of chemotherapy and RRT following surgical salvage, will be addressed. Finally, we will review investigations seeking to improve the therapeutic outcomes of patients treated with chemotherapy and RRT.
Synthesis of 3,4-di-O-acetyl-2,5-anhydro-1,6-dideoxy-1,6-diiodo-D-mannitol. Comparison of NMR spectral results for the solid state and solution with those of the X-ray structural determination.

Abstract 3,4- Di -O- acetyl-2,5-anhydro-1,6-dideoxy-1,6-diiodo- d -mannitol ( 3 ) is prepared from 2,5-anhydro- d -mannitol ( 1 ) in three steps. The solution and solid-state NMR spectra of 3 indicate considerable variation in conformation. In solution, it adopts, on average, a symmetric 4 T 3 conformation, whereas in the solid state in adopts an asymmetric conformation as revealed by 13 C NMR cross polarization and magic angle spinning techniques. A single-crystal X-ray structure analysis confirmed the asymmetric conformation of 3 in a monoclinic crystal, space group P 2 1 with a = 8.9608(4), b = 8.6348(5), c = 9.6468(4) A , β = 96.139(4)°, V = 742.1(1) A 3 , D c = 2.085g cm −3 , μ ( Mo K α ) = 4.2 mm −1 , and Z = 2. The structure was refined to R = 0.039 and R w = 0.047 for 5181 observed reflections. The furanoid ring of 3 adopts an envelope E 5 conformation slightly distorted towards 4 T 5 , with puckering parameters ϕ = 313.49° and q = 0.37 A . The asymmetric conformation is rationalized in terms of the weak packing forces in the crystal.
Thermal Injury and Recovery of Streptococcus faecalis

Exposure of Streptococcus faecalis R57 to sublethal heating produced a temporary change in the salt tolerance and growth of the organism. After sublethal heat treatment at 60 C for 15 min, greater than 99.0% of the viable population was unable to reproduce on media containing 6% NaCl. In addition, the heated cells displayed a sensitivity to incubation temperature, pH, and 0.01% methylene blue. When the injured cells were placed in a synthetic medium, recovery occurred at a much slower rate than in a complex medium. However, both media supported comparable growth of the uninjured organism. Various media used for the enrichment of streptococci also provided a suitable environment for the recovery of the injured cells. Generally, as more selective agents were present in the medium, the rates of recovery decreased. Metabolic inhibitor studies with chloramphenicol, penicillin, and actinomycin D substantiated the fact that the process involved was recovery and not growth, and that this recovery was linked to ribonucleic acid synthesis.
Impact of physical and sexual abuse on treatment response in the Treatment of Resistant Depression in Adolescent Study (TORDIA).

Objective We previously reported that a history of abuse was associated with a poorer response to combination treatment in the Treatment of Resistant Depression in Adolescents study (TORDIA). We now report on the nature and correlates of abuse that might explain these findings. Method Youth who did not benefit from an adequate selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) trial (N = 334) were randomized to one of the following: an alternative SSRI; an alternative SSRI plus cognitive behavior therapy (CBT); venlafaxine; or venlafaxine plus CBT. Analyses examined the effect of history of abuse on response to the pharmacotherapy and combination therapy. Results Those without a history of physical abuse (PA) or sexual abuse (SA) had a higher 12-week response rate to combination therapy compared with medication mono-therapy (62.8% versus 37.6%; odds ratio [OR] = 2.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6-4.7, p p = .66), whereas those with history of PA had a much lower rate of response to combination therapy (18.4% versus 52.4%, OR=0.1; 95% CI=0.02–0.43). Even after adjusting for other clinical predictors, a history of PA moderated treatment outcome. Conclusion These results should be considered within the limitations of a post hoc analysis, lack of detailed assessment of abuse and other forms of trauma, and neuropsychological status. Depressed patients with history of abuse, especially PA may require specialized clinical approaches. Further work is needed to understand by what mechanisms a history of abuse affects treatment response. Clinical Trial Registry Information: Treatment of SSRI-Resistant Depression in Adolescents (TORDIA); NCT00018902; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Robust Control Over Uncertain Communication Channels

In this paper, the mathematical framework for studying robust control over uncertain communication channels is introduced. The theory is developed by generalizing the classical information theoretic measures of information and the fundamental theory of Shannon to the robust analog, which are subject to uncertainty in the source and the communication channel. By invoking this mathematical framework, necessary conditions are presented for robust stabilizability and observability of fully-observed, finite dimensional, discrete-time invariant, noiseless uncertain linear systems over uncertain communication channels
Rainfall and tillage effects on transport of fecal bacteria and sex hormones 17β-estradiol and testosterone from broiler litter applications to a Georgia Piedmont Ultisol

Abstract Poultry litter provides nutrients for crop and pasture production; however, it also contains fecal bacteria, sex hormones (17β-estradiol and testosterone) and antibiotic residues that may contaminate surface waters. Our objective was to quantify transport of fecal bacteria, estradiol, testosterone and antibiotic residues from a Cecil sandy loam managed since 1991 under no-till (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) to which either poultry litter (PL) or conventional fertilizer (CF) was applied based on the nitrogen needs of corn ( Zea mays L) in the Southern Piedmont of NE Georgia. Simulated rainfall was applied for 60 min to 2 by 3-m field plots at a constant rate in 2004 and variable rate in 2005. Runoff was continuously measured and subsamples taken for determining flow-weighted concentrations of fecal bacteria, hormones, and antibiotic residues. Neither Salmonella , nor Campylobacter , nor antimicrobial residues were detected in litter, soil, or runoff. Differences in soil concentrations of fecal bacteria before and after rainfall simulations were observed only for Escherichia coli in the constant rainfall intensity experiment. Differences in flow-weighted concentrations were observed only for testosterone in both constant and variable intensity rainfall experiments, and were greatest for treatments that received poultry litter. Total loads of E. coli and fecal enterococci, were largest for both tillage treatments receiving poultry litter for the variable rainfall intensity. Load of testosterone was greatest for no-till plots receiving poultry litter under variable rainfall intensity. Poultry litter application rates commensurate for corn appeared to enhance only soil concentrations of E. coli , and runoff concentrations of testosterone above background levels.
Reassurance: A Strategic Basis of U.S. Support for Israel

This article argues that Israel experiences a unique perception of the perils of anarchy that drives it to a strategic preference for disproportionately offensive action against rivals and enemies. Actions taken pursuant to that doctrine have caused serious inconvenience to U.S. foreign policy in the Mideast for over four decades. This article argues that by reassuring Israel, both diplomatically and with arms sales, that the United States is committed to its survival, the United States has obtained significant measures of strategic restraint on Israel’s part. That restraint has brought significant benefit to the United States as it seeks to guarantee regular access to the vital resources of the Middle East. This article provides examples of both successful reassurance and reassurance denied to illustrate the argument that U.S. support produces tangible strategic benefits for the United States.
Self-Rated Health, Depression, and One-Year Health Outcomes in Older Primary Care Patients

Objective The authors tested the hypothesis that poorer self-rated health is associated with poorer health outcomes. Method : They prospectively examined the association of self-rated health to 1-year outcomes in 247 older subjects from primary care settings. Results Poorer self-rated health was independently associated with 1-year functional disability, after covarying initial clinical and functional measures, but was not independently associated with 1-year depression diagnosis. Results were mixed regarding associations with 1-year medical burden or mortality. Conclusions Clinicians should be vigilant for functional decline in patients who perceive their health negatively. Future research should test potential mechanisms that might underlie this association.
Cellular communication in clone 9 cells exposed to magnetic fields.

Abstract Griffin, G. D., Williams, M. W. and Gailey, P. C. Cellular Communication in Clone 9 Cells Exposed to Magnetic Fields. Magnetic-field exposure (45 Hz Ba.c. over a flux density range of 7.7 to 49.9 μT r.m.s. with parallel Bd.c. of 36.6 μT) has been reported by Blackman and coworkers to inhibit gap junction intercellular communication in Clone 9 cells treated with chloral hydrate for 24 h prior to field exposure in accord with predictions of the ion parametric resonance model. The study reported here is an attempt to reproduce this effect. Baseline experiments showed that growth in culture and state of confluence at time of addition of chloral hydrate were comparable in both laboratories. PMA inhibited cell–cell communication in a dose-dependent manner, similar to the results of Blackman and coworkers, whereas cells in the present study were somewhat more sensitive to chloral hydrate than reported by Blackman and coworkers. A total of 38 exposure experiments were undertaken using a 45 Hz magnetic fi...
Photocatalytic microfluidic reactors utilizing titania nanotubes on titanium mesh for degradation of organic and biological contaminants.

Abstract Microfluidic reactors have gained considerable interest for photocatalytic degradation of contaminants in water. These systems have advantages such as large surface-area-to-volume ratio and high control of fluid flow, yet still suffer from drawbacks due to limited mass transport associated with laminar flow. The use of titania nanotubes synthesized on a mesh substrate shows improved photocatalytic performance in comparison to nanotubes synthesized on a foil substrate in a microreactor. At the lowest flow rate (25 μL/min), the area normalized fractional conversion of methylene blue increased from 20% for foil to 46% in the case of nanotubes on mesh. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of the mesh is due to shorter diffusion distance and induction of flow perturbation. Also, the radially outward oriented nanotubes formed over the circumference of the titanium wire leads to the efficient capture of both reflected and refracted light. The device was also applied for inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7. At a flow rate of 50 μL/min, the titania nanotubes on a mesh microreactor were able to achieve >99% inactivation of E. coli under AM 1.5 (≈100 mW/cm2) simulated solar light.
Synthesis and catabolism of progesterone in placentas from normotensive and severely hypertensive patients before and after parturition

Abstract We measured the synthesis of progesterone (P) from pregnenolone and its conversion into 20α-dihydroprogestrone (20α-DHP) in placentas obtained from 12 patients with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension and from 24 normotensive patients. There was no significant difference between placentas from hypertensive and normotensive patients with respect to mitochondrial 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase: γ 5 -isomerase activity both before and after labor, indicating that the capacity of this organ to synthesize P remains unchanged during labor in both groups of patients. There was a significant (p
Retrograde Axonal Degeneration in Parkinson Disease

In spite of tremendous research efforts we have not yet achieved two of our principal therapeutic goals in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), to prevent its onward progression and to provide restoration of systems that have already been damaged by the time of diagnosis. There are many possible reasons for our inability to make progress. One possibility is that our efforts thus far may not have been directed towards the appropriate cellular compartments. Up until now research has been largely focused on the loss of neurons in the disease. Thus, neuroprotection approaches have been largely aimed at blocking mechanisms that lead to destruction of the neuronal cell body. Attempts to provide neurorestoration have been almost entirely focused on replacement of neurons. We herein review the evidence that the axonal component of diseased neuronal systems merit more of our attention. Evidence from imaging studies, from postmortem neurochemical studies, and from genetic animal models suggests that the axons of the dopaminergic system are involved predominantly and early in PD. Since the mechanisms of axonal destruction are distinct from those of neuron cell body degeneration, a focus on axonal neurobiology will offer new opportunities for preventing their degeneration. At present these mechanisms remain largely obscure. However, defining them is likely to offer new opportunities for neuroprotection. In relation to neurorestoration, while it has been classically believed that neurons of the adult central nervous system are incapable of new axon growth, recent evidence shows that this is not true for the dopaminergic projection. In conclusion, the neurobiology of axons is likely to offer many new approaches to protective and restorative therapeutics.
Excimer-Laser Crystallization of Si Films Via Bi-Directional Irradiation of Dual-Layer Films on Transparent Substrates

The growing demand for crystalline-Si TFT devices with high performance and device uniformity has resulted in an increased focus on the microstructure of the active-channel portion of a device. In this paper, the authors report on a new excimer-laser crystallization (ELC) method that is highly effective in extending the super-lateral growth (SLG) distance and which does not involve any preheating of the substrate. The technique utilizes bi-directional irradiation of a dual layer Si film stack (separated by an oxide layer) deposited on a quartz wafer. The top layer is irradiated with a projection system which transfers a mask image in order to produce grain-boundary-location-controlled (GLC) regions, and the bottom layer, upon irradiation with a uniform beam, acts as a medium that favorably affects the thermal evolution of the top layer. The thermal environment required for extending the SLG distance, as is induced by the melting and solidification of the bottom layer, is physically regulated by the melting temperature of Si, and the enthalpy difference between liquid and solid can be used to initially store and subsequently release heat. Using the method, the authors were able to attain GLC regions with widths up to 10 {micro}m in 1,000-{angstrom} Si films withoutmore » any substrate heating. They elaborate on the applicability of the method to various artificially controlled super-lateral growth (ACSLG) techniques, and discuss process optimization by means of varying the multilayer configuration.« less
Latent Cellular Oncogenes: The Paradox Dissolves

The 20 known transforming onc genes of retroviruses are defined by sequences which are transduced from cellular genes, termed proto-onc genes. Based on these sequences, viral onc genes have been postulated to be transduced cellular cancer genes and proto-onc genes have been postulated to be latent cancer genes that can be activated from within the cell, to cause virus-negative tumours. The hypothesis is popular because it promises direct access to cellular cancer genes. However the existence of latent cancer genes presents a paradox since such genes would be most undesirable for eukaryotes. The hypothesis predicts (i) that viral onc genes and proto-onc genes are isogenic, (ii) that expression of proto-onc genes induces tumours, (iii) that activated proto-onc genes transform diploid cells upon transfection, like viral onc genes, and (iv) it predicts diploid tumours. As yet, none of these predictions is confirmed. Instead: (i) Structural comparisons between viral onc genes, essential retroviral genes, and the proto-onc genes show that all viral onc genes are indeed new genes, rather than transduced cellular cancer genes. They are genetic hybrids put together from truncated viral and truncated proto-onc genes. (ii) Proto-onc genes are frequently expressed in normal cells. (iii) To date, not one activated proto-onc gene has been isolated that transforms diploid cells. (iv) Above all, no diploid tumours with activated proto-onc genes have been found. Moreover the probability of spontaneous transformation in vivo is at least 10(9) times lower than predicted from the mechanisms thought to activate proto-onc genes. Therefore the hypothesis, that proto-onc genes are latent cellular oncogenes, appears to be an over-interpretation of sequence homology to structural and functional homology with viral onc genes. Here is is proposed that only rare truncations and recombinations, that alter the germline configuration of cellular genes, generate viral and possibly cellular cancer genes. The clonal chromosome abnormalities that are consistently found in tumour cells are microscopic evidence for rearrangements that may generate cancer genes. The clonality indicates that the tumours are initiated with, and possibly by these abnormalities as predicted by Boveri in 1914.
EVOLUTION IN A PAEDOMORPHIC LINEAGE. II. ALLOMETRY AND FORM IN THE MEXICAN AMBYSTOMATID SALAMANDERS.

Allometry, broadly defined as the study of size and its consequences (Gould, 1966), is one of the primary tools of morphometric analysis. By quantifying the relationship between size and shape both within and among species, morphological "null hypotheses," or expectations, can be generated and compared with the known morphology of related taxa (Sweet, 1980). Populations that fail to conform to allometric expectations may then be singled out as deserving further explanation or attention. Previously (Shaffer, 1983, 1984) I investigated the phylogeny of the Mexican ambystomatid salamanders, using an electrophoretic data base which is independent of morphological evolution. A major result of that study is that reproduction in the larval morphology has evolved several times, independently, in different salamander populations. What these electrophoretic analyses cannot show is that these various non-transforming salamanders take on a wide variety of shapes and sizes, some of which have been considered of specific and even generic-level importance. In addition, the phenomenon of larval reproduction has had a long history in the group, with well known fossil material from the Pliocene (Tihen, 19 5 5). Two conflicting hypotheses can explain the morphological diversity among these non-transforming populations. Since each is apparently derived from a nearby, transforming population, it may be that the differences in paedomorphic morphology simply reflect variations in ancestral larval growth trajectories. Alternatively, the non-transforming salamanders may have completely new shapes not predicted from ancestral growth curves. In this study I report the results of both bivariate and multivariate morphometric analyses to distinguish between these two hypotheses. The bivariate analyses offer a simple graphical interpretation of growth predictions, while the multivariate analysis (discriminant function analysis) treats many aspects of the organism simultaneously. A final discriminant function analysis considers patterns of morphological variation among all of the non-transforming Mexican ambystomatids, and attempts to separate shared ancestral from possible convergent components of variation.
New York's Radicals and the Coming of Independence

HE British-American skirmishes at Lexington and Concord and the consequent siege of British forces in Boston were responsible for creating a Continental Army and the extralegal political machinery to direct a military defense of individual liberty and freedom. Lexington and Concord also placed new and heavy responsibilities upon Whigs everywhere: manpower had to be mobilized, supplies and money obtained, and time given to the myriad details of war. With the emergence in each colony of a quasi-revolutionary government by the spring of 1775, the older tactics of the Sons of Liberty became obsolete and the radical Whig leaders were put to a severe test. In most cases unprepared by training or experience for anything more than managing newspaper propaganda, mass meetings, and street brawling, their continued usefulness would depend upon their adaptation to the changing times which they had in part created. What happened to these radical leaders, whether they continued to shape the future as they had the past, varied in each colony. The response of New York's radical triumvirate of Isaac Sears, John Lamb, and Alexander McDougall was perhaps uniquely different from developments elsewhere. Identified since 1765 as leaders of New York's Sons of Liberty, Sears, Lamb, and McDougall, merchants of modest fortune and middle age, had an off again-on again personal relationship that was largely determined by their involvement in the rivalry of the Livingston and DeLancey factions for political power in the colony. Coming together under the Livingston banner in late 1769 during New York's political crisis over the Quartering Act, the popular trio was firmly joined in the American defense as the critical year of 1775 opened.1 They soon found themselves,
Roosting behavior of premigratory Dunlins (Calidris alpina)

-We studied roosting behavior of Dunlins (Calidris alpina) during late summer along the coast of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, in relation to tidal cycle, time of day, time of season, and occurrence of predators. Within Angyoyaravak Bay, peak populations of 70,000-100,000 Dunlins occur each year. The major diurnal roost sites were adjacent to intertidal feeding areas, provided an unobstructed view of predators, and were close to shallow waters used for bathing. At one site studied intensively, roosting flocks formed at high water consistently during the day but rarely at night. On about 75% of the days, Dunlins also came to the roost at dawn and dusk when the tide was low. The size of the roosting flock, the length of time birds spent at the roost site, and behavior at the roost site were highly variable throughout the season and significantly affected by both tide level and time of day. Roosting behavior changed significantly between early and late August, as Dunlins underwent heavy wing and body molt, and began premigratory fattening. The reaction of Dunlins to potential predators, the formation of roosting flocks in response to light cues, and seasonal changes in social behavior at the roost site suggested that communal roosting behavior may be related not only to the risk of predation but also to behavior during migration. Received 9 July 1990, accepted 5 August 1991. FEW investigators have examined the roosting behavior of shorebirds in light of either the physical factors that govern it or the benefits that might accrue (for review, see Myers 1984, Hockey 1985). Postbreeding Dunlins (Calidris alpina) roost in large flocks and feed on expansive intertidal mudflats of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, from July until early October (Holmes 1971, Gill and Handel 1990). At this time they are in transition from the breeding period, during which they defend dispersed nesting and feeding territories (Holmes 1966a, b, 1970, Pitelka et al. 1974), to the wintering period, during which they are highly social, and most commonly feed and roost in flocks along the coast (Storer 1951, Page 1974, Page and Whitacre 1975, O'Connor 1981, Brennan et al. 1985, Ruiz et al. 1989). While on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Dunlins complete prebasic molt (Holmes 1971) and prepare for a transoceanic migration to wintering areas in southeastern Asia and California (Gill and Handel 1990, in prep.). We expected that their feeding and roosting schedule would be dictated primarily by physical factors, such as the tidal cycle, that affect the profitability of foraging (Heppleston 1971, Prater 1972, Burger et al. 1977, Hartwick and Blaylock 1979, Kelly and Cogswell 1979, O'Connor 1981, Zwarts et al. 1990). We examined the patterns of formation and dispersal of roosting, premigratory Dunlin flocks to determine what factors might influence roosting behavior during this important part of their annual cycle.
Kneader scale-up and process design

Investigation of molding powder production on two different-sized Buss kneaders is presented. The storage moduli, energy consumption, and the pressure profiles were observed at different material loads, screw revolutions, and material fills. Experimentally measured data were compared to calculated ones using previously developed flow model and two parameters; storage moduli and complex viscosity were calculated for different process conditions. Additionally, optimal process conditions and scale-up procedure for two different-sized Buss kneaders were proposed. The results may contribute to better understanding of kneading processes in industrial plants with respect to operation costs, energy consumption and environmental care.
Female sterilization. III. vaginal hysterectomy.

Abstract One hundred and eleven cases of vaginal hysterectomy for sterilization, performed over a period of five and a half years, were analyzed and compared with alternative methods of female sterilization. The mean operating time for vaginal hysterectomy was 98 minutes, and the mean length of hospitalization was 9.5 days. Immediate morbidity of one sort or another occurred in 89 cases (90.0 per cent), while the incidence of standard morbidity was 40.9 per cent (35 cases). These data compare most unfavorably with findings for interval tubal ligation by either the vaginal or laparoscopic approach. Our data indicate that vaginal hysterectomy for sterilization should be used only in selected patients where there is a clear indication for hysterectomy above and beyond the desire for sterilization.
FRI0113 Persistence and Adherence with Triple Therapy and Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor-Methotrexate Combination Therapy in us Veterans with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background A randomized controlled trial (RTC) including US veterans with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) reported similar clinical efficacy, persistence, and adherence in a comparison of combination therapy with triple therapy (methotrexate [MTX] + hydroxychloroquine [HCQ] + sulfasalazine [SSZ]) versus tumor necrosis factor inhibitor-methotrexate (TNFi-MTX).1 In contrast, an analysis of US clinical practice based on claims data for commercially insured patients reported differences in persistence and adherence between these combinations.2 Objectives To report one-year persistence and adherence of triple therapy and TNFi-MTX in US Veterans initiating combination therapy to allow preliminary comparison of findings in clinical practice and RCT-reported data. Methods US veterans with RA initiating TNFi-MTX or triple therapy between Jan 1, 2006 and Dec 31, 2012 after 6-months of VA enrollment without prior combination therapy were evaluated for 12-months. The index date for starting combination therapy was defined as the date on which the final drug to complete each treatment combination was initiated. Three different definitions for termination of combination therapy were defined and persistence over one year calculated for each method. Method #1: ≥45-day gap for the TNFi or two drugs in triple therapy, or initiation of a non-TNFi biologic or new conventional DMARD; method #2: Same as #1 except switch to another TNFi in TNFi+MTX group or change in conventional DMARD was allowed; method #3: ≥45-day gap in any drug of the combination or initiation of any new biologic or conventional DMARD. Persistence on individual drugs within each therapy was assessed and defined as no ≥45-day gap for that drug. Adherence was defined as Proportion of Days Covered (PDC)>80% and determined for each individual drug and the combination of all drugs. Results A total of 2,936 TNFi-MTX patients and 1,125 triple therapy patients met the eligibility criteria (mean [SD] age at index 60.7 [10.8] vs. 61.8 [9.9], 13.0% vs. 9.0% female, mean [SD] Charlson comorbidity index 1.61 [1.03] vs. 1.81 [1.36]). After 12 months, persistence in the TNFi-MTX arm was significantly greater across all three approaches (p Conclusions US Veterans initiating TNFi-MTX therapy consistently showed significantly greater persistence and adherence than those initiating triple therapy during clinical practice in contrast to similar persistence and adherence reported with these combinations in a clinical trial. References O9Dell et al. N Engl J Med 2013;369:307-318. Bonafede et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2014;73:Suppl 2;335. Acknowledgements Research funded by Immunex Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Amgen Inc. Disclosure of Interest G. Cannon Grant/research support from: Amgen, C. C. Teng Grant/research support from: Amgen, D. Tang Shareholder of: Amgen, Employee of: Amgen, J. Leng Grant/research support from: Amgen, D. Harrison Shareholder of: Amgen, Employee of: Amgen, B. Sauer Grant/research support from: Amgen