cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the need for significant reform in university education, especially in aerospace engineering

This paper discusses the need for academia to be more responsive to the needs of students and society. The slow speed of change in academia is causing our educational programs to lose value. Technology has been advancing at an exponential rate for decades, yet academia changes at almost glacial speed. While the example used herein (engineering, and in particular aerospace engineering) is one familiar to the author, the ideas in this paper may well apply to all academic disciplines, including Science and Liberal Arts. The problems are due to rapid changes in technology, inflated bureaucracies at universities, the emphasis on revenue and research, and limits to human learning. There is no question that this is the Information Age, yet academia has not adjusted to this dramatic new world. Students need to understand this and be pro-active to prepare themselves for the future and choose the right courses, majors, and universities.
Decompensated high-output congestive heart failure in a patient with AVF and the role of right heart catheterization: A case study

A 70-year-old Caucasian male presented 8 months postcadaveric renal transplant with slowly progressive shortness of breath, abdominal distention, and cough for a duration of a few days. Thorough evaluation found him to have severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) on echocardiogram with decompensated high-output congestive heart failure. A right heart catheterization was done, which confirmed elevated right-sided pressures and high cardiac output. The mean pulmonary artery pressure, on a Swan-Ganz catheter, improved from 37 to 30 mmHg on partial manual occlusion of his still functioning hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula. Subsequently, the patient underwent ligation of the fistula and this led to gradual improvement in his symptoms. Follow-up right heart catheterization and echocardiogram showed marked improvement and normalization of right heart pressures. We recommend that patients with arteriovenous fistula should undergo close monitoring for development of early signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure and screening for PH by echocardiography post-kidney transplant. Right heart catheterization should be considered if screening is positive. Risk and benefit of fistula closure should be weighed in face of reduced survival from PH in dialysis patients and closure should be considered in post-transplant patients.
Common Characteristics of Compassionate Counselors: A Qualitative Study

Using a qualitative research methodology involving face-to-face and telephone interviews, the researchers explored the construct of compassion in mental health counseling. The construct of compassion has been empirically studied in many helping professions; however, most studies have focused on counselors working with trauma victims in medical settings and large-scale disasters. The sample comprised 16 mental health counselors (i.e., 13 females and 3 males) who were licensed professionals working in the state of Ohio. Three major themes emerged from the data: (a) client population, (b) work environment, and (c) coping mechanisms. Implications are examined in regard to professional and personal wellbeing for counselors.
Comparison of modelling and experimental results of anode surface melting by femtosecond laser-stimulated electrical discharges in small gaps

Experiments and particle-in-cell simulations of femtosecond laser-stimulated electrical discharges in submicrometre gaps between scanning tunnelling microscope tip cathodes and gold film anodes are described. In experiments at applied potentials of 35 V and less, discharges were detected either as self-terminating low-current pulses with durations less than 10 ns and magnitudes less than 200 mA or as higher-current, longer-duration current waveforms. The probability of occurrence of low-current pulses increased as applied potential was decreased, being certain at low potentials of 20–25 V. Low-current pulse waveforms and surface melting of gold anodes predicted by the simulations were compared with experiments. Laser stimulation was modelled by introducing partially ionized electrode materials into the simulation domain at a controlled rate. Simulation results showed that the duration of low-current pulses was influenced by the time over which material was added to the gap region, establishing the importance of electrode vaporization on discharge duration. Subsequently, partially ionized electrode materials were preloaded into the gap in controlled amounts in subsequent simulations. Peak currents predicted by these simulations were nearly equal to the low-current pulse measurements but simulated pulse durations were shorter than experiments. Thus, the time axis of simulation current profiles was normalized for equality of charge transfer with experiments. Anode temperatures and melt diameters calculated from normalized simulated heat input profiles were well matched to experimental measurements.
Low temperature efficient interconnecting layer for tandem polymer solar cells

Abstract Tandem solar cells are found to be promising in organic photovoltaic research because they can double open-circuit voltage (Voc) and utilize photon energy efficiently, as compared to single junction solar cells. In a typical tandem polymer solar cell, two single subcells are staked and connected by an interconnecting layer, which is a prerequisite to achieving high photo-electron conversion efficiency. In this work, a low temperature solution processed and chemically stable PEDOT:PSS/AZO/PEIE interconnecting layer is reported. Tandem polymer solar cells based on this efficient layer can realize a high Voc, which can sum the Voc׳s of subcells. Furthermore, the operation mechanism of the interconnecting layer is discussed to help better understand the electron recombination process in the interconnecting layer.
Development of a wireless radioactive material sensor network

Abstract Our team at the United States Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has designed and developed a low-power, compact, wireless-networked gamma sensor (WGS) array. The WGS system provides high sensitivity gamma photon detection and remote warning for a broad range of radioactive materials. This sensor identifies the presence of a 1 μCi Cs137 source at a distance of 1.5 m. The networked array of sensors presently operates as a facility and laboratory sensor for the movement of radioactive check sources. Our goal has been to apply this architecture for field security applications by incorporating low-power design with compact packaging. The performance of this radiation measurement network is demonstrated for both detection and location of radioactive material.
On the statuary in the garden of Puławy

There are certainly places and people who have the right to monuments and varied mementoes. These should be the result of tenderness, of reason and sometimes of learning. Tenderness determines the ...
Gifting the Organization

This article describes the use of an original experiential exercise inspired by Leading with Soul (Bolman & Deal, 1995, 2001). Through giving gifts from the heart to our coworkers and reports, we can give our own lives meaning and express our spiritual selves. In this exercise, students reflect on the gift they would like to give to an organization of which they are a member, possibly write a short paper or take notes about it, participate in a small group exercise and role-play in which they share their gifts, then engage in a large group discussion on the same topic. All directions and context along with samples of student gifts and reactions to the exercise are included.
An engineering analysis of myocardial fiber orientation in pig's left ventricle in systole

The concept of discrete layers and bundles of muscle as a basic structural arrangement in left ventricular myocardium was tested by measuring the helix angles at 1 mm intervals from endocardium to epicardium, using pig's heart in the contracted state. A fixed coordinate system was established which permitted measurement of corresponding sites in hearts of different dimensions. The helix angle was found to change from somewhat less than 90° endocardially to about −90° epicardially in an almost linear clockwise sequence, like a Japanese fan opened up. Approximately the same pattern was observed in the interventricular septum and the anterior, left and posterior walls. Generally, there was no abrupt change between the helix angle of papillary fibers and that of adjacent wall myocardium. Where occasionally abrupt changes in fiber orientation were demonstrated, no intervening septum could be discerned. The deviant fibers seemed to co-exist as part of the same gross structure. The concept of a continuum more appropriately describes the basic structure of left ventricular myocardium. Lev and Simkins ('56) and Grant ('65) showed that there was no evidence of identifiable layers as defined by the presence of connective tissue septa. This study shows no evidence of identifiable layers as defined by (1) an abrupt change in fiber direction demarking the boundary of a layer and (2) a parallel fiber direction between such boundaries.
Synthesis of CuO Nanorods, Reduction of CuO into Cu Nanorods, and Diffuse Reflectance Measurements of CuO and Cu Nanomaterials in the Near Infrared Region

CuO nanorods were synthesized by hydrothermal methods with three different chemical combinations: (i) copper nitrate, lactic acid, and sodium hydroxide; (ii) copper sulfate, sodium lactate, and sodium hydroxide; and (iii) copper nitrate and sodium hydroxide. Physical parameters, concentration, temperature, and aging time, greatly affected the size and morphology of the nanorods; CuO nanoparticles were also prepared. These nanorods and nanoparticles were reduced to metallic copper at elevated temperature by 4% H2 diluted in helium. The morphology of CuO nanomaterials (nanorods and nanoparticles) was preserved after reduction. These CuO and Cu nanorods and nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, SEM-EDS, and BET measurements. The CuO and Cu nanomaterials were employed for near-infrared (NIR) diffuse reflectance. Among these materials, CuO nanorods were to be found the best NIR diffuse reflectors, indicating potential application as NIR obscurants.
Treatment of Pediatric IgA Nephropathy

IgA nephropathy is the most common chronic glomerulopathy in children and young adults. Although most of the early studies on pediatric IgA nephropathy concluded that it was a benign condition, more recent data have shown that a significant proportion of children progress to end-stage renal disease. It is now obvious that IgA nephropathy in children is not as benign as previously thought. Physicians who care for children with IgA nephropathy should be aware of this risk of progression to renal insufficiency and make treatment a priority. Strict attention should be given to modify any coexisting morbidities that may further predispose young patients to renal deterioration. The pharmacologic agents and therapeutic options used to manage this common disease are reviewed, and a recommended approach is presented. [ Hong Kong J Nephrol 2007;9(2):70–6]
Drone “quality” and caste interactions in the honey bee, Apis mellifera L.

We investigated the influence of drone size and potential reproductive quality on caste interactions by adding large drones reared in drone cells (DC drones; considered to be of higher quality) and small drones reared in worker cells (WC drones; of lower quality) to two observation colonies and monitoring worker–drone interactions and acceptance by workers. When initially introduced into the colonies more DC drones received trophallaxis, whereas more WC drones received aggression and eviction attempts from workers. Nevertheless, WC and DC drones were equally likely to be accepted by workers. For both drone types accepted individuals had slightly, but significantly greater weights than rejected males. Thus, workers discriminated between drones of different sizes and potential quality upon initial encounter, although these discriminations were not strongly associated with acceptance decisions. After drones were accepted, workers either showed no preference for interacting with WC or DC drones, or if a preference was shown it tended to favor WC drones. Compared to accepted DC drones, significantly more WC drones received grooming for longer periods of time and also spent more time engaged in all interactions with workers combined. DC and WC drones did not differ in the likelihood of receiving trophallaxis or the vibration signal, although for both interactions slightly more WC drones were recipients. Thus, workers may bias some interactions with accepted drones to favor smaller individuals with potential developmental deficiencies, in a manner that could contribute to the production of a greater total number of competitive males and increased colony reproductive output.
Prefabricated Construction using Digitally Integrated Industrial Manufacturing

The paper describes research being carried out in relation to prefabricated high density affordablehousing under a grant from the Partnership for the Advancement of Technology in Housing(PATH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the USA. The objective is to demonstratehow a new paradigm for the conceptualization and construction of buildings can be conceivedof as an entirely factory based process that creates advantages for construction through industrialsystems technology transfer. Our approach is intended to transform design methodologythrough demonstrating how alternative construction concepts, using entirely pre-manufacturedvolumetric units, can be adopted. This involves digital modeling that facilitates parametric variationsfor creating customized prefabricated products from design conceptualization through tofinal product delivery. The paper discusses key areas under investigation in relation to a manufacturingparadigm used in the automotive industry that integrates virtual prototyping and industrialmanufacturing systems. Our research explores a type of monocoque volumetric unit prefabricatedin steel, which will be pre-finished as part of a modular factory-built approach usingindustrialized methodologies that will facilitate customized manufacture of a high quality energyefficient product for affordable housing.The paper addresses the automotive industry methods of manufacture that have served increasedautomobile performance and economics through mass production for over a century. In starkcontrast, the building industry and in particular the housing industry is still a century behind. It issuggested that a move away from tradition will require an industry wide initiative, just like HenryFord led the way with mass production. By embracing the increasing sophistication and capabilitythat digital technology offers, it is shown how digital tools are implemented towards masscustomization in house design using virtual modeling in the context of a prefabricated manufacturingapproach. This includes industrialized modular sub-assembly design, where the informationon parts, assemblies and modules can be transferred to digital and robotic technology, asseen in the automotive industry, as well as achieving enhanced production efficiency through a‘supply chain' process, which is condensed. The paper discusses how these models for manufacturecan be transferred into the housing market in order to revolutionize the cost and qualitybase of construction. Our research objective is to disseminate knowledge on this process, andshowing how through integrated transfer of automotive technologies we can implement an industrializedfabrication process for mass housing, not previously known in the building industry.
Characterization of strained GaInAs/AlInAs quantum well TEGFETS grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract Defect free strained layer epitaxy opens possibilities for further improvement on the quantum well two-dimensional electron gas FET (TEGFET) structures grown using the GaInAs/AlInAs on InP materials system. Increased freedom with composition allows for optimizing certain properties of the structure, such as, the conduction edge discontinuity which controls the maximum sheet concentration (ns); and the electron effective mass which influences the speed of the structure. These enhancements can be made respectively by increasing the Al concentration in the AlInAs and/or by decreasing the Ga concentration in the GaInAs. The maximum amount of strain which can be incorporated into the unrelaxed material sets an upper limit on the compositional tolerances. The tolerances will be shown to be large for the AlInAs and the active TEG GaInAs region. The compositions are obtained using the intensity oscillations observed in the reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) specular beam during growth of GaAs, AlAs, and subsequently GaInAs on GaAs. X-ray rocking curves and photoluminescence (PL) are used to verify the calibrations for growths on InP. The dependency of the mobility on strain is shown. The maximum 300 K mobility obtained was 12,360 cm2/V·s with ns of 1.25×1012/cm2. The well thickness was 84 nm. The AlInAs and GaInAs were estimated to be +0.04 and +0.17 In fraction from lattice match respectively. A mobility of 11,550 cm2/V·s was obtained using a 34 nm well. Strong PL (10 K) peaks will be shown from the quantum well TEGFET structures having a full width at half maximum intensity as low as 12.5 meV. The energies are below the GaInAs bandgap energy ranging from 0.69 to 0.80 eV.
Rapid transition of cardiac myocytes from hyperplasia to hypertrophy during postnatal development

The switch from myocyte hyperplasia to hypertrophy occurs during the early postnatal period. The exact temporal sequence when cardiac myocytes cease dividing and become terminally differentiated is not certain, although it is currently believed that the transition takes place gradually over a 1-2-week period. The present investigation has characterized the growth pattern of cardiac myocytes during the early postnatal period. Cardiac myocytes were enzymatically isolated from the hearts of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12-day-old rats for the measurements of binucleation, cell volume and myocyte number. Almost all myocytes were mononucleated and cell volume remained relatively constant during the first 3 days of age. Increases in cell volume and binucleation of myocytes were first detected at day 4. Myocyte volume increased 2.5-fold from day 3 to day 12 (1416 +/- 320 compared to 3533 +/- 339 microns 3). The percentage of binucleated myocytes began to increase at day 4 and proceeded at a high rate, reaching the adult level of approximately 90% at day 12. Myocyte number increased 68% during the first 3 days (from 13.6 +/- 3.5 x 10(6) at day 1 to 22.9 +/- 5.6 x 10(10) at day 3) and remained constant thereafter. To confirm that no further myocyte division exists after 4 days, bromodeoxyuridine (Brdu) was administered to 4-day-old rats and the fate of DNA-synthesizing myocytes was examined 2 h and 2, 4, 6 and 8 days after Brdu injection. About 12% of myocytes were labeled with Brdu at 2 h and all were mononucleated at that time. Gradually, these Brdu-labeled myocytes became binucleated. However, the percentage of labeled myocytes in all groups was identical, indicating that DNA-synthesizing myocytes were becoming binucleated without further cell division after 4 days of age. Within 8 days after injection, approximately 82% of total labeled myocytes were binucleated, while the others remained mononucleated. Sarcomeric alpha-actinin was fully disassembled in dividing myocytes of 2-day-old rats, while typical alpha-actinin striations were present in dividing myocytes of 4-day-old rats. The results from this study suggest that a rapid switch from myocyte hyperplasia to hypertrophy occurs between postnatal day 3 and 4 in rat hearts.
M2 Machine Gun Barrel Wear with SLAP Ammunition

The M2 machine gun has a Stellite-lined barrel. When Saboted-Light-Armor-Penetrator (SLAP) ammunition is fired in M2 barrels, the bore often constricts below the minimum diameter in less than 2,500...
S-Myristoylation of a Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific Phospholipase C inTrypanosoma brucei

Covalent modification with lipid can target cytosolic proteins to biological membranes. With intrinsic membrane proteins, the role of acylation can be elusive. Herein, we describe covalent lipid modification of an integral membrane glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (GPI-PLC) from the kinetoplastid Trypanosoma brucei. Myristic acid was detected on cysteine residue(s) (i.e. thiomyristoylation). Thiomyristoylation occurred both co- and post-translationally. Acylated GPI-PLC was active against variant surface glycoprotein (VSG). The half-life of fatty acid on GPI-PLC was 45 min, signifying the dynamic nature of the modification. Deacylation in vitro decreased activity of GPI-PLC 18-30-fold. Thioacylation, from kinetic analysis, activated GPI-PLC by accelerating the conversion of a GPI-PLC.VSG complex to product. Reversible thioacylation is a novel mechanism for regulating the activity of a phospholipase C.
Gaussian versus flat-top spatial beam profiles for optical stimulation of the prostate nerves

The cavernous nerves (CN) course along the prostate surface and are responsible for erectile function. Improved identification and preservation of the CN's is critical to maintaining sexual potency after prostate cancer surgery. Noncontact optical nerve stimulation (ONS) of the CN's was recently demonstrated in a rat model, in vivo , as a potential alternative to electrical nerve stimulation (ENS) for identification of the CN's during prostate surgery. However, the therapeutic window for ONS is narrow, so optimal design of the fiber optic delivery system is critical for safe, reproducible stimulation. This study describes modeling, assembly, and testing of an ONS probe for delivering a small, collimated, flat-top laser beam for uniform CN stimulation. A direct comparison of the magnitude and response time of the intracavernosal pressure (ICP) for both Gaussian and flat-top spatial beam profiles was performed. Thulium fiber laser radiation (λ=1870 nm) was delivered through a 200-μm fiber, with distal fiber tip chemically etched to convert a Gaussian to flat-top beam profile. The laser beam was collimated to a 1-mm-diameter spot using an aspheric lens. Computer simulations of light propagation were used to optimize the probe design. The 10-Fr (3.4-mm-OD) laparoscopic probe provided a constant radiant exposure at the CN surface. The probe was tested in four rats, in vivo . ONS of the CN's was performed with a 1-mm-diameter spot, 5-ms pulse duration, and pulse rate of 20 Hz for a duration of 15-30 s. The flat-top laser beam profile consistently produced a faster and higher ICP response at a lower radiant exposure than the Gaussian beam profile due, in part, to easier alignment of the more uniform beam with nerve. The threshold for ONS was approximately 0.14 J/cm 2 , corresponding to a temperature increase of 6-8°C at the CN surface after a stimulation time of 15 s. With further development, ONS may be used as a diagnostic tool for identification of CN's during prostate cancer surgery.
Accuracy and tolerability of the Bravo catheter-free pH capsule in patients between the ages of 4 and 18 years.

ABSTRACTObjective:The aim of this study was to determine if the Bravo pH capsule is comparable to the nasally placed pH catheter in terms of pH-metry, safety, and tolerability in children.Methods:Ten patients each in the age ranges of 4 to 6 years, 7 to 10 years, and >10 years were tested simultaneo
Approaches to Children's Song Acquisition: Immersion and Phrase-by-Phrase

This study is an examination of the effect of two instructional procedures for teaching songs to children: (a) immersion, in which the teacher presents the song in its entirety repeatedly, always f...
Jacksonville pediatric injury control system: A multidisciplinary quality improvement program

The Jacksonville Pediatric Injury Control System is a multidisciplinary forum created to identify, discuss, and recommend actions that improve the care of pediatric trauma patients in the Jacksonville, Florida, area. Daily events that affect the outcome of injured children are measured. Outcome can no longer be measured by merely decreasing mortality and patient impairment but must also include how efficiently this is achieved. To improve our ability to treat pediatric injury, factors that undermine this efficiency must be controlled. The Jacksonville Pediatric Injury Control System accomplishes this in a manner that uses existing resources to focus the pursuit of excellence for an entire community of profesionals committed to improved care for the injured child.
On the three-dimensional bending theory of cracked plates

Abstract Using an integral formulation, the three-dimensional flexure problem of an elastic plate bounded by the surfaces z = ± h and containing a through-the-thickness finite crack is reduced to a dual integral equation, which in turn is solved for the unknown function. The analysis shows that, in the interior of the plate, only the stresses σ xx , σ yy , σ zz and τ xy are singular of the order (1/2) and that the angular distribution is precisely the same as that of the corresponding stretching problem. Furthermore, the stress intensity factor is shown to be a function of z as well as a function of the crack to thickness ratio (c/h). The two-dimensional solution is also reduced as the Poisson's ratio v → 0.
The systems biology of infection in animal models bears fruit.

The host response to pathogenic bacteria defies simple, general descriptions. The complicated nature of these interactions is a natural consequence of the complexity of the participants: bacteria, which are free-living organisms with genomes encoding thousands of genes, and mammals and plants, which are multicellular organisms with elaborate genomes orders of magnitude larger. The diversity of hosts and bacterial pathogens further complicates a straightforward, comprehensive portrayal of infectious diseases. Despite this complexity, the relative conservation of innate immune responses has provided a basis for our understanding of bacterial diseases that transcends the differences among hosts and infectious agents. These recently identified innate immune response pathways, which regulate the adaptive immune response to infections through the production of biologically active cytokines, offer a valuable framework by which infectious diseases can be classified and defined (1). In the article by Handley et al. in a recent issue of PNAS (2), the combined use of two powerful experimental techniques yielded entirely unexpected information regarding the innate immune response to bacteria by using a well studied host–pathogen model: Yersinia entercolitica infection of susceptible, inbred mice.
Dynamic Strain and Temperature Instrument for NCSX Coil Development

The National Compact Stellarator Experiment (NCSX), a fusion research device, is being designed for improved plasma confinement and stability by applying a novel three-dimensional magnetic field configuration. The external magnetic field shaping is implemented by using 18 stellarator coils that are in a quasi-axisymmetric configuration and installed as toroidal modules. Emphasizing both plasma properties and geometrical constraints has been used for optimizing coil-winding shapes. Such modular coils are wound by using flexible, copper cable conductors that are compacted into rectangular shapes. Once wound, the conductor is vacuum impregnated with epoxy. The epoxy-filled conductor becomes a monolithic copper epoxy composite. Prototype coils have been designed, fabricated, and tested for the NCSX modular coil development. Physical properties, such as strains and temperatures on the prototype coils measured under simulation tests, are very important for designing reliable and long lifetime NCSX modular coils. During the simulation tests, the sensors have to be attached at different locations on the coils and would be immersed inside the liquid nitrogen pool. The signals measured from conventional electrical sensors could be degraded by the strong electromagnetic noises generated by the exciting current flowing in the test coil. To improve accuracy of strain and temperature test data, the fiber-optic strain measurement system that was developed for the spallation neutron source (SNS) mercury target development, is applied to the NCSX coil development. The miniature fiber-optic sensors are attached on the test coils at locations where the data of dynamic strains and temperatures are very important and of interest to engineers. Engineers could use the measured data to benchmark and improve sophisticated computer modeling codes for modular coils design. In this paper, the instrument for measuring strains and temperatures and test data collected from room temperatures to -190degC will be presented and discussed
DSCR1(Adapt78) modulates expression of SOD1

DSCR1(Adapt78) is a stress responsive gene that can be induced by multiple stresses. We have previously demonstrated that acute DSCR1(Adapt78) overexpression can transiently protect cells against oxidative stress and calcium-mediated stresses, while its chronic overexpression is associated with neurofibrillary tangles, Alzheimer disease, and Down's syndrome. It seems that a delicate balance of DSCR1(Adapt78) expression is maintained in cells, and this gene can have either protective or damaging effects, depending on both its level and duration of expression. The mechanisms by which DSCR1(Adapt78) can protect or harm cells are poorly understood. Here, we tried to identify pathways and targets affected by the DSCR1(Adapt78) gene using regulated expression of DSCR1(Adapt78) in PC-12 cells, followed by microarray analysis of mRNAs from these cells. We found that DSCR1(Adapt78) expression stimulates SOD1 (intracellular Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase) gene expression and increased sod 1 enzyme activity. Previous studies have indicated that sod 1 can either protect or damage cells, depending on its levels. Our findings suggest that sod 1 may also be involved in both the acute protective and the chronic damaging effects of DSCR1(Adapt78) expression. These data also have importance for our understanding of Down's syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and other human pathologies.
A note on indirect boundary element methods for the diffusion equation

This paper corrects an impression, created by a recent contribution to the International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, that the mathematical equivalence of the direct and indirect boundary element methods for the diffusion equation implies that their respective computational needs with regard to the body integral terms are equal. It is shown that in a stepwise implementation of the numerical procedure for solving a finite body problem, indirect methods requirean integration over an infinite region and not merely over the body as is the case for the direct version.
Characterization of electric-pulse-induced permeabilization of porcine skin using surface electrodes.

We measured the transient and long-term changes of permeability of full-thickness porcine skin after the application of a single or a train of electric pulses, as the basis for optimization of the electrical parameters for enhancing transdermal drug or gene delivery by electroporation. Two electrodes were attached to the stratum corneum of excised skin for transdermal electric pulse delivery and impedance measurement. Both transient and long-term permeabilization were found to be dependent on the electrical exposure dose, i.e., the product of pulse voltage and cumulative pulsing (exposure) time. Skin resistance dropped to about 20% of its prepulsing value when pulsed beyond a critical dosage of 0.4 V-s (with 20–40 V across each skin path), but recovered rapidly within seconds after the pulse. Long-term permeabilization of the skin required repeated pulsing with a minimum potential of 160 V (80 V across each skin path). The maximum long-term resistance drop, to 35% of the initial value, required a dose greater than 200 V-s, recovering slowly and seldom completely in tens of minutes to hours. The decrease and recovery of the resistance were dependent on the frequency and pulse length only for low-dose electrical exposure.
The microstructure of electrodeposited titanium-aluminum alloys

The microstructure of electrodeposited titanium-aluminide alloys containing 3.6 to 24.1 at. pct Ti was studied by transmission electron microscopy. The surface morphology of the deposits showed that they contained nodular and faceted grains which tended to be less faceted at higher Ti contents. Extensive 111 twinning was observed in all deposits, and growth striations parallel to were observed in the low Ti deposits. The growth of nodules was linked to the presence of these twins; it was hypothesized that the twin boundaries act as easy atomic attachment points and, therefore, enhance the growth rate. The presence of twins and striations was used to pro-pose a growth mechanism. The 5.3, 15.8, and 24.1 at. pct Ti deposits were single-phase grains of the Ll2 crystal structure, as opposed to the expected equilibrium two-phase mixture of face-centered cubic (fcc) Al (saturated with Ti) and D022 Al3Ti. Calculated electron diffraction in-tensity data were used to demonstrate that the decrease in intensity of the superlattice reflections in the substoichiometric deposits is due to a reduction in the difference in atomic scattering factors between the two lattice site types.
Applications of Noether's theorem to inhomogeneous fluids

Abstract The implications of Noether's theorem in the van der Walls theory of nonuniform fluids are examined for a two-phase system with a planar interface, for a three-phase fluid with a line of contact, and for a two-phase fluid with a pair of coexisting interface structures. In each case the thermodynamic consequences of the resulting conservation laws are examined.
In vitro and in vivo efficacy of fluorodeoxycytidine analogs against highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, seasonal, and pandemic H1N1 virus infections

Abstract Various fluorodeoxyribonucleosides were evaluated for their antiviral activities against influenza virus infections in vitro and in vivo . Among the most potent inhibitors was 2′-deoxy-2′-fluorocytidine (2′-FdC). It inhibited various strains of low and highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses, pandemic H1N1 viruses, an oseltamivir-resistant pandemic H1N1 virus, and seasonal influenza viruses (H3N2, H1N1, influenza B) in MDCK cells, with the 90% inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.13 to 4.6 μM, as determined by a virus yield reduction assay. 2′-FdC was then tested for efficacy in BALB/c mice infected with a lethal dose of highly pathogenic influenza A/Vietnam/1203/2004 H5N1 virus. 2′FdC (60 mg/kg/d) administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) twice a day beginning 24 h after virus exposure significantly promoted survival (80% survival) of infected mice ( p = 0.0001). Equally efficacious were the treatment regimens in which mice were treated with 2′-FdC at 30 or 60 mg/kg/day (bid X 8) beginning 24 h before virus exposure. At these doses, 70–80% of the mice were protected from death due to virus infection ( p = 0.0005, p = 0.0001; respectively). The lungs harvested from treated mice at day four of the infection displayed little surface pathology or histopathology, lung weights were lower, and the 60 mg/kg dose reduced lung virus titers, although not significantly compared to the placebo controls. All doses were well tolerated in uninfected mice. 2′-FdC could also be administered as late as 72 h post virus exposure and still significantly protect 60% mice from the lethal effects of the H5N1 virus infection ( p = 0.019). Other fluorodeoxyribonucleosides tested in the H5N1 mouse model, 2′-deoxy-5-fluorocytidine and 2′-deoxy-2′,2′-difluorocytidine, were very toxic at higher doses and not inhibitory at lower doses. Finally, 2′-FdC, which was active in the H5N1 mouse model, was also active in a pandemic H1N1 influenza A infection model in mice. When given at 30 mg/kg/d (bid X 5) beginning 24 h before virus exposure), 2′-FdC also significantly enhanced survival of H1N1-infected mice (50%, p = 0.038) similar to the results obtained in the H5N1 infection model using a similar dosing regimen (50%, p in vitro and in vivo inhibition of avian influenza virus replication, 2′FdC may qualify as a lead compound for the development of agents treating influenza virus infections.
Probing the unusual kinetic behavior of Si2C+2 reactions with unsaturated and aromatic compounds

Abstract The unusual non-first-order kinetic behavior of Si2C+2 ions produced by direct laser vaporization in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer was probed using a variety of experimental techniques to specify the energy content of these ions. The ions apparently are formed with at least 0.8 eV of excess energy in an excited electronic state, possibly as isomers of the ground state. Reactions with a variety of substituted benzenes and unsaturated hydrocarbons were also investigated. The results of the substituted benzene reactions display a number of similarities to the reactions of Si+ with benezene or NO2, proceedings through adduct formation for the former and producing silicon oxides in the latter. Carbon-13 labeling of Si2C+2 in the reactions with 2- and 3-carbon unsaturated neutrals reveals the detailed mechanism of these reactions. The C3H4 isomers (allene and propyne) both appear to react by insertion into single bonds, leading to different products in these two cases. This is in contrast to the reactions with ethylene and acetylene, where insertion into the multiple carbon—carbon bonds is important
Marriage as a Risk Factor for Internalizing Disorders: Clarifying Scope and Specificity

Objective Marital discord has been linked to both depression and anxiety; however, our understanding of how marriage contributes to the development of internalizing symptoms is limited in scope and lacking specificity. First, it is unclear whether the marital relationship contributes to the broad dimension of internalizing symptoms as opposed to specific diagnoses. Second, it is unclear how the marital relationship contributes to internalizing symptoms: through global marital dissatisfaction or through specific relationship processes (and which processes). The purpose of the present study was to address these 2 issues and, more generally, to develop a comprehensive and refined framework within which to understand the role of marriage in the developmental course of internalizing symptoms. Method Questionnaire and interview data were collected from 102 husbands and wives 5 times over the first 7 years of marriage. Results Results indicated that marital discord during the transition into marriage was associated with the broad dimension of internalizing symptoms for husbands but not for wives. Further, both global marital dissatisfaction and an imbalance of power and control put husbands at significant risk for symptoms over the first 7 years of marriage, whereas low levels of emotional intimacy put wives at significant risk. Conclusions Results exemplify the need to routinely consider intimate relationship processes in etiological models of depression and anxiety and to identify specific clinical targets that can be prioritized in interventions aimed at preventing internalizing disorders.
Credentialing for Public Health Nurses: Personally Valued … But Not Well Recognized

Objective: This study examined the extent to which public health nurses (PHNs) see value in credentialing and perceive specific barriers related to a community/public health nursing (C/PHN) credential. Design: A cross-sectional exploratory survey was used to examine the perceived value of credentialing for PHNs and the perceived barriers to obtaining or maintaining the C/PHN credential as the primary variables of interest. Sample: Data were collected from 655 PHN members of national public health nursing organizations who participated in an online survey. Measurement: Responses related to the perceived value of credentialing were analyzed using factor analysis and descriptive statistics. Data regarding perceived barriers to the C/PHN credential were analyzed through descriptive statistics and through the Borda Count Method for analysis of ranked data (Tannenbaum, 1995). Results: Similar to nurses in other specialties, study participants perceived that credentialing has a high personal value for PHNs, but that certification provides less value in terms of extrinsic recognition. Respondents identified issues related to the lack of external recognition as particular barriers to the C/PHN credential. Conclusions: These findings provide guidance to public health nursing leaders and inform discussions regarding the development of credentialing systems within the field of public health.
Chemical and biological processes in coquina of Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Analyses of water flowing through coquina showed exclusion of atmospheric CO2 and supersaturation in respect to calcite and hydroxyapatite. Extensive populations growing on the walls and benefiting from these nutrients included mainly blue-green algae, green algae and diatoms.
Effect of E-Ring Modifications in Camptothecin on Topoisomerase I Inhibition: A Quantum Mechanics Treatment

Camptothecins (CPTs) are the prototypical class of topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitors with significant anticancer activities. Structure−activity relationship studies have demonstrated that inverting the stereochemistry at C-20 (R-CPT) or changing the E-ring lactone to a lactam (CPT-lactam) abolishes the Top1 inhibitory activity. The explanations that have been advanced for these effects are that there is either a failure of hydrogen bond formation involving the C-20 hydroxyl group of R-CPT or a failure of E-ring opening of the lactam, which have been proposed to be required for Top1 inhibition. We demonstrate here that the preferred conformation for the CPTs has the 20-Et pseudoaxial, while the 20-OH is pseudoequatorial, and therefore, the 20-OH groups in all the three CPT analogues (S-CPT, R-CPT, and CPT-lactam) are able to hydrogen bond with Asp533. The loss of the Top1 inhibitory activity by the latter two CPT analogues is attributed to the decreased π−π stacking interaction energy with the neighboring ...
Computed tomography-guided percutaneous drainage of a head and neck infection.

A case for regional spread is derived from the treatment provided by Nobler in which the mandible was irradiated in four patients in whom only mental neuropathy was found, as well as an additional three patients demonstrating multiple cranial nerve involvement.6 In all seven cases, partial or complete neurologic resolution resulted. He suggested that metastatic spread to lymph nodes of the upper cervical region exerted pressure on the mandibular nerve as it passed from beneath the inferior border of the lateral pterygoid muscle to the entrance of the mandibular canal. As such, irradiation produced a reduction in cervical adenopathy and resolution of the trigeminal neuropathies. In line with this theory of metastatic spread as an etiology for IMNN, Calverley,’ Massey,2 Diago,3 and Blackwood’ also have described patients with either proven or highly suspected metastatic lesions to the mandible who have displayed IMNN. indicative of relapse when it reoccurs after therapy. Lastly, removal of the tumor source, with or without concomitant chemotherapy or radiotherapy, appears to result in the restoration of normal sensation. This suggests that neural involvement at least partially results from continual tumor feeding to the affected site.
SEM analysis of weathered grains: Pretreatment effects

Fresh microcline, albite, and almandine, along with soil grains, were treated with various traditional pretreatments prior to observation with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The grains were observed with SEM and given ratings for each of several surface properties to determine which pretreatments produced clean surfaces on soil grains without laboratory-induced damage on the fresh mineral grains. Gentle overnight shaking in 2% sodium bicarbonate at pH 9.5 produced the most effective cleaning of soil grains with the least amount of induced damage to fresh mineral samples. This pretreatment was equivalent to that given the control samples (shaken overnight in distilled water) for observations of etch pits on fresh mineral samples within a 25% equivalence (or negligible difference) interval. Ultrasonification, hydrogen peroxide, and boiling hydrochloric acid caused the most damage to mineral samples, mainly in the form of 0.5-µm etch pits. Boiling hydrochloric acid, boiling nitric acid, and stannous chloride resulted in increased coated surfaces on soil grains.
Angioplasty or Surgery for multivessel coronary artery disease : Comparison of eligible registry and randomized patients in the east trial and influence of treatment selection on outcomes

The Emory Angioplasty versus Surgery Trial (EAST) showed that multivessel patients eligible for both percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and coronary bypass surgery (CABG) had equivalent 3-year outcomes regarding survival, myocardial infarction, and major myocardial ischemia. Patients eligible for the trial who were not randomized because of physician or patient refusal were followed in a registry. This study compares the outcomes of the randomized and registry patients. Of the 842 eligible patients, 450 did not enter the trial. Their baseline features closely resembled those of the randomized patients and follow up was performed using the same methods. In the registry there was a bias toward selecting CABG in patients with 3-vessel disease (84%) and PTCA in patients with 2-vessel disease (54%). Three-year survival for the registry patients was 96.4%, which was better than the randomized patients, 93.4% (p = 0.044). Angina relief in the registry was equal for CABG and PTCA patients and was better for the PTCA registry (12.4%) than PTCA randomized patients (19.6%) (p = 0.079). Thus, the registry confirms that EAST is representative of all eligible patients and does not represent a low-risk subgroup. Since baseline differences were small, improved survival in the registry may be due to treatment selection. Physician judgment, even in patients judged appropriate for clinical trials, remains a potentially important predictor of outcomes.
Advanced high-temperature batteries

The promise of very high specific energy and power was not yet achieved for practical battery systems. Some recent approaches are discussed for new approaches to achieving high performance for lithium/DeS2 cells and sodium/metal chloride cells. The main problems for the development of successful LiAl/FeS2 cells were the instability of the FeS2 electrode, which has resulted in rapidly declining capacity, the lack of an internal mechanism for accommodating overcharge of a cell, thus requiring the use of external charge control on each individual cell, and the lack of a suitable current collector for the positive electrode other than expensive molybdenum sheet material. Much progress was made in solving the first two problems. Reduction of the operating temperatures to 400 C by a change in electrolyte composition has increased the expected life to 1000 cycles. Also, a lithium shuttle mechanism was demonstrated for selected electrode compositions that permits sufficient overcharge tolerance to adjust for the normally expected cell-to-cell deviation in coulombic efficiency. Sodium/sulfur batteries and sodium/metal chloride batteries have demonstrated good reliability and long cycle life. For applications where very high power is desired, new electrolyte coinfigurations would be required. Design work was carried out for the sodium/metal chloride battery that demonstrates the feasibility of achieving high specific energy and high power for large battery cells having thin-walled high-surface area electrolytes.