cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corrosion Studies Aid Light Metals

MANY factors help to determine the usefulness of metals in our economy—cost, availability, weight, strength and corrosion resistance are only a few. Of major consideration for many applications is a metal's resistance to corrosion. This is especially true for the light metals.
Volume Regeneration of Segments 2 and 3 After Right Portal Vein Embolization in Patients Undergoing Two-Stage Hepatectomy

The impact of first-stage resection on volume regeneration of segments 2 and 3 (2 + 3) after right portal vein embolization (RPVE) in patients undergoing two-stage right hepatectomy has not been investigated. Volume data for segments 2 + 3 were compared between 44 patients undergoing two-stage hepatectomy and 116 undergoing single-stage hepatectomy after RPVE. The degree of hypertrophy (difference between standardized volume of segments 2 + 3 before and after RPVE) and kinetic growth rate (degree of hypertrophy at initial volume assessment divided by the number of weeks elapsed after RPVE) were significantly lower in patients undergoing two-stage hepatectomy (median 8.6 vs 10.5 % [p = 0.01] and 1.7 vs 2.4 % [p < 0.01], respectively). Resection volume during first-stage resection was negatively correlated with standardized volume increase from the volume before first-stage resection (R 2 0.546, p < 0.01). In patients undergoing two-stage hepatectomy after RPVE with segment 4 embolization, the degree of hypertrophy and kinetic growth rate were similar to those in patients undergoing single-stage hepatectomy (p = 0.17 and p = 0.08, respectively). In patients undergoing two-stage hepatectomy, first-stage resection impairs the dynamics of volume regeneration of segments 2 + 3 after RPVE. When two-stage extended right hepatectomy is planned, additional embolization of segment 4 provides volume hypertrophy similar to that in patients undergoing single-stage hepatectomy.
Design of a spacecraft integration and test facility at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) is dedicated to solving critical challenges as set forth by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Department of Defense. JHU/APL participates fully in the nation's formulation of space science and exploration priorities, providing the needed science, engineering, and technology, including the production and operation of unique spacecraft, instruments, and subsystems.
Diuretic effects of cannabinoid agonists in mice

Cannabinoids both increase urine output and decrease urinary frequency in human subjects. However, these effects have not been systematically evaluated in intact mice, a species commonly used to evaluate the effects of novel cannabinoids. The present studies investigated whether cannabinoid agonists reliably produce diuresis in mice at doses comparable to those that produce other cannabinoid effects and, further, identified the receptors that may mediate these effects. Diuretic effects were measured in male mice over 6h. In some studies, urine was collected and analyzed for electrolyte measurements. In other studies, agonist injections were preceded by pretreatment with cannabinoid CB1 or CB2 selective antagonists, including a peripherally constrained CB1 antagonist. Companion studies evaluated the antinociceptive effects of the cannabinoid agonists in a warm-water tail-withdrawal assay. Direct-acting cannabinoid CB1 agonists Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), WIN 55,212, AM7418 and AM4054, had biphasic effects on diuresis, with peak diuretic effects occurring at lower doses than peak antinociceptive effects. Cannabinoid diuresis was similar to κ-opioid agonist-induced diuresis in terms of maximum effects with only moderate loss of Na(+). Antagonism studies indicate that the diuretic effects of cannabinoids are CB1-receptor mediated, with both central and peripheral components. These findings suggest that mice may provide a model for understanding the mixed effects of marijuana on urine output, as described in clinical studies, and aid in the development of targeted cannabinoid based therapies for bladder dysfunction.
Brief embryonic strychnine exposure in zebrafish causes long-term adult behavioral impairment with indications of embryonic synaptic changes.

Abstract Zebrafish provide a powerful model of the impacts of embryonic toxicant exposure on neural development that may result in long-term behavioral dysfunction. In this study, zebrafish embryos were treated with 1.5 mM strychnine for short embryonic time windows to induce transient changes in inhibitory neural signaling, and were subsequently raised in untreated water until adulthood. PCR analysis showed indications that strychnine exposure altered expression of some genes related to glycinergic, GABAergic and glutamatergic neuronal synapses during embryonic development. In adulthood, treated fish showed significant changes in swimming speed and tank diving behavior compared to controls. Taken together, these data show that a short embryonic exposure to a neurotoxicant can alter development of neural synapses and lead to changes in adult behavior.
Analysis of Hydrodynamic Penetration and Material Backflow

One-dimensional theory of hydrodynamic penetration for incompressible, inviscid conditions is re-visited to derive insightful relationships and provide a basis for discussing experimental observations. The 1-D Bernoulli equation produces simplified analytical relationships for such terms as the penetration depth, penetrator erosion rate, interface velocity, and other fundamental terms. Previous efforts [1,2] expanded this via a differential chain rule approach to establish relationships of energy and momentum flux and deposition rates of constant velocity and linear velocity gradient rod penetration events. A concise overview of the 1-D model is given followed by a selective grouping into relationships that might provide first-order criteria for making design considerations.
Photo-crosslinking of a self-assembled coumarin-dipeptide hydrogel

The self-assembly and photo-crosslinking of a lysine dipeptide functionalized with 7-(diethylamino)-3-coumarin carboxylic acid (7-DAC) is described. Self-assembly of the dipeptide in water and PBS produces a hydrogel comprised of uniform, micrometer length nanofibers. Irradiation of the nanofibers at 365 nm induces dimerization of the coumarin groups, which crosslinks and stabilizes the noncovalent nanofibers and enhances the mechanical properties.
What is the nature of the long bond in the TCNE22−π-dimer?

The TCNE22− π-dimer has many of the characteristics of a chemical bond despite its remarkably long (2.9 A) C–C bondlength, as it exists in crystalline solids. Using computational methods, we examine the nature of this long bond by obtaining potential energy curves that are, for the first time, in satisfactory agreement with recent experiments. We find that the unusually long C–C bond observed in π-TCNE22− dimers is in fact an outcome of significant dispersion attractions between the two cofacial monomers, as well as their (partial) intradimerπ-bonding interactions.
Effect of Climate Change between 1984 and 2007 on Precipitation Chemistry at a Site in Northeastern USA

Climate change predictions for the northeastern US call for an increase in tropical storms and a decrease in extra tropical cyclones including continental storms. We ran 24-h back trajectories for each precipitation event that occurred at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in southeastern New York, U.S.A. from 1984 to 2007 and analyzed precipitation chemistry as well as air mass position 24 h prior to the onset of each precipitation event. The results showed an increase in marine precipitation and a slight but statistically insignificant decrease in continental precipitation during the 1984-2007 period. The chemistry of precipitation from the two directions was quite different marine storms were higher in Na4 and Cl- but lower in solutes associated with acid precipitation (H+, SO4(2-), NO3-, and NH4+). Annual mean concentrations of acid precipitation solutes declined for storms from both directions during the period. We used a simple mixing model based on the current rates of increase and decrease of marine and continental precipitation respectively to show that chemical changes in precipitation resulting from the shift in storm tracks are small compared to chemical changes due to emissions reductions.
Copper cofactor delivery in plant cells

Copper (Cu) is a micronutrient that has roles in photosynthesis, respiration, antioxidant activity, cell wall metabolism and hormone perception. Excess Cu is toxic and therefore its delivery has to be tightly regulated. Recent progress in the study of Cu homeostasis has revealed not only components of the Cu delivery machinery but also regulatory systems that control Cu-protein expression and coordinate the activity of Cu-delivery systems. The response of photosynthetic organisms to Cu deficiency indicates the existence of cross-talk between metal cofactor delivery pathways. Next to its well-established roles in plant metabolism, a novel function for Cu, first discovered in plants, is in the biogenesis of molybdenum cofactor. Defects in Cu delivery factors also suggest important roles for Cu in cell expansion.
Statistical design characterization of analog circuits

Analog designs typically employ multiple core building block circuits, including current mirrors, band gap references, differential pairs and op amps, which require precisely matched performance between multiple devices. However, due to the statistical nature of the fabrication process, there will always be slight differences between these critical devices, contributing towards increased variation in circuit performance. Understanding the impact and potential interactions of variations between these matched devices may be critical in producing a commercially viable product. Following a brief overview of the nature of statistical process variation, we will demonstrate how to systematically evaluate components of a band gap circuit to isolate matching sensitivities and refine the sizings for optimized results.
Oxygen chemisorption on Cr(110) II. Evidence for molecular O2(ads)

Abstract Oxygen chemisorption and dissociation on Cr(110) at 120 K have been studied using high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), electron stimulated desorption ion angular distribution (ESDIAD), low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Dissociative adsorption dominates although vibrational and stimulated desorption data provide evidence for a coexisting minority molecular binding state. An O2(ads) vibrational frequency of 1020 cm−1 and a six beam ESDIAD pattern are suggestive of super-oxo O2(ads) bonding at six local sites each with the O-O molecular axis tilted away from the surface normal. These results are compared with data for chemisorbed oxygen on other transition metal surfaces.
Peripartum complications with cesarean delivery: a review of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network publications.

AbstractObjective: Since 1997, the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) have published 39 articles involving over 70 000 cesarean deliveries (CD), including primary, elective repeat (ERCD) or trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). The purpose of this review article is to summarize the peripartum morbidity or mortality (M/M) with CD (primary or ERCD) or TOLAC.Methods: For 12 clinical scenarios and 17 M/M, we summarized 135 rates and, whenever feasible, calculated odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results: Of the 58 comparable scenarios, the M/M differed significantly in 48% (28). At term, the rate of blood transfusion was significantly greater in TOLAC (2%) versus ERC (1%; OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.41–2.08) but not in the likelihood of a hysterectomy or operative injury. The rate of neonatal seizure and perinatal mortality was similar between TOLAC and ERCD.Conclusions: Our analysis provides an overview of peripartum M/M with CD; it allows clinicians to counsel women who had or are having CD. It...
WE-C-AUD C-06: Comparing Deformable Composite Planning with Conventional Composite Planning

Purpose: A major concern when planning radiation treatments to previously irradiated patients is the possibility of overlap of radiation fields with those of previous treatments, so accurate dose mapping from previous plans is essential. Current composite planning does not account for anatomical variations between courses when mapping previous dose. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate proof of principle that treatment planning based on deformable image registration can be implemented on a commercial treatment planning system. (Pinnacle3, Philips Healthcare, Milpitas CA) Method and Materials: Three thoracic patients were selected from our institution using an IRB‐approved retrospective chart review. Conventional and deformable composite plans were created for 2 patients whose courses were separated by 23 (Patient A) and 67 (Patient B) months. Conventional, deformable, and inverse deformable composite plans were created for the third patient (Patient C) who underwent re‐planning 11 days after the initial planning during a single course of treatment.Computer scripts were developed and run to merge course information and enable inverse planning on merged datasets with deformed dose distributions. Dose volume histograms (DVH) of the lungs,heart, spinal cord, and target volumes were created. Results: For Patients A and B respectively, 10% of the planning target volume for the deformed composite plan received more than 88Gy and 124Gy versus 70Gy and 94.6Gy for the conventional plan. For Patient C the gross tumor volume receiving 95% of the prescribed dose was 96.5%, 93.75%, and 99.54% for the conventional, deformed, and inverse deformed composite plans respectively. There was little change in DVHs of critical structures for all plans. Conclusion: Deformable composite planning has the potential to identify issues that are not seen in conventional composite planning. Furthermore, inverse deformable composite planning has the ability to increase target dose uniformity, but the deformable registration still needs to be validated.
Wing Biddlebaum's Grotesqueness

Sherwood Anderson's “Hands,” the first story in Winesburg, Ohio, depicts the plight of a nervous and alienated individual, Wing Biddlebaum, who now lives in Winesburg, Ohio, but who also lived in a...
Extension of the Coherent Gradient Sensor (CGS) to the Combined Measurement of In-Plane and Out-of-Plane Displacement Field Gradients

The Coherent Gradient Sensor (CGS) is extended to the optical differentiation of specular, diffracted wave fronts leading to the combined measurement of in- and out-of-plane displacement field gradients. A derivation of the underlying optical interference principles is presented along with an analysis of the effective instrument sensitivity. In order to demonstrate the capabilities of the technique, experimental measurements of crack-tip deformation fields were conducted under various loading conditions corresponding to mode-I, mode-II, and mixed mode near-tip crack fields. The experimental procedures and results of these tests are presented as validation of the technique.
Synergistic interaction of epoxides and N-vinylcarbazole during photoinitiated cationic polymerization

A kinetic study was conducted of the independent photoinitiated cationic polymerization of a number of epoxide monomers and mixtures of these monomers with N-vinylcarbazole. The results show that these two different classes of monomers undergo complex synergistic interactions with one another during polymerization. It was demonstrated that N-vinylcarbazole as well as other carbazoles are efficient photosensitizers for the photolysis of both diaryliodonium and triarylsulfonium salt photoinitiators. In the presence of large amounts of N-vinylcarbazole, the rates of the cationic ring-opening photopolymerization of epoxides are markedly accelerated. This effect has been ascribed to a photoinitiated free-radical chain reaction that results in the oxidation of monomeric and polymeric N-vinylcarbazole radicals by the onium salt photoinitiators to generate cations. These cations can initiate the ring-opening polymerization of the epoxides, leading to the production of copolymers. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 3697–3709, 2000
Digital halftoning technique using a blue-noise mask

A novel digital halftoning technique, by which the halftoning is achieved by a pixelwise comparison of the gray-scale image to an array (halftone screen), the blue-noise mask, is presented. This mask is designed so that the halftone image has blue-noise (high-frequency) characteristics in the frequency domain. The algorithm for the construction of the blue-noise mask and an algorithm for the construction of binary patterns with the same first-order but different second-order statistics are presented. Two psychovisual tests in which human subjects rated halftone patterns and images according to various criteria are also described.
Sublethal effects of invasive fire ant venom on a native lizard.

Invasive species can impose novel selection pressures on natives, such as toxins to which native taxa are not adapted. Native species may survive such invasions by evolving mechanisms to avoid toxin exposure or increase toxin tolerance. Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) employ an alkaloid-based venom to defend their colonies and capture prey. In this study we aim to characterize the sublethal effects of invasive fire ant venom on a native vertebrate, the eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus), and to determine whether lizard populations that have been exposed to these fire ants for ∼35 generations have increased physiological resistance to the venom. We documented the sublethal impact of fire ant venom on fence lizard performance by naturally exposing lizards to fire ant stings and recording changes in three fitness-relevant measures: bite force, righting ability, and sprint speed. We also measured blood hemolysis induced by the venom. To test for the development of physiological resistance to fire ant venom we compared whole-body performance and hemolysis for two populations of lizards with different fire ant invasion histories. Fire ant venom showed no dosage-dependent sublethal effects on performance. In addition, there is no evidence that lizards have evolved increased physiological resistance: the impact of fire ant venom on whole-body performance and hemolysis did not differ between the naive and experienced populations. Lizards may instead rely on adaptive shifts in escape behavior and morphology following invasion to survive fire ant attack. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:17–23, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Interconnect architecture exploration for low-energy reconfigurable single-chip DSPs

In this paper we present and analyze a number of interconnect architectures for reconfigurable systems targeting applications in the areas of wireless communication and multimedia processing. Several interconnect architectures suitable for heterogeneous elements are proposed and then a methodology to evaluate the architectures is described. The results indicate that the hierarchical generalized mesh structure shows the most promise in terms of energy efficiency, as it can optimize both local and global connections.
A diffuse-interface model for axisymmetric immiscible two-phase flow

A diffuse-interface model is considered for solving axisymmetric immiscible two-phase flow with surface tension. The Navier-Stokes (NS) equations are modified by the addition of a continuum forcing. The interface between the two fluids is considered as the half level set of a mass concentration c, which is governed by the Cahn-Hilliard (CH) equation--a fourth order, degenerate, nonlinear parabolic diffusion equation. In this work, we develop a nonlinear multigrid method to solve the CH equation with degenerate mobility and couple this to a projection method for the incompressible NS equations. The diffuse-interface method can deal with topological transitions such as breakup and coalescence smoothly without ad hoc `cut and connect' or other artificial procedures. We present results for Rayleigh's capillary instability up to forming satellite drops. The results agree well with the linear stability theory.
Targeted Inhibition of ANKRD1 Disrupts Sarcomeric ERK-GATA4 Signal Transduction and Abrogates Phenylephrine-Induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy

Aims Accumulating evidence suggest that sarcomere signalling complexes play a pivotal role in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by communicating stress signals to the nucleus to induce gene expression. Ankyrin repeat domain 1 (ANKRD1) is a transcriptional regulatory protein that also associates with sarcomeric titin; however, the exact role of ANKRD1 in the heart remains to be elucidated. We therefore aimed to examine the role of ANKRD1 in cardiomyocyte hypertrophic signalling. Methods and results In neonatal rat ventricular myocytes, we found that ANKRD1 is part of a sarcomeric signalling complex that includes ERK1/2 and cardiac transcription factor GATA4. Treatment with hypertrophic agonist phenylephrine (PE) resulted in phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and GATA4 followed by nuclear translocation of the ANKRD1/ERK/GATA4 complex. Knockdown of Ankrd1 attenuated PE-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and GATA4, inhibited nuclear translocation of the ANKRD1 complex, and prevented cardiomyocyte growth. Mice lacking Ankrd1 are viable with normal cardiac function. Chronic PE infusion in wild-type mice induced significant cardiac hypertrophy with reactivation of the cardiac fetal gene program which was completely abrogated in Ankrd1 null mice. In contrast, ANKRD1 does not play a role in haemodynamic overload as Ankrd1 null mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction developed cardiac hypertrophy comparable to wild-type mice. Conclusion Our study reveals a novel role for ANKRD1 as a selective regulator of PE-induced signalling whereby ANKRD1 recruits and localizes GATA4 and ERK1/2 in a sarcomeric macro-molecular complex to enhance GATA4 phosphorylation with subsequent nuclear translocation of the ANKRD1 complex to induce hypertrophic gene expression.
4EGI-1 targets breast cancer stem cells by selective inhibition of translation that persists in CSC maintenance, proliferation and metastasis

Cancer death is a leading cause of global mortality. An estimated 14.1 million new cancer cases and 8.2 million cancer deaths occurred worldwide in 2012 alone. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) within tumors are essential for tumor metastasis and reoccurrence, the key factors of cancer lethality. Here we report that 4EGI-1, an inhibitor of the interaction between translation initiation factors eIF4E1 and eIF4G1 effectively inhibits breast CSCs through selectively reducing translation persistent in breast CSCs. Translation initiation factor eIF4E1 is significantly enhanced in breast CSCs in comparison to non-CSC breast cancer cells. 4EGI-1 presents increased cytotoxicity to breast CSCs compared to non-CSC breast cancer cells. 4EGI-1 promotes breast CSC differentiation and represses breast CSC induced tube-like structure formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). 4EGI-1 isomers suppress breast CSC tumorangiogenesis and tumor growth in vivo. In addition, 4EGI-1 decreases proliferation in and induces apoptosis into breast CSC tumor cells. Furthermore, 4EGI1 selectively inhibits translation of mRNAs encoding NANOG, OCT4, CXCR4, c-MYC and VEGF in breast CSC tumors. Our study demonstrated that 4EGI-1 targets breast CSCs through selective inhibition of translation critical for breast CSCs, suggesting that selective translation initiation interference might be an avenue targeting CSCs within tumors.
Precoded and vector OFDM robust to channel spectral nulls and with reduced cyclic prefix length in single transmit antenna systems

The performance of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems may be degraded when intersymbol interference (ISI) channels have spectral nulls. Also, when ISI channels have many taps, the data rate overhead due to the insertion of the cyclic prefix is high. We first propose a precoded OFDM system that may improve the performance of the OFDM systems for spectral null channels. We also propose size K/spl times/x1 vector OFDM (VOFDM) systems that reduce the cyclic prefix length by K times compared to the conventional OFDM systems. The precoding scheme is simply to insert one or more zeros between each two sets of K consecutive information symbols, although it can be generalized to a general form. This precoding scheme may be able to remove the spectral nulls of an ISI channel without knowing the ISI channel. When no zero is inserted between each two sets of K consecutive information symbols and only each K consecutive symbols are blocked together, we obtain VOFDM systems. Both theoretical performance analysis and simulation results are presented. Finally, we compare the combination of the VOFDM systems and the unitary matrix modulation with the conventional OFDM systems and the phase-shift keying modulation, where both differential (noncoherent) and coherent modulations and demodulations are considered.
Style-based reuse for software architectures

Although numerous mechanisms for promoting software reuse have been proposed and implemented over the years, most have focused on the reuse of implementation code. There is much conjecture and some empirical evidence, however, that the most effective forms of reuse are generally found at more abstract levels of software design. We discuss software reuse at the architectural level of design. Specifically, we argue that the concept of "architectural style" is useful for supporting the classification, storage, and retrieval of reusable architectural design elements. We briefly describe the Aesop system's Software Shelf (D. Garlan et al., 1994), a tool that assists designers in selecting appropriate design elements and patterns based on stylistic information and design constraints.
Associations between Changes in Physical Activity and Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease in a Community-based Sample of Men and Women: The Stanford Five-City Project

Aerobic exercise training studies involving volunteers generally result in an improved cardiovascular risk factor profile. Little is known, however, about associations between physical activity change and risk factor change in a more representative sample, such as a community. This investigation evaluated correlations between a composite physical activity change score and change in cardiovascular risk factors from 1979 to 1985 in the cohort sample of the Stanford Five-City Project. Men (n = 380) and women (n = 427) between the ages of 18 and 74 years were evaluated for change in self-reported physical activity and change in total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol), systolic blood pressure, resting pulse rate, and body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m)2). For men, improvement in the composite physical activity score significantly correlated with an increase in HDL cholesterol (r = 0.14, p = 0.005) and decreases in body mass index (r = -0.16, p = 0.001) and estimated 10-year coronary heart disease risk score (r = -0.10, p = 0.056). For women, improvement in the physical activity score was associated with changes in HDL cholesterol (r = 0.11, p = 0.028) and resting pulse rate (r = -0.15, p = 0.001). These data demonstrate that an increase in physical activity over 5 years is favorably associated with changes in major cardiovascular disease risk factors in men and women and support the public health efficacy of community-wide promotion of physical activity.
Design issues of GaAs and AlGaAs delta-doped p-i-n quantum-well APD's

We examine the basic design issues in the optimization of GaAs delta-doped and AlGaAs delta-doped quantum-well avalanche photodiode (APD) structures using a theoretical analysis based on an ensemble Monte Carlo simulation. The devices are variations of the p-i-n doped quantum-well structure previously described in the literature. They have the same low-noise, high-gain and high-bandwidth features as the p-i-n doped quantum-well device. However, the use of delta doping provides far greater control of the doping concentrations within each stage possibly enhancing the extant to which the device can be depleted. As a result, it is expected that the proposed devices will operate at higher gain levels (at very low noise) than devices previously developed. >
Shank vessel injuries: the forgotten vascular injuries.

Vascular injuries in branch vessels of the popliteal artery, such as the tibioperoneal trunk, and shank vessels, such as anterior, posterior tibial, and peroneal vessels, occur in both blunt and penetrating trauma. Their management has evolved significantly in the past few decades. While their incidence is variable, limb loss and morbidity remain significant. Physical examination, along with measuring an Ankle–Brachial Index (ABI), is still sometimes all that is required for diagnosis and can expeditiously triage those that require urgent operation. Despite our technological advancements and newer algorithms for lower extremity vascular trauma, operative intervention and exposure still remain difficult and pose a great challenge for surgeons that normally do not operate on this area. Shank vessel injuries still comprise a significant proportion of combat and civilian vascular injuries, and modern advances have led to a dramatic decrease in amputation rates.
The clinical course of new-onset atrial fibrillation after elective aortic operations

Abstract Background: The onset of atrial fibrillation (AFIB) in the postoperative setting has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing major noncardiothoracic operations. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, associated complications, and outcomes of AFIB after open aortic operations. Study Design: We studied 211 consecutive patients undergoing elective aortic operations at a single hospital during a recent 6-year period. Postoperatively all patients had continuous ECG monitoring in the ICU for a mean (± SD) of 6 ± 8 days and routine cardiac enzyme determinations. Results: AFIB developed in 22 of the 211 patients (10%), a mean (± SD) of 2 ± 1 days after operation, and it lasted for a mean of 4 ± 6 days after onset. Sixteen patients spontaneously reverted to normal sinus rhythm, 3 required cardioversion (2 chemical, 1 electrical), and 3 continued in AFIB at discharge. Four of the 22 patients suffered additional cardiac complications, including antecedent MI in 3 (14%) and sustained cardiogenic shock requiring electrical cardioversion in 1. By comparison, the incidence of MI in the other 189 patients was 4% (no significant difference [NSD]). There were no deaths in the AFIB patients. Cardiac emboli developed in none of the 22 patients, and all patients had normal sinus rhythm on ECG obtained a mean of 14 ± 10 months after discharge. Comparing the 22 patients with AFIB with the 189 patients without AFIB, there were no differences in the mean duration of ICU stay (6 ± 4 versus 6 ± 8 days), total length of hospital stay (10 ± 5 versus 11 ± 10 days), or hospital mortality (0% versus 0.5%). AFIB patients were older (71 versus 66 years, p=0.016), but there was no difference in gender or use of β-blockers between the two groups. Conclusions: These data suggest that AFIB is not uncommon after aortic operations but is not associated with increased morbidity, mortality, or length of hospital stay. Although a minority of affected patients can have other cardiac complications such as MI, these complications are usually recognized before the onset of AFIB. AFIB does not affect the outcomes of aortic operations. Most patients will revert spontaneously to normal sinus rhythm and do not require longterm anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolic complications.
Large Scale Hydrogen Production From Nuclear Energy Using High Temperature Electrolysis

Hydrogen can be produced from water splitting with relatively high efficiency using high-temperature electrolysis. This technology makes use of solid-oxide cells, running in the electrolysis mode to produce hydrogen from steam, while consuming electricity and high-temperature process heat. When coupled to an advanced high temperature nuclear reactor, the overall thermal-to-hydrogen efficiency for high-temperature electrolysis can be as high as 50%, which is about double the overall efficiency of conventional low-temperature electrolysis. Current large-scale hydrogen production is based almost exclusively on steam reforming of methane, a method that consumes a precious fossil fuel while emitting carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Demand for hydrogen is increasing rapidly for refining of increasingly low-grade petroleum resources, such as the Athabasca oil sands and for ammonia-based fertilizer production. Large quantities of hydrogen are also required for carbon-efficient conversion of biomass to liquid fuels. With supplemental nuclear hydrogen, almost all of the carbon in the biomass can be converted to liquid fuels in a nearly carbon-neutral fashion. Ultimately, hydrogen may be employed as a direct transportation fuel in a “hydrogen economy.” The large quantity of hydrogen that would be required for this concept should be produced without consuming fossil fuels or emitting greenhouse gases. An overview of the high-temperature electrolysis technology will be presented, including basic theory, modeling, and experimental activities. Modeling activities include both computational fluid dynamics and large-scale systems analysis. We have also demonstrated high-temperature electrolysis in our laboratory at the 15 kW scale, achieving a hydrogen production rate in excess of 5500 L/hr.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Special session - academic pathways study: Special interactive session on findings and implications for engineering education and practice

The Academic Pathways Study (APS) is a mixed- methods longitudinal study of engineering students at four institutions. The goals of this special interactive session are to begin the processes of (1) knitting APS knowledge into the larger body of engineering education scholarship, and (2) develop ways of thinking about these findings that inform engineering education program planning and classroom practice.
Plant defence against aphids: the PAD4 signalling nexus

In Arabidopsis thaliana, PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT 4 (PAD4) functions as a key player in modulating defence against the phloem sap-feeding aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer), more commonly known as the green peach aphid (GPA), an important pest of a wide variety of plants. PAD4 controls antibiosis and antixenosis against the GPA. In addition, PAD4 deters aphid feeding from sieve elements on Arabidopsis. In the past few years, substantial progress has been made in dissecting the role of PAD4 and its interaction with other signalling components in limiting aphid infestation. Several key genes/mechanisms involved in providing aphid resistance/susceptibility in Arabidopsis regulate the aphid infestation-stimulated expression of PAD4. Together, PAD4 and its interacting signalling partners provide a critical barrier to curtail GPA colonization of Arabidopsis.
Passively-acquired immunity in experimental cryptococcosis.

Injection of rabbit or mouse plasma from animals immunized with small or large capsule strains of Cryptococcus neoformans failed to confer protection on mice infected with an ordinarily lethal cryptococcal inoculum. Pooled gamma globulin was equally ineffective. These studies suggest that immunity in cryptococcosis is related to “tissue-bound”, not to circulating antibody.
Infection after Total Hip Arthroplasty. A Study of the Treatment of One Hundred and Six Infections

We evaluated the results of treatment for ninety-seven patients (106 infections in ninety-eight hips) who had had either an infection after a total hip arthroplasty or positive intraoperative cultures of specimens obtained during revision of a total hip arthroplasty for presumed aseptic loosening. The patients were managed according to various protocols on the basis of the clinical setting (positive intraoperative cultures, early postoperative infection, late chronic infection, or acute hematogenous infection). Aerobic gram-positive cocci accounted for 109 (74 per cent) of the 147 microbial isolates; gram-negative bacilli, for twenty-one (14 per cent); and anaerobes, for twelve (8 per cent). The white blood-cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were elevated in association with seventeen (16 per cent) and sixty-seven (63 per cent) of the 106 infections, respectively. The mean duration of follow-up was 3.8 years (range, 0.3 to eleven years). A good result was noted after the initial treatment of twenty-eight (90 per cent) of the thirty-one infections that had been diagnosed on the basis of positive intraoperative cultures at the time of the revision, twenty-five (71 per cent) of the thirty-five early postoperative infections, twenty-nine (85 per cent) of the thirty-four late chronic infections, and three of the six acute hematogenous infections. Of the twenty-one infections for which the initial therapy failed, twelve eventually were eradicated after additional treatment and the hip had a functional prosthesis at the time of follow-up. Of the ninety-seven infections that were treated successfully (there was a functional retained or exchange prosthesis in place at the time of the most recent follow-up and infection had not recurred at least two years after the discontinuation of antibiotic therapy), nine were associated with subsequent aseptic loosening of the prosthesis. The factors associated with recurrent infection were retained bone cement, the number of previous operations, potential immunocompromise, and early postoperative infection after arthroplasty without cement.
Quiescence and Dormancy: Waiting Out Energy Shortages

Between rains, water may be scarce, and high temperatures, even if not lethal, can contribute to metabolic excesses and wastage of energy by active animals. Production is reduced and concentration of resources may be too low for an organism to maintain vital activities. All of this means that periodically energy is scarce, the time available for its acquisition is limited, and activity may impose excessive energetic expenditures. Clearly, persistence of a species in such situations would be enhanced by any mechanism that reduces its use of energy and improves its chances of surviving to the next fall of rain.
Physical Education in the Training of College Men

(1925). Physical Education in the Training of College Men. American Physical Education Review: Vol. 30, No. 4, pp. 199-202.
Barriers to Hepatitis C Antiviral Therapy in HIV/HCV Co-Infected Patients in the United States: A Review

This review synthesized the literature for barriers to HCV antiviral treatment in persons with HIV/HCV co-infection. Searches of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science were conducted to identify relevant articles. Articles were excluded based on the following criteria: study conducted outside of the United States, not original research, pediatric study population, experimental study design, non-HIV or non-HCV study population, and article published in a language other than English. Sixteen studies met criteria and varied widely in terms of study setting and design. Hepatic decompensation was the most commonly documented absolute/nonmodifiable medical barrier. Substance use was widely reported as a relative/modifiable medical barrier. Patient-level barriers included nonadherence to medical care, refusal of therapy, and social circumstances. Provider-level barriers included provider inexperience with antiviral treatment and/or reluctance of providers to refer patients for treatment. There are many ongoing challenges that are unique to managing this patient population effectively. Documenting and evaluating these obstacles are critical steps to managing and caring for these individuals in the future. In order to improve uptake of HCV therapy in persons with HIV/HCV co-infection, it is essential that barriers, both new and ongoing, are addressed, otherwise, treatment is of little benefit.
Greenbug (Homoptera: Aphididae) and Banks grass mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) distribution on sorghum plants

Greenbug, Sehizaphis graminum (Rondani), and Banks grass mite, Oligonychus Pratensis (Banks), distributions were studied on sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Fertilizer, sorghum line, and number of leaves available for colonization effects on distribution of these arthropods were examined over several weeks. Green bugs aggregated in compact groups on leaves located predominantly on the lower half of sorghum plants. This aggregation was not affected by experimental treatment or aphid density. Initially, mites colonized leaves in the lower portions of a plant, but colonies were loosely aggregated. Consequently, mites dispersed over more of the plant area than did green bugs. Number of leaves available to mites influenced mite distribution on a plant. Based on this distribution information, a consistent green bug sample could be obtained by determining aphid density on leaves in the lower half or third of a sorghum plant depending on the accuracy required. An equally consistent mite sample would require a sample of all leaves in the lower two thirds of a plant.
Simultaneous Quantitative Imaging of Electrical Properties and Proton Density From $B_{1}$ Maps Using MRI

Electrical conductivity and permittivity of biological tissues are important diagnostic parameters and are useful for calculating subject-specific specific absorption rate distribution. On the other hand, water proton density also has clinical relevance for diagnosis purposes. These two kinds of tissue properties are inevitably associated in the technique of electrical properties tomography (EPT), which can be used to map in vivo electrical properties based on the measured $B_{1}$ field distribution at Larmor frequency using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The signal magnitude in MR images is locally proportional to both the proton density of tissue and the receive $B_{1}$ field; this is a source of artifact in receive $B_{1}$ -based EPT reconstruction because these two quantities cannot easily be disentangled. In this study, a new method was proposed for simultaneously extracting quantitative conductivity, permittivity and proton density from the measured magnitude of transmit $B_{1}$ field, proton density-weighted receive $B_{1}$ field, and transceiver phase, in a multi-channel radiofrequency (RF) coil using MRI, without specific assumptions to derive the proton density distribution. We evaluated the spatial resolution, sensitivity to contrast, and accuracy of the method using numerical simulations of $B_{1}$ field in a phantom and in a realistic human head model. Using the proposed method, conductivity, permittivity and proton density were then experimentally obtained ex vivo in a pork tissue sample on a 7T MRI scanner equipped with a 16-channel microstrip transceiver RF coil.
Radiative Lifetimes of Zincblende CdSe/CdS Quantum Dots

Recent synthetic advances have made available very monodisperse zincblende CdSe/CdS quantum dots having near-unity photoluminescence quantum yields. Because of the absence of nonradiative decay pathways, accurate values of the radiative lifetimes can be obtained from time-resolved PL measurements. Radiative lifetimes can also be obtained from the Einstein relations, using the static absorption spectra and the relative thermal populations in the angular momentum sublevels. One of the inputs into these calculations is the shell thickness, and it is useful to be able to determine shell thickness from spectroscopic measurements. We use an empirically corrected effective mass model to produce a “map” of exciton wavelength as a function of core size and shell thickness. These calculations use an elastic continuum model and the known lattice and elastic constants to include the effect of lattice strain on the band gap energy. The map is in agreement with the known CdSe sizing curve and with the shell thicknesses...
Epstein-Barr Virus Lytic Infection in Lymphocytes and the Persistence of the Virus

To the Editor: In their interesting report, Prang et al[1][1] showed the presence of peripheral blood mononuclear lymphocytes (PBMC) positive for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lytic proteins. This is in agreement with the updated theory of EBV persistence.[2][2] However, this is not the first paper
Study on GIS in Power Communication Resource Manage System

This paper introduces the main features of power communication resource manage system.Based on the characteristics of power communication resource manage system and the application of GIS in Guangzhou Power Supply Company and combined with Geomedia Object,which produced by Intergraph,it put forward the GIS solution applied in LAN of Guangzhou Power Supply Company.With the help of Oracle database space options,the concurrent read and write of GIS data and data sharing and synchronization have been realized.
Analysis on Combining Ability and Heritability of Yield and Characters of Brassica napus L.

Six parents of Brassica napus,including 3 sterile lines and 3 restoring lines,were chosen to analyze the combining ability of yield and its 10 relative characters by means of p×q incomplete diallel crossing(NCⅡ)design.The results showed:(1)both general combining ability(GCA)and specific combining ability(SCA) of all characters tested were obviously significant;the additive variation was principal for the characters of the number of branches and yield per plant,while the non additive variation was principal for the characters of growth duration,height of branches,pod of main inflorescence,number of seeds per pod and 1000-seed weight;(2)the most characters were more greatly influenced by sterile line than by restoring line;(3) the yield and its relative characters of GCA and SCA were the best for 99A01-3 in sterile lines and RS03-1 in restoring lines;(4) GCA and SCA of various characters had no significant relation with each other,which suggested that the combination with good specific combining ability could be obtained through wide test cross on the basis of high general combining ability parents.
A complication-free course ensures a survival advantage in patients after regional therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer.

Hepatic artery infusional (HAI) chemotherapy has been shown to favorably impact outcome in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, but complications often preclude complete treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HAI complications impact survival in these patients. Patients undergoing HAI pump placement at our institution from September 2001 to July 2004 were separated into terciles based on the number of treatments completed: ≤1 (none), 2 to 4 (partial), and ≥5 (complete). Complications relating to pump placement or treatment were recorded for each and their impact on survival was determined. Kaplan-Meier survival in 15 patients receiving no treatment was significantly shorter than 7 patients completing therapy (P = 0.02). Thirty-three per cent of patients receiving no therapy were alive at 26 months, whereas 63 per cent of partially and 86 per cent of completely treated patients were alive at 32 and 30 months, respectively. Patients receiving no treatment had more overall complications (80%) and significantly (P < 0.05) more pump-related complications (60%) than those completing therapy (43% and 0%, respectively). Cox regression revealed a significant correlation to gender (hazard ratio, 3.9), tumor size (hazard ratio, 1.17), and carcinoembryonic antigen level (hazard ratio, 1.02) to survival. Patients receiving complete HAI treatment survive longer than those receiving no treatment. Potentially preventable pump-related complications not only impacted the patients' ability to continue therapy, but survival times as well.