cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sickle Erythrocytes Have Increased Adducin Phosphorylation and Increased ROS Production Mediated by Signaling Pathways Involving Protein Kinase C and Rac GTPases.

Abstract 901 Although sickle hemoglobin (HbSS) polymerization in hypoxic conditions is the trigger for the sickling deformation of red blood cells (RBC) containing HbSS, subsequent changes in the cytoskeleton and the mechanisms by which reversibly sickled cells become irreversibly malformed have not been fully elucidated. Actin oligomers are a significant structural component of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton. The small Rho GTPases Rac1 and Rac2 regulate actin structures and mediate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via NADPH oxidase in a variety of cells (Schwartz.M., J.Cell Science 2004). Deficiency of Rac1 and Rac2 GTPases in mice disrupts the normal hexagonal organization of the RBC cytoskeleton and reduces erythrocyte deformability. This is associated with increased phosphorylation of adducin (an F-actin capping protein) at Ser-726, a domain-target of protein kinase C (PKC) (Kalfa et al, Blood 2006). We evaluated the cytoskeleton phosphorylation changes in RBCs from patients with HbSS and from control subjects with hemoglobin AA (HbAA) by immunoblotting with phospho-specific antibodies. We found that phosphorylation of adducin at Ser-726 and of band 4.1 at Ser-331 were significantly increased in the erythrocyte cytoskeleton of HbSS-RBCs. This was associated with elevated PKC activity in these cells, compared with normal RBCs. ROS concentration was also elevated in HbSS-RBCs by 150-250% compared to that in HbAA-RBC, as determined by flow cytometry using 5-(and 6-)-chloromethyl-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, a peroxide-sensitive probe. Inhibition of PKC or Rac activity in HbSS-RBCs by small molecule-inhibitors, calphostin and NSC23766 respectively, resulted in decreased ROS production in a dose-dependent fashion, while PKC activation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) increased ROS production, implicating a PKC-Rac axis in erythrocyte ROS production. Additionally, Rac inhibition resulted in dose-dependent increase of adducin phosphorylation while PKC inhibition had the opposite effect. Preincubation of HbSS RBCs with calphostin appeared to decrease the subsequent susceptibility of these cells to sickling under hypoxic conditions, suggesting a role for PKC activity in the transition from normal to sickle morphology, likely through a combination of effects on volume regulation and membrane stability of the cells. Our results imply that aberrant cytoskeleton protein phosphorylation and ROS production in HbSS-RBCs, mediated by signaling pathways involving PKC and Rac GTPases, may contribute to membrane changes induced by cell sickling. Elucidation of these pathways may identify new therapeutic targets in sickle cell disease. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The Effects of Gain- and Loss-Framed Advice Messages on Recipients’ Responses to Advice:

Features of advice messages have received considerable attention in prior research, but the framing of advice has remained underexplored. This study examined the influence of advice message framing...
In Their Own Voices: An Ethnographic Perspective on Student Use of Library Information Sources

ABSTRACTA medium-sized academic library system conducted a multi-year (2012–2016), large-scale ethnographic study using a survey, observations, and in-depth interviews. The goal of the project was to better understand how students conduct research and study in the library. The analysis of the large pool of data resulted in various reports of theoretical and practical nature. This article addresses one aspect of the findings: undergraduate and graduate student use of library resources. The findings offer an array of considerations for designing effective library services and provide a more nuanced understanding of how student use the library website, libguides, and library databases as well as print and electronic collections.
Basin-axial progradation of a sediment supply-driven distributive fluvial system in the Late Cretaceous southern Utah foreland

The Turonian-Coniacian Smoky Hollow Member of the Straight Cliffs Formation in the Kaiparowits basin of southern Utah records a stratigraphic transition from isolated fluvial channel bodies to increasingly amalgamated channel belts capped by the Calico bed, a sheet-like sand-gravel unit. Characteristics of the Smoky Hollow Member are consistent with a prograding distributive fluvial system including: up-section increases in average grain size, bed thickness, and channel-body amalgamation, a fan-shaped planform morphology, and a downstream increase in channel sinuosity. The system prograded to the northeast based on thickness and facies patterns, and paleocurrent indicators. This basin-axial sediment-dispersal trend, which was approximately parallel to the fold-thrust belt at this latitude, is supported by provenance data including detrital zircons and modal sandstone compositions indicating sediment derivation mainly from the Mogollon Highlands and Cordilleran magmatic arc to the southwest, with episodic input from the more proximal Sevier fold-thrust belt to the west. Progradation occurred during a eustatic still-stand, relatively stable climatic conditions, and continuous tectonic subsidence, thus suggesting increased extrabasinal sediment supply as a primary control on basin-fill. Progradation of the Smoky Hollow Member fluvial system culminated in a ~2–3 My hiatus at the top of the lower Calico bed. Correlation with the Notom delta of the Ferron Sandstone, 80 km northeast in the Henry basin, is proposed on the basis of facies relationships and geochronology. The Calico bed unconformity is linked to regional tectonically-driven tilting and erosion observed in both basins. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Weaning and Early Childhood Diets at Two Early Period Sites: Implications for Parental Investment and Population Growth in Central California

Using stable isotope analysis of serial samples in permanent first molars, we reconstruct age of weaning and early childhood diets for eight individuals at CA-SJO-112, a 3,000–3,300 cal B.P. site i...
The Clinical Classification and Causes of Dysmenorrhea

Unlike many conditions in medicine, the classification of painful menstruation into primary and secondary dysmenorrhea is not based on the temporal appearance of symptoms or the condition, as it is in primary and secondary amenorrhea, or primary and secondary infertility. The taxonomy of primary and secondary dysmenorrhea is based upon the absence or presence (respectively) of clinically identifiable causes. In both cases, a great deal is known about the pathophysiology underlying the development of menstrual pain. It is, therefore, not an issue of a lack of identifiable causation; it is the lack of clinically identifiable processes that drive the assignment.
An Enactive Self-Model for Sparse Representations and Improved Performance

We present a machine learning model for an agent in a dynamic environment to learn a model of its body and actions. We test our model in the context of playing Atari games (Breakout and Asteroids), specifically by modifying Google DeepMind's well-known hierarchical Q-Network. We demonstrate that, compared to the control, our model learns a qualitatively sparser set of features, attains proficient game-play more quickly, and usually scores more points.
Effect of particle charge on aerosol dynamics in Teflon environmental chambers

The contribution of particle charge to the rate of particle wall deposition has been a persistent source of uncertainty for experiments performed in environmental chambers. By tracking the preferen...
Narrowband Ultraviolet Photodetectors Based on Nanocomposite Thin Films with High Gain and Low Driving Voltage

Narrowband ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors are highly desired in multiple areas. Photodetectors based on organic–inorganic nanocomposites offer high sensitivity, widely adjustable response range, light weight, and low-temperature solution processibility. However, the broad absorption range of organic and inorganic semiconductor materials makes it difficult to achieve a narrowband detection feature for nanocomposite photodetectors. In this work, nanocomposite thin films containing the wide band gap conjugated polymer poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-alt-co-(bithiophene)] (F8T2) blended with wide band gap ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) serve as the active layers of the photodetectors. Narrowband UV photodetectors with high gain and low driving voltage are demonstrated by adopting a symmetric device structure, controlling the active layer composition and microstructure, and manipulating the light penetration depth in the active layer. The fabricated photodetector exhibits a high external quantum efficiency of 7...
Exercise behaviors of persons with multiple sclerosis through the stepwise implementation lens of social cognitive theory.

Background: Bandura has identified knowledge and four core determinants (e.g., self-efficacy, outcomes expectations, goals, and facilitators/impediments) along with a threefold stepwise implementat...
Safety of CAR T-Cell Therapy in Patients with B-Cell Lymphoma and Chronic Hepatitis B or C Virus Infection

TO THE EDITOR: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has significantly improved the outcome of patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma, resulting in durable remissions in ∼40% of heavily pretreated patients.[1][1][⇓][2][⇓][3]-[4][4] Of interest, patients with
Gastroduodenal anatomy and physiology

Abstract Before understanding motility and neurogastroenterology disorders of the fore- and midgut, it is critical to be knowledgeable of the anatomy and physiology of this portion of the gastrointestinal tract. Coordinated appropriate gastroduodenal function represents the initiation of digestion. Organic diseases affecting the anatomy and vasculature of the foregut and proximal midgut are plentiful and represent a variety of disease processes beyond the scope of this chapter; a basic review of the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy, though, follows. In terms of the focus of the chapter, namely, providing a basis for discussion of neurogastroenterology and motility disorders of the proximal GI tract, a key element is that such disorders generally are derived broadly from a perturbed “brain-gut” axis and likely represents dysfunction of the central nervous system, enteric nervous system, and/or of the vagus nerve (or of some combination of these components of the axis). The result of such pathology is not only impaired motility but also disturbed sensation. Here, we review not only the mechanical and neurohumoral aspects of digestion in the stomach and duodenum, but also the often-ignored sensory components that are increasingly being recognized as critical to the understanding and management of “functional” disorders. This makes the discussion relevant not only for gastroenterologists with neurogastroenterology/motility focus, but for the entire medical community given the prevalence of such disorders in the general population.
Writing centers, libraries, and medical and pharmacy schools

Objective: This study investigated the existence of writing centers at medical and pharmacy schools, the location of those writing centers in a library or elsewhere, and librarians’ perceptions of how writing centers are viewed by students, faculty, and staff. Methods: A twelve-question survey was sent to libraries affiliated with a medical and pharmacy school in the United States. Results: Respondents were curious about writing centers, how they were viewed on campus, and how to start one. Overall, respondents described engagement with writing centers: 68% had a writing center on campus, 23% had a writing center in their library, and 11% had a writing center on the health sciences campus, including in the health sciences library. No respondents reported hearing negative comments from faculty or students about the writing centers, and 60% of respondents with writing centers that were available to medical and pharmacy students would recommend one to health sciences libraries without access to a writing center. Conclusion: This exploratory study showed that the establishment of writing centers in health sciences libraries is a topic of interest. Future studies could further investigate health sciences libraries’ roles in writing centers for pharmacy, medical, and other health sciences students.
Can the Public Be Educated About Constituents in Smokeless Tobacco? A Three-Wave Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is required by law to inform the public about levels of harmful and potentially harmful tobacco constituents in a format that is "understandable and not misleading to a lay person." Our study addresses a critical gap in research on communicating such information for smokeless tobacco (SLT) products. Methods The design included random assignment to one of the experimental (online interactive) conditions differing in presentation format or a control condition (receiving no information). Experimental respondents viewed information on levels and health risks of 5 harmful constituents in up to 79 products. Outcome measures included knowledge of health risks of constituents, perception of constituent variability in SLT products, disease risk ratings, self-reported SLT use, and side-by-side product comparisons. The sample of 333 SLT users, 535 cigarette smokers, and 663 nontobacco users participated at baseline, time of intervention, and 6 weeks postintervention. Results Presentation formats showed few systematic differences so were combined in analyses. Experimental condition respondents increased their knowledge about constituent health effects and their perceptions of constituent variability in SLT products, from baseline to postintervention, and relative to the control condition. Changes in respondents' ratings of disease risk and their estimates of constituent exposure from specific products were observed, but not in self-reported SLT use. Conclusions Interactive online graphic and numeric presentation formats can be efficient in increasing people's knowledge of health effects and perceived variation of constituents in SLT products. Further research on longer-term behavioral assessment, and usefulness of this approach for regulatory agencies, is needed. Implications Research on communicating the information about harmful constituents in SLT products to lay persons is critically lacking. This study proposes novel formats for effective communication about the levels and the health effects of SLT constituents to multiple user groups. The lack of misperceptions among study participants that some tobacco products are safe suggests that such formats can potentially be used for public display of SLT constituent data by the FDA and regulatory agencies in other countries.
UPhyloplot2: Visualizing Phylogenetic Trees from Single-Cell RNA-seq Data

Abstract Recent advances in single cell sequencing technologies allow for greater resolution in assessing tumor clonality using chromosome copy number variations (CNVs), which can be inferred from single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data using applications such as inferCNV. Inferences regarding tumor clonality are frequently visualized using phylogenetic plots, which previously required time-consuming and tedious manual analysis. Here, we present UPhyloplot2, a python script that generates phylogenetic plots directly from inferCNV output files. The tool is publicly available at https://github.com/harbourlab/UPhyloplot2/.
Evaluation of Selective Outcome Reporting Bias in Efficacy Endpoints in Print and Television Advertisements for Oncology Drugs.

Selective outcome reporting bias in oncology drug advertisements may encourage misconceptions about a drug’s efficacy profile. We sought to determine the rates of selective outcome reporting in published cancer clinical trials and in television and print advertisements for anticancer medications. We also quantified the number of advertisements that did not include or cite any studies with mature overall survival (OS) data (i.e., data with all required patient events for final analysis). We conducted a cross-sectional investigation of advertisements uploaded to the AdPharm Database (repository of pharmaceutical advertisements); the clinical trials supporting the ads; and the trial registrations associated with the trials. Data were extracted by two investigators who were blinded to each other’s data. The first co-primary objective was to investigate selective outcome reporting between trial registrations and published trials. The second co-primary objective was to investigate selective outcome reporting between the same published trials and drug advertisements. We included 74 advertisements and 48 clinical trials. Print ads were the most common (n = 66), and most print advertisements were targeted to health care providers (n = 55, 83.3%). Overall, 41/48 (85.4%) trials were registered prior to study enrollment, and 41/48 (85.4%) did not deviate from the registered primary endpoints. Across all advertisements (n = 74), statistically significant endpoints were more often reported (unadjusted risk ratio [uRR] 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.14–1.40)) and 22/55 (40.0%) advertisements cited trials with immature overall survival data (i.e., data without the required number of events for final analysis). In our sample, statistically significant endpoints were more commonly reported than nonsignificant endpoints. Immature endpoints (those analyzed before the required number of accrued patient events) were often reported. By reporting only significant endpoints and those that are immature, advertisers may encourage misconceptions about a drug’s efficacy profile.
Will the Questions Ever End? Person-Level Increases in Careless Responding During Questionnaire Completion:

Is there a point within a self-report questionnaire where participants will start responding carelessly? If so, then after how many items do participants reach that point? And what can researchers ...
Teachers’ Perspectives on Global Citizenship Education in Central Appalachia

This paper reports on a sequential mixed-methods (quan a QUAL) study that explored rural Appalachian teachers' perspectives and pedagogical decisions about Global Citizenship Education (GCE). In phase one, a questionnaire was completed by social studies teachers (n=19) from remote and distant rural high schools located in Central Appalachia across two states. Closed-ended items were analyzed through descriptive statistics. Open-ended items were coded to elicit themes that helped to answer the research questions. In phase two, two participants from the original sample were interviewed to uncover their experiences navigating GCE in their unique community contexts. Findings suggest social studies teachers in rural Appalachia, while not using the exact terminology of global citizenship, support multiple types of global citizenship aims. They tend to perceive their communities as homogenous, isolated, and conservative, which presented both challenges to and stimuli for teaching global curricula. Participants tend to perceive much of their global curricula as contrarian in their communities and, therefore, relied on professional tact and community-based knowledge as rural natives to inform their pedagogical decisions.
Quantifying Adaptability of College Campus Buildings

While much has been written about adaptable buildings, quantification of adaptability is still in its nascent stage. Little has been published toward validation of quantitative adaptability models. This paper proposes a scoring system for evaluating the design-based adaptability of college campus buildings. This system was created to be a tool to guide future designs. Different physical features (i.e., floor-to-floor height and structural span lengths) of the buildings are considered in the scores. Adaptability scores are calculated for four buildings on Clemson University’s campus. Scores are compared to those from an earlier study of the same buildings; the earlier study quantified adaptability by surveying experts through an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Both approaches rank the subject buildings in the same order with respect to adaptability. Additionally, scores from both approaches are linearly correlated. These encouraging results suggest that the proposed scoring system is a starting point for quantifying the adaptability of college campus buildings.
Smart City Ecosystem Opportunities: Perspectives and Challenges

In the past several years, Smart City has generated considerable attention as a relatively new computing model. Its accordance with social web and internet of things (IOT) standards also offers unique resources by using the intellect of human beings and the capacity to solve problems to improve relevant services and mechanisms. This paper explores the benefits and challenges of integrating persons into research engine operations—as smart agents—as part of the core position of internet and information search engines. The key objectives of the smart cities are to make policies more effective, to minimize waste and discomfort, to enhance social and economic quality and to increase social inclusion. In order to highlight the human role in machine systems, some of the fields are unique and related works are studied. Then the insights and problems are addressed through a review of emerging developments in the field of powerful search engines and an overview of current needs and requirements. As research on this subject is still at the beginning, this study is thought to be used as a guideline for potential studies on the subject. Present status and growth patterns are outlined in this regard by offering a common overview of the literature. Furthermore, numerous guidelines are provided to improve the applicability and reliability of the next generation of intelligent urban search engine. In fact, it is able to recognize the ways in which work processes are structured for important purposes, understanding the various aspects and challenges involved in the design progress of search engines. The focus of this analysis was the broader picture and possible issues of multi-powered search engines. It may be considered as a point of reference one of the first works on different aspects of the matter which provided a complete study.
Generalized linear latent variable modeling analysis for multi-group studies

Latent variable modeling is commonly used in behavioral, medical and social science research. The models used in such analysis relate all observed variables to latent common factors. In some applications, the observed variables may be of mixed-type in the sense that some observed variables are continuous and others are ordinal. The existing approaches for mixed-type data can be considered inuring in several aspects, especially for multi-sample situations. We propose a new generalized linear latent variable modeling approach for developing statistically sound procedures that furnish meaningful interpretation and can incorporate many types of outcome variables. A rather simple model parameterization used in the new approach is appropriate for coherent multi-sample analysis and leads to practically useful inference procedures. A computationally feasible EM algorithm is proposed to compute full mATimiim likelihood estimates. Simulation studies are presented to validate the benefits of the new approach and to compare its performance to other methods. The new approach is also applied to analyze data from a substance abuse prevention study.
Active Behaviors in Odor Sampling Constrain the Task for Cortical Processing

Sensory perception is accomplished by means of active behaviors that help to extract information from the external environment. These behaviors become a part of the percept and also constrain the perceptual task. In olfactory perception, sniffing is the means by which individuals acquire olfactory stimuli from the environment. Rats sniff at 8–10 Hz during odor sampling, but each sniff has a different and stereotyped pattern that serves to find needed information. Higher flow sniffs are used to identify high sorption odors within mixtures, while lower flow sniffs are used to find lower sorption odors. Extended sniffing bouts (mean of 300–600 ms) are also stereotyped and tuned by the context in which rats identify odors. These sniffing bouts may be determined by the cognitive demands of the task or by particularities associated with training.
Tissue-specific expression of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger isoforms.

Abstract The sodium-calcium exchanger (NCE) plays a critical role in diverse processes in many different tissues including heart, nerve, and kidney. Surprisingly, the NCE is encoded by a single gene. We have isolated and sequenced a rat renal NCE clone, denoted F1, that was identical to previous rat NCEs, except for two unique sequences: one in the 5'-untranslated region and the other at a site of alternative splicing in the coding sequence. To explore these regions further, we examined NCE transcripts in several tissues using "rapid amplification of cDNA 5'-ends" and polymerase chain reaction amplification. Three species were identified each with a different 5'-end exon spliced to a common NCE core at nucleotide -34 in the 5'-untranslated region. Based on Northern analysis, each of these species had a unique tissue distribution. Whereas the F1 5'-end variant was abundantly expressed only in kidney, a second variant was expressed mostly in heart, and the third variant was expressed ubiquitously elsewhere. Investigation of the region of alternative splicing in the coding sequence also revealed tissue-specific expression of five major species. These findings indicate that the NCE expression is controlled and regulated under the influence of different promoters in a tissue-specific fashion. Therefore, we propose that the structural complexity of the single NCE gene allows it to respond independently to the unique demands of different environments.
Human sexuality in biological perspective: Theoretical and methodological considerations.

An increasing number of observers are claming that a biological model is more appropriate to an understanding of human sexuality than the conventual social-learning one. Such claims have promoted a perusal of the biological literature to ascertain whether the relevant evidence is convincing. Results of this review suggest that claims for the biological model are questionable since the evidence for the model either derives from animal studies (and is thus not generally applicable to human behavior) or is inconclusive, contradictory, or methodologically deficient. It is concluded, therefore, the behavioral scientists are at predefine. It is concluded, therefore, that behavioral scientists are a present on firm ground in using a social learning, in preference to a biological, model to interpret most aspects of human sexual behavior.
Antimicrobial factors in amniotic fluid.

Abstract Studies on human amniotic fluid have shown the presence of several factors which are known to be antibacterial. Like serum, amniotic fluid contains lysozyme, transferrin, 7S immunoglobulin, specific antibody activity, and β 1a /β 1c globulin. Assay for complement by hemolytic activity and for C'1 was unsuccessful.
Analysis of a discontinuous Galerkin method for the bending problem of Koiter shell

We present an analysis for a mixed finite element method for the bending problem of Koiter shell. We derive an error estimate showing that when the geometrical coefficients of the shell mid-surface satisfy certain conditions the finite element method has the optimal order of accuracy, which is uniform with respect to the shell thickness. Generally, the error estimate shows how the accuracy is affected by the shell geometry and thickness. It suggests that to achieve the optimal rate of convergence, the triangulation should be properly refined in regions where the shell geometry changes dramatically. The analysis is carried out for a balanced method in which the normal component of displacement is approximated by discontinuous piecewise cubic polynomials, while the tangential components are approximated by discontinuous piecewise quadratic polynomials, with some enrichments on elements affixed to the shell free boundary. Components of the membrane stress are approximated by continuous piecewise linear functions. We also include a theory of balanced higher order elements and a theory of a simpler lower order method.
The Dialogic Construction of “Adoption” in Online Foster Adoption Narratives

One hundred online narratives of foster adoption were analyzed qualitatively with the goal of identifying what, if any, competing discourses animated the meaning of “adoption” constructed by adoptive parents. Framed in relational dialectics theory, two discourses were identified: (1) the Discourse of Utilitarian Acquisition, in which adoption was constructed as a second-best pathway to parenting, after biological reproduction had failed, and (2) the Discourse of Redemptive Care, in which adoption was constructed as a way to provide care for children in need so that they could overcome early-life adversity. These two discourses interpenetrated largely through the discursive practice of negating, functioning to refute one another’s legitimacy. A subset of the narratives moved beyond polemic struggle to construct a hybrid meaning of adoption.
Environmental tobacco smoke: exposure assessment in the workplace

The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public convened a multidisciplinary workshop 12-13 September 1997 to assess current understanding of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure in...
Nanomaterials from Biobased Amphiphiles: the Functional Role of Unsaturations

The sections in this article are Introduction Plant/Crop-Based Resources for Practicing Sustainable Chemistry Self-Assembly and Noncovalent Strategy for the Synthesis of Soft-Materials Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) Extraction of CNSL and Its Components Lipid Nanotubes and Helical Fibers from Cardanyl Glycolipids Self-Assembled Gels from Cardanyl Glycosides Antibacterial Nanocomposite Films for Coatings Stimuli-Responsive Nature of Unsaturations Conclusion Keywords: biobased amphiphiles; nanomaterials; soft materials; unsaturation; cardanol; green synthesis; green chemistry
Fontan fenestration closure with Amplatzer Duct Occluder II device.

Objectives To evaluate Fontan fenestration closure using the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II device (ADO2). Background Fontan fenestration closure is a well established catheter intervention. A range of occlusion devices developed for other interventions have been utilized. Most of these devices, and especially the most commonly used Amplatzer Septal Occluder, are relatively bulky. The ADO2 is a low profile, flexible, and inexpensive device which seems well suited to the Fontan fenestration. Methods This study details retrospective review of patients undergoing Fontan fenestration closure with an ADO2 device. Outcome measures included procedural success, pre- and post-procedural differences in oxygen saturation and mean pulmonary artery pressure and complications. Results Thirteen patients were eligible for inclusion during the 34 month study period. All procedures were technically successful. There was a significant increase in oxygen saturations (Mean = +12%, P < 0.01) after fenestration closure but no significant change in mean pulmonary artery pressure (Mean = +0.5 mm Hg, P = 0.08). There were no procedural complications. Conclusion Fontan fenestration closure with the ADO2 device is a simple, short, and cost-effective procedure. The ADO2 characteristics recommend it to occlusion of varying sizes and morphologies of Fontan fenestration. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aortic wall gadolinium enhancement in thoracic aortic aneurysm patients

Background Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) disease is an often asymptomatic, insidious process that includes structural aortic changes, dilation, and eventually causes death. Aneurysm prevalence exceeds 4% and is the 15th leading cause of death in the US. TAA disease is associated with congenital and acquired defects in the aortic wall including elastin derangements, increased collagen, glycosaminolycan/proteoglycan accumulation, and loss of smooth muscle cells. We aim to investigate
Ciguatoxin reduces larval survivability in finfish

Ciguatoxins are lipophilic polyether toxins which concentrate in the viscera and flesh of coral reef associated finfish (Hessel et al., 1960). In this study, we quantify the adverse effects of ciguatoxin on fish embryos by microinjection into the egg yolk of medaka (Oryzias latipis) embryos. Embryos microinjected with 0.1-0.9 pg/egg (ppb) of ciguatoxin exhibit cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal abnormalities and those injected with higher levels (1.0-9.0 pg/egg) exhibit significantly reduced hatching success. The sensitivity of embryonic fish to direct oocyte exposure indicates that maternal transfer of low levels of ciguatoxin may represent an unrecognized threat to the reproductive success of reef fish and a previously undetected ecological consequence of proliferation of ciguatoxin-producing algae in reef systems increasingly impacted by human perturbations.
An amorphous silicon thin film transistor: Theory and experiment☆

Abstract The volt-ampere characteristics for a thin film transistor fabricated with vacuum deposited amorphous silicon as the semiconductor is presented. The substrate is single crystalline silicon with a 3000 A layer of thermally grown silicon dioxide as the insulator. The gate is a buried N+ phosphorus diffused region while the source and drain contacts are interdigited fingers of aluminum. By using the Cohen-Fritzsche-Ovshinsky model for the density of localized states in the mobility gap, the VG vs ID characteristic at small values of VD is predicted and experimentally verified. This characteristic is used to theoretically predict the family of ID curves for the TFT over a range of VG and VD. The theory and experiment agree exceptionally well below the gate-drain pinch-off, thereby verifying the theory of a TFT with a uniform distribution of traps in the band-gap.
New evidence from beneath the western North Atlantic for the depth of glacial erosion in Greenland and North America

Interpretation of Deep Sea Drilling Project results and air-gun seismic profiles suggests that about 106 km3 of sediment have been eroded from eastern North America and southern Greenland and deposited in the adjacent North Atlantic since the beginning of continental glaciation. This volume is a minimum estimate which does not account for sediment beneath the continental shelf nor that portion carried south of the Blake-Bahama Outer Ridge by the Western Boundary Undercurrent. It represents erosion of about 100 m of solid rock and indicates that more than 90% of the sediment eroded from these areas was deposited as sands, silts, and clays in the adjacent western North Atlantic. Glaciation accounts for between 55 and 95 m of this average 100 m, and fluvial processes account for the remainder. The documented erosion in part substantiates W. A. White's (1972, Geological Society of America Bulletin 83, 1037–1056) hypothesis of deep erosion and exhumation of shield regions, but is not in agreement with the entire volume of erosion implied by his model.
A Fast-Spinning Stripper MOD II for the Zero Gradient Synchrotron (ZGS) Booster

The use of H- negatively charged particles during injection into the ZGS booster requires the use of a stripping media to convert the particles to H+ for acceleration in the normal manner. This process of stripping is accomplished with the use of thin plastic foils placed in and out of the acceleration orbit with the use of a unique and novel mechanism.
Arrays: The Heart and Soul of SIRTF

This paper describes the status of NASA’s Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) program. SIRTF will be a cryogenically cooled observatory for infrared astronomy from space and is planned for launch early in the next decade. It will be the first cryogenic space observatory to make extensive use of the powerful infrared detector array technology discussed at this conference. We summarize a newly developed SIRTF mission concept and show how the availability of detector arrays has shaped the scientific rationale for SIRTF, and how the arrays themselves have become part of the definition of the SIRTF mission.
Excited-State Proton Transfer of Photoexcited Pyranine in Water Observed by Femtosecond Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy

Abstract We use femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS) to illuminate the choreography of intermolecular excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) of photoacid pyranine (8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid, HPTS) in water. The multidimensional reaction coordinate responsible for photoacidity is revealed to involve sequential activation of characteristic skeletal motions during the ca. 1 ps preparation stage preceding ESPT. The initial ring-coplanarity breaking follows in-plane ring breathing (191 cm −1 ), and is facilitated by HPTS ring wagging (108 cm −1 ) and ring-H out-of-plane motions (321, 362, 952 cm −1 ), which largely decay within ∼1 ps. ESPT then occurs with intrinsic inhomogeneity via various number of intervening water molecules over relatively larger distances than those in acetate–water system. The intricate relationship between the time-resolved excited-state vibrational modes of HPTS reveals the essential role of coherent low-frequency skeletal motions gating ESPT, and the multi-staged proton-transfer process having the kinetic isotope effect (KIE) value of 3–4 in aqueous solution on the 5–200 ps timescale.
Numerical Study of Advection Schemes for Interface Capturing in a Volume of Fluid Method on Unstructured Meshes

In solving naval hydrodynamics problems using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the moving free surface between air and water introduces extra difficulties to numerical methods, since the material property jumps across the interface and the time-dependent free surface position becomes part of the solution. Engineering applications often require a flexible and robust solver for incompressible multi-phase viscous flows with the capability of capturing the interface. In the volume of fluid (VOF) method, the interface is captured by directly solving the convection transport equation of volume fraction. In this case, the numerical dissipation of the advection scheme smears the sharp interface and the numerical dispersion causes unphysical oscillations near the interface. Utilizing the guidance of boundedness criteria, many limited higher-order non-liner advection schemes have been developed in an attempt to balance numerical dissipation and dispersion. Though it is well-known that these non-linear advection schemes can lead to solutions combining boundednesss and accuracy, users are often overwhelmed by the wide variety of available schemes. Also, these schemes are developed with the assumption of a uniform Cartesian-type mesh. Thus, a thorough investigation and comparison of the performance of these interface-capturing advection schemes are necessary, especially for naval hydrodynamics problems solved on unstructured meshes. In this study, a systematic comparison and evaluation of several existing and new bounded, higher-order advection schemes has been conducted within the framework of NavyFOAM, which is developed based on OpenFOAM — an object orientated C++ toolbox for the customization and extension of numerical solvers for continuum mechanics problems, including CFD, where the governing equations are discretized using the cell-centered finite volume method on unstructured mesh. The flexible infrastructure of the code enables us to implement and test the selected advection schemes very quickly. The test cases include advection of hollow cylinders, Zalesak’s rotating slotted disk, traveling solitary wave, dam breaking problem.
Role of perceptual organization while attending in depth.

Seven experiments were conducted in order to explore the conditions under which visual attention can be allocated in depth. In each experiment, observers were cued to the most likely target location in stereoscopic depth displays, and targets could appear in either the cued location or in another location. In Experiments 1 and 2, we show that previous failures to observe effects of cuing in depth may have depended on the specific timing characteristics of the displays. In Experiments 3, 4, and 5, we eliminated the hypothesis, suggested by Experiments 1 and 2, that in order to allocate attention in depth, attention must be allocated to a specific object token. Experiment 6 provides evidence that, in the absence of other organizing information (e.g., color), attention can be allocated in depth on the basis of the surface information available in the display. Finally, in Experiment 7, we demonstrate that, although sufficient, surface information is not necessary for the allocation of attention; color supported the allocation of attention across multiple items that failed to fall on a single coherent surface in depth. Together, these findings suggest that attention in depth, like attention in two-dimensional displays, is determined by the perceptual organization of the display.
Removal of redundancy from the single particle equation of motion method for odd mass nuclei

Abstract A method is developed for the removal of redundancy which is known to plague the calculation of low lying spectra of odd mass nuclei by the equation of motion method. The feasibility of the method is verified numerically.
Specific heat of A-15 Nb3Al0.83Ge0.21

Abstract The specific heat of A-15 Nb3Al.83Ge.21 with a transition temperature, Tc, of 20.0 K has been measured from 6 to 25 K. Values of the parameters derived from the data are γ=35.0±2 mJ/mole-K2; the Debye temperature, θD=278±5 K; the energy gap, △, normalized as 2△/kTc, is 4.9±.3, and the thermodynamic critical field, Hc(0), is 4700±300 Gauss.
The quest for a polymeric ferromagnet: A new polymorph of 1,4‐bis(2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐4‐oxy‐4‐piperidyl‐1‐oxy)butadiyne (invited)

A new polymorph of 1,4‐bis(2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐4‐oxy‐4‐piperidyl‐1‐oxy)butadiyne has been prepared and characterized by x‐ray diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, and magnetic susceptibility. Unlike the Pccn‐α phase, the β phase belongs to the Pca21 space group [a=14.265(1) A, b=8.079 (3) A, and c=18.865(2) A, V=2174.1 A3, Z=4, T=−100 °C, Ru=4.8%, Rw=5.0%). The C 3/4 C, CC–CC, and NO distances are 1.201, 1.391, and 1.293 A, respectively. The only intermolecular interactions are 1.844‐A–OH ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ON hydrogen bonding interactions. The vibrations νOH,NH =3289, 3070, 3021, νNO(IR) =1341, and νC 3/4 C (Raman) =2236 cm−1 are present. The solid‐state motif is that of pleated sheets. UV, electron beam, and γ‐ray induced polymerization has not been achieved; however, thermal treatment turns the crystals black. Thermogravimetric analysis under nitrogen reveals an explosive decomposition at ∼140 °C. Between 2 and 300 K the susceptibility obeys the Curie–Weiss expression with Θ=−2.75 K. The effective moment...
A human myeloma immunoglobulin G binding four moles of calcium associated with asymptomatic hypercalcemia.

A calcium-binding immunoglobulin G (IgGIλRUP) was identified in the serum of a patient with multiple myeloma, asymptomatic hypercalcemia, and a normal ionized serum calcium. Calcium binding by IgGRUP was confirmed by two-dimensional electrophoresis with calcium-45 and equilibrium dialysis. Amino acid analyses indicated an unusually high number of glutamic (or glutamine) residues in the L chain and Fab fragment but no detectable γ-carboxyglutamic acid. As determined by equilibrium dialysis with45Ca, the intact IgGRUP and its Fab fragments bound calcium at an optimum pH of 7.4. There was minimal binding of calcium to H chains and no binding by L chains or the Fc fragment. Recombination of H and L chains partially restored the binding activity. By Scatchard analysis, the binding affinity (K d) of IgGRUP was 1.7×10−3 M and the binding capacity was 4 mol of calcium/mol of IgG. The binding of 4 mol of calcium/mol of IgG is twice that reported previously for two other calcium-binding myeloma proteins and suggests unique properties of IgGRUP.
Absorption, utilization and clinical effectiveness of allithiamines compared to water-soluble thiamines.

Oral administration of lipidsoluble allithiamines [thiamine propyl disulfide (TPD) and thiamine tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide (TTHF)] rapidly increased thiamine activity in whole blood, red blood cells, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine in normal and thiamine-deficient subjects. These thiamine congeners also restored red blood cell transketolase to normal in alcoholics with thiamine deficiency. Such repletion equaled that produced by parenteral, water-soluble thiamine hydrochloride (THCl) or thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP). Oral administration of water-soluble thiamines (THCl, TPP) neither elevated thiamine activity in biological fluids nor restored transketolase activity to normal in alcoholics with thiamine deficiency presumably due to their rate-limited intestinal transport. Oral administration of TPD eliminated lateral rectus palsy in patients with Wernicke's encephalopathy. Orally administered allithiamine vitamers are therefore recommended for prophylaxis and treatment of thiamine deficits because while having essentially the same biological properties as parenterally administered water-soluble thiamines they have not produced any untoward effects after long-term administration and are far more efficiently utilized.
Models for generating locality-tuned traveling threads for a hierarchical multi-level heterogeneous multicore

As heterogeneous multicore processors become more widespread, many options are emerging for producing efficient parallel code for such processors. Although parallel programming languages are improving, manual partitioning of computations and data across heterogeneous processing resources is proving extraordinarily difficult. Further, it is becoming increasingly important to consider locality when producing parallel code, as data transport is a primary source of performance overhead and energy consumption. To address these problems, we propose a novel model for extracting parallel computations from sequential code for a hierarchical multi-level heterogeneous processor which we present called the Passive/Active Multicore (PAM). The computations take the form of short, fine-grained threads, which are generated with consideration to locality through cache profiling and have the ability to migrate from core to core up through the memory hierarchy based on the location of operands. Experimental results across both integer and floating point intensive standard and scientific workloads show that the architecture, execution model, and computational extraction techniques together offer computational offloads of up to 24% (5.8% on average). Through simulation, we estimate these offloads may translate into speedups of up to 19% (4.0% on average) and that negative effects on performance are negligible. Floating point applications seem to be most aided by these techniques.