cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Video Presentation Features on Instructional Achievement and Intrinsic Motivation in Secondary School Learners

This study analyzed instructional achievement and intrinsic motivation among 21st century secondary students utilizing a video lecture incorporating both student reaction cutaway images and immediate content interaction within the lecture. Respondents (n = 155) were from multiple classes and grade levels at a suburban Texas high school. Four groups of students viewed the identical lecture with differing video and content interaction treatments. Students responded to a pretest/posttest survey to assess academic achievement in addition to an intrinsic motivation instrument to assess student interest. Group one (the control group) viewed the 12 minute lecture without enhancement. A second group viewed the identical lecture with student reaction shots inserted in the video. Another group viewed the lecture with content question intervention inserted into the video. The final group saw the lecture with the student reaction shots and content question intervention combined in the video. A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to compare results from a 14 item pretest/posttest. Combined, the groups showed no significance (p = .069) indicating no associations were identified by the experiment. Although no association was identified, this may be a reflection of the generic nature of the video lecture and the lack of association with the experiment and actual classroom content within their courses. Students also completed the Intrinsic Motivation Instrument which was analyzed using a MANOVA. Although no significant findings were present in either group viewing the student reaction or the content question interaction treatments individually, the group viewing the combined treatment showed significance in three scales: Interest/Enjoyment (p = .007), Perceived Competence (p = .027) and Effort/Importance (p = .035) Recommendations for refinement of the current experiment as well as future studies are provided.
Comparing rutting of airfield pavements to simulations using Pavement Analysis Using Nonlinear Damage Approach (PANDA)

This study presents the rutting performance results of full-scale pavement test sections subjected to F-15E and C-17 aircraft wheels at two different temperatures. Pavement structures for the tests were constructed under shelter in the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center's (ERDC) pavement test facility. The full-scale test results are used to validate viscoelastic, viscoplastic and hardening-relaxation constitutive relationships implemented in the Pavement Analysis Using Nonlinear Damage Approach (PANDA) model. PANDA is a mechanistic-based model which incorporates nonlinear viscoelastic, viscoplastic, hardening-relaxation, viscodamage, moisture-induced damage and ageing constitutive relationships. Results of dynamic modulus and different repeated creep-recovery laboratory tests are analysed to extract the parameters associated with viscoelastic, viscoplastic and hardening-relaxation constitutive relationships implemented in PANDA. Once calibrated, PANDA is used to predict the rutting perfor...
Queueing-based storage performance modeling and placement in OpenStack environments

In enterprise data centers, reliable performance models on storage devices are desirable for efficient storage management and optimization. However, many cloud environments consist of heterogeneous storage devices, e.g., a mixture of commodity disks, where accurate performance models are of particular challenge to attain. In this paper, we propose a lightweight queueing-based storage performance modeling framework, which is able to infer the maximum IO load that a storage device can sustain, as well as its IO load v.s. response time performance curve. Our inference framework views the underlying storage resources as blackboxes and only utilizes historical measurements of the IO and response time on the devices. In an OpenStack environment, we also develop a new storage volume placement algorithm using our performance inference and modeling framework. Experimental results show that our solution can provide up to 80% increase of the IO throughput, in tandem with a 40% reduction of the average response time, compared to the performance provided by the default OpenStack policy.
The Passion of Lieut. Wm. Bligh

Wm. Bligh served as navigating officer aboard the HMS Reso lution during Captain James Cook's third & final voyage of exploration in the Pacific. On January 17, 1779, Cook landed on Hawai'i during the festival of Makahiki, & (as tradition has it) was greeted as the returning God Rono. Feasts were made. The "great white god" was honored. But Cook & his crew overstayed their welcome. On February 13, 1779, ten sions mounted over thefts of goods from the Resolution, and during the night the Discovery's cutter was stolen from the buoy where it was moored. Cook's response was to take pris oners: "It had been his usual practice, whenever any thing of consequence was lost, at any of the islands in this ocean, to get the king, or some of the principal Erees, on board, and to keep them as hostages, till it was restored" (ECJC 266).
Learning from Crisis: Transit Evacuation in Honolulu, Hawaii, After Tsunami Warnings

The major transit agency in Honolulu, Hawaii, is Oahu Transit Services, Inc., also known as The Bus. The agency implemented emergency evacuation procedures because of tsunamis triggered by earthquakes in Chile in 2010 and Japan in 2011. Although the damage in Hawaii was minimal in both events, the experience provided important lessons for emergency operations. This paper provides a brief account of the events and describes the transit agency and its procedures for emergency evacuation. The important lessons for Honolulu and other cities that have bus transit operations and are concerned about evacuation are also discussed. It is important that standard operating procedures be well documented and disseminated. It is also critical to conduct after-action reports to ensure that key problems and challenges are identified; potential solutions are generated, discussed, and implemented; and organizational learning occurs. Training and experience at all levels are important, but creating an ethos of public servic...
A black mutation of Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae)

Abstract A black body colour mutation of Lasioderma serricorne (F.), thought to be the first reported for this species, is characterized by autosomal semi-dominant inheritance. The exoskeleton of the adult mutant is black in homozygotes and dark brown in heterozygotes unlike the reddish-brown colour of the normal adult. The mutation is also visible during the latter part of each larval and the pupal stadium. The sexual vigor of mutant males, as determined by the proportion of mating attempts, matings and inseminations, was not different from that of normal males, and the average numbers of offspring produced by mutant and normal females did not differ significantly.
LDL Cholesterol as a Predictor of Mortality, and Beyond: To Fast or Not to Fast, That is the Question?

The 'necessity' of a fasting lipid panel for assessment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk has been assumed now for decades. The rationale for this position has been the estimation of levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), a major risk factor for ASCVD, by correcting for non-fasting changes in plasma triglycerides using the so-called Friedewald equation developed during the 1960s at the then National Heart Institute1. Because LDL-C determination by ultracentrifugation is time consuming and expensive and direct LDL-C measurements have proven no more accurate than the Friedewald equation, the calculation of LDL-C has remained more than adequate, and was recently endorsed by the 2013 ACC/AHA Risk Assessment Work Group2 and utilized in the 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Adults3. The equation estimates LDL-C after measuring total cholesterol, high density cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG), and then subtracting from the total cholesterol concentration the HDL-C plus very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) which is estimated by TG/5. This formula is not used when plasma TG >400 mg/dL because in this metabolic setting VLDL particles contain relatively less cholesterol and VLDL-C contribution is therefore overestimated and the calculated LDL-C is falsely low.
Commentary on review by Veith and Raskind: the many faces of depression.

A range of different dysphoric symptomologies are subsumed under the general diagnostic label of depression. This may lead to problems with inter-laboratory reliability when reporting results of depression research. A partial list of a variety of “nhappinesses” is submitted to encourage rigor of definitions and to stimulate discussion. Comments are made concerning the difficulty in drawing definitive conclusions about the possible influence of normal aging on CNS disturbances underlying depression. Also, the need is reinforced for in vivo baseline studies of the human nervous system as well as for creative experimentation using a variety of species. Finally, a plea is made for more openness and cooperation in the neurosciences regarding research activities and findings.
In-Situ RHEED Studies To Understand The Dislocation Formation Process In Growth Of InGaAs on GaAs

A detailed study of reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) during growth of InxGai_xAs (0 < x 5_0.5) on GaAs was carried out. We focussed on the initial stages of growth where the growth is expected to be under coherent strain. RHEED studies provide us information on the growth front which is quite different from what is found in the lattice matched systems. In lattice matched systems, as the growth temperature is increased, the growth front becomes increasingly smooth (below congruent temperature) due to the enhanced surface kinetics. However, in the presence of strain we find that increased substrate temperature produces a growth front which is 3-dimensional in nature. This effect is explained by the reasoning that the equilibrium surface for the lattice matched systems are atomically smooth and that for a strained surface can be 3-dimensional depending upon surface strain.
Mechanisms of Stabilization of Water-in-Crude Oil Emulsions

The mechanisms of stabilization of water-in-crude oil emulsions have been investigated by changing the solvent−solute interactions in crude oil. Diluting the original crude oil with varying amounts of heptane, which is a poor solvent for asphaltenes, changes the solvent−solute interactions, leading to flocculation of asphaltenes and thus changing the emulsion stability. The interactions between the water droplets in an emulsion system have been quantified by measuring the radial distribution function and thereby the pair potential using the digitized optical imaging technique. It has been observed that the force of interaction between water droplets is oscillatory. This shows that non-DLVO forces, such as attractive depletion and repulsive structural forces, exist between the droplets. The interaction between the water droplets has been modeled by studying the properties of a thin liquid film sandwiched between the water droplets. Because of the film confinement effect, asphaltene−resin particles form a l...
A review and analysis of applied research in mental retardation: 1975–1980

A review of the number and type of studies in mental retardation published in six prominent journals was made. Variables examined included whether the study was applied or not and in the latter case, whether the study was an assessment, treatment or epidemiological paper. Other variables evaluated were length of follow-up, frequency of applied studies published in each journal, whether subjects were children or adults, inpatients or outpatients, level of mental retardation and form of treatment employed. Implications of the present studies with regard to future directions of applied research are discussed.
Abstract LB-151: Spred1 and neurofibromin interact to negatively regulate Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling

The Ras/Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) plays a critical role in cell signaling downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases. The conserved Sprouty family proteins function as feedback regulators of Ras/MAPK signaling. Loss of function mutations in one family member, SPRED1, cause Legius syndrome, an autosomal dominant human disorder that resembles neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Spred1 functions as a negative regulator of the Ras/MAPK pathway, however, the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood. We found Spred1 functioned by reducing Ras-GTP levels; SPRED1 loss-of function mutations identified in Legius syndrome patients were unable to regulate Ras activity levels. The N-terminal EVH1 domain of Spred1 was found to be crucial for its inhibitory function. Thus, we utilized tandem affinity purification of wild-type Spred1 and EVH1 domain mutants found in Legius syndrome to identify novel binding partners of the N-terminus. Analysis of protein complexes by mass spectrometry revealed neurofibromin, the NF1 gene product, as a novel Spred1 interacting protein. We show that neurofibromin is a Spred1 binding partner that is necessary for Spred19s inhibitory function. Spred1 requires neurofibromin to down-regulate Ras-GTP levels, and the interaction with Spred1 is required for neurofibromin localization to the plasma membrane. This novel mechanism leads to a better understanding of the regulation of the neurofibromin tumor suppressor protein. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-151. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-151
Design considerations for shortcut path-based time recovery

This paper introduces the concept of using tactical shortcuts to improve arrival precision and thereby increase throughput. This concept schedules flights to a longer path for which a shortcut path option is available for time recovery when speed is restricted. Shortcut design parameter sensitivity for schedule-based and spacing-based use policies is explored for single vs. multiple shortcut designs and shortcut availability. Simulation results show schedule-based shortcuts can reduce scheduling buffer size by 35-55% (increasing maximum throughput) or reduce separation violation probability 15-20% (reducing controller workload). Spacing-based shortcuts can reduce scheduling buffer size or separation violation probability by an additional 20% or 5% respectively. Additional studies were conducted to evaluate throughput and delay performance of each shortcut use policy for a wide range of demand rates. Spacing-based shortcuts performed the best. A use policy that combined the schedule-based shortcut method and scheduling without shortcuts outperformed using either of these methods individually. The potential benefits of using tactical shortcuts warrants future study in its application to multi-point scheduling, performance-based operations, geometric design, and decision support tools.decision support tools.
Comparative ototoxicity of bumetanide and furosemide when used in combination with kanamycin

The ototoxicity of bumetanide and furosemide was compared in Topeka strain guinea pigs pretreated with kanamycin. The animals, anesthetized with pentobarbital, received a single dose of 400 mg/kg kanamycin subcutaneously and the diuretics via indwelling catheter in the jugular vein 2 hours later. Ototoxic drug effects were determined by measuring the electrophysiological responses of the cochlea to sound stimuli and by determining the presence or absence of cochlear sensory hair cells from the organ of Corti. Both bumetanide and furosemide produced permanent alteration of cochlear activity in the kanamycin-pretreated animals. The ototoxic effect of bumetanide is five times that of furosemide on a milligram-for-milligram basis. The ototoxic potential of bumetanide is one eighth that of furosemide when the doses are adjusted for diuretic potency difference between the two diuretics.
Adenovirus 12S E1A gene represses differentiation of F9 teratocarcinoma cells.

Abstract The F9 teratocarcinoma cell line differentiates in vitro after treatment with retinoic acid and cAMP and has been a widely used model system for the study of the molecular events that are responsible for cellular commitment and differentiation during early development. Previous experiments have suggested intriguing parallels between the control of gene expression during F9 cell differentiation and the regulation of gene expression by adenovirus E1A. Transfection of a 12S E1A-expressing plasmid into terminally differentiated, nonproliferating F9 cells generates, at high frequency, colonies of dividing cells, each of which expresses E1A. Cell lines established from these colonies proliferate in the presence of retinoic acid and have lost the fully differentiated phenotype as characterized by the absence of expression of a series of differentiation-specific genes. We conclude that expression of the viral 12S E1A gene product interferes with retinoic acid-induced F9 cell differentiation. Moreover, the results suggest that the differentiation process, as defined by markers of terminal differentiation, may not be a permanent event but can be reversed by E1A expression.
Generalized inflow performance relationships for horizontal gas wells

Abstract The analytical inflow performance relationships (IPRs) of horizontal gas wells are presented in this paper for different reservoir boundary conditions. Even though reservoir simulation models (numerical models) may give more flexibility and detailed results of oil and gas production, analytical models are commonly used in the field for quick, practical and reasonable estimation of well performance. The analytical models are especially attractive when working on single well design and performance optimization. Similar to vertical well models, the analytical models for horizontal wells are developed for specific conditions. The IPR equations for horizontal gas wells are categorized into three boundary conditions; constant boundary pressure (steady-state flow condition), no-flow boundary (pseudo-steady-state flow condition), infinite acting reservoir (transient flow condition). For each condition, the IPR equations of horizontal gas wells are presented and the limitation and appropriate application are discussed carefully. Moreover, this paper discusses the effect of critical parameters such as permeability anisotropy, wellbore length, non-Darcy flow and near wellbore formation damage on the inflow performance of horizontal gas wells. These equations provide the reservoir and production engineers with an invaluable tool in well structure design, development plan, and their daily practice dealing with horizontal wells.
Are Passaged Chondrocytes Phenotypically Similar to Meniscal Fibrochondrocytes

The knee menisci are heterogeneous fibrocartilages with regional variations in phenotype and extracellular matrix composition reflecting varying functional demands. The inner (compressive) region is generally described as closer to cartilage, with higher aggrecan and collagen II contents and rounded cells resembling articular chondrocytes1,2, while the outer (tensile) third of the meniscus is fibrous and vascularized with cells described as fibroblast-like. Some studies have suggested that passaged chondrocytes can be used as a source for engineering fibrocartilage due to their tendency to become more “fibrous”3,4. However, the characteristics of isolated and passaged cells have not been quantitatively compared to the behaviors of meniscal cells. In fact, despite a qualitative understanding of phenotypic variations within the meniscus and between meniscal cells and chondrocytes, no metrics have been identified to quantitatively distinguish fibrochondrocytes from chondrocytes. In this study, we evaluated the gene expression profiles of serially passaged chondrocytes in the context of the expression profiles of articular chondrocytes and meniscal fibrochondrocytes in native tissue isolated from different anatomical regions, with a focus on genes important to the production and regulation of the extracellular matrix.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Editorial: safety and tolerability of rifaximin for IBS - more information is required; authors' reply.

We appreciate the comments of Cai and Yang, but we respectfully disagree with several of their criticisms. 2 First, this study was not a systematic review. It is a pooled analysis of individual patient data and data on safety for each dose of medication are provided. Nevertheless, there is no difference in safety or tolerability regardless of dose. This is unsurprising as less than 1% of rifaximin is absorbed. Second, the appropriate dose of rifaximin for treatment of nonconstipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome (non-C IBS) is clear. Based on the data in over 1600 patients in two phase 3 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), rifaximin 550 mg t.d.s. for 14 days is the recommended dose. The third RCT discussed in our study is a phase 2 dose-ranging study to identify the ideal dose for treatment of non-C IBS. Third, it is true that the incremental benefit of rifaximin over placebo for improvement in global IBS symptoms is 9% (40.7% vs. 31.7%). However, in rigorously designed RCTs, IBS treatments with proven efficacy for global IBS symptoms consistently show benefits of approximately 10% over placebo. Further data are needed about long-term management with rifaximin. This is being studied in an RCT of over 1000 patients and data will be available later in 2014. Finally, there is controversy about the diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) with breath testing. However, the patients in these RCTs did not undergo breath testing and the decision to treat was based solely on the presence of non-C IBS symptoms. We therefore do not think that criticisms about breath testing apply. In fact, the impact of rifaximin may not be limited to treatment of SIBO. Rifaximin may alter the interaction between bacterial flora and the immune system in the colonic mucosa, and this is being explored in the Target 3 study.
Losses of ions during forward and reverse scans in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer and how to reduce them

The higher order fields present in the quadrupole ion trap may have beneficial effects such as increases in mass resolution in the mass-selective instability or resonance ejection modes of operation, but may also result in losses of ions due to nonlinear resonances. In this work, the reduction in ion intensities observed in the mass spectra of polyethylene glycol (PEG 1000) has been utilized to monitor the ion losses resulting from these higher order fields during the rf voltage scans in both the forward and reverse directions. Extensive ion losses were observed in reverse rf voltage scans at qz=0.64 (az=0), which corresponds to octopole resonance at βz=1/2. The losses depended upon rf voltage scan rate and ion mass being greater for lower scan rates and lower masses. For ions of m/z 877, losses of up to 60% of the stored ions were observed at low scan rates (<1×104 Da/s), but were minimal at higher scan rates. Thus, it is possible to avoid such losses during reverse scans by scanning the region qz=0.64 at rates in excess of 4×104 Da/s. In forward rf voltage scans, ion storage was considerably more reliable, with significant losses observed only at very high scan rates near the region qz=0.78 (hexapole resonance at βz=2/3).
Structural Basis for FEN-1 Substrate Specificity and PCNA-Mediated Activation in DNA Replication and Repair

Flap EndoNuclease-1 (FEN-1) and the processivity factor proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) are central to DNA replication and repair. To clarify the molecular basis of FEN-1 specificity and PCNA activation, we report here structures of FEN-1:DNA and PCNA:FEN-1-peptide complexes, along with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and mutational results. FEN-1 binds the unpaired 3' DNA end (3' flap), opens and kinks the DNA, and promotes conformational closing of a flexible helical clamp to facilitate 5' cleavage specificity. Ordering of unstructured C-terminal regions in FEN-1 and PCNA creates an intermolecular beta sheet interface that directly links adjacent PCNA and DNA binding regions of FEN-1 and suggests how PCNA stimulates FEN-1 activity. The DNA and protein conformational changes, composite complex structures, FRET, and mutational results support enzyme-PCNA alignments and a kinked DNA pivot point that appear suitable to coordinate rotary handoffs of kinked DNA intermediates among enzymes localized by the three PCNA binding sites.
Cytomorphology of high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the urinary tract

High-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the bladder is a rare malignant tumor with poor prognosis. We present the cytomorphologic features of six retrospectively identified cases which displayed high-grade tumors with neuroendocrine differentiation in bladder washings. Cytology specimens showed small-to-medium-sized tumor cells with powdery chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli, and ill-defined nuclear membranes. Tumor fragments showed prominent nuclear molding and single-cell necrosis. All cases also revealed a varying proportion of tumor cells resembling the usual transitional-cell carcinoma. Biopsy specimens from five cases demonstrated high-grade transitional-cell carcinoma with areas resembling small-cell carcinoma. In one case the entire tumor consisted of classic small-cell carcinoma and failed to show any areas of transitional-cell differentiation. All cases were positive for neuroendocrine markers. Neuroendocrine carcinomas of the urinary bladder are rare, with cytological features similar to high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas seen in other organs. They can be accurately diagnosed cytologically, and an awareness of the cytomorphologic features is important.
Stability analysis of discontinuous quantum control systems with dipole and polarizability coupling

Closed quantum systems under the influence of a laser field, whose interaction is modeled by a Schrodinger equation, with a coupling control operator containing both a linear (dipole) and a quadratic (polarizability) term, are analyzed. Discontinuous feedbacks, obtained by a Lyapunov trajectory tracking procedure, have recently been proposed to control these types of system. The purpose of this paper is to study the asymptotic stability by considering the solutions in the Filippov sense. The analysis is developed by applying a variant of the LaSalle invariance principle for differential inclusions. Numerical simulations are included to illustrate the efficiency of the discontinuous control.
Benoxaprofen Photosensitization of Cell Membrane Disruption

Benoxaprofen (BXP) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug which causes cutaneous phototoxicity. Because the in vivo phototoxicity may involve photosensitized damage to mast cell membranes, the mechanism for photosensitized damage was studied in a single model system, the red blood cell. Oxygen-dependent and oxygen-independent mechanisms for membrane disruption were detected. Oxygen-dependent lysis was not quenched by superoxide dismutase and was quenched only at high sodium azide concentrations. A two-step mechanism is proposed involving initial photodecarboxylation of BXP to form a lipophilic photoproduct which subsequently photosensitizes membrane damage. Human serum albumin at 0.03% totally inhibited BXP- photosensitized lysis.
Oral dimercaptosuccinic acid and ongoing exposure to lead: effects on heme synthesis and lead distribution in a rat model.

Abstract Lead (Pb) exposure and subsequent toxicity continues to be a significant problem in the United States. Treatment with meso -2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) has been reported to be effective in reducing the body′s Pb burden, with fewer adverse side effects than other chelating agents. The oral availability and relative safety of DMSA presents the controversial option of treating patients with Pb poisoning on an outpatient basis. Despite recommendations that children be removed from the Pb contaminated environment, some children will inevitably be exposed to environmental Pb while receiving oral DMSA therapy. The study hypothesized that oral DMSA chelation therapy is beneficial even when faced with continued dietary Pb. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to Pb in water for 35 days and then placed in various treatment groups, including groups administered oral DMSA with and without concurrent Pb exposure. The concentration of Pb in blood and critical organs and Pb diuresis were measured. The effect of Pb on heme synthesis was determined by assaying the urinary δ-aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALA), and blood zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP). DMSA reversed the hematological effects of Pb, decreased the blood, brain, bone, kidney, and liver Pb concentration, and produced a marked Pb diuresis, even when challenged with ongoing Pb exposure. In conclusion, even though DMSA treatment without exposure to Pb is optimal, oral DMSA could be beneficial even when challenged with ongoing Pb exposure.
Detection of occult pericardial hemorrhage early after open-heart surgery using technetium-99m red blood cell radionuclide ventriculography

Pericardial or mediastinal hemorrhage requiring reoperation occurs in 2% to 5% of patients, usually early (0 to 48 hours), after open-heart surgery. This hemorrhage may be occult, and resulting cardiac tamponade may easily be misinterpreted as ventricular dysfunction, common early postoperatively. In such cases, appropriate and timely intervention may not occur. Of 50 patients evaluated by technetium-99m red blood cell gated equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography (RNV) because of early postoperative cardiogenic shock of uncertain etiology, 17 had unique scintigraphic images suggestive of intrathoracic hemorrhage. Of these 17, 5 had a generalized "halo" of abnormal radioactivity surrounding small hyperdynamic right and left ventricles, 11 had localized regions of intense blood pool activity outside the cardiac chambers (two with compression of single chambers), and one demonstrated marked radionuclide activity in the right hemithorax (2000 ml of blood at reoperation). Twelve patients had exploratory reoperation for control of hemorrhage as a direct result of the scintigraphic findings, three were successfully treated with fresh frozen plasma and platelet infusions along with medical interventions to optimize cardiac performance, and two patients died in cardiogenic shock (presumed tamponade) without reoperation. In the 12 reoperated patients, all were confirmed to have active pericardial bleeding. Scintigraphic localization of abnormal blood pools within the pericardium corresponded to the sites at which active bleeding was witnessed at reoperation. The abnormal bleeding was etiologically related to the tamponade state, with marked improvement in hemodynamics after reoperation. Nine additional patients were reoperated for presumed tamponade after RNV revealed an exaggerated halo of photon deficiency surrounding the cardiac chambers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A prototype experiment for cooperative monitoring of nuclear reactors with cubic meter scale antineutrino detectors

Our Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory/Sandia National Laboratories collaboration has deployed a cubic-meter-scale antineutrino detector to demonstrate non-intrusive and automatic monitoring of the power levels and plutonium content of a nuclear reactor. Reactor monitoring of this kind is required for all non-nuclear weapons states under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), and is implemented by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Since the antineutrino count rate and energy spectrum depend on the relative yields of fissioning isotopes in the reactor core, changes in isotopic composition can be observed without ever directly accessing the core. Data from a cubic meter scale antineutrino detector, coupled with the well-understood principles that govern the core's evolution in time, can be used to determine whether the reactor is being operated in an illegitimate way. Our group has deployed a detector at the San Onofre reactor site in California to demonstrate this concept. This paper describes the concept and shows preliminary results from 8 months of operation.
The hydrolysis and alkylation activities of S-(2-haloethyl)-L-cysteine analogs--evidence for extended half-life.

Abstract A series of S -(2-haloethyl)- l -cysteine derivatives, which are analogs of the proposed glutathione half-mustard metabolites of dihaloethanes, were synthesized and studied with respect to their hydrolysis and alkylation rates in aqueous solution. The trend of relative hydrolysis rates, Br > Cl ⪢ F, paralleled their respective leaving group abilities; however, a dramatic rate increase was seen at pH 8 versus pH's 6 or 4. Hydrolysis of S -(2-chloroethyl)- l -cysteine analogs, where the ionizable groups were blocked (carboxyl esterified and/or N -acetylated), revealed that the amine moiety was responsible for the increased hydrolysis rate with alkaline conditions. Compounds which were previously shown to inhibit the hydrolysis of mustard gas (β,β′-dichlorodiethyl sulfide) gave similar results with S -(2-chloroethyl)- l -cysteine, a finding which is consistent with the reaction intermediate being a highly charged species. The alkylation rates with 4-( p -nitrobenzyl)-pyridine were not affected by blocking the ionizable groups. A mechanism of internal cyclization is proposed to explain the accelerated alkaline hydrolysis rates noted with S -(2-haloethyl)- l -cysteines but not with the N -acetylated analogs (mercapturic acids). This scheme proposes the formation of 3-(thiomorpholine)-carboxylic acid as an alternative pathway to the generally accepted hydrolysis reaction. This compound and not S -(2-hydroxyethyl)- l -cysteine was the identified product following pH 10 hydrolysis. Increased hydrolysis half-time of amine-blocked cysteine analogs versus parent cysteine analogs may exist with S -(2-haloethyl)-glutathione derivatives which may explain the substantial nucleic acid alkylation seen with S -(2-haloethyl) derivatives of glutathione.
Molecular Crowding Enhances Facilitated Diffusion of Two Human DNA Glycosylases

Intracellular space is at a premium due to the high concentrations of biomolecules and is expected to have a fundamental effect on how large macromolecules move in the cell. Here, we report that crowded solutions promote intramolecular DNA translocation by two human DNA repair glycosylases. The crowding effect increases both the efficiency and average distance of DNA chain translocation by hindering escape of the enzymes to bulk solution. The increased contact time with the DNA chain provides for redundant damage patrolling within individual DNA chains at the expense of slowing the overall rate of damaged base removal from a population of molecules. The significant biological implication is that a crowded cellular environment could influence the mechanism of damage recognition as much as any property of the enzyme or DNA.
Modification of Long Equatorial Rossby Wave Phase Speeds by Zonal Currents

AbstractPreviously unaddressed aspects of how equatorial currents affect long Rossby wave phase speeds are investigated using solutions of the shallow-water equations linearized about quasi-realistic currents. Modification of the background potential vorticity (PV) gradient by curvature in the narrow equatorial currents is shown to play a role comparable to the Doppler shift emphasized by previous authors. The important variables are the meridional projections of mean-current features onto relevant aspects of the wave field. As previously shown, Doppler shifting of long Rossby waves is determined by the projection of the mean currents onto the wave’s squared zonal-velocity and pressure fields. PV-gradient modification matters only to the extent that it projects onto the wave field’s squared meridional velocity.Because the zeros of an equatorial wave’s meridional velocity are staggered relative to those of the zonal velocity and pressure, and because the meridional scales of the equatorial currents are sim...
Differential Response to Afterload in Axial and Centrifugal Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices (CV-LVAD)

Purpose CF-LVADs generate a specific flow for a given pressure differential across the pump. Implications of difference between afterload sensitivity of axial and centrifugal pumps has not been previously described. Methods and Materials All CF LVAD at a single center from 5/06 to 10/11, supported >30 days and managed with a standardized blood pressure (BP) protocol with target mean ≤ 80 mmHg. Mean number of data points per patient was 318. Contour mapping compared speed, pressure, and power. Results There were 96 CF-LVADs with mean support of 262 days. Patient demographics: age 55 years, male 80%, white 79%, ischemic 50%, BTT 55%, 61 axial & 35 centrifugal LVAD. Mean BP was near goal and not different between axial and centrifugal devices ( Figure 1a ). No BP meds at end of follow-up: 25 patients, 14 of whom died on device. Of patients on therapy, 38 were managed on 1 medication and 33 on 2+ medications. As expected, for each pump type at the same BP (afterload), power consumption and thus flow, increased with increasing pump speed. However, pump types differed somewhat in their response to increased afterload ( Figure 1b ). For axial pumps, at a given pump speed there was little change in pump power over clinically relevant ranges of afterload. In contrast, centrifugal pumps had more afterload dependence with a decrease in pump power with increasing afterload. Conclusions In the setting of aggressive BP control, axial and centrifugal pumps demonstrated a differential response to increasing afterload, with centrifugal pumps having greater afterload dependence. BP control is important in all patients with CF-LVADs, but poorly controlled BP may impair pump flow to a greater degree in patients with centrifugal devices.
A catadioptric reduction camera for deep UV microlithography

Abstract A 5X catadioptric reduction camera for use at wavelengths below 200 nm is described. It is based on a Cassegrainian mirror configuration, and in addition, uses 2 lenses to correct for Petzval curvature and spherical aberration. An image field 2.4 mm in diameter can be covered at 0.4 NA. Larger fields upto 20 mm in diameter can be realised, but only with large optics with a diameter of about 1.5 m.
Market power monitoring and mitigation in the US wholesale power markets

Abstract Under current statutory requirements, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) must ensure that prices in US wholesale power markets are ‘just and reasonable’. This has been interpreted by the agency and the courts as requiring the monitoring and mitigation of undue market power. This paper focuses on generation market power. Prior to electricity sector restructuring, wholesale bilateral power trading took place among vertically integrated monopoly utilities trading at the margin or between small independent producers and the utilities. Under those conditions, the authorization of trading at market prices, called ‘market-based rates’, required only that the generation supplier pass a simple market share screen for market power. As restructuring unfolded, and market conditions changed, there has been a steady evolution in FERC's market power mitigation rules, encompassing (a) changes in the market power assessment required for granting market-based rates and related methods for merger approval, and (b) development and refinement of new techniques for screening and mitigating offers into the organized day-ahead and real-time markets operated by Independent System Operators (ISOs) and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs). This paper reviews these changes to date, as FERC continues to clarify its approved rules and procedures. It also examines recent methods for quantitative market power analysis that could augment current procedures or supplant them, as found appropriate.
Mind's Ratchet: Ecologies of the Artificial: Transverging Cognition and Creativity

How can we, in the 21st century, understand creativity and cognition is a way that is at once consonant with both the "sciences of the artificial" and with the "ecology of mind"? Given our accelerating advances in the understanding of mind as mechanism, and given our evident aim to imbue autonomous machines with artificial life, artificial intelligence, and artificial consciousness, and, given that the built world is always and necessarily the mirror of our choices and values, by what ethics can we guide our technics, and by what means, and to what ends?Transvergence is an evolving framework for research, pedagogy, and creative production. Among its aims is "transformation the leads to speciation" of works, ideas, disciplines, and everything else that might be brought together to combine into new formations. Motives and mechanisms drawn from nature and culture are extended through technology into means by which to explore a broader spectrum of the possible than might otherwise be attainable.As with natural systems, this effort must convert noise into life, thought, and beauty.
Demonstration and characterization of C3 receptors on rat glomerular epithelial cells

Demonstration and characterization of C3 receptors on rat glomerular epithelial cells. Receptors for C3 have been demonstrated on the glomerular podocyte in humans. There is conflicting evidence regarding the presence of C3 receptors on rat glomerular cells. Even when shown to be present, the ligand specificity of the receptor has not been determined. Decapsulated rat glomeruli obtained from male Sprague–Dawley rats weighing 50 to 100g were placed in enriched culture media. On days four to eight, cells of epithelial morphology were observed growing out of glomeruli. Receptors for C3 were detected by rosette formation of sheep erythrocytes (E) coated with antibody (A) and complement (EAC) around the glomerular epithelial cells in culture. The EACs were prepared by incubating antibody–coated sheep erythrocytes with C5-deficient mouse serum or with individual components of complement. Results indicate the presence of two types of C3 receptors on glomerular epithelial cells—CR1 for C3b and CR2 for C3d. The functional roles of these receptors remain to be elucidated.
Using registries to recruit subjects for clinical trials.

Abstract Aim We studied the use of patient/disease registries to recruit potential subjects for prospective clinical trials — describing the number, types and major benefits of using this approach. Methods In December 2013, we conducted a focused database search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science for studies (English language only) that used registries to recruit subjects for clinical trials published in 2004–2013. Of the 233 unique citations identified, 21 used registries to recruit subjects — 10 papers and 11 abstracts. Pearling and search for subsequent full papers of the abstracts identified 4 more papers. Results Our analysis, based on these 25 citations, showed that 14 are related to cancer, 3 to diabetes mellitus, 1 each to stroke, asthma, and celiac disease and 5 are disease neutral. Many types of registries (population-based cancer, quality improvement, disease-specific, web-based disease-neutral registries, local general practice registers, and national health database) are used to recruit subjects for clinical trials and uncover new knowledge. Overall, 16 registries are in the US, 4 in UK, 1 each in Canada, Spain, and Australia and 1 involved in many countries. Registries can identify very large number of subjects for screening for eligibility for clinical trials, especially in very large trials, rare disease trials, and trials involving minority patients. Conclusions Registries can retrospectively identify very large numbers of potential subjects for screening for eligibility and enrollment in prospective clinical trials. This matching can lead to more timely recruitment and help solve a major problem in conducting clinical trials.
Longitudinal vorticity elements in boundary layers : nonlinear development from initial Görtler vortices as a prototype problem

The nonlinear effects of longitudinal vorticity elements in boundary layers are studied via a prototype problem: the development of such vorticity elements from initial Gortler vortices in the amplified regime. While a time-dependent, quasi-two-dimensional formulation greatly simplifies the computational framework, full three-dimensionality of the velocity components is obtained. This temporal analogy for spatially developing flows approximates the nonlinear streamwise advection by a constant convection velocity, but the strong cross-sectional, advective nonlinearities are retained. Such an approximation lacks the stretching effect of the streamwise vorticity, since such elements are lifted into regions of higher streamwise velocities. That the temporal analogy is a good theoretical (and experimental) approximation to real developing flows is shown by a posteriori indications that the streamwise vorticity remains weak throughout the nonlinear region (though it has far-reaching nonlinear effects in upwelling in the peak region) and that the region of strong nonlinearities remains in the cross-sectional plane.The aim of this work is to elucidate the nonlinearities producing sites of secondary instabilities and turbulence generation. The present mushroom-like computed iso-streamwise velocity contours surrounding the peak, as well as the streamwise velocity profiles in the peak and valley regions, agree well with experimental measurements up to the region of expected wavy secondary instabilities. Three local intense vorticity and enstrophy areas are found to be significant and these are thoroughly diagnosed. One such intense vorticity region arises from the upwelling of existing spanwise vorticity and subsequent spanwise stretching in the outer layers, leading to intense local high-shear layers of spanwise vorticity in the vicinity of the peak region, as expected. Primarily through the stretching of the vertical vorticity, intense vertical vorticity (and associated enstrophy) develop (i) in the shoulder regions of the mushroom-like iso-streamwise velocity structures in the outer layers of the boundary layer and (ii) in the inner regions of about thirty viscous lengths from the wall, close to the base of the mushroom-like structures. Of the three regions of intense local ‘free’ shear-layer vorticity, the vertical vorticity in the inner regions near the mushroom stem is dominant. This is entirely consistent with experimental observations of sites of high-frequency secondary and fine-scaled wavy instabilities. This theoretically/computationally obtained ‘parent flow’ essentially sets the stage for continued studies of its wavy instabilities. In order to analyse and control the shear stress at the wall and nonlinear flow development, the effect of initial parameters such as Gortler number, initial amplitudes and wavenumbers is fully explored.