cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
e -beam melted icosahedral Al-Mn surface layers: Microstructures and phason defects

The microstructure of icosahedral Al(Mn) in melt-quenched surface alloys has been characterized with TEM. Single-phase alloys with 20 at. % Mn show angular misorientations (up to {similar to}7{degree}) across internal boundaries radiating from the nucleation centers of grains. Lowering the Mn content results in fcc Al at grain boundaries and between branches of the icosahedral grains; the presence of Al-rich liquid around growing grains apparently eliminates the misorientations seen with 20 at. % Mn. The grains have a dense distribution of dislocation-like defects, but have sufficient orientational order to exhibit well--defined diffraction contours. Weak reflections in diffraction patterns from small areas (0.7 {mu}m) of grains exhibit deviations from exact icosahedral symmetry positions which were analyzed to evaluate a phase strain tensor and characterize misordering defects in the quasicrystalline structure. A negative matrix element ({ital m}{approx}{minus}0.05) for a tensor axis along a two-fold icosahedral axis accounts for most of the distortions in these patterns and those from other melt-quenched icosahedral Al(Mn) and Al(Mn,Si) alloys; this dominant element lowers the symmetry to {ital D}{sub 2}. This axis is nearly perpendicular to the growth direction, which suggests that the misordering is due to rapid growth during the quench; however, the {ital D}{sub 2}more » distortion may also result from an elastic instability predicted for icosahedral phases. Distortions in Al(Cr,Ru) can be fit with a similar tensor but with {ital m}{gt}0. Thus the phason character identified here may apply to other aluminum-transition metal icosahedral phases as well.« less
Development of an effective gene delivery system: a study of complexes composed of a peptide-based amphiphilic DNA compaction agent and phospholipid

We recently described a basic technology to efficiently combine compacted DNA with phospholipids and hydrophobic peptides, to produce homogenous complexes that are completely resistant to nuclease. We have developed this technology further to form gene delivery complexes that transfect cells effectively in vitro. In addition to plasmid DNA, the complexes contained two basic components: (i) a DNA compacting peptide (-CGKKKFKLKH), either conjugated to lipid or extended to contain (WLPLPWGW-) and (ii) either phosphatidylethanolamine or phosphatidylcholine. Complexes containing a 5.5-fold charge equivalence (peptide charge/DNA charge) of WLPLPWGWCGKKKFKLKH and 5 nmol dimyristoleoylphosphatidylethanolamine/µg DNA produced the highest luciferase gene expression, exceeding 1 × 109 relative light units/s/mg protein (>3 µg luciferase per mg protein). These complexes transfected OVCAR-3, COS-7 and HeLa cells at either similar or superior levels when compared to polyethylenimine or lipofectamine complexes. With green fluorescent protein reporter gene, >50% of HeLa cells were positive 30 h after addition of these complexes. Furthermore, these optimal complexes were the least sensitive to pre-treatment of cells with chloroquine, indicating efficient endosomal escape. Our results indicated that self-assembling complexes of plasmid DNA, amphiphilic peptide and phosphatidylethanolamine are highly effective non-viral gene delivery systems.
Preserving liberty in a society under siege: The media and the ‘Guildford Four’

In the aftermath of the TWA hijacking, the American electronic media were strongly criticized for their ethical practices and for abusing First Amendment rights. Many Americans think of Great Britain as providing appropriate examples for how to deal with abusive media. There, prior restraint and internal broadcasting codes exist, and the First Amendment does not. Yet, those who believe that capping the lens provides a simple solution to a complex problem have forgotten the functional role the media play in a society undergoing a terrorist siege. The case of the ‘Guildford Four’ shows how terrorist violence can adversely affect the responses of even a strong stable democracy and how responsible, vigilant and free media provide an independent, institutional base of power that can help reunite democratic aspirations and practice. The case of the ‘Guildford Four’ is the belated triumph of justice in a free society, but it is also a triumph of free media.
Subband-domain signal processing for radar array systems

Subband-domain algorithms provide an attractive technique for wideband radar array processing. The subband-domain approach decomposes a received wideband signal into a set of narrowband signals. While the number of processing threads in the system increases, the narrowband signals within each subband can be sampled at a correspondingly slower rate. Therefore, the data rate at the input is similar to that at the output of the subband processor. There are several advantages to the subbanding method. It can simplify typical radar algorithms such as adaptive beamforming and equalization by the virtue of reducing subband signal bandwidth, thereby potentially reducing the computational complexity over an equivalent tapped-delay line approach. It also allows for a greater parallelization of the processing task, hence enabling the use of slower and less power consuming hardware. In order to evaluate the validity of the subbanding approach, it is compared with conventional processing methods. This paper focuses on adaptive beamforming and pulse compression performance for a wideband radar system. The performance of an adaptive beamformer is given for a polyphase filter based subband approach and is measured against narrowband processing. SINR loss curves and beampatterns for a subband system are presented. Design criteria for subband polyphase filter processing that minimizes signal distortion are provided and the distortion is characterized. Finally subband- domain pulse compression is demonstrated and compared with the conventional approach.
Specificity of digestive lipases in hydrolysis of wax esters and triglycerides studied in anchovy and other selected fish.

The physiological specificity of fat digestion in several species of marine fish was studied by incubating a variety of synthetic and natural lipid substrates in fish intestinal fluid. Wax ester and triglyceride hydrolyses were studied in vivo and in vitro. In vivo feeding studies showed triglyceride hydrolyses and reesterification in the gut occurred 4 times faster than wax ester metabolism. In vitro comparisons of wax and triglyceride lipolysis always showed triglycerides to be hydrolyzed faster than wax esters; however, wide variation in the ratio occurred among different batches of intestinal juice. Ca. 50% of the 2-monoglycerides formed in the lipolytic sequence were hydrolyzed. Esters of lipase resistant fatty acids (20∶4 and 20∶5) were cleaved faster than normal fatty acid esters (18∶2 and 18∶3). Two of the species studied, the northern anchovy,Engraulis mordax and the jack mackerel,Trachurus symmetricus, empty lipase(s) into their gall bladders and produce phospholipid-free bile.
GHz-rate, hundred-V pulse generator

A high-efficiency microwave avalanche diode has been used to generate high-power GHz-rate pulses. Pulse amplitude is 125 V into a 50-ohm load. Pulsewidth is 400 ps, risetime 100 ps, and falltime 200 ps.
Single source MOCVD of epitaxial oxide thin films

A novel and inexpensive single source metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) reactor has been developed at Hewlett Packard Laboratories, which permits the controlled and reproducible growth of device quality thin film heterostructures on a variety of substrates, using marginally volatile β-diketonate powdered solid sources. This reactor has been used to deposit state-of-the-art dielectrics, ferroelectrics and yttrium barium copper oxide (YBa 2 Cu 3 0 7 or YBCO) high temperature superconducting multi layers. The technique is readily applicable to many other oxide and non-oxide material systems. We describe herein the reactor and present the results of deposition experiments for single layers and heterostructures of YBCO on substrates up to 4 inches in diameter. To demonstrate the versatility of the reactor, we also present initial results for the deposition of other materials, including MgO, CeO 2 , Pr60 11 , barium cerate, hematite, and strontium barium niobate.
Progression to calcific mitral stenosis in end-stage renal disease

A 59-year-old man with end-stage renal disease and on hemodialysis had neither mitral stenosis nor mitral calcification on echo-Doppler examination in 1989, but had extensive mitral calcification and definite mitral stenosis on conventional and transesophageal echocardiography in 1994. The left ventricle had marked concentric hypertrophy. To our knowledge this is the first documentation of the development of calcific mitral stenosis in end-stage renal disease revealed by serial echo-Doppler studies.
A new hard magnetic phase in binary Nd-Fe and Pr-Fe alloys

Abstract A new magnetic phase has been observed in as-cast and melt-spun Nd-Fe and Pr-Fe alloys with a Curie temperature around 265°C. SEM studies show the presence of this phase in the form of spherical and elongated particles 5 μ m in size with a composition having a ratio of Fe/Nd=4:1. This phase is believed to be a ternary Nd-Fe-O phase stabilized with oxygen. The phase appears to have a high anisotropy leading to coercivities of about 6 kOe in as-cast samples at room temperature. The Mossbauer spectra of this phase can be fitted to four Fe sites with magnetic moments ranging from 1.7 to 2.54μ B .
Local Lyapunov exponents computed from observed data

We develop methods for determining local Lyapunov exponents from observations of a scalar data set. Using average mutual information and the method of false neighbors, we reconstruct a multivariate time series, and then use local polynomial neighborhood-to-neighborhood maps to determine the phase space partial derivatives required to compute Lyapunov exponents. In several examples we demonstrate that the methods allow one to accurately reproduce results determined when the dynamics is known beforehand. We present a new recursive QR decomposition method for finding the eigenvalues of products of matrices when that product is severely ill conditioned, and we give an argument to show that local Lyapunov exponents are ambiguous up to order 1/L in the number of steps due to the choice of coordinate system. Local Lyapunov exponents are the critical element in determining the practical predictability of a chaotic system, so the results here will be of some general use.
Frequency response of LaAlO3/SrTiO3 all-oxide field-effect transistors

The frequency response of all oxide field-effect transistors with amorphous LaAlO3 on a crystalline SrTiO3 substrate is reported. The intrinsic cut-off frequencies of 4 lm gate-length devices are found to be approximately 17 MHz indicating that with gate length scaling gigahertz cut-off frequency is possible. The low cut-off frequency is primarily limited by the low effective mobility. The estimated effective mobility value determined from the S-parameter measurement is 3.8 cm 2 /Vs, which is consistent with previous reports. Small-signal equivalent circuit model parameters are extracted by fitting to on-wafer measured S-parameters. Good agreement is obtained between measured and simulated S-parameters based on the equivalent circuit model.
Interactions between mucopolysaccharides and cationic polypeptides in aqueous solution: Chondroitin 4-sulfate and dermatan sulfate

Circular dichroism spectroscopy has been used to study the interactions of both dermatan sulfate and chondroitin 4-sulfate with the cationic polypeptides; poly(L-arginine), poly(L-lysine), and poly(L-ornithine). The results indicate that the mucopolysaccharides have a conformation directing effect on both poly(L-arginine) and poly-(L-lysine) such that these polypeptides adopt the α-helical conformation. The extent of interaction in each polypeptide-polysaccharide system can be judged by the degree of induced helicity and the “melting temperature” at which the interaction is disrupted On comparison of these results with those previously obtained for chondroitin 6-sulfate-polypeptide mixtures, the extent of interaction can be seen to depend on the length of the amino acid side chain and the positions of the anionic groups on the mucopolysaccharide chain. Such considerations place the three mucopolysaccharides in order of increasing interaction: chondroitin 4-sulfate < chondroitin 6-sulfate < dermatan sulfate. These results are correlated with observations that dermatan sulfate is bound more tightly to collagen in connective tissues than are the other two polysaccharides.
Coupled electromagnetic and heat transfer model for microwave heating in domestic ovens

Abstract Microwave ovens are used extensively for heating a variety of not-ready-to-eat food products. Non-uniform heating of foods in microwave ovens is a major concern in assuring microbiological safety of such products. The non-uniform heating of foods is attributed by complex interaction of microwaves with foods. To understand this complex interaction, a comprehensive model was developed to solve coupled electromagnetic and heat transfer equations using finite-difference time-domain based commercial software. The simulation parameters, cell size, heating time step, and number of iterations for steady state electromagnetic field were optimized. The model was validated by 30 s heating profile of a cylindrical model food (1% gellan gel) in a 700 W microwave oven. The model was validated qualitatively by comparing the simulated temperature profiles on three planes in the gel and compared them to the corresponding thermal images. Quantitative validation was performed by comparing simulated temperature of the gel at 12 locations with experimental temperature acquired at those points using fiber optic sensors. Simulated spatial temperature profiles agreed well with the thermal image profiles. The root mean square error values ranged from 0.53 to 4.52 °C, with an average value of 2.02 °C. This study laid a framework for selecting the required model parameters which are critical for better temperature prediction. The developed model can be effectively used to identify hot and cold spots in food products, thereby helping in microwaveable food product development to achieve better cooking performance in terms of heating uniformity, food quality and safety. The model can also be used to identify the best product, package and cavity parameters to achieve better heating uniformity and electromagnetic distribution inside the cavity.
Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Scaffolds for Osteochondral Regeneration

Ligament graft failure frequently results from poor integration of the replacement tissue with associated bone. Thus, the ability to regenerate the bone-ligament osteochondral interface would be advantageous in ligament reconstruction. At the osteochondral interface, the tissue transitions from a bone-like matrix to fibrocartilage. Therefore, a scaffold which promotes a spatially regulated transition in cell behavior from osteoblast-like to chondrocyte-like would be desirable. Previous research indicates that addition of inorganic components to organic scaffolds can enhance the deposition of bone-like matrix by associated osteoblasts. We therefore reasoned that a gradient in the inorganic content of a hybrid inorganic-organic scaffold may induce an osteochondral-like transition in cell phenotype and matrix production. To test this hypothesis, hydrogels were prepared from poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and star poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS(star)). As anticipated, both the matrix deposition and phenotype of encapsulated osteoblasts varied with scaffold inorganic content, although the directionality of this modulation was contrary to expectation. Specifically, osteoblasts appeared to transdifferentiate into chondrocyte-like cells with increasing scaffold inorganic content, as indicated by increased chondroitin sulfate and collagen type II production and by upregulation of sox9, a transcription factor associated with chondrocytic differentiation. Furthermore, the deposition of bone-like matrix (collagen type I, calcium phosphate, and osteocalcin) decreased with increasing PDMS(star) content. The resistance of the PDMS(star)-PEG scaffolds to protein adsorption and/or the changes in gel modulus/mesh structure accompanying PDMS(star) incorporation may underlie the unexpected increase in chondrocytic phenotype with increasing inorganic content. Combined, the present results indicate that PDMS(star)-PEG hybrid gels may prove promising for osteochondral regeneration. (c) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010.
Quantum yield of conversion of the photoinitiator camphorquinone

The primary absorber in dental resins is the photoinitiator, which starts the photo polymerization process. We studied the quantum yield of conversion of camphorquinone (CQ), a blue light photoinitiator, in dental resin composites using a LED lamp (3M FreeLight) and a Quartz Tungsten Halogen (QTH) lamp (VIP) as the light curing units at five different irradiances. The molar extinction coefficient, epsilon(469), of CQ was 46+/-2 cm(-1)/(mol/L) at 469 nm. The reciprocity of irradiance and exposure time holds for changes of CQ absorption coefficient, that is, irradiance x exposure time (=radiant exposure)=constant. Both LED and QTH lamps yielded the same curing threshold (the radiant exposure when CQ absorption drops to 1/e) and the same quantum yield conversion under different irradiances. In our dental resin formulation (0.7 wt.% CQ with reducing agents 0.35 wt.% dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and 0.05 wt.% butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)) the quantum yield was measured as 0.07+/-0.01 CQ conversion per absorbed photon.
Relationship between Religiousness and Trait Anxiety: Fact or Artifact?

Previous research with conservative Christians has examined the relationship between religious orientation and trait anxiety. Typically, such studies have shown that intrinsically oriented persons experience lower trait anxiety than do their extrinsically oriented peers. The present study extends this line of research by investigating a religiously heterogeneous sample and by analyzing the interactive effects of religious orientation and sex. In addition, analyses were conducted using a recently recommended four-fold scoring method, which permits a more refined assessment of religiousness. Contrary to previous research, the findings obtained in the current study do not support the proposed relationship between religiousness and trait anxiety. Sex of subjects did not influence these findings. Interpretation of these results and suggestions for research are offered.
Magnetic Resonance Studies of Fe/Ag Superlattices with Fe Layers < 6 Monolayers Thick

X-band magnetic resonance has been used to study a set of Fe/ Ag(001) superlattice (SL) samples with Fe layers only 0.9–5.5 monolayers (ML) thick. The samples (grown by MBE and previously examined by Mossbauer and magnetization techniques) were studied thoughout the 5–300 K range. The SL’s with t(Fe) < 3 ML exhibit a marked downturn in their resonance fields below a temperature which decreases with t(Fe) and, simultaneously, the linewidths increase. We suggest that this behavior is due to magnetic relaxation processes in these samples.
Waveguide synthesis for sonification of distributed sensor arrays

A decade of work is outlined based on the use of sensors on plants that are used to change the parameters of a fixed rotation of overlapping pitches. The use of waveguide, physical modeling synthesis, allows the repeated music figures to be changed in timbral space in real time in a discernable set of ongoing parameter mapping from a large data set being generated by various biological and atmospheric sensors.
Continuous Dynamics in Real-Time Cognition

Real-time cognition is best described not as a sequence of logical operations performed on discrete symbols but as a continuously changing pattern of neuronal activity. The continuity in these dynamics indicates that, in between describable states of mind, mental activity does not lend itself to the linguistic labels relied on by much of psychology. We discuss eye-tracking and mouse-tracking evidence for this temporal continuity and provide geometric visualizations of mental activity, depicting it as a continuous trajectory through a state space (a multidimensional space in which locations correspond to mental states). When the state of the system travels toward a frequently visited region of that space, the destination may constitute recognition of a particular word or a particular object; but on the way there, the majority of the mental trajectory is in intermediate regions of that space, revealing graded mixtures of mental states.
Review of triggering

A review of recent developments in triggering and data acquisition was presented. In particular, developments, status, and trends of current HEP experiments are discussed; covering both hardware based and software based triggering techniques. This overview talk will draw heavily from the RT2003 conference that took place in Montreal, May 18-23, 2003.
Volumetric analysis of multiple sclerosis using multispectral MR images: method and validation

We present a fully automatic mixture-based algorithm for segmentation of brain tissues (white and gray matters - WM and GM), cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and brain lesion to quantitatively analyze multiple sclerosis. The method performs intensity-based tissue classification using multispectral magnetic resonance (MR) images based on a stochastic model. With the existence of white Gaussian noise and spatially invariant blurring in acquired MR images, a Karhunen-Loeve (K-L) domain Wiener filter is applied for an accurate noise reduction and resolution restoration on blurred and noisy images to minimize the partial volume effect (PVE), which is a major limiting factor for the quantitative analysis. Following that, we utilize a Markov random field Gibbs model to integrate the local spatial information into the established expectation-maximization model-fitting algorithm. Each voxel is then classified by a mixture-based maximum a posterior (MAP) criterion, indicating its probabilities of belonging to each class, i.e., each voxel is labeled as a mixel with different tissue percentages, leading to further minimization of the PVE. The volumes of WM, GM and CSF are extracted from the mixture-based segmentation and the corresponding brain atrophies are computed. In this study, we have investigated the accuracy and repeatability of the algorithm with inclusion of noise analysis and point spread function for image resolution enhancement. Experimental results on both phantom and healthy volunteer studies are presented.
Outcomes of fetal echocardiographic surveillance in anti-SSA exposed fetuses at a large fetal cardiology center.

BACKGROUND Echocardiography screening in anti-SSA antibody exposed fetuses is controversial. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate utility of fetal echocardiography in anti-SSA exposure. METHODS Echocardiograms performed over 9 years for maternal anti-SSA exposure were reviewed for atrioventricular (AV) block, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, effusion, valve abnormalities, or other abnormalities identified by the echocardiographer. Fetuses with AV block referred to our institution and subsequently found to be anti-SSA exposed were also identified. RESULTS Six hundred thirty six echocardiograms were performed on 140 fetuses (Cohort 1) of 134 women screened for maternal anti-SSA +/− anti-SSB antibodies. No fetuses developed second or third-degree AV block or cardiomyopathy (odds ratio 0.1, CI 0.0051 to 1.9410, p = 0.13). Dexamethasone was administered to three fetuses for sinus bradycardia, echogenicity near AV node, and ventricular systolic dysfunction with valve regurgitation; all normalized. Screening echocardiograms identified: sinus bradycardia (n = 1), PR prolongation (n = 5), premature atrial contractions (n = 3), valve regurgitation (n = 24), echogenic myocardium (n = 4), and pericardial effusion (n = 1). Isolated tricuspid regurgitation and first-degree AV block did not progress. Nine cases of SSA-mediated AV block (Cohort 2) were referred after heart block developed. CONCLUSIONS Serial fetal echocardiography in anti-SSA exposed fetuses did not detect AV block. In rare cases, dexamethasone treatment may have affected disease course. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observation of the Vacuum Rabi Spectrum for One Trapped Atom

The transmission spectrum for one atom strongly coupled to the field of a high finesse optical resonator is observed to exhibit a clearly resolved vacuum Rabi splitting characteristic of the normal modes in the eigenvalue spectrum of the atom-cavity system. A new Raman scheme for cooling atomic motion along the cavity axis enables a complete spectrum to be recorded for an individual atom trapped within the cavity mode, in contrast to all previous measurements in cavity QED that have required averaging over 10^3-10^5 atoms.
The Radiative Effects of Clouds and their Impact on Climate

Our knowledge of the direct role of clouds in long-term climate change is examined in an overview of key results published over the last 15 or 20 years, along with some relevant unpublished model studies. The focus is on 1) the impact of clouds on the incoming and outgoing radiation at the top of the atmosphere, and 2) the two-way interaction of clouds with other variables of the climate system—i.e., the cloud/climate feedback problem—as revealed by climate model simulations. A common framework is established for comparing results from different investigations. The total effect of clouds on radiative fluxes at the top of the atmosphere—specifically, the difference in flux between average conditions and cloud-free conditions, often called cloud forcing–has been derived from earth radiation budget measurements by several investigators using various data sources and methods. There is general agreement that the annual global mean effect of clouds is to cool the climate system, but there is significant disagre...
Application of a Boundary Element Method in the Prediction of Unsteady Blade Sheet and Developed Tip Vortex Cavitation on Marine Propellers

Most marine propellers operate in nonaxisymmetric inflows, and thus their blades are often subject to an unsteady flow field. In recent years, due to increasing demands for faster and larger displacement ships, the presence of blade sheet and tip vortex cavitation has become very common. Developed tip vortex cavitation, which often appears together with blade sheet cavitation, is known to be one of the main sources of propeller-induced pressure fluctuations on the ship hull. The prediction of developed tip vortex cavity as well as blade sheet cavity is thus quite important in the assessment of the propeller performance and the corresponding pressure fluctuations on the ship hull. A boundary element method is employed to model the fully unsteady blade sheet (partial or supercavitating) and developed tip vortex cavitation on propeller blades. The extent and size of the cavity is determined by satisfying both the dynamic and the kinematic boundary conditions on the cavity surface. The numerical behavior of the method is investigated for a two-dimensional tip vortex cavity, a three-dimensional hydrofoil, and a marine propeller subjected to nonaxisyrnmetric inflow. Comparisons of numerical predictions with experimental measurements are presented.
MEMS flow sensors with silicon-carbide erosion resistant coating

This paper presents an application of a non-planar polycrystalline silicon carbide (poly-SiC) coating for a MEMS capacitive flow sensor to enhance its erosive wear resistance. The device is fabricated on Silicon-On-Insulator wafers with 100 micrometer device layer using only three photo-lithographic mask layers. The whole device is coated in non-planar poly-SiC using a low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) method. Experimental testing with an air flow at atmospheric pressure shows that the output capacitance follows a quadratic function of the gas velocity, as was predicted from preliminary calculations. Erosion testing using sandblasting equipment shows superior erosive resistance of the sensor with poly-SiC coating compared to the one without poly-SiC coating.
Fundamentals in the Problem of Resistance to Deterioration

Abstract The problem of control in processes of deterioration is the problem of control of the speed of chemical reactions. The fundamental reactions in deterioration are oxidation processes involving oxygen, steam or other less universal oxidizing agents as well as reactions of polymerization, decomposition, and depolymerization. Heat and light, ionization, pressure, and the presence of accelerating agents are the important factors which influence the speed of such processes and are thus of major importance in a discussion of the fundamentals of the problem. Control of deterioration is the inverse of the historical occupation of the chemist. Since al-chemical times his prime concern has been the promotion of chemical reactions. A belated attention to the problem of preserving his synthetic achievements is not, however, without its own peculiar scientific interest and practical significance.
Should Aerosolized Antibiotics Be Administered to Prevent or Treat Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Patients Who Do Not Have Cystic Fibrosis?

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) significantly increases intensive care unit morbidity, mortality, and costs. VAP is thought to be caused by bacterial entry into injured airways, which produces tracheobronchitis that evolves into diffuse pneumonia. The use of aerosolized antibiotics is conceptually attractive, especially when the infection is early and limited to the airway epithelium. Data show that aerosolized antibiotics kill airway bacteria and improve outcomes in cystic fibrosis. The clinical evidence for aerosolized antibiotics to prevent VAP is weak but suggestive. Concerns about the high cost, possible development of antibiotic resistance, and other potential risks of aerosolized antibiotics led several evidence-based consensus groups to recommend against routine use of aerosolized antibiotics for VAP prevention until better data are available. Importantly, the clinical evidence that aerosolized antibiotics can treat established VAP is negative, and multiple consensus groups recommend against treating established VAP with aerosolized antibiotics.
Elastic Differential Cross Sections for π ± + p Scattering from 2.3-6.0 BeV c

Elastic differential cross sections were measured at 6 energies between 2.3 and 6 $\frac{\mathrm{BeV}}{c}$ for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+p$ and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+p$. The behavior of the secondary peak as a function of energy and charge is shown. Evidence for considerable resonance structure is seen in the angular distributions.
Novel, Deep-Branching Heterotrophic Bacterial Populations Recovered from Thermal Spring Metagenomes

Thermal spring ecosystems are a valuable resource for the discovery of novel hyperthermophilic Bacteria and Archaea, and harbor deeply-branching lineages that provide insight regarding the nature of early microbial life. We characterized bacterial populations in two circumneutral (pH ~ 8) Yellowstone National Park thermal (T ~ 80 oC) spring filamentous ‘streamer’ communities using random metagenomic DNA sequence to investigate the metabolic potential of these novel populations. Four de novo assemblies representing three abundant, deeply-branching bacterial phylotypes were recovered. Analysis of conserved phylogenetic marker genes indicated that two of the phylotypes represent separate groups of an uncharacterized phylum (for which we propose the candidate phylum name ‘Pyropristinus’). The third new phylotype falls within the proposed Calescamantes phylum. Metabolic reconstructions of the 'Pyropristinus' and Calescamantes populations showed that these organisms appear to be chemoorganoheterotrophs, and have the genomic potential for aerobic respiration and oxidative phosphorylation via archaeal-like V-type, and bacterial F-type ATPases, respectively. A survey of similar phylotypes (> 97% nt identity) within 16S rRNA gene datasets suggest that the newly described organisms are restricted to terrestrial thermal springs ranging from 70 - 90 oC and pH values of ~ 7 - 9. The characterization of these lineages is important for understanding the diversity of deeply-branching bacterial phyla, and their functional role in high-temperature circumneutral ‘streamer’ communities.
Mycobacterium xenopi Infection Masquerading as Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Two Patients Infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Mycobacterium xenopi infections have rarely been reported among patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We recently treated two HIV-infected men, neither of whom had a history of pulmonary disease or AIDS-defining conditions, and who had M. xenopus lung infections. Both patients presented with night sweats, cough, and pleuritic chest pain. Chest radiographs showed an upper-lobe nodule in the first patient and a perihilar cavitary infiltrate in the second patient. Both patients were initially believed to have pulmonary tuberculosis and were treated accordingly; however, only M. xenopus grew on cultures of multiple respiratory specimens. This diagnosis was confirmed by cultures of biopsied lung tissue from the first patient and of fluid from a peritracheal abscess in the second patient. Both patients' clinical conditions improved after multidrug therapy (isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, and ciprofloxacin in the first case; isoniazid, rifampin, and pyrazinamide in the second case). The second patient's condition improved despite in vitro resistance of his isolate to isoniazid and rifampin
Human leukocyte pyrogen producing fever in rabbits.

SummaryHuman blood leukocytes, following incubation with a purified endotoxin derived from Proteus vulgaris or with heat-killed Staphylococcus albus cells, release a pyrogen that produces fever in rabbits. This material is clearly separable from bacterial endotoxin, and has properties similar to those described for leukocyte pyrogen produced by rabbit granulocytes.
Titan Aerocapture Systems Analysis

Performance projections for aerocapture show a vehicle mass savings of between 40 and 80%, dependent on destination, for an aerocapture vehicle compared to an all-propulsive chemical vehicle. In addition aerocapture is applicable to multiple planetary exploration destinations of interest to the NASA Office of Space Science. These results led to the identification of aerocapture as one of the top three propulsion technologies for solar system exploration missions during the 2001 NASA In-Space Propulsion Program (ISP) technology prioritization effort, led by Marshall Space Flight Center, to rank current ISP propulsion technologies. An additional finding was that aerocapture needed a better system definition and that supporting technology gaps needed to be identified.
Comparative study and systematic review of laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To compare the surgical outcomes between laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) and open liver resection (OLR) as a curative treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: A PubMed database search was performed systematically to identify comparative studies of LLR vs OLR for HCC from 2000 to 2014. An extensive text word search was conducted, using combinations of search headings such as “laparoscopy”, “hepatectomy”, and “hepatocellular carcinoma”. A comparative study was also performed in our institution where we analysed surgical outcomes of 152 patients who underwent liver resection between January 2005 to December 2012, of which 42 underwent laparoscopic or hand-assisted laparoscopic resection and 110 underwent open resection. RESULTS: Analysis of our own series and a review of 17 high-quality studies showed that LLR was superior to OLR in terms of short-term outcomes, as patients in the laparoscopic arm were found to have less intraoperative blood loss, less blood transfusions, and a shorter length of hospital stay. In our own series, both LLR and OLR groups were found to have similar overall survival (OS) rates, but disease-free survival (DFS) rates were higher in the laparoscopic arm. CONCLUSION: LLR is associated with better short-term outcomes compared to OLR as a curative treatment for HCC. Long-term oncologic outcomes with regards to OS and DFS rates were found to be comparable in both groups. LLR is hence a safe and viable option for curative resection of HCC.
Investigation of Food Poisoning Caused by Seeds of Pachyrhizus Erosus

[Objective]To detect the gastric lavage fluid sent by emergency department of maternal and child hospital so as to identify the material caused poisoning.[Methods] Epidemiological investigation and laboratory confirmation were conducted.[Results]The poisoning induced by seeds of pachyrhizus erosus was based on the fact that 4 related children, 3 poisoned with the behavior of eating the seeds of pachyrhizus erosus, 1 did not poison without eating the seeds of pachyrhizus erosus; and confirmed by laboratory tests in terms of excluding Tetramine poisoning, etc.[Conclusion]The food poisoning caused by the seeds of pachyrhizus erosus should attract more attention.
Prostaglandin E2 synthesis after oxidant stress is dependent on cell glutathione content

The role of glutathione in protecting prostaglandin (PG) generation after exposure of fibroblasts to oxidant stress was investigated. Exposure of 3T3 fibroblasts to H2O2, followed by washing and then 20 microM arachidonic acid, caused a dose-dependent decrease in PG synthesis as assessed by radioimmunoassay. PGE2 production decreased from 3.7 +/- 1.1 to 0.15 +/- 0.04 pmol/microgram protein, and prostacyclin (PGI2) formation decreased from 0.56 +/- 0.03 to 0.06 +/- 0.03 pmol/microgram protein after exposure to 200 microM H2O2. Decreasing intracellular glutathione with 50 micrograms/ml 1,3-bis(chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) enhanced the H2O2-induced decrease in PGE2 synthesis. Another glutathione-depleting agent, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), also potentiated the H2O2-induced decrease in PGE2 formation. However, although PGI2 production was decreased by H2O2, neither BCNU nor CDNB potentiated this decrease. Without oxidant stress, extreme glutathione depletion decreased PGE2 synthesis and caused PGI2 synthesis to exceed PGE2. In summary, oxidant stress decreases both PGE2 and PGI2 formation. However, the primary effect of decreasing cell glutathione during oxidant stress is a reduction in PGE2 formation, not PGI2. This implies that the predominant effect of glutathione depletion during oxidant stress is on the PGE2 isomerase(s) and not PGH synthase or PGI2 synthase.
Metastases to Lymph Nodes

Regional or distant lymph node deposits from a malignant non-lymphoid or non-hematopoietic tumor usually arise in a neighboring parenchymal organ. Assessment for regional lymph nodes is essential for staging and management of patients with cancer, and the presence of metastasis (or metastases) conveys a higher degree of disease aggressiveness. Metastatic tumor in lymph node can be detected clinically as an enlarged lymph node draining an area with a malignant neoplasm and microscopic examination of the lymph node will show readily apparent metastatic tumor. In most patients, metastasis is detected in regional lymph nodes removed for staging purposes. Another level of evaluation is the search of subclinical metastatic deposits (addressed below under sentinel lymph node biopsy). Much less common is the work-up of metastatic tumor in a lymph node in a patient with an unknown primary neoplasm.
Accessible, Feature-Rich Software for Rigorous Model Fitting using Maximum Likelihood Estimation

We developed a powerful and user friendly tool to utilize Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) for optimizing parameters of models fit to data from single molecule and other biophysical experiments. The program is written in Matlab and includes a graphical user interface, making it easy to integrate into existing laboratory workflows without requiring additional programming. This presentation includes a comparison of MLE to other fitting techniques that utilize binning, cumulative frequency distributions, etc., showing that MLE often outperforms other commonly used fitting methods. In addition, a practical explanation and examples of use of the program will be presented. Convenient features of the program include: 1) MLE fitting to probability density functions (PDFs) for many common distributions (exponential, multi-exponential, Gaussian, etc.) and for user-specified PDFs; 2) Proper handling of experimental time constraints (e.g. instrument “dead time”) which greatly increases the accuracy of fitting rates and amplitudes in multi-component kinetic models; 3) Statistical comparison of models with increasing complexity (e.g. single exponential vs. multi-exponential) using the log-likelihood ratio technique, which tests whether additional fitting parameters are justifiable; 4) Global fitting of data sets from experiments conducted under varying conditions to a common model; and 5) Determination of errors via data bootstrapping. The software optionally uses parallel processing, if available, to improve performance. A complied executable version is available, obviating the need for commercial software licensing. All of these features are packaged into a straightforward and well-documented interface to increase the accessibility of powerful MLE fitting. Supported by NIH Grant P015GM087253 and NSF GRFP fellowship to MSW.
Cord Blood Unit Cryopreservation: Positioning Segments for Potency Assessment

Introduction: Banked, unrelated umbilical cord blood units (CBU) are a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells for hematopoietic reconstitution. Potency assays on attached segments have been used for CBU release from the bank to the transplant center. CBUs have historically been manufactured and cryopreserved in bags with three segments (made from the tubing used to fill the bag) arranged across the top of the cassette. Prior to cryopreservation, the CBU is overwrapped, placed in a metal cassette and frozen in a control-rate freezer and submerged under liquid nitrogen for long-term storage. After cryopreservation, segments can be removed from the cassette, without disturbing the bag, for HLA typing, potency assays, or other testing. Last year, in an effort to increase the number of segments available for testing, we changed the configuration of the cryobag to create a fourth segment. To fit in the cassette, the segments were arranged with two segments across the top and two segments bent at 90 degrees to fit between the 20% and 80% portions of the bag. When performing our annual stability testing, we realized that the two distal segments, positioned between the 20% and 80% compartments yielded lower potency results than the segments positioned across the top of the cassette. We investigated this finding as described below. Method: Three large fresh CBUs were processed separately on a Sepax cell processor (Biosafe, Geneva, Switzerland) and evenly divided into two cryopreservation bags. For each CBU, one bag was created with three segments and the other bag with four segments. The cryopreservative, dimethylsulfoxide in dextran, was added at a final concentration of 10% to both bags prior to cryopreservation. Segments were positioned either across the top (3 segments) or in the bent configuration (4 segments) for each of the paired CBUs. All units were cryopreserved and stored in a Thermogenesis Bioarchive. After two weeks in storage, the CBUs were tested. The bags and segments were assayed for ALDHbr, viable CD34, CD45, glycophorin A and viability (7-AAD) along with colony forming units (CFUs), the potency assay used by our bank. Results: The segments configured across the top of the bag correlated with results from the cryobag for ALDHbr (as a percent of viable CD45+, Table 1), CD34+ (as a percent of viable CD45+) and CFU. In contrast, segments placed between the 20% and 80% compartments were significantly lower than the bag for both ALDHbr (as a percent of viable CD45+) and CFU, although CD34+ (as a percent of viable CD45+) was equivalent. Conclusions: Segments attached to CBUs can predict potency of the CBU by various parameters. However, proper placement of the segments within the cryopreservation cassette must be performed to ensure that potency measured on the segments reflects potency measured on the cord blood unit. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Development of Weight-in-Motion Data Analysis Software

While volumetric data were sufficient for roadway design in the past, weight data are needed for better design of roadways now-a-days. While weight and volume data are collected by the Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) devices installed along the roadside, there is no reliable software to analyze the abstract data from the WIM devices. To that end, this study has developed a Data Analysis Software (WIMDAS) in C# programming language. This software uses the data collected from WIM stations (class file and weight file) as inputs. Using some complicated mathematical formulas inputs are analyzed and software outputs the following parameters: traffic volume and distribution such as total traffic, monthly distribution, class distribution, hourly distribution; general traffic configuration such as number of axle per truck, axle spacing; and axle load spectra for different axles such as single, tandem, tridem and quad axles. The outputs are used as inputs in the new pavement mechanistic empirical (ME) design software for predicting performances of roadways pavements. This software is capable of bringing-in several benefits including design efficiency, time, system analysis, and accuracy, which are covered in this paper.
Competing Rather than Collaborating: Egyptian Nongovernmental Organizations in Turbulence

This article examines how the Egyptian government produced a legal, regulatory, and operational environment designed to “divide and throttle” the country’s NGO sector. We identify a two-pronged government strategy toward the NGO sector – namely, flooding the field and bureaucratic overload – the effect of which was to fragment and weaken the sector and prevent it from forming an effective oppositional bloc. We furthermore argue that this government strategy promoted competition rather than cooperation among NGOs. Organizations espoused competing strategic visions for the sector that divided organizations into camps of “charity,” “development,” and “advocacy.” The ultimate consequence of this competition was a sector of NGOs that, instead of valuing pluralism and building upon diverse comparative advantages to create sector-wide strength, belittled each other and failed to coalesce. Egypt’s NGO sector became a tool of the state rather than a force for collective empowerment or a voice for societal change.
Oculocardiac reflex elicited by orbital floor fracture and inferior globe displacement.

Abstract Purpose To review the physiology, presentation and management of the oculocardiac reflex (OCR) by describing a case of the OCR associated with an orbital foreign body and complete ocular prolapse through a large orbital floor fracture in a 40-year-old male following a motor vehicle accident. Observations The patient demonstrated marked bradycardia and hypotension necessitating intubation and medical therapy for autonomic shock. A computed tomography (CT) showed a total blow out floor fracture and complete dislocation of a radiographically intact globe with uninterrupted rectus muscle attachments into the left maxillary sinus. He was taken to the operating room for urgent repair resulting in subsequent termination of severe OCR. Conclusions and importance The oculocardiac reflex can precipitate marked bradycardia and hypotension in the setting of trauma with significant orbital and maxillofacial injury. Prompt identification and management with vagolytic agents or definitive surgical intervention may prevent morbidity or mortality.