cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analytical temperature profiles for laser-irradiated gold nanorod immersed in an optically non-absorbing medium

Abstract Laser heating of gold nanorods immersed in an optically non-absorbing medium is important in both therapeutic and diagnostic medical procedures. For both continuous wave and pulsed lasers, we derive analytical temperature solutions by modeling a nanorod as a prolate spheroid. For the continuous wave laser irradiation, an exact analytical solution for the steady state heat transfer case using integer-degree Legendre function expansions in prolate spheroidal coordinates is presented. The steady state solution reveals that for the case of gold nanorod immersed in water, there is insignificant temperature variations on any single spheroidal surface that is coincident or confocal to the prolate spheroid surface, and the temperature only changes across spheroidal surfaces within the immediate surrounding water. This is found to be due to the very high thermal conductivity of gold which is more than a hundred-fold higher than that of water. The insight that the temperature rise is nearly invariant on any single spheroidal surface, along with a dimensional analysis, helps reduce the complexity of the heat equation in the unsteady regime of a pulsed laser illumination, and leads to a simple, lower dimensional model of unsteady heat equation, which takes into account the temporal dependency and spatial dependency in the direction across spheroidal surfaces. For the reduced unsteady heat equation, a simple, efficient, and insightful solution algorithm based on the Laplace transform and complex-degree Legendre functions is proposed. The maximum temperature and temperature profiles as functions of laser power, and nanorod geometries are obtained, revealing that for a fixed laser fluence and fixed nanorod mass, the more stretched nanorods yield higher temperatures in the spheroid and its immediate surroundings. In other words, more stretched nanorods are more efficient in converting the laser energy into localized, elevated temperatures. The obtained temperature solutions are useful in designing a parameter space for optimum therapeutic procedures for ablating cancer cells using high temperatures generated in the immediate vicinity of nanoparticles. The unsteady temperature solutions can also be used to obtain solutions to thermo-elastic models which are used to compute the photoacoustic signals that can, in turn, be used for cellular imaging and diagnostics.
Predicting Outcomes of Talar Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions in Children.

Background Reports detailing the rates of radiographic healing after treatment of talar osteochondritis dissecans (TOCD) remain scarce. There is also a paucity of data characterizing treatment outcomes and the risk factors associated with poor outcomes in children with TOCD. Purpose To identify factors associated with healing, assess treatment outcomes, and develop a clinically useful nomogram for predicting healing of TOCD in children. Study Design Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods This was a retrospective review of all patients ≤18 years of age with TOCD from a single pediatric institution over a 12-year period. Surgical treatment was left to the discretion of the treating surgeon based on standard treatment techniques. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed for patient and clinical data, lesion characteristics, and skeletal maturity. Radiographic healing was evaluated at the 1-year follow-up, and patients with complete versus incomplete healing were compared using multivariable logistic regression models to examine the predictive value of the variables. Results The authors analyzed 92 lesions in 74 patients (mean age, 13.1 ± 2.7 years [range, 7.1-18.0 years]; 61% female). Of these, 58 (63%) lesions were treated surgically (drilling, debridement, microfracture, bone grafting, or loose body removal), and the rest were treated nonoperatively. Complete radiographic healing was seen in 43 (47%) lesions. In bivariate analysis, patients with complete healing were younger (P = .006), were skeletally immature (P = .013), and had a lower body mass index (BMI; P < .001) versus those with incomplete healing. In a multivariate regression model, the factors that correlated significantly with the rate of complete healing were age at diagnosis, BMI, and initial surgical treatment. The lesion dimensions were not significantly associated with the likelihood of healing. A nomogram was developed using the independent variables that correlated significantly with the likelihood of complete radiographic healing. Conclusion Complete radiographic healing of TOCD lesions was more likely in younger patients with a lower BMI. The effect of initial surgical treatment on potential healing rate was greater in older patients with a higher BMI.
Status and Current Prospects for the Immunotherapy of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection

Infection with the HIV virus and its sequelae have received considerable attention in the last decade. Acquired Immune Deficiency Disease (AIDS) has come to dwarf cancer, not in magnitude of research and treatment, but certainly in the intensity of effort and volume of new findings concerning its pathogenesis and management. The very rapid development of the understanding of this disease now allows us to focus more clearly on the major issues involved. In magnitude, the problem is considerable with an estimated 1 to 1.5 million Americans infected and a world wide total of 6–8 million infected. With close to 200,000 AIDS cases in the United States, there are estimated over 600,000 cases worldwide. By current calculations, all are expected to die of the disease. Two important features mollify these expectations. First, the growth of the disease is slowing as a result of progressive saturation of high risk groups and the reduced frequency of spread through the use of “safe sex”. The degree of spill over into the remainder of the population is relatively small. The largest open door yet to be closed remains indiscriminate heterosexual contact, particularly in the presence of concomitant venereal disease. While little can be done to prevent the spread amongst the illiterate, uninformed, or unwilling, the progress of prevention among the cooperative is encouraging. Second, the latency period of the virus in those who reduce their exposure to other immunosuppressive influences (e.g., co-passenger viruses like CMV, EBV, herpes viruses, hepatitis viruses, etc., and recreational drugs, intrarectal sperm, poor nutrition, etc.) can now exceed 10 years. Thus, a longer, healthier life can be envisioned for those who will cooperate with a healthy regimen.
The Correlation Between Punch Forces and Wrinkling for Aluminum Sheet Metal Stamping with Adjustable Drawbeads

An experimental investigation into punch forces during a sheet metal stamping operation was performed for a sheet metal stamping die with a flexible blankholder and adjustable drawbeads. Tests were performed for various combinations of blankholder force and drawbead positions. Punch forces were measured using an instrumented punch and wrinkling in the sheet flange was measured during the forming processes using noncontact proximity sensors located near the blankholder edge. The results were correlated with those of the punch forces. Additionally, using a wrinkle criterion based upon part quality, an operating envelope for the die system was obtained and the relation between drawdepth, drawbead penetration, and blankholder forces was developed for the die system.
Sexual receptivity in aged female rats. Behavioral evidence for increased sensitivity to estrogen.

Abstract Lordosis behavior and behavioral patterns indicative of sexual receptivity or nonreceptivity were evaluated in 3- and 25-month-old female rats. Intact, 25-month-old females revealing a pattern of prolonged vaginal cornification (PVC) were highly receptive, whereas 25-month-old pseudopregnant (PL) females were nonreceptive. These measures did not differ as a result of previous sexual experience (i.e., sexually naive vs retired breeders). Following ovariectomy, sexual behavior persisted significantly longer in 25-month-old PVC females than in 3-month-old females ovariectomized during vaginal proestrus. No difference was observed in the rate at which the vaginal smears of 25-month-old PVC and young ovariectomized females became leukocytic. When tested 5, 19, and 20 days after ovariectomy, sexual behavior was absent in all females. Following treatment with estradiol benzoate (0.5 or 1.0 μg/kg), the latency for the reappearance of sexual behavior in 25-month-old females was significantly shorter than that in similarly treated 3-month-old females. This was the case regardless of prior ovarian condition (PVC or PL) and breeding experience. In addition, the mean lordosis quotient (LQ) of 25-month-old females receiving either dose of EB was significantly greater than that of similarly treated 3-month-old females on at least 5 days of a 10-day treatment period. These results are discussed in terms of possible age-related changes in central and peripheral estrogen metabolism.
The Yield Curve and Predicting Recessions

The slope of the Treasury yield curve has often been cited as a leading economic indicator, with inversion of the curve being thought of as a harbinger of a recession. In this paper, I consider a number of probit models using the yield curve to forecast recessions. Models that use both the level of the federal funds rate and the term spread give better in-sample fit, and better out-of-sample predictive performance, than models with the term spread alone. There is some evidence that controlling for a term premium proxy as well may also help. I discuss the implications of the current shape of the yield curve in the light of these results, and report results of some tests for structural stability and an evaluation of out-of-sample predictive performance.
Children with non-verbal learning disabilities (NLD): coherence values in the resting state may reflect hypofunctional long distance connections in the right hemisphere.

EEG intrahemispheric coherences (HCohs) in the resting state in twenty-four 4 Hz frequency windows between 1 and 51 Hz were studied in 18 children with "non-verbal learning disorder" (NLD) and compared to a group of 18 children with "verbal learning disorder" (VLD). New facts were found in the NLD group. These concern hemispheric balance, expressed as left minus right (L-R) homologous HCohs: 1a). In the high frequencies (25-51 HZ) the number of long-distance HCohs, higher in the right hemisphere (RH), is lower than HCohs, which are higher in the left hemisphere (LH). A reversed interhemispheric asymmetry is seen for short distance HCohs in that band. These asymmetries are not found in the VLD group, and the tendency is even reversed. 1b). In the low frequencies (1-27 Hz) all higher HCohs are more numerous in the RH, irrespective of interelectrode distance (IED). In these bands there are no NLD-VLD group differences; 2). In NLD there is a significant inverse relationship between IED and (L-R)HCoh values (designated as LRDif) in the high frequencies: the larger the IED, the higher the LRDif. In the lower frequencies there is no such tendency. In the VLD group these relationships were absent. These preliminary results suggest long distance gamma band hypoconnectivity in the RH of NLD children, in line with the hypothesis of an RH long distance connectivity problem in NLD. This may explain difficulties with mtermodal perception (gestalt function). Finally in the NLD group some gamma band interhemispheric (ICohs) over F7/F8 and T3/T4 were lower than in VLD children and some gamma band ICohs were higher in NLD compared to VLD over O1/O2. This is possibly connected with the cognitive differences subserved by these areas, i.e., language, respectively visuospatial function.
The fieldwork needs of graduate social work students in an oncology placement Survey research

The fieldwork practicum is a major component of social work education and training. It provides a venue for students to integrate theoretical concepts into practice skills. As they begin fieldwork, students experience a variety of stresses as they are challenged to grow professionally. This study examined, from the students' perspective, experiences related to second-year field placement in an oncology setting. Students were culled from 11 major cancer centers across the United States. The study identified the factors considered to be difficult and demanding as well as helpful in the students' overall adjustment to the setting. The authors discuss the implications for field instructors in oncology social work and offer recommendations for graduate students choosing this specialized area of practice.
Untersuchungen zum Korrosionsverhalten gegossener und geschmiedeter Implantatwerkstoffe

Implantate konnen ihre Ersatzfunktion im Korper nur dann uber Jahrzehnte erfullen, wenn zu ihrer Fertigung Werkstoffe verwendet werden, die im chloridhaltigen Korpermilieu gegen Lochfras, Spalt-, Spannungsris- und Ermudungskorrosion bestandig sind. Dies gilt insbesondere auch fur die neue Generation von Verbundendoprothesen, in denen die Vorzuge gegossener Bewegungsteile mit denjenigen geschmiedeter Verankerungsschafte vereinigt sind, wobei jedoch die Moglichkeit galvanischer Elementbildung besteht. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird die Anfalligkeit verschiedener Implantatlegierungen gegen die erwahnten Korrosionsformen untersucht, wobei Verbundkonstruktionen bei Gelenkendoprothesen besondere Berucksichtigung finden. Studies concerning the corrosion behaviour of cast and wrought implant materials Implants can fulfill their substitution duty in the body for decades only if the materials used are resistant to pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, stress corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue in chloride-containing body fluids. This applies especially to the new generation of compound endoprotheses. Though these combine the advantages of cast moving parts with those of forged anchorage shafts, there is a possibility of galvanic element formation. The susceptibility of various implant alloys to these different types of corrosion is determined, with special emphasis on the compound design of joint endoprotheses.
Structural Deficiencies in the American System

Hegel reflected upon the desirable connections between the economic and the political domain. He saw a number of structural difficulties that had to be addressed. Some of the solutions that he himself advocated are now unacceptable. Still, the new approach developed by the United States does not seem to be satisfactory either. The work of Goetz Briefs teaches us how the structural difficulties, pointed to by Hegel, develop into specific anomalies in all Western countries. The work of Mancur Olson, Jr. teaches us that countries blessed with uninterrupted democracies are burdened with an economic growth retardant. The work of Theodore Lowi points to the specific anomalies generated by the deficient U.S. approach to those structural difficulties. All three authors see the emergence of interest groups, which dominate the political scene, as the concrete form taken by the structural difficulties inherent in combining the free market with democracy. A public religious document - Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy - descriptively, both, praises and criticizes the U.S. situation. The descriptive criticism by the religious document supports the theoretical criticism of Briefs and Lowi and could be called and illustration of Hegel's claim that in all its richness, a society based on the free market is not rich enough to deal with poverty.
Interrogation of orthogonal frequency coded SAW sensors using the USRP

The universal software radio peripheral (USRP) is a versatile software defined radio (SDR) platform, developed by Ettus Research™, which is intended for a wide variety of applications ranging from communication links to RADAR. We have investigated another application of the USRP by implementing a transceiver capable of interrogating passive, wireless surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors centered at 915MHz. Interrogation of wideband orthogonal frequency coded (OFC) SAW sensors imposes strict requirements on the timing and synchronization of the transceiver. In the standard mode of operation, samples are generated and streamed between the USRP and host computer, introducing latency and bandwidth limitations due to the sampling bus. To achieve the performance required for this application, the USRP FPGA has been modified to introduce new functionality. Extraction of the sensor temperature is accomplished with a custom matched filter correlator. The system is capable of interrogating multiple sensors and can quickly reconfigure the USRP. Demonstration of the USRP wireless sensor system is achieved by interrogating wireless SAW OFC sensors at 915MHz and extracting the sensor temperature.
Delayed Decision Switched Prediction Multi-Stage LSF Quantization

An apparatus and method of quantizing a sequence of input data vectors using delayed decision switched prediction and vector quantization. The method has the following steps of operation: (a) predicting a next vector element from said sequence of input data vectors to generate a set of prediction vectors; (b) subtracting the set of prediction vectors from the next vector element to generate a set of prediction error vectors; (c) multi-stage vector quantizing the set of prediction error vectors to generate a set of quantized prediction error vectors with each of the stages having at least one of the tables and local decision means to generate a final quantization error vector according to a predetermined distance measure; (d) selecting one predictor out of the set of predictors from the switched prediction step and selecting, for each of the stages, at least one entry from the set of tables of the vector quantization step according to the predetermined distance measure, generating a quantized data vector.
Brachial artery catheterization employing a side arm sheath

A major complication of left heart catheterization via the brachial artery is occlusion at the cutdown site. This is particularly a problem when patients with severe atherosclerosis are catheterized in laboratories where the brachial approach is not routinely used. A method of brachial artery catheterization is described which employs a continuously flushed side arm sheath in order to minimize local trauma to the artery from catheter exchange and manipulation. In 15 consecutive atherosclerotic patients catheterized by this method there were no complications, and all arteriotomies were closed easily with immediate restoration of a good radial pulse. This contrasts with the preceding 33 consecutive brachial catherizations employing standard technique in similar patients in whom four patients required surgical repair, and an additional six patients required more than one closure attempt and/or catheter thrombectomy to restore a good pulse. In our laboratory the brachial sheath technique has facilitated arterial repair and reduced local complications.
Creep rupture of polymers-a statistical model

Abstract The paper focuses on the micromechanical origins and mechanisms of creep failure of epoxy-resins. Microstructure of the material is modeled by a 2D lattice. The probabilistic nature of the creep deformation process is based on the kinetic theory of rupture. The macroscopic manifestation of the process: evolution of strain, degradation of stiffness and endurance are defined in terms of the morphology of the microstructure and processes at the microlevel.
CHILDHOOD INTELLECTUAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SCHIZOPHRENIC ADULTS AND THEIR SIBLINGS.

Intelligence scores from second, sixth, and eighth grades were significantly lower for children who became schizophrenic adults than for their siblings. Thus, low socioeconomics or low-intellect families cannot entirely account for poor performance among schizophrenics. Correlations between subjects and siblings were extremely low in contrast to the high relationship of normal siblings.
Studies on organophosphorus impurities in technical malathion: Inhibition of carboxylesterases and the stability of isomalathion

Abstract Four organophosphorus esters found as impurities in technical malathion were synthesized, and their abilities to inhibit monomeric and oligomeric carboxylesterases from rabbit liver, as well as type I and type II esterases from porcine liver, were studied. The equilibrium dissociation constant ( K d ), phosphorylation constant ( k 2 ), and bimolecular rate constant ( k i ) were determined in the presence of substrate. Inhibition, as judged by the k i , was in the following order: isomalathion > O,S,S -trimethyl phosphorodithioate > O,O,S -trimethyl phosphorothioate > O,O,S -trimethyl phosphorodithioate. All of the k 2 values were relatively small, indicating that the k d values contribute most to the overall inhibitory power. Rabbit liver carboxylesterases are more sensitive to inhibition by isomalathion than porcine liver esterases, reflecting a species difference. Isomalathion undergoes nonenzymatic degradation in the presence of fluoride ions, producing diethyl thiomalate. A kinetic investigation of the nonenzymatic degradation of isomalathion was conducted, and reaction rate constants were determined in phosphate buffer at various molarities, temperatures, and pH values.
Fine structure and synaptic connections of the common spiny neuron of the rat neostriatum: A study employing intracellular injection of horseradish peroxidase

Medium-sized spiny neurons of the rat neostriatum, identified by intracellular injection of horseradish peroxidase, were examined at both light and electron microscopic levels. These neurons were characterized by their heavy investment of dendritic spines, beginning about 20 μm from the soma and continuing to the tips of the dendrites. Their axons arose from the soma or from a large dendritic trunk very near the soma, and tapered rapidly to form a main axonal branch from which arose several smaller initial collaterals. These arborized extensively throughout an area of about the same size as, and highly overlapping with, the dendritic field of the cell, while the main axon could be followed for distances of up to 1 mm in the direction of the globus pallidus. Three major synaptic types were seen in contact with spiny neurons. Boutons containing small round synaptic vesicles formed synapses exclusively with spiny regions of the dendrites, and most of these were axo-spinous. Small, very pleomorphic synaptic vesicles characterized a second bouton type of unknown origin, which made contacts with somata, initial segments, and dendrites, but not dendritic spines. Boutons containing large pleomorphic synaptic vesicles had the most widespread distribution, contacting all regions including dendritic spines. Spines receiving these contacts also were postsynaptic to boutons containing small round vesicles. Axon collaterals of spiny cells formed synapses with large pleomorphic vesicles and made synapses with somata, initial segments of axons, dendrites, and dendritic spines of striatal neurons, including other spiny cells.
Design of a portable fluoroquinolone analyzer based on terbium-sensitized luminescence

A portable fluoroquinolone (FQ) analyzer is designed and prototyped based on terbium-sensitized luminescence (TSL). The excitation source is a 327-nm light emitting diode (LED) operated in pulsed mode; and the luminescence signal is detected by a photomultiplier tube (PMT). In comparison to a conventional xenon flashlamp, an LED is small, light, robust, and energy efficient. More importantly, its narrow emission bandwidth and low residual radiation reduce background signal. In pulse mode, an LED operates at a current 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than that of a xenon flashlamp, thus minimizing electromagnetic interference (EMI) to the detector circuitry. The PMT is gated to minimize its response to the light source. These measures lead to reduced background noise in time domain. To overcome pulse-to-pulse variation signal normalization is implemented based on individual pulse energy. Instrument operation and data processing are controlled by a computer running a custom LabVIEW program. Enrofloxacin (ENRO) is used as a model analyte to evaluate instrument performance. The integrated TSL intensity reveals a linear dependence up to 2 ppm. A 1.1-ppb limit of detection (LOD) is achieved with relative standard deviation (RSD) averaged at 5.1%. The background noise corresponds to ~5 ppb. At 19 lbs, this portable analyzer is field deployable for agriculture, environmental and clinical analyses.
A new confidence interval for the difference of two binomial proportions

Abstract A new confidence interval for the difference of two binomial proportions from independent samples is developed. The derivation depends on neither asymptotic nor conditional arguments. The interval is shown to be equivalent to a bootstrap interval constructed using infinite bootstrap sampling, but can also be motivated using first principles. An example is given and numerical comparison with alternative methods is provided.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder issues pertinent to women

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric condition first described 100 years ago [1]. The pathognomic features of the disorder are persistent, intrusive, senseless thoughts and impulses (obsessions) and repetitive, intentional behaviors (compulsions). Patients with the disorder recognize that their thoughts and behaviors are excessive and unreasonable and they struggle to resist them. The lifetime prevalence of OCD is estimated to be 1–3%, based on population-based surveys conducted in many communities both nationally and internationally [2,3]. Although the disorder affects individuals of all ages, the period of greatest risk is from childhood to early adulthood [4,5]. Patients experience a chronic or episodic course with exacerbations that can substantially impair social, occupational and academic functioning; according to the WHO, OCD is among the ten most disabling medical conditions worldwide [6]. Moreover, the burden placed on, and stresses experienced by, family members are considerable [7]. Medications and behavior therapy can control symptoms, but the course is chronic or relapsing in most cases, and cure is rare. The causes for OCD are unknown. The strongest known risk factor is genetics, as demonstrated by both family and twin studies [8–12]. Heritability has been estimated from these studies to be in the order of 80%. A neuroimmunologic hypothesis is under study, which posits that an acute syndrome may emerge in children as a poststreptococcal infection event (pediatric autoimmune veuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection, PANDAS) [13]. There is strong evidence that the pathophysiology involves the cortico-striato pallido-thalamic circuitry [14,15], based on a considerable body of neuroimaging and cognitive neuroscience research in this area [16]. Although the phenomenological form of obsessions and compulsions are particularly stereotypic, there is considerable diversity in their content, ranging from contamination, sexual, religious and aggressive concerns through compulsive hoarding, checking, ordering and counting. There have been inconsistent reports that women are more affected by some more than other symptoms. While all symptoms are extremely bothersome, some are more unique to women. Examples from my practice, among many more, include: fears that everyday physical contact with one’s child may (irrationally) be construed as sexually abusive, concerns that inadvertently one may have poisoned one’s child; and that one will overlook serious maladies among the common complaints of one’s child.
An in vitro system for the study of tracheal epithelial cells

Abstract Enzymatically dissociated hamster tracheal epithelial (HTE) cells were cultured on collagen coated Millicell filters. Within 3–5 days after being placed in culture large numbers of ciliated and mucus cells began to appear. By 1 week the HTE cells closely resembled those seen in vivo, i.e. columnar morphology and organelle polarity. After 4 weeks in vitro the HTE cultures were still able to maintain the polarity and overall columnar morphology found in in vivo tissue. There was, in addition, no apparent degradation of the collagen substrate. Autoradiographic data indicated that there was an initial period of high DNA synthesis during the first 3 days in vitro. This was followed by a second phase in which, by day 6, the amount of DNA synthesis was greatly reduced. Analysis of the numbers of ciliated cells relative to non-ciliated cells demonstrated that between days 5 and 8 there was an increase in the percentage of ciliated cells, suggesting that cellular differentiation (i.e. ciliogenesis) follows cellular proliferation. The results of this study show that when HTE cells are grown on collagen-coated Millicell filters there is a significant improvement in cell growth and morphology yielding cells that are very similar to those present under in vivo conditions. Moreover, since there is no degradation of the collagen substrate, HTE cultures may be suitable for long-term studies of respiratory tract epithelia.
Direct quantitation of right and left ventricular volumes with nuclear magnetic resonance imaging in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract To test the utility of electrocardiographically gated spin echo nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging in quantitating right and left ventricular volumes and function in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension, right and left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, stroke volumes and ejection fractions were determined in 11 patients with primary pulmonary hypertension and in 10 subjects with normal echocardiographic findings. Ventricular chamber volumes were computed by summing the ventricular chamber volumes of each NMR slice at enddiastole and end-systole. This technique was verified by comparison of results obtained by this method and with the water displacement volumes of eight water-filled latex balloons and ventricular casts of eight excised bovine hearts. In the patients with primary pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular volume indexes were 121 ± 45 ml/m 2 at end-diastole and 70.1 ± 41.6 ml/m 2 at end-systole; both values were significantly greater than values in the normal subjects (67.9 ± 13.4 and 27.9 ± 7.5 ml/m 2 , respectively). Left ventricular end-diastolic volume index was significantly less in the patients (44.9 ± 9.7 ml/m 2 ) than in the normal subjects (68.9 ± 13.1 ml/m 2 ). There was no significant difference in left ventricular end-systolic volume between the two groups (24.4 ± 8.6 and 27.1 ± 7.8 ml/m 2 , respectively). Right and left ventricular ejection fractions in the patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (0.43 ± 0.21 and 0.46 ± 0.15, respectively) were significantly less than values in normal subjects (0.59 ± 0.09 and 0.6 ± 0.11, respectively). The ratio of right to left ventricular stroke volume indexes was 0.97 ± 0.1 in the normal subjects, not significantly different from the expected value of 1. In the patients with primary pulmonary hypertension, this ratio was significantly greater (3.17 ± 2.3), in part reflecting the presence of tricuspid regurgitation in these patients. Intra- and interobserver errors in the computation of ventricular volumes were low but were greater in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging provides a means of ventricular volume determination in the normal and failing ventricle.
An investigation of industrial molding compounds for use in 3D ultrasound, MRI, and CT imaging phantoms

Purpose: This study investigated the ultrasound, MRI, and CT imaging characteristics of several industrial casting and molding compounds as a precursor to the future development of durable and anatomically correct flow phantoms. Methods: A set of usability and performance criteria was established for a proposed phantom design capable of supporting liquid flow during imaging. A literature search was conducted to identify the materials and methods previously used in phantom fabrication. A database of human tissue and casting material properties was compiled to facilitate the selection of appropriate materials for testing. Several industrial casting materials were selected, procured, and used to fabricate test samples that were imaged with ultrasound, MRI, and CT. Results: Five silicones and one polyurethane were selected for testing. Samples of all materials were successfully fabricated. All imaging modalities were able to discriminate between the materials tested. Ultrasound testing showed that three of the silicones could be imaged to a depth of at least 2.5 cm (1 in.). The RP-6400 polyurethane exhibited excellent contrast and edge detail for MRI phantoms and appears to be an excellent water reference for CT applications. The 10T and 27T silicones appear to be usable water references for MRI imaging. Conclusions: Based on study data and the stated selection criteria, the P-4 silicone provided sufficient material contrast to water and edge detail for use across all imaging modalities with the benefits of availability, low cost, dimensional stability, nontoxic, nonflammable, durable, cleanable, and optical clarity. The physical and imaging differences of the materials documented in this study may be useful for other applications.
The influence of precipitation variables on zirconia powder synthesis

Abstract The scope of this work consisted of producing pure zirconia, yttria-stabilized zirconia and ceria-stabilized zirconia powders from zirconium oxychloride and yttrium and cerium chlorides using urea as precipitating agent and polyacrylic acid as dispersing agent. A factorial analysis was designed to study the effect of some precipitation variables (temperature, precipitation time, urea concentration, yttrium chloride concentration, cerium chloride concentration and polyacrylic acid concentration) on the characteristics of the dispersion (aggregate size and electrophoretic mobility of aggregates) and of the zirconia powders (crystalline structure). This study allowed the discussion of the precipitation mechanisms. Micrographs obtained from SEM revealed that, using urea as precipitating agent, spherical primary particles were produced with a size range between 300 and 500 nm. It is suggested that the structure of the dispersion species strongly influenced the crystalline structure of calcined zirconia powders. These species are zirconium polymers that can assume a three-dimensional structure similar to fluorite that favors the retention of tetragonal phase. The decomposition of urea supplied the solution with OH− ions at a slow rate enabling the formation of the three-dimensional structured zirconium polymers. On the other hand, polyacrylic acid prevented the formation of these three-dimensional structures possibly because polyacrylate ions adsorb on sites of the polymeric structure previously available for polymerization reactions. The role of polyacrylic acid as a dispersing agent was evaluated. In the zirconia–yttria system, electrosteric repulsion mechanisms would be responsible for a better dispersion, whilst in the zirconia–ceria system, the same effect would be associated with steric repulsion mechanisms.
Methane oxidative coupling over bismuth oxychloride-lithium carbonate-magnesia systems

The conversion of methane, the selectivity to C2 hydrocarbons, and, particularly, the ethene-to-ethane ratio are much higher over BiOCl-Li2CO3-MgO than those over pure BiOCl and BiOCl-MgO. In addition, they remain almost the same over a period of 5 h for the former system, but decline significantly for the other two systems (BiOCl and 10% BiOCl-MgO). The XPS investigations provide some insight about the processes responsible for this behavior, indicating that not only Cl but also Bi is likely to play a role.
Preparation of [11C]- and [125I]IMB: a dopamine D-2 receptor antagonist.

Abstract A new dopamine D-2 receptor ligand, N -[2-( N ′-4-iodobenzyl- N ′-methyl)aminoethyl]-5-chloro-2-methoxy-4-(methylamino)benzamide (IMB) was synthesized and labelled with 11 C and 125 I at high specific activities. Both radiotracers were prepared by alkylation reactions with [ 11 C]iodomethane and [ 125 I]4-iodobenzyl bromide and appropriate 2° amine precursors. Isolated radiochemical yields of 12–20% for [ 11 C]IMB and 35–50% for [ 125 I]IMB were achieved in 24 and 130–150 min respectively. [ 11 C]IMB and [ 123 I]IMB may prove suitable for a direct comparison of PET and SPECT in the localization and quantification of neuroreceptors.
ARDEN: Anonymous networking in delay tolerant networks

Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs) provide a communications infrastructure for environments lacking continuous connectivity. Such networks rely on the mobility of nodes and the resulting opportunistic connections to carry messages from source to destination. Unfortunately, exchanging packets with an arbitrary intermediary node makes privacy difficult to achieve in these systems as any adversary can easily act as an intermediary and determine the sender and receiver of a message. In this paper, we present ARDEN, an anonymous communication mechanism for DTNs based on a modified onion routing architecture. Instead of selecting specific nodes through which messages must pass as is traditionally done in onion routing, ARDEN uses Attribute-Based Encryption (ABE) to specify and manage groups that may decrypt and forward messages. Through simulation, we show that this approach not only increases throughput and reduces end-to-end latency over traditional onion routing techniques, but also adds minimal overhead when compared to DTN routing protocols that do not provide anonymity guarantees. Through this, we show that ARDEN is an effective solution for anonymous communication in intermittently connected networks such as DTNs.
Double-undulator tests of a diamond monochromator at the Advanced Photon Source

We have tested the thermal performance of a water-cooled diamond double-crystal monochromator under twice the typical undulator thermal load at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). With two 3.3-cm-period undulators installed in series in the APS sector 1 straight section, the maximum power and normal power density incident on the "rst crystal were 705 W and 312 W/mm2, respectively. The maximum power and surface power density absorbed by the cooled diamond were 140 W and 16.7 W/mm2, respectively. The monochromator performed well under this large power load, demonstrating the viability of using water-cooled diamonds for high-intensity synchrotron radiation beamlines. ( 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. PACS: 41.50; 07.85.Y
Gene regulation by endogenous thyroid hormone receptors in intestinal epithelial cells

Abstract Introduction: Studies in knockout mice indicate that the levels of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) are a key determinant of the efficiency of dietary fat absorption and the subsequent development of obesity. IAP is a known target gene for thyroid hormone (T3), but no previous studies have examined the ability of endogenous T3 receptors to regulate the IAP gene. Methods: These studies employed Northern and Western blotting, IAP-luciferase reporter analysis, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and in vitro site-directed mutagenesis. Results: The TRalpha1 and TRbeta1 proteins were expressed in Caco−2 cells; however, TRalpha1 was the predominant isoform. Northern blots showed that T3 induced IAP mRNA expression (3-fold, p Conclusions: In gut epithelial cells, the IAP gene is positively regulated by endogenous TRs via an atypical TRE, and these effects of thyroid hormone may partly explain the weight loss associated with hyperthyroidism.
Design stars: how small DNA viruses remodel the host nucleus

Numerous host components are encountered by viruses during the infection process. While some of these host structures are left unchanged, others may go through dramatic remodeling processes. In this review, we summarize these host changes that occur during small DNA virus infections, with a focus on host nuclear components and pathways. Although these viruses differ significantly in their genome structures and infectious pathways, there are common nuclear targets that are altered by various viral factors. Accumulating evidence suggests that these nuclear remodeling processes are often essential for productive viral infections and/or viral-induced transformation. Understanding the complex interactions between viruses and these host structures and pathways will help to build a more integrated network of how the virus completes its life cycle and point toward the design of novel therapeutic regimens that either prevent harmful viral infections or employ viruses as nontraditional treatment options or molecula...
The Active Species of Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase Are a Dimer and a Monomer-Calmodulin Complex (∗)

The purified plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase is fully activated through the enzyme concentration-dependent self-association at physiologically relevant Ca2+ concentrations (Kosk-Kosicka, D., and Bzdega, T.(1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 18184-18189; Kosk-Kosicka, D., Bzdega, T., and Wawrzynow, A.(1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 19495-19499). We have previously shown that the Ca2+-ATPase activity of the oligomeric enzyme is independent of calmodulin, in contrast to another active enzyme species, a presumable monomer, that is activated by calmodulin binding. Presently, we have succeeded in determining the molecular mass of the two active enzyme species by equilibrium ultracentrifugation. For the calmodulin-dependent species, the molecular mass is 170 ± 30 kDa, which is consistent with predominantly monomeric Ca2+-ATPase with bound calmodulin. The molecular mass of calmodulin-independent oligomers is 260 ± 34 kDa, indicating that they are dimers. Results of experiments performed under different calcium and potassium concentrations and in the presence of dextran that causes molecular crowding verify a strict Ca2+ requirement of the dimerization process. We conclude that the active species of the Ca2+-ATPase are a monomer-calmodulin complex and a dimer.
Correctional officers as human services workers: The effect on job satisfaction

Recent findings that job satisfaction is associated with the intrinsic aspects of the job suggest that increased levels of job satisfaction among correctional officers may be obtained by redefining and expanding the officers' duties and responsibilities. Indeed, a “human services worker” model has been advocated as a means of job enrichment for correctional officers. The association of human services work with job satisfaction is discussed, and hypothesized relationships are tested with survey data obtained from state correctional officers in Arizona. The effects of job type on job satisfaction among correctional officers is explored; the results suggest that the type of job conditions the effects of other factors on job satisfaction.
Integrating Nursing Care into Systems of Care for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

PROBLEM: Recent developments in providing care to children with emotional and behavioral disorders, especially those with serious emotional disturbance, have included the establishment of systems of care. Guided by a set of principles and values, these systems of care have organized and delivered services to children and families with complex needs. To date, nurses have not had a salient role in systems of care. RESULTS: It is estimated that 20% of American children and adolescents have an emotional or mental disorder. As many as two thirds of these children are not receiving services. Systems of care have been funded to provide services for these children, particularly for the most severely affected. To date, nursing has not had a prominent role in these systems of care. CONCLUSIONS: Based on their knowledge, skills, and holistic approach to care, nurses could better integrate nursing care into systems of care. Possible roles as case managers, primary therapists, in-home interventionists, and in educational programs are suggested.
On generalized predictive compression of continuous-time signal samples

This paper presents new results for predictive compression of signal samples, based upon spectral observation. The formulation emphasizes the inherent presence of a deterministic signal model and will accommodate time-varying models and time- and signal-dependent error bounds. Transmission of predictive error residuals instead of the samples themselves is shown to be identical in structure to linear predictive coding; although additionally applicable where available stochastic signal models may be inadequate. Sample deletion, when prediction error is within a chosen bound, offers a real time compression method of particular importance to measurement and control applications.
Test results of Honeywell's first-generation high-performance interferometric fiber optic gyroscope

Honeywell's first-generation, high-performance interferometric fiber-optic gyroscope (IFOG) was tested along with sensor electronics over a limited static and dynamic temperature environment. This serrodyne closed-loop IFOG consisting of polarization-maintaining fiber components and a LiNbO3 phase modulator has simultaneously achieved inertial-grade requirements for bias stability, bias repeatability, bias temperature sensitivity, bias temperature-rate sensitivity, random noise, and scale-factor error over the tested temperature range.
Selective mGluR5 antagonism attenuates the stress-induced reduction of MK-801's antiseizure potency in the genetically inbred Balb/c mouse

The ability of MK-801 (dizocilpine), a noncompetitive N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, to antagonize electrical seizures is reduced in stressed mice. Stress-associated alterations in seizure susceptibility and diminished efficacy of antiseizure medications in humans have been reported [Joels, 2009; Haut et al., 2007; Moshe et al., 2008]; thus, these experimental observations implicate altered endogenous tone of NMDA receptor-mediated neurotransmission in clinically adverse effects of stress on seizure proneness and treatment. The current exploratory experiment examined the effect of 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP), an antagonist of mGluR5, administered prior to stress on the stress-induced reduction of MK-801's antiseizure effect in Swiss–Webster and Balb/c mice; the Balb/c mouse is behaviorally hypersensitive to MK-801. Interestingly, the data suggest that MPEP can attenuate the severity of the stress-induced reduction of MK-801's antiseizure effect in the Balb/c strain. Thus, mGluR5 could serve as a target for strategies for adjuvant treatment of seizures exacerbated by stress.
Ongoing drought-induced uplift in the western united states

The western United States has been experiencing severe drought since 2013. The solid earth response to the accompanying loss of surface and near-surface water mass should be a broad region of uplift. We use seasonally-adjusted time series from continuously operating GPS stations to measure this uplift, which we invert to estimate mass loss. The median uplift is 4 mm, with values up to 15 mm in California’s mountains. The associated pattern of mass loss, which ranges up to 50 cm of water equivalent, is consistent with observed decreases in precipitation and streamflow. We estimate the total deficit to be about 240 Gt, equivalent to a 10 cm layer of water over the entire region, or the annual mass loss from the Greenland Ice Sheet.