cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A 3-dimensional comparison of hand and power reamers in accuracy of glenoid retroversion correction.

Background The study objective was to compare the reaming congruency of hand, power, and visual feedback axial alignment–guided (Marksman) reamers on glenoid models. We hypothesized that (1) a significant difference in average reaming deviation would be found between reamer types and (2) less ream-to-ream variation would occur with the Marksman reamer. Methods Retroversion correction of 18 identical Sawbones glenoid models was conducted using either a hand, power, or Marksman reamer with a 40-mm curvature radius. Glenoid correction with either 0° or 10° reaming was conducted in triplicate sets for each reamer. Reamed glenoid computed tomography images were 3-dimensionally reconstructed using Mimics Medical software (version 21.0). Congruency between the glenoid surface and a 3-dimensional sphere with a 40-mm curvature radius was analyzed. Average deviation and ream-to-ream variance were compared between the hand, power, and Marksman reamer groups. Results The power reamer demonstrated the smallest median deviation (0.08 mm; interquartile range [IQR], 0.07-0.19 mm), followed by the Marksman (0.09 mm; IQR, 0.08-0.17 mm) and hand (0.11 mm; IQR, 0.10-0.13 mm) reamers. Kruskal-Wallis analysis indicated no significant difference in deviation among the 3 reaming methods (P = .42). The Marksman reamer demonstrated the least variance (0.0034 mm), followed by the power (0.0076 mm) and hand (0.0093 mm) reamers. The results of the Conover squared ranks test indicated no significant difference in variance among the 3 reaming methods (P = .32). Conclusion Our findings showed no statistically significant difference in the accuracy or consistency of reaming between reamer types. Trends showed less variance in the Marksman reamer group compared with the hand and power reamer groups, although differences in variation between groups were not statistically significant.
Far beyond the Pages, a Morose Man Brushes Hair: Hugo Montmorency and the Irish Gothic in Elizabeth Bowen’s The Last September

As one of Ireland’s most prominent writers during the first half of the twentieth century, Elizabeth Bowen explored the lingering effects of the Irish Potato Famine and the decline of the Anglo-Irish Ascendancy by incorporating elements of the literary gothic in her novel The Last September (1929). In this essay, I argue that in addition to two haunting settings, an apparition, and an atypical villain, the author adapts the gothic mode in depicting the danger caused by the disempowered, aimless, and intractable Hugo Montmorency. Following in the prose footprints of prior Irish writers Sheridan Le Fanu and Bram Stoker, Bowen portrays Hugo Montmorency to suggest the dark, parasitic danger of suppressed masculine aggression upon modern women’s lives and the Irish family unit.
Comparison of Conventional TNM and Novel TNMB Staging Systems for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Importance Improved staging for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents a critical unmet need. External validations of the eighth edition of the TNM staging system have yielded disappointing results, with persistently high mortality observed in early-stage disease. Objective To determine whether incorporation of a molecular prognostic classifier into conventional TNM staging for NSCLC improves estimation of disease-free survival. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study was conducted at an academic, quaternary care medical center from 2012 to 2018. A consecutive series of 238 patients underwent surgical resection of stage I to IIIC nonsquamous NSCLC and had molecular prognostic classifier testing performed. Data analysis was conducted in May 2019. Exposures Patients were restaged according to the seventh and eighth editions of the TNM staging system and the novel TMMB staging system, which maintains the order and structure of the eighth edition of the TNM but downstages or upstages according to low or high molecular risk, respectively. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was disease-free survival 3 years from the time of surgical resection. Reclassification statistics were then used to evaluate performance and improvement measures of the TNM seventh and eighth editions and the TNMB staging system. Results Two hundred thirty-eight patients (144 [60.5%] female; median [interquartile range] age, 70 [63-75] years) were analyzed. The median (interquartile range) follow-up was 25 (14-40) months, and the disease-free survival rate was estimated to be 58.3% (95% CI, 45.7% to 69.0%). One hundred fifty-nine patients (66.8%) were reclassified by the TNMB staging system. Overall model fit remained the same for the seventh and eighth editions of the TNM staging system, whereas theR2statistic (change from 0.22 to 0.31), concordance index (change from 0.68 to 0.73), and log-rank χ2(change from 38 to 108) were all associated with improvements after TNMB adoption. The TNMB system, compared with the TNM eighth edition, was associated with enhanced identification of high-risk patients and better differentiation of those without recurrence from those who had recurrence (net reclassification improvement, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.46;P Conclusions and Relevance The TNMB staging system was associated with improved estimation of disease-free survival compared with conventional TNM staging. Incorporation of a molecular prognostic classifier into staging for NSCLC may lead to better identification of high-risk patients.
A Multi-Institutional Experience With Robotic Ureteroplasty With Buccal Mucosa Graft: An Updated Analysis of Intermediate-Term Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE To update our prior multi-institutional experience with robotic ureteroplasty with buccal mucosa graft and analyze our intermediate-term outcomes. Although our previous multi-institutional report provided significant insight into the safety and efficacy associated with robotic ureteroplasty with buccal mucosa graft, it was limited by small patient numbers. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed our multi-institutional database to identify all patients who underwent robotic ureteroplasty with buccal mucosa graft between October 2013 and March 2019 with ≥12 months follow up. Indication for surgery was a complex proximal and/or middle ureteral stricture not amenable to primary excision and anastomosis secondary to stricture length or peri-ureteral fibrosis. Surgical success was defined as the absence of obstructive flank pain and ureteral obstruction on functional imaging. RESULTS Of 54 patients, 43 (79.6 %) patients underwent an onlay, and 11 (20.4%) patients underwent an augmented anastomotic robotic ureteroplasty with buccal mucosa graft. Eighteen of 54 (33.3%) patients previously failed a ureteral reconstruction. The median stricture length was 3.0 (IQR 2.0-4.0, range 1-8) centimeters. There were 3 of 54 (5.6%) major postoperative complications. The median length of stay was 1.0 (IQR 1.0-3.0) day. At a median follow-up of 27.5 (IQR 21.3-38.0) months, 47 of 54 (87.0%) cases were surgically successful. Stricture recurrences were diagnosed ≤2 months postoperatively in 3 of 7 (42.9%) patients, and ≥10 months postoperatively in 4 of 7 (57.1%) patients. CONCLUSION Robotic ureteroplasty with buccal mucosa graft is associated with low peri-operative morbidity and excellent intermediate-term outcomes.
Exploring Health and Wellness Peer Educators’ Growth in Socially Responsible Leadership

This study examined health and wellness peer educators’ learning outcomes using a socially responsible leadership conceptual framework. Data from a multi-institutional study were collected via a su...
Genomic Landscape of HCC

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world, and it has limited treatment options. Understanding the molecular drivers of HCC is important to develop novel biomarkers and therapeutics. HCC arises in a complex background of chronic hepatitis, fibrosis, and liver regeneration which lead to genomic changes. Here, we summarize studies that have expanded our understanding of the molecular landscape of HCC. Recent technological advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) have elucidated specific genetic and molecular programs involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. We summarize the major somatic mutations and epigenetic changes have been identified in NGS-based studies. We also describe promising molecular therapies and immunotherapies which target specific genetic and epigenetic molecular events. The genomic landscape of HCC is incredibly complex and heterogeneous. Promising new developments are helping us decipher the molecular drivers of HCC and leading to new therapies.
Determination of plasma levels of the active thiol form of the direct-acting PrC-210 ROS-scavenger using a fluorescence-based assay

Abstract PrC-210 is a direct-acting ROS-scavenger. It's active when administered orally, IV, or topically; it has none of the nausea/emesis nor hypotension side effects that have precluded human amifostine use. PrC-210 confers 100% survival to mice and rats that received an otherwise 100% lethal radiation dose and 36% reduction of ischemia-reperfusion-induced mouse myocardial infarct damage, and thus is a viable candidate to prevent human ROS-induced ischemia-reperfusion and ionizing radiation toxicities. We report the first assay for the pharmacologically active PrC-210 thiol in blood. PrC-210 has no double-bonds nor light absorption, so derivatizing the thiol with a UV-absorbing fluorochrome enables quantification. This assay: i) is done on the benchtop; it's read with a fluorescence plate reader, ii) provides linear product formation through 60 min, iii) quantifies μM to low mM rodent blood levels of PrC-210 that confer complete radioprotection, iv) accurately reflects PrC-210 thiol formation of mixed disulfides with other thiols in blood, and v) shows excellent between-day assay outcome with very low standard deviation and coefficient of variation. A fluorescence assay quantifying formation of a PrC-210 thiol-bimane adduct enables measurement of blood PrC-210 thiol. A blood assay will help in the development of PrC-210 for use in the human clinical setting.
Methodologies for Design, Characterization and Testing of Electrolytes that Enable Extreme Fast Charging of Lithium-ion Cells

Abstract Selection, testing and validation of electrolyte candidates for Li-ion cells are discussed, based on a 10-minute target for extreme fast charge (XFC). A combination of modeling and laboratory measurements create a timely and synergistic approach to identifying candidate electrolyte formulations. Multi-solvent systems provide a balanced set of properties, wherein lower molecular-weight solvents offer reduced viscosity, increased species diffusivity, and mitigation of concentration polarization at high charge rates. Carefully selected formulations can exhibit peak conductivity and usable conductivity range of two to three times that of the baseline EC-EMC (3:7, wt.) + LiPF6. Candidates are also chosen based on stability and longevity within the cell environment. Lab testing coincides with property predictions from the Advanced Electrolyte Model (AEM) and a macro-scale cell model. Cell testing utilized coin and pouch cells having NMC532 or NMC811 cathodes with graphite electrodes. Results indicate combinations of low-molecular weight solvents are key for fast-charge electrolytes as they extend the useful conductivity range to both low and higher salt concentrations, and possess higher self-diffusivities compared to conventional solvents. This reduces impacts from concentration polarization. The choice of electrolyte also influences the tendency for lithium metal deposition at the anode, as showcased by experimental and modeling results herein.
The Virtue Screen: An 18th Century Biombo at Virginia House

THE VIRTUE SCREEN: AN 1 8TH CENTURY BIOMBO AT VIRGINIA HOUSE By Jacqueline Carrera A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Art Historical Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2006. Major Director: Michael Schreffler Associate Professor, Department of Art History An eighteenth century Mexican folding screen or biombo is located at Virginia House in Richmond, Virginia. A similar three-paneled screen is also located at this site. Upon seeing the similarities between each screen I concluded that the seven panels were at one point a part of one folding screen. The top sections of these folding screens show emblems that depict images of virtues and vices. The source of the emblems on the Virtue Screen is Otto Van Veen's Homtii Emblemata. The text on the screen is taken from a Spanish translation of the Horatii Emblemata entitled the Theatro Moral de toda la Philosophia de 10s A~ztiguos y Modernos. This thesis will examine each emblem in a panel-by-panel discussion as well as the iconography found throughout the screen. It will also provide a brief history of the folding screen with its origins in Asia and a coinparison of similar screens that have been discovered in the Western Hemisphere.
Peptidoglycan tripeptide content and cross-linking are altered in Enterobacter cloacae induced to produce AmpC beta-lactamase by glycine and D-amino acids.

Induction of AmpC beta-lactamase in Enterobacter cloacae ATCC 13047 by D-methionine, glycine, or D-tryptophan was accompanied by alterations in peptidoglycan composition and structure; in the case of D-methionine, it was also accompanied by morphologic changes. A decrease in peptidoglycan tripeptides was seen. With glycine, there was an increase in the proportion of diaminopimelic-diaminopimelic cross-links. The possible implications of these changes for beta-lactamase induction are discussed. Images
The automated little red schoolhouse

even more of them had died slowly from disease and starvation. The German, Red, and White armies had savagely destroyed entire villages and cities. Industrial and agricultural production had declined to such a low level that it was almost impossible for people to obtain the basic products needed to sustain life. As a result, the signs of dissatisfaction and discontent with the new regime were evident everywhere in the ravaged nation. Aware of the explosive situation and the need to unite the country behind a popular cause, Lenin urged the Eighth Congress of Soviets to adopt a radical program which would rally the people. This plan called for the electrification of Russia. To support his position, Lenin advanced the view that kilowatts of electricity could be transformed into "mechanical slaves" which then could replace human labor. Furthermore, A RADICAL PLAN: "MECHANICAL SLAVES"
The analytic solution of the Percus-Yevick and mean spherical equations for potentials of finite range

The Percus-Yevick and mean spherical approximations (MSA) for an arbitrary smooth potential of finite range are solved in closed form. The solution is in the form of an infinite series whose coefficients involve only definite integrals of functions of the potential. The method of solution involves an extension of the method of Baxter and the theory of Dirichlet series. For the case of the MSA with a Yukawa potential, it is possible to relax the finite range condition, resum the series explicitly and recover the known solution.
Cross-Language Information Retrieval

Cross-Language Information Retrieval (CUR) is quickly becoming a mature area in the information retrieval world. The goal is to allow a user to issue a query in language L and have that query retrieve documents in language L′ (see Figure 4.1). The idea is that the user wants to issue a single query against a document collection that contains documents in a myriad of languages. An implicit assumption is that the user understands results obtained in multiple languages. If this is not the case, it is necessary for the retrieval system to translate the selected foreign language documents into a language that the user can understand. Surveys of cross-language information retrieval techniques and multilingual processing include [Gard and Diekema, 1998, Haddouti, 1999].
Ion-exchange as a mode of cation transfer into room-temperature ionic liquids containing crown ethers: implications for the ‘greenness’ of ionic liquids as diluents in liquid–liquid extraction

The transfer of strontium ion from acidic nitrate media into a series of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium-based room-temperature ionic liquids containing dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 is shown to proceed via cation-exchange, in contrast to conventional solvents such as alkan-1-ols, in which extraction of a strontium nitrato-crown ether complex is observed.
Simulations of stochastic reaction-diffusion systems

Abstract Direct simulation of a discrete stochastic model of reaction-diffusion provides a means of studying the fluctuations which occur when populations are finite. This paper introduces the mathematical model along with the computational model which implements it, and shows the relationship to some standard random methods for PDE simulation. Two examples are then given. First, the stochastic phase-field model is introduced. This attempt to study the influence of randomness in liquid-solid interface problems leads easily to meaningful extensions of the standard PDE model. Second, some experiments with a model threshold reaction problem are described. These illustrate many of the effects of the stochastic model which the PDE idealization does not address. In particular, varying the population scale in the model leads to a variety of new observations and conjectures.
Equity Implications of Public Policy in an Unstable Agricultural Economy: Discussion

Although the three papers differ in content and approach, they do contain a common thread in that all three deal with the use of public policy to precipitate change and how people are affected and adjust to change. I shall comment briefly on each of the papers in their order on the program. But before doing so I would like to comment on the use of the word equity in public policy discussion. Although I have never seen the word defined in the context of this discussion, the presumption seems to be that a more equal distribution of income is a more equitable distribution. At the extreme of perfect equality of incomes this presumption is certainly open to question. In the more common case of moving toward a more equal distribution of income the question then becomes, when does equitable become inequitable? Under what circumstances is a tax or policy-induced income transfer equitable, and when is it inequitable? The answers to these questions are largely determined by society's collective value judgment. I see nothing wrong with economists voicing their opinions on the matter as private citizens, but I think as social scientists, we need to be more objective. Rather than use the word equity to describe the change in the income distribution resulting from a certain program or policy, why not simply use the word equality, or, if we desire more precision, the Gini ratio or Lorenz curve? Feder and Slade are concerned about the apparent slow rate of adoption of new technology by farmers in LDCs. They view information as an important determinant of adoption and cite evidence from India showing that early adopting farmers are a prime source of information for other farmers. In effect, they argue that early adopters confer externalities on the late adopters. Consequently they recommend that some sort of subsidy to the early a opters is called for in order for them to invest a socially optimum amount in information-gathering activities. I am uneasy about this recommendation for several rea-
Solar-terrestrial research in the Shuttle age

Some ideas concerning solar-terrestrial research during the anticipated Shuttle era are outlined. The scientific objectives of research in the areas of solar physics, physics of the heliosphere, terrestrial magnetospheric and ionospheric physics, and terrestrial atmospheric physics, are discussed. Some typical Shuttle-borne experiments are considered including the monitoring of solar output, the detection of magnetospheric and ionospheric changes, and the detection of lower-atmospheric responses.
Characterization and construction of Cayley graphs admitting regular Cayley maps

Abstract The paper characterizes Cayley graphs that underlie Cayley maps of the highest possible level of symmetry, the regular Cayley maps, in terms of their automorphism groups. Using the introduced characterization, we obtain some useful necessary conditions, as well as a constructive way of finding presentations of all Cayley graphs admitting regular Cayley maps.
Laminar mixing and chaotic mixing in several cavity flows

The objective of this work is an experimental study of laminar mixing in several kinds of two-dimensional cavity flows by means of material line and blob deformation in a new experimental system consisting of two sets of roller pairs connected by belts. The apparatus can be adjusted to produce a range of aspect ratios (0.067–10), Reynolds numbers (0.1–100), and various kinds of flow fields with one or two moving boundaries. Flow visualization is conducted by marking underneath the free surface of the flow with a tracer solution of low diffusivity and of approximately the same density and viscosity as the flowing fluid. The effects of the initial location of the material blob, relative motion of the two bands, and minor changes in the geometry of the flow region are investigated experimentally.The alternate periodic motion of two bands in a cavity flow is an example of a laminar flow which might lead to chaotic mixing. The governing parameter is the dimensionless frequency of oscillation of the walls f which, under the proper conditions, is able to produce horseshoe functions of various types. The deformation of blobs is central to the understanding of mixing and can be studied to identify horseshoe functions. It is found that the efficiency of mixing depends strongly on the value of f and that there exists an optimal value of f that produces the best mixing in a given time.
A graph reduction for bounding the value of side information in shortest path optimization

Consider an agent who seeks to traverse the shortest path in a graph having random edge weights. If the agent has no side information about the realizations of the edge weights, it should simply take the path of least average length, a deterministic optimization. We consider a generalization of this framework whereby the agent has access to a limited amount of side information about the edge weights ahead of choosing a path. Specifically, we define a notion of information and information capacity, provide bounds on the agent's performance relative to the amount of side information it receives, and offer algorithms for optimizing information within a capacity constraint. The results are based on a new graph reduction for shortest path optimization that strikes a balance between the amount of information about the graph and the distribution of the edge weights used to compute performance bounds.
what patients want and need to know about atrial fibrillation

Clinicians in a variety of settings are called upon to care for patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF), a common chronic condition that affects up to 3 million people in the USA. Evidence-based guidelines provide clinicians with direction for treatment of AF, but recommended content for educating patients and counseling about self-management of AF is not included in published guidelines. When patients believe they have a good understanding of AF they report fewer symptoms, perceive greater control over AF, and attribute less emotional distress to AF. Thus, providing patients with information about AF and how to manage it is important for promoting positive outcomes. The purpose of this article is to offer evidence-based recommendations for content to include in self-management education and counseling for patients with AF. Approaches for educating and counseling patients related to AF pathophysiology, the nature of AF (its cause, consequences, and trajectory), treatments, action plans, and symptom management, and managing the psychosocial challenges of living with AF, are discussed.
Sources of magnetosheath waves and turbulence

Abstract In this paper the possible sources of waves and turbulence in the magnetosheath are discussed. In particular, three separate sources resulting in different types of waves are identified. One is the quasi-parallel portion of the bow shock which contains large amplitude magnetosonic waves generated at or upstream of the shock. Due to their small group velocity these waves are convected back into downstream. It is suggested that the convected wave energy results in the generation of Alfven waves through a linear mode conversion process. Another source is the quasi-perpendicular portion of the shock which results in an anisotropic plasma downstream of the shock. This temperature anisotropy is unstable to the excitation of both Alfven and mirror waves with the former having a larger growth rate. The competition between these two wave modes is discussed and it is shown that the mirror mode can be excited despite its lower growth rate. Finally, it is shown that the magnetopause itself can generate slow magnetosonic waves in the magnetosheath. It is suggested that these waves can be thought of as part of the overall magnetopause structure, as are dispersive whistlers associated with low Mach number shocks.
The toxicologic and teratologic effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the zebrafish embryo.

Abstract Zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio) embryos at late high blastula were exposed to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol at 1.0 to 10.0 ppm of aquarial media. There was no cytotoxicity or significant embryo loss after exposure for 24 hr at any tested concentration of THC. After 24 hr, there was (1) a statistically significant reduction of spontaneous tail muscle twitch (at the normal time of its development) and subsequent embryo death above 2.0 ppm THC, (2) no effect on spontaneous muscle twitch or any subsequent death of embryos at 2.0 ppm THC, but 37% distal trunk anomalies: curved spine or bulbous-tipped tail, and (3) no identifiable effect or death below 2.0 ppm THC.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and parkinsonism-dementia from Guam: differences in neurofibrillary tangle distribution and density in the hippocampal formation and neocortex

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism-dementia complex is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative disorder among the native Chamorro population of Guam, and is characterized by widespread formation of neurofibrillary tangles. In the present study, the distribution of neurofibrillary tangles was quantitatively assessed in the cerebral cortex of cases presenting with either predominant amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or parkinsonism-dementia symptomatology. Results show that although the regional and laminar lesion distribution is qualitatively similar in both groups, cases with predominant parkinsonism-dementia generally have higher lesion densities than cases with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Interestingly, layer II of the entorhinal cortex was affected to the same degree in both conditions. In both groups, the CA1 field of the hippocampus, subiculum, and entorhinal cortex were the most affected areas. In the neocortex, the perirhinal and inferior temporal cortex consistently had higher lesion densities than the frontal, parietal, and cingulate cortex, whereas the visual cortex was practically devoid of lesions. Also, most of the neurofibrillary tangles were located in the supragranular layers of the neocortex, with relatively low densities in the infragranular layers, in both brain groups. Interestingly, the primary motor cortex contained more neurofibrillary tangles in parkinsonism-dementia than in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases. It is possible that the differences in regional neurofibrillary tangle densities reflect the variable severity of the dementing process observed between the two groups of patients. Several studies on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders indicate that the regional and laminar cortical localization of neurofibrillary tangles may parallel the degeneration of specific corticocortical projections. The present data suggest that the population of corticocortical projections involved in Guamanian cases differs substantially from that affected in Alzheimer's disease. The differential distribution and densities of the lesions may contribute to the differences in symptomatology and severity of dementia among Alzheimer's disease and Guamanian cases, although these neurodegenerative disorders as well as related illnesses may share certain etiopathogenetic mechanisms.
Immunity and Hepatitis C: A Review

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Due to shared transmission routes, the prevalence of HCV is especially high among individuals infected with HIV. HIV uninfected individuals spontaneously clear HCV approximately 30 % of the time, while the rate of control in HIV infected individuals who subsequently acquire HCV is substantially lower. In addition, complications of HCV are more frequent in those with HIV infection, making liver disease the leading cause of non-AIDS-related death in HIV infected individuals. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the role of the innate and adaptive immune responses to HCV in those with and without HIV. Further defining the interaction between hepatitis C and the host immune system will potentially reveal insights into HCV pathogenesis and the host’s ability to prevent persistent infection, as well as direct the development of vaccines.
Integrin activation by divalent ions affects neutrophil homotypic adhesion.

Activation of \(\beta _2\) integrins on leukocytes, via receptor clustering or affinity changes, is a key step in the inflammatory response. To evaluate the importance of integrin affinity changes for the formation of adhesive contacts, divalent cations were used to modulate \(\beta _2\)-integrin affinity without causing a general activation of neutrophils. Two neutrophils were brought into repeated contact with micropipettes and the probability of forming an adhesive contact was measured for neutrophils exposed to different cations. In the presence of magnesium and manganese, which induce a high affinity integrin conformation, the adhesion frequency was 12%–14%. In the presence of calcium (which stabilizes the low-affinity state) the frequency of adhesion was reduced (2.4±2.1%) and in the absence of divalent cations there were no adhesive contacts. The adhesive probability was not affected by addition of soluble VCAM-1, but was significantly reduced to 7±3% in the presence of magnesium plus a soluble form of ICAM-1. Addition of a blocking anti-\(\beta _2\)-integrin Fab fragment also significantly reduced the probability of forming an adhesive contact to 4±2%. Thus increased \(\beta _2\)-integrin affinity promotes homotypic neutrophil adhesion during cell collisions, but the adhesion strength is weak compared to forces observed in cell arrest and migration. © 2002 Biomedical Engineering Society.
Determination of the Orientation Parameters and the Raman Tensor of the 998 cm-1 Band of Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Polarized Raman spectroscopy was used to determine the crystal orientation in uniaxially oriented fibers of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The Raman tensor ratios and the second- (P2) and fourth-order (P4) Legendre polynomials of the orientation distribution function of the 998 cm-1 vibrational band are reported. We show that both P2 and P4 for this band increase more rapidly than the average chain orientation as determined by birefringence. In addition, they reach plateau values of P2 = 0.90 ± 0.06 and P4 = 0.55 ± 0.09 for birefringence values >0.05 in our drawn and annealed samples. Since this band has been assigned to the all-trans conformation of the glycol unit, we suggest that these P2 and P4 values correspond to the orientation of the crystalline units. This is the first time that the orientation parameters of the crystals of PET as determined by polarized Raman spectroscopy have been reported.
Cultural and physiological observations on Trypanosoma rhodesiense and Trypanosoma gambiense.

The cultivation of the trypanosomes of the brucei group is generally conceded to be much more difficult than that of the members of the lewisi group. While the latter have been cultivated in a variety of media and have been studied to some extent from the standpoint of their nutritional requirements and metabolic activities (Lwoff, 1940; von Brand, Johnson, and Rees, 1946; Chang, 1948), the cultivation of the former has been less successful, and therefore very little physiological information is available concerning them. Reichenow (1937b) stated that the addition of sugar did not improve his medium for the cultivation of the pathogenic trypanosomes. von Brand and Johnson (1947) found that the respiration of the proventricular form of T. gambiense was sensitive to cyanide. This is in contrast to that of its bloodstream form. Three types of media have given some measure of success in the cultivation of the pathogenic African trypanosomes. On blood agar media they grow either in the water of condensation (Novy and McNeal, 1904; Thomson and Sinton, 1912), or form colonies on the surface of the agar (Weinman, 1946). In liquid media (von Razgha, 1929; Reichenow, 1932, 1934; Brutsaert and Henrard, 1938) they aggregate commonly on the surface of the settled red cells. Slightly more viscous media were developed by Ponselle (1924) and Weinman (1944). They did not indicate where growth occurs in this type of medium. Most investigators use human blood as the blood of choice in the preparation of their media. Those who have used animal blood (Thomson and Sinton, 1912; Reichenow, 1932; Ponselle, 1924; Prates, 1928) did not present data which indicate whether such blood will sustain subcultivation for an indefinite period. In the first section of this paper we describe a diphasic blood agar medium which incorporates a number of features from the above media. It is less difficult to prepare than Weinman’s (1946) medium which it resembles in several respects. The remarkable intensity of sugar consumption by the bloodstream form of the pathogenic African trypanosomes (Yorke, Adams, and Murgatroyd, 1929; von Brand, 1933; Chen and Geiling, 1945; von Brand and Tobie, 1948) suggested the desirability of quantitative studies on sugar utilization by culturestages of these species. The data concerning this point, as well as data on the ammonia production, are summarized in the second section of this paper. 1. CULTURAL OBSERVATIONS Media employed
A New Long Coring System for R/V Knorr

A new 46-meter-long coring system was tested successfully during cruise 191 of research vessel (R/V) Knorr in September 2007. During sea trials in water depths of 4.6 kilometers on the Bermuda Rise, coring operations from the vessel—operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)—successively recovered piston cores increasing in length from 26 to 38 meters, with sediment recovery at 85–89% of the core barrel length. An additional 25-meter core was recovered in 670 meters of water on the upper continental slope off New Jersey. The Bermuda Rise location, which is a well-sedimented drift deposit at the northeastern margin of the rise, has been cored many times previously, including by R/V Knorr's giant piston corer in 1973, by R/V Marion Dufresne's Calypso corer in 1995, and by the Ocean Drilling Program's advanced piston corer (ODP/APC) in 1997. In comparing the sediment recovery of the systems, we determined that the WHOI long core recovered the stratigraphic section without any indication of stretching, effectively duplicating the results of the ODP/APC but without the unavoidable breaks between APC cores every 9.5 meters. In three deployments of the new corer, vertical compression occurred in the lower fourth of the core, while in two other deployments sediment recovery was undeformed for the full 38 meters of recovered sediment.
Large Eddy Simulation of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle Formation and Growth in Turbulent Jets

Large eddy simulations (LES) of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in three dimensional turbulent reacting planar jets are performed. The spatio-temporal evolution of the particle field is obtained by utilizing a nodal representation of the general dynamic equation. Gradient-diffusion, Smagorinsky-type subgrid-scale closures are employed to account for the unresolved stresses, fluid-scalar fluxes, and fluid-particle fluxes. The effect of the unresolved fluctuations on coagulation are neglected. Simulations are performed at two different precursor concentration levels. Comparison between results obtained via direct numerical simulation (DNS) and LES is performed to assess the performance of the closures. The LES performs fairly well in predicting the particle concentration as a function of size as well as the mean diameter. Additionally the polydispersity of the LES particle field is greater than that of the DNS. The results also suggest that at as the precursor concentration increases, neglect of the unresolv...
Spatial Relationships among Dairy Farms, Drinking Water Quality, and Maternal-Child Health Outcomes in the San Joaquin Valley

OBJECTIVE Access to clean and affordable water is a significant public health issue globally, in the United States, and in California where land is heavily used for agriculture and dairy operations. The purpose of this study was to explore the geographic relationships among dairy farms, nitrate levels in drinking water, low birth weight, and socioeconomic data at the ZIP code level in the San Joaquin Valley. DESIGN AND SAMPLE This ecological study used a Geographic Information System (GIS) to explore and analyze secondary data. MEASURES A total of 211 ZIP codes were analyzed using spatial autocorrelation and regression analysis methods in ArcGIS version 10.1. RESULTS ZIP codes with dairies had a higher percentage of Hispanic births (p = .001). Spatial statistics revealed that ZIP codes with more dairy farms and a higher dairy cow density had higher levels of nitrate contamination. No correlation was detected between LBW and unsafe nitrate levels at the ZIP code level. CONCLUSION Further research examining communities that use private and small community wells in the San Joaquin Valley should be conducted. Birth data from smaller geographic areas should be used to continue exploring the relationship between birth outcomes and nitrate contamination in drinking water.
Pollutant removal efficacy of three wet detention ponds.

Monthly inflow and outflow data were collected from three wet detention ponds in Wilmington, North Carolina, for a 29-mo period. Two ponds drained urban areas consisting primarily of residential, mixed services, and retail usage, while the third mainly drained residential and golf course areas. One of the urban ponds achieved significant reductions in total nitrogen, nitrate, ammonium, total phosphorus, orthophosphate, and fecal coliform bacterial counts. This pond was characterized by a high length to width ratio, with most inputs directed into the upper area, and extensive coverage by a diverse community of aquatic macrophyte vegetation. The second urban pond achieved significant reductions in turbidity and fecal coliform bacterial counts, but there were no significant differences between inflowing and outflowing water nutrient concentrations. There were substantial suburban runoff inputs entering the mid- and lower-pond areas that short-circuited pollutant removal contact time. The golf course pond showed significant increases in nitrate, ammonium, total phosphorus, and orthophosphate in the outflow relative to the inflow, probably as a result of course fertilization. However, nutrient concentrations in the outflow water were low compared with discharges from a selection of other area golf courses, possibly a result of the outflow passing through a wooded wetland following pond discharge. To achieve good reduction in a variety of pollutants, wet pond design should include maximizing the contact tires of inflowing water with rooted vegetation and organic sediments. This can be achieved through a physical pond design that provides a high length to width ratio, and planting of native macrophyte species.
Energy Technology Allocation for Distributed Energy Resources: A Technology-Policy Framework

Abstract Distributed energy resources (DER) are emerging rapidly. New engineering technologies, materials, and designs improve the performance and extend the range of locations for DER. In contrast, constructing new or modernizing existing high voltage transmission lines for centralized generation are expensive and challenging. In addition, customer demand for reliability has increased and concerns about climate change have created a pull for swift renewable energy penetration. In this context, DER policy makers, developers, and users are interested in determining which energy technologies to use to accommodate different end-use energy demands. In this paper, we present a two-stage multi-objective strategic technology-policy framework for determining the optimal energy technology allocation for DER. The framework simultaneously considers economic, technical, and environmental objectives. The first stage utilizes a production frontier estimation model for each end-use to evaluate the performance of each energy technology based on the three objectives. The second stage incorporates factor efficiencies determined in the first stage, capacity limitations, dispatchability, and renewable penetration for each technology, and demand for each end-use into a bottleneck multi-criteria decision model which provides the Pareto-optimal energy resource allocation. For demonstration purposes, we apply the framework to a dataset constructed for a typical commercial building located in the Northeastern United States and discuss the results.
Outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing cardiac rehabilitation.

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an adverse prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves morbidity and mortality among patients with coronary heart disease, but its impact on patients with concomitant CKD has not been described. Methods We compared baseline characteristics of patients with CKD (calculated glomerular filtration rate 2 ) and without CKD who completed CR between 1996 and 2004 using t tests and χ 2 tests. CR outcomes were evaluated by comparing the degree of change in clinical and behavioral variables within and between groups with paired and unpaired t testing, respectively, and by comparing the proportion of patients who achieved secondary prevention goals between groups using χ 2 testing. Results Among 376 patients, CKD was present in 115 (31%). Patients with CKD were older, had more cardiac risk factors and comorbidities, and had lower functional capacity and perceived health status than patients without CKD. Both groups achieved significant improvements in diet scores, body weight, lipid profiles, 6-minute walk distances, physical activity level, and perceived health status. The proportion of patients who achieved secondary prevention goals was also similar, but patients with CKD continued to have lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lower physical component health status summary scores, and lower functional capacity than patients without CKD. Conclusions CKD is common among CR participants. Patients with CKD have a high cardiovascular risk factor and comorbidity burden. CR is as effective in improving coronary risk profiles among patients with CKD as it is among patients with normal renal function.
Linearization of Time-Independent Nonlinearities by Use of an Extra Signal and Extra Nonlinearity

The technique of signal stabilization is that of introducing an extra signal at the input to a nonlinearity to improve or otherwise alter its performance. In this paper this technique is extended to the introduction of both an extra signal and a nonlinear element to improve performance. Here a method is given for linearizing time-independent non-linearities in the sense of time averages by the introduction of a high frequency sawtooth wave and an ideal relay. The technique of pulse width modulation, employed in the communications field, is applied here. The method developed is applicable to feedback systems with a time-independent nonlinearity in the loop. The method is illustrated by applications to nonlinear systems with first and second-order lags. The concept of equivalent gain is used to simplify the mathematical approach so that the technique can be readily employed in engineering analysis and design. Good agreement is obtained between precise theory and approximations.
Modeling the interaction of biological cells with a solidifying interface

In this article, we develop a modified level set method for modeling the interaction of particles with a solidifying interface. The dynamic computation of the van der Waals and drag forces between the particles and the solidification front leads to a problem of multiple length scales, which we resolve using adaptive grid techniques. We present a variety of example problems to demonstrate the accuracy and utility of the method. We also use the model to interpret experimental results obtained using directional solidification in a cryomicroscope.
The Magic Prism: An Essay in the Philosophy of Language

The late 20th century saw great movement in the philosophy of language, often critical of the fathers of the subject-Gottlieb Frege and Bertrand Russell-but sometimes supportive of (or even defensive about) the work of the fathers. Howard Wettstein's sympathies lie with the critics. But he says that they have often misconceived their critical project, treating it in ways that are technically focused and that miss the deeper implications of their revolutionary challenge. Wettstein argues that Wittgenstein-a figure with whom the critics of Frege and Russell are typically unsympathetic-laid the foundation for much of what is really revolutionary in this late 20th century movement. The subject itself should be of great interest, since philosophy of language has functioned as a kind of foundation for much of 20th century philosophy. But in fact it remains a subject for specialists, since the ideas are difficult and the mode of presentation is often fairly technical. In this book, Wettstein brings the non-specialist into the conversation (especially in early chapters); he also reconceives the debate in a way that avoids technical formulation. The Magic Prism is intended for professional philosophers, graduate students, and upper division undergraduates.