cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SECOND HARMONIC LIGHT GENERATION IN CRYSTALS WITH NATURAL OPTICAL ACTIVITY.

Whenever a circularly polarized laser beam propagates along an axis of threefold symmetry in a piezo-electric crystal, the second-harmonic polarization is circularly polarized in the opposite sense. Rabin and Bey have discussed the theory of second-harmonic generation in crystals with natural optical activity. We have observed this circular polarization and also the difference in coherence lengths for opposite senses of circular polarization, with both fundamental and second-harmonic beams propagating along the [111] direction in single crystals of NaCl${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ and NaBr${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, belonging to the cubic class 23, for which the proper eigenmodes are circularly polarized waves. The nonlinear susceptibility of both NaCl${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ and NaBr${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ has been measured and compared with the nonlinear susceptibility of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-quartz. The relative sign of the susceptibilities has been determined in second-harmonic interference experiments with the same laser beam traversing two crystals in succession. The interesting questions of the sign of the nonlinear susceptibility, piezoelectric constant, optical activity, and the absolute atomic configuration of the antipodes are discussed. The question of conservation of angular momentum is resolved by taking into account the crystal-line-field potential of threefold symmetry, which gives rise to a torque on the crystal lattice.
Photobleaching resistance of stimulated parametric emission in microscopy

Photobleaching of organic fluorescent labels is a ubiquitous problem in fluorescence microscopy, limiting imaging capabilities and presenting hurdles to quantitative biophysical measurements. We report here that a nonlinear optical signal from some organic fluorophores persists in the presence of photobleaching. Specifically, a four-wave mixing process that is enhanced by a two-photon absorption resonance in the target fluorophore, termed stimulated parametric emission (SPE), is essentially unaffected by the photobleaching of the fluorophore, for rhodamine 6G and other commercial green and red fluorophores. The stability of the SPE signal, and the ability to image weakly or nonfluorescent chromophores, should make this nonlinear microscopy useful for quantitative biophysical measurements.
Parallel Scripting for Applications at the Petascale and Beyond

Scripting accelerates and simplifies the composition of existing codes to form more powerful applications. Parallel scripting extends this technique to allow for the rapid development of highly parallel applications that can run efficiently on platforms ranging from multicore workstations to petascale supercomputers.
Children's conceptualization of their own psychiatric illness and hospitalization

Conscious understanding of their psychiatric hospitalization and illness was examined in 22 preadolescent children. Semistructured interviews evaluated their understanding of why they were hospitalized and its relationship to their problems. Their concepts of hospitalization fell into five categories: moralistic/punitive, adultomorphic, medical/physical, doesn't know, and due to misunderstanding. Most children described personal problems, yet believed that these were unrelated to and did not justify hospitalization.
Hybrid Systems Modeling and Reachability-Based Controller Design Methods for Vehicular Automation

In this study, applicability of verification and correct-by-design hybrid systems modeling and reachability-based controllers for vehicular automation are investigated. Two perspectives in hybrid systems modeling will be introduced, and then reachability analysis techniques will be developed to compute exact reachable sets from a specified unsafe set. Using level set methods, a Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaacs equation is derived whose solutions describe the boundaries of the finite time backward reachable set, which will be manipulated to design a safe controller that guarantees the safety of a given system. An automated longitudinal controller with a fully integrated collision avoidance functionality will be designed as a hybrid system and validated through simulations with a number of different scenarios in order to illustrate the potential of verification methods in automated vehicles.
Analysis of bilinear noise models in circuits and devices

There are a number of applications in which linear noise models are inappropriate. In the paper, the use of bilinear noise models in circuits and devices is considered. Several physical problems are studied in this framework. These include circuits involving varying parameters (such as variable resistance circuits constructed using field-effect transistors), the effect of switching jitter on sampled data system performance and communication systems involving voltage-controlled oscillators and phase-lock loops. In addition, several types of analytical techniques for stochastic bilinear systems are considered. Specifically, the moment equations of Brockett for bilinear systems driven by white noise are discussed, and closed-form expressions for certain bilinear systems (those that evolve an Abelian or solvable Lie groups) driven by white or colored noise are derived. In addition, an approximate statistical technique involving the use of harmonic expansions is described.
EFFECTS OF PARTIAL LIQUID VENTILATION (PLV) WITH PERFLUORODECALIN IN THE SALINE INJURED LUNG OF THE JUVENILE RABBIT MODEL. † 2286

Several perfluorochemical (PFC) liquids with different and specific physical properties have been used as a means of improving pulmonary gas exchange and lung mechanics during respiratory distress. We evaluated APF-140M(Air Product and Chemicals, Inc.) with respect to gas exchange and lung mechanics in healthy and saline injured(SI) lungs of the juvenile New Zealand White rabbit. SI was created by repeated lung lavages (4-16 times, 10 cc/kg/lavage) with warm saline solution. PLV treated animals received intratracheal APF-140M at a volume equal to the measured pre-injury gas functional residual capacity (FRC = 18.6 ± 1.5 ml/kg). Seventeen rabbits, (age: 7-9 wks; wt. = 1.59 ± 0.1 kg SE) were assigned to three groups. Gr I (n=5) was treated with conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) after establishing SI, Gr II (n=6) was treated with PLV after SI. Gr III (n=6) was supported with PLV without injury. All rabbits were supported with CMV gas ventilator strategy in which frequency was maintained constant and ventilatory pressures were adjusted to maintain constant tidal volume and minute ventilation. Sequential measurements of dynamic compliance(C) and arterial blood chemistry were performed in all groups (ie. after instrumentation, injury) and hourly for 4 hours thereafter. Oxygenation index (OI), and ventilation efficiency index(VEI) were calculated. Mean±SEM data at baseline(BI), Injury (Inj), 1 hour (1H), and 4 hours(4H) were:Table These data demonstrate: 1) following lung injury there was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in PaO2, C, VEI and increase in OI. 2) In Gr II, PLV significantly (p<0.05) improved PaO2 and OI. C was significantly (p<0.05) higher than Gr I at 1H. 3) there was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in C following PLV in Gr III. These results indicate that PLV with APF-140M caused a transient improvement in oxygenation and lung mechanics in the saline injured lung and sustained impairment of C in healthy lung of the juvenile rabbit model.(Supp in part by R29HD26341)
Note on the topography of the oxide films formed on aluminum in high temperature water

A topographical study was made of the oxide film formed during the early stages of corrosion on two Ni- and Fecontaining Al alloys and 2S Al. The results give additional evidence that irregular features on the oxide film surfaces are related to the presence and type of second phase particles, and it is shown that irregularities develop during the early stages of corrosion and film formation. By correlating the topography of the oxide films with the information obtained by examining cross sections, the results show the specific role the second phase particles play in influencing topography. (P.C.H.)
New Test Chambers for Aircraft Electric Apparatus With Particular Reference to Carbon Brushes

When electric machines were taken to high altitudes of 25,000 to 40,000 feet on modern military aircraft, the brushes wore rapidly, insulation sometimes failed, lubrication was uncertain, windings over-heated, and other vexing problems appeared. New materials and methods were needed for this new environment. To accelerate the development of aircraft apparatus, air-conditioned chambers are provided to duplicate the cold, clean, dry, rarefied air of the stratosphere. Facilities being used to test a range of equipment from totally enclosed one-watt computer motors to pressure-ventilated 40-kva alternators1 are described. Reasons are given for the selection of specific equipment. From simulated-high-altitude tests under controlled conditions, designers are more quickly completing new apparatus, are better predicting its performance, and are reducing the amount of flight testing required to develop new aircraft.
Oxid coatings on aluminum

INTEREST in oxid coatings on aluminum began with the discovery of the metal about 100 years ago, for the chemical attraction of aluminum for oxygen is one of the most important characteristics of the metal. At various times in the history of aluminum, attention, from the scientific standpoint or from the commercial point of view, has been focused on the oxid film. To the scientist, for example, the electrical characteristics of the oxid film have been of great theoretical interest and for many years have been the subject of experimental study and speculation. Important commercial uses of the film in various electrical devices have followed upon the scientific studies.
The Forming of a Modern American Denomination

Among the reasons for the emergence of American denominationalism, the impact of the separation of church and state has never been under-rated by scholars. The same is true of the religious pluralism of the nation. Other environmental conditions of comparable importance have been listed but those who recognize the toughness and adaptability of the modern American denominational structure have reason to ask whether historians have done full justice to its internal dynamic. The reaction against denominational history in the grand style is, of course, well warranted. Over against “denominational historians who can recount the achievements of the several denominations as separate bodies, the reasons for their separateness, and the grounds of their greatness and glory,” W. E. Garrison wrote, “we must concern ourselves chiefly with the movements of the common Christian mind, the issues which drive planes of cleavage through all denominations transverse to those which divide them from each other.…” Some of these unitive issues are American-made; others are rooted in Europe. But the denomination, as Garrison recognized, is the mode in which American church history manifests itself, a vehicle whose continuities must be grasped if modern American church-manship is to be understood.
The Effect of Backpack Loads on FRR (Flexion-relaxation Ratio) in the Cervical Spine

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of various backpack loads on the cervical flexion relaxation ratio as a quantitative neurological measure. [Subjects] Fourteen subjects with no neck pain participated in the study. [Methods] Surface electromyograms of the C4 paraspinal muscles were measured bilaterally, while subjects performed cervical flexion extension, and normalized in three phases. Cervical FRR data of three different backpack loads were analyzed. The FRR was calculated as the muscle activation during the cervical extension phase divided by the muscle activation during the relaxation phase. [Result] The FRR in the unloaded condition was 2.44 on the right and 2.37 on the left; for the backpack weighing 10% BM, the FRR were 1.91 and 1.89, respectively, and for the 20% BM backpack, FRR were 1.56 and 1.53, respectively. [Conclusion] A heavier backpack increased the potential for neck pain. The FRR is a functional examination that can be used to quantitatively assess the potential for developing cervical pain and the results of intervention.
Vascular and haematopoietic stem cells: novel targets for anti-angiogenesis therapy?

Summary Tumours recruit neighbouring blood vessels and vascular endothelial cells to support their own blood supply. Recent evidence has indicated, however, that tumours are also capable of mobilizing bone-marrow-derived endothelial precursor cells, inducing them to migrate to the tumour and become incorporated into the developing vasculature. Tumour-derived angiogenic factors promote the recruitment of these cells, which include circulating endothelial progenitor cells and haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. As clinical trials with anti-angiogenic agents have been confronted with therapeutic hurdles, inhibiting the recruitment of these vascular precursors might provide a novel approach to blocking tumour angiogenesis.
Comparison of Callus Formation and Plantlet Regeneration Capacity from Immature Embryo Culture of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Genotypes

ABSTRACTSeventeen winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes were evaluated on the capacity of callus formation and plantlet regeneration from immature embryo cultures. The genotypes tested were: Katia, Pehlivan, Samsun 46, Tahirova, Samsun 526, Adapazari 562, Ziyabey, Basribey, Bandirma 97, Karacabey, Prostor, Saray Bosna, Marmara 86, Ozdemirbey, Samsun-Bafra 333, Ceyhan 271 and Population 311. Immature embryos of 12 - 16 days old were placed with the scutellum upward on a modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 1.0 mg 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid/liter (2,4-D). Shoots and plantlets developed were regenerated by transferring to 2,4-D free medium. Calluses were either compact and frequently embryogenic, or soft and watery. The regeneration capacity was higher on compact callus than soft. The actual percentage callus formation ranged from 2.4 to 100%, depending upon genotype. All the genotypes tested induced callus, 15 had callus with green spots, and 13 regenerated plantlets. Over 250 pla...
Bullous pemphigoid associated with dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors. A case report and review of literature.

Background Bullous pemphigoid is a cutaneous autoimmune blistering disorder. The etiology for what precipitates this disease is not entirely clear at this point, although it has been associated with certain medications.
Incorporation of homogeneous, nanoscale MnO2 within ultraporous carbon structures via self-limiting electroless deposition: implications for electrochemical capacitors.

The self-limiting reaction of aqueous permanganate with carbon nanofoams produces conformal, nanoscopic deposits of birnessite ribbons and amorphous MnO2 throughout the ultraporous carbon structure. The MnO2 coating contributes additional capacitance to the carbon nanofoam while maintaining the favorable high-rate electrochemical performance inherent to the ultraporous carbon structure of the nanofoam. Such a three-dimensional design exploits the benefits of a nanoscopic MnO2−carbon interface to produce an exceptionally high area-normalized capacitance (1.5 F cm-2), as well as high volumetric capacitance (90 F cm-3).
Toward a predictive atomistic model of ion implantation and dopant diffusion in silicon

Abstract We review the development and application of kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to investigate defect and dopant diffusion in ion implanted silicon. In these types of Monte Carlo models, defects and dopants are treated at the atomic scale, and move according to reaction rates given as input parameters. These input parameters can be obtained from first principles calculations and/or empirical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations or can be extracted from fits to experimental data. Time and length scales differing several orders of magnitude can be followed with this method, allowing for direct comparison with experiments. The different approaches are explained and some results presented.
SYNTHESIS OF DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID BY MICRO- AND MACRONUCLEI OF TETRAHYMENA PYRIFORMIS

Evidence as to the times of DNA synthesis in micronucleate Tetrahymena pyriformis (mating type II, variety 1) has been obtained by briefly exposing individuals of different ages to tritiated thymidine, returning them to non-radioactive medium, fixing at division, and preparing autoradiographs. A variable length of interphase, ranging from a few minutes to about 2 hours, has been found to precede the initiation of macronuclear DNA synthesis. Once begun, however, the period of synthesis appears to be similar in all cells, regardless of generation time, and has been estimated at 1 to 1½ hours. Under the conditions of these experiments, the time elapsing between the end of synthesis and subsequent division into daughter cells ranges from approximately 1½ to 2½ hours in generation times long enough to allow such variability. Division of the micronucleus occurs shortly before the cell begins to divide; its DNA synthesis starts immediately and continues after cell division for a total period estimated at about an hour.
The Collection of Indirect and Nonmedical Direct Costs (COIN) form: a new tool for collecting the invisible costs of androgen independent prostate carcinoma.

BACKGROUND There are limited data available regarding the cost of care in patients with androgen independent prostate carcinoma (AIPC), and there are no data on the impact of direct nonmedical and indirect costs (DNM/IC). This lack of data, along with the feasibility of collecting DNM/IC, was examined in patients with AIPC who took part in a randomized trial using a newly developed questionnaire, the Collection of Indirect and Nonmedical Direct Costs (COIN) form. METHODS Patients with AIPC were randomized to one of three treatment arms: 1) strontium only (strontium 4 Mci in Week 1 and Week 12) (STRONT); 2) vinblastine 4 mg/m2 per week for 3 weeks then 1 week off and estramustine, 10 mg/kg per day (CHEMO); or 3) a combination of treatments outlined in the arms for CHEMO and STRONT (CHEMO/STRONT). Direct medical costs were collected through the hospital billing system. DNM/IC data were obtained prospectively using the COIN form. Cost data were analyzed for a period of 6 months. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients were randomized, after which the protocol was closed because of poor accrual. The median survival of the patients was 22.3 months. The mean and median total costs for the 20 of 29 patients with complete cost information were $12,647 and $11,257 over 6 months, respectively. DNM/IC represented 11% of the total cost (range, from < 1% to 42%); in 20% of participating individuals, these costs accounted for 35–42% of total costs. Failure to collect complete cost information was due to early death, administrative difficulties, and loss to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS In this pilot project, the collection of these cost data using the COIN form was feasible and practical and was limited primarily by logistic, not form specific, issues. DNM/IC were found to be a significant proportion of total costs (up to 42%) in selected patients, and this information proved to be a useful addition to the cost analysis. Approximately 98 patients would be required to detect a 20% difference in total costs between arms in a properly powered, randomized trial. Considering the potentially significant impact on total costs, DNM/IC data should be included in future cost-analysis studies of patients with AIPC and other diseases. Cancer 2001;91:841–53. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
Declining Use of Radiotherapy for Adverse Features After Radical Prostatectomy: Results From the National Cancer Data Base.

Abstract Background Patterns of postoperative radiotherapy (RT) use in prostate cancer (PCa) after the publication of major randomized trials have not been well characterized. Objective To describe patterns of postoperative RT use after radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients with adverse pathologic features in the United States. Design, setting, and participants Retrospective analysis of 97 270 patients with PCa diagnosed between 2005 and 2011 whose presentation and outcomes were recorded in the National Cancer Data Base. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Temporal changes in receipt of postoperative RT and factors associated with receipt of this treatment using the Cochran–Armitage trend test and multiple logistic regression, respectively. Results and limitations Between 2005 and 2011, receipt of postoperative RT decreased steadily from 9.1% to 7.3% ( p trend p trend p p p Conclusions Postoperative RT use for localized PCa in patients with adverse pathologic features is declining in the United States. Patient summary In this report, we show that use of postoperative radiotherapy in patients with prostate cancer with adverse pathologic features is declining. Patients treated at community cancer programs, those with locally advanced disease and positive margins, and those with a high Gleason score were more likely to receive postoperative radiotherapy.
Improvement of continuous solid circulation rate measurement in a cold flow circulating fluidized bed

A method is described to independently estimate the solids velocity and voidage in the moving bed portion of the NETL circulating fluidized bed (CFB). These quantities are used by a device that continuously measures the solids circulation rate. The device is based on the use of a rotating Spiral vane installed in the standpipe of a circulating fluid bed (CFB). Correlations were developed from transient experiments and steady state mass balance data to correct the solids velocity and solids fraction in the standpipe as a function of standpipe aeration rate. A set of statistically-designed experiments was used to establish the need for these corrections and to verify the accuracy of solid circulation rate measurements after correction. The differences between the original and corrected measurements were quantitatively compared.
Beat-to-Beat QT Interval Variability: Novel Evidence for Repolarization Lability in Ischemic and Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Background Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is associated with a high incidence of malignant ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Abnormalities in repolarization of ventricular myocardium have been implicated in the development of these arrhythmias. Spatial heterogeneity in repolarization has been studied in DCM, but temporal fluctuations in repolarization in this setting have been largely ignored. We sought to test the hypothesis that beat-to-beat QT interval variability is increased in DCM patients compared with control subjects. Methods and Results Eighty-three patients with ischemic and nonischemic DCM and 60 control subjects served as the study population. Beat-to-beat QT interval variability was measured by automated analysis on the basis of 256-second records of the surface ECG. A QT variability index (QTVI) was calculated for each subject as the logarithm of the ratio of normalized QT variance to heart rate variance. The coherence between heart rate and QT interval fluctuations was determined by ...
Adult stem cell-based therapy for degenerative joint diseases

Cell-based therapy for regenerative medicine is a major field of biomedical research including its use in the treatment of degenerative joint disease. The goal of regenerative medicine is to develop methods to repair, replace, and regenerate diseased, injured, or non-functional tissues. Towards this goal, stem or progenitor cells have been considered a highly desirable candidate cell type, because of their expandability and potential to be induced toward specific cell differentiation lineages. A key requirement in musculoskeletal tissue engineering and regeneration is that ultimately the "regenerate tissue" needs to be a three-dimensional structure. This may be accomplished through the use of engineered constructs derived by cell seeding into natural or synthetic biomaterial scaffolds. While direct cell injection is the most convenient means of cell delivery, a scaffold-based approach is capable of producing three-dimensional engineered tissues with mechanical properties compatible with those of various musculoskeletal tissues. Of the 40-50 million Americans with osteoarthritis (OA), an estimated 10-12% suffer from post-traumatic OA. We have developed an impact model for the development of post-traumatic OA. Data on the characteristics of this model in vitro and in vivo will be presented. Focal lesions developed in vivo resulting from these traumatic impacts will be repaired using stem cell-laden hydrogel or nanofiber constructs. Concurrently, cell-hydrogel and cell-nanofibrous constructs are currently being developed for the engineering of cartilaginous tissues, and information on the fabrication and biological attributes of these various tissue-engineered composites will be presented. In conclusion, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine presents an exciting, emerging inter-disciplinary research field that is a natural platform for life scientists, engineers, and clinicians working together to develop therapeutic solutions for diseased or injured tissue and organs.
Algorithms to reveal graphic terminal characteristics

Algorithms to discover terminal characteristics are presented as a set of Standard Fortran subroutines as an aid in developing portable and device independent graphical systems. The algorithms compute the screen representation, the character sizes, the incremental vector action and the boundary action in both the character and graphic mode. The assumptions, restrictions and implications of the algorithms are discussed.
Blocking and tackling HIV

Two studies suggest that low levels of antibodies, when present continuously, effectively limit or prevent HIV infection ( pages 951–954 and 901–906 ). The findings provide hope for the development of a vaccine.
Nerve growth factor action on membrane permeation to exogenous substrates in dorsal root ganglionic dissociates from the chick embryo

Abstract An experimental system has been described, in previous studies, where the ability of chick embryo dorsal root ganglionic cells to incorporate radiouridine into RNA declines in the absence of nerve growth factor (NGF), and is promptly restored be delayed supply of the factor. Following these early and fully reversible events, further NGF deprivation causes progressive irreversible damage. The early decline in RNA labeling and its reversion by NGF are accompanied by similar changes in the accumulation of acid-soluble radioactivity from the exogenous radiouridine substrate. In the present study, it is shown that the NGF-dependent accumulation of ‘soluble’ radiomaterials is independent from, and responsible for, the NGF-dependent alterations in RNA labeling. Both changes are measurable with labeled cytidine and guanosine, as well as uridine, and in all cases accumulation of acid-precipitable and acid-soluble radioactivities are strictly proportional to each other. The acid-soluble responses to NGF are not prevented by actinomycin D or cycloheximide treatments, demonstrating that they require neither ongoing syntheses of RNA or protein nor prior effects of NGF on them. Chromatography of acid-soluble radiopools showed that the NGF-dependent increase was not due to a distortion in the intracellular phosphorylation of uridine, but involved corresponding increases in all the radiouridine derivatives including UTP. The time patterns of the acid-soluble response were comparable to those of the RNA labeling response, and maximal NGF effects occurred within minutes of its presentation. Finally, 2-deoxyglucose and α-aminoisobutyric acid, but not leucine, showed NGF-dependent accumulation patterns similar to those of the 3 nucleosides. It is proposed that regulation of selected membrane permeation properties could be the primary process through which NGF exerts its trophic role.
Masking of heparin activity in the activated coagulation time (ACT) by platelet procoagulant activity

Abstract The effect of platelet procoagulant activity in the Activated Coagulation Time (ACT) was measured in whole blood anticoagulated with various levels of heparin before or after reversal with protamine. Similar studies were carried out on blood anticoagulated with hirudin to distinguish procoagulant activity from heparin neutralization in platelet preparations. At 0.5–1.0 units/mL antithrombin activity with heparin or hirudin, the ACT was lowered progressively by the addition of increasing concentrations of lysed platelets to as much as 20 seconds below the baseline clotting time obtained with unanticoagulated blood samples. Neutralization of. higher concentrations of heparin with protamine produced an ACT below baseline in the presence of lysed platelets. Aprotinin (400 KIU/mL) prolonged the ACT slightly in heparinized whole blood, but did not prevent the lowering of the ACT by lysed platelets to baseline or below. Recirculation of heparinized whole blood in a simulated cardiopulmonary bypass circuit generated platelet microparticles detected by flow cytometry. An increase in platelet microparticles was associated with a decrease in the amount of protamine needed to reach the baseline ACT in blood samples removed from the circuit at various time points during recirculation. A chromogenic anti-Factor X a assay of heparin did not show a change with increasing microparticle concentration during recirculation. These findings indicate a masking of heparin activity by the procoagulant activity of platelet membrane microparticles that could affect reversal of heparin based on the ACT.
Doing one's duty: chronological age, felt autonomy, and subjective well‐being:

Existential, psychosocial, and organismic theories propose that human beings tend towards greater autonomy over the lifespan, and that greater autonomy is associated with greater happiness. We test...
Utility of concomitant tricuspid valve procedures for patients undergoing implantation of a continuous-flow left ventricular device

Objective Patients referred for implantable continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (cfLVAD) frequently have preoperative right heart failure and tricuspid regurgitation (TR). The objective of this report is to examine early clinical benefits of concomitant tricuspid surgery for these patients. Methods Sixty-one of 200 consecutive cfLVAD patients at our institution displayed preimplant right heart dysfunction and significant TR. Thirty-three underwent cfLVAD plus a tricuspid valve procedure (TVP), and 28 had cfLVAD alone. Preimplant characteristics and clinical outcomes were retrospectively studied. As previously described, post-LVAD right ventricular failure was defined as need for right ventricular assist device (RVAD) support or greater than 14 days of intravenous inotropic support. Results Preimplant characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was increased for the group that received concomitant TVPs. The most common TVP consisted of an undersizing ring annuloplasty. The cfLVAD-alone group had greater TR after implant relative to the cfLVAD+TVP group. The cfLVAD-alone group experienced greater postprocedure right ventricular failure relative to cfLVAD+TVP (46.4% vs 18.2%; P Conclusions Concomitant TVP appears to reduce postprocedure right ventricular failure for patients with significant TR undergoing cfLVAD implantation.
Use of photoelasticity to determine orthotropicK I stress-intensity factor

A new experimental method of obtaining orthotropic stress-intensity factor,K I , is presented. The orthotropic photoelasticity and orthotropic linear-elastic fracture-mechanics laws are combined. The combined set of equations is used along with half-fringe photoelasticity to determineK I in a compact-tension specimen made of a transparent unidirectional fiberglass-epoxy material. The results are compared with finite-element-method solutions.
Two-Photon Absorption in Quadrupolar Bis(acceptor)-Terminated Chromophores with Electron-Rich Bis(heterocycle)vinylene Bridges

Two-photon absorption spectra for a range of bis(acceptor)-substituted bis(dibutoxythienyl)ethene and bis(N-hexylpyrrolyl)ethene chromophores have been recorded using Z-scan and white-light-continuum pump−probe techniques. All the chromophores studied show strong near-infrared two-photon absorption with cross sections in the range of 2400−5900 GM (1 GM = 1 × 10-50 cm4 s/photon) at photon wavelengths between 1.0 and 1.3 μm; cross sections as high as 10000 GM can be accessed close to the one-photon absorption edge. Quantum-chemical calculations reproduce the experimentally observed variations of the two-photon properties with the chemical structure.
Mobility of oligopeptides on normal-phase silica: effect of positional isomerism.

Isomeric oligopeptides composed of five methionyl residues and one glycyl residue or of five γ-methyl-L-glutamyl residues and one glycyl residue all exhibit marked differences in retention on normal-phase silica. When the glycyl residue is at internal positions of hexa or heptapeptides, the peptide elutes most rapidly form the μPorasil column. Comparison of the effect of positional isomerism on retention in short oligopeptides with the effect on retention of hexamers and heptamers suggests that a change in peptide conformation may be responsible for the change in oligopeptide mobility.
Employees' Views of Discrimination in a Community Health Department

Health inequalities suffered by many Americans are often enacted within health care delivery processes and can result in poor health outcomes, including premature death. The current study uses a social norms framework to conduct formative research on discrimination within the context of a community health department (CHD). An anonymous survey measured actual and perceived norms of employees (N = 95) as they relate to comfort with individuals of different racial/ethnic backgrounds, job expectations, and beliefs about health equalities as well as perceived barriers to health care. Employees also completed open-ended questions about individual and organizational responsiveness to perceived discrimination in the CHD. A clear pattern of results revealed misperceptions regarding what participants believed to be their coworkers' views on discrimination. Qualitative reports provide evidence of discrimination and lack of systematic managerial support in addressing instances of discrimination. Implications of these...
Analyzing Hotel Customers' E-Complaints from an Internet Complaint Forum

SUMMARY Recent web technology advancement has enabled online customers to express their concerns and negative experiences about the hotel services over the Internet. This exploratory study attempts to provide some insights into this recent phenomenon by analyzing self-selected hotel customers' online complaints recorded on a specialized complaint forum, eComplaints.com. A content analysis of those e-Complaints in 18 problem categories revealed that online customers were mostly unhappy with fundamental service failures (i.e., declined service quality and rude employees) in the hotel service encounter. Surprisingly, only one in every five e-Complaints received a response from the hotel company in the identified top-five complaint categories. The authors further used text-mining software to identify most frequently complained keywords and examine their relational associations. Business implications of the research findings were also discussed.
Frumenta nundinella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): Life History and Induction of Host Parthenocarpy

Larvae of Frumenta nundinella Zeller utilize two different resources of their only host, horsenettle ( Solanum carolinense L.). Larvae develop either within capsules fused from terminal leaves, or within fruits. In greenhouse rearing, the sex ratio at emergence was 1:1 for each type of development. Emergence from infested fruits required 50% more degree-days than emergence from leaf capsules. Fruit infestation occurred in the absence of pollination, demonstrating that moth larvae could stimulate parthenocarpy. Parthenocarpy also was induced by flower style removal, suggesting that tissue destruction by feeding larvae was sufficient to initiate fruit set. Stimulative parthenocarpy, which also occurs in fig wasps, ensures development of infested fruits.
Seismic attenuation in glacial ice: A proxy for englacial temperature

[1] Seismic attenuation α, or internal friction Q−1, in glacial ice is highly sensitive to temperature, particularly near the melting point. Here we detail a technique to estimate Q and apply it to active source seismic data from Jakobshavn Isbrae, Greenland. We compare our results to measured and modeled temperature profiles of the ice in the region. We find an excellent match, with differences between seismically estimated and modeled temperatures of less than 2°C. Mapping variations in seismic Q through glacial ice thus is shown to allow detailed estimation of englacial temperature profiles, which may be of special value in regions where in situ measurements are logistically difficult.
A documentation of an age related increase in neuronal and axonal numbers in the stingray, Dasyatis sabina, Leseuer

The present study documents that in the stingray Dasyatis sabina the numbers of (1) dorsal root ganglion cells, (2) dorsal root axons, (3) ventral root axons and (4) “motor” cells in the ventral horn increase steadily as the animals increase in size. This increase in axonal and neuronal numbers persists much further into adult life than is the case for other vertebrates that have been studied from this point of view. We hypothesize this steady increase in axonal numbers may be related to the ability of fish to regenerate parts of their central and/or peripheral nervous systems.
Stability of plasmids in Rhizobium phaseoli during culture.

Abstract Genes governing symbiotic nitrogen fixation in rhizobia reside on symbiotic (Sym) plasmids. Additional plasmids with unknown functions (“cryptic” plasmids) usually accompany Sym plasmids in rhizobial cells. These cryptic plasmids are assumed to have beneficial roles in the soil environment. Little is known about the maintenance of cryptic plasmids during culture in the laboratory. We have examined the stabilities of both Sym and cryptic plasmids of three Rhizobium phaseoli strains cultured for 30, 60, 90 and 120 generations. Individual plasmids were labeled with Tn5-Mob, which codes for kanamycin resistance, to provide an initial means of detecting plasmid loss. Agarose gel-electrophoresis and hybridization with Tn5 probe were then used to identify alterations or loss of resistance. Kanamycin-sensitive isolates were infrequent and were due to either losses of TN5-Mob-labeled plasmids or deletions which included Tn5-Mob DNA. The three Sym plasmids and eight cryptic plasmids studied were highly stable.
Polyglutamate derivatives of folic acid coenzymes and methotrexate.

Abstract Polyglutamate derivatives of the folate coenzymes are widely distributed in nature. Frequently, they are the predominant form of intracellular folate, and recent investigations have indicated that polyglutamates are the preferred substrates for most of the enzymes of folate metabolism. Dietary folates are mostly polyglutamate conjugates which must be broken down to the mono- or diglutamates before intestinal absorption can occur. Intracellularly, pteroyl monoglutamates are converted to the polyglutamate form, a process which appears to favor their cellular retention. Alterations in polyglutamate chain length may play an important role in the regulation of folate metabolism. Polyglutamate derivatives of the folate antagonist methotrexate have also been isolated. The synthesis and biological properties of these compounds along with their potential chemotherapeutic role are discussed.
The effect of abstinence on cigarette consumption upon the resumption of smoking

To study the impact of abstinence on the number of cigarettes smoked per day upon the resumption of smoking, adult current smokers completed retrospective surveys in two studies. The consumption rate demonstrated at the resumption of smoking fell with progressively longer abstinence periods out to 6 months, showing little further reduction even after years of abstinence. Subjects in Study 1 (n=848) resumed smoking at 34% of their lifetime peak rate of consumption, accelerating to 58% at 2 weeks, to 64% at 1 month, and to 68% at 6 months. Subjects in Study 2 (n=803) resumed smoking at 48% of their pre-quit peak rate of consumption, accelerating to 69% at 1 week, to 78% at 2 weeks, and to 88% at 6 months. The trajectory of consumption with the resumption of smoking differs from that in novice smokers, suggesting that some impact of nicotine persists during abstinence. The shapes of the observed trajectories suggest that more than one process may be at work. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Female Choice of Males in Cuttlefish (Mollusca: Cephalopoda)

In captivity, male cuttlefish use visual displays to establish size-based dominance hierarchies and larger males obtain most of the copulations. This experiment was performed to determine if females prefer the larger, more dominant males and whether females use male visual displays to evaluate males. Twenty sexually mature, virgin female cuttlefish were given up to six opportunities to approach one of two males out of a pool of ten adult males, or to approach neither. Females did have significant preferences between males, but they were not related to male dominance. Females showed a consistent and significant preference for the more recently mated male. These preferred males were also more likely to mate again, when given the opportunity, than were less-preferred, less-recently mated males. Females also preferred males that showed fewer zebra displays. Viewing male-male interactions did not affect their choices. Results suggest that female preference could be based on chemical cues, while visual displays may function primarily as agonistic signals. Females who mated did so repeatedly before laying eggs, providing opportunity for sperm competition.
Developing Competencies for the 21st Century Engineer

This is the second paper in a four-part series focused on a competency-based approach for personalized education in a group setting. In the first paper, we focus on identifying the competencies and meta-competencies required for the 21st century engineers. In this paper, we provide an overview of an approach to developing competencies needed for the fast changing world and allowing the students to be in charge of their own learning. The approach fosters “learning how to learn” in a collaborative environment. We believe that two of the core competencies required for success in the dynamically changing workplace are the abilities to identify and manage dilemmas. In the third paper, we discuss our approach for helping students learn how to identify dilemmas in the context of an energy policy design problem. The fourth paper is focused on approaches to developing the competency to manage dilemmas associated with the realization of complex, sustainable, socio-techno-eco systems.The approach is presented in the context of a graduate-level course jointly offered at University of Oklahoma, Norman and Washington State University, Pullman during Fall 2011. The students were asked to identify the competencies needed to be successful at creating value in a culturally diverse, distributed engineering world at the beginning of the semester. The students developed these competencies by completing various assignments designed to collaboratively answer a Question for Semester (Q4S). The Q4S was focused on identifying and managing dilemmas associated with energy policy and the next generation bridging fuels. A unique aspect of this course is the collaborative structure in which students completed these assignments individually, in university groups and in collaborative university teams. The group and team structures were developed to ultimately aid individual learning. The details of the answer to the Q4S are elaborated in the other three papers which address identifying and managing dilemmas, specifically related to Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) policy and bridging fuels.The fundamental principles of our approach include a shift in the role of the instructor to orchestrators of learning, shift in the role of students to active learners, providing opportunities to learn, shift in focus from lower levels to upper levels of learning, creation of learning communities, embedding flexibility in courses, leveraging diversity, making students aware of the learning process, and scaffolding. Building on our experience in the course, we discuss specific ways to foster the development of learning organizations within classroom settings. Additionally, we present techniques for scaffolding the learning activities in a distributed classroom based on systems thinking, personal mastery, mental models, a shared vision, and team learning. The approach enables personalized learning of individuals in a group setting.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Structure-activity relationship study of tricyclic necroptosis inhibitors.

Necroptosis is a regulated caspase-independent cell death mechanism that can be induced in multiple cell types and is characterized by morphological features resembling necrosis. Here we describe a series of tricyclic heterocycles (i.e., 3-phenyl-3,3a,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-benz[g]indazoles, 3-phenyl-2,3,3a,4-tetrahydro[1]benzopyrano[4,3-c]pyrazoles, 3-phenyl-2,3,3a,4-tetrahydro[1]benzothiopyrano[4,3-c]pyrazoles, and 5,5-dioxo-3-phenyl-2,3,3a,4-tetrahydro[1]benzothiopyrano[4,3-c]pyrazoles], collectively termed Nec-3, that can potently inhibit necroptosis. For example, compounds 8, 22, 41, 53, and 55 inhibit necroptosis in an FADD-deficient variant of human Jurkat T cells treated for 24 h with TNF-α with EC50 values in the range 0.15−0.29 μM. Distinct from the previously described series of hydantoin-containing indole derivatives (Nec-1), the Nec-3 series exhibits specificity in inhibiting TNF-α-induced necroptosis. A structure−activity relationship (SAR) study revealed that the (3R,3aR)-rel-diastereomers were ...
Europium Doped TiO(2) Hollow Nanoshells: Two-Photon Imaging of Cell Binding.

A simple scalable method to fabricate luminescent monodisperse 200 nm europium-doped hollow TiO2 nanoshell (NS) particles is reported. Fluorophore reporter, Eu3+ ions are incorporated directly in the NS matrix, leaving the surface free for functionalization and the core free for payload encapsulation. Amine-functionalized polystyrene beads were used as templates, and the porous walls of europium-doped titania nanoshells were synthesized using titanium(IV) t-butoxide and europium(III) nitrate as reactants. X-ray diffraction analysis identified anatase as the predominant titania phase of the rigid nanoshell wall structure, and photoluminescence spectra showed that the Eu(III)-doped TiO2 nanoshells exhibited a red emission at 617 nm due to an atomic f–f transition. Nanoshell interactions with HeLa cervical cancer cells in vitro were visualized using two-photon microscopy of the Eu(III) emission and studied using a luminescence ratio analysis to assess nanoshell adhesion and endocytosis.
Lattice algorithms applied to the blind deconvolution problem

The blind deconvolution problem is to reconstruct a sequence (r/sub k/) from noisy observations y/sub k/=S/sub k/*r/sub k/+n/sub k/ where (r/sub k/) and (S/sub k/) are both unknown. It is assumed that (S/sub k/) is deterministic and minimum phase, (r/sub k/) is a realization of a white process, and (n/sub k/) is white Gaussian noise. The novelty of the approach is the use of lattice-based algorithms for all parts of the problem. First, the Burg method is used to estimate the magnitude of S/sub s/(f)=F (s/sub k/). Second, the Schur algorithm is used to compute the spectral factor of mod S/sub s/(f) mod , yielding (s/sub k/). Finally, the Levinson algorithm is used to solve the Toeplitz equations for the estimate of (r/sub k/). Results of numerical simulations are presented. >