cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Pregnancy on Maternal Cardiac Atria.

Objective The aim of this study was to assess atrial changes across pregnancy and postpartum using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) to measure atrial end-diastolic volume (EDV). Study Design This was a 2-year prospective observational study of healthy nulliparous women. Each underwent serial cMRI in both maternal left lateral and supine positions at five epochs: 12 to 16 weeks, 26 to 30 weeks, 32 to 36 weeks, within 48 hours after delivery, and 12 weeks postpartum. EDV was calculated and compared with 12-week postpartum values. Results A total of 24 women completed the study. One woman developed preeclampsia, and her data were excluded. Mean age was 27 ± 2.8 years, and mean body mass index was 25.4 ± 3.8 kg/m2. Left atrial EDV increased by 12 weeks (p = 0.045) and remained significantly elevated through 32 to 36 (p Conclusion We documented a significant increase in EDV for both atria during pregnancy. Volume changes were greater in the lateral compared with the supine position, with the most dramatic changes in left atrium at 32 to 36 weeks.
Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Organic Cavity Polaritons in the Ultrastrong Regime

We demonstrate coupling between two ultrastrong exciton-photon coupled low-Q organic microcavities with a broken degeneracy between the Rabi splittings at room temperature. We experimentally observe cavity-polariton enhanced third harmonic generation in single exciton-photon coupled microcavities.
Financial and Health Barriers and Caregiving-Related Difficulties Among Rural and Urban Caregivers.

Purpose To assess whether financial or health-related barriers were more common among rural caregivers and whether rural caregivers experienced more caregiving-related difficulties than their urban peers. Methods We used data from 7,436 respondents to the Caregiver Module in 10 states from the 2011-2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Respondents were classified as caregivers if they reported providing care to a family member or friend because of a long-term illness or disability. We classified respondents as living in a rural area if they lived outside of a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). We defined a financial barrier as having an annual household income <$25,000 or not being able see a doctor when needed in the past year because of cost. We defined a health barrier as having multiple chronic health conditions, a disability, or fair or poor self-rated health. Findings Rural caregivers more frequently had financial barriers than urban caregivers (38.1% vs 31.0%, P = .0001), but the prevalence of health barriers was similar (43.3% vs 40.6%, P = .18). After adjusting for demographic differences, financial barriers remained more common among rural caregivers. Rural caregivers were less likely than their urban peers to report that caregiving created any difficulty in both unadjusted and adjusted models (adjusted prevalence ratio = 0.90; P < .001). Conclusions Informal caregivers, particularly in rural areas, face financial barriers. Rural caregivers were less likely than urban caregivers to report caregiving-related difficulties. Rural caregivers’ coping strategies or skills in identifying informal supports may explain this difference, but additional research is needed to explore this hypothesis.
Fermionic matrix product states and one-dimensional short-range entangled phases with antiunitary symmetries

We extend the formalism of matrix product states (MPS) to describe one-dimensional gapped systems of fermions with both unitary and antiunitary symmetries. Additionally, systems with orientation-reversing spatial symmetries are considered. The short-ranged entangled phases of such systems are classified by three invariants, which characterize the projective action of the symmetry on edge states. We give interpretations of these invariants as properties of states on the closed chain. The relationship between fermionic MPS systems at a renormalization group fixed point and equivariant algebras is exploited to derive a group law for the stacking of fermionic phases. The result generalizes known classifications to symmetry groups that are nontrivial extensions of fermion parity and time-reversal.
Fortification as a Disruptive Technology and Diverse Incumbent Positionality in the U.S. Human Milk Ecosystem

This article investigates the strategies that disrupters undertake when incumbents in an industry ecosystem offer diverse responses to disruptive technology. I investigate the strategies undertaken...
Development of porous polymer monoliths for reverse-phase chromatography of proteins.

The polymers developed in this project are intended for use as a stationary phase in reverse-phase chromatography of proteins, where the mobile phase is a solution of acetonitrile and a phosphate buffer, 6.6 pH. A full library of pore sizes have been developed ranging from 0.41{micro}m to 4.09 {micro}m; these pore sizes can be determined by the solvent ratio of tetrahydrofuran:methoxyethanol during polymerization. A column that can separate proteins in an isocratic mode would be a vast improvement from the common method of separating proteins through gradient chromatography using multiple solvents. In the stationary phase, the main monomers have hydrophobic tails, lauryl acrylate and steryl acrylate. Separations of small hydrophobic molecules and peptides (trial molecules) have efficiencies of 24,000-33,000 theoretical plates m{sup -1}. The combination of a highly non-polar stationary phase and a mobile phase where the polarity can be controlled provide for excellent separation.
The natural history of cervical cryosurgical healing. The minimal effect of debridement of the cervical eschar [see comment].

BACKGROUND Cryosurgery is a favored treatment method for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) among family physicians, in part because it is inexpensive and requires the least technical training and skill. Although cervical cryosurgery has been used for more than 30 years, the natural history of the postprocedure process has never been described. The primary purpose of our study was to describe the natural history of the healing process after cervical cryosurgery. A secondary purpose was to determine the effect of mechanical debridement of the cervical eschar on the symptoms of healing. METHODS We conducted a prospective multicentered trial in which women who had a histologic ally documented CIN lesion underwent cervical cryosurgery. Forty-six women were randomized to undergo eschar debridement at 48 hours after cryosurgey, and 38 women received standard care. All women were followed up and given preweighed sanitary pads for hydrorrhea (watery discharge) collection and a diary to record the severity and number of days of odor, pain, cramping, and hydrorrhea that were experienced. RESULTS The average total amount of hydrorrhea or discharge was 288 g, which required using an average of 41 sanitary pads during a period of 12.4 days. The duration of odor was 8.9 days, and the pain and cramping experienced after cryosurgery lasted 4.7 days. Women who were obese had greater hydrorrhea and pad usage than nonobese women. Debridement of the cervical eschar did not significantly change the signs and symptoms of healing after cryosurgery. CONCLUSIONS There are significant symptoms patients experience after cryosurgery that are not ameliorated by debridement. The expectations of the cryosurgical healing process should be disclosed to women before the procedure.
8 – MATERIALS PROCESSING AND FORMING OPERATIONS

This chapter focuses on the processing associated with shaping and forming components in traditional primary and secondary manufacturing industries. A comparative approach is adopted, stressing similarities in processing methods for different materials, for example, die casting of metals and injection molding of polymers, and powder pressing and sintering of metal and ceramic powders. At the same time, differing competitive routes to production of the same component, for example, by forging, casting, or powder metallurgy, are compared. Qualitative process descriptions, engineering modeling of some of their features, product design, and elimination of processing defects are some of the additional issues addressed in the chapter. Materials processing issues underscore a vitally important and broad subject. The subject is interdisciplinary in nature. When viewed from the world of processing, materials are surprisingly similar. The microscopic electronic and atomic structural distinctions among materials are not directly relevant and blur somewhat when it comes to issues of shaping or forming them. Rather, the macroscopically linked thermomechanical flow properties of materials are capitalized on. It is the characteristic temperatures and flow parameters that are the important variables in shaping. If melting temperatures are easily attained, as they are in most metals, polymers, glasses, and semiconductors, then casting or solidification processing is practiced. Ceramic materials simply melt at inaccessible temperatures and, therefore, cannot be cast or otherwise be processed in the liquid state. This accounts for the extensive use of powder processing in ceramics and high-melting point metals.
Engineered stem cells targeting multiple cell surface receptors in tumors

Multiple stem cell types exhibit inherent tropism for cancer, and engineered stem cells have been used as therapeutic agents to specifically target cancer cells. Recently, stem cells have been engineered to target multiple surface receptors on tumor cells, as well as endothelial and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we discuss the rationales and strategies for developing multiple receptor-targeted stem cells, their mechanisms of action, and the promises and challenges they hold as cancer therapeutics.
A concept analysis of nurse practitioner autonomy.

Background Nurse practitioner (NP) autonomy is often misunderstood and misconstrued. These misconceptions cause a confusing interplay of words that impedes advocating for policy change and ultimately hinders the profession. Objective To develop a clear definition of NP autonomy to describe the professional role. Data sources Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis was used to undertake a concept analysis of NP autonomy. The terms used to search for possible uses and definitions of NP autonomy in electronic databases included NP, autonomy, and concept analysis. In addition, the websites for nursing organizations, Google, Google Scholar, and the Merriam-Webster dictionary were searched and included in this analysis. This search yielded 29 articles, consisting of literature reviews, meta-synthesis, position papers, and qualitative and quantitative studies. Conclusions Nurse practitioner autonomy should be defined as the NP's use of their experience, clinical judgment, and responsibility to practice without restriction in professional collaboration with other health care professionals. Autonomy allows NPs to practice to the maximum extent of their advanced education, participate in productive and voluntarily collaborations, and continue to positively influence health care discrepancies throughout the United States. Implications for practice This concept analysis provides a clear definition of NP autonomy. In addition, it explains the difference between the concepts of NP autonomy and full practice authority. Clear definitions of the concepts of NP autonomy and full practice authority will be beneficial in advocating and advancing policy on behalf of NPs.
Financial Distress Among Older Adults With Cancer.

PURPOSE:Financial distress (FD) among older adults with cancer is not well studied. We sought to characterize prevalence and factors associated with FD among older adults with cancer and the associ...
Utilizing Game Theory to Optimize In-motion Wireless Charging Service Efficiency for Electric Vehicles

Charger lanes, which are road segments equipped with in-motion wireless chargers, are expected to keep Electric Vehicles (EVs) continuously driving without recharging downtime. To maximize the service efficiency of the in-motion wireless chargers, we must properly coordinate the traffic of the EVs to avoid the generation of congestion at the charger lanes and on the road segments to them. In this article, we propose WPT-Opt, a game-theoretic approach for optimizing in-motion wireless charging efficiency, minimizing EVs’ driving time to the charger, and avoiding traffic congestion at the charger lanes to fulfill this task. We studied a metropolitan-scale dataset of public transportation EVs and observed the EVs’ spatial and temporal preference in selecting chargers, competition for chargers during busy charging times, the relationship between vehicle density and driving velocity on a road segment, the normal distribution of travel time of road segments, and the fact that vehicles have similar frequently driven trajectories. Based on the observations, a central controller estimates the vehicle density of the road segments by measuring the vehicles’ trajectory travel time, the friendship among the vehicles, and the vehicles’ routing choice given the presence of charger lanes. Then, we formulate a non-cooperative Stackelberg game between all the EVs and the central controller, in which each EV aims at minimizing its charging time cost to its selected target charger, while the central controller tries to maximally avoid the generation of congestion on the way through the in-motion wireless chargers. Our trace-driven experiments on SUMO demonstrate that WPT-Opt can maximally reduce the average charging time cost of the EVs by approximately 200% during different hours of a day.
Greenspace redevelopment, pressure of displacement, and sleep quality among Black adults in Southwest Atlanta.

Background Little is known on how greenspace redevelopment-creating or improving existing parks and trails-targeted for low-income and/or majority Black neighborhoods could amplify existing social environmental stressors, increase residents' susceptibility to displacement, and impact their sleep quality. Objective To examine the relationship between social environmental stressors associated with displacement and sleep quality among Black adults. Methods Linear regression models were employed on survey data to investigate the association between social environmental stressors, independently and combined, on sleep quality among Black adults residing in block groups targeted for greenspace redevelopment (i.e., exposed) and matched with block groups that were not (i.e., unexposed). Results The independent associations between everyday discrimination, heightened vigilance, housing unaffordability, and subjective sleep quality were not modified by greenspace redevelopment, controlling for other factors. The association between financial strain and subjective sleep quality was different for exposed and unexposed participants with exposed participants having a poorer sleep quality. The combined model revealed that the association between financial strain and sleep quality persisted. However, for different financial strain categories exposed participants slept poorer and/or better than unexposed participants. Significance Our findings suggest a nuanced relationship between social environmental stressors, pressure of displacement related to greenspace redevelopment, and sleep quality among Black adults.
Key parameters and applications of extrusion-based bioprinting

Abstract Considerable progress has been made in the field of extrusion-based bioprinting (EBB) to produce constructs able to recapitulate the functionality of tissues, and it remains the most common form of 3D bioprinting. In this review, we discuss the importance of bioprinting parameter optimization in relation to printer settings, material and biochemical properties, and their current characterization process. Disease modeling, drug development, toxicology analysis, and tissue transplantation are promising applications for EBB that can become more effective through printing parameter tuning. Quantitative analysis of procedural and analytical methods reported in studies using bioinks containing alginate or gelatin was conducted to provide information on their prevalence in the EBB within the past 13 years. Printing protocol standardization will help cement EBB as a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods of producing cellular materials for experimentation or biomedical applications.
Remote and autonomous platforms for measuring broadband backscatter

The use of broadband acoustic sonars in acoustical oceanography studies in a broad range of environments, particularly for ecological studies, has rapidly overtaken the use of traditional narrowband sonar systems. Almost as importantly, and often underrecognized, is the diversity of platforms that have been used to support these measurements. In this talk, we present broadband acoustic backscatter collected from a number of platforms, including AUVs, a variety of towed and profiling systems, and a bioacoustics mooring. The primary focus of this talk will be on the data collected from REMUS 600 and REMUS 100 AUVs, and the types of science questions that these platforms, outfitted with broadband scientific echosounders, best support. This work was supported by the Ocean Acoustics and Task Force Ocean Programs at the Office of Naval Research.
Hormonal Inputs to Releasing Factor Cells, Feedback Sites

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the hormone localization and hormone feedback effects in the brain, with special reference to the “hypophysiotrophic area.” It appears that there is little agreement between the sites of pituitary graft preservation and hormone localization. The “hypophysiotrophic area” is the hypothalamic area in which PAS-positive cells are maintained in pituitary grafts in the antero-posterior direction, the area of preserved basophils extends in the level of the optic chiasm from the ventral surface up to the paraventricular nuclei or even slightly above. Certain peripheral hormones influence the activities of endocrine glands in which they are produced by acting on the pituitary and brain, influencing their own production through the stimulation of the synthesis of peptide messengers. Therefore, a search for the localization of steroid hormones in the brain could provide answers to the question-where are the substances produced that influence the activities of related endocrine glands?
A study of multivariable supplementary power system stabilizers

This paper deals with the design of an auxiliary controller using linear quadratic regulator (LQR) and linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) techniques. A three machine three bus power system equipped with conventional controllers is considered. The system is supplemented with the proposed auxiliary controllers. Using computer simulation it is shown that the proposed controller has increased stability and reliability of the system.
Differential Localization and Function of ADP-Ribosylation Factor-6 in Anergic Human T Cells: A Potential Marker for Their Identification

Anergy is a state of immunologic tolerance in which T cells are viable but incapable of responding to antigenic stimulation. Recent data indicate that anergic cells have a distinct gene expression program that determines their unique function. In this study we show that anergic human T cells selectively express the small GTPase ADP-ribosylation factor-6 (ARF6), which is involved in membrane traffic and regulation of the cortical actin cytoskeleton. ARF6 was expressed in the GTP-bound form that localizes at the plasma membrane, resulting in a distinct morphologic appearance of anergic cells. Forced expression of ARF6-GTP in Jurkat T cells prevented TCR-mediated reorganization of cortical actin, extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 activation, and IL-2 transcription. Forced expression of ARF6-GTP in primary human T cells inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 activation and proliferative responses. Importantly, T cells with the distribution pattern of ARF6-GTP were detected in peripheral blood, suggesting that anergic T cells may constitutively exist in vivo.
Chapter 14 – Polynitrogens as promising high-energy density materials: computational design

The amount of released energy is dependent on the chemical structure of the material. Thus, the quest for more efficient explosives and rocket propellants has led to the investigation of new energetic chemical compounds. Metastability is a crucial property of high-energetic materials. Geometrically strained molecules such as cage compounds—that is, cubanes—show large metastabilities on their potential energy surfaces. Compounds containing only nitrogen (polynitrogens) have become attractive as promising high-energetic materials. The main advantage of pure polynitrogens as explosives or propellants is that these materials decompose into pure N 2 molecules, which are environmentally safe. This chapter provides a review of known theoretical efforts for finding polynitrogen species and a reasonable computational strategy for designing new energetic materials. In addition, the reaction energies of the dissociations of some nitrogen-rich compounds are presented and discussed in the chapter in terms of their exothermicities in comparison with their corresponding pure polynitrogens. This is expected to give some insights for designing hypothetical energetic materials by computational techniques. The chapter discusses the known computational facts of polynitrogens, the computational methodology of N 4 , N 5 , N 6 , N 7 , N 8 , N 9 , N 10 , N 11 , and N 12 . There is discussion on larger polynitrogens, the possible isomers of polynitrogens based on the cage, bowl, ring, and open-chain geometries. Calculations of polynitrogens larger than N I2 have determined relative energetics and vibrational frequencies of possible isomers. The chapter also discusses nitrogen-rich compounds, EN n . Nitrogen-rich compounds of nonmetallic hypervalent elements seem to be potential candidates for energetic materials as revealed in the study of A1N n , species. Many candidates are likely to exist as azide compounds, E(N 3 ) n . Nitrogen-rich compounds of elements such as gallium, phosphorus, and sulfur might become potential energetic materials because of their ability to coordinate with possible polynitrogens such as N 3 or N 5 . Phosphorus is isovalent with nitrogen, so pure polynitrogens could be converted into P m N n species.
A heterogeneous routing protocol based on a new stable clustering scheme

A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is usually assumed to be homogeneous, where each mobile node shares the same radio capacity. However, a homogeneous ad hoc network suffers from poor scalability. Research has demonstrated its performance bottleneck both theoretically and through simulation experiments. Building a physically hierarchical ad hoc network is a very promising way to achieve scalability. Routing is critical to operate such a hierarchical structure efficiently. Previous research has been solely focusing on extending popular routing schemes developed for the homogeneous ad hoc network. We propose a new heterogeneous routing protocol specifically designed for the hierarchical ad hoc network. We also present a new active clustering scheme to help build a stable hierarchical structure, which is fundamental to heterogeneous routing protocols. Simulation results using GloMoSim show that our routing and clustering scheme gives good performance. The results also provide some insight into new possible designs of routing protocols and mobile network architectures for MANETs when large scale is desired.
Numbers and types of arthropods overwintering on common mullein, Verbascum thapsus L. (Scrophulariaceae), in a central Washington fruit-growing region

Densities and types of arthropods overwintering on common mullein, Verbascum thapsus L., in a fruit-growing region of Central Washington were determined. Over 45,000 arthropods were collected from 55 plants (5 plants from each of 11 sites), dominated numerically by Acari and Thysanoptera. Insects representing 8 orders and 29 families were identified, distributed both in the basal leaf rosettes and in the stalk material of the plants. One specialist insect herbivore of mullein, the mullein thrips, Haplothrips verbasci (Osborn), was abundant at all sites. Several pest and predatory taxa that commonly occur in orchards were also collected, suggesting that mullein may be a source of overwintered pests or predators moving into orchards in early spring. Pest taxa included primarily western flower thrips ( Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)), Lygus spp., and tetranychid spider mites. Common predators included phytoseiid mites and minute pirate bugs ( Orius tristicolor (White)). Sites that were geographically close to one another were not more similar (in taxonomic composition of overwintering arthropods) than more distantly separated sites.
The technology behind the linear collider

The world HEP community has reached a consensus that a 500-1000 GeV linear collider should be the next large accelerator built. The technology needed to build both the accelerator and detector is far more advanced than anything we have done before. Some desired detector resolutions are a factor of two better than ever before achieved. Accelerator gradients will be as high as the ongoing R&D programs can achieve. The design luminosity is 10,000 times that achieved by the first and only linear collider. Ongoing R&D programs around the world are aimed at achieving the few nanometer spot size and stability and the reliability needed to achieve this luminosity.
Team Selection Methods for Student Programming Projects

This paper focuses on team selection methods and related issues that may have a substantial impact on students' overall experience working on a “large-scale” programming project. Teams can be selected randomly, by the students, by academic performance, by using psychological profiles, or by using a combination of these methods. Advantages and disadvantages are presented for each method. Issues concerning size of teams include number of students in the class, type and size of software to be built, single project per team versus shared project, software tools available, and the programming skills and general academic maturity of the students in the class. From the students perspective, the most discernable effects of team size involve communication, scheduling, and general cooperation. Important grading issues are described with emphasis on peer grading. The paper concludes with a summary of observations and experiences the authors have had including pitfalls to be avoided.
Fixed order dynamic compensation for the h 2 /H ∞ benchmark problem

This paper presents a robust fixed order compensator design for the H2/H∞ control problem. The design uses an approximate Loop Transfer Recovery (LTR) method to achieve performance robustness to unstructured uncertainty at the plant output. To provide robustness to the real structured uncertainty, the performance index is modified to include a penalty on the closed loop sensitivity dynamics. The formulation avoids the explicit introduction of the sensitivity states into the performance index, and thus, the formulation does not increase the overall dimension of the problem. A brief outline of the design procedure is as follows. First, full state gains are designed for the dual system which is the equivalent of designing a full order observer. Next, the loop characteristics at the dual system input are approximated with an observer canonical compensator. After the loop transfer functions is sufficiently recovered, then the penalty on the sensitivity dynamics is introduced. Finally the optimal gains are implemented in the dual compensator, which is the controller form. The implemented compensator ensured tracking performance and robustness to unstructured uncertainty as well as robustness to the structured parameter variations resulting from the uncertain spring stiffness.
Hyperphosphatemia in pediatric oncology patients receiving liposomal amphotericin B.

METHODS This retrospective review of the medical record was conducted at a tertiary, free standing children’s hospital. Pharmacy data revealed 159 patients receiving an amphotericin product between November 2006 and December 2008. Doses of amphotericin, serum phosphorous, calcium and creatinine concentrations were recorded at daily time points during the 10 days following both initiation and discontinuation of amphotericin. Administration of phosphate binders and total parenteral nutrition was noted. The incidence of hyperphosphatemia, defined as a serum value greater than the age-adjusted upper limit of normal, was compared among the amphotericin groups. RESULTS One hundred thirty-nine amphotericin recipients had a serum phosphorus measurement during amphotericin therapy. Final analysis included 117 children, of which 64 (55%) were oncology patients. Deoxycholate (mean maximum dose 1 mg/kg), lipid complex (mean maximum dose 4.8 mg/kg) and liposomal amphotericin (mean maximum dose 4.9 mg/kg) were used in 24 (20.5%), 37 (31.6%) and 56 (47.9%) of all patients, respectively. Hyperphosphatemia developed in 27% (32/117) of all patients, and in 33% (21/64) of oncology patients. Similar to within all recipients, among oncology patients, 45% (n¼18) of liposomal recipients demonstrated hyperphosphatemia compared to 13% of those receiving lipid complex (n¼3, p¼0.007). No oncology patient received deoxycholate. CONCLUSION Nearly 45% of children with oncologic disorders receiving liposomal amphotericin developed hyperphosphatemia. The incidence is significantly greater for the liposomal formulation than either of the other amphotericin formulations.
Exchange Economies and Loss Exposure: Experiments Exploring Prospect Theory and Competitive Equilibria in Market Environments

A natural economic interpretation of Prospect Theory is that people have preferences that are risk seeking in losses and risk averse in gains. Thus, according to this interpretation of the theory, individuals in an exchange economy facing only losses in wealth, would have concave preferences as opposed to the usual convex preferences. That is, if individuals could engage in trade that would reduce the magnitude of expected losses and change the variance associated with losses, they would have a tendency to seek higher variance and perhaps be willing to do so at the cost of a reduction of expected value of wealth. Such individuals would be willing to sell insurance at prices below the expected value. With concave preferences all competitive equilibria have allocations at the boundaries of the Edgeworth Box. Experimental markets were constructed to determine if such behavior could be observed. The results are that risk seeking behavior is observed in many people. Furthermore, the propensity toward risk seeking in markets is consistent with answers given to questionnaires involving hypothetical choices among lotteries. The propensity toward risk seeking appears to be reduced with experience. In one sense the data are strongly supportive of Prospect Theory but in another sense the data are not. The evidence suggests that preferences in the market setting are not labile and that the risk seeking propensities are not a result of delicate framing effects. The preferences revealed in the market seemed to be a property of the people and not simply a property of their decision processes as required by Prospect Theory.
Revisiting Asynchronous Parallel Pattern Search for Nonlinear Optimization

We present a new asynchronous parallel pattern search (APPS) method which is different from that developed previously by Hough, Kolda, and Torczon. APPS efficiently uses parallel and distributed computing platforms to solve science and engineering design optimization problems where derivatives are unavailable and cannot be approximated. The original APPS was designed to be fault-tolerant as well as asynchronous and was based on a peer-to-peer design. Each process was in charge of a single, fixed search direction. Our new version is based instead on a manager-worker paradigm. Though less fault-tolerant, the resulting algorithm is more flexible in its use of distributed computing resources. We further describe how to incorporate a zero-order sufficient decrease condition and handle bound constraints. Convergence theory for all situations (unconstrained and bound constrained as well as simple and sufficient decrease) is developed. We close with a discussion of how the new APPS will better facilitate the future incorporation of linear and nonlinear constraints.
Stokes Antenna Temperatures

The growing importance of polarimetric radiometers has led to the need for a detailed theory for Stokes antenna temperatures. In this paper, we provide a full Stokes vector formulation of an antenna temperature that accounts for the entire antenna pattern, which includes polarization mixing in the main-beam and sidelobe effects. To derive the Stokes antenna temperatures, we follow the conventional methods in the Earth remote sensing literature while relying on a coherency algebra approach from radio astronomy. Connections and parallels to the conventional approaches are noted along the way. We also introduce generalizations of beam efficiency and cross polarization for use with polarimetric radiometers. These provide important metrics in the design of future systems.
Repression of oxidative phosphorylation in Escherichia coli B by growth in glucose and other carbohydrates

A simplified method for the assay of oxidative phosphorylation in intact bacteria is described. Using this method it is shown that the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation in Escherichia coli B grown in glucose-containing media is less than 10% of that of organisms grown in media containing non-carbohydrate carbohydrate substrates. Growth in media containing galactose, lactose or mannitol yields cells capable of only half the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation of fully competent cells. The incorporation of casamino acids into the growth medium has no effect on glucose repression of oxidative phosphorylation. Stimulation of respiration by the uncoupler 2,4-dibromophenol occurs only in organisms in which all three sites of oxidative phosphorylation are functional.
Suppression of the Granulocyte Colony‐Stimulating Factor Response to Escherichia coli Challenge by Alcohol Intoxication

Alcohol's suppressive effects on polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) production and function increases host susceptibility to a wide variety of infections and impairs the ability of these effector cells to seek and destroy invading pathogens. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), an important regulator of PMN production and function, is known to be increased in the plasma during infectious episodes. In previous studies we found acute alcohol intoxication to suppress the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) response to in vivo challenges with bacteria or lipopolysaccharide. The present study was initiated to determine the impact of alcohol intoxication on the plasma G-CSF response to gram-negative infection. For this purpose, rats received an intravenous challenge of Escherichia coli (10(6) CFU) 30 min after an intraperitoneal injection of ethanol (5.5 g/kg) or an equivalent volume of saline (control). Ethanol-intoxicated rats had a greater 48 hr mortality to live E. coli injection than did unintoxicated animals (45% vs. 8%). Despite an increased bacterial burden in both the lung and liver at 24 hr after initiating E. coli infection in alcohol-intoxicated animals, PMN tissue recruitment, indexed as myeloperoxidase activity, did not differ between control and alcohol-treated rats. Moreover, alcohol suppressed blood PMN phagocytic capacity to a greater extent in animals given alcohol than controls at 5 and 24 hr after initiating infection. In control animals after intravenous E. coli injection, bioactive G-CSF increased in plasma and peaked near 300 ng/ml at 8 hr. In rats pretreated with alcohol, the plasma G-CSF response was markedly suppressed in response to intravenous E. coli (p < 0.05). In a second experiment, neutralization of the E. coli-induced plasma TNF alpha response by pretreatment with anti-TNF alpha antibody similarly inhibited the plasma G-CSF response. These results support the postulate that alcohol-induced inhibition of TNF alpha directly contributes to the adverse effects of alcohol on PMN function by suppressing the normal autocrine amplification pathway responsible for G-CSF production.
Increasing the Value of Evaluation to Philanthropic Foundations

This article synthesizes interview data from evaluation directors and top executives of philanthropic foundations on how evaluation might better advance their missions. In key informant interviews, respondents commented on the purposes of evaluation from the foundation’s perspective, challenges to effective evaluation, and the means by which evaluation could be made more valuable to foundations. Informants emphasized promoting accountability, improving programs, advancing organizational learning, and disseminating intervention models as desired uses of evaluation. Application of appropriate research techniques, relevance and timing of evaluation products, and internal thinking and social dynamics within foundations were cited as challenges to evaluation. Emerging concerns include the need to evaluate achievements of foundations as a whole and for evaluation to further develop as a science. In terms of increasing the value of evaluation, the current study indicates the importance of improved relationships ...
Comparison of structure development in injection molding of isotactic and syndiotactic polypropylenes

A comparative study of the crystallization and orientation development in injection molding isotactic and syndiotactic polypropylenes was made. The injection molded samples were characterized using wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) techniques and birefringence. The injection molded isotactic polypropylene samples formed well-defined sublayers (skin, shear and core zones) and exhibited polymorphic crystal structures of the monoclinic α-form and the hexagonal β-form. Considerable amounts of β-form crystal were formed in the shear and core zones, depending on the injection pressure or on the packing pressure. The isotactic polypropylene samples had relatively high frozen-in orientations in the skin layer and the shear zone. The injection molded syndiotactic polypropylene exhibited the disordered Form I structure, but it did not appear to crystallize during the mold-filling stage because of its slow crystallization rate and to develop a distinct shear zone. The core zone orientation was greatly increased by application of high packing pressure. The isotactic polypropylene samples exhibited much higher birefringence than the syndiotactic polypropylene samples at the skin and shear layers, whereas both materials exhibited similar levels of crystalline orientation in these layers.
Cutaneous and systemic reactions observed during oral poison ivy therapy

Abstract 1. A person extremely sensitive to poison ivy was given varying amounts of the oleoresin of this plant orally during a period of approximately ten months. 2. The oleoresin proved toxic to the skin and, in a lesser degree, to the mucous membrane. 3. Massive oral doses, given experimentally and not recommended for routine oral treatment, were otherwise harmless for blood counts, urine examinations, blood pressure readings, and general physical findings remained normal throughout the treatment period. 4. Oral therapy resulted in hyposensitization yet desensitization did not occur. 5. Repeated positive skin tests and two clinical exposures failed to revert the reduced skin sensitivity to the former high level of allergy to the plant.
Effects of complex formation on reactions of oxygen with HCl and Ar–HCl

Abstract Classical trajectory simulations are used to investigate reactions of HCl and Ar–HCl with atomic oxygen in its ground and first excited states. We focus on the effects of complex formation on reaction cross sections and product state distributions over a range of collision energies. At low collision energies, the argon atom inhibits the formation of the H–O–Cl collision complex and lowers the reaction cross sections. At higher collision energies, the argon atom removes energy from the collision complex, thereby lowering the effective collision energy and increasing the cross sections for reaction. In general, the product state distributions, resulting from reactions of complexes, are shifted to lower energies than the product state distributions of corresponding O+HCl reactions.
Identification of the UV nightglow from Venus

Observations of atmospheric ultraviolet emission between 1350 and 2200 A from the night side of Venus, made by the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE), are reported. Low dispersion spectra taken by the short and long wavelength IUE spectrographs clearly show the (0,0) band of the NO delta system at 1909 A; the delta (0,1) band at 1980 A and the delta (0,2) band are indicated, while the (2,0) Cameron band of CO at 1928 A does not seem to be present. The relative band intensities appear to be the same as in earth airglow, where the excitation mechanism has been identified as radiative association of O and N atoms. The column emission rate of 0.5 kR implies a larger N to O ratio in the atmosphere of Venus than in that of the earth.
Management of aberrant internal carotid artery injuries in children.

Aberrant pa thways of the in ternal carot id artery are wel l descr ibed in case reports involving ch i ldren and adults. This abnormal i ty is typica l ly a symptomat ic and is mos t often diagnosed dur ing ear surgery. Al though m a n y embryological and acqui red theories describe the d e v e l o p m e n t of an aberrant pa thway of the internal carot id ar tery th rough the t empora l bone, little has been repor ted on the managemen t of such anomalies. We present a rare case repor t of bilateral aberrant in ternal carot id arteries d iscovered dur ing t y m p a n o s t o m y tube p lacement in a child.
Extrusion process optimization for toughness in balloon films

An experimental optimization process for blown film extrusion is described and examined in terms of the effects of the technique on the toughness of balloon films. The optimization technique by Cantor (1990) is employed which involves the identification of key process variables including screw speed, nip speed, bubble diameter, and frost-line height for analysis to optimize the merit function. The procedure is employed in the extrusion of a low-density polyethylene polymer, and the resulting optimized materials are toughness- and puncture-tested. Balloon toughness is optimized in the analytical relationship, and the process parameters are modified to attain optimal toughness. The film produced is shown to have an average toughness of 24.5 MPa which is a good value for this key property of balloon materials for high-altitude flights.
Animals and the Human Imagination: A Companion to Animal Studies

Animals and the Human Imagination explores the human imagination but not animals, and its twelve essays hardly constitute A Companion to Animal Studies. Indeed, “animal studies” is undefined. Jonat...
Dual Funding for Dual Enrollment: An Inducement or an Impediment?.

While the strategy of funding both systems provides an incentive for both school districts and community colleges to participate with dual enrollment, the current fiscal environment has drawn attention to the inefficient use of the dual funding structure. This article highlights the results of a case study on Florida's dual enrollment program documenting how over a 20-year period policymakers offered different financial incentives as an inducement to greater participation among districts and community colleges. The article documents how the current state fiscal condition has altered lawmaker's motivations for supporting dual enrollment. It concludes by describing the implications of this on community college participation with dual enrollment.
Poliovirus genome RNA hybridizes specifically to higher eukaryotic rRNAs

Abstract The RNA genome of poliovirus hybridizes to 28S and 18S rRNAs of higher eukaryotes under stringent conditions. The hybridization detected by Northern blot analyses is specific since little or no signal was detected for yeast or prokaryotic rRNAs or other major cellular RNAs. Southern blot analysis of DNA clones of mouse rRNA genes leads us to conclude that several regions of 28S rRNA, and at least one region in 18S rRNA, are involved in the hybridization to polio RNA, and that G/C regions are not responsible for this phenomenon. We have precisely mapped one of these hybridizing regions in both molecules. Computer analysis confirms that extensive intermolecular base-pairing (81 out of 104 contiguous bases in the rRNA strand) could be responsible for this one particular site of interaction (polio genome, bases 5075-5250; 28S rRNA, bases 1097-1200). We discuss the possible functional and/or evolutionary significance of this novel type of interaction.
Group-III nitride VCSEL structures grown by molecular beam epitaxy

III-nitride VCSEL structures designed for electron-beam pumping have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The structures consist of a sapphire substrate on which an AlN/GaN distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) with peak reflectance >99% at 402 nm is deposited. The active region consists of a 2-(lambda) cavity with 25 In0.1Ga0.9N/GaN multiquantum wells (MQWs) whose emission coincides with the high reflectance region of the DBR. The thicknesses of the InGaN wells and the GaN barriers are 35 angstrom and 75 angstrom respectively. The top reflector consists of a silver metallic mirror which prevents charging effects during electron-beam pumping. The structure was pumped from the top- side with a cw electron-beam using a modified cathodoluminescence (CL) system mounted on a scanning electron microscope chamber. Light output was collected from the polished sapphire substrate side. Measurements performed at 100 K showed intense emission at 407 nm with narrowing of the linewidth with increasing beam current. A narrow emission linewidth of 0.7 nm was observed indicating the onset of stimulated emission.
Neutrophil dysfunction in sepsis. III. Degranulation as a mechanism for nonspecific deactivation

Abstract Prominent and global abnormalities in chemotactic, oxidative, and microbicidal activity have been identified in neutrophils from patients with severe sepsis. To evaluate the possible contribution of degranulation as the basis for the observed abnormalities, 12 patients with intraabdominal infection were serially studied and neutrophil chemotaxis, enzyme content, and receptors for FMLP were evaluated. There was a significant correlation between chemotactic response to both activated serum and FMLP with the granular enzymes β-glucuronidase and lysozyme. For FMLP-directed migration, r = 0.73, P r = 0.59, P in vivo degranulation, possibly due to effects of circulating chemoattractants on adherent neutrophils, is responsible for the enzymatic and chemotactic loss seen in cells from septic patients. This hypothesis also provides a mechanism to explain the respiratory distress syndrome if degranulation were to occur in the pulmonary capillary bed.
The Presence of Maltreatment Fatality-Related Content in Pre-service Child Welfare Training Curricula: A Brief Report of 20 States

The purpose of this study was to assess the presence of evidence-based information about child maltreatment fatalities (CMFs) and risk factors for CMFs in pre-service child welfare training curricula in the United States. In this first paper to examine the extent to which child welfare workers receive content on CMFs in their pre-service child welfare training, we reviewed curricula from 20 states. We searched for content related to risk assessment and fatality characteristics in the following areas: child risk factors, parent risk factors, and family/household risk factors. Our results suggest that workers’ receive very little content regarding CMFs. We discuss the findings with regard to child welfare training and practice.