cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In reply: Perioperative interruption of dual antiplatelet therapy (November 2017)

We reported on publications from 2016–2017 and, unfortunately, at the time we were writing our paper, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) update on dual anti-platelet therapy[1][1] had not yet been published. We presented the recommendations from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and
Rabi-like Oscillations in Photon Pair Correlations

We have produced a new quantum coherence phenomenon via photon generation within ultra-high-Q silicon microdisks. The Rayleigh-scattering-induced strong coupling of counterpropagating modes leads to Rabi-like oscillations in the biphoton second-order coherence.
(1S,4R)-1,11,11-Trimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetra­hydro-1,4-methano­phenazine N5-oxide

The title compound, C16H18N2O, was synthesized via reaction of (1S,4R)-1,2,3,4-tetra­hydro-1,11,11-trimethyl-1,4-methano­phenazine with 3-chloro­perbenzoic acid in di­chloro­methane. The absolute configuration for the product was assigned based on the stereochemistry of the camphorquinone reactant.
Refreshable Tactile Display Based on a Bistable Electroactive Polymer and a Stretchable Serpentine Joule Heating Electrode

The demand for tactile interactive devices has been growing exponentially as the sense of touch enriches the human–machine interaction experience. However, the tactile devices reported so far cannot offer high-quality performance, compact form factor, and relatively simple system architecture for low-cost production. We report the fabrication of a 4 × 4 pneumatic tactile display with Braille standard resolution using a bistable electroactive polymer (BSEP) thin film and a serpentine-patterned carbon nanotube electrode. The BSEP is a variable stiffness material that exhibits a stiffness change of 3000-fold within the narrow temperature range of 43 ± 3 °C. The carbon nanotube electrode was patterned on the polymer film via a P3R process, Prestretch-Pattern-Protect-Release, which leads to a serpentine-patterned composite electrode that is highly stretchable, retains its high electrical conductivity up to an ∼200% area strain, and provides a fast Joule heating rate of 31 °C/s. The tactile pixels are diaphragm...
Changes in the burnout profile of chairs of academic departments of obstetrics and gynecology over the past 15 years.

Background While many studies have documented the high prevalence of burnout in practicing physicians and medical trainees, fewer reports describe burnout in academic leaders. In 2002, we observed a moderate-high to high level of burnout in 41.4% of chairs of academic departments of obstetrics and gynecology. Objective The purpose of this study was to identify trends in burnout and associated factors in today’s obstetrics and gynecology chairs as they face complex changes to the current health care environment. Study Design This was a cross-sectional study. A survey was developed based on the questionnaire used in our first investigation and sent electronically to all members of the Council of University Chairs of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Burnout was measured using an abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Sciences Survey. In addition to demographic data, we assessed perceived stressors, job satisfaction, spousal/partner support, self-efficacy, depression, suicidal ideation, and stress management. Results The response rate was 60% (84/139). Almost 30% of chairs were women, increased from 7.6% in 2002. Hospital and department budget deficits and loss of key faculty remain major stressors noted by participants. The Maslach Burnout Inventory results have changed dramatically over the past 15 years. Today’s chairs demonstrated less burnout but with an “ineffective” profile. Subscale scores for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were reduced but >50% reported low personal accomplishment. Spousal support remained important in preventing burnout. Conclusion Chairs of academic departments of obstetrics and gynecology continue to face significant job-related stress. Burnout has decreased; however, personal accomplishment scores have also declined most likely due to administrative factors that are beyond the chairs’ perceived control.
Pleated Surfaces and Ends of Hyperbolic Manifolds

Consider a smooth connected closed surface \(\hat{S}\) and a finite subset P = {p1,…,pm} in \(\hat{S}\) such that the punctured surface S := \(\hat{S} - P\) is of hyperbolic type. Pick a complete hyperbolic structure on S. Let V ∪ S be a finite subset. A “triangulation” T of S based at V ∪ P is a finite collection ∆ of smooth compact disjoint arcs in \(\hat{S}\) with endpoints in V Ȫ P such that (1) no two arcs are isotopic in \(\hat{S}\) (mod v ∪ P), (2) no arc is isotopic to a point in \(\hat{S}\) (mod V ∪ P); (3) this system is a maximal system of arcs with properties (1) and (2). Note that such “triangulation” does not have to be a triangulation in the usual sense. In our applications, v will be either a single vertex or an empty set. The points in V are called vertices and the points in P are called the ideal vertices of the triangulation. The edges of the triangulation are the arcs in ∆. We define the triangles of the triangulation to be metric completions of the completions of the components of S–∆. The maximality of T implies that each triangle τ has three edges and three vertices (Some of which may be ideal). The interior of each edge of τ maps bijectively to an edge of T. However, distinct edges may have equal images.
Teaching in a Multicultural Classroom

Schools across the US continue to diversify, making multicultural classrooms more of the norm than the exception. Children of color comprised 43% of the public school enrollment in 2004 (National Center for Education Statistics, 2006a). By 2020, it is estimated that students of color will make up half the student population (Weisman & Garza, 2002). The number of English language learners also continues to grow, representing 19% of public school students in 2004. This gain reflects a 162% increase in students who speak languages other than English at home over the last 25 years (National Center for Education Statistics, 2006a). While widely believed to be an issue confined to urban schools, changing demographics impact schooling across the US. In 2004, students of color made up 23.6% of the public K-12 enrollment in Kansas; in 2005, 23% of students in Minneapolis public schools were English language learners (National Center for Education Statistics, 2004–2005, 2006b). While the US will serve as the focus for this chapter, immigration continues to impact schools around the world. Canada enrolls 40,000 new immigrant students in its public schools each year; 80% do not speak English (Strum & Biette, 2005). European schools also serve students from a variety of language, cultural and religious backgrounds. For example, ∼5 million Muslims live in France (Judge, 2004). Issues around culture, identity, and patriotism recently came to a boiling point regarding the wearing of head scarves by Muslim girls in French schools. French law consequently banned pupils in public schools from wearing any conspicuous sign of religious affiliation (Judge, 2004). This example illuminates the “realness” of cultural clashes in school. Regardless of place, teachers find themselves charged with educating children from diverse backgrounds. How can teachers be responsive to this need? Examples of “multicultural” education abound:
COMPEL: A Crowdsourced Community-Building Repository for Reproducible Computer Music

The computer music field is defined by the lack of a centralized, easy-to-access, and comprehensive repository of musical content which also supports the technical infrastructure necessary for its preservation and reproduction. The following paper presents the COMPEL crowdsourced platform for sharing and archiving fully documented and reproducible computer music. COMPEL’s initial focus is on the most technologically demanding subset—the live and interactive works whose unique and complex setup presents interesting challenges to the fields of digital archiving, reproducibility, and preservation. COMPEL addresses the aforesaid problem by providing a repository capable of preserving such artifacts in a reproducible way. It leverages multiple user personas and the symbiotic community-building strategies inherent to crowdsourcing platforms. Herein we present the design, implementation, and key infra-structural affordances, as well as ways to engage in the newfound community.
Implications of DNA Methylation in Toxicology

Abstract This chapter explores the use of DNA methylation in toxicology studies with an emphasis on the modulation of DNA methylation by environmental exposures and modifiable risk factors. Epigenetic changes are a primary mechanism explaining the developmental origin of health and disease (DOHaD) and are central to toxicology due to their modulation of gene expression. Current safety paradigms do not include testing for agents that induce delayed manifestations of changes in phenotype independent of DNA mutations. This chapter surveys environmental risk factors that impact the epigenome in early life and result in effects later in life. The historical background of detecting DNA methylation is provided. Sections are devoted to discussing the topics of nutrient interactions, the impact of caloric restriction, macro- and micronutrient deficiencies, and macronutrient compositional shifts resulting in permanent changes to DNA methylation. Finally, sections are presented on how metals, organic toxicants, behavior, and stress interact with the methylome to alter gene expression and phenotype.
Direct and indirect effects of crime-related media consumption on public confidence in the police:

This study explores the potential links between crime-related media consumption and confidence in the police based on instrumental and expressive models. Drawing on data from a large sample of Sout...
Rhizosphere microbial communities reflect genotypic and trait variation in a salt marsh ecosystem engineer.

Premise There is growing recognition that intraspecific genetic variation in plants can influence associated soil microbial communities, but the functional bridges linking plant genotype with microbial community structure are not well understood. This deficit is due in part to a prevailing focus on characterizing relationships between microbial communities and functional trait variation among plant species or across plant communities, rather than within a single species. Methods We examined whether and how spatiotemporal variation in salt marsh rhizosphere microbial communities reflect plant provenance (genotypic variation) and associated trait variation within an ecosystem engineer, Spartina alterniflora. We planted S. alterniflora from four genetically distinct source populations in replicate sets of experimental plots across a shoreline in southeastern Louisiana, USA. After 2 years, we measured functional plant traits and profiled microbial communities. Results Bacterial and fungal α-diversity and richness were significantly higher in winter than in summer and corresponded to plant trait variation associated with provenance. Notably, 20% of the variation in fungal community composition was explained by trait differences while bacterial community structure did not reflect plant provenance or trait variation. However, evidence was found suggesting that bacterial communities are indirectly shaped by the influence of plant provenance on soil physicochemical properties. Conclusions This study illustrates that intraspecific genetic and corresponding trait variation in an ecosystem engineer can shape rhizosphere microbial communities, with fungal communities being more responsive than bacteria to the influence of plant provenance and associated trait variation. Our results highlight the potential relevance of plant intraspecific variation in plant-microbe-soil feedbacks shaping naturally depauperate ecosystems like salt marshes.
The Impact and Safety of an Updated Anaphylaxis Clinical Pathway in a Busy Pediatric Emergency Department

Background: The ED plays an important role in the management of anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction for which epinephrine is first line therapy. Recommended durations of observation following anaphylaxis have been widely variable, ranging anywhere from 3-4 hours to at least 24 hours. Prolonged observation periods can lead to more hospitalizations, given the nature of ED flow. Local context: A clinical pathway guiding the management of anaphylaxis in the ED was introduced at our institution in 2011. The initial version of the pathway recommended 8 hours of observation. It was …
Prior trauma-related experiences predict the development of posttraumatic stress disorder after a new traumatic event.

Background Many reports have documented the relationship between previous traumatic experiences, including childhood trauma, and the development of later life psychopathology, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Identification of individuals at greatest risk for the development of PTSD could lead to preventative interventions. The present study examined the developmental course of PTSD after trauma exposure, using histories of previous traumatic experiences and the severity of the reaction to the trauma as predictors. Methods Participants (N = 713) were recruited from Emergency Departments in Miami and Atlanta immediately following a traumatic experience. Histories of previous traumatic experiences and the immediate reaction to the new trauma were examined at baseline. Follow-up assessments of PTSD severity were conducted at 1, 3, and 6 months. Results Histories of child abuse and pre-existing trauma symptoms predicted the immediate response to stress (R2 = .21, p 0.86). Conclusions The current findings suggest that previous traumatic experiences lead to a greater immediate reaction to trauma and combine to predict the development of PTSD, the maintenance of which is not moderated by these earlier experiences. The identification of people likely to develop PTSD may be aided by the assessment of prior experiences and immediate reactions.
Abstract 3657: Analysis of the regulation of PD-L1 expression and methyl transferases levels following inhibition of histone deacetylases in cancer cells

Epigenetic alterations are known to play important roles in cancer initiation and progression. Therefore, deregulation of epigenetic modifications is considered as a hallmark of cancer; therefore many components of this process are being explored as therapeutic targets. PD-L1 is expressed in most cancer cells, which confers aggressive growth ability and allows the cancers to escape from the immune system of the body. The effects of PD-L1 are mediated through PD-1, also known as CD279, which is normally expressed on the surface of lymphoid and non-lymphoid derived cells. The binding of PD-L1 to the PD-1 receptor mediates immune checkpoint inhibition to regulate T-cell responses. When we analyzed the levels of PD-L1, the expression was high in HCC827 cells, followed by H460, H1975, H226, SJSA1, and U87MG cells. Treatment of HCC827 cells with SAHA, which is a broad-spectrum HDAC inhibitor, was able to reduce the PD-L1 levels in time and dose dependent manner in HCC827. Also, the PD-L1 levels were found to be negatively correlated to the p21 expression following HDAC inhibition. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed significant decreases in the levels of methyltransferase enzymes such as DNMT3A, DNMT3B, PRMT1, SUV39H1, KAT6B, NSD1, SETD1B, and WHSC1. Analysis of the protein levels also confirmed significant reductions following treatment with SAHA. While decreasing the levels of the methyltransferases, SAHA treatment was able to increase the levels of acetylated forms of H2B, H3, and H4. Since acetylation mediated unwinding of the DNA is generally responsible for the increased expression of various genes, it is interesting to see a concomitant reduction in the levels of some of the crucial methyltransferases that are known to produce inhibitory effects. It is suspected that the decrease in the PD-L1, PRMT1, SUV39H1, and DNMT3A levels following HDAC inhibition may be mainly due to reduced transcription. However, it is not clear whether p21 has any negative control on the transcription of the affected genes. Additional studies are required to fully understand the actual mechanisms that may be involved in the regulation of PD-L1 and methyltransferases expression by HDAC inhibitors. (This research was supported by the Royal Dames of Cancer Research Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Florida). Citation Format: Umamaheswari Natarajan, Thiagarajan Venkatesan, Theodore L. Mathuram, Jayanta K. Das, Appu Rathinavelu. Analysis of the regulation of PD-L1 expression and methyl transferases levels following inhibition of histone deacetylases in cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 3657.
Tolerability and Safety of High-Flow Nasal Therapy in Patients Hospitalized with an Exacerbation of COPD.

Background The effect of high-flow nasal therapy (HFNT) in individuals with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypercapnia is not well studied. We assessed patient tolerance and impact of air-gas therapy delivered by humidified HFNT (20-35 L/min) on gas exchange in hypercapnic COPD patients during hospitalization for COPD exacerbation. We hypothesized that HFNT use would be safe and well tolerated in individuals hospitalized for COPD exacerbation regardless of the degree of hypercapnia. Methods Patients hospitalized for a COPD exacerbation were included if they were hypercapnic (arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide [PaCO2] > 45 mmHg), ≥ 10 pack-year history, and agreed to treatment with HFNT, along with daily arterial blood gas (ABG) samples and bedside spirometry. They were placed on a HFNT system following admission for at least 3 days with an air-gas blend to maintain a flow rate between 20-35 L/min and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) titrated to keep oxygen saturation (SaO2) values > 90%. Patient tolerance of HFNT and evidence of clinical deterioration as defined by worsening hypoxia or hypercapnia was the primary endpoint. Results Ten consecutive patients participated in the study. The patients had frequent prior exacerbations, were hypercapnic, dyspneic, and gas trapped. Participants received an air-gas flow rate (median [interquartile range (IQR)] 25 (IQR 20-30) L/min and FiO2 of 30 (IQR 30-30) %. There was no increase in PaCO2- levels (p = 0.26) or dyspnea (Borg scale, p= 0.52) while using HFNT. No patient discontinued HFNT, had further decompensation, required non-invasive ventilation or intubation during the study period. Conclusion In a pilot study, patients experiencing a severe COPD exacerbation were able to tolerate continuous HFNT safely regardless of degree of hypercapnia.
Long-Range Origins of Electrodeposition Instability in Solid Electrolytes

Transport in solid electrolytes is rather poorly understood as compared to their liquid counterparts, especially in the context of metal anodes in lithium batteries. In liquid electrolytes, at high currents local ionic concentration drops to zero and demarcates the onset of irregular electrodeposition. However, electrodeposition in solid electrolytes is more complicated given the simultaneous presence of mechanical effects. In this work, we present the mechanisms of solid electrolyte transport and why irregular growth is still possible in considerably stiff electrolytes. Based on these considerations, we present the fundamental origins of electrodeposition instability in solid electrolytes including a definition of a critical current density descriptor.
Use of computer vision for analysis of image datasets from high temperature plasma experiments

Great strides have been made in improving the quality of x-ray radiographs in high energy density plasma experiments, enabled in part by innovations in engineering and manufacturing of integrated circuits and materials. As a consequence, the radiographs of today are filled with a great deal of detail, but few of these features are extracted in a systematic way. Analysis techniques familiar to plasma physicists tend toward brittle 1D lineout or Fourier transform type analyses. The techniques applied to process our data have not kept pace with improvements in the quality of our data. Fortunately, the field of computer vision has a wealth of tools to offer, which have been widely used in industrial imaging and, more recently, adopted in biological imaging. We demonstrate the application of computer vision techniques to the analysis of x-ray radiographs from high energy density plasma experiments, as well as give a brief tutorial on the computer vision techniques themselves. These tools robustly extract 2D contours of shocks, boundaries of inhomogeneities, and secondary flows, thereby allowing for increased automation of analysis, as well as direct and quantitative comparisons with simulations.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate and Corticotropin in Autonomous Cortisol Secretion.

Autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) affects up to 50% of patients with adrenal adenomas. Despite the limited evidence, clinical guidelines recommend measurement of serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) and corticotropin (ACTH) to aid in the diagnosis of ACS. Our objective was to determine the accuracy of serum concentrations of DHEA-S and ACTH in diagnosing ACS. We conducted a retrospective single center study of adults with adrenal adenoma evaluated between 2000−2020. Main outcome measure was diagnostic accuracy of DHEA-S and ACTH. ACS was defined as post-dexamethasone cortisol >1.8 mcg/dL. Of 468 patients, ACS was diagnosed in 256 (55%) patients with a median post-DST cortisol of 3.45 mcg/dL (range, 1.9–32.7). Patients with ACS demonstrated lower serum concentrations of DHEA-S (35 vs. 87.3 mcg/dL, p < 0.0001) and ACTH (8.3 vs. 16 pg/mL, p < 0.0001) compared to patients with non-functioning adrenal tumors (NFAT). Serum DHEA-S concentration <40 mcg/dL diagnosed ACS with 84% specificity and 81% PPV, while serum ACTH concentration <10 pg/mL diagnosed ACS with 75% specificity and 78% PPV. The combination of serum concentrations of DHEA-S <40 mcg/dL and ACTH <10 pg/mL diagnosed ACS with the highest accuracy with 92% specificity and 87% PPV. Serum concentrations of DHEA-S and ACTH provide additional value in diagnosing ACS.
Zinc Blende MnTe as Efficient Confinement Layers in ZnTe and CdTe Single-Quantum Well Structures

The synthesis of wide-gap cubic zinc blende MnTe was recently realized and led to a range of optical studies on single-quantum wells of ZnTe/MnTe and CdTe/MnTe with strong electron-hole confinement. This leads to the possibility of studying exciton-longitudinal optical (LO) phonon coupling in designed structures.
Psychic Fax on Vibrate, Received on Phantom Limbo

iii Title 1 I. A cloud of observations about language and art 2 II. To linger on the vessel 5 III. Words as things 12 Bibliography 16 List of images 17 Vita 18
A TUTORIAL ON GENERALIZED LINEAR MODELS

Situations in which the observations are not normally distributed arise frequently in the quality engineering field. The standard approach to the analysis of such responses is to transform the response into a new quantity that behaves more like a normal..
American Risk and Insurance Association (ARIA)

This article has no abstract. Keywords: academics; research; teaching; education; risk management; insurance; journals; adverse selection; social insurance; moral hazard; employee benefits
Prevalence, Trends, and Patterns of Use of Antidiabetic Medications Among Pregnant Women, 2001-2007

Objective To describe the prevalence, trends, and patterns in use of antidiabetic medications to treat hyperglycemia and insulin resistance prior to and during pregnancy in a large U.S. cohort of insured pregnant women.
Isolation and nucleotide sequence of the chloroperoxidase gene from Caldariomyces fumago.

Abstract The chloroperoxidase gene from the filamentous fungus Caldariomyces fumago has been isolated within a 16.3-kilobase insert in the vector lambda EMBL3. The DNA sequence of the gene and its immediate flanking regions has been determined, and the start site of transcription has been mapped by primer extension.
An automated sleep-state classification algorithm for quantifying sleep timing and sleep-dependent dynamics of electroencephalographic and cerebral metabolic parameters

Rodent sleep research uses electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) to determine the sleep state of an animal at any given time. EEG and EMG signals, typically sampled at >100 Hz, are segmented arbitrarily into epochs of equal duration (usually 2-10 seconds), and each epoch is scored as wake, slow-wave sleep (SWS), or rapid-eye-movement sleep (REMS), on the basis of visual inspection. Automated state scoring can minimize the burden associated with state and thereby facilitate the use of shorter epoch durations.We developed a semiautomated state-scoring procedure that uses a combination of principal component analysis and naive Bayes classification, with the EEG and EMG as inputs. We validated this algorithm against human-scored sleep-state scoring of data from C57BL/6J and BALB/CJ mice. We then applied a general homeostatic model to characterize the state-dependent dynamics of sleep slow-wave activity and cerebral glycolytic flux, measured as lactate concentration.More than 89% of epochs scored as wake or SWS by the human were scored as the same state by the machine, whether scoring in 2-second or 10-second epochs. The majority of epochs scored as REMS by the human were also scored as REMS by the machine. However, of epochs scored as REMS by the human, more than 10% were scored as SWS by the machine and 18 (10-second epochs) to 28% (2-second epochs) were scored as wake. These biases were not strain-specific, as strain differences in sleep-state timing relative to the light/dark cycle, EEG power spectral profiles, and the homeostatic dynamics of both slow waves and lactate were detected equally effectively with the automated method or the manual scoring method. Error associated with mathematical modeling of temporal dynamics of both EEG slow-wave activity and cerebral lactate either did not differ significantly when state scoring was done with automated versus visual scoring, or was reduced with automated state scoring relative to manual classification.Machine scoring is as effective as human scoring in detecting experimental effects in rodent sleep studies. Automated scoring is an efficient alternative to visual inspection in studies of strain differences in sleep and the temporal dynamics of sleep-related physiological parameters.
Mechanisms for activation and antagonism of an AMPA-sensitive glutamate receptor: crystal structures of the GluR2 ligand binding core.

Abstract Crystal structures of the GluR2 ligand binding core (S1S2) have been determined in the apo state and in the presence of the antagonist DNQX, the partial agonist kainate, and the full agonists AMPA and glutamate. The domains of the S1S2 ligand binding core are expanded in the apo state and contract upon ligand binding with the extent of domain separation decreasing in the order of apo > DNQX > kainate > glutamate ≅ AMPA. These results suggest that agonist-induced domain closure gates the transmembrane channel and the extent of receptor activation depends upon the degree of domain closure. AMPA and glutamate also promote a 180° flip of a trans peptide bond in the ligand binding site. The crystal packing of the ligand binding cores suggests modes for subunit–subunit contact in the intact receptor and mechanisms by which allosteric effectors modulate receptor activity.
Empowerment psychotherapy with adolescent females of color.

We present an empowerment model that fosters strengths and promotes positive identity development among adolescent females of color. Race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status are integrated in an African American context. A case study illustrates a strength-based approach to conceptualizing and treating a young, Black adolescent female in her cultural context. We conclude with clinical implications for using an empowerment-based approach in psychotherapy with culturally diverse adolescent females. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol/In Session.
A shock tube study of iso-octane ignition at elevated pressures: The influence of diluent gases

The ignition of iso-octane/air and iso-octane/O{sub 2}/Ar ({proportional_to}20% O{sub 2}) mixtures was studied in a shock tube at temperatures of 868-1300 K, pressures of 7-58 atm, and equivalence ratios {phi}=1.0, 0.5, and 0.25. Ignition times were determined using endwall OH* emission and sidewall piezoelectric pressure measurements. Measured iso-octane/air ignition times agreed well with the previously published results. Mixtures with argon as the diluent exhibited ignition times 20% shorter, for most conditions, than those with nitrogen as the diluent (iso-octane/air mixtures). The difference in measured ignition times for mixtures containing argon and nitrogen as the diluent gas can be attributed to the differing heat capacities of the two diluent species and the level of induction period heat release prior to ignition. Kinetic model predictions of ignition time from three mechanisms are compared to the experimental data. The mechanisms overpredict the ignition times but accurately capture the influence of diluent gas on iso-octane ignition time, indicating that the mechanisms predict an appropriate amount of induction period heat release. (author)
Pluton emplacement processes and tectonic setting of the 1.42 Ga Signal batholith, SW USA: important role of crustal anisotropy during regional shortening

Abstract Plutons in the 1.42 Ga Signal batholith provide an important case study for understanding the regional tectonic setting of Mesoproterozoic magmatism in the south-western United States and processes of emplacement for plutons far from active plate margins. Mesoproterozoic plutons in the Signal batholith were emplaced at ∼3 kbar and have a well-developed magmatic fabric which is subparallel to variably oriented Paleoproterozoic country rock foliations and shear zones, indicating that pluton emplacement was strongly influenced by crustal anisotropy. Solid-state deformation of Mesoproterozoic granites is best developed in shallowly dipping roof domains (40–60°), whereas in steep to vertical fabric domains, granites are generally undeformed and locally cross-cut older fabrics. This suggests that roof domains remained hotter and experienced greater thermal softening and subsequent deformation. Structural and kinematic study of three separate plutons in the Signal batholith indicate that pluton emplacement occurred in a regional contractional strain field, although local complexities suggest possible stress-field modification by pluton-related stresses. Evidence to support regional contractional strain during emplacement includes: (1) consistent dyke orientations throughout the batholith indicating a NNE extension and SE-NW shortening; (2) magmatic to solid-state fabric transition in thrust-sense deformation along the 40–60° dipping south-east margin of the Signal granite, including melt-filled shear zones and asymmetric K-feldspar porphyroclasts; and (3) syn-tectonic textures in contact metamorphic andalusite prophyroblasts. Regional variation in shortening direction from SE-NW to ∼NS during batholith emplacement may be related to pluton-emplacement stresses locally dominating over the relatively low deviatoric stresses of regional deformation. The main controlling factor for the geometry of pluton emplacement in the Signal batholith was Paleoproterozoic foliations and shear zones, which provided conduits for movement of magma into the middle crust. The flow of magma parallel to older structures may have been accommodated by a reduction in effective normal stresses by magma pressure and separation along the structural anisotropies. This model for anisotropy-influenced emplacement during weak regional contraction may be applicable to other ∼1.4 Ga plutons across SW Laurentia.
Effect of non-specificity in shape, size, and dielectric properties on electromagnetic extinction and optical field enhancement from spherical nanolayered metal-dielectric particles

Metal-dielectric composite nanospheres can amplify the scattering, emission, and absorption signature of molecules in their vicinity. Their ability to redistribute electromagnetic fields and produce pockets of greatly amplified fields is the dominant cause in achieving enhancement effects, for example, for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Extensive use of the field amplification has been made in devising ultrasensitive tag (label)–based spectroscopic techniques. For example, we have recently proposed nano-layered alternating metal-dielectric particles (nano-LAMP)—a symmetric implementation of which is a nanoparticle consisting of alternating metal and dielectric shells. Exceptional spatial and spectral control on amplification can be achieved by designing the size and location of metal and dielectric layers in this geometry. Theoretical understanding exists and an engineering optimization approach can be adapted to design a palette of probes exploiting this control and tunability. However, current fabrication techniques are limited in their ability to achieve the required specificity in the spherical configurations. Hence, we investigate here the effects of variability, introduced by fabrication approaches into the structure of nano-LAMPs, on their spectroscopic signature. In particular, theoretical results are presented for the effects on enhancement due to variability in size, shape, and dielectric environment in the cases of gold–silica, silver–silica, and copper–silica nano-LAMPs. The results obtained show that the shape and dielectric properties of the metal shell play a crucial role in experimentally realizing the specificity of the magnitude of the enhancement and determine the key parameters to control and test in experimental validations.
Advanced Light Trapping of High-Efficiency Thin Film Silicon Solar Cells

Kaneka has been proposing and developing the "advanced super-light trapping (ASLT)" structure for thin film silicon solar cells, which incorporates tailored light confinement structures in tandem thin film silicon solar cells to selectively enhance light trapping in top and bottom subcells. In this paper, we present the results of the development of intermediate reflectors with very low refractive index and the design and implementation of nanoimprinted substrates. We demonstrate that significant current gains are possible by reducing the refractive index of the interlayer beyond state-of-the-art values. In addition, we show that the transparent conductive oxide angular scattering properties correlate with the solar cell performance in the infrared part of the spectrum.
Heat conduction in laminated anisotropic composites with a debonding

Abstract The plane problem of steady-state heat conduction in a laminated anisotropic slab containing an interfacial debonding is considered. The arbitrary temperature distribution is assumed to be prescribed on the bounding planes of the slab while the heat flux is specified on the debonding surfaces. The flexibility matrix approach is introduced to formulate the current mixed boundary value problem for the multilayered medium. A singular integral equation of the first kind is then obtained for the problem. As an illustrative example, temperature distributions in a laminated slab resulting from a uniform temperature rise on the bounding planes and the completely insulated debonding surfaces are presented. Temperature discontinuities across the debonding surfaces are obtained as functions of the ratio of thermal conductivity coefficients, the direction of anisotropy, and the debonding locations.
Multilocus isoenzyme diversity among strains of Pseudomonas cepacia isolated from decayed onions, soils, and clinical sources

Summary A collection of 59 strains of Pseudomonas cepacia , isolated from a variety of clinical sources, from decayed onions, and from soils were characterized by multilocus isoenzyme electrophoresis and by pathogenic ability on onion. Fifty-three of the strains were found to be electrophoretically unique accessions ( D T = 0.981). An overall estimate of genetic diversity, H T , of 0.620 was calculated, which is consistent with other published reports of diversity for the species. Less than two percent of the observed genetic diversity could be attributed to differences between clinical and environmental subpopulations, less than one percent to differences between phytopathogenic and nonphytopathogenic strains. Phytopathogens were absent from the clinical subpopulation. The extreme levels of observed within-group diversity combined with the behavioral differences between clinical and phytopathogenic strains suggest that isoenzymes are sufficient to function as strain identifiers, and that the present species concept of P. cepacia is too broad.
Pinhole array implementation of star test polarimetry

Star Test Polarimetry is a method of inferring polarization information in a single irradiance measurement from the shape of a point spread function [1]. We present the optical design of an image sampling polarimeter that utilizes a stress engineered optical element to image the polarization states of scattered light collected by a lens across a given field. In our scheme, an intermediate image is sampled by a pinhole array and a relay system projects the polarization dependent point spread functions to a CCD. In this way, we show polarization mapping of a sample using a single irradiance image.
Influence of Rare Earth (Gd3+) on Structural, Gigahertz Dielectric and Magnetic Studies of Cobalt ferrite

A series of Gd3+ doped nanocrystalline Co-ferrites CoGdxFe2-xO4 (x = 0.0 to 0.1) has been prepared by sol-gel auto combustion technique. Structural and morphology studies were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Indexed XRD patterns confirm the formation of pure cubic spinel phase. Average crystallite sizes ranges from 16 nm to 25 nm ±2, were calculated from Sherrer's formula and Williamson Hall plots. Crystal strain increases with increase in doping amount of trivalent Gd ion. Lattice constant (a) and crystallite size D (311) increases with increase in Gd3+ concentration due to large ionic radii (0.94nm) of Gd3+ replacing Fe3+ (0.64nm). SEM images show the spherical morphology and uniform size distribution. Room temperature DC electrical resistivity decreases (~106) for x=0.025 then increases up to x=0.1 ~ (4.5×107). Dielectric properties have been studied using RF Impedance/material analyzer in the frequency range of 1 MHz to 1GHz. All the studied samples show a semi-conducting behavior as Permittivity and tangent loss (tanδ) decreases with the substitution of Gd3+ in parent crystal structure and have values of 4.92 and 0.016 at 1 GHz respectively. Complex impedance and Complex electric modulus plots were further studied for complete contribution of grains and grain boundary resistances to conduction and resonance frequencies respectively. Magnetic studies by Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) shows that magnetization (Ms) decreases with increase in Gd3+ concentration from 63 emu/gm to 27.26 emu/gm. Coercivity (Hc) first decreases for x=0.025, after which it increases to 2308 Oe for x=0.1.
Differentiation of cartilaginous anlagen in entire embryonic mouse limbs cultured in a rotating bioreactor.

Abstract Mechanisms involved in development of the embryonic limb have remained the same throughout eons of genetic and environmental evolution under Earth gravity (lg). During the spaceflight era it has been of interest to explore the ancient theory that form of the skeleton develops in response to gravity, and that changes in gravitational forces can change the developmental pattern of the limb. This has been shown in vivo and in vitro , allowing the hypergravity of centrifugation and microgravity of space to be used as tools to increase our knowledge of limb development. In recapitulations of spaceflight experiments, premetatarsals were cultured in suspension in a bioreactor, and found to be shorter and less differentiated than those cultured in standard culture dishes. This study only measured length of the metatarsals, and did not account for possible changes due to the skeletal elements having a more in vivo 3D shape while in suspension vs. flattened tissues compressed by their own weight. A culture system with an outcome closer to in vivo and that supports growth of younger limb buds than traditional systems will allow studies of early Hox gene expression, and contribute to the understanding of very early stages of development. The purpose of the current experiment was to determine if entire limb buds could be cultured in the bioreactor, and to compare the growth and differentiation with that of culturing in a culture dish system. Fore and hind limbs from E11–E13 ICR mouse embryos were cultured for six days, either in the bioreactor or in center-well organ culture dishes, fixed, and embedded for histology. E13 specimens grown in culture dishes were flat, while bioreactor culture specimens had a more in vivo -like 3D limb shape. Sections showed excellent cartilage differentiation in both culture systems, with more cell maturation, and hypertrophy in the specimens cultured in the bioreactor. Younger limb buds fused together during culture, so an additional set of El 1.5 limb buds was cultured with and without encapsulation in alginate prior to culturing in the bioreactor. Encapsulated limbs grown in the bioreactor did not fuse together, but developed only the more proximal elements while limbs grown in culture dishes formed proximal and distal elements. Alginate encapsulation may have reduced oxygenation to the progress zone of the developing limb bud resulting in lack of development of the more distal elements. These results show that the bioreactor supports growth and differentiation of skeletal elements in entire E13 limb buds, and that a method to culture younger limb buds without fusing together needs to be developed if any morphometric analysis is to be performed.
P361 Neurocognitive testing in children with and without OSA

needed supraglottoplasty since they progressed with pectus excavatum, and with weight and height deficit. When comparing the three groups in relation to the polysomnographic findings, the group with laryngomalacia was similar to the group of control infants and different from the infant apnea group regarding central apnea index (p = 0.001) and obstructive apnea index (p = 0.008). The laryngomalacia group was similar to the group with infant apnea and different from control subjects concerning desaturation and bradycardia events (p = 0.012) and SaO2 nadir (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that polysomnography was not relevant as a tool to evaluate infants with laryngomalacia. Based on our findings it was not possible to speculate that central nervous system immaturity is a factor involved in the ethiopathogeny of laryngomalacia.
Mixing at the Charged Interface of a Polymer Semiconductor and a Polyelectrolyte Dielectric

Electrolytes dissolved in ion conducting polymers are finding applications as dielectric materials with very high capacitance for electronic devices, particularly organic thin film transistors. A k...
Monte Carlo generation of SB and SU distributions

Abstract Generating random variables from specific bounded or unbounded distributions is a problem frequently encountered in Monte Carlo studies. Of particular interest is that of transforming variables from a standard normal distribution to a given Johnson's S B or S U distribution with specified (γ, δ) parameters. We use a composite standard normal generator N (0,1) to generate Johnson's S B or S U distributions with (γ, δ) parameters. Goodness-of-fit tests and graphical illustrations demonstrate the adequacy of the empirical distributions.
Constitutive modeling of unsaturated soil behavior under axisymmetric stress states using a stress/suction-controlled cubical test cell

Abstract Two elasto-plastic critical state-based formulations for modeling the constitutive behavior of an unsaturated soil are presented and briefly discussed. Computational constitutive drivers were implemented to allow for the numerical simulation of suction-controlled conventional triaxial tests. Simulations were obtained from explicit and implicit integration techniques. The algorithms support numerical analyses in a deviatoric stress plane by using a mixed control constitutive driver in conjunction with a generalized cam-clay model, within a constant-suction scheme. The results from a series of suction-controlled conventional triaxial tests conducted on several identically prepared, 10-cm side, cubical specimens of compacted silty sand, using a recently developed stress/suction-controlled cubical testing device, were used for validation of the models and the enhanced features proposed in the present work. Matric suction states in the specimens were induced and maintained constant during testing by using the axis-translation technique.
Arrhythmogenic potential of positive inotropic agents.

The clinical use of positive inotropic agents has been associated with increased mortality, with proarrhythmia speculated to be a contributing factor. This study compares the arrhythmogenic potential of six positive inotropic agents representing different mechanistic classes: the β-adrenergic agonist dobutamine, the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin, the phosphodiesterase-III inhibitor milrinone, the cardiac glycoside ouabain, and the sodium channel agonists DPI 201-106 and BDF 9148. These agents were studied in dogs with anterior myocardial infarction using lower and higher dose i. v. regimens targeted to elicit 20–40% and 70–90% increases in LV+dP/dt, respectively. Precipitation of new ventricular arrhythmia by programmed ventricular stimulation was observed in all treatment groups. Incidences of new arrhythmia were comparable in the lower dose regimens, ranging from 16.7% (3/18 animals with BDF 9148) to 31.6% (6/19 animals with DPI 201-106), and in the higher dose regimens, ranging from 10.0% (1/10 animals with milrinone) to 27.7% (5/18 animals with DPI 201-106). The overall incidence of new ventricular arrhythmia ranged from 27.3% (3/11 animals with ouabain) to 47.4% (9/19 animals with DPI 201-106). No differences were observed in underlying infarct size or time from infarction to electrophysiologic study between subgroups of animals in which new arrhythmias were precipitated vs. those remaining non-responsive in any treatment group. The positive inotropic agents tested displayed diverse total group effects on heart rate, electrocardiographic intervals including QTc and ventricular refractoriness. Within individual treatment comparisons revealed a general but not universal pattern of greater ventricular refractory period values in newly inducible vs. non-inducible subgroups in the DPI 201-106, BDF 9148 and ouabain (low and high dose); milrinone and dobutamine (high dose) treatment groups. These findings indicate that regardless of underlying cellular mechanisms of action, the six positive inotropic agents tested all displayed comparable proarrhythmic potentials unrelated to underlying infarct size and time from infarction. This observation suggests the general shared property of increased myocardial contractility, potentially adversely affecting myocardial oxygen balance, myocardial perfusion and electrical stability in the setting of previous myocardial infarction, to be a common underlying cause for arrhythmogenesis. Additionally, alterations in ventricular refractoriness and repolarization may contribute significantly to proarrhythmia with some positive inotropic interventions.
Hospital employment of nursing personnel. Has there really been a decline

There was a steady increase in the number of hours worked by nursing personnel in California hospitals from 1977 through 1996, mostly due to an increase in the number of hours worked by registered nurses (RNs). The hours worked by nursing personnel and RNs per case-mix adjusted discharge and per adj