cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust neural network for wavefront reconstruction using Zernike coefficients

Accurately measuring optical aberrations is an important process for several eyecare tasks. Managing the individual variations found in human eyes plays a large role in properly defining these aberrations. A common method to measure optical aberrations uses sensors to locally capture the gradients across a grid of points. This data is used to reconstruct the wavefront resulting from light passing through the eye. In using this method of measurement, typical individual variations such as scarring or eyelashes can lead to shortcomings in the data. These shortcomings can manifest as noise or even areas of entirely missing data. The use of ANN (artificial neural networks) is one way to minimize the effects of these unpredictable deviations. In this work, ANN’s were used to determine higher order Zernike coefficients based on coordinates and gradients of the wavefront at those locations. To accomplish this, different ANN architectures were evaluated using sets of ideal inputs to establish the best performing baseline model. This baseline model was then compared with models that were trained under varying conditions created by incorporating deviations from ideal samples. By training neural networks using variable quality data, models can be created to reconstruct wavefronts and account for these conditions. This in turn, can lead to useful applications when measuring for aberrations resulting from the eye.
The Design and Development of a Magic-based Teaching Method in Facilitating Creative Design Thinking

This design case introduces a design and development process of using magic performance as a method to facilitate students’ creative design thinking in user-centered design. Magic performance is used not only as a creativity stimulus for facilitating design flexibility but also as a guiding tool for facilitating the design process. Specifically, three design iterations are presented along with design challenges, design solutions, and a discussion of student experiences. A goal of this design case is to inspire other designers to develop similar interventions based on unexplored but meaningful activities, such as magic performance.
Trust Assessment for Electronic Components using Laser and Emission-based Microscopy

The root-of-trust in mission-critical systems originates with hardware. Evaluating each component for trust prior to installation is essential for modern electronic systems. We propose laser and emission-based microscopy to non-destructively assess integrated circuits with high confidence. We demonstrate this approach on a 28 nm device.
Concurrent breast adenoid cystic carcinoma and primary squamous cell carcinoma: report of a rare case with single institutional case reviews

Adenoid cystic carcinoma and primary squamous cell carcinoma are both rare breast neoplasms, which possess drastically different morphological and molecular features as well as distinguishing clinical behaviors and prognosis. In this report, we described a rare case in which concurrent adenoid cystic carcinoma and keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma were diagnosed in contralateral breasts in an 85 year-old female patient. The patient had a history of adenoid cystic carcinoma diagnosed 11 years ago, which was treated by partial mastectomy followed by whole breast radiation. The recurrent carcinoma on the same side of the breast was small in size but appeared to involve an intraductal papilloma. Also, a newly occurred large cystic mass was identified on the contralateral breast, which histologically presented as a keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma with no glandular differentiation. No in situ or invasive carcinoma was identified in the overlying skin of the lesion, and no malignancy in a second site was found by PET-CT. Therefore, this lesion was mostly likely a primary squamous cell carcinoma of the breast. The concurrence of two such rare neoplasms was likely an incidental finding or was therapy-related. However, more mechanistic studies are needed in order to understand whether predisposing genetic alterations exist in this rare case. Besides, cases of both breast adenoid cystic carcinoma and carcinoma with predominant squamous differentiation diagnosed in our institution were reviewed, which help to better characterize their clinicopathological features.
Serial encounters: Ulysses and the little review: by Clare Hutton, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2019, 288 pages, $85.00 (hardcover), ISBN:9780198744078

Joycean Studies has come some way towards acknowledging the women responsible for publishing the original serial and book publication of Ulysses. Margaret Anderson and Jane Heap as editors of The L...
Charge-Transfer Devices

Shift registers of simple form have been known since the days of vacuum tube circuits. Bipolar and MOS transistor versions of static and dynamic registers using discrete components followed in due course. The concept of a shift register involves the passage of charge along a line of capacitors by the sequential switching of transistors in response to clock pulses. This class of circuit has acquired the name bucket brigade since the action is reminiscent of the transfer of water buckets down a line of people. In 1970 integrated versions of these circuits were shown to be practical for delay and other applications. A MOS FET version of an integrated bucket-brigade circuit is shown in Fig. 10.1(a). The storage regions are p islands in the n substrate and the metal gates are offset. When the gates are negatively pulsed, conducting channels are created that link adjacent p-storage regions. The storage condition (V 1=V 2) is shown in Fig. 10.1(b) and the transfer condition (V 2 more negative than V 1) during which time positive charge flows from well 1 to well 2 is shown in Fig. 10.1(c). The equivalent circuit, considered as discrete components, is given in Fig. 10.1(d) and consists of a line of p-channel MOS FETs with the storage capacitors between the gates and drains.
Servant Leadership and Spirituality Among Undergraduate and Graduate Nursing Students.

Nursing students represent the future of nursing. In today’s increasingly complex health care environment nurse leaders must develop a distinct leadership style based on methodologically sound research to shape tomorrow’s clinical practice. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between spirituality and servant leadership characteristics in undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Although the relationship between these two concepts has been studied in the workplace, less is known about the links of servant leadership and spirituality among nursing students. Data from 66 student participants were analyzed using the Servant Leadership and Spirituality Scales. The results indicated nursing students had relatively high levels of spirituality and servant leadership. A significant positive association was found between overall servant leadership and spirituality scores. Servant leadership characteristics increased from Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program students, but then decreased among the doctoral students. A decline in servant leadership was also demonstrated in nurses in practice greater than 10 years. Spirituality scores declined slightly in nurses’ early years of practice, then rebounded and continued to progress with increased years of practice. The authors concluded that students that select nursing as a professional career may inherently possess characteristics of servant leadership and spirituality.
Towards a characterization of convergent sequences of $P_n$-line graphs

Let $H$ and $G$ be graphs such that $H$ has at least 3 vertices and is connected. The $H$-line graph of $G$, denoted by $HL(G)$, is that graph whose vertices are the edges of $G$ and where two vertices of $HL(G)$ are adjacent if they are adjacent in $G$ and lie in a common copy of $H$. For each nonnegative integer $k$, let $HL^{k}(G)$ denote the $k$-th iteration of the $H$-line graph of $G$. We say that the sequence $\{ HL^k(G) \}$ converges if there exists a positive integer $N$ such that $HL^k(G) \cong HL^{k+1}(G)$, and for $n \geq 3$ we set $\Lambda_n$ as the set of all graphs $G$ whose sequence $\{HL^k(G) \}$ converges when $H\cong P_n$. The sets $\Lambda_3, \Lambda_4$ and $\Lambda_5$ have been characterized. To progress towards the characterization of $\Lambda_n$ in general, this paper defines and studies the following property: a graph $G$ is minimally $n$-convergent if $G\in \Lambda_n$ but no proper subgraph of $G$ is in $\Lambda_n$. In addition, prove conditions that imply divergence, and use these results to develop some of the properties of minimally $n$-convergent graphs.
Seeking Efficiency or Price Gouging? Evidence from Pharmaceutical Mergers

We show that pharmaceutical mergers are a response to competitive pressure. Firms whose drugs face more competition tend to become acquirers and these acquirers pursue firms whose drugs hold strong competitive positions in their product spaces. However, we find no evidence of greater post-merger price increases of merging firms’ drugs as compared to a control group. Rather, we find robust support for the efficiency perspective of mergers. Firms with a high product overlap are more likely to merge and mergers are followed by a decline in prices of drugs that are similar across the acquirer and target portfolios.
Chorus Element Properties: Statistics From Automated Chorus Detection

To efficiently analyze the enormous volume of wave data returned from the Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite and Integrated Science (EMFISIS) investigation [1] on NASA’s Van Allen Probes, we have been developing automated methods to identify important characteristics of waves in the inner magnetosphere of the Earth. We use new types of combinations signal processing methods to implement autonomous algorithms that can analyze EMFISIS waveform observations to locate and identify the characteristics of individual chorus elements. Specifically, the techniques allow the determination of each individual chorus element and their dependence time and frequency. With this characterization, we can derive the frequency/time sweep rate of chorus elements for large numbers of events with no need for manual identification of the individual elements. This methodology enables statistical analysis of the properties of large numbers of individual chorus elements. Prior to this technique, chorus elements studies have been limited small numbers identified and analyzed by hand. We present an outline of the automated detection algorithm, showing its current level of development (see [2] for the an previous version) and also present results of a small statistical study which compares chorus power in individual elements to band averages that don’t identify specific elements to show that band averages that have been used in the past can be misleading as to the power in the elements themselves.
Fuzzy XML Reasoning

XML has been the de-facto standard of information representation and exchange over the web. However, the real world is filled with imprecision and uncertainty. This creates a new set of data management requirements involving XML with imprecision and uncertainty, such as the need to reason on and query fuzzy XML documents and structures. Reasoning on XML with imprecision and uncertainty would help to check whether a fuzzy XML document conforms to a given document structure or two fuzzy XML documents are compatible, improve the precision and efficiency of query processing, etc. In particular, among several ways to approach knowledge representation and reasoning, Description Logics and ontologies are gaining privileged places in recent years. Therefore, in this chapter, we introduce how to reason on fuzzy XML with the knowledge representation formalisms fuzzy Description Logics and fuzzy ontologies.
Antibody production by strain 2 and strain 13 guinea pigs: I. Use of a monomeric guinea pig albumin carrier to demonstrate immune response gene control

Abstract Homogeneous albumin has been isolated from the serum of strain 13 guinea pigs. The 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) conjugate of this albumin (DNP 9 guinea pig albumin) can be used even at high doses (100 μg) to distinguish easily the nonresponder strain 2 guinea pigs from the responder strain 13 animals. This observation modifies the previous conclusion that clear-cut discrimination of responders and nonresponders requires the use of low doses (i.e., 1 μg) of such a hapten-protein conjugate. Since albumin polymers as well as additional protein contaminants comprise a large proportion of some commercial albumin preparations, these ancillary molecules appear to be responsible for the previous suggestion that protein carriers differed from synthetic peptides in that low immunizing doses were required to distinguish responder from nonresponder animals. That responsiveness in nonresponders can be increased by inclusion of polymeric forms of the antigen in the immunizing mixture raises the possibility that those cells which “process” antigens may play a major role in immune response (Ir) gene control.
Collective flow in high-multiplicity proton-proton collisions

We present evidence of strong radial flow in high-multiplicity $pp$ collisions. We analyze the CMS Collaboration data on the inclusive spectra of the charged pions, kaons and protons in the Large Hadron Collider $\sqrt{s}=7$ TeV collisions. For $\ensuremath{\langle}{N}_{\mathrm{tracks}}\ensuremath{\rangle}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}75$ we demonstrate the consistency of the hydrodynamic description with the (idealized) Gubser flow. Using a one-parameter fit of the model to experimental data, we obtain the initial fireball size to be of the order of 1 fm. At smaller multiplicities, the fit cannot be performed, which shows a limitation of the hydrodynamic approach and provides us with falsifiability of our theory.
Building Policy, Building Community: An Example from the US National Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Library (NSDL)

Developing a major national resource such as the US National Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education Digital Library (NSDL) requires policy and technical expertise. Policy issues are as much a challenge as infrastructure in the construction of such a major digital library. This paper focuses on the policy making structures that have developed since 2000 when the US National Science Foundation began its funding for NSDL. The authors are the Vice Chair and Chair of the NSDL Policy Committee and report here on issues of voice, authority, and central issues for policy construction as these have emerged in the NSDL context.
Modifying the role of serotonergic 5-HTTLPR and TPH2 variants on disulfiram treatment of cocaine addiction: a preliminary study.

Disulfiram is a cocaine pharmacotherapy that may act through increasing serotonin, benefiting patients with genetically low serotonin transporter levels (5-HTTLPR, S′ allele carriers) and low serotonin synthesis (TPH2, A allele carriers). We stabilized 71 cocaine and opioid co-dependent patients on methadone for 2 weeks and randomized them into disulfiram and placebo groups for 10 weeks. We genotyped the SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR (rs4795541, rs25531) and TPH2 1125A>T (rs4290270) variants and evaluated their role in moderating disulfiram treatment for cocaine dependence. Cocaine-positive urines dropped from 78% to 54% for the disulfiram group and from 77% to 76% for the placebo group among the 5-HTTLPR S′ allele carriers (F = 16.2; df = 1,301; P < 0.0001). TPH2 A allele carriers responded better to disulfiram than placebo (F = 16.0; df = 1,223; P < 0.0001). Patients with both an S′ allele and a TPH2 A allele reduced cocaine urines from 71% to 53% on disulfiram and had no change on placebo (F = 21.6; df = 1,185; P < 0.00001).
Selectivity in aqueous peptide synthesis by 1 -ethyl- 3-(3- Dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide. A model for primordial processes.

Commercial vasopressin was purified, the terminal glycinamide removed by tryptic hydrolysis and the resulting des-glycinamide vasopressin was isolated and employed as a model in studying selectivity in peptide bond formation. Water soluble 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide was used to condense various individual aliphatic amino acids to the C-terminal end of des-glycinamide vasopressin forming analogs of 8lysine-vasopressin. Thin layer chromatography on Silica Gel G, paper chromatography and paper electrophoresis were combined to isolate peptide products. They were characterized by end-group analysis and tryptic hydrolysis. There was a general increase in yield with size of the aliphatic side chain. Although glycinamide occupies the carboxyl terminal position of lysine vasopressin, this amino acid derivative did not condense with des-glycinamide vasopressin. Nor did either of two other amides. Moreover, glycine condensed to a lesser extent than did the other amino acids used. In addition, α-N-acetyllysine was used as a second model acceptor for amino acids, this time representing the penultimate amino acid residue of vasopressin. It showed a preference for glycine over some other amino acids. The limited selectivity observed in the various condensations is attributed to the microenvironment at the reaction center, since the amino acids studied were chemically similar in their side chains and included glycine, sarcosine, alanine, α-aminobutyric acid, valine, norvaline, leucine, isoleucine, and norleucine. It is suggested that prebiological synthesis of peptides by means of such condensation reactions led to somewhat higher concentrations of preferred products, some of which were active in developing biological systems.
Properties of the two polypeptides of sodium- and potassium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase.

Abstract The (Na+ + K+)-dependent adenosine triphosphatase from canine renal medulla is composed of lipids and of two polypeptide chains. The larger one has a molecular weight of 135,000, NH2-terminal glycine, and has a high content of non-polar amino acids. The smaller polypeptide chain has NH2-terminal alanine and it is a sialoglycoprotein. The two polypeptides are present in a mass ratio of 1.7:1 for the ratio of large to small chain. This mass ratio probably corresponds to a molar ratio of one large chain to two small chains. The two chains are close to one another in the purified enzyme because they can be covalently crosslinked by dimethyl suberimidate. Finally, the large polypeptide chain, which has all of the properties of a membrane-bound enzyme, is soluble in simple aqueous solvents in the absence of detergents and lipids, although it no longer has enzymatic activity.
The Rain Man Cometh—Again

For colleges and universities October has traditionally been a tough month — growing darkness, impending rain and cold, the creeping realization that the football team won't win that many games. Not so long ago, October was also the month of reckoning for higher education: On October 16, 1983, U.S. News and World Report published its first rankings of institutions. Under the soft-sell headline "America's Best Colleges" and in the breathless prose of a Sunday supplement, U.S. News offered up a collegiate roster of who was in, who was out, who was hot, and who was not. Comments Used with permission. Reprinted from Academy of Management Perspectives, Volume 22, Issue 1, February 2008, pages 5-14. Publisher URL: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=31217507&site=ehostlive This journal article is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn.edu/gse_pubs/154
Punishment: Punishment in American History

An interesting case study for a comparative historical analysis of punishment is the United States. As a former British colony before winning its independence at the end of the eighteenth century, the United States' legal tradition is rooted in the English common law. These common law principles have now been largely codified in a bifurcated system of federal and state statutes. Through its colonial and republic periods, the United States has used various types of punishment to maintain social order, eliminate threats to this order, and to implement major social changes. It is a relatively distinct industrialized society in the modern world, however, due to its high rates of incapacitative sanctions and continued use of the death penalty. These general similarities and differences with other countries make the United States an ideal case study for a comparative historical analysis of punishment. Our examination of economic, incapacitative, and corporal punishment in the United States begins with a general overview of its demographic and structural features. This general profile is then followed by a more detailed historical account of major societal changes and landmark events that influenced the context-specific nature, prevalence, and justifications for different types of sanctions. This chapter concludes with a brief comparative analysis of historical practices in the United States with England and other Western European countries. OVERVIEW OF STRUCTURAL FEATURES The United States of America was formed in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War between England and its American colonists in the late eighteenth century.
Inhibition of neurite outgrowth on astroglial scars in vitro

Traumatic injury to the adult mammalian CNS results in the formation of an astroglial-mesenchymal scar that seals the wound site but blocks axonal regeneration in the process. The mechanism that leads to this inhibition of axon outgrowth has been proposed to be either a physical barrier blocking the advancement of the growth cone or chemical factors actively inhibiting axon outgrowth. At present, it is unknown whether one or both of these mechanisms are responsible for the inhibitory nature of the glial scar in vivo. Using a model of CNS trauma that allows for removal of an adult rat glial scar intact on a nitrocellulose support and placement in vitro with the upper surface exposed, we addressed the question of whether the inhibitory effects could be accounted for by chemical components at the scar surface. A purified population of rat hippocampal neurons was seeded onto the scar explants as well as onto explants taken from neonatal rat cerebral cortex, and the extent of neurite outgrowth was compared. We found that the glial scar, at best, stimulates only minimal neurite outgrowth over its surface when compared to the immature environment explanted in the same manner. This growth-inhibitory state cannot merely be explained by neuronotoxic factors or fibroblasts preventing astrocyte-mediated neurite outgrowth. The inhibition is more probably due to the expression of molecules on the surface of the adult scar that either directly inhibit growth cones or inhibit them indirectly by occluding neurite-promoting factors in the extracellular matrix or on the astrocyte surface.
Reaching Out to Africa's Orphans: A Framework for Public Action

The study begins by stressing three points. First, the number of orphans is growing at an alarming rate, and therefore the vulnerabilities associated with orphanhood require immediate attention. Second, because resources are limited and not all orphans are in need of assistance, there is an urgent need to target assistance to the neediest children in a nonstigmatizing fashion, within the framework of the present limited knowledge of what works and what does not. Third, although there is still no blueprint on the best way to scale up interventions, the World Bank's multicountry AIDS programs (MAPs) do offer an opportunity not only to pilot assistance efforts but also to extend assistance to as many of the needy as possible, albeit seeking interagency coordination of efforts both to avoid duplication of efforts and to learn from the experience of everyone involved in this effort. An important rationale for such an intervention is to ensure that orphans' human development (access to health care and education) is not in any way jeopardized. Clearly, the challenge faced by all stakeholders and donors in channeling assistance to the affected children is enormous.
Effect of Cholera Toxin on Fluid Absorption and Villus Lymph Pressure in Dog Jejunal Mucosa

Dog jejunal mucosa exposed to purified cholera toxin secreted fluid in vivo. When it was studied in vitro, net fluid transport was from mucosal to serosal side or absorption. The fluid absorption rate was, however, markedly reduced. The villus lymph pressure was also decreased in the toxin-exposed villi. These findings indicate that the net fluid absorptive activity by the villus is reduced by the action of cholera toxin. Within a wide range of dose of cholera toxin or exposure time in vivo, the fluid absorption rate in vitro was diminished to the same extent (about 50% of the control value). On the other hand, the fluid secretion rate in vivo increased with increasing dose of toxin or exposure time. These findings suggest that cholera toxin reduces the absorptive function of the villus epithelium, but the excessive production of fluid involves other functional areas such as the crypts or microcirculatory disturbance, or both. The composition of the absorbate with respect to glucose, Na, and C1 was the same in the control and toxin-exposed mucosa, suggesting that a simultaneous toxin-induced secretion with a different composition might not occur in vitro. It is concluded that both a reduction of fluid absorption and an increase of fluid secretion from intestinal mucosa may be involved in net fluid production in cholera.
Comparison of total radiation exposure from 82Rb verses 99mTc-sestamibi MPI

2228 Objectives The intent of this study was to retrospectively determine whether there was a major difference in patient radiation exposure received during a myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) scan, based on the imaging protocol selected. Saint Joseph’s Hospital has two MPI protocols for patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 kg/m2. The first protocol utilizes 99mTc-Sestamibi and a SPECT/CT (Siemens Symbia T6) camera, while the second protocol employs 82Rb and a PET/CT (Philips Gemini GXL) system. Methods Thirty-eight patients, with BMI’s ranging from 24 kg/ m2 to 69 kg/ m2 who had undergone both a 82Rb MPI scan and a 99mTc-Sestamibi MPI scan were evaluated. Whole body exposure from 82Rb rest and stress doses (approximately 40 mCi for each dose) were summed and recorded according to the patient’s BMI. The same method was used to sum the 99mTc-Sestamibi rest and stress doses (approximately a 16 mCi rest dose and a 40 mCi stress dose). The CT radiation exposure was added to the 82Rb and 99mTc-Sestamibi doses, respectively, and the total radiation exposure of each procedure was compared. Results This study found that a 82Rb MPI scan gave a 9% higher whole-body dose than a 99mTc-Sestamibi MPI scan for patients with a BMI less than 48 kg/m2. For patients with a BMI of 48 kg/m2 or larger, 99mTc-Sestamibi MPI scan resulted in an average 4% higher total radiation exposure. Conclusions The total radiation exposure is greater for 82Rb than 99mTc-Sestamibi myocardial perfusion imaging for patients with BMI’s less than 48 kg/m2, however, 99mTc-Sestamibi delivers a higher exposure for patients with BMI’s equal to or greater than 48 kg/m2 due to an increased CT dose during SPECT/CT imaging.
Genomic diversity in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): from the continental scale to a dune landscape

Connecting broad-scale patterns of genetic variation and population structure to genetic diversity on a landscape is a key step towards understanding historical processes of migration and adaptation. New genomic approaches can be used to increase the resolution of phylogeographic studies while reducing locus sampling effects and circumventing ascertainment bias. Here, we use a novel approach based on high-throughput sequencing to characterize genetic diversity in complete chloroplast genomes and >10,000 nuclear loci in switchgrass, at continental and landscape scales. Switchgrass is a North American tallgrass species, which is widely used in conservation and perennial biomass production, and shows strong ecotypic adaptation and population structure across the continental range. We sequenced 40.9 billion base pairs from 24 individuals from across the species' range and 20 individuals from the Indiana Dunes. Analysis of plastome sequence revealed 203 variable SNP sites that define eight haplogroups, which are differentiated by 4-127 SNPs and confirmed by patterns of indel variation. These include three deeply divergent haplogroups, which correspond to the previously described lowland-upland ecotypic split and a novel upland haplogroup split that dates to the mid-Pleistocene. Most of the plastome haplogroup diversity present in the northern switchgrass range, including in the Indiana Dunes, originated in the mid- or upper Pleistocene prior to the most recent postglacial recolonization. Furthermore, a recently colonized landscape feature (approximately 150 ya) in the Indiana Dunes contains several deeply divergent upland haplogroups. Nuclear markers also support a deep lowland-upland split, followed by limited gene flow, and show extensive gene flow in the local population of the Indiana Dunes.
Role of alginate lyase in cell detachment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The exopolysaccharide alginate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was shown to be important in determining the degree of cell detachment from an agar surface. Nonmucoid strain 8822 gave rise to 50-fold more sloughed cells than mucoid strains 8821 and 8830. Alginate anchors the bacteria to the agar surface, thereby influencing the extent of detachment. The role of the P. aeruginosa alginate lyase in the process of cell sloughing was investigated. Increased expression of the alginate lyase in mucoid strain 8830 led to alginate degradation and increased cell detachment. Similar effects were seen both when the alginate lyase was induced at the initial stage of cell inoculation and when it was induced at a later stage of growth. It appears that high-molecular-weight alginate polymers are required to efficiently retain the bacteria within the growth film. When expressed from a regulated promoter, the alginate lyase can induce enhanced sloughing of cells because of degradation of the alginate. This suggests a possible role for the lyase in the development of bacterial growth films. Images
D-pi Production Correlations in 500 GeV pi- N Interactions

We study the charge correlations between charm mesons produced in 500 GeV pi- N interactions and the charged pions produced closest to them in phase space. With 110,000 fully reconstructed D mesons from experiment E791 at Fermilab, the correlations are studied as functions of the D-pi - D mass difference and of Feynman x. We observe significant correlations which appear to originate from a combination of sources including fragmentation dynamics, resonant decays, and charge of the beam.
Fluid Structural Interaction of a Patient Specific Congenital Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Congenital Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) is a valvular anomaly where a patient is born with a valve with two leaflets instead of a normal tri-leaflet valve. It has also been reported that BAVs are prone to progressive calcification and also other complications such as ascending aortic dilatation, dissection and rupture [1]. The geometrical variations with the BAV may be a factor in altering the deformation and stresses on the leaflets resulting in calcification of the leaflets earlier than with normal tri-leaflet aortic valves. Altered flow patterns past BAV into the ascending aorta can also be anticipated. Analysis of flow dynamics during the opening phase, and the resultant fluid forces on the aortic root could improve our understanding of aortic aneurysms and dissections observed in patients with BAV [2]. In this study, the valvular deformation and the flow across a patient-specific BAV and root are simulated using the method of fluid structural interaction analysis. The patient-specific geometry is obtained employing 3D ultrasound images segmented as point cloud data and surfaces are constructed with commercial software GAMBIT using NURBS based connectivity. The opening phase of the valve is simulated under flow with physiological Reynolds number and with realistic material properties for the leaflets and the aortic root. Such an analysis on the dynamics of BAV with patient-specific geometry may be a useful tool in stratifying BAV patients that may be at risk in developing valvular and ascending aortic pathology.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
The Stiffness Model of Leaf-Type Isosceles-Trapezoidal Flexural Pivots

A leaf-type isosceles-trapezoidal flexural pivot can be of great practical use for designing compliant mechanisms. The analysis of load-deflection behavior for such a pivot is essential to the study of the mechanisms that are comprised of them. Based on the analysis of a single special loaded leaf segment, a pseudo-rigid-body four-bar model is proposed. The four-bar model is further simplified to a pin-joint model for some simple applications. The accuracy of both models is demonstrated by comparing results to those of nonlinear finite element analysis. At last, the two models are applied to analyze the cartwheel hinge as an example.
Some functional properties of hemoglobin Leiden.

Abstract Hemoglobin Leiden, a human mutant that contains a deletion of a glutamic residue at position 6 or 7 (A3 or A4) of the #x03B2; chains, has a slightly higher oxygen affinity in 0.1 M Phosphate, a normal Bohr effect but an abnormal response to 2,3 diphosphoglycerate and inositol hexaphosphate. Hb Leiden participates to the same extent as does Hb A in gelation with deoxy Hb S.
Theoretical and Empirical Possibilities for Determining the Distribution of Welfare Gains from Stabilization

The general question of price stabilization is one of those problems in economics where the complexity of the issue is far beyond the theoretical and technical capabilities we now possess for analyzing it. Consequently, analytical studies of stabilization policy have been reduced to examination of only one or a few important aspects of the problem (at a time) while disregarding others. As a result, much of the theoretical work on price stabilization has been overlooked by empiricists and those involved directly in the policy-making process. However, these theoretical studies, simplistic as they may be, can often illuminate some disastrous pitfalls in empirical research. Perhaps the results of a single theoretical paper can invalidate or cast great doubt on the conclusions of a host of expensive empirical studies. In point of fact, this paper discusses several noteworthy examples. In such cases, a bit of analytical work in advance or some better communication between theoreticians and empiricists could avoid a great deal of both effort and expense. This paper contributes to this latter end; that is, I would like to briefly assess the theoretical literature dealing with commodity price stabilization, summarize the major results, point to their implications for empirical research, and then discuss the extent to which these findings have been considered in empirical research.
Effect of modulator sorption in gradient elution chromatography: gradient deformation

Abstract In gradient elution chromatography, the mobile phase composition at the column inlet is a function of time. The consequences of accounting for the adsorption of the mobile phase components themselves are investigated for the experimentally common situation of a linear inlet gradient. Surface excess adsorption data from the literature for water-acetonitrile mobile phases in reversed-phase chromatography using different octadecyl stationary phases are shown to be in good internal agreement. The resulting individual isotherms as calculated by Tani and Suzuki (1989) are fitted to Langmuir and BET forms; it is shown that the Langmuirian form fits the data well except at extremely high acetonitrile concentrations. Using these isotherm parameters, it is found that a linear inlet gradient could suffer significant distortion while moving down the column. In the extreme case, a shock front of the mobile phase modulator could result. Analytical expressions are derived describing the conditions under which such a shock could occur within the column and its subsequent path, assuming Langmuirian sorption.
Primary myxofibrosarcoma of the esophagus.

Primary sarcomatous lesions of the esophagus are unusual. Of these lesions, leiomyosarcoma is the most common primary sarcoma of the esophagus, whereas rhabdomyosarcoma is rare.1 Other reported histopathologic diagnoses include fibrosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and liposarcoma.2,3 Here we describe the first reported case of a primary myxofibrosarcoma of the esophagus presenting in a woman with a long-standing history of scleroderma.
Synthesis of [(DPPNCH2CH2)3N]3− Molybdenum Complexes (DPP = 3,5-(2,5-Diisopropylpyrrolyl)2C6H3) and Studies Relevant to Catalytic Reduction of Dinitrogen

Molybdenum complexes that contain a new TREN-based ligand [(3,5-(2,5-diisopropyl-pyrrolyl)2C6H3NCH2CH2)3N]3− ([DPPN3N]3−) that are relevant to the catalytic reduction of dinitrogen have been prepared. They are [Bu4N]{[DPPN3N]MoN2}, [DPPN3N]MoN2, [DPPN3N]MoN═NH, {[DPPN3N]MoN═NH2}[BArf4], [DPPN3N]Mo≡N, {[DPPN3N]Mo≡NH}[BArf4], and {[DPPN3N]MoNH3}[BArf4]. NMR and IR data for [Bu4N]{[DPPN3N]MoN2} and [DPPN3N]MoN2 are close to those reported for the analogous [HIPTN3N]3− compounds (HIPT = hexaisopropylterphenyl), which suggests that the degree of reduction of dinitrogen is virtually identical in the two systems. However, X-ray studies and several exchange studies support the conclusion that the apical pocket is less protected in [DPPN3N]Mo complexes than in [HIPTN3N]Mo complexes. For example, 15N/14N exchange studies showed that exchange in [DPPN3N]MoN2 is relatively facile (t1/2 ≈ 1 h at 1 atm) and depends upon dinitrogen pressure, in contrast to the exchange in [HIPTN3N]MoN2. Several of the [DPPN3N]Mo complex...
Isotope evidence of a mantle convection boundary at the Australian-Antarctic Discordance

Basalts from the Southeast Indian Ridge south of Australia form two geographically and isotopically distinct groups that show affinities with either Indian Ocean or Pacific/Atlantic Ocean isotope compositions. The data raise the possibility that there is a sharp boundary between the Indian and Pacific Ocean isotope provinces. The isotope boundary occurs over less than 200km within the Australian–Antarctic Discordance, a technically complex region believed to overlie a zone of downwelling mantle flow.
Acquired Fanconi syndromefollowing degraded tetracycline

Three patients have been found to manifest a Fanconi syndrome followingingestion of outdated tetracycline. Marked hypokalemia, changes in sensorium, and photosensitivity were prominent additional features. The generalized aminoaciduria was quantitated, and the pattern of its return to normal documented. The disorder appears to be a toxic effect of a degradation product of tetracycline.
Assessing the Existence of "Wishful Thinking"

An index of wishful thinking—the tendency for a person's belief about a particular proposition or issue to accord with his or her feeling about the desirability of the issue-used inappropriately in previous studies is empirically compared with a seemingly more plausible but also inappropriate index, and with a more appropriate index derived from an approach suggested by Norman (1967). Results indicate that previous studies may have overestimated the extent of wishful thinking by individuals or even reported its existence when it did not, infact, occur.
Individual Privacy and Personnel Psychology: The Need for a Broader Perspective

This article examines the status of personnel psychology with regard to its concern with issues of individual privacy and reviews legislative activities in the privacy area relevant to the profession. It is argued that both personnel psychologists and the legislative sector have taken a narrow view of privacy, one that ignores the broader aspects of employee and applicant attitudes toward selection and assessment procedures and the impact of these procedures on individual privacy. Within this broader perspective, some research and practice needs are considered, as well as factors mitigating attention to these issues by the personnel psychologist.
Effect of retinal image motion on visual acuity and contour interaction in congenital nystagmus

Abstract This study determined how contour interaction (the degradation of visual acuity by the presence of nearby contours) is affected by the incessant retinal image motion that occurs in observers with congenital nystagmus (CN). Visual acuity was measured for single, high-contrast, black Landolt Cs, presented without and with flanking bars (contour-to-C separation = 1, 2, 5 or 10 multiples of the gap width of the C). Stimuli were presented against either a white or a black surround. For comparison, acuity was also determined in normal observes, with and without motion of the stimulus to simulate the retinal image motion in jerk CN. The results show that the peak magnitude of contour interaction (the maximal degradation in acuity attributable to contour interaction) is significantly larger in the observers with CN than in normals. When acuity targets are presented against a black surround, contour interaction also occurs over a wider spatial extent in the observers with CN. Imposed image motion increases the extent of contour interaction in normal observers, but not sufficiently to account fully for the results of the observers with CN. We suggest that the additional contour interaction found in observers with CN may be attributable to the presence of amblyopia. For a small contour-to-C separation, contour interaction is significantly greater when stimuli are presented against a black rather than a white surround. Consequently, single-letter acuity may be appreciably underestimated clinically when an adjustable window is used to isolate letters on a projected acuity chart.
Transplantation of human breast epithelia to mammary-gland-free fat-pads of athymic nude mice: influence of mammotrophic hormones on growth of breast epithelia

Normal human breast tissue was enzymatically dissociated and the cells were injected into the gland-free fat-pads of athymic nude mice. Within 30 days, small, spherical, duct-like epithelial elements (organoids) formed in 68% of the fat-pads inoculated (0-23 organoids/fat-pad). Short-term (30-day) treatment of the host mice with mammotrophic hormones [secretions from a chorionic, soamto-mammotrophin-secreting transplantable human choriocarcinoma (JEG-3), secretions from a prolactin- and growth-hormone-secreting transplantable rat pituitary tumor (GH3), estrogen and/or progesterone] and/or cAMP inducers (cholera toxin) significantly (p less than 0.05) increased the size of the human breast organoids but did not increase organoid number or induce extensive and expansive growth (extensive duct elongation and branching) of these structures. Such treatments induced intense proliferation of the host mouse mammae resembling that which occurs during late pregnancy. The results of this study, therefore, provide evidence that normal human breast epithelium can be readily accepted by and maintained in the gland-free fat-pad of the athymic nude mouse, and the epithelium, within 30 days, forms spherical duct-like structures (organoids). The human breast organoids are hormone-responsive, as they respond to a mammotrophic growth stimulus by an increase in size. The failure of the human breast organoids to grow expansively in the gland-free fat-pad of this immunologically deficient mouse does not appear to be due to the absence of an appropriate hormonal growth stimulus.
Anabolic and Catabolic Mechanisms in End-Stage Renal Disease

Muscle wasting is a prominent feature of end-stage renal disease and is associated with muscle weakness and poor physical functioning. Potential reasons for muscle wasting include advancing age, sedentary behavior, inflammation, poor nutritional intake, androgen deficiency, oxidative stress, metabolic acidosis, and insulin resistance. Each of these conditions can be associated with decreased protein synthesis, increased protein degradation, or both. The primary muscle protein synthesis pathway is the insulin insulin-like growth factor-1/phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase/Akt pathway, which results in the phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin and subsequent increased protein synthesis. The major protein degradation pathway is the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This review discusses the ways in which end-stage renal disease tips the balance of protein turnover towards catabolism and the mechanisms by which various interventions may work to mitigate wasting or even cause anabolism.
Dynamics of exciton localization in CdS/HgS quantum-dot quantum wells

Localization of carrier wave functions to the quantum-well portion of the CdS/HgS quantum-dot quantum well (QDQW) is investigated. Nanosecond hole-burning (HB) spectra measure the photoinduced exciton coupling to a ${250\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ HgS phonon mode indicative of localization. Femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy of these QDQW, however, show the photoinduced exciton couples to coherent ${300\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ CdS longitudinal optical-phonon modes, which is indicative of delocalization throughout the QDQW. Femtosecond HB and three pulse pump-dump experiments reveal these results are dependent on the time scale of the experiment. These experiments indicate that the initially photoexcited electron and hole wave functions are weakly confined to the HgS monolayer. Only after long times (\ensuremath{\sim}400 fs) will the exciton localize to the HgS well. These results indicate that the primary optical interaction excites electrons from a delocalized QDQW ground state and not from a localized HgS well state.
GABA-mediated trophic effect on oligodendrocytes requires Na-K-2Cl cotransport activity

The Na-K-2Cl cotransporter isoform1 (NKCC1) is present in many animal cells where it plays prominent roles in regulating cell volume and maintaining intracellular Cl– concentration ([Cl–]i) above e...
Electrochemical imaging: Waves in microscopy

Advances in transduction of electrochemical activity through surface plasmon resonance afford new opportunities for spatially and temporally resolved studies of interfaces.
On hydroborations of alkenes catalyzed by titanium complexes

Abstract Literature reports of hydroborations of alkenes by borohydride anion “catalyzed” by titanium complexes are investigated to test for the formation of borane as an intermediate.
Surface‐enhanced raman scattering from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA, NaO2CCH2N(CH2CO2H)CH2CH2N-(CH2CO2Na)CH2CO2H) on silver and copper electrodes is reported. There is no SERS spectrum observed for EDTA on copper electrodes. The SERS spectrum on silver is very dependent on electrolyte and laser power. In nitrate electrolyte, most of the bands typical of EDTA are observed in the SERS spectra with small wavenumber shifts and small relative intensity changes. In 0.1 mol/1 chloride electrolyte the SERS spectra show indication of decarboxylation and are nearly identical to SERS spectra of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA, (CH3)2NCH2CH2N(CH3)2). However, SERS spectra of TMEDA show evidence that TMEDA also reacts. SERS spectra of ethylenediamine-N,N′-diacetic acid show many similar bands to those found in the SERS spectra of TMEDA.