cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Assessment of the Efficacy of Amorphous Calcium Phosphate/Methacrylate Composites in Remineralizing Caries-like Lesions Artificially Produced in Bovine Enamel:

Recent studies show that methacrylate-based composites with amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) as a filler can release supersaturating levels of calcium and phosphate ions in proportions favorable for apatite formation. These findings suggest that such composites could be effectively used as coatings for remineralizing teeth damaged by tooth decay. To examine this hypothesis, we tested composites in vitro for their efficacy to remineralize artificially formed caries-like lesions in extracted bovine incisors. Single 120-μm-thick sagittal tooth sections were placed in holders that exposed only the carious enamel surface. The exposed surfaces were coated with a 1-mm- to 1.5-mm-thick layer of the composite containing, by mass, 40% apatite, silica, or P2O74--stabilized ACP and 60% photoactivated resin comprised of Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, HEMA, and ZrM. The photocured composite-coated sections were immersed either in a remineralizing solution for 4 weeks at 37°C (static model) or cyclically immersed in demineralizing (...
Preservice teachers' attitudes toward parent involvement: Implications for teacher education

Abstract This study examines the attitudes of preservice teachers toward parent involvement in elementary schools, including differences in attitudes between preservice teachers beginning a teacher education program and preservice teachers completing student teaching. The study also examines how preservice teachers feel about their preparation in parent involvement strategies and what kinds of experiences regarding parent involvement they believe teacher education programs should provide. Participants completed a survey containing 82 Likert‐type items, 6 open‐ended questions, and 10 demographic questions. Implications for teacher education programs and suggestions for further research are offered. Findings from this study can contribute to the curriculum development process for teacher education programs concerning parent involvement issues.
Optimizing Soybean Meal Levels in Alternative Diets for Pond-Raised Hybrid Catfish

AbstractWe evaluated decreasing soybean meal levels by the use of a combination of cottonseed meal and corn germ meal for pond-raised hybrid catfish (Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus×Blue Catfish I. furcatus). Five 28% protein diets containing 40, 30, 25, 20, 15% of soybean meal were formulated based on digestible nutrients and energy to meet or exceed all known nutrient requirements of Channel Catfish. Fingerling hybrid catfish with a mean initial weight of 25.1 g/fish were stocked into 25, earthen ponds (0.04 ha) at a rate of 14,826 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation over a 184-d growing season. Reducing soybean meal levels from 40% to 15% in the diet by the use of a combination of cottonseed meal and corn germ meal did not significantly affect total amount of diet fed, gross yield, weight gain, and survival of hybrid catfish by ANOVA or regression analyses. However, feed conversion ratio was significantly higher in fish fed diets containing ≤30% soybean meal than those fed the c...
RESTORATION OF PARAFILAROIDES (DOUGHERTY, 1946) (NEMATODA: METASTRONGYLOIDEA) WITH DESCRIPTION OF TWO NEW SPECIES FROM PINNIPEDS OF EASTERN CENTRAL PACIFIC

The lungs of a northern elephant seal, Mirounga angustirostris (Gill, 1866), and Pacific harbor seal, Phoca vitulina richardii (Gray, 1864), from the eastern central Pacific, central California coast, were examined for parasites. This represents the first thorough description and identification of Parafilaroides species from northern elephant seals and Pacific harbor seals on the west coast of North America. From this study, 2 new species of Filaroides (Parafilaroides) are described, illustrated, and differentiated by shape of vaginal sphincter, body morphometrics, and spicule shape from the 4 existing, recognized species in the subgenus. In addition, the subgenus Parafilaroides is proposed to be reestablished to full generic status in the Filaroididae based on the presence of caudal papillae and DNA.
Perimetric Findings in Functional Disorders Using Automated Techniques

Visual fields were assessed by automated static thresholding techniques in 15 consecutive patients with functional visual loss. Although field abnormalities were recorded in all patients, the pattern of abnormality was not distinguishable from organic loss. Furthermore, no form of reliability testing, including numbers of repetitions, false-positives or false-negatives, root mean square (RMS) evaluation, or percentage of fixation losses, was capable of characterizing functional defects. The authors conclude that automated perimetry, as currently practiced, cannot differentiate functional from organic visual field loss.
Effects of concurrent respiratory resistance training on health-related quality of life in wheelchair rugby athletes: a pilot study.

Persons with cervical spinal cord injuries, also known as tetraplegia, experience physical and emotional challenges that impact their overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL).1-4 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HRQoL “refers to a person or group’s perceived physical and mental health over time.”5(p1) Over the last decade, numerous researchers investigating the effects of tetraplegia on HRQoL have identified physical activity as an important factor in improving the HRQoL of persons with this disability.1,6-14 However, one challenge resulting from physical activity often faced by those with tetraplegia involves respiration. Respiratory complications have been shown to be negatively associated with life satisfaction15 and HRQoL16-18 for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). In light of this, and given that wheelchair rugby (WR) is one of the fastest growing sports for persons with tetraplegia,19 it is worth investigating whether training techniques designed to improve respiratory function, which in turn may increase physical activity, could enhance the HRQoL of WR players. A training technique that has effectively improved respiratory function in persons with tetraplegia is concurrent respiratory resistance training (CRRT).20-23 CRRT targets both inspiratory and expiratory muscles concurrently through the use of either a concurrent flow resistance (CFR) device21 or a concurrent pressure threshold resistance (CPTR) device.24 In general, studies investigating the effects of training with a CFR device20-23 or a CPTR device23 have reported improvements in lung function of persons with tetraplegia who trained with a CFR device. Previously, we investigated the effects of training with a CFR device22,23 and CPTR device23 on physical parameters in wheelchair athletes. In the former, we observed a possible link between training with a CFR device and HRQoL.22 In that study, wheelchair athletes reported being more comfortable and able to sit-up straighter, lift their arms higher, sneeze and cough harder, and take deeper breaths. Based on those promising results 22 and the overwhelming interest in enhancing HRQoL for this population,1-3,6,7,10-13,16,17,25-39 it would seem prudent to investigate the potential impact of CRRT on the overall physical and mental health of persons with tetraplegia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of training with a CFR device versus a CPTR on HRQoL in WR athletes. Based on both the qualitative data gathered during exit interviews in a previous study by Litchke et al22 and the positive effects of training with a CFR device on respiratory function,22,23 we hypothesized that 9 weeks of training with a CFR device would have a significant impact on HRQoL in WR athletes.
Brain scan in a patient with herpes simplex encephalitis

Summary A patient with herpes simplex encephalitis presenting as a mass lesion is reported. The brain scan of this patient was unique, resembling a tumor on the lateral projection, and a subdural effusion on the frontal view. The scan pattern described here is unlike that of any previously reported intracranial lesion, and corresponds precisely to the usual localization of pathology in herpes simplex encephalitis. As a consequence, brain scans may be of diagnostic value in the acute phase of this form of viral encephalitis. The persistence of an abnormal pattern for at least 3 months as documented in this report suggests that brain scans also may be useful in the diagnostic evaluation of patients presenting several months after the acute illness.
High energy pulse compression through two-pulse interaction mediated by stimulated Brillouin scattering in liquid fluorocarbon

High energy SBS pulse compression in liquid fluorocarbon from 10 to 1 ns is demonstrated with 75% efficiency in an energy-scalable generation-amplification setup. The two-pulse interaction dynamics is studied in both experiments and simulations.
Crush behavior of thin-walled prismatic columns under combined bending and compression

Abstract The objective of this paper is to investigate the crushing response of thin-walled prismatic column under combined loading of compression and bending. Square cross-section beams with two different aspect ratios were subject to a prescribed translational and rotational displacement rate. The nonlinear explicit FE code PAM-CRASH was used to generate the results. The initial and subsequent failure loci representing interaction between sectional force and moment were constructed from the numerical results. Also analytical solution of the same problem was derived. Shanley nonlinear spring model was used in conjunction with the concept of `superbeam' element to model the generalized plastic hinge. It was shown that the general characteristics of failure locus calculated analytically and numerically are quite similar. The present finding can be used to better interpret results of FE calculations of automotive bodies and to develop simplified crash-oriented design tools.
Designing real-time, concurrent, and embedded software systems using UML and Ada

The domain of real-time, concurrent, and embedded software is becoming increasing complex. To effectively develop these systems, greater care must be taken to construct adequate models of the software and to effectively analyze these designs prior to code development. In this tutorial, we will discuss modeling and analysis issues specific to real-time, concurrent, and embedded software systems. Specifically, this tutorial will present guidelines for modeling these systems using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) version 2. A case study will be introduced to solidify the concepts and participant interaction will be encouraged in the construction of the models. Analytical methods will also be discussed to verify that the UML-based designs will produce the desired behavior. Finally, we will discuss how to proceed from the UML models into an Ada (2005) implementation.
Anticipated Stigma and Stigma Management Among Those to be Labeled “Ex-con”

Male prisoners (n = 450) estimated public reaction to the label “ex-con” and endorsed likely stigma management strategies. Although most anticipate significant rejection, they prefer preventative telling to withdrawal and secrecy as adjustments. OLS regression finds factors promoting exclusion (devaluation/discrimination beliefs and reduced job opportunities) related to withdrawal and secrecy, whereas factors favoring inclusion (“wise” family and friends and plans to attend church) increase preventative telling and reduce withdrawal and secrecy. To enhance public safety by increasing ex-convicts' openness and visibility, policies should promote social support and economic opportunities. Successful reentry may improve rule-following in general, whereas exclusionary practices may work against post-release control.
Sound production in the cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa: evidence for communication by hissing

1. Sound production of the giant Madagascar cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa, was examined by behavioral and acoustical methods in order to determine the functions of the hisses produced by this species. 2. Gromphadorhina is able to produce audible hisses from a pair of modified spiracles. Adult males hiss in three social contexts: during aggressive encounters, during courtship (when two types of hisses are discernable), and during copulation. Adults and nymphs of both sexes also hiss when disturbed (Figs 2 and 3). 3. There are reliable differences among hisses emitted in these social contexts which depend on several features: the shape of the amplitude envelope (Fig. 4), the relative loudness (Table 1), and the temporal characteristics both of single hisses and of hiss trains (Table 1 and Fig. 4). 4. In both courtship and aggression, hissing accompanies characteristic, stereotyped behavior patterns (Figs. 5 and 7); during aggressive encounters between males, hissing is predictive of winning (Fig. 6). 5. Males which have been silenced by occlusion of the specialized spiracles carry on apparently normal courtship, but they are unsuccessful in copulating due to a lack of receptive behavior by the female (Fig. 8). 6. Playback of recorded courtship hisses during courtship of females by silenced males leads to receptive behavior by females, and to normal rates of copulation (Fig. 8). 7. Our evidence supports the hypothesis that G. portentosa has evolved a system of communication in which hisses serve as auditory social signals.
Stress-enhanced mobility and dynamic yielding in polymer glasses

A statistical mechanical theory is proposed for stress-induced acceleration of thermally driven barrier hopping and segmental relaxation, dynamic yielding and devitrification in polymer glasses. The approach is built on the concept of a nonequilibrium free energy determined by the amplitude of temperature-dependent collective density fluctuations, and the idea that stress induces an instantaneous force on a segment. Multiple predictions that fundamentally differ from the phenomenological Eyring model are made for the temperature and strain rate dependence of the dynamic yield stress and deformation modified segmental relaxation time, which are in accord with experiments and simulations.
Agglutination Behavior of Lactic Streptococci

Abstract We present a rapid and sensitive live stained cell antigen plate assay for detecting starter agglutination using rose bengal as a stain and bovine colostrum as a source of agglutinins. Bovine colostrum samples from the eighth postpartum milking contained significant levels of agglutinins. Radial immunodiffusion studies suggested that only very minute amounts of bovine immunoglobulins are involved in agglutination. The test appears to be useful to screen many strains for their relative potential to agglutinate.
Permeabilities for flow of interdendritic liquid in equiaxial structures

Abstract Permeabilities for the flow of interdendritic liquid in Al-15.6wt.%Cu alloy with equiaxial structures were measured and found to be structure sensitive. The center-to-center distance between grains (153–259 μm), specific surface area (2.57 × 10 −2 −6.96 × 10 −1 μm −1 ) and volume fraction of liquid (0.166–0.434) were the structural parameters studied in this investigation. During a test, coarsening of the dendrites occurred, wherein the solid morphology went from dendritic to dendritic-globular and ultimately to globular for longer times. The permeabilities of the globular structures (non-dendritic) were found to be approximately one order of magnitude greater than the permeabilities for the dendritic-globular structures, when the volume fraction of liquid is approximately 0.3. The dimensionless permeability, based on the specific surface, was found to represent best the empirical data for the globular and dendritic morphologies and the theoretical results for flow through different arrays of uniform spheres.
Teratology studies in mice exposed to municipal drinking-water concentrates during organogenesis.

Abstract Organic materials concentrated from the drinking-waters of five US cities selected as representative of the major sources of raw water and a sample of low-molecular-weight organohalides were administered to groups of pregnant CD-1 mice on gestation days 7–14 by oral intubation. Each of the six test materials was dissolved in dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), and dosage levels represented 3000, 1000 and 300 times the anticipated human exposure to these materials. The dams were killed on day 18 of gestation, and the foetuses were examined for skeletal and visceral anomalies. No effects in the foetus were attributable to the administration of DMSO or to the organic materials from the municipal drinking-waters. It was concluded that the organic impurities present in a wide sample of municipal drinking-waters possess very little capacity for inducing foetotoxicity in the mouse.
New Trends in Multichannel Pulse Data Analysis

New analyzing systems will have megachannel resolution without sacrificing speed of data collection. Here, a survey and comparison of different methods and new proposals to achieve this goal are given. The following systems and their basic principles of operation are described: The use of newly developed rotating memories; a disc system with fixed track addressing per rotation; random track addressing through programming; random track addressing using a special controller; disc buffered system, with continuous updating; time of flight measurement through random modulation and cross-correlation; real time calculation of cross-correlation; the Fourier method.
The limits of subfunctionalization

The duplication-degeneration-complementation (DDC) model has been proposed as an explanation for the unexpectedly high retention of duplicate genes. The hypothesis proposes that, following gene duplication, the two gene copies degenerate to perform complementary functions that jointly match that of the single ancestral gene, a process also known as subfunctionalization. We distinguish between subfunctionalization at the regulatory level and at the product level (e.g within temporal or spatial expression domains). In contrast to what is expected under the DDC model, we use in silico modeling to show that regulatory subfunctionalization is expected to peak and then decrease significantly. At the same time, neofunctionalization (recruitment of novel interactions) increases monotonically, eventually affecting the regulatory elements of the majority of genes. Furthermore, since this process occurs under conditions of stabilizing selection, there is no need to invoke positive selection. At the product level, the frequency of subfunctionalization is no higher than would be expected by chance, a finding that was corroborated using yeast microarray time-course data. We also find that product subfunctionalization is not necessarily caused by regulatory subfunctionalization. Our results suggest a more complex picture of post-duplication evolution in which subfunctionalization plays only a partial role in conjunction with redundancy and neofunctionalization. We argue that this behavior is a consequence of the high evolutionary plasticity in gene networks.
Mesenteric dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass: role of complement C5a

Abstract Background . We investigated the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on ileal homeostasis, and the influence of functional inhibition of complement C5a on CPB-induced mesenteric injury. Methods . Pigs were perfused on CPB for 1 hour and then perfused off CPB for an additional 2 hours. Antiporcine C5a monoclonal antibody (C5a MAb) was administered 20 minutes before onset of CPB to 6 pigs; 6 controls received saline vehicle. Total complement activity, ileal myeloperoxidase, and indices of ileal integrity were examined. Results. Treatment with C5a MAb ameliorated CPB-induced abnormalities in endothelium-dependent relaxation to ADP and substance P, and the hypercontractile response to phenylephrine of ileal microvessels (88 to 168 μm). Ileal myeloperoxidase activity [units/g protein] was 41 ± 11 in the C5a MAb group, compared to 83 ± 13 in the saline group (19 ± 10 base line). Total hemolytic complement activity was similar in the C5a MAb and saline groups (0.6 ± 0.2 and 0.7 ± 0.2 CH 50 units). During CPB, ileal mucosal blood flow and mucosal pH, edema formation, and epithelial permeability deteriorated similarly in saline and C5a MAb groups. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression was similar before and after CPB. Conclusions. CPB is associated with significant physiologic alterations in mucosal perfusion, epithelial permeability, edema formation, and blood flow regulation. Inhibition of C5a limits neutrophil-mediated impairment of ileal microvascular regulation after bypass, but does not improve extravascular mesenteric dysfunction after CPB.
Effect of flanking residues on the conformational sampling of the internal fusion peptide from Ebola virus.

Fusion peptides mediate viral and host cell membrane fusion during viral entry. The monomeric form of the internal fusion peptide from Ebola virus was studied in membrane bilayer and water environments with computer simulations using replica exchange sampling and an implicit solvent description of the environment. Wild type Ebola fusion peptide, the W8A mutant form, and an extended construct with flanking residues were examined. It was found that the monomeric form of wild type Ebola fusion peptide adopts coil-helix-coil structure with a short helix from residue 8 to 11 mostly sampling orientations parallel to the membrane surface. W8A mutation disrupts the helicity in the N-terminal region of the peptide, and leads to a preference for slightly oblique orientation relative to the membrane surface. The addition of flanking residues also alters the fusion peptide conformation with either a helix-break-helix structure or extended N and C-termini and reduced membrane insertion. In water, the fusion peptide is found to adopt structures with low helicity.
The Dynamics of Homologous Chromosome Pairing during Male Drosophila Meiosis

Abstract Background: Meiotic pairing is essential for the proper orientation of chromosomes at the metaphase plate and their subsequent disjunction during anaphase I. In male Drosophila melanogaster , meiosis occurs in the absence of recombination or a recognizable synaptonemal complex (SC). Due to limitations in available cytological techniques, the early stages of homologous chromosome pairing in male Drosophila have not been observed, and the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Results: Chromosome tagging with GFP-Lac repressor protein allowed us to track, for the first time, the behavior of meiotic chromosomes at high resolution, live, at all stages of male Drosophila meiosis. Homologous chromosomes pair throughout the euchromatic regions in spermatogonia and during the early phases of spermatocyte development. Extensive separation of homologs and sister chromatids along the chromosome arms occurs in mid-G2, several hours before the first meiotic division, and before the G2/M transition. Centromeres, on the other hand, show complex association patterns, with specific homolog pairing taking place in mid-G2. These changes in chromosome pairing parallel changes in large-scale chromosome organization. Conclusions: Our results suggest that widespread interactions along the euchromatin are required for the initiation, but not the maintenance, of meiotic pairing of autosomes in male Drosophila . We propose that heterochromatic associations, or chromatid entanglement, may be responsible for the maintenance of homolog association during late G2. Our data also suggest that the formation of chromosome territories in the spermatocyte nucleus may play an active role in ensuring the specificity of meiotic pairing in late prophase by disrupting interactions between nonhomologous chromosomes.
Lord of the flies: pollination of Dracula orchids

La forma y el olor de los labelos de las orquideas del genero Dracula se asemejan a hongos, y por mucho tiempo se ha mantenido la hipotesis de que estas orquideas mimetizan hongos y dipteros con ciclos de vida asociados con los hongos (micofilos) accidentalmente polinizarian estas flores mientras ovopositan. La morfologia floral, los polinizadores y mecanismos de polinizacion fueron estudiados en Dracula lafleurii Luer & Dalstrom and D. felix (Luer) Luer en un bosque nublado de Ecuador. Estas orquideas son efectivamente visitadas en su mayoria por moscas micofilas pero son polinizadas unicamente por moscas drosofilidas del genero Zygothrica cuyos ciclos de vida estan estrechamente asociados con hongos. Estas moscas realizan despliegues de cortejo y apareamiento en las superficies de las flores de Dracula estudiadas y en este proceso tambien las polinizan, aparentemente sin ovopositar. El mecanismo de polinizacion de Dracula ocurre cuando los toraxes de los polinizadores son atrapados por los margenes incurvados del rostelo, lo cual crea un angulo entre el escutelo y el abdomen apropiado para la remocion y deposicion de los polinios, una caracteristica que hasta ahora no habia sido reportada en las orquideas.
Design Guidelines of a Double-Gap Microwave Rebuncher Cavity for a 400 MHz, 2.5 MeV Energy Light Ion Accelerator with Lower Gap Voltage and Field

A detailed electromagnetic model of a double-gap microwave rebuncher cavity proposed for 400-MHz, 2.5 MeV energy of the front end section in 1 GeV energy H- ion linear accelerator, is presented and validated by extensive simulations. This design is intended to decrease both the utilized gap voltage and peak electric field of the rebunching cavity, henceforth may decrease X-ray radiation. A low cost 1/2 scaled aluminum cavity double gap model was built and tested for model validation. Mode frequencies and quality factors of the model were measured and compared to simulation. Additionally, bead perturbation method was used to measure the para-axial electric field. Simulation of the single and double gap cavities were compared to measurements and were in very good agreement. Subsequently, design guidelines have been developed to design the double gap rebuncher, optimize its gap size for lower electric fields and reduced X-ray radiation.
Short channel MOS transistors for integrated logic circuits

This paper describes the results of an investigation into the feasibility of MOS transistors of 1-µm channel length, for integrated logic circuits. It is estimated that their use Would improve packing density by up to a factor of 25 over that achieved by current technology. An additional advantage would be increased operating speed. Assuming that the overlap capacitances of the device are correspondingly reduced, a speed improvement of up to 10 times is estimated.
Dose response of thyrotropin-releasing hormone on pulmonary maturation in corticosteroid-treated preterm rabbits

Abstract The dose-response effect of thyrotropin-releasing hormone in enhancing pulmonary maturation was investigated with six dosing regimens. Pregnant does received thyrotropin-releasing hormone (5, 10, or 50 µg/kg every 12 hours for four doses or one dose of 20 µg/kg) in conjunction with betamethasone beginning on day 25 of gestation, with betamethasone alone or saline solution used as comparison treatment groups. Half of the newborn rabbits received supplemental surfactant therapy after delivery on day 27, and all were ventilated on a ventilator plethysmography system for 30 minutes. There were no differences among the four thyrotropin-releasing hormone doses in surfactant pool sizes, compliances, or proteins leak into or out of the air spaces. The groups that received multiple doses of thyrotropin-releasing hormone had significantly higher perinatal loss rates than the single-dose group. The lungs of the group treated with thyrotropin-releasing hormone plus steroid and the rabbits treated only with steroid were more compliant than the controls without surfactant therapy, and showed significant improvements in protein leak. The addition of thyrotropin-releasing hormone to betamethasone improved several of the protein leak measurements compared with use of betamethasone alone. These results question the necessity of multiple doses of thyrotropin-releasing hormone to induce pulmonary maturation, especially when the higher perinatal mortality and the theoretical long-term effects of fetal hyperthyroidism on thyroid axis function are considered.
Flexural Reinforcement of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) with externally bonded Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Sheet

The flexural behavior of hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) - Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) panels is examined. The structural system is based on the concept of sandwich construction with strong and stiff FRP composite skins bonded to an inner AAC panel. The FRP composite material was made of carbon reinforcing fabrics embedded in an epoxy resin matrix. The carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcement was applied on the top and bottom faces of the AAC panel and several innovative processing techniques were used including hand lay up as well as VARTM (Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding). The main focus of the research is to combine AAC with FRP face sheets into a synergetic system which would be consistent with recent interest in high performance and zero maintenance of civil infrastructures. This combination being lightweight in nature has the potential to be used for speedy panelized construction purposes, for disaster mitigation and to prevent labor intensive construction. CFRP has been used with regular concrete before and has shown phenomenal reinforcing capabilities. AAC on the other hand is a cellular concrete and it is very light to work with in comparison to the normal concrete. It is also structurally very brittle in nature and has much lower flexural as well as compressive strengths than the normal weight concrete. An experimental protocol based on a four point bending test is used to characterize the stiffness, ductility and strength response of hybrid FRP-AAC sandwich panels. Experimental results showed a significant influence of the FRP, because the AAC beams demonstrated an increase in ultimate flexural capacity and stiffness. A numerical modeling was conducted to predict the strength of FRP-AAC element and theoretical results found in good accordance with the experimental results for tested elements.
Single crystals and epitaxial films of ZnSe by chemical transport

Single crystals of ZnSe up to 2 cm in length have been grown by iodine chemical transport with a 3–5°C thermal gradient. Dopants were introduced uniformly by this growth technique. Nonhomogeneous crystals of Zn(S, Se) were obtained by this method. Epitaxial growth of ZnSe on GaAs substrates by HBr transport was studied for various orientations. Use of excess Zn during deposition produced films having mobilities greater than 1000 cm2/V-sec.
Understanding the Relationship Between Readmission and Quality of Hospital Care in Heart Failure

Hospital readmission rates for heart failure (HF) are increasingly seen as a quality metric and are being used to define reimbursement rates and penalize underperforming hospitals. As disease patterns shift from single acute episodes of illness to more chronic and degenerative diseases, healthcare systems across the country are grappling with the challenge of providing quality care while simultaneously controlling both readmission rates and spending. Using HF as a prototypical example of chronic illness, this review begins by describing the historical underpinnings of readmission rates and how they have become a mainstream metric of healthcare quality. It then examines the controversial relationship between hospital quality and readmission rates. The paper examines several strategies to decrease readmission rates, including discharge planning and readmission reduction programs, as well as the relationship between readmission rates and mortality rates. The principal drivers of readmissions are discussed and the impact of new readmission-based financial policy is explored as well.
Naltrexone effects on pituitary and gonadal hormones in male and female rhesus monkeys

The long-acting opioid antagonist, naltrexone, stimulates LH and FSH in women during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and is a new provocative test of hypothalamic-pituitary function (42,63). The acute effects of naltrexone (0.25, 0.50 and 1.0 mg/kg IV) on anterior pituitary (LH, FSH, PRL) and gonadal steroid (T or E2) hormones were studied in 7 female and 4 male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Integrated plasma samples were collected at 20 min intervals for 60 min before and for 300 min after intravenous infusion of naltrexone over 10 min. In females studied during the early follicular phase (cycle days 1-3), naltrexone did not stimulate LH and significantly suppressed E2 (p less than 0.0003-0.0001) and FSH (p less than 0.006-0.0001). Naltrexone (0.50 and 1.0 mg/kg) also did not stimulate LH release in late follicular phase females (cycle days 10-12) when estradiol levels were in the peri-ovulatory range. FSH and E2 were significantly suppressed (p less than 0.01-0.05) after 1.0 mg/kg naltrexone, but not after 0.5 mg/kg naltrexone. However, in males all doses of naltrexone significantly stimulated LH (p less than 0.003-0.0001) and T (p less than 0.001-0.0001) but not FSH. LH increased significantly above baseline within 20 to 40 min and T increased significantly within 60 min. These gender differences in naltrexone's effects on pituitary gonadotropins and gonadal steroid hormones were unanticipated. These data are not concordant with clinical studies which report significant naltrexone stimulation of LH in men and in women during the early follicular phase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The fiscal impact of privatization, with some examples from Arab countries

Abstract This paper reviews current thinking on the fiscal impact of privatization against the background of developments and prospects for privatization in Arab countries. It argues that the fiscal impact is likely to be slight in the absence of fundamental structural reforms by Arab countries to secure gains in allocative efficiency by the privatized enterprises. By itself, privatization may simply lead to a change in the government's asset portfolio. In the case of loss- making enterprises, the government may need to pay the private entrepreneur to take on the enterprise, particularly when the sources of inefficiency reflect government policy decisions that are not likely to be modified; alternatively, liquidation of the assets of unprofitable enterprises may be the appropriate policy.
Spillover stabilization and decentralized modal control of large space structures

The stabilization of the neglected dynamics of the higher modes of vibration in large space structures is studied, and the influence of the structure of the plant noise intensity matrix of the Kalman-Bucy filter on the stability margin of the residual modes is shown. An optimization procedure uses information on the residual modes to minimize spillover of known residual modes while preserving robustness with respect to the unknown dynamics, and the optimum plant noise intensity matrix is selected to maximize the stability margins of the residual modes and to properly place the observer poles. Examples for both centralized and decentralized control are considered.
Polarized fluorescence for skin cancer diagnostic with a multi-aperture camera

Polarized fluorescence has shown some promising results in assessment of skin cancer margins. Researchers have used tetracycline and cross polarization imaging for nonmelanoma skin cancer demarcation as well as investigating endogenous skin polarized fluorescence. In this paper we present a new instrument for polarized fluorescence imaging, able to calculate the full fluorescence Stokes vector in one snapshot. The core of our system is a multi-aperture camera constructed with a two by two lenslet array. Three of the lenses have polarizing elements in front of them, oriented at 0°, + 45°and 90° with respect to light source polarization. A flash lamp combined with a polarizer parallel to the source-camera-sample plane and a UV filter is used as an excitation source. A blue filter in front of the camera system is used to collect only the fluorescent emission of interest and filter out the incident light. In-vitro tests of endogenous and exogenous polarized fluorescence on collagen rich material like bovine tendon were performed and Stokes vector of polarized fluorescence calculated. The system has the advantage of eliminating moving artifacts with the collection of different polarization states and stoke vector in a single snap shot.
Myeloma is on the move

Mature plasma cells and myeloma cells migrate to the bone, and myeloma cells have the ability to metastasize to different bone marrow and extramedullary sites. Although macrophage inflammatory protein 1 α and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 have been shown to induce migration of myeloma cells,
Albedo dichotomy of Rhea: Hapke analysis of Voyager photometry

The Hapke (1986) model has been well fitted to both full-disk and disk-resolved Voyager observations. The low phase angle data indicate a substantial opposition effect, and the Hapke analysis results show that while the regolith compaction parameter for Rhea is definitely larger than for Titania, it is comparable to that of the moon. Photometric differences other than albedo are noted between the leading and trailing hemispheres of the satellite. The albedo map of Rhea presented reproduces the observed lightcurve and demonstrates that no terrain or feature in the trailing hemisphere is as bright as any in the leading hemisphere. A quasi-circular low albedo region near the antiapex of motion is discovered.
Effect of xanthan on the molecular mobility of amorphous sucrose detected by erythrosin B phosphorescence.

Molecular mobility in amorphous solids is modulated by composition and environmental conditions such as temperature. Phosphorescence of erythrosin B was used to generate a mobility map of amorphous sucrose film doped with xanthan gum at weight ratios of xanthan/sucrose ranging from 0.0001 to 0.01. On the basis of analysis of the emission energy and lifetime of erythrosin B in pure sucrose and sucrose−xanthan films over the temperature range from 5 to 100 °C, we conclude that xanthan influences the molecular mobility as well as the dynamic site heterogeneity of amorphous sucrose in a dose-dependent fashion. At xanthan/sucrose weight ratios below ∼0.0005, both emission energy and lifetime decreased and kTS0 (the nonradiative decay rate of the triplet state) increased, indicating that xanthan increased the matrix molecular mobility. At weight ratios above 0.001, both emission energy and lifetime increased and kTS0 decreased, indicating that xanthan decreased matrix mobility, reaching a plateau at weight rati...
Medical disorders of alcoholism.

To the Editor: Dr. Lieber's article on medical disorders of alcoholism (Oct. 19 issue)1 is an articulate and comprehensive review of the many complications of alcoholism, including malnutrition, ex...
Predissociation of the Hydroxymethyl Radical in the 3pz Rydberg State: Formaldehyde + Hydrogen Atom Channel†

The photodissociation of the hydroxymethyl radical to hydrogen atom and formaldehyde was investigated following excitation to the origin band of the Rydberg 2A"(3pz) state of jet cooled CH2OD and CD2OH. D and H products were detected by 2-color laser ionization. The peaks in the photofragment yield spectrum of the D product from CH2OD correspond to peaks in the absorption spectrum, and this establishes hydroxymethyl as the source of the observed D atoms. D atoms appear as major products from CH2OD, but the H photofragment yield is not discernible above the background. On the other hand, in the dissociation of CD2OH, only H atoms are produced. It is concluded that isomerization to the methoxy radical is not important. Time-of-flight distributions of the D atom from CH2OD were obtained under core sampling conditions. The product translational energy distribution derived from the data is broad, indicating that the formaldehyde cofragment is produced in the ground electronic state but with an internal energy ...
FIDES: A trust-based framework for secure user incentivization in participatory sensing

Participatory sensing (PS) has recently attracted tremendous attention given its potential for a wide variety of sensing applications. Due to the fact that PS systems rely completely on the data provided by the users, incentivizing users' active participation while guaranteeing data reliability is paramount to effectively employ PS systems in practical scenarios. In this paper, we first define a set of attacks which compromise data reliability of existing PS applications. Next, we propose a scalable and secure trust-based framework, called FIDES, which relies on the concept of mobile security agents (MSAs) and Josang's trust model to rule out incorrect reports and reward reliable users. By simulating the FIDES framework on mobility traces of taxi cabs in San Francisco, we demonstrate that FIDES secures the PS system from the proposed attacks, guarantees high data reliability, and saves significant amount of revenue with respect to existing reward mechanisms.
Molecular dynamics of liquid SiO2 under high pressure

The molecular dynamics of pure SiO2 liquids was investigated up to pressures of 20 GPa at 4000 K using 252, 498, 864, and 1371 particles. The results obtained suggest that the pressure-induced maxima in the self-diffusion coefficients of both oxygen and silicon are dependent on the system size. In the case of larger systems, the maximum decreases and shifts to lower pressures. Changes in the velocity autocorrelation function with increasing pressure are described. The populations of anomalously coordinated silicon and oxygen are then discussed as a function of pressure and system size.
Identification of defects responsible for optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) from copper-diffused LiAlO2 crystals

Abstract A large optically stimulated luminescence (CW-OSL) response has been observed from bulk lithium aluminate (LiAlO2) crystals that have been copper-diffused. After introducing the copper, an optical absorption band peaking at 277 nm is present and is assigned to Cu+ (3d10) ions at Li+ sites. Photoluminescence (PL and PLE) from copper-diffused samples shows an emission band near 359 nm and an excitation band near 273 nm. These PL bands are also assigned to the Cu+ ions. After an irradiation at room temperature with x-rays, the copper-diffused crystals give an intense OSL signal when stimulated with light in the 425–500 nm region. The OSL emitted light has a peak near 357 nm and thus is directly associated with recombination at a Cu ion. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) shows that the x-rays produce two distinct Cu2+ (3d9) centers, both at Li+ sites. One of the trapped-hole centers is a Cu2+ with no nearby defects and the other is a Cu2+ with a neighboring Li+ vacancy. Monitoring the EPR spectra before and after OSL shows that only the isolated Cu2+ ions (i.e., those with no nearby defect) participate in the OSL process. The electron traps participating in the OSL are shown with EPR to be transition-metal ions that are unintentionally present. Specifically, Fe2+ ions replacing Li+ ions, possibly with a nearby lithium vacancy, convert to Fe+ (3d7) ions when they trap an electron during irradiation. These electrons are optically released by the OSL exciting light and migrate to the holes trapped as isolated Cu2+ ions, where electron–hole recombination gives the characteristic Cu+ emission. By combining OSL, PL, and EPR, we establish the general OSL mechanism in copper-diffused LiAlO2 crystals.
Work hardening of mechanically alloyed FeY2O3 alloys

Abstract The stress-strain response of mechanically alloyed iron has been examined between − 196 and 700°C as a function of the volume fraction of Y2O3 particles. Although a range of work-hardening responses are observed, the combination of parabolic and linear strain hardening dominate at both 25 and 400°C. The observed behavior at these two temperatures can be readily interpreted in terms of existing theories, taking into account the effects of temperature and volume fraction of particles on work hardening. At 700°C, the effects of recovery greatly reduce the linear hardening rate while at −196°C neither parabolic nor linear hardening are observed.
Toward the measurement of multiple fluorescence lifetimes in flow cytometry: maximizing multi-harmonic content from cells and microspheres.

Illustration of a flow cytometer capable of capturing multiple fluorescence lifetime measurements; creating potential for multi-parametric, time-resolved signals to be captured for every color channel. Flow cytometry is a powerful means for in vitro cellular analyses where multi-fluorescence and multi-angle light scattering can indicate unique biochemical or morphological features of single cells. Yet, to date, flow cytometry systems have lacked the ability to capture complex fluorescence dynamics due to the transient nature of flowing cells. In this contribution we introduce a simple approach for measuring multiple fluorescence lifetimes from a single cytometric event. We leverage square wave modulation, Fourier analysis, and high frequency digitization and show the ability to resolve more than one fluorescence lifetime from fluorescently-labelled cells and microspheres.
Open Innovation and Organizational Boundaries: The Impact of Task Decomposition and Knowledge Distribution on the Locus of Innovation

This paper contrasts traditional, organization-centered models of innovation with more recent work on open innovation. These fundamentally different and inconsistent innovation logics are associated with contrasting organizational boundaries and organizational designs. We suggest that when critical tasks can be modularized and when problem-solving knowledge is widely distributed and available, open innovation complements traditional innovation logics. We induce these ideas from the literature and with extended examples from Apple, NASA, and LEGO. We suggest that task decomposition and problem-solving knowledge distribution are not deterministic but are strategic choices. If dynamic capabilities are associated with innovation streams, and if different innovation types are rooted in contrasting innovation logics, there are important implications for firm boundaries, design, and identity.
Intracellular calcium and vulnerability to fibrillation and defibrillation in Langendorff-perfused rabbit ventricles.

Background— The role of intracellular calcium (Cai) in defibrillation and vulnerability is unclear. Methods and Results— We simultaneously mapped epicardial membrane potential and Cai during shock on T-wave episodes (n=104) and attempted defibrillation episodes (n=173) in 17 Langendorff-perfused rabbit ventricles. Unsuccessful and type B successful defibrillation shocks were followed by heterogeneous distribution of Cai, including regions of low Cai surrounded by elevated Cai (“Cai sinkholes”) 31±12 ms after shock. The first postshock activation then originated from the Cai sinkhole 53±14 ms after the shock. No sinkholes were present in type A successful defibrillation. A Cai sinkhole also was present 39±32 ms after a shock on T that induced ventricular fibrillation, followed 22±15 ms later by propagated wave fronts that arose from the same site. This wave propagated to form a spiral wave and initiated ventricular fibrillation. Thapsigargin and ryanodine significantly decreased the upper limit of vulnerab...