cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
USING A BASE-TEN BLOCKS LEARNING/ TEACHING APPROACH FOR FIRST- AND SECOND-GRADE PLACE-VALUE AND MULTIDIGIT ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION

A learning/teaching approach used base-ten blocks to embody the English named-value system of number words and digit cards to embody the positional base-ten system of numeration. Steps in addition and subtraction of four-digit numbers were motivated by the size of the blocks and then were carried out with the blocks; each step was immediately recorded with base-ten numerals. Children practiced multidigit problems of from five to eight places after they could successfully add or subtract smaller problems without using the blocks. In Study 1 six of the eight classes of first and second graders (N = 169) demonstrated meaningful multidigit addition and place-value concepts up to at least four-digit numbers; average-achieving first graders showed more limited understanding. Three classes of second graders (N = 75) completed the initial subtraction learning and demonstrated meaningful subtraction concepts. In Study 2 most second graders in 42 participating classes (N = 783) in a large urban school district learned at least four-digit addition, and many children in the 35 classes (N = 707) completing subtraction work learned at least four-digit subtraction. The English spoken system of number words is a named-value system for the values of hundred, thousand, and higher; a number word is said and then the value of that number word is named. For example, with five thousand seven hundred twelve, the "thousand" names the value of the "five" to clarify that it is not five ones (= five) but is five thousands. In contrast, the system of written multidigit number marks is a positional base-ten system in which the values are implicit and are indicated only by the relative positions of the number marks. In order to understand these systems of English words and written number marks for large multidigit numbers, children must construct named-value and positional base-ten conceptual structures for the words and the marks and relate these conceptual
Convergent inversion approximations for polynomials in Bernstein form

Abstract Given a monotone polynomial function λ=f(t) in Bernstein form on t∈[ 0,1 ] , we formulate an algorithm that computes a sequence of rapidly convergent Bernstein-form polynomial approximations Pn(λ) to the inverse t=f−1(λ) of this function. The method is based upon a least-squares minimization of the error en(λ)=f−1(λ)−Pn(λ), using the orthogonal Legendre polynomials to yield an uncoupled sequential computation of the least-squares coefficients, and it requires only the standard arithmetic, degree elevation, and composition algorithms for polynomials in Bernstein form. An extension of the method to error minimization under the constraint of fixed end values is also presented. As an example application, we show that the algorithm can be used to derive representations for polynomial PH curves that come arbitrarily close to the ideal of arc-length parameterization.
Crystal and Molecular Structure of 6,6′-Dimethoxy-gossypol:Acetic acid (1:1)

By crystallization from dilute solutions of acetic acid (2–4%) in diethyl ether, acetone, or methyl ethyl ketone, 6,6′-dimethoxy-gossypol forms a solvate with acetic acid in a one-to-one molar ratio. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic P $$ \overline{1} $$ space group and has unit cell dimensions of a = 7.5793(10) A, b = 14.7211(19) A and c = 14.740(2) A, α = 106.260(3)°, β = 102.310(3)°, γ = 95.975(3)°, Z = 2. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined to an R1 value of 0.0394 on 4252 observed reflections. Enantiomeric pairs of dimethoxy-gossypol molecules form centrosymmetic dimers that are characterized by a pair of intermolecular hydrogen bonds and by hydrophobic stacking between pairs of naphthalene rings. The acetic acid molecule accepts a hydrogen bond from a gossypol hydroxyl group and donates to a hydrogen bond with one of the aldehyde groups of an adjacent gossypol molecule. Although there is less hydrogen bonding in this structure than in the gossypol:acetic acid (1:1) structure, the molecular packing of the two compounds is similar. Crystal and molecular structure of 6,6′-dimethoxy-gossypol:acetic acid (1:1) Michael K. Dowd and Edwin D. Stevens The molecular structure of the acetic acid solvate of 6,6′-dimethoxy-gossypol is presented.
Observations of the total lunar eclipse on February 10, 1971 at 3.1 mm wavelength.

Observations were made of the total lunar eclipse on February 10, 1971 at a wavelength of 3.1 mm at the Millimeter Wave Observatory of the University of Texas at Austin. Eclipse cooling curves obtained for Copernicus, Mare Serenitatis, and a mountainous region indicate maximum temperature decreases of 6.77%, 6.37%, and 7.51%, respectively. Cooling rates of about 6 K/hour were measured. The normalized solar insolation has also been calculated for each region.
Prolonged post-stimulus inhibition of breathing following stimulation of afferents from muscle.

Abstract Respiratory responses, measured from phrenic nerve activity, to stimulation of limb muscles or their afferent nerves were studied in anesthetized cats with intact brains, after cerebellectomy or decortication, and in unanesthetized decerebrate animals. All were vagotomized, glomectomized and paralyzed. Body temperature and endotidal PCO2 were kept constant with servocontrollers. Nerve for muscle stimulation in animals with intact brains caused an increase in respiration which was followed by a respiratory afterdischarge, both of which have been described previously. In additon, simulation of either muscle or nerve in animals with intact brains caused a post-stimulation depression of respiration that persisted for up to an hour. Decerebrated animals or those with spinal cord transection at cervical, thoracic or lumbar levels did not develop the response. In decorticated or decerebellated animals, the magnitude of the prolonged inhibition was markedly decreased. We conclude that: (1) stimulation of limb muscles or their afferent nerves activates a central neural mechanism which causes a prolonged depression of respiration; (2) the afferent input involved in this response is transmitted to the brain via spinal cord pathways; and (3) the cerebellum and suprapontine brain are required for full development of the post-stimulation inhibition.
Testicular Infarction in a Patient with Epididymitis

Summary To the authors' knowledge, this case is unique to the emergency medicine literature. Although testicular infarction from epididymitis is rare, it should be considered as a complication of severe or unresolving epididymitis. These patients should be Dlaced on broad spectrum antibiotcs, i.e., quinolones; color flow Dopp-er of the testes should be obtained; md urologic consultation should be onsidered for possible admission ind surgical exploration.
Catalysis of gas hydrates by biosurfactants in seawater-saturated sand/clay

Biosurfactants catalyzed natural gas hydrate formation in sand/clay packs saturated with seawater. Representative samples from the five possible biosurfactant classifications enhanced hydrate formation rate and decreased hydrate induction time. Biosurfactants increased rates 96% to 288% and decreased induction times 20% to 71% relative to the control. Micellar-forming rhamnolipid reached a critical micellar concentration at 13 ppm at hydrate-forming conditions; these micelles migrated readily through a seawater-saturated sand pack to catalyze hydrate formation in another zone. The type of biosurfactant, in conjunction with specific porous media, help determine massive, dispersed, nodular, or stratified forms of hydrates. Results suggested that minimal microbial activity in ocean-floor sands can greatly influence gas hydrate formation. La formation d'hydrates de gaz naturel a ete catalysee par des biosurfactants dans des blocs de sable et d'argile satures avec de l'eau de mer. Des echantillons representatifs venant de cinq classes de biosurfactants possibles ameliorent la vitesse de formation des hydrates et diminuent le temps d'induction des hydrates. Les biosurfactants augmentent les vitesses de 96 a 288 % et diminuent les temps d'induction de 20 a 71 % par rapport au controle. Le rhamnolipide formant des micelles atteint une concentration micellaire critique de 13 ppm aux conditions de formation des hydrates; ces micelles migrent directement a travers un bloc de sable sature d'eau de mer pour catalyser la formation des hydrates dans une autre zone. Le type de biosurfactant ainsi que le milieu poreux specifique aident a determiner les formes d'hydrates massives, dispersees, nodulaires ou stratifiees. Les resultats suggerent que l'activite microbienne minimale des sables de fond d'ocean peut largement influencer la formation des hydrates de gaz.
Fatty acid composition of soybean/glycine max (L. Merr.) somatic embryos

Somatic embryos from four soybean cultivars were matured for 30 and 45 d. Success of embryo germination was evaluated for each length of maturation. The percentage of somatic embryos undergoing successful germination, as defined by rooting and shoot emergence, was greater for embryos matured 45 d than for embryos matured 30 d. Therefore, embryos matured for 45 d are probably physiologically more mature than embryos matured for 30 d. Relative percentages of fatty acids comprising oils and lipids of somatic embryos were determined for each length of maturation and for each cultivar. Variation in relative percentages of palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid was affected by length of maturation. However, these changes were genotype dependent. A significant interaction between the cultivars Clark and Maple Arrow and stage of maturation was observed for levels of oleic acid. No other interactions were observed. These data suggest that if changes in relative percentages of certain fatty acids are associated with soybean somatic embryo maturation the changes are genotype dependent.
Unsaturated fatty acids of mycobacteria

The double bond locations have been determined for the mono-unsaturated fatty acids, C14 to C26 ofM. smegmatis andM. bovis BCG. The 14∶1 and 16∶1 fatty acids fromM. smegmatis are principally Δ10, while the 17∶1, 18∶1 and 19∶1 fatty acids from both organisms are Δ9. In the case ofM. smegmatis, the 20∶1, 22∶1 and 24∶1 fatty acids are principally Δ11, Δ13 and Δ15, respectively, while the 22∶1, 24∶1 and 26∶1 fatty acids of BCG are principally Δ13, Δ15 and Δ17, respectively.
Age at Immigration and Kidney Function among Self-Identified Healthy Africans in the United States

Kidney disease disparately affects those of African descent. Age trends have generally been established for kidney function in the overall US population, but the contribution of age at the time of immigration for African immigrants is unknown. To examine the independent and joint effects of age and age at the time of immigration, and kidney function. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated for 93 African immigrants (60 % male; mean age = 33.5). Hierarchical regression and post hoc analyses revealed a significant age × age at the time of immigration interaction after accounting for traditional risk factors among those who immigrated at age ≤21. Younger age at the time of immigration to the US may exacerbate an inverse relationship between age and kidney function in a self-identified healthy African immigrant sample. Investigation of biopsychosocial factors associated with kidney health among African immigrants is warranted.
In Situ Measurements of Thermal Distortions in Synchrotron Optics under High Heat Load

Modern synchrotron X-ray sources produce many kilowatts of power, most of which are absorbed by the first optical elements of the monochromators. As a result, the monochromator crystal deforms (creating a heat bump), leading to severe degradation of the monochromator performance. This problem has been known for decades and various methods have been developed to lessen the effect of heat bumps by implementing various internal cooling methods for the crystal as well as using crystals with superior heat conductivity [1].
Limits of polyhedra in Gromov–Hausdorff space

Abstract The main theorem of this paper is that compact metric spaces which are locally n-connected and which have cohomological dimension ⩽n for some n are precisely the spaces which are cell-like images of finite polyhedra. We show that this leads to a well-defined simple homotopy theory for such spaces. We also show that these spaces are precisely the compact metric spaces which are limits of polyhedra in Gromov’s topological moduli spaces M (n, ρ) for some choice of ρ and n. In addition, we prove that every precompact subset of M (n, ρ) contains only finitely many simple homotopy types. In the final section, we discuss the problem of determining which metric spaces are limits of closed manifolds in M (n, ρ) for some n and ρ.
The Breadth of Bioethics: Core Areas of Bioethics Education for Hospital Ethics Committees

The multidisciplinary nature of bioethics can result in narrow sub-specialists within the field, whose work reflects the issues and concerns most relevant to their home discipline. This can result in work which is insensitive to the important ways in which particular areas of bioethics are interrelated, and which (while viable in the context of the sub-specialty) is not viable in a broader context. The narrow focus of many healthcare ethics committees on issues directly related to clinical patient care can exacerbate this problem. Increasingly, issues in the clinical care of patients cannot be separated from issues in research, organizational ethics, and public policy. I argue that these problems call for a need to identify core areas for bioethics education. This is especially true for education of hospital ethics committees, which incresingly face complex cases involving concerns that fall outside traditional patient care issues. I then consider nine areas examined in detail in A Companion to Bioethics ...
Lasing modes in highly confined semiconductor microcavities

The ability to tailor the emission characteristics through use of a microcavity has become an interesting topic for fabricating improved forms of light emitters. For semiconductor light emitters the novel cavity physics also complements the technological importance, and the advanced fabrication techniques allow for mode confinement presently in the volume range of tens of cubic emission wavelengths. In this paper we discuss the mode confinement possible with Fabry-Perot semiconductor microcavities that both have extremely short cavity lengths and contain embedded dielectric regions.WHile this confinements mechanism was discovered in late 1993, it was not at first clearly understood. Today we have a much better understanding of this system, and it becomes clear that it can impact a broad range of microcavity light emitters. In addition, we discuss combining the 3D confinement of the microcavity with 3D confinement of the electronic carriers, and demonstrate room-temperature lasing from quantum dot vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Nuclear power: levels of safety.

The rise and fall of the nuclear power industry in the United States is a well-documented story with enough socio-technological conflict to fill dozens of scholarly, and not so scholarly, books. Whatever the reasons for the situation we are now in, and no matter how we apportion the blame, the ultimate choice of whether to use nuclear power in this country is made by the utilities and by the public. Their choices are, finally, based on some form of risk-benefit analysis. Such analysis is done in well-documented and apparently logical form by the utilities and in a rather more inchoate but not necessarily less accurate form by the public. Nuclear power has failed in the United States because both the real and perceived risks outweigh the potential benefits. The national decision not to rely upon nuclear power in its present form is not an irrational one. A wide ranging public balancing of risk and benefit requires a classification of risk which is clear and believable for the public to be able to assess the risks associated with given technological structures. The qualitative four-level safety ladder provides such a framework. Nuclear reactors have been designed which fit clearly and demonstrably intomore » each of the possible qualitative safety levels. Surprisingly, it appears that safer may also mean cheaper. The intellectual and technical prerequisites are in hand for an important national decision. Deployment of a qualitatively different second generation of nuclear reactors can have important benefits for the United States. Surprisingly, it may well be the nuclear establishment itself, with enormous investments of money and pride in the existing nuclear systems, that rejects second generation reactors. It may be that we will not have a second generation of reactors until the first generation of nuclear engineers and nuclear power advocates has retired.« less
Fabrication and superconducting properties of high Tc oxide wire

Since the discovery of high Tc superconducting oxide such as Ln-Ba-Cu-O system which shows superconductivity above liquid nitrogen temperature, intensive study has been carried out to investigate its intrinsic properties[l-4]. Superconducting wire which operates in liquid nitrogen is one of the emerging products among application, however, there are many factors to be investigated for practical use. Critical current density, Jc, is one of the most important characteristics of superconductor, although, only few report describing Jc measurement ever published[5]. In this paper, fabrication procedure of silver sheathed Y-Ba-Cu-O wire by powder metallurgical technique and its superconducting properties have been reported. Other factors which may influence superconductivity such as microstructure of the oxide, configuration of wires, etc. are also discussed.
Variable-threshold optical proximity correction (OPC) models for high-performance 0.18-μm process

The recent development of lithographic resolution enhancement techniques of optical proximity correction (OPC) and phase shift masks (PSM) enable sprinting critical dimension (CD) features that are significantly smaller than the exposure wavelength. In this paper, we present a variable threshold OPC model that describes how a pattern configuration transfers to the wafer after resist and etch processes. This 0.18 micrometers CMOS technology utilizes isolation with pitches of active device regions below 0.5 micrometers . The effective gate length on silicon is in the range of 0.11 to 0.18 micrometers . The OPC model begins with a Hopkin's formula for aerial image calculation and is tuned to fit the measured CD data, using a commercially available software. The OPC models are anchored at a set of selected CD dat including linearity, line-end pullback, and linewidth as a function of pitch. It is found that the threshold values inferred from measured CD dat vary approximately linearly with the slope of aerial image. The accuracy of the model is illustrated by comparing the simulated contour using the OPC model and measured SEM image. The implementation of OPC models at both active and gate is achieved using two approaches: (1) to optimize the mask bias and sizes of hammerhead and serifs via a rule based approach; and (2) to correct the SRAM cell layouts by OPC model. The OPC models developed have been successfully applied to 0.18 micrometers technology in a prototyping environment.
Mechanism of Adhesive Film Popcorn in Electronic Packaging

Popcorn generally happens in lead frame based package, where the interface between molding compound and die (or die paddle) is sometimes weak during pre-conditioning reflow. With the increasing use of adhesive film in substrate based package, adhesive film popcorn is frequently encountered in the film between silicon die and plastic substrate. The feature of adhesive film popcorn is a combination of two seemingly contradictory phenomena: voiding and cracking, very different from that of past lead frame package popcorn, in which the main failure mode is interface delamination. Void growth generally suggests very good plasticity while cracking is a brittle indicator. A popcorn mechanism behind the phenomena is introduced in this paper. First the adhesive popcorn failure modes are introduced. To analyze the failure, the material behavior of adhesive film and the stress source which may cause failure are qualitatively analyzed. Based on the material behavior and stress condition, the void growth and cracking criteria are presented. An innovative experiment is designed to validate the criteria and mechanical stress analysis through finite element method is found consistent to the popcorn failure modes. It finally comes to the conclusion that initial film defect size and the largest strain the film can sustain plays an important role in the adhesive film popcorn failure mechanism. The understanding here can be used in new adhesive film development and selection to avoid package popcorn and delamination.
Open vs. robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: a single surgeon and pathologist comparison of pathologic and oncologic outcomes.

Abstract Objective To compare the impact surgical technique has on clinicopathologic and oncologic outcomes among patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. Materials and methods Utilizing the experience of a single surgeon and pathologist, a retrospective review of 1,041 patients undergoing open (RRP) and robotic-assisted (RALP) radical prostatectomy between 1999 and 2010 with pathologic evaluation using whole-mount sectioning techniques and tumor mapping was performed from our prospective database. Differences in the incidence, location, and linear length of positive surgical margins were compared. Additionally, rates of biochemical relapse-free survival according to technique were assessed. Results A total of 357 RRP and 669 RALP patients were evaluated. The overall incidence of surgical margin positivity when stratified by stage of disease and location of positive margins was nearly identical between groups for organ confined disease. The apex and posterior surfaces represented the 2 most common locations for positive margins. RALP had notably fewer positive margins in pathologic T3 disease and a statistically shorter linear length of margin positivity among all patients. Short and intermediate-term biochemical-free survival rates were identical between groups. Conclusions RALP is associated with operative oncologic control rates that compare very favorably to RRP. The data suggest that in the hands of an experienced surgeon, RALP has oncologic outcomes that are at least as good if not better than RRP.
Immunocytochemical localization of glutamate-, glutaminase- and aspartate aminotransferase-like immunoreactivity in the rat deep cerebellar nuclei

Abstract Althougthe anatomy and the connectivity of the deep cerebellar nuclei have been well documented, little is known about the neurotransmitter systems mediating cerebellar efferent pathways. The present study utilizes immunohistochemical procedures in conjunction wita novel monoclonal antibody specific for carbodiimide-fixed glutamate and polyclonal antisera against glutaminase (GLNase) and aspartate aminotransferase (AATase) to examine the presence of putative excitatory amino acid transmitters in neurons of the deep cerebellar nuclei. Carbodiimide-fixed glutamate-like, GLNase-like and AATase-like immunoreactivities were observed in neurons of the lateral, posterior interpositus, anterior interpositus and medial deep cerebellar nuclei. More neurons were stained witAATase antiserum than witthe GLNase antiserum or the monoclonal antibody. These results suggest glutamate, GLNase and AATase are present in neurons of the deep cerebellar nuclei and raise the possibility that glutamate may be an excitatory transmitter in these structures.
Semantic network edges: a human-machine approach to represent typed relations in social networks

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel approach to the development and semantic enhancement of a social network to support the analysis and interpretation of digital oral history data from jazz archives and special collections. Design/methodology/approach – A multi-method approach was applied including automated named entity recognition and extraction to create a social network, and crowdsourcing techniques to semantically enhance the data through the classification of relations and the integration of contextual information. Linked open data standards provided the knowledge representation technique for the data set underlying the network. Findings – The study described here identifies the challenges and opportunities of a combination of a machine and a human-driven approach to the development of social networks from textual documents. The creation, visualization and enrichment of a social network are presented within a real-world scenario. The data set from which the network is based i...
Estimation of Liquid Cloud Properties that Conserve Total-Scene Reflectance Using Satellite Measurements

Abstract A new method of deriving statistical moments related to the distribution of liquid water path over partially cloudy scenes is tested using a satellite cloud climatology. The method improves the ability to reconstruct total-scene visible reflectance when compared with an approach that relies on valid liquid water path retrievals, and thus it maintains physical consistency with the primary satellite observations when deriving cloud climatologies. A global application of the new method finds a mean bias of −0.008 ± 0.017 when reconstructing total-scene reflectance from liquid water path distributions, as compared with a bias of 0.05 ± 0.047 when using a conventional approach. Application of the method to a multidecadal cloud climatology suggests that this may provide a means of identifying data artifacts that could affect long-term cloud property trends. The conservation of reflectance plus the ease of applicability to various satellite datasets makes this method a valuable tool for model validation...
Pravda's coverage of the Chernobyl nuclear accident at the threshold of glasnost

This study uses content analysis to examine Pravda's coverage of the Chernobyl nuclear accident against the background of both Western and Soviet scholarship on the Soviet press in order to underst...
Girdling effect of nonstimulated cardiomyoplasty on left ventricular function

The precise hemodynamic effects of latissimus dorsi cardiomyoplasty have not been well characterized. We prospectively studied 11 mongrel dogs using a rapid ventricular pacing model of congestive heart failure. Six dogs received a nonstimulated left latissimus dorsi cardiomyoplasty wrap, and 5 control dogs were paced only. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was performed on all dogs at baseline and then weekly for 4 weeks. Measurements obtained included left ventricular diameters, lengths, volumes, and ejection fractions. Progressive left ventricular enlargement, increase in volumes, and worsening ejection fractions developed in both groups. However, less left ventricular dilatation and higher ejection fractions were seen in dogs that received a cardiomyoplasty wrap. A nonstimulated cardiomyoplasty wrap significantly attenuated the degree of left ventricular enlargement, increase in left ventricular volumes, and decrease in ejection fraction in a rapid pacing model of congestive heart failure. Apart from its effect on systolic augmentation with a stimulated muscle wrap, cardiomyoplasty may have an important "girdling" effect on the left ventricle that prevents dilatation and deterioration of left ventricular function.
Ego receptivity and hypnotizability--two pilot studies: a brief communication.

Abstract Ego receptivity has been described as important for the psychotherapy process and as a characteristic of hypnosis (Deikman, 1974; Dosamantes-Alperson, 1979; Fromm, 1979). Receptivity also has been associated with a measure of absorption (Tellegen, 1981). In the first pilot study with 6 dance/movement therapy students, higher observer ratings of receptivity were associated with greater hypnotizability (r = .79, df = 4, p < .05, 2-tailed test). In the second pilot study, the correlation was replicated (r = .51, df = 12, p = .06, 2-tailed test) with 14 dance/movement therapy students. In the second pilot study, receptivity did not correlate with absorption. Receptivity and absorption, however, accounted for 54% of hypnotizability population variance in a step-wise multiple regression. Receptivity accounted for a unique part of the variance after the effects of absorption were removed. It was concluded that receptivity should be explored as a potential predictor of hypnotizability, and that a reliabl...
Unilateral spatial neglect in dissociable frames of reference: a comment on Farah, Brunn, Wong, Wallace, and Carpenter (1990)

Abstract We comment on a paper by Farah et al. [12] in which it is claimed that averaged performance on a letter naming task by a group of patients with left unilateral spatial neglect (USN) provides evidence that spatial allocation of attention is defined by environment-centered and viewer-centred coordinates, but not by object-centred coordinates. We re-analyze the raw data from that paper, and present statistical analyses of the data from individual subjects which show dissociations in the coordinate frames used by the individual subjects with USN. The data from individual cases demonstrate that object-centered USN occurs alone (without evidence of USN in other reference frames) in some cases, and in association with USN in other reference frames other cases. In contrast to the conclusions drawn from the group performance, results from individual subjects provide evidence for the role of dissociable frames of reference, including an object-centred coordinate frame, in the spatial allocation of attention.
Reactive oxygen species promote angiogenesis in the infarcted rat heart

Summary The purpose of this study was to determine whether reactive oxygen species (ROS) promote cardiac angiogenesis following myocardial infarction (MI) and contribute to cardiac repair. Rats with MI were treated with or without antioxidants, tempol and apocynin. Hearts of these rats were collected at days 2, 4, 7 and 14 post-MI. We examined the spatial and temporal relationship between oxidative stress and angiogenesis as well as the potential regulation of ROS in cardiac angiogenesis. We found: (i) following MI, gp91 phox , a subunit of NADPH oxidase, a key enzyme for ROS production, was significantly increased in the border zone at day 2, followed by the infarcted myocardium at day 4, peaked at day 7 and declined at day 14, while superoxide dismutase was significantly reduced; (ii) malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress, was significantly increased in the infarcted myocardium at day 7; (iii) pre-existing blood vessels in the infarcted myocardium underwent necrosis postMI, whereas newly formed vessels appeared at the border zone at day 4, and then extended into the infarcted myocardium, where microvascular density peaked at day 7 and (iv) antioxidant treatment significantly reduced microvascular density in the infarcted myocardium at day 7. These observations suggest that following MI, angiogenesis is mostly active in the infarcted myocardium in the first week, which is temporally and spatially coincident with enhanced ROS. Suppression of angiogenesis by antioxidants indicates that ROS promote angiogenesis in the infarcted myocardium and contribute to cardiac repair. Further studies are required to determine the mechanisms responsible for ROS-mediated cardiac angiogenesis.
EPR study of hole trapping at cation vacancies in silver halides.

On demontre que dans AgCl, le trou positif peut etre reellement lie a une lacune cationique negatif. Les deux types de centres paramagnetiques resultant, qui survivent jusqu'a respectivement 70 et 110 K, sont identifies comme centre de trous auto-pieges avec une lacune cationique. Dans AgBr, pas d'observation d'effets RPE dus a l'interaction entre trou et lacune cationique
Control of stored product pests by ionizing radiation

Abstract Food irradiation for prevention of food-borne illness and disinfestation of commodities of pests is increasing in a number of countries. The goal of this review is to analyze the literature and current use of irradiation to control stored product pests and suggest research to optimize its potential. Doses to prevent reproduction of stored product pests range from 0.05 kGy for Tenebrio molitor L. to 0.45 kGy for Sitotroga cereallela (Olivier). Small but increasing amounts of grains and pulses are being irradiated in the world today especially in Asia. At least 33 countries permit irradiation of some stored products with 14 countries permitting it for all stored products. Ways in which stored product irradiation research and application may influence other uses of irradiation technology are also discussed. Deactivation of weed seeds might be an area of stored product phytosanitation where irradiation would have an advantage over other measures.
Bubble contrast echocardiography in detecting pulmonary arteriovenous shunting in children with univentricular heart after cavopulmonary anastomosis

Abstract OBJECTIVES We sought to compare bubble contrast echocardiography and pulmonary angiography in detecting pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) in children with cavopulmonary anastomosis (CPA), and to examine anatomic and physiologic variables associated with the development of PAVM. BACKGROUND Development of PAVM in patients with CPA may cause profound cyanosis. Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation has been traditionally diagnosed by pulmonary angiography with reported incidence of 20% to 25% in patients with CPA. METHODS Fourteen patients (age 1.1 to 12.6 years) with any forms of CPA and normal pulmonary venous drainage formed the study population. All patients underwent cardiac catheterization and pulmonary angiography. Bubble contrast echocardiographic studies were performed with injection of 10 ml of agitated saline solution into branch pulmonary arteries. Transthoracic echocardiograms using an apical view were performed to assess the appearance of bubble contrast in the systemic ventricles. We compared the results of pulmonary angiograms and contrast echocardiograms, and findings of contrast echocardiograms between lungs with hepatic venous blood flow and lungs without hepatic venous blood. RESULTS Ten of the 14 patients (71%) had positive contrast echocardiographic studies, compared with three (21%) detected by pulmonary angiograms (p = 0.01). No difference was found in pulmonary artery pressure, transpulmonary gradient or presence of heterotaxy syndrome between patients with positive contrast echocardiographic studies and patients with negative studies. However, patients with positive contrast echocardiograms tended to have lower oxygen saturation (81%) and higher hemoglobin (16.4 g/dl) compared with patients with negative studies (88% and 14.7 g/dl, p = 0.10 and p = 0.18 respectively). Patients with Glenn shunt or unidirectional Fontan had higher incidence of PAVM (10/11) compared with patients with classic or lateral tunnel Fontan (0/3, p = 0.01). All 12 lungs with no perfusion of hepatic venous blood had positive contrast echocardiographic studies. Lungs with no hepatic venous blood flow were more likely to develop PAVM compared with lungs with hepatic venous blood flow (12/12 and 3/16 respectively, p CONCLUSIONS Bubble contrast echocardiography is more sensitive in detecting PAVM compared with pulmonary angiography. The prevalence of PAVM in patients with CPA may be much higher than what had been reported previously. Lungs with no hepatic venous blood flow are more likely to develop PAVM than lungs with hepatic venous blood flow.
Safety and efficacy of an imported fire ant rush immunotherapy protocol with and without prophylactic treatment.

Abstract Background: Hypersensitivity to the sting of the imported fire ant (IFA) is a growing and significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Conventional immunotherapy with IFA whole body extract (WBE) has been shown to be effective; however, rush immunotherapy (RIT) with IFA WBE has not been studied. Objective: In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of RIT with IFA WBE and sought to determine whether prophylactic pretreatment with antihistamines and steroids reduces the systemic reaction rate associated with RIT. Methods: Patients with IFA hypersensitivity were randomized to placebo or twice-daily terfenadine 60 mg, ranitidine 150 mg, and prednisone 30 mg initiated 2 days before RIT in a double-blinded study. The 2-day RIT protocol consisted of hourly injections to achieve a final dose of 0.3 mL 1:100 wt/vol. Patients returned on day 8 to receive 2 hourly injections of 0.25 mL 1:100 wt/vol (total, 0.5 mL) and again on day 15 for a single injection of 0.5 mL 1:100 wt/vol. Efficacy of the protocol was determined on day 22, a pair of IFA sting challenges being performed 2 hours apart. Results: Fifty-nine patients were enrolled into the study; a total of 58 patients (age range, 18 to 49 years) initiated the 2-day RIT. Only 3 patients (5.2%) experienced a mild systemic reaction during the protocol. Among those experiencing a systemic reaction with RIT, there was no statistical difference between the 2 premedication groups (3.6% active and 6.7% placebo; P = .87). Sting challenges were performed on 56 patients for a total of 112+ stings; only 1 mild systemic reaction occurred (efficacy, 98.2%). Conclusion: RIT with IFA WBE for IFA hypersensitivity is both safe and efficacious; the rate of mild systemic reactions is low. Premedication is not necessary, inasmuch as prophylactic pretreatment with antihistamines and steroids did not reduce the systemic reaction rate associated with RIT. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;109:556-62.)
Propyl paraben inhibits voltage-dependent sodium channels and protects cardiomyocytes from ischemia-reperfusion injury

Abstract The effects of propyl paraben, an antimicrobial preservative, on voltage-dependent sodium current and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury were investigated in isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes. Whole cell voltage-clamp recording showed that propyl paraben reversibly blocked the voltage-gated sodium channel both in concentration- and voltage-dependent manners. Propyl paraben (500 μM but not 100 μM) significantly shifted the steady-state inactivation of the sodium channel toward the hyperpolarizing direction at the V 1/2 point. Consistent with the above result, the propidium iodide (PI) uptake test revealed that pretreatment with 500 μM but not 100 μM of propyl paraben significantly reduced cell death induced by 45 min of sustained ischemia followed by 15 h of reperfusion (42.37 ± 7.01% of cell viability in control and 71.05 ± 7.06% in the propyl paraben group), suggesting that propyl paraben can protect myocytes from ischemia-reperfusion injury. These results indicate a possible correlation between the inhibition of sodium current and cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Acetylcholinesterase activity in the chinchillaorgan of corti in normal and acoustically overstimulated animals

The distribution of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) positive nerve fibers and endings in the organ of Corti of normal and acoustically overstimulated chinchillas is described. The strongest activity was located in the inner spiral bundle, and remained almost unchanged even after all the outer and the majority of the inner hair cells had degenerated as a result of intense exposure. In the chinchilla even the apical coil had three rows of AChE-positive nerve endings under the outer hair cells.
Cooperative and Stepwise Excitation of Luminescence: Trivalent Rare-Earth Ions in Yb 3 + -Sensitized Crystals

The probability of cooperative energy transfer from two excited ions to a nearby ion is computed and compared with the probability of excitation by stepwise energy transfer. For ${\mathrm{Yb}}^{3+}$ sensitization of ${\mathrm{Er}}^{3+}$, ${\mathrm{Ho}}^{3+}$, and ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{3+}$ activated hosts, the cooperative transition rate from two excited ${\mathrm{Yb}}^{3+}$ ions is estimated to be in the range ${10}^{7}$-${10}^{9}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, depending on the degree of overlaps of absorption and emission bands. In the case of the ${\mathrm{Er}}^{3+}$+${\mathrm{Yb}}^{3+}$ and ${\mathrm{Ho}}^{3+}$+${\mathrm{Yb}}^{3+}$ systems, the dependence of output intensity on the exciting light intensity ${I}_{E}$ and the concentration of Yb cannot discriminate between cooperative and serial transfer, but estimates of the transfer probabilities show that the stepwise process dominates. It is suggested that the ${\mathrm{Tb}}^{3+}$+${\mathrm{Yb}}^{3+}$ system would be an excellent system in which to observe the cooperative effect unambiguously. In the ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{3+}$+${\mathrm{Yb}}^{3+}$ system also, we expect stepwise transfer to dominate except for unfeasibly low ${I}_{E}$.
Integrating modeling and animation tools into an introductory computer science graphics course

We report our experience of integrating a free modeling and animation tool into an introductory computer graphics class. The goal is to help students better understand the computer graphics development process and therefore inspire their long term interest in this field. We also present the feedback from our students.
Abstract 3676: Selective modulation of CHOP/GADD153 in prostate cancer cells by alpha-mangostin promotes cell death.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Background: It is well-established that during endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress cells utilize several cell signal pathways collectively named “unfolded protein reaction (UPR)” to re-establish homeostasis and promote cell survival. The upregulation of UPR proteins to an extent is thought to be a growth advantage for cancer cells. However, chronic ER stress or prolonged UPR will lead to apoptosis. Alpha-mangostin, a xanthone from mangosteen fruit, has been reported to effectively induce prostate cancer cell apoptosis in vitro and suppress xenograft tumor growth. Thus, we investigated the alteration of ER stress-related proteins in mangosteen fruit extract (MFE)- or α-Mangostin-treated prostate cancer cells as well as its correlation with apoptosis. Methods: Two human prostate cancer cell lines, 22Rv1 and LNCaP, and a prostate epithelial cell line were treated with MFE or α-mangostin. Flow cytometry, MTT and BrdU were used to evaluate cell apoptosis, viability and proliferation. Western blot and fluorescent microscopy were used to detect proteins involved in apoptosis or ER stress. We also evaluated the anti-cancer activity of MFE and α-mangostin in nude mice inoculated with 22Rv1 cells. In addition, pharmacokinetics data of α-mangostin was collected on wild type C57BL6 mice for toxicity concern. Results: MFE increased apoptosis, decreased viability and inhibited proliferation in prostate cancer cell lines. Both MFE and α-mangostin significantly upregulated the expression of ER stress proteins, such as PERK, CHOP and IRE1α. Both MFE and α-mangostin also effectively suppressed tumor growth in a xenograft tumor model without affecting body weight. Interestingly, CHOP knockdown enhanced apoptosis in α-mangostin-treated prostate cancer cells; both MFE and α-mangostin decreased PERK expression and did not induce ER stress in prostate epithelial cells (PrECs) from prostate cancer patients. Conclusions: Both MFE and α-mangostin selectively promote ER stress in prostate cancer cells and inhibit prostate cancer cell growth in a xenograft mouse model without observable toxicity, suggesting further research is needed to evaluate its potential as an anti-cancer agent. Citation Format: Gongbo Li, Sakina Petiwala, Dana Pierce, Jeremy Johnson. Selective modulation of CHOP/GADD153 in prostate cancer cells by alpha-mangostin promotes cell death. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3676. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3676
Chromosome translocations: dangerous liaisons revisited

Although it has been clear for more than a century that the chromosomes in human tumour cells are often wildly abnormal, there has been controversy as to whether these changes are primary events or are merely secondary epiphenomena that reflect the genomic instability of these cells. The prevailing view for most of this period was that chromosome changes were secondary events. What happened to change this view?
Humanitarianism and the Laws of War

That moral principles underlie and constrain the activity of members of professions such as medicine and law is generally acknowledged. Whether the same can be said of the military profession is a question likely to generate considerable uncertainty. In this paper I shall show that, like other professions, the military profession is informed by a moral teleology. The source of this teleology, for the profession of arms, is manifested in the laws of war. The laws of war, in turn, reflect two humanitarian principles:
The Circumferential Compression Stitch for Meniscus Repair

Over the past 30 years, many patients have benefited from arthroscopically assisted meniscus repair surgery and its ability to preserve a healthy knee. Although techniques have evolved, the basic premise of central-to-peripheral needle penetration across the tear with fixation into the capsular region immediately peripheral to the meniscus has remained. Suture repair techniques that involve encircling the tear have been discussed but have remained largely impractical because of the anatomic constraints of the arthroscopic knee. A suture-passing technology designed to function within these constraints was recently made available from Ceterix Orthopaedics (Menlo Park, CA). It allows surgeons to arthroscopically place circumferential sutures around meniscus tears to provide uniform, anatomic compression of the tear edges through an all-inside technique. This stitch is likely to improve healing rates and safety, as well as to enable repair of tears that were previously considered difficult or impossible to sew. The purposes of this note and accompanying video are to show the feasibility of placing all-inside circumferential compression stitches to treat tears of the knee meniscus and to discuss the potential benefits of such techniques.
Investigation of factors that influence phosphorylation of pp60c-src on tyrosine 527.

Abstract Phosphorylation at tyrosine 527 of the proto-oncogene product, pp60c-src, has been proposed to decrease the tyrosine kinase activity of the enzyme. We have investigated potential factors that might influence phosphorylation at this site by making mutant variants of the pp60c-src protein. By effectively eliminating the site of N-terminal myristylation, we demonstrated that stable membrane association is not necessary for tyrosine 527 phosphorylation. Furthermore, mutational elimination of the enzymatic activity of this mutant pp60c-src protein did not alter the efficiency of phosphorylation at tyrosine 527. These data are consistent with the proposal that pp60c-src may be phosphorylated at tyrosine 527 by a cellular tyrosine kinase distinct from pp60c-src. In addition, using detergent-permeabilized cells, we established conditions that allow efficient phosphorylation of tyrosine 527 in vitro.
Compact miniaturized antenna for 210 MHz RFID

A miniaturized antenna consisting of a square-ring monopole and a tapered ground plane has been designed and analyzed at around 210 MHz. Simulated results indicate that a 13 dB improvement in impedance matching can be achieved by placing an identical parasitic antenna element directly underneath the active one. The miniaturized antenna, with overall dimensions of approximately one tenth of a wavelength (0.1lambda), can be used for RFID or sensor applications.