cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polymeric electro-optic materials: optimization of electro-optic activity, minimization of optical loss, and fine-tuning of device performance

Larry R. DaltonUniversity of WashingtonDepartment of ChemistrySeattle, Washington 98195-1700andUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLoker Hydrocarbon Research InstituteLos Angeles, California 90089-1661E-mail: dalton@chem.washington.eduE-mail: ldalton@methyl.usc.eduAbstract. Translation of the large molecular hyperpolarizability of chro-mophores into large macroscopic electro-optic activity by electric ﬁeldpoling of chromophore-containing polymers is opposed by molecular-shape-dependent intermolecular electrostatic interactions. Modiﬁcationof chromophore structure (shape) to minimize the deleterious effect ofsuch interactions leads to signiﬁcant improvement in electro-optic activ-ity. Drive voltage requirements for polymeric modulator devices are re-duced to values ranging from 0.7 to 5 V. Optical loss of electro-opticpolymer materials, at the communication wavelengths of 1.3 and 1.55mm, is deﬁned by C–H, O–H, and N–H vibrational absorptions and byscattering from index of refraction gradients in the material. The formerare signiﬁcantly reduced by partial deuteration and halogenation to val-ues slightly less than 1 dB/cm. A major source of optical loss encoun-tered in the utilization of polymeric electro-optic modulator devices iscoupling losses associated with the mode mismatch between silica ﬁberwaveguides and polymeric modulator waveguides. Recently, alternativecoupling strategies based on utilization of tapered transitions and verticaltransitions have dramatically reduced coupling losses. Total insertionlosses comparable to those for lithium niobate devices are realized. Fi-nally, a phototrimming technique is developed that enables ﬁne-tuning ofthe performance of circuit elements such as power splitters.
A note on general parallel QMF banks

Two issues concerning alias-free, parallel, quadrature mirror filter (QMF) banks are addressed in this correspondence. First, a property concerning alias-free analysis/synthesis systems is established; second, a scheme is proposed, by which a synthesis bank can be modified in order to take care of aliasing errors caused by linear channel-distortion in a simple manner. Applications of the stated results are outlined.
Prevalence of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Genotypes and Antibody against those Viral Genotypes in Fetal Bovine Serum

One thousand lots of pooled fetal bovine serum (FBS) were tested for contamination with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and/or for contamination with neutralizing antibody against BVDV. Noncytopathic or cytopathic BVDV was isolated from 203 lots of FBS. Analysis of the viral isolates identified 115 type 1 and 65 type 2 BVDV isolates. An additional 23 virus isolates were mixtures of $2 BVDV isolates and were not classified to viral genotype. Further characterization of the type 1 viruses identified 51 subgenotype 1a and 64 subgenotype 1b BVDV isolates. Viral neutralizing antibody was detected in 113 lots of FBS. Differential viral neutralization indicated that type 1 BVDV induced the antibody detected in 48 lots of FBS and type 2 BVDV induced the antibody detected in 16 lots of FBS. The bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a widely distributed single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus that infects cattle of all ages. Currently, BVDV is clas- sified in the Pestivirus genus of the family Flaviviri- dae. 44 Pestiviruses include hog cholera virus of swine and border disease virus (BDV) of sheep, both of which are antigenically related to BVDV. Disease manifestations induced by BVDV vary and include re- spiratory, reproductive, and/or enteric disorders. 4 Usu- ally, disease induced by BVDV is mild, but severe to fatal disease may occur. In cell culture, BVDV may be noncytopathic or cytopathic in biotype. 18,22 Cytopathic BVDV isolates are rare and usually are coisolated with noncytopathic BVDV from tissues collected postmor- tem from cattle that die of mucosal disease. 5,8,12,26 Cy-
Sink Limitation Induces the Expression of Multiple Soybean Vegetative Lipoxygenase mRNAs while the Endogenous Jasmonic Acid Level Remains Low

The response of individual members of the lipoxygenase multigene family in soybeans to sink deprivation was analyzed. RNase protection assays indicated that a novel vegetative lipoxygenase gene, vlxC, and three other vegetative lipoxygenase mRNAs accumulated in mature leaves in response to a variety of sink limitations. These data suggest that several members of the lipoxygenase multigene family are involved in assimilate partitioning. The possible involvement of jasmonic acid as a signaling molecule regulating assimilate partitioning into the vegetative storage proteins and lipoxygenases was directly assessed by determining the endogenous level of jasmonic acid in leaves from plants with their pods removed. There was no rise in the level of endogenous jasmonic acid coincident with the strong increase in both vlxC and vegetative storage protein VspB transcripts in response to sink limitation. Thus, expression of the vegetative lipoxygenases and vegetative storage proteins is not regulated by jasmonic acid in sink-limited leaves.
Tabernacles for Waiting Spirits: Monogamous and Polygamous Fertility in a Mormon Town:

Nineteenth-century Mormon doctrine strongly emphasized high fertili ty, offering heavenly rewards to large families. This essay examines fertility in a Utah town, St. George, finding that there were no identifiable determinants of fertility other than Church doctrine. Polygamous fertility rates, contrary to ex pectations, were about the same as monogamous rates. Social standing likewise made no important difference in fertility, and the economic value of children as an incentive to high fertility is questionable in a town that had a labor surplus. The most likely cause of St. George's uniform pattern of natural fertility was the residents' desire to ensure their heavenly status.
X-ray dose savings with reduced acquisition rate pulsed fluoroscopy for cardiac interventional procedures

Based upon threshold detectability of low-contrast cylinders, the authors estimate X-ray dose savings for pulsed fluoroscopy at 15 acq/sec as compared to 30 acq/sec. The authors use an adaptive four-alternative forced-choice experiment, they find dose savings from 7-50%. Savings depend upon cylinder size and velocity. >
Internal water molecules and H‐bonding in biological macromolecules: A review of structural features with functional implications

Conserved structural patterns of internal water molecules and/or H-bond chains were observed and are here correlated in this review, which then describes two functional properties: equilibration of hydrostatic pressure and proton transport. Available evidence in support of these hypotheses is presented, together with suggested experiments to test them. High-resolution crystal structures of a variety of proteins were studied with interactive computer graphics. Conserved H-bonding linkages may be used as a paradigm for a rationalization of proton transport in membranes. The concept of the "proton wire," which links buried active-site amino acids with the surface of the protein raises the more general question of the functional role of the various molecular components.
Mutually orthogonal transceivers for blind uplink CDMA irrespective of multipath channel nulls

Suppression of multiuser interference (MUI) and mitigation of multipath effects constitute major challenges in the design of third-generation wireless mobile systems. Most wideband and multicarrier uplink CDMA schemes suppress MUI statistically in the presence of unknown multipath. For fading resistance, they all rely on transmit- or receive-diversity and multichannel equalization based on bandwidth-consuming training or blind techniques. Either way, they impose restrictive and difficult to check conditions on the FIR channel nulls. Relying on symbol blocking, we design a mutually-orthogonal usercode-receiver (AMOUR) system for quasi-synchronous blind CDMA that eliminates MUI deterministically and mitigates fading irrespective of the unknown multipath and the adopted signal constellation. Analytic evaluation and preliminary simulations reveal the generality, flexibility, and superior performance of AMOUR over competing alternatives.
PAK kinases Ste20 and Pak1 govern cell polarity at different stages of mating in Cryptococcus neoformans.

Sexual identity and mating are linked to virulence of the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Cells of the a mating type are more prevalent and can be more virulent than a cells, and basidiospores are thought to be the infectious propagule. Mating in C. neoformans involves cell-cell fusion and the generation of dikaryotic hyphae, processes that involve substantial changes in cell polarity. Two p21-activated kinase (PAK) kinases, Pak1 and Ste20, are required for both mating and virulence in C. neoformans. We show here that Ste20 and Pak1 play crucial roles in polarized morphogenesis at different steps during mating: Pak1 functions during cell fusion, whereas Ste20 fulfills a distinct morphogenic role and is required to maintain polarity in the heterokaryotic mating filament. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate that PAK kinases are necessary for polar growth during mating and that polarity establishment is necessary for mating and may contribute to virulence of C. neoformans.
Enhancing network security education with research and development content

Network Security (CNT 4403) is an undergraduate course offered for the IT and Computer Science majors at the University of Central Florida. In the recent offering of this course, we enhanced its teaching by adding research-oriented content. In this paper, we discuss our enhancement effort and give two examples. Through our research and graduate teaching, we identified important security aspects of the anycast technology that are overlooked by traditional textbooks on network security. We added content on anycast to give the undergraduate students better experience with emerging security applications. Similarly, we added content on the experimental Robust ECN protocol to give students exposure to new trends in combating malicious user behavior.
Computer simulations in the chemical engineering laboratory

At Purdue University, a series of laboratory modules was developed around sophisticated chemical process simulations. The simulations were written for Sun workstations running under UNIX and X Windows. A typical simulation consists of 10000 lines of C and Fortran code and makes extensive use of the IMSL libraries. A graphical user interface makes the programs very user-friendly, even for students who have no experience with Sun workstations. In Purdue's senior chemical engineering laboratory, the students work together in teams of three, comprising a group leader, an experimentalist, and a design engineer. The team works on a total of three different experiments during a semester. The members of the team rotate in their assignments, so that each one gets a turn at each of the different roles. These simulation modules have proven to be an attractive alternative to traditional laboratory experiments. >
What Matters More?: Contrasting the Effects of Job Satisfaction and Service Climate on Hotel Food and Beverage Managers’ Job Performance

Research has provided little empirical support for the concept that employee job satisfaction is a causal driver of employee job performance, customer satisfaction, and company performance. This co...
An efficient mode-splitting method for a curvilinear nearshore circulation model

Abstract A mode-splitting method is applied to the quasi-3D nearshore circulation equations in generalized curvilinear coordinates. The gravity wave mode and the vorticity wave mode of the equations are derived using the two-step projection method. Using an implicit algorithm for the gravity mode and an explicit algorithm for the vorticity mode, we combine the two modes to derive a mixed difference–differential equation with respect to surface elevation. McKee et al.'s [McKee, S., Wall, D.P., and Wilson, S.K., 1996. An alternating direction implicit scheme for parabolic equations with mixed derivative and convective terms. J. Comput. Phys., 126, 64–76.] ADI scheme is then used to solve the parabolic-type equation in dealing with the mixed derivative and convective terms from the curvilinear coordinate transformation. Good convergence rates are found in two typical cases which represent respectively the motions dominated by the gravity mode and the vorticity mode. Time step limitations imposed by the vorticity convective Courant number in vorticity-mode-dominant cases are discussed. Model efficiency and accuracy are verified in model application to tidal current simulations in San Francisco Bight.
C2C12 cells: biophysical, biochemical, and immunocytochemical properties

We examined the myofibril biochemical, structural, and biophysical properties of C2C12, a mouse skeletal muscle cell line (American Type Culture Collection), to assess whether force development and the sensitivity of the myofilaments to calcium could be measured in C2C12 myotubes and whether a cardiac contractile protein, troponin T, is expressed and incorporated into C2C12 myofibrils. When myoblasts fused and differentiated into myotubes, expression of myofilament proteins was initiated. Multiple cardiac and skeletal muscle troponin T isoforms were coexpressed. Cardiac troponin T expression increased and then decreased with time. Fluorescence immunocytochemistry demonstrated incorporation of cardiac troponin T isoforms into the myofibrils. At the time of the biophysical studies, mean myotube diameter was 12 microns (range 5-25 microns), and mean length was 290 microns (range 130-520 microns). The estimated maximum force developed by chemically skinned myotubes at 6-7 days poststarvation, 0.88 +/- 0.12 microN (mean +/- 95% confidence interval, n = 5), was significantly less (P < 0.05) than that at 10-13 days poststarvation, 1.12 +/- 0.12 microN (n = 7). The force-pCa relation yielded a Hill coefficient of 2.9 +/- 0.6 (n = 7) and half-maximal activation at pCa of 5.77 +/- 0.20. The demonstration that the biophysical properties of C2C12 cells can be measured and that cardiac and skeletal muscle troponin T isoforms are incorporated and colocalized into myofibrils suggest that these cells could be a useful model to assess the effects of exogenous native and mutated cardiac and skeletal contractile protein isoforms on myofilament function.
Advancements in Adherence Monitoring.

Some things really never change. For example, medication adherence remains a critical factor that influences the effectiveness of our modern health care system. Is there a magic bullet to solve the problem of nonadherence? We don’t think there is. We do believe, however, that tools to monitor adherence continue to improve in their utility.
DADT, R.I.P: Why the Anti-Gay Policy Vanished without Ill Effects

Seventeen years after 10 USC 654 banned openly gay service members on the grounds of negative impacts to unit cohesion, military effectiveness, morale, good order and discipline, the United States officially military ended "don't ask, don't tell." During this period, significant evidence emerged from the actions of other western US allies revealing that the biggest story of repeal was no story at all. Remaining quietly behind the public discourse, many political and senior military leaders refused to acknowledge the evidence that ran contrary to the fundamental arguments set forth in the current policy. The most notable effect is a persistent gap between the martial masculine values inherent in military culture and the evolving attitudes towards the society that pays the bills. Although DADT repeal has been treated as a policy issue, the reality is that until military leaders acknowledge it as a leadership issue, inequity between the demographics within the armed forces will persist.
Shrinkage of Cured Fluoroelastomers. II. Shrinkage Control

Abstract Processing variables have been examined for the prediction and control of mold shrinkage in directions pertinent to practical applications. (1) Of the total shrinkage of finished parts, more than 75% results from the press cure, and the remainder is the result of weight losses during the subsequent oven cure. (2) Mold shrinkage may be reduced by addition of CaO, bituminous coal fines, or epoxy resins. Shrinkage can be increased by addition of volatile materials. (3) Control of shrinkage may also be effected with acicular fillers or filler mixtures through fiber orientation in the elastomeric matrix in the desired direction. In the case of O-rings, inside diameter shrinkage values ranging from zero to three per cent can be produced in a controllable manner by blank preparation techniques commonly used in the industry.
Creatine Content of Heart in Experimental Cardiac Hypertrophy Due to Hyperthyroidism

Cowan1 has recently reported that the administration of thyroxin to rats, while producing an increase in ventricular muscle mass, resulted in a loss of creatine. Before the publication of Cowan's data, we had independently observed the same phenomenon in rats receiving desiccated thyroid. Indeed, the creatine values were depressed to much lower levels in our experiments than in those of Cowan. While it is to be recognized that the response to thyroid varies somewhat in different individuals, and depends upon a variety of factors to be described later, our results have been averaged as outlined in Table I for the purpose of comparison with Cowan's data. The usual daily dose of the powdered thyroid was 200 to 250 mg. per 100 gm. of body weight.That the increased size of the heart represents a true hypertrophy is indicated by the fact that the water content of the hyperthyroid ventricles was practically the same as that of the normal ventricles (average of 76.48% for 11 hyperthyroid hearts and 76.21% for 6 n...
Total synthesis of (+)-korupensamine B via an atropselective intermolecular biaryl coupling.

The asymmetric total synthesis of nonracemic korupensamine B is reported. It includes a newly designed and highly trans-diastereoselective (>20:1 dr) route to the tetrahydroisoquinoline ring and an unprecedented atropdiastereoselective Suzuki−Miyaura coupling for construction of the fully fashioned naphthylisoquinoline framework that invokes π stacking as a possible source of stereocontrol.
A Comparison of the Mallampati evaluation in neutral or extended cervical spine positions: a retrospective observational study of >80 000 patients

Abstract Background The Mallampati examination is a standard component of an airway risk assessment. Existing evidence suggests that cervical spine extension improves the predictive power of the Mallampati examination for detecting difficult laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation, but a comparative effectiveness study has not been conducted. Methods The extended Mallampati examination (EMS) was introduced to the standard preoperative airway assessment, in addition to the standard Modified Mallampati examination (MMP). This study compared the accuracy of both Mallampati examinations on the prediction of difficult laryngoscopy, tracheal intubation, and bag mask ventilation. Univariate and adjusted analyses were performed. Results 80 801 patients with recorded MMP and EMS, and subsequent glottic view obtained during direct laryngoscopy, were examined. There was increased specificity (88.7% cf. 81.9%) but reduced sensitivity (33.3% cf. 45.7%) in the detection of difficult direct laryngoscopy with use of the EMS. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of each test performed in combination with other airway predictors for the models predicting difficult laryngoscopy was 0.740 (95% CI 0.731–0.753) for MMP and 0.739 (95% CI 0.729–0.752) for EMS. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of each test, performed in combination with other airway predictors for the models predicting difficult intubation was 0.699 (95% CI 0.688–0.711) for MMP and 0.695 (95% CI 0.683–0.707) for EMS. Conclusions This retrospective observational study demonstrates that cervical extension improves the specificity but decreases sensitivity of Mallampati examination. The Mallampati evaluation should be performed with the cervical spine in the neutral position to maximize test sensitivity.
Computer Test System of Relay Electrical Endurance Based on LabVIEW

According to the technical features and test parameters of relay electrical endurance,the design of test control system based on Taiwan Advantech IPC and NI PCI_7811R data acquisition board.By using of graphical programming language LabVIEW,data acquisition software of FPGA and the algorithms of host data analysis processing software were designed.The application shows that the system runs stably and accurately.
Increased ratio of circulating neutrophils to monocytes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Objective: To elucidate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) biomarkers and potential mechanisms of disease, we measured immune cell populations in whole blood from a large cohort of patients with ALS. Methods: Leukocytes were isolated from the blood of 44 control patients and 90 patients with ALS. The percentages and total numbers of each cell population were analyzed using flow cytometry and matched with patient ALS Functional Rating Scale–Revised (ALSFRS-R) score to correlate leukocyte metrics with disease progression. Results: We show a significant increase in the percentage of neutrophils and a significant decrease in the percentage of CD4 T cells and CD16 − monocytes in the blood of patients with ALS compared to controls; however, only CD16 − monocyte levels correlated with disease progression. We also examined the monocyte surface expression of CCRL2 and CCR3; CD16 − monocytes displayed decreased percentages and total numbers expressing CCR3, but these numbers did not correlate with ALSFRS-R score. We found that combining multiple disease metrics yielded the most accurate predictor of disease progression: the ratio of neutrophils to CD16 − monocytes (N:M ratio) is significantly increased in patients with ALS and better correlates with disease progression than any other single metric. Conclusions: These observations implicate neutrophils and monocytes as important factors in late disease progression.
Ministry of Hospital Chaplains: Patient Satisfaction

Evaluating the success of hospital chaplaincy has been a difficult task, but finally an effective approach has been developed. Ministry of Hospital Chaplains: Patient Satisfaction presents the Patient Satisfaction Instrument for Pastoral Care (PSI) which measures the quality and character of spiritual care and can contribute to the establishment of professional norms. To find out whether specific changes in pastoral practices lead to increased satisfaction among patients, this test can be used periodically. As you will see, this allows managers and department heads to identify and monitor specific functions and areas in which improvement is needed.Ministry of Hospital Chaplains will help you analyze the background variables that are associated with patient satisfaction, the styles of pastoral care that are linked to better hospital outcomes, and the usefulness of different pastoral activities. In the end, you will be able to use empirical evidence to demonstrate to hospital administrators that patients appreciate pastoral care and that chaplains are helping patients recuperate, experience an easier time at the hospital, and get home more quickly. Besides discussing how to evaluate the effectiveness of chaplains, this insightful book explores: enacting continuous improvement efforts pastoral care characteristics that predict a patient’s readiness to return home how attention to details can build protocols that respond to patients questionnaire responses from 2,000 discharged hospital patients in the U.S. and Canada why the need to evaluate the benefits of pastoral care exists the aspects of pastoral care most important to patientsChaplains in general and those in psychiatric hospitals, hospital administrators, managed care directors, and seminary professors of pastoral care will be glad to know that a technique for evaluating pastoral services has finally arrived. The guessing game is over. Now, you will know what your patients think of the services your hospital offers, and you can measure alternative approaches to pastoral care delivery when discontent is registered.
Legality and Morality: Intellectual Property, Virtual Currency, and Corporate Responsibility

To better appreciate the moral hazards associated with digital technologies, it’s useful to examine the debates over intellectual property rights, their legal and political frameworks as applied to a postcapitalist marketplace. Another litmus test is the introduction of virtual currency, “bitcoin,” and its potential to overcome banking controls. Finally, corporate responsibility will be discussed in light of recent financial developments.
SECTION 11.5 – Micromechanically Based Constitutive Model for Frictional Granular Materials

The response of frictional granules (i.e., granular masses which support the applied loads through contact friction) is strongly dominated by anisotropy or fabric which is invariably induced upon shearing under confinement. Concomitant features of this characteristic of frictional granules are their dilatancy in monotonic shearing and their densification upon subsequent unloading. A further remarkable property of materials of this kind is that they can actually undergo reverse inelastic shearing against an applied shear stress when a monotonic shearing under confining pressure is followed by unloading [1]. The energy required for plastic deformation against the applied shear stress is supplied by the work done by the confining pressure through the accompanying shear-induced volumetric contraction . Experiments show that, under relatively small confining pressures, the following features are among essential characteristics which must be captured in modeling the inelastic deformation of granular masses: • An initial densification (decrease in void volume), the magnitude of which decreases as the void ratio (the ratio of void volume to the volume of the solid) approaches a minimum value. • If the sample is dense (i.e., its void ratio is close to the corresponding minimum value), then the initial (small) densification is followed by dilatancy (increase in void volume), which continues until a critical void ratio is attained asymptotically. • If at a certain stage during the course of dilatancy, the shearing is reversed and the shear strain is gradually decreased to its initial zero value (completing half of a strain cycle), then there is always a net amount of densification, this amount decreasing as the void ratio approaches its minimum value. • If the sample is loose (i.e., its void ratio is larger than a critical value), then the sample may density continuously until the critical void ratio is reached asymptotically.
Total Synthesis of Swinholide A: An Exposition in Hydrogen-Mediated C–C Bond Formation

Diverse hydrogen-mediated C–C couplings enable construction of the actin-binding marine polyketide swinholide A in only 15 steps (longest linear sequence), roughly half the steps required in two prior total syntheses. The redox-economy, chemo- and stereoselectivity embodied by this new class of C–C couplings are shown to evoke a step-change in efficiency.
Chiropractic Management of a Patient With Thoracic Pain and a Stable Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: A Case Report

Abstract Objective The purpose of this case report was to describe chiropractic management of thoracic pain in a patient with a stable thoracic aortic aneurysm. Clinical Features An 89-year-old man presented with axial mid- and upper back pain localized predominantly at the T8 and T1 spinal segmental levels. A review of available imaging revealed a stable aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending aorta, which measured 4.3 cm. Intervention and Outcome Because the thoracic pain was musculoskeletal in nature and the thoracic aortic aneurysm was stable, mechanical manipulation was provided using the Impulse adjusting instrument. The patient's pain was measured utilizing a numeric rating scale. The patient's thoracic pain improved over the course of treatment. Conclusion This patient was successfully treated for thoracic spine pain with a course of chiropractic care using a mechanical adjusting instrument.
Food Label Knowledge, Usage and Attitudes of Older Adults.

ABSTRACTFew recent studies have investigated food label practices in older adults. This cross-sectional study surveyed adults, 60 years and older in Delaware (n = 100, 82% female, 74% between 60 and 79 years, 49% Caucasian, 45% African Americans) to examine associations between food label knowledge, attitudes, and usage patterns. A 28-item questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, usage, and demographic information. Bivariate analysis results showed food label knowledge was associated with education and monthly income. Those reporting a high school education or less incorrectly identified calorie (P < 0.05) and carbohydrate information (P < 0.03). Monthly income ≤$2000 was associated with incorrectly interpreting carbohydrate information (P < 0.03). Label usage was associated with being female (P < 0.001), having a high school education or less (P < 0.000), being 70 years or older (P < 0.05), and having a monthly income ≤$2000 (P < 0.001). Respondent’s usage and perceived label comprehension was high; ...
Mechanical properties and phase stability of monoborides using density functional theory calculations

We compute the structural energies, elastic constants, and stacking fault energies, and investigate the phase stability of monoborides with different compositions $\left({X}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}^{1}{X}_{x}^{2}\right)\text{B}$ $(X=\text{Ti/Fe/Mo/Nb/V})$ using density functional theory in order to search for Ti monoborides with improved mechanical properties. Our computed Young's modulus and Pugh's modulus ratio, which correlate with stiffness and toughness, agree well with predictions from Vegard's law with the exceptions of mixed monoborides containing Mo and Fe. Among all the monoborides considered in this paper, TiB has the smallest Pugh's ratio, which suggests that the addition of solutes can improve the toughness of a Ti matrix. When ${X}^{1}\mathrm{B}$ and ${X}^{2}\mathrm{B}$ are respectively most stable in the ${B}_{27}$ and ${B}_{f}$ structures, the mixed monoborides $\left({X}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}^{1}{X}_{x}^{2}\right)\text{B}$ have a lower or similar stacking fault energy than TiB and could therefore improve the ductility of the Ti matrix. Among all $\left({X}_{0.5}^{1}{X}_{0.5}^{2}\right)\text{B}$, mixed $({\mathrm{Ti}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{Mo}}_{0.5})\text{B}$ and mixed $({\mathrm{Ti}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{V}}_{0.5})\text{B}$ have a higher Young's modulus, a higher Pugh's ratio, and a smaller stacking fault energy than TiB. We also construct phase diagrams and find large solubility limits for solid solutions containing Ti compared to those containing Fe.
Mechanism of the reaction of diphenylphosphinodithioic acid with nitriles

Abstract Kinetic studies of the reaction of diphenylphosphinodithioic acid with nitriles support a two step mechanism, the first step being an “ene” reaction.
Transfusion-related acute lung injury risk mitigation: an update

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a life-threatening complication of transfusion. Greater understanding of the pathophysiology of this syndrome has much improved during the last two decades. Plasma-containing components from female donors with leucocyte antibodies were responsible for the majority of TRALI fatalities before mitigation strategies were implemented. Over the past 15 years, measures to mitigate risk for TRALI have been implemented worldwide and they continued to evolve with time. The AABB requires that all plasma containing components and whole blood for transfusion must be collected from men, women who have not been pregnant, or women who have tested negative for human leucocyte antigen antibodies. Although the incidence of TRALI has decreased following the institution of TRALI mitigation strategies, TRALI is still the most common cause of transfusion-associated death in the United States. In this review, we focus on TRALI risk mitigation strategies. We describe the measures taken by blood collection facilities to reduce the risk of TRALI in the United States, Canada and European countries. We also review the literature for the effectiveness of these measures.
Non-target site resistance to flucarbazone, imazamethabenz and pinoxaden is controlled by three linked genes in Avena fatua

Summary Extensive herbicide usage has led to the evolution of resistant weed populations that cause substantial crop yield losses and increase production costs. The multiple herbicide-resistant (MHR) Avena fatua populations utilised in this study are resistant to members of all selective herbicide families, across five modes of action, available for A. fatua control in US small grain production, and thus pose significant agronomic and economic threats. Resistance to acetolactate synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors is not conferred by known target site mutations, indicating that non-target site resistance (NTSR) mechanisms are involved. Understanding the inheritance of NTS MHR is of upmost importance for continued agricultural productivity in the face of the rapid increase in resistant weed populations worldwide. As few studies have examined the inheritance of NTSR in autogamous weeds, we investigated the inheritance and genetic control of NTSR in the highly autogamous, allohexaploid species A. fatua. We found that NTSR in MHRA. fatua is controlled by three separate, closely-linked nuclear genes for flucarbazone-sodium, imazamethabenz-methyl and pinoxaden. The single-gene NTSR inheritance patterns reported here contrast with other examples in allogamous species and illustrate the diversity of evolutionary responses to strong selection.
A study on the effects of machining variables in surface grinding of CFRP composites using rotary ultrasonic machining

Due to their excellent properties, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites are attractive in many industries, including aerospace, automobile, sports, etc. The structure of anisotropy and heterogeneity and the high abrasive resistance of carbon fibers make CFRPs difficult to cut in surface grinding processes. Many problems, including high cutting force, high tool wear, severe delamination, and high cutting temperature, are associated with conventional surface grinding processes. To reduce or eliminate these problems, surface grinding of CFRP composites using rotary ultrasonic machining (RUM) has been conducted. Machining variables play dominant roles in such a process. However, no investigations on effects of machining variables on output variables were reported. This paper, for the first time, reports effects of machining variables (ultrasonic power, tool rotation speed, feed rate, and depth of cut) on output variables (cutting force, torque, and surface roughness). The results revealed that the cutting force could be decreased by using higher level of ultrasonic power, higher level of tool rotation speed, lower level of feed rate, or lower level of depth of cut. Lower surface roughness could be achieved by a decrease of ultrasonic power, an increase of tool rotation speed, a decrease of feed rate, or a decrease of depth of cut. The machined CFRP surfaces’ morphology and the characteristics of damaged carbon fibers were, for the first time, analyzed and reported in such a process.
Abstract 19028: The Novel H2S Pro-Drug, SG-1002, Preserves Coronary Artery Vascular Reactivity in the Setting of Critical Limb Ischemia in Swine

Introduction: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) including critical limb ischemia (CLI) leads to increased risk of myocardial infarction even in the absence of coronary artery disease (CAD). It has be...
New Approaches to Interoperability

The chapter focuses on the challenges of achieving interoperability in future smart grid systems through an exploration of two key pieces of work developed by the GridWise® Architecture Council: the Interoperability Constitution, which defines a series of concise Statements of Principle in several categories that serve to guide individuals and organizations when dealing with interoperability challenges, and the Interoperability Context-Setting Framework, which builds on the Constitution's Statements of Principle and develops a layered framework and terminology to enable effective dialog among the utility, vendor, standards, policy/regulatory, and customer communities, and assists designers and developers of standards, products, systems, and ultimately complete smart grid implementations to effectively address interoperability at all levels. Keywords: interoperability; constitution; GridWise®; architecture council; GWAC
Asymptomatic hyperuricemia and coronary flow reserve in patients with metabolic syndrome

Patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) are at increased risk of asymptomatic hyperuricemia (i.e., elevated serum uric acid (SUA) level without gout) and cardiovascular disease. We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine associations between SUA levels and coronary flow reserve and urate deposits in carotid arteries in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia and MetS. Adults aged ≥40 years with MetS and SUA levels ≥6.5 mg/dl, but no gout, were eligible. Using a stress myocardial perfusion positron emission tomography (PET), we assessed myocardial blood flow (MBF) at rest and stress and calculated coronary flow reserve (CFR). CFR < 2.0 is considered abnormal and associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We also measured insulin resistance by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) method and urate deposits using dual-energy CT (DECT) of the neck for the carotid arteries. Forty-four patients with the median age of 63.5 years underwent a blood test, cardiac PET and neck DECT scans. Median (IQR) SUA was 7.8 (7.1–8.4) mg/dL. The median (IQR) CFR was abnormally low at 1.9 (1.7–2.4) and the median (IQR) stress MBF was 1.7 (1.3–2.2) ml/min/g. None had urate deposits in the carotid arteries detected by DECT. In multivariable linear regression analyses, SUA had no association with CFR (β = − 0.12, p = 0.78) or stress MBF (β = − 0.52, p = 0.28). Among non-diabetic patients (n = 25), SUA was not associated with HOMA-IR (β = 2.08, p = 0.10). Among MetS patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia, we found no relationship between SUA and CFR, stress MBF, and insulin resistance. No patients had any DECT detectable subclinical urate deposition in the carotid arteries.
Neoplasms of the Heart

Neoplasms of the heart may be divided into primary (benign or malignant) and secondary (metastatic). Primary cardiac neoplasms are rare, but may occur at any age. The majority are benign, the most common being the myxoma, which develops as a polypoid mass usually arising from the left atrium (LA). Sarcoma and rhabdomyoma are the second and third most common primary neoplasms of the heart. Other rare benign neoplasms (hamartoma, fibroma, fibromyxoma, lymphangioendothelioma) and malignant neoplasms (lymphosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma) have been reported. Cardiac neoplasms are further classified by their location in and around the heart (e.g., intracavitary, myocardial or intramural, pericardial). The myxoma, the polypoid fibroma and the sarcoma arise from the endocardium (intracavitary tumors), whereas the rhabdomyoma and myocardial fibroma originate from the myocardium (intramural tumors). Neoplasms of pericardial origin are mesothelioma, lipoma, pericardial fibroma and angioma. Teratoma may also occur within the pericardium.
14 – Deconstructing the Molecular Biology of Cartilage and Bone Formation

This chapter explores deconstructing the molecular biology of cartilage and bone formation. The bones, mainly some craniofacial bones, are formed by intramembranous ossification, a process in which bones form directly from condensations of mesenchymal cells without a cartilage intermediate. Whereas chondrocytes are the cells in cartilage, bones have both bone-forming osteoblasts, which arise from mesenchymal cells, and bone remodeling osteoclasts, which arise from hematopoietic cells. These two cell types coexist and reach a functional steady state characterized by equilibrium between bone synthesis and bone destruction. Chondrocytes and osteoblasts arise from a common progenitor that has the potential to differentiate into either cell type. Some cartilage is not replaced by bone and persists as permanent cartilage into adulthood such as in the nose, ears, and throat and also at the articular surfaces that line the extremities of many bones.
Orthopoxvirus vaccines and vaccination

Immunization procedures against Variola virus, from the historical perspective most often first credited to Edward Jenner in the late 18th century, helped finally to eradicate smallpox from the world. Since its eradication, the study of this disease and its pathology has been given little attention; however, with the emergence of Monkeypox virus into the human population and the potential use of smallpox as a bioterrorist weapon, the need for an option to vaccinate the world’s population is once again a reality. The vaccines used during the eradication program were live, attenuated Vaccinia virus preparations of varying virulence that caused a significant number of adverse reactions in naive subjects. Currently, immunosuppressed individuals, persons with certain skin diseases, and people with cardiovascular complications are contraindicated against receiving this type of vaccine. A new vaccine is needed. Until now, the only known correlate of immunity to the smallpox vaccine conveying protection has been the development of a scar at the site of vaccination. Characterizing the protective immune response established upon vaccination with Dryvax®, at both the innate and adaptive levels, would greatly enhance our understanding of the human immune response to the vaccine, and thus generate information for the production and evaluation of new and safer third- and fourth-generation vaccines.
Purification of dextran-binding protein from cariogenic Streptococcus mutans.

Abstract An extracellular protein produced by Streptococcus mutans was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by affinity chromatography on Sephadex G50 followed by gel filtration. The protein is devoid of both dextransucrase and dextranase activity but binds dextran and therefore probably is implicated in the adherence of S. mutans cells to the host tooth surface. The presence of the dextran-binding protein may be a determinant of the pathogenicity of such cariogenic micro-organisms.
“The Audience Unites in One Big ‘Yes!’”: Theater Professionals Reflect on Wicked

This chapter analyzes depth interviews with theater professionals, or TPs—those who make their living in the professions directly related to theatrical production. We asked them to consider why Wicked was still so successful fifteen years after its Broadway debut. This data showed that TPs, not surprisingly, consumed the show as professionals. But it also showed that this gave them a different perspective than everyday consumers on Wicked’s adaptation and affect. Because of this perspective, they were able to assess Wicked in the context of other Broadway shows, consumer preferences, and artistic and economic impact.
A Lightweight Scheme for Rapid and Accurate WiFi Path Characterization

WiFi serves as one of the key mechanisms for wireless access for mobile devices whether at home, on travel, or during normal day-to- day activities. Unfortunately, the perceived high bandwidth and low cost of WiFi is often tempered with varying degrees of quality. Compounding this further, existing techniques for assessing network performance are often expensive in terms of time, bandwidth, and energy making them ill-suited for widespread, longitudinal deployment. In this paper, we propose Fast Mobile Network Characterization (FMNC) to address this shortcoming. FMNC uses sliced, structured, and reordered packet sequences along with an awareness of frame aggregation to rapidly characterize available bandwidth. FMNC does this within the context of a single HTTP GET, consuming less than 100 KB on the downlink with resolution of the path characteristics typically occurring in under 250 ms. We demonstrate the performance of FMNC through extensive lab experiments under a variety of configuration scenarios.
Samasy: an automated system for sample selection and robotic transfer

Sample automation and management is increasingly important as the number and size of population-scale and high-throughput projects grow. This is particularly the case in large-scale population studies where sample size is far outpacing the commonly used 96-well plate format. To facilitate management and transfer of samples in this format, we present Samasy, a web-based application for the construction of a sample database, intuitive display of sample and batch information, and facilitation of automated sample transfer or subset. Samasy is designed with ease-of-use in mind, can be quickly set up, and runs in any web browser.
TEG Data Collection Platform for Wearable Applications

Wearable systems have become popular in recent years, especially in health sensing applications where they enable long-term monitoring of patients. However, the majority of these devices are powered by batteries and regularly need to be recharged, creating not only issues of user compliance but also the potential for missing critical sensing events. Energy harvesting presents a promising solution to extend the lifetime of the batteries or even completely replace them for continuous self-powered operation. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) provide the potential for self-powered wearables by harvesting the heat generated by the human body. However, environmental dynamics and human behavior - specifically airflow around the TEG - affects the harvestable energy, resulting in a highly dynamic energy source that can affect the potential for self-powered operation. In this project, we designed a wearable data collection platform that records environmental and behavioral data with a concentration on airflow around the wrist. This platform collects traces based on real-world environmental and behavioral dynamics, enabling exploration of energy harvesting dynamics and the potential for TEG-powered wearable applications.
Ovulation rates in a stair-step protocol with Letrozole vs clomiphene citrate in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

To compare ovulation rates between Letrozole and Clomiphene Citrate (CC) using a stair-step protocol to achieve ovulation induction in women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This is a retrospective cohort of predominantly Hispanic PCOS women of reproductive age who completed ovulation induction (OI) comparing women who underwent Letrozole stair-step protocol to those who underwent OI with CC stair-step. All women had a diagnosis of PCOS based on the 2003 Rotterdam criteria. For both protocols, sequentially higher doses of Letrozole or CC were given 7 days after the last dose if no dominant follicles were seen on ultrasonography. The primary outcome was ovulation rate (determined by presence of a dominant follicle) between the two treatment groups. Secondary outcomes included time to ovulation, clinical pregnancy rates and side effects. 49 PCOS patients completed a Letrozole stair-step cycle and 43 completed a CC stair-step cycle for OI. Overall, demographics were comparable between both groups. Ovulation rates with the Letrozole stair-step protocol were equivalent to CC stair-step protocol (96% vs 88%, p = 0.17). Although the mean time (days) to ovulation was shorter in the Letrozole group (19.5 vs 23.1, p = 0.027), the pregnancy rates were similar for both groups. This is the first study to date that has compared the efficacy of the stair-step protocol in PCOS patients using Letrozole and CC. Both Letrozole and CC can be prescribed in a stair-step fashion. Letrozole stair-step was as efficacious as CC stair-step; patients achieved comparable rates of ovulation and clinical pregnancy. Time to ovulation was shorter in the Letrozole protocol.