cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Skin lycopene is destroyed preferentially over β-carotene during ultraviolet irradiation in humans

This placebo-controlled study examined in healthy women the effects of ingestion of a single large dose of beta-carotene (120 mg) on the concentrations of beta-carotene and lycopene in plasma and skin, and the effects of UV light exposure on the concentrations of beta-carotene and lycopene in the skin. Ingestion of beta-carotene increased plasma beta-carotene concentration by 127%, from 0.26 +/- 0.06 (mean +/- SEM) to 0.59 +/- 0.07 mumol/L after 1 d, and the level remained elevated at 0.54 +/- 0.11 mumol/L after 5 d. beta-Carotene in skin, analyzed after 6 d, increased by 23%, from 1.41 +/- 0.74 to 1.74 +/- 0.72 nmol/g. beta-Carotene ingestion had no effect on the lycopene concentrations of plasma (0.37 +/- 0.11 mumol/L) or skin (1.60 +/- 0.62 nmol/g). A single exposure of a small area of one volar forearm to a dose of solar-simulated light (three times the individually determined minimal erythema dose) resulted in 31 to 46% reductions in skin lycopene concentration compared with an adjacent non-exposed area. The same UV dose did not result in significant changes in skin beta-carotene concentration. We conclude that a single 120-mg dose of beta-carotene increases plasma and skin beta-carotene concentrations and has no effect on plasma and skin lycopene concentrations. The amounts of lycopene in plasma and skin are comparable to or even greater than those of beta-carotene. When skin is subjected to UV light stress, more skin lycopene is destroyed compared with beta-carotene, suggesting a role of lycopene in mitigating oxidative damage in tissues.
In situ measurement of airway surface liquid [K+] using a ratioable K+-sensitive fluorescent dye.

The airway surface liquid (ASL) is the thin fluid layer lining airway surface epithelial cells, whose volume and composition are tightly regulated and may be abnormal in cystic fibrosis (CF). We synthesized a two-color fluorescent dextran to measure ASL [K+], TAC-Lime-dextran-TMR, consisting of a green-fluorescing triazacryptand K+ ionophore-Bodipy conjugate, coupled to dextran, together with a red fluorescing tetramethylrhodamine reference chromophore. TAC-Lime-dextran-TMR fluorescence was K+-selective, increasing >4-fold with increasing [K+] from 0 to 40 mm. In well differentiated human airway epithelial cells, ASL [K+] was 20.8 ± 0.3 mm and decreased by inhibition of the Na+/K+ pump (ouabain), ENaC (amiloride), CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTRinh-172), or K+ channels (TEA or XE991). ASL [K+] was increased by forskolin but not affected by Na+/K+/2Cl− cotransporter inhibition (bumetanide). Functional and expression studies indicated the involvement of [K+] channels KCNQ1, KCNQ3, and KCNQ5 as determinants of ASL [K+]. [K+] in CF cultures was similar to that in non-CF cultures, suggesting that abnormal ASL [K+] is not a factor in CF lung disease. In intact airways, ASL [K+] was also well above extracellular [K+]: 22 ± 1 mm in pig trachea ex vivo and 16 ± 1 mm in mouse trachea in vivo. Our results provide the first noninvasive measurements of [K+] in the ASL and indicate the involvement of apical and basolateral membrane ion transporters in maintaining a high ASL [K+].
The O. J. Simpson Verdict: Predictors of Beliefs about Innocence or Guilt

This study examined ethnicity and psychological predictors of beliefs in guilt and innocence in the O. J. Simpson trial. A mixed-gender, multiethnic sample of 441 college students completed measures examining trial beliefs, trial-related attitudes, ethnic identification, pro- and anti-Black attitudes, and authoritarian personality traits. Results revealed that: (1) mean differences existed among ethnic groups on all variables examined; (2) proximal attitudes mediated relations between psychological characteristics and trial outcome beliefs; and (3) specific relations depended (to some extent) on ethnic group membership. Differences within and between ethnic groups may reflect schematic differences due to differential experiences with societal institutions, identification with (or rejection of) mainstream values, and race relations in American society.
Mauna Loa and global trends in air quality

The geophysical observatory at Mauna Loa was established as part of the U. S. contribution to the International Geophysical Year in 1957 largely at the instigation of the late Dr. Harry Wexler. Its record of carbon dioxide concentration in clean air is unique. There is much concern in recent years lest the growing pace of man's activities affect the weather or climate on a large scale. Among the prime constituents of the air which may cause such changes are carbon dioxide and dust. Both of these elements are monitored at Mauna Loa. The upward trend of carbon dioxide superimposed on a seasonal variation confirms the contribution from man's combustion of fossil fuels but the normal incidence solar radiation measurements exhibit no long term trend other than that due to volcanic activity beginning with the eruption at Mt. Agung in 1963. The records of atmospheric carbon dioxide and normal incidence solar radiation of several other stations confirm the carbon dioxide trends but temperate latitude stations sho...
Recent Advances in Remote Handling at LAMPF

The Clinton P. Anderson Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF) has operated at beam currents above 200 microamperes since 1976. As a result, the main experimental beam line (Line A) has become increasingly radioactive over the years. Since 1976 the radiation levels have steadily increased from 100 mR/hr to levels that exceed 10,000 R/hr in the components near the pion production targets. During this time the LAMPF remote handling system, Monitor, has continued to operate successfully in the ever-increasing radiation levels, as well as with more complex remote-handling situations. This paper briefly describes the evolution of Monitor and specifically describes the complete rebuild of the A-6 target area, which is designated as the beam stop, but also includes isotope production capabilities and a primitive neutron irradiation facility. The new facility includes not only the beam stop and isotope production, but also facilities for proton irradiation and a ten-fold expansion in neutron irradiation facilities. Monitor has developed from a system capable of simple tasks, such as removing bolts and pipe fittings, to a system capable of performing anything that can be performed by a high-class technician. The recent total rebuild of the A-6 area expanded that capability to include arc welding, with our manipulators, remote welding of vacuum joints, and oxyacetylene cutting of steel structural members up to .25 meter thickness.
Carbon Footprints in the Sand: Marketing in the Age of Sustainability

A growing number of people wish to do no harm to the earth and leave a stable living environment for future generations. In response to the growing concern with carbon emissions’ impact on the marketplace, this paper investigates the emerging field of sustainable development through the typical manner in which it is measured, carbon emissions. Firms are beginning to address this demand by reducing their carbon footprint, the carbon dioxide emissions created by a product throughout its life cycle. Simultaneously, carbon footprint labels have begun to appear on products in North America, Asia, and Europe. We examine both the potential impact of carbon footprint labels and their informational content from the perspectives of firms and consumers. Specifically, we lay the groundwork for future carbon footprint research by proposing how industry, firm, consumer, and label attributes affect firm action, content of carbon footprint labels, consumer preferences, and financial outcomes.
New epoxy resins. III. Application of fourier transform IR to degradation and interaction studies of epoxy resins and their copolymers

In the Fourier transform infrared (FT–IR) study, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) did not show aldehyde or perester absorption when it was normally cured with trimethoxyboroxine (TMB) under a nitrogen atmosphere. Neither alumina nor gold surfaces would cause oxidation of the system. In air, alumina appeared to accelerate the oxidation when compared to gold. The cure of the epoxy in oxygen appeared to cause increased Claisen rearrangement when compared with the same cure in a nitrogen atmosphere. The DGEBA cured with TMB under air or nitrogen atmospheres showed differences in their degradation patterns. The TMB-cured DGEBA and diglycidyl ether of 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) fluorene (DGEBF) copolymer had a higher degree of reaction and lower degradation than was shown by the synthetically generated spectra based on the FT–IR summation of the spectra of the respective homopolymers.
Acoustic emission technique for monitoring the pyrolysis of composites for process control.

Abstract Carbonization is the first step in the heat and pressure treatment (pyrolysis) of composites in preparing carbon–carbon parts. These find many uses, including aircraft brakes, rocket nozzles and medical implants. This paper describes the acoustic emissions (AE) from various stages of the manufacturing process of carbon–carbon composites. This process involves carbonization at a high temperature and this results in both thermal expansion and volume change (due to pyrolysis in which a sacrificial polymer matrix is converted to carbon). Importantly the resultant matrix is porous and has a network of small intra-lamina cracks. The formation of these microcracks produces AE and this paper describes how this observation can be used to monitor (and eventually control) the manufacturing process. The aim is to speed up manufacture, which is currently time-consuming. The first section of the paper describes the design of unimodal waveguides to enable the AE to propagate to a cool environment where a transducer can be located. The second part of the paper describes various experimental observations of AE under a range of process conditions. In particular, this paper presents a technique based on detecting acoustic emissions and (1) uses wire waveguides to monitor parts within the autoclave to 800 °C, (2) monitors microcracking during pyrolysis, (3) uses a four-level threshold to distinguish between low- and high-amplitude cracking events, (4) recognizes the occurrence of harmful delaminations, and (5) guides the control of the heating rate for optimum efficiency of the pyrolysis process. In addition, supporting data are presented of in situ measurements of porosity, weight loss, cross-ply shrinkage, and mass spectroscopy of gases emitted. The process evolution is illustrated by the use of interrupted manufacturing cycle micrographs obtained by optical, scanning acoustic (SAM) and scanning electron (SEM) microscopy. The technique promotes in-process monitoring and control but also contributes to current understanding of pyrolysis.
Damage to Multilayer Mirrors in a Hostile Environment

Development of laboratory X-ray lasers will require cavity components (mirrors, etc) able to survive intense pulses of soft x-rays. In this paper we examine physical processes which are likely to limit the performance of layered synthetic microstructures and establish a theoretical damage limit ~ .1 Joule/cm2 for Mo-Si composites. We also examine the suitability of our general computational tools (XSN, QEOS, TKN, LASNEX) for this unusual low-temperature application.
Pulsed laser imaging of rapid Ca2+ gradients in excitable cells.

Excitable cells are thought to respond to action potentials by forming short lived and highly localized Ca2+ gradients near sites of Ca2+ entry or near the site of Ca2+ release by intracellular stores. However, conventional imaging techniques lack the spatial and temporal resolution to capture these gradients. Here we demonstrate the use of pulsed-laser microscopy to measure Ca2+ gradients with submicron spatial resolution and millisecond time resolution in two preparations where the Ca2+ signal is thought to be fast and highly localized: adrenal chromaffin cells, where the entry of Ca2+ through voltage dependent Ca2+ channels triggers exocytotic fusion; and skeletal muscle fibers, where intracellular Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum initiates contraction. In chromaffin cells, Ca2+ gradients developed over 10–100 ms and were initially restricted to discrete submembrane domains, or hot spots, before developing into complete rings of elevated Ca2+ concentration. In frog skeletal muscle large, short-lived (approximately 6 ms) Ca2+ gradients were observed within individual sarcomeres following induction of action potentials. The pulsed laser imaging approach permits, for the first time, the capture and critical examination of rapid Ca2+ signaling events such as those underlying excitation-secretion and excitation-contraction coupling.
«They're not like you and me»: institutional attendants' perspectives on residents

This article examines caretakers' definitions of residents at public institutions for the mentally retarded. The attendants at these institutions are officially responsible for the daily care of residents, maintenance of wards or living units and, increasingly, the provision of "therapeutic activities" and programming. Attendants often have been the target of institutional reform efforts. New policies prohibiting abuse of residents have been written; new mandates to provide programming have been handed down; new staff training programs have been implemented. Yet, at the institutions in this study, these reform efforts have not resulted in significant changes in attendants' definitions of residents.
IterML: A Fast, Robust Algorithm for Estimating Signals With Finite Rate of Innovation

Recently, various methods have emerged for sub- Nyquist sampling and reconstruction of signals with finite rate of innovation (FRI). These methods seek to sample parametric signals at close to their information rate and later reconstruct the parameters of interest. Some proposed reconstruction algorithms are based on annihilating filters and root-finding. Stochastic methods based on Gibbs sampling were subsequently proposed with the intent of improving robustness to noise, but these may run too slowly for some real-time applications. We present a fast maximum-likelihood-based deterministic greedy algorithm, IterML, for reconstructing FRI signals from noisy samples. We show in simulation that it achieves comparable or better performance than previous algorithms at a much lower computational cost. We also uncover a fundamental flaw in the application of MMSE (minimum mean squared error) estimation, a technique employed by some existing methods, to the problem in question.
Rhetorical analysis of nonpublic discourse

This essay makes an argument for a functional, rather than contextual, definition of Rhetoric. It is explained that an addressed audience rather than a public setting is what makes the concept of “rhetorical quality” meaningful. The defining characteristics of rhetorical quality are goal‐orientation and strategy. It is thus reasoned that nonpublic discourse may he considered as if rhetorical. The usefulness of treating nonpublic modes of communication rhetorically is discussed specifically. Conceptual and methodological issues related to this trend in rhetorical analysis are identified in terms of extant literature and possible implications of future development.
Crystallographic image reconstruction problem

The crystallographic X-ray diffraction experiment gives the amplitudes of the Fourier series expansion of the electron density distribution within the crystal. The 'phase problem' in crystallography is the determination of the phase angles of the Fourier coefficients required to calculate the Fourier synthesis and reveal the molecular structure. The magnitude of this task varies enormously as the size of the structures ranges from a few atoms to thousands of atoms, and the number of Fourier coefficients ranges from hundreds to hundreds of thousands. The issue is further complicated for large structures by limited resolution. This problem is solved for 'small' molecules (up to 200 atoms and a few thousand Fourier coefficients) by methods based on probabilistic models which depend on atomic resolution. These methods generally fail for larger structures such as proteins. The phase problem for protein molecules is generally solved either by laborious experimental methods or by exploiting known similarities to solved structures. Various direct methods have been attempted for very large structures over the past 15 years, with gradually improving results -- but so far no complete success. This paper reviews the features of the crystallographic image reconstruction problem which render it recalcitrant, and describes recent encouraging progress in the application of maximum entropy methods to this problem.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Digit Speech Recognition Threshold (SRT) in Children with Normal Hearing Ages 5–8 years

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare digit stimuli to popular spondees when measuring speech recognition threshold (SRT) in children with normal hearing and to determine the influence o...
Visual Pigments of Goldfish Cones : Spectral Properties and Dichroism

Freshly isolated retinal photoreceptors of goldfish were studied microspectrophotometrically. Absolute absorptance spectra obtained from dark-adapted cone outer segments reaffirm the existence of three spectrally distinct cone types with absorption maxima at 455 ± 3,530 ± 3, and 625 ± 5 nm. These types were found often recognizable by gross cellular morphology. Side-illuminated cone outer segments were dichroic. The measured dichroic ratio for the main absorption band of each type was 2–3:1. Rapidly bleached cells revealed spectral and dichroic transitions in regions near 400–410, 435–455, and 350–360 nm. These photoproducts decay about fivefold as fast as the intermediates in frog rods. The spectral maxima of photoproducts, combined with other evidence, indicate that retinene2 is the chromophore of all three cone pigments. The average specific optical density for goldfish cone outer segments was found to be 0.0124 ± 0.0015/µm. The spectra of the blue-, and green-absorbing cones appeared to match porphyropsin standards with half-band width Δν = 4,832 ± 100 cm–1. The red-absorbing spectrum was found narrower, having Δν = 3,625 ± 100 cm–1. The results are consistent with the notion that visual pigment concentration within the outer segments is about the same for frog rods and goldfish cones, but that the blue-, and green-absorbing pigments possess molar extinctions of 30,000 liter/mol cm. The red-absorbing pigment was found to have extinction of 40,000 liter/mol cm, assuming invariance of oscillator strength among the three cone spectra.
Why can’t we be friends?: Multicultural attitudes and friendships with international students

Abstract International students in the U.S. undertake a life changing endeavor that offers benefits and presents challenges, including a loss of social support. While studies suggest friendships with host country nationals are important for a successful experience, forming friendships with U.S. American students is challenging and rare. Difficulties establishing friendships are exacerbated when the context of adjustment is marked by prejudicial attitudes or a history of problematic intercultural relations. In this study, we sought to understand the lack of cross-cultural social reciprocity from U.S. students at a mid-size Southern university known for its racial divisiveness. We explored how students with and without international friendships differed on multicultural personality characteristics, intercultural attitudes, and multicultural experiences, such as participation in study abroad. Differences related to gender and membership in a sorority or fraternity were explored, as were amount of contact and closeness of the friendships. Students with international friendships had higher scores on open-mindedness and lower scores on intercultural communication apprehension. We discuss the findings and their implications for promoting international and U.S. student friendships.
Contrasts in sillimanite deformation in felsic tectonites from anhydrous granulite- and hydrous amphibolite-facies shear zones, western Canadian Shield

Abstract The deformation behavior of crustal materials in variably hydrated metamorphic environments can significantly influence the rheological and seismic properties of continental crust. Optical observations and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analyses are used to characterize sillimanite deformation behavior in felsic tectonites from two deformation settings in the Athabasca granulite terrane, western Canadian Shield. Under estimated conditions of 0.8–1.0 GPa, 725–850 °C in the Cora Lake shear zone, the data suggest that sillimanite deformed by dislocation creep with slip in the [001] direction accompanied by subgrain rotation recrystallization. Where sillimanite locally remained undeformed, strain was concentrated in surrounding weaker phases. Under hydrated conditions of 0.4–0.6 GPa, 550–650 °C in the Grease River shear zone, textures and cathodoluminescence imaging point to dissolution-precipitation creep as the major deformation mechanism for sillimanite, resulting in synkinematic growth of foliation-parallel euhedral sillimanite in a preferred orientation with [001] parallel to the lineation. The results suggest that temperature, fluid content, and modal mineralogy of the surrounding phases may all have significant influence on sillimanite deformation but that preferential alignment of sillimanite [001] parallel to the lineation persists regardless of contrasts in the conditions or mechanisms of deformation.
The application of conjugate gradient methods to NLTE rate matrix equations

This paper brings to attention recent developments in algorithms to efficiently solve linear systems resulting from the discretization of systems of population rate equations which arise in X-ray laser kinetics modeling. Specifically, we report the success of two variants of the preconditioned gradient method, namely the preconditioned conjugate gradient square (PCGS) algorithm and the method of generalized conjugate residuals (GCR) in solving non-LTE rate equations.
Ernest B. Gilman, Plague Writing in Early Modern England

(2009). Ernest B. Gilman, Plague Writing in Early Modern England. Reformation: Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 202-203.
Analysis of structural shock transmission

An analytic procedure is developed for evaluating response of a shock-loaded structure at some point, given only the response at some other point. A specific system is analyzed and the results compared with test data. Capability of the procedure to predict transmitted shock response is first demonstrated. An acceleration time history is then synthesized from a shock spectrum, as a sum of damped sinusoids, and used to predict shock response. Lastly, the response in the vicinity of the point of shock loading is predicted by numerical integration using a simplified model of the structure. The response so obtained is then used as input to predict transmitted shock response, demonstrating that response throughout a shock-loaded structure can be predicted without resorting to numerical simulation using a complete model.
The Impact of Opening an Inlet in the Delaware Bay at Norbury's Landing, NJ

Abstract The impact of opening a new inlet to connect the Delaware Bay with adjacent wetlands is described. A hydraulic and stability analysis of the new inlet is presented. The growth of the ebb tidal shoal is identified as the primary cause of beach erosion updrift and downdrift of the new inlet. An estimate of the expected erosion along adjacent beaches is made and compared with erosion occurring during the period between 1994 and 2006.
Cannabis dependence in the San Francisco Family Study: age of onset of use, DSM-IV symptoms, withdrawal, and heritability

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States, yet the role of genetics in individual symptoms associated with cannabis use disorders has not been evaluated. The purpose of the present set of analyses was to describe the symptomatology and estimate the heritability of DSM-IV criteria/symptoms of cannabis dependence in a large sample of families. Participants were 2524 adults, participating in the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Family Study of alcoholism. Seventy percent of the sample had ever used cannabis and 13.9% met DSM-IV criteria for cannabis dependence. Younger age at first cannabis use was found to be significantly associated with a shortened survival to becoming cannabis dependent. Although a greater percentage of men met criteria for cannabis dependence, women were found to demonstrate “telescoping” as indexed by a shorter survival time from initial use to dependence as compared to men. A cannabis withdrawal syndrome was identified in users, the primary symptoms of which were nervousness, appetite change, and sleep disturbance. Cannabis use (h2 = 0.31) and dependence (h2 = 0.20), age at first use, individual DSM-IV criteria for dependence, and cannabis-use associated symptoms of depression, trouble concentrating and paranoia were all found to be heritable. These findings suggest that within this population that cannabis use and dependence, as well as individual cannabis dependence symptoms have a significant heritable component, that cannabis dependence is more likely to occur when use begins during adolescence, and that the cannabis dependence syndrome includes a number of heritable untoward psychiatric side effects including withdrawal.
Cerebral cortex neurons with extra spikes: a normal substrate for epileptic discharges?

Double spikes during otherwise rhythmic discharge were frequently observed in 'fast' pyramidal tract neurons in response to steady depolarizing currents injected through the recording micropipette. The extra spike appears to arise from a large depolarizing afterpotential crossing the falling threshold several milliseconds following a spike; extra spikes themselves may generate further extra spikes in a similar manner, generating burst patterns which are strikingly similar to those of epileptic neurons.
Integrin α2β1 (VLA-2) mediates reorganization and contraction of collagen matrices by human cells

The capacity of cells to organize and contract collagen fibrils is fundamental to processes as diverse as embryogenesis and wound healing. We analyzed different beta 1 integrins on diploid fibroblasts for their role in modifying the tertiary structure of collagen matrices. Using monoclonal antibodies that block the interaction of integrins with their ligands, evidence was obtained that alpha 2 beta 1 integrin is required for the contraction of a type I collagen matrix. Further supporting the role of alpha 2 beta 1, cell lines expressing minimal levels of this integrin uniformly failed to contract collagen matrices. In addition, transfection of a full-length alpha 2 cDNA into one such cell line led to enhanced cell surface expression of alpha 2 beta 1 and conferred the de novo capacity to contract collagen matrices.
Maximizing the efficacy of interoceptive exposure by optimizing inhibitory learning: A randomized controlled trial

Cognitive-behavioral treatments for panic disorder (PD) emphasize interoceptive exposure (IE) to target anxiety sensitivity (AS) but vary considerably in its manner of delivery. This randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of the low-dose delivery of IE exercises often prescribed in treatment protocols to an intensive form of IE hypothesized to optimize inhibitory learning. Participants (N = 120) with elevated AS were randomly assigned to one of four single-session interventions: (a) low-dose IE as prescribed in Barlow and Craske's Panic Control Treatment, (b) low-dose IE without controlled breathing or a lengthy between-trial rest period, (c) intensive IE, or (d) expressive writing control. Compared to the other conditions, intensive IE produced significantly greater reductions in AS and fearful responding to a straw breathing task from pretreatment to posttreatment. Maintenance of gains during the follow-up period did not differ between conditions. Changes in fear toleration and negative outcome expectancies fully mediated the superior efficacy of intensive IE over low-dose IE. The two low intensity IE conditions produced particularly high rates of fear sensitization on between-trial and outcome variables. The findings suggest that the intensive delivery of IE exercises has the potential to improve the efficacy of exposure-based treatments for PD.
Distributive groupoids and biassociativity

The structure of all distributive topological groupoidsM on a closed or half-closed real interval is completely determined provided one endpoint is a zero forM, M contains an injective idempotent e, and (ex)(ye)= (ey)(xe) holds for allx, y inM. A groupoid is distributive if (xy)z = (xz)(yz) andx(yz)= (xy)(xz) hold for allx, y, z inM. An idempotente is called injective ifx =y wheneverxe =ye orex =ey. It is a corollary that all such groupoids are actually medial. The proof is accomplished by showing that, in a certain sense, distributivity corresponds to biassociativity as mediality corresponds to associativity. A groupoid is called biassociative it the subgroupoid generated by each pair of elements in the groupoid is associative.
Subwavelength transmission gratings and their applications in VCSELs

Birefringence, polarization, and wavelength filtering properties of subwavelength transmission gratings (SWTGs) and their applications in vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) are presented. Particularly, large birefringence (over two orders of magnitude larger than natural birefringence crystals) and polarization effects have been achieved in thin (240 nm thick or less) amorphous silicon subwavelength gratings (SWTGs). The SWTG polarizers were used to control the polarization of VCSELs (i.e., fixing, enhancing and switching of the polarization), making the maximum polarization of a VCSEL creased to 300:1 from 20:1. The SWTG's waveplates were used to build a polarization-switching VCSEL oscillator that has a can tunable frequency up to terahertz.
Patient-specific computational modeling of blood flow in the pulmonary arterial circulation.

Abstract Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of the pulmonary vasculature has the potential to reveal continuum metrics associated with the hemodynamic stress acting on the vascular endothelium. It is widely accepted that the endothelium responds to flow-induced stress by releasing vasoactive substances that can dilate and constrict blood vessels locally. The objectives of this study are to examine the extent of patient specificity required to obtain a significant association of CFD output metrics and clinical measures in models of the pulmonary arterial circulation, and to evaluate the potential correlation of wall shear stress ( WSS ) with established metrics indicative of right ventricular (RV) afterload in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Right Heart Catheterization (RHC) hemodynamic data and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging were retrospectively acquired for 10 PH patients and processed to simulate blood flow in the pulmonary arteries. While conducting CFD modeling of the reconstructed patient-specific vasculatures, we experimented with three different outflow boundary conditions to investigate the potential for using computationally derived spatially averaged wall shear stress ( SAWSS ) as a metric of RV afterload. SAWSS was correlated with both pulmonary vascular resistance ( PVR ) ( R 2 =0.77, P C ) ( R 2 =0.63, P PVR alters the flow distribution and changes the local velocity profile in the distal vessels, thereby increasing the local WSS . Nevertheless, implementing generic outflow boundary conditions still resulted in statistically significant SAWSS correlations with respect to both metrics of RV afterload, suggesting that the CFD model could be executed without the need for complex outflow boundary conditions that require invasively obtained patient-specific data. A preliminary study investigating the relationship between outlet diameter and flow distribution in the pulmonary tree offers a potential computationally inexpensive alternative to pressure based outflow boundary conditions.
Margaret mead: The examination begins

Howard, Jane. Margaret Mead: A Life. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1984. 527 pp. including bibliography, index. $19.95 cloth. Bateson, Mary Catherine. With a Daughter's Eye: A Memoir of Margaret Mead and Gregory Bateson. New York: William Morrow and Co., 1984. 242 pp. including references, sources. $15.95 cloth.
Bispecific targeting of EGFR and uPAR in a mouse model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Summary Objectives To investigate the efficacy of the bispecific targeted toxin, dEGFATFKDEL, on head and neck carcinoma cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Materials and Methods A deimmunized bispecific anti-cancer agent was constructed to simultaneously target both the overexpressed EGF receptor on carcinomas and the urokinase receptor (uPAR), that is found on the endothelial cells of the neovasculature within tumors. Flow cytometry assays were performed to determine the level of EGFR expressed on a variety of carcinoma lines. These lines were then tested in tritiated leucine incorporation assays to determine the efficacy of dEGFATFKDEL. Human vein endothelial primary cells were also tested to determine the effectiveness of the ATF portion of the molecule that binds uPAR. Furthermore, mouse studies were performed to determine whether dEGFATFKDEL was effective at inhibiting tumor growth in vivo. Results UMSCC-11B and NA, two head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, highly expressed EGFR. Both the carcinoma lines and the human vein endothelial cells were inhibited at sub-nanomolar concentrations by dEGFATFKDEL. The tumor studies showed that the tumors treated with dEGFATFKDEL were significantly inhibited whereas the negative control and untreated tumors progressed. In a separate in vivo study involving another carcinoma line, MDA-MB-231, the effectiveness of dEGFATFKDEL was confirmed. No toxicity was seen at the doses used in either of these mouse studies. Conclusions This bispecific agent is effective in a mouse model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Further study of this reagent for use in the treatment of carcinomas is warranted.
Results of Video-Assisted Exposure of the Anterior Thoracic Spine in Idiopathic Scoliosis

Background The feasibility of a video-assisted anterior approach to the thoracic spine has recently been reported for a variety of spine disorders. This study compares the outcomes of the video-assisted and thoracotomy approaches. Methods A consecutive series of 42 patients underwent video-assisted thoracic surgical anterior release and were evaluated for degree of correction reported as a change in spine curvature and pulmonary functions reported as a percent of predicted values. They were followed up for a minimum of 1 year and compared with historic controls. Results There was no significant difference in the percentage of correction between the video-assisted and thoracotomy groups, and the angle of correction was stable over the period of follow-up. No statistically significant difference was noted for any lung volume measure except for postoperative residual volume/total lung capacity ratio (video-assisted thoracic surgery = 135 ± 16.2; thoracotomy = 147.7 ± 17.8; p = 0.03). This marginal difference becomes more significant when severely affected patients are analyzed separately ( p Conclusions The video-assisted anterior spine release achieves equivalent results in idiopathic scoliosis compared with an open approach. The preservation of chest wall musculature in severely affected patients appears to play a role in limiting the deterioration in postoperative pulmonary function.
Anatomical evaluation and clinical importance of the tibiofibular syndesmosis ligaments

The aim of this study was to describe the detailed anatomical arrangement of ligaments of the tibiofibular syndesmosis and to highlight the clinical aspects of fracture dislocations. This study was performed on 42 legs of adult human embalmed cadavers. Tibiofibular syndesmosis ligaments attachments and their mutual relationships were described and their dimensions were measured. The anterior tibiofibular ligament is usually composed of three parts. This ligament runs obliquely at laterodistaly direction making 35 degrees angle with horizontal plane and posteriorly 65 degrees angle with sagittal plane. The posterior tibiofibular ligament runs almost horizontally 20 degrees angle with horizontal plane. The mean thicknesses of tibial and fibular attachments are 6.38+/-1.91 mm and 9.67+/-1.74 mm, respectively. The inferior transverse ligament originates from just below the posterior tibiofibular ligament, which has variations on the shape and dimensions due to its attachment points. The average length is 36.60+/-9.51 mm. The network between the fibular notch and the distal fibula has been filled with the interosseous tibiofibular ligament whose fibers follow the laterodistal and anterior direction from the tibia to the fibula. It lies proximally 30-40 mm from the mortise. At the inferior view of the tibiofibular syndesmosis a pyramidal shaped cartilaginous facet was observed which was attached to the fibula. The length of this cartilage was variable. Some of synovial plicas from the ankle joints synovial membrane were observed at this view. We conclude that the results of this study may be useful to both orthopedic surgeons and radiologists for anatomic evaluation of the tibiofibular syndesmosis area.
Quantitative analysis of growth factor production in the mechanism of fibrosis in agnogenic myeloid metaplasia.

Objective The current study quantified the growth factors in megakaryocytes and monocytes and correlated them to the degree of fibrosis, as there is no quantitative analysis of growth factors from megakaryocytes or monocytes reported in patients with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM). Materials and Methods Megakaryocytes were obtained from cultured blood CD34 + cells. CD14 + cells were sorted by magnetic cell sorting. Quantitative analyses of the growth factors were obtained by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction techniques and enzyme-linked immunobsorbent assay (ELISA). Results 1) We found that mRNA levels of transforming growth factor (TGF) β1, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) produced by the megakaryocytes were significantly elevated in AMM compared with those in normal controls ( p + cells were not significantly elevated in AMM compared with other MPDs or controls; the AMM mRNA levels were significantly elevated only in some patients. 4) The correlation of mRNA levels of these growth factors with the degree of myelofibrosis in AMM was significant with megakaryocytes ( r = 0.73) but not with monocytes ( r = 0.23). 5) ELISA of the growth factors from the cultured megakaryocytes showed that in most of the patients with AMM and other MPDs, and in volunteer controls, the growth factors were undetectable, and only a few patients with AMM (three each of TGF-β1 and PDGF and one of FGF) and other MPDs (two of TGF-β1 and one each of PDGF and FGF) had significantly elevated protein levels of these growth factors. Conclusions 1) In AMM, the mRNA levels of these fibrosing growth factors are significantly elevated in megakaryocytes, and they were only elevated in a few patients in the monocyte-macrophage lineages. 2) mRNA of TGF-β1 is more abundantly produced than that of PDGF or FGF from megakaryocytes. 3) A statistically significant correlation between the growth factor mRNA levels with the degree of myelofibrosis in AMM suggests that these fibrosing growth factors produced by the megakaryocytes may be associated with the etiology of bone marrow fibrosis in AMM. 4) Failure to substantiate at the protein level that megakaryocytes are the main source of growth factors production suggests that other factors or cells initiating translation of the growth factors in the megakaryocytes may also be important in the process of bone marrow fibrosis in AMM. Further studies are necessary.
Cell degradation of a Na–NiCl2 (ZEBRA) battery

In this work, the parameters influencing the degradation of a Na–NiCl2 (ZEBRA) battery were investigated. Planar Na–NiCl2 cells using the β′′-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE) were tested with different C-rates, Ni/NaCl ratios, and capacity windows, in order to identify the key parameters for the degradation of the Na–NiCl2 battery. The morphology of NaCl and Ni particles was extensively investigated after 60 cycles under various test conditions using a scanning electron microscope. A strong correlation between the particle size (NaCl and Ni) and battery degradation was observed in this work. Even though the growth of both Ni and NaCl can influence the cell degradation, our results indicate that the growth of NaCl is a dominant factor in cell degradation. The use of excess Ni seems to play a role in tolerating the negative effects of particle growth on degradation since the available active surface area of Ni particles can still be sufficient even after particle growth. For NaCl, a large cycling window was the most significant factor, of which effects were amplified with decrease in the Ni/NaCl ratio.
Deciphering the structure of DNA toroids

Toroids are small donut shaped organizational units within sperm chromatin and viruses containing DNA and protein. Investigators first characterized the dimensions of toroids created in vitro, in viruses and in decondensed sperm chromatin using transmission electron and atomic force microscopy. More recent measurements, performed using cryo-electron microscopy, have allowed experimenters to observe the hexagonal organization of DNA within viruses, and toroids created from DNA and cobalt hexammine. However, it has been difficult to obtain information about the assembly of DNA into a toroid, its structure and the biomechanical forces involved because of the limitations of these techniques. Similarly, biophysical studies of toroids utilizing techniques such as circular dichroism or light scattering are difficult to perform and interpret because toroids created using bulk DNA can aggregate and precipitate out of solution even at very low concentrations. The development of optical and magnetic traps has allowed experimenters to manipulate single DNA molecules within microfluidic, multichannel flow cells and measure the structural changes they undergo as they are transformed into toroids. During the past few years investigators have demonstrated that toroids consist of loops of DNA. They have observed the stepwise incorporation of these loops into a toroid that is not in contact with charged surfaces, which might affect its formation. The condensation of a constrained DNA molecule into a toroid was observed to significantly increase its tension, which reduced the size of the DNA loops that form the toroid. This structural information is important for understanding how genomic DNA is assembled and organized within the sperm cell and viruses. In this perspective we discuss what is known about the structure and formation of toroids, what has been learned recently using single molecule techniques and what remaining questions have the potential to be answered using these emerging technologies.
Intensive Child Therapy to Prevent Further Abuse Victimization: A Case Study

It can be difficult to protect a child from ongoing abuse when the child is too traumatized to disclose the abuse to the Child Protective Services interviewer or court evaluator. This article reports on the intensive 2-day trauma-focused treatment of an abused child. The child's traumatization was reduced and she was thereby empowered to clearly and effectively disclose the abuse in two critical interviews.
Longevity of Major League Baseball Players

The purpose of this study was to determine whether major league baseball players live longer than the general public. Ages of death of major league baseball players who debuted between 1900 and 1950 were obtained, and differences between ages of death and age-adjusted life expectancies were determined by analysis of variance and t-tests, taking into account player position. Correlational analysis also was conducted to determine if career length affected longevity. Baseball players lived an average of four years longer than age-matched controls from the general public. Career length did not affect longevity among players. We concluded that professional athletes, as represented by major league baseball players, have increased life expectancies. This increase cannot be explained by increased fitness associated with working as a professional athlete, but is likely the result of an initial selection process for becoming a professional athlete.
Difference operator for variable stiffness plates

A symmetric central finite difference operator is derived for the small deflection analysis of transversely loaded, ‘thin’, elastic plates, whose stiffnesses vary as functions of the in-plane co-ordinates. The operator is written here in Cartesian co-ordinates for a square mesh, but the same technique can also be used to construct an operator for a rectangular mesh.
Water Transfer through Cotton Plants Connecting Soil Regions of Differing Water Potential

(...) When the potential gradient between center and outer compartments reached 1.0 MPa, the gamma readings showed overnight movement of water from wet to dry soil that could only have taken place through the root systems of the outer row plants. The overnight transfer of water, while significant, was not sufficient to fully supply the day-time transpiration demand of the unirrigated center row plants (...)
Abstract A21: High-throughput small molecule screening of genetically diverse glioblastoma stem cells

Survival statistics for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) have remained static despite years of research. Mounting evidence suggests that glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) are a primary cause of GBM growth, spread, vascularity, and chemotherapeutic resistance. Increasing survival, therefore, demands a therapeutic strategy with efficacy against GSCs. To address this, we have conducted a high-throughput screen of over 3,000 small molecule compounds for activity against three independently derived GSC lines that vary in their expression of TCGA subtype-related genes. Our fluorescence-based assay is sensitive, reliable, and largely free of row- and column-based systematic errors. We identify novel compounds that impair the viability of all three of these genetically diverse GSC lines but have comparably limited toxicity against a normal human glial cell line. Many of these compounds are small and lipophilic, as well, making them ideal candidates for follow-up in vivo evaluation either through intravenous delivery or through encapsulation in polymeric nanoparticles. Citation Format: Garth W. Strohbehn, Jiangbing Zhou, Michael Fu, Toral R. Patel, Joseph M. Piepmeier, W. Mark Saltzman. High-throughput small molecule screening of genetically diverse glioblastoma stem cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Chemical Systems Biology: Assembling and Interrogating Computational Models of the Cancer Cell by Chemical Perturbations; 2012 Jun 27-30; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(13 Suppl):Abstract nr A21.