cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving Hand Hygiene Compliance through Simplified Monitoring

ISSUE: Compliance with hand hygiene guidelines among healthcare workers is the single most important intervention in the reduction of facility acquired infections and the one most frequently omitted. Alcohol-based products were made readily available in each patient room in 1999 and interviews with staff members identified knowledge deficit of the importance of hand hygiene was not an issue yet compliance remained low. PROJECT: Infection Control proposed that monitoring of compliance be conducted in individual care/service departments by the Managers or Designee to foster buy-in. The approach of promoting a culture of safety related to hand hygiene was used for anyone providing care or a service on the particular unit. Initially, a data collection tool with 15 indicators measuring all components of hand hygiene was utilized. This proved to be labor intensive and yielded poor return rates. After much discussion with patient care managers and multiple other disciplines, a simple to use data collection tool with two indicators was developed. This tool was easy to use and data submission greatly improved, yielding 440-450 total observations per month. Leadership support of the project was instrumental in the program success. Conducting discussion of the project at Management Meetings and proposing hand hygiene compliance as a “Red Rule”, which required Hospital Board approval, validated the importance. A “Red Rule” is determined by the organization to be of such importance that failure to comply could result in disciplinary action, but through verbal prompts and peer coaching, failure should not occur. Involvement of Medical Staff was solicited through inclusion in random observations, prompts, and discussion at physician attended meetings. The hand hygiene project outline and monthly results were added to the online Medical Staff Annual Infection Control Update, required for re-credentialing. Physician results are posted monthly in the physician lounge. Hand hygiene posters, storyboards and verbal prompts were implemented. Monthly data collection was and continues to be conducted and submitted to Infection Control with rapid feedback provided by department and discipline via intranet allowing departments to benchmark with one another. RESULTS: Hand hygiene performed upon entering the room: at or above 90% for the past 5 months, 3 of which were above 95% Hand hygiene performed prior to exiting the room: at or above 90% for the past 8 months, 5 of which were above 95%. Increased alcohol-based product utilization per 1000 patient days per quarter correlated with the increase in compliance. LESSONS LEARNED: While competition and peer pressure are great motivators, a successful hand hygiene program also requires continuous feedback, verbal prompts, interdisciplinary collaboration and a non-punitive culture supported by leadership.
Elasticity and Healing: A Moment of Renewal

The simultaneous celebration of the donation by Dr. Judith Dupont of the Ferenczi Archive to the London Freud Museum and of the launch of two new books on Ferenczi in the Karnac History of Psychoanalysis Series provides an occasion for reflection on the trauma inflicted on the psychoanalytic world by the Freud–Ferenczi rift and on the hope for renewal symbolized by Dr. Dupont’s gift. Tribute is paid to Judith Dupont and to Andre Haynal for their contributions to preserving Ferenczi’s legacy. It is argued that Freud bears responsibility for pathologizing those with whom he had intellectual disagreements, but that Ferenczi’s concept of elasticity points the way to a reconciliation of Freud and Ferenczi that renders it no longer necessary to “rescue psychoanalysis from Freud.”
Loss of reactivity of a BALB/c myeloma tumor with allogeneic and syngeneic cytotoxic T lymphocytes

It was previously observed that MOPC-315EL, a subline of the BALB/c myeloma tumor MOPC-315, varies in its ability to interact with primary anti-H-2d cytotoxic thymus-derived lymphocytes (CTL) while remaining invariant in its expression of cell surface antigens recognized by anti-H-2d sera. This paper demonstrates (a) that secondary anti-H-2d CTL also fail to recognize the late tumor cells, and (b) that two other CTL systems (anti-minor histocompatibility antigens and anti-2,4,6-trinitrophenyl), which require recognition of both H-2 products and other surface antigens, also fail to react with the late tumor cells. The defect in the late tumor cells was evident when they were used as targets, inhibitors, and stimulators of CTL activity.
Closed string-open string transitions and witten's string field theory

Abstract Using conformal mapping techniques, we obtain a new BRST invariant operator ϒ encoding in closed form transition amplitudes between open strings and closed strings. The residues of the closed string poles in the non-planar one-loop two-point diagram of Witten's string field theory are finite sums of products of these amplitudes.
Considerations in polarimeter design

The relationship between system condition and SNR in reconstructed Stokes parameter images is investigated for rotating compensator, variable retardance, and rotating analyzer Stokes vector polarimeters. A variety of optimal configurations are presented for each class of systems. The operation of polarimeters is discussed in terms of a 4-dimensional vector space, and the concept of non-orthogonal bases, frames, and tight frames are introduced to describe this class of devices. While SNR is an important consideration, performance of a polarimeter in the presence of systematic error is also important. Here, the relationship between system condition and error performance is investigated, and it is shown that an optimum system from the point of view of SNR is not always an optimum system with respect to error performance. Finally, the concepts used to optimize Stokes vector polarimeters are extended to be useful for full Mueller matrix polarimeters.
NATb/NAT1*4 promotes greater arylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 mediated DNA adducts and mutations than NATa/NAT1*4 following exposure to 4-aminobiphenyl

N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) is a phase II metabolic enzyme responsible for the biotransformation of aromatic and heterocyclic amine carcinogens such as 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP). NAT1 catalyzes N-acetylation of arylamines as well as the O-acetylation of N-hydroxylated arylamines. O-acetylation leads to the formation of electrophilic intermediates that result in DNA adducts and mutations. NAT1 is transcribed from a major promoter, NATb, and an alternative promoter, NATa, resulting in mRNAs with distinct 5′-untranslated regions (UTR). NATa mRNA is expressed primarily in the kidney, liver, trachea, and lung while NATb mRNA has been detected in all tissues studied. To determine if differences in 5′-UTR have functional effect upon NAT1 activity and DNA adducts or mutations following exposure to ABP, pcDNA5/FRT plasmid constructs were prepared for transfection of full-length human mRNAs including the 5′-UTR derived from NATa or NATb, the open reading frame, and 888 nucleotides of the 3′-UTR. Following stable transfection of NATb/NAT1*4 or NATa/NAT1*4 into nucleotide excision repair (NER) deficient Chinese hamster ovary cells, N-acetyltransferase activity (in vitro and in situ), mRNA, and protein expression were higher in NATb/NAT1*4 than NATa/NAT1*4 transfected cells (P < 0.05). Consistent with NAT1 expression and activity, ABP-induced DNA adducts and hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase mutants were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in NATb/NAT1*4 than in NATa/NAT1*4 transfected cells following exposure to ABP. These differences observed between NATa and NATb suggest that the 5′-UTRs are differentially regulated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inhibition by Hapten of Cellular Immune Responses to a Hapten-Protein Conjugate

STIMULATION of specific immunocompetent cells by antigen has been postulated to involve an interaction of antigen with a complementary cell surface receptor. Furthermore, the specificity of these receptors, although not precisely established, may be very similar to that of serum-type antibody1–3. Evidence for this, in the case of anamnestic antihapten–protein antibody responses, has been obtained by studying the capacity of haptens to inhibit stimulation of secondary responses to hapten–protein conjugates1,4,5.
Subtle differences in the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine and GBR-12909.

1. In addition to inhibiting the dopamine transporter, cocaine affects a variety of other neurotransmitter systems. In the present study, the involvement of both dopaminergic and the nondopaminergic systems in the behavioral effects of cocaine was studied using an intravenous drug discrimination procedure. 2. One group (Group 1) of rats were trained to discriminate cocaine (1 mg/kg, i.v.) from saline, while a second group (Group 2) of rats were trained to discriminate the same dose of cocaine from both GBR-12909 (1 mg/kg i.v.), a dopamine-selective uptake inhibitor, and saline. 3. Following training, substitution tests with different doses of cocaine and several drugs pharmacologically related to cocaine were conducted. When cocaine dose was varied, there was a dose-dependent generalization to the cocaine-training stimulus in both groups of rats. Conversely, GBR-12909 and GBR-12935, another dopamine-selective uptake inhibitor, generalized to the cocaine-training stimulus in Group 1, but there was minimal or no generalization in Group 2 4. The norepinephrine-selective uptake inhibitors, desipramine and nisoxetine, and the serotonin-selective uptake inhibitor, zimeldine, produced little or no generalization to the cocaine-training stimulus in either group of rats. The sodium channel blocker, dimethocaine which has a relatively high affinity for the dopamine transporter fully generalized to the cocaine stimulus in both groups of rats, while procaine which has a low affinity for the dopamine transporters only partially generalized to the cocaine-training stimulus in both groups of rats 5. Finally, lidocaine, which has negligible affinity for the dopamine transporter, did not generalize to the cocaine-training stimulus in either group of rats. The findings suggest similarities as well as subtle, but important, differences between the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine and the dopamine uptake inhibitors, GBR-12909 and GBR12935.
CAN CARDIAC MRI BE THE NEW ‘GOLD STANDARD’ FOR CONSTRICTIVE PERICARDITIS? A SINGLE CENTER PROOF OF CONCEPT STUDY

Perhaps no cardiac disorder is as elusive as constrictive pericarditis (CP). The penalty for incorrect decision is dire; needless sternotomy vs. continued symptoms. Classically, invasive cardiac catheterization has been the defacto ‘gold standard’. Given the ability to unequivocally
High solubility pathway for the carbon dioxide free production of iron

We report a fundamental change in the understanding of iron oxide thermochemistry, opening a facile, new CO2-free route to iron production. The resultant process can eliminate a major global source of greenhouse gas emission, producing the staple iron in molten media at high rate and low electrolysis energy.
Fatigue of fiber-reinforced injection molded plastics. I: Stress-lifetime data

Glass-reinforced nylon 66 polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polycarbonate (PC) were injection molded in a ribbed plaque. Flat strips, tensile bars, and rib sections were cut from the plaque in the flow and crossflow directions and subsequently fatigue tested under both tensile and flexural loading conditions to obtain conventional fatigue S-N (stress versus number of cycles to fail) or Wohler curves. Both the fiber alignment and the loading mode strongly influenced the resultant S-N curve. As expected, longer fatigue life results when the imposed stress is parallel to the flow direction, which in turn parallels the predominant fiber orientation direction. Also, at the same stress level, it was observed that flexural loading resulted in a much longer fatigue life compared to tensile loading. Similar S-N data were obtained in flexure for different geometries, such as rib or flat cross sections, as long as the local fiber orientation was similar. Attempts to use an empirical relationship to rationalize predicted fatigue data based upon tensile or breaking strength were not successful. Polym. Compos. 25:489–498, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Safety of conventional and wireless capsule endoscopy in patients supported with nonpulsatile axial flow Heart-Mate II left ventricular assist device.

Background Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly being used as a bridge for cardiac transplantation in patients with decompensated cardiac function. A known complication of these devices is severe and sometimes life-threatening GI bleeding, usually related to the presence of angioectasias. Endoscopy has been generally accepted as safe in patients with cardiac disease and implanted cardiac devices, when it is performed with appropriate monitoring. However, the literature is sparse regarding the safety of endoscopy in patients with LVADs. Objective Given the potential risks for GI bleeding in this subgroup of patients, our aim was to shed light on the potential safety of endoscopy in these patients. Design We present our experience with endoscopic intervention for varied sources of GI bleeding in a group of patients with the HeartMate II implantable LVAD. Setting A tertiary care university-based hospital setting, Tampa General Hospital at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida. Patients Patients with severe cardiomyopathy requiring cardiac support with the HeartMate II implantable LVAD. Interventions Patients received upper and lower GI endoscopy as dictated by their clinical presentations. One patient received capsule endoscopy as well. Conclusions We observed that endoscopy, including capsule endoscopy, may be safely performed in these patients with appropriate monitoring.
MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF THE SHEEP CATHELIN FAMILY REVEALS A NOVEL ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDE

Cathelin-related genes are characterized by the presence of a prepro sequence which is highly conserved both within and between species. 3' RACE analysis on sheep bone marrow RNA, using a primer based on a conserved cathelin family coding region, demonstrated the presence of at least three ovine cathelin-related cDNAs. One of these encodes a novel prepropeptide with a predicted C-terminal cleavage product RGLRRLGRKIAHG-VKKYGPTVLRIIRIAG. The chemically synthesized form of this 29 amino acid peptide is shown to be a thermostable, broad spectrum, bactericidal agent.
The synaptic connections of basket cell axons in the developing rat hippocampal formation.

Recent studies have indicated that hippocampal basket cells in both the dentate gyrus and Ammon's horn develop their somal and dendritic features during the first two postnatal weeks in rats. Their axon terminals form exclusively symmetric synapses that are found as early as 5 postnatal days in both regions. The present study used Golgi-electron microscopic material from 10 and 16 day old rats to demonstrate that the axon terminals of basket cells form synapses not only with somata, dendrites, and dendritic spines as reported for adult material but also with axon initial segments. However, the terminals forming synapses with axon initial segments and dendritic spines represent only a minor portion of the total number of basket cell terminals. Quantitative results indicate that 36–62% of the total number of these terminals form axosomatic synapses and 32–50% form axodendritic synapses depending on the analyzed cell. These data indicate that hippocampal basket cells have an axonal distribution similar to that found for cortical basket cells.
Impact of the Clean Water Act on the levels of toxic metals in urban estuaries: The Hudson River estuary revisited

To establish the impact of the Clean Water Act on the water quality of urban estuaries, dissolved (<0.45 μm) trace metals and phosphate concentrations were determined in surface waters collected along the Hudson River estuary between 1995 and 1997 and compared with samples collected in the mid-1970s by Klinkhammer and Bender. The median concentrations along the estuary have apparently declined 36−56% for Cu, 55−89% for Cd, 53−85% for Ni, and 53−90% for Zn over a period of 23 years. These reductions appear to reflect improvements in controlling discharges from municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants since the Clean Water Act was enacted in 1972. In contrast, levels of dissolved nutrients (PO4) have remained relatively constant during the same period of time, suggesting that wastewater treatment plant improvements in the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area have not been as effective at reducing nutrient levels within the estuary. While more advanced wastewater treatment could potentially redu...
Peak-power limits on fiber amplifiers imposed by self-focusing

We have numerically investigated the behavior of the fundamental mode of a step-index, multimode (MM) fiber as the optical power approaches the self-focusing limit (Pcrit). The analysis includes the effects of gain and bending (applicable to coiled fiber amplifiers). We find power-dependent, stationary solutions that propagate essentially without change at beam powers approaching Pcrit in straight and bent fibers. We show that in a MM fiber amplifier seeded with its fundamental eigenmode at powers ≪Pcrit, the transverse spatial profile adiabatically evolves through a continuum of stationary solutions as the beam is amplified toward Pcrit.
A Comparison of a Maleic-Itaconic Polymer and N -( n -butyl) Thiophosphoric Triamide as Urease Inhibitors

A maleic-itaconic polymer (MIP) is claimed to inactivate soil urease by nickel removal from the enzyme. Four studies were conducted to compare the urease inhibition properties of two commercial formulations of MIP with a commercial formulation of N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT). In the first study, addition of MIP at 1, 5, or 50 mg kg–¹ provided 0 to 2% inhibition of urea hydrolysis, averaged across three soils. At 500 mg kg–¹, MIP inhibited urea hydrolysis by 7 to 9%, averaged across three soils. By contrast, addition of NBPT at 1 or 5 mg kg–¹ inhibited urea hydrolysis by an average of 64 and 72%, respectively. In a second study, 13 carboxylic acids of known nickel sequestration properties, two MIP formulations, and NBPT were evaluated as soil urease inhibitors. Averaged across three soils, MIP and the other carboxylic acids provided <5% inhibition of urea hydrolysis when applied at 50 mg kg–¹. Addition of NBPT at 1 and 5 mg kg–¹ provided an average of 62 and 72% inhibition. In two additional studies using purified jackbean [Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC.] urease in the absence of soil, NBPT provided complete inhibition at a concentration of 1 mg L–¹ in the reaction mixture. Adding MIP at rates up to 100 mg L–¹ either did not inhibit urease, or stimulated urea hydrolysis. It was concluded that MIP was not an effective inhibitor of soil or jackbean urease. It was also concluded that nickel sequestration by carboxylic acids is an unlikely mode of action for soil urease inhibition.
Benign positional vertigo after cochlear implantation.

Objective To identify patients who underwent cochlear implantation (CI) and who subsequently developed benign positional vertigo (BPV) after the procedure and to identify any contributing factors. Study design and setting Academic tertiary referral center. Cochlear implant recipients’ medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with both vertigo and, more specifically, BPV. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were studied vis-a-vis the development of BPV. Results BPV was newly diagnosed in 12 patients after CI. The etiology of hearing loss included presbycusis (16.6%), autoimmune inner ear disease (16.6%), congenital hearing loss (41.6%), Meniere’s disease (8.3%), prematurity (8.3%), and idiopathic factors (8.3%). The onset of BPV varied after the procedure (mean ± SD, 292 ± 309 days). BPV symptoms did not affect implant performance. All patients were treated for BPV by Epley’s maneuver and vestibular exercises. Symptoms disappeared in 11 patients and persisted in 1. Conclusions BPV is an uncommon development after CI, although it occurs more frequently than in the general population. Two theories are proposed: the introduction of bone dust into the labyrinth and the dislodging of otoconia during surgery. The diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of BPV after CI do not differ from those for non-CI–associated BPV. Significance Dizziness after CI usually develops as a result of vestibular hypofunction. BPV, which is a hyperfunctioning form of vestibular dysfunction, should be recognized as a possible sequelae of CI.
Electroweak corrections to parity-violating neutral current scattering

Abstract We calculate the leading electroweak corrections to parity-violating, leptonic and semi-leptonic neutral current amplitudes in the framework of the standard model and estimate additional contributions to lepton-nucleon amplitudes from mesonic intermediate states. We find that second order electroweak effects generate large (⩾(5–10)%) corrections and that theoretical uncertainties in corrections to semi-leptonic amplitudes can have the same scale as the corrections themselves. Implications of these results for prospective low- and medium-energy parity-violating lepton scattering experiments are discussed.
The Importance of Maternal Lineage on Milk Yield Traits of Dairy Cattle

Maternal lineage effects on milk yield traits, considered indicative of cytoplasmic inheritance, were evaluated with animal models. Cattle were from a selection experiment begun in 1968. Maternal pedigrees were traced to the first female member in the Holstein-Friesian Herdbook; purchased cows entering the herd, considered foundation females, were assigned to maternal lineage groups. All models accounted for year-season of calving, parity, and selection lines. Maternal lineage effects were included in a repeated records model with cow effects and preadjustment for sire and maternal grandsire transmitting abilities. Maternal lineage accounted for 5.2, 4.1, and 10.5% of phenotypic variation of preadjusted records of milk yield, fat yield, and fat percentage, respectively. Maternal lineage was evaluated as a fixed effect in an animal model including random animal and permanent environmental effects. Maternal lineage significantly affected fat percentage but not milk yield. Maternal genetic (nuclear) effects and their covariance with additive animal effects did not significantly account for additional variation nor did they influence maternal lineage estimates. Maternal lineage affected calculated net energy of milk but was not important for SNF yield or concentration. Maternal lineage influenced fat percentage, energy concentration, and, to a lesser extent, fat yield in milk of dairy cattle.
Jost functions and determinantal method in potential scattering

Some properties of Jost functions are reviewed for real and complex angular momentum and compared to the determinantal expansion. The exact phase shifts and Jost functions in the complexk-plane are calculated forS- andP-waves and compared to the first and second-order determinantal expansion.
A minimum‐cost multicommodity network flow problem concerning imports and exports

This paper develops an algorithm for handling nonlinear minimum-cost multicommodity flow problems and applies it to a specific large-scale network. The commodities will be imports and exports; the cost functions will be quadratic and convex. The setting will be a Port Planning Model which will seek to find optimal simultaneous routings through the network while fulfilling requirements both at foreign ports and at domestic hinterlands. The computer program written solves such a problem. The algorithm involves linearizing the cost function and solving the resulting linear program, which is, in fact, a series of shortest route problems. Negative cycles are studied in depth.
LCL-resonant single-switch isolated DC–DC converter

Isolated converters are desirable in DC-DC power conversion applications where an isolation and/or a large voltage step-up gain is needed. The existing isolated DC-DC converters either utilise many switches to achieve high efficiency or use few switches which result in low efficiency. This study proposes a new single switch, isolated DC-DC converter with an LCL-resonant circuit. The proposed isolated DC-DC converter has the advantages of not only using the least number of switches (i.e. one switch), but also achieving zero-current switching when the switch is turned off. Experimental results are provided to validate the theoretical analysis of the proposed converter. Results show that the proposed converter has lower voltage stress and higher efficiency than the corresponding hard-switched converter.
Selective inactivation of various acyl-CoA dehydrogenases by (methylenecyclopropyl)acetyl-CoA

Abstract Inactivation of five distinct acyl-CoA dehydrogenases by (methylenecyclopropyl)acetyl-CoA (MCPA-CoA), the toxic metabolite of hypoglycin from unripe ackee fruit, was investigated using purified enzyme preparations. Short-chain acyl-CoA (SCADH), medium-chain acyl-CoA (MCADH) and isovaleryl-CoA (IVDH) dehydrogenases were severely and irreversibly inactivated by MCPA-CoA, while 2-methyl-branched chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (2-meBCADH) was only slowly and mildly inactivated. Long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCADH) was not significantly inactivated, even after prolonged incubation with MCPA-CoA. Inctivation of SCADH, MCADH and IVDH was effectively prevented by the addition of substrate. This mode of inactivation by MCPA-CoA explains the urinary metabolite profile in hypoglycin treated-rats, which includes large amounts of metabolites from fatty acids and leucine, and relatively small amounts of those from valine and isoleucine. Spectrophotometric titration of SCADH and MCADH with MCPA-CoA, together with the protective effects of substrate, indicates that MCPA-CoA is acted upon by, and exerts in turn irreversible inactivation of, SCADH and MCADH, confirming that MCPA-CoA is a suicide inhibitor (Wenz et al. (1981) J. Biol. Chem. 256, 9809–9812). Spectrophotometric titration data of LCADH and MCPA-CoA is typical of non-reacting CoA ester.
Using mnemonics to learn place geography

Abstract Learning place geography, the location of cities, nations, regions, major physical features, etc., is an important part of school geography. This investigation builds on research findings from educational psychology to address questions about effective ways to teach place geography. The study assesses the pedagogical effectiveness of several instructional strategies featuring keyword mnemonics and the attention-enhancing devices of repeated test-like practice and cooperative learning. The results of the research show a significant difference in place geography learning between mnemonic and non-mnemonic treatment groups. Geographic educators should continue to research cognitive strategies to determine their effect in learning place geography, particularly in the long-term effects of using keyword mnemonics alone and keyword mnemonics in combination with repeated test-like practice.
Phospholipid signalling: Rho is only ARF the story

The GTP-binding proteins ARF and Rho control a number of important cellular processes, such as protein traffic and cell morphology; there is increasing evidence that phospholipase D is a key mediator of these ARF/Rho-regulated events.
Interaction of a percutaneous ventricular assist device with the cardiovascular system

A mathematical model of the cardiovascular system, including several receptors of the central nervous system (such as baroreflex, chemoreflex, and lung stretch receptors), were implemented to simulate the key cardiovascular hemodynamic variables under different physiological conditions. These conditions are isocapnic hypoxia, cardiac failure, and recovery. The values of the key hemodynamic variables from simulation were found to be consistent with literature. The model of the TandemHeart percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD) was integrated with the cardiovascular system model to simulate the interaction between the cardiovascular system and the pVAD. A series of tests showed that the blood pressure and flow variables from the simulation agreed with the clinical data found in literature. The model can be used to simulate the amount of blood flow a pVAD will deliver to the cardiovascular system with different cannula configurations, as well as show interactions of the cardiovascular system with the pVAD under different heart conditions.
Techniques for Applying the FDTD Method to the Electromagnetic Analysis of Diffractive Optical Elements

Diffractive optical elements (DOEs) have been used in a variety of applications, including laser beam forming, fiber coupling, wavelength-division multiplexing, and optical signal processing. Applications like these often require DOEs that have feature sizes on a scale comparable to the wavelength of illumination. As a result, these DOEs require a complete electromagnetic (EM) model of diffraction to accurately analyze their performance. To this end recent years have seen the development and application of several computational EM methods, such as finite element methods (FEMs),1,2 boundary integral methods (BIMs)3–6 and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) methods.7–9 However, while each of these methods has its own unique advantages,10 depending on the application, few are as general and well suited for the EM analysis of DOEs as the FDTD method. To this end, this presentation will discuss the efficient use of the FDTD in the analysis of DOEs.
Expression of functional D2 dopamine receptors following differentiation of Y-79 human retinoblastoma cells.

: Y-79 human retinoblastoma cells grown in serumfree medium in monolayer culture have previously been shown to undergo differentiation in response to dibutyryl cyclic AMP (Bt2cAMP). We report here that Y-79 cells treated in this manner also express very high levels of functional D2 dopamine receptors. In control Y-79 cells, cultured in suspension, D2 dopamine receptors, quantified via saturation analysis with the D2 antagonist [3H]methylspiperone, are expressed at a level of ∼3 fmol/106 cells (∼1,800 receptor sites/cell). Differentiation is initiated by attachment of the cells to the culture dish with poly-D-lysine and fibronectin and continued culture in serum-free medium. After 8 days in serumfree culture, differentiation is further induced with continuous Bt2cAMP treatment. Using this differentiation protocol, D2 receptor levels increase up to a maximum of 30 fmol/106 cells (18,000 receptors/cell) on day 20, the limit of culture viability. Cultures of 15–17 days (7–9 days of Bt2cAMP treatment) expressing receptor levels of 15–20 fmol/106 cells are used for pharmacological and functional characterization of D2 dopamine receptors. The pharmacology of competition for [3H]methylspiperone binding to differentiated Y-79 (dY-79) cell membranes by a series of dopaminergic antagonists verifies the D2 receptor nature of this site, exhibiting appropriate affinities and the following rank order of potency: YM-09151-2 ∼ spiperone > domperidone ∼ (+)-butaclamol ∼ fluphenazine > chlorpromazine > (–)-sulpiride > (+)-sulpiride > promethazine > (+)-SCH 23390 ≫ (–)-butaclamol. Inhibition of [3H]methylspiperone binding by dopaminergic agonists in dY-79 cell membranes indicates the presence of multiple agonist affinity states, which can be converted to a homogeneous low-affinity state by addition of guanine nucleotides. In addition, incubation with dopamine or other D2-selective agonists results in an ∼50% reduction in forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP production in lysed dY-79 cells, which can be blocked by D2-selective antagonists. These data indicate that the D2 receptors expressed in these cells are indeed functional. The ability to induce high levels of expression of functional D2 dopamine receptors in a cultured human cell line should provide an excellent model system with which to examine the molecular events involved in the expression and regulation of this receptor system.
Optimal taxation with endogenously incomplete debt markets

Abstract Empirical analyses of labor tax and public debt processes provide prima facie evidence for imperfect government insurance. This paper considers a model in which the government's inability to commit to future policies or to report truthfully its spending needs renders government debt markets endogenously incomplete. A method for solving for optimal fiscal policy under these constraints is developed. Such policy is found to be intermediate between that implied by the complete insurance (Ramsey) model and a model with exogenously incomplete debt markets. In contrast to optimal Ramsey policy, optimal policy in this model is consistent with a variety of stylized fiscal policy facts such as the high persistence of labor tax rates and debt levels and the positive covariance between government spending and the value of government debt sales.
Pitfalls in interpretation of shallow seismic data

High-resolution shallow seismic methods are the most widely used geophysical methods in near surface characterization. However, in many cases interpreting the seismic images can be misleading. In this article, we present three case studies where results from P-wave seismic reflection, SH-wave seismic reflection, and multi-channel analysis of surface wave (MASW) surveys were incorrectly interpreted because of inadequate constraints on either the surveyed sites surface or subsurface conditions. A P-wave reflection survey feature was first interpreted as a shallow fault zone but it was later determined to result from a high level of background noise as the acquisition passed through a road intersection. A SH-wave seismic reflection survey feature was interpreted to be a reverse dip-slip fault but targeted drilling showed it was deep local erosion into the bedrock surface. Finally, in an MASW survey, a steeply dipping feature was first interpreted as a bedrock valley. However, later exploratory drilling showed the feature to be a shallow layer of very soft lake sediment that severely damped most of the applied surface wave frequency band. Although initial interpretations were incorrect, they stimulated discussions among geophysicists and geologists and underscored the need for meaningful cooperation and discourse between the scientists before, during, and after geophysical data acquisition.
Circular dichroism of glycopeptide fractions from alpha1-acid glycoprotein, thyroglobulin, and ovalbumin.

Abstract Using sequential pronase digestions, glycopeptide fractions were prepared from human α1-acid glycoprotein, hen egg ovalbumin, and bovine thyroglobulin, two types of glycopeptides being obtained from the latter. The fractions were characterized on the basis of hexose, hexosamine, sialic acid, and peptide content. The glycopeptide fraction from α1-acid glycoprotein is complex (i.e., the carbohydrate moiety contains mannose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and sialic acid), as is one of the glycopeptide fractions from thyroglobulin (type I). The glycopeptide fraction from ovalbumin and the type II glycopeptide fractions from thyroglobulin are simple (i.e., the carbohydrate moiety contains only mannose and N-acetylglucosamine). The circular dichroic spectra of the two complex glycopeptide fractions and the ovalbumin glycopeptide fraction were similar and were characterized by a negative extremum between 207.5 nm and 211 nm with magnitudes in the range of —6400 deg·cm2·dmol−1 to —7200 deg·cm2·dmol−1 (referred to the molar concentration of N-acetylated sugars). The thyroglubulin type II glycopeptide fraction exhibited a circular dichroic spectrum with an extremum of —29 200 deg·cm2·dmol−1 at 205 nm. Removal of sialic acid from the complex glycopeptide fractions greatly increased the (negative) magnitude of ellipticity at the extremum. The circular dichroic spectra of the complex glycopeptide fractions were reasonably additive using the spectra of monomeric sialic acid and the asialo-derivatives. This demonstrates that the contributions of sialic acid to the circular dichroic spectrum are nearly additive. The implications of this observation are that covalent attachment of these terminal residues to the oligosaccharides does not lead to strong interactions with other chromophores nor to positioning in a particularly asymmetric environment. In contrast, the magnitudes of the observed ellipticity extrema in the circular dichroic spectra of the asialo-derivatives, in which N-acetylglucosamine is the major chromophore, are much greater than can be accounted for on the basis of monomeric contributions (i.e., free N-acetylglucosamine). This finding shows that the optical activity of N-acetylglucosamine is greatly influenced by the formation of the carbohydrate core in glycoproteins and suggests the possible formation of secondary structure in the carbohydrate moiety.
The double-edged pen: Omnipotent fantasies in the creativity and addictions of Stephen King

The legendary debate over whether a connection between creativity and addictions exists is one that is shrouded in mystery and intrigue, but also one that continuously returns to the circuitous metaphor of the chicken and the egg. In an effort to better understand nuances in the relationship between creativity and addictions, this paper examines the life of Stephen King, and the omnipotent fantasies from which both his creative processes and addictive behaviours emerged. Since the early twentieth century, psychodynamic thinkers have highlighted omnipotent fantasies as a psychological force driving creative processes as efforts towards personal transformation. Similarly, numerous psychodynamic theories have highlighted omnipotent fantasies as playing a cardinal role in the psychological processes that propel substance abuse. And yet, the construct of omnipotence has yet to be examined as a theoretical bridge to bind such theories of creativity and substance abuse together. While fostering personal meaning ...
Some Observations on the Bleaching Effect of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid on Green Barley Leaves

Green barley leaves (Hordeum vulgaris) floated on the surface of 0.05 m ethylenediamine disodium tetraacetate, EDTA-2Na, pH 7.0 and exposed to light (5000 lux) at 25 degrees exhibited a marked bleaching (EDTA-bleaching) visible to the naked eye and paralleled by a striking reduction in content of chlorophylls a and b. This loss of color did not occur in controls which were treated with H(2)O instead of EDTA (water controls). In darkness the leaves in the water controls were bleached while EDTA-treated leaves retained all their color.EDTA bleaching was observed only in intact leaves. When leaves were boiled EDTA protected their pigment against photodecomposition. Without EDTA boiled leaves were bleached completely in light. When intact green leaves which had been floated on water and exposed to light for 48 hr were treated with boiling ethanol or acetone, the chlorophylls extracted by this procedure did not undergo bleaching if EDTA were present in solution. Under these conditions a green fine grain precipitate formed which was insoluble in ethanol or acetone and was stable in light or darkness.EDTA bleaching of green barley leaves was inhibited by KCN, and by the addition of casein hydrolysate.
Remarks on entropy and irreversibility in non-hamiltonian systems

Abstract Entropy and irreversibility in non-hamiltonian systems are discussed from a fully covariant point of view. The discussion is based on the generalized Liouville equation, the definition of a volume element d V in state space, and a generalized hypothesis of equal a priori probabilities. Systems may be classified as reversible or irreversible according to whether it is or is not possible to define d V so that the flow is globally volume-preserving in state space.
Thermal stress evaluation of ceramic fuel elements

Abstract The procedures used and the correlations obtained in a combined analytical-experimental evaluation of the thermal stress resistance of beryllium-oxide fuel elements are discussed in detail. The calculated residual thermal stress levels in fuel elements which failed during tests relative to the room temperature modulus of rupture of the fuel element material is of particular interest. The experimental program described includes both nuclear and non-nuclear tests. The analysis used to obtain the calculated thermal stress is described in the appendix, and includes the effects due to (1) an hexagonal outer surface, (2) end effects and (3) the effect of a clad at the bore of the tube. It is concluded that analytical stress analysis in conjunction with extensive non-nuclear bench type testing and limited nuclear testing provides a sound basis for evaluating the thermal stress resistance of ceramic fuel elements.
A New Species of Drypetes (Putranjivaceae or Euphorbiaceae s.l.) from Madagascar

Drypetes birkinshawii McPherson (Putranjivaceae or Euphorbiaceae s.l.), a new species of Drypetes Vahl, is described, differing most notably from the similar D. perrieri Leandri in having staminate flowers subtended by minute bracts (< 0.5 mm vs. 1.5 mm) and displaying three sepals (vs. four) and three stamens (vs. four) as well as in having glabrous fruits (vs. pubescent). Both species also share rather small leaves (typically less than 7 × 4.5 cm) and a bilocular, 2-styled ovary.
Can a minimum wage increase employment and reduce prices in a neoclassical perfect information economy

Abstract This paper investigates the possibility that the imposition of a minimum wage increases employment in the affected sector, measured in terms of hours of work, and lowers product prices. Unlike related prior theoretical research, I consider a neoclassical perfect information economy. Both labor and product markets are assumed to be perfectly competitive. Workers choose the number of hours of work and their effort level. Workers can potentially, but not necessarily, differ in their preferences over income, leisure, and effort. Effort is perfectly observable by the employers. The general framework that highlights the channels through which a minimum wage can increase employment and reduce prices is introduced and necessary and sufficient conditions derived. The paper also develops a number of comparative statics and some illustrative examples. The results provide a simple theoretical foundation that explains some recent findings of the empirical literature on minimum wages. Auxiliary results help explain the effects of minimum wage on the entire wage distribution in a way that is consistent with empirical findings. Finally, welfare analysis shows that worker welfare and employment tend to go in opposite directions; in particular, if employment increases after the imposition of the minimum wage, worker welfare will be reduced, though not necessarily vice versa (the opposite is true for consumer welfare). Strikingly, if a minimum wage increases worker welfare, the chief beneficiaries are not the affected workers but those with incomes that exceed the minimum wage.
Consequences of return migrant status for employment in Puerto Rico.

At the aggregate level, return migrants in Puerto Rico in 1970 and 1980 faced greater employment-related difficulties, as compared with nonmigrants. This article explores the individual-level relat...
Cloud-Based Data Analytics Framework for Autonomic Smart Grid Management

Global energy problems necessitate an urgent transformation of the existing electrical generation grid into a smart grid, rather than a gradual evolution. A smart grid is a real-time bi-directional communication network between end users and their utility companies which monitors power demand and manages the provisioning and transport of electricity from all generation sources. As a crucial part of this transformation, increasing numbers of smart meters generate correspondingly increasing amounts of data every day. Analyzing this data to extract insight into, and to maintain control over energy usage has become a big data problem - one which cannot be handled manually, and which requires autonomic computing solutions. In this paper, we examine electric vehicles (EVs) as a use case to investigate how to use social media, sensing data, and big data analytics to optimize smart grid management. We discuss the requirements to realize such an approach and describe an autonomic system architecture and a possible design. We believe the proposed architecture and strategy will help optimize how provisioning is performed in a smart grid, even when smart meters are not available.
Efficient encoding algorithms for computer-aided design of diffractive optical elements by the use of electron-beam fabrication

One of the general requirements of a computer-aided design system is the existence of efficient (in data size and running time) algorithms that are generally reliable for the broadest range of design instances. The restricted data formats of the electron-beam machines impose difficulties in developing algorithms for the design of diffractive optical elements (DOE's) and computer-generated holograms (CGH's). Issues that are related to the development of CGH algorithms for e-beam fabrication of DOE's and CGH's are discussed. We define the problems the CGH algorithms need to solve, then introduce general curve drawing algorithms for the e-beam data generation of diffractive optical components. An efficient algorithm for general aspherical DOE's is proposed. Actual design and fabrication examples are also presented.
The relationship of strength and jump height in figure skaters

Eighteen junior elite figure skaters were filmed while performing axel and double axel jumps. These same skaters were assessed for strength of the shoulders, knees, and hips at multiple angular velocities using a Cybex II system. The height of the jumps was significantly correlated with the strength data. Knee extension at 240 deg/sec and shoulder abduction at 300 deg/sec were shown to be the most important strength parameters in determining the height of the jump. This information may be useful for designing strength training programs for figure skaters.
Optimized optical fiber laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) sensor for human breast cancer cell lines diagnosis

An optical fiber sensor is being developed for diagnosis of human breast cancer cell lines. The sensor exploits laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy in conjugation with fiber optics. The main advantage of fluorescence detection compared to absorption measurements is the greater achievable sensitivity due to the fact that the fluorescence signal has a very low background. However, an accurate and sensitive method for the diagnosis of cancer cell lines is quit challenging. The sensitivity and accuracy of LIF technique can be improved by optimizing the sensor configuration. In this work, the spectral characteristics of the fluorescence, which was induced by frequency tripled Nd:YAG laser operating at 355nm are recorded from two different type of human breast cancer cell line. Effects of various influential experimental parameters and configuration were investigated in order to optimize the sensor performance. The sensor with optimum configuration enables to differentiate two types of cancerous cell lines with a maximum achievable fluorescence spectral contrast. A unique data processing technique has been developed to analyze the recorded data for cell lines identification and differentiation.
CARDINAL NEWMAN AND THE ORIGINS OF VICTORIAN SKEPTICISM

Poor Oxford, torn first by Romanism scarcely disguised, and next by Rationalism quite as naked! Church of the Reformation, ancient bulwark of the Protestant faith! Strange children are nurtured in thy bosom.British and Foreign Evangelical Review (Jan. 1856).
Two-color photon polarization entanglement using a single nonlinear crystal

We demonstrate a scheme for producing polarization-entangled photons of different wavelengths. The scheme is a variation of the conventional single-crystal, frequency-degenerate type-II scheme and offers similar brightness, quality of entanglement, and ease of alignment.