cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vector vortex beam transmitarrays composed of split-ring slot elements

A novel birefringent transmitarray capable of local polarization conversion in infrared regime is presented. In particular an incident beam with linear polarization can be transformed into a radially or azimuthally polarized vector beam and in general a wide continuum of polarization states are realizable on the higher order Poincare spheres. The transmitarray is composed of a rectangular array of double-layer double split-ring slot nanoantennas. The double layer element, chosen here, enables high transmission coefficient amplitude, thus increases the efficiency of conversion to the vector vortex beams. The array element exhibits anisotropy with respect to the field polarization on the transmitarray plane, where the transmission coefficients for two orthogonal linear polarizations are almost equal in magnitude and have almost a 180° phase difference. This transmission condition is crucial in the geometric phase control method employed here and it is satisfied in a certain frequency band. The local polarization transformation on the array is controlled through manipulating the angular orientation of the slot elements with respect to element centers. Locally the phase of circularly polarized transmitted waves are advanced or delayed with a phase equal to twice the rotation angle. This phase control method is purely geometrical and it is not frequency dependent. For a certain transmitarray, the generated beam's polarization map is also a function of incident beam polarization. We then study the interesting case of azimuthally E-polarized vortex beams which are a superposition of the Laguerre Gaussian (LG) beams carrying certain orbital angular momentum (OAM) states. Such beams have a strong longitudinally polarized magnetic field on the propagation axis of the beam where the total electric field vanishes. We demonstrate analytically and through numerical field calculations, the evolution of electric and magnetic fields as the beam propagates. These finding are particularly interesting in the view of optical spectroscopy systems related to dipolar transitions and for optical manipulation of particles with spin and orbital angular momenta.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scanning)

Positron emission tomography (PET) has provided the capability of obtaining in vivo regional biochemical and physiologic information about the human brain in health and disease. This capability, not long ago considered an unattainable fantasy, is the product of four major developments in the necessary technology: (1) the apparatus for nuclear bombardment, ie, the cyclotron, to produce positronemitting isotopes, (2) techniques for rapid synthesis of radiopharaceuticals necessary for biochemical and physiologic studies, (3) the mathematical models and practical algorithms to obtain the critical information from the data, and (4) the PET instrumentation to detect safely the radiopharmaceuticals in vivo in a regional and quantitative manner. In this presentation, I will review briefly the basic principles of PET, the principal measurements afforded by the technique, and the major clinical applications; a brief review of recent work in pediatric patients will also be presented. BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PET The principle of PET is based on the events provoked by the emission of a positron within the tissue from the active isotope. The positron-emitting isotopes most suitable for in vivo measurements, oxygen-15 ( 15 O), nitrogen-13 ( 13 N), carbon-11 ( 11 C), and fluorine-18 ( 18 F), are incorporated into a chemical compound with desired biologic activity or distribution. The positron emitted from the isotope into the tissue is a low-energy particle which travels only a few millimeters before combining with an electron (Fig 1).
Interleukin-18 predicts atherosclerosis progression in SIV-infected and uninfected rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) on a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet

Interleukin (IL)-18 levels have been identified as important predictors of cardiovascular mortality and are often elevated in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. To investigate a possible function for IL-18 in atherogenesis in the context of early HIV infection, we used the simian immunodeficiency model of HIV infection. Acutely simian immunodeficiency virus-infected and uninfected rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) on an atherogenic diet were evaluated prospectively for atherosclerotic lesion development relative to a panel of plasma markers including IL-18, IL-8, IL-1beta, IL-6, C-reactive protein, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, soluble E-selectin, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Although no significant differences in lesion development were identified between groups after 35 days of infection, levels of plasma IL-18 measured 1 month before virus inoculation correlated significantly with atherosclerotic plaque cross-sectional area at the carotid bifurcation (P or=0.835) in both groups. Atherosclerotic plaque area at the carotid and common iliac bifurcations also showed a weaker inverse correlation with baseline IL-8 levels, as did CD68+ signal area. Results implicate a strong role for IL-18 in early atherosclerosis progression and raise the possibility that the chronically elevated IL-18 levels seen in later stages of HIV infection may contribute significantly to accelerated atherogenesis in this population.
Multiple Comparison Procedures in the Analysis of Covariance

Abstract Currently available range-type procedures for constructing simultaneous confidence intervals on contrasts in analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models with random covariates assume that the vectors of covariates associated with the observations are identically distributed. Conditions are given under which the mean vectors of these covariates may differ without affecting the validity of such procedures. An example of a controlled test market experiment illustrates the usefulness of the relaxed assumptions in practice. Critical values for Duncan's multiple-range test in ANCOVA and an investigation of the efficiency of range-type procedures relative to Scheffe's method are included.
Processing and microwave dielectric properties of barium magnesium tantalate ceramics for high-quality-factor personal communication service filters

A modified route, based on calcined MgO, Ta2O5, BaCO3, and ZrO2, was developed and used for preparation of barium magnesium tantalate (BMT) and barium zirconate (BZ)-doped BMT ceramics (BZ-BMT). The dielectric constant for BMT ceramics sintered at 1600 °C for 2 h was 24.9 at 7.28 GHz. The average long-range ordering parameter for undoped BMT ceramics was 0.81 ± 0.03 and the coresponding average quality factor and resonant frequench product (Q d · f o) was 147,000 ± 3800 GHz. A significant level of B-site long-range cation disorder was introduced as a result of BZ doping of BMT ceramics. The average ordering parameters for 3 and 4 mol% BZ-doped BMT were found to be 0.69 ± 0.06 and 0.49 ± 0.13, respectively. The decrease in ordering parameters did not lead to a dramatic decrease in the corresponding average quality factors of 3 mol% BZ-BMT (Q d · f o = 127,000 ±3800 GHz) and 4 mol% BZ-BMT (Q d · f o = 139,000 ± 4200 GHz). The results suggest that the B-site cation ordering is not a primary factor that influences the observed microwave loss in BMT ceramics. The influence of atomic level point defects, induced from raw material impurities, processing, etc., may be more important in controlling the quality factor of BMT ceramics.
Morphology and growth potential of stromal cell cultures derived from human endometrium

Propagable cell cultures derived from human endometrial tissue were determined to contain cells predominantly of stromal cell origin based on their morphologic resemblance to endometrial stromal cells. These features included nexi, solitary cilia, and predecidual cytology. In addition to morphology the cell cultures retained a normal karyotype and responded to steroid hormones as evidenced by cellular aggregation. The stromal cells were evaluated for a variety of characteristics associated with transformed cells and seemed to be biologically normal without neoplastic phenotypes. Growth potential of the stromal cell cultures was also characterized in normal maintenance medium, in nutritionally depleted medium with reduced levels of calcium or serum, and in medium with increased levels of serum. The prolonged survival of the stromal cells in vitro coupled with the retention of in vivo characteristics and an absence of neoplastic phenotype provides a human cell system that is amenable to a variety of long-term experimental analyses.
Semantic Evaluation of Syntactic Structure: Evidence from Eye Movements.

An eye movement study of temporarily ambiguous closure sentences confirmed that the early closure penalty in a sentence like While John hunted the frightened deer escaped is larger for a simple past verb (hunted) than for a past progressive verb (was hunting). The results can be explained by the observation that simple past tense verbs convey an external viewpoint on an event, which presumably fits best when the event described has an endpoint. A definite description object supplies an endpoint. Consequently, to give up the late closure analysis of the post-verbal object when the verb is in the simple past tense, the processor is abandoning an analysis with semantically-expected properties for one which is not as good semantically. By contrast, a progressive verb denotes an activity which does not require an endpoint and therefore is neutral with respect to whether or not it takes an object.
The effects of tail shock on target-biting behavior of confined mice

Mice that are confined in a narrow cylinder readily bite inanimate targets. The following studies were conducted to determine the effects of tail shock on the target biting behavior of two strains of mice. During 20-min daily sessions, ten tail shocks were administered on a fixed-time 2-min schedule. One group of mice received a tone-conditioned stimulus (CS) which terminated with the onset of the shock, and a second group of mice did not. Target bites were collected in eight 15-sec bins over the 2-min trial and cumulated over the session. It was observed that tail shock was followed by an increase in target biting and that there was a comparatively high intershock interval biting rate. In addition, intershock interval biting was suppressed for the duration of the CS. These observations are discussed in terms of the utility of this paradigm for the psychopharmacological assessment of aggressive behavior.
Role of exercising muscle in slow component of VO2.

This paper: 1) Reviews evidence for the location of the slow component of VO2 kinetics either within the exercising limbs or alternatively at some site in the rest of the body, e.g., ventilatory, cardiac or accessory muscles. 2) Presents evidence in support of both the fast and slow components (i.e., 3 min from exercise onset, respectively) of the exercise VO2 response residing predominantly in the exercising muscle. For a pulmonary VO2 slow component in excess of 600 ml O2.min-1, more than 80% could be attributed to an augmented VO2 across the exercising limbs. 3) Assesses the potential for the lactate ion per se to exert a metabolic stimulatory effect in exercising muscle in the absence of the potentially confounding influences of changes in muscle temperature, H+, blood flow or O2 delivery. Within the surgically isolated, electrically stimulated canine gastrocnemius, square wave infusions that increased arterial blood [lactate] by approximately 10 mM and intramuscular [lactate] to in excess of 9 mM did not increase muscle VO2. In summary, these investigations demonstrate that the exercising muscle is the predominant site of the VO2 slow component. However, despite the close temporal association between changes in blood lactate and VO2 during intense exercise, lactate itself does not mandate an additional VO2 demand in exercising dog muscle.
The history of the glasgow coma scale: An interview with professor Bryan Jennett

An interview with one of the founders of the Glasgow Coma Scale provides a partial history of the development and dissemination of this assessment tool. Professor Bryan Jennett credits nurses with the rapid spread and universal acceptance of the scale.
Solar dermatoses in companion animals Part 2: Feline solar dermatoses

of actinic damage (by UV light) in the skin was reviewed, together with discussion of the resultant problems in the dog. In this paper those aspects of disease pertinent to the cat are discussed. This is followed by a more detailed description of feline solar dermatoses, including detailed discussion of the diagnosis and management of squamous cell carcinoma associated with actinic damage to the skin.
Urinary incontinence in working women: a comparison study.

Objectives: To compare the findings of two surveys concerning the nature of urinary incontinence and management strategies used by full-time employed working women. Methods: The first study was con...
Age and the Measurement of Workload by a Secondary Task

The purpose of this study was to investigate age differences in the amount of workload imposed by a tracking task. Twelve subjects between the ages of 18 and 22, and 12 subjects between the ages of...
The significance of reflective supervision for infant mental health work

Parent-infant work is inherently relational and occurs in the intersubjective space between parent, infant, and worker. This space can be charged with primitive, unmet needs of both parent and infant, and this in turn can trigger these same states in the worker. The challenge for workers is to remain open to being affected by and responsive to these feeling states when their own early and possibly preconscious responses and coping strategies are being stirred. If these remain out of awareness, they can manifest as avoidance and denial, and this can be reflected in the system and result in limited service delivery. This article emphasizes the significance of reflective supervision for parent-infant work and suggests that it needs to be an integral part of the system of service delivery. I am grateful to the infant mental health workers who allowed me to use examples of their work in this article, and thank Dr Jon Jureidini for his encouragement and support.
3D position readout from thick scintillators

AbstractAnoveltechniquehasbeendevelopedandtestedforthethree-dimensionalmeasurementofpositioninSPECT-PETdetectors.Resultsarepresentedfor2and20mmthickNaI(Tl)planarcrystals.Inaplaneofcrystal,acoordinateresolutionofabout1mm(rmserror)isdemonstrated.Thedepthofinteraction(DOI)ismeasuredwithanrmserrorofabout2mmusinglightconeparameters.r 2002ElsevierScienceB.V.Allrightsreserved. PACS: 29.40.Mc;29.40.GxKeywords: Scintillationdetectors;Depthofinteraction;Positionresolution 1. IntroductionThree-dimensionalmeasurementsofinteractionpositions of g-particles or X-rays is a verychallenging task. In high resolution positronemissiontomography(PET),itisveryimportanttoknowthedepthofinteraction(DOI),toavoidthe so-called parallax errors which degrade theimageresolutionfromthecentertotheouteredge.Severalmethodshavebeenproposedtosolvetheproblem. These include the utilization of atemperaturegradientalongthecrystal[1];theuseofaphoswichdesign[2]andtheconnectionoftwoendsofthe crystals toseparatephotosensors[3].Othermethodsincludetheuseofalightabsorbingmaterial around each crystal [4] or drug a lightabsorbing medium between the detector [5].However,allthemethodsrequireeitherextensiveworkwithdetectorcrystalsoradditionalelectro-nics, and the DOI resolution is still not satisfac-tory.Weemployyetanotherapproachtosolvetheproblem.This work is a continuation of the researchdescribed in Ref. [6]. In a search for an optimaldesign of a multi-modality scintillating detector,we have studied several geometries of positionsensitivedevices.Amongcurrentlyavailablecrys-tals, NaI(Tl) crystal is a good candidate for thecombined PET-SPECT modality. It has a highdensity and a good light yield with an emissionwavelengthspectrumwellmatchedtothephoto-cathode of a photomultiplier tube. To avoidhydrophilicdeteriorationofNaI,ourtestcrystalswere packed in metal–glass or glass–glass envel-opes.LimitationsinPETimagingduetoslowlightemission of NaI(Tl) crystals could be overcomeusingasectioneddesignwithtile-typescintillators.
High-frequency percussive ventilation in a pediatric patient with hydrocarbon aspiration

Introduction To describe ventilator management using a high-frequency percussive ventilator (HFPV), after other modes of mechanical ventilation failed. Design Case series. Setting Pediatric intensive care unit. Patients Previously healthy 11-month-old male with severe aspiration pneumonitis from mineral oil. Interventions The patient was initially placed on a conventional ventilator in a pressure-regulated volume-control mode but needed higher-than-normal pressures to maintain adequate ventilation. A decision was made to switch the patient to a pressure-control/pressure-support mode. At the end of the third day of pressure-control/pressure-support mode, a decision was made to attempt airway pressure-release ventilation. During a trial attempt, saturation levels deteriorated and a decision was made to place the patient on a high-frequency oscillator. The patient remained on this mode of ventilation for 6 days. On the sixth day, the chest radiograph showed a worsening of his pneumonia, and the patient started to deteriorate. A decision was made to try the HFPV in an attempt to mobilize secretions and any residual mineral oil. Immediately after initiating the HFPV and for 4 hrs thereafter, large amounts of secretions -- including a thick, oily substance -- were suctioned from the airways. Within 12-24 hrs, oxygenation improved dramatically and Fio2 was weaned. During the next 12 hrs, the patient was weaned off HFPV onto a conventional ventilator, and he was extubated 48 hrs after initiating HFPV. Conclusions In this case, HFPV used as an alternative mode of ventilation successfully mobilized secretions that were otherwise unobtainable and that we believe led to the swift recovery of this child. HFPV should be given consideration as a mode of ventilation when mobilization of secretions is an issue.
Senders, receivers, and genetic information: comments on Bergstrom and Rosvall

It is tempting to say that genes contain messages or instructions of some kind. For many, ‘‘tempting’’ is not the right word; this is something that modern biology has discovered and described. But the boundary between literal and metaphorical description is hard to work out in cases like this. Some of those who would insist on the enormous value of symbolic and computational description of genetic systems may find themselves adding that the goodness here is ultimately a goodness of metaphor. As I understand them, Bergstrom and Rosvall (‘‘B&R’’) are quite literalminded in their approach. They see their information-theoretic analysis as describing real features of genetic systems. They argue that the previous literature on this topic has failed to see these features because it has not approached the question in the right way. The right approach is decision-theoretic: ‘‘information theory is a decision theory of how to package information for transport, efficiently’’ (Bergstrom and Rosvall this issue). Within that framework, B&R assert the following view:
Magnetoresistance of electrochemically fabricated Bi nanowires

Abstract Single-crystal Bi nanowires with a rhombohedral lattice structure of bulk Bi were electrochemically deposited into the pores of anodic aluminum oxide membranes. We report measurements of the longitudinal and the transverse magnetoresistance on single Bi nanowires of nominal diameters 100 and 20 nm.
Viscoelastic Modeling of Straight Run and Modified Binders Using the Matching Function Approach

Two models are proposed to describe the rheological behavior of straight run and modified binders in the linear viscoelastic region. These models characterize the absolute value of the complex shear modulus (| G *|) and the phase angle ( i ). They allow for the establishment of master curves based on measurements made at a limited number of loading times and temperatures. A matching function approach was used to develop the models, which were validated experimentally by characterizing the dynamic mechanical properties of polymer-modified and straight run binders at intermediate and high service temperatures. There was good agreement between the measured and predicted values for the complex shear modulus. The phase angle model describes unmodified binders with less than 5% error. Although the model does not simulate the plateau region observed for polymer-modified binders, the error in this case was less than 10%. The models were successfully used to estimate other viscoelastic functions such as the storag...
Testicular tumor in blacks

Abstract Although testicular tumors are less commonm in blacks than in whites, they do occur and must be considered in making a differential diagnosis of scrotal masses. At The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute at Houston, 19 black men were treated for testicular tumor between 1944 and 1980, representing 1.4 per cent of the total of 1,380 patients treated for testicular tumor. Since blacks made up of 7.9 per cent of all patients treated at UT M.D. Anderson Hospital, blacks with testicular tumor were seen about one-fifth as often as would be expected if there were no racial variation in the incidence of the disease. Twelve patients had a diagnosis of seminoma, five embryonal carcinoma, one teratocarcinoma, and one interstitial cell tumor. Ther majority of patients had metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Five of 12 patients with seminoma and 5 of 6 nonseminomatous cancer died of disease. Prognosis today, however, is no worse for blacks than for whites.
Prevention and Clinical Outcomes in Older Inpatients with Suspected Venous Thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the most common preventable disorders among hospital inpatients. Advancing age is a major risk factor for VTE. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare prevention practices and clinical outcomes in older (age 65 and older) versus younger (ages 18 to 64) hospitalized patients at risk for or diagnosed with VTE. Medical charts of 210 older and 450 younger inpatients undergoing diagnostic tests to rule out VTE were reviewed at an academic medical center. Acute VTE was diagnosed in 17.1% of older and 22.7% of younger inpatients. Pharmacological prophylaxis was used in 70% of eligible older and 57% of eligible younger inpatients. Nearly one quarter of eligible older inpatients did not receive any VTE prevention measures. The 3-month mortality was higher in older inpatients (13.9%) compared with younger inpatients (9.8%) with VTE, despite the lower rate of VTE in older inpatients. Prevention measures for VTE were underused in both older and younger inpatients.
Intracellular thiol redox status of macrophages directs the Th1 skewing in thioredoxin transgenic mice during aging.

Abstract We have been proposing the functional distinction of two classes of macrophages (Mp), namely the reductive macrophages (RMp) with high intracellular content of glutathione (GSH) and the oxidative macrophages (OMp) with reduced content. At the same time we have been investigating the variation of RMp/OMp balance during aging of mice, especially in relation to the age related onset of autoimmune diseases. In this paper we have investigated the Th1/Th2 balance of thioredoxin (TRX) transgenic (Tg) mice, with prolonged life longevity, during aging in the context of the intracellular redox status of Mp, which has been hypothesized to be crucial in regulating the Th1/Th2 balance. It was confirmed that peritoneal resident Mp of Tg mice showed the higher GSH/GSSG ratios compared with that of age matched wild type (WT) mice. The predominance of RMp was associated with the sustained maintenance of Th1 prevalence during aging until 2 years in Tg mice, whereas WT littermates showed rapid polarization to Th2 around the age of 8 months. The Tg mice showed elevation of IFN-γ and reduction of IL-10 with moderate change of IL-4 produced by CD4+ T cells. The WT mice showed inverse changes of IFN-γ/IL-4 and IFN-γ/IL-10 ratios during aging. In addition, IL-10 production by Mp was dramatically reduced in aged Tg mice. Thus, TRX Tg mice may be useful to investigate the contribution of the anti-oxidant defense mechanism during aging accompanied with increasing oxidative stress.
Viewpoint: The Evolution of Access to Space as an Idea and Technology

The focus of this paper is on the evolution of access to space from its beginnings as an idea to its implementation as a usable technology. This evolution takes place through the policy process that encompasses agenda setting, formulation, implementation and change. Agenda-setting is where the idea for access to space emerges. Formulation concerns the concepts and policies that then allow for implementation of launch vehicle technology. Implementation generates specific outcomes. These outcomes are initially characterized by rapid technological innovation followed by a steady state of development. The path of development is one of how access to space became wedded to national security. Changes occur as commerce and economics begin to play a role in access to space. The policy process evolves through the actions of the pertinent actors. An examination of the ways in which these pertinent actors interpreted, formulated and implemented the idea and technology of access to space is discussed. The interactions...
ENaC γ-expressing astrocytes in the circumventricular organs, white matter, and ventral medullary surface: sites for Na+ regulation by glial cells

Using a double immunofluorescence procedure, we report the discovery of a novel group of fibrous astrocytes that co-express epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) γ-subunit protein along with glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP). These cells are concentrated along the borders of the sensory circumventricular organs (CVOs), embedded in the white matter (e.g., optic nerve/chiasm, anterior commissure, corpus callosum, pyramidal tract) and are components of the pia mater. In the CVOs, a compact collection of ENaC γ-immunoreactive glial fibers form the lamina terminalis immediately rostral to the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT). Astrocyte processes can be traced into the median preoptic nucleus - a region implicated in regulation of sodium homeostasis. In the subfornical organ (SFO), ENaC γ-GFAP astrocytes lie in its lateral border, but not in the ventromedial core. In the area postrema (AP), a dense ENaC γ-GFAP glial fibers form the interface between the AP and nucleus tractus solitarius; this area is termed the subpostremal region. Antibodies against the ENaC α- or β-subunit proteins do not immunostain these regions. In contrast, the antibodies against the ENaC γ-subunit protein react weakly with neuronal cell bodies in the CVOs. Besides affecting glial-neural functions in the CVOs, the astrocytes found in the white matter may affect saltatory nerve conduction, serving as a sodium buffer. The ENaC γ-expressing astrocytes of the ventral medulla send processes into the raphe pallidus which intermingle with the serotoninergic (5-HT) neurons found in this region as well as with the other nearby 5-HT neurons distributed along ventral medullary surface.
Operative techniques for displaced distal clavicle fractures

Abstract Displaced distal clavicle fractures remain a treatment dilemma. Nonunion rates as high as 30% have been reported (Anderson K: in Miller MD (ed): Clinics in Sports Medicine. Philadelphia, PA, Saunders, 2003, pp 319–326). In a high-demand, young, active patient surgical treatment has been recommended to provide the most predictable result. When surgery is deemed appropriate, multiple techniques have been utilized. This paper reviews several accepted techniques and introduces a surgical technique utilizing a very strong nonabsorbable suture to permit repair. The author has utilized this technique in a small series of patients where there has been significant comminution or poor bone quality precluding metal fixation.
Theoretical hyperfine structure of muonic helium

The study of the hyperfine structure of the muonic helium atom (${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{++}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) can provide a test of quantum electrodynamics and yield precise values for the magnetic moment and mass of the negative muon. In the lowest-order approximation the hyperfine structure interval $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\nu}$ is given by the Fermi formula. The principal corrections, which contribute about 10 MHz to the splitting, arise from the relativistic, radiative, and recoil effects. The theoretical hyperfine structure of the ground state of muonic helium is given as $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\nu}=4465.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0$ MHz.
Excessive Endothelial Cell Proliferation Occurring in an Organizing Thyroid Hematoma: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature.

The authors report a case of a thyroid hematoma containing an exuberant endothelial cell proliferation. No underlying vascular neoplasm was apparent and the hematoma occurred in a substernal goiter from a 90-yr-old male. Review of the literature revealed four similar previously reported cases of endothelial cell proliferation found in thyroid hematomas for a total of five cases. A fine needle aspiration or biopsy procedure antedated the definitive surgery in four patients and may be responsible for the formation of the hematoma in these cases. Areas of the endothelial proliferation resembled papillary endothelial hyperplasia (Masson’s hemangioma) in four cases and cavernous hemangioma in three. However, these lesions occurred outside of vascular lumina and instead were intimately associated with fibrinous material of the hematoma. In addition, two cases contained foci of endothelial cells with nuclear atypia or intracytoplasmic lumens requiring distinction from angiosarcoma. These vigorous endothelial proliferations most likely represent alterations in the organization of a thyroid hematoma, a process similar to papillary endothelial hyperplasia, which is usually intravascular. Primary vascular neoplasms of the thyroid are exceedingly rare. Nevertheless, awareness of exuberant endothelial cell proliferation as a potential, albeit rare, manifestation of a thyroid hematoma should prompt careful attention to distinguish this reactive process from vascular neoplasms such as hemangioma or angiosarcoma.
Determination of rotational temperatures of diatomic molecules from absorption spectra measured at moderate resolution

Abstract Two methods, one based on non-linear least squares and one based on an approximation, are described for determining the rotational temperature of diatomic molecules from absorption spectra measured with moderate resolution. Experimental tests with CO and CO/air mixtures gave good results. The importance of line widths and instrumental distortions is emphasized.
Immunity to Rhodococcus equi: antigen-specific recall responses in the lungs of adult horses

Rhodococcal pneumonia is an important disease of young horses that is not seen in immunocompetent adults. Since all foals are normally exposed to Rhodococcus equi in their environment, we hypothesized that most develop protective immune responses. Furthermore, these antigen-specific responses were hypothesized to operate throughout adult life to prevent rhodococcal pneumonia. A better understanding of the mechanisms of immune clearance in adult horses would help define the requirements for an effective vaccine in foals. Adult horses were challenged with virulent R. equi by intrabronchial inoculation into the right lung, and pulmonary immune responses were followed for 2 weeks by bronchoalveolar lavage. Local responses in the inoculated right lung were compared to the uninfected left lung and peripheral blood. Challenged horses rapidly cleared R. equi infection without significant clinical signs. Clearance of bacteria was associated with increased mononuclear cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (primarily lymphocytes) and inversion of the normal macrophage:lymphocyte ratio. There was no significant increase in neutrophils at 7 days post-challenge. Flow cytometric analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid demonstrated that clearance correlated with significant increases in pulmonary T-lymphocytes, both CD4+ and CD8+. Prior to challenge, most adult horses demonstrated low proliferative responses when pulmonary lymphocytes were stimulated with soluble R. equi ex vivo. However, clearance was associated with marked increases in lymphoproliferative responses to soluble R. equi antigen and recombinant VapA, a virulence associated protein of R. equi and candidate immunogen. These results are compatible with previous work in mice which showed that both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells play a role in immune clearance of R. equi. Recognition of VapA in association with clearance lends further support to its testing as an immunogen. Importantly, the cellular responses to R. equi challenge were relatively compartmentalized. Responses were more marked and the sensitivity to antigen dose was increased at the site of challenge. The blood, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells, was an insensitive indicator of local pulmonary responses.
Measurements and modeling of carbon and nitrogen cycling in agroecosystems of Southern Wisconsin: Potential for SOC sequestration during the next 50 years

Landmanagement practices such as no-tillage agriculture and tallgrass prairie restoration have been proposed as a possible means to sequester atmospheric carbon, helping to refurbish soil fertility and replenish organic matter lost as a result of previous agricultural management practices. However, the relationship between land-use changes and ecosystem structure and functioning is not yet understood. We studied soil and vegetation properties over a 4-year period (1995–98), and assembled measurements of microbial biomass, soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N), N-mineralization, soil surface carbon dioxide (CO2) flux, and leached C and N in managed (maize; Zea mays L.) and natural (prairie) ecosystems near the University of Wisconsin Agricultural Research Station at Arlington. Field data show that different management practices (tillage and fertilization) and ecosystem type (prairie vs maize) have a profound influence on biogeochemistry and water budgets between sites. These measurements were used in conjunction with a dynamic terrestrial ecosystem model, called IBIS (the Integrated Biosphere Simulator), to examine the long-term effects of land-use changes on biogeochemical cycling. Field data and modeling suggest that agricultural land management near Arlington between 1860 and 1950 caused SOC to be depleted by as much as 63% (native SOC approximately 25.1 kg C m−2). Reductions in N-mineralization and microbial biomass were also observed. Although IBIS simulations depict SOC recovery in no-tillage maize since the 1950s and also in the Arlington prairie since its restoration was initiated in 1976, field data suggest otherwise for the prairie. This restoration appears to have done little to increase SOC over the past 24 years. Measurements show that this prairie contained between 28% and 42% less SOC (in the top 1 m) than the no-tillage maize plots and 40%–47% less than simulated potential SOC for the site in 1999. Because IBIS simulates competition between C3 and C4 grass species, we hypothesized that current restored prairies, which include many forbs not characterized by the model, could be less capable of sequestering C than agricultural land planted entirely in monocultural grass in this region. Model output and field measurements show a potential 0.4 kg C m−2 y−1 difference in prairie net primary production (NPP). This study indicates that high-productivity C4 grasslands (NPP = 0.63 kg C m−2 y−1) and high-yield maize agroecosystems (10 Mg ha−1) have the potential to sequester C at a rate of 74.5 g C m−2 y−1 and 86.3 g C m−2 y−1, respectively, during the next 50 years across southern Wisconsin.
Landowner Benefits from Use-Value Assessment under the California Land Conservation Act

The factors that determine the size of benefits to landowners who participate in the use-value assessment program under the California Land Conservation Act are identified, and the level of benefits available to landowners is calculated for several cropping patterns in Sacramento County. Possibilities for decisionmakers to increase participation by altering benefits is examined through a sensitivity analysis on the factors that determine benefit levels. It is concluded that little opportunity exists for decisionmakers to influence enrollment significantly except through measures that influence land values or development expectations of landowners.
The Efficacy of Resiliency Training Programs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

Importance Poor mental health places a burden on individuals and populations. Resilient persons are able to adapt to life’s challenges and maintain high quality of life and function. Finding effective strategies to bolster resilience in individuals and populations is of interest to many stakeholders. Objectives To synthesize the evidence for resiliency training programs in improving mental health and capacity in 1) diverse adult populations and 2) persons with chronic diseases. Data Sources Electronic databases, clinical trial registries, and bibliographies. We also contacted study authors and field experts. Study Selection Randomized trials assessing the efficacy of any program intended to enhance resilience in adults and published after 1990. No restrictions were made based on outcome measured or comparator used. Data Extraction and Synthesis Reviewers worked independently and in duplicate to extract study characteristics and data. These were confirmed with authors. We conducted a random effects meta-analysis on available data and tested for interaction in planned subgroups. Main Outcomes The standardized mean difference (SMD) effect of resiliency training programs on 1) resilience/hardiness, 2) quality of life/well-being, 3) self-efficacy/activation, 4) depression, 5) stress, and 6) anxiety. Results We found 25 small trials at moderate to high risk of bias. Interventions varied in format and theoretical approach. Random effects meta-analysis showed a moderate effect of generalized stress-directed programs on enhancing resilience [pooled SMD 0.37 (95% CI 0.18, 0.57) p = .0002; I2 = 41%] within 3 months of follow up. Improvement in other outcomes was favorable to the interventions and reached statistical significance after removing two studies at high risk of bias. Trauma-induced stress-directed programs significantly improved stress [−0.53 (−1.04, −0.03) p = .03; I2 = 73%] and depression [−0.51 (−0.92, −0.10) p = .04; I2 = 61%]. Conclusions We found evidence warranting low confidence that resiliency training programs have a small to moderate effect at improving resilience and other mental health outcomes. Further study is needed to better define the resilience construct and to design interventions specific to it. Registration Number PROSPERO #CRD42014007185
Carbon nanotube polymer composites

The state of research into carbon nanotube/polymer–matrix composites for mechanical reinforcement is critically reviewed with emphasis on recent advances in CNT composite toughness. Particular interest is also given to interfacial bonding of carbon nanotubes to polymer matrices as it applies to stress transfer from the matrix to the CNT. Potential topics of oncoming focus are highlighted.
New characterization techniques for coal-derived liquids.

Abstract Development of understanding of the chemistry of coal liquefaction is often limited by the tools available to study compositional change. This paper discusses several new and useful techniques for characterization of coal-derived liquids. A single method of analysis is shown to be much less informative than the combined results from several methods. In particular, combinations of liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and field ionization mass spectroscopy (FIMS) are shown to be particularly useful. Liquid chromatography offers a convenient method to isolate chemically distinct fractions of both distillates and non-dstillates which on subsequent further characterization can yield insight into understanding the chemistry involved in coal liquefaction. Through sophisticated data manipulation mechanistic information can be gained via FIMS which would be nearly impossible to achieve using other characterization tools.
Instantaneous assessment of autonomic cardiovascular control during general anesthesia

We present a comprehensive probabilistic point process framework to estimate and monitor the instantaneous heartbeat dynamics as related to specific cardiovascular control mechanisms and hemodynamics. Assessment of the model's statistics is established through the Wiener-Volterra theory and a multivariate autoregressive (AR) structure. A variety of instantaneous cardiovascular metrics, such as heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and baroreceptor-cardiac reflex (BRS), can be rigorously derived within a parametric framework and instantaneously updated with an adaptive algorithm. Instantaneous metrics of nonlinearity, such as the bispectrum of heartbeat intervals, can also be derived. We have applied the proposed point process framework to experimental recordings from healthy subjects in order to monitor cardiovascular regulation under propofol anesthesia. Results reveal interesting dynamic trends across different pharmacological interventions, confirming the ability of the algorithm to track important changes in cardiorespiratory elicited interactions, and pointing at our mathematical approach as a promising monitoring tool for an accurate, noninvasive assessment of general anesthesia.
Experiments on energy exchange in laser/e-beam interactions

A combination of a high-power CO2 laser synchronized to a 70 MeV high-brightness electron linear accelerator operated at the Brookhaven Accelerator Test Facility (ATF) provides a platform for exploring novel methods of particle acceleration, x-ray generation and other advanced areas of beam physics and applications. We review the latest results from the ATF laser/e-beam interaction and plasma experiments including: staged electron laser acceleration (STELLA), Thomson scattering, laser channeling in a capillary discharge, and plasma wake study.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Low Temperature Induced Male Sterility in Male-Fertile Pennisetum clandestinum.

Controlled environment studies of Pennisetum clandestinum showed that at 10°C stamens of the male-fertile strain were not exserted from the floret although stigmas emerged normally. At higher temperatures both stamens and stigmas were exserted. Pollen abortion was high at 10°C and was increased by lengthening photoperiod. Flowering of the male-sterile strain was not changed by any temperature or photoperiod. These responses to temperature may explain the natural sterility during the cool season.
Quality of Runoff from Minnesota Peatlands: II. a Method for Assessing Mining Impacts

The impacts of milled peat mining on runoff quality in northern Minnesota were determined using a multiple watershed approach. The frequency distributions of water quality constituents were used to detect whether runoff from a mined bog differed from that of 15 unmined (control) bogs. Peat mining increased water temperature, suspended sediment, specific conductance and concentrations of acidity, iron, sodium, and nitrogen species, although drinking water standards were not exceeded (α= 0.05). The method presented may be applicable for other nonpoint pollution investigations.
The significance of groundmass ilmenite and megacryst ilmenite in kimberlites

Criteria are suggested for distinguishing xenocrystic ilmenites from those indigenous to the host kimberlite. For instance, in contrast to groundmass grains, ilmenite xenocrysts usually are larger, have reaction rims of leucoxene and perovskite, exhibit strong magnesium enrichment outward, and sometimes have exsolution lamellae and deformation features. Most of the abundant ilmenite macrocrysts found in kimberlite appear to have been phenocrysts in a crystal mush unrelated to kimberlite. On the other hand, kimberlitic groundmass ilmenite is rare, but consistently more magnesian than the cores of macrocrysts. Strong Mg-enrichment patterns evident in the ilmenite macrocrysts probably developed during their attempt to equilibrate with the more magnesian, fractionating kimberlitic liquid. The hypothesis of extensive reaction of ilmenite with kimberlite melt/ fluid has implications with regard to the following: (1) the degree of differentiation of kimberlite melts; (2) the genesis of mantle megacrysts; (3) the reactivity of kimberlite; and (4) the usefulness of groundmass ilmenite as a petrogenetic indicator.
Effect of ultraviolet curing temperature on the state of stress and mechanical properties of photoresists

Ultraviolet curing, typical during processing of photoresist coatings, often results in residual stress. This stress is critical since it is the driving force for failure in a coating. Increasing the stress usually corresponds to a decrease in the mechanical performance. The source of residual stress was illustrated to be a result of thermal expansion mismatch between the substrate and the coating during the cooling stage following UV cure. The objective of this investigation was to reduce the residual stress by decreasing the ultraviolet curing temperature. A photoresist coating was UV cured at 3 different temperatures and the state of stress and mechanical properties were evaluated. A reduction in the state of stress of the photoresist coating was observed. Using incremental elasticity, this reduction in stress was determined to be primarily a result of decreasing the thermal stresses associated with cooling. When the cure temperature was close to the glass transition temperature, a decrease in the ultimate strength and modulus were observed, which was attributed to a decrease in the efficiency of the crosslinking reaction present during UV cure.
Light sources and detectors for the 2-10-µm spectral region

The interest in optical devices for optical communications in the 2-10-μm spectral region is based on the continuing development of fibers having potentially very low losses. For example, predicted loss values1 are 10−3 dB/km at 3.4μm (BaF2–GdF3–ZrF4), 10−2 dB/km at 2.7μm (BaF2–CaF2–YF3–AIF3), and 10−2 dB/km at 4.5μm (GeS3). At this time, however, losses are considerably higher.
Scheduling multi-task multi-agent systems

We present a centralized and a distributed algorithms for scheduling multi-task agents in heterogeneous networks. Our centralized algorithm has an upper bound on the overall completion time and is used as a module in the distributed algorithm. Extensive simulations show promising results.