cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating fracture properties of crumb rubber modified asphalt mixes

Discarded vehicle tires pose a severe environmental problem in the United States. Incorporating shredded tire rubber as crumb rubber modifier (CRM) into asphalt paving materials has shown potential for great benefits. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of CRM, base virgin binder stiffness, total binder content, and aggregate gradation on fracture performance of CRM asphalt mixes using the semi-circular bend (SCB) fracture test. All mixes were long term oven aged (LTOA) before testing at the effective temperature for cracking resistance. The results were analyzed within the context of several response parameters: a modified version of Illinois flexibility index (FI), fracture energy, and the load at failure (peak load). Fracture performance of virgin and CRM binders were also evaluated using linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test and the Glover-Rowe (G-R) parameter obtained from dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). As expected, adding CRM into asphalt mixes increased the design binder content. In addition, design binder content increased as the CRM content increased in the mix. Fracture test results showed that among dense graded mixes, CRM mixes with the highest binder content showed superior flexibility and cracking resistance compared with those with lower binder content, in spite of the fact that CRM mixes delivered lower peak load (i.e. strength). It was also shown through this study that gap graded CRM mixes are preferred to dense graded CRM mixes as they deliver higher flexibility thus better cracking resistance. Finally, results from the binder tests demonstrated superior cracking resistance of CRM binders compared with virgin binders.
Surgical Treatment of the Abdominal Aorta

Although the advent of endovascular stent-grafting has revolutionized the treatment of surgical aortic disease, open surgery remains the preferred management for many patients requiring repair. Using techniques refined over the last six decades combined with careful patient selection, open surgical treatment remains the gold standard and can be done with excellent long-term results. Here, we present the major concepts in planning and executing surgical repair of aneurysms, dissection, and occlusive diseases of the aorta. Anatomic and technical considerations are presented, as well as the role of open surgery in hybrid aneurysm repair. Care of the postoperative patient is also discussed.
Does Postoperative Cognitive Decline Result in New Disability After Surgery

Objective Establish whether POCD is associated with new disability after surgery, which would inform whether POCD impacts patient-centered outcomes. Background POCD is a decline in neuropsychiatric tests scores from presurgical baseline which occurs in approximately 15% of older patients 3 months after surgery. POCD is a research construct meant to investigate patient and family reports of older adults who were "never the same after surgery." However, many patients with POCD do not perceive difficulty with thinking and memory, and the question remains whether POCD impacts patient function. Methods We performed a prospective cohort study of 167 older adults undergoing major noncardiac surgery (requiring at least a 2-day hospital stay). Exclusion criteria were: history of dementia, cardiac or intracranial procedure, inability to consent for themselves, or emergency surgery. We administered formal neuropsychiatric testing (Alzheimer Disease Research Center UDS battery), basic and instrumental activities of daily living (Alzheimer Disease Research Center IADLs), pain (geriatric pain measure), and depression screening (hospital depression and anxiety scale) before and 3 months after surgery. We recorded all patient refined diagnostic related groups codes, blood pressure, anesthetics and narcotics administered, surgical and anesthesia duration, and measured complications and severity, length of stay, and readmissions. Results Patients with POCD (21/167, 14.1%) had twice the proportion of new impairment in IADL as compared to those without POCD (57% vs 27%, P = .01). The most common areas of decline were social activities, ability to find items around the house, remember appointments, shop and pay for items, do laundry, drive a car/use public transport, and do housework. Predictors of IADL change after surgery included POCD, presurgical cognition, presurgical function, postoperative depression, and the development of postoperative complications. Conclusions Patients with POCD experience a much higher incidence of new disability after surgery. Baseline cognitive or functional limitations are also risk factors for new disability. Many patients are not aware of their limitations before surgery. Future study is needed to identify practical ways to routinely screen patients and reduce risk. Patients need to be informed of their risk for new disability after surgery to inform their medical decision making.
Overwhelmed: a Dementia Caregiver Vital Sign

The emotional stress of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias is high and results in adverse effects on caregivers and the persons living with disease. In preliminary work, caregiver reports of regularly feeling “completely overwhelmed” were associated with lack of measurable clinical benefit from a comprehensive dementia care program. To examine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of all caregivers who felt overwhelmed at entry into a comprehensive dementia care program, the trajectory of this symptom over 1 year, and its predictive value for 1-year caregiver outcomes. Longitudinal cohort study Academic health center Caregivers of patients enrolled in a comprehensive dementia care program Caregiver report of feeling “completely overwhelmed” at baseline Caregiver report of feeling “completely overwhelmed” at baseline and 1 year, and validated scales of caregiver strain, distress, depressive symptoms, burden, mortality, and long-term nursing home placement Compared to caregivers who were not overwhelmed, overwhelmed caregivers had more distress from behavioral symptoms of the person living with dementia, worse depression scores, and higher composite dementia burden scores at baseline. They also had worse depressive symptoms, strain, and composite burden scores at 1 year, after adjustment for baseline scores. Having an overwhelmed caregiver did not predict long-term nursing home placement or mortality among persons with dementia. A single question about whether a caregiver is overwhelmed might indicate caregivers who have considerable current and future symptom burden and who may benefit from increased support and resources.
The Role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence Factors in Cytoskeletal Dysregulation and Lung Barrier Dysfunction.

Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes serious infections and hospital-acquired pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. P. aeruginosa accounts for up to 20% of all cases of hospital-acquired pneumonia, with an attributable mortality rate of ~30–40%. The poor clinical outcome of P. aeruginosa-induced pneumonia is ascribed to its ability to disrupt lung barrier integrity, leading to the development of lung edema and bacteremia. Airway epithelial and endothelial cells are important architecture blocks that protect the lung from invading pathogens. P. aeruginosa produces a number of virulence factors that can modulate barrier function, directly or indirectly, through exploiting cytoskeleton networks and intercellular junctional complexes in eukaryotic cells. This review summarizes the current knowledge on P. aeruginosa virulence factors, their effects on the regulation of the cytoskeletal network and associated components, and molecular mechanisms regulating barrier function in airway epithelial and endothelial cells. A better understanding of these processes will help to lay the foundation for new therapeutic approaches against P. aeruginosa-induced pneumonia.
Delphic Predictions and Cross Impact Simulation

The writers review two techniques that are potentially useful tools in urban and regional planning. These techniques are the Delphi method for obtaining subjective predictions about a changing future through a panel of experts and Cross-Impact Simulation for combining a number of discrete subjective forecasts with a number of similar related forecasts to produce alternative descriptions of the future. The potential of this class of techniques for planners & engineers who are involved in managing the future is pointed out. The use of the techniques is specifically relevant to situations where subjective judgements have to be made about complex interrelated events. The paper presents mathematical examples of the utilization of these two complementary methods. /Author/
Los Retos Del Desarrollo Latinoamericano a La Luz De La Historia (The Challenges of Latin American Development in the Light of History)

Spanish Abstract: Este ensayo analiza los retos del desarrollo latinoamericano a la luz de la historia y de los fuertes cambios recientes en el contexto economico undial. Muestra el mediocre desempeno economico de la region a partir de as reformas en comparacion con el periodo de industrializacion dirigida por el Estado que lo precedio, aunque con resultados positivos durante la ultima ecada en materia social. A la luz de estos resultados y de las ncertidumbres que rodean la economia mundial, plantea tres retos rincipales: adoptar politicas macroeconomicas anticiclicas mas onsistentes, estrategias activas de desarrollo productivo y continuar en la area de reducir los altos niveles historicos de desigualdad.English Abstract: This paper discusses the challenges of Latin American development in the light of history and of the strong recent changes in the world economic context. This text highlights the mediocre economic performance of the region after the reforms compared to the period of state-led industrialization that preceded it, even though there were positive results in social matters during the last decade. In light of these results and the uncertainties surrounding the global economy, three main challenges arise: to adopt more consistent countercyclical macroeconomic policies, active productive development strategies, and to continue the task of reducing historically high levels of inequality.
A Framework for Incorporating Memory Effects of Structural Relaxation in Models for Thermal Oxidation of Silicon

Thermal oxidation of silicon occurs as a result of the transport of oxidizing species through the existing oxide to react with silicon at the Si-SiO2 interface and form SiO2. The resulting SiO2 films are similar to silica glass in their index of refraction, density and other properties, although there are subtle but important differences in their structures. In the present work, we summarize and discuss the physical ingredients necessary for a quantitative understanding of time-dependent structural relaxations of the oxide. For glasses formed by quenching from the melt, the time-dependent recovery of a nonequilibrium structure to its equilibrium state has been widely documented by measurement of quantities such as specific volume, index of refraction, enthalpy, and others1,2 These exhibit nonlinearity with respect to the magnitude of departure from equilibrium, asymmetry with respect to the sign of the departure and memory effects which are sensitive to the thermal and annealing history. Such phenomena are also to be expected in thermally grown silicon dioxide layers. Indeed, measurements have indicated that the density of SiO2 can be a time-dependent quantity which eventually relaxes toward a final value3. Such structural changes are expected to modify the oxide growth process. For instance, it has been shown in vitreous silica and other glasses that the diffusion of inert gasses is dependent upon the thermal history of the specimen4.
About current distribution in paralleled thyristors of very high current controlled rectifiers: analysis of a real case

It is very well known that in high current transformer-rectifiers several thyristors in parallel must be used in each secondary phase. Current distribution between paralleled thyristors also depends on rectifier structure and this thyristors current not always are given by total secondary phase current divided by the number of thyristors, as in ideal cases. In this paper a real case of current distribution is analyzed for a 35 kA, 6 pulses controlled rectifier. Conclusions and recommendations concerning the selection of thyristors for this type of rectifiers are given.
Grantsmanship and Consulting Policy

Market forces, when viewed from the perspective of faculty salaries alone, clearly indicate that the highest and best use of a faculty member's time and expertise is no longer university employment. As a result, many productive faculty members are becoming increasingly dissatisfied, and many top domestic undergraduate students are eliminating academia as an employment alternative. This trend operates to the long-run detriment of the land grant university system. In part, these forces are a direct result of outdated and/or unimaginative administrative policies, inadequate reward systems, and the inability of the profession to demonstrate its productivity in terms that society understands and appreciates. Implications are drawn for land grant consulting and grantsmanship policy.
Hybrid data and decision fusion techniques for model-based data gathering in wireless sensor networks [environmental monitoring applications]

The data gathering problem in wireless sensor networks for environmental monitoring, where the physical phenomena can be modeled by partial differential equations (PDEs), is investigated. In this context, it suffices for the sensor network to update the base station with estimates of model parameters rather than transmitting raw sensor measurements. In-network processing techniques to estimate the PDE coefficients are presented. A scheme that provides a hybrid combination of decision and data fusion is proposed to find a tradeoff between performance and energy efficiency. The role that the assumptions of PDE models can play in designing such methods is investigated.
Faith and Transformation: Votive Offerings and Amulets from the Alexander Girard Collection

Reviewed Medium: book Year: 2007 Pages: 158 Publisher: Museum of New Mexico Press. Published in Association with the Museum of International Folk Art ISBN: 978-0-89013-504-4 (soft cover). Prices: $29.95 USD(soft cover).
Selection for abdominal tergite pigmentation and correlated responses in the trident: a case study in Drosophila melanogaster

In Drosophila melanogaster, abdominal tergite pigmentation and the appearance of a trident-shaped thoracic pattern exhibit similar biogeographical variation and sensitivity to temperature. These pigmentation traits may be under common selection pressure in natural populations or may be genetically correlated. To investigate the nature of this interaction, replicated populations of D. melanogaster were selected for increased or decreased melanization of the abdominal tergites for 40 generations. Selection for abdominal tergite pigmentation leads to correlated changes in trident formation. Although selection was performed only on female flies, male pigmentation also responded to selection. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 106, 287‐294.
Structured Conflict and Consensus Outcomes in Group Decision Making

Pressures for early consensus during group decision processes often lead to poor choices. However, consensus as an outcome of group decision processes is often desirable for implementing choices. We propose and test hypotheses that structured decision making techniques designed to enhance the expression of cognitive conflict will, paradoxically, (1) strengthen group consensus about and individual acceptance of the group S eventual choices, and (2) increase member satisfaction with the group. Faced with a realistic managerial scenario, nineteen groups in this study deliberated using the structured, conflict-enhancing dialectical inquiry (DI) approach; nineteen used the consensus (C) approach. Group consensus on the decision, individual acceptance of the decision, and member satisfaction with the group were higher in the DI than in the C conditions. We discuss implications for group decision aids and for future laboratory and field studies of group consensus on a course of action.
Early detection of myocardial reperfusion by assay of plasma MM-creatine kinase isoforms in dogs.

To determine whether myocardial reperfusion can be detected promptly by changes in profiles of isoforms of MM-creatine kinase (CK) in plasma, coronary occlusion was induced in 30 conscious dogs and reperfusion was initiated after 1, 2, 3, or 4 hr in 21. The myocardial isoform of MM-CK, MMA, was quantified in serial plasma samples by chromatofocusing. Before coronary occlusion, MMA comprised 13 +/- 7% (SD) of the total CK activity in plasma. The percentage of MMA (MMA%) was elevated before reperfusion, but increased markedly and consistently to a peak of 52 +/- 13% (n = 21) between 30 min and 1 hr after the time of onset of reperfusion. The rate of increase in MMA% was significantly faster with reperfusion at 1 hr (1.44 +/- 0.42% min-1), 2 hr (1.28 +/- 0.45% min-1), or 3 hr (1.02 +/- 0.27% min-1) (p less than .001), but not with reperfusion at 4 hr (0.48 +/- 0.34% min-1) compared with the rate in nonreperfused control dogs (0.29 +/- 0.09% min-1). Furthermore, the rate of increase in MMA% was neither influenced by peak total CK activity (r = -.1) nor dependent on infarct size measured histochemically 24 hr after coronary occlusion (r = -.003). The time from coronary occlusion to the peak of MMA% was reduced by reperfusion at 1 to 3 hr compared with control, but this index was not identified as rapidly as the rate of increase in MMA%. Accordingly, characterization of the rate of increase in MMA% in plasma when reperfusion occurs early after the onset of myocardial infarction permits prompt, reliable, and noninvasive detection of myocardial reperfusion.
Expression of c-Fos-LacZ transgene after LiCl administration.

Conditioned taste aversion (CTA) occurs after pairing of a novel taste with a toxin (e.g. sucrose with LiCl). c-Fos is expressed, e.g. in the amydala, during CTA acquisition, but other transcription factors contribute to CTA learning. To aid in the identification of c-Fos-positive cells for future transcriptional profiling, we characterized β -galactosidase expression in transgenic mice carrying a c-fos-lacZ fusion gene. Mice were injected with LiCl (40 ml/kg, 0.15 M, i.p.) or saline and perfused 1, 3, 6 and 9 h later. Tissue sections were processed for c-Fos immunohistochemistry and X-gal staining in the amygdala. There was a high density of both c-Fos- and X-gal-positive cells in the cortex and hippocampus. LiCl increased c-Fos and X-gal staining in the amygdala: c-Fos levels were low in the lateral nucleus ( β -actin and c-Fos mRNA were found in the X-gal-positive cells from each brain region. The expression of other immediate-early genes within X-gal-positive cells will also be examined. Support: NIDCD03198.
Odontogenic infection leading to cervical emphysema and fatal mediastinitis.

Abstract A case of fatal mediastinitis following an odontogenic infection has been presented. The anatomic pathways through fascial planes from the mouth to the mediastinum have been reviewed. The causes of cervical emphysema when the oral cavity is an entry site have been discussed. Usually this process is benign, but the possibility that gas-forming anaerobes could be present in the emphysema and that insidious mediastinitis could concurrently occur is stressed. The presence of Bacteroides asaccharolyticus in the anaerobic cultures from the submandibular and chest abscesses, and the recovery of aerobic organisms, leads to speculation about a synergistic action between these organisms.
Fluconazole resistant oral candidiasis in HIV-infected patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk factors associated with the emergence of fluconazole resistant Candida spp. in HIV-infected patients with oral candidiasis. METHODS: Candida spp. were isolated from oral swabs and tested in vitro for resistance to fluconazole. The factors potentially correlated with vazole-resistent Candida spp. infections were investigated. RESULTS: Fifty-one out of 118 patients (43%) with oral candidiasis had fluconazole resistant Candida spp. The following factors were significantly associated with the development of fluconazole resistance: (1) more than five episodes of oral candidiasis in the previous year (P < 0.001); (2) fluconazole therapy in the previous 6 months (P < 0.001); (3) C3 category of HIV infection (P< 0.001); and (4) low number of TCD4+ cells (<50 mm3, P = 0.002). According to multivariate analysis, previous therapy with fluconazole was the only risk factor that independently influenced the development of Candida spp. resistance (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The prophylaxis and therapy of mild fungal infections in HIV-infected patients, which may lead to azole resistance, should be carefully considered.
Application of the fung equation to the constant strain rate behavior of plasticized polyvinyl chloride

A quasilinear viscoelastic equation originally proposed by Fung to characterize the uniaxial viscoelastic behavior of rabbit mesentary is used in this study to characterize the viscoelastic behavior of plasticized polyvinyl chloride for strains up to 24%. An experimentally determined relaxation function is used to predict the constant strain rate behavior of plasticized polyvinyl chloride. The predictive ability of the Fung equation is also compared with the well-known BKZ and Lianis theories. It was found that the Fung equation agrees quite closely with the BKZ and Lianis theories but that all three theories showed only moderate agreement with experiment.
Coccidioidomycosis of the epididymis and testis.

Dykes TM, Stone A, Canby-Hagino E= 78-year-old man with a history of benign prostate hypertrophy presented with a painless, firm right scrotal mass on routine physical examination. Scrotal sonography (Figs. 1A and 1B) with a linear 10-MHz transducer showed a focally enlarged lower pole of the epididymis with heterogeneous echotexture compared with the rest of the epididymis and a moderate-sized right hydrocele. Directly contiguous with the lower pole epididymal mass was a 1.8-cm hypoechoic mass in the lower pole of the right testicle. There was also a subtle, striated echotexture pattern in the right testicle compared with the left. The left testicle and epididymis were normal except for small epididymal head cysts and a small hydrocele. Because of the concern for a primary testicular neoplasm, abdominal and pelvic CT was performed and showed no retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. Right orchiectomy was performed. The result of gross pathologic examination was a 1.3cm, yellow-tan cerebriform mass within the inferior medial pole of the right testis arising at the junction of the distal epididymis and the lower pole testis. The tumor appeared to involve the epididymis but did not extend through the tunica vaginalis. There was also a 2.0-cm pale area in the upper right testicular pole. Representative sections from the distal
The relationship between plan characteristics and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan bids

This article assesses the relationship between plan characteristics and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) bids. Medicare PDP information data are used to link plan and geographic data for stand-alone prescription drug plans participating in the Part D programme from 2006 to 2008 (N = 5101). Firm fixed effects models are estimated to measure the relationship between plan characteristics including formularies, beneficiary cost sharing and utilization controls and PDP bids. Firm fixed effects models show a negative inelastic relationship between member cost sharing and plan bids. Among the utilization controls, only prior authorization is associated with lower bids. The use of quantity limits and step therapy is associated with higher bids, although this reflects their likely use for nonpreferred brand name medications. Bids are positively related to the number of preferred brand name medications and specialty medications covered, gap coverage of generics and brand name medications and the regional risk ...
An intelligent decision support system for stock analysis and evaluation

It is well known that security analysis is a time-consuming and error-prone process. However, it can be improved or enhanced considerably by automated reasoning. Efforts to reduce the inaccuracy and incorrectness of analyses and to enhance the confidence levels of stock selection have led to the development of an intelligent decision support system called TradeExpert, which assists, not replaces, portfolio managers. TradeExpert assumes the role of a hypothetical securities analyst capable of analyzing stocks, calling market turns, and making recommendations. It has a knowledge base of stock trading expertise, and a case base of past episodes and consequences of decisions. By combining knowledge-based problem solving with case-based reasoning and fuzzy inference, TradeExpert demonstrates forms of intelligent behavior not yet observed in traditional decision support systems and expert systems. The novelty of this research lies in its application to analogical reasoning, fuzzy reasoning, and knowledge-based decision making.
Occurrence of chilling injury in fresh-cut ‘Kent’ mangoes

Abstract For best visual quality retention of fresh-cut fruits, the preferred storage temperature is never higher than 5 °C, which is considered a chilling temperature for chilling sensitive tropical fruit like mango. Changes in visual and compositional attributes, aroma volatile production, respiration rate, and electrolyte leakage were evaluated in whole and fresh-cut partially ripe ‘Kent’ mangoes stored for 10 d at chilling (5 °C) and non-chilling (12 °C) temperatures in order to determine if fresh-cut mangoes are subject to chilling injury at their typical handling temperature. The experiment was conducted twice during two Florida mango seasons, with fruit from two different sources. Results from the two harvests were significantly different and therefore were analyzed separately. Visual quality degradation was faster at 12 °C than at 5 °C, and limited the shelf-life of the fresh-cut mangoes to 3–4 d at 12 °C versus 5–6 d at 5 °C. Soluble solids content did not differ among whole fruit or fresh-cut slices stored at either chilling or non-chilling temperatures, but respiration rate, pH, and total ascorbic acid were all lower and titratable acidity was higher in both the fresh-cut slices and whole fruit stored at 5 °C compared with storage at 12 °C. Subjective evaluation indicated that aroma intensity declined more during storage of fresh-cut slices at 5 °C than at 12 °C, and the aroma volatiles acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, and ethyl butyrate were found to be significantly reduced in the slices stored at 5 °C, but only in the second harvest; production of alcohols (methanol and ethanol) was also lower in samples stored at 5 °C. Although electrolyte leakage was higher in fresh-cut slices than in whole fruit, no conclusion could be made regarding the effect of storage temperature. It is unclear whether the storage duration at 5 °C was sufficiently long to cause chilling injury in fresh-cut mango slices since no visual symptoms developed in whole fruit. However, lower ascorbic acid content, higher titratable acidity, reduction of volatiles, and increased softening of whole fruit at 5 °C versus 12 °C, which are all indicative of CI, suggest that the fresh-cut mango slices did experience chilling stress.
Evaluation of Suspected Ischemic Heart Disease in Symptomatic Women

There is a wealth of evidence about the role of a variety of diagnostic testing modalities to define coronary artery disease (CAD) risk in women presenting for evaluation of suspected myocardial ischemia. The exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) is the core index procedure, which can define risk in women capable of performing maximal exercise. Stress imaging, using echocardiography or myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography/positron emission tomography, is useful for symptomatic women with an abnormal resting ECG or for those who are functionally disabled. For women with low-risk stress imaging findings, there is a very low risk of CAD events, usually < 1%. There is a gradient relationship between the extent and severity of inducible abnormalities and CAD event risk. Women at high risk are those defined as having moderate to severely abnormal wall motion or abnormal perfusion imaging findings. In addition to stress imaging, the evidence of the relationship between CAD extent and severity and prognosis has been clearly defined with coronary computed tomographic angiography. In women, prognosis for those with mild but nonobstructive CAD is higher when compared with those without any CAD. The current evidence base clearly supports that women presenting with chest pain can benefit from one of the commonly applied diagnostic testing modalities.
Comparison of some mono- and diisocyanates as sensory irritants

Abstract The aromatic monoisocyanates phenylisocyanate, o -toluene isocyanate, and p -toluene isocyanate and aliphatic isocyanates 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanates and hexylisocyanate were investigated using an animal bioassay to determine their time-response and concentration-response relationships as sensory irritants. The results were compared with those with toluene diisocyanate. The results indicated that the level of response was dependent on both duration of exposure as well as exposure concentration. The recovery rate was extremely slow following a 3-hr exposure for all isocyanates. The aromatic and aliphatic diisocyanates had comparable potency while the aromatic monoisocyanates were slightly less potent and the aliphatic monoisocyanate was found to be the least potent.
Glutaraldehyde induced alterations of membrane anionic sites

Prefixation of the plasma membranes of cultured baby hamster kidney cells and human fibroblasts with glutaraldehyde can induce an anomalous distribution of surface anionic sites. However, such glutaraldehyde induced changes do not appear to occur in isolated inner mitochondrial membranes.
Analytical model for injection-controlled excimer laser amplifiers

A semiempirical model of a pulsed, injection-controlled laser is investigated analytically and is applied primarily to extensive experimental results that have been obtained for the XeF (C to A) excimer laser. The gain medium inside an unstable cavity is represented by a folded pulsed amplifier which is seeded by a narrowband input signal. A set of coupled rate equations for the population densities of the upper laser states, the wideband absorbers, and the photon flux was numerically integrated. Measured gain and absorption of the amplifier were used as input data to evaluate the model. Excellent agreement between calculated and experimentally observed peak intensity and various other pulse characteristics such as peak shape and laser pulse delay time was obtained. This model also predicts the experimentally determined injection-control threshold for KrF excimer lasers successfully, and should be applicable to numerous other injection seeded lasers. >
School reform disorder: Alternative audience responses to nonsense

Neither general education nor special education now offers appropriate and therapeutic treatment to all children and youth with emotional or behavioral disorders. Substantial improvements are needed in both general and special education, but the needed changes may not be those suggested by many proponents of school reform. Some suggested reforms are tenuously connected to reality in ways that suggest comedic intent or thought disorder, yet audiences typically respond as if these suggestions were both serious and rational. The disorder of school reform may be as much a problem of inappropriate audience response as it is a matter of nonsensical suggestions. One possible response to serious but highly questionable suggestions for reform is articulation of postulates on which a comprehensive educational service delivery system might be based. I present eight such postulates and correlates.
Population genetics of the cytoplasm and the units of selection on mitochondrial DNA in Drosophila melanogaster

Biological variation exists across a nested set of hierarchical levels from nucleotides within genes to populations within species to lineages within the tree of life. How selection acts across this hierarchy is a long-standing question in evolutionary biology. Recent studies have suggested that genome size is influenced largely by the balance of selection, mutation and drift in lineages with different population sizes. Here we use population cage and maternal transmission experiments to identify the relative strength of selection at an individual and cytoplasmic level. No significant trends were observed in the frequency of large (L) and small (S) mtDNAs across 14 generations in population cages. In all replicate cages, new length variants were observed in heteroplasmic states indicating that spontaneous length mutations occurred in these experimental populations. Heteroplasmic flies carrying L genomes were more frequent than those carrying S genomes suggesting an asymmetric mutation dynamic from larger to smaller mtDNAs. Mother-offspring transmission of heteroplasmy showed that the L mtDNA increased in frequency within flies both between and within generations despite sampling drift of the same intensity as occurred in population cages. These results suggest that selection for mtDNA size is stronger at the cytoplasmic than at the organismal level. The fixation of novel mtDNAs within and between species requires a transient intracellular heteroplasmic stage. The balance of population genetic forces at the cytoplasmic and individual levels governs the units of selection on mtDNA, and has implications for evolutionary inference as well as for the effects of mtDNA mutations on fitness, disease and aging.
Depression and benign intracranial hypertension.

Abstract Five patients are described who developed benign intracranial hypertension (BIH) two to four weeks after resolution of a major depressive episode. In no case was there clinical or laboratory evidence to suggest an etiology for the BIH. Although the mechanism of this association is not known, a hypothesis involving changes in corticosteroid levels is proposed, along with two alternative possibilities. BIH following major depression may be more frequent than has previously been supposed.
Entanglement as a probe of confinement

Abstract We investigate the entanglement entropy in gravity duals of confining large N c gauge theories using the proposal of [S. Ryu, T. Takayanagi, Phys. Rev. Lett. 96 (2006) 181602, hep-th/0603001 ; S. Ryu, T. Takayanagi, JHEP 0608 (2006) 045, hep-th/0605073 ]. Dividing one of the directions of space into a line segment of length l and its complement, the entanglement entropy between the two subspaces is given by the classical action of the minimal bulk hypersurface which approaches the endpoints of the line segment at the boundary. We find that in confining backgrounds there are generally two such surfaces. One consists of two disconnected components localized at the endpoints of the line segment. The other contains a tube connecting the two components. The disconnected surface dominates the entropy for l above a certain critical value l crit while the connected one dominates below that value. The change of behavior at l = l crit is reminiscent of the finite temperature deconfinement transition: for l l crit the entropy scales as N c 2 , while for l > l crit as N c 0 . We argue that a similar transition should occur in any field theory with a Hagedorn spectrum of non-interacting bound states. The requirement that the entanglement entropy has a phase transition may be useful in constraining gravity duals of confining theories.
The biology of Epstein–Barr virus in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a B cell proliferative disorder that is associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), an ubiquitous herpesvirus. EBV-seronegative organ transplant recipients are at highest risk. EBV infection in PTLD lesions exists in a latent rather than lytic state, making tumor regression in response to antiviral agents unlikely. Viral latency proteins drive proliferation of T cells but also allow T cells to target PTLD lesions for destruction. Augmentation of the cellular immune response via the infusion of EBV-specific cytotoxic T cells has yielded promising results in the prevention and treatment of PTLD in bone marrow transplant recipients. Efforts to extend this strategy to solid organ transplant recipients are ongoing.
Awareness of Prediabetes and Diabetes among Persons with Clinical Depression

Background. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly comorbid with diabetes, a relationship underappreciated by clinicians. Purpose. Examine the proportion of nonpregnant individuals ≥20 years with MDD and elevated glucose and the demographic and clinical characteristics associated with unrecognized elevated glucose. Methods. 14,373 subjects who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2012) completed the PHQ-9 depression screen and had hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) measured. PHQ-9 scores ≥10 and HbA1c scores ≥5.7% were defined as MDD and elevated HbA1c, respectively. Data were analyzed using complex survey sampling software. Results. 38.4% of the sample with MDD had elevated HbA1c readings. Compared with nondepressed subjects, they were significantly more likely to have elevated glucose readings (P = 0.003) and to be aware of their elevated glucose levels if they had a higher body mass index, family history of diabetes, more doctor visits in the past year, a usual care source, health insurance, or were taking hypertension or hypercholesterolemia medications. Conclusions. Many adults with MDD have elevated HbA1c levels, have never been advised of elevated HbA1c, have not received diabetes screening, and have minimal contact with a healthcare provider. Additional opportunities for diabetes risk screening in people with MDD are needed.
Arthroscopic Approach to Capsular Laxity of the Hip

Hip pain secondary to capsular laxity alone is an uncommon and infrequent phenomenon. As such, recognizing and diagnosing capsular laxity of the hip can be a very complex and challenging situation for the physician. It is important to understand that there are 2 types of laxity: traumatic and atraumatic. These conditions have several findings clinically that can be identified and may help in the diagnosis. It is believed by most, including the author, that capsular laxity, whether traumatic or atraumatic, plays only a small roll in persistent pain and discomfort in the patient with persistent hip pain. Most experts would agree that the primary cause of a painful hip with associated capsular laxity is a labral tear. It is essential to understand that capsular plication is an adjunct to our surgical armamentarium and may only be indicated in certain patients with known capsular laxity. This article describes 1 technique for capsular plication and/or closure in the face of associated pathologic laxity.
Theory of Quantum Crystals

The ground-state properties of quantum crystals (crystals of the isotopes of He and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$) are studied by means of a variational calculation using cluster-expansion techniques. The cluster expansion for such a crystal is derived in a very general form and applied to a trial wave function that is assumed to be a product of one- and two-particle functions. The energy minimum is calculated by first truncating the expansion to retain only the one-particle and part of the two-particle term. In this form the calculation can be viewed as a Hartree calculation in which the true interaction is replaced by an appropriate effective interaction. The validity of the truncation is assessed by computing all of the leading correction terms. Calculations of the ground-state energy, pressure, and compressibility for the bcc and hcp structures of both $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ and $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ are presented as a function of molar volume. Although the calculated energies are too high, they represent a considerable improvement over previous work and the calculated pressures and compressibilities agree with experiment to about 10%. Tables of the variational parameters which give the minimum energy are presented. A discussion of the accuracy of the approximations used to treat the correlations in the system is given.
The relationship of dietary fats to prostaglandin biosynthesis

The direct and indirect evidence that the fatty acid composition of dietary fat is involved in the regulation of prostaglandin biosynthesis was reviewed. Direct evidence included effects of essential fatty acid deficiencies and excesses on endogenous tissue levels and production rates of prostaglandins by several tissues. Indirect evidence included lipolytic, platelet aggregatory, hypertensive, inflammatory and immune responses. In general, composition of dietary fat did not affect prostaglandin biosynthesis unless a biochemical essential fatty acid deficiency was induced or the linoleate to saturated fatty acids ratio of the dietary fat was greater than 5. Most results were interpreted in light of changing fatty acid composition; however, very few direct measurements have been made.
Effects of glutamate receptor antagonists on posthypxic myoclonus in rats

Abstract Male Sprague-Dawley rats developed posthypoxic myoclonus following 10-min cardiac arrest and resuscitation. In current studies, roles of N -methyl- d -asparate (NMDA), non-NMDA (a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate, AMPA, and kainate), and metabotropic glutamate receptors in the pathophysiology of posthypoxic myoclonus were investigated. Treatments with the competitive or noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, D(−)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (D[−]-AP-5) (ED 50 : 12.5 mg/kg, IP) or MK-801 maleate (ED 50 : 0.034 mg/kg, IP), and competitive or noncompetitive non-NMDA (AMPA/kainate) receptor antagonist, 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) (ED 50 : 9.25 nM/5 μl, ICV) or 1-(4-ami - nophenyl) - 4 - methyl -7, 8 -methylenedioxy -5H -2, 3-benzodiazepine hydrochloride (GYKI 52466) (ED 50 : 0.67 mg/kg, IP), significantly decreased myoclonus episodes in rats. On the other hand, treatment with the metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist, L(+)-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (L[+]-AP-3) (50 or 500 nM/5 μl, ICV), exerted no significant effects on myoclonus scores in posthypoxic rats. These results indicate that activation of NMDA and non-NMDA receptors receptors may mediate posthypoxic myoclonus in rats, whereas, involvement of metabotropic glutamate receptors needs to be studied further.
Singer groups of biplanes of order 25

On montre qu'un biplan d'ordre 25 ne peut pas admettre un groupe de Singer abelien et on en deduit d'autres resultats sur l'existence d'ensembles de differences abeliens
Nτ- and Nπ-histidinoalanine: Naturally occurring cross-linking amino acids in calcium-binding phosphoproteins

Abstract Two isomeric amino acid cross-links, N τ -histidinoalanine and N π -histidinoalanine have been isolated from calcium-binding phosphoprotein particles derived from the extrapallial fluid of the estuarine clam Rangia , cuneata . The cross-links were identified and compared by 13 C and 1 H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy. In the phosphoprotein particles, 6% of the amino acid residues are involved in cross-linkages. This is the first demonstration of the occurrence of the isomer N π -histidinoalanine.
Preparing for parenthood: How feelings of responsibility and efficacy impact expectant parents

Relatively little is known about what impacts perinatal outcomes in expectant mothers and fathers. In the current study, we examined the association between expected parenting efficacy and feelings of pregnancy responsibility on mental health and relationship satisfaction in 104 primiparous couples during their third trimester. Parenting efficacy was related to better perinatal mental health and relationship satisfaction for both mothers and fathers, while communal pregnancy responsibility was more important for mothers. At the couple level, being concordant on feelings of pregnancy responsibility was related to better mental health and relationship satisfaction for expectant mothers only. These results suggest the importance of examining predictors of perinatal outcomes, as well as the dynamic interplay between mothers’ and fathers’ feelings of pregnancy responsibility.
Alcohol Intoxication Following Muscle Contraction in Mice Decreases Muscle Protein Synthesis But Not mTOR Signal Transduction

Background Alcohol (ethanol [EtOH]) intoxication antagonizes stimulation of muscle protein synthesis and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. However, whether the anabolic response can be reversed when alcohol is consumed after the stimulus is unknown. Methods A single bout of electrically stimulated muscle contractions (10 sets of 6 contractions) was induced in fasted male C57BL/6 mice 2 hours prior to alcohol intoxication. EtOH was injected intraperitoneally (3 g/kg), and the gastrocnemius/plantaris muscle complex was collected 2 hours later from the stimulated and contralateral unstimulated control leg. Results Muscle contraction increased protein synthesis 28% in control mice, while EtOH abolished this stimulation-induced increase. Further, EtOH suppressed the rate of synthesis ~75% compared to control muscle irrespective of stimulation. This decrease was associated with impaired protein elongation as EtOH increased the phosphorylation of eEF2 Thr56. In contrast, stimulation-induced increases in mTOR protein complex-1 (mTORC1) (S6K1 Thr421/Ser424, S6K1 Thr389, rpS6 Ser240/244, and 4E-BP1 Thr37/46) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (JNK Thr183/Tyr185, p38 Thr180/Tyr182, and rpS6S235/236) signaling were not reversed by acute EtOH. Conclusions These data suggest that EtOH-induced decreases in protein synthesis in fasted mice may be independent of mTORC1 and MAPK signaling following muscle contraction and instead due to the antagonistic actions of EtOH on mRNA translation elongation. Therefore, EtOH suppresses the contraction-induced increase in protein synthesis, and over time has the potential to prevent skeletal muscle hypertrophy induced by repeated muscle contraction.
Some tests of analytical multiobjective decision-making methods

Abstract Many analytical methods have been developed for multiobjective decision problems. All attempt to achieve the same goal. This paper reports on tests of five decision rules and seven weighting methods applied by three different panels to determine whether or not they produce different results and to infer, where possible, the nature and origin of the differences. Different methods do produce different results. Lacking a definition of “goodness,” however, it is not clear how much these differences matter. Nevertheless, some methods have obvious problems, either in theoretical validity or in application, and they should be avoided.