cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance of gold-coated titanium bipolar plates in unitized regenerative fuel cell operation

Abstract The corrosion of the carbon-based bipolar plate was studied under unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC) operation conditions. At overpotentials higher than 2.0 V vs. normal hydrogen electrode (NHE), cell performance in the electrolyzer mode significantly decreases with time due to the increased ohmic resistance of the carbon-based bipolar plates. During fuel cell operation, the unit cell shows an ohmic resistance of approximately 0.15 Ω. After the operation in the electrolyzer mode, the ohmic resistance of the cell increases up to 1.24 Ω. The surface image of the carbon-based bipolar plate after water electrolysis reaction at 2.0 V shows a drastic corrosion at the contact area of the bipolar plate with the electrode. The corrosion of the rib in the flow-field increases the contact resistance between the electrode and the bipolar plate, which leads to the observed decrease in cell performance. A gold coating of 1 μm on the titanium bipolar plates is very effective in preventing titanium oxidation during the URFC operation. The ohmic resistance of the cells that are prepared with bare titanium and gold-deposited titanium bipolar plates is 0.40 Ω and 0.18 Ω, respectively. In fact, the gold coating serves as a barrier layer, which inhibits the formation of the passive layer on the surface of titanium-based bipolar plates. The cycling experiments in the fuel cell and in the electrolyzer mode indicate that the gold-coated titanium bipolar plates exhibit a stable performance.
LONG-PERIOD EXOPLANETS FROM DYNAMICAL RELAXATION

Recent imaging campaigns indicate the likely existence of massive planets (~1-10 MJ ) on 1000 year orbits about a few percent of stars. Such objects are not easily explained in most current planet formation models. In this Letter, we use ensembles of 100 N-body simulations to evaluate the potential for planet scattering during relaxation of dynamically active systems to explain the population of giant planets with projected separations up to a few 100 AU. We find that such a mechanism could indeed be at play, and that statistical samples of long-period planets could place interesting constraints on early stage planet formation scenarios. Results from direct imaging and microlensing surveys are complementary probes of this dynamical relaxation process.
The imidazobenzodiazepine Ro 15-4513 antagonizes methoxyflurane anesthesia.

Abstract Parenteral administration of the imidazobenzodiazepine Ro 15-4513 (a high affinity ligand of the benzodiazepine receptor with partial inverse agonist qualities) produced a dose dependent reduction in sleep time of mice exposed to the inhalation anesthetic, methoxyflurane. The reductions in methoxyflurane sleep time ranged from ∼ 20% at 4 mg/kg to ∼ 38% at 32 mg/kg of Ro 15-4513. Co-administration of the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist Ro 15-1788 (16 mg/kg) or the inverse agonists DMCM (5–20 mg/kg) and FG 7142 (22.5 mg/kg) blocks this effect which suggests that the reductions in methoxyflurane sleep time produced by Ro 15-4513 are mediated via occupation of benzodiazepine receptors. Moreover, neither DMCM (5–20 mg/kg) nor FG 7142 (22.5 mg/kg) reduced methoxyflurane sleep time which suggests this effect of Ro 15-4513 cannot be attributed solely to its partial inverse agonist properties. These observations support recent findings that inhalation anesthetics may produce their depressant effects via perturbation of the benzodiazepine/GABA receptor chloride channel complex, and suggest that Ro 15-4513 may serve as a prototype of agents capable of antagonizing the depressant effects of inhalation anesthetics such as methoxyflurane.
Photonic muscle active optics for space telescopes (active optics with 1023 actuators)

Presented is a novel optical system using Cis-Trans photoisomerization where nearly every molecule of a mirror substrate is itself an optically powered actuator. Primary mirrors require sub-wavelength figure (shape) error in order to achieve acceptable Strehl ratios. Traditional telescopy methods require rigid and therefore heavy mirrors and reaction structures as well as proportionally heavy and expensive spacecraft busses and launch vehicles. Areal density can be reduced by increasing actuation density. Making every molecule of a substrate an actuator approaches the limit of the areal density vs actuation design trade space. Cis-Trans photoisomerization, a reversible reorganization of molecular structure induced by light, causes a change in the shape and volume of azobenzene based molecules. Induced strain in these "photonic muscles" can be over 40%. Forces are pico-newtons/molecule. Although this molecular limit is not typically multiplied in aggregate materials we have made, considering the large number of molecules in a mole, future optimized systems may approach this limit In some π-π* mixed valence azo-polymer membranes we have made photoisomerization causes a highly controllable change in macroscopic dimension with application of light. Using different wavelengths and polarizations provides the capability to actively reversibly and remotely control membrane mirror shape and dynamics using low power lasers, instead of bulky actuators and wires, thus allowing the substitution of optically induced control for rigidity and mass. Areal densities of our photonic muscle mirrors are approximately 100 g/m2. This includes the substrate and actuators (which are of course the same). These materials are thin and flexible (similar to saran wrap) so high packing ratios are possible, suggesting the possibility of deployable JWST size mirrors weighing 6 kilograms, and the possibility of ultralightweight space telescopes the size of a football field. Photons weigh nothing. Why must even small space telescopes weigh tons? Perhaps they do not.
Microprobe analysis of human masseter muscle biopsies

Biopsies of the human masseter muscle were made using an intraoral approach. Sections were cut in a cryostat and freeze-dried. Using the myosin ATPase method at pH 9.3 the recognized heterogeneity of the muscle with respect to type I and type II fibers was confirmed. Sections were examined in an SEM by the method of energy dispersive X-ray analysis using a computer assisted semi-quantitative method (bulk analysis-thick sections) to determine the distribution of Na, P, S, Cl and K and their relative masses. Element concentrations in descending order were K, S, P, Na and Cl. Some element ratios were compared with results in the literature for other muscle (biochemical and microprobe analysis) and found to be generally in reasonable agreement. The results form a basis for the study of a prominent and accesible masticatory muscle in altered states.
Scaling up antenatal syphilis screening in Mozambique: transforming policy to action.

Objectives This paper examines the decade-long scale-up process of antenatal syphilis screening through Mozambique's National Health System. Goal The primary goal is to provide lessons learned in the provision of integrated antenatal care resource-poor settings and identify key challenges to successful scale-up. Study design We documented health systems activities associated with improvements in the proportion of women tested, treated, and partners treated for syphilis. Results The proportion of women in antenatal visit screened for syphilis in the two target provinces has risen from 5% in 1992 to between 60% and 95% consistently since 1999. This success required multiple levels of health system strengthening. Conclusions The Mozambique experience shows that key elements to effective antenatal syphilis screening include adequate workforce, facilities, coherent systems of care, community involvement, donor management, advocacy, and leadership.
The effect of residual stresses and sample preparation on progressive debonding during the fiber push-out test

Abstract Iterative finite-element analyses have been conducted to determine the debond length as a function of force during progressive debonding in fiber push-out tests. This procedure was applied to data from push-out tests on a steel/epoxy model composite. During push-out testing this composite debonded from the bottom (support) face of the sample. The modeling allowed debonding from the bottom and included pre-existing debonds caused by residual stresses and/or sample preparation. The predicted debond lengths were within 10% of the measured debond lengths. Evidence is also shown that cutting and polishing can cause debonds that are longer than one third of the sample thickness in samples with a relatively small diameter steel fiber.
A catalytically active vanadyl(catecholate)-decorated metal organic framework via post-synthesis modifications

A vanadyl(monocatecholate)-decorated metal-organic framework was synthesized using two sequential post-synthesis modifications. This material is catalytically active for the oxidation of organo-sulfide. In contrast to the homogeneous control catalyst, it can be tuned to be selective for the sulfoxide product using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant.
GALE: a combined genetic algorithm-linear technique approach to edge detection

Image enhancement applications are highly dependent on the efficiency of edge detection techniques. Most of these techniques have a time complexity of O(n2) where the picture has size n X n. The use of more advanced algorithms can substantially reduce this requirement, improving the computational performance of the application. This paper presents a new method, named GALE, which combines the random search mechanisms of Genetic Algorithms with linear time methods. The resulting edge detection process approaches linear time complexity as demonstrated in the experiments also reported here. The Genetic Algorithm is constructed by utilizing a fitness measurement which is proportional to a directional gradient to select picture windows and establishes candidate pairs of points which bracket an edge. Such areas are then investigated by using near-neighbor linear techniques and the Sobel number for edge identification and detection. The linear technique procedures are built in such a way that the use of other fitness functions, such as the Sombrero operator, instead of the Sobel number are easily implemented and activated. The paper begins by discussing related work in this area, following by the description of the basic concepts of Genetic Algorithms required for this solution. A detailed view of the linear search algorithm is then presented, followed by a report on some experiments conducted in a controlled environment. Theoretical results are used to support the evidence of the time complexity and correctness of this new method. In addition, the experimental results show the improved performance of this method.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
SU‐E‐T‐254: Tissue Specific Characteristics of Prompt Gamma in Proton Radiotherapy: A GEANT4 Simulation Study

Purpose: An in‐vivo range verification system for proton radiotherapy utilizes prompt gamma photon emitted from the de‐excitation of daughter fragments (e.g. 12C, 16O) produced in an interaction of incident proton in materials with time scales in the range of nano seconds. The goal of the present investigation is to study depth dependency of the yield of emitted prompt gamma rays from energetic proton interactions in different materials. Methods: A coincidence detector system for identifying prompt gamma was simulated with Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit version 9.4.9 p02. The interaction of 110 MeV protons with target phantom (5 cm × 5 cm × 50 cm) was used. A virtual detector (5 cm × 5 cm × 1 mm) was replicated 500 times to form a bank of detectors. A lower bank was placed 1 cm above the phantom while another bank was placed 1 cm above the lower bank. A coincidence requirement was met when a gamma had passed through both a bottom detector and the corresponding top detector segments directly above it. Our investigation used built‐in physics list consisting of electromagnetic and nuclear interactions. Three different types of phantom materials (Water, PMMA and Bone) were used. Results: The emitted prompt gamma yields from 12C (energy range 4.21 to 4.59 MeV) and 16O (energy range 5.79 to 6.31 MeV) versus depth showed similar distributions irrespective of materials. The depths of the maximum yields from 12C were superficial to that from 16O and Bragg peak depths. The yields from 12C were greater to that from 16O up to 5 mm superficial to Bragg peak; whereas around Bragg peak the yields of 16O dominated. Distal to Bragg peak, the yields from 12C started to dominate. Conclusion: A depth dependent relationship may exist between the characteristic prompt gamma production and Bragg peak. More careful analysis has now been planned.
Environmental impacts of climate change and water development in the Indus delta region

Abstract The prospect of global warming raises particular concern in delta regions, many of which are already experiencing severe environmental strain as the result of human activity. This paper considers the potential environmental effects of climatic change and water development in the delta region of Pakistan's Indus River Basin. The impact assessment is conducted using regional output from a river basin simulation model of the Indus Basin. Potential changes in river inflows to the delta, canal diversions and groundwater balance are evaluated under a range of climate change and water development scenarios. The paper also explores possible environmental impacts not included in the modelled evaluation, and discusses policy implications of the assessment results.
Light Adaptation and the Brightness of Brief Foveal Stimuli

Brightness scales for differing conditions of adaptation and contrast have been established by the combined procedures of ratio production and equal-brightness judgments under adapting conditions which differ systematically for the two eyes. Under stimulus conditions in which light adaptation alone is systematically varied, the equivalence of brightness ratios at differing levels of adaptation is demonstrated for a wide range of adapting luminances. Preliminary findings suggest that this equivalence also holds for chromatic adapting and test stimuli. Changes in the brightness of brief foveal stimuli due to light adaptation may be describable within the framework of a general power law, if all test-stimulus luminances are expressed as luminance above psychological zero brightness (that is, as luminance above threshold for each specific condition).Changes in brightness due to light adaptation may be measured either by the use of a preadapting stimulus or by presentation of test stimuli on a prevailing surround. When adaptation is defined in terms of the production of a criterion luminance threshold, the adaptive effects of the two procedures may be shown to be equivalent.
Evolution of the neocortex.

Humans have exceptional skills and abilities that largely depend on their brains. One of the major questions of modern neuroscience is to understand how the human brain evolved. In general, we share brain features and functions with other animals in proportion to how closely we are related to them. Thus, we are more similar to our closest living relatives, chimpanzees and bonobos, than to more distant relatives, such as rats and mice, or even more distant still, zebrafish. As we make inferences about the evolution of the human brain, or any other complex brain, such as elephant or whale brains, from studies of other animals, we benefit from an increasing understanding of phylogeny and thus our relationships to other animals.
Isotope-tracking of pore water freshening in the fore-arc basin of the Japan Trench

Abstract Pore waters of sediments in convergent zones typically show a decrease in chloride (Cl−) concentrations with depth that suggests the advection of chloride-depleted fluids. Studies from ODP Leg 186 indicate that sediments accumulated in the fore-arc of the Japan Trench also exhibit a freshening of pore waters with depth. Here, the oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen (δD) isotopic composition of pore waters from Site 1150 were determined to investigate the source of Cl-depleted fluids. Whereas the upper 100 m of sediments have pore waters exhibiting an increase in both δ18O and δD values with depth, the remaining 1000 m of studied sediments have pore waters exhibiting an overall decreasing trend in isotope values with depth. Dissociation of gas hydrates is a likely explanation for the elevated isotope values for pore waters in the upper 100 m. In contrast, the overall decreasing trend in isotope values probably resulted from the advection of Cl-depleted fluids exhibiting low δ18O and δD values. Depletion of Cl−, 18O, and D likely resulted from the diagenetic transformation of hydrous minerals and the subsequent precipitation of carbonates or other 18O-enriched minerals. Generation of Cl-depleted fluids did not occur within the studied depth interval, but rather at deeper, possible over-pressured sites, thereby pointing to the significance of deep-seated fluid flow in fore-arc basins.
A successful canine bifid bladder preparation for repeated long-term individual renal function studies

Abstract Full-thickness bifid bladders were created in dogs. A midline episiotomy facilitated repeated hemibladder catheterization. The model has been used repeatedly over a 1-year period and consistent reproducible individual renal function data has been obtained.
Salinity tolerance of Colorado Squawfish, Ptychocheilus lucius (Pisces: Cyprinidae)

Colorado squawfish (Ptychocheilus lucius), were subjected to dilutions of saline water from natural springs near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to determine salinity tolerance and aquaculture potential of squawfish in this water. Lethal salinity to 50 percent of the fish (96 h LC50) was 13.1 g l−1, indicating that squawfish survival in higher salinity spring water was not possible.
ROMM routing on mesh and torus networks

ROMM is a class of Randomized, Oblivious, Multi--phase, Minimal routing algorithms. ROMM routing offers a potential for improved performance compared to both fully randomized algorithms and deterministic oblivious algorithms, under both light and heavy loads. ROMM routing also offers close to best case performance for many common routing problems. In previous work, these claims were supported by extensive simulations on binary cube networks [30, 31]. Here we present analytical and empirical results for ROMM routing on wormhole routed mesh and torus networks. Our simulations show that ROMM algorithms can perform several representative routing tasks 1.5 to 3 times faster than fully randomized algorithms, for medium--sized networks. Furthermore, ROMM algorithms are always competitive with deterministic, oblivious routing, and in some cases, up to 2 times faster.
EDA-ANN based transformer fault recognition with dissolved gas

Condition based maintenance and diagnosis technology plays an important role in power system reliability, because it is able to identify the faulty section in power system before the faults occur. With the technology development of smart grid which requires a more reliable power supply, a lot of researches have been focused on the transformer fault recognition. Based on this present situation, this paper introduces transformer fault recognition research status, and puts the current methods. Through the analysis of weakness of these current methods and the advantage of EDA-ANN method, a new method for the transformer fault recognition is designed to realize the fault recognition with dissolved gas. And through some real fault data, this proposed method is proven to be feasible and accurate.
Electrochemical Cu Nanoparticle Deposition on TaSiN Diffusion Barrier Films

High-density Cu nanoparticles were spontaneously deposited on TaSiN diffusion barrier layers using organic solutions. These activated surfaces were then plated with Cu using electroless deposition. The organic deposition solution was composed of conventional solvent extractants that are very poor electrolytic conductors but can sustain short range spontaneous reactions. The process proceeds by an electrochemical displacement mechanism and effective Cu seed layers could be obtained at 35°C in 10 to 20 s. Additives consisting of low formula weight organics were used to enhance the Cu nanoparticle deposition. Other operating procedures, such as substrate etching, solution concentration, additives, agitation, and deposition time, were evaluated to determine their effects on particle density, morphology, and uniformity. The Cu-seeded TaSiN surfaces were then built up using a standard electroless Cu process. A continuous, pore free, smooth, and adherent Cu film was attained after 2 min of electroless deposition.
Factors affecting mechanical properties of silicon oxynitride ceramics

Abstract The effect of additives and impurities on the mechanical properties of silicon oxynitride ceramics was investigated. The toughening of the ceramics was affected by three factors: (1) the thermal tensile stress in the intergranular glassy phase and the compressive stress in Si2N2O grains, developed by a thermal expansion mismatch between Si2N2O grains and the intergranular glassy phase; (2) the large grain size of Si2N2O; and (3) the concentration of impurities in the intergranular glassy phase. The degradation of high-temperature strength was primarily dependent on the basic chemical composition (the kind of additives (MeOx) and Me Si ratio) of the intergranular phase and impurities.
Kuratowski reduction in a σ-frame

Abstract Kuratowski introduced the reduction property for a class of pointsets in 1936, and established a sufficient condition for a class to possess this property. The reduction property became a cornerstone of classical descriptive set theory. We show that Kuratowskiʼs original argument is really a result in σ -frames. This provides a characterization of strongly zero-dimensional completely regular frames. Even for spaces, this connection with Kuratowski reduction has apparently not been acknowledged in the literature.
Characterization of scatter radiation of a breast phantom on Siemens prototype FFDM with and without an anti-scatter grid

In this study, the beam stop technique was applied to obtain the scatter fraction values for an anthropomorphic breast phantom on a flat-panel full field mammography system. The phantom was equivalent to a compressed breast of 5 cm thickness with 50% glandular tissue content. The images were acquired at 28kVp with Mo/Mo target/filter combination and multiple mAs values with or without an anti-scatter grid. The one-dimensional and two-dimensional scatter fraction profiles of the breast phantom without a grid were plotted. The effect of mAs on scatter fraction calculation was investigated. It was found that in order to get a reliable measurement of scatter fraction, the mAs had to be above about 40mAs without a grid and 160mAs with a grid. In addition, the SNR values at 28kVp and 80mAs (AEC level for the phantom using the same imaging technique on a screen/film system) with and without a grid were compared with each other. The SNR with a grid was slightly smaller than that without a grid. The SNR improvement factor (KSNR ) defined as the ratio of SNR without the grid to SNR with the grid was 0.976. The grid had the primary and scatter transmissions of 73% and 13% respectively.
Cyclic AMP inhibition of reactions of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase

Abstract Adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) is an inhibitor of the reaction of d -glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase with glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and benzaldehyde. Inhibition appears to be competitive toward glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and of a mixed type toward NAD+. In the absence of arsenate a plot of 1 V vs (I) is sigmoidal at constant concentrations of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and NAD+ and linear at constant concentrations of benzaldehyde and NAD+. Thus, sigmoidal inhibition plots are dependent on the nature of the aldehyde substrate as was found previously to be the case with inhibition of these reactions by highly branched acyl phosphates. In the presence of 0.013 m arsenate the plots of 1 V vs [I] are linear.
Extravasation of contrast medium from the lenticulostriate artery following local intracarotid fibrinolysis

Two patients with acute embolic occlusion of the intracranial internal carotid artery and the lenticulostriate arteries were treated by local intraarterial fibrinolysis using tissue plasminogen activator. Although fibrinolysis started within 2.5 hours from the ictus, extravasation of the contrast medium from the lenticulostriate arteries occurred in the region of the basal ganglia. Local intraarterial fibrinolysis for acute embolic occlusion of the internal carotid artery may be a high-risk therapeutic intervention even within the ultra-acute stage, especially when the lenticulostriate arteries are occluded by an embolus.
Sociology and American drug policy

American drug policy is structured around a punitive model. Although sociologists have made major contributions to the drug abuse research literature, they have been absent in the formulation of drug policy. Ever since the first systematic study of drug addiction by a sociologist was conducted during the 1930s, sociologists have lacked credibility in the eyes of policy makers. Studies of addiction and crime have been biased by methodological flaws, and sociological theories of addiction have had little relationship to the real world of drug abuse. Moreover, sociologists have generally offered radical, simplistic, and unworkable recommendations for dealing with the problems associated with drug use. The pragmatic approach for sociologists involves using the tools of their science within the context of existing policy—to reduce drug abuse and thereby limit the need for punitive controls.
Effect of hormones on growth rates of malignant and nonmalignant human mammary epithelia in cell culture.

The individual effects of seven hormones on the in vitro growth rate of different classifications of human mammary epithelium were compared. Hormones used were: 17β-estradiol, estriol, progesterone, hydrocortisone, testosterone, prolactin, and growth hormone. Cell cultures included three established breast cell lines and primary monolayer cultures established form breast fluids and excised mammary tissue from 40 women and 4 men. Specimens comprised three classifications: normal, nonmalignant atypical, and malignant. Growth was quantitated in situ and expressed as population doubling time. Principal findings were: (a) estrogens, prolactin, and growth hormone stimulated growth of normal cells more frequently than growth of malignant cells, whereas testosterone and hydrocortisone stimulated growth of malignant cells more frequently than growth of normal cells; (b) cells cultured from nonmalignant atypias generally showed hormone response profiles intermediate between those of normal and malignant cells; (c) progesterone stimulated the growth of cells from malignant specimens but not the growth of cells from normal and nonmalignant atypical samples.
Responses to Critics

In this paper I respond to the criticisms of Helen Longino, Alan Richardson, Naomi Oreskes and Sharyn Clough. There is discussion of the character of social knowledge, the goals of scientific inquiry, the connections between Social Empiricism and other approaches in science studies, productive and unproductive dissent, and the distinction between empirical and nonempirical decision vectors.
Workflow opportunities using JPEG 2000

JPEG 2000 is a new image compression standard from ISO/IEC JTC1 SC29 WG1, the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) committee. Better thought of as a sibling to JPEG rather than descendant, the JPEG 2000 standard offers wavelet based compression as well as companion file formats and related standardized technology. This paper examines the JPEG 2000 standard for features in four specific areas-compression, file formats, client-server, and conformance/compliance that enable image workflows.
An abstract model of three-dimensional spatial data types

Although spatial objects of our world have an intrinsic three-dimensional (3D) nature, 3D data modeling and 3D data management have so far been neglected in spatial database systems and Geographical Information Systems, which map geometric data mainly to two-dimensional abstractions. But increasingly the third dimension becomes more and more relevant for application domains like pollution control, water supply, soil engineering, urban planning, and aviation. Large volumes of 3D data require a treatment in a database context for representing, querying, and manipulating them efficiently. This paper aims at investigating the complex inherent features of 3D data and presents an abstract, formal data model called SPAL3D Spatial Algebra 3D). The data model comprises a set of three-dimensional spatial data types together with a collection of geometric set operations.
Random number generation in dementia of the Alzheimer type: A test of frontal executive functions

Abstract The quality of attempts at generating a random sequence of the numbers 1–6 was studied in 30 patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) and 30 elderly normal control (NC) subjects. Three main findings emerged: (1) DAT patients' subjective random sequences were more stereotyped (contained fewer digit combinations) than those of NC subjects. (2) This difference in response stereotypy was due to patients' enhanced tendency to arrange consecutive numbers in an ascending series (‘counting bias’). (3) In the patient group, degree of sequential nonrandomness was positively correlated with overall severity of dementia and with the extent to which performance on neuropsychological tests specifically assessing executive functions (fluency, naming, error monitoring) was impaired. These results illustrate a loss of behavioral complexity in the course of dementia and are interpreted as reflecting a frontal dysexecutive syndrome in DAT.
Feature tracking strain is a promising functional analysis technique in single ventricle patients

Background Feature-tracking Strain (FT S) is a new technique that performs myocardial Strain evaluation on Steady State Free Precession (SSFP) cines without the need for myocardial tagging. As a pilot study to determine whether FT S may be useful in single ventricle patients, we applied this analysis to patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and tricuspid atresia (TA). Methods We retrospectively reviewed 22 patients with a history of Fontan palliation (median age 8.2, range 2 - 27.5 years) who had cardiac MRIs with a Siemens 1.5 Tesla Avanto (Siemens Medical Systems) scanner, 11 with TA, 11 with HLHS. All had steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequences of 4-chamber (4ch) cine and short axis (SAx) cine stacks from cardiac base to apex. Ejection fraction (EF) was calculated from the SAx stack on a Leonardo workstation (Siemens, Inc.). FT S analysis of the 4ch cine was performed off-line with TomTec 2D Cardiac Performance Analysis (version 1.0, TomTec Imaging Systems) following two tracking protocols: endocardial trace only (Endo), epicardial to endocardial trace (Endo-Epi) (Figure 1). Pearson correlation was used to test relationship between absolute global longitudinal Strain (GLSabs) and EF. Differences in GLS between tracking methods were tested with Bland Altman analysis. Results Mean EF was 60.2%, 95% CI 42.6% to 77.8%. Mean GLS was -15.7 (95% CI -6.8 to -24.7) by Endo., and -16.5 (95% CI -6.9 to -26.1) by Endo-Epi tracking methods. There was fair correlation (Figure 2) between GLSabs and EF using the Endo method (Pearson r = 0.67, p mean Endo GLS of 0.8, with a wide distribution in difference values, 95% CI 2.9 to -4.5. Morphologic ventricle type (single LV vs single RV) did not make a difference in GLS to EF correlations when compared to the mixed cohort. Mean GLS for single LVs was somewhat higher than single RVs, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions There is fair correlation between GLS and EF in single ventricle patients with feature-tracking Strain analysis tracking the ventricular endocardium. Validation in a larger sample is warranted. Comparison of FT S with tagged harmonic phase MRI in single ventricle patients may further validate this promising technique in defining regional and global strain. Funding
Transmission filter for the extreme ultraviolet spectral region composed of a thin Saran (C(2)H(2)Cl(2)) foil.

Saran foils of 4000-A thickness have been fabricated and used as transmission filters in the extreme ultraviolet spectral region. The transmittances of the Saran foils were determined for the 20–620-A wavelength region. The foils transmitted radiation with wavelengths between the L absorption edge of chlorine at 61.4 and ~120 A.
Evaluation and Transferability of the Noah Land Surface Model in Semiarid Environments

Abstract This paper investigates the performance of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Noah land surface model at two semiarid sites in southern Arizona. The goal is to evaluate the transferability of calibrated parameters (i.e., direct application of a parameter set to a “similar” site) between the sites and to analyze model performance under the various climatic conditions that can occur in this region. A multicriteria, systematic evaluation scheme is developed to meet these goals. Results indicate that the Noah model is able to simulate sensible heat, ground heat, and ground temperature observations with a high degree of accuracy, using the optimized parameter sets. However, there is a large influx of moist air into Arizona during the monsoon period, and significant latent heat flux errors are observed in model simulations during these periods. The use of proxy site parameters (transferred parameter set), as well as traditional default parameters, results in diminished model perfo...
The cecoileal continent urinary reservoir

Experience with the Kock pouch prompted us to develop a new form of continent urinary reservoir. This is a composite structure using ileum and cecum. Tunnelled ureteral implantations along the tenia of the cecum provide the antireflux mechanism, while the ileocecal valve and plicated terminal ileal segment provide continence. An ileal patch on the cecum helps overcome the intermittent incontinence that can occur and is presumed to be due to a bolus contraction of the cecum. The cecoileal continent urinary reservoir offers the flexibility of either abdominal or pelvic placement.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of azepine-based cryptophycin mimetics

Abstract Cryptophycins, depsipeptides isolated from terrestrial blue–green algae, show potent activity against a variety of tumor cell lines. Given the potential of the cryptophycins for cancer therapy, we developed a new class of non-peptide peptidomimetic, designed to replace the 16-membered macrolide ring with a 7-membered azepine ring for attachment of the cryptophycin side chains with the required spatial orientation to mimic the conformation of the relevant region of the natural product. Monte Carlo conformational analysis revealed excellent overlay of the local minimum structural model 6 and X-ray structure of (+)-cryptophycin-3 ( 5 ). Starting from this structural model, we designed and synthesized compounds (+)-25 , (+)-30 , and (+)-34 as potential mimics of cryptophycins. Compounds (+)-25 , (+)-30 , and (+)-34 were tested for in vitro cytotoxicity against six human cancer cell lines. Although only modest activities were observed, these results suggested that a new series of bioactive cryptophycin analogues might be available by structural modification of the central ring system of the cryptophycins.
Estrogen and the Aging Hippocampal Synapse

The ramifications of endocrine and neural senescence converge in the hippocampus, particularly with respect to glutamatergic synapses. In this review, we will focus on current literature suggesting that potential synaptic alterations induced by estrogen in the hippocampus are mediated through interactions between ER-alpha and NMDA receptors. In addition, we will examine the data suggesting that these interactions may be uncoupled with aging. These studies demonstrate that while estrogen helps retain a youthful synaptic phenotype by some measures, the aged synapse may differ from the young synapse in several key respects that impact plasticity in general, and endocrine influences on the synapse, in particular.
The Influence of Diabetes on a Clinician-Rated Assessment of Depression in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to examine the role of diabetes and diabetes-related distress within clinician-administered depression interviews of adults with type 1 diabetes.MethodsThis mixed-methods study coded responses to a structured clinical interview of depressive symptom severity administered to adults with type 1 diabetes (n = 34; 65% female; 56% white, 38% African American, 27% Hispanic). Pearson correlations and t tests assessed relationships between interview-based and self-reported ratings of diabetes-related distress and depression.ResultsAmong participants endorsing depressive symptoms in the interview, 73% mentioned diabetes as a contributing factor. Themes emerged relating to (1) a link between diabetes symptoms and distress, including problems with appetite, sleep, concentration, and social relationships; (2) overlapping symptoms between diabetes and depression; and (3) the perceived interconnectedness of mood and blood glucose levels. Clinician-assessed depression ratings were str...
Quality of Korotkoff sounds: Bell vs diaphragm, cubital fossa vs brachial artery☆

Comparison of clarity of Korotkoff sounds was made between those heard with the bell or diaphragm of the stethoscope and between those heard over the cubital fossa or more proximally and medially over the maximal brachial artery pulse--during indirect sphygmomanometry. Multiple measurements were made by two trained technicians on 48 supine adults. The measurements were balanced as to stethoscope-head/arm-placement combinations, stethoscope used, control of the pressure bulb, and use of right or left arm. The Korotkoff sounds were heard better with the bell of the stethoscope placed over the brachial artery pulse (BB) than with the diaphragm placed over the cubital fossa (DC). The former combination (BB) gave significantly higher blood pressure estimates for systolic blood pressure and fourth phase diastolic blood pressure than the latter combination (DC).
Current spreading and series resistance of proton-implanted vertical-cavity top-surface-emitting lasers

In this paper, the current flow through the whole volume of the proton-implanted Vertical-Cavity top-Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) is analysed in detail. A simple approximate analytical relation was derived for a radial distribution of the current density entering active regions of those lasers. This distribution is nearly uniform in the case of VCSELs with a very small active region, but is becoming more and more non-uniform with an increase in its size. In VCSELs with very large active regions, current is flowing practically only within a narrow annular area close to the active-region perimeter. The VCSEL series electrical resistance is determined as a function of its active-region radius.
The Unholy Trinity— Activity, Authority, and Magic

The pediatrician needs to ask and answer for himself: "What are the major psychosocial developmental milestones which an average child of my patient's age and cultural background has to achieve; what are the characteristic behaviors involved in such achievement; to what extent may his current illness interfere with these behaviors?" Other questions are in the mind of his patient (and the parents), whether or not they are expressed: 1) What do I have? 2) How did I get it? 3) Why did I get it? 4) What can be done about it? 5) When will I get well? With young children up to the age of four or five who require hospitalization there is the additional query: Why did my parents bring me to this place and why are they leaving me here?
iBoard: A highly-capable, high-performance, reconfigurable FPGA-based building block for flight instrument digital electronics

iBoard is a highly capable, highly reusable, and modular FPGA-based common building block for instrument digital electronics. It is targeted to those space-borne instruments that require high-performance on-board processing capabilities. The paper explains the design methodology, describes requirements of flight instrument digital electronics, presents implementation of the first prototype, iBoard 2.
Active vehicle suspension control using intelligent feedback linearization

Effective control of ride quality and handling performance are challenges for active vehicle suspension systems, particularly for off-road applications. Off-road vehicles experience large suspension displacements, where the nonlinear kinematics and damping characteristics of suspension elements are significant. These nonlinearities tend to degrade the performance of active suspension systems, introducing harshness to the ride quality and reducing off-road mobility. Typical control strategies rely on linear time-invariant models of the suspension dynamics. While these models are convenient, nominally accurate, and tractable due to the abundance of linear control techniques, they neglect the nonlinearities and time-varying dynamics present in real suspension systems. One approach to improving the effectiveness of active vehicle suspension systems, while preserving the benefits of linear control techniques, is to estimate and cancel the nonlinearities using feedback linearization. In this paper, the authors demonstrate an intelligent parameter estimation approach, using structured artificial neural networks, that continually "learns" the nonlinear parameter variations of a quarter-car suspension model. This estimation algorithm becomes the foundation for an intelligent feedback linearization (IFL) controller for active vehicle suspensions. Results are presented for real-time experimental tests and field evaluations on a military HMMWV. These results clearly demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of this approach as a tool for rapid, online development of vehicle suspension models and controllers.
Evolving Societal Risks and Necessary Precautions in the Age of Nuclear Power and Therapeutic Radiation: An American Perspective

Terrorism involving nuclear or radiologic weapons can devastate populations, city infrastructures, and entire sociopolitical systems. In our age of nuclear medicine and therapeutic radiation delivery, the unauthorized and illegal acquisition of radioactive materials needed for such an attack is always a possibility and risk. Physicians handling high-energy isotopes for medical radiotherapy must be aware of the basic security requirements as outlined by the Nuclear Regulation Commission, which include background checks and authorized access, physical protection during radionuclide use, and physical protection during its transit. The Leksell Gamma Knife and its Category 1 cobalt-60 radioactive source are discussed because of their significant potential for deployment in a weaponized device. Although this article presents a perspective relating to American rules and regulations, these precautions are applicable anywhere that similar situations exist. Understanding these materials and the security they require is essential to preventing the disastrous outcomes should these isotopes fall into terrorists' hands.
Koch Institute Symposium on Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy

The 12th annual summer symposium of The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT was held in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on June 14, 2013. The symposium, entitled “Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy,” focused on recent advances in preclinical research in basic immunology and biomedical engineering and their clinical application in cancer therapies. The day-long gathering also provided a forum for discussion and potential collaborations between engineers and clinical investigators. The major topics presented included (i) enhancement of adoptive cell therapy by engineering to improve the ability and functionality of T cells against tumor cells; (ii) current therapies using protein and antibody therapeutics to modulate endogenous antitumor immunity; and (iii) new technologies to identify molecular targets and assess therapeutic efficacy, and devices to control and target drug delivery more effectively and efficiently. Cancer Immunol Res; 1(4); 217–22. ©2013 AACR.
Day-length encoding through tonic photic effects in the retinorecipient SCN region.

The circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) plays a critical role in seasonal processes by sensing ambient photoperiod. To explore how it measures day-length, we assessed the state of SCN oscillators using markers for neuronal activity (c-FOS) and the clock protein (PER1) in Syrian hamsters housed in long (LD, 16 : 8 h light : dark) vs. short days (SD, 8 : 16 h light : dark). During SD, there was no detectable phase dispersion across the rostrocaudal extent of the nucleus. In contrast, during LD, rhythms in the caudal SCN phase led those in the mid- and rostral SCN by 4–8 h and 8–12 h, respectively. Importantly, some neurons in the retinorecipient core SCN were unique in that they were FOS-positive during the dark phase in LD, but not SD. Transfer of LD animals to constant darkness or skeleton photoperiod revealed that dark-phase FOS expression depends on tonic light exposure rather than on intrinsic clock properties. By transferring animals from SD to LD, we next discovered that there are two separate populations of SCN cells, one responding to acute and the other to tonic light exposure. The results suggest that the seasonal encoding of daylength by the SCN entails reorganization of its constituent oscillators by a subgroup of neurons in the SCN core that respond to tonic photic cues.
Poling-time dependence of the field-induced phase transition and piezoelectric response of poly(vinylidene fluoride) films

Abstract : The poling time dependence of the field induced phase transition (from phase II to polar phase II) of biaxially oriented poly(vinylidene fluoride) films by x-ray methods have been examined. These results were compared with the poling time dependence of the piezoelectric response (d sub 31 and e sub 31) determined by using a Piezotron Model U (Toyo Seiki, Tokyo). The piezoelectric response shows an initial rapid increase with poling time followed by a slow increase as the poling time increases. The x-ray results show that the field induced phase transition is time dependent, and occurs first for those crystallites with their a axes perpendicular to the film surface. Crystallites with a in the plane of the film transform at a much slower rate. The data indicate that the poling time dependence of d sub 31 and e sub 31 (and, presumably, film polarization) are dependent on the transition rates.
The Key Role of Anaplerosis and Cataplerosis for Citric Acid Cycle Function

cycle is thecentral process in energy metabolism. However, the TCA cyclealso functions in biosynthetic pathways in which intermediatesleave the cycle to be converted primarily to glucose, fatty acids,or non-essential amino acids. If TCA cycle anions are removedfrom the cycle they must be replaced to permit its continuedfunction. This process is termed
Refractory superconductor S-N-S microbridges

We have successfully fabricated Nb‐Au‐Nb planar proximity‐effect microbridges and increased our understanding of their behavior through the use of simple models. The magnitude and temperature dependence of the critical current are explained in terms of soft boundary conditions by combining Ginzburg‐Landau analysis near Tc with the Likharev‐Usadel approach at low temperatures. The low‐voltage behavior near Tc is in good qualitative agreement with numerical calculations of the traditional TDGL model.