cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feeding Tolerance, Intestinal Motility, and Superior Mesenteric Artery Blood Flow in Infants with Gastroschisis.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) blood flow and intestinal motility with feeding tolerance in infants with gastroschisis. Study design This was a prospective observational cohort study of 23 infants with gastroschisis. Magnetic resonance images were obtained at abdominal wall closure, initiation of feeds, and full feeds. Motility and SMA flow data were correlated with feeding tolerance. Result All infants had abnormal motility, and most continued with abnormal motility despite achieving full feeds. Increased SMA flow at the time of abdominal wall closure was found to be significantly related to the earlier achievement of full feeds (ρ = -0.45, p = 0.05) and trended towards earlier initiation of feeds (ρ = -0.36, p = 0.13), shorter parenteral nutrition days (ρ = -0.42, p = 0.07), and earlier discharge (ρ = -0.41, p = 0.08). Conclusion Increased SMA blood flow at the time of abdominal wall closure is positively correlated with feeding tolerance, suggesting the importance of initial intestinal perfusion in the pathophysiology for feeding intolerance and intestinal dysmotility in gastroschisis.
Data-driven acceleration of first-principles saddle point and local minimum search based on scalable Gaussian processes

Abstract The potential energy surface (PES), the mapping from high-dimensional space of atomic positions to the free energy level of a material system, is important for building structure–property relationships at the atomistic level. The PES can be constructed by calculating the system energy with first-principles approaches such as density functional theory (DFT). Searching for local minima, saddle points, and minimum energy paths (MEPs) on the PES is the essential task in functional materials design. But it is very challenging because of the curse of dimensionality and the numerical approximation errors involved in constructing the PES. In this chapter, a first-principles local minima and saddle points searching method based on a scalable Gaussian process (GP), called GP-DFT, is described. The searching algorithm is performed based on the DFT calculation and a concurrent searching method for MEPs assisted by the GP surrogate model that approximates the PES. The concurrent searching method is able to locate multiple MEPs on the PES simultaneously. The surrogate model is composed of multiple local GPs, where each corresponds to a subset of observations in the complete dataset. The potential energy is then predicted using a weighted linear average scheme of the posterior means for each local GP. The scalable GP scheme is developed to alleviate the computational bottleneck of the classical GP method. The uncertainty associated with the potential energy prediction is quantified through the posterior variance of the surrogate model. Two computational materials examples of studying hydrogen embrittlement in Fe and FeTi systems are used to demonstrate the scalability and efficiency of the proposed searching algorithm.
Urinary biomarkers as a predictor of outcome in pediatric sepsis

Objectives: To determine the prognostic ability of urinary biomarkers in paediatric sepsis with or without AKI. Methodology: A single-center pilot prospective observational study was conducted in the 12-bedded multidisciplinary PICU of a tertiary referral and teaching hospital in South India over a period of 18 months. Children aged 1 month to 18 years admitted to PICU with diagnosis of sepsis were considered for inclusion. We excluded those with chronic kidney disease, anuria or brain death at admission and hospital stay < 24 hours. Demographic and clinical details, severity of illness, organ dysfunctions, details of PICU interventions and outcomes were recorded. Urine samples were collected within 24 hours of admission to test for 7 biomarkers (α1 microglobulin, FABP-1, MMP-8, NGAL, KIM-1, IGFBP-7, IL-18). All patients were followed up for 14 days and categorized into two groups: sepsis associated AKI (SA-AKI) and sepsis without AKI (Sepsis non-AKI, SN-AKI) using AKIN criteria. Results: Total of 45 children were enrolled, of which 25 had AKI (SA-AKI) and 20 did not (SN-AKI). Among SA-AKI patients, 9 had Stage 1 AKI, while rest had stage 3 AKI. Twenty patients with AKI required mechanical ventilation and 16 required renal replacement therapy. PRISM III, PELOD and SOFA score at admission were similar among SA-AKI and SN-AKI, however, PELOD and SOFA scores on day 3 were significantly higher among SA-AKI children (p<0.05). Median urinary concentrations of the 7 biomarkers tested were higher in SA-AKI group compared to SN-AKI group, but only KIM-1 and IGFBP-7 were statistically significant (p=0.0003 and p=0.0024 respectively). KIM-1 ≥18.18 pg/ml had area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC-ROC) of 0.85±0.07(CI0.70-0.95) with 83.3% sensitivity and 88.8% specificity, while IGFBP-7 ≥98pg/ml had AUC-ROC of 0.80±0.08(CI0.64-0.92) with 72.2% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity. None of the biomarkers showed significant correlation with AKI stage. In SA-AKI group, α1 microglobulin was significantly higher in those who died compared to those who survived (p=0.035). Overall mortality was more in SA-AKI group compared to SN-AKI group (44% vs 5.4%, p=0.003), there was no significant difference in length of PICU stay. Conclusion: SA-AKI is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Specific urinary biomarkers (KIM-1, IGFBP-7) were significantly elevated in the sepsis patients who developed AKI compared to those who did not. α1 microglobulin can predict survival in SA-AKI.
Alternative Performance Targets for Integrating Cover Crops as a Proactive Herbicide-Resistance Management Tool

Intensified cover-cropping practices are increasingly viewed as a herbicide-resistance management tool but clear distinction between reactive and proactive resistance management performance targets is needed. We evaluated two proactive performance targets for integrating cover-cropping tactics, including (1) facilitation of reduced herbicide inputs and (2) reduced herbicide selection pressure. We conducted corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] field experiments in Pennsylvania and Delaware using synthetic weed seedbanks of horseweed [Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist] and smooth pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus L.) to assess winter and summer annual population dynamics, respectively. The effect of alternative cover crops was evaluated across a range of herbicide inputs. Cover crop biomass production ranged from 2,000 to 8,500 kg ha-1 in corn and 3,000 to 5,500 kg ha-1 in soybean. Experimental results demonstrated that herbicide-based tactics were the primary drivers of total weed biomass production, with cover-cropping tactics providing an additive weed-suppression benefit. Substitution of cover crops for PRE or POST herbicide programs did not reduce total weed control levels or cash crop yields but did result in lower net returns due to higher input costs. Cover-cropping tactics significantly reduced C. canadensis populations in three of four cover crop treatments and decreased the number of large rosettes (>7.6-cm diameter) at the time of preplant herbicide exposure. Substitution of cover crops for PRE herbicides resulted in increased selection pressure on POST herbicides, but reduced the number of large individuals (>10 cm) at POST applications. Collectively, our findings suggest that cover crops can reduce the intensity of selection pressure on POST herbicides, but the magnitude of the effect varies based on weed life-history traits. Additional work is needed to describe proactive resistance management concepts and performance targets for integrating cover crops so producers can apply these concepts in site-specific, within-field management practices.
Does an Enhanced Recovery Program for Lobectomy Improve Surgical Outcomes

Enhanced recovery after surgery focuses on minimizing psychological and physiological stress to patients as they progress along their surgical journey. The goal is to return to normal functional status as soon as possible and involves pre-, intra- and postoperative interventions. The main goal of enhanced recovery is an optimization of pain after surgery, using opioid sparing strategies that address the pain at all level of the pain pathways from the nociceptor initial site to the central pain receptors in the brain. These strategies have resulted in a better patient experience but also showed that the size of the incision is not a factor in patient’s recovery any longer. The focus of this review is to analyze the data supporting these findings and review the impact on traditional surgical outcomes and fitness for additional cancer treatment in an oncological setting.
Introduction to Michel Foucault’s “Political Spirituality as the Will for Alterity”

AbstractAn introduction to an interview with Michel Foucault in 1979, which contextualizes his general stance on the Iranian uprising, as well as his conception of philosophical journalism and poli...
Full-field stress computation from measured deformation fields: A hyperbolic formulation

Abstract Recent developments in imaging techniques and correlation algorithms enable measurement of strain fields on a deforming material at high spatial and temporal resolution. In such cases, the computation of the stress field from the known deformation field becomes an interesting possibility. This is known as an inverse problem. Current approaches to this problem, such as the finite element update method, are generally over-determined and must rely on statistical approaches to minimize error. This provides approximate solutions in some cases, however, implementation difficulties, computational requirements, and accuracy are still significant challenges. Here, we show how the inverse problem can be formulated deterministically and solved exactly in two or three dimensions for large classes of materials including isotropic elastic solids, Newtonian fluids, non-Newtonian fluids, granular materials, plastic solids subject to co-directionality, and some other plastic solids subject to associative or non-associative flow rules. This solution is based on a single assumption of the alignment of the principal directions of stress and strain or strain rate. No further assumptions regarding incompressibility, pressure independence, yield surface shape or the hardening law are necessary. This assumption leads to a closed, first order, linear system of hyperbolic partial differential equations with variable coefficients. The solution of this class of problems is well established and hence the equations can be solved to give the solution for any geometry and loading condition, enabling broad applicability to a variety of problems. We provide a numerical proof-of-principle study of the plastic deformation of a two-dimensional bar with spatially varying yield stress and strain hardening coefficient. The results are validated against the solution of the corresponding forward problem – solved with a commercial finite element solver – indicating the solution is exact up to numerical error (the normalized root mean square error of the stress is 1 . 63 × 1 0 − 4 ). No model calibration or material parameters are required. The sensitivity of the solution to error in the input data is also analyzed. Interestingly, this solution procedure lends itself to a simple physical interpretation of stress propagation through the material. Finally, we provide some examples showing how this approach may be analytically applied to both solid and fluid mechanics problems.
Becoming…in Lagos: a time-narration approach to city-identification in an African metropolis

The “public narratives” of Africa’s largest metropolis—Lagos—in terms of “Ilu Eko” and “No Man's Land” pave a path to exploring “ontological narratives” which Lagosresidents use to make sense of ur...
Field deployment of a mid-IR dual-comb spectrometer based on quantum cascade lasers

We describe a recent field deployment of a dual-comb spectrometer based on quantum cascade lasers in the city of Boston, MA. We report on the construction of the deployable instrument and in-field spectrometer performance.
Speech Recognition: B

Online learning algorithms update their estimates as additional observations are made. Section 12.1 explains a simple example: online linear regression. The stochastic gradient projection algorithm is a general technique to update estimates based on additional observations; it is widely used in machine learning. Section 12.2 presents the theory behind that algorithm. When analyzing large amounts of data, one faces the problems of identifying the most relevant data and of how to use efficiently the available data. Section 12.3 explains three examples of how these questions are addressed: the LASSO algorithm, compressed sensing, and the matrix completion problem. Section 12.4 discusses deep neural networks for which the stochastic gradient projection algorithm is easy to implement.
Disruption of Mitochondrion-To-Nucleus Interaction in Deceased Cloned Piglets

Most animals produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) are heteroplasmic for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in clones therefore requires the coordinated expression of genes encoded by the nuclear DNA and the two sources of mitochondria. Such interaction is rarely studied because most clones are generated using slaughterhouse oocytes of unrecorded origin. Here we traced the maternal lineages of seven diseased and five one-month-old live cloned piglets by sequencing their mtDNA. Additionally by using a 13K oligonucleotide microarray, we compared the expression profiles of nuclear and mtDNA-encoded genes that are involved in mitochondrial functions and regulation between the cloned groups and their age-matched controls (n=5 per group). We found that the oocytes used to generate the cloned piglets were of either the Large White or Duroc background, and oocyte genetic background was not related to the clones' survival. Expression profiles of mtDNA-encoded genes in clones and controls showed intermixed clustering patterns without treatment or maternal lineage-dependency. In contrast, clones and controls clustered separately for their global and nuclear DNA-encoded mitochondrial genes in the lungs for both the deceased and live groups. Functional annotation of differentially expressed genes encoded by both nuclear and mtDNA revealed abnormal gene expression in the mitochondrial OXPHOS pathway in deceased clones. Among the nine differentially expressed genes of the OXPHOS pathway, seven were down-regulated in deceased clones compared to controls, suggesting deficiencies in mitochondrial functions. Together, these data demonstrate that the coordination of expression of mitochondrial genes encoded by nuclear and mtDNA is disrupted in the lung of diseased clones.
Kinetic study of autothermal reforming of glycerol in a dual layer monolith catalyst

Abstract Kinetic study of autothermal reforming of glycerol was performed in a dual layer monolith catalyst to be used in the design of chemical reactors to optimize product (H 2 and CO) yield and more efficiently adjust the H 2 /CO ratio. The catalytic partial oxidation catalyst layer is in direct contact with the steam reforming catalyst layer next to the monolith wall with the two reactions thus occurring in one reactor. Kinetic experiments were carried out to measure the effects of the steam to carbon molar ratio, oxygen to carbon molar ratio, and temperature on the rate of reaction. Mass and heat transfer resistances were found to be negligible. Reaction rate expressions were based on proposed reaction mechanisms using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood approach. Non-linear regression was performed to obtain kinetic constants and activation energy. The later was found to be about 131 kJ/mol. Mechanistic considerations indicated that glycerol underwent non-dissociative adsorption and steam underwent dissociative adsorption. The modeling results were successfully validated with experimental data.
Weather Modification Regulation

Weather modification regulations from current laws of 23 states were rated against features of legislation of a model law. States that have legislation for regulation of weather modification typically require a license of the activity, payment of a fee, and establish penalties for violation. Individual states vary widely in the degree to which their regulation incorporates the elements of the model legislation. Some states have no regulation at all. In other states regulatory procedures correspond closely to the model legislation.
Malignant Mixed Tumor of Skin

Mixed tumor of the skin is an uncommon neoplasm of sweat gland origin that usually occurs on the head and neck of adults (although malignant mixed tumor is more common in the trunk or extremities). It bears histological similarity to salivary gland mixed tumors (also known as pleomorphic adenomas) in that it possesses an epithelial glandular component admixed with a myoepithelial/mesenchymal stromal component. Although usually benign, rare examples of mixed tumor of the skin may show malignant histological features and/or behave in an aggressive fashion giving rise to local recurrence and regional and distant metastases and resulting in tumor-related mortality. Fewer than 50 cases of malignant mixed tumor have been reported in the literature, almost all of which are single case reports.
Non-Invasive Calculation of Energy Loss in Pulmonary Arteries Using 4D Phase Contrast MRI Measurement

The recent development of energy based endpoints, to quantify the pathophysiology of congenital heart disease such as tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), requires accurate measurement of cardiac blood flow and pressure data. Consequently, invasive cardiac catheterization is required for those measurements. In this research we used 4D phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC MRI) data to determine the pressure drop non-invasively. This enables us to obtain pressure-flow variation, which, in turn, allowed us to calculate energy loss along the branch pulmonary arteries (PA). Based on our result, we believe that the hemodynamic status of the PA of a subject can be non-invasively evaluated by both pressure drop and energy loss values along the PA.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Do UCC an Issue?: A Look at Why Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Chose Not to Opt in to Article 8

Although critical of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. ("MERS") and the MERS System, this article will take a look into the history and structure of MERS and question whether it would have been more appropriate for MERS to opt in to Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code, which governs investment property. MERS is analogous to the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation in that it immobilizes mortgages in an indirect holding system. Part I of this article provides a brief history of Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code and the indirect holding system for securities. This section will then discuss the evolution and function of the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation and its subsidiaries in present-day securities trading. Part II gives a more detailed explanation of the history of MERS and discusses its role in facilitating the purchase, sale, and swap of mortgage pools between secondary mortgage market participants. Parts IV and V of this article take a look at whether MERS could have opted in to Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code given the nature of the underlying financial asset being traded and describe the consequences of opting in for MERS. This Article concludes by agreeing with the critics’ arguments and proffers the idea that the founders of MERS structured the system to achieve regulatory remoteness.
Research‐Informed Policy Change: A Retrospective on Engineering Admissions

Background Few studies have investigated how engineering education admission policies contribute to the underrepresentation of specific groups. Transforming these policies may significantly affect who becomes an engineer. This article reports the outcome of using research results to inform change in admission policy at a Midwestern public university. Purpose There were three research questions: Is there statistically significant evidence of admission decision gender bias for engineering applicants? Do affective and cognitive factors predictive of engineering student success differ between men and women? Can a difference in the resulting admitted class be confirmed when such factors inform admission policy? Design/Method Admissions records were examined for differences in cognitive metrics between men and women. Student records were analyzed before and after the policy change. Neural network modeling of student records predicted the cognitive and affective measures most important for success in retention and graduation. Results Statistical analysis indicated a gender bias in the admission process results, which was traced back to the policy. Success factor modeling suggested a different set of criteria could mitigate this bias. After admission criteria were changed, statistical analysis confirmed the gender bias against women was mitigated. Conclusions The application of research and the change process described shows the important role of research in motivating and informing policy change. This work highlights the contribution of institutional bias in admission policy to the underrepresentation of groups in engineering education, especially if admission is limited to a minimum standardized math test score.
A Modular Collaborative Parallel CFD Workbench

Simulation of physical phenomena on computers has joined engineering mechanics theory and laboratory experimentation as the third method of engineering analysis design. It is in fact the only feasible method for analyzing many critically important phenomena, e.g., quenching, heat treating, full scale phenomena, etc. With the rapid maturation of inexpensive parallel computing technology, and high performance communications, there will emerge shortly a totally new, highly interactive computing/simulation environment supporting engineering design optimization. This environment will exist on Internet employing interoperable software/hardware infrastructures emergent today. A key element of this will involve development of computational software enabling utilization of all HPCC advances. This paper introduces the concept and details the development of a user-adapted computational simulation software platform prototype on the Internet.
Gastrointestinal Anatomy and Function

The field of nutrition has advanced significantly in recent years because of experimental work conducted on a broad spectrum of animal species.
An EMD-Based Spectrum Sensing Technique for Cognitive Radio Networks

Precise noise estimation is essential in enhancing spectrum sensing techniques as estimating the wrong noise power may result in increasing the missed detection or false alarm rates. In this paper, we have created a new technique based on Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD). Intrinsic Mode Functions (EMD output) of Gaussian noise were proven to follow a distinct characteristic, or behavior. This behavior is exploited to make an occupancy decision for a given bandwidth. Further, a non- parametric threshold is derived and used to determine how many occupied channels are presented. The proposed method exhibits a probability of detection of 96% at -12 dB. Further, a gain of 11 dB is achieved when comparing this method with other EMD-based spectrum sensing approaches.
Cyclic Strengths Compared for Two Sampling Techniques

Two distinctly different field sampling and laboratory preparation procedures, used to obtain similar sand samples for cyclic testing, are documented. A comparison of the cyclic strengths of the samples is presented together with examinations of optimum techniques in undisturbed sampling and sample preparation. One procedure used included Pitcher barrel sampling, followed by laboratory trimming by mechanical extrusion into smaller diameter brass molds. The second procedure included hand-carved block sampling followed by either further hand-trimming, freezing and trimming, or saturation and trimming. The block-sampling and hand-trimming preparation procedure resulted in significantly higher cyclic strengths corroborating the concept that disturbance effects can cause major reductions in the cyclic strength of dense sand samples.
Efficient barriers for distributed shared memory computers

Barrier algorithms are central to the performance of numerous algorithms on scalable, high-performance architectures. Numerous barrier algorithms have been suggested and studied for non-uniform memory access (NUMA) architectures, but less work has been done for cache only memory access (COMA) or attraction memory architectures such as the KSR-1. We present two new barrier algorithms that offer the best performance we have recorded on the KSR-1 distributed cache multiprocessor. We discuss the trade-offs and the performance of seven algorithms on two architectures. The new barrier algorithms adapt well to a hierarchical caching memory model and take advantage of parallel communication offered by most multiprocessor interconnection networks. Performance results are shown for a 256-processor KSR-1 and a 20-processor Sequent Symmetry. >
Daily Energy Expenditure of Nestling Bald Eagles in Northern Wisconsin

Abstract We measured field metabolic rate of nestling Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in northern Wisconsin, using doubly-labeled water. In inland northern Wisconsin and along the Wisconsin Lake Superior shore, eaglets aged 39–60 days, weighing 3.08–4.85 kg, expended an average of 2,427 ± 100 kJ day−1. Nestling field metabolic rate was weakly correlated with nestling age, but not with mass. Field metabolic rate of eaglets can be used to estimate the biomass of food that adult eagles must provide from their environment, a datum that is important for determination of habitat suitability.
Metric development and score reporting in Rasch measurement.

This article: 1) describes problems in score reporting with the True-Score Model, 2) presents a definition of the Rasch measurement unit, the logit, 3) reviews various transformations of the logit metric, and 4) provides examples of score reporting procedures. Two data sets are used. The first contains dichotomous data drawn from responses to a multiple-response statistics examination taken by Ph.D. students; the second contains polychotomous data from a self-efficacy assessment given to war veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Effervescence and Solidarity in Religious Organizations

This project is an effort to test and extend Randall Collins’ interaction ritual theory in the context of religious organizations. The theory proposes that optimal management of bodily copresence, intersubjectivity, and barriers to outsiders stimulates collective effervescence and social solidarity. I use mixed methods to test the theory. In the quantitative phase of research, I create measures of the ritual dynamics using data from the United States Congregational Life Survey (2001). I find strong support for several of the hypotheses, including the fundamental idea from Durkheim that effervescence stimulates solidarity. The quantitative findings also point to several extensions of the theory, such as the need to account for social density (an element of copresence) and service length (an element of intersubjectivity). In the qualitative phase of research, I observe rituals and talk with focus groups at six different types of religious organizations. Again, I find strong support for major propositions from the theory. For example, the two organizations (Promised Land Baptist and Congregation Shalom) who rally around a perceived need to defend themselves against specific outsiders exhibit the highest levels of effervescence in the sample. The qualitative findings reveal several additional extensions of the theory. As one example, I find that the content of solidarity symbols, whether collectivist (e.g., Promised Land Baptist) or individualist (e.g., First Baptist), conditions organizations’ ritual proficiency. As another example, qualitative analysis confirms the finding from the quantitative analysis that service length positively correlates with effervescence. The findings in this study are applicable to a wide range of research questions in sociology, as interaction ritual theory is a guide for understanding how groups and organizations arrive at shared identities, morals, and ideologies through micro-level interaction.
Hydrothermal synthesis and crystal and molecular structure of a binuclear dioxovanadium(V) species exhibiting a bridging HPO42− ligand, [(VO2)2(HPO4)(2,2′-bipy)2]·H2O

Abstract The hydrothermal reaction of V2O5, CuO, 2,2′bipyridine, H3PO4, n-Bu4NOH, and H2O in the mole ratio 1.0:0.86:2.05:3.54:1.40:449 at 160°C for 46 h yields [(VO2)2(HPO4)(2,2′-bipy)2]·H2O (1). The binuclear species is constructed from two edge-sharing dioxovanadium(V) octahedra, exhibiting a {V2O4} core in the anti-coplanar orientation. Two binuclear units are linked through the hydrogen atoms of pendant {OP–OH} groups on adjacent dimers to give a dimer of dimers, in a manner reminiscent of carboxylic acids. Crystal data: [(VO2)2(HPO4)(2,2′-bipy)2]·H2O (1): monoclinic P21/n, a=9.244(6) A, b=16.197(3) A, c=15.334(2) A, β=99.35(3)°, V=2265(1) A, Z=4; 2900 reflections; R=0.039, Rw=0.046.
Qualification of adhesives for marine composite-to-steel applications

This paper describes a logical method for the design and certification of adhesively-bonded composite to steel joints for the marine industry. Normally certification is based on documented service at sea. Since these joints have not been previously deployed at sea, no data on their performance exists. Using an integrated combination of mechanical property evaluation and finite element modeling, the load bearing capacity of a joint can be compared to the anticipated seaway loads. Calculated factors of safety for the sandwich design used here show that the joint has adequate strength to maintain structural integrity even after severe environmental exposure.
Happiness and stress alter susceptibility to cardiac events in Long QT Syndrome.

Objective: We sought to determine whether the circumstances preceding an arrhythmic event differed from those preceding a prior control occasion in patients with Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), a well-characterized genetic disorder that puts affected individuals at risk for sudden cardiac death. Methods: Thirty-eight patients (89% female) with LQTS completed a “case-crossover interview” in which each patient served as his/her own control by reporting on circumstances preceding an arrhythmic event (syncope, aborted cardiac arrest, or defibrillator discharge) and preceding a control occasion (the next-to-last birthday). On average the interview was conducted 17 months after the cardiac event and control occasion. Results: During the 24-hour period preceding the cardiac event compared to the day before the control occasion, psychological stress was elevated, peak happiness was reduced, and peak exertion was not significantly different. Rated for the 6-month intervals preceding the event and control occasions, none of these three variables was significantly associated with events. Conclusions: Happiness is associated with a reduction in the 24-hour risk of cardiac events in patients with LQTS, with stress having an opposite effect. To our knowledge, this is the first report indicating that positive emotion may have a protective effect on life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. This study lends further support to the role of emotions in influencing cardiac events in arrhythmia-prone patients.
Toxic Bradycardias in the Critically Ill Poisoned Patient

Cardiovascular drugs are a common cause of poisoning, and toxic bradycardias can be refractory to standard ACLS protocols. It is important to consider appropriate antidotes and adjunctive therapies in the care of the poisoned patient in order to maximize outcomes. While rigorous studies are lacking in regards to treatment of toxic bradycardias, there are small studies and case reports to help guide clinicians' choices in caring for the poisoned patient. Antidotes, pressor support, and extracorporeal therapy are some of the treatment options for the care of these patients. It is important to make informed therapeutic decisions with an understanding of the available evidence, and consultation with a toxicologist and/or regional Poison Control Center should be considered early in the course of treatment.
Effects of soil phosphorus and Glomus intraradices on growth, nonstructural carbohydrates, and photosynthetic activity of Citrus aurantium

Sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) grown in low-P (9–12 ppm) and high-P (420 ppm) soil inoculated with or without Glomus intraradices (G.i.), were evaluated for biomass, carbohydrates, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBPCase), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase) activity, leaf 14CO2 incorporation, and other physiological parameters. Growth of plants in the low-P, noninoculated soil was lowest, with total dry biomass reduced up to half of the low-P, inoculum treatment. Total nonstructural carbohydrates were 40% lower in leaves of plants in the low-P, noninoculated soil, compared with the other treatments. Inoculation of the low-P soil enhanced leaf 14CO2 incorporation by 67%, total chlorophyll content by 28%, and RuBPCase activity by 42%, compared with low-P, noninoculated treatment. Improved P-use efficiency by G.i. in low-P soil was comparable to high-P nutrition in improving leaf 14CO2 incorporation and concentration of major leaf photosynthetic products that include starch and sucrose. Leaf PEPCase activity in the low-P, noninoculated treatment, however, was at least threefold higher than the other treatments, suggesting a possible alteration in organic acid metabolism in sour orange leaves as a result of P deficiency.
Targeting tobacco in a community-based addiction recovery cohort: Results from a computerized, brief, randomized intervention trial

Abstract Introduction Nearly 80% of substance dependent individuals also use tobacco, and smoking cessation efforts during treatment for other substance use is associated with similar or even improved outcomes. However, smoking cessation is not routinely addressed during treatment for substance use disorders. The present study tested a computerized brief motivational intervention (C-BMI) for smoking cessation in an understudied population: a cohort recruited from a recovery community organization (RCO) center. Methods Following baseline assessment, participants were randomly assigned to either a 30-minute C-BMI plus access to free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), or an information-only control group plus NRT access. Results Reductions in CO were observed for both groups. Quit rates in the C-BMI group (5%–7%, vs. 0% for the control group) approximated those observed elsewhere for physician advice and minimal counseling. Participants in the C-BMI group were also more likely to express a desire to quit. Conclusions Computer-delivered smoking cessation interventions within RCOs appear feasible. These organizations treat a wide variety of individuals, and C-BMIs for smoking in this context have the potential to reduce smoking-related morbidity and mortality.
Investigation of an EMI sensor for detection of large metallic objects in the presence of metallic clutter

Electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensors and magnetometers have successfully detected surface laid, buried, and visually obscured metallic objects. Potential military activities could require detection of these objects at some distance from a moving vehicle in the presence of metallic clutter. Results show that existing EMI sensors have limited range capabilities and suffer from false alarms due to clutter. This paper presents results of an investigation of an EMI sensor designed for detecting large metallic objects on a moving platform in a high clutter environment. The sensor was developed by the U.S. Army RDECOM CERDEC NVESD in conjunction with the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.
Amino acid comparison of the class I antigens of mouse major histocompatibility complex.

The amino acid sequences of the mouse class I antigens are shown. Residues which are conserved between all class I molecules are specified only on the H-2K d reference sequence at the top of each page, and are left as blank spaces elsewhere. The amino acid sequences of the characterized class I mutants are shown only in those domains bearing amino acid substitutions with respect to their parental alleles. Sequences are listed from N- to C-termini starting with the α1 domain
Optimal portfolio delegation when parties have different coefficients of risk aversion

We consider the problem of delegated portfolio management when the involved parties are risk-averse. The agent invests the principal's money in the financial market, and in return he receives a compensation which depends on the value that he generates over some period of time. We use a dual approach to explicitly solve the agent's problem analytically and subsequently we use this solution to solve the principal's problem numerically. The interaction between the principal's and the agent's risk aversion and the optimal compensation scheme is studied and, for example, in the case of the more risk averse agent according to common folklore the principal should optimally choose a fee schedule such that the agent's derived risk aversion decreases. We illustrate that this is not always the case.
Design and Characterization of Poly(dimethylsiloxane)-Based Valves for Interfacing Continuous-Flow Sampling to Microchip Electrophoresis

This work describes the fabrication and evaluation of a poly(dimethyl)siloxane (PDMS)-based device that enables the discrete injection of a sample plug from a continuous-flow stream into a microchannel for subsequent analysis by electrophoresis. Devices were fabricated by aligning valving and flow channel layers followed by plasma sealing the combined layers onto a glass plate that contained fittings for the introduction of liquid sample and nitrogen gas. The design incorporates a reduced-volume pneumatic valve that actuates (on the order of hundreds of milliseconds) to allow analyte from a continuously flowing sampling channel to be injected into a separation channel for electrophoresis. The injector design was optimized to include a pushback channel to flush away stagnant sample associated with the injector dead volume. The effect of the valve actuation time, the pushback voltage, and the sampling stream flow rate on the performance of the device was characterized. Using the optimized design and an inje...
Advanced Optical Negative Index Materials

Optical negative refractive-index materials are changing our approaches to manipulating light for filtering, signal processing, and imaging. We describe new approaches to dealing with their initial limitations including loss, limited acceptance angle, and design complexity.
Hyperglycemia and beta-cell adaptation during prolonged somatostatin infusion with glucagon replacement in man.

To assess the relationship between β-cell function and the level and duration of hyperglycemia during generalized β-cell impairment, we studied the effects of acute and prolonged infusion of somatostatin in seven normal men. Twenty minutes after beginning an acute infusion of somatostatin (200 μg/h) plus glucagon replacement (0.75 ng/kg/min), plasma glucose (PG) remained unchanged, but plasma insulin (IRI) and acute insulin response to isoproterenol had fallen markedly. Seventy minutes after beginning somatostatin-plus-glucagon, a rise in PG was associated with an increase in the acute insulin response to isoproterenol, though not to the control level. In a separate study, after 46 h of the somatostatin-plus-glucagon infusion, at a glucose level similar to the 70-min level, plasma insulin had returned nearly to the control level and the acute insulin response to isoproterenol had returned completely to the control level. Such increases in basal and stimulated insulin secretion most likely represent a time-dependent adaptation by the β-cells to the persistent hyperglycemia. First- and second-phase insulin responses to intravenous glucose were markedly inhibited after 46 h of somatostatin-plus-glucagon. In summary, a 46-h infusion of somatostatin with glucagon replacement in humans leads to hyperglycemia, a slightly diminished basal insulin level, markedly decreased insulin responses to glucose, and an insulin response to isoproterenol maintained at a normal level by acute and probably chronic adaptation to the hyperglycemia. We speculate that β-cell adaptation to hyperglycemia may explain the similar abnormalities of islet function observed in patients with NIDDM.
Microwave vortex dissipation of superconducting Nd-Ce-Cu-O epitaxial films in high magnetic fields.

The microwave vortex dissipation of superconducting ${\mathrm{Nd}}_{1.85}$${\mathrm{Ce}}_{0.15}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{\mathit{x}}$ epitaxial films is investigated by use of a sapphire dielectric-ring resonator in the whispering gallery modes, and in dc magnetic fields ranging from 0 to 25 kG. By extending the Coffey-Clem model to the thin-film and finite-grain-size limit, we infer important material parameters, including the irreversibility line, vortex pinning potential, pinning force constant and viscosity, through a direct least-squares fit to the microwave-absorption data.
Analysis of the structural requirements for lysosomal membrane targeting using transferrin receptor chimeras.

Abstract The sorting of membrane proteins to the lysosome requires tyrosine- or dileucine-based targeting signals. Recycling receptors have similar signals, yet these proteins seldom enter the latter stages of the endocytic pathway. To determine how lysosomal and internalization signals differ, we prepared chimeric molecules consisting of the cytoplasmic tails of CD3 γ-chain, lysosomal acid phosphatase, and lysosomal-associated membrane glycoprotein-1, each fused to the transmembrane and extracellular domains of the transferrin receptor (TR). Each chimera was expressed on the cell surface and rapidly internalized. Metabolic pulse-chase experiments showed that the CD3 γ-chain and lysosomal acid phosphatase chimeras, unlike the lysosomal-associated membrane glycoprotein chimera, were rapidly degraded in a post-Golgi compartment following normal glycosylation. Transplantation of signals from CD3 γ-chain and lysosomal acid phosphatase into the TR cytoplasmic tail in place of the native signal, Y20TRF23, indicated that each signal was sufficient to promote endocytosis but not lysosomal targeting of the resulting mutant. Transplantation of two CD3 signals at specific sites in the TR cytoplasmic tail or a single tyrosine-based signal in a truncated TR tail, however, was sufficient to promote lysosomal targeting. Our results therefore suggest that the relative position of the signal within the cytoplasmic tail is a critical feature that distinguishes lysosomal targeting signals from internalization signals.
Analysis and Improvement of the Crosstie Overlay Slow-Wave Structure

The crosstie overlay slow-wave structure is analyzed by the generalized spectral domain approach. A modified structure with lower conductor loss is presented and analyzed. Experiments that confirm slow-wave propagation in these structures are conducted and the results obtained are compared with calculated data.
Facile synthesis of mesoporous γ-alumina with tunable pore size: The effects of water to aluminum molar ratio in hydrolysis of aluminum alkoxides

Abstract We report a facile synthesis of mesoporous alumina catalysts supports which enables control of pore structure, including pore diameter, by controlled hydrolysis of aluminum alkoxides without addition of a template or structural directing agent. By employing low water to alumina molar ratios and varying this ratio from 2 to 15, we are able to synthesize γ-alumina catalyst supports with different pore structures. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen gas adsorption, and comparative adsorption analysis were performed to determine structures of these materials. After calcination at 700 °C for 2 h, surface areas of these synthesized alumina catalyst supports range from 240 to 320 m 2 /g, average pore range from 4 to 18 nm, and pore volumes range from 0.4 to 1.6 cm 3 /g. Accordingly, this synthetic strategy provides a facile route to the controlled synthesis of nanostructured alumina catalyst supports with customized pore structures.
Comparative anticholinesterase action of organophosphorus insecticides in vertebrates.

Abstract Parathion, malathion, and Guthion were poor inhibitors of mammalian, avian, or piscine brain cholinesterases in vitro . The oxygen analogs of these insecticides were potent inhibitors. In general, avian brain cholinesterases were more sensitive to paraoxon than the cholinesterases of mammalian brains. Fish brain cholinesterases were much more resistant than mammalian. This was consistent with the relative susceptibilities of mice, sunfish, and chickens to poisoning by parathion and paraoxon. Avian brain cholinesterases were much more resistant to inhibition by Gutoxon than mammalian brain cholinesterases, and this agreed with the relatively high resistance of chickens to poisoning by Guthion and Gutoxon. Sunfish were more susceptible than mice to poisoning by Gutoxon, but their brain cholinesterase was only twice as sensitive as mouse brain cholinesterase to inhibition by Gutoxon. Differences in the sensitivities of brain cholinesterases of different species to inhibition by malaoxon were less marked. Additional studies are necessary to obtain a quantitative evaluation of the relative importance of rates of metabolism and sensitivity of cholinesterases to inhibition as determinants of species differences in susceptibility to poisoning by organophosphate insecticides. The results of this investigation indicate, however, that for some compounds species differences in the sensitivities of the cholinesterases to inhibition are sufficiently large to modify the influence of differences in rates of metabolism.
Paediatric gastroenterology. On a knife-edge--weight-loss surgery for NAFLD in adolescents.

A new position statement from Europe endorses expert-based recommendations to consider bariatric surgery as a treatment for severe NAFLD in severely obese adolescents. This article discusses the problem of severe paediatric obesity, its relationship with NAFLD, and the knowledge and needs regarding bariatric surgery in adolescents.
Vortices and dissipation in a bilayer thin film superconductor

Vortex dynamics in a bilayer thin film superconductor are studied through a Josephson-coupled double layer $XY$ model. A renormalization group analysis shows that there are three possible states associated with the relative phase of the layers: a free vortex phase, a logarithmically confined vortex-antivortex pair phase, and a linearly confined phase. The phases may be distinguished by measuring the resistance to counterflow current. For a geometry in which current is injected and removed from the two layers at the same edge by an ideal (dissipationless) lead, we argue that the three phases yield distinct behaviors: metallic conductivity in the free vortex phase, a power law $I\text{\ensuremath{-}}V$ in the logarithmically confined phase, and true dissipationless superconductivity in the linearly confined phase. Numerical simulations of a resistively shunted Josephson junction model reveal size dependencies for the resistance of this system that support these expectations.