cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monitoring temperature and tissue-dependent changes via electrical impedance trajectories during therapy

ABSTRACT The low frequency ( 10 MHz) electrical impedance of a volume of tissue is sensitive to its temperature and its responseto heating and other stresses. Major tissue changes, such as those accompanying higher hyperthermic temperatures orprolonged ischemia, are not necessarily reversible unless detected in time to alleviate the stress. Thus, it is imperative toassess the temperature and/or tissue changes in real-time if adequate monitoring ofthermal treatments is to be accomplished. To this end, we focus on the use of electrical impedance measurements of a volume of tissue at temperatures in the hyperthermia region ( 47°C) where tissue responses occur at a rate which is controllable. First, using well controlledfreshly excised tissue data, we examine the prototypical impedance changes associated with the early and later stages ofnecrosis within a tissue subjected to heating and ischemia. Then, impedance measurements made non-invasively, in vivo,in HT29 tumors are used to demonstrate the differences caused by different thermal treatments and from differences in theischemic condition of the tissues. The electrical impedance signature of the tumors were indicative of certain cellular-levelchanges occurring within the tumors. The histological findings corroborate the ability ofthe electrical impedance to reportthese cellular changes. The changes are consistent with the cells proceeding along the path of necrosis. Initial cell swellingappears to be largely due to ischemia, and the cell lysing and tumor response to the defined period of heating.Keywords: electrical impedance, heat, hyperthermia, ischernia
Disseminated coccidioidomycosis with pericarditis. Successful treatment with amphotericin B.

Pericarditis with effusion can occur as a complication of disseminated coccidioidomycosis. Information on management of this condition is very scanty in the medical literature. One case is described in detail. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy with amphotericin B have been emphasized as keys to success in trading this condition.
The Treatment of Marine Heavy Fuels for Gas Turbine Combustion

The resurgence of interest in the heavy duty gas turbine for marine use is due in a large part to its ability to burn residual and crude fuels. Generalities involving fuel treatment requirements have been bandied about for years and often the wrong information is used by unknowledgeable individuals when making quotations or bid evaluations. The purpose of this paper is to present firm information on the treatment of marine fuels for heavy duty gas turbines.
Infrared Spectra of Organic Monolayers on Mica

A method is described for obtaining infrared spectra of an organic monolayer film on muscovite mica. This task is normally difficult because mica is not metallic, and it has biaxial optical properties and produces large interference fringes when analyzed in transmission or reflection because of reflections off the front and back of a sheet. The method involves the transmission of parallel-polarized light, incident at the Brewster's angle, through a mica sheet that is oriented along one of its principal optical directions.
Safety and efficacy of radiofrequency energy catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators.

Background Catheter ablation has significantly transformed the clinical management of atrial fibrillation (AF). The safety and efficacy of this procedure are not well understood in patients with pacemakers and defibrillators. Objectives The purpose of this study was to study the impact of radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF in patients with pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators. Methods We studied 86 patients with pacemakers and defibrillators (group I) and a similar number of age- and gender-matched controls (group II) who underwent AF ablation between 1999 and 2004. Clinical and procedural variables were compared between the two groups. In group I, various generator and lead parameters were compared before and after the procedure. Resurgence of clinical AF after 2 months was considered recurrence. Results Both groups were similar with regard to age, gender, body mass index, and type of AF. Group I had a higher incidence of diabetes (17% vs 6%, P = .03), coronary artery disease (25% vs 13%, P = .05), less prolonged AF (31 ± 21vs 45 ± 30 months, P P = .03), and left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions (4.97 ± 0.81 vs 4.72 ± 0.67, P = .03). No changes in the sensing and pacing thresholds, impedance of atrial and ventricular leads, or defibrillator coil impedance after AF ablation were observed in group I. Atrial lead dislodgment was seen in two patients. Transient abnormal but "expected" pulse generator behavior was seen in 25% of patients without permanent malfunction. Stroke (1% vs 1%, P = 1.000), pulmonary vein stenosis (2% vs 1%, P = .77), and AF recurrence rates at 12 months were similar between groups I and II, respectively (19% vs 21%, P = .73). Conclusion AF ablation is safe and efficacious in patients with pacemakers and defibrillators.
Freedom from congestion predicts good survival despite previous class IV symptoms of heart failure.

Abstract Background This study determined whether evidence of congestion after 4 to 6 weeks of heart failure management predicted outcome for patients hospitalized with chronic New York Heart Association class IV symptoms. Class IV symptoms predict high mortality rates, but outcome is not known for patients who improve to establish freedom from congestion. Revised estimates at 1 month could facilitate decisions regarding transplantation and other high-risk interventions. Methods At 4 to 6 weeks after hospital discharge, 146 patients were evaluated for congestion by 5 criteria (orthopnea, jugular venous distention, edema, weight gain, and new increase in baseline diuretics). Heart failure management included inpatient therapy tailored to relieve congestion, followed by adjustments to maintain fluid balance during the next 4 weeks. Results Freedom from congestion was demonstrated at 4 to 6 weeks in 80 (54%) patients, who had 87% subsequent 2-year survival compared with 67% in 40 patients with 1 or 2 criteria of congestion and 41% in 26 patients with 3 to 5 criteria. The Cox proportional hazards model identified left ventricular dimension, pulmonary wedge pressure on therapy, and freedom from congestion as independent predictors of survival. Persistence of orthopnea itself predicted 38% 2-year survival (without urgent transplantation) versus 77% in 113 without orthopnea. Serum sodium was lower and blood urea nitrogen and heart rate higher when orthopnea persisted. Conclusions The ability to maintain freedom from congestion identifies a population with good survival despite previous class IV symptoms. At 4 to 6 weeks, patients with persistent congestion may be considered for high-risk intervention. (Am Heart J 2000;140:840-7.)
Cochlear ablation effects on amino acid levels in the chinchilla cochlear nucleus

Inner ear damage can lead to hearing disorders, including tinnitus, hyperacusis, and hearing loss. We measured the effects of severe inner ear damage, produced by cochlear ablation, on the levels and distributions of amino acids in the first brain center of the auditory system, the cochlear nucleus. Measurements were also made for its projection pathways and the superior olivary nuclei. Cochlear ablation produces complete degeneration of the auditory nerve, which provides a baseline for interpreting the effects of partial damage to the inner ear, such as that from ototoxic drugs or intense sound. Amino acids play a critical role in neural function, including neurotransmission, neuromodulation, cellular metabolism, and protein construction. They include major neurotransmitters of the brain - glutamate, glycine, and γ-aminobutyrate (GABA) - as well as others closely related to their metabolism and/or functions - aspartate, glutamine, and taurine. Since the effects of inner ear damage develop over time, we measured the changes in amino acid levels at various survival times after cochlear ablation. Glutamate and aspartate levels decreased by 2weeks in the ipsilateral ventral cochlear nucleus and deep layer of the dorsal cochlear nucleus, with the largest decreases in the posteroventral cochlear nucleus (PVCN): 66% for glutamate and 63% for aspartate. Aspartate levels also decreased in the lateral part of the ipsilateral trapezoid body, by as much as 50%, suggesting a transneuronal effect. GABA and glycine levels showed some bilateral decreases, especially in the PVCN. These results may represent the state of amino acid metabolism in the cochlear nucleus of humans after removal of eighth nerve tumors, which may adversely result in destruction of the auditory nerve. Measurement of chemical changes following inner ear damage may increase understanding of the pathogenesis of hearing impairments and enable improvements in their diagnosis and treatment.
Molecular basis for the polyamine-ompF porin interactions: inhibitor and mutant studies.

By testing the sensitivity of Escherichia coliOmpF porin to various natural and synthetic polyamines of different lengths, charge and other molecular characteristics, we were able to identify the molecular properties required for compounds to act as inhibitors of OmpF in the nanomolar range. Inhibitors require at least two amine groups to be effective. For diamines, the optimum length of the hydrocarbon spacer was found to be of eight to ten methylene groups. Triamine molecules based on a 12-carbon motif were found to be more effective that spermidine, an eight-carbon trivalent derivative. But differences in inhibition efficiencies were also found for trivalent compounds depending on the relative position of the internal secondary amine group with respect to the terminal groups. Finally, quaternary ammonium derivatives had no effect, suggesting that the nature of the terminal amine is important for the interaction. From these observations, we deduce that inhibition efficiency in the nanomolar range requires a 12-carbon chain triamine with terminal primary amine groups and replacement of the eighth methylene by a secondary amine. The need for this type of molecular architecture suggests that inhibition is governed by interactions between specific amine groups and protein residues, and that this is not simply due to the accumulation of charges into the pore. Together with previous observations from site-directed mutagenesis studies and inspection of the crystal structure of OmpF, these results allowed us to propose three residues (D113, D121 and Y294) as putative sites of interaction between the channel and spermine. Alanine substitution at each of these three residues resulted in a loss of inhibition by spermine, while mutations of only D113 and D121 affected inhibition by spermidine. Based on these observations, we suggest a model for the molecular determinants involved in the porin-polyamine interaction.
Effects of anisomycin and CNS stimulants on brain catecholamine synthesis

Mice were injected with anisomycin, an inhibitor of cerebral protein synthesis; d-amphetamine, strychnine, or caffeine was administered 30 min later. Fifteen min before sacrifice at 1 or 2 hr after injection of anisomycin, 3H-tyrosine was injected intravenously, and catecholamine synthesis rates were estimated by measurement of the specific activity of 3H-tyrosine and the accumulation of 3H-norepinephrine and 3H-dopamine. Anisomycin decreased synthesis rates of catecholamines, but this effect was not significantly affected by any of the CNS stimulants. These results suggest that the recently reported reversal of anisomycin-induced amnesia by these stimulants is not due to an attenuation of brain catecholamine synthesis inhibition.
Vicious jejuno-colostomy with chronic ileac obstruction: Importance of intestinal localization

I N cases of grave intestina1 obstruction prompt surgica1 treatment is required. The centra1 precept in this treatment is usuaIIy decompression of the bowe1 by an enterostomy which often may be estabhshed before an attempt may be made to correct the cause of the obstruction. UsuaIIy, the enterostomy wiI1 be of the externa1 type (Hendon or WitzeI), but 0ccasionaIIy an entero-enterostomy or an enterocoIostomy wiI1 seem to be indicated. In the event that the Iatter treatment be adopted, it is of utmost importance for the surgeon to be famiIiar with the methods of intestina1 IocaIization. The foIIowing case report iIIustrates the disastrous effects of the improper anastomosis of the high jejunum to the transverse coIon when low ileum was intended.
WHAT'S INFORMAL ABOUT THE INFORMAL SECTOR? CULTURE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF DEVELOPMENT IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

ABSTRACT Development in Sub-Saharan Africa has been constructed from a viewpoint of westernization and modernization. This is mostly the case with the duality or dichotomy between the informal and formal sectors of African production and employment. Informal economic activity is associated with indigenous systems of production and culture and has increasingly been viewed as inferior to formal sector activity which is associated with modern systems of production and European culture. These two sectors are viewed as opposite to each other. Critical assessment of the division between formal and informal sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa indicates that such a dichotomy is misplaced. Yet, this division between sectors has been used as the basis for policy formulation. Using wood producers in Kumasi, this paper illustrates that the dichotomy between formal and informal sectors is not based on economics, negates the contribution of indigenous production to development, and stifles growth of production in Sub-Saharan...
Empathic Action and Family Resilience: A Narrative Examination of the Benefits of Helping Others

ABSTRACT Empathy is identified as a protective factor that has been helpful for children considered at high risk for poor mental health and social functioning due to experiencing stressful circumstances such as family violence, substance abuse of a parent, or poverty. Yet, little is known about its relevance to a family's ability to overcome adversity. This study examined the narratives of 20 resilient families who maintained family functioning despite experiencing a multitude of risk factors including poverty, death of a child, significant health problems, or substance abuse problems. Narrative analysis was used to identify the ways families situated empathic actions within their stories of resilience. Findings suggest families developed increased compassion for others as a result of their own experiences with loss, trauma, or stress and discussed how helping others increased their ability to cope with the challenges they faced. Future research and practice implications are outlined and support the usefu...
Outcomes of opening wedge osteotomy to correct angular deformity in little finger clinodactyly.

Purpose To evaluate the outcomes and complications in a series of children with clinodactyly treated with opening wedge osteotomy of the abnormal phalanx. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all children with clinodactyly treated at our institution with opening wedge osteotomy of the abnormal middle phalanx between 2003 and 2013. Patients with concomitant pathology or prior surgery in the affected finger were excluded. Preoperative and postoperative clinical angle, radiographic angle, digital range of motion, and pain were compared and complications were recorded. Results We included 13 digits in 9 patients. All had greater than 20° of preoperative clinical angulation (mean, 36°). Mean age at time of surgery was 11 years; mean duration of follow-up was 25 months (range, 12–43 mo). All digits had significant improvement (mean, 32°) in clinical and radiographic angles after surgery. This improvement was maintained at final follow-up in 12 digits. Six patients had pain preoperatively and no patient had pain postoperatively. One digit had a recurrent deformity at final follow-up and 3 digits developed stiffness at the distal interphalangeal joint. Conclusions Opening wedge osteotomy is an effective treatment for angulation in children with clinodactyly. We counsel families regarding the risk of distal interphalangeal joint stiffness. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
On Jacobi functions and multiplication theorems for integrals of Bessel functions

In this paper, the product of a Jacobi polynomial and function is shown to generate the Jacobi polynomial. This type of expansion was previously known for all the classical orthogonal polynomials except the Jacobi. The result is then used to obtain generalizations to Watson's [10] multiplication theorem involving integrals of Bessel functions. The integrals considered are of the form ∝∞0 t1−λJv(tx1) Jμ(tx2) Jσ(tx3) Jτ(tx4) dt.
Influence of the critical velocity on deformation of launcher components

Abstract This paper is related to the dynamics of hypervelocity electromagnetic launchers. A projectile accelerating along launcher rails may cross a range of critical velocities and induce structural resonance. As a result, the rails and other components exhibit increased displacements and stress that may affect launcher performance and lead to premature launcher failure. This work is a continuation of our previous studies of the critical velocity and resulting transient resonance that was performed for a notional hypervelocity launcher [Nechitailo NV, Lewis KB. Critical velocity for rails in hypervelocity launchers. In: Proceedings of the 2005 hypervelocity impact symposium. International Journal of Impact Engineering Dec. 2006; 33: 485–495; Lewis KB, Nechitailo NV. Transient resonance in hypervelocity launchers at critical velocities [Selected papers from the 13th Electromagnetic Launch Technology (EML) Symposium, Potsdam, Germany, May 22–25, 2006]. IEEE Transactions on Magnetics Jan. 2007; 43 (No. 1, Part II): 157–162 [1,2]]. Analytical models including Bernoulli–Euler model of a beam resting on an elastic foundation and the Timoshenko and Flugge tube models as well as finite element tools helped to better understand the transient resonant regimes in launcher components and offered insight on how to alter the launching device materials and geometry to reduce the critical-velocity effects. Analysis showed that the various components of a launcher can have different critical velocities and there is a possibility of enhanced group resonance in the assemblies. The resonance in the launcher assembly can be reduced by controlling the bending stiffness of the individual components. Finite element models were used to illustrate the influence of variations in materials of launcher components on the resulting critical velocities, intensity of the group resonance, and resulting maximum displacements and stress.
Dispersion studies on the system La2O3γ-Al2O3

Abstract According to the literature and earlier studies in this laboratory, lanthanum oxide appears to be the best of the known additives for inhibiting the sintering of high-surface-area aluminas. The substrates of the present studies were largely γ-alumina, with minor components of transition aluminas, σ-alumina, and possibly θ-alumina. Alumina samples with different lanthanum concentrations, produced by impregnation with aqueous lanthanum nitrate, followed by calcination at various temperatures, were studied by chemisorption of carbon dioxide, Auger electron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). All results are consistent with the following description: Up to a concentration of 8.5 μmol La m 2 , the lanthana is in the form of a two-dimensional overlayer, invisible by XRD or Raman spectroscopy. For greater lanthana concentrations, the excess lanthana forms crystalline oxides, detectable by XRD. In samples calcined to 650 °C, this crystalline phase is cubic lanthanum oxide. After calcination at 800 °C, the lanthana reacts to form the lanthanum aluminate LaAlO3.
Teachers' Choices of Test-Item Formats for Classes With Diverse Achievement Levels

Abstract Junior and senior high school teachers in core subject areas (n = 102) were randomly assigned to read 1 of 3 scenarios describing classrooms composed of students of different ability levels: all low-ability, all high-ability, or both high- and low-ability students. After reading the assigned scenario, teachers indicated how they would assign test items over the dimensions of item type and cognitive complexity for the students described. Teachers also gave estimates of difficulty and pass rate for different types of items. Teachers who read scenarios about a high-achieving class reported that they would construct tests with significantly fewer recognition than essay items, whereas teachers who read scenarios about a low-achieving or a mixed-ability class reported that they would construct tests with more recognition items than essay items. Teachers who read scenarios describing low- and mixed-ability classrooms included significantly more memorization and application items than higher order items.
Microbiology of Fresh and Restructured Lamb Meat: A Review

Microbiology of meats has been a subject of great concern in food science and public health in recent years. Although many articles have been devoted to the microbiology of beef, pork, and poultry meats, much less has been written about microbiology of lamb meat and even less on restructured lamb meat. This article presents data on microbiology and shelf-life of fresh lamb meat; restructured meat products, restructured lamb meat products, bacteriology of restructured meat products, and important foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes in meats and lamb meats. Also, the potential use of sodium and potassium lactates to control foodborne pathogens in meats and restructured lamb meat is reviewed This article should be of interest to all meat scientists, food scientists, and public health microbiologists who are concerned with the safety of meats in general and lamb meat in particular.
Design of a Low-Turbulence, Low-Pressure Wind-Tunnel for Micro-Aerodynamics

A novel wind-tunnel facility has been designed for measurement of lift and drag on micromachined airfoils. The tunnel is designed to operate with pressures ranging from 0.15 to 1.0 atmosphere, over a velocity range of 30 to 100 mls, allowing for independent control of Reynolds and Knudsen number. The tunnel is designed for testing of airfoils with chords of 10 to 100 microns, giving a range of Reynolds numbers from 10 to 600, with Knudsen numbers reaching 0.01. Due to the structural constraints of the airfoils being tested, the wind tunnel has a 1 cm cross-section. This small size allows the use of a 100-1 contraction area, and extremely fine turbulence screens, creating a low turbulence facility. Computational fluid dynamics is used to show that an ultra-short 100-1 contraction provides uniform flow without separation, or corner vortices. Velocity data obtained with impact and hot-wire probes indicate uniform flow and turbulence intensities below 0.5%.
High pressure luminescence probes in polymers

High pressure luminescence has proved to be a very powerful tool for characterizing crystalline solids and liquids. Two problems involving glassy polymers are analyzed. In the first problem the excited states of azulene and its derivatives are used to probe intermolecular interactions in PMMA and PS. In the second problem the change in emission intensity with pressure from two excimer states of polyvinylcarbazole as a pure polymer and in dilute solution in polystyrene (PS), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polyisoliutylene (PIB) is studied. The relative emission from the two states depends strongly on the possibility for motion of polymer segments. The observations are related to the proximity to the glass transition.
G-protein regulator LGN inhibits the activity of soluble guanylyl cyclase

Background Nitric oxide binds with the heme moiety of sGC and activates sGC several hundred folds the cGMP-forming activity of the enzyme. Although nitric oxide is the major physiological regulator of sGC function, the extent of this activation is influenced by a number of cellular factors, e.g. ATP, substrate GTP, reaction products, intracellular calcium, etc. Several proteins, such as HSP70, HSP90 and CCTh, where shown to interact with sGC and modulate its function.
Democratizing Teacher Education

In this article, the authors argue that teacher education needs to make a fundamental shift in whose knowledge and expertise counts in the education of new teachers. Using tools afforded by cultural historical activity theory (CHAT) and deliberative democracy theory, they argue that by recasting who is considered an expert, and rethinking how teacher candidates and university faculty cross institutional boundaries to collaborate with communities and schools, teacher education programs can better interrogate their challenges and invent new solutions to prepare the teachers our students need. Drawing on examples from joint-work among universities, schools, and communities in a variety of teacher education programs, they highlight the possibilities and complexities in pursuing more democratic work in teacher education.
Total-dose and single-event effects in DC/DC converter control circuitry

Total-dose and single-event effects in the linear control circuitry of DC/DC power converters are examined. Catastrophic failure, induced by error-amplifier total-dose irradiation, is compared for two modes of operation. The use of a more robust restart mechanism to maintain the operation of the converter at a much higher dose level is presented. Single events result in missing pulses at the output of the control circuitry. Hybrid and integrated (SG1525A) pulse width modulators are evaluated to illustrate the missing-pulse results.
Experimental phenylketonuria in the monkey.

Summary1. Prolonged and sustained elevated phenylalanine plasma values have been observed in monkeys fed 3 g of L-phenylalanine 3 times daily. 2. Phenylpyruvic acid was excreted in the urine of these animals. 3. The biochemical findings are comparable to those found in phenylketonuria.
On the Role of Estimate-and-Forward With Time Sharing in Cooperative Communication

In this paper, we focus on the general relay channel. We investigate the application of the estimate-and-forward (EAF) relaying scheme to different scenarios. Specifically, we study assignments of the auxiliary random variable that always satisfy the feasibility constraints. We then consider the Gaussian relay channel with coded modulation, where we show that a three-level quantization outperforms the Gaussian quantization commonly used to evaluate the achievable EAF rates in this scenario. Last, we consider the cooperative general broadcast scenario with a multistep conference between the receivers. We first apply EAF to obtain a general achievable rate region with a multistep conference. We then use an explicit assignment for the auxiliary random variables to obtain an explicit rate expression for the single common message case with a two-step conference.
Optimal reduced order solution of the weakly coupled discrete Riccati equation

The optimal solution of the weakly coupled algebraic discrete Riccati equation is obtained in terms of a reduced order continuous-type algebraic Riccati equation, using the bilinear transformation. The proposed method has a convergence rate O( epsilon /sup 2/), where epsilon represents a small coupling parameter, and is applicable under quite mild assumptions. The method also reduces offline computational requirements. >
Emission dynamics of donor and acceptor substituted PPV for photovoltaic applications

Conjugated polymers are a new class of material that can combine the electronic and optical of inorganic compound semiconductors with the ease of processing and mechanical manipulation of plastics[1] It has been demonstrated for some time that the donor (p-type) conjugated polymers help stabilize and transport the positive charges (holes), and acceptor (n-type) conjugated polymers help stabilize and transport the negative charges (electrons), thus photo induced electron transfer and charge separation observed in organic composites of donors and acceptors offeres a potential organic molecular approach to high efficiency light harvesting or opto-electronic applications[2, 3] In the following experiments, the donor block (D) is an alkyloxy derivatized polyphenylenevinylene or "RO-PPV", the acceptor block (A) is an alkyl-sulfone derivatized polyphenylenevinylene or "SF-PPV". The bridge unit that was studied was a diamine terminated bridge unit. The synthesis of 2-ethyl-hexyl derivatized RO-PPV and SF-PPV conjugated blocks, and the synthesis of dialdehyde bridged --DBAB- have been recently presented [4], The synthesized --DBAB- has been characterized by NMR, GPC, MALDI, thermal analysis, electrochemical analysis, electrical conductivity, electron microscopy, etc [12]. The studies of --DBAB- morphology of the thin films and the photoluminescence, and luminescence lifetime are presented.
A simple analysis of the blast initiation of detonations

Abstract A detonation can be initiated in a fuel-oxidizer cloud by a blast wave of sufficient strength. The Zel'dovich criterion for initiation is that the blast energy must be such that when the pressure ratio across the shock front has decayed to the Chapman-Jouguet value, the distance traveled by the shock must be at least of the order of the reaction zone thickness. A modified version of this criterion has been expressed in quantitative form, and used to determine a dimensionless initiation energy using the stoichiometric value as a reference. Good agreement was found between the theory and experimentally measured initiation energies for MAPP-air, and C 2 H 2 -O 2 mixtures. The theory also predicts the variation of initiation-energy with ambient pressure.
On iterative decoding methods for lattice based space-time coded systems with EXIT chart analyses

In this paper, we study iterative demodulation and decoding methods for lattice based space-time coded systems concatenated with convolutional codes. We propose two methods based on the idea of soft interference cancellation and in one method scalar Gaussian approximation is used and in the other method vector Gaussian approximation is used. We also present the EXIT chart analyses for the performance analyses for these iterative methods. Both theoretical and simulation results show that the performance of the vector Gaussian approximation method is the same as that of the linear MMSE method. The complexity of the scalar Gaussian approximation method is the lowest among the different methods and grows linearly with the transmission rate while it still has an acceptable performance. Full diversity and full rate lattice based space-time coding is compared with the V-BLAST scheme and simulations show that the former one has a better performance than the later one even with the proposed suboptimal iterative demodulation and decoding methods.
Input filter design for current-programmed regulators

The design of input filters for switched-mode regulators is discussed, and it is shown that the filter's effect on the power system depends on the control method used in the regulator's DC-DC converter. Design inequalities are reviewed for duty-ratio programmed converters, and specific expressions are presented for current-programmed converters. Examples of application to practical regulator circuits are given, where current-programmed criteria, computer-driven measurement tools, and numerical evaluations of analytic expressions are used to design input filters from laboratory data or from specified black box parameters. >
Mitochondrial fragmentation and superoxide anion production in coronary endothelial cells from a mouse model of type 1 diabetes

Aims/hypothesis Mitochondria frequently change their shapes by fusion and fission and these morphological dynamics play important roles in mitochondrial function and development as well as programmed cell death. The goal of thisstudy istoinvestigate whether:(1) mitochondriainmouse coronary endothelial cells (MCECs) isolated from diabetic mice exhibit increased fragmentation; and (2) chronic treatment with a superoxide anion (O2 − ) scavenger has a beneficial effect on mitochondrial fragmentation in MCECs. Methods MCECs were freshly isolated and lysed for protein measurement, or cultured to determine mitochondrial morphology and O2 − production. For the ex vivo hyperglycaemia experiments, human coronary endothelial cells were used. Results Elongated mitochondrial tubules were observed in MCECs isolated from control mice, whereas mitochondria in MCECs from diabetic mice exhibited augmented fragmentation. The level of optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) protein, which leads to mitochondrial fusion, was significantly decreased, while dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), which leads to mitochondrial fission, was significantly increased in MCECs from diabetic mice. Diabetic MCECs exhibited significantly higher O2 − concentrations in cytosol and mitochondria than control MCECs. Administration of the O2 − scavenger TEMPOL to diabetic mice for 4 weeks led to a significant decrease in mitochondrial fragmentation without altering the levels of OPA1 and DRP1 proteins in MCECs. High-glucose treatment for 24 h significantly induced mitochondrial fragmentation, which was restored by TEMPOL treatment. In addition, excess O2 − production, either in cytosol or in mitochondria, significantly increased mitochondrial fragmentation. Conclusions/interpretation These data suggest that lowering the O2 − concentration can restore the morphological change in mitochondria and may help improve mitochondrial function in diabetic MCECs.
Science and Democracy in Youth Environmental Action – Learning “Good” Thinking

Society increasingly faces scientifically and politically complex problems (e.g., climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental injustice), which require citizens have capability to participate in public processes that incorporate scientific analysis with deliberation about societal goals. Environmental action could be one avenue for developing young people’s capabilities to participate in science and democracy. “Youth environmental action” refers to a process in which youth and adults co-create environmental and social change. This in turn builds young people’s capabilities for further participation in personal and community transformation. As an educational approach, environmental action aims not to modify specific behaviors like recycling or saving water, but rather engages youth in planning and taking action on environmental issues they find relevant. In addition to improving natural and built environments, these experiences can help youth grow as citizens because they involve authentic participation in community issues. Drawing on literature in the fields of civic education and science education, we argue that environmental action occurs at the intersection of youth civic engagement and inquiry-based science education. We share the results of an exploratory study investigating the interplay of science and civic engagement in 10 programs that engage youth in local environmental action in New York State. Scientific practice and civic engagement share several characteristics, including questioning assumptions, understanding systems, considering alternative explanations, and debating critically within a community. Our research suggests that environmental action involves a civic-science synergy because it concurrently engages youth in civic and scientific processes through which they can develop the critical dispositions and skills characteristic of both endeavors.
Maladaptive mood repair responses distinguish young adults with early-onset depressive disorders and predict future depression outcomes

Background. Clinical depression involves persistent dysphoria, implicating impaired affect regulation or mood repair failure. However, there is comparatively little information about the mood repair repertoires of individuals with histories of clinical depression, how their repertories differ from that of never-depressed people, and whether particular types of mood repair responses differentially contribute to depression risk. Method. Adult probands who had childhood-onset depressive disorder (n=215) and controls with no history of major mental disorder (n=122) reported which specific (cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal and somatic-sensory) responses they typically deploy when experiencing sad affect, including responses known to appropriately attenuate dysphoria (' adaptive' responses) and those known to exacerbate dysphoria in the short or long run (' maladaptive' responses). Subjects were longitudinally followed and evaluated. Results. Remitted probands and probands in depressive episodes both reported a greater number of maladaptive responses and fewer adaptive responses to their own sadness than did controls, although probands did not have an absolute deficiency of adaptive responses. Maladaptive (but not adaptive) mood repair responses predicted future increases in depression symptoms and an increased probability of a recurrent depressive episode among probands (even after controlling for several clinical predictors of course). Post-hoc analyses revealed that maladaptive non-cognitive and maladaptive cognitive mood repair response sets each predicted depression outcomes. Conclusions. Individuals with past and present episodes of depressive disorder report an array of cognitive and non-cognitive responses to their own sadness that are likely to exacerbate that affect, and this pattern predicts a worse course of the disorder.
Texas Department of Transportation Fly Ash Database and the Development of Chemical Composition–Based Fly Ash Alkali-Silica Reaction Durability Index

AbstractChemical compositions of approximately 5,500 fly ash samples from 36 power plants inside and outside Texas, compiled by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) over 18 years, were statistically analyzed in this study. The variations of oxide contents and their correlations were calculated and compared. Oxide contents of Class F fly ashes were found to be more variable than Class C fly ashes. In general, CaO and MgO contents were higher in Class C fly ashes than in Class F fly ashes, whereas the latter had higher SiO2 content. Other oxide contents of the two classes of fly ashes were comparable. Then, to demonstrate the potential beneficial use of chemical composition information of fly ash, an alkali-silica reaction (ASR) durability index was proposed to predict the comparative performance of fly ash in mitigating ASR in concrete. The index value was calculated using SiO2, Fe2O3, Al2O3, CaO, and equivalent alkali contents. Previously published research on the use of fly ash in mitigating AS...
Impact of polarization-mode dispersion on measurement of zero-dispersion wavelength through four-wave mixing

We develop a vector theory of four-wave mixing and use it to discuss the impact of polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) on measurements of the variations of the zero-dispersion wavelength along an optical fiber. We show that the PMD induces large fluctuations in the idler power and affects considerably the accuracy of such measurements.
Trading convexity for scalability

Convex learning algorithms, such as Support Vector Machines (SVMs), are often seen as highly desirable because they offer strong practical properties and are amenable to theoretical analysis. However, in this work we show how non-convexity can provide scalability advantages over convexity. We show how concave-convex programming can be applied to produce (i) faster SVMs where training errors are no longer support vectors, and (ii) much faster Transductive SVMs.
Using Cash Flow Information and Present Value in Accounting Measurements

Making interest computation in financial reporting often involves estimating future cash flows. But a recent FASB Concept Statement could have far-reaching implications. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Delineating the role of cardiac myosin-specific CD8 T cells in autoimmune myocarditis (BA15P.220)

Enteroviruses like coxsackievirus B3 are common suspects in patients with myocarditis/dilated cardiomyopathy. Previously, it was shown that autoreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes, also called CD8 T cells, have a role in the mediation of myocarditis induced by coxsackievirus B3. But identification of their target antigens in cardiac tissues continued to be a challenge. We have discovered that CD8 T cells have the ability to induce myocarditis in A/J mice by recognizing cardiac myosin heavy chain-alpha (Myhc) as the target antigen. We have localized two peptides designated, trunk 4 and trunk 5 within Myhc that can stimulate CD8 T cells and CD4 T cells. Furthermore, expectedly, CD8 T cells recognizing the Myhc peptides produced predominantly, interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, but not interleukin-17, and A/J mice immunized with the CD8 T cell epitopes, develop myocarditis by active immunization. It has been widely believed that Myhc-induced autoimmune myocarditis is a CD4 T cell-mediated disease. Our discovery creates a paradigm shift in the understanding of how cardiac damage can occur by multiple immune cells that recognize the same target antigens but through different mechanisms.
Intramolecular energy transfer involving heisenberg spin-coupled dinuclear iron-oxo complexes.

The synthesis, structure, and physical properties of a series of oxo-bridged dinuclear Fe(III) complexes containing pendant naphthalene groups are described. The compounds [Fe2O(O2CCH2−C10H7)(tren)2](BPh4)(NO3)2 (8), [Fe2O(O2CCH2−C10H7)(TPA)2](ClO4)3 (9), Fe2O(O2CCH2−C10H7)2(Tp)2 (10), and Fe2O((O2CCH2CH2)2−C10H6)(Tp)2 (11) (where tren is tris(2-aminoethyl)amine, TPA is tris(2-pyridyl)amine, and Tp is hydrotrispyrazolylborate) have been characterized in terms of their structural, spectroscopic, magnetic, and photophysical properties. All four complexes exhibit moderately strong intramolecular antiferromagnetic exchange between the high-spin ferric ions (ca. −130 cm-1 for H = −2JS1·S2). Room-temperature steady-state emission spectra for compounds 8−11 in deoxygenated CH3CN solution reveal spectral profiles similar to methyl-2-naphthyl acetate and [Zn2(OH)(O2CCH2−C10H7)2(TACN-Me3)2](ClO4) (13, where TACN-Me3 is N,N,N-1,4,7-trimethyltriazacyclononane) but are significantly weaker in intensity relative to the...
Update on rational targeted therapy in AML

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a challenge to both patients and clinicians. Despite improvements in our understanding of the disease, treatment has changed minimally and outcomes remain poor for the majority of patients. Within the last decade, there have been an increasing number of potential targets and pathways identified for development in AML. The classes of agents described in this review include but are not limited to epigenetic modifiers such as IDH inhibitors, BET inhibitors, and HDAC inhibitors as well as cell cycle and signaling inhibitors such as Aurora kinase inhibitors and CDK inhibitors. While the developments are encouraging, it is unlikely that targeting a single pathway will result in long-term disease control. Accordingly, we will also highlight potential rational partners for the novel agents described herein.
Nursing Students' Perspectives on Manikins of Color in Simulation Laboratories

Abstract Background Simulation manikins are widely used in undergraduate nursing education programs. However, most of the studies describing simulation have focused on the type of manikins and its impact on learning and not on the color of the manikins. Method This pilot study used a qualitative approach to recruit thirty-eight BSN nursing students who participated in focus groups, responding to questions regarding the use of manikins of color in the simulation labs. Results Major findings revealed four themes: 1) color of manikins makes no difference in skill development, 2) use of manikins of color does not necessarily complement clinical experiences, 3) manikins help to learn/practice skills and build confidence and 4) manikin features are not realistic. Conclusions A major conclusion revealed that manikins of color did not prompt students to think about their care to patients of color while practicing basic skills or engaging in patient care. Merely using manikins of color did not heighten students' sense of cultural diversity or cultural competency in the simulation labs.
Electronic spectroscopy and electronic structure of copper acetylide, CuCCH.

The optical spectrum of the linear CuCCH molecule has been investigated for the first time, using resonant two-photon ionization spectroscopy employing ArF (193 nm) or F2 (157 nm) excimer radiation...
LaC: Integrating laser control in a photonic interconnect

Silicon photonics are an attractive technology for global interconnects in manycore processors. However, they come with significant laser power consumption. Turning off underutilized portions of the interconnect can save 62-92% of the laser power.
A potential role of EGFR-inhibitors for the prevention of BRCA1-related breast cancer.

Abstract #1110 Background: The majority of women who develop a BRCA1-related breast cancer develop an ER-/PR-/HER2- breast cancer. Endocrine prophylaxis does not prevent these ER- breast cancers. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel chemoprevention agents in this population. 67% of BRCA1-associated ER- breast cancers also overexpress epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We therefore examined EGFR as a potential target for chemoprevention Methods: We isolated primary mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) from women with a germline BRCA1 mutation who underwent prophylactic mastectomies and from age-matched controls without a mutation who underwent reduction mammoplasties. We used a three-dimensional matrigel-based colony formation assay to assess clonality and proliferative capacity of these cells as well as their response to EGFR-inhibition. Flow cytometry was used to determine the number of EGF binding sites per cell. As a corresponding mouse model we used conditional MMTV-Cre BRCA1-/-p53+/- mice. Results: HMECs from BRCA1 mutation carriers and from controls express EGFR to a similar extent as HCC1937 BRCA1-associated triple-negative breast cancer cells (5x10 3 binding sites/cell). In ex vivo 3D-cultures we observed that HMECs derived from BRCA1 mutation carriers showed greater clonal and proliferative capacity when compared to normal controls. However while the HMECs derived from BRCA1 mutation carriers and normal controls were equally sensitive to the growth-inhibitory effect of Erlotinib at concentrations as low as 0.2 μM, the ID50 for HCC1937 breast cancer cells was > 10 μM. Similar findings were observed in murine MECs derived from normal control mice as well as BRCA1-/-p53+/- mice which develop breast cancer at the age of 7 to 8 months. Both groups of murine MECs were equally sensitive to Erlotinib growth inhibition. Conclusion: MECs derived from breast tissue of women and mice with a germline BRCA1 mutation express EGFR and are highly sensitive to growth inhibition with the EGFR inhibitor Erlotinib. In contrast, BRCA1-associated HCC 1937 breast cancer cells are more resistant to Erlotinib inhibition despite EGFR expression. We are now studying whether Erlotinib given via oral gavage daily has the potential to delay or prevent breast cancer in this mouse model of BRCA1-related breast cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 1110.