cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of numerical approaches to the solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation in one dimension.

Abstract We present a simple, one-dimensional model of an atom exposed to a time-dependent intense, short-pulse EM field with the objective of teaching undergraduates how to apply various numerical methods to study the behavior of this system as it evolves in time using several time propagation schemes. In this model, the exact Coulomb potential is replaced by a soft-core interaction to avoid the singularity at the origin. While the model has some drawbacks, it has been shown to be a reasonable representation of what occurs in the fully three-dimensional hydrogen atom. The model can be used as a tool to train undergraduate physics majors in the art of computation and software development. Program summary Program Title: 1d hydrogen light interaction Program Files doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/2275fmvdzc.1 Code Ocean Capsule: https://doi.org/10.24433/CO.1476487.v1 Licensing provisions: MIT license Programming language: FORTRAN90 Nature of problem: The one dimensional time dependent Schrodinger equation has been shown to be quite useful as a model to study the Hydrogen atom exposed to an intense, short pulse, electromagnetic field. We use a model potential that is cut-off near x = 0 and avoids the singularity of the true 1-D potential, but retains the characteristic Rydberg series and continuum to study excitation and ionization of the true H atom. The code employs a number of numerical methods to understand and compare the efficacy and accuracy when applied to this model problem. Solution method: The program uses and contrasts a number of approaches; the Crank–Nicolson, Short Iterative Lanczos, various incarnations of the split-operator and the Chebychev method have been programmed. These methods have been compared using a 3-point finite difference (FD) discretization of the space coordinate. For completeness, some attention has also been given to using 5–9 FD formulas in order to show how higher order discretization affects the accuracy and efficiency of the methods but the primary focus of the method is the time propagation. Additional comments including restrictions and unusual features: The main purpose of this code is as a teaching tool for undergraduates interested in acquiring knowledge of numerical methods and programming skills useful to a practicing computational physicist.
Interstitial lung disease in patients with mixed connective tissue disease: pilot study on predictors of lung involvement.

OBJECTIVES Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is an immune-mediated systemic disorder characterised by serum autoantibodies against U1-ribonucleoprotein and diverse multisystemic clinical manifestations. Approximately 50% of patients with MCTD develop a radiologic pattern of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Our single centre, cross-sectional study sought to identify clinical and serologic associations of ILD in patients with MCTD which may serve as predictors of lung disease and prognosis. METHODS Patients who met validated criteria for diagnosis of MCTD were included in the study, and were further differentiated into study and control groups based on presence or absence of ILD. RESULTS Multivariate logistic regression showed an association of two clinical variables: dysphagia with an R2 value of 0.33 (p-value <0.001) and Raynaud's phenomenon with R2 value of 0.28 (p-value <0.001). CONCLUSIONS An association of dysphagia with the development of ILD in our study is in harmony with the existing literature. There are primarily case reports, suggesting an association of Raynaud's phenomenon with development of ILD in patients with undifferentiated CTD. To our knowledge, this is the first study highlighting the association of Raynaud's phenomenon with development of ILD in patients with MCTD. The mechanistic aspects of the association between Raynaud's phenomenon and ILD remain unexplored. The association of easily elicited historical and clinical features of MCTD with subtle, but worrisome, pulmonary pathology carries the promise of sensitising the unsuspecting clinician about the entity of ILD in MCTD.
The bidirectional reflectance of black silicon used in space and Earth remote sensing applications

Space-based astrophysical and remote sensing observations often require the detection and measurement of light originating from distant and relatively faint objects. These observations are highly susceptible to scattered light which may introduce imaging artifacts, obscure object details, and increase measurement noise. This paper describes the initial work of characterizing representative black materials used in coronagraph instruments and other spaceborne instruments. Measurements of “blackness” and the achieved reflectance of black silicon are provided in the spectral range from 400nm to 2500nm using 8o directional hemispherical measurements. The bidirectional reflectance of black silicon was also measured at discrete wavelengths, 633nm, and 1064nm, using the optical scatterometer located at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s Diffuser Calibration Laboratory (DCL). A 100mm diameter black silicon sample was fabricated and optically characterized. The BRDF of other well-known black materials such as Z306 and Fractal Black are also presented and discussed.
An Unsupervised Learning Framework for Event Detection, Type Identification and Localization Using PMUs Without Any Historical Labels

The power system requires new monitoring and controls due to changes both at the generation side as well as the load side. Synchrophasor technology with synchronized and high-resolution measurements provided by Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) has been recognized as a key contributing technology for advanced situational awareness, including event identification, where the application of machine learning techniques is a hot topic recently. However, recent methods focus on supervised learning techniques that require event records, which may be unavailable due to labeling cost. Even if labels exist, the uneven labeled data may cause biased learning models. To address these challenges, an unsupervised learning approach is proposed for conducting fast event identification. Specifically, a highly sensitive and accurate change-point detection method is firstly introduced for finding events via data distribution changes. After detection, event type identification is achieved via a two-stage information filtering. In stage 1, we use cluster number in principal component analysis (PCA) to split the event types. In stage 2, we narrow down the type by evaluating cluster compactness for measuring event severity. Finally, we solve the event localization problem based on a hierarchical clustering to group PMUs with significant changes across change points. Numerical results show fast and robust performances of the proposed methods for different events at different locations.
Repair of light rail track through restoration of the worn part of the railhead using submerged arc welding process

A surface worn C-Mn rail is repaired by retrieving the lost part of the railhead using a commercial rutile flux-cored wire submerged arc welding (SAW) method. Optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Rockwell B hardness test are employed to investigate the properties of the repaired rail specimen. After the first set of analysis, the as-repaired rail is heated up to 1100 °C and water-quenched to room temperature to increase hardness. Each specimen is analytically partitioned into three zones including weld zone (WZ), heat-affected zone (HAZ), and the unaffected rail substrate. The as-repaired rail WZ is primarily composed of pearlite, ferrite, and austenite with a low hardness of 80 HRB, whereas the austenite phase is gone in the as-quenched rail and a massive extent of carbides are precipitated which increased hardness to 95 HRB. The microstructure of the HAZ in the as-repaired sample is a uniform distribution of fine-grained ferrite, pearlite, and carbide with the hardness of 92 HRB, while the microstructure of the identical zone in the as-quenched specimen is mainly martensitic-pearlitic with the highest average hardness among all zones, 110 HRB. The results presented an immense potential for SAW in rail repair.
Abstract TP66: Laboratory Factors Predisposing to Risk of Intracerebral Hemorrhage After IV Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: Laboratory factors associated with hemorrhagic conversion (HC) after Intravenous thrombolysis with rtPA (IVT) for Acute Ischemic Stroke(AIS) remain nebulous despite advances in our know...
A Turn to Practice: Core Practices in Social Studies Teacher Education.

There is growing momentum in teacher education to organize the preparation of teachers around “core practices.” Advocates call for identifying discipline-oriented, research-based teaching moves ass...
Experimental Performance Evaluation of a Hyper-Branched Polymer Electrolyte for Rechargeable Li-Air Batteries

A hyper-branched polymer (HBP) electrolyte is synthesized for rechargeable lithium-air (Li-air) battery cell and experimentally evaluated its performance in actual battery cell environment. Several real-world battery cells were fabricated with synthesized HBP electrolyte, pure lithium metal as anode and an oxygen permeable air cathode to evaluate reproducibility of the rechargeable Li-air battery cell. The effect of various conditions such as various HBP based electrolytes, discharge current - 0.1mA~0.5mA, cathode preparation processes and carbon contents on the battery cell performance were experimentally evaluated using the fabricated battery cells under dry air condition. Detailed HBP electrolyte synthesis procedures and experimental performance evaluation of Li-air battery cell for various conditions are presented. The experimental results showed that different conditions and processes significantly affect the Li-air battery performance. Upon taking into account the effect of different conditions and processes, optimized HBP electrolyte materials, cathode process and conditions were determined. Several Li-air battery cells were fabricated with optimized conditions and optimized battery cell materials to determine the reproducibility and performance consistency. Experimental results showed that over 55~65 hours of discharge occurred over 2.5V terminal cell voltage with all three optimized Li-air battery cells. It implied that the optimized Li-air battery cells were reproducible and were able to hold charge over 2.5V for more than two days. Experimental results of the Li-air battery cell with further refined optimized materials revealed that the battery cell can discharge more than 10 days (i.e. more than 250 hours) at or above 2.0V. The experimental results also showed that the Li-air battery discharge time got shorter as the discharge-charge cycle increases due to increase in internal resistances of battery cell materials. The experimental results confirmed that the lithium-air battery cell can be reproduced without loss of performance and can hold charge more than 10 days at or over 2.0V. The investigation results obtained may usher a pathway to manufacture a long-life rechargeable Li-air battery cell in the near future.
A Bioarchaeological Study of African American Health and Mortality in the Post-Emancipation U.S. South

After emancipation, most African Americans remained tethered to agricultural economies, while others migrated to cities seeking better opportunities. Although bioarchaeologists have made significant interventions in researching people of African descent, there are relatively few published comparative studies that address their morbidity and mortality after slavery. This study compares the bioarchaeological evidence for rural and urban southern United States populations to address disparities in health and longevity. It considers the biological effects of racism, including the health impacts of poverty, disease, and malnourishment. Although historians and demographers argue that urban life was especially detrimental to health, the results of this research suggest greater complexity in African American well-being. Whereas urban adults had higher midlife mortality and reduced longevity compared to their rural counterparts, both rural and urban children experienced poor health. Rural child mortality and morbidity varied significantly, suggesting differences in diet and disease exposure across rural communities. With regard to gender, rural and urban women died at younger ages than men. This disparity in mortality is partly attributed to black women's working and reproductive lives within the context of racism and gender inequality.
Instructional Design Using the Dick & Carey Systems Approach

Instructional design is a system of procedures used for developing instruction and training curricula in a consistent and reliable method. This 5-page publication applies the best practices of instructional design using the Dick and Carey systems approach. Written by Tyler D’Angelo, J. C. Bunch, and Andrew Thoron and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, March 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc294
Improved Algorithm for Seamlessly Creating Infinite Loops from a Video Clip, while Preserving Variety in Textures.

This project implements the paper "Video Textures" by Szeliski. The aim is to create a "Moving Picture" or as we popularly call it, a GIF; which is "somewhere between a photograph and a video". The idea is to input a video which has some repeated motion (the texture), such as a flag waving, rain, or a candle flame. The output is a new video that infinitely extends the original video in a seamless way. In practice, the output isn't really infinte, but is instead looped using a video player and is sufficiently long as to appear to never repeat. Our goal from this implementation was to: improve distance metric by switching from a crude sum of squared distance to most sophisticated wavelet-based distance; add intensity normalization, cross-fading and morphing to the suggested basic algorithm. We also experiment on the trade-off between variety and smoothness.
Tongue protrusion as the presenting symptom of parapharyngeal abscess

Deep neck space infections are commonly seen in the pediatric population. The diagnosis, however, can be challenging to make and requires a high degree of suspicion because of developmental and age-related factors in children and non-specific presenting symptoms. Diagnosis becomes further complicated in patients whose comorbid conditions mask some of the more severe systemic symptoms. We present a case of a 2-year-old female with Trisomy 21 who presented with a chief concern of "tongue swelling" per parents. After initially failing treatment for presumed angioedema caused by an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, she was ultimately diagnosed with a parapharyngeal abscess with extension and mass effect causing tongue protrusion. This case represents a novel early presentation of a common infection and highlights the challenges of diagnosing deep neck space infections in children.
Opioid use after cesarean: a cohort study comparing combined versus separate oxycodone and acetaminophen regimens.

To determine whether an inpatient post-cesarean analgesic regimen which separated oxycodone and acetaminophen resulted in less inpatient opioid use, when compared to a regimen using combination med...
In Pursuit of Agency Ex Machina: Expanding the Map in Severe Brain Injury

Schonau and colleagues (2021) are to be congratulated for their multivariate effort to map elements of agency providing a comprehensive framework for clinical application and normative research. In...
Theoretical Studies of Dilute Hydrogen Impurities in Palladium

There have been numerous theoretical investigations of hydride systems in recent years due in large part to their technological importance as energy storage materials1 and their possible potential as high transition temperature (T c ) superconductors.2,3 Palladium hydride is one of the more studied materials primarily due to the relatively high T c ~ 10 K for the stoichiometric β-phase material, especially since bulk fcc Pd metal does not superconduct.
A Transdiagnostic Minority Stress Treatment Approach for Gay and Bisexual Men’s Syndemic Health Conditions

Developing and deploying separate treatments for separate conditions seems ill-suited to intervening upon the co-occurring, and possibly functionally similar, psychosocial conditions facing gay and bisexual men. This article argues for the need to create transdiagnostic interventions that reduce multiple syndemic conditions facing gay and bisexual men at the level of their shared source in minority stress pathways. This article first reviews psychosocial syndemic conditions affecting gay and bisexual men, then suggests pathways that might link minority stress to psychosocial syndemics based on recent advancements in emotion science, psychiatric nosology, and cognitive-affective neuroscience, and finally suggests cross-cutting psychosocial treatment principles to reduce minority stress−syndemic pathways among gay and bisexual men. Because minority stress serves as a common basis of all psychosocial syndemic conditions reviewed here, locating the pathways through which minority stress generates psychosocial syndemics and employing overarching treatment principles capable of simultaneously alleviating these pathways will ultimately create a transdiagnostic approach to improving gay and bisexual men’s health. Clinical research and training approaches are suggested to further validate the pathways suggested here, establish the efficacy of treatment approaches tied to those pathways, and generate effective methods for disseminating a transdiagnostic minority stress treatment approach for gay and bisexual men’s psychosocial syndemic health.
Industrial Real Estate Prices and Market Efficiency

This study employs a multivariate Granger-causality procedure to examine causal relationships between selected economic and financial variables and industrial real estate prices. Empirical results indicate that relationships between several of these variables' lagged values and current values of price exist. We also find a significant relationship between past and current prices.
Discovery of interesting regions in spatial data sets using supervised clustering

The discovery of interesting regions in spatial datasets is an important data mining task. In particular, we are interested in identifying disjoint, contiguous regions that are unusual with respect to the distribution of a given class; i.e. a region that contains an unusually low or high number of instances of a particular class. This paper centers on the discussion of techniques, methodologies, and algorithms to discover such regions. A measure of interestingness and a supervised clustering framework are introduced for this purpose. Moreover, three supervised clustering algorithms are proposed in the paper: an agglomerative hierarchical supervised clustering named SCAH, an agglomerative, grid-based clustering method named SCHG, and lastly an algorithm named SCMRG which searches a multi-resolution grid structure top down for interesting regions. Finally, experimental results of applying the proposed framework and algorithms to the problem of identifying hotspots in spatial datasets are discussed.
Gender and online cancer support groups: issues facing male cancer patients.

Background. Men are underrepresented in cancer support groups. They emphasize information seeking rather than emotional support and are less likely to express negative emotion critical for change. Three hypotheses were tested; men compared to women express fewer negative emotions, especially about their cancer, and men experience more fear and apprehension. Method. Four online professionally led groups were sampled. Assessments of emotions and fears used 3 text analysis programs. Results. Women expressed more negative emotions. these differences were more pronounced when discussing their cancer. Men experienced greater anxiety/fear, which may explain their under representation. Conclusions. The dual dilemma of attracting men to support groups and directing them to emotional issues represents a challenge to health providers.
Detection of intrusions at layer one: A preliminary performance analysis of the IEEE 802.3 normal link pulse as a means of host-to-network authentication and a survey of environmental effects

Host-to-network authentication is a weak link in the chain of modern network security systems. There is no widely accepted method of validating a computers identity on a network. Currently, the best commercial methods entail using the hardware address of an Ethernet network interface controller, but those can easily be changed. Spoofing the hardware address can lead to unauthorized entry and possible data theft on sensitive networks. In this work a possible solution for this problem is proposed and evaluated. The proposed solution is to use device specific analog characteristics of the IEEE 802.3 normal link pulse (NLP) as a single factor authentication feature. Two sub-problems, intermodel and intra-model, are addressed in order to establish the effectiveness of the NLP as an authentication feature. The performance of a preliminary intra-model classification algorithm using this feature is evaluated and cross-referenced to a survey of Ethernet cable length changes, temperature change, and computer operational effects.
A Pulsed-Illumination, Closed-Circuit Television System for Real-Time Viewing of Engine Combustion and Observed Cyclic Variations

A closed-circuit television technique has been developed for the real-time viewing and recording of combustion and related processes in internal combustion engines. The technique has been applied to a transparent piston, transparent head engine, and shadowgraphs of combustion chamber events have been observed and recorded. The technique is particularly suited for the study of changes in the combustion process due to variations of engine parameters such as mixture ratio, load, speed, spark timing, injection initiation, etc., since the changes can be observed and recorded at the same time that they occur. A brief and qualitative study of flame and pressure cyclic variations is reported and discussed as an example of an application for which the television technique is particularly suited.
The Communication Skills Accounting Firms Desire in New Hires

Interviews were conducted with human resource (HR) managers from accounting firms to determine managers’ expectations of future accounting graduates. Results show HR managers are looking to hire individuals that possess strong oral and written communication skills. HR managers also reported that they expect students to use these skills to represent their company well in meetings, presentations, client appointments, as well as print and electronic correspondence. The study concludes with a discussion of how business librarians can assist faculty in preparing accounting students for successful careers and of implications for librarians to consider in their library instruction and other librarianship activities.
Fast multi-objective CMODE-type optimization of electric machines for multicore desktop computers

Large-scale design optimization of electric machines is oftentimes practiced to achieve a set of objectives, such as the minimization of cost and power loss, under a set of constraints, such as maximum permissible torque ripple. Accordingly, the design optimization of electric machines can be regarded as a constrained optimization problem (COP). Evolutionary algorithms (EA) used in the design optimization of electric machines including the Differential Evolution, which has received considerable attention during recent years, are unconstrained optimization methods that need additional mechanisms to handle COPs. In this paper, a new optimization algorithm that features Combined Multi-objective Optimization with Differential Evolution (CMODE) has been developed and implemented in the design optimization of electric machines. A thorough comparison is conducted between the two counterpart optimization algorithms, CMODE and DE, to demonstrate the CMODEs superiority in terms of convergence rate and constraint handling. More importantly, CMODE requires a less number of simultaneous processing units which makes its implementation best suited for state-of-the-art desktop computers reducing the need for High Performance Computing systems and associated software licenses.
Beautiful Girlhood, a Double Life: Lucy Maud Montgomery, Margaret Laurence, and Alice Munro

Both Alice Munro and Margaret Laurence have named L.M. Montgomery’s work— particularly her books about Emily—as childhood readings that are central to their development as writers. This essay explores how Montgomery’s three books about Emily—Emily of New Moon, Emily Climbs, and Emily’s Quest—provide a persisting imaginary that The Diviners by Laurence and Who Do You Think You Are? by Munro reflect.
Type-II "W" mid-infrared lasers: Improved growth and device performance

Improvements in type-II "W" midwave-infrared lasers have led to an internal loss of 20 ns at 78 K, and photonic-crystal distributed-feedback devices with etendue within 8/spl times/DL for 600-/spl mu/m-wide stripes.
Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on seedling growth and development of two wetland plants, Bidens frondosa L., and Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., grown under three levels of water availability

To identify the importance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonizing wetland seedlings following flooding, we assessed the effects of AMF on seedling establishment of two pioneer species, Bidens frondosa and Eclipta prostrata grown under three levels of water availability and ask: (1) Do inoculated seedlings differ in growth and development from non-inoculated plants? (2) Are the effects of inoculation and degree of colonization dependent on water availability? (3) Do plant responses to inoculation differ between two closely related species? Inoculation had no detectable effects on shoot height, or plant biomass but did affect biomass partitioning and root morphology in a species-specific manner. Shoot/root ratios were significantly lower in non-inoculated E. prostrata plants compared with inoculated plants (0.381 ± 0.066 vs. 0.683 ± 0.132). Root length and surface area were greater in non-inoculated E. prostrata (259.55 ± 33.78 cm vs. 194.64 ± 27.45 cm and 54.91 ± 7.628 cm2 vs. 46.26 ± 6.8 cm2, respectively). Inoculation had no detectable effect on B. frondosa root length, volume, or surface area. AMF associations formed at all levels of water availability. Hyphal, arbuscular, and vesicular colonization levels were greater in dry compared with intermediate and flooded treatments. Measures of mycorrhizal responsiveness were significantly depressed in E. prostrata compared with B. frondosa for total fresh weight (−0.3 ± 0.18 g vs. 0.06 ± 0.06 g), root length (−0.78 ± 0.28 cm vs.−0.11 ± 0.07 cm), root volume (−0.49 ± 0.22 cm3 vs. 0.06 ± 0.07 cm3), and surface area (−0.59 ± 0.23 cm2 vs.−0.03 ± 0.08 cm2). Given the disparity in species response to AMF inoculation, events that alter AMF prevalence in wetlands could significantly alter plant community structure by directly affecting seedling growth and development.
Critical review of heart failure: The role of left ventricular remodeling in the therapeutic response–Cohn: Remodeling in heart failure

Recent clinical investigations have provided new insights into physiologic alterations taking place as heart failure progresses. As a result, new end points may be more relevant to monitor in patients, rather than the classical assessment of severity based on subjective evaluation of functional capacity. Structural changes of the myocardium, referred to as remodeling, have profound effects on the performance of the left ventricle and on long-term prognosis. Left ventricular ejection fraction may serve as a clinical marker for remodeling changes. Remodeling changes involve hypertrophy of the muscle mass, dilation of the left ventricle, and a change in the shape of the ventricle. Histologically, these changes are produced by myocyte lengthening, interstitial growth, and myocyte slippage. The consequences of remodeling include an abnormal bio-energetic state because of the augmented wall stress and accentuated myocardial oxygen consumption. The elevated wall stress promotes further hypertrophy. Superimposed on the remodeling changes is neurohormonal activation. Both remodeling and neurohormonal activation are directly related to mortality. An experimental canine model has been used successfully to investigate the potential impact of pharmacologic intervention on remodeling. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and the combination of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate have been shown in clinical trials to reduce long-term mortality and increase ejection fraction. The effects of these drugs appear to be mediated in part by alterations in remodeling and neurohormonal activation. Thus, left ventricular ejection fraction can be used as a clinical marker for remodeling processes, and plasma norepinephrine levels can be used as a marker for neurohormonal activation.
Set-membership identification and filtering for signal processing applications

Optimal bounding ellipsoid (OBE) algorithms comprise a class of novel recursive identification methods for affine-in-parameters system and signal models. OBE algorithms exploit a priori knowledge of bounds on model disturbances to derive a monotonically nonincreasing set of solutions that are feasible in light of the observations and the model structure. In turn, these sets admit criteria for ascertaining the information content of incoming observations, obviating the expense of updating when data are redundant. Relative to classical recursive methods for this task, OBE algorithms are efficient, robust, and exhibit remarkable tracking ability, rendering them particularly attractive for realtime signal processing and control applications. After placing the OBE algorithms in the hierarchy of the broader set-membership identification methods, this article introduces the underlying set-theoretic concepts, compares and contrasts the various published OBE algorithms including the motivation for each development, then concludes with some illustrations of OBE algorithm performance. More recent work on the use of OBE processing infiltering tasks is also included in the discussion. The paper is a survey of a broad and evolving topic, and extensive references to further information are included.
The Fuller index and global Hopf bifurcation

Abstract Using an index for periodic solutions of an autonomous equation defined by Fuller, we prove Alexander and Yorke's global Hopf bifurcation theorem. As the Fuller index can be defined for retarded functional differential equations, the global bifurcation theorem can also be proved in this case. These results imply the existence of periodic solutions for delay equations with several rationally related delays, for example, x (t) = −α[ax(t − 1) + bx(t − 2)]g(x(t)) , with a and b non-negative and α greater than some computable quantity ξ(a, b) calculated from the linearized equation.
Studies of the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinases and Phosphatidylinositol-3 Kinase in the Lens. 1. The Mitogenic and Stress Responses‡

The current understanding of the cellular signal transduction system is that cells initially respond to outside stimuli, such as growth factors or neurotransmitters, through ligand binding to the respective growth factor receptors or the G-protein-coupled receptors, to initiate transduction of the stimulus. This is followed by a series of association-dissociation and phosphorylation-dephosphorylation processes among the components of a well-defined and intricate infrastructure between the cell membrane and the cytosolic protein kinases to activate and initiate nuclear target genes for cell proliferation, differentiation and other cellular functions. Although some past reports have indicated this signaling machinery is present in the lens, certain pathways, namely the mitogen-response pathway (Raf-MEK-ERK cascade), the stress-response pathways (p38 and SAPK/JNK cascades) and the survival pathway (PI-3K-Akt), have not been thoroughly explored in an intact lens. These pathways were studied using porcine lenses cultured under mitogenic (10 ngml(-1) growth factor) or osmotic stress (30 mM galactose) conditions to examine the cellular response in the epithelial layer, using unstimulated lenses as controls. It was found that all the key members in the Raf-MEK-ERK cascade and PI-3K-Akt cascade were present and that growth factors had a differential stimulatory effect on them. Basic-FGF was the most potent stimulator for ERK followed by EGF and IGF-1, while PDGFab and VEGF were less active. The opposite was true for their stimulatory effect on PI-3K. Hyperglycemic-induced osmotic stress stimulated p38 but not SAPK/JNK, while bFGF could stimulate SAPK/JNK but not p38. Both stimuli activated the Raf-MEK-ERK and PI-3K-Akt pathways. Osmotic-induced activation could be normalized using an aldose reductase inhibitor.
Challenging myth in a short history of Kosovo

Noel Malcolm, Kosovo: A Short History (New York University Press, New York, 1998), xxxvi + 492 pp., maps, index, and bibliography, ISBN 0–8147–5598–4 (pb), $28.95
Abstract B2: Oligodendritic precursor mediates vascular remodeling within glioma microenvironment in PDGF-C dependent manner

The platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathway is upregulated in many glioma subtypes, plays a role in gliomagenesis and promotes brain tumor progression. In this study, we demonstrate a role for PDGF signaling in the maintenance of brain tumor microenvironment homeostasis. We detected PDGFRa-expressing stromal cells potentially derived from oligodendritic precursor cells in both human and mouse high-grade gliomas. PDGFRa+ cells are predominately located at the invasive front of gliomas, and have a unique perivascular distribution. We suggest that these stromal cells play an important role in both initiating angiogenesis and supporting tumor progression. In an orthotopic model of glioma in PDGFRa deficient mice, tumor growth was significantly inhibited and gadolinium enhancement was decreased shown by bioluminescence and MRI, respectively. Glioma-associated blood vessels in PDGFRa knockout mice have smaller lumens and relatively normal vascular morphology. Glioma-associated oligodendritic precursor cells promoted endothelial sprouting and tubule formation by abrogating the inhibitory effect of astrocytes. We also demonstrated stromal-derived PDGF-CC as a key factor in the recruitment and activation of PDGFRa+ stromal cells. Utilizing PDGF-CC deficient mice, we recapitulate the glioma phenotype demonstrated in PDGFRa; knockout mice, suggesting their joint contribution to this pathway9s integrity. In conclusion, the PDGF-CC/PDGFRa signaling axis in glioma stroma appears to contribute to the remodeling of the vascular architecture in the brain and influences subsequent angiogenesis. Citation Format: Yujie Huang, David Lyden, Jeffrey Greenfield. Oligodendritic precursor mediates vascular remodeling within glioma microenvironment in PDGF-C dependent manner. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B2.
An examination of outcome measures to assess functional mobility in childhood survivors of osteosarcoma.

Background The purpose of this study is to examine outcome measures that assess functional mobility in adolescent survivors of osteosarcoma. We will also identify relationships between functional mobility measurements and specific measure(s) of health-related quality of life (HRQL). Methods Eighteen adolescent survivors of osteosarcoma at least 2 years from surgery at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) participated in this study. Functional mobility, endurance, perceived exertion, and locomotor efficiency is examined with the following measurement tools: timed up and go (TUG), timed up and down stairs (TUDS), 9-min run-walk, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and physiological cost index (PCI). The currently used evaluation of function from the American Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) is also administered. The Short Form 36 (SF-36) measuring HRQL is used. Results MSTS scores did not correlate with quantitative functional outcome measures. MSTS scores did not correlate with the HRQL as measured by the SF-36. In contrast, subjects with a higher rate of vitality on the SF-36 walked with more efficiency, farther distance during the 9-min run-walk, and performed the TUDS and TUG with a faster speed. Conclusions The MSTS does not correlate with actual measures of function or with HRQL. These data demonstrate the need for a new measure to determine functional mobility in survivors of osteosarcoma. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Violence in American cities: young black males is the answer, but what was the question?

Many Americans believe that the public health problem of violence can be addressed by focusing on young black males. We hypothesize that our economic and political systems have created marginal urban areas of undesirable land uses and unwanted people which breed violence. Using three medium-sized cities (Camden, Newark, Trenton) located in an extremely affluent state (New Jersey) as illustrations, we show that violent death rates from homicides, poisoning/drug abuse, falls, fires, and suicide in these areas are high for whites and Hispanics, as well as blacks; females, as well as males; and middle-aged and elderly populations, as well as young populations. We conclude that marginalization (e.g. concentration, ghettoization, segregation) of unwanted land uses and unwanted people must be addressed to reduce urban violence.
Infection and replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 in an organotypic epithelial culture system

We have used the organotypic culture system as a model to study the initial infectious process and spread of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in fully stratified and differentiated human epithelial tissue. The growth kinetics of HSV-1 were determined in organotypic tissues of human epidermal or ectocervical origin. Concurrently, we followed the spread of HSV-1 by immunostaining thin sections of infected organotypic tissue. After HSV-1 was applied to the top cornified epithelial layer, virus penetrated to the basal layer of replicating epithelium and grew to high titers. The virus was limited in its spread in that not all cells within the tissue had demonstrable infection. A ribonucleotide reductase mutant, ICP6 delta, could infect and replicate in basal layers of the organotypic tissues. However, we found that spread was limited in, and to, the basal cell layer. Peak ICP6 delta titers were 100-fold less than in cultures infected with wild-type HSV-1. Studies of HSV mutants should allow us to further define the role of specific viral genes which are associated with infection and spread in a tissue culture system that mimics the initial portal of entry for certain HSV infections.
Behavioral Sensitivity to Purinergic Drugs Parallels Ethanol Sensitivity in Selectively Bred Mice

Behavioral responses to an adenosine receptor agonist and antagonist were examined in mice genetically selected for differential sensitivity to the soporific effects of ethanol. Both ethanol and the adenosine receptor agonist L-phenylisopropyladenosine had greater sedative and hypothermic effects in ethanol-sensitive "long-sleep" mice than in ethanol-insensitive "short-sleep" mice. Long-sleep mice were also more sensitive to the excitatory behavioral effects of theophylline, an adenosine receptor antagonist. These data suggest that adenosine may be an endogenous mediator of responses to ethanol.
Analysis of the effects of bromocriptine on blood pressure and sympathetic nerve function

Abstract Bromocriptine, a dopamine receptor agonist, lowered arterial blood pressure and caused significant impairment of the cardioacceleration observed during the stimulation of the right postganglionic cardiac sympathetic nerve fibers in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. Prior administration of pimozide antagonized the hypotensive and the inhibitory action of bromocriptine on cardiac sympathetic function. These results suggest that while presynaptic dopamine receptors seem to be involved in mediating the inhibitory action of bromocriptine on cardiac sympathetic function, the role of presynaptic as well as dopamine receptors located at other sites in mediating the hypotensive action of bromocriptine needs to be further investigated.
The Relative Bioavailability of Temafloxacin Administered through a Nasogastric Tube With and Without Enteral Feeding

The relative bioavailability of a single oral dose of temafloxacin given with and without enteral feeding was determined in 18 healthy male volunteers in a randomised crossover study. Subjects were administered 600mg of temafloxacin orally as an intact tablet, or a crushed tablet suspended in water administered through a nasogastric tube with or without an enteral feeding solution [Osmolite (Ross) 100 ml/h started 2h before administration of temafloxacin and continued for 4h postdose]. Plasma samples were analysed by a high performance liquid chromatographic technique. Mean peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) for the oral tablet, crushed tablet, and crushed tablet with enteral feeding solution were 3.95 +/- 1.02, 4.85 +/- 0.69, and 4.69 +/- 0.61 mg/L/70kg, respectively, and mean calculated area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to 48h (AUC(0-48h)) values were 48.1 +/- 11.0, 54.5 +/- 6.52, and 49.7 +/- 5.89 mg/L.h/70kg, respectively. In terms of AUC(0-48h) and Cmax, the relative bioavailability of temafloxacin after nasogastric delivery of crushed temafloxacin given with and without an enteral feeding solution was equivalent to the reference oral regimen.
Differential side effect profile of triazolam versus flurazepam in elderly patients undergoing rehabilitation therapy

Patients (aged 65 years or older) who were hospitalized for rehabilitation therapy after a cerebrovascular accident or other acute debilitating condition participated in a 6-week controlled clinical trial. After a 2-week period of receiving nightly single-blind placebo, patients were randomly allocated to receive either triazolam (0.125 mg) or flurazepam hydrochloride (15 mg) nightly under double-blind conditions. For the final 2 weeks, patients again received single-blind placebo. The study groups' were comparable in their performance on four psychomotor tests done in the morning during the initial placebo period. Triazolam-treated patients showed subsequent improvement on the tests, consistent with practice effects, whereas flurazepam recipients showed performance impairment during treatment. Triazolam-flurazepam differences were significant in the card-sorting and arithmetic tests, and they approached significance for the Purdue pegboard test. Blind ratings by physical therapists indicated significant impairment among flurazepam recipients in their capacity to cooperate with and participate in the rehabilitation tasks; the impairment persisted into the post-treatment placebo period. Similar flurazepam-triazolam differences, although not significant, were reported by occupational therapy and nursing staff members. The findings suggest that the kinetic differences between flurazepam and triazolam may have clinical implications in elderly patients undergoing rehabilitation therapy.
Tobacco Budworms: Sterilization, Sexual Competitiveness, and Sperm Transfer of Moths Reared from Eggs Irradiated with 60Co

Heliothis virscens (F.) moths, reared from eggs that were exposed to 1, 2, or 4 krad of gamma irradiation when they were 1, 2, or 3 days old, were partially sterilized: fertility was reduced as much as 82%. Both sexes of moths reared from eggs that had been irradiated with 4 krad at 2 days of age were sexually competitive with untreated moths; however, sperm transfer was adversely affected.
Bio-fuel reformation for solid oxide fuel cell applications. Part 3: Biodiesel–diesel blends

Abstract The auto-thermal reforming (ATR) performance of diesel blended with biodiesel (e.g., B5, B10, B20, B40, and B80) was investigated and compared to pure diesel and biodiesel ATR in a single-tube reformer with ceramic monolith wash-coated rhodium/ceria–zirconia catalyst. The initial operating condition of the ATR of all studied fuels was set as total moles of oxygen from air, water, and fuel per mole of carbon (O/C) = 1.47, moles of water to carbon (H2O/C) = 0.6, and gas hourly space velocity = 33,950 h−1 at 1223 K reformer temperature, to achieve the same syngas (H2 + CO) production rate. A direct photo-acoustic micro-soot meter was applied to quantify the dynamic evolution of carbon formation and a mass spectrometer was used to measure the gas composition of reformer effluents. The blends with more biodiesel content were found to have a lower syngas production rate and reforming efficiency, and require more air and higher reformer temperature to avoid carbon formation. Strong correlations between ethylene and solid carbon concentration were observed in the reformation of all the fuels and blends, with more biodiesel content tending to have higher ethylene production. This study is one component of a three-part investigation of bio-fuel reforming, also including fuel vaporization and reactant mixing (Part 1) and biodiesel (Part 2).
The role of porous media in biomedical engineering as related to magnetic resonance imaging and drug delivery

Pertinent works associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and drug delivery are reviewed in this work to demonstrate the role of transport theory in porous media in advancing the progress in biomedical applications. Diffusion process is considered significant in many therapies such as delivering drugs to the brain. Progress in development of the diffusion equation using local volume-averaging technique and evaluation of the applications associated with the diffusion equation are analyzed. Tortuosity and porosity have a significant effect on the diffusion transport. Different relevant models of tortuosity are presented and mathematical modeling of drug release from biodegradable delivery systems are analyzed in this investigation. New models for the kinetics of drug release from porous biodegradable polymeric microspheres under bulk erosion and surface erosion of the polymer matrix are presented in this study. Diffusion of the dissolved drug, dissolution of the drug from the solid phase, and erosion of the polymer matrix are found to play a central role in controlling the overall drug release process. This study paves the road for the researchers in the area of MRI and drug delivery to develop comprehensive models based on porous media theory utilizing fewer assumptions as compared to other approaches.
Successful 96-Hr cold-storage preservation of canine pancreas with UW solution containing the thromboxane A2 synthesis inhibitor OKY046.

Abstract Prostanoids, such as prostacyclin (PGI) and thromboxane A2 (TxA), have been recently suggested to play an important role in preservation-induced injury of pancreas grafts. We have previously shown that the TxA synthesis inhibitor OKY046 prevents a decrease of both the PGI/TxA ratio and blood flow in pancreas grafts after 24-hr preservation with Euro-Collins solution. In our present study, we analyzed whether OKY046 added to University of Wisconsin (UW) solution could extend successful cold-storage preservation of segmental canine pancreas grafts, compared with UW alone. We divided 30 dogs into four preservation groups: Group 1, UW solution for 72 hr (n = 7); Group 2, UW solution for 96 hr (n = 8); Group 3, UW solution plus OKY046 (10−4M) for 72 hr (n = 7); and Group 4, UW solution plus OKY046 (10−4M) for 96 hr (n = 8). After the cold storage period, segmental pancreas autotransplantation with immediate completion pancreatectomy was done. Preservation was deemed successful if serum glucose