cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dependence of hydrogen trapping densities on hydrogen concentration

The diffusive transport of deuterium into various as-deposited, annealed and post-hydrogenated amorphous Si (a-Si) samples is used to determine the effects of hydrogen 4c1oncentration on the trap densities. It is determined that a high H concentration introduces shallow traps for mobile H thus demonstrating that H interact with each other. These results are discussed in terms of H clustering
A smart web query method for semantic retrieval of web data

Abstract The efficient query and extraction of web data is often difficult, because web data does not conform to any data organization standard. In addition, the development of web search technology is still at a relatively early stage. Search engines provide only primitive data query capabilities, and require a detailed syntactic specification to retrieve relevant data. Furthermore, web data exists in a myriad of formats including PDF documents, images, and sound clips that are difficult to be queried. This research proposes a smart web query (SWQ) method for the semantic retrieval of web data. The SWQ method uses domain semantics represented as context ontologies to specify and formulate appropriate web queries to search. This method also relies on semantic search filters to identify and rank relevant web pages semi-automatically. Unlike traditional ontologies that are structured in a hierarchy, terms and their relationships that pertain to a particular domain are organized with a flexible structure by the context ontologies. An SWQ engine is being developed to test the proposed method. Financial trading (e.g. stocks, bonds, unit trusts) is adapted as an example domain (i.e., context) to test and validate the SWQ method and engine.
Alkyl-Substituted Thieno[3,2-b]thiophene Polymers and Their Dimeric Subunits

A series of alkyl-substituted polythieno[3,2-b]thiophenes were synthesized by cross-coupling and oxidative coupling reactions. Their electronic properties were studied by UV−vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. The poly(3-nonylthieno[3,2-b]thiophene) prepared via Stille coupling of a differentially functionalized monomer displayed a longer λmax of absorption and a corresponding lower optical band gap when compared to those of regiorandom polymers prepared by the FeCl3 method or through Kumada coupling. Employing a dialkyl-substituted monomer to produce poly(3,6-dinonylthieno[3,2-b]thiophene) leads to dramatic shifting of both the absorption and emission spectra to shorter wavelength. The electrochemistry of these polymers were studied by cyclic voltammetry and revealed that mono alkyl-substituted polymers have relatively lower oxidation potentials compared to that of the dialkyl-substituted polymer. To study the conformation of monomers in the polymer backbone, dimeric subunits of these polymer...
Conceptualizing learner support space

This article addresses three types of learner support: (a) support for optimizing use of a computer program, (b) support for learning content, and (c) support for monitoring and enhancing learning. It proposes a multidimensional model of learner-support space defined by the intrusiveness of the delivery methods employed and the prescriptiveness of the content of the learner support provided. Methods of delivering such support through various interface elements, as well as several scenario-based examples of learner support matching the designer's philosophical beliefs, are discussed. The article closes by identifying relevant research questions for future study.
The duration of recovery and DNA repair in excision deficient derivatives of Escherichia coli K-12 after ultraviolet irradiation

Our results indicate that cells of excision deficient (uvr) mutants of Escherichia coli K-12 which survive exposure to ultraviolet radiation may require several hours to complete their recovery. For example, the duration of the recovery period for cells exposed to 63 ergs mm-2 at 254 nm was about 5 hours, the equivalent of slightly more than 4 generations of the unirradiated controls. During the recovery period the rate of cell division was reduced (Figs. 3 and 4), the cells gradually regained resistance to complex medium (Figs. 1 and 3), and they became refractory to photoreactivation (Fig. 1). Over the same period of time their pattern of DNA synthesis changed. More intact molecules, similar to those found in unirradiated controls, and relatively fewer discontinuous molecules were synthesized (Figs. 6 and 7).
Symmetry and Unimodality in Linear Inference

Distribution-free results beyond Gauss-Markov theory are found under weak assumptions regarding the errors. Symmetry, unimodality, and location-scale families are studied in estimation; nonstandard versions of Gauss?Markov results are given; and distribution-free confidence sets are tightened under symmetry and unimodality of errors. Normal-theory approximate tests are seen to exhibit monotone power in certain classes of symmetric unimodal errors.
Single-port laparoscopic retroperitoneal surgery: initial operative experience and comparative outcomes.

Objectives To present the initial operative outcomes and comparative data among patients undergoing single-port laparoscopic retroperitoneal surgery (SPLRS). Methods A prospective, observational study of all patients who underwent SPLRS was performed. The salient demographic and operative data, including age, body mass index, operative indications, operative time, estimated blood loss, complications, and postoperative visual analog pain scale scores were recorded. Patients who underwent cryoablation were then retrospectively compared to a contemporary, matched cohort of patients undergoing traditional laparoscopic retroperitoneal cryosurgery. Statistical analyses were performed. Results From September 25, 2007 to July 15, 2008, 8 patients underwent SPLRS. Five patients underwent SPLR cryoablation and 1 underwent SPLR partial nephrectomy for radiographic evidence of an enhancing renal mass. One patient underwent SPLR metastectomy for isolated recurrence of renal cell carcinoma. The remaining patient underwent SPLR cyst decortication for unrelenting pain. The mean patient age was 63.5 years. The mean body mass index was 28.9 kg/m2. The mean operative time and estimated blood loss was 165 ± 23 minutes and 134 ± 152 mL, respectively. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. The mean hospitalization was 1.4 days. The mean visual analog pain scale score at discharge was 0.4 of 10 (range 0-2). No significant difference was noted between the single-port and standard retroperitoneal cryotherapy cohorts with respect to age, body mass index, estimated blood loss, and length of hospitalization (P > .05). Patients who underwent SPLR cryoablation reported lower visual analog pain scale scores (P = .023). Conclusions The results of our study have shown that SPLRS is feasible and offers comparable surgical outcomes and superior cosmesis and pain control compared with traditional retroperitoneoscopy.
Is the Moho flat? Seismic evidence for a rough crust-mantle interface beneath the northern Basin and Range

A rough crust-mantle boundary can produce amplitude versus offset characteristics similar to those of a second-order discontinuity (i.e., a gradient), namely a reduction in precritical PmP. Basin and Range reflection and refraction data can be simulated as well with rough Moho models as with gradient models. A rough Moho presents a different view of the interaction between the mantle and crust, where tectonic and magmatic structures are preserved and the crust and mantle are distinct. The rough Moho supports a crustal evolution model in which the crust is injected by mantle-derived mafic dikes and sills, but not to the extent that the lower crust is a continuous sequence of mafic/ultramafic intrusions, as commonly inferred from gradient models. As such, in the Basin and Range the Moho represents a well-defined chemical boundary.
Potent, Highly Selective Inhibition of Growth Hormone Secretion by Position 4 Somatostatin Analogs

Aromatic position 4 somatostatin (SS) analogs were synthesized by solid phase methodology and assayed in vivo for their effects on pentobarbital-stimulated GH levels in fed rats and insulin and glucagon levels in fasted rats. [F5- Phe4]SS was approximately 3 times more active than somatostatin in inhibiting all three hormones. [Phe4,D-Trp8]SS inhibited GH about 4 times more effectively than somatostatin and was only twice as active as somatostatin in the pancreas. [p-NH2- Phe4]SS exhibited strong selectivity toward inhibition of GH, being 4 times more potent than somatostatin in the pituitary while only about 40% as active in the pancreas. [p-NH2-Phe4,DTrp8] SS maintained this same degree of selectivity toward GH inhibition and exhibited a striking 15-fold increase in activity in the pituitary compared to somatostatin. All four analogs inhibited GH for a longer period of time than somatostatin when administe ed sc at a dose of 10 μg/100 g BW. [p-NH2-Phe4,DTrp8] SS was the longest acting of these analogs, ...
Actin-dependent motility of melanosomes from fish retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells investigated using in vitro motility assays.

Melanosomes (pigment granules) within retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells of fish and amphibians undergo massive migrations in response to light conditions to control light flux to the retina. Previous research has shown that melanosome motility within apical projections of dissociated fish RPE cells requires an intact actin cytoskeleton, but the mechanisms and motors involved in melanosome transport in RPE have not been identified. Two in vitro motility assays, the Nitella assay and the sliding filament assay, were used to characterize actin-dependent motor activity of RPE melanosomes. Melanosomes applied to dissected filets of the Characean alga, Nitella, moved along actin cables at a mean rate of 2 μm/min, similar to the rate of melanosome motility in dissociated, cultured RPE cells. Path lengths of motile melanosomes ranged from 9 to 37 μm. Melanosome motility in the sliding filament assay was much more variable, ranging from 0.4–33 μm/min; 70% of velocities ranged from 1–15 μm/min. Latex beads coated with skeletal muscle myosin II and added to Nitella filets moved in the same direction as RPE melanosomes, indicating that the motility is barbed-end directed. Immunoblotting using antibodies against myosin VIIa and rab27a revealed that both proteins are enriched on melanosome membranes, suggesting that they could play a role in melanosome transport within apical projections of fish RPE. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 58:71–82, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Environmental and Food Safety Aspects of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infections in Cattle

The presence of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle illustrates the complex, interrelated nature of the environment, livestock production practices, food safety, and the science of microbiology, particularly microbial ecology. Enterohemorrhagic E. coli, including E. coli O157:H7, can cause severe human diseases that can be debilitating and life threatening. Cattle are currently considered to be the definitive source for E. coli O157:H7 in the food supply, but this view may be simplistic and incomplete. E. coli O157:H7, appears widespread among U.S. cattle herds, while individual animal prevalence is low and transient. Most individual animals appear to be a transient reservoir for E. coli O157:H7 although the issue of carrier animals still remains unresolved. Epidemiological studies of the cattle production system have not clearly identified risk factors or management practices that affect E. coli O157:H7 prevalence in cattle feces. The problem of E. coli O157:H7 increases during the summer and fall months, but the environmental factors that contribute to this increase are poorly understood. Possible environmental factors that may influence E. coli O157:H7 shedding in cattle include livestock feed and waste handling practices as well as insects and microbial interactions in soil and water. Studies of E. coli O157:H7 ecology in cattle and the environment have been limited, but they suggest that a consideration of other independent, environmental sources of this microbe seems appropriate. The natural ecology of cholera may serve as a useful environmental model for pursuing additional environmental research on the occurrence and transmission of E. coli O157:H7 in nature.
Raman Scattering from Surface Phonons in Rectangular Cross-sectional w-ZnS Nanowires

Wurtzite (w-) ZnS nanowires with nearly square cross sections have been grown by pulsed laser vaporization of a (ZnS)0.9Au0.1 target in a flow of Ar 5%H2. Growth proceeds by the vapor−liquid−solid mechanism. Raman scattering from the ZnS nanowires in air at room temperature reveals a strong first-order longitudinal optic (LO) phonon (346 cm-1) and two transverse optic (TO) phonons (269 and 282 cm-1), as well as several second-order features. Peak assignments based on bulk ZnS can be made for all the first- and second-order features, except for one band located between the LO and TO bands. This additional Raman band is observed at 335 cm-1 in air, and downshifts to 328 cm-1 in dichloromethane (em = 2.0) and to 326 cm-1 in aniline (em = 2.56). This band is therefore assigned to surface optic (SO) phonons. The position of the SO band is consistent with a dielectric continuum model for rectangular cross section wires. A symmetry breaking mechanism which may activate the SO mode is also discussed.
Residential proximity to high-traffic roadways and poststroke mortality.

Background Living in areas with higher levels of ambient air pollution has been associated with a higher incidence of ischemic stroke and all-cause mortality but less is known about the relationship between traffic-related pollution and long-term survival after stroke. Methods We identified consecutive patients admitted to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center with ischemic stroke between 1999 and 2008 and determined the distance to the nearest roadway with an average daily traffic count of more than 10,000 vehicles/day. Categories of residential proximity were defined as 100 m or less, 100-200 m, 200-400 m or less, or more than 400 m from a busy roadway. We identified deaths through June 2012 using the Social Security Death Index and used Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for medical history and socioeconomic factors to calculate hazard ratios for the association between residential proximity to a high-traffic roadway and all-cause mortality. Results Among 1683 stroke patients with complete data, there were 950 deaths (median follow-up = 4.6 years). We observed higher poststroke mortality among people living closer to high-traffic roadways. Patients living 100 m or less from high-traffic roadways had a 20% (95% confidence interval: 1%, 43%) higher rate of poststroke mortality than patients living more than 400 m away ( P trend = .02). Conclusions In this study, living close to a high-traffic roadway was associated with an elevated mortality rate. This relationship remained statistically significant after adjustment for individual- and neighborhood-level factors, providing evidence that traffic-related pollution is associated with a higher mortality rate among stroke survivors.
Surface stoichiometry and the role of adsorbates during GaAs atomic layer epitaxy

Several questions regarding the stoichiometry of atomic layer epitaxy (ALE) arise because most polar compound semiconductor surfaces reconstruct into structures terminated with less than monolayer coverage at the outermost layer. In this paper we briefly discuss how to self-consistently account for stoichiometry changes on surfaces that are not ideally terminated. The key aspect of the methodology is that surface steps are allowed to act as a reservoir where atoms may be added or removed. The methodology shows that ideal ALE of GaAs(100) cannot occur by cycling between the known adsorbate-free Ga-rich and As-rich surface reconstructions, because no such transition would yield the observed 1 monolayer (ML) per cycle growth rate. In fact, ideal ALE (1 ML/cycle) must involve at least one adsorbate induced surface reconstruction. Adsorbates may stabilize ideally terminated (i.e. vacancy free) III–V surfaces because of their ability to passivate dangling bond states. For example, methyl groups adsorbed on GaAs(100) exhibit a (1 x 2) LEED pattern, which is not seen for the clean GaAs(100) surface reconstructions. By using the electron counting model we interpret this structure as 12 ML CH3 adsorbed on a complete layer (1 ML) of dimerized Ga atoms. The GaAs(100)-(1 x 2)-Ch3 surface was also examined using surface infrared spectroscopy (SIRS) using a multiple internal reflection geometry. This surface exhibits relatively sharp infrared linewidths suggestive of a well ordered structure. The polarization dependence of the symmetric stretching and bending CH3 modes also supports our proposed structure of the GaAs(100)-(1 x 2)-Ch3 surface. The ideal termination of the Ga-rich GaAs(100)-(1 x 2)-CH3 surface for a plausible ALE mechanism which yields 1 ML deposition per cycle.
Effects of autotomy and regeneration on detection and capture of prey in a generalist predator

Many vertebrate and invertebrate taxa have the ability to autotomize and later regenerate appendages and with this process come both costs and benefits. For example, an animal might lose a leg to avoid a predator but as a result become a less effective predator itself. These impacts of autotomy and regeneration on foraging might differ based on habitat complexity as well. We used spiders as a model system to address this. We tested the effects of autotomy and regeneration on prey capture in juvenile Schizocosa ocreata wolf spiders in both artificial and seminatural settings. We tested spiders for prey capture efficiency in a laboratory arena with cricket prey. We also investigated sensory detection of prey through vibration by placing spiders in the same type of arena but visually isolating them from their prey. Subsequent analyses showed no effects of autotomy or regeneration on any measures of prey capture efficiency. Similarly, spiders’ vibratory sensory abilities were not significantly affected by autotomy or regeneration. However, we found that when spiders were tested in a seminatural habitat (a leaf litter-filled mesocosm), individuals with a missing or regenerating leg had reduced prey capture rates. This suggests that the negative effects of autotomy and regeneration on foraging might be higher for predators in more complex environments.
Spectral shape-based temporal compositing algorithms for MODIS surface reflectance data

Spectral similarity metrics have previously been used to select representative spectra from a class for use in spectral mixture modeling. Since the tasks of spectral selection for spectral mixture modeling and spectral selection for temporal compositing are similar, these metrics may have utility for temporal compositing. This paper explores the use of two spectral similarity metrics, endmember average root mean square error (EAR) and minimum average spectral angle (MASA), for constructing temporal composites. EAR and MASA compositing algorithms were compared against four previously used algorithms, including maximum NDVI, minimum view zenith angle, minimum blue, and median red. A total of 10 different algorithms were used to create 16-day composites of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) surface reflectance data over a 6-year period. Algorithm performance was assessed based on short-term temporal variability in spectral reflectance and in a selection of indices, both within a southwestern California study area and within five land-cover class subsets. EAR compositing produced the lowest variability for 4 out of 7 MODIS bands, as measured by the root mean square of time series residuals. MASA or EAR compositing produced the lowest root mean square residual values for all of the tested indices. To assess how compositing algorithms might affect remote sensing correlations with biophysical variables, correlations between indices calculated from different composites and live fuel moisture were compared. Correlations between indices and live fuel moisture were higher for shape-based composites compared with the standard composites.
His6 tag-assisted chemical protein synthesis

To make more practical the total chemical synthesis of proteins by the ligation of unprotected peptide building blocks, we have developed a method to facilitate the isolation and handling of intermediate products. The synthetic technique makes use of a His6 tag at the C terminus of the target polypeptide chain, introduced during the synthesis of the C-terminal peptide segment building block. The presence of a His6 tag enables the isolation of peptide or protein products directly from ligation reaction mixtures by Ni-NTA affinity column purification. This simple approach enables facile buffer exchange to alternate reaction conditions and is compatible with direct analytical control by protein MS of the multiple ligation steps involved in protein synthesis. We used syntheses of crambin and a modular tetratricopeptide repeat protein of 17 kDa as models to examine the utility of this affinity purification approach. The results show that His6 tag-assisted chemical protein synthesis is a useful method that substantially reduces handling losses and provides for rapid chemical protein syntheses.
Full Diversity Achieving Analog Network Coding for Asynchronous Two-Way Relay Networks with Linear Receivers

Time asynchronism is a practical issue needs to be addressed for a general distributed two-way relay network, where two terminal nodes exchange information through multiple spatial-separated relay nodes. In this paper, we propose an analog network coding (ANC) scheme for a time asynchronous two-way relay network. In the proposed scheme, each relay node linearly transforms the received mixed asynchronous signals in the first time-slot by a Toeplitz matrix, and then broadcasts them back to the terminals in the second time-slot. A sufficient condition is derived for the proposed ANC to achieve full cooperative diversity using only linear receivers at the terminal nodes, such as zero-forcing (ZF), or minimum mean square error (MMSE) receivers, with any delay profiles of the timing errors. The design of the coefficients in the Toeplitz matrix to satisfy the sufficient condition is also proposed, which is shown coincides with the design we proposed in the previous work. Simulation results verify our analysis of the diversity order.
Effect of human serum from patients with haematological disorders on mouse pluripotent haemopoietic stem cells (CFU-S).

Sera from 25 individuals (9 healthy subjects, 6 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 10 patients with a variety of haematological disorders) were tested for anti-CFU-S by incubating suspensions of mouse marrow cells with serum and then assaying the cell suspensions for their capacity to form spleen nodules in lethally irradiated mice. The sera from 2 patients (1 with a preleukaemic disorder and the other with a malignant ‘histio’-lymphoproliferative neoplasm) had anti-CFU-S activity which behaved like antibodies, rather than like the non-specific cytotoxic activity found in various sera for heterologous tissues, which in the past has been attributed to ‘natural antibodies’ and which, in recent years, has, in some cases, been found to be related to activation of the alternative pathway of complement. The anti-mouse tissue activity in the sera of the 2 patients may be related either to cross-reactivities between certain mouse and human tissues or to cross-reactivities between exogenous agents such as bacteria and mouse tissues.
Interaction of Klebsiella oxytoca and Burkholderia cepacia in Dual-Species Batch Cultures and Biofilms as a Function of Growth Rate and Substrate Concentration

Dual-species microbial interactions have been extensively reported for batch and continuous culture environments. However, little research has been performed on dual-species interaction in a biofilm. This research examined the effects of growth rate and substrate concentration on dual-species population densities in batch and biofilm reactors. In addition, the feasibility of using batch reactor kinetics to describe dual-species biofilm interactions was explored. The scope of the research was directed toward creating a dual-species biofilm for the biodegradation of trichloroethylene, but the findings are a significant contribution to the study of dual-species interactions in general. The two bacterial species used were Burkholderia cepacia PR1-pTOM31c, an aerobic organism capable of constitutively mineralizing trichloroethylene (TCE), and Klebsiella oxytoca, a highly mucoid, facultative anaerobic organism. The substrate concentrations used were different dilutions of a nutrient-rich medium resulting in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations on the order of 30, 70, and 700 mg/L. Presented herein are single- and dual-species population densities and growth rates for these two organisms grown in batch and continuous-flow biofilm reactors. In batch reactors, planktonic growth rates predicted dual-species planktonic species dominance, with the faster-growing organism (K. oxytoca) outcompeting the slower-growing organism (B. cepacia). In a dual-species biofilm, however, dual-species planktonic growth rates did not predict which organism would have the higher dual-species biofilm population density. The relative fraction of each organism in a dual-species biofilm did correlate with substrate concentration, with B. cepacia having a greater proportional density in the dual-species culture with K. oxytoca at low (30 and 70 mg/L DOC) substrate concentrations and K. oxytoca having a greater dual-species population density at a high (700 mg/L DOC) substrate concentration. Results from this research demonstrate the effectiveness of using substrate concentration to control population density in this dual-species biofilm.
Intramuscular head and neck myxoma: Report of a case and review of the literature

Intramuscular myxoma of the head and neck is a rare lesion with only six cases documented in the literature. The tumor demonstrates a benign clinical course without a tendency to recur and is occasionally associated with fibrous dysplasia. It thus deserves to be considered in a separate class from other soft tissue myxomas. The seventh case of a head and neck intramuscular myxoma is presented and the clinical, pathological, and CT characteristics of this tumor are reviewed.
Understanding Prisons: The New Old Penology

At the end of 1989, more than 675,000 Americans were imprisoned. Most studies estimate that the nation's prison population will easily surpass 1,000,000 before the turn of the century; indeed, one study estimates that as early as 1994 it will reach over 1,130,000.1 The country's annual corrections tax bill is now estimated to be in the neighborhood of $20-$25 billion, with most of the money rushing into the construction, renovation, and administration of prisons. At the state level, for example, in 1987 corrections spending nationwide increased by about 10%, surpassing the rate of increase in education spending for the second consecutive year.2
Comparison of segmentation methods for analysis of endocardial wall motion with real-time three-dimensional ultrasound

This paper presents a new methodology for validation of endocardial surface segmentation with real-time three-dimensional (RT3D) ultrasound via analysis of ventricular anatomical shape and deformations. When comparing manual tracing and deformable model segmentation methods, we observe high correlation for volume quantification while 3D shapes show significant differences when directly compared by point matching. In the absence of real three-dimensional ground truth for screening of ventricular anatomy, this study aims to define new tests to compare segmented shapes and analyze their accuracy in the context of wall motion analysis. Endocardial surfaces are fitted with finite element modeling in spheroidal prolate coordinates and analysis is performed via construction of node parameter maps in time. Comparison of parameter maps for healthy volunteers and patients with abnormal wall motion are reported.
General theory of weak processes involving neutrinos. II. Pure leptonic decays

We present a general theory of leptonic decays which consistently incorporates the possibility of nonzero neutrino masses and associated lepton mixing. We calculate the differential decay distribution $\frac{{d}^{2}\ensuremath{\Gamma}}{d{E}_{b}d}$ $cos\ensuremath{\theta}$ and the ${l}_{b}$ polarization for "the" decay ${l}_{a}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{la}}{l}_{b}{\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{\mathrm{lb}}$, i.e., in general the incoherent sum of decays ${l}_{a}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{i}{l}_{b}{\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{j}$ into all allowed mass eigenstates ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{i}$ and ${\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{j}$. Expressions are also given for the average quantities $〈cos\ensuremath{\theta}〉({E}_{b})$, $〈cos\ensuremath{\theta}〉$ (integrated over ${E}_{b}$), $〈{E}_{b}〉(\ensuremath{\theta})$, and $〈{E}_{b}〉$ for individual ($i$,$j$) decay modes and the observed sum. The total rate for massive-neutrino modes is calculated for the relevant experimental cases. These results are applied to analyze what the observable characteristics of massive neutrinos and lepton mixing would be in leptonic ${l}_{a}$ decay. We show that $\frac{d\ensuremath{\Gamma}}{d{E}_{b}}$ would in general contain kinks at intermediate energies and carry out a search for these in existing $\ensuremath{\mu}$ and $\ensuremath{\tau}$ decay data. We further show that the conventional determination of the Lorentz structure of weak leptonic couplings via measurement of the spectral parameters $\ensuremath{\rho}$, $\ensuremath{\eta}$, $\ensuremath{\xi}$, and $\ensuremath{\delta}$ is not applicable in the presence of massive neutrinos and lepton mixing; a deviation of the observed parameters (with radiative corrections extracted) from their conventional $V\ensuremath{-}A$ values could be caused either by non-($V\ensuremath{-}A$) Lorentz structure or by massive-neutrino decay modes and lepton mixing. Thus, past measurements of the spectral parameters yield information only on the combined effects of the underlying Lorentz structure of the couplings and on possible neutrino masses and mixing, but not on either of these in isolation. The appropriate generalized formalism for the analysis of Lorentz structure in leptonic decays is given, and a quantitative study is performed of the effects of neutrino masses and mixing on the spectral parameters. We propose methods to distinguish between these effects and those due to possible non-($V\ensuremath{-}A$) Lorentz structure; these methods can be applied in a reanalysis of old $\ensuremath{\mu}$ and $\ensuremath{\tau}$ decay data, and can serve as part of a generalized framework for the analysis of forthcoming data. Within the context of the standard electroweak theory we apply our results to existing data to obtain new upper bounds on the possible contributions of massive neutrino modes. Finally, we determine the optimal ways in which, and the corresponding sensitivity with which, forthcoming experiments on $\ensuremath{\mu}$ and $\ensuremath{\tau}$ decay can search for massive neutrinos and lepton mixing.
NMDA receptor blockage protects against permanent noise-induced hearing loss but not its potentiation by carbon monoxide

Abstract While a clear role has been proposed for glutamate as a putative neurotransmitter at the inner hair cell type I spiral ganglion cell synapse, the possible role of excessive glutamate release in cochlear impairment and of NMDA receptors in such a process is uncertain. The present study compares the protective effects of (+)-MK-801, an NMDA receptor antagonist, and the relatively inactive isomer (−)-MK-801 against permanent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The study also asks whether (+)-MK-801 can protect against the NIHL potentiation by carbon monoxide (CO). Rats ( n =6) were exposed to 100-dB, 13.6-kHz octave-band noise for 2 h after receiving injection of (+)-MK-801 hydrogen maleate (1 mg/kg), (−)-MK-801 hydrogen maleate (1 mg/kg), or saline. Other groups of animals were exposed to the combination of noise and CO (1200 ppm) after receiving (+)-MK-801 or saline. Additional subjects received (+)-MK-801, saline or CO exposure alone. Compound action potential (CAP) threshold sensitivities were compared 4 weeks after the exposures. The results show significant protection by (+)-MK-801 against the permanent CAP threshold elevation induced by noise alone, but no protective effect of (−)-MK-801. (+)-MK-801 produced limited protection against threshold shifts induced by the combination of noise and CO. Outer hair cell (OHC) loss was not protected by (+)-MK-801 administration. The data suggest that NMDA receptor stimulation may play a role in NIHL resulting from fairly mild noise exposure. The data do not support a role for NMDA receptor stimulation in the potentiation of NIHL that results from simultaneous exposure to CO and noise.
Atrial Contribution to Stroke Volume in Dogs with Chronic Heart Block

In dogs studied without thoracotomy, under morphine-pentobarbital anesthesia and with an average heart rate of 71 beats/minute, atrial systole contributes to ventricular function to a small but significant degree. Stroke volume increased by 7 to 8% when atrial systole was timed to occur 0.1 second prior to closure of the atrioventricular valves, and decreased a similar magnitude when the contribution of atrial systole to ventricular filling was rendered ineffective by the use of an A-V delay of zero so that atrial emptying into the ventricles was prevented by the closed A-V valves. Increases or decreases in right atrial pressure of several centimeters of water induced by infusion of 6% dextran and by hemorrhage, respectively, were not associated with demonstrably significant alterations in these effects.
Forschung in der amerikanischen Industrie

Es ist eine grose Ehre fur mich, an dieser Konferenz teilzunehmen und die Gelegenheit zu haben, mit Ihnen die heutige Lage der Forschung in der amerikanischen Industrie zu besprechen.
75 years of mortality in the United States, 1935-2010

While the overall risk of mortality decreased 60 percent over this 75-year period, there were fluctuations in the rate of decline most likely associated with changes in the broader environment. For example, the 29 percent decline in age-adjusted mortality in the earlier period from 1935 to 1954 was probably influenced by the introduction of various drugs such as antibiotics (2). In contrast, in the period 1955 to 1968, age-adjusted death rates decreased by only 2 percent, influenced in part by increases in diseases linked to tobacco use such as cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases (3,4). In the most recent period from 1969 to 2010, significant progress in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (5) likely contributed to the 41 percent decline in age-adjusted mortality despite cancer continuing to increase from 1969 to 1990 and chronic lower respiratory diseases continuing to increase from 1969 to 1998. Because year-to-year changes in death rates are often small, one might not appreciate the full extent of progress in reducing mortality in the United States over the past ¾ of a century. For example, the 2010 age-adjusted death rate of 746.2 deaths per 100,000 population was just 0.5 percent lower than in 2009. However, the 2010 rate represented a 60 percent decrease from the 1935 age-adjusted death rate of 1,860.1 deaths per 100,000 population signaling significant progress in reducing the overall risk of death in the United States across all groups.
Detection of Drug-Resistant HIV-1 Strains

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) encodes proteins essential to its replication cycle. Reverse transcriptase, protease, and viral envelope gp120 are three proteins that have been targeted for antiviral drug development. Eleven inhibitors of reverse transcriptase, seven inhibitors of protease, and one inhibitor of viral envelope binding have been approved for use. Antiretroviral therapy has reversed the mortality rate of HIV-infected persons, but over time, therapy-resistant virus variants may outgrow. A large body of information is now available to relate specific amino acid sequences in the resistant variants to specific drug regimens. Designing therapy to compensate for virus resistance results in improved patient outcomes. The advent of microsequencing technologies paved the way for direct sequencing of DNA products generated by polymerase chain reactions, thus dramatically lowering the cost of HIV gene sequencing. Designing therapy according to genetic analysis of HIV variants will not only also improve clinical outcome, but will also deter the transmission of drug-resistant strains.
Spectral modeling of an oscillating surge wave energy converter with control surfaces

Abstract The aim of this research is to use spectral techniques in evaluating the irregular wave performance of a novel wave energy converter concept that combines an oscillating surge wave energy converter with control surfaces. The control surfaces allow the wave energy converter to have a time-varying geometry that enables the hydrodynamic exciting and radiation coefficients to be altered. In the current state of development the device geometry is controlled on a sea state-to-sea state time scale and combined with control of the power take-off (PTO) on a wave-to-wave time scale to maximize power capture, increase capacity factor, and reduce design loads. Analysis begins with the application of linear hydrodynamic theory to evaluate the device performance in terms of absorbed power, foundation loads, and accumulation of fatigue damage on the PTO. To determine the linear PTO damping coefficient that maximizes the time-averaged absorbed power for a given sea state, an optimization problem was constructed while incorporating a motion constraint on the maximum pitch amplitude of motion. The inclusion of the motion constraint prevents linear scaling of the performance results with the significant wave height. Previous studies on the modeling of oscillating surge wave energy converter designs have included nonlinear hydrodynamics. Therefore, a quadratic viscous drag moment was added to the system dynamics through use of a quasi-linear viscous damping coefficient. The same performance quantities were calculated for both the linear and nonlinear models while assuming an irregular wave surface elevation described by a Bretscheider spectrum. One major effect of including the viscous drag moment was flattening of the capture width and structural load curves with respect to the wave spectrum peak frequency while reducing the sensitivity with respect to the significant wave height compared to the linear analysis.
Evaluating the Impact of Total Intravenous Anesthesia on the Clinical Outcomes and Perioperative NLR and PLR Profiles of Patients Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) on the perioperative inflammatory profile and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS–HIPEC). A retrospective review of patients undergoing CRS–HIPEC was performed. Patients receiving a combination of preoperative tramadol extended release (ER), celecoxib, and pregabalin, along with combined intraoperative infusions of propofol, dexmedetomidine, lidocaine, and ketamine were classified as receiving a TIVA regimen (TIVA group). The second group consisted of patients receiving volatile–opioid-based anesthesia (VO group). The neutrophil:leukocyte (NLR) and platelet: leukocyte (PLR) ratios were calculated to evaluate the perioperative inflammatory status of both groups. Length of stay (LOS) and complications of both groups were also evaluated. A total of 213 patients were included in the study—139 in the VO group and 74 in the TIVA group. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to their postoperative inflammatory profiles, LOS, or complications by organ system; however, the incidence of renal complications was higher in the TIVA group (8.1 vs. 2.2 %) and approached statistical significance (p = 0.068). In this retrospective study of patients undergoing CRS–HIPEC, the combined use of preoperative celecoxib, tramadol ER and pregabalin followed by intraoperative TIVA with infusions of propofol, dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and lidocaine was not associated with a reduction in LOS or complications by organ system. Postoperative NLR and PLR profiles were also not significantly impacted.
Diverse Topologies in Chiral Divalent Metal Camphorate Coordination Polymers Containing 4,4′-Dipyridylamine

Hydrothermal synthesis has afforded six chiral divalent metal coordination polymers containing d-camphorate (d-cmph) and 4,4′-dipyridylamine (dpa) ligands, whose topologies depend largely on metal coordination geometry preference. Both cadmium derivatives {[Cd(dpa)(d-cmphH)2(H2O)]·0.875H2O}n (1) and {[Cd(d-cmph)(dpa)(Hdpa)]ClO4}n (1a) exhibit one-dimensional (1-D) chains with protonated pendant ligands; 1 possesses sinusoidal chains with a “wavelength” of over 67 A. [Zn2(d-cmph)2(dpa)(H2O)]n (2) exhibits a two-dimensional (2-D) 3,4-connected binodal net with (53)2(5482) topology. {[Ni(d-cmph)(dpa)]·3H2O}n (3) and {[M2(d-cmph)2(dpa)]·H2O}n (M = Co, 4; M = Cu, 5) manifest three-dimensional (3-D) networks. The nickel derivative has an uncommon 2-fold interpenetrated 4-connected 4284lvt topology, while the isostructural cobalt and copper complexes possess 6-connected pcu topologies based on {M2(OCO)4} paddlewheel dimers. Complexes 1/1a and 2 undergo visible light emission upon ultraviolet excitation. Variable...
Abstract 4317: PTEN-null tumors cohabiting the same lung display differential Akt activation and sensitivity to dietary restriction.

PTEN loss is considered a biomarker for activated PI3K/Akt, a pathway frequently mutated in cancer, and recently shown to confer resistance to dietary restriction (DR). Here we demonstrate that PTEN loss is not sufficient to drive Akt activation and resistance to DR in tumors with low growth factor receptor levels. We describe a murine PTEN-null Kras-driven lung cancer model that harbors both DR-resistant, higher-grade, bronchiolar tumors with high-Akt-activity, and DR-sensitive, lower-grade, alveolar tumors with low-Akt-activity. We find that this phenotype is cell-autonomous and that normal bronchiolar cells express higher levels of IGF1R and ENTPD5, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) enzyme known to modulate growth factor receptor levels. Suppression of ENTPD5 is sufficient to decrease IGF1R levels and sensitize bronchiolar tumor cells to serum in vitro and to DR in vivo. Furthermore, we find that a significant percentage of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have low Akt activity despite PTEN loss. Our studies point to a heterogeneity of Akt activation in the same murine PTEN-null lung tissue, as well as in human NSCLC, underscoring the challenges facing personalized cancer therapy based solely on cancer genotype. They further indicate that the tumor response to anti-cancer therapies, including DR, needs to be based upon PI3K/Akt activity per se, rather than genetic alterations in the PTEN/Akt pathway. Citation Format: Natasha L. Curry, Mari Mino-Kenudson, Trudy G. Oliver, Omer H. Yilmaz, Vedat O. Yilmaz, Jade Moon, Tyler Jacks, David M. Sabatini, Nada Y. Kalaany. PTEN-null tumors cohabiting the same lung display differential Akt activation and sensitivity to dietary restriction. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4317. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4317
Mechanisms of expansion for an introduced species of cordgrass, Spartina densiflora, in Humboldt Bay, California

The dominant plant in Humboldt Bay salt marshes in Spartina densiflora, a species of cordgrass apparently introduced from South America. At several salt marshes and restoration sites around Humboldt Bay, distribution of this plant has increased significantly. We investigated the relative contributions of vegetative tiller production and seed germination to the establishment and expansion of S. densiflora. Lateral spread of plants surrounded by competitors were compared to areas without competing plant species. Plants growing in areas without competitors had significantly higher rates of vegetative expansion (p<0.0001). Viable seed production, germination rates, seedling survivorship, and growth of adult plants were measured in six salinity treatments. Approximately 1,977±80 viable seeds are produced per plant (0.25–0.5 m2). The number of germinating seeds was inversely related to increases in salinity. Salinity treatments between 19‰ and 35‰ produced significantly lower germination rates than salinities of 0–18‰ (p<0.0001). Seedling survivorship was 50% at ≤4‰ and 8–14% at ≥11‰. Lateral expansion of adult, greenhouse-grown plants occurred in all salinity treatments, with modest decreases in the highest salinity treatments (p<0.05). Our findings indicate that S. densiflora expands primarily by vegetative expansion, and lateral tillers are produced by throughout the year. Spartina densiflora produces prolific amounts of seed, but recruitment in mature salt marshes may be limited by competitors and higher salinities. At restoration sites, planting of native species such as Salicornia virginica, Distichlis spicata, or Jaumea carnosa may prevent monospecific stands of S. densiflora from developing.
A Randomized, Comparative Study of Tobramycin and Gentamicin in Treatment of Acute Urinary Tract Infections

Eighty patients with urinary tract infections were randomly divided into two equal groups; one group received tobramycin, and the other received gentamicin. The daily dose of antibiotic for each group was 3 mg/kg. Mean levels in serum were 4.5 and 4.7 mug/ml, respectively, 1 hr after an intramuscular injection, and the mean duration of therapy was 6.5 days. Mean ages and sex ratios were similar in the two groups. Essentially equal numbers of patients with pyelonephritis and cystitis were assigned randomly to each group. Eradication of infection was similar in patients in the two treatment groups, and there was not a significant number of relapses or reinfections in either group. Renal function was abnormal in seven patients treated with gentamicin and in two patients treated with tobramycin. One patient in the gentamicin group developed a skin eruption. Our data suggest that tobramycin is as effective as gentamicin in the treatment of acute urinary tract infection and may be less nephrotoxic at similar doses.
Unresolved Issues With Regard to Creep and Creep Fatigue Life Prediction

This paper studies intergranular creep failure of high temperature service material under a stress-controlled unbalanced cyclic loading condition. The grain boundary rupture process was numerically analyzed using Tvergaard’s axisymetric model. The present numerical model incorporated the experimentally verified Murakami-Ohno cyclic strain hardening creep law and Norton’s creep law. The numerical results show that void growth accelerates under cyclic loading condition. Also, analysis shows that a steady state creep law is not sufficient to analyze damage evolution under cyclic loading conditions.Copyright © 2002 by ASME