cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF MOISTURE, SUCROSE, NaCl, AND ARABINOXYLAN ON RELAXATION IN WHEAT DOUGH AS MEASURED BY DMTA

The effects of sucrose, NaCl, and arabinoxylan on the α-relaxation of wheat doughs with different water contents were investigated using Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA). DMTA measurements were made at the heating rate of 2°C/min from at least 30°C below the observed onset of the α-relaxation (glass transition) to at least 30°C above the transition. The glass transition temperature, Tg , was taken from the onset temperature of the decrease in storage modulus (G′). The frequencies used were 0.1, 1, and 5 Hz and amplitude was 16 μm. The storage modulus, G′, showed α-relaxation in all doughs with added ingredients. Added ingredients decreased the glass transition temperature of dough. The Tg of doughs with different ingredients decreased with increasing water content of doughs over the whole aw range used (0.113–0.753). Also, the Tg increased with increasing frequency.
Simultaneous detection of both hepatitis B virus DNA and hepatitis C virus RNA using a combined one-step polymerase chain reaction technique

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is widely used for diagnosis of HCV infection and evaluation of therapy. The sensitive hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA PCR is often reserved for detection of quantities of HBV DNA that are insufficient for hybridization. Application of both PCR techniques is limited by their labor-intensity, potential for contamination, and substantial time required for analysis. To study HCV and HBV infections, occurring alone or in combination, we developed a combined one-step PCR method to detect HCV RNA and HBV DNA in a single serum specimen using oligoprimers from the HCV 5′ untranslated region and the HBV preS/S region. Specificity of the HBV and HCV PCR products was confirmed on the basis of their molecular sizes in positive samples, Southern blot hybridization, and negative controls. The sensitivities of the combined PCR were assessed using samples containing a wide range of defined amounts of HBV DNA and HCV RNA and were comparable with those obtained with conventional HBV DNA or HCV RNA PCR methods. The sensitivity of the combined method was further validated by the 100% concordance between results of its HBV and HCV components and those of conventional PCR methods in patients with HBV and/or HCV infections. The combined one-step HBV/HCV PCR is a sensitive, specific, rapid, and cost-effective method, especially suited for epidemiological screening and clinical diagnosis of HBV and HCV infections occurring alone or in combination.
Digital detection and processing of multiple quadrature harmonics for EPR spectroscopy.

Abstract A quadrature digital receiver and associated signal estimation procedure are reported for L-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The approach provides simultaneous acquisition and joint processing of multiple harmonics in both in-phase and out-of-phase channels. The digital receiver, based on a high-speed dual-channel analog-to-digital converter, allows direct digital down-conversion with heterodyne processing using digital capture of the microwave reference signal. Thus, the receiver avoids noise and nonlinearity associated with analog mixers. Also, the architecture allows for low-Q anti-alias filtering and does not require the sampling frequency to be time-locked to the microwave reference. A noise model applicable for arbitrary contributions of oscillator phase noise is presented, and a corresponding maximum-likelihood estimator of unknown parameters is also reported. The signal processing is applicable for Lorentzian lineshape under nonsaturating conditions. The estimation is carried out using a convergent iterative algorithm capable of jointly processing the in-phase and out-of-phase data in the presence of phase noise and unknown microwave phase. Cramer–Rao bound analysis and simulation results demonstrate a significant reduction in linewidth estimation error using quadrature detection, for both low and high values of phase noise. EPR spectroscopic data are also reported for illustration.
Explaining Police Bias: A Theory of Social Conditioning and Illusory Correlation

Although recent empirical research has shown that Blacks and Hispanics are consistently overrepresented among police stops, searches, and arrests, few criminologists have attempted to provide a the...
Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Activity in the Adrenal Gland of Young Rat: Development and Responsiveness to Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

An improved method is described for the assay of the enzymic activity of cholesterol side-chain cleavage in rat adrenal glands. The method makes use of double isotope labeling and can be conveniently applied to smaller tissue samples than has been possible hitherto. With this improved technique, a study of the cholesterol side-chain cleavage activity of the adrenals of rats of various ages, from 1 to 46 days, has been undertaken and the results are reported. The enzyme activity is relatively high in the adrenal gland of the 1-day-old rat, but falls during the first 6 postnatal days, remains low until about the 12th postnatal day, then rises to a higher level by about the 25th day. This developmental pattern correlates closely with that which has been reported for the responsiveness of the adrenal of the neonatal rat to stress. Repeated injections of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) for 8 days prevent the decline of cleavage activity in the adrenal of the newborn. Treatment with ACTH for 2 days is not lo...
Control of microgrid-connected PV-sources

This paper studies the control configuration of a Microgrid Connected Photo Voltaic (MCPV) source. In the control of a MCPV, maximum power point (MPP) tracking, droop control and DC bus voltage regulation are the main required functions. To increase their penetration in the microgrid, MCPV sources have to participate in the microgrid's frequency regulation. Consequently, MCPV may be forced to depart from MPP for short periods of time. In this paper, a control method is proposed to operate the MCPV in the MPP at all times except when there is a need to stabilize the frequency. The method achieves this objective autonomously without any need to change the control configuration. This method is explained and its superiority over other controllers to achieve the same objective is investigated. The parameters of the universal controller are selected such that the controller can achieve the required performance. The suggested control configurations are validated through simulation studies.
Subsequence references: first-class values for substrings

Arrays of characters are a basic data type in many programming languages, but strings and substrings are seldom accorded first-class status as parameters and return values. Such status would enable a routine that calls a search function to readily access context on both sides of a return value. To enfranchise substrings, this paper describes a new data type for substrings as a special case of one for general subsequences. The key idea is that values are not sequences or references to positions in sequences, but rather references to subsequences. Primitive operations on the data type are constants, concatenation, and four new functions—base, start, next, and extent—which map subsequence references to subsequence references.This paper informally presents the data type, demonstrates its convenience for defining search functions, and shows how it can be concisely implemented. Examples are given in Ness, a language incorporating the new data type, which is implemented as part of the Andrew User Interface System.
Ego defenses and perceptual styles.

This study explored similarities between Voth's personality construct (ego-close—ego-distant) and that of Witkin (field-dependent—field-independent), especially with reference to ego defenses. A measure of autokinesis, the Figure-drawing Test, the Rod-and-frame Test and the Defense Mechanisms Inventory were administered to 45 men and 52 women. The correlations between autokinetic scores and the Figure-drawing Test and Rod-and-frame Test scores were of low order and not significant. Correlations between Figure-drawing and Rod-and-frame Test scores and between combined Figure-drawing—Rod-and-frame scores and the subcategories of the Defense Mechanisms Inventory tended to confirm previous findings. Predicted relations between the autokinetic effect and ego defenses were obtained only for men. Other significant sex differences are presented. Possible explanations for these results are discussed.
Type a Behavior and Self Reports of Cardiovascular Arousal in Adolescents

Abstract The association of adolescent Type A behavior with reports of cardiovascular arousal and sleep disturbances was examined. Previous research on the Framingham cohort indicates a cross-sectional relationship between symptoms of arousal and Type A behavior in both sexes, and a prospective relationship bet ween arousal and coronary heart disease incidence in women. Certain sleep patterns have been related to behavior pattern status in a college-aged population. In the current study, Type A behavior was assessed by the Adolescent Structured Interview (ASI), which yields three factor scores: interview behaviors, impatience, and harddriving. Endorsement of symptoms of cardiovascular arousal and sleep disturbances was compared for subjects above and below the median on each of the factor scores. The results showed that the impatience score is strongly related to reports of cardiovastular arousal, the harddriving factor yields a weaker relationship, and the interview behaviors factor was unrelated to repo...
Evolving treatments in the management of laryngotracheal hemangiomas: will propranolol supplant steroids and surgery?

Abstract There has been a dramatic evolution in the treatment of laryngotracheal hemangiomas during the past decade and recent accounts and case reports of propranolol treatment have been encouraging. The purpose of the study is to determine the clinical course and outcomes of treating laryngotracheal hemangiomas at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in the last 8 years with the various modalities. We review with contemporary surgical techniques, including propranolol, and determine the results, limitations and complications. The study was a retrospective review of all patients referred to the Otolaryngology service at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with symptomatic laryngotracheal hemangiomas between January 2002 and December 2010. The study consisted of 30 infants, ranging in age from 1 to 18 months at time of diagnosis. Surgical interventions included open surgical excision, laser surgery, microdebrider excision and/or propranolol therapy. The main outcome measures include improvement in symptoms, decannulation, number of required treatments and airway size. All but two patients underwent an initial trial of steroids. Thirteen patients underwent open surgical excision, 9 requiring cartilage grafts and 12 were done in a single stage. Twelve surgical patients remained asymptomatic. One patient with diffuse mediastinal disease experiencing postoperative airway symptoms despite a normal appearing airway improved on propranolol. Two patients underwent at least 2 laser ablations, 4 responded to systemic steroids alone, and 1 had microdebrider resection. In the last 14 months, 12 patients have had propranolol therapy at a dose of 2 mg/kg divided every 8 h. Eight patients improved clinically within 1 week of initiating treatment. Four patients failed to respond to propranolol therapy; 1 patient subsequently underwent open excision and the other continued with a tracheostomy for 18 months and finally was decannulated. A third patient had a partial response, but remains relatively asymptomatic. A fourth patient has had no response at all. There were no major complications from propranolol; minor complications included diarrhea and decreased appetite. This study gives an overview of the evolution of hemangioma treatment at our institution over the last 8 years. Surgical excision remains an effective treatment for subglottic hemangiomas. Carefully administered, propranolol may demonstrate efficacy as a first-line agent in most cases avoiding surgery, tracheostomy, prolonged steroids, or as treatment of diffuse and unresectable disease. However, some lesions may be resistant to propranolol and require surgery or long-term steroids.
Simulation of Mn(II) EPR Spectra Using a Full Spin-Hamiltonian Approach

A full spin-Hamiltonian approach was used to calculate continuous-wave EPR spectra of Mn(II) complexes, and a comparison was made with spectra previously simulated by perturbation methods. Successful fits were performed using single values of the zero-field splitting parameter, D. The advantage of the new procedure is that it provides better fits where the magnetic field is not very large compared to zero-field splitting terms.
Complexity: An Integration of Theories1

The development of a science-wide complexity theory by associates of the Santa Fe Institute provides the opportunity to explore the convergence of behavioral (cognitive/conceptual) complexity theory with science-wide complexity theory. A number of equivalent or similar views of two theories with relevance to human cognition and behavior are discussed.
Parasitism of the mosquito Culex pipiens by the nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora

Abstract Various concentrations of the nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora were added to dishes containing second, third, and fourth larval instars of the mosquito, Culex pipiens, respectively. The infective stage nematodes were ingested by the mosquito larvae, they then penetrated through the alimentary tract in the neck region and entered the hemocoel. A melanization reaction killed many invading nematodes, but heavier concentrations overwhelmed the hosts' defense reaction and 100% mortality of third- and fourth-instar larvae was achieved using between 170 and 200 nematodes per host. Death was either due to the nematode releasing cells of the symbiotic bacterium, Xenorhabdus luminescens, into the hemocoel or to foreign bacteria (mostly Pseudomonas aeruginosa), which were introduced by the penetrating nematodes. The potential use of this nematode as a biological control agent of larval culicine mosquito is discussed.
Hydraulic Resistance of Rough Lemon Roots

A pressure chamber technique was used to estimate hydraulic root resistance in rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) seedlings. The effect of previous water stress on hydraulic root resistance was evaluated. A factorial 3 × 3 design with four replications was established with potted rough lemon seedlings in a growth chamber. Three water-stress treatments were applied by watering at intervals of 1, 2 and 3 days, and root resistance measurements were made after 6, 12 and 18 days of treatment. Plants that had experienced mild and severe water stress (irrigation interval of 2 and 3 days, respectively) had higher hydraulic root resistances after several drying cycles than those plants irrigated daily. Additional cycles had no significant effect. The increase in root resistance was not due to decreased root growth but apparently to changes in the permeability of the root cell membranes or to increased suberin deposition in the cell walls of the cortical cells. In a short-term experiment (1 h), temperature strongly affected water flow through rough lemon roots in the range 5 to 35°C. Temperature influenced root membrane permeability, since reduced blow could not be explained by changes in water viscosity.
Genes, specificity, and the lexical/functional distinction in language acquisition

Contrary to Muller's claims, and in support of modular theories, genetic factors play a substantial and significant role in language. The finding that some children with specific language impairment (SLI) have nonlinguistic impairments may reflect improper diagnosis of SLI or impairments that are secondary to linguistic impairments. Thus, such findings do not argue against the modularity thesis. The lexical/functional distinction appears to be innate and specifically linguistic and could be instantiated in either symbolic or connectionist systems.
Bicycle facility planning using GIS and multi-criteria decision analysis

Abstract Sustainable transport has become an important goal in transportation planning and research in recent decades. One emphasis of sustainable transport is to develop a multi-modal transportation system, in which bicycling facility planning is playing an important role. Recently, many bicycle facility planning methods have been proposed, and can be divided into two groups: supply- and demand-based models. While these two groups of models have been applied separately, few studies, however, have incorporated variables from these two groups of models together for bicycle facility planning. To address this issue, this paper proposes a multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) analysis to integrate both supply- and demand-based criteria for bicycle facility planning. Analysis was performed at two geographic levels: network level and neighborhood level, and a Geographic Information System (GIS) based exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) method was applied to explore the spatial patterns of bicycle facilities at the neighborhood level. This model was applied to Milwaukee City, WI, U.S.A., and results suggest that a combination of GIS and MCE analysis can serve as a better alternative to plan for optimal bicycle facilities, highlighting inadequacies of typical supply-side measures, and meet multiple planning objectives of government agencies, planners and bicyclists.
Monoclonal antibodies anti-CD3, anti-TCRαβ and anti-CD2 act synergistically with tumor cells to stimulate lymphokine-activated killer cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to secrete interferon γ

Peripheral blood lymphocytes cultured in interleukin-2 IL-2 acquire the ability to recognize and kill a wide range of tumor cells. Such promiscuous killer cells are termed lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. We recently reported that the interaction of LAK cells with tumor cells stimulated the LAK cells to release interferon (IFN)γ. Here, we report that the release of IFNγ by LAK cells can be further enhanced by addition of the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), anti-CD3, anti-(T cell receptor αβ) (TCRαβ) and a mitogenic combination of anti-CD2 (T112+T113). Other antibodies, including a non-mitogenic anti-CD2 mAb (Leu5b), that recognize T cell-associated antigens were not stimulatory. The same stimulatory mAbs also synergized with tumor cells to stimulate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) to secrete IFNγ. Additional experiments indicated that it was the T cell subset of LAK cells (LAK-T cells) that was stimulated by tumor cells and mAbs to release IFNγ. Inhibition studies with specific mAbs suggest that the stimulation of IFNγ release by LAK-T cells was dependent both on the aggregation of TCR-CD3 complexes on the LAK-T cell, and on the interaction of accessory molecules with their ligands. The accessory molecules we have identified as critical are LFA 1 and CD2/LFA-2 on LAK-T cells interacting with their respective ligands ICAM-1 and LFA3. Thus our data suggest that cytokine production in LAK-T cells can be regulated by multiple molecular interactions, involving the TCR-CD3 complex and adhesion molecules.
Evanescent-wave microscopy: A simple optical configuration

SUMMARY Under suitable conditions, the region of the aqueous phase immediately adjacent to a glass-water interface can be selectively illuminated using the evanescent wave created when total internal reflection occurs at the interface. Objects in the aqueous phase away from the glass become effectively invisible, since the intensity of the evanescent wave decays exponentially with distance from the interface. Previous methods of generating evanescent waves for light microscopy have employed accessory light sources and optical components that directed the illumination on the specimen from one side. The asymmetric illumination creates a surprising orientation dependence of visibility for some specimens. Objects such as microtubules are totally invisible unless they are orientated nearly perpendicular to the direction of illumination. An explanation of this phenomenon is provided in terms of the geometry of diffraction of light by long thin objects. A simple method of achieving evanescent-wave illumination is described and shown to be useful in practice for biological specimens. In contrast to previously described methods, the present arrangement has the advantage of producing circularly symmetric illumination, and of utilizing only standard optical microscope components. The system has been used for imaging specimens both by light scattering and by fluorescence. It has proved useful for following the fragmentation of flagella into isolated microtubules, observing microtubules gliding over dynein adsorbed to a surface, and also for determining the arrangement of vinculin and alpha-actinin in cell-substratum attachment sites and termini of growing myofibrils in cardiac cells.
Cultural Competence: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis

Abstract Aim. The purpose of this article is to explore the concept of cultural competence in the nursing and nursing education literature. Background. The RN workforce, the nurse faculty population, and the pre-licensure nursing student population do not reflect the country's changing demographics, and cultural competence is identified as key to preparing nurses to meet clients' needs. Method. Using Rogers' method of evolutionary concept analysis, key words (cultural competence, nursing, and nursing education) were searched in two databases for a five-year period. Of 388 articles found, 137 met inclusion criteria; of these, 30 articles were randomly selected for nursing and nursing education. Results. Three dimensions of cultural competence (awareness, attitudes, and behaviors) and related concepts were identified. Conclusion. Results of this concept analysis reveal congruency between nursing and nursing education with regard to cultural competence. Further research is recommended.
Nickel extraction from acidic chloride solutions with aliphatic oximes

Abstract The U.S. Bureau of Mines investigated the use of aliphatic oximes to extract nickel from acidic nickelous-chromic chloride solutions. Batch solvent-extraction tests were conducted to characterize nickel extraction and stripping. The oximes tested, heptanal, octanal, 2-ethylhexanal, decanal and dodecanal, selectively extracted nickel over chromium by an ion pair transfer mechanism. Nickel was stripped from the loaded oxime extractants with dilute acid. When subjected to acidic processing conditions, the oximes partially degraded to their parent aldehydes by hydrolysis but were regenerated by contacting the solvent with a neutralized hydroxylamine-hydrochloride solution. Decanal oxime (DOX) was successfully used in a continuous countercurrent solventextraction circuit that incorporated three loading, six stripping and one regeneration stage. At steady state, the circuit produced raffinates, strip liquors and loaded solvents containing 0.002, 27.2 and 10.3 g/l Ni, respectively. The DOX degraded 12% per loading and stripping cycle but was effectively regenerated prior to recycling to the head of the circuit. Additional testing, in closed reactors, indicated that the stability of the DOX extractant could be improved by adding decyl aldehyde to the solvent and by stripping the solvent with a dilute solution of HCl and hydroxylamine hydrochloride; however, additional research is needed to determine long-term DOX stability in a process solvent-extraction circuit.
Relationship between defects and the dielectric and transport properties of SrTiO3 thin films

We report on some of the key properties of ferroelectric and high-permittivity thin films relevant for their application in metal/insulator/metal structures, such as voltage tunable capacitors and novel memories. We use a model system, Pt/SrTiO3/Pt thin film structures, with microstructures, stress states and point defects characterized by advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques, high-resolution x-ray diffraction and wafer curvature measurements. We investigate the relation between defects and dielectric properties, measured at frequencies up to 1 GHz. We discuss the origins of dielectric losses in these films and the role of point defects, such as oxygen vacancies. We report on dielectric deadlayers, which cause a significant reduction in the dielectric tunabilities. We discuss the influence of dielectric relaxation on the thermal leakage characteristics of textured and epitaxial Pt/SrTiO3/Pt thin film structures. We also discuss the properties of Pt/SrTiO3/Pt structures with ultrathin (5 ? 10 nm) SrTiO3 films.
Analytical Developments for High-Precision Measurements of W Isotopes in Iron Meteorites

A procedure was developed to accurately measure the W isotopic compositions of iron meteorites with a precision of better than ±0.1 e on e182W and e184W (normalized to 186W/183W). Purification of W was achieved through a two-step, ion-exchange procedure. In most cases, the yield is better than 80%, and purified W solutions are clear of matrix elements and direct isobars of W. The final W solutions were analyzed using a Micromass Isoprobe multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICPMS). Tests performed on mixtures of terrestrial standards and meteorite samples demonstrate that the method is accurate and that e182W variations as small as ∼0.1 e can be detected. Analyses of three different aliquots of the Gibeon (IVA) iron meteorite obtained over a period of 6 months show identical e182W values with a weighted mean of 3.38 ± 0.05, consistent with literature data for IVA iron meteorites, and indicating that the metal−silicate differentiation event in its parent body was either contempor...
Measurement of trust over time in hybrid inspection systems

A study was conducted to measure the effects of human trust and to determine how it develops over time in a hybrid inspection system given different types of errors (i.e., false alarms and misses). The study also looked at which of the four dimensions of trust (competence, predictability, reliability, and faith) were the best predictors of overall trust. Results from the study showed that trust is sensitive to the type of errors made by a system. There was a significant change in overall trust between the stages for the conservative and risky systems, but no significant change in the neutral system. In regards to the best predictors of trust, faith appeared as one of the predictors in all three trial blocks for the conservative and risky systems. As time progressed, predictability emerged in the second and third trial blocks for the conservative system. Competence played an important role in the development of trust for the risky system, whereas reliability played an important role for the neutral system. These results suggest that subjective ratings of trust and the properties of the system can be used to predict the allocation of functions in hybrid inspection systems. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 15: 177–196, 2005.
Gremlins of all brain tumors: germinomas and nongerminomatous germ cell tumors

Three studies using multiple modalities in treating germ cell tumors are compared. The evolution of a more prominent role for chemotherapy is demonstrated for a subgroup of this heterogenous group of tumors. This includes nongerminomatous germ cell tumors as well as pure germinomas.
Asking for Performance: Exploiting Developer Intuition to Guide Instrumentation with TimeTrial

Architecturally-diverse systems (containing co-processors such as reconfigurable logic and graphics engines) have received significant attention recently in the high performance computing community. They are new enough, however, that application development tools are quite limited. This paper describes our performance measurement system, Time Trial, that automates performance measurements of diverse, streaming data applications. Time Trial enables low-impact measurements by interpreting performance queries in the Time Trial language and by compiling these queries to highly-specific, optimized instrumentation that aggressively performs lossy compression on the performance meta-data. Currently, Time Trial supports multi-core processors and reconfigurable logic, with GPU support under development. We present the Time Trial language and its associated compiler, including its use in optimizing the performance of an example computational science problem.
Carbofluorination via a palladium-catalyzed cascade reaction

This article demonstrates the first examples of tandem C–C and C–F bond formation for the palladium-catalyzed carbofluorination of allenes. The intramolecular Heck-fluorination cascade provides monofluoromethylated heteroarenes, an important class of products in medicinal chemistry. We also describe an intermolecular variant for the three-component coupling of allenes, aryl iodides, and AgF. Mechanistic studies indicate that C–F bond formation occurs by outer sphere attack of fluoride on an allylpalladium fluoride intermediate.
Introduction of a new optimized total cavopulmonary connection.

Background Several variations of the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) have been investigated for favorable fluid mechanics and flow distribution. This study presents a hemodynamically optimized TCPC configuration code-named "OptiFlo." Featuring bifurcated vena cava (superior venacava to inferior vena cava SVC/IVC), it was designed to lower the fluid mechanical power losses in the connection and to ensure proper hepatic blood perfusion to both lungs. Methods A rapid prototype model of the OptiFlo TCPC was built and in vitro control volume flow analysis was performed to evaluate the fluid mechanical power loss performance of the model. Furthermore, computational fluid dynamics simulations were used to investigate the flow patterns in the model, which were compared with those in the planar one-diameter offset TCPC with flared anastomosis sites, the best known TCPC configuration to date. Results Compared with the one-diameter offset reference model, the OptiFlo showed lower power losses: −26%, −31%, and −42% for increasing cardiac outputs of 2, 4, and 6 L/minute, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in power loss between 40:60 and 50:50 SVC/IVC flow ratios ( p > 0.1) for the OptiFlo model. The power loss characteristic curve for different left and right pulmonary artery ratios was flatter for the OptiFlo than the one-diameter offset reference model. Pulmonary artery flow was much more streamlined in the OptiFlo compared with the one-diameter offset model. Conclusions The OptiFlo TCPC design exhibits lower power losses with better adaptive distribution of hepatic blood to both lungs and lower blood flow disturbances compared with the planar one-diameter offset TCPC model. Its significantly superior hemodynamic performance at higher cardiac outputs (exercise) rationalizes further design and feasibility studies toward a workable clinical model.
The Impact of Recent Screening Recommendations on Prostate Cancer Screening in a Large Health Care System

Purpose: The United States Preventive Services Task Force recently recommended against routine prostate cancer screening, stating that the risks of screening outweigh the benefits. We determined the impact of this recommendation on prostate cancer screening in a large health system.Materials and Methods: We obtained data on all screening prostate specific antigen tests performed at University Hospitals Case Medical Center and affiliated hospitals in northeastern Ohio from January 2008 to December 2012. We examined the total number of prostate specific antigen tests ordered with time and adjusted for patient volume by fitting a regression line. The overall trend was examined and stratified by location (urban, suburban or rural), patient age and provider type (primary care or urology).Results: A total of 43,498 screening prostate specific antigen tests were performed from January 2008 to December 2012. Most tests were ordered by specialists in internal medicine (64.9%), followed by family medicine (23.7%), ...
Differential stimulation of microglial pro-inflammatory cytokines by Acanthamoeba culbertsoni versus Acanthamoeba castellanii.

Acanthamoeba spp. are opportunistic pathogens that cause granulomatous amebic encephalitis. We compared the highly pathogenic species A. culbertsoni to the relatively less pathogenic species A. castellanii for its capacity to elicit from neonatal rat microglia the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Acanthamoeba culbertsoni elicited a robust cytokine gene response by neonatal rat microglia in vitro as compared to A. castellanii. The preponderant cytokine elicited at the mRNA and protein levels was interleukin-1β. In addition, transmission electron microscopy revealed that microglial cells were capable of phagocytozing A. castellanii. In contrast, A. culbertsoni destroyed microglia. Collectively, these results suggest that a combined action of pro-inflammatory cytokines and destruction of host cells by amebae contribute to the pathology caused by the more pathogenic species.
Formative Feedback in Interactive Learning Environments

Educators and researchers have long recognized the importance of formative feedback for learning. Formative feedback helps learners understand where they are in a learning process, what the goal is, and how to reach that goal. While experimental and observational research has illuminated many aspects of feedback, modern interactive learning environments provide new tools to understand feedback and its relation to various learning outcomes.
Mégavoltage cone-beam CT : récents développements et applications cliniques pour la radiothérapie conformationnelle avec modulation d'intensité

Resume Le systeme Megavoltage cone-beam CT (MV CBCT) combine un appareil d'imagerie portale dote d'un detecteur optimise pour les energies du faisceau de traitement, un faisceau de tres faible debit de dose synchronise avec le detecteur et une station d'acquisition, de reconstruction et de fusion avec l'image scanographique de planification. Le systeme d'imagerie MV CBCT genere a faible dose des images tomographiques du patient en position de traitement permettant la verification du positionnement et la detection des distorsions anatomiques, de meme que le calcul de dose. L'objectif de ce travail etait de colliger les recents developpements de la technologie (MV CBCT), et a l'aide de quatre utilisations cliniques specifiques dans les traitements de lesions spinales ou pulmonaires, dans les traitements des cancers de la tete, du cou et de la prostate, d'illustrer les performances et possibilites du systeme, menant a de nouvelles applications cliniques.
Local control of brain metastases by stereotactic radiosurgery in relation to dose to the tumor margin

Object The maximal tolerated dose (MTD) for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain tumors was established by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) in protocol 90-05, which defined three dose groups based on the maximal tumor diameter. The goal in this retrospective study was to determine whether differences in doses to the margins of brain metastases affect the ability of SRS to achieve local control. Methods Between 1997 and 2003, 202 patients harboring 375 tumors that met study entry criteria underwent SRS for treatment of one or multiple brain metastases. The median overall follow-up duration was 10.7 months (range 3–83 months). A dose of 24 Gy to the tumor margin had a significantly lower risk of local failure than 15 or 18 Gy (p = 0.0005; hazard ratio 0.277, confidence interval [CI] 0.134–0.573), whereas the 15- and 18-Gy groups were not significantly different from each other (p = 0.82) in this regard. The 1-year local control rate was 85% (95% CI 78–92%) in tumors treated with 24 Gy, compa...
A MUTANT OF E. COLI THAT RESTRICTS GROWTH OF BACTERIOPHAGE T4 AT ELEVATED TEMPERATURES

After nitrosoguanidine mutagenesis, a Phage Host Defective (phd) mutant of E. coli HfrH was isolated that supported the growth of T4D wild-type bacteriophage at 30°, but not at 40° or higher. Eleven independent spontaneous mutants of T4 (go mutants) were isolated that overcame the growth restriction at high temperature. All of these mutants were located within three percent recombination of a gene 39 amber mutation in the clockwise direction on the standard map. In mixed infections, the representative go mutant chosen for further study seems to be recessive to its wild-type allele. Temperature-shift experiments suggested that the mutated host function involved in phage growth is a "late" function, beginning in mid-eclipse.—Electrophoresis of phage proteins labelled early and late in infection showed that under restrictive conditions early protein synthesis was normal, but that certain late proteins were absent. However, measurements of DNA synthesis showed that under restrictive conditions the amount of phage DNA synthesized, and especially the amount of DNA sedimenting as high molecular weight replicative intermediate, was reduced. Pulse-chase experiments showed that the phage DNA made under restrictive conditions was not rapidly degraded.
Cubic Phase Stabilization of Translucent Yttria‐Zirconia at Very Low Temperatures

Simultaneous decomposition of yttrium and zirconium alkozides was used to obtain an almost ideal mixture of powders of high surface activity. From this powder a translucent body, “Zyttrite,” was made with a grain size of less than 1μ. The mixed oxide was consolidated into a stabilized body by firing at 1000°C for 30 min. This is indicative of a phenomenal increase in solid state reactivity. High-density fully stabilized cubic solid solutions of 6 mole % Y2O3-ZrO2 were obtained on sintering at 1450°C. A typical specimen had a density of 5.9 g/cm3, a coefficient of thermal expansion of 11 × 10−6 in./in.°C, and a grain size of 2 to 4μ. Test pieces withstood 2200°C firings in air for 262 hr with grain growth of 35 to 50μ and virtually no change in composition, density, or stabilization.
Indications for paediatric tonsillectomy GP versus Consultant perspective.

Tonsillectomy is a commonly performed operation in children. Although the justification for this procedure has been debatable in the past, more rigorous criteria in defining the need for tonsillectomies are becoming established. The role of the primary care physician in the management of tonsillar disease in children is important as the decision to refer a child for tonsillectomy is made by the general practitioner. A questionnaire survey of 400 general practitioners (GPs) and 31 consultant ENT surgeons was carried out to establish the important criteria used in deciding the need for paediatric tonsillectomy. We found that in general there was a good correlation between GP and Consultant indications for tonsillectomy
Current and heat transport in the solid-armature railgun

A numerical model is developed for solving the equations which predict current and heat transport in a series-augmented, solid-armature railgun. The model is two dimensional and fully time dependent. Specific calculations are then carried out to analyze the armature recently designed and developed in the Cannon Caliber Electromagnetic Launcher Program. The most extensive computations are for a situation in which the projectile is started at rest and accelerated to nearly 2 km/s in a time of 2 ms. Results of the calculations can be used to infer, for example, where melting in the armature is most likely to occur and where the electromagnetic stresses are largest. For comparison, calculations are also presented for a situation in which the projectile is held fixed. These calculations are intended to demonstrate the importance of velocity effects in the design of solid-armature railguns. >
Global Potential Energy Surfaces with Correct Permutation Symmetry by Multiconfiguration Molecular Mechanics.

In the framework of the previously developed multiconfiguration molecular mechanics (MCMM) method, we present a new algorithm for constructing global potential energy surfaces that are invariant with respect to the exchange of identical nuclei. We illustrate the new algorithm by its application to the HOH‘ ‘ + H‘ → OH + H‘H‘ ‘, OH‘ + HH‘ ‘, OH‘ ‘ + HH‘, HOH‘ + H‘ ‘, and H‘ ‘OH‘ + H reactions. As part of the MCMM methodology, the new scheme can be used to generate multidimensional global PESs for both small and large systems where a few reaction pathways need to be treated as symmetrically equivalent.
Fluidity and oxygen penetration of lipid vesicles studied by fluorescence probes.

Abstract. –An analysis of the temperature dependence of trans-stilbene fluorescence yield in dipalmitoyl lecithin vesicles is used to obtain activation energies. The results are interpreted in terms of bilayer fluidity through and above the phase transition. Oxygen quenching of the fluorescence of pyrenebutyric acid (incorporated in dipalmitoyl lecithin and egg lecithin vesicles) is reported as a function of temperature and bulk oxygen concentration. Above the bilayer phase transition, quenching rates (determined by oxygen quenching) decrease with decreasing temperature. A reduction in oxygen quenching is observed through the dipalmitoyl lecithin phase transition.
Cyanide-insensitive Respiration in Plant Mitochondria.

Pathways of electron transport have been studied in mitochondria isolated from hypocotyls of etiolated mung bean seedlings and skunk cabbage spadices that show cyanide-resistant respiratory activity. The residual flux through cytochrome c oxidase is shown to be small in comparison with the flux through an unidentified alternative oxidase that is known to have a high affinity for oxygen. This alternative oxidase is not a cytochrome. Skunk cabbage and mung bean mitochondria contain cytochromes a and a3 that have absorption peaks differing slightly from those of animal preparations. A slow oxidation-reduction of cytochrome a3-CN has been demonstrated. Cytochromes b undergo oxidation and reduction in the presence of cyanide but play no essential role in the cyanide-resistant pathway. Antimycin inhibits to an extent similar to that of cyanide; the respiratory chain bifurcates on the substrate side of the antimycin-sensitive site. Evidence is presented for the selective inhibition by thiocyanate, α, α′-dipyridyl, and 8-hydroxyquinoline of the alternative oxidase pathway, which may therefore contain a non-heme iron protein.
Uniform approximation with rational functions having negative poles

Abstract A general theory of uniform approximation with rational functions having negative poles is developed. An existence theory is given and local characterization and uniqueness results are developed. Algorithms for computing these approximants are given, together with numerical results.
The influence of waste crumb rubber in reducing the alkali–silica reaction in mortar bars

Abstract The objective of this experimental work was to study the effect of crumb rubber on decreasing the expansion caused by Alkali–Silica Reaction (ASR) in mortar specimens prepared with highly reactive aggregate. In this regards, mortar bars containing 0%, 16% and 24% crumb rubber by volume as fine aggregate replacement were prepared for the accelerated mortar bar test (AMBT). Results from this study indicated that the use of 16% and 24% crumbed rubber as fine aggregate replacement decreased the ASR expansion in mortar bars by 43% and 39%, respectively. However, the compressive strength of the mortar cubes containing 16% and 24% crumb rubber reduced by 20% and 47% at 28 days, respectively. While Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) showed no reaction between rubber particles and pore solution of concrete, the Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis from mortar bar sections containing crumb rubber confirmed the positive impact of physical damping of crumb rubber particles on reducing the ASR in the mortar specimens.
Effect of long-term steam autoclaving on changes in torque delivery of spring- and friction-type torque wrenches.

Abstract Statement of problem Two types of mechanical torque-limiting devices (MTLD) are available: friction-style and spring-style. Limited information is available regarding the accuracy of different types of MTLDs after sterilization. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the accuracy of MTLDs after sterilization. Material and methods Three new friction-style and 3 new spring-style MTLDs (Astra Tech/Dentsply, Zimmer Dental, Biohorizons, Biomet 3i, Straumann [ITI] and Nobel Biocare; n=5 per manufacturer; 30 total) were selected to evaluate their accuracy in delivering the target torque values preset by their manufacturers before and after sterilization. Target torque measurements were made with a digital torque gauge (model DFS2-R-ND; Chatillon) 10 times for each device. All MTLDs were sterilized following the manufacturers' recommendations. The sterilization procedure was repeated 100 times, and the accuracy of all MTLDs was retested. Absolute torque differences were analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance with instrument as the repeated factor. MTLD type (friction or spring) and MTLD status (new or autoclaved) were the independent variables. Post hoc testing was done using the Tukey method for balanced data. Results No significant difference was found between the spring-style and friction-style MTLDs or within the spring-style and friction-style MTLDs before and after sterilization ( P >.05). Conclusions After 100 cycles of steam autoclaving, the accuracy of spring-style and friction-style MTLDs was similar. All MTLDs fell within ±10% of the target torque value before and after sterilization.
A Framework for Ontology Evaluation

The rapid growth in the number of ontologies has not met with the wide adoption of ontology in practice. Ontology evaluation can promote ontology use by facilitating the selection of a good ontology. Despite that a host of ontology evaluation methodologies are available, many of them are fragmentary and strongly tied to ontology development methodologies. Based on a review of extant ontology evaluation methods, we propose a framework for ontology evaluation. The framework provides a holistic view of ontology evaluation, suggesting both fundamental ontology dimensions and concrete criteria.
The (Un)Fair Credit Reporting Act

Congress passed the Fair Credit Reporting Act over forty years ago intending to benefit consumers and the credit industry through increased accuracy in credit reporting. Accuracy in consumer credit reporting is fundamental to an individual’s access to credit at fair rates as well as other services and opportunities. It is also instrumental to efficient functioning f the credit markets. Congress tried to achieve accuracy in consumer credit reporting by imposing substantive duties on the companies that participate in credit reporting to maintain accurate information and by implementing a framework consumers can use to try to correct errors on their consumer credit reports. Congress has gradually amended the FCRA to the detriment of consumers, allowing the interests of the credit industry to trump the statute’s accuracy norm. Among the statute’s weaknesses is an enforcement regime that has inadequately regulated industry at the federal and state level and failed provide consumers access to justice at an individual level. The failure of FCRA enforcement has received insufficient attention from legislators, regulators, and scholars. This Article examines the failure of FCRA enforcement and proposes a structural overhaul of its hybrid public-private enforcement regime to more effectively promote the FCRA’s primary purpose, accuracy in consumer credit reporting.