cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of InGaAs-GaAs-AlGaAs strained-layer quantum well lasers

Abstract Data are presented here on various aspects of the growth and materials-related performance of InGaAs-GaAs-AlGaAs strained-layer quantum well lasers. Certain problematic traits unique to the indium alkyls have motivated the use of the relatively new precursor ethyldimethylindium. The stability of the source vapor pressure and the quality of the source are evidenced here in the growth of strained-layer lasers. Thermal considerations involving the active region growth temperature and annealing of laser structures are addressed. Growth of the strained active region at 575°C led to an emission wavelength of 1.11 μm. Short anneals of laser structures, on the other hand, brought about a slight reduction in the laser emission wavelength due to interdiffusion of indium and gallium in the quantum well to a lower average composition. Quantum wells near and well above the Matthews-Blakeslee predicted critical layer thickness have been evaluated in terms of threshold current density and device reliability. Laser with strained quantum wells substantially thicker than the predicted critical layer thickness have excellent time zero threshold current densities but exhibit inferior lifetime performance.
Systematic characterization of the reentrant circuit during atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia

Abstract This study was conducted to systematically characterize the excitable gap and conduction properties of the reentrant circuit during atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). Previous studies have attempted to analyze these properties by introducing single ventricular extrastimuli during tachycardia. These studies have been limited, however, by the inability of single extrastimuli to engage the circuit in the majority of patients studied. Thus, in most cases, the nature of the excitable gap and the conduction properties of the anterograde and retrograde limbs of the circuit during tachycardia remain undefined. In this series, 11 patients with typical AVNRT were studied. During tachycardia, both single and double ventricular extrastimuli (the first extrastimulus acting as a conditioning stimulus) were used to scan diastole. The resetting response of the reentrant circuit, as well as the conduction properties f the retrograde fast and anterograde slow pathways, was recorded and analyzed. Whereas atrial preexcitation and resetting of the reentrant circuit could be demonstrated in only 1 patient with single ventricular extrastimuli, resetting was achieved in all 11 patients with closely coupled double ventricular extrastimuli. Over the full range of coupling intervals used, no retrograde delay in fast pathway conduction could be demonstrated before tachycardia termination or ventricular refractoriness. Penetration of the reentrant circuit resulted in a progressive increasing delay in the anterograde portion of the subsequent return cycle and an increasing resetting response pattern in all cases. Thus, the reentrant circuit during AVNRT demonstrates heterogeneous excitability. While the fast pathway remains fully excitable during tachycardia, the slow pathway uniformly demonstrates decrementai conduction, resulting in an increasing resetting response pattern. An increasing resetting response pattern does not preclude the presence of fully excitable tissue within a reentrant circuit.
Predicting the risk of non-organ-confined prostate cancer when perineural invasion is found on biopsy

Objective To more precisely define the risk of non–organ-confined (non-OC) prostate cancer among men with perineural invasion (PNI) identified on prostate biopsy. Materials and Methods The Johns Hopkins radical prostatectomy database was queried for men with PNI reported on prostate biopsy. Patients with and without non-OC disease were compared for differences in preoperative clinical and pathologic characteristics, including three biopsy-based measures of tumor volume (number of cores with cancer, percentage of cores with cancer, and maximum percent core involvement with cancer). After evaluating the different preoperative variables in univariate analyses, a multivariable logistic regression model was generated, and bootstrap estimates of the risk of non-OC disease were calculated. Results In total, 556 patients with PNI were analyzed, 279 (50.2%) of whom were found to have non-OC prostate cancer. In univariate analyses, preoperative prostate-specific antigen, clinical T stage, biopsy Gleason sum, and the three biopsy-based measures of tumor volume were significantly associated with non-OC disease. Of the three measures of tumor volume, the best fit to the data and highest degree of model discrimination were obtained using maximum percent core involvement with cancer. Incorporating this variable, preoperative prostate-specific antigen, clinical T stage, and biopsy Gleason sum into a multivariable model, the estimated risk of non-OC disease was found to range from 13.8% to 94.4% (bootstrap corrected c-index = 0.735). Conclusion Men with PNI on prostate biopsy are at a wide range of risk for non-OC disease. Preoperative estimation of this risk is improved by considering readily available biopsy estimates of tumor volume.
Estimating chlorophyll‐a concentration using first‐derivative spectra in coastal water

This study was intended to apply the technique of derivative analysis to estimate algal chlorophyll concentration in Pensacola Bay, Florida. The data collection was conducted over the 16 sampling sites on three separate occasions. A portable field spectroradiometer was used to collect the upwelling radiance of water and reference panel at each sampling station. The instrument records a continuous spectrum in 512 bands ranging from 350 nm to 1050 nm, with 1.37 nm spectral resolution. The first derivatives were computed and correlated with the chlorophyll‐a concentration. The results indicated the first derivatives at 630–645 nm, 660–670 nm, 680–687 nm and 700–735 nm were correlated strongly with chlorophyll‐a. The R values reached 0.858 for the wavelength at 686.7 nm. The results support the hypothesis that derivative spectra are less impacted by wave effects and, therefore, are an effective tool for estimating chlorophyll concentration.
Community programs for obesity prevention: the Minnesota Heart Health Program.

Community intervention strategies for obesity that were developed and evaluated in the Minnesota Heart Health Pro-gram (MHHP) are described. The MHHP was a 13-year research and demonstration project involving 6 communities that was designed to evaluate whether a sustained multicomponent education campaign could reduce population-wide risk factors for cardiovascular disease. MHHP weight control activities included adult education classes for weight control, exercise, and cholesterol reduction, a worksite weight control program, a home correspondence course for weight loss and a weight gain prevention program. In separate component evaluation studies each of the programs was shown to facilitate favorable changes in weight among individuals choosing to participate in them. Compared to more intensive interventions, weight changes produced by these methods were modest in magnitude, but the number of individuals participating in some of them was quite large. The overall effects of the MHHP program on population levels of obesity were disappointing. Over 7 years of intervention there was a strong upward trend in weight in all communities, independent of age, demographics, smoking habits, or other potential confounding variables. This trend was not different in communities receiving education than in comparison communities. Possible reasons for these results are discussed.
Data Requirements from Evolvable Sensor Networks for Homeland Security Problems

In the event of a release of toxic contaminant, either accidental or intentional, it would be useful to have an evolvable sensor network for tracking the toxic plume. In such an event, Homeland Security or DoD personnel are responsible for modeling the transport and dispersion of the plume. To do this requires specific source and meteorological data. Such data may not be available; however, it might be recoverable from concentration data monitored by a mobile sensor network. To be useful for assimilating the monitored data into a dispersion model, the sensor network must be sited strategically and should be evolvable to follow the plume of toxic contaminant. This paper discusses the requirements of such a network from the point of view of data needs for assimilating the sensor data into the transport and dispersion models.
Anterior basement membrane corneal dystrophy and pseudo-unilateral lattice corneal dystrophy in a patient with recurrent corneal erosions ☆

Abstract Purpose To report the utility of genetic testing in the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected corneal dystrophies. Design Case report. Methods A 58-year-old man with a history of recurrent corneal erosions was diagnosed with bilateral anterior basement membrane dystrophy and unilateral lattice corneal dystrophy. All 17 exons of the TGFBI gene were screened for mutations previously associated with lattice corneal dystrophy as well as novel coding region changes. Results No mutations were found in the 17 exons of the TGFBI gene. A nucleotide change in exon 6 (651C>G) did not result in a change in the encoded amino acid (Leu217Leu). Conclusions In cases of suspected TGFBI corneal dystrophies, genetic testing is a useful tool to confirm the clinical diagnosis. In this case of suspected unilateral lattice corneal dystrophy, screening of the TGFBI gene ruled out the diagnosis, raising the possibility that the corneal changes were related to the coexistent anterior basement membrane dystrophy.
Aquatic selenium pollution is a global environmental safety issue.

Abstract Selenium pollution is a worldwide phenomenon and is associated with a broad spectrum of human activities, ranging from the most basic agricultural practices to the most high-tech industrial processes. Consequently, selenium contamination of aquatic habitats can take place in urban, suburban, and rural settings alike—from mountains to plains, from deserts to rainforests, and from the Arctic to the tropics. Human activities that increase waterborne concentrations of selenium are on the rise and the threat of widespread impacts to aquatic life is greater than ever before. Important sources of selenium contamination in aquatic habitats are often overlooked by environmental biologists and ecological risk assessors due to preoccupation with other, higher priority pollutants, yet selenium may pose the most serious long-term risk to aquatic habitats and fishery resources. Failure to include selenium in the list of constituents measured in contaminant screening/monitoring programs is a major mistake, both from the hazard assessment aspect and from the pollution control aspect. Once selenium contamination begins, a cascade of bioaccumulation events is set into motion which makes meaningful intervention nearly impossible. However, this cascade of events need not happen if adequate foresight and planning are exercised. Early evaluation and action are key. Prudent risk management based on environmentally sound hazard assessment and water quality goals can prevent biological impacts.
Telescope delay advances EOM

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has switched the launch date for the Hubble Space Telescope with that of the first Earth Observation Mission (EOM). Under the current plan, the Space Telescope will be launched October 27, 1986, and EOM will lift off August 18, 1986. Although the Space Telescope is still expected to be delivered to Kennedy Space Center on schedule, it has taken longer than expected to integrate the instruments with the spacecraft, according to a spokesman with the NASA Office of Space Flight. As a precaution, NASA managers decided to switch the dates for the Space Telescope and EOM, according to a NASA press release.
Sedimentation in flocculating colloidal suspensions

A combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the sedimentation of unstable colloidal ceramic suspensions has been performed. Suspensions containing submicron-sized α-Al2O3 particles were prepared at various pH values in order to modify suspension stability. Particle volume fraction during sedimentation was determined as a function of position and time by gamma-ray densitometry. A population balance model was developed to account for various coagulation and decoagulation mechanisms that affect sedimentation behavior in flocculating suspensions. Model predictions were then compared with experimental measurements, in order to establish the validity of the theoretical model.
Racial and Ethnic Achievement Gap Trends: Reversing the Progress Toward Equity?

Racial and ethnic achievement gaps narrowed substantially in the 1970s and 1980s. As some of the gaps widened in the 1990s, there were some setbacks in the progress the nation made toward racial and ethnic equity. This article offers a look below the surface at Black-White and Hispanic-White achievement gap trends over the past 30 years. The literature review and data analysis identify the key factors that seem to have contributed to bifurcated patterns in achievement gaps. The conventional measures of socioeconomic and family conditions, youth culture and student behavior, and schooling conditions and practices might account for some of the achievement gap trends for a limited time period or for a particular racial and ethnic group. However, they do not fully capture the variations. This preliminary analysis of covariations in racial and ethnic gap patterns across several large data sets has implications for future research on the achievement of minority groups.
WHEN AND WHY DELAUNAY REFINEMENT ALGORITHMS WORK

An "adaptive" variant of Ruppert's Algorithm for producing quality triangular planar meshes is introduced. The algorithm terminates for arbitrary Planar Straight Line Graph (PSLG) input. The algorithm outputs a Delaunay mesh where no triangle has minimum angle smaller than about 26.45° except "across" from small angles of the input. No angle of the output mesh is smaller than arctan [(sin θ*)/(2-cos θ*)] where θ* is the minimum input angle. Moreover no angle of the mesh is larger than about 137°, independent of small input angles. The adaptive variant is unnecessary when θ* is larger than 36.53°, and thus Ruppert's Algorithm (with concentric shell splitting) can accept input with minimum angle as small as 36.53°. An argument is made for why Ruppert's Algorithm can terminate when the minimum output angle is as large as 30°.
Minimum norm property for the sum of the adaptive weights for a direct data domain least squares algorithm

In most adaptive algorithms, it is generally assumed that one knows the direction of arrival (DOA) of the signal of interest (SOI) through the steering vector of the array and the goal is to estimate its complex amplitude in the presence of jammer, clutter and noise. In space-time adaptive processing (STAP) the goal is to seek for a target located along a certain look direction and at a particular Doppler frequency through a given steering vector. Therefore, the accuracy of the computed results in either case is based on the reliability of this a priori assumption of the steering vector. It is possible that due to mechanical vibrations, calibration errors or atmospheric refractions of the incident electromagnetic waves, the assumed DOA may not be very accurate or that the assumed value of the Doppler frequency is not appropriate. In either of these cases, the adaptive algorithm treats the SOI as an interferer and nulls it out. This perennial problem of signal cancellation is an open problem for adaptive algorithms. In this paper It is shown that the proper steering vector occurs at the minimum of the sum of the norm of the adaptive weights and can be used as an indicator to refine the estimate of the DOA of the SOI in adaptive algorithms or both the DOA or/and the Doppler frequency in STAP. Examples are presented to illustrate that the secondary processing outlined in this paper, may provide a refined estimate for the true DOA or/and Doppler frequency for the SOI in the presence of interference, clutter and noise
Women's Perspectives on Ultrasound Viewing in the Abortion Care Context

Abstract Purpose In recent years, states have passed a range of regulations regarding ultrasound procedures in abortion care. Abortion rights opponents have promoted ultrasound viewing, believing that women who view their own ultrasound images are likely to be dissuaded from abortion. Abortion rights advocates, in contrast, routinely oppose these regulations, citing concerns that ultrasound viewing in the abortion context will be emotionally difficult for women. However, no empirical research has examined the effects of ultrasound viewing in unwanted pregnancies. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 respondents who received an ultrasound as part of their abortion care in one of two states in the American heartland. Interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory and a matrix technique for discussion of ultrasound viewing and regulations about ultrasound viewing. Results Respondents’ accounts offer support for anti-abortion claims that ultrasound viewing can dissuade women from abortion, as well as support for abortion rights claims that viewing an ultrasound can cause emotional difficulty for a woman planning to abort. Interviews point to unexpected outcomes of ultrasound viewing, including reports that viewing better enabled respondents to cope with their abortion. Conclusions Ultrasound viewing does not have a singular effect. These data suggest that current assumptions about viewing effects are inaccurate, or at the least incomplete. We do not find support for legislating mandatory ultrasound viewing in abortion care. Questions about clinical care practices are best address in the medical context, not the legislative arena.
Bowel Resection at the Time of Primary Debulking for Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma: Outcomes in Patients Treated with Platinum and Taxane-Based Chemotherapy

Background Our goal was to determine the morbidity, disease-free survival, and overall survival of patients with bowel resection at primary cytoreductive surgery for advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma in the era of platinum and taxane chemotherapy. Study design We performed a retrospective study of patients undergoing bowel resection at the time of primary cytoreduction for advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma, who subsequently received platinum and taxane chemotherapy, from 1996 to 2001. Data collected included demographics, stage, histology, debulking status, surgical morbidity, recurrence, and survival. Survival analysis and comparisons were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Results Of 48 patients (45 stage III; 3 stage IV), 25 patients (52%) were optimally debulked to 1 cm. Four-year disease-free survival in the optimally debulked group was 24% versus 12% in the suboptimally debulked group (p=0.009). Four-year overall survival was 81% in the optimally debulked group versus 54% in the suboptimally debulked group (p=0.162). Five patients (10%) experienced a major postoperative complication including stroke, small bowel obstruction, anastomotic leak, entercutaneous fistula, and pelvic abscess. Two perioperative deaths occurred in the suboptimally debulked group. Conclusions Patients with advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma who undergo bowel resection as part of optimal cytoreduction and receive platinum and taxane chemotherapy have improved disease-free survival and a trend toward improved overall survival. Bowel resection at the time of primary cytoreductive surgery is associated with acceptable perioperative morbidity.
Pharmacokinetics of Indinavir and Nelfinavir in Treatment-Naive, Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Subjects

AIDS Clinical Trials Group protocol 388 was designed to compare a three-drug regimen (indinavir with dual nucleosides) to a four-drug regimen (indinavir plus nelfinavir or indinavir plus efavirenz with dual nucleosides). Blood samples from patients taking indinavir and nelfinavir were collected over 8 to 12 h following a specified dose and were analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetic data were derived by using noncompartmental analysis. Following administration of indinavir every 8 h in the absence of nelfinavir (n = 8), the median predose indinavir concentration (C(0)) was 369 ng/ml (range, <10 to 949 ng/ml; one subject had a concentration of <10 ng/ml), and the concentration 8 h after administration of the study dose was 159 ng/ml (range, 85 to 506 ng/ml). In the group receiving 1000 mg of indinavir every 12 h with nelfinavir (n = 10), the median indinavir C(0) was <10 ng/ml (range, <10 to 3740 ng/ml; six subjects had a value of <10 ng/ml), and the C(12 h) was 44 ng/ml (range, <10 to 4236 ng/ml; five subjects had a value of <10 ng/ml), while the subjects who received 1200 mg of indinavir every 12 h with nelfinavir (n = 7) had a C(0) of 146 ng/ml (range, 58 to 5215 ng/ml) and a C(12 h) of 95 ng/ml (range, 12 to 954 ng/ml). Indinavir clearance was significantly lower in the presence of nelfinavir (median [interquartile range], 34.1 liters/h [range, 22.6 to 45.8 liters/h] versus 47.9 liters/h [range, 42.7 to 70.3 liters/h]; P < 0.017). For subjects receiving 1,000 mg of indinavir every 12 h, the median C(0) value for nelfinavir (n = 9) was 1,779 ng/ml (range, <187.5 to 4579 ng/ml), and the C(12 h) was 1554 ng/ml (range, <187.5 to 5,540 ng/ml). Due to the unacceptable number of undetectable indinavir trough concentrations, 1200 mg of indinavir appears to be the preferred dose in a twice-daily regimen that includes nelfinavir.
Self-assembly of shape-controlled nanocrystals and their in-situ thermodynamic properties

Size and shape selected nanocrystals behave like molecular matter that can be used as fundamental building blocks for constructing nanocrystal assembled superlattices. The nanocrystals form a new class of materials that have orders in both atomic and nanocrystal length-scales. The nanocrystals are passivated with organic molecules (called thiolates) that not only protect them from coalescence but act as the molecular bonds for forming the superlattice structure. The interparticle distance is adjustable, possibly resulting in tunable electric, optical and transport properties. This paper reviews our current progress in nanocrystal self-assembled materials and their thermodynamic properties probed by in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The studies mainly focused on size and shape-controlled nanocrystals to understand the role played by particle shape in determining their physical and chemical properties. Recent studies on photonic crystals and mesoporous materials such as silica and titania are also presented.
Comparative characterization of the PvuRts1I family of restriction enzymes and their application in mapping genomic 5-hydroxymethylcytosine

PvuRts1I is a modification-dependent restriction endonuclease that recognizes 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) as well as 5-glucosylhydroxymethylcytosine (5ghmC) in double-stranded DNA. Using PvuRts1I as the founding member, we define a family of homologous proteins with similar DNA modification-dependent recognition properties. At the sequence level, these proteins share a few uniquely conserved features. We show that these enzymes introduce a double-stranded cleavage at the 3′-side away from the recognized modified cytosine. The distances between the cleavage sites and the modified cytosine are fixed within a narrow range, with the majority being 11–13 nt away in the top strand and 9–10 nt away in the bottom strand. The recognition sites of these enzymes generally require two cytosines on opposite strand around the cleavage sites, i.e. 5′-CN11–13↓N9–10G-3′/3′-GN9–10↓N11–13C-5′, with at least one cytosine being modified for efficient cleavage. As one potential application for these enzymes is to provide useful tools for selectively mapping 5hmC sites, we have compared the relative selectivity of a few PvuRts1I family members towards different forms of modified cytosines. Our results show that the inherently different relative selectivity towards modified cytosines can have practical implications for their application. By using AbaSDFI, a PvuRts1I homolog with the highest relative selectivity towards 5ghmC, to analyze rat brain DNA, we show it is feasible to map genomic 5hmC sites close to base resolution. Our study offers unique tools for determining more accurate hydroxymethylomes in mammalian cells.
Identification of Oryza sativa endornavirus in rice genotypes from breeding programmes in the United States

With 1 figure and 1 table Abstract High molecular weight double-stranded ribonucleic acids (dsRNAs) were detected in two rice cultivars, ‘M-201’ and ‘Saturn’, growing in experimental plots and showing virus-like symptoms. Partial sequencing of these dsRNAs indicated that they were related to the genome of Oryza sativa endornavirus (OSV), which has been reported in Japan infecting many rice cultivars. As this virus has not been reported in the US, 50 rice genotypes from the three major rice-breeding programmes were tested. The virus was detected in two additional rice cultivars, ‘M-102’ and ‘Colusa’. Analysis of the pedigree of infected cultivars suggested that the cultivar ‘Colusa’ was likely the source of the virus which was vertically transmitted to the progeny during the breeding process. The frequency of OSV in the tested cultivars was relatively low, compared with the high virus incidence of this virus reported in Japan. The virus does not appear to cause symptoms in rice and it was efficiently transmitted through seed.
Magnetic wormholes and topological symmetry

Abstract We investigate the wormhole solutions that arise in the semiclassical analysis of euclidean gravity coupled to gauge fields. In 2 + 1 dimensions, “magnetic monopole” solutions can be constructed, for either abelian or nonabelian gauge fields. The low-energy physics induced by these wormholes qualitatively resembles, but is quantitatively distinguishable from, the low-energy physics of a gauge theory (without wormholes) that undergoes the Higgs mechanism at the wormhole mass scale. Wormholes are suppressed if matter fields are introduced that transform suitably under the gauge group. In 3 + 1 dimensions, “meron” solutions can be constructed, for nonabelian gauge fields only. We argue, however, that these wormhole solutions do not contribute to the semiclassical evaluation of the path integral.
Tissue inhomogeneity correction for brachytherapy sources in a heterogeneous phantom with cylindrical symmetry

In brachytherapy it is customary to perform dose calculations for an implant assuming that the tumor and surrounding tissues constitute a uniform, homogeneous medium equivalent to water. In this work, the validity of the above assumption is studied quantitatively for points along the transverse axis of 103Pd, 125I, and 241Am brachytherapy sources, using measured and Monte Carlo calculated dose rates in homogeneous and heterogeneous media with cylindrical symmetry. The irradiation geometry chosen was a single source implanted in a Solid Water phantom which had a 1- or 2-cm-thick cylindrical Solid Water shell replaced by a polystyrene shell. The Monte Carlo simulations were performed using the integrated tiger series CYLTRAN Code. Experimental data were obtained for the same geometry to test the validity of the Monte Carlo calculations for a heterogeneous phantom. Measured dose rates just beyond a 2-cm-thick polystyrene heterogeneity were observed to be greater than those in a homogeneous Solid Water phantom by about 130%, 55%, and 10% for 103Pd, 125I, and 241Am, respectively. Thus the effect of a relatively small polystyrene heterogeneity in Solid Water can be substantial for lower energy photons. This perturbation of dose was found to increase steeply with decreasing energy and increasing size (thickness) of inhomogeneity. A simple dose calculation formalism has been developed to predict dose rate in a heterogeneous phantom with cylindrical symmetry, which uses as input the radial dose functions of the uniform media comprising the heterogeneous phantom. Dose rate predictions using this formalism are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data and the Monte Carlo calculated values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Benefits of Early Prosthetic Management of Transtibial Amputees: A Prospective Clinical Study of a Prefabricated Prosthesis

To evaluate the use of an immediate postoperative prosthesis (IPOP) for transtibial amputees, we compared patient outcomes from a prospective clinical study of 19 patients managed with an IPOP with those of a retrospective review of a matched historic control group of 23 patients managed with standard soft dressings. Data were analyzed with the Student's t-test, and significance was set at P = 0.05. The IPOP patients had no surgical revisions, whereas the patients with standard soft dressings had 11. This was a significant difference. IPOP patients also had significantly fewer postoperative complications and shorter times to custom prosthesis than did controls.
Chart biopsy: an emerging medical practice enabled by electronic health records and its impacts on emergency department-inpatient admission handoffs.

Objective To examine how clinicians on the receiving end of admission handoffs use electronic health records (EHRs) in preparation for those handoffs and to identify the kinds of impacts such usage may have. Materials and methods This analysis is part of a two-year ethnographic study of emergency department (ED) to internal medicine admission handoffs at a tertiary teaching and referral hospital. Qualitative data were gathered and analyzed iteratively, following a grounded theory methodology. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews (N = 48), observations (349 hours), and recording of handoff conversations (N = 48). Data analyses involved coding, memo writing, and member checking. Results The use of EHRs has enabled an emerging practice that we refer to as pre-handoff “chart biopsy”: the activity of selectively examining portions of a patient's health record to gather specific data or information about that patient or to get a broader sense of the patient and the care that patient has received. Three functions of chart biopsy are identified: getting an overview of the patient; preparing for handoff and subsequent care; and defending against potential biases. Chart biopsies appear to impact important clinical and organizational processes. Among these are the nature and quality of handoff interactions, and the quality of care, including the appropriateness of dispositioning of patients. Conclusions Chart biopsy has the potential to enrich collaboration and to enable the hospital to act safely, efficiently, and effectively. Implications for handoff research and for the design and evaluation of EHRs are also discussed.
Mitochondrial superoxide flashes: From discovery to new controversies

### Introduction Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) generated during normal physiological processes are highly reactive with cellular lipids, DNA, and proteins. Superoxide and nitric oxide are the primary ROS and RNS, respectively, produced in cells, and both species
Population dynamics of stage-structured sequential hermaphrodites

The population dynamics of sequential hermaphrodites were investigated using three-stage matrix population models. A simple hermaphrodite model with density-dependent reproduction exhibited monoton...
Two-Photon Intravital Imaging of a Mouse Brain In Vivo Using Easily Prepared Ruthenium-Poloxamer Nanoprobes

A hydrophobic, oxygen-sensitive ruthenium-complex dye is prepared in water through a simple surfactant micellization technique. Two-photon imaging of a mouse brain vasculature in vivo is demonstrated using the probe with excellent detail and contrast.
Optical vortex manipulation

Optical vortices can provide mechanisms for micromanipulation of micron or sub-micron sized particles as well as a means to generate complicated array patterns. Particularly interesting is the way in which higher order vortices can be triggered by a secondary optical field to explode or implode. We present a new triggering concept that allows a relatively simple optical field to create and destroy complex angular momentum bearing wavefronts.
Superconducting Properties and Flux Pinning in Liquid Quenched Nb-Ga Alloys

Nb 75−x Ga 25+x tapes (1≤ x ≤ 6) were prepared by liquid quenching technique in an argon atmosphere. The transition temperature T c , upper critical field H c2 and critical current density J c were measured in both as-quenched and annealed samples. The values of T c (onset) ranged from 16.5 to 18.0K in the asquenched samples and increased upon annealing up to 20.0 K. Similar increase was also observed in the values of H c2 (4.2 K) from ∼190 kOe to values higher than the attainable field of 220 kOe. For annealed samples near stoichiometric composition, H c2 was estimated to be higher than 300 kOe. The critical current densities of these tapes are relatively low [J c (4.2 K) ≤ 2 × 10 4 A/cm 2 ] compared to other melt-quenched A-15 compounds. Flux pinning force, F P , does not obey a single scaling law. The existence of two peaks in F P at low temperatures and of only one peak at 13.4 K for 1 ≤ x ≤ 4 is discussed in terms of the microstructural characteristics of the samples.
The Scientific Methods of Max Ernst: His Use of Scientific Subjects from La Nature

During his entire career, Ernst found inspiration in scientific illustrations. One fruitful source of them was the popular science magazine La Nature (begun 1873). E.g., in two 1934 paintings, each titled Blind Swimmer, he made direct use of diagrams from La Nature showing the effects of magnetism and water and air currents. Although Ernst subverted rationality by exposing the ambiguities within such scientific images, he also used these diagrams, which reveal powerful, often invisible forces, as metaphors for his own artistic and sexual energy.
Template-based surface reconstruction from cross-sections

In this work we explore a new approach to solving the problem of surface reconstruction from cross-section curves. Existing reconstruction methods focus on producing smooth interpolations and may require a large number of cross-sections to recreate feature-rich objects. In the context of medical image segmentation, we make the observation that anatomical structures usually share a common overall shape across subjects. This observation motivates taking a template-based approach that can better capture geometric features, instead of solving for the surface from the cross-sectional curves alone. We deform an existing template, whose shape represents the structure of interest, to fit a set of target curves. We describe our algorithm with the main focus on finding a correspondence between a mesh and a cross-section curve network. We show our results with real medical data and compare to current reconstruction methods. Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted HighlightsThe main contribution of this work is the first template-based reconstruction method from spatial curves.We formulate this problem in the context of biomedical applications, and make this problem tractable by leveraging the availability of source planes and their correspondences with the supporting planes of the cross-section curves.We propose an alternating optimization solution to find both the mapping and the deformation.In particular, we introduce a novel algorithm for mapping a network of spatial curves onto a surface.We show results using synthetic examples and real world data.
Regulation of the Na+,K+-pump by Insulin

Insulin administration reduces the serum glucose and K+ concentrations (6) by promoting their entry into skeletal muscle (20). The acute function of insulin, thus, is to clear from the blood two of the major nutrients ingested during a meal. Clausen and Kohn (13) and Resh et al. (33) showed that insulin stimulates the activity of the Na+,K+-pump in rat skeletal muscle and adipocytes, respectively, by a direct effect on the pump rather than by an increase in the intracellular Na+ concentration. On the other hand, there are instances in which insulin does stimulate a Na+/H+ exchanger resulting in an increase in intracellular Na+ and increased activity of the (Na+,K+)-pump through an increase in the substrate concentration (15,26,34). The central question here is the mechanism of the direct activation of the (Na+,K+)-pump by insulin.
Inducible defenses in the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica Gmelin in response to the presence of the predatory oyster drill Urosalpinx cinerea Say in Long Island Sound

The response of the eastern oyster C. virginica to the presence of the oyster drill Urosalpinx cinerea was examined from July to September 2011. Several aspects of oyster growth were measured, including wet weight, shell weight, and dorsal shell area for oysters collected near Groton, Connecticut (41.32036 N, −72.06330 W). Wet weight and shell weight growth were significantly higher in the presence of the predator U. cinerea, while tissue weight showed no difference from the control. The control group showed more shell area growth and a much lower ratio of shell weight growth to shell area growth. Differences in shell weight to area ratio indicated that C. virginica dramatically shifted from lateral shell growth to shell thickening in the presence of U. cinerea. This inducible defense has not been previously shown for C. virginica and could play an important role in the predator–prey interaction between these two species.
Zone-level agreement by consensus for building thermal energy management

The paper addresses the problem of distributed agreement for control of building thermal energy through a class of consensus algorithms. The context of the work is defined by the emergence of dense networked measurement and control systems and the cyberphysical paradigm in real world building energy management applications. This has occurred more saliently by means of wireless sensor network systems, offering integration of sensing, computing and actuation capabilities. Key point is mitigation of current model- and occupancy-based strategies in order to increase building energy efficiency under a unifying framework. We consider both convergence and convergence speed conditions and relate our approach to the state-of-the-art. Simulation results are presented on a reference multiple thermal zone model.
The Disappointments of Henry David Thoreau

Scott Sandage begins his history of failure in America at the graveside of Henry David Thoreau, listening to the words of Thoreau’s eulogist, his friend and mentor Ralph Waldo Emerson, who reads Thoreau as a symbol of failed ambition: Had his genius been only contemplative, he had been fitted to his life, but with his energy and practical ability he seemed born for great enterprise and for command: and so I much regret the loss of his rare powers of action, that I cannot help counting it a fault in him that he had no ambition. Wanting this, instead of engineering for all America, he was the captain of a huckleberry party. Pounding beans is good to the end of pounding empires one of these days, but if, at the end of years, it is still only beans! For Sandage, this moment marks the end of any alternative to the ambitious life, and hence it marks the birth of an American obsession with success that throws into sharp relief the subjective consequences of failure – what Sandage describes beautifully as “identity in the red.” More typically, Thoreau’s Walden (1854) has been viewed as a book that strives to liberate its readers from economic entrapment by creating a higher economics of the mind and spirit, or by expanding the culture’s language of success. Whether we read Thoreau as escaping or revealing the contradictions of capitalism, one point remains clear: Walden has become a crucial text for thinking about the relationship between literature and the economic imperatives of modern life.
Swapping and the social psychology of disadvantaged American populations

Abstract Are observed class gradients in cognitive frameworks cause or effect of those socioeconomic differences? This question is of critical importance not just for policymakers and psychologists but for all social scientists, including market researchers. The question is all the more salient today as economic and behavioral disparities have seemingly widened in tandem over the last few decades. This commentary offers various theories for this observed correlation within the context of recent psychological and sociological scholarship.
CNS sites activated by renal pelvic epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) in response to hypertonic saline in awake rats

In some patients, renal nerve denervation has been reported to be an effective treatment for essential hypertension. Considerable evidence suggests that afferent renal nerves (ARN) and sodium balance play important roles in the development and maintenance of high blood pressure. ARN are sensitive to sodium concentrations in the renal pelvis. To better understand the role of ARN, we infused isotonic or hypertonic NaCl (308 or 500mOsm) into the left renal pelvis of conscious rats for two 2hours while recording arterial pressure and heart rate. Subsequently, brain tissue was analyzed for immunohistochemical detection of the protein Fos, a marker for neuronal activation. Fos-immunoreactive neurons were identified in numerous sites in the forebrain and brainstem. These areas included the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), the lateral parabrachial nucleus, the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) and the supraoptic nucleus (SON). The most effective stimulus was 500mOsm NaCl. Activation of these sites was attenuated or prevented by administration of benzamil (1μM) or amiloride (10μM) into the renal pelvis concomitantly with hypertonic saline. In anesthetized rats, infusion of hypertonic saline but not isotonic saline into the renal pelvis elevated ARN activity and this increase was attenuated by simultaneous infusion of benzamil or amiloride. We propose that renal pelvic epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) play a role in activation of ARN and, via central visceral afferent circuits, this system modulates fluid volume and peripheral blood pressure. These pathways may contribute to the development of hypertension.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Recurrent Abdominal Pain: A Comparative Review

Clinical findings on irritable bowel syndrome in adults and recurrent abdominal pain in children are reviewed to determine if what is known about each disorder can illuminate our understanding of the other. The evidence reveals striking similarities between the disorders in prevalence, course, medical and psychiatric comorbidity, family medical and psychiatric history, and association with life events. Continuity between the two disorders is also suggested by the results of follow-up and follow-back studies. The review shows the importance of a developmental perspective for understanding functional bowel disorders in adults and points to areas where further research would be useful.
CRT-300.04 Comparison of Devices in Carotid Artery Stenting: A Vascular Quality Initiative Analysis of Commonly Used Carotid Stents and Embolic Protection Devices

Data regarding the efficacy of the various stent and embolic protection device (EPD) combinations to prevent stroke during carotid artery stenting (CAS) is limited. We compared post-procedure inpatient neurologic outcomes across the carotid stent-EPD combination platforms recorded in the Vascular
A prospective validation study of sentinel lymph node mapping for high-risk endometrial cancer☆

Objective Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping continues to evolve in the surgical staging of endometrial cancer (EC). The purpose of this trial was to identify the sensitivity, false negative rate (FNR) and FN predictive value (FNPV) of SLN compared to complete pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy (LAD) in women with high-risk EC.
Increased myoendothelial feedback is associated with increased connexin37 and IK1 channel expression in mesenteric arteries of diet-induced hyperhomocysteinemic mice

Objective Previously, we found that diet-induced HHcy in mice caused decreased eNOS expression and signaling in mesenteric arteries, but greatly enhanced non-NOS, non-prostacyclin-dependent vasodilation, which involves myoendothelial gap junction (MEJ) communication. To further assess whether HHcy enhances MEJ communication, this study examined endothelium-dependent attenuation of phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction (myoendothelial feedback) and key molecules involved. Methods Myoendothelial feedback was examined in isolated mouse mesenteric arteries, after 6-wk diet-induced HHcy, using pressure myography. Gap junction (Cx37, Cx40, Cx43), NOS (eNOS, nNOS, iNOS), and potassium channel (IK1) proteins expression were measured with immuno-blots, and connexin mRNAs with real-time PCR. Contribution of nNOS+iNOS to vasomotor responses was assessed using the drug TRIM. Results Myoendothelial feedback was significantly (P<0.05) enhanced in HHcy arteries compared to control, coincident with significantly greater Cx37 and IK1 protein and Cx37 mRNA. Cx43 protein, but not mRNA, was significantly less in HHcy, and Cx40 was not different. eNOS protein was significantly less in HHcy. nNOS and iNOS were not different. TRIM had little effect on vasomotor function. Conclusions Diet-induced HHcy enhanced myoendothelial feedback, and increased Cx37 and IK1 expression may contribute. nNOS or iNOS did not up-regulate to compensate for decreased eNOS, and they had little involvement in vasomotor function. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
On Certain Mathematical Problems in Two-Photon Laser Scanning Microscopy

In an earlier paper, we derived the distribution of the number of photons detected in two-photon laser scanning microscopy when the counter has a dead period. We assumed a Poisson number of emissions, exponential waiting times, and an infinite time horizon, and used an equivalent inhomogeneous Poisson process formulation. We then used that result to improve image quality as measured by the signal-to-noise ratio. Here, we extend that study in two directions. First, we treat the finite-horizon case to assess the accuracy of the simpler infinite-horizon approximation. Second, we use a direct approach by conditioning on the Poisson count for the infinite-horizon case to derive several polynomial identities.
Using Structure from Motion Mapping to Record and Analyze Details of the Colossal Hats (Pukao) of Monumental Statues on Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Structure from motion (SfM) mapping is a photogrammetric technique that offers a cost-effective means of creating three-dimensional (3-D) visual representations from overlapping digital photographs. The technique is now used more frequently to document the archaeological record. We demonstrate the utility of SfM by studying red scoria bodies known as pukao from Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile). We created 3-D images of 50 pukao that once adorned the massive statues (moai) of Rapa Nui and compare them to 13 additional pukao located in Puna Pau, the island's red scoria pukao quarry. Through SfM, we demonstrate that the majority of these bodies have petroglyphs and other surface features that are relevant to archaeological explanation and are currently at risk of continued degradation.