cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of xenograft and prosthesis for burn wound care

Abstract A polytetrafluoroethylene-polyurethane laminate was evaluated as a temporary wound cover and compared with porcine xenograft in a series of 22 patients. The most striking difference between the two materials was that the prosthesis was far superior to pigskin with respect to its degree of adherence and its ability to debride. Good adherence of prosthesis or pigskin was associated with later autograft success. No infections were encountered and there was no fragmentation of polyurethane foam into the wound. These initial studies indicate that this prosthetic is useful as a temporary wound dressing. Its characteristics were at least equal to those of pigskin, and in many respects, it was superior.
Control strategies for group decision support systems: An end-user computing model

Abstract In this paper we discuss management control strategies for the most general case of a group decision support system (GDSS) where the participating decision makers may be distributed (i.e., not all in the same room) and their activities not necessarily concurrent. By correlating ‘decision rooms’ with centralized computing and a distributed GDSS (DGDSS) with decentralized computing, we argue that the DGDSS presents more serious control problems than the ‘decision room’ situation. Our perception is that a DGDSS constitutes a federation of end users and is therefore a special case of organizational end-user computing. This requires, first, developing control strategies for end-user computing and, then, showing how these strategies can be applied to a DGDSS situation.
Sarcoidosis triggered by interferon-Beta treatment of multiple sclerosis: a case report and focused literature review.

Objectives To report a rare case of sarcoidosis induced by chronic interferon-beta (a type I interferon) therapy of multiple sclerosis and to review previously reported cases. Methods We describe a patient with a prior diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, who developed noncaseating granulomas in her skin and pulmonary lymph nodes, consistent with sarcoidosis, while being treated with recombinant interferon-beta. A retrospective review of the literature was performed using the PubMed database. Results In our patient, sarcoidosis developed after 3 years of continuous recombinant interferon-beta therapy, dosed 3 times a week. The patient presented with progressive dyspnea on exertion, diffuse arthralgias, low-grade fevers, with an acute onset of rash. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was secured by finding typical, well-formed, noncaseating granulomas on skin and endobronchial biopsies, with other possible etiologies for granulomatous conditions excluded beforehand. Following the withdrawal of recombinant interferon-beta and a course of corticosteroids combined with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy, the patient's clinical presentation resolved. Excluding ours, only 4 additional cases of sarcoidosis developing after interferon-beta therapy have been reported, with 2 of those cases in the context of underlying multiple sclerosis. Conclusions Developing sarcoidosis during treatment of multiple sclerosis with recombinant interferon-beta represents an exceedingly rare and paradoxical adverse event. The occurrence of sarcoidosis with the use of this agent is perhaps due to a dysregulation in the modulatory role played by interferon-beta (and more generally type I interferon) expression in chronic inflammation.
Stabilization of biosolids with nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI)

Biosolids are the treated organic residuals, also known as sludge, that are generated from domestic wastewater treatment plants. According to the USEPA, over 7 millions tons (dry weight) of biosolids are generated every year in the US by more than the 16,000 wastewater treatment plants and a large portion of these biosolids is disposed on land. Nuisance odors, the potential of pathogen transmission, and presence of toxic and persistent organic chemicals and metals in biosolids have for the most part limited the use of land applications. This paper presents zero-valent iron nanoparticles (1–100 nm) for the treatment and stabilization of biosolids. Iron nanoparticles have been shown to form stable and nonvolatile surface complexes with malodorous sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide and methyl sulfides, degrade persistent organic pollutants such as PCBs and chlorinated pesticides, and sequestrate toxic metal ions such as mercury and lead. The end products from the nanoparticle reactions are iron oxides and oxyhydroxides, similar to the ubiquitous iron minerals in the environment. Due to the large surface area and high surface reactivity, only a relatively low dose (<0.1% wt) of iron nanoparticles is needed for effective biosolids stabilization. The iron nanoparticle technology may thus offer an economically and environmentally sustainable and unique solution to one of the most vexing environmental problems.
A new data structure for asynchronous periodic pattern mining

The periodic pattern mining is to discover valid periodic patterns in a time-related dataset. Previous studies mostly concern the synchronous periodic patterns. There are many methods for mining periodic patterns proposed in literature. Nevertheless, asynchronous periodic pattern mining gradually receives more and more attention recently. In this paper, we propose an efficient linked structure and the OEOP algorithm to discover all kinds of valid segments in each single event sequence. Then, refer to the general model of asynchronous periodic pattern mining proposed by Huang and Chang, we combine these valid segments found by OEOP into 1-patterns with multiple events, multiple patterns with multiple events and asynchronous periodic patterns. Besides, we implement these algorithms on two real datasets. The experimental results show that these algorithms have the good performance and scalability.
Tunnelling theories of non‐volatile semiconductor memories

The discovery that charge storage in layered insulator field effect transistors enables them to function to advantage as non-volatile memory elements, has spurred widespread activity in the fabrication of many types of these devices. There is also much analytical work attempting to describe the device characteristics, particularly retention time, in terms of material and operational parameters. Here some of the different tunnelling theories that have been proposed are compared and discussed. Die Entdeckung, das Ladungsspeicherung in geschichtenten Isolator-Feldeffekttransistoren deren Funktion als stabile Gedachtniselemente ermoglicht, hat eine breite Aktivitat bei der Herstellung unterschiedlicher Arten dieser Bauelemente hervorgerufen. Es existieren analytische Arbeiten, die die Charakteristiken der Elemente, insbesondere die Speicherzeit mit Material- und Arbeitspunktparametern, zu beschreiben versuchen. Hier werden einige der vorgeschlagenen Tunneltheorien verglichen und diskutiert.
On Thue's equation

and more precisely for the number of primitive solutions to (1.1), that is, solutions in coprime integers x, y. The first important results on the number of solutions of Thue's equation were obtained by C.L. Siegel, in the case r = 3 and in the binomial case F ( x , y ) = a x r b y r. In view of his results and comments, we should attribute to Siegel the problem to decide whether the number of primitive solutions to (1.1), for irreducible F of degree r > 3, could be bounded by a function depending only on r and h, but otherwise independent of F. In 1983, Siegel's question was answered in the affirmative by J.-H. Evertse [2]. As a special case of his results (he also treats equations in number fields), Evertse obtains the bound
Estimation of the Ni2+ bond energy from the photodissociation of Ni2Ar+

Abstract Ni 2 Ar + ions generated in a laser-driven plasma/supersonic expansion are photodissociated at different photon energies. This weakly bound ion fragments into primarily Ni 2 2 (+Ar) at 3.0 eV and into Ni + (+Ni+Ar) at 3.5 eV indicating the NiNi + bond dissociation energy is between these limits.
The osteogenic tendency of dentine after formation in tooth germ transplants.

Abstract 1. 1. All dentine found in transplants of tooth germs ultimately changed into a structure that simulated bone. 2. 2. The rate and extent of this change varied but the end result always appeared to be the same. 3. 3. No osteoid tissue was induced at the site of implantation of tooth germs in intracerebral transfers as it was in the anterior eye chamber. 4. 4. Odontoblasts did not seem to take part in this change; but other cells among the odontoblasts and in the pulpal area demonstrated an osteogenic capacity.
Connective tissue forces from mandibular advancement.

Purpose: To quantify the connective tissue forces generated during surgical lengthening of the mandible. Patients and Methods: Sixty-three patients who had mandibular advancements by sagittal ramus osteotomy were used in this study. Prior to sectioning the rami, the overjet was recorded. After sectioning the rami, a spring-gauge was attached to the mandibular orthodontic wire and pulled anteriorly to determine how much force was necessary to bring the mandibular incisors into a Class I relationship with the maxillary incisors. Aggressive stripping of the perimandibular periosteum and connective tissues on the distal segment was then performed. The amount of force was again recorded. Results: The mean preoperative overjet in the 63 patients was 6 mm (range, 3 to 11 mm). The mean amount of force required to advance the mandible prior to stripping the tissues was 1,498 g compared with a mean of 787 g after stripping (P < .001). There were statistically significant correlations between the preoperative overjet and the prestripping and poststripping force levels (P < .001). There was also a significant relationship between prestripping and poststripping values (P < .001). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that orthopedic forces are generated by the perimandibular connective tissues following advancement by the mandible. The effect of these forces on the temporomandibular joint should be evaluated in future studies.
Designing a New Kind of Sculpture Garden

Carvings and castings of every variety, classical to grotesque, wait in ambush in all kinds of places, likely and unlikely, to capture the visitor. A great eagle spreads his wings, overhead lions perch on fences, and odd faces peer out of banks of greenery.1
Juxtacrine stimulation of normal and malignant human bladder epithelial cell proliferation.

Purpose: We developed a method for culturing normal and malignant human bladder epithelial cells for many generations.Materials and Methods: Cells from bladder washes or surgical specimens were plated in culture with lethally irradiated cells of the LA7 rat mammary tumor line (American Type Culture Collection, Bethesda, Maryland) at a confluent density and fed regularly. After cells from surgical specimens became confluent they were diluted and subcultured with fresh irradiated LA7 cells. The growth rate was measured by cell counts and cell sorter analysis. Expression of intermediate filaments was determined by immunocytochemical testing.Results: All 5 normal and 3 of the 4 tumor specimens developed into long-term cell strains. A single normal strain was carried through passage 11, amounting to 37 cell doublings. Cell numbers doubled in 2 days in medium with 0.5% serum and in 5.6 days in 5% serum. Plating efficiency was almost 100% and cloning efficiency was approximately 9%. LA7 conditioned medium did no...
Does Anyone Know When the Correlation Coefficient Is Useful? A Study of the Times of Extreme River Flows

John Tukey spoke and wrote concerning the uses and limitations of correlation and regression coefficents. In particular he did not think highly of the former, except in limited circumstances, and he recognized that there were substantial difficulties of interpretation going along with the latter. The two concepts have random process analogs; this article considers the case of stationary point processes and their use in a setup that is reasonably well understood physically. The situation is that of the passage of the extreme water flows through a series of locks along the Mississippi River. The focus is on an investigation of the validity of partial coherency analysis, an analog of partial correlation analysis. A maximum likelihood analysis is also presented.
The use of differencing to eliminate environmental effects in the intercomparison of absolute gravity meters

Conventional intercomparisons between absolute gravity meters are limited in accuracy by the difficulty of removing environmental signals, including effects such as Earth tides, ocean loading, and barometric pressure loading. These error sources can be eliminated completely through the use of exactly simultaneous measurements. Differencing techniques have been developed and tested which are capable of determining both the differential meter bias and the gravity difference between two nearby piers to an accuracy that is limited only by the instrumental noise. Preliminary tests show that a comparison accuracy of 0.3 µgal may be obtained in less than 400 drops, independent of drop interval (1 µgal = 10 nanometer/sec²).
Photoreceptors of Lumbricus terrestris, with special reference to their distribution, structure, and function

A special type of cell, called ‘Lichtzellen’ by Hesse, was found in the photosensitive regions of the earthworm. Wherever the epidermis is most sensitive to light these cells are most abundant. They are found in the epidermis of all segments of the body and also in nerve enlargements of the prostomium and the caudal segment, but the intersegmental and ventral regions of the different segments, except the more distal ones, contain none of them. They are supplied by nerves and each contains a characteristic inner structure, the optic organelle, composed of a large central hyaline structure, the lens, which is surrounded by a dense network of nerve fibrillae, the retinella. In hanging drops the lens was found to focus light in the region of the retinella irrespective of the direction of the rays. These cells are similar in structure and function to the visual cells in leeches. Available data indicate that these cells function as photoreceptors and that the fibrillae of the retinella are the direct receptors of light stimuli. Pigment is not associated with the photoreceptors in a way that suggests direct functional relationship, but there is a subepidermal pigment layer through which pinhole windows admit light along the path of nerves to each of the nerve enlargements containing photoreceptor cells. These windows open in such directions as to determine the direction of withdrawal of the worm.
Roles of autophagy in lymphocytes: reflections and directions

Recent studies have revealed that autophagy, a fundamental intracellular process, plays many different roles in lymphocyte development and function. Autophagy regulates naive T-lymphocyte homeostasis, specifically by regulating mitochondrial quality and turnover, and is necessary for the proliferation of mature T cells. Autophagy also acts as a cellular death pathway in lymphocytes, both upon prolonged cytokine withdrawal and during acute antigen-receptor stimulation if improperly regulated. Furthermore, during HIV infection, hyperinduction of autophagy leads to massive T-cell death in uninfected CD4(+) T cells, and is rescued by inhibiting autophagic initiation. Constitutively high levels of autophagy in thymic epithelial cells are necessary for optimal processing and presentation of endogenous antigens, and required for proper positive and negative selection of developing thymocytes. Autophagy also promotes the survival of B lymphocytes, as well as the development of early B-cell progenitors. In B cells, autophagy is an alternative death pathway, as antigen-receptor stimulation in the absence of costimulation induces a potent autophagic death. Thus, autophagy plays a complex role in lymphocytes and is regulated during their lifespan to ensure a healthy immune system.
Characteristics and common properties of inhibitors, inducers, and activators of CYP enzymes.

The modification of the enzymatic activity of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes by inhibition, induction, or activation is of great interest to enzymologists, pharmacologists, and chemists who are ...
Gas-permeable scleral contact lens therapy in ocular surface disease.

Abstract PURPOSE: To describe the therapeutic benefits of nonfenestrated gas-permeable scleral contact lenses in the management of patients with ocular surface disease. METHODS: The charts of 49 consecutive patients (76 eyes) with ocular surface disease whose management included the use of gas-permeable scleral contact lenses were reviewed. We also developed a questionnaire to assess the impact of lens wear on subjective aspects of activities of daily living. RESULTS: The mean age of the 49 patients was 44.6 years (range, 3 to 87 years); 31 patients were female and 18 were male. The most common indication for fitting of the lenses was Stevens-Johnson syndrome (54 [71%] of the 76 eyes). Other indications included ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, exposure keratitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, postherpetic keratitis, congenital deficiency of meibomian glands, superior limbal keratoconjunctivitis, Sjogren syndrome, and inflammatory corneal degeneration. The mean follow-up was 33.6 months (range, 2 to 144 months). Improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (defined as a gain of 2 or more Snellen lines) was observed in 40 (53%) of the eyes. In eight (53%) of the 15 eyes with active corneal epithelial defects at the time of lens fitting, the defects healed, whereas in the remaining seven eyes the corneal epithelial defects remained unchanged. Forty-five (92%) of the 49 patients reported improvement in their quality of life as a result of reduction of photophobia and discomfort. The mean wearing time of the gas-permeable scleral contact lenses was 13.7 hours per day (range, 4 to 18 hours). Many patients had preparatory surgical procedures before lens fitting (for example, punctal occlusion or mucous membrane grafting), and some had visual rehabilitation surgical procedures (for example, keratoplasty and/or cataract surgery) after lens fitting. CONCLUSIONS: Gas-permeable scleral contact lens wear provides an additional effective strategy in the surface management and visual rehabilitation of patients with severe ocular surface disease.
Individual Differences and the Effectiveness of Different Coping Strategies for Pain

The relationship between individual differences in self-statements and response to self-instruction (SI) and attention diversion (AD) coping strategies for acute pain was investigated. Previous research suggests that an individual's cognitive activity may be an important moderator variable in determining the effectiveness of different coping strategies. Sixty-eight female volunteers were given two cold pressor arm immersions. Subjects were asked to think aloud all thoughts occurring on both trials. On the basis of a median split of negative thinking emitted during the first or baseline trial, subjects were classified as either catastrophizers (CAT) or noncatastrophizers (NCAT). Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either SI or AD treatments or to a no-treatment control condition. Subjects were then given the second cold pressor trial. The results showed that NCAT subjects trained with AD improved their tolerance scores significantly more than those trained with SI. The opposite effect was found for CAT subjects. CAT subjects trained with SI showed greater improvement in tolerance scores than those trained with AD. Implications of these results as well as limitations and methodological features of this study are discussed.
Word Order and Poetic Style: Auxiliary and Verbal in The Metres of Boethius

The Metres of Boethius offer a unique opportunity to study the complex subject of Old English verse syntax. They enjoy this distinction because of the unusual way in which they were composed. The versifier did not work directly from the original Latin metra of Boethius's Consolation of Philosophy but from an Old English prose intermediary, freely translated from the Latin originals. King Alfred was the author of the prose translation and was probably also responsible for turning the parts of the prose corresponding to the Latin metra into Old English verse. Since a copy of the prose model survives, it affords us an opportunity to compare the two versions in order to judge the versifier's debt to the prose. He apparently followed it quite faithfully and without referring back to the Latin originals. In many verse passages one can find words and half-lines which are direct transcriptions from the prose. Consequently the Old English Metres are generally considered nothing more than prose expanded into verse, adding only ‘poetic’ embellishments (like repetition and variation) and obvious morals drawn from the passage. The fruit of the versifier's labours may be uninspired poetry, but the way that he rearranged the words of the prose offers a rare glimpse into the more elusive conventions of verse-making. Since the many similarities make the differences quite pronounced, the poetical shortcomings of the Metres may be a blessing. A mediocre versifier is more likely to compose mechanically and to imitate established patterns than a good poet, whose virtuosity often conceals the rudiments of his craft.
Hormone Ontogeny in the Ovine Fetus. VIII. The Effect of Thyrotropin-Releasing Factor on Prolactin and Growth Hormone Release in the Fetus and Neonate*

As part of studies on the ontogeny of PRL secretion and regulation, the effect of TRF on PRL release was studied in the chronically catheterized ovine fetus and neonate. After a 2-h control period, 250 μg TRF were given by rapid iv injection to seven fetuses between 88—133 days gestation (term, 147 days) and five lambs between 4—17 days old. All animals exhibited a prompt increase in the concentration of plasma PRL. In three fetuses with basal PRL concentrations less than 10 ng/ml (88, 89, and 111 days old), PRL rose from a mean value of 3.1 ± 2.0 to 11.5 ± 5.6 (SE) ng/ml 15 min after TRF and was 10.7 ± 5.0 ng/ml at 90 min. In four fetuses with basal PRL concentrations greater than 10 ng/ml (112, 121, 124, and 133 days old), significantly (P ≪ 0.05) more PRL was secreted; the mean concentration of PRL increased from 36.9 ± 12.1 to 88.2 ± 21.7 ng/ml at 15 min and was 77.8 ± 22.8 ng/ml at 90 min. In five neonates (5, 6, 10, 10, and 17 days old), PRL rose from 13.1 ± 2.3 to 81.6 ± 20.1 ng/ml at 15 min and fe...
Evolution of near-extremal-spin black holes using the moving puncture technique

We propose a new radial coordinate to write the Kerr metric in puncture form. Unlike the quasiradial coordinate introduced previously, the horizon radius remains finite in our radial coordinate in the extreme Kerr limit $a/M\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1$. This significantly improves the accuracy of the evolution of black holes with spins close to the extreme Kerr limit. We are able to evolve accurately both stationary and boosted black holes with spins as high as $a/M=0.99$ using initial data constructed in these new puncture coordinates. Initial data of compact binaries with rapidly spinning black holes can be constructed using our proposed new puncture metric for the background conformal metric. Our simulations for single black holes suggest that such initial data can be evolved successfully by the moving puncture technique.
Carotid-cardiac baroreflex: Relation with orthostatic hypotension following simulated microgravity and implications for development of countermeasures

In a series of studies, we have examined the effects of exposure to simulated microgravity, varying states of vascular volume, and acute exercise on the function of the carotid-cardiac baroreflex in man. In the first study, exposure to simulated microgravity (6 degree headdown bedrest) reduced the sensitivity and buffer capacity of the vagal baroreceptor-cardiac reflex mechanisms and this impaired baroreflex function was associated with orthostatic hypotension. Since the reduction in plasma volume during BR was not correlated with impaired baroreflex function, a second study was conducted which demonstrated that the carotid-cardiac baroreflex response was not affected by either acute hypovolemia or hypervolemia. These results suggest that acute fluid replacement prior to reentry may not reverse impaired baroreflex function associated with postflight hypotension. In a third study, we demonstrated that one bout of maximal exercise increased baroreflex sensitivity and buffer capacity through 24 h post-exercise. These baroreflex changes were opposite to those observed following BR. Taken together, these data suggest that the contributions of reduced blood volume and impaired carotid-cardiac baroreflex function to orthostatic hypotension following exposure to microgravity are probably separate and additive; maximal exercise in addition to fluid replacement may provide an acute effective countermeasure against postflight hypotension.
Heroism is no substitute for success: Effects of strategy and outcome on perceptions of performance

Two studies were conducted to determine whether performance ratings are more heavily influenced by raters' perceptions of the ratee's ‘heroism’—that is consistent behaviour in the face of failure—or by raters' perceptions of the ratee's level of success. Effects of ratee gender were also investigated. Neither a student sample (n=179) nor a management sample (n=127) provided evidence in support of a heroism effect; the effects of strategy (consistent or experimenting) and timing of success or failure (immediate or delayed) were relatively small. Success and failure had the strongest and most consistent effects on performance ratings. These results supported the proposition that raters' perceptions of a ratee's performance—level of success—are the primary determinants of ratings, and that ‘heroic’ perseverance in the face of failure does not result in higher ratings.
Viscous and delayed-elastic deformation during primary creep-using strain relaxation and recovery test

Abstract Closed-loop controlled constant-stress ‘strain relaxation and recovery tests’ were performed on a titanium-based alloy at 0.45 Tm to examine primary creep. Viscous (permanent) strain rate was found to be constant, obeying power-law with stress exponent of 4.0. The deceleration in creep rate is attributed to recoverable delayed-elastic response obeying logarithmic time dependence with a stress exponent of 1.2.
SUBSTITUENT EFFECTS IN THE EXTRACTION OF CESIUM FROM ACIDIC NITRATE MEDIA WITH MACROCYCLIC POLYETHERS

ABSTRACT A variety of dibenzocrown ethers have been evaluated for the extraction of cesium from acidic nitrate media. Compounds incorporating a 21-crown-7 moiety are shown to exhibit greater cesium/sodium selectivity, superior functional stability, and better compatibility with PUREX-like diluents than dibenzocrown ethers with other ring sizes. The cesium distribution ratios obtained with these compounds, however, are generally not large enough to be of practical value. Higher Dcs values are achieved with several dibenzo-18-crown-6 derivatives. Of these, the best results are achieved with 4,4'(5')-di-[(l-hydroxy-2-ethylhexyl)benzo]-18-crown-6. The distribution ratios obtained with this compound in undiluted tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) compare favorably with those reported for synergistic systems combining a crown ether with the anion of a lipophilic organic acid.
Betting on country alphas to hedge against Asian crisis risk

Purpose – Country alpha swaps are proposed to facilitate emerging market risk‐sharing, even during global financial crises. Country alphas measure risk‐adjusted performance by subtracting the product of average world index returns and the country's beta, measuring its contribution to global systematic risk, from average country index returns. It has been proposed that emerging market country betas rose during the Asian crisis, and that country beta call options pay out for large increases in risk. Swaps on the difference between country and world index returns have also been proposed. Country alpha swaps combine elements of Merton's and Miller's proposals.Design/methodology/approach – Daily, rolling, synchronous country alphas are estimated from the subset of assets available to all investors in 13 emerging markets between 1995 and 2003, using Scholes and Williams' method.Findings – Country alphas become increasingly negative during the Asian crisis, and typically rise thereafter, eventually becoming posi...
Demo abstract: netamorph: field-programmable analog arrays for energy-efficient sensor networks

The limited power budgets of sensor networks necessitate some level of in-network pre-processing to reduce communication overhead. The low power consumption of analog signal processing (ASP) is well-suited for this task. However, the quick adoption of this technology has been restrained by the fact that ASP implementation requires a priori knowledge of the application space. Our solution to this challenge is to enable run-time reconfiguration through the use of a field-programmable analog array (FPAA). In the same way that reconfigurable digital systems allow system designers to change the infrastructure of digital blocks, an FPAA allows an application developer to change the infrastructure of, and even tune, ASP blocks without circuit-level expertise. We will demonstrate that an FPAA can be used to (1) facilitate the use of ASP to reduce power consumption, and to (2) allow run-time reconfigurability to maximize ASP impact.
Improvements on Khrapchenko's theorem

Abstract We present an improvement of Khrapchenko's theorem which gives lower bounds for the size of Boolean { ∧ ∨, ¬ }-formulae. Our main theorem gives a better lower bound than the original Khrapchenko's theorem or at least the same, although we know of no function where it gives an improvement factor larger than two. This lower bound is the largest eigenvalue of a certain matrix associated with the formula. Moreover, we give an approximation of this bound which is easier to compute and is never smaller than the bound given by Khrapchenko's theorem.
Elastic Scattering of Intermediate-Energy Alpha Particles by Heavy Nuclei

The deflected alpha-particle beam of the University of Washington 60-inch cyclotron has been used to study the elastic scattering of 13- to 42-Mev alpha particles by Ag, Ta, Pb, and Th at 60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The alphaparticle energy was decreased in steps of approximately 1 Mev by placing remotely controlled absorbers in the cyclotron beam. Elastically scattered alpha particles were selected and counted by a differential-range coincidence proportional-counter telescope.Up to a certain critical energy ${E}_{0}$, which increases with $Z$, the cross section for each element decreases with increasing alpha-particle energy in agreement with the Rutherford formula. At higher energies, the dependence is given by the empirical formula $\ensuremath{\sigma}(E)=\ensuremath{\sigma}({E}_{0})\mathrm{exp}{\ensuremath{-}K(E\ensuremath{-}{E}_{0})}$. The slope parameter $K$ is about 0.26 ${\mathrm{Mev}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and decreases slightly as $Z$ increases. Interpretation of results in terms of a semiclassical strong absorption model leads to values of the sum of nuclear radius and alpha-particle radius best fitted by the empirical formula $D=(1.50{A}^{\frac{1}{3}}+1.4)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ cm.
The Transcatheter Valve Revolution Time for a Compensatory Pause

The last 2 years have seen a torrent of information regarding transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and it is no exaggeration to say that this compelling technology has revolutionized our approach to treatment of valvular aortic stenosis. High-risk and inoperable patients heretofore relegated to minimally effective medical therapies have been offered a return to activity and, in some cases, a longer life.1,2 Article see p 720 Yet, not all the news is good. Although the rate of vascular complications has subsided with lower profile tools and increased experience, the incidents of such complications remain vexingly high. Similarly, stroke rates hover around 5%, with some data suggesting they are higher than the risk associated with conventional surgery.3 Earlier this year, data emerged that even mild paravalvar leak (a common occurrence postimplantation) was associated with considerably worse outcome.4 Finally, the durability of these valves remains undetermined. All of these issues gain additional import when seen in the context of the explosive growth of this procedure. An estimated 40 000 to 50 000 cases have been performed worldwide, with the majority being in Europe. In Germany, where the most enthusiastic adoption has taken place, reports are that ≈30% of valves implanted are via a transcatheter route. In the United States, we have just seen the approval of the device for commercial use in inoperable patients. Adoption is much more conservative at present, but growing. In addition to the complications noted above, and germane to this editorial, there has been a well-recognized incidence of conduction system disturbance in patients post-TAVR. Although it has been assumed by many that this is a nuisance phenomena simply requiring the insertion of a permanent pacemaker in those with high-degree AV block, evidence presented by Prinzen and colleagues5 in this issue of Circulation …
Resibufogenin and Cinobufagin Activate Central Neurons through an Ouabain-Like Action

Cinobufagin and resibufogenin are two major effective bufadienolides of Chan su (toad venom), which is a Chinese medicine obtained from the skin venom gland of toads and is used as a cardiotonic and central nervous system (CNS) respiratory agent, an analgesic and anesthetic, and as a remedy for ulcers. Many clinical cases showed that Chan su has severe side-effects on the CNS, causing shortness of breath, breathlessness, seizure, coma and cardiac arrhythmia. We used whole-cell recordings from brain slices to determine the effects of bufadienolides on excitability of a principal neuron in main olfactory bulb (MOB), mitral cells (MCs), and the cellular mechanism underlying the excitation. At higher concentrations, cinobufagin and resibufogenin induced irreversible over-excitation of MCs indicating a toxic effect. At lower concentrations, they concentration-dependently increased spontaneous firing rate, depolarized the membrane potential of MCs, and elicited inward currents. The excitatory effects were due to a direct action on MCs rather than an indirect phasic action. Bufadienolides and ouabain had similar effects on firing of MCs which suggested that bufadienolides activated neuron through a ouabain-like effect, most likely by inhibiting Na+/K+-ATPase. The direct action of bufadienolide on brain Na+ channels was tested by recordings from stably Nav1.2-transfected cells. Bufadienolides failed to make significant changes of the main properties of Nav1.2 channels in current amplitude, current-voltage (I-V) relationships, activation and inactivation. Our results suggest that inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase may be involved in both the pharmacological and toxic effects of bufadienolide-evoked CNS excitation.
Surfactant-modified hydrous titanium oxide gels

Abstract In a previous paper [H. Z. Chen and E. Ruckenstein, J. Colloid Interface Sci. 145 , 581 (1991)] it was demonstrated that a hydrous oxide gel containing a surfactant can have increased adsorption power compared with one free of surfactant. In addition, it was observed that an optimum surfactant concentration exists for which the adsorption power is maximum. To explain these observations and to characterize the material, the effect of the addition of sodium n -dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) on the crystallographic structure, morphology, surface chemistry, and mechanical strength of air dried hydrous titanium oxide gels is investigated. The changes with increasing amount of surfactant in the crystallographic structure were followed by X-ray powder diffraction analysis, and the ratios of surface atoms have been determined by X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopic analysis measurements. Compressive strength measurements provided information on the mechanical strength, and scanning electron microscopy observations provided information on the morphology of the material. Finally, Fourier transform-infrared spectral analysis has allowed identification of the adsorption active sites of the gel. The experiments have shown that there exists an optimum surfactant concentration for which the size of the particles that constitute the gel is the smallest and the surface area and the mechanical strength are the largest. A possible explanation for the existence of an optimum surfactant concentration is suggested.
Abstract 450: Head and neck cancer and HPV infection: A potential role for peritumoral neurogenesis in HPV-associated malignancy

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Background: Head and neck cancers account for 5% of all cancer related deaths and present with complex molecular pathology and clinical features owing to their functional anatomical location. The molecular etiology of head and neck squamous cancer (HNSC) has gained extensive attention recently revealing key mutations, viral infection, and an emerging landscape of varying disease sub-types. While perineural invasion has long been associated with poor outcome in HNSC, the association of neurogenesis-related genes with cancer progression has only recently come into focus in HNSC. Using prospectively acquired patient samples and TCGA HNSC mutational analyses we further characterized the sequelae of molecular changes in neurogenesis-related genes and propose that these genes play a significant role in HNSC development. Methods: All clinical specimens were collected under approval by Institutional Review Board. Prospectively collected samples were analyzed for HPV DNA by linear arrays (InnoLipa) and q-PCR for E7-RNA. Gene expression arrays were conducted to determine differences in HPV activity and neuronal associated gene ontologies (Agilent). Gene expression profiles were compared in oral HPV+ and HPV- cultured oral keratinocytes as well as the TCGA Kandoth & Tang datasets. Gene targets were validated by Immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Results: Initial unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis of our HNSC cohort revealed a separation of HPV+ HPV+E7-(HPV-inactive: HPVin), and HPV- tumors with changes in the expression of key neurogenesis-related genes. For example, POU4F1, NGFR, and GRIN2C were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05) in HPV+ vs HPVin cancers. Additional analysis of TCGA data revealed divergence of the mutational spectra in HNSC with and without perineural invasion. Conclusion: Our preliminary findings indicate the emerging importance of neurogenesis-related genes and perineural involvement in HNSC and support a divergence of HPV+, HPVin, and HPV- HNSC sub-types. Citation Format: Christian A. Graves, Swati Tomar, Diego Altomare, James R. Wells, Kim E. Creek, Lucia Pirisi. Head and neck cancer and HPV infection: A potential role for peritumoral neurogenesis in HPV-associated malignancy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 450. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-450
Remarkable Response of Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary to Paclitaxel and Cisplatin

Abstract Background: The survival rate of patients with advanced stage primary squamous cell carcinoma of the ovary is dismal and the best treatment is unknown. We describe the response of this tumor to systemic chemotherapy employing paclitaxel and cisplatin. Case: A 31-year-old white woman diagnosed with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IV primary squamous cell carcinoma of the ovary associated with ovarian endometriosis underwent cytoreductive surgery followed by paclitaxel and cisplatin every 4 weeks for 12 courses. The patient tolerated chemotherapy well, demonstrated a dramatic response with disappearance of hepatic metastases, and remains without evidence of disease 2 years after diagnosis. Conclusion: Paclitaxel and cisplatin may be effective in treating primary squamous cell carcinoma of the ovary.
Effect of solvent on the homogeneous precipitation of titania by titanium ethoxide hydrolysis

Abstract A method has been developed for studying and controlling the growth of colloidal titania by titanium ethoxide hydrolysis in ethanol, 1-butanol, and tert-butyl alcohol. Particle growth was followed from approximately 0.02 to 1.0 μm by dynamic laser-light scattering. Evaluation of the particle growth kinetics indicated that growth was controlled by surface phenomena and that the type of precipitate formed was affected by the solvent. Electron microscopy showed that monodisperse spherical particles were formed in the solvents ethanol and 1-butanol. The precipitate that was formed in tert-butyl alcohol had no regular shape and was characteristic of uncontrolled homogeneous precipitation.
A Fluorometric Approach to Local Electric Field Measurements in a Voltage-Gated Ion Channel

Site-specific electrostatic measurements have been limited to soluble proteins purified for in vitro spectroscopic characterization or proteins of known structure; however, comparable measurements have not been made for functional membrane bound proteins. Here, using an electrochromic fluorophore, we describe a method to monitor localized electric field changes in a voltage-gated potassium channel. By coupling the novel probe Di-1-ANEPIA to cysteines in Shaker and tracking field-induced optical changes, in vivo electrostatic measurements were recorded with submillisecond resolution. This technique reports dynamic changes in the electric field during the gating process and elucidates the electric field profile within Shaker. The extension of this method to other membrane bound proteins, including transporters, will yield insight into the role of electrical forces on protein function.
Electronic flight bag (EFB) policy and guidance

Air carrier operators have long recognized the benefits of adapting portable computing devices, such as commercially available laptop computers or special purpose computers, to perform a variety of functions traditionally delegated to the flight crew. One of the original applications of EFB systems was to reduce the 40 pounds of paper products that the flight crew typically carries onboard aircraft (e.g., airplane flight manuals, checklists, aeronautical charts including approach plates). These devices have been approved as a direct replacement of hard copy chart information contained in the crew flight bag, thus the term Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) has entered aviation vernacular. Operators have increasingly sought additional EFB capability, as well as expanding the scope of operational use. Operators are now seeking approval for EFB use during normal operations. A commensurate expansion of EFB functionality and aircraft interface complexity has also taken place to include the capability to perform various combinations including: (1) calculation of flight manual performance data, (2) display of normal and non-normal checklist items, (3) display of approach plate overlays, (4) display of video security camera images and infrared camera images, (5) depiction of near real-time weather information and aeronautical data, (6) display of traffic information, (7) upload of flight planning information into the aircraft Flight Management System, (8) data communication capability with a ground station, (9) Internet connectivity, etc. This expansion of capability resulted in the need to establish joint certification and operational guidance material to assess hazards associated with EFB loss or malfunction (misleading information being presented to the flight crew). Certain EFB systems are used for wire-less communication with Airline Operations Centers (AOC) which could improve maintenance and dispatch times.
Thermal-Shock-Resistant Materials

Aerospace applications which take advantage of the refractory nature of ceramic materials also impose upon them severe conditions of thermal shock. The severity of this thermal environment exceeds that for which it is possible to prevent crack nucleation; therefore, the design of thermal-shock-resistant materials is based on the concept of preventing crack propagation. More explicitly, composite materials with either carbide or oxide matrices were developed with the capability of sustaining thermal strains without generating the thermal stresses that could lead to catastrophic failure. Thermal simulation tests revealed a resistance to thermal shock far superior to that which could be realized by more conventional ceramic materials. Improved quality is related to the role of the individual phases, within the microstructures.
Working memory and insight in the nine-dot problem

In the present article, we examine the contribution of working memory (WM) to solution of the nine-dot problem, a classic insight problem. Prior research has generally demonstrated a limited role for WM in the solution of insight problems, which are typically assumed to be solved without conscious planning. However, MacGregor, Ormerod, and Chronicle (2001) proposed an information-processing model that solves the nine-dot problem by relying on a visual WM mechanism, which they term lookahead. In the present research, we examine whether performance on the nine-dot problem is indeed predicted by WM capacity. The results indicated that spatial WM capacity predicted the tendency to draw lines outside the configuration of dots and predicted the solution on a hint-aided version of the problem. Furthermore, within those solving the problem, higher spatial WM capacity was also related to faster solutions. The results support the information-processing model and suggest a more essential role for WM and planning in insight problem solving than has previously been acknowledged.
Activity-oriented context-aware adaptation assisting mobile geo-spatial activities

Human geospatial activities often involves the use of geographic information in mobile environment where the context of technology use is dynamic, complex, and unstable, creating unique challenges in designing effective mobile mapping applications. Enhancing the context awareness of the computing device can improve the usability of mobile map applications, but the potentially large number of contexts (physical context, computing context, human factors, and time) are not easily managed without a workable organizing structure. This paper proposes an activity-oriented context model that establish late (run-time) binding of contexts to the ongoning avtivity according to how they contribute to the success of the activity. Using this context model, adaptation of mobile map display to the changes of other contexts is based on the knowledge of ongoing task (within an activity) rather anticipated tasks. We discuss advantages of such an approach over traditional template-based model of context models in mobile computing applications.