cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a microfabricated scanning endoscope using SU-8-based optical waveguide

Flexible medical endoscopes currently used in medicine have many problems and a fundamental tradeoffs. Either resolution or field of view is sacrificed when the scope diameter is less than 3mm, since the minimum pixel size is usually at least 4 microns in a pixel-array such as a camera or fiber bundle. Previous work has shown the design of a micromachined cantilever beam able to realize a 100μm wide, one dimension scanning pattern. First mode resonances of the cantilever scanner are found between 16-52 kHz with response amplitudes ranging from 62.5 to 420 μm. Since cantilever waveguides with resonant frequencies above 20 kHz are potentially suitable for video rate scanning, these devices may be used for image acquisition and display. Described in this work is an alternative method of design for a micro-optical scanning endoscope. The endoscope consists of an optical waveguide microfabricated using SU-8 photoresist. SU-8 is a high contrast, negative tone, chemically amplified, epoxy based photoresist chosen for its high aspect ratio (~15:1) for imaging near vertical sidewalls. With the use of SU-8, we were able to fabricate a much larger waveguide (~85 μm) as compared to the previous silicon oxide method (~3 μm) An overall larger device makes coupling a fiber into the waveguide much easier and increases the amount of light coupled into the cantilever beams. The neagactively toned epoxy resin based SU-8 also increases the device durability and simplifies the fabrication process.
Parents' Perceptions after Inclusion of Their Children with Moderate or Severe Disabilities:

This study investigated the perceptions of parents of 13 children with moderate or severe disabilities in relation to their child's education in inclusive general education settings. Parents were a...
Accelerated imaging of rest and stress myocardial perfusion MRI using multi-coil k-t SLR: a feasibility study.

Background In myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), highly accelerated acquisition can be used towards reducing the compromises in the image quality (spatio-temporal resolutions, volume coverage, SNR) routinely observed with the current clinical protocols. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of a recent accelerated dynamic MRI scheme, k-t SLR (based on sparse and low rank properties) (Lingala et al. ‘11) in free breathing MPI. k-t SLR exploits natural redundancy in MPI by using (a) the high degree of temporal correlations, and (b) the sparse properties of the images in appropriate transform domains (finite difference transforms along space and time). It poses the recovery as a spectral regularization problem, allowing for the use of fast optimization solvers and flexible non-Cartesian sampling schemes. Here, we also include information from multiple coils to improve data consistency in the recovery. We demonstrate high accelerations with both rest and stress data sets. Comparisons are made with existing schemes such as spatio-temporal constrained reconstruction (STCR, Adluru et al ‘09) and k-t SPARSE/ SENSE (Otazo et al ‘10). Methods A radial FLASH saturation recovery sequence (TR/ TE~2.5/1.3ms) was used. 3 slices with 72 rays uniformly spaced within a frame and offset between frames were acquired. Datasets for 3 normal subjects and 1 patient with disease were imaged in rest and adenosine stress. These 72 ray sets correspond to an acceleration of R ~ 3.4 compared to Nyquist sampling. Residual streaking was resolved in these sets by using a standard STCR algorithm and formed the ‘reference’ images. We performed retrospective undersampling using 21 rays (R~12) and 18 rays (R~14) respectively for the stress and rest sets and reconstructed with multi-coil k-t SLR, multi-coil STCR and multi-coil k-t SPARSE. Golden ratio, uniform and random sampling were respectively used for k-t SLR, STCR and k-t SPARSE/SENSE, based on experiments of which sampling pattern was best for each algorithm. Validation was based on two metrics that depict the accuracy of the myocardial perfusion dynamics (see fig 2). The first metric gives a measure of the myocardial slope while the second gives an aggregate measure of several factors such as peak enhancement, sensitivity to breathing motion and temporal blur. Results
THE STOCK DIVIDEND—AN ANALYSIS OF ITS CONCEPTS, ITS INFLUENCE ON STOCK PRICES, AND ITS USES BY CORPORATE MANAGEMENTS*

THE PURPOSE OF THIS study is to investigate three basic questions which pertain to stock dividends: (1) What is the conceptual nature of a stock dividend? (2) How do stock dividends influence stock prices? (3) Why are stock dividends issued by corporate managements? As a basis for considering the nature of a stock dividend, concepts expressed by authorities in the fiduciary, the tax, the accounting, and the regulatory areas were examined. In almost every instance, these authorities considered stock dividends to be merely additional evidences of existing ownership interests. This author agrees that this approach is the only logically acceptable one. The influence of stock dividends on stock prices was investigated by a statistical study of eighty-seven stock dividends issued in 1958 by companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Adjustments were made for factors that might have had a general influence on stock prices, as well as for those factors which might have influenced specifically the stock prices of the companies being studied. No clearly representative result was produced by this study. Stock dividends appeared to influence the share prices of each company in varying degrees, as well as in different directions. However, there was an indication that relatively small stock dividends did have a very general tendency to enhance slightly the entire market value of the distributing corporation's shares. Managements' objectives in issuing stock dividends were examined by means of a questionnaire which was sent to officers of one hundred and twenty corporations. Of the eighty-one replies received, approximately 76 per cent indicated that their primary objective was to conserve cash. In spite of the extreme emphasis upon this objective, as well as the apparent existence of many other goals, this author concluded that stockholder relations were the primary basic consideration in issuing stock dividends. Stock dividends were issued to maintain existing stockholder relations or to improve them.
Organic single crystals: Addressing the fundamentals of organic electronics

Organic optoelectronics is an emerging field that exploits the unique properties of conjugated organic materials to develop new applications that require a combination of performance, low cost, light weight, and processability. For instance, disposable or wearable electronics, light-emitting diodes, smart tags, sensors, and solar cells all fall into this active area of research. Single crystals of conjugated organic molecules are, undoubtedly, the materials with the highest degree of order and purity among the variety of different forms of organic semiconductors. Electronic devices comprising these materials, such as single-crystal transistors and photoconductors developed during the last decade, are by far the best performers in terms of the fundamental parameters such as charge-carrier mobility, exciton diffusivity, concentration of defects, and operational stability. Extremely low density of defects and the resultant remarkable electrical characteristics of some of the organic single-crystal devices allow experimental access to the intrinsic charge transport properties not dominated by charge scattering and trapping. This enables basic studies of the physics of organic semiconductors, including examining the intrinsic structure-property relationship, thus providing a test bed for charge and energy transport theories. The goal of this issue of MRS Bulletin is to provide a broad overview of the state of the art of the field of organic semiconductor single-crystal materials, devices, and theory.
Indentation stress-strain curves for "quasi-ductile" ceramics

Abstract A micromechanical model describing “quasi-ductile” Hertzian contacts in otherwise brittle ceramics is developed. The elemental basis of the model is a discrete “fault” along an internal weak interface, constrained at its ends by an elastic matrix and subject to frictional sliding, in the subsurface zone of high shear stress in the Hertzian field. By summation over a prescribed density of shear faults within the active plastic zone, the analysis leads to a constitutive identation stress-strain function, with special provision for the incorporation of microstructural variables. Experimental data from a series of mica-containing glass-ceramics with contiguous platelet microstructures are used to confirm the essential predictions of the model. It is demonstrated that plasticity increases with volume fraction and aspect ratio, but not size, of the platelets. Parametric evaluations by curve fitting the indentation stress-strain data allow for predictions of intrinsic stress-strain responses for the glass-ceramics in conventional uniform stressing states.
From anytime, anywhere to all‐the‐time, everywhere: Learning objects, broadband and wireless reshape digital libraries for learning and research. Sponsored by SIG STI, DL, VIS

Learning objects are among the latest types of materials to be included in digital libraries. These are small portions of lesson material designed to be used in multiple configurations for multiple instructional applications, ranging from distance learning to interactive simulation. As broadband and wireless technologies change the expectations and performance patterns of the user, learning objects change the nature of content and the way that it must be managed. The size and diversity of digital collections affect the options through which these materials can be accessed. Many libraries are offering wireless access to their networks and many individuals are accessing digital libraries off-site using broadband technologies. Each of these trends affects decisions made for collection development, portal design and network design, and those decisions dictate specific technological requirements for access. This panel session highlights management and infrastructure issues of digital libraries as they relate to learning objects, broadband and wireless technologies.
On singular time-optimal control along specified paths

This paper presents a general necessary condition for singular time optimal control of robotic manipulation moving along specified paths. Early work by Bobrow-Dubowsky (1985) and Shin-McKay (1985) ignored the issue of singular control, assuming bang-bang acceleration along the path. Recent work by Shiller-Lu (1992) has shown that the time optimal control can be singular if one of the equations of motion reduces to a velocity constraint. This paper derives a more general necessary condition for singular control. It is also proven that singular control cannot exist if the set of admissible controls is strictly convex, as is demonstrated for a two-link planar manipulator with elliptical actuator constraints. >
Antibodies against an α-bungarotoxin-binding peptide of the α-subunit of the acetylcholine receptor

Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies were raised against a peptide comprising residues 173-204 of the alpha-subunit of the acetylcholine receptor. The polyclonal and pooled monoclonal antibodies inhibited up to 50% of 125I-alpha-bungarotoxin binding to peptide 173-204. Some of the antibodies recognized native receptor but did not significantly affect alpha-bungarotoxin binding. Epitope mapping revealed that the antibodies are directed against residues 183-194 indicating this region is a major determinant of toxin binding. This region is most likely conformationally constrained in the native receptor.
MacroLab: a vector-based macroprogramming framework for cyber-physical systems

We present a macroprogramming framework called MacroLab that offers a vector programming abstraction similar to Matlab for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs). The user writes a single program for the entire network using Matlab-like operations such as addition, find, and max. The framework executes these operations across the network in a distributed fashion, a centralized fashion, or something between the two - whichever is most efficient for the target deployment. We call this approach deployment-specific code decomposition (DSCD). MacroLab programs can be executed on mote-class hardware such as the Telos [24] motes. Our results indicate that MacroLab introduces almost no additional overhead in terms of message cost, power consumption, memory footprint, or CPU cycles over TinyOSprograms.
Stimulus access to the accessory olfactory system in the prenatal and perinatal rat

The fetal rat can detect odors in its amniotic fluid. Indirect evidence suggests that the accessory olfactory system may be mediating chemoreception prenatally. The primary goal of this study was to determine if stimuli in the amniotic fluid gain access to the receptor neurons of the accessory olfactory system that are sequestered inside the vomeronasal organ. Other goals of the study were to compare the access of stimuli to the vomeronasal organ in the prenatal and young postnatal rat and to examine the role of the autonomic nervous system in this process. On the day before birth fluorescent beads (0.95μm diameter) were injected into the amniotic sacs of rat fetuses from seven dams. After 4–6 h one group of mothers rceived an i.p. injection of epinephrine (either 60 or 75μg) and another group received no injection. One hour later pups were collected and processed for histological examination using fluorescence microscopy. A portion of the fetuses from both treatment groups had significant numbers (< 50) of beads in their nasal passages. Some of these subjects also had beads in the vomeronasal organ. There was no significant difference in the proportion of subjects with beads in the nasal cavities or vomeronasal organ across the two treatments. In a second experiment, five- to seven-day-old rat pups had beads infused into one naris. After 3–4 h one group was injected i.p. with epinephrine (2–4μg), while a second group received no injection. As expected, virtually all the subjects had large numbers of beads in their nasal cavities upon post mortem examination. A portion of the subjects also had beads in the vomeronasal organ. There was no significant difference in the proportion of subjects with beads in the vomeronasal organ comparing the two treatment groups. Taken together the results of this study support the hypothesis that the main and accessory olfactory system are exposed to olfactory stimuli in the prenatal and early postnatal period. The results do not eliminate the possibility that the vomeronasal organ is actively sampling stimuli during this period; however, epinephrine, which is known to increase stimulus sampling by the vomeronasal organ in some adult mammals, had no effect on the movement of material in this study.
The influence of H2O on mantle wedge melting

Abstract The solidus and near-solidus melting behavior of a primitive undepleted peridotite composition has been determined over a pressure range of 1.2–3.2 GPa at H2O saturated conditions. Vapor-saturated melting (melting in the presence of an H2O-rich supercritical fluid) begins at 940 °C at 1.2 GPa and the solidus temperature decreases continuously to 860 °C at 2 GPa and 800 °C at 3.2 GPa. This solidus is similar to the lower temperature results of previous investigations. The temperature discrepancies found in earlier studies could be a result of short run times used in several studies and the slower kinetics of olivine vs. diopside melting. The solidus phases include olivine, orthopyroxene, high-Ca clinopyroxene and Al-rich phases that change from spinel + amphibole (1.2–1.8 GPa) to spinel + chlorite over the pressure range of 2–2.4 GPa. Above 2.4 GPa garnet + chlorite + ilmenite are present along with olivine + orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene on the solidus. Chlorite may be a stable phase at the base of the mantle wedge and it may play a role in the onset of flux melting. Ilmenite might play a role in the development of HFSE depletions in arc magmas. Flux melting of the mantle wedge above the subducting oceanic lithosphere begins when an H2O-rich component (either fluid or melt) released from the slab ascends within the overlying mantle. As it ascends into the mantle wedge the H2O triggers melting at the vapor-saturated solidus at a depth shallower than the wedge–slab interface. Melting continues as the melt ascends into shallower, hotter overlying mantle. Melting in this part of the wedge occurs at vapor-undersaturated conditions because the H2O content of the melt is continually diluted as the melt ascends through the wedge, dissolving and re-equilibrating with shallower, hotter mantle. Final equilibration with the mantle wedge occurs at shallow depths near the top of the wedge. A model of this process is developed using the vapor-saturated phase relations as a starting point.
REGULATION OF GAMETOGENESIS IN SCENEDESMUS OBLIQUUS (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1

SUMMARY The effects of nutrients, temperature and light on gametogenesis in Scenedesmus obliquus (Turp.) Kutz, were studied in culture. Concentrations of nitrogen in the medium employed showed a marked influence on gamete production. Gametogenesis is inhibited by N excess but is not a response to N starvation or depletion. A drop in N level from that of the growth medium is not required, nor does it per se trigger gametogenesis. The N concentration satisfying growth requirements insufficiently low to permit sexual differentiation. Nitrogen level in the growth medium has no effect on subsequent N to maintain a typical culture. Number of gametes present at maximum production time is inversely related to N concentration, but neither time of onset of gametogenesis, nor time of maximum gamete production is affected by N concentration. Cultures incubated at 15 C in medium lacking N take a minimum of 20—24 h to develop cells irreversibly committed to gamete formation. At the concentrations tested, no medium component other than the N-containing salt affected gametogenesis. Temperature influences both time of maximum production and numbers present at maximum production time. Time of maximum production is inversely related to incubation temperature; a 15 C incubation temperature yielded highest gamete production. Light enhances gametogenesis but gamete formation can occur in absence of light. Achievement of a light-saturated response is dependent upon illumination given at two critical periods: one occurs shortly after N withdrawal; the other occurs later, when cells are becoming irreversibly committed to gamete formation. Ability to produce gametes diminished with prolonged laboratory culture.
Pulsing the Zero Gradient Synchrotron Directly from the Utility Line

The history of extended periods of lost experimental time, due to mechanical and electrical failures in the flywheel motor-generator (M-G) sets used by pulsed synchrotron magnets, indicates a necessity for standby facilities. The idea of pulsing synchrotron magnets directly off the utility lines without interposing a flywheel M-G set has become very active in recent years. Investigations have shown this to be an extremely attractive alternative for the Zero Gradient Synchrotron (ZGS). The switchover, in the event of an M-G set failure, can be made within a matter of hours; the first costs are lowest, operating costs are reduced and reliability is increased; and it can be built in stages from partial energy to full energy capability. The first phase will be to install a 35 MVA transformer capable of pulsing the ZGS to an energy of 9 GeV with a line voltage fluctuation of less than 1%. Low voltage taps will be available for low energy pulsing to study the effects on the utility system. The second phase will provide for bypassing one-half of the rectifier supplies during flattop. This limits the voltage fluctuation to a value consistent with continuous operation. In the full energy phase, a second transformer will be added and the system kVARs will be reduced by switching precharged capacitors.
Lithium modulates mitogen induced natural killer activity and interferon production.

AbstractIncubation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with lithium ions in combination with either phytothemagglutinin or conconavalin A resulted in increased natural killer cell activity. Maximum augmentation was observed following three days of culturing peripheral blood mono-nuclear cells with mitogens and lithium and was accompanied by increased interferon production. Lithium did not enhance the natural killer cell activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured with Poly I:C.
Multiplexing of injury codes for the parallel operation of enzyme logic gates

The development of a highly parallel enzyme logic sensing concept employing a novel encoding scheme for the determination of multiple pathophysiological conditions is reported. The new concept multiplexes a contingent of enzyme-based logic gates to yield a distinct ‘injury code’ corresponding to a unique pathophysiological state as prescribed by a truth table. The new concept is illustrated using an array of NAND and AND gates to assess the biomedical significance of numerous biomarker inputs including creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, norepinephrine, glutamate, alanine transaminase, lactate, glucose, glutathione disulfide, and glutathione reductase to assess soft-tissue injury, traumatic brain injury, liver injury, abdominal trauma, hemorrhagic shock, and oxidative stress. Under the optimal conditions, physiological and pathological levels of these biomarkers were detected through either optical or electrochemical techniques by monitoring the level of the outputs generated by each of the six logic gates. By establishing a pathologically meaningful threshold for each logic gate, the absorbance and amperometric assays tendered the diagnosis in a digitally encoded 6-bit word, defined as an ‘injury code’. This binary ‘injury code’ enabled the effective discrimination of 64 unique pathological conditions to offer a comprehensive high-fidelity diagnosis of multiple injury conditions. Such processing of relevant biomarker inputs and the subsequent multiplexing of the logic gate outputs to yield a comprehensive ‘injury code’ offer significant potential for the rapid and reliable assessment of varied and complex forms of injury in circumstances where access to a clinical laboratory is not viable. While the new concept of parallel and multiplexed enzyme logic gates is illustrated here in connection to multi-injury diagnosis, it could be readily extended to a wide range of practical medical, industrial, security and environmental applications.
Exploring new interaction systems on quiz shows

The participation in television quiz shows has traditionally two types of profiles: the contestant and the home viewer. This project has the goal to define the requirements to create a new user profile: the remote contestant, the type of participant who would interact with a TV show from a multimedia device. This study shows a prototype test created from the descriptions, requirements and motivations extracted from the analysis of user's needs and desires. The prototype allows interaction between a TV channel created for this project and other platforms sync with a TV quiz show. This paper will present the findings and main conclusions of the experience of the users testing this new model of interaction for TV shows.
Spatiotemporal Snowfall Trends in Central New York

AbstractCentral New York State, located at the intersection of the northeastern United States and the Great Lakes basin, is impacted by snowfall produced by lake-effect and non-lake-effect snowstorms. The purpose of this study is to determine the spatiotemporal patterns of snowfall in central New York and their possible underlying causes. Ninety-three Cooperative Observer Program stations are used in this study. Spatiotemporal patterns are analyzed using simple linear regressions, Pearson correlations, principal component analysis to identify regional clustering, and spatial snowfall distribution maps in the ArcGIS software. There are three key findings. First, when the long-term snowfall trend (1931/32–2011/12) is divided into two halves, a strong increase is present during the first half (1931/32–1971/72), followed by a lesser decrease in the second half (1971/72–2011/12). This result suggests that snowfall trends behave nonlinearly over the period of record. Second, central New York spatial snowfall pa...
Exogenous nitric oxide generates ROS and induces cardioprotection: involvement of PKG, mitochondrial KATP channels, and ERK

We examined whether cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) and mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are involved in S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP)-induced reactive oxygen spe...
Micro‐credit and development in northern vietnam

. Geographical development economics as reflected in the recent report by World Bank (2009) Reshaping Economic Geography (henceforth WDR-2009) and Sachs' (2005) End of Poverty has placed geographical factors of distance and density at the core of economic development. However, development geography has largely moved beyond a paradigm of modernity. This article seeks to narrow the above disciplinary divide and suggests that explanations of distance and density are not irrelevant but will need to be better integrated to local knowledge, practices and power relations in development schemes which are valued by development geographers. The latter is examined in the context of micro-credit programmes in two lagging areas, Soc Son and Vinh Loc, in northern Vietnam. Drawing from interviews and surveys of 160 female participants, we show that micro-credit, WDR-2009 and Sachs' geographical variables significantly affect poverty levels. However, qualitative interviews also reveal that the effects of distance, density and micro-credit schemes are constituted differently in the two areas. Relative to their Vinh Loc counterparts, Soc Son's participants experience less distance and density problems but are confronted with greater vulnerability to coercive relations of rule. In contrast, the approach to rule in the more geographically distressed area of Vinh Loc is underscored by flexibility and compromise which seek to cultivate conditions that sustain local livelihoods.
Association of Periconceptional Multivitamin Use and Risk of Preterm or Small-for-Gestational-Age Births

The authors’ objective was to determine the relation between periconceptional multivitamin use and the risk of small-for-gestational-age (SGA: <5th percentile; 5th–<10th percentiles) or preterm (<34 weeks; 34–<37 weeks) births. Women in the Pregnancy Exposures and Preeclampsia Prevention Study (1997–2001) reported at enrollment their regular multivitamin use in the past 6 months (n ¼ 1,823). Women were classified as users or nonusers in multinomial logistic models. After adjustment for race, age, education, enrollment gestational age, and household density, periconceptional multivitamin use was associated with a reduced risk of preterm births (<34 weeks) (odds ratio (OR) ¼ 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.13, 0.64) and spontaneous preterm births (<34 weeks) (OR ¼ 0.40, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.99). Risk of SGA (<5th percentile) was marginally lower (OR ¼ 0.64, 95% CI: 0.40, 1.03) after adjustment for smoking, education, parity, enrollment gestational age, and body mass index. Prepregnancy body mass index modified this relation. Nonobese users had a reduction (OR ¼ 0.54, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.91) in risk of SGA (<5th percentile); there was no effect among obese women. There was no effect of multivitamin use on risk of preterm births (34–<37 weeks) or SGA (5th–<10th percentiles). Sensitivity analysis for unmeasured confounding by folate intake supported these findings. Study results indicate lower rates of severe preterm births and extreme SGA in women who report periconceptional vitamin use, although these should be considered cautiously until replicated. body mass index; dietary supplements; infant, small for gestational age; premature birth
Causes of Self-Limited Translocation of Glyphosate in Beta vulgaris Plants

Abstract Causes of self-induced limitation of glyphosate translocation were studied in sugar beet plants that were susceptible to or tolerant of (Roundup Ready) glyphosate. Glyphosate was taken up in both types of plants at the same rate and essentially stopped at the same time, around 4 h after [14C]glyphosate was applied in 1% Roundup formulation. Tolerant plants continued to export glyphosate at a significant rate during the entire 30-h observation period while susceptible plants stopped after only 10 h and exported only half the amount. Herbicide was applied under three different experimental protocols to help identify causes for the inhibition of carbon and glyphosate translocation. Comparing the effect of 1% Roundup applied to source leaves of susceptible plants, during either the first half of the day or the end of the day, showed that glyphosate acting directly on source leaves under high light essentially stopped translocation. Glyphosate nearly completely inhibited photosynthesis and carbon export during the remaining 9 h of the light period but produced no observable effects on photosynthesis, C3-cycle carbon metabolism, or translocation in tolerant plants. Inhibition of carbon translocation and glyphosate translocation coincided, confirming that glyphosate export was inhibited by disruption of a process that drives carbon export. Applying glyphosate to all source leaves, except the two in which photosynthesis and export were being measured, revealed the effects of sink tissue inhibition on source leaf processes in the absence of direct effects on the source leaves. Import into the monitored sink leaf was reduced by 50% after about 3 h but the inhibition of import had a relatively small effect on carbon export and photosynthesis in the two source leaves not directly exposed to the herbicide. The results show that the glyphosate-induced disruption of C3 cycle metabolism under high light was a key factor in the marked inhibition of photosynthesis and the rapid halting of carbon and glyphosate translocation in sugar beets.
Failed root canals: the case for extraction and immediate implant placement.

t s m r a o reservation of teeth has been the treatment of hoice and a fundamental principle of dentistry. In ontrast, the extraction of natural teeth has been onsidered undesirable because of the often limited ong-term success of the alternate prosthodontic relacements. To this end, heroic efforts have been ade to preserve teeth, ranging from advanced enddontic and periodontal therapy (including hemisecions, root resections, and apicoectomies), in conunction with more conventional procedures including post and core fabrication and crown engthening). Endosseous implants, based on the bioogic and functional principles of osseointegration nd functional ankylosis, provide a predictable and ell-documented means of supporting tooth replaceents, and as such have become a routine alternative or treatment of missing teeth. When one compares he predictability of endodontically treated teeth and mplants as foundations for restorative dentistry, it is lear that the literature supports a distinct advantage f implants. The decision to extract, versus endodontically retore, a natural tooth depends on the following: qualty of support the tooth will provide for planned estorations, predicted longevity, and its role in the verall rehabilitation, functionally, esthetically, and nancially. Before any definitive treatment deciions are made, it is important to assess the quality of
Dual-Mode Miniaturized Elliptical Patch Antenna With $\mu$ -Negative Metamaterials

We present some interesting antenna designs that exploit the anomalous resonance features of a subwavelength elliptical patch antenna filled with a double-positive dielectric shell and a μ-negative metamaterial core, geometry that we have introduced in a recent paper. With appropriate filling ratio and magnetic material properties, the elliptical patch may be squeezed to an arbitrary subwavelength size, still keeping its overall radiation properties and dual-mode orthogonal operation. We show here how, by varying the patch eccentricity, it is possible to combine the two resonances and achieve significant bandwidth enhancement, in principle overcoming the Chu limit on bandwidth for single-mode electrically small antennas. The antenna may also be tailored to operate as a dual-band electrically small antenna, and intriguing polarization properties may be envisioned by coupling the two orthogonal modes.
Fast HPLC with a Silica-Based Monolithic ODS Column

Fast high-performance liquid chromatography is becoming routine in laboratories that require high throughput or for combinatorial libraries. Reduced analysis time is commonly achieved by using shorter columns and higher flow rates. Shorter columns require smaller particles in order to maintain efficiency. However, smaller particles increase backpressure, which limits both column length and higher flow rates for typical LC pumps. This disadvantage has been addressed by the emergence of monolithic liquid chromatographic columns (1). Unlike particle-base columns, monolithic columns consist of a continuous rod-shaped porous network with a bimodal pore distribution. In this study, a commercially available 50- x 4.6-mm silica-based octadecyl silane monolithic column (Chromolith SpeedROD RP18e, EM Science, Gibbstown, NJ) was used to separate a seven-component test mixture with a wide range of polarity. The primary goals of this investigation were: (a) to study the chemistry (selectivity) of the new silica-based monolithic columns and (b) to study their run-to-run and column-to-column performance (retention times and peak areas). The selectivity (alpha factor) is a ratio of partition coefficients and, if comparable for a variety of solutes, would mean that methods could be readily transferred between particulate and monolithic columns.
Analysis of Dissociative Recombination of Electrons with ArXe + using ArXe* Calculations

Electron scattering from a molecular ion is closely connected with the behavior of the highly excited electronic states of the corresponding neutral molecule. Both systems are governed by the same Hamiltonian. This chapter reviews recent calculations that illustrate the methodology that can be applied in such situations. The examples described are drawn from our work over the past few years developing theoretical techniques to treat inelastic collision processes important in laser systems. For example, in the atomic xenon laser, the following processes are important: $$ Xe*\left( {n\ell KJ} \right) + He \to Xe*\left( {n\ell K'J'} \right) $$ (1) $$ Xe*\left( {n\ell KJ} \right) + Ar \to Xe*\left( {n\ell K'J'} \right) $$ (2) $$ ArXe + e \to Xe*\left( {n\ell K'J'} \right) + Ar $$ (3) Processes (1) and (2) are fine structure changing collisions. The quantum numbers specify the atomic orbital (nl), the details of the angular momentum coupling between the valence electron and the ionic core (K), and the total angular momentum (J). We have recently calculated the excited state potential curves and matrix elements necessary for a quantum mechanical treatment of the dynamics of these collisions.1,2 Process (3), dissociative recombination (DR), involves the same atomic particles (in a different arrangement) as processes (1) and (2). Using information from our recent calculations on the low-lying excited states that govern processes (1) and (2), we have been able to obtain the necessary potential curves and matrix elements to analyze DR.
From Metabolism and Osmotic Work to Totipotency and Morphogenesis: A Study of Limitations Versus Multiple Interactions

This brief paper is the outcome of an invitation to speak at the end of your symposium. My inability to accept was dictated by events over which nature, not I, had control. Had I been able to speak I would have traced the principle events of my long research career (since 1924). Inevitably one moved from the simplistic single variable experiments inherited from chemistry in which answers could be unequivocal and precise, albeit usually over a very restricted range of problems. In the first studies into the mechanism by which plant cells acquire and retain their solutes and their water one soon learned to respect living cells as integrated working machines. The events of nutrition and metabolism, synthesis and breakdown, active growth and quiescence are so interlocked that the single variable experiment or approach can rarely tell the whole truth. Nevertheless, the organismal, holistic, approach places greater demands on experimental planning and interpretation. In these circumstances it is easy to be more obsessed with the question “how” events occur than with the more deep-seated question “why” they occur. Preoccupation with the problems of growth and development in general and with the behavior of cells and tissues in culture fostered an enlightened “holism” to supplement the prevalent reductionist trend by which we tend to know “more and more about less and less”.
Abstract 204: High Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Scores are of Prognostic Value in Recent Ischemic Stroke Patients without known Coronary Heart Disease

Background: Stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) share similar risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms. Ischemic stroke (IS) patients often harbor asymptomatic coronary heart disease (CHD); furthermore, beyond one month after the index stroke, they are at a higher risk of death from MI than recurrent stroke. Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Score (FCRS) is a simple, widely recognized tool for estimating 10-year risk for “hard” CHD outcomes, but its role as a prognosticator after recent stroke has not been assessed. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, predictors, and prognosis of high FCRS (≥ 20%) among recent IS patients. Methods: Analysis of a trial dataset involving 3680 recent (≤120 days) IS patients aged ≥ 35 years, recruited from 56 centers between 1996 and 2003, and followed for 2 years. We determined prevalence of high FCRS among subjects without known CHD. Association between baseline vascular risk factors and high FCRS were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Cox models with and without competing risks were used to determine the associations between high FCRS vs. primary (stroke, MI, vascular death) and secondary (stroke) outcomes. Results: Of 2547 subjects (∼70% of cohort) who met study criteria, 37% had a high FCRS. Prior carotid endarterectomy (CEA), hypertension, and higher NIHSS, BMI, triglyceride, and LDL levels were associated with high FCRS. After adjusting for age and sex, BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.25–2.20), triglyceride level >150 mg/dL (OR 2.86, 95% CI 2.29–3.56), LDL level >100 mg/dL (OR 2.62, 95% CI 2.04–3.36), black vs. white race (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.08–2.72) and other vs. white race (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.31–2.43) were associated with higher odds of high FCRS, while alcohol use in the past year was associated with lower odds of high FCRS (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.59–0.92). After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, vascular risk factors, stroke severity, and medication use at baseline, high FCRS was associated with a higher risk of stroke, MI or vascular death (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.14–1.81)([Figure][1]). The adjusted association between high FCRS and recurrent stroke followed a similar trend, but was weaker and not significant. Conclusions: Over 1/3 of recent IS patients without known CHD have a high FCRS. High FCRS among such patients independently confers a higher risk of a major vascular event within 2 years. Using available information on history/risk profile, FCRS could be a cheap, practical, and sustainable way for clinicians to identify IS patients who may benefit from add-on CHD-specific therapies and to assess progress of major vascular risk modification. ![Figure][2] [1]: #F1 [2]: pending:yes
TSH Receptor Cleavage Into Subunits and Shedding of the A-Subunit; A Molecular and Clinical Perspective

The TSH receptor (TSHR) on the surface of thyrocytes is unique among the glycoprotein hormone receptors in comprising two subunits: an extracellular A-subunit, and a largely transmembrane and cytosolic B-subunit. Unlike its ligand TSH, whose subunits are encoded by two genes, the TSHR is expressed as a single polypeptide that subsequently undergoes intramolecular cleavage into disulfide-linked subunits. Cleavage is associated with removal of a C-peptide region, a mechanism similar in some respects to insulin cleavage into disulfide linked A- and B-subunits with lossofaC-peptideregion. The potential pathophysiological importance of TSHR cleavage into A-and B-subunits is that some A-subunits are shed from the cell surface. Considerable experimental evidence supports the concept that A-subunit shedding in genetically susceptible individuals is a factor contributing to the induction and/or affinity maturation of pathogenic thyroid-stimulating autoantibodies, the direct cause of Graves' disease. The noncleaving gonadotropin receptors are not associated with autoantibodies that induce a "Graves' disease of the gonads." We also review herein current information on the location of the cleavage sites, the enzyme(s) responsible for cleavage, the mechanism by which A-subunits are shed, and the effects of cleavage on receptor signaling. (Endocrine Reviews 37: 114-134, 2016).
Local genetic structure within two rookeries of Chelonia mydas (the green turtle).

We used multilocus minisatellite DNA fingerprinting to examine the local genetic structure within nesting populations of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Tortuguero, Costa Rica and Melbourne, Florida, USA. In the Tortuguero population, there was a significant negative correlation between genetic similarity of pairs of nesting females and the distance between their nest sites both within years (r2=0.273; P<0.001) and between years (r2=0.578; P<0.001). Of the 122 female pairs scored for Tortuguero, 12.3 per cent had genetic similarity values resembling those of mother-offspring pairs. In the Melbourne population, however, no relationship between genetic similarity and distance was found (r2=0.017; P=0.075). The distance-related genetic structure of the Tortuguero population indicates that these females exhibit low levels of dispersal from natal sites, and that nestmates return independently to nest near their natal sites. The lack of a similar structure in the Melbourne population suggests that females from this population may not return to natal sites with comparable precision. High levels of mortality among nests, hatchlings or maturing turtles produced in the Melbourne rookery may also be responsible for the absence of distance-related local genetic structure.
Arterial Pressure Regulation during Hemorrhage: Homeostatic Role of Angiotensin II:

The role of the renin-angiotensin system in the maintenance of arterial pressure following hemorrhage was studied in conscious dogs. Hemorrhage (20 ml/kg body wt) decreased the mean arterial pressure, but compensatory mechanisms partially restored the arterial pressure toward normal. Plasma renin activity increased more than twofold following hemorrhage. To evaluate the role of endogenous angiotensin II in this compensatory response, a specific competitive antagonist of angiotensin II, 1-sarcosine-8-alanine-angiotensin II, was infused intravenously at 6.0 mug/kg min-1 for 30 min; the mean posthemorrhage arterial pressure decreased from 102 plus or minus 7 mmHg to 80 plus or minus 6 mmHg after 15 and 30 min of analog infusion (P less than 0.01 for both values). After a recovery period of 60 min, arterial pressure returned to pre-infusion levels. These results suggest that angiotensin II plays an important role in the short-term maintenance of arterial pressure following hemorrhage in the conscious animal.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Classical Swine Fever Virus Isolate Belonging to New Subgenotype 2.1d from Henan Province, Central China.

ABSTRACT We report here the complete genome sequence of HeN1505, a field isolate of classical swine fever virus belonging to the new subgenotype 2.1d. HeN1505 distinguishes itself from other classical swine fever virus (CSFVs) by 1 amino acid substitution in position 159 (threonine by isoleucine), which led to the loss of one N-glycosylation site in the Npro protein.
Zeaxanthin-Associated Energy Dissipation and the Susceptibility of Various Organisms to Light Stress

Sunlight which is harvested by the photosynthetic apparatus has the potential to destroy this apparatus; if excitation energy was allowed to accumulate, the combination of a photosensitive pigment (chlorophyll), light, and oxygen could result in photooxidative processes (1). Several lines of evidence have suggested that one (or several) regulated process(es) can harmlessly dissipate an excess of excitation energy directly within the photochemical apparatus (e.g. 2–5). We have presented evidence (2) that one dissipation process occurs in the antenna chlorophyll (6) and have suggested that it is mediated by the carotenoid zeaxanthin (7). Upon exposure to an excess of light, zeaxanthin (an epoxide-free xanthophyll) is formed rapidly in the thylakoid membranes from violaxanthin (a di-epoxide), as part of the xanthophyll cycle (e.g. 8). The role of zeaxanthin in energy dissipation was suggested by a close correlation between the zeaxanthin content of leaves and the rate constant for radiationless energy dissipation in the antenna chlorophyll, as calculated from the quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence (9–11).
Social Network, Web Forum, or Task Market?: Comparing Different Crowd Genres for Design Feedback Exchange

Increasingly, designers seek feedback on their designs from crowd platforms such as social networks, Web forums, and paid task markets which demand different amounts of social capital, financial resources, and time. Yet it is unknown how the choice of crowd platform affects feedback generation. We conducted an online study where designers created initial designs and revised the designs based on crowd feedback. We measured the quantity, quality, and content of the feedback received at two iterations and from crowds driven by social status, enjoyment, and financial gain. Our results show, for example, that task markets yield more suggestions, online forums provide more process feedback, and social networks give the most suggestions without payment. We contribute an emergent framework for crowd feedback selection, opportunities for enhancing feedback services, and an experimental platform that researchers can adapt to reduce the burden of conducting online studies of design feedback.
Leo Strauss, Political Science, and the Trouble with a “Great Books” Approach to the Study of Politics

I argue that Leo Strauss’s critique of political science has been deeply misunderstood. Moreover, once the true nature of Strauss’s critique is clarified, I argue that he does not provide a viable alternative to contemporary political science. Instead, his philosophy has mostly justified a “great books” approach to the study of politics, which has contributed to the self-isolation of political theory from the rest of political science. Political theorists should seek new ways forward that more substantively engage the concerns of the mainstream of the discipline.