cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ENCAPSULATION OF TOXIC WASTE MATERIALS BY FLY ASH AGGLOMERATION

ABSTRACT A major shift to coal as a fuel source has resulted in the generation of vast quantities of difficult to dispose of coal residues. Innovative utilization of such coal combustion by products is essential A procedure has been developed by which by-products from Iowa Power stations can be agglomerated into inert pellets of high compressive strength. Evaluation of the leachate potential of such materials showed heavy metal concentrations to be well below the allowable limits of the EPA toxicity tests. The commercial utilization potential as artificial aggregates is very high This paper focuses on the feasibility of using the cementing properties and agglomeration characteristics of such coal conversion by-products to encapsulate and immobilize hazardous waste materials. Sludges from the electroplating industries were encapsulated in a fly ash matrix. Encapsulation is a novel approach to treating toxic wastes and combines the principles of stabilization/ solidification and agglomeration in containing ...
Effects of magnetic field orientation on optical decoherence in Er 3+ :Y 2 SiO 5

The influence of the anisotropic Zeeman effect on optical decoherence was studied for the $1.54\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\text{m}$ telecom transition in ${\text{Er}}^{3+}:{\text{Y}}_{2}{\text{SiO}}_{5}$ using photon echo spectroscopy as a function of applied magnetic field orientation and strength. The decoherence strongly correlates with the Zeeman energy splittings described by the ground- and excited-state $g$ factor variations for all inequivalent ${\text{Er}}^{3+}$ sites, with the observed decoherence times arising from the combined effects of the magnetic dipole-dipole coupling strength and the ground- and excited-state spin-flip rates, along with the natural lifetime of the upper level. The decoherence time was maximized along a preferred magnetic field orientation that minimized the effects of spectral diffusion and that enabled the measurement of an exceptionally narrow optical resonance in a solid---demonstrating a homogeneous linewidth as narrow as 73 Hz.
Electrophysiological and pharmacological characterization of serotonergic dorsal raphe neurons recorded extracellularly and intracellularly in rat brain slices

Extracellular and intracellular recordings were made from dorsal raphe (DR) neurons in frontal rat brain slices maintained in vitro. A population of neurons was found which displayed electrophysiological and pharmacological characteristics of serotonin-containing DR neurons recorded in vivo. Recorded extracellularly, these neurons displayed biphasic or triphasic action potentials of 1.5–3.0 ms duration, and discharged with a slow and steady rhythm. Recorded intracellularly these neurons displayed action potentials of about 1.8 ms duration, which were followed by large (10–20 mV) afterhyperpolarizations which normally lasted 200–800 ms. These presumed serotonergic DR neurons were inhibited by LSD and serotonin. They were excited by norepinephrine, or the α-agonist phenylephrine, and these activations could be reduced or blocked by α-adrenoreceptor antagonists including the selective α1-antagonist, prazosin. The major difference between the in vitro recordings and previous in vivo recordings from anesthetized animals was a reduction in the number of spontaneously firing DR neurons. This was probably due, at least in part, to a disfacilitation of serotonergic DR neurons in the slice caused by the functional removal of a tonic noradrenergic input.
Adaptation of a motivational interviewing intervention to improve antidepressant adherence among Latinos

Poor antidepressant adherence is a significant issue in depression treatment that adversely affects treatment outcomes. Although being a common problem, it tends to be more common among Latinos. To address this problem, the current study adapted a Motivational Interviewing (MI) intervention to improve adherence among Latinos with depression. The adaptation process included six focus groups that elicited participants' perspectives (N = 30), applying the intervention with test cases (N = 7) to fine-tune the intervention, and eliciting feedback on the intervention (N = 5). The findings generated from these adaptation phases are described, along with a case example. Examples of adaptations to the MI included reframing antidepressant adherence as a way to luchar (struggle) against problems, focusing on motivation for improving depression and not just medication, refining methods for imparting antidepressant information, and inclusion of personalized visual feedback on dose-taking. The findings provide a description of the antidepressant issues experienced by a group of Latinos, as well as considerations for applying MI with this population. The intervention remained grounded in MI principles, but was contextualized for this Latino group.
Using Social Responsibility Ratings to Outperform the Market: Evidence from Long-Only and Active-Extension Investment Strategies

In this article, the authors use KLD Research and Analytics (KLD) rankings from 1991 to 2009 to create three long-only portfolios: high-ranking “Top” stocks, “Shunned” stocks, and “Top and Shunned” stocks. They also construct three 130/30 active-extension portfolios, with 130% exposure in each of the three long-only portfolios and 30% exposure in a short portfolio of low-ranking “Bottom” stocks. The authors find positive, statistically significant abnormal returns for all six portfolios relative to their matched portfolios and the S&P 500. In addition, they find that the three 130/30 active-extension portfolios generally outperform the three long-only portfolios, including producing higher information ratios. As predicted, the highest-performing active-extension portfolio includes stocks for both Top companies and Shunned companies. Moreover, the performance for this 130/30 active-extension portfolio increased as the long and short positions were increased to 140/40 and 150/50. Thus, the results suggest that social responsibility ratings can be actively used to outperform the market. These findings further suggest that employing active-extension strategies that short stocks for companies with low social responsibility ratings may add additional abnormal returns.
Effects of chlorpropamide on loop of Henle function and plasma renin.

Effects of chlorpropamide on loop of Henle function and plasma renin. We have suggested that inhibition of renin release by sodium chloride is related to increased absorptive solute transport in the loop of Henle. In the rat, we have shown that reduced chloride transport in the loop is associated with increased renin release. Based on indirect evidence, it has been suggested that chlorpropamide (CPMD) increases loop solute transport. This study directly evaluates the effect of CPMD on loop chloride transport and plasma renin activity (PRA) in the male Sprague–Dawley rat. Loop of Henle chloride reabsorption (measured by recollection micropuncture) and PRA were determined before and after acute infusion of CPMD (N = 8) or vehicle (N = 8). Although delivery to the loop was not significantly changed, CPMD increased (P
Transient expression of genes in the oomycete Phytophthora infestans using Bremia lactucae regulatory sequences

Vectors containing fusions between the reporter gene β-glucuronidase (GUS) and transcriptional regulatory signals from the ham34 and hsp70 genes of the oomycete pathogen, Bremia lactucae, were introduced into protoplasts of the related fungus Phytophthora infestans. Transient expression of the GUS gene was detected when DNA was introduced into protoplasts of P. infestans by treatments with polyethylene glycol and CaCl2 with cationic liposomes, or by electroporation. After optimization of each procedure, using the transient expression assays, cationic liposomes were identified as the superior method for DNA uptake. Vectors containing the 5′hsp70 sequences and 3′ham34 sequences resulted in the maximum level of GUS activity. The identification of functional vectors for transformation, and of optimal methods for introducing DNA, should assist in achieving stable transformation of P. infestans and other oomycete the fungi.
The Use of Two-Dimensional Echocardiograms in the Detection of Myocardial Infarction in Canines

The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of two-dimensional echocardiograms of complete heart cycles in closed-chest dogs to discriminate between normal and infarcted myocardium.
Socioeconomic Status, Smoking, and Health: A Test of Competing Theories of Cumulative Advantage

Although both low socioeconomic status and cigarette smoking increase health problems and mortality, their possible combined or interactive influence is less clear. On one hand, the health of low status groups may be harmed least by unhealthy behavior such as smoking because, given the substantial health risks produced by limited resources, they have less to lose from damaging lifestyles. On the other hand, the health of low status groups may be harmed most by smoking because lifestyle choices exacerbate the health problems created by deprived material conditions. Alternatively, the harm of low status and smoking may accumulate additively rather than multiplicatively. We test these arguments with data from the 1990 U.S. National Health Interview Survey, and with measures of morbidity and mortality. For ascribed statuses such as gender, race, and ethnicity, and for the outcome measure of mortality, the results favor the additive argument, whereas for achieved status and morbidity, the results support the v...
Properties of low dielectric constant fluorinated silicon oxide films prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition

The chemical and electrical properties of fluorinated silicon oxide films prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition at 180°C were studied. The deposition of these films was made by incorporating CF 4 as the fluorine source into the deposition process of SiO 2 films using Si 2 H 6 and N2O. With increasing CF 4 flow, the deposition rate of these films decreased; meanwhile, the P-etch rate increased. With post-deposition anneal, the thickness of the films without CF 4 slightly decreased; meanwhile, the thickness slightly increased with the incorporation of CF 4 , The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that the characteristic peak around 940 cm -1 due to the Si-F stretching bonds increased with increasing CF 4 flow, also the Si-O stretching wave number increased but its full width at half maximum decreased with increasing CF 4 flow. The dielectric constant evaluated by high frequency capacitance-voltage measurements decreased from 4.13 to 3.52 as the CF 4 flow increased. In addition, the effective oxide charge density and interface trap density also decreased with increasing CF 4 flow. The ramp current-voltage measurements showed that the leakage current density of the films decreased with increasing CF 4 flow. However, high average breakdown field strength with low early failures was observed for medium flow of CF 4 .
Polyoligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)–hydrogenated polybutadiene polyurethane coatings for corrosion inhibition of AA2024

Abstract A series of coatings were developed that help prevent corrosion of aluminum alloy 2024 (AA2024). The coatings were based on an aliphatic polyurethane–polyoligomeric silsesquioxane (PU–POSS) resin. The materials were selected to exhibit a high level of hydrophobicity, which is expected to increase the moisture barrier properties, and thereby improve corrosion prevention. In addition, corrosion inhibitors (free molecules or encapsulated) were introduced into the coatings to improve corrosion resistance. The performance of the coatings was quantified using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and salt fog testing. Results from various formulations show that the hardness of the coating can be controlled by adjusting the ratio of POSS to hydrogenated hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene in the formulation. The coatings also had remarkable barrier properties, fast curing, and very high adhesion to the treated AA2024 substrate, all of which are expected to improve the anti-corrosion properties of the coatings. The best corrosion protection of AA2024 was observed in a transparent 10 μm thick PU–POSS bilayer coating that contained a mixture of sodium-2-mercaptobenzothiazole (i.e., NACAP) and benzotriazole-laden hydrotalcite. It was found that only certain corrosion inhibitors (free molecules or encapsulated) improve the anti-corrosion properties of the coating, whereas other corrosion inhibitors may actually degrade the coating performance.
Spiraling and Folding: The Word View

We show that for every n there are two simple curves on the torus intersecting at least n times without the two curves folding or spiraling with respect to each other. On the other hand, two simple curves in a punctured plane that intersect at least n times (and do not create any empty bigons) must either form a spiral of depth d or a fold of width cn/(d+1)−1, where c only depends on the number of punctures in the plane. The construction of the two curves on the torus involves train tracks and word equations, and the verification that the two curves do not spiral leads us to an infinite binary word based on the golden ratio which does not contain any square word ww for which |w| is even.
Ultrastructural preservation of biofilms formed by non-typeable Hemophilus influenzae

There is growing evidence to suggest that non-typeable Hemophilus influenzae (NTHi), an important cause of otitis media in children, is able to grow as a biofilm in the middle ear. This observation may help to explain bacterial persistence in chronic infections. We evaluate the usefulness of rapid freezing and freeze substitution as a means of preparing biofilms for ultrastructural examination by comparing the morphology of cryofixed specimens with the morphology produced using more conventional chemical fixation and dehydration methods. Chemical fixation and dehydration methods produced substantial ultrastructural damage to individual NTHi in the biofilm and loss of extracellular matrix, even in the presence of ruthenium red. In comparison, cryofixed and freeze-substituted NTHi biofilms showed significantly improved preservation of bacterial ultrastructure and biofilm organization. The intracellular contents of NTHi prepared using the cryomethods showed little evidence of aggregation, and bacteria within the biofilm were closely packed and surrounded by an abundant extracellular matrix. Although high-pressure freezing of NTHi biofilms followed by freeze substitution was highly effective for preserving ultrastructure when examined by transmission electron microscopy, immersion in liquid propane offered an alternative, “less technical”, freezing method. Immersion in liquid propane followed by freeze substitution and critical point drying was most effective for preserving ultrastructural details in specimens examined by scanning electron microscopy.
Women’s ‘inner‐balance’: a comparison of stressors, personality traits and health problems by age groups

Women's 'inner-balance': a comparison of stressors, personality traits and health problems by age groups The purposes of this descriptive study were to identify differences in women's stressors, personality mediating traits and symptoms of health problems by age groups, and to guide revisions for development of a shorter, reliable questionnaire to measure women's health and risks for stress-related illnesses. A convenience sample of 299 women aged between 18 and 66 years who resided in the south-western United States and could read English completed a lengthy questionnaire. ANOVAs were used to compare women by three age groups. Young women (18-29 years) reported high stressors, less healthy personality traits, and significantly more physical and emotional symptoms of health problems than middle-age and older women. Middle-age women (30-45 years) had significantly more stressors than other women, but their healthy personality traits may have contributed to fewer health problems. Older women (46-66 years) had the fewest stressors, highest healthy personality traits, and fewest symptoms of problems compared to other age groups. In their roles and relationships as wives, mothers and employees, women experienced multiple stressors such as inadequate physical and emotional support from their spouse/partner, along with parenting and employee difficulties that contributed to their health problems. Young and middle-aged women were more stressed, juggling the multiple responsibilities and demands of their spouse, children, ageing parents, and their occupation, while trying to maintain their own 'inner balance'.
The Potential Role of Purine-Rich Element Binding Protein (PUR) α as a Novel Treatment Target for Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND Hormonal therapy for advanced prostate cancer is typically effective at first, but almost all men suffer refractory disease which often is life threatening. The nuclear matrix comprises not only of the structural elements of the nucleus, but is associated with many components of the molecular machinery. Our aim is to find novel targets for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) by focusing on the composition of the nuclear matrix proteins (NMPs). METHODS LN96 cells were established at our Institution after long-term culturing of LNCaP cells under androgen deprived conditions. The composition of NMPs of LNCaP cells and LN96 cells were analyzed by two-dimensional (2D) electrophoresis and spots differentially expressed were investigated by mass spectrometry for identification. Among the spots identified, we analyzed the potential functional role of the identified proteins in prostate cancer cells by establishing stable overexpressed cells. RESULTS We found that purine-rich element binding protein (PUR)α was significantly repressed not only in NMPs but also in total protein and mRNA levels of LN96 cells in comparison to LNCaP cells under the same steroid deprived conditions. Moreover, PURα was decreased in its expression both at the protein and mRNA levels in the androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines, PC3 and DU145 in comparison to LNCaP cells. Stably overexpressing PURα in PC3 and DU145 cells negatively regulates cell proliferation, resulting in decreases in PCNA expression. CONCLUSION Further dissection of the role of PURα in cell growth regulation may reveal a novel target for HRPC. Prostate 68:1048–1056, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Epidermal Growth Factor Gene Expression Is Regulated Differently in Mouse Kidney and Submandibular Gland

The concentration of the peptide mitogen epidermal growth factor (EGF) is hormonally and developmentaly regulated in the granular convoluted tubule cells of the mouse submandibular gland. Using a labeled EGF nucleic acid probe, we have demonstrated that submandibular gland EGF mRNA concentrations increase during postnatal development of the gland and after the administration of testosterone or thyroid hormone. Recently, it was reported that EGF mRNA is present in kidney as well as a number of other mouse tissues. A comparison of EGF gene regulation in submandibular gland and kidney revealed that kidney EGF mRNA levels also increase during the postnatal period. Opposite sex differences were observed, with submandibular gland levels being about 16-fold higher in the male than in the female and kidney levels being 2- to 4-fold higher in the female than in the male. Renal EGF mRNA concentrations are less responsive to hormones than those in the submandibular gland. Renal EGF was localized immunocy-tochemicall...
Generation of cytidine 5'-triphosphate using adenylate kinase

Abstract A membrane-enclosed enzyme reactor containing adenylate kinase (E.C. 2.7.4.3, rabbit muscle) and pyruvate kinase (E.C. 2.7.1.40) converts cytidine 5′-monophosphate (CMP) and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to cytidine 5′-triphosphate (CTP) and pyruvate on a gram scale.
Recurrent gram-negative bloodstream infection: a 10-year population-based cohort study.

Summary Background Recurrent gram-negative bloodstream infection (BSI) has not been evaluated in a population-based setting; therefore, we performed a population-based retrospective cohort study to examine the incidence, recurrence, and mortality rates of gram-negative BSI. Methods We identified 944 episodes of gram-negative BSI, including 98 recurrent episodes, among Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents from 1/1/1998 to 12/31/2007. Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the cumulative incidence rate of recurrence and 28-day all-cause mortality rate of gram-negative BSI. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to determine risk factors for recurrence. Results The overall age- and gender-adjusted incidence rate of gram-negative BSI per 100,000 person-years was 84.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 79.1–90.0), including 75.7 (95% CI: 70.6–80.8) for first episodes and 8.8 (95% CI: 7.1–10.6) for recurrent episodes. Among 846 patients with first episodes of gram-negative BSI, the cumulative incidence rates of recurrence after 1, 5, and 10 years of the initial episode were 5.6%, 9.2%, and 14.6%, respectively, with death treated as a competing risk. Patients with Klebsiella species were more likely than those with Escherichia coli BSI to develop recurrent gram-negative BSI (hazard ratio: 2.33 [95% CI: 1.34–3.92], p=0.003). The 28-day all-cause mortality rates following the initial and second episodes of gram-negative BSI were 10.0% (95% CI: 8.0–12.0) and 11.3% (95% CI: 4.4–18.2), respectively. Conclusions Even though recurrent gram-negative BSI was relatively uncommon in the general population, up to 15% of patients with gram-negative BSI developed a recurrent episode within 10 years of the initial episode.
Postoperative Surveillance and Detection of Postprandial Hypoglycemia after Fundoplasty in Children

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of postprandial hypoglycemia (PPH) after fundoplasty after the initiation of a universal postoperative glucose surveillance plan in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Study design This was a retrospective chart review of children (newborn to 18 years) who underwent fundoplasty at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia during the 2-year-period after the launch of a surveillance protocol in the NICU and other units. The rate of screening, frequency of PPH (postprandial blood glucose Results A total of 285 children were included (n = 64 in the NICU; n = 221 in other units). Of the children screened in all units, 24.0% showed evidence of PPH, compared with 1.3% of unscreened children. Hyperglycemia preceded PPH in 67.7% (21/31) of all screened children. Within the NICU, most children had PPH within 1 week, but only 53.3% exhibited symptoms of dumping syndrome. Conclusions This study supports the use of universal postoperative blood glucose surveillance in identifying PPH in children after fundoplasty. Earlier identification of PPH would lead to earlier treatment and minimize the effects of unidentified hypoglycemic events.
Growth and Viability of Commercial Bifidobacterium spp in Skim Milk Containing Oligosaccharides and Inulin

Two commercial strains of Bifidobacterium spp (Bf-1 and Bf-6) were cultured in 12% (w/w) reconstituted nonfat dry milk (NDM) containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, or 5.0% (w/v) fructooligosaccharide (FOS), galactooligosaccharide (GOS), and inulin. Inoculated samples were incubated anaerobically at 37 degrees C for 48 h. Growth and activity of the cultures in the presence of FOS, GOS, and inulin were determined. Viability of each strain was assessed after 4 weeks of refrigerated storage at 4 degrees C. Growth promotion, enhancement of activity and retention of viability were greatest when Bifidobacterium Bf-1 and Bf-6 were grown in the presence of FOS followed in a descending order by GOS and inulin. The effects of oligosaccharides and inulin increased with increasing carbohydrate concentration and was maximal at 5% (w/v).
Abstract 3262: Notch signaling pathway-targeted therapy suppresses tumor progression and prevents metastatic spread in pancreatic cancer

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) has the highest mortality rate of any cancer type. The 5-year survival rate of 5% remained largely unchanged in the last three decades. The paucity of breakthroughs in treatment regimens and continued poor survival demonstrates an acute need for improvement in therapy for this lethal malignancy. Mounting evidence suggest that sustained re-activation of Notch signaling pathway contributes to the initiation, progression and maintenance of PDA. Recently, Notch signaling has been linked to the viability of putative tumor initiating cancer stem cell populations in pancreatic cancer. PF-03084014 is a selective γ-secretase inhibitor developed by Pfizer. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of PF-03084014 monotherapy and in combination with gemcitabine (GEM) to suppress tumor progression and prevent metastatic spread in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. Methods: NOTCH-1 gene expression was determined in a panel of 30 human pancreatic cancer xenografts by Affymetrix gene array. We investigated the efficacy of PF-03084014 and in combination with GEM in subcutaneously (s.c) implanted as well as orthotopic models of pancreatic cancer. We also determined the treatment effect on putative pancreatic cancer stem cell (CSC) populations. TUNEL and Ki-67 staining were performed to determine whether the therapy induce apoptosis and suppresses tumor cell proliferation. Results: A combination of PF-03084014 and GEM is highly effective in producing durable tumor regression compared to GEM in subcutaneously implanted pancreatic cancer xenografts. Tumor re-growth curves plotted after 4 weeks of drug treatment demonstrate that the effect of the combination therapy is longer lasting than that of GEM. Notably, in a highly aggressive Panc265 orthotopic model, PF-03084014 and GEM combination was effective in controlling the primary tumor growth as well as preventing metastatic dissemination to organs as compared to GEM treatment. Flow cytometry of sorted tumor cells from Panc215 (after 4 weeks of treatment) showed that GEM treatment was not capable of diminishing the CSC pool as compared to the vehicle treated mice. However, PF-03084014 alone, and the combination of GEM with PF-03084014 resulted in a 3.72 and 3.04-fold decrease in CD24 + CD44 + tumor cells compared with GEM treatment, respectively. TUNEL and Ki-67 staining demonstrated that combination therapy induced apoptosis and suppresses cell proliferation. Conclusions: The findings presented here provide strong rationale for the clinical investigation on notch inhibition as a chemotherapeutic strategy to combat pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3262. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3262
Results after partial left ventriculectomy versus heart transplantation for idiopathic cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Objective: Partial left ventriculectomy has been introduced as an alternative surgical therapy to heart transplantation. We performed a single-center, retrospective analysis of all patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy who underwent partial left ventriculectomy or heart transplantation or who were listed for transplantation to determine operative mortality rate, 12-month survival, freedom from death on the heart transplantation waiting list, and freedom from death or need for relisting for heart transplantation. Methods: Patients who had partial left ventriculectomy (October 1996 to April 1998) were retrospectively compared with patients who were listed for heart transplantation (January 1995 to April 1998). Survival was assessed after the surgical procedure (partial left ventriculectomy vs heart transplantation) and from time of listing for heart transplantation to assess the additional impact of waiting list deaths. Freedom from death or relisting for heart transplantation was also compared. Results: There was no difference in age or United Network for Organ Sharing status between the 2 groups. Twenty-nine patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy were listed for heart transplantation; 17 patients underwent transplantation, 6 patients died while on the waiting list, and 6 patients remain listed. One patient died after heart transplantation, and 1 patient required relisting. Sixteen patients had partial left ventriculectomy; 10 patients are in improved condition, 2 patients died (1 death early from sepsis and 1 death from progressive heart failure), and 4 patients required relisting for heart transplantation. Operative survival was 94% after partial left ventriculectomy and 94% after heart transplantation ( P = .92). Postoperative 12-month Kaplan-Meier survival was 86% after partial left ventriculectomy and 93% after heart transplantation ( P = .90). Twelve-month Kaplan-Meier survival after listing for heart transplantation was 75% due to death while on the waiting list ( P = .76). Freedom from death or need for relisting for heart transplantation was 56% after partial left ventriculectomy and 86% after transplantation ( P = .063). Conclusion: Operative and 12-month survival after partial left ventriculectomy and heart transplantation were comparable. However, despite their initial improvement, many patients who underwent partial left ventriculectomy required relisting for transplantation. Although partial left ventriculectomy is associated with acceptable operative and 12-month survival, it may prove to serve better as a bridge to transplantation in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy rather than definitive therapy, given the number of patients who required relisting for transplantation. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;117:952-9)
Smart base isolated buildings with variable friction systems: H∞ controller and SAIVF device

A new control algorithm is developed for reducing the response of smart base isolated buildings with variable friction semiactive control systems in near-fault earthquakes. The central idea of the control algorithm is to design a H∞ controller for the structural system and use this controller to determine the optimum control force in the semiactive device. The H∞ controller is designed using appropriate input and output weighting filters that have been developed for optimal performance in reducing near-fault earthquake responses. A novel semiactive variable friction device is also developed and with the H∞ controller shown to be effective in achieving response reductions in smart base isolated buildings in near-fault earthquakes. The new variable friction device developed consists of four friction elements and four restoring spring elements arranged in a rhombus configuration with each arm consisting of a friction–stiffness pair. The level of friction force can be adjusted by varying the angle of the arms of the device leading to smooth variation of friction force in the device. Experimental results are presented to verify the proposed analytical model of the device. The H∞ algorithm is implemented analytically on a five storey smart base isolated building with linear elastomeric isolation bearings and variable friction system located at the isolation level. The H∞ controller along with the weighting filters leads to the smooth variation of friction force, thus eliminating the disadvantages associated with rapid switching. Several recent near-fault earthquakes are considered in this study. The robustness of the H∞ controller is shown by considering a stiffness uncertainty of ±10%. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Renal osteodystrophy: some new questions on an old disorder.

The two major lesions of renal osteodystrophy are osteitis fibrosa cystica (OFC) and osteomalacia (OM). OFC is the characteristic bone lesion of uremic hyperparathyroidism. Although renal failure causes predictable parathyroid hyperplasia, the precise pathogenetic mechanism is still not defined. The "hyperphosphatemia-hypocalcemia-parathyroid hormone (PTH) hypersecretion" sequence of events is no longer an adequate model for the pathogenesis of uremic hyperparathyroidism. Other abnormalities associated with uremia include reduced 1,25dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) synthesis, changes in intracellular phosphorus content or transcellular phosphate fluxes, or alteration in PTH metabolism, eg, change in set-point for PTH secretion. Each abnormality interacts with others and contributes to PTH hypersecretion, but none can completely account for the development and persistence of hyperparathyroidism in renal failure. The possibility that uremia may directly cause parathyroid hyperplasia remains open. It is also possible that factor(s) that initiate hyperparathyroidism may turn out to be quite different from that which sustains the hyperparathyroid state. Although both vitamin D-deficient and vitamin Dresistant OM may develop in patients with renal failure, the majority of uremic OM seen currently is "vitamin Drefractory". Although now there is persuasive evidence implicating aluminum (AI) accumulation as the major pathogenetic cause for the mineralization defect seen in this disorder, additional disturbances may play important contributory roles. Such factors would include extraskeletal effects of AI, differences in host-susceptibility to this element, the localization of AI within bone, uremia per se, and the participation of other metals and toxins. Finally, possible interactions between hyperparathyroidism and OM of uremia are speculated on.
Fundamental solutions for dilute distributions of inclusions embedded in microcracked solids

Abstract Dilute distributions of inclusions such as second-phase particles, foreign grains, or other inhomogeneities exist in a variety of materials. In the neighborhood of an inclusion, there is always a possibility of crack initiation due to stress concentration. The problem of a solid containing an inclusion surrounded by multiple cracks is investigated in this paper. The present analysis provides fundamental solutions for crack tip behavior and damage evaluation for a solid containing cracks and dilute distributions of inclusions. A distribution of dislocations approach is pursued to model crack-crack and crack-inclusion interactions accurately and efficiently. Both transformation loading from the inclusion and remote loading on the matrix are considered, and the effects of crack-crack and crack-inclusion interactions are investigated in detail. The numerical results for radial crack systems reveal that crack-inclusion interactions produce stress retardation for the harder inclusions only if the matrix is subject to remote loading. Unlike the remote loading on the matrix, transformation loading on the inclusion produces stress amplification for hard inclusions. The opposite holds for softer or weaker inclusions. It is also observed that crack-crack interactions can produce either retardation or amplification of stress intensity factors, but retardation prevails as the number of radial cracks increases. The competition between crack-crack and crack-inclusion interactions for amplification or retardation is also examined.
Multiple ophthalmic abnormalities in an infant rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta).

Background A 4.5-month-old male colony-bred Indian rhesus macaque was presented for presumed trauma to the right eye. The globe was centrally distended 5 mm, with apparent hyphema and moderate to severe corneal edema. Surgical enucleation was performed. The initial histopathology report concluded chronic keratitis. Nearly 3 years later, a diagnosis of goniodysgenesis was made. The eye was sent to a veterinary ocular pathologist for definitive diagnosis. Conclusions Final conclusions were anterior segment and corneal defects. Based on the retinal pathology and optic nerve pathology, there was evidence of optic nerve atrophy, a recently described condition in macaques.
Reduced-order modeling of time-dependent PDEs with multiple parameters in the boundary data

Abstract The computational approximation of solutions to nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) such as the Navier–Stokes equations is often a formidable task. For this reason, there is significant interest in the development of very low-dimensional models that can be used to determine reasonably accurate approximations in simulation and control problems for PDEs. Many concrete tests have been reported on in the literature that show that several classes of reduced-order models (ROMs) are effective, i.e., an accurate approximate solution can be obtained using very low-dimensional ROMs. Most of these tests involved problems for which the solution depends on only a single parameter appearing in the boundary data. The extension of the techniques used in those tests to the case of multiple parameters is not a straightforward matter. Here, we present, test, and compare two methods for treating, within the context of a class of ROMs, inhomogeneous Dirichlet-type boundary conditions that contain multiple parameters. In this study, we focus on the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) approach to ROM; however, the issues and results discussed here in the POD context apply equally well to other ROM approaches.
Full-wave solutions for the depolarization of the scattered radiation fields by rough surfaces of arbitrary slope

Employing a variable coordinate system associated with the local features of two-dimensionally rough surfaces with arbitrary slope, full-wave solutions are derived for the depolarization of the scattered radiation fields. An outline of the analytical procedures used in the derivations of the solutions are presented. Furthermore, the engineer who is not familiar with them can also use the final result which is expressed as a definite integral whose integrand is given explicitly and in closed form. These full-wave solutions are compared with the quasi-optics solution and the iterative or perturbational solutions for slightly rough surfaces, and they are shown to bridge the wide gap that exists between them. The full-wave solutions are consistent with energy conservation, duality, and reciprocity relationships in electromagnetic theory. These solutions account for upward and downward scattering of the incident waves with respect to the horizontal reference plane, thus shadowing and multiple scattering are considered. Applications to two-dimensionally periodic structures and random rough surfaces are also presented. The fullwave solutions are examined for Brewster, grazing, and specular angles and backscatter. Special consideration is also given to good conducting boundaries.
Optical Emission Enhancements in Be Stars

Be stars show enhancement of optical emission up to a few magnitudes. Optical continuum enhancements due to (1) conversion of Lyman continuum photons of the Be star to visual photons in the envelope of the Be star, (2) emission from the H II region formed by X-ray and EUV emission from a compact object in binary motion around the Be star, and (3) emission from an accretion disk around the compact object, are considered. These considerations indicate that large increases of optical emission (above 0.5 mag) would need an ionizing source other than the Be star (for example, an accreting compact object emitting radiation). Specific examples of large increases of optical emission as in the sources Gamma Cas and 4U 0115 + 63 are discussed.
Surface Interactions Restricts Amyloid-β Peptides Movements Resulting in their Rapid Self-Assembly into β Sheets; a Molecular Dynamics Study

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is an important and increasingly prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the United State. According to the amyloid hypothesis, formation of soluble oligomers and eventually fibrils composed of neurodegenerative amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides in the brain is the etiological agent of AD. While the macro level causes of AD are somewhat understood, the molecular interactions that lead to the formation of fibrils from individual Aβ peptides are not well understood. It has been shown experimentally that Aβ peptides self assemble to form fibrils on 2D surfaces at much faster rates than they form fibrils in the 3D environment of solutions. However, the molecular mechanism of the fibril formation on 2D surfaces and the effect of surface chemistry on the speed and extent of fibril formation remain unknown. We have run long molecular dynamics simulations of Aβ (1-40) monomers on Alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAM) with different functional head groups (-CH3, -OH) and also in bulk water solution. Our simulations showed that SAM-CH3 adsorbs Aβ monomers quickly, restricting their motion and resulting in inter-monomer β-sheet formation in orders of 10s of nanoseconds. The same effect was not observed in bulk solution, even though those simulations ran for a time one order of magnitude longer than SAM-monomer simulations. Unlike the SAM-CH3 surface, Aβ-monomer adsorption on SAM-OH surface was weak, leading the monomers to leave the surface and move into the solution. These results indicate the importance of hydrophobic interactions for mediating Aβ self-assembly on the SAM. These simulations help us to better understand the aggregation and toxicity mechanism of Aβ peptides in more physiologically relevant surfaces such as lipid bilayers, which have been shown to interact with amyloids to modulate fibrillation.
Novel insulators for gate dielectrics and surface passivation of GaN-based electronic devices

Abstract The use of gate insulators for compound semiconductor electronics would alleviate many of the problems encountered in current Schottky based devices. Further, circuit design can be simplified since enhancement-mode MOSFETs can be used to form single supply voltage control circuits for power transistors. The use of MOSFETs also allows the use of complementary devices, thus producing less power consumption and simpler circuit design. A critical need is to develop reliable methods for deposition of these insulating films. This will enable the development of a new class of compound semiconductor electronics for high-speed communication and data processing applications. Both MgO and Sc 2 O 3 are shown to provide low interface state densities (in the 10 11 eV −1 cm −2 range) on n- and p-GaN, making them useful for gate dielectrics for metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices and also as surface passivation layers to mitigate current collapse in GaN/AlGaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). Clear evidence of inversion has been demonstrated in gate-controlled MOS p-GaN diodes using both types of oxide. Charge pumping measurements on diodes undergoing a high temperature implant activation anneal show a total surface state density of ∼3 × 10 12 cm −2 . On HEMT structures, both oxides provide effective passivation of surface states and these devices show improved output power. The MgO/GaN structures are also found to be quite radiation-resistant, making them attractive for satellite and terrestrial communication systems requiring a high tolerance to high energy (40 MeV) protons.
X-ray flux concentrating optics for improving the performance of light element energy dispersive spectroscopy

Frequently, EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectrometer) x-ray detectors cannot be placed very close to an x-ray source for microanalysis causing the detector to subtend a small solid angle thus reducing the available count rate. This is exacerbated by low count rates for the light elements and situations where low energy spectral lines are immersed in a background of higher energy x-rays from heavier elements. Larger detectors can be used at the expense of resolution but in many situations there is insufficient room for a large detector so a 10 mm 2 detector is used. Notch filters can sometimes be used to minimize higher energy counts but they do not allow a broad spectrum of low energy x-rays to pass and still allow passage of the highest energy x-rays to the detriment of light element detection. We have developed low energy x-ray optics which increase the solid angle seen by EDS detectors and can also act as low pass filters preferentially allowing passage of low energy x-rays. In a typical situation where 10 mm 2 detectors are used with a 35 mm distance between x-ray source and detector surface, our optics can provide a flux gain of about 22X for B (Boron) x-rays with gain decreasing toward unity at energy above O (Oxygen at 525 eV) with gain remaining at unity for higher energy. In other words, we greatly increase the performance at the lowest energies without affecting the higher energies.
Triplex-induced Recombination in Human Cell-free Extracts DEPENDENCE ON XPA AND HsRad51

Triple helix-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) can bind to polypurine/polypyrimidine regions in DNA in a sequence-specific manner. Triple helix formation has been shown to stimulate recombination in mammalian cells in both episomal and chromosomal targets containing direct repeat sequences. Bifunctional oligonucleotides consisting of a recombination donor domain tethered to a TFO domain were found to mediate site-specific recombination in an intracellular SV40 vector target. To elucidate the mechanism of triplex-induced recombination, we have examined the ability of intermolecular triplexes to provoke recombination within plasmid substrates in human cell-free extracts. An assay for reversion of a point mutation in the supFG1 gene in the plasmid pSupFG1/G144C was established in which recombination in the extracts was detected upon transformation into indicator bacteria. A bifunctional oligonucleotide containing a 30-nucleotide TFO domain linked to a 40-nucleotide donor domain was found to mediate gene correction in vitro at a frequency of 46 × 10−5, at least 20-fold above background and over 4-fold greater than the donor segment alone. Physical linkage of the TFO to the donor was unnecessary, as co-mixture of separate TFO and donor segments also yielded elevated gene correction frequencies. When the recombination and repair proteins HsRad51 and XPA were depleted from the extracts using specific antibodies, the triplex-induced recombination was diminished, but was either partially or completely restored upon supplementation with the purified HsRad51 or XPA proteins, respectively. These results establish that triplex-induced, intermolecular recombination between plasmid targets and short fragments of homologous DNA can be detected in human cell extracts and that this process is dependent on both XPA and HsRad51.
Rearing conditions and sociability in Lebistes reticulatus

Sociability behavior in guppies reared in isolation was compared with that of guppies reared in groups. Results indicated that isolation reared Ss tended to avoid other fish early in the testing phase of the experiment, but spent an increasing amount of time near them as the experiment progressed. Group reared Ss, on the other hand, spent a great deal of time in the presence of display animals early in the experiment, but spent less time there on subsequent testing.
Modeling low order aberrations in laser guide star adaptive optics systems

When using a laser guide star (LGS) adaptive optics (AO) system, quasi-static aberrations are observed between the measured wavefronts from the LGS wavefront sensor (WFS) and the natural guide star (NGS) WFS. These LGS aberrations, which can be as much as 1200 nm RMS on the Keck II LGS AO system, arise due to the finite height and structure of the sodium layer. The LGS aberrations vary significantly between nights due to the difference in sodium structure. In this paper, we successfully model these LGS aberrations for the Keck II LGS AO system. We use this model to characterize the LGS aberrations as a function of pupil angle, elevation, sodium structure, uplink tip/tilt error, detector field of view, the number of detector pixels, and seeing. We also employ the model to estimate the LGS aberrations for the Palomar LGS AO system, the planned Keck I and the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) LGS AO systems. The LGS aberrations increase with increasing telescope diameter, but are reduced by central projection of the laser compared to side projection.