cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Second Life for Plug-In Vehicle Batteries: Effect of Grid Energy Storage Value on Battery Lease Payments

This research analyzes the potential reduction in battery lease payments for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) in California that incorporate the value from postvehicle, stationary provision of grid services. PEV batteries repurposed into distributed electrical storage appliances (DESAs) might provide valuable services to electricity customers, utilities, and regional grid operators alike, with improved grid operation, deferred costly upgrades, and support for the penetration and profitability of intermittent renewable energy. This research advances methods for analyzing combined vehicular and postvehicular value and uses new and increasingly sophisticated inputs, including specific PEV characterizations and value for 19 grid applications. The results showed positive but sometimes modest potential benefits. Bounding scenarios all showed reductions in battery lease payments. For the Chevy Volt-based example, which exhibited a 22% reduction in the base case, the bounding scenarios ranged from 1% to 32%. Mont...
The Ethereal Library: Thinking Creatively When You Have No Space To Think

How do you go from a full service library to one with only space for staff? Learn how the Kresge Business Library at The University of Michigan made the transformation to an ethereal library.
Metachronous osteoid osteoma of the tibia and the T7 vertebral body: A case report

Osteoid osteoma is a benign tumor that accounts for approximately 12% of all benign bone tumors1. Affected patients are usually adolescents and young adults, with 70% of patients being younger than twenty years of age at the time of diagnosis. The male:female ratio is 2:12. Patients typically present with dull, aching pain that has been persistent for weeks to months, is characteristically worse at night, and is relieved with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Most lesions develop in the cortex or beneath the periosteum of the long bones, although a minority are intramedullary2. Osteoid osteoma originates in the vertebral column in 10% of cases, and half of these vertebral lesions involve the lumbar spine3. The tumor most often arises in the posterior elements, with very few cases having been reported in the vertebral body4,5. Osteoid osteoma is usually treated with radiofrequency ablation or local resection. Local recurrence is uncommon but is well documented. Multifocal and multicentric synchronous presentations of osteoid osteoma are rare. We report an unusual case in which a typical osteoid osteoma of the tibia was followed by an osteoid osteoma of a thoracic vertebral body after a disease-free interval of nine years. The patient and his parents were informed that data concerning this case would be submitted for publication, and they consented. An otherwise healthy seven-year-old boy presented with a tibial mass that was painful at night. The patient had a history of a fibrous hamartoma in the proximal part of the right arm in infancy; the lesion was removed at the age of two years without complication. A radiograph of the left lower limb demonstrated focal sclerosis in the proximal part of the tibial shaft with evidence of medial cortical thickening (Fig. 1). A …
Effect of antiplasticization on gas sorption and transport. III. Free volume interpretation

Previous papers have shown that antiplasticization of polysulfone and poly(phenylene oxide) by low molecular weight diluents is accompanied by substantial reductions in permeability to gases like helium, carbon dioxide, and methane because of reduced mobility in the glass. These effects are not explained even qualitatively by the extent of volume contraction on mixing for these mixtures. However, as shown here, a simple free volume treatment provides an excellent correlation of these effects. Free volume was computed from measured specific volume and an estimate of the volume at the absolute zero of temperature of the material from a group contribution method. Application of this approach to the mechanical stiffening associated with antiplasticization is suggested. The basis and limitations of this analysis are discussed.
Does antiplatelet therapy enhance myocardial salvage after coronary reperfusion

Abstract The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that either the cyclooxygenase inhibitor aspirin or the thromboxane A2receptor antagonist sulotroban exerts a direct myocardial effect that enhances myocardial salvage worded by reperfusion. Accordingly, 21 anesthetized dogs underwent suture occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. At 2.5 h after occlusion, all dogs received intravenous streptokinase (20,000 U/kg y weight over 30 min) and were randomized to the following groups: group I (n = 7) received no additional treatment, group II (n = 7) received aspirin (5 mg/kg intravenously) and group III (n = 7) received sulotroban (10 mg/kg followed by 10 mg/kg per h intravenously). At 3 h after occlusion, the dogs underwent coronary reperfusion for the next 3 h. Myocardial infarct size as a percent of the hypoperfused zone was similar among dogs in group I (42 ± 8%), group II (41±10%) and group III (45±11 %). The incidence and the extent of myocardial hemorrhage were similar in all three study groups. Infarct size as a percent of the hypoperfused zone was significantly smaller in dogs without hemorrhage irrespective of treatment (35±9%m versus 63±5%, p In conclusion, 1) in the presence of 3 h coronary occlusion and reperfusion, neither a cyclooxygenase inhibitor nor a specific thromboxane A2receptor antagonist enhanced myocardial salvage by means of a direct myocardial effect as comp with reperfusion alone; 2) any potential benefits of combined thrombolytic and antiplatelet therapy are likely to be limited to their vascular effects (for example, reperfusion efficacy and prevention of reocclusion); and 3) myocardial hemorrhage may limit myocardial salvage afforded by coronary reperfusion.
Collineations of projective planes of order 10, Part II

Abstract No projective plane of order 10 has a collineation group of order 9 which fixes a 12-arc, a set of twelve points no three collinear, as a set. This fact, proved in Part I, is used to prove in Part II that the full collineation group of any projective plane of order 10 has order 1, 3, or 5.
Testing for homogeneity of two-dimensional surfaces

Abstract This paper presents and develops three approaches for evaluating the degree of “homogeneity” or “randomness” present in a two-dimensional material. Such problems of detecting homogeneity arise in several technological, biological and geological applications. The first approach defines the concept of a “cluster” and develops some test statistics based on the number of clusters and their size distribution. The second approach divides the material into blocks and then applies a nonparametric analysis of variance to these blocks. The third approach employs a graph-theoretic model, in which the length of a certain minimum spanning tree is used as a measure of homogeneity. These approaches are compared using simulation experiments, and are then applied to a problem from materials science.
Spectra of Compact Composition Operators Over Bounded Symmetric Domains

Let H2(D) denote the Hardy space of a bounded symmetric domain $$D \subset \mathbb{C}^n $$ in its standard Harish-Chandra realization, and let $$A_\alpha ^p (D)$$ be the weighted Bergman space with $$p \geq 1$$ and $$\alpha < \varepsilon _D ,$$ where $$\varepsilon _D $$ is a critical value depending on D. Suppose that $$\phi :D \to D$$ is holomorphic. We show that if the composition operator $$C_\phi $$ defined by $$C_\phi (f) = f \circ \phi $$ is compact (or, more generally, power-compact) on H2(D) or $$A_\alpha ^p (D),$$ then ϕ has a unique fixed point z0 in D. We then prove that the spectrum of $$C_\phi $$ as an operator on these function spaces is precisely the set consisting of 0, 1, and all possible products of eigenvalues of $$\phi '(z_0 ).$$ These results extend previous work by Caughran/Schwartz and MacCluer. As a corollary, we now have that MacCluer’s previous spectrum results on the unit ball B n extend to H p (Δn) (not only for p = 2 but for all p > 1) and $$A_\alpha ^p (\Delta ^n )$$ (for p ≥ 1), where Δ n is the polydisk in $$\mathbb{C}^n .$$
Systematic definition of protein constituents along the major polarization axis reveals an adaptive reuse of the polarization machinery in pheromone-treated budding yeast.

Polarizing cells extensively restructure cellular components in a spatially and temporally coupled manner along the major axis of cellular extension. Budding yeast are a useful model of polarized growth, helping to define many molecular components of this conserved process. Besides budding, yeast cells also differentiate upon treatment with pheromone from the opposite mating type, forming a mating projection (the ‘shmoo’) by directional restructuring of the cytoskeleton, localized vesicular transport and overall reorganization of the cytosol. To characterize the proteomic localization changes accompanying polarized growth, we developed and implemented a novel cell microarray-based imaging assay for measuring the spatial redistribution of a large fraction of the yeast proteome, and applied this assay to identify proteins localized along the mating projection following pheromone treatment. We further trained a machine learning algorithm to refine the cell imaging screen, identifying additional shmoo-localized proteins. In all, we identified 74 proteins that specifically localize to the mating projection, including previously uncharacterized proteins (Ycr043c, Ydr348c, Yer071c, Ymr295c, and Yor304c-a) and known polarization complexes such as the exocyst. Functional analysis of these proteins, coupled with quantitative analysis of individual organelle movements during shmoo formation, suggests a model in which the basic machinery for cell polarization is generally conserved between processes forming the bud and the shmoo, with a distinct subset of proteins used only for shmoo formation. The net effect is a defined ordering of major organelles along the polarization axis, with specific proteins implicated at the proximal growth tip.
A modified spectrophotometric method for the determination of hydrazine.

Abstract The method is based on the reaction of p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde with hydrazine and the formation of p-dimethylaminobenzaldazine, which, in the presence of strong acids, is rearranged into a p-quinoic chromophore structure. It was found that sufficient time must be allowed for the completion of aldazine formation and the most intensive color, proportional to the concentration of hydrazine, is developed in the presence of concentrated glacial acetic acid. The method is extremely sensitive and applicable to the determination of hydrazine in biological material.
Qualitative differences in the maze performance of rats with septal lesions

Septally lesioned, neo-cortical, and sham-operated rats were trained in a Dashiell maze with food reward for 37 days. No differences were found between groups in number of errors, number of errorless paths chosen, or number of different errorless paths chosen, even when the positions of the start and goal boxes were changed. However, qualitative differences were apparent in the kinds of paths chosen; septals took peripheral paths more frequently while controls took central paths more often. The findings suggest that in the absence of extereoceptive cues, septal rats fail to use response-produced, proprioceptive stimuli as discriminative cues for alternation of turns in the maze.
Religiosity, Delinquency, and the Deterrent Effects of Informal Sanctions

Past research in deterrence theory suggests that informal social sanctions intervene in the effect of religiosity on criminal and delinquent behavior, such that more religious individuals tend to perceive stronger informal sanctions (Grasmick, Bursik and Cochran 1991a; Grasmick, Kinsey and Cochran 1991b). This study examines the influence of religiosity and social deterrence on college students' delinquent behavior, as measured by anticipated violation of a university's alcohol policy. Data were collected through a survey of undergraduate students (n = 484) at a large South-Midwestern public university that instituted a campus alcohol ban. The survey took place three months after the ban was implemented and asked students about religiosity, perceptions of informal deterrence, and expectations of violating the policy. Results partially support the hypothesis that religiosity predicts conformity primarily through the deterrent threat of informal sanctions. Religiosity increased perceived threats of shame an...
Complications of bone-anchored hearing aids in pediatric patients.

Abstract Objective To describe the range and rate of complications related to bone-anchored hearing aids in pediatric patients. Method We conducted a retrospective review all children 16 years of age or less who were implanted with a bone-anchored hearing aid from 2002 to 2009. The main outcome measures were post Baha ® implantation complications including infection, soft tissue hypertrophy, loss of osseointegration, and need for further surgery. Results Thirty-one patients were identified and 27 had sufficient follow up for complete analysis. Soft tissue reactions were seen in 24 patients (89%), half of which were considered minor. Ten patients (37%) had major complications defined as requiring revision surgery or removal of the implant. Soft tissue overgrowth and infection at the abutment required removal in 5 children (19%) and three implants (11%) failed to osseointegrate. Recurrent antibiotic treatment was required in eight patients (30%). Seven patients (26%) had a history of trauma and one of them lost the implant. To date, three of the children (11%) have been unable to use the device because of chronic infection and overgrowth of the abutment. There was a statistically significant increased risk for major complications in patients from socioeconomically deprived backgrounds and obesity appears to incur additional risk. Conclusions Complications of bone-anchored hearing aid implants are common in our experience and obesity and socioeconomic factors appear to contribute to a higher risk for complications. Frequent follow up and meticulous care of the implant site may minimize complications but can be challenging in this population.
Slow Ligand Binding Kinetics Dominate Ferrous Hexacoordinate Hemoglobin Reactivities and Reveal Differences between Plants and Other Species

Hexacoordinate hemoglobins are found in many living organisms ranging from prokaryotes to plants and animals. They are named “hexacoordinate” because of reversible coordination of the heme iron by a histidine side chain located in the heme pocket. This endogenous coordination competes with exogenous ligand binding and causes multiphasic relaxation time courses following rapid mixing or flash photolysis experiments. Previous rapid mixing studies have assumed a steady-state relationship between hexacoordination and exogenous ligand binding that does not correlate with observed time courses for binding. Here, we demonstrate that this assumption is not valid for some hexacoordinate hemoglobins, and that multiphasic time courses are due to an appreciable fraction of pentacoordinate heme resulting from relatively small equilibrium constants for hexacoordination (KH). CO binding reactions initiated by rapid mixing are measured for four plant hexacoordinate hemoglobins, human neuroglobin and cytoglobin, and Synec...
Recognizing Patient Safety Importance through Instrument Validation on Physicians' Assessment of an EHR

Patient safety and high quality patient care are critical concerns for healthcare providers. The Institute of Medicine report suggests medical errors account for up to 98,000 patient deaths each year. Therefore, the US healthcare system is looking to information technology applications as one means of making patient care safer. This paper compares the psychometric properties of the Electronic Health Record Nurse Satisfaction instrument (based on the Health Information Technology Research-based Evaluation Framework) to our study that employed the same instrument but measured clinical physicians' opinions of an EHR to determine if the instrument could be used across domains of users. Our results found the factor analysis and the clustering of the sub-scale items were different. We propose a two-factorial instrument that identifies the following dimensions: System Features/Performance and Data Quality/Accuracy. Another important contribution of this study is that patient safety was identified as a more salient indicator for physicians.
Lición de llevar chapines: drag, footwear, and gender performance in Guillén de Castro's La fuerza de la costumbre

This essay takes aim at the gender-performance trouble that Hipolita and her brother, Feliciano, face in the play by Guillen de Castro, La fuerza de la costumbre [The Force of Habit (c. 1610–1620?)]. Hipolita's chopines and Feliciano's sword call into question the validity of terms such as “functioning society” in the context of Spain's imperial realities in the seventeenth century and the comedia's own conventions regarding transvestite characters. The brother's extreme familiarity with the chopines that his sister needs lessons to master suggests that footwear, drag and gender performance, even identity, are the main focus of this play. Linking the past of drag and performance with its present, the essay seeks as well to encourage the visualization of alternative more current meanings by readers and viewers of early modern Spanish theater.
Cloning of a β integrin subunit cDNA from an embryonic cell line derived from the freshwater mollusc, Biomphalaria glabrata

Abstract A cDNA encoding an integrin subunit was cloned and structurally characterized from an embryonic cell line derived from Biomphalaria glabrata, snail intermediate host of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. Cells of the B. glabrata embryonic (Bge) snail cell line were initially tested for their sensitivity to the integrin-specific tetrapeptide inhibitor Arg–Gly–Asp–Ser (RGDS). Washed Bge cells when exposed to 0.5 to 2.0 mM of RGDS were significantly inhibited in their ability to spread on a glass substrate. Spreading inhibition was specific, since a control peptide Arg–Gly–Glu–Ser (RGES) did not have the same effect. RT-PCR was performed using previously reported degenerate oligonucleotide primers to the ligand binding domain (LBD) of known β integrin subunits and Bge cDNA. A 137 bp fragment was amplified, TA-cloned, sequenced, and the na and deduced aa sequences were compared with other β integrins. Databank analysis showed that the 137 bp product shared ≥55.6% aa similarity to other β integrin LBDs. Southern and northern blot analyses using the 137 bp sequence as a probe revealed binding to Bge genomic DNA restriction fragments and to an approximately 8 kb poly-(A)+RNA transcript, respectively. An exact 5′ primer synthesized to the 137 bp product and an oligo-d(T) primer then were used to amplify from Bge cDNA, a partial β integrin sequence of 2285 bp that contained a 1971 bp ORF. The remaining upstream coding region was obtained using 5′ RACE methods. The complete ORF, consisting of 2364 bp, encoded a 788 aa sequence with shared similarity to other known β integrins (44.6–61.5%). Sequence and structural comparisons, which include a characteristic LBD, a series of three homologous cysteine-rich repeats, membrane proximal sequence (LLTFIHD), cytoplasmic NPXY motifs, and predicted domain lengths of the molluscan protein, clearly identifies it as an integrin homologue. This report represents the first cloning of a cDNA putatively encoding an integrin subunit from molluscan cells, and establishes the Bge cell line as a model for studying cellular adhesion in molluscs at the molecular level.
Implementing an animated geographic information system to investigate factors associated with nosocomial infections: a novel approach.

Background Two million Americans acquire an infection in the hospital each year, resulting in an estimated 88,000 patient deaths per year. Objective Our objective was to describe our initial experience using an animated geographic information system (GIS) to investigate factors associated with nosocomial transmission of resistant organisms. We used a descriptive study at a university-affiliated, county, teaching hospital. We studied all patients and nursing staff on 4 adult, general medicine wards from June through August 2004. Results We developed and implemented GIS software. GIS-generated animations demonstrated inappropriate patient placement for 19% of patients with methicillin-resistant Staphyloccocus aureus and insufficient time for hand hygiene in 14% (6248) of health care provider-patient contacts. Conclusion Animated GIS can uncover previously hidden factors that contribute to the spread of nosocomial infections. This technology may become a useful adjunct for the prevention of nosocomial transmission of infectious agents.
Photochemical sealing improves outcome following peripheral neurorrhaphy.

Introduction Peripheral nerve transection initiates a complex molecular response in the severed nerve endings, resulting in the release of neurotrophic and neurotropic factors that are central to axonal survival and regeneration. In this study we tested the hypothesis that sealing the neurorrhaphy site from the surrounding environment using a photochemically bonded nerve wrap would optimize the endoneural environment and enhance regeneration and nerve function recovery. Materials and methods Adult rats underwent unilateral sciatic nerve transection and standard epineural nerve repair. The repair site was wrapped with amniotic membrane or autologous vein and then was either sealed using photochemical tissue bonding (PTB) or secured with sutures. Photochemical sealing without a wrap was also carried out. Functional recovery was assessed at 2-wk intervals using walking track analysis and nerve histomorphometry was assessed at 12 wk. Results Treating nerves with PTB-sealed amnion significantly improved functional recovery and increased distal axon and fiber diameters and myelin thickness compared to nerves treated with standard neurorrhaphy alone. Direct PTB sealing of the repair site also improved function. Neither amnion secured with sutures nor vein wraps exhibited improved functional or histological recovery compared to standard neurorrhaphy. Conclusions These results suggest that sealing the peripheral nerve repair site with amnion using a photochemical technique may lead to earlier restoration of neural homeostasis and consequent enhanced repair of nerve injury.
A theoreticol and experimental study of the centrifugal molecular still

A mathematical model of the centrifugal molecular still has been derived based on a fully developed profile, but negligible normal and tangential velocity components. Thermal gradients, film thicknesses, and evaporation rates calculated from this mathematical expression correlate well with reported literative values as well as with the present data. Mean distillation rates were measured for five pure liquids on a centrifugal still with an effective evaporating surface area of 100 sq. cm. These experimentally obtained rates for liquids exhibiting ideal behavior agreed quite well with theoretical values predicted on the basis of simple kinetic theory. In the case of an associated liquid, however, rate measurements were found to be only 53 to 90% of the theoretical value. Although these low values tend to support the concept of an evaporation coefficient as a true molecular property, there wasevidence that surface irregularities could have accounted for all or at least part of the discrepancy noted.
Social scientists and sociobiologists get their lines crossed

Sociobiology Examined. Edited by Ashley Montagu. Pp.272. ISBN hbk 0-19-502711-6; ISBN pbk 0-19-502712-4. (Oxford University Press: 1980.) Hbk £12.50, $19.95; pbk £2.95, $5.95.
Evaluating eolian-climatic interactions using a regional climate model from Hanford, Washington (USA)

Abstract A regional climate model (RCM) developed for the Hanford Site, Washington illustrates a potentially useful method for assessing eolian responses to regional climate change. The RCM is based on long-term relations between fundamental climatic variables of precipitation, temperature, and wind speed. Modelled data are integrated into eolian-climatic scenarios through maps of eolian susceptibility, plots of sand dune mobility, and calculated trends of unvegetated dune sand volumes. Results demonstrate the sensitivity of eolian-climatic interactions to small changes in precipitation. Analyses suggest that continuation of the 1977–1987 trend toward a cooler (−0.16°C) and wetter (+1.8 cm yr −1 ) climate over the next 10–15 years will result in a decrease of ∼18% in the volume of unvegetated dune sand. Further temperature reductions totaling 0.7°C would promote precipitation increases of 30% leading to an additional reduction of 98% in the volume of unvegetated dune sand. Modelling scenarios for a possible global warming of +4°C indicate that annual precipitation at Hanford would be negligible and vegetation would be eliminated from dune surfaces. Sand dune mobility would increase by over 400%.
Dense simple plasmas as high-temperature liquid simple metals

The thermodynamic properties of dense plasmas considered as high-temperature liquid metals are studied. An attempt is made to show that the neutral pseudoatom picture of liquid simple metals may be extended for describing plasmas in ranges of densities and temperatures where their electronic structure remains 'simple'. The primary features of the model when applied to plasmas include the temperature-dependent self-consistent calculation of the electron charge density and the determination of a density and temperature-dependent ionization state.
Spatial Sorting For Sampled Surface Geometries

An octal tree subdivision recursively divides a bounded three-dimensional volume into octants about an internal division point. This scheme has been used to represent cellular or enumerated voxel models of solid objects. Given one or more sets of points sampled from the surface of a solid, an octal tree may be generated in which each leaf node contains m or less points. By specifying the tree traversal rule, the points are accessed in a sorted order. By defining m=3, a divide-and-conquer surface triangulation algorithm may be developed which does not require special sampling conditions (such as co-planarity) on subsets of the sample points. By assigning every polygon on a facetted surface to its containing octal element(octel) a pre-ordering is established on the faces. From any viewpoint, surface polygons can be visited in a priority ordered fashion by appropriate tree traversal. The pre-ordering established is shown to be useful in several graphics related contexts including: a viewpoint independent data structure leading to a hidden surface technique; a ray-tracing algorithm; a virtual frame buffer with reduced page faults; and, a simple geometric merging of sets of surface measurements containing no fiducial information.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Exact emulation of a priority queue with a switch and delay lines

All-optical packet switched networking is hampered by the problem of realizing viable queues for optical packets. Packets can be buffered in delay lines, but delay lines do not functionally emulate queues from an input-output point of view. In this paper we consider the problem of exact emulation of a priority queue of size K using a switching system comprised of a switch of size (M + 1) × (M + 1), which has one distinguished input for external arrivals, one distinguished output for external departures, and fixed-length delay lines of lengths L1, L2, ..., LM connecting the other inputs and outputs in pairs. We measure the complexity of such an emulation by M + 1. We prove that $$M \ge \lceil \log (K -1) \rceil$$ and present a construction which works with $$M = O(\sqrt{K})$$ ; further, in our construction $$\sum_{m=1}^M L_m = K + O(\sqrt{K})$$ . We also sketch an idea for an all-optical packet switched communication network architecture based on approximate emulation of priority queues of finite size using switches and delay lines, with erasure control coding at the packet level.
Marijuana and Perceptual Style: A Theoretical Note:

The apparent effects of marijuana on perceptual, motor and cognitive skills are consonant with the hypothesis that it induces the perceptual style of field dependence. The evidence for this hypothesis is discussed along with additional hypotheses and suggestions for relevant research.
An alternative action for lattice gauge theories

Abstract An alternative to Wilson's action for lattice Yang-Mills theory is proposed. The new action is based on geodesic distances in the manifold of the gauge group.
Light Amplification Using Inverted Core/Shell Nanocrystals: Towards Lasing in the Single-Exciton Regime

Size-controlled spectral tunability and chemical flexibility make semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) attractive as nanoscale building blocks for color-selectable optical-gain media. The technological potential of NCs as lasing materials is, however, significantly diminished by highly efficient nonradiative Auger recombination of multiexcitons leading to ultrafast decay of optical gain. Here we explore a novel approach to achieve NC lasing in the Auger-recombination-free regime by using type II NC heterostructures that promote spatial separation of electrons and holes. We show that such hetero-NCs can exhibit strong repulsive exciton−exciton interactions that lead to significantly reduced excited-state absorption associated with NCs containing single electron−hole pairs. This effect leads to reduced optical-gain thresholds and can potentially allow lasing in the single-exciton regime, for which Auger recombination is inactive. We use these novel hetero-NCs to demonstrate efficient amplified spontaneous emiss...
The role of tricuspid valve repair and replacement in right heart failure.

Purpose of review The presence of tricuspid regurgitation in the setting of right ventricular dysfunction is associated with poor prognosis. The purpose of this review is to describe the pathophysiology of functional tricuspid regurgitation, summarize the current reports favoring a more aggressive approach toward tricuspid valve surgery, and discuss the emerging role of tricuspid valve annuloplasty with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Recent findings The rationale for offering tricuspid valve surgery is based upon an understanding of the natural history of functional tricuspid regurgitation in the setting of left heart disease. In this regard, several observations have been made. First, tricuspid regurgitation does not simply go away after correction of left-sided lesions. Second, functional tricuspid regurgitation is a progressive disorder characterized by a spiral of right ventricular chamber enlargement leading to further annular dilatation and more tricuspid regurgitation. Finally, operative mortality for isolated tricuspid valve surgery, particularly re-operative surgery, is quite high and is influenced by right ventricular function. Summary The presence of significant tricuspid regurgitation, whether in the context of mitral valve disease or heart failure, should no longer be treated with 'surgical abstention'. Whether the surgical correction of tricuspid regurgitation in left heart disease can definitively improve clinical outcomes should be addressed by prospective clinical trials.
Pulmonary response to inhaled Kevlar aramid synthetic fibers in rats

Groups of male rats were exposed to specially prepared ultrafine Kevlar pulp fibers (du Pont's registered trademark for certain aramid fibers) at atmospheric concentrations of either 0.1, 0.5, 3.0, or 18 mg/m3 for 2 weeks. Rats were killed at 0 and 2 weeks and 3 and 6 months postexposure (PE) except the rats exposed to 18 mg/m3, which were killed 0, 4, and 14 days and 1, 3, and 6 months PE. Another group of male rats was exposed to 18 mg/m3 (respirable dust approximately 2.5 mg/m3) of commercial Kevlar fibers for 2 weeks and were killed at 0 and 2 weeks and 3 and 6 months PE. Inhaled ultrafine Kevlar fibers were mostly phagocytized by alveolar macrophages (dust cells) in the alveolar ducts and adjoining alveoli after exposure to either 0.1 or 0.5 micrograms/m3. Most dust cells had disappeared and lungs showed a normal appearance throughout 6 months PE. The pulmonary response almost satisfied the biological criteria for a nuisance dust. Rats exposed to 3 mg/m3 ultrafine Kevlar fibers revealed occasional patchy thickening of alveolar ducts with dust cells and inflammatory cells but with no collagen fibers deposited throughout 6 months PE. After exposure to 18 mg/m3 ultrafine Kevlar, the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and adjoining alveoli showed granulomatous lesions with dust cells by 2 weeks PE. The granulomatous lesions converted to patchy fibrotic thickening with dust cells after 1 month PE. The fibrotic lesions were markedly reduced in cellularity, size, and numbers from 3 to 6 months PE but revealed networks of reticulum fibers with slight collagen fiber deposition.
RELATIONS BETWEEN MARITAL PROCESSES AND OUTCOMES IN THE MARRIAGES OF NONTRADITIONAL AND TRADITIONAL WOMEN

The purpose of this study was to examine the importance of the marital processes of cohesion, flexibility, and communication to marital quality and marital stability in the marriages of nontraditional and traditional women. Selected longitudinal data from the 1992 Marital Stability Over the Life Span Data Set were used. A subsample of 74 married women who were defined as nontraditional and a comparison group of 274 traditional women were selected according to their occupational status and gender-role orientation. Comparisons indicated that some marital processes, including higher emotional bonding, spousal interaction, negotiation, and positive communication patterns, were significantly related to marital outcomes for nontraditional women.
Hot electrons and traps in a-SiO2

Abstract We investigate electronic transport in SiO 2 in the high - field regime, where the electronic distribution is heated to average energies of several electron volts. A rate for the detrapping of trapped carriers by hot electrons is calculated by using a microscopic model for trap - band impact ionization. Monte Carlo simulations of high - field electronic transport are employed to obtain ensemble - averaged detrapping rates. These average detrapping rates are then compared to the detrapping cross sections of empirical rate equation models.
A multiple chemostat system for consortia studies on microbially influenced corrosion

A multiple chemostat system has been developed in which metal specimens can be exposed to a consortium of bacteria. The system comprises a single test chemostat containing the test specimen operated at a high dilution rate to facilitate the wash out of planktonic bacteria, selecting for attached or biofilm growth. This chemostat is fed at a steady low rate by a number of separate chemostats each of which contains a pure axenic culture of one member of the consortium being tested. This system has the advantage of providing a continual inoculum of the test species to the test specimen allowing both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to be grown in the same system. Constant levels of three bacterial types were maintained in the system: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and Desulfovibrio vulgaris. Exposure of 316L stainless steel electrodes to this system resulted in increased corrosion of coupons exposed biotically, as compared to those exposed abiotically. A current monitoring technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to evaluate effects of bacteria on metallic corrosion.
Three-dimensional modeling of the human fallopian tube fimbriae

Abstract Objective Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy that affects women. Recent data suggests that the disease may originate in the fallopian fimbriae; however, the anatomical origin of ovarian carcinogenesis remains unclear. This is largely driven by our lack of knowledge regarding the structure and function of normal fimbriae and the relative paucity of models that accurately recapitulate the in vivo fallopian tube. Therefore, a human three-dimensional (3D) culture system was developed to examine the role of the fallopian fimbriae in serous tumorigenesis. Methods Alginate matrix was utilized to support human fallopian fimbriae ex vivo . Fimbriae were cultured with factors hypothesized to contribute to carcinogenesis, namely; H 2 O 2 (1mM) a mimetic of oxidative stress, insulin (5μg/ml) to stimulate glycolysis, and estradiol (E 2 , 10nM) which peaks before ovulation. Cultures were evaluated for changes in proliferation and p53 expression, criteria utilized to identify potential precursor lesions. Further, secretory factors were assessed after treatment with E 2 to identify if steroid signaling induces a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment. Results 3D fimbriae cultures maintained normal tissue architecture up to 7days, retaining both epithelial subtypes. Treatment of cultures with H 2 O 2 or insulin significantly induced proliferation. However, p53 stabilization was unaffected by any particular treatment, although it was induced by ex vivo culturing. Moreover, E 2 -alone treatment significantly induced its canonical target PR and expression of IL8, a factor linked to poor outcome. Conclusions 3D alginate cultures of human fallopian fimbriae provide an important microphysiological model, which can be further utilized to investigate serous tumorigenesis originating from the fallopian tube.
RELEASE OF NOREPINEPHRINE FROM NEURONS IN DISSOCIATED CELL CULTURES OF CHICK SYMPATHETIC GANGLIA VIA STIMULATION OF NICOTINIC AND MUSCARINIC ACETYLCHOLINE RECEPTORS

— Dissociated cell cultures of chick embryo sympathetic ganglia were incubated with [3H]nor-epinephrine ([3H]NE) which was taken up and stored in reserpine-sensitive sites. Exposure of the cultures to cholinergic agonists for 5 min intervals resulted in the releaseof a significant proportion (2–20%) of the intracellular stores of [3H]NE. Studies with specific cholinergic agonists and antagonists indicated that release of [3H]NE could be evoked by stimulation of either nicotinic or muscarinic receptors. Release evoked by both nicotinic and muscarinic agonists was totally blocked in the presence of 3 μM-tetrodotoxin. thus indicating that release was mediated via active electrical responses. Release by both types of agonists was also blocked in the presence of elevated Mg2+ or when free Ca2+ was removed from the extracellular medium. These findings are consistent with the presence of a stimulus-secretion coupling mechanism. Release evoked by nicotine was optimal in the presence of 1.2 mM-Ca2+, whereas release evoked by the muscarinic agonist methacholine increased by about 2-fold when the Ca2+ concentration was decreased from 1.2 to 0.3 mM. The latter observation may be due to a lowered threshold for evocation of active responses at low concentrations of Ca2+. Finally, no evidence was observed for interaction between the two types of receptors. These findings (a)indicate that cultured chick sympathetic neurons possess functional nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors as well as the ability to release NE via a stimulus-secretion coupling mechanism; (b) suggest that such cultures may be particularly useful for studying the molecular events which link stimulation of cholinergic receptors to neurotransmitter release; and (c) provide further evidence that muscarinic receptors may play aphysiological role in ganglionic transmission.
Quantitative fractography: A modern perspective

The important aspects of quantitative fractography as a new analytical tool for understanding material fracture are discussed. The special considerations that rise in the quantification problems are examined from the purview of stereology. Two major experimental techniques for obtaining geometrical information about the fracture surface topography are critically evaluated. These methods are based on stereophotogrammetry or vertical sectioning procedures-both of which yield estimates of the true fracture surface area. The profile and surface roughness parameters which are required to transform measurements made on flat SEM fractographs to the true quantities in the fracture surface are introduced. The two roughness parameters are related by a simple parametric equation, permitting the fracture surface area to be calculated from the experimental measurement of the profile roughness parameter. Alternatively, it is shown how the fracture surface area can be obtained from the angular distribution of the profile elements by employing a transform procedure. The concept of “fractals” as it applies to quantitative fractography is introduced. Recently developed relationships which describe the true variation of the profile and surface roughness parameters with the size of the measuring unit are presented. Calculations are made of the mean area and perimeter length of dimples in the fracture surface of a 4340 steel. Three fracture surface configurations are examined: (1) an assumed flat- , (2) an assumed randomly-oriented- , and (3) the actual partially-oriented fracture surface. Significant differences are demonstrated between the true and the assumed situations, illustrating the importance of quantitative methods in fractography. By means of examples, it is shown how the quantitative methods permit detection of subtle changes in the fracture surface topography as influenced by the materials’ microstructure.
Sleep architecture and sleep-related mentation in securely and insecurely attached people

Based on REM sleep's brain activation patterns and its participation in consolidation of emotional memories, we tested the hypothesis that measures of REM sleep architecture and REM sleep-related mentation would be associated with attachment orientation. After a habituation night in a sleep lab, a convenience sample of 64 healthy volunteers were awakened 10 minutes into a REM sleep episode and 10 minutes into a control NREM sleep episode in counterbalanced order, then asked to report a dream and to rate themselves and a significant other on a list of trait adjectives. Relative to participants classified as having secure attachment orientations, participants classified as anxious took less time to enter REM sleep and had a higher frequency of REM dreams with aggression and self-denigrating themes. There were no significant differences across attachment groups in other measures of sleep architecture or in post REM-sleep awakening ratings on PANAS subscales reflecting mood and alertness. Selected aspects of REM sleep architecture and mentation appeared to be associated with attachment orientation. We suggest that REM sleep plays a role in processing experiences and emotions related to attachment, and that certain features of sleep and dreaming reflect attachment orientations.
Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty for treatment of congenital pulmonary valvular stenosis in children

Percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty was performed in seven children with moderate to severe valvular pulmonary stenosis (right ventricular to pulmonary artery pressure gradient>50 mm Hg). All patients experienced a decrease in right ventricular peak systolic pressure from 108 ± 30 to 60 ± 5.6 mm Hg (p
Ultra-fine surface machining of glass using laser-produced charged particles

Abstract Ultra-fine machining of glass substrates using charged particles from laser-produced metal plasma is reported. Since the metal target exhibits high efficiency of linear absorption of nanosecond 532 nm laser irradiation, the threshold fluence for machining the glass substrate is lower than 1.2 J/cm2. Pulse energy of 5–8 μJ/pulse is adequate for this high-precision surface machining process. The optimal parameters for the superior quality etching in the glass material was produced using brass plasma at a laser fluence from 3.0 to 4.5 J/cm2 and maintaining the seperation of 20–40 μm between the glass substrate and the metal shim. It is the impingement of the high-temperature, high-speed electrons and low-energy ions in the under-dense region of the laser-produced plasma, rather than high-energy photons, that is responsible for this high-precision machining. If the glass substrate was placed in the over-dense region of the plasma, the high pressure and the shock wave generated due to the interaction causes damage to the machined surface. Our experiments further demonstrate that, using this process, a focused laser beam integrated with a CAD-based scanning motion can be used effectively to generate complex and highly precise microfeatures on glass substrate.
An argument for ecosystem level monitoring.

One objective of environmental monitoring programs is documentation of qualitative and quantitative environmental changes in response to external stresses, including chemical contamination. Chemical contaminant, biological, and ecological measurements have been used as environmental monitors. Contaminant monitoring allows estimation of exposures; biological and ecological monitoring allow estimation of uptake and effects.
Rape in nonhuman animal species: Definitions, evidence, and implications

This paper examines the controversial issue of rape in nonhuman animal species. Many existing studies on nonhuman rape appear to suffer from inappropriate definitions and questionable interpretations. Many existing critiques of these studies are limited by their own misunderstandings of evolutionary theory. An attempt is made to reduce the resulting controversy by defining rape in a way that can be applied to nonhuman animals, without provoking unwarranted implications about human rape. Applying this definition to existing studies indicates that behavior meeting the definition of rape does exist in several nonhuman species. However, comparisons of these species do not provide clear implications for either proximate or ultimate explanations of human rape.
Increased ocean heat transports and warmer climate

The impact of an increased ocean heat transport on climate is investigated in the framework of the GISS GMC model described by Hansen et al. (1983), using two scenarios: one starting from warmer polar temperatures/no sea ice and the other from the current ocean conditions. A 20-percent increase in cross-equatorial heat transport was sufficient to melt all sea ice; it resulted in a climate that was 2 C warmer for the global average, with values some 20-deg warmer at high altitudes and 1-deg warmer near the equator. It is suggested that the hydrological and dynamical changes associated with this different climate regime may be self-sustaining and, as such, would account for the high-latitude warmth of climates in the Mesozoic and Tertiary periods and the decadenal-scale climate fluctuations during the Holocene.