cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Guinea pig serum erythropoietin (EPO) selectively stimulates guinea pig erythroid progenitors: human or mouse erythroid progenitors do not form erythroid burst-forming unit colonies in response to guinea pig serum EPO

Erythropoietin (EPO) is the primary regulator of mammalian erythropoiesis, providing a proliferative and differentiative signal to the early EPO-responsive erythroid progenitors, burst-forming unit-erythroid (BFU-E) and colony-forming unit-erythroid, as well as to later EPO-responsive erythroid progenitors. EPO is secreted by the kidney in response to hypoxia and anemia. There is an extensive biological crossreactivity between human EPO and the EPOs of other mammals. Necas et al. have reported that this crossreactivity may not include the guinea pig (Cavia porcelllus). Because the specificity of the guinea pig's erythropoietic responses may be of biological significance, we compared guinea pig hypoxic serum with mouse (m) and human (h) recombinant (r) EPOs for their ability to induce erythroid progenitor proliferation and differentiation in semisolid cultures. Guinea pig bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) formed BFU-E colonies in response to guinea pig hypoxic serum, rhEPO, or rmEPO in a dose-dependent fashion. Neither human nor mouse BMMCs responded to guinea pig hypoxic serum; however, guinea pig hypoxic serum exerted no inhibitory effect on human or mouse in vitro erythroid differentiation in the presence of rhEPO or rmEPO. The intensity of the EPO band on Western blotting analysis of guinea pig hypoxic serum was significantly greater than in nonhypoxic serum. This suggests that guinea pig erythropoiesis is mediated by EPO and stimulated by hypoxia in a fashion similar to that observed in human and mouse erythropoiesis. Furthermore, guinea pig EPO did not stimulate human or mouse erythroid differentiation in vitro, whereas guinea pig erythroid progenitors could be stimulated by human or mouse EPO, suggesting structural differences in guinea pig EPO and EPO receptor (EPOR) compared with human or mouse EPO and EPOR. These differences probably evolved after the guinea pig's ancestors diverged from myomorph rodents. Further characterization of the guinea pig EPO and EPOR should facilitate our understanding of the interaction between EPO and EPOR.
Impact of Medicaid Policy on the Oral Health of Publicly Insured Children.

Objective Fluoride varnish (FV) applications among non-dentist primary care providers has increased due to state Medicaid policies. In this study we examine the impact of FV policies on the oral health of publicly insured children aged 2–6 years old. Methods Using three waves of the National Survey of Children’s Health (2003, 2007, 2011/12), we used a logistic regression model with state and year fixed effects, adjusting for relevant child characteristics, to examine the association between years since a state implemented a FV policy and the odds of a publicly insured child having very good or excellent teeth. We compared children with public insurance in states with FV policies to children with public insurance in states without FV policies, controlling for the same difference among children with private insurance who were unlikely to be affected by Medicaid FV policies. Results Among 68,890 children aged 2–6 years, 38% had public insurance. Compared to privately insured children, publicly insured children had significantly lower odds of having very good or excellent teeth [odds ratio (OR) 0.70, 95% CI 0.62–0.81]. Publicly insured children in states with FV policies implemented for four or more years had significantly greater odds of having very good or excellent teeth (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.03–1.60) compared to publicly insured children in states without FV policies. Conclusions for Practice State policies supporting non-dental primary care providers application of FV were associated with improvements in oral health for young children with public insurance.
An Undergraduate Signal Processing Laboratory Using Ultra Wideband Radar

This work presents a laboratory set up at the University of Alabama in Huntsville designed to give students experience using real-world Ultra Wideband (UWB) devices to improve their understanding of signal analysis and signal processing concepts. In addition to improving their knowledge of signal processing, students are also introduced to radar topics. Several laboratory experiments are presented, as well as two senior design projects that use the UWB devices. Student assessment shows an increased understanding of signal processing as well as enthusiasm in senior electives in the signals and systems area.
Top advances in functional genomics and translational biology for 2010.

In recent years, major advances have been made in transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and particularly population genetics. More than 850 genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were published by the end of 2010, now covering a vast number of diseases and phenotypes and often incorporating tens of thousands of subjects or, in some cases, more than 100 000 subjects, increasing statistical power to identify and replicate contributing loci. Sequencing throughput advances and decreasing costs per sample have allowed the application of genome-wide genotyping and sequencing technology to larger DNA samples as well as transcriptome and epigenome features. This year was marked not only by continuing progress with GWAS, sequencing, and copy number variation studies but also by follow-up of GWAS and other findings with functional studies that uncover new molecular pathways contributing to disease and pave the way for future clinical applications. The American Heart Association Functional Genomics and Translational Biology Interdisciplinary Council (http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3016539) provides a forum for a multidisciplinary group of volunteers committed to making a substantial contribution to reduce the burden of heart disease and stroke through genetics, genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics research and translational science. With input from the Early Career Committee of the Council on Functional Genomics and Translational Biology, we considered many papers and selected 10 outstanding manuscript groups (15 articles) published in 2010 that reflect these advances, and we briefly summarize each below in chronological order.
A two-step multiscale model to predict early age strength development of cementitious composites considering competing fracture mechanisms

Abstract A finite element-based multiscale model is employed to examine the early-age mechanical behavior of cementitious composites under a mode-I loading condition. The mechanical response of early-age mortar and concrete are influenced by the time-dependent development of mechanical properties of the cement paste as well as the mechanical and morphological properties of the aggregate phase. A competing mechanism exists in the fracture process (i.e., crack propagation) of the aggregate and cement paste phases. This paper investigates the distinct role played by the properties of each phase. This paper addresses the problem through a two-step homogenization approach that first starts at the meso-level of the mortar, where the fine aggregates are embedded within the cement paste. The second step considers the homogenization of concrete composed of the mortar matrix resulting from the first homogenization step, and coarse aggregate particles. For the purpose of computational homogenization, the continuous scheme for bulk modeling combined with the discontinuous scheme for modeling the transition of mesoscopic diffusive damage to macro-crack are employed. Inter- and intra- phase cohesive zone elements are utilized to represent the fracture process. The results indicate the relative significance of elastic and cohesive properties of composite constituents for the development of tensile stiffness and strength, damage evolution, and macro-crack patterns. A competing mechanism was observed for early-age cracking of the cementitious composites. When the tensile strength of the cement paste is lower than the tensile strength of aggregate phase, the crack propagates across the paste. When the tensile strength of the cement paste exceeds that of the aggregate, the cracks begin to deflect and propagate through the aggregates. As such, a critical degree of hydration (associated with a certain time) exists below which the cement paste phase is weaker than aggregate phase at the onset of hydration. This has implications on the inference of kinetic based parameters from mechanical testing (e.g., activation energy). Our results show a promising quantitative agreement with experimental observations.
Optical conductivity of metal alloys with residual resistivities near or above the Mott-Ioffe-Regel limit

Most interesting examples of violations of the Mott-Ioffe-Regel (MIR) resistivity limit are found in materials with strong electronic correlations that are not well understood by theory. We demonstrate that first principles theory can predict the experimentally observed frequency dependence of the optical conductivity for a novel class of metals where the residual resistivity is near or above the MIR limit, which we define as a ``bad metal.'' The predicted optical conductivity of a NiCoCr alloy is in good agreement with experiment. It is demonstrated that the width of the Drude peak describing the low-frequency part of optical conductivity is comparable to the Fermi energy. The latter, together with a mean free path comparable to the interatomic distance, indicates the absence of well-defined quasiparticles. In contrast to traditional bad metals with strong electron-electron interactions, both the high resistivity and the large width of the Drude peak in these alloys result from strong scattering on disordered atomic potentials that can be understood using modern density functionals.
Spatially Heterogeneous Vaccine Coverage and Externalities in a Computational Model of Epidemics

We develop an agent-based computational model of epidemics with varying amounts of heterogeneity in regional vaccination coverage. We examine the severity of the resulting epidemics and the externalities created between high and low vaccination regions. The resulting size of the epidemics depends upon the heterogeneity of coverage, the interaction structure in the population, and how close the population is to herd immunity. Holding overall vaccination levels constant, the mean epidemic size increases and a larger level of vaccinations is needed to reach herd immunity when there is greater variability in the regional vaccination rates as long as the vaccination level is sufficiently high. This relationship amplifies when the contacts of individuals in the model have a greater share of inter-regional linkages. However, when inter-regional linkages and vaccination levels are sufficiently low, the mean epidemic size can decrease when there is greater variability in the regional vaccination rates. Further, we find that the magnitude of externalities between regions with different levels of vaccine coverage depends crucially on how close the population is to herd immunity. If population level vaccination coverage is sufficiently high (low) shifting connections from low coverage regions to high coverage regions will decrease (increase) mean epidemic size.
Feedback and Pattern in Computer Simulations of the Alpine Treeline Ecotone

The pattern of ecotones relative to gradients in the abiotic environment may be affected by spatial biotic positive feedback, i.e., where trees improve the conditions for other trees in their neighborhood. Computer simulation models were used to investigate the consequences of degrees of positive feedback. A hybrid model combining FOREST-BGC, ATE-BGC, and FORSKA was used. The BGC models created a surface of potential growing conditions at the alpine treeline. FORSKA was then used to compute the leaf area that was produced with varying levels of feedback strength. Feedback must be strong relative to the abiotic environment for growth to occur. Such feedback created an abrupt boundary on a smooth abiotic gradient and was higher than needed to generate more complex patterns. These results have implications for some of the major hypotheses about treeline and for studies combining modeling and field parameterization.
Understanding what makes dark traits “vulnerable”: A distinction between indifference and hostility

Abstract The Dark Triad of personality is comprised of three callous and manipulative traits: psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism (Paulhus & Williams, 2002). A complementary “Vulnerable” Dark Triad accounts for heterogeneity within these traits: secondary psychopathy, borderline personality disorder, and vulnerable narcissism (Miller et al., 2010). Based in theory suggesting differences in the underlying motives of these distinct triads, we conducted a study to investigate whether motive differences are due to distinct aspects of antagonism. Specifically, we hypothesized that people high in the Dark Triad are interpersonally driven by extrinsic motives due to an indifferent interpersonal core. We also hypothesized that people high in the Vulnerable Dark Triad are interpersonally driven by intrinsic motives due to a hostile interpersonal core. The hypothesis regarding the Dark Triad was partially supported, such that individuals high in the Dark Triad core reported pursuing extrinsic motives, and this relationship is partially mediated by a lack of honesty/humility. However, there were no differences in motive pursuit between the two triads. Additional empirical research should more formally investigate the distinctions between the Dark Triad and its vulnerable counterpart.
Abstract 14646: Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain and CT Derived Extracellular Volume Predicts Outcomes in Patients With Low-flow, Low-gradient Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Introduction: Low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (LFLG-AS) is associated with impaired left ventricular (LV) function and afterload mismatch. Indications and timing for transcatheter aortic val...
A Multi-step Machine Learning Approach for Short Axis MR Images Segmentation

Segmentation of cardiac magnetic resonance (cMR) images is often the first step necessary to compute common diagnostic biomarkers, such as myocardial mass and left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction. Often image segmentation and analysis require significant, time-consuming user input. Machine learning has been increasingly adopted to automatically segment medical images to lessen the burden on image segmentation and image analysis for model construction and validation. In this work we present a multi-step machine learning approach to segment short axis cMR images based on a heart locator and the weighted average of 2D and 2D++ UNets. The presence of a heart locator led to more accurate results and allowed to increase the neural network training batch size. Finally, the obtained segmentations are post-processed using spline interpolation and the Loop scheme to generate left ventricular endocardial and epicardial surfaces at the end of diastole and end of systole.
Improving the replicability and generalizability of inferences in quantitative communication research

This paper discusses the assessment of quality of quantitative communication research in light of the so-called ‘replicability crisis’ that has affected neighboring disciplines. For social scientif...
Applied robotic analysis

Relationship of vectors, points, lines, planes, spheres and circles movement and imaging joint specification and robotic classification robotic capability forward kinematic solutions inverse kinematic solutions parametric description of curves path control dynamics actuators and their control.
PEDIATRIC HAZARDS OF DRUGS IN SOLUTIONS CONVENIENT FOR ADMINISTRATION TO ADULTS.

Studies on the clinical pharmacology of drugs in newborn infants have uncovered a problem of overdosage which may be more common than generally appreciated. Several medicaments are available only in a limited number of highly concentrated formulations. The requirements of premature and full-term newborn infants for very small total dosages necessitate very careful measurements of minute quantities of drug, and overdosage can readily occur. Specifically, Kanamycin is available in only two formulations for injection containing respectively 250 and 333 mg/ml. The dosage of this agent for newborn infants is approximately 8 mg/Kg of body weight 12 hourly.
Secondary seed dispersal and its role in landscape organization

[1] Mathematical models of banded vegetation patterns predict rapid upslope migration of vegetated patches not realized in field observations, a key point of disagreement between theory and observation. It is shown that the disagreement between model results and field observations can arise from seed dispersal dynamics. Two representations of biomass movement are used to test the hypothesis that secondary seed dispersal in overland flow inhibits band migration. The first is based on coupling down-slope water transport and seed advection. The second uses a kernel-based representation of seed transport where an anisotropic dispersal kernel combines the effects of isotropic primary and downslope secondary seed dispersal, and ensures that conclusions about secondary dispersal are independent of diffusive representations of biomass movement. The analysis demonstrates that secondary seed dispersal can retard upward movement of banded vegetation irrespective of the precise representation of biomass movement as long as the anisotropic effects are accounted for.
Beauty mandates and the appearance obsession.

ABSTRACT This article examines the effects of appearance norms within lesbian communities, drawing both on the research literature and on direct interviews with lesbian and bisexual women. In particular, the authors assess the impact of heterosexual beauty mandates on women's communities and ask whether lesbian and bisexual women are affected by the dominant culture's beauty mandates to a similar or lesser degree than heterosexual women. In addition, the authors examine appearance mandates developed by women within lesbian subculture. The positive and negative effects of these various “styles” on members of different lesbian subcultures are discussed.
Attentive billboards: towards to video based customer behavior understanding

We describe a real-time computer vision system and algorithms that extracts customer behavior information by detecting and tracking multiple people as they wait and watch advertisements on a billboard or a new product promotion at a stand. Our system segments each frame into foreground regions which contains multiple people. Foreground regions are further segmented into individuals using a temporal segmentation of foreground and motion cues and global shape constraints on 2D Silhouettes. A 2D dynamic appearance templates is used to track people. The system can provide online customer information, such as, number of people currently watching the billboard, their gender, and offline customer data, such as, how long each people looked at the billboard. Experimental results demonstrate robustness and real-time performance of the algorithm.
The theory and practice of corporate voting at US public companies

This paper develops a comprehensive theory of corporate voting and its role in corporate governance for U.S. public corporations. We begin by addressing why shareholders should vote, and then ask why no other stakeholders vote. We finish the first part of the paper by examining what shareholders should vote on. In Section II we discuss the implications of empty voting for our theory. Section III examines the current system of corporate voting in the U.S. to see how it conforms to our theory. We finish with some brief conclusions.
Adolescent Neurobehavioral Characteristics, Alcohol Sensitivities, and Intake: Setting the Stage for Alcohol Use Disorders?

The transition to adolescence is characterized by rapid biological transformations that include not only the hormonal and physiological changes of puberty but also dramatic changes in the brain as well. Similar neural and physiological changes are associated with the transition from immaturity to maturity across a variety of mammalian species, along with a variety of common adolescent-typical behavioral characteristics. Among the neural systems undergoing alterations during adolescence are those that modulate sensitivity to a variety of alcohol effects, potentially increasing the propensity for relatively high levels of adolescent alcohol use, which in turn may set the stage for later alcohol use disorders. This article reviews research on adolescent alcohol sensitivities and suggests possible implications of these findings for the frequent initiation and relatively high levels of alcohol intake seen at this age.
Paradoxical Increase in DNA Cross-Linking in a Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Line Resistant to Cyanomorpholino Doxorubicin

The cyanomorpholino analog of doxorubicin (MRA-CN) is a potent cytotoxic agent which is known to cross-link DNA. A human ovarian carcinoma cell line, ES-2, was grown in increasing concentrations of MRA-CN from 0.1 to 0.5 nm. The resultant resistant subline, Es-2R, was 4-fold resistant to MRA-CN. DNA damage and repair in response to MRA-CN were compared in the parental and resistant cell lines using alkaline elution. DNA cross-links were detectable after 3-h incubation of the cells at 37°C in MRA-CN at concentrations ≥1.0 nm. Paradoxically, 2-fold more cross-links were detected in the ES-2R cells as compared with the Es-2 cells. This paradoxical difference in cross-links between the 2 cell lines was observed to increase with time of exposure to 2.5 nm of MRA-CN. Non-protein-associated DNA strand breaks were also detected in the 2 cell lines after exposure to 2.5 nm of the drug. The ES-2 cells consistently showed twice as many breaks as the ES-2R cells, which could explain the paradoxical higher apparent DNA cross-linking observed with the ES-2R cells after exposure to MRA-CN. Studies of the time course of cross-link repair after exposure to MRA-CN revealed that 75% of the DNA cross-links disappeared in the Es-2R cells by the end of 8 h in drug-free medium. In contrast, cross-links in the ES-2 cells were undetectable after 4 h, which coincided with a progressive increase in DNA strand breaks. The topoisomerase II level in the ES-2 cells was 2- to 4-fold higher than that in the ES-2R cells. However, proteinase K treatment of the lysed cells did not increase the number of apparent strand breaks produced by MRA-CN, suggesting that topoisomerase II may not be involved. These findings indicate that, in addition to DNA cross-linking, MRA-CN causes DNA strand breakage. Resistance to MRA-CN in the ES-2R cells is associated with more apparent DNA cross-linking and less DNA strand breakage, which may be a consequence of differences in DNA repair and/or nonspecific DNA degradation between the resistant and the sensitive cell lines.
Physiologic factors in the use of the body respirator for impaired respiratory function.

Summary In normal breathing the respiratory muscles change the configuration of the thorax in such a way that air inflates the lungs on each inspiration and is expelled by elastic recoil of the lungs on each expiration. These movements not only effect gas exchange but affect the circulation of blood through the thorax. If the respiratory muscles are for any reason inadequate, their efforts must be assisted or replaced by mechanical means. The pulmonary effects of normal breathing can be very nearly simulated by intermittent elevation of airway pressure (obtained by raising pulmonic pressure with the body at atmospheric pressure, or by lowering pressure around the body with the lungs remaining at atmospheric pressure). The effects of intermittent positive pressure breathing on the circulation are very different from those of normal breathing; the impeding effect on cardiac output is beneficial in some conditions (pulmonary edema) and detrimental in others (shock). The advantages of alternative methods of pressure breathing are presented. A device which permits the patient to cycle a body respirator is described.
Accuracy of administrative data versus clinical data to evaluate carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting.

Objective Administrative data have been used to compare carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS). However, there are limitations in defining symptom status, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services high-risk status, as well as complications. Therefore, we did a direct comparison between administrative data and physician chart review as well as between data collected for the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) and physician chart review for CEA and CAS. Methods We performed an outcomes analysis on all CEA and CAS procedures from 2005 to 2011. We obtained International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis codes from hospital discharge records regarding symptom status, high-risk status, and perioperative stroke. We also obtained data on all CEA patients submitted to NSQIP over the same time period. One of the study authors (R.B.) then performed a chart review of the same patients to determine symptom status, high-risk status, and perioperative strokes and the results were compared. Results We identified 1342 patients who underwent CEA or CAS between 2005 and 2011 and 392 patients who underwent CEA that were submitted to NSQIP. Administrative data identified fewer symptomatic patients (17.0% vs 34.0%), physiologic high-risk patients (9.3% vs 23.0%), and anatomic high-risk patients (0% vs 15.2%). Although administrative data identified a similar proportion of perioperative strokes (1.9% vs 2.0%), this was due to the fact that these data identified eight false positive and nine false negative perioperative strokes. NSQIP data identified more symptomatic patients compared with chart review (44.1% vs 30.3%), fewer physiologic high-risk patients (13.0% vs 18.6%), fewer anatomic high-risk patients (0% vs 6.6%), and a similar proportion of perioperative strokes (1.5% vs 1.8%, only one false negative stroke and no false positives). Conclusions Administrative data are unreliable for determining symptom status, high-risk status, and perioperative stroke and should not be used to analyze CEA and CAS. NSQIP data do not adequately identify high-risk patients, but do accurately identify perioperative strokes and to a lesser degree, symptom status.
Placing guards inside orthogonal polygons

Abstract We consider the problem of locating guards inside a polygon under standard visibility and orthogonal visibility. Given a polygon, the maximum visibility problem (MaxVP) asks for locating a point inside the polygon from which the visible area is maximized. Minimum visibility problem (MinVP) is defined similarly. Under standard visibility, we show that the boundary point solution for MinVP can be obtained in O(n3) time for simple orthogonal polygons and in O(n3log n) time for orthogonal polygons with holes. For class 3 polygons under stair-case visibility, we show that the solution for MinVP lies on the boundary; this leads to an O(n2) time algorithm to locate the solution.
Non-linearity and intersubband population inversion in quantum wire structures

Abstract We investigate carrier transport in multi subband quasi one-dimensional (1D) structures. The Monte Carlo simulation shows that due to the lack of angular randomization during scattering processes the electron system becomes rapidly nonlinear in the presence of optic phonon scattering for fields as low as 100 V/cm at room teperature. In 1D multiband systems, when the separation between quantized levels is equal to the polar optic phonon energy, resonances similar to magneto-phonon effects occur with intersubband population inversion and the possibility of far infra-red stimulated emission.
Prospects for a Next-Generation Deep-Space Network

A next-generation deep-space network is currently under consideration by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Building upon its many past successes, this network will be required to meet the needs of current and planned missions. These will, no doubt, include the familiar suite of telemetry, command, tracking, and navigation services, with performance levels derived from analysis of the probable future mission set. Additionally, it will be expected to provide enabling capabilities for missions still on the drawing boards. Traditionally, the network serves the robotic deep-space exploration fleet. However, at this time, consideration of the special needs of planned future human lunar missions is appropriate, as well as the evolution to the eventual human exploration of Mars.
Supercontinuum laser sensing of atmospheric constituents

Extending our developments of a previously reported supercontinuum lidar system has increased the capability for measuring long path atmospheric concentrations. The multi-wavelength capability of the supercontinuum laser source has the advantage of obtaining multiple line differential absorption spectra measurements to determine the concentrations of various atmospheric constituents. Simulation software such as MODTRANTM 5 has provided the means to compare and evaluate the experimental measurements. Improvements to the nanosecond supercontinuum laser fiber coupled transceiver system have allowed open atmospheric path lengths greater than 800 m. Analysis of supercontinuum absorption spectroscopy and measurements utilizing the updated system are presented.
Aging-induced anisotropy of mechanical properties in steel products: Implications for the measurement of engineering properties

Abstract Strain aging in low-carbon steels is a well-known strengthening phenomenon, the typical results of which are an increase in yield stress and/or an increase in the extent of discontinuous yielding. Aging effects are generally characterized through the use of results from mechanical tests in which the strain path prior to aging (prestrain) and the strain path after aging are in the same direction. However, these tests do not completely characterize the properties of aged materials, since the effects of aging are reduced when materials are tested in directions different than the direction of prestrain. The result is anisotropy of properties which can affect the performance of industrial products. In this paper, the effect is demonstrated in two examples of industrial products made from low carbon steels, the aging of which during processing results in performance changes that are not predicted through standard tensile testing of as-fabricated products. The first example compares the effect of aging on yield strength and dent resistance of stamped hood panels on an electro-galvanized, Al killed, bake hardenable sheet steel for auto body panel applications. The second example shows the effect of aging on the anisotropy of tensile data from two American Petroleum Institute (API) grade X100 pipe steels in the as-received condition. The data show that the performance gains realized from strain-aging in the tensile tests on base material are not apparent in the tensile data from the stamped panels after aging, but the dent resistance clearly demonstrated the beneficial effect of aging. The high degree of anisotropy in the yield strength and yielding behaviors between the circumferential and longitudinal tensile data in the two pipe steels demonstrates the effect of strain path on a materials response to aging, which may occur during downstream processing or in field service. The manifestation of material properties that are dependent upon the relationship between the pre-aging strain direction and the post-aging strain direction underscores the importance of correct evaluation of mechanical performance in the design of structural components in materials which undergo aging.
Transcatheter interventions in the early postoperative period after the Fontan procedure.

Objective: To analyze the safety and clinical impact of interventional cardiac catheter procedures in the management of early postoperative problems after completion of an extracardiac Fontan procedure. Background: The mortality after Fontan procedure has consistently decreased over the last decade. The role of interventional catheterization to address early postoperative problems in this setting has not been studied systematically. Methods: Over a 9.7-year period, 289 patients underwent an extracardiac fenestrated Fontan procedure with two early deaths (0.7%) and takedown in four (1.4%). Twenty-seven patients (9.3%) underwent 32 interventional cardiac catheter procedures at a median interval of 12.2 (1–30) days. The median weight was 14.5 (13.5–25) kg. The case notes and procedure records were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Fontan pathway obstructions were treated in 11 patients with stent implantation with good results and no complications. Stent fenestration of the Fontan circulation was performed in 16 patients with one episode of transient hemiparesis and one episode of pericardial effusion. Three patients underwent initial balloon dilatation of branch pulmonary arteries or fenestration with little effect and underwent stent treatment 6 (5–9) days later. One patient had device closure of a large atrial fenestration. In one patient, residual anterograde pulmonary blood flow was occluded using a device. There were no deaths and in-hospital course was improved in all. Conclusion: Interventional cardiac catheter procedures can be performed safely and effectively in the early postoperative period after Fontan completion to address hemodynamic problems. These techniques contribute significantly to achieve a very low mortality and address morbidity after Fontan completion. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The case for direct measurement of environmental response to hazardous materials

: Direct measurement of response thresholds of complex biological systems to toxic chemicals is now possible using microcosms and other simulation techniques. Extrapolation to no-observable response using application factors and data from single species toxicity tests is less precise than direct measurements.
On restarting the Arnoldi method for large nonsymmetric eigenvalue problems

The Arnoldi method computes eigenvalues of large nonsymmetric matrices. Restarting is generally needed to reduce storage requirements and orthogonalization costs. However, restarting slows down the convergence and makes the choice of the new starting vector difficult if several eigenvalues are desired. We analyze several approaches to restarting and show why Sorensen's implicit QR approach is generally far superior to the others. Ritz vectors are combined in precisely the right way for an effective new starting vector. Also, a new method for restarting Arnoldi is presented. It is mathematically equivalent to the Sorensen approach but has additional uses.
Reactive-flow modeling of the H/NF2/BiF reaction system

and S. PattersonU.S. Army MICOM, Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898ABSTRACTThe H/NFJBiF system is one of the most promising concepts for high-power short wavelength chemical lasers (SWCL).The preferred approach uses the H +NF2reaction to efficiently generate NF(a) energy-carrier molecules. These latter speciesinteract with Bi compounds to produce excited BiF. The potential lasing transition is BiF(A-X) emitting near 460 nm. Wereport in this paper one-dimensional (1-D) reactive-flow modeling of the H/NF/BiF system. This work supports design ofan experimental demonstration of continuous-wave lasing in a supersonic-flow, purely chemical system. The model treatsthe subsonic plenum, transonic throat, and supersonic expansion regions.1. INTRODUCTIONDuring the past 20 years of chemical laser development, many short wavelength chemical laser concepts have been proposed.The proposed concepts include both "direct formation" systems (wherein the lasing excited state is directly produced by achemical reaction) and "energy transfer" systems (wherein the excited lasing state is formed by energy transfer from anotherexcited state). For efficient chemically pumped lasing, a chemical reaction must meet stringent, and somewhat conflicting,requirements: the reaction must be fast, it must be very specific in excited state formation, and it must form an excited state
Studies on wheat plants using C14 compounds. IV. Distribution of C14 in glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and threonine arising from acetate-1-C14 and -2-C14.

Glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and threonine isolated from the gluten of wheat plants to which acetate-1-C14 or -2-C14 was administered during growth have been degraded to determine the complete intramolecular distribution of C14. Sixty-three per cent of the activity in glutamic acid arising from acetate-1-C14 was in carbon-5 and 20% in carbon-1; glutamic acid from acetate-2-C14 contained 43% of the activity in carbon-4 and about 18% in each of carbons 2 and 3. Acetate-1-C14 resulted in labelling largely in the terminal carbons of aspartic acid, and acetate-2-C14 preferentially labelled the internal carbons. The results show that the Krebs' citric acid cycle provides a major pathway for the biosynthesis of the dicarboxylic amino acids of wheat gluten.Striking parallelism in the intramolecular distribution of carbon-14 in aspartic acid and threonine demonstrates that these amino acids are closely linked biosynthetically and is in accord with the idea that aspartic acid provides the carbon skeleton for threo...
Inositol formation by cyclization of glucose chain in rat testis.

Abstract A homogenate of rat testis capable of incorporating carbon from glucose-U-C 14 into inositol has been described in a previous publication ( Eisenberg and Bolden, 1963 ). In an attempt to differentiate 1 between a hexose moiety ( Imai, 1963 ; Loewus and Kelly, 1962 ) and hexose fragments ( Charalampous, 1957 ; Hauser and Finelli, 1963 ) as precursors of inositol, the conversion of specifically labeled glucose to inositol has now been studied in rat testis homogenate with the aid of a combined plant and chemical degradative system described previously ( Loewus et al , 1962 ). Experimental evidence to be presented in this paper points unequivocally to a pathway of biosynthesis of inositol in the mammal involving cyclization of a six-carbon unit.
Screening of foods and related products for toxic elements with a portable X-ray tube analyzer

Capabilities of a portable X-ray tube-based analyzer were evaluated for screening foods, thin films, and ceramic glazes for toxic elements. A beverage spiked with Cr, Cu, and As and cocoa powder spiked with As and Pb could easily be distinguished from unadulterated products when analyzed through their original container walls. With calibration, results for thin films and ceramic glazes yielded accurate Pb results. Limits of detection (LODs) were 0.2–15 and 15 μg cm−2, respectively, for Pb and Cd in thin films and about 2 μg cm−2 for Pb in glazes. With analysis times of 0.5–1 min, sensitivities and LODs were superior to those obtained with radioisotopic X-ray fluorescence analysis.
Combining stochastic dynamical state-vector reduction with spontaneous localization.

A linear equation of motion for the state vector is presented, in which an anti-Hermitian Hamiltonian that fluctuates randomly is added to the usual Hamiltonian of the Schr\"odinger equation. It is shown how the resulting theory describes the continuous evolution of a state vector to an ensemble of reduced state vectors while retaining important physical features of the Ghirardi, Rimini, and Weber [Phys. Rev. D 34, 470 (1986)] theory of spontaneous localization, in which the state vector reduction occurs discontinuously. A novel aspect, compared with ordinary quantum theory, is that the state-vector norm changes with time. The squared norm of each state vector is interpreted as being proportional to the probability possessed by that state vector in the ensemble of state vectors. This interpretation is shown to be consistent with the independent Markovian evolution of each state vector.
Numerical experiments in geomagnetic modeling

Numerical tests were made, using least squares fitting of a spherical harmonic model, to a selection of Magsat data to determine the practical limits of this technique with modern computers. The resulting (M102189) model, whose coefficients were adjusted up to n = 50, was compared with M07AV6, a previous model which used least squares (on vector data) for coefficients up to n = 29, and Gauss-Legendre quadrature (on Z residuals) to adjust the coefficients up to n = 63. For the new least squares adjustment to n = 50 a condition number of 115 was obtained for the solution matrix, with a resulting precision of 11 significant figures. The M102189 model shows a lower and more Gaussian residual distribution than did M07AV6, though the Gaussian envelope fits to the residual distributions, even for the scalar field, gives "standard deviations' never lower than 6 nT, a factor of three higher than the estimated Magsat observational errors. Ionospheric currents are noted to have a significant effect on the coefficients of the internal potential functions.
Nutrient changes in water flooding the high salt marsh

Water samples were collected during inundation by the tides of the littoral Spartina patens vegetation. This grass is characterized by a more or less permanent inferior layer of dead grass which is thick and uniform enough to suggest a filtering system. Water analyses demonstrated clear variation with time in P, PO4, and Mn; this variation corresponds with changes in the level of the water during high tide, as well as with the progressive inundation of the Spartina patens vegetation.
Epstein-Barr virus independent dysregulation of UBP43 expression alters interferon-stimulated gene expression in Burkitt lymphoma.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) persists as a life-long latent infection within memory B cells, but how EBV may circumvent the innate immune response within this virus reservoir is unclear. Recent studies suggest that the latency-associated non-coding RNAs of EBV may actually induce type I (antiviral) interferon production, raising the question of how EBV counters the negative consequences this is likely to have on viral persistence. We addressed this by examining the type I interferon response in Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cell lines, the only in vitro model of the restricted program of EBV latency-gene expression in persistently infected B cells in vivo. Importantly, we observed no effect of EBV on interferon alpha-induced signaling or evidence of type I interferon production, suggesting that EBV in this latent state is silent to the cell's innate antiviral surveillance. We did uncover, however, a defect in the negative feedback control of interferon signaling in a subpopulation of BL lines as was revealed by prolonged interferon-stimulated gene transcription consistent with sustained tyrosine phosphorylation on STAT1 and STAT2. This was due to inadequate induction of expression of the ubiquitin-specific protease UBP43, which removes the ubiquitin-like ISG15 polypeptide conjugated to proteins (ISGylation) in response to type I interferons. Results here are consistent with previous findings in genetically engineered Ubp43−/− murine cells that UBP43 down-regulates interferon signaling, independent of its ISG15 isopeptidase activity, by precluding the protein kinase JAK1 from the interferon receptor. This natural deficiency in UBP43 expression may therefore provide a useful model to further probe the biological roles of UBP43 and ISGylation.
Acral erythema caused by high-dose methotrexate therapy in patients with osteogenic sarcoma.

High doses of methotrexate (MTX) have been incorporated in the treatment of osteogenic sarcoma since the 1970s. Unfortunately, high-dose MTX (HD-MTX) can cause untoward side effects that may complicate the proper management of these patients. Two cases of MTX-induced acral erythema are described and the possible implications of this complication are reviewed, with a discussion of the pathophysiology of this adverse effect. Two young female patients suffering from osteogenic sarcoma received HD-MTX (12 g/m2) according to the chemotherapeutic protocol. A 17-year-old patient with osteogenic sarcoma of the head developed painful acral erythema of her palms and soles after the fifth dose of MTX, and a 22-year-old patient with osteosarcoma of the femur developed severe acral erythema after the sixth dose. The severity of the reaction was significant enough to cancel further treatment with HD-MTX in both patients. All symptoms resolved without sequellae several weeks later in both cases. Acral erythema may pose ...
Anelastic indentation recovery of bioglass at room temperature

Abstract Using the microindentation technique, micro-indentations were made on bioglass 45S5 by a spherical diamond indenter for the indentation loads in the range of 50–500 mN at room temperature. Complete anelastic recoveries of the indentation depths and the impression marks were observed for the first time. The recovery rate of the indentation depth decreased with increasing the indentation load. A phenomenological model was proposed to explain the indentation recovery. It found that the recovery rate of the indentation depth was a power-function of the indentation load as supported by the experimental results.
Accurate interband-Auger-recombination rates in silicon

Band-to-band Auger recombination is the dominant recombination mechanism in silicon at high carrier concentrations. Previous calculations found Auger rates too small to account for experiment. These calculations, however, contained uncontrolled approximations. We calculate accurate Auger recombination rates in both n-type and p-type silicon, avoiding approximations made in all prior Auger work. Our calculations show that Auger recombination is an order of magnitude stronger than previously thought. Our results for n-type Si agree well with experimental lifetimes. In contrast, a phonon-assisted mechanism is indicated for p-type Si. This conclusion can be understood based on details of the band structure.
Calculation of surface tensions from the number of homolog carbons

Abstract The linearity of (γ)e (where γ is surface tension and exponent e is usually 1, 2, or 3) with the logarithms of chain length (represented by the number of carbons, Nc, or by molecular weight, M) was used to develop simple equations correlating γ with Nc or M for 62 homologous series. Surface tensions defined by the equations are presumed to be correct, whereas those in substantial disagreement are considered wrong.
Being a Good Teacher of Black Students? White Teachers and Unintentional Racism

AbstractThis ethnographic study describes the roles adopted by four White teachers in the United States during and after they participated in a seminar on teaching antiracism with colleagues at the Woodson Elementary School, the only African American neighborhood school in a small Midwestern city. Each of these teachers self‐identified as a good teacher and identified a central metaphor by which she understood her role as a teacher of Black students. By examining the roles and related practices of these teachers, I highlight the disconnect between what researchers have identified as good practices for teaching students of color and how these teachers understand themselves as good teachers. I describe how the roles that each of these four teachers adopted relate to the perpetuation of Whiteness and how such a relation is embedded in their everyday teaching practices and might function to sustain racist practice and ideology in the schooling of students of color. Findings suggest that the ways that these te...
Selection of an Alloy Composition in the Ternary Co-Cr-Al System for Oxidation Resistance

Ternary Co-Cr-Al alloy oxidation resistant composition selection, using oxide maps superimposed on phase diagram