cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postoperative separation of the cesarean section wound, with subsequent abdominal pregnancy. Report of four cases

Abstract Rupture of the cesarean section scar during labor is not at all uncommon. It usually occurs during the first labor after the section, but cases are on record in which this particular labor was terminated successfully by vaginal delivery, only to have rupture of the scar in the next labor. Rupture before labor has begun is also by no means infrequent. It is generally held that the cicatrix following the classical operation is more likely to give way than the one due to the low section. This is denied by some, who hold that statistics will ultimately show a much higher incidence of rupture of the low section scar than is at present admitted by those advocating this operation. In rupture of the scar of the classical section immediate laparotomy offers the only chance of saving the mother (the child is practically always lost), and even this is often of no avail, as the hemorrhage is so rapid and so profuse that death supervenes rapidly. On the other hand, rupture in the relatively avascular lower segment is not associated with such free bleeding, unless the uterine vessels are involved, and hence the prognosis is much more favorable. The cases under discussion in this report, however, can hardly be classed as instances of rupture of the scar, but would rather fall under the heading “postoperative separation of the cesarean section wound.” So far as I know, such a condition has not heretofore been reported. A brief review of these cases will be of interest.
Triggering and High-Level Data Selection

This document is part of Part 1 'Principles and Methods' of Subvolume B 'Detectors for Particles and Radiation' of Volume 21 'Elementary Particles' of Landolt-Bornstein - Group I 'Elementary Particles, Nuclei and Atoms'. It contains the Section '4.2 Triggering and High-Level Data Selection' of Chapter '4 Data Treatment and Analysis Methods' with the content:
Resist line edge roughness study for next generation lithography: experiment and modeling

We report the results of an experimental and simulation study of the line edge roughness (LER) for resists patterned with next generation lithography tools such as extreme ultraviolet (EUV), electron beam, and x-ray. Poor aerial image contrast (AIC) has been applied intentionally to create rough line edges. The characterization has been performed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) with carbon nanotube tips and high resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Simulation results based on percolation theory are compared with experimental results.
Life Limiting Behavior of Two Gas‐Turbine Grade Silicon Nitrides at Intermediate Temperature for Stirling Convertor Applications

As a series of material approaches to the development of advanced technology for Stirling convertors for space power applications, two commercial, structural silicon nitrides AS800 and SN282 were downselected. Their life limiting property was characterized through slow crack growth testing in flexure at an intermediate temperature of 1050 °C in air. AS800 exhibited both fast-fracture strength and Weibull modulus greater than SN282. However, life limiting phenomenon was apparent in AS800 with a low slow crack growth parameter n = 15; whereas, a much increased resistance to slow crack growth (n >150) was found in SN282. The life limiting property of both silicon nitrides was found to be consistent either in dynamic fatigue (constant stress-rate) loading or in stress rupture (constant stress or static fatigue).
A Case-Control Study of Diabetes during Pregnancy and Low Milk Supply

Low milk supply is one of the most common reasons for stopping breastfeeding. Correlates of glucose intolerance are risk factors for delayed secretory activation, but it is not known if glucose int...
TWEAK causes cell death in cultured primary myotubes (LB816)

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a proinflammatory cytokine belonging to TNF super family. TWEAK produces a variety of cellular responses through binding to fib...
Organ engineering using decellularized liver scaffold recellularized with iPSC-derived hepatocytes (398.10)

Liver transplantation is the option for end-stage liver diseases. Shortage of donor liver organ is a major issue. To overcome this, alternative approaches including hepatic cell transplantation, bioartificial liver devise and whole liver organ engineering are being investigated. We focus on developing engineered liver using natural liver scaffold generated via decellularization process. The liver scaffold would maintain the authentic three- dimensional micro-architecture and vasculature. The liver scaffold repopulated with patient-specific hepatic cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) is a promising option. For this proof-of-concept study, we decellularized rat liver by perfusing detergents SDS and Triton x-100. Histological analysis of decellularized liver matrix (DLM) revealed removal of cellular component and preservation of extra-cellular architecture. Presence of collagen type IV and laminin in the DLM was verified. Human endothelial cells seeded through DLM portal vein pres...
Perception theory: Does it make any difference?

Most learning psychologists and educational technologists have not been noticeably influenced by perception theory. Experimental work in the design of visual/perceptual materials has tended to be either strictly empirical (to determine, for instance, what works to produce a desired discrimination) or in the tradition of information theory. It appears that most people who plan instructional systems or prepare instructional materials have not been inclined to look to perception theory and research as a practical resource. This may be partly due to lack of apparent connections between perception theories and associationistic models of the learning process. Psychologists with a behavioristic orientation have long been preoccupied with the response side of the stimulusresponse learning paradigm. Developments in information coding theory in recent years have directed more attention toward the stimulus. However, the long-standing hiatus between perception theory and learning theory is still largely intact. After surveying the literature, William W. Rozeboom (1974) recently described learning theory's encroachment on perception as usually fragmentary and cryptic. Various psychologists, widely separated in time, have criticized perception theories on the grounds that they had little or nothing to say about the relationship of perception to other modes of behav
A Search for the Identity of Genotoxic Agents in the Ambient Air using the Tradescantia Bioassay

The theme of the conference on “Application of Short-Term Bioassays in the Analysis of Complex Environmental Mixtures” concerned the state of the art of bioassay systems from cultured microbes to laboratory animals and their application to the assessment of human health effects of airborne environmental contaminants. The major emphasis for short-term bioassays has been placed on bacterial and mammalian cell lines. However, for increased perspective on the state of the art of specific in vitro assays, it is important to consider the environmental impact on whole organisms by reviewing the contributions made by in vivo assays. The more classical nonmammallian in vivo systems such as Drosophila, Zea mays, and Tradescantia are characterized by well-defined genetic bases, versatility in mode of treatment, relatively low cost, short term, and/or high sensitivity to both physical (radiation) and chemical mutagens (Underbrink et al., 1973; Vogel and Sobels, 1976; Nix and Brewen, 1978; Plewa, 1978; Schairer et al., 1978a).
ANALYSIS OF COGNITIVE SOCIAL AND KNOWLEDGE NETWORKS FROM ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION

This paper explains the classical social network analysis and discusses how computer networks effect a shift in constructing social networks. The paper then concentrates on analyzing cognitive aspects of a social network, explaining a simple but scalable approach for modeling a socio-cognitive network. Novel measures using such a socio-cognitive network model are defined and applications of such measures to extract useful information is illustrated on the Enron email dataset. The paper then describes a Dempster-Schafer theory based approach towards modeling a cognitive knowledge network and uses the Enron email dataset to illustrate how the proposed model can be used to capture actors' perceptions in a knowledge network. The paper concludes with a summary of the proposed models and a discussion on new research directions that can arise due to such cognitive analyses of electronic communication data.
Sugar-sweetened soda consumption and risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in women

Background: Sugar-sweetened soda consumption is consistently associated with an increased risk of several chronic inflammatory diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Whether it plays a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a common autoimmune inflammatory disease, remains unclear. Objective: The aim was to evaluate the association between sugar-sweetened soda consumption and risk of RA in US women. Design: We prospectively followed 79,570 women from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS; 1980–2008) and 107,330 women from the NHS II (1991–2009). Information on sugar-sweetened soda consumption (including regular cola, caffeine-free cola, and other sugar-sweetened carbonated soda) was obtained from a validated food-frequency questionnaire at baseline and approximately every 4 y during follow-up. Incident RA cases were validated by medical record review. Time-varying Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate HRs after adjustment for confounders. Results from both cohorts were pooled by an inverse-variance–weighted, fixed-effects model. Results: During 3,381,268 person-years of follow-up, 857 incident cases of RA were documented in the 2 cohorts. In the multivariable pooled analyses, we found that women who consumed ≥1 serving of sugar-sweetened soda/d had a 63% (HR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.30; P-trend = 0.004) increased risk of developing seropositive RA compared with those who consumed no sugar-sweetened soda or who consumed <1 serving/mo. When we restricted analyses to those with later RA onset (after age 55 y) in the NHS, the association appeared to be stronger (HR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.56, 4.46; P-trend < 0.0001). No significant association was found for sugar-sweetened soda and seronegative RA. Diet soda consumption was not significantly associated with risk of RA in the 2 cohorts. Conclusion: Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened soda, but not diet soda, is associated with increased risk of seropositive RA in women, independent of other dietary and lifestyle factors.
Mechanical loading stimulates rapid changes in periosteal gene expression

Although mechanical forces regulate bone mass and morphology, little is known about the signals involved in that regulation. External force application increases periosteal bone formation by increasing surface activation and formation rate. In this study, the early tibial periosteal response to external loads was compared between loaded and nonloaded contralateral tibia by examining the results of blot hybridization analyses of total RNA. To study the impact of external load on gene expression, RNA blots were sequentially hybridized to cDNAs encoding the protooncogene c-fos, cytoskeletal protein β-actin, bone matrix proteins alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin (Op), and osteocalcin (Oc), and growth factors insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). The rapid yet transient increase in levels of c-fos mRNA seen within 2 hours after load application indirectly suggests that the initial periosteal response to mechanical loading is cell proliferation. This is also supported by the concomitant decline in levels of mRNAs encoding bone matrix proteins ALP, Op, and Oc, which are typically produced by mature osteoblasts. Another early periosteal response to mechanical load appeared to be the rapid induction of growth factor synthesis as TGF-β and IGF-I mRNA levels were increased in the loaded limb with peak levels being observed 4 hours after loading. These data indicate that the acute periosteal response to external mechanical loading was a change in the pattern of gene expression which may signal cell proliferation. The altered pattern of gene expression observed in the present study supports previous evidence of increased periosteal cell proliferation seen both in vivo and in vitro following mechanical loading.
The Prism with an Index of Refraction Less than Unity

The general expressions for the deviation, for the relative widths of the refracted and incident beams, and for the relation between errors in the measured quantities and the index of refraction have been derived for radiation in a principal section of a prism whose index of refraction is less than unity. It is shown that the maximum deviation that can be produced by refraction is equal to the deviation at the critical angle of reflection. It develops that for angles of incidence in the neighborhood of the critical angle of reflection the refracted beam is very broad. With the direction of the light reversed, that is, for large glancing angles of incidence and for values of glancing angles of emergence with the second surface in the region of the critical angle, the refracted beam is very sharp. Diagrams are given to show the relationships in the case of a prism whose index of refraction is 1−10−5. It is pointed out that, assuming ideal conditions, the best experimental arrangement would be one using a right-angled prism with a glancing angle of incidence equal to 90° (angle of incidence equal to zero).
Inferior Vena Cava Filters

Venous thromboembolism is common. Most pulmonary emboli arise as thromboses in the deep veins of the lower extremities and may result in serious complications. Inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) are intended to prevent the passage of deep vein thrombosis to the pulmonary arteries. Accepted indications for IVCF placement include the presence of acute venous thromboembolism with inability to administer anticoagulation medication or failure of anticoagulation. Despite these clear indications, IVCF have been commonly placed in patients for primary prevention of pulmonary emboli in patients deemed to be at high risk, along with several other “soft” indications. As a result, IVCF use has been rising over the past 2 decades, especially given the retrievable nature of modern devices. Nonetheless, IVCF are not free of complications, which may occur during implantation and retrieval and while retained in the body. Despite this increase in use, the long-term efficacy remains unclear, and the management of patients with retained filters is often controversial. Finally, filter retrieval in eligible patients is relatively infrequent, suggesting that systems must be in place to improve appropriate filter use and to increase retrieval.
Generalized eigenproblem method for surface and interface states: The complex bands of GaAs and AlAs.

A proper calculation of the complex band structure is essential for accurately obtaining the energy levels of quantum wells, or the resonances of resonant tunneling diodes. Most present empirical tight-binding calculations are based upon the nearest-neighbor ${\mathit{sp}}^{3}$s* model, and determine the complex band structure via a transfer-matrix-type equation. This procedure will fail at certain values of the in-plane wave vector ${\mathbf{k}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\parallel}}}$ or for certain parameter sets; other methods are unsuitable since they do not fully address this problem. Additionally, the nearest-neighbor ${\mathit{sp}}^{3}$s* model typically does a rather poor job reproducing the X-valley transverse effective mass. More complete calculations thus require an improved method for finding the complex bands and a more complete underlying tight-binding model. Here we develop a method which easily handles those ${\mathbf{k}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\parallel}}}$ at, or parameter sets for, which other approaches fail and implement it in the second-near neighbor ${\mathit{sp}}^{3}$s* model to find the complex bands of GaAs and AlAs. We also give the change of basis necessary to transform the equations into a real system, thus allowing for a more efficient calculation. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Activation of poly(adenosine diphosphate ribose) polymerase with UV irradiated and UV endonuclease treated SV 40 minichromosome.

SV 40 minichromosomes were used as a molecular model of eukaryotic chromatin to probe the nature of the lesion responsible for UV stimulation of poly (ADPR) polymerase. UV irradiation of the minichromosomes with doses between 50 and 1000 J/m2 did not increase their ability to stimulate the activity of purified poly(ADPR) polymerase. In contrast, when the minichromosomes were UV irradiated and then treated with M.luteus UV endonuclease, there was a marked increase in their ability to stimulate poly(ADPR) polymerase. This stimulation was completely suppressed when histone Hl was added to the poly(ADPR) polymerase assay. These studies demonstrate in a purified invitro system that damage caused by UV irradiation alone is not sufficient to stimulate poly(ADPR) polymerase activity. Only when DNA is nicked at the site of UV damage by UV endonuclease is there stimulation of poly(ADPR) polymerase.
Dynamic topology adaptation of virtual networks of virtual machines

Virtual machine grid computing greatly simplifies the use of widespread computing resources by lowering the level of abstraction, benefiting both resource providers and users. For the user, the Virtuoso middleware that we are developing closely emulates the existing process of buying, configuring and using machines. VNET, a component of Virtuoso, is a simple and efficient layer two virtual network tool that makes these virtual machines appear to be connected to the home network of the user, simplifying network management. Overlays like VNET have great potential as the mechanism for adaptation. Here, we describe our second generation VNET implementation, which includes support for arbitrary topologies and routing, application topology inference, and adaptive control of the overlay. We demonstrate that the performance of unmodified applications, in particular bulk synchronous parallel applications running inside the virtual machines and serviced by VNET, can be significantly (up to a factor of two) enhanced by adapting the VNET topology and forwarding rules on the fly based on intelligent application traffic inference methods. The adaptation scheme requires no knowledge or participation from the user or application developer.
Characterizing rate inhibition in steam/hydrogen gasification via analysis of adsorbed hydrogen

Abstract Analysis of hydrogen adsorbed onto Saran and coal char is conducted via post-gasification temperature programmed desorption to 1770 K to characterize hydrogen inhibition in steam gasification. Exposure of annealed, outgassed chars to H2O/H2/Ar mixtures at 1120 K and pressures to 3.1 MPa results in rapid adsorption of hydrogen on the char over the initial 0.5% of char conversion. Steam gasification rate simultaneously declines as a result of adsorbing hydrogen blocking a portion of reactive surface sites. Between 0.5 and 40% char conversion, adsorbed hydrogen concentration is constant at ∼2×10−3 mmol H2 m−2 at all conditions; steam gasification rate is also constant with conversion but depends strongly on hydrogen partial pressure through the reverse oxygen exchange [C(O)+H2→Cf+H2O] pathway. Thus, dissociative adsorption is the observed mode of inhibition when quantities of hydrogen are limited, and reverse oxygen exchange dictates rate dependence on hydrogen at elevated pressures where the char surface is essentially saturated in hydrogen.
Methods for Obtaining the Voltage Standing-Wave Ratio on Transmission Lines Independently of the Detector Characteristics

In the measurement of impedance at ultra-high frequencies by means of detecting standing waves on transmission lines, it is necessary to know the response law of the detector. This usually involves either a calibration of the detector or an assumption as to its characteristics. By means of the basic transmission line equations and the general law of detection, expressions are derived which give the voltage standing-wave ratio as a function of measurable electrical angles, the expressions being independent of the response law of the detector. Special cases of the general equations are discussed covering applications where high or low VSWR's are to be determined, with or without the use of the voltage maxima or minima. The extension of the methods to the case of attenuating transmission lines is given.
Polarization rotation upon reflection of direct shear waves in purely isotropic media

Summary We show that the polarizations of reflected shear waves from a fixed polarization source vary quite dramatically with offset and source-receiver azimuth in a purely isotropic medium. We also demonstrate that a critical factor in the polarization of these waves is the zero crossing on the incident angle axis of the SV-SV and SH-SH shear wave reflection response, as found by analysis of the full Zoeppritz equations. The zero crossings for SV-SV and SH-SH reflections are controlled primarily by the contrast in shear velocity and density. We numerically modeled the Zoeppritz equations for seismic reflectivity and show a remarkably wide range of variation in the polarity of the reflected shear wave for a single source polarization. We formulated a two term correction to account for these variations, and the resulting corrected polarization show a significant improvement over the original observations at angles of incidence used in normal 3D surveys.
IL-25-responsive, lineage-negative KLRG1hi cells are multipotential /`inflammatory/' type 2 innate lymphoid cells

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are lymphocyte-like cells that lack T cell or B cell antigen receptors and mediate protective and repair functions through cytokine secretion. Among these, type 2 ILCs (ILC2 cells) are able to produce type 2 cytokines. We report the existence of an inflammatory ILC2 (iILC2) population responsive to interleukin 25 (IL-25) that complemented IL-33-responsive natural ILC2 (nILC2) cells. iILC2 cells developed into nILC2-like cells in vitro and in vivo and contributed to the expulsion of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. They also acquired IL-17-producing ability and provided partial protection against Candida albicans. We propose that iILC2 cells are transient progenitors of ILCs mobilized by inflammation and infection that develop into nILC2-like cells or ILC3-like cells and contribute to immunity to both helminths and fungi.
Evaluation of the Impact of a Volunteer Ombudsman Program: The Rhode Island Experience

ABSTRACT The research assessed the impact of a major innovation in the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program that occurred in Rhode Island in 1997–the introduction of a volunteer component in which community members were trained and certified as advocates for residents in long-term care. Based on reports to the state ombudsman office, the findings indicated that the placement of volunteer ombudsman was associated with the generation of more complaints and more serious complaints about the facilities in which they were placed, some of which could not be resolved despite the greater intensity of interventions applied in these cases. Dat derived from nursing home inspections revealed a negative and significant correlation between the length of time a volunteer had been at a facility and the number of deficiencies.
Transforming Enemies into Allies: Non-Ruling Communist Parties in Multiparty Coalitions

An examination of the problems experienced by communist parties in nine coalition governments in the West helps to explain why--despite the meager results they have achieved--their sporadic participation in such coalitions continues. Analysis indicates they frequently enter governments during periods of perceived socioeconomic or political crisis as the left wing of a multiparty coalition in which a position of centrality is occupied by socialist parties, while the conservative pole is occupied by centrist parties such as the radicals or republicans. Their perception that a crisis situation obtains, a fear of being absent during this critical period, and the need not to be isolated, lead communist parties to support actively or passively moderate policies and to form alliances with normally anti-communist elements in a coalition. Their relatively risk-adverse behavior contrasts sharply with their claims to be unblemished revolutionary parties and generates strong internal strains within their organization...
A modification of the Hulse lickerandum: Preliminary studies and suggested applications

Three problems bearing on the utility of the rat’s tongue lick were attacked with provisional success: first, slight modification of an extant operandum-feeder afforded a simple and flexible means of measuring, and reinforcing the licking operant; second, Ss’ performances on FR schedules demonstrated that the tongue-lick, while possessing respondent properties, is unequivocally a “free” operant; and third, gross examination of 10 rats’ tongues following 55,000 to 127,000 licking responses revealed no observable deleterious changes. Several applications are suggested.
Pediatric Deformity Correction Using a Multiaxial Correction Fixator

Circular fixators have been used successfully to correct multiplanar deformities but are often cumbersome and may be difficult to apply. We determined whether a monolateral fixator, which allows for correction of angular deformity and displacement in three planes, can correct lower extremity deformities to within normal radiographic means (anatomic lateral distal femoral angle, anatomic medial proximal tibial angle, and tibial femoral angle). We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records and radiographs of 22 consecutive patients (25 limbs) who underwent deformity correction using a new multiaxial monolateral external fixator. The patients were 4 to 16 years of age. We had a minimum 1.2-year followup (mean, 2.14 years; range, 1.2–3.1 years). Those with primary femoral and tibial deformities had improvements in the mean deviation from normal of the anatomic lateral distal femoral angle, anatomic medial proximal tibial angle and tibial femoral angle. Patients with Blount’s disease had improvements in the mean anatomic medial proximal tibial angle from 59.9o to 87.8o. Five patients had complications (two pin site infections, one premature consolidation, one knee flexion contracture, one recurrence of varus). Six patients developed secondary deformities, all of which were corrected using the primary or secondary hinge. We conclude this fixator can produce satisfactory results with relatively few complications.
Seasonal export of South Atlantic Bight and Mid-Atlantic Bight shelf waters at Cape Hatteras

Abstract Studies of Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB) shelf water export to the open ocean at Cape Hatteras have produced fairly consistent estimates of ~0.25 Sv, with just under half of the total carried within the Shelfbreak Front (SBF), and the remainder carried southward over the MAB shelf inshore of the shelf break and the SBF. Mean northward transport along the northern South Atlantic Bight (SAB) delivers SAB shelf water to the Cape Hatteras, which must also be exported to the open ocean. In the following, the magnitude of year-round SAB shelf water export at Cape Hatteras is estimated for the first time, and is found to be as large as the exported MAB shelf water volumes, with large seasonal variability. In summer, SAB export volume is much larger than the volume of exported MAB shelf water, while in late winter, MAB export volume exceeds that of SAB shelf water. Several aspects of circulation fields at Cape Hatteras that affect export pathways and residence times of both MAB and SAB shelf water are examined. The importance of these large and variable export volumes to carbon budgets in the southern MAB and northern SAB is considered.
Reports of Conferences, Institutes, and Seminars

This quarter's column features a report on select sessions of the American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting, held January 24–28, 2014, in Philadelphia, PA.
Quartz crystal microbalance biosensor study of endothelial cells and their extracellular matrix following cell removal: Evidence for transient cellular stress and viscoelastic changes during detachment and the elastic behavior of the pure matrix.

Abstract A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) cell biosensor utilizing living endothelial cells (ECs) or human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) adhering to the gold QCM surface was used to study the relative contributions of the cells and their underlying extracellular matrix (ECM) to the measured QCM Δf and ΔR shifts. The ECM represents a natural biomaterial that is synthesized by the cells to enable their attachment to surfaces. We followed the detachment of the ECs or MCF-7 cells from their ECM using a nonproteolytic method and were able to apportion the total frequency, Δf, decrease of the biosensor into contributions from cell attachment and from the intact underlying ECM. We also demonstrated that the Δf shift remaining after EC removal corresponds to ECM as determined by light microscopic visualization of the stained protein. During the process of cell detachment, we observed a novel transient increase in viscoelastic behavior expressed as a transient increase in the motional resistance, ΔR, parameter. Then we showed via a simulation experiment using ECs stained with fluorescent rhodamine-labeled phalloidin, an actin stain, that the transient viscoelastic increase correlated with cellular stress exhibited by the cells during removal with ethylene glycol bis(2-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N′,N′- tetraacetic acid. Prior to cells lifting from their ECM, the attached ECs rearrange their actin microfilaments first into peripheral stress fibers and second into internal aggregates, to maintain cell–cell connectivity, retain their spread morphology, and attempt to adhere more tightly to their underlying ECM. The decrease in ΔR following its transient rise corresponds to cells finally losing their attachment focal points and lifting from the ECM. We also characterized the normalized f shifts, −Δ(Δf)ECM/attached cell and −Δ(Δf)cells/attached cell, as a function of varying the number of adherent cells. Finally, we demonstrate that the underlying native ECM biomaterial, from which all cells have been removed, does not exhibit any significant level of energy dissipation, in contrast to the cells when they are attached to the ECM.
The Eloquent Silence in “Hellfire Hotchkiss”

Among "Hellfire the Hotchkiss" many stories stands Twain out left as enigmatic unfinished, yet especially remarkably toward satisfying. the end Begun of his in August career, "Hellfire Hotchkiss" stands out as enigmatic yet remarkably satisfying. Begun in August of 1 897, one year after the death of his daughter Susy and one year after the publication of Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, "Hellfire Hotchkiss" features another "Vesuvius seen through the butt-end of the telescope."1 Rachel ("Hellfire"), with her mercurial temper, is an incurable tomboy (Twain's term) who plays only with the boys in the town. In Hellfire, Mark Twain imagines through fiction what we now might understand to be a lesbian character. He imagines Hellfire as "queer" not in terms of a sexual practice, indeed not even in relation to another young woman, but in terms of one who defies to the core of her being the conventional gender role assigned her as a girl. Remarkably, Twain depicts the genderdefiant Hellfire as a fully sympathetic character, and a heroine in her home town. Assuredly, the term "lesbian" is never mentioned in the text; indeed the term was not yet in common use in 1897 in the ways we understand it today. There was as yet no clear notion in the 1890s of a fixed gender identity determined by the object of one's desire. A young woman could enter into a "Boston marriage;" schoolgirls and college girls could develop "smashes" on one another and have intimate romantic relationships without such choices or activities constituting an "identity" as we have come to know it in the 2 1st century. Nonetheless, it was in the final decades of the 1 9th century that homosexuality began to have an emerging public face. Mark Twain, always an avid reader of daily newspapers and alert to the cultural debates taking place around him, would have been fully familiar with the 1 895 Oscar Wilde trials and all the publicity they generated; in all likelihood he would have known of the writing of the sexologists Havelock Ellis and Kraft-Ebbing, and the controversies surrounding their publications; and he surely would have followed the sensational reports about the murder of Freda Ward, in Tennessee, by her lover, Alice Mitchell.2 In Twain's story "Hellfire Hotchkiss," Rachel/Hellfire is not involved in any relationship; indeed, the only character Hellfire is paired with is an effeminate male
Perinatal manifestations of idiopathic long QT syndrome.

A neonate who had presented with sustained irregular heart rate during labor was found to have QT prolongation and repetitive polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (torsades de pointes) postnatally. Propranolol and propafenone successfully controlled the ventricular arrhythmias. Follow-up electrocardiograms and Holter records show persistent QT prolongation, bizarre T waves, and intermittent episodes of T wave alternans. On propranolol monotherapy the boy is thriving and completely free of ventricular arrhythmias. In the rate case of long QT syndrome in the neonate, early detection and therapy are mandatory to prevent ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death.
OP21.04: Obstetrical outcome in 80 pregnancies with prenatally diagnosed hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) at a referral center

A. Levey1, L. L. Simpson2,3, C. S. Kleinman1,3, J. Glickstein1,3, S. M. Levasseur1,3, I. Williams1,3 1Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY, USA; 2Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY, USA; 3The Center for Prenatal Pediatrics, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York, New York, NY, USA
Dynamic charge interactions create surprising rigidity in the ER/K α-helical protein motif

Protein α-helices are ubiquitous secondary structural elements, seldom considered to be stable without tertiary contacts. However, amino acid sequences in proteins that are based on alternating repeats of four glutamic acid (E) residues and four positively charged residues, a combination of arginine (R) and lysine (K), have been shown to form stable α-helices in a few proteins, in the absence of tertiary interactions. Here, we find that this ER/K motif is more prevalent than previously reported, being represented in proteins of diverse function from archaea to humans. By using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we characterize a dynamic pattern of side-chain interactions that extends along the backbone of ER/K α-helices. A simplified model predicts that side-chain interactions alone contribute substantial bending rigidity (0.5 pN/nm) to ER/K α-helices. Results of small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and single-molecule optical-trap analyses are consistent with the high bending rigidity predicted by our model. Thus, the ER/K α-helix is an isolated secondary structural element that can efficiently span long distances in proteins, making it a promising tool in designing synthetic proteins. We propose that the significant rigidity of the ER/K α-helix can help regulate protein function, as a force transducer between protein subdomains.
Statistical approach to online prognostics of turbine engine components

Prognostic will be an essential and integral component of the future advanced turbine engine operations and is the main focus of this paper. In the paper we have developed, implemented and tested a prognostic software system for estimating the remaining useful life (RUL) of failing components of a commercial grade turbofan engine. The software system was developed in two stages - prognostic stage for predicting engine component's remaining useful life (RUL) and decision-fusion stage for combining the different decisions predicted by the prognostic software. A graphical user interface (GUI) was also developed for testing and ease of operation. Two different prediction approaches were used in the development of the prognostic software - a deterministic and a probabilistic prediction approaches. A nonlinear exponential prediction method was used to develop the deterministic prognostic algorithm and the cloud computation theory was used to develop a probabilistic prediction algorithm. The data used were the estimated efficiency and flow of the engine derived by a diagnostic software from the sensor measurement of temperature and pressure of an engine component. The decision fusion stage was used to fuse all predicted RUL values by the prognostic algorithms to produce a final decision about the most accurate RUL prediction of an engine's failed component. Fuzzy logic inference system was used in the development of the decision-fusion algorithm. The overall performance of the developed prognostic software system was satisfactory and the test results produced accuracy above the ninety percent when the input efficiency and flow data were free of measurement noise. The prediction accuracy of the component's RUL was dropped to about eighty percent when the input data were corrupted with ten percent measurement noise. However, during the fusion stage some of the low RUL prediction accuracy due to noise was regained. In this paper, the development steps along with descriptions of the technical approaches used in the development of the prognostics and fusion algorithms are included. Test results are also provided and explained with adequate illustrations along with comparison of the major differences between the two prediction approaches used to develop the prognostics algorithms.
Mannitol and inflammatory markers in the cerebral spinal fluid of HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis

Mannitol is a polyol produced by Cryptococcus neoformans and other fungi, including Aspergillus and Saccharomyces species [1]. A by-product of fungal metabolism, mannitol acts as a scavenger for extracellular free radicals protecting the organism from the environment and assists in the evasion of host phagocytic destruction [2–4]. Mannitol has been detected at higher concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of animals with cryptococcal meningitis (CM) than in uninfected controls [4]. The accumulation of mannitol in the CSF may exert a significant osmotic effect in the central nervous system of patients with C. neoformans meningitis, due to its inability to cross the blood–brain barrier and its resistance to host metabolism [5]. The concentration of mannitol in the CSF has been correlated with both cryptococcal antigen titre and with quantitative cryptococcal culture in animal models of CM [4]. Megson et al. [5] were able to detect mannitol in 19 of 20 CSF samples from HIV-infected patients with CM; however, no comparisons were made to the levels in uninfected controls or to disease severity. CSF was collected with informed consent from HIVinfected patients for whom the diagnosis of CM was being considered. Mannitol may play a role in the development of cerebral oedema and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) seen in patients with CM, and its presence during infection may impact the host local inflammatory response. We hypothesised that an elevated ICP, as measured by the opening pressure (OP), and local central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory parameters from confirmed cases of CM would correlate to the CSF concentration of mannitol and that these levels would be higher than in HIV-infected patients without CM. CM diagnosis was made based on the clinical signs and symptoms of meningitis and either confirmed growth of C. neoformans from CSF or blood and/or a detectable CSF cryptococcal antigen titre of 1:2 or higher. Control patients presented with a clinical suspicion for meningitis, but their CSF and blood cultures did not yield C. neoformans and their CSF cryptococcal antigen tests were negative. Patients with a prior history of CM were excluded. CSF samples were stored at −80°C until batched analysis could be performed. The concentration (μg/ml) of mannitol was determined by the gas–liquid chromatography method previously described by Wong et al. [4]. Undiluted CSF samples were assayed in duplicate for selected inflammatory parameters Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis (2008) 27:477–479 DOI 10.1007/s10096-008-0462-1
Implementation of networked robot control system over controller area network

Nowadays robots have advanced from single-platform system to a networked multi-platform system. However, sequential and synchronous control methods that traditionally have been adapted to robots and automation systems are not functioning well for networked robots and control systems. In this paper a networked robot control system based upon controller area network (CAN), of which components are implemented with mostly aperiodic and event-triggered approaches to exchange messages and methods properly, are developed and tested to know its performance regarding proper timing and delay between CAN and robots, and critical section problem arising from process synchronization and coordination of robots.
Simulation of photonic bandgaps in real holographically formed 3D photonic crystals and holographic fabrication

This paper presents a photonic bandgap simulation for real holographic 3D photonic crystals instead of optimal photonic crystal structures. The holographic photonic crystals are formed through five-beam interference generated by multi-layer phase mask. The photonic bandgap depends on the relative phase difference among the interfering beams. A maximum bandgap of 20% of the middle bandgap can exist in these structures which can be formed through single beam, single phase mask, and single laser exposure process. We also fabricate the multi-layer phase mask by placing a spacer layer between gratings. Using the multi-layer phase mask, photonic crystal templates are holographically fabricated in a photosensitive polymer.
Decision-aiding software for all fields of knowledge

‘This program is related to the field of multicriteria decision-making. That field includes such literature as EI~WAK~~S, w. ANI> NEWMAN, K. (1982). Mi~ll~-utiri~ui~, ewlunrion. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage PuhIications. SAAI‘Y, 7. (lOSO). The unu~yk hierurchy process: Planning, p&wily .serring, resource allocution. New York: McGraw-Hill. ZEI.L.NY. M. (1982). Mulriple criteria decision-rnrrking. New York: McGraw-Hill. In comparison to those methods. the P/G% program is both simpler to use and more realistic in its proccdures. The program is also related to spreadsheet analysis. hut it is more focused on evaluating alternatives and informing the user as to what changes will make a difference as well as what difference they will make. See HENIEKSON, ‘1. (1983). ~~re~ds~eet soffwure: From Vi.riC& to I-2-3. Indianapolis: Que. This article briefly describes a new microcomputer system called Policy/Goal Percentaging Analysis. The system is designed to process a set of:
Motivated belief and agency

Abstract Can the existence of motivationally biased beliefs plausibly be explained without appealing to actions that are aimed at producing or protecting these beliefs? Drawing upon some recent work on everyday hypothesis testing, I argue for an affirmative answer. Some theorists have been too quick to insist that motivated belief must involve, or typically does involve, our trying to bring it about that we acquire or retain the belief, or our trying to make it easier for ourselves to believe a preferred proposition—and too quick to conclude that such exercises of agency are involved in specific instances of the phenomenon. There are alternative ways to accommodate the data, and it is far from clear that the “agency view” accommodates them better.
Calculating melting temperatures and pressures of peridotite protoliths: Implications for the origin of cratonic mantle

Abstract The old, stable cores of continents – cratons – are underlain by thick and cold mantle keels, composed of melt-depleted and low density peridotite residues. The origins of these thick keels are debated. Were these thick keels formed in situ, by orogenic thickening, or by underplating of buoyant residual mantle? Key to this debate is determining the temperature and pressure at which the protoliths of cratonic peridotites melted (igneous protolith conditions) and comparing to their metamorphic (subsolidus) temperatures and pressures within the keel. This paper presents a method for explicit calculation of the temperatures and pressures at which the peridotite protoliths melted. The approach relies only on the bulk FeO and MgO of residual peridotites. A system of equations consisting of mass balance and new calibrations of Mg peridotite/melt partitioning and melt productivity is then solved simultaneously. The igneous protoliths of abyssal peridotites are found to have melted at effective pressures of 1–2 GPa and temperatures of 1300–1400 °C, within error of the magmatic temperatures and pressures of melt extraction inferred independently from the SiO2 and MgO contents of mid-ocean ridge basalts. Archean cratonic peridotites, after filtering for the secondary effects of refertilization and orthopyroxene-metasomatism, give igneous protolith pressures and temperatures of 1–5 GPa (30–150 km) and 1400–1750 °C, similar to magmatic temperatures and pressures determined for Archean basalts thought to be representative of the thermal state of the Archean ambient mantle. Most importantly, cratonic peridotite protolith pressures and temperatures are shallower and hotter than their subsolidus equilibration pressures (3–7.5 GPa; 90–200 km) and temperatures (900–1300 °C), which reflects the recent thermal state of the cratonic lithosphere. Specifically, for individual samples with both melting and subsolidus thermobarometric constraints, we find that subsolidus pressures are 1–2 GPa (30–60 km) higher than their igneous protolith pressures although some of the deepest samples experienced minor increases in pressure. Collectively, these results support the suggestion that the building blocks of cratons were generated by hot shallow melting with a mantle potential temperature 200–300 °C warmer than the present. This shallowly generated mantle was subsequently thickened during orogenic episodes, culminating in the formation of a thick, stable craton. Whether such thickening has any modern analogs cannot be answered from this work alone.
A review of recent russian work on sandwich structures.

Summary Contributions on the large deflection, vibration and elastic stability of sandwich shells are surveyed and some of the results are partially reproduced.
A coordinating contract for transshipment in a two-company supply chain

We study a supply chain with two independent companies producing an identical product and cooperating through transshipment. Previous studies of this chain show that only under certain conditions, linear transshipment prices could be found that induce the companies to choose the first best production quantities. Moreover, even if such transshipment prices do exist, they result in a unique division of total expected profit and thus they cannot accommodate arbitrary divisions of the profit. Using the Generalized Nash Bargaining Solution, we derive coordinating transshipment prices that always give rise to a coordinating contract for the chain. This contract relies on an implicit pricing mechanism.