cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of disrupted linguapalatal taction on physiologic parameters of articulation

Abstract One-hundred-and-seventy life-size radiograms and one-hundred feet of cinefluorographic film were obtained from eight eleven-year-olds producing front-of-the-mouth phonemes in isolation and in words before and after linguapalatal taction was disrupted. The results indicate that disrupted linguapalatal taction does not alter significantly lingual placements and contours and mandibular placements during the productions of nine phonemes and the physiologic position of rest.
Case report: the effect of proton pump inhibitor administration on hemodynamics in a cardiac intensive care unit

Ex vivo studies have suggested that high dose proton pump inhibitors (PPI) may have negative inotropic effects in myocardial tissue. We sought to investigate this concept in a real-world clinical setting. In this case series, we enrolled critically ill patients in the coronary and cardiothoracic intensive care units who had a preexisting pulmonary artery (PA) catheter in place for hemodynamic monitoring and were on a PPI for prespecified clinical indications. Hemodynamic measurements were made at baseline and then at 15 minute intervals for 1 hour after PPI administration. A total of 18 patients were evaluated; 72% were male with a mean age of 59.9 years. A total of 9 patients were evaluated on 2 consecutive days, yielding 26 patient-exposures to the medication. The majority of patients (72%) were receiving 1 or more inotropic agents (n = 6), a vasopressor (n = 4), or both (n = 4). When compared to baseline values, there was no significant change in mean arterial pressure (baseline 80 +/- 11 mm Hg), heart rate (87 +/- 11 bpm), or Fick cardiac index (2.7 +/- 1.8 L/min/m(2)). Mean PA pressure did decrease transiently at 45 minutes following PPI administration (28.5 +/- 7.7 mm Hg at baseline vs 26.5 +/- 7.5 mm Hg, P = 0.017), but is unlikely to be of clinical significance. In conclusion, these data suggest that IV PPIs do not immediately impact important hemodynamic parameters and are likely safe in a high-risk intensive care setting.
Subtotal Intracapsular Prostatectomy Results in Normal Dogs

Subtotal intracapsular prostatectomy was performed on five normal dogs. All dogs were maintained for 60 days postoperatively. No urinary abnormalities were noted following surgery with the exception of transient urinary incontinence in one dog that lasted for 7 days. Upon termination of the study, the prostatic urethra had reepithelized in all dogs where a dorsal strip of epithelium was left in place during surgery.
Methods for Describing the Electromagnetic Properties of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles

This Account provides an overview of the methods that are currently being used to study the electromagnetics of silver and gold nanoparticles, with an emphasis on the determination of extinction and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra. These methods have proven to be immensely useful in recent years for interpreting a wide range of nanoscience experiments and providing the capability to describe optical properties of particles up to several hundred nanometers in dimension, including arbitrary particle structures and complex dielectric environments (adsorbed layers of molecules, nearby metal films, and other particles). While some of the methods date back to Mie's celebrated work a century ago, others are still at the forefront of algorithm development in computational electromagnetics. This Account gives a qualitative description of the physical and mathematical basis behind the most commonly used methods, including both analytical and numerical methods, as well as representative results of applications that are relevant to current experiments. The analytical methods that we discuss are either derived from Mie theory for spheres or from the quasistatic (Gans) model as applied to spheres and spheroids. In this discussion, we describe the use of Mie theory to determine electromagnetic contributions to SERS enhancements that include for retarded dipole emission effects, and the use of the quasistatic approximation for spheroidal particles interacting with dye adsorbate layers. The numerical methods include the discrete dipole approximation (DDA), the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method, and the finite element method (FEM) based on Whitney forms. We discuss applications such as using DDA to describe the interaction of two gold disks to define electromagnetic hot spots, FDTD for light interacting with metal wires that go from particle-like plasmonic response to the film-like transmission as wire dimension is varied, and FEM studies of electromagnetic fields near cubic particles.
Association of thrombocytopenia and delivery method with intraventricular hemorrhage among very-low-birth-weight infants.

Abstract Objectives: To investigate the significance of neonatal thrombocytopenia and delivery method on the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage in infants weighing Study Design: A total of 1283 infants weighing Results: Of the infants analyzed, 145 (11.3%) had thrombocytopenia (platelet count 9 /L). The incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage was greater among infants with thrombocytopenia than among those without (44.8% vs 23.9%, P P P =.005). Vaginal delivery and platelets 9 /L on day 1 were independent risk factors for intraventricular hemorrhage (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.8 and OR 11.2, 95% CI 3.0-42.5, respectively). Conclusions: This multicenter study confirms that thrombocytopenia and intraventricular hemorrhage are not uncommon in neonates who weigh
An Implantable Transit-Time Aortic Flow Probe Using Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasound Transducers: Design and Optimization

Monitoring cardiac output continuously post-surgery for children with congenital heart disease is an important part of post-operative recovery, especially given the potential for large changes in vascular pressure as a side-effect of pharmaceutical agents given to help recovery. Current methods to monitor cardiac output are limited by the requirement for invasiveness (cuff-type flow probes), or do not provide continuous monitoring (ultrasound Doppler). Using a combination of analytical and finite element modeling, we explore the design and optimization of a unique ultrasonic transit-time flow probe that extends the capability of current devices by providing greater miniaturization, better sensitivity, and lower cost through the use of capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer (cMUT) technology.© 2007 ASME
WITHDRAWN: Reprint of “Factors in Successful Occupational Safety Programs”

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal ( http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy ). This reprinted article has been retracted at the request of the Publisher. The online version of this reprint has been withdrawn as it was a redundant duplicate of the original article. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.
Corticotropin-releasing factor antagonists : Therapeutic potential in the treatment of affective disorders

Since its isolation and characterisation in 1981, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) has been found to integrate not only the endocrine, but also the autonomic, immunological and behavioural, responses of mammalian organisms to stress. Direct CNS administration of CRF to laboratory animals produces actions similar to those observed after exposure to stress. Moreover, CNS administration of peptidergic CRF antagonists blocks many of the behavioural responses to stress. Because both early untoward life events as well as recently experienced stress have been implicated in the pathophysiology of affective disorders, and because there is substantial evidence for CRF neuronal hyperactivity in patients with affective disorders, small molecule, lipophilic CRF antagonists have been hypothesised to possess antidepressant activity. Within the last few years, a number of pharmaceutical companies have developed selective, small molecule CRF1 receptor antagonists. These compounds block the effects of CRF both in vitro and in vivo. There is also evidence that these agents possess anxiolytic and antidepressant activity in animal behavioural models. Compounds that act upon the CRF system have been hypothesised to be of value not only for certain psychiatric disorders but also in neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders. Some of these CRF1 receptor antagonists are currently undergoing clinical trials to determine their efficacy and tolerability in patients with affective disorders.
Self-tuning caching: the Universal Caching algorithm

A cache replacement policy is normally suited to a particular class of applications, or limited to a set of fixed criteria for evaluating the cache-worthiness of an object. We present Universal Caching as a mechanism to capture the generality of the most adaptive algorithms, while depending on a very limited set of basic criteria for cache-replacement decisions. Our testing was limited to Web workloads, where we tested the Universal Caching policy using real-world traces from both the server-side and client-side proxies. Using a self-tuning mechanism, combined with a generalization of the criteria employed in GD-* Web caching, Universal Caching was able to consistently outperform any other fixed choice of algorithm we tested. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large-scale ninhydrin reservoir system for automatic amino acid analysis

Abstract Automated amino acid analysis (1) has been markedly accelerated by the development of commercial models for this purpose. The addition of further instrumentation (2) has allowed utilization of the instruments on a continuous basis. Continuous operation of several automatic amino acid analyzers requires large reserves of buffers for efficient utilization of machine time. Column buffers are generally prepared in large quantities, however, ninhydrin reagent is normally prepared in 4-liter batches for each machine. This quantity of ninhydrin is only sufficient for about 2 weeks of continuous operation. One of the problems of enlarging the original type of ninhydrin system (1) is the necessity of providing several equally large containers for oil or water in order to maintain nitrogen gas at a slight positive pressure over the ninhydrin reagent for the exclusion of air. Space limitations in commercial instruments restricted the enlargement of this system. This paper deals with the description and operation of a large-scale ninhydrin system employing constant nitrogen pressure (3) without the use of a hydrostatic system. The system can be easily adapted to commercial instruments at a nominal cost (about $100).
Three-year postoperative ultrasensitive prostate-specific antigen following open radical retropubic prostatectomy is a predictor for delayed biochemical recurrence.

Abstract Background Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the only independent predictor of biochemical recurrence (BCR) following radical prostatectomy (RP) subject to change over time. Objective To determine whether an ultrasensitive PSA measured at 3 yr following RP is a predictor of subsequent BCR. Design, setting, and participants There were 1197 consecutive men with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent an open radical retropubic prostatectomy (ORRP) at a tertiary referral academic medical center. Exclusions included 107 men (8.9%) who developed a PSA level ≥0.2 ng/ml or underwent hormone therapy or radiation therapy (RT) within the first 3 r after surgery, 191 men (16%) who did not undergo a 3-yr ultrasensitive PSA assay, and 98 men (8.2%) who had PSA levels ≥0.1 and n =765), and group 2, which consisted of patients whose PSA was >0.04 and n =36). Measurements Delayed BCR was the primary end point and represented those men in this cohort who developed a PSA level ≥0.2 or underwent salvage RT for a persistently rising PSA level after 3 yr of follow-up. Results and limitations The 7-yr cumulative BCR-free survival rate for groups 1 and 2 was 0.957 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.920–0.978) and 0.654 (95% CI, 0.318–0.855), respectively. In multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, ultrasensitive PSA level at 3 yr remained the only significant predictor of delayed BCR (likelihood ratio χ 2 for full model: 27.03; df =1; p Conclusions Our findings provide compelling evidence that an ultrasensitive PSA at 3 yr following RP provides useful insights into delayed BCR and is a source of reassurance for the overwhelming majority of men being followed for delayed recurrences.
Mapping Visual Studies in Communication

This essay documents the main currents of visual studies in communication. After a brief history of the emergence of the field, we review the record of published research in books and journals during the past 5 years, identifying major strains of theory, key issues, and topical categories. We then apply the strains of thought to classify papers presented at the ICA conferences, noting patterns and shifts across and within ICA divisions and interest groups. Based on these patterns, as well as on informal input from colleagues, we map the discipline formation of visual studies and identify trends in institutional development. We conclude by exploring future directions for the field now that the visual interest group has grown to become the Visual Studies Division of ICA.
The PLT: A Luminosity Monitor for CMS Based on Single-Crystal Diamond Pixel Sensors

The Pixel Luminosity Telescope (PLT) system is an innovative luminosity monitor being developed as an early upgrade for the CMS detector at the LHC. An essential feature of the PLT is the use of single crystal diamond, grown by chemical vapor deposition, as the active sensor material. The radiation hardness of diamond, along with its lack of need for active cooling, are key to the design and functioning of the PLT. While diamond sensors have been used in several collider experiments, primarily for monitoring of beam conditions, these have mostly been based on poly-crystal diamonds. The PLT will be the first device to rely on the use of a single-crystal diamond and the first to use diamond pixel sensors. We will discuss the important role that a single-crystal diamond will play in the PLT operation. We will contrast single-crystal to poly-crystal diamond sensors, provide an overview of the PLT concept, and present results on its performance.
Psychopharmacology in the Treatment of Conduct Disorder Children and Adolescents: Rationale, Prospects, and Ethics:

The rationale for psychopharmacological treatments of conduct disorder (CD) in children and adolescent is discussed with reference to the presumed neurophysiological basis of the disorder. Specific psychopharmacological treatments for children with CD are identified and briefly evaluated in terms of their empirical foundations. The lack of a secure knowledge base on the biochemical basis of CD and the efficacy of psychopharmacological treatments with children and adolescents suggests the need for caution in the wide use of pharmacotherapy with these populations. Psychopharmacological treatments with children and adolescents with CD are particularly indicated for reactive aggression, and CD with comordid conditions. Conceptual and methodological improvements in use of psychotropic medications with children and adolescents are discussed as well as the associated ethical considerations.
Effect of freezing temperature and warming rate on dendrite break-up when freezing ice cream mix

Small ice crystals are critical to ice cream quality and shelf life. In a scraped-surface freezer, ice crystals nucleate on the wall where the temperature is the coldest. The scraper blade then transports these crystals, in a layer of slush, to the warmer bulk zone of the freezer. Understanding the formation of ice crystals in a scraped-surface freezer will aid in retaining small ice crystals in ice cream. By freezing and warming thin layers of ice cream mix on a temperature-controlled microscope slide, it was found that warmer freezing temperatures gave more elongated and slightly larger crystals with a wider size distribution. Warming the crystals faster produced smaller or rounder ice crystals, depending on the residence time. These results suggest that, other variables being equal, freezers designed to quickly warm the scraped slush layer from its wall temperature to the bulk temperature may produce ice cream with smaller ice crystals.
Ultrafast quenching of tryptophan fluorescence in proteins: Interresidue and intrahelical electron transfer

Quenching of tryptophan fluorescence in proteins has been critical to the understanding of protein dynamics and enzyme reactions using tryptophan as a molecular optical probe. We report here our systematic examinations of potential quenching residues with more than 40 proteins. With site-directed mutation, we placed tryptophan to desired positions or altered its neighboring residues to screen quenching groups among 20 amino acid residues and of peptide backbones. With femtosecond resolution, we observed the ultrafast quenching dynamics within 100 ps and identified two ultrafast quenching groups, the carbonyl- and sulfur-containing residues. The former is glutamine and glutamate residues and the later is disulfide bond and cysteine residue. The quenching by the peptide-bond carbonyl group as well as other potential residues mostly occurs in longer than 100 ps. These ultrafast quenching dynamics occur at van der Waals distances through intraprotein electron transfer with high directionality. Following optimal molecular orbital overlap, electron jumps from the benzene ring of the indole moiety in a vertical orientation to the LUMO of acceptor quenching residues. Molecular dynamics simulations were invoked to elucidate various correlations of quenching dynamics with separation distances, relative orientations, local fluctuations and reaction heterogeneity. These unique ultrafast quenching pairs, as recently found to extensively occur in high-resolution protein structures, may have significant biological implications.
On the eye of the Goldeye Hiodon alosoides (Teleostei: Hiodontidae)

In the eye of the Goldeye the photoreceptors are arranged in bundles and the pigment epithelium contains a massive reflector or tapetum lucidum. Photoreceptor bundles are arranged in parallel rows, the bundles alternating in position from row to row. Each bundle contains about 60 photoreceptors, of which 30 or so are cones. Rod outer segments lie in the scleral half of the outer retinal region of the light-adapted eye. Processes of the pigment epithelium cells extend vitread almost to the external limiting membrane; they envelop the bundles of rods and cones, and a ring of four processes surrounds each bundle. A process contains two kinds of reflecting crystals (composed of uric acid). A large part of the epithelium cell is packed with small disc-shaped crystals (crystallites) enclosed in thin membranes; the tip of the process, in the region of the photoreceptor bundle, contains orderly arrays of small rod-shaped crystals (rodlets). It is suggested that the crystallites form a diffuse reflector backscattering light into the rods; and that the rodlets reflect light regularly from their surfaces into the photoreceptor bundles. In the light-adapted state, rods are enveloped by pigment and crystallites. The organization is compared with that of other fishes that have photoreceptors in bundles (grouped retinae) and tapeta lucida.
Parallelization of the Reduced-Coupling Technique for a Method-of-Moments-Based Field Solver Used for Product-Level Wide Data-Bus Analysis

A parallel LU decomposition algorithm is presented to take advantage of the sparse impedance matrix produced by the reduced-coupling method. This algorithm allows rapid simulation of very large chip and packaging problems. A representative example is shown for a wide, on-chip data-bus that required one million surface unknowns and the computational power of a 1024-node IBM BlueGene cluster with distributed memory.
Distal Intramural Urethral Pathology in Women

Purpose: We reviewed the evaluation of distal intramural urethral pathology in women and its management using urethral dilation and general anesthesia.Materials and Methods: After receiving institutional review board approval we reviewed consecutive charts of women who underwent urethral dilation under general anesthesia for distal intramural urethral pathology. The pathological condition was defined as bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms with distal urethral narrowing and proximal ballooning on lateral voiding cystourethrogram. Patients with extramural, intraluminal or nondistal urethral pathology or neurogenic bladder were excluded from study. Success was defined as complete or major lower urinary tract symptom improvement 6 months after 1 urethral dilation using general anesthesia and no need for a repeat or another procedure.Results: Eight of 101 cases (8%) reviewed between 1998 and 2010 were lost to followup at less than 6 months. Of the remaining 93 patients with a mean ± SD age of 52 ± 16 years...
Tissue Engineering the Small Intestine

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) results from the loss of a highly specialized organ, the small intestine. SBS and its current treatments are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Production of tissue-engineered small intestine (TESI) from the patient's own cells could restore normal intestinal function via autologous transplantation. Improved understanding of intestinal stem cells and their niche have been coupled with advances in tissue engineering techniques. Originally described by Vacanti et al of Massachusetts General Hospital, TESI has been produced by in vivo implantation of organoid units. Organoid units are multicellular clusters of epithelium and mesenchyme that may be harvested from native intestine. These clusters are loaded onto a scaffold and implanted into the host omentum. The scaffold provides physical support that permits angiogenesis and vasculogenesis of the developing tissue. After a period of 4 weeks, histologic analyses confirm the similarity of TESI to native intestine. TESI contains a differentiated epithelium, mesenchyme, blood vessels, muscle, and nerve components. To date, similar experiments have proved successful in rat, mouse, and pig models. Additional experiments have shown clinical improvement and rescue of SBS rats after implantation of TESI. In comparison with the group that underwent massive enterectomy alone, rats that had surgical anastomosis of TESI to their shortened intestine showed improvement in postoperative weight gain and serum B12 values. Recently, organoid units have been harvested from human intestinal samples and successfully grown into TESI by using an immunodeficient mouse host. Current TESI production yields approximately 3 times the number of cells initially implanted, but improvements in the scaffold and blood supply are being developed in efforts to increase TESI size. Exciting new techniques in stem cell biology and directed cellular differentiation may generate additional sources of autologous intestinal tissue for direct translation to human therapy.
Directions and Challenges of Master’s Programs in Geography in the United States

Measured by growing student numbers and new programs, master's education is one of the most dynamic areas of U.S. higher education. We focus here on the current state of programs that award the master's as their highest degree, so-called master's only departments, a distinct institutional type in the United States, which has received little research attention. Focusing on sixty-four geography programs, considerable differences are apparent in terms of size (both student and faculty numbers), mission, and curriculum; this includes a number of new programs and hybrid degrees that have recently been developed. The findings raise questions about levels of program staffing, program structure, student recruiting, and overall program quality and viability. Given the changing nature of master's education, further attention should be focused on helping universities create, strengthen, and expand such programs in the future.
Small molecule screening by imaging

Useful small molecule tools can be discovered in imaging screens that measure phenotype in single cells or small organisms. Recent examples include identification of small molecule inhibitors of processes such as cell migration, cytokinesis, mitotic spindle length determination, melanogenesis, aggresome formation, membrane transport and nuclear export. Imaging screens are currently limited by challenges in the areas of image analysis and target identification. We discuss the use of model organisms such as zebrafish in screens and review different methods of target identification. The emerging field of automated image analysis is also introduced.
Ultrasonic detection of pore saturant in a cased-hole laboratory model

Summary A cased-hole laboratory model has been developed to investigate the effects of the casing, cement layer, and rock saturation condition on the reflection and transmission of broadband and pure-tone ultrasonic pulses at normal and oblique incidence. The purpose of this study is to develop ultrasonic methods to evaluate the pore-fluid saturant in reservoir rocks behind casing. The cased-hole is modeled with steel-plates cemented to consolidated sedimentary rock samples, based on the result of theoretical and experimental studies in submerged steel-pipes and plates that show that their sound radiation is exactly analogous. Two types of well-known sedimentary rocks studied in laboratory testing of hydrocarbon reservoirs were selected: (1) Berea sandstone and (2) Leuders limestone. The halfspace samples (steel-plate/cement/rock) were coated with epoxy and immersed in an oil-filled ultrasonic tank and normal and non-specular oblique incidence measurements were carried out under air and water saturated conditions. Theoretical analysis supported by experimental results, reveal that the casing and the degree of saturation and porosity of the material behind the steel-pipe govern the reflection and transmission of ultrasonic energy in the cased layered media. Under laboratory conditions, the cement layer behaves as a fine-grain-texture rock that adds attenuation to the ultrasonic wave. The cement acoustic impedance varies according to the fluid in the reservoir and it is close to the Berea sandstone acoustic impedance under air and water saturated condition. Consequently poor reflectivity is detected because the acoustic energy is coupled to the unbounded rock formation.
18O/16O and D/H in goethite from a North American Oxisol of the Early Eocene climatic optimum

Abstract An Early Eocene Oxisol in the Ione Formation of California formed in a coastal continental weathering environment at a paleolatitude of ∼38°N. The dominant minerals in the Oxisol are goethite, quartz, and kaolinite. Material balance calculations were applied to new measurements of chemical composition, D/H, and 18 O/ 16 O ratios of Oxisol samples to determine the δD (−150 ± 3‰) and δ 18 O (−2.4 ± 0.3‰) values of the goethite (α-FeOOH). These data, in combination with the global meteoric water line (MWL), yielded an isotopic temperature of 21(±4) °C. The nominal value of 21 °C contrasts with the modern mean annual temperature (MAT) of 16 °C in that area. The warmer temperature is consistent with formation of the goethite during the Early Eocene climatic optimum. The isotopic composition of the goethite and a temperature of 21 °C imply ancient water with a δD value of −61(±4)‰ and a δ 18 O value of −8.9(±0.5)‰. This Early Eocene δ 18 O (or δD) value is more negative than values in the range of isotopic scatter observed for modern global precipitation at sites with a MAT of 21 °C. At times of warm global climates, the location of a near-surface atmospheric isotherm would generally shift relative to its location under modern climatic conditions. A simple Rayleigh-type condensation model indicates that, if one “follows the isotherm”, the associated scatter in δD and δ 18 O of precipitation in very warm global climates should shift (for a given isotherm) to more negative values that may be detectable in proxy records. The isotopic results from the goethite of the Early Eocene Oxisol appear to add to evidence in support of this idea.
Destabilization of a Charge-Density Wave by an Oscillatory Chemical Potential

The influence of an oscillatory chemical potential {tilde {mu}} within the gap equation of a commensurate charge-density wave (CDW) is shown to lead to a new type of quantum oscillatory effect in the susceptibility of the nested one-dimensional sheets, with frequency exactly double that of the two-dimensional pocket from which oscillations in {tilde {mu}} originate. On approaching the Pauli paramagnetic limit, {tilde {mu}} further leads to a cascade of multiple first-order phase transitions between CDW and normal metallic phases. These ideas are applied to {alpha}-(BEDT{minus}TTF){sub 2}MHg(SCN){sub 4} charge-transfer salts. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
The color of denver haze

Abstract Objects change in color and brightness when viewed through polluted air and a haze layer itself has a color and brightness. The color of urban haze, often termed ‘brown’, was originally ascribed to the blue-absorbing gas, nitrogen dioxide (Hodkinson, 1966; Horvath, 1971,1972). More recently, others have shown that a brown coloration of haze can result from either particles or NO 2 , or a combination and each case must be considered in detail (Charlson and Ahlquist, 1971; Waggoner and Charlson, 1971; Husar and White, 1976; White and Patterson, 1981; Vanderpol and Humbert, 1981). We are describing teleradiometer measurements in which the haze color and brightness were determined to estimate the relative importance of particle and NO 2 optical extinction to the appearance of winter haze in Denver. During this program in November and December of 1978, we found that the haze was gray, not brown and aerosol particles were more effective than NO 2 in determining haze color and reduced visual range. Our measurements are consistent with coloration calculated from particle extinction and NO 2 concentration measurements.
Effect of the Molecular Weight of Poly(3-hexylthiophene) on the Morphology and Performance of Polymer Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells

The morphology and performance of bulk heterojunction solar cells comprised of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C 61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) have been investigated using P3HT with different molecular weights (MWs). It is concluded that the optimum annealing temperature for the bulk heterojunction material is related to the MW of P3HT. The best performance is obtained by using P3HT with an optimum ratio between high MW and low MW components. The corresponding 'ideal morphology' is comprised of highly ordered crystalline regions formed by low MW P3HT embedded and interconnected by a high MW P3HT matrix.
Impact of comorbidity on outcomes and overall survival after open and minimally invasive esophagectomy for locally advanced esophageal cancer

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the Charlson Comorbidity Index-Grade (CCI-G) on predicting outcomes and overall survival after open and minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). One hundred and forty-six patients who underwent esophagectomy between 1995 and 2011 for stage II and III cancer were selected and separated into open esophagectomy (Open) and MIE groups. Risk adjustment was performed using the CCI-G. The outcomes of interest were operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), lymph node harvest, length of hospital stay (LOS), major complications, 30-day mortality, and overall survival. Sixty-four patients (44 %) underwent Open while 71 (49 %) had MIE. An additional (7 %) were converted and classified with MIE. There was no significant difference between MIE and Open in terms of operative time. MIE had less EBL (mean difference = 234 mL, p < 0.001), higher lymph node harvest (mean = 7.4 nodes, p < 0.001), and shorter LOS (median = 1.5 days, p = 0.02). Atrial arrhythmias were the most frequent complication, occurring in 33 % of patients in both the MIE and the Open group (p = 0.988). Thirty-day mortality was 2 % for MIE and 5 % for Open (p = 0.459). Five-year survival was 41 % for MIE and 33 % for Open (p = 0.513). Operative approach, age, gender, BMI, clinical stage, and neoadjuvant therapy did not have any significant effect on the outcomes or overall survival. CCI-G influenced outcomes with operative time, LOS, cardiovascular complication, and anastomotic leak rate, favoring CCI-G 0 compared to CCI-G 3. Overall survival was worse for CCI-G 1 in comparison with CCI-G 0 [hazard ratio (HR) 1.99, p = 0.027]. MIE is a safe alternative to open esophagectomy for the treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer. The presence of comorbidities increased operative time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications while worsening overall survival.
Efficient electron propagator algorithms for shakeup final states: Anthracene and acridine

A new algorithm was reported previously for renormalized electron propagator methods that are appropriate for shakeup final states. These methods include the algebraic diagrammatic construction in the third order, the two-particle, one-hole Tamm–Dancoff approximation and the nondiagonal, renormalized, second-order approximation. To demonstrate the capabilities of this approach, results on anthracene and acridine are presented. Good agreement with photoelectron spectra are obtained. The orbital picture of ionization collapses for many final states at relatively low ionization energies. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 80: 836–841, 2000
Isolation, Purification, and Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Water Soluble Protein from Inca Peanut (Plukenetia volubilis L.)

A water soluble storage albumin from Inca peanut (IPA) accounted for ∼25% (w/w) of defatted seed flour weight, representing 31% of the total seed protein. IPA is a 3S storage protein composed of two glycosylated polypeptides, with estimated molecular weights (MW) of 32800 and 34800 Da, respectively. IPA has an estimated sugar content of 4.8% ± 0.92% (n = 6). IPA is a basic protein (pI of ∼9.4) and contains all of the essential amino acids in adequate amounts when compared to the FAO/WHO recommended pattern for a human adult. The tryptophan content of IPA is unusually high (44 mg/g of protein), whereas the phenylalanine content is low (9 mg/g of protein). IPA is a highly digestible protein in vitro. Keywords: Inca peanut; albumin; storage protein; in vitro protein digestibility; glycoprotein
Fused-s-triazino heterocycles. XII. 13H-4,6,7,8,13a, 13c-hexaazabenzo-[de]naphthacene, a new ring system

Synthese du derive methyl-5 oxo-13 du compose du titre par reflux dans l'anhydride acetique du carboxy-2' anilino-5 methyl-2 pentaaza-1,3,4,6,9b phenalene
Photoinitiated ambient temperature copper-catalyzed atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) and cyclization (ATRC) reactions in the presence of free-radical diazo initiator (AIBN).

The use of UV light in copper-catalyzed atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) and cyclization (ATRC) reactions of various (poly)halogenated compounds to highly active alkenes in the presence of AIBN is reported. Radicals generated from photodecomposition of AIBN efficiently regenerated the copper(I) complex at ambient temperature enabling ATRA of CCl4 and CBr4 with catalyst loadings as low as 0.05 mol-%. The desired monoadduct was obtained in lower yields in the ATRA of less active halogenated compounds, which was mostly due to incomplete alkene conversions. Ambient temperature ATRA of CCl4 to various 1,6-dienes followed by sequential ATRC was also performed in the presence of UV light using [CuII(TPMA)Cl][Cl] complex and AIBN. High yields of the 5-exo-trig cyclic product were obtained for all dienes with preferential formation of the cis isomer.
Capacity and capacity sensitivity of soft output optical channels

In this paper we derive the capacity of Pulse Position Modulation (PPM) on a general soft output, memoryless channel, and evaluate the capacity formula for a variety of optical channel models, including AWGN, Webb, and Webb plus Gaussian distributions. Unlike a typical RF link, the optical channel has correlated signal and noise, complicating the statistical model to the point that capacity and code performance cannot be summarized by a single SNR parameter. Nevertheless, we are able to define a small set of fundamental parameters (two for AWGN and three for Webb) which are sufficient to determine the capacity. Numerical results indicate that over a wide range of operating points, a single fundamental parameter dominates the capacity calculation. A second contribution of the paper is the description of the relationship between the fundamental parameters and a multitude of physical parameters that describe the laser, channel, and detector. Using this relationship and the gradient of capacity, the sensitivity of capacity with respect to each fundamental and physical parameter is derived. This enables engineers to focus laser and detector development efforts in areas that will result in the largest capacity increases.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effects of amount of reward on acquisition of a black-white discrimination

Two experiments demonstrated that rats learn a black-white discrimination more rapidly if they are trained with a larger amount of reward (AOR). This AOR enhancement of performance was found over a variety of pretraining conditions, indicating that the effect has some generality.
Present Status Of Integrated Optical Devices

Many waveguide devices have been developed to perform optical logic functions in thin films, such as transmitting, receiving, switching, multiplexing, and modulating. (1) They are essential to the realization of high-data-rate (gigabits per second) single-mode optical fiber communication systems. The state of art of this development is reviewed in this paper.© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Design of expert systems for integrated production automation

Abstract An approach to the design of expert systems for integrated production automation is presented. The major components in an integrated manufacturing system consist of corporate planning, marketing planning, research and development, engineering design, production planning, manufacturing, warehousing, and product distribution. These components are linked by management information flow, technology information flow, as well as materials flow. An intelligent computer is used to integrate information flow and to control materials flow. This paper discusses characteristics of the future factory, elements of knowledge based systems, and the design of computer based expert systems for production planning, for engineering design, and for integrated manufacturing.
Filmed in Black and White: Teaching the Concept of Racial Identity at a Predominantly White University:

This article describes an assignment to help students learn about racial identity development. The Helms (1990a) model (white racial identity) and the Cross and Thomas (Cross, 1978) nigrescence model (black racial identity) serve as theoretical anchors for the ethnic or racial aspect of The Psychology of Race and Gender course. Students used these models to chart the development of a character's racial identity in film or literature. Students enrolled in a predominantly White university in Kentucky reported that the exercise was thought provoking, intriguing, and informative. Students agreed that the exercise should be continued for subsequent classes.
Identification of scanned and static tactile patterns

Most of the studies in which the interactions between target and nontarget spatial patterns have been examined have tested patterns that are generated statically. Static patterns are those in which all the elements of the pattern are presented at the same time and at a fixed location on the skin; however, most tactile information comes to the skin by means of patterns’ being scanned across the surface of the skin. In the present study, the interactions between target and nontarget patterns were measured for patterns generated in both the static and the scanned modes. Nontarget patterns often interfere with the perception of target patterns. Using patterns generated in the static mode, previous studies have identified two factors that produce interference in pattern identification: response competition and masking. Masking, in turn, appears to be the result of temporal integration of the target and nontarget patterns, as well as the displacement of target features. In the present study, these factors were examined for patterns generatedin both static and scanned modes. Regardless of the mode in which the patterns were generated, similar functions were obtained relating identification performance to the temporal separation between the target and the nontarget patterns. Although statically generated patterns are more easily identified than scanned patterns, particularly at brief durations, mechanisms such as response competition, temporal integration, and the displacement of target features appear to be factors that affect scanned patterns to nearly the same degree as static patterns.
Status of the NSCL 4 pi data acquisition system

A status report on the VME-Ethernet-VAX-based data acquisition system used with the 200-plus-element NSCL 4 pi detector is given. Included are the design of the system and a report on the level of implementation and current performance. Two hardware modules unique to the system are discussed. One is the fast decision module, a CAMAC module used as a programmable trigger, and the other is a VME module used to interface the VME to the LeCroy ECLine. >
Mechanism of action of BCG vaccine on neoplastic proliferation and host immune responses

Abstract BCG (Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin) vaccine, Tice strain, caused a threefold increase in spleen weight of normal animals and a fourfold increase in spleen weight of sarcoma‐bearing mice. In the latter group, the BCG vaccine caused infiltration of the sarcoma cells into the peritoneum and tumor metastasis in the spleen. Spleen lymphocytes from mice immunized with neuraminidase‐treated sarcoma or from mice that had overcome an inoculum (100 cells) and a challenge (10 4 cells) of sarcoma P‐1798 were cytotoxic against 51 Cr‐ or 14 C‐2‐thymidine‐labeled sarcoma cells. The serum of these mice enhanced the cytotoxic activity and inhibited the migration of the syngeneic lymphocytes. These serums also inhibited the migration of peritoneal macrophages from guinea pigs immunized with the sarcoma cells. BCG vaccine enhanced the development and growth of sarcoma P‐1798; i.e., 50‐100 viable sarcoma cells produced solid tumors in 8% of the untreated animals but in 100% of the BCG‐treated animals. The serum of BCG‐treated sarcoma‐bearing animals inhibited the spleen lymphocyte‐mediated cytotoxic action. The spleen lymphocytes from the BCG‐treated sarcoma‐bearing animals had no effect against 51 Cr‐ or 14 C‐2‐thymidine‐labeled sarcoma cells. The data indicate that the serum from BCG‐treated sarcoma‐bearing animals blocks the spleen lymphocyte‐mediated cytotoxic activities directed against proliferation and growth of the sarcoma.
Macrosegregation mechanisms in arc welds made with dissimilar filler metals

AbstractMore often than not, filler metals differ from the workpiece in composition. To study macrosegregation in a single alloy system, alloy Cu–30Ni was arc welded with seven different filler metals, including Cu, Cu–12Ni, Cu–22Ni, Cu–30Ni, Cu–45Ni, Cu–67Ni and Ni. It was explained that liquid 1 flowing into liquid 2 of a different composition can cause macrosegregation if liquid 2 is below the liquidus temperature of liquid 1 to make liquid 1 freeze quickly. The liquidus temperatures of the base metal T LB and the bulk weld metal T LW were compared. All four mechanisms proposed recently by the authors were identified: mechanisms I (T LW T LB and quick freezing along pool boundary), III (T LW T LB and quick freezing near pool bottom).
Helical computerized tomography arteriography for evaluation of live renal donors undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy.

AbstractPurpose: Traditionally, live renal donors are evaluated with excretory urography and renal arteriography. Helical computerized tomography (CT) arteriography offers a less invasive alternative for demonstrating necessary anatomical information before laparoscopic allograft harvest. We evaluate the accuracy of helical CT arteriography in depicting renal vascular anatomy with an emphasis on the detection of arterial and venous anomalies.Materials and Methods: Imaging studies were done on 175 patients according to a standard CT arteriography protocol with early arterial phase scanning (14 to 20-second delay), and 1 mm. axial and 3-dimensional maximum intensity projection reconstructions. Renal vascular anatomy was mapped with attention to aberrant arterial and venous anatomy. Intraoperative findings were correlated at laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.Results: There was overall agreement between CT arteriography and laparoscopic findings in 163 cases (93%). Supernumerary renal arteries were identified in...
An analysis of the pediatric vaccine supply shortage problem.

In 2002, several factors resulted in pediatric vaccine manufacturers not being able to produce a sufficient number of vaccines to vaccinate all the children in the United States according to the Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule. The resulting vaccine supply shortage resulted in thousands of children not being fully immunized according to this schedule, and hence, created an unnecessary risk for epidemic outbreaks of several childhood diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention responded to this crisis by using pediatric vaccine stockpiles to mitigate the impact of future shortages. This paper presents a stochastic model that captures the vaccine supply during production interruptions. This model is used to assess the impact of pediatric vaccine stockpile levels on vaccination coverage rates, by considering the probability that all children can be immunized according to the Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule over a given time period and the expected minimum vaccine supply. The model is also used to assess the proposed pediatric vaccine stockpile levels recommended by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The results of this analysis suggest that the proposed vaccine stockpile levels are adequate to meet future vaccine production interruptions, provided that such production interruptions do not last more than six months (which is not surprising, given that is the time period for which they were designed). However, given that recent vaccine production interruptions have lasted (on average) for over one year, the proposed vaccine stockpile levels are insufficient to meet the nation’s pediatric immunization needs during such time periods, which in turn could lead to localized and/or widespread disease outbreaks. Moreover, a moderate investment in higher vaccine stockpile levels would lead to a significantly reduced risk of such events.
Preparing for Second Life: Two Teacher Educators Reflect on Their Initial Foray into Virtual Teaching and Learning

Second Life (SL) is a user-created virtual environment with possible merit for teaching and learning in higher education. In this article, two teacher educators reflect on their initial development in SL, considering the ways they worked within SL to meet their differing instructional needs and the ways they prepared students for these learning experiences. The report then offers general suggestions for any instructor who wants to test SL in his or her courses, addressing both ideal and the workable scenarios that can support development in SL. It concludes with intended research on the efficacy of teaching and learning in SL.