cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Organizational wellness programs: a meta-analysis.

Organizational wellness programs are on or off-site services sponsored by organizations which attempt to promote good health or to identify and correct potential health related problems (Wolfe, Parker, & Napier, 1994). The authors conducted a meta-analysis on studies that examined the effects of participation in an organizational wellness program (fitness or comprehensive) on absenteeism and job satisfaction. The results revealed that participation in an organizational wellness program was associated with decreased absenteeism and increased job satisfaction. The type of wellness program (fitness only or comprehensive) and the methodological rigor of the primary studies were examined as moderators; however, no moderating effects were found. These results provide some empirical support for the effectiveness of organizational wellness programs. Over the past 25 years wellness programs have been adopted by organizations in an attempt to develop high functioning employees. Wellness pro- grams are on or off-site services sponsored by organizations which attempt to promote good health or to identify and correct potential health-related problems (Wolfe, Parker, & Napier, 1994). It has been estimated that 90% of companies provide at least one subset of a wellness program for their employees (Aldana, Merrill, Price, Hardy, & Hager, 2005). A growing number of companies have com- mitted to providing organizational wellness programs to help improve the health of employees, control health care, absence and absenteeism costs, and to provide an additional benefit to employees (Bly, Jones, & Richardson, 1986). For the purposes of this study, organizational well- ness programs were classified into two types: fitness only and comprehensive. Fitness-oriented programs provide on or off-site membership to health clubs in which participants enjoy aerobic and nonaerobic ac- tivities, as well as weight training. Comprehensive wellness programs include both a fitness component and an educational component such as nutrition or stress reduction classes. Organizations may also offer education-only wellness programs that provide work- shops as well as other types of services such as identifying hypertension and occupational health risks (Sperry, 1984). However, education-only well- ness programs were not included in the current study due to a lack of evaluation data for these programs. Although the assumption exists that employees who participate in wellness programs are more phys- ically and psychologically fit and constitute less or- ganizational cost (Altchiler & Motta, 1994), there appears to be little consistent empirical evidence that demonstrates these relationships. The inconsistencies among the results of the research contribute to the larger controversy as to whether or not wellness programs affect important organizational variables such as absenteeism and job satisfaction (Bell &
Interconnect-based system-level energy and power prediction to guide architecture exploration

We present a novel technique to predict energy and power consumption in an electronic system, given its behavioral specification and library components. The early prediction gives circuit designers the freedom to make numerous high-level choices (such as die size, package type, and latency of the pipeline) with confidence that the final implementation will meet power and energy as well as cost and performance constraints. Our unique statistical estimation technique associates low-level, technology dependent physical and electrical parameters, with expected circuit resources and interconnect. Further correlations with switching activity yield accurate results consistent with implementations. All feasible designs are investigated using this technique and the designer may tradeoff between small size, high speed, low energy, and low power. The results for designs of two popular signal processing applications, predicted prior to synthesis, are within 10% accuracy of power estimates performed on synthesized layouts.
Temperature-dependent dielectric properties of liver tissue measured during thermal ablation: Toward an improved numerical model

The development of microwave tumor ablation devices depends largely on numerical simulations of antenna characteristics and transient electromagnetic heating. However, without an adequate tissue model simulation predictions can vary widely from experimental results. In this study, tissue dielectric properties are measured to capture changes induced by temperature, cellular makeup and water content during thermal ablation. Measurements made using this technique agree closely with previous measurements for temperatures up to 50 °C, but both relative permittivity and conductivity decrease by as much as 50 percent when temperatures approach 100 °C.
Nitrogen vs. phosphorus limitation of algal biomass in shallow coastal lagoons

The relative importance of nitrogen and phosphorus limitation in shallow coastal lagoons was tested in replicate microcosms which were inoculaied in summer with three algal groups and subjected to four levels of nutrient enrichment in five N : P ratios (20 treatments, n = 4). A subset of 12 treatments was repeated in spring. Algal groups were green macrophytes, phytoplankton, and benthic mats of cyanobacteria with associated epiphytes. Nutrients limited biomass when supply was less than the demand of the total community (supply < 0.270 mg N liter-l d-l). For the wide range of N and P treatments, N limitation was much more common than P in summer (14 of 20 treatments); differential limitation was not as clear in spring. Althoughbiomass was never directly controlled by P, there were indications that P supply was more important to the cyanobacterial mats, especially in spring. While N directly controlled the biomass of macroalgae, macroalgae controlled the biomass of mats and phytoplankton. From this we hypothesize that macroalgae efficiently sequestered low concentrations of N and outcompeted the other groups. Only when N supply exceeded macroalgal demand was N available to the other groups. The differences among algal groups and the temporal variation in N and P limitation help explain the conflicting evidence for nutrient limitation.
A SNoW Based Supertagger with Application to NP Chunking

Supertagging is the tagging process of assigning the correct elementary tree of LTAG, or the correct supertag, to each word of an input sentence. In this paper we propose to use supertags to expose syntactic dependencies which are unavailable with POS tags. We first propose a novel method of applying Sparse Network of Winnow (SNoW) to sequential models. Then we use it to construct a supertagger that uses long distance syntactical dependencies, and the supertagger achieves an accuracy of 92.41%. We apply the supertagger to NP chunking. The use of supertags in NP chunking gives rise to almost 1% absolute increase (from 92.03% to 92.95%) in F-score under Transformation Based Learning(TBL) frame. The surpertagger described here provides an effective and efficient way to exploit syntactic information.
Electromagnetic and transport considerations in subpicosecond photoconductive switch modeling

The authors discuss a combination of direct finite-difference time-domain solutions of Maxwell's equations and Monte Carlo models of photocarrier transport used to avoid assumptions commonly made in developing equivalent circuit models for transmission lines and in other simplifications commonly made in modeling conductivity. Problems that complicate the development of an accurate model for subpicosecond optoelectronic switching and the measurement of electrical waveforms on microstrip lines are discussed. >
Quantitative Fourier Self-Deconvolution and Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis of Bisphenol-A-Polycarbonate/Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Random Block Copolymers

Fourier self-deconvolution (FSD) is used to enhance the spectral resolution of Fourier transform infrared results obtained from thick solution-cast films of bisphenol-A-polycarbonate-poly(dimethylsiloxane) blends and random block copolymers. Despite the severity of band overlap in the region from 1300 to 1200 cm−1, accurate determinations of bulk composition are made from the deconvolved absorbance (transmission mode) spectra of eleven blends and three random block copolymers. With compositions expressed in terms of each component's relative concentration, these results are used to develop a multicomponent Beer's law relationship that is verified through the determination of appropriate homopolymer absorptivities. Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance results are compared to the multicomponent Beer's law relationship in an effort to quantitate the surface excess of siloxane 0.004-1.6 μm from the air/solid interface.
Functional modeling in zebrafish demonstrates that the atrial-fibrillation-associated gene GREM2 regulates cardiac laterality, cardiomyocyte differentiation and atrial rhythm

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and carries a significant risk of stroke and heart failure. The molecular etiologies of AF are poorly understood, leaving patients with limited therapeutic options. AF has been recognized as an inherited disease in almost 30% of patient cases. However, few genetic loci have been identified and the mechanisms linking genetic variants to AF susceptibility remain unclear. By sequencing 193 probands with lone AF, we identified a Q76E variant within the coding sequence of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist gremlin-2 (GREM2) that increases its inhibitory activity. Functional modeling in zebrafish revealed that, through regulation of BMP signaling, GREM2 is required for cardiac laterality and atrial differentiation during embryonic development. GREM2 overactivity results in slower cardiac contraction rates in zebrafish, and induction of previously identified AF candidate genes encoding connexin-40, sarcolipin and atrial natriuretic peptide in differentiated mouse embryonic stem cells. By live heart imaging in zebrafish overexpressing wild-type or variant GREM2, we found abnormal contraction velocity specifically in atrial cardiomyocytes. These results implicate, for the first time, regulators of BMP signaling in human AF, providing mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of the disease and identifying potential new therapeutic targets.
Design aspects of focal beams from high-intensity arrays

As the applications of ultrasonic thermal therapies expand, the design of the high-intensity array must address both the energy delivery of the main beam and the character and relevance of off-target beam energy. We simulate the acoustic field performance of a selected set of circular arrays organized by array format, including flat versus curved arrays, periodic versus random arrays, and center void diameter variations. Performance metrics are based on the -3-dB focal main lobe (FML) positioning range, axial grating lobe (AGL) temperatures, and side lobe levels. Using finite-element analysis, we evaluate the relative heating of the FML and the AGLs. All arrays have a maximum diameter of 100λ, with element count ranging from 64 to 1024 and continuous wave frequency of 1.5 MHz. First, we show that a 50% spherical annulus produces focus beam side lobes which decay as a function of lateral distance at nearly 87% of the exponential rate of a full aperture. Second, for the arrays studied, the efficiency of power delivery over the -3-dB focus positioning range for spherical arrays is at least 2-fold greater than for flat arrays; the 256-element case shows a 5-fold advantage for the spherical array. Third, AGL heating can be significant as the focal target is moved to its distal half-intensity depth from the natural focus. Increasing the element count of a randomized array to 256 elements decreases the AGL-to-FML heating ratio to 0.12 at the distal half-intensity depth. Further increases in element count yield modest improvements. A 49% improvement in the AGL-to-peak heating ratio is predicted by using the Sumanaweera spiral element pattern with randomization.
Researchers focus on inflammation at the Istituto Clinico Humanitas.

With international recognition as a premier medical institute, the Istituto Clinico Humanitas pulls disease questions from their patients in the clinic into their preclinical work in the lab investigates.
Characterization of spatial ordering of corneal stroma fibrils

The quantitative characterization of the cornea's ultrastructure is an important component in clinical studies and ophthalmologic research for investigating various corneal pathologies such as Fuch's dystrophy, bullous keratopathy, and macular corneal dystrophy. The spatial ordering of the stromal fibrils is a good predictor of corneal transparency and light scattering. In this paper this structure is characterized by estimating the probability density function (PDF) associated with some features of the radial distribution function of fibrils seen in electron micrographs of the stroma. A method derived from the support vector data description (SVDD) is used to estimate this PDF. Experiments using electron micrographs of normal and swollen rabbit corneas are used to illustrate the approach.
Strategies to enhance adoption of ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention interventions: a systematic literature review.

Background. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is among the most lethal of all healthcare-associated infections. Guidelines summarize interventions to prevent VAP, but translating recommendations into practice is an art unto itself.Objective. Summarize strategies to enhance adoption of VAP prevention interventions.Methods. We conducted a systematic literature review of articles in the MEDLINE database published between 2002 and 2012. We selected articles on the basis of specific inclusion criteria. We used structured forms to abstract implementation strategies and inserted them into the “engage, educate, execute, and evaluate” framework.Results. Twenty-seven articles met our inclusion criteria. Engagement strategies included multidisciplinary teamwork, involvement of local champions, and networking among peers. Educational strategies included training sessions and developing succinct summaries of the evidence. Execution strategies included standardization of care processes and building redundancies int...
Plasma-stimulated pseudopod formation is increased in patients with elevated blood pressure.

Plasma-stimulated pseudopod formation is increased in patients with elevated blood pressure
High-Performance Amorphous Silicon Emitter for Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells

Thin hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) layers deposited by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD) are studied for use as the emitter in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells on p-type crystalline silicon wafers. Low interface recombination velocity and high open-circuit voltage are achieved by a low substrate temperature ( 200°C) which improves dopant activation and other properties. A prolonged atomic H pretreatment to clean the c-Si surface is actually detrimental because it creates additional defects in the c-Si lattice. However, a brief H pretreatment is beneficial and may render the intrinsic interlayer unnecessary. The n-type a-Si:H thickness must be limited to ~5 nm to minimize current loss, because the phosphorous doped a-Si:H layer has significant absorption in the usable solar spectrum. Using the optimized a-Si:H emitter, we obtain efficiency of nearly 17% on planar float-zone (FZ) silicon and 15% on planar Czochralski (CZ) silicon substrates with aluminum back-surface-field (Al-BSF) and contacts.
Studies on membrane lipid peroxidation in omega-3 fatty acid-fed autoimmune mice: effect of vitamin E supplementation.

Enzyme-dependent and non-enzymatic in vitro lipid peroxidation was studied in autoimmune prone B/W mice fed diets containing high levels of dietary corn oil (CO) or menhaden fish oil (FO) as lipid source since weaning. Lipid analysis revealed that FO-fed mouse liver mitochondrial and microsomal membrane fractions incorporated 20:5ω3 and 22:6ω3 in replacement of 18:2ω6 and 20:4ω6 found in corn oil (CO) fed control animals reflecting the composition of the dietary oils. Lower concentrations of vitamin E were found in the FO-fed mouse membranes and serum than those of CO-fed mice when diets were supplemented with a standard 75 I.U. α-tocopheryl acetate/kg diet. The rate and extent of membrane lipid peroxidation was greatly increased in FO-fed, vitamin-E-depleted membranes. Full repletion of membrane vitamin E levels by supplementation with 500 I.U./kg of FO diet for 30 days significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and showed that in FO-fed mice, membrane peroxidation is inversely proportional to vitamin E content. However, due to a lower ratio of vitamin E and highly unsaturated fatty acids, FO-fed mouse membranes were more sensitive to pro-oxidant stimulus than were those from CO-fed mice. These findings illustrate the action of vitamin E against membrane lipid peroxidation and stress the importance of adequate supplementation of antioxidant with high omega-3 fatty acids intake.
An Examination of Disclosure, Mental Health Treatment use, and Posttraumatic Growth Among College Women Who Experienced Sexual Victimization

ABSTRACTFew investigations have sought to identify factors associated with posttraumatic growth among survivors of sexual victimization. The present study examined the relationship between posttraumatic growth, disclosure, and mental health treatment use following sexual assault. Undergraduate female psychology students (N = 85), who reported a prior history of sexual victimization, completed measures assessing trauma exposure, posttraumatic growth, disclosure, and mental health treatment use. Results revealed that degree of disclosure of the assault to support sources and mental health treatment use following sexual assault was related to increased posttraumatic growth. Findings have valuable implications for treatment interventions for survivors of sexual trauma.
Regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum gene expression during cardiac and skeletal muscle development

The expression of major sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins during cardiac and fast-twitch skeletal muscle development was examined using gene-specific probes. Through the use of S1 nuclease mapping, Northern blot, and RNA slot-blot analysis, sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins were shown to exhibit both narrow tissue specificity and plasticity in their expression during muscle development. In fast-twitch skeletal muscle, the cardiac/slow-twitch isoforms of Ca(2+)-ATPase and calsequestrin were detected at high levels in fetal stages but were gradually replaced by fast-twitch isoforms in adult muscle. In contrast, cardiac muscle expressed exclusively cardiac/slow-twitch isoforms of Ca(2+)-ATPase and calsequestrin at all stages. Both fast-twitch and slow-twitch skeletal muscle expressed the same skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor isoform, whereas cardiac muscle expressed a cardiac isoform. Phospholamban expression was restricted to cardiac and slow-twitch skeletal muscle and did not appear in developing fast-twitch skeletal muscle. During in vitro myogenesis of C2C12 cells, the mRNA transcripts encoding sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins were found to be coordinately induced in synchrony with that of contractile protein mRNA. The myogenic factor "myogenin" induced sarcoplasmic reticulum gene transcripts along with contractile protein mRNAs in nonmyogenic cells. These data suggest that the induction of both sarcoplasmic reticulum and contractile protein gene families is under the control of a common myogenic differentiation program.
A commentary on glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) : From a glial secreted molecule to gene therapy

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was identified as a consequence of the hypothesis that glia secrete factors that influence growth and differentiation of specific classes of neurons. Glia are a likely source of additional neurotrophic factors; however, this strategy has not been applied extensively. The discovery of GDNF in 1993 led to an abundance of studies that within only a few years qualified GDNF as a bona fide neurotrophic factor. Of particular interest are studies demonstrating the effectiveness of GDNF protein in ameliorating neurodegeneration in animal models of Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It remains to be determined whether GDNF will be an effective therapy in humans with these diseases. However, since these diseases are slowly progressive and the CNS relatively inaccessible, the delivery of GDNF as a therapeutic molecule to the CNS in a chronic manner is problematic. Studies addressing this problem are applying viral vector mediated transfer of the GDNF gene to the CNS in order to deliver biosynthesized GDNF to a specific location in a chronic manner. Recent studies suggest that these GDNF gene therapy approaches are effective in rat models of Parkinson’s disease. These studies are reviewed in the context of what developments will be needed in order to apply GDNF gene therapy to the clinic.
Properties, laws, and worlds

Jonathan Schaffer argues against a necessary connection between properties and laws. He takes this to be a question of what possible worlds we ought to countenance in our best theories of modality, counterfactuals, etc. In doing so, he unfairly rigs the game in favor of contingentism. I argue that the necessitarian can resist Schaffer’s conclusion while accepting his key premise that our best theories of modality, counterfactuals, etc. require a very wide range of things called ‘possible worlds’. However, the necessitarian can and should insist that, in many cases, these worlds are not metaphysically possible. I will further argue that, having taken such a stance, the necessitarian has additional resources to respond to Schaffer’s other arguments against the view.
Emergent processes in cognitive-emotional interactions

Emotion and cognition have been viewed as largely separate entities in the brain. Within this framework, significant progress has been made in understanding specific aspects of behavior. Research in the past two decades, however, has started to paint a different picture of brain organization, one in which network interactions are key to understanding complex behaviors. From both basic and clinical perspectives, the characterization of cognitive-emotional interactions constitutes a fundamental issue in the investigation of the mind and brain. This review will highlight the interactive and integrative potential that exists in the brain to bring together the cognitive and emotional domains. First, anatomical evidence will be provided, focusing on structures such as hypothalamus, basal forebrain, amygdala, cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, and insula. Data on functional interactions will then be discussed, followed by a discussion of a dual competition framework, which describes cognitive-emotional interactions in terms of perceptual and cognitive competition mechanisms.
A Hybrid Launch Vehicle Design Concept Based on Recent Industry Studies ---A Consensus View---

(Abstract) This paper provides a composite, consensus overview of results for a hybrid launch vehicle first stage design concept from the authors' perspective as constituents of the Air Force Research Laboratory. Over the past few years, a series of hybrid launch vehicle (HLV) studies and technical assessments have been pursued by the laboratory as its part in the development of a reusable launch demonstrator. A HLV system consists of a reusable first stage vehicle with an expendable upper stage stack along with the supporting infrastructure. The infrastructure includes launch, recovery, and re-launch processing infrastructure and logistics to support vehicle and payload operations.
Pulmonary emphysema. 2. Treatment of chronic pulmonary emphysema.

Objectives of treatment for emphysema are prevention and eradication of bronchial inflammation, alleviation of bronchial obstruction, breathing training, physical rehabilitation, and management of major complications. Good bronchial hygiene is stressed. Education of the patient is essential to effective therapy.
The influence of diisocyanate antigen preparation methodology on monoclonal and serum antibody recognition

ABSTRACTExposure to diisocyanates (dNCOs), such as methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) can cause occupational asthma (OA). Currently, lab tests for dNCO specific IgE are specific, but not sensitive, which limits their utility in diagnosing dNCO asthma. This may be due to variable preparation and poor characterization of the standard antigens utilized in these assays. The aim of this study was to produce and characterize a panel of antigens prepared using three different commonly employed methods and one novel method. The conjugates were examined for recognition by anti-MDI monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in varying enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) formats, extent of crosslinking, total amount of MDI, the sites of MDI conjugation, relative shape/charge, and reactivity with human serum with antibodies from sensitized, exposed workers. Results indicate that while there are minimal differences in the total amount of MDI conjugated, the extent of crosslinking, and the conjugation sites, there are signi...
Review on hepatic explant pathology of pediatric intestinal transplant recipients: Is it time for an oil change?

A recent study attempts to add to the body of evidence that is emerging regarding the fish oil parenteral lipid product Omegaven™. The authors have shown from explant livers of children on chronic parenteral nutrition with Omegaven™ that biochemical improvement in cholestasis does not always reflect improvement in liver histology. These findings support 2 small case series that were previously published. Despite improvement and resolution of hyperbilirubinemia in all six infants, five of six infants had persistent or progressive hepatic fibrosis, while only one infant had regression of fibrosis. The study raises questions of whether there is a window of opportunity for efficacy of this preparation; also, an important question is if this omega-3 fatty acid-rich preparation is superior to newer “blended lipids” containing olive, coconut, soy, and fish oil.
The mechanistic Target of Rapamycin: The grand conducTOR of metabolism and aging

Since the discovery that rapamycin, a small molecule inhibitor of the protein kinase mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin), can extend the lifespan of model organisms including mice, interest in understanding the physiological role and molecular targets of this pathway has surged. While mTOR was already well known as a regulator of growth and protein translation, it is now clear that mTOR functions as a central coordinator of organismal metabolism in response to both environmental and hormonal signals. This review discusses recent developments in our understanding of how mTOR signaling is regulated by nutrients and the role of the mTOR signaling pathway in key metabolic tissues. Finally, we discuss the molecular basis for the negative metabolic side effects associated with rapamycin treatment, which may serve as barriers to the adoption of rapamycin or similar compounds for the treatment of diseases of aging and metabolism.
Delivering the Vote: The Political Effect of Free Mail Delivery in Early Twentieth Century America

The rollout of Rural Free Delivery (RFD) in the early twentieth century dramatically increased the frequency with which rural voters received information. This article examines the effect of RFD on voters' and Representatives' behavior using a panel dataset and instrumental variables. Communities receiving more routes spread their votes to more parties; there is no evidence it changed turnout. RFD shifted positions taken by Representatives in line with rural constituents, including increased support for pro-temperance and anti-immigration policies. These results appear only in counties with newspapers, supporting the hypothesis that information flows play a crucial role in the political process. “As the whole world has been drawn closer together by the inventions and uses of steam and electricity, so farmers may be drawn closer together by the universal practice of free delivery.” —Matthew Williams of Verndale, Minnesota as quoted in the 1900 Yearbook of the United States Department of Agriculture
Technological innovations in monitoring and evaluation: Evidence of performance impacts among Major League Baseball umpires

Abstract This paper examines the performance-enhancing role of changes in monitoring, evaluation, and training technology in an experience-diverse expert workforce: Major League Baseball umpires. I find improvements in job performance across the league that is consistent with the timing of innovations in monitoring technology and later enhancements in training and feedback. Performance improvements associated with increased training and immediate feedback are more pronounced for younger umpires. Implications for the differential effects of evaluation and feedback across experience levels of firm employees are discussed.
Response of dielectric materials to applied direct-current voltages

The failure of a simple dielectric structure at voltages much lower than design expectations, and in an intolerably short operating time, presented an opportunity for this study to be made at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, under contract with the Atomic Energy Commission.
Harry Hopkins: FDR's Envoy to Churchill and Stalin. By Christopher D. O’Sullivan. (Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2014. Pp. x, 200. $35.00.)

This concise work argues persuasively that Harry Hopkins played a crucial role in the World War II antifascist alliance. Hopkins forged personal ties with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin and co...
Efficient Diffusive Transport of Hot and Cold Excitons in Colloidal Type II CdSe/CdTe Core/Crown Nanoplatelet Heterostructures

Cadmium chalcogenide colloidal quantum wells or nanoplatelets (NPLs), a class of new materials with atomically precise thickness and quantum confinement energy, have shown great potential in optoelectronic applications. Short exciton lifetimes in two-dimensional (2D) NPLs can be improved by the formation of type II heterostructures, whose properties depend critically on the mechanism of exciton transport. Herein, we report a study of room-temperature exciton in-plane transport mechanisms in type-II CdSe/CdTe core/crown (CC) colloidal NPL heterostructures with the same CdSe core and different CdTe crown sizes. Photoluminescence excitation measurements show unity quantum efficiency for transporting excitons created at the crown to the CdSe/CdTe interface (to form lower-energy charge-transfer excitons). At near band edge excitation, the crown-to-core transport time increases with crown size (from 2.7 to 5.6 ps), and this size-dependent transport can be modeled well by 2D diffusion of thermalized excitons in ...
The exploitation of inflammation in photodynamic therapy of pleural cancer (Conference Presentation)

The onset of inflammation is a well-known physiology in tumors treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). After PDT, the release of danger signals causes an influx of neutrophils, activation of dendritic cells, and an eventual initiation of the adaptive immune response. However, inflammation also lies at a crucial fulcrum for treatment outcome, as it can stimulate the expression of resistance factors. Therefore, effective treatment with PDT requires an understanding of the holistic contribution of inflammation. Within, we outline two means of studying tumor inflammation in the setting of PDT. Experiments are conducted in murine models of mesothelioma, including those that incorporate surgery prior to PDT or pleural propagation of the disease. First, we use a chemiluminescent agent, luminol, to detect the influx of neutrophils by in vivo molecular imaging. This longitudinal approach allows for the repeated non-invasive monitoring of PDT-induced neutrophil influx. Data clearly identify protocol-specific differences in tumor-associated neutrophil activity. Second, we describe the application of cone-beam CT to detect the fibrosis associated with murine orthotropic mesothelioma models. This approach incorporates novel methods in image segmentation to accurately identify diffuse disease in the thoracic cavity. These studies lay the foundation for future research to correlate long-term response with local PDT-induced inflammation. Such methods in monitoring of inflammation or tumor burden will enable characterization of the consequences of combinatorial therapy (e.g., intraoperative PDT). Resulting data will guide the selection of pharmacological agents or molecular imaging techniques that respectively exploit inflammation for therapeutic or monitoring purposes.
Implication of tissue response to ischemia gradient in rabbit ear on chronic wound healing.

IMPLICA TION OF TISSUE RESPONSE TO ISCHEMIA GRADIENT IN RABBIT EAR ON CHRONIC WOUND HEALING Abhijit P. Mahalingashetty April 13,2009 Ventral ear skin of the rabbit is a commonly used model for wound/ulcer studies; however the gradient effects of vascular ligation on epidermal stability has not been reported. In this study ischemic effects were studied after ligation of the central feeding vessel in one ear, while the other ear served as control. Three or six days later 9 fullthickness skin circular punches (6 mm, numbered 1-9) were removed from both ears, equidistant from each other with a proximal-distal and medial-lateral orientation. Samples were prepared for light microscopy and immunohistochemistry examinations. Quantitative analysis showed that normal and ischemic tissue differ minimally on day 3 but significantly by day 6 with respect to proximal-distal locations as well as medial and lateral locations. These findings suggest that the widely used 4-hole rabbit ear model may be well suited for studying ischemic wound healing. However, randomization of treatment placements among the four corners of the ear is necessary to reduce sample biases.
Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFEs): Actionable Practices

Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE) are underrepresented in the professional literature. The purpose of this research brief is to contribute to an emerging line of research by documen...
Comparison of a target-equalization-cancellation approach and a localization approach to source separation

Interaural differences are important for listeners to be able to maintain focus on a sound source of interest in the presence of multiple sources. Because interaural differences are sound localization cues, most binaural-cue-based source separation algorithms attempt separation by localizing each time-frequency (T-F) unit to one of the possible source directions using interaural differences. By assembling T-F units that are assigned to one direction, the sound stream from that direction is enhanced. In this paper, a different type of binaural cue for source-separation purposes is proposed. For each T-F unit, the target-direction signal is cancelled by applying the equalization-cancellation (EC) operation to cancel the signal from the target direction; then, the dominance of the target in each T-F unit is determined by the effectiveness of the cancellation. Specifically, the energy change from cancellation is used as the criterion for target dominance for each T-F unit. Source-separation performance using ...
Beyond Representation: Gender, Authority, and City Managers:

For the last 50 years, the U.S. government has worked to address the sex pay gap in the workforce. Nevertheless, the pay gap remains persistent across sectors and organizational hierarchies. This s...
When the CHIPs Are Down - Health Coverage and Care at Risk for U.S. Children.

When the CHIPs Are Down Congress failed to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) last fall, causing uncertainty and worry for families and state CHIP directors alike. After a p...
Cognition and Faith Formation: A Reflection on the Interrelationship of Schema, Thema, and Faith:

In the effort of suggesting a holistic paradigm of Christian nurture, this paper examines the relationship between cognition and faith.1 The author relies on and expresses the epistemic frameworks ...
Labeling of dietary supplements: Consumer awareness and industry compliance

Abstract The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA 1994) provides for the use of label statements on dietary supplements. In the “Dietary Supplement Strategy: The Ten Year Plan” (Jan. ...
In Search of Helpful Legal Scholarship, Part 2: Shall We Dance

In the last issue of the Journal of Law I said, “In Part 2 of this paper I will either celebrate the launch of an amicus briefs of scholarship program by the AALS or JOTWELL or some other worthy entity, or I will outline a plan that might be used by some other fearless and energetic souls.” I have not heard from the AALS or JOTWELL. So, here is an outline of a plan that might be used by some other fearless or energetic souls to make legal scholarship more helpful to members of the Supreme Court, and maybe other people too. The plan has four main parts: (1) polling about helpful scholarship (starting now); (2) polling about conventional scholars’ amicus briefs (starting sometime soon); (3) amicus briefs of scholarship (starting someday); and (4) a cumulative roster of scholarly amici (also start-ing sometime soon but perhaps not quite so soon). There will inevitably be tinkering along the way, but I do hope that what follows below is the start of something helpful, and scholarly. This little article deals with part 1 of the plan: polling about helpful scholarship. More on the other parts later.
Fundamental Troubles with the Coherence Theory

In evaluating any coherence theory, we must answer two classic questions: (A) What is coherence ? and (B) Can there be several internally coherent but mutually incompatible systems of belief? Given a plausible answer to (A), the answer to (B) must be “Yes.” This dooms any coherence theory of truth. For trivially, there cannot be two incompatible systems of true beliefs. But a “Yes” answer to (B) is a point in favor of coherence theories of justification. For a justified belief need not be true, and it is quite possible for two individuals with incompatible beliefs to both be fully justified in their beliefs. Note that a coherence theory of justification would not entail that there may be incompatible systems of knowledge. For knowledge requires true as well as justified belief. Given two individuals with incompatible but fully justified beliefs, at most one can have knowledge.
Molecular Tweezers for Dicarboxylic Acids Based on a Saddle-Shaped Metallomacrocyclic Platform

A new metal containing molecular receptor was prepared from a 15-membered nickel(II) macrocyclic cyclidene platform and two cyclic tetramine (cyclen) recognition cites. In the saddle shaped conformation of the platform, the cyclen receptors are positioned for ditopic binding of difunctional substrates. NMR titration experiments demostrate that the molecule binds dicarboxylic acids in DMSO with apparent equilibrium constants ranging from 10 to 104 M-1. Incusion of dicarboxylates into the protonated macrocyclic host is shape-selective, with cis-1,2-dicarboxylates (succinate, maleate, and o-phthalate) being the best guests.
Experimental evaluation of photosystem parameters and their role in the evolution of stand structure and deciduousness in response to palaeoclimate seasonality in Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Hu et Cheng)

Publisher Summary Reconstruction of palaeo environments is frequently accomplished using floristic analogy based on nearest-living-relatives (NLRs), comparing the species assemblages from the fossil record and inferring the palaeoclimate from that of the closest extant ecosystem. Metasequoia is a colonizer of marshy, mineral soil habitats. The species attains its best growth in the absence of water stress. The thermotolerance of CO2 uptake in M. lyptostroboides is fairly broad, and is consistent with the patterns of growth seen in planted specimens throughout the world. This range of temperature is also consistent with the geographical extent of the fossil Metasequoia and the presumed range of palaeoclimate. The photosynthetic apparatus of M. glyptostroboides saturates at a relatively low level of light. Chlorophyll content declines with increasing light intensity and the pigment rhodoxanthin increases, leading to a reddish cast in the upper leaves of the trees. Metasequoia apparently evolved near the Arctic Circle during a period when lowland winter temperatures probably seldom went below freezing. Thus, the polar light seasonality could have been a driving force for the evolution of deciduousness in this species.
Response of hen pre-recruitment ovarian follicles to follicle stimulating hormone, in vivo.

Abstract In laying hens, pre-recruitment ovarian follicles (1–8 mm diameter) are arranged as a continuum of size and predicted maturity. Cyclic recruitment of a pre-recruitment follicle to the preovulatory stage begins, in part, by the ability of the granulosa cell (GC) layer to initiate responsiveness to follicle stimulating hormone- (FSH-) induced cyclic adenosine monophosphate. The objective of this study was to determine if increased circulating concentrations of FSH during the ovulatory cycle increase the number of recruited follicles, in a dose-dependent manner. Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) was initially tested due to its FSH-like properties and long half-life. Laying hens were injected, i.m., with 0 or 100 IU eCG, and ovaries were collected 29 h later. Recruited follicles were initially identified based on incorporation of yellow yolk and a weight of 250–900 mg. Recruitment was subsequently confirmed by both incubating the GC layer for 3 h with recombinant human (rh) FSH to establish FSH-responsiveness and quantifying P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme ( CYP11A1 ) mRNA . Additional hens were injected with 0, 30, 75, and 300 IU eCG to establish a dose–response. Because eCG exhibits some luteinizing hormone activity, FSH-induced recruitment was evaluated by injecting 0.1, 0.33, 0.66, 1 or 3.3 µg rhFSH. Ovaries were collected 29 h post-injection, and expression of CYP11A1 mRNA was quantitated in GCs from recruited and pre-recruitment follicles. One hundred IU eCG induced recruitment of 2–8 follicles compared to a single follicle in control hens. In contrast to pre-recruitment follicles, incubated GC from eCG-recruited follicles had initiated differentiation, indicated by increased CYP11A1 and rhFSH-induced STAR mRNA and progesterone. Equine CG and rhFSH each increased the number of recruited follicles in a dose-dependent manner. Further, CYP11A1 mRNA was significantly increased in GC layers from recruited, compared to non-recruited, follicles. We conclude that FSH-responsiveness within the GC layer of each pre-recruitment follicle increases with follicle size, and propose that this establishes the order of daily follicle recruitment.
Robotic jellyfish actuated with a shape memory alloy spring

We demonstrate a new approach to the design of a synthetic jellyfish that imitates the morphology and kinematics of the actual animal. Since jellyfish usually move at low speeds, the locomotion can be mimicked using shape memory alloy (SMA) springs as artificial muscles. Compared to previous attempts at biomimetic underwater robots, the current research aims to simplify the design, generate larger stroke, and lower the actuation cycle for propulsion. The robot consists of a soft silicone rubber disk with an embedded pre-stretched SMA spring along its circumference, which when heated contracts to initiate large shape changes in the structure. Our approach harnesses the buckling instability of the main body to create a relatively quick motion that produces a pulsed jet of water to generate thrust. The rubber disk is also equipped with several flaps that contribute to the swimming motion by displacing the surrounding water through a rowing-like mechanism. The influence of different operation parameters, including the amplitude of the input power and the actuation frequency, are investigated on the swimming motion and propulsive thrust.
Effects of ferrihydrite nanoparticle incorporation in cementitious materials on radioactive waste immobilization.

Abstract To enhance the long-term immobilization of radioactive wastes, ferrihydrite nanoparticles were incorporated into cementitious materials. The effects of ferrihydrite nanoparticles on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of cementitious materials and the immobilization of uranium (U), strontium (Sr) and cesium (Cs) were investigated. Adding ferrihydrite nanoparticles at 0.65%, 1.30%, 3.90% and 6.50% of cement weight slightly improved compressive strength by 5–11%, but dramatically reduced U leaching by 50–57%. The enhanced U immobilization was attributed to the strong adsorption of U by ferrihydrite nanoparticles, and the structural incorporation of U into hematite formed during ferrihydrite recrystallization. Although ferrihydrite nanoparticles had weaker effect than hematite nanoparticles on improving cement hydration and reducing permeability, they exhibit stronger U immobilization capacity. In contrast, incorporating ferrihydrite nanoparticles into cementitious materials had no significant effects on Cs and Sr leaching and no detectable adsorption of Sr and Cs. This study elucidated the fundamental differences in the interactions between ferrihydrite nanoparticles and U, Sr or Cs within cementitious systems that led to the distinctive immobilization mechanisms for these radionuclides. It generated new mechanistic understandings of U, Sr and Cs leaching from cementitious barriers modified by Fe-based nanoparticles, and proposed a new approach for enhancing long-term immobilization of U.
Exploring a constructivist redesign of youth work training: transformative-oriented learning and trainer development

Two small-scale studies were conducted to investigate the viability of a constructivist learning design for a 25-hour child and youth care training program. The first study investigated transformat...
Shortest Path and Neighborhood Subgraph Extraction on a Spiking Memristive Neuromorphic Implementation

Spiking neuromorphic computers (SNCs) are promising as a post Moore's law technology partly because of their potential for very low power computation. SNCs have primarily been demonstrated on machine learning and neural network applications, but they can also be used for applications beyond machine learning that can leverage SNC properties such as massively parallel computation and collocated processing and memory. Here, we demonstrate two graph problems (shortest path and neighborhood subgraph extraction) that can be solved using SNCs. We discuss the approach for mapping these applications to an SNC. We also estimate the performance of a memristive SNC for these applications on three real-world graphs.