cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Balanced Map Coverage using Reinforcement Learning in Repeated Obstacle Environments

This paper demonstrates novel Complete Coverage Path Planning using reinforcement learning to enable a robot to complete map coverage at high speeds in complicated environments, like factories and airline cabins, with many repeated obstacles, such as furniture and walls. Our framework trains the robot in a simulated environment to move to uncovered areas and to avoid frequent collisions using rewards. Additionally, it encourages the robot to complete map coverage missions efficiently and quickly. We select the Machine-Learning Agent provided by Unity3D to build a fragment (sample cell) of an airline cabin environment in which to train the robot. We implement Proximal Policy Optimization as the main training network, and added curiosity functions (i.e., intrinsic rewards) to encourage the robot to explore uncovered areas during training. We use Generative Adversarial Imitation Learning to guide the training policy’s convergence close to the expert data. Experimental results show that our optimal policy enables complete map coverage in complicated environments. We provide demonstrations comparing random motion methods to reinforcement learning networks to show differences in map coverage, trajectory length, and time-cost.
Utility of postoperative hemoglobin testing following total shoulder arthroplasty

Background Identifying areas of excess cost for shoulder arthroplasty patients can play a role in effective health care spending. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of postoperative complete blood count (CBC) testing after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and identify which patients benefit from routine CBC testing. Methods We performed a retrospective review of a cohort of patients who underwent primary TSA from January 2018 through January 2019. All patients in this cohort received tranexamic acid. Patient demographic characteristics and patient-specific risk factors such as American Society of Anesthesiologists score, Elixhauser index, body mass index, smoking status, and coagulopathy history were obtained. Perioperative values including length of surgery, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin (Hgb) levels, and need for transfusion were also obtained. Results This study included 387 TSA patients in the final analysis. Comparison between the cohort requiring transfusion and the cohort undergoing no intervention revealed no statistically significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, or Elixhauser index. The group receiving transfusions was found to have significantly lower levels of preoperative Hgb (11.3 g/dL) and postoperative Hgb (8.1 g/dL) (P Conclusion Routine CBC testing may not be necessary for patients who receive tranexamic acid and have preoperative Hgb levels > 12 mg/dL and first postoperative Hgb levels > 9 mg/dL. This translates to potential health care cost savings and improves current evidence-based perioperative management in shoulder arthroplasty.
Clinical predictors and explant lung pathology of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterised by constant threat of acute exacerbation of IPF (AE-IPF). It would be significant to identify risk factors of AE-IPF. We sought to determine the prognostic value of lung transplantation candidacy testing for AE-IPF and describe explant pathology of recipients with and without AE-IPF before lung transplantation. Methods Retrospective cohort study of 89 IPF patients listed for lung transplantation. Data included pulmonary function testing, echocardiography, right heart catheterisation, imaging, oesophageal pH/manometry and blood tests. Explanted tissue was evaluated by pulmonary pathologists and correlated to computed tomography (CT) findings. Results Out of 89 patients with IPF, 52 were transplanted during stable IPF and 37 had AE-IPF before transplantation (n=28) or death (n=9). There were no substantial differences in candidacy testing with and without AE-IPF. AE-IPF had higher rate of decline of forced vital capacity (FVC) (21±22% versus 4.8±14%, p=0.00019). FVC decline of >15% had a hazard ratio of 7.2 for developing AE-IPF compared to FVC decline of <5% (p=0.004). AE-IPF had more secondary diverse histopathology (82% versus 29%, p<0.0001) beyond diffuse alveolar damage. There was no correlation between ground-glass opacities (GGO) on chest CT at any point to development of AE-IPF (p=0.077), but GGO during AE-IPF predicted secondary pathological process beyond diffuse alveolar damage. Conclusions Lung transplantation candidacy testing including reflux studies did not predict AE-IPF besides FVC absolute decline. CT did not predict clinical or pathological AE-IPF. Secondary diverse lung pathology beyond diffuse alveolar damage was present in most AE-IPF, but not in stable IPF.
Telepsychiatry Use in Rural Areas in the United States: A Literature Review of the Benefits

Rural areas have experienced a higher than average shortage of healthcare professionals. Numerous challenges have limited access to mental health services. Some of these barriers have included tran...
A digital protein microarray for COVID-19 cytokine storm monitoring.

Despite widespread concern regarding cytokine storms leading to severe morbidity in COVID-19, rapid cytokine assays are not routinely available for monitoring critically ill patients. We report the clinical application of a digital protein microarray platform for rapid multiplex quantification of cytokines from critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at the University of Michigan Hospital. The platform comprises two low-cost modules: (i) a semi-automated fluidic dispensing/mixing module that can be operated inside a biosafety cabinet to minimize the exposure of the technician to the virus infection and (ii) a 12–12–15 inch compact fluorescence optical scanner for the potential near-bedside readout. The platform enabled daily cytokine analysis in clinical practice with high sensitivity (<0.4 pg mL−1), inter-assay repeatability (∼10% CV), and rapid operation providing feedback on the progress of therapy within 4 hours. This test allowed us to perform serial monitoring of two critically ill patients with respiratory failure and to support immunomodulatory therapy using the selective cytopheretic device (SCD). We also observed clear interleukin-6 (IL-6) elevations after receiving tocilizumab (IL-6 inhibitor) while significant cytokine profile variability exists across all critically ill COVID-19 patients and to discover a weak correlation between IL-6 to clinical biomarkers, such as ferritin and C-reactive protein (CRP). Our data revealed large subject-to-subject variability in patients' response to COVID-19, reaffirming the need for a personalized strategy guided by rapid cytokine assays.
School Segregation, Educational Attainment and Crime: Evidence from the End of Busing in Charlotte-Mecklenburg

We study the impact of the end of race-based busing in Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools ("CMS") on academic achievement, educational attainment, and young adult crime. In 2001, CMS was prohibited from using race in assigning students to schools. School boundaries were redrawn dramatically to reflect the surrounding neighborhoods, and half of its students received a new assignment. Using addresses measured prior to the policy change, we compare students in the same neighborhood that lived on opposite sides of a newly drawn boundary. We find that both white and minority students score lower on high school exams when they are assigned to schools with more minority students. We also find decreases in high school graduation and four-year college attendance for whites, and large increases in crime for minority males. The impacts on achievement and attainment are smaller in younger cohorts, while the impact on crime remains large and persistent for at least nine years after the re-zoning. We show that compensatory resource allocation policies in CMS likely played an important role in mitigating the impact of segregation on achievement and attainment, but had no impact on crime. We conclude that the end of busing widened racial inequality, despite efforts by CMS to mitigate the impact of increases in segregation.
Lack of Age-related Respiratory Changes in Daphnia

Aging is a multifaceted process of accumulation of damages and waste in cells and tissues; age-related changes in mitochondria and in respiratory metabolism have been in the focus of aging research for decades. Here we investigated age-related changes in respiration rates, lactate/pyruvate ratio, a commonly used proxy for NAD+/NADH balance, and mitochondrial membrane potential in 4 genotypes of an emerging model organism for aging research, a cyclic parthenogen Daphnia magna. We show that total body weight-adjusted respiration rate decreases with age, although this decrease is small in magnitude and not observed in anaesthetized animals, thus likely to be accounted for by decrease in locomotion and feeding activity. Lactate/pyruvate ratio and mitochondrial membrane potential ({Psi}mt) showed no age-related changes, with a possible exception of {Psi}mt measured in the optical lobe and in epipodites (excretory organs) in which {Psi}mt showed a maximum at middle age. We conclude that actuarial senescence in Daphnia is not caused by a decline in respiratory metabolism and discuss possible mechanisms of maintaining mitochondrial healthspan throughout the lifespan.
Increasing adiposity and the presence of cardiometabolic morbidity is associated with increased Covid-19-related mortality: results from the UK Biobank.

Although obesity, defined by body mass index (BMI), has been associated with a higher risk of hospitalisation and more severe course of illness in Covid-19 positive patients amongst the British population, it is unclear if this translates into increased mortality. Furthermore, given that BMI is an insensitive indicator of adiposity, the effect of adipose volume on Covid-19 outcomes is also unknown. We used the UK Biobank repository, which contains clinical and anthropometric data and is linked to Public Health England Covid-19 healthcare records, to address our research question. We performed age- and sex- adjusted logistic regression and Chi-squared test to compute the odds for Covid-19-related mortality as a consequence of increasing BMI, and other more sensitive indices of adiposity such as waist:hip ratio (WHR) and percent body fat, as well as concomitant cardiometabolic illness. 13,502 participants were tested for Covid-19 (mean age 70 ± 8 years, 48.9% male). 1582 tested positive (mean age 68 ± 9 years, 52.8% male), of which 305 died (mean age 75 ± 6 years, 65.5% male). Increasing adiposity was associated with higher odds for Covid-19-related mortality. For every unit increase in BMI, WHR and body fat, the odds of death amongst Covid19-positive participants increased by 1.04 (95% CI 1.01–1.07), 10.71 (95% CI 1.57–73.06) and 1.03 (95% CI 1.01–1.05), respectively (all p 35 kg/m2 had significantly higher odds of Covid-19-related death (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.06–2.74, p < 0.05). Covid-19-positive participants with metabolic (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia) or cardiovascular morbidity (atrial fibrillation, angina) also had higher odds of death. Anthropometric indices that are more sensitive to adipose volume and its distribution than BMI, as well as concurrent cardiometabolic illness, are associated with higher odds of Covid-19-related mortality amongst the UK Biobank cohort that tested positive for the infection. These results suggest adipose volume may contribute to adverse Covid-19-related outcomes associated with obesity.
Informosomes, East and West

Although Alexander Spirin was most known for his ribosome work, his earlier research on RNA synthesis during vertebrate embryogenesis was also pioneering. There he introduced the idea that messenger RNA exists as a complex with proteins. He named these particles “informosomes”, mainly for the RNA species they contained but also hinting that this ribonucleoprotein form might underlie control of the mRNA’s translation. Although the notion that mRNA is complexed with proteins was entirely plausible and had considerable supporting data, it was received with skepticism in some quarters. Here I briefly summarize this phase of Spirin’s early work and offer my perspectives and speculations on why its acceptance was unduly delayed.
Defining growth in small pulmonary nodules using volumetry: results from a "coffee-break" CT study and implications for current nodule management guidelines.

An increase in lung nodule volume on serial CT may represent true growth or measurement variation. In nodule guidelines, a 25% increase in nodule volume is frequently used to determine that growth has occurred; this is based on previous same-day, test–retest (coffee-break) studies examining metastatic nodules. Whether results from prior studies apply to small non-metastatic nodules is unknown. This study aimed to establish the interscan variability in the volumetric measurements of small-sized non-metastatic nodules. Institutional review board approval was obtained for this study. Between March 2019 and January 2021, 45 adults (25 males; mean age 65 years, range 37–84 years) with previously identified pulmonary nodules (30–150 mm3) requiring surveillance, without a known primary tumour, underwent two same-day CT scans. Non-calcified solid nodules were measured using commercial volumetry software, and interscan variability of volume measurements was assessed using a Bland–Altman method and limits of agreement. One hundred nodules (range 28–170 mm3; mean 81.1 mm3) were analysed. The lower and upper limits of agreement for the absolute volume difference between the two scans were − 14.2 mm3 and 12.0 mm3 respectively (mean difference 1.09 mm3, range − 33–12 mm3). The lower and upper limits of agreement for relative volume difference were − 16.4% and 14.6% respectively (mean difference 0.90%, range − 24.1–32.8%). The interscan volume variability in this cohort of small non-metastatic nodules was smaller than that in previous studies involving lung metastases of varying sizes. An increase of 15% in nodule volume on sequential CT may represent true growth, and closer surveillance of these nodules may be warranted. • In current pulmonary nodule management guidelines, a threshold of 25% increase in volume is required to determine that true growth of a pulmonary nodule has occurred. • This test–retest (coffee break) study has demonstrated that a smaller threshold of 15% increase in volume may represent true growth in small non-metastatic nodules. • Closer surveillance of some small nodules growing 15–25% over a short interval may be appropriate.
Appendicular Lean Mass, Grip Strength, and the Development of Hospital-Associated Activities of Daily Living Disability among Older Adults in the Health ABC Study.

Background Half of all physical disability, including activity of daily living (ADL) disability, among older adults occurs in the setting of hospitalization. This study examines whether appendicular lean mass (ALM) and grip strength, which are commonly included in various definitions of sarcopenia, are associated with development of hospital-associated ADL disability in older adults in the Health ABC Study. Methods Individuals hospitalized during the first 5 years of follow-up (n=1,724) were analyzed. ALM to body mass index (BMI) ratio (ALMBMI), by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and grip strength, by hand-held dynamometery, were assessed annually. Development of new ADL disability was assessed at the time of the next annual assessment after hospitalization. Separate regression analyses modeled the association of pre-hospitalization ALMBMI or grip strength with death before the next scheduled annual assessment. Next, among those who survived to the next annual assessment, separate regression analyses modeled the association of ALMBMI or grip strength with development of ADL disability. Results Each standard deviation decrement in pre-hospitalization grip strength was associated with an adjusted 1.80 odds of new ADL disability at follow-up (95% CI: 1.18, 2.74). Low, compared to not low, grip strength (per FNIH definition) was associated with an adjusted 2.36 odds of ADL disability at follow-up (95% CI: 1.12, 4.97). ALM measures were not associated with development of hospital-associated ADL disability. ALM and grip strength measures were not associated with death. Conclusions Pre-hospitalization lower grip strength may be an important risk factor for ADL disability among older adult survivors of hospitalization.
Other Radiology Bits and Pieces of Lore

In the proceeding essay, my theme was well-established misconceptions under the heading. “It ain’t what you don’t know it’s what you do know that ain’t so.” If you are game, let’s continue with some more examples.
Drag-induced radiative energy loss from semihard heavy quarks

The case of gluon bremsstrahlung off a heavy quark in extended nuclear matter is revisited within the higher twist formalism. In particular, the in-medium modification of ``semihard'' heavy quarks is studied, where the momentum of the heavy quark is larger but comparable to the mass of the heavy quark $(p\ensuremath{\gtrsim}M)$. In contrast to all prior calculations, where the gluon emission spectrum is entirely controlled by the transverse momentum diffusion parameter $(\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{q})$, both for light and heavy quarks, in this work, we demonstrate that the gluon emission spectrum for a heavy quark (unlike that for light flavors) is also sensitive to $\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{e}$, which so far has been used to quantify the amount of light-cone drag experienced by a parton. This mass dependent effect, due to the non-light-like momentum of a semihard heavy quark, leads to an additional energy loss term for heavy quarks, while resulting in a negligible modification of light flavor (and high energy heavy flavor) energy loss. This result can be used to estimate the value of this subleading nonperturbative jet transport parameter $(\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{e})$ from heavy flavor suppression in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions.
The Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895: The Decline of the Old Order in China and Korea

Korean rulers, under whatever impulse they act, seem determined to create causes of international friction; petty causes, it is true, but these littles may make a mickle one fine day. The Japan Weekly Mail , February 17, 1894 Korea seems a very poor place to fight for. Its people are plunged in the most miserable poverty of any in the poverty-stricken East …. Japan, in spite of all her mistakes, stands for light and civilization; her institutions are enlightened; her laws, drawn up by European justice, are equal to the best we know, and they are justly administered; her punishments are humane; her scientific and sociological ideals are our own. China stands for darkness and savagery. Her science is ludicrous superstition, her law is barbarous, her punishments are awful, her politics are corruption, her ideals are isolation and stagnation. Sir Henry Norman, British journalist, 1894 In 1894, the great Pullman Railway Strike paralyzed the economy of the Western half of the United States; the muckraking journalist Henry Demarest Lloyd published his expose of John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company; and the United States remained in the throes of the Depression of 1893. In France, 1894 marked the beginning of the long, drawn-out Dreyfus affair, when anti-Semitism led to the court-martial and imprisonment on Devil's Island of an innocent Jewish officer. There were headlines concerning the assassinations of President Carnot of France and the Bulgarian nationalist, Stefan Stambulov. Tsar Alexander HI of Russia unexpectedly died, leaving the throne to his unprepared and panic-stricken twenty-six-year-old son, Nicholas II.
Proteins encoded by the DpnI restriction gene cassette. Hyperproduction and characterization of the DpnI endonuclease.

Insertion mutations in the DpnI gene cassette of Streptococcus pneumoniae indicated that the two genes it contains, dpnC and dpnD, were transcribed from an adjacent promoter and that only dpnC was necessary for expression of the DpnI endonuclease. Large amounts of the DpnI endonuclease were produced from the cloned cassette in an Escherichia coli expression system, and the enzyme was purified to homogeneity. The DpnI endonuclease is composed of a single polypeptide of 30 kDa, which, as shown by NH2-terminal sequencing of the protein, is encoded by the entire dpnC open reading frame. The native protein sedimented as a monomer of 30 kDa in 0.5 M NaCl. A protein composed of a 20-kDa polypeptide, which is presumably encoded by dpnD, was also produced in large amounts. It was partially purified, but its function is unknown. Examination of the predicted amino acid sequence of DpnI revealed a potential metal-containing, DNA-binding finger structure. It is suggested that this structure provides the specificity for recognition of the methylated DNA sequence, 5′-GmATC-3′, that is cleaved by the DpnI endonuclease.
Effect of an anti-inflammatory dose of prednisone on thyroid hormone monitoring in hypothyroid dogs

It is not uncommon for a hypothyroid dog to be receiving concurrent corticosteroids. As hypothyroid dogs receiving thyroid supplement need periodic monitoring, knowledge of whether prednisone alters thyroid hormone concentrations would be useful to determine whether testing can or should be done while the dog is receiving therapy and whether dose adjustments are appropriate. In this study, the effect of short-term anti-inflammatory prednisone was determined in dogs with naturally occurring hypothyroidism. Eight adult dogs were given prednisone (1.0 mg/kg, orally) daily for 7 days and then on alternate days for 14 days. Serum total thyroxine (T(4) ), free T(4) (fT(4) ), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured on days 7, 21 and 28 and compared with baseline data. Total T(4) concentrations were significantly decreased after 7 days of anti-inflammatory prednisone, but were not significantly altered from baseline on days 21 or 28. Free T(4) and TSH concentrations were not significantly altered from baseline at any point during the study. Two dogs had decreased total T(4) concentrations on day 7, which may have resulted in an alteration in thyroid supplementation. Results showed that administration of prednisone at a dosage of 1 mg/kg, orally, once daily for 7 days decreased total T(4) , while fT(4) was unchanged, suggesting that fT(4) may be less affected by daily prednisone administration. Anti-inflammatory doses of prednisone administered every other day did not interfere with thyroid hormone monitoring.
Political Theater or Bargaining Failure: Why Presidents Veto

This article tests two competing explanations of presidential vetoes—sequential veto bargaining (SVB) and blame game politics. According to the SVB model, vetoes are the result of uncertainty about the president's true preferences on legislation. According to the blame game model, vetoes result because Congress deliberately passes bills the president will veto as a means of communicating relative positions to outside audiences. This article implements a test of whether a veto was expected at the time a bill achieved final passage, reasoning that if a bill was seen as sure to be vetoed at the time of passage, the veto could not be the product of SVB. The evidence points toward blame game politics as a far more important cause of vetoes than SVB.
Conceptualizing Emotions in Social Studies Education

This review of research investigates how the field of social studies education conceptualizes emotions within its literature. Analysis indicates a lack of theoretical and empirical engagement with emotions, even when the presence of emotions is explicitly acknowledged. Drawing on Michalinos Zembylas’s framework for researching emotions in education, the authors reveal multiple conceptions of emotions undergird research and practice, yet these are largely unexamined in the literature. The complicated nature of emotions requires careful attention, and attempting to understand the roles they play in teaching and learning provides significant opportunities for growth in social studies research and practice.
Regional anesthesia meets ultrasound: a specialty in transition

Despite its well-known benefits, regional anesthesia has not attained the stature, simplicity, and safety of general anesthesia. Many of the challenges and clinical failures of regional anesthetic techniques can be attributed to fact that neurovascular anatomy is highly variable. Furthermore, current nerve localization techniques provide little or no information regarding the anatomical spread local anesthesia. Recently, ultrasound technology has been utilized by anesthesiologists in an attempt to minimize many of the drawbacks of traditional nerve block techniques. This review article will update the reader on the current status of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, provide an evidence-based context, and supply key facts regarding ultrasound physics. In the process, we will also highlight several possible limitations of ultrasound techniques including learning curve issues, costs, and artifact generation.
Developmental evolution in social insects : regulatory networks from genes to societies

ABSTRACT J.Exp.Zool.(Mol.Dev.Evol.)318:159–169,2012 A major goal of Developmental Evolution is to elucidate the de-velopmental mechanisms underlying patterns and processes ofphenotypic evolution and to contribute to a mechanistic un-derstanding of the origin of evolutionary innovations includ-ing body plan evolution (Wagner et al., 2000; Davidson, 2006;DavidsonandErwin,2006;ErwinandDavidson,2009). Develop-mental Evolution and related research programs in EvolutionaryDevelopmental Biology (Evo-Devo) typically employ a compar-ative approach, studying phenotypic variation between widelydivergent lineages (Laubichler, 2007). A relatively new frontierfor Evo-Devo is consideration of phenotypic variation withinpopulations, which is more relevant to microevolutionary pro-cesses (Stern, 2000; Moczek and Nijhout, 2003). Such a focus isa critical step toward integrating mechanisms generating phe-notypic variation with the evolutionary processes that most di-rectly shape variation within populations. Phenotypic variationhas traditionally been the focus of
Sealed inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy II: determination of phosphorus

Abstract The sealed argon inductively coupled plasma requires the addition of modifier gases such as hydrogen or hydrogen chloride at levels greater than 0.5% to maintain stable and reproducible phosphorus emission signals. With the mixed argon-hydrogen atmosphere parts-per-billion levels of phosphine can be determined in a gas sample. Experiments and thermodynamic calculations demonstrate that the chemical reactivity of the modifier gases accounts for detectable phosphorus emission in the sealed plasma.
Fine-Needle Aspiration in the Diagnosis of Metastatic Ovarian Cancer to the Breast☆

Metastatic ovarian cancer to the breast is a rare condition. The diagnosis must be made quickly and efficiently to minimize patients' physical and emotional trauma. Three patients with metastatic ovarian cancer to the breast are presented. Fine-needle aspiration of the breast was used in all patients in an attempt to obtain a diagnosis. Correlation of the cytomorphology from the primary tumor and metastatic lesion allowed proper diagnosis in two of the three patients. This study shows that it is imperative for the clinician to work closely with the cytopathologist to obtain a correct diagnosis.
Periodic Materials & Printed Structures for Miniature Antennas

Engineered materials, such as new composites, electromagnetic bandgap, and periodic structures have attracted considerable interest in recent years due to their remarkable and unique electromagnetic properties. Among this class of media are the magnetic photonic (MPC) and degenerate band edge (DBE) crystals. These periodic media have the concurrent characteristics of wave slow down and impedance matching at their dielectric interface. The first allows for miniaturization, and the latter is equivalent to radiation efficiency. Overall these properties are a consequence of the anisotropic nature of the periodic media, allowing for internal phase shifting that leads to ray collimation for best aperture utilization. To a degree, they emulate zero index materials, and thus (planar) layers of the material serve the same purpose as a reflector dish. This important property of the MPC and DBE structures will be discussed at the meeting. The main focus of this work is two-fold: 1. The realization (in terms of material availability and fabrication) of the proposed periodic media, and their theoretical and measured performance for antenna applications. Specifically, we will pursue feed arrangements, impedance matching and metallizations/printings for maximum aperture efficiency. 2. Introduction of a concept that allows for emulation of the anisotropic properties of MPC/DBE media using a novel coupled line printed approach. This concept allows for the realization of the wave slowdown and impedance matching within a printed microwave structure, leading to new design methodologies for microwave components, including couplers, filters and printed antenna devices.
35Cl nuclear magnetic resonance studies of metal binding to bovine serum albumin.

Abstract In aqueous sodium chloride solutions containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) the 35Cl line width increases when certain metal ions are added, due to quadrupole relaxation of 35Cl. This effect is used for studying binding of metal ions to BSA. In the present work, it is shown that the 35Cl line width technique is applicable to mercury(II), cadmium(II), lead(II), zine(II), thallium(III), copper(II), and manganese(II) ions. The degrees of dissociation and stoichiometries are determined for these metal BSA complexes. The degrees of dissociation are Pb > Hg ≈ Cd > Tl ≈ Zn > Cu > Mn for the 4:1 metal-BSA complexes. The formation of mixed hydroxy BSA complexes is studied. In some cases the numbers of chlorides bound per metal ion are found through displacement with CN ion. The ability of ethylenediaminetraacetic acid, 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanol, cysteine, penicillamine, 3-mercaptopropionic acid, and S-methyl- l -cysteine to remove each metal ion was determined.
A Combined-biomarker Approach To Phenotyping Renal Dysfunction in Heart Failure

s S39 on immune system function in relationship to INTERMACS class prior to MCSD-implantation is virtually non-existent. We hypothesized that preMCSD peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene expression profiling (GEP) by next-generation sequencing (NGS) identifies a subgroup of patients with higher risk of post MCSD MODS. Methods: PBMC samples from 8 AdHF patients (53±25 years old) undergoing MCSD implantation included in the prospective MultiOrgan Dysfunction Expression (MOD-E) profiling study between August 2012 2013. Obtained 1 day before surgery, and at days 1, 3, 5 and 8 postoperatively were collected for 3 INTERMACS level 3 patients (n= 3) and 5 patients (n= 5) INTERMACS level 1-2. Purified mRNA was subjected to whole-genome NGS analysis. Differentially expressed genes where identified by Two-way ANOVA and Benjamini-Hochberg correction. Only those with fold change of at least 1.5 were included in the analysis. Hierarchically clustering was used for visualization. Biological significance was assessed by gene ontology and pathway analysis. Results: Compared to INTERMACS level 3, patients in the higher risk categories had dramatic differences in their gene expression profiles before and across all 5 time points (Figure 1). Over 3100 different genes were identified and mechanistically linked to the systemic inflammatory response by their biological significance. Gene ontology and pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment of immune related categories and pathways. Conclusion: In AdhF patient facing MCSD-implantation, NGS-based PBMC GEP correlates with clinical severity as assessed by INTERMACS class prior to as well as early after MCSD-implantation and may be further develop to assist in improved patient selection.
A 200-V high-voltage amplifier using a parasitic field-oxide transistor for voltage feedback

A 200-V high-voltage amplifier with a 50-kHz bandwidth is built in a 10-V trench-isolated CMOS process with complementary high-voltage transistors. The high-voltage amplifier uses parasitic field-oxide transistors to dc stabilize the input-output voltage transfer characteristic. Use of parasitic field-oxide transistors for output voltage sensing provides only a small capacitive output load and eliminates the need for high-voltage resistor feedback networks. By removing resistor feedback networks, compact and low-power high-voltage amplifiers may be realized for a certain class of applications.
Influence of nitrate on methane production and oxidation in flooded soil

Abstract Methane (CH4) production in paddy soils and sediments as influenced by nitrate (NO3) addition was studied under a closely controlled soil pH and oxidation‐reduction (redox) potential (Eh) conditions. CH4 production was affected by soil pH and NO3 ‐. Added NO3 ‐ reduced the amount of CH4 produced of each pH level studied. Nitrate addition primary effect in reducing CH4 production was through the resultant increase in soil redox potential (Eh). Using Methyl Fluoride (MF), a CH4 oxidation inhibitor we found that added NO3 ‐ was not used in CH4 oxidation by methanotrophic bacteria.
Isoenzyme analysis of Babesia microti infections in humans.

ABSTRACT. We used high-resolution polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis (PGGE) to separate four babesial enzymes to aid in the identification of two Babesia microti isolates established in hamsters. The isolates were compared to two different hamster passages of the “Gray” strain. All isoenzyme patterns from the two isolates and the “Gray” strain were similar except glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) from one of the “Gray” strain passages. It showed a polymorphic GPI pattern as opposed to a monomorphic GPI pattern seen in the other “Gray” strain passage and the two isolates. The observed differences suggested (i) that some populations of B. microti are capable of having polymorphic GPI, (ii) that the “Gray” strain originally contained (and may still contain) a heterogenous population of B. microti, and (iii) that the population possessing polymorphic GPI was selected over that with monomorphic GPI. This information was obtained by a PGGE method that eliminated hemoglobin from gels and allowed, for the first time, detection of babesial leucine amino peptidase (LAP) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH). In addition, this method provided molecular weight estimations on babesial GPI, LAP, IDH, and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and it proved useful in the identification and characterization of the B. microti isolates.
Characterization of expression of phosphofructokinase isoforms in isolated rat pancreatic islets and purified beta cells and cloning and expression of the rat phosphofructokinase-A isoform.

Abstract Phosphofructokinase (PFK) plays a key role in regulating glycolytic flux, and the mammalian enzyme is a tetramer. Three monomeric isoforms are encoded by separate genes, are differentially expressed in specific tissues, and are designated by tissues in which they are most abundant (A, muscle; B, liver; and C, brain). Glucose-induced insulin secretion from pancreatic islets requires glucose transport into islet β-cells and glycolytic metabolism. Little is known about islet PFK isozymes, but the possibility that PFK-A is expressed in β-cells is of interest because that isoform is thought to govern glycolytic oscillations and to interact with a metabolically activated β-cell phospholipase A2 enzyme. Using as probe a PCR product generated from rat islet RNA with primers designed from the human PFK-A sequence, we have cloned a full-length PFK-A cDNA from a rat islet cDNA library. The rat PFK-A deduced amino-acid sequence is 96% identical to that of human PFK-A, and all residues thought to participate in substrate or allosteric effector binding are conserved between the two sequences. The rat PFK-A amino-acid sequence is 69% and 68% identical to those for rat PFK-B and rat PFK-C, respectively, and differences in residues involved in binding of allosteric effectors were observed among the three isoforms. Rat PFK-A expressed as a glutathione-S-transferase fusion protein was recognized by antibodies raised against a peptide in the PFK-A sequence. Expression of PFK isoform mRNA species was examined by RT-PCR in rat islets, in purified populations of β-cells prepared by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and in RIN-m5F insulinoma cells, all of which expressed mRNA species for PFK-A, -B, and -C isoforms. PFK-A mRNA was expressed at much lower levels in an islet α-cell-enriched population. Interleukin-1 impairs islet glucose metabolism and insulin secretion and was found to induce a specific decline in islet expression of PFK-A mRNA. These findings establish the sequence of rat PFK-A, demonstrate that it is expressed in FACS-purified islet β-cells, and suggest that its expression is regulated by a cytokine which influences insulin secretion.
The use of Whatman-41 filters for high volume air sampling.

The feasibility of using W41 filter media on a routine TSP high-volume monitoring network was determined by comparison with glass fiber (GF) filtering. Results indicate that suspended particulate samples from GF filters averaged slightly, but not significantly, higher than those from Whatman-41 filters. Some extra handling procedures were required to avoid errors due to the hygroscopic nature of W41 filters; these added procedures are not overly burdensome, however, and they allow the performance of analytical work, thus extending the capabilities of high-volume sampling. It was demonstrated that W41 filters are practical for air quality monitoring and elemental analysis in environments similar to Cleveland's.
Application of the concept of an electrophoretic ratchet.

Fractionation via a gel electrophoretic ratchet has previously succeeded for comparatively large (radius R > or = 95 nm) spheres (Serwer, P, Griess, G.A., Anal. Chim. Acta 1998, 372, 299-306). The electrical oscillations are the following electrical field pulses: high field --> low field --> high field, etc. The field is inverted after each pulse; the time-integral of the field can be zero. Response to the ratchet is caused by steric trapping in the high field-direction, but not in the low field-direction. Trapping and, therefore, response to the ratchet decrease as R decreases. The smaller spheres do not respond to the ratchet. In the present study, spheres with R values smaller than 95 nm are made, for the first time, to respond to a similar gel electrophoretic ratchet. To achieve this objective, the heterogeneity of pore size is increased for the gel used. The heterogeneity of pore size is increased by (i) forming the gel with degraded hydroxyethyl agarose, and (ii) gelling at comparatively high temperature. If a particle still does not respond to the ratchet (because the particle is too small), this particle has a net migration in the high field-direction, when the above-described pulsed field is biased in the high field-direction. If a particle does respond to the improved ratchet, the particle has a net migration in the low field-direction. Here, the R of ratchet-responding spheres is reduced to 30-50 nm. These ratchet-responding spheres include both intact bacteriophage particles (R = 30 nm) and latex spheres. The smaller ratchet-responding spheres have an electrophoretic mobility that decreases in magnitude as the electrical field increases in magnitude. A ratchet-based procedure is developed here to achieve continuous preparative gel electrophoresis.
Fathers clubs to improve child health in rural Haiti.

Objectives: This paper describes an innovative public health nursing strategy, village-based fathers clubs, to improve child and family health in rural Haiti. It discusses related nursing implications in Haiti and other parts of the world. Design: Relevant current literature was reviewed and evaluated with respect to child health in Haiti and the development of the fathers clubs. Program participants and organizers were consulted. Sample: The fathers clubs in remote areas of Jeremie Haiti, participants and program directors, provided input for this description. Results: Public health practitioners continually face grave challenges when addressing the health care needs in less developed countries. One such case is Haiti, where crushing poverty, poor infrastructure, a failing economy, natural disasters, and chaotic sociopolitical conditions compound these challenges. Public health practitioners, including nurses, must seek creative, culturally-appropriate, low technologic approaches to improve the health of the children and families in the remote villages of Haiti. The institution and support of village fathers clubs is one approach that has been ongoing since 1994. Fathers meet together on a regular basis for health education, support, and community building activities. The curriculum is health-based and facilitated by nurses, with participation by young and old men alike. Conclusions: Participants and organizers believe that family and child health is improved as a result of the groups.
Reluctance to undergo follow-up screening for head and neck cancer is associated with income, gender, and tobacco use

Aim: To determine the factors associated with reluctance to undergo head and neck cancer follow-up screening. Methods: We surveyed 813 individuals for their medical history, income, behavior habits, and willingness to participate in phone or physical examination follow-up screening for head and neck cancer. Association of reluctance to undergo follow-up screening with the other aforementioned factors was assessed. Results: Overall, 10.9% (95% CI: 8.9–13.3%) of participants were reluctant to undergo follow-up screening. Patients with a history of cigar/pipe use (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.1–3.3, p = 0.03) or low income (under USD 30,000; OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.0–2.9, p = 0.04) were more reluctant to undergo phone follow-up. Males (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.0–4.1, p = 0.05) and those with low income (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1–4.0, p = 0.02) were more reluctant to undergo physical examination follow-up. Conclusion: Lower income, male gender, and tobacco use are associated with reluctance to undergo follow-up screening for head and neck cancer.
Emission of BO 2 from Injection of Triethylborane into the Upper Atmosphere

Hoffman, Palmer and Smith1 recently presented a low resolution emission spectrum obtained from the sunlit release of triethylborane at a height of between 90 km and 178 km above the Earth. They assigned the observed bands to an A2Π–2Π transition of boron oxide, even though they noted the absence of a band expected at 6025 A on the basis of this assignment. Their communication does not make clear which oxide of boron is assigned as responsible for the emission.
A silicon-controlled rectifier inverter with improved commutation

The announcement of the silicon controlled rectifier1,2 in December 1957 instituted a new era in the field of electric power conversion. Almost immediately, attention was focused on the application of this device in inversion equipment.3 At first, silicon-controlled rectifiers were substituted for thyratrons in existing circuits. However, such direct replacements failed to take full advantage of the better characteristics of the new device. This paper presents a silicon-controlled rectifier inverter circuit which makes use of a new commutation method. Here the small size, short turn-off time, and low forward voltage drop of the silicon-controlled rectifier are advantageously utilized to provide a more flexible inverter with higher performance and smaller size. The circuit was developed in the General Engineering Laboratory of the General Electric Company.
Growth and Annealing of Trapped Holes and Interface States Using Time-Dependent Biases

Defect growth and annealing mechanisms in MOS devices have been studied. Biases were changed during irradiations. Significant radiation-induced annealing of trapped holes was observed. Apparent room temperature annealing of interface states was also observed. A consistent explanation of this apparent annealing is presented, i.e., an effect of LNU's on the results of the subthreshold analysis technique. A possible physical mechanism for the creation of LNU's due to inhomogeneous energy deposition is explored.
5-Hydroxytryptamine content of bananas and banana products

Abstract 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was measured in unprocessed bananas and in a number of banana-containing food products. The average amount in 14 different varieties of baby foods was 24·8 ppm (range 6·4–54·1), and a mean of 25·5 ppm (range 10·6–47·3) was found in nine other products. The amount of 5-HT in the pulp of unprocessed bananas decreased during maturation, whereas that in the peel increased. These findings are discussed in relation to the general problem of physiologically active amines present in food.
PCV17 Lipid Therapy And Cardiovascular Disease: How Many Americans Should be Treated?

Recent lipid therapy clinical trials confirm the treatment recommendations of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and extend the proven benefits of primary and secondary prevention to women, elderly, and high risk patients with average cholesterol. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate and compare the size of the primary and secondary prevention population if lipid treatment recommendations were based on (1) the NCEP treatment guidelines and the baseline characteristics of (2) the primary prevention population in the West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study (WOSCOPS) and the Air Force/Texas Coronary Atherosclerosis Prevention Study (AFCAPS), (3) the secondary prevention population in the Cholesterol and Recurrent Events (CARE) trial, and the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival study (4S). METHODS: Phase 1 data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used for analysis. RESULTS: Following the current NCEP recommendations, 18.6 and 5.8 million adults would be candidates for primary prevention and secondary prevention intervention, respectively. If the treatment guidelines were based on the characteristics of the WOSCOPS or AFCAPS patients, the size of the primary prevention population would increase by 12.2 million to 30.8 million. Extending the recommendation based on the characteristics of the CARE or the 4S study patients would increase the secondary prevention population size by 2 million to 7.8 million. CONCLUSION: Recent clinical trials suggest that more than 15% of U.S. adults would benefit from lipid-lowering therapy for primary and secondary prevention of heart disease. Cost-effectiveness evaluation of lipid-lowering strategies should be used as a guide to treatment decisions.
p-Channel MODFET's using GaAlAs/GaAs two-dimensional hole gas

p-channel MODFET's were fabricated in the GaAlAs/GaAs system and the properties of the hole gas system tested to ascertain its suitability for complementary logic. The Hall mobilities on a Ga .5 Al .5 As/GaAs modulation-doped hole gas structure were measured to be 3650 cm2V-1s-1and 54000 cm2V-1s-1with sheet carrier concentration of 1 × 1012cm-2and 7.76 × 1011cm-2at 77 and 4.2 K, respectively. The measured transconductances of 1.5-µm gate-length MODFET's on this structure were measured to lie in the range of 28-35 mS.mm-1at 77 K. The field mobility measured on long gate-length MODFET's was approximately 3200 cm2V-1s-1at 77 K. Using test structures for measuring current voltage characteristic in the hole-gas system, low field drift mobility was measured to be 3000 cm2V-1s-1and velocities of 3 5 × 106cm.s-1were measured at electric fields of 3-4 kV.cm-1at 77 K. The Schottky barriers showed low leakage and a barrier height of 0.7 to 0.8 eV. Calculations indicate that transconductances of approximately 100 mS.mm-1should be achievable in this system for similar gate lengths.