cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
State of the Union in Open Neurovascular Training

Background The evolution of minimally invasive endovascular approaches and training paradigms has reduced open neurovascular case exposure for neurosurgical residents. There are no published estimates of open neurovascular case volumes during residency or Committee on Advanced Subspecialty Training (CAST) accredited fellowships. Methods Case volumes from residency programs submitting data for CAST accredited fellowship applications were collected and analyzed. The study period covered the academic years of 2013–2016. Case index volumes were calculated to provide an estimate of total volume of cases each trainee participated in a given year. The case index volume was defined as the total volume of cases per year divided by the total training complement. Results Over the study period, institutional data from 46 programs were available. Of those programs, 9 programs had CAST accredited open cerebrovascular fellowships. Across all 46 programs, the median number of vascular cases was 246 (interquartile range [IQR]: 148–340), whereas the median number of open vascular cases was 105 (IQR: 67–152). The median number of open aneurysm cases among programs with CAST cerebrovascular fellowships was 80 (IQR: 54–103) and among programs without CAST cerebrovascular fellowships was 34 (IQR: 24–63). The median open aneurysm case index volume for trainees at programs with and without CAST cerebrovascular fellowships was 23 (IQR: 14–29) and 19 (IQR: 11–24). Conclusions Strong neurovascular training can be obtained through dedication and planning. Completion of a CAST accredited cerebrovascular fellowship will often more than double aneurysm case exposure of trainees.
Chytrid Fungi Associated with Pollen Decomposition in Crater Lake, Oregon

We identified chytrid fungi that were attached to pine pollen on the surface of Crater Lake. Fungi were identified by large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene sequencing of lake pollen extracts and by isolation of a chytrid fungus that was present on the pollen. LSU rRNA PCR products were cloned, sequenced and identified. The majority of eukaryotic LSU rRNA sequences associated with pollen were found to be members of the chytrid order Rhizophyidiales. A fungal isolate was characterized culturally, morphologically, and by DNA sequencing and was identified as a member of the genus Paranamyces, in the order Rhizophydiales. In addition, protist LSU rRNA sequences from the phylum Ciliophora were found. The concentrations of dissolved organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphate in surface water that had visible pollen rafts increased according to the concentration of pollen in the water. Each of these nutrients was detected at several fold higher levels in water with pollen rafts as compared to surface water lacking pollen rafts. These results provide evidence for the role of chytrid fungi in nutrient release from pollen deposited on Crater Lake.
DNA Conformational Changes Play a Force-Generating Role during Bacteriophage Genome Packaging

Abstract Motors that move DNA, or that move along DNA, play essential roles in DNA replication, transcription, recombination, and chromosome segregation. The mechanisms by which these DNA translocases operate remain largely unknown. Some double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses use an ATP-dependent motor to drive DNA into preformed capsids. These include several human pathogens as well as dsDNA bacteriophages—viruses that infect bacteria. We previously proposed that DNA is not a passive substrate of bacteriophage packaging motors but is instead an active component of the machinery. We carried out computational studies on dsDNA in the channels of viral portal proteins, and they reveal DNA conformational changes consistent with that hypothesis. dsDNA becomes longer (“stretched”) in regions of high negative electrostatic potential and shorter (“scrunched”) in regions of high positive potential. These results suggest a mechanism that electrostatically couples the energy released by ATP hydrolysis to DNA translocation: The chemical cycle of ATP binding, hydrolysis, and product release drives a cycle of protein conformational changes. This produces changes in the electrostatic potential in the channel through the portal, and these drive cyclic changes in the length of dsDNA as the phosphate groups respond to the protein’s electrostatic potential. The DNA motions are captured by a coordinated protein-DNA grip-and-release cycle to produce DNA translocation. In short, the ATPase, portal, and dsDNA work synergistically to promote genome packaging.
Triptolide Attenuates Graft Inflammation During Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion

Purpose Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has been proposed as a platform for lung graft assessment and preservation. However, its proinflammatory milieu may be associated with deterioration in graft quality which may contribute to posttransplant graft dysfunction. Triptolide (TL), a diterpenoid triepoxide, has recently been shown to have a therapeutic potential in various disease states due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Based on this, we sought to assess the impact of TL on graft preservation during EVLP as well as associated posttransplant outcomes. Methods Using rat heart-lung blocs, EVLP was performed with Steen solution containing 100 nM of TL at 37°C for 4 hours. Graft evaluation included physiologic, metabolic and functional parameters. Tissue inflammatory profile and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers were assessed. Following 4 hours of EVLP, orthotopic single lung transplantation was performed using 3-cuff technique. Results were compared with those of lung grafts undergoing EVLP without TL. Results Physiologic and functional parameters of lung grafts on EVLP with TL were better than those without treatment (Figure A). Glucose consumption was significantly decreased in lungs treated with TL. Levels of proinflammatory cytokine mRNA were lower in TL-treated lungs which is attributed to inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling. In addition, TL improved ER stress during EVLP as evidenced by diminished ER stress markers. Most importantly, posttransplant graft function was significantly better in the TL group compared to untreated group (Figure C). Conclusion Treatment of lung grafts with TL during EVLP may serve as a potential compound for enhanced graft preservation. These studies warrant further investigation into its potential protective effect and may have implications for improving posttransplant outcomes.
Maximum sustainable volume of a magnetic fluid coating a horizontal cylinder carrying an axial electric current

Abstract When a current flows in the axial direction of a horizontal cylinder coated with a ferrofluid film, it generates a magnetic field exterior to the cylinder which causes a radially inward force on the dipoles of the ferrofluid. In a recent work an evolution equation was derived, valid for a magnetic fluid coating a horizontal cylinder. To be time-accurate, we could only study the coating evolution with sufficiently small initial volumes such that the small slope approximation was valid throughout the evolution of the coating. In this work, we are going to change the evolution equation to an iterative equation, and use it to find the maximum sustainable volume of coatings for a given cylinder radius and magnetic field strength. In an effort to model actual physical situations, we assume that the magnetic fluid is an ester ferrofluid, and that the conducting cylinder is made of either copper or a niobium-tin superconductor. We find that, for sufficiently small cylinder radii, or sufficiently strong magnetic fields, the tendency for the ferrofluid to flow towards the bottom of the cylinder is suppressed. We also show that, over a large range of cylinder radii, the magnetic field can almost completely suppress variations in the coating thickness along the axis of the cylinder caused by surface tension effects.
Observation of excitonic strings in a quasione dimensional charge transfer crystal

The three dimensional translational symmetry of inorganic semiconductor crystals gives rise to collective excitations such as plasmons, rotons, electron-hole liquid, and excitonic molecules. Here, we show experimentally and theoretically that in a quasione-dimensional charge transfer (CT) organic crystal, the Coulomb attraction of CT excitons can form n-string excitons: bound states of several (more than two) excitons.1
Social Networks, Funding, and Regional Advantages in Technology Entrepreneurship: An Empirical Analysis

With the increased penetration of digital technologies into entrepreneurship, the traditional need for proximity to specific locations or large amounts of funding for infrastructure development has...
Sequential and spatial letter reversals in adults with dyslexia during a word comparison task: demystifying the "was saw" and "db" myths.

Whether sequential and spatial letter reversals characterize dyslexia in children has been unclear, largely due to developmental variability of these errors in children with and without dyslexia. H...
Time From HIV Diagnosis to Viral Suppression: Survival Analysis of Statewide Surveillance Data in Alabama, 2012 to 2014.

Background: Evaluation of the time from HIV diagnosis to viral suppression (VS) captures the collective effectiveness of HIV prevention and treatment activities in a given locale and provides a more global estimate of how effectively the larger HIV care system is working in a given geographic area or jurisdiction. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate temporal and geographic variability in VS among persons with newly diagnosed HIV infection in Alabama between 2012 and 2014. Methods: With data from the National HIV Surveillance System, we evaluated median time from HIV diagnosis to VS (<200 c/mL) overall and stratified by Alabama public health area (PHA) among persons with HIV diagnosed during 2012 to 2014 using the Kaplan-Meier approach. Results: Among 1979 newly diagnosed persons, 1181 (59.67%) achieved VS within 12 months of diagnosis; 52.6% (353/671) in 2012, 59.5% (377/634) in 2013, and 66.9% (451/674) in 2014. Median time from HIV diagnosis to VS was 8 months: 10 months in 2012, 8 months in 2013, and 6 months in 2014. Across 11 PHAs in Alabama, 12-month VS ranged from 45.8% (130/284) to 84% (26/31), and median time from diagnosis to VS ranged from 5 to 13 months. Conclusions: Temporal improvement in persons achieving VS following HIV diagnosis statewide in Alabama is encouraging. However, considerable geographic variability warrants further evaluation to inform public health action. Time from HIV diagnosis to VS represents a meaningful indicator that can be incorporated into public health surveillance and programming.
Characterizing the landscape and impact of infections following kidney transplantation.

Infections remain a major threat to successful kidney transplantation (KT). To characterize the landscape and impact of post-KT infections in the modern era, we used United States Renal Data System (USRDS) data linked to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) to study 141 661 Medicare-primary kidney transplant recipients from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2014. Infection diagnoses were ascertained by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes. The cumulative incidence of a post-KT infection was 36.9% at 3 months, 53.7% at 1 year, and 78.0% at 5 years. The most common infections were urinary tract infection (UTI; 46.8%) and pneumonia (28.2%). Five-year mortality for kidney transplant recipients who developed an infection was 24.9% vs 7.9% for those who did not, and 5-year death-censored graft failure (DCGF) was 20.6% vs 10.1% (P < .001). This translated to a 2.22-fold higher mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 2.15 2.222.29 , P < .001) and 1.92-fold higher DCGF risk (aHR: 1.84 1.911.98 , P < .001) for kidney transplant recipients who developed an infection, although the magnitude of this higher risk varied across infection types (for example, 3.11-fold higher mortality risk for sepsis vs 1.62-fold for a UTI). Post-KT infections are common and substantially impact mortality and DCGF, even in the modern era. Kidney transplant recipients at high risk for infections might benefit from enhanced surveillance or follow-up to mitigate these risks.
A family of structural and functional models for the active site of a unique dioxygenase: Acireductone dioxygenase (ARD).

Abstract We report the synthesis and biomimetic activity of a family of model complexes with relevance to acireductone dioxygenase (ARD), an enzyme that displays dual function based on metal identity found in the methionine salvage pathway (MSP). Three complexes with related structural motifs were synthesized and characterized derived from phenolate, and pyridine N4O Schiff-base ligands. They display pseudo-octahedral Ni(II)-N4O ligand coordination with water at the sixth site, in close alignment to the structure in the resting state of ARD. The three featured complexes exhibit carbon‑carbon bond cleavage activation of lithium acetylacetonate, which was used as a model enzyme substrate. Computationally derived mechanistic routes for the observed reactivity consistent with experimental conditions are herein proposed. The mechanism suggests the possibility of Ni(II)-substrate interactions, followed by oxygen insertion. These results constitute only the third functional model system of ARD, in an attempt to further advance biomimetic contributions to the ongoing debate of ARD's unique metal mediated, regioselective oxidative cleavage.
Treatment Experience With Inhaled Corticosteroids in Combination with Remdesivir and Dexamethasone Among COVID-19 Patients Admitted to a Rural Community Hospital: A Case Series

Background Pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause severe inflammation of the lungs resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Current treatment guidelines support use of remdesivir as well as dexamethasone in hypoxic patients. There is very little information known about use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in combination with the other two medications. Methods and outcomes We report our experience among six coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients who received ICS, remdesivir and dexamethasone for treatment as well as their outcomes. Data were obtained from retrospective chart review during a two-week period from July 8, 2020 to July 22, 2020. Five patients were treated successfully and discharged home. One patient expired. Conclusions This case series highlights the possible benefits of inhaled steroids in treatment of COVID-19 patients with hypoxia. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to assess inhaled corticosteroids as possible treatment either alone or in combination with systemic steroids for treating COVID-19 patients. Dose and optimal duration need to be studied and evaluated.
Extending the Ladder of Stances: Comments on Chakravartty's Scientific Ontology

I raise questions about Chakravartty's voluntarism about stances: supposing that we recognize a hierarchy of stances, voluntarism might be at once true (in an ultimate sense) but misleading when it comes to the practical tenability of pursuing certain debates in the philosophy of science, such as the debate about scientific realism or how to ‘naturalize’ metaphysics.
Improved Spirodela polyrhiza genome and proteomic analyses reveal a conserved chromosomal structure with high abundance of chloroplastic proteins favoring energy production

Duckweeds are a monophyletic group of rapidly reproducing aquatic monocots in the Lemnaceae family. Given their clonal, exponentially fast reproduction, a key question is whether genome structure is conserved across the species in the absence of meiotic recombination. Here, we studied the genome and proteome of Spirodela polyrhiza, or greater duckweed, which has the largest body plan yet the smallest genome size in the family (1C=150 Mb). Using Oxford Nanopore sequencing combined with Hi-C scaffolding, we generated a highly contiguous, chromosome-scale assembly of S. polyrhiza line Sp7498 (Sp7498_HiC). Both the Sp7498_HiC and Sp9509 genome assemblies reveal large chromosomal misorientations relative to a recent PacBio assembly of Sp7498, highlighting the need for orthogonal long-range scaffolding techniques such as Hi-C and BioNano optical mapping. Shotgun proteomics of Sp7498 verified the expression of ~2250 proteins and revealed a high abundance of proteins involved in photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism among other functions. In addition, a strong increase in chloroplast proteins was observed that correlated to chloroplast density. This Sp7498_HiC genome was generated cheaply and quickly with a single Oxford Nanopore MinION flow cell and one Hi-C library in a classroom setting. Combining these data with a mass spectrometry-generated proteome illustrates the utility of duckweed as a model for genomics- and proteomics-based education.
Quality Process Improvement

Quality process improvement follows the steps of process diagnosis, process stabilization, process improvement, and process performance improvement. Various tools and methods can be applied to each step for an efficient quality process. This article discusses the steps of quality process improvement and the tools and methods that can be used in each step of the process. Keywords: quality process; quality process improvement; process diagnosis; process stabilization; process performance improvement
The use of a wave prediction model for driving a near-surface current model

The current near the sea surface is an important influence on the drift and dispersion of plankton, fish eggs and larvae and other marine organisms, of oil slicks, chemical pollutants and other substances, and contributes significantly to the forces on marine structures. Since it is intimately associated with air-sea momentum and energy transfer, it affects, and is affected by, the atmospheric conditions, and, in the long term, the global climate. Since surface gravity waves are almost always present at the air-sea interface, and carry significant energy and momentum, they should be taken into account when estimating near-surface currents. A one-dimensional current model is presented which does take waves into account. It uses a Lagrangian coordinate system, and the source terms from a directional spectral wave prediction model act to transfer momentum from the wave field to the current. After the wave model is run, but before it is used to drive the current, the source terms in the tail of the wave spectrum are parameterized in a way which deals consistently with the balance of wave energy, momentum and action. Numerical integration is performed by using a finite difference grid with a fine resolution near the surface, and an implicit time-stepping scheme is used. The model results are consistent with present knowledge of the behaviour of the surface current. Within the upper 1 metre, they depend strongly upon the behaviour of the wave spectral tail. Oscillations in the modelled high-frequency wave components, which arise when the wind forcing is changed rapidly, give rise to corresponding oscillations in the current: this effect may be physical or it may be due to a slight instability in the wave model.
The synthesis of CaZn/sub 2/Sb/sub 2/ and its thermoelectric properties

CaZn/sub 2/Sb/sub 2/ was prepared and examined for use as a high temperature thermoelectric material. It has a high Seebeck coefficient and high electrical conductivity-comparable to /spl beta/-Zn/sub 4/Sb/sub 3/. These two properties are vital in determining the ability of the compound to change heat into electricity isentropically. The dimensionless figure of merit, ZT, a measure of the thermoelectric material's efficiency is defined as ZT = S/sup 2//spl sigma/T//spl lambda/ where S is the Seebeck coefficient, Z the figure of merit, T the temperature, /spl sigma/ the electrical conductivity, and /spl lambda/ the thermal conductivity. However, due to its simple structure, CaZn/sub 2/Sb/sub 2/ has high /spl lambda/. Doping CaZn/sub 2/Sb/sub 2/ with Ga/sup 3+/ or modifying the (Ca, Zn) to Sb ratio was also investigated. Samples were prepared from Zn, Sb, and the binary compound CaSb/sub 2/. They were tested for material composition, structure, and thermoelectric properties. Results of this experiment are presented and discussed as are the applicability of these materials to future thermoelectric use. Conservative estimates show a ZT of .5 at 500/spl deg/C; CaZn/sub 2/Sb/sub 2/ could be a good thermoelectric to use at temperatures above 400/spl deg/C.
NFAT Signaling: Choreographing the Social Lives of Cells

Calcium signaling activates the phosphatase calcineurin and induces movement of NFATc proteins into the nucleus, where they cooperate with other proteins to form complexes on DNA. Nuclear import is opposed by kinases such as GSK3, thereby rendering transcription continuously responsive to receptor occupancy. Disruptions of the genes involved in NFAT signaling are implicating this pathway as a regulator of developmental cell-cell interactions.
Modeling the Segregation of Hydrogen to Lattice Defects in Nickel

In order to better understand the effect of hydrogen on the fracture behavior of nickel, this study uses the embedded atom method (EAM) to model the segregation of hydrogen to lattice defects in nickel. The dislocations modeled include an edge, a screw, and a Lomer dislocation in the locked configuration, i.e. the Lomer-Cottrell Cock (LCL). Several coincident site lattice boundaries are also investigated, these being the {Sigma}3(112) and {Sigma}11(113) tilt boundaries. It will be shown that the trap site energies in the vicinity of both the edge and screw dislocations is only about 0.1 eV while for the LCL and all of the grain boundaries the maximum trap site energy in the vicinity of the defect is on order 0.3 eV. Using a Monte-Carlo method to a impose a hydrogen environment produces much stronger segregation of hydrogen to the deeper traps. When compared to recent experimental studies showing that a binding energy between 0.3-0.4 eV is required for trap site controlled fracture in IN903, it can be concluded that the embrittlement process is most probably associated with trapping of hydrogen to the Lomer-Cottrell Locks.
Correlations of Salivary Biomarkers with Clinical Assessments in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Rationale Monitoring clinical disease status in cystic fibrosis frequently requires invasive collection of clinical samples. Due to its noninvasive collection process and direct anatomic relationship with the lower airway, saliva shows great potential as a biological fluid for cystic fibrosis monitoring. Objectives To measure the levels of multiple protein markers in human saliva supernatants and investigate the possibility of utilizing them to provide a more quantitative measure of disease state for use in research and monitoring of patients with cystic fibrosis clinically. Methods Whole saliva samples were collected and processed from cystic fibrosis patients at two distinct time points (2010 and 2013) and measured by two separate platforms. In this cross sectional study, a convenience sample of 71 participants were recruited with samples measured by multiplexed fluorescence microarray (fiber microarray) and another 117 participant samples were measured by an automated, point-of-care, analyzer (SDReader) using a microsphere-based array via fluorescence sandwich immunoassay. For comparison, saliva from 56 and 50 healthy subjects were collected, respectively. The levels of six target proteins were quantified. Various demographic and clinical data, including spirometry, medical history, and clinicians’ assessments were also collected from patients with cystic fibrosis on the day of saliva collection. Measurements and Main Results Similar trends were observed with both platforms and compared with healthy subjects, cystic fibrosis patients had significantly elevated levels of VEGF, IP-10, IL-8, and EGF as well as lower levels of MMP-9 (P ≤ 0.005) using fiber microarray and significantly elevated levels of IP-10, IL-8 with lower levels of MMP-9 and IL-1β (P ≤ 0.02) using the SDReader. The levels of the six proteins correlated with each other significantly, and in some cases, biomarker levels could be used to differentiate between subgroups of patients with different clinical presentations. For example, IP-10 levels significantly correlated with FEV1 and disease severity (as evaluated by clinicians) with both platforms (P < 0.05). Conclusions Significant variations of the levels of six proteins in saliva supernatants, and the correlations of these levels with clinical assessments, demonstrated the potential of saliva for cystic fibrosis research and monitoring.
Mechanism of Action of Amino Acid Transfer Ribonucleic Acid Ligases

The first reaction in protein biosynthesis has been presumed to be the interaction of ATP, amino acid, and enzyme (amino acid-activating enzyme, aminoacyl transfer RNA ligase, tRNA synthetase) to form an enzyme-bound aminoacyl adenylic anhydride. Such aminoacyl anhydrides could react forward with hydroxylamine or with tRNA or backward with [32P]-PPi. Experiments, primarily involving inhibitors, cast serious doubt on the existence of such a common intermediate in the enzyme-catalyzed formation of amino acid hydroxamate or [32P]-ATP from amino acid, ATP, and hydroxylamine, or [32P]-PPi, respectively. Studies with several enzymes indicate the probability of a general base-stimulated concerted reaction in which amino acid hydroxamate, AMP, and PPi are formed with no discrete intermediates. The esterification of tRNA resembles hydroxamate formation more than it resembles ATP-PPi exchange, strengthening the argument that the physiologically significant reaction does not involve an enzyme-bound aminoacyl adenylate. When tRNA is esterified in the absence of other bases, it is probable that one of the terminal ribose hydroxyls serves as a general base while the other is being acylated.
Interculturalidade, mediações e redes digitais

A busca por formacao profissional qualificada atrai um fluxo consideravel de alunos internacionais as universidades brasileiras, o que despertou o interesse para realizar uma pesquisa qualitativas em universidades gauchas. Se as mediacoes academicas, familiares e culturais articulam o interesse dessa amostra pelo uso do computador, tambem revelam uma forte estrutura de exclsuao socioeducativas na Africa e na America Latina.
Some Effects of Antimetabolites on Cell Detachment

Actinomycin D, cycloheximide, puromycin and ouabain facilitated the detachment of Ehrlich ascites tumour cells from glass surfaces. The results suggest that the altered detachment pattern is due to impaired synthesis of constituents of the cell periphery, which results in a decrease in its mechanical strength. These reagents have been shown by others to reduce the rate of cell aggregation in various shaker-incubators, and observations of this type have generally been accepted as evidence of diminished cell adhesion. The present results support the alternative interpretation that the reagents act through their effects on cell separation, which is independent of adhesion rate.
Cellular and cytoskeleton morphology and strength of adhesion of cells on self-assembled monolayers of organosilanes

The objective of this study was to explore the potential use of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkylamine and arylalkyamine as well-defined, homogeneous, tailored in vitro model surfaces for exploring the effect of hydrodynamic flow on morphology and strength of adhesion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The cell surface area, shape, f-actin distribution, and adhesion strength of human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured on self-assembled monolayers of organosilanes were found to be dependent on the chemical composition of the organosilane film and the magnitude of wall shear stress. The direct effects of the differences in chemistry between the two silanes, in modulating cellular response, are probably only secondary to the modulation of cellular functions mediated by differential protein adsorption and conformation on the two silanes. For short seeding times (30 min), prior to application of flow, both substrate chemistry and shear stress modulated the cellular morphology and cytoskeletal organization. For longer seeding times (24 h), prior to application of flow, the chemistry of the underlying surface was the dominant variable in modulating cellular morphology, while the hydrodynamic shear stress modulated the cytoskeleton organization. Cells on N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (EDA) were pleomorphic, while cells on ((((aminoethyl)amino)methyl)phenylethyl)trimethoxysilane (PEDA) expressed a rounded morphology. Application of an incrementally loaded flow regime (0.07-1.25 ml/s) resulted in a time- and shear stress-dependent (10-180 dyn/cm2) detachment of cells, with the cells on EDA depicting higher resistance to wall shear stress. Cellular morphology correlated with the strength of adhesion; cells with rounded morphology on a hydrophobic silane, PEDA, were less tightly bound to the silane, while spread cells on a hydrophilic silane, EDA, were more tightly bound. The higher surface free energy of EDA is speculated to influence the increased cell spreading and strength of adhesion observed in these studies. The presence of the phenyl group in PEDA reduces the surface free energy and may account for the reduced spreading and lower strength of adhesion. The use of well-defined systems, such as monolayer organosilanes, with tunable surface physicochemical properties may serve to deconstruct the complex interaction of cells with extracellular matrix components: surface charge, surface hydrophobicity, and other short- and long-range forces can be individually controlled and correlated with cellular functions. The organosilane monolayers could serve as the building blocks for sequential addition of proteins or cell adhesive/cell repulsive cues to stepwise engineering and construction of more complex systems resembling ECM matrices.
Impact of dermal absorption factors in occupational exposure assessment: comparison of two models for agricultural reentry workers exposed to azinphosmethyl.

This analysis compares two deterministic reentry exposure models that differ in their treatment of the time dependence of dermal absorption. The first model, called the "traditional model," assumes that dermal absorption is a fixed fraction of the cumulative load on skin at the end of the workshift and that absorption is independent of residence time on the skin. The second model, called the "time-integrated model," incorporates the time dependence of both exposure and absorption by assuming that absorption begins at the outset of exposure and continues through the workshift and beyond, until an effective washing event occurs. These two models were evaluated using previously collected biological monitoring data from apple thinners exposed to azinphosmethyl. Daily doses predicted by the models were compared to doses estimated from the biological sampling results assuming pseudo steady-state excretion. The geometric mean dose estimated from the biological sampling data was 20 w g/kg/day. Corresponding geome...
The electrodynamic and hydrodynamic phenomena in magnetically-levitated molten droplets. II - Transient behavior and heat transfer considerations

Computed results are presented describing the transient evolution of the velocity and the temperature fields in a levitation-melted, electromagnetically-positioned metallic sample under microgravity, for conditions, when the heating current is switched off. Thus the calculations trace the evolution from one steady state corresponding to the simultaneous operation of both the heating and the positioning coils to that corresponding to the operation of the positioning coils only. The calculations have shown that the velocity field will decay much more rapidly than the temperature field, so that the cooling and subsequent undercooling and recalescence of the samples should take place from an essentially stagnant melt, meeting the original objectives of the experiment. The computed results for the velocity decay appear to agree with asymptotic calculations and also appear to follow the scaling laws.
The First Modern Engineer

On a vacation to the West of Ireland last summer, my wife and I took a ferry out to the Aran Isles that sit at the mouth of Galway Bay. We were going to visit a Stone Age fort, Dun Aenghus, that was built at the edge of a cliff on the island of Inishmore.
Dynamic Interactions Between Cancer Stem Cells and Their Stromal Partners

The cancer stem cell (CSC) paradigm presumes the existence of self-renewing cancer cells capable of regenerating all tumor compartments and exhibiting stem cell-associated phenotypes. Recent interpretations of the CSC hypothesis envision stemness as a dynamic trait of tumor-initiating cells rather than a defined and unique cell type. Bidirectional crosstalk between the tumor microenvironment and the cancer bulk is well described in the literature and the tumor-associated stroma, vasculature and immune infiltrate have all been implicated as direct contributors to tumor development. These non-neoplastic cell types have also been shown to organize specific niches within the tumor bulk where they can control the intra-tumor CSC content and alter the fate of CSCs and tumor progenitors during tumorigenesis to acquire phenotypic features for invasion, metastasis and dormancy. Despite the complexity of the tumor-stroma interactome, novel therapeutic approaches envision combining tumor-ablative treatment with manipulation of the tumor microenvironment. We will review the currently available literature that provides clues about the complex cellular network that regulate the CSC phenotype and its niches during tumor progression.
Linear Quadratic Optimal Controller Design for Effective Price Mechanisms Using Limited Market Information

Abstract In this paper, a price mechanism for a competitive market possibly possessing a coupled dynamics of price and demand is considered from the control theoretic viewpoint. In particular, an application of Linear Quadratic controller is proposed as a price adjusting algorithm to regulate both price and demand to the unknown equilibrium. To design such a controller, the market operator needs to know the full characterization of the market, which is available only locally. Using a heuristics involving l 1 norm optimization, we propose a method for local agents to select “minimum but important” information describing themselves and send it to the market operator, with which a better controller design is possible. This gives a novel and practical way for the price mechanism design using reduced information about the market.
Automatically Batch Loading Metadata from MARC into a Work-Based Metadata Model for Music

This article describes work done at Indiana University to “batch load” data from MARC bibliographic and authority records into the Work-based and FRBR-like Variations system. A series of experiments to iteratively refine our batch loading algorithm is described, along with details of how the algorithm identifies Works, creates relationships between entities, and maps a large amount of data from MARC into Variations records. The article closes with a discussion of the potential impact of this work on Variations project workflow and community FRBRization activities.
Transcriptional biomarkers and mechanisms of copper-induced olfactory injury in zebrafish.

Metals such as copper disrupt olfactory function in fish. Unfortunately, little is understood of the molecular consequences of copper olfactory impairment, thus hindering the development of relevant diagnostic tools of olfactory injury. To address this critical data gap, we analyzed gene expression within olfactory tissues of adult zebrafish exposed to CuCl2 (6, 16, 40 ppb) for 24 h. Transcriptional markers of copper impairment within the entire olfactory system were identified and specific genes of interest (e.g., S100a, parvalbumin 8, olfactory marker protein, and calbindin 2-like protein) were confirmed with quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, we performed gene set analysis (GSA) using both a priori and custom pathways of gene sets specifically targeting the olfactory signal transduction (OST) pathway. These analyses revealed down-regulated gene sets related to calcium channels and ion transport, g-proteins, and olfactory receptors. Collectively, these data demonstrate that copper causes a depress...
Limit Cycle Oscillations of a Complete Aircraft

This paper presents results for the aeroelastic stability and LCO behavior for a complete aircraft. Comparison are presented between the results predicted by a cantilevered wing model, an untrimmed aircraft model (no gravity or drag) and a trimmed aircraft model. It is seen that the stability behavior is predicted accurately only if the correct trim loads are applied to the wing. The LCO behavior of the untrimmed aircraft was similar to that of the cantilevered wing. On the other hand, the LCO behavior of the trimmed aircraft configuration was complicated due to the presence of flight dynamic instabilities.
Archiving the Web: It's Going to Have to Be a Group Effort

Important content is increasingly published on the Web, and not all of it is being preserved by large projects such as the Internet Archive's “Wayback Machine.” As new technologies transform the publishing industry, libraries will need to identify new forums for scholarly communication as they develop, and take steps to ensure that relevant materials do not slip through the cracks. Local content, government documents, and database-backed websites are three areas in which libraries may find that existing Web archives do not contain the content that users are likely to need.
Balance disorders in children.

Balance disorders in children may be difficult to recognize. Children often are unable to describe their symptoms and they may just seem clumsy. The episodes may be of short duration, autonomic symptoms may be prominent, or symptoms may be thought of as a behavioral disorder. Dizziness may indicate a problem in the vestibular system or may indicate a problem in other sensory systems or an abnormality of other organ systems. Management of these disorders depends on an accurate diagnosis. Disorders associated with dizziness in children can be divided into three broad categories: (1) acute nonrecurring spontaneous vertigo; (2) recurrent vertigo; and (3) nonvertiginous dizziness, disequilibrium, and ataxia [1]. Vertigo is defined in clinical practice as a subjective sensation of movement, such as spinning, turning, or whirling, of patients or the surroundings. Dizziness is a nonspecific term used by patients to describe sensations of altered orientation to the environment that may or may not include vertigo [2]. Vertigo and dizziness are symptoms, not diagnoses. Balance is maintained through visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular signals. Damage to any of these systems or an abnormality in the central nervous system (CNS) that coordinates impulses from these three sensory systems can cause symptoms. In children and in adults, a careful history, physical
Exploratory behavior of Lasius pallitarsis ants encountering novel areas

Lasius pallitarsis ants were placed in situations where they encountered unfamiliar areas and had to choose between one of two directions for further exploration. Workers advancing onto new ground apparently leave behind some chemical signature to which later ants orient. This orientation occurred under two types of experimental conditions. First, ants show a significant tendency to follow each other as they advance out from their colony into unexplored areas. The same ants transferred into an entirely novel situation, in which there is no obvious “homeward” direction, show similar behavior. When ants are coming from familiar ground, following tends to increase as the number of ants passing the decision point increases. However, following decreases when ants are on entirely novel ground. The results are discussed in relation to models describing foraging responses.
Technique: Osteochondral Grafting of Capitate Chondrosis in PRC

Background Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is a useful treatment option for wrist arthritis, but the operation is contraindicated when there is arthritis of the capitate head. We describe a technique that involves resurfacing of a capitate that has focal chondrosis, using an osteochondral graft harvested from the resected carpal bones. Materials and Methods PRC patients who had a focal area of capitate chondrosis underwent osteochondral grafting of the capitate. Pre- and postoperative pain level, employment status, motion, grip strength, and Modified Mayo Wrist Scores (MMWS) were assessed. Postoperative Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were also calculated. Description of Technique The articular surface of the capitate is assessed for need for grafting. The proximal row is resected with the lunate removed intact. The arthritic area is prepared. The graft is taken from the lunate and placed in the prepared site of the capitate. Results Eight patients (average age of 53 years) were followed for 18 months. Pain: Preoperatively, moderate to severe in 7 patients; postoperatively, mild to no pain in 7 patients. Motion: Preoperative, 84° (74% of the contralateral side); postoperative 75° (66%). Grip Strength: Preoperative, 29 kg (62%); postoperative, 34 kg (71%). Mayo Wrist Score: Preoperative, 51 (poor); postoperative, 68 (fair). Average postoperative DASH score was 19.5. Follow-up radiographs showed that 75% of patients had mild to no degeneration. Conclusions Osteochondral grafting in PRC offers satisfactory results in terms of pain relief, return to work, motion, and grip strength. Level of Evidence Therapeutic IV, Case series.
Ion beam analysis of ion-implanted polymer thin films

Abstract Ion implantation has been shown to significantly alter the surface properties of polymers. The enhancement of these surface properties is attributed to the microstructural alteration of the polymers as a result of the ion beam treatment. To a great extent, the microstructure depends on the compositional constituents in the modified polymer layers. This article uses ion beam analysis techniques to study the atomic composition and their depth profiles for a set of carefully prepared polymer films implanted with 50 keV nitrogen ions. The results are discussed along with the electronic properties as well as the ion energy deposition mechanisms in polymer films.
Manipulation of lipid bilayer membranes in solution using laser tweezers and microsphere handles

The local structure of biological membranes is critically important to membrane function. Regions of very high positive and negative curvature are found in the membranes of many cells, and rapid changes in membrane curvature are integral parts of many cell activities (e.g. endo/exocytosis, cell crawling, cell division). Our goal is to understand the effects of changes in local membrane structure on membrane properties. Optical tweezers are used to control the local structure of the lipid bilayer by controlling the curvature of the membrane. We use giant (`cell-sized'), thin-walled vesicles as our membrane models. Optically trapped latex microspheres are used to deform the liposome bilayer, forming large areas of altered membrane curvature. In contrast to literature reports in which 514.5 nm light was used in optical trapping, we have not observed adhesion of uncoated latex microspheres to liposome vesicles, nor have we observed signs of rapidly increased osmotic pressure within irradiated vesicles. This indicates that the longer wavelength used in our studies (647.1 nm) is less damaging to biological membranes. Furthermore, optical trapping of vesicles with coexisting gel and fluid phase lipids did not lead to gross changes in domain structure, which would be expected upon laser-induced heating of the membrane.
Anxious, introverted personality traits in patients with chronic subjective dizziness

Abstract Objectives Chronic subjective dizziness (CSD) is a neurotologic disorder of persistent non-vertiginous dizziness, unsteadiness, and hypersensitivity to one's own motion or exposure to complex visual stimuli. CSD usually follows acute attacks of vertigo or dizziness and is thought to arise from patients' failure to re-establish normal locomotor control strategies after resolution of acute vestibular symptoms. Pre-existing anxiety or anxiety diathesis may be risk factors for CSD. This study tested the hypothesis that patients with CSD are more likely than individuals with other chronic neurotologic illnesses to possess anxious, introverted personality traits. Methods Data were abstracted retrospectively from medical records of 40 patients who underwent multidisciplinary neurotology evaluations for chronic dizziness. Twenty-four subjects had CSD. Sixteen had chronic medical conditions other than CSD plus co-existing anxiety disorders. Group differences in demographics, Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores, DSM-IV diagnoses, personality traits measured with the NEO Personality Inventory — Revised (NEO-PI-R), and temperaments composed of NEO-PI-R facets were examined. Results There were no differences between groups in demographics, mean DHI or HADS-anxiety scores, or DSM-IV diagnoses. The CSD group had higher mean HADS-depression and NEO-PI-R trait anxiety, but lower NEO-PI-R extraversion, warmth, positive emotions, openness to feelings, and trust (all p Conclusion An anxious, introverted temperament is strongly associated with CSD and may be a risk factor for developing this syndrome.
Tricharia vezdae (Ascomycetes: Asterothyriaceae), a New Lichen Species from the Southeastern United States

Tricharia vezdae is described as new from specimens collected in Tennessee, Louisiana and Florida. It is characterized by a corticolous habit, the presence of only a few sterile hairs, the unusual structure of the conidia-like hyphae on the hyphophores and of the ascospores.
Hippocampal field potentials evoked by stimulation of multiple limbic structures in freely moving rats

Abstract A preparation is described in which both single unit activity and field potentials evoked by stimulation of three sources of afferents can be recorded simultaneously from three moveable microelectrodes within the hippocampal formation in freely moving rats. Field potentials recorded in the hippocampal cellular layers during slow wave sleep in response to stimulation of the ventral hippocampal commissure, the entorhinal cortex and the medial septal nucleus are described. Most of the field potentials in these freely moving animals are identical in form to those described in acute preparations. Some responses which differ from their descriptions in the literature are also discussed. Once electrodes are lowered into place, field potentials are stable for many days. This preparation allows most of the classical hippocampal extracellular electrophysiology to be carried out in a freely moving animal. Since field potentials and single unit activity can now be so readily recorded chronically in the mammalian central nervous system, many studies can be carried out which were previously impossible. Behavioral states are observable and can be subjected to experimental manipulation. When the ‘state’ of the nervous system is changing rapidly (e.g. during behavioral tasks, or in drug or seizure studies) this preparation with well-known anatomical and electrophysiological inter-relationships between its multiple recording and stimulating electrode sites increases the chance of being able to interpret changes which may occur in many synaptic systems simultaneously.
The effect of inflationary pressure on government expenditure

Abstract Using a sample of 115 nations with internationally comparable data from Summers and Heston (1984) I test the hypothesis that inflation increases government expenditure share as a consequence of political pressure brought about by unsettled implicit social contracts. Using OLS regression with primarily stationary time-series the hypothesis is broadly but not universally supported for the nations in the sample.