cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Is the Duration of Irrigation? An In Vitro Study of the Minimum Exposure Time to Eradicate Bacteria With Irrigation Solutions.

Abstract Background Antiseptic irrigation solutions are commonly used by arthroplasty surgeons to reduce intraoperative bacterial colonization with the goal of reducing postoperative infections in the setting of primary total joint arthroplasty. Currently, the minimum irrigation time to eliminate common microbes implicated in periprosthetic joint infection is unknown. We sought to determine the minimum effective exposure time required to prevent growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Cutibacterium acnes with common antiseptic solutions. Methods S aureus, S epidermidis, and C acnes cultures were treated with povidone-iodine (0.35%), chlorhexidine (0.05%), sodium hypochlorite (0.5%), polyhexamethylene biguanide, and an acetic acid–based solution for 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 seconds in triplicate. Bacterial growth was quantified using the drop plate method. Failure to eliminate all bacteria was considered “not effective” at that time point. Results Povidone-iodine 0.35% (Betadine), sodium hypochlorite 0.5% (HySept), and acetic acid (Bactisure) eradicated all bacterial growth after 90 seconds of treatment, and as low as 15 seconds in S aureus and C acnes (Betadine) or S epidermidis (Bactisure). Polyhexamethylene biguanide (Prontosan) required 90 seconds for elimination of S aureus and S epidermidis, and 120 seconds for C acnes. Chlorhexidine 0.05% (Irrisept) did eliminate S epidermidis at 120 seconds but did not effectively eradicate S aureus or C acnes. Conclusion All tested antiseptic solutions demonstrated successful eradication of all bacterial growth in under 2 minutes of treatment time except chlorhexidine. Povidone-iodine may require the shortest duration of treatment time to successfully eradicate common bacteria.
Dissecting the genetic control of natural variation in sorghum photosynthetic response to drought stress.

Drought stress causes crop yield losses worldwide. Sorghum is a C4 species tolerant to moderate drought stress and its extensive natural variation for photosynthetic traits under water limiting conditions can be exploited for developing cultivars with enhanced stress tolerance. The objective of this study was to discover genes/genomic regions that control the sorghum photosynthetic capacity under pre-anthesis water limiting conditions. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for seven photosynthetic gas exchange and chlorophyll ﬂuorescence traits during three periods of contrasting soil volumetric water content (VWC): control (30% VWC), drought (15% VWC), and recovery (30% VWC). Water stress was imposed with an automated irrigation system that generated a controlled dry-down period for all plants, to perform an unbiased genotypic comparison. A total of 60 genomic regions were associated with natural variation in one or more photosynthetic trait in a particular treatment or with derived variables. We identified 33 promising candidate genes with predicted functions related to stress signaling, oxidative stress protection, hormonal response to stress, and dehydration protection. Our discoveries provide new knowledge about the natural variation and genetic control of sorghum photosynthetic response to drought with the ultimate goal to improve its adaptation and productivity under water stress scenarios.
Crystalloid administration among patients undergoing liver surgery: Defining patient- and provider-level variation.

Background Fluid administration among patients undergoing liver resection is a key aspect of perioperative care. We sought to examine practice patterns of crystalloid administration, as well as potential factors associated with receipt of crystalloid fluids. Method Patients who underwent liver resection between 2010 and 2014 were identified. Data on clinicopathologic variables, operative details, and perioperative fluid administration were collected and analyzed using univariable and multivariable analyses; variation in practice of crystalloid administration was presented as coefficient of variation (COV). Results Among 487 patients, median crystalloid administered at the time of surgery was 4,000 mL. After adjusting for body size and operative duration, median corrected crystalloid was 30.0 mL kg−1 m2 h−1, corresponding with a COV of 35%. Patients who received Conclusion There was wide variability in crystalloid administration among patients undergoing liver resection. Although the majority of variation was attributable to patient factors, a large amount of residual variation was attributable to provider-level differences.
Job: Lessons in Leadership from One of the Bible's Most Tragic Figures

Job is arguably one of the most enigmatic figures in the Bible. Most people believe that the foremost lesson that can be learned from his story is that God’s ways are mysterious and mortals cannot grasp why bad things happen to good people. This paper will demonstrate that a great deal can be learned about ethical leadership from Job’s story. After all, Job was an individual of great prosperity with an enormous amount of material wealth and many employees. The Book of Job describes exactly what a person, especially a leader, must do to live an upright, righteous life.
Detection of Double MPEG Compression Based on First Digit Statistics

It is a challenge to prove whether or not a digital video has been tampered with. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to detection of double MEPG compression which often occurs in digital video tampering. The doubly MPEG compressed video will demonstrate different intrinsic characteristics from the MPEG video which is compressed only once. Specifically, the probability distribution of the first digits of the non-zero MPEG quantized AC coefficients will be disturbed. The statistical disturbance is a good indication of the occurrence of double video compression, and may be used as tampering evidence. Since the MPEG video consists of I, P and B frames and double compression may occur in any or all of these different types of frames, the first digit probabilities in frames of these three types are chosen as the first part of distinguishing features to capture the changes caused by double compression. In addition, the fitness of the first digit distribution with a parametric logarithmic law is tested. The statistics of fitting goodness are selected as the second part of the distinguishing features. We propose a decision rule using group of pictures (GOP) as detection unit. The proposed detection scheme can effectively detect doubly MPEG compressed videos for both variable bit rate (VBR) mode and constant bit rate (CBR) mode.
Statistical theory of irrversible processes: Part I. Intergral over fluctuation path formulation

Abstract The statistical theory of irreversible processes due to Onsager and Machlup is reformulated in terms of integrals over fluctuation paths. In this form the theory closely parallels Feyman's space-time approach to quantum mechanics. Mathematically the appropriate technique is the Wiener integral. It is shown how the use of these methods makes it possible to ask and answer questions concerning averages over fluctuation paths. The requisite methods are taken from the theory of stochastic processes. The possibility for generalizing the theory to non-Gaussian Markoff processes is indicated. Relations are established between functional integrals over the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process and Wiener integrals.
Polycrystalline Diamond for Infrared Optical Applications Prepared by the Microwave Plasma and Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition Techniques

Abstract Absorption in the 8-12 μm spectral region in diamond films is dominated by single phonon effects due to departures from perfect crystallinity in the deposits. Conditions which maximize crystalline perfection must therefore be chosen to deposit diamond having the highest infrared (IR) transparency. Diamond having promising IR transmission has been deposited by both the hot filament and microwave plasma techniques. Quantitative measurement of IR absorption in polycrystalline diamond requires improvements in surface preparation techniques to reduce scatter and an understanding of the magnitude of surface absorption effects.
Competency and Voters with Psychiatric Disabilities: Considerations for Social Workers

The ability of those with psychiatric disabilities to vote is an important activity impacted by competency issues and potentially overlooked by social workers. The purpose of this article is to assist social workers in making informed decisions about preserving and supporting voter participation among those with psychiatric disabilities. Common issues regarding the voting rights of individuals with psychiatric disabilities within the legal system and other systems of interest to social workers are explored. Voting is defined by, and in turn defines, the democratic process. The Supreme Court deemed voting a “fundamental right” and declared, “no right is more precious” (Harper v. Virginia, 1966; Wesberry v. Sanders, 1964). To exercise one’s right to vote is the manifestation of personal power in the selection of leadership that will represent the values and needs of the individual. The National Association of Social Workers expresses these sentiments by speaking to the right itself, “voting is a basic right, and citizens should be assisted in all possible ways to exercise that right; any action that denies access or discourages any citizen from voting should be prohibited” and by speaking to the responsibilities of the profession … social workers are encouraged to help educate clients to be informed voters and to mobilize them to vote in elections” (2006, p. 377). Social workers can be instrumental in furthering voter participation and eliminating the barriers that affect it. They act both as agents for empowerment of those with
Computational Fracture Mechanics

An overview of computational fracture mechanics (CFM) is presented in the framework of a taxonomy of methods of representation of cracks in computational models. This taxonomy has two main branches: geometrical and nongeometrical approaches to representation. Within each branch, there are numerous methods, each of which is described by way of example applications, and evaluated for its relative advantages and disadvantages with respect to computational difficulty and ability to support fundamental physics and mechanics of cracking processes. The purpose of this chapter is to survey examples of historical and state-of-the-art techniques of CFM for its role in determining crack driving forces, and in predicting material resistance to cracking. It is intended for the student of CFM trying to make sense of its vast literature and myriad methods. It is hoped that the chapter will provide a basis for deciding which of these methods would be better suited for providing support for improved physics or mechanics, or at least improved efficiency, whether research or practice oriented, the student is addressing. Keywords: fracture mechanics; computation; simulation; representation; geometrical; nongeometrical; meshfree methods; enriched element methods; adaptive methods; finite elements; boundary elements; atomistic methods; particle methods; lattice methods; smeared cracking; damage mechanics; cohesive fracture
Plasmid Profiles of Lactose-Negative and Proteinase-Deficient Mutants of Streptococcus lactis C10, ML(3), and M18.

Lactose- and proteinase-negative (Lac − Prt − ) mutants of Streptococcus lactis C10, ML3, and M18 were isolated after treatment with ethidium bromide. The Lac − Prt − mutants of C10 were missing a 40-megadalton plasmid. A 33-megadalton plasmid was absent in the ML3 mutants, and the M18 variants lacked a 45-megadalton plasmid. The results suggest a linkage of these metabolic traits to the respective plasmids. The possible complexity of the interrelationship between lactose metabolism and proteinase activity is presented. Images
Blinded by the Enlightenment: Günter Grass in Calcutta

Gunter Grass's 1988 Zunge zeigen has been criticised as an example of Eurocentricism, an especially harsh charge against this author known for his critique of globalisation. The claim that Grass writes about India as a colonising Westerner overlooks the ways in which he undermines the sovereignty of the Western subject through his polyphonic, self-reflexive account. The result is a sincere attempt to destabilise the oppressive subject he has been accused of promoting. This attempt notwithstanding, Grass's critique does falter for two reasons that critics of Zunge zeigen have not addressed. The first concerns his use of Theodor Fontane both as a bridge to the history of colonialism and as a model for engaged literature. Fontane proves tenuous on both counts, and diverts Grass's attention both from India's colonial history and literary present. Second, Grass's prescription for overcoming the misery he documents in India and Bangladesh – the Enlightenment – ultimately reinscribes a discourse of domination that favours Europe. By choosing Kali, the Hindu goddess of destruction, to represent India, Grass reinforces the notion that rationality is a European invention that is alien to the mystical, chaotic East. Ultimately, Grass fails to account for the Enlightenment's own historical complicity in colonialism.
On the existence of stable pairing distributions

We formulate and analyze pair-formation models for multiple groups with general pairing rates and arbitrary mixing probabilities. Under the assumption of constant recruitment rates and equal average duration of all types of partnerships, we have shown that the dynamics are relatively simple because of the monotonicity properties of the dynamical system associated with the pairing/mixing of heterogeneous populations of male and female individuals. In fact, we have shown that the corresponding asymptotic stable paired distribution is given precisely by the asymptotic values of the matrices that prescribe the mixing/contact structure. In other words, if the sizes of the mixing subpopulations of males and females are asymptotically constant and if the average durations of partnerships are about the same regardless of type, then the matrices that describe the mixing between subpopulations also characterize the distribution of paired types. Alternatively, if the distribution of the average duration of relationships between individuals has a large variance then it may be impossible to detect any relationship between the mixing/contact structure and the observed distribution of paired types. The study of models with constant per-capita recruitment rates give rise to homogeneous systems of degree one. The analysis of the dynamics of pairs for models with exponentially growing populations of singles is complicated. So far, we are only able to classify the stability of all non-strictly positive boundary exponential solutions. From our incomplete analysis, it is not possible to detect necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence and stability of strictly interior exponential solutions. We cannot rule out the possibility of oscillations. The mathematical problems associated with the stability of exponential solutions of dynamical systems of degree one are of relevance in demography, epidemiology, and population dynamics.
A multicenter retrospective study of childhood brucellosis in Chicago, Illinois from 1986 to 2008

Summary Objectives To determine risk factors in children for the acquisition of Brucella, clinical presentation, treatment, and disease outcomes. Methods A retrospective multicenter chart review was undertaken of children identified with brucellosis from 1986 to 2008 at three tertiary care centers in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The charts were reviewed for data regarding risk factors for acquisition, clinical presentation, and outcomes. Results Twenty-one charts were available for review. The median age was 6.5 years (range 2–14 years); 62% were female. Ethnic background was 67% Hispanic and 24% Arabic. Risk factors included travel to an endemic area (86%), particularly Mexico, and consumption of unpasteurized milk products (76%). Common findings included fever (95%), bacteremia (86%), elevated liver transaminases (80%), constitutional symptoms (76%), splenomegaly (60%), and hepatomegaly (55%). Relapse occurred in three of six subjects started on single drug treatment, but in only one of 15 subjects who started on two or more drugs ( p =0.053). No relapses occurred in children whose initial therapy included rifampin or those administered three-drug regimens. Conclusions Brucella is an infrequent pathogen but should be considered in children with compatible epidemiologic and clinical characteristics. Blood cultures should be obtained, and initial therapy with two or more drugs may decrease the risk of relapse.
Developing Protocols: A Guide for RN-Directed Student Health Services

Nurses directing small college health services without an on-campus physician are faced with many legal issues that are not present when a physician is directing the health service. To establish legally sound parameters for client care in an independent nursing environment, the nurse-director may develop or procure a set of annually reviewed protocols based on mutual agreement between the nurse-director and the medical director. The author offers suggestions on how to establish and maintain such a system.
IBM BladeCenter QS22: design, performance, and utilization in hybrid computing systems

The IBM BladeCenter® QS22 is a blade server that is based on two IBM PowerXCell™ 8i processors. This server is the successor of the QS21 server, which delivered excellent multicore Cell Broadband Engine® (Cell/B.E.) performance for workstation, server, and supercomputer customers. The IBM PowerXCell 8i processor represents a second generation of the Cell Broadband Engine Architecture. It significantly improves floating-point performance and allows for larger memory configurations. In this paper, we provide an overview of the architecture and design of this newer QS22 system and explain some of the design decisions. We discuss hardware and application performance, power efficiency, manageability, and configuration options, and how these factors affect hybrid system configurations. Finally, we briefly describe two hybrid system configurations that utilize the QS22 system. One configuration involves the Roadrunner system at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the first one-petaflops supercomputer in the world. The second configuration involves a hybrid system with a PCI Express® switch used for coupling.
A retrospective review of the outcome of plasma exchange and aggressive medical therapy in antibody mediated rejection of renal allografts: a single center experience.

Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) has been recognized as a major cause of renal allograft loss. Protocols using plasma exchange (PE) to reverse rejection have mixed results. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed to determine the clinical response to PE inpatients with AMR of renal allograft. A good response to treatment was defined as a decline in serum creatinine (SCr) to within 25% above the prerejection value or discontinuation of dialysis with a SCr <2 mg/dl within 3 months of discharge from the hospital and disappearance of donor-specific alloantibodies (DSA). Results: Twenty-two patients, treated with PE for biopsy proven AMR with or without acute-cellular rejection (ACR), were included in the study. Sixty-four percent of patients had concurrent AMR and ACR. Fifty-two percent of all patients had a good response to antirejection therapy, whereas 63% of patients with only AMR and 46% of patients with both AMR and ACR had a good response. Good response to PE did not correlate with the number of plasma volumes exchanged (P = 0.09), but correlated with a shorter period from transplantation to the rejection episode (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Only a shorter interval between transplantation and the acute rejection episode correlated with a good response to PE. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
White Lupin (Lupinus albus) response to phosphorus stress: evidence for complex regulation of LaSAP1

Proteoid roots are a unique adaptation that allow white lupin (Lupinus albus L. var Ultra) to survive under extreme phosphorus (P) deficient conditions. The cascade of events that signals P-deficiency induced gene expression in proteoid roots remains unknown. Through promoter::GUS analysis we showed that expression of acid phosphatase (LaSAP1) in P-deficient proteoid roots depends on DNA located from −465 bp to −345 bp 5′ of the ATG start codon and that the P1BS (PHR1 Binding Site) element, located at −160 bp, also contributes regulatory control. DNA located within the −414 bp to −250 bp region of the LaSAP1 promoter was bound by nuclear proteins isolated from P-sufficient normal roots in electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), suggesting negative regulation. Competition experiments were performed with unlabeled oligonucleotides to further delineate the region of the LaSAP1 promoter bound by P-sufficient normal root nuclear proteins to a motif spanning −361 bp to −346 bp. The promoter motif characterized through EMSA spanning −361 bp to −345 bp was used as “bait” in a yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) experiment and 31 putative DNA binding proteins were isolated. Taken together, our results increase understanding of P-deficiency signaling by identifying regulatory regions and putative regulatory proteins for LaSAP1 expression.
Translocation and early post-release demography of endangered Laysan teal

In an attempt to reduce the high extinction risk inherent to small island populations, we translocated wild Laysan teal Anas laysanensis to a portion of its presumed prehistoric range. Most avian translocations lack the strategic post-release monitoring needed to assess early population establishment or failure. Therefore, we monitored the survival and reproduction of all founders, and their first-generation offspring using radio telemetry for 2 years after the first release. Forty-two Laysan teal were sourced directly from the only extant population on Laysan Island and transported 2 days by ship to Midway Atoll. All birds survived the translocation with nutritional and veterinary support, and spent between 4 and 14 days in captivity. Post-release survival of 42 founders was 0.857 (95% CI 0.86–0.99) during 2004–2006 or annualized 0.92 (95% CI 0.83–0.98). Seventeen of 18 founding hens attempted nesting in the first two breeding seasons. Fledgling success was 0.57 (95% CI 0.55–0.60) in 2005 and 0.63 (95% CI 0.62–0.64) in 2006. The effective founding female population (Ne) was 13. We applied these initial demographic rates to model population growth. The nascent population size increased to >100 after only 2 years post-release (λ=1.73). If this growth rate continues, the size of the Midway population could surpass the source population before 2010.
Population Variation in Cause of Death: Level, Gender, and Period Effects

The trends in 13 cause of death categories are examined with respect to expectation of life, sex differences, and period effects while misclassification of cause of death is controlled. The results suggest that as mortality declines, 1) the increasingly U-shaped age pattern of mortality is a period effect associated with the infectious diseases, 2) the risks of both overall infectious and degenerative causes of death decline, and 3) infectious disease mortality declines more in males, while degenerative disease mortality declines more in females. Finally, the model shows that some contemporary populations are approaching the limits of reduction in mortality during infancy, childhood, and young adulthood. Past declines in the degenerative diseases, however, suggest that mortality may continue to decline.
Pr65A Phosphorylaion Regulates PP2A Complexation and Signaling

Serine-threonine Protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A) is a major member of the PPP family of phosphatases. Increased PP2A activity/signaling regulates cardiac remodeling, contractility, and arrythmogenicity. The core PP2A complex is a hetero-trimeric holoenzyme consisting of a 36 kDa catalytic subunit (PP2Ac), a65 kDa scaffold subunit (PR65A or PP2Aa), and one of at least 18 variable regulatory proteins (B subunits) classified into 4 families. We have recently reported that cardiac PR65A is dephosphorylated in heart failure (Journal of Proteomics 77: 1-13, 2012). In the present study, three in vivo phosphorylations of cardiac PR65A were identified (S303, T268, S314) by MALDI-MS. In structural modeling, these are located at the concave surface and the bottom ridge of the A subunit and within HEAT repeats 7 and 8, suggesting that these residues do not directly contact PP2Ac or the regulatory subunits. Based on the structure of PP2A holoenzymes (PDB codes: 2NPP, 4I5L, 4I5N), Ser303 is buried between HEAT repeats 8 and 9 in all active PP2A holoenzymes, suggesting that significant structural shifts in HEAT repeat 7-9 are required to expose the phosphorylated Ser 303 (P-S303) and to accommodate the phosphate group, thereby alleviating the repulsive interactions between the phosphate group and internal hydrophobic structures and, as a result, stabilize the A subunit in an open conformation that hinders formation of the compact A subunit required for the holoenzymes. These phosphorylations indirectly reduce the interaction of PR65A with PP2Ac and PP2A activity was empirically demonstrated in HEK cells transfected with recombinant forms of PR65A with site-directed mutagenesis of these sites with phosphomimetic and non-phosphorylatable amino acids. Thus, phosphorylation of PR65A regulates PP2A signaling and PR65A dephosporylation may underlie increased PP2A activity in heart failure.
Optimizing process economics online using model predictive control

Abstract Optimizing process economics in model predictive control traditionally has been done using a two-step approach in which the economic objectives are first converted to steady-state operating points, and then the dynamic regulation is designed to track these setpoints. Recent research has shown that process economics can be optimized directly in the dynamic control problem, which can take advantage of potential higher profit transients to give superior economic performance. However, in practice, solution of such nonlinear MPC dynamic control problems can be challenging due to the nonlinearity of the model and/or nonconvexity of the economic cost function. In this work we propose the use of direct methods to formulate the nonlinear control problem as a large-scale NLP, and then solve it using an interior point nonlinear solver in conjunction with automatic differentiation. Two case studies demonstrate the computational performance of this approach along with the economic performance of economic MPC formulation.
The trouble with fire intensity

The author discusses the inadequacies and limitations of the term “fire intensity” as it is used to describe the severity of forest fires and suggests that the term “fire front power” is more appropriate.
PROspective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of chest pain: rationale and design of the PROMISE trial.

Background Suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common, potentially life-threatening diagnostic problems clinicians encounter. However, no large outcome-based randomized trials have been performed to guide the selection of diagnostic strategies for these patients. Methods The PROMISE study is a prospective, randomized trial comparing the effectiveness of 2 initial diagnostic strategies in patients with symptoms suspicious for CAD. Patients are randomized to either (1) functional testing (exercise electrocardiogram, stress nuclear imaging, or stress echocardiogram) or (2) anatomical testing with ≥64-slice multidetector coronary computed tomographic angiography. Tests are interpreted locally in real time by subspecialty certified physicians, and all subsequent care decisions are made by the clinical care team. Sites are provided results of central core laboratory quality and completeness assessment. All subjects are followed up for ≥1 year. The primary end point is the time to occurrence of the composite of death, myocardial infarction, major procedural complications (stroke, major bleeding, anaphylaxis, and renal failure), or hospitalization for unstable angina. Results More than 10,000 symptomatic subjects were randomized in 3.2 years at 193 US and Canadian cardiology, radiology, primary care, urgent care, and anesthesiology sites. Conclusion Multispecialty community practice enrollment into a large pragmatic trial of diagnostic testing strategies is both feasible and efficient. The PROMISE trial will compare the clinical effectiveness of an initial strategy of functional testing against an initial strategy of anatomical testing in symptomatic patients with suspected CAD. Quality of life, resource use, cost-effectiveness, and radiation exposure will be assessed.
OBSERVATIONS ON SOME CAUSES OF GALL STONE FORMATION : II. ON CERTAIN SPECIAL NUCLEI OF DEPOSITION IN EXPERIMENTAL CHOLELITHIASIS.

A day-to-day study has been made of the sediment in the sterile liver bile of intubated dogs. There exists a marked tendency for calcium carbonate to be deposited therefrom. After hepatic or duct injury a great deal of organic debris of various sorts may be present in the bile, but it never causes deposition out of the fluid save when it accumulates in quantity on the tube wall. Particles of the material of which "bile thrombi" are composed may be found in the bile when the liver has been appropriately damaged, but these fail to act as centers of stone formation. On the other hand, there are to be found in the secretion after many sorts of hepatic injury little nuclei which undoubtedly serve in this way. These nuclei consist of a mixture of calcium bilirubinate and carbonate with an organic shadow or scaffolding. They do not occur in normal bile, but, coming down on special occasions, prove favorable to deposition out of the secretion elaborated at later periods. We have found nuclei strikingly similar in their relationship to stone formation, but consisting almost wholly of carbonate, in the sterile bile from human gall bladders which contained large calculi. Many of them were encountered in a free state, and others with layers of cholesterol and organic matter upon their surface, while others yet were recognizable deep within matured stones. The factors concerned in the genesis of gall stones consisting of calcium carbonate have been reviewed at some length in this paper and the preceding one. The evidence we have collected supports the view that the development of carbonate stones in human beings as well as in the dog may be a consequence, not of changes in the bile brought about by microorganisms, nor of the elaboration of an inflammatory exduate rich in calcium salts, but merely of inflammation such as leads to lessened motility of the duct system with the accumulation of organic debris. The fact that infection is almost the sole agent whereby such inflammation is set up and maintained in clinical instances had led too often to the conclusion that it serves as the essential agent in the process of calcification. The present findings taken with those described in a preceding paper suffice for an understanding of the immediate history of the gall stones which develop in intubated dogs. But the factor of individual differences, as yet undefined in nature, bulks large in the problem of the lithiasis, as does that of the local physiological safeguards against it.
Modeling changes in habitat conditions in northern hardwoods forests of the Adirondack Mountains of New York

Abstract Interest in enhancing the management of forest timber and wildlife resources has stimulated the development of modeling techniques to predict changes in timber and wildlife habitat characteristics. We assess the potential of combining models which predict forest structure with those which assess habitat quality to predict changes in forest habitat characteristics. We measured variables important to simulating forest growth and evaluating wildlife habitat in even-aged stands making up an 80 year chronosequence, and developed mathematical relationships between these sets of variables. The regression relationships were generally excellent ( r 2 or R 2 > 0.63), and most habitat variables were strongly related to stand age. In earlier work, we incorporated these models into FORET, a model that successfully simulates succession in hardwoods forests of the eastern USA. In the present study, we adapted FORET to accommodate the growing season and species composition of northern hardwoods forests of the Adirondack Mountains of New York, creating a new model called FORDACK. We compared stand measurements with output generated by the model. FORDACK accurately simulated changes in structural characteristics of vegetation and predicted which species would be present in very low densities, but did not successfully predict the relative densities of the dominant species. Predictions were closest to actual conditions from 20 to 50 years after regeneration. The model performed well in predicting trends in habitat variables such as canopy height and closure. Departures of simulated conditions from the actual were greatest early (less than 20 years) and late in stand development (more than 50 years). Poor performance in predicting species composition may be related to excluding management history and site characteristics from the model. The approach exemplified by FORDACK shows good potential for predicting structural characteristics of wildlife habitat.
Laws, Symmetry, and Symmetry Breaking: Invariance, Conservation Principles, and Objectivity

Given its importance in modern physics, philosophers of science have paid surprisingly little attention to the subject of symmetries and invariances, and they have largely neglected the subtopic of symmetry breaking. I illustrate how the topic of laws and symmetries brings into fruitful interaction technical issues in physics and mathematics with both methodological issues in philosophy of science, such as the status of laws of physics, and metaphysical issues, such as the nature of objectivity.
Reversed abnormal ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy in endobronchial squamous cell carcinoma.

Preoperative ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy of a 71-year-old man with right endobronchial (main bronchus) squamous cell carcinoma revealed less pulmonary perfusion than ventilation on the affected side. This is in contrast to a patient with a hilar mass whose ventilation-perfusion scan demonstrated normal ventilation with a much decreased, or even entirely absent, perfusion. It is hypothesized that, in a case of bronchogenic carcinoma, when ventilation and perfusion abnormalities are equally affected or ventilation is slightly more affected in Ventilation-perfusion (V-P) scan, it is likely that the tumor lesion is located in the lumen of the corresponding main bronchus.
HAT Trick: p300, Small Molecule, Inhibitor

p300 is an acetyltransferase that targets histone and nonhistone proteins for lysine acetylation. Based on a p300 structure, Bowers et al. (2010) have conducted an in silico screen for active site small molecule inhibitors of p300. We describe this important discovery and its potential therapeutic applications.
Why and how mathematicians read proofs: further evidence from a survey study

In a recent paper (Weber & Mejia-Ramos, Educational Studies in Mathematics, 76, 329–344, 2011), we reported findings from two small-scale interview studies on the reasons why and the ways in which mathematicians read proofs. Based on these findings, we designed an Internet-based survey that we distributed to practicing mathematicians working in top mathematics departments in the USA. Surveyed mathematicians (N = 118) agreed to a great extent with the interviewed mathematicians in the exploratory studies. First, the mathematicians reported that they commonly read published proofs to gain different types of insight, not to check the correctness of the proofs. Second, they stated that when reading these proofs, they commonly: (a) appeal to the reputation of the author and the journal, (b) study how certain steps in the proof apply to specific examples, and (c) focus on the overarching ideas and methods in the proofs. In this paper, we also report findings from another section of the survey that focused on how participants reviewed proofs submitted for publication. The comparison of participant responses to questions in these two sections of the survey suggests that reading a published proof of a colleague and refereeing a proof for publication are substantially different activities for mathematicians.
Contensou-Busemann conditions for optimal coplanar orbit transfer.

Optimal coplanar orbit transfer treated by Contensou-Busemann approach with metric tensor completed by smallest possible convex hull
Elastic Wide-Angle Hadronic Scattering

ABS>The most recent CERN Intersecting Storage Rings (ISR) elastic pp data are compared with predictions of the vector-mesom-gluon model. The model is also used to examine amd predict qualitative features of high-energy pp, np, pp, pi /sup plus or minus /p, K/sup plus or minus /p elastic reactions, gamma p yields pi/sup +/n, pi /sup -/p yields pi /sup 0/n, and K/sup -/p yields K/ sup 0/n at very large momentum transfers. The v arious processes are related to each other within the model by identifying the soft vector mesons as omega and determining relative omega couplings by assuming that the omega couples to the hypercharge current. (auth)
Null mutant analysis of responses to nicotine: Deletion of β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit but not α7 subunit reduces sensitivity to nicotine-induced locomotor depression and hypothermia

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes alpha4beta2 and alpha7 comprise the majority of brain nicotine-binding sites. Classical genetic strategies using inbred mice and their hybrids suggest that nicotine's effects on locomotor activity and body temperature are influenced by alpha4beta2 but not alpha7 receptors. To evaluate directly the role of these nicotinic subtypes on responses to nicotine, beta2 and alpha7 null mutant (-/-) mice, as well as wild-type (+/+) and heterozygous (+/-) mice, were tested for baseline body temperature and locomotion and nicotine (0-1.5 mg/kg)-induced changes in these responses. Basal responses for these measures were similar for all beta2 genotypes, but baseline Y-maze activity was higher in alpha7-/- mice compared with alpha7+/+ mice. Following nicotine injection, dose-dependent decreases in body temperature and locomotor activity were observed for all three genotypes of both beta2 and alpha7 mice. Although responses in alpha7 mice did not differ among genotypes, beta2 gene deletion was found to have a gene-dependent effect on nicotine's effects. beta2-/- mice were less sensitive to nicotine-induced locomotor depression and hypothermia at low nicotine doses (.25-.5 mg/kg) but were no different from beta2+/+ mice at the highest doses tested (1.0-1.5 mg/kg). Residual responses at high nicotine doses in beta2-/- mice as well as responses in all alpha7 and beta2 mouse genotypes were mediated by nicotinic receptors, since mecamylamine (1.0 mg/kg) blocked all responses following 1.0 mg/kg nicotine. This finding suggests receptors that include the beta2 nAChR subunit partially mediate nicotine's effects on locomotor activity and body temperature.
Damage-based finite-element vertebroplasty simulations

The objectives of this study were to quantify the efficacy of vertebroplasty according to: (1) damage and (2) cement quantity (fill) and modulus. Vertebral body damage was numerically simulated using a previously validated two-dimensional finite-element model coupled with an elasto-plastic modulus reduction (EPMR) scheme. The effects of cement fill (% marrow replaced by cement, % MRC) and cement modulus on vertebral apparent modulus and trabecular bone tissue stress concentrations were parametrically assessed for four EPMR damage models (19%, 33%, 60%, and 91% modulus reduction). For this analysis, the elastic modulus of the trabecular bone tissue and marrow elements were assumed to be 10 GPa and 10 kPa, respectively. The effect of cement modulus (varied in the range 1 GPa to 9 GPa) on vertebral apparent modulus was also examined for partial fill (39% MRC) and complete fill (100% MRC) using the 33% modulus reduction damage model. In the case of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA cement modulus = 2.16 GPa), restoration of the thoracic vertebral body (T10) apparent modulus to undamaged levels required 71% and 100% cement fill for the 19–33% and 60–91% modulus reduction damage models, respectively. Variations in cement modulus had no appreciable effect on the recovery of vertebral apparent modulus to undamaged levels for simulations of partial cement fill (39% MRC). For complete cement fill, however, a PMMA cement modulus produced approximately a 2-fold increase (82%) in vertebral apparent modulus relative to the undamaged vertebral body. Increasing the cement modulus to 9 GPa increased the vertebral apparent modulus over 2.5-fold (158%) relative to the undamaged state. The EPMR damage scheme and repair simulations performed in this study will help clinicians and cement manufacturers to improve vertebroplasty procedures.
Weight loss and Cachexia in lung cancer

Abstract Incidence, timing and severity of weight loss were studied in 479 patients with lung cancer. A phase of early weight loss, associated with a ∼ 50% reduction in survival, was identified. Food consumption was studied in normal individuals and in patients with and without weight loss. In these patients, anorexia failed to account for the weight loss. We discuss the possibility that weight loss results from interference by cancer with the metabolism of the host.
Polymers for 193‐nm Microlithography: Regioregular 2‐Alkoxycarbonylnortricyclene Polymers by Controlled Cyclopolymerization of Bulky Ester Derivatives of Norbornadiene

Double duty for the tert-butyl residue: The bulky substituent in monomer 1 favors free-radical cyclopolymerization with maleic anhydride to give the regioregular nortricyclene copolymer 2. When the polymer is irradiated with a photoacid generator, the tert-butyl ester is cleaved and the polymer becomes soluble in aqueous base. This type of copolymer can be used in 193-nm microlithography; images with resolutions of less than 200 nm have been obtained.
THE EVOLUTION OF CHEATING AND SELFISH BEHAVIOR

We examine the necessary conditions for the spread of genes that determine ‘selfish’ and ‘cheating’ behaviors and the rate of spread of these genes through structured populations, in order to address the question of the invadability of altruistic systems by ‘anti-social’ mutations. We find that, although ‘cheaters’ always have a higher relative fitness than altruists within groups, population structures which permit the evolution of altruism also preclude invasion by anti-social mutations. These results are related to a discussion by Hamilton (1971) concerning the limits to the evolution of altruistic and selfish behaviors.
Effector CD8+ T Lymphocytes against Liver Stages of Plasmodium yoelii Do Not Require Gamma Interferon for Antiparasite Activity

The protective immune response against liver stages of the malaria parasite critically requires CD8(+) T cells. Although the nature of the effector mechanism utilized by these cells to repress parasite development remains unclear, a critical role for gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) has been widely assumed based on circumstantial evidence. However, the requirement for CD8(+) T-cell-mediated IFN-gamma production in protective immunity to this pathogen has not been directly tested. In this report, we use an adoptive transfer strategy with circumsporozoite (CS) protein-specific transgenic T cells to examine the role of CD8(+) T-cell-derived IFN-gamma production in Plasmodium yoelii-infected mice. We show that despite a marginal reduction in the expansion of naive IFN-gamma-deficient CS-specific transgenic T cells, their antiparasite activity remains intact. Further, adoptively transferred IFN-gamma-deficient CD8(+) T cells were as efficient as their wild-type counterparts in limiting parasite growth in naive mice. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that IFN-gamma secretion by CS-specific CD8(+) T cells is not essential to protect mice against live sporozoite challenge.
The effect of lysine deprivation on leukemic blood.

Studies have shown that specific amino acids are required for optimal growth of leukemic versus normal cells, and it is believed that the depletion of selected amino acids can abrogate tumor growth. We have developed a technique for studying the effect of amino acid deprivation on leukemic cell proliferation. The technique is based on the controlled enzymatic removal of the amino acid from leukemic blood and the subsequent measurement of cell proliferative capacity. The specific system being studied is the removal of lysine from blood using immobilized L-lysineα-oxidase.
The Effect of Hand Therapy on a Patient with a Colles' Fracture:

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain an understanding of the effect of disability, specifically a Colles' fracture, and the role of occupational therapy in the recovery of function. On three separate occasions, a person with a Colles' fracture was interviewed on videotape. Data from the interviews were transcribed and the emergent concepts were organized into themes. One theme, ''just the everyday things'' illustrates the participant's frustration with her disability and another, ''standard program,'' addresses the hand therapist's reliance on a canned program. Themes from the study are discussed in terms of the consumer's experience of dysfunction and receiving occupational therapy services.
Predictors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Although significant advances in respiratory care have been made in neonatal medicine, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains the most common serious pulmonary morbidity in premature infants. The development of BPD is the result of the complex interactions between multiple perinatal and postnatal factors. Early identification of infants at the most risk of developing BPD through the use of estimators and models may allow a targeted approach at reducing BPD in the future.
Overview of a High Speed Top Side Socket Solution

A topside contactor design is described. Measured results are provided demonstrating successful operation of the topside contactor solution.
The leukotriene B4 lipid chemoattractant receptor BLT1 defines antigen-primed T cells in humans

We have recently shown that the leukotriene B4 (LTB4)–BLT1 pathway is important in early effector T-cell recruitment in mouse models of inflammation. Here we characterize the phenotype and function of human peripheral blood BLT1+ T cells in health and illustrate their involvement in asthma and acute infection. In healthy individuals, BLT1+ T cells are a rare peripheral blood T-cell population enriched for the activation markers CD38 and HLA-DR. Compared with BLT1– T cells, a larger proportion of peripheral blood BLT1+ T cells express the effector cytokines IFNγ and IL-4 and inflammatory chemokine receptors, CCR1, CCR2, CCR6, and CXCR1. Consequently, in healthy individuals peripheral blood BLT1+ T cells are a rare antigen-primed T-cell subset with unique phenotypic, migratory, and functional properties. BLT1 expression on T cells is tightly regulated by inflammation and only transiently expressed after naive T-cell activation by dendritic cells. Although rare in the peripheral blood of healthy individuals, BLT1+ T cells are markedly increased in frequency in the peripheral blood in response to acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and moderately increased in the airways of asymptomatic allergic asthmatics. Our studies provide novel insights into the LTB4-BLT1 lipid chemoattractant pathway in human T-cell responses, and how it may link innate and adaptive immunity.