cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid microcomputer surveys.

In the past the processing and analysis of health surveys has been difficult and time consuming causing the information to be out of date before it can be make available. The development of Rapid Survey Methodology (RSM) using portable laptop computers and software has enabled speedy surveys in even the poorest countries. THE RSM developed out of the refinements in sampling methods for developing countries which were being widely used to assess program effectiveness on a worldwide scale such as the Expanded Program on Immunization of the World Health Organization and from the emergence of relatively inexpensive laptop computers which are small battery powered and fairly resistant to the consequences of unstable powere sources heat humidity and dust. Initial costs range from US$1700-2100 with annual costs of US$300-500. These costs can often be borne by overseas voluntary and government agencies. Experience in Burma and Bangladesh show that English-speaking professionals easily master computer use when it is stressed that the computer is an instrument of the investigator rather than the programmer. A lower-paid person usually does the acutal data entry but the investigator does the editing analysis preparation of tables and charts and final report writing. Steps in the rapid survey process include development of survey instrument determining sample size perfecting final survey instrument creating control forms for survey management selecting sample clusters with probability proportionate to size collecting data by interview and/or examination processing and initial analysis of data final analysis writing of final report. Equipment includes the microcomputer a printer and a portable computer and portable printer. Necessary software includes word-processing; spread-sheet; form-preparation; entry editing and anlysis; and statistical analysis.
Effects of Dietary Ascorbic Acid, Aspirin, Lysine, and Thiouracil on Thyroid Activity

Broiler chickens were reared in batteries and fed diets designed to determine the effects of either ascorbic acid, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), lysine, or thiouracil on thyroid weight and serum thyroid hormone concentrations. Thyroxine (T4) and 3,5,5'-triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations in serum were determined by radioimmunoassay. Neither ascorbic acid nor lysine affected T3 or T4 concentration, but thiouracil significantly reduced T3 concentration after 1 day and reduced T4 concentration after 3 days. After 3 days or more of thiouracil feeding, relative reduction was greater for T4 than T3. Dietary aspirin significantly reduced T3 concentration at 7 of 16 sampling times but significantly reduced T4 concentration at only 1 of 16 sampling times. After 11 days of the dietary treatment, chickens fed thiouracil had significantly heavier thyroids than the controls but ascorbic acid, aspirin, and lysine had no effect on thyroid weight.
Functional analysis of putative restriction-modification system genes in the Helicobacter pylori J99 genome.

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium, which colonizes the gastric mucosa of humans and is implicated in a wide range of gastroduodenal diseases. The genomic sequences of two H.pylori strains, 26695 and J99, have been published recently. About two dozen potential restriction–modification (R-M) systems have been annotated in both genomes, which is far above the average number of R-M systems in other sequenced genomes. Here we describe a functional analysis of the 16 putative Type II R-M systems in the H.pylori J99 genome. To express potentially toxic endonuclease genes, a unique vector was constructed, which features repression and antisense transcription as dual control elements. To determine the methylation activities of putative DNA methyltransferases, we developed polyclonal antibodies able to detect DNA containing N6-methyladenine or N4-methylcytosine. We found that <30% of the potential Type II R-M systems in H.pylori J99 strain were fully functional, displaying both endonuclease and methyltransferase activities. Helicobacter pylori may maintain a variety of functional R-M systems, which are believed to be a primitive bacterial ‘immune’ system, by alternatively turning on/off a subset of numerous R-M systems.
Reduction of Airborne Microorganisms by Filtering Recycled Air in a Chick Hatcher

Abstract An experimental chick hatcher designed to filter recycled ventilation air was tested for its effectiveness in reducing the number of viable airborne microorganisms. Chicks in a filtered hatcher and a control hatcher (no filter) were artificially contaminated with Serratia marcescens as ventilation air was recycled in the hatchers for twelve hours. The number of viable S. marcescens particles in the filtered air of the conditioning chamber was less than detectable. The number of viable airborne S. marcescens particles in the hatching chamber of the filtered hatcher indicated a reduction of greater than 90 percent over the number in the unfiltered hatcher. The filter was effective in reducing the number of airborne particles carrying viable S. marcescens organisms in the hatcher.
Paramagnetic cobalt(II) as a probe for kinetic and NMR relaxation studies of phosphate binding and the catalytic mechanism of Streptomyces dinuclear aminopeptidase.

Phosphate was proposed to be a bridging ligand in the structure 1xjo.pdb of Streptomyces dizinc aminopeptidase (sAP), which prompted further studies of phosphate binding to this enzyme. Phosphate inhibits sAP and its Co(2+)-substituted derivatives in a noncompetitive manner from pH 6.0 to 9.0, with strongest inhibition observed at lower pHs (K(i) = 0.6, 8.2, and 9.1 mM for ZnZn-, CoCo-, and CoZn-sAP, respectively, at pH 6.0), which indicates that phosphate does not compete with substrate binding to the dinuclear active site and that monobasic phosphate has a higher binding affinity. The inhibition K(i)-pH profiles for phosphate inhibition of both the native and the Co(2+)-substituted derivatives reveal a similar pK(a) around 7.0, reflecting that phosphate binding is not affected by the metal centers of different Lewis acidities. Modification of ZnZn- and CoCo-sAP with the arginine-specific reagent phenylglyoxal reveals a significant weakening in phosphate and substrate binding by showing approximately a 10-fold increase in the dissociation constant K(i) for phosphate binding and approximately 4-8-fold increase in K(m). The catalysis is also influenced by the modification as reflected by a significant decrease in k(cat) in both cases. Furthermore, phosphate and the transition-state inhibitor 1-aminobutyl phosphonate can protect arginine from the modification, strongly suggesting that Arg202 near the active site is involved in phosphate binding and in stabilizing the transition state. The effect on (31)P NMR relaxation of phosphate caused by the paramagnetic metal center in Co(2+)-substituted derivatives of sAP has been measured, which reveals that only one phosphate is bound to sAP with the Co(2+)-(31)P distance in the range of 4.1-4.3 A. The (1)H NMR relaxation of the bulk water signal in the CoCo-sAP sample remains unchanged in the presence of phosphate, further indicating that phosphate may not bind to the active-site metals to displace any metal-bound water/hydroxide. These results strongly support that the phosphate binding site is Arg202 and that this residue plays an important role in the action of sAP.
A Global Approach to Identifying Expert System Applications in Compensation Practice

This paper reports the results of a study to determine the most cost-effective expert system application for the compensation practice of a large employee benefits consulting firm. The purpose of the expert system would be to help assure quality and consistency in practice and to assist in the training of less experienced experts. The study utilized a questionnaire to solicit input from experts in several locations. The questionnaire included a comprehensive listing of firm compensation tasks. Evaluation characteristics selected for the study emphasized business-related characteristics. Because of adverse economic circumstances in the consulting firm, the decision concerning an initial expert systems application was deferred.
Block copolymer-nanoparticle composites: Structure, functional properties, and processing

Abstract The incorporation of nanoscopic particles into ordered nanostructures afforded by block copolymers can provide control over particle distribution and orientation. This could enable the development of engineered nanomaterials that have enhanced properties such as mechanical, optical, electrical, or barrier. Deployment of large scale processing methods is necessary for the successful technological exploitation of the functional properties of nanoparticle-containing block copolymer hybrids. To this end, fundamental knowledge of the local structure, hierarchical morphology, structure-property relations, and influence of processing on all these is essential. This review addresses these issues. The successful localization of nanoparticles in ordered block copolymer matrices as well as the overall properties of the block copolymer–nanoparticle composites depend on the features of nanoparticles and of block copolymers, and can be modulated by the addition of small molecules. Incorporation of nanoparticles in block copolymers can be achieved by melt-mixing, solvent-based processing, or a combination of these two. Subsequent application of external fields such as shear, thermal, electrical, or magnetic can further improve the long-range internal structure and the functional properties of block copolymer–nanoparticle composites.
The Role of Civic Structure in Achieving Performance-Based Watershed Management

Traditional solutions to solving the problem of non-point source pollution from agricultural sources have been to write and enforce regulatory rules and create top-down financial incentives to shift land use practices. What has been overlooked are the roles that social pressure and internal beliefs and knowledge play in achieving sustainable practices. In this research, a model for achieving and sustaining targeted water quality outcomes is developed. A case study is used to illustrate how the civic structure and social connections among farmers in a common watershed provide an effective strategy for creating performance-based goals that can lead to better water outcomes.
Cultivar mixtures of processing tomato in an organic agroecosystem

At an organic farm in California, managed biodiversity was manipulated by establishing a mustard cover crop (MCC) and fallow during winter, and after incorporation, tomato mixtures of one, three, and five cultivars were planted in the spring (1-cv, 3-cv, and 5-cv, respectively). It was hypothesized that cultivar mixtures may increase yields over a monoculture if disease pressure or nitrogen (N) availability is affected by the previous cover crop. The monoculture (1-cv) of the grower’s preferred cultivar was compared with mixtures of it and other high-yielding cultivars in the region. Soil nitrogen, soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O), crop nutrient uptake, biomass, fruit quality, intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and disease symptoms were measured. The MCC reduced soil N leaching potential during winter and immobilized soil N early in the tomato season as suggested by higher soil MBC and CO2 emissions. Tomatoes had higher PAR, aboveground biomass, fruit yields, and harvest index in the winter fallow than in the winter MCC, likely due to higher N availability in the fallow plots after transplanting. All cultivar mixtures had fairly similar yield and shoot biomass within fallow and MCC, probably explained by the low genetic diversity among California modern tomato cultivars. However, at mid-season (75 days after planting (DAP)), the 3-cv mixture had higher shoot and fruit biomass, by 46% and 63%, than the monoculture in the MCC, indicating some plasticity under lower N availability. In the fallow treatment, soil CO2 emissions were lower in the 3-cv mixture than the monoculture at 77 and 100 DAP. Tomatoes in the 3-cv mixture were redder than the monoculture. The 3-cv mixture thus had some minor advantages compared with the monoculture, but overall, there was little evidence of higher ecosystem functions from mixtures vs. monoculture. Further research on mixtures of processing tomatoes may only be warranted for conditions of higher environmental stress than occur in California organic farms or if specific genotypic traits become available such as for disease resistance or improved nutrient uptake.
Cheat-proof playout for centralized and peer-to-peer gaming

We explore exploits possible for cheating in real-time, multiplayer games for both client-server and serverless architectures. We offer the first formalization of cheating in online games and propose an initial set of strong solutions. We propose a protocol that has provable anti-cheating guarantees, is provably safe and live, but suffers a performance penalty. We then develop an extended version of this protocol, called asynchronous synchronization, which avoids the penalty, is serverless, offers provable anti-cheating guarantees, is robust in the presence of packet loss, and provides for significantly increased communication performance. This technique is applicable to common game features as well as clustering and cell-based techniques for massively multiplayer games. Specifically, we provide a zero-knowledge proof protocol so that players are within a specific range of each other, and otherwise have no notion of their distance. Our performance claims are backed by analysis using a simulation based on real game traces.
A 10-Gb/s, 107-mW Double-Edge Pulsewidth Modulation Transceiver

A 10-Gb/s serial link transceiver is demonstrated using double-edged pulsewidth modulation to overcome frequency-dependent losses in electrical interconnects. Time domain modulation is discussed as a means to enhance the spectral efficiency in channels with sharp frequency roll-off similar to multilevel voltage-domain modulation such as 4-PAM. The transmitter and receiver are high-speed programmable digital-to-time and time-to-digital converters that adapt to channel bandwidth characteristics with a timing resolution of 40 ps. This paper presents a low-jitter, phase rotation architecture for cycle-to-cycle transmit pulsewidth control. The transceiver includes an elastic buffer to move data between synchronous and plesiochronous clock domains and is implemented in 45-nm CMOS SOI. Transmitter and receiver functionality is demonstrated to 10 Gb/s at a BER of under 10-12 and is compared against NRZ schemes at the same rate. The inductor-less transmitter and receiver active circuitry respectively occupy an area of 93 × 94 and 218 × 160 μm2, and consume a total 107 mW from a 1.2 V supply.
Evidence implicating calpain (Ca2+ ‐dependent neutral protease) in the destructive thrombocytopenia of the Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome

Summary. The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is an inherited platelet/T-lymphocyte disease characterized by small platelets, thrombocytopenia and immunodeficiency. Because degradative events have a significant role, we directly examined calpain (Ca2+-dependent neutral protease), a prominent protease in the affected cells, by functional and antigenic quantitation. Calpain activity in platelets of seven WAS patients was decreased to 59 ± 3.7% (P < 0.01) relative to platelets of 11 normals. Platelets of two patients with immune thrombocytopenia had normal calpain activity. By immunoblotting, μ-procalpain, the μ-calpain species in resting (unstimulated) blood cells, was decreased in platelets of nine WAS patients to 58 ± 14.6% (P < 0.01) relative to paired normals. In contrast, μ-procalpain levels in lymphocytes of seven WAS patients did not differ from normal lymphocytes. Normal platelets and lymphocytes have different mechanisms for Ca2+-dependent μ-procalpain activation. On addition of ionophore and Ca2+ to stirred platelets, 80kD μ-procalpain was rapidly (0.5 min) and quantitatively converted to 76 kD active μ-calpain; this process was the same in WAS platelets. In lymphocytes, μ-procalpain activation was slow, only partially complete (40min), and the active species was 78kD. The marked depletion of calpain in WAS platelets demonstrated in this study may result from inappropriate stimulation of platelets and be related to the severe thrombocytopenia that characterizes this disease.
Is mycophenolate mofetil a new alternative in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

See article on page 625 As knowledge of the overactive immune response becomes clearer, the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to evolve rapidly from the use of anti-inflammatory agents to the use of immunomodulatory agents. A wide variety of medications have been shown to be effective in both uncontrolled and controlled trials in either or both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.1 These include 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), azathioprine, methotrexate, cyclosporine,2 tacrolimus, interleukin 10, ISIS 2302, and infliximab (a monoclonal antibody against tumour necrosis factor α). In this issue (see page 625) a randomised trial reports that treatment with mycofenolate mofetil (MMF) plus steroids was as effective as the combination of azathioprine plus steroids in obtaining a clinical response in chronic active Crohn’s disease. The study further suggests that onset of remission was more rapid in those patients with highly active disease and that there were few adverse side effects. 6-Mercaptopurine and its parent drug azathioprine are currently the agents of choice for the treatment of Crohn’s disease (and in my experience, for ulcerative colitis as well). Several enzyme systems convert 6-MP to either inactive metabolites or to the 6-thioguanine nucleotides which are purine antagonists and inhibit synthesis of protein, …
AMPICILLIN TREATMENT FAILURE OF APPARENTLY β-LACTAMASE-NEGATIVE HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE b MENINGITIS DUE TO NOVEL β-LACTAMASE

Documented ampicillin treatment failures of systemic Haemophilus influenzae type b infections have been associated with synthesis of a TEM-1 beta-lactamase. A patient with H. influenzae type b meningitis in whom ampicillin treatment failed is described; the isolate was beta-lactamase-negative according to the cell suspension chromogenic cephalosporin assay. The false-negative result occurred in a strain which elaborated a novel, plasmid-mediated beta-lactamase with characteristics which distinguish it from TEM-1 beta-lactamase. Clinically important ampicillin resistance in H. influenzae type b occurs by mechanisms other than by synthesis of TEM-1 beta-lactamase. Diagnostic microbiology laboratories should perform antibiotic susceptibility tests in addition to tests for beta-lactamase production.
Neurotransmitter action on the membrane of Mytilus smooth muscle--I. Acetylcholine.

Abstract 1. 1. Iontophoretic application of acetylcholine (ACh) on smooth muscle fibers of the anterior byssus retractor muscle of Mytilus edulis L. evoked a depolarizing potential with a half-decay time of 10 sec. 2. 2. The ACh potential varied with the external concentrations of Na+ and K+, but not Cl−, suggesting that it was generated by increased conductance to Na+ and K+. 3. 3. The reversal potential for the ACh potential, estimated by extrapolation, was −13 ± 5 mV, similar to that estimated for the excitatory junction potential (−12 ± 5 mV), suggesting that both may be generated by the same change in conductance and supporting the hypothesis that the excitatory neurotransmitter is ACh.
Quantum rectifiers from harmonic mixing

We investigate dissipative quantum transport in extended periodic systems that are subjected to electric harmonic mixing fields Ehm(t) = E1cos (Ωt) + E2cos (2Ωt + ). Although such a drive possesses no net bias on average, the interplay of quantum dissipation and nonlinear response causes a finite directed current. We thus discover the paradigm of a dissipative quantum rectifier. The quantum current exhibits multiple reversals when driven in the nonadiabatic regime. As a function of temperature the quantum current displays a bell-shaped characteristic–constituting the benchmark for quantum stochastic resonance. Moreover, harmonic mixing also serves as a novel tool to selectively control quantum diffusion.
Extractives of Dalea species (Leguminosae)

Abstract Coumarin(4), 5-methoxycoumarin(5) and two deep red pigments have been isolated from the extracts of Dalea emoryi. The two pigments, dalrubone and methoxydalrubone differ by a single OMe group and are assigned structures 9 and 10 respectively on the basis of an X-ray crystallographic structure determination as well as their chemical and spectroscopic properties. These pigments appear to be biogenetically derived from a C6C3C6 flavonoid system. Extracts of D. polyadenia were shown to contain coumarin(4), 5-methoxycoumarin(5), dalrubone(9) and 2S-demethoxymatteucinol(17). Dalrubone undergoes a photochemical oxidation leading to a B-ring contracted product (15) having an α-hydroxymethyl ketone group.
The morphological association between microcracks and osteocyte lacunae in human cortical bone

We studied the spatial relationship between the osteocyte lacunar-canalicular network and microdamage accumulation in bone matrix. Rib sections from 9 white women aged 50-60 were stained with basic fuchsin and examined using bright-field and fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that the numerical and length density of cracks were 5-fold higher in interstitial bone than in osteons (P<0.001). Osteocyte lacunar density was 17% lower in interstitial bone than in osteonal bone (P<0.001). In addition, the osteocyte lacunae in interstitial bone were significantly fewer (by 16%) in the area adjacent to microdamage as compared with the area remote from microdamage (P<0.001). The proportion of fields with lacunar density less than 728/mm2, the cut-off point calculated from ROC analysis, was 30% in osteonal bone, 55% in interstitial bone remote from microcracks and 83% adjacent to microcracks. The mean values of lacunar density in these bones were 10%, 22% and 27% lower than the cut-off point, respectively. The likelihood of microdamage was 3.8 times higher in bone with osteocyte lacunar density <728/mm2. About 73% of the crack profiles were spatially associated, at least partly, with bone fragments in which osteocyte lacunae were absent. We conclude that microdamage and osteocyte deficiency occur in the same bone regions; there is likely a causal relationship between them but we are unable to say which comes first.
Library Research Project for First-Year Engineering Students: Results from Collaboration by Teaching and Library Faculty

SUMMARY This article will discuss three years of collaboration between the Freshman Engineering Program and the Engineering Library of the University Library System at the University of Pittsburgh. This collaboration has resulted in a library research project that is integrated into the freshman curriculum. The project ultimately provides the students with a research structure for presentations in an annual mock professional conference. The mission of the Freshman Engineering Program's academic and advising components is to create a first-year experience that promotes the student's continued pursuit of an engineering degree through commitment to clearly understood and self-declared goals. The goal for the Engineering Library is to introduce library research as a necessary skill-set for successful engineers. The successful outcome of all of these goals requires the collaboration between “teaching” faculty and “library” faculty and results in better prepared, more focused students. Developing and integratin...
Rust fungi on araucariaceae

Aecidium fragiforme &A. balansae, parasites ofAgathis spp. in the Malay Archipelago and New Caledonia, respectively, are similar but separate species. They differ from all other confier-infecting rust fungi in having intra-epidermal spermogonia, and from nearly all others in having cupulate aecia.Caeoma sanctae-crucis onAraucaria in Chile has unique, multilocular spermogonia and has aecia unlike those of otherCaeomata on conifers.Mikronegeria fagi may be its telial stage.
Experimental investigation of random noise-induced beam degradation in high-intensity accelerators using a linear Paul trap

A random noise-induced beam degradation that could affect intense beam transport over long propagation distances has been experimentally investigated by making use of the transverse beam dynamics equivalence between an alternating-gradient focusing system and a linear Paul trap system. For the present study, machine imperfections in the quadrupole focusing lattice are considered, which are emulated by adding small random noise on the voltage waveform of the quadrupole electrodes in the Paul trap. It is observed that externally driven noise continuously increases the rms radius, transverse emittance, and nonthermal tail of the trapped charge bunch almost linearly with the duration of the noise. The combined effects of collective modes and colored noise are also investigated and compared with numerical simulations.
Reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL) generic core scales and asthma symptoms scale in vulnerable children with asthma.

Background. Patient-reported outcomes such as health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are increasingly used as primary endpoints in clinical trials. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) is widely used as a measure of HRQOL and may be a particularly suitable primary outcome in pediatric asthma clinical trials. Objectives. To examine the reliability, validity, and responsiveness to clinical change of the PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales and PedsQL™ Asthma Module Asthma Symptoms Scale in a sample of vulnerable children with persistent asthma recruited from Federally Qualified Health Centers. Methods. Children (N = 252; ages 3 to 14 years) with persistent asthma (27% mild, 40.9% moderate, 32.1% severe) and their parents (93.7% mother, 83.3% Hispanic, 76.9% Spanish-speaking, 72.6% less than a high school diploma) enrolled in a clinical trial completed the PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales, the PedsQL™ 3.0 Asthma Module Asthma Symptoms Scale, and a measure of asthma symptom frequency (used as an indic...
Ketone bodies are selectively used by individual brain regions

Close study of 3-hydroxybutyrate uptake by brain suggests that its metabolism is limited by permeability. Furthermore, the permeability characteristics vary from region to region; areas known to have no blood-brain barrier show the highest rate of utilization. The results imply that rather than substitute fuels, ketone bodies should be considered supplements which partially supply specific areas but are incapable of supporting the entire energy requirement of all brain regions.
Search for I-A trans-complementation affecting the anti-thy-1 response in mice: a final report.

Twenty-nine different F1 hybrids were tested for the possible effect of the H-2 (I-A) heterozygosity, purportedly mediated by I-A trans-complementation, on the magnitude of the anti-Thy-I response Although the hybrids tested responded wed to immunization with Thy-I disparate thymocytes from donors H-2 compatible with one of the parents. they responded poorly when immunized with thymocytes from donors H-2 incompatible with both parents Preliminary data suggest that H-2 heterozygosity may exert a small but definite effect in H-2r-/H-2f- hybrids.
Enzymes of glycerol metabolism in the storage tissues of Fatty seedlings.

Various enzymes of glycerol metabolism in the extracts of 5-day-old eastor bean (Ricinus communis L. var. Hale) endosperm and 4-day-old peanut (Archis hypogaea L.) cotyledon were studied. NAD-glycerol dehydrogenase and NAD-α-glycerolphosphate dehydrogenase were not detected. Glycerol kinase was detected in the soluble fractions and an α-glycerolphosphate oxidoreductase was found in the particulate fractions. The particulate fractions were separated into various organelle fractions by sucrose gradient centrifugation and the α-glycerolphosphate oxidoreductase was shown to be present in the mitochondria. The properties of the castor bean mitochondrial α-glycerolphosphate oxidoreductase resembled those of a similar enzyme present in the mitochondria of many animal tissues. A survey showed that the α-glycerolphosphate oxidoreductase was present in great amount only in the storage tissues of fatty seedlings but not in other nonfatty plant tissues. It is concluded that in the storage tissues of fatty seedlings, the soluble glycerol kinase and the mitochondrial cytochrome-linked α-glycerolphosphate oxidoreductase are the two enzymes responsible for the initial conversion of glycerol to hexose.
Pressure Pulse Response of Composite Sandwich Panels with Plastic Core Damping

An analytical technique is presented for obtaining the large amplitude, damped response of a foam-core composite sandwich panel subjected to uniform pressure pulse loading. The predicted panel resp...
Effect of Dorsal Plate Positioning on Dorsiflexion Angle in Arthrodesis of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint: A Cadaveric Study

Background:The relationship between dorsal plate positioning and final dorsiflexion angle after first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint fusion has not been well established. The main purpose of this ...
Forecasting Biological Invasions with Increasing International Trade

We used historical data to parameterize species-accumulation models relating international trade to the establishment rates of nonindigenous species in the United States over the past century. We then cou- pled these relationships with published trade forecasts to predict future invasion rates for insects, plant patho- gens, and mollusks. Relationships between the accumulation of non-native species and merchandise imports were reasonably described by log-log and log-linear species-area models and Michaelis-Menten accumulation functions. However, the latter two models produced markedly better fits. When coupled with projected trade forecasts, the log-linear species-area model predicted 16-24% taxon-specific increases in the number of nonin- digenous species established in the United States from 2000 to 2020. The Michaelis-Menten model predicted much lower 3-6% increases, but even this meant 115 new insect species and 5 new plant pathogens. These re- sults suggest that the ecological and economic costs associated with human-caused biological invasions may continue to rise substantially over the coming decades. Prediccion de las Invasiones Biologicas con el Incremento del Comercio Internacional Resumen: Empleamos datos historicos para parametrizar modelos de acumulacion de especies relacion- ando el comercio internacional con las tasas de establecimiento de especies no-indigenas en los Estados Uni- dos a lo largo del siglo pasado. Posteriormente acoplamos estas relaciones con predicciones de mercado pub- licadas para determinar las tasas futuras de invasion para insectos, patogenos de plantas y moluscos. Las relaciones entre la acumulacion de especies no nativas y las mercancias de importacion fue razonablemente descrita por modelos de especies-areas log-log y log-lineal y las funciones de acumulacion de Michaelis- Menten. Sin embargo, estos ultimos dos modelos produjeron ajustes notablemente mejores. Cuando se acop- laron con predicciones de mercado proyectadas, los modelos de especie-area logaritmicas-lineales predijeron incrementos especificos de taxon del 16-24% en el numero de especies no indigenas establecidas en los Esta- dos Unidos del 2000 al 2020. El modelo de Michaelis-Menten predijo incrementos mucho menores del 3-6%, pero aun esto representa 115 nuevas especies de insectos y 5 nuevas especies de patogenos de plantas. Estos resultados sugieren que los costos ecologicos y economicos asociados con las invasiones biologicas causadas por humanos podrian continuar incrementandose sustancialmente a lo largo de las siguientes decadas.
Viscoelastic Properties of Living Embryonic Tissues: a Quantitative Study

A number of properties of certain living embryonic tissues can be explained by considering them as liquids. Tissue fragments left in a shaker bath round up to form spherical aggregates, as do liquid drops. When cells comprising two distinct embryonic tissues are mixed, typically a nucleation-like process takes place, and one tissue sorts out from the other. The equilibrium configurations at the end of such sorting out phenomena have been interpreted in terms of tissue surface tensions arising from the adhesive interactions between individual cells. In the present study we go beyond these equilibrium properties and study the viscoelastic behavior of a number of living embryonic tissues. Using a specifically designed apparatus, spherical cell aggregates are mechanically compressed and their viscoelastic response is followed. A generalized Kelvin model of viscoelasticity accurately describes the measured relaxation curves for each of the four tissues studied. Quantitative results are obtained for the characteristic relaxation times and elastic and viscous parameters. Our analysis demonstrates that the cell aggregates studied here, when subjected to mechanical deformations, relax as elastic materials on short time scales and as viscous liquids on long time scales.
Properties and separation performance of Ge-ZSM-5 membranes

Abstract Germanium-substituted ZSM-5 zeolite membranes with various Si/Ge ratios were synthesized by in situ crystallization on porous tubular stainless steel and α-Al2O3 supports. For a Si/Ge ratio in the synthesis gel of 25, the Si/Ge ratio in the membrane was 41–82, depending on the support. When the Si/Ge ratio was 5, extra framework compounds that contained Ge formed. The fraction of permeation through non-zeolite pores increased as the Si/Ge ratio decreased. The Ge-ZSM-5 membranes were effective for separating acetone from water by pervaporation. The highest acetone/water selectivity of 330 (at 323 K) and the highest total flux of 0.95 kg/m2 h (at 333 K) were obtained for a membrane with a Si/Ge ratio of 41. This membrane selectively removed alcohols, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, and propionaldehyde from 5 wt.% aqueous solutions because the organics preferentially adsorbed. The C3 organics showed higher organic/water selectivities than C2 or C4 organics with the same functional group. The organic/water separation selectivity increased as the liquid-phase fugacity of the organic in the feed increased.
The Smallpox Eradication Game

Why did the world succeed in eradicating smallpox? Though eradication is a global public good, theory suggests that it should not have been vulnerable to free riding. Some countries, however, lacked the capacity to eliminate smallpox. Success thus depended on the other countries providing assistance. Theory suggests that this public good also should not have been vulnerable to free riding. However, financing proved challenging, even though the global benefit-cost ratio for eradication exceeded 400:1. Contrary to what theory suggests, what may have been the greatest achievement of international cooperation ever was not inevitable. Indeed, it very nearly failed.
Cosmic Microwave Background Temperature and Polarization Anisotropy in Brans-Dicke Cosmology

We develop a formalism for calculating cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature and polarization anisotropies in cosmological models with Brans-Dicke gravity. We then modify publicly available Boltzmann codes to calculate numerically the temperature and polarization power spectra. Results are illustrated with a few representative models. Comparing with the general-relativistic model of the same cosmological parameters, both the amplitude and the width of the acoustic peaks are different in the Brans-Dicke models. We use a covariance-matrix calculation to investigate whether the effects of Brans-Dicke gravity are degenerate with those of variation in other cosmological parameters and to simultaneously determine whether forthcoming CMB maps might be able to distinguish Brans-Dicke and general-relativistic cosmology. Although the predicted power spectra for plausible Brans-Dicke models differ from those in general relativity only slightly, we find that MAP and/or the Planck Surveyor may in principle provide a test of Brans-Dicke theory that is competitive to solar-system tests. For example, if all other parameters except for the CMB normalization are fixed, a value of the Brans-Dicke parameter ω as large as 500 could be identified (at the 2σ level) with MAP, and for Planck, values as large as ω≃3000 could be identified; these sensitivities are decreased roughly by a factor of 3 if we marginalize over the baryon density, Hubble constant, spectral index, and re-ionization optical depth. In more general scalar-tensor theories, ω may evolve with time, and in this case, the CMB probe would be complementary to that from solar-system tests.
Joint distributions, the uncertainty principle and positive distributions †

We examine the construction of joint probabilities for non-commuting observables. We show that there are indications in standard quantum mechanics that imply the existence of conditional expectation values, which in turn implies the existence of a joint distribution. We also argue that the uncertainty principle has no bearing on the existence of joint distributions but only constrains the marginal distributions. In addition, we show that within classical probability theory there are mathematical quantities that are similar to quantum mechanical wave functions. This is shown by generalising a theorem of Khinchin on the necessary and sufficient conditions for a function to be a characteristic function.
The hydroxylation, dechlorination, and glucuronidation of 4,4'-dichlorobiphenyl (4-DCB) by human hepatic microsomes.

Abstract Since chlorine placement and the degree of chlorination of the biphenyl nucleus play an important role in the metabolism and ultimate elimination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), we have studied the metabolism of 4,4′-dichlorobiphenyl (4-DCB) by human hepatic musomes. This low molecular weight PCB congener is substituted at the preferred site of metabolism (para-position). 4-DCB was metabolized by human musomes with a K m of 0.43 μm and a V max of 1.2 pmoles/mg musomal protein/min. Six metabolites were identified: 4,4′-dichloro-3,3′-biphenyldiol, 4′-chloro-3-biphenylol, 4′-chloro-4-biphenylol, 4,4′-dichloro-2-biphenylol, 4,4′-dichloro-3-biphenylol (most abundant), and 3,4′-dichloro-4-biphenylol. [ 4 C]-4-DCB equivalents were found to covalently bind to musomal protein. Addition of a 1 mM concentration of reduced glutathione decreased the degree of covalent binding. These data suggest that human musomes metabolize this PCB through an arene oxide and that an “NIH shift” occurs. When UDPGA was added to the incubation, human musomal glucuronosyltransferase catalyzed the formation of the glucuronide of the major metabolite, 4,4′-dichloro-3-biphenylol. These and previous in vitro results show that the biotransformation of PCBs by humans is governed by the same principles established for the in vivo biotransformation of PCBs by the rat, mouse and monkey. That is, PCBs without two adjacent unsubstituted carbon atoms are poorly metabolized and that an unsubstituted para-position facilitates metabolism.
Electron emission from the side wall of an individual multiwall carbon nanotube

Electron emission from the sidewall of a bent individual multiwall carbon nanotube (CNT) is reported. The CNT was synthesized using a catalytic chemical vapor deposition method and the focused-ion beam technique was used to fabricate the CNT-based electron emitter. With controlled ion bombardment, individual carbon nanotubes can be bent into loops with different radii. An external electric field can be used to straighten the bent CNT. The electron field emission from the sidewall of CNT was measured, and compared with that from the tip of the CNT. The turn-on voltage from the sidewall of CNT is significantly lower than that from the tip. An enhancement factor β as large as 400,000 has been obtained for the electron emission from the side wall.
Human COL7A1-corrected induced pluripotent stem cells for the treatment of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

Patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) lack functional type VII collagen owing to mutations in the gene COL7A1 and suffer severe blistering and chronic wounds that ultimately lead to infection and development of lethal squamous cell carcinoma. The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and the ability to edit the genome bring the possibility to provide definitive genetic therapy through corrected autologous tissues. We generated patient-derived COL7A1 -corrected epithelial keratinocyte sheets for autologous grafting. We demonstrate the utility of sequential reprogramming and adenovirus-associated viral genome editing to generate corrected iPSC banks. iPSC-derived keratinocytes were produced with minimal heterogeneity, and these cells secreted wild-type type VII collagen, resulting in stratified epidermis in vitro in organotypic cultures and in vivo in mice. Sequencing of corrected cell lines before tissue formation revealed heterogeneity of cancer-predisposing mutations, allowing us to select COL7A1 -corrected banks with minimal mutational burden for downstream epidermis production. Our results provide a clinical platform to use iPSCs in the treatment of debilitating genodermatoses, such as RDEB.
The stability of hypnotic susceptibility: a longitudinal study.

Abstract 85 former Stanford University students were retested on the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form A (Weitzenhoffer & Hilgard, 1959), after an 8 to 12-year retest interval. There was no overall change in level of susceptibility, and the correlation between the total scores on the two testings was 60. Hypnotic susceptibility thus appears to be a relatively stable characteristic when measured under standard conditions, and when no intervening special training has been given.
Effects of Low‐dose Electron Beam Irradiation on Respiration, Microbiology, Texture, Color, and Sensory Characteristics of Fresh‐cut Cantaloupe Stored in Modified‐atmosphere Packages

Fresh-cut cantaloupe was placed in modified-atmosphere packages (4% oxygen, 10% carbon dioxide) and irradiated at 0 (control), 0.5, and 1.0 kGy. Irradiated samples had a lower and more stable rate of respiration than non-irradiated samples over about 20 d. Total plate counts were higher (P < 0.05) in non-irradiated control samples through day 11 (Trial 1) and for all dates tested (Trial 2). Color and texture remained stable for the duration of each study as measured by instruments and trained sensory panels. Sensory evaluation rated the 1.0-kGy sample highest in “sweetness” and “cantaloupe flavor intensity” and lowest in “off-flavor” after 17 (±3) d of storage. Low-dose electron beam irradiation of fresh-cut cantaloupe with modified-atmosphere packaging offers promise as a method of extending shelf life.
Luminescent blinking of gold nanoparticles

Spin-coated gold colloids showed a time-dependent increase in emission upon illumination at 532 nm. The emission originated from point-like locations and displayed blinking. The emission spectra of the individual spots and their spatial location remained constant, which is distinct from recent reports on silver nanoparticles. These results suggest the use of emission from gold clusters in nanophotonics devices and as luminescent probes with potential applications in medical imaging.
Performance evaluation of power-managed mobile communication devices

We consider the problem of power management for mobile terminals in wireless communication networks, focusing on buffered, delay-constrained data transmission at a single node subject to substantial time-varying interference. Numerical methods are used to obtain various performance measures and suggest low-power optimal transmission policies such that transmission is attempted only when interference is below a threshold.
Perceived criticism predicts severity of anxiety symptoms after behavioral treatment in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia.

In prospective research, psychiatric patients' perceived criticism (PC) from family members has been linked to higher rates of relapse and worse treatment outcome. Researchers have disagreed about whether PC contributes to poor treatment outcomes or whether it merely reflects the severity of a patient's disturbance. In this study, structural equation modeling was used to conduct a cross-lagged panel analysis of the relationship between PC and anxiety symptom severity assessed before and after treatment in anxiety-disordered patients. PC was found to be unrelated to concurrent symptom severity. Furthermore, pretreatment PC significantly predicted posttreatment symptom severity over and above the effect of pretreatment symptom severity, whereas pretreatment symptom severity failed to significantly predict posttreatment PC. Thus, these results are consistent with (although not proof of) the hypothesis that PC detracts from patients' ability to respond to treatment, and inconsistent with the hypothesis that PC is a reflection of a patient's symptom severity. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 59: 411–421, 2003.
Not just an inhibitor: a role for p21 beyond the cell cycle-"The truth is rarely pure and never simple".

The global public health importance of the current accelerating epidemic of diabetes and its attendant complications cannot be overstated. The number of patients receiving renal replacement therapy in the United States is set to double over the next decade, with diabetic nephropathy (already the
Fast H.264/AVC Inter-Mode Decision with RDC Optimization

A complexity-constrained inter-mode decision algorithm for H.264/AVC video coding is developed using a rate-distortioncomplexity (RDC) optimization framework in this work. The proposed algorithm consists of two main steps. At the first step, we use the number of DCT coefficients of prediction errors quantized to zeros to predict whether the underlying block modes should be skipped. At the second step, a joint RDC cost function is adopted to control the mode decision process to manage motion search complexity. It is demonstrated by computer simulation that significant complexity saving can be achieved with negligible R-D performance degradation.
Thermally driven exchange flow between open water and an aquatic canopy

Differential solar heating can result from shading by rooted emergent aquatic plants, producing a temperature difference between vegetated and unvegetated regions of a surface water body. This temperature difference will promote an exchange flow between the vegetation and open water. Drag associated with the submerged portion of the plants modifies this exchange, specifically, changing the dominant velocity scale. Scaling analysis predicts several distinct flow regimes, including inertia-dominated, drag-dominated and energy-limiting regimes. After a constant heat source is initiated, the flow is initially inertial, but quickly transitions to the drag-dominated regime. The energy-limiting regime is not likely to occur in the presence of rooted vegetation. Laboratory experiments describe the exchange flow and confirm the scaling analysis. Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) was used to quantify the velocity field. Once the exchange flow enters the drag-dominated regime, the intrusion velocity u V is steady. The intrusion velocity decreases with increasing density of vegetation. The thickness of the intruding layer is set by the length scale of light penetration.
Collaborative testing enhances student learning.

Examinations and quizzes should be used as learning as well as assessment tools. To achieve this goal, an assessment procedure was developed to enhance as well as assess student learning. Students ...