cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Neuropsychological Outcomes from an Open-Label Phase I/IIa Trial of 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrins (VTS-270) in Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C1

Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) is a neurodegenerative condition that arises from mutations of NPC1 and is often diagnosed in children. Recently, several drug trials have been implemented to minimize neurodegeneration, including a trial of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrins (VTS-270). The current study extends findings from a previous report of 18 months of disease severity data by describing neuropsychological outcomes over the course of 36 months post-baseline. An open-label, dose-escalation phase I/IIa study of VTS-270 was performed in participants with NPC1 aged 4–23 years. Fourteen participants were sequentially assigned to receive monthly initial intrathecal VTS-270 at doses of 50, 200, 300, or 400 mg per month. After initial dosing, participants were dose-escalated (to 600 or 1200 mg) as tolerated. Participants were evaluated at 6-month intervals using a standardized neuropsychological battery, including tests of cognition and adaptive behavior. A random effects model with restricted maximum likelihood estimation was constructed for each outcome, and the slope was the parameter of interest. Findings based on IQ scores and both standard scores and age equivalents of adaptive functioning indicate that there were not meaningful declines in these areas during the study period. The average annualized change in Full Scale IQ was negative: B = − 1.28, standard error (SE) = 0.70, t(34.2) = − 1.83, p = 0.076. The Vineland-II Adaptive Behavior Composite standard score decreased by 1.76 points per year [SE = 0.67, t(59.1) = − 2.62, p = 0.011], but annualized slopes for each of the domain age equivalents were positive: Communication [B = 0.71, SE = 3.12, t(60.7) = 0.23, p = 0.82], Socialization [B = 2.99, SE = 2.92, t(60.4) = 1.03, p = 0.30], Daily Living Skills [B = 2.76, SE = 2.76, t(60.3) = 1.18, p = 0.24], and Motor Skills [B = 1.42, SE = 0.94, t(50.5) = 1.51, p = 0.14], indicating not worsening but slower-than-average acquisition of skills. In conjunction with previous findings, these results provide support for the slowing of disease progress up to 36 months post-initiation of intrathecal VTS-270. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01747135: Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin for Niemann-Pick type C1 Disease.
On the importance of individual differences in behavioural skill

A major focus of research in behavioural ecology involves testing whether behaviour, on average, is adaptive. Here, we note that although studies often find that individuals differ in how well they perform adaptive behaviour (e.g. some individuals fit the predictions of optimal diet theory better than others, and some exhibit higher social skill than others), few studies have emphasized these consistent individual differences (CIDs) in behavioural skill. We define behavioural skill as performance in decision making on a particular task, while competence involves a collection of skills on a suite of related tasks. After discussing the definition of these and related terms, we present some examples and briefly describe how to quantify CIDs in skill and competence. We then present a three-level conceptual framework for organizing thinking on skill and competence. For the central level, behavioural skill per se, we note that for many ecologically important tasks (e.g. foraging, mating), success depends on decision making in three sequential steps: situation choice (e.g. patch choice that determines encounter rates with food items or potential mates), engagement choice (e.g. diet or mate choice) and execution choice (e.g. prey capture or courtship tactics). At a foundational level, we discuss three types of mechanisms that underlie behavioural skills: (1) genetic and neuroendocrine mechanisms; (2) development and learning (expertise); and (3) cognition. At a higher level, we outline understudied issues regarding suites of correlated skills both within a context (e.g. is skill in foraging patch choice correlated with skill in diet choice?) and across contexts (e.g. is skill in diet choice correlated with skill in mate choice?), and we discuss reasons why different skills might be either positively or negatively correlated. We conclude with some remarks regarding evolutionary issues and ecological implications.
‘User-Home relationship’ regarding user experience of smart home products

Technological developments in recent years have radically advanced the design of smart home products. With the help of artificial intelligence, the interaction between user and product has been rai...
Gender gap in rheumatology: speaker representation at annual conferences.

Adami et al ’s report of gender disparities in the first authorship of rheumatology guidelines was very interesting to read.1 The authors highlight a fundamental issue: the existence of a gender gap—that is, proportionately more male than female physicians—within the authorship ranks in rheumatology. We had thought that it would be intriguing to investigate whether this difference permeates at the national conference level as well. Recent studies have quantified the gender gap among speakers at academic conferences in other specialties. The most extensive study of 181 medical conferences held in North America over the course of a decade (2007–2017) found an increase in the proportion of female speakers …
Polarization spectroscopy to determine alignment depolarization of the 133Cs6p2P3/2 atoms using a pump-probe laser technique

We have experimentally investigated alignment depolarization cross section of the excited J ¼ 3=2 133
Seed germination traits in the rare sandstone rockhouse endemic Solidago albopilosa (Asteraceae)

Understanding how temperature and other environmental cues influence germination traits can aid in the conservation and management of rare plant species. We examined the germination niche of the narrow endemic Solidago albopilosa, a perennial herb restricted to sandstone rockhouses in the southeastern United States. We experimentally subjected seeds to varying lengths of cold stratification, incubation temperatures, photoperiods, and seasonal temperature cycles that simulated current ambient temperatures and a climate warming scenario. Seeds exhibited conditional physiological dormancy and germinated at greater proportions following chilling than when fresh in all temperatures and light regimes tested. In seasonal temperature cycles that simulate those after seed dispersal in late autumn, seeds began germinating after 9 wk in late-winter temperatures (February), with peak germination occurring in early spring (March). Germination timing shifted 1 wk earlier in the spring with climate warming, but germination proportions did not differ among treatments. Buried seeds did not persist to the second germination season (spring), suggesting minimal carryover among years. Seed viability declined in the smallest (< 50 stems) populations but varied less among sites with different levels of human disturbance. A germination niche defined by conditional physiological dormancy, a minimal chilling requirement, dark germination, seasonal germination cueing, and low persistence in the soil is consistent with the expectation of a perennial herb from a stable habitat, but diverges in some aspects from seed traits found in Solidago species of grasslands and open habitats. These results suggest that dormancy or germination do not limit seed regeneration in most natural populations nor contribute to S. albopilosa's rarity.
Clinical characteristics of a large multi-center cohort of people with multiple sclerosis over age 60.

Abstract Background: As the peak prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) shifts due to an aging patient population, understanding the characteristics that define this older cohort to improve overall management is critical. We sought to determine the clinical characteristics of people with MS over age 60. Methods: Demographics, clinical characteristics, MS disease history, and Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT) patient-reported outcomes and neuroperformance tests (NPTs) were collected from 10 academic MS centers in the US and Europe participating in the MS Partners Advancing Technology Health Solutions (MS PATHS) system. We characterized demographic and disease characteristics of included participants using descriptive statistics. We characterized prevalence of comorbidities and compared with estimated prevalences from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) respondents aged ≥60 years in 2017-2018. Results: We identified 2738 individuals over age 60 from MS PATHS, with 58.1% relapsing-remitting (RR) and 41.9% progressive. Our results showed median age (RR=65.7 years, progressive=66.0 years), age of symptom onset (RR and progressive=40.9 years), and disease duration (RR=22.8 years, progressive=23.3 years). Over two-thirds of individuals in our cohort were treated with DMTs. The most common DMT used in RR patients were interferons (17.6%) and glatiramer acetate (16.3%), while glatiramer acetate was the most common (12.0%) in progressive patients. Progressive patients had higher disability (higher median PDDS scores, worse Neuro-Qol T-scores, and worse NPTs) compared to the RR group. Pain was the most common comorbidity, followed by cardiac disease, depression, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Compared to older NHANES participants, older people with MS were more likely to have depression (MS PATHS: 51.5% [95% CI: 49.5% to 53.5%] vs. NHANES: 21.7% [95% CI: 1619.3% to 22.2%]) and osteoporosis (MS PATHS: 12.7% [95% CI: 11.3% to 14.1%] vs. NHANES: 8.2% [95% CI: 6.2% to 10.3%]); they were less likely to be obese (MS PATHS: 29.4% [95% CI: 27.7% to 31.2%] vs. NHANES: 45.1% [95% CI: 38.9% to 51.3%]) and have diabetes (MS PATHS: 12.3% [95% CI: 11.1% to 13.6%] vs. NHANES: 22.5% [95% CI: 18.8% to 25.7%]). Conclusions: Our study characterizes a large multi-center international cohort of people with MS over age 60. This contemporary cohort appears less disabled than prior studies, which may reflect long term impact of DMT availability on the natural history of MS. The burden of comorbidity in this population was generally high. Information on DMT use, comorbidity, and disability outcome measures will be beneficial in future studies evaluating the impact of therapeutic interventions in older individuals.
Accelerated version of NUBEAM capabilities in DIII-D using neural networks

Abstract A neural network model of the effects of neutral beam injection on DIII-D has been developed. The training and testing data used by the model have been generated by the NUBEAM module of TRANSP for experimental discharges from the 2018 DIII-D campaign. Using a principle component analysis to reduce the dimensionality of profile data, the model has been shown to reproduce the results of the Monte Carlo code NUBEAM with a high level of accuracy and an execution time orders of magnitude faster than the execution time of NUBEAM. This makes the neural network model uniquely suited to applications in model-based scenario planning (off-line) and active control (on-line), where a large number of simulation runs are required by the associated optimization tasks that need to be performed before and during the discharge.
Autonomous Vehicle Battery State-of-Charge Prognostics Enhanced Mission Planning

Most mission planning algorithms are designed for healthy systems. When faults occur in a system, it is advantageous to optimize the mission plan by taking the system health condition into consideration. In this paper, a mission planning scheme is proposed to integrate real-time prognostics in a receding horizon path planning framework to accommodate the system fault. In this scheme, the state-of-charge of a battery is monitored and predicted by a particle-filtering based prognostic algorithm. The predicted state-of-charge and remaining useful life of the battery are used in the mission planning to minimize mission failure risk. A series of experiments are presented on a robotic platform, which is powered by a Lithium-ion battery, to demonstrate and verify the proposed scheme.
COVID-19 Impact on the Future of Hospitality and Travel

The most important trends for hospitality, travel, and tourism in this time of uncertainty with COVID-19 and unusual turmoil and impact are explored.
Incidence and Predictors of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Sarcoidosis: A Nationwide Analysis.

Abstract Objectives This study sought to identify electrocardiographic (ECG) and clinical predictors of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in sarcoidosis. Background Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of death in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and may be the earliest manifestation of disease. Widespread or repeated advanced imaging is a challenging solution to this problem. ECG is an affordable and widely accessible modality that could help guide diagnostic approaches and risk stratification. Methods Data were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample (2005–2017) using International Classification of Diseases-9th Revision and -10th Revision-Clinical Modification. The primary outcome was to identify predictors of SCA, whereas predictors of SCA in young individuals and those with normal ventricular function served as secondary measures. Furthermore, temporal trends in sarcoidosis as well as SCA were also analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios, following which a multivariable regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. Results Electrocardiographic markers of AV node dysfunction or bundle branch block are associated with substantially increased risk of SCA in a limited proportion of patients (8.6%). This association is also observed among younger patients ( Conclusions ECG evidence of AV nodal dysfunction or distal conduction disease should raise suspicion for cardiac involvement in patients with sarcoidosis and are associated with increased risk of SCA. ECG markers could help identify patients who would benefit from advanced imaging. The sensitivity of ECGs is, however, limited and presence of a normal ECG does not reflect a low risk of SCA.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated GUS Gene knock-out in the Tobacco Plant

CRISPR/Cas9 technology facilitates gene editing by removing or adding nucleotides at specific DNA sequences. This results in a gene removal (knock-out) or insertion (knock-in), thus causing a cell to manipulate gene expression. Using Agrobacterium-mediated DNA delivery, CRISPR/Cas9 was utilized to genetically modify a transgenic RM-1 tobacco plant that expresses a reporter gene, β Glucuronidase (GUS). The CRISPR/Cas9 integrated plants, named HaG, were regenerated, and the presence of Cas9 gene in these plants was confirmed by qPCR. The T1 and T2 progenies of the HaG plants were screened for effective gene editing by GUS staining assays. The GUS negative plants were selected and grown; the DNA was then extracted, sequenced, and compared to the original GUS gene sequence. Our results demonstratethat GUS expression had diminished in the CRISPR plants. DNA sequencing showed a deletion occurred in the expected coding region of the GUS gene, this resulted in a gene knock-down instead of a complete knockout.
Defining Clinically Significant Improvement on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Test at 1-Year Follow-up for Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy for the Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome:

Background:Although minimal clinically important difference (MCID), Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) have been defined for hip-specific legacy patient...
Design of Digital Controllers for the Reduction of Low-Frequency Harmonic Currents in Double Star Chopper Cell-based Battery Energy Storage Systems

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) based on the Double-Star Chopper Cell (DSCC) allow battery packs to be connected in a modular fashion to medium and high voltage grids. However, the capacitor voltage of the module contains low-frequency oscillations, mainly at 60 and 120 Hz. These oscillations can easily propagate to the batteries’ currents, thus potentially impacting their lifetime. The controller design has vital importance in alleviating this issue. In this paper, the modeling and control design of a DSCC system with batteries connected through a bidirectional (BDC) half-bridge converter are shown. The impact of the BDC current and voltage control on suppressing the low-frequency harmonics is addressed. Further, the paper explores the addition of digital filters, and their impact on the controller design. The required low-frequency harmonic attenuation estimation is described in a downscaled BESS case study. The control structures and their designs are validated using the Typhoon hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) platform.
ANÁLISES LABORATORIAIS FISCAIS EM PRODUTOS LACTÉOS DE AGROINDÚSTRIAS FAMILIARES DO ESTADO DO ESPÍRITO SANTO COM ENFÂSE NA IDENTIFICAÇÃO DE Listeria monocytogenes

In Espirito Santo, the production of dairy products is an activity of great importance for family agro-industries, with a strong cultural relationship with the maintenance of families in the countryside. However, depending on the hygienic conditions during the milk milking process and the preparation of the products in the establishment, and also on the aspects related to the health of the herd, these products can be contaminated by different pathogenic microorganisms, which can cause, in addition to economic losses for industry, serious problems for public health. Thus, laboratory tests, especially microbiological tests, must be carried out periodically, aiming to guarantee the safety of the product and the safety for the consumers. Specifically, for cheeses, the presence of the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is among the parameters evaluated in dairy products, due to its relevance to public health. This study carried out a retrospective survey of the fiscal laboratory analyzes, during 2019, with an emphasis on the identification of L. monocytogenes, in family agroindustries registered in the Municipal Inspection Services with equivalence to the Susaf/ES. All municipalities that have agroindustries equivalent to Susaf/ES underwent fiscal analyzes in 2019, with the majority of establishments sampling a single product in an annual analysis, been sampling a variety of distinct dairy products, with a predominance of cheeses. Most analyzes were performed in a laboratory accredited by Idaf. The results of analyzes were negative for the presence of L. monocytogenes, corresponding to the legislation, reinforcing the importance of the registration and monitoring of the establishment by the inspection services.
Dietary Blueberry and Soluble Fiber Improve Serum Antioxidant and Adipokine Biomarkers and Lipid Peroxidation in Pregnant Women with Obesity and at Risk for Gestational Diabetes

Pregnancies affected by obesity are at high risk for developing metabolic complications with oxidative stress and adipocyte dysfunction contributing to the underlying pathologies. Few studies have examined the role of dietary interventions, especially those involving antioxidants including polyphenolic flavonoids found in fruits and vegetables on these pathologies in high-risk pregnant women. We conducted an 18 gestation-week randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of a dietary intervention comprising of whole blueberries and soluble fiber vs. control (standard prenatal care) on biomarkers of oxidative stress/antioxidant status and adipocyte and hormonal functions in pregnant women with obesity (n = 34). Serum samples were collected at baseline (<20 gestation weeks) and at the end of the study period (32-26 gestation weeks). Study findings showed maternal serum glutathione and antioxidant capacity to be significantly increased, and malondialdehyde to be decreased in the dietary intervention vs. control group (all p < 0.05). Among the adipokine biomarkers, serum plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and visfatin, as biomarkers of adipocyte dysfunction and insulin resistance, were also decreased following dietary intervention (all p < 0.05). These findings support the need for supplementing maternal diets with berries and fiber to improve oxidative stress and risks of metabolic complications during pregnancy.
Quantification of Radiotracer Uptake Into Tissue

Abstract Quantitative determination of radiotracer activity in vivo is essential for the determination of numerous physiologic parameters of interest. These include blood flow, metabolic rates, and receptor density. The most important considerations are instrument calibration, attenuation correction, decay correction, and partial volume correction. Several other issues must also be considered including statistical uncertainty, reproducibility, and residual activity. The methodology for quantitative single-photon emission computed tomography is quite different from that for positron emission tomography (PET). PET is inherently more accurate. The above issues are discussed in this chapter, as well as some of the simpler approaches for data analysis, that is, standardized uptake value, microsphere formula for blood flow, and Patlak analysis for glucose metabolic rate.
GapMind for Carbon Sources: Automated annotations of catabolic pathways

GapMind for carbon sources is an automated tool for annotating catabolic pathways in bacterial and archaeal genomes. GapMind includes 62 compounds and identifies potential transporters and enzymes by their similarity to experimentally-characterized proteins. To improve GapMind9s coverage, we used high-throughput genetic data from 29 bacteria and systematically examined the gaps. We identified novel pathways or enzymes for the utilization of glucosamine, citrulline, myo-inositol, lactose, and phenylacetate, and we annotated 299 diverged enzymes and transporters. We also curated 125 proteins from published reports. For the 29 bacteria with genetic data, GapMind finds high-confidence paths for 85% of utilized carbon sources. In diverse bacteria and archaea, 38% of utilized carbon sources have high-confidence paths, which was improved from 27% by incorporating the fitness-based annotations and our curation. GapMind for carbon sources is available as a web server (http://papers.genomics.lbl.gov/carbon) and takes just 30 seconds for the typical genome.
Agricultural Leadership Development Program Participant Personality and Demographic Characteristics: An Empirical Analysis:

Although personality has been widely studied within the academic literature, there has been little research into the relationship between personality and leadership development programs, particular...
Laparoscopy decreases complications for obese patients undergoing elective rectal surgery.

While there are many reported advantages to laparoscopic surgery compared to open surgery, the impact of a laparoscopic approach on postoperative morbidity in obese patients undergoing rectal surgery has not been studied. Our goal was to determine whether obese patients undergoing laparoscopic rectal surgery experienced the same benefits as non-obese patients. We identified patients undergoing rectal resections using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Participant Use Data File. We performed multivariable analyses to determine the independent association between laparoscopy and postoperative complications. A total of 26,437 patients underwent rectal resection. The mean age was 58.5 years, 32.6 % were obese, and 47.2 % had cancer. Laparoscopic procedures were slightly less common in obese patients compared to non-obese patients (36.0 vs. 38.2 %, p = 0.0006). In unadjusted analyses, complications were lower with the laparoscopic approach in both obese (18.9 vs. 32.4 %, p < 0.0001) and non-obese (15.6 vs. 25.3 %, p < 0.0001) patients. In a multivariable analysis controlling for potential confounders, the risk of postoperative complications increased as the degree of obesity worsened. The likelihood of experiencing a postoperative complication increased by 25, 45, and 75 % for obese class I, obese class II, and obese class III patients, respectively. A laparoscopic approach was associated with a 40 % decreased odds of a postoperative complication for all patients (OR 0.60, 95 % CI 0.56–0.64). Laparoscopic rectal surgery is associated with fewer complications when compared to open rectal surgery in both obese and non-obese patients. Obesity was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications. In appropriately selected patients, rectal surgery outcomes may be improved with a minimally invasive approach.
Bandgap changes in armchair silicene nanoribbons perforated with periodic nanoholes

In this study, electronic properties of armchair silicene nanoribbon perforated with periodic nanoholes are studied by first-principle calculations based on density functional theory. It has been demonstrated that pristine armchair silicene nanoribbons can be categorized into three branches with width W= 3P−1, 3P, and 3P+1, where P is a positive integer. Their energy gaps decrease as a function of increasing nanoribbon width and satisfy EG (3P−1) G (3P) G (3P+1). The bandgaps of armchair silicene nanoribbons perforated with periodic nanoholes show an oscillatory behavior and become smaller or larger than that of pristine armchair silicene nanoribbon depending on the nanoribbon's width and repeat periodicity of nanoholes. Results indicate that the different nanoribbons width and edge shape between two adjacent nanoholes and between nanoholes and nanoribbons in a small repeat periodicity will result in different quantum confinement effects. It has been also shown that the bandgap of armchair silicene nanoribbon are closely dependent on the position of nanoholes relative to edges of the nanoribbons.
Reproductive Failure Associated with Cystic Rete Ovarii in Guinea Pigs

Cystic ovaries were found at necropsy in 54 of 71 (76%) female guinea pigs between 18 and 60 months of age. Histologic appearance and location of the cysts within the ovary were consistent with cystic rete ovarii. Microscopic appearance of the large ovarian cysts suggested reproductive performance in these guinea pigs should be compromised. Breeding records indicated that fertility was markedly reduced in affected females over fifteen months of age. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia, mucometra, endometritis in appropriate placental tissue, or fibroleiomyomas were seen in 21 of 54 (39%) guinea pigs with cystic ovaries, but in only one of 17 (6%) guinea pigs without cystic ovaries.
Resolution property of the improved maximum likelihood method

This paper discusses the resolution property of the Improved Maximum Likelihood Method (IMLM), which was recently proposed as a high resolution multi-dimensional spectral estimation algorithm. For a uniformly sampled two-dimensional array, the IMLM is compared to the Bartlett Method, the Maximum Likelihood Method (MLM) and the Maximum Entropy Method (MEM).
Norton’s Slippery Slope

In this article, I identify several issues that arise in trying to decide whether Newtonian particle mechanics qualifies as a deterministic theory. I also give a minitutorial on the geometry and dynamical properties of Norton’s dome surface. The goal is to better understand how his example works and also to better appreciate just how wonderfully strange it is.
The diagnosis and management of diverticulosis and diverticulitis of the pelvic colon in women

Abstract Divertieulitis of the pelvic colon in women has many of the earmarks of so-called pelvic inflammatory disease. Obstructive symptoms, during an acute attack, plus a history of previous bowel disturbances accompanied by cramps, are the important differential diagnostic points. Management of the acute stage should lean toward conservatism. Operative interference is not as essential in low colonic obstruction as elsewhere in the intestinal tract. Careful inquiry into the history of bowel disturbances which are accompanied by low abdominal and pelvic distress, checked by x-ray examination, points the way to prevention of acute attacks. A “residue-free” diet, and a gentle mode of living are the essentials of prophylaxis.
Engineering an Orderly Greek Debt Restructuring

For some months now, discussions over how Greece will restructure its debt have been constrained by the requirement that the deal be “voluntary” – implying that Greece would continue debt service to any creditors that choose retain their old bonds rather than tender them in an exchange offer. In light of Greece’s deep solvency problems and lack of agreement with its creditors so far, the notion of a voluntary debt exchange is increasingly looking like a mirage. In this essay, we describe and compare three alternative approaches that would achieve an orderly restructuring but avoid an outright default: (1) “retrofitting” and using a collective action clause (CAC) that would allow the vast majority of outstanding Greek government bonds to be restructured with the consent of a supermajority of creditors; (2) combining the use of a CAC with an exit exchange, in which consenting bondholders would receive a new English-law bond with standard creditor protections and lower face value; (3) an exit exchange in which a CAC would only be used if participation falls below a specified threshold. All three exchanges are involuntary in the sense that creditors that dissent or hold out are not repaid in full.
Ridge structure in the {delta}{phi}-{delta}{eta} correlation function associated with a near-side jet

In the {delta}{phi}-{delta}{eta} correlation associated with a near-side jet observed by the STAR Collaboration in heavy-ion collisions at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), the ridge structure can be explained by the momentum kick model in which the ridge particles are identified as medium partons which suffer a collision with the jet and acquire a momentum kick along the jet direction. If this is indeed the correct mechanism, the ridge structure associated with the near-side jet may be used to probe the parton momentum distribution at the moment of the jet-parton collision, leading to the result that at that instant the parton temperature is slightly higher and the rapidity width substantially greater than corresponding quantities of their evolution product inclusive particles at the end point of the nucleus-nucleus collision.
Hubble Space Telescope Imaging of the Disks and Jets of Taurus Young Stellar Objects

We report on Hubble Space Telescope imaging of eleven young stellar objects in the nearby Taurus molecular clouds. The high spatial resolution and stable point spread function of HST reveal important new details of the circumstellar nebulosity of these objects. Three sources (HH 30, FS Tau B, and DG Tau B) are resolved as compact bipolar nebulae without a directly visible star. In all three cases, jet widths near the sources are found to be 50 AU or less. Flattened disk structures are seen in absorption in HH 30 and FS Tau B, and in reflection about GM Aur. Extended envelope structures traced by scattered light are present in HL Tau, T Tau, DG Tau, and FS Tau. The jet in DG Tau exhibits a large opening angle and is already resolved into a bow-like structure less than 3” from the star.
Two models of flexible beam equations: linear approximated models

Two beam models are considered: An undamped beam and a flexible beam with viscous damping. Each of the two systems have control input and measured distributed output. A simple method based on Fourier series expansion is used to derive the transfer function representing each system. We truncate Fourier series to obtain an approximate transfer function representing each system. The impulse responses are obtained. The error due to approximation is derived. Examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the approximation.
Accident Epidemiology and the Design of the Residential Environment

By its design, the housing which should be built in vast quantities in the near future can prevent accidents, minimize injury, and facilitate rehabilitation, both directly and indirectly. Studies are described which have examined relationships between housing and accident rates in general, and in particular, fires, pedestrian accidents, and accidental poisoning. Better design should reduce the harmful effects from these sources and from falls. Preventive measures have been or can be taken also against minor-accident epidemics involving glass doors, oil stoves, poisonous plants, and rat bites. There are many ways to make our residential environments safer.
Sequence analysis of conserved regA and variable orf43.1 genes in T4-like bacteriophages.

Abstract Bacteriophage T4 RegA protein is a translational repressor of several phage mRNAs. In the T4-related phages examined, regA nucleotide sequences are highly conserved and the inferred amino acid sequences are identical. The exceptional phage, RB69, did not produce a RegA protein reproducibly identifiable by Western blots (immunoblots) nor did it produce mRNA that hybridized to T4 regA primers. Nucleotide sequences of either 223 or 250 base pairs were identified immediately 3' to regA in RB18 and RB51 that were absent in T-even phages. Open reading frames in these regions, designated orf43.1RB18 and orf43.1RB51, potentially encode related proteins of 8.5 and 9.2 kilodaltons, respectively. orf43.1 sequences, detected in 13 of 27 RB bacteriophage chromosomes analyzed by polymerase chain reaction, are either RB18- or RB51-like and have flanking repeat sequences that may promote orf43.1 deletion.
SUBSTRATE CONCENTRATION AND METABOLIC PATHWAYS IN LIVER SLICES IN VITRO.

Abstract To compare the quantitative metabolic pathways followed by substrates as a function of their concentration, liver slices from fed rats were incubated with 0.3 or 1 mM, and 20 or 40 mM concentrations of 14 C-labeled galactose, fructose, mannose, glycerol and pyruvate. In qualitative terms the patterns proved similar at the low and high concentrations, but there were differences which necessitate the consideration of substrate concentration in the quantitative evaluation of the metabolism of liver.
Near-infrared diffuse optical spectroscopies for measurement of deep tissue blood flow, oxygenation and metabolism

Near-infrared (NIR) diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) flowmeter is an emerging technique for measurement of deep tissue blood flow (up to centimeters). NIR spectroscopy (NIRS) can be used for quantification of tissue oxygenation. The combination of DCS tissue-flowmeter and NIRS tissue-oximeter allows for simultaneously quantifying tissue blood flow and oxygenation in deep tissues. A portable DCS flow-oximeter has also been developed for the measurement of relative changes of tissue blood flow and oxygenation. The novel DCS flow-oximeter employs a new design with significantly less cost (1/2), smaller size (1/5), simpler construction and easier operation compared to the hybrid instruments. Application examples in surgical rooms have shown that DCS-based techniques have high sensitivity to detect tissue hemodynamic changes in clinics. It is expected that with more clinical applications, DCS technologies will emerge rapidly as the technique of choice for clinical investigation of diseases and treatment responses.
Lag screw fixation of anterior mandibular fractures: a retrospective analysis of intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Purpose To review, retrospectively, the outcomes of 102 patients who underwent lag screw technique fixation of fractures of the anterior mandible. Patients and Methods A total of 102 consecutive, skeletally mature patients who have undergone open reduction internal fixation for fractures of the anterior mandible utilizing the lag screw technique were reviewed. All patients had a clinically mobile fracture between the mental foramina of the mandible. The patients were followed at usual postoperative intervals with shortest long-term follow-up of 2 months. Intraoperative and long-term postoperative outcomes including status of union, infection, and intraoperative surgical misadventure were recorded. Results Data from the 102 patients showed that there was 1 fixation failure due to inappropriate patient selection, 1 nonunion requiring bone grafting, 1 with infected screws but with union, 1 with an infected screw and delayed union treated conservatively, and 6 with broken drills from intraoperative surgical misadventures. Conclusions Lag screw osteosynthesis of anterior mandibular fractures is a sensitive, facile, predictable, and relatively inexpensive method for internal fixation of indicated fractures. As with all methods of rigid internal fixation, most failures or complications are the result of operator judgment or technique.
Paired lunar meteorites MAC88104 and MAC88105: A new “fan” of lunar petrology

To determine the chemical characteristics of the MAC88104/5 meteorite six thin sections and three bulk samples were analyzed by electron microprobe and instrumental neutron activation. It is concluded that this meteorite is dominated by lithologies of the ferroan anorthosite suite and contains abundant granulitized highland clasts, devitrified glass beads of impact origin, and two small clasts of basaltic origin. It is suggested that one of these basaltic clasts, clast E, is mesostasis material, and clast G is similar to the very low-Ti or low-Ti/high-alumina mare basalts. Impact melt clasts MAC88105, 69, and 72 have major and trace element compositions similar to the bulk meteorite.
Membrane‐Length Amphiphiles Exhibiting Structural Simplicity and Ion Channel Activity

A number of synthetic ion channels have been reported in recent years that incorporate unusual or sophisticated design elements. The present work demonstrates that extremely simple compounds can function as ion channels (insert in bilayers, exhibit open-close behavior) if they meet minimum criteria. A simple membrane spanning structure may function as a channel if 1) it possesses polar headgroups (is bolaamphiphilic), 2) possesses a "central relay," and 3) channel function (open-close behavior) must be detected after insertion of the amphiphile directly into the aqueous liposomal or cellular suspension. We show here compounds that are simple spans to which we have given the name "aplosspan" (from the Greek alpha pi lambda omicron sigma + span) that meet these criteria. They are similar to, but simpler than, structures reported in the literatures that incorporate more complex design features.
Implementing Standardized Patients to Teach Cultural Competency to Graduate Nursing Students

Abstract Background Although many programs emphasize knowledge enhancement on caring for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds, few integrate cultural assessments, skills, and encounters with these patients. To fill this gap, an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) with culturally diverse standardized patients was introduced to 29 first-year graduate nursing students. Method The learning experience was implemented in three phases: (a) Pretest, (b) didactic introduction to culturally sensitive issues, and (c) video-recorded OSCE with two ethnically diverse, standardized patients. A posttest and final evaluation concluded the experience. Results/Conclusions The objective scoring of student competency from the SPs was positive, especially their assessment of patient use of alternative therapies. The students perceived that their critical thinking skills were enhanced.
A model for bacterial activity in the lung.

Abstract A bivariate model is proposed for the analysis of data from experiments concerning bacterial activity in the mouse lung. The parameters of the model are discussed and estimated. Using the likelihood ratio statistic, simultaneous confidence intervals are constructed. The improvements over previously used models are then presented.
Self‐Diffusion in α‐Silver‐Cadmium

The diffusion of tracers of silver and cadmium has been measured in AgCd alloys over the range 31 to 37 at% Cd, thus extending the data of Schoen to compositions near to the phase boundary, and facilitating a comparison with Zener relaxation studies by Turner, Dozier, and Williams (see preceding paper). The present diffusion results fit smoothly onto an extrapolation of Schoen's data, but the decrease in activation energies with increasing cadmium content appears to flatten out at the higher concentrations. It is suggested that a temperature dependence of the short range order may contribute to the activation energies. In AgCd-Legierungen mit einem Konzentrationsbereich von 31 bis 37 At% Cd wurde die Diffusion von Spuren radioaktiven Silbers und Kadmiums gemessen. Damit wurden die Ergebnisse von Schoen auf Zusammensetzungen bis annahernd zur Phasengrenze ausgedehnt und die Moglichkeit geschaffen, diese Resultate mit Zener-Relaxationsuntersuchungen von Turner, Dozier und Williams zu vergleichen (siehe vorangehenden Artikel). Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse aus den Diffusionsmessungen stimmen mit einer aus Schoens Ergebnissen extrapolierten Kurve uberein; die Abnahme der Aktivierungsenergie mit zunehmendem Cd-Gehalt scheint jedoch bei hoheren Konzentrationen abzuflachen. Es wird angenommen, das eine Temperaturabhangigkeit der Nahordnung zu den Aktivierungsenergien beitragen kann.
Geometric artefact suppressed surface potential measurements

Due to the finite scanning probe microscopy (SPM) tip radius and the resulting geometric convolution between the tip and the sample surface, nano-resolution surface potential (SP) or electric force measurement (EFM) cannot be free from topographic artefacts. For conventional Kelvin probe microscopy (KPM), only the first harmonic component of the tip oscillation signal (either oscillation amplitude for amplitude-modulated AM-KPM or frequency shift for frequency-modulated FM-KPM) induced by the applied ac voltage is typically used. However, the first harmonic signal depends not only on tip–sample potential difference, but also on the capacitance gradient (AM-KPM) or the second-order gradient (FM-KPM), the main cause of topographical artefacts. Since the second-order harmonic component is proportional only to the capacitance gradient or second-order gradient, we are able to extract true potential difference signals, free of geometric artefacts, by dividing the first- and second-order harmonics. Surface potential mapping on an equipotential surface verifies that this alternative method significantly reduces the magnitude of topological artefacts. In addition, adoption of the proposed imaging method reduces the dependence of the measured potential on the tip–sample separation by more than an order of magnitude.
Characterization of mutant HA-ras gene expression in transformed murine keratinocyte lines grown under in vitro and in vivo conditions.

We investigated the Ha-ras and Ki-ras gene status, tumorigenicity, pathology, line derivation, and intercellular communication of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-initiated papilloma-, carcinoma-, and hyperplastic skin-producing cell lines to further characterize them. Six of nine tumor cell lines grown in vitro expressed both mutant and normal Ha-ras proteins, and three lines expressed only normal Ha-ras. However, when grown subcutaneously in nude mice, seven of the nine lines expressed both mutant and normal Ha-ras, one line expressed normal Ha-ras, and one line did not grow subcutaneously. One papilloma line, P2/15, appeared to have an inducible mutant Ha-ras gene, as it was expressed only in vivo. These findings suggest that mutant Ha-ras genes may be lost in only a minor population of tumor lines during growth in culture. Finally, we found that mutant Ha-ras gene expression was strongly correlated with tumorigenicity in nude mice and that intercellular communication was strongly correlated with the derivation of the lines. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Observations made on severe apneic spells in two infants at risk for sudden death

We have studied the sequence of events during prolonged apneic spells in two infants who, by virtue of multiple risk factors or ultimate death, were at risk for sudden death. Using techniques to quantitate airflow and pharyngeal airway pressures, we have reported many descriptive aspects of the apnea in these infants. Specifically, we have noted that severe apneic spells in these infants were accompanied by a wide spectrum of lengths and types of shorter apneas. In the case of infant A, the most severe spells occurred in clusters. Physiologic phenomena usually considered normal (sighs, swallows, etc.) often occurred in association with the apneic spells. In addition, we found that: 1) mixed apnea was the clinically significant form of apnea; 2) in mixed apnea, the site of obstruction was in the pharynx; 3) obstruction often occurred at the beginning of the spells; and 4) this obstruction occurred progressively over a series of breaths prior to the spell and resolved in a similar fashion. Theophylline, in one infant, decreased the incidence of apnea.
Bioconjugated Au/Ag nanocages as a novel optical imaging contrast and thermal therapeutic agent

We have synthesized 40-nm Au/Ag nanocages and explored their use as an optical imaging/spectroscopy contrast agent and potentially a thermal therapeutic agent. Cancer cell specific targeting by antibody-conjugated nanocages has also been demonstrated.
Dynamo magnetic field modes in thin astrophysical disks - An adiabatic computational approximation

An adiabatic approximation is applied to the calculation of turbulent MHD dynamo magnetic fields in thin disks. The adiabatic method is employed to investigate conditions under which magnetic fields generated by disk dynamos permeate the entire disk or are localized to restricted regions of a disk. Two specific cases of Keplerian disks are considered. In the first, magnetic field diffusion is assumed to be dominated by turbulent mixing leading to a dynamo number independent of distance from the center of the disk. In the second, the dynamo number is allowed to vary with distance from the disk's center. Localization of dynamo magnetic field structures is found to be a general feature of disk dynamos, except in the special case of stationary modes in dynamos with constant dynamo number. The implications for the dynamical behavior of dynamo magnetized accretion disks are discussed and the results of these exploratory calculations are examined in the context of the protosolar nebula and accretion disks around compact objects.
Interaction of Cytomegalovirus with Leukocytes from Patients with Mononucleosis Due to Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) was isolated from hemic cells from seven of seven patients with acute CMV mononucleosis and from one of six patients with mononucleosis during convalescence. CMV was isolated from the mononuclear leukocyte fraction, the polymorphonuclear leukocyte fraction, or both cell fractions. Virus was not detected in washed erythrocytes, plasma, or leukocyte lysates. Mononuclear leukocytes from patients with acute CMV mononucleosis displayed an elevated level of incorporation of [3H]thymidine on the day of donation compared with that in cells from convalescent patients or normal donors. Responses to pokeweed mitogen and concanavalin A were significantly lower in patients with CMV mononucleosis than in normal donors. There were no significant differences among the acute, convalescent, and normal donor groups in response to phytohemagglutinin or in the one-way mixed leukocyte reaction. These findings suggest that in patients with CMV mononucleosis virus infects and may persist within peripheral blood leukocytes and that the lymphocytes of these patients are selectively hyporesponsive to certain mitogens.
Layer-by-layer transitions in liquid crystals

Employing our free-standing film calorimetric system. we have identified three remarkable layer-by-layer transitions in several liquid crystal compounds. Each of these transitions can be well described by the simple power-law form:L = L 0 t. The layering transitions liMind near the smectic-A- hexatic-B and smectic-A crystal-B transitions are well characterized by the exponent v≈ 1 3. This value is consistent with models based on a van der Wads-like dominant intermolecular interaction. Another novel layer-by-layer thinning transition has been discovered above the hulk smectic-A isotropic transition of a perfluorinated liquid crystal compound. The value of the exponent obtained, v ≈ 3 4. cannot he easily explained using familiar models.