cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Penetration of Topically Applied Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, and Ofloxacin into the Aqueous Humor

Purpose: To determine the intraocular penetration of topically applied fluoroquinolone antibiotics into aqueous humor. Methods: Thirty-two patients undergoing cataract extraction received either 0.3% ciprofloxacin, 0.3% norfloxacin, or 0.3% ofloxacin topical drops. The patients were given two drops 90 minutes preoperatively and two drops 30 minutes preoperatively. At the time of surgery, 0.1 ml aqueous fluid was aspirated from the anterior chamber and immediately stored at -70° C. Results: Concentrations of ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin were determined using a broth dilution bioassay. Morganella morganii with a known minimal inhibitory concentration was used to assay ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin levels. Salmonella enteritidis with a known minimal inhibitory concentration was used to assay ofloxacin levels. Topically applied ciprofloxacin achieved a mean aqueous level of 0.072 μg/ml (range, 0.02-0.153 μg/ml). One sample was below the sensitivity of the bioassay. Topical norfloxacin achieved a mean aqueous level of 0.0570 μg/ml (range, 0.046-0.10 μg/ml). Seven samples did not reach the sensitivity of the bioassay. Topical ofloxacin achieved a mean level in the aqueous humor of 0.338 μg/ml (range, 0.078-0.625 μg/ml). There was no statistically significant difference in intraocular aqueous humor levels of ciprofloxacin versus norfloxacin ( P > 0.05). Topical ofloxacin achieved aqueous humor levels significantly higher than either ciprofloxacin or norfloxacin ( P Conclusion: Of the currently available topical fluoroquinolone antibiotics, ofloxacin achieves the highest aqueous humor concentrations.
Long-term total solar irradiance variability during sunspot cycle 22

Total solar irradiance measurements from the 1984-1993 Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS) active cavity radiometer and 1978-1993 Nimbus 7 transfer cavity radiometer spacecraft experiments are analyzed to detect the presence of 11-, 22-, and 80-year irradiance variability components. The analyses confirmed the existence of a significant 11-year irradiance variability component, associated with solar magnetic activity and the sunspot cycle. The analyses also suggest the presence of a 22- or 80-year variability component. The earlier Nimbus 7 and Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) spacecraft irradiance measurements decreased approximately 1.2 and 1.3 W/sq m, respectively, between 1980 and 1986. The Nimbus 7 values increased 1.2 W/sq m between 1986 and 1989. The ERBS irradiance measurements increased 1.3 W/sq m during 1986-1989, and then decreased 0.4 W/sq m (at an annual rate of 0.14 W/sq. m/yr) during 1990-1993. Considering the correlations between ERBS, Nimbus 7, and SMM irradiance trends and solar magnetic activity, the total solar irradiance should decrease to minimum levels by 1997 as solar activity decreases to minimum levels, and then increase to maximum levels by the year 2000 as solar activity rises. The ERBS measurements yielded 165.4 +/- 0.7 W/sq m as the mean irradiance value with measurement accuracies and precisions of 0.2% and 0.02%, respectively. The ERBS mean irradiance value is within 0.2% of the 1367.4, 1365.9, and 1366.9 W/sq m mean values for the SMM, Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS), and Space Shuttle Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS 1) Solar Constant (SOLCON) active cavity radiometer spacecraft experiments, respectively. The Nimbus 7 measurements yielded 1372.1 W/sq m as the mean value with a measurement accuracy of 0.5%. Empirical irradiance model fits, based upon 10.7 -cm solar radio flux (F10) and photometric sunspot index (PSI), were used to assess the quality of the ERBS, Numbus 7, SMM, and the UARS irradiance data sets and to identify irradiance variability trends which may be caused by drifts or shifts in the spacecraft sensor responses. Comparisons among the fits and measured irradiances indicate that the Nimbus 7 radiometer response shifted by a total of 0.8 W/sq m between September 1989 and April 1990 and that the ERBS and UARS radiometers each drifted approximately 0.5 W/sq m during the first 5 months in orbit.
Viscous flow over a shrinking sheet with a second order slip flow model

Abstract In this paper, viscous flow over a shrinking sheet is solved analytically using a newly proposed second order slip flow model. The closed solution is an exact solution of the full governing Navier–Stokes equations. The solution has two branches in a certain range of the parameters. The effects of the two slip parameters and the mass suction parameter on the velocity distribution are presented graphically and discussed. For certain combinations of the slip parameters, the wall drag force can decrease with the increase of mass suction. These results clearly show that the second order slip flow model is necessary to predict the flow characteristics accurately.
Aerosol measurements at a high-elevation site: composition, size, and cloud condensation nuclei activity

Abstract. Measurements of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations, single particle composition and size distributions at a high-elevation research site from March 2011 are presented. The temporal evolution of detailed single particle composition is compared with changes in CCN activation on four days, two of which include new particle formation and growth events. Sulfate-containing particles dominated the single particle composition by number; biomass burning particles, sea salt particles, and particles containing organic components were also present. CCN activation largely followed the behavior of the sulfate-containing particle types; biomass burning particle types also likely contained hygroscopic material that impacted CCN activation. Newly formed particles also may contribute to CCN activation at higher supersaturation conditions. Derived aerosol hygroscopicity parameters from the size distribution and CCN concentration measurements are within the range of previous reports of remote continental kappa values.
The genesis of the generalized Riemann integral

Abstract The generalized Riemann integral with equivalent definitions spanning many years, and its superiority over the Lebesgue integral are reviewed.
Emotional influences on word recognition

We asked whether agreement between the affective quality of a word and a subject’s emotional mood would cause faster identification of that word. In Experiment 1, subjects induced to feel happy or angry were required to choose which of two words had been briefly presented. The target and distractor words were pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. Mood-congruent target words were not correctly selected more often than neutral or incongruent targets. In Experiment 2, happy or angry subjects tried to identify neutral, pleasant, or unpleasant words presented for brief durations that lengthened progressively until each word was identified. Again, recognition thresholds for mood-congruent words were not lower than those for neutral or incongruent words.
Super-hydrophobic, highly adhesive, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces.

Abstract Super-hydrophobic surfaces have been fabricated by casting polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on a textured substrate of known surface topography, and were characterized using contact angle, atomic force microscopy, surface free energy calculations, and adhesion measurements. The resulting PDMS has a micro-textured surface with a static contact angle of 153.5° and a hysteresis of 27° when using de-ionized water. Unlike many super-hydrophobic materials, the textured PDMS is highly adhesive, allowing water drops as large as 25.0 μL to be inverted. This high adhesion, super-hydrophobic behavior is an illustration of the “petal effect”. This rapid, reproducible technique has promising applications in transport and analysis of microvolume samples.
Sinusitis-associated epidural abscess presenting as posterior scalp abscess-a case report

Complications of paranasal sinusitis constitute true surgical and medical emergencies. These complications appear to be more prevalent and seem to present in a more fulminant manner in the pediatric age group. The most common complication of paranasal sinusitis is orbital cellulitis followed collectively by all the intracranial complications. These include meningitis, subdural empyema, intracerebral abscess, epidural abscess and rarely cavernous or superior sagittal sinus thrombosis. We report the case of a 7-year old boy who presented with posterior scalp cellulitis and abscess as a complication of minimally symptomatic paranasal sinusitis. A combined neurosurgical and otolaryngologic approach was required to treat a unilateral ethmoid and frontal sinusitis associated with an epidural abscess abutting the length of the superior sagittal sinus and a posterior subgaleal abscess. The pertinent anatomy allowing for the development of this disease process is discussed. The danger of neurologic sequellae resulting from thrombosis of the superior sagittal sinus is emphasized. Aggressive treatment utilizing a multi-disciplinary surgical approach as well as broad spectrum antibiotics is paramount to obtain the best chance for a full recovery.
Evidence that Retinoid X Receptors Mediate Retinoid-dependent Transcriptional Activation of the Retinoic Acid Receptor β Gene in S91 Melanoma Cells *

S91 melanoma cells are growth arrested and differentiate when treated with retinoids. These processes correlate with expression of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR)β gene, which is induced through a retinoic acid response element (βRARE). We wished to determine which endogenous retinoid receptors (RARs and retinoid X receptors, RXRs) mediate induction of the RARβ gene. We show that RXRα and RXRβ are constitutively expressed. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays with nuclear extracts show specific binding to the βRARE (Complex I) in untreated cells, which can be supershifted by antibodies against RXRs but not by anti-RAR antibodies. After 48 h of treatment with retinoic acid, Complex I is replaced by a faster migrating Complex II, which can be supershifted by anti-RARβ and anti-RXRα antibodies. This suggests that induction of the RARβ gene is largely mediated by RXRs only. Accordingly, we also find that 9-cis RA, which activates both RAR and RXR, is a more potent inducer of the RARβ gene than RA, which only activates RAR. After 48 h, all RXRs appear to be titrated by the newly synthesized RARβ into an RARβ•RXR heterodimer complex. Thus, it appears that the βRARE is sequentially occupied by RXR dimers and RAR•RXR heterodimers.
Effects of alkali supplementation and vitamin D insufficiency on rat skeletal muscle.

Data on the independent and potential combined effects of acid–base balance and vitamin D status on muscle mass and metabolism are lacking. We investigated whether alkali supplementation with potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3), with or without vitamin D3 (±VD3), alters urinary nitrogen (indicator of muscle proteolysis), muscle fiber cross-sectional area (FCSA), fiber number (FN), and anabolic (IGF-1, Akt, p70s6k) and catabolic (FOXO3a, MURF1, MAFbx) signaling pathways regulating muscle mass. Thirty-six, 20-month-old, Fischer 344/Brown-Norway rats were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial design to one of two KHCO3-supplemented diets (±VD3) or diets without KHCO3 (±VD3) for 12 weeks. Soleus, extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and plantaris muscles were harvested at 12 weeks. Independent of VD3 group, KHCO3 supplementation resulted in 35 % lower mean urinary nitrogen to creatinine ratio, 10 % higher mean type I FCSA (adjusted to muscle weight), but no statistically different mean type II FCSA (adjusted to muscle weight) or FN compared to no KHCO3. Among VD3-replete rats, phosphorylated-Akt protein expression was twofold higher in the KHCO3 compared to no KHCO3 groups, but this effect was blunted in rats on VD3-deficient diets. Neither intervention significantly affected serum or intramuscular IGF-1 expression, p70s6k or FOXO3a activation, or MURF1 and MAFbx gene expression. These findings provide support for alkali supplementation as a promising intervention to promote preservation of skeletal muscle mass, particularly in the setting of higher vitamin D status. Additional research is needed in defining the muscle biological pathways that are being targeted by alkali and vitamin D supplementation.
Cellular Deformations in Microintegrated Electrospun Poly (Ester Urethane) Urea Scaffolds Under Biaxial Stretch

Recently, vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) have been electrosprayed concurrently with electrospun biodegradable elastomeric poly (ester urethane) urea (PEUU) to form cell-microintegrated scaffolds [1]. These scaffolds exhibit soft tissue-like elastomeric mechanical properties [2], and are thus promising candidates for repair or replacement of diseased cardiovascular tissues. The level of cellular deformation during in vitro mechanical training will likely influence the extracellular matrix formation. However, these deformations are likely complex and dependent upon both scaffold properties and the cellular interactions with the local fibers. Our objective is to quantify microintegrated cellular deformations in response to biaxial scaffold stretches, using the nuclear aspect ratio (NAR) as an index of overall cellular deformation.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Primary set of characteristic views for 3-D objects

The paper introduces the concept of the primary set of characteristic vies for general quadric- surfaced solids. A characteristic view (CV) is a representative view of a characteristic-view domain (CVD). The CVDs represent a partitioning of the viewing space of a solid based on the isomorphism of the labeled line-junction graphs of perspective-projection views. The primary set of CVs is a minimal subset of the set of CVs that is sufficient to represent all object surfaces and their relationships to each other in the most general viewing positions. Results indicate that the primary set of CVs can be used for efficiently guiding object recognition based on CV modeling. This paper discusses a scheme for computing some practical viewing constraints, describes the method for determining the primary set of CVs, and outlines a procedure for using the primary set of CVs for efficient object recognition.
Multisensor remote sensing data for land use/cover mapping.

Abstract Spaceborne radar data have only recently been consistently available. This project evaluated, independently and in combination, the relative utility of traditional spaceborne optical data from the visible and infrared wavelengths and the more longer wavelength radar. East African landscapes including settlements, natural vegetation, and agriculture were examined as case studies. For three study sites, multisensor data sets were digitally integrated with training and truth information derived from field visits assisted by global positioning systems. For each study site, a variety of information extraction techniques were conducted. The primary methodology was standard image processing spectral signature extraction and application of a statistical decision rule to classify the surface features. The relative accuracy of the classifications were established by comparison to ground truth information. Several primary results were obtained, all of which establish the value of spaceborne radar. For one site, the combination of sensors obtained good mapping accuracies when neither sensor could independently. In other sites, the radar was independently as useful as the optical data. For radar, additional processing manipulations, such as pre- and post-filtering significantly improved classification accuracies. ©
Quantification of heart fatty acid binding protein as a biomarker for drug‐induced cardiac and musculoskeletal necroses

Heart fatty acid binding protein (Fabp3) is a cytosolic protein expressed primarily in heart, and to a lesser extent in skeletal muscle, brain, and kidney. During myocardial injury, the Fabp3 level in serum is elevated rapidly, making it an ideal early marker for myocardial infarction. In this study, an MS-based selected reaction monitoring method (LC-SRM) was developed for quantifying Fabp3 in rat serum. Fabp3 was enriched first through an immobilized antibody, and the protein was digested on beads directly. A marker peptide of Fabp3 was quantified using LC-SRM with a stable isotope-labeled peptide standard. For six quality control samples with Fabp3 ranging from 0.256 to 25 ng, the average recovery following the procedure was about 73%, and the precision (%CV) between replicates was less than 7%. The Fabp3 concentrations in rat serum peaked 1 h after isoproterenol treatment, and returned to baseline levels 24 h after the dose. Elevated Fabp3 levels were also detected in rats administered with a PPAR α/δ agonist, which has shown to cause skeletal muscle necrosis. Fabp3 can be used as a biomarker for both cardiac and skeletal necroses. The cross-validation of the LC-SRM method with an existing ELISA method is described.
Long-time relaxation behavior in orientational glasses

Abstract The long-time relaxation observed in the orientational glass phase of solid ortho-parahydrogen mixtures is related to the low-temperature specific heat using a simple unified model. The use of stimulated spin echoes to study slow molecular motions is discussed in detail. The analysis is based on the domination of low-energy large-scale cluster excitations in the relaxation processes as introduced in Fisher and Huse's recent picture of the low-temperature behavior of short-range spin glasses.
Intrauterine contraceptive device — status report

Abstract Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a highly effective and safe method of contraception that do not require compliance once inserted. The failure rates of modern IUDs, such as the Copper T-380, the Multiload copper 375 and the IUD that releases 20 μg levonorgestrel daily (LNG-IUD-20) are less than one pregnancy per 100 woman-years of use. Researchers have equated these efficacies with those of tubal sterilization and Norplant implants. IUDs' efficacies are long-lasting, and are easily reversible. In the present review, I will summarize findings that have been reported on issues and new developments concerning IUDs since 1991. Perspectives are also offered for future studies.
Stable transformation of the cotton plastid genome and maternal inheritance of transgenes

Chloroplast genetic engineering overcomes concerns of gene containment, low levels of transgene expression, gene silencing, positional and pleiotropic effects or presence of vector sequences in transformed genomes. Several therapeutic proteins and agronomic traits have been highly expressed via the tobacco chloroplast genome but extending this concept to important crops has been a major challenge; lack of 100 homologous species-specific chloroplast transformation vectors containing suitable selectable markers, ability to regulate transgene expression in developing plastids and inadequate tissue culture systems via somatic embryogenesis are major challenges. We employed a ‘Double Gene/Single Selection (DGSS)’ plastid transformation vector that harbors two selectable marker genes (aphA-6 and nptII) to detoxify the same antibiotic by two enzymes, irrespective of the type of tissues or plastids; by combining this with an efficient regeneration system via somatic embryogenesis, cotton plastid transformation was achieved for the first time. The DGSS transformation vector is at least 8-fold (1 event/2.4 bombarded plates) more efficient than ‘Single Gene/Single Selection (SGSS)’ vector (aphA-6; 1 event per 20 bombarded plates). Chloroplast transgenic lines were fertile, flowered and set seeds similar to untransformed plants. Transgenes stably integrated into the cotton chloroplast genome were maternally inherited and were not transmitted via pollen when out-crossed with untransformed female plants. Cotton is one of the most important genetically modified crops ($ 120 billion US annual economy). Successful transformation of the chloroplast genome should address concerns about transgene escape, insects developing resistance, inadequate insect control and promote public acceptance of genetically modified cotton.
A method to assess the proliferative activity of small numbers of murine peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Abstract An economical, reproducible method was developed to assess the mitogenic response of small numbers of murine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC, 103/ml) to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation in the presence of feeder layer cells (FLC) and interleukin-2 (IL-2). A linear cell dose-mitogenic response relationship was then demonstrated between the activity of PBMC and spleen cells of individual mice (slope = 1.054±0.037; r = 0.989±0.003). This would suggest that mice can be used for longitudinal studies because small blood volumes can be obtained frequently over a period of time from individual mice and the PBMC can be assessed for their T cell proliferative activity.
Hypocapnia-induced contraction of porcine airway smooth muscle

Hypocapnia constricts peripheral airways in vivo. This study investigated the role of airway smooth muscle in this phenomenon and the mechanism of hypocapnia-induced contraction in vitro. Isometric tension, intracellular pH (pHi) and intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured in porcine airway smooth muscles suspended in organ baths in the presence of 5% or 0% CO2. In tracheal strips precontracted with carbachol, hypocapnic challenge (0% CO2) produced increases in tension, pHi, and [Ca2+]i. In bronchial rings or tracheal strips precontracted with carbachol, nifedipine administered between consecutive contractions attenuated responses to hypocapnia (75+/-11% above carbachol-precontracted tension before nifedipine versus 39+/-9% after nifedipine, n=7 bronchial rings, p<0.05). Neither indomethacin (5 microM), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (10 microM) nor phenidone (10 microM) significantly altered responses. These data suggest that enhanced Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels of airway smooth muscle cells is important in airway responses to hypocapnia.
Extending Identity Control Theory: Insights from Classifier Systems*:

Within identity control theory (ICT), identities control meaning and resources by bringing perceptions of these in the situation into alignment with references levels given in the identity standard. This article seeks to resolve three issues in ICT having to do with the source of the identity standard, the correspondence between identity standards and the identity relevant meanings perceived in the situation or environment, and the activation of identities. Classifier systems, as developed by John Holland, are inductive, flexible, rule-based, message-passing, adaptive systems that are able to learn, to fit in, and to adapt to various and changing environments. Classifier systems are introduced and are extended to incorporate the central components of the model of identity as held in ICT. In this manner, a new identity model is proposed that has inductive and adaptive capacities able to resolve the three issues identified. Unexpectedly, the new model also lays the groundworkfor the possible resolution of a long-standing issue within the symbolic interaction frameworkconcerning the origins of shared meanings.
QPAN — A quick polarization analyzer for neutrons

A device, dubbed QPAN, for determining the polarization of an intermediate energy neutron beam has been developed. QPAN consists of a double arm scintillator range telescope viewing a CH2 target. The effective analyzing power was measured to be 0.18 ± 0.01.
Regulation of the Escherichia coli sheA gene and characterization of its encoded hemolytic activity

Escherichia coli K-12 carries the cryptic hemolysin gene sheA which is under the control of positive and negative transcriptional regulators. The objectives of the present study were to further analyze the regulation of the sheA gene in E. coli, to compare the sheA genes from E. coli K-12 and a pathogenic E. coli strain, and to characterize the SheA hemolytic activity. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the transcriptional regulator SlyA activates the E. coli K-12 sheA gene. The main transcriptional start site of the sheA gene was 56 nucleotides upstream from the start codon as determined by primer extension analysis. The sheA genes from E. coli K-12 and a pathogenic E. coli strain were identical. SheA hemolytic activity was cell associated and Ca2+ independent.
The New Swiss Law on International Arbitration

ON 18 December 1987, the Parliament of Switzerland finally adopted, by a nearly unanimous vote 1, a comprehensive ‘Federal Act on Private International Law.’ This statute, whose preparation by a group of experts had started in 1973, contained 200 articles and deals with practically all domains of private international law including (apart from the conflict of laws in the fields of family relations, corporations, contracts, torts, etc.) jurisdiction of Swiss courts, recognition and enforcement of foreign decisions, bankruptcy and arbitration. A Chapter 12 of the Act (Articles 176 to 194) deals, for the first time in Swiss legal history, with ‘international arbitration,’ which is now clearly and officially distinguished from domestic arbitration, in contradistinction to the present regime of the so-called ‘Concordat’ (Intercantonal Convention on Arbitration, 1969, hereinafter ‘CIA’ as per its French acronym). Having regard to the important role traditionally played by Switzerland as a host country to many international arbitrations — be they purely commercial, or inter-State, or between a State or State organisation and a private party – the following general presentation, although limited to essentials for reasons of space, will, it is hoped, be of interest to practitioners in the field of international transactions. In order properly to understand the philosophy and the novelty of this law, as well as the meaning of its principal provisions on arbitration, the reader must bear in mind the main features of the legal regime now obtaining in Switzerland2 and some facts of the legislative history of the new Statute. But a first question should be answered: Why was the need felt to legislate on the subject, less than twenty years after the adoption of the Swiss CIA? The CIA indisputably constituted a major advance at the time, not the least because it suppressed or at least diminished …
Rigid body load identification for manipulators

A method for estimating the mass, the center of mass, and the moments of inertia of a rigid body load during general manipulator movement is presented. The algorithm is derived from the Newton-Euler equations and incorporates measurements of the force and torque from a wrist force/torque sensor and of the arm kinematics. The identification equations are linear in the desired unknown parameters, which are estimated by least squares. We have implemented this identification procedure on a PUMA 600 robot equipped with an RTI FS-B wrist force/torque sensor, and on the MIT Serial Link Direct Drive Arm equipped with a Barry Wright Company Astek wrist force/torque sensor.
China's Exchange Rate Policy and Its Trade Balance with the US

This paper investigates the claim that China's exchange rate policy causes the US trade deficit with China to grow. Although there is no evidence that changes in the exchange rate cause the trade deficit to rise in the short run, a statistically significant long-run relationship between the RMB/dollar exchange rate and the US trade deficit with China is detected. As the value of the dollar declines (or RMB appreciates), ceteris paribus, so does the trade deficit. Hence, there is a need for China to adjust its exchange rate policy to help reduce the ever mounting US trade deficit.
Automatic Classification of Lymphoma Images With Transform-Based Global Features

We propose a report on automatic classification of three common types of malignant lymphoma: chronic lymphocytic leukemia, follicular lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma. The goal was to find patterns indicative of lymphoma malignancies and allowing classifying these malignancies by type. We used a computer vision approach for quantitative characterization of image content. A unique two-stage approach was employed in this study. At the outer level, raw pixels were transformed with a set of transforms into spectral planes. Simple (Fourier, Chebyshev, and wavelets) and compound transforms (Chebyshev of Fourier and wavelets of Fourier) were computed. Raw pixels and spectral planes were then routed to the second stage (the inner level). At the inner level, the set of multipurpose global features was computed on each spectral plane by the same feature bank. All computed features were fused into a single feature vector. The specimens were stained with hematoxylin (H) and eosin (E) stains. Several color spaces were used: RGB, gray, CIE-L*a*b*, and also the specific stain-attributed H&E space, and experiments on image classification were carried out for these sets. The best signal (98%-99% on earlier unseen images) was found for the HE, H, and E channels of the H&E data set.
Minimizing 18O/16O back-exchange in the relative quantification of ribonucleic acids.

The use of isotopically labeled endonuclease digestion products allows for the relative quantification of ribonucleic acids (RNAs). This approach utilizes ribonucleases such as RNase T1 to mediate the incorporation of 18O onto the 3′-terminus of the endonuclease digestion product from a solution containing heavy water (H218O). The accuracy and precision of relative quantification are dependent on the efficiency of isotope incorporation and minimizing any possible 18O to 16O back-exchange before or during mass spectral analysis. Here, we have investigated the stability of 18O-labeled endonuclease digestion products to back-exchange. In particular, the effects of pH, temperature and presence of RNase on the back-exchange process were examined using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). We have found that back-exchange depends on the presence of the RNase—back-exchange was not observed once the enzyme was removed from the sample. With RNase present, at all pH values examined (from acidic to basic pH), back-exchange was detected at incubation above room temperature. The rates and extent of back-exchange were similar at all pH values. In contrast, back-exchange in the presence of RNase was found to be especially sensitive to incubation temperature—at temperatures below room temperature, minimal back-exchange was detected. However, back-exchange increased as the incubation temperature increased. Based on these findings, appropriate sample-handling and sample storage conditions for isotopically labeled endonuclease digestion products have been identified, and these conditions should improve the accuracy and precision of results from the relative quantification of RNAs obtained by this approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implementing Pay-for-Performance in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Pay-for-performance initiatives in medicine are proliferating rapidly. Neonatal intensive care is a likely target for these efforts because of the high cost, available databases, and relative strength of evidence for at least some measures of quality. Pay-for-performance may improve patient care but requires valid measurements of quality to ensure that financial incentives truly support superior performance. Given the existing uncertainty with respect to both the effectiveness of pay-for-performance and the state of quality measurement science, experimentation with pay-for-performance initiatives should proceed with caution and in controlled settings. In this article, we describe approaches to measuring quality and implementing pay-for-performance in the NICU setting.
Linking nitrogen partitioning and species abundance to invasion resistance in the Great Basin

Resource partitioning has been suggested as an important mechanism of invasion resistance. The relative importance of resource partitioning for invasion resistance, however, may depend on how species abundance is dis- tributed in the plant community. This study had two objectives. First, we quantified the degree to which one resource, nitrogen (N), is partitioned by time, depth and chemical form among coexisting species from different functional groups by injecting 15 N into soils around the study species three times during the growing season, at two soil depths and as two chemical forms. A watering treat- ment also was applied to evaluate the impact of soil water content on N partitioning. Second, we examined the degree to which native functional groups contributed to invasion resistance by seeding a non-native annual grass into plots where bunchgrasses, perennial forbs or annual forbs had been removed. Bunchgrasses and forbs differed in timing, depth and chemical form of N capture, and these patterns of N partitioning were not affected by soil water content. However, when we incorporated abundance (biomass) with these relative measures of N capture to determine N sequestration by the community there was no evidence suggesting that functional groups partitioned different soil N pools. Instead, dominant bunchgrasses acquired the most N from all soil N pools. Consistent with these findings we also found that bunchgrasses were the only functional group that inhibited annual grass establishment. At natural levels of species abundance, N partitioning may facilitate coexistence but may not necessarily contribute to N sequestration and invasion resistance by the plant com- munity. This suggests that a general mechanism of invasion resistance may not be expected across systems. Instead, the key mechanism of invasion resistance within a system may depend on trait variation among coexisting species and on how species abundance is distributed in the system.
Attestation: Evidence and Trust

Attestation is the activity of making a claim about properties of a target by supplying evidence to an appraiser. We identify five central principles to guide development of attestation systems. We argue that (i) attestation must be able to deliver temporally fresh evidence; (ii) comprehensive information about the target should be accessible; (iii) the target, or its owner, should be able to constrain disclosure of information about the target; (iv) attestation claims should have explicit semantics to allow decisions to be derived from several claims; and (v) the underlying attestation mechanism must be trustworthy. We propose an architecture for attestation guided by these principles, as well as an implementation that adheres to this architecture. Virtualized platforms, which are increasingly well supported on stock hardware, provide a natural basis for our attestation architecture.
Processor allocation vs. job scheduling on hypercube computers

The roles of processor allocation and job scheduling in achieving good performance on hypercube computers are compared. It is shown that the choice of job scheduling discipline has a dramatic effect on performance. A family of scheduling disciplines, called Scan, with particular performance advantages is proposed. Furthermore, it is shown that if Scan scheduling is used, the choice of processor allocation strategy has negligible effect on performance. As a result, complex allocation strategies can be replaced by a simple O(n) strategy. >
Remote Handling in High-Power Proton Facilities

Design for remote handling of highly activated accelerator components is becoming more prevalent as proton facilities are designed and constructed to provide ever-increasing beam powers. During operation of these facilities it is expected that many components will become activated, consequently mechanical engineering design work must address this issue if components are to be maintained by traditional hands-on methods. These design issues are not new and operating proton facilities around the world have gone through the same process to varying degrees. In this paper we discuss the design and design philosophy of remote handling of active accelerator components, using as examples designs which have been proven at operating facilities, as well as new approaches which are being incorporated into accelerator facilities under construction, such as the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and J-PARC.
Rare event simulation techniques

We discuss rare event simulation techniques based on state-dependent importance sampling. Classical examples and counter-examples are shown to illustrate the reach and limitations of the state-independent approach. State-dependent techniques are helpful to deal with these limitations. These techniques can be applied to both light and heavy tailed systems and often are based on subsolutions to an associated Isaacs equation and on Lyapunov bounds.
Homoclinic Flip Bifurcations in Conservative Reversible Systems

In this paper, flip bifurcations of homoclinic orbits in conservative reversible systems are analyzed. In such systems, orbit-flip and inclination-flip bifurcations occur simultaneously. It is shown that multi-pulses either do not bifurcate at all at flip bifurcation points or else bifurcate simultaneously to both sides of the bifurcation point. An application to a fifth-order model of water waves is given to illustrate the results, and open problems regarding the PDE stability of multi-pulses are outlined.
Reproductive system, mating behavior and basic ecology of an extremely rare tropical snail: Drymaeus tripictus(Stylommatophora: Bulimulidae)

Very little is known about the ecology and biology of Drymaeus tripictus, an extremely rare and endemic land snail species from Costa Rican highlands. I studied the ecology and reproductive biology of D. tripictus from April 2009 through June 2010 in an old forest, a young forest and a Cupressus lusitanica plantation in central Costa Rica. Every three months I visited each habitat and collected specimens in 20 random sampling plots (3x3 m2 each). I observed the snail’s activity and microhabitat preference in the field, and in the laboratory I recorded high definition videos of its mating behavior and analyzed reproductive morphology with light microscopy. The snail is more abundant in the old forest (0.017 ind./m2) and prefers leaves with little epiphyllous cover (0-25 % cover, chi-square test, p <0.0001). During the dry season the snails become active between 20:00 pm and 8:00 am (chi-square = 22.65, df=3, p < 0.0001); they are inactive mainly during the afternoon (11:00 am to 16:59 pm). I found active individuals mostly on the upper side of leaves, where they feed (Chi-square =6.76, df=1, p = 0.0093). Mating is unilateral, by shell mounting, with cryptic phallus intromission and without role switching or multiple mating. Its reproductive system is morphologically similar to that of Drymaeus costaricensis. Mating behavior is as expected for snails with high-spired shells, except for the lack of role switching. The density of D. tripictus is low even when compared with other endangered bulimulids.
A pilot study investigating the effect of parathyroidectomy on arterial stiffness and coronary artery calcification in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Background Arterial stiffness (AS) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) are predictors of cardiovascular risk and can be measured noninvasively. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of parathyroidectomy on AS and CAC in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP). Methods This prospective, institutional review board–approved study included 21 patients with PHP, who underwent parathyroidectomy. Before and 6 months after parathyroidectomy, AS was assessed by measuring central systolic pressure (CSP), central pulse pressure, augmentation pressure (AP), and augmentation index (AIx); the CAC score (Agatston) was calculated on noncontrast computed tomography. AS parameters were compared with unaffected controls from donor nephrectomy database. Results Preoperative CSP and AIx parameters in PHP patients were higher than those in donor nephrectomy patients (P = .004 and P = .039, respectively). Preoperative total CAC score was zero in 15 patients (65%) and ranged from the 72nd to the 99th percentile in 6 patients (26%). Although there were no changes in CAC or AS after parathyroidectomy on average, there was variability in individual patient responses on AS. Conclusion This pilot study demonstrates that CAC is not altered in PHP patients at short-term follow-up after parathyroidectomy. The heterogeneous changes in AS after parathyroidectomy warrant further investigation in a larger study with longer follow-up.
Market Timing of Corporate Security Issues

In this study we investigate the timing of equity and debt issues by corporations in the United States relative to changes in the stock market, interest rates, and other economic activity. Our results are based on the multi- variate cross-sectional time series analysis of aggregate capital market activity using ARIMA and VAR econometric models. We find that the proportion of total as well as "seasoned" equity issuance increases following an increase in the stock market. However, the proportion of "unseasoned" equity issues, i.e., Initial Public Offerings is unaffected by stock market changes in the short run. We also find that the proportion of underwritten equity issues increases following an increase in stock prices, but is unaffected by changes in stock market volatility. It also appears that corporations prefer to issue convertible bonds following an increase in stock prices. We also present evidence indicating that the proportion of warrants issued increases and that the proportion of debt issued decreases following an increase in interest rates.
Mutants of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome toxin 1: mitogenicity and recognition by a neutralizing monoclonal antibody.

Abstract Toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1), a 22-kilodalton protein made by strains of Staphylococcus aureus harboring the chromosomal toxin gene, may elicit toxic shock syndrome in humans. In vitro, TSST-1 induces T cells to proliferate and macrophages to secrete interleukin-1. To conduct a structure-function analysis, point mutations on the TSST-1 gene were generated by site-directed mutagenesis to identify amino acids critical for activity of the toxin. Specific tyrosine and histidine residues were replaced by alanines. Wild-type and mutant TSST-1 gene constructs were expressed in Escherichia coli, and the products were tested for their mitogenic potential and reactivity with a TSST-1 neutralizing monoclonal antibody (MAb 8-5-7). Four of the mutants were similar to the wild type; i.e., the mutant toxins stimulated murine T cells and reacted with MAb 8-5-7 equally as well as the wild type. Two mutants exhibited a decrease in mitogenic activity, but one of these retained the capacity to bind with MAb 8-5-7 while the other was no longer recognized by the same antibody. One double mutant demonstrated minimal mitogenic activity and did not react in enzyme-linked immunosorbent and immunoblot assays with MAb 8-5-7. The data show that specific residues near the carboxy terminus of TSST-1 are essential for mitogenic activity and in forming the epitope recognized by neutralizing MAb 8-5-7.
Planning for Manufacturing: Chicago After 1983

Traces the evolution of Chicago economic development planning from the Central Business District (loop) -serving orientation under the Richard J. Daley “machine” regime to a neighborhood oriented “local producer strategy” established under progressive mayor Harold Washington. Shows institutionalization as Washington’s planners cultivated a neighborhood movement and neighborhood serving local development organizations to enhance the prospects of small manufacturing operations and the retention of industrial jobs for residents. These continued and elaborated into the successor regime of mayor Richard M. Daley, but eventually lost force as the city turned toward neighborhood beautification and other improvements aimed at attracting upscale residential development.
Tecum, the Fallen Sun: Mesoamerican Cosmogony and the Spanish Conquest of Guatemala

A major debate in the history of the Spanish conquest of Guatemala revolves around Tecum (Tecun Uman), the K'iche' captain who died in confron - tation with Pedro de Alvarado, according to sixteenth- century indigenous texts. Analysis of these texts shows that Tecum's death was recast in terms of widespread solar myths that provided an overarching framework to explain the rise and fall of Mesoamerican rulers and cities. His fate was explained as an ineludible outcome that created the conditions for the advent of a new era, marked by the introduc- tion of Christianity and the colonial order. Thus, these texts made the conquest understandable in terms of indigenous historiography and religion. The portents described in these narratives stimulated the growth of Tecum's legendary status, partly explaining his controversial standing in Guatemala's historiography and poli- tics. Modern versions of the Dance of the Conquest perpetuate the mythical motives that first appeared in the sixteenth- century narratives.
A simplified hemagglutination test for farmer's lung.

A simple method for the detection of hemagglutinating antibodies to the thermophilic actinomycetes is described. The antigens were derived from Micropolyspora faeni and Thermoactinomyces vulgaris . The key to the coupling of the antigen to the sheep erythrocytes is the use of chromium chloride. This method is useful for the diagnosis of farmer’s lung, and the results compare favorably with those obtained with the agar gel diffusion test.
Building a Bright Future for Diabetes Care and Management by “Writing Where It Hurts”

Getting insight into the illness experiences of people with highly prevalent chronic conditions like diabetes is positively critical for all of us in the health world, whether we’re more on the clinical care side or more on the research side or experiencing things from the patient or family perspective. To illuminate these complex interplays between clinical and community elements of living well with diabetes and other chronic conditions, we need narratives and critical analysis of all aspects of illness experience. To promote sharing of these narratives—both from people with diabetes and from a diverse array of others living with chronic physical and mental health conditions as well as experiences within and between marginalized communi­ties—we started the Write Where It Hurts project. WWIH is a narrative-based blog and social media outreach hub focused on disclosure and critical analysis of experiences in health and the social world that are challenging and/or traumatic in nature.
Design of a High Speed Field Bus Control System based on the ARM Processor

With the rapid development of field bus, embedded system and Ethernet technology, the field bus controller has been required more than before. Combine all the technology above is the trend of the modern industry, and is the requirement for realizing the intelligence, networks and remote control as well. This paper mainly contains the following contents: choose the hardware of intelligent slave based on Profibus-DP, config the uClinux system and the study on control algorithms.