cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oviposition, Fecundity, and Body Size of a Pestiferous Midge, Chironomus crassicaudatus (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Field-caught gravid female Chironomus crassicaudatus Malloch in central Florida laid egg masses mostly in the morning at onset of photophase in the laboratory. Fifty-seven percent of these females laid a second egg mass in their adult life. Number of eggs averaged 1,338 and 245 per mass in the first and second mass, respectively. Average egg incubation period was 2 d, with initiation and cessation of egg hatch occurring at 1.5 and 5 d after oviposition, respectively. Relationship of body size and fecundity of female C. crassicaudatus was studied by measuring wing length and examining number of eggs per mass and parity. Body size of nulliparous and of parous females had a significant linear relationship with dry body weight. Larger females had a significantly higher number of eggs per mass and percentage parity than small females.
Differential conditioning based on concentration of sucrose reinforcement in rats on a VI schedule

Seven rats received extended bar-pressing training on a VI schedule with 8% and 32% sucrose reinforcement. During days in which 32% and 8% alternated in 10-min. stimulus-correlated periods, response rate and speed of the first response were greater for 32% solution. The possible contribution to such results of reinforcement contrast is discussed.
Oral smear as a method of chromosomal sex detection.

SummaryA method is described for detection of chromosomal sex from a smear of oral mucosa cells. In 50 females 20-79% of the cells had sex chromatin bodies in the nuclei. The occurrence of similar masses in oral smears from 50 males ranged from 0-4%. The method offers the advantage of ease in securing suitable cells, rapidity in preparation and simplicity of interpretation.
Design and fabrication of an electrohydrodynamically actuated microlens with areal density modulated electrodes

In this paper, we introduce an electrode design for electrohydrodynamically actuated liquid microlenses. The effective electrode areal density radially increases which results in centering of the liquid tunable microlens with a planar device structure. A model was developed to demonstrate the centering mechanism of the liquid microlens. 3D electrostatic simulation was conducted and validity of the idea was examined. A simple fabrication process that uses readily available SU-8 as the insulator was developed and surface modified, hydrophobic SU-8 layer was used to construct the microlens. Focal length of the microlens was measured to vary from 10.1 mm to 5.8 mm as the voltage varied from zero to 100 V.
Proteomics of Schizophrenia

Recent advances in psychiatric genetics have started to unveil the genetic architecture of schizophrenia (SCZ). In this polygenic disorder, we were able to collect a large amount of candidate risk factors reported in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), single nucleotide variants (SNV), and copy number variants (CNV). However, there is still a gap in understanding how these gene products might work in connected signaling pathways. In this chapter, we explore how current advances in proteomic assays can help us understand signaling mechanisms altered in schizophrenia by mapping SCZ risk factors to protein–protein interaction networks distributed in synaptic signaling components and embryonic brain.
ACOUSTICAL DESIGN FOR 21ST CENTURY LEARNING

Acoustical Design for 21st Century Learning Paul E Marks and Katrina Scherebnyj 1 1 BKL Consultants Ltd., #308 - 1200 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, BC, Canada, V7J 2A2. ABSTRACT The design of new schools and buildings used for education requires acoustical conditions that not only achieve the objective design standards of the School District but also reflect the needs of contemporary teaching methods. Increasingly spaces within schools have to be adaptable to both group and interactive learning as well as providing conditions that are sufficiently adequate for more traditional teaching techniques. The demands for acoustical conditions that allow for a high degree of learning and understanding in open-plan classrooms, commons or multi-purpose spaces, but which also prevent undue noise intrusion, results in challenges to the modern day acoustical engineer during both the architectural design and construction stages. The paper will examine the key acoustical drivers for modern educational needs and the constraints faced by designers and acousticians. It will also consider the main design requirements for excellent acoustical conditions in learning spaces and will discuss and evaluate practical examples of design treatments and measures that have been used in schools to provide such conditions.
Feedback Stabilization of Bifurcation Phenomena and its Application to the Control of Voltage Instabilities and Collapse

Abstract Local feedback stabilization of bifurcation phenomena via novel design architecture (termed resonance control) have been the subject of a few recent studies. Although the resonance control approach furnishes an efficient feedback design in cases of local stabilization, its actual performance often declines in the extended neighborhood about a chosen steady state regime. A novel technique of designing a resonance control which appears to be simpler and more efficient than the existing one in a wide neighborhood about an operating regime is addressed in our recent paper [3]. This paper shows the utility of that feedback design approach to control of the instabilities occurring in recently developed a power plant model simulating the voltage collapse.
Atypical Presentation of a Type 2 Endoleak following Emergency Open Repair of a Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Background An endoleak is a common complication following EVAR. Specifically, a Type 2 endoleak occurs because of retrograde flow from lumbar vessels outside the endograft within the aneurysm sac. Even though it is common following EVAR, it has not been identified as a complication following open ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Report A 73-year-old male underwent open repair of a ruptured AAA. Five months later, computed tomography revealed filling from a lumbar vessel mimicking a Type 2 “endoleak.” The initial ultrasound showed a single pair of lumbar vessels with aneurysm sac expansion 8 weeks later. The “endoleak” and expanding sac were treated, and the 2-year surveillance demonstrated sac shrinkage. Discussion Because endoleak is a complication after EVAR, this case provides a unique presentation of Type 2 “endoleak” physiology following open repair of a ruptured AAA. It is believed that it is necessary to expand the list of possible complications after open ruptured AAA repair to include “endoleaks.”
Radiofrequency Ablation Using a Porous Tip Electrode

Radiofrequency current was initially adapted for intracardiac catheter ablation using conventional diagnostic electrode catheters with a tip electrode 2 millimeters in length through which energy was delivered.1 However, power output was limited due to sudden increases in system impedance associated with the development of coagulated blood on the ablation electrode.2,3 In vitro studies of the thermodynamics of radiofrequency lesioning demonstrated that this sudden increase in impedance was related to local tissue overheating at the electrode-tissue interface and associated with surface tissue temperatures greater than 100 °C.4 This increase in surface tissue temperature to the boiling point of water could result in coagulation of blood. With increase in the size and surface area of the ablation electrode, sudden elevations of impedance were seen less frequently allowing higher power delivery to the tissue.5 Increasing the ablation electrode length from 2 to 4 millimeters markedly improved the efficacy and efficiency of the technique.6 However, sudden increases in impedance and coagulum formation were still a limiting factor with use of higher power outputs. Tip thermometry was developed to try and limit impedance rises and coagulum formation while maximizing energy delivery.7 By measuring tip temperature either inside the electrode or at its tip, power could be regulated to maintain temperature at a level that could result in tissue injury but not allow boiling of tissue water or blood.
Optimized silver film over nanosphere surfaces for the biowarfare agent detection based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

This work presents the rapid detection of Bacillus subtilis spores, harmless simulants for Bacillus anthracis, using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) on silver film over nanosphere (AgFON) substrates. Calcium dipicolinate (CaDPA), a biomarker for bacillus spores, can be extracted effectively from spores with nitric acid and successfully detected by SERS. The highly tunable nature of AgFON optical properties was exploited to establish general optimization conditions. AgFON surfaces optimized for 750-nm laser excitation have been characterized by UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The SERS signal from extracted CaDPA was evaluated over the spore concentration range 10-15-10-12 M to determine the adsorption capacity of the AgFON surface and the limit of detection (LOD). These sensing capabilities have been successfully transitioned to an inexpensive, portable Raman spectrometer. Using the extraction method and this field-portable instrument, the anthrax infectious dose of 104 spores were detected with only a 5-second collection period on a one-month-old prefabricated AgFON substrate.
Perceptual and Abstract Category Learning in Pigeons

Whether nonhuman animals—even those phylogenetically distant from humans, such as pigeons—can learn categories and to what extent the involved learning mechanisms are perceptually or conceptually based have been extensively researched over the past few decades. In this chapter, we will discuss similarity-based or perceptual category learning, which involves sorting stimuli into classes that share physical properties. We will also discuss nonsimilarity-based relational category learning, which requires the organism to recognize and respond to an abstract property of multiple stimuli: namely, the relationship among objects (e.g., same/different, less than/greater than, above/below, etc.). We will show that pigeons are able to form both perceptual and abstract categories with considerable proficiency, and in much the same way as do humans and nonhuman primates. Still, we remain some distance from fully understanding the behavioral and neural mechanisms of categorization.
Extreme floods and their relationship with tropical cyclones in Puerto Rico

ABSTRACTAn extreme value analysis (EVA) point process approach has been implemented to examine the flood characteristics of Puerto Rico when tropical cyclones (TCs) are present in the discharge series and when they are removed from it. Mean daily discharge values that exceeded the 99th percentile thresholds were used in both the TC and non-TC data series. In nine of the 12 stations the maximum discharge was associated with a TC, with hurricanes Hortense (1996), Georges (1998) and Eloise (1975) responsible for most of the maximum peaks at each site. Percentage changes in the generalized extreme value parameters, which include location (central tendency), scale (variance) and shape (skewness), between the TC and non-TC data exhibited a decrease in the majority of stations. Stations in the eastern interior and central region of the island showed the largest decrease in all parameters, in flood occurrences and in return periods when TCs were removed from the series.
Semaphorin 4D promotes inhibitory synapse formation and suppresses seizures in vivo.

Objective We previously discovered a role for the extracellular domain of the transmembrane protein semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) as a fast-acting, selective, and positive regulator of functional γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic synapse formation in hippocampal neuronal culture. We also demonstrated that Sema4D treatment increases inhibitory tone and suppresses hyperexcitability in an organotypic hippocampal slice culture model of epilepsy. Here, we investigate the ability of Sema4D to promote GABAergic synapse formation and suppress seizure activity in vivo in adult mice. Methods We performed a 3-hour, intrahippocampal infusion of Sema4D or control protein into the CA1 region of adult mice. To quantify GABAergic presynaptic bouton density, we performed immunohistochemistry on hippocampal tissue sections isolated from these animals using an antibody that specifically recognizes the glutamic acid decarboxylase isoform 65 protein (GAD65), which is localized to presynaptic GABAergic boutons. To assess seizure activity, we employed 2 in vivo mouse models of epilepsy, intravenous (iv) pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and hippocampal electrical kindling, in the presence or absence of Sema4D treatment. We monitored seizure activity by behavioral observation or electroencephalography (EEG). To assay the persistence of the Sema4D effect, we monitored seizure activity and measured the density of GAD65-positive presynaptic boutons 3 or 48 hours after Sema4D infusion. Results Sema4D-treated mice displayed an elevated density of GABAergic presynaptic boutons juxtaposed to hippocampal pyramidal neuron cell bodies, consistent with the hypothesis that Sema4D promotes the formation of new inhibitory synapses in vivo. In addition, Sema4D acutely suppressed seizures in both the PTZ and electrical kindling models. When we introduced a 48-hour gap between Sema4D treatment and the seizure stimulus, seizure activity was indistinguishable from controls. Moreover, immunohistochemistry on brain sections or hippocampal slices isolated 3 hours, but not 48 hours, after Sema4D treatment displayed an increase in GABAergic bouton density, demonstrating temporal correlation between the effects of Sema4D on seizures and GABAergic synaptic components. Significance Our findings suggest a novel approach to treating acute seizures: harnessing synaptogenic molecules to enhance connectivity in the inhibitory network.
language and Adjustment Scales for the Thematic Apperception Test for Children 6-11 Years.

This report summarizes research on the development of objectively scored language and emotionality scales for a five-card, orally administered and tape- reqorded version of the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) used in the Health Examination Survey (HES) of children conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics in 1963-65. National norms for children ages 6-11 are presented for these scales. Two studies were carried out to develop the scales and national norms. Study I involved the development of scoring manuals, criterion measures, and TAT scales, as well as validation studies in which the TAT scales were treated as independent variables and the criteria as dependent variables. In that study major emphasis was placed on creation of usable scales. The sample of 1,224 cases employed was chosen on the basis of completeness and quality of TAT protocol from among the children examined in the first 19 of the 40 Iocations or "stands" in which examinations took place in the national survey.
Awareness-Based Decision-Making Strategy

In the previous chapter, both deterministic and probabilistic coverage control schemes were developed for domain search problems, which serve as the foundation for the decision-making strategies developed in the subsequent chapters. This chapter presents deterministic awareness-based decision-making strategies for the search and classification of multiple unknown objects of interest using MAVs. This is based on the awareness model developed in Section 2.3. We first introduce the problem setup in Section 3.1. In Section 3.2, both search and classification metrics are introduced and justified. Both centralized and decentralized decision-making strategies are developed in Section 3.3. The decision-making strategies guarantee: (1) the full coverage of a domain of interest, and equivalently, the detection of all objects of interest in the domain with probability one, and (2) the classification of each object’s “state” for a minimum guaranteed amount of time τ c .
Teacher aides’ views and experiences on the inclusion of students with Autism: A cross-cultural perspective.

The human rights issue of inclusion in education has been the focus of numerous legislative and policy documents around the world. The right of a student with additional needs to access their local school and participate in mainstream classrooms has been mandated for numerous years across many nations. Increasing numbers of students with additional needs who are included in the regular classroom are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) but reports indicate the understanding of ASD students remains low. This study investigates the views and experiences of teacher aides (TAs) who support students with ASD in mainstream settings in two countries: the Cook Islands (CI) and New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The research addressed the growing international use of TAs and their roles in inclusive classrooms, and the need to understand contemporary practices from comparative global perspectives. Results indicate many similarities between TA views and experiences on the inclusion of students with ASD in NSW and the CI. The findings are discussed in terms of recommendations to enhance the efficacy and practices of TAs in supporting students with ASD in the inclusive classroom.
First record of the predatory snail Acanthinucella spirata (Blainville, 1832) north of its known range

Rapidly changing marine environments have increased the need to document the expansion of organismal ranges into new, previously undocumented regions. Such range expansions can shed light on the ecological factors that promote successful spread and establishment of species in new areas, and the evolutionary processes that may lead to adaptations. Acanthinucella spirata (Blainville, 1832) is a muricid gastropod that has expanded its range northward along the California coast since the Pleistocene. Its previously documented range was from Tomales Bay, California (38.2°N), to Punta Baja, Baja California (22.9°N). Here we report the first record of A. spirata north of its previously defined range, along the Californian coast of North America. Populations of reproducing muricid gastropods were found during a survey of the high intertidal zone of a moderately wave-protected boulder field on Cape Mendocino, CA (Latitude 40.396°N Longitude − 124.378°W) on 17 June 2017. A sample of 65 individual snails were haphazardly collected and digitally photographed, weighed, and measured. Photos and morphological data were used to key individuals to species, and we used shell shape to compare collected snails to suspected Acanthinucella species and with potential source populations. Snails were positively identified as A. spirata, roughly 431 km north of this species’ previously defined northern range limit. Snails had a mean shell length of 28.32 mm (± 3.0 s.d.) and a mean mass of 4.23 g (± 1.1 s.d.). Due to A. spirata’s non-planktonic larval stage, hitchhiking on avian hosts or rafting are the likely causes for the northward non-contiguous dispersal of the species, especially because populations have not been reported between new and previously defined range boundaries. Such stratified range expansions, which occur via a combination of both contiguous and non-contiguous dispersal, are consistent with several recent studies documenting present-day range expansions.
A Novel Approach in Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (PAOO): A Case Report.

Introduction The purpose of this case report was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO) combined with soft tissue enhancement in a patient with thin biotype and lack of buccal plate. Case presentation A 46-year-old female was referred for periodontal risk assessment prior to orthodontic treatment. Following a comprehensive examination, including taking a cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) the patient was identified as high risk for soft tissue recession because of prominent roots, lack of buccal plates, and thin soft tissue. The treatment was PAOO combined with soft tissue enhancement to improve hard and soft tissue support of anterior mandibular teeth. Conclusions Clinical and radiographic evaluation after one year revealed significant improvements in hard and soft tissue phenotype. In conclusion, combination of PAOO and soft tissue grafting could be a promising treatment to improve hard and soft tissue support for orthodontic patients.
Flight of an aeroplane with solid-state propulsion

Since the first aeroplane flight more than 100 years ago, aeroplanes have been propelled using moving surfaces such as propellers and turbines. Most have been powered by fossil-fuel combustion. Electroaerodynamics, in which electrical forces accelerate ions in a fluid1,2, has been proposed as an alternative method of propelling aeroplanes—without moving parts, nearly silently and without combustion emissions3–6. However, no aeroplane with such a solid-state propulsion system has yet flown. Here we demonstrate that a solid-state propulsion system can sustain powered flight, by designing and flying an electroaerodynamically propelled heavier-than-air aeroplane. We flew a fixed-wing aeroplane with a five-metre wingspan ten times and showed that it achieved steady-level flight. All batteries and power systems, including a specifically developed ultralight high-voltage (40-kilovolt) power converter, were carried on-board. We show that conventionally accepted limitations in thrust-to-power ratio and thrust density4,6,7, which were previously thought to make electroaerodynamics unfeasible as a method of aeroplane propulsion, are surmountable. We provide a proof of concept for electroaerodynamic aeroplane propulsion, opening up possibilities for aircraft and aerodynamic devices that are quieter, mechanically simpler and do not emit combustion emissions. A solid-state propulsion system can sustain powered flight, as demonstrated by an electroaerodynamically propelled heavier-than-air aeroplane.
Assessing the Value of Endoscopy Simulator Modules Designed to Prepare Residents for the Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery Examination

BACKGROUND The Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery examination is required for all general surgery residents. The test modules are not available for practice before the examination; however, similar modules are commercially available. OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine which modules are most valuable for resident training and preparation for the examination by evaluating which correlates best with experience level. DESIGN This was a single-institution study. SETTING A virtual reality endoscopy simulator was utilized. PARTICIPANTS General surgery residents and faculty endoscopists performed endoscopy simulator modules (Endobasket 2, Endobubble 1 and 2, Mucosal Evaluation 2, and Basic Navigation) designed to prepare residents for the Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery examination. Residents were assigned into junior and senior groups based on the completion of a dedicated endoscopy rotation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcomes measured were the mean time to completion, mean number of balloons popped, and mean number of wall hits for the 3 groups. RESULTS A total of 21 junior residents, 11 senior residents, and 3 faculty participated. There were significant differences among groups in the mean time to completion for the Endobasket, Endobubble, and Mucosal Evaluation modules. The modules that correlated best with experience level were Endobubble 2 and Mucosal Evaluation 2. For Endobubble 2, juniors were slower than seniors, who were in turn slower than faculty (junior 118.8 ± 20.55 seconds, senior 100.3 ± 11.78 seconds, faculty 87.67 ± 2.848 seconds; p < 0.01). Juniors popped fewer balloons than seniors, who popped fewer balloons than faculty (junior 9.441 ± 3.838, senior 15.62 ± 4.133, faculty 28.78 ± 1.712; p < 0.001). For Mucosal Evaluation 2, juniors were slower than seniors, who were in turn slower than faculty (junior 468.8 ± 123.5 seconds, senior 368.6 ± 63.42 seconds, faculty 233.1 ± 70.45 seconds; p < 0.01). LIMITATIONS Study residents have not completed the Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery examinations, so correlation with examination performance is not yet possible. CONCLUSIONS Performance on Endobasket, Endobubble, and Mucosal Evaluation correlated well with experience level, providing benchmarks for each level to attain in preparation for the Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery examination. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A823.
Attending to the Urgencies: Gendered Violence and Violent Gender

In December 2017, Time magazine made its annual announcement of Person of the Year, naming the Silence Breakers, those “women everywhere [who] have begun to speak up about the inappropriate, abusiv...
The Runaway Paul

The little narrative of Paul's flight from Damascus in 2 Cor 11:32-33 holds a promise to the ear of the historian. In the first place, Aretas is the only figure of political history mentioned in an authentic letter of Paul. This fact alone indicates the importance of this text for the chronology of the apostle's life. Second, there is the remarkable parallel provided by the account in Acts 9:23–25. The extent of the agreement is impressive: it consists not only of the general course of events, but extends to the wording, which is partly identical and partly synonymous. The correspondence appears more extraordinary in light of the fact that Acts otherwise exhibits no verbal connections with the letters of Paul. Third, there is the vivid manner in which Paul relates the experience: the mention of a place and a particular person, the detailed description of the circumstances, and the concentrated account of the action, together create a living image of a dramatic event. The clarity and strength of representation suggest that the experience had a special significance. Perhaps, as Calvin postulated, haec persecutio fuit quasi primum tirocinium Pauli (“this persecution was, as it were, Paul's first military service”). The incident left a deep trace in the memory of the early church,9 one that time has not erased: the Damascenes still point to an opening in the wall as the window through which the apostle was let down.
Utilizing volunteer, nonclinical navigators (NCN) as extenders of the breast nurse navigator (BNN) to provide patient education and support.

128Background: The role of the BNN during the treatment phase of the care continuum involves educating patients and families and assisting them with overcoming barriers to care by linking them to a...
Trigonometric Conformable Fractional Approximation of Stochastic Processes

Here we consider very general stochastic positive linear operators induced by general positive linear operators that are acting on continuous functions in the trigonometric sense. These are acting on the space of real conformable fractionally differentiable stochastic processes. Under some very mild, general and natural assumptions on the stochastic processes we produce related trigonometric conformable fractional stochastic Shisha-Mond type inequalities of \(L^{q}\)-type \(1\le q\,<\infty \) and corresponding trigonometric conformable fractional stochastic Korovkin type theorems.
Validation of FAPi PET biodistribution by immunohistochemistry in patients with solid cancers: A prospective exploratory study.

3066Background: Fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), a major component of tumor stroma, confer treatment resistance, promote local progression, metast...
AT 2 Receptors and Natriuresis

Virtually all studies demonstrate that angiotensin type 2 receptors (AT 2 Rs) engender natriuresis. Renal AT 2 R activation enhances the sensitivity of the pressure–natriuresis mechanism; in the absence of AT 2 Rs, marked sodium (Na + ) retention occurs in response to renin–­angiotensin system (RAS) activation. Angiotensin III (Ang III) is the preferred endogenous AT 2 R agonist in the production of natriuresis. Endogenous renal Ang III activates AT 2 Rs to induce natriuresis in a proximal tubule-specific manner via a renal BK, NO, and cGMP signaling pathway. Dopaminergic stimulation of natriuresis is completely dependent upon AT 2 R translocation to the apical plasma membrane and activation by dopamine D 1 receptors. Physiologically, AT 2 R stimulation induces natriuresis predominantly when AT 1 Rs concurrently are blocked and/or during RAS activation.
Punishment and the Insane

“Punishment” and the “insane,” two nouns linked in the title of this chapter, retain a curious, yet conflictual, connection. To some experts, be they jurists, psychiatrists, psychologists, or legislators, the linkage represents an oxymoron—a combination of contradictory terms: these experts, from a conceptual vantage point, indicate that when someone is found not guilty by reason of insanity, that verdict denotes that we do not find the person culpable or blameworthy; hence, no punishment should follow. Despite such utterances aimed at decoupling “punishment” and the “insane,” there seems to be some visceral charge that draws them together.
Effort Analysis Using Collective Stochastic Model

In this paper we consider the problem of work order (WO) arrivals and time spent on work orders in service delivery to derive the asymptotic behavior of a strategic outsourcing contract. We model both the work order arrivals and time spent on the work orders, also known as effort, as a collective stochastic process. We use the resulting model to derive the probability that a contract will exceed the allocated budget for resolving work orders, and also to calculate the staffing requirement for resolving work orders.
Clinical and Electrophysiologic Characteristics of Antidromic Tachycardia in Children with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Background Antidromic reciprocating tachycardia (ART) is a rare form of wide complex tachycardia in children with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW). The incidence and electrophysiologic characteristics of ART in children with WPW have not been well described. Methods A multicenter retrospective analysis of all patients with WPW undergoing electrophysiology (EP) study from 1990 to 2009 was performed. Patients with clinical or inducible ART were included. Results A total of 1,147 patients with WPW underwent EP study and 30 patients had ART (2.6%) and were the subject of this analysis. The mean age was 16±3 years, weight was 65±16 kg, and tachycardia cycle length was 305±55 ms. There were two patients (7%) with congenital heart disease (both with Ebstein's anomaly). Four patients (13%) had more than one accessory pathway (AP). The location of the AP was left sided in 53% of patients and right sided in 47%, with septal location and left lateral pathways most commonly involved. AP conduction was found to be high risk in 17 patients (57%). Ablation was not attempted in two patients (7%) due to proximity to the HIS and risk of heart block. Ablation was acutely successful in 93% of the patients in whom it was attempted. Conclusions ART is a rare finding in children undergoing EP study. Over half of the patients with ART were found to be high risk and multiple AP were uncommon. Unlike the adult population, ART occurred commonly with septal APs.
Tractography-embedded white matter stream clustering

While automated segmentation of white matter fibers is essential for understanding the human brain connectome, fast unsupervised clustering of these fibers emanating from a manually specified region of interest (ROI) into tracts is more desired in a clinical environment. In this work, we propose a tractography-embedded white matter stream clustering method to apply fiber tracking and clustering in a simultaneous manner. Integrated into a filtered tractography scheme, our method continuously checks for a drift in the fiber trajectories, which in turn controls the timing of the clustering. This affinity propagation-based clustering only involves a small portion of fibers and exemplars are selected to label the rest of the fibers. The proposed method is found to be five times faster than a traditional clustering framework, yet still achieves high accuracy on phantom and real data.
Systems biology: new frontier for system scientists and control engineers

Systems biology is heralded as the future of biology. Many approaches being applied to this new biological field have already been used in engineering systems. In this article we survey the emerging applications of system science and engineering tools in the study of systems biology.
Amino Acid Differences in a 30S Ribosomal Protein from Two Strains of Escherichia coli

The 30S ribosomal proteins of the K-12 and B strains of Escherichia coli differ in at least one protein component. This component, which is allelic in the two strains, has been isolated from both organisms. Amino acid analyses show that the protein from strain B contains between 20 and 28 more amino acids than does the analogue protein from strain K-12.
Methane Recovery from Hydrate-bearing Sediments

Gas hydrates are crystalline compounds made of gas and water molecules. Methane hydrates are found in marine sediments and permafrost regions; extensive amounts of methane are trapped in the form of hydrates. Methane hydrate can be an energy resource, contribute to global warming, or cause seafloor instability. This study placed emphasis on gas recovery from hydrate bearing sediments and related phenomena. The unique behavior of hydrate-bearing sediments required the development of special research tools, including new numerical algorithms (tube- and pore-network models) and experimental devices (high pressure chambers and micromodels). Therefore, the research methodology combined experimental studies, particle-scale numerical simulations, and macro-scale analyses of coupled processes. Research conducted as part of this project started with hydrate formation in sediment pores and extended to production methods and emergent phenomena. In particular, the scope of the work addressed: (1) hydrate formation and growth in pores, the assessment of formation rate, tensile/adhesive strength and their impact on sediment-scale properties, including volume change during hydrate formation and dissociation; (2) the effect of physical properties such as gas solubility, salinity, pore size, and mixed gas conditions on hydrate formation and dissociation, and it implications such as oscillatory transient hydrate formation, dissolution within the hydrate stability field, initial hydrate lens formation, and phase boundary changes in real field situations; (3) fluid conductivity in relation to pore size distribution and spatial correlation and the emergence of phenomena such as flow focusing; (4) mixed fluid flow, with special emphasis on differences between invading gas and nucleating gas, implications on relative gas conductivity for reservoir simulations, and gas recovery efficiency; (5) identification of advantages and limitations in different gas production strategies with emphasis; (6) detailed study of CH4-CO2 exchange as a unique alternative to recover CH4 gas while sequestering CO2; (7) the relevance of fines in otherwise clean sand sediments on gas recovery and related phenomena such as fines migration and clogging, vuggy structure formation, and gas-driven fracture formation during gas production by depressurization.
The Reclamation of Coal Mine Spoils

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the physical conditions of coal mine spoil banks as they affect plant growth and consequently land use, and discusses the reclamation of these areas. To plan reclamation work of the coal mine strippings a knowledge of their conditions is necessary. The chapter describes topography, erosion, soil material, water, vegetation, and wildlife as they are found on worked-out strip mines. Each acre mined affects the land use of at least one more acre of the neighboring land. The strip mining of coal leaves the overburden in steep ridges with only little of the original top soil near the surface. Soil tests to determine the potential land use capabilities of spoils have to be rapid because of the variability of the material. Hydrochloric acid shows the presence of carbonates, potassium thiocyanate the presence of free acid and sodium azide the presence of sulfides. Grading of spoils raises the potential land use capability. The majority of graded spoils can be used for pasture and some of them after a period of improvement for rotation crops. The greatest advantage of grading is that the weathered soil can remain in place and eventually develop considerable depth.
Influence of dose and duration of infusion of interleukin-2 on toxicity and immunomodulation.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dose and duration of infusion of recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) on toxicity and immunomodulation. In a phase I/II study, IL-2 was administered intravenously (IV) daily for five consecutive days every other week for 4 weeks of treatment to 23 patients with progressive melanoma, renal, colon, or ovarian cancer by one of four regimens: groups I and II received 3 X 10(5) U/m2/d by two-hour or 24-hour infusion, respectively; groups III and IV received 3 X 10(6) U/m2/d by two-hour or 24-hour infusion, respectively. In a subsequent study, six patients (group V) received a single priming cycle of daily IL-2 for five days at 3 X 10(6) U/m2/d in divided 15-minute infusions every eight hours, before undergoing leukapheresis for lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell generation. Toxicity was mild with 3 X 10(5) U/m2/d, but severe chills and fever, moderate hypotension (not requiring IV pressors), and weight gain were observed with 3 X 10(6) U/m2/d. Toxicity...
Carbon Capture and Storage (Sequestration)

This article updates the author's prior articles on carbon capture and storage (sequestration) to cover developments in 2010-2013. It also covers regulatory development concerning fossil-fueled electric power plants.
Ablation of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain SM2 increases smooth muscle contraction and results in postnatal death in mice.

The physiological relevance of smooth muscle myosin isoforms SM1 and SM2 has not been understood. In this study we generated a mouse model specifically deficient in SM2 myosin isoform but expressing SM1, using an exon-specific gene targeting strategy. The SM2 homozygous knockout (SM2−/−) mice died within 30 days after birth, showing pathologies including segmental distention of alimentary tract, retention of urine in renal pelvis, distension of bladder, and the development of end-stage hydronephrosis. In contrast, the heterozygous (SM2+/−) mice appeared normal and reproduced well. In SM2−/− bladder smooth muscle the loss of SM2 myosin was accompanied by a concomitant down-regulation of SM1 and a reduced number of thick filaments. However, muscle strips from SM2−/− bladder showed increased contraction to K+ depolarization or in response to M3 receptor agonist Carbachol. An increase of contraction was also observed in SM2−/− aorta. However, the SM2−/− bladder was associated with unaltered regulatory myosin light chain (MLC20) phosphorylation. Moreover, other contractile proteins, such as α-actin and tropomyosin, were not altered in SM2−/− bladder. Therefore, the loss of SM2 myosin alone could have induced hypercontractility in smooth muscle, suggesting that distinctly from SM1, SM2 may negatively modulate force development during smooth muscle contraction. Also, because SM2−/− mice develop lethal multiorgan dysfunctions, we propose this regulatory property of SM2 is essential for normal contractile activity in postnatal smooth muscle physiology.
A hospital epidemic of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus: risk factors and control.

OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) colonization during a hospital outbreak and to evaluate Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-recommended control measures. DESIGN: Epidemiological study involving prospective identification of colonization and a case-control study. SETTING: A university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients on eight wards involved in outbreak from late 1994 through early 1995. METHODS: Cases were matched by ward and culture date with up to two controls. Risk factors were evaluated with four multivariate models using conditional logistic regression. The first evaluated proximity to other VRE patients and isolation status. The second evaluated proximity to unisolated VRE cases and three variables independently predictive after adjustment for proximity. The third evaluated seven significant univariate predictors in addition to proximity to unisolated VRE in backward, stepwise logistic regression. The fourth assessed proximity to VRE with all other variables collected, clustered in a principal components analysis. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was performed to assess clonality of two outbreak strains. RESULTS: The incidence of transmission declined significantly after CDC guidelines were implemented. Proximity to unisolated VRE cases during the prior week was a significant predictor of acquisition in each of four multivariate models. Other significant risk factors in multivariate models included a history of major trauma and treatment with metronidazole. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis confirmed the clonality of two outbreak strains. CONCLUSIONS: VRE was transmitted between patients during a hospital epidemic, with proximity to previously unisolated VRE patients being an important risk factor. Weekly surveillance cultures and contact isolation of colonized patients significantly reduced spread (Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2001;22:140-147).
Comparative studies of glucose-fed and glucose-starved hamster cell cultures: responses in galactose metabolism.

The metabolic flow of trace amounts of D-[14C]-galactose was followed in cultures of transformed and untransformed hamster cells over a period ranging from five minutes to two hours. The results of chromatographic and enzymatic analyses of the soluble pools are described. Non-glycolytic cells (previously deprived of sugar for periods of up to 24 hours) convert D-galactose to galactose-1-phosphate and uridine diphosphoglucuronic acid in 10 to 20 minutes. In the same short assay time, glycolytic cells which have been maintained for 24 hours in media containing glucose or galactose convert D-galactose to uridine diphosphogalactose and uridine diphosphoglucose (ratio 1.4:1). Longterm deprivation of sugar also results in 3- to 4-fold increases in the uptake of galactose. In addition, the incorporation of galactose label into chloroform-methanol soluble material appears to be influenced by the culture conditions of the untransformed cells while incorporation in the transformed cells appears unaffected. When cycloheximide is included in the maintenance medium for extended periods, the non-glycolytic cells also show increases in galactose uptake rates but the glucose-fed, glycolytic cells lose uptake ability. UDPhexose is the main galactose metabolic peak in the soluble pools of the cycloheximide-treated, glycolytic and the cycloheximide-treated, non-glycolytic cells. The results of these experiments suggest that uptake of galactose and its subsequent metabolism are under separate control.
The accuracy of spatial databases

Error modelling for the map overlay operation modelling error in overlaid categorical maps user considerations in landscape characterization knowledge-based approaches to determining and correcting areas of unreliability in geographical databases observations and comments on the generation and treatment of error in digital GIS data developing confidence limits on errors of suitability analyses in geographical information systems distance calculations and errors in geographical databases inclusion of accuracy data in a feature based, object- orientated data model accuracy and bias issues in surface representation modelling error in objects and fields frame independence spatial analysis modelling locational uncertainty via hierarchical tesselation minimum cross-entropy convex decompositions of pixel-indexed stochastic matrices - a geographical application of the Ising model the traditional and modern look at Tissot's indicatrix real data and real problems - dealing with large spatial databases the small number problems and the accuracy of spatial databases demand point approximations for location problems modelling realibility on statistical surfaces by polygon filtering scale-independent spatial analysis the effect of data aggregation on a poisson model of Canadian migration statistical methods for inference between incompatible zonal systems statistical effect of spatial data transformations - a proposed general framework learning to live with errors in spatial databases.
pH/temperature-sensitive polymers for macromolecular drug loading and release

Abstract Beads formed from linear pH/temperature-sensitive polymers, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-butylmethacrylate-co-acrylic acid), were evaluated as a potential polypeptide drug carrier in terms of loading efficiency, pH-dependent release, and preservation of bioactivity of loaded drugs. The beads were formed by precipitation of the polymers at the interface of cold aqueous solution droplets and warm oil phase, and subsequent drying process. The critial step in this bead formation and aqueous drug loading was found to be the initial formation of the skin layer, which was influenced by the oil bath temperature. The polypeptide drug loading efficiency was significantly increased by adjusting the ionic strength of the aqueous polymer/drug solution. The release rate of insulin at pH 7.4 and 37°C was controlled by the acrylic acid content of the terpolymers, while minimal swelling and release were observed at pH 2.0 and 37°C, regardless of the acrylic acid content. The bioactivities of insulin released from the beads at pH 7.4 and recovered from the beads which were kept in rat stomach for 5 h were well preserved. These results indicate that this polymeric system has a potential as a polypeptide drug carrier, especially for oral delivery.
The response of microvessels in rat lung explants to incubation with norepinephrine.

Because of the difficulty in isolating precapillary or postcapillary segments of the pulmonary micro circulation, there is little information on their reactivity even though they are important in normal lung function and play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension. In order to study the reactivity of micro-vessels in lung we have developed a method in which thin slices of tissue are incubated in vitro with a vasoactive drug and are then fixed, embedded, and sectioned at a thickness of 1μm. Vessel profiles are analyzed on a computer graphics tablet, and their degree of constriction is determined morphometrically. In this system, muscular arteries less than 200 μm in diameter in adult rat lung explants are moderately constricted, but they constrict further when incubated with l-norepinephrine (10−4, 10−5 M), an effect maintained for 30 min. Nonmuscular vessels (arteries and veins) less than 100 μm in diameter also constrict in response to similar doses of norepinephrine. Although the e...