cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lectotypifications and Nomenclatural Notes for Hao′s New Chinese Taxa in Salix (Salicaceae)

This paper deals with 20 names of species and infraspecific taxa of Salix L. that Fang and Skvortsov validated or intended to validate in 1998 following their original publication by Hao in 1936 without Latin diagnoses. The names are listed and issues of typification, attribution, and synonymy are discussed. New lectotypes are designated for eight names whose holotypes have been lost or destroyed or for which a choice between syntypes was necessary: Salix acuminatomicrophylla K. S. Hao ex C. F. Fang & A. K. Skvortsov, S. atopantha C. K. Schneid. var. glabra K. S. Hao ex C. F. Fang & A. K. Skvortsov, S. calyculata Hook. f. ex Andersson var. glabrifolia Hand.-Mazz. [≡ S. crenata K. S. Hao], S. forrestii K. S. Hao ex C. F. Fang & A. K. Skvortsov, S. kansuensis K. S. Hao ex C. F. Fang & A. K. Skvortsov, S. ovatomicrophylla K. S. Hao ex C. F. Fang & A. K. Skvortsov, S. pseudowolohoensis K. S. Hao ex C. F. Fang & A. K. Skvortsov, and S. schneideriana K. S. Hao ex C. F. Fang & A. K. Skvortsov. The type citation of S. shansiensis K. S. Hao ex C. F. Fang & A. K. Skvortsov is corrected.
Population Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Epoetin Alfa in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Receiving Maintenance Treatment Using Bayesian Approach

The ability to control dosage regimens of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to maintain a desired hemoglobin (HGB) target is still elusive. We utilized a Bayesian approach and informative priors to characterize HGB profiles, using simulated drug concentrations, in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving maintenance doses of epoetin alfa. We also demonstrated an adaptive Bayesian method, applied to individual patients, to improve the accuracy of HGB predictions over time. The results showed that sparse HGB data from daily clinical practice were characterized successfully. The adaptive Bayesian method effectively improved the accuracy of HGB predictions by updating the individual model with new data accounting for within-subject changes over time. The Bayesian approach presented leverages existing knowledge of the model parameters and has a potential utility in clinical practice to individualize dosage regimens of epoetin alfa and ESAs to achieve target HGB. Further studies are warranted to develop an application for practical use.
Identification of PIM1 substrates reveals a role for NDRG1 phosphorylation in prostate cancer cellular migration and invasion.

PIM1 is a serine/threonine kinase that promotes and maintains prostate tumorigenesis. While PIM1 protein levels are elevated in prostate cancer relative to local disease, the mechanisms by which PIM1 contributes to oncogenesis have not been fully elucidated. Here, we performed a direct, unbiased chemical genetic screen to identify PIM1 substrates in prostate cancer cells. The PIM1 substrates we identified were involved in a variety of oncogenic processes, and included N-Myc Downstream-Regulated Gene 1 (NDRG1), which has reported roles in suppressing cancer cell invasion and metastasis. NDRG1 is phosphorylated by PIM1 at serine 330 (pS330), and the level of NDRG1 pS330 is associated higher grade prostate tumors. We have shown that PIM1 phosphorylation of NDRG1 at S330 reduced its stability, nuclear localization, and interaction with AR, resulting in enhanced cell migration and invasion. Through a chemical genetics screen and phospho-proteomics, Ledet and Ruff et al identify substrates of the oncogenic kinase PIM1 in prostate cancer cells. They find that NDRG1 protein is destabilized by PIM1-mediated phosphorylation to reduce its metastasis suppressor function. These findings shed light on the role of PIM1 in prostate cancer.
Big COVID, Red State: The Value of Over-Communication in a Public Health Crisis

This Community Case Study examines the challenges of communicating about the COVID-19 crisis in a politically conservative American state, Idaho. The study presents an analysis of one local expert’s communication strategies in the face of significant partisanship, threats of violence, and widespread refusal to comply with recommended public health behaviors. Findings suggest that consistent, cross-platform communication that emphasizes personalized recommendations and advice, transparency, and humility, are key strategies in a fractured information environment. However, while micro-level communication strategies are important, more must be done to help Americans regain trust in institutions, expertise, and information at a macro-level.
Modifying phrases in surgical pathology reports: introduction of Standardized Scheme of Reporting Certainty in Pathology Reports (SSRC-Path).

Pathologists often incorporate modifying phrases in their diagnosis to imply varying levels of diagnostic certainty; however, what is implied by the pathologists is not equivalent with what is perceived by the referring physicians and patients. This discordance can have significant implications in management, safety, and cost. We intend to identify lack of consistency in interpretation of modifying phrases by comparing perceived level of certainty by pathologists and non-pathologists, and introduce a standard scheme for reporting uncertainty in pathology reports using the experience with imaging reporting and data systems. In this study, a list of 18 most commonly used modifying phrases in pathology reports was distributed among separate cohorts of pathologists (N = 17) and non-pathology clinicians (N = 225) as a questionnaire survey, and the participants were asked to assign a certainty level to each phrase. All the participants had practice privileges in Brown University-affiliated teaching hospitals. The survey was completed by 207 participants (17 pathologists, 190 non-pathologists). It reveals a significant discordance between the interpretations of the modifying phrases between the two cohorts, with significant variations in subgroups of non-pathology clinicians. Also there is disagreement between pathologists and other clinicians regarding the causes of miscommunication triggered by pathology reports. Pathologists and non-pathology clinicians should be mindful of the potential sources of misunderstanding of pathology reports and take necessary actions to prevent and clarify the uncertainties. Using a standard scheme for reporting uncertainty in pathology reports is recommended.
Exploring Hidden Messages About Pharmacist Roles In Student-Designed Orientation T-Shirts

Objective. To develop an understanding of how images and symbols on student-designed orientation t-shirts represent students’ beliefs about pharmacists’ roles in practice. Methods. An exploratory qualitative study underpinned by perspectives on hidden curriculum and discursive practices was conducted at one Canadian pharmacy school. First year students wrote responses to prompts about the t-shirts at the start and end of the school year. Concurrently, semi-structured interviews and focus groups were held with faculty, staff, and 2nd-4th year students. Six t-shirts from 2014-2019 were used for discussion. Data were independently coded by the two authors and themes were developed. Results. Students and faculty had mostly similar thoughts about the practice of giving orientation t-shirts and the messages on them. Many pointed to the drug-related aspects of pharmacists’ roles and did not question this representation until explicitly prompted. Relatedly, most participants did not suggest that the t-shirts should emphasize the pharmacist-patient relationship and care provision. And while there were mixed thoughts about the business logo on the t-shirts, participants were often unperturbed by sponsorship or its potential effects on students. Conclusion. This study showed that despite national educational outcomes advocating the care provider role, these representations of pharmacy and pharmacists’ roles still focus on drug expertise and drug provision. By revealing thoughts about the t-shirt images, the study highlighted how, despite explicit teaching of pharmacists’ roles and the expanding scope of pharmacy, discursive practices in pharmacy education exist and form part of the hidden curriculum.
Put-Call Parity and Approaches to Usury in Medieval Contracting

Financial derivatives, including options, are usually presented as a “new” development in finance. Certainly, such things as Credit Default Swaps appear new. On the other hand, some aspects of financial derivatives are very old, perhaps much older than is generally recognized. In this paper, we document that on a practical level, medieval clerics and merchants appear to have had at least an intuitive grasp of “put-call parity,” nearly five centuries before it was described in the scholarly literature.
Effect of a School Finance Reform on Housing and Residential Segregation: Evidence from Proposal A in Michigan

Local financing of public schools in the U.S. leads to a bundling of two distinct choices - residential choice and school choice - and increases the degree of socioeconomic segregation across school districts. A school finance reform, aimed at equalization of school finances, can go a long way in weakening this link between housing choice and choice of schools. In this paper, I study the Michigan school finance reform of 1994 (Proposal A) - a state initiative aimed at equalization of per pupil expenditures between Michigan school districts and reducing the role of local financing. I investigate whether the reform had any significant effects on spatial segregation. I find that Proposal A has been responsible for increases in housing stock and property values in the lowest spending school districts, and for improvements in several socioeconomic indicators in these districts, implying a decline in neighborhood sorting. However, there is continued high demand for residence in the highest spending communities. This points to the importance of neighborhood peer effects ('local' social capital) and suggests that in the presence of such effects, even a comprehensive government aid program can fail to make a large and significant impact on residential segregation.
Effect of an in-home occupational and physical therapy intervention on reducing mortality in functionally vulnerable older people: preliminary findings.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of a multicomponent intervention on mortality and the role of control-oriented strategy use as the change mechanism. DESIGN: Two-group randomized design with survivorship followed for 14 months. Participants were randomized to intervention or a no-treatment control group. SETTING: Urban, community-living older people. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred nineteen people aged 70 and older with functional difficulties. INTERVENTION: Occupational therapy and physical therapy sessions involving home modifications, problem solving, and training in energy conservation, safe performance, balance, muscle strength, and fall recovery techniques. MEASUREMENTS: Survival time was number of days between baseline interview and date of death or final interview if date unknown. Control-oriented strategy use was measured using eight items. RESULTS: Intervention participants exhibited a 1% rate of mortality, compared with a 10% rate for no-treatment control participants (P=.003, 95% confidence interval=2.4–15.04%). At baseline, those who subsequently died had more days hospitalized and lower control-oriented strategy use 6 months before study enrollment than survivors. No intervention participants with previous days hospitalized (n=31) died, whereas 21% of control group counterparts did (n=35; P=.001). Although intervention participants with low and high baseline control strategy use had lower mortality risk than control participants, mortality risk was lower for intervention participants with low strategy use at baseline (P=.007). CONCLUSION: An occupational and physical therapy intervention to ameliorate functional difficulties may reduce mortality risk in community-dwelling older people overall and benefit those most compromised. Instruction in control-oriented strategies may account for the intervention's protective effects on survivorship.
More Donors Are Available—Why Don't We Use Them?

Children listed for heart transplantation face the highest wait-list mortality, at about 20%, of any solid organ transplant recipients (1). In light of this disturbing number, it is equally disturbing that only about half of all potential pediatric heart donors are utilized. Easterwood et al., in this edition of the journal, have provided their experience comparing donors who were turned down by other centers for poor donor quality with donors that they accepted primarily for transplantation (2). This joins our own recently published evaluation demonstrating the same finding, with a somewhat younger recipient pool (3). It is also consistent with a recent report (4) which detailed the lack of impact of CPR on the utility of the donor and a report from early in our experience where we reported the successful use of the dysfunctional donor heart (5).
Ionizing radiation damage to the folded chromosome of Escherichia coli K-12: repair of double-strand breaks in deoxyribonucleic acid.

The extremely gentle lysis and unfolding procedures that have been developed for the isolation of nucleoid deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA; K. M. Ulmer et al., J. Bacteriol. 138:475–485, 1979) yield undamaged, replicating genomes, thus permitting direct measurement of the formation and repair of DNA double-strand breaks at biologically significant doses of ionizing radiation. Repair of ionizing radiation damage to folded chromosomes of Escherichia coli K-12 strain AB2497 was observed within 2 to 3 h of post-irradiation incubation in growth medium. Such behavior was not observed after post-irradiation incubation in growth medium of a recA13 strain (strain AB2487). A model based on recombinational repair is proposed to explain the formation of 2,200 to 2,300S material during early stages of incubation and to explain subsequent changes in the gradient profiles. Association of unrepaired DNA with the plasma membrane is proposed to explain the formation of a peak of rapidly sedimenting material (greater than 3,100S) during the later stages of repair. Direct evidence of repair of double-strand breaks during post-irradiation incubation in growth medium was obtained from gradient profiles of DNA from ribonuclease-digested chromosomes. The sedimentation coefficient of broken molecules was restored to the value of unirradiated DNA after 2 to 3 h of incubation, and the fraction of the DNA repaired in this fashion was equal to the fraction of cells that survived at the same dose. An average of 2.7 double-strand breaks per genome per lethal event was observed, suggesting that one to two double-strand breaks per genome are repairable in E. coli K-12 strain AB2497.
Stokes flow around an asymmetric channel divider; a computational approach using Matlab

While computational methods for solving Stokes-flow problems have existed for some time, these have depended on specialized codes developed specifically, for this type of problem. This work shows how to combine traditional applied mathematics and a modern over-the-counter software package Matlab to solve and study Stokes flow in a channel with a splitter plate. Specifically exact unidirectional flow solutions are used as a basis for choosing boundary conditions for Matlab to anticipate the boundary conditions of a Stokes flow. A method for selecting zeroth and first-order approximate boundary conditions is presented, along with a suggestion for finding a second-order approximation. It is also shown that small errors made in choosing the approximate boundary conditions do not grow as one moves away from the boundary into the interior of the flow. Finally several computational examples using this approach are presented.
Europe and the Future of International Monetary Law

The ongoing financial and economic crisis in the eurozone represents a serious threat to global stability. Among other things, this implicates the monetary union members’ obligations under international monetary law pursuant to the Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund. The Fund is responsible for enforcing those obligations. Yet, it appears that the Fund’s surveillance of the region’s monetary union has had less traction than it could potentially have, especially with respect to the Fund’s concerns about structural aspects of the union. If there are shortcomings in the Fund’s surveillance of the eurozone, this may be due in part to the awkward status of monetary unions within the Fund’s legal framework. The members of the monetary union have delegated to the union many powers that affect their compliance with their obligations under international monetary law. The union itself is not a member of the Fund and, therefore, neither it nor its institutions have any direct formal obligations under the Fund’s Articles. The individual union members have only limited ability to affect union-level policies. It is possible that extending formal obligations under the Fund’s Articles to the union or to its institutions could improve the Fund’s traction in its surveillance of the eurozone. Doing so might increase the union’s attention to external stability or it might give the Fund more confidence to engage more aggressively with the union. It is also possible, however, that extending formal obligations to monetary unions would not meaningfully improve the Fund’s ability to affect policy making in the eurozone to promote global stability. The Fund’s primary modes of enforcement and engagement are consultation, persuasion, and peer-pressure, and the effectiveness of such modes may not depend on underlying formal obligation. In any event, it is unlikely that such reforms are forthcoming. Rather, the Fund may have more success in increasing its traction with policymakers in the eurozone by improving its practice of surveillance. In this regard, the Fund’s newly articulated mandate for multilateral surveillance and its new framework for integrating it with bilateral surveillance is promising — it appears to be well-suited for engaging with monetary unions, which are fundamentally multilateral entities. In any event, the current threat to global stability arising from the eurozone provides the Fund with an immediate test of its new integrated framework for surveillance and an early opportunity to define the scope and the modes of that framework through practice.
TLR4 as the Mammalian Endotoxin Sensor

For more than a century, the ability to sense endotoxin (later known also as lipopolysaccharide; LPS) stood as the archetypal innate immune response: even before the phrase ‘innate immunity’ became popular. Yet the mechanism by which LPS initiated a signal remained unknown. The problem was solved in 1998 by positional cloning, which revealed that Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, one of ten mammalian paralogues with homology to theDrosophila protein Toll, is the central component of the LPS receptor. During the 3 years that followed, gene knockout work supported the view that the TLRs perceive a number of indispensable molecular structures shared by diverse representatives of the microbial world. The highly specific LPS-sensing function of TLR4 is remarkable for its prevalence inMammalia, which to the present time is the only class of the phylumChordata known to have a gene encoding TLR4, and known to display exquisite sensitivity to LPS. The fact that LPS signals are elicited through a single biochemical pathway has raised important pharmacotherapeutic opportunities as well.
Vigilante Justice: Prosecutor Misconduct in Capital Cases

This Article examines categories of prosecutor misconduct that may occur in capital cases, and it discusses suggestions to help prevent and remedy such misconduct. The prosecutor’s role is especially important in death penalty cases because the prosecutor is a determining force in the decision of whether a defendant will live or die. Thus, even though prosecutor misconduct is an important concern for all types of cases, it has a special impact in capital cases. Instances of prosecutor misconduct may occur prior to trial during discovery, during jury selection, and during trial and post-trial. In Part One of the Article, we discuss situations where prosecutors withhold exculpatory evidence from defendants in capital cases. In Part Two, we discuss the problem where prosecutors improperly use pretrial publicity to achieve convictions and death sentences in capital cases. Misconduct may occur during jury selection, and in Part Three, we examine situations where some prosecutors have improperly used peremptory challenges to exclude prospective jurors based upon race. Under Batson v. Kentucky, 476 U.S. 79 (1986), this type of prosecutor misconduct may rise to constitutional significance. Next, in Part Four, we consider the trial itself and discuss situations where prosecutors improperly used false evidence or statements in capital cases. In Part Five, we consider methods for addressing misconduct in capital cases. The Article considers three different categories of ways to deter instances of prosecutor misconduct in capital cases: (1) institutional and systemic methods of preventing prosecutor misconduct; (2) punishment of individual prosecutors responsible for egregious misconduct; and (3) remedies for defendants who are victims of misconduct. After giving an overview of various suggestions, the Article concludes with five specific proposals that should be the first steps toward deterring and remedying prosecutor misconduct in capital cases.
Novel Catecholaminergic Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes several studies on novel catecholaminergic systems. The researches are related to catecholestrogens, nonneuronal biosynthesis of catecholamines, L-dopa as a neurotransmitter, and dopamine (DA) as a renal autocrineparacrine substance. Production of 2-hydroxylated catecholestrogens (2-OH-CEs) constitutes a major pathway for hepatic metabolism of estrone (E 1 ) and estradiol (E 2 ). Aromatic hydroxylation of E 2 by estradiol-2/4 hydroxylase yields the catecholestrogens 2-OH-E 2 and 4-OH-E 2 . In human breast cancer microsomes, 4-OH-E 2 constitutes a major catechol metabolite, consistent with a role of CEs in production of estrogen-dependent tumors. CEs also appear to play an important role in blastocyst implantation. Investigators have viewed DA as only an intermediary in the biosynthesis of norepinephrine (NE) in sympathetic nerves and of epinephrine (Epi) in adrenomedullary cells. Recent evidence has supported a physiological role for DA as an autocrine-paracrine hormone that influences Na + disposition in the periphery. L-Dopa undergoes conversion to DA in many types of cells, including neurons, and DA acts as a classical central neurotransmitter. In the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), L-dopa may modulate the arterial baroreflex. The renal DOPA-DA system constitutes the most well studied nonneuronal catecholaminergic system. L-dopa in the tubular filtrate undergoes Na + - dependent uptake into proximal tubular cells. Classical endocrine systems may contribute to regulation of the renal DOPA-DA natriuretic system. The studies support the view that the renal DOPA-DA system mediates some hormonal influences on renal sodium handling.
Underpressure in Mesozoic and Paleozoic rock units in the Midcontinent of the United States

Potentiometric surfaces for Paleozoic strata, based on water well levels and selected drill-stem tests, reveal the control on hydraulic head exerted by outcrops in eastern Kansas and Oklahoma. From outcrop in the east, the westward climb of hydraulic head is much less than that of the land surface, with heads falling so far below land surface that the pressure:depth ratio in eastern Colorado is less than 5.7 kPa/m (0.25 psi/ft). Permian evaporites separate the Paleozoic hydrogeologic units from a Lower Cretaceous (Dakota Group) aquifer, and a highly saline brine plume pervading Paleozoic units in central Kansas and Oklahoma is attributed to dissolution of Permian halite. Underpressure also exists in the Lower Cretaceous hydrogeologic unit in the Denver Basin, which is hydrologically separate from the Paleozoic units. The data used to construct the seven potentiometric surfaces were also used to construct seven maps of pressure:depth ratio. These latter maps are a function of the differences among hydraulic head, land-surface elevation, and formation elevation. As a consequence, maps of pressure:depth ratio reflect the interplay of three topologies that evolved independently with time. As underpressure developed, gas migrated in response to the changing pressure regime, most notably filling the Hugoton gas field in southwestern Kansas. The timing of underpressure development was determined by the timing of outcrop exposure and tilting of the Great Plains. Explorationists in western Kansas and eastern Colorado should not be surprised if a reservoir is underpressured; rather, they should be surprised if it is not.
Transgenic Cotton Breeding

Natural variation exists within the genus Gossypium L. that affords continuous genetic improvement of cotton in lint yield, fiber quality, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, genetic engineering has provided a complementary avenue to introduce novel or desirable genes and traits into cotton. Since 1996, several insect-resistant biotech traits conferred by various Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes or their combinations and herbicide-resistant traits have been commercialized in the United States and major cotton-growing countries, accounting for 90 and 60% of the cotton acreages in the United States and the world, respectively. The sources of transgenes used in commercialization are predominantly from bacteria. With an understanding of the biochemical and molecular basis of plant growth and development based on genomic research, genes from other plants or cotton can also be used in transformation. In this chap ter, major sources of transgenes used to develop commercial genetically engineered (GE) cotton, selectable marker genes and their promoters, and transformation methods are first described. Methods used in assessments of transgenic cotton for regulatory approval are then discussed. These include genetic and molecular characterization and requirements for addressing issues related to agronomic performance, nutrient analysis, and environmental safety. Finally, breeding methods in developing GE cultivars from approved transgenic events are discussed in detail. C otton improvement through classical genetics and breeding targets high yields, better fiber and seed quality, resistance or tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, and adaption to production systems where cotton is grown. Con ventional cotton breeding takes advantage of desirable alleles that are existent in the cultivated cotton of the same or a different Gossypium species. Intraspecific breeding within tetraploid Upland (G. hirsutum L.) or Pima cotton ( G. barbadense L.) does not have any reproductive barriers between parental lines, while interspecific breeding between Upland and Pima cotton is faced with the hybrid breakdown problem in F 2 and advanced generations, even though heterotic Abbreviations: 2,4-D, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid ; Bt, Bacillus thuringiensis; DMA, dicamba monooxygenase; ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; EPSP, 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate; EPSPS, enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate synthase; GE, genetically engineered; miRNA, microRNA; PAT, phosphinothricin acetyltransferase; PCR, polymerase chain reaction; PEP, phosphoenolpyruvate; QTL, quantitative trait locus; RNAi, RNA interference; TALEN, transcription activator-like effector nuclease; ZFN, zinc-finger nuclease.
The association of skin-incision type at cesarean with maternal and neonatal morbidity for women with multiple prior cesarean deliveries.

Abstract Objective In women with multiple prior cesarean deliveries (CDs), vertical skin incisions are thought by some to result in better outcomes. The objective of this study was to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes according to the type of skin incisions among women with multiple prior CDs. Study design This was a secondary analysis of MFMU Cesarean Registry data. Women undergoing repeat CD with a viable singleton gestation and history of ≥2 prior CDs were included in this analysis. Women who had indications for urgent CD (e.g., cord prolapse) or suspected placenta accreta were excluded. Maternal and neonatal outcomes of women with 2, 3 and ≥4 prior CDs were compared by skin-incision type (transverse vs. vertical) using univariable and multivariable analyses. Results 5007 women met the inclusion criteria. In univariable analysis, women with 2 prior CDs who had a vertical skin incision had shorter incision-to-delivery intervals (12.9min vs. 14.1min, p p =0.001, 16.1% vs. 13.4%, p =0.026, respectively). Women with 3 prior CDs also had higher rates of composite adverse maternal outcomes (21.2% vs. 15.8%, p =0.042). In women with ≥4 prior CDs, prolonged hospitalization, composite adverse maternal outcomes, NICU admission and composite adverse neonatal outcomes also were higher with vertical skin incision (23.2% vs. 9.3%, p =0.005, 32.9% vs. 13.7%, p =0.001, 32.1% vs.19.6%, p =0.045, 32.9% vs.19.4%, p =0.024, respectively). In multivariable analyses, vertical skin incision remained associated with prolonged hospitalization and composite adverse maternal outcome among women with ≥4 prior CDs (aOR 3.40, CI 1.11–10.38, aOR=2.37, CI 1.02–5.55, respectively). Conclusion Vertical skin incision at the time of multiple repeat CD was not associated with better obstetric or perinatal outcomes and was associated among women with ≥4 prior CDs with a higher frequency of prolonged hospitalization and adverse maternal outcomes.
An efficient matrix-free algorithm for the ensemble Kalman filter

In this work, we present an efficient matrix-free ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) algorithm for the assimilation of large data sets. The EnKF has increasingly become an essential tool for data assimilation of numerical models. It is an attractive assimilation method because it can evolve the model covariance matrix for a non-linear model, through the use of an ensemble of model states, and it is easy to implement for any numerical model. Nevertheless, the computational cost of the EnKF can increase significantly for cases involving the assimilation of large data sets. As more data become available for assimilation, a potential bottleneck in most EnKF algorithms involves the operation of the Kalman gain matrix. To reduce the complexity and cost of assimilating large data sets, a matrix-free EnKF algorithm is proposed. The algorithm uses an efficient matrix-free linear solver, based on the Sherman–Morrison formulas, to solve the implicit linear system within the Kalman gain matrix and compute the analysis. Numerical experiments with a two-dimensional shallow water model on the sphere are presented, where results show the matrix-free implementation outperforming an singular value decomposition-based implementation in computational time.
Systemic Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Neurological Surgery

The clinical and experimental bases for antibiotic prophylaxis in surgery are reviewed briefly. The evidence regarding antibiotic prophylaxis in five specific neurosurgical situations (clean surgical procedures, cerebrospinal fluid shunts, external venticulostomies, basilar skull fractures, and comp
PAIRED ASSOCIATE LEARNING DURING EEG-DEFINED SLEEP: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

18 male Ss were given 2 adaptation nights and 5 nights of training on Russian-English paired associates during sleep stages 2 or 1-REM and 4. Recall scores were nil, but recognition scores across all nights of training were significantly higher than chance, and generally increased over training, suggesting a learning to learn effect.
Switching behavior in II-IV-V2 amorphous semiconductor systems

Abstract The electrical characteristics and switching behavior of amorphous ternary semiconducting CdGeAs 2 were studied under DC and AC conditions. The samples tested were fabricated as as-quenched bulk compounds, roller splat-quenched ribbons, and Ar-sputtered thin films. Vapor deposited Ag, Au and Al behaved similarly as electrical contacts while the commercial Ag-paste electrodes revealed variable contact resistance. The threshold electric field of ribbon sample was ∼ 5 × 10 3 V/cm, smaller than ∼ 1.5 × 10 4 V/cm for the sputtered thin films. The electrical band gap of amorphous CdGeAs 2 was determined to be 1.2 eV (n-type). The “forming” process was believed to occur during the first switching cycle whereby highly conductive amorphous channels formed through the width of the samples. The effects of current on switching were investigated and shown not to be significant. The response time for switching decreased approximately exponentially with the applied voltage. The thermal assisted electronic model was postulated for the OFF-ON transition in these materials.
Optical coherence tomography to identify intramucosal carcinoma and high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus.

Background & Aims: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an optical technique that produces high-resolution images of the esophagus during endoscopy. OCT can distinguish specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) from squamous mucosa, but image criteria for differentiating intramucosal carcinoma (IMC) and high-grade dysplasia (HGD) from low-grade dysplasia (LGD), indeterminate-grade dysplasia (IGD), and SIM without dysplasia have not been validated. The purpose of this study was to establish OCT image characteristics of IMC and HGD in Barrett's esophagus. Methods: Biopsy-correlated OCT images were acquired from patients with Barrett's esophagus undergoing endoscopic surveillance. Two pathologists rendered consensus diagnoses of the biopsy specimens. A blinded investigator reviewed the biopsy-correlated OCT images and scored each for surface maturation and gland architecture. For each image the scores were summed to determine an OCT "dysplasia index." Results: A total of 177 biopsy-correlated images were analyzed. The corresponding histopathology diagnosis was IMC/HGD in 49 cases, LGD in 15, IGD in 8, SIM in 100, and gastric mucosa in 5. A significant relationship was found between a histopathologic diagnosis of IMC/HGD and scores for each image feature (dysplasia index [Spearman correlation coefficient, r = 0.50, P r = 0.48, P r = 0.41, P
Retrograde ureteroscopic endopyelotomy using the holmium:YAG laser.

Purpose: We defined the safety and efficacy of retrograde ureteroscopic endopyelotomy using the holmium:YAG laser.Methods and Materials: Between July 1996 and December 1999 a total of 28 renal units in 21 women and 6 men 7 to 75 years old (mean age 43.5) with ureteropelvic junction obstruction were treated at our institution with retrograde ureteroscopic endopyelotomy. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction was bilateral in 1 case, primary in 20 and secondary in 8. Endoluminal ultrasound was done before endopyelotomy in all cases. Patients with renal calculi underwent antegrade percutaneous nephrostolithotomy and traditional cold knife endopyelotomy. Endoluminal ultrasound revealed posterior and lateral crossing vessels in 5 patients, who did not undergo the endoscopic approach. Retrograde endopyelotomy was performed using the holmium:YAG laser in 23 cases and electrode incision with pure cutting current in 5. Postoperatively a ureteral stent remained indwelling for an average of 6 weeks. Thereafter patients ...
Development of an Empirical Model for Predicting Crumb Rubber Modified Binder Viscous Properties

ABSTRACT This study presents an empirical model for estimating asphalt viscosity as a function of crumb rubber concentration, temperature, rubber viscosity coefficient, and virgin binder properties. Asphalt binders, modified and virgin alike are highly temperature sensitive materials, and to date not many research projects have been conducted establishing a relationship between rubber content and binder property changes due to temperature change. For this study relationships were established from a number of studies, where data was obtained from 28 binder types using 5 binder grades and 11 sources. The rubber coefficient was found to be of particular importance and was seen to be dependent on the nature of the rubber as well as the grinding procedure used to render it to crumb rubber. Rubber viscosity coefficient values are presented for each asphalt crumb-rubber combination. While all Crumb Rubber Modified (CRM) binder blends are unique, this study shows that they all exhibit similar trends when crumb ru...
Topographic evolution during deposition of plasma-deposited hydrogenated silicon on glass

We report observations of a sequential evolution and morphology of distinct surface morphological growth modes associated with plasma deposition of $a\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Si}:\mathrm{H}$. Each morphology type is associated with a different rate of growth of the surface roughness, ranging from zero to linear. The final steady-state morphology consists of clustered growth, each cluster comprised of similar sized islands, where the clusters grow with time. The limiting size of these islands within each cluster is dictated by island nucleation and surface diffusion rates. Furthermore, nucleation affects the larger-scale morphology, stabilizing the surface by interrupting shadow-induced instabilities. As a result, the rate of surface roughness growth is significantly reduced. Signatures of this mechanism overlap with surface diffusion within the power spectral density function of the topographic data. Surface stabilization by island nucleation has not been reported before for plasma-deposited $a\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Si}:\mathrm{H}$ and may be important in surface morphology formation in other growth systems.
Hypothalamo-pituitary relations in metamorphosis of Ambystoma.

The relation of the hypothalamus to the capacity of the pituitary for inducing metamorphosis in salamander larvae was investigated by separating the two organs. Large larvae of Ambystoma maculatum collected in the New York City region were used. Five unoperated and 7 operated controls began metamorphosis in an average of 7.2 ± 0.9 days after the experiment began. In 24 experimental animals the infundibular stalk was sectioned, and a pyroxylin barrier was inserted across the cut. Of these, 17 had not shown metamorphosis at the termination of the experiment, 28 ± 1.0 postoperative days. Seven metamorphosed later than the controls, averaging 19.4 ± 7.2 days. A histological study showed 9 animals in which the barrier completely separated brain from pituitary, neither nervous nor vascular tissue being found between the organs. None of these metamorphosed. In 13 others, some connecting tissue containing blood vessels was found. Most specimens showed little evidence of nervous tissue in the connection, but the preparations do not definitely establish its absence. Other evidence, however, indicates that the neurosecretory fibers from the hypothalamus had been severed successfully in all experimental animals. Of these, 6 metamorphosed and 7 did not. This evidence is interpreted as indicating that isolation of the pituitary from the hypothalamus precludes the secretion by the pituitary of the TSH necessary for metamorphosis. A small vascular connection, presumably arising by regeneration in the experimental animals, appears to be necessary and sufficient to permit an activating stimulus to reach the pituitary from the hypothalamus.
A study of acid mucopolysaccharides of bovine aorta with the aid of a chromatographic procedure for separating sulfated mucopolysaccharides.

Abstract These studies describe a method for isolating a heterogeneous mixture of acid mucopolysaccharides from bovine aorta. The mixture was resolved into three compounds, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfuric acids A and B by zone electrophoresis and column chromatography. Evidence is presented for the presence of another substance which could be separated from hyaluronic acid by charcoal. The chondroitin sulfuric acid B isolated from the aorta was chemically similar to samples obtained from lung and urine and demonstrated antithrombin activity. The experiments offer further evidence that CSA-B and β-heparin are the same compound.
Design and performance of a double hot arm polysilicon thermal actuator

This paper presents a new polysilicon actuator design. In a typical thermally-driven actuator, the hot arm is thinner than the cold arm, so the electrical resistance of the hot arm is higher. When electric current passes through the device (both the hot and cold arms), the hot arm is heated to a higher temperature than the cold arm. This temperature increase causes the hot arm to expand in length, thus forcing the tip of the device to rotate about a flexure. The new thermal actuator design eliminates the parasitic electrical resistance of the cold arm through the use of an additional hot arm. The second hot arm results in an improvement in electrical efficiency by providing an active return current pass. Also, the rotating cold arm can have a thinner flexure than the flexure in a traditional device because it does not have to pass an electric current. The thinner flexure results in an improvement in mechanical efficiency. This paper compares single and double hot arm thermallydriven actuator designs, and demonstrates various devices constructed with the new thermal actuator design. Deflection and force measurements of both actuators as a function of applied electrical current are presented. Keywords: MEMS, Polysilicon, Actuator, Motor, Mirror.
A unique case of a four-level fracture of the fibula

The case of a 36-year-old pedestrian hit by a motorcycle and suffering a fibular fracture is presented. Complete clinical and radiographic evaluation showed that the fibula was involved in four different anatomical sites without involvement of the tibial diaphysis. Careful evaluation of the injured person demonstrated accompanied lesions at other sites as a result of multiple mechanisms involved. Review of the literature revealed that fractures of the fibula are not rare injuries and are usually due to a direct force applied to this bone. Fractures in more than two different anatomical sites are quite uncommon, making this case of four fractures without involvement of the tibial diaphysis a unique case as far as we know. We concluded that a multiplicity of levels in the fibular fracture should alert the surgeon to search for accompanying traumatic lesions of the neighboring joints that, if left untreated, could lead to a less than satisfactory result.
Modeling of network degradation in mixed step-chain growth polymerizations

The ability to form degradable hydrogels having controlled network structure is important for applications related to both drug delivery and tissue engineering. Although significant advances have occurred, these applications cannot reach full potential without the availability of materials with tunable degradation behavior. Here, we present novel thiol‐acrylate degradable networks, which provide a simple method for forming degradable networks having specific degradation profiles. Degradable thiol‐acrylate networks are formed from copolymerizing a thiol monomer with PLA-b-PEG-b-PLA based diacrylate macromers. A theoretical model has been developed to describe the kinetic chain length distribution, the bulk degradation behavior, and the reverse gelation point of these thiol‐acrylate hydrogels. Varying the thiol functionality, as well as the relative stoichiometries of the thiol and acrylate functional groups, provides a facile means to control the kinetic chain length distribution and the concomitant degradation behavior of these systems. The extent of percentage mass loss of the network at the reverse gelation point is controlled from as low as 30% to as high as 95%, thereby giving the unique ability to dictate the material properties of the hydrogel before the network becomes completely soluble. q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Non-enzymatic glycation weakens trabecular bone and may influence changes in bone quality

Non-enzymatic glycation (NEG) is associated with bone fragility. Microarchitecture and microdamage are also shown to influence bone's mechanical properties, but it is unknown if NEG affects their alterations. Here, we show that NEG deteriorates bone's mechanical properties and is also correlated with these two bone quality components.
DNA repair mechanisms and Toxoplasma gondii infection

Lately, we can observe significant progress in understanding mechanism of DNA repair owing to fast methods of DNA sequence analysis from different organisms the revealing of structure and function of DNA repair proteins in prokaryota and eukaryota. The protozoan parasites survival depends on DNA repair systems. Better understanding of DNA repair systems can help in new antipathogen drug development. This review is aimed at updating our current knowledge of the various repair pathways by providing an overview of DNA repair genes regarding Toxoplasma gondii infections and the corresponding proteins, participating either directly in DNA repair, or in checkpoint control and signaling of DNA damage.
Effect of interfacial species on shear strength of metal‐sapphire contacts

The interfacial shear strength of the metal-insulator system has been studied by means of the coefficient of static friction of copper, nickel, or gold contacts on sapphire in ultrahigh vacuum. The effect on contact strength of adsorbed oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, and carbon monoxide on the metal surfaces is reported. It was found that exposures as low as 1 L of O2 on Ni produced observable increases in contact strength, whereas exposures of 3 L of Cl2 lead to a decrease in contact strength. These results imply that submonolayer concentrations of these species at the interface of a thin Ni film on Al2O3 should affect film adhesion similarly. The atomic mechanism by which these surface or interface phases affect interfacial strength is not yet understood.
Lack of in Vivo Transformation of Human Growth Hormone to Its “Activated” Isohormones in Peripheral Tissues of the Rhesus Monkey

Human growth hormone (hGH) B can be transformed to its biologically more active isohormones C, D and E by limited proteolysis with plasmin in vitro, but the physiological significance of this observation is not known. The possible occurrence of such an “activation process”in peripheral tissues was investigated in the rhesus monkey. Radioiodinated hGH (B, C) or isolated hGH-B were injected intravenously into 4 rhesus monkeys and blood samples were drawn at frequent intervals. Analysis of circulating hGH was carried out by precipitation of hGH with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and excess anti-hGH antibody, and by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by autoradiography. The metabolic clearance rate, based on TCA-precipitable radioactivity, was 2.36 ± 1.17 ml/min/kg (mean ± sd), similar to that reported for man. No evidence for the presence of circulating hGH-D or E was found, although progressive accumulation of smaller radioactive fragments and free iodide was observed. It is concluded that peripheral ...
Performance of Underwater Ad-Hoc Networks

We consider the performance of underwater acoustic ad-hoc networks. We assume a uniform distribution of the nodes over a finite area. The node-to-node channel is modeled through the Ricean fading model. We adopt a communication theoretic approach and study the interdependence of the sustainable number of hops through the network, end-to-end frame error probability, power and bandwidth allocation and operating frequency. We find that the network connectivity, given by the sustainable number of hops, exhibits a bimodal behavior. We present numerical examples that illustrate the results of the analysis.