cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of novel sodium channel toxins from the sea anemone Anthopleura xanthogrammica

Six new toxins from the sea anemone Anthopleura xanthogrammica were identified using a molecular biological approach. Five of these novel isoforms resemble the 47 residue type I long polypeptides native to Anthopleura elegantissima, Anthopleura fuscoviridis and Anemonia sulcata, while one appears to be chimera of the two previously identified 49 residue toxins native to A. xanthogrammica. Four of these toxins were expressed in bacteria, purified and characterized by ion flux assays in RT4-B and N1E-115 cell lines expressing the cardiac and neuronal Na channel isoforms, respectively. The novel 47 residue toxin isoforms form a new subclass within the A. xanthogrammica neurotoxin family, although they are related to previously described anemone toxins. One of the three 47 residue toxins characterized, PCR2-10, enhances veratridine-dependent sodium uptake, displaying a K0.5 of 329 nM and 1354 nM in RT4-B and N1E-115 cell lines, respectively. The novel 49 residue toxin, PCR3-7, interacts with the sodium channel with even higher affinity, enhancing sodium uptake with a K0.5 of 47 nM and 108 nM in RT4-B and N1E-115 cells, respectively.
Patterns and collective behavior in granular media: Theoretical concepts

Granular materials are ubiquitous in our daily lives. While they have been the subject of intensive engineering research for centuries, in the last two decades granular matter has attracted significant attention from physicists. Yet despite major efforts by many groups, the theoretical description of granular systems remains largely a plethora of different, often contradictory concepts and approaches. Various theoretical models have emerged for describing the onset of collective behavior and pattern formation in granular matter. This review surveys a number of situations in which nontrivial patterns emerge in granular systems, elucidates important distinctions between these phenomena and similar ones occurring in continuum fluids, and describes general principles and models of pattern formation in complex systems that have been successfully applied to granular systems.
The nonwhite as child: G. Stanley Hall on the education of nonwhite peoples

Although he was a significant educational reformer during the progressive era, a founder of various journals in psychology and pedagogy, a profile writer, and the individual who brought Freud and Jung to the United States, G. Stanley Hall's ideas on the education of nonwhites were, for his period, quite conventional. Unlike those of some of his contemporaries, Hall's racial ideas were not overtly vicious. He argued that nonwhites were the children of the human race and that their education, like that of children of particular ages, should be based on an understanding of their indigenous culture and inherent capabilities. This argument, although reformist in tone, supported a policy of nonwhite subservience.
A FEM study on mechanisms of discontinuous chip formation in hard machining

Abstract Chip types in machining are determined by the combined effects of workpiece material properties, cutting speed, and tool geometry. The understanding of chip formation plays an important role in machining process optimization and surface integrity. Discontinuous chips, one of the major chip types, are usually formed in hard machining at high speeds. In this study, a new method has been presented to simulate discontinuous chips in high-speed machining AISI 4340 (32 HRc). The workpiece material properties have been modeled using the Johnson–Cook (JC) plasticity model, and material crack formation and propagation simulated using the Johnson–Cook damage model. It has been shown that discontinuous chip is due to the internal crack initiation and propagation in front of the tool and above the cutting edge, rather than from the free surface. The simulated chip morphology correlated well with the experimental results.
Phenomenological theory of Raman scattering in europium chalcogenides

Abstract First-order Raman scattering from phonons in the magnetic phases of the europium chalcogenides is analyzed in terms of symmetry for both electric-dipole and electric-quadrupole virtual electronic transitions. The magnetic ordering increases the size of the unit cell and lowers the point group symmetry of the various phases. The magnetic symmetry is used to derive the allowed Raman transitions and polarization selection rules. A phonon dispersion curve for EuSe along the [111] axis is inferred from recent experimental data by applying the selection rules derived on the basis of the magnetic symmetry.
Hymenolepis diminuta: absorption of nicotinamide.

Abstract The uptake of 14C-nicotinamide was linear over the concentration range of 0.025 to 20 mM (Y = 58.1[x] + 0.8; r > 0.99), and the uptake of 0.05 m M 14 C-nicotinamide was not inhibited by unlabeled nicotinamide at concentrations as high as 10 mM (200:1 inhibitor/substrate ratio). Absorption appeared to occur by diffusion only. The uptake of 0.1 m M 14 C-nicotinamide was not linear with respect to time, again indicating a nonmediated mechanism of absorption. Analyses of worm extracts and incubation media after 30 min incubations demonstrated that all the radioactivity remained as labeled nicotinamide. Worms removed from rats which had received intraperitoneal injections of 14C-nicotinamide were found to contain radioactivity. On the basis of comparison of chromatograms of worm extracts with chromatograms of standard nicotinamide derivatives, this radioactivity was present as nicotinamide, nicotinic acid, and two unidentified compounds which did not correspond to nicotinuric acid, 1-methyl nicotinamide, or the reduced forms of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or trinucleotide.
High-Throughput Screening for Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62a Biofilms

High-throughput screening (HTS) of 42 865 compounds was performed to identify compounds that inhibit formation of or kill Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62a biofilms. Three biological processes were assayed, including (1) growth of planktonic/biofilm bacteria, (2) assessment of metabolically active biofilm bacteria using a resazurin assay, and (3) assessment of biofilm biomass by crystal violet staining. After completing the three tiers (primary screening, hit confirmation, and dose-response curves), 352 compounds (representing ~0.8%) were selected as confirmed hit compounds from the HTS assay. The compounds were divided into groups based on their effectiveness on S. epidermidis biofilm properties. The majority of these affected both inhibition and killing of bacterial biofilm cultures. Only 16 of the confirmed hit compounds that have either an AC50 lower than 10 µM and/or Sconst ≥70 from those processed were selected for further study by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The CLSM was used to evaluate the confirmed hit compounds on (1) inhibition of biofilm formation and (2) killing of preexisting S. epidermidis biofilms. Taken together, with further testing (e.g., disease-related conditions), such compounds may have applications as broad antimicrobial/antibiofilm use for prophylactic or therapeutic intervention to combat infections in surgical and intensive care clinics and battlefield settings.
High-rate photon counting with geiger-mode APDs

We extend the gate repetition rate of matched delay line transient cancellation to achieve 50 MHz photon counting with low afterpulsing and to study afterpulsing effects in InGaAs/InP Geiger-mode avalanche diodes using sub-nanosecond gated operation.
Emotive communication online: A contextual analysis of computer-mediated communication (CMC) cues

Abstract More than any other feature, computer-mediated communication (CMC) cues such as emoticons and other typographic markers are associated with digital communication, including text-based chat. Using transcripts from college classroom discussions, this study adopts a pragmatic perspective to analyze how advanced foreign language learners use CMC cues, including emoticons (“:-)”), nonstandard/multiple punctuation (“…”, “!!!”), and lexical surrogates (“hmmm”) in a quasi-synchronous computer-mediated consensus-building discussion. Rather than taking form-meaning pairings for granted (e.g., smiley “:)” means “happy”), I adopt a microanalytic approach to show systematic, empirically grounded correlations between CMC cues and their interpretations in different contexts. I argue that the results must be interpreted and viewed alongside the large body of research on emotive communication in offline modes to better understand the pragmatics of online relational work.
The clinical management of dying patients receiving mechanical ventilation. A survey of physician practice.

Objective Despite mechanical ventilation's widespread use, there is scant literature to guide the management of patients receiving mechanical ventilatory assistance who are forgoing life-sustaining treatment. This survey was conducted to characterize physician treatment of such patients. Design Surveys were mailed to 513 randomly selected critical care physicians and returned by 308 (60 percent); 273 respondents were involved in ventilator management; all others were excluded. Participants Forty percent of respondents were internists, 28 percent were surgeons, 16 percent were pediatricians, and 11 percent were anesthesiologists; 85 percent of physicians were board eligible/certified in a critical care subspecialty. Results Fifteen percent of respondents almost never withdrew ventilators from dying patients forgoing life-sustaining treatment; 37 percent did so less than half the time. Twenty-six percent of physicians believed there was a moral difference between withholding and withdrawing ventilators. Of physicians who withdrew ventilators, 33 percent preferred terminal weaning, 13 percent preferred extubation, and the remainder used both methods. Reasons for preferring extubation included the directness of the action (72 percent), family perceptions (34 percent), and patient comfort (34 percent). Reasons for preferring terminal weaning included patient comfort (65 percent), family perceptions (63 percent), and the belief that terminal weaning was less active (49 percent). Morphine and benzodiazepines were used frequently by 74 percent (morphine) and 53 percent (benzodiazepines) of physicians when withdrawing ventilators; 6 percent used paralytics at least occasionally. Conclusions There is significant variation in the care of dying patients receiving mechanical ventilatory assistance, with 15 percent of respondents almost never withdrawing ventilators from such patients. Two very different methods of ventilator withdrawal each have advocates, yet rationales of patient comfort and family perceptions are matters of individual experience, absent published studies. The occasional use of paralytics during ventilator withdrawal raises concern about current practice.
New taxa of heliconia (Heliconiaceae) from Ecuador

Three new species (Heliconia fredberryana H. litana, andH. lutheri) and one new subspecies (H. obscura ssp.dichroma) from Ecuador are described, illustrated, and discussed.
Influence of Absorption by Environmental Water Vapor on Radiation Transfer in WildLand Fires

The attenuation of radiation transfer from wildland flames to fuel by environmental water vapor is investigated. Emission is tracked from points on an idealized flame to locations along the fuel bed while accounting for absorption by environmental water vapor in the intervening medium. The Spectral Line Weighted-sum-of-gray-gases approach was employed for treating the spectral nature of the radiation. The flame and fuel bed for the simulations are modeled two-dimensionally with the flame being one-tenth as long as the fuel bed. Flame heights of 1 and 10 m were explored, and both vertical and angled flames were studied. Simulated flame temperatures of 1000 K and 1500 K were investigated. The study reveals that the effect of absorption of flame radiation by environmental water vapor is quite modest locally. For the worst-case scenario of 100% relative humidity, water vapor was found to reduce the incident radiant flux at the base of a vertically oriented flame at 1000 K flame by 9% for a 1 m flame and 16% for a 10 m flame. Radiation from the angled flame (30 deg from the vertical) experiences less attenuation from water vapor than the vertical flame. Further, local attenuation of the hotter flame (1500 K) from environmental water vapor is higher than for the 1000 K flame. The relative effect of the water vapor attenuation increases with distance from the flame base.
Pilot experience with real-time ultrasound guided percutaneous renal mass cryoablation.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We describe our pilot experience with percutaneous cryoablation of renal masses using real-time sonography.Materials and Methods: Three patients presented with 4 renal masses in 4 kidneys, which enhanced with contrast administration by computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging criteria. Renal neoplasm cryoablation was performed using general anesthesia with 17 gauge cryoneedles percutaneously placed into the renal tumor under real-time sonographic guidance. Followup cross-sectional imaging was performed 6 to 7 weeks following cryoablation in all patients.Results: No perioperative complications were noted. All patients were discharged home within 24 hours of the procedure and postoperative pain was controlled with oral nonnarcotic medications. Followup cross-sectional imaging indicated that the lesions shrank an average 63% ± 15% from initial pretreatment volume. Importantly none of the lesions showed contrast enhancement by computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging...
A New Hypothesis of the Etiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: The DNA Hypothesis

• Evidence is accumulating that a number of previously unexplained human diseases may arise from a deficiency of DNA repair enzymes. Studies on the motoneurons of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and those of an animal model of motoneuronal degeneration, the wobbler mouse, indicate the presence of major abnormalities of RNA metabolism. We advance the hypothesis that the primary abnormality in ALS is the accumulation of abnormal DNA, which is unable to undertake normal transcription, in motoneurons. This abnormal DNA may arise from a deficiency of an isozyme of one of the DNA repair enzymes.
A U.S. Carbon Cycle Science Plan

The report “A U.S. carbon cycle science plan” (J. L. Sarmiento and S. C. Wofsy, U.S. Global Change Res. Program, Washington, D.C., 1999) outlined research priorities and promoted coordinated carbon cycle research across federal agencies for nearly a decade. Building on this framework and subsequent reports (available at http://www.carboncyclescience.gov/docs.php), the Carbon Cycle Science Working Group (CCSWG) was formed in 2008 to develop an updated strategy for the next decade. The recommendations of the CCSWG will go to agency managers who have collective responsibility for setting national carbon cycle science priorities and for sponsoring much of the carbon cycle research in the United States. The first meeting of the CCSWG took place in November, with the overall goals of achieving consensus on the extent to which the 1999 plan should be updated, developing a list of overarching scientific questions to be addressed by the new plan, and identifying mechanisms for maximizing community input.
Parameter orthogonalization and Bayesian inference with many instruments

Abstract It is examined how Bayesian inference might proceed in models with many instruments. A new prior specification based on Lancaster’s (1997) parameter orthogonalization is developed. This orthogonalization is shown to guarantee that the statistical problems associated with the first stage coefficients are not carried over in estimating the parameter of interest.
Association of the C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutation and elevated homocysteine levels with congenital cardiac malformations

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was determine whether the cytosine-to-thymine mutation at base 677 of the gene for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (C677T MTHFR ), which has been associated with neural tube defects, is also associated with congenital cardiac malformations. Study Design: Amniotic fluid homocysteine levels were measured and the presence or absence of the C677T MTHFR mutation in amniocytes was determined in stored amniotic fluid obtained from 26 pregnancies complicated by isolated (presumed multifactorial) fetal cardiac defects and from 116 normal pregnancies. Results: The pregnancies affected by fetal cardiac defects had higher amniotic fluid homocysteine levels (1.7 ± 1.7 vs 1.0 ± 0.7 μmol/L; P =.07) and included more samples with homocysteine levels >90th percentile (27% vs 9%; P =.02) and more cases with the C677T MTHFR mutation (35% vs 13%; P =.01). Fifty percent of cases had either a high homocysteine level or the C677T MTHFR mutation (50% vs 20%; P =.003) and 12% had both (12% vs 0%; P =.0006). Conclusion: Fifty percent of these isolated congenital cardiac defects were associated with either the C677T MTHFR mutation or elevated amniotic fluid homocysteine levels, or both. This finding adds to what is already known about the multiple and complex biochemical and developmental functions of the homocysteine pathway. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;184:806-17.)
Political Attitudes Bias the Mental Representation of a Presidential Candidate’s Face

Using a technique known as reverse-correlation image classification, we demonstrated that the face of Mitt Romney as represented in people's minds varies as a function of their attitudes toward Mitt Romney. Our findings provide evidence that attitudes bias how people see something as concrete and well learned as the face of a political candidate during an election. Practically, our findings imply that citizens may not merely interpret political information about a candidate to fit their opinion, but also may construct a political world in which they literally see candidates differently.
Off-line Sketch Interpretation

We present a novel approach to creating structured diagrams (such as o w charts or object diagrams) by combining an off-line sketch recognition system with the user interface of a traditional structured graphics editor. Our system, called UDSI (user-directed sketch interpretation), aims to provide drawing freedom by allowing the user to sketch entirely off-line using a pure pen-and-paper interface. The results of the drawing can then be presented to UDSI, which recognizes shapes, lines, and text areas that the user can then polish as desired. The system can infer multiple interpretations for a given sketch to aid during the user’s polishing stage. The UDSI program uses a novel recognition architecture that combines low-level recognizers with domain-specic heuristic lters and a greedy algorithm that eliminates incompatible interpretations.
Transforming Ability of a T4 RNA-DNA Copolymer

A coliphage T4-specific RNA-DNA copolymer is genetically competent to transform a marker in gene 43, the DNA polymerase.
UV Doses of Americans

Abstract The UV doses of Americans were never measured, but are needed for assessing the risks of UV-related health effects. We calculated these doses using a novel approach. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS) recorded the activity profiles of 9386 Americans over 24 months to assess their exposure to environmental pollutants, one of which is UV radiation. NHAPS used randomized telephone interviews to get their previous day's minute-by-minute activities. From NHAPS we extracted only the outdoor-daylight data of the northern and southern indoor workers (95%), stratifying by season, sex and age (0–21, 22–40, 41–59 and 60+ years) to find the average time Americans spend outdoors. Knowing the total daylight time and that while outdoors Americans are exposed to about 30% of the available solar UV (on a horizontal plane), we calculated their percent ambients. The average American's percent ambients are 2.6 and 2.5% for northern and southern females, respect...
FastLSM: fast lattice shape matching for robust real-time deformation

We introduce a simple technique that enables robust approximation of volumetric, large-deformation dynamics for real-time or large-scale offline simulations. We propose Lattice Shape Matching, an extension of deformable shape matching to regular lattices with embedded geometry; lattice vertices are smoothed by convolution of rigid shape matching operators on local lattice regions, with the effective mechanical stiffness specified by the amount of smoothing via region width. Since the naive method can be very slow for stiff models - per-vertex costs scale cubically with region width - we provide a fast summation algorithm, Fast Lattice Shape Matching (FastLSM), that exploits the inherent summation redundancy of shape matching and can provide large-region matching at constant per-vertex cost. With this approach, large lattices can be simulated in linear time. We present several examples and benchmarks of an efficient CPU implementation, including many dozens of soft bodies simulated at real-time rates on a typical desktop machine.
Pasotron high-power microwave source performance

The PASOTRON (Plasma Assisted Slow-wave Oscillator) high- power microwave source utilizes a unique plasma-cathode electron gun and self-generated plasma channel to inject a long-pulse electron beam into a variety of slow-wave structures for microwave generation. The plasma-channel beam transport eliminates the need for an externally-applied axial magnetic field to confine the beam, which results in a very compact, low weight HPM source compared to conventional technologies. The Pasotron has been configured as both a backward-wave oscillator (BWO) and a traveling-wave amplifier, and has produced up to 20-MW of peak power and >= 500 Joules per pulse during operation as a BWO. In this paper, we will present the performance of the Pasotron device for a variety of rippled-wall and helix slow-wave structures. The advantages of each slow-wave structure will be discussed, and the output couplers and mode-converters used with each structure to obtain TE-mode outputs are described. The device configurations used for operation in C-band and in L-band will be shown. Long-pulse (approximately equals 100 microsecond(s) ec), plasma-cathode electron-guns operating at 30-to- 200 kV and currents of 50-to-1000 A will also be described. Finally, we will present and discuss pulse shortening that has been observed in these plasma-filled devices.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The scaphotrapezial joint after partial trapeziectomy for trapeziometacarpal joint arthritis: long-term follow-up.

Purpose Partial trapeziectomy addresses trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint arthritis without the risk of destabilizing the scaphotrapezial (ST) joint. However, partial trapeziectomy has been criticized because of concern that ST joint arthritis will develop, requiring additional surgery. We hypothesized that partial trapeziectomy is a durable treatment for TM joint arthritis, even in patients with radiographically abnormal but asymptomatic ST joints. Methods We evaluated 13 patients (16 thumbs) who underwent a partial trapeziectomy between 1995 and 2005. Assessment included grip strength, pinch strength, ST joint direct palpation, and ST joint stress testing. We classified standardized radiographs of the ST joint using a simple scoring system. Subjective data included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, a pain scale, and a satisfaction survey. Results The length of follow-up averaged 9 years (range, 5–13 y). No patient had pain at the ST joint with direct palpation or stress testing. Radiographs demonstrated a mean ST joint arthritis score of 1, indicating mild arthritic changes. Mean grip strength was 28 kg on the operated hand and 28 kg on the nonoperated hand. Mean pinch strength was 5 kg on the operated hand and 5 kg on the nonoperated hand. Scores on the pain scale averaged 6 (range, 0–100; 100 = worst). Average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 11 (range, 0–100; 100 = worst). Of 13 patients, 12 were very satisfied or extremely satisfied, and 1 was not satisfied. Conclusions Partial trapeziectomy for TM joint arthritis provides long-lasting relief of symptoms in patients with radiographically abnormal but clinically insignificant ST joint degeneration. Satisfaction is equivalent to other published series. The radiographic appearance of the ST joint did not correlate with symptoms at this joint. Unless the patient has symptomatic ST joint arthritis, the ST joint may be retained. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Fibroblast growth factor-23: what we know, what we don't know, and what we need to know

Traditional risk factors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and obesity are paradoxically associated with better outcomes in dialysis patients, and the few trials of interventions targeting modifiable traditional risk factors have yielded disappointing results in this patient population. Non-traditional risk factors such as inflammation, anemia and abnormalities in bone and mineral metabolism have been proposed as potential explanations for the excess mortality seen in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but without clear understanding of what the most important pathophysiologic mechanisms of these risk factors are, which ones might be ideal treatment targets and which therapeutic interventions may be effective and safe in targeting them. Among the novel risk factors, fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) has recently emerged as one of the most powerful predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with CKD and ESRD. FGF23 is a hormone produced by osteoblasts/osteocytes in bone that acts on the kidney to regulate phosphate and vitamin D metabolism through activation of FGF receptor/α-Klotho co-receptor complexes. It is possible that elevated FGF23 may exert its negative impact through distinct mechanisms of action independent from its role as a regulator of phosphorus homeostasis. Elevated circulating FGF23 concentrations have been associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and it has been suggested that FGF23 exerts a direct effect on the myocardium. While it is possible that ‘off target’ effects of FGF23 present in very high concentrations could induce LVH, this possibility is controversial, since α-klotho is not expressed in the myocardium. Another possibility is that FGF23's effect on the heart is mediated indirectly, via ‘on target’ activation of other humoral pathways. We will review the physiology and pathophysiology of FGF23, the outcomes associated with elevated FGF23 levels, and describe putative mechanisms of action responsible for its negative effects and potential therapeutic strategies to treat these.
A Comparison of Concrete and Virtual Manipulative Use in Third- and Fourth-Grade Mathematics

The primary purpose of this classroom experiment was to examine the effectiveness of concrete (hands-on) manipulatives as compared with virtual (computer-based) manipulatives on student review of fraction concepts in third grade and introduction of symmetry concepts in fourth grade. A pretest–posttest design was employed with a sample of 91 third-grade students and 54 fourth-grade students who were randomly assigned to complete a lesson using either concrete or virtual manipulatives. Students used a variety of manipulative materials during the lessons. Results of the posttest suggest that student learning was unchanged by lesson condition.
The time of release of ovulating hormone from the rat hypophysis.

THE rabbit hypophysis needs about one hour to release enough gonadotrophin to cause ovulation, a fact that has been known for over 25 years (7). The information was accessible because of the well-recognized “reflex” character of ovulation in that species. The recent demonstration in rats of a neurogenous stimulus to the hypophysis with a predictable relationship to time of day (4, 6), makes it feasible in this spontaneously ovulating form to ask at what relative time of day the release of hormone occurs and how long the process lasts. By the use of various drugs that will block the reflex stimulation of the rabbit hypophysis (notably Dibenamine, atropine and Nembutal), administered to cycling female rats at different times of the day of proestrus, one can delimit a “critical period” before which the treatment will regularly prevent ovulation and after which most animals will ovulate in spite of the treatment (4, 6).
METHODOLOGY FOR DESIGNING A HYBRID THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE HEAT SINK

A thermal response model for designing a hybrid thermal energy storage (TES) heat sink is developed. The stabilization time and maximum operating (hot side) temperature-to-transition temperature difference are used to characterize the performance of the heat sink. The thermal properties of the PCM employed in the design are investigated. Integration of a design optimization algorithm into a thermal performance model of the TES-hybrid heat sink results in determination of a best design subject to geometric and heat loading constraints. A prototype based on this best design is build and used to benchmark the performance model. The performance measured is consistent with the simulation model predictions of performance.
Effects of Lumbosacral Manipulation on Isokinetic Strength of the Knee Extensors and Flexors in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blind Crossover Trial

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of manual manipulations targeting the lumbar spine and/or sacroiliac joint on concentric knee extension and flexion forces. Torque production was measured during isometric and isokinetic contractions.
A Conceptual Framework for the Institutional Analysis of Transboundary Water Resources Management: Theoretical Perspectives

It has become increasingly evident over the past several decades that natural resource and environmental issues transcend the maps that humans have used to divide up the globe. Enhanced greenhouse warming, depletion of stratospheric ozone, acid rain, as well as conventional air and water pollution clearly do not heed the artificial lines on maps. The same can be said about natural resources, which are the shared heritage of the citizens of more than one jurisdiction. The emplacement of political lines often disadvantages one group of resource users while benefiting or privileging another.
The Authority of Telemachus

The role of Telemachus in the Odyssey is a perennial puzzle. This paper argues that Telemachus must reconstruct authority in Ithaca in order to present the death of the suitors as a lawful execution rather than as an extra-legal murder. This is part of the Odyssey 9s strategy to exonerate Odysseus from any possible blame. The job falls to Telemachus because in the Odyssey authority is premised on personal relationships, and the suitors simply do not know Odysseus. The construction of authority occurs in a sympotic and domestic arena where Telemachus competes against the suitors to assert control over the key social practices of marriage ( gamos ), transportation ( pompe ), and hospitality ( xeinia ).
Cycling in the Cell Fate Landscape

The causal relationship between the cell cycle and cell fate has recently been reconsidered in several developmental systems, now including sex determination. Direct links between cell cycle machinery and developmental factors demonstrate how modulating the cell cycle can have a profound influence on cellular decisions, through phenomena largely divided into phase-specific interactions seen as "priming" and "competence," or global changes in transcription or histone modifications during transitions. This integration challenges the common view of cell fate landscapes.
Short-answer examinations improve student performance in an oral and maxillofacial pathology course.

The effect of examination question format on student performance was assessed by investigating three academically comparable second-year dental school classes in an oral and maxillofacial pathology course. One class was given examinations with all multiple-choice questions, one class was given examinations with all short-answer questions, and one class was given examinations with half multiple-choice questions and half short-answer questions. The class given examinations with half short-answer questions along with half multiple-choice questions had a significantly higher average score and grade category distribution (80–100 percent, 70–79 percent,
Pre‐Service Teacher Attitudes Toward English Language Learners

Becauseenrollment of English language learners (ELLs) in United States (US) schools isgrowing far more rapidly than general enrollment, most teachers will need tomeet the needs of ELLs in their classrooms. The current study examined the language learning beliefs and attitudestoward ELLs among 286 pre-service teachers in a large public university. Overall, pre-service teachers demonstratedneutral attitudes toward English as a second language (ESL) learners. Participants’ language learning beliefsexhibited four components: “difficultyof learning,” “ease of learning,” “motivation” and “traditional view” oflanguage learning. Controlling forlanguage learning status, pre-service teachers who held more traditional viewsof language learning – that correctness, vocabulary and grammar rules are key –and those who saw language learning in general and English in particular asmoderate to easy tended to demonstrate less supportive attitudes toward ELLs. These findings suggest pre-service teachersneed additional training regarding the complexity and difficulty of language learning.
Reliable Electrokinetic Characterization Procedures For Ceramic Powders

Microelectrophoresis Is An Important method for measuring surface properties of colloidal materials. In order to obtain reliable measurements, a good reference colloid must be chosen first, and both the behavior of the reference under a variety of measurement conditions and instrumental factors must be established. Polystyrene latex has proven to be a good reference material. Time-dependent, solids-loading, and electrolyte concentration effects are determined below in order to establish reproducible referencing conditions. Using these referencing conditions, surface properties of silicon nitride as a function of aging time and atmosphere are studied.
The Effect of Fluid Inertia in Squeeze Film Damper Bearings: A Heuristic and Physical Description

Fluid inertia forces are comparable to viscous forces in squeeze film dampers in the range of many practical applications. This statement appears to contradict the commonly held view in hydrodynamic lubrication that inertia effects are small. Upon closer inspection, the latter is true for predominantly sliding (rather than squeezing) flow bearings.The basic equations of hydrodynamic lubrication flow are developed, including the inertia terms. The appropriate orders of magnitude of the viscous and inertia terms are evaluated and compared, for journal bearings and for squeeze film dampers. Exact equations for various limiting cases are presented: low eccentricity, high and low Reynolds number. The asymptotic behavior is surprisingly similar in all cases. Due to inertia, the damper force may shift 90° forward from its purely viscous location. Inertia forces are evaluated for typical damper conditions.The effect of turbulence in squeeze film dampers is also discussed. On physical grounds it is argued that the transition occurs at much higher Reynolds numbers than the usual lubrication turbulence models predict.Copyright © 1983 by ASME
Ultrasound-assisted nonviral gene transfer of AQP1 to the irradiated minipig parotid gland restores fluid secretion

Xerostomia is a common side effect of ionizing radiation used to treat head and neck cancer. A groundbreaking Phase I human clinical trial using Adenoviral gene transfer of Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) to a single salivary gland of individuals suffering from radiation-induced xerostomia has recently been reported. Unfortunately, the limitations of the Adenoviral vector system used in this pioneering trial preclude its advancement to a Phase II trial, and we have thus undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic potential of ultrasound-assisted nonviral gene transfer (UAGT) as an alternative means of delivering AQP1 gene therapy to the salivary gland by comparing head-to-head with the canonical Adenoviral vector in a swine model. Swine irradiated unilaterally with a 10-Gy electron beam targeted at the parotid gland suffered from significant, sustained hyposalivation that was bilateral, despite irradiation being confined to the targeted gland. Unilateral AQP1 gene therapy with UAGT resulted in bilateral restoration of stimulated salivary flow at 48 h and 1 week post treatment (1.62±0.48 ml and 1.87±0.45 ml) to preinjury levels (1.34±0.14 ml) in a manner comparable to Adenoviral delivery (2.32±0.6 ml and 1.33±0.97 ml). UAGT can replace the Adenoviral vector as a means of delivering AQP1 gene therapy in the irradiated swine model, and it is a candidate for advancement to a Phase I human clinical trial.
EFFECT OF BIVALIRUDIN VERSUS HEPARIN IN A CONTEMPORARY TAVR POPULATION OF WOMEN: RESULTS FROM THE BRAVO 3 RANDOMIZED TRIAL

Women experience greater bleeding and vascular complications in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Whether bivalirudin lowers bleeding risk in women compared with unfractionated heparin (UFH) is unknown. BRAVO 3 was a randomized multicenter trial comparing transfemoral TAVR with
Stability of Bacillus thuringiensis and Baculovirus heliothis on Soybean Foliage

The half-life of spores and endocrystals of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner on soybean leaves was less than 24 h, since 65% of the insecticidal activity, and 90% of the spore viability, was lost during the 1st day. However, some insecticidal activity could be detected at 7 days postapplication. The half-life of the nucleopolyhedrosis virus of Heliothis ( Baculovirus heliothis ) was >2 <3 days. Viral activity could not be detected after 14 days' exposure on soybean leaves.
Immunological studies on certain albuminoids.

Under the term “albuminoids” a group of substances are classified whose chief properties appear to consist in insolubility in all neutral solvents and resistance to enzymatic digestion. Solubility can be effected only through the agency of strong acids and alkalies. No work on the ability of these substances to act as antigens appears to have been carried out. Since solubility is an essential factor in the production of immune bodies as well as in the demonstration of their presence it might, a priori, be assumed that the members of this group are non-antigenic. The experiments herein described were carried out for the purpose of obtaining experimental data relative to the ability of several members of this group to act as antigens.The fibroin was obtained from silk cocoons. The water-soluble proteins were extracted by repeatedly washing the silk in cold water, then autoclaving, and repeatedly washing with fresh portions of boiling water. The spongin was similarly treated. In order to induce production of...
An archaeological indicator of matrilocal versus patrilocal residence

The growing willingness among archaeologists to draw inferences about cultural behavior is offset by the almost total lack of research that shows how ethnographic and archaeological phenomena are correlated. If ethnologists and archaeologists are to do complementary research on the same problems of cultural process and variation, we must try to explore, systematically and comparatively, how the behavioral and material realms may be correlated. The present paper offers an example of such research. I describe the design and results of a cross-cultural study that suggests an archaeological indicator of matrilocal versus patrilocal residence. Briefly, it appears from 2 separate random samples of ethnographically described societies that matrilocal versus patrilocal residence can be simply and accurately predicted from the living floor area of the average house in the society.
Role of populations of different age in epidemic of influenza

Objective To analyze the role of populations of different age in the influenza epidemics in Jiaxing city between 2009 and 2011.Methods Seven-day moving averages method was used to find the epidemic wave of influenza-like illness;the relationship between the epidemic wave and influenza virus detection rate was analyzed and the median and interquartile range of epidemic curve was calculated to estimate the role of different age groups in the influenza epidemic session.Results The correlation coefficient between weekly influenza-like cases and influenza virus positive rate was 0.46(95% confidence interval[95%CI]:0.29-0.60)and the three in four epidemic waves showed around50%influenza positive rate.The young age group and the populations at the age of5-24 years were the leading groups during seasonal and pH1N1 epidemic,respectively.Conclusion Influenza-like illness epidemic is closely related with influenza-positive detection rate;during the seasonal influenza epidemics,small age group is the key population,while for new influenza epidemic the leading transmission population is the control target.
Narcissism and Entitlement in Millennials: The Mediating Influence of Community Service Self Efficacy on Engagement

Abstract There is a rapidly growing body of research on the more negative aspects of the expanding millennial population. Alternatively, the current study explores possible benefits resulting from millennial traits typically considered to be negative, specifically entitlement and narcissism. The authors hypothesize that self-efficacy generated by the creation of service opportunities, may not only improve engagement, but may also lessen the influence of negative millennial traits including entitlement and narcissism. Hypotheses were explored using a sample of 239 millennials. Following Preacher and Hayes’ (2008) method for mediation, we found that the model tested was fully mediated. Results and discussion follow.
Contemporary Memory Plays II: The Midlife Performative

While age theorist Margaret Gullette has identified the subgenre of the feminine midlife progress novel, Performing Age’s fourth chapter posits a midlife performative that complicates that progress narrative. Pulitzer-Prize-winning plays exemplifying the midlife performative include Paula Vogel’s How I Learned to Drive (1997), Margaret Edson’s Wit (1999), and Wendy Wasserstein’s The Heidi Chronicles (1989). All three plays feature female protagonists at approximately midlife, performing different ages on stage as they trace their progress. The performative age shifting exemplified in these plays interrogates the claim of linear progress, but the protagonist in each case ends in the present time, having enacted numerous ages that led to the denouement, adding an element of simultaneity to the assertion of progress.
Does adjunctive use of progesterone in women with cerclage improve prevention of preterm birth

AbstractObjective: To evaluate outcomes among pregnancies with cerclage as compared to cerclage and adjunctive progesterone.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed from 1 October 2011–30 June 2015 including women with a singleton gestation with vaginal cerclage. Exclusion criteria included multiple gestations, simultaneous 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) and vaginal progesterone (vag-p) use, and patients lost to follow-up. Primary outcome was prevention of preterm birth less than 35 (PTB <35) weeks gestational age (GA).Results: One hundred thirty-six patients met inclusion criteria; 73 women had cerclage only, 53 had cerclage and 17-OHPC, 10 had cerclage and vag-p. GA at cerclage placement was similar across groups (p = 0.068). There was a difference in prevention of PTB <35 weeks GA among groups (p = 0.035) with a trend toward earlier delivery among patients with cerclage and vag-p. Rates of PTB <35 weeks in the cerclage (29%) and cerclage and 17-OHPC groups (34%) were similar...
Functional Plasticity of the AgrC Receptor Histidine Kinase Required for Staphylococcal Virulence

Staphylococcus aureus employs the receptor histidine kinase (RHK), AgrC, to detect quorum-sensing (QS) pheromones, the autoinducer peptides (AIPs), which regulate the virulence of the bacterium. Variation in the QS circuit divides S. aureus into four subgroups, each producing a specific AIP-AgrC pair. While the timing of QS induction is known to differ among these subgroups, the molecular basis of this phenomenon is unknown. Here, we report the successful reconstitution of several AgrC variants and show that the agonist-induced activity of the receptors varies in a manner that accounts for these temporal differences in QS induction. Our studies also reveal a key regulatory hotspot on AgrC that controls the basal activity of RHK as well as the responsiveness of the system to ligand inputs. Collectively, these studies offer insights into the capacity of the RHK for adaptive evolution.
Computational Design of Metal–Organic Framework Arrays for Gas Sensing: Influence of Array Size and Composition on Sensor Performance

Gas sensors are used widely in applications ranging from food quality assessment to environmental monitoring. When put in arrays, they are called “electronic noses” and have improved capability in distinguishing varied gas mixtures. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials for use in electronic noses due to their high surface areas, reproducibility, and tunability. However, due to the number of MOFs to choose from and the even larger number of ways they can be combined in arrays, it is a challenge to select the right combination of materials for any given sensing application. In this work, we show how well a wide range of CO2, N2, C2H6, and CH4 gas mixtures can be distinguished by combining sensing input from arrays of different types of MOFs. We simulated adsorption of 78 gas mixtures in five MOFs (IRMOF-1, HKUST-1, NU-125, UiO-66, and ZIF-8) at 1 and 10 bar via classical grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) methods. We then defined a scoring metric, the sensor array gas space (SAGS) score, ...