cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Giardia-filled Pancreatic Mass in a Patient With Recently Treated T-cell-rich B-cell Lymphoma.

Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia)-filled pancreatic masses are a rarely reported entity. Furthermore, there are only a few case reports in literature on the association of these masses with cancer. We present a case of a G. lamblia-filled pancreatic cystic mass in a patient with a history of T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma. The authors performed a PubMed search using (Medical Subject Headings) MeSH terms of pancreas, mass, Giardia, and lymphoma. A 53-year-old male with past medical and surgical history of T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma, status post R-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone plus rituximab) therapy with positron emission tomography (PET) scan showing no residual disease, essential hypertension, and alcohol use disorder presented to the emergency department (ED) with epigastric pain and nausea for one week. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed a 2.3 cm hypodense pancreatic cystic mass. This was a new finding when compared to his prior abdominal imaging. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the mass showed lymphocytes, reactive atypical epithelial cells, and numerous organisms consistent with Giardia lamblia. He was treated with metronidazole 250 mg by mouth three times a day (TID) for five days. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed complete resolution of the pancreatic mass. There are only a few case reports on G. lamblia in the pancreas. The pathologist indicated sheets of numerous Giardia in the sample, making small bowel contamination less likely and G. lamblia aspirate from the pancreas more probable as the source. The authors hypothesize that this patient may have had chronic G. lamblia infection as a potential cause for the T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma manifestation. The patient reported travel to an area with possible exposure to G. lamblia one year prior to presentation with the lymphoma. During that time he had increasing abdominal pain, intermittent chronic diarrhea, and weight loss. G. lamblia's mechanism of action has been theorized to involve induction of pro-apoptotic factors, intestinal barrier dysfunction, up-regulation of cell-cycle genes, and crypt hyperplasia. The mechanism of action of pancreatic masses filled with G. lamblia and the association of G. lamblia and cancer is not completely understood. Further research is required to better understand these possible phenomena as it can help us better comprehend G. lamblia, its associations, and new cancer etiologies.
Radiolabeling of CD34+ stem cells for PET and gamma imaging of cell trafficking

1886 Objectives: To develop and evaluate PET and gamma imaging techniques for imaging the trafficking of transplanted hematopoietic stem cells. Methods: Expanded human CD34+ stem cells from G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood were labeled using commercial In 111 Oxyquinoline Solution (36 µCi/27 million cells), or a similarly formulated 64Cu 8-hydroxyquinoline solution (52 µCi/27 million cells). For labeling, 4 mL buffered saline suspensions of cells and radionuclide were incubated at 37°C for 20 m. Culture media (5 mL) was then added and incubation continued an additional 5 m. The cells were pelleted by centrifugation and radioactivity in the supernatant vs. pellet quantified to define radiolabeling efficiency. The 64Cu- and 111In- cell preparations were each mixed with an equal number of unlabeled cells in media (final concentration: 56 million cells/0.66mL). A control cell preparation was subjected to the same handling conditions, omitting addition of the 8-hydroxyquinoline solution of radionuclide. A 100,000 cell aliquot of each preparation was cultured for analysis of cell viability. The remaining cells were administered intravenously to NOD/SCID mice (18.7 million cells/mouse, n = 3 for each preparation). The mice were imaged at 0.5-2 h and ~20 h post-injection to assess trafficking, and sacrificed 8-weeks following the transplant to assess engraftment. Results: Using 64Cu-oxine and 111In-oxine, the CD34+ stem cells were labeled with 83% and 59% efficiency, respectively. In vitro, cell viability by propidium iodide staining at 3 days post-labeling was 92%, 88%, and 75% for control expanded cells, 111In-labeled cells, and 64Cu-labeled cells, respectively. IndyPET images obtained with 64Cu showed the cells to be localized in the lungs shortly post-injection, but largely in liver and spleen the following day. Planar gamma images of the mice receiving the 111In-cells showed a similar distribution pattern. At 8 weeks post-transplantation, human cells were found in the bone marrow and spleen. Engraftment of human cells in the bone marrow was 29% ± 29 (range 0-50%; n = 3), 74 ± 18% (range 53-88%; n = 3), and 44 ± 23% (range 19-64%; n =3), respectively, for the control-expanded, 111In-labeled, and 64Cu-labeled cell preparations. Multi-lineage engraftment occurred in transplanted mice and consisted of human B cells (CD19+), myeloid cells (CD33+), and progenitor cells (CD34+). In addition, clonogenic progenitor cells were present in the bone marrow of engrafted mice. Human cells were also present in the spleen in the majority of the mice. Conclusions: CD34+ stem cells can be radiolabeled with sufficient 64Cu and 111In to allow imaging for assessment of cell trafficking, while still retaining cell viability Research Support (if any): Copper-64 production was supported by NCI Grant R24-CA86307.
Specific Amyloid Binding of Polybasic Peptides In Vivo Is Retained by β-Sheet Conformers but Lost in the Disrupted Coil and All D-Amino Acid Variants.

The heparin-reactive, helical peptide p5 is an effective amyloid imaging agent in mice with systemic amyloidosis. Analogs of p5 with modified secondary structure characteristics exhibited altered binding to heparin, synthetic amyloid fibrils, and amyloid extracts in vitro. Herein, we further study the effects of peptide helicity and chirality on specific amyloid binding using a mouse model of systemic inflammation-associated (AA) amyloidosis. Peptides with disrupted helical structure [p5(coil) and p5(Pro3)], with an extended sheet conformation [p5(sheet)] or an all-D enantiomer [p5(D)], were chemically synthesized, radioiodinated, and their biodistribution studied in WT mice as well as transgenic animals with severe systemic AA amyloidosis. Peptide binding was assessed qualitatively by using small animal single-photon emission computed tomography/x-ray computed tomography imaging and microautoradiography and quantitatively using tissue counting. Peptides with reduced helical propensity, p5(coil) and p5(Pro3), exhibited significantly reduced binding to AA amyloid-laden organs. In contrast, peptide p5(D) was retained by non-amyloid-related ligands in the liver and kidneys of both WT and AA mice, but it also bound AA amyloid in the spleen. The p5(sheet) peptide specifically bound AA amyloid in vivo and was not retained by healthy tissues in WT animals. Modification of amyloid-targeting peptides using D-amino acids should be performed cautiously due to the introduction of unexpected secondary pharmacologic effects. Peptides that adopt a helical structure, to align charged amino acid side chains along one face, exhibit specific reactivity with amyloid; however, polybasic peptides with a propensity for β-sheet conformation are also amyloid-reactive and may yield a novel class of amyloid-targeting agents for imaging and therapy.
The Discretionary Authority of US County Governments at the End of the Twentieth Century

County governments as the administrative subdivisions of American state governments have operated with significantly less discretionary authority than have municipalities. In recent decades, however, counties have been granted or have been forced to increase their authority and functions. This movement toward expanded authority to make and implement local policy choices varies widely among the fifty states. Counties in some states come close to parity with cities, while in other states county governments have been eliminated. Previous research has identified two rapidly growing roles for county governments – provider of municipal services and coordinator/regulator of interjurisdictional service delivery. This paper examines these trends as well as identifies other emerging areas where counties are gaining increased discretionary authority.
Abstract 623: Effect of High-intensity Statin Therapy on High-density Lipoprotein (HDL) Subfractions and Regression of Coronary Atheroma: The SATURN Trial

Aim: Statin therapy can slow the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. However, the clinical factors underlying the beneficial effects of statin therapy on disease progression remain poorly understood. We examined the relationship of circulating HDL subfractions with measures of coronary atheroma following long-term high-intensity statin therapy. Methods: Serial coronary intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was utilized in SATURN to monitor changes in atheroma burden [percent atheroma volume (PAV)] in 915 patients with coronary artery disease, treated with rosuvastatin (40 mg) or atorvastatin (80 mg) daily for 24 months. Results: Baseline levels of total HDL-C, apo E-containing HDL-C (apoE HDL-C), HDL 3 -C and HDL 2 -C did not differ significantly between treatment groups. Compared with the atorvastatin-treated group, rosuvastatin-treated patients demonstrated greater increases in levels of total HDL-C (4.4% vs. -1.8%, p 3 -C (3.3% vs. -2.7%, p 2 -C (7.0% vs. -0.7%, p 3 -C levels were associated with PAV regression in rosuvastatin-treated patients (β=-0.84, p=0.018 and β=-1.10, p=0.056, respectively) but not in the atorvastatin-treated group (β=0.41, p=0.22 and β=0.71, p=0.22 for apo E HDL-C and HDL 3 -C, respectively). Conclusions: Rosuvastatin therapy resulted in favorable changes in HDL subfractions and on-treatment levels of apoE HDL-C and HDL 3 -C were associated with greater disease regression.
Significant efficiency enhancement in photoconductive terahertz emitters through three-dimensional light confinement

We present a novel photoconductive terahertz emitter, which offers significantly high terahertz radiation power levels through three-dimensional light confinement near terahertz radiating elements. Arrays of plasmonic nano-antennas fabricated on a photo-absorbing semiconductor substrate are used as the terahertz radiating elements. The plasmonic nano-antenna arrays are designed to offer high radiation resistance over a broad terahertz frequency range. An optical reflector layer is embedded inside the substrate to spatially confine and absorb a major portion of an incident optical pump beam near the plasmonic nano-antennas. Therefore, very efficient ultrafast photocurrent can be generated and coupled to the plasmonic nano-antennas for high-efficiency terahertz radiation generation. We experimentally demonstrate record-high terahertz radiation powers as high as 11.4 mW over 0.1–5 THz frequency range with 2.3% optical-to-terahertz conversion efficiency.
NeuroQuant® in clinical practice: longitudinal observations and platform reliability and performance (P4.382)

Objective: Evaluate NeuroQuant® reliability and performance in context of an established research-based vMRI platform. Evaluate annualized Percent Brain Volume Change (PVBC) through longitudinal application of NeuroQuant® to routine MS clinical MRI scans. Background: NeuroQuant® is a volumetric (vMRI) platform used clinically in the evaluation of dementia. Although vMRI shows promise as a biomarker for MS related tissue degeneration, there remains a paucity of data regarding the application of NeuroQuant® in the monitoring of the MS disease process. Design/Methods: High-resolution T1-weighted 3D MPRAGE MRI sequences (1.5 T) were processed using NeuroQuant® (n=484 cross-sectional;164 longitudinal), while a subset (n=20) were randomly selected for reprocessing with NeuroQuant® and FreeSurfer. Retrospective chart review extracted patient demographics, clinical metrics, and DMT exposure. Descriptive statistics, Pearson and Spearman correlations were performed using SAS Studio®. Results: Whole brain volume measured by NeuroQuant® demonstrates excellent reliability and agreement with FreeSurfer (rho >0.91, p Conclusions: Our data demonstrates excellent platform reliability of the NeuroQuant® software in addition to robust and significant association with global volume measurements provided by FreeSurfer. Furthermore, our preliminary longitudinal data demonstrates reasonable NeuroQuant® performance in measuring global brain volumes over time with an annualized rate of tissue loss that is accordant with previously published data from pivotal MS therapeutic clinical trials using semi-automated vMRI techniques. Further software iterations and improvements are necessary prior to widespread clinical adoption. Disclosure: Dr. Nielsen has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen. Dr. Kita has nothing to disclose.
Cross talk between ceramide and redox signaling: implications for endothelial dysfunction and renal disease.

Recent studies have demonstrated that cross talk between ceramide and redox signaling modulates various cell activities and functions and contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases and renal dysfunctions. Ceramide triggers the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increases oxidative stress in many mammalian cells and animal models. On the other hand, inhibition of ROS-generating enzymes or treatment of antioxidants impairs sphingomyelinase activation and ceramide production. As a mechanism, ceramide-enriched signaling platforms, special cell membrane rafts (MR) (formerly lipid rafts), provide an important microenvironment to mediate the cross talk of ceramide and redox signaling to exert a corresponding regulatory role on cell and organ functions. In this regard, activation of acid sphingomyelinase and generation of ceramide mediate the formation of ceramide-enriched membrane platforms, where transmembrane signals are transmitted or amplified through recruitment, clustering, assembling, or integration of various signaling molecules. A typical such signaling platform is MR redox signaling platform that is centered on ceramide production and aggregation leading to recruitment and assembling of NADPH oxidase to form an active complex in the cell plasma membrane. This redox signaling platform not only conducts redox signaling or regulation but also facilitates a feedforward amplification of both ceramide and redox signaling. In addition to this membrane MR redox signaling platform, the cross talk between ceramide and redox signaling may occur in other cell compartments. This book chapter focuses on the molecular mechanisms, spatial–temporal regulations, and implications of this cross talk between ceramide and redox signaling, which may provide novel insights into the understanding of both ceramide and redox signaling pathways.
Temporal Characteristics of Sleep

The mode of viewing sleep as a biological rhythm has not been clearly articulated, although there has been an increasing rapprochement between sleep research and the concepts and methods of biological rhythm research. This chapter first reviews a background of that interrelationship. The prominent phenomena of sleep are then reviewed in terms of the core property of biological rhythms—the temporal characteristics of sleep. These include both the time properties of the patterns of sleep as it appears in the Orcadian cycle and the timing of within-sleep events of the sleep structure. A discussion of the major changes in these time characteristics associated with ontogeny, phylogeny, and time schedules follows. The next section considers the possible extension of ultradian events, seen clearly in sleep, into wakefulness. An exploration of the role of the central nervous system in sleep rhythm-micity concludes the chapter.
Developing and improving health information technology courses

As health plans are required to start the adoption and implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) and electronic exchange of health information effective October1, 2012 by the Affordable Care Act, and as The HITECH Act of 2009 authorizes substantial support to help health care provider adoption of EHRs and financial penalties are scheduled to take effect in 2015, the health IT professionals are in increasing demand and the challenge of preparing students to "meet the computer technology needs of health care" and other areas (IT2008) starts to be a compelling issue among educators.
A high-throughput and rapid method for accurate identification of emerging multidrug-resistant Candida auris.

Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast associated with invasive infection in healthcare settings. Recently, C auris cases in the United States have been detected in 11 states with the majority of cases in New York, New Jersey and Illinois. Rapid and accurate identification of C auris is critical for patient care and the implementation of public health measures to control the spread of infection. Our aim was to develop and validate a rapid DNA extraction method using the Roche MagNA Pure 96 instrument and a TaqMan real-time PCR assay for reliable, high-throughput identification of C auris. We evaluated 247 patient dermal swab samples previously analysed by culture/MALDI-TOF. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 93.6% and 97.2%, respectively. The assay was highly reproducible with a detection limit of 1 C auris CFU/10 μL. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the real-time PCR data showed an area of 0.982 under the curve, with a CT cut-off value of ≤37.0. The turnaround time from DNA extraction to real-time PCR results was approximately 200 samples/day. In conclusion, we successfully validated a rapid and high-throughput method for accurate and reproducible identification of C auris with a significantly reduced turnaround time compared to culture/MALDI-TOF based methods.
Electrodeposition stability of metal electrodes

Abstract Rechargeable battery chemistries, with high energy densities, are particularly desirable in order to meet the burgeoning demand for energy storage. In this regard, metal electrodes have recently drawn extensive research interest due to the intrinsic energy density boost, while a fundamental study is needed to reveal the underlying mechanisms governing the electrodeposition stability. Here, we explore the mesoscale interactions in nucleation and growth of electrodeposition, with a focus on the competition of ion transport in the electrolyte, electrochemical reactions at the electrolyte-electrode interface, and surface self-diffusion. It is found that lithium (Li) and sodium (Na) metal anodes have the tendency to form dendrites at high local reaction rates, whereas magnesium (Mg) and aluminum (Al) do not, because of the low intrinsic self-diffusion barriers. Nonuniform electrodeposition at low reaction rates is observed, which could be attributed to the spatial inhomogeneities due to separator wetting, solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, and electrode surface roughness. This work provides a fundamental understanding of the mesoscale underpinnings on the electrodeposition stability of various metal electrodes, especially shedding light on pathways toward potentially dendrite-free electrodeposition morphology.
The Representation of Numbers in Quantum Mechanics

Earlier work on modular arithmetic of k-ary representations of length L of the natural numbers in quantum mechanics is extended here to k-ary representations of all natural numbers, and to integers and rational numbers. Since the length L is indeterminate, representations of states and operators using creation and annihilation operators for bosons and fermions are defined. Emphasis is on definitions and properties of operators corresponding to the basic operations whose properties are given by the axioms for each type of number. The importance of the requirement of efficient implementability for physical models of the axioms is emphasized. Based on this, successor operations for each value of j corresponding to addition of k^{j-1} if j>0 and k^{j} if j<0 are defined. It follows from the efficient implementability of these successors, which is the case for all computers, that implementation of the addition and multiplication operators, which are defined in terms of polynomially many iterations of the successors, should be efficient. This is not the case for definitions based on the successor for j=1 only. This is the only successor defined in the usual axioms of arithmetic.
Management of post-partum hemorrhage and the role of the obstetric anesthesiologist.

The landscape of post-partum hemorrhage management is rapidly changing. Modifications to definitions, bundles, and care plans occur frequently with management strategies becoming more complex. It h...
Fear of Cancer Recurrence: A Model Examination of Physical Symptoms, Emotional Distress, and Health Behavior Change.

PURPOSE:Fear of cancer recurrence is highly prevalent among adult survivors of cancer. The role of fear of recurrence in the emotional distress of survivors of cancer, as well as health behaviors t...
A pedagogical reconstruction of Bohr and Wheeler’s fission-barrier graph

In their famous 1939 paper on the physics of nuclear fission, Niels Bohr and John Wheeler presented an eye-catching graph of the fission barrier energy for various nuclides. In this paper I develop a simplified approach to developing this graph which is both sensibly true to their analysis and appropriate for a student audience.
Measurement of erosion depth using microcomputed tomography and light microscopy.

Tooth-erosion is the surface loss of dental hard tissue mostly associated with an acid attack. The aim was to compare dentin and enamel erosion depth measurements using micro-computed tomography (microCT) and light microscopy (LM). Enamel/dentin blocks were prepared from caries-free human molar-teeth (N = 12). Teeth were sectioned to a rectangular shape of 4 × 4 × 6 mm. Specimens were treated with water (NC) or 1.0% citric-acid solution (PC). After treatment, specimens were scanned with micro-computed tomography. On completion, specimens were sectioned and observed under a light-microscope. Lesion depth was observed with 10× magnification and images transferred to Simpleware software. Vertical distance from lesion surface to bottom was measured. Pearson correlation test was used to evaluate correlation and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test to evaluate differences in the two-analysis methods. Mean enamel erosion depth was 0.63 and 38.38 μm (microCT) and 0.54 and 39.43 μm (LM) for NC and PC, respectively. Dentin erosion depth was 0.72 and 48.05 μm (microCT) and 0.56 and 49.92 μm (LM) for NC and PC, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the two-analysis methods (r = 0.998; p < .001). No statistically significant difference in results were obtained when microCT and LM were compared (p = .584). This results obtained from the current study suggested that erosion depth measurements made using microCT and LM yielded comparable results. The microCT method is preferred if the conservation of specimens is desired.
Sinus Surgery: Analysis of Videos Available Online.

ObjectivesYouTube is the second most visited website in the world and can be a useful resource for patients to gain insight into surgical procedures. A multitude of studies have evaluated the quali...
In Faith and Practice: How Christian Doctoral Programs Address Religious Diversity Needs.

Many Americans identify as religious or spiritual, with a large subset of these individuals identifying as Christian. However, many doctoral training programs neglect to incorporate religion and sp...
The macrophage disappearance reaction. II. Mediation by lymphocytes which lack complement receptors.

Abstract The macrophage disappearance reaction (MDR) is an in vivo correlate of delayed hypersensitivity which has been shown to be capable of passive transfer by purified lymphocyte suspensions obtained from sensitized donors. The MDR is also known to be mediated by a soluble product (lymphokine) derived from antigen-activated lymphocytes. In the present study, lymphocytes were separated on the basis of the presence or absence of a complement receptor on their cell surface. It was shown that the MDR in guinea pigs could be transferred by pure populations of cells lacking this receptor (NCRL), and that such transfer could be accomplished even when the cells were enclosed in micropore chambers. Since there is much evidence to show that NCRL correspond to T cells, these results show that: (i) the MDR is mediated by T cells; and (ii) at least one of the lymphokines is produced by T cells.
Structural phase transitions in Ruddlesden-Popper phases of strontium titanate: Ab initio and modulated Ginzburg-Landau approaches

We present a systematic ab initio study of antiferrodistortive (AFD) order in Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) phases of strontium titanate, ${\text{Sr}}_{1+n}{\text{Ti}}_{n}{\text{O}}_{3n+1}$, as a function of both compressive epitaxial strain and phase number $n$. We find all RP phases to exhibit AFD order under a significant range of strains, recovering the AFD order of bulk ${\text{SrTiO}}_{3}$ as $\ensuremath{\sim}1/{n}^{2}$. A Ginzburg-Landau Hamiltonian including interoctahedral interactions reproduces our ab initio results well, opening a pathway to understanding other nanostructured perovskite systems.
Ontogeny, ryanodine receptor-mediated calcium sparks, and BK channel clustering in basilar arterial myocytes from long-term hypoxic sheep (853.9)

Ryanodine receptor (RyR) activity causes Ca2+ sparks in cerebral arterial myocytes by activating adjacent Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels, which can dilate arteries. Previous studies show ontogeny increases Ca2+ sparks and long-term hypoxia (LTH) increases BK channel activity. We hypothesized that BK channel activity is greater in arterial myocytes of the LTH fetus than adult due to greater spark activity, and because BK channel clustering is greater in regions where sparks occur. To address this hypothesis we examined spark activity and BK channel clustering to sites of potential spark activity. This was accomplished using line-scan and immunofluorescence techniques, respectively, in basilar arteries from LTH fetal (FH) and adult sheep (AH) kept at 3,801 m for > 100 days. The percentage of myocytes with sparks was ~ 2-fold greater in FH versus AH and unaffected by 30 mM K (30K). Spark amplitude was 7% greater in FH 30K versus AH 30K, while no spatial or temporal changes to sparks were observed. BK channe...
An equivalent source model for the geomagnetic field

A new model for the geomagnetic field is presented. It does not rely heavily on the present-day field, which has some ephemeral characteristics, but mostly on paleomagnetic data from lava flows, in particular the large Icelandic data set. The model consists of an axial dipole and vertical off centered dipoles representing the non-axial-dipole field. These off centered dipoles are drawn from a zero mean Gaussian distribution whose standard deviation is chosen to give model results agreeing with observations. These off centered dipoles are placed within the core so as to give the correct slope to the Lowes-Mauersberger function, and are concentrated toward the poles so as to produce the latitudinal variation of VGP angular standard deviation (ASD) seen in paleomagnetic observations. The central dipole varies around its mean value with a Gaussian distribution with a small standard deviation chosen to fit observations. The model is checked by comparing average field strengths as a function of VGP latitude with those obtained from intensities of magnetization in Icelandic lava flows. Because the off centered dipoles contribute to the first degree Gauss coefficients, the g 1 0 term can become small, sometimes resulting in low latitude VGPs. If the model is constrained to go through the Iceland ASD point, then it does a reasonable job of explaining the less well-defined lower latitude ASD results. To explain the results recently compiled by McElhinny and McFadden [1997] the standard deviation of the dipole intensities has to be reduced from 1060 nT to 740 nT.
PORT: A Testbed Paradigm for Knowledge Processing in hte hUmanities

The Peirce On-line Resource Testbed (PORT) is, materially, a digital resource of primary data: C.S. Peirce's manuscripts, archived in the Houghton Library at Harvard, which have remained largely and essentially inaccessible for 80 years. Building upon this “raw data” archive (as digitized page images, transcribed text, and indexed links), we have the opportunity to increase the contributions of scholars and researchers in a networked, continuing resource development testbed. Conceptually, Peirce's pragmatic philosophy encourages us to treat this form of communication as a continuing argument, with premises, conclusions, and an account of the interpretational procedure by which the result is reached from the evidence. But Peirce's pragmatism also cautions that judgment should proceed heuristically—not algorithmically, since the conceptual basis for judgment established by any group of inquirers may, at any time, be mistaken. With inquiry conceived as an ongoing, sophisticated communicational challenge, the collective “editorial role” in this procedure is to stabilize collective inquiry with respect to the manuscript evidence. This model of an on-line research testbed requires a conceptual map or meta-representation of the work of individual scholars, as well as a means for representing the possible order(s) of the primary materials. In this respect, our work with knowledge processing researchers to develop PORT as a testbed for tool development depends less on producing definitive algorithms for editorial work than on maintaining an intelligible communication pathway for a community of scholars carrying out in practice Peirce's idea of inquiry as a self-correcting and self-directing experiment.
Below Replacement Fertility, Net International Migration and Canada's Future Population

The indefinite continuation of Canadas below replacement fertility and emigration as well as the current policy of admitting a fixed number of immigrants every year will eventually result in a stationary population. The size and composition of that population will be determined by the same aspects of the immigrant population and its eventual adoption of the host countrys reproductive norm. The characteristics of this population may differ from the conventional stationary population in several respects. Among others the birth rate will be less than the death rate and in Canadas case the ultimate age structure may not be monotonically declining but may show more than one modal age. (authors) (summaries in ENG FRE)
Combinatorial exploration of color in gold-based alloys

Combinatorial approaches comprised of combinatorial magnetron co-sputtering deposition and fast screening methods are introduced to study color as a function of composition in Au-based alloys. The microstructures of the thin films and bulk alloys are identified by X-ray diffraction, and their colors of the alloys are characterized by optical reflectivity. The results reveal that when comparing microstructures and reflectivity, thin films are similar to bulk alloys. In Au-Ag-Cu solid solutions, the color of the ternary alloy follows the rule of mixture. For colors resulting from AuAl2 intermetallic, the color of an alloy scales with the percentage of the intermetallic phase and the deviation from its ideal binary composition. In the Au-Al-Cu library, we found a ∼90 % AuAl2 area fraction compositional window where copper addition can be tuned to improve mechanical properties while keeping purple color, even though Al and CuAl2 phases exist. Moreover, when comparing the color in Au-Cu-Si-Ag amorphous and crystalline state solid solution for the same composition, the colors are essentially identical.
Dietary protein and bone health: harmonizing conflicting theories

A precise understanding of the role of dietary protein in bone health has been evasive despite decades of research. It is known that a dietary acid load is harmful to bone, and sulfur-containing amino acids are metabolized to provide such an acid load. It is also known that protein elevates urine calcium loss. However, recent clinical studies and a meta-analysis have indicated either no effect or a modest benefit associated with higher protein intakes. These contradictory considerations may be explained by the existence of a two-faced relationship between protein and bone, with simultaneous positive and negative pathways. In opposition to the negative effects of dietary acid load, protein may exert positive effects related to improving calcium absorption, increasing insulin-like growth factor 1, or improving lean body mass, which, in turn, improves bone strength. Putative mechanisms behind these pathways are reviewed here, and some limitations in the historical literature as well as suggested measures to counter these in the future are identified. When positive and negative pathways are considered in tandem, protein may offer modest benefits to bone in the presence of adequate dietary calcium and acid-neutralizing fruits and vegetables.
Thresholds for femtosecond laser-induced breakdown in bulk transparent solids and water

We present thresholds for optical breakdown in bulk transparent solids and water with 10-fs laser pulses. In solids, we used microscopy and scattering techniques to determine thresholds for plasma formation and permanent damage in a wide variety of materials. Transmission measurements show that damage occurs at energies where there is little absorption of the laser pulse. In water, we used scattering and acoustic techniques to measure the breakdown threshold for 100-fs pulses. In contrast to solids, transmission measurements in water indicate that there is no plasma or bubble formation unless there is significant absorption. For comparison, we also measured breakdown thresholds for 200-ps pulses.
Biological and environmental influences on parturition date and birth mass of a seasonal breeder.

Natal features (e.g. Julian birth date and birth mass) often have fitness consequences and can be influenced by endogenous responses by the mother to seasonal fluctuations in nutritional quality and photoperiodic cues. We sought to further understand the biological and environmental factors that influence the natal features of a polytocous species in an environment with constant nutritional resources and limited seasonal variation. During a 36-year study we assessed the influence of biological factors (maternal age and litter type [i.e., litter size and sexual composition]) and environmental factors (total precipitation and mean maximum temperature during months encompassing conception, the last trimester of gestation, and the entire length of gestation) on Julian birth date and birth mass using linear-mixed effects models. Linear and quadratic functions of maternal age influenced both natal features with earliest Julian birth dates and heaviest birth masses occurring at prime-age and older individuals, which ranged from 5–9 years of age. Litter type influenced Julian birth date and birth mass. Interestingly, environmental factors affected Julian birth date and birth mass even though mothers were continuously allowed access to a high-quality diet. Random effects revealed considerable variation among mothers and years. This study demonstrates that, in long-lived polytocous species, environmental factors may have a greater influence on natal features than previously supposed and the influence from biological factors is also complex. The documented responses to environmental influences provide unique insights into how mammalian seasonal reproductive dynamics may respond to current changes in climate.
A three-part intervention to change the use of hormone replacement therapy in response to new evidence.

A multicomponent intervention (patient notification, provider education, electronic alerts in patient chart) seemed to increase the rate of stopping hormone replacement therapy after the release of...
The effects of diphenylhydantoin and potassium on the biological activity of ouabain in the guinea-pig heart.

Abstract 1. Diphenylhydantoin (DPH) and potassium significantly prevent ouabain intoxication without preventing the inotropic effects of ouabain in the guinea-pig isolated heart. 2. The antiarrhythmic effect of DPH and K on ouabain-induced toxicity appears to be related to their ability to reduce ouabain accumulation by the myocardium and thereby prevent the intracellular Na and K changes which lead to the arrhythmic state.
The effect of Toradol on function following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract Functional recovery following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction was compared between patients who received ketoralac tromethamine (Toradol) and those who received parenteral narcotics. Initial postoperative rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction may be influenced by postoperative analgesia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the attainment of functional milestones (FMs) differed between patients who received Toradol and those who received parenteral narcotics. One hundred and four consecutive ACL patients ranging in age from 14 to 41 years were monitored for postoperative day (POD) of achievement of crutch ambulation, stair negotiation, active knee flexion to 90° and discharge. Independent t -tests corrected for multiple measures were used to compare the groups. The results were as follows: POD of unassisted FMs (mean (SD); ∗P
Electrical Characterization of Integrated Circuit Metal Line Thickness

Abstract Resistance measurements of thin aluminum-silicon alloy lines, 10 and 30 μm wide, were made at various temperatures in the 9.2–295.5 K range. Deviations from Matthiessen's rule were observed over the whole temperature range. At temperatures near room ambient data for these lines are in good agreement with those reported for aluminum-copper alloy wires. A formalism was developed to calculate line thickness and cross-sectional area from electrical resistance data. Line thickness calculations are in good agreement with thickness data measured via scanning electron microscopy. The stress distributions in these lines were modeled by using finite element stress analysis. The results show large stress gradients localized at the line edge region, whereas at the central part of the line there is a high stress value and a low stress gradient. In submicrometer lines the whole line body is under large stress gradients.
Unusual Action of Heparin on Ascites Tumour Cells during Freezing and Thawing

THERE is very little experimental evidence concerning the site or mechanism of cellular injury during the cooling, freezing and re warming of living cells. Membranes of erythrocytes1 and of mitochondria2 have been suggested as cellular regions which are injured during freezing and thawing by increased salt concentrations. During investigations of freeze-thaw induced structural alterations of Littre ascites tumour cells, I decided to use heparin to minimize the coagulation of cell suspensions which frequently occurred soon after these cells were gathered from host mice. This use of heparin resulted in a dramatic fading of nuclei when the ascites cells were subjected to freezing and thawing. The purpose of this brief communication is to describe this action of heparin and to propose a tentative explanation of the phenomenon which provides evidence that the cell membrane is a site of freeze-thaw injury.
Design and benefits of continuous filtration in rapid growth of large KDP and DKDP crystals

Abstract Large KDP and DKDP crystals with linear sizes up to 55 cm were grown at growth rates of 12–15 mm/day along z -axis using continuous filtration. The design of a system which can operate without spontaneous nucleation at supersaturations as high as 20% is described. The importance of using continuous filtration for optical quality of the crystals is demonstrated. Crystals grown this way have extremely low dislocation densities, a high level of optical homogeneity and high damage threshold.
Effect of phthalylsulfathiazole on growth and reproduction of rats fed a soybean protein ration.

SummaryThe feeding of 2% of phthalylsulfathiazole to rats maintained on a purified ration containing a commercial soybean protein and DL-methionine as the only source of amino acids produced no depression of growth; it supported better reproductive performance and no cases of acute uremia of the newborn were observed among about 200 rats. on the basal ration, acute uremia of the newborn occurred in 35% of the litters born.
Drought and Associated Impacts in the Great Plains of the United States—A Review

The Great Plains region of the United States is susceptible to drought of all kinds including meteorological/climatological, agricultural, hydrological, and socioeconomic. Drought conditions in the region span varying spatial and temporal scales and the causes include: 1) certain synoptic conditions that favor drought such as mid-tropospheric ridging over the drought-affected area and a weak low-level jet; 2) sea surface temperature anomalies and associated teleconnections; 3) land-atmosphere coupling; and 4) anthropogenic effects. While drought can span as few as a couple of months, the most severe droughts can occur at the decadal scale such as the 1930s Dust Bowl, the worst drought in recent history from a societal standpoint. Such droughts in the Great Plains have widespread impacts on agriculture, water resources, human health, and the economy.
Head–disk contact detection in the hard-disk drives

Abstract The increasing capacity of current hard-disk drives places a great importance on reliability, as tens of gigabytes of data can be lost in an instant due to a single tribological failure event. To improve the reliability of the head–disk interface there is a need to predict, measure and monitor any interactions during manufacture. This paper discusses some different techniques that can be used for head–disk contact detection. These techniques range from a traditional acoustic emission method to some drive specific tests, such as thermal asperity (TA) detection and variable gain amplifier (VGA) signal measurements. The paper also discusses the merits of these techniques and ways to theoretically predict contact.
Families of Regular Graphs in Regular Maps

The question of when a given graph can be the underlying graph of a regular map has roots a hundred years old and is currently the object of several threads of research. This paper outlines this topic briefly and proves that a product of graphs which have regular embeddings also has such an embedding. We then present constructions for members of three families: (1) circulant graphs, (2) wreath graphs W(k, n), whose vertices are ordered pairs (i, j), 0?i
0066 Bicyclist safety behaviours in an urban northeastern, united states city: an observational study

Statement of purpose Bicycling is becoming a popular mode of transportation within the United States. Due to the increase of cyclists/vulnerable road users, laws and safety recommendations are being established to keep all road users safe. The purpose of this study was to observe bicycle safety behaviours and road law compliance of personal and bike share users at several high traffic intersections in Boston, MA. Methods/Approach This is a prospective observational study of safety and law compliance behaviours of bicyclists in downtown Boston. Investigators observed bicyclists for specific law and safety compliance behaviours including: wearing a helmet, riding in bike lanes, displaying reflectors at night, and obeying all road laws. The findings of this study were compared to other national and international studies that observed bike share and personal bike users. Results 1685 cyclists were observed. Of all observations, 74% of all bikers wore a helmet and 83% obeyed the road laws. 39% bike share riders and 78% of personal bikers were observed wearing a helmet (p = 0.0001). A sample of 680 cyclists was observed for obedience with mandated reflector laws at night and 39% were in compliance (p = 0.001). Conclusions Boston bicyclists were more compliant with helmet use and road law compliance as compared to prior studies in the US and Canada. The majority of cyclists demonstrated safe cycling practices, however other unsafe cycling behaviours were noted and merit further investigation (i.e. distracted biking). Bicycling is common mode of daily transportation, and more observational studies and interventional studies are needed to assess and mitigate emerging risks for bicyclists in today’s society. Significance and contribution to the field This is one of the first comprehensive bike observation studies in the city of Boston that provides data on multiple cycling safety behaviours. Based on our observations, the use of electronic devices while biking is widespread and requires further investigation.
A micro method for the quantitation of tryptophan in biological fluids by HPLC-EC

Abstract A micromethod for the quantitation of tryptophan in biological fluids, such as whole blood, RBC, serum, plasma or tissue homogenates using HPLC and electrochemical detection is described. -Methyl tryptophan is used as an internal standard. Ten microliters of the sample are added to a mixture of 50 ul of acetonitrite and 10 ul of internal standard (20 ng/ul). This mixture is then diluted with 180 ul of triethylamine phosphate-buffer (pH 3.0). After centrifugation 25 ul of the sample are injected into HPLC system. Standards containing 100 ng and 200 ng of tryptophan are similarly prepared and 25 ul aliquot injected into HPLC.
Three-dimensional numerical simulation of injection mold filling with a finite-volume method and parallel computing

This paper presents a finite-volume approach with a hybrid flexible distributed/shared memory parallel programming model to simulate the injection mold filling process. The simulation program deals with a three-dimensional nonisothermal, non-Newtonian flow with moving interfaces. The finite-volume method is implemented to solve the governing equations, while a compressive interface capturing scheme for arbitrary meshes (CICSAM) is used to track the advancing melt fronts. For parallel computing, the program implements the “greedy algorithm'' as the domain decomposition method to distribute the computational work equally among the different computational nodes, and the message passing interface is used to communicate and exchange information between the computational nodes. For the symmetric multiprocessing nodes, OpenMP directives are integrated in the application's loop constructions. This approach effectively improved the solution efficiency in terms of computational time and accuracy. Three-dimensional mold filling examples, which were used to verify and validate the numerical implementation and to demonstrate its performance and capabilities, are presented. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 25:247–258, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20076