cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduced density matrices of the anisotropic Heisenberg model

The reduced density matrices of the anisotropic Heisenberg model are studied by means of a functional integral representation based on a generalized Poisson process. Integral equations, which are analogous to the classical Kirkwood-Salzburg equations, are then used to prove the existence of the infinite volume limit of the reduced density matrices, analyticity properties with respect to the fugacity (or magnetic field) and the potentials, and a cluster property, in the low fugacity (high magnetic field) region.
Biotransformation of Bisphenol AF to Its Major Glucuronide Metabolite Reduces Estrogenic Activity

Bisphenol AF (BPAF), an endocrine disrupting chemical, can induce estrogenic activity through binding to estrogen receptor (ER). However, the metabolism of BPAF in vivo and the estrogenic activity of its metabolites remain unknown. In the present study, we identified four metabolites including BPAF diglucuronide, BPAF glucuronide (BPAF-G), BPAF glucuronide dehydrated and BPAF sulfate in the urine of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. BPAF-G was further characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). After treatment with a single dose of BPAF, BPAF was metabolized rapidly to BPAF-G, as detected in the plasma of SD rats. Biotransformation of BPAF to BPAF-G was confirmed with human liver microsomes (HLM), and Vmax of glucuronidation for HLM was 11.6 nmol/min/mg. We also found that BPAF glucuronidation could be mediated through several human recombinant UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) including UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A8, UGT1A9, UGT2B4, UGT2B7, UGT2B15 and UGT2B17, among which UGT2B7 showed the highest efficiency of glucuronidation. To explain the biological function of BPAF biotransformation, the estrogenic activities of BPAF and BPAF-G were evaluated in ER-positive breast cancer T47D and MCF7 cells. BPAF significantly stimulates ER-regulated gene expression and cell proliferation at the dose of 100 nM and 1 μM in breast cancer cells. However, BPAF-G did not show any induction of estrogenic activity at the same dosages, implying that formation of BPAF-G is a potential host defense mechanism against BPAF. Based on our study, biotransformation of BPAF to BPAF-G can eliminate BPAF-induced estrogenic activity, which is therefore considered as reducing the potential threat to human beings.
Altered α-synuclein homeostasis causing Parkinson's disease: the potential roles of dardarin

The past decade has been a fruitful one for geneticists involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) research. The initial hurdle of identifying the first gene underlying parkinsonism was cleared with apparent ease in 1997 and four additional genes have since been found to contain mutations causing this disorder. Driving this research is the belief that these data will highlight disease mechanisms and directly implicate a pathway amenable to therapeutic intervention. This article will focus on recent genetic advances in the field, focusing on data that suggest α-synuclein expression is key in the etiology of PD. In addition, it will discuss the recent identification of LRRK2 mutation as a cause of PD and the potential of this finding to provide further insight into disease.
Rectification at the metal-selenium interface†

The current-voltage characteristics of metal-selenium diodes under small reverse bias are shown to be consistent with the Schottky rectification theory for a number of metals: Au, Ag, Sn, Pb, and In. The characteristics have the correct voltage and temperature dependence and the magnitude of the reverse current is consistent with the known bulk transport parameters of polycrystalline selenium. There is no simple relationship between the barrier height and the metal work function, which is not surprising in view of the complicated chemistry of the interface and the fact that many contaminants are present. Im Bereiche kleiner Sperrspannungen konnen die Strom–Spannungskennlinien der Metall-Selen-Dioden fur Au, Ag, Sn, Pb und In durch die Gleichrichtertheorie von Schottky erklart werden. Die Kennlinien weisen die richtige Spannungs-und Temperaturabhangigkeit auf, und die Grose des Sperrstromes stimmt mit den bekannten Transportparametern von polykristallinem Selen uberein. Ein einfacher Zusammenhang zwischen Barrierenpotential und der Austrittsarbeit des Metalles existiert nicht, was wegen der komplizierten chemischen Eigenschaften der Grenzflache und der Anwesenheit vieler Fremddefekte nicht erstaunlich ist.
Geometric design improvements for femoral graft-artery junctions mitigating restenosis.

Abstract The present study is based on the hypothesis that nonuniform hemodynamics, represented by large time-averaged wall shear stress gradients, trigger abnormal biological processes leading to rapid restenosis, i.e. excessive tissue overgrowth and renewed plaque formation, and hence early graft failure. It implies that this problem may be significantly mitigated by finding graft-artery bypass configurations for which the wall shear stress gradient is approximately zero and hence nearly uniform hemodynamics is achieved. These fluid flow and geometric design considerations are applied to four different end-to-side anastomoses for the distal end of a femoral artery bypass with an appropriate test input pulse and a typical 20–80 flow division. A validated finite-volume code has been used to compute the transient three-dimensional velocity vector fields, wall shear stress distributions and surface contours of the wall shear stress gradients. It is shown that large anastomotic flow areas, small continuously changing bifurcation angles, and smooth junction wall curvatures reduce local time-averaged wall shear stress gradients significantly and hence should mitigate restenosis.
Audio hot spotting and retrieval using multiple features

This paper reports our on-going efforts to exploit multiple features derived from an audio stream using source material such as broadcast news, teleconferences, and meetings. These features are derived from algorithms including automatic speech recognition, automatic speech indexing, speaker identification, prosodic and audio feature extraction. We describe our research prototype -- the Audio Hot Spotting System -- that allows users to query and retrieve data from multimedia sources utilizing these multiple features. The system aims to accurately find segments of user interest, i.e., audio hot spots within seconds of the actual event. In addition to spoken keywords, the system also retrieves audio hot spots by speaker identity, word spoken by a specific speaker, a change of speech rate, and other non-lexical features, including applause and laughter. Finally, we discuss our approach to semantic, morphological, phonetic query expansion to improve audio retrieval performance and to access cross-lingual data.
Understanding and mapping water resources by multidimensional statistics and fuzzy logic: Missouri River basin case

Time series from 46 gauging station with drainage areas from 113 to 398 sq mi in the Upper Missouri River basin with mutual period of observation from 1963 to 1991 were used for analysis. Factor analysis of average annual flow revealed five patterns of river runoff within four distinct subregions of the territory (east, two carbonate karsts areas, uplands). This factor model reflected 62% variance of initial matrix. Each of four groups of watersheds obtained as a factor was presented by one gauging station with time series of annual and monthly discharges (I- 06218500, II- 06478690, III- 06412500, and IV- 06323000). Streams represented by patterns I, II and IV have increase of values and those represented by III have a decrease. The positive trend for pattern II is statistically significant. For four typical flow records, monthly average values were obtained from three to four seasons composed of different ensembles of months. The trends for seasonal components were analyzed for four typical watersheds and a significant increase was obtained for fall-winter season for type IV. Stream runoff is the most appropriate regional indicator for hydroclimatological processes. With multidimensional statistics this process can be considered as spatiotemporal structure of different scale of landscape properties and dynamics. Uncertainties of process originating stream runoff based on dynamic of regional meteorological system and diversity of local landscapes. Boundaries for domains with different annul and seasonal regimes of stream runoff were defined with factor loadings and fuzzy logic rules. With case of Missouri River basin presented that more complete decryption of real events in nature requires use probability and fuzzy logic together.
Performance and Air Pollutant Emissions of an Experimental Water/Residual Oil Emulsion Burner in a Commercial Boiler

The performance and air pollution emissions of an experimental water/oil emulsion burner are presented. The burner was fired with two residual oils at selected emulsion water fractions. Various stoichiometric ratios and two load conditions were used to determine how operational parameters influenced the results. Particulate mass emissions and particle size distributions are presented. Examples show that, even though particulate mass may decrease, the total amount of fine particulate emissions may increase by using water/oil emulsions. The performance of the boiler is reduced when large fractions of water are used in the emulsion due to latent heat losses. This performance loss may be only slightly recovered by operating at a reduced stoichiometric ratio corresponding to a smoke limit. NO/sub x/ and CO emissions data are presented for various test conditions, but neither were affected significantly by use of water/oil emulsions. 15 refs.
On “Games with multiple payoffs”

This note points out an error in a numerical example of a two-person, zero-sum game with vector payoffs provided byZeleny [1975]. The resulting solution of the parametric linear programming problem is a mixed strategy.
Amorphous polyurethane—polyether blends

Abstract As we have reported recently, the application of association models has provided a theoretical basis for the calculation of the free energy changes and phase diagrams of binary polymer blends in which hydrogen bonding plays a significant role. Here we perform theoretical calculations of the phase diagrams of a number of amorphous polyurethane—polyether blends. The concordance between the theoretical predictions and gross experimental observations of the miscibility of these polymer blend systems is very encouraging.
Measuring Sojourner Adjustment among American students studying abroad.

The literature on “Sojourner Adjustment,” a term expanding on the acculturation concept to apply to groups residing temporarily in foreign environments, suggests that engagement, participation, and temporary integration into the host culture may contribute to less psychological and sociocultural difficulty while abroad. The present study was designed to establish a brief multi-component measure of Sojourner Adjustment (the Sojourner Adjustment Measure; SAM) to be used in work with populations residing temporarily in foreign environments (e.g., international students, foreign aid workers). Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses on a sample of 248 American study abroad college students, we established a 24-item measure of Sojourner Adjustment composed of four positive factors (social interaction with host nationals, cultural understanding and participation, language development and use, host culture identification) and two negative factors (social interaction with co-nationals, homesickness/feeling out of place). Preliminary convergent validity was examined through correlations with established measures of acculturation. Further research with the SAM is encouraged to explore the relevance of this measure with other groups of sojourners (e.g., foreign aid workers, international businessmen, military personnel) and to determine how SAM factors relate to psychological well-being, health behaviors, and risk behaviors abroad among these diverse groups.
Seed bank persistence of genetically modified canola in California

Canola, which is genetically modified (GM) for tolerance to glyphosate, has the potential to become established as a new glyphosate resistant weed, thus reducing the effectiveness of glyphosate. Volunteer from dormant canola seeds produced thousands of plants per hectare in the fourth year (2011) following a 2007 crop harvest. This occurred with no additional canola seed production since the 2007 harvest. Volunteer plants following harvests of annual crops are typically only a problem for the first year after harvest. In California, glyphosate is the core herbicide on over a million hectares of high value row, tree, and vine crops and new glyphosate resistant weeds reduce the effectiveness of glyphosate. The combination of dormant seed and herbicide resistance makes GM glyphosate-resistant canola a new and difficult California weed which was first observed in the winter of 2009.
Effects of Overexpression of the Na+-Ca2+ Exchanger on [Ca2+]i Transients in Murine Ventricular Myocytes

We measured [Ca2+]i and [Na+]i in isolated transgenic (TG) mouse myocytes overexpressing the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger and in wild-type (WT) myocytes. In TG myocytes, the peak systolic level and amplitude of electrically stimulated (ES) [Ca2+]i transients (0.25 Hz) were not significantly different from those in WT myocytes, but the time to peak [Ca2+]i was significantly prolonged. The decline of ES [Ca2+]i transients was significantly accelerated in TG myocytes. The decline of a long-duration (4-s) caffeine-induced [Ca2+]i transient was markedly faster in TG myocytes, and [Na+]i was identical in TG and WT myocytes, indicating that the overexpressed Na+-Ca2+ exchanger is functionally active. The decline of a short-duration (100-ms) caffeine-induced [Ca2+]i transient in 0 Na+/0 Ca2+ solution did not differ between the two groups, suggesting that the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-ATPase function is not altered by overexpression of the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger. There was no difference in L-type Ca2+ current density in WT and TG myocytes. However, the sensitivity of ES [Ca2+]i transients to nifedipine was reduced in TG myocytes. This maintenance of [Ca2+]i transients in nifedipine was inhibited by Ni2+ and required SR Ca2+ content, consistent with enhanced Ca2+ influx by reverse Na+-Ca2+ exchange, and the resulting Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release from SR. The rate of rise of [Ca2+]i transients in nifedipine in TG myocytes was much slower than when both the L-type Ca2+ current and the Na+-Ca2+ exchange current function together. In TG myocytes, action potential amplitude and action potential duration at 50% repolarization were reduced, and action potential duration at 90% repolarization was increased, relative to WT myocytes. These data suggest that under these conditions, overexpression of the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger in TG myocytes accelerates the decline of [Ca2+]i during relaxation, indicating enhanced forward Na+-Ca2+ exchanger function. Increased Ca2+ influx also appears to occur, consistent with enhanced reverse function. These findings provide support for the physiological importance of both these modes of Na+-Ca2+ exchange.
Evaluation of Resilient Moduli of Pavement Layers at an Instrumented Section on I-35 in Oklahoma

ABSTRACT Resilient Modulus (Mr) is an important material property for pavement design and evaluation. The Mr values can be estimated in the laboratory by measuring material's response under simulated field loading conditions. It can also be determined from nondestructive tests such as the falling weight deflectometer. Some previous studies have shown, however, that the Mr values determined from laboratory testing can differ significantly from that determined from the backcalculated resilient moduli using FWD data. This paper presents the results of a site-specific comparison of the Mr values determined through laboratory testing and backcalculation of FWD data. Both laboratory and FWD data are related to an instrumented pavement section on I-35 in central Oklahoma. Unlike most previous studies that focused on FWD testing on the top of asphalt concrete, in the present study FWD tests are conducted on different layers namely, natural subgrade, stabilized subgrade, aggregate base and asphalt concrete. The st...
The State Sovereignty Battle in Seattle

The World Trade Organization Millennium Round meetings held in Seattle, Washington in late 1999 provide a unique way to examine changes in the post-Cold War system. This case uses the intergovernmental organization to consider the ongoing debate over the effect of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) on state sovereignty. The expected outcome of NGO activity is erosion of state sovereignty, as private citizens across political boundaries unite for a common cause. Paradoxically, however, the outcome in this case is one where NGO activity actually serves to reinforce state sovereignty, fortifying the control, legitimacy, and autonomy of states in both the global north and south in a variety of ways.
Scalable high speed serial interface for data converters: Using the JESD204B industry standard

The need for wideband data converters (DAC and ADC) with increasingly higher sampling frequencies and data resolutions are driven by new applications, as well as advances in existing ones. The bandwidth limitations of current I/O technologies, such as CMOS or LVDS, force the need for higher pin counts on converter products. The JESD204 standard interface offers several advantages over its CMOS and LVDS predecessors in term of speed, power, size, cost, and scalability. In this paper we present a systematic approach that facilitates the adoption of the new high speed serial interface starting from system level constraints. We describe how to handle some key design features like higher data bandwidth, multi-device synchronization, deterministic latency, and harmonic clocking that are required by high data rate end-system applications such as wireless infrastructure transceivers.
Liquid-crystalline poly(azomethine)s: 2. Structural formation kinetics

Abstract Characterization of the structural formation kinetics in a series of liquid-crystalline poly(azomethine)s (PAMEs), containing different numbers ( n ) of ethylene glycol flexible spacers, has been investigated. It has been previously established that, after crystal melting, all PAMEs demonstrate a nematic liquid-crystalline phase, prior to their isotropic melts. The polymers only exhibit liquid-crystalline glassy phases after quenching ( n = 1) or on cooling ( n = 2, 3 and 4). The isotropic to nematic transitions for PAMEs ( n = 2, 3 and 4) proceed by two processes: a fast process followed by a slow structure-sensitive process achieved only on annealing isothermally. Both the fast and the slow processes are greatly influenced by the number of flexible spacers. The fast process is closely associated with a texture of high disclination density, whereas the slow process involves transformations of disclination. Isothermal experiments in the sub- T g region reveal that the enthalpy relaxations for quenched samples from the nematic and isotropic states are different in the initial stages. The kinetics of this relaxation phenomenon has also been discussed.
Sb-based n- and p-channel HFETs for high-speed, low-power applications

Heterostructure field-effect transistors (HFETs) composed of antimonide-based compound semiconductor (ABCS) materials have intrinsic performance advantages due to the attractive electron and hole transport properties, narrow bandgaps, low ohmic contact resistances, and unique band-lineup design flexibility within this material system. These advantages can be particularly exploited in applications where high-speed operation and low-power consumption are essential, which include large-scale active-array space-based radar, communications, imaging, sensing, and high-data-rate transmission. In this talk, recent advances at our laboratory in the design, material growth, device performance, and oxidation stability of Sb-based n- and p-channel HFETs will be presented.
Beam characteristics of a new model of 6-MV linear acceleratora)

This paper describes the beam characteristics and dosimetry measurements performed on the 6‐MV photon beam of a new model of linear accelerator, three of which were recently introduced and installed in our institution. Percent depth dose and tissue maximum ratio tables for a variety of field sizes and depths, as well as other parameters used for treatment planning are presented. These accelerators are the first of their kind using both hardware and software tools to control interlocks. Checking procedures for these interlocks are available from the authors upon request. Comparison of characteristic parameters between these three new 6‐MV linear accelerators and with the 6‐MV beams of two other accelerators is also made.
MR imaging of parosteal osteosarcoma in two skeletally immature patients

Parosteal osteogenic sarcoma is an unusual tumor in young children. It usually has a tendency to affect people with mature skeletons. The biological behavior of this tumor in children appears to be identical to that in adults, resulting in excellent prognosis after curative operative procedures, even if there is minimal extension to the bone marrow. Magnetic resonance imaging has a significant role in staging the tumor, as other imaging modalities are inferior in demonstrating early bone marrow involvement.
DNA polymerase activities in fractionated walker-256 tumor cell nuclei

Abstract When isolated nuclei from Walker-256 tumor cells were fractionated into a nucleoplasmic, acidic protein and DNA-histone complex, all three fractions showed DNA synthesizing ability. The nucleoplasmic fraction was stimulated 2 to 3 fold by ATP and was most active with denatured Walker-256 DNA. The acidic protein fraction was independent of ATP and it also preferred denatured over native Walker-256 DNA. Both the nucleoplasmic and the acidic protein enzymes were active with the DNA-histone complex as promoter, but only in the presence of ATP. The DNA-histone complex was active in the presence of ATP but did not require added DNA for maximum activity.
Optical design optimization for high-speed active optical cables

We introduce a Monte Carlo-based optimization to quantify the trade-off between optical loss and misalignment tolerances in active optical cables. Fibers with large core diameters are shown to outperform standard MMF at 20 Gb/s.
Residues of terbufos (Counter) in Iowa corn and soil.

Field corn, sweet corn, popcorn, and soil from Iowa fields were analyzed for residues of terbufos (Counter®), O,O-diethyl S-[( tert -butylthio)methyl] phosphorodithioate. A granular formulation (Counter 15-G) was applied at the time of planting as a band or furrow treatment of 1, 2, and 4 lb AI/acre. Residues of terbufos, expressed as the fully oxidized sulfone (O,O-diethyl S-[( tert -butylsulfonyl)methyl) phosphorothiolate), in field corn forage ranged from a high of 0.43 ppm 40 days post-treatment (4-lb furrow application) to a nondetectable amount 60 days post-treatment (1-lb band application). No detectable residues were found in field corn grain, plus cob, harvested for silage (100 days post-treatment), and quantities in stover of the same maturity showed only 0.01–0.04 ppm. Analyses of fully mature grain (160 days) showed no residues. Quantities of terbufos in soil where field corn was grown ranged from 78 ppm immediately after application (4-lb furrow application) to 0.3 ppm 160 days post-treatment (1-Ib band application). Sweet corn grain and popcorn grain sampled at edible maturity showed no residues of terbufos even though 10–14 ppm still were in the accompanying soil.
Why Some Humanoid Faces Are Perceived More Positively Than Others: Effects of Human-Likeness and Task

Ample research in social psychology has highlighted the importance of the human face in human-human interactions. However, there is a less clear understanding of how a humanoid robot's face is perceived by humans. One of the primary goals of this study was to investigate how initial perceptions of robots are influenced by the extent of human-likeness of the robot's face, particularly when the robot is intended to provide assistance with tasks in the home that are traditionally carried out by humans. Moreover, although robots have the potential to help both younger and older adults, there is limited knowledge of whether the two age groups' perceptions differ. In this study, younger (N = 32) and older adults (N = 32) imagined interacting with a robot in four different task contexts and rated robot faces of varying levels of human-likeness. Participants were also interviewed to assess their reasons for particular preferences. This multi-method approach identified patterns of perceptions across different appearances as well as reasons that influence the formation of such perceptions. Overall, the results indicated that people's perceptions of robot faces vary as a function of robot human-likeness. People tended to over-generalize their understanding of humans to build expectations about a human-looking robot's behavior and capabilities. Additionally, preferences for humanoid robots depended on the task although younger and older adults differed in their preferences for certain humanoid appearances. The results of this study have implications both for advancing theoretical understanding of robot perceptions and for creating and applying guidelines for the design of robots.
Neural limitations of visual excitability: After-effects of subliminal stimulation☆

Abstract Changes in the threshold luminance for a 5 msec, 30′, “test” flash (Ft), were studied as a function of temporal delay from a 5 msec subliminal (55% of threshold) “conditioning” flash (Fc), set at either 30′, 45′, or 60′ in diameter. In one stimulating mode (“monocular”), both Fc and Ft were exposed to the same (right) eye; in another (“interocular”), Fc was presented to the left and Ft to the right eye. Temporal summation was obtained under both modes, and was greater in magnitude for monocular stimulation, was independent of Fc diameter, but was specific for the same (monocular), or homotopic (interocular) retinal locations. In all cases, perfect summation (energy additivity) was limited to about 20 msec interflash interval, and was followed by an additional 30 msec of partial summation. Collectively, the foregoing findings imply that central neural mechanisms are involved in determining threshold sensitivity.
Thyroid and parathyroid disease

The thyroid gland is located in the neck, behind the strap muscles and anterior to the larynx and trachea. Its normal weight is 20-25g. The isthmus of the thyroid overlies the second to fourth tracheal rings and there are two pear-shaped lateral lobes. The recurrent laryngeal nerve is located behind the thyroid. This supplies all the laryngeal muscles except the cricothyroid muscles. The thyroid gland consists of a large number of follicles, lined with cuboidal epithelial cells, and filled with colloid. The main component of the colloid is a glycoprotein called thyroglobulin. If the thyroid is enlarged, tracheal compression may result, even to the extent of causing difficulties in respiration. A retrosternal goitre of the thyroid extending into the thoracic inlet may also result in respiratory impairment. The thyroid may also extend superiorly, the so-called lingual thyroid. This is generally congenital. Carcinoma of the thyroid may involve and/or erode into trachea, oesophagus and carotid sheath.
Ordered nanocrystalline ZnO films for high speed and transparent thin film transistors

Thin films of spontaneously ordered and closely packed 20‘-’50nm diameter nanocolumns of ZnO were used to fabricate high speed and transparent thin film transistors (TFT). The use of nanocrystalline ZnO (nc-ZnO) helps to achieve the intrinsic electronic properties of single crystals while providing substrate agnostic thin films that can be grown on non-planar surfaces of rigid or flexible substrates. We have developed low temperature pulsed laser deposition (PLD) techniques for both doped and undoped nc-ZnO films and demonstrated microwave transistor operation (f max =10GHz). Unlike in amorphous TFTs, the operation of nc-ZnO transistors relies on field effect charge control at vertical grain boundaries between nanocolumns and can produce very high on/off ratios (>1012), very high current densities and near ideal subthreshold voltage swings (∼85mV/decade). Using a combination of doped and undoped nc-ZnO films, we have fabricated the first indium-free transparent TFTs with excellent performance and transparency.
Failure to induce defecation in rats exposed to fixed-time schedules of liquid food delivery

Previous studies have found that defecation increases in rats exposed to fixed-time schedules of dry food delivery. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether increases in defecation could be induced in rats exposed to fixed-time schedules of liquid food delivery. Eight rats were exposed to fixed-time 30-, 60-, and 120-s schedules of liquid food delivery. None of the subjects excreted significantly more fecal boli under the fixed-time schedules than during massed-food control sessions in which an equivalent amount of food was presented at the beginning of the sessions. Thus, the present findings identify a previously unknown constraint on schedule-induced defecation in rats.
Infectious pericarditis in children.

Twelve children with bacterial pericarditis and two children with pericardial effusion from which viruses were isolated were seen at St. Louis Children's Hospital between 1958 and 1973. Staphylococcus aureus was responsible for eight of the 12 cases of bacterial pericarditis, and in one of these cases produced a necrotic aorititis and false mycotic aneurysm. Four of the eight patients with S. aureus pericarditis had preceding or concurrent skin infections with this organism, including two in whom S. aureus skin infection was a complication of varicella. In one patient with Hemophilus influenzae , type b, pneumonitis, a pericardial effusion developed on the tenth day of therapy and Coxsackie A9 virus was isolated from pericardial fluid. The first example of isolation of adenovirus type 7 from the pericardial fluid of another patient is also reported.
Current Issues: Telepractice: Its Place in Our Technology-Driven World

Technology is constantly evolving, allowing individuals to communicate more quickly and effectively than ever before. Technological advances can often lead to controversy, as is the case with telep...
Bystander gene activation by a locus control region

Random assortment of genes within mammalian genomes establishes the potential for interference between neighboring genes with distinct transcriptional specificities. Long-range transcriptional controls further increase this potential. Exploring this problem is of fundamental importance to understanding gene regulation. In the human genome, the Igbeta (CD79b) gene is situated between the pituitary-specific human growth hormone (hGH) gene and its locus control region (hGH LCR). Igbeta protein is considered B-cell specific; its only known role is in B-cell receptor signaling. Unexpectedly, we found that hIgbeta is transcribed at high levels in the pituitary. This Igbeta transcription is dependent on pituitary-specific epigenetic modifications generated by the hGH LCR. In contrast, expression of Igbeta at its native site in B cells is independent of hGH LCR activity. These studies demonstrated that a gene with tissue-restricted transcriptional determinants (B cell) can be robustly activated in an unrelated tissue (pituitary) due to fortuitous positioning within an active chromatin domain. This 'bystander' gene activation pathway impacts on current concepts of tissue specificity and models of active chromatin domains.
Management of Double-Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Widespread use of the novel agents bortezomib and lenalidomide has improved outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM). Despite remarkable progress, patients will eventually relapse after exhausting treatment with these drugs. Management of myeloma that is refractory to both bortezomib and lenalidomide (double-refractory MM, DRMM) is complicated due to disease, patient, and treatment-related factors and new therapies for these patients are required. A review of the unique challenges of treating DRMM, recently FDA-approved therapeutic agents, and selected novel drugs under active clinical investigation, is presented below.
Atmospheric lifetimes and ozone depletion potentials of trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropylene and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene in a three-dimensional model

Abstract. The chloroalkenes trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropylene (tCFP) and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (tDCE) have been proposed as candidate replacements for other compounds in current use that cause concerns regarding potential environmental effects including destruction of stratospheric ozone. Because tCFP and tDCE contain chlorine atoms, the effects of these short-lived compounds on stratospheric ozone must be established. In this study, we derive the atmospheric lifetimes and Ozone Depletion Potentials (ODPs) for tCFP and for tDCE assuming emissions from land surfaces at latitudes 30° N to 60° N using the MOZART 3 three-dimensional model of atmospheric chemistry and physics. 53% of the ozone loss due to tCFP and 98% of the ozone loss due to tDCE take place in the troposphere, rather than in the stratosphere as generally expected from longer-lived chlorocarbons. The atmospheric lifetime of tCFP against chemical reaction is 40.4 days, and its ODP is quite small at 0.00034. The tDCE atmospheric lifetime is 12.7 days, and its ODP is 0.00024, which is the lowest ODP found for any chlorocarbon we have studied. Our study suggests that chlorine from tCFP and tDCE are unlikely to affect ozone at quantities likely to be emitted to the atmosphere.
Nerve Blocks in the Treatment of Headache

Nerve blocks and neurostimulation are reasonable therapeutic options in patients with head and neck neuralgias. In addition, these peripheral nerve procedures can also be effective in primary headache disorders, such as migraine and cluster headaches. Nerve blocks for headaches are generally accomplished by using small subcutaneous injections of amide-type local anesthetics, such as lidocaine and bupivicaine. Targets include the greater occipital nerve, lesser occipital nerve, auriculotemporal nerve, supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves, sphenopalatine ganglion, cervical spinal roots, and facet joints of the upper cervical spine. Although definitive studies examining the usefulness of nerve blocks are lacking, reports suggest that this area deserves further attention in the hope of acquiring evidence of effectiveness.
Contribution of Family History in Co-occurring Down Syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Nearly all children with Down syndrome (DS) are born with hypotonia which later improves with age. We present a case of a 32-month-old female with DS who has persistent hypotonia and ligamentous hyperlaxity. She was subsequently diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome-Hypermobility type (EDS-HMT) based on family history, which resulted in the significant global developmental delay compared to age-matched peers with DS. Further clinical investigation is recommended in individuals with DS who appear to have developmental profiles significantly below what would be expected due to typical Trisomy 21 so that additional diagnostic testing and appropriate interventional therapy may be provided. Specifically, timely diagnosis of inherited disorders such as EDS-HMT is important in identifying other family members with the condition.
On a Natural-Convection Benchmark Problem in Non-Newtonian Fluids

Computational results are compared to experimental benchmark results for natural convection of a Newtonian fluid in a cubical cavity. These results are then extended to Powell-Eyring and extended Williamson fluids. Good agreement is seen between the experimental and computational results for most of the Newtonian cases. Results from the non-Newtonian cases are proposed for comparison to future experiments. An issue raised by the Newtonian experimental study is identified and a probable resolution is described. Comparison of Newtonian and non-Newtonian results shows increased heat flux with increasing nonlinearity of the models. The non-Newtonian cases for the diagonally inclined orientation also show periodic behavior not seen in the Newtonian cases.
Creating a Database to Store Statistics

This paper describes the development process used for creating a database to store statistical agricultural data. Deliverables such as the database, a small software product, and documentation are discussed. A project plan was written in advance, discussed by the project team, and approved. Using the framework of the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK), the results were well received by the affected team members
Immunochemical analysis of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid, a biomarker of forestry worker exposure to pyrethroid insecticides

Pyrethroid insecticides widely used in forestry, agricultural, industrial, and residential applications have potential for human exposure. Short sample preparation time and sensitive, economical high-throughput assays are needed for biomonitoring studies that analyze a large number of samples. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for determining 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), a general urinary biomarker of exposure to some pyrethroid insecticides. A mixed-mode solid-phase extraction reduced interferences from acid hydrolyzed urine and gave 110 ± 6% recoveries from spiked samples. The method limit of quantification was 2 μg/L. Urine samples were collected from forestry workers that harvest pine cone seeds where pyrethroid insecticides were applied at ten different orchards. At least four samples for each worker were collected in a 1-week period. The 3-PBA in workers classified as high, low, or no exposure based on job analysis over all sampling days was 6.40 ± 9.60 (n = 200), 5.27 ± 5.39 (n = 52), and 3.56 ± 2.64 ng/mL (n = 34), respectively. Pair-wise comparison of the differences in least squares means of 3-PBA concentrations among groups only showed a significant difference between high and no exposure. Although this difference was not significant when 3-PBA excretion was normalized by creatinine excretion, the general trend was still apparent. No significant differences were observed among days or orchards. This ELISA method using a 96-well plate was performed as a high-throughput tool for analyzing around 300 urine samples measured in triplicate to provide data for workers exposure assessment.
Probing the functions of contextual modulation by adapting images rather than observers.

Countless visual aftereffects have illustrated how visual sensitivity and perception can be biased by adaptation to the recent temporal context. This contextual modulation has been proposed to serve a variety of functions, but the actual benefits of adaptation remain uncertain. We describe an approach we have recently developed for exploring these benefits by adapting images instead of observers, to simulate how images should appear under theoretically optimal states of adaptation. This allows the long-term consequences of adaptation to be evaluated in ways that are difficult to probe by adapting observers, and provides a common framework for understanding how visual coding changes when the environment or the observer changes, or for evaluating how the effects of temporal context depend on different models of visual coding or the adaptation processes. The approach is illustrated for the specific case of adaptation to color, for which the initial neural coding and adaptation processes are relatively well understood, but can in principle be applied to examine the consequences of adaptation for any stimulus dimension. A simple calibration that adjusts each neuron’s sensitivity according to the stimulus level it is exposed to is sufficient to normalize visual coding and generate a host of benefits, from increased efficiency to perceptual constancy to enhanced discrimination. This temporal normalization may also provide an important precursor for the effective operation of contextual mechanisms operating across space or feature dimensions. To the extent that the effects of adaptation can be predicted, images from new environments could be “pre-adapted” to match them to the observer, eliminating the need for observers to adapt.
Habitat management influences overwinter survival of mule deer fawns in Colorado

In the absence of natural or anthropogenic disturbance, many pinyon pine (Pinus edulis)–Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) woodland habitats reach late seral stages that encroach into forest openings. This encroachment typically occurs at the expense of browse species that are preferred by mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Wildlife managers often treat habitat management as a tool to bolster mule deer populations, but documented changes in deer vital rates in response to habitat manipulations are lacking. We evaluated the effects of different levels of habitat improvement on pinyon pine–Utah juniper winter ranges in Colorado on mule deer overwinter survival. Mule deer fawns that overwintered on areas that received both a traditional mechanical treatment as well as follow-up chemical treatments experienced increased survival ( = 0.768, SE = 0.0851) over fawns on winter range that had only received traditional mechanical treatments or no habitat treatments ( = 0.675, SE = 0.112). When treatment intensity was partitioned into 3 levels: no treatment, traditional mechanical treatments, and advanced treatments comprised of both mechanical and chemical treatments, mule deer fawns inhabiting winter range subjected to advanced treatments experienced higher survival ( = 0.768, SE = 0.0849) than fawns on units that experienced only traditional mechanical treatments ( = 0.687, SE = 0.108), which in turn experienced higher survival than fawns in areas that had received no habitat treatments ( = 0.669, SE = 0.113). Our study provides evidence that habitat management on winter ranges can positively influence a key vital rate for mule deer in pinyon pine–Utah juniper ecosystems. We recommend that as habitat treatments are planned for benefit of mule deer, those plans include follow-up reseeding and weed control efforts. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Preface to the Special Issue: The Book as Art, Literature and History

This special issue of The Journal of the Rutgers University Libraries reflects the wide range of approaches to the study of the book and the wealth of activities at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey concerned with the book arts. All of the articles in this issue are based on lectures given at Rutgers within the last two years.
Evolutionary dominance of holin lysis systems derives from superior genetic malleability

For the microviruses and the leviviruses, bacteriophages with small single-stranded genomes, host lysis is accomplished by expression of a single gene that encodes an inhibitor of cell wall synthesis. In contrast, phages with double-stranded DNA genomes use a more complex system involving, at minimum, an endolysin, which degrades peptidoglycan, and a holin, which permeabilizes the membrane in a temporally programmed manner. To explore the basis of this difference, a chimera was created in which lysis gene E of the microvirus φX174 replaced the entire lysis cassette of phage λ, which includes the holin gene S and the endolysin gene R. The chimeric phage was viable but more variability was observed both in the distribution of plaque sizes and in the burst sizes of single cells, compared to the isogenic S+ parent. Using different alleles of E, it was found the average burst size increased with the duration of the latent period, just as observed with S alleles with different lysis times. Moreover, within a set of missense E alleles, it was found that variability in lysis timing was limited and almost exclusively derived from changes in the level of E accumulation. By contrast, missense mutations in S resulted in a wide variation in lysis times that was not correlated with levels of accumulation. We suggest that the properties of greater phenotypic plasticity and lesser phenotypic variation make the function of holin proteins more genetically malleable, facilitating rapid adaptation towards a lysis time that would be optimal for changed host and environmental conditions. The inferior malleability of single-gene systems like E would restrict their occurrence to phages in which coding capacity is the overriding evolutionary constraint.
On Bias-Variance Trade-Off in Superimposed Training-Based Doubly Selective Channel Estimation

Channel estimation for single-user frequency-selective time-varying channels is considered using superimposed training. The time-varying channel is assumed to be well-approximated by a complex exponential basis expansion model (CE-BEM). A periodic (non-random) training sequence is arithmetically added (superimposed) at a low power to the information sequence at the transmitter before modulation and transmission. First we present a performance analysis of a first-order statistics-based channel estimator for time-varying random channels, accounting for modeling errors. Using these results we address the issue of selection of the number of bases from an equalization viewpoint where we optimize a signal-to-noise ratio for data detection. An illustrative computer simulation example is presented.
Service Learning in an Undergraduate Social Work Research Course

The current study examined student experiences (n = 111) in an undergraduate social work (BSW) research seminar in which a service learning (SL) project was the primary focus. Student groups of approximately six or seven worked with local agencies to develop a research plan for the agency. Students found the SL project to be a positive experience. The SL outcomes resulted in a greater appreciation of research, including a greater interest in and comfort with conducting research. Results also are compared to a similar SL project in which the entire class, rather than a small group, worked with one agency. The implications are discussed.
Aberrantly activated EGFR contributes to enhanced IL-8 expression in COPD airways epithelial cells via regulation of nuclear FoxO3A

Background Decreased activity of forkhead transcription factor class O (FoxO)3A, a negative regulator of NF-κB-mediated chemokine expression, is implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Previously, we showed that quercetin reduces lung inflammation in a murine model of COPD. Here, we examined the mechanisms underlying decreased FoxO3A activation and its modulation by quercetin in COPD human airway epithelial cells and in a COPD mouse model. Methods Primary COPD and normal human airway epithelial cells were treated with quercetin, LY294002 or erlotinib for 2 weeks. IL-8 was measured by ELISA. FoxO3A, Akt, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation and nuclear FoxO3A levels were determined by Western blot analysis. Effects of quercetin on lung chemokine expression, nuclear FoxO3A levels and phosphorylation of EGFR and Akt were determined in COPD mouse model. Results Compared with normal, COPD cells showed significantly increased IL-8, which negatively correlated with nuclear FoxO3A levels. COPD bronchial biopsies also showed reduced nuclear FoxO3A. Decreased FoxO3A in COPD cells was associated with increased phosphorylation of EGFR, Akt and FoxO3A and treatment with quercetin, LY294002 or erlotinib increased nuclear FoxO3A and decreased IL-8 and phosphorylation of Akt, EGFR and FoxO3A, Compared with control, elastase/LPS-exposed mice showed decreased nuclear FoxO3A, increased chemokines and phosphorylation of EGFR and Akt. Treatment with quercetin partially reversed these changes. Conclusions In COPD airways, aberrant EGFR activity increases PI 3-kinase/Akt-mediated phosphorylation of FoxO3A, thereby decreasing nuclear FoxO3A and increasing chemokine expression. Quercetin restores nuclear FoxO3A and reduces chemokine expression partly by modulating EGFR/PI 3-kinase/Akt activity.