cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The growth of γ plates in an Al-15% Ag alloy

Abstract In order to test theories of the formation of plate-shaped precipitate morphologies, the mechanisms and kinetics of both thickening and lengthening have been studied in h.c.p. γ plates grown in an Al-15% Ag alloy. Hot-stage electron microscopy was the major tool employed. It was observed that thickening was accomplished by the passage of partial dislocations (ledges) across the γ broad faces, rather than by the uniform advance of these faces. Ledge velocity, however, was usually controlled by volume diffusion. Edges of the plates were observed to be faceted. Consistent with this morphological observation, lengthening also occurred by a ledge mechanism; the movement of the ledges, from 100 to 500 A in height, was easily visible in the hot-stage experiments. The measurements of both thickening and lengthening have been successfully interpreted in terms of recent ledge theories of growth.
ACCELERATION OF THE SOLAR WIND BY ALFVÉN WAVE PACKETS

A scale separation kinetic model of the solar wind acceleration is presented. The model assumes an isotropic Maxwellian distribution of protons and a constant influx of outward propagating Alfven waves with a single exponent Kolmogorov-type spectrum at the base of a coronal acceleration region (~2 R ☉). Our results indicate that nonlinear cyclotron resonant interaction taking energy from Alfven waves and depositing it into mostly perpendicular heating of protons in initially weakly expanding plasma in a spherically non-uniform magnetic field is able to produce the typical fast solar wind velocities for the typical plasma and wave conditions after expansion to about 5-10 solar radii R ☉. The acceleration model takes into account the gravity force and the ambipolar electric field, as well as the mirror force, which plays the most important role in driving the solar wind acceleration. Contrary to the recent claims of Isenberg, the cold plasma dispersion only slightly slows down the acceleration and actually helps in obtaining the more realistic fast solar wind speeds.
The management of myofascial pain syndromes

Objective: To present an approach to the management of the Myofascial Pain Syndrome [MPS] based on clinical experience, addressing the problems posed by the specific nature of primary myofascial trigger point pain, and the problem of chronic myofascial pain. Results: Specific trigger point therapy is designed to inactivate the myofascial trigger point by means of manual techniques, intermittent cold and stretch, and invasive trigger point needling or injection with a local anesthetic. Management of recurrent MPS requires addressing the perpetuating factors of mechanical imbalances [structural, postural, compressive] and systemic abnormalities which interfere with the ability of muscle to recover or which continuously stress muscle reactivating the trigger point. The common systemic factors associated with MPS are hypothyroidism, folic acid insufficiency and iron insufficiency. The relationship of many of the perpetuating factors to MPS is clinically apparent, but has yet to be established firmly by statis...
Secretion of squalene by ticks

Abstract The nature of the fluid secreted from the dorsolateral surface of certain ticks was analyzed chemically and by correlating secretory activity with the presence of glands. A waxy fluid flows from particular linearly arranged pores (“sagittiform sensilla”) that characterize metastriate ticks when their legs are pressure-stimulated. The secretion is released from a reservoir located beneath the cusp-like valves of the inner chamber of the gland and comprises almost 2% of the tick's body weight. It is replenished within 10 days, regardless of the water relationships of the tick. Gas chromatographic and mass spectral analysis demonstrate that its dominant component (at least 25% of non-volatile mass) is squalene. This pressure-stimulated, squalene-containing secretion of the “large wax glands” of metastriate ticks has the characteristics of a defense secretion.
What is professionalism

1. Cummins S, Petticrew M, Sparks L, Findlay A. Large scale food retail interventions and diet. BMJ. 2005;330(7493):683-684. 2. Tarnapol Whitacre P, Tsai P, Mulligan J. The Public Health Effects of Food Deserts: Workshop Summary. Washington, DC: Institute of Medicine and National Research Council; 2009. 3. Borradaile KE, Sherman S, Vander Veur SS, et al. Snacking in children: the role of urban corner stores. Pediatrics. 2009;124(5):1293-1298. 4. Lucan SC, Karpyn A, Sherman S. Storing empty calories and chronic disease risk: snack-food products, nutritive content, and manufacturers in Philadelphia corner stores. J Urban Health. 2010;87(3):394-409. 5. The White House, Office of the First Lady. First Lady Michelle Obama announces nationwide commitments to provide millions of people access to healthy, affordable food in underserved communities. http://www.whitehouse .gov/the-press-office/2011/07/20/first-lady-michelle-obama-announces -nationwide-commitments-provide-milli. Accessed October 12, 2011.
Molecular approaches for improving desiccation tolerance: insights from the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana

We have evaluated the endogenous expression and molecular properties of selected Group 3 LEA proteins from Artemia franciscana , and the capacity of selected Groups 1 and 3 proteins transfected into various desiccation-sensitive cell lines to improve tolerance to drying. Organisms inhabiting both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems frequently are confronted with the problem of water loss for multiple reasons—exposure to hypersalinity, evaporative water loss, and restriction of intracellular water due to freezing of extracellular fluids. Seasonal desiccation can become severe and lead to the production of tolerant propagules and entry into the state of anhydrobiosis at various stages of the life cycle. Such is the case for gastrula-stage embryos of the brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana. Physiological and biochemical responses to desiccation are central for survival and are multifaceted. This review will evaluate the impact of multiple late embryogenesis abundant proteins originating from A. franciscana, together with the non-reducing sugar trehalose, on prevention of desiccation damage at multiple levels of biological organization. Survivorship of desiccation-sensitive cells during water stress can be improved by use of the above protective agents, coupled to metabolic preconditioning and rapid cell drying. However, obtaining long-term stability of cells in the dried state at room temperature has not been accomplished and will require continued efforts on both the physicochemical and biological fronts.
Feature Weighting in Species Song Recognition By the Field Sparrow (Spizella Pusilla)

Computer-modified songs were presented to wild territorial male field sparows to assess the relative importance of different acoustic features in species-song recognition. The features tested exhibited differing degrees of relative variability within field sparrow song. The experiments demonstrate that field sparrows arc sensitive to changes in song frequency, number and order of phrases, trill-note duration, note 'shape', and internote interval. Field sparrows appear to be 'tuned' to the normal range of varition in song features. Responses decreased significantly when features in the experimental songs were changed by two to three standard deviations relative to a control song. These results contrast with previous conclusions that birds only use 'invariant' features in species-song recognition. However, manipulations of invariant features, frequency and number of phrases, interfered with recognition more than did an equally-noticeable change to a variable feature, inter-note interval. The number of phrases in a song and the duration of trill notes appear to be equally important recognition cues. Thus, field sparrows integrate information from at least five different features in species song recognition, but give more weight to information from an invariant feature, song frequency, than they do to information from variable features.
Antenna angle and height influence GPS fix success and fix type in captive grizzly bears

Abstract GPS collars have greatly increased the number of locations obtained for individual animals during telemetry studies, but missed location attempts (missed fixes) may create bias in habitat analyses unless appropriately modeled. We placed GPS collars on captive grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) and observed their behavior while the collars attempted to obtain locations. Bear behavior influenced indices of GPS signal attenuation, the angle of the GPS antenna to the horizon, and collar height above the ground, but because bears sometimes rotate their collars, antenna angle varied within a behavior, particularly when collars fit snugly. We used a model selection approach to evaluate the influence of the angle of the GPS antenna to the horizon, collar height above the ground, and bear behavior on fix success. The model with both antenna angle and collar height was most parsimonious. We recommend fitting GPS collars such that the GPS antenna is opposite the battery pack (i.e., oriented up) for greatest fix s...
Demonstrating the learning health system through practical use cases.

* Abbreviations: LHS — : learning health system QI — : quality improvement The study by Forrest et al1 on the evaluation of the effectiveness of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α for Crohn disease has as its subtitle “Research in a Pediatric Learning Health System.” A quick review of the article and its abstract suggests that this is an exploration of anti-TNF-α; in reality, it is an exploration of the practical applicability of a learning health system (LHS) model to meaningfully generate generalizable knowledge. In techno-speak we would call this article a “use case,” a term derived from software and systems engineering; this is an attempt to develop, demonstrate, and refine the methods and application of LHS principles, data, and analytic techniques within the context of a practical real-world example. First, what is an LHS? According to the Institute of Medicine, an LHS is an organization in which “science, informatics, incentives, and culture are aligned for continuous improvement and innovation—with best practices seamlessly embedded in the delivery process and new knowledge captured as an integral by-product of the delivery experience.”2 Practically, the LHS is an environment in which the results and outcomes of clinical decisions and care for patients informs best practices and new research directions simultaneously. In an LHS, the care of an individual patient is informed by the care of similar patients before her or him, and her or his care is reinvested into … Address correspondence to Amy P. Abernethy, MD PhD, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3436, Durham, NC 27710. E-mail: amy.abernethy{at}duke.edu
Molecular mechanisms of adverse drug reactions

Background: Other than alkylating agents used in cancer chemotherapy, most drugs that cause adverse reactions require metabolism to structures that can react with constituents of our cellular environment to form products that initiate a chain of chemical and biochemical events leading to cellular damage. The mechanisms of formation of reactive metabolites that can cause cellular injury, the nature of the enzymes involved in their formation, and the structures of reactive intermediates have been characterized in some cases. Much less is known about the mechanisms of interaction of reactive metabolites with cellular molecules and how that interaction leads to tissue injury. Objective: This paper focuses on the general mechanisms involved in the formation of reactive metabolites and the drug structures commonly associated with these reactions. Methods: Both MEDLINE and TOXLINE databases were searched through the year 2000, and additional books and articles published through March 2001 were reviewed. Mechanisms for the formation of reactive metabolites from the following general substructures are described: arylacetic and arylpropionic acid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anilines and anilides, hydrazines and hydrazides, aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds, halogenated alkyl compounds, and fatty acid-like compounds. A few specific drugs (eg, acetaminophen, felbamate, troglitazone) and herbal products (eg, pennyroyal) are used as examples to illustrate the likely role of the metabolism of specific substructures in drug-mediated toxicities. Conclusions: Substantial toxicologic experience with some chemical substructures and research on reactive metabolite formation from these structures have provided a basis for semiempirical assessment of possible risk from these structures. The adult and pediatric populations are subject qualitatively to similar risks, but quantitatively the degree of risk may vary, depending on several factors.
Radiofrequency energy delivery to the gastric cardia inhibits triggering of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and gastroesophageal reflux in dogs.

Abstract Background: Delivery of radiofrequency energy to the lower esophageal sphincter and gastric cardia is a new endoluminal technique proposed for the treatment of reflux disease. The mechanisms by which it achieves its effects are unclear. The study assessed the effect of radiofrequency energy delivery to the gastric cardia on the triggering of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations and gastroesophageal reflux in dogs. Methods: In 13 dogs, esophageal motility and pH were measured for 1 hour after a standard liquid meal and air infusion, as well as before and 3 months after radiofrequency energy treatment. At 7 months, histologic evaluation of the gastroesophageal junction was performed. Results: Radiofrequency energy delivery reduced the frequency of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations from 4.0 (3.0-6.75) (median [interquartile range]) per hour to 3.0 (2.0-3.0) per hour ( p Conclusion: Radiofrequency energy delivery to the gastric cardia in dogs inhibits the triggering of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations and thereby reduces gastroesophageal reflux. (Gastrointest Endosc 2003;57:17-22.)
Boroxine: A novel approach to the phosphorus trifluoride-borane system

Abstract The gas phase reaction between boroxine and phosphorus trifluoride has been studied and shown to proceed as: B 3 O 3 H 3 ( g ) + PF 3 ( g ) → BH 3 PF 3 ( g ) + B 2 O 3 ( s ) . Rate date obtained using an i.r. absorbance technique show a first order dependence on boroxine. A mechanism is suggested. Phosphorus trifluoride borane reacts with oxygen in the gas phase to form H2B2O3(g). The effects of other species on this reaction are discussed in terms of a heterogeneous reaction.
Combining GPU data-parallel computing with OpenGL

Data-parallel computing is a programming paradigm in which the same analysis code is applied to different data elements. Many applications in visual computing fall into this category, such as particle systems, image processing, chain models, cloth models, flow analysis, and structural modeling. And, because of the nature of graphics architectures, GPUs are the natural place to perform such operations quickly.If you are an OpenGL programmer, you have two options:• OpenCL, an industry-wide standard created by the Khronos Group, the same body that governs• OpenGL, has been available for several years.• OpenGL compute shaders became available in the summer of 2012 in the OpenGL 4.3 release.The presence of these two multi-vendor solutions allows application developers considerable flexibility to examine their needs and choose the solution that most closely matches. These two solutions are especially important because each can use OpenGL buffers for their data storage. This means that the data never leave the GPU. They are local for both the computing and the rendering, increasing the speed of the application.This course examines both solutions, shows how each can be used to solve data-parallel computing problems, and explains how each interfaces with OpenGL's rendering.
Internships and the State Government Human Resources Crisis

Abstract State governments face massive retirements over the next few years. Since internships have been a significant source of bright new blood, we examine what all fifty states are doing with internships. Some exemplary programs were found, but the typical state intern program serves only a few unpaid students, supervisors receive no special training, and no tracking is done to see whether interns stay in state service or what their contributions are. While many states blame stringencies, the budgets involved are comparatively modest and potential benefits significant. We propose an action agenda for state governments and the public administration community.
Actin Filament Stress Fibers in Vascular Endothelial Cells in vivo

Fluorescence microscopy with 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-3-diazole phallacidin was used to survey vertebrate tissues for actin filament bundles comparable to the stress fibers of cultured cells. Such bundles were found only in vascular endothelial cells. Like the stress fibers of cultured cells, these actin filament bundles were stained in a punctate pattern by fluorescent antibodies to both alpha-actinin and myosin. The stress fibers were oriented parallel to the direction of blood flow and were prominent in endothelial cells from regions exposed to high-velocity flow, such as the left ventricle, aortic valve, and aorta. Actin bundles may help the endothelial cell to withstand hemodynamic stress.
The effect of boron on the temperature dependence of the flow and fracture of Fe45Al

A number of recent studies on both polycrystals and single crystals of unalloyed Fe-40Al (compositions given in atomic percent throughout) have shown that a peak in the yield stress exists in the range 675 K to 873 K. The peak can be obscured in fine-grained material because the grain boundary contribution to the yield strength decreases with increasing temperature, thus, offsetting the increasing lattice strength. Also, reducing the retained vacancies, which raise the room temperature yield strength, enables the yield strength peak to be more clearly revealed. Guo et al. have also demonstrated this anomalous temperature dependence in case Fe-38Al alloys doped with either boron or boron and zirconium. The purpose of the present paper is to compare the temperature dependence of the flow and fracture of large-grained Fe-45Al with similar material doped with boron.
BUILDING ZINC FINGERS BY SELECTION : TOWARD A THERAPEUTIC APPLICATION

Abstract A phage display approach was utilized to modify the specificity of each of the three fingers of the murine transcription factor Zif268. Selections were performed by using the consensus binding sequence of the natural protein and a conserved sequence in the genome of the type 1 human immunodeficiency virus. By using an extensive randomization strategy, the entire 3-bp specificity of a finger has been changed. Rapid analysis of selected zinc fingers was facilitated by the development of an immunoscreening assay for DNA binding and specificity. To investigate the mechanism of binding and specificity, the binding kinetics of Zif268 and 10 selected variants were determined in real time with an assay based on surface plasmon resonance. Differential mechanisms for sequence-specific recognition were observed. No evidence in support of a single general coding relationship between zinc finger and target DNA sequence was observed. The prospects for the development of this class of proteins in human therapy are considered.
Ventriculoatrial shunt catheter displacement in a child with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return : Case report

Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunts remain the most used alternative to ventriculoperitoneal shunts in infants with hydrocephalus. The authors report a case of an acute VA shunt malfunction as a result of distal catheter displacement in an 18-month-old girl with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return. The child presented with respiratory compromise, and a chest radiograph revealed a lung infiltrate and normal position of the distal shunt catheter tip. Computed tomography demonstrated stable ventricle size in comparison with previous studies. As the patient's respiratory distress progressed, she required intubation, mechanical ventilation with high airway pressures and inspired oxygen concentrations, muscle relaxants, and sedation. A routine morning chest radiograph several days after admission revealed displacement of the distal catheter into the left innominate vein. Later that day the child's pupils were noted to be large and unreactive and a distal shunt malfunction was diagnosed. Complications of VA shunts and the presumed mechanism by which the catheter became displaced are discussed.
Using virtual reality driving simulators in persons with spinal cord injury: three screen display versus head mounted display

Purpose: Virtual reality (VR) is a relatively new technology that is currently utilized in a wide variety of settings to test and train individuals in specialized skills. This study examines methods for improving driver retraining protocols for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Method: We compared a VR driving simulator, under two different display conditions, a head mounted display (HMD) and a three screen display (TSD) to identify the best method for retraining driving skills following SCI. Results: Although there was minimal evidence for driving performance difficulties in the HMD condition relative to the TSD condition (e.g. greater number of times for being off course and longer stopping latencies for the HMD condition), rates of simulator sickness did not differ between display conditions. Conclusions: Taken together, findings suggest that both the HMD and the TSD are reasonable simulator options for driver retraining in SCI.Implications for RehabilitationVirtual reality (VR) may be a useful to...
Nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) component p50 in blood mononuclear cells regulates endothelial tissue factor expression in sickle transgenic mice: implications for the coagulopathy of sickle cell disease

Sickle cell anemia is accompanied by the activation of coagulation and thrombosis. We have studied the abnormal expression of tissue factor (TF) by the pulmonary vein endothelium of the mild-phenotype NY1DD sickle transgenic. As detected by immunofluorescence microscopy, this occurs only after the NY1DD mouse is exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), which actually causes ischemia/reperfusion in the sickle cell disease—but not the normal—mouse model. We tested the hypothesis that the nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB)-activating inflammation that develops in post-H/R NY1DD mice is responsible for this phenotype switch. Various NFκB inhibitors (including p50-specific andrographolide) demonstrated that endothelial TF positivity is NFκB dependent. Several systemic inflammatory stimulators (tumor necrosis factor [TNFα], lipopolysaccharide, thioglycollate, and carageenan) given to control mice showed that the inflammatory promotion of TF expression by only pulmonary vein endothelium is not specific to the sickle cell disease model. We bred the NFκB(p50)-/- state into the NY1DD mouse. Combined with marrow transplantation, this allowed the creation of NY1DD mice that were NFκB(p50)-/- only in peripheral blood cells (and marrow) versus only in vessel walls (and tissues). This process revealed that endothelial TF expression in the NY1DD mouse is highly dependent on NFκB(p50) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells—but not in the vessel wall. In confirmation, the infusion of post-H/R sickle mouse blood mononuclear cells into naive NY1DD mice stimulated endothelial TF expression; the infusion of such cells from unstimulated sickle cell disease mice at ambient air did not stimulate TF expression. We conclude that peripheral blood mononuclear cells indirectly promote endothelial TF expression via a NFκB(p50)-dependent mechanism. This approach may be relevant to the role of coagulopathy in clinical sickle cell disease.
The Lognormal Distribution and the Translation Method: Description and Estimation Problems

Abstract This paper studies the problem of variable scaling and recommends the use of “functional” characteristics as descriptive measures of central tendency and variability for a population (or probability distribution). It gives, in the case of a lognormal population, the minimum variance unbiased estimates of the median (geometric mean) and the logarithmic variance. Applications to time series are mentioned.
Characterization of circadian behavior in the starlet sea anemone, Nematostella vectensis.

Background Although much is known about how circadian systems control daily cycles in the physiology and behavior of Drosophila and several vertebrate models, marine invertebrates have often been overlooked in circadian rhythms research. This study focuses on the starlet sea anemone, Nematostella vectensis, a species that has received increasing attention within the scientific community for its potential as a model research organism. The recently sequenced genome of N. vectensis makes it an especially attractive model for exploring the molecular evolution of circadian behavior. Critical behavioral data needed to correlate gene expression patterns to specific behaviors are currently lacking in N. vectensis. Methodology/principal findings To detect the presence of behavioral oscillations in N. vectensis, locomotor activity was evaluated using an automated system in an environmentally controlled chamber. Animals exposed to a 24 hr photoperiod (12 hr light: 12 hr dark) exhibited locomotor behavior that was both rhythmic and predominantly nocturnal. The activity peak occurred in the early half of the night with a 2-fold increase in locomotion. Upon transfer to constant lighting conditions (constant light or constant dark), an approximately 24 hr rhythm persisted in most animals, suggesting that the rhythm is controlled by an endogenous circadian mechanism. Fourier analysis revealed the presence of multiple peaks in some animals suggesting additional rhythmic components could be present. In particular, an approximately 12 hr oscillation was often observed. The nocturnal increase in generalized locomotion corresponded to a 24 hr oscillation in animal elongation. Conclusions/significance These data confirm the presence of a light-entrainable circadian clock in Nematostella vectensis. Additional components observed in some individuals indicate that an endogenous clock of approximately 12 hr frequency may also be present. By describing rhythmic locomotor behavior in N. vectensis, we have made important progress in developing the sea anemone as a model organism for circadian rhythm research.
Investigations of Paramagnetic Neutron Scattering from Chromium

Neutron diffraction investigations on ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{52}$ indicate that localized atomic magnetic moments do not exist in metallic chromium above the N\'eel temperature. Therefore, the moments which exist in the antiferromagnetic structure are presumably induced during the ordering process.
Association between pharmaceutical involvement and outcomes in breast cancer clinical trials

BACKGROUND. Since 1992, pharmaceutical industry support has surpassed National Institutes of Health funding for clinical research in the United States. In this study, the authors sought to evaluate the impact of this shift in funding from public to private sponsors on the nature of published breast cancer clinical research. METHODS. All published breast cancer clinical trials from 2003, 1998, and 1993 were reviewed from 10 select English-language medical journals to evaluate pharmaceutical involvement over time and the association between sponsorship, trial design, and results. Clinical studies that reported disease-specific outcomes from medical therapy for breast cancer were eligible for analysis. Pharmaceutical involvement was defined as reported pharmaceutical industry funding, provision of drug, and/or authorship for each publication. RESULTS. In total, 140 eligible studies were identified, including 45 studies that were published in 1993, 39 studies that were published in 1998, and 56 studies that were published in 2003. Among those, 67 publications (48%) reported pharmaceutical industry involvement, 36 publications (26%) had at least ≥1 pharmaceutical industry author, And 100 publications (71%) were considered positive. Pharmaceutical involvement was identified in 44% of the studies published in 1993, in 38% of the studies published in 1998, and in 58% of the studies published in 2003. Pharmaceutical authorship was reported in 22% of the 1993 studies, in 21% of the 1998 studies, and in 34% of the 2003 studies. For studies that were published in 2003, those that reported pharmaceutical involvement were more likely to be positive (84% vs 54%; P = .02; Fisher exact test), to be single-arm studies (66% vs 33%; P = .03), and to evaluate metastatic disease (72% vs 46%; P = .06). CONCLUSIONS. Pharmaceutical involvement in published clinical breast cancer research may affect study design, focus, and results. Further research is warranted, including analysis of unpublished studies, to evaluate the impact of increasing pharmaceutical industry involvement on clinical research. Cancer 2007;109:. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Lava channel formation via the viscoplastic indentation of hot substrates

[1] Lava channels that appear to have been incised into the underlying substrate are commonly ascribed to thermal or thermomechanical erosion. Here we show that where the associated lava flow moves on a hot and soft substrate, the channel may also be ascribed to viscoplastic indentation of the substrate. A simple model of viscoplastic indentation leads to distinct predictions that can be readily tested in the field. For example, two broad, wedge-shaped, levee-like features should rise from the substrate during indentation. Such features appear to have risen alongside of a channel that was incised into a hot and soft, recently emplaced basaltic substrate during the 2001 eruption on Mount Etna.
A pseudo-outbreak of Methylobacterium mesophilica isolated from patients undergoing bronchoscopy.

An unusual, slow growing, pink-pigmented gramnegative bacillus was isolated from bronchoscopy specimens of seven patients over a three-month period. The organism was identified asMethylobacter mesophilica. None of the patients were believed to be infected withMethylobacter mesophilica. The results of environmental cultures showed that the organism was present in tap water from the bronchoscopy room.
Phonons in a model ferromagnetic metal

A simple model for phonons in ferromagnetic metals is discussed. The nature of the Kohn anomalies in relation to the Fermi surfaces of such metals is investigated.
Power for the Internet

The author describes how web and data servers are demanding unprecedented quantities of electric power per unit of raised floor space. Whereas typical commercial offices have power demands on the order of a few watts per square foot of usable floor area, the data centers and mission-critical facilities of high-tech industry have a power demand density that is nearly two orders of magnitude higher, with 190 watts per square foot of raised floor space being the industry rule.
Structural changes in single membranes in response to an applied transmembrane electric potential revealed by time-resolved neutron/X-ray interferometry.

Abstract The profile structure of a hybrid lipid bilayer, tethered to the surface of an inorganic substrate and fully hydrated with a bulk aqueous medium in an electrochemical cell, was investigated as a function of the applied transbilayer electric potential via time-resolved neutron reflectivity, enhanced by interferometry. Significant, and fully reversible structural changes were observed in the distal half (with respect to the substrate surface) of the hybrid bilayer comprised of a zwitterionic phospholipid in response to a +100 mV potential with respect to 0 mV. These arise presumably due to reorientation of the electric dipole present in the polar headgroup of the phospholipid and its resulting effect on the thickness of the phospholipid’s hydrocarbon chain layer within the hybrid bilayer’s profile structure. The profile structure of the voltage-sensor domain from a voltage-gated ion channel protein within a phospholipid bilayer membrane, tethered to the surface of an inorganic substrate and fully hydrated with a bulk aqueous medium in an electrochemical cell, was also investigated as a function of the applied transmembrane electric potential via time-resolved X-ray reflectivity, enhanced by interferometry. Significant, fully-reversible, and different structural changes in the protein were detected in response to ±100 mV potentials with respect to 0 mV. The approach employed is that typical of transient spectroscopy, shown here to be applicable to both neutron and X-ray reflectivity of thin films.
Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in an Elderly Nonimmunocompromised Adult Successfully Treated with Rituximab

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous virus that commonly affects children and adolescents. In addition to causing a viral illness, it is also associated with various malignancies in particular B cell lymphomas and lymphoproliferative disorders. Differentiating between the two processes can be a diagnostic challenge. Here, we present a case of an atypical EBV infection in an elderly patient with severe systemic symptoms, multiorgan involvement, lymphadenopathy, and negative EBV serology. Excisional lymph node biopsy demonstrated features of a lymphoproliferative process involving EBV. Despite supportive care, she experienced continued clinical deterioration and was successfully treated with rituximab. This case illustrates the diagnostic challenges of these cases particularly in the elderly who may have age related immunosenescence, the utility of EBV PCR testing, and the clinical efficacy of rituximab in clearing the infected cells.
Scalable, template-free synthesis of conducting polymer microtubes

The integration of new materials in commercial energy storage systems faces many challenges, such as scalable manufacturing, charge–discharge efficiency, long term cycle stability, and high power and high energy density. Compared with conventional high-surface area carbon nanomaterials, electroactive conducting polymers (ECPs) exhibit an increase in energy density, which is attractive for next generation supercapacitor electrode materials. When designed with micro- and nanoscale dimensions, ECP electrodes display an increase in power density by decreasing the ion diffusion length in bulk electrodes. Here, we describe a template-free method for synthesizing polypyrrole microtubes on various stainless steel meshes with a process inherently scalable to large-area substrates. Microtube growth is governed by the nucleation of hydrogen gas at the mesh joints as a result of proton reduction at the platinum counter electrode. Depending on the size and spacing of the mesh wires and the substrate proximity to the working electrode, polypyrrole microtubes can be created with cylindrical and conical shapes with diameters ranging from 50–400 μm and heights up to 1400 μm. Polymer electrodes exhibiting cylindrical structures electrochemically grown with electrode potentials below 0.8 V exhibit excellent electrochemical performance comparable to thin polymer films. The process scalability is demonstrated using larger area substrates (up to 4 cm2) by carefully controlling the spacing between the working (substrate) and counter electrodes, which also provides an increase in microtube density from 350 cm−2 to 560 cm−2 without any loss in performance.
Use of accommodations for valued life activities: prevalence and effects on disability scores

Objective To describe the prevalence of using 4 specific behavioral accommodations (assistive devices, personal assistance, limits on the amount or kind of activities, and taking more time to perform activities) in the performance of valued life activities (VLAs), and to examine the impact of accounting for these accommodations on VLA disability scores. Methods Data were from a panel study of 467 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) interviewed annually by telephone. VLA disability was assessed using a 29-item scale, rating difficulty performing each activity and asking whether the 4 types of accommodations were used. An unadjusted difficulty score based solely on difficulty ratings was calculated, as well as 3 adjusted scores accounting for use of assistance or devices, use of assistance, devices, or limitations in activities, and use of all 4 accommodations. Results Accommodations were widely used by individuals with RA to perform daily activities. Limits and more time were used for more activities than assistance and devices. Adjustment for accommodations produced substantial increases in disability scores (e.g., the mean total VLA difficulty score increased by 84% after adjustment for all 4 accommodations). Conclusion The accommodations included on the Health Assessment Questionnaire, the most commonly used measure of functioning for RA, include only assistive devices and personal assistance, which were not the accommodations most frequently used in our sample. If assessments are intended to estimate total disease burden, they should include use of a broader range of accommodations to develop a more complete picture of how daily function is affected.
Catheter-guided intraoperative localization of a jejunal angiodysplasia using the tracker-18 coaxial catheter system: Case report

A new coaxial catheter system was used to cannulate a distal jejunal artery permitting intraoperative localization of a small bowel angiodysplasia.
Feature transformations between application-specific feature spaces

Information sets (features) used in engineering design and manufacturing applications depend on the product type, the application and the process involved. Some features identified in a particular domain may be partially or fully mappable to other domains, while it may be that others are not. To integrate software for design, analysis and manufacturing, it is necessary to create feature mapping systems to transform information in shared or neutral databases to application-specific features most suited to a given reasoning process. This paper identifies several transformation/mapping mechanisms, and discusses the implementation of a mapping shell for some of these transformations.
Spectral and temporal measurements of laser action of Rhodamine 640 dye in strongly scattering media.

Laser action of Rhodamine 640 perchlorate in highly scattering media consisting of TiO2 nanoparticles in methanol pumped by a 3-ns 532-nm laser pulse is observed by use of spectral and temporal measurements. The threshold for stimulated emission is dependent on the concentration of both laser dye and scattering particles. For a 2.5 × 10−2 M dye concentration, the lasing threshold was found to be reduced by more than 2 orders of magnitude when the density of scattering particles was increased from 5 × 109 to 2.5 × 1012 cm−3. However, for a concentration of 5 × 10−4 M of Rhodamine 640 the lasing threshold was higher in scattering media than for the methanol host. The pulse duration of stimulated emission for Rhodamine 640 perchlorate in these random systems is ~50 ps.
Simultaneous analysis of bacterioferritin gene expression and intracellular iron status in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 by using a rapid dual luciferase reporter assay.

A dual luciferase reporter (DLR) system utilizing firefly and Renilla luciferases was developed and tested in a model rhizobacterium, Pseudomonas putida KT2440. The DLR was applied to simultaneously analyze expression of three putative bacterioferritin genes (bfrα, bfrβ, and bfr) and assess the cellular iron status of strain KT2440 by monitoring expression of the Fur-regulated fepA-fes promoter. The DLR proved to be reproducible and sensitive. Expression of bfrα (PP0482) and bfrβ (PP1082) was consistent with expectations for bacterioferritin and varied directly with the iron level. However, expression of bfr (PP4856) was inversely related to the iron concentration and it was thus more likely to encode a Dps-like protein rather than a bacterioferritin.
Estimating Fuel Consumption from Engine Size

Previous studies have demonstrated a useful relationship between fuel consumption and journey speed, vehicle weight, and idling fuel rate under urban driving conditions. The engine displacement has also been found to be strongly related to vehicle weight. The results of a statistical analysis of these known relationships with published data are presented. The objective is to establish equations for estimating fuel consumption from travel survey data such as journy speed and engine size. Two equations were found to give good estimates of journey fuel consumption. One equation is for urban driving conditions and the other is for steady speed conditions such as in rural and motorway driving. The correlations between the fuel consumptions under the two different driving conditions offer a possibility for developing an empirical equation for journey fuel consumption by taking into consideration the general patterns of travel and journeys.
Decay constant errors in U–Pb concordia-intercept ages

Abstract Although almost universally ignored, the effect of errors in the uranium decay-constants on U–Pb concordia-intercept ages (and Pb–Pb ages) are significant, and not equivalent to those of simple U–Pb ages. Equations are derived for concordia-intercept age-errors that take decay-constant errors into account.
Weakening of North Indian SST Gradients and the Monsoon Rainfall in India and the Sahel

Abstract Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the equatorial Indian Ocean have warmed by about 0.6–0.8 K since the 1950s, accompanied by very little warming or even a slight cooling trend over the northern Indian Ocean (NIO). It is reported that this differential trend has resulted in a substantial weakening of the meridional SST gradient from the equatorial region to the South Asian coast during summer, to the extent that the gradient has nearly vanished recently. Based on simulations with the Community Climate Model Version 3 (CCM3), it is shown that the summertime weakening in the SST gradient weakens the monsoon circulation, resulting in less monsoon rainfall over India and excess rainfall in sub-Saharan Africa. The observed trend in SST is decomposed into a hypothetical uniform warming and a reduction in the meridional gradient. The uniform warming of the tropical Indian Ocean in the authors’ simulations increases the Indian summer monsoon rainfall by 1–2 mm day−1, which is opposed by a larger drying t...
Pressure effects in nonporous membranes

Abstract The solution-diffusion theory for membranes is used as a basis for the formulation and consideration of three models which can describe the mass transfer of solvents through nonporous polymer membranes. Two types of solvent mass transfer processes are considered: the transport of solvent through a membrane immersed in a pure solvent and the osmotic mass transfer of solvent in a solvent–solute-semipermeable membrane system. For the first mass transfer process, the most general of these three mass transfer models (Model III) includes both thermodynamic effects at the solvent–membrane interfaces and pressure diffusion effects inside the membrane. Model I includes only pressure diffusion effects, and Model II includes only thermodynamic effects at the solvent–membrane interfaces. For each model, equations are derived for the solvent mass flux through the membrane and for the mass fraction distribution of solvent inside the membrane. The predictions of each of the models are compared with available mass transfer data for solvent–polymer membrane systems. A similar analysis is used to describe osmotic effects and reverse osmosis. It is concluded that Model III should be the preferred choice for analyzing mass transfer processes for solvents in nonporous polymer membranes.
Pediatrician approach to dysphonia.

Abstract Objective The prevalence of voice disorders reaches up to 23.4% in the pediatric population and has a negative impact on quality of life. The objective of this study is to examine how pediatricians assess and manage patients with voice disorders and barriers they face when evaluating patients with dysphonia. Subjects and methods The study was designed as a cross-sectional survey. Pediatricians who are members of the North Carolina Pediatric Society or Duke University affiliated physicians were selected to participate in the study. They were emailed a description of the study with a link to a questionnaire regarding comfort level in recognizing an abnormal voice, how often they assess for dysphonia, barriers to evaluation of voice problems, reasons for referral, and common treatments employed. Results A total of 1125 physicians were sent a questionnaire and 72 replied for a response rate of 6.4%. Of those who responded, only 16.7% routinely assess patients for voice problems. The most common reasons for not assessing patients for dysphonia include patients not complaining of voice problems or parents not concerned, and being unsure of the best method or available treatment options. Referrals were most commonly made when speech could not be understood or when the voice problem coincided with other neurological symptoms. Allergy and reflux medications were often trialed prior to referral. The majority of responders felt that voice problems impacted quality of life and 84.7% were interested in more information regarding pediatric voice problems. Conclusion Pediatricians encounter barriers in the assessment of voice problems in their patients. There is evidence from our study that they have interest in learning more about dysphonia. Otolaryngologists must continue to provide outreach to pediatricians to enhance the screening and management of patients with voice disorders.
The modeling and measurement of lateral bipolar junction transistors

A physically based, large-signal model for the lateral p-n-p transistor is developed and compared with DC and transient measurements. The analytical equations for the lateral and vertical parts of the lateral p-n-p are derived. The analytical geometrical factor for the lateral p-n-p transistor is developed to derive a charge-based large-signal model. The partitioned-charge method is used to account for the non-quasi-static effects since the lateral p-n-p transistor has a wide base width. The simulation shows good agreement with the measurement, indicating that the PC method is sufficient for modeling the lateral p-n-p transistor without resorting to complex equations for NQS (non-quasi-static) effects. This simple model can reduce the simulation time quite a lot and help the circuit designer in estimating the effect of the parasitic lateral p-n-p for complex integrated circuit design. >
Anonymous group peer review in surgery morbidity and mortality conference

Abstract Background Surgical peer review might be characterized by assessment heterogeneity. Methods We performed a prospective, anonymous, peer review of surgeon and system performance during a morbidity and mortality conference. Results Twenty-two cases were reviewed by a mean of 48.9 respondents each, including attendings, fellows, and residents. A mean of 50% (standard deviation, 23%) of respondents identified some quality issue in each case, reflecting high heterogeneity. The mean percentage in identifying a system issue was 27%, and in identifying a physician issue was 37%. When identifying a physician issue, physician care was judged as appropriate by 72%, as controversial by 26%, or as inappropriate by 2%. Residents were more likely than attendings to identify system issues (odds ratio, 2.23) and physician issues (odds ratio, 3.58), but attendings were more likely to rate care controversial or inappropriate (odds ratio, 2.53). Conclusions Surgical peer reviews, even after group discussion, display substantial heterogeneity. Review methods should account for this heterogeneity.
STZ-induced diabetes decreases and insulin normalizes POMC mRNA in arcuate nucleus and pituitary in rats

Effects of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes and insulin on opioid peptide gene expression were examined in rats. In experiment 1, three groups were administered STZ (75 mg/kg ip single injecti...