cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A message passing coprocessor for distributed memory multicomputers

The authors present the architecture, methodology and performance evaluation of a message-passing coprocessor (MPC) which can accelerate message communication in a distributed memory multicomputer (i.e. iPSC/2 hypercube). The MPC is a microprogrammable processor which offloads from the CPU the burden of communication and speeds up the software processing by directly executing message passing instructions in microcode. It supports process scheduling, message buffer management, and fast buffer copying. The most unique feature of the MPC is that it performs software caching for expected message destinations and buffers. The MPC works closely with a virtual channel router which is a smart routing controller and supports virtual channels and cached circuits. The software and hardware overhead of communication can be reduced significantly by these two processors. The performance is confirmed by trace-driven simulation. >
Rectifier-Circuit Duty

The usual rectifier unit consists of a transformer with a number of rectifying elements connected to its secondary windings. The rectifying action may be resolved into two parts, namely, the circuit action which is determined by the transformer and the a-c and d-c circuits, and the unidirectional switching action which is performed by the rectifying elements. The circuit action is defined by the number, arrangement, and constants of the circuits connecting the a-c and d-c systems. The switching action consists of connecting the various secondary windings of the transformer to the load circuit at selected intervals during each cycle by means of mercury-arc rectifiers, metallic rectifiers, vacuum tubes, and other types of rectifying elements.
Percutaneous sclerotherapy with ethanolamine oleate for lymphatic malformations of the head and neck

Introduction Lymphatic malformations are low flow congenital lesions that frequently occur in the head and neck, and often require treatment. Multiple therapeutic modalities exist, including percutaneous sclerotherapy, which has been performed successfully with numerous sclerosants. Few data exist on use of ethanolamine oleate to treat lymphatic malformations. This study reports single center results using this agent to treat lymphatic malformations of the head and neck. Materials and methods Prospectively maintained procedural records were retrospectively reviewed to identify all patients with lymphatic malformations who underwent percutaneous sclerotherapy. The Mulliken and Glowacki classification was used to diagnose lymphatic malformations. Medical records and images were reviewed to record demographic information, lesion characteristics, treatment sessions, and clinical and imaging response. Lesions and outcomes were evaluated with both qualitative and quantitative volumetric analysis. Response was assessed after each session and after all sessions in those patients undergoing more than one intervention, and χ 2 analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of lesion and demographic characteristics on outcomes. Results 12 interventions were performed for lesions in 10 patients. No procedural complications occurred following any procedures. Four (40.0%) patients had an excellent result after treatment, which was accomplished in one session for each of these lesions. Four (40.0%) had good results. One (10.0%) had a fair result after three sessions. One (10.0%) patient with an indeterminate syndrome with multiple congenital anomalies had a poor response following treatment. The family decided to withdraw care, and the airway was compromised. Average lesion volume reduction was 28% for all lesions and 42% when excluding the lesion for which future treatments were declined. Purely macrocystic lesions were more likely to have an excellent response to treatment than lesions with both macrocystic and microcystic components. Conclusions Percutaneous sclerotherapy using ethanolamine oleate to treat lymphatic malformations of the head and neck appears safe and efficacious. This agent should be considered when treating these complex lesions, particularly those that are exclusively macrocystic. Further investigation of such treatments should evaluate this agent alongside the many others currently utilized.
Immunonutrition in critically ill patients: a systematic review and analysis of the literature

The role of immuno-modulating diets (IMDs) in critically ill patients is controversial. The goal of this meta-analysis was to determine the impact of IMD’s on hospital mortality, nosocomial infections and length of stay (LOS) in critically ill patients. Outcome was stratified according to type of IMD and patient setting. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials. RCT’s that compared the outcome of critically ill patients randomized to an IMD or a control diet. Twenty-four studies (with a total of 3013 patients) were included in the meta-analysis; 12 studies included ICU patients, 5 burn patients and 7 trauma patients. Four of the studies used formulas supplemented with arginine, two with arginine and glutamine, nine with arginine and fish oil (FO), two with arginine, glutamine and FO, six with glutamine alone and three studies used a formula supplemented with FO alone. Overall IMD’s had no effect on mortality or LOS, but reduced the number of infections (OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.47–0.86, P = 0.004, I 2 = 49%). Mortality, infections and LOS were significantly lower only in the ICU patients receiving the FO IMD (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.26–0.68; OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.25–0.79 and WMD -6.28 days, 95% CI −9.92 to −2.64, respectively). An IMD supplemented with FO improved the outcome of medical ICU patients (with SIRS/sepsis/ARDS). IMDs supplemented with arginine with/without additional glutamine or FO do not appear to offer an advantage over standard enteral formulas in ICU, trauma and burn patients.
10-year experience with prenatal intervention for hydronephrosis.

AbstractPurpose: We evaluated clinical outcomes after attempted prenatal intervention in fetuses with hydronephrosis.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the histories of 10 fetuses considered for prenatal intervention between 1984 and 1993. One female and 8 male fetuses had bilateral hydroureteronephrosis and profound or progressive oligohydramnios, and 1 male fetus had massive progressive unilateral hydronephrosis.Results: Shunt placement was not recommended and it was refused by the parents in 1 case each. Amniotic shunting was attempted in 8 fetuses between 22 and 28 weeks of gestation. Shunts were successfully placed with decreased hydronephrosis and increased amniotic fluid volume in 4 cases, while shunt placement was not technically possible in the remainder. Two shunts that retracted intra-abdominally at birth required laparotomy for retrieval. Postnatally all patients with shunts had compromised renal function. Of the 4 patients in whom attempts were unsuccessful 3 had mildly dimini...
The functional architecture of the ventral temporal cortex and its role in categorization.

The ventral temporal cortex (VTC) rapidly and flexibly categorizes visual stimuli. In this Review, Grill-Spector and Weiner discuss how the structural features of the VTC support the computations that are necessary to achieve this categorization.
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

In order to determine the incidence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), we reviewed the records of 236 patients followed up at the Duke CF Center. Sixty patients (25 percent) had colonies of Aspergillus fumigatus. These patients were older and had more severe disease as assessed by lower Shwachman-Kulczycki (S-K) scores than the patients who did not have evidence of A fumigatus. In 15 of the patients with A fumigatus (6.5 percent of the total population), the diagnosis was ABPA. Age and S-K scores were not significantly different from those of the patients with A fumigatus without ABPA. Diagnostic features of the affected patients included wheezing refractory to bronchodilator therapy, persistent pulmonary infiltrates, peripheral eosinophilia, positive skin reactivity to an A fumigatus antigen and elevated total serum IgE levels. Steroid therapy was started for all patients, and clinical improvement was noted within 1 month as evidenced by decreased symptoms and weight gain. Chest x-ray films usually showed improvement. Vital capacity improved in all but two patients. Total IgE did not consistently decrease in response to therapy. Although the diagnosis of ABPA may be difficult to establish, ABPA commonly is associated with CF. Most patients respond to steroid therapy; however, the effect of therapy on the course of the disease is difficult to assess.
Division Management Buyouts of Unrelated Divisions Without a Sales Price Reported

Shareholder wealth effects of division management buyouts are examined: (1) for selling divisions with business operations unrelated to the parent, and (2) for announcements that do not report the sales price. Initial evidence suggests that both of these characteristics result in smaller abnormal returns. Further analysis, however, indicates that these individual effects are interdependent and that only their combined effect is accompanied by an abnormal return that is not significant.
Estimation of distances of recorded sounds presented through headphones.

Intermittent sounds generated at 270° azimuth and from distances ranging from 2 to 10 feet were recorded on magnetic tape and played back to listeners via headphones. Loudness cues for relative distance were eliminated at the time of recording. Listeners were required to estimate the apparent distance of the recorded sounds when heard monoaurally and binaurally. Most subjects estimated the order of distances correctly. Distance estimations were as proficient when listening monaurally as when listening binaurally. Performance was more accurate for high-pass (>4.0 kHz) noise bursts than for low-pass (<1.0 kHz) noise bursts. In a second study, broadband noise bursts were recorded from azimuthal positions of 360°, 330°, 300° and 270° again at distances ranging from 2 to 10 feet. Estimations of the distances of the sounds, presented via headphones, were most proficient when azimuthal position of the original stimuli was 330°.
Irreversible electroporation of a liver metastasis

A 70 year old Caucasian man with a history of recently resected moderately-differentiated invasive adenocarcinoma of the colon presented with a 1.8 cm focal liver lesion in segment V (white arrow in Figs. a and b) newly diagnosed at MRI. No other metastatic lesions were detected at PET-CT. After discussing treatment options including resection and ablation, a decision was made to proceed with ablation of this single metastasis. An MRI performed the day after the procedure demonstrates a large area of ablation at the site of the metastasis before contrast administration (white arrow in Fig. c). The ablated area demonstrated no contrast enhancement and was surrounded by an enhancing rim after contrast medium administration (white arrow in Figs. d and e), this findings are consistent with successful metastatic lesion ablation. In Figs. 1d and 1e (black arrow), a contrast-filled vessel is clearly identified crossing the area of ablation. The vessel is not seen before contrast medium administration (black arrow in Fig. c). Irreversible electroporation causes an area of necrosis/apoptosis demonstrating no enhancement on post-contrast images (Figs. d and e) (1–3). While peripheral enhancement surrounding a zone of necrosis has been reported following chemoembolization, the significance of the post-IRE MRI changes has not been adequately studied (Figs. 1d and 1e), in this case the peripheral enhancing area demonstrates high signal intensity on diffusion weighted images (Fig. 1f) (1–3). Thirty days later, in the area of ablation, there has been complete radiological liver parenchyma regeneration (Fig. g), and only a mild perfusion abnormality is noted, the vessel spared by IRE is still patent. Metastatic colorectal carcinoma to the liver is common and treatment of single focal metastatic lesions may be achieved with multiple techniques such as surgical resection, radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, highly focused ultrasound, microwave ablation and irreversible electroporation (IRE) (1). Each of these techniques has its specifics indications, benefits and risks. Stemming from its non-thermal nature, irreversible electroporation has the peculiar characteristic of ablating cells while sparing structural elements of the biliary ducts and vessels (1, 2). IRE consists of targeted delivery of electrical pulses to modify cell membrane permeability, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the electric field magnitude, pulse duration, and number of pulses applied (1, 2). IRE causes tissue necrosis and apoptosis through the formation of nanometer-scale pores in the cell membrane (1, 2). MRI characteristics of treated lesions have been described in rats (2), but the experience in humans is still limited. These images represent early changes following IRE with demonstration of vessel sparring by IRE.
Comparison of five methods for fit-testing N95 filtering-facepiece respirators.

Five fit-testing methods (Bitrex, ambient aerosol condensation nuclei counter using the TSI PortaCount Plus, saccharin, modified ambient aerosol condensation nuclei counter using the TSI PortaCount Plus with the N95-Companion, and generated aerosol using corn oil) were evaluated for their ability to identify poorly fitting N95 filtering-facepiece respirators. Eighteen models of NIOSH-certified, N95 filtering-facepiece respirators were tested by a panel of 25 subjects using each fit-testing method. The penetration of the corn oil and the ambient aerosols through the filter media of each respirator was measured in order to adjust the corresponding generated and ambient aerosol overall fit factors, reflecting only face-seal leakage. Fit-testing results were compared to 5th percentiles of simulated workplace protection factors. Beta errors (the chance of passing a fit-test in error) ranged from 3 percent to 11 percent. Alpha errors (the chance of failing a fit-test in error) ranged from 51 percent to 84 perce...
Centralized and modular architectures for photovoltaic panels with improved efficiency

The most common type of photovoltaic (PV) installation in residential applications is the centralized architecture. This realization aggregates a number of solar panels into a single power converter for power processing. The performance of a centralized architecture is adversely affected when it is subject to partial shading effects due to clouds or surrounding obstacles, such as trees. An alternative modular approach can be implemented using several power converters with partial throughput power processing capability. This paper presents a detailed study of these two architectures for the same throughput power level. The study compares the overall efficiency of these two different topologies, using a set of rapidly-changing real solar irradiance data collected by the Solar Radiation Research Laboratory (SRRL) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). This provides an opportunity to study both schemes using real measured data. The output power of both the topology is compared against the panel ideal power. Hence, the efficiency is overall in nature. The electrical efficiency is another form of computation which uses the panel maximum available power as input instead of panel ideal power. The paper uses overall efficiency for all analysis. The buck converter along with the Perturb & Observe maximum power point tracking algorithm were selected to perform the study. A detail power loss analysis is also presented in the paper. Analytical results are validated through detailed computer simulations using the Matlab/Simulink mathematical software package.
A multiscale assessment of tree avoidance by prairie birds

In North America, grassland bird abundances have declined, likely as a result of loss and degradation of prairie habitat. Given the expense and limited opportunity to procure new grasslands, managers are increasingly focusing on ways to improve existing habitat for grassland birds, using techniques such as tree removal. To examine the potential for tree removal to benefit grassland birds, we conducted 446 point counts on 35 grassland habitat patches in the highly fragmented landscape of west-central Minnesota during 2009–2011. We modeled density of four grassland bird species in relation to habitat composition at multiple scales, focusing on covariates that described grass, woody vegetation (trees and large shrubs), or combinations of grass and woody vegetation. The best-supported models for all four grassland bird species incorporated variables measured at multiple scales, including local features such as grass height, litter depth, and local tree abundance, as well as landscape-level measures of grass and tree cover. Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis), Sedge Wrens (Cistothorus platensis), and Bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) responded consistently and negatively to woody vegetation, but response to litter depth, grass height, and grassland extent were mixed among species. Our results suggest that reducing shrub and tree cover is more likely to increase the density of grassland birds than are attempts to improve grass quality or quantity. In particular, tree removal is more likely to increase density of Savannah Sparrows and Sedge Wrens than any reasonable changes in grass quality or quantity. Yet tree removal may not result in increased abundance of grassland birds if habitat composition is not considered at multiple scales. Managers will need to either manage at large scales (80–300 ha) or focus their efforts on removing trees in landscapes that contain some grasslands but few nearby wooded areas.
Pregnancy outcome for adolescents receiving prenatal care by nurse practitioners in extended roles

The outcome of teenage pregnancy when managed in a specialized antenatal program resembles the patterns associated with young adults rather than the outcomes of teenagers in a general clinic. Based on a recent University of California study, this seems to result from three major factors: early prenatal care, nursing management in primary care, and special and consistent emphasis on adequate nutrition. Outcomes were significantly enhanced regarding infant weight and gestational age scoring, 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores, fewer intensive care admissions, and shorter hospital stays when compared to the general clinic experience.
Both photons and fluoride ions excite limulus ventral photoreceptors

Illuminating Limulus ventral photoreceptors with dim light results in a response composed of discrete waves. In the dark, adding 10 mM sodium fluoride to the artificial seawater that bathes the photoreceptor includes discrete waves. The fluoride-induced waves are similar to those evoked by light. These findings suggest that fluoride induces a process similar or identical to visual excitation of the photoreceptor.
Photon-Stimulated Desorption of O + from Na x W O 3 : Demonstration of Bonding Site Selectivity

Photon-stimulated desorption of ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ ions has been obtained from ${\mathrm{Na}}_{x}\mathrm{W}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ in the range $30 \mathrm{eV}lh\ensuremath{\nu}l84 \mathrm{eV}$. The results show applicability of the Knotek-Feibelman interatomic Auger decay model for ion desorption and show the first observation of bonding-site selectivity in the process. The local coordination of the desorption site and the nature of the bonding which contributes to ion desorption are also discussed.
Caspase-activated DNase is required for maintenance of tolerance to lupus nuclear autoantigens.

Objective Caspase-activated DNase (CAD) is an endonuclease that is activated by active caspase 3 during apoptosis and is responsible for degradation of chromatin into nucleosomal units. These nucleosomal units are then included in apoptotic bodies. The presence of apoptotic bodies is considered important for the generation of autoantigen in autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), that are characterized by the presence of antinuclear antibodies. The present study was carried out to determine the role of CAD in SLE and to investigate the ability of lupus autoantibodies to bind to CAD-deficient or CAD-sufficient apoptotic cells. Methods The Sle1, Sle123, and 3H9 mouse models of SLE, in which autoimmunity is genetically predetermined, were used. To determine the role of chromatin fragmentation in SLE, CAD deficiency was introduced in these mouse models. Results Deficiency of CAD resulted in increased anti–double-stranded DNA antibody titers in lupus-prone mice. Surprisingly, the absence of CAD exacerbated only genetically predetermined autoimmune responses. To further determine whether nuclear modifications are needed in order to maintain tolerance to nuclear autoantigens, we used the 3H9 mouse, an anti-DNA heavy chain knockin; in this model, the autoreactive B cells are tolerized by anergy. In accordance with findings in the CAD-mutant Sle1 and Sle123 mice, CAD-deficient 3H9 mice spontaneously generated anti-DNA antibodies. Finally, we showed that autoantibodies with specificities toward histone–DNA complexes bind more to CAD-deficient apoptotic cells than to CAD-sufficient apoptotic cells. Conclusion We propose that in mice that are genetically predisposed to lupus development, nuclear apoptotic modifications are needed to maintain tolerance. In the absence of these modifications, apoptotic chromatin is abnormally exposed, facilitating the autoimmune response.
The Relationship Between Venture Capitalists and Managers in New Firms: Determinants of Contractual Covenants

Two types of opportunism, managerial and competitive, are described. Contractual covenants that control these types of opportunism are used when they are likely to occur, i.e., when there are obstacles to monitoring management behavior and when returns to starting new firms are large. These ideas are subjected to empirical test. The relationship between managers in new firms and venture capitalists is receiving increased attention in the literature (Norton and Tenenbaum 1990; Sahlman, 1988). The determinants and implications of several attributes of these relationships have been examined, including the percentage of a new firm's equity held by venture capitalists, the number of seats on the board controlled by venture capitalists, and the post‐funding activities of venture capitalists (e.g., helping the new firm raise additional capital, contacting customers, replacing management) (Barney, Busenitz, Fiet, and Moesel, 1989). While our understanding of the relationship between managers in new firms and venture capitalists is growing, one particularly important component of that relationship has yet to receive significant attention in the literature: the details of the formal contractual arrangement between managers in a new firm and venture capitalists. Often called the “terms and conditions” of the relationship between managers and venture capitalists, these contractual details specify the rights and obligations of both managers and venture capitalists throughout their entire relationship in a series of covenants (Fiet, 1991). Among other items, contractual covenants can specify limits on capital expenditures, limits on managerial salaries, limitations on raising additional outside capital, technology non‐disclosure agreements, and conditions for forcing a change in managing and liquidating the deal. The purpose of this paper is to understand the determinants of the formal contractual arrangements between managers in new firms and venture capitalists.
Autophagy in the control and pathogenesis of viral infection

Autophagy is an evolutionary conserved process that plays a central role in eukaryotic cell metabolism. Constitutive autophagy allows cells to ensure their energy needs are met during times of starvation, degrade long-lived cytosolic proteins, and recycle organelles. In addition, autophagy and its machinery can be utilized to degrade intracellular pathogens, and this function likely represents one of the earliest eukaryotic defense mechanisms against viral pathogens. Within the past decade, it has become clear that autophagy has not only retained its evolutionarily ancient ability to degrade intracellular pathogens, but also has coevolved with the vertebrate immune system to augment and fine tune antiviral immune responses. Herein, we aim to summarize these recent findings as well as to highlight key unanswered questions of the field.
The importance of the first complication: understanding failure to rescue after emergent surgery in the elderly.

Background Perioperative mortality in the elderly is high after emergency surgery and varies considerably among hospitals—an observation partially explained by differences in failure to rescue. We hypothesize that failure to rescue after certain types of complications underlies the disproportionately poor outcomes observed in elderly patients. Study Design We identified 23,217 patients undergoing emergent general or vascular surgery procedures at 41 hospitals within the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative between 2007 and 2012. Patients' first complications were identified and categorized by type. We compared failure to rescue rates at the patient-level between patients younger than 75 and 75 years of age and older. We then compared failure to rescue rates after specific complications across hospitals grouped in tertiles by risk-adjusted 30-day mortality. Results Risk-adjusted failure to rescue rates were significantly higher in the elderly after a first infectious (21.7% vs 10.3%; p Conclusions Hospitals fail to rescue elderly patients at higher rates than younger patients after infectious and pulmonary complications. Efforts to recognize and manage these specific complications have the potential to improve emergency surgical care of the elderly in Michigan.
Facultative Rest-Phase Hypothermia in Free-Ranging White-Throated Sparrows

Abstract Shallow facultative rest-phase hypothermia has been reported in a number of passerine families, but few published data exist about its use by free- ranging birds. We used temperature-sensitive radio- transmitters to determine whether White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) employ nocturnal hypothermia during winter. We measured skin temperatures of 24 free-ranging sparrows between 13:00 and 14:00 and between 02:00 and 03:00 for each of three days and nights per subject. The average nightly skin- temperature reduction per individual was 3.4 ± 1.0°C (SD). Skin temperature reductions ranged from 0.2°C to 7.0°C among all individuals. There was a significant negative correlation between the magnitude of skin temperature decline and nighttime ambient temperature. Additionally, we found a negative trend between depth of hypothermia and a body density index. Fase de Reposo Hipotermica Facultativa en Individuos de Zonotrichia albicollis que se Desplazan Libremente Resumen. La fase de reposo facul...
A mathematical algorithm to identify toxicity and prioritize pollutants in field sediments.

Abstract In order to evaluate sediment toxicity, a mathematical algorithm was developed to compute the toxicity of multiple component mixtures acting in an additive manner. A statistical approach was devised to determine the presence of potential interactive effects among mixture components. The algorithm uses three kinds of data to obtain an integrative approach to sediment toxicity assessment: Microtox ® toxicity data (EC 50 values), sediment pollutant concentration measurements, and sequential extraction (SEQ) data to investigate metal partitioning. To simplify the analysis of complex mixtures using a prioritization scheme based on intrinsic toxicity and relative abundance, a toxicity index (TI) was employed as an indicator of adverse ecological impact. In general, the ranking of contaminants using the TI approach was found to be most efficient in reducing computational time, and concentrations using bioavailability data from SEQ was found to be the best theoretical predictor of the experimental mixture toxicity value. Only a few pollutants that were present at the greatest abundance were needed to provide a good approximation of the calculated EC 50 found when all components were included. Not only does this substantially reduce the computational time needed to determine the EC 50 , it could in some cases dramatically reduce the pollutant monitoring effort required to track toxicity effectively. This approach would have substantial implications for both risk assessment and for remediation strategies, making them more efficient by focusing on the priority pollutants identified.
Application of genetic algorithms for design optimization of a Bragg cell

Non-mechanical beam steering technologies, utilizing acousto-optics, allow for achieving the high bandwidth laser beam positioning required for optical communications, laser scanners, LADARs, etc. Properties of the Bragg cell, chiefly responsible for the efficiency and attainable characteristics of the entire positioning system, are assured by successful design of this optical component. However, design of Bragg cells is dominated by experience and intuition of the designers and the potential of this technology is not fully utilized. An optimal design problem of a Bragg cell is formulated on the basis of known equations of the underlying physical phenomena, and a genetic optimization scheme is applied for the solution of the resultant formidable problem. The approach not only yields a design solution, but also allows for the variation of the design criterion and emphasizing particular properties of the resultant component. The prowess of the proposed approach has been demonstrated by design optimization examples.
A case study of cocoa replanting and new planting in Bahia, Brazil 1966–1985

Abstract This paper is a case study of the investment (planting) decisions in the Bahia cocoa sector in the period 1966–1985, with a special focus on the role of producer prices and investment subsidies. The study deals separately with replanting decisions and new planting decisions using aggregate time series data and exploits several concepts of vintage production models. The results of the analysis show that the dynamic response of replanting and new planting to changes in profitability and to interest subsidies is significantly different, and that the latter played a very important role in the successful rejuvenation of the cocoa sector over this period.
Longitudinal study of health maintenance organization efficiency.

Longitudinal studies looking at health maintenance organization (HMO) efficiency in the United States have not been performed before this study—previously there have only been small inter-group stu...
Reduction of tympanic membrane displacement during vocalization of the arboreal frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui

Tympanic membrane (TM) velocities of vocalizing male frogs, Eleutherodactylus coqui, were measured in the field using laser vibrometry. The animal’s call produced levels of 114–120 dB SPL measured at distances of 12–20 mm from the eardrum and mean TM displacements in response to the two notes of the male’s own advertisement call were 1.84 and 2.08 nm, respectively. These values are close to the TM displacements obtained in response to playback of the two‐note call at much lower sound levels. Thus TM vibrations are attenuated during phonation in the frog, and several candidate mechanisms for auditory sensitivity reduction are discussed.
Overexpression of a cytosolic chaperone to improve solubility and secretion of a recombinant IgG protein in insect cells.

The secretion of heterologous IgG proteins in the baculovirus-insect cell expression system is accompanied by substantial insoluble immunoglobulin in the infected cells. The accumulation of these insoluble forms suggests a limitation in the processing and secretory pathway of the infected cells. As a result, cytosolic hsp70 chaperones, which are known to associate and prevent aggregation of polypeptides in vitro, have been coexpressed in the infected cells. The hsp70 protein coprecipitated with the immunoglobulin to indicate the formation of a specific hsp70-immunoglobulin complex in vivo. Immunoblot and pulse chase studies indicated that coexpression of hsp70 increased intracellular immunoglobulin solubility. Metabolic labeling experiments revealed that hsp70 increased secreted immunoglobulin levels after several days infection as compared to infection with control baculoviruses. Pulse chase studies indicated that hsp70 increases the solubility of immunoglobulin precursors that are then processed and assembled into the complete antibody oligomer. A comparison of the action of cytosolic hsp70 chaperone to the endoplasmic reticulum chaperone BiP suggests sequential action in which hsp70 increases the solubility of preprocessed immunoglobulin, while BiP enhances the solubility of processed immunoglobulin chains.
Meshing power quality and electromagnetic compatibility for tomorrow's smart grid

With the onset of the smart grid, electric utilities and their customers are engaged in millions of dollars of research on smart grid technologies. There are hundreds of smart grid topics being studied by dozens of organizations including the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). One of the topics in the electric utility industry that has been (and still is) of significant importance to utilities is power quality (PQ). The reliable and compatible performance of end-use equipment requires, in part, quality power at the power frequencies of 50 or 60 hertz up to about 3 kHz. Compatibility with the surrounding electromagnetic environment above 3 kHz (i.e., up to 10 GHz and beyond) is also a must in today's changing environment. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is paramount if electronic loads - used to operate the grid and in customer facilities - are to interoperate with the power system and other loads on the grid. This article will help the reader to understand why EMC, bundled with PQ, must be co-addressed as the smart grid takes shape in the next few decades.
Uppermost inner core seismic structure - new insights from body waveform inversion

Abstract Differential travel times and waveforms of PKIKP and PKiKP phases in the 129°–141° distance range, deconvolved for the effects of source time functions and average mantle attenuation operators, are inverted for velocity and attenuation in the uppermost 80 km of the inner core, and the velocity gradient and attenuation in the lowermost 200 km of the outer core (F region). Results confirm degree-one velocity structure in the inner core whose fast and slow regions appear to be separated by transitions with a velocity contrast of about 1%. Although attenuation in the inner core also exhibits degree-one pattern, a high attenuation region ( Q p − 1 = [ 0.002 , 0.0067 ] ) extends to the central Pacific, which has been previously considered a part of the western hemisphere characterized by slower velocity and lower attenuation. The rest of the inner core exhibits a positive correlation between velocity and attenuation as observed previously. An observed mantle-like relationship between velocity and attenuation in the central Pacific can be interpreted as originating from higher than average homologous temperature, consistent with a model of inner core solidification driven by outer core convection coupled to core–mantle boundary thermal heterogeneity. Alternative mechanisms, including differences in grain size and impurity concentration, and lateral differences in solidification rate might be required to explain the structure of the inner core. The F region velocity and attenuation are best explained by the AK135-F velocity model and Q p − 1 = [ 0 , 0.001 ] respectively.
MRI to assess chemoprevention in transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP).

The current method to determine the efficacy of chemoprevention in TRAMP mouse model of carcinoma of prostate (CaP) is by extracting and weighing the prostate at different time points or by immunohistochemistry analysis. Non-invasive determination of volumes of prostate glands and seminal vesicles before, during and after treatment would be valuable in investigating the efficacy of newer chemopreventive agents in CaP. The purpose of this study was to determine whether in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a 3 tesla clinical MRI system can be used to follow the effect of chemoprevention in TRAMP model of mouse CaP. Mice were randomized into control and treated groups. The animals in treated group received 10 µmol/kg of CDDO, 5 days a week for 20 weeks. Animals underwent in vivo MRI of prostate gland and seminal vesicles by a clinical 3 Tesla MRI system just before (at 5 weeks), during and at the end of treatment, at 25 weeks. T1-weighted and fat saturation (FATSAT) multiecho fast spin echo T2- weighted images (T2WI) were acquired. Volume of the prostate glands and seminal vesicles was determined from MR images. T2 signal intensity changes in the seminal vesicles were determined by subtracting higher echo time (TE) from lower TE T2WI. Following treatments all animals were sacrificed, prostate and seminal vesicles collected, and the tissues prepared for histological staining. All data were expressed as mean ± 1 standard deviation. Two-way or multivariate analysis of variance followed by post-hoc test was applied to determine the significant differences. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Histological analysis indicated tumor in 100% of control mice, whereas 10% of the treated mice showed tumor in prostate gland. Both MRI and measured prostate weights showed higher volume/weight in control mouse group. MRI showed significantly higher volume of seminal vesicles in control animals and T2 signal intensity changes in seminal vesicles of control mice indicating higher number of tumor foci, which was also proven by histology. In vivo MRI is helpful in determining the efficacy of chemoprevention of prostate cancer in TRAMP mice.
Developmental issues in model-based reasoning during childhood

One approach to understanding model-based reasoning in science is to examine how it develops during infancy, childhood, and adolescence. The way in which thinking changes sometimes provides clues to its nature. This paper examines cognitive developmental aspects of modeling practices and discusses how a developmental perspective can enrich the study of model-based scientific reasoning in adults. The paper begins with issues concerning developmental change, followed by a model of model-based reasoning. The rest of the paper describes how several key concepts from recent developmental work could contribute to current work on model-based reasoning. Specifically, developmental research shows that (a) social processes are involved in model-based reasoning and scientific discovery, (b) the development of a theory of mind contributes to the development of scientific reasoning, (c) changes in scientific reasoning are characterized by cognitive variability, and (d) microgenetic methods could clarify conceptual change during model-based reasoning.
A Study of the Intrinsic Autofluorescence of Poly (ethylene glycol)-co-( L -Lactic acid) Diacrylate

Poly (ethylene glycol)-co-(L-Lactic acid) diacrylate (PEG-PLLA-DA) copolymers have been extensively investigated for a number of applications in medicine. PEG-PLLA-DA is biodegradable and the human body can process its degradation products. In this study, we describe the autofluorescence of PEG-PLLA-DA copolymers and compared it to the fluorescence of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG-DA) and the precursor molecules used for their synthesis. In addition, we examined the influence of pH on the fluorescence spectra. We found that PEG-PLLA-DA exhibits higher fluorescence than PEG-DA and all reagents involved in the synthesis of PEG-PLLA-DA. The fluorescence of PEG-PLLA-DA was affected by pH with fluorescence decreasing at high pH values. At high pH, PEG-PLLA-DA could not polymerize into hydrogels and exhibited a dramatic decrease in autofluorescence, suggesting that hydrolysis of the ester bond affected its autofluorescence. At low pH, PEG-PLLA-DA exhibited higher fluorescence and it was able to form crosslinked hydrogels. The autofluorescence of PEG-PLLA-DA could be exploited to monitor polymer degradation and material structure without the need to introduce exogenous fluorescent probes. The origin of fluorescence is not clear at this point in time but it appears to result from a synergetic effect of both lactate units and diacrylate groups in the PEG-PLLA-DA backbone. The observed autofluorescence of PEG-PLLA-DA persists after reaction of the acrylate groups in the polymerization reaction. This autofluorescence is advantageous because it could assist in the study of polymers used for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications.
Solution viscosity effects on the ocular disposition of cromolyn sodium in the albino rabbit

Abstract The influence of viscosity on the ocular disposition of cromolyn sodium has been studied in albino rabbits using a radiotracer technique. A commercial cromolyn sodium solution, Opticrom, was used as a control; and test solution viscosities, in the range of 580–3200 cP, were adjusted with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Concentrations of cromolyn sodium were determined in tears, cornea, aqueous humor, iris-ciliary body, and conjunctiva, in that order. The higher iris-ciliary body and aqueous humor drug levels from viscous solutions, as compared to that of Opticrom, despite identical corneal drug levels, suggest an alternate intraocular penetration route besides the cornea. In general, the influence of viscosity on ocular disposition of cromolyn sodium is modest. In comparison to the Opticrom solution, viscous solutions promoted higher levels of cromolyn sodium in the tears, iris-ciliary body, aqueous humor (except the 3200 cP solution), and conjunctiva but not in the cornea. Mixing of viscous solutions with tears in the cul-de-sac is poor. Slow elimination of cromolyn sodium from conjunctiva, cornea, and iris-ciliary body suggests binding to these tissues.
Family Response to Children and Alcohol

SUMMARY We describe the Michigan Longitudinal Study (MLS), an etiologic study of family risk for alcoholism over the life course, and provide an overview of findings from the first 12 years of the study. Data suggest that etiology is anchored in family diathesis and shaped by a wide range of experiences that structure differential developmental pathways. One pathway is marked by strong continuity of behavioral dysregulation, evident during the preschool years and continuing through early adolescence. Two discontinuous pathways illustrate the shifting nature of risk
Management of specific medical conditions in the perioperative period

Patients with a variety of medical conditions known to increase cardiovascular risk may require noncardiac surgery. After a preoperative assessment of risk, specific attention to medical therapy may be indicated in the perioperative period. The perioperative period begins before surgery when routine medical therapy may be interrupted, and continues through the surgical procedure and convalescence. During these times, the surgical patient is exposed to increased risks related to the underlying disease process prompting surgery, stresses associated with anesthesia, surgical intervention and postoperative discomfort, and alterations in usual medical therapy. With careful attention to risks specific to an underlying medical condition, patient monitoring and medical management in the perioperative period can be modified to prevent or minimize the impact of an adverse cardiac event.
Trans-Dominant Negative Effects of Pathogenic PSEN1 Mutations on γ-Secretase Activity and Aβ Production

Mutations in the PSEN1 gene encoding Presenilin-1 (PS1) are the predominant cause of familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD), but the underlying mechanisms remain unresolved. To reconcile the dominant action of pathogenic PSEN1 mutations with evidence that they confer a loss of mutant protein function, we tested the hypothesis that PSEN1 mutations interfere with γ-secretase activity in a dominant-negative manner. Here, we show that pathogenic PSEN1 mutations act in cis to impair mutant PS1 function and act in trans to inhibit wild-type PS1 function. Coexpression of mutant and wild-type PS1 at equal gene dosage in presenilin-deficient mouse embryo fibroblasts resulted in trans-dominant-negative inhibition of wild-type PS1 activity, suppressing γ-secretase-dependent cleavage of APP and Notch. Surprisingly, mutant PS1 could stimulate production of Aβ42 by wild-type PS1 while decreasing its production of Aβ40. Mutant and wild-type PS1 efficiently coimmunoprecipitated, suggesting that mutant PS1 interferes with wild-type PS1 activity via physical interaction. These results support the conclusion that mutant PS1 causes wild-type PS1 to adopt an altered conformation with impaired catalytic activity and substrate specificity. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism of action for pathogenic PSEN1 mutations and suggest that dominant-negative inhibition of presenilin activity plays an important role in FAD pathogenesis.
Trends in Visits for Traumatic Brain Injury to Emergency Departments in the United States

In the last decade, traumatic brain injury (TBI) garnered increased attention, including public campaigns and legislation to increase awareness and prevent head injuries.1 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes TBI as a serious public health concern.2 We sought to describe national trends in emergency department (ED) visits for TBI.
How politics trumped peer review at Texas cancer institute.

Charles Sherr is one of nearly three dozen scientists who recently resigned from a publicly financed $3bn effort to spur innovative cancer research. In this personal view, he explains why
Influence of Anesthetic and Nonimmobilizer Molecules on the Physical Properties of a Polyunsaturated Lipid Bilayer

We use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the effects of halothane, a volatile anesthetic, and hexafluoroethane (HFE), its nonimmobilizer analogue, on the physical properties of a fully hydrated polyunsaturated (1-stearoyl- 2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) lipid bilayer in the liquid crystalline fluid lamellar phase, L R. In addition, we discuss the results obtained comparing them to previous studies on saturated lipid bilayers with the same solutes. At the analyzed concentration (25% mole fraction), the halothane molecules are located preferentially near the upper part of the lipid acyl chains, while the HFE molecules prefer the hydrocarbon chains and methyl trough region. In the case of halothane in the polyunsaturated lipid bilayer, there is an additional density maximum at the membrane center not observed in saturated lipids. The subtle effect of the solutes on the structural properties of the highly unsaturated lipid bilayer and the properties of the membrane interior is somewhat different from that observed for saturated lipids. Here, these differences are interpreted in terms of the unique properties of the polyunsaturated lipid bilayers. The effect of anesthetic molecules on the electrostatic properties of the membrane interface is similar for saturated and polyunsaturated lipid bilayers and is characterized by a change in the most probable orientation of the lipid headgroup dipoles, which point toward the membrane interior for halothane and are basically unchanged for HFE, i.e., point toward the water phase. The different distributions of anesthetic and nonimmobilizer molecules within the lipid bilayer systems seem to be a generic feature in simple models of biological membranes and are similar to those observed in systems with saturated lipids. Since polyunsaturated and other unsaturated lipids are ubiquitous in cell membranes, it is plausible to generalize these features to the more complex biological membranes.