cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Repeated challenge with the hapten oxazolone provokes persistent vulvar mechanical sensitivity and labiar T cell changes in previously sensitized ND4 mice (HYP7P.258)

Epidemiological evidence suggests a link between environmental allergies and the risk of developing vulvodynia—a chronic provoked vulvar pain condition affecting up to 8-16% of 18-60 year old women. We have previously shown that acute labiar exposure to the hapten allergen oxazolone provokes increased vulvar mechanical sensitivity in ND4 Swiss mice. Here, we show that repeated oxazolone challenge produces persistent vulvar mechanical sensitivity in sensitized mice for at least12 days after final allergen exposure. T cell amplification in the draining iliac lymph nodes resolves within 5 days after final challenge. Persistent sensitivity in the skin is accompanied by sustained changes in skin T cells; CD44+ CD8 and CD4 subsets remain elevated, T cell transcription factors T-bet and FoxP3 continue to be upregulated for up to 17 days after 10 allergen challenges. This is the first characterization of immune infiltrate accompanying sustained allergen-provoked mechanical sensitivity that persists after the resolution of overt inflammatory events following repeated allergen exposures. Our findings can be used to used to elucidate the underlying etiology of allergy-driven subsets of chronic pain conditions.
A Compact Triga Reactor for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Hatanaka1. has reviewed the many clinical results for the treatment of glioblastoma using Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) carried out at the Musashi TRIGA 100 kW reactor facility. Mishima2 has reviewed the successful application of BNCT to the treatment of malignant melanoma at the same facility. Aizawa3 has reported details of the Musashi TRIGA reactor for the thermal neutron treatment of more than 100 patients and outlined improvements for this small reactor. During the last years, the perception has been growing that epithermal neutrons (Ē < 8.5 keV) are much more suitable for a variety of reasons than thermal neutrons for the treatment of deep seated malignancies.
Synthesis and Characterization of Plug-and-Play Polyurethane Urea Elastomers as Biodegradable Matrixes for Tissue Engineering Applications.

The highly tunable mechanical properties and resilience of polyurethanes make them promising candidates for tissue engineering applications. Biodegradability is conferred by incorporation of hydrolytically or enzymatically cleavable moieties into the polyurethane structure. A common choice for the biodegradable soft segment is a poly(ether ester) triblock copolymer synthesized by ring opening polymerization of the polyester from a polyether macroinitiator. Herein, we describe a new “plug-and-play” approach for triblock synthesis based on urethane block coupling that enables finer control of block lengths and ease of segmental tuning. The inclusion of urethane linkages in the soft segment was also hypothesized to promote hydrogen bonding between the segments with an associated increase in modulus, tensile strength, and ultimate elongation. Hard segment content of the biodegradable polyurethane urea was varied to demonstrate the tunable tensile properties and degradation rate. As expected, increasing hard s...
Prognostic awareness and communication preferences among caregivers of patients with malignant glioma.

Objective Malignant glioma is a devastating neuro-oncologic disease with almost invariably poor prognosis, yet many families facing malignant glioma have poor prognostic awareness (PA), or the awareness of the patient's incurable disease and shortened life-expectancy. Accurate PA is associated with favorable medical outcomes at the end-of-life for patients and psychosocial outcomes for informal caregivers (ICs) through bereavement. To date, however, no study has specifically examined PA among MG ICs and the information they receive that shapes their awareness. Methods Thirty-two ICs of patients with malignant glioma completed a semi-structured assessment of their awareness of the incurability and life expectancy of their loved one's illness, and to understand their sources of prognostic information and preferences for communication of prognostic information. Results Twenty two (69%) ICs had full PA - awareness of the incurability of malignant glioma and accurate estimates of their loved ones' life expectancy. Twenty-three (72%) felt that prognostic information was extremely or very important to possess, and 16 (50%) desired more prognostic information. The majority of ICs received prognostic information from physicians and the Internet. Qualitative analyses revealed that many ICs had difficulty navigating medical encounters in which they concurrently wanted to elicit prognostic information from physicians and protect patients from such information. Conclusions Accurate and timely PA is necessary for ICs to serve as critical members of healthcare teams. Interventions are needed to foster ICs' skills in navigating prognostic communication with patients and healthcare providers and thereby improve their ability to advocate for their loved one's wishes.
Why aren't they happy? An analysis of end-user satisfaction with Electronic health records

Introduction. Implementations of electronic health records (EHR) have been met with mixed outcome reviews. Complaints about these systems have led to many attempts to have useful measures of end-user satisfaction. However, most user satisfaction assessments do not focus on high-level reasoning, despite the complaints of many physicians. Our study attempts to identify some of these determinants. Method. We developed a user satisfaction survey instrument, based on pre-identified and important clinical and non-clinical clinician tasks. We surveyed a sample of in-patient physicians and focused on using exploratory factor analyses to identify underlying high-level cognitive tasks. We used the results to create unique, orthogonal variables representative of latent structure predictive of user satisfaction. Results. Our findings identified 3 latent high-level tasks that were associated with end-user satisfaction: a) High- level clinical reasoning b) Communicate/coordinate care and c) Follow the rules/compliance. Conclusion: We were able to successfully identify latent variables associated with satisfaction. Identification of communicability and high-level clinical reasoning as important factors determining user satisfaction can lead to development and design of more usable electronic health records with higher user satisfaction.
Some Further Results on the Limiting Proportion of Types

Publisher Summary Considering each unit is endowed with a lifetime whose distribution is specific to its type, during which the unit is “active” and after which the unit is “inactive”, the population of active units comprises eventually only a portion of those that have entered the system. Moreover, if some unit types have stochastically longer lifetimes than others, the proportion of the active population comprised of type j units may differ from pj in the limit. The behavior of this proportion as t →∞ is considered in the case of fixed arrival times, arrival times that are partial sums of i.i.d. random variables, and arrival times that occur in accordance with a nonhomogeneous Poisson process. That is, the limiting distribution becomes larger with respect to the likelihood ratio ordering as c increases.
Calcium and Cyclic AMP in Cell Activation

Cyclic nucleotide has been found to play an important role in the activation of many different cells by specific stimuli. It has been found to be involved in the phenomena of enzyme induction in bacteria of aggregation in the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum of the action of many hormones, and in a wide variety of secretory processes including the release of synaptic transmitters. One need only contrast the function of these enzymes in liver mitochondria to those in insect flight muscle to make the point. In the liver, they participate, in times of fasting, in the conversion of amino acids to cytoplasmic carbohydrate precursors, of fatty acids to ketone bodies, and to cytoplasmic reducing equivalents. In the case of secretion and peptide hormone action, the requirement for calcium and the activation of membrane-bound adenyl cyclase both appear in many of the same systems. An important aspect of this relationship involves the effects of cyclic AMP and first messenger on calcium uptake and release by particular cells.
Statistical Learning as a Regression Problem

This chapter serves two purposes. First, it sets the much of the conceptual stage for later chapters by discussing the ways in which the statistical learning can differ from convention regression analysis. The differences are matters of degree but are nevertheless very important if interpretive errors are to be avoided. Second, the chapter briefly introduces several key statistical concepts that will play a significant role in later chapters.
Inverse problems in the modeling of vibrations of flexible beams

The formulation and solution of inverse problems for the estimation of parameters which describe damping and other dynamic properties in distributed models for the vibration of flexible structures is considered. Motivated by a slewing beam experiment, the identification of a nonlinear velocity dependent term which models air drag damping in the Euler-Bernoulli equation is investigated. Galerkin techniques are used to generate finite dimensional approximations. Convergence estimates and numerical results are given. The modeling of, and related inverse problems for the dynamics of a high pressure hose line feeding a gas thruster actuator at the tip of a cantilevered beam are then considered. Approximation and convergence are discussed and numerical results involving experimental data are presented.
An Analog Computer To Solve Any Second Order Linear Differential Equation With Arbitrary Coefficients

An analog computer was designed and tested to solve any second order constant-coefficients and linear differential equation. The analog computer was built using operational amplifiers, resistors and capacitors. Using the Multisim simulator, various input types were tested across the input terminals of the analog computer and the results were recorded.
Reductionism - simplified and scientific.

In this commentary on Borsboom et al.’s target article, I address an inadequate, simplified use of the idea of “reductionism” in clinical psychology and psychiatry. This is important because reductionism is a fundamental methodology of science. Explaining mental states and processes in terms of biological and brain states and processes is fundamental for the science of psychology. I also briefly address a fundamental methodology of the goal of psychology as a hard science.
Abstract 2526: Measuring DNA quantity, FFPE degradation, and genomic DNA contamination of ccfDNA in a single assay

FFPE tumor biopsies are being increasingly used as a source of DNA for translational research in pursuit of personalized medicine. In addition, circulating cell-free DNA in liquid biopsy fractions shows promise as a means of tracking tumor burden, tumor regression, and/or cancer relapse. However, both sources come with significant DNA quality risks related to sample preparation that can result in downstream sequencing failures or false negatives. For FFPE samples, chemical fixation of the tissue crosslinks DNA, resulting in DNA fragmentation and damage that cannot be completely reversed. For liquid biopsy samples, contamination with genomic DNA can reduce sensitivity for detecting the tumor-specific fraction of ccfDNA. The ProNex® DNA QC Assay is a multiplex qPCR assay that provides both quantification and quality control for small or fragmented DNA samples. ProNex® DNA QC Assay includes a 75bp, 150bp, and 300bp target as well as an internal positive control. Unlike absorption, fluorescent DNA binding dyes, and electrophoresis-based methods, qPCR can be used to quantify specifically amplifiable DNA able to participate in downstream PCR or sequencing applications. The ratio of amplification at 75bp and 300bp sizes can be used to assess fragmentation of FFPE samples, which is correlated with improved coverage uniformity in NGS applications. With ccfDNA, the ratio can also be used to determine the degree of genomic DNA contamination and indicate when further clean-up is necessary prior to sequencing. Citation Format: Trista L. Schagat, Jennifer Mook, Leta Steffen, Doug Wieczorek, Curtis Knox. Measuring DNA quantity, FFPE degradation, and genomic DNA contamination of ccfDNA in a single assay [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2526.
Depression: Latinx Adolescent Girls’ Perceived Triggers:

Research on depression among Latinx populations is increasing; however, a focus on what triggers depression among this community is lacking. This study aims to identify perceived triggers for depre...
Jean Talairach: a cerebral cartographer.

Although French psychiatrist-turned-neurosurgeon Jean Talairach (1911-2007) is perhaps best known for the stereotaxic atlas he produced with Pierre Tournoux and Gabor Szikla, he has left his mark on most aspects of modern stereotactic and functional neurosurgery. In the field of psychosurgery, he expressed critique of the practice of prefrontal lobotomy and subsequently was the first to describe the more selective approach using stereotactic bilateral anterior capsulotomy. Turning his attention to stereotaxy, Talairach spearheaded the team at Hopital Sainte-Anne in the construction of novel stereotaxic apparatus. Cadaveric investigation using these tools and methods resulted in the first human stereotaxic atlas where the use of the anterior and posterior commissures as intracranial reference points was established. This work revolutionized the approach to cerebral localization as well as leading to the development of numerous novel stereotactic interventions by the Sainte-Anne team, including tumor biopsy, interstitial irradiation, thermal ablation, and endonasal procedures. Together with epileptologist Jean Bancaud, Talairach invented the field of stereo-electroencephalography and developed a robust scientific methodology for the assessment and treatment of epilepsy. In this article the authors review Talairach's career trajectory in its historical context and in view of its impact on modern stereotactic and functional neurosurgery.
Sociolinguistics of the Spanish-Speaking World

This review provides a state-of-the-art overview of Spanish sociolinguistics and discusses several areas, including variationist sociolinguistics, bilingual and immigrant communities, and linguisti...
Determinants of Sleep Medication Use among Participants in the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set:

Sufficient sleep is critical for health in older adults, but prescription sleep aids are associated with numerous health risks (e.g., cognitive impairment and falls). We examine usage prevalence of two medication categories-sedative hypnotics (SH) and medications commonly used for insomnia (MCUFI)-among adults aged 45+ in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center data set. Analyzing the visits conducted between September 2005 and June 2018, we determine the factors associated with SH and MCUFI use, including sociodemographic, health, independence, and cognitive statuses. Usage rates were 9% for MCUFI (N = 3,279) and 4% for SH (N = 1,382). Multivariable logistic regression identified White race, higher education, younger age, depression, and sedative polypharmacy as factors associated with prescription sleep aid use. We conclude that sleep medication usage rates among older adults, higher likelihood of sedative medication polypharmacy, and higher likelihood of MCUFI use among adults with cognitive impairment are findings of concern and may warrant clinical intervention.
Current statement about Dry Needling practice in Italy after the opinion of the Italian Superior Health Council: practical implications for the safeguard of the patients in a case of malpractice

In an our previous article, we described a case of a professional swimmer who presented a pneumothorax after treatment with dry needling (DN), performed by a physiotherapist. Although only few cases of serious adverse events after this treatment are reported in literature, the description of this case seemed to us of considerable interest to underline and discuss the medical-legal and ethical aspects regarding the skills and responsibilities of medical doctors and physiotherapists performing the procedure. The doctor-patient relationship, in this case, has failed because the patient has not received a correct diagnosis and adequate rehabilitation treatment according to international guidelines. In Italy a specialist medical doctor's prescription is required as a guide in the rehabilitation program performed by the physiotherapist after a clear and official diagnosis. The Italian Council of Health in the session of 13 June 2017, established that the practice of DN is a doctor's exclusive competence due to the invasive characteristics and potential complications of this technique.
Cultural Styles of Participation in Farmers’ Discussions of Seasonal Climate Forecasts in Uganda

Climate change is confronting African farmers with growing uncertainties. Advances in seasonal climate predictions offer potential for assisting farmers in dealing with climate risk. Experimental cases of forecast dissemination to African rural communities suggest that participatory approaches can facilitate understanding and use of uncertain climate information. But few of these studies integrate critical reflections on participation that have emerged in the last decade which reveal how participatory approaches can miss social dynamics of power at the community level and in the broader context. Furthermore, neither climate application research nor theoretical critiques of participation fully examine the culturally constructed nature of participation. Drawing on sociolinguistic analysis, in-depth interviews, and ethnographic observation, this paper examines how Ugandan farmers engage in participation in the context of discussions of seasonal climate forecasts. Forecasts were presented to farmers groups whose members were then asked to discuss the forecast among themselves. In doing so, groups sought to develop a common understanding of the forecast and consensual plans for response strategies. Focusing on one particular group meeting as an example, we show how different cultural styles of participation affect the interpretation of the forecast and the formulation of response strategies. Group interaction is shown to be mostly structured around two styles of participation. On the one hand, there is the ‘‘Western’’ style advocated by NGOs and the government, which centers on ensuring that all individuals who are present have opportunities to speak during discussion and to vote on group decisions. On the other hand, a ‘‘Kiganda’’ style of participation emphasizes the importance of affirming ties to a collectivity, respect for social hierarchy, deployment of good manners, and consensus building. The case study illuminates how the performance of different styles of participation is grounded in localized frameworks of language and culture but also draw on political and policy discourses at the national level. Although a cultural high value on consensus may work in favor of prominent members, the availability of multiple styles of participation also enables group members to exercise their agency in positive ways. Attention to the interplay of different styles of participation throws light on the subtle social processes that shape how knowledge is assessed, which sources are trusted, which and whose interpretations prevail, what options are deemed viable, how costs and benefits are calculated, and whose resources are mobilized in the effort to reduce vulnerability to climate risk. These are key questions for an assessment of the role of boundary organizations, such as farmer associations, in the communication and application of climate forecasts in agriculture.
Prayer in Islamic Thought and Practice

1. Canonical prayer (Salat) and supplication (du'a'): development and rules 2. Valid prayer and ideal prayer 3. Interpretive models: what is Salat, and what does it do? 4. The community at prayer: congregational prayer, prayer leadership (imama), and the boundaries of the religious community 5. Women and prayer.
Changes in integrin/adhesion molecule expression, but not in the T-cell receptor repertoire, in old mice infected with tuberculosis

The results of this study present data in support of the hypothesis that T lymphocytes in both young and old mice infected with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis undergo changes in expression of cell surface integrin/adhesion molecules as determined by flow cytometric analysis. These data thus further support the hypothesis that a reduced ability of T-cells in old mice to adequately and promptly accumulate at sites of inflammation induced by bacterial implantation is a central parameter underlying the increased susceptibility of these mice to this intracellular bacterial infection. In addition, however, no changes were observed in terms of the T-cell receptor expression (repertoire) of these animals, indicating that this facet of immunity is preserved in aging.
A Locus for Axonal Motor-Sensory Neuropathy with Deafness and Mental Retardation Maps to Xq24–q26

DNA markers on the X chromosome were used to map the locus for an unusual form of X-linked recessive hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy with associated deafness and mental retardation in a three-generation family that was originally reported by Cowchock et al. (Am, J. Hum. Genet. 35: 85A, 1993; Am. J. Med. Genet. 20: 307-315, 1985). This family included seven affected males, three obligate carrier females, and four unaffected males. The patients were severely affected within the first few years of life with distal weakness, muscle atrophy, sensory loss, areflexia, pes cavus, and hammer toes. Five of the seven affected males showed associated deafness, and three of these five individuals also presented with mental retardation or social developmental delay. Motor nerve conduction velocities in affected males were normal to mildly delayed, and sensory conduction was markedly abnormal. Heterozygous females were asymptomatic. Close linkage to the Xg blood group locus (Xp22) and the PGK locus (Xq13) was previously excluded in this family, while weak linkage of the disease gene to DXYS1 (XQ21.3) was suggested. Our current linkage studies and haplotype analysis of 19 microsatellite markers on the long arm of the X chromosome demonstrate that DXS425 (Xq24) and HPRT (Xq26.1) are flanking markers and that the disease gene is closely linked to the markers DXS1122, DXS994, DXS737, DXS1206, and DXS1047.
Deployment and PTSD in the Female Combat Veteran: A Systematic Review

ConardSaulsBackground The number of females serving in the Gulf War has risen and continues to be a rapidly growing group. Females occupy a wide range of roles and face a myriad of challenges as they serve alongside their male counterparts in almost every role. Females are also facing redeployment, multiple deployments, and/or extended deployments. The stressors of war and deployments may be putting them at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If left untreated, PTSD can have devastating and debilitating consequences for veteran's functioning and relationships, their families, and society. Objective To examine the literature over the past 10 years to determine if there is a relationship between deployments and the incidence of PTSD in female combat veterans as compared with male veterans. Method Systematic review. Results The numbers of veterans screening for PTSD are increasing. Those who have experienced extended or multiple tours have higher screening rates. Females report slightly less combat exposure than males but higher exposures to other stressors of war such as military sexual trauma. Females were at higher risk for depression while males were at higher risk of substance abuse. Females and lower rank were associated with greater utilization of Veterans Administration services. ConardSauls
Gas engineering studies for high pressure self-sustained diffuse discharge closing switches

The operating voltage and discharge stability of diffuse discharges for fast-closing switch applications are critically dependent on the variation of the ionization (..cap alpha../N) and attachment (eta/N) coefficients with E/N (gas density normalized electric field strength). Gases and gas mixtures which possess low (E/N)/sub lim/ values (i.e., the E/N value when anti ..cap alpha../N = ..cap alpha../N - eta/N = 0) and effective ionization coefficients, anti ..cap alpha../N, which vary slowly with E/N near (E/N)/sub lim/ lead to lower voltage (i.e., more efficient) operation with increased discharge stability. Several gas mixtures with these characteristics are discussed. It is argued that further improvements in switch efficiency and discharge stability can be obtained by adding a low ionization onset gas additive to these binary mixtures, such that at low E/N, ..cap alpha../N > eta/N, while at higher E/N, eta/N > ..cap alpha../N over a restricted E/N range. Several low ionization onset gas additives are suggested in this paper and the electron attachment and ionization coefficients in selected gas mixtures which possess these desirable characteristics are given.
5. Exploring Identities Through Poetic Inquiry: Heartful Journeys Into Tangled Places of Complicated Truths and Desires

One of the challenges we face in higher education is knowing who we are as individuals and as communities. Poetic inquiry (Prendergast, Leggo, & Sameshima, 2009) is a way into that knowing, a way of exploring our own identities and our relationships with each other. Poetic inquiry creates a space for evocative knowing. This research project, supported by the Acadia University Research Fund, included two graduate students as co-participants, one graduate student as co-investigator, and a principal investigator. Through writing, feedback, editing, and rewriting, we sought to create poetry that would show our identities as individuals and in relationships with our communities. We met for four three-hour sessions to write poetry, after reading the work of a poet / scholar. For our fifth session, we performed our poetry at a public reading that was advertised throughout the University community. Audience members were given a copy of our chapbook of poetry (Guiney Yallop, Naylor, Sharif, & Taylor, 2009), which included participant-selected pieces from our own work completed during, or between, the sessions.
Tritium gas delivery system for the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) device

A tritium gas delivery system (TGDS) for the TFTR (Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor) is required when the device commences deuterium-tritium operation. The system is comprised of the delivery manifold, gas-injection assemblies, and controls and instrumentation. It is designed to provide gas to the torus and neutral beams in quantities consistent with a rate of one shot per hour. Operation of the system for the valve calibration, glow discharge and pulse discharge cleaning (GDC and PDC), and high-power pulsing (HPP) modes of operation is accomplished with either preprogrammed user input or closed loop-feedback. The TGDS hardware (including the piezoelectric crystal injection valve which is used to control the flow of tritium into the reactor), the design philosophy, and the interaction of the system with TFTR operations are described. >
The performance of MLSD receivers on nonlinear satellite channels

This paper evaluates the performance of maximum-likelihood sequence detection (MLSD) receivers for nonlinear bandlimited satellite channels which employ QPSK and 8-PSK modulation formats. The optimal receiver for a nonlinear satellite channel is a matched-filter bank followed by a Viterbi detector (MFB-MLSD). The MFB-MLSD receiver may be high in complexity, where the filter bank complexity grows exponentially with the channel memory. Consequently, a suboptimal single receive filter receiver (SF-MLSD) is considered, and the effect of the pulse shape on channel memory is also studied. A finite-state machine (FSM) description of the channel is used for evaluating the nonlinear satellite channel. For all cases considered, the MFB-MLSD receiver gives a small performance loss compared to the AWGN channel, and the SF-MLSD receivers, when square-root raised cosine pulse shaping is employed, give little performance loss relative to the MFB-MLSD receivers.
Faculty development of pediatric practitioners: complexities in teaching clinical precepting.

Community physicians should be ideal role model preceptors for residents to learn office-based primary care. These physicians are the specialists at what they do, just as the organ-based subspecialists are the experts in their field. The faculty development course we developed considered the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for clinical preceptors and attempted to address potential difficulties, such as reservations practitioners might have about accepting the role. It should be axiomatic that once the objectives are defined and are recognized to involve skills and attitudes as well as knowledge, lectures alone (although time-efficient) will not suffice: they are unlikely to change behavior. The key is practice over time, with supervision and reinforcement by respected "experts" and peers. Faculty development for clinical precepting is complex, because clinical precepting, particularly in pediatrics, is complex. Attention to relationships and feelings (anxiety, discomfort, stress) should be built in, along with efforts to improve knowledge and skills.
Application of cross-flow ultrafiltration for isolating exopolymeric substances from a marine diatom (Amphora sp.)

The increasing recognition of the roles that exopolymeric substances (EPS) play in the aquatic environment necessitates obtaining sufficient quantities of purified EPS for exploration of its physical, chemical, and biological properties, as well as for quantitative and structural analysis of its composition. For this purpose, three preconcentration/ purification techniques, i.e., 1) ethanol precipitation, 2) stirred-cell ultrafiltration, and 3) cross-flow ultrafiltration, followed by stirred-cell diafiltration, were compared for their effectiveness to quantitatively isolate EPS from laboratory cultures of Amphora sp. The results showed that the classical ethanol precipitation method was not effective in isolating and concentrating EPS from this seawater culture medium. Stirredcell ultrafiltration appeared best for harvesting EPS from this diatom. However, because of its limitations in terms of time and volume, cross-flow ultrafiltration needed to be first applied, along with some necessary improvements, followed by a three-step cartridge soaking and stirred-cell diafiltration. After cartridge soaking, the yields of the two ultrafiltration methods were comparable. Two different fractions were obtained from EPS of Amphora sp. by anion exchange chromatography and were characterized respectively. Whereas these purified fractions had similar molecular weights of 1000 kDa, their monosaccharide composition was different. In conclusion, cross-flow ultrafiltration followed by stirred-cell diafiltration with additional cartridge washing turned out to be the optimal method for EPS separation, based on time, cost, and yield.
Isomerization of substituted biphenyls by superacid. A remarkable confluence of experiment and theory

Acid-catalyzed isomerization of dimethylbiphenyls is determined by the relative stability of intermediate carbocations, rather than the neutral products, and may be predicted by a simple semiempirical method (AM1). A general kinetic model for such isomerizations is suggested in which the rearrangement of an intermediate cation is the rate-limiting step. Control of regiochemistry of dialkylbiphenyls provides a useful entry into high-purity monomers for high-polymer synthesis.
New developments in 850 and 1300nm VCSELs at JDSU

ABSTRACT Results on new 850nm and 1310nm VCSEL products under de velopment at JDSU will be presented with emphasis on reliability criteria, advances in performance, and interconn ect design. An update will also be provided on JDSUs effort to introduce 10Gpbs LW VCSEL based components and modules into the marketplace. Keywords: VCSEL, 1310nm, 850nm, 95C, TOSA, reliability, vertical Author Contact: luke.graham@jdsu.com Marketing Contact: joe.allen@jdsu.com 1.0 INTRODUCTION The JDSU facility in Louisville Colorado has developed a new variation of its laterally oxidized 850nm 10Gbps VCSEL designed for transceivers operating at the upper end of the industrial temperature ra nge (-40-85C). Beta grade sample transmit optical subassemblies (TOSAs) using the new device are available now and design verification testing is nearly complete. These devices are scheduled to be in production by March 1, 2009. So far, the new extended temperature 850nm VCSEL design appears to exhibit modulation, line width and reliability properties equivalent to JDSU standard devices designed for transceivers operating in the commercial temperature range (0-75C). In this paper we will also provide an update on JDSUs 10Gbps LW VCSEL program.
Types of preschool experience and sociometric status in the primary school

This study examines how different types of preschool experience may be related to subsequent sociometric status in the primary school. A sociometric questionnaire was given to 187 primary school children. Those who had previously attended nursery schools or playgroups scored significantly higher than those who had attended nurseries or remained at home. The results are cautiously interpreted as evidence supporting the importance of preschool experience for childhood social development but emphasizing that the type of experience may be crucial.
Model-Based Imaging: An Integration of Physics, Signal Processing, and Biology

A classical problem in biomedical imaging is the so-called limited data problem, which occurs when physical and temporal constraints prevent sufficient coverage of the data space. Traditionally, image reconstruction is formulated as a linear inverse problem, which is usually solved using Fourier transform-based methods. This approach often leads to a significant loss of spatial/temporal resolution, which limits the practical utility of various imaging modalities. To overcome these problems, numerous methods have emerged in the past two decades to incorporate a priori information into the imaging process. This talk will provide a systematic discussion of model-based imaging. I will begin with a brief review of the diffraction-limited imaging problem and then discuss in detail how a priori information can be effectively utilized to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution in various biomedical applications (e.g., cardiac imaging, functional neuroimaging, and molecular cancer imaging).
Cardiac Troponin T levels and myocardial involvement in children with severe respiratory syncytial virus lung disease.

Aims: To determine the prevalence of myocardial damage in severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease as evident from elevated cardiac Troponin T (cTnT) levels. To assess the nature of the myocardial involvement as manifested in electro-and echocardiographic abnormalities. To compare severity of disease with and without myocardial involvement as evident from duration of ventilation, inotrope requirements and death. Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study of children with RSV infection admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit at the Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital during the winter season 2002/2003. cTnT concentrations were measured using a third generation monoclonal sandwich immunoassay (Roche Diagnostics). Results: 34 children were included in our study. 12 (35%) had elevated cTnT levels. The levels measured after admission had a median [interquartile range (IQR)] of 50 pg/ml (37.5–67.5). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between patients with and without elevated cTnT levels with regards to gender, gestational age at birth, history of neonatal intensive care, presence of congenital heart disease, chronic lung disease, inotrope requirements, duration of ventilation, death, fractional shortening on echocardiogram or arrhythmias. Children with elevated cTnT levels were significantly younger [median (IQR): 1.4 months (0.8–2.0)] than children without [median (IQR): 4.0 months (1.7–6.6)] (p= 0.04). The systolic blood pressure on admission was lower in children with increased cTnT compared to those with undetectable cTnT (p= 0.01). Conclusions: Myocardial involvement is common in infants with severe RSV lung disease without congenital heart disease. cTnT level elevation was associated with hypotension.
Markov processes as a tool in field theory

Abstract In a recent paper Brydges, Frohlich, and Spencer have successfully applied Markov chains to classical spin systems. Using probabilistic methods in a more systematic way, we improve some of their results. The methods can be extended to fields with continuous parameter such as P(φ) fields.
Ammonia switch-off of nitrogenase from Rhodobacter sphaeroides and Methylosinus trichosporium: no evidence for Fe protein modification.

In vivo switch-off of nitrogenase activity by NH4+is a reversible process in Rhodobacter sphaeroides and Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b. The same pattern of switch-off in Rhodospirillum rubrum is explained by ADP-ribosylation of one of the Fe protein subunits, however, no evidence of covalent modification could be found in the subunits from either R. sphaeroides or M. trichosporium. Fe protein subunits from these organisms showed no variant behaviour on SDS-PAGE, nor were they 32P-labeled following switch-off. These observations suggest either that the attachment of the modifying group to the Fe protein in these organisms is quite labile and does not survive in vitro manipulation, or that the mechanism of switch-off is different than that seen in Rhodospirillum.
Pitfalls of using a single criterion for selecting experimental designs

For surrogate construction, a good experimental design (ED) is essential to simultaneously reduce the effect of noise and bias errors. However, most EDs cater to a single criterion and may lead to small gains in that criterion at the expense of large deteriorations in other criteria. We use multiple criteria to assess the performance of different popular EDs. We demonstrate that these EDs offer different trade-offs, and that use of a single criterion is indeed risky. In addition, we show that popular EDs, such as Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) and D-optimal designs, often leave large regions of the design space unsampled even for moderate dimensions. We discuss a few possible strategies to combine multiple criteria and illustrate them with examples. We show that complementary criteria (e.g. bias handling criterion for variance-based designs and vice versa) can be combined to improve the performance of EDs. We demonstrate improvements in the trade-offs between noise and bias error by combining a model-based criterion, like the D-optimality criterion, and a geometry-based criterion, like LHS. Next, we demonstrate that selecting an ED from three candidate EDs using a suitable error-based criterion helped eliminate potentially poor designs. Finally, we show benefits from combining the multiple criteria-based strategies, that is, generation of multiple EDs using the D-optimality and LHS criteria, and selecting one design using a pointwise bias error criterion. The encouraging results from the examples indicate that it may be worthwhile studying these strategies more rigorously and in more detail. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autophagic degradation of the BCR-ABL oncoprotein and generation of antileukemic responses by arsenic trioxide.

We provide evidence that arsenic trioxide (As2O3) targets the BCR-ABL oncoprotein via a novel mechanism involving p62/SQSTM1-mediated localization of the oncoprotein to the autolysosomes and subsequent degradation mediated by the protease cathepsin B. Our studies demonstrate that inhibitors of autophagy or cathepsin B activity and/or molecular targeting of p62/SQSTM1, Atg7, or cathepsin B result in partial reversal of the suppressive effects of AS2O3 on BCR-ABL expressing leukemic progenitors, including primitive leukemic precursors from chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients. Altogether, these findings indicate that autophagic degradation of BCR-ABL is critical for the induction of the antileukemic effects of As2O3 and raise the potential for future therapeutic approaches to target BCR-ABL expressing cells by modulating elements of the autophagic machinery to promote BCR-ABL degradation.
' Lnc '-ing enhancers to MYC regulation

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important functional components in the establishment of long-range chromosomal interactions. In a recent paper published in Cell Research, Xiang et al. provide mechanistic insight into this phenomenon by characterizing the role of CCAT1-L, a colorectal cancer-specific lncRNA, in intra-chromosome looping between the MYC gene promoter and distal upstream enhancer elements that regulate MYC transcription.
Problems concerning fairness and temporal logic for conflict-free Petri nets

Abstract In this paper, we examine the complexity of the fair nontermination problem for conflict-free Petri nets under several definitions of fairness. For each definition of fairness, we are able to show the problem to be complete for either NP, PTIME, or NLOGSPACE. We then address the question of whether these results extend to the more general model checking problem with respect to the temporal logic for Petri nets introduced by Suzuki. Since many of the model checking problems concerning finite state systems can be reduced to a version of the fair nontermination problem, it would seem plausible that the model checking problem for conflict-free Petri nets would be decidable. However, it turns out that unless the logic is severely restricted, model checking is undecidable for conflict-free Petri nets. In particular, the problem is undecidable even when formulas are of the form Gƒ (“invariantly ƒ”) where ƒ contains no temporal logic operators. On the other hand, we show that model checking for conflict-free Petri nets is NP-complete for L(F, X)—the logic restricted to the operators F (eventually), X (next time), ∧, and ∨, with negations allowed only on the predicates.
Hidden maintenance opportunities in discrete and complex production lines

In manufacturing systems, many maintenance tasks require equipment to be stopped in order to safely perform them. However, such stoppage cannot last for too long since it might directly result in short-term production losses. In this paper, we investigate how long we can strategically shut down equipment for maintenance during scheduled operations without affecting system throughput. Using the concept of maintenance opportunity windows (MOWs), we estimate such time intervals for various system configurations. Simulations are used to deal with uncertainties in production lines, such as random machine failures, starvations, blockages, etc. Moreover, the proposed MOW algorithms are demonstrated through simulations and real case studies in an automotive assembly plant.
Optical Chirality and Superchiral Fields

Are there solutions to Maxwell's equations that show enhanced asymmetry in their interaction with chiral matter, larger than that shown by circularly polarized plane waves? We answer this question in three parts: first, we introduce a quantity which measures the local chirality of the electromagnetic field; second, we show that this electromagnetic chirality determines the degree of chiral asymmetry in the interaction of light with matter; third, we construct “superchiral” solutions to Maxwell’s equations with larger chiral asymmetry, in some regions of space, than is found in circularly polarized plane waves. We experimentally demonstrate the existence of superchiral light.
Parasitic-free modulation of semiconductor lasers

Active-layer photomixing is a technique for modulating semiconductor lasers with nearly perfect immunity to device parasitics. Measurements of the intrinsic modulation response of a laser diode using this technique at temperatures as low as 4.2 K are discussed. From these measurements, the temperature dependence of important dynamical parameters is determined. In addition, this provides a stringent test of the active-layer photomixing technique since parasitic response is degraded, while the intrinsic response is improved for low-temperature operation. At 4.2 K, the ideal intrinsic response is measured for frequencies as high as 15 GHz despite an estimated parasitic corner frequency of 410 MHz. >
Evidence of heterozygosity in parthenogenetic turkeys from homograft responses

SummaryHomografts of wattle and normal body skin from parthenogenetic Beltsville Small White turkey males to some of their progeny by unrelated females are rejected by a typical homograft reaction. The second set response to repeat grafts in the same combinations indicates that rejection of both sets was due to an active immunity acquired in response to the first set grafts. Rejection of some of the parthenogenetic sires'skin by their progeny offers strong evidence that the parthenogens are heterozygous for at least one pair of histocompatibility alleles. The importance of this finding is discussed in reference to 3 alternative cytological routes by which diploid male parthenogenetic turkeys might arise. The results would seem to eliminate suppression of an early cleavage division as a possible route since only homozygotes could thus be produced. Although suppression of meiosis II cannot be assumed a priori to be the route of origin it appears more likely than suppression of meiosis I.
Immature stages of the apterous fly Badisis ambulans McAlpine (Diptera: Micropezidae)

Morphology of the mature larvae and pupae of the apterous fly, Badisis ambulans McAlpine (Diptera: Micropezidae) are described and illustrated. In addition, the curious commensal habits of the larvae are described. Each spiracular plate of the mature larva is situated at the base of a small horn; similar horns have been described in other micropezid larvae. The posterior spiracles appear to be non-functional with depressions forming the vestiges of the spiracular openings. The larvae were found inside pitchers of the Albany pitcher plant, Cephalotus follicularis (Cephalotaceae) and have a commensal relationship with the plant. They feed on the decaying pitcher plant prey and leave the pitcher to pupate. It is likely that the larva obtains oxygen from the pitcher fluid. This is the first immature micropezid described from Australia.
Solid-state photodimerization reactions of racemic and homochiral phenylalanine sulfonamidecinnamic acids

Racemic and enantiopure phenylalanine sulfonamides preferentially crystallize to give supramolecular dimers with favorable olefin⋯olefin spacing (3.77–4.01 A) for programmed solid-state [2 + 2] photodimerizations.
Applications of Mobile Learning in Higher Education: An Empirical Study

As mobile devices' use among consumers accelerates at an exponential rate, there is a need to examine how these mobile devices can be used as effective learning tools and not just a form of communication. In this paper, the authors use an empirical survey methodology to study various mobile learning tools that are currently available for use in higher education, their advantages and disadvantages in m-learning versus e-learning implementations, and to explore the current trends in m-learning.