cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Thermodynamics of Diffusion Controlled Metamorphic Processes

Many metamorphic processes involve diffusive exchange of material between interacting mineral assemblages, and in most such processes, diffusion appears to be the rate-determining step. The overall stoichiometry of diffusion-controlled processes involving p phases containing c components depends upon c — 1 ratios of diffusive fluxes. In the steady state, the flux ratios are constrained by p — 1 restrictions on the potential gradients driving the diffusion, and by c — p restrictions on the fluxes, which can be derived either from the fact that steady-state diffusion corresponds to a minimum rate of irreversible entropy production, or from the stoichiometry of the participating phases. The c — 1 flux ratios are therefore entirely determined, and can be calculated if the composition of the minerals and the ratios of phenomenological coefficients are known. Determination of the applicable diffusion coefficients is a vitally important problem.
In Vitro Pharmacokinetic Optimizations of AM2-S31N Channel Blockers Led to the Discovery of Slow-Binding Inhibitors with Potent Antiviral Activity against Drug-Resistant Influenza A Viruses

Influenza viruses are respiratory pathogens that are responsible for both seasonal influenza epidemics and occasional influenza pandemics. The narrow therapeutic window of oseltamivir, coupled with the emergence of drug resistance, calls for the next-generation of antivirals. With our continuous interest in developing AM2-S31N inhibitors as oral influenza antivirals, we report here the progress of optimizing the in vitro pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of AM2-S31N inhibitors. Several AM2-S31N inhibitors, including compound 10b, were discovered to have potent channel blockage, single to submicromolar antiviral activity, and favorable in vitro PK properties. The antiviral efficacy of compound 10b was also synergistic with oseltamivir carboxylate. Interestingly, binding kinetic studies (Kd, Kon, and Koff) revealed several AM2-S31N inhibitors that have similar Kd values but significantly different Kon and Koff values. Overall, this study identified a potent lead compound (10b) with improved in vitro PK proper...
What Learning Strategies Do Academic Support Centers Recommend to Undergraduates

This survey study examined the learning strategy recommendations and endorsements made by heads of academic support centers at 77 institutions of higher education. Participants answered open-ended and forced-choice items regarding various strategies. Several evidence-based strategies were endorsed and frequently recommended (e.g., self-testing, discussing course materials, answering questions, teaching materials to others, spacing study sessions), but some (e.g., multi-modal coding, interleaving topics) had lower endorsement. In a second section, participants’ predictions of learning scenario outcomes indicated strong endorsement for self-generating, moderate for testing and dual-coding, and low for spacing and interleaving. The results present mixed evidence for the endorsement of strategies most likely to support student success, highlighting an opportunity to improve the communication between researchers and those on the front lines of student academic support.
Vitamin D, Calcium, or Combined Supplementation for the Primary Prevention of Fractures in Community-Dwelling Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.

Importance Because of the aging population, osteoporotic fractures are an increasingly important cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Approximately 2 million osteoporotic fractures occurred in the United States in 2005, and annual incidence is projected to increase to more than 3 million fractures by 2025. Within 1 year of experiencing a hip fracture, many patients are unable to walk independently, more than half require assistance with activities of daily living, and 20% to 30% of patients will die. Objective To update the 2013 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on vitamin D supplementation, with or without calcium, to prevent fractures. Evidence Review The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on vitamin D, calcium, and combined supplementation for the primary prevention of fractures in community-dwelling adults (defined as not living in a nursing home or other institutional care setting). The review excluded studies conducted in populations with a known disorder related to bone metabolism (eg, osteoporosis or vitamin D deficiency), taking medications known to be associated with osteoporosis (eg, long-term steroids), or with a previous fracture. Findings The USPSTF found inadequate evidence to estimate the benefits of vitamin D, calcium, or combined supplementation to prevent fractures in community-dwelling men and premenopausal women. The USPSTF found adequate evidence that daily supplementation with 400 IU or less of vitamin D and 1000 mg or less of calcium has no benefit for the primary prevention of fractures in community-dwelling, postmenopausal women. The USPSTF found inadequate evidence to estimate the benefits of doses greater than 400 IU of vitamin D or greater than 1000 mg of calcium to prevent fractures in community-dwelling postmenopausal women. The USPSTF found adequate evidence that supplementation with vitamin D and calcium increases the incidence of kidney stones. Conclusions and Recommendation The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of the benefits and harms of vitamin D and calcium supplementation, alone or combined, for the primary prevention of fractures in community-dwelling, asymptomatic men and premenopausal women. (I statement) The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of the benefits and harms of daily supplementation with doses greater than 400 IU of vitamin D and greater than 1000 mg of calcium for the primary prevention of fractures in community-dwelling, postmenopausal women. (I statement) The USPSTF recommends against daily supplementation with 400 IU or less of vitamin D and 1000 mg or less of calcium for the primary prevention of fractures in community-dwelling, postmenopausal women. (D recommendation) These recommendations do not apply to persons with a history of osteoporotic fractures, increased risk for falls, or a diagnosis of osteoporosis or vitamin D deficiency.
Low-Grade Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Mimicking Schwannoma: Role and Importance of Trimethylated H3K27M Staining.

Background It is important to differentiate low-grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) from benign nerve sheath tumors as MPNSTs may require a more aggressive treatment strategy during and after initial resection. Loss of expression of the trimethyl histone H3 at the Lys27 position (H3K27-me3) has recently been described in MPNSTs and may help distinguish this tumor from pathologic mimics. Methods A 43-year-old woman presented with symptoms of radiculopathy and a history of pelvic radiation for cervical cancer 7 years prior. Imaging and surgical pathology were initially consistent with an L5 schwannoma including spindle morphology without mitoses and retained S100 expression. After an aggressive recurrence 11 months later, pathology was consistent with high-grade MPNST including heightened mitotic activity and loss of S100 expression. Results After the identification of MPNST, H3K27M me3 immunostaining was applied to both the initial and recurrent pathologic specimens. The initial specimen demonstrated patchy loss of H3K27M me3 expression, more consistent with low-grade MPNST than schwannoma. Conclusion This case highlights the role of H3K27M me3 immunostaining to help differentiate MPNSTs that may mimic more benign nerve sheath tumors, especially in patients who have a history of radiation to the region in question.
Hemodialysis Access Part B — Permanent

The introduction of extracorporeal dialysis of blood by Kolff et al. (1) in 1943 provided a means whereby patients with end stage renal failure could be sustained for prolonged periods by intermittent filtering of uremic toxins from the blood. Temporary access to the circulation by catheterization of distal arteries and veins using glass or metal cannulae was performed originally, with the used portions of the vessels ligated following each dialysis treatment. Chronic dialysis was not feasible until the introduction of the external arteriovenous shunt by Quinton, Dillard and Scribner in 1960 (2) and the endogenous fistula by Brescia, Cimino and colleagues in 1966 (3), approaches that afforded routine intermittent access to the circulation without sacrifice of the vessels after each treatment. The increased availability of synthetic vascular prostheses, especially expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), has allowed a greater procedural choice, particularly in chronic dialysis patients whose peripheral venous sites have been exhausted or whose native veins are inadequate for the creation of an endogenous fistula.
Integrating palliative care in pediatric oncology: An evolving paradigm for comprehensive cancer care.

e21590Integrating Palliative Care in Pediatric Oncology: An Evolving Paradigm for Comprehensive Cancer Care Deena R. Levine, MD and Justin N. Baker, MD Background: The demonstrated benefit of integ...
Building robust risk management as a method of situational awareness at the local level

Management of risk at the community level continues to be challenging despite the creation of frameworks to support the management of various typologies of risk. As the scope and form of emergent risk evolves, our situational awareness tools and methodologies must also change to identify risks and possible impacts, events, and opportunities for mitigation. This paper examines the major risk frameworks applicable to community systems, and how they may be combined with historical and real-time data to provide a richer awareness of the existing operational environment during potential and actual calamities. The paper concludes with an examination of our opportunities to advance holistic risk management through the application of systems standards.
Pseudospin-1 systems as a new frontier for research on relativistic quantum chaos

Pseudospin-1 systems are characterized by the feature that their band structure consists of a pair of Dirac cones and a topologically flat band. Such systems can be realized in a variety of physical systems ranging from dielectric photonic crystals to electronic materials. Theoretically, massless pseudospin-1 systems are described by the generalized Dirac-Weyl equation governing the evolution of a three-component spinor. Recent works have demonstrated that such systems can exhibit unconventional physical phenomena such as revival resonant scattering, superpersistent scattering, super-Klein tunneling, perfect caustics, vanishing Berry phase, and isotropic low energy scattering. We argue that investigating the interplay between pseudospin-1 physics and classical chaos may constitute a new frontier area of research in relativistic quantum chaos with significant applications.
The role of four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate in coagulopathy of trauma: A propensity matched analysis.

Background Coagulopathy is a common complication after severe trauma. The efficacy of 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4-PCC) as an adjunct to fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in reversal of coagulopathy of trauma (COT) has not been studied. The aim of our study is to compare 4-PCC + FFP versus FFP alone for the treatment of COT. Methods We reviewed all trauma patients older than 18 years who received PCC + FFP or FFP alone at our Level I trauma center from 2015 to 2016. We excluded patients on preinjury oral anticoagulants. Patients were divided into two groups (4-PCC + FFP: FFP alone) and were matched in a 1:2 ratio using propensity score matching for demographics, vital and injury parameters, and initial international normalized ratio (INR). COT was defined as admission INR > 1.5. Corrected INR was defined as an INR of 1.5 or less. Outcome measures were time to correction of INR, packed red blood cells units transfused, thromboembolic complications, and mortality. Results We analyzed 516 trauma patients, of which 120 patients (4-PCC + FFP: 40, FFP: 80) were matched. Mean age was 58 ± 20 years; 60% were male, median Injury Severity Score was 29 (14-38). Mechanism of injury was blunt in 87% patients. 4-PCC + FFP was associated with an accelerated correction of INR (373 minutes vs. 955 minutes; p = 0.001), a decrease in packed red blood cells units (7 units vs. 9 units; p = 0.04), and FFP units (5 units vs. 7 units; p = 0.03) transfused compared to FFP alone. 4-PCC + FFP was associated with a lower mortality (25% vs. 33% p = 0.04) compared with FFP alone; however, there was no difference in the thromboembolic complications (2.5% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.5) between the two groups. Administration of PCC + FFP led to an earlier correction of the INR compared with FFP alone. Conclusion Results of our study demonstrated that the use of 4-PCC in conjunction with FFP is associated with the rapid reversal of INR and reduction in transfusion requirements as compared with FFP alone. Four-factor PCC as a component therapy along with FFP is superior to FFP alone for the reversal of COT. Level of evidence Therapeutic studies, level IV.
A review on protein markers of exosome from different bio-resources and the antibodies used for characterization.

Exosomes are small membrane vesicles (ranging from 30 nm to 150 nm), secreted by different cell types upon fusion of multivesicular bodies (MVB) to the cell plasma membrane under a variety of norma...
Digitally Coupled Learning and Innovation Processes

As engineering education is being forced to evolve, we have been experimenting with four focus areas designed to connect markets and universities, with students transporting the information between...
A High-Performance Electrodynamic Micro-Receiver for Low-Frequency Wireless Power Transfer

We report the design, fabrication and characterization of a microfabricated electrodynamic wireless power transmission (EWPT) receiver that uses a bulk-micromachined silicon serpentine torsional suspension, NdFeB magnets, and precision-manufactured micro-coils. The 0.31 cm3 device generates 2.46 mW average power (7.9 mW/cm3) at a distance of 4 cm from a transmitter coil operating at 821 Hz and safely within allowable human exposure limits. Compared to a previously reported prototype, this micro-receiver is ∼40% smaller, offers ∼16x better magnetic field sensitivity and 1.7x higher power density for improved applicability for wirelessly charging wearable and bio-implantable devices.
Mechanisms of Rare Unicuspid Aortic Valve With Predominant Aortic Regurgitation Uncovered by Multimodality Imaging.

Abstract Unicuspid aortic valve (UAV) presented as predominant severe aortic regurgitation (AR) is rare (<1%) in pure AR cohort. We present a case with UAV that took more than 1 decade to achieve a...
Three-dimensional Bi2O3/Ti microspheres as an advanced negative electrode for hybrid supercapacitors

Herein, we report a novel, low-temperature solvothermal method to grow 3D-Bi2O3 flower-like microspheres on Ti substrates as a binder-free negative electrode for supercapacitor applications. The Bi2O3/Ti electrode showed an areal capacitance of 1.65 F cm-2 at 4 mA cm-2. Moreover, the 3D-NiCo2O4||3D-Bi2O3 hybrid device delivered high energy and power densities of 31.17 μW h cm-2 and 7500 μW cm-2, respectively. The more optimal energy storage performance based on the strong adhesion of the current collector and self-assembled three-dimensional nanostructures permits efficient electron and ion transportation.
Pulse Separation Using Independent Component Analysis

This paper intends to demonstrate pulse separation using independent component analysis (ICA). Independent component analysis is related to the blind source separation (BSS) problem when independent components or the original signals are unknown or blind. BSS is explained by the cocktail party problem where groups of people have separate conversations at a cocktail party, and an individual is selectively extracting a conversation from a mix of conversations. The blind source separation problem is like deinterleaving signals. When a radar receiver intercepts multiple signals, the signals go through interleaving, where the waveforms mix with each other. The process of separating the mixed signals is called deinterleaving. In the radar system, finding the pulse descriptor word (PDW) is essential for deinterleaving because the parameters from PDW will help reconstruct the received radar signals. The radar will process the parameters from the PDW to construct pulse trains to help identify all the source signals that were detected by the radar receiver. Independent component analysis is a method to identify all the source signals received by the receiver.
Rising PGD Incidence Parallels Increased Recipient Disease Severity

Purpose Priority on waitlist urgency over post-transplant survival has decreased waitlist mortality with no appreciable change in short to mid-term survival. We sought to define the effects of increased pressure to transplant sicker candidates on PGD incidence and mortality as a leading indicator for long-term effects. Methods We used the multi-center prospective Lung Transplant Outcomes Group cohort study, designed to identify risk factors for PGD and mortality. Patients were enrolled from August 2011 to June 2018 at 10 centers. PGD was graded based on the 2016 PGD consensus ISHLT guidelines. Specifically, PGD was defined as grade 3 PGD (PaO2 /FiO2 ratio Results 1,528 subjects were enrolled with a 25.6% incidence of PGD overall. PGD incidence increased from 14.3% to 38.2% over the course of the study. From 2012 to 2018, the median LAS increased from 38.7 to 42.9 and the use of ECMO salvage increased from 5.7% to 20.9% (Fig.1a). PGD was associated with mortality overall (p=0.0001, Fig.1b). Bridging strategies were not associated with mortality (p=0.66); however, salvage ECMO for PGD was significantly associated with mortality (HR 2.1 [1.6; 2.8]; p Conclusion Severity of illness continues to rise in modern surgical practice paralleled by significant increases in PGD incidence. Bridging strategies have increased but appear safe. PGD is highly associated with mortality and is increasingly treated with salvage ECMO. Though early mortality associated with salvage strategies is low, 1-year survival is significantly reduced. Given the increase in use of salvage ECMO, further work is needed on evaluating 2016 PGD definition.
Reducing Strategic Forbearance under the CARES Act: an Experimental Approach Utilizing Recourse Attestation

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed in response to both the global pandemic’s immediate negative and expected long-lasting impacts on the economy. Under the Act, mortgage borrowers are allowed to cease making payments if their income was negatively impacted by Covid-19. Importantly, borrowers were not required to demonstrate proof of impaction, either currently or retrospectively. Exploring the economic implications of this policy, this study uses an experimental design to first identify strategic forbearance incidence, and then to quantify where the forborne mortgage payment dollars were spent. Our results suggest strategic mortgage forbearance can be significantly reduced, saving taxpayers billions of dollars in potential losses, simply by requiring a 1-page attestation with lender recourse for borrowers wishing to engage in COVID-19 related mortgage payment cessation programs. Additionally, we demonstrate the use of these forborne mortgage payments range from enhancing the financial safety net for distressed borrowers by increasing precautionary savings, to buying necessities, to equity investing and debt consolidation.
Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology of angiosarcoma of head and neck: a review of cytomorphologic features and discussion of diagnostic pitfall of aspiration cytology of vascular lesions.

Angiosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor of vascular origin (<2% of sarcomas). It represents <1% of all head-neck malignancies. A cytological diagnosis on fine needle aspiration (FNA) is extremely difficult. Most tumors yield a predominantly hemorrhagic aspirate with only rare neoplastic cells, a diagnostic pitfall of aspiration cytology of vascular lesions. An 81-year-old male, 2 years status post resection of a nasal tip angiosarcoma and adjuvant radiation therapy, presented to another institution with an enlarging left neck mass of 2 months duration. Outside FNA diagnosis of cyst was made. Patient was referred to our institution for a pathologist-performed ultrasound-guided FNA. Ultrasound examination revealed a hypoechoic cystic left neck mass. Direct smears showed blood with occassional single malignant spindled to epithelioid cells, with some cells showing "spider-leg" like cytoplasmic processes/projections and "tadpole/fiber" like morphology. Immunohistochemistry performed on cell block sections revealed the tumor cells to be positive for D2-40, CD31 and CD34, supported a diagnosis of regional recurrent angiosarcoma. Left neck dissection showed recurrent high-grade angiosarcoma infiltrating periparotid soft tissues and metastatic angiosarcoma involving multiple lymph nodes. A diagnosis of angiosarcoma on FNA samples can be challenging, as the aspirate may contain only rare tumor cells hidden in a background of abundant blood. Such cases require careful screening to avoid an incorrect diagnosis of inadequate or cyst contents. This short review highlights key cytomorphologic features of angiosarcoma, includes novel cytologic features of angiosarcoma which has not been described previously and also discusses challenges and diagnostic pitfalls of FNA of vascular lesions.
Extra corporeal membrane oxygenation support for neonatal vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation: Case report.

BACKGROUND The vein of Galen aneurysm (VGAM) is the most common type of arteriovenous malformation in the neonate. These neonates commonly present with high output cardiac failure that may be associated with pulmonary hypertension. The medical management and stabilization of these neonates can be challenging before staged transarterial embolization of the aneurysm is undertaken. CASE A 2.34 kilogram neonate, antenatally diagnosed to have VGAM, was born at 36 weeks of gestation for fetal distress. The neonate failed to respond to medical management including inotropes, high frequency mechanical ventilation and inhaled nitric oxide. The patient's high-output heart failure and persistent pulmonary hypertension were stabilized with veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) using central cannulation. Further transarterial staged embolization of the VGAM was undertaken on VA-ECMO support. CONCLUSION There may be a role of VA-ECMO using central cannulation to optimize management of high output cardiac failure and persistent pulmonary hypertension in neonatal VGAM patients who fail medical management to facilitate staged transarterial embolization of the VGAM.
The alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein binds and internalizes Pseudomonas exotoxin A

The alpha 2-macroglobulin receptor/low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (alpha 2 MR/LRP) is a large cell-surface glycoprotein consisting of a 515-kDa and an 85-kDa polypeptide; this receptor is thought to be responsible for the binding and endocytosis of activated alpha 2-macroglobulin and apoE-enriched beta-very low density lipoprotein. A similar high molecular weight glycoprotein has been identified as a potential receptor for Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE). We demonstrate that the alpha 2 MR/LRP and the PE-binding glycoprotein have a similar mobility upon sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and are immunologically indistinguishable. Furthermore, affinity-purified alpha 2 MR/LRP binds specifically to PE but not to a mutant toxin defective in its ability to bind cells. The 39-kDa receptor-associated protein, which blocks binding of ligands to alpha 2 MR/LRP, also prevents binding and subsequent toxicity of PE for mouse fibroblasts. The concentration of receptor-associated protein that was required to reduce binding and toxicity to 50% was approximately 14 nM, a value virtually identical to the KD measured for the interaction of receptor-associated protein with the purified receptor. Overall, the studies strongly suggest that the alpha 2 MR/LRP is responsible for internalizing PE.
Characterization of tumor-derived B56γ mutations and their effect on the tumor suppressor function of B56γ-PP2A (802.21)

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a family of serine/threonine phosphatases with diverse cellular functions. Previous study reported that B56γ subunit directs PP2A toward tumor suppressive function ...
Evaluation of S to P amplitude rations for determining focal mechanisms from regional network observations

abstract The ratios of the amplitudes of SV to P , as recorded on vertical component seismographs near the earthquake, provide a means of determining the focal mechanism. The observed ratios are compared with values calculated on the basis of dislocation theory, with the effects of transmission across boundaries and incidence on the free surface approximately accounted for by plane-wave coefficients. A search is made for the strike and dip of the fault that provides a fit to as many of the stations as possible, for the direction of fault slip assumped. The direction of slip may also be treated as a free parameter to be determined, but the theoretical results are especially simple for pure strike-slip or pure dip-slip faulting. The technique has been applied to the analysis of events in three settings, in which pure thrusting, pure strike-slip, and pure normal faulting could be assumed. The utility and the limitations of the method are illustrated by these examples. The important limitations are that the method cannot distinguish between conjugate mechanisms or show the sense of slip on the fault. It also has a weak resolution of strike for some commonly occurring mechanisms, so that the solution may depend on the readings at only a few stations. The method has been used to pick out a group of foreshocks to an Aleutian Islands earthquake and to provide a focal mechanism for an event in the Rhine graben, at a place where such information is lacking and needed. A study of 15 central California earthquakes revealed no changes in fault plane orientation or in relative attenuation of P and S waves during 1 yr prior to a magnitude 5 earthquake.
In vitro sensitization to transplantation antigens. IV. Density gradient centrifugation of sensitized cells and sensitization of density gradient-fractionated cells.

Abstract C57 lymphoid cells were separated, by density centrifugation, into sub-populations of cells. The ability of these subpopulations to become sensitized in vitro to C3H alloantigens was studied. Of the five subpopulations of C57 lymph node, obtained after density gradient centrifugation, only the top, light density (A) and the middle, medium density (C) fractions are needed for in vitro sensitization. Upon in vitro sensitization, a change in density occurs and all the “active” cells appear in the top two (A and B) fractions of the gradient. Of the five subpopulations of C57 bone marrow, obtained after density gradient centrifugation, the top 2 (A and B) fractions are required for in vitro sensitization. Upon in vitro sensitization, a change in density occurs again but now the active cells are distributed among the intermediate bands, B and C. The results indicate that subpopulations of lymph node cells and bone marrow cells interact during in vitro sensitization to transplantation antigens.
A control theory perspective of iterative numerical methods

Interactive numerical methods are examined from the perspective of the theory of feedback control systems. Results show that a linear iterative numerical scheme is readily described by a system of linear discrete state equations. It follows that the process is also describable using Z-transform techniques if desired, and that standard control system analytical procedures for stability analysis can be implemented. A stability study yields information as to whether and how rapidly the numerical method converges. >
Analysis of the dbpBA Upstream Regulatory Region Controlled by RpoS in Borrelia burgdorferi

Decorin-binding proteins B and A (DbpB and DbpA) are thought to play important roles in Borrelia burgdorferi pathogenesis by serving as adhesins for the extracellular matrix. It has been established that the expression of DbpBA is governed by the Rrp2-RpoN-RpoS regulatory pathway. However, the precise mechanism underlying the control of DbpBA expression has been unclear. In particular, it has been unknown whether RpoS influences DbpBA expression directly or indirectly (through an additional regulatory molecule[s]). Here, employing a wild-type B. burgdorferi strain and a dbpBA-deficient mutant, we analyzed the 5′ genetic elements of the dbpBA operon using deletion analysis, coupled with luciferase reporter assays, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and immunoblot analyses. A minimal promoter, encompassed within 70 bp upstream of the ATG start codon of dbpBA, was identified and found to be necessary and sufficient to initiate dbpBA transcription. The minimal dbpBA promoter was responsive to environmental stimuli such as temperature, pH, and whole blood. Two in silico-identified inverted repeat elements were not involved in the response of dbpBA expression to in vitro stimulation by environmental factors. The expression of dbpBA from the minimal promoter was abolished when rpoS was inactivated. In addition, the targeted mutagenesis of a C at position −14 within the extended −10 region of dbpBA, which has been postulated to be strategic for EσS binding in Escherichia coli, abolished dbpBA expression in B. burgdorferi. These combined data suggest that the Rrp2-RpoN-RpoS pathway controls dbpBA expression by the direct binding of RpoS to an RpoS-dependent promoter. However, given that there remains a distinct difference between the expression of DbpBA and other genes under the direct control of RpoS (e.g., OspC), our findings do not preclude the existence of another layer of gene regulation that may contribute to the modulation of DbpBA expression via an as-yet unknown mechanism.
Induction of bone resorption in tissue culture. Prolonged response after brief exposure to parathyroid hormone or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol.

Prolonged stimulation of bone resorption by parathyroid hormone (PTH) or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (HCC) in cultures of fetal rat long bone shafts does not require their continuous presence. After 6 to 8 hr of treatment with these agents, the subsequent resorptive response was as great as with continuous exposure. This phenomenon has been termed induction. Bones treated for only 2 hr with PTH and washed with culture medium or normal guinea pig serum also showed prolonged resorption, but this could be abolished by washing with antibovine PTH guinea pig serum. Doses of PTH and 25-HCC that were ineffective when given separately could induce when given together. The subsequent resorptive response was diminished when the calcium or phosphate concentration in the medium was reduced during induction with PTH. Induction was blocked by low concentrations of actinomycin, mithramycin, cycloheximide, and camptothecin; however, this was often associated with irreversible toxicity to bone resorbing cells. Two-hour indu...
Isolation of a herpes simplex virus type 2 that is retinovirulent in mice

The virulence of a herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) isolated from the urine of a patient (SL) with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and bilateral acute retinal necrosis (ARN), was investigated in mice. The ratio of plague forming units (PFU) in fibroblasts to the 50% lethal dose (LD50) of HSV-2 (SL) in mice was 10 fold more than the PFU to LD50 ratio of a neurovirulent HSV-2, strain 186. Further, HSV-2(SL) caused retinitis with and without lethal encephalitis in mice inoculated intracranially (i.c.). In contrast, mice inoculated with HSV-2 (186) died of encephalitis without ocular disease. HSV-2(SL) was isolated from eye and/or brain tissue 1 to 15 days post i.c. inoculation. Ocular disease progressed from an initial mild chorioretinitis on day 8 to total retinal necrosis with panuveitis by day 11 in mice given 10 PFU of HSV-2(SL) i.c. HSV antigen was detected initially in the cells of the optic nerve and spread into the ganglial cells of the nerve fiber layer, the neuro-sensory cells of the i...
Response Time for Optical Emission and Mass Spectrometric Signals During Etching of Heterostructures

Plasma etching of III-V heterostructures has been monitored using optical emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. For the Ga optical emission signal at 417.2 nm, a response time as fast as 0.2 s has been measured. The response time of the mass spectrometer is limited by the transit time of etch products from the wafer surface to the ionizer. A minimum response time of 0.9 s was measured by reducing the signal integration time of the mass spectrometer. Saturation of the optical emission signal has been shown to be related to the residence time of etch gases by varying the flow rate or pressure. Decreasing residence time by reducing the pressure from 6 to 2 mTorr and maintaining a constant flow rate caused the Ga emission signal saturation time to decrease from 7 to 3 min. The 145AsCl2+ signal saturated before the Ga emission signal at 417.2 nm. Endpoint detection for etching an AlInAs emitter and stopping on a GaInAs base was studied. By monitoring the changes in the Ga emission intensity, only 2 nm of the GaInAs base layer had been removed when the emitter etch was stopped.
Fetal Infusions of Plasma Cause an Increase in Umbilical Vascular Resistance in Sheep

Earlier studies suggested that the fetal placental circulation is relatively inert with fetal placental flow increasing or decreasing with perfusion pressure. Subsequent studies have demonstrated that the placenta may not be an unreactive vascular bed. The present study was undertaken to determine if plasma infusion-induced hypertension increased fetal placental flow in proportion to the driving pressure across the fetal placental circulation. Six fetal sheep were operated on at 118-122 days to place intravascular catheters and a flow sensor on the common umbilical artery. Starting 6 days later, the fetuses were infused with adult sheep plasma. During the 7-day-long infusion period, they received a total of 1515+/-217 (SD) ml of fluid and 93.2+/-12.0 g of protein. Fetal plasma protein concentrations increased from 34.2+/-2.3 to 77.0+/-9.7 g/l (P<0.0001). Fetal arterial blood pressures rose from 42+/-3 to 59+/-4 mmHg (P<0.01) and venous pressures rose from 2.2+/-0.5 to 4.8+/-0.8 mmHg (P<0.01). In spite of the large increase in driving pressure, fetal placental blood flow remained (statistically) constant (627+/-299 ml/min and 552+/-221 ml/min) while fetal umbilical resistance increased from 0.077+/-0.038 to 0.115+/-0.053 mmHg min/ml (P<0.01). On day 7, plasma renin activity had fallen from 6.7+/-4.2 ng/(ml/h) at preinfusion control to 0.6+/-0.6 ng/(ml/h) (P<0.05) and plasma angiotensin-II concentration had fallen from 33.2+/-26.6 to 6.2+/-3.9 pg/ml, although this fall was not statistically significant (P=0.07). Fetal placental flow did not increase with increased driving pressure across the fetal placental circulation. The increase in fetal placental resistance may be a response to the increase in arterial pressure since there was no increase in flow.
Detection of the 1400 A absorption in the ultraviolet spectrum of the DA white dwarf LB 3303

Low-resolution ultraviolet International Ultraviolet Explorer spectra of the southern white dwarf LB 3303 show the presence of the wavelength 1400 absorption feature reported by Greenstein in the spectrum of 40 Eri B. The equivalent width is 5.7 A, and the measured wavelength is 1394 A. A comparison of the ultraviolet fluxes with model atmospheres confirms that LB 3303 has an effective temperature near 16,000 K, as found earlier from visual wavelength data. There are still problems with the identification of this line. The star is not hot enough to explain the presence of Si IV, and the agreement with the spectrum of the H2 molecule is not convincing.
The surface charge of fluorite in the absence of surface carbonation

Abstract The electrokinetic behavior of 16 different samples of fluorite particles, synthetic and natural, was determined by microelectrophoresis and/or by packed particle bed streaming potential (PPBSP) measurements. All samples demonstrated a high positive zeta potential in the absence of surface carbonation as expected from lattice ion hydration theory. Most interestingly, an increase in the fluoride ion concentration resulted in a decrease in the positive zeta potential but no reversal in the sign of the surface charge. In contrast to these results, flat plate streaming potential (FPSP) measurements revealed fluorite to have a small negative zeta potential. This anomalous behavior may be due to the fact that chemical equilibrium between the fluorite plate and the aqueous solution is not achieved even after day(s) of contact. In fact, when the solution is saturated with respect to CaF2 prior to streaming potential measurements, positive zeta potentials are found for the flat plate of CaF2. These results are discussed in terms of surface crystallography, lattice energy, hydration energy, and the kinetics of equilibration.
Evolution of surgical approaches in the treatment of petroclival meningiomas: a retrospective review.

OBJECTIVE We examined the surgical approaches used at a single institution to treat petroclival meningioma and evaluated changes in method utilization over time. METHODS Craniotomies performed to treat petroclival meningioma between September of 1994 and July of 2005 were examined retrospectively. We reviewed 46 patients (mean follow-up, 3.6 yr). Techniques included combined petrosal or transcochlear approaches (15% of patients), retrosigmoid craniotomies with or without some degree of petrosectomy (59% of patients), orbitozygomatic craniotomies (7% of patients), and combined orbitozygomatic-retrosigmoid approaches (19% of patients). In 18 patients, the tumor extended supratentorially. Overall, the rate of gross total resection was 43%. Seven patients demonstrated progression over a mean of 5.9 years. No patients died. At 36 months, the progression-free survival rate for patients treated without petrosal approaches was 96%. Of 14 patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery, none developed progression. CONCLUSION Over the study period, a diminishing proportion of patients with petroclival meningioma were treated using petrosal approaches. Utilization of the orbitozygomatic and retrosigmoid approaches alone or in combination provided a viable alternative to petrosal approaches for treatment of petroclival meningioma. Regardless of approach, progression-free survival rates were excellent over short-term follow-up period.
Cardiopulmonary bypass interference with dantrolene prophylaxis of malignant hyperthermia.

M ALIGNANT hyperthermia (MH) crisis in susceptible patients carries a high mortality rate, and can often be prevented by pretreatment with dantrolene sodium, l Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for correction of congenital heart defects 2 or acquired heart disease 3 may present a particular risk to the MH-susceptible patient. First, dantrolene blood concentrations might decrease below effective prophylactic levels during CPB; and second, active rewarming causing regional hyperthermia during the latter phases of bypass could trigger an MH crisis. 4 While MH is rare, data relating to the management of CPB for susceptible patients are important, because immediate therapy with adequate doses of dantrolene can be lifesaving. 5 This paper reports serial blood dantrolene levels in an MH-susceptible child who underwent cardiac surgery with CPB. There appear to be no previous published reports of the effects of CPB on dantrolene pharmacokinetics. In addition, a study of whole-blood dantrolene levels during in vitro perfusion of a simulated patient was performed to further elucidate the changes in dantrolene pharmacokinetics that are caused by cardiopulmonary bypass.
Enhancement of Dimensional Stability of Polymer Composites Manufacturing Using Carbon Nanofibers

Process induced residual stress arises in polymer composites as a result of resin shrinkage during cure cycle. When a shell-like composite part is demolded, these residual stresses result in change of dimensions such as spring-in, which is a phenomenon that the enclosed angles of the composite part are reduced due to process-induced residual stress. To have good precision in the composite part, the dimensional instability of enclosed angles must be controlled and/or compensated. The traditional approach is to estimate the spring-in and consequently correct the mold geometry to counterbalance the predicted dimensional instability. The success of such mold design practice relies on the past experience or by costly trial and error approach. In this paper, we present a new approach to reduce the spring-in by using Carbon Nanofibers (CNF). CNF have remarkable physical and mechanical properties and have excellent dimensional stability and hence may be useful in improving the dimensional stability of polymer composites. In this experimental study, we dispersed different fractions of CNF into fiberglass/polyester composite parts with corner angles and compared their spring-in angles after the composite parts were demolded. The results show that the CNF can effectively restrain the undesired deformation and improve the dimensional stability of polymer composites during manufacturing process.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
The Effects of Sports Media Exposure on College Students' Rape Myth Beliefs and Intentions to Intervene in a Sexual Assault

An online survey was fielded to freshmen living in residence halls at a northwestern university in the United States. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate the structure of relationships among exposure to mainstream sports media, rape myth acceptance, and intentions to intervene in sexual assault situations while controlling for gender traits. Given that prior research suggests men and women differ in their beliefs about sexual assault, analyses were performed on male (n = 111) and female (n = 241) respondents separately. Among women, exposure to sports media was positively associated with rape myth acceptance, which in turn was negatively associated with intentions to intervene in sexual assault situations. Among men, consuming sports media was negatively associated with intentions to intervene in a sexual assault. The findings suggest that exposure to some sports media may be negatively associated to individuals' intentions to intervene in a sexual assault.
Role of intericosahedral chains on the hardness of sputtered boron carbide films

The relationship between the structure and mechanical properties of sputter-deposited boron carbide films was investigated. Changes in the structure induced by annealing were characterized in terms of chemical composition, chemical bonding, and concentrations of defects and trapped impurities. The creation of intericosahedral chains for higher annealing temperatures was revealed by infrared and Raman measurements, and the intensity of the infrared band at 1500 cm−1 was found to be related to the hardness. The presence of residual trapped Ar atoms and of open-volume defects is insensitive to relatively high annealing temperatures and does not influence the recovery of the hardness. Our results suggest postdeposition annealing as a pathway to enhance the mechanical properties of boron carbide films.
Effects of axial momentum spread on the electron-ion two-stream instability in high-intensity ion beams

Abstract Use is made of the Vlasov–Maxwell equations to describe the electron–ion two-stream instability driven by the directed axial motion of a high-intensity ion beam propagating through a stationary population of (unwanted) background electrons. The ion beam is treated as continuous in the z-direction, and the electrons are electrostatically confined in the transverse direction by the space-charge potential produced by the excess ion charge. The analysis is carried out for arbitrary beam intensity, consistent with transverse confinement of the beam particles, and arbitrary fractional charge neutralization by the background electrons. For the case of overlapping step-function ion and electron density profiles, corresponding to monoenergetic electrons and ions in the transverse direction, detailed stability properties are calculated, including the important effects of an axial momentum spread, over a wide range of system parameters for dipole perturbations with azimuthal mode number l=1. The two-stream instability growth rate is found to increase with increasing beam intensity, increasing fractional charge neutralization, and decreasing proximity of the conducting wall. It is shown that Landau damping associated with a modest axial momentum spread of the beam ions and background electrons has a strong stabilizing influence on the instability.
The Role of Audit Committees in Managing Relationships with External Auditors after SOX: Evidence from the US

Recent US reforms aimed at strengthening audit committees and their structure assign independent audit committees the responsibility to appoint, dismiss, and compensate auditors. We examine the association between audit committee characteristics and auditors' compensation and dismissals following the enactment of SOX. We observe that stronger audit committees demand higher level of assurance and are less likely to dismiss their auditors. Further, we find increase in auditor independence as measured by reduced board involvement and less dismissals following unfavorable audit opinion. Our overall results suggest that increased audit committee roles and independence after SOX contribute to auditor independence and audit quality.
Abolition, Martyrdom, and Freedom of Expression: Wendell Phillips' Eulogy of Elijah Lovejoy

(2006). Abolition, Martyrdom, and Freedom of Expression: Wendell Phillips' Eulogy of Elijah Lovejoy. Free Speech Yearbook: Vol. 43, No. 1, pp. 123-133.
Parent involvement in a treatment program for obese retarded adults

Two groups of moderately retarded, obese adults were given a 10-week behavioral treatment program designed to produce changes in their eating, activity and self-reinforcement patterns and to produce weight loss. In one group (N=8, X=27 years) parents of the participants were actively involved in the treatment program; in the second group (N=7, X age=29) parents were minimally involved. At the end of treatment, subjects in the parent-involved group lost significantly more weight (X=7.4 pounds) with less intra-group variability (S.D.=2.26 pounds) than the other treatment group (X=2.4 pounds; S.D.=4.38 pounds). A strong correlation was also found between degree of subject involvement in treatment (as measured by the number of daily homework forms completed) and weight loss. Implications of the data for future treatment programs are discussed.