cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of dobutamine-based and milrinone-based therapy for advanced decompensated congestive heart failure: Hemodynamic efficacy, clinical outcome, and economic impact.

Background The use of parenteral positive inotropic agents still remains a major component of therapy for patients with advanced decompensated congestive heart failure (CHF). However, no consensus guidelines have been developed for the appropriate selection of a first-line inotropic therapy. We sought to compare the clinical outcome and economic cost of dobutamine-based and milrinone-based therapy in patients with acute exacerbation of CHF. Methods and Results We retrospectively analyzed the outcome of 329 patients admitted to the heart failure unit with acute exacerbation of CHF. More patients were treated with dobutamine-based therapy (269/329, 81.7%) than with milrinone-based therapy (60/329, 18.3%). Both groups had similar baseline characteristics and similar hemodynamic profiles at baseline, with the exception of higher mean pulmonary arterial pressure in the milrinone group (47 mm Hg vs 42 mm Hg, P < .001). One hundred nine patients (40%) of the dobutamine group required parenteral nitroprusside for hemodynamic optimization compared with 11 patients (18%) in the milrinone group (P < .001). The use of parenteral nitroglycerin and dopamine was similar in both groups. There was no significant difference in the in-hospital mortality rate (dobutamine 7.8% vs milrinone 10%) or clinical outcome between the 2 groups. However, the average direct drug cost per patient was significantly reduced in the dobutamine group compared with the milrinone group ($45 ± $10 vs $1855 ± $350, P < .0001). Conclusion Dobutamine-based therapy is an attractive approach for the treatment of decompensated advanced heart failure, achieving comparable clinical efficacy to milrinone with a significantly reduced economic cost. (Am Heart J 2001;142:998-1002.)
Getting to low-cost algal biofuels: A monograph on conventional and cutting-edge harvesting and extraction technologies

Among the most formidable challenges to algal biofuels is the ability to harvest algae and extract intracellular lipids at low cost and with a positive energy balance. In this monograph, we construct two paradigms that contrast energy requirements and costs of conventional and cutting-edge Harvesting and Extraction (H&E) technologies. By application of the parity criterion and the moderate condition reference state, an energy–cost paradigm is created that allows 1st stage harvesting technologies to be compared with easy reference to the National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts (NAABB) target of $0.013/gallon of gasoline equivalent (GGE) and to the U.S. DOE's Bioenergy Technologies Office 2022 cost metrics. Drawing from the moderate condition reference state, a concentration-dependency paradigm is developed for extraction technologies, making easier comparison to the National Algal Biofuels Technology Roadmap (NABTR) target of less than 10% total energy. This monograph identifies cost-bearing factors for a variety of H&E technologies, describes a design basis for ultrasonic harvesters, and provides a framework to measure future technological advancements toward reducing H&E costs. Lastly, we show that ultrasonic harvesters and extractors are uniquely capable of meeting both NAABB and NABTR targets. Ultrasonic technologies require further development and scale-up before they can achieve low-cost performance at industrially relevant scales. However, the advancement of this technology would greatly reduce H&E costs and accelerate the commercial viability of algae-based biofuels.
Staging the execution of Louis XVI at Madame Tussaud's : Villiers de l'Isle-Adam's Les phantasmes de M. Redoux

Etude des themes de l'execution et de la guillotinade dans ce texte. L'A. montre de quelle maniere la decapitation est ici mise en scene, dramatisee et traitee comme spectacle et tragedie alors meme qu'elle ne dure par definition qu'un instant
The hydrolysis of soap solutions. III. Values of pH and the absence of fatty acid as free liquid or solid

The pH of the laurates, myristates, palmitates, and stearates of sodium and potassium at 25° and 50°C. was determined by use of a glass electrode. pH:concentration curves were constructed, and hydroxyl ion activity was calculated. In general, the concentration of hydroxyl ion ranges from 0.001 to 0.0001 N; for the less dilute solutions of the higher soaps, the upper limit is exceeded by several fold, and in the more dilute solutions the concentration may fall beneath the lower value. Solubilized hexane reduced the pH of potassium and sodium laurate but very slightly. Potassium or sodium chloride reduced the pH of soap solutions over a certain range but caused a slight increase in a narrow intermediate range. Using the pH values obtained, the actual concentration of fatty acid in the soap solutions was calculated, and was found to beless than the saturation concentrations obtained by conductivity measurements through the entire range investigated. Free fatty acid therefore never separates as such from pure soap solutions unless acted upon by excess of acid such as carbon dioxide. Percentage hydrolysis was calculated and curves were constructed. In general, the potassium soaps are hydrolyzed more than the corresponding sodium soaps; the difference is slight for the laurates but is considerably greater for the myristates, palmitates, and stearates in higher concentrations at 25°C. The difference is appreciably smaller at 50° than at 25°. Percentage hydrolysis for the laurates is very much less than for the higher soaps.
Food attitudes in female athletes: association with menstrual cycle length.

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between indicators of risk of disordered eating, body image and varied menstrual cycle lengths. Altogether, 151 female athletes were invited from 16 sports and 70 female non-athletic controls were recruited from a university lecture class. The participants completed several surveys, including demographics, menstrual cycle history, physical activity, Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) and the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ). Selected EDI subscales were summed to reflect eating disorder risk and body image. Menstrual cyclicity was based on self-reported cycle length for the last 6 months (normal cycles = 26–32 days, irregular cycles = 32 days). Athletes overall had more irregular cycles (29.1%) than the non-athletes (15.7%) (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in scores for eating disorder risk, body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, cognitive restraint (TFEQ) and disinhibition (TFEQ), only when athletes were divided b...
Some hydrodynamic and optical properties of polyribonucleotides.

Abstract The size and shape of four polyribonucleotides were studied by sedimentation and viscosity measurements. The results were correlated with their conformations based on optical activity studies. Polyriboadenylic acid in acidic solution dimerizes into two double-stranded forms, one with half-protonated bases and the other fully protonated. The fully protonated form is somewhat less asymmetrical than the half-protonated form. Polyriboguanylic acid in alkaline solution (near the second pK a of guanine) undergoes a time-dependent disaggregation and the final form shows little base stacking. In acidic solution, it demonstrates a reversible transition near the first pK a of guanine but without evidence of disaggregation. Polyribocytidylic acid undergoes a transition upon half protonation of the bases, but its molecular weight remains unchanged with pH. The results suggest that this polymer assumes a hairpin structure in acidic solution. Polyribouridylic acid has some degree of base stacking: at room temperature. A transition to a hairpin structure occurs at low temperature.
Fine Structure of the Pore-Annulus Complex in the Nuclear Envelope and Annulate Lamellae of Germ Cells*

Octagonal symmetry in the pore margin has been demonstratedin situ in annulate lamellae and the nuclear envelope of germ cells. The annular material is located to variable extent within the pore and also extends beyond the pore margin; in the latter case it may be continuous with extra-pore annular material of some adjacent pores. In thin sections of fixed material, the annular material of both the nuclear envelope and annulate lamellae appears to be composed of a matrix within which are embedded thin filaments and small granules, the disposition and interrelationship of which are described and discussed. The so-called intra-annular granule is described as consisting of a number of smaller units (similar to the granular component of the annular material) which become aggregated in the center of some pores in both the nuclear envelope and annulate lamellae. The possible significance of intra-annular granules is discussed in terms of binding and movement of macromolecules.
Efficient iterative methods for FIR least squares identification

Two iterative methods based on matrix splitting are presented to facilitate the least-squares identification of finite impulse response (FIR) systems. The first method yields an order-recursive solution to a previously proposed fixed-order iterative procedure. The second is a simplified and computationally efficient method and is applicable when the input signals are white, or nonwhite with a correlation coefficient of value less than 1/3. Convergence performance of both algorithms is briefly discussed. Simulation results indicate satisfactory performance of both methods. >
On the average cellular volume in synchronized cell populations

As was done by Sinclair and Ross (1969(, we consider a cellular population that consists initially (at time zero) ofN0 newborn cells, all with the same volumevo. It is assumed that the occurrence of cell division is determined only by a cell’s age, and not by its volume. The frequency function of interdivision times, τ, is denoted byf(τ). If cell death is negligible, the expected number of cells,N(t), will increase according to the laws of a simple age-dependent branching process. The expression forN(t) is obtained as a sum over all generations; thevth term of this sum, in turn, is a multiple convolution integral, reflecting the life history ofvth generation cells (i.e., the lengths of thev successive interdivision periods plus the age of the cell at timet). Assuming that cell volume is a given function of cell age, e.g., linear or exponential, and that cellular volume is exactly halved at each division, it is possible to calculate the volume of a cell with a given life history, and thus the average cellular volume of the whole population as a function of time. If at time zero the volumes differ from cell to cell, the final equation must be modified by averaging over initial volumes. In the case of linear volume increase with age, a very simple asymptotic expression is found for the average cellular volume ast→∞. The case of exponential volume increase with age also leads to a simple asymptotic formula, but the resulting volume distribution is unstable.
Tumor necrosis factor blockade and the risk of viral infection

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers are widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Many studies have demonstrated an increased risk of opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis and fungal infection in patients treated with TNF blockers, which is thought to be related to the primary role of TNF both in host defense and in the immune response. Little is known, however, about the association between TNF blockade and the development of viral infection. Owing to the critical role of TNF in the control of viral infection, depletion of this cytokine with TNF blockers could facilitate the development or reactivation of viral infection. A number of large observational studies have found an increased risk of herpes zoster in patients receiving TNF blockers for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This Review draws attention to the risk of several viral infections, including HIV, varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and human papillomavirus, in patients receiving TNF-blocking therapy for chronic inflammatory conditions. In addition, implications for clinical practice and possible preventative approaches are discussed.
Baker's yeast beta-glucan supplement reduces upper respiratory symptoms and improves mood state in stressed women.

Objective: Several studies have shown a baker's yeast beta-1,3/1,6-d-glucan, extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is effective in reducing the incidence of cold and flu symptoms. This study evaluated the effect of a specific beta-glucan supplement (Wellmune) on upper respiratory tract symptoms and psychological well-being in women with moderate levels of psychological stress.Methods: Healthy women (38 ± 12 years old) prescreened for moderate levels of psychological stress, self-administered a placebo (n = 38) or 250 mg of Wellmune (n = 39) daily for 12 weeks. We used the Profile of Mood States (POMS) psychological survey to assess changes in mental/physical energy levels (vigor) and overall well-being (global mood state). A quantitative health perception log was used to track upper respiratory symptoms.Results: Subjects in the Wellmune group reported fewer upper respiratory symptoms compared to placebo (10% vs 29%), better overall well-being (global mood state: 99 ± 19 vs 108 ± 23, p < 0.05), and supe...
Function space derived algorithms for the optimal control of continuous time nonlinear stochastic systems

The continuous time nonlinear stochastic control problem is considered, and several implementable optimal control algorithms are discussed.
Gate structure optimization of carbon nanotube transistor based infrared detector

Single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) is a promising one dimensional (1D) material to fabricate high performance infrared (IR) detectors owing to its unique electrical and physical properties. The 1D Schottky barrier between metal and CNT can separate the photon-generated electron-hole pairs so as to produce photocurrent for quantification and detection. However, the theory developed for the planar metal-semiconductor contact is not compatible with the 1D Schottky barrier within the CNT, thus the optimized structure for a CNT detector is unknown. Our understanding can be improved by using the capacitance-coupled electrostatic doping from a gate of a CNT transistor, which will find out the role of the CNT energy level. A standard back gate CNT transistor based photodetector was fabricated, which showed that positive gate voltages could improve the performance by widening the Schottky barriers. However, the back gate geometry will modulate two Schottky barriers simultaneously with applied bias, severely degrading the detector performance. In order to optimize gate structure for the CNT IR detector, we propose a detector integrated with three different gate structures: side gates for source and drain, and middle gates for the bulk of CNT. The side gates next to the source and drain control the carrier injection at the junctions independently, while the middle gates can block the fringing field from the other gates, and modulate the Fermi level of the CNT channel. We found that opposite gate voltages at source and drain terminals can optimize the performance of the detector by widening one barrier, but eliminating the other. The optimized structure can lead to a high performance nano-scale photon harvest device. This will pave the way for the CNT as a significant building block for future nano-optoelectronics.
General Biology Teaching

I It is important to realize that in the plannig of courses there is not one problem but many; there are many solutions, for the reason that there are many ways of organizing courses and many different types of courses which could be given. This year, for the first time, I have been organizing a type of course that was new to me, a course in science for the nonscientist (we call it The Scientific Enterprise). It is aimed at the idea of introducing nonscience majors to the general ways of scientific thinking and some of the main concepts of science. Students who intend to major in any science field do not need to enroll in this course. It is an interesting challenge because when we think of both the general principles of biology and of natural science, we are confronted with an even more soul-searching problem. As far as the general principles of science are concerned, we at Santa Cruz have come to the conclusion that we must try to convey something of the way of the scientist, rather than of science; the problem is, how do people do science? What are the ways in which scientists work? How are scientific ideas born and how do they grow, and then become applied to the various aspects of scientific work? This makes a center around which a course can be oriented. We have tried to pick out a few scientific ideas and show how they have been engendered and how they eventually bear upon very large fields. In the biological part of such a course, one must necessarily give students some idea of the many kinds of organisms, not only for completeness' sake but also because in order to teach certain areas of biology, some organisms are much better adapted than others. It is very difficult, for instance, to give an appreciation of evolution without giving students some of the evidence for evolution, and some of the clearest-cut evidence is from Paleontology. It follows that the description of fossil organisms is almost a necessary part of the first introduction to evolution, and with them the subject falls very nicely into place. Similarly, in discussing cell division and cell enlargement one deals much more easily with unicellular than with multicellular organisms, and it is convenient to introduce microbes at this point. Obviously, when we discuss
Reliable fusion of knee bone laser scans to establish ground truth for cartilage thickness measurement

We are interested in establishing ground truth data for validating morphology measurements of human knee cartilage from MR imaging. One promising approach is to compare the high-accuracy 3D laser scans of dissected cadaver knees before and after the dissolution of their cartilage. This requires an accurate and reliable method to fuse the individual laser scans from multiple views of the cadaver knees. Unfortunately existing methods using Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm from off-the-shell packages often yield unreliable fusion results. We identify two major sources of variation: (i) the noise in depth measurements of the laser scans is significantly high and (ii) the use of point-to-point correspondence in ICP is not suitable due to sampling variation in the laser scans. We resolve the first problem by performing adaptive Gaussian smoothing on each individual laser scans prior to the fusion. For the second problem, we construct a surface mesh from the point cloud of each scan and adopt a point-to-mesh ICP scheme for pairwise alignment. The complete surface mesh is constructed by fusing all the scans in the order maximizing mutual overlaps. In experiments on 6 repeated scanning trials of a cadaver knee, our approach reduced the alignment error of point-to-point ICP by 30% and reduced coefficient of variation (CV) of cartilage thickness measurements from 5% down to 1.4%, significantly improving the method's repeatability.
A Representation of Anisotropic Creep Damage in Fiber Reinforced Composites

A creep damage model is presented that allows for anisotropic distributions of damage in composite materials. An earlier model by the writers allowed for anisotropic damage growth rate but, based on a scalar state variable, failed to account for anisotropic distributions of damage. A vectorial state variable is introduced that allows a representation of anisotropic damage distribution. As in earlier work, a fundamental assumption is that the principally damaging stress components are tensile traction and longitudinal shear at the fiber/matrix interface. Application of the creep damage model is made to calculations involving homogenously stressed composite elements under transverse tensile and longitudinal shear stress and to cross plied thin-walled tubes under tension/ torsion. Although the emphasis is phenomenological, with focus on a mathematical structure for representing anisotropic distributions of damage, a meaningful creep damage model must rest on fundamental material science and microstructural examination. Verification experiments involving tension/torsion testing of thin-walled composite tubes together with detailed microstructural examination are discussed and outlined.
Simulation of the main physical processes in remote laser penetration with large laser spot size

A 3D model is developed to simulate remote laser penetration of a 1mm Aluminum metal sheet with large laser spot size (∼ 3x3cm2), using the ALE3D multi-physics code. The model deals with the laser-induced melting of the plate and the mechanical interaction between the solid and the melted part through plate elastic-plastic response. The effect of plate oscillations and other forces on plate rupture, the droplet formation mechanism and the influence of gravity and high laser power in further breaking the single melt droplet into many more fragments are analyzed. In the limit of low laser power, the numerical results match the available experiments. The numerical approach couples mechanical and thermal diffusion to hydrodynamics melt flow and accounts for temperature dependent material properties, surface tension, gravity and vapor recoil pressure.
Comparison of the linear least squares and nonlinear least squares spheres

Two important, to scientists and engineers, sphere fitting procedures, namely the linear least squares (LLS) and the non-linear least squares (NLLS) methods and their general random-error analysis are described. The first-order random errors of the center coordinates and the radius of the fitted sphere using the above mentioned procedures are derived in detail under the assumption that the variance-covariance matrix exists for the random error vector. With the additional trivariate normal error distribution assumption, the Maximum Likelihood (ML) estimators and their standard deviations are also derived. The effectiveness of these procedures are studied through computer stimulation.
Orientalism Reconsidered: Turkey in Barbara Frischmuth's Das Verschwinden des Schattens in der Sonne and Hanne Mede-Flock's Im Schatten der Mondsichel

Recent German criticism has demonstrated that the relationships of Austria and Germany with the "Orient" have been more complex than Edward Said's Orientalism makes it appear. Furthermore, Said only touches upon gender issues. Studies like Rana Kabbani's Europe's Myths of Orient: Devise and Rule explore the convergence of race, class, and gender in the conceptualization of the "Orient." Kabbani claims that in Elias Canetti's Die Stimmen von Marrakesch the narrator's identification with the colonizer's position enters into his representation of self as much as does his gender. My essay demonstrates how the Austrian writer Barbara Frischmuth and the German writer Hanne Mede-Flock represent their female protagonists' interaction with the "Orient" as more complex and less "colonizing" than that of Canetti's narrator. While Frischmuth rewrites the Bildungsroman to subvert Eurocentric assumptions underlying travel literature, Mede-Flock goes one step further by taking the focus away from the individual protagonist and intellectual life in the city, and by representing the encounter with Turkey as political. However, Turkey remains a Eurocentric construct in the two novels, and their authors, by attempting to undermine some cultural stereotypes, unwittingly reinforce others. This article is available in Studies in 20th Century Literature: http://newprairiepress.org/sttcl/vol23/iss2/3 Orientalism Reconsidered: Turkey in Barbara Frischmuth's Das Verschwinden des Schattens in der Sonne and Hanne Mede-Flock's Im Schatten der Mondsichel Petra Fachinger Queen's University In Imperial Eyes: Travel Writing and Transculturation, Mary Louise Pratt uses the term "seeing man" for the European traveler/ travel writer, "who seek[s] to secure [his] innocence in the same moment as [he] assert[s] European hegemony" and "whose imperial eyes passively look out and possess" (7). Although Pratt's discussion focuses on the imperial age, in some post-imperial travel writing by European men, particularly about the Islamic Orient, as, for example, Elias Canetti's Die Stimmen von Marrakesch (1967; The Voices of Marrakesh, 1978), the interaction of the narrator with the other culture is still predominantly determined by his "colonizing"
Reproduction among Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Their F1 and F2 Hybrids

Abstract Reproductive traits of the channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, the blue catfish I. furcatus, their F1 hybrid—channel catfish female × blue catfish male—and their F2 hybrid were examined. The absence of reproductive isolating mechanisms in F1 and F2 generations is important in terms of allowing for breeding programs for the development of a synthetic breed that has the best culture traits from the two species. Conversely, if reproductive fitness is high in F1 and F2 generations, the possibility of introgression with the parent species in the natural environment increases, thereby increasing the potential for risk from F1 generation (and higher) hybrids. F2 hybrid females had a lower frequency of ovulation (P < 0.05; 12.2%) than did channel catfish, blue catfish, and F1 hybrid catfish (83.5, 58.4, and 56.5%, respectively) when these females were induced to spawn with carp pituitary extract and were then hand-stripped. F2 hybrids that ovulated produced fewer eggs per kilogram of body weight (P < 0....
Evaluation of the Bridger Range Winter Cloud Seeding Experiment Using Control Gages

Abstract A randomized exploratory single-area cloud seeding experiment was carried out in the Bridger Range of southwestern Montana during the winters of 1969–72. Seeding was accomplished using ground-based silver iodide (AgI) generators located more than midway up the west (windward) slope of the north–south Main Ridge, thereby avoiding trapping by lower stable layers. A secondary ridge from 5 to 20 km east of the Main Ridge was the expected target. An extensive airborne plume tracing program provided strong evidence of successful targeting of the AgI seeding material, with further evidence furnished by tracking of pibals and silver-in-snow analysis. The experimental unit was 24 h beginning at local noon, a natural diurnal minimum in precipitation intensity. The response variable was daily precipitation amount as measured by a dense network of recording gages. Locally-launched rawinsondes and a thermograph atop the Main Ridge provided data for partitioning the experimental days. A post hoc statistical an...
The effect of chemical structure of basefluids on antiwear effectiveness of additives

The effect of the chemical structure of a lubricant on the complexity of friction and wear under boundary conditions is studied using a pin-on-disc machine and a four-ball wear tester. The two test units are used to compare the friction and wear characteristics of four hydrocarbon fluids. Three vegetable oils and three additives are also evaluated in the four-ball wear tester to demonstrate the importance of chemical structure of the base fluids and the additives on the effectiveness of the additives in controlling friction and wear.
Low Usefulness of Potassium Monitoring Among Healthy Young Women Taking Spironolactone for Acne.

Importance Spironolactone has been shown to be an effective treatment option for hormonally mediated acne but can cause hyperkalemia. The prevalence of hyperkalemia among healthy young women taking spironolactone for acne is unclear. Objective To measure the rate of hyperkalemia in healthy young women taking spironolactone for acne or for an endocrine disorder with associated acne. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective study of healthy young women taking spironolactone for acne. Data from December 1, 2000, through March 31, 2014, were obtained from a clinical data repository. Outpatient data were collected from 2 tertiary care centers in the United States. We analyzed rates of hyperkalemia in 974 healthy young women taking spironolactone for acne. We also analyzed 1165 healthy young women taking and not taking spironolactone to obtain a profile for the baseline rate of hyperkalemia in this population. Exclusion criteria were cardiovascular disease, renal failure, and the use of medications that affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Main Outcomes and Measures The rate of hyperkalemia in healthy young women taking spironolactone for acne was calculated. Secondary measures included spironolactone prescriber profiles and potassium monitoring practices. Results There were 13 abnormal serum potassium measurements in 1802 measurements obtained among young women receiving spironolactone therapy, yielding a hyperkalemia rate of 0.72%, equivalent to the 0.76% baseline rate of hyperkalemia in this population. Repeat testing in 6 of 13 patients demonstrated normal values, suggesting that these measurements may have been erroneous. In the remaining 7 patients, no action was taken. Conclusions and Relevance The rate of hyperkalemia in healthy young women taking spironolactone for acne is equivalent to the baseline rate of hyperkalemia in this population. Routine potassium monitoring is unnecessary for healthy women taking spironolactone for acne.
The spirit of collaboration: Social work/the church/older adults

Abstract In an era labeled the “devolution revolution” the challenge is to develop new paradigms of collaboration between churches and public/private agencies to meet the needs of church members and especially those of a growing population of older persons. If devolution proceeds as expected scarce, uncertain resources mandate a collaborative effort between religious organizations and community agencies for effective service delivery. The church is an untapped source. The literature indicates that 70 percent of Americans are members of a religious organization. This article suggests the integration of social work practice with theological principles to develop collaborative programs and services between churches and public/private agencies which can benefit older adults and all members of our society.
Psychopharmacological Treatment of Major Depression

This article provides an overview of the medication issues and concerns that social workers may encounter when participating in the treatment of clients who suffer from major depression. This overv...
Dichloro- and siloxygermanium phthalocyanines

Abstract Two syntheses of dichlorogermanium phthalocyanine are given, one of which is especially advantageous. In addition several siloxy germanium phthalocyanines are described. The properties of one member of this group suggest that it is polymeric.
567. Adeno-Associated Virus Vector 8 (AAV8) Provides Efficient Gene Delivery to Skeletal Muscles In Utero by Systemic Adminstration

Top of pageAbstract Adenoviral-associated viral vectors (AAV) have developed as excellent gene delivery vehicles to various tissues. Recently newer AAV serotypes have been characterized and they demonstrate varying transduction efficiencies in different tissues. Our laboratory is specifically interested in exploiting AAV serotypes that transduce skeletal muscle from a systemic gene delivery. We have previously shown that in utero gene delivery with AAV1 and AAV2 only transduce skeletal muscle when delivered as a direct intramuscular injection in the fetal pup. Recent studies in post-natal mice demonstrate efficient transduction of skeletal muscle after systemic delivery of AAV8. We were therefore interested whether intraperitoneal administration of AAV8 in embryonic day 16 CD1 mice could provide transgene expression in striated muscle. We pursued a biodistribution study of AAV8 in mice at 9 weeks of age that have received AAV8 by intraperitoneal administration at embryonic day 16 in utero. Gene expression was observed by histology and quantitative |[beta]|-galactosidase assay in skeletal muscles, intercostal muscles and diaphragm of intraperitoneally injected pups. Our results support the potential of AAV8 as an efficient vector for crossing the blood vessel barrier to attain systemic gene transfer to skeletal muscle in utero. Furthermore, our data encourage us to pursue studies of AAV8 gene delivery of microdystrophin into the mdx (dystrophin-deficient) mouse model in utero.
Nitrogen nutrition and photosynthesis in leaves of Pima cotton

Abstract The influence of nitrogen (N) on dry matter accumulation and yield in cotton is well documented, but its effects on carbon (C) assimilation and transpiration are less clear. The objectives of this study were to characterize leaf photosynthetic and stomatal responses of Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense L., cv. S‐6) plants, grown under different N nutritional regimes. Pima cotton was grown in pots under natural environmental conditions. Varying N regimes were imposed on 20‐day‐old plants by fertilizing with nutrient solutions containing 0, 0.5, 1.5, and 6 mM of nitrate (NO3) concentrations. Net carbon dioxide (CO2) assimilation rates, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 partial pressures, transpiration rates, leaf carbohydrate status, ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activities, and leaf N concentrations were determined in the youngest fully expanded leaves. Net photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance and transpiration were positively correlated with leaf N concentration...
Simulation of the Buxton-Clarke model for organic photovoltaic cells

Modeling of organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells can be achieved by adaptation of drift-diffusion models. Replacement of traditional crystalline solid state materials by organic materials leads to much lower carrier mobility and to a new carrier, the exciton, which is a bound electron-hole pair. The Buxton-Clarke model includes electrons, holes, and excitons, together with generation, dissociation, and recombination mechanisms connecting these carriers, partially induced by device illumination. Device materials consist of a polymer: fullerene blend, poly(3-hexylthiophene): 6,6-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM). In this article, the model is used to simulate an active layer of 20 nm; results include I-V curves and carrier current densities.
Influence of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on Pregnancy Rates in Lactating Dairy and Beef Cows

Abstract Single subcutaneous injection of 1500 IU human chorionic gonadotropin or placebo injections were given at the time of insemination in lactating dairy and beef cows to determine their effects on rates of pregnancy. Pregnancy rates at first service in 161 control and 145 treated dairy cows were 52.8% and 44.8%, respectively. Similar rates for 136 control and 145 treated beef cows were 54.4% and 54.5%. Injections of human chorionic gonadotropin were not effective in stimulating conception rates in lactating dairy or beef cows under field conditions.
Paper geometry and flow velocity in paper chromatography

Abstract The flow of liquids in paper has been described on the assumption that paper is either saturated or dry. With this assumption a simple mathematical treatment can be carried out. It is shown how the use of different paper geometries can be used to control flow velocity. Since paper can be partially saturated certain deviations from experimental data are noted. These deviations are qualitatively predictable. On the basis of the analysis and the experimental results provided here, reasonably accurate predictions of the flow velocity can be made.
RORTY'S NEW MYTH OF THE GIVEN

But the dangers to abnormal discourse do not come from science or naturalistic philosophy. They come from the scarcity of food and from the secret police. Given leisure and libraries, the conversation which Plato began will not end in self-objedification - not because aspects of the world, or of human beings, escape being objects of scientific inquiry, but simply because free and leisured conversation generates abnormal discourse as the sparks fly upward (Rorty 1979, 389).
Adverse childhood experiences and sleep disturbances in adults.

Abstract Background Sleep disturbances are associated with an increased risk for many chronic diseases and unhealthy behaviors. A history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is also associated with similar adult health outcomes. We studied the relationship between multiple ACEs and the likelihood of experiencing self-reported sleep disturbances in adulthood. Methods We used data from the adverse childhood experiences (ACE) study, a retrospective cohort study of 17,337 adult health maintenance organization members in California who completed a survey about eight ACEs, which included childhood abuse and growing up with various forms of household dysfunction. The self-reported sleep disturbances measured included ever having trouble falling or staying asleep and feeling tired after a good night’s sleep. We used an integer count of the number of ACEs (the ACE score) to assess the cumulative impact of these experiences on the likelihood of self-reported sleep disturbances. Results Thirty-three percent of the cohort reported trouble falling or staying asleep, while 24% reported feeling tired after sleeping. All eight ACE categories were associated with an increased likelihood of self-reported sleep disturbances ( p p Conclusions Adverse childhood experiences were associated with self-reported sleep disturbances in adulthood, and the ACE score had a graded relationship to these sleep disturbances. A history of ACEs should be obtained for patients with self-reported sleep disturbances to coordinate services that ameliorate the long-term effects of these events.
Context-free grammars on trees

In this paper we discuss still another version of indexed grammars 1 and macro grammars3,gaining some geometric intuition about the structure of these systems. An ordinary context-free grammar is a rewriting system for strings; we find that a macro grammar is a rewriting system for trees. CF grammars on strings form a special case since strings can be thought of as trees without branching nodes. We consider the special case of finite-state grammars in this report. We define the tree analogue of a non deterministic generalized sequential machine and obtain results about the domain and range of such a mapping. We relate these results to the theory of generalized finite automata6.
Fourier Transform Infrared Vibrational Circular Dichroism: Improvements in Methodology and Mid-Infrared Spectral Results

We report FT-IR-VCD recorded under improved conditions of signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and spectral range (to 800 cm−1). Detailed descriptions are provided in the areas of artifact suppression, phase correction procedures, and comparison of FT-IR to dispersive VCD measurements. Spectral evidence supports the proposition that VCD absorbance artifacts are a surface effect originating at the optical window–solution interface.
Predetection Fusion With Doppler Measurements and Amplitude Information

In previous work, we discussed an efficient form of predetection fusion for use as a preprocessing step before tracking on data sets with large sensor networks of low-quality sensors, with particular eye to application in multistatic sonar. This 2-D version (position measurements only) was compared against an optimal (slow) technique. In this work, we present the 4-D (using position and Doppler measurements) and 5-D versions [using position, Doppler, and also aspect-dependent signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements] of predetection fusion. We demonstrate that improved results, in the sense of root mean square error (RMSE) and number of declared targets-and consequently better tracking results-are possible when Doppler measurements and SNR information are incorporated into our algorithm.
Virtual design of medical transducers

Computer simulation has been used widely in medical ultrasonic transducer designs. One could now construct and test an transducer entirely ion a virtual basis. Such a virtual design and testing procedure not only can save us time and money, but also provide better understanding on design failures and allow us to modify designs more efficiently and economically. This paper is intended to give a brief review on virtual transducer design procedure using a few examples and also list the necessary precautions while using such advanced design tools.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
"Liquid/Cloudy/Foggy: For a Critique of Fluid Textuality"

The title of this paper is inspired by the book edited by Domenico Fiormonte entitled Canoni liquidi (Liquid Canons). Of course, the adjective “liquid” refers to Zygmunt Bauman’s term at which my critique is also indirectly aimed. The title of Fiormonte’s book seems to suggest equivalence between textual “mobility” and “liquidity.” Yet the “liquefying” of (literary) canons and the emergence of new intrinsically kinetic or fluid forms of mobile textuality requires a critical assessment that does not prematurely celebrate the funeral of the text as we know it but pays close attention to what seems to be waiting for us beyond the text, as suggested in Francesco Fiorentino’s recent edited volume. This means paying attention to what in my recent book, Il futuro della letteratura (The Future of Literature), I call digital incunabula: objects/textual tools, devices programmed in a twofold, reciprocal sense, whose linguistic properties and rules interact and interfere with the algorithmic procedures of artificial languages. In this programmed and programmable interaction and intermediation one can perceive the horizon of incomprehensibility of posthuman language, providing a new aporetic dimension to Gadamer’s assertion that “the being that can be understood is language.“ This assertion is by now the most significant issue in the horizon of literary (digital) arts.
An International Look at the Death Penalty

ABSTRACT Much has been written on the history and use of the death penalty, but few discussions address capital punishment from a world-wide perspective. The purpose of this paper is to present a statistical and descriptive overview of the nature and use of capital punishment world-wide. The discussion of this topic covers prevalence rates of the death penalty, types of crimes punishable by death, methods used to perform executions, and the numbers of those who have died. Surveys have shown that the majority of the countries in the world retain execution as a form of punishment. It is revealed that within the last quarter of a century there has been no trend indicating a change in retention or abolition rates internationally. Even so, many nations have made significant alterations in death penalty statutes to reduce the number of capital crimes, humanize methods of execution, respect due process rights, and commute death sentences to life sentences.
Validation of a Battery of Preschool Screening Tests for Predicting Special Education Placement

The accuracy and bias of a kindergarten screening battery for predicting educational placement was examined. The battery contained four well-validated commercial instruments. Subjects were 519 White and 183 American Indian children who had been tested prior to entering kindergarten. The children were monitored and 98 of the original 702 (14%) were eventually placed in special education resource classes.The battery predicted educational placement equally for both groups. However, the hit rate for both groups combined was only slightly over chance. While the battery had good accuracy for identifying normals (97%) it correctly identified only 39% of the special education students. A predictive value statistic was used to determine that the battery would have flagged 59 children as at-risk, 38 of which would have qualified for special education (or 64% of those identified). Inasmuch as the overall hit rate masks the low rate of identification of true positives, sensitivity and predictive value are argued as b...
q-numerical ranges of normal and convex matrices

Let q be a complex number with The q-numerical range of an n× ncomplex matrix Ais defined by Nakazato gave a complete description for the q-numerical range of normal matrices. We refine his result, and consider its extension to convex matrices, i.e., matrices Afor which W(1:A) equals to the convex hull of the spectrum of A.
Evaluation of the dyslexic child—Then what?

This paper will focus on the relation between steps in the evaluation of the dyslexic child and steps in the remedial or treatment program. I will give the reasons for including a neuropsychological evaluation as one part of the diagnosis and show how the results may be used for planning treatment. I am making the assumption that the habilitation program is one of general management and treatment, and that it includes more than just recommending educational methods and materials, even though the educational plans may be the most important part of the treatment plans for the dyslexic child. There are four areas that should be considered in the evaluation of
Bone-Shaped Nanomaterials for Nanocomposite Applications

A novel template synthesis of bone-shaped (dumbbell-shaped, dogbone-shaped) nanomaterials is demonstrated. Porous anodic alumina (PAA) templates with uniform nanochannels were fabricated using a four-step anodization process and used to form bone-shaped carbon nanostructures with stem and end diameters and lengths of 40 nm, 70 nm, and 5 Im, respectively. These nanomaterials, which we refer to as bone-shaped T-CNTs (templated carbon nanotubes), have potential application in nanocomposites, where improved strength and toughness through mechanical interlocking is anticipated.
Conchomeatoplasty for chronic otitis externa.

• Chronic moisture is a major cause of chronic otitis externa (COE). Moisture combined with inadequate lubrication of the stratum corneum and retention of keratin debris promote bacterial and fungal growth. In most cases of COE, creating a well-aerated, dry, self-cleaning external auditory canal prevents further infection. This can usually be accomplished by medical treatment that includes suction and swabbing. Antibiotic-steroid ear drops control infection and inflammation. Alcohol flush and warm-air ventilation dry the canal, and a hydrophobic cream lubricates and seals the stratum corneum from moisture, fungus, and bacteria. An anatomic variation, a narrow external auditory meatus leading to poor ventilation, is frequently associated with COE, which does not respond to conventional therapy. A previously unreported simple lateral conchomeatoplasty is presented. No other described meatoplasty corrects both the conchal cartilage projection and inadequate meatal skin circumference which, together, cause the small meatus. The lateral conchomeatoplasty has been used by this author for over 20 years on 35 ears. All patients showed improvement; most had complete control. ( Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1988;114:395-398)