cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trends in reported industry payments to physicians practicing cardiac electrophysiology from 2013 to 2018 in the United States.

INTRODUCTION The need for transparency in financial relationships in the healthcare system, has culminated in Open Payments database, managed by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Since its inception in 2013, the trend in such payments to physicians practicing cardiac electrophysiology was not examined. METHODS AND RESULTS Payment information reported to CMS from January 2013 to December 2018 was obtained from the publicly available Open Payments data set using the online query tool. The data were analyzed by an individual provider and by state. An in-depth analysis of payments in the year 2018 payments was performed. From 2014 to 2018, there was an 18% increase in the total number of payments reported from 88 877 payments in 2014 to 105 000 in 2018. Despite the increase in the total number of payments reported, the average payment steadily decreased over time, resulting in an overall reduction in the total amount of payments from 2014 to 2018 ($34.9 million to $28.2 million). Payments to the top 5% of individual recipients have also decreased over this time. In 2018, 2888 unique providers received reportable payments, a total of 105 000 payments, with a median payment amount of $1378 (interquartile range: $165-$5781). The majority of these payments were for food and beverage (82%) and travel/lodging (10%). The top five payers include Boston Scientific, Medtronic Vascular, Abbott Laboratories, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and Biotronik. CONCLUSION Among cardiac electrophysiologists, there is increased reporting of payments in the Open Payments program over time, with a notable decrease in the payment amount.
MEG Theta during Lexico-Semantic and Executive Processing Is Altered in High-Functioning Adolescents with Autism.

Neuroimaging studies have revealed atypical activation during language and executive tasks in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, the spatiotemporal stages of processing associated with these dysfunctions remain poorly understood. Using an anatomically constrained magnetoencephalography approach, we examined event-related theta oscillations during a double-duty lexical decision task that combined demands on lexico-semantic processing and executive functions. Relative to typically developing peers, high-functioning adolescents with ASD had lower performance accuracy on trials engaging selective semantic retrieval and cognitive control. They showed an early overall theta increase in the left fusiform cortex followed by greater activity in the left-lateralized temporal (starting at ~250 ms) and frontal cortical areas (after ~450 ms) known to contribute to language processing. During response preparation and execution, the ASD group exhibited elevated theta in the anterior cingulate cortex, indicative of greater engagement of cognitive control. Simultaneously increased activity in the ipsilateral motor cortex may reflect a less lateralized and suboptimally organized motor circuitry. Spanning early sensory-specific and late response selection stages, the higher event-related theta responsivity in ASD may indicate compensatory recruitment to offset inefficient lexico-semantic retrieval under cognitively demanding conditions. Together, these findings provide further support for atypical language and executive functions in high-functioning ASD.
Analysis of the Soil Fumigant, Dimethyl Disulfide, in Swine Blood by Dynamic Headspace Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy

Plant parasites and soilborne pathogens directly reduce the overall yield of crops, vegetables, and fruits, negatively impacting the market demand for these products and their net profitability. While preplant soil fumigation helps maintain the consistent production quality of high-value cash crops, most soil fumigants are toxic to off-target species, including humans. Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) has recently been introduced as a relatively low toxicity soil fumigant. Although DMDS exhibits low toxicity compared to other soil fumigants, it is volatile and exposure can cause eye, nasal, and upper respiratory tract irritation, skin irritation, nausea, dizziness, headache, and fatigue. While there is one analysis method available for DMDS from biological matrices, it has significant disadvantages. Hence, in this study, a dynamic headspace gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (DHS-GC-MS) method was developed for the analysis of DMDS in swine whole blood. This method is highly sensitive and requires only three steps: 1) acid denaturation, 2) addition of internal standard, and 3) DHS-GC-MS analysis. The method produced a wide linear range from 0.1 - 200 µM with an excellent limit of detection of 30 nM. Intra- and interassay accuracy (100±14% and 100±11%, respectively) and precision (<5% and <6% relative standard deviation, respectively) were also excellent. The method worked well to quantify the DMDS levels in the blood of dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS)-treated swine (i.e., DMDS is a byproduct of DMTS treatment) with no interfering substances at or around the retention time of DMDS (i.e., 2.7 min). This simple, rapid, and extremely sensitive method can be used for the quantification of DMDS levels in blood to verify exposure to DMDS or to monitor levels of DMDS following DMTS treatment (e.g., for cyanide poisoning).
LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY GOVERNANCE OF DEPARTMENTAL MEDICINE IN UKRAINE

The need for effective reform of the health care system and departmental medicine is due to Ukraine’s integration into the community of European states and its accession to NATO’s International Alliance. This is possible through the development and implementation of effective management mechanisms. The study highlights the causes, features of the formation and functioning of departmental medicine in Ukraine, identifies mechanisms and problems of public administration in this area, their causes and possible solutions using methods of abstraction, systems analysis and structural modeling. The civil and military sectors of departmental medicine are defined and the scheme of subordination of divisions is described, achievements of reform of departmental medicine in the context of reforming of the Ukrainian health care system are investigated. Based on the analysis of the contradictions of research on this problem in the articles of foreign and domestic scientists in various fields and comparative analysis of the existing legal framework identified trends in reforming military and civilian departmental medicine in Ukraine and achieving their reform in other countries. Ways to improve the mechanisms of public administration, structural models of organization and prospects for further development of this medical field are proposed.
The effect of stress exposure on depressive symptoms and major depressive episode among US Afro-Caribbean women.

This study examines whether stress exposures experienced within and across various life domains (e.g., interpersonal, financial) are predictors of depression among Afro–Caribbean women, an understudied ethnic group within the US Black female population. A sample of Afro–Caribbean women (N = 878) was drawn from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL), the first nationally representative psychiatric epidemiology survey focused on the mental health of the US Afro–Caribbean and African American populations. Negative binomial regression analysis was conducted for depressive symptoms, and binary logistic regression results are presented for past-year and lifetime major depressive episode. Analyses examined the relative effect of five stress exposures on depression: major discrimination, everyday discrimination, past-month chronic stress, financial strain, and negative interactions with family. Of the five stress exposures, chronic stress and financial strain were associated with increased risk for both recent (e.g., past week) and more distal (i.e., past-year and lifetime) experiences of depression. Though experiences with discrimination were associated with depression, its effects were attenuated when other stressors were taken into account. Mental health prevention and intervention programs must address stress concerns that are chronic in nature and stressors that reflect financial instability for Afro–Caribbean women.
DNA supercoiling-mediated collective behavior of co-transcribing RNA polymerases

ABSTRACT Multiple RNA polymerases (RNAPs) transcribing a gene have been known to exhibit collective group behavior, causing the transcription elongation rate to increase with the rate of transcription initiation. Such behavior has long been believed to be driven by a physical interaction or “push” between closely spaced RNAPs. However, recent studies have posited that RNAPs separated by longer distances may cooperate via the DNA segment under transcription. Here, we present a theoretical model incorporating the mechanical coupling between RNAP translocation and the torsional response of supercoiled DNA. Using stochastic simulations, we demonstrate long-range cooperation between co-transcribing RNAPs mediated by DNA supercoiling. We find that inhibiting transcription initiation can slow down the already recruited RNAPs, in agreement with recent experimental observations, and predict that the average transcription elongation rate varies non-monotonically with the rate of transcription initiation. We further show that while RNAPs transcribing neighboring genes oriented in tandem can cooperate, those transcribing genes in divergent or convergent orientations can act antagonistically, and that such behavior holds over a large range of intergenic separations. Our model makes testable predictions, revealing how the mechanical interplay between RNAPs and the DNA they transcribe can govern a key cellular process.
Synthesis of Compact, Low-Loss Beam-forming Networks for RF Energy Harvesting

The new algorithm described in this work produces an optimized RF beam-forming network. Based on a sequential optimization technique that has been particularly adapted to microwave circuitry, the technique is well-suited for design of energy-harvesting networks with arrays because it can emphasize compact size and low-loss. This methodology defines a planar area (with a ground plane), ports, and a goal scattering matrix then iterates through various design structures to find an optimal solution. Numerous circuit design applications beyond energy-harvesting would also benefit.
Hemoglobin E trait reexamined: a cause of microcytosis and erythrocytosis

The current Indochinese resettlement program in the United States has resulted in an increase in the number of persons with hemoglobin E trait. American physicians should be aware of the hematologic expressions of this innocuous condition. The hematologic manifestations of 21 persons with hemoglobin E trait were evaluated. The subjects were of Tai-dam, Vietnamese, Chinese, Laotian, and European origin. These studies showed uniform hematologic manifestations in hemoglobin E trait, characterized by slight microcytosis, by morphologic features resembling those of thalassemia minor, and often by increased erythrocyte count. Hemoglobin instability also was confirmed.
Alterations in growth and crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) activity of in vitro cultured cactus

Unlike C-3 plants, cacti possess a crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) physiology that can alter the pattern of carbon uptake and affect plant growth under artificial environmental conditions, especially in tissue culture. In vitro-derived plantlets of Coryphantha minima grew 7-fold larger than plants cultured under similar ex vitro conditions. Growth regulators incorporated into the culture media during shoot proliferation stage of micropropagation had a strong influence on this increased growth. Other important factors that contributed to increased growth under in vitro conditions were high relative humidity and sugar in the culture medium. An analysis of gas exchange and daily fluctuations of malic acid levels revealed an increase in net photosynthetic rate, in terms of carbon assimilation, by in vitro plants compared with that of ex vitro plants. This stimulated photosynthesis in the presence of an external carbon source was unexpected but apparently true for cacti exhibiting CAM physiology. Unlike CAM plants grown in ex vitro conditions, net CO2 uptake by in vitro-cultured cacti occurred continuously in the light as well as the dark. Once regenerated, cacti were transferred to ex vitro conditions where the normal CAM pathway resumed with a concomitant reduction in growth and CO2 uptake. These results showed that growth of cacti can be considerably accelerated by in vitro culture.
A Review of “Generation in Waiting: The Unfulfilled Promise of Young People in the Middle East”

In this volume, published by the Brookings Institution, several key points are made again and again concerning the demographic bulge confronting nations in the Middle East. Although the details var...
Quantitative evaluation of the low Earth orbit satellite based slant total electron content determination

[1] With the increased number of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites equipped with GPS receivers, LEO based GPS observations play a more important role in space weather research because of better global coverage and higher vertical resolution. GPS slant total electron content (TEC) is one of the most important space weather products. In this paper, the LEO based slant TEC derivation method and the main error sources, including the multipath calibration, the leveling of phase to the pseudorange TEC, and the differential code bias (DCB) estimation, are described systematically. It is found that the DCB estimation method based on the spherical symmetry ionosphere assumption can obtain reasonable results by analyzing data from multiple LEO missions. The accuracy of the slant TEC might be enhanced if the temperature dependency of DCB estimation is considered. The calculated slant TEC is validated through comparison with empirical models and analyzing the TEC difference of COSMIC colocated clustered observations during the initial stage. Quantitatively, the accuracy of the LEO slant TEC can be estimated at 1–3 tecu, depending on the mission. Possible use of the LEO GPS data in ionosphere and plasmasphere is discussed.
ROLE OF RESPIRATORY VIRUSES IN THE ETIOLOGY OF FEVER (F+) OCCURRING DURING CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED GRANULOCYOPENIA(G+)

Nearly half of the fevers (>38.0°C) occurring during chemotherapy-induced G+ do not have a defined bacterial origin. We investigated whether respiratory viruses might account for some of these F+ episodes either as the primary cause of F+, as a coinfection, or an antecedent infection. During an 11 month period, throat washings obtained from 60 F+G+ adult and pediatric cancer patients were assayed for common respiratory viruses by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Positive viral washings were found in 25% of patients (15% influenza, 8% adenovirus, 2% parainfluenza). Patients with positive viral washings could not be distinguished on the basis of presenting symptoms, initial chest x-ray findings, height of initial F+, duration of F+, initial neutrophil count, or duration of G+. A bacterial infection was diagnosed in 15 of 44 patients with negative viral washings and 1 of 15 with positive viral washings. Respiratory viruses were not infrequently identified in patients with F+G+. Although the relatively small number of episodes studied precludes a definitive conclusion, respiratory virus infection does not appear to be implicated as an antecedent event for bacterial infection in F+G+ episodes and may be a primary cause of fever in this patient population. This study is continuing.
Accelerating Mathematics Instruction for the Mathematically Talented

Fast-paced country-wide mathematics classes meeting outside of regular hours were established to meet the needs of highly talented mathematical reasoners. The results from the original two programs demonstrated that four and one-half years of precalculus mathematics could be taught in approximately 120 hours. These classes show the importance of homogeneous grouping. Class success was based on identification of qualified students through appropriately difficult mathematics tests, voluntary participation by students, and carefully done homework assignments. The programs' success resulted in different school systems adopting the model. This paper concerns the various classes and the implications of fast-paced mathematics.
Bacteremia after tooth extractions studied with the aid of prereduced anaerobically sterilized culture media.

Both prereduced molten agar and broth and aerobic molten agar and broth were inoculated with blood samples collected from patients with periodontitis, but in otherwise good health, both before and after extraction of two or more teeth. Postoperative blood samples from 23 of 25 patients sampled yielded anaerobic and facultative species. Colony counts from nine samples yielded from less than 1 to over 100 colonies per ml of blood. Organisms detected were species belonging to the genera Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Peptostreptococcus, Leptotrichia, Propionibacterium, Peptococcus, Veillonella, plus Streptococcus mitis, S. salivarius, vibrio forms, and strains resembling S. mutans. The data indicate that prereduced anaerobically sterilized culture medium with polyanethol sulfonate is effective for detecting anaerobic species in bacteremia and that anaerobic species can be prevalent in bacteremias immediately after tooth extraction in patients with periodontitis. Images
Wide Field Imaging and the Velocity Structure in the Coma of Hale–Bopp

The comae of very active comets have a substantially more complex coma than their weaker cousins. The primary cause of this is photolytic heating and collisions that occur over an ever-larger volume of the coma as Q H 2 O increases. Collisions with the photochemical daughters of water in this region modify the radial distributions and outflow velocity of each species, excite and quench metastable emissions, and introduce velocity gradients from photolytic heating. Comet Hale-Bopp was the first comet for which the collisional coma was both spatially resolvable and comparable in extent to the scale lengths of major coma species. In the case of this object, the classical assumptions that make it possible to invert radial emission line profiles, brightnesses, and lineshapes to production rate and velocity either do not hold or require adjustment to work. Here we describe how a large collision zone modifies the coma, how it affects the classical methods for obtaining production rate and velocity, and discuss how wide field imaging may be combined with modified versions of simple models to address the complications and extract some structural information.
Seeding Results Favor Small Clouds in China, South Dakota, and Yugoslavia

A comparison four cloud seeding projectson three continents of indicates that smaller clouds may give much greater percentage increases in rainfall than do larger ones in weather modification efforts. Project Cloud Catcher, randomized a single-cloud project in South Dakota1969-1970 (Denniset al., 1975) is compared here to a randomized two-area projectin Fugianprovince, China,1975, 1977,1981 (Yeh et al., 1982). Also compared are rainfall results from two non-randomized, hail suppression efforts South Dakota, in 1972-1976 (Pellett et al., 1977) and in Serbia, Yugoslavia, 1970-1979 (Curic, 1981).
Extended access methamphetamine decreases immature neurons in the hippocampus which results from loss and altered development of neural progenitors without altered dynamics of the S-phase of the cell cycle.

Methamphetamine addicts demonstrate impaired hippocampal-dependent cognitive function that could result from methamphetamine-induced maladaptive plasticity in the hippocampus. Reduced adult hippocampal neurogenesis observed in a rodent model of compulsive methamphetamine self-administration partially contributes to the maladaptive plasticity in the hippocampus. The potential mechanisms underlying methamphetamine-induced inhibition of hippocampal neurogenesis were identified in the present study. Key aspects of the cell cycle dynamics of hippocampal progenitors, including proliferation and neuronal development, were studied in rats that intravenously self-administered methamphetamine in a limited access (1 h/day: short access (ShA)-4 days and ShA-13 days) or extended access (6 h/day: long access (LgA)-4 days and LgA-13 days) paradigm. Immunohistochemical analysis of Ki-67 cells with 5-chloro-2’-deoxyuridine (CldU) demonstrated that LgA methamphetamine inhibited hippocampal proliferation by decreasing the proliferating pool of progenitors that are in the synthesis (S)-phase of the cell cycle. Double S-phase labeling with CldU and 5-iodo-2’-deoxyuridine (IdU) revealed that reduced S-phase cells were not due to alterations in the length of the S-phase. Further systematic analysis of Ki-67 cells with GFAP, Sox2, and DCX revealed that LgA methamphetamine-induced inhibition of hippocampal neurogenesis was attributable to impairment in the development of neuronal progenitors from preneuronal progenitors to immature neurons. Methamphetamine concomitantly increased hippocampal apoptosis, changes that were evident during the earlier days of self-administration. These findings demonstrate that methamphetamine self-administration initiates allostatic changes in adult neuroplasticity maintained by the hippocampus, including increased apoptosis, and altered dynamics of hippocampal neural progenitors. These data suggest that altered hippocampal plasticity by methamphetamine could partially contribute to methamphetamine-induced impairments in hippocampal function.
Exploring Curricular Transformation to Promote Innovation and Entrepreneurship: An Institutional Case Study

Colleges and universities in the United States have developed and implemented a wide array of opportunities for undergraduate students to learn about innovation and entrepreneurship. Drawing upon an institutional case study, this article examines why one public research university initiated and supported curricular and co-curricular offerings in an effort to engage all students in innovation and entrepreneurship. Four rationales drawn from 31 interviews are presented: perceived labor market demands, student interest, private donations, and competition with other institutions. These rationales are analyzed and connected to conceptual perspectives on the formation and transformation of curricula in higher education.
Biologically based machine learning paradigms: an introductory course

This paper describes an introductory course on biologically based sub-symbolic machine learning paradigms. Specifically, this paper covers Artificial Neural Networks, Genetic Algorithms and Genetics-Based Machine Learning. It provides the structure, motivation, content, texts and tools for the course. This course is suitable for an upper division undergraduate level course or as an introductory graduate course. The paper includes a section on bibliographical references to aid the instructor in preparing for this course.
Mixture Distributions and the Hydroclimatology of Extreme Rainfall and Flooding in the Eastern United States

Abstract Flooding in the eastern United States reflects a mixture of flood-generating mechanisms, with landfalling tropical cyclones and extratropical systems playing central roles. The authors examine the climatology of heavy rainfall and flood magnitudes for the eastern United States through analyses of long-duration records of flood peaks and maximum daily rainfall series. Spatial heterogeneities in flood peak distributions due to orographic precipitation mechanisms in mountainous terrain, coastal circulations near land–ocean boundaries, and urbanization impacts on regional climate are central elements of flood peak distributions. Lagrangian analyses of rainfall distribution and storm evolution are presented for flood events in the eastern United States and used to motivate new directions for stochastic modeling of rainfall. Tropical cyclones are an important element of the upper tail of flood peak distributions throughout the eastern United States, but their relative importance varies widely, and abru...
Dynamics of storage of organochlorine pollutants in herring gulls

Abstract Several organochlorine pollutants were studied over the period of one annual cycle in caged juvenile and wild-collected adult herring gulls (Lagus argentatus) from Lake Michigan. Fish, mostly alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus), comprised the major year-round food items in the wild; alewives were also fed to the caged juveniles. Fish residues averaged around 3 mg/kg of p,p′-DDE, 2 mg/kg p,p′DDT + p,p′-TDE, and 2 mg/kg apparent PCBs. Juvenile body-burdens of DDE and PCBs showed a continual buildup after fledging, then a temporary dynamic equilibrium, related only in part to annual lipid deposition. Maximum body-burdens were reached in both juveniles and adults when winter fat deposits were declining prior to the breeding season—followed by a return to dynamic equilibrium. Residues of DDT and TDE followed closely the annual pattern of lipid deposition in both juveniles and adults. Total body-burdens in both age classes were similar after the buildups to equilibrium in juveniles in their eighth month after fledging. Seasonal variations of residues of DDE and PCBs were characterised by two phases in adults and three in juveniles, which gradually assumed the adult cyclic pattern. The maximum body-burdens attained by caged juveniles fed a diet of Lake Michigan alewives were 290mg/kg DDE, 19 mg/kg DDT + TDE, and 200 mg/kg apparent PCBs. Residues in wild adults at the same time were 300, 4, and 200 mg/kg of the same residues. Apparent PCBs and DDE were highly accumulative, although DDE levels resulted from dietary DDE, as well as conversion from DDT.
Systematic study of microwave absorption, heating, and microstructure evolution of porous copper powder metal compacts

We present a systematic study of the absorption, heating behavior, and microstructure evolution of porous copper powder metal compacts subjected to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation and explain our observations using known physical mechanisms. Using a single-mode microwave system, we place the compacts in pure electric (E) or magnetic (H) fields and compare the heating trends. We also investigate the effect of particle size on the same. The observed trends and the differences between E- and H-field heating are reflected in the dramatic changes in the conductivity, permittivity, and permeability of the samples. These property changes are effected by the microstructure evolution during heating in the two types of fields. We also find that the observed dependence of the initial microwave heating on particle size is suggestive of single-particle behavior.
The R.F. System for the Princeton-Pennsylvania Accelerator

Design and discussion are given on the complete radiofrequency system for the Princeton synchrotron and also on the drift tube system, cavity system, cavity bias system, phase detectors, accelerating station, and the master oscillator. The synchrotron floor plan is given along with a block diagram of the complete r-f system. The r-f accelerating system, which operates on the 8th harmonic of the beam rotation frequency, must cover the range 2.5 to 30 Mc. The frequency must be a function only of the magnetic guide field, and track the time varying guide field with an accuracy of 0.05%.
The relationship of motor and cognitive function in infancy, pre‐school and early school years

The progression of motor abnormalities from infancy through early school years are described, citing studies from infants initially treated in the neonatal intensive care unit and the large sample of children in the National Collaborative Perinatal Project. In children who have incurred some insult to the brain in the prenatal, delivery or postnatal period, motor abnormality is most prevalent during infancy. Many children “outgrow”; these motor abnormalities during late infancy and pre‐school years but retain residual fine motor, memory, general cognitive or behavioral deficits. The role and limitations of the pediatric neurologist as a part of assessment and planning for the educational program is discussed.
Competition for shelter holes in the coral-reef fish Acanthemblemaria spinosa Metzelaar

Abstract Spinyhead blennies occupy abandoned worm holes in coral heads on Caribbean reefs. We conducted a series of short-duration field experiments off St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, which indicated that such holes are a limiting resource and that larger fish competitively dominate smaller fish for access to holes. Few fish that were added to coral heads lacking vacant holes were able to secure holes, and did so only by displacing larger residents after severe combat. However, when vacant holes were added to coral heads before adding fish, transplanted fish readily occupied the new holes. When holes were added to coral heads without also adding fish, the new holes were colonized by immigrants from the surrounding habitat. Similarly, when resident fish were removed from coral heads, the emptied holes were colonized. Immigrants were smaller than removed residents, and, in cases where resident fish changed holes following removals of neighbors, they moved to sites previously occupied by larger fish. Fish displaced up to 5 m returned to their original holes, consistent with the possibility that spinyhead blennies may occasionally leave their holes and search for sites of better quality. We conclude that intraspecific competition for shelter holes may limit the number of spinyhead blennies occupying a coral head.
How SpoVM Interacts with Lipid Bilayers and Bacterial Cell Membranes

SpoVM, a small protein with 26 residues, is essential for spore formation in Bacillus subtili. SpoVM is produced in the mother cell chamber of the sporangium during the process of sporulation and is recruited to the polar septum after the sporangium undergoes asymmetric division. There are reports suggesting that SpoVM localizes to the surface of the forespore by sensing membrane curvature. Besides its transformation from random coils to α-helices when binding to a lipid bilayer, the molecular mechanism of how SpoVM interacts with membranes has not been clarified. For example, we found that the curvature dependence of the binding affinity is difficult to detect. By using single giant unilamellar vesicle method, we found that SpoVM binds to the membrane and expands the surface area of membrane at low concentration with no molecular leakage from the vesicle. However, above the critical concentration, SpoVM causes leakage of the content dye from the GUV. The critical concentrations for different lipid compositions including phosphoethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and cardiolipin were further investigated. Surprisingly, the critical concentration for GUVs with 30% PE is more than six times higher than for other lipid compositions without PE. To understand how SpoVM interact with bacterial membranes, fluorescent microscopy was used to directly observe the effect of SpoVM on Escherichia coli in real time. The result showed that SpoVM makes both the outer membrane and the cytoplasmic membrane of Escherichia coli permeable to Sytox Green above a critical concentration. Oriented circular dichroism results show that SpoVM changes the orientation of its helical axis from parallel to perpendicular with respect to the plane of bilayers. Our results suggest that the SpoVM-membrane interaction follows the same pattern as many other helical antimicrobial peptides, such as magainin, melittin and islet amyloid polypeptides.
Lactate dehydrogenase isozymes in the early mouse embryo.

Abstract The lactate dehydrogenase of the cleavage and blastocyst stages of the mouse embryo is predominantly the LDH-1 type. A change to predominantly LDH-5 is associated with the process of implantation into the uterus.
Fabrication of nanocoated fibers for self-diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common disease which causes preterm birth and other adverse pregnancy outcomes linked with reproductive tract infection. Here, we report development of active fiber-based materials for early self-detection detection of BV. The proposed approach relies on the visual detection and measurement of the enzyme sialidase, which is present in elevated concentrations in vaginal fluid of BV patients. The developed colorimetric biosensor can detect sialidase in small droplets of vaginal fluid. Our experiments show that colorimetric sialidase substrate can be readily and with high yield immobilized on polymeric fibers coated by a nanolayer of a cationic polymer. Thus prepared fibers change color from white to bright blue in the presence of sialidase. The existing tests for BV are performed either in a lab setting or in a physician's office. In the proposed method, nanofiber colorimetric sensors can be incorporated into female panty liners so to enable the patient to monitor her BV status without visiting physician's office. It is expected that the proposed approach will lead to a new generation of fiber-based biosensors incorporated into everyday use household items.
Hypoglycemic activation of focal abnormalities in the EEG of patients considered for temporal lobectomy

EEGs were recorded in 22 patients with medically refractory complex partial epilepsy undergoing presurgical evaluation and 11 age-matched controls while subjected to moderate levels of hypoglycemia to determine if changes activated were predictive of underlying pathology. Five patients had fasting EEGs showing focal abnormalities not seen in the non-fasting state. With hypoglycemia, EEG tracings in normal individuals showed diffuse background slowing, whereas 7 of 22 patients developed focal temporal changes, including focal spike and focal slow wave activation. The development of focal changes correlated well with clinical data concerning underlying focal pathology; focal abnormalities were not evoked in patients with multifocal disease. Hypoglycemic activation of the EEG may be a useful technique for predicting the presence of pathology in patients considered for anterior temporal lobectomy.
Analysis of multiple sarcoma expression datasets: implications for classification, oncogenic pathway activation and chemotherapy resistance.

Background Diagnosis of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) is challenging. Many remain unclassified (not-otherwise-specified, NOS) or grouped in controversial categories such as malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), with unclear therapeutic value. We analyzed several independent microarray datasets, to identify a predictor, use it to classify unclassifiable sarcomas, and assess oncogenic pathway activation and chemotherapy response. Methodology/Principal Findings We analyzed 5 independent datasets (325 tumor arrays). We developed and validated a predictor, which was used to reclassify MFH and NOS sarcomas. The molecular “match” between MFH and their predicted subtypes was assessed using genome-wide hierarchical clustering and Subclass-Mapping. Findings were validated in 15 paraffin samples profiled on the DASL platform. Bayesian models of oncogenic pathway activation and chemotherapy response were applied to individual STS samples. A 170-gene predictor was developed and independently validated (80-85% accuracy in all datasets). Most MFH and NOS tumors were reclassified as leiomyosarcomas, liposarcomas and fibrosarcomas. “Molecular match” between MFH and their predicted STS subtypes was confirmed both within and across datasets. This classification revealed previously unrecognized tissue differentiation lines (adipocyte, fibroblastic, smooth-muscle) and was reproduced in paraffin specimens. Different sarcoma subtypes demonstrated distinct oncogenic pathway activation patterns, and reclassified MFH tumors shared oncogenic pathway activation patterns with their predicted subtypes. These patterns were associated with predicted resistance to chemotherapeutic agents commonly used in sarcomas. Conclusions/Significance STS profiling can aid in diagnosis through a predictor tracking distinct tissue differentiation in unclassified tumors, and in therapeutic management via oncogenic pathway activation and chemotherapy response assessment.
Covering algebras and q -binomial generating functions

Abstract The theory of reduced incidence algebras of binomial posets furnishes a unified treatment of several types of generating functions that arise in enumerative combinatorics. Using this theory as a tool, we study ‘reduced covering algebras’ of binomial lattices and show that they are isomorphic to various algebras of q-binomial generating functions for certain modular binomial lattices.
Beyond 100 Tb/s serial optical transport networks based on hybrid multidimensional LDPC-coded modulation

As a solution to limited bandwidth and high energy consumption of information infrastructure as well as heterogeneity of optical networks, a hybrid multidimensional coded modulation scheme is proposed employing all available electrical and optical degrees of freedom. Electrical basis functions are based on either modified orthogonal polynomials or prolate spheroidal wave functions, while optical ones on polarization and spatial mode states. The proposed scheme is both multi-Tb/s and beyond 100 Tb/s enabling technology. Additionally, the proposed scheme provides the adaptive, software-defined, and dynamic allocation of bandwidth with fine granularity. Finally, the proposed scheme significantly outperforms the conventional polarization-division multiplexed QAM.
The technology policy experiment as a policy research tool

Abstract The use of experimentation as a policy change tool is described and assessed, based on the experience of the Experimental Technology Incentives Program (ETIP). ETIP conducted innovation-related policy experiments with U.S. government agencies in the areas of regulation, procurement, venture capital, R&D funding, and technology commercialization. A case study of a policy experiment with new analytical and institutional procedures for monitoring the impacts of venture capital market regulations is used to show how the policy experiment can provide an iterative and low-risk, low-cost approach to policy change. Equally important, instututionalization of the procedures for monitoring existing policies and the provision of decision-relevant information are shown to be important benefits from policy experimentation in the context of the overall policy change process. The reasons behind ETIP's termination after 10 years of operation are themselves important lessons for institutions involved in the development and management of industry growth policies.
On the membrane phospholipids and their acyl group profiles of adrenal gland.

The phospholipid composition and their acyl group profiles from subcellular fractions of guinea pig adrenal gland and the same fractions from the cortex and medulla of the bovine gland were compared. The phospholipids of guinea pig adrenal were enriched in diacyl-glycerophosphocholines (GPC) which comprised over 50% of the total phospholipids, but the proportions of ethanolamine and choline plasmalogens, sphingomyelin and diacyl-glycerophosphoserine (GPS) were lower in guinea pig adrenals as compared to the bovine adrenals. In the bovine adrenal, sphingomyelin and diacyl-GPS were enriched in the medulla, whereas diacyl-glycerophosphoinositol (GPI) were enriched in the cortex. Although lysolecithin was present (up to 4.5%) in the bovine adrenal, only trace amounts of this lipid were detected in the guinea pig adrenal. Characteristic acyl group profiles were found associated with each type of the phosphoglycerides in adrenal membranes. However, acyl group profiles of the phosphoglycerides were not greatly different either between the bovine and guinea pig adrenal or with respect to the type of subcellular membranes isolated. Diacyl-GPC were enriched in 16∶0 and 18∶1, but also contained considerable amounts of 18∶0, 18∶2 and 20∶4. Diacyl-GPE were enriched in 18∶0, 18∶1 and 20∶4, while diacyl-GPI, diacyl-GPS, as well as alkenylacyl-GPE, were enriched in 20∶4. The lysolecithin from bovine adrenal membranes contained mainly 16∶0, 18∶0 and 18∶1 with only trace amounts of the polyunsaturated fatty acids. Other polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as 22∶4 and 22∶6, are apparently not prominent in the phosphoglycerides from either the bovine or the guinea pig adrenal gland.
Solver for Unfactored Implicit Schemes

Conclusions When allowed to rotate freely, a splitter plate shorter than five cylinder diameters does not align itself with the freestream. Instead, it migrates to a stable position on one side of the wake or the other, with the splitter plate angle a strong function of splitter plate length, but independent of Reynolds number in the range tested. The wake of a freely rotatable splitter plate smaller than about two cylinder diameters is not significantly altered by the presence of the plate. When comparing vortex formation length and Karman vortex street shedding frequency in the near wake, a cylinder with a free splitter plate behaves much differently than does a cylinder with a rigidly mounted splitter plate of the same length. On the other hand, a freely rotatable splitter plate larger than about two cylinder diameters, although positioning itself at a nonzero angle, affects the wake in nearly the same manner as does a rigid plate of the same length. The inverse relationship between vortex formation length and vortex shedding frequency, first suggested by Gerrard, is apparently valid for both fixed and free splitter plates.
Saxitoxin, tetrodotoxin and the metabolism and cation fluxes in isolated cerebral tissues.

— Saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin at low concentrations (10−7-10−8 M) exerted similar inhibitory effects on the increase in lactate production and the redistrjbution of Na+ and K+ that normally accompany electrical stimulation of rat cerebral cortical slices. In contrast, the toxins exerted dissimilar effects on the production of lactate in response to low concentrations of Ca2+ in the medium. Inhibition by tetrodotoxin occurred at a higher concentration of Ca2+ and was significantly greater than that produced by saxitoxin at concentrations of Ca2+ below 0.75 mM. These differences were not related to differential effects on the redistribution of Na+ and K+ under such conditions. The toxins had different effects on Ca2+ influx. Tetrodotoxin, but not saxitoxin, inhibited the influx of Ca2+ in the absence of electrical stimulation. The influx of Ca2+ increased when electrical pulses were applied and tetrodotoxin inhibited this increase, whereas saxitoxin potentiated influx of Ca2+ during stimulation. Our results suggest that metabolic responses to conditions that increase excitability are not governed solely by changes in the distribution of Na+ and K+. The differential effects of the toxins on Ca2+ fluxes suggest that one site of Ca2+ entry during electrical stimulation may be functionally independent of Na+ entry.
Atlantoaxial Instability: A Ventral Surgical Technique for Decompression, Fixation, and Fusion

Atlantoaxial stability was evaluated in 12 surgically stabilized dogs and 6 control dogs after odontoidectomy and dorsal atlantoaxial ligament separation. The atlantoaxial instabilities were stabilized with transarticular pins from a ventral approach. Cancellous bone grafts harvested from the proximal humerus were used to promote joint fusion. Good joint stability, alignment, and early fusion were documented clinically, radiographically, and histopathologically in stabilized dogs. Because of our consistent results despite variable pin angles, we recommend this technique for use in dogs with atlantoaxial instability requiring surgical stabilization.
The Effect of Non-Dynamic Parameters of Excitation System on Stability Performance

A detailed state-space model of an automatic voltage regulator and exciter-generator unit is developed which provides for saturation in both exciter and synchronous machine. Via a perturbation analysis and Liapunov's first method, the effect of varying the non- dynamic parameters of the excitation system on overall unit stability is studied. Critical parameters and their optimal setting ranges are identified. It is shown that without due regard for these critical regions, the stability limit of the generation unit can be made less favorable on auto matic control than on manual control.
Library virtual tours: A case study

Abstract Virtual tours delivered via the Web have become a common tool for both instruction and outreach. This article is a case study of the creation of a virtual tour for a university library and is intended to provide others interested in creating a virtual tour of their library the opportunity to learn from the mistakes and successes of fellow librarians. Virtual tours can enhance a library's Web presence as well as provide much needed information to remote or prospective users.
An early taste of things to come.

I was delighted to read about Julie Mennella's research in the Random Samples item “Cultivating tastes in the womb” (21 July, p. 387). She and her colleagues were able to demonstrate that maternal diet does affect the taste preferences of human infants. Theirs may be the first experimental demonstration of this effect in humans, but 25 years ago, my colleagues and I conducted a similar experiment with rat pups ([1][1]). After parturition, mother rats were fed one of two different diets in a separate feeding cage so that their nursing pups would not encounter solid food. The pups, upon weaning and encountering solid food for the first time, showed a preference for their mother's diet. We speculated that flavor cues were present in the mothers' milk. At the time, I was an undergraduate at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York enjoying my first experience with scientific research. I expected that as soon as our work with rodents was published, others would rush to replicate our findings in humans. At long last someone has. 1. [↵][2]1. P. M. Bronstein, 2. M. J. Levine, 3. M. Marcus , J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol. 289, 295 (1975). [OpenUrl][3] [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [3]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJ.%2BComp.%2BPhysiol.%2BPsychol.%26rft.volume%253D289%26rft.spage%253D295%26rft.atitle%253DJ%2BCOMP%2BPHYSIOL%2BPSYCHOL%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx
Antifungal Pharmacodynamics: Review of the Literature and Clinical Applications

Invasive fungal infections are seen with growing frequency, likely due to increases in numbers of patients at risk of infection. Optimal selection and dosing of antifungal agents are important, as these infections are often refractory to available therapy. In contrast to antibacterials, studies examining the pharmacodynamic properties of antifungals and their application in treating invasive disease often are lacking. Agents administered for invasive infections are amphotericin B, flucytosine, and azole antifungals. Several drugs are under investigation, such as posiconazole, voriconazole, and the echinocandins, and preliminary pharmacodynamic data likely will help shape dosing regimens. Clinical trials that investigated dosage and administration, as well as the potential benefits of combination and sequential therapy, are addressed. In addition, antifungal susceptibility and animal models of infection are discussed.