cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Equivalent Material based on MFI

Polymers of the same family show distinct behavior with each other and because of this, the end prediction after molding the part is very difficult. Simulations result does not always match the product. For close substitution in absence of exactly known material composition, the equivalent grade of the same MFI may be used. However, the MFI is a poor indicator of the rheological behavior to be comprehend for accurate simulation. This research analyzes the appropriate parameters for the rheology of polymers, in the same class that are appropriate.
The Yale Department of Medicine COVID-19 Data Explorer and Repository (DOM-CovX): An Innovative Approach to Promoting Collaborative Scholarship During a Pandemic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to an explosion of research publications spanning epidemiology, basic and clinical science. While a digital revolution has allowed for open access to large datasets enabling real-time tracking of the epidemic, detailed, locally-specific clinical data has been less readily accessible to a broad range of academic faculty and their trainees. This perpetuates the separation of the primary missions of clinically-focused and primary research faculty resulting in lost opportunities for improved understanding of the local epidemic; expansion of the scope of scholarship; limitation of the diversity of the research pool; lack of creation of initiatives for growth and dissemination of research skills needed for the training of the next generation of clinicians and faculty. ObjectivesCreate a common, easily accessible and up-to-date database that would promote access to local COVID-19 clinical data, thereby increasing efficiency, streamlining and democratizing the research enterprise. By providing a robust dataset, a broad range of researchers (faculty, trainees) and clinicians are encouraged to explore and collaborate on novel clinically relevant research questions. MethodsWe constructed a research platform called the Yale Department of Medicine COVID-19 Explorer and Repository (DOM-CovX), to house cleaned, highly granular, de-identified, continually-updated data from over 7,000 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 (1/2020-present) across the Yale New Haven Health System. This included a front-end user interface for simple data visualization of aggregate data and more detailed clinical datasets for researchers after a review board process. The goal is to promote access to local COVID-19 clinical data, thereby increasing efficiency, streamlining and democratizing the research enterprise. Expected OutcomesO_LIAccelerate generation of new knowledge and increase scholarly productivity with particular local relevance C_LIO_LIImprove the institutional academic climate by: O_LIBroadening research scope C_LIO_LIExpanding research capability to more diverse group of stakeholders including clinical and research-based faculty and trainees C_LIO_LIEnhancing interdepartmental collaborations C_LI C_LI ConclusionsThe DOM-CovX Data Explorer and Repository have great potential to increase academic productivity. By providing an accessible tool for simple data analysis and access to a consistently updated, standardized and large-scale dataset, it overcomes barriers for a wide variety of researchers. Beyond academic productivity, this innovative approach represents an opportunity to improve the institutional climate by fostering collaboration, diversity of scholarly pursuits and expanding medical education. It provides a novel approach that can be expanded to other diseases beyond COVID 19.
The Effects of COVID-19 on External Political Efficacy

Significant scholarship examines the effects of disasters and disaster management on political behavior and attitudes. Yet, no research has assessed how health crises might shape people’s levels of...
Biomedical Research in Developing Countries and International Human Rights Law

At present, considerable numbers of research projects are conducted on a multinational basis. Teams of researchers based in different States may participate in a single project. Furthermore, internationally-based organizations may be able to choose the country in which a particular research project that they are conducting or funding is carried out. This has led to concerns being expressed about the possibility of fundamentally different standards of protection for participants being applied in different countries. The issue of double standards has increasingly become part of regulatory frameworks in biomedical research. This paper reviews and compares the 2008 version of the WMA Declaration of Helsinki with existing guidelines and rules on research in developing countries adopted by intergovernmental (UNESCO, WHO, Council of Europe, EU) and non-governmental (CIOMS, WMA) organisations. The paper concludes with some reflections on the issues which need to be addressed in the future to achieve solidarity, in line with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which proclaims in its preamble that: The Union is founded on the indivisible and universal values of human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity. (EU Charter of Fundamental Rights 2009) Therefore, research activities involving human subjects cannot exclusively be assimilated to an economic activity subject to market rules. On the contrary, in the context of solidarity, regarding health as a public good rather than a commodity, it needs to be regulated according to fundamental principles.
Early Primaries, Viability and Changing Preferences for Presidential Candidates

Given the fluid context of primaries and observed swings in national polls, many Democratic voters likely switched candidate support over the course of the 2008 primary campaign. We examine how perceptions of early caucus and primary outcomes subsequently affected voter choice and candidate momentum. Although the 2008 calendar left many voters with a brief window to assess candidates, it nonetheless allowed a non‐front-runner to benefit from momentum and win the Democratic nomination. This article employs a panel study of voters surveyed at two time points during the nomination contest to assess individual-level change in candidate support. Results from the earlier states sent signals about candidate viability to people who had not yet voted. We find that voters deciding after results were in from early states changed their perceptions of candidate viability and that this changed whom they intended to support. We conclude that momentum remains an important factor in presidential nominations. The 2008 election witnessed many states pushing their presidential primary dates
Blind asynchronous near-far resistant FIR receivers for CDMA communication

A canonical structure of near-far resistant FIR receivers for asynchronous CDMA over ISI channels is proposed. The receiver structure includes a minimum-order FIR decorrelator and a bank of equalizers designed for each user. An equivalence between the decorrelator and the so-called statistical decorrelator is established, which leads to a blind near-far resistant FIR receivers based on decorrelating (second-order or higher-order) statistics.
Cooperation between extracellular signaling and intracellular Ras activation leads to immortalization and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of variant human mammary epithelial cells

Our laboratory has previously identified a rare subpopulation of variant human mammary epithelial cells (vHMEC) that have the capacity to propagate beyond an in vitro proliferation barrier and accumulate multiple chromosomal changes [1]. These cells contain hyper-methylated and silenced p16(INK4a) (p16) promoters and overexpress COX-2. We found evidence that cells with these characteristics exist in disease-free women in morphologically normal tissue [2]. Furthermore, these distinguishing characteristics have also been found in DCIS lesions, indicating that these cells are very relevant to the carcinogenic process. In order to investigate the molecular mechanisms required for these cells to progress to a malignant phenotype, we examined the effect of oncogenic stress on the transformation of vHMEC by introducing constitutively active Ha-Ras V12 into these cells. Consistent with the idea that vHMEC are already engaged in the transformation process, upon exposure to oncogenic stress vHMEC failed to undergo a proliferative arrest as seen in normal fibroblasts or normal epithelium. We have used this model system to examine the early events that control expression of tumorigenic phenotypes in these cells. We find that critical interactions between stromal cells and initiated epithelial cells are necessary for the manifestation of specific tumorigenic phenotypes such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
Late outcome after the Fontan procedure.

Relatively little data exist on intermediate to late functional status and survival of patients after Fontan procedures. The first 500 patients undergoing a Fontan procedure at Children's Hospital (Boston, MA) were reviewed and then followed. There were 31 late failures among 410 patients contacted, and probability of survival at 10 years was 71.4%. Most patients were in functional class I or II, and only rare patients developed protein-losing enteropathy. Atrial flutter had developed in 16% of patients. Continued follow-up of Fontan patients will be necessary indefinitely.
Comparison of the antioxidant effects of Concord grape juice flavonoids and α-tocopherol on markers of oxidative stress in healthy adults

BACKGROUND Concord grape juice (CGJ) is a rich source of flavonoids, which have greater antioxidant efficacy in vitro than does alpha-tocopherol; however, the efficacies of flavonoids and alpha-tocopherol in vivo have not been compared. OBJECTIVE We compared the in vivo antioxidant efficacy of CGJ with that of alpha-tocopherol in healthy adults. DESIGN Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 400 IU RRR-alpha-tocopherol/d (n = 17) or 10 mL CGJ. kg(-1). d(-1) (n = 15) for 2 wk. Serum oxygen radical absorbance capacity, plasma protein carbonyls, urinary F(2)-isoprostanes, and resistance of LDL to ex vivo oxidation were measured before and after supplementation as markers of antioxidant status and oxidative stress. RESULTS After supplementation, plasma alpha-tocopherol increased 92% in subjects who received alpha-tocopherol (P < 0.001); plasma total and conjugated phenols increased 17% (P < 0.01) and 22% (P < 0.001), respectively, in subjects who received CGJ. There was a significant change in plasma triacylglycerols in both groups, but the concentrations were within the normal range. CGJ supplementation was associated with significantly higher triacylglycerols than was alpha-tocopherol supplementation. Both supplementation regimens significantly increased serum oxygen radical absorbance capacity (P < 0.001) and LDL lag time (P < 0.001) and significantly decreased the LDL oxidation rate (P < 0.01), with no significant difference in effectiveness. Protein carbonyl concentrations in native plasma decreased 20% after CGJ supplementation, which was a significantly different response than that after alpha-tocopherol supplementation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In healthy adults, 10 mL CGJ. kg(-1). d(-1) increased serum antioxidant capacity and protected LDL against oxidation to an extent similar to that obtained with 400 IU alpha-tocopherol/d but decreased native plasma protein oxidation significantly more than did alpha-tocopherol. CGJ flavonoids are potent antioxidants that may protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of free radical damage and chronic diseases.
Mucormycosis: what emergency physicians need to know?

Abstract Background Mucormycosis is a rare presentation for patients in the emergency department (ED), primarily affecting immunocompromised patients. Multiple forms of infection are present, and with poor prognosis, ED diagnosis and treatment of this deadly condition are necessary. Objective of review The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the presentations and forms of mucormycosis, diagnosis, and treatment of this deadly disease. Discussion This review provides background on the fungi causing mucormycosis, which are prevalent in nature. The article discusses the risk factors for infection with mucormycosis, as normal hosts are able to clear the disease, but immunocompromised and diabetic patients are at risk for organism inoculation and spread. The fungi are angioinvasive and cause necrosis. This article describes the various forms of the disease: rhino-orbital-cerebral, pulmonary, central nervous system, gastrointestinal, renal, disseminated, and cutaneous. Finally, this review evaluates diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Conclusion Emergency department diagnosis and treatment are necessary in patients with infection with mucormycosis. Physicians should be suspicious of this disease in immunocompromised and diabetic patients. Treatment requires antifungal agents such as amphotericin B and surgical debridement. Prognosis is poor.
Oligomer formation of the gB glycoprotein of herpes simplex virus type 1.

Abstract Oligomer formation of the gB glycoprotein of herpes simplex virus type 1 was studied by sedimentation analysis of radioactively labeled infected cell and virion lysates. Fractions from sucrose gradients were precipitated with a pool of gB-specific monoclonal antibodies and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Pulse-labeled gB from infected cell was synthesized as monomers and converted to oligomers posttranslationally. The oligomers from infected cells and from virions sedimented as dimers, and there was no evidence of higher-molecular-weight forms. To identify amino acid sequences of gB that contribute to oligomer formation, pairs of mutant plasmids were transfected into Vero cells and superinfected with a gB-null mutant virus to stimulate plasmid-specified gene expression. Radioactively labeled lysates were precipitated with antibodies and examined by SDS-PAGE. Polypeptides from cotransfections were precipitated with an antibody that recognized amino acid sequences present in only one of the two polypeptides. A coprecipitated polypeptide lacking the antibody target epitope was presumed to contain the sequences necessary for oligomer formation. Using this technique, two noncontiguous sites for oligomer formation were detected. An upstream site was localized between residues 93 and 282, and a downstream site was localized between residues 596 and 711. Oligomer formation resulted from molecular interactions between two upstream sites, between two downstream sites, and between an upstream and a downstream site. A schematic diagram of a gB oligomer is presented that is consistent with these data.
EMERGENT 1D ISING BEHAVIOR IN AN ELEMENTARY CELLULAR AUTOMATON MODEL

The fundamental nature of an evolving one-dimensional (1D) Ising model is investigated with an elementary cellular automaton (CA) simulation. The emergent CA simulation employs an ensemble of cells in one spatial dimension, each cell capable of two microstates interacting with simple nearest-neighbor rules and incorporating an external field. The behavior of the CA model provides insight into the dynamics of coupled two-state systems not expressible by exact analytical solutions. For instance, state progression graphs show the causal dynamics of a system through time in relation to the system's entropy. Unique graphical analysis techniques are introduced through difference patterns, diffusion patterns, and state progression graphs of the 1D ensemble visualizing the evolution. All analyses are consistent with the known behavior of the 1D Ising system. The CA simulation and new pattern recognition techniques are scalable (in both dimension, complexity, and size) and have many potential applications such as complex design of materials, control of agent systems, and evolutionary mechanism design.
The convergence of quantum-dot-mediated fluorescence resonance energy transfer and microfluidics for monitoring DNA polyplex self-assembly in real time

We present a novel convergence of quantum-dot-mediated fluorescence resonance energy transfer (QD-FRET) and microfluidics, through which molecular interactions were precisely controlled and monitored using highly sensitive quantum-dot-mediated FRET. We demonstrate its potential in studying the kinetics of self-assembly of DNA polyplexes under laminar flow in real time with millisecond resolution. The integration of nanophotonics and microfluidics offers a powerful tool for elucidating the formation of polyelectrolyte polyplexes, which is expected to provide better control and synthesis of uniform and customizable polyplexes for future nucleic acid-based therapeutics.
Electronic Structure and Proton Transfer in Ground-State Hexafluoroacetylacetone

The ground electronic state (X1A1) of hexafluoroacetylacetone (HFAA) has been subjected to synergistic experimental and theoretical investigations designed to resolve controversies surrounding the nature of intramolecular hydrogen bonding for the enol tautomer. Cryogenic (93K) X-ray diffraction studies were conducted on single HFAA crystals grown in situ by means of the zone-melting technique, with the resulting electron density maps affording clear evidence for distinguishable O1−H and H···O2 bonds that span an interoxygen distance of 2.680 ± 0.003 A. Such laboratory findings have been corroborated by a variety of quantum chemical methods including Hartree−Fock (HF), density functional [DFT (B3LYP)], Moller−Plesset perturbation (MPn), and coupled cluster [CCSD, CCSD(T)] treatments built upon extensive sets of correlation-consistent basis functions. Geometry optimizations performed at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVDZ level of theory predict an asymmetric (Cs) equilibrium configuration characterized by an O···O do...
Reports of Fish Kills Prior to 1900 in the United States

(2003). Reports of Fish Kills Prior to 1900 in the United States. Reviews in Fisheries Science: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 1-11.
The Properties of Sex pili, The Viral Nature of “Conjugal” Genetic Transfer Systems, and Some Possible Approaches to the Control of Bacterial Drug Resistance

(1971). The Properties of Sex pili, The Viral Nature of “Conjugal” Genetic Transfer Systems, and Some Possible Approaches to the Control of Bacterial Drug Resistance. CRC Critical Reviews in Microbiology: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 105-160.
Directed self-assembly of laterally confined lamellae-forming diblock copolymers: polydispersity and substrate interaction effects

ABSTRACT Theoretical methods are critical to our understanding of defect formation in block copolymer lithography processes. We have previously applied self-consistent field theory (SCFT) to study the energetics of dislocation and disclination defects prevalent in grapho epitaxy of "standing up" lamellae, and present results of a further refined approach accounting for poly dispersity and polymer-substrate inter actions. Broadening the scope of our investigation to include systems that deviate from the ideal monodisperse and neutral substrate conditions provides insight into how precisely these factors must be cont rolled to effectively suppress defects experimentally. Keywords: directed self-assembly, se lf-consistent field theory, polydisper sity, preferential substrate, defects 1. INTRODUCTION In the last 40 years, the miniat urization of electronics has primarily been fueled by advancements in lithography technology. In the search for alternative patterning techniques, block copolymer lithography has proven it has the potential to define high resolution features at a fraction of the cost of today's high cost lithography processes. Directed self-assembly (DSA) in its many forms has drawn the focus of the community in recent years as perhaps the most attractive candidate for integration into high volume manufacturing. However, there are still considerable challenges that need to be overcome for block copolymer lithography to advance into large-scale manufacturing and deliver as a viable alternative to photolith ography. [1] Among them, high defect levels may ultimately limit the applications for directed self-assembly going forward. Reported defect densities remain orders of magnitude greater than the research target of < 0.01 10 nm defect/cm
High-Ionization Quasar Absorption Lines: A Test of the Existence of Hot Gas in Spiral-Rich Groups

ROSAT studies of poor groups of galaxies have revealed hot, diffuse gas only in groups dominated by E/S0 galaxies. Here we investigate the possibility that a similar, but cooler, component exists in spiral-rich groups and can be detected through absorption in QSO spectra. We find that for the expected temperature, density, and metal abundance of the intragroup medium, various high-ionization lines should be detectable. At T ~ 2 × 106 K,O VI, Ne VIII, Mg X, and Si XII lines will be seen. Strong Lyman series lines are also expected. A collisionally ionized gas at these temperatures will not produce much C IV and N V absorption, since it requires a multiphase medium to produce spectra that show all of the above ions. In addition, some lines of sight will likely pass only through the intragroup gas, producing pure "high-ionization" absorption systems (i.e., O VI lines without associated C IV and N V lines). Recent Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and Keck observations have revealed the presence of absorption lines with some of the properties we predict for the intragroup medium in spiral-rich groups. The discovery of a hot intragroup medium in spiral-rich groups would have many important consequences for extragalactic astronomy, including the possible pressure confinement of low-ionization absorption-line clouds.
Functional domain organization of human APOBEC3G

Human APOBEC3 proteins exist in two forms containing either a single cytidine deaminase domain (CDA) or two CDAs. Strikingly, the proteins that are capable of effectively inhibiting the infectivity of Vif-deficient HIV-1 (HIV-1ΔVif), such as APOBEC3G (A3G), contain two CDAs. In contrast, single-domain APOBEC3 proteins such as APOBEC3A (A3A) are weak inhibitors of HIV-1ΔVif, even though A3A is an active cytidine deaminase and a potent inhibitor of retrotransposon mobility. Here, we demonstrate that the ability to bind to Gag and package into HIV-1 virions is entirely contained within the amino-terminal half of A3G. By changing three adjacent amino acids in A3A, to the sequence found in the N-terminal half of A3G, we were able to confer on A3A the ability to be efficiently incorporated into HIV-1 virions and to bind HIV-1 Gag. Nevertheless, this A3A mutant remained a weak inhibitor of HIV-1 infectivity, suggesting that segregation of the Gag-binding/virion incorporation and cytidine deaminase/virus-inhibition activities of APOBEC3 proteins into two tandem CDA regions promotes the efficient inhibition of retrovirus infectivity by APOBEC3 proteins.
Surfactant Replacement Therapy in Respiratory Distress Syndrome Meta-analysis of Clinical Trials of Single-Dose Surfactant Extracts

• Replacement therapy with surfactant extracts in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome has been evaluated in several clinical trials. The results of individual trials do not provide conclusive evidence that administration of a single dose of surfactant improves morbidity or mortality. Meta-analysis is a statistical method to combine the results of such clinical trials, and combined analysis provides a means to overcome the problem of not being able to detect significant small differences in individual trials due to these small sample sizes. Seven clinical trials (277 patients treated with nonhuman surfactant extract and 263 controls) met the criteria for analysis; five outcome measurements (mortality, patent ductus arteriosus, pneumothorax, intraventricular hemorrhage, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia) were selected to estimate the treatment effect. The meta-analysis showed that a single dose of surfactant administered before the first breath or within 15 hours of birth significantly decreased the mortality rate (95% confidence interval = − 0.19 to − 0.03) and the risk of developing pneumothorax (95% confidence interval = −0.28 to −0.14) in infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Further clinical trials are needed to evaluate other aspects of surfactant replacement therapy in premature infants because inconsistent results were observed among the seven analyzed studies. ( AJDC . 1991;145:102-104)
Contemporary issues in the management of endometrial cancer

Several important issues exist in the management of endometrial cancer, including the possible induction of endometrial cancer by tamoxifen: the newly developed surgical staging system; the increasing use of minimal-access surgery, including laparoscopy; the role of postoperative adjuvant therapy; the frequency and extent of follow-up visits and surveillance; and the use of estrogen replacement therapy in women with a history of endometrial cancer.
Finite state machine has unlimited concurrency

General methods for introducing concurrency, by which the throughput of finite-state machines (FSM) can be improved at the expense of latency, are described. The methods are applicable to software and hardware implementation using parallelism or pipelining and demonstrate that there is no theoretical limit to concurrency in a discrete-time finite-state machine. The methods can arbitrarily improve the iteration bound of discrete-time FSMs with low hardware overhead. They are efficient when the state size is finite and moderate, as in controllers, encoders, source decoders, etc. When the state size is large and the recurrence is not a closed-form function of specific classes, the methods cannot be applied directly. Another limitation is the latency induced by the block methods. In most cases, this is not a problem because the overall cost and throughput rather than latency are at stake. >
Transfer origins in the conjugative Enterococcus faecalis plasmids pAD1 and pAM373: identification of the pAD1 nic site, a specific relaxase and a possible TraG‐like protein

The Enterococcus faecalis conjugative plasmids pAD1 and pAM373 encode a mating response to the peptide sex pheromones cAD1 and cAM373 respectively. Sequence determination of both plasmids has recently been completed with strong similarity evident over many of the structural genes related to conjugation. pAD1 has two origins of transfer, with oriT1 being located within the repA determinant, whereas the more efficiently utilized oriT2 is located between orf53 and orf57, two genes found in the present study to be essential for conjugation. We have found a similarly located oriT to be present in pAM373. oriT2 corresponds to about 285 bp based on its ability to facilitate mobilization by pAD1 when ligated to the shuttle vector pAM401; however, it was not mobilized by pAM373. In contrast, a similarly ligated fragment containing the oriT of pAM373 did not facilitate mobilization by pAD1 but was efficiently mobilized by pAM373. The oriT sites of the two plasmids each contained a homologous large inverted repeat (spanning about 140 bp) adjacent to a series of non-homologous short (6 bp) direct repeats. A hybrid construction containing the inverted repeat of pAM373 and direct repeats of pAD1 was mobilized efficiently by pAD1 but not by pAM373, indicating a significantly greater degree of specificity is associated with the direct repeats. Mutational (deletion) analyses of the pAD1 oriT2 inverted repeat structure suggested its importance in facilitating transfer or perhaps ligation of the ends of the newly transferred DNA strand. Analyses showed that Orf57 (to be called TraX) is the relaxase, which was found to induce a specific nick in the large inverted repeat inside oriT; the protein also facilitated site-specific recombination between two oriT2 sites. Orf53 (to be called TraW) exhibits certain structural similarities to TraG-like proteins, although there is little overall homology.
Biopotential fiber sensor.

Abstract We have developed a new biopotential fiber sensor (BFS) technology as an alternative to traditional wet-gel Ag/AgCl electrodes in long-term monitoring applications. Biopotential fiber sensor technology uses proprietary method of bonding copper sulfide to the surface of acrylic fibers, thus creating an electrically conductive medium (10 −1 Ω/cm). Surface modified bundles of acrylic fibers form stable biopotential sensors when doped with proprietary ink comprising organic acids and nano particles of Ag and AgCl. Biopotential fiber sensors are characterized by a small footprint 0.1 mm 2 and low mass of 0.005 g. Biopotential fiber sensor systems are disposable 1-piece assemblies combining the functions of the electrodes, lead wires and a patient cable. Methods The electric performance characteristics of BFS were obtained according to American National Standards Institute/Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation EC-12:2000 standard and compared with Ag/AgCl wet-gel electrodes. The noise characteristics were determined from 250 hours of 3-lead electrocardiographic (ECG) data recorded with BFS over a period of 10 days from healthy volunteers. Results The BFS direct current offset voltage was 0.11 mV and alternate current impedance at 10 Hz was 22 Ω. The sensors average longevity on the body surface with no detachments was at least 7 days. BFS demonstrated high immunity to motion and electric field-induced artifacts. Conclusions Biopotential fiber sensors are well suited for routine long-term ECG monitoring applications because of increased patient comfort through integration of the electrode, lead wire, and a patient cable, which function into one disposable BFS fiber assembly. Biopotential fiber sensor have electrical characteristics comparable to Ag/AgCl wet electrodes. We observed an improved ECG signal quality, reduced frequent electrode detachments, reduced wire clutter and entanglement, and improved sensor adherence to the skin over longer periods of time.
An Awkward Symmetry: The Tension between Particle Ontologies and Permutation Invariance

Physical theories continue to be interpreted in terms of particles. The idea of a particle has required modification for successive theories but remains central to scientific explanation. Particle ontologies also have the virtue of explaining basic epistemic features of the world and so remain appealing for the scientific realist. However, particle ontologies are untenable when coupled with the empirically necessary postulate of permutation invariance—the claim that permuting the roles of particles in a representation of a physical state results in a representation of the same state. I demonstrate that any permutation invariant theory is incompatible with a particle ontology.
Trichomonasvirus: a new genus of protozoan viruses in the family Totiviridae

The family Totiviridae includes a number of viruses with monosegmented dsRNA genomes and isometric virions that infect either fungi or a number of medically important protozoan parasites such as Leishmania and Giardia. A new genus, Trichomonasvirus, was recently approved for this family. Its name is based on the genus of its host organism, Trichomonas vaginalis, a protozoan parasite that colonizes the human genitourinary mucosa and is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection in the world. The type species of this new genus is Trichomonas vaginalis virus 1. Distinguishing characteristics of the new genus include infection of a human sexually transmitted parasite, stable mixed infection with more than one distinct Trichomonasvirus species, and sequence-based phylogenetic divergence that distinguishes it from all other family members.
Damage Control Econometrics: Functional Specification and Pesticide Productivity

Empirical studies of pesticide productivity have often concluded that the value of marginal product of pesticide exceeds marginal factor cost despite anecdotal and other evidence to the contrary. This article presents estimates of pesticide productivity derived from alternative functional specifications of pesticide involvement in production. Results suggest that explanation of the magnitude of pesticide productivity estimates obtained in empirical studies may lie somewhere other than with functional specification.
Variation in infiltration with landscape position: Implications for forest productivity and surface water quality

Variation of infiltration rates with landscape position influences the amount, distribution, and routing of overland flow. Knowledge of runoff patterns gives land managers the opportunity to affect changes that optimize water use efficiency and reduce the risk of water quality impacts. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of landscape position and associated soil properties on infiltration in a small (147 ha) forest/pasture watershed in the Ozark Highlands. Three previously reported studies measured infiltration rates using double ring, sprinkling, single ring, and tension infiltrometers on soils at varying landscape positions. Although large variation in infiltration rates was observed among measurement techniques, upland and side slope soils (Nixa and Clarksville) had consistently lower infiltration rates compared to the soil in the valley bottom (Razort). A conceptual understanding of watershed runoff is developed from these data that includes infiltration excess runoff from the Nixa and Clarksville soils and saturation excess runoff on the Razort soil. Management of the soil water regime based on this understanding would focus on increasing infiltration in upland soils and maintaining the Razort soil areas in forest. Forest productivity would be enhanced by increasing plant-available water in upland soils and decreasing flooding on the Razort soil. Surface water quality would be improved by reducing the transport of potential water contaminants from animal manure applied to upland pastures.
Triplicate determinations of the sugar tolerance in mild and severe asthma

Abstract 1.1. Repeated determinations of the glucose tolerance in a group of patients suffering from asthma and hay fever gave results which were essentially uniform and essentially normal. In each case the values for both the venous and capillary bloods were compared. 2.2. The fasting blood sugar values found in allergic individuals, even when suffering from severe asthma, falls within the range of the values found in normal nondiabetic individuals. 3.3. The blood sugar curves of four patients with asthma severe enough to require frequent doses of adrenalin, were plotted and found to fall within the range of the curves of other symptom-free allergic individuals. Even though some of these patients were suffering an attack of asthma at the time of the test, or had taken adrenalin a few hours before the test, it was not possible to demonstrate any change in the sugar tolerance curve which might have revealed either the asthma or the recent dose of adrenalin. 4.4. We conclude that the value for blood sugar and the test for glucose tolerance in allergic patients are both normal, and as a corollary, that whatever may be the fundamental nature of allergy, it is not concerned with the blood sugar level.
A new high pressure apparatus for neutron diffraction in liquids and glasses at 0.7 GPa

Abstract We describe a safe, simple, all-hydraulic pressure system for neutron scattering from glass or liquid samples at 0.7 GPa (100,000 psi). The central feature of the design is a novel floating barrier. The barrier isolates the hydraulic working fluid from the glass or liquid sample in the neutron beam. The effectiveness of the system is demonstrated by neutron diffraction spectra of fully-deuterated methanol at 0.62 GPa. A safe, simple, all-hydraulic pressure system is described for neutron scattering from glass or liquid samples at 0.7 GPa. The central feature of the design is a novel floating barrier. The barrier isolates the hydraulic working fluid from the glass or liquid sample in the neutron beam. The effectiveness of the system is demonstrated by neutron diffraction spectra of fully-deuterated methanol at ambient pressure and at 0.62 GPa.
Treatment of Menière's Disease.

Diagnosis of Meniere’s disease is made with a characteristic patient history, including discrete episodes of vertigo lasting 20 min or longer, accompanied by sensorineural hearing loss, which is typically low frequency at first, aural fullness, and tinnitus. Workup includes audiometry, a contrast enhanced MRI of the internal auditory canals, and exclusion of other diseases that can produce similar symptoms, like otosyphilis, autoimmune inner ear disease, perilymphatic fistula, superior semicircular canal syndrome, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, vestibular paroxysmia, and temporal bone tumors. A history of migraine should be sought as well because of a high rate of co-occurrence (Rauch, Otolaryngol Clin North Am 43:1011–1017, 2010). Treatment begins with conservative measures, including low salt diet, avoidance of stress and caffeine, and sleep hygiene. Medical therapy with a diuretic is the usual next step. If that fails to control symptoms, then the options of intratympanic (IT) steroids and betahistine are discussed. Next tier treatments include the Meniett device and endolymphatic sac surgery, but the efficacy of both is controversial. If the above measures fail to provide symptomatic control of vertigo, then ablative therapies like intratympanic gentamicin are considered. Rarely, vestibular nerve section or labyrinthectomy is considered for a patient with severe symptoms who does not show a reduction in vestibular function with gentamicin. Benzodiazepines and anti-emetics are used for symptomatic control during vertigo episodes. Rehabilitative options for unilateral vestibular weakness include physical therapy and for unilateral hearing loss include conventional hearing aids, contralateral routing of sound (CROS) and osseointegrated hearing aids.
Differential maternal treatment of infant twins: Effects on infant behaviors

This project utilized twins to study differential mother-sibling interactions. The use of twins circumvented the traditional confounds of studying siblings of different ages or at two points in time. When the twins were 7 and 9 months of age, mothers spent 2.5 min alone with each infant in an attempt to elicit child vocalizations. The mother and infant behaviors were coded both microanalytically and globally. The infant attention behaviors were influenced primarily by unique environment, whereas the temperament behaviors were influenced by both unique environmental and genetic effects. Mothers tended to treat both children similarly, regardless of zygosity, suggesting that maternal characteristics drove the mother-infant interactions. Thus, even though identical twins were more similar on some measures than fraternal twins, mothers tended to treat both types of twins comparably regardless of infant characteristics or behaviors.
Changes in personal standards and dysphoria: A longitudinal approach

Two studies, based upon discrepancy theories of emotion and depression, investigated the roles that changes in personal standards play in subsequent depressive affect. Undergraduates were studied at the time of a midterm examination. Changes in performance standards from before to after the exam were used to predict subsequent depressive affect. In neither study did changes in standards predict affect immediately upon grade receipt. In both studies, changes in standards did predict affect 5–7 days later. Contrary to the hypothesis, for subjects who had performed poorly, lowered standards predicted increased dysphoria after 5–7 days. However, for subjects who performed well, lowered standards predicted positive delayed affect. Processes by which decreased standards might lead to either increased or decreased depressive affect are discussed. The results highlight the importance of studying standards as dynamic rather than static entities and of following the entire time course of affective reaction to stressful events.
Modulation of integrin expression in endometrial stromal cells in vitro

Integrins, a class of cell adhesion molecules found on virtually all cells, display dynamic temporal and spatial patterns of expression in the endometrium during the menstrual cycle and in early pregnancy. To study integrin regulation, we measured the expression of eight different integrin subunits on cultured human endometrial stromal cells obtained from proliferative phase endometrium, using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Treatment with estrogen and progesterone induced hormonal changes of decidualization but did not alter the expression of any of the integrins. It is presently unknown whether steroid hormones other than estrogen or progesterone affect integrin expression. In contrast, treatment with several growth factors and cytokines resulted in specific alterations of integrin levels. Epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-alpha, and transforming growth factor-beta 1 induced expression of the alpha 1 beta 1 collagen/laminin receptor. There also was a trend towards decreased expr...
Radiation-induced changes in the index of refraction, density, and dielectric constant of poly(methyl methacrylate)†

Samples of commercially prepared poly(methyl methacrylate) (Lucite) were irradiated with 13-M.e.v. electrons in the dose range 0–11 Mrad, and the induced changes in the index of refraction, density, and dielectric constant were observed. An attempt is made to interrelate the observed changes theoretically.
Curcumin Decreases Specificity Protein Expression in Bladder Cancer Cells

Curcumin is the active component of tumeric, and this polyphenolic compound has been extensively investigated as an anticancer drug that modulates multiple pathways and genes. In this study, 10 to 25 μmol/L curcumin inhibited 253JB-V and KU7 bladder cancer cell growth, and this was accompanied by induction of apoptosis and decreased expression of the proapoptotic protein survivin and the angiogenic proteins vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1). Because expression of survivin, VEGF, and VEGFR1 are dependent on specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors, we also investigated the effects of curcumin on Sp protein expression as an underlying mechanism for the apoptotic and antiangiogenic activity of this compound. The results show that curcumin induced proteasome-dependent down-regulation of Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 in 253JB-V and KU7 cells. Moreover, using RNA interference with small inhibitory RNAs for Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4, we observed that curcumin-dependent inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)–dependent genes, such as bcl-2, survivin, and cyclin D1, was also due, in part, to loss of Sp proteins. Curcumin also decreased bladder tumor growth in athymic nude mice bearing KU7 cells as xenografts and this was accompanied by decreased Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 protein levels in tumors. These results show for the first time that one of the underlying mechanisms of action of curcumin as a cancer chemotherapeutic agent is due, in part, to decreased expression of Sp transcription factors in bladder cancer cells. [Cancer Res 2008;68(13):5345–54]
Promoting Social and Emotional Learning in Preschool Students: A Study of Strong Start Pre - K

The inclusion of social and emotional learning (SEL) curricula in preschools may help prevent emotional and behavioral problems. This study evaluated the effects of a SEL curriculum, Strong Start Pre-K, on the social and emotional competence of 52 preschool students using a quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group design. Teachers rated students’ emotional regulation, internalizing behaviors, and the quality of the student–teacher relationship. Results indicated a significant decrease of internalizing behaviors and more improvement in the student–teacher relationship in the treatment conditions. Results also supported the use of the optional booster lessons contained in the curriculum. Treatment integrity and social validity ratings of Strong Start Pre-K were high. Limitations and implications of this study are addressed.
Oxidative metabolic responses with recurrent seizures in rat cerebral cortex: role of systemic factors.

Abstract Simultaneous focal measurements of cerebral oxygen tension and cytochrome a,a3 redox levels were made in rat cortex in order to obtain a direct and continuous assessment of oxidative metabolic changes during serial seizures. Initial seizures evoked by pentylenetetrazol were accompanied by transient increases in tissue pO2 and cytochrome a,a3 oxidation, confirming that oxygen provision is adequate to meet metabolic demand. After some point, subsequent seizures were accompanied by failure of pO2 to increase and failure of cytochrome a,a3 to oxidize, or by decreases in tissue pO2 and shifts in the redox level of cytochrome a,a3 toward reduction, signalling cortical oxygen insufficiency. Whereas early seizures were accompanied by increments in both cerebral blood volume and arterial blood pressure, one or both of these variables failed to increment during later seizures. This was particularly evident following the onset of spontaneously recurring seizures with short intervals between bursts of ECoG activity. These investigations emphasize the importance of systemic factors in determining the cerebral metabolic response to seizures and support the suggestion that neuronal damage in status epilepticus may be the result of derrangements of oxidative metabolism.
Comments on “Using the Right Terms” [Letter to the Editor]

The column on IEEE Standards, entitled "Using the Right Terms," which appeared in the October 2010 issue of the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine (pp. 192-193), reminds us of our responsibility to use, and insist on, the correct terminology when we write, review, edit, or instruct but how about when we read columns in Magazines. The column informs us that according to the latest IEEE standards being promulgated, the term "dielectric constant" is no longer acceptable, and tells us that the acceptable equivalent term is "permittivity," "electric permittivity," or "dielectric permittivity." Like the government, standard-making bodies can make rules, issue orders, and enforce their decisions, but must be very careful about the correctness, consistency, and appropriateness of their edicts, lest they loose their legitimacy and power by being ignored.
Beyond the Blind Date: Collaborative Course Development and Co-Teaching by Teacher Educators.

Given the current climate of accountability, teachers must collaborate across disciplines to meet the diverse needs of students. Few, however, are prepared to collaborate in school settings upon completing teacher preparation programs. In this article, a participatory action research study undertaken by teacher educators who approached the lack of cross-disciplinary collaborations in two teacher preparation programs by developing and implementing a co-taught course on collaboration for general and special education teachers is presented. The described process was informed by interviews, observations, and analysis of course materials. Results contribute to the development of a framework for educator collaborations in higher education.
Helicobacter pylori and Ulcerogenesis

The dictum "no acid—no ulcer" had, in the past, summarized the thinking concerning the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease. It is now recognized that infection with Helicobacter pylori is the major causal factor leading to both duodenal and gastric ulceration. Infection is associated with many of the acid secretory abnormalities that have traditionally characterized peptic ulcer disease; indeed, acid secretory physiology returns to normal following bacterial eradication. Since not all individuals infected with H. pylori develop ulcers, host susceptibility, bacterial virulence, and/or specific environmental factors must determine the response to infection and the ultimate clinical outcome. The relative importance of these factors and their complex interactions remain to be determined. H. pylori infection produces tissue damage indirectly because the organism does not directly invade gastroduodenal tissue. A variety of bacterial enzymes, toxins, and inflammatory mediators produced in response to bacterial colonization challenge the integrity of host mucosal defenses. In a susceptible host, breached defenses render epithelium more vulnerable to acid injury and ulcer development. Eradication of H. pylori leads to rapid ulcer healing and reversal of tissue injury, thereby obviating ulcer recurrence.