cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gingival enhancement in fixed prosthodontics. Part I: Clinical findings

This study assessed the efficacy of a 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) rinse on the enhancement and maintenance of gingival health in patients receiving fixed prosthodontic treatment. Thirty patient participants in this examiner blind study were randomly assigned into two groups, one control and another group using CHX 15 ml b.i.d. in addition to normal oral hygiene. The medication was used for 2 weeks prior to crown preparation, 3 weeks during provisional crown placement, and 2 weeks after definitive crown cementation. Plaque and gingivitis indices were measured initially and at the three aforementioned points during the 7-week period. The plaque index for the control group decreased by 0.26 units; CHX decreased by 0.63 units at 7 weeks. The gingival index of the control group decreased by 0.37 units; CHX decreased by 0.87 units. Adjunctive use of chlorhexidine with fixed prosthodontic procedures significantly reduced plaque levels and significantly improved gingival health compared with the control patients. Fixed prosthodontic procedures alone decreased plaque levels and increased gingival health.
Effects of flooding dates on population dynamics in South Carolina crayfish ponds.

Abstract Production and population dynamics of Procambarus clarkii and Procambarus acutus acutus were studied in nine 0.1-ha earthen ponds flooded in mid-September, mid-October, and mid-November. Mean forage biomass estimates at flooding were similar among treatments. Mean total length (TL) of the young-of-the-year (YOY) crayfish sampled in November by dip nets from September flooded ponds (36.7 mm TL) was significantly larger (P< 0.05) than the YOY from October (28.5 mm TL) and November (21.8 mm TL) flooded ponds. The 1-2 month growth advantage of the YOY in the September flooded ponds did not persist past November. The dip-netted YOY P. clarkii were significantly larger than the netted YOY P. a. actus from flooding to February; thereafter, P. a. acutus were similar in size or larger than YOY P. clarkii. At the harvest, YOY from the September flooded ponds (77.8 mm TL) were significantly larger than the YOY crayfish harvested from October (72.9 mm TL) and November (73.8 mm TL) flooded ponds. The overall ...
Abstract 4853: Comparison of automated and a semi-automated methods for assessing Ki-67 staining.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Human evaluation of immuno-staining is limited by the subjectivity of the human evaluator, is time-consuming and is expensive. Semi-automated means of tissue evaluation have been proposed, but most of these have large subjective components. This study assesses semi-automated and newly-developed fully automated methods of evaluating Ki-67 staining of benign and malignant tissue from radical prostatectomy specimens. A research tissue microarray was constructed from 68 prostatectomy specimens and contained 3 core samples of benign and 3 of malignant tissue from each research subject. Tissue microarray sections were immune-stained for Ki-67. Two technicians (SG & CM) evaluated each TMA core and labeled the nuclei positive for Ki-67 with a green dot, and negative with a red dot. Images were collected and Image-Pro software was used to count the number of green and red dots. In a separate procedure, Image-Pro (IP) software was used to identify nuclei, and grade each nucleus as positive or negative, and the percentage of positive nuclei was calculated. The semi-automated results correlated with each other (0.58, P<0.001). The semi-automated and fully automated results also correlated (0.8, P<0.001, CM vs. IP and 0.59, P<0.001, SG vs. IP). When stratified by tissue type (benign vs. malignant), the semi-automated results and the fully-automated results also correlated (benign tissue: 0.68, P<0.001, CM vs. IP, and 0.80, P<0.001, SG vs. IP; tumor tissue: 0.89, P<0.001, CM vs. IP and 0.47, P<0.001, SG vs. IP). These results suggest that semi-automated and automated analysis of Ki-67 staining of prostate tissue produces comparable results, and automated analysis can be used for prostate cancer research. Citation Format: Rochelle P. Ondracek, James Marshall, Karin Kasza, Christopher Morrison, Simoya Ghajar, Carl Morrison, Diana Mehedint, James L. Mohler. Comparison of automated and a semi-automated methods for assessing Ki-67 staining. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4853. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4853
Effect of Fluorine Incorporation on 1/f Noise of HfSiON FETs for Future Mixed-Signal CMOS

An effect of fluorine incorporation into HfSiON on 1/f noise is shown for the first time. Fluorine effect on 1/f noise for SiON and HfSiON devices differ in that F does not improve the HfSiON N-FET 1/f noise. Apparently, the interface traps created by Hf close to the conduction band cannot be passivated by fluorine. For future analog/mixed -signal applications, HfSiON P-FET is expected to limit noise performance even though F can improve its noise
Fate of the reconstructed carotid artery after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Reconstruction of the right common carotid artery has been shown to be feasible in neonates after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). However, the long-term outcome after carotid artery reconstruction (CAR) remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the natural progression of the anastomotic site after CAR. Between February 1990 and June 1993, 201 patients received ECMO. All veno-arterial (VA) ECMO patients (n = 172) were considered candidates for reconstruction unless a significant neurological event (ie, intracranial hemorrhage, stroke) had occurred; the duration of ECMO exceeded 10 days, making carotid mobilization difficult; or the patient's prognosis was deemed poor. Reconstruction was performed by excising the arteriotomy site, followed by primary end-to-end anastomosis. Reconstruction was abandoned and the artery ligated if an intimal flap, arterial thrombosis, or excessive tension was encountered. After reconstruction all patients had early carotid ultrasonography and either head computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Subsequent ultrasound examinations were performed at approximately 6-month intervals. Diameter index (DI) (a measure of anastomotic narrowing) was calculated using ultrasound by dividing the anastomotic diameter by the diameter of the carotid artery 5 mm proximal to the anastomosis. Forty-three of 172 VA ECMO patients (25%) had successful reconstruction. Long-term follow-up data were available on 27 patients. These 27 patients had 39 ultrasound examinations, with an average follow-up time of 7.3 months (range, 4 days to 29 months). All carotid arteries were patent. Linear regression analysis showed significant improvement in the DI with time (P = .0001, r2 = .382).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A secure data sharing and query processing framework via federation of cloud computing

Due to cost-efficiency and less hands-on management, data owners are outsourcing their data to the cloud which can provide access to the data as a service. However, by outsourcing their data to the cloud, the data owners lose control over their data as the cloud provider becomes a third party service provider. At first, encrypting the data by the owner and then exporting it to the cloud seems to be a good approach. However, there is a potential efficiency problem with the outsourced encrypted data when the data owner revokes some of the users' access privileges. An existing solution to this problem is based on symmetric key encryption scheme but it is not secure when a revoked user rejoins the system with different access privileges to the same data record. In this paper, we propose an efficient and Secure Data Sharing (SDS) framework using homomorphic encryption and proxy re-encryption schemes that prevents the leakage of unauthorized data when a revoked user rejoins the system. We also modify our underlying SDS framework and present a new solution based on the data distribution technique to prevent the information leakage in the case of collusion between a revoked user and the cloud service provider. A comparison of the proposed solution with existing methods is provided in detail. Furthermore, we demonstrate how the existing work can be utilized in our proposed framework to support secure query processing. We provide a detailed security as well as experimental analysis of the proposed framework on Amazon EC2 and highlight its practical value.
Controlled release of Pantoea agglomerans E325 for biocontrol of fire blight disease of apple

Microencapsulation and controlled release of the biocontrol agent Pantoea agglomerans strain E325 (E325), an antagonist to the bacterial plant pathogen Erwinia amylovora that causes fire blight, a devastating disease of apple and pear, have been investigated. Uniform core-shell alginate microcapsules (AMCs), 60-300 μm in diameter, were fabricated to encapsulate E325 within the core, along with nutrients, to preserve viability and promote proliferation. Controlled release of E325 was achieved by separately adjusting alginate concentrations in the shell and core solutions, and by modifying the AMC size. Viability of E325 was monitored via fluorescent staining, revealing either lack of or minimal stress during or after encapsulation. Proliferation of E325 within AMCs, followed by their subsequent release, and colonization activities within confines of apple flowers were studied under different encapsulation conditions using rfp-labeled E325 to obtain highly promising results. This study provided a 'proof of concept' of the successful use of a microencapsulated biocontrol agent, E325, against E. amylovora, and could serve as a model for further studies on the development of effective plant disease management strategies.
A Recipe for Clinical Research

These comments are intended to provide a few observations first about the times and environment in which general pediatricians are working and second about the factors that allow those who approach research from a clinical background to defy the odds against becoming successful investigators. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1996;150:320-322)
Crumenulopsis atropurpurea comb. nov., from Japanese red pine in Georgia.

An apothecial discomycete from diseased branches of Japanese red pine in Georgia was found to be conspecific with Cenangium atropurpureum. After comparison of the Georgia material with Ce. ferruginosum, the type species, it was concluded that on the basis of ectal excipular characteristics, Ce. atropurpureum is better accommodated in Crumenulopsis. This species differs from European species of Crumenulopsis in the oval shape of the ascospore, presence of a gelatinous ascospore sheath, and possession of a diffusible purplish pigment in KOH. It differs from the Florida species, Cr. lacrimiformia, in the shape of the ascospore and ascospore sheath, larger size of the ascoma, presence of the purple pigment, and host species.
Promoting axonal rewiring to improve outcome after stroke

A limited amount of functional recovery commonly occurs in the weeks and months after stroke, and a number of studies show that such recovery is associated with changes in the brain's functional organization. Measures that augment this reorganization in a safe and effective way may therefore help improve outcome in stroke patients. Here we review some of the evidence for functional and anatomical reorganization under normal physiological conditions, along with strategies that augment these processes and improve outcome after brain injury in animal models. These strategies include counteracting inhibitors of axon growth associated with myelin, activating neurons' intrinsic growth state, enhancing physiological activity, and having behavioral therapy. These approaches represent a marked departure from the recent focus on neuroprotection and may provide a more effective way to improve outcome after stroke.
The generation of inositolglycan mediators from rat liver plasma membranes: the role of guanine nucleotide binding proteins.

Abstract The guanine nucleotide dependence for the generation of inositolglycan second messengers from rat liver plasma membranes has been investigated. Plasma membranes, when treated with insulin release a soluble mediator substance which activates pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH). Guanosine 5′-[3-thio]triphosphate (GTPγS) was found to be as potent as insulin in stimulating mediator release. The stimulatory effects of GTPγS required the presence of magnesium and following preincubation of membranes with guanosine 5′-[2-thio]diphosphate (GDPβS) the stimulation of mediator release by either insulin or GTPγS was blocked. The activation of PDH by mediator fractions produced in response to either insulin or GTPγS was abolished following treatment of the fractions with anti-inositolglycan antibodies. The significance of these observations with respect to the possible involvement of a regulatory guanine-nucleotide binding protein (G-protein) in the generation of insulin mediators is discussed.
Modulation of mechanical properties in multiple-component tissue adhesives.

In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies were performed to investigate the effect of mixing upon the mechanical properties of a two-component tissue adhesive. The hypothesis investigated was that a more complete mixing of the two components would yield an increase in the mechanical performance of the adhesive. This in turn would be demonstrated by improved outcomes in models of clinical sealant application. In vitro stereological analysis of tissue adhesive mixed and delivered by several different applicators demonstrated variation in the amount of mixing provided by each type of delivery system. Ex vivo tensile adhesive strength showed that there was a correlation between the amount of mixing and bonding strength; that is, more thorough mixing demonstrated higher adhesive strength. No significant difference was seen, however, between the different applicator types and impact on in vivo dermal incisional closure strength. There was a correlation, though, in amount of mixing and in vivo hemostasis. In a rabbit spleen incision model, a more thoroughly mixed sealant corresponded with a decrease in time to obtain complete hemostasis, as well as less sealant used. The effects of mixing on tissue-adhesive mechanical performance were influenced somewhat by the amount of mixing provided by the applicator. This effect, however, was dependent upon the sealant formulation and the type of in vivo application.
Low Cost Star Couplers For Automotive Applications

Within the next 5 to 10 years optical fibers are expected to be used in automobile local area networks. For this application, both glass and plastic fibers have the potential to play a significant role. Under the hood, where the operating temperatures tend to be too high for plastic fibers, glass based fibers are likely to be used. Glass based fibers are also intended for use in fiber optic sensors, for example, in engine control systems. However, in general, the preferred fiber material is plastic due to economic considerations. In the case of optical fibers for a network within the passenger compartment, plastic optical fibers are adequate and several prototype systems have already been built and demonstrated. The principal reasons for considering the use of optical fibers are discussed in several papers (1-3). A key component in an optical fiber network is a star coupler. This paper will deal with the fabrication and test results of a prototype 7x7 transmissive star coupler developed at Battelle. The optical fiber diameter chosen for the development of the star coupler is a 1 mm diameter fiber manufactured by Mitsubishi (ESKA-40). Currently both 750 and 1000 micron diameter fibers are under consideration for the automobile but the technology reported here is capable of accommodating either fiber. The final choice of the fiber type will depend on several economic factors which are yet unknown.
Synthesis and characterization of side-chain thermotropic liquid crystalline copolymers containing regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene)

Abstract An azobenzene liquid crystalline mesogen, 6-(4-((4-methoxyphenyl)diazenyl)phenoxy)hexyl methacrylate (MMAZO) was incorporated into a block copolymer with regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). The synthesis was performed by a combination of Grignard metathesis (GRIM) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) techniques. The composition of synthesized copolymers was determined from 1HNMR analysis. The P3HT block/random copolymers containing thermotropic liquid crystalline segments were expected to bring unique self-assembly and opto-electronic properties. The field-effect mobility of the P3HT copolymers was measured in organic thin film transistors (OTFT). The surface morphology of the P3HT copolymer films upon annealing was investigated by tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TMAFM). Finally, the transition of liquid crystalline mesophase in response to the temperature in the P3HT copolymers was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM).
Dimensionless Analysis of Process Variables in Air-Sparged Hydrocyclone ( ASH ) Flotation of Fine Coal

Abstract Fine coal cleaning by froth flotation in a 2-inch air-sparged hydrocyclone (ASH) has been investigated and the effects of important design and operating variables on separation efficiency examined. In order to reduce the complexity of the analysis, the flotation performance of the air-sparged hydrocyclone was studied by dimensionless analysis. As a result of these efforts, an empirical model was derived to predict the flotation effectiveness of the air-sparged hydrocyclone unit of various levels of design and operating variables, thus allowing for optimization of the flotation separation. Since the model is based on dimensionless analysis, it is anticipated that subsequent development efforts to scale-up the ASH flotation system for industrial utilization will be facilitated
Potential Power and Problems in Sentiment Mining of Social Media

Sentiment mining research has experienced an explosive growth in awareness and demand as Web 2.0 technologies have paved the way for a surge of social media platforms that have significantly and rapidly increased the availability of user generated opinioned text. The power of opinions has long been known and is beginning to be tapped to a fuller potential through sentiment mining research. Social media sites have become a paradise for sentiment providing endless streams of opinioned text encompassing an infinite array of topics. With the potential to predict outcomes with a relative degree of accuracy, sentiment mining has become a hot topic not only to researchers, but to corporations as well. As the social media user base continues to expand and as researchers compete to fulfill the demand for sentiment analytic tools to sift through the endless stream of user generated content, the growth of sentiment mining of social media will continue well into the future with an emphasis on improved reliability, accuracy, and automation.
Adaptive Control of a Simulated MEMS Gyroscope

Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) are playing a significant role in industry because of their small size, small weight, and low power consumption. The vibrating gyroscope is one of those MEMS devices that will have significant impact in stability control of cars. This paper studies the design and control of a vibrating gyroscope. The device has been constructed in Pro-E environment and its model has been simulated in finite element domain in order to approximate its dynamic characteristics with a lumped model. An adaptive feedback control system that guarantees the stability of the device and consistent measurement of angular velocity has been constructed and simulated.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Angiotensin IV elevates oxytocin levels in the rat amygdala and produces anxiolytic-like activity through subsequent oxytocin receptor activation

The effects of angiotensin (Ang) IV result from binding to a constitutively active metallopeptidase known as the AT4 receptor (or oxytocinase/insulin-regulated membrane aminopeptidase). While in vitro evidence indicates that Ang IV inhibits the peptidase activity of AT4 receptors, leading to increases in the concentrations of several peptides, including oxytocin, the consequence of inhibiting AT4 peptidase activity in vivo remains unresolved. Microdialysis coupled to immunoassay techniques revealed that systemic and intra-amygdala injection of Nle-Ang IV, a metabolically stable derivative of Ang IV, significantly elevated extracellular levels of oxytocin in the rat amygdala. Based on earlier reports describing the anxiolytic-like effects of oxytocin, we investigated whether disrupting AT4 peptidase activity would yield similar responses. In the mouse four-plate test, acute treatment with either Nle-Ang IV or LVV-hemorphin-7, a related AT4 receptor ligand, elicited significant increases in the number of punished crossings. These behavioral responses were comparable to the anxiolytic-like effects of oxytocin and to the standard anxiolytic agent, chlordiazepoxide. Cotreatment with either the AT4 receptor antagonist, divalinal, or the selective oxytocin receptor antagonist, WAY-162720, reversed the anxiolytic-like effects of Nle-Ang IV, while combining ineffective doses of Nle-Ang IV and oxytocin increased the number of punished crossings in this assay. Conversely, Nle-Ang IV and LVV-hemorphin-7 were inactive in the mouse tail suspension test of antidepressant activity. These findings represent the first in vivo demonstration of the peptidase activity of AT4 receptors, confirm the anxiolytic-like properties of Ang IV, and reveal a unique and previously uncharacterized relationship between AT4 and oxytocin receptor systems.
Withdrawal of a stimulant drug and concurrent behavioral intervention in the treatment of a hyperactive child

The stimulant (methylphenidate) with which a hyperactive child was being treated was gradually withdrawn and replaced with a behavioral intervention program. The therapeutic program in home and school and the procedure used in withdrawing the drug are described. The results suggest the following: (1) This child was being maintained on a dose of methylphenidate which was twice as high as that necessary to obtain maximal improvement in behavior; (2) the behavioral intervention was at least as effective as the stimulant therapy; and (3) the effects of the behavioral intervention maintained after termination of active therapist involvement.
Silicate Liquid Immiscibility in Lunar Magmas, Evidenced by Melt Inclusions in Lunar Rocks

Examination of multiphase melt inclusions in 91 sections of 26 lunar rocks revealed abundant evidence of late-stage immiscibility in all crystalline rock sections and in soil fragments and most breccias. The two individual immiscible silicate melts (now glasses) vary in composition, but are essentially potassic granite and pyroxenite. This immiscibility may be important in the formation of the lunar highlands and tektites. Other inclusions yield the following temperatures at which the several minerals first appear on cooling the original magma: ilmenite (?) liquidus, 1210°C; pyroxene, 1140°C; plagioclase, 1105°C; solidus, 1075°C. The glasses also place some limitations on maximum and minimum cooling rates.
Support operator method on waveguide problems

The finite difference method has been successfully used to solve waveguide problems on rectangular grids. We introduce the support operator method (SOM) (Hyman, J.M. and Shashkov, M., Comp. Math. Appl., vol.33, no.4, p.81-104, 1997; Appl. Num. Math., vol.25, p.413-42, 1997) with unstructured quadrilateral cells to solve these problems. In SOM, a discrete approximation is defined for a first order differential operator that satisfies the appropriate integral identity. This initial discrete operator, called the natural operator, then supports the construction of other discrete operators, using discrete formulations of the identities for differential operators. The SOM method is based on fundamental mathematical principles that correspond to basic physical principles, and this method provides accurate, robust and stable approximations to differential operators on a nonuniform, nonsmooth, and unstructured grid. We also give a complexity analysis which shows that this algorithm is very efficient.
Interactions between temperature and salinity during brooding on subsequent zoeal development of the mud crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii

Female mud crabs, Rhithropanopeus harrisii, carrying newly extruded eggs, were collected from the Petaluma River (San Francisco Bay Estuarine System, California, USA) in summer 1985, and exposed to factorial combinations of temperature (20°, 25° or 30°C) and salinity (2, 5, 15, 25, or 32%.). Upon hatching, dry weights of 12 to 15 h-old zoeae were determined. Subgroups of the remaining zoeae were transferred from hatching salinities to the salinities listed above and raised until metamorphosis to megalopa. Low salinities reduced zoeal dry weights by as much as 25%. Temperature played a secondary role in reduction of hatching weight of zoeae. Survival of larvae through zoeal development was best when hatching and rearing salinities were the same; in this case, overall survival increased with temperature. Both duration of zoeal development and megalopal dry weights were strongly influenced by temperature and rearing salinity, with only a small contribution from hatching salinity. The influence of hatching salinity was most obvious at extremes of the range tested. These studies indicate that physical conditions during embryogenesis profoundly influence subsequent larval development. Interpretation of experimental approaches to study ecophysiological adaptations of larval stages should not neglect the role of physical conditions during embryogenesis.
Isolate housing alters ethanol sensitivity in long-sleep and short-sleep mice

Beginning at 45 days of age, male long-sleep (LS) and short-sleep (SS) mice were placed into individual cages for 21-22 days. Control animals were group-housed for the same amount of time. At 65-66 days of age, animals were given anesthetic doses of ethanol, IP. Measures taken were sleep time, body temperature at 30 and 60 minutes postinjection and blood ethanol content (BEC) at regain of righting response. Compared to the same measures in group-housed animals, sleep times and hypothermia were attenuated in isolate-housed LS and SS mice. Isolate housing resulted in a 15% increase, compared to levels observed in group-housed animals, in BEC at regain of righting in LS; there was no significant difference in BEC in SS mice. The results indicated an isolation-related decrease in sensitivity to the anesthetic effects of ethanol in LS; the effect of isolation in SS may be an increased clearance rate of ethanol.
Non-Contacting Seal for Rail Freight Applications

Due to increasing energy costs and emissions restrictions, many industries are paying closer attention to the energy required to keep their equipment operating. Parasitic losses in power such as those due to the drag produced by contacting lip seals that are found in a variety of rotating equipment can significantly add to the total operating costs of that equipment. In mobile industries (railroad, heavy truck, and automotive), these losses can significantly affect the amount of fuel consumed and emissions produced. Power losses due to seal drag are also accompanied with frictional heat and wear which can degrade components and lead to maintenance costs to service or replace these components. To address these issues for the railroad industry, Timken has developed a non-contacting seal for use in railroad bearings. A review is given of the design and development of a non-contacting labyrinth seal for railroad bearing applications. The seal has been qualified by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) for use in North America freight car service and is currently the only non-contacting seal in operation for this market. The unique design of the labyrinth pathway allows for zero seal drag with exceptional grease retention and contaminant exclusion capabilities as compared to contacting elastomer lip seals that are typical for this industry. Experimental test performance of this seal will be compared to other seals that are currently used in this industry. Operating torque reductions of 10–30 in-lb per seal achieved through this technology can lead to fuel savings on the order of hundreds of thousands of gallons per year corresponding to the elimination of thousands of tons of emissions due to the reduced fuel usage in the U.S. alone. These savings can be passed directly to railroads and freight car owners as well as the general population with lower operating costs, increased reliability, longer service life, and reduced emissions.© 2010 ASME
Halomethane-induced inhibition of protein synthesis in isolated hepatocytes.

Abstract The effect of several halomethanes on protein synthesis has been studied in isolated hepatocytes. When cells are added to medium preequilibrated with CCl4 or CBrCl3, protein synthesis is inhibited after a lag period of 4 to 10 min. The concentrations of CBrCl3, CCl4, and CHCl3 which cause a 50% inhibition of protein synthesis are about 6 μM, 400 μM, and 4mM, respectively. This order of potency parallels the rate at which these compounds are metabolized by the hepatic mixed function oxidase, suggesting that metabolism is required for toxicity. The inhibitory effect caused by 18 min of exposure to CBrCl3 is not reversed when the toxin is removed, indicating that inhibition involves some irreversible modification of cellular material. Unexpectedly, the inhibitory effect caused by 18 min of exposure of CCl4 is about 30–40% reversed when the toxin is removed. This suggests that CCl4 causes inhibition not only by a metabolism-dependent (irreversible) pathway, but by a metabolism-independent (reversible) mechanism as well. Extracellular Ca2+ is not required for CCl4 inhibition of protein synthesis.
Intending to err: the ethical challenge of lethal, autonomous systems

Current precursors in the development of lethal, autonomous systems (LAS) point to the use of biometric devices for assessing, identifying, and verifying targets. The inclusion of biometric devices entails the use of a probabilistic matching program that requires the deliberate targeting of noncombatants as a statistically necessary function of the system. While the tactical employment of the LAS may be justified on the grounds that the deliberate killing of a smaller number of noncombatants is better than the accidental killing of a larger number, it may nonetheless contravene a reemerging conception of right intention. Originally framed by Augustine of Hippo, this lesser-known formulation has served as the foundation for chivalric code, canon law, jus in bello criteria, and the law of armed conflict. Thus it serves as a viable measure to determine whether the use of lethal autonomy would accord with these other laws and principles. Specifically, examinations of the LAS through the lenses of collateral damage, the principle of double effect, and the principle of proportionality, reveal the need for more attention to be paid to the moral issues now, so that the promise of this emerging technology--that it will perform better than human beings--might actually come to pass.
Small-Scale: Using a Regional Pilot Project to Explore the Potential of Shared Print

The long-standing cooperative culture within the research library community should serve as a useful foundation for building regional cooperative agreements to support repositories of print journal backfiles. Serious storage constraints facing Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison mandated an effort to tackle this problem in a deliberative and coordinated way. An inter-institutional Task Force was formed to design and implement a process with a selected group of titles as a pilot project. The immediate goal was to liberate shelf space with an eye toward the future development of a consortial collection management plan for the storage of print journals among the three institutions.
Molecular Genetics of Transketolase in the Pathogenesis of the Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Thiamine deficiency, a frequent complication of alcoholism, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome [WKS]. Previous work by a number of investigators has implicated the thiamine-utilizing enzyme transketolase [Tk] as being involved mechanistically in the genetic predisposition to WKS. In particular, Tk derived from fibroblasts has been found to have an increased Km app for its cofactor thiamine pyrophosphate [TPP] and/or exist in different isoelectric forms in alcoholic patients with WKS as compared with unaffected individuals. We have demonstrated that these differences are not due to different Tk alleles, tissue-specific Tk isozymes, or differential mRNA splicing. These findings point to other mechanisms to explain the biochemical Tk variants, such as differences in assembly of the functional holoenzyme or differences in modification of the primary translation product. Tk assembly or modification, once biochemically characterized, may be found to be subject to genetic variation.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Series of New Luminescent NHC‐Coordinated AuI–AgI Tetra‐ and Polymetallic Complexes Containing Benzoate‐Bridged Ag2 Dimers

The reaction of [Au(CH3impy)2]PF6 (2), with substituted silver benzoate salts bearing different halide substituents produced a series of new mixed-metal species having two different structural motifs. One structural motif contains discrete tetrametallic Ag2Au2 diamond cores, whereas the other motif contains the same tetrametallic diamond core interconnected by benzoate-bridged silver dimers to form polymers. All the complexes are substitution-inert and stable both in the solid state as well as in solution. We also report the synthesis of oxidative addition products of [Au(CH3impy)2]PF6, which were also obtained during our attempts to oxidize the above-mentioned multimetallic assembly with bromine and iodine. Compounds 3–7 are intensely luminescent in frozen acetonitrile solution, but surprisingly no luminescence is observed at room temperature. All the complexes were completely characterized by 1H, 13C NMR, electronic absorption, emission spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Significance of the recovery of fractured-zona oocytes in an in vitro fertilization program.

Recovery of fractured-zona oocytes (FZOs) from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF/ET) has been previously reported. The present study was undertaken to determine the possible influence of different stimulation protocols and retrieval techniques on the incidence of FZOs, to analyze possible causes, and to evaluate the significance of FZOs in terms of IVF/ET results. Four hundred thirty-three cycles in which one or more FZOs were recovered (fractured-zona cycles; FZCs) and 1114 cycles in which FZOs were not obtained (intact-zona cycles; IZCs) were studied. A significantly higher number of follicles was aspirated in FZCs (7.16±3.5) than in IZCs (6.43±3.56), yielding significantly fewer immature oocytes in FZCs (1.58±1.93 vs 1.88±2.16) and a significantly higher number of atretic oocytes in FZCs (2.06±1.36 vs 0.73±1.21). No statistically significant difference was observed when the number of preovulatory oocytes obtained was compared. Nor were statistically significant differences observed as a result of either the type of stimulation [human chorionic gonadotropin (hMG), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or a combination] or the aspiration technique utilized (laparoscopy vs ultrasonically guided puncture). Peripheral estradiol and progesterone and follicular fluid estradiol, progesterone, and androstenedione comparisons showed no significant differences. However, endocrine and morphologic findings (higher follicular androstenedione levels and estradiol/progesterone ratio, degenerated ooplasms) suggested some degree of late oocyte atresia, possibly due to slight hyperstimulation. In an experimental study, two healthy immature oocytes matured in vitro to the metaphase II stage showed degenerative changes in the ooplasm within 20 min after being subjected to mechanical zona pellucida (ZP) damage (mechanical fracture). We conclude that (1) the presence of fracturedzona oocytes in IVF cycles does not impair the pregnancy rates and (2) stimulation-derived oocyte accelerated maturation and subsequent trauma from aspiration determine the fracture of the ZP.
Southern Hemisphere climate response to ozone changes and greenhouse gas increases

[1] While most of the Earth warmed rapidly during recent decades, surface temperatures decreased significantly over most of Antarctica. This cooling is consistent with circulation changes associated with a shift in the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). It has been suggested that both Antarctic ozone depletion and increasing greenhouses gases have contributed to these trends. We show that a climate model including the stratosphere and both composition changes reproduces the vertical structure and seasonality of observed trends. We find that the two factors have had comparable surface impacts over recent decades, though ozone dominates above the middle troposphere. Projected impacts of the two factors on circulation over the next fifty years oppose one another, resulting in minimal trends. In contrast, their effects on surface climate reinforce one another, causing a departure from the SAM pattern and a turnabout in Antarctic temperatures, which rise more rapidly than elsewhere in the Southern Hemisphere.
Sulbactam/ampicillin in the treatment of acute pelvic inflammatory disease

Acute pelvic inflammatory disease is associated with significant adverse reproductive sequelae. To prevent these serious sequelae, treatment regimens must cover the major etiologic agents which are Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and mixed anaerobic-aerobic bacteria. This report concerns the prospective evaluation of the efficacy of the combination of sulbactam with ampicillin in patients hospitalized with acute pelvic inflammatory disease. Clinical cure was noted in 33 (94%) of 35 patients and post-treatment cultures demonstrated eradication of N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis in all cases.
The Lanchester Attrition-Rate Coefficient

Since Lanchester's original efforts to describe the dynamics of combat mathematically, many analysts have extended the theory to include additional factors. Current literature suggests that the use of these models for prediction of battle results has been hampered by the inability to predict the Lanchester attrition-rate coefficients. In this paper a probability distribution for the attrition rate is developed for weapon systems that adjust fire based on results of the previous round fired. Parameters of the distribution are measurable capabilities of weapon systems and, accordingly, the attrition-rate coefficients can be predicted prior to inception of an engagement.
Regulation of chromosome speeds in mitosis.

When chromosomes are being separated in preparation for cell division, their motions are slow (~16 nm/s) relative to the speed at which many motor enzymes can move their cellular cargoes (160–1000 nm/s and sometimes even faster) and at which microtubules depolymerize (∼200 nm/s). Indeed, anaphase chromosome speeds are so slow that viscous drag puts little load on the mechanisms that generate the relevant forces (Nicklas, Adv. Cell Biol. 2:225, 1971). Available evidence suggests that chromosome speed is due to some form of regulation. For example, big and little chromosomes move at about the same speed, chromosomes that have farther to go move faster than others, and chromosome speed is affected by both temperature and an experimentally applied load. In this essay we review data on these phenomena and present our ideas about likely properties of the mechanisms that regulate chromosome speed.
Chromosomal Integration Mechanism of Infecting Mu Virion DNA

DNA transposition is central to the propagation of temperate phage Mu. A long-standing problem in Mu biology has been the mechanism by which the linear genome of an infecting phage, which is linked at both ends to DNA acquired from a previous host, integrates into the new host chromosome. If Mu were to use its well-established cointegrate mechanism for integration (single-strand nicks at Mu ends, joined to a staggered double-strand break in the target), the flanking host sequences would remain linked to Mu; target-primed replication of the linear integrant would subsequently break the chromosome. The absence of evidence for chromosome breaks has led to speculation that infecting Mu might use a cut-and-paste mechanism, whereby Mu DNA is cut away from the flanking sequences prior to integration. In this study we have followed the fate of the flanking DNA during the time course of Mu infection. We have found that these sequences are still attached to Mu upon integration and that they disappear soon after. The data rule out a cut-and-paste mechanism and suggest that infecting Mu integrates to generate simple insertions by a variation of its established cointegrate mechanism in which, instead of a “nick, join, and replicate” pathway, it follows a “nick, join, and process” pathway. The results show similarities with human immunodeficiency virus integration and provide a unifying mechanism for development of Mu along either the lysogenic or lytic pathway.
Screening for Maternal Experiences of Physical Abuse During Childhood

Because a parental history of abuse during childhood is a documented risk factor for child abuse, pediatricians have been urged to assess parents' childhood discipline experiences. A brief set of questions was developed to detect a maternal history of childhood physical abuse that could be incorporated into a comprehensive psychosocial screening questionnaire. A criterion-based definition was used as the measure for physical abuse. In phase I, four screening questions were developed in a cross-sectional survey of 284 middle-class women attending a family medicine clinic, of whom 32% met the criteria definition for physical abuse. In phase II, the screening questions were tested in 428 mothers seen in Salt Lake City- and Seattle-area pediatric clinics. The four screening questions had a sensitivity of > 90%, a specificity of > 85%, a positive predictive value of >75%, and a negative predictive value of ≥ 90% — as compared with the criteria-based definition in both pediatric settings. These four screening q...
Dynamic trust assessment of software services

Trust assessment is a key prerequisite for the adoption of software services but poorly supported by existing methods and technology especially when it comes to trust in dynamically composed and deployed software services. In this position paper, we discuss why this is the case and outline a programme of research focusing on the development of platform for dynamic trust assessment of software services.
Griffith fracture of a phenol-formaldehyde polymer

Cast samples of a phenol–formaldehyde polymer with a crack of length defined by a metallic foil inclusion were fractured in tension. The stress at fracture was inversely proportional to the square root of the crack length, in agreement with the Griffith equation for brittle fracture. The behavior did not conform to the Griffith equation with respect to the experimental value of surface free energy, which was several orders of magnitude higher than a theoretically calculated value. However, as the temperature of tensile testing was raised, the experimental value did approach the calculated value. Consistently the appearance of the fracture surface was observed to change from one showing evidence of plastic deformation at room temperature to a featureless appearance, characteristic of brittle fracture, at higher temperatures.
Swelling/deswelling of anionic copolymer gels

Studies of dynamic and equilibrium swelling of ionic gels are important in understanding the diffusion of physiologically important fluids in materials for site-specific controlled drug delivery applications. The dynamic and equilibrium swelling properties of dry glassy poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-comethacrylic acid) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-acrylic acid) polymeric networks were studied as a function of pH, ionic strength, nature of the counterion and buffer composition. The mechanism of water diffusion in these gels became more anomalous as the pH of the swelling medium increased and as the ionic strength decreased at a constant pH ≥ pKa,gel. The mechanism of water diffusion was Fickian in all unbuffered swelling media at pH 4.0, which is lower than the pKa,gel. The pKa,gel of these gels was between 5.5 and 6. At pH 4.0, the diffusion mechanism was independent of ionic strength. This swelling behaviour is explained in terms of the concept of ion osmotic swelling pressure and ion exchange kinetics.
Progesterone-Induced Synthesis of a New Species of Nuclear RNA

We have previously demonstrated that progesterone induces the synthesis of the specific chick oviduct protein, avidin. In the present study, we have utilized the techniques of DNA-RNA molecular hybridization to identify a new specie(s) of oviduct nuclear RNA which was produced following administration of progesterone but prior to induction of avidin synthesis. This change in nuclear RNA population was found at both 6 and 16 hr following administrationadministration of the steroid hormone. The results were similar when the RNA was labeled either in vivo, in vitro, or double-labeled with different RNA precursors. The appearance of this new species of nuclear hybridizable RNA indicates a mechanism of action for progesterone at the nuclear or transcriptional level of protein synthesis, resulting in new gene transcriptions and eventuating in avidin synthesis. (Endocrinology 84: 63, 1969)
Pharmacy educators’ experience and views on academic dishonesty

Abstract Objectives To determine faculty experiences with and perceptions of academic dishonesty and if there are inconsistencies in interpretation and handling of such violations. Methods Faculty members within two departments at a college of pharmacy were surveyed to collect their experiences with and perceptions of academic dishonesty. These faculty were also asked to interpret and respond to potential violations via hypothetical case scenarios. Results Of the 46 faculty members who participated in the survey, 75% reported having never experienced an Honor Code violation. Most respondents agreed that it is the responsibility of the faculty member to address every alleged Honor Code violation (95.3%) and that violations should be handled consistently (97.7%). Few respondents (34.9%) indicated that they have had adequate mentoring and training in handling situations of academic dishonesty. Most faculty respondents identified each hypothetical scenario as an Honor Code violation but reported a variety of methods to manage these potential violations. Conclusions Faculty at one college of pharmacy, reported minimal academic dishonesty experience, but have congruent beliefs on what Honor Code violations are and how they should be handled. However, methods chosen for managing hypothetical and real violations varied widely. A uniform process for managing violations should be considered to reduce academic dishonesty in pharmacy education.