cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Indium-111 leukocyte scintigraphic detection of mitral valve vegetations in active bacterial endocarditis.

Abstract Echocardiography has been shown to have clinical utility in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with bacterial endocarditis.1 However, in patients with prosthetic valves or extensive calcification of the leaflets or valve rings, the presence of multiple dense echos may make identification of vegetations or abscess formation difficult.2 Indium-111 leukocyte scintigraphy is capable of identifying areas of abscess formation or active infection,3 but its role in the evaluation and monitoring of patients with endocarditis is not clearly established.4 We report a patient with Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis who had a mitral valve vegetation identified by indium-111 leukocyte scintigraphy.
Apart Together: "Girl Talk" and "Boy Talk" Classes at an Urban Middle School.

Subgroups within a school can fracture or strengthen the larger community. In this article, participant observation of two classes offered in an urban middle school, "Girl Talk" and "Boy Talk, " re...
Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Adolescent Brain

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides accurate anatomical brain images without the use of ionizing radiation, allowing longitudinal studies of brain morphometry during adolescent development. Results from an ongoing brain imaging project being conducted at the Child Psychiatry Branch of the National Institute of Mental Health indicate dynamic changes in brain anatomy throughout adolescence. White matter increases in a roughly linear pattern, with minor differences in slope in the four major lobes (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital). Cortical gray matter follows an inverted U-shape developmental course with greater regional variation than white matter. For instance, frontal gray matter volume peaks at about age 11.0 years in girls and 12.1 years in boys, whereas temporal gray matter volume peaks at about age at 16.7 years in girls and 16.2 years in boys. The dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex, important for controlling impulses, is among the latest brain regions to mature without reaching adult dimensions until the early 20s. The details of the relationships between anatomical changes and behavioral changes, and the forces that influence brain development, have not been well established and remain a prominent goal of ongoing investigations.
Experience with intraoperative ultrasound in paediatric cardiac surgery.

Objective: Intraoperative ultrasound was introduced to evaluate the adequacy of repair after surgical repair of congenital cardiac malformations. Our purpose was to review the evolution of this technique at our centre. Methods: We evaluated all intraoperative ultrasound studies undertaken between 1997 and 2002, reviewing the data from 1997 through 2001 retrospectively, but undertaking a prospective audit of studies undertaken from 2002 onwards. In all, we carried out a total number of 639 intraoperative ultrasound studies, from a possible 2737 cardiac operations (23.3%), using the epicardal approach in 580 (90.7%), and transoesophageal ultrasound in the other 59 patients (9.3%). Median age was 0.6 years, with an interquartile range from 0.06 to 3.6 years. Results: The findings obtained using intraoperative ultrasound influenced the surgical management in 63 of the 639 patients (9.9%), suggesting the need for additional surgery in 26, adjustment of the band placed round the pulmonary trunk in 16, preoperative assessment of the cardiac malformation in 5, and confirming the need for prolonged support with cardiopulmonary bypass for impaired ventricular function in 16. There were 18 early reoperations, 5 of which may have been predicted by intraoperative ultrasound. Of the 183 studies reviewed prospectively in 2002, it was not possible to obtain the complete range of views in 8 (4.4%), while in 27 patients (14.7%), the postoperative findings using transthoracic interrogation differed from the findings obtained immediately following bypass. Conclusion: Intraoperative ultrasound is an important technique for monitoring the results of complex congenital cardiac surgery. The immediate recognition of significant lesions, together with multidisciplinary discussion, allows for improved management and prevention of early surgical reintervention.
The membrane mirror as an adaptive optical element

A membrane mirror assembly is described that has a membrane deflected by a region of electrostatic actuators, consisting of conducting pads. The procedure for fabrication of typical membranes is described and involves evaporation of the material onto a substrate in a vacuum chamber. Parametric equations, developed from basic vibration theory, are given for establishing transient and steady-state performance criteria. Experimental data, using both titanium and nickel test membranes, shows that the performance satisfies the predicted requirements.
Functional Organization of Rat Olfactory Bulb Glomeruli Revealed by Optical Imaging

The functional organization and synaptic physiology of olfactory bulb glomeruli were studied in rat in vitro slice preparations stained with the voltage-sensitive dye RH-155. Optical signals were recorded with a 100-element photodiode array at high temporal resolution. Pharmacological and ionic manipulations were used to investigate synaptic responses to stimulation of the olfactory nerve layer (ONL). ONL stimulation evoked a sodium-mediated compound action potential that propagated across the ONL and invaded individual glomeruli. This presynaptic volley evoked calcium-dependent synaptic responses the amplitudes of which were largest within the glomerular layer (GL); smaller amplitude responses were recorded in deeper layers of the olfactory bulb. Synaptic responses in the GL were attenuated by the non-NMDA ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonist CNQX; the residual component was suppressed by the NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist AP-5. The GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline methiodide had little effect, whereas the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen dramatically attenuated ONL-evoked synaptic responses. The effects of baclofen were reversed by the GABAB receptor antagonist CGP35348. Paired-pulse depression of ONL-evoked synaptic responses in the GL was partially reversed by CGP35348. These findings suggest that olfactory nerve axons release glutamate to activate both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors on GL neurons, that GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition has little effect on these responses, and that GABAB receptor-mediated inhibition may act presynaptically on olfactory nerve axons to modulate their inputs to olfactory bulb neurons.
Prescription Privileges for Psychologists: Opinions of Pediatric Psychologists and Pediatricians

Objective To examine the opinions of pediatricians and pediatric psychologists concerning prescription privileges for psychologists. Methods 213 pediatric psychologists and 119 pediatricians returned surveys regarding their opinions about cost, access, and quality of psychological care if psychologists had prescription privileges. Results Pediatric psychologists had significantly more positive views of prescription privileges than pediatricians. Despite not being in favor of prescription privileges, most pediatricians said that prescription privileges would not negatively impact their professional relationship, although � 37% said it would. Conclusion Pediatric psychologists and pediatricians differ significantly in their opinions about prescription privileges for psychologists. The implications of these findings for the working relationship between these two disciplines are discussed.
Basic mechanisms of circadian rhythms and their relation to the sleep/wake cycle

Organisms exhibit cyclic variations in a variety of essential functions, including the sleep-wake cycle, hormonal regulation, and reproduction. A primary environmental signal regulating these functions is the daily alternation of darkness and light exerted by the rotation of the earth. Superimposed upon the daily light-dark cycle is a seasonal influence that modifies the relative durations of day and night over the course of a year. These environmental changes make it necessary for organisms to be able to modify their behavior so that they are active during times when the opportunity to acquire nutritional resources exceeds the risk of predation, and resting during times when the need for vigilance is minimized. Be they day-active or night-active, all organisms need a means of keeping time in a 24-hour world and adjusting to changes in day length or transition times that may occur
Tropical Forest Fragments Enhance Pollinator Activity in Nearby Coffee Crops

Crop pollination by wild bees is an ecosystem service of enormous value, but it is under increas- ing threat from agricultural intensification. As with many ecosystem services, the mechanisms, scales, and species through which crop pollination is provided are too poorly understood to inform land-use decisions. I investigated the role of tropical forest remnants as sources of pollinators to surrounding coffee crops in Costa Rica. In 2001 and 2002 I observed bee activity and pollen deposition rates at coffee flowers along distance gradients from two fragments and one narrow riparian strip of forest. Eleven eusocial species were the most common visitors: 10 species of native meliponines and the introduced honeybee, Apis mellifera (hereafter Apis). Bee richness, overall visitation rate, and pollen deposition rate were all significantly higher in sites within approximately 100 m of forest fragments than in sites farther away (maximum distance of 1.6 km). Apis visitation rates were constant across the distance gradient, however, and Apis accounted for >90% of all floral visits in distant sites. The gradient from the riparian strip showed a similar drop in bee species richness with distance, but visitation rates were uniformly low along the gradient. Throughout the study area, Apis abundances declined sharply from 2001 to 2002, reducing visitation rates by over 50% in distant sites (where Apis was almost the only pollinator). In near sites, however, overall visitation rates dropped only 9% because native species almost entirely compensated for the Apis decline. Forest fragments (more so than the riparian strip) thus provided nearby coffee with a diversity of bees that increased both the amount and stability of pollination services by reducing dependence on a single introduced pollinator. Exploring the economic links between forest preservation and coffee cultivation may help align the goals of conservation and agriculture within many regions of global conservation priority.
Are undergraduate examinees' perceptions of item difficulty related to item characteristics?

The present study assessed whether selected item characteristics—difficulty for the group, corrected item-total correlation, cognitive level, and difficulty for the examinee—relate to judgment of item difficulty. Undergraduate students in two classes (ns = 76, 43) identified what they believed were the five easiest and five most difficult items on a multiple-choice test. Statistically significant correlations were observed for difficulty for the group and the frequency that items were chosen as easy as well as with frequency of items chosen as difficult. Students performed significantly better on items they chose as easy than those chosen as difficult. Items chosen as easy more often called for simple, factual recall than did items chosen as difficult.
Using Data From Court Cases and Employee Surveys to Design Sexual Harassment Policies

Study after study shows that sexual harassment is a problem that threatens to undermine many of the inroads made by working women in the last three decades. Small business managers who fail to adopt policies to prevent harassment risk losing valuable employees, the goodwill of the public, and expensive lawsuits. Data from leading federal court cases and two landmark federal employee surveys can be used to formulate policies that prevent sexual harassment from occurring.
In Vitro Efficacy of Nonantibiotic Treatments on Biofilm Disruption of Gram-Negative Pathogens and an In Vivo Model of Infectious Endometritis Utilizing Isolates from the Equine Uterus

In this study, we evaluated the ability of the equine clinical treatments N-acetylcysteine, EDTA, and hydrogen peroxide to disrupt in vitro biofilms and kill equine reproductive pathogens (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Klebsiella pneumoniae) isolated from clinical cases. N-acetylcysteine (3.3%) decreased biofilm biomass and killed bacteria within the biofilms of E. coli isolates. The CFU of recoverable P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae isolates were decreased, but the biofilm biomass was unchanged. Exposure to hydrogen peroxide (1%) decreased the biofilm biomass and reduced the CFU of E. coli isolates, K. pneumoniae isolates were observed to have a reduction in CFU, and minimal effects were observed for P. aeruginosa isolates. Chelating agents (EDTA formulations) reduced E. coli CFU but were ineffective at disrupting preformed biofilms or decreasing the CFU of P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae within a biofilm. No single nonantibiotic treatment commonly used in equine veterinary practice was able to reduce the CFU and biofilm biomass of all three Gram-negative species of bacteria evaluated. An in vivo equine model of infectious endometritis was also developed to monitor biofilm formation, utilizing bioluminescence imaging with equine P. aeruginosa isolates from this study. Following infection, the endometrial surface contained focal areas of bacterial growth encased in a strongly adherent "biofilm-like" matrix, suggesting that biofilms are present during clinical cases of infectious equine endometritis. Our results indicate that Gram-negative bacteria isolated from the equine uterus are capable of producing a biofilm in vitro, and P. aeruginosa is capable of producing biofilm-like material in vivo.
The impact of cancer on geriatric syndromes in older Medicare beneficiaries

9506 Background: Geriatric syndromes are highly prevalent in the elderly population and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The impact of a history of cancer on the presence of geriatric syndromes has not been well described. Methods: Using the 2003 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS), we analyzed a national sample of 12,480 community-based elders. Differences in prevalence of geriatric syndromes between those with and without cancer were estimated. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify independent predictors of geriatric syndromes, including the specific type of cancer. Results: 2349 (18%) reported current or history of cancer. Among cancer subjects, 63% had a prevalence ≥ 1 geriatric syndrome as compared to 57% of the non-cancer subjects (p<0.0001). Cancer subjects overall had a significantly higher prevalence of hearing trouble, incontinence, falls, depression, and osteoporosis than those without cancer (all p values <0.001). Adjusting for possible confounder...
Suicide in men is systematically underreported in Afghanistan

Suicide is a major public health concern in Afghanistan. However, in spite of substantial anecdotal reports of suicide incidences in the country, suicidal behavior (ideation, attempts, and completed suicide) has not been studied systematically in Afghanistan. Most of the data come from media reports. Such reports are inherently biased; most recent reports indicate that overwhelming majority of completed suicide are females (95%). Such observations are in stark contrast with what is seen globally and what was reported in 1960s in Afghanistan. We present a case of an Afghan man surviving a suicide attempt to highlight the underreporting of suicide and suicidal behavior in Afghanistan. We conclude that the Afghan people need international support to develop research strategies and devise suicide prevention methods to address the problem of suicide in Afghanistan.
Ion radicals. 40. Formation of 10-phenylphenothiazine 5-oxide and Nitro-10-phenylphenolhiazirie 5-oxides by reaction of 10-phenylphcnolhiazine cation radical perchlorate with nitrite ion †

The reaction of 10-phenylphenolhiazine cation radical (1) with nitrite ion leads not only to 10-phenylphenothiazine 5-oxide (2) but also to 3-nitro-10-phenylphenothiazinc 5,5-dioxide (4), and two dinitro-10-phenylphenolhia/.ine 5-oxidcs (5 and 6). The products (3-6) appear to he formed from the nitration of 2 by nitrogen dioxide, the nitrogen dioxide arising from the reaction of nitric oxide (formed along with 2 when 1 reacts with nitrite anion) and oxygen.
African Coffee Market Efficiency and International Hedging Viability: Evidence from Uganda

Several African nations rely heavily on coffee exports as a source of national income. Given coffee’s importance to many African economies and the risk that price instability poses to coffee exporters, the World Bank and others have promoted price risk management strategies relying on international futures markets. We test the efficiency of Ugandan coffee markets with respect to international futures markets and test the viability of hedging strategies using these markets. We find evidence of a close relationship between the movements of Ugandan coffee producer prices and futures market prices, supporting the feasibility of hedging price risk in international markets.
Simultaneous determination of eight progesterone derivatives residues in milk by ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry

Objective:To establish a method for the simultaneous determination of eight progesterone derivatives residues,such as 21-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone,17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone,ethisterone,medroxyprogesterone,megestrol acetate,chlormadinone acetate,medroxyprogesterone acetate and progesterone,in milk by ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry(UFLC-MS/MS).Methods: After the milk was extracted by methanol and cleaned and enriched by Waters Oasis HLB solid-phase extraction(SPE) cartridge,separation was performed on a Shim-pack XR-ODSⅡ(100 mm×2.0 mm i.d.,2.2 μm) fast column by the mobile phase of acetonitrile and water with gradient eluent,which contained 0.5%(V/V) formic acid and 5.0 mmol/L ammonium acetate.Detection was carried out by UFLC-MS/MS using a positive electrospray ionization interface in the multi-reaction monitoring(MRM) mode.Results: Calibration curves were linear within the range of 0.5 μg/kg～50.0 μg/kg with the correlation coefficients of more than 0.999,and the limits of quantification(LOQs)were between 0.1 μg/kg～0.5 μg/kg.The extraction recoveries were 73.0%～97.5%,and the RSDs were between 3.8%～8.6%.Conclusion: The developed method is simple,sensitive,accurate and good specificity for the satisfactory determination of trace progesterone derivatives residues in milk.
Determination of residues of 13 pesticides in vegetables by solid phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Objective To establish a method for detecting residues of 13 pesticides belonged to three categories in vegetable by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and solid-phase extraction. Methods The homogenized samples were extracted by 20mL acetonitrile in the condition of ultrasonic waves for 10 minutes, and continued for 10 minutes after saltingout with 3.6g sodium chloride, then filtrated, redissolved by acetone and dichloromethane(1:1) after dried with liquid nitrogen. The redissolved samples were purified through PC/NH2-SPE column, dried to 1mL by liquid nitrogen, then detected by TG-5MS capillary column and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Heptachlor epoxide was used as internal standard and selective ion masses were used for quantitative analysis. Results The 13 pesticides was well isolated, the correlation coefficients were 0.9988~0.9994, The minimum detection concentration were 0.005 mg/kg~0.020mg/kg, the average recovery rates were 74.8% ~ 100.8% and the relative standard deviation were 1.8%~8.9%. Conclusion This method is simple and rapid with high accuracy and percision, and it is suitable for determination of pesticide residues in vegetable and fruits.
Changes of Plasma F VII:C, F VII:C, Prothrombin and Fibrinogen in Acute Cerebrocardiac Vascular Thrombotic Disease

Objective: To investigate activities of plasma F Ⅶ(F Ⅶ: C), F Ⅷ (F Ⅷ:C), Prothrombin and fibrinogen in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute ischemic stroke(AIS). Methods: The clotting activity of F Ⅶ, F Ⅶ, prothrombin and fibrinogen was measured by prothrombin time (PT), activated thromboplastin time(APTT), one-stage amidolytic assay (using the chromogenic sub-stracte chromozym P) and thrombin time(TT) respetively. Results: (1)F Ⅶ:C: There were not significant differenceof F Ⅶ:C between AMI (98.3% ±36.7% ) and younger (104.0% ±29.4%, P0.05) or elder (114.9 % ± 23.6 % , P 0.05); AIS (152. 9% ± 30. 3% ) were significant higher plasma level than that of younger (P0.001) and elder (P0.001). (2)FVI :C: The level of F Ⅷ:C in AMI(234.2% ± 57.9%) were significantly higher than that of younger group (101.2% ± 32.6% )(P0. 001) and elder (116.4% ±35.7%, P0.001); AIS(85.5% ± 32.6%) were lower than elder (( P 0.05 ). (3)Prothrombin: Both AMI(130.2% ±14.7%) and AIS(128.0% ±29.4%) has higher activities of prothrombin than that of younger(108.0%±7.7%, P 0.001 and 0.01 respectively) and elder(106.1% ± 19.4%, P0.001). (4)Fibrinogen: Both AMI(207.2% ±53.0% ) and AIS(174.3% ±28.5% ) fibrinogen level was significantly higher than that of younger(103.3% ± 11.6% , P0.001)and elder(143.8% ±16.8%, P0.001 and 0.01). Conclusion: There is higher level of F Ⅶ:C in AIS and F Ⅷ: C in AMI, both AMI and AIS has increased activity of prothrombin and fibrinogen.
Ductal lavage for breast cancer risk assessment.

BackgroundEffective chemoprevention is available for breast cancer, but it is associated with the potential for life-threatening adverse events. Accurate identification of women facing increased ri...
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors in Ophthalmology

Aqueous humor is secreted by the ciliary processes into the posterior chamber (Fig. 1). Intraocular pressure (IOP), normally less than 20 mm Hg, results from the balance between the production (approximately 2 µl/min) and the drainage (approximately 0.20 µl/min per mm Hg) of aqueous humor. Elevated IOP due to reduced drainage of aqueous humor, open-angle glaucoma, causes optic nerve damage; therefore, medical therapy is directed to pharmacologically increasing the drainage or decreasing the production of aqueous humor.6,32,44
A study of the turbulent jet flow field in a methane fueled turbulent jet ignition (TJI) system

Abstract This paper analytically and computationally examines the transient jet used to ignite combustible mixtures during Turbulent Jet Ignition (TJI). In TJI the ignition source, which originates in the prechamber, enters through a connecting nozzle into the main chamber as a transient high temperature jet of reacted mixture, reacting mixture and active radicals. A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model is developed for the flow field, density gradients, turbulence intensity, and temperature fields in both the prechamber and the main chamber. None of these quantities are currently measurable. The pressure traces computed using four (4) comprehensive chemical kinetic mechanisms (San Diego, Aramco, GRI, and, NUI) and one (1) reduced chemical kinetic mechanism are compared with the experimental pressure data. Results indicate that none of the mechanisms are in complete agreement, however they are in good agreement with the experimental burn rate, peak pressure and ignition delay predictions. Comparison is made of the simulations with high speed chemiluminescence images of combustion and measured pressure traces in a Rapid Compression Machine (RCM). The influences of nozzle size and mixture stoichiometry on jet penetration speed and combustion performance are investigated. Normalized transient results are presented that produce good agreement between the various classes of model predictions. A discussion is provided of a new correlation model for the transient TJI process.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) Supplementation and Albuminuria: Not a Slam Dunk.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) include ω‐3 PUFAs derived from plants or meat and ω‐6 PUFAs derived from plants or marine life. Long‐chain PUFAs include arachidonic acid (ω‐6 PUFA) and docosahexaenoic acid, the latter 2 being ω‐3 PUFAs. Long‐chain ω‐3 PUFAs have been the focus
Recessions and health revisited: New findings for working age adults.

Abstract A series of influential papers have documented that state level mortality rates decrease during economic downturns. In this paper, we estimate the effect of education specific unemployment rates on mortality, which provide a more exact measure of the likelihood of being directly impacted by a recession. We find that the unemployment rate of an education group in a given state is positively related to mortality in that group. A 1% increase in the group-specific unemployment rate is associated with an approximately 0.015% increase in the group-specific mortality rate, which is consistent with the hypothesis that, while state-level unemployment may have indirect health benefits, being personally affected by a recession has a detrimental effect on health.
Writing and Editing Data Files

Constructing a data file is a first step in any data analysis. In this chapter, I explain three programs:
Cellular events involved in the true primary immune response of splenocytes in vitro.

The immunization of lymphoid cells can be readily achieved in vitro with common antigens such as syngeneic erythrocytes, serum proteins or chemical haptens. More antibody forming cells (AFCs) usually are induced when lymphoid cells are derived from antigen primed donor animals. A “true” primary immune response by splenocytes from unprimed animals is difficult to induce. In general, pre-existing immunocytes to most antigens are present even before specific immunization. Furthermore, even in the absence of specific antigen, AFC usually appear in vitro to most antigens, including erythrocytes and bacterial antigens, suggesting that there is a cross-reacting antigen in the culture medium or environment (1–5).
Principles-Based Regulation and Emerging Technology

This chapter considers the application of principles-based regulation to the regulation of emerging technologies in the United States. Principles-based regulation is used in financial regulation outside the United States. Concrete rules are often swiftly obsolete in industries where innovation is common. Principles-based regulation would give the government an opportunity to keep up with technological advances. If principles-based regulation was used instead of rules-based regulation, this could be a more efficient system because companies would have more flexibility and freedom in their product designs. Some of the drawbacks of employing this system with technology are that companies will seek assurance that they are in compliance before investing millions of dollars into a project that could be deemed illegal and companies will be hesitant to reveal information to prove that they are in compliance with the regulations because it could also reveal trade secrets.
Clarifications on the NPTE Revisions and Role in Licensing: Comment on Kume, Reddin & Horbacewicz (2018)

Abstract This article presented a commentary on the study published by Kume, Reddin & Horbacewicz (2018) predictors of performance on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The authors clarified the role of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and NPTE in obtaining a license to practice physical therapy in the United States, as well as the impact and scope of changes to the NPTE in previous years.
An Experimental Investigation concerning the Effects of AFP Defects on Progressive Failure of Tensile Coupons

This paper discusses characterization approaches for the evaluation of potential defects that may occur during the automated fiber placement (AFP) process. Two nondestructive evaluation techniques were utilized simultaneously, acoustic emission (AE) and digital image correlation (DIC), to investigate correlations between mechanical properties and damage propagation during tension tests. The layup configuration is designed with the defect running across the width, and the stacking sequence with seven layers is produced: [−45/0/45/90]s. A total of 3 panels were manufactured: one containing a gap defect in the middle layer, another one with an overlap defect, and a pristine panel for baseline comparison. Each panel accommodates six coupons having dimensions of 20” x 2”. The results indicate that defects caused during the manufacturing process affect damage initiation and growth.
UNIT 3.13 Ribonucleases

Ribonucleases (RNases) with different sequence or structural specificities are used for a variety of analytical purposes, including RNA sequencing, mapping, and quantitation. The development of RNase protection assays, structural determination assays, and the production of small interfering RNAs (siRNA) employed in RNA interference (RNAi) experiments has depended on the unique substrate specificities of commercially available RNases, including RNases A, I, T1, V1, HI, III, and Dicer. One very common application for high purity RNase A is also presented in this unit and involves hydrolyzing RNA that contaminates DNA preparations. RNase HII and the placental RNase inhibitor are also discussed. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 84:3.13.1-3.13.8. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: RNase; RNase protection assay; RNA footprinting; RNAi; siRNA
Comparison between a novel tap water wound irrigation device with sterile saline device in an open traumatic wound animal model

Study objectiveOpen traumatic wounds present to US emergency departments at a rate of approximately 12 million per year. Tap water wound irrigation usage has not been adopted by providers thus nega...
Risk of Thrombosis in Cancer: Clinical Factors and Role of Primary Prophylaxis

Cancer and its treatments are commonly complicated by venous thromboembolism (VTE), but there is a substantial variation in risk between individual cancer patients. The risk of VTE in cancer patients is influenced by multiple risk factors including primary site of cancer, stage, comorbidities, use of specific antineoplastic agents. Several biomarkers have been associated with subsequent VTE including D-dimer and tissue factor, although no single risk factor or biomarker accurately is predictive of VTE on its own. The risk of VTE is best predicted by a validated risk assessment score. Cancer patients at risk of VTE benefit from thromboprophylaxis, supported by evidence in the setting of hospitalization for acute medical illness and surgery, and emerging data from two large randomized trials in the outpatient setting. This chapter focuses on approaches to identifying risk of VTE and approaches to reducing this risk with appropriate thromboprophylaxis.
Fetal phenotypes emerge as genetic technologies become robust

Prenatal genomic evaluation of the fetus is available at decreasing cost and with a faster turnaround time. However, fetal genotype-phenotype correlations are in their infancy. By comparison, pediatric and adult genotype-phenotype databases are well established and publicly accessible. A similar system for fetal genomics is lacking. When a fetal anomaly is identified by ultrasound imaging, a genetic diagnosis provides important information. However, fetal prognostic counseling is problematic if the only available information is based on outcomes following postnatal diagnoses. The same conditions identified prenatally may have more benign or more deleterious outcomes. Also, the condition may evolve over the pregnancy itself. As genomic testing increasingly examines fetal DNA at a single nucleotide level, the concomitant in utero phenotype deserves equal attention. Often, the reports of fetal phenotype are limited. Among sonologists, an increased awareness of attaining and communicating detailed fetal phenotypes is needed. The interpretation of expanded prenatal sequencing is reliant on deeper fetal phenotyping. The information gained significantly impacts clinical care and understanding of fetal development. This case series highlights: the broad spectrum of fetal phenotypes for known genetic conditions, phenotype progression during pregnancy, and the need to supplement systematic imaging with descriptive details when assessing fetuses with malformations.
Thermal Simulation of a CubeSat

This paper presents a thermal analysis and control framework for a cubesat which can serve as an on-orbit experimental platform on living mammalian tissues. In particular, the Bio-CubeSat will be used to study long term effects of space radiations and microgravity on a living sample of mammalian bone tissue contained in a bio housing. This housing will provide the adequate ex-vivo environment for the tissue to survive during the few weeks to perform the experiments. It will also contain the set of sensors to assess the health of the sample and its structural change and chemical degradation due to the harsh space environment. One of the most stringent requirements, for the survivability of the bone sample, relates to maintaining the housing temperature fluctuation within a narrow range during the orbit. In this work we describe the development of a framework to execute the thermal analysis of an orbiting cubesat. Our ultimate goal is to identify, for a given Bio-cubesat orbit, the external coating materials and attitude control law, during the Sun exposure, that limit the temperature fluctuation within an admissible range.
Elasto-Plastic Finite Element Modeling of Short Carbon Fiber Reinforced 3D Printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Composites

This research extends the existing classical lamination theory based finite element (FE) models to predict elasto-plastic and bimodular behavior of 3D printed composites with orthotropic material properties. Short carbon fiber reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene was selected as the 3D printing material. Material characterization of a 3D printed unidirectional laminate was carried out using mechanical tests. A bimodular material model was implemented using explicit FE analysis to predict the tension and bending behavior of a 3D printed laminate. The results of the FE model predictions were experimentally validated. Hill’s yield function was effective at predicting the elasto-plastic stress–strain behavior of the laminate in tension. In bending, bimodular material behavior along with Hill’s yield function worked reasonably well in predicting the elasto-plastic bending of the laminate. The material model proposed can be used to predict the mechanical behavior of 3D printed parts with complex geometry under complex loading and boundary conditions.
Collision prediction for intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery planning: An easy-to-implement analytical solution

Abstract Purpose Gantry collision is a concern in linac-based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Without collision screening, the planner may compromise optimal planning, unnecessary re-planning delays can occur, and incomplete treatments may be delivered. To address these concerns, we developed a software for collision prediction based on simple machine measurements. Materials and methods Three types of collision were identified; gantry-couch mount, gantry-couch and gantry-patient. Trigonometric formulas to calculate the distance from each potential point of collision to the gantry rotation axis were generated. For each point, collision occurs when that distance is greater than the gantry head to gantry rotational axis distance. The colliding arc for each point is calculated. A computer code incorporating these formulas was generated. The inputs required are the couch coordinates relative to the isocenter, the patient dimensions, and the presence or absence of a circular SRS collimator. The software outputs the collision-free gantry angles, and for each point, the shortest distance to the gantry or the colliding sector when collision is identified. The software was tested for accuracy on a TrueBEAM® machine equipped with BrainLab® accessories for 80 virtual isocenter-couch angle configurations with and without a circular collimator and a parallelepiped phantom. Results The software predicted the absence of collision for 19 configurations. The mean absolute error between the measured and predicted gantry angle of collision for the remaining 61 cases was 0.86 (0.01–2.49). Conclusion This tool accurately predicted collisions for linac-based intracranial SRS and is easy to implement in any radiotherapy facility.
Leveraging Solute Segregation in Laser Powder Bed Fusion to Achieve Superior Strength and Ductility Via Single-Step Heat Treatment in Ti-Free Grade 300 Maraging Steel

Maraging steels are Fe-Ni precipitation-strengthened steels that can be heat treated for achieving high strength with an accompanying loss in ductility, a trend common to most metals. We show that the segregation of Ni during laser powder bed fusion, commonly considered a nuisance that is dealt with via solutionizing heat treatments, can be leveraged via direct aging to achieve higher strength and ductility simultaneously, compared to a solutionized and aged condition. The high dislocation density in combination with solute segregation in the as-fabricated material promotes the precipitation of Mo-rich intermetallic phases that are responsible for the high strength, and the Ni segregated regions facilitate austenite reversion during direct aging. The reverted austenite enhances the elongation via transformation-induced plasticity. While overcoming the strength–ductility conundrum, direct aging can significantly reduce the energy and emissions associated with multistep heat treatments, especially in the global tool and die industry, while laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) can enable tools with integrated cooling channels for increased downstream production efficiency.
Dietary fat and alcohol in the prediction of indices of vascular health among young adults.

Abstract Objectives Arterial stiffness, particularly of the aorta, is an independent predictor of future cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, and hypertension. Arterial stiffening may be caused or exacerbated by the composition of the diet. Current research has indicated that habitual dietary patterns may influence arteriosclerosis, or the thickening and hardening of the artery walls, but has yet to identify a specific food group as the culprit. In young, college-aged adults, dietary fat intake and alcohol consumption tend to be higher compared to other periods throughout the life cycle. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the influence of dietary fat and alcohol consumption on the vascular health of apparently healthy young adults. Methods The data collected were assessed to determine if dietary fat and alcohol in young (18–30 y), college-aged adults (n = 50) were independent predictors of an increase in arterial stiffening. Vascular health was determined by the carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity and the augmentation index corrected for a heart rate of 75 beats/min; dietary patterns were assessed using the Dietary Health Questionnaire II. Results The gold standard marker of aortic stiffness, carotid femoral pulse-wave velocity, was positively correlated with cheese consumption (R2 = 0.092, P = 0.033), alcohol consumption (R2 = 0.102, P = 0.024), and total energy/calories (%) from alcohol (R2 = 0.118, P = 0.015) in univariate analysis. In forward-selection multiple regression analysis, energy from alcohol and cheese consumption accounted for 23.7% of the variance in carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (P = 0.009). The augmentation index wave reflection marker was positively correlated with total dietary fat (R2 = 0.110, P = 0.019), trans fatty acids (R2 = 0.092, P = 0.032), saturated fatty acids (R2 = 0.124, P = 0.012), monounsaturated fatty acids (R2 = 0.012, P = 0.015), red-meat consumption (R2 = 0.094, P = 0.030), and discretionary fat from solids in univariate analysis (R2 = 0.137, P = 0.008). Discretionary fat from solids accounted for 13.7% of the variation in augmentation index in forward-selection multiple regression analysis (P = 0.008). Conclusions These results indicate the potential roles of dietary fat and alcohol consumption in early vascular aging by stiffening the arteries of young, college-aged adults, which may in turn contribute to future adverse cardiovascular disease outcomes.
miRNA: local guardians of presynaptic function in plasticity and disease.

Environmental fitness is an essential component of animal survival. Fitness is achieved through responsive physiological plasticity of tissues across the entire body, and particularly in the nervou...
Technical content marketing along the technology adoption lifecycle: experience report

This article provides an overview of technical content marketing and examines the audiences and messaging for technical product messaging, which differ from general consumer products. Notably, technical products, particularly those in innovative categories, require a varying marketing strategy throughout the technology adoption lifecycle as products appeal to customers with different attitudes towards technologies. Especially, content marketing for innovative technologies requires an understanding of the technical consumers' (or audiences') psychological motivations and needs, which have yet to be reviewed in the technical communication literature. In this article, the foundations of marketing innovative technical products are explored, with a specific focus on the messaging strategies as it changes to educate and persuade different categories of technology consumers during different phases of the technology adoption lifecycle. For new technical products and categories of products, the messages and channels of information evolve as the technical innovation progresses from the early market to a mainstream market, with both requiring adaptation to different audience segments and in response to emerging competitive pressures. For the majority of technical innovations, the technical content marketing strategy and messaging is a long-term investment for change to reach different consumer groups at the appropriate stage of the technical product life cycle.
High-dimensional Energy-time Entanglement Distribution via a Biphoton Frequency Comb

We report the first high-dimensional energy-time entanglement distribution with a singly-resonant biphoton frequency comb, demonstrating time-frequency Franson interferences with high visibility, and establishing a high-dimensional entanglement link.
When Democracy Brings Insecurity: The Political Legacies of Regime Change

The conditions under which a country democratizes can have lasting consequences for political support. This paper links persistently low support among citizens in Central and Eastern Europe to their experiences during the early democratic years: democratization in the region occurred under conditions of high economic uncertainty, leading citizens to see democracy responsible for their economic woes. As a result, citizens who went through this experience are quicker to blame democracy for economic insecurity whenever it arises. I support this argument with research on variation in democracy satisfaction between East and West Germans. Evidence comes from an original survey experiment, a large household panel survey, and observational data on historical unemployment rates and present-day voting for the far-right populist AfD in East Germany. Understanding the causes of low political support is an important task in a time of democratic backsliding and rising support for populist parties.
Indirect Rule in South Africa: Tradition, Modernity, and the Costuming of Political Power

Indirect rule - the British colonial policy of employing indigenous tribal chiefs as political intermediaries - has typically been understood by scholars as little more than an expedient solution to imperial personnel shortages. A reexamination of the history of indirect rule in South Africa reveals it to have been much more: an ideological strategy designed to win legitimacy for colonial officials. Indirect rule became the basic template from which segregation and apartheid emerged during the twentieth century and set the stage for a post-apartheid debate over African political identity and 'traditional authority' that continues to shape South African politics today. This new study, based on firsthand field research and archival material only recently made available to scholars, unveils the inner workings of South African segregation. Drawing influence from a range of political theorists including Machiavelli, Marx, Weber, Althusser, and Zizek, Myers develops a groundbreaking understanding of the ways in which leaders struggle to legitimize themselves through the costuming of political power. J. C. Myers is associate professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus.
Optimization of cavitation venturi tube design for pico and nano bubbles generation

Abstract Hydrodynamic cavitaion venturi tube technique is used for pico and nano bubble generations in coal column flotation. In order to determine the optimal design of hydrodynamic cavitation venture tube for pico and nano bubble generation, a four-factor three-level Central Composite Design of Experimental was conducted for investigating four important design parameters of cavitation venturi tube governing the median size and the volume of pico and nano bubbles. The test results showed that maximum volume of pico and nano bubbles, 65–75%, and minimum mean pico and nano bubble size, 150–240 nm, were achieved at the medium ratio of the diameter of outlet of the venturi-tube and diameter of throat (3–4), medium outlet angle (11–13°), high inlet angle (26–27°) and high ratio of the length of the throat and the diameter of throat (2.3–3). Study the effects of the producing pico and nano bubbles on fine coal flotation was performed in a 5 cm diameter 260 cm height flotation column. The optimal percentage of pico and nano bubbles was about 70%, which produced maximum combustible material recovery of 86% with clean coal ash content of 11.7%.
Inflation and the Incidence of Income Taxes on Interest Income: Some Results for the United States, 1972-74 (L'inflation et l'incidence de l'impôt sur le revenu provenant du loyer de l'argent: quelques chiffres enregistrés aux Etats-Unis, 1972-74) (La inflación y la incidencia de los impuestos sobre la renta en ls ingresos por concepto de intereses: Algunos resultados respecto a Estados Unidos, 1972-74)

INFLATION AFFECTS individuals and income classes in many ways-as consumers, taxpayers, wage earners, savers, asset holders, lenders, borrowers, and so forth. Because of this multiplicity of influences, it is difficult, and perhaps impossible, to assess the total economic impact of inflation. For this reason, empiricalstudies have limited themselves to analyzing the impact of inflation on individuals or income classes in their roles as consumers, savers, or wage earners. This partial approach does not answer the question of whether the total impact of inflation is or is not beneficial to individuals in particular income classes, but it does provide interesting information that can be useful for policy purposes. This paper will follow this partial approach and analyze the impact of inflation on individuals in connection with the tax treatment of interest paid or received in the United States.
Reformulation of the method of characteristics for multidimensional flows

The method of characteristics is reformulated so as to simplify it conceptually and thus render it easily programable for multidimensional computations. A transformation to characteristic coordinates and a change in notation allows one to coach the theory of characteristics in the language of geometrical wave theory or of the particle mechanics. The dependent variables (\(\vec u\),p,p) are given uniquely in terms of characteristic coordinates, while the latter satisfy the Hamiltonian equations. Computations with the method of characteristics are reduced to the determination of Hamiltonian trajectories in space-time, a task not unduely complex even in multidimensional cases.