cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dosing of vancomycin in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices: a clinical pharmacokinetic analysis.

PURPOSE To describe the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs). METHODS Eligible patients were ≥18 years old, implanted with a Heart Mate II CF-LVAD during January 2008-April 2012, and treated with vancomycin ≥48 hours for infection. Key exclusion criteria were unstable renal function, acute heart failure exacerbation, hemodynamic instability, and recent surgery. First-order elimination rate constant (Ke) and volume of distribution (Vd) were estimated using ideal (IBW), adjusted (AdjBW), actual (ABW), and fixed body weights. Estimated parameters were compared with measured pharmacokinetic parameters, which were calculated from steady state peak and trough vancomycin levels using one-compartment model equations. RESULTS Twelve patients were included (age 44.9 ± 15 years, 91.7% male, 58.3% obese, CLcr 79.2 ± 27 mL ∙ min⁻¹). Common treatment indications were health-care associated pneumonia (41.7%), driveline infection (25%), and sepsis (16.7%). All methods of predicting Ke provided overestimates (p<0.05), ranging from 47 to 79%, depending on body habitus. METHODS of predicting Vd using ABW in obese patients yielded overestimates of 74.5% (p<0.05), where IBW predictive Vd equations provided accurate assessments regardless of body habitus. CONCLUSIONS General population methods may not accurately estimate the pharmacokinetic parameters of vancomycin for compensated heart failure patients implanted with CF-LVADs.
The Role of Work Context in Work Motivation: A Public Sector Application of Goal and Social Cognitive Theories

The present study represents a test of a conceptual model predicting how the organization’s work context might influence work motivation. Using the framework provided by goal and social cognitive theories, this model of work motivation assesses whether aspects of the organizational work context, such as greater goal conflict, procedural constraints, and goal ambiguity, may have a detrimental effect on work motivation through their influence on three important antecedents of work motivation: job goal specificity, job difficulty, and self-efficacy. Although the findings of a covariance (LISREL) analysis of state government employee survey data suggested a few minor modifications to this model, the results indicated that the theoretical framework can identify specific leverage points that can increase work motivation and, therefore, productivity in the public sector.
An Interferometric Method for Producing Variable-Frequency Sine-Wave Pattern

Three modifications of the Michelson interferometer are described to give straight fringes with linearly variable frequency. The modifications are done in such a manner that the order of interference is very low and hence fringes of high contrast are obtained. A brief theory of these modified versions of the Michelson interferometer is presented and conditions are derived for the production of fringes of best contrast.
Left upper lobe bronchus reimplantation for nonpenetrating thoracic trauma

Trauma to the tracheobronchial tree has been diagnosed and treated with increasing frequency over the last several decades. However, most reports have dealt with management of injuries to the trachea and main stem bronchi, as approximately 80% of blunt tracheobronchial injuries occur within this area. With few exceptions, injury to the lobar bronchi has resulted in thoracotomy and lobectomy. We describe a patient with an injury to the left upper lobe bronchus who presented with delayed obstruction of the airway by fibrogranulation tissue. A successful segmental resection of the bronchial occlusion with reimplantation was performed, thereby preserving the patient's otherwise normal left upper lobe. This case demonstrates that resection and reimplantation of an injured lobar bronchus are feasible, even in a delayed setting.
Off-resonant nonlinear optical properties of C60 studied by degenerate four-wave mixing

Abstract Pure C 60 was deposited on optical substrates in vacuo and spectroscopically characterized. A small linear absorption coefficient α =6 cm −1 was measured at 1.064 μm. Time-resolved degenerate four-wave mixing experiments were conducted on films of pure C 60 using a 35 ps Nd: YAG laser at 1.064 μm. The third-order optical susceptibility x xxxx (3) of C 60 , derived from its phase conjugate signal, is 7×10 −12 esu. The nonlinear optical temporal response was largely laser-pulse limited. Evidence for a fifth-order contribution to the nonlinear optical response was observed at high laser intensities.
Effect of Zinc Chloride or Zinc Sulfate Treatment of Protein Supplement on Milk Production

Abstract Production response to protein supplements treated with Zn salts to increase rumen escape was evaluated with 27 lactating Holstein cows in a switchback design trial with three treatments. Pelleted supplements fed with corn silage as total mixed rations were: 1) 18% protein, untreated, 2) 15% protein, treated with .5% zinc chloride, and 3) 15% protein, treated with .65% zinc sulfate. Corresponding total mixed rations (TMR) fed ad libitum contained 15, 12.6, and 13% crude protein. Each cow was offered 2.3 kg of alfalfa-orchardgrass hay daily. Dry matter intake (DMI) 17.2, 16.8, 17.0 kg/d), DMI as percent of body weight (2.74, 2.68, 2.73%), and milk total solids (10.8, 10.7, 10.6%) were similar, although low for TMR 1 to 3, respectively. Daily milk production and fat percentage were 26.4, 26.5, and 26.2 kg and 3.16, 3.21, and 3.26%, respectively. Plasma and milk Zn concentrations (1.15, 1.35, 1.33: 3.68, 4.37, 4.17 ppm) were relatively normal despite dietary concentrations of 135, 1386, and 1264 ppm. Body weight change, total milk yield, fat percent, FCM, milk protein yield, and SNF produced were similar among treatments. Dietary crude protein intake was highest for total mixed ration 1 but was lower than recommended on all diets as a result of low DMI.
Evidence from Ames assays of laboratory pulse-flame combustors samples that direct-acting mutagens are not an inevitable consequence of hydrocarbon fuel combustion

In order to investigate the chemistry that leads to the formation of direct-acting mutagens in vehicle exhaust, we have sought a laboratory combustion system that would simulate the particle-associated organic compounds of vehicle exhaust
Dielectric Measurements of Oil Shale as Functions of Temperature And Frequency

A high-temperature sample holder designed at the National Bureau of Standards was used to determine the dielectric properties of approximately 40 oil shale samples as functions of temperature and frequency. A description of the sample holder characterization is given along with the measurement procedure and the sample preparation. Experimental results are given for different oil shale samples, varying in yield from 0.024 1/kg (6 gal/ton) to 0.338 1/kg (81 gal/ton), that were measured at room temperature (25°C) up to 500°C and within the frequency range of 5-1000 MHz.
Sibling Deidentification in the Clinic: Devil vs. Angel

A four-member family structure consisting of two siblings contrasting in personality (sibling deidentification) and each identified with a different parent (split-parent identification) was recently reported (15). In well-functioning families, this tetrad or quadrangle is widespread in the first pair of siblings in the family and tends to be more common in same-sex pairs, suggesting that sibling deidentification is designed to mitigate the relatively intense sibling rivalry characteristic of these pairs and hence to maintain family harmony. In this collated case report, deidentification is found to follow the same pattern in 39 clinic first pairs. However, contrasting attributes are varied and nonevaluative in nonclinic pairs but mainly “good-bad” in clinic pairs, with polarization extreme. Results suggest that nonclinic siblings negotiate their identity (being) much as they negotiate about possessions (having) and that negotiations are blocked in clinic pairs, freezing mythic devil or angel identity. Intervention is directed at dislodging this block.
Pharmacokinetics of single and multiple doses of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel in relation to smoking

The effects of tobacco and oral contraceptive (OC) use (Ovral) on the pharmacokinetics of levonorgestrel (0.25 mg) and ethinyl estradiol (50 micrograms) were examined. Young women (n = 27) were grouped as follows: I: non-OC users/nonsmokers; II: OC users/nonsmokers; III: non-OC users/smokers; and IV: OC users/smokers. The apparent clearance of levonorgestrel in group I was 80.9 +/- 15.6 ml/hr/kg and the half-life was 19.3 hours. A significant decrease in levonorgestrel clearance was seen in the chronic OC users (groups II and IV). The apparent oral clearance of ethinyl estradiol was 1002 +/- 398 ml/hr/kg in group I and the half-life averaged 7.7 hours. Groups II and III showed decreased (not significant) clearance of ethinyl estradiol. Tobacco use had no effect on steroid pharmacokinetics in the non-OC users. Although chronic OC use did not affect ethinyl estradiol clearance, a joint effect of tobacco/OC use on enhancing clearance of ethinyl estradiol appeared to occur. A linear relationship was found between 24-hour trough serum concentrations and AUC values of both steroids that may facilitate population monitoring studies of OC exposure.
Systematics of the subgenus Oligocephalus (Teleostei: Percidae: Etheostoma) with complete subgeneric sampling of the genus Etheostoma

The genus Etheostoma is the most diverse clade of freshwater fishes in North America. While studies have been performed with complete sampling of a single subgenus, none have included representatives of all remaining subgenera. The subgenus Oligocephalus is the largest, consisting of 25-27 species in four species groups, and its monophyly has never been clearly demonstrated. The monophyly of this subgenus and its constituent groups was tested using parsimony and Bayesian analyses of ND2 (mtDNA) and the first intron of S7 (nDNA) with complete species sampling from Oligocephalus and complete subgeneric sampling from Etheostoma. Although the subgenus Oligocephalus was not recovered as a monophyletic group in any analyses, monophyletic E. whipplei, Southwestern Darter, and E. spectabile (in part) species groups were recovered in all analyses. All analyses agree that E. okaloosae and both subspecies of E. hopkinsi are not closely related to other members of the subgenus Oligocephalus. E. exile is, however, presenting the strongest evidence yet that recognition of the subgenus Boleichthys is unwarranted.
THE LOCATION OF OXIDASE IN THE APRICOT

Incidental to a study of the oxidase system of stone fruits, observations on the location of phenol oxidase within the fruit were made. In order to observe the distribution of this enzyme, slices of firm ripe apricots were immersed in a number of oxygenase indicators (d-napthol, benzidine and its hydrochloride, catechol, guaiacol, p-phenylene-diamine-hydrochloride, and pyrogallol). Catechol gave the most rapid and pronounced development of color. The peel and vascular bundles, particularly the large ventral and dorsal vascular bundles, colored the most rapidly. The remainder of the pulp, especially the innermost portion of the pericarp, was exceedingly slow in staining. Microscopic observations on the location of peroxidase were made on freehand and freezing microtome sections. An aqueous benzidine solution, prepared by saturating water at the boiling point, acidified with acetic acid, was used as an indicator for peroxidase. According to Madelung (i9io), such a solution contains upon cooling 0.04 per cent benzidine. During oxidation benzidine forms a dipheno-quinone of intensive blue color, which upon further oxidation fades to a yellowish brown. After the tissue had been soaked in this solution, one per cent hydrogen peroxide was drawn under the cover glass through the section by means of a filter paper. This was immediately followed by thorough washing with water. The epidermal cells of the fruit showed a higher peroxidase activity than the remainder of the tissue. The guard cells of the stomata stood out by their rapid development of the vivid blue color of the oxidized benzidine. Within the vascular bundles which showed a high peroxidase activity, no reaction could be detected in the spiral vessels. Tissues in which catalase was inactivated by heating to 75sC. gave the same results. Sections in which peroxidase had been destroyed by immersion for several minutes in boiling water did not give any color with benzidine. No local concentration of the pigment was observed when heated tissue was treated with oxidized benzidine solution, thus eliminating the possibility of localized adsorption. Observations on the localization of peroxidase within the cell were made. No peroxidase reaction could be obtained within the protoplasm, although the vacuolar sap gave a positive test. While the ultimate yellow-brown oxidation product of benzidine is similar to the color of apricot tissue and on this account could not have been distinguished under the microscope, the blue transition stage would have been detected if it had occurred in the protoplast
DNA damage in cells exhibiting radiation-induced genomic instability

Cells exhibiting radiation-induced genomic instability exhibit varied spectra of genetic and chromosomal aberrations. Even so, oxidative stress remains a common theme in the initiation and/ or perpetuation of this phenomenon. Isolated oxidatively modified bases, abasic sites, DNA single strand breaks and clustered DNA damage are induced in normal mammalian cultured cells and tissues due to endogenous reactive oxygen species generated during normal cellular metabolism in an aerobic environment. While sparse DNA damage may be easily repaired, clustered DNA damage may lead to persistent cytotoxic or mutagenic events that can lead to genomic instability. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that DNA damage signatures characterised by altered levels of endogenous, potentially mutagenic, types of DNA damage and chromosomal breakage are related to radiation-induced genomic instability and persistent oxidative stress phenotypes observed in the chromosomally unstable progeny of irradiated cells. The measurement of oxypurine, oxypyrimidine and abasic site endogenous DNA damage showed differences in nondouble-strand breaks (DSB) clusters among the three of the four unstable clones evaluated as compared to genomically stable clones and the parental cell line. These three unstable clones also had increased levels of DSB clusters. The results of this study demonstrate that each unstable cell line has a unique spectrum of persistent damage and lead us to speculate that alterations in DNA damage signaling and repair may be related to the perpetuation of genomic instability.
The effect of calcium on the aggregation of chicken gizzard thin filaments.

Electron microscopy demonstrates that thin filaments isolated from chicken gizzard smooth muscle in the absence of Ca2+ are aggregated into networks. In contrast, thin filaments isolated in the presence of Ca2+ are dissociated from each other. Electron microscopy also reveals that the respective state of aggregation in each type of preparation is reversible and dependent on Ca2+ concentration. Corresponding viscosity measurements indicate that network formation is associated with an increase in thin filament viscosity. We propose that thin filament aggregationin vivo may be responsible for the tension maintenance of smooth muscle during relaxation.
Comparison of experimental results and numerical analysis of multicell stepped limiters

The application of a numerical algorithm to the design procedure of a multi-cell limiter (MCL) is discussed and calculated numerical results are compared to experimental results. This application illustrates the ability to predict optical limiting under circumstances that are comparable to the design process of a MCL. Both the optical limiting and the temperature profile through the MCL are determined for three design cases. Also, the numerical analysis is used to investigate thermal damage using the calculated temperature profile. The results illustrate the potential application of a numerical simulation in designing a MCL and that the accuracy of the numerical model is on the same order as the experimental uncertainties.
Auto-shaping in the archer fish (Toxotes chatareus)

In nature, archer fish obtain food by squirting water at insects perched above the surface. In this experiment, it was found that this squirt response could come under the control of a previously neutral visual cue signaling the availability of an insect in an auto-shaping procedure. When the onset of a red light above the water signaled the availability of a fruit fly each of three archer fish began to squirt at the light after 43 to 52 light—insect pairings, even though a response was not necessary for the insect to be delivered. No responses were made by two other fish given 160 random presentations of light and fruit fly.
Heritage Tourism, Heritage Landscapes and Wilderness Preservation: The Case of National Park Thy

Tourism involving national parks manifests itself explicitly or implicitly as heritage tourism because national parks represent important symbols of the national landscape. This paper traces the journey of the proposed National Park Thy in northwestern Denmark from ordinary landscape to symbolic landscape, to candidacy for national park status and focus for heritage tourism. It is argued that the processes at work in Denmark are similar to those underpinning the creation of national parks elsewhere.
Trypanosoma brucei: reduction of GPI-phospholipase C protein during differentiation is dependent on replication of newly transformed cells.

Abstract The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei lives in the bloodstream of vertebrates or in a tsetse fly. Expression of a GPI-phospholipase C polypeptide (GPI-PLCp) in the parasite is restricted to the bloodstream form. Events controlling the amount of GPI-PLCp expressed during differentiation are not completely understood. Our metabolic “pulse-chase” analysis reveals that GPI-PLCp is stable in bloodstream form. However, during differentiation of bloodstream to insect stage (procyclic) T. brucei, translation GPI-PLC mRNA ceases within 8 h of initiating transformation. GPI-PLCp is not lost precipitously from newly transformed procyclic trypanosomes. Nascent procyclics contain 400-fold more GPI-PLCp than established insect stage T. brucei. Reduction of GPI-PLCp in early-stage procyclics is linked to parasite replication. Sixteen cell divisions are required to reduce the amount of GPI-PLCp in newly differentiated procyclics to levels present in the established procyclic. GPI-PLCp is retained in strains of T. brucei that fail to replicate after differentiation of the bloodstream to the procyclic form. Thus, at least two factors control levels of GPI-PLCp during differentiation of bloodstream T. brucei; (i) repression of GPI-PLC mRNA translation, and (ii) sustained replication of newly transformed procyclic T. brucei. These studies illustrate the importance of repeated cell divisions in controlling the steady-state amount of GPI-PLCp during differentiation of the African trypanosome.
Contact lens management of irregular corneas after traumatic aphakia: A pediatric case series.

Abstract Purpose Pediatric patients account for 35% of all cases that present after ocular trauma and 20.9% of those result in a ruptured globe. When repairing the globe, the removal of the natural lens results in a significant change in refractive error and loss of accommodation. In addition, the eye can have scarring, irregular astigmatism, and changes to the ocular surface. Treatment and vision rehabilitation should be aggressive and done quickly to prevent amblyopia. Advanced lens designs are often needed to treat both the irregular ocular surface and the aphakia. Treatment options are often confounded with the usual issues of contact lens compliance, intolerance, and complications. Case report This case series follows three aphakic pediatric patients through the contact lens fitting process after sustaining a ruptured globe that left them aphakic with residual irregular astigmatism and corneal scarring. Patient 1 is a 3-year-old Hispanic male fit with a bitoric gas permeable contact lens with irregular astigmatism and an elevated central corneal scarring. Patient 2 is a 12-year-old Caucasian male with minimal residual astigmatism fit in a multifocal soft contact lens. Patient 3 is an 8-year-old African American male fit with a hybrid contact lens that was needed to vault the irregular astigmatism and central corneal scarring. Conclusions Treating patients with irregular corneas or aphakia can be challenging in their own right, but in combination are some of the most advanced specialty contact lens fittings. This case series followed three pediatric patients through the fitting process and demonstrated the options and challenges when fitting this unique patient population.
Second primary ovarian cancer among women with cancer

Abstract PURPOSE: Some studies suggest women with certain types of cancers are at increased risk for ovarian cancer. This study assessed the risk of second primary ovarian cancer among U.S. women who have cancer by anatomic site, age, race, and time since diagnosis of the first primary cancer. METHODS: We analyzed data from SEER cancer registries for women diagnosed with invasive cancer between 1973 and 1996. Person-years were accumulated from 2 months after initial cancer diagnosis to date of ovarian cancer diagnosis, death, loss to follow-up, or end of follow-up, December 31, 1996. The expected number of cases was obtained by multiplying 5-year age and calendar year interval specific ovarian cancer rates by the accumulated person-years at risk. We calculated the risk (observed [O]/expected numbers [E]) of second primary ovarian cancer by cancer site and age ( RESULTS: A significant increased risk of ovarian cancer was found for women aged CONCLUSIONS: We found an ovarian cancer risk higher than expected for women with certain types of cancer; however, the risk was limited to women
Poor Readers' Attitudes: Effects of Using Interests and Trade Books in an Integrated Language Arts Approach.

Abstract The study explored the effects of tutorial instruction, which utilized students’ interests and trade books in an integrated language arts approach, on the attitudes of poor readers. A total of 58 students enrolled in grades two through six participated in the study; the students were randomly assigned to treatment and comparison groups, with 29 students composing each group. The Student Attitude Inventory was used as a pre‐ and post‐ measure. Results of the two‐way, groups‐by‐grade‐level, analyses of covariance using the attitude pre‐measure as the covariate indicated significant group main effects for attitudes toward listening (p < .02), reading (p < .05), self‐perceptions as learners (p < .03), and overall attitude (p < .01). No significant main effects were found for speaking, writing, and grade level, and there were no significant groups‐by‐grade‐level interaction effects for any of the dependent measures. The findings of the study suggest that attitudes of poor readers may be positively inf...
The influence of subglottal acoustics on laboratory models of phonation

Many previous laboratory investigations of phonation involving physical models, excised larynges, and in vivo canine larynges have failed to fully specify the subglottal system. Many of these same studies have reported a variety of nonlinear phenomena, including bifurcations (e.g., various classes of phonation onset and offset, register changes, frequency jumps), subharmonics, and chaos, and attributed such phenomena to the biomechanical properties of the larynx. However, such nonlinear phenomena may also be indicative of strong coupling between the voice source and the subglottal tract. Consequently, in such studies, it has not been clear whether the underlying mechanisms of such nonlinear phenomena were acoustical, biomechanical, or a coupling of the acoustical and biomechanical systems. Using a physical model of vocal fold vibration, and tracheal tube lengths which have been commonly reported in the literature, it is hypothesized and subsequently shown that such nonlinear phenomena may be replicated solely on the basis of laryngeal interactions with the acoustical resonances of the subglottal system. Recommendations are given for ruling out acoustical resonances as the source of nonlinear phenomena in future laboratory studies of phonation.
Simulation and experimental study of 3-step junction termination extension for high-voltage 4H-SiC gate turn-off thyristors

Abstract The 4H-SiC NPN structure with a 3-step junction termination extension (JTE), which shows a great capability for control of both the peak surface and bulk electric fields at breakdown, has been investigated and optimized using Synopsys Sentaurus, a two-dimensional (2-D) device simulator. The experimental results show that the NPN structure with an optimized 3-step JTE can accomplish a high breakdown voltage of 7630 V, reaching more than 90% of the ideal parallel plane junction breakdown voltage. A good agreement between simulation and experimental results can be observed. The key step in achieving a high breakdown voltage is controlled etching of the epitaxially grown n-doped layer to reach the optimum depth and balanced charge in the multistep junction termination extension (MJTE) layer.
A Fast and Accurate Algorithm for Computing SLERP

Abstract The SLERP of quaternions is a common operation in keyframe animation. The operation can be a significant bottleneck in an animation-heavy application. The standard implementation of SLERP for an FPU typically involves trigonometric function evaluations, divisions, and branching. Commonly available SIMD implementations will modify the standard implementation and obtain a moderate speed-up. This paper provides a novel approach to computing SLERP, using only multiplications and additions. The algorithm is based on ideas from Chebyshev polynomials, power series solutions for differential equations, and error balancing using the Chebyshev Equioscillation Theorem and the associated Remez Algorithm. Implementations are provided for the FPU and SIMD. When SLERPing a pair of quaternions in parallel using four time samples, performance measurements show a 10-fold acceleration per SLERP over the standard SLERP implementation on an FPU. Source code is available online.
On the relation between two different methods to treat Hamiltonians with point interactions

We study the relation between two methods for defining self-adjoint Schrodinger operators with point interactions, and prove several new results which extend and unify previous work on the subject.
Alterations in sex-steroid hormone receptors during mammary gland differentiation in the rat.

Abstract 1. 1. Sprague-Dawley and Wistar strains were the best tissue sources for the estrogen receptors of the mammary gland of 7 rat strains examined. 2. 2. Tissue DNA content reached a maximum in late lactation (15–19 days). 3. 3. Cytosolic protein concentrations reached a maximum in late lactation (15–19 days). 4. 4. Both tissue DNA and cytosolic protein concentrations decreased upon weaning. 5. 5. The dissociation constant of the cytosolic estrogen receptor showed little change in pregnancy and lactation. 6. 6. The cytosolic estrogen receptor concentration was maximal at 19 days lactation. 7. 7. The cytosolic protesterone receptor was undetectable in late pregnancy (14–20 days) and in mid and late lactation (10–19 days).
Light Scattering Fluctuations And Noise In An Artificial Kerr Medium

In this paper we examine particle density fluctuations as an intrinsic source of noise in an artificial Kerr medium. A general method is developed for determining spontaneous grating fluctuations (identified here as a form of thermal noise) directly from the equilibrium grating response to an applied electromagnetic field. Calculations are given for the predicted root-mean-square (RMS) signal fluctuations in four-wave mixing and compared with experiment. Grating fluctuations are shown to account for the previous discrepancy between predicted and measured RMS fluctuations in the conjugate wave signal generated from an aqueous polystyrene microsphere suspension.
Supervised interpretation of echocardiograms with a psychological model of expert supervision

We have developed a collaborative scheme that facilitates active human supervision of the binary segmentation of an echocardiogram. The scheme complements the reliability of a human expert with the precision of segmentation algorithms. In the developed system, an expert user compares the computer generated segmentation with the original image in a user friendly graphics environment, and interactively indicates the incorrectly classified regions either by pointing or by circling. The precise boundaries of the indicated regions are computed by studying original image properties at that region, and a human visual attention distribution map obtained from the published psychological and psychophysical research. We use the developed system to extract contours of heart chambers from a sequence of two dimensional echocardiograms. We are currently extending this method to incorporate a richer set of inputs from the human supervisor, to facilitate multi-classification of image regions depending on their functionality. We are integrating into our system the knowledge related constraints that cardiologists use, to improve the capabilities of our existing system. This extension involves developing a psychological model of expert reasoning, functional and relational models of typical views in echocardiograms, and corresponding interface modifications to map the suggested actions to image processing algorithms.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Genetic Studies of a Cluster of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cases in Churchill County, Nevada

The Nevada State Health Division (NSHD), with assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), conducted a study to identify environmental exposures in the Churchill County community where 15 cases of childhood leukemia,14 of which were acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), had been diagnosed between 1997 and 2002. State health officials estimated that fewer than 2 cases would have been expected (Steinmaus et al. 2004). The detailed methods, results, and recommendations of this investigation have been documented by Rubin et al. (2007) in this mini-monograph. Although the investigation found higher levels of potentially toxic substances, including tungsten, arsenic, and the dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) metabolite dichloro-diphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) in residents of Churchill County than the values reported in the National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals (CDC 2003b), case and comparison families had similar body burdens of these contaminants. Because the two groups had similar concentrations, CDC, in collaboration with Mary Relling of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and with the advice of William Carroll, Head of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) Acute Leukemia Disease Committee, conducted genetic studies in an effort to identify gene variants that might have made case children more susceptible than comparison children to adverse effects of the exposures documented in Churchill County. As a result of the high levels of tungsten found in residents of Churchill County, the investigation also included a study to identify variant forms of three genes that code for enzymes that are inhibited by tungsten and may, as a result, affect DNA synthesis, hematopoiesis, or detoxification of contaminants. For a review of current knowledge of tungsten, including environmental chemistry, toxicologic properties, and ongoing investigation into its possible toxicity, see Koutsospyros et al. (2006). We also attempted to determine whether the frequency and types of cytogenetic aberrations found in bone marrow specimens from case children were consistent with the frequency of these abnormalities found in the general population of children with ALL enrolled in COG protocols or whether differences in these aberrations provided information that would suggest a common environmental exposure. The following is a report of results of genetic studies conducted on specimens in the Churchill County case–control study.
Luminescent bimetallic complexes. Study of the formation, redox behavior, and photochemistry of complexes between Ag+ and bis(2,2′-bipyridine)-bis-cyanoruthenium(II)

Abstract The complex, bis(2,2′-bipyridine)-bis-cyanoruthenium(II), (D), forms three detectable ground-state complexes with silver(I): DAg+, D2Ag+, and DAg22+. The first, DAg+, is isolable and strongly luminescent. Both DAg+∗ and the oxidized complex, DAg2+, are stable during photochemical experiments. The enhanced luminescence of DAg+ indicates intramolecular redox reactions are not an important route for non-radiative decay.
Dynamic routing with preplanned congestion avoidance for survivable optical burst-switched (OBS) networks

We develop dynamic routing mechanisms for preplanned congestion avoidance in OBS networks. Based on our routing mechanisms, we propose a new protection approach against failures which significantly improves network throughput and survivability.
The role of 5'-adenylylsulfate reductase in controlling sulfate reduction in plants

Cysteine is the first organic product of sulfate assimilation and as such is the precursor of all molecules containing reduced sulfur including methionine, glutathione, and their many metabolites. In plants, 5'-adenylylsulfate (APS) reductase is hypothesized to be a key regulatory point in sulfate assimilation and reduction. APS reductase catalyzes the two-electron reduction of APS to sulfite using glutathione as an electron donor. This paper reviews the experimental basis for this hypothesis. In addition, the results of an experiment designed to test the hypothesis by bypassing the endogenous APS reductase and its regulatory mechanisms are described. Two different bacterial assimilatory reductases were expressed in transgenic Zea mays, the thioredoxin-dependent APS reductase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the thioredoxin-dependent 3'-phosphoadenylylsulfate reductase from Escherichia coli. Each of them was placed under transcriptional control of the ubiquitin promoter and the protein products were targeted to chloroplasts. The leaves of transgenic Z. mays lines showed significant accumulation of reduced organic thiol compounds including cysteine, gamma-glutamylcysteine, and glutathione; and reduced inorganic forms of sulfur including sulfite and thiosulfate. Both bacterial enzymes appeared to be equally capable of deregulating the assimilative sulfate reduction pathway. The reduced sulfur compounds accumulated to such high levels that the transgenic plants showed evidence of toxicity. The results provide additional evidence that APS reductase is a major control point for sulfate reduction in Z. mays.
A manganese-dependent ribozyme in the 3′-untranslated region of Xenopus Vg1 mRNA

The smallest catalytic RNA identified to date is a manganese-dependent ribozyme that requires only a complex between GAAA and UUU to effect site-specific cleavage. We show here that this ribozyme occurs naturally in the 3′-UTR of Vg1 and β-actin mRNAs. In accord with earlier studies with model RNAs, cleavage occurs only in the presence of manganese or cadmium ions and proceeds optimally near 30°C and physiological pH. The time course of cleavage in Vg1 mRNA best fits a two-step process in which both steps are first-order. In Vg1 mRNA, the ribozyme is positioned adjacent to a polyadenylation signal, but has no influence on translation of the mRNA in Xenopus oocytes. Putative GAAA ribozyme structures are also near polyadenylation sites in yeast and rat actin mRNAs. Analysis of sequences in the PolyA Cleavage Site and 3′-UTR Database (PACdb) revealed no particular bias in the frequency or distribution of the GAAA motif that would suggest that this ribozyme is currently or was recently used for cleavage to generate processed transcripts. Nonetheless, we speculate that the complementary strands that comprise the ribozyme may account for the origin of sequence elements that direct present-day 3′-end processing of eukaryotic mRNAs.
Access to fluorescent probes via allyl glycosides: the synthesis of a Brucella trisaccharide epitope linked to a coumarin.

Oligosaccharide allyl glycosides are demonstrated to provide a route to fluorescent probes and simple inhibitors. Ethyl 2-O-acetyl-4-azido-3-O-benzoyl-4,6-dideoxy-1-thio-α-d-mannopyranoside (6) was used as glycosyl donor in the preparation of the trisaccharide [α-d-Rhap4NFo(1 → 2)-]2-α-d-Rhap4NFo-O-allyl (16). Thioglycoside6 was activated withN-iodosuccinimide and triflic acid or by bromine in the glycosylations and the inhibitor16 was obtained after deprotection by transesterification, reduction of the azido groups with hydrogen sulfide, andN-formylation with ethyl formate. Ozonolysis of the allyl glycoside in16 and reductive amination with 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin then gave the target fluorescent trisaccharide conjugate.
Oxygen-vacancy mediated adsorption and reactions of molecular oxygen on the ZnO (10 1̄ 0) surface

We present first-principles total-energy calculations of adsorption and reaction of molecular oxygen on the $\mathrm{ZnO}(10\overline{1}0)$ surface. We find that, on stoichiometric $\mathrm{ZnO}(10\overline{1}0)$ surfaces, the adsorption is fully molecular with a small adsorption energy and the dissociation is energetically unfavorable. On a partially reduced $\mathrm{ZnO}(10\overline{1}0)$ surface, the dissociative adsorption is energetically preferred, with one of the resulting oxygen atoms filling the original oxygen vacancy, while the other is in between two neighboring Zn atoms, forming a bridging oxygen adatom. This bridging oxygen may diffuse along the Zn-O dimer row and capture and fill another oxygen vacancy. The dissociative adsorption influences the electronic properties of the $\mathrm{ZnO}(10\overline{1}0)$ surface.
Gödel's ontological argument: a reply to Oppy

Graham Oppy has contributed recently to the discussion of Godel’s ontological argument with an attempted refutation (Oppy 1996). Although seemingly promising, I will show here that this attempt fails to undermine Godel’s argument. Very briefly, Godel’s argument proceeds in the following way.1 One begins with the primitive notion of a positive property. A positive property is a ‘great-making’ property which entails no defect. The property of Godlikeness (G) is defined in this way: One is God-like iff one has as essential properties all and only positive properties. Given a number of axioms concerning positive properties, one can prove that a unique possible individual instantiates God-likeness, i.e. that there is (at least) one possible world inhabited by this unique God-like being. Furthermore, necessary existence is a positive property. Thus, in some possible world this unique God-like being necessarily exists, and so, in S5 modal logic, this being exists in the actual world. Oppy’s strategy is the strategy which the monk Gaunilo used to try to refute Anselm’s ontological argument. This strategy attempts to show that if the theist purports to have proven the existence of God, the same reasoning may be used to prove the existence of many theologically repugnant entities, e.g. demi-gods, perfect islands, etc. Oppy’s particular objection is motivated in the following way: since the theist defines God-likeness, the atheist may define a similar property, call it ‘God*-likeness’ (‘G*’). Let God*-likeness be the property one has iff one has as essential properties only and almost all of the positive properties, including necessary existence (e.g., all positive properties except omniscience, and only positive properties). Since two things are identical only if they share the same essential properties, the definition of God*-likeness ensures that the atheist’s being is distinct from God. Furthermore, a God*-like being must also be necessarily existent, since necessary existence is a property entailed by God*likeness. Oppy cannot draw the conclusion that such a being exists, however. There is a crucial disanalogy between his argument and the theist’s. This disanalogy becomes evident when we look at Oppy’s argument, which he
Tracking of Raindrops in Flow over an Airfoil

The splashback that occurs when raindrops impact an airfoil results in an 'ejecta fog' of small droplets around the leading edge. Acceleration of these droplets by the air flow field is a momentum sink for the air flow and has been hypothesized to contribute to the degradation of airfoil performance in heavy rain. Presented here is a one-way coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian particle tracking scheme to evaluate droplet number densities and momentum sink terms around a NACA 64-210 airfoil section for three rainfall rates. A laminar air flow field is determined with a standard CFD code and input to the particle tracking algorithm. Raindrops are assumed to be non-interacting, non-deforming, non-evaporating, and non-spinning spheres and are tracked through the curvilinear grid used by the air flow code. A simple model is used to simulate impacts and the resulting splashback on the airfoil surface.
Observation of Growth-Related Magnetic Structures in La0.67Sr0.33MnO3

Ambient observation of magnetic structures by magnetic force microscopy (MFM) in La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 films has not yet been clearly correlated with stresses induced by the kinetic or thermodynamic growth processes or the compressive (LaAlO3) or tensile (SrTiO3) nature of the substrate lattice-mismatch. Although domain-like magnetic structures have been seen in some as-grown films on LAO and related to substrate-induced stress and film thickness, no magnetic structure has been seen for films on STO and other films grown under different kinetic conditions on LAO. In this study we have identified a set of pulsed-laser deposition conditions with the substrate temperature as a variable to determine the relationship between growth and stress-induced magnetic structures. Results from scanning tunneling, atomic force, and MFM microscopies, magnetization, and coercivity measurements will be presented.
A false-positive diagnosis of a prenatal encephalocele on transvaginal ultrasonography.

The ability to correctly diagnose an encephalocele is important for both the management and outcome of a pregnancy. Not only has diagnostic evaluation with transvaginal ultrasonography been found to improve accuracy in the diagnosis of encephaloceles, but it has also helped in earlier diagnosis because of its high resolution and access to the fetal intracranial anatomy. It has been shown in previous case reports to correctly identify encephaloceles in cases in which the diagnosis was unable to be made on the basis of transabdominal ultrasonography. In the case presented, transvaginal ultrasonography proved not to be diagnostically superior to abdominal ultrasonography for the diagnosis of an encephalocele. On the basis of transvaginal ultrasonography, an incorrect diagnosis of an encephalocele was made, which was then refuted by transabdominal ultrasonographic findings. In this case, it was fetal hair that was initially misinterpreted as an encephalocele on transvaginal ultrasonography.
Dual action on promoter demethylation and chromatin by an isothiocyanate restored GSTP1 silenced in prostate cancer

Prostate carcinoma is characterized by the silencing of pi-class glutathione S-transferase gene (GSTP1), which encodes a detoxifying enzyme. The silencing of GSTP1, due to aberrant methylation at the CpG island in the promoter/5'-UTR, occurs in the vast majority of prostate tumors and precancerous lesions. It is a pathologic marker and probably an underlying cause of oxidative damage and inflammation at tumor initiation. Inhibition of the aberrant promoter methylation could therefore be an effective mean to prevent carcinogenesis. Several isothiocyanates, including phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), found naturally in cruciferous vegetables, induced growth arrest and apoptosis in prostate cancer cells in culture and xenografts. The effects of PEITC to reactivate GSTP1 were investigated. Exposure of prostate cancer LNCaP cells to PEITC inhibited the activity and level of histone deacetylases (HDACs), and induced selective histone acetylation and methylation for chromatin unfolding. Concurrently PEITC demethylated the promoter and restored the unmethylated GSTP1 in both androgen-dependent and -independent LNCaP cancer cells to the level found in normal prostatic cells, as quantified by methylation-specific PCR and pyrosequencing. The dual action of PEITC on both the DNA and chromatin was more effective than 5'-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine, sodium butyrate, or trichostatin A (TSA), and may de-repress the methyl-binding domain (MBD) on gene transcription. The PEITC-mediated cross-talk between the DNA and chromatin in demethylating and reactivating GSTP1 genes, which is critically inactivated in prostate carcinogenesis, underlines a primary mechanism of cancer chemoprevention. Consequently, new approaches could be developed, with isothiocyanates to prevent and inhibit malignancies.
A $\mu$ m-Scale Computational Model of Magnetic Neural Stimulation in Multifascicular Peripheral Nerves

There has been recurring interest in using magnetic neural stimulation for implantable localized stimulation. However, the large stimulation voltages and energies necessary to evoke neuronal activity have tempered this interest. To investigate the potential of magnetic stimulation as a viable methodology and to provide the ability to investigate novel coil designs that can result in lower stimulation threshold voltages and energies, there is a need for a model that accurately predicts the magnetic field–tissue interaction that results in neuronal stimulation. In this study, we provide a computational framework to accurately estimate the stimulation threshold and have validated the model with in vivo magnetic stimulation experiments. To make such predictions, we developed a micrometer-resolution anatomically driven computational model of rat sciatic nerve and quantified the effect of tissue heterogeneity (i.e., fascicular organization, axon distribution, and density) and axonal membrane capacitance on the resulting threshold. Using the multiresolution impedance method, we computed the spatial-temporal distribution of the induced electric field in the nerve and applied this field to a Frankenhaeuser–Huxley axon model in NEURON to simulate the nonlinear mechanisms of the membrane channels. The computational model developed predicts the stimulation thresholds for four magnetic coil designs with different geometrical parameters within the 95% confidence interval (experiments count = 4) of measured in vivo stimulation thresholds for the rat sciatic nerve.
Limiting-case Analysis of Continuum Trunk Kinematics

Continuum robotic manipulators, termed trunks, mimic the astounding capabilities of elephant trunks and octopus arms by bending in smooth arcs. Several approaches to kinematic analysis of continuum trunks complement a wide variety of available continuum robots. However, these kinematics exhibit singularity-like conditions when the trunk assumes a straight posture, which is essential to complete many tasks. The novel limiting-case analysis presented in this paper eliminates these problems, demonstrating that the unique causes of the problem are rooted in the continuum formulation and cannot be solved by traditional rigid-link singularity analysis. Three practical examples demonstrate the necessity of this analysis presented, enabling the trunk to successfully perform each task.
Seeing Like a Mayor Or, How Local Officials Obstructed Romanian Land Restitution

A decade after the law returning land rights to previous owners in Romania had been passed in 1991, the process was still incomplete; titling was delayed and lawsuits dragged on by the year. Contra...