cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeted support for using technology-enhanced science inquiry modules

Designing effective professional development experiences for technology-enhanced inquiry instruction is the goal of the Technology Enhanced Learning in Science (TELS) NSF funded Center for Learning and Teaching. In order to provide this type of support to a large number of teachers, we devised a targeted professional development approach. Participating teachers implemented short inquiry modules that featured interactive scientific visualizations. We collaborated with 16 schools in eight districts and five states. This paper reports the design, implementation, and refinement of the targeted approach. Findings from inter- view data show that teachers faced challenges that are often associated with enacting technology innovations in K-12 classrooms. The targeted professional development approach addressed the challenges and allowed teachers to successfully implement the modules in their classrooms. The interview data clarify teachers' perspectives on how using technology impacted their teaching practices and their ideas about student learning. This work contributes to a growing body of literature that identifies and addresses barriers to integrating technology into K-12 classrooms.
Arachidonic acid modulates hippocampal calcium current via protein kinase C and oxygen radicals

Arachidonic acid (AA) is a second messenger liberated via receptor activation of phospholipase A2 or diacylglycerol-lipase. We used whole-cell voltage clamp of acutely isolated hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells to investigate the hypothesis that AA modulates Ca2+ channel current (ICa) via activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and generation of free radicals. AA depressed ICa in a dose- and time-dependent manner similar to that previously reported for the action of phorbol esters on ICa. A similar depression was seen with a xanthine-based free radical generating system. The specific PKC inhibitor PKCI (19-36), the protein kinase inhibitor H-7, and the superoxide free radical scavenger SOD each blocked ICa depression by 70%-80%. Complete block of the AA response occurred when SOD was used simultaneously with a PKC inhibitor. These data suggest that PKC and free radicals play a role in AA-induced suppression of ICa.
Molecular biology and replication of hepatitis E virus

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus, is responsible for acute hepatitis E epidemics in many developing countries, and the virus is also endemic in some industrialized countries. Hepatitis E is a recognized zoonotic disease, and several animal species, including pigs, are potential reservoirs for HEV. The genome of HEV contains three open reading frames (ORFs). ORF1 encodes the nonstructural proteins, ORF2 encodes the capsid protein, and ORF3 encodes a small multifunctional protein. The ORF2 and ORF3 proteins are translated from a single, bicistronic mRNA. The coding sequences for these two ORFs overlap each other, but neither overlaps with ORF1. Whereas the mechanisms underlying HEV replication are poorly understood, the construction of infectious viral clones, the identification of cell lines that support HEV replication, and the development of small animal models have allowed for more detailed study of the virus. As result of these advances, recently, our understanding of viral entry, genomic replication and viral egress has improved. Furthermore, the determination of the T=1 and T=3 structure of HEV virus-like particles has furthered our understanding of the replication of HEV. This article reviews the latest developments in the molecular biology of HEV with an emphasis on the genomic organization, the expression and function of genes, and the structure and replication of HEV.
Discovery of Web Services in a Multi-Ontology and Federated Registry Environment

The potential of a large-scale growth of private and semi-private registries is creating the need for an infrastructure that can support discovery and publication over a group of autonomous registries. Recent versions of UDDI have made changes to accommodate interactions between distributed registries. In this paper, we discuss an ontology-based Web service discovery infrastructure (METEOR-S Web Service Discovery Infrastructure), to provide access to registries that are divided based on business domains and grouped into federations. In addition, we discuss how Web service discovery is carried out within a federation. We provide a novel discovery algorithm, which addresses semantic heterogeneity with respect to multiple ontologies from the same domain. We also show through preliminary results of our empirical evaluation that even when services are annotated with different ontologies, our algorithm is able to find good matches and eliminate false matches by considering the context and the coverage information of the annotated concepts.
The acoustic properties of normal and imbedded bovine bone as measured by acoustic microscopy

The acoustic impedance of bovine femoral cortical bone was measured with a scanning acoustic microscope used in the reflection mode. The bone was measured in the unimbeded state and after plastic imbedding. The acoustic impedance of the unimbedded specimens was also measured with a standard transmission ultrasonic technique. For the unimbedded bovine specimens there was a good correlation between the bulk transmission impedance and the reflection surface impedance (r2 = 0.976) and the values were 9.32 and 9.29 MRayls, respectively. Plastic imbedding produced a consistent and statistically significant increase in the acoustic impedance of the bone (9.71 MRayls). This experiment verified the use of acoustic microscopy as a quantitative materials analysis technique and it demonstrated the potential for material property analysis of imbedded bone. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthesis of two new enrichable and MS-cleavable cross-linkers to define protein–protein interactions by mass spectrometry

The cross-linking Mass Spectrometry (XL-MS) technique extracts structural information from protein complexes without requiring highly purified samples, crystallinity, or large amounts of material. However, there are challenges to applying the technique to protein complexes in vitro, and those challenges become more daunting with in vivo experiments. Issues include effective detection and identification of cross-linked peptides from complex mixtures. While MS-cleavable cross-linkers facilitate the sequencing and identification of cross-linked peptides, enrichable cross-linkers increase their detectability by allowing their separation from non-cross-linked peptides prior to MS analysis. Although a number of cross-linkers with single functionality have been developed in recent years, an ideal reagent would incorporate both capabilities for XL-MS studies. Therefore, two new cross-linkers have been designed and prepared that incorporate an azide (azide-A-DSBSO) or alkyne (alkyne-A-DSBSO) to enable affinity purification strategies based on click chemistry. The integration of an acid cleavage site next to the enrichment handle allows easy recovery of cross-linked products during affinity purification. In addition, these sulfoxide containing cross-linking reagents possess robust MS-cleavable bonds to facilitate fast and easy identification of cross-linked peptides using MS analysis. Optimized, gram-scale syntheses of these cross-linkers have been developed and the azide-A-DSBSO cross-linker has been evaluated with peptides and proteins to demonstrate its utility in XL-MS analysis.
Effects of supplemental vitamin E with different oil sources during preconditioning on gain and carcass parameters of finished beef calves

ABSTRACT Sixty-four (224 ± 33 kg) Angus-cross calves were stratified by BW and sex and then randomly allotted to one of four 35-d preconditioning diets to evaluate the effect of supplemental vitamin E with or without dietary oil on BW gain and carcass characteristics. Diets were based on ad libitum grass hay (6.2% CP) and the following concentrates: corn and soybean meal only (CON), CON plus vitamin E (VITE), VITE plus 1.5% safflower oil (ELA), or VITE plus 1.5% flaxseed oil (ELNA). Vitamin E amounts were targeted for 150 IU/kg of total DMI (supplement plus hay). Following preconditioning, calves were shipped to a commercial feedlot and received a modified-live intranasal vaccine against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and parainfluenza-3 following arrival to stimulate immune activity. Blood samples were obtained before transit and 30 d posttransit to quantify glucose and antibody titers. Data were evaluated as a randomized complete block design with sex as block using the preplanned contrasts of CON versus VITE, VITE versus oil (mean of ELA and ELNA), and ELA versus ELNA. No differences (P > 0.10) were observed for either preconditioning or feedlot ADG or for any carcass traits. Morbidity rates were less than 1% and consistent across treatments. No differences (P > 0.10) were observed for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, parainfluenza-3, or IgM antibody titer concentrations across treatments. Preconditioning diets containing 150 IU of vitamin E/kg of DMI, regardless of oil, showed limited to no change in performance, immune, or carcass characteristics of weaned beef calves.
Inflated modified power series distributions with applications

In certain applications involving discrete data, it is sometimes found that X = 0 is observed with a frequency significantly higher than predicted by the assumed model. Zero inflated Poisson, binomial and negative binomial models have been employed in some clinical trials and in some regression analysis problems. In this paper, we study the zero inflated modified power series distributions (IMPSD) which include among others the generalized Poisson and the generalized negative binomial distributions and hence the Poisson, binomial and negative binomial distributions. The structural properties along with the distribution of the sum of independent IMPSD variables are studied. The maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters of the model is examined and the variance-covariance matrix of the estimators is obtained. Finally, examples are presented for the generalized Poisson distribution to illustrate the results.
Laminar pipe flow at the entrance into transverse magnetic field

High-resolution numerical simulations are conducted to analyze transformation of a liquid metal flow in a pipe at the entrance into a transverse magnetic field. The case of laminar flow, perfectly insulating pipe walls, and Hartmann number up to 200 is considered. The simulations reveal detailed structure of velocity and electric current fields and distribution of forces with particular attention given to the flow with an M-shaped velocity profile. They also establish criteria for accurate computations of laminar magnetohydrodynamic flows in strong non-uniform magnetic fields.
Frequency and follow-up of incidental findings on trauma computed tomography scans: experience at a level one trauma center.

Objectives: Incidental findings found on computed tomography (CT) scan during the Emergency Department evaluation of trauma patients are often benign, but their presence must always be communicated to patients, who should be referred for follow-up care. Our objective was to quantify the frequency of these incidental CT findings in trauma patients. A secondary goal was to determine how often these lesions were communicated to patients and how often patients were referred for follow-up. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 500 consecutive patients presenting as trauma activations. Subjects received head, chest, or abdomen/pelvis CT scans at our hospital. Patients were identified using our trauma registry. Final CT reports were examined and discharge summaries were reviewed for basic demographics. Scans with incidental findings prompted detailed secondary review of discharge summaries to determine follow-up. Investigators reviewed incidental findings and classified them into three groups by clinical importance, using predetermined criteria. Results: Of the 500 patient charts identified for review, 480 (96%) were available, yielding 1930 CT reports for analysis. Incidental findings were noted in 211 of 480 (43%) patients and on 285 (15%) of the 1930 CT studies performed for the 480 patients. Of available patient records, only 27% of patient charts had mention of the finding in the discharge summary, had documentation of an in-hospital workup, or had documentation of a referral for follow-up. Most-concerning lesions, such as suspected malignancies or aortic aneurysms, accounted for 15% of all incidental findings and were referred for follow-up in only 49% of cases. Conclusions: Incidental findings were noted in 15% of trauma CT scans. Follow-up was poor, even for potentially serious findings. Further studies should examine the long-term outcome of patients with these findings.
Dynamic hub station selection (DHSS) protocol in wireless 1394 network

Hub station plays a vital role in wireless 1394 network in that it regulates all the other stations' communication and manages the system's resources. Being deployed in the home environment, the wireless 1394 hub station may be obstructed by human bodies or household equipment. It is critical to maintain an always operative hub station. In this work, we propose a DHSS (dynamic hub station selection) protocol that countermeasures the shadowing effect, ensuring a working network. Simulation results yield the fact that the proposed scheme not only can select an optimal (lowest cost) station functioning as a hub station but also can improve system's performance in terms of its quick recovery time in case of network change, higher packet delivery ratio and lower packet end-to-end delay.
Cookies and Privacy

Abstract This article provides an overview of cookies, the small files used by companies to collect information about Internet users. Although cookies were initially designed to assist users in shopping online, they have become a synonym for the invasion of privacy. The article discusses the structure of cookies, the advantages and disadvantages of cookies, legal issues, and United States and European Union (EU) laws regarding the use of cookies.
ROS-mediated regulation of CXCR4 in cancer.

Oxidative stress and the accumulation of reactive oxygen specie (ROS) play a role in cancer cells developing an advanced, phenotypic signature that associates with metastasis and progression. Increased ROS concentrations are involved in promoting cancer development and metastasis by inducing expression of oncogenes, suppressing activity of anti-survival molecules and by activating various cell survival and proliferation signaling pathways. Oxidative stress is higher in the epithelium of cancer patients than patients without the disease, and antioxidant trials are currently being explored as a therapeutic option. However, studies have shown that ROS increases expression of CXCR4 in cancer and immune cells. CXCR4 expression in tumors strongly correlates to metastasis and poor prognosis. Herein, we discuss an emerging relationship between ROS and CXCR4 in cancer cells.
General application tools for concurrent engineering

A cross section of general types of tools for supporting the systems development process through concurrent engineering methods is presented. Many of these tools actually precede the term concurrent engineering; however, each of these tools contributes to the process of taking an operational concept from paper to product. It is pointed out that those companies that can best translate their customers' needs into design information and most consistently produce products that satisfy that need will survive the economic battle. These tools represent state-of-the art weaponry for global economic competition. >
Photosynthetic rapid light curves (RLC) of Thalassia testudinum exhibit diurnal variation

The use of pulse-amplitude-modulated fluorometry (PAM) and rapid light curves (RLC) were evaluated for monitoring the physiological condition of the seagrass, Thalassia testudinum, at the landscape scale in Florida Bay, USA. PAM fluorometry provides rapid, non-invasive, and quantitative physiological information on the state of photosynthesis. Yet, previous studies of effective and maximum quantum yields have shown that problems arise when expanding measurements from the organismal scale to the landscape scale, mainly due to temporal and irradiance-induced changes in photophysiology. Here, the magnitude of diurnal and spatial variation of photosynthetic characteristics among 10 sample basins and between two sample years was investigated using RLCs. Because RLCs measure effective quantum yields over a range of changing actinic irradiances, we hypothesized that the response parameters might be less sensitive to diurnal light history effects. Our results indicate that the RLC parameters, alpha and ETRmax, significantly changed diurnally, as was previously found for both maximum and effective quantum yields, but the diurnal patterns were variable among the 10 basins. Both among-basin and between-year comparisons were confounded by diurnal variation and statistical analyses comparing morning, mid-day, and afternoon time periods were unable to definitively discern which time of day was best suited for assessing the relative photophysiological status of T. testudinum. However, pooling RLC data at the basin scale revealed among-basin differences and landscape scale trends that were consistent with basin-level morphometric variation in this seagrass. Thus, PAM fluorometry may be useful as a landscape scale monitoring tool within certain constraints. When using this approach over large spatial and temporal scales, diurnal variability must be considered.
Spontaneous neural fluctuations predict decisions to attend

Ongoing variability in neural signaling is an intrinsic property of the brain. Often this variability is considered to be noise and ignored. However, an alternative view is that this variability is fundamental to perception and cognition and may be particularly important in decision-making. Here, we show that a momentary measure of occipital alpha-band power (8—13 Hz) predicts choices about where human participants will focus spatial attention on a trial-by-trial basis. This finding provides evidence for a mechanistic account of decision-making by demonstrating that ongoing neural activity biases voluntary decisions about where to attend within a given moment.
A Semi-Analytic Approach to Cooling Flow Evolution

Piecewise similarity solutions are used to model the evolution of a cooling flow in the absence of star formation, heating, or heat conduction. In these solutions the cooling radius R c increases as a power of time and the character of the X-ray emission changes qualitatively across the cooling radius. Application to M87 shows that time-dependence does not change the conclusion obtained by others that gas drops out of the flow; it is shown that inside ≈ 0.2R c local thermal instabilities can plausibly lead to star formation. The similarity solution fit to M87 implies that the cooling flow was more vigorous in the past.
The intermediate temperature deformation of Ni-based superalloys: Importance of reordering

A number of planar deformation mechanisms, such as microtwinning, a[112] dislocation ribbon, and superlattice intrinsic and superlattice extrinsic stacking fault formation, can operate during the intermediate temperature deformation of nickle-based superalloys. The fundamental, rate-limiting processes controlling these deformation mechanisms are not fully understood. It has been recently postulated that reordering of atoms in the wake of the gliding partial dislocations as they shear the γ′precipitates within the γ/γ′microstructure is the limiting process. Experimental evidence that substantiates the validity of the reordering model for the microtwinning mechanism is provided. A conceptual approach to study reordering at the atomic scale using ab-initio calculation methods is also presented. The results of this approach provide a clear conceptualization of the energetics and kinetics of the reordering process, which may be generically important for the aforementioned planar deformation modes.
Primary tooth fluorosis and fluoride intake during the first year of life

– Objectives: Few studies in North America have assessed dental fluorosis of the primary dentition and few, if any, anywhere have assessed the relative importance in fluorosis etiology of fluoride intake during different time periods or from multiple sources. The purpose of this paper is to report on analyses relating estimated prenatal fluoride intake and fluoride intake during different parts of the first year of life to primary tooth fluorosis. Methods: As part of The Iowa Fluoride Study, subjects were recruited at birth and studied longitudinally. Trained examiners assessed dental fluorosis for children aged 4–7 years using the Tooth Surface Index of Fluorosis (TSIF) adapted for the primary dentition. Detailed parent questionnaires at childbirth were used to estimate prenatal fluoride intake and questionnaires sent at 6 weeks and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months were used to estimate fluoride intake during the first year of life (combined fluoride intake from water, food and beverage, supplements, and dentifrice). There were 504 children with prenatal and at least four of the five postnatal responses with complete data. Results: Fluorosis prevalence was 12.1%, occurring primarily on the second primary molars. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and logistic regression were used to assess the importance of different time periods' fluoride intake. In bivariate analyses, fluoride intake during each time interval was individually significantly related to fluorosis occurrence. For multivariate analyses, the period from 6 to 9 months was most important individually (P = 0.0001), and no other period was jointly statistically significant. Conclusions: Results suggest that the middle of the first year of life is most important in fluorosis etiology for the primary dentition in this setting.
Platelets and the vascular responses to arachidonic acid in dogs

UNLABELLED Platelets are rich in components of the prostaglandin synthetase system which converts arachidonic acid into vasoactive and platelet-active prostanoate and nonprostanoate compounds. Repeated injections of arachidonic acid in dogs cause hypotension of reproducible magnitude and lower circulating platelet counts with each injection. However, the circulatory response to injected arachidonic acid was unchanged when platelet-poor blood was exchanged in dogs. Moreover, in the hind limb preparation and the isolated lung lobe, the vasoactive responses to arachidonic acid were indistinguishable whether perfused with whole blood or an artificial perfusate. CONCLUSION the vascular responses to arachidonic acid do not appear dependent on the presence of platelets.
Intravascular Ultrasound of Symptomatic Intracranial Stenosis Demonstrates Atherosclerotic Plaque with Intraplaque Hemorrhage: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Intracranial artery stenosis is assumed to represent atherosclerotic plaque. Catheter cerebral arteriography shows that intracranial stenosis may progress, regress, or remain unchanged. It is counterintuitive that atherosclerotic plaque should spontaneously regress, raising questions about the composition of intracranial stenoses. Little is known about this disease entity in vivo. We provide the first demonstration of in vivo atherosclerotic plaque with intraplaque hemorrhage using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). CASE DESCRIPTION A 35-year-old man with multiple vascular risk factors presented with recurrent stroke failing medical therapy. Imaging demonstrated left internal carotid artery occlusion, severe intracranial right internal carotid artery stenosis, and cerebral perfusion failure. Cerebral arteriography with IVUS confirmed 85% stenosis of the petrous right carotid artery due to atherosclerotic plaque with intraplaque hemorrhage. Intracranial stent-supported angioplasty was performed with IRB approval. The patient recovered without complication. CONCLUSIONS This case supports the premise that symptomatic intracranial stenosis can be caused by atherosclerotic plaque complicated by intraplaque hemorrhage similar to coronary artery plaque. IVUS provides additional characteristics that define intracranial atherosclerosis and high-risk features. To our knowledge, this is the first report of stroke due to unstable atherosclerotic plaque with intraplaque hemorrhage in vivo.
Caring for the Caregivers and Patients Left Behind: Experiences of a Volunteer Nurse During Hurricane Katrina

As a volunteer nurse deployed to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, the author observed the need for honest and informative leadership, for volunteer flexibility and an "I'll-do-anything" mind-set, and for more advanced disaster training. This article describes the author's experiences and highlights how she learned those lessons. She advocates learning from the experiences of responders to recent national and international relief efforts to ensure the organizational and personal preparedness needed to deal with the complex ethical, moral, legal, and medical issues during a disaster.
Design considerations for Rowland circle gratings used in photonic integrated devices for WDM applications

Design issues of photonic integrated devices for WDM applications based on Rowland circle gratings have been studied. Effects of grating period, diffraction order, grating aperture (size), and Rowland circle size on device performance are discussed. The point spread function of a typical Rowland circle grating is evaluated numerically which yields an optical image (spot) size of several microns in diameter. Our study shows that there is a tradeoff between channel dispersion and feedback efficiency in choosing the grating period when a Rowland circle grating is used as the wavelength-selective element for a parallel-waveguide-type wavelength division multiplexing device. >
The mutacins of Streptococcus mutans: Regulation and ecology

Streptococcus mutans is generally recognized as a causative agent of human dental caries. The production of mutacins (bacteriocins) by S. mutans is considered to be an important factor in the colonization and establishment of S. mutans in the dental biofilm. Two types of mutacins have been characterized: the lantibiotics and the non-lantibiotics. The lantibiotics generally have a wider spectrum of activity than the non-lantibiotics, which make them attractive targets for development into new antimicrobial modalities. The non-lantibiotics are much more prevalent among strains of S. mutans and play a significant role in both community and population level interactions in the dental biofilm. These interactions are directly mediated through the ComCDE two-component system and the newly characterized LytTR Regulation Systems HdrRM and BrsRM. These systems coordinate natural competence development and mutacin production as a means to acquire transforming DNA either by killing closely related streptococcal species in the vicinity of S. mutans, or through an altruistic suicide mechanism among a subpopulation of competent cells within the S. mutans community. As more S. mutans strains are sequenced, it is anticipated that additional mutacins with novel functions will be discovered, which may yield further insights into the ecological role of mutacins within the oral biofilm.
Bounds and Asymptotics for Planning Critical Safety Stocks

We develop bounds and approximations for setting base-stock levels in production-inventory systems with limited production capacity. Our approximations become exact as inventories become critical, meaning either that the target service level is very high or the backorder penalty is very large. Our bounds apply even without this requirement. We consider both single-stage and multi-stage systems. For single-stage systems, we find tight bounds and asymptotically exact approximations for optimal base-stock levels; for multistage systems, our results give partial characterizations of the optimal levels. Part of our analysis is a precise connection, in the critical regime, between a multistage system and an associated single-stage system consisting solely of the bottleneck facility.
Circadian Regulation of A-Type Potassium Currents in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

In mammals, the precise circadian timing of many biological processes depends on the generation of oscillations in neural activity of pacemaker cells in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Understanding the ionic mechanisms underlying these rhythms is an important goal of research in chronobiology. Previous work has shown that SCN neurons express A-type potassium currents (IAs), but little is known about the properties of this current in the SCN. We sought to characterize some of these properties, including the identities of IA channel subunits found in the SCN and the circadian regulation of IA itself. In this study, we were able to detect significant hybridization for Shal-related family members 1 and 2 (Kv4.1 and 4.2) within the SCN. In addition, we used Western blot to show that the Kv4.1 and 4.2 proteins are expressed in SCN tissue. We further show that the magnitude of the IA current exhibits a diurnal rhythm that peaks during the day in the dorsal region of the mouse SCN. This rhythm seems to be driven by a subset of SCN neurons with a larger peak current and a longer decay constant. Importantly, this rhythm in neurons in the dorsal SCN continues in constant darkness, providing an important demonstration of the circadian regulation of an intrinsic voltage-gated current in mammalian cells. We conclude that the anatomical expression, biophysical properties, and pharmacological profiles measured are all consistent with the SCN IA current being generated by Kv4 channels. Additionally, these data suggest a role for IA in the regulation of spontaneous action potential firing during the transitions between day/night and in the integration of synaptic inputs to SCN neurons throughout the daily cycle.
Assessment of autonomic function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using spectral analysis and approximate entropy method.

Objectives: To assess the effect of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on autonomic function of a group of RA patients in comparison with a normal control group by measuring the frequency gain response of the 2 groups. Also, to determine whether the duration of RA correlated with measures of heart rate variability signal (HRV) using an approximate entropy index (ApEn). Methods: We evaluated 52 patients with RA, and 51 matched healthy subjects at the Arthritis Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Maryland, United States during 2004 and 2005. We measured breathing at different rates, and the HRV signal derived from ECG. The auto-power and cross power spectra between HRV signal and breathing signal at different breathing rates was calculated, and the frequency gain response for both groups was obtained. The ApEn, described as a measure of regularity of HRV, was calculated for both patients with RA and the healthy control subjects. Results: Both frequency gain response and ApEn measure were reduced in patients with RA in comparison with the control group. The power spectra of patients with RA showed a reduced high frequency (HF) value and higher low frequency for control subjects. However, the ApEn measure was significantly reduced in longer RA duration patients. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the spectral analysis of HRV signal using breathing at different frequencies may detect an unbalance of the autonomic system of patients with RA, especially with increasing the sympathetic activity (higher low frequency) and reducing the parasympathetic tone (reduced frequency gain response), which can lead to sudden death in patients with RA. The ApEn may be a marker of RA stage.
Great expectations in acute myeloid leukemia.

Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, USA *Author for correspondence: Tel.: +1 713 794 1141; Fax: +1 713 745 4612; cdinardo@mdanderson.org
Ants of the Genus Ponera in America, North of Mexico

The species of Ponera numbering not more than from 75 to 100 occur throughout the tropical and temperate regions of the world. In America, north of Mexico only five species are known, regardless of the great amount of ant collecting that has been done. Practically all of these, with the exception of Ponera coarctata subsp. pennsylvanica Buckley are confined almost entirely to the southern half of the United States. Several of the species such as inexorata Wheeler and ergatandria Forel have been collected too infrequently for one to know very definitely the limits of their distribution.
Chin-ball application of permethrin to cows for horn fly (Diptera: Muscidae) control.

Control of horn flies, Haematobia irritans (L.), was obtained with 1.0% permethrin applied to cows in marking fluid by a bull equipped with a chin-ball or bull-point marker. The treatment provided horn fly control 2 days after use of the chin-ball was initiated and remained effective 3 weeks after the bull was removed from the herd.
Surface Disorder and Exfoliation in Lithographically Textured Molybdenum Disulfide

Lithographic techniques have been used to prepare transmission electron microscopy samples of MoS 2 , allowing examination of the edge surface with single-layer resolution. We observe that these surfaces are easily disordered by chemical treatments common in the catalysis industry. In some cases treatment in H 2 /H 2 S leads to an exfoliation of the layered structure, a process which can be observed as it occurs in the microscope.
Electronic, redox, and photophysical consequences of metal-for-carbon substitution in oligo-phenylene-ethynylenes.

The electronic structures, redox chemistry, and excited-state properties of tungsten-containing oligo-phenylene-ethynylenes (OPEs) of the form W[C(p-C6H4CC)n−1Ph](dppe)2Cl (n = 1–5; dppe =1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) are reported and compared with those of organic analogues in order to elucidate the effects of metal-for-carbon substitution on OPE bonding and electronic properties. Key similarities between the metallo- and organic OPEs that bear on materials-related functions include their nearly identical effective conjugation lengths, reduction potentials, and π* orbital energies and delocalization. In addition to these conserved properties, the tungsten centers endow OPEs with reversible one-electron oxidation chemistry and long-lived emissive triplet excited states that are not accessible to organic OPEs. The electronic similarities and differences between metallo- and organic OPEs can be understood largely on the basis of π/π* orbital energy matching between tungsten and organic PE fragments and ...
Near Unity Quantum Yield of Light-Driven Redox Mediator Reduction and Efficient H2 Generation Using Colloidal Nanorod Heterostructures

The advancement of direct solar-to-fuel conversion technologies requires the development of efficient catalysts as well as efficient materials and novel approaches for light harvesting and charge separation. We report a novel system for unprecedentedly efficient (with near-unity quantum yield) light-driven reduction of methylviologen (MV2+), a common redox mediator, using colloidal quasi-type II CdSe/CdS dot-in-rod nanorods as a light absorber and charge separator and mercaptopropionic acid as a sacrificial electron donor. In the presence of Pt nanoparticles, this system can efficiently convert sunlight into H2, providing a versatile redox mediator-based approach for solar-to-fuel conversion. Compared to related CdSe seed and CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots and CdS nanorods, the quantum yields are significantly higher in the CdSe/CdS dot-in-rod structures. Comparison of charge separation, recombination and hole filling rates in these complexes showed that the dot-in-rod structure enables ultrafast electr...
The devil is in the T cells: relapsing after haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation

The devil is in the T cells: relapsing after haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation
Comment on “Hydromagnesite solubility product and growth kinetics in aqueous solution from 25 to 75 °C” by Gautier, Q., Benezeth, P., Mavromatis, V., and Schott, J.

Abstract Gautier et al. (2014) recently published their determination of hydromagnesite solubility constant and hydromagnesite growth kinetics. Although their raw data appear to be of high quality, there is an oversight in their calculations of the hydromagnesite solubility constants given the solution compositions in their experiments. The oversight lies in the fact that they did not consider the constraint of simultaneous equilibrium with brucite. This oversight causes their newly calculated equilibrium constant for hydromagnesite to be discordant with the literature values (Konigsberger et al., 1992; Xiong, 2011).
Did Garin and Bujadoux Actually Report a Case of Lyme Radiculoneuritis

A 1922 report by Garin and Bujadoux is widely regarded as describing the first case of neurologic Lyme borreliosis. Although the patient reported had a tick bite followed by the development of a rash and radiculoneuritis, there were a number of highly atypical features, raising the question of whether the patient, in fact, had neurologic Lyme borreliosis. The paper may not deserve the historic recognition that it has received.
Analysis on AEFI surveillance of measles contained vaccine from 2009 to 2013 in Shenzhen

Objective The study is to analyze the occurrence features of AEFI( Adverse event following immunization) of measles contained vaccine( MCV),and to evaluate the immunization safety of MCV. Methods AEFI data for MCV from2009 to 2013 in Shenzhen were collected through both of local and national information system for immunization surveillance. The descriptive method was used in the study. Results A total of 1 310 cases of AEFI for MCV were reported in Shengzhen with an incidence rate 26. 60 /105 doses,from 2009 to 2013. The sex ratio of male and female is 1. 29∶ 1 and 1 year age baby accounted for 55. 50% in the total cases. In vaccine reactions,the incidence rate of common,minor reaction and rare,serious reaction were 14. 44 /105 and 10. 40 /105. respectively. The primary reactions includes : fever( 11. 24 /105),and fever accompanied by other symptoms( 6. 25 /105),such as severe fever ≥ 38. 6 ℃,( 12. 59 /105),allergic rash( 9. 12 /105,measles and scarlet fever rash( 0. 43 /105). The reactions were mainly occurred in the 1stdose and within 1 day after vaccination with fever and allegic rashes. Conclusions MCV has a good immunization safety,but the abnormal reactions occur mainly with fever and anaphylactic reaction after vaccination. Therefore,it should be strengthened surveillance for the MCV AEFI in Shenzhen.
Performance improvements of wavelength-shifting-fiber neutron detectors using high-resolution positioning algorithms

Three high-resolution positioning methods based on the FluoroBancroft linear-algebraic method [S. B. Andersson, Opt. Express 16, 18714 (2008)] are proposed for wavelength-shifting fiber (WLSF) neutron detectors. Using a Gaussian or exponential-decay light-response function, the non-linear relation of photon-number profiles vs. x-pixels was linearized and neutron positions were determined. After taking the super-Poissonian photon noise into account, the proposed algorithms give an average of 0.03-0.08 pixel position error much smaller than that (0.29 pixel) from a traditional maximum photon algorithm (MPA). The new algorithms result in better detector uniformity, less position misassignment (ghosting), better spatial resolution, and an equivalent or better instrument resolution in powder diffraction than the MPA. These improvements will facilitate broader applications of WLSF detectors at time-of-flight neutron powder diffraction beamlines, including single-crystal diffraction and texture analysis.
Parameter Estimation Toward Fault Diagnosis in Nonlinear Systems Using a Markov Model of System Dynamics

A model-based parameter estimation method for nonlinear systems that does not require the linearization of the system equations and that can account for uncertainties in the monitored data as well as the parameters (e.g., random variations) is described. The method is particularly suitable for fault diagnosis because of its capability to assign probabilities of occurrence to user-specified parameter magnitude intervals that may be associated with system faults. The method regards system evolution in time as transitions between these intervals as well as user-specified magnitude intervals of the dynamic variables. These transition rates are obtained on-line from the system model and the monitored dynamic variable data and constitute a Markov chain in discrete time. The method then compares predicted and observed data at a given time step to narrow the estimated parameter range in the next time step. Implementations using a second-order van der Pol oscillator and a third-order system describing temporal xenon oscillations in a hypothetical reactor indicate that the method is computationally efficient and can be used for multiparameter estimation with incomplete information on the system state.
The Anxious Merchant, the Bold Speculator, and the Malicious Bankrupt

It has often been asserted that eighteenth-century Europeans held an “ambivalent attitude … to the growth of luxury or opulence in their societies … they valued the advantages that the growth of commercial life brought with it … [yet] they were disturbed by the effects of increased material wealth upon moral well-being.” How, then, “could man, as a citizen, enjoy material wealth without losing interest in the commonwealth?”1 If this debate animated controversy in the Anglo-Saxon context, it assumed a very different character, and was certainly more muted, elsewhere. The influential Dutch polymath, Caspar van Barlaeus, was “bold in his intention to refute the common assumption that commerce stood in opposition to virtue and the pursuit of wisdom” and indeed even referred to God as “the great Factor.” “Ambivalence” seems very much the wrong word for Hamburg, too, where the acquisition of wealth largely (although not solely) qualified men for civic office and underwrote their social position. In such merchant republics, and despite a recurrent moralistic hand-wringing about the evil effects of too much wealth gained too rapidly, ostentatious luxury, or the suspect business practices that made them possible, citizens took commercialism for granted. Indeed, the founding articles of the Hamburg Society for the Promotion of the Arts and Useful Crafts (better known as the Patriotic Society of 1765) recognized that “our republic is nothing more than a simple merchant-city, where … everyone derives his political life, his economy, and his very being from commerce.”
Utilizing Clinical Pharmacy Specialists to Address Access to Care Barriers in the Veteran Population for the Management of Diabetes.

Objective:To show that clinical pharmacy specialists (CPSs) can be utilized in remote facilities to provide appropriate diabetes outcomes along with potential cost savings.Methods:A retrospective cohort chart review conducted at the Veterans Affairs North Texas Healthcare System (VANTHCS) evaluated outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus referred to CPSs at Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic (FWOPC) or the endocrinologist-managed specialty clinic at the Dallas VA Medical Center (DVAMC). The primary outcome was percentage of patients reaching hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) goal of <8%. Secondary outcomes were percentage of patients reaching HbA1c <7%, time to reach HbA1c goals of <8% and <7%, and cost savings.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the number of patients reaching HbA1c goal <8% in the FWOPC (65.3%) compared to the DVAMC (55.8%). Secondary end points comparing FWOPC and DVAMC found no difference in patients reaching HbA1c <7% (20.8% vs 19.2%) and time to reach HbA1c goal o...
Characterisation of Spatial Structure in Molecular Clouds

Two topological tools for studying the global structure of molecular clouds, the genus and the contour-crossing statistic, are discussed. Preliminary results for the Taurus molecular cloud complex are presented
When Wells Run Dry: Water and Tourism in Nicaragua

Abstract This article uses a political ecology approach to examine the relationship between tourism and groundwater in southwest Nicaragua. Tourism remains a growing industry; however, adequate provisions of freshwater are necessary to sustain the production and reproduction of tourism and it remains uncertain if groundwater supplies can keep pace with demand. Integrating the findings of groundwater monitoring, geological mapping, and ethnographic and survey research from a representative stretch of Pacific coastline, this paper shows that diminishing recharge and increased groundwater consumption is creating a conflict between stakeholders with various levels of knowledge, power, and access. It concludes that marginalization is attributable to the nexus of a political promotion of tourism, poorly enforced state water policies, insufficient water research, and climatic variability.
Patient Experiences of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis:

The psychological mechanisms of action involved in psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy are not yet well understood. Despite a resurgence of quantitative research regarding psilocybin, the current stu...
Mechanismen der Flexibilität

Aus der Untersuchung sind viele Elemente der Dezentralisierung und der Selbstorganisation in den Unternehmen zu beobachten. Insbesondere steht die Selbststandigkeit der Arbeitskrafte im Vordergrund. Die Mitarbeiter arbeiten autonom im Rahmen ihres standig variierenden Aufgabenumfeldes.
Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells in Tumor Progression, Metastasis, Epithelial- Mesenchymal Transition and DNA Repair

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive solid malignancy with poor response to therapy and the subsequent dismal survival rate has remained a hallmark of this disease. There is evidence to indicate that pancreatic cancer is initiated and propagated by cancer stem cell (CSC)s. The CSC population is defined by its tumor initiating capacity and has been shown to be invasive or metastatic. Loss of genome stability is a hallmark of cancer with DNA repair enzymes aiding in maintenance of stability. The potential to assess the risk of cancer development lies in careful determination of one’s capacity in nurturing genome stability. DNA repair genes are over expressed in CSCs and both pancreatic CSCs and invasive cells in turn provide greater DNA damage response and repair mechanisms. Pancreatic tumor-initiating cells as well as invasive cells have a large number of genes related to DNA repair. RAD51, the key player in the recombinational repair of damaged DNA might act as a critical mediator of efficient DNA repair mechanisms of CSCs. We update here the current research results regarding CSCs in pancreatic cancer progression, metastasis and discuss the DNA repair mechanism in pancreatic CSCs.
Perceptions of Interagency Collaboration: Relationships Between Secondary Transition Roles, Communication, and Collaboration:

A web-based survey was disseminated to examine the relationship between high school special education teachers and direct-service transition professionals’ understanding of stakeholders’ roles in t...
B-Physics Possibilities at D0

This report presents a study of the capabilities of the DO detector to do B-related physics by utilizing the presence of a muon both as a trigger and as a tag.1 The almost complete muon coverage plus the fine calorimeter segmentation will allow D0 to expand upon the B-physics which have been done at UA1 with muons.2 This report will briefly discuss the physics topics and then will give rate calculations from different muon sources along with studies on how to separate them. Finally, studies of ψ → μμ and B → ψK s will be presented.