cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Counterpoint The inseparable triad: analytical sensitivity, measurement uncertainty, and quantitative resolution

The formal definition of sensitivity associates the term with the change in the response of a system for a small change of the stimulus causing the response, i.e., the ratio of the response of a system to the stimulus causing it. One interpretation of sensitivity associates the rate of change of the response for a small change of the stimulus as the slope of a calibration plot of response vs stimulus. An alternative interpretation associates sensitivity with the smallest value of the stimulus that can be resolved with a given degree of confidence, i.e., the detection limit. Applications of the first usage to analytical chemistry date at least to the beginning of this century; applications of the second interpretation are of more recent origin. The accompanying paper argues in favor of the second interpretation on the basis that, among other things, the “slope” interpretation conflicts with the formal definition of sensitivity and is meaningless as a descriptor of the performance of a measuring system. In this paper I offer arguments to support my belief that the slope definition of sensitivity is consistent with both formal definitions and accepted usage in analytical chemistry and, more importantly, that it is an invaluable descriptor of one of the most important characteristics of any analytical method. I include information to support my belief that proper use of the slope definition yields much more information than is available in the “detection limit” interpretation.
A Real-Time Convection-Allowing Ensemble Prediction System Initialized by Mesoscale Ensemble Kalman Filter Analyses

AbstractIn May and June 2013, the National Center for Atmospheric Research produced real-time 48-h convection-allowing ensemble forecasts at 3-km horizontal grid spacing using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model in support of the Mesoscale Predictability Experiment field program. The ensemble forecasts were initialized twice daily at 0000 and 1200 UTC from analysis members of a continuously cycling, limited-area, mesoscale (15 km) ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) data assimilation system and evaluated with a focus on precipitation and severe weather guidance. Deterministic WRF Model forecasts initialized from GFS analyses were also examined. Subjectively, the ensemble forecasts often produced areas of intense convection over regions where severe weather was observed. Objective statistics confirmed these subjective impressions and indicated that the ensemble was skillful at predicting precipitation and severe weather events. Forecasts initialized at 1200 UTC were more skillful regarding precipita...
Filling in the Holes: The Ongoing Search for Self Among Incarcerated Women Anticipating Reentry

The analysis presented in this article is derived from a larger longitudinal project that attempts to study the experiences of women being released from prison. A focus of this research is to better understand the challenges that women face in achieving sustainable financial, emotional, and familial lives after release. The data consist of baseline interviews with 41 women who were incarcerated in a prison system in the midwestern United States and were within 6 months of release. The purpose of this substudy is to investigate the ways in which women prepare for the reshaping of their identities as they approach their release dates. Women in this study have great difficulty describing who they are as individuals, and they often relate this difficulty to past experiences of trauma. Their descriptions of self are typically ill defined, unstable, and extremely fluid. Many report that their understanding of themselves as addicts helps them to develop a clearer, more stable sense of self.
HOST SELECTION BY THE CITRUS BLACKFLY ALEUROCANTHUS WOGLUMI (HOMOPTERA: ALEYRODIDAE)1

I found no evidence of olfactory attractant in orange leaves for the adults of the citrus blackfly (CBF), Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby. CBF orientate to any object reflecting light strongly in the 500–600 nm range regardless of shape or size. After landing, female CBF are able to distinguish among a range of potential host plants. Adult CBF are able to disperse at least 50 m in a 24-h period. Twenty − 30% of the adult population are capable of moving among the three most common host plants in Southern Florida (Surinam-cherry, Citrus spp. and mango) on a daily basis. A descriptive model of the ovipositional process is proposed and discussed. RESUME SELECTION DES HOTES PAR LA MOUCHE NOIRE DU CITRONNIER ALEUROCANTHUS WOGLUMI (HOMOPTERA: ALEYRODINAE) Je n'ai pas pu mettre en evidence l'attraction de la mouche noire du citronnier (CBF), Aleurocanthus woglumi, par les feuilles d'oranger. CBF s'oriente vers tout objet refletant fortement la lumiere dans la bande des 500–600 nm, independemment de sa forme et de sa taille. Une fois sur une plante, la femelle de CBF est capable de choisir parmi une gamme de plantes-hotes potentielles. Les adultes des CBF sont capables de parcourir au moins 50 m en 24 h. De 20 a 30% des adultes sont susceptibles de migrer d'une arbre a l'autre parmi leurs trois plantes-hotes les plus communes du Sud de la Floride (Surinamcherry, Citrus spp. et manguier) en moins de 24 h. Un modele descriptif du comportement de ponte est propose et discute.
Possible roles of nonparenchymal cells in hepatocyte proliferation induced by lead nitrate and by tumor necrosis factor alpha.

Abstract A single intravenous injection of lead nitrate (LN) to rats induces liver cell proliferation without causing cell necrosis (direct hyperplasia). We suggested that liver cell proliferation in this model may be triggered by the induction of liver tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Because administration of TNF-alpha in vivo has been shown to induce proliferation of both parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells of the liver, we analyzed the temporal sequences of DNA synthesis in both cell populations following LN and recombinant TNF-alpha treatment by 5- bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) immunohistochemistry. The patterns of cell proliferation induced by these agents were further compared with those induced by a single dose of nafenopin (NAF), a direct mitogen which does not induce liver TNF-alpha messenger RNA (mRNA). In male Wistar rats given a single dose of LN (100 micromol/kg), BrdU incorporation of hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells (Kupffer cells, endothelial cells and periportal nondescript cells) became evident 12 hours after the treatment. The labeling of all cell types reached a peak after 36 hours and declined thereafter. Rats given a single intravenous injection of human recombinant TNF-alpha (46 microg/rat) showed an increase of BrdU labeling in nonparenchymal cells after 24 hours, whereas the labeling of hepatocytes became evident at 36 hours. A single intragastric administration of NAF resulted in a rapid increase in the number of labeled hepatocytes with no substantial labeling of nonparenchymal cells. These results add further support to the notion that LN-induced liver cell proliferation is mediated by TNF-alpha, and suggest that different cell populations are involved in the initial proliferative response of the liver to mitogens, depending on the capacity of the mitogens to stimulate TNF-alpha production. (Hepatology 1996 Jun;23(6):1572-7)
Integrating multiple qualitative research methods (or avoiding the precariousness of a one‐legged stool)

This article suggests that market research is enhanced when multiple qualitative methods are combined in a triangulated approach to examining marketing questions. The article begins with a case study that illustrates how a qualitative study can, by itself, be used as a basis for making marketing decisions, when methodological triangulation is employed to guard against unreliable or invalid results. Following the case study is a presentation of the three legs of the qualitative stool—interviews (including focus groups), observations, and document analysis. Each method is described, with a discussion of inherent strengths and weaknesses. The article ends with an argument for increasing the use of integrated, triangulated qualitative studies in the field of market research. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The relative importance of monoamine oxidase and catechol-O-methyl transferase on the physiologic response to administered norepinephrine in the turkey.

Abstract 1. The pattern of monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity is comparable in rat, turkey and chicken tissues, with the liver having the highest activity, followed by the kidney and then the heart. 2. Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) has no definite pattern of activity in the organs of the two avian species studied, and is markedly lower as compared to that of the rat. 3. Cardiac and hepatic MAO levels increase, whereas COMT activities remain low with advancing age in the turkey. 4. MAO but not COMT inhibition potentiates the cardio-vascular responses to administered norepinephrine in the turkey.
Adaptive particles for incompressible fluid simulation

We propose a particle-based technique for simulating incompressible fluid that includes adaptive refinement of particle sampling. Each particle represents a mass of fluid in its local region. Particles are split into several particles for finer sampling in regions of complex flow. In regions of smooth flow, neighboring particles can be merged. Depth below the surface and Reynolds number are exploited as our criteria for determining whether splitting or merging should take place. For the fluid dynamics calculations, we use the hybrid FLIP method, which is computationally simple and efficient. Since the fluid is incompressible, each particle has a volume proportional to its mass. A kernel function, whose effective range is based on this volume, is used for transferring and updating the particle’s physical properties such as mass and velocity. Our adaptive particle-based simulation is demonstrated in several scenarios that show its effectiveness in capturing fine detail of the flow, where needed, while efficiently sampling regions where less detail is required.
Men's and women's pathways to adulthood and associated substance misuse.

Objective:Social role transitions have been linked to changes in substance use and misuse during young adulthood. This study examined how commonly observed pathways to adulthood, defined by education, employment, marriage, and parenthood, were associated with alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana misuse from ages 18 to 33.Method:Data came from a longitudinal panel of 412 men and 396 women recruited when they were in fifth grade in Seattle public schools in 1985. Participants were followed through age 33 in 2008, with 92% retention.Results:Young adults who had little postsecondary education and remained unmarried through age 30 generally had the highest rates of substance misuse. Those who were involved in postsecondary education and postponed family formation had the lowest rates, particularly with respect to daily smoking and nicotine dependence. Parenting during the young adult years was associated with lower rates of substance misuse for both men and women. However, taking on parenting responsibilities early...
Generation of slow-mode waves in front of the dayside magnetopause

Slow-mode waves have been observed to appear frequently in front of the dayside magnetopause. It is found based on two-dimensional global MHD simulations that slow-mode waves are generated through the interaction between the bow shock and various MHD waves (fast-mode, Alfven-mode, or slow-mode waves) in the upstream solar wind. The generated slow-mode waves stay in front of the magnetopause for a long time (over 15 minutes) before the wave energy is convected away tailward. Since various waves are often present in the solar wind, this mechanism may lead to the frequent appearance of slow-mode waves in front of the magnetopause.
Turnkey Systems: Selection and Installation

What are vendor systems? How do they become turnkey systems? How do we go about purchasing one? These are some of the questions facing librarians in the age of high technology.
The role of lignin in the mechanical permanence of paper. II. Effect of acid groups.

Abstract The effect of sulphonic acid groups on the mechanical permanence of paper was studied by accelerated aging of thermomechanical pulp (TMP) that was sulphonated to different levels. Results showed that acid groups in the hydrogen form have a significant negative effect on the mechanical permanence of paper. However, neutralization of these groups by treatment with sodium hydroxide or calcium carbonate significantly improved the mechanical permanence of paper. Sulphonated mechanical pulp after washing with tap water has good mechanical permanence because the acid groups are mostly in the calcium form due to the ion exchange during washing.
A wire-grid model for scattering by conducting bodies

A point-matching solution is developed for scattering by conducting bodies of arbitrary shape. Numerical results are included for the backscatter echo area of circular and square wire loops, circular and square plates, spheres, and hemispheres. The results show good agreement with experimental data. An efficient calculation procedure is achieved by using a wire-grid model instead of a continuous conducting surface. A system of linear equations is generated by enforcing the boundary conditions at the center of each wire segment of the grid, and a digital computer is employed to solve these equations for the currents on the segments. Then it is straightforward to calculate the distant scattered field and the echo area.
Comparison of Heritability and Variation for Milk Yield of Registered and Nonregistered Holstein Cows

Abstract First lactation milk records of AI Holstein cows in the northeastern United States were analyzed for among and within-sire variation separately by year of freshening, class of herd production, and registry status of registered or non-registered with a model that included effects of herd-seasons, sires of sampling daughters, and sires of daughters of proven sires. Heritability from the paternal half-sib correlation among records of daughters of sampling sires was similar for registered and nonregistered cows. Differences in heritability in different years and class of herd production were similar to those found in previous analyses that ignored registry status. Residual variances were similar for records of registered and nonregistered cows. Differences in variances by year and class of herd production also were similar to those found in previous analyses. Residual variances of milk records increased with time and class of herd production and in the same year were distinctly larger in herds with higher production than in herds with lower production. Residual variances of logarithms of milk records changed little with time but in the same year were distinctly smaller in herds with higher production than in herds with lower production. Residual variances of square roots of milk records increased somewhat with time but in the same year were similar in different classes of herd production.
Load control system design

The analysis, design, and simulation of a load control system for an industrial tie tester are discussed. A nonlinear state-space-like representation of the system is developed for system evaluation and design. It is shown that a linearizing feedback control law may be obtained using linear system theory. Simulation results are included to demonstrate the tractability of the control system design being proposed. >
WOUNDING AND SUGAR TRANSLOCATION

Translocation of auxin occurs across cuts without difficulty. On the other hand, translocation of sugars, virus, caulocaline (1), and the flowering hormone (4) is only possible through intact vascular tissue. Wounds near vascular tissue have an effect upon growth of remote regions (2). Therefore, the relation between wounding through removal of leaves and bleeding, or stem elongation, as tests for sugar translocation was investigated (2). Tomato plants, when placed in darkness, lose their available carbohydrates within 30-50 hours. After this period all processes which require respiratory energy have dropped to a very low level. This level can be raised again 15-20 hours after application of a 10 per cent, sucrose solution to some of the leaves (2).
The Grain Is Ripe Parabolic Meaning in Mark 4:26-29

The true focus of Mark 4:26-29 is neither the seed nor the farmer who sows the seed. Mark has three major concerns: (1) Christological, the identity of Jesus; (2) theological, the God who establishes the kingdom; and (3) "mathetological," discipleship. This brief parable meets the third concern, characterizing action in the face of an abundant harvest, which symbolizes the realization of the kingdom proclaimed by Jesus. Disciples, who do not know how the seed grows, nonetheless know how to gather in the ripened grain. The stages in the growth of the seed itself parallel stages in development of the disciples' awareness of the action demanded.
Adsorption of 7-ethynyl-2,4,9-trithia-tricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decane on ultra-thin CdS films

Abstract The adsorption mechanism for the new compound, 7-ethynyl-2,4,9-trithia-tricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decane (7ETTD), on ultra-thin films (∼3 nm) of CdS is investigated. Multiple reflection absorption IR spectroscopy, in conjunction with inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy, indicates that this compound forms a self-assembled monolayer adsorbed on the CdS surface via each molecule’s trithia-adamantane anchor. Conductance–voltage data are recorded for tunnel junctions of the type Al/CdS/7ETTD/Pb over a temperature range of 4 K to room temperature and they indicate that the presence of the 7ETTD layer on the CdS dramatically modifies the conductance–voltage behavior of the junctions. These measurements show that different conduction mechanisms, including tunneling and possibly hopping, are responsible for charge transfer through the junctions depending on current, temperature, and voltage. WKB fits to the data are used to determine barrier parameters (height and width) for Al/CdS/Pb junctions with and without adsorbed 7ETTD layers on the CdS. Analysis of the fits shows that tunneling occurs at low bias (less than ∼0.2 V) but, at higher bias voltages, modification of the barrier parameters alone is insufficient to account for the observed conductance changes. A frontier orbital model is invoked which does offer a plausible explanation for these conductance changes. The model assumes bias-dependent coupling between HOMO and LUMO states of the adsorbed 7ETTD and the surface states on the CdS. The present work suggests that, because of the marked effect on the conductance of CdS ultra-thin films, 7ETTD and other similar compounds may be candidates for use in molecular electronic device fabrication.
Race and peremptory challenges during voir dire: Do prosecution and defense agree?

Abstract Recent litigation in state and federal courts in the United States suggests that black prospective jurors may be systematically excluded from sitting on trial juries through the issue of peremptory challenges during the voir dire process. Numerous trial and appellate cases have reaffirmed the importance of excluding prospective jurors without cause through peremptory challenges. An insufficient number of studies have examined peremptory challenge data to determine if a systematic bias against black prospective jurors actually exists. This study analyzes peremptory challenges issued by both prosecution and defense to determine if both adversary parties agree on the proclivity of black jurors to influence a jury verdict in a given direction. The study concludes that both prosecution and defense agree, as evidenced in the issue of peremptory challenges, that black jurors are prone to move a jury toward a verdict of acquittal.
A Nucleotide Exchange Factor Promotes Endoplasmic Reticulum-to-Cytosol Membrane Penetration of the Nonenveloped Virus Simian Virus 40

ABSTRACT The nonenveloped simian polyomavirus (PyV) simian virus 40 (SV40) hijacks the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) quality control machinery to penetrate the ER membrane and reach the cytosol, a critical infection step. During entry, SV40 traffics to the ER, where host-induced conformational changes render the virus hydrophobic. The hydrophobic virus binds and integrates into the ER lipid bilayer to initiate membrane penetration. However, prior to membrane transport, the hydrophobic SV40 recruits the ER-resident Hsp70 BiP, which holds the virus in a transport-competent state until it is ready to cross the ER membrane. Here we probed how BiP disengages from SV40 to enable the virus to penetrate the ER membrane. We found that nucleotide exchange factor (NEF) Grp170 induces nucleotide exchange of BiP and releases SV40 from BiP. Importantly, this reaction promotes SV40 ER-to-cytosol transport and infection. The human BK PyV also relies on Grp170 for successful infection. Interestingly, SV40 mobilizes a pool of Grp170 into discrete puncta in the ER called foci. These foci, postulated to represent the ER membrane penetration site, harbor ER components, including BiP, known to facilitate viral ER-to-cytosol transport. Our results thus identify a nucleotide exchange activity essential for catalyzing the most proximal event before ER membrane penetration of PyVs. IMPORTANCE PyVs are known to cause debilitating human diseases. During entry, this virus family, including monkey SV40 and human BK PyV, hijacks ER protein quality control machinery to breach the ER membrane and access the cytosol, a decisive infection step. In this study, we pinpointed an ER-resident factor that executes a crucial role in promoting ER-to-cytosol membrane penetration of PyVs. Identifying a host factor that facilitates entry of the PyV family thus provides additional therapeutic targets to combat PyV-induced diseases.
Silences Broken, Silences Kept: Gender and Sexuality in African-American History

‘Even today,’ Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham lamented in 1989, ‘the black woman’s voice goes largely unheard … Afro-American history has failed to address gender issues adequately, while women’s history has similarly failed to address questions of race’. African-American women’s history was neither compensatory measure nor quaint sub-field according to Higginbotham. Rather, the inclusion of black women in historical analysis facilitated sophisticated theorising on the nexus of gender, power, and oppression; the acknowledgement that gender could not be separated out from race would, Higginbotham maintained, enable historians of US women to break away from what she termed a ‘white, middle-class … northeastern bias’. And, as more literature on black women was written, Higginbotham contended, it would become manifestly evident that gender history methodologies had something dynamic to offer African-American history as well. 1
A revision of Caplow's coalition theory

Abstract In his coalition theory for continuous situations, Caplow assumes that whenever coalition preferences are reciprocated, coalitions are equally likely. The suggested revision of Caplow's theory would take into account the proportionality of people's coalition partner choices. The revised theory yields identical predictions to Caplow's original theory and Gamson's cheapest winning coalition theory for all triad types except A > B > C, A
Sebaceous lymphadenoma: ultrastructural observations and lipid analysis.

Sebaceous lymphadenoma is a rare, benign neoplasm of the parotid gland. In the 18 years since the initial report13 seven additional cases have been published. None includes ultrastructural studies or lipid analysis. Electron microscopy shows that the epithelial cells undergo a progressive maturation from basal to the typical lipid-laden mature sebaceous cells as in the cutaneous sebaceous glands. No morphologic differences are found between cutaneous sebaceous glands and the sebaceous glands in this parotid neoplasm. Thin layer chromatography demonstrates the same type of lipids in the sebaceous lymphadenoma as well as in cutaneous sebaceous glands. These findings suggest that the parotid salivary gland may be ectodermally rather than endodermally derived.
The double layer impedance as a probe of surface roughness

Abstract We examine the effects of surface roughness on the double layer impedance between an electrolyte and a solid electrode. This impedance can be related to the statistics of random walks that are reflected from the electrode surface. We discuss three distinct behaviors for these random walk statistics, and we relate each behavior to the impedance as well as to the geometrical properties of the electrode surface. The case of a self-similar surface is presented in detail, and numerical results for an electrode in the shape of a diffusion-limited aggregate (DLA) are shown.
Risk Factors for Early Death in Patients Bridged to Transplant With Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Background Recent evidence suggests patients bridged to heart transplant (BTT) have equivalent outcomes as those undergoing conventional orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). However, data on risk factors for early death in BTT patients are limited. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the United Network for Organ Sharing database of all patients bridged to OHT with a HeartMate II from January 2005 to December 2010. The primary outcome was all-cause 90-day mortality. Additional postoperative outcomes were cerebrovascular accident and need for renal replacement therapy. Kaplan-Meier analysis assessed survival. Preoperative variables associated with 90-day death on univariate analysis ( p Results A HeartMate II was used to bridge 1,312 patients (average age, 52 ± 12 years) to OHT, most commonly for idiopathic cardiomyopathy (50.7%). During the study, 171 patients (13.0%) died. The unadjusted 90-day survival was 92.3%. The highest annual average center volume in this cohort, examining for BTT recipients only, was 28 BTT procedures yearly. Postoperative cerebrovascular accident occurred in 29 patients (2.2%), and 106 (8.3%) required renal replacement therapy. Cox regression revealed age, glomerular filtration rate, African American race, human leukocyte antigen mismatch, serum bilirubin, need for mechanical ventilation, donor age, and prolonged ischemia time were associated with 90-day death. Early survival was improved for patients who underwent OHT at high-volume centers ( p = 0.01). Conclusions This study examining risk factors for early death in patients bridged to OHT using HeartMate II mechanical assistance will aid in identifying patients best suited to benefit from this technology.
Field-induced spin density waves in Bechgaard salts in the presence of normal impurities

We study theoretically the effect of the quasiparticle scattering in field-induced spin density waves (FISDW) in Bechgaard salts in a high magnetic field. The effects of scattering are introduced by a random impurity model similar to the one used by Zittartz in his analysis of the charge density wave. Within the single-gap approximation and weak impurity scattering, we find that the FISDW with normal impurities is similar to a superconductor with magnetic impurities. From this analogy the thermodynamics as well as the electronic thermal conductivity and the sound attenuation coefficient of the FISDW are obtained.
Birthing, Nativity, and Maternal Depression: Australia and the United States.

This study analyzes two birth cohort surveys, the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children and Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, to examine variation in maternal depression by nativity, duration of residence, age at migration, and English proficiency in Australia and the United States. Both countries have long immigrant traditions and a common language. The results demonstrate that US immigrant mothers are significantly less depressed than native-born mothers, but maternal depression does not differ by nativity in Australia. Moreover, the association between duration of residence and maternal depression is not linear: Recent arrivals and long-term residents exhibit the highest depression levels. Lack of English proficiency exacerbates maternal depression in Australia, but protects against depression in the United States. Differences in immigration regimes and welfare systems likely contribute to the differing salience of nativity for maternal depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Hydrogen Bonds in Ionic Liquids Revisited: 35/37Cl NMR Studies of Deuterium Isotope Effects in 1-n-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Chloride

Detailed knowledge of the structure, dynamics, and interionic interactions of ionic liquids (ILs) is critical to understand their physicochemical properties. In this letter, we show that deuterium isotope effects on the chloride ion 35/37Cl NMR signal represent a useful tool in the study of interionic hydrogen bonds in imidazolium chloride ILs. Sizable Δ35/37Cl(H,D) values obtained for the model system 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C4mim]Cl) upon deuteriation of the imidazolium C-2 and C-2,4,5 positions, of nearly 1 and 2 ppm, respectively, show that the approach can readily identify and differentiate Cl···H hydrogen bonds between the anion and cation. Our study is one of a few examples in which hydrogen-bonding in ILs has been investigated using deuterium isotope effects and, to our knowledge, the only one employing 35/37Cl NMR to detect these interactions. The methodology described could be easily extended to the study of other systems bearing NMR-active nuclei.
Assessment of the heart failure pharmacotherapy of patients with continuous flow left-ventricular assist devices.

PURPOSE The purpose of this project was to characterize the use of heart failure medications during the first year after left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. METHODS All patients who received a HeartMate II at our institution between January 1, 2007, and August 1, 2009, and were followed by our multidisciplinary team for at least 6 months were eligible for inclusion. Use of heart failure medications, including dosages, was collected for each patient prior to LVAD implantation, at time of discharge, and at each subsequent monthly office visit for up to 1 year after implantation. The primary end point was the prescription rate for each medication class at discharge. Secondary end points included the use and dosage of these agents during follow up. RESULTS A total of 28 patients were included (mean age = 50±11.5 years; sex 75% male; race 57.1% white; bridge-to-transplant rate 25%). There was a statistically significant decrease in use of digoxin (42.9% vs. 7.1%), spironolactone (50% vs. 17.9%), nitrates (39.3% vs. 7.1%), and milrinone (71.4% vs. 3.6%) postimplantation compared with baseline (p 0.05 for each class). Furthermore, more patients reached target doses of beta-blockers (0% vs. 28.6%; p=0.04) after LVAD implantation. CONCLUSION Our pilot study shows consistent prescription of heart failure pharmacotherapy in LVAD patients at our institution, with more patients able to tolerate target doses of beta-blockers.
First-principles simulations of a-Si and a-Si:H surfaces.

We use ab initio local-density-approximation methods to develop an ab initio model of an a-Si and an a-Si:H surface. Starting with a supercell of bulk a-Si, we remove periodic boundary conditions in one direction and relax the sample using ab initio methods. H is added to remove bulk defects. The surface structure and coordination of atoms is discussed, and defect states are characterised. H is added to dangling bonds on the a-Si:H surface, creating a hydrogen-terminated a-Si:H surface. We explore the relationship between electronic and geometric surface defects
Quantitative collection of micro amounts of steroids from gas-liquid chromatography

Abstract A detailed study of the collection of micro amounts of steroids from GLC is presented. Collection is quantitative over a wide range of steroid concentrations (1–200 μg) when the argon effluent is condensed in a U-tube immersed in liquid nitrogen. It is also possible to collect steroids quantitatively from GLC in capillaries maintained at room temperature. By using a 1-mm i.d. glass tube as the receiver, the exact amount of collected steroid may be calculated from a suitable equation for a 1–100 μg range; or quantitative collection may be obtained over a limited range by employing a 0.6-mm i.d. capillary.
Comparison of intramuscular iron-dextran and oralferrous sulfate in the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia

Summary Seventy-two children with nutritionaliron-deficiency anemia were given iron-dextran complex intramuscularly. The average gain in hemoglobin in the first and second weeks after intramuscular therapy was 2.1 and 2.2 Gm. per cent in the 28 uncomplicated cases, 1.8 and 1.7 Gm. per cent in 19 cases complicated by infection, and 0.7 and 1.3 Gm. per cent in 9 cases complicated by lead poisoning. In 12 patients, with uncomplicated iron-deficiency anemia, receiving weekly injections, the gain for the first week was 1.4 Gm. per cent and 2.3 Gm. per cent for the second week. In the oral-iron group, this gain was about 1.0 Gm. per cent each week. Only one patient had staining of the skin at the site of injection. One patient developed urticaria after an iron-dextran injection. From these observations, it wouldappear that in situations where a rapid elevation of hemoglobin is important, injection of iron intramuscularly is desirable. Intramuscular iron also provides for a faster and surer way of replenishing depleted iron stores. Another indication for intramuscular iron is that of a careless mother who might not give the oral medication.
Tumor necrosis factor mediates myelin and oligodendrocyte damage in vitro

Recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (rhTNF) has been tested for its effect on myelinated cultures of mouse spinal cord tissue. As controls, recombinant human interferon gamma (rhIFN) and interleukin-2 (rhIL-2) were tested, as well as T-cell supernatants, antigalactocerebroside serum, and normal culture medium. It was found that rhTNF induced delayed-onset (18-24 hr) oligodendrocyte necrosis and a type of myelin dilatation peculiar to this system. Some nerve fibers progressed to demyelination by 72 hours. The myelin dilatation was not reversible by return to normal feeding solution for 3 days. In contrast, rhIFN, rhIL-2, T-cell supernatants, and normal medium had little or no effect on cultures. This mechanism differs from other immune-mediated mechanisms in that it appears that a physiological (not structural) demyelination occurs initially without overt destruction of the myelin sheath. These observations are relevant to the evolution of the multiple sclerosis plaque: dysfunction of ionic channels might contribute to the eventual demise of oligodendrocytes and axons in the longstanding lesion.
DFIG wind turbine modeling and validation for LVRT behavior

As the increasing of installed capability of wind power in power system, the dynamic wind turbine models are required for wind turbine and wind farm stability assessment. For this reason, the wind turbine models have to be simulated accurately compare to the wind turbine operation behavior especially during grid fault. An accurate DFIG wind turbine dynamic model is presented. For low voltage ride through (LVRT) simulation, the 5th and 3th order generator model, including converter with crowbar and chopper, pitch angle controller, drive train model are analyzed. Simulations are carried out to analyze the model structure and parameters influence to LVRT behavior. The models are simulated, and validated with the wind turbine LVRT field-test data. Validation results show the accuracy of the model.
The UvrD helicase and its modulation by the mismatch repair protein MutL

UvrD is a superfamily I DNA helicase with well documented roles in excision repair and methyl-directed mismatch repair (MMR) in addition to poorly understood roles in replication and recombination. The MutL protein is a homodimeric DNA-stimulated ATPase that plays a central role in MMR in Escherichia coli. This protein has been characterized as the master regulator of mismatch repair since it interacts with and modulates the activity of several other proteins involved in the mismatch repair pathway including MutS, MutH and UvrD. Here we present a brief summary of recent studies directed toward arriving at a better understanding of the interaction between MutL and UvrD, and the impact of this interaction on the activity of UvrD and its role in mismatch repair.
A New Paradigm: Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Influences the Production of H2O2 in Cells and Thereby Their Biological State

Abstract The principal source of hydrogen peroxide in mitochondria is thought to be from the dismutation of superoxide via the enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). However, the nature of the effect of SOD on the cellular production of H2O2 is not widely appreciated. The current paradigm is that the presence of SOD results in a lower level of H2O2 because it would prevent the non-enzymatic reactions of superoxide that form H2O2. The goal of this work was to: a) demonstrate that SOD can increase the flux of H2O2, and b) use kinetic modelling to determine what kinetic and thermodynamic conditions result in SOD increasing the flux of H2O2. We examined two biological sources of superoxide production (xanthine oxidase and coenzyme Q semiquinone, CoQ –) that have different thermodynamic and kinetic properties. We found that SOD could change the rate of formation of H2O2 in cases where equilibrium-specific reactions form superoxide with an equilibrium constant (K) less than 1. An example is the formation of superoxide in the electron transport chain (ETC) of the mitochondria by the reaction of ubisemiquinone radical with dioxygen. We measured the rate of release of H2O2 into culture medium from cells with differing levels of MnSOD. We found that the higher the level of SOD, the greater the rate of accumulation of H2O2. Results with kinetic modelling were consistent with this observation; the steady-state level of H2O2 increases if K –+O2→CoQ+O2 –. However, when K > 1, e.g. xanthine oxidase forming O2 –, SOD does not affect the steady state-level of H2O2. Thus, the current paradigm that SOD will lower the flux of H2O2 does not hold for the ETC. These observations indicate that MnSOD contributes to the flux of H2O2 in cells and thereby is involved in establishing the cellular redox environment and thus the biological state of the cell.
Terahertz gas photonics

The underlying physics of the generation and detection of terahertz (THz) waves in gases are described. The THz wave generation process takes place in two steps: asymmetric gas ionization by two-frequency laser fields, followed by interaction of the ionized electron wave packets with the surrounding medium, producing an intense ‘echo’ with tunable spectral content. In order to clarify the physical picture at the moment of ionization, the laser–atom interaction is treated through solution of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation, yielding an ab initio understanding of the release of the electron wave packets. The second step, where the electrons interact with the surrounding plasma is treated analytically. The resulting pressure dependence of the THz radiation is explored in detail. The THz wave detection process is shown to be the result of four-wave mixing, leading to analytical expressions of the signal obtained which allow for improved optimization of systems that exploit these effects.
Patterns of cell proliferation in the developing retina of the clawed frog in relation to blood supply and position of the choroidal fissure

The pattern of retinal vasculative is described and the position at which cell proliferation at the ventral retinal margin is maximal was shown to be at the point of entry of the ventral blood vessels. To test whether there is a causal relation between retinal blood supply and retinal cell production, surgical inversion of the eye, transplantations and excisions of retina were done to change the pattern of retinal vasculature. The growth pattern of inverted eyes was normal with respect to the internal axes of the eyes. After excision of part of the retina or after fusion of retinal fragments to form compound eyes, the pattern of retinal cell proliferation was not correlated with the distribution of retinal blood vessels, but was correlated with the position(s) of the choroidal fissure(s).
The preventive and therapeutic potential of the squalene-containing compound, Roidex, on tumor promotion and regression

Recent scientific evidence has shown free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) to play an important role in the initiation and progression of cancer. Many radical scavengers have also been found to help reduce the attacks by these ROS. Interestingly, the ROS scavengers that have been investigated are naturally occurring compounds such as vitamins C and E. Roidex is a formulation of squalene, vitamin A, vitamin E, and aloe vera. It was our goal to investigate whether Roidex was able to prevent the development of chemically induced cancer and to cause regression of any tumors already formed in a mouse skin model. In the prevention study, skin tumors were initiated in 50 female CD-1 mice with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]-anthracene (DMBA) and promoted with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). The mice were treated with either mineral oil, 5% squalene, or Roidex. At the end of the prevention study, there was a 33.34% incidence of tumors (multiplicity of 1.40) in the mineral oil-treatment group, 26.67% (multiplicity of 1.46) and 20.00% (multiplicity of 0.467) in the 5% squalene and Roidex groups, respectively. The tumor regression study involved the selection of mice with tumors and possible regression of these tumors with Roidex treatment. There was a regression of 33.34% of the tumors in the Roidex-treated group (39 tumors to 26 tumors) compared to the non-treated group whose tumors regressed only 3.44% (29 tumors to 28 tumors).
Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) reduction is concurrently mediated by direct electron transfer from hydroquinones and resulting biogenic Fe(II) formed during electron shuttle-amended biodegradation.

Abstract This study investigated multiple electron transfer pathways for hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) biodegradation in the presence of bioavailable Fe(III) and electron shuttling compounds. In order to identify the dominant electron transfer pathway for RDX biodegradation, three sets of experiments were performed including aquifer material incubations, kinetics experiments, and cell suspensions. Incubations with aquifer sediment reduced RDX most rapidly in the presence of electron shuttling compounds such as anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS) and purified humic substances. In addition, RDX was reduced before the onset of significant accumulation of Fe(II), suggesting that reduced shuttles transferred electrons to Fe(III) rapidly, with the resulting Fe(II) reducing RDX. This hypothesis was also supported by the kinetic experiments; the rate of electron transfer from anthrahydroquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AH2QDS) to Fe(III) was approximately 105 times faster than the rate of AH2QDS electron...
Isolation of western equine encephalomyelitis virus from an opossum.

The first isolation of an arbovirus (western equine encephalo-myelitis virus) from an opossum in the United States is reported.
RAP1: Protector of Telomeres, Defender against Obesity

Telomere dysfunction has previously been linked to metabolic disorders. In this issue of Cell Reports, Martinez et al. (2013) and Yeung et al. (2013) now extend this link, demonstrating that deletion of the telomere binding protein RAP1 leads to obesity and insulin resistance.
A study of the probing response of Aedes aegypti. 2. Effect of desiccation and blood feeding on probing to skin and an artificial target.

The probing behavior of Aedes aegypti (L.) females was studied as affected by desiccation and blood feeding. Human skin and moist surface warmed to 34 were used as targets. Mosquitoes used were in 3 different nutritional states: (a) with mid-gut and ventral diverticulum gorged with blood and sugar-water, respectively; (b) only the ventral diverticulum gorged with sugar-water, but mid-gut empty; and (c) mid-gut gorged with blood but diverticulum empty. The water balance of the mosquitoes in each group was modified by keeping them at 60% relative humidity (RH) with constant access to water, by keeping them at 60% RH without access to water, and by keeping them at 1–3% RH with no access to water. Mosquitoes engorged on both blood and sugar-water kept at 60% RH and supplied constantly with water to drink did not respond to the human palm or the artificial target until after they started to oviposit. Those kept at 60% RH without a feeder developed water drive within 42–68 hours and those kept at 1–3% RH within 28–48 hours. The building up of thirst eliminated the probing distinction between the living and the artificial target. After feeding on water the probing response ceased completely. Mosquitoes with only the diverticulum full probed on the palm and developed water-drive much faster on desiccation. Mosquitoes with only the mid-gut full with blood did not initially respond to the palm, but on desiccation the probing response returned. This study established the importance of ventral diverticulum as reservoir for water for regulating water balance in the mosquitoes and speculates regarding the site involved in the neural feed-back that controls probing.
The mitochondrial bioenergetic phenotype for protection from cardiac ischemia in SUR2 mutant mice

The sulfonylurea receptor-2 (SUR2) is a subunit of ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) in heart. Mice with the SUR2 gene disrupted (SUR2m) are constitutively protected from ischemia-reperfusion...
How justice can affect jury: Training abstract words promotes generalisation to concrete words in patients with aphasia

Developing language treatments that not only improve trained items but also promote generalisation to untrained items is a major focus in aphasia research. This study is a replication and extension of previous work which found that training abstract words in a particular context-category promotes generalisation to concrete words but not vice versa (Kiran, Sandberg, & Abbott, 2009). Twelve persons with aphasia (five female) with varying types and degrees of severity participated in a generative naming treatment based on the Complexity Account of Treatment Efficacy (CATE; Thompson, Shapiro, Kiran, & Sobecks, 2003). All participants were trained to generate abstract words in a particular context-category by analysing the semantic features of the target words. Two other context-categories were used as controls. Ten of the twelve participants improved on the trained abstract words in the trained context-category. Eight of the ten participants who responded to treatment also generalised to concrete words in the...
Rebecca Salti: The Bani Hamida Weaving Project and Women’s Empowerment:

Rebecca Salti is a pioneer of women’s empowerment in Jordan. In 1985, she established the Bani Hamida Weaving Project as country director of Save the Children in Jordan. The project became a model income-generation project throughout the developing world and is internationally known. It continues today with the participation of three generations of rural Bedouin women of the Bani Hamida Tribe. Rebecca’s skills, energy, and vision led her to establish other income-generation programs in Jordan. This article includes excerpts of an interview with Rebecca, a U.S. native, which presents her insights about the project and women’s empowerment.