cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of Fungal Cerebral Infection

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is useful in diagnosing bacterial brain abscesses, but DWI features of fungal brain abscesses have not been characterized. Because fungal abscesses are not purulent, we hypothesized that their DWI characteristics are distinct from those of bacterial abscesses. METHODS: We reviewed clinical, neuropathologic and neuroimaging findings of patients with fungal brain infections due to Aspergillus ( n = 6), Rhizopus ( n = 1), or Scedosporium ( n = 1) species. DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were obtained before definitive diagnosis and antifungal therapy. ADC ratios (lesion/contralateral white matter) were calculated. RESULTS: Two patients had a rapidly progressive, fatal course, with cerebritis and acute inflammation; fungal organisms were largely restricted to vessels. Lesions were predominantly nonenhancing and had heterogeneous foci of restricted diffusion. Six patients with subacute neurologic presentations had acute or chronic inflammation, capsule formation, focal necrosis, and fungal organisms disseminated throughout the lesion. Their abscesses were ring enhancing. In five, lesions had restricted diffusion in the central nonenhancing portions. The sixth patient had a lesion with a peripheral rim of restricted diffusion but elevated central diffusion; histopathology showed early abscess formation. Mean ADC for all lesions was 0.33 ± 0.06 × 10 −3 mm 2 /s, with an average ADC ratio of 0.43. CONCLUSION: Fungal cerebral abscesses may have central restricted diffusion similar to that of bacterial abscesses but with histologic features of acute or chronic inflammation and necrosis rather than suppuration. Altered water diffusion in these lesions likely reflects highly proteinaceous fluid and cellular infiltration.
THE ROLE OF FIRE AS A MINERALIZING AGENT IN A SIERRAN CONIFEROUS FOREST.

The role of fire as an agent for mineralizing forest floor organic matter was investigated in a Sierra Nevada sequoia-mixed conifer forest. Soil chemical properties were determined in a series of small paired plots on and adjacent to burns done by the National Park Service in their control burn program. Total nitrogen, carbon, and cation exchange capacity were found to be significantly lower on burned plots, and phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and pH were significantly higher on burned plots. The seasonal course of certain soil chemical properties was determined in a single set of larger plots. Total nitrogen, nitrate, ammonium, phophorus, and pH were shown to increase in the spring. It is concluded that fire is an effective but not a conservative mineralizing agent.
miR-34a is essential for p19Arf-driven cell cycle arrest

The Arf tumor suppressor gene product, p19(Arf), regulates cell proliferation in incipient cancer cells and during embryo development. Beyond its commonly accepted p53-dependent actions, p19(Arf) also acts independently of p53 in both contexts. One such p53-independent effect with in vivo relevance includes its repression of Pdgfrβ, a process that is essential for vision in the mouse. We have utilized cell culture-based and mouse models to define a new role for miR-34a in this process. Ectopic expression of Arf in cultured cells enhanced the expression of several microRNAs predicted to target Pdgfrs synthesis, including the miR-34 family. Because miR-34a has been implicated as a p53-dependent effector, we investigated whether it also contributed to p53-independent effects of p19(Arf). Indeed, in mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking p53, Arf-driven repression of Pdgfrβ and its blockade of Pdgf-B stimulated DNA synthesis were both completely interrupted by anti-microRNA against miR-34a. Ectopic miR-34a directly targeted Pdgfrβ and a plasmid reporter containing wild-type Pdgfrβ 3'UTR sequence, but not one in which the miR-34a target sequence was mutated. Although miR-34a expression has been linked to p53-a well-known effector of p19(Arf)-Arf expression and its knockdown correlated with miR-34a level in MEFs lacking p53. Finally, analysis of the mouse embryonic eye demonstrated that Arf controlled expression of miR-34a, and the related miR-34b and c, in vivo during normal mouse development. Our findings indicate that miR-34a provides an essential link between p19(Arf) and its p53-independent capacity to block cell proliferation driven by Pdgfrβ. This has ramifications for developmental and tumor suppressor roles of Arf.
Effect of prostaglandin F2α on pulmonary rapidly-adapting-receptors in the guinea pig

Abstract Pulmonary rapidly-adapting-receptors (RARs) are sensory nerve endings whose afferent fibers can be recorded in the vagus nerve. RARs may play a role in reflex bronchoconstriction as seen in anaphylaxis. They can be stimulated by chemical mediators of anaphylaxis, such as prostaglandin F 2 α (PGF 2 α ). PGF 2 α aerosol was administered to saline and bovine serum albumin (BSA)-treated guinea pigs while recording the activity of RARs. PGF 2 α (250 μg/ml) given for 7–13 minutes increased both tracheal pressure and nerve activity over that produced by saline exposure in untreated guinea pigs. PGF 2 α administered for three minutes (5–100 μg/ml) increased RAR nerve activity in a dose-related manner in the first five minutes of the experiment only in the BSA treated guinea pigs. Since changes in tracheal pressure did not show a significant dose-response relationship, the RARs responding to PGF 2 α seemed to be stimulated by a direct mechanism. No correlation was shown between tracheal pressure and RAR nerve activity during PGF 2 α treatment. Whereas, a significant correlation was found between tracheal pressure and RAR nerve activity during histamine aerosol treatment (r=0.985). Histamine aerosol (1 to 1000 μg/ml, 3 min.) increased intratracheal pressure for 3 out of 4 doses. RAR nerve activity increased significantly only at the highest dose. Therefore, a possible direct effect of PGF 2 α upon RARs exists while the effect of histamine seems dependent upon changes in airway pressure in the guinea pig.
Initial clinical experience of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with ischemic and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

The geometry of the left ventricle in patients with cardiomyopathy is often sub-optimal for 2-dimensional ultrasound when assessing left ventricular (LV) function and localized abnormalities such as a ventricular aneurysm. The aim of this study was to report the initial experience of real-time 3-D echocardiography for evaluating patients with cardiomyopathy. A total of 34 patients were evaluated with the real-time 3D method in the operating room (n = 15) and in the echocardiographic laboratory (n = 19). Thirteen of 28 patients with cardiomyopathy and 6 other subjects with normal LV function were evaluated by both real-time 3-D echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for obtaining LV volumes and ejection fractions for comparison. There were close relations and agreements for LV volumes (r = 0.98, p 450 ml by MRI) were excluded. In these 3 patients, 3D echocardiography significantly underestimated the LV volumes due to difficulties with imaging the entire LV in a 60 degrees x 60 degrees pyramidal volume. The new real-time 3D echocardiography is feasible in patients with cardiomyopathy and may provide a faster and lower cost alternative to MRI for evaluating cardiac function in patients.
Management of Hirschsprung's disease with the Swenson procedure with emphasis on long-term follow-up

In a 20-year period (1965–1985), 80 patients with Hirschsprung's disease were managed with the Swenson procedure. Two-thirds of the patients had disease limited to the rectosigmoid and sigmoid colon. In the remaining patients, aganglionosis extended into variable lengths of colon, including 5 instances of total colonic aganglionosis. All patients had a protective enterostomy at the time of pull-through. There was no operative mortality and 1 late death due to fulminating enterocolitis. All but 1 of the remaining patients are in good health. One patient, lost to follow-up for 10 years, has chronic enterocolitis. No patients, including 7 who had anastomotic leaks, ever had problems with rectal stricture. There are no instances of urinary dysfunction or problems with male sexual function. Sixty-one patients have had long-term follow-up. Fifty-two have completely normal rectal function, although in some instances it was not achieved for several years. Eight patients are too young to evaluate. Four patients have minor problems with occasional fecal soiling, but are expected to recover. Only 2 of 5 mentally retarded patients are becoming toilet trained. Despite the appearance of many other operations designed to cure Hirschsprung's disease, the Swenson procedure is still employed by many surgeons. Long-term follow-up is necessary for final evaluation of rectal function.
Postoperative short bowel syndrome

Background Unanticipated massive resection after intraabdominal procedures is an increasing cause of short bowel syndrome (SBS). Our aim was to determine the frequency and potential mechanisms of postoperative SBS. Study design We reviewed retrospectively the clinical course of 210 adult patients with SBS evaluated over a 20-year period. Results Fifty-two (25%) patients had postoperative SBS. The initial operations included colectomy (n=20), hysterectomy (n=8), appendectomy (n=5), gastric bypass (n=5), and other (n=14). Intestinal obstruction (n=38) was the most common reason for resection leading to SBS, either from adhesions (n=26) or volvulus (n=12). Postoperative intestinal ischemia led to resection in 14 patients. SBS occurred from 1 day postoperatively to years later, with 16 (30%) intestinal resections occurring within 1month. Patients undergoing resection for intestinal ischemia were more likely to undergo resection during the first month than were patients with adhesions and volvulus (86% versus 4% and 25%,respectively, p Conclusions SBS is a potential postoperative complication of intraabdominal procedures and accounts for a considerable proportion of tertiary referrals for SBS. Surgical treatment of postoperative obstruction after common surgical procedures is the most frequent cause. Preventing adhesions, avoiding technical errors, diagnosing a potentially ischemic intestine in a timely manner, and approaching the frozen abdomen cautiously are important strategies for preventing this condition.
Correlation between extrapyramidal and therapeutic effects of neuroleptics

Abstract The ability to elicit extrapyramidal side effects appears to be a necessary (although not a sufficient) characteristic of the major tranquilizers. The relations between these effects and therapeutic action is not well established. During the first weeks of treatment in a homogenous (for age, sex and chronicity) group of schizophrenics, a fixed dose incremental schedule of trifluoperazine was followed. Extrapyramidal effects were measured through quantitative analysis of digital tremor. Treatment response was measured after four weeks of medication. Evidence developed suggests that patients who show a better treatment response are less vulnerable to extrapyramidal effects. A number of methodological issues, placing restraints on the generalization of the data, are discussed.
RIGHTS OF CREDITORS IN LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES

THE AMERICAN SCENE presents the juxtaposition of life insurance as a primary investment medium with an economy based on the extension of credit. This circumstance makes the question of the availability of life insurance for the satisfaction of debt of importance to lenders, borrowers, and insureds. Moreover, in nearly all societies, in addition to regular extenders of credit, there are judgment holders who have claims arising from the marital relation, the taxing powers, and the liability system. To the relative rights of these and other claimants under the laws of the United States this study is addressed. The rights of various claimants under the common law is examined from several points of reference. These rights must be considered at two temporal points: before the insurance policy matures and afterward. Another dichotomy is based on the rights of the insured's creditors and the beneficiary's creditors. A complicating circumstance is that the estate policy, the irrevocable beneficiary policy, and the revocable beneficiary policy all create different interests and remedies. The courts of the fifty-odd American jurisdictions have often arrived at varying positions, and the question arises whether this is due to a difference in the facts or to a difference in the judicial construction. We are concerned with the decisions in the fifty states and the District of Columbia in connection with the remedies by judgment. The evolution of a federal bankruptcy law is an important consideration. Although much of the bankruptcy law is simplified because of its federal status, its application involves the consideration of property rights and interests as determined by the state courts. Having resolved the rights of the parties in the absence of exemption statutes, the study then moves to the analysis of the development of laws protecting a debtor's property from his creditors. We are especially concerned with laws which specifically protect life insurance policies. This analysis is complicated by the multiplicity of
Quantitative single cell gene expression profiling in the avian embryo

Background: Single cell gene profiling has been successfully applied to cultured cells. However, isolation and preservation of a cell's native gene expression state from an intact embryo remain problematic. Results: Here, we present a strategy for in vivo single cell profiling that optimizes cell identification, isolation and amplification of nucleic acids with nominal bias and sufficient material detection. We first tested several photoconvertible fluorescent proteins to selectively mark a cell(s) of interest in living chick embryos then accurately identify and isolate the same cell(s) in fixed tissue slices. We determined that the dual color mDendra2 provided the optimal signal/noise ratio for this purpose. We developed proper procedures to minimize cell death and preserve gene expression, and suggest nucleic acid amplification strategies for downstream analysis by microfluidic reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction or RNAseq. Lastly, we compared methods for single cell isolation and found that our fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) protocol was able to preserve native transcripts and generate expression profiles with much higher efficiency than laser capture microdissection (LCM). Conclusions: Quantitative single cell gene expression profiling may be accurately applied to interrogate complex cell dynamics events during embryonic development by combining photoconversion cell labeling, FACS, proper handling of isolated cells, and amplification strategies. Developmental Dynamics 244:774–784, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic analysis of combat vehicle accidents

To the chagrin of well-intentioned Army leaders, dozens of soldiers are killed each year as a result of combat vehicle accidents. The objective of this study is to look beyond the events and symptoms of accidents which normally indicate human error, and instead study the upper-level organizational processes and problems that constitute the actual root causes of accidents. After a short review of the literature we report on our development of a system dynamics model. We then discuss the results of several simulations; these suggest that high-level decisions that balance mission rate and operations tempo with troop availability, careful management of the work–rest cycle for deployed troops, and improvement of the processes for evaluating the lessons learned from accidents would lead to a reduction in Army combat vehicle accidents. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ENHANCEMENT OF MYCOPLASMA AGGLUTINATION TITERS BY USE OF ANTI-GLOBULIN.

SummaryApplication was made of the anti-globulin procedure for detection of antibody to 3 Mycoplasma of avian origin. The test was specific, and antibodies were indicated at higher titers.
Josephson current in low-dimensional proximity systems and the field effect

The system ${S}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$-${M}_{\ensuremath{\beta}}$-${S}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$ (${S}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ and ${S}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$ are superconductors, ${M}_{\ensuremath{\beta}}$ is a semiconductor, a semimetal, or a normal metal) is studied. Particular attention is paid to the case when ${M}_{\ensuremath{\beta}}$ contains a two-dimensional electron gas (e.g., an inversion layer). A one-dimensional (1D) case is also considered. The Josephson current is evaluated and the main factors determining the field effect are studied. A special diagrammatic method allowing one to calculate the thermodynamic Green's function and, consequently, the Josephson current, has been developed. The current depends strongly on the electron concentration which leads to a noticeable field effect. The dependence of ${j}_{m}$ on other factors, such as temperature, mobility, effect mass, etc. is also studied. The field effect appears to be stronger for low-dimensional systems. An analysis of the experimental data obtained recently for the Nb-InAs-Nb system is carried out.
A bicyclic peptide scaffold promotes phosphotyrosine mimicry and cellular uptake

While peptides are promising as probes and therapeutics, targeting intracellular proteins will require greater understanding of highly structured, cell-internalized scaffolds. We recently reported BC1, an 11-residue bicyclic peptide that inhibits the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain of growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2). In this work, we describe the unique structural and cell uptake properties of BC1 and similar cyclic and bicyclic scaffolds. These constrained scaffolds are taken up by mammalian cells despite their net neutral or negative charges, while unconstrained analogs are not. The mechanism of uptake is shown to be energy-dependent and endocytic, but distinct from that of Tat. The solution structure of BC1 was investigated by NMR and MD simulations, which revealed discrete water-binding sites on BC1 that reduce exposure of backbone amides to bulk water. This represents an original and potentially general strategy for promoting cell uptake.
Correlative histologic study of the corpuscles of Stannius and the juxtaglomerular cells of teleost fishes

Abstract Different patterns of organization of corpuscles of Stannius and different types of distribution of juxtaglomerular cells are described in the kidneys of bony fishes. These patterns seem to bear little relationship to taxonomic position. Aldehyde-fuchsin and periodic acid-Schiff staining methods differentiate two kinds of granules in individual cells of the corpuscles of Stannius. Two kinds of cells may also exist in the corpuscles of Stannius of some species. The staining properties of granules in the corpuscles of Stannius and those in the juxtaglomerular cells are different. Juxtaglomerular cells were not found in Acipenser or in any of the Salmonidae examined but were present in all other teleosts. The location of juxtaglomerular cells on the afferent arterioles in many teleosts and their reaction to Bowie's stain suggest their homology with the juxtaglomerular cells of mammals. In fishes, it is conceivable that the juxtaglomerular cells and the corpuscles of Stannius together represent the renin-angiotensin-adrenal (zona glomerulosa) system.
Chromatin and nucleosome structure

Chromatin nucleosomes (mononucleosomes through pentanucleosomes) have been isolated by staphylococcal nuclease digestion of calf thymus nuclei. The peak value ellipticity is the same for all oligomers, 1900 deg cm2, mol-1 at 280-nm, 23 degrees C. The dh280/dT vs T show a progressive increase in Tm of the main thermal band (73.5 degrees C, monomer; 79 degrees C, pentamer). Very small amounts of free DNA can be observed in the melting profiles, and shoulders at 60 degrees C and 93 degrees C appear and increase in magnitude as the particle size increases. The magnitude of the change, delta[theta]280, increases with oligomer size. This pattern could result from an initial unfolding of an asymmetric assembly of nucleosomes (polynucleosome superhelix) in addition to the denaturation of the internal nucleosome structure, and a subsequent or simultaneous denaturation of the double strand DNA. The extent of this unfolding appears to depend upon the size of the oligomer and therefore implies interactions between asymmetrically assembled neighboring nucleosomes.
Role of cortisol in the metabolic response to stress hormone infusion in the conscious dog

The role of cortisol in directing the metabolic response to a combined infusion of glucagon, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol (stress hormones) was investigated. Chronically catheterized, conscious fasted dogs were studied before hormone infusion and after a 70-hour stress hormone infusion containing glucagon, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol (n = 11) or containing all these hormones except cortisol (n = 5). Combined stress hormone infusion increased arterial plasma glucagon, cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine approximately sixfold. Whole-body glucose production (Ra), glycogenolysis, and gluconeogenesis were assessed using tracer and arteriovenous-difference techniques. The absence of an increase in cortisol during stress hormone infusion attenuated the increase in arterial plasma glucose concentration and Ra (delta 81 +/- 16 v 24 +/- 3 mg/dL and 1.7 +/- 0.3 v 0.8 +/- 0.4 mg/ kg/min, respectively). However, it did not alter the increase in net hepatic glucose output (delta 0.7 +/- 0.3 v 0.8 +/- 0.4 mg/kg/min). When the increase in cortisol was absent, the increase in net hepatic gluconeogenic precursor uptake was attenuated (delta 0.7 +/- 0.3 v 0.1 +/- 0.3 mg glucose/kg/min) due to a decrease in gluconeogenic precursor levels. The efficiency of gluconeogenesis increased to a greater extent (delta 0.19 +/- 0.07 v 0.31 +/- 0.11) when cortisol was not infused. The absence of an increase in cortisol also led to marked glycogen depletion in the liver (10 +/- 4 v 55 +/- 10 mg/g liver). Cortisol thus plays a pivotal role in the metabolic response to stress hormone infusion by sustaining gluconeogenesis through a stimulatory effect on hepatic gluconeogenic precursor supply and by maintaining hepatic glycogen availability.
Is antibiotic resistance a problem in the treatment of ophthalmic infections

Antibiotic resistance is a world-wide problem of systemic medicine, but it appears to be less problematic in the treatment of ophthalmic infections. The use of topical administration and intraocular injection of antibiotics provides very high antibiotic concentrations in the ocular tissues. These high concentrations are effective in treating bacteria that are deemed resistant using standard interpretations of susceptibility. Although in vitro bacterial resistance, based on serum standard interpretation, is reported for ocular bacteria, these isolates are generally not spread from patient-to-patient and there are antibiotics available to effectively treat and overcome the false resistance.
DENSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF CATTLE LICE (PHTHIRAPTERA:HAEMATOPINIDAE, LINOGNATHIDAE, TRICHODECTIDAE) ON SIX STEERS

Abstract The density and distribution of four species of cattle louse, Bovicola bovis (L.), Haematopinus eurysternus (Nitzsch), Linognathus vituli (L.), and Solenopotes capillatus (Enderlein), were elucidated from the hides of six slaughtered steers. Adult and nymphal lice were first removed from one hide by hand and the location of each specimen mapped. The remaining lice were removed by a detergent wash, and KOH dissolution of hide and hair. Lice from the remaining five hides were removed using KOH dissolution of cattle hair and subsequent filtration of the effluent. Bovicola bovis was most abundant, followed by H. eurysternus, L. vituli and S. capillatus . Significant variation was observed in B. bovis, H. eurysternus and L. vituli population densities. Solenopotes capillatus population densities did not differ significantly. All species were contagiously distributed, i.e. ‘clumped’, suggesting species dependant predilection sites. Predilection sites were ranked according to louse density to facilitate the development of field sampling strategies. Additional biological data were gathered on sex and life stage ratios for each species.
Amplification of Angiotensin II Signaling in Cardiac Myocytes by Adenovirus‐Mediated Overexpression of the AT1 Receptora

: Low levels of AT1 receptor can make studying the growth-related signal transduction events mediated by this angiotensin II receptor in cardiac myocytes technically difficult. The purpose of the present study was to establish whether an adenovirus expression system could be used to increase the number of plasma membrane AT1 receptors in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes, thereby amplifying the signaling pathways activated by this receptor. Cardiac myocytes infected with adenovirus expressing the AT1 receptor exhibited increased ligand binding. The overexpressed receptor appeared to function like the endogenous receptor, in regard to agonist-induced internalization, as well as coupling to MAPK activation and protein tyrosine phosphorylation events. In addition, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of the AT1 receptor resulted in the amplification of angiotensin II intracellular signaling. In conclusion, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of angiotensin II receptors appears to be a useful strategy for studying the signal transduction events activated by this hormone in cardiac myocytes and for unraveling the molecular means by which this receptor type couples to a hypertrophic pattern of growth and gene expression.
Colour Centres in Metaphosphate Glass

IN a recent communication1, Basu states that we have attributed the coloration of metaphosphate glasses, induced by X-rays, to the activating influence of the metal (aluminium, barium, silver, etc.) in the glass, and that his results with sodium metaphosphate glasses show that ‘F-centres’ can be produced without these activators. In the references to our work cited by Basu2,3, the point is made that radiophotoluminescent centres having certain specific properties are connected with the presence of silver in potassium–barium–aluminium metaphosphate glass. It is clearly shown, we believe, in the publications from this Laboratory3–5 that a visible coloration is produced upon X-irradiation of the above silver-free base glass, two broad bands appearing with peaks at about 420 mµ and 530 mµ. These colour centres were not attributed to any ‘activating’ influence of the aluminium, barium or other metallic constituents of the glass.
The nature of the modifier site of pig liver esterase

Abstract The velocity of hydrolysis of ethyl butyrate by pig liver esterase (carboxylic ester hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.1) is greater at high substrate concentrations than is demanded by extrapolation of low substrate data assuming Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Two sites are proposed; an esterolytic site and a modifier site. The control site is shown to be hydrophobic by the use of selective inhibitors. At high substrate concentration, the control site acquires a substrate molecule and a probable modification of the reaction pathway results in the observed increase in velocity. Butanol and butanone exclude substrate from this site in addition to competing for the esterolytic site.
Weaving Language and Culture: Latina Adolescent Writers in an After-School Writing Project

A decade ago, the subtractive schooling of many Latino youth in the United States resulted in a devaluing of cultural identity and heritage as resources to support learning. Today, educators are urged to revalue cultural resources toward literacy development. This study explores the experiences of Latina adolescent students as writers during an after-school writing project based in a culturally and linguistically responsive literacy instruction model. We report on the writing experiences of young women from diverse backgrounds as they examined issues of race, power, voice, and linguistic identity through the use of culturally authentic literature. Qualitative analyses of data from writing samples reveal (a) the process of Latina youth “authoring” themselves through writing and (b) the composing of meaning from a “transnational” perspective. We address implications for the education of minority youth.
Thermoelastic analysis of hybrid fabric composites

This paper examines the thermoelastic behaviour of hybrid fabric composites. The analysis is based upon modifications of the “fibre undulation model” and “bridging model” originally developed by the authors for non-hybrid fabric composites. Predictions of elastic stiffness constants as well as in-plane thermal expansion and thermal bending coefficients of hybrids have been made. Numerical results compare very favourably with the limited experimental data available.
Thermal Conduction in Mica along the Planes of Cleavage

A NUMBER of measurements on the thermal conductivity of mica perpendicular to the cleavage planes have been carried out in the past1,2. However, apart from the work of Jannetaz3, which suggests that the thermal conductivity is highly anisotropic, no data appear to be available relating to conduction along the planes. We report here the results of some measurements, with heat flow along the planes of cleavage, on phlogopite, a type of mica which is effectively uniaxial and isotropic within the layers.
Decline and Local Extinction of Caribbean Eusocial Shrimp

The tropical shrimp genus Synalpheus includes the only eusocial marine animals. In much of the Caribbean, eusocial species have dominated the diverse fauna of sponge-dwelling shrimp in coral rubble for at least the past two decades. Here we document a recent, dramatic decline and apparent local extinction of eusocial shrimp species on the Belize Barrier Reef. Our collections from shallow reefs in central Belize in 2012 failed to locate three of the four eusocial species formerly abundant in the area, and showed steep declines in colony size and increases in frequency of queenless colonies prior to their disappearance. Concordant with these declines, several nonsocial, pair-forming Synalpheus species increased in frequency. The decline in eusocial shrimp is explained in part by disappearance of two sponge species on which they specialize. Eusocial shrimp collections from Jamaica in 2012 showed similar patterns of decline in colony size and increased queenlessness compared with prior Jamaican collections. The decline and local extinction of eusocial shrimp happened against a backdrop of changes in coral assemblages during recent decades, and may reflect changes in abundance and quality of dead coral substratum and succession of the diverse cryptic organisms living within it. These changes document potentially worrisome declines in a unique taxon of eusocial marine animals.
Vortex pinball under crossed ac drives in superconductors with periodic pinning arrays

Vortices driven with both a transverse and a longitudinal ac drive which are out of phase are shown to exhibit a novel commensuration-incommensuration effect when interacting with periodic substrates. For different ac driving parameters, the motion of the vortices forms commensurate orbits with the periodicity of the pinning array. When the commensurate orbits are present, there is a finite dc critical depinning threshold, while for the incommensurate phases the vortices are delocalized and the dc depinning threshold is absent.
Quantifying fluid and bed dynamics for characterizing benthic physical habitat in large rivers

Summary Sturgeon use benthic habitats in and adjacent to main channels where environmental conditions can include bedload sediment transport and high near-bed flow velocities. Bed velocity measurements obtained with acoustic Doppler instruments provide a means to assess the concentration and velocity of sediment moving near the streambed, and are thus indicative of the bedload sediment transport rate, the near-bed flow velocity, and the stability of the substrate. Acoustic assessments of benthic conditions in the Missouri River were conducted at scales ranging from the stream reach to individual bedforms. Reach-scale results show that spatially-averaged bed velocities in excess of 0.5 m s−1 frequently occur in the navigation channel. At the local scale, bed velocities are highest near bedform crests, and lowest in the troughs. Low-velocity zones can persist in areas with extremely high mean bed velocities. Use of these low-velocity zones may allow sturgeon to make use of portions of the channel where the average conditions near the bed are severe. To obtain bed velocity measurements of the highest possible quality, it is necessary to extract bottom-track and GPS velocity information from the raw ADCP data files on a ping-by-ping basis. However, bed velocity measured from a point can also be estimated using a simplified method that is more easily implemented in the context of routine monitoring. The method requires only the transect distance and direction data displayed in standard ADCP data-logging software. Bed velocity estimates obtained using this method are usually within 5–10% of estimates obtained from ping-by-ping processing.
The preparation of polycarbosilane powders and fibers during rapid expansion of supercritical fluid solutions

Abstract The rapid expansion of supercritical fluid solutions of polycarbosilane in pentane has been used to prepare fine polycarbosilane powders (
Fabrication of Surfaces with Nanoislands of Chemical Functionality by the Phase Separation of Self-Assembling Monolayers on Silicon

In this paper we outline a method to prepare surfaces with nanoisland-sized domains of one terminal chemical functionality in a matrix of a second by using self-assembling monolayers (SAMs). We deposit a SAM solution consisting of two different alkylsilane amphiphiles (CH3(CH2)17SiCl3 (OTS) and NH2C6H4Si(OMe)3 (APhMS)) which phase separate on the oxide surface of silicon due to the stronger cohesive interaction of OTS and the exclusive hydrogen bonding of APhMS. We vary the deposition conditionssolvent polarity and composition ratio at constant total concentrationto control the surface morphology (i.e., which surfactant occupies the island and which the matrix phase), island size, and density. We change the solvent polarity by either changing solvents (using, in order of increasing polarity, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, chloroform, and tetrahydrofuran) or changing the water content when chloroform is used. Composition ratios are varied depositing from chloroform. We find that the island morphology is de...
TU‐D‐ValA‐02: Relationship of EDU‐Based and Dose‐Based Plan Optimization

Purpose: The essence of inverse planning is how to rank objectively the competitive treatment plans. The purpose of this work is to show the equivalence of recently introduced EUD‐based and the conventional dose‐based objective function and to setup a unified framework in the dose domain for IMRT inverse planning. Methods: The dose‐based objective function such as the quadratic function treats each voxel within a structure equally, whereas the EUD‐based objective function aims to take into account of dose‐volume effect when ranking the candidate plans. For the conventional approach to accomplish what an EUD method does, we partially “break” the implicit constraint that a structure is a mathematically uniform entity with all voxels having the same identity and assign each voxel a voxel‐specific ranking (or penalty scheme). Algorithmically, this is accomplished by assigning a voxel‐specific importance or a voxel specific prescription dose. The seemingly insolvable task of determining a large number of voxel‐specific importance/prescription is dealt by heuristically relating them to the actual local doses. We show that this strategy is a more general ranking scheme, which can not only model the volumetric behavior but also the higher order factors beyond the dose‐volume effect. EUD and other dose‐volume formalisms represent special cases of the general framework. Results: A unified inverse planning framework is established for inverse planning. By assigning higher importance to the voxels within the target volume but close to the margin with a critical structure, while simultaneously assigning higher importance to the voxels within the critical structure close to the target volume, the dose to the target volume is dramatically improved in comparison with the conventional approaches. Conclusions: The EUD‐based approach can be reformulated into the realm of conventional dose‐based formalism without using biological parameters. The formalism allows us to design IMRT plans that would otherwise be unattainable.
Reduction in the incidence of wasting disease in neonatally thymectomized CBA-W mice by the injection of thymosin.

Neonatal thymectomy of CBA mice of our colony results in the characteristic wasting disease in 75% of the operated animals, which fail to grow normally, do not develop normal numbers of lymphoid cells, and die within 9 weeks postoperatively. Injection of either saline or bovine serum albumin 3 times a week for 9 weeks, beginning the first week postoperatively, did not alter the above parameters. In contrast, administration of thymosin, a cell free lymphocytopoietic fraction from calf thymus, to neonatally thymectomized animals increased the rate of weight gain, the survival rate, and the numbers of lymphoid cells both in the blood and in lymph nodes and spleen. The results with thymosin in neonatally thymectomized mice resemble those reported by others in similarly operated animals receiving either syngeneic thymic transplants or implants of Millipore chambers containing thymic tissue. On the basis of the results presented here and in other studies from our laboratory, it is concluded that thymosin is a h...
Using a patient narrative to influence orthopaedic nursing care in fractured hips

Abstract This study critically appraises a patient narrative reflecting on aspects of care delivery and debating potential improvements in contemporary practice. Patient narrative enquiry, a qualitative approach, was utilised in this study in an effort to understand further the nature of personal experience. The narrative was acquired as part of a routine nursing evaluation and helped to illuminate nursing care issues through the eyes of the patient.
Impact of a Distributed Architecture for Space-Based Radar

Through a process of system architecture analysis, system cost modeling, and system architecture optimization, the feasibility is assessed of performing the surveillance function of the next generation airborne warning and control system mission from a space-based radar platform. A distributed operations concept is considered that reduces the size of the satellites required, increases system reliability, improves system performance, and reduces the system cost compared to monolithic designs. The system analysis methodology relies on the speci cation of a set of mission performance requirements. Competing system architectures can then be compared quantitatively on the basis of a simple cost metric. The cost metric used re ects the cost to initial operating capability and consists of subsystem, reliability, and constellation components. The architecture design process minimizes the cost metric while ensuring compliance with the established performance requirements. It is shown that there is an optimal level of distribution that minimizes the cost.
Practice Patterns Among United States Cardiologists for Managing Adults With Atrial Fibrillation (from the AFFECTS Registry)

The Atrial Fibrillation: Focus on Effective Clinical Treatment Strategies (AFFECTS) Registry was designed to examine atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment by United States cardiologists in the context of the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and European Society of Cardiology guidelines after recent landmark clinical trials. Most patients in AFFECTS had AF without clinically significant structural heart disease or only uncomplicated hypertension. Among the all-enrolled population (n = 1,461), initial treatment strategies assigned were rhythm control in 64% and rate control in 36%. Among patients with either paroxysmal (n = 1,165) or persistent (n = 273) AF, 67% and 55%, respectively, were assigned rhythm control. The trend to assign rhythm control as the initial treatment goal decreased with age. In the rhythm-control group, most patients (74%) also received a rate-control agent during the registry, while 25% of those assigned to rate control received antiarrhythmic drugs. Most first prescriptions of antiarrhythmic drugs were for first-line therapy compliant with 2001 (76%) and 2006 (86%) guidelines. Most second prescriptions were for first-line therapies as well. Rates of serious adverse events were low. In conclusion, data from this study provide insight into community treatment patterns in patients with AF, most without clinically significant structural heart disease or with only uncomplicated hypertension.
EFFECT OF COOKING ON VEGETABLE FIBER

Carrots, cabbage, broccoli and okra, raw, short cooked, and long cooked, were analyzed for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose by the detergent systems of analysis and crude fiber (CF) by standard methodology. On a dry weight basis, NDF, ADF, CF and cellulose value tended to increase upon cooking. Lignin and hemicellulose value were not affected. Most change was due to cellulose alone. While cooking changes the amount of fiber value present in vegetables studied, the changes may not be of physiological significance considering the small amounts of fiber present in and consumed from these vegetables.
Burning hands syndrome revisited

The burning hands syndrome of spinal cord injury was first described in 1977. The syndrome is characterized by burning dysesthesias and paresthesias in the hands and may be associated with either cervical fracture/dislocation or no detectable cervical spine abnormalities. A case of burning hands syndrome without cervical spine injury is presented in which somatosensory evoked potentials and magnetic resonance imaging were used to delineate the pathophysiology of this syndrome.
Easily Constructed Spectroelectrochemical Cell for Batch and Flow Injection Analyses

The design and performance of an easily constructed spectroelectrochemical cell suitable for batch and flow injection measurements are described. The cell is fabricated from a commercially available 5-mm quartz cuvette and employs 60 ppi reticulated vitreous carbon as the working electrode, resulting in a reasonable compromise between optical sensitivity and thin-layer electrochemical behavior. The spectroelectrochemical traits of the cell in both batch and flow modes were evaluated using aqueous ferricyanide and compare favorably to those reported previously for similar cells.
Liquefaction Risk Assessment: Evaluation of Three Statistical Models

One approach to liquefaction risk assessment is based on a comparison of the earthquake and soil parameters for the site under study to those known to have either caused or not caused liquefaction at other sites during earlier earthquakes. In this study, three statistical models for liquefaction risk assessment are evaluated and compared. Both linear and nonlinear discriminant analyses are performed on the same set of historical data. It is found that the model with an energy-based formulation for the development of pore water pressure results in the least number of misclassified cases of liquefaction and nonliquefaction. The main conclusion derived from this study is that the use of an integral measure of seismic action, viz., dissipated energy, may result in a better assessment of liquefaction risk.
Use of Chinese medicine among foreign-born Chinese residents of San Francisco

To explore the utilization patterns and attitudes toward Chinese medicine (CM) among foreign-born Chinese residents of San Francisco. A cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was conducted at 11 community organizations at San Francisco over a 2-month period. Among 244 participants using any healthcare services in the 2 years prior, 195 (80%) reported using CM. Over 90% of the CM users reported visiting conventional medical providers in the same period. Use of CM was significantly associated with recent immigration, origination from mainland China, lack of insurance, high school graduation, and marital status. Frequently used CM modalities included herbal prescriptions (52%) and over-the-counter herbal pills (44%). Half (48.2%) of the CM users reported using multiple CM modalities, and a third (35.9%) reported regular CM visits over the past 6 months. Of CM users, 36% reported informing physicians of their CM use. Of CM users that did not inform physicians of CM use, half (48.4%) indicated willingness to openly discuss the topic with their healthcare providers. CM utilization is common among foreign-born Chinese residents of San Francisco. Many use conventional treatments and CM concurrently, but few inform their physicians of CM use. Foreign-born Chinese patients may be better served if physicians better recognized and understood their medical needs, treatment preferences and practices.
Eolian dust and climate: relationships to sources, tropospheric chemistry, transport and deposition

Abstract The amount of atmospheric dust suspended in the atmosphere and subsequently deposited on land and in the oceans is largely controlled by processes related to climate; however, the dust's presence in the atmosphere also can affect climate and, as a result, feedbacks between dust and climate are possible. By scattering and absorbing incoming solar and outgoing infrared radiation, dust particles can alter the Earth's radiative balance. The net effect of the Earth's dust veil can be one of heating or cooling depending on a number of variables, especially the concentration, composition and physical properties of the dust; the albedo of the surface underlying the suspended dust; and the vertical distribution of dust in the atmosphere. Indirect feedbacks between dust and climate also are possible as a result of the dust's chemical reactivity and involvement in the biogeochemical cycles of other substances with links to climate. Studies of modern dust fluxes and their connections to climate are important, not only for developing methods for predicting the impacts of future climate change scenarios, but also for strengthening the underpinnings of paleoclimate reconstructions.
Src Kinase Conformational Activation: Thermodynamics, Pathways, and Mechanisms

Tyrosine kinases of the Src-family are large allosteric enzymes that play a key role in cellular signaling. Conversion of the kinase from an inactive to an active state is accompanied by substantial structural changes. Here, we construct a coarse-grained model of the catalytic domain incorporating experimental structures for the two stable states, and simulate the dynamics of conformational transitions in kinase activation. We explore the transition energy landscapes by constructing a structural network among clusters of conformations from the simulations. From the structural network, two major ensembles of pathways for the activation are identified. In the first transition pathway, we find a coordinated switching mechanism of interactions among the αC helix, the activation-loop, and the β strands in the N-lobe of the catalytic domain. In a second pathway, the conformational change is coupled to a partial unfolding of the N-lobe region of the catalytic domain. We also characterize the switching mechanism for the αC helix and the activation-loop in detail. Finally, we test the performance of a Markov model and its ability to account for the structural kinetics in the context of Src conformational changes. Taken together, these results provide a broad framework for understanding the main features of the conformational transition taking place upon Src activation.