cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patients and Guns: Florida Physicians Are Not Asking.

Objectives The number of deaths from gun violence continues to increase in the United States. Despite multiple studies demonstrating that counseling patients leads to safer gun storage, it is not routinely practiced by physicians. There are multiple barriers to discussing firearms with patients. A barrier in Florida, until recently, was a law preventing physicians from asking patients about firearms. The law was overturned in 2017; however, it is unclear whether physicians are aware of this decision. We undertook a survey to study University of Florida faculty physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to discussing firearms safety. Methods The survey consisted of 15 questions related to firearms and counseling. Invitations to participate were e-mailed in 2018 to faculty in general internal medicine, emergency medicine, and surgery within our institution. Results The response rate was 50% (n = 71/142). The majority of faculty surveyed did not own a gun (56%). Ninety-one percent of faculty surveyed agreed that "gun violence is a public health issue" and 93% agreed that gun safety discussion with patients at risk for suicidal or violent behavior is important. More than half of the respondents (62%) believed they could effectively discuss firearms safety with patients; 73% strongly agreed or agreed that they would discuss gun safety with at-risk patients, whereas 27% were either neutral or disagreed. Fewer still (55%) feel comfortable initiating conversations, and only 5% of participants always talk to at-risk patients about gun safety. Twenty-four percent discussed gun safety most of the time, 30% discussed it sometimes, 32% rarely discussed it, and 9% never discussed it; 76% were aware of the 2017 court decision overturning the physician gag law in Florida. The most-often cited barriers to discussions included lack of time (36%), worry about negative reaction from patient (30%), worry about lack of support from administration (13%), and lack of knowledge (20%). Gun owners and nonowners differed significantly on only two survey items: having taken a firearms safety course (gun owners more likely, relative risk 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.16-2.29, P = 0.001) and agreeing with gun violence being a public health issue (gun owners being less likely, relative risk 1.24, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.49, P = 0.006). Conclusions Faculty miss opportunities to prevent gun violence despite acknowledging that it is important to do so. More than 40% of the physicians who were surveyed do not counsel at-risk patients about gun safety, citing a lack of knowledge, a persisting belief that asking patients about guns in Florida is illegal, worry about negative patient reactions, and time limitations. Inaction persists despite increased awareness and activism by physicians regarding gun violence. A wider availability of continuing medical education opportunities to learn about firearms counseling should be considered.
Compound semiconductor heterojunction device technologies for high-temperature (T > 300/sup 0/C), power electronics

Recent advances in compound semiconductor materials and devices are reviewed as they relate to electronics intended for power switching and control applications at temperatures in excess of 300/sup 0/C. The problems faced by solid-state devices operating simultaneously at high currents, voltages, and temperatures are detailed and solutions offered by the use of alternative materials such as GaAs, GaP, (Al,Ga)As, and (Al,Ga)P, and use of novel heterojunction techniques for the control of parasitics, are presented. Prototype, low-power, (Al,Ga)As/GaAs heterojunction diodes, bipolar transistors, and semiconductor controlled rectifiers are described which have demonstrated excellent electrical characteristics in the 300 to 400/sup 0/C temperature range. These studies imply that a heterojunction, (Al,Ga)As/GaAs, power semiconductor electronics technology is feasible in the near future.
Protecting our prairies: Research and policy actions for conserving America’s grasslands

Abstract Grasslands are among the most endangered ecosystems in the world. They supply vital resources for society, support an abundance of wildlife species, and store rich carbon reserves beneath their surfaces. Despite this, only a fraction of original grasslands in the United States now remains, and their rate of conversion to cropland has recently reaccelerated. This paper discusses opportunities that are immediately available to reduce the loss of U.S. native grasslands (i.e., prairie) and advance toward collective goals in grassland conservation. Potential solution-oriented actions include inventorying and monitoring remaining prairie, reconsidering public and private incentives for conversion and conservation, and establishing an industry-led moratorium on natural ecosystem loss. There is also a need among the engaged communities to develop unified messaging and a shared vision for grassland conservation in the U.S., such as “no prairie conversion” or “zero net loss of grasslands.” Additional tangible steps for action are outlined across the science, policy, and public-driven support arenas and offered for multiple stakeholder groups, including agricultural producers, policymakers, academics, and conservation organizations.
Comparative genomics of the sheep Tas2r repertoire to cattle, goat, human, dog, and mice

Abstract Type two taste receptors (Tas2r) are the only taste receptors that distinguish bitter-tasting compounds. Human Tas2r genes have been extensively studied and have been associated with dietary preferences, health, substance dependence, and other diseases. Sheep are an important livestock species known for grazing vast rangelands with variable ecology and plant communities. However, the limited work related to Tas2r gene repertoires in the reference genomes of grazing animals creates a challenge for understanding how these genes influence diet selection preferences. Tas2r genes typically cluster on two regions of the genome. In the second cluster of the sheep (OAR_rambouillet_1.0), goat (ARS1), and cattle (ARS-UCD1.2) reference genomes, there are six, nine, and two Tas2r genes that were not annotated, respectively. Comparative genomic strategies were used to cross-reference sheep Tas2r genes in cattle, goat, human, dog, and mice for the proposed annotations. A nucleotide similarity comparison of the whole Tas2r repertoires for the three grazing species suggested that goat and cattle are similar to sheep (≥ 95.5% and ≥ 91.9% similarity, respectively). Several Tas2r genes found in sheep, cattle, and goat are likely not found in human, dog, or mice and may be reserved to ruminants or animals of similar feeding ecology. Using a comparative genomics approach, this paper proposes annotations for sheep, cattle, and goat Tas2r genes. Further research is needed to better understand how Tas2r genes may influence diet selection in grazing ruminant species, which could provide more insight into management of western rangelands through grazing strategies.
Saving the Clairmont Family Tomb

Charles Clairmont (1795–1850), the stepbrother of Mary Shelley and the brother of Claire Clairmont, lived in Vienna, Austria, with his family. He taught English to the brothers of Kaiser Franz Jose...
Community consequences of mass incarceration: sparking neighborhood social problems and violent crime

Punitive criminal justice policies caused incarceration and reentry rates to sharply increase in the era of mass incarceration. Disadvantaged communities of color have been disproportionately affec...
Self-Assembled Nickel-4 Supramolecular Squares and Assays for HER Electrocatalysts Derived Therefrom.

Solid-state structures find a self-assembled tetrameric nickel cage with carboxylate linkages, [Ni(N2S'O)I(CH3CN)]4 ([Ni-I]40), resulting from sulfur acetylation by sodium iodoacetate of an [NiN2S]22+ dimer in acetonitrile. Various synthetic routes to the tetramer, best described from XRD as a molecular square, were discovered to generate the hexacoordinate nickel units ligated by N2Sthioether, iodide, and two carboxylate oxygens, one of which is the bridge from the adjacent nickel unit in [Ni-I]40. Removal of the four iodides by silver ion precipitation yields an analogous species but with an additional vacant coordination site, [Ni-Solv]+, a cation but with coordinated solvent molecules. This also recrystallizes as the tetramer [Ni-Solv]44+. In solution, dissociation into the (presumed) monomer occurs, with coordinating solvents occupying the vacant site [Ni(N2S'O)I(solv)]0, ([Ni-I]0). Hydrodynamic radii determined from 1H DOSY NMR data suggest that monomeric units are present as well in CD2Cl2. Evans method magnetism values are consistent with triplet spin states in polar solvents; however, in CD2Cl2 solutions no paramagnetism is evident. The abilities of [Ni-I]40 and [Ni-Solv]44+ to serve as sources of electrocatalysts, or precatalysts, for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) were explored. Cyclic voltammetry responses and bulk coulometry with gas chromatographic analysis demonstrated that a stronger acid, trifluoroacetic acid, as a proton source resulted in H2 production from both electroprecatalysts; however, electrocatalysis developed primarily from uncharacterized deposits on the electrode. With acetic acid as a proton source, the major contribution to the HER is from homogeneous electrocatalysis. Overpotentials of 490 mV were obtained for both the solution-phase [Ni-I]0 and [Ni-Solv]+. While the electrocatalyst derived from [Ni-Solv]+ has a substantially higher TOF (102 s-1) than [Ni-I]0 (19 s-1), it has a shorter catalytically active lifespan (4 h) in comparison to [Ni-I]0 (>18 h).
Papillary muscle approximation reduces systolic tethering forces and improves mitral valve closure in the repair of functional mitral regurgitation

Abstract Background Undersizing mitral annuloplasty (UMA) to repair functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) lacks durability, as it forces leaflet coaptation without relieving the subleaflet tethering forces. In this biomechanical study, we demonstrate that papillary muscle approximation (PMA) before UMA can drastically relieve tethering forces and improve valve function, without the need for significant annular downsizing. Methods An ex vivo model of FMR was used, in which pig mitral valves were geometrically perturbed to induce FMR, and the repairs were performed. Nine pig mitral valves were studied in the following sequence: normal (baseline), FMR, true-sized annuloplasty to 30 mm (true-sized ring [TSR]), and undersized annuloplasty to 26 mm (down-sized ring [DSR]), along with concomitant PMA at both ring sizes. Mitral regurgitation, valve kinematics, and chordal forces were measured and compared among the groups. Results FMR geometry induced a mean regurgitant fraction of 16.31 ± 7.33% compared with 0% at baseline. TSR reduced the regurgitant fraction to 6.05 ± 5.63%, whereas DSR reduced it to 5.06 ± 6.76%. The addition of PMA before the use of these rings reduced the mean regurgitant fraction to 3.87 ± 6.79% with the TSR (TSR + PMA) and 3.71 ± 6.25% with the DSR (DSR + PMA). Mean peak anterior and posterior marginal chordal forces were elevated to 0.09 ± 0.1 N and 0.12 ± 0.1 N, respectively, with FMR and were not reduced by annuloplasty of either sizes. The addition of PMA significantly reduced these forces to 0.23 ± 0.02 N and 0.51 ± 0.04 N. Conclusions This biomechanical study demonstrates that PMA relieves tethering forces, and concomitantly with annuloplasty it mobilizes the leaflets to achieve physiological valve closure. Such a result could be achieved without the need for extensive annular downsizing.
Adding family digital supports to classroom-based physical activity interventions to target in- and out-of-school activity: An evaluation of the Stay Active intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: Interventions targeting multiple levels of influence and settings may have a greater impact on children’s total daily physical activity than those targeting a single setting. This study evaluated the addition of family supports to a classroom-based physical activity intervention. Methods: 6 schools were randomized to a remotely delivered classroom-based physical activity only (CBPA) or classroom-based physical activity plus family (CBPA+) arm. The latter added behavior change tools (e.g., self-regulation) delivered via text messages and newsletters to caregiver/child dyads. The intervention lasted for 7 weeks with a 1-week baseline and 1-week post-intervention assessment (9 weeks total). Children who enrolled in the evaluation study received a Garmin activity monitor, which was used to tailor the text messages and evaluate changes in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Caregivers completed surveys evaluating intervention acceptability. Results: The 53 child participants (CBPA n=35; CBPA+ n=18) were 9.7±0.7 years old, 64% were female, 59% were Black, and 23% were Hispanic/Latinx. Almost 90% of caregivers reported high satisfaction with the added family-based intervention content. Adherence to wearing the Garmin was higher in the CBPA+ arm. MVPA was low at baseline and during the first 3 weeks of the intervention (CBPA 7.5±3.1 minutes/day; CBPA+ 7.9±2.7 minutes/day) and increased by ~45 min/day by weeks 6-8 (CBPA 56.8±34.2 minutes/day; CBPA+ 49.2±18.7minutes/day). Changes in MVPA were similar between arms. Conclusion: The high acceptability and intervention engagement in the CBPA+ arm show promise for integrating mHealth tools to provide additional family support in multilevel multiapproach interventions targeting children’s physical activity.
The Role of Teachers who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing in the Field of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Education

There is a diversity gap between teachers of students who are deaf and hard of hearing and the students that they teach. Teachers of students who are deaf or hard of hearing who are deaf or hard of hearing themselves are underrepresented in the profession. Within a multicultural educational framework, evidence supports the benefits of diversity for all students. Further, some research suggests that teachers with disabilities bring a unique lived experience to the students they teach both with and without disabilities. Little research exists specifically addressing teachers who are deaf or hard of hearing in the field of deaf education. This qualitative survey study explored the perceptions of fifty teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing who are deaf or hard of hearing themselves regarding their role and value in the profession. Through electronic open-ended interview questions and qualitative thematic analysis, the findings are discussed in length with comparisons and suggested solutions. Implications of the findings as well as recommendation for future action are discussed.
A House Divided: Threat Perception, Military Factionalism, and Repression in Africa

Why do African regimes repress certain contentious challenges but not others? We argue that in addition to opposition claims and tactics, African regimes are especially likely to view challenges ex...
Blood-cell bioenergetics are associated with physical function and inflammation in overweight/obese older adults.

Abstract Background Physical function and strength decline with age and lead to limited mobility and independence in older adults. Alterations in mitochondrial function are thought to underlie numerous age-related changes, including declining physical ability. Recent studies suggest that systemic changes in bioenergetic capacity may be reported by analyzing mitochondrial function in circulating cells. The objective of this study was to determine whether the bioenergetic capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is related to differences in physical function among older, overweight/obese, adults. To address this, we tested the hypothesis that greater PBMC respirometric capacity would be associated with better physical function, muscular strength, leg lean mass, and muscle quality. Furthermore, we tested whether the respirometric capacity of PBMCs is related to cellular composition and inflammatory status reported by interleukin-6 (IL-6). Methods Fasted PBMC respiration (pmol/min/500,000 cells), expanded short physical performance battery (Ex-SPPB), peak knee extensor (KE) strength (Nm), grip strength (kg), leg lean mass (kg, via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry [DXA]), muscle quality (Nm/kg), and plasma IL-6 (pg/mL) were analyzed in 15 well-functioning, community-dwelling, sedentary overweight/obese older men (n = 9) and women (n = 6) aged 65 to 78 (mean 68.3 ± 3.5 years). Pearson and partial correlations were calculated to determine associations between PBMC respiration and these variables. Results Higher maximal respiration of PBMCs was associated with better Ex-SPPB (r = 0.58, p = 0.02), greater KE strength (r = 0.60, p = 0.02), greater grip strength (r = 0.52, p = 0.05) and lower IL-6 (r = − 0.58, p = 0.04). Higher spare respiratory capacity was associated with better Ex-SPPB (r = 0.59, p = 0.02), greater KE strength (r = 0.60, p = 0.02), greater grip strength (r = 0.54, p = 0.04), greater leg muscle quality (r = 0.56, p = 0.04), and lower IL-6 (r = − 0.55, p = 0.05). Monocyte and lymphocyte counts were not related to PBMC respiratory capacity. Conclusions Our results indicate that respirometric profiles of readily obtainable blood cells are associated with physical function and strength. Future studies should be undertaken in order to determine whether blood-based bioenergetic profiling can provide an objective index of systemic mitochondrial health.
Clinical Microbiology and ASM: Quo Vadis?

Charles Dickens started his famous novel A Tale of Two Cities by saying “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” This is a most appropriate introduction to this guest commentary on the impact of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology (JCM) on clinical microbiology. A full
The interstellar medium in galaxies - An overview

An attempt is made to summarize recent observational developments on the subject of the interstellar medium in galaxies, with emphasis placed on global properties. After a summary of the properties and distribution of the ISM in the solar neighborhood and in the plane of the Galaxy, some results from the most important observational probes (HI, CO and infrared) are described. A recent development is the observation of the ISM in galaxies of all morphological types, early to late; these developments are summarized and the properties of galaxies of different types compared to each other. Finally, the origin of radio galaxies, the effect of environment and the prospect for direct observations of the evolution of the ISM in galaxies are discussed.
Power aware image transmission in energy constrained wireless networks

We consider transmitting images in a multihop wireless network with the minimal total power consumption while satisfying an end-to-end image quality constraint. Contrary to popular belief, we show that maximum compression before transmission does not always provide minimal energy consumption, especially in the case of dense sensor networks with complex signal processing algorithms. We formulate the minimal energy transmission problem as an optimization problem and present a heuristic algorithm for it. The proposed algorithm selects the optimal image compression parameters to minimize total energy dissipation given the network conditions and image quality constraints. Simulation results show up to 80% reduction in the total power consumption achieved by using the proposed adaptive algorithm compared to nonadaptive algorithms.
The North American Industry Classification System and Its Implications for Accounting Research

Industry classification is an important component of the methodological infrastructure of accounting research. Researchers have generally used the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system for assigning firms to industries. In 1999, the major statistical agencies of Canada, Mexico, and the United States began implementing NAICS, the North American Industry Classification System. The new scheme radically changes industry classification by introducing production as the basis for grouping firms, creating 358 new industries, extensively rearranging SIC categories, and establishing uniformity across all NAFTA nations. We examine the implications of the change for accounting research. We assess NAICS' effectiveness in forming industry groups. Following Guenther and Rosman (1994), we use financial ratio variances to measure intra-industry homogeneity, and find NAICS offers some improvement over the SIC system in defining manufacturing, transportation, and service industries. We also evaluate how NAICS can impact empirical research by reproducing part of Lang and Lundholm's (1996) study of information-transfer and industry effects. They focus on whether industry conditions or the level of competition is the main source of uncertainty resolved by earnings announcements. Across all levels of aggregation, inferences are similar using either SIC or NAICS. However, for Services, NAICS definitions identify a number of cases of resolution of competition-uncertainty, whereas SIC definitions do not. We also find that the regression coefficients in Lang and Lundholm's model show smaller intra-industry dispersion for NAICS, relative to SIC, definitions. This suggests the NAICS definitions lead to greater industry homogeneity. Overall, we conclude that researchers may realize some improvements in using NAICS rather than SIC, particularly in studies that use industries reconfigured by NAICS. Kewyords: Standard Industrial Classification, North American Industry Classification System, final ratios, intra-industry
Human Fibrinogen Heterogeneities: III. IDENTIFICATION OF γ CHAIN VARIANTS

Abstract The two types of human fibrinogen (Peaks 1 and 2) distinguishable by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose were isolated and the S-sulfo derivatives of the constituent Aα, Bβ, and γ chains separated and examined. No differences were found between the Aα and Bβ chains of Peak 1 fibrinogen and the corresponding chains of Peak 2 fibrinogen with respect to their chromatographic elution profiles, electrophoretic migration at pH 8.6 or 2.7, molecular size, or tryptic peptide maps. By chromatography on CM-cellulose, the γ chains of both types of fibrinogen were resolved into two approximately equal populations, designated γ-I (first eluted) and γ-2. Upon electrophoresis at pH 8.6 or 2.7 both the γ-1 and γ-2 chains of Peak 1 fibrinogen migrated as a single band. The corresponding chromatographically isolated chains of Peak 2 fibrinogen separated into two bands, designated γ and γ'. The γ' chains, which were the more anodal, amounted to about half of the γ chain population of Peak 2 fibrinogen. The γ chains of Peak 2 fibrinogen exhibited the same mobility as the corresponding chains of Peak 1 fibrinogen. The γ:γ' heterogeneity accounts for the charge difference between unmodified Peak 1 and Peak 2 fibrinogen. As assessed by electrophoretic experiments in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate after reduction of disulfide bonds, all γ chain variants were of the same molecular size and were capable of covalent cross-linking.
Daytime ionospheric D region sharpness derived from VLF radio atmospherics

[1] We described and applied a technique to measure the local midlatitude daytime ionospheric D region electron density profile sharpness from the Earth-ionosphere waveguide mode interference pattern in the spectra of radio atmospherics (or sferics for short), which are the high-power, broadband, very low frequency (VLF, 3–30 kHz) signals launched by lightning discharges. VLF propagation simulations are used to show that the upper VLF frequency spectral minima of sferics on several hundred kilometers long propagation paths depend critically on the effective D region sharpness while depending only weakly on the effective D region height. This enables the straightforward extraction of the sharpness parameter from measured VLF spectra, which generally exhibit well-defined minima at upper VLF frequencies. By applying this technique, we calculated the profile sharpness during morning, noontime, and afternoon periods in 3 different days using sferics from ∼660–800 km away. The measured sharpness showed a weak dependence on the solar zenith angle, with values between 0.35 and 0.45 km−1 for angles from 20° to 75°. This is different from the previous narrowband measurement since the sharpness derived from narrowband VLF signals highly depends on the solar zenith angle. To better understand this discrepancy, we also used simulations to calculate the equivalent exponential profiles for International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) profiles and the empirical FIRI model profiles. The equivalent exponential profiles can best duplicate the sferic spectral characteristics for IRI and FIRI models. We find that both the magnitudes and solar zenith angle variations of the sharpness for our broadband measurements, previous narrowband measurements, and both models are completely different. This suggests the daytime ionosphere, particularly at larger solar zenith angles, may not be well described by a simple two-parameter exponential model.
Na-Ca exchange as a regulator in action potentials of neonatal rat ventricles

Transmembrane action potentials were recorded from intact ventricles of young rats, in control media and after exposure to Cd/sup 2+/, a blocker of Na-Ca exchange. Control action potential durations (APD/sub 90/s) related directly to stimulation rate with an average slope of 0.48 ms/bpm (3 hearts) between 10 and 120 beats/min (bpm). Rate-dependency of APD was abolished by 4 mM Cd/sup 2+/ (p<0.001). It was concluded that the Na-Ca exchange of neonatal myocytes influences the rate-dependency of their action potential durations. The relationship between Na-Ca exchange and APD was simulated using a voltage-clamped single cell model. Results and simulations suggest that: (1) positive rate-dependency of APD promotes internal Cd/sup 2+/ accumulation via reverse Na-Ca exchange, and (2) the latter may depend on slow Na influx during action potential plateau at high stimulus rates.
Barack Obama's “American” Problem: Unhyphenated Americans in the 2008 Elections

Objectives. The largest increase of any ancestry group between the 1990 and 2000 Census in the United States were “unhyphenated Americans,” those whites who claimed an “American” or no ancestry. This article measures this group's voting habits in the 2008 elections. Methods. With individual-level attitudinal data and county-level voting data from the 2008 primary and 2000–2008 general elections, the analyses use quantitative methods to estimate unhyphenated Americans' voting behavior. Results. Evidence indicates a strong rejection of Obama among counties with high proportions of unhyphenated Americans in both the 2008 primary and general elections. Conclusion. While spatially concentrated in and near Appalachia, unhyphenated Americans' politics are distinctive irrespective of socioeconomic status, religion, and geography, being one of the few groups in which Barack Obama lost votes compared to previous Democratic nominees. Variation in the share of unhyphenated Americans explains more of the difference between 2008 and past elections than variation in the share of African Americans per county.
Electrical modifications of the Baird flame photometer which simplify calibration and improve accuracy of low potassium readings.

Simple circuit modifications to the Baird flame photometer are described which increase ease of calibration and which enable serum sodium and potassium to be determined on the same sample dilution with no loss of precision.
trans-o-Nitro-α-Phenylcinnamic Acid

trans-o-Nitro-α-phenylcinnamic acid product: trans-o-Nitro-α-phenylcinnamic acid Keywords: condensation, carbonyl-active methylene condensations
Asymmetric Synthesis of trans‐2‐Aminocyclohexanecarboxylic Acid Derivatives from Pyrrolobenzodiazepine‐5,11‐diones: (1S,2S)‐2‐(N‐Tosylamino)Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acid

Asymmetric synthesis of trans-2-aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acid derivatives from pyrrolobenzodiazepine-5,11-diones: (1S,2S)-2-(N-tosylamino)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid intermediate: (5aS,9aS,11aS)-Perhydro-5H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-5,11-dione intermediate: (1S,2S)-2-(N-Tosylamino)-1-[((2S)-2-carbomethoxypyrrolidinyl)carbonyl] cyclohexane product: (1S,2S)-2-(N-Tosylamino)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid Keywords: deacylation; esterification, of substituted monobasic acids; hydrolysis, amides; reduction, CC HC–CH; ring opening reactions; stereoselective reactions, enantioselective; sulfonation, N-sulfonation; ammonia, handling and drying; tetrahydrofuran; p-toluenesulfonyl chloride; ammonia; chloroform, highly toxic, cancer suspect agent; potassium
Comparison of polymer scaffolds in rat spinal cord: a step toward quantitative assessment of combinatorial approaches to spinal cord repair.

The transected rat thoracic (T9/10) spinal cord model is a platform for quantitatively comparing biodegradable polymer scaffolds. Schwann cell-loaded scaffolds constructed from poly (lactic co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), poly(ɛ-caprolactone fumarate) (PCLF), oligo(polyethylene glycol) fumarate (OPF) hydrogel or positively charged OPF (OPF+) hydrogel were implanted into the model. We demonstrated that the mechanical properties (3-point bending and stiffness) of OPF and OPF + hydrogels closely resembled rat spinal cord. After one month, tissues were harvested and analyzed by morphometry of neurofilament-stained sections at rostral, midlevel, and caudal scaffold. All polymers supported axonal growth. Significantly higher numbers of axons were found in PCLF (P < 0.01) and OPF+ (P < 0.05) groups, compared to that of the PLGA group. OPF + polymers showed more centrally distributed axonal regeneration within the channels while other polymers (PLGA, PCLF and OPF) tended to show more evenly dispersed axons within the channels. The centralized distribution was associated with significantly more axons regenerating (P < 0.05). Volume of scar and cyst rostral and caudal to the implanted scaffold was measured and compared. There were significantly smaller cyst volumes in PLGA compared to PCLF groups. The model provides a quantitative basis for assessing individual and combined tissue engineering strategies.
Overview of melt dynamics in laser processing

The role of convection in controlling laser melted pool geometry such as pool shape, undercut, and ripples; defects such as variable penetration, porosity, and lack offusion; and properties such as homogeneity has been studied by a number of researchers. This paper reviews the state-of-the art research in this area.
Students’ epistemic worldview preferences predict selective recall across History and Physics texts

This study evaluates the psychological reality of two sets of epistemic beliefs, or epistemic ‘worldviews’, called mechanism and organicism. One author who described these two worldviews, Stephen Pepper, hypothesised that they appear to possess domain-general characteristics. Although Pepper’s ideas have had a small presence in research across a variety of knowledge domains, they have been overlooked by epistemic beliefs researchers. This paper introduces Pepper’s epistemic worldviews to epistemic beliefs researchers by empirically demonstrating their purported domain-general capabilities. Participants read two texts about the French Revolution and quantum mechanics containing both mechanist and organicist descriptions. Then, they recorded as much as they could recall from both texts. Analyses of these free recall data reveal a significant interaction between participants’ worldview preference and the type of text that they recall across both texts. The data are interpreted to support the hypothesis that ...
Helicobacter pylori protein HP0222 belongs to Arc/MetJ family of transcriptional regulators.

Helicobacter pylori is a widespread human bacterial pathogen responsible for inducing gastric and duodenal ulcers and gastric cancers. To date, only 16 protein structures from this organism have been determined, and more than 30% of its 1500 protein functions remain unknown. We report the biochemical characterization, the tertiary structure determined by solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods and the putative function of the previously uncharacterized protein HP0222 (JHP0208) from H. pylori. Recombinant HP0222 behaves as a dimer in crosslinking and size exclusion chromatography experiments. The structure consists of a ribbon–helix–helix fold characteristic of transcription factors of the Arc/MetJ family, which all bind DNA as higher order oligomers. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays reveal that HP0222 binds to double-stranded DNA. Previous studies have shown significant increases in transcription levels of HP0222 in response to acid shock and adherence to gastric epithelial cells. To assess possible involvement of HP0222 in acid resistance, we constructed and assayed an H. pyloriHP0222 null mutant. We propose that HP0222 is a novel transcriptional regulator in H. pylori. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The quantitative immunochemical determination of pneumococcal and meningococcal capsular polysaccharides by light scattering rate nephelometry

A quantitative nephelometric method was used for the measurement of the individual pneumococcal, as well as meningococcal, polysaccharides in the polyvalent vaccine final containers. This method is simple, rapid, inexpensive, and provides both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the polyvalent polysaccharide vaccines. By this method the individual pneumococcal types, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6A, 7F, 8, 9N, 12F, 14, 18C, 19F, 23F and 25 polysaccharides, were found to be present at 90-114% of the manufacturer's indicated concentrations; meningococcal group A, C, Y and W135 polysaccharides were at 90-108% of the manufacturer's listed concentrations. This nephelometric method coupled with gel filtration can also be used for measurement of the molecular sizes or stability of individual polysaccharides in the final container. Pneumococcal polysaccharide types 3, 6A, 9N and 19F, used as representative types, were treated with 0.5 N hydrochloric acid. The molecular sizes for types 3 and 9 N polysaccharides were stable to acid treatment. In contrast, types 6A and 19F polysaccharides were degraded. Heating meningococcal groups A, C, Y and W135 polysaccharides at 37 degrees C for 48 h did not affect their molecular size in the polyvalent vaccine.
Antifungal triazole alcohols: A comparative analysis of structure-activity, structure-teratogenicity and structure-therapeutic index relationships using the Multiple Computer-Automated Structure Evaluation (Multi-CASE) methodology

An increase in the opportunistic fungal infections necessitates a design of new more effective and safer antifungal agnets. Triazole alcohols are effective antifungals, but have a risk of teratogenicity associated with them. Therefore, successful design of drugs from this class depends on understanding the structure-activity and structure-teratogenicity relationships in conjunction.
A multidimensional scaling analysis of vowel discrimination in humans and monkeys

Five humans and three African Sykes’ monkeys (Cercopithecus albogularis) discriminated among the ten English vowels using a repeating background procedure. Human subjects are four native American‐English speakers and one non‐native Hispanic speaker. Reaction times were input to a multidimensional scaling analysis (ALSCAL) in order to derive a measure of perceived similarity or dissimilarity among the vowels. For all subjects, including monkeys, the front vowels were the most distinguishable vowel group, while the central and back vowels were less clearly differentiated. The Hispanic speaker performed similarly to the native American English speakers, although Spanish does not differentiate among the spectrally similar vowels of English. One difference that emerged between humans and monkeys was that humans appeared more sensitive than monkeys to first formant changes in the front vowels. [Work supported by NIDCD.]
Interpreting vibrational sum-frequency spectra of sulfur dioxide at the air/water interface: a comprehensive molecular dynamics study.

We investigated the solvation and spectroscopic properties of SO2 at the air/water interface using molecular simulation. Molecular interactions from both Kohn−Sham (KS) density functional theory (DFT) and classical polarizable models were used to understand the properties of SO2:(H2O)x complexes in the vicinity of the air/water interface. The KS-DFT was included to allow comparisons with vibrational sum-frequency spectroscopy through the identification of surface SO2:(H2O)x complexes. Using our simulation results, we were able to develop a much more detailed picture of the surface structure of SO2 consistent with spectroscopic data obtained by Richmond and co-workers (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 16806). We also found many similarities and differences between the two interaction potentials, including a noticeable weakness of the classical potential model in reproducing the asymmetric hydrogen bonding of water with SO2 due to its inability to account for SO2 resonance structures.
Analysis of a hypersonic waverider research vehicle with a hydrocarbon scramjet engine

The results of a feasibility study of a hypersonic waverider research vehicle with a hydrocarbon scramjet engine are presented. The integrated waverider/scramjet geometry is first optimized with a vehicle synthesis code to produce a maximum product of the lift-to-drag ratio and the cycle specific impulse, hence cruise range. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is then employed to provide a nose-to-tail analysis of the system at the on-design conditions. Some differences are noted between the results of the two analysis techniques. A comparison of experimental, engineering analysis and CFD results on a waverider forebody are also included for validation.
TH-C-BRD-12: Robust Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy Plan Can Eliminate Junction Shifts for Craniospinal Irradiation

Purpose: The passive scattering proton therapy (PSPT) technique is the commonly used radiotherapy technique for craniospinal irradiation (CSI). However, PSPT involves many numbers of junction shifts applied over the course of treatment to reduce the cold and hot regions caused by field mismatching. In this work, we introduced a robust planning approach to develop an optimal and clinical efficient techniques for CSI using intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) so that junction shifts can essentially be eliminated. Methods: The intra-fractional uncertainty, in which two overlapping fields shift in the opposite directions along the craniospinal axis, are incorporated into the robust optimization algorithm. Treatment plans with junction sizes 3,5,10,15,20,25 cm were designed and compared with the plan designed using the non-robust optimization. Robustness of the plans were evaluated based on dose profiles along the craniospinal axis for the plans applying 3 mm intra-fractional shift. The dose intra-fraction variations (DIV) at the junction are used to evaluate the robustness of the plans. Results: The DIVs are 7.9%, 6.3%, 5.0%, 3.8%, 2.8% and 2.2%, for the robustly optimized plans with junction sizes 3,5,10,15,20,25 cm. The DIV are 10% for the non-robustly optimized plans with junction size 25 cm. The dose profiles along the craniospinalmore » axis exhibit gradual and tapered dose distribution. Using DIVs less than 5% as maximum acceptable intrafractional variation, the overlapping region can be reduced to 10 cm, leading to potential reduced number of the fields. The DIVs are less than 5% for 5 mm intra-fractional shifts with junction size 25 cm, leading to potential no-junction-shift for CSI using IMPT. Conclusion: This work is the first report of the robust optimization on CSI based on IMPT. We demonstrate that robust optimization can lead to much efficient carniospinal irradiation by eliminating the junction shifts.« less
Timing over tuning: overcoming the shortcomings of a line attractor during a working memory task.

How the brain stores information about a sensory stimulus in working memory is not completely known. Clues about the mechanisms responsible for working memory can be gleaned by recording from neurons during the performance of a delayed response task. I focus on the data recorded during such an experiment, a classic tactile discrimination task. I describe how the observed variability in the firing rate during a trial suggests that the type of attractor that is responsible for holding the stimulus information is not a fixed-point type attractor. I propose an alternate mechanism to a line attractor that allows the network to hold the value of an analog stimulus variable for the duration of the delay period, but rather than maintain a constant level of activity, the cells' firing rate varies throughout the delay period. I describe how my proposed mechanism offers a substantial advantage over a line attractor: The tuning requirements of cell to cell connections are greatly eased from that of a line attractor. To accommodate a change in the length of the delay period, I show that the network can be altered by changing a single parameter - the timing of an executive signal that originates outside of the network. To demonstrate the mechanism, as well as the tuning benefits, I use a well known model of propagation in neuronal networks.
Hsp110 over-expression increases the immunogenicity of the murine CT26 colon tumor

Several studies have suggested a positive correlation between heat shock protein (hsp) expression and tumor immunogenicity. Independently, many studies have shown that hsp purified from tumors can be used as a tumor-specific vaccine. In this study, we have explored the connection between hsp expression and anti-tumor immunity by transducing murine CT26 colon carcinoma cells with the cDNA of a major hsp, i.e. hsp110. We have shown that over-expression of hsp110 has no effect on CT26 tumor cell growth in vitro, and does not inhibit their anchorage-independent growth capacity. However, in situ, hsp110 over-expressing CT26 tumor (CT26-hsp110) grew at a significantly reduced rate as compared to the wild-type CT26 tumor in immunocompetent mice. Moreover, immunization of mice with inactivated CT26-hsp110 cells significantly inhibited the growth of wild-type CT26 tumor. This immunity was associated with an increased frequency of tumor-specific T cells after vaccination. An in vivo antibody depletion assay demonstrated that inactivated CT26-hsp110 cells elicited anti-tumor responses involving CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, but not CD4+ T cells. Lastly, the effect of the addition of granulocyte–macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM–CSF) to these vaccine formulations was determined. Mice immunized with irradiated CT26-hsp110 cells combined with GM–CSF-producing bystander cells revealed a complete inhibition of CT26 tumor growth, indicating a synergy between inactivated CT26-hsp110 vaccine activity and GM–CSF. These observations demonstrate that manipulation of hsp110 expression in tumors, specifically when combined with GM–CSF, represents a potentially powerful approach to cancer vaccine formulation.
An optically implementable algorithm for convolution/correlation of long data streams

Abstract An optically implementable algorithm, which separates a long data stream into several shorter sequences based on the Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT), is described in this paper. Using this algorithm, the convolution/correlation of long data streams are performed by small scale vector-matrix multiplications, which can be realized using the state-of-the-art optical algebraic processing technologies. Computer simulation results of this algorithm are presented. A suitable optical processing architecture is also proposed.
EqPac benthic leg completed

In December 1992, the U.S. JGOFS Equatorial Pacific Process Study (EqPac) completed a 43-day cruise on which benthic processes affecting carbon fluxes were studied. One of the major goals of EqPac is to understand the role of deep water and benthic processes on the cycling and ultimate removal of carbon and related elements from the oceans. Like the other U.S. JGOFS EqPac studies, the benthic expedition followed a track along 140°W from 12°S to 9°N. Data from deep hydrocasts, in-situ measurements of benthic fluxes, and several coring techniques were used to test four hypotheses: that benthic fluxes and burial rates are a function of particle rain rate, bottom-water chemistry, and bioturbation; that regions of high burial and benthic flux coincide with areas of surface upwelling and enhanced primary production; that destruction of particulate organic matter below a depth of 1 km in the ocean is dominated by the decomposition that takes place in surface sediments; and that accumulation of biogenic phases in surface sediments is proportional to the present-day export production modified by benthic fluxes.
SU‐GG‐I‐16: A Segmentation Technique to Estimate Breast Density From Cone Beam Breast CT Images

Purpose: To describe and demonstrate the use of an improved segmentation technique to estimate breast density from cone beam breast CT (BCT) images.Method and Materials: To compute the breast density, the dense tissue must be separated from the adipose tissue in the BCT images. To accomplish this task, the BCT images were first processed with a previously reported post‐reconstruction method to correct for the beam hardening and scatter induced cupping artifacts. With this method, the adipose signals were extracted from the coronal view CTimage and used to form a 3‐D background map which was then subtracted from the original images for correction. The corrected data were edge enhanced and smoothed to reduce the noise levels in the images. The results were processed by threshold segmentation to separate the dense tissue from the adipose tissue and form a 3‐D dense tissue map which was then used to compute the dense tissue volume and the breast density. Results: For demonstration, the proposed technique was applied to cone beam CTimages of mastectomy breast specimens to estimate the breast density. The cupping artifacts were successively corrected for and the dense tissue was successfully separated from the adipose tissue with the segmented dense tissue structures matching well with those visualized in the images.Conclusion: We have successfully implemented a method to use cone beam breast CTimages to estimate the breast density. The technique was successfully demonstrated with cone beam CTimages of mastectomy breast specimens. This technique lends itself to more accurate and consistent measurement of breast density which may be used an indicator for breast cancer risk. This work was supported in part by grants CA104759 and CA124585 from NIH‐NCI, a grant EB00117 from NIH‐NIBIB, and a subcontract from NIST‐ATP.