cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Instructions on Conventional Automated Perimetry

PURPOSE. To investigate the effect of perimetrists instructions on automated perimetry thresholds. METHODS. Eighteen volunteers in two age groups participated in a series of three test sessions. Each session consisted of a Humphrey Field Analyzer 30-2 test, a questionnaire, and a customized test program using a Humphrey perimeter to construct frequency of seeing (FOS) curves from which thresholds were calculated, and a descriptive measure of response criterion was derived. The FOS curves were obtained at a central and a peripheral test location within the same test session. The three test sessions differed only by the instructions given. The instructions were adapted from those listed in the manufacturer's instruction manual and were designed to influence participants to respond to the stimuli in a conservative, liberal, or neutral manner. RESULTS. For the 30-2 threshold test, a significant difference in mean deviation was found among the three instruction types (P = 0.001) and between the two age groups (P = 0.001). Although differences were small in the younger subjects (2.04 dB), the means for the responses from liberal to conservative differed by 6.57 dB in the older subjects. Thresholds obtained in a peripheral location by the customized threshold test were found to differ significantly between the age groups (younger group mean, 31.0 dB; older group mean, 27. 2 dB) and among the instruction types (liberal mean, 30.9 dB; conservative mean, 28.1 dB; and neutral mean, 30.3 dB; P < 0.001). The descriptive measurement of response criterion suggests that a difference in criteria occurred as a result of the instructions in both peripheral and central locations for both age groups (P = 0.0001). In addition, according to self-reports, liberal instructions caused participants to be more likely to respond, whereas the conservative instructions caused them to be more reluctant to respond. CONCLUSIONS. Perimetrists' instructions can significantly affect obtained automated perimetry thresholds.
Encephalopathy after high-dose Ifosfamide: a retrospective cohort study and review of the literature.

Background: Encephalopathy occurs in 10–40% of patients treated with high-dose ifosfamide. Proposed risk factors for encephalopathy include hepatic or renal dysfunction, brain metastases, electrolyte imbalances and drug-drug interactions.
Diatoms and the Continuing Relevance of Morphology to Studies on Taxonomy, Systematics and Biogeography: Celebrating the Work and Impact of Patricia A. Sims on the Occasion of her 80th Birthday

This book is a compilation of papers from numerous authors with the overall focus on diatom taxonomy and systematics. This collection celebrates the 80th birthday of Patricia Sims, who significantl...
Evaluation of the effects of single dosage poetry workshops for inpatient adolescents and children

ABSTRACTThe focus of this paper is on an examination of the effectiveness of a 1-h workshop designed to teach poetry as a coping tool for children and adolescents in crisis and psychiatric facilities. This study was designed to measure poetry self-efficacy, belief in the usefulness of poetry as a coping tool, and changes in feelings of isolation and loneliness. Overall, the results of this study suggest adolescents and children in crisis centers and inpatient units may both enjoy and benefit from a single exposure to poetry.
Identification of Emergency Care–Sensitive Conditions and Characteristics of Emergency Department Utilization

Importance Monitoring emergency care quality requires understanding which conditions benefit most from timely, quality emergency care. Objectives To identify a set of emergency care–sensitive conditions (ECSCs) that are treated in most emergency departments (EDs), are associated with a spectrum of adult age groups, and represent common reasons for seeking emergency care and to provide benchmark national estimates of ECSC acute care utilization. Design, Setting, and Participants A modified Delphi method was used to identify ECSCs. In a cross-sectional analysis, ECSC-associated visits by adults (aged ≥18 years) were identified based onInternational Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modificationdiagnosis codes and analyzed with nationally representative data from the 2016 US Nationwide Emergency Department Sample. Data analysis was conducted from January 2018 to December 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures Identification of ECSCs and ECSC-associated ED utilization patterns, length of stay, and charges. Results An expert panel rated 51 condition groups as emergency care sensitive. Emergency care–sensitive conditions represented 16 033 359 of 114 323 044 ED visits (14.0%) in 2016. On average, 8 535 261 of 17 886 220 ED admissions (47.7%) were attributed to ECSCs. The most common ECSC ED visits were for sepsis (1 716 004 [10.7%]), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1 273 319 [7.9%]), pneumonia (1 263 971 [7.9%]), asthma (970 829 [6.1%]), and heart failure (911 602 [5.7%]) but varied by age group. Median (interquartile range) length of stay for ECSC ED admissions was longer than non-ECSC ED admissions (3.2 [1.7-5.8] days vs 2.7 [1.4-4.9] days;P Conclusions and Relevance This comprehensive list of ECSCs can be used to guide indicator development for pre-ED, intra-ED, and post-ED care and overall assessment of the adult, non–mental health, acute care system. Health care utilization and costs among patients with ECSCs are substantial and warrant future study of validation, variations in care, and outcomes associated with ECSCs.
2016 - GENE EDITED STEM CELLS COMBINED WITH TARGETED IMMUNOTHERAPY: A NOVEL APPROACH TO TREAT MYELOID MALIGNANCIES

Despite improvements in supportive care and bone marrow transplantation, only 25% of patients diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia will survive beyond 5 years. While the emergence of targeted immunotherapy has opened new possibilities, clinical studies with chimeric antigen T-cells (CAR-T) cells have shown limited success beyond CD19-targeted immunotherapy, due to lack of unique targetable cell surface antigens and the possible management of B cell aplasia with immunoglobulin supplements. To be an ideal candidate for immunotherapy, an antigen should be unique to cancer cells, indispensable for their survival and not expressed on normal cells. Frequent expression of CD33 on AML blasts and leukemic stem cells have made it an attractive target for AML therapy. The recently reapproved anti-CD33 drug conjugate gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) shows promising results but leads to neutropenia and low platelets because of its off-tumor effects targeting CD33 expressed on normal cells. We have designed a novel approach combining immunotherapy targeting a lineage specific antigen expressed by cancer cells with the transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) lacking that lineage specific antigen. As a proof of concept, using CRISPR/Cas 9 technology, we have deleted all CD33 isoforms in human CD34+ stem cells, generating CD34+33Del human stem cells. After confirming in vivo, that the deletion of CD33 in HSCs doesn't impair their ability to engraft and to repopulate a fully functional hematopoietic system overtime, we demonstrate that leukemic humanized mice transplanted with CD34+33Del stem cells and treated with CD33-targeted immunotherapy (anti-CD33-CART cells and/or GO) show full remission and full engraftment of CD34+33- stem cells overtime. With the present study, we have demonstrated a pioneering new approach to improve targeted immunotherapies to treat blood disorders
Diffuse Cystic Lung Diseases.

Diffuse cystic lung diseases (DCLDs) are a group of diverse pulmonary disorders with varying pathophysiology that are characterized by the presence of thin-walled, air-filled spaces within lung parenchyma. High-resolution computed tomography plays a crucial role in the evaluation of DCLDs, and cyst characteristics such as morphology, distribution, and the presence of other associated radiologic findings can help distinguish between different DCLDs. DCLDs can be classified according to their underlying pathophysiology as neoplastic, genetic, lymphoproliferative, infectious, associated with other forms of interstitial lung disease, or related to smoking. In this review we will provide a clinical overview on the most common DCLDs that are encountered in clinical practice: lymphangioleiomyomatosis, pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis, Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, and lymphoid interstitial pneumonia/follicular bronchiolitis, with a focus on practical aspects that can help clinicians in the optimal diagnosis and management of patients with DCLDs.
Arbitrary High Order Discontinuous Galerkin Transient Analysis of Periodic Structures

An arbitrary high order discontinuous Galerkin time domain method is proposed for periodic structure analysis. Periodic boundary conditions are implemented to efficiently truncate the computational domain by using a transformed field variable approach. An arbitrary high order scheme is presented for the time integration of the transformed semi-discrete discontinuous Galerkin system. The accuracy and capability of the proposed method are demonstrated by analyzing the electromagnetic scattering from an infinite dielectric slab under both normal and oblique incidence illumination.
Impact of Radiologist-Driven Change-Order Requests on Outpatient CT and MRI Examinations.

PURPOSE To assess impact of electronic medical record-embedded radiologist-driven change-order request on outpatient CT and MRI examinations. METHODS Outpatient CT and MRI requests where an order change was requested by the protocoling radiologist in our tertiary care center, from April 11, 2017, to January 3, 2018, were analyzed. Percentage and categorization of requested order change, provider acceptance of requested change, patient and provider demographics, estimated radiation exposure reduction, and cost were analyzed. P < .05 was used for statistical significance. RESULTS In 79,310 outpatient studies in which radiologists determined protocol, change-order requests were higher for MRI (5.2%, 1,283 of 24,553) compared with CT (2.9%, 1,585 of 54,757; P < .001). Provider approval of requested change was equivalent for CT (82%, 1,299 of 1,585) and MRI (82%, 1,052 of 1,283). Change requests driven by improper contrast media utilization were most common and different between CT (76%, 992 of 1,299) and MRI (65%, 688 of 1,052; P < .001). Changing without and with intravenous contrast orders to with contrast only was most common for CT (39%, 505 of 1,299) and with and without intravenous contrast to without contrast only was most common for MRI (26%, 274 of 1,052; P < .001). Of approved changes in CT, 51% (661 of 1,299) resulted in lower radiation exposure. Approved changes frequently resulted in less costly examinations (CT 67% [799 of 1,198], MRI 48% [411 of 863]). CONCLUSION Outpatient CT and MRI orders are deemed incorrect in 2.9% to 5% of cases. Radiologist-driven change-order request for CT and MRI are well accepted by ordering providers and decrease radiation exposure associated with imaging.
Racial Microaggression, Overt Discrimination, and Distress: (In)Direct Associations with Psychological Adjustment

Scholars in diverse disciplines have examined the associations between psychological adjustment and microaggression, and overt discrimination. It remains unclear whether the roles of microaggressio...
Outcomes of patients with primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) in the era of novel agent therapy.

e20510Background: pPCL is a rare and aggressive form of multiple myeloma (MM) with dismal survival outcomes compared to the remainder of MM patients. Several studies have validated the optimal cuto...
Building a Theory of Donald Trump and His Presidency

This chapter addresses the issues of what it takes, theoretically and evidentiarily, to develop a viable theory of the psychology of the Trump presidency. This book addresses the literature on presidents, presidential leadership, political time, and the motivations of Trump voters to name a few areas. However, the real literature that is the focus of this book is Trump himself—the man, his development, his thinking and his actions. Is it is possible to find Trump patterns in a kaleidoscopic presidency, doing so while he is still in office, the essential dual nature of his presidency, discerning and analyzing the “real” Trump presidency beyond caricature and setting out Trump’s ultimate presidential ambitions—The Politics of American Restoration. We argue that it is and explain why.
Using anion photoelectron spectroscopy of cluster models to gain insights into mechanisms of catalyst-mediated H2 production from water

Metal oxide cluster models of catalyst materials offer a powerful platform for probing the molecular-scale features and interactions that govern catalysis. This perspective gives an overview of studies implementing the combination of anion photoelectron (PE) spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations toward exploring cluster models of metal oxides and metal-oxide supported Pt that catalytically drive the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) or the water-gas shift reaction. The utility in the combination of these experimental and computational techniques lies in our ability to unambiguously determine electronic and molecular structures, which can then connect to results of reactivity studies. In particular, we focus on the activity of oxygen vacancies modeled by suboxide clusters, the critical mechanistic step of forming proximal metal hydride and hydroxide groups as a prerequisite for H2 production, and the structural features that lead to trapped dihydroxide groups. The pronounced asymmetric oxidation found in heterometallic group 6 oxides and near-neighbor group 5/group 6 results in higher activity toward water, while group 7/group 6 oxides form very specific stoichiometries that suggest facile regeneration. Studies on the trans-periodic combination of cerium oxide and platinum as a model for ceria supported Pt atoms and nanoparticles reveal striking negative charge accumulation by Pt, which, combined with the ionic conductivity of ceria, suggests a mechanism for the exceptionally high activity of this system towards the water-gas shift reaction.
Nurses' pandemic lives: A mixed-methods study of experiences during COVID-19

Background: The US healthcare settings and staff have been stretched to capacity by the COVID-19 pandemic While COVID-19 continues to threaten global healthcare delivery systems and populations, its impact on nursing has been profound Objectives: This study aimed to document nurses' immediate reactions, major stressors, effective measures to reduce stress, coping strategies, and motivators as they provided care during COVID-19 Design: Mixed-methods, cross sectional design Participants responded to objective and open-ended questions on the COVID-19 Nurses' Survey Participants: The survey, was sent to nurses employed in health care settings during the pandemic;110 nurses participated Results: Immediate reactions of respondents were nervousness and call of duty;major stressors were uncertainty, inflicting the virus on family, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), and protocol inconsistencies Effective measures to reduce stress identified were financial incentives and mental health support Most frequently used coping strategies were limiting televised news about the virus, talking with family and friends, and information, Motivators to participate in future care included having adequate PPE and sense of duty Bivariate analysis of outcomes by age group, education, work setting, and marital status was performed Nurse respondents with higher advanced degrees had significantly less fear than those with BSN-only degrees (p < 05) Of respondents who were married/living with a partner, 85 9% listing “uncertainty about when the pandemic will be under control” as a major stressor (p < 05), while 62 8% of those who were single/divorced/widowed (p = 015) did so Further, 75% of respondents working in critical care listed “mental health services” as important (p = 054) Four major qualitative themes emerged: What is going on here?;How much worse can this get?;What do I do now?;What motivates me to do future work? Conclusion: The study found nurses were motivated by ethical duty to care for patients with COVID-19 despite risk to self and family, leaving nurses vulnerable to moral distress and burnout This research articulates the need for psychological support, self- care initiatives, adequate protection, information, and process improvements in the healthcare systems to reduce the risk of moral distress, injury and burnout among nurses © 2021 Elsevier Inc
Gemeinsame Nutzung der Cursor bei Oracle (cursor sharing)

Da das harte Parsing ziemlich kostspielig ist, versucht Oracle es moglichst zu vermeiden. Dafur wird gemeinsame Nutzung der Cursor (cursor sharing) eingesetzt: Wird ein neuer Cursor geoffnet, schaut Oracle zunachst, ob ein bestehender Cursor fur die jeweilige SQL-Anweisung benutzt werden kann. Ist das der Fall, wird der bestehende Cursor genommen, und seine Cursor-Statistik fur die Anzahl der Parse Calls (in der Spalte PARSE_CALLS der View V$SQL) wird um 1 erhoht. Wenn Oracle keinen passenden Cursor findet, wird das harte Parsing gemacht und ein neuer Cursor angelegt. Der Grund, aus welchem keine gemeinsame Nutzung der bestehenden Cursor moglich ist, wird dabei normalerweise in der View V$SQL_SHARED_CURSOR protokolliert.
Chains and Change

Things change. The world is in flux. How can one understand a world in which change plays so great a role? The seventeenth-century answer given by Leibniz and Newton is simplicity itself: Study change.
Stock Market Liquidity and Innovation Activity

This paper investigates the effects of aggregate stock market liquidity on innovation at both aggregate and firm levels for publicly traded firms in the U.S. I show that both effects are significantly positive. Next, I provide two underlying mechanisms through which aggregate stock liquidity enhances innovation. First, high stock market liquidity reduces the cost of raising external capital, making it easier for firms, especially for small firms and those with R&D investments, to issue equity and finance their innovation. Second, high stock market liquidity generates high firm valuation and reduces transaction costs, motivating large firms to buy innovation from small firms through merger and acquisition activities. Overall, I document that, unlike Fang, Tian, and Tice (2013), who argue that stock liquidity impedes innovation at the firm level, aggregate stock market liquidity plays a very important and positive role in enhancing aggregate innovation.
Faculty Development for Online Teaching as a Catalyst for Change.

This action research study explored the change in face-to-face teaching practices as a result of faculty professional development for online teaching. Faculty’s initial teaching model is typically born from that of their own teachers, and they teach as they were taught. However, few have any online experience as a student or a teacher. Learning to teach online may be a catalyst for faculty to reflect on and evaluate their current teaching practices. Data was collected through three rounds of action research that included individual interviews, participants’ reflective journalling activities, researcher’s journal and field notes, and classroom observations. The qualitative data analysis steps included data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. The results of the study indicated that learning to teach online has the potential to transform faculty’s assumptions and beliefs about teaching, changing their face-to-face teaching practices. The identification of the aspects of professional development activities that were most effective in helping faculty to reflect on and question their previously held assumptions and beliefs about teaching will assist administrators and faculty development specialists move from one-size-fits-all programs to a redesign within an adult learning framework that supports opportunities for change.
Phosphorus-limited growth of a green alga and a blue-green alga.

The phosphorus-limited growth kinetics of the chlorophyte Scenedesmus quadricauda and the cyanophyte Synechococcus Nageli were studied by using batch and continuous culturing techniques. The steady-state phosphate transport capability and the phosphorus storage capacity is higher in S. Nageli than in S. quadricauda. Synechococcus Nageli can also deplete phosphate to much lower levels than can S. quadricauda. These results, along with their morphological characteristics, were used to construct partial physiological profiles for each organism. The profiles indicate that this unicellular cyanophyte (cyanobacterium) is better suited for growth in phosphorus-limited oligotrophic niches than is this chlorophyte (green alga).
Research foundations for system of systems engineering

System of systems engineering (SoSE) continues to evolve as a potentially promising response for analysis, design, and transformation of increasingly complex systems problems. The purpose of this paper is to establish critical foundations and offer a coherent framing for further research in SoSE. To achieve this purpose the paper is organized to: (1) introduce a contemporary perspective of SoSE, focused on identifying both convergence and divergence in the literature, (2) develop five logical levels that can help to understand divergence in SoSE and sharpen future research efforts, (3) articulate several of the critical research challenges that SoSE must address to be viable, and (4) identify a preliminary set of critical topical research areas for development of a more integrated research agenda for SoSE. The paper concludes with implications for close coupling of research and practice for the accelerated development of SoSE through an integrated research agenda.
Reading Interventions for Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders.

Although children with emotional or behavioral disorders (E/BD) demonstrate significant difficulties in reading, little research has addressed the efficacy of reading interventions with this popula...
Cosmology in one dimension: A two-component model

Abstract We investigate structure formation in a one dimensional model of a matter-dominated universe using a quasi-Newtonian formulation. In addition to dissipation-free dark matter, dissipative luminous matter is introduced to examine the potential bias in the distributions. We use multifractal analysis techniques to identify scale-dependent structures, including clusters and voids. Both dark matter and luminous matter exhibit multifractal geometry over a finite range as the universe evolves in time. We present the results for the generalized dimensions computed on various scales for each matter distribution which clearly supports the bottom-up structure formation scenario. We compare and contrast the multifractal dimensions of two types of matter for the first time and show how dynamical considerations cause them to differ.
Using Visualization in System and Network Administration

Unix systems have numerous tools that generate copious amounts of data about performance, security, process status, networking and sundry other things; this usually results in the output of raw numbers or text. Visualization of this data can lead to useful insights. Examples include: graphing performance data, customizing tools to make a complex operation easier to understand, and correlating log events according to user-defined rules or patterns. Using visualization in daily activity can help the brain recognize normal and aberrant behavior, make complex tasks easier, and improve workplace efficiency. The goal of this paper is to detail how simple rapid- prototyping, GUI tools can be used to quickly develop applications to visualize data. This paper also describes the application of visualization to areas of system and network administration. I will attempt to illustrate my own results and experiences developing visualization tools in Tcl/Tk [1] (with various extensions). The design and implementation of four such tools will be discussed and used as examples of visualization applied toward system and network administration. Some have surpassed their original design criteria and provided unanticipated side-effects that enhance their utility.
Biocatalytic perchlorate reduction: kinetics and effects of groundwater characteristics

Biocatalytic reduction of perchlorate can minimize the effects of competitive electron acceptors and completely reduce perchlorate into chloride and oxygen, but to date has only been demonstrated under idealized laboratory conditions. This work investigated biocatalytic perchlorate reduction in two groundwater drinking water sources, under a range of conditions and with a variety of electron donors. The biocatalysts, perchlorate reductase and chlorite dismutase from Azospira oryzae, had a maximum activity of 162.5 ± 8.4 U (μg Mo)−1 in buffered solution and retained 82–94% of their activity in groundwater samples. The half saturation concentration for perchlorate was 92.0 μM. Perchlorate reduction rates were higher than nitrate reduction rates, with nitrate as the sole electron acceptor having reduction rates 7.5 to 9.7% of the maximum perchlorate reduction rates in groundwater. Activity was consistent from pH 6.5 to 9.0. The temperature dependence of biocatalytic perchlorate reduction was well defined by the Arrhenius equation. No significant difference in biocatalytic activity was observed with calcium and magnesium concentrations over the tested range of 0 to 400 mg L−1 or with natural organic matter up to 6 mg L−1. Ascorbic acid with addition of an electron shuttle resulted in reduction of more than 99% of perchlorate in less than 6 hours, an order of magnitude loss in activity compared to methyl viologen. These results suggest the potential of the biocatalysts for treating perchlorate over a range of concentrations and conditions representative of industrial and groundwater perchlorate contamination.
Water-soluble antioxidant derivative poly(triethylene glycol methyl acrylate-co-α-tocopheryl acrylate) as a potential prodrug to enable localized neuroprotection.

Abstract Implantable microelectrode arrays (MEA) hold enormous hope for individuals with sensory or motor deficits. However, long-term function of MEA remains a critical hurdle. The objective of this study was to synthesize an antioxidant prodrug that can be delivered to the neural tissue around the implant and present a pharmacological depot to combat the injurious oxidative stress around the MEA. In this report, monomers of triethylene glycol methyl acrylate and α-tocopheryl acrylate, a synthetic derivative of the antioxidant α-tocopherol (vitamin E, Ve), were copolymerized to obtain poly(triethylene glycol methyl acrylate-co-α-tocopheryl acrylate) (PVT) with different compositions. In contrast to the poor water solubility of Ve, solubility of the PVT prodrug in water can reach as high as 3.1 mg ml−1 (equivalent to 500 μM Ve) by tuning the copolymer composition. To demonstrate the applicability of the prodrug for MEA implants, PVT was successfully deposited on silicon substrates with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) or tannic acid (TA) using the layer-by-layer technique mediated by hydrogen bonding. Ellipsometry and quartz crystal microbalance data showed that the multilayers of PAA/PVT were destructible at physiological pH. In contrast, multilayers of TA/PVT were stable. The PVT prodrug was non-cytotoxic toward A172 human astrocytes. Furthermore, PVT was able to protect astrocytes against oxidative stress exerted by H2O2 in vitro. Using a free radical scavenging assay, the protection mechanism was attributed to the hydrolysis of the labile ester linkage and release of the active Ve.
Controlled Supramolecular Self-Assembly of Large Nanoparticles in Amphiphilic Brush Block Copolymers

To date the self-assembly of ordered metal nanoparticle (NP)/block copolymer hybrid materials has been limited to NPs with core diameters (Dcore) of less than 10 nm, which represents only a very small fraction of NPs with attractive size-dependent physical properties. Here this limitation has been circumvented using amphiphilic brush block copolymers as templates for the self-assembly of ordered, periodic hybrid materials containing large NPs beyond 10 nm. Gold NPs (Dcore = 15.8 ± 1.3 nm) bearing poly(4-vinylphenol) ligands were selectively incorporated within the hydrophilic domains of a phase-separated (polynorbornene-g-polystyrene)-b-(polynorbornene-g-poly(ethylene oxide)) copolymer via hydrogen bonding between the phenol groups on gold and the PEO side chains of the brush block copolymer. Well-ordered NP arrays with an inverse cylindrical morphology were readily generated through an NP-driven order–order transition of the brush block copolymer.
Diagnostic cross-linking of paired cysteine pairs demonstrates homologous structures for two chemoreceptor domains with low sequence identity.

Hundreds of bacterial chemoreceptors from many species have periplasmic, ligand-recognition domains of approximately the same size, but little or no sequence identity. The only structure determined is for the periplasmic domain of chemoreceptor Tar from Salmonella and Escherichia coli. Do sequence-divergent but similarly sized chemoreceptor periplasmic domains have related structures? We addressed this issue for the periplasmic domain of chemoreceptor TrgE from E. coli, which has a low level of sequence similarity to Tar, by combining homology modeling and diagnostic cross-linking between pairs of introduced cysteines. A homology model of the TrgE domain was created using the homodimeric, four-helix bundle structure of the TarS domain from Salmonella. In this model, we chose four pairs of positions at which introduced cysteines would be sufficiently close to form disulfides across each of four different helical interfaces. For each pair we chose a second pair, in which one cysteine of the original pair was shifted by one position around the helix and thus would be less favorably placed for disulfide formation. We created genes coding for proteins containing four such pairs of cysteine pairs and investigated disulfide formation in vivo as well as functional consequences of the substitutions and disulfides between neighboring helices. Results of the experimental tests provided strong support for the accuracy of the model, indicating that the TrgE periplasmic domain is very similar to the TarS domain. Diagnostic cross-linking of paired pairs of introduced cysteines could be applied generally as a stringent test of homology models.
Unusual migration of the distal catheter of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt into the heart: case report.

Objective and importance Placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is the most common form of treatment for hydrocephalus. Thoracic complications with VP shunts are rare, but we present the second documented case of the distal migration of the distal catheter of a VP shunt into the heart. Clinical presentation A 14-year-old boy, who underwent placement of a right occipital VP shunt at another institution after closed-head injury, presented with hypertension. Plain chest x-rays and computed tomography revealed the distal catheter to be in the right ventricle of the heart. Intervention A joint surgical procedure was performed with the cardiac surgery team. The cardiac surgeons created a pericardial window through a subxyphoid incision. Simultaneously, a right occipital incision was made to access the distal catheter, which was then slowly pulled out with the pericardium under direct visualization. No hemorrhage or change in the pericardium was observed, and, therefore, the need for a thoracotomy was eliminated. A new distal catheter was placed into the peritoneal cavity. Conclusion The migration of the distal catheter probably occurred during the initial VP shunt placement. The internal jugular vein probably was perforated by the tunneler during the creation of the distal catheter tract. Slow venous flow and negative inspiratory pressure may have gradually pulled the catheter up into the right atria and ventricle. As demonstrated by our case report, the catheter can be extracted safely in a joint procedure with cardiac surgeons, and a thoracotomy is not always necessary. The patient did not experience postoperative complications, and his hypertension was alleviated.
Tools of the Trade Image Manipulation: Confocal images to go?

Biologists are no longer restricted to using a single algorithm in their manipulation and display of data acquired using confocal microscopy.
Composite Geochemical Database for Coalbed Methane Produced Water Quality in the Rocky Mountain Region

Coalbed methane (CBM) or coalbed natural gas (CBNG) is an unconventional natural gas resource with large reserves in the United States (US) and worldwide. Production is limited by challenges in the management of large volumes of produced water. Due to salinity of CBM produced water, it is commonly reinjected into the subsurface for disposal. Utilization of this nontraditional water source is hindered by limited knowledge of water quality. A composite geochemical database was created with 3255 CBM wellhead entries, covering four basins in the Rocky Mountain region, and resulting in information on 64 parameters and constituents. Database water composition is dominated by sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride type waters with total dissolved solids concentrations of 150 to 39,260 mg/L. Constituents commonly exceeding standards for drinking, livestock, and irrigation water applications were total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), temperature, iron, and fluoride. Chemical trends in the basins are linked to the type of coal deposits, the rank of the coal deposits, and the proximity of the well to fresh water recharge. These water composition trends based on basin geology, hydrogeology, and methane generation pathway are relevant to predicting water quality compositions for beneficial use applications in CBM-producing basins worldwide.
Intracardiac thrombus: A risk of incomplete anticoagulation for cardiac operations

Abstract Mitral valve replacement was performed urgently in a patient with hemorrhagic brain lesions. To decrease the risk of intracranial hemorrhage, cardiopulmonary bypass was performed using a heparin-coated perfusion system and a reduced dose of heparin. The detection of an acute intracardiac thrombus by transesophageal echocardiography during cardiopulmonary bypass exposed a potential hazard of techniques employing reduced systemic anti-coagulation for cardiac operations.
Design and development of thin film materials for 157-nm and VUV wavelengths: APSM, binary masking, and optical coatings applications

As optical lithography below 193 nm is explored, materials issues become more challenging. Thin film coatings that are sufficient for use at wavelengths near or above 200 nm are more likely than not to be problematic at 157 nm, 126 nm, or other potential VUV wavelengths. The situation is a concern for optical coatings, masking films, and for resist/substrate reflectivity control. Potential solutions for several film types are presented, which have been deposited and optically characterized for use as attenuated phase shift masking films, binary masking films, and optical coatings for use at 157 nm.
Nernst-Planck-poisson diffusion equation: Numerical solution of the boundary value problem

Abstract The solution of the Nernst-Planck equation as a boundary value problem poses mathematical difficulties, when electroneutrality is not assumed. A difference equation method is presented which permits solution of a wide variety of problems. It is generalized to permit its use with various types of boundary conditions. Results of some typical calculations, related to the excitable axonal membrane, are presented.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of malathion and other dithioate pesticides

Constitutive, cell free enzyme extracts derived from two strains of Arthrobacter sp. SB 3 and SB 4 hydrolyzed malathion and exhibited Km values of 1.3 and 2.0 μ mol/mg protein.min respectively. These two enzyme extracts had a broad pH optimum (6–9), a temperature optimum of 25 °C and 36 °C and were not strongly affected by high salt or solvent concentrations (up to 5%).
A versatile twisted optical fiber sensor

Abstract An optical sensor sensitive to changes in light absorption and other optical interactions, and consisting of two fibers twisted around each other, is described. The sensor can be used as a refractometer, is very sensitive to the presence of water in oil, can be used to determine the amount of a solvent in oil, and might be useful in monitoring degradation of internal combustion engine oil. In addition, by surrounding the fibers with a film of solution, and observing the changes in ouput over time, additional information can be obtained. Used in this manner, the sensor can be used to identify specific solutions.
Erwinia carotovora asparaginase in patients with prior anaphylaxis to asparaginase from E. coli.

Asparaginase prepared from Erwinia carotovora was well tolerated when given to four patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia who previously had had anaphylactic reactions from E. coli asparaginase. The Erwinia enzyme was cleared from plasma with a half life of 7 to 13 hours, a time similar to some preparations of E. coli asparaginase in patients who had not sustained anaphylaxis. Serum asparagine levels decreased to unmeasurable levels after Erwinia asparaginase in a manner reminiscent of the E. coli enzyme. No positive precipitin reaction or skin test to either E. coli or Erwinia enzyme was detected. These results indicate that there is no great degree of immunologic cross reaction to prevent the use of the Erwinia enzyme in patients who sustained anaphylaxis to the E. coli preparation. The availability of a second active asparaginase from a different microbiological source extends the usefulness of asparaginase in clinical therapy. Stabilization and protective effect of Erwinia enzyme activity by human plasma was demonstrated.
Mechanical properties of polycrystalline ytterbium from 78° to 525°K

Abstract Flow-stress temperature dependence, strain-rate sensitivity, strainhardening behavior and ductility of cerium were determined from 78 to 525 K at strain rates of 0.005, 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 min−1. Effects of the transformations between the allotropie forms α, β and γ on the deformation characteristics of cerium were examined. The results are presented and the effects of phase changes are discussed.
Sensitivity enhancement in multiple-quantum NMR experiments with CPMG detection

We present a modified multiple-quantum (MQ) experiment, which implements the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) detection scheme in the static MQ NMR experiment proposed by W. S. Warren et al. (1980, J. Chem. Phys.73, 2084-2099) and exploited further by O. N. Antzutkin and R. Tycko (1999, J. Chem. Phys.110, 2749-2752). It is demonstrated that a significant enhancement in the sensitivity can be achieved by acquiring echo trains in the MQ experiments for static powder samples. The modified scheme employing the CPMG detection was superior to the original MQ experiment, in particular for the carbonyl carbon with a very large chemical shift anisotropy.
Combinatorial effects of interleukin 10 and interleukin 4 determine the progression of hepatic inflammation following murine enteric parasitic infection

Mice lacking the immunoregulatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10) develop necrotizing hepatitis after infection with Trichinella spiralis, and inflammation is dependent on the migration of intestinally activated CD4+ T cells into the liver. Hepatic production of IL-4 is elevated in these mice, and we hypothesized that it plays a role in the development of hepatic pathology. Wild-type (WT), IL-10 knockout (KO), IL-4 KO, and IL-10/IL-4 KO mice were orally infected, and disease progression was followed by histological examination, alanine aminotransferase assays, and flow cytometric analysis of hepatocellular content. Both IL-10 KO and IL-10/IL-4 KO mice experienced hepatocellular injury, but only IL-10 KO mice advanced to a necrotic phase. Hepatic CD4+ T cells were the major source of IL-4, and IL-10 regulated the number of intestinally-derived CD4+IL-4+ cells. Sequestration of activated neutrophils in the liver required IL-4, and neutrophil depletion prevented progression to overt necrosis. Adoptive transfer of intestinal WT CD4+ T cells inhibited neutrophil accumulation and inflammation, but their regulatory effects did not require IL-10 signaling. Conclusion: The absence of IL-10 led to hepatocyte injury during infection, but IL-4 was necessary for the development of neutrophil-dependent necrosis. These studies provide new insight into the combinatorial role of these cytokines and their targets in the generation and progression of hepatic inflammation. (HEPATOLOGY 2010;)
Structural sensitivity of CO adsorption and H2/CO coadsorption on Ni/SiO2 catalysts

Abstract The surface structure of a series of Ni SiO 2 catalysts was probed by CO adsorption and H 2 CO coadsorption using quantitative chemisorption measurements and IR spectroscopy. Preparation method, pretreatment conditions, and metal crystallite size were found to affect the nature of the metal surface for crystallites in the range 2.5–9.0 nm. CO was found to adsorb in linear, bridge, and multiple-CO forms on these supported nickel catalysts. Multiple-CO adsorbs on “defect sites” of low coordination, which increase in number as the heterogeneity of the nickel surface increases. On large crystallites exhibiting a large fraction of bridge-CO adsorption, coadsorption of hydrogen aided in probing the types of surface planes present on the crystallites. A high frequency peak in the bridge-CO region was assigned to twofold bridge-CO on Ni(111) while a low-frequency peak was assigned to two- or fourfold bridge-CO on Ni(100) planes. The coadsorption of H2 also resulted in an increase in the intensity of the peak for CO adsorption on defect sites, possibly due to increased dipole-dipole interactions between linear and subcarbonyl CO species. CO and CO H 2 adsorption were found to be sensitive probes for both surface smoothness in terms of the presence of defect sites and surface structure in terms of the types of planes exposed.
Semiparametric maximum likelihood estimation exploiting gene-environment independence in case-control studies

We consider the problem of maximum-likelihood estimation in case-control studies of gene-environment associations with disease when genetic and environmental exposures can be assumed to be independent in the underlying population. Traditional logistic regression analysis may not be efficient in this setting. We study the semiparametric maximum likelihood estimates of logistic regression parameters that exploit the gene-environment independence assumption and leave the distribution of the environmental exposures to be nonparametric. We use a profile-likelihood technique to derive a simple algorithm for obtaining the estimator and we study the asymptotic theory. The results are extended to situations where genetic and environmental factors are independent conditional on some other factors. Simulation studies investigate small-sample properties. The method is illustrated using data from a case-control study designed to investigate the interplay of BRCA1/2 mutations and oral contraceptive use in the aetiology of ovarian cancer.
Studies on the purification and structure-function relationships of murine lymphocyte activating factor (interleukin 1)

Abstract Lymphocyte activating factor [LAF; Interleukin 1 (IL 1)] obtained from the murine macrophage cell line, P388D 1 , was partially purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and chromatography on DEAE cellulose, Sephacryl S200 and phenyl Sepharose. Relative to the starting material (sp. act. = 17 U/mg protein), the LAF (IL 1) at the phenyl Sepharose stage of purification was 5–10% pure (sp. act. = 2 × 10 4 U/mg protein) with a yield of 7–30%, depending on the volume of starting material. Analysis of the LAF (IL 1) by isoelectrofocusing in polyacrylamide gels revealed that the LAF (IL 1) obtained after elution from the phenyl Sepharose column was associated specifically with one of eight bands stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue. A specific activity of ≥3 × 10 5 U / mg protein was estimated for a homogeneous preparation of LAF (IL 1). LAF (IL 1) activity was lost after modification of arginine residues by phenylglyoxal and was only weakly affected by modification of histidine residues with diethylpyrocarbonate. No active fragments were obtained after cyanogen bromide cleavage of LAF (IL 1).
Plant uptake of 210Po from soil

Abstract A study of plants grown in 210PoO2 contaminated soil indicated definite uptake through the root system. The Po concentration in the tissues varied with plant species and decreased with period of growth. Transfer coefficients (210Po per g dry plant/210Po Per g dry soil) were calculated and ranged from 3 × 10−2 to 3 × 10−6 for the plants grown in 210PoO2 contaminated soil. Comparison of the natural concentrations of 210Po in plants with the data for those grown in contaminated soil confirmed that natural fallout of radon daughters is the primary source of natural 210Po in plants.
The γ2 Late Glycoprotein K Promoter of Equine Herpesvirus 1 Is Differentially Regulated by the IE and EICP0 Proteins

Abstract The equine herpesvirus 1 immediate-early (IE) phosphoprotein is essential for the activation of transcription from viral early and late promoters and trans -represses its own promoter. Transient-transfection assays showed that the IE protein trans -represses the γ2 late gK promoter. Gel shift and DNase I footprinting assays demonstrated that the IE protein binds to the gK promoter sequences from −42 to −26 and from −13 to +12 that overlap the transcription initiation site (+1). These results indicated that the IE protein binds to the transcription initiation site of the gK promoter sequences, thereby repressing transcription. On the other hand, the EICP0 protein trans -activates the γ2 late gK promoter [Bowles, D. E., Holden, V. R., Zhao, Y., and O'Callaghan, D. J. (1997). The ICP0 protein of equine herpesvirus 1 is an early protein that independently transactivates expression of all classes of viral promoters. J. Virol. 71, 4904–4914]. Overall, the EICP0 protein is able to release the gK promoter from the repressive effects of the IE protein. It has not been previously demonstrated that the major immediate-early transcriptional regulator of a herpesvirus represses expression of a late gene during infection.