cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence that translation reinitiation abrogates nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay in mammalian cells

Nonsense codons upstream of and including position 192 of the human gene for triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) have been found to reduce the abundance of TPI mRNA to approximately 25% of normal. The reduction is due to the decay of newly synthesized TPI mRNA that co-purifies with nuclei. TPI mRNA that co-purifies with cytoplasm is immune to nonsense-mediated decay. Until now, a nonsense codon at position 23 has been the 5'-most nonsense codon that has been analyzed. Here, we provide evidence that a nonsense codon at position 1, 2 or 10 reduces the abundance of nucleus-associated TPI mRNA to an average of only 84% of normal because translation reinitiates at the methionine codon at position 14. First, converting codon 14 to one for valine increased the effectiveness with which an upstream nonsense codon reduces mRNA abundance. Second, when TPI gene sequences, including codon 14, were fused upstream of and in-frame to the translational reading frame of an Escherichia coli chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene that lacked an initiation codon, a nonsense codon at TPI position 1 or 2 allowed for the production of TPI-CAT that was an estimated 14 amino acids smaller than TPI-CAT produced by a nonsense-free gene, whereas a nonsense codon at TPI position 23 precluded the production of TPI-CAT. These and related findings lend credence to the concept that the nonsense-mediated reduction in the half-life of nucleus-associated TPI mRNA involves cytoplasmic ribosomes.
Academic Institutions and Field Based Practitioners: Using the Delphi Method to Analyze Foundational Philosophical Assumptions in the Field of Survival

The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the prevailing philosophies of survival professionals working in the field. Survival education is a growing subject in the field of outdoor education, and with very little scholarly literature published on the subject it is imperative that we as researchers set a sound foundation of research to establish philosophical and practical ideals of the subject (Ewert, 1981). For the literature review some 200 survival based publications were categorized according to scholarly depth and intended audiences. While there were many sources available on survival or survival related topics, only two underwent a formal peer reviewed process and are of scholarly quality (Ewert, 1981; Ball, 2001).
Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in Head and Neck Cancer: differentiation of new H&N cancer, recurrent disease, and benign post-treatment changes☆☆☆

Abstract Purpose To determine if dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters such as permeability surface area (PS) and blood volume (BV) allow differentiating between new head and neck (HN) cancer, recurrent HN cancer, and post-treatment benign changes. Method A total of 35 patients with newly diagnosed, recurrent, and benign post-treatment benign changes underwent DCE-MRI. PS and BV were calculated. Results PS values of the lesion were 2.3×10 4 ±5.8×10 4 for the newly diagnosed cancer group, 3.3×10 4 ±1.7×10 4 for the recurrent cancer group, and 4.8×10 4 ±8.1×10 4 for the post-treatment benign change group ( P =.031). Conclusion Post-treatment benign changes in the HN region had significantly high permeability property than newly diagnosed or previously treated recurrent tumor.
Wyckoff's observing response: Pigeons learn to observe stimuli for free food but not stimuli for extinction

Abstract Four pigeons received periods of free food delivery alternating with periods of extinction. The experimental chamber was divided in half. Initially the subjects could produce stimuli selectively associated with these schedules by standing on the right side of the chamber and later by standing on the left side. In both phases, subjects produced the free food stimulus most of the time it was available but did not increase above baseline the time spent producing the extinction stimulus. Thus, when alternative stimuli are available, the pigeon prefers the stimulus associated with the greater frequency of reinforcement although the choice results in no biological advantage.
Comparative utilization of glycine-N15 administered orally or parenterally☆

Abstract Metabolism of identical amounts of N15 from labeled glycine administered orally, subcutaneously, or intravenously was compared in three experiments on each of two female dogs. The observations were made during absorption of a complete mixture of amino acids originating from ingested protein. N15 excreted in the urine, its partition between urea and ammonia, and its incorporation into fibrinogen and eight protein fractions obtained from plasma by dialysis and DEAE-cellulose chromatography, were determined 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after labeled glycine was given. Excretion of N15 as urea and incorporation of N15 into plasma proteins both occurred more rapidly when labeled glycine was administered parenterally than when it was ingested. Thus the net result was that utilization of the amino acid, as indicated by the amount of N15 retained after 48 hours, or by atom per cent excess of N15 found in plasma protein nitrogen after 12 hours, was not significantly different in the three types of experiments. Although the amount of N15 excreted as urinary ammonia was relatively small, it was largest when glycine was administered orally, particularly during the first two 6-hour periods.
Correction of Keratoconus With Rigid Gas-Permeable Contact Lenses

This study analyzed the feasibility of fitting keratoconus-affected corneas with nonkeratoconus rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses. We retrospectively studied patients with a diagnosis of keratoconus in the past 10 years who were fitted successfully with nonkeratoconus RGP lenses by the same physician. Results confirmed nonkeratoconus RGP lenses as the first-line correction tool. Additionally, we found a simple equation to speed the choice of the base curves of the lenses.
Frontal sinus fractures

The majority of frontal sinus fractures are the result of high-velocity injuries, such as motor vehicle accidents, assaults, and sporting events. Patients often have associated injuries. The initial evaluation should focus on airway control and hemodynamic stability. The head and neck examination should focus on injuries to brain, spine, orbits, and facial skeleton. This requires a team approach involving the otolaryngologist, neurosurgeon, and ophthalmologist. The treatment goals for repair of frontal sinus fractures include avoidance of short- and long-term complications, the return of normal sinus function, and reestablishment of an esthetic facial contour. A treatment algorithm and surgical approach to the management of frontal sinus fractures will be presented.
Retention of crab larvae in a coastal null zone

Alongshelf transport in the southern Middle Atlantic Bight is forced by buoyancy-driven currents originating in three large estuaries along the bight. These currents are strongest in the coastal ocean near the southern terminus of each estuary, while the analogous region on the northern side is characterized by weak subtidal flow. We used a combination of field observations and numerical modeling to test the hypothesis that these regions of weak subtidal flow are coastal null zones that serve as retention areas for larvae. The field study consisted of a four-day, shipboard investigation of the distribution of blue crab larvae (Callinectes sapidus) near the mouth of Delaware Bay (∼39°N, 75°W) in late summer, 2004. Hydrographic surveys of the study site were conducted with a hull-mounted, surface-measuring system. Results showed a sharp boundary between the null zone and the buoyancy-driven current to the south. Blue crab larvae were collected in surface plankton tows along a 30-km transect that encompassed these two areas. Stations with higher densities of larvae were clustered in the null zone during both ebb and flood tides. A numerical model was used to examine the physical mechanisms responsible for the observed distribution. Model results agreed with the field survey and showed that simulated larvae are aggregated in the null zone. The simulations also demonstrated that larvae spawned within the null zone have a much greater probability of settling in juvenile nursery habitat within the bay. The close agreement between field and model results provides consistent support for the hypothesis that coastal null zones associated with the buoyancy-driven circulation of large estuaries may allow retention of larvae in the vicinity of the natal spawning population.
Ramsey Sentence Realism as an Answer to the Pessimistic Meta‐Induction

John Worrall recently provided an account of epistemic structural realism, which explains the success of science by arguing for the correct mathematical structure of our theories. He accounts for the historical failures of science by pointing to bloated ontological interpretations of theoretical terms. In this paper I argue that Worrall’s account suffers from five serious problems. I also show that Pierre Cruse and David Papineau have developed a rival structural realism that solves all of the problems faced by Worrall. This Ramsey sentence realism is a significant advance in the debate, but still ultimately fails for its incomplete account of reference
Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic roles of endothelial cell STAT3 in alcoholic liver injury.

Background It is generally believed that the hepatoprotective effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) is mediated via activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in hepatocytes. IL-6-deficient mice are more susceptible to alcohol-induced hepatocyte apoptosis and steatosis and elevation of serum alanine transaminase (ALT); however, whereas hepatocyte-specific STAT3 knockout mice are more susceptible to alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis, they have similar hepatocyte apoptosis and serum ALT after alcohol feeding compared to wild-type mice. This suggests that the hepatoprotective effect of IL-6 in alcoholic liver injury may be mediated via activation of STAT3-independent signals in hepatocytes, activation of STAT3 in nonparenchymal cells, or both. We have previously shown that IL-6 also activates STAT3 in sinusoidal endothelial cells. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate whether STAT3 in endothelial cells also plays a protective role in alcoholic liver injury.
Microscopic hematuria and pelvic congestion syndrome in a patient with cirrhosis

This 53 year old white female presented with complaints of severe pelvic congestion syn-drome and hematuria. The patient gave a history of intermittent macro- and microscopic hematuria for the past 3 years. A recent urologic examina-tion with blue light cystoscopy had revealed some submucosal varices in the bladder, which were thought to be the source of bleeding. However, 2 cystoscopies, 1 and 2 years prior, had not shown any varices. The patient had a history of ethanol abuse and at 2 occasions experienced hematemesis which was controlled by application of a Black-more tube. A gynecologic examination comple-mented by ultrasound revealed a 3 cm submucosal fibroid. Laboratory finding were HB 12.8, HCT 38, RBC 4.2 mil, Platelets 180000, WBC 5800, BUN 28, Creatinine 1.3, estimate GFR 42, Na 136, K 5.6; Cl 98 mEq/lt, alk pts 18 KA U, Tot. Bil 0.6; Glucose 107, PT 10.0 , INR 1.3, Transaminase 500U. Urine-analysis revealed a spec grav 1022, 12 RBC/ hpf, 1.2 WBC/hpf, isolated clumps of bac-teria; culture showed no growth. Physical exami-nation noted pale complexion, distended abdomen with palotment suggesting the presence of ascitis; the spleen was markedly enlarged, BP 138/82, PR 78, Respiration 20 and regular. An enhanced angioCT demonstrated massive esophageal and gastric fundus varices (Figure-1). The spleen was markedly enlarged. There were spleeno-renal shunts resulting in mas-sive dilatation of the left renal vein (Figures 2,3). The left renal vein dilated to a degree, to be com-promised in its passage between aorta and supe-rior mesenteric artery (Figure-3). Dilated collateral veins to the umbilicus were present. In the pelvis one notes massive dilatation of parametrial veins; pelvic congestion syndrome (Figure 4).Renal failure in cirrhotic patients is usu-ally attributed to “hepato-renal syndrome” a con-sequence of albumen loss to ascitis. In our patients the massive spleno-renal shunt caused increased flow in the left renal vein and thereby increased left renal vein pressure (1). This was probably the cause for microscopic hemarturia that had been observed for 3 years (Figure-3). Moreover, the in-creased renal vein pressure caused parenchymal
An alkali-soluble factor present in normal brain tissue inhibits antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferation

The brain has long been recognized as an immune privileged site and probably contains multiple immune regulatory factors. We have investigated the immune regulatory properties of brain tissue on cultured lymphocytes. Homogenized brain tissue inhibits proliferation to antigen, but stimulates proliferation in response to most mitogens. The inhibitory activity is destroyed by treatment with proteases or neuraminadase. The activity is in the insoluble fraction of the homogenate, but becomes soluble in 0.04 M NaOH. After gel filtration chromatography of the alkali soluble material, the suppressive activity is in the high molecular weight fraction which contains protein and carbohydrate. The brain homogenate blocks the effects of IL-2. The activity is not affected by neutralizing antibodies against regulatory cytokines, does not depend on Fas or FasL, and is not due to the presence of gangliosides. These data suggest that a brain glycoprotein or proteoglycan which is either membrane-bound or part of the extracellular matrix has immune regulatory effects in culture. The relevance of these findings to immune regulation in the intact animal deserves further investigation.
Children's ability to integrate class information

Abstract Coordination and integration of class information was examined using a multidimensional similarity judgment task in which four- and nine-year old children rated the similarity of pairs of stimuli sharing either one or two atribute values. Half the children at each age were assigned to an attention condition requiring they label relevant stimulus atributes before making their similarity ratings. The other children were in the nonattention condition, and rated similarity without labelling the attributes. The results indicated that four-year-olds in the attention condition and nine-year-olds in both conditions integrated class information in making their similarity judgments. Performance of the four-year-olds in the non-attention condition tended to improve across trials; they appeared to integrate class information on later trials.
Accurate results from perturbation theory for strongly frustratedS=12Heisenberg spin clusters

We investigate the use of perturbation theory in finite sized frustrated spin systems by calculating the effect of quantum fluctuations on coherent states derived from the classical ground state. We first calculate the ground and first excited state wavefunctions as a function of applied field for a 12-site system and compare with the results of exact diagonalization. We then apply the technique to a 20-site system with the same three fold site coordination as the 12-site system. Frustration results in asymptotically convergent series for both systems which are summed with Pad\'e approximants. We find that at zero magnetic field the different connectivity of the two systems leads to a triplet first excited state in the 12-site system and a singlet first excited state in the 20-site system, while the ground state is a singlet for both. We also show how the analytic structure of the Pad\'e approximants at $|\lambda| \simeq 1$ evolves in the complex $\lambda$ plane at the values of the applied field where the ground state switches between spin sectors and how this is connected with the non-trivial dependence of the $ $ number on the strength of quantum fluctuations. We discuss the origin of this difference in the energy spectra and in the analytic structures. We also characterize the ground and first excited states according to the values of the various spin correlation functions.
Determination of iron(II) in acidified seawater samples by luminol chemiluminescence

The redox speciation of iron has been proposed to influence the biological uptake of iron, yet little is known of its true redox partitioning in the open ocean. This is due to its extremely low concentration and to the tendency for the reduced species, Fe(II), to undergo rapid oxidation before analyses can be undertaken. Although several methods have been developed to measure Fe(II), many require extensive sample preparation and delicate instrumentation which limit their utility in the field. Also, because most lack sufficient sensitivity to make direct measurements, a preconcentration step is often required, introducing the potential for significant artifacts. For these reasons, the existing open ocean Fe(II) dataset has been both limited in scope and internally inconsistent. We recently used a highly sensitive chemiluminescent method to measure Fe(II) in 1452 samples collected at 121 stations in the Pacific Ocean. The method allowed for rapid analyses to be made with minimal sample preparation and no preconcentration. To overcome the logistical problems arising from rapid oxidation of Fe(II), we modified this method to include a modest pH adjustment of the sample, which greatly increases the half-life of Fe(II). Herein, details of the method are presented and analytical performance is assessed under actual field conditions. Potential interferences are evaluated and minor artifacts arising from sample acidification are discussed.
Molecular forces acting between ammonium ions and acetylcholine receptor

Abstract The reaction between the acetylcholine (ACh)-receptor and quaternary ammonium ions, containing no carbonyl group, have been studied on the isolated electroplax preparation and the results compared with those previously obtained with the same ions on the activity of ACh-esterase. The depolarizing strength of n -alkyltrimethylammonium ions does not follow the same order as that of the inhibitory strength on the enzyme. Inhibition of the enzyme has been reported to increase with the addition of each —CH 2 group. The activity of these ions on the ACh-receptor does not increase in a linear fashion. The order of increasing strength of depolarization is: butyltrimethylammonium > pentyl- > hexyl- > propyl > methyl- > ethyl- > hydrogen. Since the activation of the receptor presumably involves conformational changes, a greater specification of chemical forces is required for activation of the receptor than for the inhibition of the enzyme. Of the aryltrimethylammonium ions studied, the phenyl- and benzyltrimethylammonium ions were the most active. Their depolarizing activity was about equal to that of pentyltrimethylammonium ion. The substitution of groups on carbon 3 of the ring reduced the activity more than substitution on carbon 4. All the groups substituted on carbon 3 or 4 reduced activity, and the results were not related to the expected change in dipole moment, group size, or to the electron withdrawing or contributing properties of the substituted group. Again, marked differences were found between ACh-esterase and ACh-receptor. The order of increasing strength of depolarization is: benzyl-> phenyl- > 4-methylphenyl- > 3-methylphenyl- > 3-chlorophenyl- > 3-hydroxyphenyl- > 3-methoxyphenyl. Tetra- n -alkylamrnonium ions, except tetramethylammonium, do not activate the ACh-receptor. They reduce the maximum depolarization of the synapses resulting from the action of an activator. The relative potencies for the antagonism observed at the synapses correspond to the inhibitory strength reported on the ACh-esterase. The order of increasing inhibition is as follows: tetrapentyl- > tetrapropyl- > tetrabutyl > tetraethyl. These observations offer additional support for the assumption that the active site of the ACh-receptor, in spite of some similarities, differs in important features from that of ACh-esterase.
Electron-phonon interaction and cyclotron resonance in two-dimensional electron gas☆

Abstract Results for the influence of electron-phonon interaction on the cyclotron effective mass and the resonance linewidth in a two-dimensional electron gas are presented. The temperature and magnetic field dependence is studied and the existence of quantum oscillations is demonstrated. It is shown that the relevant phonon frequency in typical MOS inversion layers is very small so that magneto-transport properties are temperature dependent even at a few degrees Kelvin. Results are consistent with the observed temperature, magnetic field and frequency dependence in Si(100) inversion layers.
Computed tomography depiction of small pediatric vessels with model-based iterative reconstruction

Background Computed tomography (CT) is extremely important in characterizing blood vessel anatomy and vascular lesions in children. Recent advances in CT reconstruction technology hold promise for improved image quality and also reductions in radiation dose. This report evaluates potential improvements in image quality for the depiction of small pediatric vessels with model-based iterative reconstruction (Veo™), a technique developed to improve image quality and reduce noise.
Morphological filters and wavelet-based image fusion for concealed weapons detection

When viewing a scene for an object recognition task, one imaging sensor may not provide all the information needed for recognition. One way to obtain more information is to use multiple sensors. These sensors should provide images that contain complementary information about the same scene. After preprocessing the source images, we use image fusion to combine the information from the difference sensors. The images to be fused may have some details such as shadows, wrinkles, imaging artifacts, etc., that are not needed in the final fused image. One application of morphological filters is to remove objects of a given size range from the image. Therefore, we use morphological filters in conjunction with wavelets to improve the recognition performance after fusion. After morphological filtering, wavelets are used to construct multiresolution representations of the source images. Once the source images are decomposed, the details are combined to form a composite decomposed image. This method allows details at different levels to be combined independently so that important information is maintained in the final composite image. We are developing image fusion algorithms for concealed weapon detection (CWD) applications. Fusion is useful in situations where the sensor types have different properties, e.g., IR and MMW sensors. Fusing these types of images results in composite images which contain more complete information for CWD applications such as detection of concealed weapons on a person. In this paper we present our most recent results in this area.
Inhibition of elimination of caffeine by disulfiram in normal subjects and recovering alcoholics

The kinetics of caffeine elimination were investigated in 10 normal male subjects and in 11 recovering alcoholics before and during disulfiram dosing. In normal subjects the total body clearance of caffeine declined 30% (142 to 99 ml/min) at the maintenance dose of disulfiram, 250 mg/day, and 29% (161 to 114 ml/min) at the loading dose of 500 mg/day. In recovering alcoholics, the total body clearance decreased from 333 to 253 ml/min, a 24% change. The mean caffeine t1/2 increased 39% and 34% in normal subjects after 250 and 500 mg disulfiram, respectively, and 29% in recovering alcoholics. The inhibition of caffeine elimination was moderate in most subjects. However, the clearance of caffeine decreased by greater than or equal to 50% after disulfiram in three of the 11 recovering alcoholics. These patients may have an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebral excitation associated with higher concentrations of caffeine, which could complicate withdrawal from alcohol.
Performance of DASH and WebRTC Video Services for Mobile Users

With the confluence of the growing market for mobile Internet devices, and users' expectations of instant access to high-quality multimedia content, the delivery of video over wireless networks has become the challenge of the decade. Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) and WebRTC are new and evolving standards that have been developed specifically to meet this demand and enable a high-quality experience for mobile users of video on demand and real time communication services, respectively. However, there has been no systematic study of how these services are experienced by users in a realistic mobile setting. In this work, we describe measurements collected from DASH and WebRTC implementations while moving at walking speeds through an 802.16e WiMAX network. Using data from the application, network, and physical layers, in different wireless environments, we identify characteristics of the cellular data network that directly impact the quality of video service, and suggest areas for further improvement.
Prediction of Tracheobronchial Colonization in Current Cigarette Smokers with Chronic Obstructive Bronchitis

To help in clarifying the conflicting data on the role of tracheobronchial microflora in chronic bronchitis, the tracheobronchial microflora of a homogeneous group of clinically stable patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis was characterized by transtracheal aspiration. Their mean percentage ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec to the forced vital capacity was 45%. The results were that (1) a bacterial tracheobronchial microflora was present in only 50% of the patients, (2) viridans streptococci were the bacteria most frequently isolated, and (3) the presence or absence of a tracheobronchial microflora was significantly associated with the amount of present cigarette smoking. The fact that patients who smoke less than one pack per day were most likely to have a sterile tracheobronchial tree (P=0.015) implied that there was a critical amount of cigarette smoke that impaired the clearance and/or detoxification of bacteria from the tracheobronchial tree and that it must have been persistently present.
Post-processing of EPR spectra by convolution filtering: calculation of a harmonics' series and automatic separation of fast-motion components from spin-label EPR spectra.

This communication reports on post-processing of continuous wave EPR spectra by a digital convolution with filter functions that are subjected to differentiation or the Kramers-Kronig transform analytically. In case of differentiation, such a procedure improves spectral resolution in the higher harmonics enhancing the relative amplitude of sharp spectral features over the broad lines. At the same time high-frequency noise is suppressed through filtering. These features are illustrated on an example of a Lorentzian filter function that has a principal advantage of adding a known magnitude of homogeneous broadening to the spectral shapes. Such spectral distortion could be easily and accurately accounted for in the consequent least-squares data modeling. Application examples include calculation of higher harmonics from pure absorption echo-detected EPR spectra and resolving small hyperfine coupling that are unnoticeable in conventional first derivative EPR spectra. Another example involves speedy and automatic separation of fast and broad slow-motion components from spin-label EPR spectra without explicit simulation of the slow motion spectrum. The method is illustrated on examples of X-band EPR spectra of partially aggregated membrane peptides.
The challenge of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a relatively young discipline, yet it has already led to general-purpose problem-solving methods and novel applications. Ultimately, AI's goals of creating models and mechanisms of intelligent action can be realized only in the broader context of computer science. Creating mechanisms for sharing of knowledge, knowhow, and literacy is the challenge. The great Chinese philosopher Kuan-Tzu once said: "If you give a fish to a man, you will feed him for a day. If you give him a fishing rod, you will feed him for life." We can go one step further: If we can provide him with the knowledge and the know-how for making that fishing rod, we can feed the whole village. Therein lies the promise-and the challenge-of AI.
Low-power micro-fabricated liquid flow-rate sensor

We have constructed micro-fabricated flow sensors that can measure water flow rates of 0.1 to 2.0 gallons per minute (GPM), and the experimental results we obtained are in good agreement with those from COMSOL simulations. Two identical sensors were fabricated on each device with an upstream sensor functioning as a temperature sensor, and the voltage difference between the two sensors indicating the water flow rate. The sensors were constructed on glass substrates, chosen for their low price, efficient thermal isolation, and compatibility with current water supply systems. The variation of water temperature of the flowing fluid from 10 to 50 °C was accounted for by normalizing the voltage readings. The dimensions of the sensors ranged from 71 μm by 80 μm to 430 μm by 480 μm with the smaller sensors having a higher sensitivity. Sensitivity also increased with increasing input power up to the point when boiling occurred. The optimized sensor, which was 71 μm by 80 μm on a 3 mm by 3 mm glass substrate, could be operated with only 2.75 mW of power in 10 to 50 °C water, providing an economic and energy efficient method to measure large water flow rates of 0.1–0.5 GPM.
A comparison of once-daily and 8-hour gentamicin dosing in the treatment of postpartum endometritis.

Objective To evaluate whether once-daily gentamicin dosing is as effective as the traditional 8-hour regimen for the treatment of postpartum endometritis. Methods Postpartum women with endometritis were randomized to receive gentamicin 5 mg/kg as a single daily dose or 1.75 mg/kg every 8 hours. All subjects also received clindamycin. Each participant had a peak serum gentamicin level of at least 5.0 μg/mL within the first 24 hours. The dosing regimens were compared by analyzing the number of hours that patients were febrile, the length of hospital stay, occurrence of complications, pharmacy costs, and nursing time required to administer the regimens. Results The study group ( n = 62) and the control group ( n = 65) were similar in demographic characteristics and the presence of endometritis risk factors. No differences were found between the groups in the number of patients who completed therapy without complications, required changes in antibiotics, or required readmission for endometritis. The groups did not differ in the number of hours that patients remained febrile after the start of therapy or in the length of hospital stay. No patient in the study group had an initial peak serum concentration less than 5.0 μg/mL, whereas 24 patients in the control group had initial peak serum concentrations less than 5.0 μg/mL and required dose adjustment, a statistically significant difference ( P P P Conclusion In patients with postpartum endometritis, once-daily gentamicin dosing provides consistently high peak serum levels of gentamicin, requires less nurse tasking time, costs less, and is as effective as the 8-hour dosing regimen.
A link and network layer approach to support mobile commerce transactions

With deployment of 3G and 4G mobile networks, one expects that a sizable proportion of e-commerce traffic will move to mobile and wireless networks. Mobile commerce traffic can be classified into messaging, information connectivity and transactions. In this research our focus is on mobile commerce transactions. We believe that these transactions have unique requirements such as atomicity (all or none steps), push or pull, security and privacy. These transactions are also likely to be very diverse therefore, support for multiple type of transactions is required. Due to user mobility, wireless link characteristics and other problems, some mobile commerce transactions may not be completed. We contend that probability of completing a mobile commerce transaction is a vital parameter for measuring QoS of a network supporting mobile commerce. Therefore, we introduce a new metric, called "transaction completion probability" to measure such performance. In this paper, we propose ways to improve the transaction completion probability.
A transported probability density function/photon Monte Carlo method for high-temperature oxy–natural gas combustion with spectral gas and wall radiation

A computational fluid dynamics model for high-temperature oxy–natural gas combustion is developed and exercised. The model features detailed gas-phase chemistry and radiation treatments (a photon Monte Carlo method with line-by-line spectral resolution for gas and wall radiation – PMC/LBL) and a transported probability density function (PDF) method to account for turbulent fluctuations in composition and temperature. The model is first validated for a 0.8 MW oxy–natural gas furnace, and the level of agreement between model and experiment is found to be at least as good as any that has been published earlier. Next, simulations are performed with systematic model variations to provide insight into the roles of individual physical processes and their interplay in high-temperature oxy–fuel combustion. This includes variations in the chemical mechanism and the radiation model, and comparisons of results obtained with versus without the PDF method to isolate and quantify the effects of turbulence–chemistry inte...
Proper motions of the large magellanic cloud and small magellanic Cloud: Re-analysis of hubble space telescope data

Kallivayalil et al. have used the Hubble Space Telescope to measure proper motions of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) using images in 21 and five fields, respectively, all centered on known quasi-stellar objects (QSOs). These results are more precise than previous measurements, but have surprising and important physical implications: for example, the LMC and SMC may be approaching the Milky Way for the first time; they might not have been in a binary system; and the origin of the Magellanic Stream needs to be re-examined. Motivated by these implications, we have re-analyzed the original data in order to check the validity of these measurements. Our work has produced a proper motion for the LMC that is in excellent agreement with that of Kallivayalil et al., and for the SMC that is in acceptable agreement. We have detected a dependence between the brightness of stars and their mean measured motion in a majority of the fields in both our reduction and that of Kallivayalil et al. Correcting for this systematic error and for the errors caused by the decreasing charge transfer efficiency of the detector produces better agreement between the measurements from different fields. With our improved reduction, we do not need to exclude any fields from the final averages and, for the first time using proper motions, we are able to detect the rotation of the LMC. The best-fit amplitude of the rotation curve at a radius of 275 arcmin in the disk plane is 120 ± 15 km s–1. This value is larger than the 60-70 km s–1 derived from the radial velocities of H I and carbon stars, but in agreement with the value of 107 km s–1 derived from the radial velocities of red supergiants. Our measured proper motion for the center of mass of the LMC is (μα, μδ) = (195.6 ± 3.6, 43.5 ± 3.6) mas century–1; that for the SMC is (μα, μδ) = (75.4 ± 6.1, – 125.2 ± 5.8) mas century–1. The uncertainties for the latter proper motion are three times smaller than those of Kallivayalil et al.
Detection of High-impedance Arcing Faults in Radial Distribution DC Systems

High voltage, low current arcing faults in DC power systems have been researched at the NASA Glenn Research Center in order to develop a method for detecting these 'hidden faults', in-situ, before damage to cables and components from localized heating can occur. A simple arc generator was built and high-speed and low-speed monitoring of the voltage and current waveforms, respectively, has shown that these high impedance faults produce a significant increase in high frequency content in the DC bus voltage and low frequency content in the DC system current. Based on these observations, an algorithm was developed using a high-speed data acquisition system that was able to accurately detect high impedance arcing events induced in a single-line system based on the frequency content of the DC bus voltage or the system current. Next, a multi-line, radial distribution system was researched to see if the arc location could be determined through the voltage information when multiple 'detectors' are present in the system. It was shown that a small, passive LC filter was sufficient to reliably isolate the fault to a single line in a multi-line distribution system. Of course, no modification is necessary if only the current information is used to locate the arc. However, data shows that it might be necessary to monitor both the system current and bus voltage to improve the chances of detecting and locating high impedance arcing faults
Theory and simulation of Raman scattering in intense short-pulse laser-plasma interactions

ABSTRACT We report on the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) that occurs when short ('.' 50-100 femtosec- onds), intense (I 2 x 1017 W/cm2) laser pulses are focused into a plasma, or a neutral gas whichquickly becomes a plasma due to multiphoton ionization. Review of the usual SRS growth rates wifibe given, followed by a discussion on how this theory is modified for short pulses. It is found that forsome recombination x-ray laser schemes employing short pulses, the Raman instability can potentiallyheat the electrons to levels that would greatly reduce the efficiency of such a device. However, there areareas in parameter space where the temperature of heated electrons can be kept to acceptable levels.One dimensional, relativistic, particle-in-cell (PlC) simulations are presented. 1. INTRODUCTION Some recently proposed recombination x-ray laser (XRL) schemes employ short ( 2 x 1017 W/cm2) laser pulses.1 These schemes usually work as follows. The pulse is focused into agas, for instance Neon, and the intensity of the pulse is chosen such that multiphoton ionization stripseach atom down to a Li or He-like ion. Because of the fact that under many circumstances multiphotonionization leaves the stripped electrons "cold" (".'
Sociology at Washington University in St. Louis: History and Reflections, 1906-1989.

Decisions, such as the one to abolish the sociology department at Washington University, do not happen over night. In this article, we trace the fine, if at times fraught, history of sociology at WU, from 1906 to 1989. The department has been home to two presidents of the ASA and location for exciting work in both theory and research. We note that the demise of the department has been a long time in the making, although the death blow was struck as if it constituted the necessary slaughter of the weak. A conservative university has eliminated a once-stellar department and, in so doing, dismissed the relevance of social thought in this modern era.
The significance of trace constituents in the solar system

Trace or minor constituents are key to the origin, maintenance, and the eventual fate of atmospheres of solar system objects. In this Introductory Paper, I illustrate this point by discussing certain cross cutting themes, including the chemistry of the formation and stability of a nitrogen atmosphere on Titan and the Earth, the chemical and biochemical origin of methane on the terrestrial planets and Titan, production and role of photochemical haze and aerosols, especially on Titan, and the significance of electro-photochemistry for habitability of Mars.
Thin-body FinFET as scalable low voltage transistor

FinFET provides needed relief to ICs from performance, power, and device variation predicaments. It also provides higher carrier mobility, especially at low voltage near the threshold voltage, giving promise to practical near-threshold circuits. Another new transistor conceived simultaneously with FinFET, UTB-SOI FET, is also entering production. Together they showed a new scaling path forward: scale the body thickness in proportion to gate length.
Simulated comparison of topical and oral formulations of 5-aminosalicylate for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Background: 5-Aminosalicylate (5-ASA) formulations are approved for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Determination of the colonic pharmacokinetics of 5-ASA is challenging. A dynamic model of 5-ASA colonic amounts after oral delayed-release 5-ASA (Asacol), oral extended delayed-release 5-ASA (Lialda), 5-ASA enema (Rowasa), foam and suppositories (Canasa) was developed to determine the colonic kinetics of these agents. Methods: We created a model with Stella software. Colonic 5-ASA in the right, transverse, descending, sigmoid colon, and rectum were estimated for adults after recommended doses of the above formulations. Simulations of active mild/moderate UC and in remission were performed and compared using Student's t-test for differences in means. Results: For UC in remission, the highest amounts of 5-ASA were from Asacol in the right and transverse colon (P < 0.01), Lialda in the descending and sigmoid colon (P < 0.01), and Rowasa in the rectum (P < 0.01). For active UC, sigmoid amounts were highest with foam (P < 0.01), and rectal amounts highest with Rowasa (P < 0.01). Differences in rectosigmoid amounts of 5-ASA from enemas and suppositories for UC in remission occurred based on the relationship between the timing of administration relative to the daily bowel movement (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Compared to Asacol, Lialda results in higher 5-ASA amounts in the left colon. Asacol with Rowasa provides highest 5-ASA amounts across the entire colon. Higher 5-ASA amounts from topical formulations occur when the insertion occurs soon after the daily bowel movement. This model provides a rationale for further investigation. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012)
Binding of 16α-[18F]Fluoro-17β-estradiol to alphafetoprotein in Sprague-Dawley female rats affects blood levels

To examine the relationship between blood levels of 16α-[18F]fluoro-17β-estradiol(18F-ES) and serum alphafetoprotein (AFP) concentration, we undertook a study in which serum from various aged (20–33 days old) Sprague-Dawley female rats injected with 18F-ES was analyzed for both blood activity levels and AFP. There is a strong positive correlation between serum AFP concentration and 18F-ES blood levels (r = 0.914, P < 0.001), suggesting that the binding of 18F-ES by AFP has a significant effect on blood activity levels. The AFP concentration and ultimately the AFP-18F-ES binding is dependent on the age and weight of the rat: younger, as well as low weight rats exhibited high AFP concentrations and consequently increased 18F-ES blood activity. The rats most suitable for comparative studying of labeled estrogens are 25–28 days of age and weigh a minimum of 50–55 g. Thus, the use of the immature rat model to compare labeled estrogens requires a careful consideration of possible interference from blood binding proteins (i.e. AFP), as well as potential receptor binding competition from endogenous estrogens produced during the estrous cycle. Comparable consideration of blood binding protens (sex steroid binding protein, SBP) and endogenous estrogens must be made in human studies, as well.
Inter-laminar microcircuits across neocortex: repair and augmentation.

Repair and brain augmentationapproaches, such as brain-machine inter-faces, neural stimulation and other neuralprostheses,haveexperiencedarapiddevel-opment during the last decade (Nicoleliset al., 2003; Lebedev and Nicolelis, 2006).Still, only few of these methods target theﬁne microcircuitry of the brain (Jones andRakic, 2010; Opris et al., 2012a). Here, itis highlighted the potential employing ofinter-laminar recording and microstim-ulation of cortical microcircuits to buildneural prostheses for repair and augmen-tationofcognitivefunction.Inthefuture,such microcircuit-based prostheses willprovide efﬁcient therapies for patientswith neurological and psychiatric disor-ders. Moreover, it is implied that neuralenhancement approaches can be appliedto inter-laminar microcircuits across theentire cortex.
Combinatorial characterization of cell interactions with polymer surfaces

We report a novel combinatorial methodology for characterizing the effects of polymer surface features on cell function. Libraries containing hundreds to thousands of distinct chemistries, microstructures, and roughnesses are prepared using composition spread and temperature gradi- ent techniques. The method enables orders of magnitude increases in discovery rate, decreases variance, and allows for the first time high-throughput assays of cell response to physical and chemical surface features. The technique over- comes complex variable spaces that limit development of biomaterial surfaces for control of cell function. This report demonstrates these advantages by investigating the sensi- tivity of osteoblasts to the chemistry, microstructure, and roughness of poly(d,l-lactide) and poly(-caprolactone) blends. In particular, we use the phenomenon of heat-in- duced phase separation in these polymer mixtures to gen- erate libraries with diverse surface features, followed by culture of UMR-106 and MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts on the librar- ies. Surface features produced at a specific composition and process temperature range were discovered to enhance dra- matically alkaline phosphatase expression in both cell lines, not previously observed for osteoblasts on polymer blends. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 66A: 483- 490, 2003
The crystal structure of the collagen-like polypeptide (glycyl-4(R)-hydroxyprolyl-4(R)-hydroxyprolyl)9 at 1.55 A resolution shows up-puckering of the proline ring in the Xaa position.

The collagen triple helix is characterized by the repeating sequence motif Gly-Xaa-Yaa, where Xaa and Yaa are typically proline and (2S,4R)-4-hydroxyproline (4(R)Hyp), respectively. Previous analyses have revealed that H-(Pro-4(R)Hyp-Gly)(10)-OH forms a stable triple helix, whereas H-(4(R)Hyp-Pro-Gly)(10)-OH does not. Several theories have been put forth to explain the importance of proline puckering and conformation in triple helix formation; however, the details of how they affect triple helix stability are unknown. Underscoring this, we recently demonstrated that the polypeptide Ac-(Gly-4(R)Hyp-4(R)Hyp)(10)-NH(2) forms a triple helix that is more stable than Ac-(Gly-Pro-4(R)Hyp)(10)-NH(2). Here we report crystal the structure of the H-(Gly-4(R)Hyp-4(R)Hyp)(9)-OH peptide at 1.55 A resolution. The puckering of the Yaa position 4(R)Hyp in this structure is up (Cgamma exo), as has been found in other collagen peptide structures. Notably, however, the 4(R)Hyp in the Xaa position also takes the up pucker, which is distinct from all other collagen structures. Regardless of the notable difference in the Xaa proline puckering, our structure still adopts a 7/2 superhelical symmetry similar to that observed in other collagen structures. Thus, the basis for the observed differences in the thermodynamic data of the triple helix coil transition between our peptide and other triple helical peptides likely results from contributions from the unfolded state. Indeed, the unfolded state of the H-(Gly-4(R)Hyp-4(R)Hyp)(9)-OH peptide seems to be stabilized by a preformed polyproline II helix in each strand, which could be explained by the presence of a unique repeating intra-strand water-mediated bridge observed in the H-(Gly-4(R)Hyp-4(R)Hyp)(9)-OH structure, as well as a higher amount of trans peptide bonds.