cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Erratum to: Preserved grip selection planning in chronic unilateral upper extremity amputees

likelihood and awkwardness for controls was −0.857 for the left-hand and −0.886 for the right-hand; for amputees, these correlations reached −0.864 and −0.8932, respectively (P < 0.001 for all four). Note that this strong inverse relationship between grip preferences and awkwardness arises even though we calculated the two measures from different populations (choice likelihoods from amputees and matched controls and awkwardness ratings from naive young participants). More interestingly, despite the absence of movements, grip preferences in PGS also showed a strong negative correlation with rated awkwardness, as shown by previous work with healthy controls (Johnson 2000a). The correlation between PGS choice likelihood and awkwardness for controls was −0.628 for the left-hand (P < .05) and −0.711 for the right-hand (P < .01); for amputees, these correlations reached −0.770 (P < .01) and −0.768 (P < .01), respectively. Figure 4 illustrates this by demonstrating the relationship between awkwardness, control choice likelihoods, and amputee choice likelihoods, for the affected hand in the PGS task. Recall that a control participant’s “affected” hand was determined by matching with their yoked amputee participant. Notably, Fig. 4 also illustrates the match between grip selections in amputees and controls. Group mean choice likelihoods were nearly identical between the two groups (left-hand r = 0.973, P < 0.0001; right-hand r = 0.993, P < 0.0001). This demonstrates that amputees and controls show similar patterns of orientation sensitivity in their grip selections.
Helping chromosomes and chromatids stay on track

The prevention of premature interactions between microtubules and kinetochores is essential to ensuring that meiosis produces gametes with the correct number of chromosomes.
A kinetic model for static bioassay of insecticides

Abstract Static bioassays, although widely used in evaluating the effects of toxins in aquatic environments, provide rather imprecise data, especially when used with relatively insoluble toxins. A mathematical model of such a system was developed, assuming only first order chemical kinetics. The model was tested using DDT as toxin and stoneflies as assay organisms. Monitoring of DDT concentrations in test and control aquaria and fitting the data to the model permitted the calculation of mean dosage per insect, thus yielding relatively precise and useful toxicological information.
VARIANCE AS A MEASURE OF DUAL TASK INTERFERENCE

A dual-task paradigm was designed to provide a more sensitive measure of load effects and better control for attention-switching between tasks (e.g., 1, 2, 3). The primary task required continuous tracking with equal load at all times; performance was recorded every 100 msec. The secondary task was a probe reaction time (RT) task. Twenty-nine subjects were tested. Tasks were presented and data recorded using an Apple I1 GS computer, AppleColor RGB monitor, and Mountain Apple Hardware Clock. The continuous tracking cask required subjects to keep a randomly-moving target centered between two horizontal scope points, using a joystick. Each point was one pixel in HGR mode (1 mm square). Every 100 msec. the computer recorded a tracking error if the target was outside the square field (9 mm x 9 mm) limited by the scope points. Probe tasks were simple visual RT to an asterisk, simple auditory RT to a high tone, two-choice visual RT to either an asterisk or the letter '0: and two-choice auditory RT to a hlgh (1568 Hz) or low (175 Hz) tone. Visual stimuli were presented below the tracking task. The right hand manipulated the joystick, and the middle and index fingers of the left hand pressed two keys on the keyboard (counterbalanced across subjects) to RT stimuli. Probe stimuh appeared randomly between 5.6 and 8.5 sec. For the probe RT tasks, simple visual mean RT (MRT) was 473 msec. and simple auditory MRT was 383 msec. Both were faster than choice visual MRT at 745 msec. and choice auditory MRT at 665 msec. Error rate averaged 8% on all RT tasks. For the tracking task, mean errors and mean standard deviation of errors were obtained for 2.5 sec. before the RT stimulus, during the RT stimulus up to the key press (between .1 and 1.5 sec.), and 3 sec. after the key press. For all RT tasks, mean errors in the tracking task were 44% (SD = 4%) during presentation of the probe stimulus. This same error rate was also observed during the preprobe period (prior to stimulus onset), and during the postprobe period (following the key press). For the mean standard deviation, however, errors were consistently highel dur~ng the presentation of the RT stimulus (M = 32%, SD = 1 7%) compared to the pre- (M = 19%. SD = 19'0) and post- (M = 17%, SD = 1%) stimulus periods across all RT tasks. Thus mean varlance of errors was more sensitive in detecting load effects. The paradigm provides a detailed analysis of patterns of dual-task interference.
Paprika (Capsicum annuum) Oleoresin Extraction with Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Paprika oleoresin was fractionated by extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide (SCF-CO(2)). Higher extraction volumes, increasing extraction pressures, and similarly, the use of cosolvents such as 1% ethanol or acetone resulted in higher pigment yields. Within the 2000-7000 psi range, total oleoresin yield always approached 100%. Pigments isolated at lower pressures consisted almost exclusively of beta-carotene, while pigments obtained at higher pressures contained a greater proportion of red carotenoids (capsorubin, capsanthin, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin) and small amounts of beta-carotene. The varying solubility of oil and pigments in SCF-CO(2) was optimized to obtain enriched and concentrated oleoresins through a two-stage extraction at 2000 and 6000 psi. This technique removes the paprika oil and beta-carotene during the first extraction step, allowing for second-stage oleoresin extracts with a high pigment concentration (200% relative to the reference) and a red:yellow pigment ratio of 1.8 (as compared to 1.3 in the reference).
Methylmercury is the predominant form of mercury in bird eggs: a synthesis

Bird eggs are commonly used in mercury monitoring programs to assess methylmercury contamination and toxicity to birds. However, only 6% of >200 studies investigating mercury in bird eggs have actu...
A Current Assessment of Diversity Characteristics and Perceptions of Their Importance in the Surgical Workforce

Diversity in the workforce is vital to successful businesses. Healthcare in general has suffered from a lack of cultural competence, which is the ability to successfully interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds. In order to eliminate discrimination and build a diverse workforce, physicians’ perceptions and importance of diversity need to be measured. A 25-item, anonymous, online questionnaire was created, and a cross-sectional survey was performed. The instrument consisted of demographic and Likert-style questions which attempted to determine the participants’ perceptions of the current level of diversity in their specialty and their perceived importance of particular diversity categories. Over 1,000 responses were received from US-based physicians across all specialties and levels of training. Statistically significant differences existed between surgical and nonsurgical specialties with regard to gender, prior work experience, and political identity. In the surgical workforce, there is significant perceived homogeneity regarding gender/sexual identity. Surgical respondents also deemed gender/sexual identity diversity to be less important than respondents from medical specialties. Surgeons and surgical trainees are less diverse than their medical colleagues, both by demographics and self-acknowledgement. The long-term impact and potential barriers to resolve these differences in diversity require further investigation.
Inhibition of DNA polymerase α activity by proteins from rat liver

Abstract 1. 1. We determined that there is a protein in rat liver capable of inhibiting DNA polymerase α. To assay for this inhibitor, DNA polymerase α was purified from R3230AC rat mammory tumor, a rich source of this enzyme. 2. 2. Protein fractions from Sephacryl S200 gel filtration of total soluble liver extract showing inbhibition of DNA polymerase α were further chromatographed on DEAE-cellulose. This step revealed two inhibitor protein populations with the major form corresponding to a molecular weight of 143,000 dalton. 3. 3. Soluble extract from isolated rat liver nuclei also showed the presence of at least two inhibitors; the major form was 200.000 + dalton in molecular weight. 4. 4. Both the 143,000 and 200.000 + dalton inhibitor proteins were capable of inhibiting the R3230AC tumor DNA polymerase a in a dose-dependent manner. 5. 5. These inhibitors exhibited similar inhibition of nuclear matrix-associated DNA polymerase a from either the R3230AC tumor or from regenerating rat liver.
Nociceptive neurons protect Drosophila larvae from parasitoid wasps.

Summary Background Natural selection has resulted in a complex and fascinating repertoire of innate behaviors that are produced by insects. One puzzling example occurs in fruit fly larvae that have been subjected to a noxious mechanical or thermal sensory input. In response, the larvae "roll" with a motor pattern that is completely distinct from the style of locomotion that is used for foraging. Results We have precisely mapped the sensory neurons that are used by the Drosophila larvae to detect nociceptive stimuli. By using complementary optogenetic activation and targeted silencing of sensory neurons, we have demonstrated that a single class of neuron (class IV multidendritic neuron) is sufficient and necessary for triggering the unusual rolling behavior. In addition, we find that larvae have an innately encoded preference in the directionality of rolling. Surprisingly, the initial direction of rolling locomotion is toward the side of the body that has been stimulated. We propose that directional rolling might provide a selective advantage in escape from parasitoid wasps that are ubiquitously present in the natural environment of Drosophila. Consistent with this hypothesis, we have documented that larvae can escape the attack of Leptopilina boulardi parasitoid wasps by rolling, occasionally flipping the attacker onto its back. Conclusions The class IV multidendritic neurons of Drosophila larvae are nociceptive. The nociception behavior of Drosophila melanagaster larvae includes an innately encoded directional preference. Nociception behavior is elicited by the ecologically relevant sensory stimulus of parasitoid wasp attack.
Lophotoxin: A neuromuscular acting toxin from the sea whip (Lophogorgia rigida)

Abstract Lophotoxin, a compound isolated from corals of the genus Lophogorgia, produced paralysis and death when injected s.c. in mice ( ld 50 = 8.9 mg/kg ). In the isolated rat phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparation, lophotoxin irreversibly abolished nerve-stimulated contraction but did not affect the contraction produced by direct stimulation of the muscle. In the frog rectus abdominis preparation, ACh-induced contractures were blocked by lophotoxin, but KCl-induced contractures were not affected. Though these findings do not exclude the possibility of a presynaptic action of lophotoxin on axons and/or nerve terminals, they do indicate that the toxin produces an irreversible postsynaptic blockade at the neuromuscular junction.
Conceptual Design of a Cellular Filter To Remove Trace Viral Contaminants in Blood

Various process alternatives and designs of using a filter containing cellular adsorbents to remove trace viral contaminants from blood and other protein solutions have been studied. Sterilization charts have been developed that can be used to estimate the filter size required to achieve a desired sterilization criterion. A parametric study was carried out to identify various process parameters that may affect this physical trace removal process. It has been demonstrated that the adsorption rate constant is a critical parameter in the design of an efficient cellular filter for viral contaminant removal. This constant is characteristic of the virus-cell system under consideration and is shown to be particularly sensitive to the cell surface receptor density, adsorbent diameter, and fluid flow rate. Higher log titer reduction in virus concentrations can be achieved with low flow rates and no recycle. Preliminary analyses indicate the feasibility of using a magnetically stabilized fluidized filter (MSFF) reactor design for effective virus removal from these complex solutions.
Thermal and fluid characteristics during cryogen spray cooling

Cryogen spray cooling (CSC) is a technique to protect the epidermis from non-specific thermal injury during laser treatment of various dermatoses. Successful application of CSC in conjunction with laser treatment of heavily pigmented individuals, and high radiant exposures which may be required for effective therapeutic outcomes, requires enhancement of heat removal. We have investigated the thermal mechanisms, and effects of droplet size, density and velocity on heat removal during CSC. Our results suggest that although the inherent thermal diffusivity of skin may be a limiting factor in heat removal, parameters such as droplet size, density, and velocity are important, and should be optimized for maximum heat removal.
Latent membrane protein 1 and the B lymphocyte-a complex relationship.

The Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) exerts numerous im- pacts on the functions of B lymphocytes, the cell type in which EBV establishes long-term latent infections. LMP1 expression has been implicated in making important contributions to a variety of human malignancies, as well as to autoimmune diseases. EBV also infects other types of immune cells, as well as nasopharyngeal epithelium, and evidence suggests that LMP1 functions may differ among cell types. In this review, we focus upon LMP1 functions in B cells. A variety of in vitro and in vivo model systems have been used by numerous groups of investigators to probe the ways in which LMP1 alters B-cell biology and the molecular mechanisms by which it exerts these effects. Here, we present a current overview of LMP1-mediated signaling pathways and downstream functions in B cells, the in vivo outcomes of LMP1 expression in model systems and humans, and the associations between LMP1 and human disease.
Combustion Instability Mechanisms in a Pressure-coupled Gas-gas Coaxial Rocket Injector

Abstract : An investigation of the instability mechanism present in a laboratory rocket combustor is performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Three cases are considered which show different levels of instability experimentally. Computations reveal three main aspects to the instability mechanism, the timing of the pressure pulses, increased mixing due to the baroclinic torque, and the presence of unsteady tribrachial flame. The stable configuration shows that fuel is able to flow into the combustor continuously allowing continuous heat release. The unstable configuration shows that a disruption in the fuel flow into the combustor allows the heat release to move downstream and new fuel to accumulate in the combustor without immediately burning. Once the large amounts of fuel in the combustor burn there is rapid rise in pressure which coincides with the timing of the acoustic wave in the combustor. The two unstable cases show different levels of instability and different reignition mechanism.
Predicting Near-Road PM2.5 Concentrations: Comparative Assessment of CALINE4, CAL3QHC, and AERMOD

Scientific evidence has increasingly shown an association between particulate matter (PM) and adverse human health impacts. Accurately predicting near-road PM2.5 concentrations is therefore important for project-level transportation conformity and health risk analysis. This study assessed the capability and performance of three dispersion models—CALINE4, CAL3QHC, and AERMOD—in predicting nearroad PM2.5 concentrations. The comparative assessment included identifying differences among the three models in relation to methodology and data requirements. An intersection in Sacramento, California, and a busy road in London were used as sampling sites to evaluate how model predictions differed from observed PM2.5 concentrations. Screen plots and statistical tests indicated that, at the Sacramento site, CALINE4 and CAL3QHC performed moderately well, while AERMOD underpredicted PM2.5 concentrations. For the London site, both CALINE4 and CAL3QHC resulted in overpredictions when incremental concentrations due to on-r...
Professional Toxicology Societies: Web Based Resources

The number of digital tools available for use by researchers continues to rapidly increase as does the quantity of information available on the web. However, judging the reliability, quality and timeliness of this information is not always easy. One source of information about the profession of toxicology comes from the web sites of the various professional organizations that exist in this field. Given the broad nature of toxicology, there are a large number of such organizations. Some serve broader segments of the profession, while others have a more narrow focus. The web sites they have created are similarly variable, although there are some consistencies in the type of information that is provided. These include mission statements, information on joining the organization, and details on their annual meetings. There is also a consistent decision by these sites not to provide toxicologic information per se, although links to sites that do contain such information are occasionally provided. Overall, the information and tools provided by professional toxicology societies around the world appears to be similar in both quantity and quality to other scientific organizations. It is also apparent that this information is rapidly evolving and will likely be much different within the next 5 years.
Pycnogenol does not impact the antioxidant or vitamin C status of healthy young adults

Abstract Objective The objectives of this study were to determine if Pycnogenol (PYC), a water-processed extract made from the bark of Pinus maritima, interacts with vitamin C to increase its concentration and to increase total antioxidant capacity of serum and urine. Design The study design was a nonrandom intervention. Subjects Subjects (N=27; 15 women, 12 men) were aged 19 to 42 years. Intervention Subjects consumed a placebo twice daily with meals for the first 2 weeks (baseline) and PYC (200 mg/day) for the second 2 weeks. Main outcome measures On days 15 and 29, subjects had a fasting blood sample collected and then consumed a daily dose of placebo or PYC with a 310-calorie beverage. One hour later a second blood sample was collected. Blood samples were analyzed for vitamin C and total antioxidant capacity using the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) assay. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected on days 14-15 and 28-29 and analyzed for total phenolics, FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant potential), and ORAC. Statistical analyses Paired t tests were used to test the impact of PYC on the outcome variables. A univariate ANOVA was used to determine the influence of gender. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to explore the relationships between dietary factors and outcome measures. Results There was no apparent increase in fasting vitamin C concentration (P=.18) 2 weeks after supplementing the diet with PYC. Fasting ORAC values actually declined (P=.005). One hour after the ingestion of a daily dose of placebo or PYC, the total antioxidant capacity of serum increased by 15% to 19%, but the increase after ingesting PYC was not significantly (P=.80) more than after placebo. Antioxidant results from 24-hour urine samples were similar. Applications/conclusions The present findings fail to support the vitamin C or antioxidant claims made for PYC. PYC does not impact the antioxidant or vitamin C status of healthy young adults. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003;103:67-72.
Priors on scale-space templates

Much of the Bayesian work in image analysis has focused on the incorporation of vague prior knowledge about the true image into the analysis and on the calculation of appropriate estimates of the resulting posterior distribution. However, in the field of medical imaging, there is a need to incorporate more specific prior information. This paper discusses various models for shape deformation and how they can be applied to the specification of priors on scale-space templates. A new model will be proposed that accounts for features at multiple spatial resolutions and the qualitative spatial relationships among those features.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Size exclusion chromatography of polysaccharides with reverse phase liquid chromatography.

This work describes the use of a reverse phase (RP) column for size-based separation of hydrophilic polysaccharides. The entire separation window (before and after void volume) is used to provide unique separation of polysaccharides from other components in a glycol-conjugate vaccine or complex media of fermentation broth. The technique has also been applied to the separation of polysaccharides of different sizes. The effect of chromatographic parameters including type of packing material (CN, C8 and C18), pore size (80 and 300A) of stationary phase, concentration of organic solvent on the separation was investigated. In addition, characterization of size-based separation was evaluated by coupling of RP column with multi-angle laser light scattering (MALLs) detector.
Transitional Justice and the Reform of History Education

Abstract1Where does history education fit into transitional justice and how can it contribute to the goals of transitional justice? The contemporary understanding of transitional justice has broadened to encompass more than just prosecutions, reparations, preventing impunity, and building rule of law. Transitional justice goals now extend to truth telling, restoring the dignity and preserving the memory of victims, building peace, creating respect for human rights and democracy, and to reconciliation. Tools for achieving these goals now include truth commissions and commemorations. But this list has not until now included how the historical narrative of the group(s) involved in conflict must change as a part of transition; and education, while often invoked when the topic of ‘never again’ is raised, has been largely absent from the transitional justice discourse. Neither the larger education system nor the teaching of history - both what is taught and how - has been considered by the institutions transitional justice has aimed to reform. This article considers why history education matters, what conditions complicate its reform and what recommendations can begin to be offered with regard to the relationship between history education and transitional justice.
Prognosis and Outcomes of Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Meta-analysis

Objective. —To systematically review the medical literature on the prognosis and outcomes of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Data Sources. —A MEDLINE literature search of English-language articles involving human subjects and manual reviews of article bibliographies were used to identify studies of prognosis in CAP. Study Selection. —Review of 4573 citations revealed 122 articles (127 unique study cohorts) that reported medical outcomes in adults with CAP. Data Extraction. —Qualitative assessments of studies' patient populations, designs, and patient outcomes were performed. Summary univariate odds ratios (ORs) and rate differences (RDs) and their associated 95% confidence intervals (Cls) were computed to estimate a summary effect size for the association of prognostic factors and mortality. Data Synthesis. —The overall mortality for the 33148 patients in all 127 study cohorts was 13.7%, ranging from 5.1% for the 2097 hospitalized and ambulatory patients (in six study cohorts) to 36.5% for the 788 intensive care unit patients (in 13 cohorts). Mortality varied by pneumonia etiology, ranging from less than 2% to greater than 30%. Eleven prognostic factors were significantly associated with mortality using both summary ORs and RDs: male sex (OR=1.3; 95% Cl, 1.2 to 1.4), pleuritic chest pain (OR=0.5; 95% Cl, 0.3 to 0.8), hypothermia (OR=5.0; 95% Cl, 2.4 to 10.4), systolic hypotension (OR=4.8; 95% Cl, 2.8 to 8.3), tachypnea (OR=2.9; 95% Cl, 1.7 to 4.9), diabetes mellitus (OR=1.3; 95% Cl, 1.1 to 1.5), neoplastic disease (OR=2.8; 95% Cl, 2.4 to 3.1), neurologic disease (OR=4.6; 95% Cl, 2.3 to 8.9), bacteremia (OR=2.8; 95% Cl, 2.3 to 3.6), leukopenia (OR=2.5; 95% Cl, 1.6 to 3.7), and multilobar radiographic pulmonary infiltrate (OR=3.1; 95% Cl, 1.9 to 5.1). Assessments of other clinically relevant medical outcomes such as morbid complications (41 cohorts), symptoms resolution (seven cohorts), return to work or usual activities (five cohorts), or functional status (one cohort) were infrequently performed. Conclusions. —Mortality for patients hospitalized with CAP was high and was associated with characteristics of the study cohort, pneumonia etiology, and a variety of prognostic factors. Generalization of these findings to all patients with CAP should be made with caution because of insufficient published information on medical outcomes other than mortality in ambulatory patients. ( JAMA . 1995;274:134-141)
Managing contamination-enhanced Laser Induced Damage (CLID)

Contamination-enhanced Laser Induced Damage (CLID) occurs when molecular or particulate contamination, present on or in the vicinity of an optical material, leads to accelerated laser power degradation and premature failure. The physical mechanisms that cause CLID are not sufficiently understood to predict the extent to which a contaminant will cause damage. Although standard computational methods can be used to predict the amount of contamination on an optic, the effects of those molecules or particles on laser performance has not been sufficiently quantified. This paper will describe an approach for managing CLID that relies on laboratory studies to understand the relationship between contaminant type or quantity and CLID thresholds. That insight can then be used to guide the definition of cleanliness requirements and the design of material screening tests. Initial efforts to study how mass transport, the movement of contaminants in and out of the laser beam, affects damage rates will be discussed as well.
Sers from thin Ag films electrochemically deposited onto Pt electrodes

On montre que des spectres Raman augmentes en surface peuvent etre obtenus dans le cas de surfaces d'electrodes modifiees par de tres petites quantites d'Ag. La methode fait intervenir l'adsorption de pyridine
Mechanical behaviour of rigid rod polymer fibres: 1. Measurement of axial compressive and transverse tensile properties

Abstract Rigid rod polymer fibres have low axial compressive and transverse tensile strengths which can be measured by several methods. The tensile recoil method is tedious but a new fibre cutting device which simplifies and improves the method has been developed. Also a new method to test the transverse strength index of single fibres has been devised. The index is found to be similar among a variety of fibres suggesting that such properties depend more upon interfibrillar morphology than upon interchain properties. The same device can also perform three point bending tests on single fibres. This permits the determination of the fibre compressive modulus which for rigid rod polymer fibres appears to be considerably less than the tensile modulus.
Using siblings to identify shared and non-shared HOME items

Although shared environmental factors affect cognitive development during childhood, non-shared environmental factors experienced differently by children in the same family appear to be the major source of environmental influence on cognitive development after childhood. However, specific shared and non-shared aspects of environmental measures relevant to cognitive development have not been differentiated. Data from the Colorado Adoption Project (CAP) for 184 members of 92 sibling pairs, studied separately when each child was 12 and 24 months of age, were used to construct a non-shared scale and a shared scale from items of the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME). Items that were not significantly correlated for siblings were selected as “non-shared” items; the remaining items were selected as “shared” items. Comparisons of sibling correlations for the shared and non-shared HOME scales for adoptive and non-adoptive siblings indicate the shared scale is primarily a measure of shared environment and the nonshared scale primarily assesses non-shared environment.
New G-CSF agonists for neutropenia therapy

Introduction: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF; filgrastim) and its pegylated form (pegfilgrastim) are widely used to treat neutropenia associated with myelosuppressive chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation, AIDS-associated or drug-induced neutropenia, and neutropenic diseases. G-CSF facilitates restoration of neutrophil counts, decreases incidence of infection/febrile neutropenia and reduces resource utilization. G-CSF is also widely used to mobilize peripheral blood stem cells for hematopoietic transplant. Areas covered: We review the therapeutic use, cost effectiveness and disease impact of G-CSF for neutropenia, development of G-CSF biosimilars and current next-generation discovery efforts. Expert opinion: G-CSF has impacted the treatment and survival of patients with congenital neutropenias. For chemotherapy-associated neutropenia, cost effectiveness and impact on survival are still unclear. G-CSFs are expensive and require systemic administration. Market entry of new biosimilars, ...
Linear acoustic properties of bubbly liquids near the natural frequency of the bubbles using numerical simulations

We consider the problem of determining linear acoustic properties of bubbly liquids near the natural frequency of the bubbles. Since the effective wavelength and attenuation length are of the same order of magnitude as the size of the bubbles, we devise a numerical scheme to determine these quantities by solving exactly the multiple scattering problem among many interacting bubbles. It is shown that the phase speed and attenuation are finite at natural frequency even in the absence of damping due to viscous, thermal, nonlinear, and liquid compressibility effects, thus validating a recent theory (Sangani 1991). The results from the numerical scheme are in good agreement with the theory but considerably higher than the experimental values for frequencies greater than the natural frequency. The discrepancy with experiments remains even after accounting for the effect of polydispersity, finite liquid compressibility, and non-adiabatic thermal changes.
Molecular structure of maternal RNA

The presence of a stable maternal mRNA population in mature oocytes of many species is well established. In this paper we show that the mature egg contains, in addition to these mature mRNAs, a structurally more complex population of RNA transcripts. This latter class of RNA consists of polyadenylated transcripts of repetitive and nonrepetitive DNA elements covalently linked into long interspersed molecules. As much as seventy percent of the polyadenylated egg RNA of Xenopus laevis and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus is represented in this interspersed population. Most of the nonrepetitive DNA sequences represented in the mature mRNA population are also present in the interspersed RNA. These transcripts have an organization similar to that of somatic cell nuclear RNA. Data are presented that suggests some of these interspersed maternal transcripts are unprocessed precursor-like molecules. Some possible functions of this novel class of RNA during early development are discussed.
Hints of another gremlin in the greenhouse: anthropogenic sulfur

Abstract Already there are many complicating factors (‘gremlins’) that frustrate attempts to link observed climate changes to predictions from the greenhouse hypothesis. Consequences of these ‘gremlins in the greenhouse’ (along with their possible identities) include hemispherically asymmetric cooling of the lower stratosphere (perhaps caused by asymmetric ozone destruction by chlorofluorocarbons), cooling of the tropical upper troposphere (perhaps caused by an increase in water vapor), lack of polar amplification of lower tropospheric warming (poorly modeled clouds, ocean currents, ice and snow et al.), and asymmetric warming of the lower tropospheres of the two hemispheres (differences in thermal inertias, responses to volcanic eruptions et al.). In this report, emphasis is on examining hints that the cause of the relative cooling of the Northern Hemisphere has been anthropogenic sulfur emission; it is concluded that this concept is not inconsistent with the data; however, the possibility that all observed temperature changes are natural is also not inconsistent with the data. Research needed to remove these ambiguities includes more extensive monitoring, improvements to climate models, advances in statistical analyses of time series, better definition of climatic consequences of volcanic eruptions, and focused efforts to understand and describe the major climate changes that occurred in the Northern Hemisphere c. 1940 and 1815.
SU-GG-T-194: Commissioning, Validation, and Implementation of the COMPASS System into a Clinical Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Quality Assurance Program

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to commission, validate, and implement the COMPASS (IBA, Inc) system into a clinical intensity‐modulated‐radiotherapy (IMRT) quality‐assurance (QA) program. Method and Materials: The COMPASS system is comprised of an array of ionization detectors (MatriXX) mounted to the gantry using a custom holder and a software package for the analysis and visualization of quality assurance results. Commissioning of the COMPASS required reformatting 6‐MV photon data from a Varian‐Novalis‐TX linac into a software acceptable beam model. Validating COMPASS was a multi‐step process including the qualification of our Varian‐Eclipse‐treatment‐planning system (TPS) and the COMPASS computation, prediction, and reconstruction algorithms. Prior validation of our TPS included comparisons of measured dose in a pelvic phantom to calculated dose and correlation of predicted IMRT fluence with measured fluence using the MatriXX and OmniPro software. Validation of the computation algorithm involved direct comparison of TPS calculated dose to COMPASS calculated dose. The prediction algorithm was validated by comparing the predicted response to measured response on the MatriXX. Finally, the validation of the reconstruction algorithm included fluence measurements taken using COMPASS for actual patients undergoing IMRTtreatment at our facility and comparing the reconstructed dose to the TPS calculated dose.Results: Validation of our TPS using point dose measurements was found to be within less than 1% from our TPS calculated dose. The COMPASS fluence prediction algorithm was evaluated using difference histograms; analyses indicated that ∼96% of the pixels were within ±1.5% difference. Conclusion: This work shows clinical potential for a new visualization display of IMRT QA; 2D fluence measurements in conjunction with a valid beam model and patient CT information can be utilized to reconstruct measured dose onto a patient 3D data set. Conflict of Interest: This study was sponsored by IBA, Inc., Bartlett, Tennessee.
In MINT Condition? The Politics of Alternative Certification and Pay Incentives for Teachers in Massachusetts

Like many other states, Massachusetts enacted numerous changes to teacher certification policy during the 1980s and 1990s. During the summer of 1998, the state legislature and Department of Education made two especially significant changes: a signing bonus of U.S. $20,000 for an elite group of new teachers, and a state-funded alternative certification program. Alternative certification had been part of state policy for years prior to 1998 but had never been widely implemented. The signing bonus was a new idea. Drawing on the literature on policy formation, implementation, and termination, this article analyzes the process by which the signing bonus was enacted, and how it contributed to creation of the state alternative certification program. Ironically, although alternative certification was not widely implemented until it was coupled with the signing bonus, the alternative certification program survived a state budget crisis that led to termination of the signing bonus.
Comparison of immune and adverse effects induced by AdjuVac and Freund's complete adjuvant in New Zealand white rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus )

Though Freund's complete adjuvant effectively increases immune response to vaccines in various species, its potentially severe inflammatory effects have led many animal researchers to seek alternative immunological adjuvants. In a study of New Zealand white rabbits, the authors compared the immune and adverse effects of Freund's complete adjuvant with the effects of two formulations of AdjuVac, an immunological adjuvant previously developed by their group. All three adjuvants improved humoral immune response but also caused inflammation. Inflammatory reactions caused by AdjuVac, however, tended to be less severe than those caused by Freund's complete adjuvant.
Quality of life in end stage renal disease patients.

AIM: To understand factors associated with quality of life (QOL), examine types of QOL instruments, and determine need for further improvements in QOL assessment. METHODS: The method used databases (Pubmed, Google scholar) and a bibliographic search using key words QOL, end stage renal disease, Hemodialysis, Peritoneal dialysis, instruments to measure QOL, patients and qualitative/quantitative analysis published during 1990 to June 2014. Each article was assessed for sample size, demographics of participants, study design and type of QOL instruments used. We used WHO definition of QOL. RESULTS: For this review, 109 articles were screened, out of which 65 articles were selected. Out of 65 articles, there were 19 reports/reviews and 12 questionnaire manuals. Of the 34 studies, 82% were quantitative while only 18% were qualitative. QOL instruments measured several phenomenon such as physical/psychological health, effects and burdens of kidney disease, social support etc. those are associated with QOL. Few studies looked at spiritual beliefs, cultural beliefs, personal concerns, as per the WHO definition. Telemedicine and Palliative care have now been successfully used however QOL instruments seldom addressed those in the articles reviewed. Also noticed was that longitudinal studies were rarely conducted. Existing QOL instruments only partially measure QOL. This may limit validity of predictive power of QOL. CONCLUSION: Culture and disease specific QOL instruments that assess patients’ objective and subjective experiences covering most aspects of QOL are urgently needed.
Role of convection and related effects on species crossover and capacity loss in vanadium redox flow batteries

Abstract This study reports important observations regarding the convective transport through the membrane and related effects on the species crossover and the capacity loss in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). A 2-dimensional, isothermal, transient model is utilized to simulate several extended charge/discharge cycles with varying flow rates and electrolyte viscosities. The simulations indicate that osmotic and electro-osmotic convections in the membrane are major mechanisms contributing to species crossover. In addition, variations in electrolyte viscosity are observed to have a significant impact on the direction and magnitude of species crossover during VRFB operation. Finally, the simulations suggest that one potential approach to minimize the capacity loss in VRFBs would be to operate the system at constant pressure condition through the utilization of asymmetric flow rates (i.e. different flow rates in the ‘+’ and ‘−’ half-cells) to reduce the impact of osmotic convection.
Grain growth for CuO-BaO mixtures added BaTi1+xO3+2x ceramics

Abstract CuO-BaO mixtures (molar ratio,CuO/BaO= 1,2, 2.5) at the 1 wt% level were added to BaTi1+xO3+2x ( − 0.01 ≤ × ≤ 0.02) ceramics as a liquid phase promoter to investigate the grain growth of BaTi1+xO3+2x ceramics. Sintering in air for 2 h at 950 to 1250 °C was investigated to study the densification process, whereas sintering in air for 1 to 16 h at 1150 to 1250 °C was investigated to study the grain growth. The sintered grain morphologies (small grain growth, abnormal grain growth, and normal grain growth) of BaTi1+xO3+2x ceramics depend on theTiO2/BaO ratio, the sintering temperature and time, and theCuO/BaO ratio, slightly. The average grain size increased with the sintering time and temperature. Grain growth is discussed in terms of the kinetic growth equation:Gn − Gon = Ko t exp( −Q/RT). It was found that the preexponential, the grain growth exponents, and the activation energies of the BaTi1 + xO3 + 2x system are all dependent on theCuO/BaO ratio, the sintering temperature, and theTiO2/BaO ratio. In theBaTi1+xO3+2x/CuO-BaO system, the average n values are in the range of 4.1 to 7.6, and the activation energies are in the range of 109 ± 30 to 1007 ± 180.
Diffusion classification of submicron aerosols. An “in‐stack” diffusion classifier has been designed, constructed, calibrated, and field‐tested

An in-stack diffusion classifer has been designed, constructed, calibrated and field tested. The classifier utilizes a very fine-mesh stainless-steel wire screen for the actual aerosol classification. The in-stack unit uses five stages operated in parallel, each sampling at the same fixed flow rate, to provide five simultaneous size-classified aerosol samples. These samples are collected out on filter media for subsequent weight gain determination and for chemical analysis. Sampling rates are maintained through each stage by using carefully matched critical orifices. The entire unit is housed in a stainless steel cylinder of 25-cm length and 7.5-cm outer diameter. 5 references, 4 figures. (JMT)
Group Experiential Learning with Undergraduate Nursing Students: An Interdisciplinary Approach

This research examined an interdisciplinary, collaborative experiential group learning approach, in which undergraduate nursing students met in small groups led by counseling doctoral student co-leaders. Statistical analysis suggests that the teaching method lead to learning of group concepts. Discussion addresses anecdotal observations, limitations, and implications for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Rheological properties of polyethylene oxide solutions

Measurements were made on solutions of Polyethylene oxide (WSR-301) varying in concentration from .0511 g/dl to 4.014 g/dl, prepared from two samples of dry material of different ages (I, II), using aWeissenberg Rheogoniometer with cone-and-plate and parallel-plate geometries, and also using capillary viscometers. Steady shear data were obtained for eight decades of strain-rates (10−3 <k < 105 sec−1), and oscillatory data for over four decades of frequency (10−3 <f < 101 Hz). Results are presented for the shear-dependent viscosity,η(k), normal stress differences,σ 1(k), σ2(k), and the complex viscosity,η *(f). It was found that characteristic fluid times obtained from continuum arguments correlated the experimentalη(k), η′(f) andG′(f) data. Using theη *(f) data, the stress relaxation function,Ψ(σ), was calculated, from which the second-order fluid coefficientsγ andη 0 were obtained, and compared to the directly measured values. Evidence is given to show that the sign ofσ 1(k) varies both with concentration and strainrate. Using solutions prepared from sample II, correlations with the material properties of solutions of sample I were found which indicated the effect of aging on stored dry samples.
Coming Up Short: Knowledge Limits and the Decomposition of the Professional Managerial Class

The failures of knowledge to assure a desired outcome, and the gains made by those who bet against it, point to a larger paradox. The rise of the professional managerial class whose specialized expertise would reign in a knowledge society has continued apace yet seen their autonomy wither and mastery fade. The formation and decomposition of this now prevailing class entwines the fate of those engaged in financial services and academic labor, where knowledge was to be formulated, instructed and applied. The question of this larger entanglement, the interdependencies and principles of association that would give the notion of class substantive meaning point to a circumstance in which knowledge cannot rule itself and the collision of knowledge claims creates a generalized condition of volatility that both disperses and binds diverse kinds of human agency. Hence, rather than treating crisis as a momentary break-down in the normal state of affairs, the antinomies of the financial logics of risk management, der...
On the mechanism of enzyme action. LXIV. Succinyltrypsin and the reversibility of its denaturation.

Abstract The reversibility of heat denaturation of trypsin can be basically modified through acylation. At pH 5, the native enzyme and all derivatives obtained from dicarboxylic anhydrides can be exposed to 100 °C. for up to 20 min., with a substantial regeneration of activity upon cooling, while all derivatives of monocarboxylic acids are irreversibly inactivated oven on 2 min. boiling. The native enzyme is not destroyed by heat treatment between pH 2.2 and 5, the range for succinyltrypsin being between pH 5 and 8. The activity of acetyltrypsin can be only partially recovered within a narrow region around pH 6. Succinyltrypsin is the most stable of all trypsin forms so far investigated, as it is subject to self-digestion without any loss in activity. These results assisted in reviewing several concepts of protein denaturation.
EFFICACY OF DESOXYCORTICOSTERONE ACETATE AS REPLACEMENT THERAPY IN ADRENALECTOMIZED DOGS

THE SYNTHETIC STEROID DESOXYCORTICOSTERONE ACETATE (D.C.A.) IS now uSed extensively as partial or complete replacement therapy in adrenalectomized animals and in patients with Addison's disease. Considerable evidence suggests, however, that its physiological action is not identical in all respects with that of the natural cortical extract. For instance, its action on the kidney of both the intact and adrenalectomied animal in conserving Na and Cl and releasing K is even more powerful than that of cortical extract (1–5). By virtue of this renal action, the serum Na concentration has, in some cases, been elevated above normal (3–6). Also, the serum K concentration has, by large daily doses given over a considerable time interval, been appreciably lowered, to the point at which toxic symptoms appear(3–5).
Evaluation of Bound and Leaky Eigenmode Techniques for Nontransparent Waveguides

The use of bound and leaky eigenmodes to describe propagation in radiatively leaky planar waveguides that incorporate material absorption or gain is discussed. A criterion for determining which of the bound and leaky modes should be included in this calculation is provided, as is an explicit means of determining the contribution of each modes. The strategy provided here reveals that for the case of absorptive devices, e.g., waveguide detector structures or absorptive filters, there exists a regime in which one must discard the contribution of a fundamental mode, in favor of an improper leaky mode if one wishes to accurately obtain results such as quantum efficiency and device throughput.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.