cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Congenital myasthenic syndrome in Golden Retrievers is associated with a novel COLQ mutation

Author(s): Tsai, Kate L; Vernau, Karen M; Winger, Kathryn; Zwueste, Danielle M; Sturges, Beverly K; Knipe, Marguerite; Williams, D Colette; Anderson, Kendall J; Evans, Jacquelyn M; Guo, Ling T; Clark, Leigh Anne; Shelton, G Diane | Abstract: BackgroundCongenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) are a group of inherited disorders of neuromuscular transmission that may be presynaptic, synaptic, or postsynaptic. Causative mutations have been identified in 4 breeds including the Labrador Retriever, Jack Russell Terrier, Heideterrier, and Danish Pointing Dog.Hypothesis/objectiveClinical and genetic characterization of a neuromuscular disorder in Golden Retriever (GR) puppies.AnimalsFour GR puppies from California were evaluated for generalized muscle weakness beginning at weaning. Biological specimens were collected from the affected puppies, and familial information was obtained. Blood or buccal swabs were obtained from 63 unaffected GRs.MethodsComplete physical, neurological, electrodiagnostic, and histological evaluations and biochemical quantification of muscle acetylcholine receptors were performed. Polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify the 17 exons of COLQ, and sequences were obtained by Sanger sequencing. Variant frequency was assessed in unrelated GRs and a public database.ResultsClinical, neurological, and electrodiagnostic evaluations confirmed a disorder of neuromuscular transmission in a GR family. Sequencing of all exons and splice sites of a primary candidate gene, COLQ, identified a point mutation that predicts an amino acid substitution (G294R). The primary COLQ transcript was absent from affected muscle samples. All affected puppies were homozygous for the mutation, which was not detected outside this GR family or in other breeds.Conclusions and clinical importanceWe confirmed the diagnosis of a CMS in GR puppies and identified a novel COLQ mutation. The COLQ gene encodes the collagenous tail of acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for termination of skeletal muscle contraction by clearing acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Clinicians and breeders should be aware of this CMS in GR puppies with an early onset of weakness.
Estimate ecotoxicity characterization factors for chemicals in life cycle assessment using machine learning models.

Abstract In life cycle assessment, characterization factors are used to convert the amount of the chemicals and other pollutants generated in a product’s life cycle to the standard unit of an impact category, such as ecotoxicity. However, as a widely used impact assessment method, USEtox (version 2.11) only has ecotoxicity characterization factors for a small portion of chemicals due to the lack of laboratory experiment data. Here we develop machine learning models to estimate ecotoxicity hazardous concentrations 50% (HC50) in USEtox to calculate characterization factors for chemicals based on their physical-chemical properties in EPA’s CompTox Chemical Dashborad and the classification of their mode of action. The model is validated by ten randomly selected test sets that are not used for training. The results show that the random forest model has the best predictive performance. The average root mean squared error of the estimated HC50 on the test sets is 0.761. The average coefficient of determination ( R 2 ) on the test set is 0.630, meaning 63% of the variability of HC50 in USEtox can be explained by the predicted HC50 from the random forest model. Our model outperforms a traditional quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model (ECOSAR) and linear regression models. We also provide estimates of missing ecotoxicity characterization factors for 552 chemicals in USEtox using the validated random forest model.
Fractal non-Fermi liquids from moiré Hofstadter phonons

We theoretically explore two-dimensional (2D) moir\'e heterostructures in lattice-commensurate magnetic fields as platforms for quantum simulation of a paradigmatic model of non-Fermi-liquid physics: a Fermi surface coupled to a fluctuating gauge field. In these moir\'e Hofstadter (MH) systems, long-wavelength acoustic phonons exhibit singular interactions with electrons analogous to those of electrons with 2D gauge fields. This leads to a breakdown of Fermi-liquid theory at low temperatures. We show that a combination of large moir\'e unit-cell size, tunable Fermi-surface topology, and enhanced coupling to interlayer sliding modes enhances these effects by over many orders of magnitude compared with bulk crystals, placing them within experimental reach. Though we find that the asymptotic low-temperature non-Fermi-liquid regime remains at prohibitively low temperatures, striking precursor non-Fermi-liquid signatures can be observed, and we propose surface acoustic wave attenuation and quantum oscillation transport experiments. We also study the motion of MH acoustic polarons, which we predict exhibit logarithmically diverging effective mass and unconventional magnetic field scaling for scaling of cyclotron resonance frequency and quantum oscillation amplitude.
On the throughput capacity of hybrid wireless networks using an L-maximum-hop routing strategy

The capacity of ad hoc network is constrained by the multihop relay traffic. We investigate a hybrid wireless network with base stations distributed in an ad hoc network in order to localize the ad hoc traffic. We propose to organize the ad hoc traffic based on the adjacency of each node itself instead of the base station, and propose an L-maximum-hop routing strategy in order to obtain improved spectrum efficiency. The throughput capacity of the resulting hybrid wireless network is studied. The paper also demonstrates that this type of hybrid wireless network is scalable.
Care of the Stranger: Medical Deportation of Noncitizens

Research has documented the practice by some hospitals of effectuating the involuntary transport of their immigrant patients to their country of origin in situations in which the patients need long-term care but lack either the healthcare insurance or the personal funds to cover the cost of such care. The patients’ removal may ultimately lead to a worsening of their health, disability, or death due to the unavailability of the necessary care in the country to which they are sent or their inability to access the care due to financial, geographic, or other considerations. This chapter explores the ethical implications of this practice for providers, with reference to Biblical and Qur’anic views related to obligations toward strangers and resident aliens and current secular approaches. It is suggested that the scriptural obligation to provide safety and shelter to the stranger can serve as a framework for physicians and healthcare institutions in evaluating with the patient potential options for the resolution of this difficult situation.
Synthesis of 5-Nitrotetrazolates by the Direct Oxidation of 5-Aminotetrazole in a Single-Pot Synthesis without Isolation of Explosive Intermediates

A readily available oxidizer, potassium superoxide can be used for the oxidation of 5-amino-1H-tetrazole (5-AT) to 5-nitrotetrazole (5-NT) in high yields in a single-pot synthesis. This strategy reduces the synthesis of this important energetic material down to a single step and eliminates highly sensitive diazonium and copper salt primary explosive intermediates. Use of dimethyl sulfoxide along with molecular sieves and 18-crown-6 as phase transfer catalyst promoted faster reaction rates and greater yield. The overall yield of this process is 48-53 % and the resultant aqueous solution of product was effectively used for the preparation of nitrotetrazole-containing primary explosive DBX-1. Unlike current methods of nitrotetrazole preparation, this entirely solution-based route results in a final solution of sodium nitrotetrazolate, without the need to handle energetic intermediates or products, making it the safest method of nitrotetrazole preparation reported to date.
Complications and Radiographic Outcomes After Tibiotalocalcaneal Fusion With a Retrograde Intramedullary Nail.

BackgroundTibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis is a salvage reconstructive procedure for ankle and subtalar arthritis and deformity. This study aims to identify fusion rates and complications of TT...
Untouchable Forces: Restoring Trust in Security in Weak States?

How can weak states improve security? We build on existing work theorizing that a crucial component of strengthening security is improving citizen perceptions of the institutions providing security and then thereby securing their cooperation with those institutions. We examine whether foreign missions that states invite to conduct security functions, “delegation agreements” (DAs), are able to change citizens’ perceptions on these dimensions. We argue DAs are likely to improve citizen perceptions of security while they are operating but to have little transfer effect to state institutions. We test the theory by examining the U.N.’s International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), a team of investigators and prosecutors that operated in Guatemalan courts from 2007-2019, which was a canonical and seemingly successful DA. In this “most likely” case to detect any transfer effects, we use a survey experiment to examine, first, whether invoking CICIG as a case investigator increases citizen beliefs that the perpetrators and their state collaborators will be correctly identified, prosecuted, and convicted. We find that the CICIG prime does have consistently positive effects. We then examine citizen perceptions of institutions, and, measuring several outcomes, we find that CICIG has little transfer effect to state security institutions, although a successful CICIG may reduce the legitimacy of the state to some extent. Our results identify a positive effect from this foreign mission but no overall shift in citizen perceptions and subsequent pathway to increased security through their cooperation.
Clinical Inflection Point Detection on the Basis of EHR Data to Identify Clinical Trial-Ready Patients With Cancer.

PURPOSETo inform precision oncology, methods are needed to use electronic health records (EHRs) to identify patients with cancer who are experiencing clinical inflection points, consistent with wor...
Impact of COVID-19 on pediatric pulmonology healthcare practice.

Introduction Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is typically spread by droplets and has had a remarkable effect on pediatric pulmonology healthcare practice. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical follow-up and hospital visits of patients followed up at a pediatric pulmonology unit at a tertiary care center. Methods This study was an observational descriptive study performed at a tertiary care center pediatric pulmonology unit between January 2019 and December 2020. We analyzed the outpatient visits, laboratory procedures which including pulmonary function tests (PFTs), diffusion capacity assessment, plethysmography, and lung clearance index (LCI), high-speed video microscopy, gastric aspirate sampling, and Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) during clinical follow-up, and hospitalization numbers of patients with chronic lung diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic and compared them with the previous year before the pandemic started. Results In 2020, compared with 2019, outpatient visits decreased by 42.2%; from 8324 patients to 4804 patients and other laboratory procedures decreased after the pandemic started; PFTs including spirometry by 87.2%; from 2990 to 380 tests, diffusion capacity assessment from 172 to 55 tests, plethysmography from 172 to 53 and LCI from 70 to 9 tests, also high-speed video microscopy analyses by 64.3% from 300 to 107 patients, and gastric aspirate sampling by 75.5% from 42 to 9 patients. FFB procedures also decreased by 59.1%, from 142 to 58 patients, and only 15 were after the first reported case of COVID-19 in our country, and they were all for urgent indications. None of these patients was positive pretesting for COVID-19 who underwent the FFB. There was no significant decrease in patients' hospitalization due to pulmonary exacerbation in cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, and primary ciliary dyskinesia.
Teaching Video NeuroImage: Hereditary Hyperekplexia Mimicking Tonic Seizures in an Infant

Hereditary hyperekplexia is a rare neurologic disorder characterized by an exaggerated startle response with profound muscle stiffness.1,2 Given the nature of the spells, this condition is often misdiagnosed as epilepsy. Mutations in glycine receptors and transporters are the primary cause of this syndrome.1 We present an example of stimulus-induced hyperekplexia captured on video EEG in a 7-week-old girl with compound heterozygous variants in the presynaptic glycine transporter gene SLC6A5.
Taxi drivers and modifiable health behaviors: Is stress associated?

Background Taxi drivers, an immigrant male population, may exhibit poor health behaviors and increased health risks. Objective The current study examined stress and demographics as predictors of physical activity (PA), nutrition, sleep, and smoking, and the co-occurrence of these behaviors among taxi drivers. Methods A cross-sectional needs assessment was conducted in New York City. The sample (n = 252) was comprised of male taxi drivers, 98%of whom were born outside of the U.S., with the majority from South Asian countries (62%), and 45 years old on average (SD = 11). Results We found low rates of fruit/vegetable consumption and PA. Rates of stress, PA, and smoking varied by demographic factors. Stress was positively associated with sleep disturbances and negatively associated with smoking. Aside from a relationship between sugar consumption and smoking, other health behaviors were not associated. Conclusions While stress appears to impact some indicators of modifiable health behaviors, its lack of relationship with others points to more persistent health issues. Demographic differences found for PA and smoking also point to groups that may especially benefit from interventions. These findings suggest the need for targeted health interventions for taxi drivers in large metropolitan cities.
Power Series Methods

It takes a little time and a few basic examples to develop intuition. This is particularly true of the subject of partial differential equations which has an enormous variety of technique and phenomena within its confines. This section describes the simplest nontrivial partial differential equation $${u_t}(t,x) + c{u_x}(t,x) = 0,t,x \in \mathbb{R},c \in \mathbb{C}$$ (1) The equation is of first order, is linear with constant coefficients, and involves derivatives with respect to both variables. The unknown is a possibly complex valued function u of two real variables. This example reveals one of the fundamental dichotomies of the subject, the equation is hyperbolic if c E ll and elliptic otherwise. The equation is radically different in these two cases in spite of the similar appearance.
In Vivo Imaging of Amyloid-ß Deposits in Mouse Brain With Multiphoton Microscopy

With the advent of transgenic mouse models expressing cortical amyloid pathology, the potential to study its progression in an intact brain has been realized. Multiphoton microscopy provides a non-destructive means of imaging with micron resolution up to 500 microm deep into the cortex. We detail a surgical procedure and discuss a multiphoton imaging approach that allows for labeling and chronic visualization of amyloid-beta deposits through a cranial window. The ability to monitor these hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease enables studies aimed at evaluating the efficacy of treatment and prevention strategies.
Energy modeling of differential drive robots

Improving the energy efficiency of robots and increasing the time of operation has been a very hot research topic in recent times. There has been a lot of work on optimizing energy consumption, especially in mobile robots. Researchers have been focused on designing motion planning techniques along with velocity control to reduce the energy expenditure. But there has been a lack of a well-defined and a complete energy model that can act as a cost function for all the optimization algorithms. Having such a model not only provides a platform for energy loss control but can also give an idea about the nature of the losses and the cause of their occurrence. In this paper we first investigated the various energy loss components in a differential drive robot and presented a well-defined and a complete energy model. In order to validate our model we moved the robot with a specific velocity profile and measured all the losses.
Attentional Focus of Students with Hyperactivity During a Word-Search Task

Mirrors have been used to focus attention to aspects of the self (e.g., to known strategies, standards). We hypothesized that this could be important for students with hyperactivity/inattention, who typically direct attention outward to external novelty. In this study, we administered a partially solvable word puzzle to 43 middle school students, with and without hyperactivity/inattention, in the presence and absence of a mirror, counterbalanced for condition and form order. Differences between students with hyperactivity/inattention and comparisons in accuracy were found only in the no mirror condition. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of the mirror for children with hyperactivity/inattention was most pronounced for those who looked at the mirror. Findings were interpreted in terms of their potential to remedy the production deficits of these children.
Electrical Transmission: A Functional Analysis and Comparison to Chemical Transmission

The sections in this article are: 1 Electrically Mediated Synaptic Transmission 1.1 Electrotonic Synapses 1.2 Rectifying Electrotonic Synapses 1.3 Electrical Inhibition 1.4 Electrical Interactions Across Extracellular Space 2 Functions of Electrotonic Transmission 2.1 Short Latency in Through-conducting Systems 2.2 Reciprocity and Short Latency in Highly Synchronized Systems 2.3 Synchronization in Relay Nuclei and Effector Organs 2.4 Asynchronous Activity and Reciprocal Excitation 2.5 Pathways of Electrotonic Coupling in Synchronization 2.6 Synaptic Control of Degree of Coupling 2.7 Cellular Control of Electrotonic Junctions 2.8 Functions of Electrotonic Junctions in Nonelectrical Communication 3 Some “Unusual” Properties of Chemically Mediated Transmission 3.1 Tonic Release of Transmitter 3.2 PSP's Involving a Conductance Decrease and Cytoplasmic Messengers 3.3 Dual- and Multiple-action Synapses 4 Functional Considerations in Mode of Transmission 4.1 Input-Output Relations of Electrically Excitable Membrane 4.2 Identification of Mode of Transmission 4.3 Properties with Clear Advantages to Either Mode 4.4 Properties with at Most a Modest Advantage to Either Mode 4.5 Evaluation and Prospects
Supersonic Flow Around Blunt Bodies

THE NEWTONIAN THEORY of impact has been shown to be useful for pressure calculations on the forward facing part of bodies moving at high speed. I t is now a familiar practice to use this information to calculate nonviscous velocities at the wall and then to estimate rates of heat transfer. This procedure is perhaps open to question; heat-transfer rates depend on velocity gradients which are not given by the Newtonian analysis. Nor can one obtain information on boundary-layer stability or all the body stability derivatives. I t seems, there" fore, inevitable that , as design proceeds with these hypersonic missiles, there will be a greater need for more accurate aerodynamic theories either to predict what will happen in unfamiliar flight conditions or to effect an extrapolation from a known test result to the design condition. A start in this direction has been made by the writer h 2 for two kinds of blunt bodies, one with a flat-disc face and the other with a hemispherical face. Our theory depends on the limiting THEORY
James‐Stein Estimator: Introduction

For a multivariate normal distribution with independent components, the observed vector is an inadmissible estimator of the mean vector. The James–Stein estimator defines a statistic with lower squared error loss than the observed vector. It has led to research into families of minimax estimators, some of which is summarized. Keywords: multivariate normal; admissibility; squared error loss; minimax; Baranchik; Bayes; empirical
PUBLIC HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH A MARS SURFACE SAMPLE RETURN MISSION

The consensus of scientists is that bringing Martian “soil” to Earth poses potential health and environmental risks that must be balanced with appropriate safeguards. Some scientists think that the risks are so enormous and contamination technology is so inadequate that the mission should be cancelled. Some think that any sample brought from Mars should be heat sterilized before it enters Earth's atmosphere. On the other hand, some of us believe that the United States has the capability and technology to fully contain a sample from Mars even if it contains viable, highly virulent, and contagious organisms, and to study and manipulate these organisms safely. Those who attach enormous risks to bringing in samples from Mars do so by using analogies to Earth pandemics, latent viruses, and cancer; many of their analogies are misleading and, in fact, have little basis in current scientific experience and modern concepts of epidemiology. Furthermore, they dismiss “probabilities” of risk and invoke “possibilities” of risk in their broadest form so that their overriding premise is that all risks, all failures, and all worst case conditions are possible. This view is not rational and if supported most certainly would cause the mission to be cancelled.
Complete Sales Strategy and Opportunities for Successful Sales

The outcome, either successful or not, of said deal having both human and business characteristics, is connected to the personal-subjective diagnostic ability of the salesman as far as sales opportunities are concerned, and to his ability to formulate arguments effective and persuasive during the whole course of the presentation. The Relations that salesmen develop with prospective customers are subject to a constant process of repetitive calls and contacts leading to a final result, either successful or not. In any case the possibilities of success in sales are strictly connected to an
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Thermal Conductivity of Bi2Te3 Nanowires

In this paper, by employing the previously developed two-body interatomic potentials for bismuth telluride, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to describe the thermoelectric properties, namely the lattice thermal conductivity, of Bi2 Te3 nanowires. Cylindrical nanowires with both smooth surface and sawtooth surface roughness are studied, aiming at revealing the effects of phonon confinement in 1-D structures, phonon boundary scatterings and surface roughness on the lattice thermal conductivity of Bi2 Te3 nanowires. In the end, the influence of various phonon scattering mechanisms on the nanostructures under study are summarized, possible paths to reduce lattice thermal conductivity in nanostructured Bi2 Te3 , which is favorable for enhancing thermoelectric performance, are pointed out.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Silicon retina with adaptive photoreceptors

The central problem faced by the retina is to encode reliably small local differences in image intensity over a several-decade range of background illumination. The distal layers of the retina adjust the transducing elements to make this encoding possible. Several generations of silicon retinae that integrate phototransducers and CMOS processing elements in the focal plane are modeled after the distal layers of the vertebrate retina. A silicon retina with an adaptive photoreceptor that responds with high gain to small spatial and temporal variations in light intensity is described. Comparison with a spatial and temporal average of receptor response extends the dynamic range of the receptor. Continuous, slow adaptation centers the operating point of the photoreceptor around its time-average intensity and compensates for static transistor mismatch.
Dynamic mechanical testing system for Raman microscopy of bone tissue specimens

Existing dynamic mechanical testing systems are not well-suited for Raman spectroscopic study of the response of bone tissue chemical structure to mechanical loading. This paper describes design and validation of a testing system for this application. The body of the apparatus is waterproof and is closed to allow passive maintenance of tissue hydration. Specialized specimen grips for tension/compression and for bending studies are described. The system is shown to provide reproducible data on test specimens of murine femora and radii. Stability against unstable grips and long term (12 h) stability against dehydration artifacts are demonstrated.
Itinerant magnetism in doped semiconducting β -FeSi 2 and CrSi 2

Novel or unusual magnetism is a subject of considerable interest, particularly in metals and degenerate semiconductors. In such materials the interplay of magnetism, transport and other Fermi liquid properties can lead to fascinating physical behavior. One example is in magnetic semiconductors, where spin polarized currents may be controlled and used. We report density functional calculations predicting magnetism in doped semiconducting β-FeSi2 and CrSi2 at relatively low doping levels particularly for n-type. In this case, there is a rapid cross-over to a half-metallic state as a function of doping level. The results are discussed in relation to the electronic structure and other properties of these compounds.
Toward New Candidates for Hydrogen Storage: High-Surface-Area Carbon Aerogels

At 77 K, hydrogen surface excess sorption of carbon aerogels scales with BET surface area up to 2550 m^2/g, yielding up to 5 wt % gravimetric density. The surface area dependence for the aerogel with a surface area of 3200 m^2/g is somewhat weaker, with a gravimetric density of 5.3 wt %.
Detecting features in spatial point processes with clutter via model-based clustering

Abstract We consider the problem of detecting features, such as minefields or seismic faults, in spatial point processes when there is substantial clutter. We use model-based clustering based on a mixture model for the process, in which features are assumed to generate points according to highly linear multivariate normal densities, and the clutter arises according to a spatial Poisson process. Nonlinear features are represented by several densities, giving a piecewise linear representation. Hierarchical model-based clustering provides a first estimate of the features, and this is then refined using the EM algorithm. The number of features is estimated from an approximation to its posterior distribution. The method gives good results for the minefield and seismic fault problems. Software to implement it is available on the World Wide Web.
Growth of thin niobium crystals by the strain-anneal method

Abstract A technique suitable for the growth of thin, niobium single crystals is described. Crystals with thicknesses ranging between 25 μ m and 7 mm were grown. These crystals are highly perfect and require no preparation, other than a light chemical polish, prior to being studied directly with X-ray topography. Laboratory double crystal and synchrotron white beam topography showed that dislocation densities were less than 10 4 cm -2 in carefully handled crystals. The particular advantage of this method is the minimal specimen preparation which is required.
Analysing the fiscal process under a stochastic environment: evidence from Egypt

This paper investigates the sustainability of the fiscal budgeting process for Egypt, for both stochastic and non-stochastic environments. Note that persistent deficits and the accumulation of debt do not necessarily imply that the debt is unmanageable, and hence, that fiscal processes are unsustainable. It is possible for a government to change the historical pattern it has been following so that it will not continue to borrow and run a ‘Ponzi’ scheme in the future. This implies that the standard cointegration approach to testing whether a government adheres to its intertemporal budget constraint does not provide sufficient criteria for determining whether the fiscal process is truly sustainable. Consequently, we also use a more encompassing set of criteria under more realistic assumptions for determining whether the fiscal process in Egypt exhibits a sustainable budgeting process. These criteria for sustainability are based on the multicointegration approach. Therefore, both cointegration and multicoint...
Working Passions: Emotions and Creative Engagement with Value

It is now a commonplace that emotions are not mere sensations but, rather, conceptually contentful states. In trying to expand on this insight, however, most theoretical approaches to emotions neglect central intuitions about what emotions are like. We therefore need a methodological shift in our thinking about emotions away from the standard accounts' attempts to reduce them to other mental states and toward an exploration of the distinctive work emotions do. I show that emotions' distinctive function is to engage us with both objective and personal values. Attention to emotions' work reveals that it is precisely their “unruliness” that allows them to play meaningful roles in our lives.
Vertex operators of level-one U q ( B { n / (1) })-modules

We construct explicitly the level-one vertex operators for the fundamental modulesV(Δ1) (i=0, 1,n) of the quantum affine algebra of typeB using free boson and fermion fields.
Carbon Dioxide at High Pressure and Temperature

We present a review of recent studies of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) at high pressures and temperatures and describe the experimental evidence for a dipole interacting bent CO 2 phase IV and for a non-molecular extended phase V. Phase IV is stabilized above 12 GPa and 1000 K; the Raman activation of the internal bending mode (v 2 ) indicates a loss of molecular inversion symmetry in this new phase. Above 35 GPa, and 1800 K. the CO 2 molecules associate to form a covalent solid (V) with a structure based on singly bonded CO 4 tetrahedra, similar to that of SiO 2 tridymite, We discuss the stability and properties of this polymeric form of CO 2 .
Leonard Medal Citation for A. G. W. Cameron

I am very happy that Al Cameron chose to get the Leonard Medal, the highest award of our society, here in the beautiful city of Prague in this magnificent hall of a most ancient university, serenaded by the lovely young Czech ladies. I hope we will not talk too long so that we may hear them sing again, before fainting from the heat of this unusual summer and from boredom. This occasion is graced by the magnificent Baroque architecture of Prague that is also reminiscent in style of so many of Al Cameron's theories. In inspecting the St. Vitus Cathedral, I note that many symbols have been put up in honor of the Meteoritical Society and its activities-stained glass windows with pictures of comets, Saturn, the formation of the Earth and the creation of the universe. This city has been the home of great astronomers. It is in this same modest field that Al Cameron has worked. There are many artistic renditions concerning creation myths and cosmology or cosmogony (as Al prefers).
Prognostic Value of Vasodilator Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in Patients With Left Bundle-Branch Block

Background—The prognostic value of tomographic myocardial perfusion imaging with dipyridamole or adenosine in patients with left bundle-branch block has not been established. Methods and Results—The study group consisted of 245 patients with left bundle-branch block who underwent tomographic (single photon emission tomography) myocardial perfusion imaging with thallium-201 (n=173) or technetium-99m sestamibi (n=72) and either dipyridamole (n=153) or adenosine (n=92) stress. Patients were prospectively classified into two groups. Patients were classified as “high risk” if they had (1) a large severe fixed defect (n=28), (2) a large reversible defect (n=36), or (3) cardiac enlargement and either increased pulmonary uptake (thallium) or a decreased resting ejection fraction (sestamibi) (n=20). The remaining 161 patients (66% of the study group) were at “low risk.” Follow-up was 99% complete at 3±1.4 years. Three-year overall survival was 57% in the high-risk group compared with 87% in the low-risk group (P<....
Efficacy of electrolyzed oxidizing water against Listeria monocytogenes and Morganella morganii on conveyor belt and raw fish surfaces

Abstract Listeria monocytogenes and Morganella morganii have been implicated in listeriosis outbreaks and histamine fish poisoning, respectively. Possible sources of contamination of food products include processing equipment, food handlers, and fish smokehouses. Treatment of food preparation surfaces and of whole fish during handling with agents such as, electrolyzed oxidizing (EO) water, could reduce biofilm formation on seafood products and in seafood processing plants. We examined the efficacy of EO water against L. monocytogenes and M. morganii biofilms using the MBEC™ Assay System (Innovotech Inc.), conveyor belt coupons, and raw fish surfaces. The MBEC™ Assay System was used to assess the activity of EO water against 24-h biofilms of 90 L. monocytogenes strains and five M. morganii strains. Biofilms were exposed to PBS or EO water for 0 (control), 5, 15, and 30 min. All bacterial isolates were susceptible (reduction of 7 log10CFU) to treatment with EO water for 5 min based on results obtained using this assay system. EO water was used to treat four L. monocytogenes strains and one M. morganii strain attached to conveyor belt coupons and fish surfaces. Three L. monocytogenes strains and one M. morganii strain on belt coupons were reduced by 1–2.5 log10CFU/cm2 by exposure (5 min) to EO water compared to exposure to sterile distilled water. Strain to strain variability in susceptibility to EO water was evidenced by the fact that numbers of one L. monocytogenes strain were not reduced by EO water treatment of belt surfaces. EO water was not effective against L. monocytogenes and M. morganii on fish surfaces as growth occurred during cold storage. These results suggest that exposure of conveyor belts to EO water for a minimum of 5 min could assist in the removal of some biofilms. Removal of food residue with continuous or intermittent spraying of food processing equipment (e.g., conveyor belts, slicers) could reduce or prevent further biofilm formation. Additional sanitizers must be investigated for activity against bacteria associated with raw fish.
p39, a major baculovirus structural protein: immunocytochemical characterization and genetic location.

Abstract A series of monoclonal antibodies was produced against proteins from polyhedra-derived virions of the multicapsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus of Orgyia pseudotsugata (OpMNPV). Two of these antibodies (214 and 236) reacted with a protein of 39 kDa on Western blots of electrophoretically separated OpMNPV virion proteins derived from both budded and polyhedra-derived virions. This protein appears to be a major component of both BV and PDV. One of the p39 antibodies was used to characterize p39 synthesis in infected Lymantria dispar cells by using Western blots and immunofluorescent staining. The p39 protein was detected by immunofluorescence microscopy at 24 hr postinfection. By 48 hr, p39 was detected primarily in cell nuclei with little or no detectable staining of the cytoplasm. The two MAbs were used to identify three immunoreactive clones from a λ gt11 expression library of OpMNPV DNA. By hybridization of insert DNA from three λ gt11 clones to blots of restriction digests of OpMNPV genomic DNA, the location of the 39-kDa gene was mapped on the OpMNPV genome. Using the λ gt11 insert DNAs and thhe monoclonal antibodies, the p39 genes and proteins of OpMNPV and Autographa californica NPV (AcMNPV) were shown to be closely related in size, DNA sequence, and antigenicity. One of the p39 monoclonal antibodies cross-reacted with a host cell protein associated with the condensed chromosomes present during mitosis.
The role of technology and authentic task contexts in promoting inclusive learning for disabled and non-disabled college students

Although most online courses offered by institutions of higher learning are accessible to both the disabled and non-disabled student population, little empirical research is available on how inclusive the online courses are. Fulfilling mandated accessibility requirements may not always connote inclusivity. As such, educational institutions may unwittingly foster separate educational tracks for disabled Vs non-disabled students; while simultaneously paying mere lip service to the notion of "making reasonable accommodations" for their disabled student population as required by law. In this research project, we intend to use our current understanding of how humans learn in technology enabled environments and findings in cognitive neuroscience, to develop and assess the effectiveness of online course materials that will be made inclusively accessible to both disabled and non-disabled students. Our initial focus is on Science, Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) online courses offered to college level blind and deaf as well as sighted/hearing students.
Plasmid IL-12 electroporation in melanoma

Intratumoral gene electroporation uses electric charges to facilitate entry of plasmid DNA into cells in a reproducible and highly efficient manner, especially to accessible sites such as cutaneous and subcutaneous melanomas. Effective for locally treated disease, electroporation of plasmid DNA encoding interleukin-12 can also induce responses in untreated distant disease, suggesting that adaptive immune responses are being elicited that can target melanoma-associated antigens. In vivo electroporation with immunomodulatory cytokine DNA is a promising approach that can trigger systemic anti-tumor immune responses without the systemic toxicity associated with intravenous cytokine delivery and potentially offer complete long-term tumor regression.
Temporomandibular joint clicking

Abstract In cases of myofascial pain and dysfunction, in which the condition is physiologically reversible, the purpose of treatment is to reintroduce synchronization of the moving parts of the temporomandibular joint, and of the parts that move the joint, in order to eliminate abnormal pressures. There will then be a proper relationship between disc, head of condyle and eminentia, and the synovial fluid will act as a lubricant instead of being confined under pressure.
Hyperthermia and radiation--a selective thermal effect on chronically hypoxic tumor cells in vivo.

Abstract Thermal radiosensitization was evaluated by constructing survival curves for radiation doses required to control C3H mouse tumors (tumor control dose for 50% of the animals (TCD 50 )) and for doses required for moist desquamation in 50% of the legs (DD 50 ). A 15 min heat treatment at a water bath temperature of 44.5°C was delivered under ambient conditions (mice breathing air, and the hind leg with the tumor not clamped) immediately after irradiation under ambient, hypoxic, or hyperbaric OZ conditions. The analysis from survival curves suggested that thermal treatment after irradiation had a similar effect on oxygenated and acutely hypoxic skin and tumor cells. However, the chronically hypoxic tumor cells, i.e. those not oxygenated under hyperbaric O 2 , either were selectively killed or selectively radiosensitized by the thermal treatment.
The evolution of waste into a resource: Examining innovation in technologies reusing coal combustion by-products using patent data

The reuse of waste begins with the development of new technologies for ways to use waste. Despite the critical role of innovation in waste reuse, innovation for waste reuse technologies has been largely overlooked in innovation studies. This paper presents the first patent study examining the innovation process for a specific waste reuse technology, to elucidate how waste evolves into a resource with a greater possibility of being used. This study specifically analyzes how innovation occurs, what drives it, and the consequences of this innovation. Coal combustion by-products (CCBs), which are solid residues generated from coal-fired utilities, are specifically examined as a test case because they have been promoted as a resource through century-long innovative efforts for use in construction, mining, and agricultural applications. Having examined more than 700 patents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office database, the results of this study show that innovation has primarily occurred: (1) to reuse CCBs, particularly fly ash, in various building, construction, and structural products; (2) by businesses, particularly those that need to use CCBs; and (3) since 1967, and the number of CCB-related patents peaked during the early 1980s and 1990s. For the drivers of innovation, this study identifies the impact of some market factors, such as cement and lime price, and institutional activities, such as the establishment of industrial associations that support CCB reuse, on patent filings. The role of regulation in innovation, however, is ambiguous with regard to CCB reuse. Although more CCBs have been used as more innovation occurs, the use of CCBs has increased with a lag, due to variation in the values of individual technologies and barriers to the implementation of technologies in the reuse market.
Quality of Life and Cost of Care at the End of Life: The Role of Advance Directives

Abstract Context Advance directives (ADs) are expected to improve patients' end-of-life outcomes, but retrospective analyses, surrogate recall of patients' preferences, and selection bias have hampered efforts to determine ADs' effects on patient outcomes. Objectives The aim was to examine associations among ADs, quality of life, and estimated costs of care in the week before death. Methods We used prospective data from interviews of 336 patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers and analyzed patient baseline interview and caregiver and provider post-mortem evaluation data from the Coping with Cancer study. Cost estimates were from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample and published Medicare payment rates and cost estimates. Outcomes were quality of life (range 0–10) and estimated costs of care received in the week before death. Because patient end-of-life care preferences influence both AD completion and care use, analyses were stratified by preferences regarding heroic end-of-life measures (everything possible to remain alive). Results Most patients did not want heroic measures (76%). Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders were associated with higher quality of life (β = 0.75, standard error = 0.30, P = 0.01) across the entire sample. There were no statistically significant relationships between DNR orders and outcomes among patients when we stratified by patient preference or between living wills/durable powers of attorney and outcomes in any of the patient groups. Conclusion The associations between DNR orders and better quality of life in the week before death indicate that documenting preferences against resuscitation in medical orders may be beneficial to many patients.
Bioterrorism and Smallpox: Policies, Practices, and Implications for Social Work

Terrorist acts and the fear of terrorism have become a part of everyday life in the early 21st century. Among the threats most feared is bioterrorism, including the intentional release of smallpox. With the invasion of Iraq and toppling of the Saddam Hussein regime, acute bioterrorism fears have abated; however, an ongoing threat remains.This article addresses the need for knowledge and rational policies in dealing with potential bioterrorism attacks. It presents information on four of the most likely bioterrorism agents: smallpox, anthrax, botulism, and plague. It illustrates the importance of accurate knowledge and rational decision making in addressing the threat of terrorism through the intentional release of biological weapons such as smallpox. Finally, it provides information essential for social workers to make informed practice decisions, to educate clients and the public, and to advocate for sound public policy.
Transient lightning responses of grounding systems buried in horizontal multilayered earth with a hybrid method

Abstract Combined with the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), a mathematical hybrid method for accurately computing the lightning response from grounding systems buried in multilayered earth model has been developed in this paper. In the method, electrical circuit consists of “T” typical of basic elements. To accelerate calculations of the method, quasi-static complex image method and closed form of Green's function and analytical formula for mutual induction and impedance coefficients were introduced into this method. With the inverse FFT, the method can be used for studying performances of transient lightning response from the grounding systems.
Uncoupling of energy transfer reactions in mitochondria by tetraphenyl boron.

Abstract The effect of tetraphenyl boron (TPB) on mitochondrial reactions has been investigated because this reagent is both a specific analytical tool for the identification of potassium, and effective at low concentrations in dispersing cells and disrupting mitochondrial structure. A study of its mode of action seemed relevant to the controversial question surrounding a proposed potassium requirement for oxidative phosphorylation. Tetraphenyl boron exerted a powerful uncoupling action toward oxidative phosphorylation, inhibited reversed electron transfer, calcium transport, and the ATP-32Pi exchange reaction, and stimulated ATP hydrolysis in rat liver mitochondria. Ascorbate-TMPD oxidation manifested an especial sensitivity to uncoupling by TPB as compared with other substrates which transport electrons to the same region of the respiratory chain through which ascorbate-TMPD is oxidized. Absorption spectrum studies show that TPB interacts with the oxidized form of TMPD to form a complex, and this seems to account for the particular sensitivity of TMPD oxidation to TPB uncoupling. Despite the selective binding and precipitation of the potassium salt of TPB, no evidence for reversibility of its uncoupling action could be accomplished by adding potassium to mitochondria. However, a prior addition of potassium to mitochondrial reactions does largely prevent TPB action, but this seems readily explained by its effective removal from test systems by its precipitation. Bovine serum albumin was partially effective in restoring oxidative phosphorylation. Hence it is not established that TPB uncoupling results from potassium binding.
Soybean (Glycine max L.) Response to Fungicides in the Absence of Disease Pressure

Field studies were conducted during the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons along the Texas Upper Gulf Coast region to study the effects of fungicides on soybean disease development and to evaluate the response of four soybean cultivars to prothioconazole plus trifloxystrobin and pyraclostrobin. In neither year did any soybean diseases develop enough to be an issue. Only NKS 51-T8 responded to a fungicide treatment in 2010 while HBK 5025 responded in 2011. Prothioconazole plus trifloxystrobin increased NKS 51-T8 yield by 23% in 2010 while in 2011 the yield of HBK 5025 was increased 14% over the unsprayed check. No yield response was noted with pyraclostrobin on any soybean cultivar. Only prothioconazole