cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid adaptation to non-native speech is impaired in cochlear implant users

To examine difficulties experienced by cochlear implant (CI) users when perceiving non-native speech, intelligibility of non-native speech was compared in conditions with single and multiple alternating talkers. Compared to listeners with normal hearing, no rapid talker-dependent adaptation was observed and performance was approximately 40% lower for CI users following increased exposure in both talker conditions. Results suggest that lower performance for CI users may stem from combined effects of limited spectral resolution, which diminishes perceptible differences across accents, and limited access to talker-specific acoustic features of speech, which reduces the ability to adapt to non-native speech in a talker-dependent manner.
The Effect of Sociodemographics, Physical Function, and Mood on Dementia Screening in a Multicultural Cohort.

Purpose To assess age, sex, race and ethnicity disparities in cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults and identify factors that contribute to these disparities. Patients and Methods Cognitive performance (global and domain-specific) and self-reported cognitive function were compared among Black (N=57), Hispanic (N=139), and White (N=108) older adults. The impact of socioeconomic status (SES), physical functionality, and mood indicators was assessed with a combination of hierarchical general linear models and mediation analysis. Results Poorer cognitive performance and higher levels of impairment were found in older adults from racial and ethnic backgrounds. The contribution of lower SES to the observed racial and ethnic disparities in objective cognitive performance was 33% in Hispanics and about 20% in Blacks, while poorer physical functionality explained over half of the differences between Black and White participants. Higher self-reported cognitive impairment in minorities was explained by lower SES and higher depressive symptoms in Hispanics but not in Blacks. Conclusion Performance on objective memory testing and self-reported cognition are greatly influenced by relevant biological, sociodemographic and medical variables. Dementia screening programs should be tailored to individual sociodemographic groups based on contributors that are specific to each group.
ReCon: From the Bitstream to Piracy Detection

Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are used almost everywhere, from smart-phones to datacenters. FPGA functionality is determined by the intellectual property (IP) encoded within a vendor-proprietary binary configuration file, or bitstream, that is deployed on these devices. The potential value offered by IP creates many incentives for an adversary to attempt to steal it. The opaque nature of vendor bitstream formats has thus far limited the ability to detect stolen IP in deployed FPGAs. In this work we demonstrate the ability to detect instances of IP piracy given ONLY the FPGA configuration bitstream and a golden user netlist. While prior works have shown it is possible to reverse-engineer FPGA bitstreams into an underlying structural netlist, in isolation this netlist is of limited utility. We take this a step further by introducing ReCon, a tool to automatically assist in detecting pirated IP within a bitstream. ReCon first extracts a netlist from an unknown bitstream, then applies subgraph isomorphism algorithms to detect IP within the extracted netlist that are pirated from an original, or user, IP. Our experiments demonstrate ReCon as an effective method for piracy detection because it allows for a composite comparison between two bitstreams without needing to manually reverse engineer circuits and identify submodules.
Obstructive sleep apnea in pregnancy: 1 sleep study may not be enough in high-risk women.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by multiple episodes of airflow limitations and intermittent hypoxia. Pregnancy is a risk factor for developing OSA and OSA is assoc...
Current status of anaerobic digestion of food waste in the United States

Abstract Utilization of food waste (FW) and food processing waste streams in waste-to-energy technologies has increased over the years in United States (US). This review paper compiled information from published literature and open data sources to obtain a holistic view of the current state of FW availability and its management using anaerobic digestion (AD). The review examined the usage of FW as a feedstock for AD by considering the feedstock composition and availability of FW in the US as well as challenges and opportunities with implementing FW in mono- and co-digestion. Also presented are global trends in FW digestion and the current status of FW co-digestion in the US. FW in the US was characterized with regard to volume and composition to show a need for waste management and an opportunity for valuable resource recovery. Challenges and opportunities of processing via AcoD were presented to review best practices for successful operations. Environmental standards, economic incentives, and governmental policies in the US and around the world regarding waste management and utilization were discussed to identify barriers and sources of opportunity for large-scale implementation of AcoD. A range of facilities throughout the US was examined for information regarding digestion type, feedstock(s), biogas production and utilization, and energy self-sufficiency to better understand the current status of FW digestion. Several US facilities were outlined as case studies that co-digest FW and produce and utilize biogas for various applications. Future strategies, perspectives, and roadmaps were discussed to elucidate the shaping of future FW management practices.
Prognostic Factors for Survival in Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

A data base study of 610 patients with recurrent or metastatic renal cell carcinoma was conducted in order to identify clinical characteristics that are prognostic for survival in patients with this disease. Multivariate analysis identified initial Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (0 versus 1 versus 2 versus 3), time from initial diagnosis (greater than 1 year versus less than or equal to 1 year), number of metastatic sites (0,1 versus greater than 1), prior cytotoxic chemotherapy (no versus yes), and recent weight loss (no versus yes) as important indicators of survival. Closer examination of the resulting model indicated that patients can easily be separated into five prognostic subgroups, the subgroups being defined by a simple function of the number of risk factors present [Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 1, recent diagnosis (less than or equal to 1 year), greater than 1 metastatic site, recent weight loss, and prior cytotoxic chemotherapy each counting as a single risk factor; and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 2 and 3 counting as 2 and 3 risk factors, respectively]. Median survival for each of the five risk groups was 12.8, 7.7, 5.3, 3.4, and 2.1 months, respectively.
Epithelial differentiation in the fetal rat colon: I. Plasma membrane phosphatase activities

Abstract During the last week of gestation of the fetal rat, the epithelium of the colon is rapidly remodeled. At 16 days a primitive stratified epithelium surrounds a small central lumen. Over the next 3 days, the main lumen extends narrow clefts down to the basal cell layer and small secondary lumina appear within the stratified epithelium between these clefts. At 19 and 20 days, secondary lumina enlarge but remain discrete; an infusion of cationic ferritin into the main lumen does not enter secondary lumina. During the 2 days prior to birth (21–22), the secondary lumina join the main lumen as superficial cells are sloughed, and the epithelium becomes simple columnar. Freeze-fracture replicas indicate that luminal and nonluminal membrane domains of epithelial cell plasma membranes are separated by continuous tight junctions throughout the conversion process. Cytochemical analysis of tissue slices from 16- to 22-day fetal colon demonstrated the appearance and segregation of two phosphatases on apical and basolateral membrane domains during epithelial conversion. Cysteine-sensitive pH 9.0 (alkaline) phosphatase activity was first detected along the luminal membranes of cells bordering both primary and secondary lumina at 18 days gestation and increased to a maximum at 20–21 days; weaker activity was present on basolateral membranes. Phosphatase activity at pH 8.0 also appeared at 18 days and increased thereafter, but was localized primarily on nonluminal membranes. At pH 8.0, reaction product appeared on both inner and outer sides of the membrane, and was only partially abolished by omission of K+ or addition of ouabain; thus the reaction may be only partially due to K+-dependent ATPase activity. Biochemical analysis of the cytochemical media confirmed the appearance of phosphatase activities at 18 days. Thus, plasma membrane phosphatase activities appear while the epithelium is still stratified, but are segregated to luminal and nonluminal membrane domains at the onset of activity. Segregation is maintained throughout the process of conversion of a simple columnar epithelium.
Benzo(a)pyrene-resistant MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells A UNIQUE ARYL HYDROCARBON-NONRESPONSIVE CLONE*

Wild-type MCF-7 human breast cancer cells were cultured for 3 months in 1 microM benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), and resistant clones were screened for inducibility of CYP1A1 gene expression by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). One of the BaP-resistant (BaPR) clones exhibited unique genotypic expression which distinguished it from both wild-type and drug-resistant (AdrR) variant MCF-7 cells. Glutathione levels, glutathione S-transferase activities, estrogen receptor levels, estrogen responsiveness, and expression of the multidrug-resistant MDR1 and MRP mRNA levels were similar in the wild-type and BaPR cells, whereas these parameters were reported to be altered in AdrR cells. In contrast, TCDD induced CYP1A1 gene expression and inhibited selected estrogen-induced responses in wild-type but not BaPR MCF-7 cells. Treatment of wild-type and BaPR cells with [3H]TCDD resulted in formation of the radiolabeled aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) 6 S nuclear receptor complex in both cell lines. The loss of Ah responsiveness in the BaPR variant cells correlated with the failure of the nuclear or transformed cytosolic Ah receptor complex to bind genomic dioxin-responsive elements as determined in gel retardation assays.
High priority for hepatitis C screening in safety net hospitals: Results from a prospective cohort of 4582 hospitalized baby boomers

Low-income populations are disproportionately affected by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Thus, implementing baby boomer screening (born 1945-1965) for HCV may be a high priority for safety net hospitals. We report the prevalence and predictors of HCV infection and advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis based on the Fibrosis-4 score plus imaging for a baby boomer cohort admitted to a safety net hospital over a 21-month interval with >9 months of follow-up. Anti-HCV antibody testing was performed for 4582, or 90%, of all never-screened patients, of whom 312 (6.7%) tested positive. Adjusted odds ratios of testing anti-HCV-positive were 2.66 for men versus women (P < 0.001), 1.25 for uninsured versus insured (P = 0.06), 0.70 for Hispanics versus non-Hispanic whites (P = 0.005), and 0.93 per year of age (P < 0.001). Among 287 patients tested for HCV RNA (91% of all anti-HCV-positive cases), 175 (61%) were viremic (3.8% overall prevalence in cohort), which was 5% less likely per year of age (P < 0.03). Noninvasive staging of 148 (84.6%) chronic HCV patients identified advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis in 50 (33.8%), with higher adjusted odds ratios of 3.21 for Hispanics versus non-Hispanic whites/Asians (P = 0.02) and 1.18 per year of age (P = 0.001). Other factors associated with significantly higher adjusted odds ratios of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis were alcohol abuse/dependence, obesity, and being uninsured. Conclusion: In this low-income, hospitalized cohort, 4% of 4582 screened baby boomers were diagnosed with chronic HCV, nearly twice the rate in the community; one-third had noninvasive testing that indicated advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, which was significantly more likely for Hispanics, those of older age, those with obesity, those with alcohol abuse/dependence, and those who lacked insurance. (Hepatology 2015;62:1388–1395)
Quantitative Evaluation of 5-Hydroxytryptamine (Serotonin) Neuronal Release and Uptake: An Investigation of Extrasynaptic Transmission

Whether neurotransmitters are restricted to the synaptic cleft (participating only in hard-wired neurotransmission) or diffuse to remote receptor sites (participating in what has been termed volume or paracrine transmission) depends on a number of factors. These include (1) the location of release sites with respect to the receptors, (2) the number of molecules released, (3) the diffusional rate away from the release site, determined by both the geometry near the release site as well as binding interactions, and (4) the removal of transmitter by the relevant transporter. Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry allows for the detection of extrasynaptic concentrations of many biogenic amines, permitting direct access to many of these parameters. In this study the hypothesis that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) transmission is primarily extrasynaptic in the substantia nigra reticulata, a terminal region with identified synaptic contacts, and the dorsal raphe nucleus, a somatodendritic region with rare synaptic incidence, was tested in brain slices prepared from the rat. Using carbon fiber microelectrodes, we found the concentration of 5-HT released per stimulus pulse in both regions to be identical when elicited by single pulse stimulations or trains at high frequency. 5-HT efflux elicited by a single stimulus pulse was unaffected by uptake inhibition or receptor antagonism. Thus, synaptic efflux is not restricted by binding to intrasynaptic receptors or transporters. The number of 5-HT molecules released per terminal was estimated in the substantia nigra reticulata and was considerably less than the number of 5-HT transporter and receptor sites, reinforcing the hypothesis that these sites are extrasynaptic. Furthermore, the detected extrasynaptic concentrations closely match the affinity for the predominant 5-HT receptor in each region. Although they do not disprove the existence of classical synaptic transmission, our results support the existence of paracrine neurotransmission in both serotonergic regions.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Decomposition by Intestinal Bacteria of Cockroaches

The amounts of carboxymethyl cellulase present in the midguts and hindguts of two species of cockroaches were determined. Numbers of colonies from the guts which digested carboxymethyl cellulose, visualized by flooding plates with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide after incubation, were counted. The numbers indicated the presence of a resident, multiplying population of predominantly anaerobic carboxymethyl cellulose-digesting bacteria in both species of cockroaches. Anaerobic and facultatively anaerobic species of bacteria were isolated, and their carboxymethylcellulase activities were assayed.
Abstract W MP32: Is Acute Reperfusion Therapy Safe in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Who Harbor Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm?

BACKGROUND: Intracranial aneurysm was considered an exclusion criteria for intravenous(IV) thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke in both NINDS and ECASS III studies, possibly due to a hypothetical increase in the risk of bleeding from the aneurysm rupture; however, there is limited data available on whether IV thrombolysis is unsafe for acute ischemic stroke patients with incidental brain aneurysms and to the best of our knowledge, no data is available on the safety of combination of IV and intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis in those patients. AIM: To find out the safety of acute reperfusion therapy in acute ischemic stroke patients who harbor intracranial aneurysm. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and cerebrovascular images of all the patients treated with IV thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke in our center from the beginning of 2006 till the end of April 2014. Those with evidence of unruptured intracranial aneurysm on cerebrovascular images prior to acute reperfusion therapy were identified. Post thrombolysis brain imaging were reviewed to evaluate for any symptomatic intraparenchymal or subarachnoid hemorrhage related or unrelated to the aneurysms. RESULTS: A total of 637 patients received IV thrombolysis in our center during a 9.3 years period. 33 (5.1%) were found to have at least one intracranial aneurysm. 24(72.7%) of those received only IV thrombolysis and 9 patients received combination of IV and IA thrombolysis. The size of the largest aneurysm was 9 mm (Range: 2 mm to 9 mm). No symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred among the 24 patients receiving only IV thrombolysis. Out of those who received a combination of IV and IA thrombolysis, 1 developed symptomatic intraparenchymal hemorrhage with intraventricular extension in the location of acute infarct, distant to the aneurysm location. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that neither IV thrombolysis nor combination IV and IA thrombolysis increase the risk of aneurysmal hemorrhage in acute ischemic stroke patients who harbor unruptured intracranial aneurysms less than 10 mm in diameter. Their listing in exclusion criteria for IV thrombolysis should be reconsidered to assure appropriate use of acute reperfusion therapy in this group of patients.
Hard Truths about the Truth in Budgeting Act

Removing transportation trust funds from the federal budget would undermine efforts to reduce the federal deficit and to devolve decision making to the states. Supporters of the policy, moreover, overestimate the nations infrastructure problems and underestimate the costs that transportation users impose on society.
Optical coupling and alignment tolerances in optoelectronic array interface assemblies

A novel analytic beam propagation approach to multimode coupling modeling is presented which models mode power and phase distributions from first principles (unlike ray-tracing.) Coupling between axially misaligned multimode fibers has been simulated and compared with measurements. The relationships between optical coupling and fabrication and assembly tolerances have been studied for a generic laser diode array-to-optical fiber array coupler. Sources for lateral and transverse misalignment have been identified and related to variations in micromachining, components, assembly and thermo-mechanical stresses. Assessment of these misalignment sources leads to worst case laser diode-to-optical fiber transverse and lateral misalignments of approximately 2.8 /spl mu/m for single-mode coupling and 4.1 /spl mu/m for multimode coupling. These values indicate that this laser array interface, in its present form, is suitable for multimode fibers but not single-mode fibers.
A Menace to the Democratic Peace? Dyadic and Systemic Difference†

Do democracies become less peaceful with one another as the overall number of democratic states in the international system increases? Gartzke and Weisiger (2013, 2014) claim that they do. However, I argue that their evidence stems from a mathematical error in their statistical model. Once I correct that error, their findings no longer hold. In other words, when Gartzke and Weisiger's model receives proper specification, no dyadic and systemic difference persists, while democracy emerges as a pacifying factor that reduces the likelihood of interstate dispute.
Aged black carbon in marine sediments and sinking particles

We report measurements of oceanic black carbon (BC) to determine the sources of BC to abyssal marine sediments in the northeast Pacific Ocean. We find that the average 14C age of BC is older (by 6200 ± 2200 14C years) than that of the concurrently deposited non-BC sedimentary organic carbon. We investigate sources of aged BC to sediments by measuring a sample of sinking particulate organic carbon (POC) and find that POC may provide the main transport mechanism of BC to sediments. We suggest that aged BC is incorporated into POC from a combination of resuspended sediments and sorption of ancient dissolved organic carbon BC onto POC. Our BC flux estimate represents ~8–16% of the global burial flux of organic carbon to abyssal sediments and constitutes a minimum long-term removal estimate of 6–32% of biomass-derived BC using the present day emission flux.
Toxicity of nonhost phototoxins to parsnip webworms(Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae)

The parsnip webworm,Depressaria pastinacella (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae), feeds exclusively on apiaceous hostplants containing furanocoumarins, compounds capable of oxygen-dependent and oxygen-independend photosensitization. Despite high titers of antioxidant enzymes relative to other herbivorous insects, webworms cannot tolerate nonhost photosensitizers such as alpha-terthienyl or beta-carboline alkaloids at dietary concentrations of 0.01% or less. Tolerance of skimmianine, a furano-quinoline alkaloid, may be due to its structural resemblance to furanocoumarins, which are metabolized by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases in this species.
House-dust-mite allergens: a review.

The house-dust mites,Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pheronyssinus andEuroglyphus maynei are cosmopolitan inhabitants of the homes of humans worldwide. These mites are the sources of multiple potent allergens that trigger allergic reactions in house-dust-mite-sensitive individuals. Many laboratories using widely varied mite materials and allergic sera, and biochemical and immunological assays, have isolated and characterized, to varying degrees, some of the allergens produced by these mites. The resulting large body of literature is difficult to interpret and relate. This review briefly summarizes the progress made in isolating and characterizing mite-derived antigens and allergens, the relationship between antigens isolated in different laboratories, and the patients' reactivity to these allergens. A brief summary of the allergic reaction and the role of IgE are provided as background.
Research highlights: measuring and manipulating cell migration

Microfabricated systems and microfluidic tools are well-suited to interface with cells because of the matching length scales. In this issue, we highlight three recent papers in which unique tools were used to control or measure cell migration. Cell migration is a key biological process involved in normal physiology (e.g. in embryonic development, immune response, and wound healing) which can go awry in diseases such as cancer. We highlight work applying electric fields and surface patterning to direct the collective migration of epithelial cells using galvanotaxis, in which surprisingly larger patches of cells respond more uniformly to electric fields. Such a platform may yield insights into or be co-opted to control tissue formation. We also describe recent results on developing a simple system to measure the migration of neutrophils in response to chemoattractants and on using this system to discriminate between neutrophils from asthmatic and non-asthmatic patients. Finally, a micropillar system is highlighted in which the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is quantified at the single-cell level, and may aid in our understanding of the plastic process of progression to a malignant phenotype. Cell migration is a wonderfully complex process in which microscale systems can not only contribute to a better understanding, but might also improve its recording and manipulation for practical applications.
Safety and efficacy of iodine-125 permanent prostate brachytherapy in patients with J-pouch anastomosis after total colectomy for ulcerative colitis

Abstract Purpose To ascertain the safety and efficacy of permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB) in early prostate cancer patients who have undergone previous total proctocolectomy and J-pouch anastomosis for inflammatory bowel disease. Methods and materials We identified 10 patients with a previous history of prostate cancer and J-pouch anastomosis from our institutional review board–approved database. Seven patients had PPB and 3 had prostatectomy. Only patients treated with PPB were included. Patient records were reviewed to collect data on treatment-related toxicity and oncological outcomes. Results All 7 patients who underwent PPB had low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The mean prostatic volume was 24.40 mL and the average number of iodine-125 seeds implanted was 84. Postimplant dosimetric calculations showed a mean prostate volume receiving 100% of the prescribed dose (V100) of 88.76%, V150 of 45.23%, V200 of 16.79%, radiation dose delivered to 90% of the prostate of 147.89 Gy, volume of ileal pouch receiving 100% of the prescribed dose of 0.164 mL, and volume of ileal pouch receiving 50% of the prescribed dose of 1.38 mL. After a mean follow-up of 19 months, none of the patients had evidence of biochemical failure or clinical failure. There were no long-term genitourinary side effects detected. Two patients had Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 grade II gastrointestinal side effects, of which symptoms resolved to baseline in 1 patient, whereas the other patient progressed to chronic active enteritis (pouchitis). Conclusion Low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients with J-pouch anastomosis after total colectomy for inflammatory bowel disease are candidates for definitive treatment with PPB. Caution should be exercised while deploying the most posterior row of seeds to minimize enteral pouch radiation doses.
Accurate ab initio potential energy curves and spectroscopic properties of the four lowest singlet states of C2

The diatomic carbon molecule has a complex electronic structure with a large number of low-lying electronic excited states. In this work, the potential energy curves (PECs) of the four lowest lying singlet states ( $$X^{1} \Sigma^{ + }_{g}$$ , $$A^{1} \Pi_{u}$$ , $$B^{1} \Delta_{g}$$ , and $$B^{\prime1} \Sigma^{ + }_{g}$$ ) were obtained by high-level ab initio calculations. Valence electron correlation was accounted for by the correlation energy extrapolation by intrinsic scaling (CEEIS) method. Additional corrections to the PECs included core–valence correlation and relativistic effects. Spin–orbit corrections were found to be insignificant. The impact of using dynamically weighted reference wave functions in conjunction with CEEIS was examined and found to give indistinguishable results from the even weighted method. The PECs showed multiple curve crossings due to the $$B^{1} \Delta_{g}$$ state as well as an avoided crossing between the two $$^{1} \Sigma^{ + }_{g}$$ states. Vibrational energy levels were computed for each of the four electronic states, as well as rotational constants and spectroscopic parameters. Comparison between the theoretical and experimental results showed excellent agreement overall. Equilibrium bond distances are reproduced to within 0.05 %. The dissociation energies of the states agree with experiment to within ~0.5 kcal/mol, achieving “chemical accuracy.” Vibrational energy levels show average deviations of ~20 cm−1 or less. The $$B^{1} \Delta_{g}$$ state shows the best agreement with a mean absolute deviation of 2.41 cm−1. Calculated rotational constants exhibit very good agreement with experiment, as do the spectroscopic constants.
Political deadlocks and distributional information: The value of the veil

Contractarian normative theory relies on the “veil of ignorance” construct to generate the political consensus required for its theories of justice. By eliminating distributional information, the veil is presumed to facilite consensus building by reducing conflict over the distributional effects of proposed constitutional rules or institutions. This paper explores the extent to which excessive distributional information might also impede the ordinary day-to-day decision making of democratic institutions. Our analysis suggests that distributive information makes political deadlocks under majority rule more likely. Statistical evidence suggests that the efficacy of the U.S. Congress has been reduced by the dramatic increase in distributional information made available to it over the past twenty five years.
Analysis of Transient Temperatures in Grinding

Temperatures generated in the workpiece during straight surface plunge grinding follow a transient behavior as the grinding wheel engages with and disengages from the workpiece, and throughout the entire grinding pass for workpieces which are shorter than needed to reach a quasi-steady state condition. In the present paper, a thermal model is developed for the transient temperature distribution under regular and creep-feed grinding conditions. Numerical results obtained using a finite difference method indicate that the workpiece temperature rises rapidly during initial wheel-workpiece engagement (cut in), subsequently reaches a quasi-steady state value if the workpiece is sufficiently long, and increases still further during final wheel-workpiece disengagement (cut out) as workpiece material is suddenly unavailable to dissipate heat. Cooling by a nozzle directed at the end face of the workpiece should significantly reduce the temperature rise during cut out.
One-pot synthesis of manganese(I) and rhenium(I) alkylcarbonato complexes, fac-(CO)3(dppp)MOC(O)OR. Possible trapping of intermediate diphosphine dimers, [(CO)3(dppp)M]2

Abstract The reactions of Mn2(CO)10 and Re2(CO)10 with dppp, where, dppp is 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane, in primary alcohols, yielded the corresponding hydrides, fac-(CO)3(dppp)MH under argon atmosphere. However, similar reactions of the metal carbonyls with diphosphines in alcohols in the presence of air or carbon dioxide afforded one equivalent of the corresponding hydrides, fac-(CO)3(dppp)MH and one equivalent of the alkylcarbonato complexes, fac-(CO)3(dppp)MOC(O)OCH2R. The rhenium propylcarbonato complex, fac-(CO)3(dppp)ReOC(O)OCH2CH2CH3 is very stable and has been characterized by X-ray crystal structure determination. The manganese-analog, fac-(CO)3(dppp)MnOC(O)OCH2CH2CH3 is moisture-sensitive and converted slowly to the known carbonato-bridged complex, (CO)3(dppp)MnOC(O)OMn(dppp)(CO)3.
First Report of Tobacco ringspot virus Infecting Ajuga reptans in Ohio

In the fall of 2011, a bugleweed sample tested positive for Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV). Immunocapture RT-PCR using cDNAs from bound virions with RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and coat prot...
Immigration and Migration in America: Social Impact and Social Response*

The author discusses various social problems resulting from migration to and within the United States, including poverty, acculturation, education, housing, employment, social adjustment, and family difficulties. The potential impact of migrants on the U.S. society and economy is assessed, and government policy responses to their problems are considered. (SUMMARY IN FRE AND SPA)
Role Of Copper For Human Organism

The review focuses on a very peculiar aspect of the application of copper containing biologically active compounds of different chemical classes as have shown at the last scientific researches in the field of Cu (II) chelates, chelates possess have a higher activity of the same sort, than their mother compounds. The presented material shows essentially important qualities of Cu (II) containing compounds in biological aspect and has an interest for chemists, biochemists and pharmacologists.
Lactate dehydrogenase isozymes and their relationship to lens cell differentiation.

Abstract Changes in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ( l -lactate: NAD + oxidoreductase EC 1.1.1.27) isozymes are associated with the growth and differentiation of bovine lens cells. Calf and adult lens epithelial cells contain all 5 isozymes. The cathodal forms are most active in the calf-epithelial cells; the anodal forms are most active in the fiber cells. This transition from cathodal to anodal forms of lactate dehydrogenase in the epithelial cells is associated with cellular aging. During the differentiation of an epithelial cell to a fiber cell, in calf and adult lenses there is an enhancement of the transition from cathodal forms to anodal forms. The regulation of lactate dehydrogenase subunit synthesis may be associated, therefore, with the replicative activity of these cells. In cells having the greatest replicative activity (calf epithelial cells) the cathodal isozymes are most active; in cells having a decreased mitotic activity (adult epithelial cells) the anodal isozymes are most active. The non-replicative fiber cell of calf and adult shows a further transtion toward the anodal forms. Although lens fiber cells have a low rate of oxidative metabolism lactate dehydrogenase-I is the most active isozyme in these cells. Kinetically, lactate dehydrogenase-I factors other than, or in addition to, the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism are involved in regulating the synthesis of lactate dehydrogenase subunits.
Use of 7-alkoxyphenoxazones, 7-alkoxycoumarins and 7-alkoxyquinolines as fluorescent substrates for rainbow trout hepatic microsomes after treatment with various inducers

Abstract Various fluorescent substrates have been used as specific indicators of induction or activity of different cytochrome P450 isozymes in both fish and mammalian species. In an attempt to identify additional definitive fluorescent substrates for use in fish, we examined a series of 7-alkoxyphenoxazones, 7-alkoxycoumarins and 7-alkoxyquinolines as substrates in O-dealkylation assays with hepatic microsomes from rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ). Microsomes were prepared after 48 hr of treatment with β-naphthoflavone (β-NF), pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile (PCN), phenobarbital (PB), isosafrole (ISF), or dexamethasone (DEX). Total P450 spectra were obtained, and spectral binding studies were performed. Microsomal O-dealkylation rates were greater after ISF treatment than after β-NF treatment for 7-methoxy-, 7-ethoxy-, 7-propoxy- and 7-benzyloxyphenoxazones but not for 7-butoxyphenoxazone. DEX treatment resulted in a significant elevation of pentoxyphenoxazone metabolism (about a 144-fold increase) compared with microsomes induced by β-NF (11-fold) and ISF (37-fold). The rates of dealkylation of the alkoxyphenoxazones by ISF-treated microsomes occurred in the following order: methoxy > ethoxy > propoxy > benzxyloxy > butoxy > pentoxy. When β-NF-treated microsomes were used, the 7-alkoxyphenoxazones were metabolized as follows: methoxy > ethoxy > propoxy > butoxy > benzyloxy ≈ pentoxy while the order of metabolism of the 7-alkoxycoumarins was: ethoxy ⪢ butoxy > propoxy ≈ methoxy > benzyloxy > pentoxy. None of the other treatments significantly increased the rate of metabolism of any of the alkoxycoumarins. Treatment with β-NF did not significantly elevate the rate of metabolism of any of the alkoxyquinolines. DEX treatment produced significant elevations in the rate of metabolism of benzyloxy-, ethoxy-, and butoxy- ≈ pentoxy- ≈ propoxyquinoline, in that order. ISF treatment significantly elevated the rate of metabolism of benzyloxy-, methoxy- and butoxyquinoline, in that order. These results suggest that some of these new fluorescent substrates can be used to characterize induction of rainbow trout hepatic microsomal monooxygenase activity by ISF and DEX, in addition to the commonly used ethoxyphenoxazone and ethoxycoumarin for the characterization of induction by β-NF or other 3-methylcholanthrene-type P450 inducers. Distinction between ISF-type and β-NF-type inducers in rainbow trout hepatic microsomes may best be made using 7-methoxycoumarin as a substrate. Distinction between ISF-type and DEX-type inducers and between β-NF-type and DEX-type inducers may best be made using 7-methoxy-phenoxazone as a substrate. With β-NF induction 7-methoxycoumarin, with ISF induction 7-methoxy-phenoxazone, and with DEX induction 7-ethoxyquinoline were metabolized to the greatest extent compared with controls and all other substrates tested.
High School Underachievers in College

A group of male college freshmen Identified on the basis of a regression prediction from composite raw SCAT scores as high-school underachievers earned significantly lower college grades, withdrew ...
Experimental Separation of Function and Task in Functional Fixedness Problems

Flavell, Cooper, and Loiselle (1958) found that functional fixedness (FF) varied inversely with the number of varied pre-problem experiences with an object. Although the decrease in FF was attributed to the increase in the number of experienced functions, task varied simultaneously with function. The present study attempted to separate these two factors by varying task only. It was hypothesized that such variation would increase FF, as measured by number of solutions and solution latency time, above that found when both task and function remain constant in the pre-problem experience. This hypothesis was not supported.
FogBank: a single cell segmentation across multiple cell lines and image modalities

Many cell lines currently used in medical research, such as cancer cells or stem cells, grow in confluent sheets or colonies. The biology of individual cells provide valuable information, thus the separation of touching cells in these microscopy images is critical for counting, identification and measurement of individual cells. Over-segmentation of single cells continues to be a major problem for methods based on morphological watershed due to the high level of noise in microscopy cell images. There is a need for a new segmentation method that is robust over a wide variety of biological images and can accurately separate individual cells even in challenging datasets such as confluent sheets or colonies. We present a new automated segmentation method called FogBank that accurately separates cells when confluent and touching each other. This technique is successfully applied to phase contrast, bright field, fluorescence microscopy and binary images. The method is based on morphological watershed principles with two new features to improve accuracy and minimize over-segmentation. First, FogBank uses histogram binning to quantize pixel intensities which minimizes the image noise that causes over-segmentation. Second, FogBank uses a geodesic distance mask derived from raw images to detect the shapes of individual cells, in contrast to the more linear cell edges that other watershed-like algorithms produce. We evaluated the segmentation accuracy against manually segmented datasets using two metrics. FogBank achieved segmentation accuracy on the order of 0.75 (1 being a perfect match). We compared our method with other available segmentation techniques in term of achieved performance over the reference data sets. FogBank outperformed all related algorithms. The accuracy has also been visually verified on data sets with 14 cell lines across 3 imaging modalities leading to 876 segmentation evaluation images. FogBank produces single cell segmentation from confluent cell sheets with high accuracy. It can be applied to microscopy images of multiple cell lines and a variety of imaging modalities. The code for the segmentation method is available as open-source and includes a Graphical User Interface for user friendly execution.
Evaluation of Two Methods for Identifying Trip Purpose in GPS-Based Household Travel Surveys

Data needs for developing travel demand models have increased at the same time that household travel survey (HTS) participation rates have generally fallen over recent decades. GPS-assisted HTS methods are recognized today as the most promising direction in further enhancement of individual travel data collection. The principal advantage of the GPS-assisted survey technology is that a full stream of locations visited by the person is identified with a high level of spatial and temporal resolution, but automatic identification of trip purpose remains an issue that is difficult to solve. This paper evaluates the performance of two methods, choice modeling and decision tree analysis, that can be used to build models capable of identifying trip purpose. The developed methods assume that basic household- and person-level data, typically collected in an HTS, are available, as are supporting spatial data sets. The methods presented are then evaluated for a case study that employed data from the 2011 Atlanta Regi...
Organosilicon compounds XIII. Cleavage of the silicon-carbon bond of 2-trimethylsilylbenzothiazole

The high-yield synthesis of 2-trimcthylsilylbenzothiazole is described, and the labile nature of this silicon-helerocyclic bond is proved when cleavage is affected by aldehydes, acid halides, chloro-formates and anhydrides. Justification for this unusual reactivity and further insight into the reaction mechanism is offered.
A resonance raman study ofAmbystoma tigrinum hemoglobins: Evidence for intraspecies hemepocket variations

1. Using resonance Raman difference spectroscopy, the Raman-active vibrational modes of hemoglobins from adult, neotenic, and larval forms of the salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum have been compared to each other and to human hemoglobin. 2. The local heme environment of the adult and neotenic proteins were identical and differed from that of the larval protein. 3. Differences were observed in modes sensitive to porphyrin π electron density and axial ligation. 4. Systematic differences were also observed between human and adult salamander hemoglobins particularly in modes sensitive to the heme vinyl environment. 5. The relationship between these environmental differences, oxygen binding affinity, and the effects of allosteric modulators are discussed.
Synthesis of bi-modal nanoporous Cu, CuO and Cu2O monoliths with tailored porosity

Nanoporous structures are exceptionally useful in catalytic, sensing and mechanical applications. However, precise control over the structure and composition of the nanoporous material is critical for the material to behave as desired. We report here a new bottom-up synthesis technique termed filter-casting for the creation of large scale (>1 cm) nanoporous structures which provide this precise control. Cu, CuO and Cu2O and bi-modal macro/nanoporous Cu structures were created with this technique to demonstrate the range of materials and structures which can be formed into nanoporous monoliths. Homogeneous nanoporous monoliths are synthesized using nanoparticles, and bi-modal or higher-order porosities are achieved using a sacrificial polystyrene template. The higher-order pore size is determined by the polystyrene particle diameter, and the nanopore size is set by the diameter of the nanoparticles. Surface areas as high as 34 m2 g−1, and relative densities between 12 and 58%, have been achieved. Filter-casting is a powerful new method for directly synthesizing large nanoporous monoliths with predetermined composition, pore size and pore structure.
Differential diagnosis and treatment of bilateral facial pain after whiplash: a case report

AbstractStudy design: Clinical case report. Background: Symptoms in the face and jaw are common after whiplash. Few studies have reported cervicogenic headache in a trigeminal nerve distribution, and no published studies could be found describing such symptoms experienced bilaterally after whiplash. The objective of the current case report was to detail the clinical reasoning and management of an uncommon patient presentation. Case description: The 41-year-old female patient of the current case complained of shooting pain in the jaw, cheek and forehead beginning 7 days after her accident. No imaging was performed, and examination ruled out serious pathology. The patient was treated primarily with deep neck flexor (DNF) and proprioceptive training for 10 visits over an 8-week period. Outcomes: The Numeric Pain Rating Scale improved from 2/10 to 0/10, the Neck Disability Index improved from 17/50 to 1/50, and the Neck Flexor Muscle Endurance Test improved from 13 to 30 s. The patient remained symptom-free a...
The organization of afferents to the lateral posterior nucleus in the golden hamster after different combinations of neonatal lesions

After a neonatal lesion of the ipsilateral superior colliculus, the projections to the lateral posterior nucleus from the contralateral superior colliculus and retina expand their terminal fields until they share a common border. In the first experiment described in this paper, we removed both superior colliculi at birth and used the Fink-Heimer method to show that the optic tract projection could expand even further and enter the region which would have been occupied by the terminals of the crossed colliculus projection. Similarly, in the second experiment, we showed that the crossed collicular projection could be increased even more if the contralateral eye as well as the ipsilateral colliculus was removed at birth. Another result of a neonatal superior colliculus lesion is that the projection from the optic tract shares a border with the posterior neocortical projection. In the third experiment, we removed both the ipsilateral superior colliculus and the posterior neocortex at birth and demonstrated that the optic tract projection expanded more than after an ipsilateral colliculus lesion alone. Our results support the hypotheses that the projections from the ipsilateral and contralateral superior colliculi and the retina compete for synaptic space in the lateral posterior nucleus, and that a similar competition between the retinal and cortical projections may also occur.
When patients and families disagree

Advance care planning is meant to safeguard the patient's autonomy when that individual is unable to make his or her own healthcare decisions. Yet, families do not always agree with the specific wishes of their family member when there is a need to make critical decisions, such as continuing treatment because of some new research protocol or providing comfort through palliative care. When there are patient-family disagreements, the decision-making process is even more complicated if the patient is fully able to participate because competent patients have the right to make their own healthcare decisions. In addition, family members may not agree with each other. Thus, even though healthcare providers want to respect their patients' wishes, they are uncertain about the most appropriate course of action. This article discusses why families and patients may disagree, describes relevant ethical perspectives for understanding the issues, and identifies possible strategies to help nurses address these ethical dilemmas. Valuing the patient as a person, the vulnerability of the patient, whose interests should prevail, and quality of life are pertinent and overlapping ethical issues in this case. Possible strategies that nurses can implement to address the "thorny" issues raised by patient-family disagreements include helping the patient to remain in control, facilitating responsible decision making, requesting an ethics consultation, and requesting a palliative care consultation.
A non-destructive method for identifying the sex of ant larvae

The differences between adult male and female ants are often striking and obvious, yet both sexes appear virtually identical at the larval stage. Current methods for determining larval sex rely on genetic analyses or histology, both of which require killing all larvae examined. Here, we describe a method for identifying larval sex in vivo based on visible differences in genital imaginal discs. Using a light microscope, clear differences in genital disc morphology were observed between male and female larvae of the ponerine ant Harpegnathos saltator. Next, we investigated whether this technique could be broadly applied within ants and found similar differences in genital discs between male and female larvae of Aphaenogaster cockerelli and Camponotus floridanus. Taken together, our results show that genital discs can be used as a reliable indicator of larval sex in species from at least three major ant subfamilies. This technique should facilitate research into topics where information about larval sex is required.