cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Promise of Pharmacoepidemiology in Helping Clinicians Assess Drug Risk

Case Presentation: A 63-year-old accountant with long-standing atrial fibrillation presents for a routine visit. He is asymptomatic and reports complying fairly well with his regimen of warfarin 5 mg/d and atenolol 100 mg/d for rate control. He has had regular international normalized ratio monitoring, with results within the therapeutic range (2.0–3.0) ≈75% of the time. His chief complaint is that he has seen television commercials for new oral anticoagulants and wants to know why he is still being prescribed a 59-year-old drug when newer treatments are now available that are probably safer and more effective. Physical examination revealed a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg and an irregularly irregular pulse at a rate of 96 bpm; it was otherwise unremarkable. His international normalized ratio was 1.7. On further questioning, he noted that his wife has put him on a kale-rich diet to promote weight loss. His physician explains that the novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) performed well in the clinical trials in which they were compared with warfarin but noted that although such drugs have been in use in the United States since October 2010, there is still little information available defining their benefits and risks in typical patient care or directly with each other. The patient observes that such an absence of relevant data would not be tolerated in the corporation for which he works. Three NOACs have been approved over the last 3 years for the management of atrial fibrillation or deep vein thrombophlebitis: dabigatran (Pradaxa) in 2010, rivaroxaban (Xarelto) in 2011, and apixaban (Eliquis) in 2012. In considering their clinical role as alternatives to warfarin, these drugs illustrate the growing pains, vulnerabilities, and promise of 2 related, younger disciplines: pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoeconomics. This Clinician Update considers the role of pharmacoepidemiology in informing the therapeutic choice presented above; a …
Measurement of the Dependence of Stress and Strain on Crystallographic Orientation in Cu and Al thin Films

The orientational dependence of stress and strain was measured for (111) and (110) oriented grains in an Al thin film which hillocked upon heating, and (111) and (100) oriented grains in Cu thin films, one of which exhibits abnormal (100) grain growth. Results from the Al thin film were inconclusive in the evaluation of the Sanchez model for hillocking, however they indicate that the Nix model for the orientational dependence of yield stress is not applicable to individual grains at room temperature. Results from the Cu thin films suggest that suppression of (100) abnormal grain growth is due to isostress averaging among the grains of varying orientation.
Surgical Correction of Severe Bilateral Thumb Pincer-Nail Deformity

s s m T 53-year-old woman presented to the office with a complaint of severe bilateral thumb nail pain and deformity (Fig. 1). She deied previous trauma to the thumb nails and had o history of previous bacterial or fungal infecions of the nails. Based on the curvature of the ails, which increased from proximal to distal, a iagnosis of bilateral thumb pincer-nail deformity as made. The patient was scheduled for surgical correction y modification of previously described techniques. eginning with the left thumb a digital block was erformed and the affected digit was exsanguinated. he nail plate was sharply removed without damagng the underlying sterile and germinal matrix. The urved nail bed then was elevated off of the underying distal phalanx (Fig. 2). On the left side a dermal raft was obtained from the hypothenar eminence hat was closed primarily. This was harvested as a ull-thickness graft that then was de-epithelialized Figs. 3, 4). The dermal graft was divided into 2 qual pieces and placed in the area of the lateral nail olds, filling in the defects that had been present. The ail bed was sutured back over the graft to the lateral ail folds with 5-0 chromic suture. The nail bed now ad a less curved and more natural flattened appear-
Heat transfer to a flowing non-gray radiating gas: An experimental and theoretical study

Abstract The problem considered is the determination of the heat transfer in fully developed turbulent flow of a non-gray radiating gas in a circular tube. Experimental and theoretical results have been obtained and are in good agreement. The effects of radiation on the temperature profile and the Nusselt number are reported.
Abundances of the elements.

An elemental abundance table along the lines used by Suess and Urey (1956) is presented. Since this early work, other studies have been made, and improvement in the abundance tables has been made as more reliable data have become available. Some changes in the original tables have been made, but the original abundances and their variations with mass numbers remain remarkably similar. The solar abundance of iron for many years appeared to be very much less relative to silicon than would be indicated by the data from the meteorites.
DNA interstrand cross-link formation by the 1,4-dioxobutane abasic lesion.

The oxidized abasic lesion, 5′-(2-phosphoryl-1,4-dioxobutane) (DOB) is produced concomitantly with a single strand break by a variety of DNA damaging agents that abstract a hydrogen atom from the C5'-position. Independent generation of the DOB lesion in DNA reveals that it reversibly forms interstrand cross-links (ICLs) selectively with a dA opposite the 3′-adjacent nucleotide. Product studies and the use of monoaldehyde models suggest that ICL formation involves condensation of the dialdehyde with the exocyclic amine. Mechanistic studies and inspection of molecular models indicate that the local DNA environment and proximity of the exocyclic amine determines the selectivity for reaction with dA. Proximity control of the electrophile's reactivity is distinct from that of structurally similar freely diffusing molecules. ICL formation by a DOB lesion that is adjacent to a single strand break is potentially significant because the product constitutes a "clustered" or "complex" lesion. Clustered lesions can lead to highly deleterious double strand breaks upon nucleotide excision repair.
The Electromagnetic Energy and Momentum of Finite Charged Bodies Moving at Constant Velocity

It is shown that a purely electromagnetic, divergence-free tensorSij, can be defined for any electrically charged body which is held in equilibrium by some cohesive force and moving at some constant velocity. This tensor appears to represent the electromagnetic energy-momentum of the body; the integral (1/c) ∝SijdSj (dSj is the differential element of any spacelike hypersurface) iscM0μi the electromagnetic four-momentum of the system (M0 is the electromagnetic rest mass of the system,Ui is the four-velocity). The divergence-free property ofSij depends only on Maxwell's equation and the condition of uniform motion.
High-pressure infrared xenon laser with X-ray preionization

The first experimental results are presented of an X-ray preionized argon-buffered xenon laser. The X-rays are generated by a simple electron-beam device located below the 23-cm inner diameter laser chamber. The advantages of X-ray preionization for high-pressure discharge-pumped lasers include the long X-ray penetration depth, high preionization density, and spatial uniformity. The combination of X-ray preionization and techniques to eliminate surface flashover allows energetic operation in 4 atm of argon buffer for the first time in a photopreionized discharge laser. The argon-xenon mixtures lased primarily at 1.73 mu m and 2.63 mu m with a peak energy of 340 mJ at 4 atm, and a specific energy output of 0.85 J/liter. >
Double spin asymmetries through QCD instantons

We revisit the large instanton contribution to the gluon Pauli form factor of the constituent quark noted by Kochelev. We check that it contributes sizably to the single spin asymmetry in polarized ${p}_{\ensuremath{\uparrow}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\pi}X$. We use it to predict a large double spin asymmetry in doubly polarized ${p}_{\ensuremath{\uparrow}}{p}_{\ensuremath{\uparrow}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}X$.
Attenuation of platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced stimulation of rabbit platelet GTPase by phorbol ester, dibutyryl cAMP, and desensitization: concomitant effects on PAF receptor binding characteristics.

Abstract The GTPase activities of rabbit platelet membrane were stimulated by platelet activating factor (PAF) in a receptor-mediated manner. The activities of the GTPase were investigated in the platelets which had been pretreated with tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA), dibutyryl cAMP, and PAF. The specific binding of PAF to intact platelet cells was also determined in these treated cells. In platelets which had been pretreated with PAF and then specifically desensitized to PAF, higher concentrations were required for stimulation of the receptor-coupled GTPase. In addition the extent of stimulation of the GTPase by PAF was also decreased. By contrast thrombin stimulation of GTPase activity was unaffected by this process. In platelets pretreated with high levels of dibutyryl cAMP (>4 m m ), the specific binding of PAF was reduced to nearly 50% of the control. Although this specific binding apparently was not inhibited by lower concentrations of dibutyryl cAMP ( m ), PAF could stimulate the receptor-coupled GTPase only to a much lower extent in these treated cells. TPA had virtually no effect on PAF specific binding. However, higher concentrations were needed for stimulation of the GTPase. On the other hand, the extent of PAF stimulation of the GTPase was not altered. Interestingly in the TPA-treated platelet membrane, thrombin stimulated GTPase activity to a higher level than that in untreated platelet membrane. Thus, TPA, dibutyryl cAMP, and desensitization affected the PAF receptor binding and the receptor-coupled GTPase activities in a characteristic fashion. The molecular mechanisms of these effects are discussed.
Passivation and Performance of Inorganic Aqueous Solutions in a Grooved Aluminum Flat Heat Pipe

Aluminum heat pipes have traditionally been incompatible with water and water-based fluids because they quickly react to generate noncondensable hydrogen gas (NCG). Two different inorganic aqueous solutions (IAS) are tested in a flat heat pipe (FHP). Grooved aluminum plates were used as the heat pipe wick and the tests were run with the heating section raised above the condenser. Compatibility between the working fluid and the aluminum heat pipe was established by running the device to dryout and observing thermal resistance results along the way. De-ionized (DI) water was also tested, as a baseline for comparison, to establish that it did indeed fail as expected. Operating performance of each mixture was obtained from zero heat input until dryout was reached for two angles of inclination. The data suggest that both IAS mixtures are compatible with aluminum heat pipes and exhibit performance similar to that of a copper and water heat pipe. It is demonstrated that IAS and aluminum heat pipes show potential for replacing existing copper and water devices for some applications and provide alternative options for heat pipe designers who value both the thermophysical property advantages of water and reduced weight of aluminum devices.
Long-Wavelength 640 x 484 GaAs/Al(x)Ga(1-x)As Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector Focal Plane Array Camera

A 9 micrometer cutoff 640 by 484 hand-held quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) camera has been demonstrated. Excellent imagery, with a noise equivalent differential temperature (NE(Delta) T) of 43 mK has been achieved. In this paper, we discuss the development of this very sensitive long wavelength infrared (LWIR) camera based on a GaAs/AlGaAs QWIP focal plane array (FPA) and its performance in quantum efficiency, NE(Delta) T, uniformity, and operability.
Expression and suppressive effects of interleukin-19 on vascular smooth muscle cell pathophysiology and development of intimal hyperplasia.

Anti-inflammatory cytokines may play a protective role in the progression of vascular disease. The purpose of this study was to characterize interleukin (IL)-19 expression and function in the development of intimal hyperplasia, and discern a potential mechanism of its direct effects on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). IL-19 is an immunomodulatory cytokine, the expression of which is reported to be restricted to inflammatory cells. In the present study, we found that IL-19 is not expressed in quiescent VSMCs or normal arteries but is induced in human arteries by injury and in cultured human VSMCs by inflammatory cytokines. Recombinant IL-19 significantly reduced VSMC proliferation (37.1 ± 4.8 × 103 versus 72.2 ± 6.1 × 103 cells/cm2) in a dose-dependent manner. IL-19 adenoviral gene transfer significantly reduced proliferation and neointimal formation in balloon angioplasty-injured rat carotid arteries (0.172 ± 29.9, versus 0.333 ± 71.9, and 0.309 ± 56.6 μm2). IL-19 induced activation of STAT3 as well as the expression of the suppressor of cytokine signaling 5 (SOCS5) in VSMCs. IL-19 treatment significantly reduced the activation of p44/42 and p38 MAPKs in stimulated VSMCs. Additionally, SOCS5 was found to interact with both p44/42 and p38 MAPKs in IL-19-treated human VSMCs. This is the first description of the expression of both IL-19 and SOCS5 in VSMCs and of the functional interaction between SOCS5 and MAPKs. We propose that through induction of SOCS5 and inhibition of signal transduction, IL-19 expression in VSMCs may represent a novel, protective, autocrine response of VSMCs to inflammatory stimuli.
Excitotoxic Brain Injury Stimulates Expression of the Chemokine Receptor CCR5 in Neonatal Rats

Chemokines interact with specific G-protein-coupled receptors to activate and direct recruitment of immune cells. Some chemokines are up-regulated in pathological conditions of the central nervous system, and recently several chemokine receptors, including CCR5, were identified in the brain. However, little is known about the regulation of expression of chemokine receptors in the brain. Direct intracerebral injection of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), an excitatory amino acid agonist, elicits reproducible focal excitotoxic brain injury; in neonatal rats, intrahippocampal NMDA injection stimulates expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and elicits a robust microglia/monocyte response. We hypothesized that NMDA-induced neurotoxicity would also stimulate expression of CCR5 in the neonatal rat brain. We evaluated the impact of intrahippocampal injections of NMDA on CCR5 expression in postnatal day 7 rats. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed an increase in hippocampal CCR5 mRNA expression 24 hours after lesioning, and in situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that CCR5 mRNA was expressed in the lesioned hippocampus and adjacent regions. Western blot analysis demonstrated increased CCR5 protein in hippocampal tissue extracts 32 hours after lesioning. Complementary immunocytochemistry studies identified both infiltrating microglia/monocytes and injured neurons as the principal CCR5-immunoreactive cells. These results provide the first evidence that acute excitotoxic injury regulates CCR5 expression in the developing rat brain.
Monolayer-Protected Cluster Molecules

In this report, we evaluate the present state of the rapidly emerging field of monolayer-protected cluster (MPC) molecules with regard to their synthesis and monolayer functionalization, their core and monolayer structure, their composition, and their properties. Finally, we canvass some of the important remaining research opportunities involving MPCs.
Characterization of a rat variant alpha-fetoprotein.

The rat adult liver and hepatocyte lines express an 1.7-kb variant α-fetoprotein (AFP) mRNA which differs from the 2.2-kb fetal AFP transcript in sequence in the 5′ region. Here we report the characterization of a variant AFP cDNA, ARFP9, which is 1349 bp in length and encodes a 325 amino acid polypeptide. Nucleotides 225 to the 3′ end (1125 bp) in ARFP9 corresponds exactly to nucleotide 873 to the 3′ end of the fetal AFP mRNA. However, the first 224-bp of ARFP9, which is located in the 7th intron (designated the V exon) of the rat AFP gene, is not present in the 2.2-kb fetal AFP transcript. The size of the V exon is about 266-bp. Invitro expression experiments showed that the variant AFP is an unglycosylated intracellular protein of 37 kDa. Methyl-isobutyl-xanthine (MIX) stimulated expression of the fetal AFP mRNA but inhibited expression of the variant AFP mRNA, suggesting that in the rat, the two AFP transcripts are developmentally and differentially regulated.
Late maturation of adult-born neurons in the temporal dentate gyrus.

Hippocampal function varies along its septotemporal axis, with the septal (dorsal) pole more frequently involved in spatial learning and memory and the temporal (ventral) pole playing a greater role in emotional behaviors. One feature that varies across these subregions is adult neurogenesis. New neurons are more numerous in the septal hippocampus but are more active in the temporal hippocampus during water maze training. However, many other aspects of adult neurogenesis remain unexplored in the context of septal versus temporal subregions. In addition, the dentate gyrus contains another functionally important anatomical division along the transverse axis, with the suprapyramidal blade showing greater experience-related activity than the infrapyramidal blade. Here we ask whether new neurons differ in their rates of survival and maturation along the septotemporal and transverse axes. We found that neurogenesis is initially higher in the infrapyramidal than suprapyramidal blade, but these cells are less likely to survive, resulting in similar densities of neurons in the two blades by four weeks. Across the septotemporal axis, neurogenesis was higher in septal than temporal pole, while the survival rate of new neurons did not differ. Maturation was assessed by immunostaining for the neuronal marker, NeuN, which increases in expression level with maturation, and for the immediate-early gene, Arc, which suggests a neuron is capable of undergoing activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Maturation occurred approximately 1–2 weeks earlier in the septal pole than in the temporal pole. This suggests that septal neurons may contribute to function sooner; however, the prolonged maturation of new temporal neurons may endow them with a longer window of plasticity during which their functions could be distinct from those of the mature granule cell population. These data point to subregional differences in new neuron maturation and suggest that changes in neurogenesis could alter different hippocampus-dependent behaviors with different time courses.
Quantitative Analysis of Actin Patch Movement in Yeast

To investigate the mechanism of cortical actin patch movement in yeast, we implement a method for computer tracking the motion of the patches. Digital images from fluorescence microscope movies of living cells are fed into an image-processing program, which generates two-dimensional patch coordinates in the plane of focus for each movie frame via an algorithm based on detection of rapid intensity variations. The patch coordinates in neighboring frames are connected by a minimum-distance algorithm. The method is used to analyze control cells and cells treated with the actin-depolymerizing agent latrunculin. The motion of the patches in both cases, as analyzed by mean-square patch displacements, is found to be a random walk on average, with a much lower diffusion coefficient for the latrunculin-treated cells. The mean-squared patch travel distances for all of the latrunculin-treated cells are lower than those for all of the control cells. The patches move independently of one another. We develop a quantitative criterion for the presence of directed motion, and show that numerous patches in the control cells display directed motion to a very high degree of certainty. A small number of patches in the latrunculin-treated cells display directed motion.
Blame and responsiveness to moral reasons: Are psychopaths blameworthy?

: Many philosophers believe that people who are not capable of grasping the significance of moral considerations are not open to moral blame when they fail to respond appropriately to these considerations. I contend, however, that some morally blind, or ‘psychopathic,’ agents are proper targets for moral blame, at least on some occasions. I argue that moral blame is a response to the normative commitments and attitudes of a wrongdoer and that the actions of morally blind agents can express the relevant blame-grounding attitudes insofar as these agents possess the capacity to make judgments about non-moral reasons.
New Studies in the Politics and Culture of U.S. Communism

This pathbreaking collection of essays recasts the prevailing conceptions of the historical roots and role of the U.S. Communist Party and its social setting. The contributors focus on the movement that formed around the party and the popular culture it expressed, particularly in the period from 1930 to 1960. They look at the impact of the party and its followers in the areas of education, literature, and the arts, in the African-American community, and on the women's and labor movements. In their preface, the editors place the book in the context of the broader critical examination of the history of the left in the United States. By analyzing the historical reasons for the party's appeal and its relationship to those outside its ranks, the volume contributes to a fuller understanding of the broader societal context within which all oppositional movements are formed. Contributors (in order of appearance in book): Michael E. Brown, Mark Naison, John Gerassi, Stephen Leberstein, Ellen Schrecker, Rosalyn Baxandall, Roger Keeran, Gerald Horne, Annette T. Rubinstein, Marvin E. Gettleman, Alan Wald, and Gil Green (interviewed by Anders Stephanson).
No basic rest-activity cycle in head, wrist or ankle☆

Abstract Kleitman's theory of a Basic Rest-Activity Cycle (BRAC) was tested by recording activity of the head, wrists, and left ankle from 10 healthy subjects. No 90–100 min rhythms in activity were found.
Synthesis and Characterization of Thermosetting Furan-Based Epoxy Systems

Renewable alternatives to petroleum-based thermosetting polymers have drawn significant attention due to potential positive economic and ecological impact. New materials should mimic the rigid, phenylic structure of incumbent high-performance thermoset monomers. Furans derived from cellulose and hemicellulose are promising candidates for phenyl replacement. The synthesis of furan-based diepoxies is challenging, and direct property comparisons of thermosets prepared using furanyl and phenyl-based epoxy monomer analogues are required. In this work, analogous furanyl-based and phenyl-based diepoxy monomers were synthesized, and thermosets were prepared using amine curing agents. A structure–property study showed that furan-based polymers possess improved Tg (Δ = 8–16 °C) and improved glassy modulus (Δ = 0.1 to 0.6 GPa) relative to their phenylic analogues. The furan ring has thus been demonstrated to be a viable building block for renewable high-performance epoxies, with potential for application in other th...
Scattering of surface plasmon polaritons at abrupt surface interfaces: Implications for nanoscale cavities

We have developed a rigorous mode matching approach for the exact semi-analytical analysis of surface plasmon propagation across non-uniform semi-infinite dielectric-metal interfaces. We address two key deficiencies of related approaches in the literature: firstly, we resolve issues of accuracy and convergence and secondly, while we focus on the analysis of two-dimensional problems, we present a framework for three-dimensional problems for the first time. Analytical derivations of coupling coefficients between guided and radiation modes allow an efficient scattering matrix formulation to describe general structures with multiple discontinuities. Studies of the reflection, transmission and radiation of surface plasmons incident on both dielectric and metallic surface discontinuities show a correspondence with an effective Fresnel description. We also model a surface plasmon Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) capable of reflecting between 80% and 90% of incident surface plasmon power. Radiation mode scattering ultimately limits the DBR’s reflection performance rather than the intrinsic absorption of the metal. Thus alternative plasmonic geometries that suppress radiation modes, such as gap and channel structures, could be superior for the design of strongly reflective DBRs for integration in high Q-factor nano-scale cavities. We anticipate that this method will be an invaluable tool for the efficient and intuitive design of plasmonic devices based on structural non-uniformities.
A fast heterogeneous algorithm for light fluence rate for prostate photodynamic therapy

To accurately calculate light fluence rate distribution in prostate photodynamic therapy (PDT), optical heterogeneity has to be taken into account. Previous study has shown that a kernel based on analytic solution of the diffusion equation can perform the calculation with accuracy comparable to Finite-element method. An assumption is made that light fluence rate detected at a point in the medium is affected primarily by the optical properties of points (or elements) on the line between the source and the point. The exponential decay term of the light fluence rate is expressed as an integral of effective attenuation coefficient of each point along the line. The kernel method is first developed for a point source and then extended for a linear source. A linear source is considered being composed of multiple point sources and light fluence rate is summation of the fluence rates generated by the point sources. In this study, we have implemented a fast ray-trace algorithm to substantially speed up the calculation. The kernel calculation is compared with FEM calculation and is examined with light fluence rate measurements. The examination with clinical measurement data shows that calculated fluence rates present similar features in distribution as the measurement, with errors of 30%-70% for the peak fluence rates. We concluded that our heterogeneous algorithm is potentially valuable for light fluence rate optimization during interstitial PDT.
Targeted education improves the very low recognition of vertebral fractures and osteoporosis management by general internists.

Introduction: Vertebral fractures in older persons are strong predictors of subsequent fracture risk but remain largely under-recognized. To evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on the recognition of vertebral fractures and the prescription of anti-osteoporosis treatment among general internists, we conducted a prospective study in a service of general internal medicine of a large university teaching hospital in Geneva, Switzerland. During a 3.5-month observation period (phase 1), all lateral spinal or chest radiographs performed on consecutive inpatients over 60 years were reviewed by two independent investigators, and vertebral fractures were graded according to their severity. Methods: Results were compared with radiology reports and general internists’ discharge summaries. During the following 2-month intervention period (phase 2), internists were actively educated about vertebral fracture identification by means of lectures, posters and flyers. Radiologists did not receive this educational strategy and served as controls. Results: Among 292 consecutive patients (54% men; range: 60–97 years) included in phase 1, 85 (29%) were identified by investigators as having at least one vertebral fracture; radiologists detected 29 (34%), and internists detected 19 (22%). During the intervention phase, 58 (34%) of 172 patients were identified with vertebral fractures by investigators; radiologists detected 13 patients (22%) whereas among internists the detection rate almost doubled (25/58 patients, 43%; p=0.008 compared to phase 1). The percentage of patients with vertebral fracture who benefitted from an osteoporosis medical management increased from 11% (phase 1) to 40% (phase 2, p<0.03). Conclusions: Our findings confirm the large under-recognition of vertebral fractures, irrespective of their severity, and demonstrate that a simple educational strategy can significantly improve their detection on routine radiographs and, consequently, improve osteoporosis management.
Performance of hearing-impaired persons on auditory enhancement tasks

An auditory enhancement effect was evaluated in normal and hearing-impaired persons using a paradigm similar to that used by Viemeister and Bacon [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 71, 1502–1507 (1982)]. Thresholds for a 2000-Hz probe were obtained in two forward-masking conditions: (1) the standard condition in which the masker was a four-component harmonic complex including 2000 Hz, and (2) the enhancing condition in which the same harmonic complex except for the exclusion of the 2000-Hz component preceded the four-component masker. In addition, enhancement for speech was evaluated by asking subjects to identify flat-spectrum harmonic complexes that were preceded by inverse vowel spectra. Finally, suppression effects were evaluated by measuring forward-masked thresholds for a 2000-Hz probe as a function of suppressor frequency added to a 2000-Hz masker. Across all subjects, there was evidence of enhancement and better vowel recognition in those persons who also demonstrated evidence of suppression; however, two of the normal-hearing persons demonstrated reduced enhancement yet normal suppression effects.
Impact of intraguild predators on survival of a forest-floor wolf spider.

We investigated the impact of variation in densities of a guild of generalist predators on survival of young wolf spiders of the genus Schizocosa. Numbers of other spiders and centipedes were reduced by >80% in fenced 4-m2 plots in an experiment that was replicated twice in each of three forest locations. Schizocosa survival during the 1st month was low (<50%) in all three locations, but did not differ between predator-reduction and control plots. By the end of the 1st month, densities of the manipulated predators had converged in control and perturbed treatments, most likely because of reduced per capita mortality from lowered rates of intraguild predation and cannibalism in the experimental treatment. During the 2nd month of the experiment, centipedes and spiders other than Schizocosa again were removed from the experimental plots and, unlike the earlier period, numbers of intraguild predators in the predator-removal treatment remained lower than in control plots. Reducing densities of intraguild predators during the 2nd month improved survival of older juvenile Schizocosa by 75% in two of three locations on the forest floor. In addition to this evidence that intraguild predation can affect older juvenile Schizocosa, survival of Schizocosa during the last half of the experiment was negatively correlated with spatial variation in densities of gnaphosid and ctenid spiders. These two abundant families of cursorial spiders preyed on Schizocosa at a high rate in laboratory trials. Thus, variation in densities of intraguild predators did not influence the youngest Schizocosa, but did influence the survival of older juveniles, most likely due to variations in densities of other cursorial spiders.
A spectral operator-theoretic framework for global stability

The global description of a nonlinear system through the linear Koopman operator leads to an efficient approach to global stability analysis. In the context of stability analysis, not much attention has been paid to the use of spectral properties of the operator. This paper provides new results on the relationship between the global stability properties of the system and the spectral properties of the Koopman operator. In particular, the results show that specific eigenfunctions capture the system stability and can be used to recover known notions of classical stability theory (e.g. Lyapunov functions, contracting metrics). Finally, a numerical method is proposed for the global stability analysis of a fixed point and is illustrated with several examples.
Paramagnetic cellulose DNA isolation improves DNA yield and quality among diverse plant taxa

Premise of the study: The chemical diversity of land plants ensures that no single DNA isolation method results in high yield and purity with little effort for all species. Here we evaluate a new technique originally developed for forensic science, based on MagnaCel paramagnetic cellulose particles (PMC), to determine its efficacy in extracting DNA from 25 plant species representing 21 families and 15 orders. Methods and Results: Yield and purity of DNA isolated by PMC, DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (silica column), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) methods were compared among four individuals for each of 25 plant species. PMC gave a two-fold advantage in average yield, and the relative advantage of the PMC method was greatest for samples with the lowest DNA yields. PMC also produced more consistent sample purity based on absorbance ratios at 260 : 280 and 260 : 230 nm. Conclusions: PMC technology is a promising alternative for plant DNA isolation.
Pore Size Distribution and Apparent Gas Thermal Conductivity of Silica Aerogel

Silica aerogel is a network of short bonded chains of silica particles, which are fused together. Particles of diameters 2-5 nm and pores of diameter 10-100 nm produce a solid-gas matrix in which the volume fraction of the solid can be less than 5 percent. The small pore size effectively limits the motion of gas molecules and hence reduces the apparent gas conductivity to a very low level. In this paper, we establish a model for the determination of the apparent gas conductivity in terms of the pore sizes. We use the method of gas adsorption-desorption to determine the pore size distribution for silica aerogel. The thermal conductivity is measured by using the hot-wire technique and the experimental data are then used to determine the constants C[sub 1] and n[sub 1] in K = K[sub g][sup o]/[1 + (C[sub 1]/P[sup n1]l[sub ch])]0. 8 refs., 3 figs.
Noninvasive bioluminescence imaging of luciferase expressing intracranial U87 xenografts: correlation with magnetic resonance imaging determined tumor volume and longitudinal use in assessing tumor growth and antiangiogenic treatment effect.

Objective Outcome studies in rodent tumor models rely on both histological and noninvasive study end points. Intracranial models require special tools to observe tumor growth over time noninvasively, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomographic scanning, or cranial window techniques. These techniques share disadvantages in terms of cost, technical expertise required, and overall animal throughput for analysis. In this report, we sought to validate the use of the relatively newer technique of bioluminescence imaging (BLI) of intracranial glioblastoma xenograft growth by comparing it with gadolinium-enhanced MRI. Methods U87MG glioma cell lines genetically engineered to express the firefly luciferase gene were stereotactically injected into nude mice in the left frontal lobe. Weekly BLI and MRI were performed after the inoculation of tumor cells. For BLI, tumor growth was assessed as the peak BLI after systemic injection of luciferin substrate. MRI-based growth curves were created by three-dimensional volumetric reconstruction of axial gadolinium-enhanced MRI data covering the whole brain. In a separate experiment, mice were treated with adenoviruses encoding antiangiogenic soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, and treatment effect was monitored by BLI. Results Untreated tumor growth was readily detected and observed over time by serial BLI measurements. Furthermore, tumor-derived light emission was highly correlated with volume of tumor as assessed by MRI. Furthermore, the tested antiangiogenic treatment effect was readily detected using this technique, suggesting the power of the technique for sensitive monitoring of novel therapeutics. Conclusion BLI offers a simple and rapid technique for assessing intracranial glioblastoma growth in rodent models noninvasively, which correlates well with MRI. The speed of the BLI technique can increase experimental throughput, allows for targeted histological analysis in animals showing the greatest treatment effects, and provides new insights into the kinetics of intracranial tumor growth in the setting of different treatments.
Surgical treatment of esophagogastric dysfunction forty years after reverse gastric tube esophagoplasty for congenital esophageal anomaly

Abstract Background In 1968, Burrington first described use of the reverse gastric tube esophagoplasty for esophageal replacement in children with esophageal atresia or acquired stenosis. There are few documented cases of long-term follow-up of these patients. Case Report We describe a 41-year-old female who presented with progressive dysphagia 40 years after reverse gastric tube for a congenital esophageal stenosis as an infant. Repeated endoscopic dilations were unsuccessful in relieving her symptoms, and she subsequently underwent a modified Ivor-Lewis esophagogastrectomy with resection of the reverse gastric tube and reconstruction using her remaining gastric remnant. Conclusions This report describes what we believe to be the longest recorded follow-up after reverse gastric tube esophagoplasty and highlights the potential for long-term complications after surgery for congenital anomalies.
RNase L dimerization in a mammalian two-hybrid system in response to 2′,5′-oligoadenylates

RNase L, a key enzyme in the anti-viral activity of interferons, requires activation by 2',5'-linked oligoadenylates (2-5A) to cleave viral and cellular single-stranded RNA. Here we demonstrate that 2-5A causes formation of stable dimers of RNase L in intact human cells as measured with a mammalian two-hybrid system. Hybrid proteins consisting of the GAL4 DNA binding domain fused to RNase L and the VP16 transactivation domain fused to RNase L were able to associate and drive transcription of a reporter gene, but only after cells were transfected with 2-5A. Several functional forms of 2-5A, such as p3A2'p5'A2'p5'A, were capable of activating transcription in human HeLa cells. In contrast, p3A2'p5'A, which can neither activate nor dimerize RNase L, did not induce gene expression. Evidence for the involvement of the C-terminal region of RNase L in dimerization was obtained by expressing truncated forms of RNase L. These findings describe a convenient, high-throughput screening method for RNase L activators which could lead to the discovery of novel anti-viral and anti-cancer agents.
Sharing and Archiving Data is Fundamental to Scientific Progress

The persuasive argument for sharing and archiving data is that scientists must build on the shoulders of other scientists, that science is cumulative and replicative, and that science must be open. Sharing and archiving data are just a small part of all that is implied by that principle, but it is inextricably part of our obligation as social and behavioral scientists to conduct our work in the open. Only then can others see and understand what we did, and only then will someone have a chance to confirm that we were right, or to prove that we were wrong. Moreover, data archiving and sharing create opportunities for addressing questions not envisioned by the initial investigators. Indeed, by supplementing or pooling archived data, new and original data sets can be created that permit analyses well beyond the purpose or scope of the initial data collection. Of course, the creativity and labor of initial investigators should be protected, and the privacy of research participants must be safeguarded. These protections and safeguards, however, are not antithetical to data archiving and sharing. They simply raise questions about when and how data archiving and sharing should take place. In our view, the benefits of properly archived and shared data for outweigh the potential for harm. As indicated above, this is a perspective shared by several funding agencies of behavioral and social research, including the NIA.
Primarily resected meningiomas: outcome and prognostic factors in 581 Mayo Clinic patients, 1978 through 1988.

Objective To establish prognostic factors for recurrence and outcome of surgical treatment, with or with out postoperative radiation therapy, in patients with meningiomas. Material and Methods From 1978 through 1988, 581 patients underwent initial resection of a previously untreated primary meningioma at Mayo Clinic Rochester. In this study cohort, the outcome and prognostic factors associated with radiographic progression-free survival were analyzed. Results Gross total resection (GTR) of the meningioma was accomplished in 80% of patients; the other 20% underwent less than GTR. Perioperative mortality within 10 days was 1.6%. Overall survival was significantly decreased from that for an age- and sex-matched cohort from the US white population. Progression-free survival at 5 and 10 years was 88% and 75%, respectively, in patients who underwent GTR and 61 % and 39%, re … spectively, in those who underwent less than GTR. Multivariate analysis showed that age younger than 40 years, male sex, less than GTR, optic nerve involvement, and 4 or more mitotic figures per 10 high-power fields were associated with decreased progression-free survival. The 581 patients had 106 first recurrences. A trend toward improved progression-free survival was noted after first recurrence when irradiation with or without operation was used in comparison with only surgical treatment ( P = 0.058). Conclusion With only operative treatment of me … ningloma, the 10-year recurrence rate was 25% in patients who had GTR and 61 % in those who had less than GTR. These results emphasize the need for long-term follow-up and for consideration of adjuvant radiation therapy. Patients treated at the time of recurrence seem to benefit from radiation therapy with or without surgical resection. Factors associated with recurrence were (1) less than GTR, (2) involvement of the anterior visual pathway, (3) age younger than 40 years, and (4) increased mitotic index.
It's Not Easy Being Green: Mentoring for the First Year Principal.

When new principals take up the job, it helps to have a plan and a friend. The Texas A&M Management Profile program assesses and develops beginners and aspiring candidates.
Petrography, mineral chemistry, and petrogenesis of Antarctic Shergottite LEW88516

Abstract LEW88516 (LEW), like its near-twin ALH77005 (ALH), is a maskelynite-bearing harzburgite and a member of the SNC family of achondrites. LEW is texturally heterogenous, exhibiting both poikilitic (pyroxene oikocrysts enclosing subhedral olivine and euhedral chromite) and non-poikilitic (cumulus framework of olivine and minor pyroxene, with interstitial maskelynite and secondary minerals) textures. Pyroxenes in LEW appear to be slightly more iron-rich and more varied in composition than those in ALH. LEW olivines have distinctly higher Fe contents; most of the olivine grains in LEW have compositions more iron-rich than any ALH olivine observed. LEW olivine in non-poikilitic areas is substantially more iron-rich than olivine armored by pyroxene. Trace element and minor element patterns of LEW and ALH minerals are essentially identical and are consistent with closed-system, large-volume crystallization of the major phases, followed by development of later phases after assembly of the crystal pile. Major element compositions show the effects of moderate near-solidus re-equilibration in both meteorites. The compositions of possible LEW parent magmas, calculated from mass-balance methods using the components of magmatic inclusions in large olivine grains, are very similar to those proposed earlier for ALH and the EETA79001 shergottite. While the subtle differences between LEW and ALH suggest they are not part of the same fall, it is likely that they are derived from the same igneous processes.
Study of Forward Voltage Drift in Diffused SiC PiN Diodes Doped by Al or B

The degradation of diffused SiC PIN diodes during forward-biased operation was studied by first fabricating PIN diodes by diffusion of aluminum or boron into 4H-SiC substrates with n-type 10-15 µm thick epilayers doped by nitrogen up to 5x1015cm-3. The formed diodes were subjected to degradation testing under an applied current density of 200A/cm2 at room temperature. The majority of the Al diffused diodes demonstrated a voltage drift, ΔVf, of more than 2 V, while B-doped diodes showed no significant change in forward voltage. The EBIC mode of SEM was employed to monitor nucleation and expansion of stacking faults.
High-efficiency, monolithic coupling to optomechanical cavities for quantum-limited position detection

We demonstrate a high-efficiency optical-fiber coupling platform for optomechanical cavities. Through adiabatic mode conversion, a continuous position measurement with an imprecision of only 0.7 phonons at the optimal standard quantum limit probe power is achieved.
The microstructure of the North American oil market

Abstract Recent developments in production of oil and natural gas from the tight sand and shale rock formations (primarily hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling) have a profound impact on the North American energy markets. The paper reviews recent crude oil production trends and their impact on the price relationships across different geographical locations in the US and Canada. Price disparity between different market hubs is attributed to the collision between growing volumetric flows of crude oil (as well as changing quality mix of produced crudes) and rigidity of the existing midstream and refining infrastructure. We continue with a discussion of how the North American oil industry adjusts to new disruptive technologies in exploration and production of hydrocarbons.
Enthalpy increments of {xCH3(CH2)3CH3 + (1-x)(CH3)2CO} between the temperatures 291 K and 610 K at pressures to 10 MPa

Abstract Enthalpy-increment measurements were made on {xCH3(CH2)3CH3 + (1-x)(CH3)2CO} along isobars from p = 500 kPa to p = 10 MPa, in the temperature range 291.5 K to 610 K, using a reference-fluid boil-off calorimeter. For {xCH3(CH2)3CH3 + (1-x)(CH3)2CO}, measurements were made at x = 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75. In addition to the direct calorimetric results, the equations, the equations for the enthalpy increments of the liquid and of the vapor, as well as enthalpy-increment behavior in the supercritical region are reported.
What is the maximum efficiency with which photosynthesis can convert solar energy into biomass

Photosynthesis is the source of our food and fiber. Increasing world population, economic development, and diminishing land resources forecast that a doubling of productivity is critical in meeting agricultural demand before the end of this century. A starting point for evaluating the global potential to meet this goal is establishing the maximum efficiency of photosynthetic solar energy conversion. The potential efficiency of each step of the photosynthetic process from light capture to carbohydrate synthesis is examined. This reveals the maximum conversion efficiency of solar energy to biomass is 4.6% for C3 photosynthesis at 30 degrees C and today's 380 ppm atmospheric [CO2], but 6% for C4 photosynthesis. This advantage over C3 will disappear as atmospheric [CO2] nears 700 ppm.