cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of aromatic cationic molecules on bovine viral diarrhea virus and embryonic development.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) has been shown to replicate in embryo culture systems and remain associated with bovine embryos developing in vitro. In this study, novel antiviral agents were evaluated for capability to inhibit replication of BVDV without affecting embryonic development. Serial concentrations of 2-[5(6)-{2-imidazolinyl}-2-benzimidazolyl]-5-(4-aminophenyl)furan (DB456) or 2-(4-[2-imidazolinyl]phenyl)-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)furan (DB606) were prepared in IVC medium. Then, bovine uterine tubal epithelial cells (UTC) were placed in IVC media with varying concentrations of DB456 or DB606. Within 1 h, a genotype I or II strain of BVDV was added to the cultures. Cultures were maintained for 7 days. Infectious virus was quantitated in IVC media collected on days 3 and 7 and in UTC lysates harvested on day 7. The effective antiviral concentrations of DB606 were much lower than effective antiviral concentrations of DB456. In subsequent experiments, IVF presumptive zygotes were cultured in IVC medium with or without DB456 or DB606 at multiple concentrations for 7 days to evaluate effect of the compound on conceptus development. On day 7, stage of embryonic development was observed, and blastocysts were harvested and stained using Hoechst 33342 to enumerate embryonic cells. While DB456 inhibited blastocyst development, DB606 at 20 times the effective antiviral concentration did not hinder blastocyst development or reduce the mean number of cells per blastocyst. These preliminary results indicated that bovine embryo cultures might be safely supplemented with effective concentrations of an antiviral agent.
Avoidance and inflexibility as a common clinical pathway in obesity and smoking treatment.

This brief study presents reductions in avoidance and inflexibility as a potential common clinical pathway to intervene on for both smoking cessation and weight control. A mediation analysis—using the Avoidance and Inflexibility Scale (AIS)—was conducted on a group of participants (N = 84) who were shown to improve weight control outcomes after receiving an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention. Results were then compared to a previous study using the same process measure (AIS) for smoking cessation. Results suggest a common clinical pathway.
Highly restricted pattern of connexin36 expression in chick somite development.

The gap junction protein connexin36 (CX36) has been well studied in the mature central nervous system, but there has been little information regarding its possible roles in embryonic development. We report here the isolation of the full-length chick CX36 coding sequence (predicted Mr 35.1 kDa) and its strikingly restricted pattern of gene expression in the mesoderm of the chick embryo. In situ hybridization experiments demonstrated CX36 expression in somites by embryonic day 2. The transcripts first appeared dorsomedially within the somite and expanded ventrolaterally to form stripes in the middle of each somite. The CX36 stripes fell within somitic territories enriched in MYOD and FGF8 expression and impoverished in PAX3 transcripts, establishing that CX36 mRNA is expressed in the myotome. We compared the somitic expression pattern of CX36 with those of three other connexins, CX42, CX43, and CX45. At embryonic day 4, CX42 transcripts were localized to the myotome in a pattern resembling that of CX36. In contrast, CX43 was enriched in the dermomyotome, and CX45 was detected in both the myotome and the dermomyotome. Immunoblotting using Cx36 antibodies demonstrated bands of identical electrophoretic mobilities in trunk and retinal homogenates, and Cx36 immunostaining detected punctate immunoreactivity in the myotome. These results demonstrate that some connexins in the developing mesoderm are broadly expressed whereas others are highly localized, and suggest that CX36, CX42, and CX45 are involved in intercellular communication among developing muscle cells.
Kinetics and mechanisms of Co(II) EDTA oxidation by pyrolusite

Abstract Monitoring and restoration activities at low-level radioactive waste disposal sites have identified complicated mixtures of inorganic and organic contaminants in soil and groundwater. Metallic contaminants are generally complexed with various chelating agents and organic acids which alter the geochemical behavior of the contaminants in subsurface media. The objective of this study was to provide an improved understanding of the geochemical processes controlling the subsurface transport of radioactive 60 Co complexed with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Specifically, we investigated the kinetics and mechanisms of Co(II) EDTA 2− oxidation to Co(III)EDTA − by the soil mineral pyrolusite (β-MnO 2 ). A column displacement technique was utilized to investigate Co(II)EDTA 2− reactivity and oxidation rates through packed beds of pyrolusite-coated SiO 2 . The interaction of Co(II)EDTA 2− with the porous media was characterized by a MnO 2 -induced oxidation of the Co (II)EDTA 2− to Co(III)EDTA − . The oxidation of Co(II)EDTA 2− appeared to involve the reduction of Mn (IV) to both an aqueous Mn 2+ species and a theorized Mn(III)-oxide solid phase. The redox reaction was catalytic since the reduction products were gradually reoxidized in the presence of dissolved O 2 to form a Mn(IV)-oxide phase. Oxidation of surface-bound Mn 2+ and the theorized Mn(III)-oxide was slow relative to Co(II)EDTA 2− oxidation, and a reversible loss in the oxidative ability of the β-MnO 2 occurred when exposed to CO(II)EDTA 2− . The reduction in catalytic activity of the MnO 2 was not the result of direct surface poisoning by Mn 2+ but rather was believed to result from the formation of an intermediate Mn(III)-oxide solid phase whose oxidative potential was significantly less than MnO 2 . Thus, the kinetics of Co(II)EDTA 2− oxidation to Co(III)EDTA − by MnO 2 was dependent on the rate of MnO 2 surface regeneration. The environmental implications of this redox reaction are pronounced, since any Co(III)EDTA − produced is extremely stable, and this enhances the persistence and transport of 60 Co in subsurface environments.
Contribution to the Biological and Ecological Characterization of Apple and Walnut Host Races of Codling Moth, Laspeyresia pomonella (L.): Moth Longevity and Oviposition Capacity

A population of Laspeyresia pomonella (L.) established on apples was compared with one from walnut as to the longevity of moths and oviposition capacity of females in relation to developmental condition of larvae (diapause vs. nondiapause) and to the weight of pupae. Comparisons were made with field collected material and among populations reared from 1st–3rd generations in the laboratory and after 12 generations. There was no difference in longevity between walnut and apple races nor between moths from diapausing and non-diapausing larvae, with the exception that moths from field collected diapausing larvae of the walnut race were short-lived. Variability sharply reduced as the populations adapted to laboratory conditions. Male moths lived longer than females, and isolated moths longer than paired sexes. Longevity was directly related to pupal weight, with a more pronounced response in males. Oviposition was lowest by moths from field collected diapausing larvae. From 57–80% of the populations were lost in the process of adapting to the laboratory, e.g., females from field collections which did not mate. Variability in oviposition was reduced in adaptation to laboratory rearing. Oviposition/female was related to pupal weight in both strains and both strains had equivalent pupal weights. However, laboratory reared moths of the walnut strain oviposited 49 more eggs/moth than the apple strain. If there is no correlation between mating adaptation under laboratory conditions and oviposition capacity, it may be concluded that the walnut strain had a higher reproductive potential than the apple strain.
Priority Disciplines in a Loop System

A loop system with N buffered terminals sharing a common time-multiplexed channel is studied. The service discipline is prescribed by a permutation p = (p(1), ···, p(N)) which gives the relative ranking of the terminals. Data from the ith terminal may be buffered at an intermediate terminal—its transmission to the CPU interrupted—if there is a conflict with data from a terminal with higher ranking. It is shown how such systems may be analyzed and how the system performance, as measured by average response time, may be improved by imposing a suitable priority discipline.
Organ-Specific and Light-Induced Expression of Plant Genes

Light plays a pivotal role in the development of plants. The photoregulation of plant genes involves recognition of light quality and quantity by phytochrome and other light receptors. Two gene families, rbcS and Cab, which code for abundant proteins active in photosynthesis, the small subunit of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase and the chlorophyll a/b binding protein, show a 20-to 50-fold increase in transcript abundance in the light. Analyses in calli and transgenic plants of deletions of the rbcS gene and of chimeric constructions has allowed localization of two regions involved in light-induced transcription. One element is confined to a 33-base pair region surrounding the TATA box. In addition, an enhancer-like element contained within a 240-base pair fragment can confer phytochrome-induced transcription and organ specificity on nonregulated promoters.
Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty in Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The application of laser technology to surgery of the upper airway for sleep-related breathing disorders (laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty [LAUP]) has sparked a flurry of interest in ameliorating both the socially vexing problem of snoring as well as the potentially life-threatening physiologic consequences of the OSA syndrome. The revolution in the management of sleep disorders has been fueled by media attention as well as consumer interest. This has created a concern by some that the intense enthusiasm for surgically treating patients with sleep-related breathing disorders has led to premature application of unproven technology. Since the fervor over LAUP has subsided to a degree, and since several peerreviewed publications are available for analysis, it is appropriate to reassess this procedure and, in particular, to determine if its use for mild OSA is safe and efficacious.
Another look at cryoprostatectomy

Abstract The early 1960s witnessed a marked advancement in cryogenic research and its clinical application to surgery. Cooper's development of a closed controllable method for destruction of tissue by cryosurgery was at the forefront. In 1964, Gonder et al . (3) modified this apparatus and popularized its use in the treatment of the common problem of the obstructing prostate gland. However, this potential panacea soon presented the urologists with unexpected serious complicaions. Prolonged sloughing of the necrotized prostate, accidental freezing of rectum, bladder, external urethral sphincter occurred which were unacceptable and rarely encountered with conventional methods of prostatectomy. At this point in time, most urologists in the United States abandoned this procedure. However, others persisted and modified this technique with more precise methods of control monitoring and utilized a small resection of thawing prostate at the time of cryoprostatectomy. During this transition phase, the indications were justifiably narrowed to (i) poor-risk patients, (ii) those with hematological problems, (iii) treatment of large inoperable prostate carcinomas. Our experience with the last 100 cases of combined cryotransurethral prostatectomy encourages another look at this procedure. The utilization of this method, however, must be restricted to a select group of patients and should be carried out by only those urologists properly trained in this surgical modality.
Non-negativity test of multidimensional Hermitian matrices

Abstract Arguments are advanced to point out that simplification analogous to that in the computational test for positive definiteness of multidimensional Hermitian matrices is not possible when the Hermitian matrix is to be tested for non-negative definiteness.
Rate of succession in restored wetlands and the role of site context

Question: Are changes in plant species composition, functional group composition and rates of species turnover consistent among early successional wetlands, and what is the role of landscape context in determining the rate of succession? Location: Twenty-four restored wetlands in Illinois, USA. Methods: We use 4 years of vegetation sampling data from each site to describe successional trends and rates of species turnover in wetlands. We quantify: (1) the rate at which composition changes from early-successional to late-successional species and functional groups, as indicated by site movement in ordination space over time, and (2) the rate of change in the colonization and local extinction of individual species. We correlate the pace of succession to site area, isolation and surrounding land cover. Results: Some commonalities in successional trends were evident among sites. Annual species were replaced by clonal perennials, and colonization rates declined over time. However, differences among sites outweighed site age in determining species composition, and the pace of succession was influenced by a site's landscape setting. Rates of species turnover were higher in smaller wetlands. In addition, wetlands in agricultural landscapes underwent succession more rapidly, as indicated by a rapid increase in dominance by late-successional plants. Conclusions: Although the outcome of plant community succession in restored wetlands was somewhat predictable, species composition and the pace of succession varied among sites. The ability of restoration practitioners to accelerate succession through active manipulation may be contingent upon landscape context.
The Biometry of Calcium and Inorganic Phosphorus in the Blood Plasma of Dairy Cattle: Application of Results to Bone Mineralization

The problem of tl~e nature of the calcium compounds of blood has long attracted the interest of biochemists, physiologists, and clinicians. The problem has many applications to both normal and pathological conditions. Rona and Takahashi (1) concluded tha t calcium occurs in blood serum in two forms only, as calcium bicarbonate which is completely diffusible, and as a calcium-protein compound, the calcium of which is non-diffusible. The possib'flity of calcium occurring in the blood as calcium phosphate was also considered by Rona and Takahashi but rejected on the following grounds. They pointed out tha t the only form of calcium phosphate tha t could exist at the hydrogen ion concentration of blood would be an insoluble one. They reasoned tha t this compound would therefore have to be present in suspension and would thus be non-diffusible, whereas they found that the inorganic phosphorus of the serum is entirely diffusible. According to Rona and Takahashi the calcium bicarbonate concentration of blood is expressed by the relation
Losing Your Control: Acquisitions and Outsourcing

Faced with a flat budget over the past five years, the acquisitions unit at Southern Illinois University's Morris Library has sought alternative schemas to save staff time and money. One decision was to begin a trial run of outsourcing the monographic processing procedures. During this five month trial, acquisitions staff tracked the number of books funneled into the process, vendor error rate, cost, and the work-flow changes regulated by the process. From this tracking, we hoped to determine and evaluate the trade-offs between the money and staff time saved and the costs/benefits gleaned from outsourcing the pre-processing of our monographs.
Growing single-center experience with lung transplantation using donation after cardiac death.

Background Early experience with lung transplantation (LTx) using organs from donors after cardiac death (DCD) has been promising, although widespread adoption has been slow because of the perception of diminished organ quality. Some centers have even suggested that use of DCD lungs is high risk and have recommended ex vivo evaluation before transplantation. We analyzed our growing single-center experience with DCD lungs procured and transplanted using protocols established for brain-dead donors. Methods From August 2004 to July 2011, 605 patients underwent LTx, 32 (4.9%) with DCD organs. Standardized donor selection, procurement, and preservation protocols established for brain-dead donors were applied to DCD organs. Measured outcomes were Kaplan-Meier survival, early graft function measured by arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (Po 2 /Fio 2 ratio [P/F ratio]), airway complications, spirometry, and development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). Results Survival was 97% at 30 days, 91% at 1 year, 91% at 2 years, and 71% at 3 and 4 years. Mean P/F ratio at 6 hours and 24 hours was 305 and 332, respectively. One airway complication required intervention. Median time to extubation, intensive care unit (ICU), and total hospital lengths of stay were 1, 4, and 14 days, respectively. At median follow-up of 2.8 years, median forced expiratory volume in 1 second, percent of predicted (FEV 1 %) of the survivors was 59% (range, 27%–113%), with 16% (5/32) having BOS. Conclusions This growing experience suggests that recipient survival and early graft function using DCD lungs is excellent and has occurred without significant adjustment of procurement, preservation, or implantation protocols. Concerns over diminished organ quality are unfounded, and use of DCD lungs should be expanded.
Reconstituted energy transfer from antenna pigment-protein to reaction centres isolated from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides

Abstract Efficient energy transfer has been reconstituted between an antenna pigment-protein and reaction centres isolated from the photosynthetic membrane of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides . The reconstituted system has fluorescence induction kinetics and fluorescence yields similar to those obtained from antenna bacteriochlorophyll in chromatophores. The results indicated that closed reaction centres quench fluorescence from the antenna pigment-protein, although not as strongly as photochemically active reaction centres. The measurement of fluorescence yields from chromatophores of the reaction centreless mutant PM-8 and of the parent strain Ga confirmed these observations. The fluorescence yield from the reconstituted system was approximately the same whether the reaction centres had been closed by photo-oxidation of the bacteriochlorophyll electron donor or chemical reduction of the primary acceptor, indicating a similar lifetime for the excited singlet state in both states of the reaction centres.
Synthesis and Characterization of Silica Membranes Prepared by Pyridine-Catalyzed Atomic Layer Deposition

A novel method for preparing silica membranes with controlled pore size and porosity is reported. Mesoporous silica membranes were modified at near room temperature, using catalyzed atomic layer deposition (C-ALD) of silicon dioxide within the membrane. The catalyst, pyridine, in addition to reducing the reaction temperature, acted as a template for controlling pore size. The catalyst limited the deposition reaction within the mesoporous matrix, by reactant exclusion from the pores. This self-limiting pore size reduction was confirmed using single-gas permeation measurements on the modified membranes. The self-limiting pore size reduction was found extremely beneficial for reducing defects which contributed to viscous flow in the mesoporous membrane, without plugging up the membrane and maintaining reasonable fluxes. A mesoporous membrane with a N2 permeance of 3.5 × 10-7 mol·m-2·s-1·Pa-1, 3.3% of the flux of which was attributed to viscous flow, had its viscous flow reduced to less than 1% with a modest ...
An environmental aircraft battery (EAB)

Abstract The Battery Branch of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory began the development of an environmental aircraft battery (EAB) to replace existing nickel/cadmium (Ni–Cd) and sealed lead-/acid (SLA) batteries to minimize or eliminate use of environmentally hazardous battery materials by the USAF. A three-phase development contract was awarded in 1996 to replace the cadmium in Ni–Cd batteries with a metal hydride (MH) anode. Designs, materials, space battery technology, and results on commercial and government battery programmes were evaluated in the Phase I, Feasibility Analysis. Bipolar and prismatic designs were selected for Phase II development. Materials and cell test data are presented.
André–Quillen cohomology of commutative S-algebras

Abstract We define topological Andre–Quillen cohomology of commutative S -algebras and construct a spectral sequence that calculates the Andre–Quillen cohomology of commutative S -algebras over H F p .
Regioselective Syntheses of β- N -Linked Glycoaminoacids and Glycopeptides

Acylation of tetra-O-pivaloyl-β-d-galactopyranosylamine 2 by readily available N- (Cbz or Fmoc-α-aminoacyl) benzotriazoles under microwave irradiation proceeded diastereoselectively to give β-N-glycoaminoacids 3a−d, (3c+3c‘) (compound numbers written within brackets represent a racemate or a diastereomeric mixture; compound numbers without brackets represent a single enantiomer) (83−92%), and glycosylated asparagine building block 9 (65%). N-Cbz-Protected peptidoylbenzotriazoles 4a−c similarly afforded β-N-glycodipeptides 5a−c (76−81%). Regiospecific β-N-linkage formation was established by 1D and 2D NMR techniques for 3b.
What supports nutritional support

Historique et revue des traitements par alimentation enterale et parenterale pour des affections digestives et autres
Manual Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining of Mouse Tissue Sections

The hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain is the standard used for microscopic examination of tissues that have been fixed, processed, embedded, and sectioned. It can be performed manually or by automation. For economic reasons, the manual technique is generally the method of choice for facilities with a low sample volume. This protocol describes manual H&E staining of fixed, processed, paraffin-embedded, and sectioned mouse tissues. In H&E-stained tissues, the nucleic acids stain dark blue and the proteins stain red to pink or orange. For accurate phenotyping and delineation of tissue detail, the protocol must be adhered to rigorously. This includes frequent reagent changes as well as the use of "in-date" reagents. Appropriate color in a good H&E stain allows for identification of many tissue subtleties that are necessary for accurate diagnosis.
Diffusion-controlled growth of dendrite arrays

Abstract The diffusion-controlled growth of dendrite arrays is analyzed using an approach similar to that of Jackson and Hunt for rod eutectic growth. The growth rate is found to be determined by the diffusion coefficient, the size and spacing of the dendrites, and the differences of the interface concentration from that in bulk liquid and in the crystal. Relative to the model of an isolated dendrite, the results of the present analysis provide an improved description of the crystallization of a 0.10 K 2 O-0.90 SiO 2 composition.
Beneficial effect of hyperbaric oxygen on island flaps subjected to secondary venous ischemia

The potential for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) to decrease the untoward effects of a secondary ischemic event was studied in the rat superficial epigastric flap model. The secondary venous ischemic flap was created by cross-clamping the vascular pedicles for 2 h. Twenty-four hours later, the flap was reelevated and the venous pedicle was occluded for 5 h. Thirty-two rats were divided into three groups. In experimental group 1, animals received HBO treatment immediately prior to the initial flap elevation and ischemia at 2 atmosphere pressures for 90 min. In experimental group 2, the rats underwent a similar course except for a second 90-min HBO course immediately prior to the secondary venous occlusion. The rats without HBO therapy were used as controls. The results showed that all control flaps were nonviable at 1 week by clinical inspection and fluorescein injection. Complete flap survival occurred in 20% of group 1 flaps and 30.8% of group 2 flaps. Partial flap survival occurred in the rest of the flaps in these two groups, with mean survival areas of 48% and 55%, respectively. In conclusion, HBO treatments significantly increase the survival of flaps subjected to a secondary ischemia, even if administered before the primary ischemia. Administering HBO prior to secondary venous ischemia was marginal, which may be due to the effect of O(2) given by HBO not lasting longer than 5 h.
Aggressive acne treatment: as simple as one, two, three?

In briefToo often acne treatment focuses on diminishing lesions without considering what an active patient really wants: completely clear skin. In addition to benzoyl peroxide cleansing and topical acne medication, a three-tier approach of oral agents often achieves clear skin regardless of the severity of acne. Tetracycline is the first line of treatment, followed by minocycline if the first drug is not effective. If these two antibiotics fail to clear the acne, isotretinoin can be highly effective—but patients need to know that the drug produces birth defects in almost all women who take the drug while pregnant.
Management of malignancy-related ascites.

Abstract A 65-year-old Polish immigrant named T. J. was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer in January 2012 when he presented with obstructing sigmoid colon cancer and liver metastases. A diverting colostomy as well as biopsy of his liver metastases was performed and chemotherapy with FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil [5-FU], leucovorin, oxaliplatin) and bevacizumab was initiated. After three months, he transitioned to maintenance therapy with infusional 5-FU and bevacizumab until he progressed in August 2012. Oxaliplatin was reintroduced and he responded until he developed progressive neuropathy in November and his therapy was changed to FOLFIRI (5-FU, leucovorin, irinotecan) and bevacizumab. T. J. developed liver progression after three months and, because he was Kras wild type, irinotecan and panitumumab were initiated. Liver-directed therapy also was pursued and he underwent radioembolization with yittrium-90 followed by chemoembolization with irinotecan-eluded beads. At the time of these procedures, T. J.'s portal and hepatic venous systems were patent (i.e., no thrombosis or obstruction causing portal hypertension).
The House Vote to Overturn the Moratorium on Offshore Drilling: Jobs, PACs, Ideology, and Spills

In 2011 the House of Representatives passed a bill that would overturn the Obama administration’s moratorium on offshore drilling. This paper explores the factors affecting the way legislators voted on the bill. Empirical results show that potential employment effects, legislator ideology, and proximity to the Gulf Coast affected the way legislators voted. In addition, Political Action Committee (PAC) money from those who supported/opposed the bill was also found to be an important determinant of voting behavior. Furthermore, examination of the timing of PAC contributions supports the view that contributions were made with the aim of influencing the outcome of this specific vote.
Diagnosis of specialized intestinal metaplasia of the esophagus with optical coherence tomography

Summary form only given. The purpose of this study was to acquire a large series of biopsy-correlated OCT images to establish and validate objective OCT image criteria for specialized intestinal metaplasia and prospectively determine the sensitivity and specificity of these criteria.
Modification of the Rat's Saline Intake Gradient by Experience with Specific Concentrations:

The amount of sodium chloride solution ingested by racs in an ad libiiu7n test sicuation at first increases with concentration, reaches a maximum with concentrations around ,995, and then decreases (Bare, 1949). In spite of emphasis on physiological explanations (Woodworth & Schlosberg, 1954, p. 662; Deutsch & Jones, 1960), it is quite possible that saline drinking behavior is in part determined by processes dependent upon prior experience, for example, learning (Bare, 1949). A learning explanation would become more plausible if it were demonstrated that the saline intake gradient could be modified by experience. The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether raising racs from birth on specific concentrations of saline as their only drinking fluid would alter the gradient of saline intake which is usually found with laboratory rats. METHOD
A neural network for robot control: cooperation between neural units as a requirement for learning

Abstract We present a self-organizing neural network for learning visuo-motor coordination and describe its application to the task of learning the end effector positioning of a simulated, three-jointed robot arm. In contrast to a neural network algorithm that we introduced earlier in Refs we now employ visual feedback which enables the robot arm to position its end effector with an accuracy of about 5% of the size of the workspace after only 100 learning steps and with a final accuracy of about 0.06% after 6000 learning steps. Learning proceeds without the need for an external teacher by a sequence of trial movements using input signals from a pair of cameras. The use of visual feedback enables the robot arm not only to adapt to slowly occurring miscalibrations, but also to compensate for sudden changes in its geometry, e.g. when picking up a tool. The results of a simulation and a mathematical analysis of the learning procedure show that cooperation between neural units during the course of learning, incorporated in the network, is essential for the robot arm system to succeed in learning.
Residual disinfection with N-halamine based antimicrobial paints

Abstract An N -halamine acrylamide monomer was copolymerized with the sodium salt of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid to produce water-dispersible/soluble polymers. The polymers were added into a water-based latex paint and the treated paints were rendered antimicrobial upon chlorination with dilute household bleach. The chlorinated paints were exposed to fluorescent and ultraviolet light for several periods of time. The bound chlorine on the polymers was remarkably stable and the remaining chlorine on the treated paints after several weeks of light exposure was sufficient to provide 6-log inactivations of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria within 5–10 min of contact time. The samples exposed light could be rechlorinated to their initial chlorine loadings, indicating that the polymers were also very stable toward light irradiation. This study describes an effective approach to prepare antimicrobial surfaces providing long-term disinfection.
Infinite commutative product formulas for relative extremal projectors

Abstract Loosely speaking, a relative extremal projector is a universal projector mapping any appropriate representation onto a certain highest subrepresentation. This paper presents a number of infinite product expansions for the relative extremal projector, most of which are new even for the extremal projector. As an application, conditions are given determining when the relative extremal projector descends to a well-defined operator on a particular representation. The total denominator and related summation formulas are also studied.
Diagnostic performance of the upper gastrointestinal series in the evaluation of children with clinically suspected malrotation

Malrotation is a congenital disorder of abnormal intestinal rotation and fixation that predisposes infants to potentially life-threatening midgut volvulus. Upper gastrointestinal tract (UGI) examination is sometimes equivocal and can lead to inaccurate diagnosis. To determine the diagnostic performance of UGI examinations in children who subsequently underwent a Ladd procedure for suspected malrotation or volvulus. We reviewed all children up to 21 years old who had undergone both a UGI examination and a Ladd procedure for possible malrotation across 9 years. Children were excluded if they had not undergone either a UGI examination or a Ladd procedure and if congenital abdominal wall defects were present. Of 229 patients identified, 166 (59% male, median age 67 days) were included. Excluded were 47 without a UGI series, 12 with omphalocele or gastroschisis, 1 without verifiable operative data, 1 who had not undergone a Ladd procedure, and 2 older than 21 years. Of the 166 patients, 40% were neonates and 73% were <12 months old, and 31% presented with bilious vomiting and 15% with abdominal distention. Of 163 patients with surgically verified malrotation, 156 had a positive UGI examination, a sensitivity of 96%. There were two patients with a false-positive UGI examination and seven with false-negative examination. Jejunal position was normal in six of the seven with a false-negative examination and abnormal in the two with a false-positive examination. Of 38 patients with surgically verified volvulus, 30 showed volvulus on the UGI series. Five required bowel resection and three died. Jejunal position can lead to inaccurate UGI series interpretation. Meticulous technique and periodic assessment of performance will help more accurately diagnose difficult or equivocal cases.
Statistics of the First-Order Phase-Locked Loop with Fluctuating Signal Amplitude

The phase error probability density of the first-order phase-locked loop is determined when the signal amplitude has a wideband noise component. The problem is solved using the Fokker-Planck equation. Use is made of the "correction term" for conversion from ordinary calculus to the Ito calculus model. Serious errors in previously published works are pointed out.
Thermal constraints on use of cover types and activity time of elk

Use of cover types and activity patterns of radio-collared elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti) inhabiting the Mount St. Helens blast zone in the State of Washington, U.S.A., were studied under different climatic conditions. Elk use of forest cover during the midday period was not greater (P < 0.12) on clear days than on cloudy days. Estimates of the heat load of a foraging elk indicated that normal body temperatures could be maintained in the seral plant communities of the blast zone despite high radiative heat gain. An increase in wind speeds in mid to late afternoon suggested an increase in convective heat loss. Additionally, elk became inactive and selected bedding sites with little vegetation. Elk compensated for the decrease in diurnal activity time by increasing nocturnal feeding. Abundant, high quality forage in the Mount St. Helens blast zone most likely facilitated these responses to heat stress.
Multiplex sampling for feature specific and data efficient optical imaging and spectroscopy

I review recent work in the DISP group at Duke University focusing on imaging and spectroscopic sensors for feature specific and data efficient sensing. I describe experiments in diffuse source Raman spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging and I analyze geometric and coherence constraints on generalized sampling strategies in optical sensor design.
Hormonal therapy for epithelial ovarian cancer.

Despite the fact that hormonal therapy has been employed in the management of ovarian cancer for more than 40 years, there is limited information available in the peer-reviewed medical literature to document the beneficial impact of the strategy, either on improvement in cancer-related symptoms or prolongation of survival. Existing data suggest that approximately 5–10% of ovarian cancer patients treated with a hormone-based strategy in the second-line setting will achieve evidence of substantial tumor shrinkage, with a larger proportion of individuals likely to demonstrate stabilization of the disease process for a highly variable time interval. The major advantage with the use of hormonal treatments is the well-recognized and highly favorable toxicity profile associated with this class of antineoplastic agents.
DIFFERENCES AMONG RACIAL AND ETHNIC GROUPS IN MEAN SCORES ON THE GRE AND SAT: CROSS‐SECTIONAL COMPARISONS

If one compares racial/ethnic group differences on verbal and quantitative tests from published data on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test, some group differences appear to be relatively larger (in standard deviation units) on the GRE General Test than on the SAT. The objective of this study was to undertake a retrospective, longitudinal analysis of a group of individuals who had taken both tests to see if group differences remain the same or change over time. After merging records on the GRE General Test with SAT records for the same individuals, the realized sample had 69,494 cases. In this sample, the pattern of results from longitudinal evidence was very different from that found in cross-sectional comparisons of published GRE and SAT data for the various groups. The changes in the relative size of mean differences were in the direction of closing the gap between non-Hispanic (NH) White and minority groups, especially for Asian American and Puerto Rican examinees. The regressions of GRE General Test scores on SAT scores (i.e., growth) for various racial/ethnic groups were dissimilar from that of the NH White group, but the differences in growth patterns did not widen the distance in means between NH White test takers and minority groups. There was also evidence that racial/ethnic groups may vary in the degree of self-selection that occurs for entry into the graduate-school-bound pool of GRE test takers. This pattern may explain the relatively larger disparity in group means in the GRE population than in the SAT population that is evident in the cross-sectional comparisons. However, this explanation needs to be verified with more complete data on pathways to graduate school that include non-SAT test takers and students who apply to professional schools.
Using spatial analysis to estimate depopulation for Native American populations in northeastern North America, AD 1616–1645

Eight years ago, Ramenofsky et al. (2003) characterized the discussion of the impact of Old World diseases on Native American populations as almost exclusively historical in nature. They specifically argued for the application of more evolutionary, genetic, and epidemiological theory to research into this topic. We agree with their assessment and further suggest that such research would greatly benefit from spatial analyses of disease spread as well. Using trend surface analysis of existing ethnohistorical and archaeological data pertaining to population sizes and disease events, we examine the spatiotemporal dimensions of 17th century depopulation in northeastern North America. The subsequent results allow us to predict possible depopulation rates for populations with very little demographic data. Further, our use of biological, historical, and cultural data to interpret the results represents an attempt to provide a more complex explanation for the variability in cultural survivability across the region and several possible avenues for productive future research. We believe research like this can significantly improve our understanding of how Old World diseases affected historic Native American populations and cultures and continue to impact them today.
Excitations in Few-Atomic-Layer Adsorbed Helium Films: The Two-Dimensional Roton

Inelastic neutron scattering from helium adsorbed on Graphon indicates the presence of two types of excitations: one bulklike, which appears to be associated with the normal density part of the film; and a second, at lower energy, which is thought to originate in the high-density liquid layer immediately adjacent to the solid layers of the film. The latter is believed to be responsible for the reduced roton gap inferred from bulk studies of few-atomic-layer superfluid films.
Weapon Carrying, Physical Fighting and Gang Membership Among Youth in Washington State Military Families

To examine associations between parental military service and school-based weapon carrying, school-based physical fighting and gang membership among youth. We used cross-sectional data from the 2008 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey collected in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades of public schools (n = 9,987). Parental military service was categorized as none (reference group), without combat zone deployment, or deployed to a combat zone. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test associations between parental military service and three outcomes: school-based weapon carrying, school-based physical fighting and gang membership. Standard errors were adjusted for the complex survey design. In 8th grade, parental deployment was associated with higher odds of reporting gang membership (OR = 1.8) among girls, and higher odds of physical fighting (OR = 1.6), and gang membership (OR = 1.9) among boys. In 10th/12th grade, parental deployment was associated with higher odds of reporting physical fighting (OR = 2.0) and gang membership (OR = 2.2) among girls, and physical fighting (OR = 2.0), carrying a weapon (OR = 2.3) among boys. Parental military deployment is associated with increased odds of reporting engagement in school-based physical fighting, school-based weapon carrying, and gang membership, particularly among older youth. Military, school, and public health professionals have a unique, collaborative opportunity to develop school- and community-based interventions to prevent violence-related behaviors among youth and, ultimately, improve the health and safety of youth in military families. Ideally, such programs would target families and youth before they enter eighth grade.
Alternative Integer-Linear-Programming Formulations of the Clar Problem in Hexagonal Systems

We present two alternative objective functions for the integer-linear-programming formulation of the Clar problem in hexagonal systems proposed by Hansen and Zheng [1994, J. Math. Chem. 15, 93]. Also, we note that these formulations can be solved in polynomial-time with linear programming algorithms.
W -complement d -spreads, Singleton systems

Let W⊆V be vector spaces over GF(q) of dimensions n and n + d, respectively. In this paper, we introduce a new concept known as W-complement d-spreads of V and establish a one-to one correspondence between the set of all W-complement d-spreads of V and the set of all (d, n, 1, q)-Singleton systems of order qn.
Calcium-mediated repression of β-catenin and its transcriptional signaling mediates neural crest cell death in an avian model of fetal alcohol syndrome.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a common birth defect in many societies. Affected individuals have neurodevelopmental disabilities and a distinctive craniofacial dysmorphology. These latter deficits originate during early development from the ethanol-mediated apoptotic depletion of cranial facial progenitors, a population known as the neural crest. We showed previously that this apoptosis is caused because acute ethanol exposure activates a G protein-dependent intracellular calcium within cranial neural crest progenitors, and this calcium transient initiates the cell death. The dysregulated signals that reside downstream of ethanol’s calcium transient and effect neural crest death are unknown. Here we show that ethanol’s repression of the transcriptional effector β-catenin causes the neural crest losses. Clinically-relevant ethanol concentrations (22–78 mM) rapidly deplete nuclear β-catenin from neural crest progenitors, with accompanying losses of β-catenin transcriptional activity and downstream genes that govern neural crest induction, expansion and survival. Using forced expression studies we show that β-catenin loss of function (via dominant-negative TCF) recapitulates ethanol’s effects on neural crest apoptosis, whereas β-catenin gain-of-function in ethanol’s presence preserves neural crest survival. Blockade of ethanol’s calcium transient using Bapta-AM normalizes β-catenin activity and prevents the neural crest losses, whereas ionomycin treatment is sufficient to destabilize β-catenin. We propose that ethanol’s repression of β-catenin causes the neural crest losses in this model of FAS. β-Catenin is a novel target for ethanol’s teratogenicity. β-Catenin/Wnt signals participate in many developmental events and its rapid and persistent dysregulation by ethanol may explain why the latter is such a potent teratogen.
Comparison of IMRT planning with two-step and one-step optimization: a way to simplify IMRT

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans are often complex, increasing the potential for dosimetric errors and prolonged treatment times. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of one-step optimization as compared to conventional two-step optimization in inverse IMRT planning and to investigate the tradeoff between the number of segments and IMRT plan quality. Ten IMRT cases were studied, including five prostate patients and five nasopharynx patients. For each patient, seven research plans were generated with the same beam angles and objectives as the clinical plan using a commercial treatment planning system with the ability to perform one-step and two-step optimization. Two-step plans had the number of intensity levels set to 10, 5 and 3. One-step plans had the maximum number of segments set at 80, 60, 40 and 20 for prostate, and 100, 65, 50 and 25 for nasopharynx. When compared with two-step plans with similar numbers of segments, one-step plans resulted in lower MUs, higher homogeneity and conformal indices, and lower doses to sensitive structures. One-step optimization is an effective method for simplifying IMRT plans, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of segments for step and shoot delivery without significantly sacrificing plan quality.
A novel synthesis of the cyclic carbinolamide moiety of the maytansinoids

Abstract The α-diketo urethane 3 cyclizes to form the cyclic carbinolamide 4 using TMS triflate and 2,6-di- t -butylpyridine. The siloxy group of 4 is readily exchanged in methanol or water to form 6 or 7 . Remarkably, 3 does not cyclize spontaneously or on standard acid catalysis.
Accuracy of predicting the duration of a surgical operation.

Purpose The ability to predict how long a particular operation will take is important for maintaining operating room efficiency. The purpose of this study was to determine how accurate oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) can be in making this determination. Materials and Methods Three experienced OMSs predicted their operating times for various operations; these predictions were compared with the actual times. The cases were then grouped into those with accurate predictions and those with overestimated and underestimated times, and the operative reports were reviewed for possible operation trends or other contributing factors. Results In the 100 cases analyzed, the surgeons correctly estimated operating times 26% of the time, overestimated 42% of the time, and underestimated 32% of the time. In the 42 overestimated times, 10 cases involved multiple tooth extractions or removal of impacted third molars, and 8 cases involved orthognathic surgery. In the 32 underestimated cases, 7 involved orthognathic surgery and 8 involved the open reduction of fractures. The 26 accurately estimated cases involved 7 cases of multiple tooth extractions or impacted third molar removal and 5 cases of arthroscopic temporomandibular joint lysis and lavage. Conclusions Although operating times need to be used for scheduling purposes, they can be highly unpredictable. Surgeons need to constantly analyze their predictions for confounding factors in order to improve their accuracy.