cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of ultrasonic transducer frequency on the registration of ultrasound to CT vertebral images

Researchers of computer-assisted surgical systems are seeking to reduce the invasiveness of spinal procedures through the use of intra-operative ultrasound (US). Given a favorable registration of vertebral US images to pre-operative CT scans, the individual vertebrae in physical space would be mapped to the patient's corresponding image space. In this work a method is proposed for transcutaneous localization of a lumbar vertebra in US images and a subsequent registration of vertebral surfaces from US and CT. In this study, US scans of a life-size plastic spine phantom were obtained using B-mode transducers of frequencies 3.5 and 4.5 MHz. The spine was immersed in a water tank and images from the L2 vertebra were captured in the transverse plane. A point-to-surface registration that is a modification of the Besl/McKay algorithm was applied to extracted US vertebral surface points and a triangulated surface representation of corresponding CT scans. The results of this registration have been qualitatively assessed, and both data sets visually algin along the entire L2 vertebra. Presently, more than 250,000 lumbo-sacral spinal surgeries are performed annually; consequently, minimizing the intervention in this region could have an extensive positive effect for both the procedure and the patient.
Deer and diversity in Allegheny hardwood forests: managing an unlikely challenge

High white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) density and interfering vegetation were identified as factors affecting the regeneration of hardwood forests in the Allegheny National Forest and surrounding forests in northwestern Pennsylvania. Research was designed by Forest Service scientists to quantify these effects. A high degree of interest in the impact of these effects on the diversity of forest resources led to additional research. Scientists, natural resource managers, and private timber interests used the research findings on the impacts of deer and interfering vegetation on regeneration and diversity to produce newsletters, tours, symposia, and to make presentations to groups of legislators, environmentalists and other influential segments of the public. This combined research-educational effort has been associated with the enactment of hunting regulations designed to reduce deer density and for registration and continued use of herbicides to control interfering vegetation. Both actions have the potential to increase the diversity of songbirds and woody and herbaceous vegetation in forest lands. The challenge is to sustain directed management of deer density and interfering vegetation until these factors are controlled to the point where they no longer negatively impact the diversity of forest resources.
Proposed Methodologies for Reviewing Clinical Data by Remote Access

Prompted by a host of pressures challenging the timeliness of the FDA's process for reviewing pharmaceutical products for marketing approval, the Center for Drugs and Biologics, in cooperation with...
Small-signal stability criterion for electrical networks containing lossless transmission lines

A stability criterion is derived for networks containing lossless transmission lines as well as the usual lumped electrical elements. The criterion is stated in terms of the transmission line parameters and scattering matrix measurements made at the terminals of the lumped part of the network. The mathematical proof of the stability theorem involves some new results concerning a special system of difference-differential equations. Another stability criterion is derived in terms of more general input-output measurements.
Waveguides for Integrated Optics Formed by Metal Platings

Theoretical analyses and performance results are presented for two waveguides for integrated optics which are formed by metal platings, employing structures similar to those in some modulators or switches. One structure is a slot waveguide, formed by a slot or gap of unplated film on a substrate between two plated regions, for which previous analyses are incorrect for one polarization. The correct analysis shows that for that polarization the modes are leaky and that propagation occurs over a wider frequency range than expected. The other structure is a new one consisting simply of a strip of metal plated on a film on a substrate. Waveguiding with low loss is possible under appropriate conditions because metals at optical frequencies behave as overdense plasmas.
Apigenin induces apoptosis by targeting inhibitor of apoptosis proteins and Ku70-Bax interaction in prostate cancer.

Dysfunction of the apoptotic pathway in prostate cancer cells confers apoptosis resistance towards various therapies. A novel strategy to overcome resistance is to directly target the apoptotic pathway in cancer cells. Apigenin, an anticancer agent, selectively toxic to cancer cells induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through mechanisms which are not fully explored. In the present study we provide novel insight into the mechanisms of apoptosis induction by apigenin. Treatment of androgen-refractory human prostate cancer PC-3 and DU145 cells with apigenin resulted in dose-dependent suppression of XIAP, c-IAP1, c-IAP2 and survivin protein levels. Apigenin treatment resulted in significant decrease in cell viability and apoptosis induction with the increase of cytochrome C in time-dependent manner. These effects of apigenin were accompanied by decrease in Bcl-xL and Bcl-2 and increase in the active form of Bax protein. The apigenin-mediated increase in Bax was due to dissociation of Bax from Ku70 which is essential for apoptotic activity of Bax. Apigenin treatment resulted in the inhibition of class I histone deacetylases and HDAC1 protein expression, thereby increasing the acetylation of Ku70 and the dissociation of Bax resulting in apoptosis of cancer cells. Furthermore, apigenin significantly reduced HDAC1 occupancy at the XIAP promoter, suggesting that histone deacetylation might be critical for XIAP downregulation. These results suggest that apigenin targets inhibitor of apoptosis proteins and Ku70–Bax interaction in the induction of apoptosis in prostate cancer cells and in athymic nude mouse xenograft model endorsing its in vivo efficacy.
Automated military unit identification in battlefield simulation

It is the nature of complex systems, composed of many interacting elements, that unanticipated phenomena develop. Computer simulation, in which the elements of a complex system are implemented as interacting software objects (actors), is an effective tool to study collective and emergent phenomena in complex systems. A new cognitive architecture is described for constructing simulation actors that can, like the intelligent elements they represent adapt to unanticipated conditions. This cognitive architecture generates trial behaviors, estimates their fitness using an internal representation of the system, and has an internal apparatus for evolving a population of trial behaviors to changing environmental conditions. A specific simulation actor is developed to evaluate surveillance radar images of moving vehicles on battlefields. The vehicle cluster location, characterization and discrimination processes currently performed by intelligent human operators were implemented into a parameterized formation recognition process by using a newly developed family of 2D cluster filters. The mechanics of these cluster filters are described. Preliminary results are presented in which this GSM actor demonstrates the ability not only to recognize military formations under prescribed conditions, but to adapt its behavior to unanticipated conditions that develop in the complex simulated battlefield system.
Magnetohydrodynamic flow of RedOx electrolyte

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of a RedOx electrolyte in a straight conduit is investigated theoretically. Inert electrodes are deposited along segments of the opposing walls of a straight conduit that is filled with a RedOx electrolyte solution. The conduit is positioned in a uniform magnetic field. When a potential difference is applied across the opposing electrodes, the resulting current interacts with the magnetic field to induce Lorentz forces. The species’ mass transport and the momentum equation are coupled and must be solved simultaneously. We compute the various species’ concentration distributions, the current flux distribution, and the liquid’s motion in the absence and presence of pressure gradients. The pressure gradients may either assist or oppose the MHD flow. At low potential differences, the current and the induced MHD flow increase nearly linearly as the potential difference increases. When the potential difference exceeds a certain critical value, the current and the flow rate saturat...
Web-based experiments controlled by JavaScript: an example from probability learning.

JavaScript programs can be used to control Web experiments. This technique is illustrated by an experiment that tested the effects of advice on performance in the classic probability-learning paradigm. Previous research reported that people tested via the Web or in the lab tended to match the probabilities of their responses to the probabilities that those responses would be reinforced. The optimal strategy, however, is to consistently choose the more frequent event; probability matching produces sub-optimal performance. We investigated manipulations we reasoned should improve performance. A horse race scenario in which participants predicted the winner in each of a series of races between two horses was compared with an abstract scenario used previously. Ten groups of learners received different amounts of advice, including all combinations of (1) explicit instructions concerning the optimal strategy, (2) explicit instructions concerning a monetary sum to maximize, and (3) accurate information concerning the probabilities of events. The results showed minimal effects of horse race versus abstract scenario. Both advice concerning the optimal strategy and probability information contributed significantly to performance in the task. This paper includes a brief tutorial on JavaScript, explaining with simple examples how to assemble a browser-based experiment.
The relationship between perceptions of organizational functioning and voluntary counselor turnover: a four-wave longitudinal study

Using data from a nationwide study, we annually track a cohort of 598 substance use disorder counselors over a four-wave period to (a) document the cumulative rates of voluntary turnover and (b) examine how counselor perceptions of the organizational environment (procedural justice, distributive justice, perceived organizational support, and job satisfaction) and clinical supervisor leadership effectiveness (relationship quality, in-role performance, extra-role performance) predict voluntary turnover over time. Survey data were collected from counselors in Year 1, and actual turnover data were collected from organizational records in Years 2, 3, and 4. Findings reveal that 25% of the original counselors turned over by Year 2, 39% by Year 3, and 47% by Year 4. Counselors with more favorable perceptions of the organizational environment are between 13.8% and 22.8% less likely to turn over than those with less favorable perceptions. None of the leadership effectiveness variables are significant.
The Complexity of Phonology

Twodecadesaftertheintroductionofcomplexity-theoreticmethodsforthestudyofnaturallanguagegrammars,therearestillmanytechnicallyincorrectargumentspurportingtoshowthe untractability of various formalisms. Here we analyze two such arguments, one old andone recent, both aimed at demonstrating that speciﬁc versions of phonological theory, asformulated in computational and theoretical work, are incapable of characterizing humanphonology inasmuch as they lead to NP-hard
Differential regulation of amino acid transporter SNAT3 by insulin in hepatocytes.

Abstract The liver is a metabolism and transfer center of amino acids as well as the prime target organ of insulin. In this report, we characterized the regulation of system N/A transporter 3 (SNAT3) in the liver of dietary-restricted mice and in hepatocytes treated with serum starvation and insulin. The expression of SNAT3 was up-regulated in dietary-restricted mice. The expression of SNAT3 protein was detected on the plasma membrane of hepatocyte-like H2.35 cells with a half-life of 6–8 h. When H2.35 cells were depleted of serum, the expression of SNAT3 was increased. An increased concentration of insulin, however, suppressed SNAT3 expression. Interestingly, the down-regulation of SNAT3 expression by insulin was blocked by the specific phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, but not by MAPK inhibitor PD98059, suggesting that insulin exerts its effect on SNAT3 through phosphoinositide 3-kinase-mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. Surface biotinylation assay showed an increased level of SNAT3 on the cell surface after 0.5 h of insulin treatment, although no effect was observed after 24 h of treatment. Consistently, the transport of the substrate l-histidine was increased with short, but not long, treatment by insulin in both H2.35- and SNAT3-transfected COS-7 cells. The l-histidine uptake was inhibited significantly by l-histidine followed by 2-endoamino-bicycloheptane-2-carboxylic acid and l-cysteine and to a lesser extent by l-alanine and aminoisobutyric acid, but was not inhibited by α-(methylamino)isobutyric acid, implying that uptake of l-histidine in H2.35 cells is primarily mediated by system N transporters. In conclusion, differential regulation of SNAT3 by insulin and serum starvation reinforces the functional significance of this transporter in liver physiology.
Compound-Specific Toxicities Detected in CFU-GM, Rat Kidney NRK Cells, Rat Bladder RBLAK Cells, and Rat Liver Slices following Batracylin or N-Acetyl Batracylin Exposure

The investigational anticancer agent batracylin (BAT; 8-aminoisoindolo [1,2-b]quinazolin-10(12H)-one; NSC320846) causes γ-H2AX foci development in exposed tumor cells and has demonstrated activity against solid tumors and adriamycin-resistant leukemia. Reports indicate BAT has wide interspecies variation of adverse effects, including myelosuppression, kidney, bladder, and liver damage, including biliary hyperplasia. The effects of BAT and its metabolite N-acetyl batracylin (NAB) were evaluated in the CFU-GM bone marrow toxicity assay, rat kidney (NRK) cells, bladder epithelial (RBLAK) cells, and rat precision cut liver slices (PCLS). Exposure effects were evaluated biochemically and histologically. Human, dog, and rat exhibited similar CFU-GM IC90 values for BAT (21–29 μM). The ATP assay and γ-H2AX staining showed time- and concentration-dependent toxicity in RBLAK (more severe than NRK at μM after 96 hr BAT exposure). BAT (5 μM and 25 μM) caused biochemical and histology changes to PCLS by day 3 and 25 μM produced centrilobular hepatotoxicity. NAB (≤5 μM) produced no toxicity in CFU-GM, NRK, or RBLAK cells. However, both BAT and NAB caused biliary epithelial cell proliferation in PCLS. Our studies demonstrated species similarities in sensitivity to BAT-induced myelosuppression, and implicate the metabolite NAB in biliary hyperplasia.
Building bridges: connecting research ethics and computer science

The ethical conduct of research is a cornerstone of modern scientific research. Computer science and the discipline's technological artifacts touch nearly every aspect of modern life, and computer scientists must conduct and report their research in an ethical manner. This workshop will identify four theories that offer guidance for ethical decision making, ad use these theories as a basis for evaluating and discussing a set of ethical dilemmas that researchers in computer science might face.
Pripheral iris erosions associated with pediatric intraocular lens implants

Summary Eight children in whom 2-loop iridocapsular lenses or 2-loop iris suture lenses were implanted have exhibited peripheral iris erosion adjacent to the IOL haptic, through the iris stroma, and eventually through the iris pigment epithelium. The process appears to be very gradual and these patients have exhibited no signs of iris irritation or hyphema. No treatment has been instituted.
Synthesis and metabolic conversion of fatty acids by the larval boll weevil.

Abstract 1. 1. The boll weevil ( Anthonomus grandis Boheman) synthesized long-chain fatty acids under sterile conditions from C 14 -1 and C 14 -2-acetate placed in its larval diet. Larvae, pupae and newly molted unfed adults had an identical labeling pattern. Oleic acid possessed 60 per cent of the incorporated radio-activity. 2. 2. The weevil also desaturated dietary palmitic and stearic acids to corresponding mono-unsaturated fatty acids, palmitoleic and oleic acid. A significant portion of dietary palmitic acid underwent chain elongation to stearic acid, which subsequently was desaturated. Dietary oleic acid was not hydrogenated to any appreciable extent, because oleic acid was incorporated unchanged in the insect's tissues. 3. 3. The boll weevil was unable to form linoleic acid from acetate and, furthermore, could not convert closely related long-chain fatty acids into linoleic acid.
The Third Circle: On Education and Distance Learning:

Has it been demonstrated that distance learning is as effective as face-to-face learning? This paper, proposing a “three circle” model of postsecondary education, argues that measurable competence,...
Boehmite Nanoparticles Incorporated Electrospun Nylon-6 Nanofiber Web for New Electret Filter Media

Nylon-6 (PA6) nanofiber webs incorporated with boehmite nanoparticles as an electrostatic charging agent were electrospun and their fiber morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). SEM showed that the median fiber diameter of the PA6 nanofibers was 73 nm and boehmite nanoparticles had little effect on the fiber diameter. The filtration performance of the nanofiber web was measured using 0.3 micron DOP aerosols at a 5.3 cm/s face velocity. Processed and corona charged PA6 nanofiber web showed significant improvement in the submicron aerosol capture efficiency without a change in the air flow resistance compared to the discharged nanofiber web. These results suggest that the electrospinning process imparted electrostatic charge efficiently on the PA6 nanofiber web, and the electrostatic surface potential of a nanofiber web is increased with the incorporation of boehmite nanoparticles.
Ethnicity and the distance to the epidural space in parturients.

Background and Objectives: In a pilot study, we previously demonstrated a higher average skin to lumbar epidural space distance (STLESD) in our obstetric population compared with the published literature. Furthermore, we demonstrated differences in STLESD based on ethnicity. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of the STLESD in our patient population by expanding the number of patients and ethnic groups included. Methods: Data from 3,305 patients were obtained from our electronic database from September 2003 through November 2005. Self-declared ethnicity included 1,177 Caucasians (36%), 1,162 African Americans (35%), 760 Hispanics (23%), 135 Asians (4%), and 71 Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi/Sri Lankans (2%). The influences of body mass index (BMI), ethnicity, and their interaction on the STLESD were tested with a multiple linear regression model. Results: The mean ± SD STLESD differed among the ethnic groups ranging from 4.8 ± 0.9 cm in Asian patients to 6.3 ± 1.6 cm in African American parturients. When all ethnic groups were compared, BMI had a significant influence on STLESD (P Conclusions: In this study we found that the STLESD was deeper than what was previously reported in the literature. Furthermore, ethnicity, in addition to BMI, influenced the STLESD.
Comparison of Responses to a $2 Bill versus a Chance to Win $250 in a Mail Survey of Emergency Physicians

Objectives: To evaluate whether small monetary incentives improve physicians' responses to surveys. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no one has evaluated emergency physicians' response rate and cost per participant of a small monetary incentive relative to a chance to win a more substantial sum. The authors compared emergency physicians' responses and per-participant costs between a $2 bill and a $250 lottery. Methods: Two groups of 288 emergency physicians were randomly selected and mailed a survey. Within each group of 288, half received a $2 bill and the other half received an offer that respondents would be entered into a drawing to win $250. Nonresponders received a reminder postcard one week later, and persistent nonresponders received a second mailing of the survey three weeks after the initial mailing. Results: Of the 576 surveys that were mailed, nine (2%) subjects were ineligible or undeliverable, leaving 567 eligible subjects, of whom 301 (53%) participated in the survey. The $2 bill had a substantially higher response rate: 170 (56%) of those receiving a $2 bill participated versus 131 (44%) of those receiving a chance to win $250 (95% confidence interval = 5% to 22%; p < 0.001). The $2 bill offer was less expensive per participant than the $250 offer. The cost of postage and incentives was $997.33 for 170 participants, or $5.87 per participant, for the $2 bill and $979.29 for 131 participants, or $7.48 per participant, for the chance to win $250. Conclusions: Mailing a $2 bill incentive produces a better response rate with lower cost per participant than offering a chance to win $250.
Reply to McGann's Comment on “Speculations on the Future of Advertising Research”

Abstract Among the sincerest forms of flattery is being noticed. Within the academic profession, knowledge that one's work has been read and has elicited a response is particularly gratifying (Zinkhan, Roth, and Saxton 1992). Thus, I was pleased to see Anthony McGann's (1992) comment on my recent article (Stewart 1992). I also appreciate his description of the paper as “thought-provoking” since my objective in writing the paper was to provoke thought and discussion. Spirited debate should be a characteristic of the academic enterprise. It provides a source of energy and motivation; it can also serve to place issues and points of controversy in better focus.
Inhibition of thromboxane synthase activity modulates bladder cancer cell responses to chemotherapeutic agents.

Recently, we reported prognostic significance of thromboxane synthase (TXAS) gene expression in invasive bladder cancer. The positive correlation between elevated TXAS expression and shorter patient survival supports a potential role for TXAS-regulated pathways in tumor metastases. In this study, using immunohistochemical analysis, we found an increased expression of TXAS protein in bladder cancer. Treatment of T24 and transitional cell carcinoma TCC-SUP bladder cancer cells with the TXAS inhibitors furegrelate or ozagrel induced an apoptotic effect measured as an increase in caspase-3 activation and cell death, and decreased survivin expression. Pharmacological inhibition of TXAS using the TXAS inhibitor furegrelate increased sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic agents cisplatin and paclitaxel. Molecular inhibition of TXAS expression by siRNA significantly decreased cell growth and migration. In concordance with the pharmacological data, siRNA-mediated reduction of TXAS expression increased sensitivity to cisplatin and paclitaxel in T24 and TCC-SUP cells. In summary, the data support a role for the thromboxane A2 pathway in the pathogenesis of bladder cancer and the potential utility of modulation of this signaling pathway for cancer chemotherapy.
Basal ganglia germinoma with progressive cerebral hemiatrophy

The authors describe a 7-year-old Chinese-American female with a germinoma of the basal ganglia who presented with progressive hemiparesis and cerebral hemiatrophy. The additional finding of markedly elevated antiphospholipid antibodies suggests the possibility of an autoimmune pathogenesis for the progressive cerebral atrophy, as well as the later development of cognitive decline, tics, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Case-control study of the α-synuclein interacting protein gene and Parkinson's disease

We conducted a case-control study of the α-synuclein–interacting protein gene (SNCAIP, also known as synphilin-1) and Parkinson's disease (PD). A total of 319 PD cases and 195 controls were genotyped for four SNCAIP variants, including a microsatellite repeat in intron 4 and three restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) proximal to the 5′ terminal of exons 1, 4, and 6. None of the variants were found associated with PD overall. Global score statistics were not significant for four, three, and two loci haplotypes. All four loci were in linkage disequilibrium for cases, controls, or both groups combined (P < 0.0001). Recursive partitioning showed no interactions between variants of the SNCAIP gene and variants of the α-synuclein gene (SNCA) or the parkin (PARK2) gene. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Printing of part numbers using a high power laser beam

Abstract The use of high power laser beams in part identification is particularly applicable where materials are sensitive to mechanical stress, and for parts which require a very durable identification mark to withstand manufacturing processes. The printing of part numbers with high power lasers has been investigated for two materials: silicon (in a crystalline form) and ferrite. The parameters of the method have been determined, and it has been applied to silicon water and magnetic head identification. A prototype system printing a seven digit part number on silicon wafers is described in detail.
Climate change report adds to evolving debate

Working Group I of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the summary of its report on the physical basis of climate change on 2 February. The report arrives at a time when the debate in U.S. political circles has shifted from the existence of climate change to methods of mitigation and adaptation. Much of the past debate among U.S. politicians had focused on whether climate change exists and whether humans are responsible. But even some politicians who once were skeptical now find themselves believers. “It is hard not to be persuaded by the evidence,” said Rep. Bob Inglis (R-S.C), who credited his change of heart on the growing body of scientific evidence and a recent trip to Antarctica. Inglis spoke at an 8 February hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology.
Average-case analysis of the Modified Harmonic algorithm

In this paper we analyze the average-case performance of the Modified Harmonic algorithm for on-line bin packing. We first analyze the average-case performance for arbitrary distribution of item sizes over (0,1]. This analysis is based on the following result. Letf 1 andf 2 be two linear combinations of random variables {N i } where theN i 's have a joint multinomial distribution for eachn=σ ,N i . LetE(f 1) ≠ O andE(f 2)≠ 0. Then limn →∞E(max(f 1,f 2 ))/n = lim n →∞ max(E(f 1),E(f 2))/n. We then consider the special case when the item sizes are uniformly distributed over (0,1]. For specific values of the parameters, the Modified Harmonic algorithm turns out to be better than the other two linear-time on-line algorithms—Next Fit and Harmonic—in both the worst case as well as the average case. We also obtain optimal values for the parameters of the algorithm from the average-case standpoint. For these values of the parameters, the average-case performance ratio is less than 1.19. This compares well with the performance ratios 1.333. and 1.2865. of the Next Fit algorithm and the Harmonic algorithm, respectively.
Loss of cell-contact regulation and altered responses to autocrine motility factor correlate with increased malignancy in prostate cancer cells

Tumor cell migration and proliferation in new organ environments are critical steps in cancer progression and can be modulated by tumor- and host-secreted molecules. Autocrine motility factor (AMF) is a tumor-secreted cytokine which regulates growth and motility by a receptor-mediated pathway. The AMF receptor, a 78-kDa cell surface glycoprotein (gp78), is regulated by cell contact in normal fibroblastic and bladder cells ; however, this mechanism is disrupted during tumor progression. A prostatic carcinoma cell line which is low- to non-metastatic in nude mice (PC-3) and a derived metastatic variant (PC-3M) were examined to determine if gp78 cell density regulation is involved in prostate cancer progression. Both cell lines expressed gp78 and, although the basal migration of the parental PC-3 cells was higher than that of the metastatic variant, only the PC-3M cells were capable of responding to tumor-derived AMF with increased motility. Furthermore, these cells exhibited differential patterns of wound closure in an experimental system whereby the low-metastatic PC-3 cells migrated primarily along the wound edge while individual high-metastatic PC-3M cells entered the cell-free wound area directly. Cell surface gp78 distribution distinguished the cell populations with a markedly concentrated display of gp78 in polarized capped regions on the surface of the metastatic cells. Cell-cell contact down-regulated gp78 expression in the parental, but not the metastatic, cells, and mitogenic responses to exogenous AMF differed between these cell lines as well. In this model, metastasis appears to be associated with aberrant regulation of gp78 expression and distribution, coupled with enhanced exploitation of AMF's locomotory and proliferative effects.
Some new laboratory approaches to studying tropospheric heterogeneous reactions

Abstract Assessing the potential for global climate change requires a detailed understanding of the fundamental chemical and physical processes controlling the concentrations of key gases as well as particles in the atmosphere. Laboratory studies are used to obtain the basic kinetic and mechanistic data needed for inputs to models as well as for interpreting field observations. While gas-phase reactions are reasonably well-understood, “heterogeneous” processes involving gases and solids are not. We briefly describe applications of three approaches to laboratory studies of heterogeneous atmospheric reactions which have not been widely used for this purpose in the past: diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectrometry (DRIFTS), transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The application of these techniques to studying the reactions of the oxides of nitrogen with NaCl and NaBr found in sea-salt particles is described and used to illustrate their utility in obtaining both kinetic and mechanistic data. The reaction of NO 2 with NaBr is found to be approximately second order in NO 2 , suggesting that the dimer N 2 O 4 may be the reacting species. If this is the case, a preliminary value for the reaction probability for the N 2 O 4 NaBr reaction at 298 K is 2 × 10 −4 with an uncertainty of a factor of three. That for the HNO 3 NaCl reaction was found using XPS to be (4 ± 2) × 10 −4 . The kinetic data from these studies indicate that the NO 2 reaction is too slow to be competitive with the N 2 O 5 and HNO 3 reactions. Mechanistically, both the DRIFTS and TEM-EDS studies show that water vapor even at relative humidities well below the deliquescence point causes a selective recrystallization of surface nitrate into microcrystallites of NaNO 3 , regenerating a fresh salt surface. This may explain field observations of some marine particles which are essentially totally devoid of chloride ions.
Setting Priorities for Research: New Politics for the Social Sciences*

This paper examines the emergence of sociopolitics in the United States during the 1980s. The Reagan Administration's drastic budget cuts for social research prompted social scientists to engage in interest-group politics. The newest development in sociopolitics is setting priorities for research. This paper examines the intellectual and political risks of setting priorities. I conclude that sociologists must begin to discuss the objectives and strategies of funding social research, and seek ways of reducing our dependency upon federal funding.
The challenges of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and infection prevention: protecting patients in the chaos.

Affiliations: 1. Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; and Epidemiology and Infection Prevention, Johns Hopkins Health System, Baltimore, Maryland; 2. Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland; 3. Prevention and Health Promotion Administration, Infectious Disease Bureau, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Baltimore, Maryland. Received September 7, 2012; accepted February 16, 2013; electronically published May 22, 2013. 2013 by The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. All rights reserved. 0899-823X/2013/3407-0011$15.00. DOI: 10.1086/671003 b-lactamase production is the most important resistance mechanism among gram-negative bacteria. The evolution of these enzymes has been driven by excessive antimicrobial use and pressure. Following the introduction of broad-spectrum cephalosporins, the first plasmid-encoded extended-spectrum b-lactamase (ESBL, an enzyme that can hydrolyze third-generation cephalosporins and aztreonam yet is inhibited by clavulanic acid) was described in Germany in 1983; the first report in the United States occurred in 1988. As a result of this resistance, carbapenem antibiotic use increased. The first Enterobacteriaceae isolates resistant to a carbapenem, mediated through chromosomally encoded carbapenemases, were described in the 1980s. In 1996, the first plasmid-mediated carbapenemase emerged in the United States, identified in a carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. A b-lactamase gene, blaKPC1, identified in the strain, encoded the enzyme Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-1 (KPC-1). Dissemination of KPCs was likely facilitated by the encoding of blaKPC on a transposon structure (Tn4401) capable of inserting on different plasmids. Currently, 14 different KPC enzymes have been described (KPC-2–15; http://www.lahey.org/Studies /other.asp#table1, accessed February 2, 2013). Two metallo-b-lactamases (MBLs), VIM and IMP (for “active on imipenem”), initially described in Pseudomonas sp. likely conjugated and emerged in Enterobacteriaceae. More recently, another carbapenemase belonging to Ambler class B b-lactamases was described in India, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom and was named NDM-1. Since the initial description, 6 more NDM enzymes have been characterized (http://www.lahey.org/Studies/other.asp#table1; accessed February 2, 2013). Now that carbapenemases, mediated by a variety of molecular mechanisms (molecular classes A, B, or D), have been described in multiple Enterobacteriaceae species, these resistant organisms are now collectively referred to as carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) for infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship purposes. We use the term “CPE” here to represent any Enterobacteriaceae producing KPC, VIM, IMP, or NDM.
Follow-Up of Children with Early Expressive Phonology Disorders

Fifty-two children identified at age 4 to 6 years as demonstrating a moderate to severe expressive phonology disorder were followed to the third and fourth grades. Children were classified into two groups based on the presence of an early phonology disorder in isolation (P) or the presence of a phonology disorder with other language problems (PL). At follow-up, articulation measures failed to differentiate the groups; however, the PL group performed more poorly than the P group on measures of phoneme awareness, language, reading decoding, reading comprehension, and spelling. The P group demonstrated poor spelling skills relative to their reading and language abilities, suggesting residual spelling weaknesses in these children. The PL group reported more nuclear family members with speech-language disorders and with reading disorders than the P group. Findings support previous research linking early language disorders with later reading difficulties.
Improving metrology for micro-optics manufacturing

Metrology is one of the critical enabling technologies for realizing the full market potential for micro-optical systems. Measurement capabilities are currently far behind present and future needs. Much of today’s test equipment was developed for the micro-electronics industry and is not optimized for micro-optic materials and geometries. Metrology capabilities currently limit the components that can be realized, in many cases. Improved testing will be come increasingly important as the technology moves to integration where it will become important to “test early and test often” to achieve high yields. In this paper, we focus on micro-refractive components in particular, and describe measurement challenges for this class of components and current and future needs. We also describe a new micro-optics metrology research program at UNC Charlotte under the Center for Precision Metrology and the new Center for Optoelectronics and Optical Communications to address these needs.
Review of the Current ACS Practice Guideline to Develop an Ischemic Chest Pain Protocol

This review covers the major recommendations to the 2000 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) Practice Guidelines. This review describe...
The closed, convex hull of every ai c0-summing basic sequence fails the FPP for affine nonexpansive mappings

Abstract In 2004 Dowling, Lennard and Turett showed that every non-weakly compact, closed, bounded, convex (c.b.c.) subset K of ( c 0 , ‖ ⋅ ‖ ∞ ) is such that there exists a ‖ ⋅ ‖ ∞ -nonexpansive mapping T on K that is fixed point free. This mapping T is generally not affine. It is an open question as to whether or not on every non-weakly compact, c.b.c. subset K of ( c 0 , ‖ ⋅ ‖ ∞ ) there exists an affine ‖ ⋅ ‖ ∞ -nonexpansive mapping S that is fixed point free. We prove that if a Banach space contains an asymptotically isometric (ai) c 0 -summing basic sequence ( x n ) n ∈ N , then the closed convex hull of ( x n ) n ∈ N , E : = co ¯ ( { x n : n ∈ N } ) , fails the fixed point property for affine nonexpansive mappings. Moreover, we show that there exists an affine contractive mapping U : E → E that is fixed point free. Furthermore, we prove that for all sequences b → = ( b n ) n ∈ N in R with 0 m : = inf n ∈ N b n and M : = sup n ∈ N b n ∞ , the closed, bounded, convex subset E = E b → of c 0 defined by E : = { ∑ n = 1 ∞ t n f n : 1 = t 1 ⩾ t 2 ⩾ ⋯ ⩾ t n ↓ n 0 } , where each f n : = b n e n , is such that there exists an affine contractive mapping U : E → E that is fixed point free.
Over-expression and refolding of β-subunit from the chloroplast ATP synthase

Abstract We established a bacterial system for high-level over-expression of the spinach chloroplast atpB gene which encodes the ATP Synthase β subunit. Upon induction, atpB was expressed as at least 50% to 70% of total cell protein. Although the over-expressed β polypeptide formed insoluble inclusion bodies, more than fifty percent of it was restored to a functional form by solubilizing the inclusion bodies with 4 M urea and slowly removing the urea by stepwise dialysis. The resulting β subunit exhibited specific and selective nucleotide binding properties identical to those of the native β subunit.
Effect of phenobarbital on cephaloridine toxicity and accumulation in rabbit and rat kidneys

Abstract Cephaloridine causes necrosis of renal proximal tubules in humans and laboratory animals. This antibiotic nephrotoxicity in rats has been shown to be reduced by mixed-function oxidase (MFO) inhibitors such as piperonyl butoxide and cobaltous chloride. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of phenobarbital, a MFO inducer, on cephaloridine nephrotoxicity in rats and rabbits. Phenobarbital induced rabbit renal MFO activities and also potentiated cephaloridine toxicity in rabbit kidneys. In contrast, a similar treatment with phenobarbital produced little effect on rat renal MFO activities and did not alter cephaloridine nephrotoxicity in rats. These results suggested that cephaloridine may have to be bioactivated within the kidney prior to producing toxicity. However, a higher renal cortical concentration of cephaloridine was detected in phenobarbital-treated rabbits. This higher concentration appeared to be due to a greater ability of renal cortical cells to accumulate cephaloridine. Therefore, rather than as a result of enzyme induction, the potentiating effect of phenobarbital on cephaloridine nephrotoxicity might be due to the increased renal cortical accumulation of the parent drug, cephaloridine.
Does simultaneous antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia improve myocardial perfusion in the areas at risk? A magnetic resonance perfusion imaging study in isolated pig hearts.

Abstract Objective: This study was designed to determine whether simultaneous antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia improves myocardial perfusion in areas supplied by occluded vessels. Methods: Isolated pig hearts placed in a Langendorff preparation were divided into two groups. The left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded at its origin. In group 1 ( n = 7), simultaneous antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia was conducted with use of a single perfusion unit with tubing in a Y-shaped configuration at the end, joined to the aorta and the coronary sinus. In group 2 ( n = 8) simultaneous antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia was performed with two separate units, one for antegrade delivery of cardioplegic solution and the other for retrograde cardioplegic solution delivery. Myocardial perfusion in the region supplied by the left anterior descending artery and the region not supplied by this artery was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, with use of a magnetic resonance contrast agent. The contrast agent was introduced into the common perfusion line in group 1 and into the aortic line only in group 2. Results: Magnetic resonance images showed that the myocardium in the region supported by the left anterior descending artery could not be perfused with antegrade cardioplegic solution because of occlusion of the artery. During simultaneous antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia, however, the myocardium in the left anterior descending region was perfused by approximately 40% to 50% (group 1) or 20% to 30% (group 2) of the degree of perfusion in the region not perfused by the left anterior descending artery (100%). Almost no cardioplegic solution was delivered to the heart through the coronary sinus route during simultaneous antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia in both groups of hearts. Myocardial perfusion in the region supported by the left anterior descending artery was heterogeneous during simultaneous antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia. Conclusions: Simultaneous antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia significantly improved myocardial perfusion in jeopardized areas of the myocardium. The jeopardized myocardium was mainly perfused by the solution drained from the adjacent normal tissue. Elevated pressure at the coronary sinus during simultaneous antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia is responsible for the redistribution of antegradely delivered cardioplegic solution. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998;115:913-24)
The effect of light on membrane potential, apoplastic pH and cell expansion in leaves of Pisum sativum L. var. Argenteum.

The connection between three light responses of green leaf cells-membrane potential (Vm), H+ net efflux and growth, was analyzed. Illumination of mesophyll cells in leaves from Argenteum peas caused two rapid responses: (i) a de- and repolarization of Vm and (ii) an alkalinization of the apoplast. The rapid responses were completely eliminated by the photosynthetic inhibitor 3-(3′,4′-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) but not affected by ortho-vanadate, an inhibitor of the plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase. The rapid changes were followed by a set of delayed responses: (i) a slow, gradual hyperpolarization of Vm, (ii) a gradual acidification of the mesophyll apoplast and (iii) an increased rate of elongation. These three light responses persisted under DCMU but were completely eliminated by vanadate. The data show that the delayed (in contrast to the rapid) responses were due to a stimulation of PM H+ pumps which occurred independently of non-cyclic photosynthetic electron transport and the “dark” processes depending on it. When the rapid responses were blocked by DCMU, light-induced acidification, hyperpolarization of the membrane potential and growth proceeded simultaneously. A shared (4-min) lag phase indicated slower signal processing in mesophyll than in epidermal cells where light stimulation of PM H+ pumps was rapid.
Highly Ordered Nanotopographies on Electropolished Aluminum Single Crystals

Electropolishing of single-crystal aluminum faces yield different patterns from (111), (110), and (100) faces at different potentials. The stripes that dominate the (110) face extend throughout a 1 cm2 sample in the same direction.
The Role of Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1α/CCL3 in Regulation of T Cell-Mediated Immunity to Cryptococcus neoformans Infection

Macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha/CCL3) is a CC chemokine required for optimal recruitment of leukocytes in response to cryptococcal Ags. MIP-1alpha is expressed in the lungs by day 6 post Cryptococcus neoformans infection and could play a role in the development of cell-mediated immunity. To address this possibility, wild-type (MIP-1alpha(+/+)) mice and MIP-1alpha knockout (MIP-1alpha(-/-)) mice were infected intratracheally with a highly virulent strain of C. neoformans (145A). MIP-1alpha message was detected in the lungs on days 3, 7, and 14 in MIP-1alpha(+/+) mice, but it was undetectable in MIP-1alpha(-/-) mice. On day 16, MIP-1alpha(-/-) mice had a 7-fold increase in C. neoformans burden in the lungs, but no decrease in pulmonary leukocyte recruitment. MIP-1alpha(+/+) and MIP-1alpha(-/-) mice had similar numbers of recruited lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages. Notably, MIP-1alpha(-/-) mice had a significantly greater number of eosinophils. MIP-1alpha(-/-) mice had extremely high levels of serum IgE. This switch of immune response to a T(2) phenotype was associated with enhanced IL-4 and IL-13 expression in the lungs of MIP-1alpha(-/-) mice compared with MIP-1alpha (+/+) mice. Progression of pulmonary cryptococcosis in the presence of nonprotective T(2) immunity resulted in profound lung damage in MIP-1alpha(-/-) mice (eosinophilic crystal deposition, destruction of lung parenchyma, and pulmonary hemorrhage). Twelve-week survival was dramatically decreased in MIP-1alpha(-/-) mice. These studies, together with our previous studies, demonstrate that MIP-1alpha plays a role in both the afferent (T(1)/T(2) development) and efferent (T(1)-mediated leukocyte recruitment) phases of cell-mediated immunity to C. neoformans.