cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toxicity of sea nettle toxin to human hepatocytes and the protective effects of phosphorylating and alkylating agents

The sea nettle jellyfish toxin (SNTX), which contains several polypeptides, was highly toxic to human hepatocytes. The Cytosensor microphysiometer was used continuously to monitor cell media acidification rate as an index of cellular metabolic activity. Cells exposed to > 1 microg SNTX protein/ml media exhibited a transient increase in metabolic activity, followed by a sharp decrease and cell death within minutes. The kinetics of the transient increase and subsequent decline increased with higher concentrations of SNTX. The biphasic and time-dependent response of hepatocytes to SNTX suggests that more than one mechanism may be involved in the toxicity of its different polypeptides. SNTX-induced cytotoxicity of hepatocytes was reduced by the presence of high titer antibodies against a heterologous jellyfish. Phenobarbital-induced cells became more vulnerable to SNTX, suggesting that some toxin component(s) require(s) bioactivation. Short-term exposure (1-2 h) to 10 microg/ml of the calcium ionophore calcimycin, or the non-selective monovalent cation ionophore gramicidin, had no effect on metabolic activity. However, 165 microg/ml gramicidin or 53 microg/ml calcimycin produced slight transient activation followed by steady decline in metabolic activity, while 20 h exposure to either ionophore produced total cell death. Exposure to even a 10-fold lower concentration of either ionophore killed 88% and 75%, respectively. This contrasts with the toxicity of SNTX which is detectable in minutes with as little as 3 microg/ml. Since pre-exposure to the organophosphate anticholinesterases VX and paraoxon, or the chemotherapeutic alkylating agents cyclophosphamide and mechlorethamine reduced the cytotoxic effects of SNTX, it suggests that phosphorylation or alkylation of cell protein(s) interferes with SNTX toxicity.
Radiolysis of cyclic fluorocarbons—III F-alicyclics at elevated temperatures☆

Abstract The following alicyclic fluorocarbons have been irradiated at 450°C with 60 Co γ-rays: perfluoro-cyclobutane † (C 4 F 8 ), perflouro-cyclohexane (C 6 F 12 ), perflouro-bicyclohexyl (C 12 F 22 ), perfluoro-decalin (C 10 F 18 ), perfluoro-tetradecahydro phenanthrene ( C 14 F 24 ), and perfluoro-hexadecahydro fluoranthene ( C 16 F 26 ). G -values for decomposition ranged from 2·5 to 9 molecules/100 eV for all compounds but one, indicating a high degree of radiolytic stability at 450°C for alicyclic fluorocarbons generally. The one highly unstable compound, perfluoro-bicyclohexyl, decomposed with an apparent G -value of over 10 5 , but this drastic breakdown was caused largely by a high rate of thermal decomposition. Parallel pyrolysis experiments and experiments with chlorine scavenger yielded data which enable reasonable mechanisms to be deduced for both pyrolysis and radiolysis of several of the other compounds.
Laminar Growth of Ultrathin Metal Films on Metal Oxides: Co on Hydroxylated α-Al2O3(0001)

Metals deposited in vacuum on metal oxides such as alumina normally grow as three-dimensional clusters because of weak adatom-substrate interactions. This tendency hinders our ability to form interfaces of ultrathin, laminar metal films on oxides for use in microelectronics and other technologies where nanostructural control is desired. We present experimental and theoretical results showing that room temperature Co deposition on fully hydroxylated clean sapphire (α-Al2O3) produces a surface chemical reaction that leads to laminar growth, despite a large mismatch in lattice constants. This process should be applicable to a wide range of metals and metal oxides.
Deep Water Lacustrine Architectural Elements and Subsystems Identified in the Subsurface from Borehole Images - An Example from Weizhou Field, Beibuwan Basin, South China Sea

Outcrop work on deepwater deposits often shows mass-flow systems are more complicated and heterogeneous than generally accepted. However it is difficult to recognize the different architectural elements and subsystems in the subsurface at reservoir scales. At a reservoir scale, the finer details of heterogeneity are important for accurate reserves calculation, completion strategies and development well placement. This paper describes how high-resolution resistivity borehole images are able to identify deepwater subsystems and architectural elements in the subsurface. The study sections consist of four wells located offshore Beiwuban Basin in the South China Sea (Figure 1). Borehole images were recorded in all these four wells. Detailed observations from borehole image logs reveal the occurrence of turbidites, slumps, and debrite facies in a deep-lacustrine setting. Openhole logs could not resolve the heterogeneity and different facies in the reservoir.
Effects of Ethanol and Temperature on Glucose Utilization in the In Vivo and Isolated Perfused Mouse Brain

A [14C]2-deoxy-d-glucose technique was used to investigate the effects of ethanol and temperature variation on the rate of glucose utilization in the isolated perfused mouse brain. Glucose utilization rates in six regions of the isolated perfused mouse brain at 37°C were similar to the rates in comparable regions of the in vivo mouse brain. The temperature dependence of the glucose utilization rate in the perfused mouse brain suggests that a change in the rate-limiting step of cerebral glucose metabolism occurred between 28°C and 32°C. To investigate the possible involvement of temperature-dependent membrane phase transitions, brain perfusions were performed with a medium containing ethanol which is known to increase membrane fluidity. Perfusion of the mouse brain with a fluid containing 87 mm ethanol (400 mg/dl) resulted in decreases in the glucose utilization rates at 37°C but not at 28°C. At 28°C, ethanol produced an increase in glucose utilization in the medulla-pons and in the cerebellum of perfused brains. In vivo rates of cerebral glucose utilization in two lines of mice selectively bred for differences in ethanol-induced sleep time indicated that no differences in basal metabolism or following a 4-g/kg dose of ethanol existed between the two lines. Interpretations of ethanol's differential effects on cerebral glucose utilization rates in the isolated perfused mouse brain at 28°C and 37°C are presented along with a discussion of the apparent discrepancies observed when in vivo and perfused brains are treated with equivalent concentrations of ethanol.
When Fully Informed States Make Good the Threat of War: Rational Escalation and the Failure of Bargaining

Why would fully informed, rational actors fight over possession of a valued asset when they could negotiate a settlement in peace? Our explanation of the decision to fight highlights the incentives that are present when the defender holds a valued asset coveted by the challenger. The defender receives utility from possession of the contested asset and sees any compromise as a loss that is lower if postponed. The challenger, instead, sees any compromise as a gain that is more valuable if reached earlier. Faced with the defender’s vested interest in the status quo, the challenger needs to threaten war and may have no choice but to implement the threat to force a settlement. For the defender, the threat of war is a deterrent that might incite the challenger to back down. In the perfect equilibria that we describe, the players’ ability to threaten each other credibly allows them to maintain incompatible bargaining positions instead of helping them narrow their differences. But the very credibility of these threats leads our rivals to engage in what can become lengthy protracted wars.
Physiological and pharmacological studies of oxytocin in virgin cattle III

Abstract Resting concentrations of oxytocin were measured in virgin cattle and it was determined if these animals would release oxytocin in response to milking associated stimuli. Half-life, clearance and entry rates for oxytocin were also quantified, to compare previous data from experiments carried out on lactating and nonlactating cows. Six Holstein virgin heifers received a two minute udder massage. Blood samples were taken before, at and after massage and analyzed for oxytocin by radioimmunoassay. Resting concentrations of oxytocin averaged 24.8 ±2.27 uU/ml (mean ± SE) and increased to 28 ±2.3 uU/ml at 2 min. The increase in oxytocin was clearly apparent after post-stimulation concentrations were corrected for basal (pre massage) levels. Serum oxytocin concentrations remained below baseline for 25 min post stimulation. No increase in oxytocin was seen prior to udder stimulation. Heifers were infused with 1.0 IU/min oxytocin to measure pharmacokinetic parameters. Oxytocin disappearance from sera was monitored by radioimmunoassay. A two compartment model for oxytocin elimination produced two half-life components. A rapid half-life component with a mean value of 3.07 ±.32 min and a slow half-life component with a mean of 24.3 ±2.2 min. The overall clearance rate for oxytocin was 9.4 ±.58 ml/kg min. The mean entry rate of oxytocin into the body was 231.96 ±25.96 uU/kg min. The sensitivity of the neuroendocrine reflex, eliciting oxytocin release, appears dependent upon the physiological state of the animal. Half-life and clearance measurements for oxytocin compare closely to those obtained in previous studies for cows in either early lactation, late lactation or undergoing mammary involution. It appears that the clearance and production of oxytocin are also related to the physiological state of the animal.
Weekly versus monthly testosterone administration on fast and slow skeletal muscle fibers in older adult males.

Context: In older adults, loss of mobility due to sarcopenia is exacerbated in men with low serum T. T replacement therapy is known to increase muscle mass and strength, but the effect of weekly (WK) vs monthly (MO) administration on specific fiber types is unknown. Objective: To determine the efficacy of WK vs MO T replacement on the size and functional capacity of individual fast and slow skeletal muscle fiber types. Design, Setting, and Patients: Subjects were randomized into a 5-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. All subjects (ages, 61–71 y) were community-dwelling men who had T levels < 500 ng/dL. Intervention: Subjects were dosed weekly for 5 months, receiving continuous T (WK, n = 5; 100 mg T enanthate, im injection), monthly cycled T (MO, n = 7; alternating months of T and placebo), or placebo (n = 7). Muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis were obtained before and after treatment. Main Outcome Measures: Main outcomes for individual slow and fast fibers included fiber diameter, peak f...
Pulsed UV light as a postprocessing intervention for decontamination of hard‐cooked peeled eggs

Summary The efficiency of pulsed UV light (PL) for inactivation of E. coli K12 on hard-cooked eggs was investigated. Temperature, colour and texture were recorded to determine adverse effects on quality. Distance from the quartz window (5.5, 9.5 cm) and time (1–30 s) was set as the experimental variables. Results indicated that E. coli K12 viability decreased at closer distances and increased time (P 0.05). Our findings support the use of PL to enhance the safety of hard-cooked eggs although bacterial shadowing may have significant implications on treatment efficiency.
Fishing behaviour and acoustic orientation by the bat (Noctilio labialis)

Abstract Captive Noctilio labialis (Microchiroptera) were induced to catch floating insects and small pieces of fish muscle tissue projecting above the surface of a large pool. This bat, previously believed to feed entirely on aerial insects, captures aquatic food by dipping its feet into water in a manner similar to N. leporinus, although the feet of N. labialis are not enlarged for this purpose. Small bits of food on the water's surface were echolocated at a range of about 1 m. At low cry repetition rates the most common orientation cry begins with an almost constant frequency of about 70 kHz which is then frequency modulated to about 40 kHz. Cry repetition rates increase to about 200 per s when capturing food.
A nuclear technique for thin-lift gauging

Abstract A technique for measuring the density of a layer, or lift, of known and constant thickness (on the order of 1–10 cm) on a planar substrate is developed. Two γ-ray backscatter gauge responses are required, one taken before the layer is applied, the other after. These two responses are related through a simple model from which the density of the layer can be determined. The technique has general applicability, but may be especially useful in the highway industry for thin-lift gauging of repaved surfaces.
A physiologically based toxicokinetic description of the metabolism of inhaled gases and vapors: Analysis at steady state☆

In studying the kinetics of metabolism of inhaled gases and vapors the rate of metabolism is estimated as a function of inhaled concentration. In the past, pharmacokinetic modeling has been routinely conducted by fitting these data to linearized forms of the Michaelis-Menten (M-M) equation to estimate Vmax and an apparent inhalation Km. We have determined rate curves for benzene and halothane in rats. These curves were not smooth M-M hyperbolas. They had extended first-order portions, up to greater than 80% Vmax, and abruptly converted to zero-order dependencies. In addition, achieved steady-state blood:gas concentration ratios have been shown to be variable with respect to inhaled concentration, and maximum rates of metabolism for a wide variety of chemicals were found to cluster toward a common value. These phenomena are difficult to reconcile with the M-M description above. To describe this observed steady-state and kinetic behavior, one must consider enzymatic (biochemical) constants, blood flow to metabolizing organs, and limitations to pulmonary equilibration caused by extensive systemic metabolism. A physiologically based kinetic model for metabolism of inhaled gases and vapors has been developed incorporating these factors and relying on clearance terminology to analyze steady-state behavior. One parameter important in the steady-state formulation is Cmax-the maximum transhepatic concentration gradient sustainable at a given hepatic blood flow, QL. Cmax is equal to Vmax/QL. The model shows that M-M hyperbolas are only expected when the affinity of the metabolizing enzyme is low (Km large) with respect to Cmax. When affinity is high (Km small) with respect to Cmax, abrupt first-order to zero-order transitions are expected. This is the concentration range where organ perfusion, not biochemical constants, is rate limiting. When perfusion is rate-limiting, observed steady-state blood:gas concentration ratios will be lower than predicted by the thermodynamic partition coefficient, and increasing the number of enzymatic centers by induction will not increase the rate of metabolism of inhaled chemical. To properly interpret results of inhalation experimentation one must understand both the role of various physiological factors in controlling the rate of metabolism of inhaled gases and vapors in vivo and the conditions under which perfusion and other physiological factors become rate-limiting.
Substituting Policies during U.S. Interventions in Internal Conflicts A Little of This, a Little of That

The conditions under which states substitute across a range of foreign policy options have remained largely an unexplored area of international relations. The ability to substitute policies is evident in the response by the United States to instability in other countries. In this article, the author explores the conditions under which the United States changes its intervention strategies in civil conflicts and the type of interventions that are substituted once the decision to change has been made. He argues that the decision to change policy is rooted in domestic political risks, while the specific strategy for intervening will be a function of capabilities. Using data on U.S. interventions in the post-World War II period, the author demonstrates that domestic factors are associated with the likelihood of a change from the status quo. The specific policy option chosen, however, appears to be a result of both capabilities, which are rooted in the relationship with the target country and the amount of publ...
A fractal description of pore structure in block-copolymer templated mesoporous silicates

Abstract Traditional nitrogen physisorption isotherm analysis of triblock copolymer mesoporous silicates interprets the pore structure as a bimodal distribution of mesopores and smaller micropores. Samples of SBA-15, SBA-16 and SBA-11 were prepared and calcined between 300 and 900 °C. Adsorption analysis using a fractal Frenkel–Halsey–Hill approach reveals an alternative interpretation, that the micropores are a manifestation of the fractal silica – polyethylene oxide polymer interface. We show that calcination at higher temperatures is effectively an annealing process that smoothes the mesopore surface, such that by 900 °C the surface dimension is ∼2. We also use the well-characterized pore structure of SBA-15 and related silicates to examine and discuss several different methods for extracting the fractal dimension from isotherm data.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF MARANGONI-BENARD CONVECTION IN A LIQUID LAYER INDUCED BY EVAPORATION

Marangoni-Benard instability and convection in evaporating liquid layers have been studied experimentally through flow visualization and temperature profile measurement. Benard cells have been observed in an evaporating thin liquid layer whether it is heated, adiabatic, or cooled from below. This experimental study has revealed a different mechanism from the traditional Rayleigh-Benard and Marangoni-Benard instabilities and convections, which require a negative temperature gradient in the thin liquid layer. Evaporation rate and enthalpy of evaporation have been found to be important parameters of instability and convection in an evaporating liquid layer. A modified form of Marangoni number, Ma*, is proposed and its critical values, Ma* c, for alcohol and Freon-113 evaporating layers are determined experimentally. A quantitative comparison between Ma* and the traditional Marangoni number, Ma, shows that Ma* is an adequate indicator of the stability status in evaporating liquid layers.
Abstract 1825: The inhibitory effect of long non-coding RNA MALAT1 on Smads signaling pathway.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is arbitrarily defined as RNA longer than 200 bases that does not encode mRNA, rRNA or tRNA. LncRNAs are involved in almost every aspect of cellular and molecular biology. In most cases, lncRNAs assemble with proteins as RNA-protein complexes to execute their functions. We hypothesize some important molecular in critical signaling pathway, such as Smad2 and Smad3 in TGF-β/Activin pathway, might have their lncRAN partner/partners to fine regulate their function. Based on the hypothesis, we carried on little scale screen and finally identified lncRAN MALAT1 can exclusively bind to pSmad2 and pSmad3 in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines Hep3B, SK-Hep1 and cholangiocarcinoma cell line CCLP1 by methods of RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP). After quantifying by qRT-PCR, we found that MALAT1 enriched by anti-pSmad2/3 antbodies is >15 times more than that by IgG control. Co-localization of MALAT1 and pSmad2 and 3 in nuclear speckles of Hep3B cells were also proved by methods of combining FISH and immunofluorescence staining. Further bioinformatics analysis and immunoprecipitation reveal that pSmad2/3 binding to MALAT1 through SET domain containing 2 (SETD2) indirectly. Accordingly, if SETD2 was knockdown by siRNA, the binding between pSmad2/3 with MALAT1 was proved decreasing dramatically by methods of RIP. We also found that MALAT1 knockdown by shRNA or antisense oligonucleotide will increase the Smad2/3 signaling activity significantly, which was proved by Smad2/3 luciferase reporter constructs, DNA pull-down using synthesized oligonucleotide containing consensus sequence of Smads binding elements (SBE) and enhanced inhibition effect of TGF-β on the proliferation of Hep3B and CCLP1 cells. Next, Protein Phosphatase 1A (PPMA1), which act as a Smad phosphatase to terminate pSmad2/3 activity, was proved to bind to MALAT1 and MALAT1 knockdown decreased the binding of pSmad2/3 to PPM1A. Therefore, MALAT1 (together with SETD2) might act as scaffold to facility the interaction between pSmad2/3 and PPM1A, which lead to the dephosphorylation of pSmad2/3. This kinetically decrease of pSmad2/3 dephosphorylation might be the reason of increased Smads signaling activity in MALAT1 knockdown cells. This work was supported by National Institutes of Health grants CA102325, CA106280, CA134568, DK077776 (to T.W.) and CA137729 (to C.H.) Citation Format: Jinqiang Zhang, Chang Han, Tong Wu. The inhibitory effect of long non-coding RNA MALAT1 on Smads signaling pathway. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1825. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1825
In-cloud and below-cloud scavenging of Nitric acid vapor

Scavenging coefficients, A, for the removal of HNO3 vapor from the atmosphere by both cloud and rain drops have been calculated for assumed models of drop-size distribution. For cumulus clouds a value of 0.2 s−1 is estimated for A. Evaluation of rainfall washout coefficients gives values of A ranging from 1.3 × 10−5 to 1.5 × 10−3s−1, depending upon the rainfall rate, upon the drop-size distribution function employed, and, strongly upon the lower limit of the raindrop size employed in the calculations. The concentration of soluble gas dissolved within a falling drop per unit fall distance is found to be a function of drop size, with the smaller drops accumulating the greater concentration. The long-term average rate of heterogeneous removal of HNO3 is estimated in the range 1–8 × 10−6s−1, representing comparable contributions from dry deposition and rainfall scavenging.
Stability of finite delay difference systems

THE STABILITY of finite delay difference systems has recently been discussed in [l]. In this paper we consider the delay difference systems with infinite delay of the following form x(n + 1) = G(n,x(s); s = 1, 1 + 1, .,., n) = G(n,x(*)), (1) where 1 is an integer or -w. We assume G(n, 0) = 0 forn=l,l+ l,... so that (1) has the zero solution x(n) = 0. Clearly, for any given integer n, L 1 and a given bounded initial function 4: l/,1 + 1, .,., no) + Rk, there is a unique solution of (l), denoted by x(n, n,, 4), such that it satisfies (1) for all integers n 2 n, and x(n, no, 4) = 444 forn=f,l+ l,..., no. For any integer m 2 -co, let 2, = (m, m + 1, . ..I. and 2, = Z, the integer set, if m = -a. For any n E Z,, define II411 tLnl = sup{l$(s)(: 15 s 5 n), and for any H > 0, let C,(n) = (4: Z, + Rk I ~~~~~[‘~nl < H). In the sequel, we always assume that the variables n, r, and s take integer values and the corresponding intervals are discrete intervals.
Progress towards the total synthesis of callipeltin A. Asymmetric synthesis of (2 R ,3 R ,4 S )-3-hydroxy-2,4,6-trimethylheptanoic acid

Abstract A silyl derivative of (2R,3R,4S)-3-hydroxy-2,4,6-trimethylheptanoic acid, a moiety present in the cyclic depsipeptide callipeltin A, was successfully synthesized from l -valine in nine steps using the Heathcock variant of the Evans aldol reaction.
Prices vs. quantities in a dynamic problem: Externalities from resource extraction

Abstract This paper shows how a stationary tax policy can optimally address a flow externality associated with resource extraction when the policymaker faces asymmetric information. In the model I consider, the policymaker must set policy in each period before the realization of a price shock. Resource owners then learn the value of the shock, and the owners choose extraction quantities. The optimal policy is a stationary tax rule that responds to a positive shock to the current price by reducing next period's tax rate. Intuitively, a reduction in next period's tax rate makes extraction next period less expensive and thus dampens the resource owner's current response to a price increase. This policy is robust to some, but not necessarily all, boundary solutions.
Time-frequency analysis of synthetic aperture radar images of selected ordnance pieces

We present a modification of the standard time-frequency (t-f) analysis for landmine detection. The modification is adapted to synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images that may or may not exhibit near-circular symmetry. Each prospective SAR image is here sliced along several directions to generate t-f plots along those chosen cuts, and the resulting 2-D plots are correlated in pairs to obtain a relevant metric, which is defined as their ratio. This metric has served to distinguish targets from clutter objects in the various cases examined here. The procedure was validated using a dataset obtained in a recent field test, and the results are shown.
Early Mitral Filling/Diastolic Mitral Annular Velocity Ratio is Not a Reliable Predictor of Left Ventricular Filling Pressure in the Setting of Severe Mitral Regurgitation

The early mitral filling velocity (E)/early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E′) ratio is increasingly being used as a simplified approach to estimate left ventricular (LV) filling pressure. The validity of applying this Doppler parameter to patients with severe mitral regurgitation is unknown. We retrospectively identified 20 patients in sinus rhythm who had LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) invasively measured within 72 hours of a full echocardiogram including diastolic parameters. We observed a poor correlation between E/E′ ratio and LVEDP in these patients ( r = −0.07, P = not significant). Previously described E/E′ cut-off values did not accurately identify patients with low, intermediate, and high LVEDP. Of the diastolic parameters measured, the most significant correlation with LVEDP was found with mitral deceleration time ( r = −0.66, P = .002) and systolic/diastolic peak velocity ratio ( r = −0.52, P = .02). We conclude that E/E′ ratio is not reliable in predicting LV filling pressure in the setting of severe mitral regurgitation, and that in these cases mitral deceleration time or systolic/diastolic peak velocity ratio may be better indicators of LVEDP.
Interaction of H2 and CO with carbided and nitrided Ni(100)

Abstract A comparison is made of the chemisorption behavior of H2 and CO over a carbided and nitrided Ni(100) surface. These results together with previous results for S and Cl support the argument that adatom electronegativity rather than radius is primarily responsible for modification of chemisorption behavior.
Approaches for assessing the validity of a functional observational battery.

As neurobehavioral assessments during the preliminary stages of chemical testing are more widely undertaken, it is critical that the screening procedures utilized be valid indicators of neurobehavioral function and that they be sensitive, specific, and reliable. Efforts in this laboratory have been directed towards assessing these features in the use of a functional observational battery (FOB). For the purpose of assessing validity, we have examined FOB data which addresses the issues of criterion, predictive, concurrent, and construct validities. The FOB appears to be valid for detecting chemical-induced neurological dysfunction in rats, i.e., shows a good degree of criterion validity. Furthermore, in many instances the effects observed with the FOB may be predictive of symptomatology in humans. When comparisons can be made between effects detected with the FOB and other methods of measuring neurotoxicity (e.g., neuropathology), concurrent validity can also be established. To assess construct validity, effects of neurotoxicants can be classified into functional domains which are described by various measures in the FOB. Approaches for assessing the validity of the test method thus include answering specific research questions directed at assessing criterion, predictive, concurrent, and construct validity. Available data indicate that, in these aspects, the FOB is a valid screening method for the detection of neurotoxicity.
Cometary origin of carbon, nitrogen and water on the Earth

Two independent assumptions are substantiated; firstly, that the Earth accreted from dust particles that were hot enough not to contain any volatiles; secondly, that after the accretion was finished, all the volatiles of the biosphere, including the atmosphere and the oceans, were brought by a cometary bombardment.
A flexible simulation platform to quantify and manage emergency department crowding

Hospital-based Emergency Departments are struggling to provide timely care to a steadily increasing number of unscheduled ED visits. Dwindling compensation and rising ED closures dictate that meeting this challenge demands greater operational efficiency. Using techniques from operations research theory, as well as a novel event-driven algorithm for processing priority queues, we developed a flexible simulation platform for hospital-based EDs. We tuned the parameters of the system to mimic U.S. nationally average and average academic hospital-based ED performance metrics and are able to assess a variety of patient flow outcomes including patient door-to-event times, propensity to leave without being seen, ED occupancy level, and dynamic staffing and resource use. The causes of ED crowding are variable and require site-specific solutions. For example, in a nationally average ED environment, provider availability is a surprising, but persistent bottleneck in patient flow. As a result, resources expended in reducing boarding times may not have the expected impact on patient throughput. On the other hand, reallocating resources into alternate care pathways can dramatically expedite care for lower acuity patients without delaying care for higher acuity patients. In an average academic ED environment, bed availability is the primary bottleneck in patient flow. Consequently, adjustments to provider scheduling have a limited effect on the timeliness of care delivery, while shorter boarding times significantly reduce crowding. An online version of the simulation platform is available at http://spark.rstudio.com/klopiano/EDsimulation/ . In building this robust simulation framework, we have created a novel decision-support tool that ED and hospital managers can use to quantify the impact of proposed changes to patient flow prior to implementation.
Crystallization-induced reactions of copolymers. V. Important reaction variables in the reorganization of random to block copolyesters†

The effects of reaction parameters including copolyester composition, catalyst type and amount, temperature, time, endgroup concentration (molecular weight), and degree of crystallinity were determined for the reorganization of random to block poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-succinate). The crystallization-induced reactions, which were the basis of these ordering processes, were carried out at temperatures at or below the terephethalate unit melting points of the initial copolyester. All samples so treated showed increased melting points, recrystallization temperatures, and degrees of crystallinity which correlated with increased blockiness of the terephthalate units, as determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. At reaction temperatures greater than 15°C below the initial copolyester melting point, those parameters which controlled the rate of the ester interchange reaction also controlled the extent of the reorganization. Within approximately 15°C of the melting point, the reaction rate was apparently less important than physical factors related to the crystalline properties of the initial copolyester.
The effect of indomethacin on immunologic release of histamine and sulfidopeptide leukotrienes from human bronchus and lung parenchyma.

We studied the effect of indomethacin on immunologic mediator release from human bronchial tissue (n = 6) and lung parenchyma (n = 7). Tissues were obtained from surgical specimens, minced, passively sensitized, and challenged with antigen E or anti-IgE in the presence or absence of indomethacin. At maximal levels of immunologic stimulation with either antigen or anti-IgE, the bronchial and parenchymal tissues released approximately 5 and 20% of total histamine (net), respectively, and approximately 3.5 and 45 ng/g of immunoreactive sulfidopeptide leukotriene, respectively. Analysis by high performance liquid chromatography followed by radioimmunoassay revealed that the airway supernatants contained LTD4 and LTE4, whereas the lung parenchymal samples contained predominantly LTE4. Little or no LTC4 was detected in either airway or parenchymal samples. Incubation with indomethacin (5 × 10−6 M) resulted in approximately a 3-fold increase in antigen or anti-IgE-induced release of leukotrienes from the bronchi...
Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral and Supportive-Expressive Group Therapy for Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: A Review of the Literature

A review of the literature revealed 20 studies that examined the extent to which cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive-expressive group therapy (SEGT), and a combination of these two treatments impact women with breast cancer. Based on this review, it is determined that CBT and SEGT have repeated experimental support for positively altering certain affective disturbances for this population. However, all three treatments were found to improve the lives of women with breast cancer. The combination of CBT and SEGT treatment approach did not have repeated positive results, as did the CBT and SEGT studies. The specific outcomes of these therapies are discussed along with the implications for researchers, therapists, and women with breast cancer.
Improving the representation of resolved and unresolved topographic effects on surface wind in the WRF model

AbstractThe Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model presents a high surface wind speed bias over plains and valleys that constitutes a limitation for the increasing use of the model for several applications. This study attempts to correct for this bias by parameterizing the effects that the unresolved topographic features exert over the momentum flux. The proposed parameterization is based on the concept of a momentum sink term and makes use of the standard deviation of the subgrid-scale orography as well as the Laplacian of the topographic field. Both the drag generated by the unresolved terrain and the possibility of an increase in the speed of the flow over the mountains and hills, where it is herein shown that WRF presents a low wind speed bias, are considered in the scheme. The surface wind simulation over a complex-terrain region that is located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula is improved with the inclusion of the new parameterization. In particular, the underestimation of the wind sp...
Protecting the Marriage Relationship During the Doctoral Journey Strategies for Students and Partners Based on the Strong Marital House Concept

With doctoral programs across disciplines experiencing perennially high attrition rates, in-depth examination of factors associated with doctoral persistence is necessary. A strong marital relationship is one factor found to be central to persistence in doctoral students. Thus, the purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the literature on marital satisfaction, quality, and stability in order to provide doctoral students and their partners strategies for nurturing and sustaining a solid marriage throughout the stress-inducing doctoral process. Recommendations are framed by the following four factors of the Sound Marital House: (a) marital friendship, (b) creating positive sentiment override, (c) regulating conflict, and (d) creating shared symbolic meaning.
Factors affecting psychiatric inpatient hospitalization from a psychiatric emergency service.

Abstract Objective As a gateway to the mental health system, psychiatric emergency services (PES) are charged with assessing a heterogeneous array of short-term and long-term psychiatric crises. However, few studies have examined factors associated with inpatient psychiatric hospitalization following PES in a racially diverse sample. We examine the demographic, service use and clinical factors associated with inpatient hospitalization and differences in predisposing factors by race and ethnicity. Method Three months of consecutive admissions to San Francisco's only 24-h PES ( N = 1,305) were reviewed. Logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between demographic, service use, and clinical factors and inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. We then estimated separate models for Asians, Blacks, Latinos and Whites. Results Clinical severity was a consistent predictor of hospitalization. However, age, gender, race/ethnicity, homelessness and employment status were all significant related to hospitalization. Alcohol and drug use were associated with lower probability of inpatient admission, however specific substances appear particularly salient for different racial/ethnic groups. Discussion While clinical characteristics played an essential role in disposition decisions, these results point to the importance of factors external to PES. Individual and community factors that affect use of psychiatric emergency services merit additional focused attention.
Adjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy for Adenocarcinoma of the Distal Pancreas

Background This study was designed to examine the effect of adjuvant 5-FU-based chemoradiation therapy (CRT) after distal pancreatectomy for adenocarcinoma of the distal pancreas.
Optimal Integrated Control of Alfalfa Weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)1)

The use of optimization methods to determine single and multidimensional economic thresholds for insect pests in discussed. A review of previous applications of optimization methods to pest management problems is followed || by a detailed description of an application to alfalfa weevil management. This model uses dynamic programming to determine the best combination of chemical, cultural and biological means for control of the alfalfa– weevil. The model includes stochastically varying weather patterns, seven weevil age–classes, three parasite age–classes, and five alfalfa plant components. The decision variables include times of harvest and insecticide applications over a three–year period. The multi–dimensional economic thresholds calculated depend upon parasite density and weather, as well as upon alfalfa–weevil density. Results for central New York, USA, are presented.
Medical expenditures among immigrant and nonimmigrant groups in the United States: findings from the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (2000-2008).

Objective: The objective of the study was to examine time trends and differences in medical expenditures between noncitizens, foreign-born, and US-born citizens. Methods: We used multi-year Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (2000–2008) data on noninstitutionalized adults in the United States (N=190,965). Source specific and total medical expenditures were analyzed using regression models, bootstrap prediction techniques, and linear and nonlinear decomposition methods to evaluate the relationship between immigration status and expenditures, controlling for confounding effects. Results: We found that the average health expenditures between 2000 and 2008 for noncitizens immigrants ($1836) were substantially lower compared with both foreign-born ($3737) and US-born citizens ($4478). Differences were maintained after controlling for confounding effects. Decomposition techniques showed that the main determinants of these differences were the availability of a usual source of health care, insurance, and ethnicity/race. Conclusions: Lower health care expenditures among immigrants result from disparate access to health care. The dissipation of demographic advantages among immigrants could prospectively produce higher pressures on the US health care system as immigrants age and levels of chronic conditions rise. Barring a shift in policy, the brunt of the effects could be borne by an already overextended public health care system.
Inverse genetic association between alcohol preference and severity of alcohol withdrawal in two sets of rat lines selected for the same phenotype.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to determine whether alcohol-naive rats selectively bred for alcohol preference or nonpreference differ in alcohol withdrawal severity using two sets of rat lines selectively bred for the same phenotype. Methods: Alcohol-naive male rats from the high alcohol drinking (HAD1) and low alcohol drinking (LAD1) rat lines and from the alcohol preferring (P) and nonpreferring (NP) rat lines received an intragastric infusion of alcohol (4.0 g/20.3 ml/kg; 25% v/v) or an equal volume of water once a day for 10 consecutive days. Alcohol withdrawal severity was assessed at using a behavioral rating scale and a radiant heat assay measured analgesia at 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 24 hrs following infusion of alcohol or water on days 1, 5, and 10 of treatment. Results: Data were analyzed using body weight as a co-factor to correct for differences in body weight between the HAD1/LAD1 and P/NP lines. Acute (1 day) but not repeated alcohol treatment (5 or 10 days) produced mild behavioral signs of withdrawal in LAD1 but not in HAD1 rats. HAD1 and LAD1 rats showed alcohol-induced analgesia after 1 and 5 days of alcohol treatment that disappeared by day 10 in both lines. Repeated alcohol treatment (5 days) produced mild behavioral signs of withdrawal in NP but not in P rats. Neither P nor NP rats showed alcohol-induced analgesia after 1, 5, or 10 days of alcohol treatment. Conclusions: An inverse genetic association was found between alcohol preference and severity of alcohol withdrawal in two sets of rat lines selected for the same phenotype. The pattern of alcohol withdrawal that emerged over the course of the 10 days of alcohol treatment differed between the two lines selected for low alcohol drinking (LAD1 and NP), suggesting that unique sets of genes may influence alcohol withdrawal severity in the two lines.
Strain and stress calculation in bulk magnetostrictive materials and thin films

Abstract In this paper, we examine some of the inconsistencies present in the solutions obtained by previous authors for the problem of finding the strains, stresses and energy densities observed in isotropic elastic magnetostrictive materials that are subjected to an arbitrary uniaxial stress, or that are in the form of thin films deposited on non-magnetic substrates. The origin of the inconsistencies is identified and more general and self-consistent solutions using an energy method based on minimization of the Gibbs free energy of the specimens are proposed. The proposed method can be used to solve problems that involve three-dimensional states of stress and can include thermal, piezoelectric, hygroscopic or other types of expansional strains. The advantages over the methods currently used are illustrated by solving a problem in which a film–substrate cantilever is subjected to the action of a point load applied at its free end. Expressions are derived to accurately calculate the strains, stresses and deflections of such a beam, regardless of the relative thickness of the film compared to the substrate. Additionally, the results are used to derive the conditions that define film–substrate cantilevers that show maximum deflection, as required in the case of sensors, or that exert maximum force, as required in the case of actuators.
Microvascular rheology of Definity microbubbles after intra-arterial and intravenous administration

Abstract The microvascular rheology and extent of pulmonary retention of second-generation microbubble ultrasound contrast agents has not previously been well characterized. We assessed the microvascular behavior of Definity, a lipid-shelled microbubble agent containing perfluoropropane gas, using intravital microscopy of either rat spinotrapezius muscle or mouse cremaster muscle. Immediately after intra-arterial injection, which was performed to model pulmonary retention, larger microbubbles (> 5 μm) were entrapped within small arterioles and capillaries. The retention fraction of microbubbles was low (1.2% ± 0.1%) and entrapment was transient (85% dislodged by 10 minutes), resulting in no adverse hemodynamic effects. Leukocyte or platelet adhesion at the site of entrapment was not seen. After intravenous injection, no microbubble entrapment was observed and the velocities of microbubbles in arterioles, venules, and capillaries correlated well with those of red blood cells. We conclude that after intravenous injection and pulmonary passage, the microvascular rheology of Definity microbubbles is similar to that of red blood cells. Microbubble entrapment within the pulmonary microcirculation after venous injection should be negligible and transient. These findings are important for establishing the safety of this agent. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2002;15:396-403.)
Rational Design of α-Helical Antimicrobial Peptides with Enhanced Activities and Specificity/Therapeutic Index

In the present study, the 26-residue peptide sequence Ac-KWKSFLKTFKSAVKTVLHTALKAISS-amide (V681) was utilized as the framework to study the effects of peptide hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, amphipathicity, and helicity (induced by single amino acid substitutions in the center of the polar and nonpolar faces of the amphipathic helix) on biological activities. The peptide analogs were also studied by temperature profiling in reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography, from 5 to 80 °C, to evaluate the self-associating ability of the molecules in solution, another important parameter in understanding peptide antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. A higher ability to self-associate in solution was correlated with weaker antimicrobial activity and stronger hemolytic activity of the peptides. Biological studies showed that strong hemolytic activity of the peptides generally correlated with high hydrophobicity, high amphipathicity, and high helicity. In most cases, the d-amino acid substituted peptides possessed an enhanced average antimicrobial activity compared with l-diastereomers. The therapeutic index of V681 was improved 90- and 23-fold against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. By simply replacing the central hydrophobic or hydrophilic amino acid residue on the nonpolar or the polar face of these amphipathic derivatives of V681 with a series of selected d-/l-amino acids, we demonstrated that this method has excellent potential for the rational design of antimicrobial peptides with enhanced activities.
State abstraction for programmable reinforcement learning agents

Safe state abstraction in reinforcement learning allows an agent to ignore aspects of its current state that are irrelevant to its current decision, and therefore speeds up dynamic programming and learning. This paper explores safe state abstraction in hierarchical reinforcement learning, where learned behaviors must conform to a given partial, hierarchical program. Unlike previous approaches to this problem, our methods yield significant state abstraction while maintaining hierarchical optimality, i.e., optimality among all policies consistent with the partial program. We show how to achieve this for a partial programming language that is essentially Lisp augmented with nondeterministic constructs. We demonstrate our methods on two variants of Dietterich's taxi domain, showing how state abstraction and hierarchical optimality result in faster learning of better policies and enable the transfer of learned skills from one problem to another.