cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 148: Cardiac Myosin Promotes Thrombin Generation and Attenuates Tissue Plasminogen Activator-induced Plasma Clot Lysis

Recently we discovered that skeletal muscle myosin, which is in the same family as cardiac myosin, exerts prothrombotic effects by binding factor Xa and enhancing prothrombin activation in the pres...
Brain Death Interval and Relationship to Outcomes of Pediatric Cardiac Transplantation

BACKGROUND We sought to analyze brain death interval and outcomes of pediatric cardiac transplantation using national registry data. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated a pediatric cohort from the UNOS registry from 2005 to 2014. We restricted the donor cohort to those with a primary central nervous system event as the cause of hospitalization. Brain death interval (BDI) was defined as the time between hospital admission and organ procurement. Primary outcomes were recipient and graft survival time. Logistical regression modeling was used for multivariable analysis. RESULTS The donor cohort included 2565 cases. Multivariable analysis demonstrated no relationship between BDI and recipient or graft survival time. For patient survival time, the lowest HR was 0.94 (0.63-1.39), P = 0.531; for graft survival time, the lowest HR was 0.89 (0.53-1.49), P = 0.563. We obtained similar results using a non-restricted donor cohort. CONCLUSIONS There was no clear relationship between BDI and recipient or graft survival after pediatric cardiac transplantation.
The effectiveness and moderators of mobile applications for health behavior change

Abstract The number of mobile application–based health interventions has grown along with an increasing proportion of mobile phone users. However, findings related to the effectiveness of such interventions have been inconsistent, which leaves unanswered the question of whether mobile application–based health interventions are more effective than comparison conditions. Additionally, the conditions under which mobile application–based health interventions are most effective have not been investigated via moderator analyses. This metaanalysis synthesizes result from studies of mobile application–based health interventions by calculating an overall effect size and analyzing potential moderators of effectiveness. The positive effect size and statistically significant moderators provide important theoretical and practical implications for mobile application–based health interventions.
Emotional response to autobiographical memories in depression: less happiness to positive and more sadness to negative memories.

Retrieving positive autobiographical memories effectively repairs mood in healthy individuals. This is not the case in individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) possibly due to lower levels ...
Health risks and outcomes that disproportionately affect women during the Covid-19 pandemic: A review.

Abstract Background The Covid-19 pandemic is straining healthcare systems in the US and globally, which has wide-reaching implications for health. Women experience unique health risks and outcomes influenced by their gender, and this narrative review aims to outline how these differences are exacerbated in the Covid-19 pandemic. Observations It has been well described that men suffer from greater morbidity and mortality once infected with SARS-CoV-2. This review analyzed the health, economic, and social systems that result in gender-based differences in the areas healthcare workforce, reproductive health, drug development, gender-based violence, and mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic. The increased risk of certain negative health outcomes and reduced healthcare access experienced by many women are typically exacerbated during pandemics. We assess data from previous disease outbreaks coupled with literature from the Covid-19 pandemic to examine the impact of gender on women's SARS-CoV-2 exposure and disease risks and overall health status during the Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusions Gender differences in health risks and implications are likely to be expanded during the Covid-19 pandemic. Efforts to foster equity in health, social, and economic systems during and in the aftermath of Covid-19 may mitigate the inequitable risks posed by pandemics and other times of healthcare stress.
On the stability of extensions of tangent sheaves on Kähler–Einstein Fano/Calabi–Yau pairs

Let S be a smooth projective variety and $$\Delta $$ a simple normal crossing $${\mathbb {Q}}$$ -divisor with coefficients in (0, 1]. For any ample $${\mathbb {Q}}$$ -line bundle L over S, we denote by $$\mathscr {E}(L)$$ the extension sheaf of the orbifold tangent sheaf $$T_S(-\log (\Delta ))$$ by the structure sheaf $$\mathcal {O}_S$$ with the extension class $$c_1(L)$$ . We prove the following two results: These results generalize Tian’s result where $$-K_S$$ is ample and $$\Delta =\emptyset $$ . We give two applications of these results. The first is to study a question by Borbon–Spotti about the relationship between local Euler numbers and normalized volumes of log canonical surface singularities. We prove that the two invariants differ only by a factor 4 when the log canonical pair is an orbifold cone over a marked Riemann surface. In particular we complete the computation of Langer’s local Euler numbers for any line arrangements in $${\mathbb {C}}^2$$ . The second application is to derive Miyaoka–Yau-type inequalities on K-semistable log-smooth Fano pairs and Calabi–Yau pairs, which generalize some Chern-number inequalities proved by Song–Wang.
Activity of Biodegradable Polymeric Nanosponges against Dual-Species Bacterial Biofilms

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria present an emerging global health crisis, and the threat is intensified by the involvement of biofilms. Some biofilm infections involve more than one species; this can further challenge treatment using traditional antibiotics. Nanomaterials are being developed as alternative therapeutics to traditional antibiotics; here we report biodegradable polymer-stabilized oil-in-water nanosponges (BNS) and show their activity against dual-species bacterial biofilms. The described engineered nanosponges demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity through prevention of dual-species biofilm formation as well as eradication of preformed biofilms. The BNS showed no toxicity against mammalian cells. Together, these data highlight the therapeutic potential of this platform.
Conceptualizing intubation sharing: A descriptive qualitative study of videolaryngoscopy for pediatric emergency airway management

Background This study characterizes clinical and educational practices around the use of videolaryngoscopy in pediatric emergency airway management through qualitative exploration. Methods This is a descriptive qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of emergency medicine physicians. Physicians were selected by theoretical sampling from urban, tertiary care pediatric hospitals across the United States until theoretical data saturation was achieved. The study applied a constructivist grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis. Manual line-by-line coding of interview transcripts was used initially, then grouped into categories with constant comparative analysis to generate the final coding scheme organized by themes and subthemes. Finally, memo-writing and iterative analysis meetings explored relationships between themes and identified an interpretive model. Results Theoretical saturation was achieved after 10 of the initial 12 interviews. Emerging from the data were six themes that describe the concept of intubation sharing: (1) Videolaryngoscopy encompasses multiple modalities that all provide a shared view and ability to record; (2) Airway experts and systems help realize the full potential of videolaryngoscopy; (3) Videolaryngoscopy can be a clinical, educational, quality assurance and research tool; (4) Some skills required for videolaryngoscopy are unique, while others overlap with direct laryngoscopy; (5) Videolaryngoscopy allows a coaching laryngoscopist to provide real-time guidance to the primary laryngoscopist from a shared view; (6) Videolaryngoscopy provides an opportunity for post-intubation coaching and feedback and shared learning from a single experience for the provider community. Conclusions Through this multicenter qualitative interview study, we derived the concept of intubation sharing through videolaryngoscopy for real-time and remote coaching, for both the primary laryngoscopist and the community of emergency medicine providers who intubate.
Chapter Three The Race Is On

This report reviews concepts behind fuel cell technology, describes the improvements and vehicles that have been developed since 2001 as the technology has been refined, and examines the issue of what fuel should be used and the necessary refueling infrastructure. Chapters include: The Fuel Cell Vehicles The Race Is On Refueling Infrastructure The Future and more
Moderate Intensity Treadmill Exercise Increases Survival of Newborn Hippocampal Neurons and Improves Neurobehavioral Outcomes after Traumatic Brain Injury.

Physician-prescribed rest after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is both commonplace and an increasingly scrutinized approach to TBI treatment. Although this practice remains a standard of patient care...
Venous Gas Embolism During Radical Robotic Prostatectomy: A Case Report and Evidence-Based Management Algorithm.

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has gained rapid popularity in the last two decades after early reports of excellent survival rates, quick learning curves, and minimal invasion or tissue damage. Given the anatomical location of surgical prostatectomies and the utilization of intra-abdominal gas during laparoscopy, there is a risk of developing venous air embolism (VAE). We present a case of a 62-year-old male with hypothyroidism and benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent robotic suprapubic prostatectomy under general anesthesia. One hour after incision the ETCO2 suddenly dropped (40 mmHg to 25 mmHg) as did the SpO2 (98% to 90%). There were no other vital sign changes, nor was there significant blood loss. The surgical team was notified, which prompted the surgeon to inform us that he had just been dissecting around the pelvic venous plexus. At this point, with the clinical suspicion of VAE, abdominal insufflation pressure was lowered, and inspired oxygen was increased to 100%. After 10 minutes, SpO2 and ETCO2 normalized. A debrief and literature review inspired us to develop a laparoscopic-specific VAE management algorithm, with attention to robotic-case management issues. To the best of our knowledge, this is a rare case report describing a clinical VAE during RARP.
About the theory and empirical analysis of “the persistence of profit”and its applicability to Colombia

This paper looks into the application of the theory of “the persistence of profits” and how it can be used to model manufacturing industries in Colombia. By explaining where the theory of “persistence of profits” comes from, what it is, and what its determinants are brief descriptions of the theory is given. This paper proposes a model for examining persistence of profits in Colombian manufacturing industry. By analyzing the literature and the modeling in developed countries the model takes into account the characteristics of the manufacturing industry.
Tests of two physically based filters for base flow separation

[1] A physically based filter for separating base flow from streamflow time series is tested using a simple dynamical model of streamflow generation from a hillslope. The model is a modified version of an integral water balance model developed for hillslopes and small basins. It does not include Hortonian overland flow, but it represents the physics of runoff generation from a hillslope better than the physics used in developing the filter. Rainfall time series data are used to run the model. The filter is applied to streamflow simulated from the model and filter estimates of base flow are compared to model-simulated base flow. The filter performs well on average, but base flow estimates include a strong high-frequency component that is not found in simulated base flow. The filter assumption that overland flow and recharge are constant fractions of rainfall is found to be a main source of estimation error. A new filter is developed using the modified model in which recharge is a delayed and attenuated response to rainfall because it is a function of integrated soil moisture. Comparing this new filter with the original one shows that base flow estimates only marginally improve, based on one criterion, for streamflow data from a first-order basin. However, this new filter provides time series estimates of integrated soil moisture and estimates of soil moisture are similar to observed trends in the basin. The formulation of this filter provides a new framework for developing better filters for estimating time series of base flow and integrated soil moisture.
Population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling of mycophenolic acid in paediatric renal transplant recipients in the early post-transplant period.

Aim The purpose of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK−PD) model for mycophenolic acid (MPA) in paediatric renal transplant recipients in the early post-transplant period. Methods A total of 214 MPA plasma concentrations−time data points from 24 patients were available for PK model development. In 17 out of a total of 24 patients, inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) enzyme activity measurements (n = 97) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were available for PK−PD modelling. The PK−PD model was developed using non-linear mixed effects modelling sequentially by 1) developing a population PK model and 2) incorporating IMPDH activity into a PK−PD model using post hoc Bayesian PK parameter estimates. Covariate analysis included patient demographics, co-medication and clinical laboratory data. Non-parametric bootstrapping and prediction-corrected visual predictive checks were performed to evaluate the final models. Results A two compartment model with a transit compartment absorption best described MPA PK. A non-linear relationship between dose and MPA exposure was observed and was described by a power function in the model. The final population PK parameter estimates (and their 95% confidence intervals) were CL/F, 22 (14.8, 25.2) l h−1 70 kg−1; Vc/F, 45.4 (29.6, 55.6) l; Vp/F, 411 (152.6, 1472.6)l; Q/F, 22.4 (16.0, 32.5) l h−1; Ka, 2.5 (1.45, 4.93) h−1. Covariate analysis in the PK study identified body weight to be significantly correlated with CL/F. A simplified inhibitory Emax model adequately described the relationship between MPA concentration and IMPDH activity. The final population PK−PD parameter estimates (and their 95% confidence intervals) were: E0, 3.45 (2.61, 4.56) nmol h−1 mg−1 protein and EC50, 1.73 (1.16, 3.01) mg l−1. Emax was fixed to 0. There were two African-American patients in our study cohorts and both had low IMPDH baseline activities (E0) compared with Caucasian patients (mean value 2.13 mg l−1 vs. 3.86 mg l−1). Conclusion An integrated population PK−PD model of MPA has been developed in paediatric renal transplant recipients. The current model provides information that will facilitate future studies and may be implemented in a Bayesian algorithm to allow a PK−PD guided therapeutic drug monitoring strategy.
Cellular Basis of B Cell Clonal Populations in Old Mice

Previous studies from this laboratory have shown that >85% of old mice have stable B cell clonal populations detectable by Ig heavy chain complementary-determining region 3 mRNA size analysis and confirmed by sequence analysis. B cells from the same clone are frequently detected in several lymphoid compartments of the same mouse. We now report the phenotype of all ten stable B cell clonal populations detected in five 20-month-old C57BL/6 mice. These clonal B cells appear to develop in the periphery and nine of the ten B cell clonal populations expressed the CD5 cell surface marker. Stable B cell expansions may be dominated by cells at two stages of differentiation. Some B cell populations were detected with DNA as well as RNA and represent large clonal populations of B cells, detectable in several lymphoid compartments. These populations are found predominantly in B cell populations expressing CD45R/B220 and the mRNA coding for the membrane-bound form of the mu Ig heavy chain, which suggests a predominance of B lymphocytes in these populations. In other cases, smaller clonal populations were detected only in splenic RNA samples. These clonal populations were found predominantly among CD45R/B220- B cells and did not express the membrane-bound form of the micro Ig heavy chain. We offer the hypothesis that the B cell clonal populations present in old mice may be precursors of the two types of B cell neoplasms which are dominated by CD5+ B cells (B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia) or plasma cells (multiple myeloma).
Temperature-Sensitive Mutants of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Induce Protection in Mice

Temperature-sensitive mutants of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae 4074, serotype 1, were isolated after treatment with nitrosoguanidine and enrichment with penicillin and D-cycloserine. Of the four temperature-sensitive mutants evaluated in mice, one (A-1) had a tight phenotype (i.e., it ceased replication immediately after transfer to the nonpermissive temperature [37 degrees C]) and three (1-2, 4-1, and 12-1) were coasters that continued replication for up to three generations after transfer to 37 degrees C. The reversion frequencies ranged from 10(-6) to 10(-9), and cutoff temperatures ranged from 33 to 35 degrees C. No major changes were detected in the biochemical profiles; agglutination reactions; electrophoretic profiles of the lipopolysaccharides, outer membrane proteins, and hemolysin proteins; hemolytic titers; or CAMP factor reactions of the mutants and the wild-type bacteria. Groups of 3- to 5-week-old, female ICR mice were immunized intranasally with three doses of 3.5 x 10(6) CFU of the mutants over 3 weeks and subsequently challenged intranasally with 5 50% lethal doses of the parental wild-type. Protection was induced by both the tight and the coaster mutants, with the 4-1 and 12-1 coasters eliciting greater protection (67 and 82%, respectively) than that induced by the A-1 tight mutant (57%). Intranasal immunization with both phenotypes induced serum antibody responses against the surface antigens and the hemolysin protein.
Neuronal Dopamine Subpopulations Maintained in Hypothalamic Slice Explant Cultures Exhibit Distinct Tyrosine Hydroxylase mRNA Turnover Rates

Changes in mRNA stability have been shown to regulate critical intracellular processes. In this investigation, we studied tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA turnover in functionally and anatomically distinct dopaminergic (DA) populations of the rat hypothalamus. To this end, long-term slice explant cultures from postnatal, preoptic area/hypothalami, containing three anatomically discrete DA populations, were generated and maintained under defined conditions. The organotypic cultures were treated with the transcription inhibitors 5,6-dichloro-1-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole or actinomycin D and processed for in situ hybridization histochemistry. Relative TH mRNA content per cell was quantitated. Single-cell analysis showed marked differences in basal TH mRNA turnover rates between DA neuronal populations. Anterior and midhypothalamic DA neurons exhibited half-time turnovers of 9–12 and 11–23 hr, respectively. In contrast, in the caudal hypothalamus, DA neurons of the arcuate nucleus had a significantly lower baseline level and more rapid turnover (6–7 hr) of TH mRNA. This investigation shows that basal turnover of a phenotypic mRNA, TH mRNA in DA neurons, is not an intrinsic property of the phenotypic marker. Furthermore, we found that destabilization of TH mRNA in the caudal hypothalamus corresponds to the known rhythmic output displayed by arcuate DA cells and, as such, may be critical for normal function of this population. We propose that intrinsic differences in the post-transcriptional regulation of TH permits neuronal subpopulations, which subserve different physiological functions, an additional mechanism to control DA biosynthesis in response to their unique needs.
Islamic Economics: Foundations and Practices

The Islamic economic system is a theoretical construct of an economy whose members follow the Islamic faith. The core of Islamic economics rests on theological foundations – social welfare is valued above material gain and heavy emphasis is placed on a strong belief in and faithful obedience to God. The characteristics of, and principles which underlie, Islamic economics are surveyed. Particular attention is paid to the injunction against interest payments and to the requirement that the faithful pay a capital levy or wealth tax.
Fixed point and rigidity theorems for harmonic maps into NPC spaces

We show that harmonic maps from 2-dimensional Euclidean polyhedra to arbitrary NPC spaces are totally geodesic or constant depending on a geometric and combinatorial condition of the links of the 0-dimensional skeleton. Our method is based on a monotonicity formula rather than a codimension estimate of the singular set as developed by Gromov–Schoen or the mollification technique of Korevaar–Schoen.
‘Ask Each Pupil About Her Methods of Cleaning’: Ideologies of Language and Gender in Americanisation Instruction (1900–1924)

The focus of this paper is on the complex interaction between ideologies of language, gender and identity during the Americanisation era (1900–1924) in the USA. I will argue that the Americanisation movement had a ‘hidden curriculum’ which singled out immigrant women – and in particular mothers – for specific kinds of English instruction. Americanisers attempted to control women's linguistic repertoires and reduce them to ‘pots and pans’ English, linked to consumerism and domesticity. Three main responses can be distinguished among the women. Some ignored the classes altogether. Others enrolled and then dropped out, either disappointed by outdated teaching methods or overwhelmed by family and work pressures. And yet others did take the classes but did not adopt the patriarchal femininity constructed for them by the Americanisers. Instead, many immigrant women adopted alternative linguistic repertoires and identities offered to them by the labour movement.
A Multi‐Response Analysis of Learned Heart Rate Control

Thirty college students were classified on the basis of cold-pressor blood pressure responses and then randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. One group merely tracked a visual analog display of their heart rate (tracking group). A second group attempted to increase and decrease its heart rate without the visual display (no-feedback group). A third group attempted to increase and decrease their heart rates with the aid of the visual heart rate display (feedback group). Results indicated that the heart rate changes produced by both the feedback and no-feedback groups were significantly greater than those observed in the tracking group. There was no significant difference between the former two groups. Results also demonstrated that high cold-pressor reactors were able to produce significantly larger heart rate changes than the low reactor subjects. A correlational analysis of physiological responses accompanying heart rate change suggested that the response topographies of the high and low cold-pressor reactors differed as well. Finally, results indicated no relationship between coronary-prone personality characteristics, as measured by the Jenkins Activity Scale, and either cold-pressor reactivity or heart rate control performance.
Defining elder care.

This study was a beginning effort to clarify the different types of elder care and to understand which type of elder care, i.e., giving time or giving money, might be more closely associated with employed persons' health. Giving time, compared to giving money, to provide care may be weakly associated with emotional health (r = .05) and physical health (r = .04) as N = 2,269 (cf. rs of .00, .01); giving money may not be associated with either. Investigations of elder care and its consequences should be very specific when measuring this construct.
A comparative study of the mollusc communities of two oligohaline intertidal marshes: spatial and temporal distribution of abundance and biomass

Molluscs were collected monthly for a year from two low salinity (0–9‰) intertidal marshes dominated by the macrophytesJuncus roemerianus orSpartina cynosuroides in St. Louis Bay, Mississippi. TheJuncus marsh had lower soil organic matter, higher pH and was more frequently inundated than theSpartina marsh. Eight species of gastropods were abundant and dominated in the higherSpartina marsh, while three bivalve species were dominant in theJuncus marsh. Of the common species,Succinea ovalis, Vertigo ovata andDeroceras laeve are gastropods of terrestrial origins;Geukensia demissa granosissima (bivalve) andMelampus bidentatus (gastropod) are euryhaline estuarine species and the remaining gastropods (Detracia floridana, Littoridinops palustris, Onobops jacksoni) and bivalves (Polymesoda caroliniana, Cyrenoida floridana) are brackish species. Most species were capable of continuous recruitment (based on size class analysis), but exhibited peak activity in particular seasons. Bivalve abundance correlated to temperature, and gastropod abundance was negatively correlated to soil pH. These correlations reflect the influence of flooding regime at the two sites. Biomass was greater in theJuncus marsh because of the increased presence of the large-bodiedPolymesoda. Polymesoda represented >90% and >50% of the total biomass in theJuncus andSpartina (except summer) marshes respectively but always <-5% of the individuals collected. Gastropod biomass was the same in both marshes. Species diversity (H′) was greater inSpartina except for summer months. TheJuncus marsh always exhibited greater species richness. Evenness (J′) determined seasonal changes in diversity (H′). Similarity values (Cz) were always quite low, with highest values in spring In contrast to faunal studies from Gulf and East Coast salt marshes, we found 1) fewer species, 2) communities comprised of unique species combinations, 3) greatest mean densities in summer, and 4) potentially less productivity by the molluscs of our sites. These mollusc communities exhibit structural characteristics that emphasize the unique ecotonal nature of the oligohaline marshes within which they are found.
Advances in the genetics of inflammatory bowel disease.

Research efforts in the inflammatory bowel diseases have been uniquely successful in identifying genetic linkage regions likely containing susceptibility genes for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In two of these regions, definitive gene associations have been established, namely for the NOD2/ CARD 15 gene on chromosome 16 (IBD1) and the OCTN1/ SLC22A4-OCT/SLC22A5 genes on chromosome 5q (IBD5), both conferring increased risk for developing Crohn’s disease. Recently, significant gene associations have been reported for additional genes, including DLG5, MDR1, and TLR4 as well. The NOD2/CARD15 gene mutations are associated with ileal disease location and a modestly earlier age of onset compared with NOD2/CARD15 wild-type Crohn’s disease patients. Future progress in the genetics of inflammatory bowel disease will likely involve systematic phenotyping, including the incorporation of clinical subtypes and novel biomarkers. The ultimate goal of genetic research in inflammatory bowel disease is to identify the earliest biologic pathways that are altered, resulting in disease pathogenesis. Identification of these key pathways will potentially highlight novel therapeutic targets.
Transatlantic Divergences in Citizen Science Ethics—Comparative Analysis of the DIYbio Code of Ethics Drafts of 2011

Codes of ethics were drafted by participants in the European and North American Congresses of DIYbio, a single global organization of informal biotechnology practitioners, in 2011. In general, the existence of a code of ethics amongst a community is itself significant. Codes of professional ethics are common in scientific and engineering fields, as well as in DIY communities. It is also significant, and highly unusual, that DIYbio has maintained two separate codes of ethics years after their drafting. While agreement was reached within the congress for each geographic region, with considerable commonality between the two codes drafted, they are far from identical. There are differences in the ordering of items, the wording of common items, and the presence/absence of items. I will argue that these differences are meaningful, and consider them with respect to cultural variation, ethics, and societal implications. Finally, I recommend that the entire DIYbio organization unite under a single code of ethics, and that one of the existing drafts is superior to the other for this purpose.
Columnar and subsurface silicide growth with novel molecular beam epitaxy techniques

We have found novel growth modes for epitaxial CoSi2 at high temperatures coupled with Si-rich flux ratios or low deposition rates. In the first of these modes, codeposition of metal and Si at 600-800 C with excess Si leads to the formation of epitaxial silicide columns surrounded by single-crystal Si. During the initial stages of the deposition, the excess Si grows homoepitaxially in between the silicide, which forms islands, so that the lateral growth of the islands is confined. Once a template layer is established by this process, columns of silicide form as a result of selective epitaxy of silicide on silicide and Si on Si. This growth process allows nanometer control over silicide particles in three dimensions. In the second of these modes, a columnar silicide seed layer is used as a template to nucleate subsurface growth of CoSi2. With a 100 nm Si layer covering CoSi2 seeds, Co deposited at 800C and 0.01 nm/s diffuses down to grow on the buried seeds rather than nucleating surface silicide islands. For thicker Si caps or higher deposition rates, the surface concentration of Co exceeds the critical concentration for nucleation of islands, preventing this subsurface growth mode from occurring. Using this technique, single-crystal layers of CoSi2 buried under single-crystal Si caps have been grown.
Region-dependent alterations in glutamate and GABA measured by high-resolution magnetic resonance spectroscopy following acute binge inhalation of toluene in juvenile rats.

Abstract Little is known about the neurochemical effects accompanying the high-concentration inhalant exposures characteristic of binge solvent abuse. In adult animals, prior studies with other patterns of exposure indicate that toluene, a commonly abused household and industrial solvent, has significant effects on the glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmitter systems and on other neurotransmitter systems as well. In the current investigation, high-resolution “magic angle” spinning proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HR-MAS 1H-MRS) was used to assess the effect of acute binge toluene inhalation on regional brain concentrations of various neurochemicals including glutamate (GLU), GABA, and glutamine (GLN) in juvenile male and female rats. Acute toluene (8000 ppm or 12,000 ppm) significantly reduced levels of hippocampal GABA (− 12%) and GLU (− 8%), and the GLU/GLN ratio, an index of glutamatergic tone, was significantly reduced (− 22%) in the dorsal anterior striatum, driven largely by a 28% increase in GLN. Significant increases in alanine and lactate in several brain regions after acute toluene may be indicative of altered oxygen-dependent metabolism associated with the inhalation of higher concentrations of toluene (e.g., > 5000 ppm). Other components of the MR-visible neurochemical profile, such as N-acetylaspartate (NAA), myo-inositol, creatine, and various choline containing compounds, were unchanged by acute toluene. The results are consistent with the notion that binge toluene exposure affects juvenile neurochemistry in systems mediating the rewarding and emotional aspects of substance abuse. Moreover the results provide a framework to understand further 1H-MRS studies in clinical populations.
Properties of tryptophan-inactivated bacteriophage T4, 38.

Abstract The properties of the surviving and of the inactivated T4,38 phage particles after L -tryptophan treatment have been studied. The survivors do not lose infectivity upon exposure to DNase and appear intact under the electron microscope. In some of the inactivated particles the entire DNA content is digestible by DNase, while in others none is digestible. Only a small fraction of the digestible DNA is set free from the phage upon inactivation. Most of the inactivated particles show damage of the tail, which is broken in different particles at different places. The inactivated particles aggregate readily. Each of them has lost its host-killing ability but can still adsorb into the host cells, independently of the presence of cofactor. Comparing these results with some recent work of other investigators, the above results about the inactivated T4,38 phage particles lead to the following conclusions: (1) The mechanism by which a phage tail is formed may involve the polymerization along the axis of the tail producing a repeating structure. (2) The bulging part at the tail tip of a T-even phage is not essential to adsorption, but is likely to be a part, if not the whole, of the killing tail structure. (3) The T-phage particles inject their DNA into bacteria through their tails.
Abiotic degradation of trichloroethylene under thermal remediation conditions.

The degradation of trichloroethylene (TCE) to carbon dioxide (CO2) and chloride (Cl-) has been reported to occur during thermal remediation of subsurface environments. The effects of solid-phase composition and oxygen content on the chemical reactivity of TCE were evaluated in sealed ampules that were incubated at 22 and 120 °C for periods ranging from 4 to 40 days. For all treatments, no more than 15% of the initial amount of TCE was degraded, resulting in the formation of several non-chlorinated products including Cl-, CO2, carbon monoxide, glycolate, and formate. First-order rate coefficients for TCE disap pearance ranged from 1.2 to 6.2 × 10-3 day-1 at 120 °C and were not dependent upon oxygen content or the presence of Ottawa sand. However, the rate of TCE disappearance at 120 °C increased by more than 1 order-of-magnitude (1.6 to 5.3 × 10-2 day-1), corresponding to a half-life of 13−44 days in ampules containing 1% (wt) goethite and Ottawa sand. These results indicate that the rate of TCE degradatio...
Globally convergent homotopy methods: a tutorial

The basic theory for probability one globally convergent homotopy algorithms was developed in 1976, and since then the theory, algorithms, and applications have considerably expanded. These are algorithms for solving nonlinear systems of (algebraic) equations, which are convergent for almost all choices of starting point. Thus they are globally convergent with probability one. They are applicable to Brouwer fixed point problems, certain classes of zero-finding problems, unconstrained optimization, linearly constrained optimization, nonlinear complementarity, and the discrezations of nonlinear two-point boundary value problems based on shooting, finite differences, collocation, and finite elements. A mathematical software package, HOMPACK, exists that implements several different strategies and handles both dense and sparse problems. Homotopy algorithms are closely related to ODE algorithms, and make heavy use of ODE techniques. Homotopy algorithms for some classes of nonlinear systems, such as polynomial systems, exhibit a large amount of coarse grain parallelism. These and other topics are discussed in a tutorial fashion.
Induction of cell-mediated immunity to Actinomyces viscosus in mice.

Abstract Immune reactivity following multiple encounters with Actinomyces viscosus was studied in C57B1/6 mice. Delayed hypersensitivity (DH) was evaluated in vivo by the foot-pad (FP) assay and in vitro by splenic lymphocyte stimulation; antibody titres were determined by agglutination. Induction of DH was by multiple subcutaneous (SQ) injections. FP reactivity increased with subsequent injections and became maximal after 4 injections whereas the lymphocyte stimulation peaked after two. Intraperitoneal (IP) inoculation induced neither FP reactivity nor lymphocyte stimulation. The induction of DH was inhibited by both anti-thymo-cyte serum (ATS) and cyclophosphamide (Cy). Sensitized mice treated with ATS or Cy prior to FP challenge also showed suppressed reactivity. Both SQ and IP inoculation stimulated formation of agglutinating antibodies. In both cases, antibody levels increased with successive injections.
Tailored communications for smoking cessation: past successes and future directions*

Tailored communications are one of the most promising approaches to smoking cessation interventions for entire populations. Assessments based on the Transtheoretical Model are processed by computer-based expert systems that generate feedback reports tailored to each individual to accelerate their progress through the stages of change for smoking cessation. Seven studies are reviewed that range from a more traditional clinical trial to trials on entire populations of smokers to population trials designed to change multiple behaviours, including smoking. A series of three tailored communications was found to produce long-term point prevalence abstinence rates within the narrow range of 22-26% abstinence. This same range of abstinence was found even when two or three other behaviours (e.g. diet and sun protection) were treated in the population. These results point to a future in which health behaviour risk interventions will be assessed not solely by their efficacy but by their population impact.
iDEN Phone System Test: An Automation Approach

Global Software Group Malaysia (GSG) is the first MSC status company out of 676 MSC-status companies in Malaysia to achieve the SEI-CMM Level 5 in October 2001. SEI-CMM Level 5 is the highest level of process maturity in software engineering. iDENtrade Subscriber Group-Test, iSGT is a subset team under GSG Malaysia and actually it is an extension of the iDENtrade Subsriber Group System Test in Plantation, Florida. iSGT is a software testing team who involved in Motorola iDENtrade phone software system test
A note on the computation of inequality constrained least squares estimates

Abstract We derive the implications of the Kuhn-Tucker conditions for the inequality constrained least squares problem. A novel implication is that if each imposed constraint fails if individually relaxed, at least one will fail if any number are relaxed jointly.
Pharmaceutical aerosols for the treatment and prevention of Tuberculosis

Historically, pharmaceutical aerosols have been employed for the treatment of obstructive airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but in the past decades their use has been expanded to treat lung infections associated with cystic fibrosis and other respiratory diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) is acquired after inhalation of aerosol droplets containing the bacilli from the cough of infected individuals. Even though TB affects other organs, the lungs are the primary site of infection, which makes the pulmonary route an ideal alternative route to administer vaccines or drug treatments. Optimization of formulations and delivery systems for anti-TB vaccines and drugs, as well as the proper selection of the animal model to evaluate those is of paramount importance if novel vaccines or drug treatments are to be successful. Pharmaceutical aerosols for patient use are generated from metered dose inhalers, nebulizers, and dry powder inhalers (DPIs). In addition to the advantages of providing more efficient delivery of the drug, low cost, and portability, pharmaceutical dry powder aerosols are more stable than inhalable liquid dosage forms and do not require refrigeration. Methods to manufacture dry powders in respirable sizes include micronization, spray drying, and other proprietary technologies. Inhalable dry powders are characterized in terms of their drug content, particle size, and dispersibility to ensure deposition in the appropriate lung region and effective aerosolization from the device. These methods will be illustrated as they were applied for the manufacture and characterization of powders containing anti-tubercular agents and vaccines for pulmonary administration. The influence of formulation, selection of animal model, method of aerosol generation, and administration on the efficacy demonstrated in a given study will be illustrated by the evaluation of pharmaceutical aerosols of anti-TB drugs and vaccines in guinea pigs by our group.
Visible diode laser-induced fluorescence detection of phenylacetic acid in plasma derivatized with Nile blue and using precolumn phase transfer catalysis

This study reports the application of Nile blue (NB), a farred oxazine label, as a precolumn derivatization reagent for the measurement of free levels of phenylacetic acid (PAA) in plasma. The measurement of PAA in psychiatric populations is important because it provides a marker for 2-phenylethylamine (PEA), which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and major depression. PAA was derivatized with NB through an amide linkage in the presence of 2-chloro-1-methylpyridinium iodide (carboxylic acid activator, CMP) and triethylamine (base catalyst, TEA), respectively. The formation of the NB-PAA derivative was confirmed using normal phase and reversed phase thin-layer chromatography, reversed phase liquid chromatography, and electrospray mass spectrometry. The formation of the NB-PAA derivative was optimized using a sequential single factor approach. The optimal conditions for the formation and chromatographic separation of the derivative were determined to be 8.0 nmol/mL NB, 390 nmol/mL CMP, 2 mumol/mL TEA, a reaction time of 45 min, and a reaction temperature of 25 degrees C. This derivatization scheme was performed in a phase transfer catalysis mode that enabled the simultaneous extraction, preconcentration, and derivatization of the analyte in a single step. The limit of derivatization of PAA was determined to be 1.0 x 10(-9) M in phosphate-buffered saline, a PAA-free matrix. This derivatization was limited not by the kinetics of the reaction but by the chromatographic separation of the derivative from a side reaction product. The method was used to estimate endogenous free levels of PAA in human plasma samples. The levels of PAA in four sources of plasma were determined to be within 30-70 ng/mL using the method of standard addition and reflected levels that have been reported in the literature. The limit of detection of the derivative was determined to be 7.33 x 10(-11) M using a laboratory-constructed HPLC-VDLIF detector.
Kondo effect in small metal systems

Abstract Recent experimental studies of the single impurity Kondo effect in thin metal films and narrow metal wires has revealed that the Kondo contribution to the resistivity can be greatly suppressed in two ways: (1) by reducing the film thickness or the wire diameter, and (2) by increasing the amount of static disorder. In this paper we focus on the size dependence, and describe new experimental results in this area. The behavior of the Kondo alloys Au(Fe), Cu(Fe), and Cu(Mn) are shown to be well accounted for by a theoretical model of surface-induced uniaxial anisotropy developed by Zawadowski and coworkers. However, new results for Au(Mn) and Ag(Mn) appear to be at odds with this theory.
Limits imposed on glenohumeral motion by joint geometry.

Contact of the greater tuberosity against the glenoid raises the question of the limits imposed on motion by glenohumeral joint geometry. In 50 cadaveric shoulders the arcs of articular cartilage on the humeral head and glenoid in the frontal and axial planes were measured or calculated. In the coronal plane the humeral heads had an arc of 159° (±8.5°) covered by 96° (±8°) of glenoid, leaving 63° (±10°) of cartilage uncovered. In the transverse plane the humeral arc of 160° (±11°) is opposed by 74° (±6°) of glenoid, leaving 86° uncovered. The 159° of coronal humeral arc articulating with the transverse glenoid has 88° (±9°) of cartilage uncovered. The geometry of the glenohumeral joint limits motions that occur in simple arcs. The obligate external rotation that occurs in elevation is necessary to make more humeral cartilage available for articulation with the glenoid.
When vaccinating against information reduction works and when it does not work

Practice not only affects how information is processed, but also which information is processed. The Information-Reduction Hypothesis (i.e. Haider & Frensch, 1996) holds that — with practice — irrelevant task information (i.e. information that is not logically needed to correctly perform the task) is discarded from processing. Recently, Gaschler and Frensch (2007) have demonstrated that Information Reduction is not affected by the frequency with which individual task configurations are presented: well-practiced and little-practiced irrelevant task configurations are discarded at the same point in time during practice; Information Reduction is thus an item-general phenomenon. These findings suggest that Information Reduction is at least in part a consequence of top-down, voluntary control. In the present research, we ask how tasks can be constructed such that Information Reduction is avoided. Our results show that item-general Information Reduction is observed even when it leads to severe processing costs (i.e. errors). On the whole, the present results are in line with models of skill acquisition incorporating top-down modulation (e.g. Haider & Frensch, 2002) and are incompatible with purely data-driven accounts of skill acquisition (e.g. Logan, 1988; Nosofski & Palmeri, 1997; Palmeri, 1997; Rickard, 2004).
Diuretic use in renal disease

Diuretics are agents commonly used in diseases characterized by excess extracellular fluid, including chronic kidney disease, the nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis and heart failure. Multiple diuretic classes, including thiazide-type diuretics, loop diuretics and K(+)-sparing diuretics, are used to treat patients with these diseases, either individually or as combination therapies. An understanding of what determines a patient's response to a diuretic is a prerequisite to the correct use of these drugs. The response of patients with these diseases to diuretics, which is related to the dose, is best described by a sigmoid curve whose contour can become distorted by any of the several sodium-retaining states that are directly or indirectly associated with renal disease. Diuretic actions are of considerable importance to patients who have renal disease, as their effective use assists in extracellular fluid volume control, reducing excretion of protein in urine and lessening the risk of developing hyperkalemia. Diuretic-related adverse events that involve the uric acid, Na(+) and K(+) axes are not uncommon; therefore the clinician must be vigilant in looking for biochemical disturbances. As a result of diuretic-related adverse events, clinicians must be resourceful in the dose amount and frequency of dosing.