cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reducing vancomycin use utilizing a computer guideline: results of a randomized controlled trial

Background: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci represent an increasingly important cause of nosocomial infections. Minimizing vancomycin use represents a key strategy in preventing the spread of these infections. Objective: To determine whether a structured ordering intervention using computerized physician order entry that requires use of a guideline could reduce intravenous vancomycin use. Design: Randomized controlled trial assessing frequency and duration of vancomycin therapy by physicians. Participants and Setting: Three hundred ninety-six physicians and 1,798 patients in a tertiarycare teaching hospital. Intervention: Computer screen displaying, at the time of physician order entry, an adaptation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for appropriate vancomycin use. Main Outcome Measures: The frequency of initiation and renewal of vancomycin therapy as well the duration of therapy prescribed on a per prescriber basis. Results: Compared with the control group, intervention physicians wrote 32 percent fewer orders (11.3 versus 16.7 orders per physician; P = 0.04) and had 28 percent fewer patients for whom they either initiated or renewed an order for vancomycin (7.4 versus 10.3 orders per physician; P = 0.02). In addition, the duration of vancomycin therapy attributable to physicians in the intervention group was 36 percent lower than the duration of therapy prescribed by control physicians (26.5 versus 41.2 days; P = 0.05). Analysis of pharmacy data confirmed a decrease in the overall hospital use of intravenous vancomycin during the study period. Conclusion: Implementation of a computerized guideline using physician order entry decreased vancomycin use. Computerized guidelines represent a promising tool for changing prescribing practices.
A behavioral circuit simulation model for high-power GaAs Schottky diodes

This paper proposes a physically based behavioral circuit simulation model for high-power GaAs Schottky diodes which is valid over all regions of operation. No conditional statements are needed to define the regions of operation. A new and more accurate method of obtaining depletion capacitance model parameters from the measured capacitance values is proposed. A simple current- and temperature-dependent resistance model is used to model the nonlinear diode resistance as well as contact and packaging resistances. The validity of the model is demonstrated under various DC and transient switching conditions. Simulation results are compared with the experimental data obtained from a 200 V GaAs Schottky diode. The diode model is tested at various temperatures in different test circuits and the simulation results are shown to be in excellent agreement with the measured data under static and dynamic switching conditions. The model can be easily implemented in other circuit simulators. >
Spectral-spatial classification of hyperspectral images using hierarchical optimization

A new spectral-spatial method for hyperspectral data classification is proposed. For a given hyperspectral image, probabilistic pixelwise classification is first applied. Then, hierarchical step-wise optimization algorithm is performed, by iteratively merging neighboring regions with the smallest Dissimilarity Criterion (DC) and recomputing class labels for new regions. The DC is computed by comparing region mean vectors, class labels and a number of pixels in the two regions under consideration. The algorithm is converged when all the pixels get involved in the region merging procedure. Experimental results are presented on two hyperspectral remote sensing images acquired by the AVIRIS and ROSIS sensors. The proposed approach improves classification accuracies and provides maps with more homogeneous regions, when compared to previously proposed classification techniques.
TRAIT‐MEDIATED EFFECTS IN ROCKY INTERTIDAL FOOD CHAINS: PREDATOR RISK CUES ALTER PREY FEEDING RATES

The influence of predation on rocky intertidal community structure has long emphasized the importance of indirect interactions. Most efforts in this area have focused on the density-mediated, or lethal effects, of predators on prey density. Recently, there has been growing interest in trait-mediated indirect interactions (TMIIs): the presence of a predator in the environment influences the interaction between two other species (prey and their resource) by altering a trait of the prey species. For example, waterborne cues released by predators can cause changes in prey species behavior, such as feeding rates, thereby altering the impact of the prey species on their resources. Thus, TMIIs represent the nonlethal effects of predators that contrast with the more traditional emphasis on lethal indirect effects. Marine ecologists are just beginning to explore the role of TMIIs in their systems. We examined whether risk cues released by a ubiquitous crab predator (Carcinus maenas) influence the abundance of two dominant species in the rocky intertidal zone (barnacles [Semibalanus balanoides] and fucoid algae [Ascophyllum nodosum]) by altering the behavior of two of its snail prey (Nucella lapillus and Littorina littorea). We found that the presence of green crab risk cues can have strong cascading indirect effects on the abundance of barnacles and fucoid algae. N. lapillus exposed to risk cues consumed up to 29% fewer barnacles compared to conspecifics feeding in the absence of risk cues, whereas L. littorea exposed to risk cues consumed 459% fewer fucoids compared to conspecifics feeding in the absence of risk cues. These cascading interactions appear to reflect suppression of snail feeding by predator risk cues. In both food chains, snails exhibited more refuge-seeking behavior and grew less in the presence of risk cues. Our experiments suggest that TMIIs may have an important and underappreciated influence on species interactions that shape community dynamics on rocky intertidal shores. Corresponding Editor: P. T. Raimondi
Exercise Prevents Western-Diet Associated Erectile Dysfunction and Coronary Artery Endothelial Dysfunction: Response to Acute Apocynin and Sepiapterin Treatment

The aim of this study was to investigate aerobic exercise training as a means to prevent erectile dysfunction (ED) and coronary artery disease (CAD) development associated with inactivity and diet-induced obesity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a Western diet (WD) or a control diet (CD) for 12 wk. Subgroups within each diet remained sedentary (Sed) or participated in aerobic interval treadmill running throughout the dietary intervention. Erectile function was evaluated under anesthesia by measuring the mean arterial pressure and intracavernosal pressure in response to electrical field stimulation of the cavernosal nerve, in the absence or presence of either apocynin, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, or sepiapterin, a tetrahydrobiopterin precursor. Coronary artery endothelial function (CAEF) was evaluated ex vivo with cumulative doses of ACh applied to preconstricted segments of the left anterior descending coronary artery. CAEF was assessed in the absence or presence of apocynin or sepiapterin. Erectile function (P < 0.0001) and CAEF (P < 0.001) were attenuated in WD-Sed. Exercise preserved erectile function (P < 0.0001) and CAEF (P < 0.05) within the WD. Erectile function (P < 0.01) and CAEF (P < 0.05) were augmented by apocynin only in WD-Sed, while sepiapterin (P < 0.05) only augmented erectile function in WD-Sed. These data demonstrate that a chronic WD induces impairment in erectile function and CAEF that are commonly partially reversible by apocynin, whereas sepiapterin treatment exerted differential functional effects between the two vascular beds. Furthermore, exercise training may be a practical means of preventing diet-induced ED and CAD development.
Luminescence and Photoconductivity of Nitronaphthalenes

This work reports the first observation of phosphorescence from polycrystalline nitronaphthalenes. The phosphorescence spectrum, is red-shifted from its molecular counterpart; its relative intensity decreases as the temperature is increased from 77°K, exhibiting a relatively weak activation energy. The emission is attributed to triplet (π*← π) states whose lifetimes at room temperature are 35μ sec and 0.4μ sec for 1,5-dinitro-naphthalene and 1,8-dinitronaphthalene respectively. At room temperature in 1,5-dinitronaphthalene single crystal platelets, the photoconductivity observed is extrinsically generated, holes being more efficiently trapped than electrons, and is tentatively attributed to mobile excitons which migrate to the electrode and dissociate there producing holes and electrons.
Robustness of the Mann, Bradley, Hughes reconstruction of Northern Hemisphere surface temperatures: Examination of criticisms based on the nature and processing of proxy climate evidence

The Mann et al. (1998) Northern Hemisphere annual temperature reconstruction over 1400–1980 is examined in light of recent criticisms concerning the nature and processing of included climate proxy data. A systematic sequence of analyses is presented that examine issues concerning the proxy evidence, utilizing both indirect analyses via exclusion of proxies and processing steps subject to criticism, and direct analyses of principal component (PC) processing methods in question. Altogether new reconstructions over 1400–1980 are developed in both the indirect and direct analyses, which demonstrate that the Mann et al. reconstruction is robust against the proxy-based criticisms addressed. In particular, reconstructed hemispheric temperatures are demonstrated to be largely unaffected by the use or non-use of PCs to summarize proxy evidence from the data-rich North American region. When proxy PCs are employed, neither the time period used to “center” the data before PC calculation nor the way the PC calculations are performed significantly affects the results, as long as the full extent of the climate information actually in the proxy data is represented by the PC time series. Clear convergence of the resulting climate reconstructions is a strong indicator for achieving this criterion. Also, recent “corrections” to the Mann et al. reconstruction that suggest 15th century temperatures could have been as high as those of the late-20th century are shown to be without statistical and climatological merit. Our examination does suggest that a slight modification to the original Mann et al. reconstruction is justifiable for the first half of the 15th century (∼+0.05∘), which leaves entirely unaltered the primary conclusion of Mann et al. (as well as many other reconstructions) that both the 20th century upward trend and high late-20th century hemispheric surface temperatures are anomalous over at least the last 600 years. Our results are also used to evaluate the separate criticism of reduced amplitude in the Mann et al. reconstructions over significant portions of 1400–1900, in relation to some other climate reconstructions and model-based examinations. We find that, from the perspective of the proxy data themselves, such losses probably exist, but they may be smaller than those reported in other recent work.
Overexpression of BCL-XL Underlies the Molecular Basis for Resistance to Staurosporine-induced Apoptosis in PC-3 Cells

We have reported previously that among human prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP but not PC-3 cells undergo apoptosis after treatment with the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine (STS). We have now further investigated this model to uncover the molecular mechanism causing resistance to STS-induced apoptosis in PC-3 cells. S-100 lysates of both cell lines showed biochemical changes typical of apoptosis after the addition of cytochrome c and dATP, suggesting that the postmitochondrial phase of apoptosis was intact. Upon addition of STS, the proapoptotic molecules Bax and Bad became predominantly mitochondrial in both cell lines. This, in turn, was followed by loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, translocation of cytochrome c to the cytosol, activation of caspase-9, -3, and -7, and cleavage of the apoptotic targets, DNA fragmentation factor and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, in LNCaP but not in PC-3 cells. Components of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, adenine nucleotide transporter and voltage-dependent anion channel, were normally expressed in the correct subcellular fraction of both cell lines. Overexpression of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bad, fused to a green fluorescent protein but not of green fluorescent protein alone, induced apoptosis in >80% of PC-3 cells. These experiments suggested that a factor protecting the mitochondria of PC-3 cells mediates resistance to STS-induced apoptosis. A wide search among the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members was performed, and Bcl-XL was found to be overexpresseAd in PC-3 cells. Experiments down-regulating Bcl-XL expression by using the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein, sodium butyrate, or an antisense Bcl-XL oligonucleotide restored sensitivity to apoptosis in PC-3 cells. Thus, Bcl-XL overexpression is one of the mediators of resistance to STS-induced apoptosis in the prostate cancer cell line PC-3.
Multi-word combinations and the emergence of differentiated ordering patterns in early trilingual development

This study examines word order differentiation in early trilingual development through an analysis of the combinations produced by a Tagalog–Spanish–English trilingual child with an MLU of less than 1.5. Same- and mixed-language combinations were tracked down from diary data and weekly recordings to assess (i) whether word order significantly varied cross-linguistically, and (ii) whether mixed utterances originated from vocabulary gaps rather than from an undifferentiated syntax. The results indicate that (a) argument/predicate sequences were differentially ordered depending on their language and following input-dependent preferences, (b) mixed utterances were generally caused by vocabulary gaps, and (c) they displayed the same order as those single-language combinations produced in the same language context. These findings suggest that evidence for early word order differentiation can be found before the appearance of inflectional morphology and even when three – rather than two – languages are being acquired, indicating that trilingual exposure does not slow down the process of differentiation.
Prospects for Moral Epistemic Infinitism

This article poses two regresses for justification of moral knowledge and discusses three models for moral epistemic infinitism that arise. There are moral infinitisms dependent on empirical infinitism, what are called “piggyback” moral infinitisms. There are substantive empiricist moral infinitisms, requiring infinite chains of descriptive facts to justify normative rules. These empiricist infinitisms are developed either as infinitist egoisms or as infinitist sentimentalisms. And, finally, there are substantive rationalist moral infinitisms, requiring infinite chains of normative reasons to justify moral rules. Rationalist moral infinitism is posed as a mixed view integrating moral intuitions with the demand for justifying reasons.
High-Performance Long-Wavelength Infrared HgCdTe Focal Plane Arrays Fabricated on CdSeTe Compliant Si Substrates

At the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, a new ternary semiconductor system CdSexTe1-x,/Si(211) is being investigated as an alternative substrate to bulk-grown CdZnTe substrates for HgCdTe growth by molecular beam epitaxy. Long-wavelength (LW) photovoltaic devices fabricated on this compliant substrate material show diffusion limited performance at 78 K, indicating a high-quality material. The measured R0A at 78 K on ?co = 10 ?m material is on the order of 340 ? · cm2. In addition to single devices, we have fabricated 256 × 256 2-D arrays with a 40-?m pixel pitch on LW-HgCdTe grown on CdSexTe1-x/Si(211) compliant substrates. The data show an excellent quantum efficiency operability of 99% at 78 K under a tactical background flux of 6.7 × 1015 ph/cm2s. The most probable dark current at peak distribution is 5.5 × 109 e-/s and is very consistent with the measured R0A values from single devices. This work demonstrates that CdSexTe1-x/Si(211) substrates provide a potential roadmap for more affordable robust third-generation focal plane arrays.
Long-range mechanical force in colony branching and tumor invasion

The most concerned factors for cancer prognosis are tumor invasion and metastasis. The patterns of tumor invasion can be characterized as random infiltration to surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) or formation of long-range path for collective migration. Recent studies indicate that mechanical force plays an important role in tumor infiltration and collective migration. However, how tumor colonies develop mechanical interactions with each other to initiate various invasion patterns is unclear. Using a micro-patterning technique, we partition cells into clusters to mimic tumor colonies and quantitatively induce colony-ECM interactions. We find that pre-malignant epithelial cells, in response to concentrations of type I collagen in ECM ([COL]), develop various branching patterns resembling those observed in tumor invasion. In contrast with conventional thought, these patterns require long-range (~ 600 μm) transmission of traction force, but not biochemical factors. At low [COL], cell colonies synergistically develop pairwise and directed branching mimicking the formation of long-range path. By contrast, at high [COL] or high colony density, cell colonies develop random branching and scattering patterns independent of each other. Our results suggest that tumor colonies might select different invasive patterns depending on their interactions with each other and with the ECM.
Chronic alcohol ingestion alters claudin expression in the alveolar epithelium of rats

Abstract Previously we determined that chronic alcohol ingestion (6 weeks) in rats increases lung epithelial permeability in vivo ∼5–6-fold and promotes flooding of the alveolar airspaces with proteinaceous fluid in response to stresses such as sepsis. In parallel, alveolar epithelial cells isolated from alcohol-fed rats fail to form tight monolayers in vitro, even when cultured for up to 8 days in the absence of alcohol. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced permeability are unknown. Claudins are key components of tight junctions that restrict the paracellular movement of water, proteins, and solutes across cellular barriers including the alveolar epithelium. In this study, we examined the expression of multiple members of the claudin protein family in the lungs of alcohol-fed versus control-fed rats (Lieber–DeCarli liquid diet with either 36% of calories as alcohol or an isocaloric substitution with maltin-dextrin for 6 weeks). We determined that chronic alcohol ingestion affected the expression of multiple claudins; most striking were decreases in claudin-1 and claudin-7, and an increase in claudin-5, in the whole lung and in alveolar epithelial monolayers derived from alcohol-fed rats. In parallel, immunocytochemistry of alveolar epithelial monolayers from alcohol-fed rats revealed abnormal intracellular accumulation of claudin-7 protein and relatively decreased localization to cell membranes. Claudin-1 and claudin-7 are relatively specific to alveolar epithelial type I pneumocytes that form the vast majority of the alveolar epithelial barrier in vivo, and increases in claudin-5 have been associated with increased epithelial permeability in other systems. Therefore, these findings suggest that changes in claudin expression in the alveolar epithelium produce a “leakier” phenotype that renders the alcoholic lung susceptible to alveolar flooding during acute inflammatory stresses.
Molecular characterization of a leukotoxin gene from a Pasteurella haemolytica-like organism, encoding a new member of the RTX toxin family

A Pasteurella haemolytica-like organism, a new species of bacterium isolated from piglets with diarrhea, secretes a leukotoxin into the culture media. Western blot (immunoblot) analysis indicated that this leukotoxin cross-reacted with antileukotoxin antibody derived from cattle immunized with P. haemolytica. Five overlapping recombinant bacteriophages carrying the gene for this 105-kDa polypeptide were identified with a DNA probe containing sequences from the P. haemolytica lktCA genes from a P. haemolytica-like organism strain 5943 genomic library. Sequence analysis of a region of the cloned DNA revealed two open reading frames encoding proteins with predicted masses of 19.4 and 101.6 kDa. These genes, which we designate pllktC (P. haemolytica-like organism leukotoxin C gene) and pllktA (A gene), respectively, are similar in sequence to the RTX (repeat of toxin) toxin family. The structure of the 101.6-kDa protein derived from the DNA sequence shows three transmembrane domains in the N-terminal part of the protein, 13 glycine-rich repeat domains in the second half of the protein, and a hydrophobic C-terminal part. pllktC and pllktA are strongly homologous to P. haemolytica lktC and lktA genes. However, this leukotoxin kills both BL-3 and pig leukocytes and is not hemolytic.
Bonding of Rubber to Carbon Black by Sulfur Vulcanization

Abstract As an approach toward understanding the interaction of rubber with carbon black, we have studied the chemisorption of a model olefin (2-methyl-2-octene) on carbon black. Some olefin becomes chemisorbed on simply heating these two materials together, and can be distinguished from physically adsorbed material by its resistance to removal by solvents at room temperature. The presence of an MBTS accelerated sulfur curing system causes additional chemisorption. The amount of olefin chemisorbed can also be increased by the use of larger amounts of sulfur but is decreased by an increase in MBTS, owing to competitive chemisorption of the MBTS. Sulfur is also chemisorbed, to a somewhat greater extent than the olefin, but is desorbed more readily than the olefin, suggesting that these two components are chemisorbed separately. The chemisorbed olefin is believed to be highly mobile on the carbon black surface, and indeed its stability is ascribed primarily to a loss of translational entropy associated with ...
Automatic power management of desktop computers

It has been shown that many desktop personal computers and peripherals are left on when they are not being used, wasting energy. The authors monitored desktop computer use patterns on 33 machines using custom activity monitoring software, and predicted a reduction in mean computer energy consumption of 71% with a 36% reduction in mean peak power demand, if computers were automatically switched off after 60 minutes of inactivity. Field trials of an automatic power management system designed to switch off computers and peripherals after a specified period of inactivity produced reductions in mean computer energy consumption of 63%, with a reduction in mean peak power demand of 35%; visual display unit mean energy consumption was reduced by 82%. All these savings were maintained with time. >
The Theory of Energy Bands in Crystals

This chapter contains sections titled: Coupling Atoms Energy Bands by Fourier Analysis Equations of Motion in a Crystal Maxima of Energy Bands-Holes Summary of Important Band-Structure Parameters Band Structure of Alloys This chapter contains sections titled: Problems References
Preliminary Clinical Trials with Cyanate

The purpose of the first clinical study with cyanate (Gillette, et al., 1971) was to determine whether the anti-sickling effect observed in vitro (Cerami and Manning, 1971) would also occur in vivo. Since the life span of erythrocytes from patients with sickle cell disease is markedly shortened, survival of these cells should be prolonged if their tendency to sickle were decreased. To test this hypothesis, chromium-51 (51Cr) half- times were determined with untreated autologous cells by the technique of Gray and Sterling (1950) modified by washing with saline. At a later time the survival of an aliquot of cells treated in vitro with cyanate was determined. Reaction of the cells in vitro with chromate and cyanate was shown to be non-competitive, and in other studies the elution rate of chromium was not altered by carbamylation. Double labelled survival studies in mice, rats, dogs and monkeys have also shown that carbamylation does not alter elution.
Severe Sepsis due to Clostridium perfringens Bacteremia of Urinary Origin: A Case Report and Systematic Review

Clostridium perfringens bacteremia is an uncommon yet serious clinical syndrome that typically arises from a gastrointestinal source. However, clinicians should consider nongastrointestinal sources as well. We present a rare case of C. perfringens bacteremia of urinary origin that required surgical intervention for definitive treatment. A 61-year-old male presented with acute nausea and vomiting, altered mental status, and chronic diarrhea. His physical exam revealed right costovertebral tenderness and his laboratory work-up revealed acute renal failure. Percutaneous blood cultures grew C. perfringens. Cross-sectional imaging revealed a right-sided ureteral stone with hydronephrosis, which required nephrostomy placement. On placement of the nephrostomy tube, purulent drainage was identified and Gram stain of the drainage revealed Gram-variable rods. A urinary source of C. perfringens was clinically supported. Although it is not a common presentation, nongastrointestinal sources such as a urinary source should be considered in C. perfringens bacteremia because failure to recognize a nongastrointestinal source can delay appropriate treatment, which may include surgical intervention.
Lessons in Service Learning: Developing the Service Learning Opportunities in Technical Communication (SLOT-C) Database

We justify and describe our development of the Service Learning Opportunities in Technical Communication (SLOT-C) Database. The database broadens the range of organizations that instructors and students have for client-based communication projects. We argue in support of incorporating service learning into classes and facilitating partnerships among university instructors, their students, and nonprofits. We report strategies we learned for working with student interns and IT experts and strategies we developed as we worked with usability-test participants.
Effects of Tanshinone II_A on Platelets and Megakaryoccytes in Immune Asculitis

Objective To study the effects of TanshinoneⅡA on platelets and megakaryocytes in immune vasculitis.Methods The model of immune vasculitis of rabbits were reproduced by intravenous injection of bovine serum albumin twice.Periphery platelet number was detected.The number of megakaryocytes,conoly-forming unit-megakaryocyte(CFU-MK) and conoly-forming unit-fibroblast were also assayed.The histologic changes of immune vasculitis were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining,elastic fibers staining and electron microscopy.Results The platelet number,megakaryocyte number and the number of CFU-MK significantly increased in immune vasculitis model group than those in control group.TanshinoneⅡA treatment significantly inhibited platelet from 931.33±254.19×109/L to 544.00±83.88×109/L(P0.05).The number of megakaryocyte and the bumber of CFU-MK also significantly decreased from 29.17±8.40/piece to 17.67±5.75/piece(P0.05) and from 33.0±14.27/ 2×105 cells to 14.67 3.67/ 2×105 cells(P0.05).The number of CFU-F was significantly lower in aspirin group 58.7±14.5/ 2×106 cells than that in control group 38.8±11.09/ 2×106cells(P0.05).And TanshinoneⅡA treatment could improve the histologic damage of immune vasculitis.Conclusion Megakaryocytes and platelets might be involved in the pathogenesis of immune vasculitis,and tanshinoneⅡA could improve the histologic damages of immune vasculitis by inhibiting platelets and megakaryocytes.
RTB Lectin: a novel receptor-independent delivery system for lysosomal enzyme replacement therapies

Enzyme replacement therapies have revolutionized patient treatment for multiple rare lysosomal storage diseases but show limited effectiveness for addressing pathologies in “hard-to-treat” organs and tissues including brain and bone. Here we investigate the plant lectin RTB as a novel carrier for human lysosomal enzymes. RTB enters mammalian cells by multiple mechanisms including both adsorptive-mediated and receptor-mediated endocytosis, and thus provides access to a broader array of organs and cells. Fusion proteins comprised of RTB and human α-L-iduronidase, the corrective enzyme for Mucopolysaccharidosis type I, were produced using a tobacco-based expression system. Fusion products retained both lectin selectivity and enzyme activity, were efficiently endocytosed into human fibroblasts, and corrected the disease phenotype of mucopolysaccharidosis patient fibroblasts in vitro. RTB-mediated delivery was independent of high-mannose and mannose-6-phosphate receptors, which are exploited for delivery of currently approved lysosomal enzyme therapeutics. Thus, the RTB carrier may support distinct in vivo pharmacodynamics with potential to address hard-to-treat tissues.
Regional vasodilating properties of isoflurane in stunned swine myocardium.

Studies about the coronary vasodilating properties of isoflurane indicate that this drug induces coronary vasodilation. No work has examined isoflurane-induced vasodilation in known stunned myocardium. This study was conducted to determine isoflurane's coronary vasodilation potency in stunned myocardium and to compare the results obtained with normal myocardium. We determined the vasodilating properties of isoflurane in regionally perfused swine myocardium. Six domestic swine were anesthetized with pentobarbital and fentanyl. The left anterior descending artery (LAD) was cannulated and perfused with blood drawn from the carotid artery and passed thorough a membrane oxygenator. LAD arterial flow was controlled by a calibrated roller pump with continuous digital readout, and LAD arterial pressure was measured directly. The anterior interventricular vein was cannulated and dimension crystals placed in the LAD-perfused myocardium. Myocardial stunning was induced by reduction of coronary blood flow (CBF) to 30% of control flow for 20 minutes. One hour after reperfusion, the vasodilatory response to 0%, 1%, and 2% isoflurane administered via the membrane oxygenator was determined and compared to maximum vasodilatation produced by regional intracoronary administration of adenosine. Systemic blood pressure and heart rate remained constant throughout the experiment. At 2% isoflurane, systolic shortening and regional myocardial oxygen consumption decreased 53% and 17%, respectively. The same concentration increased CBF by 33% and reduced coronary vascular resistance (CVR) by 25%. One percent isoflurane affected neither CBF nor CVR. Regional coronary administration of adenosine produced much greater changes in CBF (+509) and CVR (−89.5%). We conclude that Isoflurane is a mild dose dependent coronary vasodilator in the stunned myocardium. At 1% isoflurane concentration the coronary vasodilating properties of isoflurane are minimal.
Simulated & theoretical SNR in passive bistatic noise radar processing

The theoretical output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values computed for cross-correlation, least-squares (LS) and various versions of the least mean square (LMS) algorithm have been found to agree with the respective output SNRs exhibited by range profile estimates generated by these algorithms in Matlab when the transmitted noise waveform's spectrum is flat. In this paper, the degree of agreement between simulated and theoretical SNRs will be shown for cross-correlation, LS, and three versions of LMS (conventional, block, and fast block) when the spectrum of the transmitted noise waveform is flat (uncorrelated, white Gaussian noise) and when it is skyline-shaped (correlated Gaussian noise).
IBM zNext - the 3rd generation high frequency microprocessor chip

This article consists of a collection of slides from the author's conference presentation on IBM's zNext, a 3rd generation high frequency microprocessor chip. Some of the specific topics discussed include: an overview of the product design and system specifications; speed and processing capabilities; improvements to feed processing; system architecture design; applications for using zNext; and future improvements to the product line.
Ultrawideband Array With 70° Scanning Using FSS Superstrate

We present a wideband tightly coupled dipole array (TCDA) with integrated balun and a novel superstrate consisting of printed frequency selective surface (FSS) for wide angle scanning. Although previous TCDAs have had decent scanning performance up to ±60°, use of dielectric superstrates are usually required, resulting in additional cost and fabrication complexity. In this paper, we replace the bulky dielectric layer(s) with periodic printed elements and yet achieve wide-angle and wideband impedance matching. The proposed approach provides superior performance of 6.1:1 bandwidth (0.5–3.1 GHz) with VSWR $E$ plane, ±70° in $D$ plane and ±60° in $H$ plane. The FSS, radiating dipoles and feed lines are designed and fabricated on the same vertically oriented printed circuit board, resulting in a low-cost and lightweight structure as compared to other low profile arrays. Measured scanning patterns of a $12 \times 12$ prototype are presented, showing good agreement with simulations.
Expressive bibliography: Personal collections in public space

This paper examines collections of citations that individual users contribute to social tagging systems such as De licious and LibraryThing. I characterize these personal collections, furnished with various forms of metadata and arranged for Web display, as a means of communication, where a particular sensibility molds guiding principles for resource selection, description, and categorization. Using several analytic frameworks from museum studies, I present three brief case studies that interrogate both the substance and the means of expression achieved in such collections, which I term "expressive bibliographies." In considering these case studies, I explore how an explicit rhetorical perspective might inform purposeful design of expressive bibliography.
Performance evaluation of 18 F radioluminescence microscopy using computational simulation.

Purpose Radioluminescence microscopy can visualize the distribution of beta-emitting radiotracers in live single cells with high resolution. Here, we perform a computational simulation of 18F positron imaging using this modality to better understand how radioluminescence signals are formed and to assist in optimizing the experimental setup and image processing. Methods First, the transport of charged particles through the cell and scintillator and the resulting scintillation is modeled using the GEANT4 Monte-Carlo simulation. Then, the propagation of the scintillation light through the microscope is modeled by a convolution with a depth-dependent point-spread function, which models the microscope response. Finally, the physical measurement of the scintillation light using an electron-multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD) camera is modeled using a stochastic numerical photosensor model, which accounts for various sources of noise. The simulated output of the EMCCD camera is further processed using our ORBIT image reconstruction methodology to evaluate the endpoint images. Results The EMCCD camera model was validated against experimentally acquired images and the simulated noise, as measured by the standard deviation of a blank image, was found to be accurate within 2% of the actual detection. Furthermore, point-source simulations found that a reconstructed spatial resolution of 18.5 μm can be achieved near the scintillator. As the source is moved away from the scintillator, spatial resolution degrades at a rate of 3.5 μm per μm distance. These results agree well with the experimentally measured spatial resolution of 30-40 μm (live cells). The simulation also shows that the system sensitivity is 26.5%, which is also consistent with our previous experiments. Finally, an image of a simulated sparse set of single cells is visually similar to the measured cell image. Conclusions Our simulation methodology agrees with experimental measurements taken with radioluminescence microscopy. This in silico approach can be used to guide further instrumentation developments and to provide a framework for improving image reconstruction. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Music Therapy Practice Status and Trends Worldwide: An International Survey Study.

Background The field of music therapy is growing worldwide. While there is a wealth of country-specific information available, only a few have databased workforce censuses. Currently, little to no descriptive data exists about the global development of the profession. Objectives The purpose of this study was to obtain descriptive data about current demographics, practice status, and clinical trends to inform worldwide advocacy efforts, training needs, and the sustainable development of the field. Method Music therapists (N = 2,495) who were professional members of organizations affiliated with the World Federation of Music Therapy (WFMT) served as a sample for this international cross-sectional survey study. A 30-item online questionnaire was designed, pilot tested by key partners, and translated into seven languages. Researchers and key partners distributed the online survey through e-mail invitations and social media announcements. Results Professional music therapists worldwide are well-educated, mature professionals with adequate work experience, who are confident in providing high-quality services primarily in mental health, school, and geriatric settings. Due to ongoing challenges related to recognition and government regulation of the field as an evidence-based and well-funded healthcare profession, most individuals work part-time music therapy jobs and feel underpaid. Yet, many music therapists have a positive outlook on the field's future. Conclusions Continued research and advocacy efforts, as well as collaborations with lobbyists, business consultants, and credentialing/licensure experts to develop progressive strategies, will be crucial for global development and sustainability of the field.
N-Halamine Biocidal Materials with Superior Antimicrobial Efficacies for Wound Dressings

This work demonstrated the successful application of N-halamine technology for wound dressings rendered antimicrobial by facile and inexpensive processes. Four N-halamine compounds, which possess different functional groups and chemistry, were synthesized. The N-halamine compounds, which contained oxidative chlorine, the source of antimicrobial activity, were impregnated into or coated onto standard non-antimicrobial wound dressings. N-halamine-employed wound dressings inactivated about 6 to 7 logs of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria in brief periods of contact time. Moreover, the N-halamine-modified wound dressings showed superior antimicrobial efficacies when compared to commercially available silver wound dressings. Zone of inhibition tests revealed that there was no significant leaching of the oxidative chlorine from the materials, and inactivation of bacteria occurred by direct contact. Shelf life stability tests showed that the dressings were stable to loss of oxidative chlorine when they were stored for 6 months in dark environmental conditions. They also remained stable under florescent lighting for up to 2 months of storage. They could be stored in opaque packaging to improve their shelf life stabilities. In vitro skin irritation testing was performed using a three-dimensional human reconstructed tissue model (EpiDerm™). No potential skin irritation was observed. In vitro cytocompatibility was also evaluated. These results indicate that N-halamine wound dressings potentially can be employed to prevent infections, while at the same time improving the healing process by eliminating undesired bacterial growth.
Response to erlotinib and prognosis for patients with de novo epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutations.

8018 Background: A secondary mutation in exon 20 of EGFR, T790M, is the most common cause of acquired resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with EGFR mutant lung cancers....
Approaches for increasing photosynthetic efficiency.

This paper is one of several to discuss an important yet obvious point that photosynthesis is the ultimate source of energy for nitrogen fixation and nitrate reduction, and if net photosynthetic efficiency could be increased net nitrogen utilization should also be increased and/or prolonged. This will be true for nitrogen utilization directly linked to photosynthetic electron transport or more spatially separated as in the case of higher plants with photosynthesis in the chloroplasts and N2 fixation in the root nodules. In the latter case with the complex processes of sucrose biosynthesis, vein loading of sucrose, and directed sucrose transport to the sinks, the many intervening steps after the initial photosynthesis results in even greater reliance of net nitrogen fixation on the multiple steps for the efficiency of sucrose synthesis and its utilization. These facts have been repeatedly and conclusively demonstrated, most recently by Hardy’s program which demonstrated greatly increased nitrogen fixation and growth of soybeans grown in CO2 enriched atmospheres to stimulate photosynthesis (1). That will be described in the next paper. The problem now is no longer a need to demonstrate this fact, but how to increase net photosynthetic efficiency in a practical manner, particularly for those higher plants which support N2 fixation. Whether there are practical ways to increase the photosynthetic efficiency of higher plants is uncertain, but the problem is so important for increasing overall biomass production that collectively we must research it.
Universal image systems for non-periodic and periodic Stokes flows above a no-slip wall

Abstract It is well-known that by placing judiciously chosen image point forces and doublets to the Stokeslet above a flat wall, the no-slip boundary condition can be conveniently imposed on the wall Blake (1971) [8] . However, to further impose periodic boundary conditions on directions parallel to the wall usually involves tedious derivations because single or double periodicity in Stokes flow may require the periodic unit to have no net force, which is not satisfied by the well-known image system. In this work we present a force-neutral image system. This neutrality allows us to represent the Stokes image system in a universal formulation for non-periodic, singly periodic and doubly periodic geometries. This formulation enables the black-box style usage of fast kernel summation methods. We demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of this new image method with the periodic kernel independent fast multipole method in both non-periodic and periodic geometries. We then extend this new image system to other widely used Stokes fundamental solutions, including the Laplacian of the Stokeslet and the Rotne–Prager–Yamakawa tensor.
Systemic Theories of Associations: Macro and Meso Approaches

This chapter gives two perspectives on associations. One is based on theories about how democracy works in terms of the whole society—the macro perspective. The other is based on the level of whole communities or metropolitan areas—the meso or middle level perspective. Associations have long been understood as essential for involving citizens in political activity and for leading political leaders to be accountable and responsive to citizens. The United States, in particular, is seen as a society where people join many associations. Those associations then mediate between the individual and the state by shaping their sense of identity, educating them about political and policy issues, and encouraging them to support moderate, lawful political leadership. Associations also have been recognized as important elements in building a sense of communities fostering trust and mutual commitment, and encouraging people to identify with their community on a symbolic level. Different organizational mechanisms are involved at the macro and the meso level as this chapter explains. On both the macro and the meso level, the argument is that the structure and dynamics of individual associations are less important than bringing into focus an interactive system made of many associations where their workings as collectives produce important effects. The system of associations is somewhat like the economic market where individual firms are less important than the way a large number of firms participate and make the whole system dynamic and effective.
Influence of stress on H 2 S adsorption on iron

The effect on stress on the rate of H2S adsorption on iron has been examined using Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). A specially designed Ultra High Vacuum (UHV) straining stage allowed samples to be cleaned, aligned, strained, and dosed with H2S in front of the AES analyzer. An applied stress was observed to increase the H2S adsorption rate on annealed zone-refined iron by as much as 60 percent. This increase was observed in spite of the already high sticking coefficients reported for H2S adsorption on iron of 0.3 to 1.0. Stress-enhanced adsorption could be a factor for environmentally sensitive materials properties such as crack growth and stress corrosion. It was also observed that surface damage produced by ion sputtering also influenced the H2S adsorption rate and comparisons have been made between the effect of ion damage and stress on adsorption.
Axonal Injury in Demyelinating Disease and CNS Injury

Axonal loss is the major cause of irreversible disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Axonal damage, including complete transection of the axon, begins early in MS and correlates with inflammatory activity. Extensive reductions in axon number may also impact nonlesioned white and gray matter. Several mechanisms may promote axon loss. The inflammatory microenvironment contains a variety of substances that could injure axons. Demyelination deprives axons of essential glial trophic support. Failed axonal mitochondrial metabolism may promote unregulated ion fluxes that activate calcium-mediated degradatory pathways. Each model suggests novel therapeutic interventions that may ultimately enhance axonal survival in MS brains and delay progression of neurological disability in MS patients.
Cyber Security Education: The Merits of Firewall Exercises

Educational tools related to firewalls and firewall configurations are central to the development of cybersecurity education, due to the integral role firewalls play in this field. To assess the current state of firewall education, we developed a set of criteria that educational exercises should meet. They should be competitive, interactive, extensible, and approachable. These criteria were then applied to three existing firewall exercises in order to gauge their strengths and weaknesses. With that information in mind, we then looked to emerging trends in firewalls and firewall education. We found that many of the emerging trends align with our criteria, but diverge from them in other important ways.