cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of unstructured kinetic models to predict microcystin biodegradation: Towards a practical approach for drinking water treatment

Abstract Biological drinking water treatment technologies offer a cost-effective and sustainable approach to mitigate microcystin (MC) toxins from harmful algal blooms. To effectively engineer these systems, an improved predictive understanding of the bacteria degrading these toxins is required. This study reports an initial comparison of several unstructured kinetic models to describe MC microbial metabolism by isolated degrading populations. Experimental data was acquired from the literature describing both MC removal and cell growth kinetics when MC was utilized as the primary carbon and energy source. A novel model-data calibration approach melding global single-objective, multi-objective, and Bayesian optimization in addition to a fully Bayesian approach to model selection and hypothesis testing were applied to identify and compare parameter and predictive uncertainties associated with each model structure. The results indicated that models incorporating mechanisms of enzyme-MC saturation, affinity, and cooperative binding interactions of a theoretical single, rate limiting reaction accurately and reliably predicted MC degradation and bacterial growth kinetics. Diverse growth characteristics were observed among MC degraders, including moderate to high maximum specific growth rates, very low to substantial affinities for MC, high yield of new biomass, and varying degrees of cooperative enzyme-MC binding. Model predictions suggest that low specific growth rates and MC removal rates of degraders are expected in practice, as MC concentrations in the environment are well below saturating levels for optimal growth. Overall, this study represents an initial step towards the development of a practical and comprehensive kinetic model to describe MC biodegradation in the environment.
Effect of positive airway pressure therapy in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: does positive airway pressure use reduce pedestrian injury risk?

Abstract Introduction Treatment with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy reduces injury risk among adults with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), but the effect of PAP therapy on children's injury risk is unknown. This study investigated whether treatment of OSAS with PAP reduces children's pedestrian injury risk in a virtual reality pedestrian environment. Methods Forty-two children ages 8-16 years with OSAS were enrolled upon diagnosis by polysomnography. Children crossed a simulated street several times upon enrollment, prior to PAP treatment, and again after 3 months of PAP therapy. Children underwent sleep studies at all time points. Results Children adherent with PAP had a significant reduction in hits by a virtual vehicle (P Conclusions OSAS may have significant consequences on children's daytime functioning in a critical domain of personal safety: pedestrian skills. In pedestrian simulation, children with OSAS adherent to PAP therapy showed improvement in pedestrian safety and had fewer collisions with a virtual vehicle following treatment. Results highlight need for heightened awareness of the real-world benefits of treatment for pediatric sleep disorders. Level of evidence Level II Therapeutic Study.
The growing role of aquaculture in ecosystem restoration

Active restoration in aquatic systems is relatively underdeveloped. Aquaculture, often called gardening or artificial/controlled propagation in this context, is increasingly important in the theory and practice of aquatic restoration. This RE‐New contribution explores current ideas and examples in restoration aquaculture. Challenges exist, and these must be acknowledged and addressed. As impacts to aquatic systems persist, the next 25 years should see a greater role for aquaculture and seeds planted now will be important to future efforts. Eventually, aquaculture may be linked to aquatic systems restoration just as silviculture has been linked to forest restoration.
Parameters Estimation for Short Line Using the Least Trimmed Squares (LTS)

This paper introduces a novel method to estimate positive and zero-sequence transmission line parameters for short line. The current and voltage measurements are taken from synchronized phasor measurements (PMUs) located at both terminals of the line. Current transformer saturation was induced by the close in three-phase fault to consider its effect on the estimation accuracy. The method was applied for untransposed line with two different ratios of inductive reactive to resistance (X/R). The Least Trimmed Square (LTS) estimator was used to detect and reject the incorrect data. Two different simulation tools have used for simulating and validating the proposed method
Degree of vocal fold adduction affects listener perception of simulated laryngeal vocal tremor

Laryngeal vocal tremor (VT) is a neurogenic voice disorder characterized by modulation of the fundamental frequency (fo) and intensity. The primary medical treatment for VT is laryngeal botulinum toxin injections, which result in temporarily reduced speaker- and listener-perceived VT severity. These injections also cause temporary breathiness, which is conventionally considered an adverse effect of the treatment. However, previous studies using a computational model of VT revealed that listeners perceived modulated voices as less “shaky” when the vocal quality was breathy, even when the extent of fo modulation was the same. The purpose of the current study is to assess the effect of breathiness on listener perception of VT across a range of modulation extents. A kinematic model of the vocal folds and wave-reflection model of the vocal tract were used to simulate VT with degrees of vocal fold adduction representing a spectrum of normal to breathy voice and with fo modulation extents ranging from 0%–10%. Normal hearing listeners will be presented with pairs of stimuli differing by degree of vocal fold adduction and will be asked to identify which vowel is “shakier.” The findings of this study could inform selection of treatment targets and candidates for behavioral therapy for VT.
Investigating MTX-Loaded magnetic nanocomposite particles for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that initially leads to inflammation in the lining of a joint and other parts of the body, then progresses and causes deformity. It occurs when the immune system attacks the body tissue. Treatments help to mitigate symptoms and impede the progression of this disease; however, it can bring about a range of side effects. In a current study, methotrexate hydrate (MTX)-loaded magnetic nanocomposite spheres were fabricated and examined for their potential to treat collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in the murine model. The carriers contain MTX, albumin, poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), and magnetic nanoparticles (NPs), thereby allowing the drug carriers to accumulate at the targeted limb using a magnet that is attached outside the body. A release rate study of these drug delivery systems concluded a mean of six to seven days for the release of the effective dosage. Also, it was revealed that mice treated with the drug carriers using a magnet to target the carriers brought better results in the overall progression of the disease compared to mice that were treated with only carriers but did not receive a magnet to target the carriers. Analysis of the paw scores of arthritis-induced mice demonstrated a progression in the studied paws. Moreover, these results were stated with a 95% confidence interval revealing that paws treated with the targeted carrier showed lower scores and subsequently a better outcome. These results are further supported by the review of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans of the paws.
Returning home after Superstorm Sandy: phases in the return-entry process

Despite current advances in research related to return-entry process following disasters, the need to understand this process from the perspective of the returnees remains. This exploratory study examines the return-entry experience of residents returning home after Superstorm Sandy. Specifically, this study aims to identify patterns in the return experiences of residents following the ending of the evacuation order and gain insight into the temporal dimensions of the activities and decisions made following disasters. A series of six focus groups were conducted with 28 participants from communities in Ocean County and Monmouth County, New Jersey. A qualitative grounded theory approach of focus group transcripts revealed three different phases: (1) initiation and planning, (2) traveling home, and (3) arriving home. Understanding the actions and perspectives of returnees within each phase provides greater insight into the experiences of returnees during this critical time in the early disaster recovery process.
Mechanisms underlying microbial symbiosis

Abstract Like many miniscule phenomena in biology, the importance of intimate, host-associated microbes lay hidden until the timely collaboration between a microscope and a curious mind. Chronicled early in insect groups such as termites, ants, and both sap- and blood-feeders, recent research within the 'omics era has completely transformed our understanding of symbiosis within the hexapods. Bacteria, protists, and fungi shape a range of insect phenotypes, complementing their endogenous abilities for resource acquisition and defence. Other microbes exploit chinks in insect armour, manipulating conserved features of insect cell biology to selfishly spread within host populations. Through the use of ever-improving technology, combined with conceptual and experimental advances, scientists now understand a number of key mechanisms underpinning the function, regulation, and transmission of insect-associated microbes across a range of systems. In this volume of Advances in Insect Physiology we present eight chapters focused on symbiont mechanism, including those involved in resource acquisition among herbivores, detritivores and blood-feeding insects, and those associated with reproductive manipulation and host defence. Within the present introduction, we sandwich summaries of each chapter between a brief historical perspective on insect-microbe symbiosis and a discussion on the implications of growing mechanistic knowledge. We conclude that understanding mechanism brings the potential to manage insects—and their impacts—in a changing world, whether aiding those that are beneficial, or suppressing pest-transmitted diseases. This understanding also promises a powerful, wide-ranging comprehension of complex biological phenomena emerging from symbiosis, spanning the biological spectrum from genes, molecules, cells, organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems.
Who to Test, When, and for What: Why Diagnostic Stewardship in Infectious Diseases Matters

New rapid molecular diagnostic technologies for infectious diseases provide faster diagnostic test results and, if used correctly, will enable more rapid delivery of care to patients. This perspective piece outlines how this new technology can be used more effectively—with a focus on collaborative team approaches and tools clinicians and laboratorians can use to optimally affect patient care. This article also showcases a patient case, outlining problems with the diagnostic process as it currently stands, and poses potential strategies on how this process may be improved.
Cardiac amyloidosis

No definitive therapy is available for cardiac amyloidosis. Treatment with alkylating agents such as melphalan has improved survival. Patients who do not respond to melphalan have benefited from high-dose chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide followed by peripheral stem cell transplantation. Most patients who have symptomatic cardiac involvement do not survive long enough to complete chemotherapy and therefore may not have the opportunity to show treatment benefit. Early diagnosis and treatment before the organ dysfunction has become irreversible are therefore essential to allow adequate duration of therapy. Lifesaving intervention with cardiac transplantation provides a window of opportunity in which other measures can be instituted.
Fatal Case of Perforated Cytomegalovirus Colitis: Case Report and Systematic Review.

Objective: We describe a patient with history of heart transplant on maintenance immunosuppression who presented with sigmoid colon perforation from cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis and performed a systematic review of outcomes after perforated CMV colitis. Background: Cytomegalovirus enterocolitis is uncommon among solid organ transplant patients and can result in small or large bowel perforation. Methods: We systematically reviewed articles describing patients with CMV enterocolitis with small or large bowel perforations from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from database inception to February 2021. Results: Seventy-seven articles were identified containing 84 patients with perforated CMV enterocolitis. The most prevalent comorbid diagnosis was human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; 27 patients, 32%), and 37 patients (44%) were taking corticosteroids at time of presentation. The ileum was the most common location for a perforation (26 patients, 31%). Odds of survival were lower for patients with small bowel perforation (odds ratio [OR], 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14-0.98) and HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS; OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.11-0.88). Odds of survival were higher for patients with large bowel perforation (OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.03-7.09), radiographically diagnosed perforation (OR, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.12-11.60) and those who received a CMV antiviral (OR, 9.19; 95% CI, 3.26-28.48). Conclusions: Perforated CMV enterocolitis is uncommon even in immunocompromised hosts. Clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion for CMV-induced bowel perforation in this population because antiviral treatment is associated with increased odds of survival.
Antiretroviral therapies and corticosteroids: Drug-drug interactions.

ABSTRACT Antiretroviral therapies for HIV may cause systemic toxicities when coadministered with corticosteroids. Potential drug-drug interactions may occur, leading to iatrogenic Cushing syndrome or adrenal insufficiency. This article highlights the drug-drug interactions of antiretroviral therapies with corticosteroids. Practice implications are discussed.
HML: A Hardware Description Language Based on Standard ML

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on HML, a functional hardware description language based on the programming language Standard ML. HML is strongly typed, higher-order, and polymorphic, and provides a sophisticated library system. HML is based on state of the art research in programming languages and formal verification; it differs from other hardware description languages in its unusually rich type system, natural and concise descriptions of hardware structures, well defined semantics and proof support. One of the principal goals of HML is to guarantee that any design which type checks can be legally constructed. This consists primarily of ensuring that bus and port types match correctly. HML also extends SML's type system with support for dependent types and parameterized types.
Theoretical analysis of geometry inaccuracy for light field compression

In current light field compression algorithms, geometry information is critical for efficient compression of light field image data. Inaccuracies in the geometry can greatly affect the compression efficiency. In this paper, we present a theoretical framework with which we can analyze and understand the effects of geometry inaccuracy on the compression efficiency of a light field coder. This framework combines ideas from statistical signal processing and rate-distortion theory. We demonstrate using simulations that the theory qualitatively matches the actual results of light field coding algorithms.
Investigation of the Hg/HCl aq. system by capillary electrometers based on maximum bubble pressure method and by classical capillary electrometer

Abstract The Hg/HCl aq. system was studied using capillary electrometers based on the maximum bubble pressure principle (that employed either an inverted capillary or a vertical capillary) and by the classical capillary electrometer. All three versions of the capillary electrometer yielded interfacial tension data of high precision, except that the modified capillary electrometer with a vertical capillary and the classical electrometer gave data of slightly lower quality over a narrow range of extreme negative polarization for 0.01 M HCl solution. Based on the electrocapillary and double-layer capacity measurements carried out on identical HCl solutions (0.01 M–1 M), it is shown that there exists a very good correspondence between the measured and derived quantities as compared to the agreement previously observed by Bockris and co-workers (who employed a classical capillary electrometer in their interfacial tension measurements).
Pension Privatization: Evolution of a Paradigm

From 1981 to 2004, a paradigm shift occurred in pension systems worldwide as more than 30 countries fully or partially replaced their state-administered pay-as-you-go pension systems with ones based on individual, private savings accounts. Yet in 2005, pension privatization abruptly stopped. After the 2008 crisis, several countries that had privatized their pension systems scaled back or even canceled individual accounts. Is the new pension paradigm dead? And if so, why? This article shows that fiscal and ideational factors caused a temporary halt to pension privatization worldwide and induced transnational pension policy networks to find new ways to respond to perceived failures. Adjustments to the new pension paradigm such as emphasizing minimum pensions and recommending that governments “nudge” rather than mandate pension savings will enable pension privatization to continue in years ahead, albeit in a revised form.
Time-optimal obstacle avoidance

This paper presents a method for generating near-time optimal trajectories in cluttered environments for manipulators with invariant inertia matrices. For one obstacle, the method generates the time-optimal trajectory by minimizing the time-derivative of the return (cost) function for this problem, satisfying the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation. For multiple obstacles, the trajectory is generated using the pseudo return function, which is an approximation of the return function for the multi-obstacle problem. The pseudo return function avoids one obstacle at a time, producing near-optimal trajectories that are guaranteed to avoid the obstacles and satisfy the actuator constraints. An example with circular obstacles demonstrates close correlation between the near-optimal and optimal paths, requiring computational efforts that are suitable for on-line implementations.
Conformal field theory and the Au(110) (1×2)-to-(1×1) phase transition

Conformal field theory predicts the scattering line shape from a finite two-dimensional domain at criticality. Experimental results for the Au(110) (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2)-to-(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) phase transition, which is in the Ising universality class, agree well with the conformal prediction. The effects of boundary conditions and a distribution of domain sizes are accounted for.
A Comparison of Interpolation Methods for Sparse Data: Application to Wind and Concentration Fields

In order to produce gridded fields of pollutant concentration data and surface wind data for use in an air quality model, a number of techniques for interpolating sparse data values are compared. The techniques are compared using three data sets. One is an idealized concentration distribution to which the exact solution is known, the second is a potential flow field, while the third consists of surface ozone concentrations measured in the Los Angeles Basin on a particular day. The results of the study indicate that fitting a second-degree polynomial to each subregion (triangle) in the plane with each data point weighted according to its distance from the subregion provides a good compromise between accuracy and computational cost.
Thermal transitions and dynamic gelling properties of oxidatively modified myosin, β‐lactoglobulin, soy 7S globulin and their mixtures

Oxidative effects on myosin, β-lactoglobulin and soy 7S globulin as well as their composites were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic rheological analysis. Myosin, oxidised with a free radical-generating system (FeCl 3 /H 2 O 2 /ascorbate), was destabilised, showing a marked decrease (>50%) in storage modulus during thermal gelation. On the other hand, oxidised β-lactoglobulin and 7S globulin exhibited only minor changes in their thermal stability and gelation properties. In the non-oxidised myosin/β-lactoglobulin composite, β-lactoglobulin affected the thermal denaturation and gelation properties of myosin through non-covalent interactions. The nature and extent of the interactions were altered by oxidation. 7S globulin did not change the thermal stability but slightly enhanced the rheological properties of myosin, regardless of oxidative conditions. Hence, in muscle foods that contain whey or soy protein ingredients, all the protein components can be oxidatively modified, and the extent of the functionality changes in myosin will be influenced by the presence of the non-muscle proteins.
Computation Of Maximum Earth Current In Substation Switchyards

This paper presents recent developmental advances for the computation of maximum ground potential rise of grounding structures or alternatively maximum earth current in substation grounding systems. An advanced methodology for short circuit analysis is presented. The methodology is based on modeling of power system elements in direct phase quantities. Coupled with equivalency techniques, it provides an extremely efficient algorithm for performing numerous sequential short circuit analyses. An easy to use computer program has been developed under EPRI sponsorship. The computer algorithm uses the methodology to search for the fault condition which yields the maximum earth current in a substation grounding system. The methodology has been validated with actual system measurement on a Georgia Power Company Substation. Validation results are presented. Typical results as well as program utilization factors are discussed. The results demonstrate that the worst fault location is highly dependent on system parameters and cannot be predicted with simple rules.
Potential Of Integrated Optics And Integrated Millimeter And Microwave Circuits For Future MICOM Systems

Integrated optics and millimeter and microwave circuit technology has potential of providing the Army with precision guided munitions equipment that is more survivable, affordable, and transportable, and the opportunities for these improvements include close combat, air defense, and indirect fire weapons. Successful achievement of objectives for these applications is contingent on a strong supporting research program in electronic materials, and early identification of producibility problems for solution under the manufacturing methods and technology program. Manufacturing methods analyses have shown that this technology has the potential for reducing the fabrication costs of selected subsystems by eliminating some of the labor - intensive steps in the processes. Several pivotal subsystems have been identified for research and development efforts. Integrated optics and millimeter and microwave circuits is one of several emerging technologies that will provide the Army with self-contained munitions with a high degree of automatic operation for operation on the extended battlefield.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Possibility of a Joint Communique: My Response to Hourdequin

This article is a response to Marion Hourdequin, 'Climate, Collective Action and Individual Ethical Obligations', Environmental Values 19 (2010): 443-464. As Hourdequin argues, we have an obligation to reduce our individual emissions of greenhouse gases. This obligation is not, however, to reduce to the level that would be sustainable if everyone else did likewise. We are obligated to make limited reductions in the service of our primary obligation to organise and embrace collective schemes to ensure that everyone reduces emissions and that benefits to the environment are proportionate to the sacrifices made. She and I can agree on the existence of an obligation if she recognises that there is a fundamental difference between the obligations we have to avoid individually harmful actions and our obligations in a tragedy of the commons.
The anonymity of an almost fair chaum mix

The first-come-first-serve fair queuing algorithm for a router is known to minimize the per packet delay in a single server queue. The policy however, provides no user anonymity to transmitted packets; mere observation of transmission times can reveal the source of every transmitted packet. The information-theoretic analysis of the anonymity of queuing policies under a relaxation of the First-come-first-serve fair queuing is considered in this work. An entropy-based metric of anonymity is proposed to quantify the anonymity of queuing policy under a fairness relaxation where each packet from a user can be transmitted ahead of at most one packet from another user sharing the mix. Inner and outer bounds on the maximum achievable anonymity are characterized as functions of the available memory at the mix.
The influence of applicant characteristics on use of verbal impression management tactics in the employment selection interview

This study investigated the relationship between applicant characteristics and their impression management (IM) tactics used in 51 videotaped employment interviews. Findings show verbal aggressiveness is significantly related to self‐enhancement and entitlements tactics. Data also confirmed significant differences between male and female applicants, African American, Latino/a American, and European American applicants, and temporary and permanent employment applicants and their use of IM tactics. No significant relationship was found between communication apprehension and argumentativeness of the applicants and their use of IM tactics.
Creating genetic applications for informal science learning in multi-user virtual environments

A team of developers at the Cornell Theory Center (CTC), Cornell University's high-performance computing and interdisciplinary research center, has implemented a 3D multi-user virtual science museum, SciCentr. SciCentr is a virtual world based on Active Worlds client/server technology. Related to gaming technology, and thus attractive to youth, virtual environments can be applied to formal and informal science education in areas such as genetics, as well as to language learning and social studies. In this paper, we review the current state of our understanding of the impact of this technology on informal science learning. We attempt to identify some of the advantages of using this technology, design features of our implementation, and ideas for managing the social interaction among educational users. More specifically, we will discuss pilot user experiences focused on crop genetics in SciCentr's Plant Breeding Beds and on the related SciFair exhibits, both examples of collaborative experiences in our virtual worlds. Finally, we describe the next stage in interactive interface development for our Gene Bot feature.
Parental chromosome dimensions in Ascaris. A study of the effect of cellular environment on chromosome size

In the early cleavage stages of Ascaris the homologous chromosomes are of unequal length. Measurements show that these homologues fall into two sharply defined groups suggesting their biparental origin. The shorter are considered to have come from the male. As the age of the embryo increases, these differences between the chromosome mates tend to become less, and it is suggested that at some later period in the history of the animal this difference will entirely disappear in response to the effect of continued existence in a common environment. The length of the chromosomes is very slightly shortened during the early cleavage divisions, while the area of the equatorial cross-section of the cells becomes enormously reduced.
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release: The guide tube technique

Summary This article introduces a modification of the Chow double-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release and reviews the results of 71 endoscopic carpal tunnel decompressions performed on 50 consecutive patients over a 20-month period. The guide tube technique was developed to improve patient safety and provide good ligament visualization. In the clinical study, 33 patients not receiving workers' compensation were ready to return to work at 12 days (mean). The 17 patients receiving workers' compensation were divided into two groups: workers with carpal tunnel syndrome only and workers with carpal tunnel syndrome and associated musculoskeletal pain syndromes. The 11 workers with carpal tunnel syndrome alone returned to work by 74 days (mean). The six workers with carpal tunnel syndrome and myofascial pain took 160 days (mean) to return to work. The complication rate was 1.4%. Based on this small retrospective study, the guide tube technique achieved safe and easily reproducible surgical results.
mRNA trafficking and local protein synthesis at the synapse.

The local delivery of mRNA and synthesis of proteins in dendrites provides a solution to the problem of synaptic heterogeneity (Figure 1Figure 1). Early work clearly demonstrating the presence of both mRNAs and polyribosomes in dendrites indicated the capacity for local translation. Recent studies have only begun to unravel the mechanisms by which mRNAs are trafficked to dendritic compartments and potential mechanisms for translational control. Both mRNA trafficking and local protein synthesis may contribute to synaptic changes that are restricted to particular dendritic regions. The development and application of molecular tools that permit a dynamic view of mRNA trafficking (e.g., Bertrand et al. 1998xBertrand, E, Chartrand, P, Schaefer, M, Shenoy, S.M, Singer, R.H, and Long, R.M. Mol. Cell. 1998; 2: 437–445Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMedSee all ReferencesBertrand et al. 1998) and protein synthesis will undoubtedly advance our understanding of these processes.*E-mail: schumane@cco.caltech.edu.Figure 1mRNA Trafficking and Local Protein Synthesis at the SynapsemRNAs may be trafficked from the soma as complexes containing a heterogeneous complement of messages. These complexes may be associated with RNA-binding proteins and/or components of polyribosomes. Synaptic activity has three potential actions: (1) generation of signal(s) that travel to the nucleus to stimulate transcription and/or translation, (2) generation of a signal that serves to mark the synapse and recognize newly transported mRNA complexes, and (3) stimulation of protein translation at the synapse.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Happiness and Social Participation in Aging

This paper reports on a 4-year longitudinal study of 60 elderly women. Data about their happiness and social activities were collected using the Affect Balance Scale and nine measures of socially relevant activities, including three measures of media use, three of interpersonal interaction, and three of activities in voluntary associations. Direct relationships between happiness and social activity among elderly people were found in analysis of these data. This finding was not spurious according to longitudinal data: activity increments were associated with happiness and decrements with unhappiness. Although these findings describe the over-all picture, changes in activities may be more important to happiness among the most elderly persons interviewed than others.
Failure of norepinephrine to initiate procine malignant hyperthermia

Continuous intravenous infusion in pigs of norepinephrine, to blood concentrations of 140 ng.ml−1, provided a test of the hypothesis that this sympathetic hormone can initiate malignant hyperthermia (MH). This study was performed during nitrous oxidepentobarbital anesthesia, and in part utilized sodium nitroprusside to maintain normal blood pressure and peripheral perfusion. Metabolic stimulation, or evidence of MH, did not occur in normal of susceptible pigs, as indicated by the lack of increase in both whole body O2 consumption and arterial lactate concentration. Next, in contrast, susceptible pigs manifested MH when exposed to halothane and succinylcholine, while normal pigs did not. We conclude that norepinephrine does not mediate or initiate porcine whole body stress responses characteristic of MH.
Structure of hydrated Na-Nafion polymer membranes.

We use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the structure of the hydrated Na−Nafion membranes. The membrane is “prepared” by starting with the Nafion chains placed on a cylinder having the water inside it. Minimizing the energy of the system leads to a filamentary hydrophilic domain whose structure depends on the degree of hydration. At 5 wt % water the system does not have enough water molecules to solvate all the ions that could be formed by the dissociation of the −SO3Na groups. As a result, the −SO3Na groups aggregate with the water to form very small droplets that do not join into a continuous phase. The size of the droplets is between 5 and 8 A. As the amount of water present in the membrane is increased, the membrane swells, and SO3Na has an increasing tendency to dissociate into ions. Furthermore, a transition to a percolating hydrophilic network is observed. In the percolating structure, the water forms irregular curvilinear channels branching in all directions. The typical dimension of ...
Frequency-dependent changes in cerebral blood flow and evoked potentials during somatosensory stimulation in the rat

Contrary to the concept of neuronal-vascular coupling, cortical evoked potentials do not always correlate with blood flow responses during somatosensory stimulation at changing stimulus rates. The goal of this study is to clarify the effects of stimulus frequency on the relationship between somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and cerebral blood flow. In rats anesthetized with alpha-chloralose, we measured SEPs by signal-averaging field potentials recorded with an electrode placed on dura overlying the hindlimb somatosensory cortex. Regional blood flow was simultaneously assessed in the same region with a laser-Doppler flow (LDF) probe. The contralateral sciatic nerve was stimulated with 0.1 A pulses at the frequencies of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 Hz. SEPs (both P1 and N1 components) declined with increasing frequency regardless whether stimulus duration (20 s) or number (100) were kept constant, suggesting that frequency is an important determinant of neuronal activity. In contrast, LDF responses increased to a maximum at 5 Hz, and do not correlate with SEPs. Because CBF should reflect integrated neuronal activity, we computed the sum of SEPS (summation operatorSEP = SEP x stimulus frequency) as an index of total neuronal activity at each frequency. Summation operatorSEP indeed correlates positively (P<0.001) with LDF responses. Thus, during somatosensory stimulation at various frequencies, cerebral blood flow is coupled to integrated neuronal activity but not to averaged evoked potentials.
Intraerythrocytic inclusion bodies in painted turtles (Chrysemys picta picta) with measurements of affected cells

We report the discovery and description of intraerythrocytic inclusion bodies of unknown classification in blood films of six painted turtles (Chrysemys picta picta) from a pond in northeast Georgia. All six individuals examined were of adult size and appeared to have no outward signs of disease or abnormalities, but all had inclusions with the prevalence of erythrocytes affected within individuals ranging from 6.1 to 34.2% of erythrocytes. Under light microscopy, the inclusion bodies appeared light blue with Giemsa staining, were approximately round in shape, and were only observed singly in erythrocytes. Inclusions were typically located near the nucleus, but the nucleus of affected cells was not abnormally positioned because of the inclusion. No vacuoles, granules, or crystalline structures were observed in association with the inclusions. Measurements via image analysis determined that inclusion bodies ranged from 0.6 to 1.3 μm in diameter. Measurements of erythrocyte dimensions indicated that affected erythrocytes were significantly longer, narrower, and smaller in area than unaffected cells, suggesting that the inclusions were associated with mature cells. Further, larger inclusion bodies tended to be associated with narrower cells, which may indicate that inclusions become larger as cells age.
Playing by Different Rules: The Evolution of Virulence in Sterilizing Pathogens

We investigate the evolution of virulence of pathogens that reduce their hosts' fitness primarily by affecting host fecundity. We show that, under many conditions, such sterilizing pathogens evolve high rather than intermediate levels of virulence, and this pushes the pathogen population and sometimes the host population toward extinction. We also show that spatial population structure can reverse this evolutionary result and allow the persistence of intermediate-virulence pathogens. Thus, spatial population structure may be vital to the persistence of sterilizing pathogens in nature.
Photoradiation therapy of gynecologic malignancies

Four patients with gynecologic tumors recurrent either to the vagina or skin were treated with photoradiation therapy. A cytotoxic effect on the tumor was achieved by injecting hematoporphyrin derivative intravenously followed by exposing the treatment area to light of 630 nm from an argon-ion pumped-dye laser 72 hr later. Of seven tumor sites which were treated, one was completely destroyed, two were diminished in volume by more than 30%, and no response was seen in four. Toxicity was limited to one episode of facial edema and first-degree burn after prolonged exposure to bright artificial light. Phototherapy might be a useful treatment of some gynecologic tumors which recur after standard attempts at control of disease.
Predicting adherence to immunosuppressant therapy: a prospective analysis of the theory of planned behaviour

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to increase the ability to predict renal transplant patients (RTPs) who are most likely to be non-adherent to their immunosuppressant therapy (IST). METHODS One hundred and fifty-eight RTPs completed questionnaires assessing Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) variables (attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control) relevant to intentions to adhere to their IST, with the addition of a general measure of past adherence to medical advice. In the full sample, intentions to adhere to IST was the outcome variable. In a subsample of 70 RTPs, the primary outcome was IST adherence. RESULTS TPB variables (attitudes, beta = 0.32, P < 0.01; perceived behavioural control, beta = 0.37, P < 0.01; but not subjective norms, beta = -0.001, ns) explained 41% of the variance in intentions to adhere to IST (P < 0.001). Past behaviour predicted perceived behavioural control (beta = 0.67, P < 0.001). Subsample analyses explained 33% (P < 0.001) of the variance in adherence, with intentions and past behaviour being the primary factors (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS RTPs particularly at risk may be those who have a history of non-adherence to medical advice, especially when they have negative attitudes about IST adherence and feel they have little control over their medication-taking behaviour. Interventions to improve attitudes about IST adherence and control of adherence behaviour are needed.
Integration of vestibular and gastrointestinal inputs by cerebellar fastigial nucleus neurons: multisensory influences on motion sickness

Previous studies demonstrated that ingestion of the emetic compound copper sulfate (CuSO4) alters the responses to vestibular stimulation of a large fraction of neurons in brainstem regions that mediate nausea and vomiting, thereby affecting motion sickness susceptibility. Other studies suggested that the processing of vestibular inputs by cerebellar neurons plays a critical role in generating motion sickness, and that neurons in the cerebellar fastigial nucleus receive visceral inputs. These findings raised the hypothesis that stimulation of gastrointestinal receptors by a nauseogenic compound affects the processing of labyrinthine signals by fastigial nucleus neurons. We tested this hypothesis in decerebrate cats by determining the effects of intragastric injection of CuSO4 on the responses of rostral fastigial nucleus to whole-body rotations that activate labyrinthine receptors. Responses to vestibular stimulation of fastigial nucleus neurons were more complex in decerebrate cats than reported previously in conscious felines. In particular, spatiotemporal convergence (STC) responses, which reflect the convergence of vestibular inputs with different spatial and temporal properties, were more common in decerebrate than in conscious felines. The firing rate of a small percentage of fastigial nucleus neurons (15%) was altered over 50% by the administration of CuSO4; the firing rate of the majority of these cells decreased. The responses to vestibular stimulation of a majority of these cells were attenuated after the compound was provided. Although these data support our hypothesis, the low fraction of fastigial nucleus neurons whose firing rate and responses to vestibular stimulation were affected by the administration of CuSO4 cast doubt on the notion that nauseogenic visceral inputs modulate motion sickness susceptibility principally through neural pathways that include the cerebellar fastigial nucleus. Instead, it appears that convergence of gastrointestinal and vestibular inputs occurs mainly in the brainstem.
Isotope Composition of Strontium and Origin of Volcanic Rocks of the Raton-Clayton District, Northeastern New Mexico

The isotope composition of strontium was determined for a series of young volcanic rocks from the Raton-Clayton region, northeastern New Mexico. Olivine basalt was the most common rock type, but samples ranged from hauyne-olivine nephelinite to tridymite-bearing hornblende dacite. The 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios ranged from 0.7028 to 0.7040, with the exception of three visibly contaminated samples. These low ratios indicate a direct link with an upper-mantle source. The concentrations of SiO 2 , K, Rb, and Sr are reported. The 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio does not vary systematically with the concentrations of SiO 2 , Rb, and Sr, and Rb/Sr and K/Rb ratios, further indicating no appreciable crustal contamination, even though the magma had to traverse a considerable thickness of sialic material.
Multi-layer energy savings in optical core networks

We propose a multi-layer energy saving technique for optical core networks that aims at reducing energy consumption by powering off components in different layers of the network After obtaining satisfactory results in saving energy by powering off ports in the IP layer in our previous work in this paper we target more savings by considering additional layers in the network. The model proposed in this paper is a heuristic that bases the capacity prediction for a future time slot on the number of 40G links needed in the current time slot. It also revolves around four parameters for which the values are empirically set. We set two thresholds, low and high, as well as the number of links to power off or power on each time the utilization is below or above a threshold. We assess our model through experiments featuring an Internet2-like topology and a real one-day worth of traffic split into five-minute time slots. The results offer a comparison between different parameters settings and how they affect energy savings and the number of overflows in the network that result from mis-prediction. That said, we demonstrate that our model can achieve up to 90% reduction in energy consumption in the best case when the future traffic is known; otherwise, the savings can range between 82% and 88% with the occurrence of a small amount of traffic overflow events.
Tolerance for errors in intuitive mean estimations

Abstract Two groups of subjects examined 20 lists of 15 numbers with either low (SD = 7.0) or high (SD = 13.0) variance. Group 1 first estimated the mean of each list and then, for each mean, specified an interval of acceptable error for intuitive estimations of that mean. Group 2 specified acceptable error intervals for the same lists without prior estimation of the means. The estimates of Group 1 were significantly less accurate for the high variance lists than for the low variance lists. Correspondingly, both Group 1 and Group 2 specified significantly wider intervals of acceptable error for the high variance lists than for the low variance lists. It was concluded that subjects are responsive to task contingencies that affect accuracy, showing more tolerance of error for task components of greater difficulty.
Tearing of an aligned vortex by a current difference in two-layer quasi-geostrophic flow

A study of two-layer quasi-geostrophic vortex flow is performed to determine the effect of a current difference between the layers on a vortex initially extending through both layers. In particular, the conditions under which the vortex can resist being torn by the current difference are examined. The vortex evolution is determined using versions of the contour dynamics and discrete vortex methods which are modified for two-layer quasi-geostrophic flows. The vortex response is found to depend upon the way in which the current difference between the layers is maintained. In the first set of flows studied, the current difference is generated by a (stronger) third vortex in the upper layer located at a large distance from the (weaker) vortex under study.
Surfactant promoted crystal growth of micronized methylprednisolone in trichloromonofluoromethane

Abstract The effect of drug concentration and particle size, as well as surfactant type and composition, on the apparent solubilities and crystal growth of methylprednisolone (MP) in trichloromonofluoromethane (CFC-11) was examined. Apparent solubilities of micronized MP in CFC-11 were consistently greater than those of the unmicromized drug. Although the micronized and unmicronized drug were the same polymorph (form I), micronized MP was higher in amorphous content. Despite the existence of apparent sypersaturation, micronized MP suspended in CFC-11 in the absence of surfactant showed no crystal growth over a 120 day period. Lipophilic surfactants showed differing abilities to solubilize MP in CFC-11. High concentrations of sorbitan trioleate (Span 85; 10 −2 M) increased the apparent solubility of micronized MP 3-fold. This resulted in net growth (increasing volume median diameter, Dvm) of drug suspended at concentrations ≤ 0.01% by weight. Oleic acid and lower concentrations of Span 85 solubilized drug to lesser extents and failed to promote detectable growth. Greater suspension concentrations of drugs (≥ 0.03% w/w) also showed negligible changes i9n Dvm, even when formulated with 10 −2 M Span 85. Preformulation of drugs in metered dose inhalers (MDIs) should include crystal size measurements in propellant-surfactant blends as functions of time. In some cases, changes in crystal size may be avoided by appropriate selection of surfactant, surfactant concentration and drug concentration in suspension.
Anisotropic electrical properties of epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7−δ films on (110) SrTiO3

Epitaxial thin films of YBa2Cu3O7−δ were deposited on (110) SrTiO3 at 600°C in the presence of atomic oxygen using the laser ablation technique. X-ray diffraction patterns in the standard Bragg and grazing incidence modes show epitaxial growth of the films with their c-axis and axis parallel to the and directions in the plane of the substrate, respectively. Superconductivity with Tc(R = 0) = 82 K was found along the direction in the basal plane, whereas finite resistivity down to 5 K was observed along the c-axis direction. These preliminary results suggest that YBa2Cu3O7−δ behaves like a true two-dimensional superconductor.