cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Environmental Factors Determine Lineage Fate in a Human Model of MLL-AF9 Leukemia.

The MLL gene is fused to over 30 different fusion partners by reciprocal translocations in human acute leukemias. Some fusion partners are associated almost exclusively with myeloid or lymphoid leukemias while others are found in both. The degree to which the fusion partner contributes to the lineage of the resulting leukemia remains a matter of controversy. Using a novel model system, we demonstrate that myeloid vs lymphoid differentiation of hematopoietic progenitors transformed by MLL-AF9 can be predictably driven by cytokine combinations in vitro and in vivo. The t(9;11)(p22;q23) MLL-AF9 fusion gene is commonly associated with M5 myeloid leukemia but approximately 5% of MLL-AF9 leukemia is B-lymphoid. Expression of MLL-AF9 in human CD34+ cells enables efficient modeling of acute myeloid, B-lymphoid and biphenotypic leukemia. The lineage of the resulting leukemia can be readily manipulated in vitro (by altering the growth factors) or in vivo (using B-lymphoid-biased NOD/SCID mice or myeloid-biased NOD/SCID that are transgenic for human SCF, GM-CSF and IL-3). The cytokines IL-3, IL-7 and FLT3L appear to exert the major effects on lineage fate determination in vitro. Through limiting dilution and clonality analyses, we find a complex relationship between different leukemia stem cell compartments, with some LSC demonstrating multipotentiality and others showing strict lineage commitment. Data indicate that these differences are primarily due to microenvironment effects, with the identity of the initial cell that is targeted by MLL-AF9 possibly playing a role. These results would argue against a deterministic role for the fusion partner in MLL leukemia. This human-based system should prove useful in addressing the mechanism of lineage promiscuity of MLL leukemias. It also affords us the unique ability to determine the susceptibility of the different LSC to standard chemotherapeutic compounds, in addition to identifying novel therapeutic strategies that may be effective in treating MLL leukemia.
Leading Inclusive Schools: Principal Perceptions, Practices, and Challenges to Meaningful Change:

Background: For over 50 years, special education has been used as a tool to maintain racial segregation, particularly in schools located in low-income communities of color. This study utilized tene...
Emotional and Cognitive Responses to Academic Performance and Grade Anxiety

Background: This observational study of 75 participants presents an examination of the connection between cognitive and mood changes in connection to academic performance, grade anxiety, test anxiety, stress, and communication apprehension. Objectives: This study examines the underlying mechanisms vs. driving forces behind the concept of ‘grade obsession’, as well as the internal and external factors affecting academic grades. Furthermore, the study analyzes the potential detrimental effects of grade obsession in psychological terms, specifically on self-esteem and overall mental health. Method: Monitoring self-reported evaluation of received grades, perceived academic performance, and psycho-social components of academic effort and external vs. internal locus of control. Results: The study indicates that test anxiety increased over the semester, although many students reported lower stress or anxiety in an open-ended survey question. Mathematics Anxiety (MA) and Test anxiety (TA) were positively correlated with the number of voluntary reassessments students attempted, while communication apprehension was negatively correlated. Conclusion: The findings suggest that standards-based grading is an assessment framework that can provide alternate methods for some students to demonstrate content mastery. While this study was conducted in mathematics courses, the findings on test anxiety are likely to extend to other disciplines.
A Digitized Fuel Load Surveying Methodology Using Machine Vision

Fuel load is a crucial parameter for evaluating design fires for buildings. However, the availability of fuel load data is currently hindered by the lack of an efficient on-site data collection method. This research develops a new methodology for fuel load surveys that can facilitate the collection, storage, and analysis of fuel load data for a variety of building occupancies. The new survey method harnesses recent developments in mobile electronic devices, cloud storage, and machine vision to efficiently complete fuel load surveys in buildings. A four-step method is developed comprising digital inventory, data organization, item matching through computer vision, and fuel load estimation. The method is completed through an interactive electronic surveying form accessible on any mobile device with an internet connection, such as a tablet. The application allows taking digital measurements and pictures of the room and content, which are stored, and later searched through retail search engines using image recognition. Automatic matching of the picture with an online catalogue item gives access to further information about this item which are then used to evaluate the item fuel load, using a table of materials calorific values coded in the application. A wide adoption of this method could provide benefits by progressively populating such digital fuel load database. The results can then be used to provide design guidelines for fuel load density in codes and standards, for application in performance-based design of structures in fire.
Efficacy of a Novel Ophthalmic Antimicrobial Drug Combination Toward a Large Panel of Staphylococcus aureus Clinical Ocular Isolates From Around the World.

Purpose Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of keratitis requiring urgent antimicrobial treatment. However, rising antibiotic resistance has rendered current ophthalmic antibiotics increasingly ineffective. First, a diverse, ocular S. aureus strain set was evaluated for resistance to 6 commonly used ophthalmic antibiotics. Next, a recently discovered antimicrobial drug combination containing polymyxin B/trimethoprim (PT) + rifampin that displayed impressive efficacy toward S. aureus in both in vitro and in vivo studies was evaluated as a potential novel keratitis therapeutic through testing this combination's efficacy against the clinical strain set. Methods A total of 163 S. aureus isolates were collected either commercially or from the Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, vancomycin, erythromycin, tobramycin, rifampin, and PT were determined for the entire strain set to establish the incidence of resistance to current treatment options among a contemporary clinical isolate set and compared with the performance of PT + rifampin. Results Among all 163 isolates tested, high rates of antibiotic resistance were found toward erythromycin (69% resistance), moxifloxacin (33%), levofloxacin (40%), and tobramycin (17%). Conversely, the entire strain set, including multidrug resistant isolates, was sensitive to PT + rifampin, demonstrating the potency of this combination. Conclusions We established that antibiotic resistance is pervasive among clinical S. aureus isolates, underscoring the concern for the effectiveness of current ophthalmic antibiotics. The drug combination of PT + rifampin, however, eradicated 100% of isolates tested, demonstrating the ability to overcome existing circulating resistance factors, and as such, might represent a promising therapeutic for S. aureus keratitis.
N* Spectrum using an O(a)-Improved Fermion Action

The construction of operators and calculational methods for the determination of the N* spectrum are discussed. The masses of the parity partners of the nucleon and delta are computed from the O(a)-improved data of the UKQCD Collaboration, and a clear splitting observed between the mass of the nucleon and its parity partner.
Radially resolved active charge exchange measurements of the hydrogenic isotope fraction on DIII-D.

Radially resolved hydrogenic isotope fraction measurement capabilities have been developed for DIII-D using the main-ion charge exchange recombination (MICER) spectroscopy system in preparation for mixed hydrogen and deuterium experiments. Constraints on the hydrogenic ion temperatures and velocities based on measurements of the impurity ion properties are required to accurately fit the spectrum. Corrections for cross sectional distortions, spatial smearing due to the halo, and a neoclassical offset between the impurity and hydrogenic toroidal rotation are applied to the constraints prior to fitting the MICER spectrum. Extensive atomic physics calculations have been performed using the FIDASIM code, which has recently been improved to allow simulations using mixtures of hydrogenic species. These results demonstrate that for the same plasma parameters, the Dα emission is 20%–30% brighter than Hα due to differences in rate coefficients associated with the different ion thermal velocities for the same temperature and therefore must be taken into consideration when calculating absolute densities. However, despite these differences, the absolute error when estimating the hydrogen isotope fraction [nH/(nH + nD)] by using the Hα radiance fraction [LHα/(LHα + LDα)] is typically less than 5% due to the way the fraction is formed, making the radiance fraction a reasonably accurate estimate of the isotope fraction for most cases.
Brain Metastases: Whole-Brain Radiation Therapy Perspective

Whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is the mainstay of treatment for most patients with intracerebral metastases. It is useful for most newly diagnosed tumors and sometimes also as salvage therapy for recurrent tumors.
Organic thiols as organolithotrophic substrates for growth of phototrophic bacteria.

Rhodopseudomonas sp. strain BB1, isolated from a coastal marine sediment, immediately metabolized mercaptomalate when grown on mercaptomalate. Sulfide was detected as an intermediate. Extracts of cells grown on mercaptomalate converted mercaptomalate or 3-mercaptopropionate to equimolar amounts of sulfide and either fumarate or acrylate, respectively. Rhodopseudomonas sp. strain BB1 gave higher growth yields on mercaptomalate than on sulfide or malate, consistent with metabolism of the carbon chain of the thiol and the liberated sulfide; i.e., the organic thiol was an organolithotrophic substrate. In contrast, Thiocapsa roseopersicina, isolated previously from a marine microbial mat, had similar growth yields on sulfide, mercaptomalate, or 3-mercaptopropionate, with fumarate or acrylate accumulation from the thiols. T. roseopersicina did not grow photoorganotrophically on fumarate or acrylate, and the thiols were only a source of sulfide for photolithoautotrophic growth.
Angular Distributions and Correlations of Nuclear Radiations in Nuclear Spectroscopy

It was exactly 30 years ago, in 1940, that Dunworth1 ), in a paper discussing coincidence techniques, mentioned the possibility of ‘spatial correlations of successively emitted γ-rays’. In this paper the following communication by M.H.L. Pryce was quoted: ‘Where successive γ-rays are emitted by a nucleus there will, in general, be a certain amount of correlation between the two directions of emission. The distribution in relative angle is determined by the value of the total angular momentum in the three nuclear states involved in the process of emitting of the two γ-rays. In the worst case — that when the angular momenta are 0, 1,0, respectively — the distribution is proportional to cos2 ϑ; the number in opposite directions is then three times what would be expected on the assumption of isotropy. In most cases, however, this ratio will be much nearer to unity’. Hence, M.H.L. Pryce was the first who predicted the existence of directional correlations of nuclear radiations and furthermore he recognized already the important role of nuclear angular momenta in angular correlation phenomena. In the very same year, D.R. Hamilton2 ) developed a theory for γ-γ directional correlations using the language of perturbation theofy. Although Hamilton’s classic work contained many of the important features of angular correlation theory, it was limited in its applicability and the full generality of the underlying general principles was not recognized until about ten years later group theoretical methods and the full formalism of the quantum theory of angular momentum was applied to the description of angular correlation phenomena (Gardner3), Racah4), Fano5), Lloyd6), Alder7), Coester and Jauch8), Biedenharn and Rose9)). Since then the theory of angular correlations and distributions10) of nuclear radiations including extranuclear perturbations (Alder7), Abraeam and Pound11 ), Alder et al.12 ), Steffen and Frauenfelder (review)13), Gabriel14), Matthias et al.15 )) has been fully developed and it is well understood today. It is probably the best and most comprehensive theory of nuclear phenomena, because it is based on very general symmetry principles, i.e., on three-dimensional rotation and reflection symmetries, which lead to conservation of angular momentum and parity, respectively. It is the isotropy of three-dimensional space with its implication of conservation of angular momentum that is the fundamental reason for the existence of anisotropic angular correlations and distributions.
An Aqueous Thermodynamic Model for the Complexation of Sodium and Strontium with Organic Chelators Valid to High Ionic Strength. II. N -(2-Hydroxyethyl)ethylenedinitrilotriacetic Acid (HEDTA)

This is the second paper in a two part series on the development of aqueous thermodynamic models for the complexation of Na+ and Sr2+ with organic chelators. In this paper, the development of an aqueous thermodynamic model describing the effects of ionic strength, carbonate concentration, and temperature on the complexation of Sr2+ by HEDTA under basic conditions is presented. The thermodynamic model describing the Na+ interactions with the HEDTA3−chelate relies solely on the use of Pitzer ion-interaction parameters. The exclusive use of Pitzer ion-interaction parameters differs significantly from our previous model for EDTA, which required the introduction of a NaEDTA3− ion pair. Estimation of the Pitzer ion-interaction parameters for HEDTA3− and SrHEDTA− with Na+ allows the extrapolation of a standard-state equilibrium constant for the SrHEDTA− species, which is one order of magnitude greater than the 0.1 M reference state value available in the literature. The overall model is developed from data available in the literature on apparent equilibrium constants for HEDTA protonation, the solubility of salts in concentrated HEDTA solutions, and from new data on the solubility of SrCO3(c) obtained as part of this study. The predictions of the final thermodynamic model for the Na-Sr-OH-CO3-NO3-HEDTA-H2O system are tested by application to chemical systems containing competing metal ions (i.e., Ca2+).
Astrocytes Surviving Severe Stress Can Still Protect Neighboring Neurons from Proteotoxic Injury

Astrocytes are one of the major cell types to combat cellular stress and protect neighboring neurons from injury. In order to fulfill this important role, astrocytes must sense and respond to toxic stimuli, perhaps including stimuli that are severely stressful and kill some of the astrocytes. The present study demonstrates that primary astrocytes that managed to survive severe proteotoxic stress were protected against subsequent challenges. These findings suggest that the phenomenon of preconditioning or tolerance can be extended from mild to severe stress for this cell type. Astrocytic stress adaptation lasted at least 96 h, the longest interval tested. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) was raised in stressed astrocytes, but inhibition of neither Hsp70 nor Hsp32 activity abolished their resistance against a second proteotoxic challenge. Only inhibition of glutathione synthesis abolished astrocytic stress adaptation, consistent with our previous report. Primary neurons were plated upon previously stressed astrocytes, and the cocultures were then exposed to another proteotoxic challenge. Severely stressed astrocytes were still able to protect neighboring neurons against this injury, and the protection was unexpectedly independent of glutathione synthesis. Stressed astrocytes were even able to protect neurons after simultaneous application of proteasome and Hsp70 inhibitors, which otherwise elicited synergistic, severe loss of neurons when applied together. Astrocyte-induced neuroprotection against proteotoxicity was not elicited with astrocyte-conditioned media, suggesting that physical cell-to-cell contacts may be essential. These findings suggest that astrocytes may adapt to severe stress so that they can continue to protect neighboring cell types from profound injury.
Dynamic Transmission Electron Microscopy

Dynamic transmission electron microscopy (DTEM) combines the benefits of high spatial resolution electron microscopy with the high temporal resolution of ultrafast lasers. The incorporation of these two components into a single instrument provides a perfect platform for in situ observations of material processes. However, previous applications for the first-generation DTEM have focused primarily on observing structural changes occurring in samples exposed to high vacuum and have demonstrated a spatial resolution of 8 nm with a combined 15 ns temporal resolution. Yet, improved spatial resolution will be necessary for understanding dynamics of individual particles rather than bulk materials or thin films. Therefore, in order to expand the pump–probe experimental regime to more natural environmental conditions, in situ gas and liquid chambers must be coupled with a second-generation aberration-corrected DTEM that has been modeled to achieve better than 0.3 nm spatial resolution with 1 μs temporal resolution. This chapter describes the current and future applications of in situ liquid DTEM to permit time-resolved atomic scale observations in an aqueous environment. Although this chapter focuses mostly on in situ liquid imaging, the same research potential exists for in situ gas experiments and the successful integration of these techniques promises new insights for understanding nanoparticle, catalyst, and biological protein dynamics with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. Keywords: In situ TEM; DTEM; ultrafast electron microscopy
A consideration of the adverse effects of cimetidine

The value of cimetidine in treatment of duodenal ulcer and the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome appears to be well established. The drug has been enthusiastically embraced and widely used by practicing physicians. As with virtually all drugs used in the practice of medicine, cimetidine is not without its adverse effects. In some instances these effects may result from actions of cimetidine on H2-receptors on many widely distributed and diverse cells other than parietal cells, to which its potent acid-inhibiting properties are directed. Other adverse effects of cimetidine may be idiosyncratic, and, therefore, not predictable on a pharmacologic basis. In some instances the mechanisms responsible for cimetidine's adverse effects hav e yet to be defined. An assortment of abnormalities reported in patients receiving cimetidine have been suggested, but not proven, to represent adverse effects of the drug. Considering its extremely wide use, serious toxicity with cimetidine is rare. However, no potent drug, including cimetidine, used in the practice of medicine is without its adverse effects. Recognizing the present and projected extensive and probably long-term use of cimetidine, physicians and surgeons treating patients with cimetidine must maintain continued surveillance in order to detect and clarify potential undesired consequences of cimetidine administration.
The church-turing thesis: breaking the myth

According to the interactive view of computation, communication happens during the computation, not before or after it. This approach, distinct from concurrency theory and the theory of computation, represents a paradigm shift that changes our understanding of what is computation and how it is modeled. Interaction machines extend Turing machines with interaction to capture the behavior of concurrent systems, promising to bridge these two fields. This promise is hindered by the widespread belief, incorrectly known as the Church-Turing thesis, that no model of computation more expressive than Turing machines can exist. Yet Turing's original thesis only refers to the computation of functions and explicitly excludes other computational paradigms such as interaction. In this paper, we identify and analyze the historical reasons for this widespread belief. Only by accepting that it is false can we begin to properly investigate formal models of interaction machines. We conclude the paper by presenting one such model, Persistent Turing Machines (PTMs). PTMs capture sequential interaction, which is a limited form of concurrency; they allow us to formulate the Sequential Interaction Thesis, going beyond the expressiveness of Turing machines and of the Church-Turing thesis.
Ontogenetic behavior and migration of Atlantic sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus, and shortnose sturgeon, A; brevirostrum, with notes on social behavior

Ontogenetic behavior of Hudson River Atlantic sturgeon and Connecticut River shortnose sturgeon early life intervals were similar during laboratory observations. After hatching, free embryos were photonegative and sought cover. When embryos developed into larvae, fish left cover, were photopositive, and initiated downstream migration. Free embryos may remain at the spawning site instead of migrating downstream because the risk of predation at spawning sites is low. The two species are sympatric, but not closely related, so the similarities in innate behaviors suggest common adaptations, not phylogenetic relationship. Atlantic sturgeon migrated downstream for 12 days (peak, first 6 days), shortnose sturgeon migrated for 3 days, and year-0 juveniles of both species did not resume downstream migration. Short or long migrations of larvae may reflect different styles related to the total migratory distance from spawning sites to juvenile rearing areas. Atlantic sturgeon need to move a short distance to reach rearing areas and they had a long 1-step migration of 6–12 days. In contrast, shortnose sturgeon need to move a long distance to reach all rearing areas. This may be accomplished by a 2-step migration, of which the brief migration of larvae is only the first step. Early migrant Atlantic sturgeon were nocturnal, while late migrants were diurnal, and shortnose sturgeon were diurnal. These diel differences may also be adaptations for long (Atlantic sturgeon) or short (shortnose sturgeon) migrations. Cultured shortnose sturgeon, and possibly Atlantic sturgeon, have a dominance hierarchy with large fish dominant when competing for limited foraging space. Social behavior may be more important in the life history of wild sturgeons than is generally recognized.
IFN-γ Limits Macrophage Expansion in MRL-Faslpr Autoimmune Interstitial Nephritis: A Negative Regulatory Pathway

IFN-γ is capable of enhancing and limiting inflammation. Therefore, an increase in IFN-γ in autoimmune MRL- Fas lpr mice could exacerbate or thwart renal injury. We have established a retroviral gene transfer approach to incite interstitial nephritis in MRL- Fas lpr mice that is rapid, enduring, and circumscribed. Renal tubular epithelial cells (TEC) were genetically modified to secrete macrophage (Mφ) growth factors (CSF-1-TEC, GM-CSF-1-TEC) and infused under the renal capsule. To determine the impact of IFN-γ in Mφ growth factor-incited renal injury, we constructed a MRL- Fas lpr IFN-γ-receptor (IFN-γR)-deficient strain. Gene transfer of CSF-1 or GM-CSF incited more severe interstitial nephritis in IFN-γR-deficient than in IFN-γR-intact MRL- Fas lpr mice, consisting of an increase of Mφ. To determine the mechanism responsible for the increase in Mφ in IFN-γR-deficient MRL- Fas lpr mice, we evaluated Mφ proliferation, apoptosis, and recruitment. Proliferation of bone marrow Mφ from IFN-γR-intact MRL- Fas lpr costimulated with CSF-1 or GM-CSF and IFN-γ was reduced twofold, while the IFN-γR-deficient MRL- Fas lpr bone marrow Mφ remained stable. Furthermore, we detected more proliferating and fewer apoptotic Mφ within the interstitium in IFN-γR-deficient MRL- Fas lpr mice. Using unilateral ureteral ligation we established that IFN-γR signaling does not alter Mφ recruitment into the kidney. Thus, the increase in Mφ elicited by Mφ growth factors in IFN-γR-deficient MRL- Fas lpr mice is a result of enhanced proliferation and decreased apoptosis, and is independent of recruitment. Taken together, we suggest that IFN-γ provides a negative regulatory pathway capable of limiting Mφ-mediated renal inflammation.
Primary reactions in the photolysis of 1,1-dichloro-ethylene

Abstract The photolysis of 1,1-C2H2Cl2 has been investigated in the presence of I2. The results indicate that at λ > 2000 A two excited states are produced. The lower excited state produces C2H2 and C2 HCl in a ratio of 0.3 to 1; the higher excited state produces C2H2Cl radicals. The results of this investigation are compared with data from the photolysis of cis- and trans-1,2-C2H2Cl2.
Assembly of Microtubules from Tubulin Bearing the Nonhydrolyzable Guanosine Triphosphate Analogue GMPPCP [Guanylyl 5‘-(β,γ-Methylenediphosphonate)]: Variability of Growth Rates and the Hydrolysis of GTP†

The growth and shortening of microtubules in guanosine triphosphate- (GTP-) mediated dynamic instability has previously been observed to occur at rates which are remarkably variable (Gildersleeve et al., 1992, Chretien et al., 1995). Neighboring microtubules observed simultaneously can grow or shorten at different rates, and a particular microtubule can undergo changes in rate with the passage of time. This paper addresses the question whether this variability has its origin in processes that involve GTP hydrolysis or whether it results from variations in the structure of microtubules that are independent of GTP hydrolysis. Tubulin was prepared with the nonhydrolyzable GTP analogue GMPPCP [guanylyl 5‘-(β,γ-methylenediphosphonate)] bound to its exchangeable nucleotide-binding site and with GTP at its nonexchangeable site. Extensive measurements of length changes were obtained by DIC microscopy. Microtubules formed from the GMPPCP tubulin exhibited only growth. No shortening events were observed. Growth occ...
The role of kinetic energy in the Franck-Condon principle; with applications to the iodine molecule emission spectrum

Abstract It is shown that for electronic states with high vibrational energy the Franck-Condon principle can predict high intensity for spectral emission to continuum states of high kinetic energy. A series of diffuse bands in the I 2 spectrum is explained.
Respiratory depression at birth--value of Apgar score and ventilatory measurements in its detection.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the value of ventilatory measurements and Apgar score in the diagnosis of respiratory depression in the newborn infant. The following were the results of the determinations made in 24 neonates whose mothers had received meperidine in a total dose up to 3 mg/kg within three hours prior to delivery: Respiratory rate, 51±3.7/minute; tidal volume, 21.4±1.5 ml; minute ventilation, 339±24 ml/kg×minute; end tidal CO 2 , 40.8±1.3 mm Hg; ventilatory response to CO 2 , 21.8±2.7 ml/kg×minute×mm Hg Pa CO 2 . The mean Apgar score was 7.1 and 9.0 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. None of the determinations were indicative of respiratory depression with the exception of the slope of the CO 2 response curve; it was considered to be below the normal range. No correlations existed between the CO 2 response curve and any of the other values. It is concluded that meperidine administered to mothers in labor in the described dose will not significantly alter Apgar score, V E , V T , RR, and Pa CO 2 in the newborn infant. The extent of respiratory center depression could be determined only by the decreased ventilatory response to CO 2 .
The politics of geography

Abstract The politics of the discipline of geography contains an unacceptable measure of hate, reflected in the antagonisms that I have experienced, and in the more serious attacks endured by others. Hate is situated most tellingly in personal identity and antipathy, but also in the culture of professional practice. Its consequences are so dire that a discipline-wide response is urgent and imperative.
Hybrid hydrogels for medical applications of microwaves

The development of medical technologies that utilizes microwaves is in the rise. In general, a development cycle includes computer simulations, in vitro laboratory experiments, and in vivo animal/human studies. The testing stage is vital in guaranteeing the proper functioning of the new, developed equipment. Because in vivo testing of electromagnetic medical devices on humans is not practical during the initial design process, and such measurements are subject to strict regulations enforced by the Food and Drug Administration, there is a need for developing in vitro testing techniques that consist of synthetic materials that can mimic the dielectric properties of the tissue of interest. In the past, our group had developed and tested different tissue mimicking phantoms as an alternative to testing electromagnetic devices on human subjects. We have developed both homogeneous single-tissue gels such as skin, fat, muscle, and heterogeneous gels such as breast and brain. In particular, we have used these gels to test and validate implantable antennas for wireless telemetry applications. For such applications, we have obtained very good agreement when compared the in vitro gel results with the results from in vivo animal studies. However, there are certain medical applications that can physically affect the tissue of interest such as hyperthermia and/or ablation. For such applications, better representation of the tissue is required. Thus, in this study, we propose hybrid gels that are composed of both hydrogels and excised animal tissue. In order to show the feasibility of such approach, we develop several phantoms combining liver, heart and hydrogels. These hybrid gels can be used for both imaging applications (MRI) and during the initial stages of device development. In order to show the efficacy of the hybrid gels, we will provide measurement results.
Fusion Pore Conductance: Experimental Approaches and Theoretical Algorithms

Abstract Time-resolved admittance measurements provide the basis for studies showing that membrane fusion occurs through the formation and widening of an initially small pore, linking two previously separated aqueous compartments. Here we introduce modifications to this method that correct the cell-pipette (source) admittance for attenuation and phase shifts produced by electrophysiological equipment. Two new approaches for setting the right phase angle are discussed. The first uses the displacement of a patch-clamp amplifier C-slow potentiometer for the calculation of phase. This calculation is based on amplitudes of observed and expected (theoretical) changes in the source admittance. The second approach automates the original phase adjustment, the validity of which we prove analytically for certain conditions. The multiple sine wave approach is modified to allow the calculation of target cell membrane parameters and the conductance of the fusion pore. We also show how this technique can be extended for measurements of the resting potential of the first (voltage-clamped) membrane. We introduce an algorithm for calculation of fusion pore conductance despite a concurrent change in the resistance of the clamped membrane. The sensitivity of the capacitance restoration algorithm to phase shift errors is analyzed, and experimental data are used to demonstrate the results of this analysis. Finally, we show how the phase offset can be corrected "off-line" by restoring the shape of the capacitance increment.
Utilizing hearing aid directional microphones and noise reduction algorithms to improve speech understanding and listening preferences for cochlear implant users

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate if applying hearing aid directional microphones and noise reduction algorithms as preprocessors to cochlear implant speech processors can enhance speech understanding and listening preference of cochlear implant users. Hearing aid preprocessed speech materials were recorded when KEMAR was wearing a pair of nine-channel digital hearing aids and sitting at the center of an eight-speaker array. The hearing aids were programmed to omnidirectional microphone (Om), directional microphone (Dm), and directional microphone plus noise reduction algorithms (Dm+NR). Cochlear implant users listened to the hearing aid preprocessed speech materials in sound field to simulate the use of hearing aids as preprocessors to cochlear implants. They repeated the words and ranked their listening preferences of the three experimental conditions. Results indicated that the Dm+NR condition yielded better speech recognition and higher listening preferences than the Dm condition which, in turn, was better than the Om condition (p
Stability of a free convection density-extremum flow in a porous medium

Abstract The relative stability of the multiple steady states of laminar free convection flows in a porous medium saturated with cold, pure water along a vertical, isothermal, planar surface is investigated. Two distinct regions of numerically computed multiple steady-state solutions for flow conditions in which the internal temperature range spans a density maximum ( 0 1 2 , where R is a temperature ratio parameter) have been reported in the literature. Stability analysis of these steady states is performed by linearizing the time-dependent equations about the steady-state solutions and by considering only amplification or decay of perturbations with time. The results obtained indicate that all but one of the multiple steady states at each R are unstable with respect to time. Relative merits and demerits of the approach used in this study over the conventional hydrodynamic stability analysis are discussed.
Exact pair correlation of the one-dimensional quantum gas with 1/r 2 repulsion derived from the sympletic Dyson ensemble

The spectra of nonintegrable or quantum chaotic systems with unitary or orthogonal symmetry were recently shown to display universality in the response of energy levels to arbitrary perturbations. We show that this type of universality extends to symplectic ensembles. In doing so, we obtain an exact expression for the autocorrelator of particle density fluctuations of a system of one-dimensional particles interacting through a repulsive 1/${\mathit{r}}^{2}$ pairwise potential.
Genetic engineering of soft-rot bacteria for ethanol production from lignocellulose

The soft-rot bacteriaErwinia carotovora SR38 andErwinia chrysanthemi EC16 have been genetically engineered to efficiently produce ethanol and carbon dioxide as primary fermentation products from cellobiose, glucose and xylose. These organisms have the native ability to secrete a battery of hydrolases and lyases to aid in the solubilization of lignocellulose. Both strains of ethanologenicErwinia fermented cellobiose at twice the rate of the cellobioseutilizing yeasts (Spindler et al., 1992. Biotechnology Letters 14: 403–407) and may be useful in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation processes.
Lived body vs gender: Reflections on social structure and subjectivity

Toril Moi has argued that recent deconstructive challenges to the concept of gender and to the viability of the sex/gender distinction have brought feminist and queer theory to a place of increasing theoretical abstraction. She suggests that we should abandon the category of gender once and for all, because it is founded on a nature–culture distinction and it tends incorrigibly to essentialize women’s lives. Moi argues that feminist and queer theories should replace the concept of gender with a concept of the lived body derived from existential phenomenology. In this essay I take up and develop this suggestion, and argue that there are several advantages that a category of the lived body has over a category of gender for feminist and queer theories: (1) no nature–culture distinction is necessary but the body can be described as historically and socially specific; (2) it is not necessary to break out a gendered and “raced” part of identity with this category; (3) differences of sexual desire can be described without recourse to an “inner core” of identity or “sexual orientation.” I go on to argue, however, that it is important to retain a concept of gender for a theoretical purpose beyond that which Moi and those she criticizes conceive. In recent years feminist and queer theories have tended to conceive their theorizing as restricted to identity and subjectivity. How large scale social structures differentially position people in relations of privilege and disadvantage has been ignored, relatively. This essay argues then that theorizing structural processes and inequalities is crucial, and that a concept of gender is important for such theorizing. I propose three aspects of gendered social structure that are irreducible to one another: (1) a sexual division of labor (2) normative heterosexuality, and (3) hierarchies of power. In each case I illustrate the social theoretical work these categorizations of gendered structure can and should do.
Temporal entrainment of visual attention in children: effects of age and deafness.

The major documented effect of auditory deprivation on visual processing is enhanced spatial attention, in particular to the visual periphery and to moving stimuli. However, there is a parallel literature that has reported deficits in temporal aspects of visual processing in individuals with profound hearing losses. This study builds upon previous work showing possible deficits in processing of rapid serial visual presentation streams in deaf children [Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience (2010), 28, 181–192]. Deaf native signers of American Sign Language and hearing children and adults were asked to perform a 2-AFC identification task with a visual target embedded in a stream of visual stimuli presented at 6 Hz. Both children and adults displayed attentional awakening, whereby target identification accuracy improved as the number of stimuli preceding the target increased. For deaf children, however, this awakening effect was less pronounced than that observed in hearing children, interpreted as difficulty sustaining entrainment to the stimulus stream. The data provide the first account of attentional awakening in children, showing that it improves across the 6–13 year age range. They also provide additional support to the possibility of domain-general alterations in the processing of temporal information in the absence of auditory input.
Comparing one-step m-estimators of location corresponding to two independent groups

Experience with real data indicates that psychometric measures often have heavy-tailed distributions. This is known to be a serious problem when comparing the means of two independent groups because heavy-tailed distributions can have a serious effect on power. Another problem that is common in some areas is outliers. This paper suggests an approach to these problems based on the one-step M-estimator of location. Simulations indicate that the new procedure provides very good control over the probability of a Type I error even when distributions are skewed, have different shapes, and the variances are unequal. Moreover, the new procedure has considerably more power than Welch's method when distributions have heavy tails, and it compares well to Yuen's method for comparing trimmed means. Wilcox's median procedure has about the same power as the proposed procedure, but Wilcox's method is based on a statistic that has a finite sample breakdown point of only 1/n, wheren is the sample size. Comments on other methods for comparing groups are also included.
The effect of oral physiotherapy on Dilantin gingival hyperplasia

. Gingival hyperplasia was studied in 13 boys with epilepsy living in a state hospital. Boys were selected on the basis of having gingival hyperplasia, having all teeth between cuspids (upper and lower), having no occlusal abnormality and being cooperative. After gingivectomy, regrowth of gingiva was compared around lateral incisors on one side of the mouth having operator-assisted oral hygiene with that around lateral incisors on the other side of the mouth without operator-assisted oral hygiene. Regrowth of tissue was documented by precise photogrammetry. Oral hygiene, gingival inflammation and crevicular fluid were monitored. Less inflammation, less crevicular fluid and less regrowth of gingival tissues occurred around teeth subjected to good oral hygiene. Precise periodic photographic documentation of the clinical status of patients during studies such as this is considered very valuable.
A Markov-property Monte Carlo method: One-dimensional Ising model

In this paper we introduce a new Monte Carlo procedure based on the Markov property. This procedure is particularly well suited to massively parallel computation. We illustrate the method on the critical phenomena of the well known one-dimensional Ising model. In the course of this work we found that the autocorrelation time for the Metropolis Monte Carlo algorithm is closely given by the square of the correlation length. We find speedup factors of the order of 1 million for the method as implemented on the CM2 relative to a serial machine. Our procedure gives error estimates which are quite consistent with the observed deviations from the analytically known exact results.
Expanding Treatment of Tobacco Dependence

Nicotine dependence is the leading preventable cause of adult morbidity and mortality in the world. New research on the treatment of this disorder ranges from studies evaluating access to treatment to studies elucidating the molecular mechanisms of nicotine addiction. As our understanding of the neurobiology of tobacco addiction grows, the number of potential therapeutic targets by which we can intervene in this pernicious disorder also increases. This paper presents an overview of recent research trends in the treatment of tobacco dependence. We review several novel mechanisms of action that may serve as therapeutic targets for the pharmacologic treatment of tobacco dependence, including drugs that affect monamine oxidase, selective nicotinic receptors, glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid receptors, and the endocannabinoid system. For each of these therapeutic targets, we discuss medications in development that affect these pathophysiologic mechanisms.
An Improved Optimal Control Design for Wind Energy Systems

A novel control strategy based on optimal control theory is developed in this paper and applied to an induction generator based variable speed wind turbine. The proposed approach modifies a classical LQR approach by augmenting the system with first order filters and integrators to ensure perfect decoupling between the controlled variables while minimizing the control effort. Application of the proposed approach to an induction generator based variable speed wind turbine has led to optimum operations and a reduced mechanical stress in the turbine drive train during wind gusts. Simplicity of the overall scheme, minimization of the required energy and stabilization and excellent tracking performance are the main positive features of the proposed approach.
Further structure-activity relationships study of hybrid 7-{[2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl]propylamino}-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ol analogues: identification of a high-affinity D3-preferring agonist with potent in vivo activity with long duration of action.

This paper describes an extended structure–activity relationships study of aminotetralin−piperazine-based hybrid molecules developed earlier for dopamine D2/D3 receptors. Various analogues as positional isomers have been developed where location of the phenolic hydroxyl group has been varied on the aromatic ring. Between two catechol derivatives, compound 6e with a two methylene linker length exhibited higher affinity and selectivity for D3 over D2 receptors over compound 6f with four methylene linkers (D2/D3 = 50.6 vs 7.51 for 6e and 6f, respectively). In general, the (−)-isomer was more potent than the (+)-isomeric counterpart. Binding results indicated highest selectivity for D3 receptors in compound (−)-10 (Ki = 0.35 nM; D2/D3 = 71). In the 5-hydroxy series, highest selectivity for D3 receptors was exhibited by compound (−)-25 (Ki = 0.82 nM; D2/D3 = 31.5). Most potent compounds exhibited binding and functional affinities at the sub-nanomolar level for the D3 receptor. Binding assays were carried out w...
Renal intrapelvic pressure during percutaneous nephrolithotomy and its correlation with the development of postoperative fever

ABSTRACTPurpose: Systemic absorption of irrigation fluid containing bacteria or endotoxin may lead to fever and urosepsis after percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Although to our knowledge the exact method of absorption is undefined, intrapelvic pressure greater than 30 mm. Hg has been shown to result in pyelovenous-lymphatic backflow. We measured intrapelvic pressure during percutaneous nephrolithotomy and correlated pressure with postoperative fever and operative technique.Materials and Methods: Intrarenal pressure was measured with a transurethral 7Fr ureteral occlusion balloon catheter and a urodynamic system during percutaneous renal access, rigid and flexible nephroscopy, and intracorporeal lithotripsy. Postoperative fever was correlated with elevated intrarenal pressure, stone type and surgical technique.Results: Enrolled in this study were 18 women and 13 men. Pressure greater than 30 mm. Hg was recorded in 8 patients (26%). Elevated pressure occurred under 2 conditions, namely incomplete positioning o...
SU‐GG‐J‐179: The Errors in Determining Lung Tumor ITV From Time Resolved Image Reconstruction

Purpose: We have reported that the maximum intensity projection (MIP) of lungtumor determined from time resolvedimage modalities, such as 4DCT, may be inaccurate because of the patient breathing variability. Nevertheless, the MIP is often regarded as an overestimation of the internal target volume (ITV) and average intensity projection (AIP) is used for contouring. We created AIPs and their colorized presentation, color intensity projections (CIP), from dynamic MRIs and determined their dependency on respiratory variability and tumor size. Method and Materials: Low temporal resolution images in the superior/inferior direction were reconstructed from dynamic MRIs with high temporal resolution in the same direction. The reconstruction, referred as redCAM, used 4D‐CT time resolving methods with synchronizing to the internal region of interest (ROI). CIP and AIP were reconstructed based on the probability of a certain position being occupied by the tumor. These two parameters of redCAM were analyzed as a function of respiratory variability, which was defined as the average of the standard deviation in the maximal and minimal amplitude displacements. Results:_The error between AIP, MIP and CIP are strongly dependent on the percentage of CIP. Smaller errors were observed with lower percentage CIPs. The MIP derived from redCAM is closer to the 10% CIP instead of the MIP of the real time image, which is 0% CIP. The error of AIP and MIP is fit well as a quadratic function of the respiratory variability for given tumor size, indicating accelerated increase in the error with variability. Conclusion: AIP and MIP are commonly used in lungradiation therapy with 4DCT simulation. However, their accuracy is affected by the patient respiratory variability and tumor size. Our study provides a formula to include these uncertainties into the PTV.