cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On-line chemiluminescence assay using FIA and fiber optics for urinary and blood glucose.

A chemiluminescence fiber optic system coupled to flow injection analysis (FIA) and ion exchange chromatography has been developed for determining glucose in blood and urine. Immobilized glucose oxidase acted on β-d-glucose to produce hydrogen peroxide, which was then reacted with luminol in the presence of ferricyanide to produce a light signal. Endogenous ascorbic acid and uric acid present in urine or blood samples were effectively retained by an upstream acetate anion exchanger. In addition, acetaminophen could also be adsorbed by this ion exchanger. The detection system exhibited a sensitivity of 1.315 ± 0.044 RU μm-1 for glucose with a minimum detection level of 1 μm. When applied for the determination of urinary and blood glucose levels, the results obtained compared well with those of the reference hexokinase assay. Immobilized glucose oxidase was reused for over 500 analyses without losing its original activity. A conservative estimate for the reuse of the acetate ion exchange column was about 100 analyses.
Safety and efficiency of an anti-(+)-methamphetamine monoclonal antibody in the protection against cardiovascular and central nervous system effects of (+)-methamphetamine in rats

The purpose of these studies was to determine if a high-affinity, anti-(+)-methamphetamine (METH) monoclonal antibody (mAb6H4; KD=11 nM) protects against METH-induced central nervous and cardiovascular system effects in rats. Rats (n=5 per group) received one of three anti-METH mAb6H4 doses, equal to 0.32, 0.56 or 1 times the mole equivalent (mol-eq) amount of METH in the body following a 1 mg/kg i.v. METH dose. Each rat was challenged with METH (1 mg/kg, i.v.) 1 and 4 days after the anti-METH mAb dose. The 1 mol-eq anti-METH mAb dose significantly reduced the duration of METH-induced locomotor activity (horizontal locomotion and rearing events), heart rate and blood pressure effects from 2 to 3 h to about an hour. This resulted in a significant reduction in total locomotor activity and the area under the hemodynamic effect vs. time curve for heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, the time to peak locomotor activity was decreased after the 1 mol-eq mAb dose vs. the lower doses. These changes were limited to the first METH challenge. The responses to the second METH challenge were not different from baseline. The peak hemodynamic and locomotor activity values were unchanged after both challenges. These results indicate anti-METH mAb6H4 can safely reduce the hemodynamic and locomotor effects of METH given one day after anti-METH IgG, and that the mAb is safe when administered in the absence of METH. These results are important because they indicate these antibody medications have simultaneous beneficial effects in multiple organ systems.
Button-pexy fixation for repair of ileostomy and colostomy prolapse

Intestinal stomas are used in the surgical management of a number of congenital and acquired gastrointestinal conditions. Minor stomal complications are relatively common and are often well managed with nonoperative measures. Stomal prolapse may not represent a serious problem, but occasionally it requires surgical correction because of severe skin excoriation, bleeding, or incarceration of the bowel. The authors describe the treatment of stomal prolapse with the technique of button-pexy fixation, as originally described by C.W. Mayo.
Chitosan as a tablet binder

AbstractChitosan was evaluated as a binder for chlorpheniramine maleate tablets in comparison with other cellulose binders such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and methylcellulose. The effects of binder concentration on the mechanical properties of granules and tablets as well as on disintegration time and dissolution profiles were studied. Results showed that granules prepared with methylcellulose had lowest percentage of fines and friability. Chitosan tablets showed best dissolution profiles. The rank order correlation for binder efficiency was: hydroxypropylmethylcellulose > chitosan > methylcellulose > sodium carboxymethylcellulose.
Ribosomal Stress Couples the Unfolded Protein Response to p53-dependent Cell Cycle Arrest *

Protein misfolding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) triggers a signaling pathway termed the unfolded protein response path-way (UPR). UPR signaling is transduced through the transmembrane ER effectors PKR-like ER kinase (PERK), inositol requiring kinase-1 (IRE-1), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). PERK activation triggers phosphorylation of eIF2alpha leading to repression of protein synthesis, thereby relieving ER protein load and directly inhibiting cyclin D1 translation thereby contributing to cell cycle arrest. However, PERK(-/-) murine embryonic fibroblasts have an attenuated G(1)/S arrest that is not attributable to cyclin D1 loss, suggesting a cyclin D1-independent mechanism. Here we show that the UPR triggers p53 accumulation and activation. UPR induction promotes enhanced interaction between the ribosome proteins (rpL5, rpL11, and rpL23) and Hdm2 in a PERK-dependent manner. Interaction with ribosomal proteins results in inhibition of Hdm2-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of p53. Our data demonstrate that ribosomal subunit:Hdm2 association couples the unfolded protein response to p53-dependent cell cycle arrest.
Energetic constraints on the creation of cell membrane pores by magnetic particles.

Naturally occurring and contaminant ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic particles have been found within or near cells, and might allow pulsed magnetic fields to create transient cell membrane opening ("pores"). We show that this possibility is significantly constrained by the maximum rotational energy that can be transferred to the cell membrane. For single biologically synthesized magnetosomes (radius rmag approximately 10(-7) m, magnetic moment mu approximately 2 x 10(-15) A m2) and typical cell membranes, the estimated pulse magnitude must exceed Bo approximately 6 x 10(-3) to 7 x 10(-2) T, and the optimal pulse durations are in the range 10(-5) s
Douching in relation to bacterial vaginosis, lactobacilli, and facultative bacteria in the vagina.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To study how frequency, recentness, and reason for douching impact bacterial vaginosis-related vaginal microflora and the occurrence of cervical pathogens. Douching has been linked to bacterial vaginosis as well as to chlamydial cervicitis in some, but not all, studies. METHODS: A total of 1200 women at high risk for sexually transmitted infections were enrolled from five clinical sites around the United States. Cross-sectional, structured interviews were conducted and vaginal swabs were self-obtained for Gram stain, culture, and DNA amplification tests for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. RESULTS: Douching at least once per month was associated with an increased frequency of bacterial vaginosis. Those who douched recently (within 7 days) were at highest risk [odds ratio (OR) 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3, 3.1]. Douching for symptoms (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1, 2.6) and for hygiene (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0, 1.9) both related to bacterial vaginosis risk. The associations between douching and Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, and lack of hydrogen peroxide-producing lactobacilli were similar to those between douching and bacterial vaginosis. Gonococcal or chlamydial cervicitis was not associated with douching. CONCLUSION: Douching for symptoms or hygiene, particularly frequent or recent douching, was associated with bacterial vaginosis and bacterial vaginosis-associated vaginal microflora, but not with gonococcal or chlamydial cervicitis.
Glueball masses from linearly confining supergravity

Mass spectrum of ${0}^{++}$ glueballs is produced using a dual supergravity theory we proposed for pure $\mathcal{N}=1$ $SU(N)$ gauge theory in four dimensions in the large $N$ limit in the IR. The glueball states are expressed in terms of Whittaker functions. The spectrum is discrete and a function whose roots give the masses is written. The ratios of the masses are independent of the parameters of the theory and comparison to recent nonsupersymmetric large $N$ lattice QCD data available for the lowest three states shows agreement to within 5%.
Shaping of the sperm nucleus in Marsilea: A distinction between factors responsible for shape generation and shape determination

Abstract Spermiogenesis in Marsilea vestita involves the elongation of a roughly spherical nucleus into a spiral that is composed of four to five gyres. A ribbon of microtubules is associated with the outer edge of the nucleus throughout the shaping process. In order to observe nuclear morphogenesis in the absence of microtubules, developing microspores were treated with drugs that are known to affect microtubule assembly. Spermatids cultured in the presence of colchicine from the beginning of spermiogenesis do not form a microtubule ribbon. The nuclei of these cells change from a spherical to an irregular shape with elongate branches or loops. The normal spiral nucleus and elongate rod of condensed chromatin are not formed and the pattern of chromatin condensation is also abnormal. These observations indicate that in Marsilea microtubules do not provide the mechanical force for nuclear shape generation. Bulk chromatin condensation can also be eliminated as the force behind nuclear shaping, because during normal development the chromatin condenses only after nuclear shaping is well advanced. We suggest that a force-generating system is located near or is a part of the nuclear envelope. Microtubules may, however, be important in the determination of the final shape of the nucleus either by organizing or directing the force-generating system or by externally restricting or guiding the shaping nucleus. Microtubules may also function in controlling the pattern of chromatin condensation.
Examples of global normal forms for some simple nonlinear integral operators

On etudie les operateurs integraux A:u→u−∫ D k(x,y)f(u)dy et B: (u,λ)→(u−∫ D k(x,y){λu−gu}dy, λ), ou D est un domaine compact de R n et k(x,y)=φ(x)φ(y) est un noyau a une dimension ou φ est une fonction continue positive
Immunomodulation with intrathymic grafts or anti-lymphocyte serum promotes long-term intraspinal allograft survival.

In this study, we sought to test whether introduction of fetal cells into the adult rat thymus would promote immunotolerance to subsequent donor-type allografts in the injured spinal cord. To first evaluate intrathymic survival of fetal central nervous system (CNS) tissue, fragments of E14 Sprague-Dawley (SD) fetal spinal cord FSCSD were injected into the thymuses of either adult, outbred SD, or Wistar rats. Histological examination revealed well-differentiated grafts in both the SD (10 out of 13) and Wistar (7 out of 13) recipients. We next examined whether prior intrathymic exposure to FSC graft-derived alloantigens leads to enhanced survival of subsequent allografts into the injured, adult spinal cord. Wistar rats thus first received FSCSD tissue as intrathymic grafts coupled with single-dose, anti-lymphocyte serum (ALS) ablation of the circulating host T-cell population. Ten days later, FCSSD was transplanted into an aspiration lesion of each intrathymic graft recipient's spinal cord. After 60 days, 87% of two-stage graft recipients (n = 15) exhibited viable intraspinal (IS) grafts compared to 38% (3 out of 8) observed in the controls (i.e., not receiving intrathymic grafts). Another group of Wistar rats that had received ALS (only) at the time of the IS FSCSD transplant (n = 8) also had 75% graft survival rates after 60 days. These initial findings show that the intrathymic microenvironment can be a compatible ectopic site for fetal SC graft development and survival. Also, the enhanced survival of intraspinal grafts in animals with previous intrathymic implants or ALS administered at the time of grafting suggests the potential for inducing immunoprotection of some fetal neural allografts in adult recipients.
Surface-reconstruction-induced geometries of Si clusters

We discuss a generalization of the surface-reconstruction arguments for the structure of intermediate-size Si clusters, which leads to model geometries for the sizes 33, 39 (two isomers), 45 (two isomers), 49 (two isomers), 57, and 61 (two isomers). The common feature in all these models is a structure that closely resembles the most stable reconstruction of Si surfaces, surrounding a core of bulklike tetrahedrally bonded atoms. We investigate the energetics and the electronic structure of these models through first-principles density-functional theory calculations. These models may be useful in understanding experimental results on the reactivity of Si clusters and their shape as inferred from mobility measurements.
Homographic solutions of the n-body problem in E4

We prove the existence of many homographic solutions of the n-body problem in E4 by topological methods. Homographic solutions are associated with relative equilibria. Homothetic solutions always give rise to central configurations. In Euclidean space E4 central configurations are a proper subset of the relative equilibria for any n ⩾ 3 and for any (mi)ϵR+n. We compare the existence and classification of homographic solutions of the n-body problem in E3 with the Newtonian potential and that of homographic solutions of the n-body problem in E4. Classifying relative equilibria leads to classifying homographic solutions.
High Electron Mobility in Ladder Polymer Field-Effect Transistors

Field-effect mobility of electrons as high as 0.1 cm2/(V s) is observed in n-channel thin film transistors fabricated from a solution spin-coated conjugated ladder polymer, poly(benzobisimidazobenzophenanthroline) (BBL), under ambient air conditions. This is the highest electron mobility observed to date in a conjugated polymer semiconductor. Comparative studies of n-channel thin film transistors made from a structurally similar nonladder conjugated polymer BBB gave an electron mobility of 10-6 cm2/(V s). These results demonstrate that electron transport can be as facile as hole transport in conjugated polymer semiconductors and that ladder architecture of a conjugated polymer can substantially enhance charge carrier mobility.
Mutant SNAP25B causes myasthenia, cortical hyperexcitability, ataxia, and intellectual disability

Objective: To identify and characterize the molecular basis of a syndrome associated with myasthenia, cortical hyperexcitability, cerebellar ataxia, and intellectual disability. Methods: We performed in vitro microelectrode studies of neuromuscular transmission, performed exome and Sanger sequencing, and analyzed functional consequences of the identified mutation in expression studies. Results: Neuromuscular transmission at patient endplates was compromised by reduced evoked quantal release. Exome sequencing identified a dominant de novo variant, p.Ile67Asn, in SNAP25B, a SNARE protein essential for exocytosis of synaptic vesicles from nerve terminals and of dense-core vesicles from endocrine cells. Ca 2+ -triggered exocytosis is initiated when synaptobrevin attached to synaptic vesicles (v-SNARE) assembles with SNAP25B and syntaxin anchored in the presynaptic membrane (t-SNAREs) into an α-helical coiled-coil held together by hydrophobic interactions. Pathogenicity of the Ile67Asn mutation was confirmed by 2 measures. First, the Ca 2+ triggered fusion of liposomes incorporating v-SNARE with liposomes containing t-SNAREs was hindered when t-SNAREs harbored the mutant SNAP25B moiety. Second, depolarization of bovine chromaffin cells transfected with mutant SNAP25B or with mutant plus wild-type SNAP25B markedly reduced depolarization-evoked exocytosis compared with wild-type transfected cells. Conclusion: Ile67Asn variant in SNAP25B is pathogenic because it inhibits synaptic vesicle exocytosis. We attribute the deleterious effects of the mutation to disruption of the hydrophobic α-helical coiled-coil structure of the SNARE complex by replacement of a highly hydrophobic isoleucine by a strongly hydrophilic asparagine.
Metamict Tantalite from Western Australia

THIRTY-FOUR years ago, Bowley1 recorded an analysis of a manganese-bearing tantalum–niobium oxide mineral that had been collected by Mr. R. C. Black at Yinnietharra, Western Australia. In his report, Bowley stated that Simpson was of the opinion that this mineral belonged to either the orthorhombic columbite–tantalite series or to the tapiolite–mossite group of tetragonal minerals, and with some element of doubt the mineral was tentatively identified as manganomossite.
Accurate Ab Initio Prediction of Three Dimensional Structures of Beta-Barrel Membrane Proteins from Sequences

Among the two classes of membrane proteins, beta-barrel membrane proteins are found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. They carry out diverse biological functions, including pore formation, membrane anchoring, enzyme activity, and are often responsible for bacterial virulence. Although membrane proteins comprise approximately one third of all proteins encoded in a genome, they are sparsely represented in the protein structure databank, due to difficulties in experimental structural determination. We have developed a computational method to predict three dimensional structures of beta-barrel membrane proteins from transmembrane sequence segments. For this, we have derived an asymmetric potential function based on detailed combinatorial analysis. In addition, we have developed a model to account for interstrand loop entropy. In a set of 25 non-homologous proteins with known structures, we can successfully predict strand register at 76% accuracy. This is a significant improvement from previous results (44%) and from random chance (7%) [1]. Based on predicted strand registrations, we are now able to predict the three dimensional structure of the transmembrane region of beta-barrel membrane proteins. The average RMSD between predicted and native beta-barrel membrane protein structure is less than 3A°. Our method is general and can be applied to genome-wide structural prediction once sequences of beta-barrel membrane proteins have been identified.[1] Ronald Jackups, Jr. and Jie Liang. Interstrand pairing patterns in beta-barrel membrane proteins: the positive-outside rule, aromatic rescue, and strand registration prediction J Mol Biol. 2005, 354:979-993.
Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm: A case report and review of the literature

Left ventricular (LV) pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication that is reported in less than 0.1% of all patients with myocardial infarction. It is the result of cardiac rupture contained by the pericardium and is characterized by the absence of myocardial tissue in its wall unlike true aneurysm which involves full thickness of the cardiac wall. The clinical presentation of these patients is nonspecific, making the diagnosis challenging. Transthoracic echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are the noninvasive modalities whereas coronary arteriography and left ventriculography are invasive modalities used for the diagnosis. As this condition is lethal, prompt diagnosis and timely management is vital.
Solid hydrogen pellet injection into the ORMAK Tokamak

Solid hydrogen spheres were injected into the ORMAK tokamak as a test of pellet refueling for tokamak fusion reactors. Pellets 70 ..mu..m and 210 ..mu..m in diameter were injected with speeds of 91 m/sec and 100 m/sec, respectively. Each of the 210-..mu..m pellets added about 1% to the number of particles contained in the plasma. Excited neutrals, ablated from these hydrogen spheres, emitted light which was monitored either by a photomultiplier or by a high speed framing camera. From these light signals it was possible to measure pellet lifetimes, ablation rates, and the spatial distribution of hydrogen atoms in the ablation clouds. The average measured lifetime of the 70-..mu..m pellets was 422 ..mu..sec, and the 210-..mu..m spheres lasted 880 ..mu..sec under bombardment by the plasma. These lifetimes and measured ablation rates are in good agreement with a theoretical model which takes into account shielding of plasma electrons by hydrogen atoms ablated from spherical hydrogen ice.
Tolerance and Efficacy of Intranasal Administration of Recombinant βserine Interferon in Healthy Adults

We performed two studies to determine the dose-related tolerance and the efficacy of recombinant beta serine interferon (rIFN-beta ser) in experimental rhinovirus infection. In the tolerance study, 120 healthy adults received intranasal sprays of rIFN-beta ser or placebo daily for 25 d. No differences in nasal symptoms were found. Rhinoscopy detected more mucosal bleeding sites in high-dose (38%) versus low-dose (12.5%) or placebo (12.5%) recipients. There were more subepithelial lymphocytes in nasal biopsy specimens in the high-dose (54%) than the low-dose (17%) or placebo (17%) groups. In the efficacy study, 34 volunteers received daily nasal drops of IFN, beginning 36 h before challenge and for three days afterwards. The numbers of infections and days of shedding of virus were not reduced, but colds occurred less often in the high-dose (25%) than in the low-dose (55%) or placebo (64%) recipients. Nasal mucus weights were lower in the high-dose (mean +/- SD g per five days; 5 +/- 4) than placebo (31 +/- 37) recipients. Thus, rIFN-beta ser may have a more favorable therapeutic ratio than do previously tested alpha interferons.
Long term Tai Chi exercise improves physical performance among people with peripheral neuropathy.

This study examined the effects of a 24-week Tai Chi intervention on physical function in individuals with peripheral neuropathy. Twenty-five women and men with peripheral neuropathy were recruited. Plantar pressure detection threshold was assessed with a 5.07 gauge monofilament. Functional gait was assessed by the 6-min walk and timed up-and-go tests. Isokinetic leg strength and standing balance was also assessed. Twenty-four consecutive weeks of modified, group-based Tai Chi practice was completed, with testing repeated every six weeks throughout. No adverse events were observed and attendance was 17 ± 4 sessions per 6 weeks. After 6 weeks of Tai Chi, participants increased 6-min walk (P < 0.0001), timed up-and-go (P < 0.0001), and leg strength (P < 0.01) performance. Continued improvement was observed in the timed up-and-go. Plantar sensation improved (P = 0.003) following the Tai Chi intervention. Group-based Tai Chi is a safe, plausible, and effective intervention for those with PN.
The chromodomains of the Chd1 chromatin remodeler regulate DNA access to the ATPase motor

Chromatin remodelers are ATP-driven machines that assemble, slide, and remove nucleosomes from DNA, but how the ATPase motors of remodelers are regulated is poorly understood. Here we show that the double chromodomain unit of the Chd1 remodeler blocks DNA binding and activation of the ATPase motor in the absence of nucleosome substrates. The Chd1 crystal structure reveals that an acidic helix joining the chromodomains can pack against a DNA-binding surface of the ATPase motor. Disruption of the chromodomain-ATPase interface prevents discrimination between nucleosomes and naked DNA and reduces the reliance on the histone H4 tail for nucleosome sliding. We propose that the chromodomains allow Chd1 to distinguish between nucleosomes and naked DNA by physically gating access to the ATPase motor, and we hypothesize that related ATPase motors may employ a similar strategy to discriminate among DNA-containing substrates.
Effects of feeding frequency and rate of stomach evacuation on utilization of dietary free and protein-bound lysine for growth by channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Previous research has demonstrated that free lysine is utilized less efficiently for growth than protein-bound lysine in practical diets by young channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Two experiments were conducted in an attempt to explain this. In experiment 1, diets based on soybean meal or peanut meal-corn gluten meal supplemented with L-lysine HCl were fed to channel catfish (1.7 g average weight) either two or five times daily. The diet containing protein-bound lysine from soybean meal allowed greater weight gains than the diet supplemented with free lysine, and fish fed five times daily grew faster than fish fed twice daily. The interaction between lysine source and feeding frequency was not significant, indicating that feeding frequency did not affect the utilization of free lysine relative to that of protein-bound lysine. In experiment 2, ingesta were collected from the stomachs of fish at various times after feeding. The ratio of lysine to chromic oxide in ingesta from fish fed the free lysine-supplemented diet decreased with time, whereas no change occurred in this ratio in fish fed the protein-bound lysine diet. This indicates that free lysine passed from the stomach more rapidly than protein-bound lysine and suggests that free lysine would be absorbed before protein-bound lysine.
Pressure and intensity dependence of multiphoton energy deposition and reaction yield in vinyl chloride

Abstract The frequency, power, and pressure dependence of infrared multiphoton absorption in vinyl chloride has been investigated. The effect of collisions is to allow more energy to be coupled into the higher-pressure samples, which causes the yield of the laser-induced HCl elimination reaction to increase with vinyl chloride pressure.
Delay-amount tradeoffs in choices by pigeons and rats: hyperbolic versus exponential discounting.

An adjusting-delay procedure was used to study the choices of pigeons and rats when both delay and amount of reinforcement were varied. In different conditions, the choice alternatives included one versus two reinforcers, one versus three reinforcers, and three versus two reinforcers. The delay to one alternative (the standard alternative) was kept constant in a condition, and the delay to the other (the adjusting alternative) was increased or decreased many times a session so as to estimate an indifference point—a delay at which the two alternatives were chosen about equally often. Indifference functions were constructed by plotting the adjusting delay as a function of the standard delay for each pair of reinforcer amounts. The experiments were designed to test the prediction of a hyperbolic decay equation that the slopes of the indifference functions should increase as the ratio of the two reinforcer amounts increased. Consistent with the hyperbolic equation, the slopes of the indifference functions depended on the ratios of the two reinforcer amounts for both pigeons and rats. These results were not compatible with an exponential decay equation, which predicts slopes of 1 regardless of the reinforcer amounts. Combined with other data, these findings provide further evidence that delay discounting is well described by a hyperbolic equation for both species, but not by an exponential equation. Quantitative differences in the y-intercepts of the indifference functions from the two species suggested that the rate at which reinforcer strength decreases with increasing delay may be four or five times slower for rats than for pigeons.
Detection of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in a combined glycosylation restriction analysis (CGRA) using restriction enzyme TaqαI

Abstract 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) is a newly discovered DNA base in mammalian cells that is believed to be another important epigenetic modification. Here we report the use of a methylation-insensitive restriction enzyme Taq α I coupled with selective chemical labeling of 5-hmC in a combined glycosylation restriction analysis (CGRA) to detect 5-hmC in TCGA sequences. This method, differentiates fully versus hemi-hydroxymethylated cytosine in the CpG dinucleotide, adds a new tool to facilitate biological studies of 5-hmC.
Development of high-performance X-ray transparent crystallization plates for in situ protein crystal screening and analysis

X-ray transparent crystallization plates based upon a novel drop-pinning technology provide a flexible, simple and inexpensive approach to protein crystallization and screening. The plates consist of open cells sealed top and bottom by thin optically, UV and X-ray transparent films. The plates do not need wells or depressions to contain liquids. Instead, protein drops and reservoir solution are held in place by rings with micrometre dimensions that are patterned onto the bottom film. These rings strongly pin the liquid contact lines, thereby improving drop shape and position uniformity, and thus crystallization reproducibility, and simplifying automated image analysis of drop contents. The same rings effectively pin solutions containing salts, proteins, cryoprotectants, oils, alcohols and detergents. Strong pinning by rings allows the plates to be rotated without liquid mixing to 90° for X-ray data collection or to be inverted for hanging-drop crystallization. The plates have the standard SBS format and are compatible with standard liquid-handling robots.
Gene libraries for a next generation warning system in Intelligent Transportation

Driver warning systems are the first step towards Intelligent Transportation System. There is a need for next generation warning systems that can integrate the information that is currently available in the vehicles with the information about the environment that the vehicles are operating in order to make more informed and accurate decisions. Integration of data from such different sources implies higher complexity of computation which is difficult to implement in real-time. Thus it is necessary to develop new methods that can integrate huge amount of data while meeting the hard real-time constraints of Intelligent Transportation Systems. In this paper, we introduce gene libraries that are based on the processes involved in gene expression. It is shown that gene libraries are capable of reducing the complexity of the problem by storing only the relevant information. A formulation for next generation warning system within the framework of gene libraries is proposed and simulations are presented that compare this approach with fuzzy inference system. Results show that gene library based approach is at least 23 times faster and 3.85 times more space efficient than fuzzy inference systems based approach.
Challenges in cloud scale data centers

Data centers are fascinating places, where the massive scale required to deliver on-line services like web search and cloud hosting turns minor issues into major challenges that must be addressed in the design of the physical infrastructure and the software platform. In this talk, I'll briefly overview the kinds of applications that run in mega-data centers and the workloads they place on the infrastructure. I'll then describe a number of challenges seen in Microsoft's data centers, with the goals of posing questions more than describing solutions and explaining how economic factors, technology issues, and software design interact when creating low-latency, low-cost, high availability services.
Modal logics with no minimal proper extensions

We show that neither the descending chain property nor the finite model property is a necessary condition for a model logic having no minimal proper extension. This answers in the negative two questions raised by G. E. Hughes.
The feasibility of daily mannequin practice to improve intubation success.

Abstract Introduction Opportunities to practice live intubations are limited, so other methods of skill development must be researched. Some experts claim that exceptional performance simply reflects extended periods of intense training. This study evaluates whether daily intubation practice using standard airway mannequins increases the success rate of providers when intubating actual patients. Methods Study participants were members of a ground critical care transport team. Investigators performed a review of previous trips, compiling the number of attempts at intubation and success rates. During the intervention period, participants were asked to perform repeated daily intubations of airway mannequins. Intubation success rates and compliance with study protocols were recorded. Results The rate of successful intubation of the mannequins was constant, with a linear regression slope of 0.00016 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.0039, 0.0042). A generalized estimation equations logistic regression comparing success rates between the pre-intervention and the intervention periods showed no statistical difference (P = .63, z = 0.48), with an odds ratio of 1.37 (95% CI: 0.38, 4.92). However, compliance with the study declined significantly over the intervention period, as indicated by a linear regression slope of 0.0239 (95% CI: −.0354, −0.0124). Conclusions Daily practice with standard airway mannequins by a critical care transport team did not improve intubation success on actual patients.
An Educative, Values-Engaged Approach to Evaluating STEM Educational Programs.

The major principles and commitments of an educative, values-engaged approach to STEM educational program evaluation are presented, justified, and illustrated. How this approach addresses key issues in STEM education and advances the field is also discussed.
High-sensitivity infrared–microwave–microwave triple-resonance spectroscopy of isomerizing molecules

Abstract We describe a molecular-beam infrared–microwave–microwave triple-resonance spectroscopy technique for measuring the rotational spectrum of single quantum states in energy regions where isomerization occurs. Infrared–microwave (IR–MW) saturation spectroscopy, with a resolution of 300 KHz, has been employed for the excitation of single eigenstates. In a second step, the rotational spectrum of the prepared quantum state is measured using a technique based on the Autler–Townes splitting of states. The technique is illustrated by measurements of the rotational spectrum of single quantum states of 4-chlorobut-1-yne near 3330 cm −1 .
Molecular Imaging of Pulmonary Cancer and Inflammation

Molecular imaging (MI) may be defined as imaging in vivo using molecules that report on biologic function. This review will focus on the clinical use of radioactive tracers (nonpharmacologic amounts of compounds labeled with a radioactive substance) that permit external imaging using single photon emission computed tomography (planar, SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Imaging of lung cancer has been revolutionized with the use of fluorine-18–labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), an analog of glucose that can be imaged using PET. The ability to carry out whole body imaging after intravenous injection of 18F-FDG allows accurate staging of disease, helping to determine regional and distant nodal and other parenchymal involvement. Glycolysis is increased in nonmalignant conditions, including inflammation (e.g., sarcoidosis), and 18F-FDG PET is a sensitive method for evaluation of active inflammatory disease. Inflammatory disease has been imaged, even before the advent of PET, with planar and SPECT imaging using gallium-67, a radiometal that binds to transferrin. Metabolic alteration in pulmonary pathology is currently being studied, largely in lung cancer, primarily with PET, with a variety of other radiotracers. Prominent among these is thymidine; fluorine-18–labeled thymidine PET is being increasingly used to evaluate proliferation rate in lung and other cancers. This overview will focus on the clinical utility of 18F-FDG PET in the staging and therapy evaluation of lung cancer as well as in imaging of nonmalignant pulmonary conditions. PET and SPECT imaging with other radiotracers of interest will also be reviewed. Future directions in PET imaging of pulmonary pathophysiology will also be explored.
Histopathologic differences account for racial disparity in uterine cancer survival

Objective The incidence for uterine cancers has been reported to be higher among white women, whereas mortality is higher among black women. Reasons for the higher mortality among black women are not completely understood. The aim of our study is to examine the relationship between race/ethnicity, histopathologic subtype, and survival in uterine cancer.
Drug release patterns and cytotoxicity of PEG-poly(aspartate) block copolymer micelles in cancer cells.

Purpose To test physicochemical and biological properties of PEG-poly(aspartate) [PEG-p(Asp)] block copolymer micelles entrapping doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) through ionic interaction.
Design Optimization of Single-Port Minimally Invasive Intervention Devices

Despite the success of multiple-port minimally invasive intervention (MII) systems, current research is fast moving away from standard, kinematically rigid MII instruments toward more flexible, highly articulated devices, such as robotic catheters, probes, and forceps. These new devices afford surgeons the same dexterity and range of motion as multiple-port systems while using only a single incision. Single-port MII devices hold the promise of facilitating procedures in small, geometrically complex spaces, such as those seen cardiothoracic surgery, with even lower risks of infection and patient discomfort than possible with multiple-port systems. However, the mechanical sophistication of these robotic devices requires careful consideration of morphological design to ensure that the complexity and cost of design is not economically prohibitive enough to outweigh the clinical benefits of improved robot flexibility. This study focuses on the intelligent design of a kinematically redundant, single-port MII robot architecture by way of morphological optimization. This MII device morphology is optimized to access the cardiothoracic cavity through a single 12 mm subxiphoid port and reach several regions of interest, consistent with procedures such as epicardial ablation and therapeutic substance injection, with minimal physiologic disturbance. The optimization process employs a recently developed morphological fitness metric to measure a candidate morphology's ability to navigate the cardiothoracic environment and perform surgical maneuvers with high end-effector flexibility while maintaining safe distances from anatomical structures. This fitness metric uses a Jacobian-based formulation to quantify a robot's capacity to avoid collisions with motion impediments and to minimize the mechanical torque required for the intended task. In addition to performance-based criterion, this optimization process also considers design factors such as part manufacturability and expense which heavily influence economic feasibility. Morphological optimization is performed by searching the mechanical design parameter space, which consists of part dimensions and linkage types, using genetic algorithms. The execution of specific surgical maneuvers is simulated for each candidate morphology until the fitness metric is maximized. Final simulations of the optimized device morphology working in the cardiothoracic cavity are performed to demonstate the functional advantages of the optimized single-port robot over current multiple-port systems.
COPING WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF RAPE

The coping strategies that a victim of a rape engages in can have a strong impact on the development and persistence of psychological symptoms. Research provides evidence that victims who rely heavily on avoidance strategies, such as suppression, are less likely to recover successfully than those who rely less heavily on these strategies. The present study utilized structural path analysis to identify predictors of avoidance coping following rape and examined factors in the assault itself (e.g., force, alcohol use), sequelae of the assault (e.g., self-blame, loss of self-worth), and social support as potential direct and indirect predictors of avoidance coping. From a sample of 1,253 university women, the responses of 216 women who endorsed an experience of rape were examined. Results suggested that sequelae of the assault such as feelings of self-blame and negative reactions received from others are potentially important predictors of avoidance coping. Implications of the results for future rape recovery research are discussed.
Dynamic Programming and Connected Component Analysis for an Enhanced Pavement Distress Segmentation Algorithm

Automatic pavement distress segmentation is essential for automatic classification and evaluation of pavement conditions during maintenance. Improving the speed and accuracy of the many algorithms for image-based pavement crack segmentation remains a challenge. Although a dynamic programming-based (DP-based) algorithm is more accurate than other crack segmentation methods, its practical use is limited by the required long computation time. A fast algorithm for pavement crack segmentation needs to be developed with the use of DP and multiscale characterization of fundamental crack elements on connected components in grid cells. The proposed algorithm integrated the accuracy of DP and the high speed of grid cell and connected component analyses. Region-based nonuniform background illumination was removed, and the pre-processed image was divided into grid cells. Multiscale characterization of fundamental crack elements was conducted to differentiate the significant crack elements from the noncrack components...
The Immigrant Preschool

Today, internationally, early childhood education, whether as nursery schools, kindergartens, or other forms of preschool, is a fully integrated feature of public and private education systems. The kindergarten, for example, had its origin in nineteenth century Germany. Following the 1848 revolution, exiled followers of Friedrich Froebel carried the kindergarten idea to England, America, and other European nations. From these early kindergarten apostles, the idea of the kindergarten flowed around the world so that by World War I, all industrialized and many industrializing nations had incorporated the kindergarten into their educational landscape. People and ideas arriving in new societies enter into a cultural exchange, maintaining at the same time as amending and adapting their social and cultural practices. By this process, in each setting the kindergarten and other forms of early childhood education were transformed and rooted as an institution that was simultaneously international and local.
Opportunity for Unity Collaborative: Building Healthy Communities by Empowering Young Adults

No community is immune to the devastating effects of youth violence, although some are disproportionately affected— particularly 10 to 24 year old males of African-American and Hispanic descent. This study examines one community's effort to reduce youth violence by hiring influential young adults and coordinating the work of community-based organizations that address the underpinnings of community violence (e.g., domestic violence, substance abuse, environmental injustice). The grassroots collaborative project targeted young adults with and without criminal histories to work with these agencies for positive social change. Results demonstrate that those tarnished with criminal records demonstrated significant gains in social capital and sense of empowerment, thus creating the potential for reduced future criminal behavior and strengthened communities.
Determination Of Plate Contours With A Servo-Scanning Interferometer

The history of Badoz's principle of linear detection of fringes having a potential precision of 5 X 10-6 orders and its applications to the measurement of birefringence, to ellipsometry, and to interferometry are given. The application of the principle to a servo-scanning interferometer (Twyman-Green configuration) for the calibration of the instrument, the analysis of the data, and the determination of the absolute contour of small plates is described. The problems of the interferometry and the determination of absolute contours, and the prospects for improving the precision from that attained, 1 /70 fringe, to the very much greater potential of Badoz's principle are discussed.
Consciousness for the twenty-first century

. Human action and experience are the outcome of genes and memes. Not only are both of these represented in consciousness, but consciousness mediates their claims and thus governs our choices. Hence it is important how consciousness is ordered and where it is directed. Sorokin's typology of the sensate and the ideational (“spiritual”), and the dialectic between them, is relevant to this issue. In our period of history, the sensate factors of materialism and secularism need to be dialectically counterbalanced by the reinforcement of memes that value the spiritual intimations of the realm beyond the senses. As we approach the twenty-first century, the memes that will undergird our spirituality will be those that resacralize nature and emphasize our unity as humans with all of universal reality, in an idea of common “beinghood.” Spiritual systems that accord with this trend in evolution will have to respect three conditions. They will (1) integrate the sensate and the ideational; (2) reflect the importance of the “flow” state of optimal experience, which matches ever-complexifying skills with comparable challenges; and (3) move the fulcrum of their worldview from the human being to the network of beings and its evolution.
First Report of a Demodex sp. in Raccoons (Procyon lotor)

Demodex spp. mites were seen in skin sections of 5 of 53 raccoons (Procyon lotor) necropsied on Parramore Island, Virginia (USA). In all infections, mites were present in the skin over the lower legs; in one raccoon they also were located in a follicle of a vibrissa. None of the raccoons had Demodex-related gross lesions. Histopathologically, minimal lesions were seen in the affected follicles. This is the first documentation of Demodex spp. in raccoons.
Influence of bicarbonate and humic acid on effects of chronic waterborne lead exposure to the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)

Abstract Historically, the USEPA has only considered water hardness when establishing acute and chronic water quality criteria (WQC) for lead (Pb) in freshwater. Yet, recent evidence suggests that hardness may not be protective during chronic Pb exposure and that other factors (e.g., dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and alkalinity) influence toxicity. In fact, we have recently shown that Ca 2+ (as CaSO 4 ) does not protect against Pb accumulation in fathead minnows ( Pimephales promelas ) during chronic exposures whereas DOC as humic acid (HA) clearly does. To more clearly define the water chemistry parameters mediating chronic Pb toxicity we carried out 300 d exposures to study the influence of DOC and alkalinity on Pb accumulation and toxicity to fathead minnows at 2 different Pb concentrations (170 and 580 nM (35 and 120 μg/L)). Alkalinity was adjusted by addition of 500 μM NaHCO 3 and DOC by addition of 4 mg/L HA. Fish were collected at 4, 30, 150 and 300 d of exposure to measure growth and Pb accumulation. Breeding assays (21 d) were performed at the end of these exposures to assess reproductive and larval behavioral endpoints. To determine whether effects were acute or chronic, switched breeding exposures were performed in which control breeders were transferred to either high or low Pb conditions and Pb-exposed breeders transferred to tap water without Pb. Mortality and growth effects were observed primarily in the high Pb treatments and within the first 10 d of exposure. Strong protection against Pb accumulation was afforded by increased DOC at both Pb concentrations. Increased alkalinity also appeared to moderately reduce Pb accumulation although not to the level of statistical significance. Tissue distribution of Pb was analyzed at 300 d and was found to accumulate mostly in bone, gill, intestine and kidney. Unexpectedly, high Pb reduced total reproductive output and increased average egg mass in the HCO 3 − and DOC treatments but not in the control water (+Pb) treatments. No statistically significant differences in egg hatchability or egg Pb accumulation were observed. Results from switched exposures suggest that embryo Pb accumulation arose from acute exposure to embryos rather than parental transfer. Finally, prey capture assays revealed potential Pb-induced motor/behavioral impairment in 10-d-old F1 larvae exposed to high Pb in all water treatments.