cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of synergy in polymicrobial infections

Communities of microbes can live almost anywhere and contain many different species. Interactions between members of these communities often determine the state of the habitat in which they live. When these habitats include sites on the human body, these interactions can affect health and disease. Polymicrobial synergy can occur during infection, in which the combined effect of two or more microbes on disease is worse than seen with any of the individuals alone. Powerful genomic methods are increasingly used to study microbial communities, including metagenomics to reveal the members and genetic content of a community and metatranscriptomics to describe the activities of community members. Recent efforts focused toward a mechanistic understanding of these interactions have led to a better appreciation of the precise bases of polymicrobial synergy in communities containing bacteria, eukaryotic microbes, and/or viruses. These studies have benefited from advances in the development of in vivo models of polymicrobial infection and modern techniques to profile the spatial and chemical bases of intermicrobial communication. This review describes the breadth of mechanisms microbes use to interact in ways that impact pathogenesis and techniques to study polymicrobial communities.
QTL influencing baseline hematocrit in the C57BL/6J and DBA/2J lineage: age-related effects

Baseline serum hematocrit varies substantially in the population. While additive genetic factors account for a large part of this variability, little is known about the genetic architecture underlying the trait. Because hematocrit levels vary with age, it is plausible that quantitative trait loci (QTL) that influence the phenotype also show an age-specific profile. To investigate this possibility, hematocrit was measured in three different age cohorts of mice (150, 450, and 750 days) of the C57BL/6J (B6) and the DBA2/J (D2) lineage. QTL were searched in the B6D2F2 intercross and the BXD recombinant inbred (RI) strains. The effects of these QTL were explored across the different age groups. On the phenotypic level, baseline serum hematocrit declines with age in a sex-specific manner. In the B6D2F2 intercross, suggestive QTL that influence the phenotype were located on Chromosomes (Chr) 1, 2, 7, 11, 13, and 16. With the exception of the QTL on Chr 2, all of these QTL exerted their largest effect at 750 days. The QTL on Chr 1, 2, 7, 11 and 16 were confirmed in the BXD RIs in a sex- and age-specific manner. Linkage analysis in the BXD RIs revealed an additional significant QTL on Chr 19. Baseline serum hematocrit is influenced by several QTL that appear to vary with the age and sex of the animal. These QTL primarily overlap with QTL that have been shown to regulate hematopoietic stem cell phenotypes.
Time-resolved study of electron-hole plasmas near the liquid-gas critical point in Si: Evidence for a second condensed phase.

At low temperatures and sufficient densities, free excitons in Si and Ge undergo simultaneous gas-liquid and insulator-metal transitions into droplets of electron-hole liquid. Some previous theoretical and experimental studies have suggested that, under certain values of density and temperature, there may be separate metal-insulator and liquid-gas transitions. In the present paper, we examine the difficult transcritical region for electron-hole liquid formation in unstressed Si using time- and space-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. Using the latest models for the luminescence of electron-hole plasma and small excitonic complexes (EC's), we have succeeded in characterizing the complicated luminescence spectra both above and below the liquid-gas critical temperature [${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$(LG)\ensuremath{\approxeq}24.5 K] with a relatively small number of free parameters. Near the liquid-gas critical point the luminescence spectra are analyzed as contributions from four lines: the high-density electron-hole liquid (EHL), a lower-density electron-hole plasma (EHP), free excitons (FE's), and excitonic complexes. After a sufficient thermalization time, the temperature of all phases settles to a value indistinguishable from the lattice temperature. The line shapes of FE's and EC's are calculated using previously established parameters. Using the latest band-renormalization theory, the pair density of the plasma phases (EHL and EHP) determines both the position and the shape of the spectrum.Therefore the analysis of these complex spectra is reduced to five free parameters: A single parameter describing the intensity of the FE line (the intensity of the EC line shape is linked to that of the FE using an experimentally determined scaling relation), the intensities of the two plasma components EHL and EHP, and the pair densities of these two plasmas. These parameters are sufficient to characterize the spectra over a wide range of particle density and temperature. The EHP density obtained in this way is remarkably independent of temperature and particle density, providing evidence for a second condensed phase of electron-hole plasma. The condensed liquid has a density of about one-tenth that of the ground-state electron-hole liquid and is observed both above and below the EHL critical temperature. An excitonic phase diagram for silicon is described which includes two condensed plasmas. A triple point at 18.5 K is observed where the electron-hole liquid coexists with the lower-density condensed plasma (CP) and excitonic gas. Above this temperature the CP is observed at all temperatures up to a second critical point at 45\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 K. We also consider the hypothesis that the extra luminescence attributed to the CP is instead due to large excitonic complexes. Using the recently determined binding energies of large excitonic complexes and the measured gas volume, we conclude that the density of these species is too small to account for the observed luminescence.
Mechanical aortic valve malfunction: an intraoperative BioGlue complication.

References 1. Enzinger FM, Weiss SW. Liposarcoma. In: Enzinger FM, Weiss SW, editors. Soft tissue tumors, 3rd ed. St Louis: Mosby; 1995. p. 431-66. 2. Attal H, Jensen J, Reyes CV. Myxoid liposarcoma of the anterior mediastinum. Diagnosis by fine needle aspiration biopsy. Acta Cytol. 1995;39:511-13. 3. Ng C, Stebbing J, Judson I. Cardiac metastasis from a myxoid liposarcoma. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 2001;13:384-5. 4. Wong SP, Ng CS, Wan S, Lee TW, Wan IY, Yim AP, et al. Giant metastatic myxoid liposarcoma causing cardiac tamponade: a case report. Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2002;32:480-2. 5. Kendall SW, Williams EA, Hunt JB, Petch MC, Wells FC, Milstein BB. Recurrent primary liposarcoma of the pericardium: management by repeated resections. Ann Thorac Surg. 1993;56:560-2.
CLASSIFICATION OF CEREBRAL INFARCTION AFTER SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE IMPACTS OUTCOME

OBJECTIVE Cerebral infarction (CI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is well described, but there is no validated classification. METHODS We prospectively enrolled 119 consecutive patients with SAH. We recorded admission World Federation of Neurological Societies grade and Columbia computed tomographic scores. Vasospasm was defined as transcranial Doppler of greater than 120 cm/second or typical clinical symptoms. CI was defined by computed tomographic or magnetic resonance imaging scan, and the date of discovery was recorded. CI was classified by a previously published method (single versus multiple, cortical versus deep versus combined). Outcomes were assessed at 14 days or discharge with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and at 28 days and 3 months with the mRS. RESULTS Vasospasm was associated with a higher risk of CI (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-5.6; P = 0.01). The median time to detection was 4.2 days (interquartile range, 1.6-7.6 days) after SAH onset. CI classification was associated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at 14 days (P = 0.002) and intensive care unit length of stay (P = 0.001). CI location (cortical, deep, or combined) was associated with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and mRS score at 14 days, and mRS score at 28 days and 3 months (P </= 0.02 for all). In a multiple logistic regression model, CI classification, World Federation of Neurological Societies grade, aneurysm diameter, and age were all associated with mRS score at 28 days and 3 months (P </= 0.05). Combined cortical and deep CI was associated with less improvement and poor outcome. CONCLUSION CI classification predicts outcomes after SAH. Future reports of CI after SAH should include this or similar descriptive information.
Meniscus treatment and age associated with narrower radiographic joint space width 2 – 3 years after ACL reconstruction: Data from the MOON onsite cohort

Summary Objective To identify risk factors for radiographic signs of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA) 2–3 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction through multivariable analysis of minimum joint space width (mJSW) differences in a specially designed nested cohort. Methods A nested cohort within the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) cohort included 262 patients (148 females, average age 20) injured in sport who underwent ACL reconstruction in a previously uninjured knee, were 35 or younger, and did not have ACL revision or contralateral knee surgery. mJSW on semi-flexed radiographs was measured in the medial compartment using a validated computerized method. A multivariable generalized linear model was constructed to assess mJSW difference between the ACL reconstructed and contralateral control knees while adjusting for potential confounding factors. Results Unexpectedly, we found the mean mJSW was 0.35 mm wider in ACL reconstructed than in control knees (5.06 mm (95% CI 4.96–5.15 mm) vs 4.71 mm (95% CI 4.62–4.80 mm), P P P P = 0.001) were also significantly associated with mJSW difference. Conclusion Semi-flexed radiographs can detect differences in mJSW between ACL reconstructed and contralateral normal knees 2–3 years following ACL reconstruction, and the unexpected wider mJSW in ACL reconstructed knees may represent the earliest manifestation of post-traumatic osteoarthritis and warrants further study.
The pattern discrimination problem from the perspective of relation theory

Abstract Pattern discrimination is viewed from the perspective of relation theory. Measurement data is a binary relation from the set of units to the set of measurements and the category identification data is a binary relation from the set of units to the set of categories. The decision rule is a binary relation from the set of measurements to the set of categories. First, no structure is assumed on the set of measurements or the set of units and the form of the optimal decision relation is determined for the case of unit independence. Then a binary relation dependence structure is assumed on the set of units and two approximating forms of decision relations are determined. The approximating decision relation for the unit dependence case has a distinctive form quite different from the decision rule which would result from the usual Markov dependence assumption. It is hoped that relation model for pattern discrimination can provide a useful complementary alternative to the statistical model currently in use.
Confirmation of BRCA1 by analysis of germline mutations linked to breast and ovarian cancer in ten families

We provide genetic evidence supporting the identity of the candidate gene for BRCA1 through the characterization of germline mutations in 63 breast cancer patients and 10 ovarian cancer patients in ten families with cancer linked to chromosome 17q21. Nine different mutations were detected by screening BRCA1 DNA and RNA by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing. Seven mutations lead to protein truncations at sites throughout the gene. One missense mutation (which occurred independently in two families) leads to loss of a cysteine in the zinc binding domain. An intronic single basepair substitution destroys an acceptor site and activates a cryptic splice site, leading to a 59 basepair insertion and chain termination. The four families wrth both breast and ovarian cancer had chain termination mutations in the N-terminal half of the protein.
Molecular analysis of HLA-B35 alleles and their relationship to HLA-B15 alleles

The HLA-B35 serotype is one of the largest allelic groups of HLA class I molecules and includes four isotypes. Of the four, the B35 variant isoform is relatively rare and is the most acidic form. DNA sequencing of the rare isoforms revealed three alleles, B*1522, B*3511, and B*3517. A phylogenetic tree of HLA-B15- and HLA-B35-related alleles for the exon 2 and 3 nucleotide sequences showed that exon 2 of B*1522 clusters with B35 alleles whereas exon 3 clusters with B15 alleles. Branches of the tree suggest that the serodeterminants of B35, B62, B63, and B70 may reside in the alpha 1 domain, encoded by exon 2. The B*1520 and B*1522 genes, which type as B62 and B35, respectively, are hybrid molecules alternatively using exon 2 and exon 3 sequences of B*3501 and B*1501. A comparison of intron 2 sequences for B*3501, B*1501 and B*1522 suggests that the recombination site may have been in the region at the 3' end of intron 2. Despite being flanked by two highly polymorphic exons (exons 2 and 3), intron 2 is relatively well conserved in the B-locus, and it is characterized by seven to eight tandem repeats of the CGGGG pentanucleotide. A high degree of sequence homology and repetitive sequences are essential for a significant frequency of recombination. In this report, we reveal more about the complex evolutionary history of the HLA-B alleles.
The dielectric anomaly as the insulator-metal transition is approached from the insulating side

Abstract The dielectric behaviour of monovalent ‘metallic’ impurities is considered as a function of the impurity concentration N as N approaches the critical concentration N c for the onset of metallic behaviour. The different types of screening, namely (1) metallic (Thomas–Fermi, Lindhard), (2) classical semiconductor (Debye–Huckel), and (3) insulator (Penn–Hubbard, Clausius–Mossotti), are briefly reviewed. For the insulator case the Herzfeld criterion, based on the polarization catastrophe resulting from the Clausius–Mossotti relationship, for distinguishing between insulators and metals is discussed. The available experimental dielectric constant data versus doping for metal–ammonia solutions and n-type Si and Ge are reviewed. The reasons for the striking upward deviation from Clausius–Mossotti behaviour for the Si: As data are explored and various alternative approaches are considered. Several theories of the dielectric enhancement are reviewed and a new continuum model calculation of the donor polar...
Theory Can Be Relevant: An Overview of Bioethics for the Practicing Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Familiarity with medical ethical theory and the history of bioethics is helpful for the understanding of the current state of bioethics, as well as possible future developments that will affect physicians and patients alike. This article reviews major schools of thought in bioethics and their relevance to clinical work with children, adolescents, and families. Child and adolescent psychiatrists need to be familiar with major ethical issues in general medicine, psychiatry, and pediatrics, in addition to those controversies that are more specific to their subspecialty. Employing a systematic approach for the identification and analysis of ethical concerns, such as the Four Topics Model of Jonsen and colleagues, improves child and adolescent psychiatrists' confidence that they are aware of ethical quandaries in practice and are addressing these issues in a transparent, well-informed manner.
Diastereotopically distinct secondary deuterium kinetic isotope effects on the thermal isomerization of vinylcyclopropane to cyclopentene

Abstract The (2′-deuterioethenyl)cyclopropanes isomerize to 3-deuteriocyclopentene at 341 °C with k H k D = 1.08 and 1.15 for the Z and E isomers, respectively. These normal effects are consistent with 2Z-penten-1,5-diyl diradical transition structures for the isomerization.
The Structure of Cucumber Mosaic Virus: Cryoelectron Microscopy, X-Ray Crystallography, and Sequence Analysis

The three-dimensional structure of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was analyzed at 23 A resolution by cryoelectron microscopy and image reconstruction, demonstrating structural similarity to cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV), another member of the Bromoviridae family. The CMV structure was determined at 8 A resolution by X-ray crystallography with phases determined by single isomorphous replacement and refined by fivefold noncrystallographic symmetry averaging. The X-ray structure agreed with the electron microscopy reconstruction; the electron density is consistent with beta-barrel subunits arranged with T = 3 quasi-symmetry in an orientation similar to that observed in CCMV. Strong density surrounding the icosahedral threefold axes (quasi sixfold axes in the T = 3 particle) between 80 and 100 A from the particle center formed a cylinder of radius 11 A, similar to the density observed in the same region of CCMV. This density corresponds to the beta-annulus of CCMV, which differentiates hexamers from pentamers and determines the formation of the T = 3 particles. The CMV and CCMV amino acid sequences were aligned, providing information (based on the CCMV atomic model) about the probable distribution of residues in the three-dimensional structure of CMV.
Non-Petroleum Energy And The Petroleum Engineer

The petroleum engineer has been identified almost exclusively with the petroleum and natural gas industries and his role has been viewed primarily as being related to the drilling for and producing of oil and natural gas. Both the field of knowledge and the art unique to petroleum engineering have applications beyond the field of petroleum resources. Some of these applications are germane to the development of other energy sources, but other applications are related to non-energy activities. The role of petroleum engineering in non-petroleum energy areas is discussed with respect to (1) the direct solar radiation system; (2) the atmosphere/ocean system; (3) the biological system; and (4) the fossil system.
Numerical methods for inverse problems in three-dimensional geophysical modeling

We present an overview of work concerning various numerical aspects of some inverse problems in geophysics. Three-dimensional ray tracing in general piecewise smooth inhomogeneous media is used to forward and inverse model the elastic properties of the subsoil. The forward modeling provides an approximation to the propagation of elastic waves in the earth, while optimization methods are coupled with ray tracing in order to fit postulated models to reflection or refraction data.
Long-lived crowded-litter mice exhibit lasting effects on insulin sensitivity and energy homeostasis

The action of nutrients on early postnatal growth can influence mammalian aging and longevity. Recent work has demonstrated that limiting nutrient availability in the first 3 wk of life [by increasing the number of pups in the crowded-litter (CL) model] leads to extension of mean and maximal lifespan in genetically normal mice. In this study, we aimed to characterize the impact of early-life nutrient intervention on glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis in CL mice. In our study, we used mice from litters supplemented to 12 or 15 pups and compared those to control litters limited to eight pups. At weaning and then throughout adult life, CL mice are significantly leaner and consume more oxygen relative to control mice. At 6 mo of age, CL mice had low fasting leptin concentrations, and low-dose leptin injections reduced body weight and food intake more in CL female mice than in controls. At 22 mo, CL female mice also have smaller adipocytes compared with controls. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests show an increase in insulin sensitivity in 6 mo old CL male mice, and females become more insulin sensitive later in life. Furthermore, β-cell mass was significantly reduced in the CL male mice and was associated with reduction in β-cell proliferation rate in these mice. Together, these data show that early-life nutrient intervention has a significant lifelong effect on metabolic characteristics that may contribute to the increased lifespan of CL mice.
Studies on the role of protein synthesis and of sodium on the regulation of ornithine decarboxylase activity.

Abstract The minimum requirements for eliciting or enhancing ornithine decarboxylase activity (EC. 4.1.1.17); L -ornithine carboxylase) in neuroblastoma cells incubated in salts-glucose solutions have been investigated. These incubation conditions permit the study of changes in ornithine decarboxylase activity independently of the growth-associated reactions that occur in cell culture media (Chen, K.Y. and Canellakis, E.S. (1977) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 74, 3791–3795). Ornithine decarboxylase activity can be elicited by a variety of asparagine and other amino acid analogs, including α-aminoisobutyric acid, that cannot participate in protein synthesis. Of the eleven asparagine analogs tested. α-N- CH 3 - DL -asparagine is the most potent in eliciting ornithine decarboxylase activity and is equivalent to asparagine in this regard. Inclusion of polar groups into the asparagine molecule results in the loss of its ability to elicit ornithine decarboxylase activity. With the use of these analogs and of analogs of other amino acids it is shown that the rapid fall in ornithine decarboxylase activity that is noted following cycloheximide treatment may not be a consequence of the inhibition of protein synthesis. The rapid fall in ornithine decarboxylase activity is primarily due to the removal of the agent that elicits and stabilizes its activity. These results, the finding that α-amminoisobutyric acid stimulates ornithine decarboxylase activity and that sodium is required for the stimulation of ornithine decarboxylase activity are discussed in relation to the ‘A’ amino acid transport system.
Developing Nomad for Robotic Exploration of the Atacama Desert

Recent years have seen renewed attention to planetary exploration, and robotics is recognized as essential to many upcoming missions. In this article we describe the ongoing efforts of the Nomad project to develop robots for planetary and terrestrial exploration. The project is developing, demonstrating, and evaluating systems capable of long-distance, long-duration missions. In 1997 this work has resulted in the Atacama Desert Trek, in which a mobile robot named Nomad, explored the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. Nomad's 45-day objective was to travel 200 km across the rugged, barren landscape. We then will describe the technologies for Nomad's transforming chassis, high data-rate communication, safeguarded teleoperation and autonomy, panoramic imaging and visualization, and remote science. We then focus on issues of long-distance, long-duration exploration and describe the events and results of the Atacama Desert Trek.
Platelet-Activating Factor Overturns the Transcriptional Repressor Disposition of Sp1 in the Expression of MMP-9 in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells

PURPOSE. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 is induced in corneal epithelial cells stimulated with platelet-activating factor (PAF), and interferes with the normal reepithelialization of wounded cornea. Here the transcriptional regulation of MMP-9 gene expression by PAF was investigated in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). METHODS. DNA-binding activity of NFB, Sp1, and AP-1 was determined in quiescent and PAF-stimulated HCECs by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). A series of 5 deleted human MMP-9 promoter-luciferase reporter constructs was transiently transfected into HCECs, and luciferase activity was examined after stimulation with PAF. Mutagenesis and specific deletions of some elements in the MMP-9 promoter were also introduced and analyzed. Phosphorylation of Sp1 and MEK/ ERK pathway proteins was examined by Western blot analysis. Activation of Sp1 and MMP-9 was also determined by ELISA and zymography, respectively, in the absence or presence of the MEK inhibitor PD98059. RESULTS. DNA-binding activity of NFB, Sp1, and AP-1 was upregulated by PAF with a peak at 1 hour after stimulation. A region spanning ‐670 to ‐460 relative to the transcription start point was required for the induction of the MMP-9 promoter by PAF. Mutation of the ‐79AP-1 or ‐600NFB motif reduced the activity of MMP-9 promoter and the induction of gene expression by PAF. In untreated HCECs, mutation of the ‐558Sp1 motif upregulated gene expression, but it caused a significant decrease in the promoter activity induced by PAF. Inhibition of MEK activity eliminated the PAF-induced phosphorylation and activation of Sp1 and abolished the upregulation of MMP-9 expression and activity. CONCLUSIONS. These findings demonstrate that collaboration between several regulatory elements is required for the induction of MMP-9 promoter activity by PAF and that PAF overturns the repressor effect of Sp1 through activation of the MEK/ERK signaling cascade. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2007;48: 1931‐1941) DOI:10.1167/iovs.06-1008
Access control for the services oriented architecture

Federated Identity Management (FIdM) is being applied to Services Oriented Architecture (SOA) deployments that cross enterprise boundaries. Though federation is essential in order to address the distributed nature of SOA, these FIdM solutions have been found to be inflexible, unscalable, and difficult to use, manage, and upgrade. We contend that a major reason for these difficulties is that FIdM addresses the wrong aspect of the problem. Specifically, FIdM does not address the federation of access policies. What is needed is a system for Federated Access Management (FAccM). This paper demonstrates the benefits of FAccM over FIdM for SOA deployments and shows how FAccM can be implemented using the existing web services standards.
Computer enhancement of ERTS-1 images for ocean radiances

Abstract Subtle contrasts and low radiances observed by the ERTS multispectral scanner over the ocean require computer enhancement for adequate analysis. Experiments designed to evaluate contrast stretching, ratioing, differencing, smoothing, filtering, and false-color enhancing, indicate that the best information can be extracted by simple contrast stretching. Spectral analysis of the data shows that a low-pass, two-dimensional filter kernel, designed to be 6 db down at 10 scanspots, effectively eliminates the six-line banding caused by the multispectral scanner design. Automatic contouring techniques require careful scrutiny because data fields are created which can lead to false interpretations. Joint histograms of oceanic radiances did not prove to be useful due to the low range of energy in the several spectral intervals. Comparisons of satellite data with surface ship observations confirm theoretical predictions of the difficulty in interpreting scenes of the coastal zone.
Nash equilibria in ∞-dimensional spaces: an approximation theorem

We show, by employing a density result for probability measures, that in games with a finite number of players and ∞-dimensional pure strategy spaces Nash equilibria can be approximated by finite mixed strategies. Given e>0, each player receives an expected utility payoff e/2 close to his Nash payoff and no player could change his strategy unilaterally and do better than e.
GALLOPING RESPONSE OF A CYLINDER WITH UPSTREAM WAKE INTERFERENCE

Abstract A compliantly-mounted rigid cylinder was towed at Re=3×104, 4·75 diameters behind a stationary leading cylinder of the same size. An in-line configuration and a 12-degree staggered arrangement each produced large-amplitude galloping responses, and an upward extension of the frequency lock-in range to a reduced velocity of at least 17. The frequency lock-in begins at nearly the same free-stream reduced velocity as a single cylinder, while a large phase change in the lift force occurs at higher reduced velocities, which can be extrapolated from the single-cylinder lock-in point. Force spectra indicate that shedding from the upstream cylinder is completely unaffected by motions of the trailing cylinder. Furthermore, the motion-coupled peaks suggest that only one lift force cycle and one or two drag force cycles occur per oscillation, the latter depending on the offset.
Online scenario labeling using a hidden Markov model for assessment of nuclear plant state

Abstract By taking into account both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties within the same probabilistic framework, dynamic event trees (DETs) provide more comprehensive and systematic coverage of possible scenarios following an initiating event compared to conventional event trees. When DET generation algorithms are applied to complex realistic systems, extremely large amounts of data can be produced due to both the large number of scenarios generated following a single initiating event and the large number of data channels that represent these scenarios. In addition, the computational time required for the simulation of each scenario can be very large (e.g. about 24 h of serial run simulation time for a 4 h station blackout scenario). Since scenarios leading to system failure are more of interest, a method is proposed for online labeling of scenarios as failure or non-failure. The algorithm first trains a Hidden Markov Model, which represents the behavior of non-failure scenarios, using a training set from previous simulations. Then, the maximum likelihoods of sample failure and non-failure scenarios fitting this model are computed. These values are used to determine the timestamp at which the labeling of a certain scenario should be performed. Finally, during the succeeding timestamps, the likelihood of each scenario fitting the learned model is computed, and a dynamic thresholding based on the previously calculated likelihood values is applied. The scenarios whose likelihood is higher than the threshold are labeled as non-failure. The proposed algorithm can further delay the non-failure scenarios or discontinue them in order to redirect the computational resources toward the failure scenarios, and reduce computational time and complexity. Experiments using RELAP5/3D model of a fast reactor utilizing an Reactor Vessel Auxiliary Cooling System (RVACS) passive decay heat removal system and dynamic analysis of a station blackout (SBO) event show that the proposed method is capable of correctly labeling 100% of failure scenarios as failure and over 80% of non-failure scenarios as non-failure and provide significant simulation time savings.
Simultaneous determination of plasma estrogens, androgens, and progesterone during the human menstrual cycle

Abstract A method is described for the purification and quantitation of estradiol-17β (E2), estrone (E1), testosterone (T), androstenedione (A) and progesterone (P) from a single plasma sample extraction. A combination of Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and thin layer chromatography is used to separate the phenolic and neutral steroids; quantitation of the purified steroids is by radioimmunoassay (E2, E1) and competitive protein binding (T,A,P) techniques. The precision and accuracy of this method is comparable with that reported by others. A preliminary investigation of the temporal relationship between estrogens androgens, progesterone and serum LH during five normal and one short luteal phase menstrual cycle is presented.
Superconductivity: A magnetic isotope effect

The role of phonons in conventional superconductivity — first determined by isotope substitution — has been known for over half a century. But identifying the mechanism in unconventional superconductivity is a much more challenging affair.
Patent Information in Science, Technical, and Medical Library Instruction

Patent information is now freely available online from many patenting authorities. Online tutorials for patent searching are available from engineering, business, and other library Web sites. This article highlights some areas to consider covering in library instruction, reviews patent tutorials, and gives some suggestions for delivering patent searching information to our students and library patrons. Copyright © 2007 Haworth Press. Patent Information in Science, Technical, and Medical Library Instruction “It is dangerous for modern design engineers not to be familiar with the role of patents in a competitive industry.” Charles A. Garris Jr. We can open the door of the world of patent searching to our science, technical, and medical (STM) students. While Garris, as a Professor of Engineering, calls for an understanding of such concepts as designing around a patent, patent litigation, and patent rights as assets, it is easily within our purview to explain the basics of patent searching in the United States patent system, as well as in the systems of other patenting authorities. When we instruct our students in searching databases that cover patent literature we are potentially exposing them to records for patents. Varying by database, Compendex, Inspec, and SciFinder Scholar records provide the following: title, assignee, inventors, patent number, filing date, patent issue date, country of application, and abstract. Compendex only indexes selected patents before 1970. With additional subscriptions, later United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) patents and European patents are included. Inspec only includes selective patents and all are from 1976 or earlier. Almost all of the Patents included come from the U.S. and U.K. SciFinder Scholar searches USPTO, European, and Japanese granted patents and USPTO and World patent applications and gives the International Patent Classification (IPC) code of the invention. Patent information is now freely available online from many patenting authorities. Online tutorials for patent searching are available from engineering, business, and other library Web sites. The following highlights some areas to consider covering in library instruction, reviews patent tutorials, and gives some suggestions for delivering patent searching information to our students and library patrons. SEARCHING UNITED STATES PATENTS Searching patents on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Web site at http://www.uspto.gov has major drawbacks: keyword searching is not available prior to 1976 and accessing and printing the patent image is not seamless.
Antagonism of reserpine rigidity without inducing sedation.

The effects of pretreatment with chloropromazine, promethazine or SKF 7265 on the severity of reserpine-induced rigidity were evaluated using a series of behavioral responses. Chlorpromazine (10 mg/kg) reduced the severity of the syndrome, particularly the tremor, but only at doses that also produced marked sedation. SKF 7265 was more effective than chlorpromazine and produced no detectable sedation or other motor impairment. Promethazine was ineffective in protecting against the effects of reserpine. These studies demonstrate that motor and behavioral abnormalities induced by high doses of reserpine can be blocked without inducing generalized sedation. This would suggest that it is possible to separate pharmacologically the motor pathways responsible for reserpine rigidity and those responsible for sedation.
Thermal conductivity of mixtures in the dense gaseous state: The methane-carbon tetrafluoride system

Abstract Using a coaxial cylindrical cell, thermal conductivities were measured for gaseous methane, carbon tetrafluoride, and three of their mixtures. The nominal temperatures used were 60, 100, 130, and 160°C and pressures from approximately 3 atm up to 680 atm. The experimental values when correlated as residual thermal conductivities, k − k∗, against density showed a slight temperature dependence which decreased with increasing methane concentrations. When this temperature dependence was accounted for, the thermal conductivities of methane, carbon tetrafluoride, and their three mixtures were found to be consistent with the method outlined in the literature which relates (k − k∗)λz5c with ϱR. The experimental values obtained in this study for the methane-carbon tetrafluoride system produced with reduced density a unique relationship which reproduces 215 experimental values with an average deviation of 2.55%.
Changes in Ventilation and Perfusion in Anesthetized Dogs following Lobar Lavage with Saline Solution

The therapeutic application of endobronchial lavage has been inhibited by concern regarding alterations in the exchange of gases, particularly hypoxemia, and by the technical complexity of the procedure. Using a cuffed fiberoptic bronchoscope with which lavage could be restricted to one lobe, we studied the sequence of alterations in the exchange of gases after lavage and the attendant disturbances in ventilation and perfusion in ten mongrel dogs following lobar lavage with 1,850 ml of physiologic saline solution. Sequential scintiphotographs of ventilation and perfusion and sequential measurements of arterial blood gas levels were obtained. Linkage of the computer to the scintillation camera allowed quantification of data on ventilation and perfusion from the lobar area of interest. Lavage induced a reduction in regional ventilation and perfusion in all dogs. The decline in ventilation preceded that in perfusion, and the computed ratio of ventilation over perfusion reached its lowest point during the first 30 minutes after lavage. The arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) declined in all dogs from a mean baseline value of 87 mm Hg to a mean value of 76 mm Hg at 30 minutes after lavage and gradually returned to a mean of 85 mm Hg by six hours after lavage. The lowest values for PaO2 occurred after balloon occlusion prior to lavage. Calculations of shunt showed a minimal increment in the intrapulmonary shunt (QS/QT). In the normal dog, lohar lavage induces mild hypoxemia due to an imbalance of ventilation and perfusion that resolves within six hours.
Global analysis of the multiplicity features of multi-reaction lumped-parameter systems

Abstract Mathematical models of lumped-parameter systems in which many chemical reactions occur simultaneously contain a large number of parameters, so that a p Theoretical guidance is needed to determine all the multiplicity features and the corresponding parameter regions. A systematic, efficient scheme is presented for finding parameter values corresponding to a specific number of solutions. A new scheme is developed for bifurcation diagrams, which describe the dependence of a state variable on a slowly changing operating variable. Some general predictions are made abou systems. Bounds on the values of the bifurcation or state variable may create bifurcation diagrams which cannot be found close to the highest order sin of solutions even when an isola variety does not exist. Several examples illustrate the application of the mathematical techniques.
Interfacial rheology of petroleum asphaltenes at the oil-water interface

A biconical bob interfacial shear rheometer was used to study the mechanical properties of asphaltenic films adsorbed at the oil-water interface. Solutions of asphaltenes isolated from four crude oils were dissolved in a model oil of heptane and toluene and allowed to adsorb and age in contact with water. Film elasticity (G') values were measured over a period of several days, and yield stresses and film masses were determined at the end of testing. The degree of film consolidation was determined from ratios of G'/film mass and yield stress/G'. Asphaltenes with higher concentrations of heavy metals (Ni, 330-360 ppm; V, 950-1000 ppm), lower aromaticity (H/C, 1.24-1.29), and higher polarity (N, 1.87-1.99) formed films of high elasticity, yield stress, and consolidation. Rapid adsorption kinetics and G' increases were seen when asphaltenes were near their solubility limit in heptane-toluene mixtures (approximately 50% (v/v) toluene). In solvents of greater aromaticity, adsorption kinetics and film masses were reduced at comparable aging times. Poor film forming asphaltenes had yield stress/G' values ((1.01-1.21) x 10(-2)) more than 4-fold lower than those of good film forming asphaltenes. n-heptane asphaltenes fractionated by filtering solutions prepared at low aromaticity (approximately 40% toluene in mixtures of heptane and toluene) possessed higher concentrations of heavy metals and nitrogen and higher aromaticity. The less soluble fractions of good film forming asphaltenes exhibited enhanced adsorption kinetics and higher G' and yield stress values in pure toluene. Replacing the asphaltene solutions with neat heptane-toluene highlighted the ability of films to consolidate and become more elastic over several hours. Adding resins in solution to a partially consolidated film caused a rapid reduction in elasticity followed by gradual but modest consolidation. This study is among the first to directly relate asphaltene chemistry to adsorption kinetics, adsorbed film mechanical properties, and consolidation kinetics.
Incidence of Cryptosporidium parvum in the dairy cattle population in a New York City Watershed

A longitudinal study of 2-year duration was conducted to determine the risk, as measured by incidence rate, of Cryptosporidium parvum infection among dairy cattle in the Catskill/Delaware Watershed of New York City (NYC), and the factors that predispose animals to the likelihood of infection. A proportional sampling scheme with follow up at quarterly farm visits was employed for heifers and cows. Additionally, all calves born on the 39 study farms were sampled once during the first four weeks of life and at least once more before weaning. Samples were analyzed for the presence of C. parvum using a quantitative centrifugation concentration flotation technique and a C. parvum-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of the 9914 fecal samples collected, 747 were found to contain C. parvum. The average number of oocysts detected was 1.3x10(5)/g (range: 1.0/g--8.2x10(6)/g). The average age at time of first detection of the organism was 15.0 days with a standard deviation of 6.59 days. The age range of animals infected with C. parvum in the study population was 3--60 days (inclusive). The unadjusted (crude) incidence rate of C. parvum among the entire study population was 2.05 per 1000 animal-days. The unadjusted incidence rate among pre-weaned calves was 15.55 per 1000 animal-days. After controlling for age and prior protozoal risk level, no seasonal impact on the incidence of C. parvum was detected among animals less than 61 days by negative binomial regression. A seasonal impact was identified among the oocyst counts of infected animals after controlling for age and prior protozoal risk level.
Hypothesis: The protein body effect and other aspects of food matrix effects

With regard to the allergenicity of edible seeds and nuts, certain proteins may not be immediately accessible to digestion in the stomach and the upper small intestine because of the nature of the organization of such proteins into protein body organelles. Protein body hydration status, interactions between proteins, phytochemicals, protease inhibitors, and other matrix effects may contribute to the ability of a protein or package of proteins to reach the sites of active immune sampling in the gastrointestinal mucosa and thus be an influence on the potential allergenicity of a protein.
Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method for routine monitoring of 5-fluorouracil in plasma of patients receiving low-level protracted infusions.

Abstract A gas chromatographic—mass spectrometric (GC—MS) method is described which quantitates 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) plasma levels ranging from 0.5 to 50 ng/ml. The analysis uses two internal standards, 1,3-[15N2]-5-fluorouracil and 5-chlorouracil. Extraction and derivatization of the pyrimidine bases were accomplished in a single step using acetonitrile. Compounds were analyzed as their 1,3-dipentafluorobenzyl derivatives by electron-impact MS, and the GC—MS analysis was automated with respect to sample injection and data reduction. Stability of the analysis was demonstrated by continuous unattended analysis of 5-FU in human plasma for periods of up to three days with no deterioration of the quantitative results. The method is applicable to quantitating 5-FU plasma levels in patients receiving protracted infusions of the drug for colorectal cancer or other malignancies.
What constitutes adequate study of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer

This study was undertaken to determine the value of the clearing technique and multilevel sectioning of lymph nodes to aid in optimally examining axillary dissections for lymph node metastases. One hundred consecutive mastectomy specimens with axillary dissections were initially examined by our routine technique: examination of fat for lymph nodes by inspection and palpation and examination of one microsection from each lymph node. The remaining axillary tissue was then cleared using the technique of Durkin and Haagensen and each of the originally examined lymph nodes was resectioned at two additional deeper levels. In our routine examination, 2203 lymph nodes were found with 211 lymph nodes containing metastatic tumor. Clearing disclosed 412 additional lymph nodes, of which 17 contained metastatic tumor. The two additional microsections of lymph nodes revealed tumor in only two lymph nodes which were initially free of tumor. The extended study of the axilla did not add significantly to our routine examination.
Abstract 5051: Retrospective analysis of direct inpatient charges and mortality of leukemia pediatric patients with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Candida, or Aspergillus infections in the United States

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess risk factors that are associated with inpatient charges and mortality rates with Methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Aspergillus, and Candida in children with leukemia. We hypothesize that MRSA and opportunistic fungal infections are associated with higher inpatient charges and worse outcomes relative to those without infections. Identifying the risk factors that affect mortality and inpatient charges of these infections should add to the current knowledge of treating and preventing these infections in immune compromised patients. Methods: Retrospective cohort study using the Agency for Healthcare Research Quality's Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project 2009 KIDS database. Overall, 33,020 individual hospital visits were analyzed for pediatric leukemia patients. Results: Predictors of increased mortality were: Age (OR=1.1, SE=0.02), MRSA (OR=7.2, SE=5.2), Aspergillus (OR=6.3, SE=2.1), Candida (OR=5.7, SE=1.3), and Deyo-Charlson comorbidity scores (OR=1.7, SE=0.13). Significant predictors of increased inpatient charges were: MRSA (OR=2.2, SE=0.35), Aspergillus (OR=2.7, SE=0.25), Candida (OR=2.3, SE=0.15), Female Sex (OR=1.1, SE=0.04), Deyo-Charlson comorbidity scores (OR=1.2, SE=0.04), Urban Hospitals (OR=1.9, SE=0.24), and the Southern Region (OR=0.84, SE=0.2=07). Significant predictors of increased length of stay were similar to predictors of inpatient charges. Conclusions: Although uncommon in leukemia cases involving pediatrics or young adults, risks of higher mortality, length of stay, and inpatient charges were noted in cases involving MRSA, Aspergillus, and Candida. The burden of these illnesses requires further attention in order to improve outcomes among patients with leukemia. Citation Format: Tomas Nuno, Grant H. Skrepnek. Retrospective analysis of direct inpatient charges and mortality of leukemia pediatric patients with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Candida, or Aspergillus infections in the United States. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5051. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5051