cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local ordering and charge transfer during room-temperature annealing of quenched tetragonal YBa2Cu3O6.25.

Neutron powder diffraction was used to study the crystallographic structure of a quenched tetragonal sample of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6.25}$ during room-temperature annealing. It is found that the lattice parameters decrease with anneal time. The time dependence of the two lattice parameters is characterized by a single relaxation time \ensuremath{\sim}760 min. Similar relaxation times were recently found for the electrical resistances ${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{a}\mathit{b}}$, ${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{c}}$, in tetragonal single crystals of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6.25}$. These results are interpreted in terms of local ordering of the oxygen ions in the basal ${\mathrm{CuO}}_{\mathit{x}}$ plane, leading to a charge transfer between the ${\mathrm{CuO}}_{\mathit{x}}$ and ${\mathrm{CuO}}_{2}$ planes. It is the same effect that leads to the rise in ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ observed earlier in orthorhombic ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6+\mathit{x}}$ (xg0.35). The mechanism of the local ordering and the concept of oxygen ions ordering in a structure with tetragonal symmetry are discussed.
Cardiac Hypertrophy Associated with Impaired Regulation of Type2 Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Channel by Calmodulin and S100A1

The cardiac ryanodine receptor ion channel (RyR2) is inhibited in vitro by calmodulin (CaM). Simultaneous substitution of three amino acid residues in the CaM binding domain (W3587A/L3591D/F3603A, RyR2ADA) leads to loss of CaM inhibition at submicromolar (diastolic) and micromolar (systolic) Ca2+ concentrations in vitro and cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure in mice. To address whether elimination of CaM inhibition at diastolic or systolic Ca2+ causes cardiac hypertrophy, a second mutant mouse was prepared with a single amino acid substitution (L3591D, RyR2D) in the CaM binding domain. In single channel measurements, RyR2D lost CaM inhibition at diastolic but not systolic Ca2+, and lost inhibition by the small Ca2+ binding protein S100A1 at both diastolic and systolic Ca2+. In contrast to Ryr2ADA/ADA mice, Ryr2D/D mice had a normal lifespan and cardiac contractility. In 6-month old Ryr2D/D mice, heart-to-body weight ratio increased by 8% with a two-fold upregulation of atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA levels and a 40% decrease in RyR2 content. Differences between mutant and wild-type mice were more prominent in mice subjected to 4 weeks pressure overload using transverse aortic constriction. The results contrast those of Ryr2ADA/ADA mice that have an impaired cardiac contractile performance and die at ∼2 weeks after birth, and suggest that CaM inhibition of RyR2 at systolic Ca2+ is important for maintaining normal cardiac function. Supported by NIH, AHA and NSF.
Packaging study for a 512-channel intraocular epiretinal implant

Much effort has been put into developing multi-channel retinal prosthetic devices. Currently, even the most advanced prostheses do not have enough channels to provide vision to a desirable level. In this paper, we present a system design and a packaging scheme for a 512-channel intraocular epiretinal implant. Both a wireless power coil (with high transfer efficiency) and a data coil are included for this intraocular system. Simulation of the interference between coils is investigated and the results show that the two coils can be put in a co-planar fashion using two notch filters to minimize interference. The complete package is demonstrated with a mechanical model with a parylene-C flexible circuit board, i.e., parylene flex, to show the placement of the IC chips, discrete components, and coils. It also shows the final folded device after surgical insertion into an eye to save space. The feasibility of the proposed structure has been successfully tested in vivo. Experimentally, the maximum allowable pulling force is measured by a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) machine to be 8N, which provides a large safety margin for surgery.
Database Review: PubMed Health

PubMed Health is a free resource maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) for the purpose of gathering systematic reviews of clinical trials. The resource attempts to answer the question of what works when diagnosing and treating diseases and other medical conditions. Information is provided for both clinicians and consumers, and there are additional resources including a medical dictionary and a drug database.
Cost-minimization analysis of darbepoetin alfa versus epoetin alfa in the hospital setting

Purpose. The cost of darbepoetin alfa versus that of epoetin alfa in a hospital setting was studied. Methods. The study was an observational, retrospective review of the hospitalwide use of darbepoetin and epoetin during hospital admissions beginning in the period from January 2003 through April 2003. After the identification from daily charge reports of patients who used at least one of the study drugs during an admission, charts were requested for review. Drug product costs were determined from hospital purchasing information. Material and labor costs were combined to estimate drug administration costs. Total costs were calculated as the sum of drug product costs and administration costs. Results. A total of 429 epoetin records and 80 darbepoetin records were included. The two cohorts were similar with respect to demographic characteristics. With respect to costs, the only significant difference between cohorts was in daily administration costs, which were lower for patients receiving darbepoetin. Sensitivity analysis found lower costs for darbepoetin only after the dose-conversion ratio (DCR) was increased to above 256.74 units:1 μg. The overall DCR based on the median daily dose of each drug was 244.90 units:1 μg. Conclusion. A cost-minimization study in a hospital showed no cost difference between treatment with epoetin and darbepoetin.
The circulation of the airways: anatomy, physiology and potential role in drug delivery to the respiratory tract

Abstract As the pricipal source of blood flow to the conducting airways, the airway circulation can influence the metabolism and clearance of biologically active, locally released substances, the distribution of systemically administered pharmacologic agents to the airway and the absorption of inhaled pharmacologic agents from the airway. There are some preliminary experimental data in humans and other species which support this notion. However, the literature pertaining to the role of the airway circulation in drug delivery, absorption and metabolism is sparse. Nevertheless, a brief review of the anatomical and physiological properties of the airway circulation implies an important role for the airway circulation in the delivery or absorption of pharmacologic agents within the conducting airways.
Real-World Learning of Public Affairs and Environmental Journalism: Two Models

Traditionally, journalism majors gain professional experience before graduation through internships, part-time or summer jobs, and campus media. Those avenues are often insufficient to adequately p...
Multiple Linearization Method for Nonlinear Reliability Analysis

A multiple linearization algorithm for the reliability analysis of nonlinear limit states is presented in this paper. This method identifies several hyperplane approximations to the limit state and computes the failure probability through the union or intersection of the failure domains corresponding to each segment. This approach is useful for both component and system level reliability problems. The multiple linearization points are determined through the secant method. Correlation information about the hyperplanes is used to achieve computational efficiency. Numerical examples are presented to show the benefits of the proposed method.
Early efficacy data with a newer generation of LTD4 antagonists in antiasthma trials: early promise for a single mediator antagonist.

Peptidoleukotrienes (LTC4 , LTD, and LTE4) are implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma 1-3 although proof of their role is contingent upon the outcome of clinical trials with LT antagonists/inhibitors in asthmatics. Asthma is a complex, heterogeneous and chronic inflammatory disease of the lung . Therefore, a single mediator antagonist/inhibitor, such as a LTD, antagonist, may not be very useful for the treatment of asthma ; a speculation supported by clinical results with some of the first LTD, antagonists .', ' However, while still not conclusive, results of several recent small, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies using a new generation of LTD, antagonists suggest that LTD 4 may be an important mediator in asthma . This conclusion is based on the finding that when given either orally, intravenously (i .v .) or by aerosol, these new compounds significantly block antigeninduced early and late phase bronchoconstriction in mild and moderate allergic asthmatics . Before these results can be said to have definitely established the role of LTD4 in asthma, more clinical trials of these compounds, e .g. with an increased patient population and different subsets of patients, as well as with end points other than bronchoconstriction (such as mucus secretion, cell infiltration, bronchial hyperresponsiveness), are undoubtedly needed . Since the discovery of FPL-55,712 as an LT (SRSA) antagonist in 1973, synthesis of acetophenone-like compounds proceeds with the intent of enhancing oral bioavailability/biological half-life and potency of LTD4 antagonism . Clinical results with some analogs from this chemical series, LY-171,883 4 and L649,923, 5 were unrewarding because of the modest ability of these compounds to suppress either cold airinduced bronchoconstriction or antigen-induced early
Enhanced Drechslera sorokiniana leaf spot expression on Poa pratensis in response to photoperiod and blue-biased light☆

Abstract Research was initiated to determine the influence of photoperiod and light quality on the severity of Drechslera sorokiniana leaf spot on Poa pratensis . Subjecting inoculated plants to a 10 h photoperiod in combination with orange-red-biased light (spectrum A) or with a “balanced” spectrum (spectrum B) increased disease. Inoculated plants subjected to a 14 h photoperiodin combination with these spectral regimes reduced disease expression. The effect of photoperiod on disease expression was negated by blue-biased light (spectrum C), and disease was increased on all plants subjected to this spectral regime. Disease severity was substantially increased on inoculated plants subjected to the artificial extremes of continuous dark or continuous light. The results show that pathogenesis of leaf spot produced by D. sorokiniana on P. pratensis is mediated by photoperiod and light quality in a manner highly suggestive of phytochrome involvement.
The Dynamics of Head Activation Changes during Proportioning inHydra oligactiswith Altered Head–Body Ratios

Abstract Normal hydra head–body proportions were altered by axially grafting a second head in place of the lower body column. The resulting animals had double the head tissue and one-quarter the normal body column. Changes in the head activation potential of tissue subjacent to both heads were monitored by assaying the ability of these animals to regenerate heads. The host head, the grafted head, or both heads were removed at varying times following graft construction and the animals were scored for head regeneration and/or the ability to express a head-specific antigen recognized by monoclonal antibody, CP8. In the presence of the grafted head, tissue subjacent to the host head lost the ability to regenerate a head or express the head-specific antigen over a 48-hr period. In the presence of the host head, tissue subjacent to the grafted head regenerated heads at a very low frequency and lost the ability to express the head-specific antigen over the same 48-hr period. Following simultaneous removal of both heads, animals initially regenerated both heads for the first 48 hr after graft construction. Then, both head regeneration and expression of the head-specific antigen declined gradually over the next 3 days, though not to the very low levels observed when one head remained. These data, especially the loss of CP8 labeling, support the hypothesis that loss of regeneration ability was due to a loss of head activation potential in tissues subjacent to the heads. We propose that this reflected the attempt of grafted animals to compensate for the altered head–body proportions through reproportioning. In keeping with this hypothesis, feeding the grafted animals to stimulate growth of body column tissue and a shift toward more normal head–body proportions prior to decapitation resulted in animals which were capable of regenerating heads when decapitated. Several interpretations of the results based on the Gierer–Meinhardt reaction-diffusion model of pattern formation are discussed.
CALHM1 Polymorphism is not Associated with Late‐onset Alzheimer Disease

Summary Data suggests that the P86L polymorphism (rs2986017) in the calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1) gene interferes with CALHM1 functionality, increases Aβ levels, and is associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Previous studies have demonstrated association with P86L and LOAD in three of five case-control cohorts, and a joint analysis of all datasets showed association with a p-value of 2 × 10−10 and an allele-specific odds ratio of 1.44 (2,043 cases, 1,361 controls total). In this short communication we attempt to replicate these results in our case-control cohort (510 cases, 524 controls). We show no association between P86L and LOAD despite having sufficient power to detect at the reported odds ratios, and briefly discuss potential reasons for the discrepancy.
Transient analysis of post-interruption dynamics in cognitive radio networks: An Onsager's regression approach

The transient dynamics of cognitive radio after being interrupted by primary users are studied. The Onsager's regression in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics is applied. The correlation function in the equilibrium state is used to study the time evolution of the deviation from the equilibrium state, according to the principle of Onsager's regression. Analytic approximations have been derived for the correlation function. Motivated by the insight from the approximation of the correlation function, a simple scheduling algorithm is proposed to recover the equilibrium as quickly as possible. Numerical simulations are carried out for a Jackson network model. The validity of the Onsager's regression is verified. The derived approximation of the correlation function is demonstrated to match the true value at the beginning of the relaxation. The proposed scheduling algorithm is shown to outperform a random scheduling scheme.
Barriers Prevent Patient Access to Personalized Therapies Identified by Molecular Tumor Profiling of Gynecologic Malignancies

Objective. This study was designed to evaluate the ability of commercial molecular tumor profiling to discover actionable mutations and to identify barriers that might prevent patient access to personalized therapies. Methods. We conducted an IRB-approved retrospective review of 26 patients with gynecologic malignancies who underwent commercial tumor profiling at our institution during the first 18 months of test availability. Tumor profiles reported targeted therapies and clinical trials matched to patient-specific mutations. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics. Results. Most patients who underwent tumor profiling had serous epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube carcinoma (46%). Patients underwent profiling after undergoing a median of two systemic therapies (range 0 to 13). A median of one targeted therapy was suggested per patient profile. Tumor profiling identified no clinically actionable mutations for seven patients (27%). Six patients sought insurance approval for a targeted therapy and two were declined (33%). One patient (4%) received a targeted therapy and this was discontinued due to tumor progression. Conclusions. There are formidable barriers to targeted therapy for patients with gynecologic malignancies. These barriers include a dearth of FDA-approved targeted agents for gynecologic malignancies, lack of third party insurance coverage and limited geographic availability of clinical trials.
An analytical evaluation of anhydrosugar polymerizations

1,6-Anhydro-2,3,4-tri-O-(p-methylbenzyl)-β-D-glucopyranose (TXGL, M1) has been copolymerized with 1,6-anhydro-2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-β-D-glucopyranose (TBGL, M2). Reactivity ratios, calculated by the Mayo and Lewis procedure, are r1 = r2 = 1.25 ± 0.25. Within experimental error these values represent azeotropic copolymerization. Therefore preceding interpretations of the relative reactivity of TXGL and other benzylated anhydrosugars are not incorrect because the possible effect of p-methyl substitution was ignored. Analysis of this copolymerization system and the reported copolymerizations of TXGL with 1,6-anhydro-2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-β-D-manno-(TBMN) and galactopyranoses (TBGA) by the linear method recently proposed by Kelen and Tudos has confirmed that true copolymerization takes place in all the systems mentioned above and that the classical copolymerization theory adequately describes the copolymerization mechanism. Physical properties of the copolymers of TXGL and TBGL indicate the usual high stereoregularity of structure.
Identification of dithiolethiones with better chemopreventive properties than oltipraz.

Oltipraz and related dithiolethiones are an important class of chemopreventive agents. Studies were undertaken to identify cancer chemopreventive dithiolethiones more active than oltipraz. Largely based upon enzyme induction activities in vitro, 17 dithiolethiones, including oltipraz, were analyzed for their ability to induce hepatic phase II enzyme activities in vivo. Of these compounds, 15 produced greater induction of NAD(P)H:quinone reductase and 11 yielded greater induction of glutathione S-transferase than oltipraz. All 17 dithiolethiones were then tested for their ability to inhibit acute hepatotoxicity by aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ), which previously has been shown to be an intermediate predictor of chemopreventive activity. Rats were pretreated with dithiolethiones (0.3 mmol/kg body wt, three times a week per os) and challenged with two acutely toxic doses of AFBI (0.5 mg/kg body wt, once daily for two successive days per os). Inhibition of hepatotoxicity was measured by changes in body weight gain during AFB 1 challenge, reduction in levels of hepatic enzymes in serum and diminution of bile duct cell proliferation. Nine dithiolethiones spanning a range of responses in this toxicity screen were further tested for their ability to prevent AFBI-induced tumorigenicity, as assessed by a reduction in hepatic burden of putative preneoplastic foci. Six dithiolethiones were found to be considerably more effective than oltipraz in preventing AFB 1 -induced tumorigenesis. In general, dithiolethiones that were very effective in inhibition of acute hepatotoxicity were also found to be effective in prevention of hepatic tumorigenesis.
A Probabilistic Approach to Location Verification in Wireless Sensor Networks

Security plays an important role in the ability to deploy and retrieve trustworthy data from a wireless sensor network. Location verification is an effective first line of defense against attacks which take advantage of a lack, or compromise, of location information. In this work, a probabilistic approach to location verification in dense sensor networks is proposed. The proposed Probabilistic Location Verification (PLV) algorithm leverages the probabilistic dependence of the number of hops a broadcast packet traverses to reach a destination and the Euclidean distance between source and destination. A small number of verifier nodes determine the plausibility of the claimed location, which is represented by a real number between zero and one. Using the calculated plausibility metric, it is possible to create arbitrary number of trust levels in the location claimed. Simulation studies verify that the proposed solution provides high performance in face of various types of attacks.
Statistical considerations for pilot studies

Abstract A pilot study is a non randomized clinical trial that is conducted to decide whether a new treatment should be tested in a large controlled trial. The statistical considerations for this type of study are presented. Criteria for deciding whether a treatment deserves further testing are specified and the required sample size is computed.
The Role of P-75 NGF-R in the Diagnosis of Desmoplastic Melanoma

The histologic diagnosis of desmoplastic melanoma is challenging, particularly when the overlying junctional component is absent and when the spindle cells lack melanin pigment. In these instances, the importance of immunohistochemistry cannot be overemphasized. S-100 protein, with a sensitivity approaching 90%, is the primary immunohistochemical stain used for this purpose. HMB-45, although a more specific marker for melanocytes, is often negative in these cases. A marker of schwannian differentiation, p-75 NGF-R has been shown to be a useful confirmatory marker for desmoplastic and neurotropic melanoma, with staining intensity comparable to or better than S-100 protein. We report two cases of desmoplastic melanoma which stained focally and weakly with S-100 protein in comparison with the stronger staining of p-75 NGF-R. In both cases, S-100 staining could have been missed or interpreted as non-confirmatory, thus misguiding the diagnosis. We therefore suggest that p-75 NGF-R be a complementary marker to S-100 protein in differentiating desmoplastic melanoma from other non-neural crest-derived spindle cell tumors.
“Some of Us Are Good, God-Fearing Folks”: Justifying Religious Participation in an LGBT Christian Church

In this article, I examine how a group of LGBT Christians explained Christianity. Based on more than 36 months of fieldwork in a southeastern LGBT Christian church, I analyze how a group of LGBT Christians, responding to sexual and religious stigma, justified their Christian belief and practice by (1) denying abnormality, (2) appealing to emotions, and (3) claiming self-sacrifice. In conclusion, I draw out implications for understanding how members of subordinate groups justify seemingly normative behaviors, and some consequences these actions have for the reproduction of inequality.
A modified law-of-the-wall applied to oceanic bottom boundary layers

[1] Near the bottom, the velocity profile in the bottom boundary layer over the continental shelf exhibits a characteristic law-of-the-wall that is consistent with local estimates of friction velocity from near-bottom turbulence measurements. Farther from the bottom, the velocity profile exhibits a deviation from the law-of-the-wall. Here the velocity gradient continues to decrease with height but at a rate greater than that predicted by the law-of-thewall with the local friction velocity. We argue that the shape of the velocity profile is made consistent with the local friction velocity by the introduction of a new length scale that, near the boundary, asymptotes to a value that varies linearly from the bottom. Farther from the boundary, this length scale is consistent with the suppression of velocity fluctuations either by stratification in the upper part of the boundary layer or by proximity to the free surface. The resultant modified law-of-the-wall provides a good representation of velocity profiles observed over the continental shelf when a local estimate of the friction velocity from coincident turbulence observations is used. The modified law-ofthe-wall is then tested on two very different sets of observations, from a shallow tidal channel and from the bottom of the Mediterranean outflow plume. In both cases it is argued that the observed velocity profile is consistent with the modified law-of-the-wall. Implicit in the modified law-of-the-wall is a new scaling for turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate. This new scaling diverges from the law-of-the-wall prediction above 0.2D (where D is the thickness of the bottom boundary layer) and agrees with observed profiles to 0.6D.
Antipneumococcal activities of cefpirome and cefotaxime, alone and in combination with vancomycin and teicoplanin, determined by checkerboard and time-kill methods.

The checkerboard titration method was used to test the synergy of cefpirome and cefotaxime with teicoplanin or vancomycin against 35 penicillin-susceptible, 34 penicillin-intermediate, and 31 penicillin-resistant pneumococci. The MICs at which 50 and 90% of isolates are inhibited (MIC50s and MIC90s, respectively) of both cefpirome and cefotaxime were 0.016 and 0.06 microgram/ml, respectively, for penicillin-susceptible strains and 0.125 and 0.5 microgram/ml, respectively, for penicillin-intermediate strains. The MIC50s and MIC90s of cefotaxime for penicillin-resistant strains were 1.0 and 2.0 micrograms/ml, respectively, and those of cefpirome were 0.5 and 1.0 microgram/ml, respectively. All pneumococci were inhibited by cefpirome at MICs of 0.5 to 1.0. No FIC indices indicating antagonism (> 4.0) were found. Synergy between beta-lactams and glycopeptides for three susceptible, three intermediate, and three resistant strains were tested by the time-kill assay, and all combinations were synergistic by this method. Synergy between cephalosporins and glycopeptides can be demonstrated and may be useful for the treatment of pneumococcal infections, especially meningitis.
The Applications Of Fluorine-19 NMR In Medicine

The current research, potential applications, and utilization of 19F-NMR techniques in medicine and biomedical studies are reviewed. The wide ranging possibilities involving spectroscopy and/or imaging include investigations of: metabolic processes using fluorine labeled substrates; enzymatic activity, reaction mechanisms and biomolecular binding; membrane and cell systems; perfluorocarbon compound utility; biodistribution and retention of fluorinated materials including anesthetics; and, gas phase applications.
Sexual Inhibition in Spalangia endius Males After Mating and Time for Ejaculate Replenishment

Although males are often stereotyped as always sexually responsive, a previous study with the parasitoid wasp Spalangia endius showed that males exhibit a post-mating decrease in sexual responsiveness. The present study examined the duration of the decrease and whether waiting to remate increased the amount of ejaculate that a male provided to his second mate. Mated males were back to being as sexually responsive as virgin males by about 5 min after mating. The amount of ejaculate that females received from already mated males was not significantly related to the duration between the male's first and second mating. The short-term decrease in sexual responsiveness of a mated male may prevent him from immediately trying to remate with the same female because it gives her time to get away.
Lysine intake and neurotoxicity in glutaric aciduria type I: towards a rationale for therapy?

Glutaric aciduria type I (GA-I) is a rare cerebral organic acid disorder caused by inherited deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH; EC 1.3.99.7), a mitochondrial flavoprotein catalysing the oxidative decarboxylation of glutaryl-CoA to crotonyl-CoA in the final catabolic pathways of the amino acids l-lysine, l-hydroxylysine and l-tryptophan (Goodman et al ., 1975). Biochemically, GA-I is characterized by an accumulation of the dicarboxylic acids glutaric acid (GA) and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid (3-OH-GA) as well as glutarylcarnitine (Baric et al ., 1999). Clinically, the disease course is complicated by striatal injury during an acute encephalopathic crisis, which is usually precipitated by a catabolic state (e.g. infectious diseases) in infancy or early childhood (Strauss et al ., 2003; Kolker et al ., 2006). If treated before the onset of irreversible neurological symptoms, the encephalopathic crises can be prevented in the majority of children (Strauss et al ., 2003; Naughten et al ., 2004; Kolker et al ., 2006). In particular, maintenance treatment with l-carnitine supplementation and lysine restriction is beneficial for pre-symptomatically diagnosed children (Kolker et al ., 2006). An animal model of GA-I has been developed to study pathophysiology. A detailed analysis of the histopathology, biochemistry, bioenergetics and behaviour of these mice has previously been published (Koeller et al ., 2002; Sauer et al ., 2005). In spite of high levels of GA and 3-OH-GA, these Gcdh−/− mice do not develop striatal degeneration either spontaneously or following a number of triggers, inducing a catabolic state (Koeller et al ., 2002), which contrasts with the association between catabolism and encephalopathic crises in GA-I patients. Recently, Zinnanti et al . reported in Brain (2006) that excessive dietary intake of lysine or protein produced a phenotype in Gcdh−/− mice that resembled some important clinical and neuroradiological …
Measurement of Toxicity of Antiseptics by the Method of Unstained Cell Counts.

SummaryThe method of unstained cell counts provides a simple quantitative means of determining the toxicity of antiseptics to cells. The antiseptics tested differed markedly in their cytocidal activity, sodium sulfathiazole being the least and mercuric chloride the most toxic. Tinctures of merthiolate and zephiran were more toxic than the corresponding solutions. The polymorphonuclear leukocyte was more resistant to most of the reagents tested than the lymphocyte.
On the detection of 50 MeV γ-rays with a large modularized NaI(Tl) detector

Abstract An array of 45 NaI(Tl) crystals modules, each in 20 in. in length and hexagonal in cross section with six 3 in. sides, has been operated as a detector of 50 MeV γ-rays in a search for the decay μ + →e + γ . The calibration procedure used for this detector and the resolutions achieved in γ-ray energy, time of detection and point of impact on the detector face are described.
Family presence on rounds: a systematic review of literature.

Family-centered care has become the new trend in the health care field that involves honoring the patient and families’ perspectives and choices and supporting them in participating in care and decision making at whatever level they choose. Family presence on rounds is one of the guidelines instituted for evidence-based best practices for support of family in the delivery of patient-centered care in the intensive care unit (ICU) but identified as the least studied among all the other aspects of family-centered care in the ICU. From 1988 to 2010, only 1 research study on family presence was conducted in an adult ICU. The purpose of this article was to review research studies related to family presence on medical rounds; reviews that focus on both adults and pediatric patients in the critical and noncritical care settings are also included.
Facial Nerve Antidromic Evoked Potentials

Recording facial nerve potentials generally involves peripheral stimulation of the extratemporal facial nerve and recording a combined electrical potential representing: (1) the peripheral facial muscular response (EMG) and (2) a small proximal antidromic response. In most cases, the very small antidromic facial nerve potential cannot be differentiated from the much larger EMG muscular response. The antidromic response occurs from a progressive depolarization along the intratemporal portion of the nerve into the facial motor nucleus. The spatial orientation of the motor cells within the facial nerve nucleus may account for some of the difficulty in recording this potential. Antidromic responses of the facial nerve are affected by pathologic injury to the facial nerve, i.e., nerve compression. Experimental results in animals with recording of the antidromic evoked potential along the facial nerve and within the facial nerve nucleus are presented. Suggestions for improved recordings in humans are discussed.
Lithoautotrophy in the subsurface

If microorganisms can carry out primary production within the Earth's crust, then the biosphere might not be totally dependent on surface-based photosynthesis. Potential chemical energy from purely geochemical sources within the earth can support growth of a number of known microorganisms, chiefly strict anaerobes, such as methanogens, homoacetogens, and sulfate-reducers. (Chemo)lithoautotrophic microorganisms have been detected in sedimentary systems, but they have not been shown to carry out primary production in situ, at least not without some dependence on surface-based photosynthesis. Microbial communities within igneous rock formations might, of necessity, be based on in situ primary production. Evidence has emerged for the presence of microorganism in basalt below the sea floor, but data on in situ activity are not yet in hand. Microbial communities have been observed, within continental flood basalts and granitic plutons, which appear to be based on in situ primary production by anaerobic bacteria. Geochemical measurements have confirmed that in situ activity is lithoautotrophic. This evidence for subsurface lithoautotrophic microbial ecosystems, which are not dependent on surface organisms, may have profound implications for life on the early Earth, and on other planets, including Mars.
Chick Mortality Associated with Elevated Water Lines and Consumption of Wet Litter

SUMMARY In a nipple waterer study, 55 (6.11%) of 900 total chicks were found dead the day after placement with another 25 to 30 chicks alive but in apparent respiratory distress. Examination of temperature and humidity records revealed no aberrations from the respective set points; however, examination of the dead chicks showed most to have a mass of litter (pine wood shavings) in the mouth cavity. The litter mass appeared to be wet and to physically block the opening of the larynx. Reexamination of the house showed the water line to be 3.5 cm higher than the factory recommended level. Furthermore, several nipples had leaked, which resulted in wet litter. We concluded that in their attempt to satisfy thirst, the smaller chicks consumed the wet litter beneath the leaking nipples and succumbed to choking.
Performance vs. accuracy trade-offs for large-scale image analysis applications

In many data analysis applications, application-level parameters influence the execution time of the data analysis method or program. Some of these parameters also affect the accuracy of output of the analysis. In this work, we investigate execution strategies for adaptive data analysis applications where the user is willing to trade-off accuracy of output for performance gain and vice-versa. In order to meet the user defined quality of service requirements, the system must dynamically select values for the parameters during execution. We propose algorithms for adaptive processing of image tiles at different resolutions so that user defined requirements in terms of accuracy of the result and execution time constraints can be satisfied. We develop heuristics for estimation of accuracy vs performance characteristics of image tiles and for scheduling of the tiles for processing. We implement a demand-driven strategy for parallel execution of these heuristics on a parallel machine. We evaluate our approach for analysis of large images from digitized microscopy scanners.
Multi-model optimization in SWIM

Improving the design and operation of semiconductor manufacturing facilities typically requires the application and integration of results derived from a range of related factory models. The Semiconductor Workbench for Integrated Modeling (SWIM) is an innovative software system that simplifies the task of working with multiple models. This paper describes the research and development leading to the incorporation of model optimization features with the SWIM framework. >
Some correlations between development and respiration in the sand dollar egg, as shown by cyanide inhibition studies.

Cyanide is a valuable tool for studying respiratory mechanisms and their role in embryonic development: it is relatively specific in its action, penetrates cell membranes readily, is active in low concentration, and may be controlled quantitatively (page 217). Echinarachnius is extremely sensitive to cyanide and the oxygen consumption of both eggs and of sperm is almost completely inhibited by 10(-5)M HCN (pages 219 and 221). Cell division is likewise arrested by the same concentration (page 223). One of the pronounced effects of an irreversible dosage of cyanide is the marked cytolysis or breakdown of the egg, both internally and at the cell membrane. This cytolysis appears to be related to the state of metabolism, and its occurrence varies with both the respiratory and developmental activity of the cell (page 224). The lethal dosage of cyanide varies with the state of development of the egg: the unfertilized egg is less susceptible than the fertilized one, and the susceptibility increases as the development of the fertilized egg proceeds (page 228). The Echinarachnius egg differs from that of Arbacia in respiratory behavior chiefly in its inability to survive prolonged anoxia: the sea urchin egg will tolerate for 24 hours a concentration of cyanide that kills the sand dollar eggs in 30 minutes (page 229). The Echinarachnius egg is apparently completely dependent upon cyanide-sensitive catalytic systems for its normal functioning and maintenance. Interference with this aerobic energy release mechanism results in irreversible damage to the egg (page 231).
Anammox sludge immobilized in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogel carriers

This study evaluated the use of PVA cryogels to encapsulate slow-growing anammox bacteria for deammonification treatment of wastewater. The cryogel pellets were prepared by freezing-thawing at � 8 C. On average, pellets contained 11.8 mg-TSS/g-pellet of enriched anammox sludge NRRL B-50286 (Candidatus Brocadia caroliniensis) in 4-mm cubes. They were tested with synthetic and partially nitrified swine wastewater using continuous stirred-tank reactors packed at 20% (w/v). The immobilized gel was retained inside the reactor by a screen that eliminated the need of sludge recycling. The stoichiometry of anammox reaction was maintained for more than 5 months under non-sterile conditions. The process was not limited by substrates availability unless quite low N concentration ( 93% removal efficiency. In mass balances, >80% of the potential N conversion activity was achieved (2920 mg-N/kg-pellet/d). In addition, the immobilized bacteria were resilient to inhibition at high nitrite
A multimodal technology intervention for heart failure patients to reduce readmissions

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent and costly condition. Technology is increasingly being used to deliver patient self-care programs to provide knowledge and skills for early symptom recognition, prompt treatment, and successful management. Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide a home telemonitoring (HT) and telephonic nurse coach (NC) motivational interviewing (MI) educational intervention. Methods: Thirty participants (M age = 75) were enrolled in a three-arm randomized controlled trial. Group A participants ( n = 9) received HT devices, NC, and MI HF self-care education while Group B ( n = 11) had NC, MI HF self-care, and Group C ( n = 9) received NC health promotion only. Results: Eighty-four percent of participants completed the study. Only 1, of the total 9 readmissions that occurred among the 3 groups, was in Group A but there was no statistical significance regarding readmissions. Both depression ( p = .008) and telemedicine satisfaction ( p = .046) were statistically significant between the groups. Over time, Group A participant depression declined ( p = .047) while Group C demonstrated improved self-care confidence ( p = .047). Implications: There are numerous challenges related to the care and management of chronically ill HF patients. Potential benefits that may result from the use of HT in promoting self-care of HF patients should be further explored.
The Influence of the Tropics on Rickets

Excerpt About the year 1650 Glisson, the distinguished English physician and physicist, as the result of an extended study concerning what was believed to be a new disease, published a monograph on...
New Polyolefin Elastomers Containing “Reactive” p-Methylstyrene Units: Preparation by Metallocene Catalysts

Abstract This paper summarizes the experimental results of three new polyolefin elastomers, i.e., poly(1-octene-co- p-methylstyrene (O-p-MS), poly(ethylene-ter-propylene-ter-p-methylstyrene) (EP-p-MS) and poly(ethylene-ter-1-octene-ter-p-methylstyrene) (EO-p-MS), containing “reactive” p-MS units. Both Ziegler-Natta and metallocene catalysts were used in studying co- and ter-polymerization reactions. In the copolymerization of 1-octene and p-MS, Ziegler-Natta catalyst TiCl3/AlEt3 exhibits higher catalyst reactivity to produce high molecular weight O-p-MS copolymers, containing up to 20 mol % p-MS. However, the copolymers show very broad composition and molecular weight distributions. On the other hand, two EP-p-MS and EO-p-MS terpolymers with narrow molecular weight and composition distributions were prepared by [C5Me4(SiMe2NtBu)]TiCl2 metallocene catalyst with constrained ligand geometry. The sharp glass transition temperature (Tg) with flat baseline in each differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curve i...
Machine learning for meeting analysis

Most people participate in meetings almost every day, multiple times a day. The study of meetings is important, but also challenging, as it requires an understanding of social signals and complex interpersonal dynamics. Our aim this work is to use a data-driven approach to the science of meetings. We provide tentative evidence that: i) there are common macro-patterns in the way social dialogue acts are interspersed throughout a meeting, and ii) it is often possible to predict whether a proposal during a meeting will be accepted or rejected based entirely on the language (the set of persuasive words) used by the speaker.
Photoinduced Buphthalmic Avian Eyes. 1. Continuous Fluorescent Light

Abstract Numerous investigations of light induced avian buphthalmia using incandescent light have not defined an etiology. Chickens raised from 2 weeks of age in continuous fluorescent light developed shallow anterior chambers and buphthalmos within the first month of treatment. Chickens raised in continuous fluorescent light developed ocular enlargement similar to that reported in chickens raised in continuous incandescent light. Corneal diameters and axial globe lengths were an inconsistent means of documenting ocular enlargement. Iridocorneal angles were narrowed on scanning electron microscopy.
Crossmodal Matching: A Critical but Neglected Step in Multimodal Research

Research on multimodal information processing has seen a surge in recent years. Most of this research suffers from a significant shortcoming: the failure to perform crossmodal matching. Crossmodal matching refers to equating perceived intensities of stimuli across two sensory modalities. This step is critical for avoiding that modality is confounded with other signal properties. Very few studies include this step, and there is no agreed-upon matching technique. An experiment comparing two different approaches shows that even minor variations can lead to significant differences in match values and intraindividual match variability. Our findings highlight the need for developing and employing a valid crossmodal matching procedure for future studies.
Atomistic Hydrodynamics and the Dynamical Hydrophobic Effect in Porous Graphene

Mirroring their role in electrical and optical physics, two-dimensional crystals are emerging as novel platforms for fluid separations and water desalination, which are hydrodynamic processes that occur in nanoscale environments. For numerical simulation to play a predictive and descriptive role, one must have theoretically sound methods that span orders of magnitude in physical scales, from the atomistic motions of particles inside the channels to the large-scale hydrodynamic gradients that drive transport. Here, we use constraint dynamics to derive a nonequilibrium molecular dynamics method for simulating steady-state mass flow of a fluid moving through the nanoscopic spaces of a porous solid. After validating our method on a model system, we use it to study the hydrophobic effect of water moving through pores of electrically doped single-layer graphene. The trend in permeability that we calculate does not follow the hydrophobicity of the membrane but is instead governed by a crossover between two compe...
The biology of human brain tumors

For the most part, the prediction of prognosis and the design of treatment modalities for patients with brain tumors are judged equivocally by histopathological examination which is empirical and often subjective. While we incompletely understand tumor malignancy, some of the biological features of malignancy such as 1) phenotypic expression, 2) cellular invasiveness, and 3) the rapidity of proliferation should be independently determined. We need some objective methods to analyze these factors quantitatively in order to predict prognosis with certainty and to design tailored treatment modalities. As the brain is encased within the skull, the space available for a tumor to grow before it reaches a size fatal to the patient is severely limited. Thus, prognosis and/or survival of a patient with a brain tumor should be closely related to size and growth rate of an individual tumor and the quantitation of growth potential of an individual brain tumor is extremely important. The development of a monoclonal antibody against bromodeoxyuridine, a thymidine analogue, has made it possible to rapidly estimate proliferative potential of human brain tumors in situ by means of immunohistochemistry. The author reviewed current studies on growth characteristics of various brain tumors and discussed the usefulness of such studies.
Structural Analysis of Human Argonaute-2 Bound to a Modified siRNA Guide

Incorporation of chemical modifications into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) increases their metabolic stability and improves their tissue distribution. However, how these modifications impact interactions with Argonaute-2 (Ago2), the molecular target of siRNAs, is not known. Herein we present the crystal structure of human Ago2 bound to a metabolically stable siRNA containing extensive backbone modifications. Comparison to the structure of an equivalent unmodified-siRNA complex indicates that the structure of Ago2 is relatively unaffected by chemical modifications in the bound siRNA. In contrast, the modified siRNA appears to be much more plastic and shifts, relative to the unmodified siRNA, to optimize contacts with Ago2. Structure–activity analysis reveals that even major conformational perturbations in the 3′ half of the siRNA seed region have a relatively modest effect on knockdown potency. These findings provide an explanation for a variety of modification patterns tolerated in siRNAs and a structur...
“We Will Learn More About the Earth by Leaving It than by Remaining on It.” NASA and the Forming of an Earth Science Discipline in the 1960s

Some recent historical studies have criticized NASA for failing in the 1960s to recognize and make a part of its core mission “earthly environmentalism,” and thereby failed to foster Earth science as a scientific pursuit. This essay responds by discussing the manner in which NASA in a subtle but transformative way encouraged the collaboration of scientists from many different disciplines focused on Earth to transcend disciplinary boundaries using space technology to treat the Earth as an integrated system. Indeed, from limited cooperative efforts in the 1960s overseen by NASA, emerged the broadly interdisciplinary efforts to understand the interactions of Earth in the last quarter of the twentieth century.