cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New developments in millimeter-wave beam control arrays

Designs for a new generation of high performancequasi-optical millimeter-wave beam control arrays arepresented. Through the use of low loss coplanarwaveguide bias lines and improved processing techniques,wide bandwidth switching arrays and narrow bandwidthbeam steering/focusing arrays are under development withpredicted modulation rates in excess of 1 GHz.
Increasing circulating sphingosine-1-phosphate attenuates lung injury during ex vivo lung perfusion

Abstract Background Sphingosine-1-phosphate regulates endothelial barrier integrity and promotes cell survival and proliferation. We hypothesized that upregulation of sphingosine-1-phosphate during ex vivo lung perfusion would attenuate acute lung injury and improve graft function. Methods C57BL/6 mice (n = 4-8/group) were euthanized, followed by 1 hour of warm ischemia and 1 hour of cold preservation in a model of donation after cardiac death. Subsequently, mice underwent 1 hour of ex vivo lung perfusion with 1 of 4 different perfusion solutions: Steen solution (Steen, control arm), Steen with added sphingosine-1-phosphate (Steen + sphingosine-1-phosphate), Steen plus a selective sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitor (Steen + sphingosine kinase inhibitor), or Steen plus both additives (Steen + sphingosine-1-phosphate + sphingosine kinase inhibitor). During ex vivo lung perfusion, lung compliance and pulmonary artery pressure were continuously measured. Pulmonary vascular permeability was assessed with injection of Evans Blue dye. Results The combination of 1 hour of warm ischemia, followed by 1 hour of cold ischemia created significant lung injury compared with lungs that were immediately harvested after circulatory death and put on ex vivo lung perfusion. Addition of sphingosine-1-phosphate or sphingosine kinase inhibitor alone did not significantly improve lung function during ex vivo lung perfusion compared with Steen without additives. However, group Steen + sphingosine-1-phosphate + sphingosine kinase inhibitor resulted in significantly increased compliance (110% ± 13.9% vs 57.7% ± 6.6%, P 0001) and decreased pulmonary vascular permeability (33.1 ± 11.9 μg/g vs 75.8 ± 11.4 μg/g tissue, P = .04) compared with Steen alone. Conclusions Targeted drug therapy with a combination of sphingosine-1-phosphate + sphingosine kinase inhibitor during ex vivo lung perfusion improves lung function in a murine donation after cardiac death model. Elevation of circulating sphingosine-1-phosphate via specific pharmacologic modalities during ex vivo lung perfusion may provide endothelial protection in marginal donor lungs leading to successful lung rehabilitation for transplantation.
Thirty-day unplanned postoperative inpatient and emergency department visits following thoracotomy.

Abstract Background Unplanned visits to the emergency department (ED) and inpatient setting are expensive and associated with poor outcomes in thoracic surgery. We assessed 30-d postoperative ED visits and inpatient readmissions following thoracotomy, a high morbidity procedure. Materials and methods We retrospectively analyzed inpatient and ED administrative data from California, Florida, and New York, 2010-2011. “Return to care” was defined as readmission to inpatient facility or ED within 30 d of discharge. Factors associated with return to care were analyzed via multivariable logistic regressions with a fixed effect for hospital variability. Results Of 30,154 thoracotomies, 6.3% were admitted to the ED and 10.2% to the inpatient setting within 30 d of discharge. Increased risk of inpatient readmission was associated with Medicare (odds ratio [OR] 1.30; P Conclusions Following thoracotomy, postoperative ED visits and inpatient readmissions are common. Patients with public insurance were at high risk for readmission, while patients with underlying lung cancer diagnosis had a lower readmission risk. Emphasizing postoperative management in at-risk populations could improve health outcomes and reduce unplanned returns to care.
It’s better to be lucky

Presidential Address at the 2018 SAGES Annual Meeting Seattle, Washington, April 13, 2018. Working together, there is no limit to what SAGES teams can achieve with innovation, passion, persistence, and a little luck. The speech highlights several SAGES initiatives, and he recognizes their champions.
Land-based drip-irrigated culture of Ulva compressa: The effect of culture platform design and nutrient concentration on biomass production and protein content

This work developed a laboratory prototype methodology for cost-effective, water-sparing drip-irrigation of seaweeds, as a model for larger-scale, on-land commercial units, which we envision as semi-automated, inexpensive polyethylene sheet-covered bow-framed greenhouses with sloping plastic covered floors, water-collecting sumps, and pumped recycling of culture media into overhead low-pressure drip emitters. Water droplets form on the continually wetted interior plastic surfaces of these types of greenhouses scattering incoming solar radiation to illuminate around and within the vertically-stacked culture platforms. Concentrated media formulations applied through foliar application optimize nutrient uptake by the seaweeds to improve growth and protein content of the cultured biomass. An additional attribute is that seaweed growth can be accelerated by addition of anthropogenic CO2-containing industrial flue gases piped into the head-space of the greenhouse to reuse and recycle CO2 into useful algal biomass. This demonstration tested three different drip culture platform designs (horizontal, vertical and slanted) and four increasing fertilizer media concentrations (in seawater) for growth, areal productivity, and thallus protein content of wild-collected Ulva compressa biomass, against fully-submerged controls. Cool White fluorescent lights provided 150-200 μmol photon m-2 s-1 illumination on a 12/12 hr day/night cycle. Interactive effects we tested using a four-level single factorial randomized block framework (p<0.05). Growth rates and biomass of the drip irrigation designs were 3-9% day-1 and 5-18 g m-2 day-1 (d.w.) respectively, whereas the fully-submerged control group grew better at 8-11% per day with of 20-30 g m-2 day-1, indicating further optimization of the drip irrigation methodology is needed to improve growth and biomass production. Results demonstrated that protein content of Ulva biomass grown using the vertically-oriented drip culture platform and 2x fertilizer concentrations (42:16:36 N:P:K) was 27% d.w., approximating the similarly-fertilized control group. The drip methodology was found to significantly improve gas and nutrient mass transfer through the seaweed thalli, and overall, the labor- and-energy-saving methodology would use a calculated 20% of the seawater required for conventional on-land tank-based tumble culture.
Insomnia predicts increased perceived burdensomeness and decreased desire for emotional support following an in-laboratory social exclusion paradigm.

Abstract Background Research suggests that insomnia is associated with elevated perceptions of loneliness and social disconnection; however, few quasi-experimental studies have tested the relationship between these constructs. This study examined whether insomnia symptom severity predicts changes in perceptions of interpersonal connectedness and desire for emotional support following in-laboratory participation in a social exclusion paradigm. Methods Young adults (N = 70) completed self-report measures assessing constructs of interest before and after engaging in a social exclusion paradigm (Cyberball). Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate whether baseline insomnia symptom severity predicted perceived burdensomeness, desire for emotional support, and thwarted belongingness after playing Cyberball; analyses controlled for baseline perceived burdensomeness, desire for emotional support, and thwarted belongingness, respectively, as well as baseline social anxiety and depression symptoms. Results Greater insomnia symptom severity significantly predicted greater feelings of perceived burdensomeness following Cyberball participation, beyond baseline perceived burdensomeness, social anxiety symptoms, and depression symptoms (β= .24, p = .001). More severe insomnia symptoms also significantly predicted lower desire for emotional support after playing Cyberball, beyond baseline desire for emotional support and social anxiety symptoms (β= -.14, p = .03) but not beyond baseline depression symptoms (β= -.16, p = .07). Insomnia symptoms were not significantly associated with thwarted belongingness after Cyberball (β= -.05–.08, p = .27–.57). Limitations Replication in larger samples and using other sleep disturbance indices is needed. Conclusions Findings suggest that individuals with more severe insomnia symptoms in the past two weeks experience greater perceptions of being a burden on others and less desire for emotional support in response to social exclusion.
Virulence-driven trade-offs in disease transmission: A meta-analysis.

The virulence-transmission trade-off hypothesis proposed more than 30 years ago is the cornerstone in the study of host-parasite co-evolution. This hypothesis rests on the premise that virulence is an unavoidable and increasing cost because the parasite uses host resources to replicate. This cost associated with replication ultimately results in a deceleration in transmission rate because increasing within-host replication increases host mortality. Empirical tests of predictions of the hypothesis have found mixed support, which cast doubt about its overall generalizability. To quantitatively address this issue, we conducted a meta-analysis of 29 empirical studies, after reviewing over 6000 published papers, addressing the four core relationships between (1) virulence and recovery rate, (2) within-host replication rate and virulence, (3) within-host replication and transmission rate, and (4) virulence and transmission rate. We found strong support for an increasing relationship between replication and virulence, and replication and transmission. Yet, it is still uncertain if these relationships generally decelerate due to high within-study variability. There was insufficient data to quantitatively test the other two core relationships predicted by the theory. Overall, the results suggest that the current empirical evidence provides partial support for the trade-off hypothesis, but more work remains to be done.
Far Lateral Tubular Decompression: A Case Series Studying One and Two Year Outcomes with Predictors of Failure.

Introduction The optimal surgical treatment of isolated lumbar foraminal stenosis has not been defined. Minimally invasive decompression of the foramen from a far lateral tubular decompression (FLTD) approach has been shown to not only have minimal morbidity but also highly variable success rates at short-term follow-up. It is important to quantify improvement and define the demographic and radiographic parameters that predict failure in this promising, minimally invasive surgical technique. This study investigates pain and disability score improvement following FLTD at 12 and 24 months and investigates associations with failure. Methods All patients who underwent lumbar FLTD by a single surgeon at a single institution from September 2015 to January 2018 were included in this prospective case series. Visual analog scale (VAS) for back pain and leg pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were collected preoperatively and at the 12- and 24- month follow-ups. Outcomes between visits were fitted to a linear mixed-effects model. The univariate analysis investigated demographic, radiographic, and operative associations with subsequent open revision. Results A total of 42 patients were included in this study. Back pain (VAS 5.84 to 3.32, p<0.001), leg pain (VAS 7.33 to 2.71, p<0.001), and ODI (48.97 to 28.50, p<0.001) demonstrated significant improvements at the 12-month follow-up. Back pain (VAS 3.71, p=0.004), leg pain (VAS 3.04, p<0.001), and ODI (30.63, p<0.001) improvements were maintained at 24-month follow-up. Four patients (9.5%) required subsequent open revision. Subsequent open revision was associated with prior spine surgery (RR=2.85 (2.07-3.63), p=0.045) and scoliosis ≥10° (RR=6.33 (4.87-7.80), p=0.013). Conclusion Back pain, leg pain, and ODI showed significant improvement postoperatively. Improvement is maintained at two years. Prior spine surgery and scoliosis ≥ 10° may be relative contraindications to FLTD.
An Iterative Learning Approach for Online Flight Path Optimization for Tethered Energy Systems Undergoing Cyclic Spooling Motion

This paper presents an iterative learning based approach for optimizing the crosswind flight path of an energy-harvesting tethered system that executes cyclic spool-inlspool-out motions. Through the combination of a high-tension crosswind spool-out motion (made possible through a high lift wing) and low-tension spool-in motion, net energy is generated at every cycle. Because the net energy generated by the system is highly sensitive to the crosswind flight patterns used on spool-out, and because the motions of the system are repetitive, we use an iterative learning formulation to optimize the flight patterns in real time. Using a medium-fidelity dynamic model, we demonstrate that an optimization approach based on iterative learning control (ILC) significantly increases the average power generated by such a system.
Chaos is a ladder: A study of identity, norms, and power transition in the Game of Thrones universe:

This article examines the interplay between identities, norms and power transition in the HBO series Game of Thrones. Using discourse analysis of season 7’s transcripts and viewing the show, I conc...
Schwann cell development: From neural crest to myelin sheath

Vertebrate nervous system function requires glial cells, including myelinating glia that insulate axons and provide trophic support that allows for efficient signal propagation by neurons. In vertebrate peripheral nervous systems, neural crest-derived glial cells known as Schwann cells (SCs) generate myelin by encompassing and iteratively wrapping membrane around single axon segments. SC gliogenesis and neurogenesis are intimately linked and governed by a complex molecular environment that shapes their developmental trajectory. Changes in this external milieu drive developing SCs through a series of distinct morphological and transcriptional stages from the neural crest to a variety of glial derivatives, including the myelinating sublineage. Cues originate from the extracellular matrix, adjacent axons, and the developing SC basal lamina to trigger intracellular signaling cascades and gene expression changes that specify stages and transitions in SC development. Here, we integrate the findings from in vitro neuron-glia co-culture experiments with in vivo studies investigating SC development, particularly in zebrafish and mouse, to highlight critical factors that specify SC fate. Ultimately, we connect classic biochemical and mutant studies with modern genetic and visualization tools that have elucidated the dynamics of SC development. This article is categorized under: Signaling Pathways > Cell Fate Signaling Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development.
Do Firms’ Inflation Expectations Matter in Their Employment and Wages? Causal Evidence

This paper investigates how the difference between firms' inflation expectations, measured by the loan amounts they demand, and actual inflation affects their employment. In addition, it examines the relationship between firms' inflation expectations and wages in an individualistic bargaining model. Theoretically, the model shows that a firm's actual labor demand meets its expected labor demand if the firm has a rational expectation regarding inflation. On the other hand, the firm's actual labor demand deviates from its expected labor demand if the firm cannot forecast inflation correctly. Empirically, using firm-level data from a province in Iran between 2004 and 2011, the model's predictions have been tested. The empirical results confirm that there is a specific loan amount for which firms' expected employments meet their actual ones. In contrast, there is a gap between firms' expected employments and their actual ones for any other loan amount. Furthermore, the result indicates that there is a positive and significant relationship between the loan amounts demanded by firms and wages. These results can be explained by firms' inflation expectations that show they are not consistent with full-information rational expectations models, though they are not far away from them.
Confrontation During COVID

The opportunity to face one’s accuser is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment’s Confrontation Clause. However, our legal system has utilized videoconferencing technology long before Zoom became a verb in the American lexicon. And in Maryland v. Craig, the United States Supreme Court established a two-step “necessity and reliability” test for video testimony offered by child survivors of sexual abuse against their alleged abuser. As we move towards an increasingly virtual world during the COVID-19 pandemic, courts, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and legal scholars are conflicted as to whether government witnesses in criminal trials should be permitted to testify by videoconference in our new socially-distant reality and beyond. In this Note, I enter this debate by offering two proposals. In the short term, I contend that judges should not extend Craig to permit accusatory witnesses to testify over videoconference during the pandemic. A Rule 15 deposition, I contend, is a more constitutionally-sound alternative to in-person testimony than is video testimony because it provides the defendant the opportunity to confront the witness in-person (albeit socially-distant). In the long term, I argue that the Court should remove its reliability and public policy analyses in Craig, which have been rendered impermissible by its later decision in Crawford v. Washington. Instead, the Court should adopt what I call “hierarchy of methods” approach, permitting video testimony only when securing in-court testimony or Rule 15 deposition of an essential witness is infeasible.
Abstract PS12-18: Efficacy of everolimus and exemestane for the treatment of metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in patients previously treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors

Background: Everolimus in combination with exemestane (EVE+EXE) was initially FDA approved to treat metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (mHRBC) in patients previously treated with nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors based on the BOLERO-2 trial. However, none of the patients in the BOLERO-2 trial received prior CDK4/6 inhibitors, which have become standard of care for mHRBC. There is limited data to support the use and clinical benefit of EVE+EXE in mHRBC patients previously treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors. Methods: We reviewed patients ≥18 years old with mHRBC treated with EVE+EXE at our institution from January 1, 2012, to April 1, 2020. Patients were excluded if they received EVE+EXE ≤30 days. Data collected included patient and tumor characteristics, prior therapies in the metastatic setting, adverse drug events, and clinical outcomes. The primary objective was to compare progression free survival (PFS) for EVE+EXE between patients with and without prior exposure to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS) and safety. Group comparisons were performed by two-sample t test or Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables and Pearson’s chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Log-rank test was used to compare the PFS and OS between groups. Results: One-hundred ninety two patients were included in the study; 79 patients had received prior CDK4/6 inhibitor based therapies, while 113 patients did not. Baseline patient characteristics such as histology, menopause status, de novo metastatic disease, presence of lung or liver metastases, and bone only disease were similar between groups. There was a median of 2 lines of treatment in the metastatic setting prior to receiving EVE+EXE in both groups. Fewer patients received prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting in those who received prior CDK4/6 inhibitors (32.9% vs 49.6%, p=0.032). In patients who received a prior CDK4/6 inhibitor, median PFS was 3.9 months (95% CI: 3.5 to 4.8) compared to 5.5 months (95% CI: 4.0 to 6.3) in those who did not receive a prior CDK4/6 inhibitor (HR for progression, 1.46; 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.97, p=0.013). Overall survival between groups was not significantly different. A total of 32 (16.7%) patients discontinued EVE+EXE due to intolerance or adverse drug events. Conclusion: Patients who received a prior CDK4/6 inhibitor had a lower median PFS benefit from EVE+EXE compared to those who did not. Citation Format: Hanjie Mo, Catherine E Renna, Halle CF Moore, Jame Abraham, Megan L Kruse, Alberto J Montero, Susan B LeGrand, G Thomas Budd. Efficacy of everolimus and exemestane for the treatment of metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in patients previously treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS12-18.
Frequency and animal demographics of mouthing behavior in companion dogs in the United States

Abstract Problem behavior in companion animals can result in reduced quality or length of life for the animal, as well as stress for the human owners. In particular, mouthing is commonly described by dog owners as problematic (Shabelansky & Dowling-Guyer, 2016). However, there is a paucity of both descriptive and inferential data on the frequency or predictors of the behavior. The purpose of this study was to provide population-level data on mouthing behavior in companion dogs in the United States. Although there is known disagreement about the definitions of biting and mouthing behavior, mouthing was defined for this study as behavior where the dog’s teeth or inner lips touch human skin or clothing. Data collected via surveys from dog owners indicated that a high percentage of the dog population engages in mouthing and that many owners find the behavior to be undesirable. Analyses indicated that the prevalence of this behavior is significantly correlated with age, although many dogs continue mouthing into adulthood. Additionally, the frequency and severity were also negatively correlated with age and owner desire to reduce the behavior. Future research should address disagreement on the labels and definitions of mouthing versus biting and experimentally assess efficacious interventions to reduce mouthing in young dogs and avoid mouthing in adult dogs.
Improving scientific communication with service, education and career development.

A trainee-run group that provides editing and schema design services not only enhances scientific communication for clients, but also trains its members in communication, writing and other transferrable skills.
Polyethylene ionomers. The effect of annealing

The effect of annealing on the morphological structure and properties of a poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) ionomer is discussed. The density of samples annealed at different temperatures was measured and compared with densities calculated from calorimetry measurements assuming additivity of component volumes. At intermediate annealing temperatures, densities calculated from calorimetry are higher than densities experimentally measured. Also, at intermediate annealing conditions the X-ray scattering associated with separation of ionic groups changes, and the multiple DSC melting endotherms merge into a single endotherm. These effects are thought to be caused by a thickening of polyethylene lamellae to a uniformly large fold distance which causes strain of the non crystallizable polymer segments and void formation. Der Einflus des Temperns auf Gestalt und Eingenschaften eines Poly-(athylen-co-methacrylsaure)-ionomeren wird diskutiert. Die Dichte von Proben, die bei verschiedenen Temperaturen getempert worden waren, wurde gemessen und mit den Dichten, die aus kalorimetrischen Messungen unter der Annahme von Volumenadditivitat berechnet wurden, verglichen. Bei mittleren Tempertemperaturen sind die Dichten, die aus kalorimetrischen Daten berechnet werden, hoher als die unmittelbar gemessenen Dichten. Auserdem andert sich bei mittleren Temperbedingungen die Rontgenstrahlenstreuung, die durch die Trennung ionischer Gruppen hervorgerufen wird, und die mehrfachen Maxima in den Schmelzendothermen gehen in ein einziges Maximum uber. Es wird angenommen, das diese Effekte durch eine Verdickung der Polyathylenlamellen unter Ausbildung eines einheitlichen Faltungsflachenabstands verursacht werden, was eine Spannung der nicht kristallisierbaren Segmente zur Folge hat.
Pilot study of an energy conservation education program delivered by telephone conference call to people with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To modify and pilot test a face-to-face group energy conservation education program for delivery by group telephone teleconference to people with multiple sclerosis. PARTICIPANTS: 29 community dwelling individuals with multiple sclerosis. METHODS: The first phase of the study involved the modification of an existing energy conservation education program to accommodate teleconference delivery. The second phase involved a pilot test of the intervention using a basic pre/post intervention design. Licensed occupational therapists delivered the intervention. OUTCOME MEASURES: Fatigue severity, fatigue impact, health related quality of life, self-efficacy for performing energy conservation strategies, and use of energy conservation behaviors. FINDINGS: Using an a priori alpha of p = 0.10, paired t-tests found significant reductions in fatigue severity, fatigue impact, and improvements in the following aspects of quality of life: bodily pain and general health. Average effect size was 0.31. The most used energy conservation strategies after the course were simplifying activities, adjusting priorities, changing body position, resting, and planning the day to balance work and rest. CONCLUSION: The pilot study supports on-going development and testing of energy conservation education delivered by teleconference to people with multiple sclerosis.
Systematic derivation of contour integration formulae for laplace and elastostatic gradient BIE's

A complete set of contour integrands is derived for the primary BIE's of elastostatics and potential flow. Because of surface-independent properties of vector potentials, these apply to nonplanar surfaces and can be differentiated at the fixed point, producing contour integrands for both the so-called hypersingular and Cauchy singular parts of the gradient BIE. The results are applicable to ‘far field’, ‘near field’ and ‘on surface’ cases. Numerical examples demonstrate exact agreement with surface quadrature, and contour plots are given showing variation of the hypersingular integrands in ‘on surface’ cases.
Recent progress in micromachining technology and application in implantable biomedical systems

This paper reviews recent developments in micromachining technologies for the fabrication of microsensors, microactuators, and integrated microsystems, and illustrates their application in implantable biomedical systems. Micromachining technologies such as bulk silicon micromachining, surface micromachining and electroplating techniques are first reviewed, and the most recent advances that have been made in each of these technologies are discussed. As microsystems become more complex, these three mainstream technologies will be increasingly used and combined to build complex systems at low cost. Many of these technologies have been utilized in the development of implantable biomedical systems. These systems offer a number of difficult actuators, and electronics or a combination of them, requirements that need to be satisfied, including small size, low power, functional versatility, and stable and biocompatible packaging. New micromachining and sensor technologies have been utilized to satisfy these challenges. This paper will also review integrated implantable microsystems that combine microsensors for measuring electrical and physical biological parameters, electronics for sensor interface and signal processing, telemetry for wireless communication and powering, and micromachining for batch packaging.
Rook theory, compositions, and zeta functions

A new family of Dirichlet series having interesting combinatorial properties is introduced. Although they have no functional equation or Euler product, under the Riemann Hypothesis it is shown that these functions have no zeros in Re(s) > 1/2. Some identities in the ring of formal power series involving rook theory and continued fractions are developed.
Low power, type II errors, and other statistical problems in recent cardiovascular research

Frequently in biomedical literature, measurements are considered “not statistically different” if a statistical test fails to achieve a P value that is < or = 0.05. This conclusion may be misleadin...
Recovery of a temperate riverine fish assemblage from a major diesel oil spill

SUMMARY 1. Biological resilience is of heightened concern in increasingly anthropogenic landscapes. Quantification of faunal resilience across a wide range of spatial scales and geographical areas is necessary to understand factors influencing the rate and degree of recovery, especially in fragmented ecosystems. 2. We evaluated the recovery of a riverine fish assemblage from a major diesel oil pipeline spill and associated fish kill in 37 km of the Reedy River, South Carolina, U.S.A. The fish assemblage was monitored at four disturbed sites within the fish kill zone and one upstream, undisturbed reference site over a 112-month (9.3-year) period following the disturbance. We used non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS) ordination to evaluate change in fish assemblage structure among sites and to determine the degree of recovery in assemblage structure. 3. NMS ordination of species relative abundance in two dimensions represented 93% of the total variation in fish assemblage structure among samples and illustrated recovery of the fish assemblage. Initial dissimilarity in assemblage structure was evident between the disturbed sites and the reference site, reflecting high mortality from the oil spill. The disturbed sites as a group increased in similarity to the reference assemblage with time, while the reference assemblage remained relatively stable. Strongest similarity in assemblage structure between the disturbed group and the reference group was achieved by October 2000 (52 months post-disturbance), indicating recovery from the oil spill. Remaining variation in assemblage structure was consistent with longitudinal site position and comparable to that of an undisturbed reference river, attributable to inherent longitudinal variation along the 37-kilometre river section. 4. Recovery rate among sites varied in relation to proximity and connectivity to recolonisation sources on a landscape scale. Recovery of the uppermost disturbed site was faster than the other disturbed sites because of its proximity to the undisturbed main stem fish assemblage, whereas the three most downstream sites were slower to recover largely because of isolation by anthropogenic barriers. These observations illustrate the influence of fragmentation on fish assemblage resilience at large spatial scales.
Purification and properties of rat lung soluble glutathione peroxidase

Abstract Gluthathione peroxidase (gluthatione:hydrogen-peroxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.9) has been purified approximately 2700-fold from rat lung soluble fraction. The purified enzyme was shown to be homogeneous by sodium dodecyl sulfate/urea polyacrylamide gel electrphoresis. Selenium-75 tracer cochromatographed with the enzyme activity, indicating that rat lung soluble gluthathione peroxidase is a selenium enzyme. The enzyme had an approximate molecular weight of 80 000 and contained four identical subunits. The optimal activity of the enzyme was at between pH 8.8 and 9.1. The enzyme had general specificity toward hydroperoxides, and high specificity for reduced glutathione. The kinetic behavior of the purified lung soluble glutathione peroxidase followed a ping-pong-like mechanism; the enzyme first reduced the lipid hydroperoxide substrate to the corresponding hydroxy fatty acid, then was regenerated to the native form by reduced glutathione.
Equivalence problems in structural identifiability

Abstract This paper presents a reformulation of the identifiability problem, on the basis of equivalence between a model and the process it represents. Following a brief review of the major definitions in the literature, the concept of “near-equivalence” is introduced for both theoretical and real world identification problems. This concept is illustrated with a general block diagram and two examples. It is concluded that the theory of identifiability needs to be reformulated if it is be broadly applicable to the real world situations.
A multiclinic double-blind comparison of timolol and hydrochlorothiazide alone and in combination in the treatment of essential hypertension

In a multicenter randomized double-blind trial, we compared the antihypertensive effects of 12 weeks of therapy using timolol maleate, a new beta-adrenergic blocking agent, alone and in combination with hydrochlorothiazide, and hydrochlorothiazide alone in 70 outpatients with mild to moderate uncomplicated essential hypertension (61 of whom completed the study). All three groups showed significant blood pressure reductions in both supine and standing positions which were most marked in the timolol-hydrochlorothiazide group (154/103 leads to 129/85 mm Hg). A good or excellent therapeutic response was obtained in 20 of 21 patients in the timolol-hydrochlorothiazide group. In 16 of 20 patients receiving timolol alone, and in 10 of 20 receiving hydrochlorothiazide alone. Adverse reactions were minimal in all treatment groups but highest in the hydrochlorothiazide group. It was concluded that timolol-hydrochlorothiazide combination is more effective than either drug alone for management of hypertension and that timolol alone or with hydrochlorothiazide is well tolerated.
Studies on the regulation of ribosephosphateisomerase activity in Pediococcus pentosaceus

Abstract A number of normal cellular catabolites have been found to interfere with the conversion of ribose 5-phosphate to acetyl phosphate ( via phosphoketolase (EC 4.1.2.9) pathway reactions) in crude, cell-free extracts of Pediococcus pentosaceus . Fructose diphosphate, glucose 6-phosphate and 6-phosphogluconate inhibited this conversion; whereas, fructose 6-phosphate, glucose 1-phosphate and free glucose were without effect. In the case of 6-phosphogluconate, the interference was shown to occur, at least in part, at the level of ribosephosphate isomerase activity. Ribosephosphate isomerase ( d -ribose-5-phosphate ketol-isomerase, EC 5.3.1.6) in the organism was partially purified and analyzed in respect to its substrate affinity and reaction equilibrium. The ability of 6-phosphogluconate to control the rate of isomerization of ribose 5-phosphate to ribulose 5-phosphate in vitro has lead to suggestions concerning possible implications in vivo . In this connection, a tentative working model has been proposed suggesting that 6-phosphogluconate control over ribosephosphate isomerase may, under certain conditions, regulate the intracellular availability of ribose 5-phosphate for nucleic acid synthesis. It has been further speculated that such a regulatory function could provide some basis for delineating the mechanism of catabolite repression of formation of certain inducible enzymes.
Effect of rater training on reliability and accuracy of mini-CEX scores: a randomized, controlled trial.

Background Mini-CEX scores assess resident competence. Rater training might improve mini-CEX score interrater reliability, but evidence is lacking.
Open supraglottic laryngectomy

Abstract Standard open supraglottic laryngectomy provides a means to treat supraglottic carcinoma while maintaining physiologic speech and swallowing without the need for a permanent tracheostoma. The oncologic principles, techniques for resection and reconstruction and postoperative management issues are discussed.
Resonant raman scattering induced by pressure tuning of bulk and colloidal microcrystallite cadmium sulfide

Abstract We have used Resonant Raman scattering induced by pressure tuning to study the phase transition of bulk and 40–80 A colloidal microcrystallite CdS. The experimental results show that the bulk CdS undergoes a well defined first order phase transition at 27 kbar and the intensity of the Raman scattering increases sharply when the level of the intermediate state (bound exciton I2) is close to the photon energy. After the phase transition no Raman scattering and photoluminescence can be observed. However, the phase transition in the colloidal CdS is quite different from the bulk CdS and the phase transition occurs over a large pressure region up to 50 kbar. We attribute this different pressure behavior in colloidal CdS to the effect of surface reconstruction and large surface distortion energy of the small particles.
Early return to REM sleep after nocturnal awakening in depression.

Sixteen male outpatients with major depression and 20 age-equated healthy controls were awakened from rapid eye movement (REM) sleep between 1:30 and 3:30 AM, and the rapidity of return to REM sleep was determined. The time it took to return to REM sleep was reduced in depressives compared with controls: 61.6 (17.9 SD) min versus 80.6 (24.9 SD) min, respectively (p = 0.01). The time elapsed until the return to REM sleep was significantly correlated with baseline REM latency in controls (but not depressives). In contrast, return to REM time was significantly correlated with depression severity scores in depressives (but not controls). There was no evidence to support the hypothesis that the more rapid return to REM sleep in depression was caused by a slow wave sleep deficit. The mechanism underlying the rapid return of REM sleep in depression thus may be related to a severity-linked disturbance, such as a proposed increase in REM "pressure."
The electrophoretic mobility of serum lysozyme.

The electrophoretic mobility of serum lysozyme in 2 patients with raised enzyme levels was identical to that of γ-globulins. Similar mobility was observed after incubation of lysozyme and normal serum. Incubation with one hypogammaglobulinemic serum showed that lysozyme could also acquire α2 mobility.
Squeezing of phonoritons in semiconductors

If a semiconductor sample is illuminated by hight-intensity electro-magnetic radiation near the resonance, the occupation number of polaritons in the same mode is large and the interaction between polaritons and phonons become very important. This interaction leads to the formation of a new kind of elementary excitation called phonoriton, which actually is a coherent superposition of excitons, photons, and longitudinal acoustic phonons under Brillouin scattering of an intense polariton. The phonoritons have been studied theoretically and experimentally and have been found in Cu2O. In this work we discuss the squeezing of phonoritons inside semiconductors from a theoretical point of view. We found the squeezed states, or so called 'low-noise' states- the states of reduced quantum noise with reducing effect of vacuum fluctuation, for phonoritons. It shows that the phonoritons are intrinsically squeezed. From our results we also have the possibility to tune the squeeze amplitude, what is important both theoretically and experimentally.
Rational Approximation with Varying Weights, II

We consider two problems concerning uniform approximation by weighted rational functions {wnrn}∞n=1, wherern=pn/qnhas real coefficients, degpn??n] and degqn?sn], for given?>0 ands?0. Forw(x):=exwe show that on any interval 0, a] witha?(0, â(?, s)), every real-valued functionf?C(0, a]) is the uniform limit of some sequence {wnrn}. An implicit formula forâ(?, s) was given in the first part of this series of papers; in particular,â(1, 1)=2?. Forw(x):=x?with?>1 we show that uniform approximation of real-valuedf?C(b, 1]) on b, 1] by weighted rationalswnrnis possible for anyb?(b(?; ?, s),1), whereb(?; ?, s) was also found in Part I; in particular,b(?; 1, 1)=tan4((?/4)((??1)/?)). Both of the mentioned results are sharp in the sense that approximation is no longer possible ifâis replaced byâ+?orbis replaced byb??with?>0. We use potential theoretic methods to prove our theorems.
Design and Operation of a Spray Dryer for the Manufacture of Hollow Microparticles

Spray-drying technology is used in a wide variety of processes ranging from manufacture of food products to pharmaceuticals. Most recently, spray-drying technology has also been explored to make hollow microparticles. This work presents an approach that designs a spray-drying chamber using a rate-based description combined with a droplet size distribution model. The major criterion in the design is the desired moisture content of the final particle. The predictions of the final particle properties are compared to experimental data obtained from a laboratory spray-drying unit. The results show that the final spray-drying design is sensitive to liquid feed flow rate, inlet drying gas temperature, and heat loss.
High-efficiency expression/cloning of epidermal growth factor-receptor-binding proteins with Src homology 2 domains

Abstract Src homology 2 domains bind to tyrosine-phosphorylated growth factor receptors and are found in proteins that serve as substrates for tyrosine kinases, such as phospholipase C-gamma 1 and ras GTPase-activating protein. We have previously described the cloning of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase-associated p85 from expression libraries with the tyrosine-phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor as a probe. We have now modified this technique by using T7 polymerase-based expression libraries, which significantly improves sensitivity of the method. In one screening of such a library, we identified five different murine Src homology 2 domain-containing proteins, which we call GRBs (growth factor receptor-bound proteins). Two of these proteins represented the tyrosine kinase fyn and the mouse homologue of phospholipase C-gamma 1, whereas two genes encoded proteins similar to v-crk and NCK. We also isolated the gene for GRB-7, which encodes a protein of 535 amino acids. In addition to a Src homology 2 domain, GRB-7 also has a region of similarity to the noncatalytic domain of ras GTPase-activating protein and is highly expressed in liver and kidney. Use of this expression/cloning system should increase our ability to identify downstream modulators of growth factor action.
Kidney transplantation and the ageing immune system

The world population is rapidly growing and ageing at a pace that is projected to continue for at least three decades. This shift towards an older populace has invariably increased the number of individuals with diseases related to ageing, such as chronic kidney disease. The increase in chronic kidney disease is associated with a growing number of elderly patients receiving kidney transplants. Understanding how the immune system changes with increasing age will help to define the risks of rejection and infection in the elderly population and will focus attention on the need for individualized immunosuppression for patients in this age group. This Review addresses what is currently known about ageing and the immune system, highlighting age-related changes that affect the outcome of transplantation in elderly individuals. The need for new strategies to improve outcomes in this growing population of elderly renal transplant recipients is also emphasized.
Effect of Formulation Factors on Penetration of Hydrocortisone through Mouse Skin

The effect of formulation factors on the steady-state flux of hydrocortisone through mouse skin was evaluated. The flux of hydrocortisone from solutions containing propylene glycol as a cosolvent varied inversely with the propylene glycol concentration. Solutions containing 2-propanol gave flux values higher than those obtained from propylene glycol solutions and independent of the 2-propanol concentration. Addition of polysorbate 80 to 2-propanol-water solutions produced an increase in flux at low surfactant concentrations that reached an apparent limiting value at higher concentrations. The penetration flux was the same from solutions and gels. The role of vehicle-skin interactions in penetration is emphasized.
Instability of harems of feral horses in relation to season and presence of subordinate stallions

Male horses (Equus caballus) defend harems of females (bands) year-round and throughout their lifetimes. A male's lifetime reproductive success depends upon the number of females in his harem. Although harems have previously been reported as remaining stable over many years, during the two years of this study 30 % of the adult females in an island population of feral horses changed harems during late winter. The seasonal differences in harem stability resulted from seasonal differences in the abundance and distribution of food. The spacing between band members was greater and the frequency of social interactions between them was lower in winter than in summer. In addition, the amount of time devoted to grazing increased in winter. These differences are attributed to the lower availability of suitable vegetation duirng winter. Harem stability did not depend on the age of females, the size of the harem, nor the age of the harem stallion, but did depend on the presence of subordinate stallions attached to the band. All of the females that changed bands left single-male bands; multi-male bands were stable throughout the study.
Is pneumonia really the old man's friend? Two-year prognosis after community-acquired pneumonia

Is pneumonia "the old man's friend"--a terminal event for patients who will otherwise die soon of underlying chronic disease? If so, chronological age might influence treatment policy. We investigated the predictors of 2-year mortality after patients' admission to hospital for community-acquired pneumonia, and focused on the predictive value of age. In a prospective cohort study 141 consecutive patients were admitted to hospital with community-acquired pneumonia. Clinical, laboratory, and sociodemographic data were collected on admission. Comorbidity was categorised as mild, moderate, or severe by a physician based on the patient's medical history. Survival was assessed at 24 months after discharge. 22 (16%) patients died in hospital. Of the remaining 119, 38 (32%) died over the next 24 months. In a Cox model, 2-year mortality was independently related to severe comorbidity (relative risk [RR] = 9.4) or moderate comorbidity (RR = 3.1), and to haematocrit less than 35% (RR = 2.9) (all p or = to 0.2). Old age should not be a sole criterion for withholding aggressive treatment of community-acquired pneumonia.
The neutral atmospheres of comets

A comprehensive review of current knowledge about the neutral gas atmospheres of comets is given, with emphasis on the task of deriving the chemical composition of the cometary nucleus. The discussion centers on the following major topics: photometric and spectrophotometric observations of the neutral atmosphere and its constituent neutral radicals, molecules, and atoms; excitation processes responsible for the observed emissions from the neutral coma; the parent molecules of the neutral radicals; the gas-phase chemistry likely to take place in the dense inner coma; dynamic models (both exospheric and hydrodynamic) of the neutral atmosphere; and the chemical compositions of comets. The primary conclusions reached on the basis of all the data considered are that: (1) the chemical composition of the dust component is most likely to be the same as that of the stream meteoroids which burn up on hitting the earth's upper atmosphere; (2) the dominant icy component in most comets is probably H2O; and (3) anomalous abundances of other volatile species are present in some comets.