cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The relationships between interphase Schwann cells and axons before myelination: A quantitative electron microscopic study

Abstract Electron micrographs of transversely sectioned sciatic nerves removed from newborn, 3-day-old, and 7-day-old rats were used to make montages of comparable areas in the marginal bundle of the posterior tibial fascicle. At each age, the number of axons, their diameter, their relationships with Schwann cell processes, and their degree of myelination were determined. Also, three-dimensional reconstructions of representative fiber groups in the newborn nerve were made from similar montages at 5 additional transverse levels. The results showed that outgrowth of axons and migration of Schwann cells continued after birth. Families of Schwann cells, each surrounded by a common basal lamina, formed the sheaths that subdivided the bundles. Axons to be myelinated appeared to progress radially from a bundle to a 1 : 1 relationship with a Schwann cell at the sheath's outer margin. Sheaths containing multiple Schwann cells became smaller and more numerous as axon bundles were subdivided. Almost all of the isolated Schwann cells, which were separated from their neighbors by collagen were myelinating single large axons.
Physically-based interactive schlieren flow visualization

Understanding fluid flow is a difficult problemand of increasing importance as computational fluid dynamics produces an abundance of simulation data. Experimental flow analysis has employed techniques such as shadowgraph and schlieren imaging for centuries which allow empirical observation of inhomogeneous flows. Shadowgraphs provide an intuitive way of looking at small changes in flow dynamics through caustic effects while schlieren cutoffs introduce an intensity gradation for observing large scale directional changes in the flow. The combination of these shading effects provides an informative global analysis of overall fluid flow. Computational solutions for these methods have proven too complex until recently due to the fundamental physical interaction of light refracting through the flow field. In this paper, we introduce a novel method to simulate the refraction of light to generate synthetic shadowgraphs and schlieren images of time-varying scalar fields derived from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) data. Our method computes physically accurate schlieren and shadowgraph images at interactive rates by utilizing a combination of GPGPU programming, acceleration methods, and data-dependent probabilistic schlieren cutoffs. Results comparing this method to previous schlieren approximations are presented.
Counting minimal semi-Sturmian words

A finite Sturmian word w is a balanced word over the binary alphabet {a,b}, that is, for all subwords u and v of w of equal length, ||u|"a-|v|"a|@?1, where |u|"a and |v|"a denote the number of occurrences of the letter a in u and v, respectively. There are several other characterizations, some leading to efficient algorithms for testing whether a finite word is Sturmian. These algorithms find important applications in areas such as pattern recognition, image processing, and computer graphics. Recently, Blanchet-Sadri and Lensmire considered finite semi-Sturmian words of minimal length and provided an algorithm for generating all of them using techniques from graph theory. In this paper, we exploit their approach in order to count the number of minimal semi-Sturmian words. We also present some other results that come from applying this graph theoretical framework to subword complexity.
Transurethral induction of mouse urinary tract infection.

Uropathogenic bacterial strains of interest are grown on agar. Generally, uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and other strains can be grown overnight on Luria-Bertani (LB) agar at 37°C in ambient air. UPEC strains grow as yellowish-white translucent colonies on LB agar. Following confirmation of appropriate colony morphology, single colonies are then picked to be cultured in broth. LB broth can be used for most uropathogenic bacterial strains. Two serial, overnight LB broth cultures can be employed to enhance expression of type I pili, a well-defined virulence factor for uropathogenic bacteria. Broth cultures are diluted to the desired concentration in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Eight to 12 week old female mice are placed under isoflurane anesthesia and transurethrally inoculated with bacteria using polyethylene tubing-covered 30 gauge syringes. Typical inocula, which must be empirically determined for each bacterial/mouse strain combination, are 106 to 108 cfu per mouse in 10 to 50 microliters of PBS. After the desired infection period (one day to several weeks), urine samples and the bladder and both kidneys are harvested. Each organ is minced, placed in PBS, and homogenized in a Blue Bullet homogenizer. Urine and tissue homogenates are serially diluted in PBS and cultured on appropriate agar. The following day, colony forming units are counted.
Physical Organic Chemistry of Transition Metal Carbene Complexes. Part 20: 1 Kinetics and Mechanism of Reactions of (CO) 5 M C(OMe)C 6 H 4 X (M=Cr and W) with Primary Aliphatic Amines in Aqueous Acetonitrile. Substituent Effects

Abstract A kinetic study of the reactions of (CO)5Cr C(OMe)C6H4X (X=4-Cl, 4-F, H, 4-Me, 4-OMe and 4-NMe2) and the respective tungsten carbene complexes with primary aliphatic amines (mainly n-butylamine) in 50% MeCN–50% water (v/v) at 25°C is reported. The rate law is complex and shows OH− and amine catalysis at low amine and OH− concentrations but not at high concentrations. The results are consistent with a three-step mechanism: the first step is nucleophilic addition of the amine to the carbene complex to form a zwitterionic steady state intermediate, TA±, which, in the second step, is followed by a rapid deprotonation of TA± to form the anionic steady state intermediate TA−, while the third step involves water and RNH3+ catalyzed methoxide ion expulsion, respectively, to form the substitution product, (CO)5M C(NHR)C6H4X (M=Cr or W). It is shown that the third step is rate limiting at low OH− and amine concentrations while the first step is rate limiting at high OH− and/or amine concentrations. The reasons why TA± and TA− cannot be observed directly are discussed and a detailed analysis of the substituent effects on various kinetic parameters is presented.
2D NMR Studies of Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate-co-carbon monoxide)

A series of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate-co-carbon monoxide) terpolymer samples with varying monomer compositions were studied using a variety of one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques at 750 MHz. Samples were characterized in deuterated 1,4-dichlocrobenzene-d4 at high temperature (120 °C) to overcome the signal loss and broadening due to T2 relaxation. Identification of major triads formed due to the addition of the three monomers in different permutations was facilitated by the use of different 2D techniques such as gradient assisted heteronuclear single-quantum correlation (gHSQC), gradient selected heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation (gHMBC), and gradient assisted HSQC-TOCSY. Detection of unusual structures formed due to the addition of carbon monoxide to vinyl acetate or structures due to the inversion of vinyl acetate was also possible. Because of improved dispersion the study was not restricted to the triad level, but in some cases pentads could also be identifie...
Extracting feature lines from 3D unstructured grids

The paper discusses techniques for extracting feature lines from three-dimensional unstructured grids. The twin objectives are to facilitate the interactive manipulation of these typically very large and dense meshes, and to clarify the visualization of the solution data that accompanies them. The authors describe the perceptual importance of specific viewpoint-dependent and view-independent features, discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of several alternative algorithms for identifying these features (taking into consideration both local and global criteria), and demonstrate the results of these methods on a variety of different data sets.
How hydrogen bonds impact P-glycoprotein transport and permeability

The requirement to cross a biological membrane can be a complex process especially if multidrug transporters such as P-gp must be considered. Drug partitioning into the lipid membrane and efflux by P-gp are tightly coupled processes wherein H-bonding interactions play a key role. All H-bond donors and acceptors are not equal in terms of the strength of the H-bonds that they form, hence it is important to consider their relative strength. Using various examples from literature, we illustrate the benefits of considering the relative strengths of individual H-bonds and introducing intramolecular H-bonds to increase membrane permeability and/or decrease P-gp efflux.
Post-transplantation B cell activating factor and B cell recovery before onset of chronic graft-versus-host disease.

Abstract Excessive levels of B cell activating factor (BAFF) are found in patients with active chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). In mice, BAFF has been shown to be essential for B cell recovery after myeloablation. To assess how BAFF levels relate to transplantation factors and subsequent development of cGVHD, we prospectively monitored 412 patients in the first year after allogeneic peripheral blood or bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and censored data at time of cGVHD onset. In patients who did not develop cGVHD, we affirmed a temporal pattern of gradually decreasing BAFF levels as B cell numbers increase after myeloablative conditioning. In contrast, after reduced-intensity conditioning, BAFF levels remained high throughout the first post-HSCT year, suggesting that the degree of myeloablation resulted in delayed B cell recovery associated with persistence of higher BAFF levels. Given that high BAFF/B cell ratios have been associated with active cGVHD, we examined differences in early BAFF/B cell ratios and found significantly different BAFF/B cell ratios at 3 months post-HSCT only after myeloablative conditioning in patients who subsequently developed cGVHD. In addition to HSCT conditioning type, the use of sirolimus was significantly associated with higher BAFF levels after HSCT, and this also was potentially related to lower B cell numbers. Taken together, our results are important for interpreting BAFF measurements in cGVHD biomarker studies.
The effect of hydrophilicity on condensation over various types of fin-and-tube heat exchangers

An experimental study on the behavior of water hold-up by condensation on various shapes of fin-and-tube heat exchangers with different surface hydrophilicity, i.e. dynamic contact angle of surface, was conducted. Condensation experiments were conducted, and the amount of water hold-up was measured. Condensation flow patterns on fins with different surface hydrophilicity were visualized. Results showed that the water hold-up of a heat exchanger could be reduced by the enhancement of the surface hydrophilicity and the design of a heat exchanger with a lower number of fins and fins with slant ends.
A Public Choice Analysis of Endangered Species Listings

Sizable economic consequences may resultfrom listing under the Endangered SpeciesAct (ESA). Potentially adversely affectedparties will attempt to use the politicalprocess to protect their interests. Thequestion is, “are listing determinationssubject to political manipulation?” Inthis paper, we explore empirically thepossibility that implementation of the ESAis determined, in part, by politicalconsiderations. Specifically, weinvestigate whether states with strongcongressional representation are able touse their political muscle to reduce thenumber of listings in their states, ascompared to states with weak congressionalrepresentation. Controlling for otherfactors, we find that states with greaterrepresentation on the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service’s budgetary oversightsubcommittee in the U.S. House ofRepresentatives have significantly fewerESA listings than states with weakerrepresentation on that subcommittee.
Anisole hydrogenation with well-characterized polyoxoanion- and tetrabutylammonium-stabilized Rh(0) nanoclusters: effects of added water and acid, plus enhanced catalytic rate, lifetime, and partial hydrogenation selectivity.

Following a comprehensive look at the arene hydrogenation literature by soluble nanocluster catalysts, six key, unfulfilled goals in nanocluster arene hydrogenation catalysis are identified. To begin to address those six goals, well-characterized polyoxoanion- and tetrabutylammonium-stabilized Rh(0) nanoclusters have been synthesized by the reduction of the precisely defined precatalyst [Bu4N]5Na3[(1,5-COD)Rh·P2W15Nb3O62] with H2 in propylene carbonate solvent. These Rh(0) nanoclusters are characterized by their stoichiometry of formation, transmission electron microscopy, and the two rate constants which characterize their mechanism of formation; previous studies in our laboratories have provided additional characterization of polyoxoanion-stabilized Rh(0) nanoclusters. Propylene carbonate solutions of the Rh(0) nanoclusters catalyze the hydrogenation of anisole (methoxybenzene) under mild conditions (22−78 °C, 30−40 psig H2). Proton donors such as water or HBF4·Et2O are discovered to affect both nanoclu...
Network-distributed finite element analysis

The widespread availability of local-area networks has made the combined processing power of workstations a viable approach for compute-intensive analyses. In this paper, we describe several distributed algorithms for structural analysis using finite element methods, and we assess their performance on a conventional Ethernet-connected workstation network. Direct, iterative and hybrid equation solvers are evaluated for their performance on plane-elasticity problems, and are contrasted with respect to overall solution time and efficiency in distributing computations over a network. Equations modeling the costs of network communication and structural analysis computations are derived, and are subsequently used to predict the performance of several variations on the implemented algorithms. Our results show that each of the methods performs well on network architectures, and in particular that, while direct methods usually minimize network communication, certain iterative and hybrid methods can often be used to minimize overall solution time.
Grain size and grain growth in an equiaxed alpha-beta titanium alloy

Methods of revealing grain size in a two-phase α-β titanium alloy have been examined and observations on beta grain growth in the presence of alpha have been carried out. The technique proposed by Greenfield and Margolin1 for revealing β matrix grain sizes has been shown not to produce grain growth. However, for grain sizes of about 10 µm the G.M. technique does not reveal all the grains because of the similarity in orientation in neighboring grains. These clusters of similarly oriented grains are shown to persist as grain growth takes place but the misorientation between grains within a cluster decreases. Both the beta grain growth and alpha particle coarsening follow the same time dependency from which it is shown that a linear relationship exists between α particle size and β grain size. It is proposed that α particles must dissolve from theβ grain edges for β grain growth to occur. The linear dependency between beta grain size,Dβ, and alpha particle size,dα, can be rationalized either on the basis of geometrical or surface tension considerations.
Response contingent stimuli and stuttering: issues and implications

The first papers concerning effects of response contingent stimuli (RCS) on stuttering and speech disfluency were published approximately 30 years ago. Research in this area flourished until about ...
Self-Disclosure with Friends Across the Life Cycles

This study is concerned with self-disclosure to close friends among various age groups, using a multi-dimensional approach. The study indicated that amount, depth and valence of self-disclosure differentiated four age groups (19-25; 26-40; 41-60; 61-91). However, when length of friendship was taken into-consideration, only valence of self-disclosure differentiated the groups. The findings were discussed in terms of different stages of relationship development and similarity of self-disclosure, even though value systems may be very different. This study also highlights the need for longitudinal studies that explore age differences.
Semenogelin I expression in myeloma cells can be upregulated pharmacologically

Semenogelin (SEMG) I is a Cancer-Testis (CT) antigen that we have found to be expressed in myeloma cells. In this study, we set out to determine whether the expression of SEMG I could be upregulated pharmacologically. We found that SEMG I expression in myeloma cells can be upregulated by 5-azacytidine, IL-4 and IL-6. The mechanisms of SEMG I gene upregulation by 5-azacytidine is unclear since there was no correlation between the methylation of the single CpG dinucleotide at position -11 and SEMG I expression. Both IL-4 and IL-6 appeared to enhance SEMG I expression through increasing its promoter function.
Reducing Health Disparities in American Indians With Chronic Kidney Disease

American Indians and Alaska Natives comprise a diverse population with an increased burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD), largely owing to diabetes. Although transportation to rural dialysis units impairs access, quality of dialysis care appears similar to the US population. Similar to other racial and ethnic minorities, American Indians and Alaska Natives are less likely to receive kidney transplants. The causes of these disparities are as diverse as the population. The application of the chronic care model to CKD by the Indian Health Service is associated with a decrease in incidence of end-stage renal disease among diabetic patients and may be a useful model for reducing disparities in other populations at risk for CKD.
Call for papers - Special Issue of the IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation on Electrets and Related Phenomena

We are pleased to announce that the June 2015 issue of the IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation (TDEI) will be a special issue on electrets and related phenomena. This issue is open to all authors. Presenters of papers at the IEEE 15th International Symposium on Electrets (ISE15) to be held during August 10-13, 2014 in Baltimore (USA) are especially encouraged to submit their work to this special issue. For more information on ISE15 please go to www.ise15.org.
Effective absorptivity of a Lambertian cavity with a dielectric window.

The effective hemispherical absorptivity of a window in a cavity with Lambertian walls of absorptivity α is determined by considering the cavity to be at a uniform temperature and calculating the radiant energy escaping from the aperture when multiple internal reflections are considered. The window has an angularly independent transmissivity τ. The effective hemispherical absorptivity is found to be αeff = τα/{1 − τA1/(A2 − A1)] + τA1/(A2 − A)}, where A1, the aperture area, is small compared with A2, the area of the cavity including the aperture. The results can be used for determining the acceptance of solar radiation by direct-gain passive solar rooms.
Oral administration of diltiazem decreases ventilation and metabolism of Syrian hamsters.

Abstract 1. 1. Diltiazem at doses of 2.5, 25, and 50 mg kg caused a reduction of minute ventilation of hamsters over a 60 min period compared to saline administration. 2. 2. The decrease of ventilation was due to a fall in frequency of breathing, but predominantly due to a decrease of tidal volume. 3. 3. The pattern of metabolic response of hamsters to diltiazem was different to the ventilatory response—but metabolic rate was decreased in all animals receiving diltiazem by 60 min compared to pregavage values.
Dual diagnosis among veterans in the United States

Purpose – Over the course of their service, veterans are exposed to elevated levels of chronic stress that contribute to a greater prevalence of mental illness than observed in the general population. When mental illness is present, comorbidity is normative. Convergent evidence suggests that co-occurring substance use and mental illness is among the most prevalent forms of comorbidity within veteran samples. The purpose of this paper is to explore issues associated with dual diagnoses among veterans in the USA. Design/methodology/approach – Research on dual diagnoses among veterans was reviewed and consolidated for presentation into three substantive content areas consisting of prevalence, associated conditions, and treatment of dual diagnoses. Findings – Dually diagnosed veterans represent a group at particularly high risk for myriad adverse biopsychosocial and treatment outcomes, including poor health, suicidality, violence or aggressive behavior, arrest, homelessness, and unemployment. A comprehensive strategy has been implemented within the Veterans Health Administration to address dual diagnosis and related problems. Additional research is required to more readily identify co-occurring substance use and mental illness and to refine integrated intervention approaches to minimize burden while improving treatment outcomes for veterans and their families. Originality/value – The current review includes a wide range of research spanning more than two decades and describing dual diagnosis among combat veterans of all modern eras. Areas in need of further research (e.g. dual diagnosis among female veterans; early detection of psychopathology and fully integrated care among returning veterans) are identified and discussed.
Bioassays of the influence of Eucalyptus saligna and Albizia falcataria on soil nutrient supply and limitation

Abstract Replicated plantations of Eucalyptus saligna (Sm.) and Albizia falcataria (L.) Fosberg [ = Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) Nielsen] in Hawaii allowed an assessment of 12 years of influence of each species on soil fertility. Bioassays with Eucalyptus and Albizia seedlings showed that each species of seedling grew better in soil from the plantations with the other species. The nutrient content of seedlings showed that soils under the influence of Albizia had higher supplies of available N, but lower supplies of available P. Albizia seedlings were strongly limited by P supply in the soils from either species, whereas the growth of Eucalyptus seedlings was limited by both N and P. Albizia seedlings fixed > 95% of the N they used, and took up less soil N than did Eucalyptus seedlings. The overall pattern indicated that Albizia increased soil N supply and growth of Eucalyptus seedlings, although the higher supply of N was not enough to remove N limitation on growth. Albizia also reduced the P supply of the soil, and Albizia seedlings were strongly P-limited regardless of the plantation species. The long-term productivity of tropical plantations depends on continued supplies of nutrients, and these supplies may be strongly influenced by the species selected for plantation use.
The Estimation of Short-Run Household Electricity Demand Using Pooled Aggregate Data

Short-run household electricity demand has been estimated with conditional demand models by a variety of authors using both aggregate data and disaggregate data. Disaggregate data are most desirable for estimating these models. However, in many cases, available disaggregate data may be inappropriate. Furthermore, disaggregate data may be unavailable altogether. In these cases, readily available aggregate data may be more appropriate. This article develops and evaluates an econometric technique to generate unbiased estimates of household electricity demand using such aggregate data.
A study on embryonic death in goats due to Nicotiana glauca ingestion.

Abstract Numerous plants are known to be teratogenic in livestock. In addition to causing malformations, several plants can also cause embryonic death. These losses decrease the reproductive efficiency of animals exposed to these plants. The aim of this study was to determine if teratogenic plants such as lupines or tobaccos cause embryonic losses. A goat model using the plant Nicotiana glauca was used in this study, as this model has been used to characterize the mechanism of Lupinus, Conium, and Nicotiana-induced terata. Four groups of goats were dosed from gestational day 1–10, 11–20, 21–30, and 31–40. Goats were evaluated via ultrasound imaging for pregnancy after completion of the dosing regimen and kids were evaluated for malformations at the time of parturition. Overall, there was no evidence from this study that N. glauca (anabasine) at this dose (2 g/kg/day) would cause embryonic losses in goats. However, the dose of N. glauca used in this study was at the lower threshold that would be expected to produce terata. Therefore it is possible that higher doses of anabasine could cause embryonic loss. Further work is also needed to characterize the kinetic profile of anabasine, and other teratogenic alkaloids, in the fetal compartments.
Interaction between magnetic impurities in superconductors

The Ruderman-Kittel theory of the interaction of magnetic impurities with each other is combined with Shiba's theory of the interaction between magnetic impurities and conduction electrons in superconductors. The result explains the experimental observation that, for a given ratio of the transition temperature of the alloy to that of the pure host metal, the effect of the impurity-impurity interaction is typically no larger for alloys with magnetic impurity concentration $n\ensuremath{\approx}1$ at.% than for those in which $n$ is three orders of magnitude smaller.
Expansion of the relative time delay by switching between slow and fast light using coherent population oscillation with semiconductors

The slow-light effect based on free-carrier population oscillation in semiconductors is analyzed using generalized macroscopic Bloch equations. Using this model, we are able to investigate the relation between the fractional time delay and the intensity of control laser beams for semiconductors. It is found that although increasing the control-beam intensity can enlarge the fractional time delay, the maximum delay that can be achieved is limited and determined by a critical value of the separation between the quasi-Fermi levels of electrons and holes. We also show that there is an intensity threshold for the control beam above which the probe signal becomes gain-assisted fast light rather than slow light. We therefore suggest a method to expand the relative time delay by switching between the fast-light region and the slow-light region through changing the intensity of the control laser beams.
Current Treatment Approaches for Mantle-Cell Lymphoma

Mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) is now recognized as a distinct clinicopathologic subtype of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Patients with MCL are typically older adults with a male predominance and usually present with stage IV disease. The cells are characterized as CD20+ CD5+ CD23- with a t(11;14)(q13;q32) and cyclin D1 overexpression on immunohistochemistry. Response to chemotherapy usually results in a tumor response but unmaintained remissions are short and the median survival is 3 to 4 years. The treatment approach to newly diagnosed patients with MCL depends on the patient's eligibility for stem cell transplantation (SCT). Those who are eligible are usually treated with either rituximab-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) followed by SCT or rituximab-HyperCVAD (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, decadron, cytarabine, and methotrexate) followed by observation. The purine nucleoside analogues also have activity as single agents and with rituximab. Unfortunately none of these approaches can definitively cure patients with MCL, and new agents are needed. Recent studies in patients with relapsed MCL have shown substantial antitumor activity of single-agent bortezomib, single-agent temsirolimus, and the combination of thalidomide and rituximab. Studies integrating these novel agents earlier in the disease course or in combination with each other will hopefully produce more durable responses with less toxicity.
Dispersion relations of elementary excitations when damping is present

Dispersion relations of elementary excitations in solids when appreciable damping occurs are discussed. It is shown that in order to establish a dispersion relation from experiment it is necessary to specify how the experiment was performed; different experiments may lead to different dispersion relations even when a single kind of elementary excitation is involved. ''Momentum-fixed'' dispersion relations and ''energy-fixed'' dispersion relations are discussed for the surface plasmon at a single isolated metal-vacuum interface and for the surface plasmon at the metal-vacuum interface of a thin metal foil bounded by a transparent dielectric on one side and by vacuum on the other.
Surface nano-structuring of reverse osmosis membranes via atmospheric pressure plasma-induced graft polymerization for reduction of mineral scaling propensity

Abstract Surface nano-structuring of polyamide desalination membrane with a hydrophilic poly(methacrylic acid) was shown to reduce the membrane mineral scaling propensity as demonstrated with calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum). A two-step approach was employed, whereby the active polyamide (PA) layer of a thin-film composite (TFC) synthesized membrane was activated with impinging atmospheric plasma, followed by a solution free-radical graft polymerization (FRGP) of a water soluble methacrylic acid (MAA) monomer, at 60 °C and initial monomer concentration of 5–20% (v/v), onto the surface of the PA-TFC membrane. The approach of creating a layer of end-grafted poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) surface chains was first developed and evaluated using a surrogate polyamide membrane layer interfacially polymerized onto a thin poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) film coated onto a silicon wafer. The resulting PMAA–PA-PEI–Si surrogate membrane surface was hydrophilic with a water contact angle range of 10–17°. Structuring of the PA-TFC membrane at equivalent FRGP reaction conditions resulted in membranes of higher permeability (by a factor of 1.3–2.26) relative to a commercial RO membrane of a similar surface roughness (∼70 nm) and salt rejection. Flux tests of membrane mineral scaling demonstrated that membrane mineral scaling propensity can be measurably reduced, relative to commercial membrane of the same salt rejection, while yielding equivalent or higher water permeability. The onset time for gypsum scaling for the optimal membrane surface (prepared at 10% (v/v) initial MAA concentration) was retarded by a factor of 2–5 relative to the commercial RO membrane. Current work is ongoing to further optimize the surface structure in order to increasing scaling resistance and assess the impact of surface structuring on nucleation of mineral salt crystals.
Improving Language Learning for the Non-English-Language Native Speaker

school's ethnic composition, which in turn reflects the nation's: about 10 percent Hispanic, 12 percent Black, almost 2 percent Asian/Pacific, and .05 percent Native American, with the remainder White and largely monolingual in English (though some may have a home background in Italian, Polish, French, German, Serbo-Croatian, Greek, Arabic, or other). Yet as the 45-minute period goes by, the principal notices that the three Hispanic students' behavior patterns are at some variance from their classmates': Normally bright Ruben sits listless and head-hung, paying no attention but responding rapidly, almost disdainfully, to the few questions Mr. Gonzalez sends his way; Ana Maria, usually quiet, is giggling and whispering to her friend Jennifer and seems to view the lesson as one vast joke; courteous Ricardo inexplicably blows up at something Mr. Gonzalez says to him in Spanish and then asks him after class if he can study another language.
Microtubule-based motor proteins.

Virtually all eukaryotes actively transport or position intracellular components (for example, chromosomes or membrane-bounded organelles), and some cells have developed means of moving through aqueous environments or on top of substrates. Such motile processes invob,'ed interactions between cytoskeletal fibers and 'motor' proteins that generate force using energy derived from ATP hydrolysis.
Comparison of Common Milkweed and Honeyvine Milkweed (Asclepiadaceae) as Host Plants for Monarch Larvae (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Abstract Two species of milkweed (Asclepiadaceae) are especially abundant in portions of eastern North America. Common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca L., is most abundant in the northern United States and southeastern Canada, while honeyvine milkweed, Cynanchum laeve (Michaux), is most abundant at central latitudes in the eastern half of the United States. The former is frequently cited as an important host plant for larvae of the monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus L. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), while the latter is rarely mentioned in this regard. We compared the performance of monarch larvae on these two plant species. Larvae developed significantly faster on honeyvine milkweed than on common milkweed. Average pupal fresh weights appeared to be slightly greater for individuals reared on common milkweed than those reared on honeyvine milkweed, but the difference was not statistically significant. Similarly, larval survival was about 14% higher on common milkweed, but the difference was not significant. Our ...
The Relationship Between Psychosocial Stressors and Breast Cancer Biology

Psychosocial stressors have been firmly linked to cardiovascular, immune, and metabolic disease risk through their effects on human physiology. An association with breast cancer risk has also been hypothesized, with both immune and endocrine-mediated mechanisms postulated to link stress to breast cancer biology. Several epidemiologic studies have been performed in an effort to better define the potential association between psychosocial stressors and breast cancer risk. However, despite large prospective studies, the question of whether or not psychosocial stress influences the risk and/or progression of breast cancer remains controversial. From an epidemiologic standpoint, evidence that chronic stress is linked to increased incidence of breast cancer is mixed, whereas targeted intervention trials suggest that reducing chronic stressors diminishes the risk of recurrence. Experimental approaches using animal studies have also yielded conflicting results depending on the model used. Nevertheless, the experimental studies offer valuable insights into environmental stressors and their potential mechanisms for altering the biology of well-defined breast cancer models. The ultimate goal of studying psychosocial stress and breast cancer biology is to identify the interacting mechanisms linking stress physiology to cancer and thereby to modify breast cancer risk factors.
Post-Processing Of Imagery From Active Optics

Residual errors in the wavefront from an active wavefront compensation device cause image degradation, especially for extended objects. Even if these errors are as small as one-sixth wave rms, the image degradation can be significant enough that post-processing of the resulting imagery is justified. To analyze the degradation present in this imagery, the characteristics of the image of a point source are found in terms of the statistics of the residual wavefront errors. The image of an extended object can be described in terms of the characteristics of the point image. In recording the imagery with a view to post-processing, certain requirements must be met by the recording device in order for the processing to be successful. The signal-to-noise ratio of the detection device, its resolution, and the integration time necessary to achieve these requirements are discussed. It is shown how criteria for these requirements can be treated in terms of the statistics of the residual wavefront errors, the size of the optics, and the source radiance. A method of post-processing of the imagery is suggested that is based on the recording of images at two different focal planes simultaneously.© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Functional MRI of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI): progress and perspectives from the first decade of studies

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) represents the great majority of traumatic brain injuries, and is a common medical problem affecting cognitive and vocational functioning as well as quality of life in some individuals. Functional MRI (fMRI) is an important research method for investigating the neuroanatomic substrates of cognitive disorders and their treatment. Surprisingly, however, relatively little research has utilized fMRI to examine alterations in brain functioning after mTBI. This article provides a critical overview of the published fMRI research on mTBI to date. These topics include examination of frontal lobe/executive functions such as working memory, as well as episodic memory and resting state/functional connectivity. mTBI has also been investigated in military populations where studies have focused on effects of blast injury and comorbid conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder. Finally, we address fMRI evaluations of response to behavioral or pharmacological challenges and interventions targeting cognitive and behavioral sequelae of mTBI. The review concludes with identification and discussion of gaps in current knowledge and future directions for fMRI studies of mTBI. The authors conclude that fMRI in combination with related methods can be expected to play an increasing role in research related to studies of pathophysiological mechanisms of the sequelae of mTBI as well as in diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
Modifying without a trace: general audit guidelines are inadequate for open-source electronic health record audit mechanisms

Without adequate audit mechanisms, electronic health record (EHR) systems remain vulnerable to undetected misuse. Users could modify or delete protected health information without these actions being traceable. The objective of this paper is to assess electronic health record audit mechanisms to determine the current degree of auditing for non-repudiation and to assess whether general audit guidelines adequately address non-repudiation. We derived 16 general auditable event types that affect non-repudiation based upon four publications. We qualitatively assess three open-source EHR systems to determine if the systems log these 16 event types. We find that the systems log an average of 12.5% of these event types. We also generated 58 black-box test cases based on specific auditable events derived from Certification Commission for Health Information Technology criteria. We find that only 4.02% of these tests pass. Additionally, 20% of tests fail in all three EHR systems. As a result, actions including the modification of patient demographics and assignment of user privileges can be executed without a trace of the user performing the action. The ambiguous nature of general auditable events may explain the inadequacy of auditing for non-repudiation. EHR system developers should focus on specific auditable events for managing protected health information instead of general events derived from guidelines.
Cerebellar stimulation and eye movement in cats

Abstract Rapid eye movements were dynamically measured, recorded and analyzed following electrical stimulation of the cerebellum vermis subcortex and the third and sixth oculomotor nuclei in the midbrain in an alert spinal cat preparation. The stimulus consisted of suprathreshold and subthreshold 1.5 V, 0.03 mA pulse trains, whose physiological characteristics could be best defined in terms of their “envelopes.” The “warmup”, increased latency, higher and more variable threshold and other aspects of the response to cerebellar stimulation are in contrast to the more constant shorter latency, and lower threshold of the response to brain stem stimulation. Quantitative control-system analysis yielded gain and phase plots derived from Fourier transform of step input-output experiments. Transfer functions representing simple linear control models for cerebellum-to-eye movement and brain-stem-to-eye movement were obtained. These consisted of 1st-, 2nd- or 3rd-order lag elements with time constants ranging from 30 to 60 milliseconds and as well minimum-phase elements corresponding to latencies ranging from 10 to 30 milliseconds. Cerebellum-to-brain-stem transfer functions were obtained by deconvolution—actually division in the frequency domain (subtraction in the logarithmic Bode diagrams)—and quantitative comparison was made between cerebellar effects and brain-stem stimulation. Attempts were made to produce artificial reciprocal innervation in brain-stem stimulation experiments to compare with the natural reciprocal innervation (and conjugate eye movements) obtained with cerebellar stimulation. Of special interest were the experiments showing that cerebellar stimulation (at subthreshold values for direct production of eye movements) influenced responses to brain-stem stimulation. The increased gain and higher-frequency responses obtained provide direct evidence for the role of the cerebellum as an adaptive gain controller, and for its possible function as a “calibrator organ” for eye movements.
Lack of clinical predictors of optimal V-V delay in patients with cardiac resynchronization devices.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a well-established therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure (HF), left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction ≤ 35% and a QRS on the surface electrocardiogram of ≥130 msec. Device optimization is often performed, adjusting the timing of RV and LV stimulation to produce a pacing sequence that yields the best global cardiac performance. However, no standard guidelines exist for optimization and many invasive and non-invasive techniques have been employed with mixed results. The aim of the present study was to determine whether there are any clinical predictors of the optimal V-V settings in patients implanted with CRT devices. We prospectively evaluated 47 consecutive patients with HF who were referred to our device optimization clinic. The mean patient age was 64.9 ± 12.7 years. Patients were in both sinus rhythm (83%) and atrial fibrillation. Prior to device implant, 51% of patients had left bundle branch block (LBBB), 17% had intra-ventricular conduction delay (IVCD) and 21% were RV paced. Sixty-two percent were male, the mean QRS duration was 152 ± 29 ms, mean LVEF 26 ± 8% and 60% had a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. Overall, 82% of patients required sequential pacing with 69% requiring LV pre-excitation to produce the best global cardiac function as determined by aortic velocity time integrals (VTI). In our cohort, none of the clinical characteristics evaluated, including etiology of the cardiomyopathy, QRS duration, LVEF, pre-implant rhythm or AV delay were predictive of an optimal simultaneous or sequential V-V setting. None of the clinical variables tested in our analysis predicted optimal RV-LV settings. Our results suggest that individual optimization and programming of V-V settings is necessary. The inability to predict optimal settings likely reflects the unique characteristics of each patient and supports the need for individualized programming of each device.
Dennis Healy, ISP, MONTAGE and MOSAIC

Through a series of DARPA programs, Dennis Healy's unique grasp of the mathematical and physical structure of data and his equally unique tolerance for implausible ideas revolutionized the theory of image acquisition.
Differential requirement for c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 in lung inflammation and host defense.

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) - 1 pathway has been implicated in the cellular response to stress in many tissues and models. JNK1 is known to play a role in a variety of signaling cascades, including those involved in lung disease pathogenesis. Recently, a role for JNK1 signaling in immune cell function has emerged. The goal of the present study was to determine the role of JNK1 in host defense against both bacterial and viral pneumonia, as well as the impact of JNK1 signaling on IL-17 mediated immunity. Wild type (WT) and JNK1 −/− mice were challenged with Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, or Influenza A. In addition, WT and JNK1 −/− mice and epithelial cells were stimulated with IL-17A. The impact of JNK1 deletion on pathogen clearance, inflammation, and histopathology was assessed. JNK1 was required for clearance of E. coli, inflammatory cell recruitment, and cytokine production. Interestingly, JNK1 deletion had only a small impact on the host response to S. aureus. JNK1 −/− mice had decreased Influenza A burden in viral pneumonia, yet displayed worsened morbidity. Finally, JNK1 was required for IL-17A mediated induction of inflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial peptides both in epithelial cells and the lung. These data identify JNK1 as an important signaling molecule in host defense and demonstrate a pathogen specific role in disease. Manipulation of the JNK1 pathway may represent a novel therapeutic target in pneumonia.
Uterine cervical and vaginal verrucous squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract A case of verrucous squamous cell carcinoma involving the cervix and vagina simultaneously is described. The tumor was aggressive locally, recurring after radical hysterectomy and total vaginectomy. It recurred again after local radiation of minimal disease. Treatment of verrucous squamous cell carcinoma is discussed.
Factors influencing the role of bisphosphonates in breast cancer management.

Bone metastases represent a significant tumor-related complication affecting many breast cancer patients. The resulting bone destruction or osteolysis that frequently accompanies metastatic bone disease results in considerable morbidity for patients including a high rate of skeletal complications, severe pain, and a reduced quality of life. Traditionally, the treatment of metastatic bone disease has relied heavily on the use of multidisciplinary therapies, such as radiotherapy in combination with systemic treatment, supported by analgesia. Bisphosphonates are a class of pyrophosphate analogs that actively inhibit bone resorption. As a result, their clinical application has expanded greatly over the past 5 to 10 years and, in addition to being the treatment of choice for hypercalcemia of malignancy, they have been shown to be effective in reducing the skeletal morbidity associated with metastatic breast cancer. Furthermore, recent data from animal and in vitro studies suggest that bisphosphonates may actually have an antiapoptotic and antiproliferative effect not only on osteoclasts, but also on macrophages and tumor cells. Recent improvements in our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms in breast cancer, the diagnosis of the disease itself, and the development of new systemic therapies has led to improved survival benefit for many breast cancer patients. However, because survival duration has also been related to the risk of developing skeletal complications, bisphosphonates may play an ever greater role in the management and prevention of skeletal morbidity in the future.