cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Equine herpesvirus-1 infected peripheral blood mononuclear cell subpopulations during viremia

Infection with equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) causes respiratory disease, late term abortions and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalitis (EHM) and remains an important problem in horses worldwide. Despite increasing outbreaks of EHM in recent years, our understanding of EHM pathogenesis is still limited except for the knowledge that a cell-associated viremia in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is a critical link between primary respiratory EHV-1 infection and secondary complications such as late-term abortion or EHM. To address this question our objective was to identify which PBMC subpopulation(s) are infected during viremia and may therefore play a role in transmitting the virus to the vascular endothelium of the spinal cord or pregnant uterus. PBMCs from 3 groups of animals were collected between days 4 and 9 following experimental infection with EHV-1 strain Findlay/OH03 or strain Ab4. PBMCs were labeled with primary antibodies selective for CD4+ or CD8+ T lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, or monocytes and positively selected using magnetic bead separation. Cell numbers and EHV-1 genome numbers in each subpopulation were then determined using quantitative PCR for β-actin and the EHV-1 glycoprotein B, respectively. Viral genomic DNA was found in all PBMC subpopulations; the CD8+ lymphocytes were most frequently positive for viral DNA, followed by B-lymphocytes. These differences were statistically significant in horses infected with the EHV-1 strain Findlay/OH03, and ponies with Ab4. These results differ from what has been reported in in vitro studies, and indicate that different PBMC subpopulations may play different roles in EHV-1 viremia.
Prediction of a flash flood in complex terrain. Part I: A comparison of rainfall estimates from radar, and very short range rainfall simulations from a dynamic model and an automated algorithmic system.

Operational prediction of flash floods caused by convective rainfall in mountainous areas requires accurate estimates or predictions of the rainfall distribution in space and time. The details of the spatial distribution are especially critical in complex terrain because the watersheds generally are small in size, and position errors in the placement of the rainfall can distribute the rain over the wrong watershed. In addition to the need for good rainfall estimates, accurate flood prediction requires a surface-hydrologic model that is capable of predicting stream or river discharge based on the rainfall-rate input data. In part 1 of this study, different techniques for the estimation and prediction of convective rainfall are applied to the Buffalo Creek, Colorado, flash flood of July 1996, during which over 75 mm of rain from a thunderstorm fell on the watershed in less than 1 h. The hydrologic impact of the rainfall was exacerbated by the fact that a considerable fraction of the watershed experienced a wildfire approximately two months prior to the rain event. Precipitation estimates from the National Weather Service Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler and the National Center for Atmospheric Research S-band, dual-polarization radar, collocated east of Denver, Colorado, were compared. Very short range simulations from a convection-resolving dynamic model that was initialized variationally using the radar reflectivity and Doppler winds were compared with simulations from an automated algorithmic forecast system that also employs the radar data. The radar estimates of rain rate and the two forecasting systems that employ the radar data have degraded accuracy by virtue of the fact that they are applied in complex terrain. Nevertheless, the dynamic model and automated algorithms both produce simulations that could be useful operationally for input to surface-hydrologic models employed for flood warning. Part 2 of this study, reported in a companion paper, describes experiments in which these radar-based precipitation estimates and dynamic model‐ and automated algorithm‐based precipitation simulations are used as input to a surface-hydrologic model for simulation of the stream discharge associated with the flood.
Alternatives to all-argon plasmas in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS): an overview

The advantages and disadvantages of the addition of molecular (O2, N2, H2), or other gases (Xe, He) to argon ICPs for mass spectrometry are briefly reviewed. Successful analysis of organic materials, reduced spectral and matrix interferences, and improved detection limits are some of the advantages realized. It is concluded that mixed gas ICPs have a promising future in ICP-MS.
Electrode cleaning and anion effects on ks for K3Fe(CN)6 couple

Abstract The effects of 17 different platinum electrode cleaning procedures on the heterogeneous rate of electron transfer ( k s ) for the potassium ferri/ferrocyanide couple in 1 M aqueous KCl were investigated. The method yielding the most reproducible/high k s (0.21 ± 0.04 cm s −1 ) values was that of aque regia, pulse (cathodic, anodic, cathodic), and flame. Utilizing this cleaning procedure and the same couple, both cation and anion effects on k s were examined. The previously noted cation effect on k s was confirmed with Cs > K > Na > Li. Some discrepancy however, was noted for the tetra-alkylammonium salts. The anion effect was found to be larger than that of cations. Closer examination revealed the effect to be primarily due to adsorption of the halide. This adsorption effect further confirms the cleaning method choice since the method will allow the most halide to be adsorbed thus yielding the highest k s .
Nanosecond-laser-induced optical wave mixing and ultrasonic wave generation in the nematic phase of liquid crystals

We have quantitatively observed for the first reported time nanosecond-laser-induced optical wave mixing and ultrasonic wave generation in nematic liquid-crystal films. The effect may prove useful for microsecond wave-front conjugation with a moderate-power laser or gigahertz acousto-optic switching.
Spectral Prediction for Specification-Based Loopback Test of Embedded Mixed-Signal Circuits

A traditional specification-based core-level test method is no longer attractive in testing deeply embedded analog and mixed-signal circuits due to limited accessibility and resource issues. In order to overcome such difficulties, loopback testing has been considered as a promising solution when circuits include data conversion units; however its widespread adoption has been hindered due to fault masking, which may cause serious yield loss and test escape. The combination of seriously degraded components in a signal path and overqualified components in another signal path, may result in the overall performance of the loopback path being completely fault-free. This paper presents an efficient loopback test methodology which provides test accuracy equivalent to a traditional specification-based test. In our approach, a traditional loopback scheme is re-configured with an analog filter and an adder implemented on a Device Interface Board (DIB), and a multiple tone input is applied to the DUTs. The outcome of the proposed test is a set of performance parameters, allowing the evaluation of DUTs with respect to its specification, and efficient guidance of a self-repair mechanism. The mathematical analysis for the fault masking problem, based on linearity and noise parameters, is provided. In addition, various design parameters which may impact the accuracy of the proposed method are investigated. Both simulation and hardware measurements are presented to validate the proposed technique.
Tissue-engineered vascular grafts transform into mature blood vessels via an inflammation-mediated process of vascular remodeling

Biodegradable scaffolds seeded with bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMCs) are the earliest tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) to be used clinically. These TEVGs transform into living blood vessels in vivo, with an endothelial cell (EC) lining invested by smooth muscle cells (SMCs); however, the process by which this occurs is unclear. To test if the seeded BMCs differentiate into the mature vascular cells of the neovessel, we implanted an immunodeficient mouse recipient with human BMC (hBMC)-seeded scaffolds. As in humans, TEVGs implanted in a mouse host as venous interposition grafts gradually transformed into living blood vessels over a 6-month time course. Seeded hBMCs, however, were no longer detectable within a few days of implantation. Instead, scaffolds were initially repopulated by mouse monocytes and subsequently repopulated by mouse SMCs and ECs. Seeded BMCs secreted significant amounts of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and increased early monocyte recruitment. These findings suggest TEVGs transform into functional neovessels via an inflammatory process of vascular remodeling.
A NIST standard reference material (SRM) to support the detection of trace explosives.

SRM 2905 Trace Particulate Explosives was developed to simulate the residues produced by handling plastic and military explosives. A series of nine candidate materials were prepared by coating chromatographic supports with either Composition C-4 ((containing RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-Triazine) and HMX (octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-Tetrazocine)) or TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene). Criteria for selection of the best material for the SRM included: coating efficiency, extractability with organic solvents, thermal storage stability, consistency of the particle size with fingerprint residues, and suitability for calibration of trace explosives detectors. The final base material selected for the SRM was octadecylsilane-modified silica (C18) with a nominal 20−30 μm particle size. Four materials comprise the SRM, with two nominal concentrations of explosive, 0.01% and 0.1% (mass fraction) for both C-4 and TNT, respectively. The final certified concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography (...
National consciousness and shared Americanism in hero formation: representations of Andrés Bello in nineteenth-century Chile

Arriving in Valparaiso from London in 1829 after a prolonged separation from his native Venezuela, Andres Bello quickly emerged as one of the most illustrious men in Santiago and a prominent sociocultural, literary, and political contributor to Chile. Bello greatly influenced the development of diverse areas considered vital for the conceptualization of the nation and national progress: in the second half of the nineteenth century following his death, he would be remembered for his accomplishments in Chile that were frequently of international significance. In texts published primarily in Chilean newspapers upon his death in 1865, during the centenary of his birth in 1881, and after his reinterment in 1898, the sociocultural and political contexts surrounding the outbreak of the Chincha Islands War, key Chilean successes obtained in the War of the Pacific, and border disputes with Argentina often moulded the way in which Bello's achievements could be recast to recreate him verbally and textually as an exe...
Killing versus totally disabling: a reply to critics.

We are very grateful to the commentators for taking the time to respond to our little article, ‘What Makes Killing Wrong?’ They raise many points, so we cannot respond to them all, but we do want to head off a few misinterpretations. Our critics in this journal avoid one careless misinterpretation, but less informed readers (including Glenn Beck) have pressed this misinterpretation in popular venues, so we need to start by renouncing it. We do not deny that killing humans is morally wrong. To the contrary, we argue that killing humans is almost always morally wrong, because killing humans is almost always disabling, and disabling is morally wrong (pro tanto—that is, without an adequate justification or excuse). Here we do not disagree with common sense. We also do not deny that killing partially or even profoundly disabled humans is morally wrong (again, pro tanto). People who are disabled in some ways still retain many other valuable abilities. This should be obvious. To kill a person with some disabilities but many other valuable abilities is to disable that person, so that is morally wrong (again, pro tanto—we will stop adding this qualification although it is crucial in special cases, such as voluntary active euthanasia). Here again we do not disagree with common sense. The one and only surprising application of our theory is to humans who are alive but totally disabled. We argue that, apart from special circumstances, it is not morally wrong to kill live humans who are totally disabled, whereas many people think that it would be morally wrong to kill even in these extreme and unusual cases, because they assume that killing is morally wrong for reasons apart from disabling. What could those reasons be? DeGrazia mentions three possibilities. First, ‘the harm of killing—in those ordinary cases in …
Experimental Evaluation of Load Balancing Strategies for Ray Tracing on Parallel Processors

Ray tracing is one of the computer graphics techniques used to render high quality images. Unfortunately, ray tracing complex scenes can require large amounts of CPU time, making the technique impractical for everyday use. Parallel ray tracing algorithms could potentially be used to reduce the high computational cost. However, pixel computation times can vary significantly, and naive attempts at parallelization give poor speedups due to load imbalance between the processors. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of three load balancing schemes for ray tracing on parallel processors, and propose two new load balancing strategies. To evaluate the performance, we implement all these strategies on the 512 processor Intel Touchstone Delta at Caltech.
Communication options for children with hearing loss

This article examines the communication options that are available for use within families of infants and young children who are hard-of-hearing or deaf. The need for language development, regardless of the specific communication mode, is stressed. The demands of the current environment of early identification and intervention often put families in a position of needing to decide among communication methods before they are fully knowledgeable and/or emotionally ready. Specific communication options are delineated and considered within a continuum of spoken and visual language. Available research related to early acquisition of language by infants and young children who are hard-of-hearing and deaf is reviewed; outcomes, when available, are presented for specific methods from reports of older children. Factors that influence families' decisions regarding the selection of a communication option are highlighted in the context of the existing literature. An ongoing evaluative process that respects the choices of families is advocated; a context in which change(s) in communication mode through childhood is viewed as a positive circumstance. The ultimate goal in the selection of any communication approach is to ensure that infants and young children who are hard of hearing or deaf and their families are language proficient and fluent communicators.
Evaluation of the water sorption and controlled‐release potential of binary polymeric beads of starch and alginate loaded with potassium nitrate as an agrochemical

Binary polymeric beads of sodium alginate and starch were prepared and characterized by IR spectral and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The beads were examined for water uptake potential, and he influence of various factors, including chemical composition of the macromolecular matrix, pH, ionic strength, and temperature of the swelling medium, were investigated on the degree of water sorption. The prepared beads were loaded with KNO3, as a model agrochemical, and the release kinetics of KNO3 were studied under varying experimental conditions, as mentioned previously. The release data were analyzed by Fick's equation, and the mechanism of KNO3 release was worked out at different experimental conditions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1815–1826, 2004
Polyploid evolution and biogeography in Chelone (Scrophulariaceae): morphological and isozyme evidence

Chelone is a genus of perennial herbs comprising three diploid species (C. cuthbertii, C. glabra, and C. lyonii) and a fourth species (C. obliqua) that occurs as tetraploid and hexaploid races. To assess patterns of isozyme and morphological variation, and to test hypotheses of hybridization and allopolyploidy, we analyzed variation among 16 isozyme loci from 61 populations and 16 morphological characters from 33 populations representing all taxa and ploidy levels. Based on morphological analyses using clustering (unweighted pair group method using an arithmetic average) and ordination (principal components analysis and canonical variance analysis) methods, we recognize three diploid species without infraspecific taxa. Polyploids in the C. obliqua complex were most similar morphologically to diploid populations of C. glabra and C. lyonii. Patterns of isozyme variation among polyploids, which included fixed heterozygosity and recombinant profiles of alleles present in diploids, suggested polytopic origins of tetraploids and hexaploids. Our data indicate independent origins of polyploids in or near the southern Blue Ridge, Interior Highlands and Plains, and Atlantic Coastal Plain regions from progenitors most similar to C. glabra and C. lyonii. Extant tetraploids were not implicated in evolution of hexaploids, and plants similar to C. cuthbertii appeared unlikely as diploid progenitors for polyploids. We propose multiple differentiation and hybridization/polyploidization cycles in different geographic regions to explain the pattern of allopatry and inferred polytopic origins among polyploids.
Resident and therapist views of animal-assisted therapy: Implications for occupational therapy practice

Animal-assisted therapy is offered in a wide variety of settings. The literature contains few studies investigating animal-assisted therapy from an occupational therapy perspective. More information is needed to describe the use of animals as a therapeutic modality in occupational therapy. Three qualitative case studies were analysed to describe the perceptions of clients and therapists regarding animal-assisted therapy. This analysis was synthesised with an extensive literature review to produce a perspective of animal-assisted therapy for occupational therapy. Animal-assisted therapy could be a beneficial modality for occupational therapy. The Lifestyle Performance Model provides a useful framework for analysis and interpretation of the positive outcomes of animal-assisted therapy in an occupational therapy context.
A population-based time determinant for termination of resuscitation.

In a recent issue of World Journal of Surgery, Moriwaki et al. [1] present data regarding patients in cardiopulmonary arrest from blunt trauma. As discussed by the authors, resuscitation of a patient in cardiopulmonary arrest has significant cost [2, 3], and presents considerable risk to both prehospital providers and the public [4, 5]. While not specifically discussed by the authors, survival without functional neurological outcome incurs additional costs, with prolonged admissions to acute care and rehabilitation facilities and a lifetime of required supportive care. Therefore, prehospital termination of resuscitation (TOR) protocols have the potential to contribute to public health through conservation of limited financial healthcare resources and prevention of further injuries by reducing the unnecessary use of warning lights and sirens. Moriwaki et al. [1] recommend 20 min of resuscitation prior to TOR. While we appreciate that in this study of 477 patients in cardiopulmonary arrest from blunt trauma there were 13 survivors with a 2.7% survival rate, in analysis of the data presented in the authors’ Table 1, it is evident that only 3 of these patients survived in a non-vegetative state, for a survival rate with good neurological outcome of 0.6%. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, from the authors’ Fig. 8, it is clear that a cluster of 12 survivors achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in under 10 min, and a single isolated survivor achieved ROSC after 17 min. No information is provided for this outlier. The initial rhythm, vital signs, and mechanism of injury are not described. Furthermore, it is unclear if this outlier was one of the three patients listed in the authors’ Table 1 with a good neurological outcome. In the development of a healthcare system, it is crucial to make decisions based on population-based data and not on individual outcomes. Moriwaki et al. [1] recommend TOR after 20 min of resuscitation based on the survival of one patient who had 17 min of resuscitation before achieving ROSC. However, their data plainly demonstrate that 10 min of resuscitation will capture the population of patients in cardiopulmonary arrest from blunt trauma. Therefore, in analysis of the Moriwaki et al. [1] data, we recommend a population-based resuscitation time of 10 min prior to TOR.
The Perception of Induced Dental Pain in Young and Elderly Women

Pain threshold for electrical stimulation of healthy, unfilled teeth was studied in young and elderly women. Using the methodology of Sensory Decision Theory, ability to discriminate between suprathreshold shocks (d') and response bias were also assessed. No difference in threshold was observed betweeen the young and elderly groups. The elderly women were poorer at discriminating between suprathreshold shocks than the young women. These results were interpreted to reflect the integrity of highthreshold dental pulp afferents in the elderly and a central nervous system deficit on the part of the elderly for discriminating between such shocks. Significant age differences in response bias were also observed. Elderly subjects were biased against reporting shock as very faint pain compared to the young subjects and they restricted the range of their criteria across the six-point rating scale.
Surface-Exposed Adeno-Associated Virus Vp1-NLS Capsid Fusion Protein Rescues Infectivity of Noninfectious Wild-Type Vp2/Vp3 and Vp3-Only Capsids but Not That of Fivefold Pore Mutant Virions

Over the past 2 decades, significant effort has been dedicated to the development of adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a vector for human gene therapy. However, understanding of the virus with respect to the functional domains of the capsid remains incomplete. In this study, the goal was to further examine the role of the unique Vp1 N terminus, the N terminus plus the recently identified nuclear localization signal (NLS) (J. C. Grieger, S. Snowdy, and R. J. Samulski, J. Virol 80:5199-5210, 2006), and the virion pore at the fivefold axis in infection. We generated two Vp1 fusion proteins (Vp1 and Vp1NLS) linked to the 8-kDa chemokine domain of rat fractalkine (FKN) for the purpose of surface exposure upon assembly of the virion, as previously described (K. H. Warrington, Jr., O. S. Gorbatyuk, J. K. Harrison, S. R. Opie, S. Zolotukhin, and N. Muzyczka, J. Virol 78:6595-6609, 2004). The unique Vp1 N termini were found to be exposed on the surfaces of these capsids and maintained their phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity, as determined by native dot blot Western and PLA2 assays, respectively. Incorporation of the fusions into AAV type 2 capsids lacking a wild-type Vp1, i.e., Vp2/Vp3 and Vp3 capsid only, increased infectivity by 3- to 5-fold (Vp1FKN) and 10- to 100-fold (Vp1NLSFKN), respectively. However, the surface-exposed fusions did not restore infectivity to AAV virions containing mutations at a conserved leucine (Leu336Ala, Leu336Cys, or Leu336Trp) located at the base of the fivefold pore. EM analyses suggest that Leu336 may play a role in global structural changes to the virion directly impacting downstream conformational changes essential for infectivity and not only have local effects within the pore, as previously suggested.
Ethanol Concentration‐Dependent Alterations in Gene Expression During Acute Binge Drinking in the HIV‐1 Transgenic Rat

Background Binge drinking of high ethanol (EtOH) concentration beverages is common among young adults and can be a risk factor for exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV-1. We used a novel noninfectious HIV-1 transgenic (HIV-1Tg) rat model that mimics HIV-1 patients in terms of altered immune responses and deficits in cognitive learning and memory to investigate EtOH concentration-dependent effects on 48 alcohol-modulated genes during binge EtOH administration. Methods HIV-1Tg and control F344 rats were administered water, 8% EtOH, or 52% EtOH by gavage (i.g.) for 3 days (2.0 g/kg/d). Two hours after final treatment, blood, liver, and spleen were collected from each animal. Serum blood EtOH concentration (BEC) was measured, and gene expression in the liver and spleen was determined using a specifically designed PCR array. Results The BEC was significantly higher in the 52% EtOH-treated HIV-1Tg rats compared with the 8% EtOH group; however, the BEC was higher in the 8% EtOH-treated control rats compared with the 52% EtOH group. There was no change in expression of the EtOH metabolism-related genes, Adh1, Adh4, and Cyp2e1, in either the 8 or 52% EtOH-treated HIV-1Tg rats, whereas expression of those genes was significantly higher in the liver of the 52% EtOH control rats, but not in the 8% EtOH group. In the HIV-1Tg rats, expression of the GABAA, metabotropic glutamate, and dopamine neurotransmitter receptor genes was significantly increased in the spleen of the 52% EtOH group, but not in the 8% EtOH group, whereas no change was observed in those genes in either of the control groups. Conclusions Our data indicate that, in the presence of HIV-1 infection, EtOH concentration-dependent binge drinking can have significantly different molecular effects.
Microcrystalline silicon-germanium solar cells fabricated using VHF PECVD

We report on the properties of microcrystalline silicon-germanium (muc-Si1-xGex:H) alloy and solar cells fabricated using very high frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (VHF PECVD). p+nn+ structures are deposited at 275-300degC using mixtures of silane, 10%germane (rest is hydrogen) and hydrogen. Raman and XRD techniques were used to determine the crystalline nature of the films. From quantum efficiency data we observe enhanced infrared absorption with incorporation of germanium as compared to microcrystalline silicon (muc-Si:H) devices. The transport properties measured include minority carrier lifetime, diffusion length and mobility. The minority carrier lifetime values, measured using reverse recovery technique, in muc-Si1-xGex:H are found to be in the range of 150-250 ns. The diffusion length of holes measured in device structures was 0.5-2 mum, comparable to the typical values found in muc-Si:H. Hence, assuming a diffusion controlled transport, the estimated mobility, from diffusion length and lifetime measurements in muc-Si1-xGex:H is higher than that of muc-Si:H.
GEOGRAPHIC GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION OF A MALARIA PARASITE, PLASMODIUM MEXICANUM, AND ITS LIZARD HOST, SCELOPORUS OCCIDENTALIS

Gene flow, and resulting degree of genetic differentiation among populations, will shape geographic genetic patterns and possibly local adaptation of parasites and their hosts. Some studies of Plasmodium falciparum in humans show substantial differentiation of the parasite in locations separated by only a few kilometers, a paradoxical finding for a parasite in a large, mobile host. We examined genetic differentiation of the malaria parasite Plasmodium mexicanum, and its lizard host, Sceloporus occidentalis, at 8 sites in northern California, with the use of variable microsatellite markers for both species. These lizards are small and highly territorial, so we expected local genetic differentiation of both parasite and lizard. Populations of P. mexicanum were found to be differentiated by analysis of 5 markers (Fst values .0.05-0.10) over distances as short as 230-400 m, and greatly differentiated (Fst values .0.25) for sites separated by ,10 km. In contrast, the lizard host had no, or very low, levels of differentiation for 3 markers, even for sites .40 km distant. Thus, gene flow for the lizard was great, but despite the mobility of the vertebrate host, the parasite was locally genetically distinct. This discrepancy could result if infected lizards move little, but their noninfected relatives were more mobile. Previous studies on the virulence of P. mexicanum for fence lizards support this hypothesis. However, changing prevalence of the parasite, without changes in density of the lizard, could also result in this pattern. The geographic mosaic model of coevolution posits that geographically widespread interacting species, such as parasites and their hosts, may exist as a patchwork of genetically distinct local populations, provided gene flow is restricted. This popula- tion structure could allow evolution of local adaptations, such as shifts in a parasite's life history traits based on local transmission ecology and host density (Gandon et al., 1996; Tucker and Stevens, 2003; Thompson, 2005). High levels of gene flow, however, would not only preclude local adaptation, but might yield maladapted populations of both parasite and host (Thomp- son, 2005). Thus, understanding the geographic genetic structure of parasites is critical for ecological, epidemiological, and genetic studies, and for control efforts of the pathogens of humans,
The isolation of homoanserine from bovine brain.

SUMMARY Homocarnosine, homoanserine, 3-methylhistidine, and 1-methylhistidine have been isolated from bovine brain. The first three compounds were crystallized and compared with the synthetic compounds. The synthesis of homoanserine nitrate is described.
Radio-frequency Ablation Increases Intratumoral Liposomal Doxorubicin Accumulation in a Rat Breast Tumor Model

PURPOSE: To determine whether intratumoral accumulation of liposomal doxorubicin or free unencapsulated doxorubicin is increased when combined with radio-frequency (RF) ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two 1.2–1.5-cm R3230 mammary adenocarcinomas were grown within the mammary fat pads of 19 female Fischer rats. One tumor of each pair was treated with RF ablation (tip temperature, 70°C ± 2 [SD]; 120 mA ± 75) for 5 minutes, whereas the other tumor was a control. Intravenous liposomal doxorubicin (1 mg in 500 μL, n = 6) or intravenous free unencapsulated doxorubicin (n = 7) was administered immediately following RF ablation. Doxorubicin was extracted in acid alcohol from tumors 24 hours following RF ablation, and fluorescent spectrophotometry was used to quantify extracted doxorubicin. Comparisons of intratumoral doxorubicin accumulation in tumors treated with RF ablation and in untreated tumors were analyzed with parametric (paired Student t test) and nonparametric (Wilcoxon rank sum test) statistics. Findi...
A spherical model for navigation and spatial reasoning

In relation to mobile robot navigation, a spherical model of the perceptual space and its relation to the path space and configuration space are investigated. In particular, some results of spherical octree, optical flow, motion analysis, surface and depth information, navigation, and collision avoidance in the spherical model are discussed. These results can be applied in the development of a dynamical spatial information system. The optical flow information is used to extract local characteristics like depth and surface geometry in the environment. The spherical (octree) data structure provides an efficient and unified representation scheme for multisensor fusion, navigation, motor control, and spatial reasoning. >
Regulation of Phospholipid Synthesis in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with its full complement of organelles, synthesizes membrane phospholipids by pathways that are generally common to those found in higher eukaryotes. Phospholipid synthesis in yeast is regulated in response to a variety of growth conditions (e.g., inositol supplementation, zinc depletion, and growth stage) by a coordination of genetic (e.g., transcriptional activation and repression) and biochemical (e.g., activity modulation and localization) mechanisms. Phosphatidate (PA), whose cellular levels are controlled by the activities of key phospholipid synthesis enzymes, plays a central role in the transcriptional regulation of phospholipid synthesis genes. In addition to the regulation of gene expression, phosphorylation of key phospholipid synthesis catalytic and regulatory proteins controls the metabolism of phospholipid precursors and products.
Application of external forces on an active orthosis

The authors examined the effect of external forces applied on the surface of the lower extremities for the case of missing quadriceps. They developed a computer model using engineering modelling software for the lower extremities so one can locate the origin, insertion and effective origins of the lower limb muscles using previous anthropometric data. The earlier muscle models are used to compute the musculotendon forces. The first 24% of the gait cycle is considered. The muscle forces generated by rectus femoris and vasti are computed. Then, the patients without quadriceps are considered on the same model and single linear electro-mechanical actuator 'artificial muscle' is applied to compensate the effect of lost muscles for the early stance of the gait cycle. The validity of the suggested rehabilitation schemes is verified. >
Information systems and integration

Many hospitals and medical centers have computerized information systems either within radiology (RIS) or throughout the hospital (HIS). These different systems, which include, order entry, scheduling, transcription, ADT, and other functions are often operational in institutions that are considering installing an image management and communications system (IMACS). Since these systems have information that is crucial to an effective operational IMAC system it is necessary to communicate information between an information system and an IMACS. The mechanisms for sharing information between hospital and radiology information systems and IMAC systems is quite varied. Data entry can be duplicated into the different systems, data can pass from one system to the other, data can pass between the systems, or it can reside in a common database. This paper discusses information and image management systems, different mechanisms for communicating information between these systems, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the communication mechanisms.
The use of three-dimensional rotational angiography to assess the pulmonary circulation following cavo-pulmonary connection in patients with single ventricle.

Background Bi-plane angiography is the gold standard for imaging the pulmonary arteries (PAs) after cavo-pulmonary connection (CPC). Three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) is emerging technology that we hypothesized may enhance diagnostic capabilities in this patient group. Methods Retrospective review of patients who underwent 3DRA to assess the PAs after CPC. 3DRA images were examined for diagnostic quality and compared, both qualitatively and quantitatively with corresponding 2D images. Results Between 1/2010 and 12/2010, 37 3DRAs were obtained in 32 pts with prior CPC. Median age and weight were 4.3 years (0.3–19) and 15.7 kg (4.3–114). Previous surgery included: bi-directional Glenn (16), bilateral bi-directional Glenn (2), and Fontan (14). Thirty-three (89%) acquisitions in 28 pts were of diagnostic quality. In 19/28 pts (68%) 3DRA provided significant additional information pertaining to 22 lesions when compared with bi-plane angiography. These included delineating the mechanism of PA stenosis in 13 (aortic compression: 7, PA torsion: 6), demonstrating a discrete PA stenosis not seen or under appreciated on corresponding 2D images in 9. This additional information led to the performance of 9 interventions (stent implantation 8, angioplasty 1). Corresponding 2D and 3DRA images of the right and left PA were compared using quantitative analysis with a correlation coefficient of 0.94 (P < 0.001) and 0.97 (P < 0.001), for the right and left PAs respectively. Conclusions 3DRA can be performed safely and effectively following CPC and may be more sensitive in diagnosing PA stenoses than 2D angiography. Quantitative measurements of PA diameter using 3DRA correlates well with 2D angiography. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Testing theories of relativity with ranging via dual Radio links

The BepiColombo mission to Mercury has Radio Science objectives that explore planetary gravity and interior structure as well as tests of aspects of the general theory of relativity. Both classes of science objectives rely on high precision Doppler and ranging at dual wavelengths, X-band and Ka-band. In particular, the relativistic tests require ranging between a ground station and the spacecraft to 15 cm (+/− 5 cm), which is approximately one order of magnitude better than current capabilities at X-band. A new scheme has been developed to reach this accuracy via three techniques: (1) utilizing the simultaneous propagation of two links modulated with ranging codes in order to calibrate the dispersive media, (2) recording the uplink reference tone in the downlink data stream to provide accurate calibration, and (3) employing open-loop receivers with user-developed post-processing algorithms to produce the final data products. This paper12 will present the proposed instrumentation being prototyped, the encountered challenges and their solutions, as well as the expected results and their implications to the scientific investigations of BepiColombo and future missions.
Relative isometric endurance and different levels of athletic achievement.

Abstract Relative isometric endurance tests of 50, 60, 70, and 80 percent weight loads were used to evaluate the muscular endurance of three groups of male college students. The 47 students were grouped according to level of athletic achievement. Analysis of variance models failed to detect any differences between the endurance of the three groups. Consideration was given to the use of relative endurance tests for evaluating levels of motivation.
Pharmacist involvement in a multidisciplinary initiative to reduce sepsis-related mortality

Purpose Pharmacy department contributions to a medical center’s broad initiative to improve sepsis care outcomes are described. Summary Timely and appropriate antimicrobial therapy is a key factor in optimizing treatment outcomes in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. The inpatient pharmacy at Wake Forest Baptist Health implemented standardized processes to reduce order turnaround time and facilitate prompt antibiotic administration as part of the hospital’s multidisciplinary “Code Sepsis” initiative. The program includes (1) nurse-conducted screening for sepsis using a standard assessment instrument, (2) pager alerts notifying rapid-response, pharmacy, and other personnel of cases of suspected sepsis, (3) activation of an electronic order set including guideline-based antibiotic therapy recommendations based on local pathogen patterns, and (4) a protocol allowing pharmacists to select an antibiotic regimen if providers are busy with other patient care duties. Assessments conducted during and after implementation of the Code Sepsis initiative showed improvements in key program metrics. The mean ± S.D. time from receipt of a Code Sepsis page to antibiotic delivery was reduced to 14.1 ± 13.7 minutes, the mean time from identification of suspected sepsis to antibiotic administration was reduced to 31 minutes in the hospital’s intensive care units and to 51 minutes in non–critical care units, and the institution’s performance on a widely used measure of sepsis-related mortality improved dramatically. Conclusion Implementation of the Code Sepsis initiative was associated with reductions in order turnaround time, time to antibiotic administration, and sepsis-related mortality.
Pavement management with dynamic traffic and artificial neural network: a case study of Montreal

This study improves the pavement management system by developing a linear programming optimization for the road network of the City of Montreal with simulated traffic for a period of 50 years and d...
Snacking on Television: A Content Analysis of Adolescents' Favorite Shows.

INTRODUCTION Snacking is a complex behavior that may be influenced by entertainment media. Research suggests that snacking and unhealthy foods are commonly shown in programming that targets young audiences, but shows selected for study have been limited. We conducted a content analysis on shows that were named as favorites by adolescents to characterize portrayals of snacking on popular television. METHODS A diverse sample of 2,130 adolescents (mean age, 14.3 y) listed 3 favorite television shows in a 2010 school-based survey. Three episodes each of the 25 most popular shows were coded for food-related content, including healthfulness, portion size, screen time use, setting, and social context. We also analyzed the characteristics of characters involved in eating incidents, the show type, and the show rating. We used χ(2) tests, binomial tests, and multilevel regression models to compare incidence of snacks versus meals, the characteristics of those involved, and snacking across show characteristics. RESULTS Almost half of food incidents on television shows were snacks. Snacks were significantly more likely than meals to be "mostly unhealthy" (69.3% vs 22.6%, P < .001) and were more likely to include screen time use (25.0% of snacking incidents vs 4.0% of meals, P < .001). Young characters and those coded as being of low socioeconomic status or overweight were overrepresented in snacking incidents. Sitcoms and shows rated for a youth audience were significantly more likely to portray snacking than were shows for adult audiences. CONCLUSION Media awareness and literacy programs should include foods and snacking behaviors among the issues they address. More healthful portrayals of food and dietary intake in entertainment shows' content would create a healthier media environment for youth.
The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Perceptions of Health and Wellness in African American Young Adults

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how African American young adults think about health and wellness in relation to their family and childhood experiences and how those experiences impact their perceptions of health and wellness in young adulthood. Twenty-five African American young adults participated in the study. Data collection took place at a Historically Black College. Physical, mental, and spiritual health were all included as contributing factors to living a healthy lifestyle. Further family and school experiences were cited as influences on health in wellness during childhood. The study concluded that childhood and family experiences do indeed impact perceptions of health and wellness in young adulthood.
New Approaches Towards the Development of Safer Schistosomicidal Drugs

ABSTRACT Most, if not all, clinically used antischistosomal drugs are mutagenic. Several approaches to reduce or eliminate this liability will be discussed. 1. Structural modifications of the hycanthone molecule have resulted in the synthesis of analogs whose mutagenic and carcinogenic potentials and whose acute toxicity were markedly reduced, while antischistosomal potencies were equal to that of hycanthone. 2. When tested on two highly sensitive Salmonella typhimurium his strains both in the absence or presence of liver microsomes, a new highly effective schistosomicidal agent, 4-isocyano-4′nitrodiphenylamine (CGP 4540) is devoid of mutagenic activity. However, administration of a large dose of this compound to rodents gives rise to a mutagenic metabolite in the urines. No mutagenic activity is demonstrated in the urine when this isothiocyanate is administered to germ-free rats. Therefore, conversion of this compound to a mutagen requires the metabolic activities of enteric microorganisms. This mutagenic activation is prevented also by coadministration of CGP 4540 with a single dose of erythromycin. Treatment with this actibacterial agent does not reduce the high curative antischistosomal activity of the isothiocyanate. Therefore, the mutagenic effects of this compound can be dissociated completely from its schistosomicidal properties. Similarly, coadministration of the antibiotic almost completely eliminates the mutagenic effects of oxamniquine, another antischistosomal drug. 3. The significant reduction in the carcinogenic activity of benzo(a)pyrene by administering a phenolic antioxidant, e.g., butylhydroxyanisole (BHA), is paralleled by a marked decrease in the mutagenic activities of the urines of mice receiving benzo(a)pyrene. These observations provide additional validation of the predictability of bacterial mutagenicity tests. Inclusion of BHA in the diet significantly reduced the mutagenic activity of four antischistosomal agents, hycanthone, IA-4 N-oxide, metrifonate and praziquantel, as well as of an intestinal antihelmintic, mebendazole. BHA pretreatment also is synergistic with enteric antibacterial agents in reducing drastically the mutagenic activity in vivo of the widely used antitrichomonal and amebicidal drug metronidazole (‘Flagyl’). These findings have uncovered new principles and opportunities for improving the safety of drugs.
Life association of shell and operculum of Middle Ordovician gastropod Maclurites

The only two known life associations of the shell and operculum of Maclurites Le Sueur, 1818, are described for the first time. Maclurites cf. magnus Le Sueur, 1818, from the Middle Ordovician of Alaska demonstrates that the operculum fits slightly inside the aperture, and when closed, the operculum extends down below the base of the shell and may have acted as an anchor. The operculum of Maclurites bigsbyi (Hall, 1861), from the Middle Ordovician of Wisconsin, is illustrated for the first time and is confirmed to be distinct from Maclurina logani (Salter, 1859).
Maximality Theorems on the Sum of Two Maximal Monotone Operators and Application to Variational Inequality Problems

Let be a real locally uniformly convex reflexive Banach space with locally uniformly convex dual space . Let and be maximal monotone operators. The maximality of the sum of two maximal monotone operators has been an open problem for many years. In this paper, new maximality theorems are proved for under weaker sufficient conditions. These theorems improved the well-known maximality results of Rockafellar who used condition and Browder and Hess who used the quasiboundedness of and condition . In particular, the maximality of is proved provided that , where is a proper, convex, and lower semicontinuous function. Consequently, an existence theorem is proved addressing solvability of evolution type variational inequality problem for pseudomonotone perturbation of maximal monotone operator.
Self and Organization Management Perspectives of Intelligences

There are scales available that are used to measure IQ, EQ, and CQ. Currently the EQ scales are used most frequently. Despite all of the scales used, diversity concerns of protected class group employees remain prevalent. DQ requires individuals to display both cognitive knowledge of protected class groups and positive behavioral actions toward all individuals who are different than oneself to be effective. DQ will examine individual diversity and show that individual diversity can be exclusive of group in contrast to CQ’s position that one individual’s view represents the views of the group.
Review: imaging technologies for flow cytometry

High-throughput single cell imaging is a critical enabling and driving technology in molecular and cellular biology, biotechnology, medicine and related areas. Imaging flow cytometry combines the single-cell imaging capabilities of microscopy with the high-throughput capabilities of conventional flow cytometry. Recent advances in imaging flow cytometry are remarkably revolutionizing single-cell analysis. This article describes recent imaging flow cytometry technologies and their challenges.