cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Zero CLABSI Is Achievable

Background Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI) are one of the deadliest and most costly Hospital Associated Infections (HAI). Prevention of CLABSI is a primary objective when focusing on patient safety. Will a multi-pronged approach to CLABSI prevention, with the aim of changing organizational culture, prevent CLABSI in a community hospital with 350 beds? Methods In 2015, 16 CLABSIs were identified throughout the facility, with 9 of those in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A multifaceted approach was used to tackle the facility wide problem of CLABSI with particular focus on the ICU. Actions included creation of a new central line selection algorithm, assembling of a nurse driven vascular access team, implementation of a new central line dressing kit, launch of a drill down for each identified infection, including bedside caregivers, re-education on correct blood culture collection protocol, creation of a central line management policy, and a focus on communication throughout disciplines in the facility. The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR) was used to determine effectiveness of implementation plans. Results The CLABSI SIR in 2015 ranged from 0.4 to 1.8, with at least 3 infections per quarter. The facility has continued to see impressive decline in CLABSI annually. The facility was able to complete one year CLABSI free and is looking forward to doing so again. The ICU has remained CLABSI free for 3 years. Conclusions This project found that zero CLABSI is attainable. It requires a culture change and a new bundle beyond the standard insertion and maintenance. Learnings can be taken to facilities across the country to eliminate CLABSI.
Performativity, Economy and the Remaking of Agriculture

This chapter shows how new reporting requirements for farmers as well as the new integration of databases are leading farmers to change their practices. The data farmers are now required to supply are being used to produce statistics about agriculture, but this process is also changing agriculture. The relationship between statistics and agriculture—and hence rural livelihoods—is thus a performative one. The chapter reviews work on performativity, substantivist approaches to economy and livelihoods, and economization. It is in and through performativity that much of the work of institutional commensuration between Turkey and the EU is actually happening. The attempt to “know” agriculture through new data systems is in fact changing agriculture itself.
Detecting Hesitation During Battlefield Wound Treatment on Female Soldiers

Trauma care training using a female gender retrofit kit (GRK) may provide for a more realistic environment to decrease any training gaps associated with providing trauma care to men and women. This paper builds upon pilot research [1] indicating participants hesitate when assessing a gunshot wound on a simulated female casualty compared to the same wound on a male casualty and make more errors in placing chest seals on female casualties. Using a 2 (gender of participant) × 2 (gender of the manikin) mixed design, participants must assess and treat two gunshot wounds on each manikin. The dependent measures include initial response time, exposure time, time on task, total task time, exposure success, and accuracy of the chest seals. This experiment identified that participants are more likely to miss gunshot wounds on the female casualty if covered by a bra, and struggle to apply the chest seals appropriately.
Maternal Cortisol and Paternal Testosterone Correlated with Infant Growth via Mini Puberty

Infant testosterone (T) surges early in life. This period (known as mini puberty) is crucial to development. Little is known as to what the ultimate function of mini puberty might be. We predicted that parents with putative endocrine signatures of challenging environments (elevated levels of maternal cortisol and paternal T) may be related to elevated levels of infant T. In turn, these endocrine relationships are hypothesized to influence infant growth. In a U.S. sample (n = 225 families) of first-time parents and their infants, we measured infant length and weight at three occasions—birth, 3 months old, and 10 months old. We conducted salivary assays of infants for T, mothers for cortisol, and paternal T during the early postnatal period. We utilized latent growth curve modeling to explore changes in length and weight as predicted by infant T. Infant T predicted the slope of length gains across the study period. Maternal cortisol and paternal T (positively correlated with one another) were positively related to infant T. Neither maternal cortisol nor paternal T predicted the slope of length gains. In an exploratory model, temperament was not related to neuroendocrine measures. Gains in weight—unlike length—were not related to infant T. The ultimate function of mini puberty in infant growth is nuanced. In addition—at a time of rapid hormone changes across mothers, fathers, and infants—our results suggest that a tripartite neuroendocrine relationship is conceivable. Discussion surrounds the potential role of mini puberty and the numerous limitations of the study.
Incorporating Sustainable and Technological Approaches in Pest Management of Invasive Arthropod Species

Invasive arthropods can cause negative impacts on human health, damage to agriculture crops, irreparable environmental impacts, and other economic losses. Although native arthropods can be pests, invasive arthropods can pose unique challenges for identification and management. Current tools to manage invasive arthropods often focus on immediate solutions, such as the application of synthetic chemical pesticides, which can result in off-target effects (e.g., harm to native organisms, depletion of soil health, and increased insecticide resistance). In this review, we discuss sustainable approaches such as using soil microbes and biopesticides that are safe for the environment and human health, build soil health, and can be proactive in rebuilding ecosystems with resilience against invasive arthropods. We also discuss the incorporation of up-to-date technological and molecular tools (e.g., the use of drones, CRISPRs, and molecular identification of organisms from environmental samples) that allow for the enhancement of identification and management efforts associated with traditional integrated pest management (IPM). Implementing these tools into current management practices can enhance and accelerate early detection and allow for tailored management practices of invasive arthropods. These tools are not exclusive to monitoring invasive arthropods and can be used to monitor native pests or organisms relevant for conservation. Although our focus is on the management of invasive arthropods that have been introduced into North America, the knowledge provided may also be applicable to the management of invasive arthropods worldwide.
Chapter 7 Ion channels, epilepsy and anticonvulsants

Publisher Summary The development of molecular biology has resulted in a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the epilepsies. Ion channels are pivotal for the activation of membrane potentials; thus, their role in epilepsy is intensively investigated. The effect of anticonvulsants at the molecular level and their role in channel function has also been studied. At present, anticonvulsants can be rationally developed and drugs can be targeted for specific action on the cell membranes and their receptors. Thus, it is now possible to seek drugs, with a specific targeted function, that can be assessed at the level of a single channel by the technique of patch clamping, cloning, and gene sequencing. Although, anticonvulsant drugs still have multiplicity of actions; for instance, topiramate shows blockade of kainite evoked inward currents, modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) evoked currents, decrement of L-type Ca 2+ currents, and modulation of Na + and Ca 2+ channel conductance. The mechanism of action of the other recently introduced drugs is more restricted and selective. The search for rational strategy may be difficult, because often drugs, very effective in experimental animals, may be too toxic for human use or have additional unpleasant central nervous system (CNS) action.
Mining real estate listings using Oracle data warehousing and predictive regression

The object of this paper is to introduce our development experience of a data mining system for prospective real estate sellers and buyers to determine properties price. The prediction of continuous values of properties selling prices is modeled by a statistical technique called predictive regression. The prerequisite of this data mining process is to design a data warehouse that contains a wide variety of real estate listings in the related areas. The data source is extracted from multiple listing services (MLS) database. It is cleansed and transformed at a staging area. The data warehouse design for this system is a star schema with one large fact table surrounded by three dimension tables. Loading data into the warehouse is the final step in creating data warehouse as preparation for data mining. Oracle data warehousing tool kits were used in the data warehouse construction. Visual Basic .Net was used to implement the data mining system.
Refinement of State-Based Systems: ASMs and Big Commuting Diagrams (Abstract)

Effective and efficient support for the incremental development of verified implementations from abstract requirements has always been of central importance for the successful application of formal methods in practice. Effective means first, that a modelling language is available that allows an adequate problem specification. Second, a refinement theory must be available that preserves the relevant properties of the abstract specification. Efficient means, that the refinement theory reduces the problem to the essential proof obligations necessary, and that the theorem prover provides powerful deduction support. The talk discusses the topic from the experience we have gained from formalizing various refinement theories [1], [2] with the interactive theorem prover KIV [3], as well as from the correctness proofs for various case studies involving refinement.
Interviewing for alleged abuse in the residential treatment center.

Investigations of institutional abuse reports rely heavily on ex post facto interviewing. In this article, indices of plausibility are discussed as the basis for more reliable inferences in the absence of physical evidence. Language: en
San Antonio v. Rodriguez and the Legal Geography of School Finance Reform

It is easy to forget that important Supreme Court cases involve people; it is even easier to forget that they are rooted in particular places. Every case begins somewhere, and San Antonio v. Rodriguez is no exception. Rodriguez was both a product and reflection of the long history of territorial struggle in San Antonio and borderland Texas. Two geographic and jurisdictional places - both nominally part of the city of San Antonio, but conceptually distinct from it - became the surrogates for that contest. On the West Side, populated predominantly by poor Hispanics, was the Edgewood Independent School District, which spent less money per pupil than any school district in the county. And on the North Side was the almost exclusively white, wealthy Alamo Heights Independent School District, which spent more money per pupil than any school district in the county. These places would come to represent the racial geography of all of south Texas. They would also become doctrinally problematic in Rodriguez, as the majority and dissents wrestled with the distinction between poor places and poor people. That tension continues to dog school finance reform. Despite thirty-five years of effort, neither courts nor legislatures have been able to mediate the tensions between local control and equal access, the rights of individual children and the rights of communities, or the relative wealth of places and the relative wealth of people. This narrative of Rodriguez emphasizes the practical and doctrinal implications of San Antonio’s racial geography for that case. And it highlights the problem of geography for school finance reform more broadly.
Application of Time-Domain Identification Techniques for Evaluating Heavy Truck Dynamics

The primary purpose of this paper is to evaluate how various time-domain system identification techniques, which have been successfully used for different dynamic systems, can be applied for identifying heavy truck dynamics. System identification is the process by which a model is constructed from prior knowledge of a system and a series of experimental data. The parameters obtained from the identification process can be used for developing or improving the mathematical representation of a physical system. In contrast to lighter vehicles, heavy trucks have considerably more flexible frames. The frame can exhibit beaming dynamics in a frequency range that is within the range of interest for evaluating the ride and handling aspects of the truck. Understanding the dynamic contributions of the truck frame is essential for improving the ride characteristics of a vehicle. This understanding is also needed for designing new frame configurations for the existing or new production trucks. The tools for such evaluations, however, are often limited to grossly estimating the frame dynamics in a model or resorting to an experimental evaluation of the entire truck. Although such methods work well in most cases, they stand to be expensive and limited to vehicles that have a physical existence. System identification methods would allow one to determine the parameters of a component of a vehicle without its actual installation in the vehicle. The parameters, then, can be used in models of the vehicle, for evaluating the dynamic response of the vehicle with the component-such as the truck frame-installed in it. The results documented in this paper will show that system identification methods can be applied effectively for heavy truck frame parameter estimation. A series of laboratory tests are performed on a Class 8 truck and their results are used for performing system identification on the frame dynamics, which results in truck frame mass, stiffness, and damping parameters. Applying various parametric and non-parametric system identification methods, which have been suggested in the past for other dynamic systems, to this specific application allows us to determine the methods that work best for trucks.
The laser absorption spectrometer - A new remote sensing instrument for atmospheric pollution monitoring

An instrument capable of remotely monitoring trace atmospheric constituents is described. The instrument, called a laser absorption spectrometer, can be operated from an aircraft or spacecraft to measure the concentration of selected gases in three dimensions. This device will be particularly useful for rapid determination of pollutant levels in urban areas.
Corporate Governance and Society

These days, Americans seem to take their corporate governance model for granted. Shareholder interests are now all that matter. But the author traces the history of corporate governance to show that such models change over time. And they are different in other nations, such as Japan. In his view, American-style corporate governance has resulted in wage inequality and poor management. And financial reforms, despite the recent major scandals, have not gone far enough.
Automatic service composition with heterogeneous service-oriented architectures

Service-Oriented Architecture is widely used to program pervasive spaces such as Smart Homes because of its capabilities to handle dynamic and heterogeneous environments. It is often the case that the services required are designed and implemented using different SOAs, such as OSGi and Web Services. Most of the current composition frameworks take a two-tier approach: those services following the same SOA can take advantage of service composition and runtime substitutions, while interactions between services of different SOAs require hardcoded service invocations that do not really provide full advantage of SOA. Some SOAs do not support features such as on-the-fly compositions or a searchable service directory. In this paper, we present a framework to compose and orchestrate services from different SOA implementations and provide the missing functionalities to support composition of heterogeneous SOAs. We present a case study and the performance analysis of the study to demonstrate the feasibility of our framework.
A Fourier transform approach to acoustooptic interaction of curved, CW ultrasonic waves and optical beams with arbitrary profiles

Starting from the coupled wave equations for the scattered optical fields in the acoustooptic cell, a Fourier transform technique is used to express the interaction in the spatial frequency domain. The sound field is assumed to be a CW wave with curved wavefronts. Two coupled differential equations, which describe the interaction between the optical and sound fields in the Bragg regime, can be obtained. A well-known numerical technique, the Runge-Kutta method, was used to solve the equations. Detailed numerical simulations, comprising Fourier transforming the input light beam profile to calculate the spectra of the scattered light beams and their profiles in space using the inverse transform, are presented. >
Anaerobic stimulation of sugar transport in avian erythrocytes

Abstract The kinetic parameters of the sugar transport in avian erythrocytes were evaluated under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In anaerobic cells, transport measurements with 3-O-[ 14 C ] methylglucose resulted in a set of similar dissociation-like constants. Thus the Michaelis constants of 3-O-[ 14 C ] methylglucose entry and exit, K so and K si , were 8 and 7 mM, respectively. The equilibrium exchange constant, B s , and the counterflow constant, R s , were 9 and 11 mM, respectively. The activity constant for 3-O- methylglucose transport, F s , defined as V/K m , was 4 ml/h per g. This set of kinetic constants was compatible with a symmetrical mobile-carrier model. In contrast, the Michaelis constant for glucose entry, K go , was 2 mM and less than the counterflow constant, R g (8 mM). This result could be accounted for by slower movement of the glucose-carrier complex than the free carrier. The activity constant for glucose transport, F g , was 5 ml/h perg. Under aerobic conditions, two of the dissociation-like constants ( K si and B s ) for 3-O- methylglucose transport were significantly larger than those obtained in anaerobic cells, but the remaining two ( K so and R s ) remained unchanged. The values, for K so , K si , B s and R s were 8, 26, 20 and 8 mM, respectively. The activity constant, F s , decreased to 2 ml/h per g. These changes in kinetic constants were consistent with the hypothesis that anoxia accelerated sugar transport by releasing free carrier that was previously sequestered on the inside of the cell membrane.
Evaluating performance in tiled displays: navigation and wayfinding

We compare user-interaction and performance on a navigation and way finding task across two separate immersive displays: a low-cost, tiled, multi-screen immersive visualization system and a more expensive, continuous screen, immersive visualization facility. The low-cost system is designed with economy in mind and uses off-the-shelf components. It is constructed by arranging LCD displays in a curved tiled layout. The expensive system is a Rockwell-Collins semi-rigid, rear projected, continuous curved screen. With the low cost paradigm, physical seams are introduced into the image where the displays are tiled. In contrast the expensive system presents a continuous image. We hypothesize that the tiled system presents an equivalent visual experience, despite the physical seams introduced by connecting the screens. Both systems were tested through experimentation designed to measure performance in a navigation and way finding task. Experimental results indicate that there are no significant differences in task performance across display type, which means that for navigational tasks of this category, user performance is not impacted by the interrupted image in the tiled display. Three-Dimensional (3D) immersive visualization systems provide a novel platform for presentation of complex datasets and Virtual Environments (VEs). The objective of the research presented here is to compare user-interaction and performance between two immersive displays: a low-cost, tiled, multi-screen immersive visualization system and a more expensive, continuous screen, immersive visualization facility. The low cost system is designed using off-the-shelf components and constructed by arranging LCD displays in a curved tiled layout. The expensive system is a Rockwell-Collins semi-rigid, rear projected, continuous curved screen. With the low cost paradigm, physical seams are introduced into the image where the displays are tiled. Our hypothesis is that the tiled system presents an equivalent visual experience for navigation and wayfinding tasks, despite the separating seams introduced by connecting the screens. Each immersive system was evaluated by measuring timely task performance. We compared performance on a simple goal-directed navigation task in both systems. We introduced software seams of varying size in the continuous display, but also measured performance in the continuous system with no seams. The seams in the LCD display are physical seams, and obviously remain present during task performance for that system. Results show that no significant differences exist across systems, which validates our hypothesis that there is no disruption to the visual experience of the user when navigating a VE populated with physical or software seams.
Broiler Performance and Hatching Egg Weight to Marketing Weight Relationships of Progeny from Standard and Dwarf Broiler Dams

Abstract The relationship between egg weight and broiler weight from standard-sized and closely related dwarf dams was studied. Regression analysis of broiler weight on egg weight indicated each gram of presetting egg corresponded to 10.7 and 6.0 g additional broiler weight for males and females, respectively. Significant (P
Opioid inhibition stimulates luteinizing hormone and prolactin secretion in the gilt

Abstract Ten gilts on day 6·11 of the estrous cycle (onset of estrus = day 0) were given 115 mg of naloxone (NAL), an opioid antagonist, in saline i.v. (n = 5) or saline Lv. (n = 5). Jugular blood was collected at 15 min intervals for 2 hr before and 4 hr after treatment. Serum LH concentrations were 0.4 ± 0.1 ng/ml before NAL treatment, increased (P
The Piezometric surface of artesian water in the Florida peninsula

The ground-water of the Florida Peninsula constitutes one of its most valuable natural resources and is of importance as a source of water-supplies throughout the area. The problems relating to the development of ground-water supplies are both quantitative and qualitative. They include such problems as the decline in yield of wells in areas of large withdrawals of water and salt-water contamination of ground-water supplies. In order to facilitate a better understanding and interpretation of hydrologic conditions relating to these local ground-water problems, a general survey of the artesian water in the Florida Peninsula was made by the United States Geological Survey in 1934.
Use of K-Nearest Neighbor classifier for intrusion detection11An earlier version of this paper is to appear in the Proceedings of the 11th USENIX Security Symposium, San Francisco, CA, August 2002

A new approach, based on the k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN) classifier, is used to classify program behavior as normal or intrusive. Program behavior, in turn, is represented by frequencies of system calls. Each system call is treated as a word and the collection of system calls over each program execution as a document. These documents are then classified using kNN classifier, a popular method in text categorization. This method seems to offer some computational advantages over those that seek to characterize program behavior with short sequences of system calls and generate individual program profiles. Preliminary experiments with 1998 DARPA BSM audit data show that the kNN classifier can effectively detect intrusive attacks and achieve a low false positive rate.
Optimisation-based Approach for Determining Driver Seat Adjustment Range for Vehicles

When designing for human variability in the interior cab design for a vehicle, it becomes difficult to predict an optimum driver seat adjustment range. This paper proposes an optimisation–based approach to determine the seat adjustment range without the need for population sampling and stochastic posture prediction. This paper uses boundary anthropometric digital human models, a 95% male and a 5% female, to establish the driver seat adjustment range for vehicles. The simulation predicts the optimum posture of the seated driver inside the vehicle, and also gives an indication of how comfortable the driver is while seated in the predicted posture.
Dissociation of ketamine effects on rule acquisition and rule implementation: possible relevance to NMDA receptor contributions to executive cognitive functions

Abstract Background: The demands of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) change with experience. This report contains two studies designed to examine N -methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor contributions to the executive components of WCST performance. These aspects of WCST performance figure more prominently in the initial completion of this task than in subsequent task repetitions in healthy populations. Methods: In the first study, healthy subjects ( n = 15) completed the WCST on two occasions separated by 1 week. In the second study, healthy subjects ( n = 22) completed two test days spaced by approximately 1 week, during which, they completed the WCST and other assessments after administration of the NMDA antagonist ketamine (intravenous bolus 0.26 mg/kg followed by infusion of 0.65 mg/kg/hour) or matched placebo. Results: In the first study, subjects reduced the number of total and perseverative errors with a single repetition of the WCST. In the second study, ketamine significantly increased the number of total errors and the number and percent of perseverative errors on the first, but not the second test day. Similarly, it reduced the number of category criteria met on the first, but not second test day. Ketamine also increased distractibility, impaired recall, produced psychosis, altered perception, and had effects resembling the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. However, only WCST performance showed order dependency. Conclusions: This order dependency further implicates NMDA receptors in executive cognitive functions associated with the frontal cortex.
Promoter-specific activation of RNA polymerase II transcription by Sp1

Abstract The RNA polymerase II transcription factor Sp1 is a protein that binds to specific DNA sequences and activates RNA synthesis from a select group of promoters. Sp1 and related factors appear to be important for modulation of gene expression in higher organisms.
P-04 Esophageal dilatation after laparoscopic gastric banding: incidence, management and outcomes

Stoma was considered enlarged if 2 cm diameter, and pouch enlarged if 6 cm long or 5 cm wide. Results: 275 patients underwent UE and gastric pouch and stoma measurement. Among these were 205 patients (Group 1; 86% female) who had poor weight loss ( 50% EWL) or weight regain post RYGB, and 70 patients (Group 2; 88% female) who had successful weight loss ( 50%EWL), at a mean postoperative time of 6.3 years ( 3.6). Pouch and stoma size were both normal in only 29% of group 1, compared to 43% of group 2 (p 0.03). In group 1, 42% had an enlarged stoma with normal pouch, compared to 27% of group 2 (p 0.03). An enlarged pouch and normal stoma was found in similar proportions in both groups (21% and 15% respectively, p 0.22). Conclusion: Normal sized pouch and stoma are associated with optimal weight loss after RYGB. Patients who don’t lose or regain weight are likely to have abnormal anatomy, particularly stoma enlargement. Further management strategies in these patients may focus on anatomic revision or reinforcement.
Regulation of (Pro)Renin Receptor Expression by Glucose-Induced Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase, Nuclear Factor-κB, and Activator Protein-1 Signaling Pathways

Renal (pro)renin receptor (PRR) expression is increased in diabetes. The exact mechanisms involved in this process are not well established. We hypothesized that high glucose up-regulates PRR through protein kinase C (PKC)-Raf-ERK and PKC-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-c-Jun signaling pathways. Rat mesangial cells exposed to 30 mm d-glucose demonstrated significant increase in PRR mRNA and protein expression, intracellular phosphorylation of Raf-1 (Y340/341), ERK, JNK, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) p65 (S536) and c-Jun (S63). By chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and EMSA, high glucose induced more functional NF-kappaB and activator protein (AP)-1 dimers bound to corresponding cis-regulatory elements in the predicted PRR promoter to up-regulate PRR transcription. Conventional and novel PKC inhibitors Chelerythrine and Rottlerin, Raf-1 inhibitor GW5074, MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126, JNK inhibitor SP600125, NF-kappaB inhibitor Quinazoline, and AP-1 inhibitor Curcumin, respectively, attenuated glucose-induced PRR up-regulation. Chelerythrine and Rottlerin also inhibited glucose-induced phosphorylation of Raf-1 (Y340/341), ERK1/2, JNK, NF-kappaB p65 (S536), and c-Jun (S63). GW5074 and U0126 inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-kappaB p65 (S536). SP600125 inhibited phosphorylation of NF-kappaB p65 (S536) and c-Jun (S63). We conclude that high glucose up-regulates the expression of PRR through mechanisms dependent on both PKC-Raf-ERK and PKC-JNK-c-Jun signaling pathways. NF-kappaB and AP-1 are involved in high-glucose-induced PRR up-regulation in rat mesangial cells.
Upper bound to the critical binding nuclear charge for a three-electron atomic system

The three-electron ground state atomic energy in the Z → 2 limit, where Z is the nuclear charge, is studied using high precision Hylleraas-type calculations, with the objective to investigate the stability of the ground state of the helium negative ion. Finite nuclear mass effects and relativistic corrections are incorporated in the computations. The calculations reveal that the critical binding nuclear charge, Zc, the value below which the three-electron system is no longer stable, is bounded above by Zc = 2.000 001.
Targeting AMPK in the treatment of malignancies.

The AMPK pathway is a metabolic stress-related and energy censor pathway which plays important regulatory roles in normal and malignant cells. This cellular cascade controls generation of signals for initiation of mRNA translation via the mTOR pathway and exhibits regulatory roles on the initiation of autophagy. AMPK activators have been shown to suppress mTOR activity and to negatively control malignant transformation and cell proliferation of diverse malignant cell types. Such properties of AMPK inducers have generated substantial interest for the use of AMPK targeting compounds as antineoplastic agents and have provoked extensive research efforts to better define and classify the mechanisms controlling AMPK activity and its functional consequences in malignant cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 404–409, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A diallel analysis of seedling growth in cotton

Abstract The relationships among seedling measurements and the inheritance of seedling growth of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., in a controlled environment were studied using a diallel cross of eight parents. The parents included six strains from the Multi-Adversity Resistance (MAR) program and two commercial cultivars. Variation in root length on the fourth day after planting did not vary among the parents. The MAR strains generally had slower root elongation, measured by root length on day 9, than did the two cultivars. Variation in velocity of emergence indicated some parents established longer roots before emergence than did other parents. Variation in hypocotyl length on days 10 and 18 reflected differences in emergence speed. The rate of hypocotyl elongation, measured as the difference between day 10 and day 18 hypocotyl lengths, was similar for all parents. The parental and offspring data showed similar trends for velocity of emergence, day 9 root length and day 18 hypocotyl length. Offspring of parents which had extreme values for the traits expressed approximately mid-parent values. The offspring of parents which had similar values frequently were heterotic. However, the direction of heterosis shown by offspring of parents having high values was opposite to that shown by offspring of parents having low values. An explanation involving duplicate gene action and epistasis is proposed.
p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and calcium channels mediate signaling in depolarization‐induced activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator‐1α in neurons

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha) coactivates a number of transcription factors critical for mitochondrial biogenesis. Previously, we found that the expression of PGC-1alpha is governed by neuronal activity, but the signaling mechanism is poorly understood. The present study aimed at testing our hypothesis that depolarizing activation of PGC-1alpha in neurons is mediated by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and calcium channels. Cultured primary neurons and N2a cells were depolarized with 20 mM KCl for varying times, and increases in PGC-1alpha mRNA and protein levels were found after 0.5 and 1 hr of stimulation, respectively. These levels returned to those of controls after the withdrawal of KCl. Significantly, 15 min of KCl stimulation induced an up-regulation of both p38 MAPK and phosphorylated p38 MAPK that were suppressed by 30 min of pretreatment with SB203580, a blocker of p38 MAPK that also blocked the up-regulation of PGC-1alpha by KCl. Likewise, 30 min of pretreatment with nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, also prevented the up-regulation of PGC-1alpha mRNA and proteins by KCl. Furthermore, a knockdown of p38 MAPK with small interference hairpin RNA significantly suppressed PGC-1alpha mRNA and protein levels. Our results indicate that both p38 MAPK and calcium play important roles in mediating signaling in depolarization-induced activation of PGC-1alpha at the protein and message levels in neurons.
Vertical vestibulo-ocular reflex in patients with benign paroxysmal positional nystagmus.

The vertical vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) was tested in 13 patients with benign paroxysmal positional nystagmus and in ten normal subjects. Patients and normal subjects were rotated in the sagittal plane and in the plane of the vertical semicircular canal pairs using sine and step stimuli. Gain, phase, and time-constant measurements of the vertical components of induced nystagmus were not significantly different (P > 0.05) in the normal subjects and patients for any test condition. At least for the range of test stimuli used in this study, the dynamics of the vertical VOR were normal in patients with benign paroxysmal positional nystagmus.
Severe Vaginal Burns in a 5-Year-Old Girl Due to an Alkaline Battery in the Vagina.

Abstract Background The ingestion or insertion of alkaline batteries in the body can cause severe damage to hollow organs. We report here a case of severe vaginal burns in a young patient caused by an alkaline battery. Case A 5-year-old girl presented to our outpatient department with pelvic pain and vaginal discharge. Further workup suggested the presence of a vaginal foreign body. Under general anesthesia, an alkaline battery was removed from her vagina, which showed severe burns with partial-thickness necrosis. Complete healing was confirmed at 3 months after initial presentation. Conclusions In this rare case of an alkaline battery present in the vagina of a prepubescent girl, we discuss the available treatment and management options in comparison to similar previously reported cases.
Computer simulation of mammographic imaging for applications in CAD

Abstract A method is described for the computer simulation of mammograms. Software has been developed to model the conversion of input X-ray quanta to visible light photons inside a phosphor screen. In this method, we separated the physics processes that convert X-ray quanta to visible light photons inside a fluorescent screen into five mathematical transformations. Standard FFT techniques were used. We extended Swank's one-dimensional fluorescent screen MTF model into a two-dimensional photon diffusion model by solving the 2D Boltzman diffusion equation. The simulation software divides the fluorescent screen into multiple thinner sub-layers and integrates the visible light output of every sub-layer over the whole screen into the final image. The simulation software was tested by two comparisons: modulation transfer function (MTF) and noise power spectrum. Both test results show that the method and the simulation software work correctly. For the modulation transfer function and the shape of the noise power spectra, the difference between the simulation and the experimental values of an actual fluorescent screen was within 8%. Qualitatively, the simulated and actual images of test objects looked similar. Using the developed method, we will be able to produce simulated mammograms that can be used to evaluate computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) methods and techniques.
An expanded view of congenital heart disease.

Congenital heart disease is generally perceived as being characterized by a single or collection of anomalies of the heart and great vessels. This view leads to the impression that the complications will be local or regional. The reviews by Dr. Yoo and Dr. Slesnick challenge this orthodoxy for patients with complex congenital heart disease. Dr. Yoo notes that children live in a constant state of systemic hypertension following Fontan palliation that adversely affects multiple organ systems. The liver is particularly susceptible to the complications of systemic venous hypertension since the pressure gradient between the portal vein and hepatic veins is so much smaller than systemic arterial to systemic vein pressure gradients. Other factors further complicate gastrointestinal and hepatic flow. Hepatic damage is universal and in severe cases is life threatening. Cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma can follow Fontan palliation. The etiologically more poorly understood protein losing enteropathy carries a high mortality as well. Cardiovascular imagers must expand their perceptions of congenital heart disease and actively search for evolving gastrointestinal complications of Fontan procedures. Dr. Yoo has pointed out specifically the important role magnetic resonance imaging can play in this regard. Dr. Slesnick has pointed out how new technology can improve the energy efficiency of the ever evolving Fontan palliation. More energy efficient Fontan connections improve flow and ameliorate or at least delay the complications of systemic pulmonary venous hypertension noted above. The evolution of Fontan configurations from atriopulmonary to total cavopulmonary connection with anastomotic offsets and caval flaring has improved flow dynamics, but optimization requires individualized modeling. Computational flow dynamics allows for modeling different potential Fontan conduits and configurations prior to surgery. Modeling techniques combine morphologic and flow data that is moving from a slice orientation to a volume approach. The current fashion in medicine is patient centered medicine. The development of Fontan conduits specifically designed for individual patients to reduce energy loses and optimize the distribution of hepatic venous flow may be a high water mark in patient centered care. Perhaps 3D printers in the future will manufacture individualized Fontan conduits. Over time, cross-sectional imaging has evolved from a slice approach to a more organic volume approach. Our approach towards determining the optimal configuration of Fontan conduits will follow along the same path. Similarly, we must expand our view of congenital heart disease away from being a localized condition to a more systemic illness.
The cost of curtailing wind turbines for secondary frequency regulation capacity

We analyze the cost of curtailing the active power output of a wind farm to provide secondary frequency regulation capacity. We calculate the regulation capacity available and its cost by simulating the active power output of a curtailed 100-MW wind farm with a hybrid of real wind speed data and simulated high-frequency turbulence. We find that a curtailed wind farm can provide secondary frequency regulation capacity at a cost lower than conventional generators in less than 1 % of the 1,440 1-h intervals studied. Although the operating cost of curtailing a wind farm for frequency regulation capacity is high, the capital cost of installing the hardware and software to enable curtailment for frequency regulation is low. For that reason, we suggest that it is reasonable that grid operators require wind farms to have the capability to curtail for frequency regulation, but we recommend that capability should be rarely used.
Correlations between electrospinnability and physical gelation

Fiber formation by electrospinning is investigated for polymer solutions capable of physical gelation. It is shown that close to the gelation threshold, the combination of thermoreversible junctions and chain entanglements help to stabilize the liquid jet and overcome capillary forces thus giving micro/nano fibers. The effect of cooling time and dissolution temperature besides polymer concentration and molecular weight is clearly demonstrated for polyvinyl alcohol/water and polyvinyl chloride/THF solutions. Finally, the relationship between solvent quality, chain entanglements and poly(vinyl chloride) fiber formation is unequivocally illustrated.
What's in a word: the use, misuse, and abuse of the word "persistence" in Chlamydia biology.

The word persistence was used by Chlamydia researchers almost as soon as Chlamydia research was born to reflect the propensity of chlamydiae to cause inapparent infection in their hosts, from birds to humans. More recently, the term persistence has been used, misused, and sometimes abused amidst in vitro and in vivo studies that aim to mimick the ability of chlamydiae to emerge from the presumed inapparent state into clinically detectable infection and disease. Here, I have attempted to provide a global perspective on the state of research on chlamydial persistence, revisiting old observations that may warrant a new look, critically evaluating more recent observations and their shortcomings, and including recent developments that may help redefine chlamydiae as pathogens - or not - of both animals and humans.
Rate constants for the reaction, O+H2O→OH+OH, over the temperature range, 1500–2400 K, by the flash photolysis-shock tube technique: A further consideration of the back reaction

Rate constants for the reaction, O+H2O→OH+OH, have been measured by the Flash Photolysis-Shock Tube (FP-ST) technique over the temperature range, 1500–2400 K. This technique combines shock heating with flash photolysis in the reflected shock wave regime, and the transient species, O-atoms in this case, are monitored by atomic resonance absorption spectroscopy (aras). Additional experiments were performed with N2O as a thermal source of O-atoms, and the formation and depletion of [O] were followed by the aras technique. These results require that the decomposition rate behavior of N2O be known. The results obtained by this technique are compared to those obtained by the FP-ST technique and are found to be corroborative. Hence, the combined results are used to describe the rate constants for the title reaction. These results can be represented by the Arrhenius expression: k=(1.12±0.20)×10−10 exp(−9115±304 K/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1 over the experimental temperature range. The individual data points deviate from this equation by ±17% at the one standard deviation level, and this represents a measure of the precision. The experimental results are compared to earlier work, and rate constants for the title reaction are additionally calculated from published results for the reverse reaction, OH+OH, and the well known equilibrium constant. All results are combined, and the rate behavior for the title reaction is evaluated. The three parameter expression is, k=8.44×10−14 T0.946 exp(−8571 K/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1 for the temperature range, 250–2400 K. Lastly, the results for both forward and reverse reactions are compared to the theoretical calculations presented recently by Harding and Wagner. It is concluded that theory and experiment are in agreement within experimental error.
Hamiltonian moment reduction for describing vortices in shear

This paper discusses a general method for approximating two-dimensional and quasigeostrophic three-dimensional fluid flows that are dominated by coherent lumps of vorticity. The method is based upon the noncanonical Hamiltonian structure of the ideal fluid and uses special functionals of the vorticity as dynamical variables. It permits the extraction of exact or approximate finite degree-of-freedom Hamiltonian systems from the partial differential equations that describe vortex dynamics. We give examples in which the functionals are chosen to be spatial moments of the vorticity. The method gives rise to constants of motion known as Casimir invariants and provides a classification scheme for the global phase space structure of the reduced finite systems, based upon Lie algebra theory. The method is illustrated by application to the Kida vortex [S. Kida, J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 50, 3517 (1981)] and to the problem of the quasigeostrophic evolution of an ellipsoid of uniform vorticity, embedded in a background flo...
Friction of Microscale Contacts on Diamond-Like Carbon Nanocomposite Coatings

Microtribology of diamond-like carbon (DLC) nanocomposite coatings was studied using a commercially available nanoindentation system. Reciprocating sliding tests were conducted at 4 μm/s over track lengths of 8 μm with diamond and sapphire counterfaces with nominal diameters of 20 and 300 microns, respectively. Measured contact stresses were between 0.2 and 2.0 GPa for both tips. The friction behavior as a function of the contact stress was explored in the elastic regime. Measured interfacial shear stress for these sliding contacts were 12 ± 1 MPa for sapphire and 31 ± 3 MPa for diamond against DLC coatings.Copyright © 2005 by ASME