cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Système International in the ICU in the United States

This article provides a brief review of the Systeme International (SI) and demonstrates how its routine use for measurements in the ICU might improve education and patient safety in the United States. We apply standard information on SI to common ICU situations. We contrast the confusion and waste from obsolete and/or nonstandard systems of measurement still used in the United States to the clarity and consistency that would result from converting to SI. Examples are drawn from basic weights and measures, electrolyte and other chemical solutions, acid-base physiology, blood gas analysis, BPs, vascular resistances, trauma kinematics, indirect calorimetry, cardiac work, and work of breathing. In addition to simplifying physiologic measurements and relationships, SI provides a common language for international collaboration and communication. Because it would thus improve critical care practice, SI should be increasingly accepted in the United States and especially promoted in the ICU.
Anomalous cold in the Pangaean tropics: REPLY: REPLY

We thank W. [Hood et al. (2009)][1] for their Comment on our Geology paper ([Soreghan et al., 2008][2]). We recognize that our hypothesis of episodic cold in the Pangaean tropics, which relies, in part, on our proposal of a late Paleozoic age and glacial origin for Unaweep Canyon, is radical. Hence
METZGER'S CHALLENGE

Notice of “Laws of seeing” by Wolfgang Metzger, 1936, translated into English for the first time by Spillmann, Lehar, Stromeyer, and Wertheimer, and published by MIT Press (October, 2006). Readers will find this an erudite and fascinating summary of the Gestalt principles known up to 1936, written to appeal to informed as well as lay audiences, and enlivened by numerous examples including some on camouflage which antedate more recent treatments. At 200-odd pages, Metzger’s book is a welcome addition to the bookshelf. The translators are especially to be congratulated on their care in translating concepts and terms as accurately as possible while still preserving the sense of excitement which permeates the work. Gestalt Psychology was still regarded as ‘German’ by the Nazi regime in 1936, so the publication of work done by this school of Psychology was still possible at that time; however, the enormous contribution of Jewish scientists is mostly suppressed, and this should be kept in mind by the reader. Interestingly, though, it is not entirely eliminated: for example, the seminal work of Susanne Liebmann – which was excluded from standard treatments of Gestalt Psychology in English, even into the 1980s – is mentioned. Post-war editions of Metzger’s book remedied this defect. And now, I invite you to attempt Metzger’s challenge: trying teaches one quite a bit about the operation of Gestalt factors, and one can always read the book to find answers: “It is precisely that which naturally ‘belongs together’ that gets organized together. And what belongs together is that which ‘fits’ together, that is, that which together results in a well-organized, unitary structure. Things that by virtue of their chance position appear to ‘belong’ to something else as a ‘necessary’ component can in this way successfully disappear from our view, even though they are lying completely exposed. You can make a nice party game out of ‘openly hiding’ erasers, pencils and other things up to the size of a walking stick according to this law.” I very much hope that the translators’ effort will inspire more translations of fundamental Gestalt texts, so that non-German-speaking readers can better appreciate this work and go beyond the simplified list of Gestalt factors which is the common text-book fare. The presentation of phenomenology and argument which allowed the Gestaltists to deduce properties of functions of the visual brain is especially important; it is in this manner that Psychology can stand on its own ground as well as provide independent and meaningful assistance to basic neuroscience.
Reactive Oxygen Metabolites in Toxic Acute Renal Failure

We have examined the role of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) in gentamicin nephrotoxicity and in glycerol-induced acute renal failure, a model for myoglobinuric acute renal failure. Several agents which affect mitochondrial respiration have been shown to enhance the generation of hydrogen peroxide. Based on gentamicin s ability to alter mitochondrial respiration both in vitro and in vivo we postulated that gentamicin may enhance the generation of ROM by renal com'cal mitochondria. Gentamicin, in a dose-dependent farhion, enhanced hydrogen peroxide production by rat renal cortical mitochondria as measured by the decrease in scopoletin jluorescence. At the highest concentration of gentamicin tested (4.0 mM), the rate of hydrogen peroxide generation w s markedly increased from 0. I7 f 0.02 to 6.21 f 0.67 nmol/mg/m*n. We next demonstrated that hydroxyl radical scavengers and an iron chelator provide a marked functional and histological protection in gentamicin-induced acute renal failure in rats. Hydroxyl r...
US Inertial Confinement Fusion Program experiments: results and implications

During 1987 and 1988, several experiments were performed by a number of participants in the US Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) Program, resulting in the consensus that the basic concept of indirect-drive ICF has been experimentally validated. To assist the program in evaluating this new state of knowledge, the US Dept. of Energy convened a group of independent reviewers who assessed these results in late 1988. They identified additional areas which require investigation before a decision can be made to construct the next large ICF facility. However, they did conclude that such physics data could be acquired within the 5-yr time frame with the appropriate upgrade of present facilities. They also found that the ICF Program's present efforts to plan for a high-gain Laboratory Microfusion Facility (LMF) during the late 1990s are highly appropriate. >
Chemoradiation Therapy for Potentially Resectable Gastric Cancer: Clinical Outcomes Among Patients Who Do Not Undergo Planned Surgery

Purpose We retrospectively analyzed treatment outcomes among resectable gastric cancer patients treated preoperatively with chemoradiation therapy (CRT) but rendered ineligible for planned surgery because of clinical deterioration or development of overt metastatic disease. Methods and Materials Between 1996 and 2004, 39 patients with potentially resectable gastric cancer received preoperative CRT but failed to undergo surgery. At baseline clinical staging, 33 (85%) patients had T3–T4 disease, and 27 (69%) patients had nodal involvement. Most patients received 45 Gy of radiotherapy with concurrent 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. Twenty-one patients underwent induction chemotherapy before CRT. Actuarial times to local control (LC), distant control (DC), and overall survival (OS) were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results The cause for surgical ineligibility was development of metastatic disease (28 patients, 72%; predominantly peritoneal, 18 patients), poor performance status (5 patients, 13%), patient/physician preference (4 patients, 10%), and treatment-related death (2 patients, 5%). With a median follow-up of 8 months (range, 1–95 months), actuarial 1-year LC, DC, and OS were 46%, 12%, and 36%, respectively. Median LC and OS were 11.0 and 10.1 months, respectively. Conclusions Patients with potentially resectable gastric cancer treated with preoperative CRT are found to be ineligible for surgery principally because of peritoneal progression. Patients who are unable to undergo planned surgery have outcomes comparable to that of patients with advanced gastric cancer treated with chemotherapy alone. CRT provides durable LC for the majority of the remaining life of these patients.
Microwave-assisted nile red method for in vivo quantification of neutral lipids in microalgae.

In vivo determination of neutral lipids with Nile red fluorescence has been used as a rapid screening method for certain types of microalgae, but has been unsuccessful in others, particularly those with thick, rigid cell walls that prevent penetration of the fluorescence dye into the cell. To solve the problem, a microwave-assisted Nile red staining method for microalgal lipid determination was developed. In a two-step staining protocol, 50 and 60 s were selected as the optimal microwave times for the pretreatment and staining process, respectively. Moreover, several calibration methods for quantitative analysis of neutral lipids in microalgae were investigated and compared with conventional gravimetric methods. Factors that affected the in vivo quantification of cellular neutral lipids were also investigated. Application of the new method for detection and quantification of neutral lipids in a number of green microalgae was demonstrated. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Theoretical Basis for the Detection of General-Base Catalysis in the Presence of Predominating Hydroxide Catalysis

Abstract The detection of general-base catalysis in the presence of predominating specific-base catalysis in aqueous buffer solutions is examined for various relationships between k 0 cat and k 0 OH , the bimolecular rate constants for general-base and hydroxide-ion attack. The three experimental variables that affect the detection of buffer-base catalysis are the type of buffer, conjugate-acid concentration, and ionic strength. Various buffers used in pharmaceutical kinetic studies are considered, and it is concluded that buffers with high K a values favor detection. Additionally, high conjugate-acid concentrations and ionic strengths appear to optimize the detection of general-base catalysis.
Behavioral morphology of the pigeon's peck: ingestion, prehension and cognition.

In nature, pecking involves the transport of a prehensile effector organ (the beak) towards biologically significant targets, and the generation jaw movement patterns whose probability and topography are appropriate to the stimulus properties of the target (e.g., distance, direction, size) and the motivational state of the animals (hunger, thirst). Because conditioned pecking preserves essential topographic features of the ingestive peck, we have used the pigeon's conditioned pecking response as a "model system" for the study of motor control, response form modulation and cognitive processes. In the first study, conditioning procedures were used to bring pecking under the control of visual targets whose stimulus properties (size, location) were independently varied, while simultaneously monitoring head acceleration, jaw movements and terminal peck location. Comparison of the kinematic profiles of conditioned and ingestive pecks suggests that conditioned pecking is functionally analogous to human "pointing" rather than "grasping" behavior. In the second study, we manipulated reinforcer type and size to generate populations of "virtual" eating and drinking responses and used them to study the process of response form modulation. The data suggest that different response forms do not reflect "fixed" movement patterns but the modulation of movement patterns across a topographic continuum. In the third study we manipulated stimulus, response and deprivational variables to test a cognitive model for the study of "expectancy", "intention", and "choice" in pigeon.
Effect of Autoclaving Raw Field Beans and of a Penicillin Supplement on Their Utilization by Laying Hens

Abstract Two experiments with laying hens were conducted to investigate the effect of diets containing high levels of dry field beans on egg production. The beans, in either raw or autoclaved form, were included in the diet at a level of 50%. The diets containing raw or autoclaved beans were also supplemented with 50 ppm procaine penicillin. A high level of raw beans in the diet of laying hens caused a marked decrease in egg production. This decrease in production was not prevented by a penicillin supplement. Hens fed diets containing autoclaved beans produced at a rate similar to those fed the control diet, but consumed a greater amount of feed. This higher feed consumption was partially counteracted when the penicillin supplement was used.
Facing and Coping with Uncertainty During Organizational Encounter

Drawing from previous “encounter” work by several researchers, this investigation identifies the types of uncertainty new hires experience and documents newcomers' information-seeking strategy preferences and target reliance patterns for coping with different forms of uncertainty. Organizational newcomers' (n = 200) uncertainty narratives reveal that new hires experience some uncertainty types more than others. Information-seeking strategy preference patterns reported in the article closely parallel those described by Miller. These patterns, although not affected by uncertainty type, are influenced by information-seeking strategy targets. New hire information target preferences were found to be influenced by type of uncertainty. Findings make a strong case for broadening the operationalization of information-seeking targets to include both intra- and extraorganizational sources. The final portion of the article discusses study limitations and directions for future research.
Response to “Comments on ‘Theory for Source-Responsive and Free-Surface Film Modeling of Unsaturated Flow’”

I am grateful to [Masciopinto (2012)][1] for raising several issues from my study ([Nimmo, 2010][2]) that deserve elaboration or clarification. In this reply, I address these in what I judge to be the order of importance, the main ones being (i) the discrepancy of scales between the two domains that
Active resource management for the differentiated services environment

This paper presents a mechanism for active resource management (ARM) in a differentiated services environment. While the differentiated services architecture and the bandwidth broker agent provide a mechanism for QoS management through resource reservation, this mechanism is based on a static provisioning of resources. As bandwidth requirement are typically dynamic, such a static reservation approach can either lead to wasted bandwidth or leave applications resource-starved. The active resource management approach presented in this paper addresses this problem by dynamically reallocating resources based on current network state and applications requirements. An implementation and evaluation of ARM using the NS-2 simulation toolkit is also presented.
The rate of exchange of tritiated water across the human red cell membrane.

The flow method of reaction rate measurement has been adapted to the determination of the rate of diffusion of water into the human red cell. In seven experiments the half-time for diffusion exchange has been found to be 4.2 ± 1.1 msec., which is equivalent to a diffusion flow of 8.6 x 10–9 ml. H2O/(sec., red cell). This figure has been compared with the rate of water entrance under an osmotic pressure gradient, and has been found to be smaller by a factor of 2.5. The difference between these two rates of water entrance has been interpreted as indicating the presence of water-filled channels in the membrane. An estimate of the equivalent radius of these channels (on the assumption of uniform right cylindrical pores) leads to a value of 3.5 A, which is viewed as an operational description of the resistance offered by the membrane to the passage of water.
The central void reactivity in the Oak Ridge National Laboratory enriched uranium (93.2) metal sphere

The reactivity worth of a central void region in the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) unmoderated and unreflected uranium (93.20 wt% {sup 235}U) metal sphere was obtained by replacement measurements in a small (0.460-cm-diam) central spherical region in this 3.4420-in.-radius sphere. The measured central void region worth was 9.165 {+-} 0.023 {cents} using the delayed neutron parameters of Keepin, Wimett, and Zeigler to obtain the reactivity from the measured stable reactor periods. This value is slightly larger than measurements for GODIVA I with larger cylindrical samples of uranium (93.70 wt% {sup 235}U) in the center: 135.50 {+-} 0.12 {cents}/mol for GODIVA I and 138.05 {+-} 0.34 {cents}/mol for the ORNL sphere measurements. The difference could be due to sample size effect. The central worth was also calculated by neutron transport theory methods to be 6.02 {+-} 0.01 {times} 10{sup {minus}4} {Delta}k. The measured and calculated values are related by the effective delayed neutron fraction. The value of the effective delayed neutron fraction obtained in this way from the ORNL sphere is 0.00657 {+-} 0.00002, which is in excellent agreement with that obtained from GODIVA I measurements, where the effective delayed neutron fraction was determined as the increment between delayed andmore » prompt criticality and was 0.0066. From these ORNL measurements, using the delayed neutron parameters of ENDF-B/VI to obtain the reactivity from the stable reactor period measurements, the central void worth is 7.984 {+-} 0.021 {cents}, and the inferred effective delayed neutron fraction is 0.00754. These values are 14.2% higher than those obtained from use of the Keepin, Wimett, and Zeigler delayed neutron data and produce a value of effective delayed neutron fraction in disagreement with GODIVA I measurements, thus questioning the usefulness of the six-group delayed neutron parameters (fast fission) of uranium from ENDF-B/VI for obtaining the reactivity from the measured reactor period using the Inhour equation.« less
A Viola-Jones based hybrid face detection framework

Improvements in face detection performance would benefit many applications. The OpenCV library implements a standard solution, the Viola-Jones detector, with a statistically boosted rejection cascade of binary classifiers. Empirical evidence has shown that Viola-Jones underdetects in some instances. This research shows that a truncated cascade augmented by a neural network could recover these undetected faces. A hybrid framework is constructed, with a truncated Viola-Jones cascade followed by an artificial neural network, used to refine the face decision. Optimally, a truncation stage that captured all faces and allowed the neural network to remove the false alarms is selected. A feedforward backpropagation network with one hidden layer is trained to discriminate faces based upon the thresholding (detection) values of intermediate stages of the full rejection cascade. A clustering algorithm is used as a precursor to the neural network, to group significant overlappings. Evaluated on the CMU/VASC Image Database, comparison with an unmodified OpenCV approach shows: (1) a 37% increase in detection rates if constrained by the requirement of no increase in false alarms, (2) a 48% increase in detection rates if some additional false alarms are tolerated, and (3) an 82% reduction in false alarms with no reduction in detection rates. These results demonstrate improved face detection and could address the need for such improvement in various applications.
Functional morphology of the cephalopod buccal mass: a novel joint type.

The arrangement of the musculature and connective tissues of the buccal mass of the coleoid cephalopods Octopus bimaculoides, Sepia officinalis, and Loliguncula brevis was examined using dissection and histology. Serial sections in three mutually perpendicular planes were used to identify the muscles and connective tissues responsible for beak movements and stability and to describe their morphology and fiber trajectories. Four major beak muscles were identified: the anterior, posterior, superior, and lateral mandibular muscles. The anterior, posterior, and superior mandibular muscles connect the upper beak and the lower beak. Although the lateral mandibular muscles originate on the upper beak, they do not connect to the lower beak and instead insert on a connective tissue sheath surrounding the buccal mass. Examination of the fibers of the lateral mandibular muscles reveals that they have the organization of a muscular hydrostat, with muscle fibers oriented in three mutually perpendicular orientations. Although the beaks are capable of complex opening, closing, and shearing movements, they do not contact one another and are instead connected only by the musculature of the buccal mass. Based on the morphological analysis and observations of freshly dissected beaks undergoing the stereotyped bite cycle, the functional role of the beak muscles is hypothesized. The anterior and superior mandibular muscles are likely responsible for beak closing and shearing movements. The posterior mandibular muscle is likely also involved in beak closing, but may act synergistically with the lateral mandibular muscles to open the beaks. The lateral mandibular muscles may use a muscular-hydrostatic mechanism to control the location of the pivot between the beaks and to generate the force required for beak opening. The lack of contact between the beaks and the morphology of the lateral mandibular muscles suggests that the buccal mass of coleoid cephalopods may represent a previously unexamined flexible joint mechanism. The term “muscle articulation” is proposed here to denote the importance of the musculature in the function of such a joint. J. Morphol. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Are Amblyopia Treatments Really All Equal? Is That Even the Right Question?

A series of Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group amblyopia treatment studies have concluded that the difference between patching and atropine penalization is inconsequential, and that there is ...
Differential Induction of Apoptosis in Human Breast Tumor Cells by Okadaic Acid and Related Inhibitors of Protein Phosphatases 1 and 2A

To investigate a possible relationship between apoptosis induction and protein phosphorylation in human breast carcinoma cells, we treated three such cell types, MB-231, MCF-7, and AU-565, with okadaic acid (OA), an inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A, or phorbol 12 myristate 13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C. We then examined these cells for the appearance of apoptosis markers. While OA caused multiplication arrest and cytotoxicity in all three cell lines, apoptosis was induced in MB-231 and MCF-7 cells but not in AU-565 cells. A similar cell-specific apoptosis induction was also observed after treatment with dinophysistoxin-1 (an active OA analogue) and with calyculin A (a structurally unrelated protein phosphatase inhibitor) but not with analogues that either are inactive or penetrate epithelial cells poorly. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate also inhibited cell multiplication but was without effect in inducing apoptosis in these cells. Levels of the apoptosis-inhibitory protein BCL2 were examined in these cells, but they did not correlate with this differential susceptibility. We additionally treated the three cell types with 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine and genistein to determine whether the AU-565 cell line would also be resistant to apoptosis induction by other chemical stimuli. Both of these agents led to the induction of apoptosis in all three cell lines. These results indicate that the AU-565 cells are specifically resistant to apoptosis induction by inhibitors of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A. This cell-specific resistance may thus allow one to identify cellular mediators of apoptosis by comparing protein phosphorylation patterns in these cells before and after treatment with OA or related inhibitors.
Temporal pattern of transfusion and its relation to rejection after lung transplantation.

Background Blood transfusion has been shown to impact rejection after renal and cardiac transplantation, but it has not been studied after lung transplantation (LTx). In this study we assess: (1) patterns of transfusion, and (2) temporal interrelationships with histologic evidence of rejection. Methods From July 1998 to January 2006, 326 of 331 patients undergoing LTx had available for study both time-related post-operative blood transfusion data and their series of transbronchial biopsy evaluations of perivascular rejection grade (Grades A0 to A4). Longitudinal temporal decomposition for ordinal variables was used to characterize prevalence of rejection grade and simultaneously assess the influence of (a) red blood cell (RBC), (b) platelet and (c) plasma administration. Results Although peri-operative transfusion was common, transfusions continued at a low, steady rate throughout the life of LTx patients; patients received a total of 2,841 RBC units through follow-up. Immediately after LTx, the prevalence of Grade A0 rejection was 51%, and this increased to 84% by 6 months. RBC transfusion between biopsies was associated with lower histologic grade of rejection (70%, 73% and 77% with Grade A0 for 0, 1 and 12 units, respectively; p = 0.009), and this was particularly evident early after LTx. Histologic grade was not influenced by platelets or plasma. Conclusions Transfusion requirements are high and continue throughout life after LTx; causes and effective treatment of persistent anemia should be sought. RBC transfusion appears to have an immunosuppressive effect, particularly early after transplant.
Electrophysiological Organization of the Eye of Aplysia

The eye of Aplysia californica was studied by electrophysiological and histological methods. It has a central spheroidal lens which is surrounded by a retina composed of several thousand receptor cells which are replete with clear vesicles, pigmented support cells, neurons which contain secretory granules, and glial cells. The thin optic nerve that connects the eye to the cerebral ganglion gives a simple "on" response of synchronized action potentials. Tonic activity occurs in the optic nerve in the dark and is dependent on previous dark adaptation. Micropipette recordings indicate that the ERG is positive (relative to a bathelectrode) on the outer surface of the eye and negative in the region of the distal segments of the receptors. Intracellular recordings show that receptor cells have resting potentials of 40–50 mv and respond to illumination with graded potentials of up to 55 mv. Dark-adapted receptors exhibit discrete bumps on the graded response to brief light flashes. Other elements in the retina that do not give large graded responses fall into two classes. One class responds to illumination with action potentials that are in synchrony with the extracellularly recorded compound optic nerve potentials. The other class is tonically active and is depolarized or hyperpolarized and inhibited upon illumination. It is apparent that complex excitatory and lateral inhibitory interactions occur among the elements of the retina.
A COMPARISON OF TRAPS AND STEM TAP SAMPLING FOR MONITORING ADULT ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID (HEMIPTERA: PSYLLIDAE) IN CITRUS

Abstract Studies were conducted at 2 different field sites to compare yellow sticky card traps, blue sticky card traps, Multi-Lure traps, and CC traps (red, blue, black, white, yellow, and dark green bases) for monitoring adult Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, in citrus. The Multi-Lure and CC traps were charged with either ethylene glycol or a dichlorvos kill strip to kill psyllids entering the trap. We also investigated a stem tapping method for monitoring adult D. citri. Yellow sticky card traps captured significantly more adults than blue sticky card traps over a 4-week period in one study but not the other. Over all sample weeks, each of these traps captured significantly greater numbers of adults than any of the other traps. Yellow and blue sticky traps were equally effective in detecting the presence of adults in trees given the infestation levels present at the 2 study sites. The CC and Multi-Lure traps captured so few adult psyllids and provided such poor detection of trees infeste...
Warpgroup: increased precision of metabolomic data processing by consensus integration bound analysis.

Motivation: Current informatic techniques for processing raw chromatography/mass spectrometry data break down under several common, non-ideal conditions. Importantly, hydrophilic liquid interaction chromatography (a key separation technology for metabolomics) produces data which are especially challenging to process. We identify three critical points of failure in current informatic workflows: compound specific drift, integration region variance, and naive missing value imputation. We implement the Warpgroup algorithm to address these challenges. Results: Warpgroup adds peak subregion detection, consensus integration bound detection, and intelligent missing value imputation steps to the conventional informatic workflow. When compared with the conventional workflow, Warpgroup made major improvements to the processed data. The coefficient of variation for peaks detected in replicate injections of a complex Escherichia Coli extract were halved (a reduction of 19%). Integration regions across samples were much more robust. Additionally, many signals lost by the conventional workflow were ‘rescued’ by the Warpgroup refinement, thereby resulting in greater analyte coverage in the processed data. Availability and i mplementation: Warpgroup is an open source R package available on GitHub at github.com/nathaniel-mahieu/warpgroup. The package includes example data and XCMS compatibility wrappers for ease of use. Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. Contact: nathaniel.mahieu@wustl.edu or gjpattij@wustl.edu
Long-Lasting Permethrin-Impregnated Clothing Protects Against Mosquito Bites in Outdoor Workers

Outdoor exposure to mosquitoes is a risk factor for many diseases, including malaria and dengue. We have previously shown that long-lasting permethrin-impregnated clothing protects against tick and chigger bites in a double-blind randomized controlled trial in North Carolina outdoor workers. Here, we evaluated whether this clothing is protective against mosquito bites by measuring changes in antibody titers to mosquito salivary gland extracts. On average, there was a 10-fold increase in titer during the spring and summer when mosquito exposure was likely to be the highest. During the first year of the study, the increase in titer in subjects wearing treated uniforms was 2- to 2.5-fold lower than that of control subjects. This finding suggests that long-lasting permethrin-impregnated clothing provided protection against mosquito bites.
Determination of the Rate Constants for the Radical−Radical Reactions NH2(X̃2B1) + NH(X3Σ−) and NH2(X̃2B1) + H(2S) at 293 K

The rate constant for the reactions NH2(X2B1) + NH(X3Σ−) and NH2(X2B1) + H(2S) were measured over a pressure range from 2 to 10 Torr in CF4, or Ar gases at 293 ± 2 K. The radicals were produced by the 193 nm photolysis of NH3 dilute in the carrier gas. Both radicals were monitored simultaneously following the photolysis laser pulse using high-resolution time-resolved absorption spectroscopy. The NH2 radical was monitored using the 1221 ← 1331 rotational transition of the (0,7,0)A2A1 ← (0,0,0) X2B1 vibronic band near 675 nm, and the NH radical was monitored using the 1R3(4) rotational transition on the 1−0 vibrational transition near 3084 nm. The data was analyzed using model simulations of the NH2 and NH temporal concentration profiles. The rate constants for the NH2 + NH and NH2 + H reactions were found to be (9.6 ± 3.2) × 10−11 and (7.7 ± 14) × 10−15 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, respectively, where the uncertainty includes an estimate of both systematic and random errors. The measurements were independent of ...
RNA G-Quadruplex Invasion and Translation Inhibition by Antisense γ-Peptide Nucleic Acid Oligomers.

We have examined the abilities of three complementary γ-peptide nucleic acid (γPNA) oligomers to invade an RNA G-quadruplex and potently inhibit translation of a luciferase reporter transcript containing the quadruplex-forming sequence (QFS) within its 5′-untranslated region. All three γPNA oligomers bind with low nanomolar affinities to an RNA oligonucleotide containing the QFS. However, while all probes inhibit translation with low to midnanomolar IC50 values, the γPNA designed to hybridize to the first two G-tracts of the QFS and adjacent 5′-overhanging nucleotides was 5–6 times more potent than probes directed to either the 3′-end or internal regions of the target at 37 °C. This position-dependent effect was eliminated after the probes and target were preincubated at an elevated temperature prior to translation, demonstrating that kinetic effects exert significant control over quadruplex invasion and translation inhibition. We also found that antisense γPNAs exhibited similarly potent effects against ...
Anomalous Noise in the Pseudogap Regime of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ

An unusual noise component is found near and below about 250 K in the normal state of underdoped YBCO and Ca-YBCO films. This noise regime, unlike the more typical noise above 250 K, has features expected for a symmetry-breaking collective electronic state. These include large individual fluctuators, a magnetic sensitivity, and aging effects. A possible interpretation in terms of fluctuating charge nematic order is presented.
Using High-Probability Instructional Sequences and Explicit Instruction to Teach Multiplication Facts:

Students with learning disabilities often struggle with math fact fluency and require specialized interventions to recall basic facts. Deficits in math fact fluency can result in later difficulties when learning higher-level mathematical computation, concepts, and problem solving. The response-to-intervention (RTI) and multitiered-systems-of-support (MTSS) approaches for delivering research-based interventions to struggling learners provide educators with the structural frameworks necessary for planning tiered interventions to address skill deficits. Some schools have been implementing RTI/MTSS for years, while others have recently started using these frameworks. Regardless of the number of years delivering tiered interventions, educators benefit from learning about additional interventions they can implement for students requiring tertiary supports (i.e., Tier 3). This article provides readers with a detailed explanation of a Tier 3 multiplication fact fluency intervention that involves the use of high-p...
Isolation and Pure Cultivation of the Smaller Mouth Spirochetes by an Improved Method

SummaryDetails are given of a method for primary anaerobic cultivation in small plates of spirochetes from human and experimental fuso-spirochetal exudates, and for their pure subculture in plates and tubes. Successful primary plates were obtained in 23 instances out of 29 cases of human infection, and from all of 21 experimentally infected guinea pigs. Eleven strains of spirochetes have been isolated and subcultured in a short period with little difficulty.
Distribution of Hepatitis B virus genotypes/subgenotypes and the relationship between genotypes and precore/core promotor mutaions in Fuzhou,China

Objective To investigate the distribution of HBV genotypes/subgenotypes and the relationship between genotypes and basic core promoter (T1762/A1764) and precore stop code (A1896) mutations in Fuzhou. Methods HBV genotypes were detected by PCR using type-specific primers, the subgenotypes, T1762/A1764 and A1896 mutations were detected by PCR-RFLP. Results In 282 specimens, 103 could not be identified successfully, 122 were genotype B (68.2%), 54 were genotype C (30.2%) and 3 were genotype B+C (1.7%). In the 100 specimen selected from genotype B randomly, 71 were subgenotype Ba (71.0%), 8 were subgenotype Bj (8.0%) and 21 (21.0%) could not be identified. In genotype C, 31 were Ce (57.4%), 14 were Cs (25.9%), 1 was Ce+Cs (1.9%) and 8 (14.8%) could not be identified. Prevalence of T1762/A1764 was higher in Ce (29.2%) than Ba (3.3%), significant difference was found compared with different genotypes and subgenotypes (P0.05). Development of A1896 was higher in Ba (14.0%) than Cs (10.0%) and Ce (4.0%), but there was no significant difference among them (P0.05). Besides, there was no significant difference in specimen with positive or negative HBeAg (P0.05). Conclusion Genotype B and C, especially Ba and Ce, were predominant in Fuzhou and the incidence of T1762/A1764 and A1896 mutations is different from HBV genotypes and subgenotypes.
The history of ethics in the American Optometric Association 1898-1994.

BACKGROUND The history surrounding the development of codes of ethics and other official statements of desired professional conduct adopted by the American Optometric Association reveals the interesting struggle optometry faced in establishing itself as a leading primary health care profession. METHODS Information regarding the events and documents reported in this paper were obtained through research of the historical literature and achieves at the International Library, Archives and Museum of Optometry located at the American Optometry Association's offices at 243 N. Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO. RESULTS Forces outside as well as within the profession were found to have influenced the drafting and redrafting of the official ethical and professional conduct statements that were meant to guide the professional behavior of the membership of the AOA. CONCLUSIONS Ethical codes and other statements of desired conduct have been essential to the establishment of the profession of optometry. As optometry has grown and matured as a provider of primary eye and vision care services, so have its ethical emphases.
Open-path cavity ring-down spectroscopy sensor for atmospheric ammonia

An open-path cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) sensor has been developed for measurement of atmospheric ammonia (NH3) and represents the first use of open-path CRDS in the mid-infrared region. The sensor uses a continuous-wave distributed feedback quantum cascade laser at 10.33 μm to target strong absorption features. The optical cavity is constructed with two high-reflectivity mirrors (R = 0.9995). The open-path configuration removes inlet effects, which are very challenging for closed-path instruments, and can be enabling for compact, low-power designs. Sensor performance was validated in the laboratory by measuring known concentrations in a closed-path configuration. The open-path configuration was validated by comparison against a commercial closed-path CRDS instrument for outdoor measurements at a small feed lot. Ammonia concentrations from the two instruments showed good agreement with slope of 0.990 (R 2 = 0.92), for 5-min averages. The precision of the open-path instrument was found from Allan variance studies as 1.2 ppb (2-σ) for 3-s measurement durations.
Developing Assemblers and Interpreters

Turing’s hope has not been realized; the CEO of AT&T was a pretty smart cookie. Furthermore, if Dijkstra is right, the nature of computer intelligence is constituted in the ability to manipulate symbols and not conscious choice and awareness.
Sex selection for family balancing.

Should couples undergoing IVF be allowed to request sex selection for nonmedical so-called family balancing?
The first five days: Establishing expectations for facilitating learner autonomy

Facilitating lifelong language learning amongst students is a frequently mentioned goal of many language teachers. Teachers want their students to fall in love with the cultures and languages they have dedicated their lives to studying. However, igniting the spark for learning beyond the classroom can be a real challenge. In the current educational culture where motivation for learning is too often focused on extrinsic motivations like passing tests and making good grades, how do teachers redirect students toward intrinsic motivations like a love for learning? Research into various fields of study have provided evidence that it typically takes at least ten years of concerted effort to master most skills. From this premise it stands to reason that in order for language learners to reach higher levels of language proficiency, there is a need to promote learner autonomy that extends learning beyond the language classes students take in schools. Facilitating learner autonomy requires a reconceptualization of the way language classes are structured. Building upon goal theories, task-based language learning, and deep reflection within a transparent learning framework can help to provide students with the skills to continue learning beyond the classroom. This framework can set students on a more self-directed path toward language learning that is both intrinsically motivating and engaging. Throughout my own research and practice I have begun to develop a process to facilitate this type of learning environment for my students. In this paper, I share my own successes and challenges as I spent the first five days of a semester establishing expectations for facilitating learner autonomy.
Structural alterations of the brainstem in migraine

Abstract Atypical brainstem modulation of pain might contribute to changes in sensory processing typical of migraine. The study objective was to investigate whether migraine is associated with brainstem structural alterations that correlate with this altered pain processing. MRI T1-weighted images of 55 migraine patients and 58 healthy controls were used to: (1) create deformable mesh models of the brainstem that allow for shape analyses; (2) calculate volumes of the midbrain, pons, medulla and the superior cerebellar peduncles; (3) interrogate correlations between regional brainstem volumes, cutaneous heat pain thresholds, and allodynia symptoms. Migraineurs had smaller midbrain volumes (healthy controls = 61.28 mm3, SD = 5.89; migraineurs = 58.80 mm3, SD = 6.64; p = 0.038), and significant (p Migraineurs with greater symptoms of allodynia have smaller midbrain volumes and migraineurs with lower heat pain thresholds have smaller medulla and cerebellar peduncles. The brainstem likely plays a role in altered sensory processing in migraine and brainstem structure might reflect severity of allodynia and hypersensitivity to pain in migraine.
Photon tunnelling microscope reveals local hot spots

Fractals are familiar as beautiful mathematical objects that look the same under different magnifications – a property called self-similarity. Fractal clusters are material fractals that are formed in many different natural processes, in particular the aggregation of colloidal metals such as silver and gold, and they too have unusual properties.
THE DETERMINATION OF PHASE DIAGRAMS FOR SLAG SYSTEMS

Publisher Summary Metallurgical slags play an important role in the extraction and refining of metals. They are formed when a flux material, added to or included in the charge, reacts with unwanted minerals during extraction or smelting, or with the products of the oxidation of unwanted solute elements during refining. This fluxing produces a low melting complex oxide melt, the slag, which is immiscible with the metal phase and, hence, is easily separated. Efficient fluxing requires knowledge of phase relationships in the slag system, and these are presented graphically best, on phase diagrams. This chapter goes through the history of phase diagram determination for slag systems. In a concise manner, the experimental procedures developed by early pioneers in reaching very high temperatures and performing measurements for ternary oxide systems are described in the chapter. Some creative methods are also described, including the use of a thermocouple for both heating and measurement of a small amount of material to 1880°C. Phase diagrams of slag systems have played an important role in the history of iron and steel making. The art of phase diagram measurements for slag systems is gradually disappearing from common practice. The chapter serves as an important archive of the methods developed by the pioneers in this technology.
Analysis of Polarization-Dependent Light Extraction and Effect of Passivation Layer for 230-nm AlGaN Nanowire Light-Emitting Diodes

This paper investigates the polarization-dependent light extraction efficiency ( $\eta _{\rm extraction}$ ) and the effect of passivation layer for AlGaN-based nanowire (NW) deep-ultraviolet (DUV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) emitted at 230 nm using three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method. Our results show that the use of NW structure for 230-nm LEDs can result in higher transverse-magnetic (TM) polarized $\eta _{\rm extraction}$ than transverse-electric (TE) polarized $\eta _{\rm extraction}$ . Specifically, $\eta _{\rm extraction}$ up to ∼48% for TM polarization and ∼41% for TE polarization can be achieved by the investigated 230-nm NW LEDs as compared to conventional planar LEDs (∼0.2% and ∼2% for TM- and TE-polarizations, respectively) attributed to the large surface-to-volume ratio and strong sidewall emissions. In addition, the analysis on the effect of various passivation layer materials suggests the use of SiO2, which has smaller refractive index than the NW core, could extract more photons out of the NW core and lead to TM-polarized $\eta _{\rm extraction}$ up to ∼47%. Therefore, the use of the AlGaN NW structure is expected to lead to high external quantum efficiency DUV LEDs due to the large TM-polarized $\eta _{\rm extraction}$ in combination with the dominant TM-polarized spontaneous emissions at 230 nm.
Epigenetic Transcriptional Memory of GAL Genes Depends on Growth in Glucose and the Tup1 Transcription Factor in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Previously expressed inducible genes can remain poised for faster reactivation for multiple cell divisions, a conserved phenomenon called epigenetic transcriptional memory. The GAL genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae show faster reactivation for up to seven generations after being repressed. During memory, previously produced Gal1 protein enhances the rate of reactivation of GAL1, GAL10, GAL2, and GAL7 These genes also interact with the nuclear pore complex (NPC) and localize to the nuclear periphery both when active and during memory. Peripheral localization of GAL1 during memory requires the Gal1 protein, a memory-specific cis-acting element in the promoter, and the NPC protein Nup100 However, unlike other examples of transcriptional memory, the interaction with NPC is not required for faster GAL gene reactivation. Rather, downstream of Gal1, the Tup1 transcription factor and growth in glucose promote GAL transcriptional memory. Cells only show signs of memory and only benefit from memory when growing in glucose. Tup1 promotes memory-specific chromatin changes at the GAL1 promoter: incorporation of histone variant H2A.Z and dimethylation of histone H3, lysine 4. Tup1 and H2A.Z function downstream of Gal1 to promote binding of a preinitiation form of RNA Polymerase II at the GAL1 promoter, poising the gene for faster reactivation. This mechanism allows cells to integrate a previous experience (growth in galactose, reflected by Gal1 levels) with current conditions (growth in glucose, potentially through Tup1 function) to overcome repression and to poise critical GAL genes for future reactivation.
X-ray reflectivity measurement of interdiffusion in metallic multilayers during rapid heating

A technique for measuring interdiffusion in multilayer materials during rapid heating using X-ray reflectivity is described. In this technique the sample is bent to achieve a range of incident angles simultaneously, and the scattered intensity is recorded on a fast high-dynamic-range mixed-mode pixel array detector. Heating of the multilayer is achieved by electrical resistive heating of the silicon substrate, monitored by an infrared pyrometer. As an example, reflectivity data from Al/Ni heated at rates up to 200 K s−1 are presented. At short times the interdiffusion coefficient can be determined from the rate of decay of the reflectivity peaks, and it is shown that the activation energy for interdiffusion is consistent with a grain boundary diffusion mechanism. At longer times the simple analysis no longer applies because the evolution of the reflectivity pattern is complicated by other processes, such as nucleation and growth of intermetallic phases.