cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real-World Evaluation of Dosing in Patients Converted From Insulin Glargine (Lantus) to Insulin Glargine (Basaglar):

Background: Basaglar, insulin glargine (BGlar; Eli Lilly, Indianapolis, IN), a follow-on biologic, was developed after the patent for Lantus, insulin glargine (LGlar; Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France) expired. Objective: To compare the dosing and hemoglobin A1C (A1C)-lowering effects of BGlar compared with LGlar in a real-world setting. Methods: Adult patients, at 5 clinics, with type 1 (T1DM) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who were converted from LGlar to BGlar were included in this retrospective observational study. The primary outcome compared mean basal insulin dose (U/d) from the date of conversion to 6 months. Basal insulin and total daily insulin doses were also compared from baseline to 3- and 12-months postconversion, as also change in A1C, body weight, and estimated monthly acquisition costs of basal insulin. Results: Of the 225 patients included, 56% were male, and 81% had T2DM. The mean conversion dose (U/d) of LGlar was 46.3 ± 32.7. There was no significant difference in the mean BGlar dose (U/d) at 6 months (45.9 ± 33.5; P = 0.52), nor was there a statistical difference at 3 or 12 months. There were no significant differences in change in A1C at any time point. The estimated monthly acquisition cost of BGlar was significantly less than that for LGlar at conversion ($286 vs $341, P < 0.001) and 6 months ($290 vs $351, P < 0.001) respectively. Conclusion/Relevance: The results of this retrospective study suggest that BGlar resulted in similar glycemic outcomes compared with LGlar in a real-world setting and may be a preferable option in a value-based health care environment.
Clinical examination factors that predict delayed recovery in individuals with concussion.

Risk factors for prolonged recovery after concussion have been well researched, but specific objective clinical examination findings have not. This study examined whether clinical examination results could predict delayed recovery (DR) in individuals with concussion diagnosis. A secondary aim explored the influence of early examination on individual prognosis. The study was a retrospective, observational cohort design that included 163 individuals seen at a concussion clinic who were followed longitudinally until cleared for sports activity. Cognitive, visual, balance, vestibular, and cervical clinical testing and symptom assessment were performed at initial evaluation. DR was calculated by taking the median value associated with time to clearance for activity. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was calculated to determine odds ratios (and 95% confidence intervals) for the odds of DR with presence or absence of each clinical finding. Multivariate analyses were used to define the best predictors of DR. 80 of 163 individuals were considered delayed in their clearance to activity. Cognitive impairments (OR = 2.72; 95%CI = 1.40, 5.28), visual exam findings (OR = 2.98; 95%CI = 1.31, 6.80), and vestibular exam findings (OR = 4.28; 95%CI = 2.18, 8.43) all increased the odds of a DR. Multivariate modeling retained cognitive symptoms and clinical examination-vestibular testing as predictors of delayed recovery. Time to examination after injury was a mediator for DR. The clinical examination provides value in identifying individuals who are likely to exhibit a delayed clearance. In particular, vestibular impairments identified clinically at initial evaluation and cognitive symptoms were associated with increased odds of a DR to return to activity. Our data support that early implementation of a standardized clinical examination can help to identify individuals who may be more at risk of prolonged recovery from concussion.
Spatial and temporal interactions between top carnivores at water sources in two deserts of western North America

Abstract Climate change is predicted to decrease the availability of water in deserts, potentially increasing competition for water. We wanted to determine if competition between top carnivores in deserts of western North America (i.e., coyote (Canis latrans) and bobcat (Lynx rufus)) was influenced by water availability. Evidence suggests that coyotes and bobcats do not compete for water in the Chihuahuan Desert, but this desert receives 2–3X more precipitation when water is limiting than other western deserts. If water availability influences competition, we predicted that bobcats (subordinate to coyotes) would avoid water sources used by coyotes in deserts where water availability is low when demand is high. We monitored 105 water sources for three years in the Great Basin and Mojave Deserts and captured 810 bobcat visits and 2247 coyote visits. We found no evidence that bobcats avoided water sources used by coyotes. In contrast, bobcat visitation to water increased as coyote visitation increased. It does not appear that bobcats and coyotes compete for water, spatially or temporally (on an hourly scale), in the Great Basin and Mojave Deserts. Our study suggests that anthropogenic water sources may alleviate the effects of environmental water loss on the interactions between top mammalian carnivores.
Key Variables in Determining Energy Shaving Capacity of Buildings during Demand Response Events

AbstractIn the US, the increasing electricity demand lays massive pressure on national grids. Demand response (DR) programs provide an economical way to avoid electrical blackouts by incentivizing ...
Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer Limits on Far-Ultraviolet Emission from Warm Gas in Clusters of Galaxies

We have obtained far-ultraviolet spectra of two clusters of galaxies with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer. The Coma Cluster was observed for a total of 28.6 ks, the Virgo Cluster for 10.9 ks. Neither spectrum shows significant O VI ??1032, 1038 emission at the cluster redshift. Such emission would be expected from the warm [(5-10) ? 105 K] component of the intracluster medium that has been proposed to explain the excess EUV and soft X-ray flux present in EUVE and ROSAT observations of these clusters. Our 2 ? upper limits on the O VI ?1032 flux from Coma and Virgo exclude all published warm gas models of the EUV excess in these clusters.
DARK ENERGY, WITH SIGNATURES

We propose a class of simple dark energy models which predict a late-time dark radiation component and a distinctive time-dependent equation of state w(z) for redshift z < 3. The dark energy field can be coupled strongly enough to standard model particles to be detected in colliders, and the model requires only modest additional particle content and little or no fine-tuning other than a new energy scale of order milli-electron volts.
Surviving winter: Physiological regulation of energy balance in a temperate ectotherm entering and exiting brumation.

Abstract Characterizing the physiological response to prolonged cold exposure is essential for understanding the maintenance of long-term energy balance. As part of their natural life cycle, temperate ectotherms are often exposed to seasonal variation in temperatures, including extended periods of cold well below their activity range. Relatively little is known about variation in physiological responses as vertebrate ectotherms enter and exit brumation in response to sustained cold temperatures. We tested the influence of temperature on physiology before, during, and after a simulated brumation in the checkered garter snake (Thamnophis marcianus), a widespread ectothermic vertebrate. We tested for the relative effect of immediate temperature and physiological context (entering or exiting brumation) on hormones regulating energy balance, indicators of energy availability, and resting metabolic rate ( V O2). Plasma corticosterone, glucose, and insulin, as well as immune cell heterophil: lymphocyte ratios responded to temperature, though they did so with different thermal response curves. Thermal sensitivity varied both among and within physiological measures depending on whether animals were going into or coming out of brumation. Additionally, V O2 was regulated beyond simple temperature-dependence, whereby post-brumation measures were depressed relative to pre-brumation measures at the same temperature. This pattern was characterized by a change in the temperature coefficient (Q10), with a larger pre-brumation Q10, suggesting reduced thermal sensitivity of metabolic rate following a period of extended cold exposure. The integrated physiological response presented here demonstrates not only temperature dependence across physiological axes, but seasonal variation in thermal responsiveness. Our results suggest that energy allocation decisions and hormonal regulation of underlying processes promote differing levels of thermal sensitivity when entering or exiting brumation.
The Implementation of Therapeutic Alliance in the Rehabilitation of an Elite Pediatric Athlete with Salter-Harris Fracture: A Case Report.

# Background/Purpose Although research on the value of therapeutic alliance is prominent in other areas of health care, physical therapy research is limited. The purpose is to describe the incorporation of therapeutic alliance concepts throughout the rehabilitation of an elite pediatric athlete with a complicated recovery following a fracture to the distal femoral epiphysis. # Case Description A 14-year-old male was referred to physical therapy following an open reduction and internal fixation to address a type IV Salter-Harris fracture of the right distal femoral epiphysis. Post-operative care included immobilization in a brace for six weeks and he initiated physical therapy for four weeks (post-op weeks 6-10). At 10-weeks post-injury his range of motion and strength were severely limited compared to expected post-operative milestones. Due to these deficits an arthroscopic debridement of the subject’s right knee, hardware removal, and manipulation under anesthesia was performed. The subject then reported to the physical therapist on post-operative day three for evaluation and treatment without bracing or weight-bearing restrictions. # Outcomes The episode of care spanned 17 weeks and included 25 physical therapy sessions. To facilitate therapeutic alliance with the subject, clear communication and easily measurable goals were established and connected to the subject’s relevant needs as an athlete. The plan of care was divided into three phases using “chunking” techniques to establish the rehabilitation priorities. The subject demonstrated improved range of motion, strength and was able to return to hydroplane racing and won a national championship in his age group. # Discussion The unique aspect of this case was the incorporation of therapeutic alliance concepts and techniques into the rehabilitative management of a subject with a complicated fracture to the distal femoral epiphysis. The physical therapist built trust with the subject and facilitated a successful return to elite hydroplane boat racing. # Level of Evidence 4 # Study Design Case Report
Health of Veterans-Strengths and Challenges.

Since the end of the Civil War in 1865, a unified military force has not only protected the safety of the United States but also has anchored the nation's position as a global power. With a commitment to a military career, those who serve the nation accept exposures that put them at risks that are
THE CURRENT STATE OF ARCHAEOBOTANICAL STUDY IN UKRAINE

The territory of Ukraine was the first on the path of the Neolithic tribes to the territory of the East European Plain. These tribes brought here cultivated plants with the skills of their cultivation (hulled wheat, barley, legumes) from the center of origin, from Asia Minor through the Balkan Peninsula. N. I. Vavilov considered that the territory of Ukraine together with Moldova was one of the ancient places of farmers culture. He received confirmation of his assumption about the existence of crops of ancient hulled wheat in the closed mountainous regions of the Carpathians. In 1940 he found a hulled wheat Triticum dicoccum in the vicinity of the village of Putila near Chernivtsi. Recently thanks to modern research and radiocarbon dates on charred broomcorn millet grains Ukraine has a gateway through which millet from China, the birthplace of its origin, has spread to Europe. The earliest radiocarbon date (1631—1455 cal BC) in Europe is coming from the site Vinogradnyi Sad of Sabatynivka culture, Bronze Age. This date was received thanks to the European program «When and Where broomcorn millet arrived in Europe». Reports of much earlier occurrences of millet in Neolithic — Early Bronze Age (6th — early 3rd millennium BC) were almost entirely based on millet-looking impressions in pottery, daub and figurines. A recent re-examination of these impressions on figurines from the Usatovo culture with using a scanning electron microscope excluded millet grains as a source for some of the imprints. European researchers show great interest in archaeobotanical records of the crop from archaeological excavations of the territory of Ukraine. The use of modern research methods such as a scanning electron microscope, stable isotope evidence, modernized radiocarbon dating, chemical analysis of microparticles using a mass spectrometer, and analysis of DNA will allow a new look at the earliest obtained results.
Evaluating the Use of an Aerosol Box During simulated Intubations

To evaluate the use of an aerosol box during video laryngoscopy intubation, we conducted a two-phase simulation-based study to assess if there were significant differences in time needed to safely intubate a patient with an aerosol box in place, as well as assess changes in laryngoscopists' hand motions as determined by changes in accelerometry. 20 anesthesiology providers from our institution participated in the first phase assessing the time to intubation. Use of the aerosol box led to statistically significant increases in intubation times (Wilcoxon-Signed Rank test p < 0.001, z-score = 3.921), with the calculated Pearson's correlation coefficient (r = 0.877) indicating a large effect size. An 8.5 - 11.5 second difference in median intubation times was maintained between corresponding attempts with versus without the aerosol box. 15 participants completed an optional post-assessment survey, with 10 of 15 respondents firmly stating they would not use the box in clinical practice. The hand accelerometry assessment included five anesthesiology providers from our institution. This revealed a statistically significant increase in trials with aerosol boxes for the left hand's general accelerometry with a medium effect size (p = 0.031; z = -1.873; r = -0.484), as well as for the right hand's general accelerometry with a large effect size (p < 0.001; z = -3.351; r = -0.865). Although the aerosol box is an interesting concept, its use is associated with increased time to intubation and a change in ergonomics, which may increase risk during airway management and represents a concern for patient safety.
The Robustness of Hybrid Equilibria in Costly Signaling Games

Recent work on costly signaling games has identified new Nash equilibria in addition to the standard costly signaling equilibrium as a possible explanation for signaling behavior. These so-called hybrid equilibria are Liapunov stable, but not asymptotically stable for the replicator dynamics. Since some eigenvalues of the hybrid equilibria have zero real part, this result is not structurally stable. The purpose of this paper is to show that under one reasonable perturbation of the replicator dynamics—the selection–mutation dynamics—rest points close to the hybrid equilibrium exist and are asymptotically stable. Moreover, for another plausible version of the replicator dynamics—Maynard Smith’s adjusted replicator dynamics—the same is true. This reinforces the significance of hybrid equilibria for signaling.
Progress and Prospects in Ring Dove Research: A Personal View

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the more recent work on the reproductive behavior and physiology of the ring dove in the context of Lehrman's research and theoretical formulations, the extension of Lehrman's theoretical framework, and some new directions in which ring dove studies are moving. The most striking feature of the behavioral changes involved in ring dove reproduction is the synchronization between male and female behavior. While, the most striking behavioral change in ring doves during the reproductive cycle is the transition from the highly visible activity of the prelaying phase to minimal activity during incubation and brooding. The chapter outlines some known factors (hormonal and nonhormonal) and their interactions involved in controlling the reproductive cycle of ring doves. The chapter concludes: (1) changes in behavior during the reproductive cycle are influenced by external stimuli and hormones; (2) the time course of behavioral changes is in close relation to that of hormonal changes; (3) external stimuli acting through the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) system, cause hormonal changes, which (a) influence behavior, and thereby the pattern of external stimuli, (b) stimulate reproductive organs and tracts, and (c) react back to the HPG system; and (4) The activity of the HPG and the ability of external stimuli and hormones to induce behavioral changes show seasonal variation.
Essential fatty acid deficiency and CNS myelin. Biochemical and morphological observations.

Abstract Essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency was induced by feeding pregnant rats a fat-free diet 10–12 days after impregnation and maintaining the offspring on this diet until 120 days of age. EFA-deficient rats demonstrated marked alterations in the fatty acid composition of ethanolamine phosphoglycerides (EPG's) from myelin subfractions. A decrease in the fatty acids of the linoleic (n-6) and linolenic (n-3) families was accompanied by an increase in the non-essential fatty acids of the oleic (n-9) family. These alterations decreased the unsaturation index of heavy myelin by 23% and that of light myelin by 10%. The EPG fatty acid composition of heavy myelin from control animals contained a higher percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids than the light myelin which contained more monounsaturated fatty acids. These differences may be a reflection of distinct anatomical locations or functional properties of the subfractions. The differences between light and heavy myelin EPG fatty acids were not maintained during EFA deficiency. Morphologically, 1 μm thick sections revealed vacuoles within the optic nerve of EFA-deficient rats. Ultrastructurally these vacuoles were identified as fibers undergoing Wallerian degeneration and fibers demonstrating intramyelinic splitting. No qualitative changes were found in oligodendrocytes, astrocytes or vascular elements within EFA-deficient optic nerve. EFA deficiency did not alter the diameter of fibers within the optic nerve. These results show that although there is no apparent decrease in the degree of myelination within the optic nerve, morphological changes do occur in fibers of EFA-deficient optic nerve concomitantly with alterations in the EPG fatty acids of myelin subfractions.
From consumers to owners: using meta-design environments to motivate changes in energy consumption

Unsustainable energy consumption is a systemic problem facing society that requires technical and social innovations and changes. We argue for understanding and using end-user developments as not just another design principle but as a socio-technical intervention to help people make better decisions as they work to solve such systemic problems. We further explore two established EUD frameworks, Meta-Design and Cultures of Participation, to design systems for one such systemic problem: the energy domain. We present the draft for a system that incorporates principles from these frameworks to inform, motivate, and involve end-users in reducing their energy consumption.
Platelet glycolysis in platelet storage I. The glycolytic enzymes.

Sixteen glycolytic enzymes were measured in essentially leukocyte-free platelets before storage and daily after room temperature storage of platelets as concentrates. Most of the glycolytic enzymes proved to be very stable to storage. Even the most severely affected enzymes, enolase, triosephosphate isomerase, and lactate dehydrogenase lost less than one-quarter of their enzyme activity. Depletion of glycolytic enzymes does not seem to be a major factor in the storage lesion of platelets.
Composition and structure of chromosomal and amplified ribosomal DNA's of Xenopus laevis

Abstract Ribosomal DNA of Xenopus laevis is a homogenous DNA component of high buoyant density which contains genes for ribosomal RNA. This DNA comprises about 0.2% of the chromosomal DNA of somatic cells (chromosomal rDNA † ). In oocytes of X. laevis, rDNA is amplified about 1000-fold and the additional rDNA copies (amplified rDNA) are located extrachromosomally. Both chromosomal and amplified rDNA's have been isolated and several of their properties compared. The single unequivocal difference between these DNA's is in their content of 5-methyl deoxycytidylic acid. Chromosomal rDNA contains 4.5% of its residues as 5-MeC, whereas amplified rDNA contains no detectable 5-MeC. The 5-MeC residues are located on both strands of chromosomal rDNA, including the gene regions which are transcribed in vivo. The base composition of the rDNA's is otherwise very similar; both contain 67% deoxyguanylic deoxycytidylic acids (with 13% of the latter methylated in chromosomal rDNA). Both rDNA's exhibit a biphasic melting curve reflecting two regions of the DNA with markedly different base compositions. Differences in their buoyant density and thermal stability are most likely due to their different contents of 5-MeC. The two rDNA's were compared by their ability to hybridize with rRNA and complementary RNA, which had been transcribed from either rDNA by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase. The stability of such hybrids and the nucleotide composition of the cRNA's transcribed from either rDNA were indistinguishable. The two rDNA's are therefore considered to be identical except for their difference in 5-MeC content. A model of rDNA is presented which includes data from several laboratories. The rDNA consists of a repeating unit of about 9 × 106 daltons which recurs about 450 times at each nucleolar organizer region. A gene sequence which is transcribed as the 40 s precursor rRNA molecule alternates with a sequence of about equal length which is not transcribed into RNA (“spacer region”). The model presents our estimates for the lengths and base composition of each region and for their arrangement in rDNA.
Marked dilutional acidosis complicating management of right ventricular myocardial infarction

Dilutional acidosis is a poorly recognized cause of metabolic acidosis. Indeed, the prevailing view has been that even massive expansion of the extracellular fluid volume with non-bicarbonate-containing solutions would not lead to clinically significant hypobicarbonatemia. We describe the development of marked dilutional acidosis as a complication of management of right ventricular myocardial infarction. The pathogenesis, clinical significance, prevention, and treatment of the entity are discussed.
Impact of Transmutation Issues on Interpretation of Data Obtained from Fast Reactor Irradiation Experiments

The subject of fission-fusion correlation is usually cast in terms of reactor-to-reactor differences, but recently the fusion community has become aware of the impact of differences within a given surrogate facility, especially in constant time experiments when different dose levels are attained in different positions of one reactor. For some materials, it is not safe to assume that in-reactor spectral variations are small and of no consequence. This point is illustrated using calculations for fusion-relevant materials that were irradiated in the Fast Flux Test Facility – Materials Open Test Assembly (FFTF-MOTA) over a wide range of in-core and out of core positions spanning more than two orders of magnitude in dpa rate. It is shown that although both the neutron spectrum and flux changes, the spectral effectiveness factor, dpa/10(22) superscript n/cm(2) superscript (E > 0.1 MeV), remains remarkably constant over this range. The transmutation rate per dpa varies strongly with reactor position, however.
The Development of Elastodynamic Components for Piezoelectrically Actuated Flapping Micro-Air Vehicles

This paper describes the development of skeletal mechanisms and wings for the electromechanical emulation of mesoscale flapping flight. Specifically, three piezoelectrically actuated flexure-based mechanisms are described that transform the linear output of piezoelectric unimorph actuators into single-degree-of-freedom flapping motion, and experimental results are described that characterize their performance. Additionally, efforts in the development of aeroelastically tailored wings are described, and data is presented that characterizes how the ratio of bending to torsional natural frequencies of the wing influences wing lift and efficiency.
A macroscopic model for countercurrent gas-liquid flow in packed columns

A macroscopic model based on the volume-averaged equations of motion is presented for countercurrent gas-liquid flow in a packed bed. The model yields a column-limited flooding point as the loss of existence of uniform states. It correctly predicts the existence of two uniform states below the flooding point. The lower branch corresponds to the trends commonly observed experimentally. It is shown that the upper branch is made unattainable by the gas distributor/support plate at the bottom of the column. The occurrence of premature flooding induced by the support plate is also explained. It is suggested that the occurrence of spontaneous liquid segregation, necessitating frequent liquid redistribution in columns with large dumped packings and porosities, is a consequence of the loss of stability of the uniform state in the lower branch.
The Inflammasome: First Line of the Immune Response to Cell Stress

The NALP3-inflammasome is a protein complex that stimulates caspase-1 activation to promote the processing and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Recent work indicates that the NALP3-inflammasome can be activated by endogenous "danger signals" as well as compounds associated with pathogens (Kanneganti et al., 2006; Mariathasan et al., 2006; Martinon et al., 2006; Sutterwala et al., 2006). Here, we discuss new insights into the regulation of caspase-1 activity in the inflammatory response.
Shift operator matrix-size reduction through symmetry considerations

Abstract A method, based on symmetry considerations, is presented by which the size of the shift operator matrix appropriate to an M x ∞ lattice with periodic boundary conditions (in the M-direction) can be reduced by a factor of M-1. Since the computation time required to obtain the eigenvalues of these matrices is O [(lattice size)3], the reduction decreases the time necessary for such calculations by approximately M-3. As an example of the utility of the method presented, we consider the thermodynamic properties of a monolayer lattice gas system over the entire range of coverage and temperature. A comparison between calculations using the usual shift operator matrix and the symmetry-reduced shift operator matrix with analytic results (which are restricted to θ= 1 2 ) at critical point demonstrates the validity of the matrix-size reduction techniques presented here.
A histopathologic study of the conduction system in a case of complete heart block of 42 years' duration.

Abstract A case of complete heart block of 42 years' known duration is presented with a detailed histopathologic study of the conduction system, the atria and ventricles. This study revealed a complete lack of connection between markedly defective atrial musculature and the bundle of His, in the absence of the A-V node. This was associated with marked pathologic changes in the atria. It is suggested that these changes are due to a congenital malformation of the atria, and hence that we are dealing with either congenital heart block, or congenital heart disease with acquired heart block.
Meeting of physics and metaphysics

Wholeness and the Implicate Order. By David Bohm. Pp.224. ISBN 0-7100-0366-8. (Routledge & Kegan Paul: 1980.) £8.95, $25.
Modeling of Radiation from a Side Jet Atmospheric Interaction at High Altitudes

Highly nonequilibrium radiation transitions from electronically excited states generated by collisions of atomic oxygen with reaction control system thruster plumes is modeled for different altitudes and vehicle velocity conditions. The flowfield results are obtained using a Navier-Stokes solver to calculate the flow inside the nozzle and the direct simulation Monte Carlo method (DSMC) is used to simulate the chemically reacting, 3-D plume-atmospheric interaction. The radiation rate is compared for two types of overlay methods and with direct simulation in DSMC. The distribution function for collisional relative velocities is explored and used to interpret the sensitivity of the radiation rate to freestream altitude, temperature, velocity, and to the radiation mechanism activation energy.
The Cytological Course of Experimental Lymphocystis in the Bluegill

Lymphocystis disease is a relatively common viral infection of some higher orders of bony fishes. The infection is benign, often of short duration, and characteristically superficial or otherwise localized. The virus, which has only recently been isolated (Wolf et al, 1966), evokes specific and profound changes in cells of the connective tissue group. Infected cells are termed lymphocystis cells; they enlarge enormously, but the growth is more or less regular and the nucleus enlarges proportionately. The ultimate increase in cellular volume may be 100,000-fold or more. In addition to this most unusual enlargement, infected cells develop what are undoubtedly the largest deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) inclusions known. Because of their size and their inclusions, the cells are unique, and it is possible to make a specific virus identification solely by histological examination. Lymphocystis disease has been known for nearly 100 years, and the more important reports have been reviewed recently by Weissenberg (1965) who first recognized the true nature of the disease. Nigrelli and Ruggieri (1965) have compiled the most extensive annotated bibliography.
DNA/RNA Detection Using DNA-Templated Few-Atom Silver Nanoclusters

DNA-templated few-atom silver nanoclusters (DNA/Ag NCs) are a new class of organic/inorganic composite nanomaterials whose fluorescence emission can be tuned throughout the visible and near-IR range by simply programming the template sequences. Compared to organic dyes, DNA/Ag NCs can be brighter and more photostable. Compared to quantum dots, DNA/Ag NCs are smaller, less prone to blinking on long timescales, and do not have a toxic core. The preparation of DNA/Ag NCs is simple and there is no need to remove excess precursors as these precursors are non-fluorescent. Our recent discovery of the fluorogenic and color switching properties of DNA/Ag NCs have led to the invention of new molecular probes, termed NanoCluster Beacons (NCBs), for DNA detection, with the capability to differentiate single-nucleotide polymorphisms by emission colors. NCBs are inexpensive, easy to prepare, and compatible with commercial DNA synthesizers. Many other groups have also explored and taken advantage of the environment sensitivities of DNA/Ag NCs in creating new tools for DNA/RNA detection and single-nucleotide polymorphism identification. In this review, we summarize the recent trends in the use of DNA/Ag NCs for developing DNA/RNA sensors.
PHOTOPROTECTION IN ERYTHROPOIETIC PROTOPHYRIA: MECHANISM OF PHOTOPROTECTION BY BETA CAROTENE

Erythropoietic protoporphyria is a genetic disease caused by the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX. This molecule absorbs 400-nm light and its presence is at times associated with severe cutaneous photosensitivity. The only effective treatment for this disease is oral administration of beta carotene. Several possible mechanisms of photoprotection by beta carotene were investigated using the photohemolysis of red bolld cells as an in vitro model. Additional studies were done in an in vivo model which involves lethal hematoporphyrin photosensitization of white mice. The photoprotective effects of beta carotene were compared with those of alpha tocopherol, an agent which possesses some but not all the properties that have been implicated in explaining the known effectiveness of beta carotene. In the photosensitzed mice, tocopherol showed some protection at high doses, while beta carotene showed greater protection at lower concentrations. Although these results suggest that photoprotection was due to free radical scavenging or singlet oxygen quenching, properties common to both agents, they do not rule out the possible role of 400-nm light absorption, a property of beta carotene alone.
Fabry–Perot/Šolc filter with distributed Bragg reflectors: a narrow-band electro-optically tunable spectral filter

A new narrow-band (typically 0.01-nm) spectral filter called the Fabry–Perot/Solc filter, which combines the characteristics of the Fabry–Perot etalon and the folded Solc filter, was introduced recently [ J. Opt. Soc. Am. A4, 1720 ( 1987)]. The design of the Fabry–Perot/Solc filter is extended to include narrow-band end reflectors to produce high-finesse spectral filters. The narrow-band end reflectors can be implemented as distributed Bragg reflectors (DBR’s), thus permitting tailoring of the spectral characteristics of the Fabry–Perot/Solc filter. Sample designs are presented, including one filter with an effective finesse of 5420. Possible uses for the Fabry–Perot/Solc filter with DBR’s are discussed, and it is compared with the narrow-band electro-optically tunable notch filter proposed by Lytel Lipscomb [ Appl. Opt.25, 3889 ( 1986)].
A non-modal analytical method to predict turbulent properties applied to the Hasegawa-Wakatani model

Linear eigenmode analysis often fails to describe turbulence in model systems that have non-normal linear operators and thus nonorthogonal eigenmodes, which can cause fluctuations to transiently grow faster than expected from eigenmode analysis. When combined with energetically conservative nonlinear mode mixing, transient growth can lead to sustained turbulence even in the absence of eigenmode instability. Since linear operators ultimately provide the turbulent fluctuations with energy, it is useful to define a growth rate that takes into account non-modal effects, allowing for prediction of energy injection, transport levels, and possibly even turbulent onset in the subcritical regime. We define such a non-modal growth rate using a relatively simple model of the statistical effect that the nonlinearities have on cross-phases and amplitude ratios of the system state variables. In particular, we model the nonlinearities as delta-function-like, periodic forces that randomize the state variables once every eddy turnover time. Furthermore, we estimate the eddy turnover time to be the inverse of the least stable eigenmode frequency or growth rate, which allows for prediction without nonlinear numerical simulation. We test this procedure on the 2D and 3D Hasegawa-Wakatani model [A. Hasegawa and M. Wakatani, Phys. Rev. Lett. 50, 682 (1983)] and find that the non-modal growth rate is a good predictor of energy injection rates, especially in the strongly non-normal, fully developed turbulence regime.
Phase transformations in doped ice: concentration effect in frozen ferrous solutions

Abstract Mossbauer studies of frozen dilute ferrous solutions have shown a disappearance and reappearance of Mossbauer resonance at −90°C, with no apparent change in quadrupole splitting. Upon subsequent warming to somewhat higher temperatures, the resonance signal again disappears and returns with a larger quadrupole splitting, as previously found for more concentrated solutions and associated with an ice-phase transformation. Stannic ions do not exert any significant effects on the Mossbauer spectra of either dilute or concentrated ferrous solutions, in contrast to europic ions which have a pronounced influence. This difference may arise from partially chlorinated, as opposed to fully aquated, complexes in solution. The possible crystallization of FeCl 2 . 6H 2 O from the frozen solution at −45°C is inferred from the coexistence of two sets of resonance lines whose relative intensities change with time
Innate Immunity and Asthma

Asthma remains a major health problem worldwide that has increased in developed countries. Much of the focus in asthma research in the past has been on adaptive, antigen-dependent immune responses. Recent work suggests that the innate, non-antigen-dependent immune system plays a critical role in asthma pathogenesis. Here we will highlight innate receptors and cells in the context of allergic responses. Reviewing animal models and human studies, we focus on interactions of innate and adaptive immunity.
Chemical composition of Flourensia cernua at four growth stages

Tarbush (Flourensia cernua DC) is an abundant Chihuahuan Desert shrub but is used sparingly by livestock. Leaves were removed from forty tarbush plants harvested in each of 3 years during four growth stages: (1) early. (2) mid-point, (3) late and (4) curtailed growth (ten plants per growth stage each year). Plants were air dried and all leaves were removed. In vitro dry-matter (DM) disappearance was greater for the early growth stage than other stages (P<005). The fibrous fraction increased with maturity, with neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) arid acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents all less for the early growth stage (P<0 05) than other stages. The latter three growth stages did not differ in NDF or ADF content, but ADL content was lower for the mid-point growth stage than for the two later stages (P<0–05). Calcium content increased with advancing season (P<0–05), whereas phosphorus concentration exhibited an inverse pattern (P<0–05). Nitrogen (N) content of tarbush was greatest in the early growth stage (P <0–05) and declined substantially thereafter. Soluble N content was greater and acid detergent insoluble N (ADIN) content was lower for early growth (P<005) than other stages. Insoluble N concentration followed a pattern similar to N, declining with advancing season (P<0–05). When expressed as a fraction of total N, insoluble N decreased and soluble N increased with maturity (P<005). Condensed tannin concentration tended (P<0–10) to increase with advancing season. Total phenolic content was lowest for early growth (P<005), and did not differ among the other stages. Chemical analysis revealed tarbush to be relatively high in N concentration. Fibre fractions, ADIN, ADL and condensed tannins were ail generally low whereas total phenolic content of tarbush was quite high. Early use by livestock would be most advantageous in terms of nutrient availability (N, P and in vitro digestibility) and lowest total phenolic concentration. Year-to-year variability in chemical composition of tarbush appears to be substantial. It remains to be seen whether overriding intake deterrents would be beneficial to livestock, given the high phenolic concentration in tarbush. Tarbush has several characteristics that make it a suitable model for studying plant-animal interactions of desert shrubs.
Micro-Doppler effect of micromotion dynamics: a review

In this paper, we review the micro-Doppler effect induced by micro-motion dynamics and provide mathematics of the micro-Doppler effect by introducing micro motions to the conventional Doppler effect. Micro-Doppler effect was originally introduced in laser systems, but it can also be observed in microwave radar systems. We introduce some interesting results on observing micro-Doppler phenomenon using microwave radar systems and potential applications to target’s feature extraction.
Sca-1+ Cardiosphere-Derived Cells Are Enriched for Isl1-Expressing Cardiac Precursors and Improve Cardiac Function after Myocardial Injury

Author(s): Ye, Jianqin; Boyle, Andrew; Shih, Henry; Sievers, Richard E; Zhang, Yan; Prasad, Megha; Su, Hua; Zhou, Yan; Grossman, William; Bernstein, Harold S; Yeghiazarians, Yerem | Abstract: BackgroundEndogenous cardiac progenitor cells are a promising option for cell-therapy for myocardial infarction (MI). However, obtaining adequate numbers of cardiac progenitors after MI remains a challenge. Cardiospheres (CSs) have been proposed to have cardiac regenerative properties; however, their cellular composition and how they may be influenced by the tissue milieu remains unclear.Methodology/principal findingUsing "middle aged" mice as CSs donors, we found that acute MI induced a dramatic increase in the number of CSs in a mouse model of MI, and this increase was attenuated back to baseline over time. We also observed that CSs from post-MI hearts engrafted in ischemic myocardium induced angiogenesis and restored cardiac function. To determine the role of Sca-1(+)CD45(-) cells within CSs, we cloned these from single cell isolates. Expression of Islet-1 (Isl1) in Sca-1(+)CD45(-) cells from CSs was 3-fold higher than in whole CSs. Cloned Sca-1(+)CD45(-) cells had the ability to differentiate into cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in vitro. We also observed that cloned cells engrafted in ischemic myocardium induced angiogenesis, differentiated into endothelial and smooth muscle cells and improved cardiac function in post-MI hearts.Conclusions/significanceThese studies demonstrate that cloned Sca-1(+)CD45(-) cells derived from CSs from infarcted "middle aged" hearts are enriched for second heart field (i.e., Isl-1(+)) precursors that give rise to both myocardial and vascular tissues, and may be an appropriate source of progenitor cells for autologous cell-therapy post-MI.
Rheumatic B-cell Markers in Rheumatic Fever/Rheumatic Heart Disease (RF/RHD) Patients: Specificity Associated with Ethnicity. † 119

Recent evidence from our laboratories and from others has suggested the ability of monoclonal antibodies (MAb) against a human B lymphocyte alloantigen to discriminate between RF/RHD susceptible individuals and persons with a lower risk of developing RF. However, while such MAb can identify a majority of RF/RHD patients in some populations, reduced discriminatory ability has been observed in other groups. Antigenic variation in the marker(s) may exist among ethnic groups which can adversely influence the specificity of the test. To examine this possibility, we developed MAb made from B lymphocytes of North Indian ethnic origin. In the same population we compared a new MAb (PGI/MN II) with a previously described MAb of Caucasian ethnic origin (D8/17). The results indicate significantly (p<0.0001) greater discriminating ability of this new MAb for patients with RF/RHD in the North Indian population and support our hypothesis.
1890s Zionism reconsidered: Joseph Marco Baruch

Some years before the 1896 appearance of Theodore Herzl’ Der Judenstaat, Joseph Marco Baruch (Istanbul, 1872–Florence, 1899) articulated his own brand of Zionism. His life and work provide alternative Jewish geographies for the study of Zionism that complicate established categories, such as the “cultural/East” and “political/West,” a binary that also posits Jewish identity and political action as disjoined spheres. Neither premise applies to the work of Joseph Marco Baruch. Conceptually, his social vision juxtaposed realpolitik and a national-historical Jewish identity, and his activism was well received in European and Mediterranean circles. As in all similar movements, Zionism was shaped by power struggles between leaders and ideologues; biographical contrasts between Theodore Herzl and Joseph Marco Baruch draw attention to personal privilege and its role in influencing the institutional course of Zionism at a critical historical juncture. The case of Joseph Marco Baruch invites discussion of the early 1890s as an important, but overlooked, period in the development of political Zionism.
Radical Passion: Ottilie Assing’s Reports from America and Letters to Frederick Douglass

German-American journalist Ottilie Assing was a supporter of radical abolitionism, women's emancipation, and other radical social movements of the 19th century. She and Frederick Douglass were close intellectual collaborators and lovers, and this book provides a first-hand look into her life, love, and politics, through a collection of 80 reports and essays she wrote about life in the United States between 1852 and 1865, as well as 27 of her letters to Douglass from 1870-1879. Lohmann (English and American studies, Indiana U.) supplies an introduction to Assing and her work, as well as notes to each of her essays.
Lily White and Virginal: Matrimony's Unpleasant Requirement in THE HOUSE OF MIRTH

Edith Wharton's 1905 novel The House of Mirth features exquisite socialite Lily Bart as the tragic heroine who, as the author herself puts it, is meant to symbolize the effects that a corrupt and v...
Efficient Powering of RF PAs Using DC-DC Power Supplies

Energy-efficient DC-DC power supplies are becoming essential for battery life enhancement in portable devices with power-hungry circuits, such as RF PAs. However, the switching noise produced by such power supplies tends to degrade the performance of RF circuits, either directly or indirectly. This paper investigates the most common switching noise mitigation techniques in DC-DC power supplies and discusses their advantages and shortcomings. The paper then discusses a new technique that achieves completely spur-free switching noise performance at every node in DC-DC power supplies within a short number of switching cycles while maintaining minimal random noise floor peaking as well as low cost and design complexity. The technique can be adopted within preexisting power supplies operating with PWM or PFM control, both at high and light load conditions to power spur-sensitive RF PAs.
Accumulation of 3H-progestins in limbic, diencephalic, and mesencephalic regions of mouse brain

Abstract Ovariectomized and ovariectomized-adrenalectomized Swiss-Webster mice were given ip injections of [ 3 H]-progesterone and sacrificed 60 min later. Analysis of the retained radioactivity suggested that [ 3 H]-progestins were maximally accumulated in the interpeduncular region of the anterior mesencephalon and to a lesser extent in the hypothalamus. The septal area and hippocampus also accumulated more radioactivity than the amygdala, cerebral cortex, cerebellar vermis, olfactory bulb and medulla samples. The pituitary retained more radioactivity than all of the brain samples. There were no consistent differences between adrenalectomized and non-adrenalectomized females.