cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Double Gloving on Microsurgical Skills.

ObjectiveTo determine whether double gloving would negatively affect participants’ ability to perform a simulated microsurgical task.Study DesignRandomized single-blinded controlled crossover trial.SettingTemporal bone laboratory of an academic otolaryngology department.Subjects and MethodsThis study involved the simulated insertion of a stapes prosthesis into a model of the ossicular chain under microscopy. Forty-one participants were recruited from our medical and dental school and randomized into 2 groups. All groups began by performing the task without gloves, acting as their own control arm. The first group (A) then performed the task with a single pair of gloves while the second group (B) next performed the task with 2 pairs of gloves. The groups then switched gloving methods. The total time taken to perform the task was recorded for each participant and the results subjected to a series of statistical measures.ResultsThis study found a statistically significant difference in the average time taken ...
Plickers: A Formative Assessment Tool for K–12 and PETE Professionals

Classroom response systems have become popular in K–12 and higher education settings in recent years in order to gauge student learning. The physical education environment is unique in that it is difficult to manage the technology associated with these systems, and therefore, student assessment can be cumbersome. A free classroom response system is available that requires very little technology, is easy to use, and can provide feedback on student learning in an instant. This article will discuss Plickers as a real-time formative assessment tool that teachers can use to enhance assessment of student learning in physical education settings from K–12 to higher education.
MeCP2 regulates Tet1-catalyzed demethylation, CTCF binding, and learning-dependent alternative splicing of the BDNF gene in Turtle.

MECP2 mutations underlying Rett syndrome cause widespread misregulation of gene expression. Functions for MeCP2 other than transcriptional are not well understood. In an ex vivo brain preparation from the pond turtle Trachemys scripta elegans, an intraexonic splicing event in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene generates a truncated mRNA transcript in naive brain that is suppressed upon classical conditioning. MeCP2 and its partners, splicing factor Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) and methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (Tet1), bind to BDNF chromatin in naive but dissociate during conditioning; the dissociation correlating with decreased DNA methylation. Surprisingly, conditioning results in new occupancy of BDNF chromatin by DNA insulator protein CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), which is associated with suppression of splicing in conditioning. Knockdown of MeCP2 shows it is instrumental for splicing and inhibits Tet1 and CTCF binding thereby negatively impacting DNA methylation and conditioning-dependent splicing regulation. Thus, mutations in MECP2 can have secondary effects on DNA methylation and alternative splicing.
F-actin reorganization by V-ATPase inhibition in prostate cancer.

ABSTRACT The vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) proton pump sustains cellular pH homeostasis, and its inhibition triggers numerous stress responses. However, the cellular mechanisms involved remain largely elusive in cancer cells. We studied V-ATPase in the prostate cancer (PCa) cell line PC-3, which has characteristics of highly metastatic PCa. V-ATPase inhibitors impaired endo-lysosomal pH, vesicle trafficking, migration, and invasion. V-ATPase accrual in the Golgi and recycling endosomes suggests that traffic of internalized membrane vesicles back to the plasma membrane was particularly impaired. Directed movement provoked co-localization of V-ATPase containing vesicles with F-actin near the leading edge of migrating cells. V-ATPase inhibition prompted prominent F-actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Filopodial projections were reduced, which related to reduced migration velocity. F-actin formed novel cytoplasmic rings. F-actin rings increased with extended exposure to sublethal concentrations of V-ATPase inhibitors, from 24 to 48 h, as the amount of alkalinized endo-lysosomal vesicles increased. Studies with chloroquine indicated that F-actin rings formation was pH-dependent. We hypothesize that these novel F-actin rings assemble to overcome widespread traffic defects caused by V-ATPase inhibition, similar to F-actin rings on the surface of exocytic organelles.
Tetranuclear Fe Clusters with a Varied Interstitial Ligand: Effects on the Structure, Redox Properties, and Nitric Oxide Activation

A new series of tetranuclear Fe clusters displaying an interstitial μ4-F ligand was prepared for a comparison to previously reported μ4-O analogues. With a single nitric oxide (NO) coordinated as a reporter of small-molecule activation, the μ4-F clusters were characterized in five redox states, from FeII3{FeNO}8 to FeIII3{FeNO}7, with NO stretching frequencies ranging from 1680 to 1855 cm–1, respectively. Despite accessing more reduced states with an F– bridge, a two-electron reduction of the distal Fe centers is necessary for the μ4-F clusters to activate NO to the same degree as the μ4-O system; consequently, NO reactivity is observed at more positive potentials with μ4-O than μ4-F. Moreover, the μ4-O ligand better translates redox changes of remote metal centers to diatomic ligand activation. The implication for biological active sites is that the higher-charge bridging ligand is more effective in tuning cluster properties, including the involvement of remote metal centers, for small-molecule activation.
The Yeomanry and the State, 1815–1899

This chapter provides the first in-depth exploration of the Yeomanry Cavalry’s relationship with central government, assessing the force’s political power, its cost, its ability to fight for its interests and its general interaction with the state. It explains why the Yeomanry was allowed to exist beyond the peace with France and after Waterloo, and how its strength and the funds it received from government were bound to the domestic conditions of the nineteenth century and the development of police forces. It also deals with the efforts made to professionalise the Yeomanry late in the century before the Second Boer War dramatically changed the institution.
Out Drinking the Joneses: Neighborhood Factors Moderating the Effects of Drinking on Relationship Quality over the First Four Years of Marriage.

Neighborhood quality has been cross-sectionally linked to both relationship behaviors and relationship well-being. Consistent with the Vulnerability Stress-Adaptation model of relationship functioning (Karney & Bradbury, 1995), we hypothesized that associations between social behaviors (e.g., drinking) and relationship quality could be moderated by neighborhood factors. Specifically, we characterized neighborhoods along multiple dimensions using multiple methods (self-report, census) to investigate how neighborhood factors might clarify ambiguous effects of alcohol use on marital functioning. A nationally recruited sample of 303 newlywed couples completed a baseline assessment around the time of marriage and was then assessed yearly across the first 4 years of marriage (94% retention). Three level HLM slope-intercept models were used to model changes in relationship satisfaction across the first 4 years of marriage. Results suggested that, for couples living in highly disordered neighborhoods, positive shifts in overall levels of drinking within specific waves of assessment were associated with corresponding negative shifts in satisfaction whereas in neighborhoods without perceived disorder, this effect was reversed. For couples living in neighborhoods with low levels of domestic structures (high census rates of single renters without children), within-couple discrepancies favoring higher rates of husband drinking in specific waves predicted poorer relationship quality for both partners in those same waves whereas those same discrepancies predicted higher satisfaction in high domesticity neighborhoods (high census rates of married homeowners with children). The findings provide insight into the different roles of alcohol use in relationship maintenance and highlight the importance of using external context to understand intradyadic processes.
Opportunity to Learn

Opportunity to learn (OTL), a term introduced by John Carroll in the early 1960s, conveys the idea that students’ school learning is a result of the time they spend engaged in learning and thus that students cannot be expected to learn if they do not have adequate time to do so (see Carroll 1963). Since its introduction, OTL has played key roles in international assessments, accountability policies, and practices and is standards-based reform. These themes are expanded below, including OTL’s role in policy and practice and measurement methods.
Axial flow in a two-dimensional microchannel induced by a travelling temperature wave imposed at the bottom wall

Fluid flow in microchannels has wide industrial and scientific applications. Hence, it is important to explore different driving mechanisms. In this paper, we study the net transport or fluid pumping in a two-dimensional channel induced by a travelling temperature wave applied at the bottom wall. The Navier–Stokes equations with the Boussinesq approximation and the convection–diffusion heat equation are made dimensionless by the height of the channel and a velocity scale obtained by a dominant balance between buoyancy and viscous resistance in the momentum equation. The system of equations is transformed to an axial coordinate that moves with the travelling temperature wave, and we seek steady solutions in this moving frame. Four dimensionless numbers emerge from the governing equations and boundary conditions: the Reynolds number , a Reynolds number based on the wave speed, the Prandtl number and the dimensionless wavenumber . The system of equations is solved by a finite-volume method and by a perturbation method in the limit . Surprisingly, the leading and first-order perturbation solutions agree well with the computed axial flow for . Thus, the analytic perturbation solutions are used to study systematically the effects of , , and on the dimensionless induced axial flow . We find that varies linearly with , and versus any of the three remaining dimensionless groups always exhibits a maximum. The global maximum of in the parameter space is subsequently determined for the first time. This induced axial flow is driven solely by the Reynolds stress.
Release of non-exchangeable $$ {}^{{{\text{15}}}}{\text{NH}}^{{\text{ + }}}_{{\text{4}}} $$ from subgrade, decomposed granite substrates and uptake by non-mycorrhizal and mycorrhizal California native annual grass, Vulpia microstachys

Release rates of recently fixed \( {\text{NH}}^{{\text{ + }}}_{{\text{4}}} \) from non-exchangeable interlayer sites in 2:1 silicate minerals were determined for decomposed granite (DG) saprolites from three locations in California, USA. Recently-fixed \( {\text{NH}}^{{\text{ + }}}_{{\text{4}}} \) release from the DG substrate was quantified by extracting diffused \( {\text{NH}}^{{\text{ + }}}_{{\text{4}}} \) with H-resin, as well as a native, annual grass Vulpia microstachys. The \( {\text{NH}}^{{\text{ + }}}_{{\text{4}}} \) release data varied with via the method of extraction, which included H-resin pre-treatments (Na+ or H+) and V. microstachys uptake (mycorrhizal inoculated or uninoculated). After 6 weeks (1008 h), more \( {\text{NH}}^{{\text{ + }}}_{{\text{4}}} \) was recovered from fixed interlayer positions by the H-resins as compared to uptake by V. microstachys. The H+ treated H-resins recovered more released \( {\text{NH}}^{{\text{ + }}}_{{\text{4}}} \) (≈94 mg \({\text{NH}}^{{\text{ + }}}_{{\text{4}}} - {\text{N}}\;{\text{kg}}^{1} \) or (12%) of total fixed \( {\text{NH}}^{{\text{ + }}}_{{\text{4}}} \)) in two of the three DG samples as compared to the Na+ treated resins, (which recovered ≈70–78 mg \({\text{NH}}^{{\text{ + }}}_{{\text{4}}} - {\text{N}}\;{\text{kg}}^{{{\text{ - 1}}}} \) (or 9–10%) of the total fixed \( {\text{NH}}^{{\text{ + }}}_{{\text{4}}} \)). The V. microstachys assimilated 8–9% of the total fixed \( {\text{NH}}^{{\text{ + }}}_{{\text{4}}} \) with mycorrhizal inoculum as compared to only 2% without a mycorrhizal inoculum, over the same time period. The fixed \( {\text{NH}}^{{\text{ + }}}_{{\text{4}}} \) release kinetics from the H-resin experiments were most accurately described by first order and power function models, and can be characterized as biphasic using a heterogeneous diffusion model. Uptake of both the 15N and ambient, unlabelled N from the soils was closely related to plant biomass. There was no significant difference in percent of N per unit of biomass between the control and mycorrhizal treatments. The findings presented here indicate that observed, long-term \( {\text{NH}}^{{\text{ + }}}_{{\text{4}}} \) release rates from DG in studies utilizing resins, may overestimate the levels of fixed \( {\text{NH}}^{{\text{ + }}}_{{\text{4}}} \) made available to plants and microorganisms. Additionally, the study suggested that mycorrhizae facilitate the acquisition and plant uptake of fixed \( {\text{NH}}^{{\text{ + }}}_{{\text{4}}} \), resulting in markedly increased plant biomass production.
Crystal and molecular structure of [CpRu(PPh3)2(t-C4H9SH)]BF4

The structure of the [CpRu(PPh[sub 3])[sub 2](t[minus]C[sub 4]H[sub 4]SH)]BF[sub 4] complex was determined by X-ray diffraction techniques; monoclinic space group P2[sub 1]/c, a = 14.662(9), b = 18.515(7), c = 15.368(6) [angstrom], [beta] = 101.88(5)[degrees], V = 4082(6) [angstrom][sup 3], Z = 4, R = 0.049, R[sub w] = 0.057. The Ru is attached to two triphenylphosphine ligands, a cyclopentadienyl and the t-butylmercaptan. The Ru-S distance is 2.396(2)[angstrom] and the S-H distance is 1.289(2)[angstrom].
Effective Thermoelasticity of Polymer-Bonded Particle Composites with Imperfect Interfaces and Thermally Expansive Interphases

A micromechanical model for the thermoelasticity of polymer-bonded composites is presented. The model is particularly aimed at describing materials where the polymeric binder phase undergoes non-negligible thermal expansion affecting the overall thermoelastic response. Constitutive choices for modeling a mixed binder-void interphase layer are proposed, and an associated decomposition of total eigenstrains into classical, elastic imperfection (damage), and binder thermal expansivity parts is examined within the context of imperfect inter-particle interfaces. A novel temperature dependent modified Eshelby tensor is identified, making possible the development of a temperature dependent modified self-consistent homogenization scheme—what we call the M $\theta$ -SCH model. A method for distinguishing between dispersed and isolated parts of the binder and void phases in the model is also provided, along with a description of particle coating (or interphase) thickness derived from particle morphology and mesoscale effective properties. Although the theory is general, its development is motivated by the need to model anisotropic and highly nonlinear observed thermal expansion behavior of the polymer bonded explosive PBX 9502, for which model simulations are performed and compared with existing measurements.
Nutritional Considerations for Adolescents with Chronic Kidney Disease

The dietitian plays a vital role in the multidisciplinary care of a child with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The dietitian’s role specifically is to ensure that each child’s nutritional status is optimized to promote adequate growth in the setting of CKD.
Utility of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients receiving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy for primary treatment of esthesioneuroblastoma.

Background Past research established that surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy (S + AR) improves overall survival (OS) in esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB). However, it is unknown if the addition of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) further improves survival. The primary objective of this study was to compare survival among patients treated with S + AR alone to patients who underwent S + AR + AC. Methods Retrospective review of patient records. Results Thirty-eight patients met inclusion criteria for either S + AR or S + AR + AC treatment groups. The S + AR + AC group contained more patients with Kadish stage D disease, dural invasion, and positive histologic margins postsurgery. All S + AR + AC patients received platinum-based regimens, combined with etoposide in 67%. OS and recurrence-free survival did not differ between the two groups, even when restricting the analysis to patients with Kadish stages B and C disease. Conclusion Patients who received platinum-based AC did not exhibit improved survival compared to S + AR alone. Further investigation, preferably prospective, into the optimal use of systemic therapy in ENB is warranted.
Assessing the cognitive complexity of cyber range environments

We present a conceptual foundation and empirical framework for modeling cognitive complexity in cyber range event operating environments. Definitions of key concepts, such as cognitive complexity, ...
Assessing the utilization of high‐resolution 2‐field HLA typing in solid organ transplantation

HLA typing in solid organ transplantation (SOT) is necessary for determining HLA-matching status between donor-recipient pairs and assessing patients' anti-HLA antibody profiles. Histocompatibility has traditionally been evaluated based on serologically defined HLA antigens. The evolution of HLA typing and antibody identification technologies, however, has revealed many limitations with using serologic equivalents for assessing compatibility in SOT. The significant improvements to HLA typing introduced by next-generation sequencing (NGS) require an assessment of the impact of this technology on SOT. We have assessed the role of high-resolution 2-field HLA typing (HR-2F) in SOT by retrospectively evaluating NGS-typed pre- and post-SOT cases. HR-2F typing was highly instructive or necessary in 41% (156/385) of the cases. Several pre- and posttransplant scenarios were identified as being better served by HR-2F typing. Five different categories are presented with specific case examples. The experience of another center (Temple University Hospital) is also included, whereby 21% of the cases required HR-2F typing by Sanger sequencing, as supported by other legacy methods, to properly address posttransplant anti-HLA antibody issues.
Scabies in children.

We are in the midst of a pandemic of scabies. Classic scabies is seen less frequently in the current cycle. The infestation frequently occurs in special forms, the differential diagnosis of which includes nearly every pruritic dermatosis. The cause of the current pandemic is not clear but there is evidence that immunologic factors, particularly delayed hypersensitivity, play a principal role. The diagnosis should be made with certainty, preferably by identifying the mite prior to instituting therapy. The modern scabicides are highly effective. A recent re-evaluation of the risk-benefit relationships of lindane has led to altered therapeutic routines.
Topological Constraint Theory for Network Glasses and Glass-Forming Liquids: A Rigid Polytope Approach

A variation of the topological constraint theory is proposed where an atomic network is modeled as a collection of rigid polytopes, and which explicitly distinguishes the bond angle constraints as well as rigid bond angles from flexible ones. The proposed theory allows for direct quantitative estimation of the fraction f of zero-frequency or floppy modes of the network. A preliminary model is proposed to connect the theory to the two key experimental observables that characterize glass-forming liquids, i.e., the glass transition temperature Tg and fragility m. The predicted values are tested against the literature data available for binary and ternary chalcogenides in the Ge-As-Se system. The Tg is related to f in this model by the activation entropy associated with the bond scission-renewal dynamics that is at the heart of transport and relaxation in glass-forming liquids. On the other hand, the large and temperature-dependent conformational entropy contribution of the 1-polytopes, i.e., the selenium chain elements in these chalcogenide glass-forming liquids, plays a key role in controlling the variation of m with f.
A Novel Role of Fungal Type I Myosin in Regulating Membrane Properties and Its Association with d-Amino Acid Utilization in Cryptococcus gattii.

ABSTRACT We found a novel role of Myo5, a type I myosin (myosin-I), and its fortuitous association with d-amino acid utilization in Cryptococcus gattii. Myo5 colocalized with actin cortical patches and was required for endocytosis. Interestingly, the myo5Δ mutant accumulated high levels of d-proline and d-alanine which caused toxicity in C. gattii cells. The myo5Δ mutant also accumulated a large set of substrates, such as membrane-permeant as well as non-membrane-permeant dyes, l-proline, l-alanine, and flucytosine intracellularly. Furthermore, the efflux rate of fluorescein was significantly increased in the myo5Δ mutant. Importantly, the endocytic defect of the myo5Δ mutant did not affect the localization of the proline permease and flucytosine transporter. These data indicate that the substrate accumulation phenotype is not solely due to a defect in endocytosis, but the membrane properties may have been altered in the myo5Δ mutant. Consistent with this, the sterol staining pattern of the myo5Δ mutant was different from that of the wild type, and the mutant was hypersensitive to amphotericin B. It appears that the changes in sterol distribution may have caused altered membrane permeability in the myo5Δ mutant, allowing increased accumulation of substrate. Moreover, myosin-I mutants generated in several other yeast species displayed a similar substrate accumulation phenotype. Thus, fungal type I myosin appears to play an important role in regulating membrane permeability. Although the substrate accumulation phenotype was detected in strains with mutations in the genes involved in actin nucleation, the phenotype was not shared in all endocytic mutants, indicating a complicated relationship between substrate accumulation and endocytosis. IMPORTANCECryptococcus gattii, one of the etiological agents of cryptococcosis, can be distinguished from its sister species Cryptococcus neoformans by growth on d-amino acids. C. gattiiMYO5 affected the growth of C. gattii on d-amino acids. The myo5Δ cells accumulated high levels of various substrates from outside the cells, and excessively accumulated d-amino acids appeared to have caused toxicity in the myo5Δ cells. We provide evidence on the alteration of membrane properties in the myo5Δ mutants. Additionally, alteration in the myo5Δ membrane permeability causing higher substrate accumulation is associated with the changes in the sterol distribution. Furthermore, myosin-I in three other yeasts also manifested a similar role in substrate accumulation. Thus, while fungal myosin-I may function as a classical myosin-I, it has hitherto unknown additional roles in regulating membrane permeability. Since deletion of fungal myosin-I causes significantly elevated susceptibility to multiple antifungal drugs, it could serve as an effective target for augmentation of fungal therapy.
Gold(I)-Mediated Cycloisomerization/Cycloaddition Enables Bioinspired Syntheses of Neonectrolides B–E and Analogues

Development of a synthetic route to the oxaphenalenone (OP) natural products neonectrolides B–E is described. The synthesis relies on gold-catalyzed 6-endo-dig hydroarylation of an unusual enynol s...
The Geographic Dispersion of Hop Production in the United States: Back to the Future?

The U.S. has long been a major producer of hops. Hops were first produced in New England and New York, and then in the Great Lakes Region. Since the late nineteenth century, the Pacific Northwest has been the dominant producer of hops. However, due to the growth of the craft beer industry there has been an increase in hop production in several states, particularly states that were once major producers such as New York and Michigan. However, due to climatic and economic factors, the Pacific Northwest states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho will likely remain the major producers.
Atomically Precise Nanoclusters as Electrocatalysts

This chapter summaries recent advances in electrocatalytic application of atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs). Metal nanoclusters with determined structures can serve as new model catalysts for electrochemical catalytic study at the atomic level and offer insights into the underlying mechanisms. In recent years, electrocatalysis by metal nanoclusters has been reported and shows promise in several important reactions, including oxygen reduction reaction, water splitting, and CO2 reduction reaction. By tuning the structure/ligand of the metal nanoclusters, it is possible to achieve catalytic property modification at the atomic level. Overall, the new material of atomically precise metal nanoclusters holds great promise in precise control of catalytic properties and investigation of the fundamental catalytic mechanism at the atomic level.
Voice of the Nurse

Nurses are the largest component of the healthcare delivery system and continue to be recognized as one of the most trusted professions. Despite this, nurses are often not fully used as a resource for patients and other care givers while navigating the healthcare system. Understanding the practice of nursing and the important role this profession plays, both in autonomous and collaborative interdisciplinary practice, can reveal untapped potential. Due to an ongoing effort, nurses at all levels receive formal education focused on improving quality and safety patient care outcomes in all care settings. With this knowledge, the use of published evidence or best practices, nurses can help lead this important work.
Single Fraction LINAC-Based SRS Re-Treatment of Brain Metastases Using Conservative Doses.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), using conservative doses (relative to maximum tolerated doses from RTOG 9005), for brain metastases that recurred after initial SRS also with conservative doses. MATERIALS/METHODS Under an IRB approved protocol, brain metastases that underwent retreatment with single-fraction, LINAC-based SRS were identified from 2014-2018. For each treated brain metastasis, histology, prescribed dose, lesion size, local control, and symptomatic radiation necrosis were recorded. Control was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox models. RESULTS From an initial database containing 597 individual lesions210, 52 lesions in 22 were identified that recurred after initial SRS, for a total of 59 courses of retreatment (with some lesions being treated 3 times). Of the 52 initial lesions, 16 were from breast, 23 non-small cell lung, 9 melanoma, and 4 colorectal primaries. The median size and volume at first treatment were 0.9 mm and 1.47 cc respectively (ranges 0.3-31 mm and 0.2-13.4 cc respectively). Median dose covering 99% of the PTV was 14.6 Gy on initial treatment (10.7-18.2 Gy). Median time to re-treatment was 6.0 months (1-31). The median size, volume, and 99% PTV dose at re-treatment was 1.4 cm, 2.76 cc, and 15 Gy respectively. Both size (P = 0.006) and volume (P = 0.04), but not prescribed dose (P = 0.06) were significantly different when comparing initial and re-treatment lesion and treatment characteristics. The crude local control at 6 months was 58% after initial treatment (with 42% of recurrences occurring at > 6 months), and 70% after re-treatment (P = 0.02). Seven lesions in 6 patients developed symptomatic radiation necrosis after retreatment, 3 confirmed pathologically, 2 by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the remainder by imaging characteristics in absence of CNS progression. The mean normal brain V10 for the re-treatment course was 6.4 cc (range 3.8-18.4 cc) in these lesions. In a Cox multivariate model including: initial versus retreatment course, lesion volume, and PTV, retreatment was associated with improved local control (0.49, HR 0.29-0.83 P = 0.008). CONCLUSION In this series of single fraction SRS using conservative doses, re-treated lesions showed improved control relative to initial treatment without significant increases in prescription dose in subsequent courses. These findings suggest that a threshold effective dose was not met on initial course but was able to be successfully made up later. Symptomatic necrosis after retreatment was relatively high, despite relatively low V10. AUTHOR DISCLOSURE M.A. Cummings: None. K.Y. Usuki: None. S. Hardy: None. M.T. Milano: Honoraria; UpToDate, self.
Multipole‐Free Fast Inhomogeneous Plane Wave Algorithm

[1] Solving radiation and scattering problems in the vicinity of a half-space or stratified medium with integral equation methods is complicated, and slowed by computation of expensive Sommerfeld integrals. In this paper, a new formulation of the spectral layered media Green's function is presented. It is demonstrated for a simple scattering problem in the new fast algorithm called the Multipole-Free Fast Inhomogeneous Plane Wave Algorithm (MF-FIPWA). MF-FIPWA is shown to scale as (N log N) in memory usage and processing time. Additional advantages include rigorous treatment of reflected contributions, simplicity in design, and mathematical insight into the fast algorithm.
Neck and body position effects on pulmonary mechanics in infants.

Pulmonary mechanics and ventilatory parameters were measured in 30 former preterm infants at a postterm age of 8 to 10 months. All subjects had required assisted ventilation in the neonatal period and 16 had a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Each infant was studied in both supine and semisitting positions, and in each body position the infants were studied with neutral, flexed, and extended neck positions. Baseline measurements (body supine, neck neutral) and the response to postural changes did not differ between infants who had had bronchopulmonary dysplasia and those who had not. Change in body position from supine to semisitting decreased total pulmonary resistance (P less than .05) and increased specific lung compliance (P less than .01). Neck flexion increased resistance (P less than .001) in both body positions but did not influence compliance. These postural effects are consistent with an increase in functional residual capacity in the semisitting position and a decrease in pharyngeal area during neck flexion. Thus, posture needs to be precisely controlled during pulmonary function testing in infants. Furthermore, optimal neck and body position may improve their clinical status.
Studies on externally disposed plasma membrane proteins. Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid derivatization and immune precipitation.

Abstract To facilitate the isolation of externally exposed plasma membrane proteins we have improved a method that utilizes the non-permeant alkylating reagent trinitrobenzene sulfonate (TNBS). Biosynthetically labeled cells were incubated with TNBS using conditions which minimized penetration into the cells and cell damage (10 mM TNBS, pH 7.8 in PBS; 30 min at 4 °C). The viable cells were incubated with rabbit anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgG. After removal of the excess IgG, the cells were lysed in non-ionic detergent and the anti-DNP IgG-TNP-protein complexes were isolated by adsorption with fixed Staphylococcus aureus or protein-A Sepharose. Proteins thus isolated were analysed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). When the cells were first treated with TNBS and then metabolically labeled, a hitherto unsuspected major contamination by adsorbed non-derivatized proteins was observed. Under these conditions the TNBS-derivatized proteins should not be metabolically labeled. The contaminating proteins were not removed by washing the immunoadsorbent with deoxycholate, digitonin, saponin, pH 11 carbonate buffer, or 1.5 M ammonium thiocyanate. However, the non-specifically adsorbed proteins were removed by washing with an SDS/NP-40 mixture (0.1% SDS, 0.05% NP-40, 0.6 M NaCl, 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.6). After having assessed and reduced the extent of contamination by non-derivatized proteins, we compared metabolically labeled TNP-proteins isolated by this procedure with anti-macrophage antiserum immunoprecipitates. [35S]Methionine-labeled proteins isolated by the TNBS method were also compared with total 125I surface labeled proteins, and with 125I-labeled surface proteins isolated after TNBS derivatization and immunoprecipitation. Analysis of autoradiograms of SDS-PAGE gels showed that all of these methods resulted in the identification of remarkably similar sets of proteins. There was consistent agreement between 125I-labeled surface proteins and [35S]methionine-labeled proteins isolated from different cell types, including thioglycollate-elicited macrophages, the J774 macrophage cell line, mouse L cells, and Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO). Proteins of thioglycollate-elicited macrophages labeled with [35S]methionine, [1-14C]mannose, and [1-14C]-glucosamine were isolated after TNBS derivatization and gave identical gel profiles, suggesting that most if not all of the surface proteins isolated by this method were glycosylated.
Application of optical traps in vivo.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the applications of optical traps in vivo. A number of groups have combined sophisticated optical-trapping setups with bead assays to study the function of single molecules in vitro in detail. The basic optical trap is quite simple: a single-mode laser with Gaussian beam profile (TM 00 ) is passed through a beam expander (so that the beam fills the back aperture of the microscope objective to use the entire lens, which generates the largest gradient in the focused beam) and then steered with a combination of mirrors and lenses into the microscope objective. This objective focuses the light in the sample plane of the microscope to a diffraction limited spot, forming the trap. In vitro optical traps are used to study polymers, such as microtubules or DNA, and to measure properties of single molecules, such as titin, or molecular motors, such as kinesin. To calibrate the applied force involves initial in vitro calibration, followed by corrections to compensate for the differences between working in buffer and in the relatively uncontrolled cytoplasm.
Open Simulation Laboratories [Guest editors' introduction]

In this introduction for the special issue on open simulation laboratories, the guest editors describe how OSLs will become more common as their potential is better understood and they begin providing access to valuable datasets to much larger segments of the scientific community. New analysis tools and ways to do science will inevitably develop as a result.
Stage‐dependent dynamics and modulation of spontaneous waves in the developing rabbit retina

We report here a systematic investigation of the dynamics, regulation and distribution of spontaneous waves in the rabbit retina during the course of wave development prior to eye opening. Three major findings were obtained in this longitudinal study. (1) Spontaneous retinal waves underwent three developmental stages, each of which displayed distinct wave dynamics, pharmacology and mechanism of generation and regulation. Stage I waves emerged prior to synaptogenesis and appeared as frequent, fast propagating waves that did not form spatial boundaries between waves. These waves could be inhibited by blockers of gap junctions and adenosine receptors, but not by nicotinic antagonists. Stage I waves lasted about one day (around embryonic day 22) and then switched rapidly to stage II, resulting in slower and less frequent waves that could be blocked by nicotinic antagonists and had a characteristic postwave refractory period and spatial boundaries between adjacent waves. Immediately after the transition from stage I to stage II, the waves could be reverted back to stage I by blocking nicotinic receptors, indicating the presence of mutually compensatory mechanisms for wave generation. Stage III waves emerged around postnatal day 3–4 (P3–4), and they were mediated by glutamtergic and muscarinic interactions. With age, these waves became weaker, more localized and less frequent. Spontaneous waves were rarely detected after P7. (2) GABA strongly modulated the wave dynamics in a stage- and receptor type-dependent manner. At stage I, endogenous GABAB activation downregulated the waves. The GABAB modulation disappeared during stage II and was replaced by a strong GABAA/C-mediated inhibition at stage III. Blocking GABAA/C receptors not only dramatically enhanced spontaneous stage III waves, but also induced propagating waves in >P7 retinas that did not show spontaneous waves, indicating a role of GABA inhibition in the disappearance of spontaneous waves. (3) Spontaneous retinal waves were found in both the inner and outer retina at all three stages. The waves in the outer retina (ventricular zone) also showed stage-dependent pharmacology and dynamics. Together, the results revealed a multistaged developmental sequence and stage-dependent dynamics, pharmacology and regulation of spontaneous retinal waves in the mammalian retina. The presence of retinal waves during multiple developmental stages and in multiple retinal layers suggests that the waves are a general developmental phenomenon with diverse functions.
Automate back office activity monitoring to drive operational excellence

Business process outsourcing (BPO) is growing rapidly with intensive competition. BPO providers aim to deliver high quality services with low cost. One of the key drivers is to optimize human resource utilization. It is critical to monitor and measure the activities of the practitioners in order to identify inefficient workers, unnecessary waste in operations, and non-standardized operations. Today's practices to monitor and measure the human activities are manual and error-prone. Motivated by increasing the accuracy and eliminating manual efforts for monitoring and measuring human activities, in this paper we present our research work to automatically classify and time the daily activity of a practitioner. Even though human behavior variations and noises brings substantial deviations and randomness, the developed activity classifier and timer handles the variations and reduces the noise to a satisfactory extent. The pilot results demonstrate 98.18% accuracy to classify transactions into the activity taxonomy, and 91.54% accuracy to find out the transaction cycle time therefore to aggregate to the time spent on each activity. The results are highly valued by our business partners, and the tool is considered as a revolutionary solution for human activity monitoring and measurement.
Prevention as an Explicit Part of the Social Work Profession: Part Two of a Systematic Investigation

In 2011, Advances in Social Work published results from an investigation into the explicit use of “prevention” language within the social work profession. Findings from this study highlighted a gap in the knowledge and integration of prevention-focused social work education and practice. A recommendation was made to examine additional indicators that illustrate the extent to which “prevention” is an accepted and growing subfield within the social work academy. This second paper continues the inquiry by examining three additional indicators for integration of prevention content, including: 1) CSWE accredited MSW programs; 2) social work textbooks; and 3) abstracts accepted at two national social work conferences. Although findings demonstrate that about a quarter of MSW programs integrate prevention content into their curriculum there is a lack of prevention content available within social work textbooks and professional conferences for social work scholars and practitioners. Barriers and supports to addressing these issues are discussed.
The human consequences of foreign military intervention

The empirical international conflict literature has given much recent attention to interstate armed force’s impact on human well-being. While empirical research has advanced our understanding of the phenomenon considerably, we argue that one conclusion that many studies have reached is preliminary. Some recent research contends that only full-scale war, and not force short of war, has a discernable impact on human welfare or physical quality of life (PQOL). We develop theory on one type of force short of war, large-scale foreign military intervention (FMI), and its potential effects on PQOL. Using interrupted time series and panel corrected standard error methodologies, we find that from 1960 to 2005 large-scale FMI had a statistically and substantively significant impact on the PQOL of populations in 106 developing countries. The specific effect that this type of armed force has depended in large part on the regime type of the target country.
Sevoflurane Causes Long-lasting Dendritic Spine Head Enlargement without Lasting Effect on Neuritic Extension

Early postnatal anesthesia causes long-lasting learning and memory impairment in rodents, however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. We tested a hypothesis that clinically relevant ...
Effects of Cardiopulmonary Support With a Novel Pediatric Pump‐Lung in a 30‐Day Ovine Animal Model

Abstract The scarcity of donor organs has led to the development of devices that provide optimal long-term respiratory or cardiopulmonary support to bridge recipients as they wait for lung and/or heart transplantation. This study was designed to evaluate the 30-day in vivo performance of the newly developed pediatric pump-lung (PediPL) for cardiopulmonary support using a juvenile sheep model. The PediPL device was placed surgically between the right atrium and descending aorta in eight sheep (25.4-31.2 kg) and evaluated for 30 days. Anticoagulation was maintained with continuous heparin infusion (activated clotting time 150-200 s). The flow rate was measured continually, and gas transfer was measured daily. Plasma free hemoglobin, platelet activation, hematologic data, and blood biochemistry were assessed twice a week. Sheep were euthanized after 30 days. The explanted devices were examined for gross thrombosis. Six sheep survived for 30-32 days. During the study, the oxygen transfer rate of the devices was 54.9 ± 13.2 mL/min at a mean flow rate of 1.14 ± 0.46 L/min with blood oxygen saturation of 95.4% ± 1.7%. Plasma free hemoglobin was 8.2 ± 3.7 mg/dL. Platelet activation was 5.35 ± 2.65%. The animals had normal organ chemistries except for surgery-related transient alterations in kidney and liver function. Although we found some scattered thrombi on the membrane surfaces of some explanted devices during the necropsy, the device function and performance did not degrade. The PediPL device was capable of providing cardiopulmonary support with long-term reliability and good biocompatibility over the 30-day duration and offers the potential option for bridging pediatric patients with end-stage heart or lung disease to heart and/or lung transplantation.
Immunological Analysis of Glycolipids and Lipopolysaccharides Derived from Various Mycoplasmas

The lipids and lipopolysaccharides of five mycoplasmas were examined for complement-fixing activity to antimembrane rabbit sera. Total glycolipid fractions and the aqueous phenol fractions (lipopolysaccharides) from the membranes of Acholeplasma laidlawii, A. modicum, A. axanthum, and Mycoplasma neurolyticum exhibited significant antigenic activity. The glycolipids and phosphoglycolipids from Thermoplasma acidophilum were either anticomplementary or did not react due to their extreme hydrophobic nature. High activity was found using the lipopolysaccharide of T. acidophilum. The pure glycolipids and phosphoglycolipids of the Acholeplasma and Mycoplasma species also exhibited significant complement-fixing activity. Acylation of the sugar residues of these lipids reduced or negated complement-fixing activity. Double cross-reactions between the glycolipids of A. laidlawii and A. modicum appeared to be due to mono- and diglucosyl diglycerides of identical structure. Specificity of glycolipid structure was noted by the absence of cross-reactions between A. laidlawii and M. neurolyticum, the glycolipids of which differ only in the nature of the glucose linkages. The existence of lipopolysaccharides in the membranes of mycoplasmas and their complement-fixing activity in the presence of antimembrane sera suggest their possible importance as specific antigenic determinants.
Captopril‐triggered linear IgA bullous dermatosis

A 57-year-old African–American woman with a history of long-standing asthma, hypertension, and congestive heart failure was referred for an intensely pruritic, blistering eruption of 2 months duration. The blistering began 2 weeks after the initiation of captopril for essential hypertension. It was localized predominantly on the thighs and legs, but had recently spread to the upper extremities. Previously, the patient had been treated with albuterol and furosemide. She had been admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute varicella, which was ruled out by a negative Tzanck preparation. Clarithromycin was prescribed upon discharge. Physical examination revealed multiple healed and crusted erosions ranging in size from 1 to 7 cm on the anteromedial aspect of the thighs and legs (Fig. 1). Discrete and confluent tense vesicles, some forming arciform or rosette-like patterns, were noted (Fig. 2). Multiple hypopigmented macules and patches were seen. On the flexural aspect of the forearms, there were multiple small erosions, some of which appeared excoriated. There were no urticarial lesions, and the oral mucosa and scalp were spared. Figure 1. Multiple healed and crusted erosions on the anteromedial aspect of the left thigh. Hypopigmented macules and patches are also evident Download figure to PowerPoint Figure 2. Confluent tense vesicles in an arciform arrangement Download figure to PowerPoint A biopsy specimen of lesional skin from the left thigh revealed epidermal detachment at the dermal–epidermal junction with prominent festooning of dermal papillae. A dense, perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate was present in the underlying dermis (Fig. 3). Well-defined neutrophilic papillary microabscesses were not identified, nor were eosinophils. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) staining revealed linear deposition of immunoglobulin A (IgA) at the dermal–epidermal junction (Fig. 4). Indirect immunofluorescence studies of the serum were negative for circulating pemphigus and pemphigoid antibodies. On the basis of these findings, a diagnosis of linear IgA bullous dermatosis was made. Figure 3. (a) Subepidermal blister with prominent festooning of dermal papillae. (b) Dense, perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate in underlying dermis Download figure to PowerPoint Figure 4. Deposition of IgA in a linear pattern at the dermal–epidermal junction Download figure to PowerPoint Despite discontinuation of captopril, the patient continued to develop new blisters. Treatment with dapsone was initiated at a dose of 25 mg t.i.d. Because of continued blister formation, the dose was increased to 50 mg t.i.d. and prednisone was added to the regimen. The latter was tapered over a period of 3 months. For the past year, dapsone has been administered at a dosage of 100 mg b.i.d., and the patient has experienced only occasional blister formation.