cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Separation properties of surface modified silica supported liquid membranes for divalent metal removal/recovery

Abstract The synthesis and separation properties of a mesoporous silica supported liquid membrane (SLM) were studied. The membranes consisted of a silica layer, from dip-coated colloidal silica, on an α-alumina support, modified with dichlorodimethyl silane (DCDMS) to add surface methyl groups to the silica layer. 2-Hydroxy-5-nonylacetophenome oxime (LIX-84) was entrapped within the pores of the silica due to hydrophobic interactions between the surface methyl groups and the long hydrocarbon chain from the LIX-84. The goal of synthesizing the membrane in this manner was to enhance the stability of SLMs. The membranes made after two-time dip-coating demonstrated good stability (no sign of LIX loss after 12 days) and uphill Cu2+ transport against the concentration gradient. Regardless of operating conditions, of the six metals studied (Ca, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ni), only Cu2+ showed any flux except for some experiments in which Ca2+ flux could be attributed to imperfections in the membrane. Cu2+ fluxes as high as 2.3×10−10 mol/cm2 s (with 40 mmol/L (40 ppm) Cu2+ feed) and permeability coefficients as high as 8.0×10−4 cm/s were obtained for these mesoporous inorganic SLMs.
Sintering stresses and distortion produced by density differences in bi-layer structures

Abstract The variations in green density that arise when a powder is consolidated gives rise to strain rate incompatibility between regions that can result in densification stresses and or warpage during sintering. In order to quantify the effect of the green density variations, the shrinkage behavior of model bi-layers with a tailored density difference was analyzed. The methodology previously developed for co-firing of layered structures was applied to bi-layers for the case in which the layers do not differ in composition but in density. Alumina tapes with green densities of 1.96 and 2.34 Mg/m 3 were fabricated by tape casting and consolidated into bi-layers. The shrinkage characteristics of the individual layers were characterized and the uniaxial viscosity of the layers with the two starting densities were determined as a function of the degree of densification using cyclic loading dilatometry. The distortion in the bi-layer configurations was experimentally measured and was shown to be in good agreement with the analytical calculations.
Defining a new role of GW182 in maintaining miRNA stability

GW182 binds to Argonaute (AGO) proteins and has a central role in miRNA-mediated gene silencing. Using lentiviral shRNA-induced GW182 knockdown in HEK293 cells, this study identifies a new role of GW182 in regulating miRNA stability. Stably knocking down GW182 or its paralogue TNRC6B reduces transfected miRNA-mimic half-lives. Replenishment of GW182 family proteins, as well as one of its domain Δ12, significantly restores the stability of transfected miRNA-mimic. GW182 knockdown reduces miRNA secretion via secretory exosomes. Targeted siRNA screening identifies a 3′–5′ exoribonuclease complex responsible for the miRNA degradation only when GW182 is knocked down. Immunoprecipitation further confirms that the presence of GW182 in the RISC complex is critical in protecting Argonaute-bound miRNA.
Helicopter EM mapping of saltwater intrusion in Everglades National Park, Florida

Helicopter electromagnetic surveys are being used to map saltwater intrusion in Everglades National Park, Florida. Using layered earth inversion methods, resistivity-depth slices are generated which provide information on the location of the freshwater/saltwater interface, as well as showing the influence of canals and roadbeds on the hydrologic regime. Through the use of well logs and time-domain electromagnetic soundings, correlations between formation resistivity and water specific conductance have been established. As a result, the interpreted resistivity maps can be used as estimated water quality maps with better coverage than is possible from well sampling alone. Repeat surveys provide means of assessing long term changes in the aquifer system resulting from changes in water management policies aimed at restoring the South Florida ecosystem.
Activated notch supports development of cytokine producing NK cells which are hyporesponsive and fail to acquire NK cell effector functions.

Abstract Natural Killer (NK) cells are powerful effectors of cytotoxicity against "stressed" cells. They also produce cytokines and chemokines to activate the adaptive immune response. Understanding NK cell development and maturation may have implications for cancer therapy and for immunity against infections. We hypothesized that Notch signaling, critical for hematopoesis, would be involved in NK cell development. The role of constitutively activated Notch1 (ICN) on NK cell maturation was studied using human umbilical cord blood (UCB) progenitors cultured on a murine embryonic liver stroma cell line (EL08-1D2) and human cytokines. UCB CD34+/ICN+ sorted cells resulted in a population of CD7+ early lymphoid precursors and subsequent NK lineage commitment independent of stroma or IL-15. Early expression of L-selectin on ICN+ precursors suggested their homing competence. These precursors further committed to the NK lineage, and were capable of producing cytokines and chemokines such as interkeukin (IL)-13, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), yet poorly acquired NK inhibitory receptors and cytotoxic effector function. In the presence of stroma, ICN+ precursors also gave rise to a population of early T lineage committed cells characterized by expression of cytoplasmic CD3 γ, e, and δ chains, RAG1/2, and production of IL-2, suggesting bona fide Th1 commitment. Importantly, signals from EL08-1D2 stroma were required for this development process. In conclusion, sustained Notch signaling can replace stroma in differentiation of a common CD7+ lymphoid precursor from UCB CD34+ progenitors and induce NK cell commitment. However, these NK cells are immature in their cytokine production profile, are hyporesponsive, and poorly acquire NK cell receptors involved in self-tolerance and effector function.
Mast cell proteases liberate stable encephalitogenic fragments from intact myelin.

Abstract Protease-containing supernatants from activated rat mast cells were found to degrade purified rat myelin with a subsequent release of a stable encephalitogenic peptide. The two most abundant peptides were identified as residues 69–87 (GSLPQKSQRTQDENPVV) and residues 69–88 (GSLPQKSQRTQDENPVVH). While additional exposure to the mast cell supernatants removes the COOH terminal histamine from peptide 69–88 to yield peptide 69–87, additional proteolytic degradation of the 69–87 peptide was not detected. Immunization with this peptide emulsified in CFA caused the development of clinical experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Lewis rats. In addition this 69–87 sequence was found to activate resting encephalitogenic myelin basic protein-reactive T cell lines to adoptively transfer clinical EAE. The release of stable encephalitogenic peptides from the myelin sheath by mast cell proteases may play a role in activation of encephalitogen-specific T cells during the progression of EAE.
Contact angle hysteresis on superhydrophobic surfaces: an ionic liquid probe fluid offers mechanistic insight.

Silicon/silicon dioxide surfaces containing 3 μm (width) × 6 μm (length) × 40 μm (height) staggered rhombus posts were prepared using photolithography and hydrophobized using a perfluoroalkyl-conta...
Improving object recognition accuracy and speed through nonuniform sampling

Silhouette-based shape retrieval and recognition have been well studied, because silhouettes are compact representations of object shape, and because they can be reliably extracted in controlled-environment applications such as digitizing museum collections. In past work, we developed a fast and accurate method for retrieval and recognition of object silhouettes and other closed planar contours. The method is based on a combination of alignment, correspondence, eigenspace dimensionality reduction, and example-based retrieval. Its efficiency and accuracy result from the particular forms of each of these components and the way they are combined. This paper presents two improvements to the method: non-uniform sampling and a new similarity measure. The improved method ranks first in retrieval accuracy in comparison with eight prior methods tested on a benchmark database of 1,400 shapes. Its classification accuracy is 96.8% for the first-ranked class hypothesis, and it returns the correct classification in the top ten hypotheses 99.8% of the time. Average time for retrieval and recognition is approximately 0.6 seconds in Matlab on a PC.
Measurements of accumulation and displacement at the single cell cluster level in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms

Summary Quantitative descriptions of biofilm growth and dynamics at the individual cell level are largely missing from the literature. To fill this gap, research was done to describe growth, accumulation and displacement patterns in developing Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. A parent strain of PAO1 was labelled with either a cyan or yellow fluorescent protein. These were then grown in a flow cell biofilm together so that pockets of dividing cells could be identified and their accumulation and displacement tracked. This analysis revealed a pattern of exponential accumulation for all clusters followed by a stationary accumulation phase. A background ‘carpet’ layer of cells uniformly colonizing the surface exhibited zero net accumulation of bio-volume. The individual clusters were found to have a mean accumulation rate of 0.34 h−1 with a range of 0.28–0.41 h−1. Cluster accumulation rates were negatively correlated with cluster size; larger clusters accumulated volume at a slower rate (P < 0.001). Pockets of cells on the inside of clusters initially accumulated at a comparable rate to the cluster within which they resided, but later invariably exhibited zero to slightly negative accumulation despite continued exponential (positive) accumulation of the cluster. Expanding clusters were able to displace neighbouring cells from the surface, and larger clusters displaced smaller clusters. This work provides a more detailed quantitative experimental observation of biofilm behaviour than has been described previously.
Hungary in transforming Central and Eastern Europe, 1989–2008: A few debated questions

The paper addresses some debated questions and popular misconceptions concerning Hungary’s transformation process. These debated questions include the historical role of the Hungarian market reforms and how they helped the country in rapid transition later on; the first years of transition and the dilemma of gradual vs. shock therapy type reforms; the role of multinational companies in the Hungarian economy; the economic crisis in Hungary of the past years (2006–2008); and finally, how Hungary should proceed with reforms in the future.
From PACS to Web-based ePR system with image distribution for enterprise-level filmless healthcare delivery.

The concept of PACS (picture archiving and communication system) was initiated in 1982 during the SPIE medical imaging conference in New Port Beach, CA. Since then PACS has been matured to become an everyday clinical tool for image archiving, communication, display, and review. This paper follows the continuous development of PACS technology including Web-based PACS, PACS and ePR (electronic patient record), enterprise PACS to ePR with image distribution (ID). The concept of large-scale Web-based enterprise PACS and ePR with image distribution is presented along with its implementation, clinical deployment, and operation. The Hong Kong Hospital Authority’s (HKHA) integration of its home-grown clinical management system (CMS) with PACS and ePR with image distribution is used as a case study. The current concept and design criteria of the HKHA enterprise integration of the CMS, PACS, and ePR-ID for filmless healthcare delivery are discussed, followed by its work-in-progress and current status.
The effect of a surfactant monolayer on oxygen transfer across an air/water interface during mixed convection

A set of laboratory experiments are presented that reveal the effect of a surfactant monolayer on the transport of oxygen across an air/water interface during mixed convection conditions. The experiments were conducted in a wind/water tunnel where forced convection was imposed via the air flow, and natural convection by heating the water bulk above the air temperature, resulting in mixed convection conditions. The data acquired during these experiments were used to develop a parameterization between the Sherwood number for oxygen transport Sh and the Reynolds Re and Rayleigh Ra numbers. This parameterization was obtained for the case of a clean water surface and for a water surface covered with a surfactant monolayer. The data reveal that, at a given Ra and Re, the presence of a surfactant monolayer reduces Sh by approximately one order of magnitude. The elasticity of the air/water interface which results from the presence of a surfactant is used to explain these results. The data also show that Sh was not sensitive to Re. For both the clean and surfactant cases, Sh increases with Ra.
Urea H-bonds to the peptide group, but Gdm does not

Great attention has been devoted to studying protein conformational stability for about one century. Denaturants have played a prominent role in these investigations for decades, but it is still unclear what the exact mechanism of denaturant action on proteins is. On a more general level, denaturants have been found to preferentially interact with proteins, particularly with the peptide backbone. A prominent model proposes that urea accumulates at the backbone through H-bonding. Guanidine has been proposed to additionally engage in planar stacking interactions.We test these models using hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HX). When denaturant H-bonds to a peptide group, HX is blocked. Thus, denaturant-dependent slowing of HX is a direct measure of peptide-denaturant H-bonding. We find that urea strongly H-bonds to the peptide group, evidenced by a conspicuous drop in HX rate. Guanidine, in contrast, barely reduces the HX rate. Thus guanidine is likely to denature proteins by an entirely different mechanism than urea. While the urea H-bonding is sufficient to account for its experimental preferential interaction with peptides, guanidine probably accumulates at the peptide group through stacking interactions.
Oxidase and Tuberculosis: Physiopathologic Meaning and Possibilities for the Diagnosis of Infections by Acid-Fast Bacilli(Preliminary Report)

The author observed that in tuberculosis leucocytic oxidase increases proportionally to the advance of the disease, which is contrary to what happens with serolipase. This might be due to the fact that the surrounding membrane of the granulations of the neutrophil be composed similarly to the acid-fast capsule of the Koch bacillus, whose membrane, being lipidic, is destroyed by lipase. This hypothesis was confirmed by the Ziehl method after its special adaption to the case. The substance surrounding the granulations of the neutrophil is, therefore, acid-fast. The author then recalls the prevailing conception as exposed by Middlebrook: in tuberculosis, the lipase decreases because the Koch bacillus, if virulent, produces a neutralizing substance, formerly called "antilecithinase" by Calmette and now known as "factor P". Since the capsule of the oxidasic granulations gets stronger in tuberculosis, the normal oxidasic effusion from the neutrophil toward the red corpuscles gets reduced to hypoeffusion. It has been possible to demonstrate this fact, thanks to the creation of an electro-photometric method for the evaluation of erythrocytic oxidase which, indeed, appears to be reduced in the pathologic conditions due to acid-fast bacilli (tuberculosis and leprosy).
The Rise of Emergency Medicine in the Sixties: Paving a New Entrance to the House of Medicine

Emergency medicine evolved into a medical specialty in the 1960s under the leadership of physicians in small communities across the country. This paper uses three case studies to investigate the political, societal, and local factors that propelled emergency medicine along this path. The case studies-Alexandria Hospital, Hartford Hospital, and Yale-New Haven Hospital-demonstrate that the changes in emergency medicine began at small community hospitals and later spread to urban teaching hospitals. These changes were primarily a response to public demand. The government, the American public, and the medical community brought emergency medical care to the forefront of national attention in the sixties. Simultaneously, patients' relationships with their general practitioners dissolved. As patients started to use the emergency room for non-urgent health problems, emergency visits increased astronomically. In response to rising patient loads and mounting criticism, hospital administrators devised strategies to improve emergency care. Drawing on hospital archives, oral histories, and statistical data, I will argue that small community hospitals' hiring of full-time emergency physicians sparked the development of a new specialty. Urban teaching hospitals, which established triage systems and ambulatory care facilities, resisted the idea of emergency medicine and ultimately delayed its development.
Measuring the quality of substance use disorder treatment: Evaluating the validity of the Department of Veterans Affairs continuity of care performance measure

This study examined the patient- and facility-level associations between the continuity of care performance measure adopted by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and improvements in self-administered Addiction Severity Index (ASI) composites and other indicators of problematic substance use. Up to 50 patients from each of a nationally representative sample of 109 VA substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs at 73 VA facilities were assessed at intake and posttreatment. The continuity of care performance measure specifies that patients should receive at least two SUD outpatient visits in each of the three consecutive 30-day periods after they qualify as new SUD patients. In analyses adjusting for baseline characteristics, meeting the continuity of care performance measure was not associated with patient-level improvements in the ASI alcohol or drug composites, days of alcohol intoxication, or days of substance-related problems. Facility-level rates of continuity of care were negatively associated with improvements in ASI alcohol and drug composites. The continuity of care performance measure derived from prior patient-level evidence did not discriminate facility-level performance as predicted. Translating research into process-of-care quality measures requires postconstruction validation.
Reinforcement of core values: a case study at a medium sized electronics manufacturing plant

Non‐financial rewards are often under‐utilised as motivators. Case study illustrates the links between culture and reward systems and shows that the introduction of non‐financial rewards, with appropriate training for supervisors can have a significant effect on performance. Considers the nature of financial and non‐financial rewards. Reports on a study based in a US manufacturing facility. Concludes that training has a major role to play in enabling supervisors to better manage their work teams through positive reinforcement.
A Novel Activity of OmpT. PROTEOLYSIS UNDER EXTREME DENATURING CONDITIONS

A novel property of the bacterial outer membrane protein T, OmpT, has been discovered. It is active under extreme denaturing conditions. This finding emerged during characterization of a protease associated with the degradation of recombinant proteins expressed as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli. These inclusion body proteins are stable to proteolytic degradation until they are solubilized by denaturation. The protease that degrades them under denaturing conditions was identified as OmpT on the basis of substrate specificity, inhibitor profile, and confirmation that its N-terminal sequence is identical with that of OmpT. A previously unknown property of this enzyme, OmpT's preference for denatured substrates, may provide a clue to its physiological function. To facilitate further characterization of this proteolytic activity, we have optimized a system to extract and assay OmpT under denaturing conditions using a soluble substrate, rabbit muscle creatine kinase.
Spinal deformity progression after posterior segmental instrumentation and fusion for idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract Study design Retrospective chart and radiographic review. Purpose To assess the incidence of and variables associated with spinal deformity progression after posterior segmental instrumentation and fusion at a single institution. Progression of the scoliotic deformity after posterior instrumented spinal fusion has been described. Recent studies have concluded that segmental pedicle screw constructs are better able to control deformity progression. Methods Retrospective review of a consecutive series of idiopathic scoliosis patients (n = 89) with major thoracic curves (Lenke types 1–4) treated with posterior segmental instrumentation and fusion. Deformity progression was defined as a 10° increase in Cobb angle between the first-erect and 2-year post-operative radiographs. Clinical and radiographic data between the two cohorts (deformity progression versus stable) were analyzed to determine the variables associated with deformity progression. Results Patients in the deformity progression group (n =...
Sensitive and selective detection of trivalent chromium using Hyper Rayleigh Scattering with 5,5'-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid)-modified gold nanoparticles.

Abstract Hyper Rayleigh Scattering (HRS) and absorption spectral assays using surface-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNP) have been developed for sensitive and selective detection of trivalent chromium (Cr3+) from other metal ions including hexavalent chromium (as Cr2O72−). Gold nanoparticles of 13 nm, covalently attached with 5,5′-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (AuNP-DTNBA), is used as a probe for both the absorption and HRS assays. AuNP-DTNBA is able to detect Cr3+ at 25 ppb level at pH 6.0 using absorption spectral change of the AuNP-DTNBA. Visible color change can be observed when mixed with 250 ppb of Cr3+, while there is no color change when mixed with 2 ppm level of some of the most common metal ions such as Cr2O72−, Hg2+, Ba2+, Fe3+, Pb2+, Na+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Ca2+, and Ni2+. However, a color change is observed when mixed with Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+ at a concentration higher than 2 ppm. The detection limit for the HRS assay is on a remarkable 25 ppt level, and there is no detectable HRS signal at 2 ppm level for Cr2O72−, Hg2+, Ba2+, Fe3+, Pb2+, Na+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Ca2+, and Ni2+.
THE EFFECT OF CHLOROQUINE, CHLORPROMAZINE AND ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION ON THE CORNEAS OF PIGMENTED RABBITS

Following seven months of chloroquine or chlorpromazine administration in combination with chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation, chloroquine and chlorpromazine keratopathy could not be produced in the pigmented rabbit. No measurable amounts of chloroquine or chlorpromazine were found in the experimental corneas. The hypothesis, that corneal changes seen in human beings following chloroquine or chlorpromazine therapy were unable to be reproduced in the laboratory animal because these changes were actinic radiation dependent, was not borne out, at least within the limits of this experiment.
Marguerite Duras' Cinematic Production: Towards the “Acknowledged Murder of the Cinema”

Summary Certain constant trends in Duras' career link her novelistic and cinematic production to make it deeply personal and original beyond the confines of specific genres. Her films are characterized by an emphasis upon the word rather than on the image and a strong anti-realistic stance. Their development is briefly examined from Destroy, she said, her first one, to India-Song, her acknowledged masterpiece, then to the voluntary deconstruction of cinematographic art that leads her from Le Camion to the predominantly dark screen of L'Homme atlantique. With this latest work to-date shown in Paris in 1982, Duras seems to have come full circle having more or less retraced in her career as a cineast since 1968 the steps that had led her from mastery of structure and style to fragmentation and rejection of literary devices.
Polyester-methacrylate embedments for electron microscopy.

It has been found that tissues fixed for electron microscopy and dehydrated in acetone can be embedded in mixtures of n-butyl methacrylate and polyester resin. Activation with 1 per cent tert-butyl hydroperoxide followed by 12 to 48 hours at 60°C produces blocks that section well with glass knives. The ribbons are cleared of methacrylate by heat (200–250°C for 1 hour) and/or immersion in organic solvents (CCL4, acetone-ether). After removal of the methacrylate the residual polyester matrix provides thermostable and insoluble support for the tissue. Its insolubility permits staining by immersion of cleared preparations in organic solvents carrying heavy metal compounds in solution. Clearing by heat stabilizes section-grid relationships. The removal of volatile materials by clearing substantially reduces contamination of both specimen and microscope. Tissue fine structure is well preserved in these preparations.
Evidence that the caterpillar salivary enzyme glucose oxidase provides herbivore offense in solanaceous plants

The insect salivary enzyme glucose oxidase (GOX) can inhibit wound-inducible nicotine production in tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum. We examined whether salivary gland extracts of Helicoverpa zea lacking active GOX could still suppress nicotine in tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum, and whether GOX could suppress wound-inducible defenses of another Solanaceous plant, tomato Lycopersicon esculentum. Tobacco leaves were wounded with a cork borer and treated with water, salivary gland extracts with active GOX (SxG), or salivary gland extracts with inactive GOX (SxI). After three days, leaves treated with SxG had significantly less nicotine than all other wounded treatments. Neonates that fed on the terminal leaves of tobacco plants treated with SxG had significantly higher survival than neonates that fed on leaves treated with either SxI or water. This evidence supports the assertion that GOX is the salivary factor responsible for the suppression of tobacco plant nicotine production by H. zea saliva. Results for the NahG tobacco plants, which lack salicylic acid (SA) due to a transgene for bacterial SA hydroxylase, indicate that suppression of nicotine by GOX does not require SA. However, tobacco leaves that were wounded and treated with SxG had significantly higher levels of the SA-mediated PR-1a protein than leaves treated with SxI or water. Leaves of tomato plants wounded with scissors and then treated with SxG had trypsin inhibitor levels that were moderately lower than plants wounded and treated with purified GOX, water, or SxI. However, all the wounded tomato leaves irrespective of treatment resulted in lower caterpillar growth rates than the non-wounded tomato leaves. Glucose oxidase is the first insect salivary enzyme shown to suppress wound-inducible herbivore defenses of plants.
Effect of Cable Restoration Fluid on Inhibiting Water Tree Initiation

Silicone fluid has been applied in cable rejuvenation for decades to “cure” existing water trees. However, whether it inhibits future water tree initiation is not known. An electrical aging test has been carried out at 5 kV/mm (127 V/mil) based on a sample which includes semicon electrodes on both sides of the insulation. Samples were tested untreated, treated prior to the test, and treated at the midpoint of the test (3500 h). The results suggest that treatment reduces water tree initiation by a factor of 25 for bow-tie and 100 for vented water trees for the samples treated prior to aging. In the case of samples treated at the mid-point of the test, both bow-tie and vented water tree density are reduced by an order of magnitude relative to the density present at the time of treatment.
Modification and testing of a pneumatic dispensing device for controlled delivery of injectable materials.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Vocal fold (VF) injections of viscous materials are typically performed using hand-operated syringes or injection guns; however, these methods can be imprecise due to accumulation of pressure, effort-related tremor, and poor feedback regarding injection volume and rate. Study Design: Apparatus development with laboratory bench-top and animal model testing. Methods: A foot pedal-triggered device for dispensing viscous materials was modified by adding a linear transducer and display for monitoring dispensed volume. In bench tests, bovine VFs were injected with fluids/materials of different viscosities (saline, glycerol, hydrogel, and liposuctioned fat) through narrow-bore needles using a range of driving pressures and air pulse durations. The device was further evaluated in >50 in vivo VF injection experiments. Results: Device function was repeatable, with high correlations (typically R2 > 0.98) between the readout and direct measures of volume, even for small volumes (<5 μL/pulse). Foot pedal control enabled surgeons to make steady, accurate injections into ferret and dog VFs during phonosurgery, and, because the dispenser released all driving pressure between pulses, there were no instances of clog-related overinjection when the obstruction cleared. Conclusions: This VF injection system shows promise for development to enhance human phonosurgery by increasing injection control and precision. Laryngoscope, 2012
Engineering Trust Management into Software Models

Security in software is often considered a nonfunctional requirement because it is often interpreted as an emergent feature of the system. Too often it is introduced as a last- minute requirement over an otherwise completed product rather than properly integrated during the early stages of software design and development. One significant aspect of security involves access control. This paper proposes a multi-layer model detailing the integration of trust management access control with an application's model behavior. Our previous work focused on modeling the dynamic changes of a trust management policy for the purpose of verifying security properties using model checking. We are working toward integrating both the trust management policy and the mechanisms that enforce that policy for the purpose of verifying security properties. We focus on the Role-based Trust Management (RT) language and suggest concerns specific to it.
Asymmetric motion profile planning for nanopositioning and nanomeasuring machines

This work presents an analytic fourth-order trajectory planning algorithm, which is able to plan asymmetric motions with arbitrary initial and final velocities. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm is based on a set of quadratic derivates of jerk (djerk) functions and generates continuously differentiable trajectories in jerk, acceleration, velocity, and position under consideration of kinematic constraints in all these kinematical values. The trajectories planned by the algorithm also have time-optimal characteristics, and a synchronization between the three motion axes of the Cartesian coordinate system is ensured by the proposed method. These characteristics make it ideally suited for use as a trajectory planning algorithm in high-precision applications such as nanopositioning and nanomeasuring machines.
Further hormonal suppression of eldest daughter cotton-top tamarins following birth of infants

Reproductive suppression of females is found throughout the Callitrichids. However, in many species some evidence of ovarian activity is observed in subordinate females. Subordinate cotton-top tamarin females in our colony have never been observed to ovulate in the presence of a reproductive female. However, ovarian follicular development does occur, and measurable levels of urinary estrogen and luteinizing hormone are frequently found in subordinate females. We studied 11 female tamarins living in family groups with a reproductive female. Each of the 8 eldest daughters had measurable urinary estrogen and LH levels and showed a reduction of hormonal levels when new infants were born. The 3 younger daughters showed barely detectable hormonal levels that did not change. Following the birth of infants the eldest daughters scent marked less frequently, increased time in contact with and grooming group members other than the mother, but they were more often targets of aggression than immediately prior to infant births. The eldest daughters were somewhat less involved in care of new infants than expected, although they spent much time in proximity to those carrying the infants. These results suggest that the further reduction of hormonal levels in subordinate females after the birth of infants may function to prevent these females from competing with mothers during the post-partum estrus rather than recruiting the eldest daughters as helpers for infant care. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Alterations in Expression and Chromatin Configuration of the Alpha Hemoglobin-Stabilizing Protein Gene in Erythroid Krüppel-Like Factor-Deficient Mice

Erythroid Kruppel-like factor (EKLF) is an erythroid zinc finger protein identified by its interaction with a CACCC sequence in the beta-globin promoter, where it establishes local chromatin structure permitting beta-globin gene transcription. We sought to identify other EKLF target genes and determine the chromatin status of these genes in the presence and absence of EKLF. We identified alpha hemoglobin-stabilizing protein (AHSP) by subtractive hybridization and demonstrated a 95 to 99.9% reduction in AHSP mRNA and the absence of AHSP in EKLF-deficient cells. Chromatin at the AHSP promoter from EKLF-deficient cells lacked a DNase I hypersensitive site and exhibited histone hypoacetylation across the locus compared to hyperacetylation of wild-type chromatin. Wild-type chromatin demonstrated a peak of EKLF binding over a promoter region CACCC box that differs from the EKLF consensus by a nucleotide. In mobility shift assays, the AHSP promoter CACCC site bound EKLF in a manner comparable to the beta-globin promoter CACCC site, indicating a broader recognition sequence for the EKLF consensus binding site. The AHSP promoter was transactivated by EKLF in K562 cells, which lack EKLF. These results support the hypothesis that EKLF acts as a transcription factor and a chromatin modulator for the AHSP and beta-globin genes and indicate that EKLF may play similar roles for other erythroid genes.
Correlation of admitted nursing home residents’ hospital length of stay and vitamin D levels

Objective: To determine the relationship between low vitamin D levels and hospital length of stay in nursing home residents who were admitted to acute medical floors in an urban community teaching hospital. Methods: This prospective cohort study used multiple regression analysis for patients transferred from nursing homes to the hospital. On admission, patients’ serum 25(OH)D levels were obtained by blood draw using partially purified lipid extracts via a competitive protein binding assay. We defined low levels of serum 25(OH)D as <30 ng/ml. Patient medical histories were compiled by retrospective chart review and/or patient interview. Medical histories were analyzed with special emphasis on history of falls, osteoporosis, comorbidities, medication profile, and hospital length of stay. Results: The mean serum 25(OH)D level for 71 patients ( N = 71) was 22.69 ng/ml (±SD 10.967); the median, 23 ng/ml. Low serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were recorded in 51 patients (72%) all of whom had a longer mean hospital length of stay (13.72 days ±SD 10.778) than the 20 patients with higher vitamin D levels (7.72 days ±SD 4.070). Conclusion: Low vitamin D levels in nursing home residents admitted to a community hospital were directly associated with increased hospital length of stay. Keywords: vitamin D deficiency; aged; 25-hydroxyvitamin D; nursing homes; dietary supplements (Published: 17 October 2011) Citation: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2011, 1 : 6313 - DOI: 10.3402/jchimp.v1i3.6313
Transcription factors define the neuroanatomical organization of the medullary reticular formation

The medullary reticular formation contains large populations of inadequately described, excitatory interneurons that have been implicated in multiple homeostatic behaviors including breathing, viserosensory processing, vascular tone, and pain. Many hindbrain nuclei show a highly stereotyped pattern of localization across vertebrates suggesting a strong underlying genetic organization. Whether this is true for neurons within the reticular regions of hindbrain is unknown. Hindbrain neurons are derived from distinct developmental progenitor domains each of which expresses distinct patterns of transcription factors (TFs). These neuronal populations have distinct characteristics such as transmitter identity, migration, and connectivity suggesting developmentally expressed TFs might identify unique subpopulations of neurons within the reticular formation. A fate mapping strategy using perinatal expression of reporter genes within Atoh1, Dbx1, Lmx1b, and Ptf1a transgenic mice coupled with immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were used to address the developmental organization of a large subset of reticular formation glutamatergic neurons. All hindbrain lineages have relatively large populations that extend the entire length of the hindbrain. Importantly, the location of neurons within each lineage was highly constrained. Lmx1b- and Dbx1- derived populations were both present in partially overlapping stripes within the reticular formation extending from dorsal to ventral brain. Within each lineage, distinct patterns of gene expression and organization were localized to specific hindbrain regions. Rostro-caudally sub-populations differ sequentially corresponding to proposed pseudo-rhombomereic boundaries. Dorsal-ventrally, sub-populations correspond to specific migratory positions. Together these data suggests the reticular formation is organized by a highly stereotyped developmental logic.
Abnormal levels of prostaglandins and fatty acids in blood of children with cystic fibrosis.

Abstract 12 children with cystic fibrosis (C.F.) had lower levels of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid, in plasma and in red blood cells, than did control children, and production of prostaglandin F 2α (P.G.F 2α ) was higher than in controls. After 10 months of oral linoleic-acid supplementation in 6 of the children with C.F., the linoleic-acid levels in plasma, red cells, and platelets were higher and P.G.F 2α production was lower than in the 6 children with C.F. who received a placebo lipid. Prostaglandin F 2α is associated with bronchoconstriction and its increased production in children with C.F. might be causally related to their chronic pulmonary disease.
Second language acquisition: past, present and future:

This article considers the relationship between second language acquisition (SLA) and other disciplines. It begins by reviewing the history of SLA studies, relating them to the broader picture of applied linguistics and language pedagogy. It is argued that the recognition of SLA as a field which can make valuable contributions to other fields is essential for the continuation and vitality of the field. Specific examples of how SLA has been important to the fields of linguistics, pedagogy and psychology are given.
The compression of some rare earth elements

Abstract The compression ( ΔV V 0 ) of Pr, Eu, Tb, Yb and Sc was measured to 45 kbars at room temperature. The phase transformation in Yb reported by several workers was determined to occur at 39·5 ± 0·5 kbar with a volume change of 1·2 ± 0·1 per cent.
Organic / Inorganic Hybrid Material for Coating on Metals

In this paper, we present the syntheses of nano particles of organic / inorganic hybrid for coating on metal or glass surfaces. The organic component is a π-conjugated polymer, polyaniline. The inorganic component is a metal oxide, e.g., cerium oxide. Since the organic component is a water-dispersible polymeric complex of polyaniline and poly(acrylic acid), the hybrid particles are also dispersed in water. The synthesis of the organic / inorganic composite is described. The water dispersible hybrid material was coated on aluminum and glass substrates using a molecular layer-by-layer coating process.
Does the combination of hyperkalemia and KATP activation determine excitation rate gradient and electrical failure in the globally ischemic fibrillating heart

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) in the globally ischemic heart is characterized by a progressive electrical depression manifested as a decline in the VF excitation rate (VFR) and loss of excitability, which occur first in the subepicardium (Epi) and spread to the subendocardium (Endo). Early electrical failure is detrimental to successful defibrillation and resuscitation during cardiac arrest. Hyperkalemia and/or the activation of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels have been implicated in electrical failure, but the role of these factors in ischemic VF is poorly understood. We determined the VFR-extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o) relationship in the Endo and Epi of the left ventricle during VF in globally ischemic hearts (Isch group) and normoxic hearts subjected to hyperkalemia (HighK group) or a combination of hyperkalemia and the KATP channel opener cromakalim (HighK-Crom group). In the Isch group, Endo and Epi values of [K+]o and VFR were compared in the early (0–6 min), middle (7–13 min), and late (14–20 min) phases of ischemic VF. A significant transmural gradient in VFR (Endo > Epi) was observed in all three phases, whereas a significant transmural gradient in [K+]o (Epi > Endo) occurred only in the late phase of ischemic VF. In the Isch group, the VFR decrease and inexcitability started to occur at much lower [K+]o than in the HighK group, especially in the Epi. Combining KATP activation with hyperkalemia only shifted the VFR-[K+]o curve upward (an effect opposite to real ischemia) without changing the [K+]o threshold for asystole. We conclude that hyperkalemia and/or KATP activation cannot adequately explain the heterogeneous electrical depression and electrical failure during ischemic VF.
The Madison project's approach to a theory of instruction

The reader is presented with a clinical approach to the development of a theory of instruction which seems consistent with modern views on learning. Examples of how the theory is put into practice are presented.
Asymptotic behavior of homogeneous cosmological models in the presence of a positive cosmological constant

We examine the late-time behavior of intially expanding homogeneous cosmological models satisfying Einstein's equation with a positive cosmological constant $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$. It is shown that such models of all Bianchi types except IX exponentially evolve toward the de Sitter solution, with time scale ${(\frac{3}{\ensuremath{\Lambda}})}^{\frac{1}{2}}$. The behavior of Bianchi type-IX universes is similar, provided that $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ is sufficiently large compared with spatial-curvature terms. Thus, a positive cosmological constant provides an effective means of isotropizing homogeneous universes.
Value of Peak Exercise Oxygen Consumption Combined With B-type Natriuretic Peptide Levels for Optimal Timing of Cardiac Transplantation

Background—Peak exercise oxygen consumption (VO2) is widely used to select candidates for heart transplantation (HTx). However, the prognosis of patients with advanced heart failure and peak VO2 of 10 to 14 mL/min per kg in the era of modern medical therapy for heart failure is not fully elucidated. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a useful prognostic marker in patients with heart failure. Methods and Results—A total of 424 patients undergoing HTx evaluation were classified according to peak VO2 during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (>14, 10–14, and <10 mL/min per kg). Survival after cardiopulmonary exercise testing without HTx or ventricular assist device (VAD) support was compared with survival of 743 de novo HTx recipients. Multivariable analysis revealed that high BNP and low peak VO2 were independently associated with death, HTx, or VAD requirements (hazard ratio, 3.5 and 0.6; 95% CI, 1.24–9.23 and 0.03–0.71; P=0.02 and <0.0001, respectively). VAD-free or HTx-free survival of patients with peak ...
Stochastic Streamflow Generation Incorporating Paleo-Reconstruction

The Colorado River Bas in experienced t he worst drought on record from 2000 -2004. Though this drought wa s unprece de nted in the observed streamflow record (1906 -present) reconstructed streamflows dating back to 1490 generated from tree -ring chronologies have shown droughts of greater magnitude and duration. Yet , the decision to adopt the informat ion from tree -ring s is not with out question. Alternate techniques to reconstruct streamflows base d on tree -ring s can display different magnitudes of past flow . Though the magnitudes are different these various reconstructions do show similar system state, i.e., wet or dry state . We present a technique to combine reconstructed streamflow state information with the observed records flow magnitude. This a achieved using a nonhomogeneous Markov chain model with kernel smoothing coupled with a K -nearest neighbor sampling al gorithm. The technique is demonstrated for the Lees Ferry stream gauge on the Colorado River. The coupled models retain t he ability to generate basic statistics similar to the observed record while also capturing the state properties of the reconstructed s treamflows.