cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Drug effects as modified by aging.

Abstract Although chronologic age has been shown to be correlated with response to drugs in certain circumstances, such correlation is not inevitable nor is its nature predictable. At times increasing age seems to predispose to hyperreactivity, at times to hyporeactivity, and at times seems not to affect the magnitude of response in any significant way. The problems involved in establishing and assessing such correlations are discussed. It is suggested that the systematic collection of data bearing on this point may provide leads for important contributions to our understanding of the fate and action of drugs.
Time course of gene expression after plasmid DNA gene transfer to the liver.

Background High levels of expression in hepatocytes can be achieved after intraportal delivery of plasmid DNA vectors with up to 10% of all liver cells transfected. CMV promoter-driven expression is very high on Day 1 after injection, but is diminished strongly by Day 2. Expression slowly declines after 1 week. We describe experiments aimed at elucidating the reasons for this rapid decline in transgene expression. Methods Histological methods were used to determine the presence and extent of liver damage and hepatocyte proliferation. Viral and liver-specific promoters were tested to study promoter shut-off, Southern blotting was performed to determine the loss of the pDNA vector over time, and several mouse models were used to study the host immunological response. Results pDNA is lost rapidly early after injection, but remains at a relatively stable copy number after Day 4. Southern blotting experiments showed that plasmid DNA could be detected for at least 12 weeks after injection (0.2 copies per genome). The early rapid decline of expression is promoter dependent. A liver-specific albumin promoter resulted in similar levels of expression on Days 1 and 7, suggesting that promoter inactivation may be responsible for the instability of CMV promoter-driven expression. The slow decline in expression levels after 1 week appears to be the result of an immune response directed against the expressed transgene. Expression was much prolonged in immunosuppressed, immunodeficient, or antigen-tolerized mice. Conclusion The present data suggest that if promoter inactivation can be overcome, intravascular delivery of plasmid DNA could be a highly efficient, simple and non-toxic liver gene therapy approach. Intravascular delivery of pDNA allows for the rapid screening of novel expression vectors in vivo. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Density functional based vibrational study of conformational isomers: Molecular rearrangement of benzofuroxan

The molecular rearrangement of benzofuroxan was studied by comparing calculated and experimental IR spectra, the latter taken before and during the reaction. All calculations were performed at the B3-LYP/6-31G(d) density functional level with a further refinement of the computed force constants done by applying the scaled quantum mechanical force field (SQM) technique. Complete assignments for the IR spectra of benzofuroxan and nitrosobenzene are given. The agreement between computed and experimental spectra is excellent, but in benzofuroxan these spectra are very different from previously calculated data. The conformation of the ortho-dinitrosobenzene intermediate of this tautomeric reaction was identified by modeling a composite IR spectrum of four possible components. It shows good agreement with an experimental spectrum that was obtained after photolysing benzofuroxan in Xe matrix. Knowing the conformation of the intermediate provides insight into the reaction mechanism and allows inferences for the thermal reaction, which could not be clarified conclusively by energetic considerations only. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem18: 489–500, 1997
OR NOT: The unused operator

The rarely used combination of Boolean operators OR NOT can improve computer search strategies. It can increase retrieval with relatively little increase in noise.
Planning forest recreation in natural protected areas of southern Durango, Mexico

This research investigated the usefulness of the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) for managing forest recreation in two natural protected areas of southern Durango, Mexico. We used onsite interviews to document the recreation activities visitors participated in, the characteristics of their preferred recreation sites, and socio-demographic information. A cluster analysis identified visitor groups based on the characteristics of preferred recreation sites and the resulting clusters were compared to the recreation activities and socio-demographic data to create a typology of visitors. We used the ROS framework to identify three classes in each natural protected area including (1) zones with easy access and basic facilities (ROS rural class), (2) natural-appearing zones with few facilities (ROS roaded class), and (3) reserve zones (ROS semiprimitive non-motorized or primitive class). Overall, the ROS framework appears to fit appropriately in these two case studies and could be used for recreation planning purposes in other forest areas of the country.
Thermal Conductivity Detector Analysis of Hydrogen Using Helium Carrier Gas and HayeSep® D Columns

The thermal conductivity detector (TCD) response of hydrogen using helium carrier gas is investigated to obtain a linear response in the 6-60% hydrogen concentration range. The study is conducted using a Hewlett-Packard 5890 Series II GC incorporating either one or two 1.83-m × 3.18-mm stainless steel columns packed with 80/100-mesh HayeSep® D. Replicate data are analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) for testing the linearity of regression. TCD response curves are generated for replicates of three sets of sample size and TCD temperature: 10 µL and 130°C, 1 mL and 300°C, and 100 µL and 140°C The linearity is limited: 6-32.5% hydrogen and 32.5-66.9% hydrogen for 10 µL, 6-50.3% hydrogen for 1 mL, and nonlinear for 100 µL (0.82-8.7% hydrogen). These results are in sharp contrast to those of Villalobos and Nuss (1965), who report a linear response from 0 to 70% hydrogen with a 50-pL sample. The nonlinear response observed in the present study is hypothesized to be due to better resolution obtained with the HayeSep D columns, producing taller peaks. Consequently, for a given sample size, the maximum concentration in the Gaussian peak surpasses the linear range of the hydrogen-in-helium TCD response, yielding concavedownward curves for small sample sizes.
The coming age of calm technolgy

The important waves of technological change are those that fundamentally alter the place of technology in our lives. What matters is not technology itself, but its relationship to us.
Strange Bedfellows: Msgr. John A. Ryan and the Minimum Wage Movement

Msgr. John A. Ryan (1869-1945) was among the earliest advocates of minimum wage laws in the United States. This paper examines his A Living Wage (1906; 1920)in the context of intellectual trends of the Progressive era. Msgr. Ryan wrote about and lobbied for labor market reform during a period of growing specialization in the social sciences and the divorce of science from religion, philosophy, and ethics. His analysis, despite the currency of labor market reform, appears as a throwback to a prescientific age. However, it was just his reliance on prescientific Christian natural law that protected him from the eugenic excesses into which other reformers fell.
Anti-aliased Kirchhoff 3-D migration

A significant degradation in the quality of Kirchhoff 3-D migration images often arises because the migration operator summation trajectory is too steep for the input seismic trace spacing and frequency content. We present an operator anti-aliasing method that suppresses this problem, based on local triangle filtering. The N-point anti-alias triangles are efficiently applied as 3-point filters after causal and anticausal integration of the seismic trace data. We implement our method on a massively parallel CM-5 in a memory and floating-point efficient algorithm, and compare our anti-aliasing method to a standard Kirchhoff migration using a 3-D salt intrusion dataset from the Gulf of Mexico. Our results indicate that our anti-aliasing method greatly enhances the 3-D resolution of steep salt-sediment interfaces and faults, and suppresses false reflections caused by conventional Kirchhoff-migration aliasing artifacts.
Distorting the Sarcomere

One of the goals of cardiovascular science is to create a mathematical model of the heart that can predict ventricular function in healthy and diseased states, and that can be used to help improve treatment options for patients with heart disease. To be clinically useful, the model will have to include structural information about the shapes of the chambers and the action of the valves, and about how the electrical activity spreads from the sino-atrial node to the ventricular cells. It will also have to incorporate information about the contractile properties of the myocardial cells in different regions of the heart. In this issue, Ford et al. present a mathematical model that could provide a simpler and better way of predicting how force varies within real ventricular cells during the cardiac cycle.
Cortical microstructure and estimated bone strength in young amenorrheic athletes, eumenorrheic athletes and non-athletes

Abstract Context Lower bone density in young amenorrheic athletes (AA) compared to eumenorrheic athletes (EA) and non-athletes may increase fracture risk during a critical time of bone accrual. Finite element analysis (FEA) is a unique tool to estimate bone strength in vivo, and the contribution of cortical microstructure to bone strength in young athletes is not well understood. Objective We hypothesized that FEA-estimated stiffness and failure load are impaired in AA at the distal radius and tibia compared to EA and non-athletes despite weight-bearing exercise. Design and setting Cross-sectional study; Clinical Research Center Subjects 34 female endurance athletes involved in weight-bearing sports (17 AA, 17 EA) and 16 non-athletes (14–21 years) of comparable age, maturity and BMI Outcome measures We used HR-pQCT images to assess cortical microarchitecture and FEA to estimate bone stiffness and failure load. Results Cortical perimeter, porosity and trabecular area at the weight-bearing tibia were greater in both groups of athletes than non-athletes, whereas the ratio (%) of cortical to total area was lowest in AA. Despite greater cortical porosity in EA, estimated tibial stiffness and failure load was higher than in non-athletes. However, this advantage was lost in AA. At the non-weight-bearing radius, failure load and stiffness were lower in AA than non-athletes. After controlling for lean mass and menarchal age, athletic status accounted for 5–9% of the variability in stiffness and failure load, menarchal age for 8–23%, and lean mass for 12–37%. Conclusion AA have lower FEA-estimated bone strength at the distal radius than non-athletes, and lose the advantage of weight-bearing exercise seen in EA at the distal tibia.
Electron microscopy identifies virus in cells lifted from microscopic slides: a useful method for a unique circumstance.

Abstract Electron microscopy (EM) using a “lift technique” (EM-lift) of suspect cells has been used when a question of viral infection is raised by light microscopy and is not otherwise confirmed. We demonstrate how, in this unique circumstance, EM can complement or even supersede immunohistochemistry (IHC) and culture studies. Cases with suspected viral inclusions followed by EM-lift were collected over 25 years; hematoxylin and eosin, IHC, and culture findings were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry results were not available in 15 of the 30 samples found; tissue blocks were obtained in 6 of the samples, and additional IHC studies were performed. Nine cases had viral cultures. The usual clinical question was “rejection versus infection” in a transplant setting (56%). The gastrointestinal tract/liver was most frequently sampled (76%). The EM-lift technique confirmed virus in 18 cases, including adenovirus (58%), cytomegalovirus, herpes, papillomavirus, and parvovirus. Twenty-one cases had informative EM but ...
Management of Neonates With Hyperbilirubinemia: Improving Timeliness of Care Using a Clinical Pathway

BACKGROUND: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a common reason for neonates to present to the emergency department (ED). Although clinical practice guidelines provide recommendations for evaluation and therapy, few studies have evaluated ways to apply them effectively in the ED setting. The primary objective of this study was to compare time to phototherapy in neonates presenting to the ED with jaundice before and after implementation of a nursing-initiated clinical pathway. Secondary outcomes included time to bilirubin result and ED length of stay in neonates. METHODS: We performed a retrospective historical control study comparing neonates presenting to the ED with jaundice during 9-month periods before and after initiation of the pathway. Charts were abstracted for times of assessment and treatment and final disposition. RESULTS: Three hundred neonates were included in this study: 149 before and 151 after pathway implementation. Median time to phototherapy (historical control: 128 minutes vs postintervention group: 52 minutes; P CONCLUSIONS: After implementation of a clinical pathway for the management of neonates with jaundice in the ED, we observed a reduction in time to phototherapy, time to bilirubin measurement, and overall length of stay.
Water-entry value as an alternative indicator of soil water-repellency and wettability.

Abstract Soil water-repellency is an increasingly important consideration in hydrology. In this paper, we relate the degree of soil water-repellency and wettability to the critical water-entry value of a soil. A water-ponding method was used for simple measurement of water-entry value in repellent soils. A tension–pressure infiltrometer method was demonstrated for measuring water-entry value in both repellent and wettable soils. The measurement techniques were used to detect a sudden breakdown of repellency under a sufficiently high water pressure. Experimental results have proven that the water-entry value, in terms of soil water potential, is positive in repellent soils, and negative in wettable soils or soil conditions. The water-entry value is shown to be an easily measured indicator of repellency or wettability that provide an assessment of hydraulic effects of soil physical, chemical and biological properties.
Automated acoustic analysis of task dependency in adductor spasmodic dysphonia versus muscle tension dysphonia

Objectives/Hypothesis Distinguishing muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) from adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) can be difficult. Unlike MTD, ADSD is described as “task-dependent,” implying that dysphonia severity varies depending upon the demands of the vocal task, with connected speech thought to be more symptomatic than sustained vowels. This study used an acoustic index of dysphonia severity (i.e., the Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia [CSID]) to: 1) assess the value of “task dependency” to distinguish ADSD from MTD, and to 2) examine associations between the CSID and listener ratings. Study Design Case-Control Study. Methods CSID estimates of dysphonia severity for connected speech and sustained vowels of patients with ADSD (n = 36) and MTD (n = 45) were compared. The diagnostic precision of task dependency (as evidenced by differences in CSID-estimated dysphonia severity between connected speech and sustained vowels) was examined. Results In ADSD, CSID-estimated severity for connected speech (M = 39. 2, SD = 22.0) was significantly worse than for sustained vowels (M = 29.3, SD = 21.9), [P = .020]. Whereas in MTD, no significant difference in CSID-estimated severity was observed between connected speech (M = 55.1, SD = 23.8) and sustained vowels (M = 50.0, SD = 27.4), [P = .177]. CSID evidence of task dependency correctly identified 66.7% of ADSD cases (sensitivity) and 64.4% of MTD cases (specificity). CSID and listener ratings were significantly correlated. Conclusion Task dependency in ADSD, as revealed by differences in acoustically-derived estimates of dysphonia severity between connected speech and sustained vowel production, is a potentially valuable diagnostic marker. Level of Evidence 3b. Laryngoscope, 124:718–724, 2014
Effectiveness of z-pins in preventing delamination of co-cured composite joints on the example of a double cantilever test

The effectiveness of z-pins in co-cured joints is illustrated on the model of a composite double cantilever beam (DCB) subject to a standard fracture toughness test. A comprehensive solution is presented in the paper accounting for a broad spectrum of issues that affect the problem. They include the accurate evaluation of the rotational constraint provided by the intact section of DCB, possible transverse shear deformation in the delaminated section, and effects of uniform and nonuniform temperature on the response. A simple criterion for the effectiveness of z-pins in co-cured joint is introduced and its application is illustrated on numerous examples. As follows from the analysis, z-pinning is an effective method of enhancing delamination resistance of composite joints. Even a very small volume fraction of z-pins (less than 1.5%) may arrest delamination in co-cured composite joints.
A new method for purification of Giardia lamblia cysts.

Abstract One of the major problems in studying Giardia cysts is separating this form of the parasite from faecal debris and bacteria. We approached this problem by passing filtered stool suspensions over a column of Sephadex G-50 followed by low speed centrifugations. The Sephadex retained most of the faecal debris and the centrifugation reduced the bacterial flora more than 10 5 -fold to 4 /ml. Cyst recovery was 61% (±28%). This new method of separating G. lamblia from faecal material is simple, rapid, and effective.
Some effects of interference flowfields on supersonic configurations

A summary of selected results for various basic research models is presented in order to illustrate some effects of interference flow fields at supersonic speeds. Some general effects of wings and tails on typical cruciform missile configurations are shown. Several arrangements of cruise-type missile concepts are presented to show the effects of added body volume on the lift-drag ratio. In addition, the effects of several tail arrangements and some effects of body cross-section on the directional stability characteristics are included.
Rituximab Faster Infusion for Patients With Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in the United States: Implications for Nursing Practice

The majority of follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients in the United States receive an initial treatment strategy that includes the infusion of rituximab. Data from a phase III multicenter clinical trial led to the 2012 US Food and Drug Administration approval of a 90-minute infusion of rituximab (Rituxan) starting at Cycle 2 for patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who did not experience a Grade 3 or 4 infusion-related adverse event during Cycle 1. A review of literature was undertaken to identify existing evidence regarding both the safety of rituximab faster infusion and its impact on nursing practice. The aim of this article is to stimulate discussion and lead to implementation of evidence-based nursing practices to improve the delivery of patient care.
Model-Based Drug Evaluation in Chronic Disease: Promise, Pitfalls, and Positioning*

Despite the remarkable advances that have been made in the treatment of chronic disease, little is known about whether new drugs deliver adequate value for money. Recognizing that it is not always possible to obtain such information from a clinical trial, economic analysts sometimes turn to models to estimate comparative resource consumption and economic performance. Model-based evaluations appear with increased frequency in both the scholarly literature and pharmaceutical industry promotional materials. Yet, skepticism about the rigor and objectivity of such studies often limits their influence among other important audiences. This paper offers a practitioner’s view of the promise of model-driven analysis, inventories the standard objections voiced by critics, and proposes a role for modeling in the drug development and evaluation process. The argument is framed within the context of the inevitability of decision making, wherein evaluation models serve not to supplant decision makers but rather to leverage existing sources of information.
Nuclear Targeting of the Maize R Protein Requires Two Nuclear Localization Sequences

Previous genetic and structural evidence indicates that the maize R gene encodes a nuclear transcriptional activating factor. In-frame carboxyl- and amino-terminal fusions of the R gene to the reporter gene encoding [beta]-glucuronidase (GUS) were sufficient to direct GUS to the nucleus of the transiently transformed onion (Allium cepa) epidermal cells. Further analysis of chimeric constructs containing regions of the R gene fused to the GUS cDNA revealed three specific nuclear localization sequences (NLSs) that were capable of redirecting the GUS protein to the nucleus. Amino-terminal NLS-A (amino acids 100–)109, GDRRAAPARP) contained several arginine residues; a similar localization signal is found in only a few viral proteins. The medial NLS-M (amino acids 419–)428, MSERKRREKL) is a simian virus 40 large T antigen-type NLS, and the carboxyl-terminal NLS-C (amino acids 598–)610, MISESLRK-AIGKR) is a mating type [alpha]2 type. NLSs M and C are independentlysufficient to direct the GUS protein to the nucleus when it is fused at the amino terminus of GUS, whereas NLS-A fused to GUS partitioned between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Similar partitioning was observed when localization signals NLS-A and NLS-C were independently fused to the carboxy-terminal portion of GUS. A sequential deletion of the localization signals indicated that the amino-terminal and carboxyl-terminal fusions of R and GUS were redirected to the nucleus only when both NLS-A and -M, or NLS-C and -M, were present. These results indicate that multiple localization signals are necessary for nuclear targeting of this protein. The conservation of the localization signals within the alleles of R and similar proteins from other organisms is also discussed.
Categorization as causal reasoning

A theory of categorization is presented in which knowledge of causal relationships between category features is represented in terms of asymmetric and probabilistic causal mechanisms. According to causal-model theory, objects are classified as category members to the extent they are likely to have been generated or produced by those mechanisms. The empirical results confirmed that participants rated exemplars good category members to the extent their features manifested the expectations that causal knowledge induces, such as correlations between feature pairs that are directly connected by causal relationships. These expectations also included sensitivity to higher-order feature interactions that emerge from the asymmetries inherent in causal relationships. Quantitative fits of causal-model theory were superior to those obtained with extensions to traditional similarity-based models that represent causal knowledge either as higher-order relational features or “prior exemplars” stored in memory. © 2003 Cognitive Science Society, Inc. All rights reserved.
PARALLEL DIMERS AND ANTI-PARALLEL TETRAMERS FORMED BY EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR PATHWAY SUBSTRATE CLONE 15 (EPS15)

Abstract The recently discovered localization of epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate clone 15 (Eps15) to plasma membrane clathrin-coated pits and its constitutive association with the endocytic clathrin adaptor protein complex, AP-2, strongly suggest that Eps15 has an important role in the pathway of clathrin-dependent endocytic traffic. We report here that Eps15 forms dimers and tetramers of distinct shape. The Eps15 dimer is an elongated molecule, 32 nm in length. There is a globular “head” at one end of the molecule and an extended “stalk” of 25 nm which is kinked at about 17 nm away from the head. In the Eps15 dimer, two subunits are arranged parallel to each other, so that the head corresponds to two side by side copies of the N-terminal region I, which contains the three Eps15 homology domains. The proximal part of the stalk is the coiled-coil central region II containing 20 heptad repeats. The kink is at the boundary between region II and the C-terminal region III, which contains the AP-2 binding site, 15 aspartic-proline-phenylalanine repeats, and proline-rich Src homology domain ligand sites. The Eps15 tetramer has a “dumbbell” shape, ∼31 nm in length; it is formed by the anti-parallel association of two Eps15 dimers. Formation of these Eps15 tetramers appears to require contacts between regions I of one dimer and regions III of a second apposing dimer. The extended shapes of the Eps15 dimers and tetramers suggest how Eps15 oligomers are located in the clathrin coat. We discuss the implications for accessibility to partners and for proposed functions of Eps15.
12-year outcomes following permanent prostate brachytherapy in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer

AbstractPurpose: We reviewed the outcomes in men treated with permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB).Material and Methods: A total of 1,449 consecutive patients with a mean age of 68 years treated with PPB between 1992 and 2000 and mean pretreatment prostate specific antigen (PSA) 10.1 ng/ml were included in this study. Of the patients 55% presented with Gleason 6 tumors and 28% had Gleason 7 disease. A total of 400 patients (27%) were treated with neoadjuvant hormones and 301 (20%) were treated in combination with external radiation plus PPB. Several biochemical freedom from recurrence (BFR) definitions were determined. Statistical analysis consisted of log rank testing, Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox regression analysis.Results: Median followup was 82 months with 39 patients at risk at for 144 months. Overall and disease specific survival at 12 years was 81% and 93%, respectively. The 12-year BFR was 81%, 78%, 74% and 77% according to the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO), ...
Inhibition of ROMK channels by low extracellular K+ and oxidative stress

We tested the hypothesis that low luminal K+ inhibits the activity of ROMK channels in the rat cortical collecting duct. Whole-cell voltage-clamp measurements of the component of outward K+ current...
Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Materials From Surface Initiated Polymerization

A new technique in surface modification is presented where chain growth polymerizations are initiated from tethered ruthenium alkylidene catalysts and organic-inorganic hybrid materials are produced. This approach provides nearly complete control over the polymer layer at the organic-inorganic interface with independent control over the chain length and grafting density. Hybrid particles are characterized using standard methods, i.e. NMR and transmission IR.
Label-Free Plasmonic Immunosensing for Plasmodium in a Whole Blood Lysate

In this paper, we report an experimental demonstration of malaria pathogen detection in a whole blood lysate using plasmonic nanostructures. The plasmon sensor utilizes extraordinary optical transmission through a nanostructure to directly probe antibody-antigen interactions. The measured refractive index sensitivity of the nanostructured sensor is 378 nm per refractive index unit in the visible range. The surface chemistry reported here provides highly site directed and stable antibody immobilization. To validate the observed response of the optical sensor, positive and negative control tests were performed. Results confirm that a refractive index change induced by the interaction between immobilized antibodies and malaria parasites is successfully detected by the fabricated sensor. The demonstrated plasmonic sensor is a compact, highly sensitive, cost effective, selective diagnostic tool for many portable biosensing applications, such as point-of-care diagnostics.
Multiheterodyne Detection for Spectral Compression and Downconversion of Arbitrary Periodic Optical Signals

Optical frequency combs are used as local oscillators for the measurement and analysis of unknown optical waveforms with periodic time domain structures. Experimental results obtained by heterodyning pulsed and phase-modulated laser sources are presented. The analysis is then extended to the heterodyning and sampling of bandlimited incoherent light sources. It is shown theoretically and experimentally that the correlations between photodetected white light at different times can generate RF interference that is sensitive to the optical phase.
Learning large-scale Poisson DAG models based on overdispersion scoring

In this paper, we address the question of identifiability and learning algorithms for large-scale Poisson Directed Acyclic Graphical (DAG) models. We define general Poisson DAG models as models where each node is a Poisson random variable with rate parameter depending on the values of the parents in the underlying DAG. First, we prove that Poisson DAG models are identifiable from observational data, and present a polynomial-time algorithm that learns the Poisson DAG model under suitable regularity conditions. The main idea behind our algorithm is based on overdispersion, in that variables that are conditionally Poisson are overdispersed relative to variables that are marginally Poisson. Our algorithms exploits overdispersion along with methods for learning sparse Poisson undirected graphical models for faster computation. We provide both theoretical guarantees and simulation results for both small and large-scale DAGs.
Exposure to the mold Stachybotrys alters microglial morphology differentially in CA1 and CA2-3 of the dorsomedial hippocampus

Our labs have developed a mouse model to study the neural basis of cognitive impairments following exposure to mold. Here, we compared the effects of mold exposure on individual microglial parameters across subregions of the dorsomedial hippocampus. Adult male C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to either intact spores (IN), extracted spores (EX), or saline vehicle (VEH). Extracted spores had their toxins removed and proteins denatured leaving the spore casing, thereby simulating spore components remaining after commercial mold abatement. Iba1 + cells were visualized using immunohistochemistry. Cell body contours in CA1 and CA2-3 (combined) were traced using Neurolucida (Microbrightfield). Standard Neurolucida contour parameters were compared across treatments and between hippocampal regions. In CA1, 2, 3 combined, cells were rounder and more compact in the IN group than in EX. EX cells had a more complex perimeter (form factor) than VEH or IN. Within the VEH group, cell bodies in CA1 were larger and more round than in CA2-3. There were no differences in any of the measured parameters between CA1 and CA2-3 in IN mice, and a different pattern of differences in parameters between CA1 and CA2-3 in EX mice. No differences in microglial density were found across hippocampal regions or treatments. In sum, both IN and EX mold treatment gives rise to characteristically different phenotype profiles of microglia in the hippocampus, specific to CA1 and CA2-3 subregions.
Single Molecule Dynamics on Hydrophobic Self-Assembled Monolayers

The interactions between adsorbate molecules and hydrophobic surfaces are of significant interest due to their importance in a variety of biological and separation processes. However, it is challenging to extrapolate macroscopic ensemble-averaged force measurements to molecular-level phenomena. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to image individual molecules at hydrophobic solid–aqueous interfaces, we directly observed dynamic behavior associated with the interactions between fluorescently labeled dodecanoic acid (our probe molecules) and self-assembled monolayers (SAM) comprising n-alkyltriethoxysilanes with systematically increasing chain length (from n = 4–18). In all cases, we observed at least two characteristic surface residence times and two diffusive modes, suggesting the presence of multiple distinct adsorbed populations. In general, the mean surface residence time increased and the mobility decreased with increasing SAM chain length, consistent with stronger probe–surface in...
Vaccine refrigeration: Thinking outside of the box

This commentary reviews recent changes in Centers for Disease Control (CDC) vaccine storage guidelines that were developed in response to an investigative report by the Office of the Inspector General. The use of temperature data loggers with probes residing in glycol vials is advised along with storing vaccines in pharmaceutical refrigerators. These refrigerators provide good thermal distribution but can warm to 8 °C in less than one hour after the power is discontinued. Consequently, electric grid instability influences appropriate refrigerator selection and the need for power back-up. System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) values quantify this instability and can be used to formulate region-specific guidelines. A novel aftermarket refrigerator regulator with a battery back-up power supply and microprocessor control system is also described.
Developing a Framework for Measuring the Effectiveness of Common Fall Prevention/Protection Practices

One of the major proximal causes of injury and fatality in roofing sector is falls from height. Although the use of proper fall protection devices is effective in preventing incidents, many roofers get injured due to using incomplete or inadequate fall protection devices. In fact, compliance with fall protection regulations is low, particularly in residential building construction, which stems from lack of resources for small and medium sized companies. One of the innovative ways to overcome this challenge is to find out which fall prevention/protection practices are more effective for specific task. The current study aims to present a framework to measure the effectiveness of common fall prevention/protection practices in mitigating hazards in residential building construction. It is expected that the presented framework will aid small and medium roofing contractors to enhance their current safety programs by selecting the most effective subset of fall prevention/protection practices compatible with the tasks that they are performing.
Moving the Conversation on Climate Change and Inequality to the Local: Socio-ecological Vulnerability in Agricultural Tanzania

Climate change is expected to shift seasonality in Tanzania, while smallholder farmers9 livelihoods and the economy rely upon the success of rainfed agriculture. However, we should not a priori assume doomsday climate vulnerability scenarios of drought and devastation in the rural global South nor, on the other hand, that farmers will optimally employ local knowledge for effective adaptation. Drawing from qualitative fieldwork in two Tanzanian communities, I question these grand narratives of devastation and local adaptive capacity and introduce an approach that brings inequality to the center. Poorer nations are most vulnerable to climate change, but they are not homogenous and neither are the smallholder farmers living within them. I present evidence on the crucial context-specific dimensions of socio-ecological vulnerability for these smallholder farmers—1) water resources and access to them; 2) agricultural knowledge, including farmers9 own knowledge and their interactions with sources like government-run agricultural extension and NGOs; and 3) existing drought-coping strategies—and the heterogeneity among farmers across these dimensions. Ultimately, this case demonstrates how climate change can reproduce existing inequalities within nations by drawing upon how farmers currently respond to drought as evidence. I present the difficult and somewhat bleak contexts within which the farmers are coping, but also illustrate the agency that farmers exhibit in response to these conditions and the adaptive capacity they possess. Finally, I call for more sub-national research on climate and inequality by sociologists and draw connections among within-nation inequality, climate change, and agricultural development initiatives.
Tumor markers in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ovarian tumors

Objectives: To analyze the role tumor markers plays in the diagnosis of benign and malignant tumors and to provide the theory basis for the diagnosis of ovarian tumors. Method: 171 cases of OT inpatients admitted into our hospital from September 2007 to March 2010 were selected and divided into two groups,the benign group( n = 94) and the malignant group( n = 77). 80 healthy women were chosen as the control group. Differences in the level of tumor markers were compared among the subjects in the three groups. Results: The tumor marker levels of CA125,CA153,CA199,CA242,CEA and ferritin of the OT group were significantly higher than that of the control group; tumor marker levels of patients with the malignant tumor were significantly higher than those with benign tumor( P 0. 05). The levels of NSE,β- HCG,AFP,PSA,f- PSA and HCG showed no statistical difference in the three groups( P 0. 05). In the malignant group,the positive rate of CA125,CA153,CA199, CA242,CEA,ferritin,β- HCG,AFP and HGH was significantly higher than those in the benign group and control group,with significant statistical difference( P 0. 05). Conclusion: Tumor markers of CA125,CA199, CA242,CEA,ferritin,β- HCG,AFP and HGH play a useful role in the OT diagnosis of benign and malignant tumors. The higher level and positive rate of the tumor markers indicate more advanced OT development and higher risk of malignant tumors. The combined test of CA125,CA199 and CEA can obtain good detection effect with less cost,which is worthy of wide clinical application.
Systemic AL amyloidosis associated with Waldenström macroglobulinemia: an unusual presenting complication.

![Figure][1] A 66-year-old woman developed increasing fatigue over 6 months. Laboratory studies showed anemia (hemoglobin 10.2 g/dL), elevated serum immunoglobulin (Ig)M (1580 mg/dL), and IgM κ M-protein. Imaging studies showed an enlarged heart, thickening of the esophagus, and slightly
Understanding medical jargon as if it were a natural language

This paper presents BAOBAB-2, a computer program built upon the MYCIN system [II], that is used for understanding medical summaries describing the status of patients. Due to the stereotypic way the physicians present medical problems in these summaries in addition to the constrained nature of medical Jargon, these texts have a very strong structure. BAOBAB-2 takes advantage of this structure by having a model of this organisation as a set of related schemas that facilitate the interpretation of these texts. Structures of the schemas and their relation to the surface structure of the text are described. Issues relating to selection and use of these schemas by the program during the interpretation are discussed.
Osteoarthritis: a metabolic disorder

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common systemic disorder characterized in humankind by painful, stiff, swollen joints that show cartilage loss and bony overgrowth of radiographic examination. X-rays show joint space narrowing, bony eburnation, osteophytes and bony spurs. The joint with OA is usually bony hard with irregular knobby contours and somewhat limited in motion. Cartilage loss and osteophyte formation are usually detected simultaneously but either may precede the other. The presence of these characteristic radiographic changes in the joints without clinical symptons is considered physiologic degeneration and does not warrant the diagnosis of OA which is a disorder characterized by both signs and symptoms.
Examining credentialing criteria and poor performance indicators for IROC Houston's anthropomorphic head and neck phantom

Purpose: To analyze the most recent results of the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core Houston Quality Assurance Center's (IROC-H) anthropomorphic head and neck (H&N) phantom to determine the nature of failing irradiations and the feasibility of altering credentialing criteria. Methods: IROC-H's HN it also requires that ≥85% of pixels pass ±4 mm distance to agreement (7%/4 mm gamma analysis for film). The authors re-evaluated 156 phantom irradiations (November 1, 2014–October 31, 2015) according to the following tighter criteria: (1) 5% TLD and 5%/4 mm, (2) 5% TLD and 5%/3 mm, (3) 4% TLD and 4%/4 mm, and (4) 3% TLD and 3%/3 mm. Failure rates were evaluated with respect to individual film and TLD performance by location in the phantom. Overall poor phantom results were characterized qualitatively as systematic errors (correct shape and position but wrong magnitude of dose), setup errors/positional shifts, global but nonsystematic errors, and errors affecting only a local region. Results: The pass rate for these phantoms using current criteria was 90%. Substituting criteria 1–4 reduced the overall pass rate to 77%, 70%, 63%, and 37%, respectively. Statistical analyses indicated that the probability of noise-induced TLD failure, even at the 5% criterion, was 58% of the time (11/16 and 21/36 cases, respectively), with a greater extent due to underdosing. Setup/positioning errors were seen in 11%–13% of all failing cases (2/16 and 4/36 cases, respectively). Local errors (8/36 cases) could only be demonstrated at criteria 1. Only three cases of global errors were identified in these analyses. For current criteria and criteria 1, irradiations that failed from film only were overwhelmingly associated with phantom shifts/setup errors (≥80% of cases). Conclusions: This study highlighted that the majority of phantom failures are the result of systematic dosimetric discrepancies between the treatment planning system and the delivered dose. Further work is necessary to diagnose and resolve such dosimetric inaccuracy. In addition, the authors found that 5% TLD and 5%/4 mm gamma criteria may be both practically and theoretically achievable as an alternative to current criteria.
REUSE OF CLEANING SOLUTIONS IN CIP1

Summary Reuse of chlorinated alkali cleaning solution for milk plant equipment involving nonheated surfaces was satisfactory from a cleaning and sanitation viewpoint. The cost of the cleaning compound was reduced from 43.50 cents the first 2 weeks to 14.50 cents per circuit the last 2 weeks. The average was 24.00 cents per circuit during 4 months. The high usage at the start was due to dilution by prerinse water and cleaning solution loss from air locking of the pumps. Problem of air locking was corrected by use of air operated ejectors. The cleaning compounds cost during the single use system averaged 23.58 cents for each raw milk tank and tanker circuit and 33.00 cents per circuit for tubing and processed milk tank.
Why Care about Being an Agent

ABSTRACTThe question ‘Why care about being an agent?’ asks for reasons to be something that appears to be non-optional. But perhaps it is closer to the question ‘Why be moral?’; or so I shall argue. Here the constitutivist answer—that we cannot help but have this aim—seems to be the best answer available. I suggest that, regardless of whether constitutivism is true, it is an incomplete answer. I argue that we should instead answer the question by looking at our evaluative commitments to the exercise of our other capacities for which being a full-blown agent is a necessary condition. Thus, the only kind of reason available is hypothetical rather than categorical. The status of this reason may seem to undermine the importance of this answer. I show, however, that it both achieves much of what we want when we cite categorical reasons and highlights why agency is valuable.
Grammatical Theory and L2 Acquisition: A Brief Overview

Serious research in second-language acquisition has a relatively short history by comparison with that of research in other areas of language development. L2 acquisition study would be difficult to trace back more than perhaps fifteen years. Moreover, this brief history is one that is characterized, until only two or three years ago, largely by exclusively data-driven descriptive work. That is, from the early investigation of morpheme-acquisition orders (Larsen-Freeman, 1976; Dulay and Burt, 1974; Bailey, Madden, and Krashen, 1974) to some of the more recent resuscitation of language-transfer research considered from the perspective of pidgins. typology (Zobl, 1982, 1984a; Rutherford, 1983), hierarchies of accessibility (Gass, 1979; Gass and Ard, 1984), etc., the emphasis has been upon delineation of the path followed by the L2 learner in pursuit of target objectives and upon the extent to which this L2 acquisition route does or does not resemble that of the child in the acquisition of L1. It is essentially a record of research in need of if not implicitly in search of theories of L2 acquisition within which to accommodate and account for the data being described.
Advanced buffer materials for indoor air CO2 control in commercial buildings.

In this study, we evaluated solid sorbents for their ability to passively control indoor CO2 concentration in buildings or rooms with cyclic occupancy (eg, offices, bedrooms). Silica supported amines were identified as suitable candidates and systematically evaluated in the removal of CO2 from indoor air by equilibrium and dynamic techniques. In particular, sorbents with various amine loadings were synthesized using tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and a silane coupling agent 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS). TGA analysis indicates that TEPA impregnated silica not only displays a relatively high adsorption capacity when exposed to ppm level CO2 concentrations, but also is capable of desorbing the majority of CO2 by air flow (eg, by concentration gradient). In 10 L flow-through chamber experiments, TEPA-based sorbents reduced outlet CO2 by up to 5% at 50% RH and up to 93% of CO2 adsorbed over 8 hours was desorbed within 16 hours. In 8 m3 flow-through chamber experiments, 18 g of the sorbent powder spread over a 2 m2 area removed approximately 8% of CO2 injected. By extrapolating these results to real buildings, we estimate that meaningful reductions in the CO2 can be achieved, which may help reduce energy requirements for ventilation and/or improve air quality.
Management of Chronic Hepatitis B in Children

Management of chronic hepatitis B infection poses significant challenges for pediatric providers. Determination of who and when to treat can be difficult as long-term complications such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma should be prevented while minimizing the risk of antiviral resistance. Many pediatric patients with chronic HBV will achieve natural loss of the HBeAg. Current regimens may be helpful in the setting of active hepatitis with a goal of viral suppression. Even in the rare case of HBsAg loss, viral DNA remains within hepatocytes where it can reactivate. Future treatment regimens being investigated target multiple aspects of the HBV life cycle to improve treatment efficacy. Current management strategies involve close monitoring of patients with selective treatment only, so as to limit resistant strains. Future treatments with a variety of therapeutic targets will likely improve and potentially provide a virological cure for chronic HBV infection.
Nanophotonics for information systems

This paper explores the role of nanotechnology with special focus on nanophotonics in inhomogeneous metamaterials with applications for optical information and signal processing, communications, sensing, and health care.