cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discriminative bag-of-cells for imaging-genomics

Connecting genotypes to image phenotypes is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of cancer. To learn such connections, new machine learning approaches must be developed for the better integration of imaging and genomic data. Here we propose a novel approach called Discriminative Bag-of-Cells (DBC) for predicting genomic markers using imaging features, which addresses the challenge of summarizing histopathological images by representing cells with learned discriminative types, or codewords. We also developed a reliable and efficient patch-based nuclear segmentation scheme using convolutional neural networks from which nuclear and cellular features are extracted. Applying DBC on TCGA breast cancer samples to predict basal subtype status yielded a class-balanced accuracy of 70% on a separate test partition of 213 patients. As data sets of imaging and genomic data become increasingly available, we believe DBC will be a useful approach for screening histopathological images for genomic markers. Source code of nuclear segmentation and DBC are available at: https://github.com/bchidest/DBC.
Small-Molecule Screen Identifies De Novo Nucleotide Synthesis as a Vulnerability of Cells Lacking SIRT3

Summary Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is a NAD + -dependent deacetylase downregulated in aging and age-associated diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration and in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic disorders. Here, we performed a small-molecule screen and identified an unexpected metabolic vulnerability associated with SIRT3 loss. Azaserine, a glutamine analog, was the top compound that inhibited growth and proliferation of cells lacking SIRT3. Using stable isotope tracing of glutamine, we observed its increased incorporation into de novo nucleotide synthesis in SIRT3 knockout (KO) cells. Furthermore, we found that SIRT3 KO cells upregulated the diversion of glutamine into de novo nucleotide synthesis through hyperactive mTORC1 signaling. Overexpression of SIRT3 suppressed mTORC1 and growth in vivo in a xenograft tumor model of breast cancer. Thus, we have uncovered a metabolic vulnerability of cells with SIRT3 loss by using an unbiased small-molecule screen.
A spike-modified Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infectious clone elicits mild respiratory disease in infected rhesus macaques

The recurrence of new human cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) underscores the need for effective therapeutic countermeasures. Nonhuman primate models are considered the gold standard for preclinical evaluation of therapeutic countermeasures. However, MERS-CoV-induced severe respiratory disease in humans is associated with high viral loads in the lower respiratory tract, which may be difficult to achieve in nonhuman primate models. Considering this limitation, we wanted to ascertain the effectiveness of using a MERS-CoV infectious clone (icMERS-0) previously shown to replicate to higher titers than the wild-type EMC 2012 strain. We observed respiratory disease resulting from exposure to the icMERS-0 strain as measured by CT in rhesus monkeys with concomitant detection of virus antigen by immunohistochemistry. Overall, respiratory disease was mild and transient, resolving by day 30 post-infection. Although pulmonary disease was mild, these results demonstrate for the first time the utility of CT imaging to measure disease elicited by a MERS-CoV infectious clone system in nonhuman primate models.
The Use of Adjoint Equations to Solve Variational Adjustment Problems Subject to Vorticity Conservation Constraints

ABSTRACT Lewis, J.M., 1985. The evolution of synoptic scale atmospheric circulation as measured by satellite sensors is adjusted by a variational assimilation method that relies on simple vorticity conservation laws. The variational problem is solved by the use of adjoint equations that determine the gradient of the cost functional which is a weighted sum of squared differences between the model forecast and observations. The adjustment methodology is applied to the analysis of the deep layer mean wind associated with tropical storm steering and the analysis of geostrophic potential vorticity associated with baroclinic disturbances in mid-latitudes. A case study for each application is summarized and results indicate that the random analysis errors can be curtailed and the time continuity in the synoptic patterns improved although features related to the non-conservative processes are unaccountable.
LIFE HISTORY OF FALL-RUN JUVENILE CHINOOK SALMON, ONCORHYNCHUS TSHAWYTSCHA, IN THE SACRAMENTO-SAN JOAQUIN ESTUARY, CALIFORNIA

Abstract The Sacramento-San Joaquin Estuary is one of the largest on the Pacific Coast and supports a variety of anadromous species. Fall-run chinook salmon, the dominant race in the system, utilize the estuary for rearing and migration. Fry ( 70 mm). Chinook in more northern estuaries appear to make greater use of brackish water for rearing. Peak fry rearing (February to March) and smolt migration (April to June) occurs two to three months earlier in the Sacramento-San Joaquin than in most northern estuaries. This reflects earlier spawning and high summer temperatures that force juveniles from the lower river and Delta. Fry abundance and distribution in the estuary are influenced by the magnitude and timing of river flows. Growth rates during estuarine rearing range from 0.4 to 1.2 mm day-1 and are similar to other Pacific Coast estuaries. Chinook diet also is similar to other west coast estuaries and is dominated by dipterans, cladocerans, copepods, and amphipods. Survival during smolt outmigration is greater in the lower bays than in the Delta. Survival through the Delta in June is inversely related to water temperature and directly related to river flow as suggested for some northern systems. Alteration of the timing, magnitude, and distribution of flow in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Estuary has a major impact on juvenile chinook survival. Hatcheries produce about 26 million fall-run smolts annually with most released during May and June in upstream and estuarine waters.
ORIGIN OF OPTICAL NONLINEARITY IN D,A-DPH SYSTEMS

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of the origin of optical nonlinearity in D,A-DPH systems. The conjugated molecules have larger hyperpolarizabilities than non-conjugated ones. It indicates a predominant contribution of the delocalized π-electrons. The chapter discusses the optical spectroscopic techniques that are employed to investigate the photophysical properties of D,A-DPH in solutions, where D and A are the groups –OCH 3 , –ν(Cη 3 ) 2 , and –NO 2 . The intramolecular charge-transfer state in D,A-DPH are characterized as resulting from a twisted molecular conformation. The molecular nonplanarity in D,A-DPH have also been computed theoretically. The required structural characteristics for the organic materials with large optical nonlinearities are the molecular length of delocalized π-electron chain, the molecular planarity, and the asymmetric electronic environment leading to charge-transfer character. The chapter presents optimum conditions for the optical nonlinearity in D,A-DPH systems.
Infrastructures of Urban Religious Management: Who Should Pay for the Utilities of Cemevis in Turkey?

In Turkey, electricity and water expenses for houses of prayer, such as mosques and churches, are covered by the state. Cemevis, places of worship for Turkey’s marginalized religious minority of Alevis, however, cannot benefit from from this regulation. By analyzing the political negotiations between the Turkish state and Alevis about cemevis’ utility bills, this paper argues that unequal distribution of infrastructural funds becomes a means for governing religion in urban contexts. In so doing, I focus on a less studied dimension of infrastructures by examining how infrastructural governance is an arena both to reproduce and to contest hegemonic state religiosity.
What Limits the Intrinsic Mobility of Electrons and Holes in Two Dimensional Metal Dichalcogenides

Two-dimensional (2D) metal dichalcogenides (MX2) are the most common type of 2D semiconductors and have shown great potential for a wide range of chemical and physical applications. However, they are limited by a low electron/hole mobility, which has been recognized as one of the major challenges impeding their further developments, and urges efforts to understand the mobility-limiting factors and discovery of higher-mobility alternatives. Here using density functional perturbation theory and Wannier interpolation of the electron–phonon matrix to study a wide range of MX2, we find that the intrinsic carrier mobility, in contrast to common belief, neither correlates with the effective mass nor can be assessed by the widely used deformation potential theory; instead it is limited by the longitudinal optical (LO) phonon scattering for most MX2, while for MoS2 and WS2, the mobility is limited by the longitudinal acoustic (LA) phonon scattering. Furthermore, we find that the LO scattering strength is strongly ...
Co-occurring MDD and Problematic Alcohol Use

Major depressive disorder (MDD) and problematic alcohol use often co-occur. Unfortunately, the presence of these two conditions is associated with worse short-term and long-term complications. In this chapter, we will review definitions of problematic alcohol use, describe the nature of co-occurring depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol use (i.e., prevalence and consequences), review treatment models for these co-occurring conditions, and provide an example of a protocol examined in several research studies.
Sorry, You Can't Get There From Here: The Untenable Goal of Using Short-Term Rental Real Estate To Attain Real Estate Professional Status

This Article addressed the surprisingly controversial issue of whether the law allows taxpayers to include hours worked relating to short-term rental real estate as hours associated with a real property trade or business. An example is whether operating a Bed and Breakfast is a business or a real estate venture. The classification matters because if a taxpayer has sufficient hours, the taxpayer may then qualify as a real estate professional under I.R.C. § 469(c)(7). Real estate professional status usually entities the taxpayer to currently deduct passive activity losses. The Article concluded that hours devoted to short-term rental real estate simply do not qualify for real estate professional status.
Understanding Skin Screening Practices Among Children at Elevated Risk for Melanoma to Inform Interventions for Melanoma Prevention and Control

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Screening can aid in early disease detection, when treatment is more effective. Although there are currently no consensus guidelines regarding skin screening for pediatric populations with elevated familial risk for melanoma, at-risk children with the help of their parents and healthcare providers may implement skin self-exams. Healthcare providers may also recommend screening practices for these children. The goal of the current study was to describe current screening behaviors and provider recommendation for screening among children of melanoma survivors. Parents of children with a family history of melanoma completed a questionnaire that included items on children’s screening frequency, thoroughness, and who performed the screening. Seventy-four percent of parents reported that their children (mean age = 9.0 years, SD = 4.8) had engaged in parent-assisted skin self-exams (SSEs) in the past 6 months. Only 12% of parents reported that children received SSEs once per month (the recommended frequency for adult melanoma survivors). In open-ended responses, parents reported that healthcare providers had provided recommendations around how to conduct SSEs, but most parents did not report receiving information on recommended SSE frequency. Twenty-six percent of parents (n = 18) reported that children had received a skin exam by a healthcare provider in the past 6 months. The majority of children with a family history of melanoma are reportedly engaging in skin exams despite the lack of guidelines on screening in this population. Future melanoma preventive interventions should consider providing families guidance about implementing screening with their children.
Developing Predictive Athletic Performance Models for Informative Training Regimens

Individualized biometric data are being incorporated into training and competitions by many coaches and trainers to provide insights into athletic performance and physical fitness of their athletes. Currently, fitness tracking software provides coaches with minimal descriptive statistics on the collected biometric data, resulting in limited actionable outcomes. The collection of biometric data provides an opportunity to understand the variables that are indicative of athletic performance, and to create predictive models to determine appropriate training and in-game strategies. In order to develop these informative decision support tools, predictive frameworks have to address the correct performance metrics, control of subject-to-subject variability, handle data limitations, and maintain model interpretability. We demonstrate that the strenuousness of training sessions leading up to a competitive match has significant impact on the outcome of the game (win or loss) in continuous-play team sports. Specifically, a high cardiovascular training load two days prior to competition was predictive of a win. Additionally, we show that statistically significant differences exist in the physiological behaviors of different player positions. Analysis of several performance metrics also demonstrates that singular metrics or combinations of simple statistics do not directly relate to the outcome of a game, particularly in low-scoring sports such as field hockey or soccer.
Curb Cuts and Computers: Advocating for Design Equality in the 1980s

This article concerns the history of the curb cut metaphor as applied to personal computer technology in the 1980s. Disability advocates used the metaphor to argue the necessity for accessibility f...
Mutational analysis of genes with ureteric progenitor cell-specific expression in branching morphogenesis of the mouse kidney.

Background Ureteric progenitor cells (UPCs) within the branch tips of the arborizing ureteric epithelium of the kidney's developing collecting system establish the shape and cellular organization of the collecting network, and drive the nephrogenic program through their interactions with nephron progenitor cells. In a previous study, expression screening identified a cohort of genes showing UPC-enriched expression including D17H6S56E-5, Hs3st3a1, Hs3st3b1, and Tmem59l. Each of these is also enriched in branch tips of assembling airways of the developing lungs. Here, we used Crispr-CAS9 directed gene editing to mutate each of these targets to address their potential role(s) in UPC programs. Results Single (D17H6S56E-5 and Tmem59l) and double (Hs3st3a1 and Hs3st3b1) mutants were viable, fertile, and displayed varying frequencies of ureter duplications and no overt lung phenotype. Ureter duplications arise spontaneously through multiple outgrowths of the ureteric bud at the onset of kidney development. Tmem59l mutants and Hs3st3a1/Hs3st3b1 compound mutants showed a weakly penetrant, but statistically significant increase in duplicated ureters compared to C57BL6/J and SW wild-type mouse strains. Conclusions Tmem59l and Hs3st3a1/Hs3st3b1 activities contribute to the regulatory programs restricting ureteric outgrowth in the developing mouse kidney. However, the low penetrance of the observed phenotype precludes a detailed analysis of their specific actions.
Efficiency Properties of Strategic Market Games: An Axiomatic Approach*

The paper investigates the conditions under which an abstractly given market game will have the property that if there is a continuum of traders then every noncooperative equilibrium is Walrasian. In other words, we look for a general axiomatization of Cournot's well-known result. Besides some convexity, continuity, and nondegeneracy hypotheses, the crucial axioms are: anonymity (i.e., the names of traders are irrelevant to the market) and aggregation (i.e., the net trade received by a trader depends only on his own action and the mean action of all traders). It is also shown that the same axioms do not guarantee efficiency if there is only a finite number of traders. Some examples are discussed and a notion of strict noncooperative equilibrium for anonymous games is introduced.
Challenges Associated with the Bypass Valves of Control Valves in a Seawater Service

Modern processing plants use a variety of control loop networks to deliver a finished product to the market. Such control loops, like control valves, are designed to keep process variables such as pressure, temperature, speed, flow, etc. within the appropriate operating range and to ensure a quality product is produced. All control valves have a bypass so that production can proceed if maintenance is needed for the control valve as part of the control loop. The important point is that in both operation and maintenance situations, the bypass valve and the control valve should have approximately the same flow capacity to provide nearly the same amount of pressure. This paper presents a case study in seawater service on the selection of manual bypass valves for a 16″ control valve in class 150 and titanium material. A 16″ butterfly valve of class 150 was chosen for the control valve bypass, which provided a much higher flow capacity than the control valve. In this paper, four solutions are recommended to achieve the same coefficient value (Cv) for the control and bypass valve. Using the reduced size butterfly valve could be the cheapest and best solution. On the other hand, selecting the same control valve for bypass line is the most expensive but maybe the most reliable solution. Using a flow orifice for throttling could be ranked as the second expensive option and the second reliable one. Selection of butterfly valve for throttling is the second cheapest option, but it has the least reliability. Different parameters such as space and weight saving, cost as well as reliability have been considered in evaluation of different solutions.
Registered nurse perceptions of factors contributing to the inconsistent brand image of the nursing profession.

Abstract Background Nurses have been overlooked as autonomous healthcare providers due to an inaccurate image which projects them as caring and trusted, yet lacking in influence and autonomy. It is important for nurses to understand the image their profession wishes to convey, how the image falls short, and what can be done to improve it. Purpose To examine responses of Registered Nurses (n = 286) describing factors influencing nursing's inconsistent brand image. Methods Qualitative data were thematically coded, analyzed, and grouped into eight influencing factors. Findings Factors contributing to nursing's inconsistent image included: variety of education/credentials, image not a priority, lack of leadership development, lack of professionalism, portrayals in the media and online, patients’ personal experiences, treatment by other professional colleagues and gender role assumptions. Discussion A strong brand image could dispel outdated and inaccurate views while communicating new visionary leadership which aligns with priorities for the nursing profession.
Project-Based Learning (PBL) Center to Bridge Students with Technology

The modern engineering profession is dynamic, filled with uncertainty, and requires a technical background as well as interpersonal skills. The demands placed on modern engineers are to navigate and act upon competing priorities set by clients, regulating bodies, environmental groups, and the public at large to solve the problems of modern society. For engineering students to be prepared for the challenges they will face in their careers, they need to gain experience working in a dynamic environment to solve projects and problems that diverge from the theoretical realm and enter a practical landscape similar to what they will encounter in industry. One way is with an on-campus project-based learning (PBL) center. A PBL Center uses a pedagogical strategy where student learning centers around projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. The PBL Center also functions to allow industry and community partners to engage with faculty and student interns. The Concept Center at Weber State University is modeled after PBL pedagogy and functions to connect student interns employed at the center with sponsored projects. This paper discusses the application of PBL in the Concept Center to achieve a double mission of supporting industry and providing opportunities for students to gain experience in technology. A summary of intrinsic benefits is presented and lessons learned in the operation and management of the Concept Center.
Sex Differences in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Under normal conditions, the pulmonary circulation is a low-resistance, low-pressure system. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a heterogeneous condition that arises from a variety of etiologies affecting the pulmonary circulation and can be subdivided into five groups. Of these, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is the most severe, with a 5-year mortality rate near 40%. The development of PAH can be associated with various pathogenic or genetic causes, and, possibly because of this complexity, the mechanisms causing the disease are still incompletely understood. Female sex is perhaps one of the most well-established risk factors for the development of PAH, although over the past three decades, it has become increasingly clear that there are also important sex-based differences in PAH severity, response to treatment, and mortality. In this chapter, we will describe the preclinical and patient data underlying our current understanding of sex-based differences in PAH, discuss the clinical implications of these data, and point to future directions for research and patient care.
Long-Wave-Infrared Integrated Photonics with Germanium-on-Silicon Waveguides

We describe propagation loss, ring resonance, and thermo-optics in germanium-on-silicon (GOS) waveguides throughout the long-wave-infrared. These measurements show the potential of this platform for photonic integration at wavelengths from 7 microns to beyond 11 microns.
Putting experts in their place: the challenge of expanding participation while solving problems

This essay critically examines possibilities for expanding democratic participatory governance in light of Mark Bevir’s treatment of the subject in his book Democratic Governance. The essay argues that a theory of participatory governance should retain an explicit role for expert analysis, and that the appropriate scope given to such analysis will vary by policy area. The essay also argues that the present organization of capitalist economies mandates a heavy reliance on experts, and that a full-blown account of expanding participatory governance thus must be paired with an account of how to achieve a more democratic political economy. Such an account should also specify how democratic-minded public officials can contribute to greater public participation in policymaking.
Managing knowledge impedance: A case from the office products industry

We present a case from the office products industry, which reveals some of the processes that govern distributed knowledge creation and innovation in new product development. The case demonstrates that for a firm to deliver technology in a timely manner it must manage its knowledge impedance. Failure to do so can cause significant delays in development, which result in loss of market share and severe loss of revenue. Knowledge impedance is defined as the degree of difficulty with which a particular type of knowledge is transferred between two or more entities, co-created by two or more entities, or transformed by two or more entities. Entities can be individuals, groups, organizations or firms, which may operate at different sites in different geographic regions. We find that it no longer suffices to coordinate concurrent knowledge creation activities that transpire across different organizations and sites. Effectively managing knowledge impedance requires the distributed entities to synchronize their knowledge creation activity. They must front-load inter-organizational socialization processes, in order to engage in joint, simultaneous problem-solving across sites.
What's in a Name: “Triple Diagnosis”

In our last Web Watch column, the Internet was used to explore the popular usage of the terms dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders. In this edition, we continue this paradigm toward characteri...
Asymptotically minimum variance estimator in the singular case

This paper addresses asymptotically (in the number of measurements) minimum variance (AMV) estimators within the class of estimators based on a mixture of real and complex-valued sequence of statistics whose first covariance of its asymptotic distribution is singular. Thanks to two conditions, we extend the standard AMV estimator. We prove that these conditions are satisfied for the estimates of orthogonal projection matrices used in subspace-based algorithms. Finally, we illustrate our findings for subspace-based algorithms in the DOA estimation for complex noncircular signals.
Wildlife picture index and biodiversity monitoring: issues and future directions

The use of camera traps to sample populations and communities of birds andmammals shows great promise as a tool for monitoring terrestrial species that often avoid easy observation (Kery, 2010). Use of camera traps in ecology is growing exponentially (Rowcliffe & Carbone, 2008), including an expanding roster of inventories, surveys and monitoring programs. The commentaries on O’Brien et al., (2010a) in this issue (Dobson & Nowak, 2010; Nichols, 2010) show that camera trap photographs not only provide data on cryptic species but can also be used to sway public opinion and policymakers in a way that is different from, and clearly complementary to, the most compelling graph or table. Dobson, Nowak and Nichols point out several aspects of monitoring and camera trapping that I want to highlight for researchers interested in biodiversity monitoring and conservation, and the policy makers who rely on their data and information.
Stress Corrosion Cracking and Crack Tip Characterization of Alloy X‐750 in Boiling Water Reactor Environments

The stress corrosion cracking susceptibility of Inconel alloy X-750 in the HTH heat-treated condition has been evaluated in high-purity water @ 93 and 288°C under Normal Water Chemistry (NWC) and Hydrogen Water Chemistry (HWC) conditions. SCC crack growth rates of approximately 1.2x10-7 mm/s (K=28 MPa√m) under NWC conditions and 1.4x10-8 mm/s (K=28 MPa√m) under HWC conditions in 288°C high-purity water were observed. The alloy was also tested in HWC at 93 °C. No SCC crack growth was observed at K= 35 MPa√m for the 525 h of testing at 93°C. At 288°C the fracture mode transitioned from predominantly transgranular cracking under fatigue conditions to intergranular cracking under constant stress intensity for both environments. Atom Probe Tomography (APT) was used to characterize the crack tip and ahead of the crack tip. The results suggest that oxygen diffuses ahead of the crack tip along specific crystallographic directions.
Leaf structure as related to absorption of pesticides and other compounds.

Plants are sprayed and dusted with chemicals for numerous reasons. Some of the chemicals applied to plants exert their influence simply by remaining on the foliage surface; others must be absorbed and perhaps translocated before their activity is realized. Many of the compounds used have a mammalian toxicity less than that of table salt, whereas others exceed strychnine in toxicity. Likewise, many are relatively non-phytotoxic but others kill plants readily. Possible foliar residues which may be left by various pesticides are of course influenced by both absorption characteristics and metabolic breakdown. The various plant environmental, and chemical factors which affect absorption are examined in this review. A variety of pesticides is considered, as well as certain growth regulators and other substances which are not, strictly speaking, “pesticides.” A limited consideration is also given to recent findings relating to penetration of inorganic ions, where the mechanisms involved may bear certain similarities to the penetration of some organic substances which also ionize or hydrolyze during the course of their penetration. Because of this broad coverage, space precludes detailed discussions of all aspects of absorption and of associated structural relationships. These subjects are developed quite fully in many of the reviews listed below and in the introductions to some of the specific sections in this report. Also, only foliar absorption and movement within the leaf mesophyll and veins are considered. Long distance transport in the vascular system of the stems and roots is not included, since several excellent reviews and monographs on this subject have recently been published or are in preparation.
Comparisons of Cells, Refractile Bodies, and Spores of Bacillus popilliae

Abstract Spores of Bacillus popilliae from infected larvae and refractile bodies produced in a Trypticase-barbiturate medium were similar but distinct from vegetative cells of this organism in protein, nucleic acid, and enzyme composition. The spores and refractile bodies were found to have catalase activity, some of which was heat-resistant. This enzyme was not found in the vegetative cells. The spores contained dipicolinic acid, but the refractile bodies did not. The latter were similar to cells in having considerably higher levels of phosphate extractable with cold trichloroacetic acid and of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate than had the spores. Electron microscopy demonstrated conclusively that the refractile bodies are distinctly different from either cells or spores of B. popilliae. The possibility that these bodies are formed as a result of an aborted sporulation process is discussed.
Interdisciplinary collaboration: The role of the clinical nurse leader

Aims To explore the feasibility and acceptability of a clinical nurse leader (CNL) role to improve interdisciplinary collaboration (IC) within a fragmented acute-care microsystem. Background Fragmented patient care is associated with preventable adverse healthcare outcomes. IC decreases fragmentation and improves patient care quality. The CNL role is theorized to provide the necessary leadership and competency skill base to impact IC at the optimal organizational level, the point of care where most healthcare decisions are made. Methods This study used a descriptive non-experimental design. CNL daily workflow was developed to target empirical determinants of IC. Descriptive data were collected from multiple stakeholders using an investigator-developed survey. Results Findings indicate the integration of the role is feasible and acceptable to the microsystem healthcare team. Conclusions Preliminary evidence suggests the CNL role may be an effective intervention to facilitate IC. More research is needed to support the CNL role’s association with microsystem IC. Implications for nursing management The CNL role presents an innovative opportunity for clinical and administrative leadership to partner together to redesign a healthcare delivery system and improve patient care quality.
H-Y antigen and disorders of sexual differentiation

The process of sexual differentiation has been further clarified by the discovery of histocompatibility -Y(H-Y) antigen. A patient with abnormal sexual differentiation whose workup included testing for H-Y antigen is presented. The discovery and clinical applicability of H-Y antigen in intersex patients are presented.
Nutrient and Trace Element Dynamics in Blended Topsoils Containing Spent Foundry Sand and Compost

Spent foundry sand (SFS) could be used with compost to produce blended synthetic topsoil material but many environmental agencies restrict such use out of concern for leaching and plant uptake of contaminants in SFS. A 3 yr field experiment assessed the potential for contaminant leaching and plant uptake from natural soils and blended synthetic topsoils made with three SFSs and three composts. Plots were instrumented with lysimeters and planted with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Growth was better on blended soils than natural soils and tissue content of most nutrients and trace elements remained within normal ranges in plants grown on both blended and natural soils, though concentrations of N, P, K, S, B, Cu, Mo, and Zn were larger from some of the blended soils. Blended soils leached more P and K than natural soils and blended soil made with low C/N ratio compost leached more NH 4 than the natural soil. All blended soils leached more Cu, and some leached more As, Mo, and Zn than natural soils. With the exception of As in leachates from one blended soil no trace elements exceeded drinking water standards. None of the 13 polyaromatic hydrocarbons or 11 phenolics analyzed was detected in the leachates. We conclude use of SFS in blended soils presents low risk from trace metal or organic contaminants in SFS. Blended soils with SFS and compost perform well as topsoil substitutes and the greatest environmental risk is N and P leaching from use of low C/N ratio or immature composts.
Comparison of SAPRC99 and SAPRC07 mechanisms in photochemical modeling for central California

Abstract A condensed version of the SAPRC07 photochemical reaction mechanism is compared to an earlier version, SAPRC99, in a 3-dimensional air quality model applied to central California. The updated mechanism results in lower predicted ozone concentrations in all locations. A sensitivity analysis shows the 19% increase (at 1 atm and 300 K) in the OH + NO 2 → HNO 3 reaction rate coefficient contributes to decreases in predicted ozone concentrations in our study domain. This revision to SAPRC07 results in the largest ozone change of all the rate coefficient changes we examined. Also, lumping species to achieve a more computationally efficient mechanism, with respect to SAPRC99, has the effect of lowering ozone concentrations in the region studied. Although ozone concentrations in SAPRC07 simulations are decreased with respect to SAPRC99, the NO x and VOC emission sensitivities of the new mechanism are on the same order or greater than those in SAPRC99. The new mechanism is less sensitive to climate change related perturbations including increased temperature, water vapor concentration, and biogenic VOC emissions.
Transcomplementation by a Truncation Mutant of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) Enhances ΔF508 Processing through a Biomolecular Interaction

We previously showed that a truncation mutant of CFTR missing the first four transmembrane segments of TMD1, Δ264 CFTR, binds to key elements in the ER quality control mechanism to increase the amounts of the mature C band of both wt and ΔF508 CFTR through transcomplementation. Here, we created a new construct, Δ27–264 CFTR. Even though Δ27–264 CFTR is rapidly degraded in the proteasome, steady state protein can be detected by Western blot. Δ27–264 CFTR can also increase the amounts of the mature C band of both wt and ΔF508 CFTR through transcomplementation. Electrophysiology experiments show that Δ27–264 CFTR can restore chloride channel currents. Further experiments with the conduction mutant S341A show conclusively that currents are indeed generated by rescued channel function of ΔF508 CFTR. Immunoprecipitation studies show that Δ27–264 binds to ΔF508-CFTR, suggesting a bimolecular interaction. Thus the adeno-associated viral vector, rAAV-Δ27–264 CFTR, is a highly promising CF gene therapy vector, because it increases the amount of mature band C protein both from wt and ΔF508 CFTR, and rescues channel activity of ΔF508 CFTR.
Prostate specific antigen findings and biopsy results following interactive ultrasound guided transperineal brachytherapy for early stage prostate carcinoma.

BACKGROUND. Interactive, transrectal, ultrasound-guided transperineal implantation is a new technique for performing permanent brachytherapy implants of the prostate. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) findings, biopsy results, and morbidity are examined to demonstrate its efficacy and safety in treating early stage prostate carcinoma. METHODS. Ninety-seven patients underwent permanent implants for classifications T1 to T2 adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland with a median follow-up of 18 months (range : 6-51 months). Seventy-nine patients had negative laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissections prior to implantation. Patients with positive lymph nodes were not implanted. The radioactive isotope used was 1-125 in 71 patients and Pd-103 in 26 patients. RESULTS. PSA failure was defined as two consecutive increases in PSA above the nadir level. The actuarial freedom from PSA failure (FFPF) at 2 years was 76% for the entire group. Stage significantly affected FFPF. Patients classified as Tlb to T2a (35) had a FFPF of 91% at 2 years compared with 68.5% for patients classified as T2b to T2c (62) (P = 0.04). The pre-treatment PSA also significantly affected FFPF. Patients with PSA values of ≤10 ng/mL (44) had a FFPF of 83% at 2 years. A similar rate of 82% was found in patients with PSA values of 10.1 to 20 ng/mL (29). Patients with PSA values > 20 ng/mL (24) had a significantly poorer FFPF at 2 years of 58% (P = 0.02). The PSA values of patients free from a PSA failure (82) ranged from 0.1 to 12.9 ng/mL with a median of 0.8 ng/mL. Transrectal prostate biopsies were performed 18 to 36 months posttreatment in 39 patients. Negative biopsies were found in 74% (29/39) of cases. The procedure was associated with an actuarial preservation of erectile function rate and sexual potency at 2 years of 96% and 79%, respectively. There were no cases of urinary incontinence or radiation cystitis. Associated morbidity included urinary retention requiring catheterization in 4% of the patients, outlet obstruction requiring a transurethral resection of the prostate in 2% and Grade 2 rectal complications in 1%. CONCLUSIONS. Interactive, ultrasound-guided transperineal brachytherapy results in a low PSA failure rate, high negative biopsy rate, and is associated with low morbidity and preservation of erectile function.
Diversity of axonal ramifications belonging to single lateral and medial olivocochlear neurons

A classification of olivocochlear (OC) neurons based on their location in either the lateral or medial region of the superior olivary complex provides a powerful tool for predicting their terminations beneath the inner (IHC) or outer hair cells (OHC) of the cochlea, respectively. Yet the morphology of axonal terminations belonging to single lateral OC (LOC) and medial OC (MOC) neurons, which can provide clues about the functional capabilities of individual efferent neurons, has been relatively unexplored. Following injections of biotinylated dextran amine into regions containing OC neurons in the rat, we reconstructed 19 LOC and 15 MOC axons in surface preparations of the cochlea. Confirming previous studies, LOC axons could be classified as either intrinsic or shell based on the length (short versus long) of their terminal ramifications beneath the IHC. However, intrinsic LOC axons were of two types, those that traveled to the organ of Corti without branching (simple intrinsic) and those that had three or more branches that converged on the same discrete patch of IHCs (converging intrinsic). Regarding shell neurons, we found that they may have as many as four intraganglionic branches that could innervate as much as 41% of cochlear length. Lastly, we found that MOC neurons were extremely diverse, not only in the number of their tunnel-crossing fibers (1–15), but also in both the number of boutons they formed (1–48) and in their basal–apical spans (1–45%). Analysis revealed that the number of tunnel-crossing fibers formed by a given axon was closely related to the total number of its terminal boutons, but not to its cochlear span. Analysis further suggested the existence of two distinct subtypes of MOC neurons on the basis of the number of tunnel-crossing fibers and boutons each possessed: the more common sparsely-branched and the quite rare highly-branched MOC neurons. In conclusion, the variety of axonal ramifications of individual LOC and MOC neurons has functional implications and raises the question of whether the various types of efferent neurons might be subject to selective control by ascending and descending central auditory and possibly non-auditory pathways.
Seasonal hydrology explains interannual and seasonal variation in carbon and water exchange in a semiarid mature ponderosa pine forest in central Oregon

[1] We analyzed 7 years (2002–2008) of micrometeorological and concurrent biological observations of carbon and water fluxes at a mature ponderosa pine forest in central Oregon in a semiarid climate. We sought to evaluate the extent that gross primary productivity, net ecosystem exchange, ecosystem respiration, net primary productivity, net ecosystem productivity, tree transpiration, and evapotranspiration varied seasonally and interannually in this ecosystem subjected to varying periods and severity of droughts. To explain variation, we found it necessary to define seasons functionally within a hydroecological year rather than by fixed calendar dates. The interannual variability in growing season length was large (45 days), and the end date was more variable than the onset. Plant-available soil water was the main determinant of carbon fluxes. Spring evapotranspiration primarily used shallow water, whereas summer and fall evapotranspiration drew water from deeper in the soil profile. A multiyear drought (2001–2003) had a more severe and fundamentally different impact on carbon and water cycles than a single-year (2005) drought because of carryover effects in soil water and carbohydrate reserves in plant tissue. Calendar year–based analysis was inadequate to diagnose drought years in precipitation and ecosystem drought response. Extension of meteorological records back to 1982 showed that anomalies were coherent across the region and that the observations represented below-average precipitation and above-average temperatures coherent with a warm-phase Pacific Decadal Oscillation. The carbon sink of this seasonally water-limited ecosystem is anticipated to increase with increasing available soil water during the growing season.
Effects of solvent pretreatment and solvent incorporation on coal liquefaction

Abstract Yields of short-contact-time liquefaction product can be increased by pretreating the coal-solvent slurry at below normal liquefaction temperatures to permit solvent incorporation and/or swelling of the coal before liquefaction. An external pretreatment and an in situ pretreatment produce similar results. A coal-vehicle adduct was isolated from the pretreated coal and had liquefaction characteristics similar to the original coal. The beneficial effect of the solvent pretreatment is therefore believed to be the result of physical solvent incorporation with the coal, which causes solvent-aided liquefaction, in contrast with the thermal decomposition that can occur if some of the coal reaches liquefaction temperatures before it is contacted by vehicle. Pretreatment allows vehicle to be present (in contact with coal) at the reactive site in order to react with, and cap, coal free radicals.
Horseshoe kidney with unilateral renal dysplasia

Abstract A case of unilateral renal dysplasia in horseshoe kidney is reported. A review of the literature revealed only 2 previous case reports documenting the association of horseshoe anomaly and renal dysplasia.
Design, fabrication and analysis of stagnation flow microreactors used to study hypergolic reactions

A novel method to study the condensed phase reactions that occur during the ignition of hypergolic propellants (very fast liquid reactions) using microreactors is presented. Planar counterflow microreactors are used to isolate liquid-phase reactions and diffusion from secondary gas-phase chemical and transport processes that often occur concurrently during the overall ignition process. The counterflow microreactor has made it possible to achieve valuable insight into the preignition mechanisms of hypergolic propellants hitherto not possible using conventional drop or impinging jet tests. In the present paper, the microreactor fabrication, flow field characterization, and reactivity of 2-dimethylaminoethylazide and nitric acid as hypergols are presented. Particle image velocimetry and numerical simulations were conducted to characterize the laminar velocity flow-field from which stagnation point strain rates and contact residence times along the centerline of the microreactor were evaluated. Temperature measurements at the exit of the reactor (as well as at the stagnation point) were used as a measure for the extent of the reaction or the heat released from the reaction. For the hypergols, an increase in reactant flow (or equivalently strain rate at the stagnation point) was found to initially increase reactivity, but eventually resulted in a decrease in temperature, revealing a maxima in temperature and reactivity. The trends indicated a reaction that was initially diffusion or heat loss controlled, which transitioned towards kinetic control at higher strain (flow) rates. This paper details the first comprehensive measurements and analysis of the effects of diffusion based mixing on the interfacial reactions occurring between hypergols.
External carotid arterial injury

Carotid vascular trauma has high mortality. The two primary causes of death are associated head injury and vascular injuries that cause exsanguination or stroke. In the past two decades interventional radiology, i.e. techniques of transcatheter embolisation, has become a vital component of the care of these cases. External carotid artery injuries are complex and are often inaccessible causes of exsanguinating haemorrhage. Transcatheter techniques have been shown to be highly effective in controlling this haemorrhage. An overview of injuries of the external carotid artery and its branches is presented.
Effects of antihypertensive drugs on ultrasound production and cardiovascular responses in 15-day-old rats

Abstract When exposed to extreme cold or injected with the α 2 -adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine, infant rats emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). Based upon the cardiovascular changes that accompany these two manipulations, especially decreased venous return, it was hypothesized that USVs are the acoustic by-product of the abdominal compression reaction (ACR), a maneuver that increases venous return. If this hypothesis is correct, then other anithypertensive drugs that decrease venous return should evoke USVs. In Experiment 1, sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 400 μg/kg), a direct-acting dilator of arteries and veins, was administered to 15-day-old rats under thermoneutral conditions while cardiac rate and ultrasound production were monitored. In Experiment 2, femoral artery pressure was monitored after SNP administration. Infants responded to SNP administration with decreased arterial pressure and tachycardia and, in addition, significantly increased ultrasound production. In Experiment 3, chlorisondamine (5 mg/kg), a ganglionic blocker that causes vasodilation and bradycardia, and hydralazine (20 mg/kg), a selective dilator of arteries, was administered to 15-day-olds. As predicted, chlorisondamine evoked ultrasound production and hydralazine did not. These results introduce SNP and chlorisondamine as only the second and third known agents capable of independently evoking USVs in thermoneutral conditions, and provide further support for the notion that ultrasound production is triggered by decreased venous return.