cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extubation Readiness Assessment Testing in Intubated Pediatric Subjects Within a Cardiovascular Care Unit: A Comparison Study

Background: Minimizing mechanical ventilation (MV) days reduces the risk of VAP, morbidity and mortality. Extubation readiness is traditionally based on subjective information; extubation failure is not. A review of the literature reveals that extubation failure occurs due to: apnea, poor cough/gag, escalating support, Oxygen Index>6 on non-cyanotic heart, PEEP>5 on cyanotic heart, frequent suctioning, CO2 retention, or FIO2 50%. We sought to compare outcomes of an extubation readiness assessment (ERA) protocol with directed weaning by respiratory therapists (RTs) and traditional physician-directed (PD) weaning from MV on ventilator days, MV >21 days, unplanned extubations (UE), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in pediatric cardiovascular care unit (CVICU) subjects. Methods: An IRB approved prospective observational cohort design study was conducted on all intubated CVICU subjects from 11/01/16 - 10/31/17 who met objective inclusion criteria. Subjects were assigned to ERA or PD based on physician preference. ERA subjects were assessed daily for eligibility, and if eligible were placed on CPAP/PS. ERA failure was defined as not consistently maintaining respiratory and cardiovascular goals. Subjects on MV Results: Of 481 intubation events, 122 were enrolled in ERA (median STAT score 2.94 and max OI 14.66). 122 (100%) were extubated within 0-23 (mean 6.03) h of passing the ERA, including 112 (91.80%) who were extubated for more than 72 h. Time on MV until successful extubation ranged from 0.04-63.83 d. The median duration of MV was 7.8 d for subjects on MV > 12 h.8 subjects had MV >21 d. One UE occurred that did not require re-intubation. Of 483 intubation events, 359 were enrolled in PD weaning (median STAT score= 2.90 and max OI= 14.01). Of these 330 (91.90%) were extubated for more than 72 h. Time on MV until successful extubation ranged from 0.01-103 d. The median duration of MV was 10.12 in subjects on MV >12 h. 17 subjects required MV >21 d.5 had UE (1.4%), with 3 requiring re-intubation. Conclusions: ERA protocol performed by respiratory therapists to assess extubation readiness in pediatric CVICU led to less median duration of subjects on MV >12 h, less subjects on MV >21 d (P=0.089), and less UE than PD weaning (0.621), but did not reach statistical significance. Disclosures: None.
Asymmetrical Radiation Pattern Synthesis of Uniform Phased Arrays via Odd Phase Excitation

We show generation of an asymmetric far field radiation pattern for uniform linear and planar arrays having phase excitations that belong to a family of odd functions of the form $\frac{(2\pi\mathrm{b}_{0})^{2\mathrm{n}+1}(\mathrm{x}^{2\mathrm{n}+1}+\mathrm{y}^{2\mathrm{n}+1})}{2\mathrm{n}+1}$ where $\mathrm{n}= 1,2,3, \ldots$ . The mainlobe and the dominant sidelobes are contained in one quadrant of the azimuthal plane, while the sidelobes in the remaining three quadrants are reduced significantly. In comparison, such an asymmetric radiation pattern is unlike a conventional phased array which produces a symmetric pattern. The asymmetrical sidelobe distribution is achieved while maintaining the directivity and beamwidth. The designed phased arrays have good scan performance from −45° to 45° in the elevation and azimuth planes with an ability to maintain constant directivity.
Laplacian spread and some Hamiltonian properties of graphs

The Laplacian spread of a graph is the difference between the largest and second smallest Laplaicain eigenvalues of the graph. Using the Laplacian spread of a graph, we in this note present suffici...
p-Cymene Modulate Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Murine Macrophages: Potential Implication in Atherosclerosis.

Background p-Cymene (p-CYM) is a common chemical used in air fresheners. Objective The study was designed to investigate the molecular effect of p-CYM on macrophages. Materials and methods Macrophages (RAW 264.7) were treated with p-CYM (50 uM/L, 150 uM/L and 250 uM/L) for 6 hours, and 24 hours). Gene involved in inflammation, such as the Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and the Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) and other genes known for their antioxidant activity such as the Paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) were analyzed. Results Cells treated with p-CYM have shown 30% up-regulation of MCP-1 after 24 hour of exposure; and also a differential up-regulation of TNF-α. However, treatment with p-CYM has resulted in a considerable (37%) dose-dependent downregulation of PON-1 after 24 hours of exposure. PON-1 is known for its antioxidant properties protecting High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) from oxidation. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that exposure to p-CYM over time promotes oxidative stress by downregulating antioxidants genes as shown in PON-1 and also stimulates inflammation, a key process during the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis.
Multi-Disciplinary Perspectives for Engineering Resilience in Systems

Resilience is defined as an ability to bounce back from disruption but in systems engineering resilience can be an elusive concept where it is contrasted with a system performance, robustness, and dependability. However, given the ambiguous yet widespread notion of bouncing back from the unexpected, the concept of resilience is investigated in multiple different technical and non-technical fields ranging from critical infrastructure protection to psychology, mental health, community building, and ecology. In this paper, we investigate resilience from a multi-disciplinary viewpoint to understand differences on how resilience is studied in systems engineering and what principles can be adopted from these disciplines for design and engineering of future resilient systems. Our investigation reveals that systems engineering takes a problem focused approach that constraints system failure response under disruption, whereas, in non-technical disciplines, a strength based approach is pursed that contributes to system success under disruption. Our purpose in this paper is to highlight the salient multi-disciplinary attributes of resilience that need incorporation in systems engineering practices for the design and engineering of future resilient systems.
Drivers of soil change

Abstract The global soil system is currently changing at an unprecedented rate due to a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors. Significant changes now compromise the capacity of many soils to provide crucial ecosystem services, including production of food, fiber, and wood; climate regulation; clean water; and habitat for a wide diversity of plants and soil organisms. Gaining a better understanding of these on-going changes is indeed imperative if we are to assist managers, policymakers, and society as a whole in making informative, science-based decisions that influence the conservation and survival of Earth's natural resources. Key drivers of soil change, and their interactions, are discussed within a framework that links soil processes with both environmental health and societal demands for ecosystem services. Direct, or environmental drivers of change include land conversion, intensive land use, climate variability, and biological invasions. Indirect, societal drivers include changing human demographics, local-to-international scale economics, socio-political policies, cultural and religious beliefs, technological advances, and educational awareness. In this chapter I summarize the current state of knowledge of these selected drivers of change, and discuss the extent and nature of soil change that is occurring globally.
Probabilistic sensitivity analysis: gestational hypertension and differentially misclassified maternal smoking during pregnancy

Abstract (This manuscript is submitted as Rapid Reports. Therefore, no abstract is attached here.)
The eccDNA Replicon: A heritable, extra-nuclear vehicle that enables gene amplification and glyphosate resistance in Amaranthus palmeri

Gene copy number variation is a predominant mechanism by which organisms respond to selective pressures in nature, which often results in unbalanced structural variations that perpetuate as adaptations to sustain life. However, the underlying mechanisms that give rise to gene proliferation are poorly understood. Here, we show a unique result of genomic plasticity in Amaranthus palmeri, a massive, ~400kb extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA), that harbors the 5-enoylpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene and 58 other encoded genes whose functions traverse detoxification, replication, recombination, transposition, tethering, and transport. Gene expression analysis under glyphosate stress showed transcription of 41 of the 59 genes, with high expression of EPSPS, aminotransferase, zinc-finger, and several uncharacterized proteins. The genomic architecture of the eccDNA replicon is comprised of a complex arrangement of repeat sequences and mobile genetic elements interspersed among arrays of clustered palindromes that may be crucial for stability, DNA duplication and tethering, and/or a means of nuclear integration of the adjacent and intervening sequences. Comparative analysis of orthologous genes in grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) and water-hemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) suggest higher order chromatin interactions contribute to the genomic origins of the Amaranthus palmeri eccDNA replicon structure.
The Western Borderlands of the United States and Mexico – History not Forgotten

The United States – Mexico War (1846–1848) and the division of the two countries by both land and water boundaries changed the border landscape. One change was the establishment of International Bo...
Mental Health and Weather Extremes in a Southeastern U.S. City: Exploring Group Differences by Race.

The connection between mental health and weather extremes is a public health concern, but less studied to date than physical health. This exploratory study examines the mental health impacts of two kinds of weather extremes increasingly linked to climate change—summer heat waves and extreme winter weather—in a low- to middle-income population in the Southeastern U.S. The distribution of mental health impacts, and potential pathways to them, are examined with a focus on race. Data are from a random-sample survey of 426 participants and are analyzed with bivariate statistics and path analysis. Self-reported mental health impacts, in both seasons, were common in our study, with White participants tending to report worse impacts than participants who identified with other racial groups. Physical health had direct effects on mental health across several models, overall and by racial group. For summer heat waves, concern about climate change and social cohesion had direct and indirect effects, respectively, on mental health in White participants only. For extreme winter weather, preparedness had a direct negative effect on mental health in White, but not Black, participants. Results suggest that there may be racial differences in the influence of human and social capital factors on mental health related to weather extremes, warranting further study of this critical topic and with larger racial subgroup samples.
Beyond stigma: Understanding the “inclined abstainers” in military behavioral health-care utilization

Low treatment utilization in Soldiers with combat-related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an ongoing issue. The critical concern is to better understand factors which prohibit a Soldier wit...
Enrichment of calcium in sea spray aerosol in the Arctic summer atmosphere

Abstract Significant calcium enrichment relative to seawater was observed in bulk and size-segregated aerosols in the marine atmospheric boundary layer over the Arctic Ocean in summer. The calcium enrichment factor generally increased with decreasing particle size (aerodynamic diameter) in the fine mode (particle size
Cytohistopathologic correlation of ovarian mesonephric-like carcinoma and female adnexal tumor of probable Wolffian origin

Recently we encountered two cases with mesonephric features, mesonephric-like carcinoma (MLC) of the ovary, and female adnexal tumor of probable Wolffian origin (FATWO). They are thought to be related to mesonephric remnants (or Wolffian duct remnants). Herein we describe the cytohistolgical features, differential diagnoses, and potential pitfalls in diagnosis of these neoplasms. On cytological examination, the case of MLC showed tight 3-dimensional clusters of overlapping round cells, corresponding to solid growth pattern seen on histological examination. Tubular architecture and papillary formations composed of neoplastic cells of medium size with scant cytoplasm were readily identified. Intraluminal eosinophilic secretions were better seen on histological examination. Additionally, areas resembling features of papillary thyroid carcinoma were noted. Mitoses and apoptotic bodies were not identified on cytology but seen on histological sections. The neoplastic cells were positive for CK7, CD10, PAX-8, TTF-1, and GATA-3, and negative for ER, PR, and WT-1 immunostains. In contrast to MLC, cytological examination of FATWO showed smaller oval to spindle monotonous cells without mitotic figures. Some cells contained paranuclear vacuoles and were arranged individually or in loose cohesive clusters. Other cells were closely associated with pericellular hyalinized basement membrane-like material and they were arranged in cohesive clusters as well. On histological examination, similar to MLC, the FATWO had areas with thyroid-like features, such as, intraluminal eosinophilic secretions, paranuclear vacuoles, in the background of collagenous stroma. The neoplastic cells were positive for CK AE1/AE3, calretinin, WT-1, inhibin, and CD10, and negative for CK7, PAX-8, GATA-3, ER, PR, and C-kit immunostains.
Identification of differentially expressed proteins between fused and open sutures in sagittal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis during suture development by quantitative proteomic analysis.

Purpose Nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NCS), the premature fusion of cranial sutures, results in an abnormal skull shape and is associated with a significant morbidity. Proteomics is a promising tool for disease characterization and biomarker discovery; we aimed to identify biologically relevant differentially expressed proteins for NCS. Experimental design Label-based quantitative proteomic profiling using TMT was performed on protein extracted from mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts and bone tissue of 5 open and 5 fused sutures of sagittal NCS (sNCS) and analyzed using quantitative LC-MS/MS based bottom-up proteomics. Differential protein abundance between open and fused sutures was determined to identify biologically relevant proteins of interest. Proteins were validated in an independent sample set by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results We observed 838 differentially expressed proteins between open and fused sutures of sNCS. Decorin, lumican, and asporin were significantly downregulated while COL4A1 and TGFβ1|1 were upregulated in fused compared to open sutures. Conclusions and clinical relevance The majority of significantly differentially expressed proteins between open and fused sutures were observed in the proteomes of osteoblasts suggesting that protein changes contributing to premature sagittal suture fusion occur predominantly at the osteoblast level. Our findings suggest a possible ineffective ECM deposition at the osteoblast cell stage. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Carbon fiber–aluminum sandwich for micro-aerial vehicles and miniature robots

We present carbon-fiber and aluminum sandwich plates with millimeter thicknesses that exhibit high stiffness- and strength-to-weight ratios. These composites consist of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer faces and waterjet-cut aluminum cores, bonded using epoxy. Relative to single-ply carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer sheets, this construction provides 22-fold increases in mass-specific flexural rigidity and 18-fold increases in mass-specific flexural strength, with areal densities of only 120–260 mg/cm2. Our work represents a simple and inexpensive platform for creating extremely lightweight structural components for microflyers and small robots.
Implications of Glycosaminoglycans on Viral Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that pass from animals to humans. These include diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites and can be transmitted through close contact or through an intermediate insect vector. Many of the world’s most problematic zoonotic diseases are viral diseases originating from animal spillovers. The Spanish influenza pandemic, Ebola outbreaks in Africa, and the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic are thought to have started with humans interacting closely with infected animals. As the human population grows and encroaches on more and more natural habitats, these incidents will only increase in frequency. Because of this trend, new treatments and prevention strategies are being explored. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are complex linear polysaccharides that are ubiquitously present on the surfaces of most human and animal cells. In many infectious diseases, the interactions between GAGs and zoonotic pathogens correspond to the first contact that results in the infection of host cells. In recent years, researchers have made progress in understanding the extraordinary roles of GAGs in the pathogenesis of zoonotic diseases, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues for using GAGs in the treatment of these diseases. This review examines the role of GAGs in the progression, prevention, and treatment of different zoonotic diseases caused by viruses.
The Films of Federico Fellini

The Films of Federico Fellini examines the career of one of Italy's most renowned filmmakers through close analysis of five masterpieces that span his career: La Strada, La Dolce Vita, 8 1/2, Amarcord and Interview. Providing an overview of Fellini's early career as a cartoonist and scriptwriter for neorealist directors such as Roberto Rossellini, this study traces the development of Fellini's unique and personal cinematic vision as it transcends Italian neorealism. Rejecting an overtly ideological approach to Fellini's cinema, Bondanella emphasizes the director's interest in fantasy, the irrational and individualism.
Whole-mount staining of Xenopus and other vertebrates.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses whole-mount staining of xenopus and other vertebrates. Whole-mount staining makes the analysis of normal and experimentally manipulated embryos much simpler. It can be used in the assay of cellular differentiation in induction and tissue recombination experiments. It should be possible not only to assay for the indication of specific tissues, but to characterize the three-dimensional relationships between the tissue types. Whole-mount staining greatly simplifies the characterization of the expressions patterns of exogenous DNAs. Similarly, the effects of injected antibodies, antisense reagents, or the ecotopic expression of specific molecules on development can be analyzed rapidly. The prerequisite for any whole-mount analysis is that one is able to see through the specimen. This means either that the specimen must be naturally transparent, a rare feature among higher metazoans, or that it must be possible to “clear” it. Clearing generally involves two steps: extracting material from the specimen, then matching the refractive index of the bulk of the specimen remaining, thereby rendering it transparent. Primary considerations in selecting a clearing agent are how closely it matches the refractive index of the specimen, its inherent toxicity, and its compatibility with the staining reagents used.
Synthesis of Enzymes During the Cell Cycle

Publisher Summary Studies on specific enzyme formation during the cell cycle have proven more useful for investigating the regulatory mechanisms operating in dividing cells. The majority of this information has come from studies with bacteria and yeast. Recent advances in the technology of synchronization have permitted similar analyses in higher plant and animal tissue culture cells. Enzyme measurements during the cell cycle coupled with genetic analysis provides new insights into the regulation of gene expression. There are two levels of enzyme regulation regulation: (1) regulation imposed by the external environment and (2) regulation imposed by the internal environment. Measurements of specific enzyme activities during the cell cycle are valid only when basic criteria for enzymology are met. For example, when enzyme measurements of intact cells are employed, it is essential to know whether conditions of substrate saturation are met. The kinetics of enzyme synthesis during the cell cycle in a constant environment can be divided into two broad classes. In one, enzyme activity increases continuously (linearly or exponentially) throughout the cell cycle and in the other, there is a limited period(s) in which enzyme activity increases. If the enzyme is unstable, peak periods of enzyme activity are observed during the cell cycle.
The Multioscillator Ring Laser Gyroscope

Abstract The multioscillator (or four-frequency) ring laser gyroscope is discussed from both a theoretical and a practical point of view. Fundamentals of device operation are presented, important nonideal behaviors (error sources) are discussed and analyzed from first principles, typical multioscillator gyroscopes are described, and samples of representative data from developmental instruments in our laboratories are reviewed. A key to the development of practical multioscillator instruments has been the introduction of nonplanar ring resonators. The theoretical formalisms (geometric and wave optic) necessary for understanding the properties of nonplanar ring resonators, and nonplanar gyroscopes, are derived and discussed in detail. Much of the material presented is new.
Chapter 14 - Global Attractors in PDE

This chapter discusses the concept of global attractors in partial differential equations (PDE). A global attractor is the minimal set among all compact sets that attract all bounded sets. A global attractor is the maximal set among all bounded strictly invariant sets. Sometimes, global attractors are called maximal attractors or minimal attractors. A global attractor always contains all equilibria and unstable manifolds through them. This fact is used to obtain lower estimates of dimension of global attractors. Since the definition is global, to apply this definition to semigroups generated by PDE usually one has to modify the nonlinearity outside an absorbing ball to make it globally Lipschitz. To prove the existence of an inertial manifold instead of using smallness of the nonlinearity that is used in local theorems one may use other parameters. A natural large parameter is the dimension of the manifold.
Chronic Lyme disease: misconceptions and challenges for patient management

Lyme disease, infection with the tick-borne spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, causes both specific and nonspecific symptoms. In untreated chronic infection, specific manifestations such as a relapsing large-joint oligoarthritis can persist for years, yet subside with appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Nervous system involvement occurs in 10%–15% of untreated patients and typically involves lymphocytic meningitis, cranial neuritis, and/or mononeuritis multiplex; in some rare cases, patients have parenchymal inflammation in the brain or spinal cord. Nervous system infection is similarly highly responsive to antimicrobial therapy, including oral doxycycline. Nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, perceived cognitive slowing, headache, and others occur in patients with Lyme disease and are indistinguishable from comparable symptoms occurring in innumerable other inflammatory states. There is no evidence that these nonspecific symptoms reflect nervous system infection or damage, or that they are in any way specific to or diagnostic of this or other tick-borne infections. When these symptoms occur in patients with Lyme disease, they typically also subside after antimicrobial treatment, although this may take time. Chronic fatigue states have been reported to occur following any number of infections, including Lyme disease. The mechanism underlying this association is unclear, although there is no evidence in any of these infections that these chronic posttreatment symptoms are attributable to ongoing infection with B. burgdorferi or any other identified organism. Available appropriately controlled studies indicate that additional or prolonged courses of antimicrobial therapy do not benefit patients with a chronic fatigue-like state after appropriately treated Lyme disease.
Nitrogen in solar energetic particles: Isotopically distinct from solar wind

Stepwise etching of lunar soil ilmenite grains reveals that the 15N/14N ratio of implanted nitrogen decreases with increasing implantation depth within the ilmenite grains, i.e., with increasing energy of implantation. These results show that N derived from solar energetic particles, NSEP, is enriched in the light isotope, 14N, relative to solar-wind nitrogen, NSW. This is in striking contrast to the neon isotopic record: NeSEP is depleted in the light isotope, 20Ne, relative to NeSW. These data suggest either distinct signatures in the respective solar source regions, or fractionation in the acceleration mechanism(s). However, the observed opposite fractionation trends for light N and Ne isotopes do not agree with model predictions.
Insulin-like growth factor-I stimulates differentiation of ATII cells to ATI-like cells through activation of Wnt5a.

Alveolar type II (ATII) epithelial cells play a crucial role in the repair and remodeling of the lung following injury. ATII cells have the capability to proliferate and differentiate into alveolar...
Tracheal release maneuvers

Tracheal release procedures are specialized surgical techniques designed to permit low tension end-to-end primary reconstruction after tracheal sleeve resection. Therefore, an understanding of the principles and techniques of these tracheal release maneuvers is essential in order to perform tracheal surgery safely. The release procedures include dissection of the pretracheal plane, cervical flexion, and laryngeal and hilar release. Dissection of the pretracheal plane and cervical flexion are the most commonly employed techniques.
Submandibular Gland Preservation during Concurrent Neck Dissection and Transoral Surgery for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

ObjectivesAnalyze the effect of ipsilateral submandibular gland preservation on patients undergoing concurrent neck dissection and transoral surgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Evalu...
Advanced Distribution Theory for SiZer

SiZer is a powerful method for exploratory data analysis. In this article approximations to the distributions underlying the simultaneous statistical inference are investigated, and large improvements are made in the approximation using extreme value theory. This results in improved size, and also in an improved global inference version of SiZer. The main points are illustrated with real data and simulated examples.
Development of Surface Compressive Stresses in Zirconia–Alumina Composites by an Ion-Exchange Process

A two-step ion-exchange technique was developed for introducing compressive stresses on the surface of ZrO2–Al2O3 composites. In the first step, a thin layer (∼250 μm) of Na-β″-Al2O3 was formed on the surface of the composite by a vapor-phase process at ∼1400°C. In the second step, Na+ ions were replaced by K+ ions by a heat treatment at ∼385°C for 2 h in a molten KNO3 bath. Replacement of sodium by potassium led to the creation of surface compressive stresses. The flexural strength and Weibull modulus of ZrO2–Al2O3 composite were ∼915 MPa and 10, respectively, for the as-sintered samples. By contrast, the flexural strength and Weibull modulus were ∼1140 MPa and 26, respectively, for the ion-exchanged samples. A residual surface compressive stress of ∼480 MPa was measured by a strain-gauge technique in K+-ion-exchanged samples. The presence of surface compressive stresses also was confirmed using an indentation technique. The technique developed here can be used to introduce compressive stresses on components of virtually any shape.
Lesions of regions for in vitro ventilatory genesis eliminate gasping but not eupnea

Medullary regions, termed 'pre-inspiratory' and 'pre-Botzinger', are considered critical for the neurogenesis of rhythmic ventilatory activity of in vitro preparations of the neonatal rat. We examined the influence of destruction of neurons in these regions, by microinjections of kainic acid, upon eupnea and gasping in vivo. Decerebrate, vagotomized, paralyzed and ventilated rats of age 8-15 days were used; the phrenic nerve activity was recorded. Eupnea was not consistently altered following destruction of neurons in any region. However, in the majority of animals, anoxia-induced gasping was not observed following injections of kainic acid into the 'pre-inspiratory' region, 'pre-Botzinger' complex or lateral tegmental field; the latter region is important for the neurogenesis of gasping in adults. Injections into other regions did not prevent the elicitation of gasping. These results do not support the possibility that neuronal activities which are responsible for respiratory rhythm generation in vitro underlie the neurogenesis of eupnea in vivo.
A longitudinal analysis of neighboring in rapidly changing rural places

Abstract A substantial body of research on changes in neighboring patterns has emphasized the impact of ecological and population change. This paper examines neighboring in four western U.S. communities experiencing either rapid population increases or declines. Differentials in the socio-demographic composition of rural communities did influence local interaction patterns. Differences in population and ecological growth patterns did not independently affect neighboring.
Elevation of interleukin-8 and interleukin-6 precedes the influx of neutrophils in tracheal aspirates from preterm infants who develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia

The influx of inflammatory mediators and cells into the tracheobronchial effluent of preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) appears to be important in signaling the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The mechanism that initiates this early inflammatory response is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis whether increased interleukin-8 (IL-8), a potent chemoattractant for human neutrophils, appears in the airways of preterm infants with RDS in whom BPD develops before the influx of neutrophils. In addition, airway secretions were analyzed for the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) to test the hypothesis whether this pro-inflammatory cytokine is an early marker of inflammation in preterm infants with RDS who progress to BPD. Sixty-five infants less than 32 weeks gestation with RDS were enrolled on the first day of life and 56 infants completed the study, with 31 recovering from RDS (Non-BPD) and 25 infants progressing to BPD. Infants were excluded from enrollment in the presence of maternal chorioamnionitis, infection at birth, or infection within the first week of life. There were no significant differences in birthweight, gestational age, or prolonged rupture of membranes between the two groups. Serial tracheal aspirates (TA) were collected on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 while the infants remained intubated. Significant elevations of TA neutrophil counts were detected in the BPD group on days 5 and 7. Cell-free TA revealed marked elevations of IL-8 in the BPD group compared to the Non-BPD group [median (25th percentile, 75th percentile), ng/ml epithelial lining fluid (ELF)] on day 1 [BPD 485 (195, 840); Non-BPD 63.1 (28.3, 197), P < 0.05] and day 3 [BPD 740 (319, 1310); Non-BPD 111 (54.3, 337); P < 0.05], while on days 5 and 7, the differences were not statistically significant. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was measured as a marker of acute inflammation and was not different in the two groups on day 1, but was significantly elevated on day 3 [median (25th percentile, 75th percentile), ng/ml ELF; BPD 297 (62.1, 702); Non-BPD 72 (32.8, 266), P < 0.05] and on day 5 [BPD 270 (136, 672); Non-BPD 86.4 (57.8, 138), P < 0.05]. These studies demonstrate that elevation of IL-8 and IL-6 levels precedes the marked neutrophil influx seen in the TA of preterm infants in whom BPD develop. The presence of IL-8 and IL-6 in TA from these infants suggests that these cytokines either initiate the acute inflammatory cascade in the lungs, or they are early markers of the inflammatory process that places preterm infants at high risk for BPD.
Microtubule proteins in axolotl eggs and developing embryos.

Abstract Tubulin from eggs and embryos of the Mexican axolotl was characterized by electrophoresis and colchicine binding. In urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, soluble axolotl egg tubulin migrated as two bands, identical to tubulins from sea urchin sperm and Drosophila eggs. However, in SDS-containing gels, on which the α and β subunits of standard tubulins were well resolved, axolotl egg tubulin migrated as a single band with an apparent molecular weight of 53,500. The method of disruption of the eggs affected both yield of tubulin from vinblastine sulfate precipitates and stability of the colchicine binding activity. The colchicine binding activity of soluble tubulin from gently disrupted eggs was specific and of high affinity, with properties similar to those reported for other tubulins. The tubulin pool in unfertilized eggs was determined to be approximately 2 μg/egg; the level decreased 20% after initiation of cleavage and then remained constant through development to postneurula stages. The colchicine binding activity of soluble tubulin from embryos was much less stable than that of unfertilized eggs and decreased further during development. No differences were found in properties of tubulin from eggs of several strains of normally pigmented axolotls; however, tubulin from albino eggs showed slightly different properties in both electrophoresis and colchicine binding. The colchicine binding activity of soluble tubulin accounts for only half the total activity in axolotl eggs; they possess, in addition, a particulate nontubulin colchicine binding activity.
GovDoc-L An online intellectual community of documents librarians and other individuals concerned with access to government information

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to describe GovDoc-L, a computer-based electronic mail information resource available to librarians and others interested in government information issues. GovDoc-L is an example of a growing number of electronic “invisible colleges” developing as a result of the proliferation of electronic communications networks. Through GovDoc-L, interested individuals can share information and experience in a timely and efficient manner.
A link between individual differences in multisensory speech perception and eye movements

The McGurk effect is an illusion in which visual speech information dramatically alters the perception of auditory speech. However, there is a high degree of individual variability in how frequently the illusion is perceived: some individuals almost always perceive the McGurk effect, while others rarely do. Another axis of individual variability is the pattern of eye movements make while viewing a talking face: some individuals often fixate the mouth of the talker, while others rarely do. Since the talker's mouth carries the visual speech necessary information to induce the McGurk effect, we hypothesized that individuals who frequently perceive the McGurk effect should spend more time fixating the talker's mouth. We used infrared eye tracking to study eye movements as 40 participants viewed audiovisual speech. Frequent perceivers of the McGurk effect were more likely to fixate the mouth of the talker, and there was a significant correlation between McGurk frequency and mouth looking time. The noisy encoding of disparity model of McGurk perception showed that individuals who frequently fixated the mouth had lower sensory noise and higher disparity thresholds than those who rarely fixated the mouth. Differences in eye movements when viewing the talker’s face may be an important contributor to interindividual differences in multisensory speech perception.
TOXICITY OF PLASTICS USED IN MEDICAL PRACTICE. II. TOXICITY OF CITRIC ACID ESTERS USED AS PLASTICIZERS.

The acute and chronic toxicity of triethyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, and acetyl tributyl citrate was studied in a series of small animals. The behavior response to parenteral administration of the esters was observed in rats, mice, frogs, and rabbits. Mice were used to determine the LD 50 for each compound. All of the esters exhibited a marked effect on the CNS evidenced by increased respiration rate, convulsions, and cord depression. When applied locally to the nerve, the citrates rapidly blocked nerve conduction. A profound depressor action was observed in cats and rabbits which was attributed to a direct cardiac inhibitory effect. Chronic administration for a period of 2 weeks resulted in a depression of weight gain; in the animals that received acetyl tributyl citrate evidence of a change in the blood picture was observed. Histopathological examinations revealed no damage to the liver, kidney, lungs, and spinal cord in the chronic animals.
Infrared properties of quark gas

Infrared properties of quark gas at finite density are studied using renormalization-group-improved perturbation theory. The running coupling constant shows color charge screening in the infrared region and asymptotic freedom in the ultraviolet region. Color density correlations are finite. Instanton contributions to the partition function are estimated and found to be large at low density. Possible ambiguities of the perturbation expansion in the many-body medium are discussed.
Long-term Incentive Effects of Executive Stock Options

Although stock options have been widely used as part of firms’ long-term incentive plans, rarely has any study examined whether stock options indeed achieved the intended long-term incentive effect. This study for the first time examines whether stock options have motivated executives to take a long-term perspective of the firms. This question is addressed by examining how executives perceive the value of underwater options, which is revealed by the changes in firms’ new option grants that followed the deep stock price decline in the most recent financial crisis of 2008. It draws on prospect theory and complements rational option valuation methods by incorporating behavioral perspectives in executives’ stock option valuation. Contrasting hypotheses regarding firms’ new option grants in response to the losses from underwater options are developed under three assumptions: (1) “short-term view of executives”, (2) “long-term view of executives” and (3) “behavioral view of executives”. The results of the regre...
Mycobacterium scrofulaceum: a bacterial contaminant in plant tissue culture

Abstract The identification of a widespread contaminant of plant cell cultures is reported. Mycobacterium scrofulaceum Prissick and Masson appears as yellow colonies on the medium and plant tissues of many ornamentals being propagated in vitro. It is a Gram positive and acid fast bacterium and requires a specifically formulated medium for growth in pure culture. Many laboratories have alluded to this contaminant but have been unable to identify it because of its culture requirements.
Corticosteroids and rituximab as adjunctive treatments for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Although treatment with plasma exchange increased the survival of patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura to 80% in the 1980s, no further increase of survival occurred over the next 20 years. However, more consistent use of adjuvant treatment with corticosteroids and rituximab in recent years has begun to further increase survival as well as decrease the frequency of relapse. With adjuvant treatment, durable remissions can be achieved more quickly, requiring fewer days of plasma exchange. Fewer days of plasma exchange have resulted in fewer complications, such as central venous catheter-related systemic infections. Future potential options for adjuvant treatment, recombinant ADAMTS13 to correct severe ADAMTS13 deficiency, and agents to block von Willebrand factor-mediated platelet thrombosis are being investigated.
Medical treatment of ectopic pregnancy with methotrexate

Abstract Objective : To review our experience with low-dose IM methotrexate for the medical management of ectopic pregnancy (EP). Design : Retrospective chart review. Setting : Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Patient(s) : The first 50 women treated by the resident service in whom EP was diagnosed and treated with methotrexate. Intervention(s) : Intramuscular methotrexate, 50 mg/m 2 . Serum β-hCG was evaluated 4 and 7 days after treatment and then weekly thereafter. The dose was repeated if the β-hCG level did not drop ≥15% between days 4 and 7 or if a plateau or rise was noted during weekly follow-up evaluation. Surgery was performed if significant abdominal pain occurred in the presence of hemodynamic instability or signs of peritoneal irritation on physical examination. Main Outcome Measure(s) : Resolution of the EP without surgical intervention. Result(s) : Two patients were lost to follow-up and one was treated without a certain diagnosis of EP. Forty-three of the remaining 47 women (91.5%; 95% confidence interval, 83.5%, 99.5%) were treated successfully with methotrexate. Of these, 36 women were treated with a single dose, and 7 required a second dose. Four women were treated surgically after medical management failed. The time from initiation of treatment to cure in women who were treated successfully was 25 ± 15 days (mean ± SD). Thirteen patients (27.7%) made additional visits to the emergency department because of increased abdominal pain. Conclusion(s) : As medical therapy for EP becomes common practice, familiarity with its side effects may lead to greater success rates. The decision to abandon medical treatment and proceed with surgery should be based on defined guidelines, such as the development of peritoneal signs, decreasing hemoglobin levels, or hemodynamic instability.
SU-FF-T-398: Monte Carlo Simulations to Configure a Treatment Planning System for Modulated Scanning Proton Delivery

Purpose: To generate a library of data in order to configure our treatment planning system for modulated, scanned proton delivery. Method and Materials: We use Monte Carlo simulations to generate modulated scanning data for our treatment planning system. A simplified model of the treatment delivery nozzle was implemented as our simulation geometry. Primary protons were generated in the nozzle just downbeam of the last pair of focusing quadrupolemagnets. The phase space for these primary protons is taken to be double‐Gaussian in both spatial and angular distribution. Given the specifications of spot‐size at isocenter, the beam emittance, and that the beam be focused at isocenter, the phase space for primaries was derived by back‐transporting the spot‐size at isocenter using Fermi‐Eyges theory. Results: We find good agreement between Fermi‐Eyges theory and Monte Carlo for pencil beams propagating through vacuum and air. The difference in spot size between Fermi‐Eyges and Monte Carlo at isocenter is less than 100 um. We generate profiles and depth‐dose curves that were used to configure our treatment planning system. Conclusions: Fermi‐Eyges theory can be used to find initial phase spaces for pencils beams focused at isocenter. This work was supported by the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command under Contract Agreement No. DAMD17‐W81XWH‐04‐2‐0022. Opinions, interpretations, conclusions and recommendations are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by the US Army.
The deductive method in the physical sciences

After pointing out the lack of attention paid to basic methodology in the United States until very recently, the inductive and deductive methods are discussed together with the correlational and theoretical approaches to scientific research. It also is indicated that the method of theoretical science can and should be applied to the social sciences.
A statistical measurement of the heating season effectiveness of ceiling insulation in San Diego

Abstract Retrofit R-19 ceiling insulation is evaluated as a natural gas conservation measure in San Diego, California. A statistical measurment comparing 82 test homes and 104 matched control homes resulted in a 95% confidence interval lower bound saving of 21% of total December–February natural gas consumption, an energy payback period of less than one year, and a life cycle cost payback of 6.4 years (assuming a 10% annual fuel escalation factor and a 6% discount rate). An ASHRAE heating degree day analysis was performed giving similar results. It is also demonstrated that insulation saves substantial amounts of natural gas even in the mild fall season and that no statistically significant increase in electricity consumption resulted from installation of insulation. Finally, no evidence was found to support the theory that, due to the mild climate in San Diego, significant numbers of conservation minded people are turning off their furnaces in winter. Addition of insulation enabled test homes to maintain “comfortable” temperatures with smaller expenditures of natural gas.
Biology, behavior, and evolution

Swindler, Daris R., and J. Erwin, eds. Comparative Primate Biology. Volume 1: Systematics, Evolution, and Anatomy. New York: Alan R. Liss, 1986. v + 820 pp. including photographs, tables, illustrations, chapter references, and taxonomic, author, and subject indices. $190.00 cloth. Mitchell, G., and J. Erwin, eds. Comparative Primate Biology. Volume 2A: Behavior, Conservation, and Ecology. New York: Alan R. Liss, 1987. v + 633 pp. including photographs, tables, chapter references, and taxonomic, author, and subject indices. $150.00 cloth. Dukelow, W. Richard, and J. Erwin, eds. Comparative Primate Biology. Volume 3: Reproduction and Development. New York: Alan R. Liss, 1986. v + 497 pp. including chapter references, tables, and taxonomic, author, and subject indices. $120.00 cloth.