cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Respiratory Standards in Manual Ventilation in Neonatal and Pediatric Populations

Background: Manual ventilation is a basic and vital skill for respiratory therapists (RTs). High peak pressures delivered via bag valve mask (BVM) can be dangerous for pediatric patients and lack of adequate oxygenation and/or ventilation can lead to death.1 At our institution, significant variability between manual ventilation of neonatal and pediatric patients has been observed. We aimed to examine ventilation techniques via a non-self-inflating manual resuscitation device to provide education and instruction in an effort to standardize optimal practice within our department and evaluate response to hands-on training. Methods: RT BVM performance was evaluated in the emergency department skills station at our annual skills fair. In the station, RTs were randomly given 2 of 3 scenarios (Table 1) and instructed to manually ventilate a Michigan test lung (compliance 0.5 L/cm H2O) for 60 s via non-self-inflating BVM while data was recorded via Pneuview 3.2 software. After initial scenario, education was provided on expected targets and the RT repeated the scenarios. In an IRB approved retrospective analysis, RT data from days 1 and 2 (4/12/2021 and 4/13/2021) of the skills fair were reviewed and evaluated for BVM RR, PIP, and PEEP from RT manual ventilation pre and post education. Results: A total of 9 data sets were analyzed for 52 RTs, for which 3 showed statistical significance (Figure 1). In scenario A, PIP prior to education was 16.5 cm H2O compared to a post education PIP of 5.7 cm H2O (P 0.0221). In scenario B, BVM RR prior to education was 30.1 compared to post education BVM RR of 23.3 (P 0.0057). In scenario C, BVM RR prior to education was 42.4 compared to post education BVM rate of 16.4 (P 0.0078). Standard deviations decreased in 7 of the 9 data sets showing increased consistency post education. Conclusions: Improper manual ventilation techniques can result in harm and/or physiological impairment to patients. After providing critical feedback and standardized BVM goals for RR, PIP, and PEEP variability of BVM techniques between participants decreased which supported delivery of optimal manual BVM ventilation. Further studies should be done to assess effective BVM skill set amongst other disciplines and in real time. Reference: Culbreth R, Gardenhire D. Manual bag valve mask ventilation performance among respiratory therapists. Heart Lung 2021;50 (3):471-475.
Time delays in flight simulator visual displays

It is pointed out that the effects of delays of less than 100 msec in visual displays on pilot dynamic response and system performance are of particular interest at this time because improvements in the latest computer-generated imagery (CGI) systems are expected to reduce CGI displays delays to this range. Attention is given to data which quantify the effects of display delays in the range of 0-100 msec on system stability and performance, and pilot dynamic response for a particular choice of aircraft dynamics, display, controller, and task. The conventional control system design methods are reviewed, the pilot response data presented, and data for long delays, all suggest lead filter compensation of display delay. Pilot-aircraft system crossover frequency information guides compensation filter specification.
A General Natural-language Text Processor for Clinical Radiology

Objective : Development of a general natural-language processor that identifies clinical information in narrative reports and maps that information into a structured representation containing clinical terms. Design : The natural-language processor provides three phases of processing, all of which are driven by different knowledge sources. The first phase performs the parsing. It identifies the structure of the text through use of a grammar that defines semantic patterns and a target form. The second phase, regularization, standardizes the terms in the initial target structure via a compositional mapping of multi-word phrases. The third phase, encoding, maps the terms to a controlled vocabulary. Radiology is the test domain for the processor and the target structure is a formal model for representing clinical information in that domain. Measurements : The impression sections of 230 radiology reports were encoded by the processor. Results of an automated query of the resultant database for the occurrences of four diseases were compared with the analysis of a panel of three physicians to determine recall and precision. Results : Without training specific to the four diseases, recall and precision of the system(combined effect of the processor and query generator) were 70% and 87%. Training of the query component increased recall to 85% without changing precision.
Roundoff error analysis of the pipelined ADPCM coder

Roundoff error analysis of a pipelined adaptive differential pulse code modulation (ADPCM) coder is presented. The pipelined coder has been developed by employing the relaxed look-ahead technique. It is shown that the precision of the quantized prediction error and those of the predictor coefficients are critical. Analytical expressions for lower bounds on these precisions are presented. An expression for the excess mean-squared prediction error due to finite-precision is also derived. Based on these expressions, a systematic method for assigning precision to various signals in the coder is developed. Simulation results with real image data confirm the results of this analysis. >
Role of Reproductive Hormones in Islet Adaptation to Metabolic Stress 28

There is an interaction between reproduction and energy stores. Both the production and secretion of insulin by pancreatic islet β-cells must adapt to the metabolic demands of various environmental stresses related to reproduction and energy status. These adaptations must occur in a sex-specific manner.
Treatment of Experimental Staphylococcal Endocarditis Due to a Strain with Reduced Susceptibility In Vitro to Vancomycin: Efficacy of Ampicillin-Sulbactam

We evaluated several 3-day antimicrobial regimens in the treatment of experimental endocarditis caused by an oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain exhibiting intermediate susceptibility in vitro to vancomycin (VISA). Neither vancomycin alone nor trovafloxacin exhibited in vivo efficacy; addition of amikacin to vancomycin yielded a modest in vivo effect. In contrast, the combination of ampicillin and sulbactam was highly effective in vivo, causing a mean decrease in VISA vegetation densities of >5 log(10) CFU/g versus those of untreated controls.
Rotavirus genome segment 4 determines viral replication phenotype in cultured liver cells (HepG2).

Abstract One-step growth determinations were performed with five strains of rotavirus in HepG2, a cell line derived from human liver. Three virus strains (SA11-C13, SA11-C14, and RRV) replicated in HepG2 cells and attained yields 10- to 100-fold above input titers. Two virus strains (B223 and SA11-4F) failed to replicate above input titer. Analysis of reassortants that segregated the genes of parental virus pairs able and unable to replicate revealed that the HepG2 cell growth phenotype segregated with genome segment 4. Immunofluorescence analysis of infected HepG2 cells showed that the production of detectable antigen correlated with the growth phenotype and also segregated with genome segment 4. Thus, we conclude that (i) some virus strains were capable of replication in cultured liver cells while other strains could not replicate under identical conditions and that (ii) the inability of some virus strains to replicate resulted from a segment 4-associated block in replication before protein synthesis. These results are discussed in terms of what is known of the functions of VP4.
Optoelectronic interconnects using microlens arrays formed in glass

The method of fabricating two-dimensional patterns of glass microlenses by a photothermal technique in a photosensitive glass is reviewed. Techniques by which the lenses are characterized and tested are discussed. Applications to a number of optoelectronic devices are shown and discussed. Lens arrays made by the process described can be classified into three optical-function categories: one-to-one arrays, optical-fiber interfaces, and field multiplexing. >
The keys of success of a health card project: the lessons learned from 9 health cards project

The aim of the paper is to outline the keys to success of the implementation of a specific computer based medical system, the Health Card. The advice suggested is issued from the experience of 9 European and Canadian health card projects. The advice applies to national or local health card projects. No real distinction is made in consideration of the scale of the project: some of the recommendations are more specific to large scale projects, and depend on the government. However, most of the advice can apply to national or local projects. Our concern is "health cards", but a lot of recommendations can also apply to telematics, particularly to the computerized medical record.
Mechanism of Adenine Inhibition in Adenine-Sensitive Mutants of Salmonella typhimurium

Dalal, Fram R. (University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia), Ronald E. Gots, and Joseph S. Gots. Mechanism of adenine inhibition in adenine-sensitive mutants of Salmonella typhimurium. J. Bacteriol. 91: 507-513. 1966.-The inhibition of growth of Salmonella typhimurium by adenine was studied with three adenine-sensitive mutants. These mutants were acutely sensitive to inhibition by adenine, were prototrophic in their growth requirements, and represented mutational events in three different genetic loci. In all cases, inhibition by adenine was relieved noncompetitively by thiamine (or its pyrimidine moiety), pantothenate (or its pantoyl moiety), and methionine alone or, more efficiently, in the presence of lysine. Kinetics of reversal indicated that adenine inhibited the synthesis of the reversing agents, probably at the level of a common factor required for their syntheses, such as the folic acid coenzymes. Support for this inference has been found by the facts that one of the mutants was identified as a partial auxotroph for p-aminobenzoic acid, and sulfadiazine could sensitize the wild type to acute inhibition by adenine.
Molecular mechanisms of light damage to the eye and its treatment

The eye is continually subjected to ambient radiation. The benign function of this light is to direct vision and circadian rhythm. However, under intense light from artificial sources such as lasers and operating room microscopes the natural protection of eye against light damage may be undermined. The damage can be a result of a photochemical, thermal or mechanical injury which can all disrupt ocular tissues. The mechanism for the above damage involves the production free radical and reactive oxygen intermediates either as a primary effect of the absorbance of the light or as a secondary effect due to an inflammatory response to heat or mechanical injury. This can induce a cytokine cascade as well as induce the increased production of nitric oxide. Glutathione mimics can block light induced free radical and oxygen radical intermediates in the eye. For instance, singlet oxygen is scavenged at a rate of 106 M-1 s-1; hydroxyl radical is scavenged at a rate of 109 M-1 s-1 and superoxide is scavenged at a rate of 103 M-1 s-1. In addition thiols block nitric oxide and other intermediates involved in an inflammatory response. Glutathione mimics which have offered in vivo protection against light damage to the lens and retina, have the potential to protect against laser-induced damage to the human eye.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Physical Activity and Cardiometabolic Characteristics in Overweight Latina Women

This community-based study examined physical activity (PA) in relation to cardiometabolic risk factors among 223 adult, immigrant Latina women who were overweight or obese. Participants were predominantly of Mexican descent, married and low-income. Data were obtained through accelerometer readings and clinical measures (e.g., BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar). Findings showed that many women were active (mean step count = 8,575 ± 3,191); 27.6 % achieved 10,000 steps per day, and only 11 % were sedentary. They engaged in short bouts of moderate PA rather than long-sustained moderate-to-vigorous activity. Three or more MetS traits were present in 45.3 % of the women, raising concerns about risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. More active women had lower BMI, weight, waist circumference, and triglycerides levels. Results point to the importance of targeting maintenance of PA in active women and intervening with culturally tailored programs to promote healthier behavior in those who are sedentary or somewhat active.
Phosphorylation and Local Presynaptic Protein Synthesis in Calcium- and Calcineurin-Dependent Induction of Crayfish Long-Term Facilitation

Long-term facilitation at the crayfish opener muscle is elicited by prolonged high frequency stimulation, and arises from an increase in functional active zones, resulting in increased transmitter release. LTF induction depends critically upon presynaptic calcium accumulation and calcineurin (PP2B) activity. The protein synthesis dependence of this synaptic strengthening was investigated. LTF occurred without transcription, but the translation inhibitors cycloheximide and anisomycin, or local presynaptic injection of mRNA cap analog m7GpppG, impaired LTF expression. Both MAP kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase (PI3K) activation are implicated in this rapamycin-sensitive synaptic potentiation. This study defines an important role for protein synthesis in the expression of activity-dependent plasticity, and provides mechanistic insight for the induction of this process at presynaptic sites.
Titanium(IV) and Vitamin C: Aqueous Complexes of a Bioactive Form of Ti(IV)

Ascorbic acid is among the biorelevant ligands that render Ti(IV) stable in aqueous solution. A series of pH-dependent titanium(IV) coordination complexes of l-ascorbic acid is described. Directed by spectropotentiometric methods, important aspects of the aqueous interactions in this system are investigated, including ligand binding mode, pH-dependent metal–ligand stoichiometry, and the importance of metal ion-promoted hydrolysis and the binding of hydroxide. Stability constants are determined for all metal ion–ligand–proton complexes by a process of model optimization and nonlinear least-squares fitting of the combined spectropotentiometric titration data to the log βMLH values in the model. A speciation diagram is generated from the set of stability constants described in the model. In the range pH 3–10, the aqueous speciation is characterized by the sequential appearance of the following complexes as a function of added base: Ti(asc)20 → Ti(asc)32- → Ti(asc)2(OH)22- → Ti(asc)(OH)42-. These species domi...
Advanced technologies for residential appliance and lighting market transformation

Abstract This article describes an assessment of options for and barriers to improved efficiency in four key energy consuming residential products: refrigerator/freezers, clothes washers, electric water heaters, and lighting equipment. National energy savings were calculated using the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's (LBNL) Residential Energy Model, which projects the number of households and appliance saturations over time. Energy savings are shown for the period 1998 to 2015. The analysis shows that significant energy savings beyond those achieved through existing efficiency standards are possible. In the face of market and other barriers, however, realizing the technical potentials described in this paper will require an active policy approach to market transformation. Since this article was completed, LBNL has commenced a new set of analyses of energy savings potential in refrigerator/freezers and clothes washers. These and subsequent analyses may enhance technical information given here, furthering an understanding of energy efficiency potential in the residential and commercial sectors.
Linkage analysis and loss of heterozygosity for chromosome arm 1p in familial breast cancer.

We conducted linkage analysis of 64 multiple-case families with early-onset bilateral breast cancer using DNA markers on chromosome band 1p36. Evidence against tight linkage was obtained using a dominant model for transmission (summary LOD scores at recombination fraction θ = 0.000001 were -4.71 for D1S160 and -2.70 for D1S170). Similar results were obtained after excluding 20 families that were potentially attributable to BRCA1 or BRCA2. We also investigated loss of heterozygosity for a panel of markers on chromosome arm 1p using breast tumors from affected family members. The most common regions of allele loss were 1p36 (32% for D1S160, 35% for D1S243) and 1p32 (51% for MYCL). The frequency and location of 1p allele loss did not differ substantially from previous studies of sporadic breast cancer. We conclude that 1p36 probably does not contain a locus of susceptibility for a large proportion of breast cancer families, but a variety of loci on 1p may contribute to progression of familial and sporadic disease. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 25:354–361, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Emissions–calibrated equilibrium heat release model for direct injection compression ignition engines

Abstract The heat release analysis of an internal combustion engine is essential for understanding the process of combustion, with models commonly used as tools during engine testing. This effort describes a zero-dimensional (0-D), three-zone model (burned, unburned, and fuel mass zones) for computing the rate of heat release using in-cylinder pressure–time history. Each zone is thermodynamically independent except for the shared use of the pressure trace. By utilizing fundamental mass and energy balances, the model balances numerical accuracy with time-efficient computation. Improvements to the literature in this area include the incorporation of an Arrhenius-based function for the rate of combustion, freeing the user from having to diagnose the duration of the combustion event. Additionally, this methodology allows the rate of heat release to be calculated from a thermodynamic analysis of the change in the bulk gas as indicated by the pressure trace. The model is calibrated to a combustion efficiency found through a separate emissions analysis, providing a stable numerical platform. Model results demonstrate the rate of heat release of various fuel chemistries (mineral diesels, oxygenates, and other fuels) and testing modes (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), utilizing pressure data acquired from the testing of a single-cylinder compression ignition engine.
Automated Detection of Pulmonary Nodules in HRCT Images

Lung cancer's death rates have been the main cause of cancer deaths in the world, early detection and treatment of lung cancer can greatly improve the survival rate of patient. This paper presents an automatic computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme that can identify the pulmonary nodule at an early stage from CT images. The work is separated to several steps: the segmentation of lung parenchyma, trachea and main airway bronchi elimination, the filter of nodule candidates, the detection of nodule candidates, the feature extraction and classification, three-dimensional visualization. The clinical testing for lots of lung cancer patients revealed that its high detection sensitivity of pulmonary nodules can meet basically the requirement of clinical diagnosis.
Acts of social justice: creating policy relevance for overlooked minorities.

Acts of Social Justice Creating Policy Relevance for Overlooked Minorities , Acts of Social Justice Creating Policy Relevance for Overlooked Minorities , کتابخانه دیجیتال دفتر تبلیغات اسلامی
Suspension suture canthopexy: a minimally invasive procedure for correcting mild to moderate ectropion.

BACKGROUND: Ectropion of the lower eyelid can occur after blepharoplasty as well as reconstructive procedures. Even mild ectropion can cause irritation or epiphora. Patients with preexisting lid laxity are at higher risk for post procedure ectropion. AIMS: To describe a method for canthopexy and discuss its indications, benefits and limitations. METHODS: We describe a technique that has been used on dozens of patients by both the authors. RESULTS: This suspension suture canthopexy corrects mild to moderate ectropion. DISCUSSION: Suspension suture canthopexy is effective in patients with the appropriate indications. It can be performed under local anesthesia with minimal complications. Unlike other forms of lid tightening, it does not change the shape of the eye. CONCLUSION: Suspension suture canthopexy which is an ancillary procedure for eyelid rejuvenation is valuable procedure to master by the dermatologic surgeon.
The Role of Perception in Imaging: Past and Future

The accurate and efficient interpretation of medical images relies on a host of factors. Clearly the technologies and methods used to acquire, process, transmit, store, and display the image and associated data are critical, but they are only one-half of the equation. In the end, the final diagnostic interpretation and recommendations for further action lie with the clinician. Ideally we would like to believe that all decisions rendered by competent clinicians are correct, but the interpretation task is not always easy or black and white. Thus, decisions are not always absolutely conclusive, are often formulated with plausible alternatives, and errors in interpretation can and do occur regularly. The discipline of medical image perception seeks an improved understanding of the perceptual factors that underlie the creation and interpretation of medical images, with the belief that improved diagnostic performance with the use of imaging devices can be achieved by the development of systems that are optimized for the interpretation of visual diagnostic information. Perception research can identify specific reasons for missed diagnoses, thereby helping to train physicians and eliminate diagnostic errors, and clarifying situations in which errors are a consequence of fundamentally ambiguous information rather than poor reader performance. The goal of this article is to provide a short review of the history of the discipline of medical image perception, highlight key research areas, and provide a look toward the future regarding the role that medical image perception research will continue to fill as imaging technology in medicine advances and develops.
Natural killer activity of human liver-derived lymphocytes in various liver diseases.

Liver-derived lymphocytes were isolated from 40 human livers with end-stage liver disease that were removed at the time of orthotopic liver transplantation. In addition, 10 resection specimens or whole livers removed from patients with liver cancer and seven normal livers (unused donor organs) were studied as controls. Liver-derived lymphocytes were isolated from enzymatically digested tissue by gradient centrifugation and adherence to plastic. Their phenotypical characteristics were studied by two-color flow cytometry, and effector cell function was determined in 4-hr 51Cr-release assays against a natural killer-sensitive target, K562 (natural killer activity), natural killer-resistant Daudi line (lymphokine-activated killer activity) and by P815 line with or without phytohemagglutinin to assess lectin-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Liver-derived lymphocytes isolated from normal liver contained equal proportions of T and natural killer lymphocytes (mean natural killer/T ratio = 0.7). CD3−CD56+ CD16− natural killer cells were the main natural killer subset present in liver-derived lymphocytes, in contrast to the predominant natural killer phenotype in the circulation (CD56+ CD16+). Control liver-derived lymphocytes had levels of cytotoxicity significantly greater than those of the normal peripheral-blood lymphocytes against all three targets. In contrast, liver-derived lymphocytes isolated from organs with advanced liver disease differed markedly in the natural killer/T cell ratio and levels of liver-derived lymphocyte cytotoxicity. Liver-derived lymphocytes obtained from hepatocellular carcinoma or rejecting allografts treated by immunosuppressive therapy had virtually no cytotoxicity. The highest levels of cytotoxicity, including spontaneous lymphokine-activated killer activity (which is not normally detectable in freshly isolated peripheral-blood lymphocytes) were observed in liver-derived lymphocytes obtained from patients with non-A, non-B hepatitis and metastatic liver cancer. These liver-derived lymphocytes also had the highest natural killer/T cell ratio of all liver-derived lymphocytes in patients with liver disease studied. Alterations in natural killer numbers and function of liver-derived lymphocytes, which are seen in various liver diseases, may reflect different pathological processes, disease origins or local activation states. Functionally active natural killer cells are present in the liver even in cases of end-stage disease and may play a pathophysiological role in viral and neoplastic liver disease.
Breast tumor-derived factors stimulate reduction of estrone to estradiol in nonmalignant breast tissue.

This study examines the paracrine influence by human breast carcinoma cells (UISO-BCA-1) on nonmalignant breast tissuein vitro. The 17β-OH-SDH-mediated reductive pathway (estrone→estradiol) was significantly increased in nonmalignant breast tissue coincubated with human breast carcinoma cells, compared to control tissues incubated in the media alone. No influence on the enzyme activity was noticed in coincubated breast cancer cells. Preincubation of breast cancer cells with estradiol (10−8 M) significantly decreased the enzyme activity in coincubated nonmalignant breast tissue, which was restored to control levels by addition of R5020 (10−8 M), tamoxifen (10−6 M), or a combination of both. In nonmalignant tissues incubated in the presence of growth factor TGFα, enzyme activity was reduced to between 46% and 76%. No other growth factors (IGF I, IGF II, PDGF) influenced enzyme activity. In nonmalignant tissues incubated with malignant tumor cytosol, enzyme activity was increased in 16% cases, inhibited in 21%, and not significantly changed in 63%.
Quantification of gaps in the EMG interference pattern in chronic hemiparesis

Abstract This study presents a quantification of the impersistence in the EMG interference pattern (IP) produced during maximal effort by patients with chronic hemiparesis. Monopolar needles were used to record from the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and extensor carpi radialis longus (ECR) muscles of both the paretic and non-paretic sides of 19 patients with a history of unilateral CVA and 10 healthy control subjects during maximal voluntary isometric wrist flexion or extension. We found more gaps in the IP and fewer total seconds of EMG activity in paretic or control forearm muscles. The number of gaps was similar in paretic FCR and ECR, but the reduced active time in paretic ECR indicates proportionally more gaps per second of EMG activity. This method provides quantitative measures of both the lapses (gaps in the IP during maximal effort and the inability to sustain EMG activity (total seconds) during long contractions. The latter measure is sufficiently sensitive to distinguish the greater impairment of a paretic wrist extensor than a paretic wrist flexor muscle, and both may prove to be valuable for future comparisons of the severity of paresis and the progress of recovery. These results represent the first quantitative confirmation of previous qualitative descriptions of impersistent recruitment.
Role of the human C8 subunits in complement-mediated bacterial killing: evidence that C8γ is not essential

Abstract Human C8 is one of five complement components (C5b, C6, C7, C8 and C9) that interact to form the cytolytic membrane attack complex (MAC) on bacterial cell membranes. It is an oligomeric protein composed of a disulfide-linked C8α–γ heterodimer and a non-covalently associated C8β chain. Previous studies revealed that C8α and C8β have distinct roles in the formation of the MAC on simple cells such as erythrocytes and that both subunits are essential for cell lysis. These studies also determined that C8γ is not required for expression of MAC hemolytic activity. To determine if these conclusions are applicable to more biologically relevant systems, the C8 subunits were examined for their ability to support complement-mediated killing of Gram-negative bacteria. Results indicate: (1) C8α–γ, C8α, C8β and C8γ have no independent bactericidal activity; (2) bacterial killing requires C8β and either C8α–γ or C8α; (3) C8α is an effective substitute for C8α–γ in bacterial killing; and (4) C8γ enhances, but is not required for C8 bactericidal activity. Together, these data suggest that C8α and C8β have correspondingly similar roles in MAC-mediated lysis of erythrocytes and bacterial killing. Furthermore, they provide the first direct evidence that C8γ is not required for complement-mediated killing of Gram-negative bacteria.
Distinguished Lecture: Facing Power—Old Insights, New Questions

This essay was delivered as the Distinguished Lecture at the 88th annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association, November 19, 1989, in Washington, D.C.
Arsenic immobilization by calcium–arsenic precipitates in lime treated soils

Abstract Lime-based stabilization/solidification (S/S) can be an effective remediation alternative for the immobilization of arsenic (As) in contaminated soils and sludges. However, the exact immobilization mechanism has not been well established. Based on previous research, As immobilization could be attributed to sorption and/or inclusion in pozzolanic reaction products and/or the formation of calcium–arsenic (Ca–As) precipitates. In this study, suspensions of lime–As and lime–As–kaolinite were studied in an attempt to elucidate the controlling mechanism of As immobilization in lime treated soils. Aqueous lime–As suspensions (slurries) with varying Ca/As molar ratios (1:1, 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1 and 4:1) were prepared and soluble As concentrations were determined. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were used to establish the resulting mineralogy of crystalline precipitate formation. Depending on the redox state of the As source, different As precipitates were identified. When As (III) was used, the main precipitate formation was Ca–As–O. With As(V) as the source, Ca 4 (OH) 2 (AsO 4 ) 2 4H 2 O formed at Ca/As molar ratios greater than 1:1. A significant increase in As (III) immobilization was observed at Ca/As molar ratios greater than 1:1. Similarly, a substantial increase in As (V) immobilization was noted at Ca/As molar ratios greater than or equal to 2.5:1. This observation was also confirmed by XRD. Lime–As–kaolinite slurries were also prepared at different Ca/As molar ratios. These slurries were used to specifically investigate the possibility of forming pozzolanic reaction products. Such products would immobilize As by sorption and/or inclusion along with the formations of different As precipitates. Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) tests were used to evaluate As leachability in these slurries. XRD analyses revealed no pozzolanic reaction product formation. Instead, As immobilization was found to be precipitation controlled. The same Ca–As precipitate, Ca–As–O, identified in the lime–As slurries, was also identified when As (III) was used as the As source, at Ca/As molar ratios greater than or equal to 2.5:1. When As (V) was used as the contamination source in the lime–As–kaolinite slurries, the formation of NaCaAsO 4 7.5H 2 O was observed. The effectiveness of both As (III) and As (V) immobilization in these slurries appeared to increase with increasing Ca/As molar ratios.
Accessibility and Agency Website Design: Stumbling Backwards? A Follow-Up Study

This follow-up longitudinal study examined 86 social service agency websites that were previously examined in 2000. The websites were examined on dimensions of the language, readability, and disability access over a 10-year period. Data were gathered in 2000, 2005, and 2010. The results indicate that agencies are not creating websites that are user-friendly for diverse populations. This is due to complex reading and comprehension levels and a lack of language opportunities on the websites. Agencies may be able to better serve clients by a decrease in the sophistication of the agency website, namely reading comprehension levels.
RACE DECAYS AND HEAVY NEUTRINO MIXING

From the experimental upper bound on the decay μ→eγ the mixing of a heavy neutral lepton (m>45 GeV) with νe and νμ can be constrained to be . In turn this implies a contribution to KL→μe of no more than 2×10-15 in the branching ratio.
CHANGES IN ABSORBANCE SPECTRUM OF THE DIATOM PHAEODACTYLUM TRICORNUTUM UPON MODIFICATION OF PROTEIN STRUCTURE1,2

SUMMARY Changes in the absorbance spectrum, of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum which are brought about by heat, urea, stilt, and formaldehyde have been studied. The changes brought about by all agents are similar. Each converts cell suspensions from orange-brown to yellow-green. This color change results from an increase in absorbance in the blue and a decrease in absorbance in the green. All agents, except salt, also bring about an increase in absorbance in the red at wavelengths below that of the red peak of chlorophyll, and a decrease in absorbance at longer wavelengths. On heating cells, the absorbance change in the green occurs more rapidly than the changes in the blue and red. The converse is true when cells are treated with 4 M NaCl. Heat or formaldehyde treatments chemically modify chlorophyll pigments which are present in untreated cells. The change in absorbance in the green is probably due to changes in the molecular environment of fucoxanthin which, results from protein modification. The changes in the blue and red are at least partly due to chemical changes in chlorophylls, but may also be due, in part, to protein modification.
Prophylactic Treatment with a G Glycoprotein Monoclonal Antibody Reduces Pulmonary Inflammation in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-Challenged Naïve and Formalin-Inactivated RSV-Immunized BALB/c Mice

We examined whether prophylactically administered anti-respiratory syncytial virus (anti-RSV) G monoclonal antibody (MAb) would decrease the pulmonary inflammation associated with primary RSV infection and formalin-inactivated RSV (FI-RSV)-enhanced disease in mice. MAb 131-2G administration 1 day prior to primary infection reduced the pulmonary inflammatory response and the level of RSV replication. Further, intact or F(ab′) 2 forms of MAb 131-2G administered 1 day prior to infection in FI-RSV-vaccinated mice reduced enhanced inflammation and disease. This study shows that an anti-RSV G protein MAb might provide prophylaxis against both primary infection and FI-RSV-associated enhanced disease. It is possible that antibodies with similar reactivities might prevent enhanced disease and improve the safety of nonlive virus vaccines.
Regulation of Calcium/Calmodulin-dependent Kinase IV by O-GlcNAc Modification

Similar to phosphorylation, GlcNAcylation (the addition of O-GlcNAc to Ser(Thr) residues on polypeptides) is an abundant, dynamic, and inducible post-translational modification. GlcNAcylated proteins are crucial in regulating virtually all cellular processes, including signaling, cell cycle, and transcription. Here we show that calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase IV (CaMKIV) is highly GlcNAcylated in vivo. In addition, we show that upon activation of HEK293 cells, hemagglutinin-tagged CaMKIV GlcNAcylation rapidly decreases, in a manner directly opposing its phosphorylation at Thr-200. Correspondingly, there is an increase in CaMKIV interaction with O-GlcNAcase during CaMKIV activation. Furthermore, we identify at least five sites of GlcNAcylation on CaMKIV. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we determine that the GlcNAcylation sites located in the active site of CaMKIV can modulate its phosphorylation at Thr-200 and its activity toward cAMP-response element-binding transcription factor. Our results strongly indicate that the O-GlcNAc modification participates in the regulation of CaMKIV activation and function, possibly coordinating nutritional signals with the immune and nervous systems. This is the first example of an O-GlcNAc/phosphate cycle involving O-GlcNAc transferase/kinase cross-talk.
The behaviour of different strains of Plasmodium falciparum in suspension and static culture

Abstract The growth of two strains of Plasmodium falciparum was observed in the classic culture conditions of Trager & Jensen, and also in suspension culture. For one strain, the latter method yielded only slightly more parasite material than the classic technique, whereas the growth of a second strain was considerably improved by it. Different parasite isolates may therefore vary in their physiological requirements in vitro .
DWDM label-based lookups and forwarding scheme using multiwavelength optical packet processing

Address/label lookup and data forwarding are the most fundamental functions of a router. Much research work has been concentrated on minimizing the lookup and forwarding time in a high-throughput Terabits router. Though novel algorithms and data structures have been developed to overcome this potential bottleneck, all of these schemes are still processed in the electronic domain. This implies major throughput limitations on electro-optic conversion and processing of packets one at a time (per forwarding engine). In this paper, we attempt to overcome these bottlenecks by introducing multiwavelength optical packet-based processing for table lookup. The distinctive features of this technique include, (1) feasibility of processing (table lookup) packets in their native form, namely optics; (2) enhancing the parallelism to provide a constant time comparison; (3) (capable of) computing in tens of terabits per second. Such processing technique is highly desirable in packet-based networks.
SU‐GG‐J‐09: A DICOM Screen Dumper That Links Tomotherapy Units and R&V Systems

Purpose: To present a DICOM screen dumper that captures 3D image registration results of MVCT vs. KVCT on Tomotherapy delivery console and sends them to R&V system to make remote image reviewing feasible. Method and Materials: Helical Tomotherapy is a true IGRT modality. Its on‐line imaging feature allows us to produce patient's position accurately by means of 3D image registration of MVCT vs. KVCT prior to treatment so that inter‐fraction motion is compensated. Unfortunately, this system lacks the feature to communicate with R&V systems due to its unique design. The image registration results are either approved by radiation oncologists at the console or on the printouts. To smooth the workflow, a software utility, ScreenBee, was developed for Tomotherapy system. Instead of acquiring entire 3D registration results and plan parameters that currently are not supported by any R&V system, it takes snapshots of either entire screen or a specific region, i.e., the graphical representations of 3D image registration and plan, encodes them in DICOM RT format and transfers them to R&V system. Results: It has been extensively tested and evaluated for about 8 months in our clinic. More than 2,000 images have been successfully sent to IMPAC. It also works on any computer with Microsoft Windows NT/2000/XP wherever the screen is desired to be seen and reviewed remotely in a timely fashion. So the treatment prescription and QA results can also be sent to R&V system if it is installed on the Tomotherapy planning workstation. Conclusion: The technical limitation on DICOM RT implementation of Tomotherapy system can be remedied by dedicated software without extra hardware capital investment. It helps radiation therapy clinics with cutting edge technologies move towards digital solutions so that the clinic workflows become more efficient and smooth with permanent records.
Non-existence of spontaneous magnetization in a one-dimensional Ising ferromagnet

It is proved that an infinite linear chain of spins μj=±1, with an interaction energy $$H = - \Sigma J(i - j)\mu _i \mu _j $$ has zero spontaneous magnetization at all finite temperatures, provided thatJ (n) is non-negative and that $$H = - \Sigma J(i - j)\mu _i \mu _j $$ . This shows that a theorem ofRuelle, establishing the absence of long-range order when the sum Σn J (n) converges, is not the best possible.
Native Electrospray and Electron-Capture Dissociation in FTICR Mass Spectrometry Provide Top-Down Sequencing of a Protein Component in an Intact Protein Assembly

The intact yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) tetramer of 147 kDa was introduced into a FTICR mass spectrometer by native electrospray. Electron capture dissociation of the entire 23+ to 27+ charge state distribution produced the expected charge-reduced ions and, more unexpectedly, 39 c-type peptide fragments that identified N-terminus acetylation and the first 55 amino acids. The results are in accord with the crystal structure of yeast ADH, which shows that the C-terminus is buried at the assembly interface, whereas the N-terminus is exposed, allowing ECD to occur. This remarkable observation shows promise that a top-down approach for intact protein assemblies will be effective for characterizing their components, inferring their interfaces, and obtaining both proteomics and structural biology information in one experiment.
The double-edged sword: Neurotoxicity of chemotherapy

The number of available therapies for hematologic malignancies continues to grow at a rapid pace. Unfortunately, many of these treatments carry both central and peripheral nervous system toxicities, potentially limiting a patient's ability to tolerate a full course of treatment. Neurotoxicity with chemotherapy is common and second only to myelosuppression as a reason to limit dosing. This review addresses the neurotoxicity of newly available therapeutic agents including brentuximab vedotin and blinatumomab as well as classic ones such as methotrexate, vinca alkaloids and platinums. Although peripheral neuropathy is common with many drugs, other complications such as seizures and encephalopathy may require more immediate attention. Rapid recognition of adverse neurologic effects may lead to earlier treatment and appropriate adjustment of dosing regimens. In addition, knowledge of common toxicities may help differentiate chemotherapy-related symptoms from actual progression of cancer into the CNS.
Architecture and Applications of Virtual Coaches

The combination of sensors, perception algorithms, and mobile computing enables situationally aware systems that provide proactive assistance. This paper outlines the basic components of a virtual coach with illustrations in five applications ranging from reminders to advice to opportunities for personal reflection.
Women’s groups and information provision in rural Kenya

This article identifies factors that affect the provision of information in rural Kenya as: government’s limited support of the information sector, male dominance, conflict of interests of information providers, media interests, and nepotism. It shows ways to remedy the situation by recommending the need to recognize women’s groups’ role in providing information structures and systems relevant to information use among rural communities. It concludes by urging researchers in information and communication fields to consider the pursuit to investigate new roles of women in communication.
Kraken: a new approach for ultra low cost oceanic transport of fresh water, natural gas, and thermal energy

Kraken is a new mode of ocean transport that can carry very large amounts of bulk cargoes for long distances at much lower cost than by conventional ships. Moreover, the submerged Krakens travel at a depth of 100 meters or more, where there is no wave or storm action. As a result, the probability of damaging or losing Krakens due to storms or collisions is virtually zero. Conventional surface ships and submersibles are based on rigid assemblies of steel plates and beams that must operate in severe storms and high wave conditions. They are expensive to build and have to operate at relatively high speeds to return their investment. As a result, propulsion power and energy requirements per unit amount of cargo are high. Typically, the overall cost of transport, amortized capital plus energy, is about 1 cent per ton mile. Not only does this substantially increase the cost of commodities like oil, coal, etc. that are transported over long distances, but it also rules out transporting cargoes such as fresh water, because the cost is too great. Kraken structures are completely different from conventional ships and submersibles, enabling them to be much cheaper to construct and operate
The pomeron-f identity and hadronic total cross sections at moderate energy

Abstract The topological expansion of the S-matrix implies that the pomeron and f are the same Regge trajectory. We confront this hypothesis with data by successfully fitting σtot at moderate energies in a Regge model containing only one prominent vacuum trajectory, plus the ϱ and ω. Couplings and intercepts obey the constraints imposed by the topological expansion. The cylinder coupling is found to be 0.16. Existing data on ππ total cross sections are studied via FESR. The pomeron-f identity is consistent with the analysis. The conventional picture is not.
Ask the Experts: Implementing a brief exam to identify frontotemporal disease-associated deficits in ALS patients

Flaherty-Craig completed her doctorate in clinical neuropsychology with thesis research focused on executive functioning in temporal lobe epilepsy at the Union Institute and University in 1998. After her clinical fellowship in Neurorehabilitation at the Penn State University Hospital Rehabilitation Center as a post doctorate, she joined the faculty of Neurology in 2003, where she continues to pursue a multifaceted across-the-lifespan research program including pediatric oncology, developmental disorders and frontotemporal disease (FTD). Her dementia studies have resulted in the development of a published brief exam (2006) for detection of the FTD prodrome. A refinement of this approach, published in 2009, allowed for the identification of the three subtypes of the FTD prodrome upon completion of a 20 min brief exam. This exam is now being applied to a multi-center study involving 14 ALS Multidisciplinary Clinics across the United States. Recently published (2011) validation studies have related the FTD co...
Synthesis of a novel bifunctional chelator AmBaSar based on sarcophagine for peptide conjugation and 64Cu radiolabelling

Copper-64 shows promise as both a suitable PET imaging and therapeutic radionuclide due to its nuclear characteristics. Stable attachment of radioactive 64Cu2+ to targeted imaging probes requires the use of a bifunctional chelator. Sarcophagine (Sar) ligands coordinate the metal ion 64Cu2+ within the multiple macrocyclic rings comprising the cage structure, yielding extraordinarily stable complexes that are inert to dissociation of the metal ion in vivo. Several 64Cu labelled RGD derivatives have been applied in imaging of the ανβ3 integrin receptor expression during tumour angiogenesis. In order to design and develop novel molecular imaging probes containing RGD and Sar ligands, we designed a novel versatile Sar cage-like bifunctional chelator named AmBaSar, synthesized using a conventional synthetic strategy. Conjugation with the cyclic peptide RGD, and subsequent labelling with 64Cu, provided a new PET probe 64Cu-AmBaSar-RGD for imaging the ανβ3 integrin receptor.