cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling loss and backscattering in a photonic-bandgap fiber using strong perturbation

We use coupled-mode theory with strong perturbation to model the loss and backscattering coefficients of a commercial hollow-core fiber (NKT Photonics’ HC-1550-02 fiber) induced by the frozen-in longitudinal perturbations of the fiber cross section. Strong perturbation is used, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, because the large difference between the refractive indices of the two fiber materials (silica and air) makes conventional weak-perturbation less accurate. We first study the loss and backscattering using the mathematical description of conventional surface-capillary waves (SCWs). This model implicitly assumes that the mechanical waves on the core wall of a PBF have the same power spectral density (PSD) as the waves that develop on an infinitely thick cylindrical tube with the same diameter as the PBF core. The loss and backscattering coefficients predicted with this thick-wall SCW roughness are 0.5 dB/km and 1.1×10 -10 mm -1 , respectively. These values are more than one order of magnitude smaller than the measured values (20−30 dB/km and ~1.5×10 -9 mm -1 , respectively). This result suggests that the thick-wall SCW PSD is not representative of the roughness of our fiber. We found that this discrepancy occurs at least in part because the effect of the finite thickness of the silica membranes (only ~120 nm) is neglected. We present a new expression for the PSD that takes into account this finite thickness and demonstrates that the finite thickness substantially increases the roughness. The predicted loss and backscattering coefficients predicted with this thin-film SCW PSD are 30 dB/km and 1.3×10 -9 mm -1 , which are both close to the measured values. We also show that the thin-film SCW PSD accurately predicts the roughness PSD measured by others in a solid-core photonic-crystal fiber.
On the morphology of bubble clusters and polyhedral foams

Abstract A symmetrical cluster of thirteen equal bubbles contains a minimal pentagonal dodecahedron at its center (the Dewar cluster) and a symmetrical cluster of fifteen equal bubbles contains a minimal truncated octahedron (or tetrakaidecahedron) at its center (the Kelvin cluster). The minimal pentagonal dodecahedron does not fill space without voids, whereas the minimal truncated octahedron does; so the true mathematical model of the ideal polyhedral foam is a space-filling assembly of uniform, minimal, truncated octahedra with walls of zero net curvature between them. This structure, which has only quadrilateral and hexagonal faces, does not agree with observations of polyhedral foams. In actual foams, even when they are made from uniform bubbles, pentagonal faces predominate. The cause of the deviation is traced to the geometric inability of minimal pentagonal dodecahedra to fill space without voids, thus introducing heterogeneity of size and of form during the transition to a polyhedral foam of the original close packing of uniform spheres. Readers of Colloids and Surfaces need look no farther than its front cover for an illustration of polyhedral foam. Dr G.D. Parfitt was one of the four original Editors who considered that the subject matter of their new journal could be typified in this way. It appears on the cover of this Memorial number to typify Geoffrey Parfitt's life work; and so confers symbolic meaning on the dedication of this paper on polyhedral foam to his memory.
Mechanistic Approaches to Predicting Oral Drug Absorption

Modeling and simulation of oral drug absorption have been widely used in drug discovery, development, and regulation. Predictive absorption models are used to determine the rate and extent of oral drug absorption, facilitate lead drug candidate selection, establish formulation development strategy, and support the development of regulatory policies. This review highlights the development of recent drug absorption models including dispersion and compartmental models. The compartmental models include the compartmental absorption and transit model; Grass model; gastrointestinal transit absorption model; advanced compartmental absorption and transit model; and advanced dissolution, absorption, and metabolism model. Compared to the early absorption models, the above models developed or extended since the mid-1990s have demonstrated greatly improved predictive performance by accounting for multiple factors such as drug degradation, gastric emptying, intestinal transit, first-pass metabolism, and intestinal transport. For future model development, more heterogeneous features of the gastrointestinal tract (villous blood flow, metabolizing enzymes, and transporters), food effects, and drug–drug interactions should be fully characterized and taken into consideration. Moreover, predicting population inter- and intravariability in oral drug absorption can be useful and important for the evaluation of clinical safety and efficacy of drugs. Establishing databases and libraries that contain accurate pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic information for commercialized and uncommercialized drugs may also be helpful for model development and validation.
Local heat transfer coefficients for horizontal tube arrays in high-temperature large-particle fluidized beds: an experimental study

Neuf tubes horizontaux sont disposes en trois rangees en forme de triangle equilateral. C'est le tube central de chaque rangee qui est utilise pour les mesures. Obtention de donnees pour un simple tube immerge pour les comparer avec les performances du faisceau. La presence de tubes adjacents affecte legerement les coefficients de transfert de chaleur local
Production of γ, Λ°, Ks° and Λ° in pp collisions at 102 GeV/c☆

Abstract We have measured cross section for γ , K S °, Λ and Λ production at 102 GeV/ c and find: σ ( γ ) = 170 ± 16 mb ., σ ( K S °) = 4.6 ± 0.5 mb ., σ ( Λ ) = 3.2 ± 0.4 mb ., and σ( Λ ) = 0.23 ± 0.10 mb. Both 〈 n π °〉 and 〈 n Ks °〉 appear to rise linearly with n - while the ratio 〈 n Ks °〉/〈 n π °〉 is approximately independent of n - . The integrated invariant cross section as a function of x as well as d σ /d y and d σ /d p T 2 are presented and compared with other data.
Review: Promoting Realism in Evaluation Realistic Evaluation and the Broader Context

Realism, as a foundational philosophy and as an applied approach to inquiry, is increasingly visible in social science. Ray Pawson and Nick Tilley have provided an important service to the field of...
Culture of Drosophila primary cells dissociated from gastrula embryos and their use in RNAi screening

We provide a detailed protocol for the mass culturing of primary cells dissociated from Drosophila embryos. The advantage of this protocol over others is that we have optimized it for a robust large-scale performance that is suitable for screening. More importantly, we further present conditions to treat these cells with double stranded (ds) RNAs for gene knockdown. Efficient RNAi in Drosophila primary cells is accomplished by simply bathing the cells in dsRNA-containing culture medium. This method provides the basis for functional genomic screens in differentiated cells, such as neurons and muscles, using RNAi or small molecules. The entire protocol takes approximately 14 d, whereas the preparation of primary cells from Drosophila embryos only requires 2-4 h.
Generalized Floquet theoretical methods for nonperturbative treatments of Schrodinger and Liouville equations in the presence of strong fields

Abstract We present a brief description of some generalized Floquet formalisms and numerical methods recently developed in our laboratory for nonperturbative treatments of the time-development of wave functions or density matrix operator of quantum systems driven by intense periodic or multi-color (multi-frequency) laser fields. Both the Schrodinger and Liouville equations are considered. In all cases, it is shown that the time-dependent (monochromatic or polychromatic) problems can be exactly transformed into equivalent time-independent infinite-dimensional (Hermitian or non-Hermitian) matrix (or super matrix) eigenvalue problems. These yield numerically stable and computationally efficient techniques for the unified treatment of one- and multiple- photon, resonant and non-resonant, steady-state and transient phenomena in strong fields. Applications of the methods to intense-fielde multiphoton and nonlinear optical processes of current significance are briefly discussed.
Polychromatic compensation of propagated aberrations for high-contrast imaging

We describe the influence of Fresnel propagation in apodized-pupil coronagraphs and introduce a methodology to compensate for propagated wavefront aberrations. We start from the Fresnel integral and derive an analytical closed form for the propagated field at an arbitrary distance from a pupil. In a second part, we show that the propagation of the coronagraphic term can be neglected with sufficiently oversized optics. Then we derive a λ-Fourier expansion of the aberration at an arbitrary plane in the optical train of a telescope. Finally, we present a series of wavefront actuators, based on multiple deformable mirrors, that possess adequate chromatic behavior to correct for the dominant terms of this expansion.
Risk of thromboembolism following acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most feared complication of oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT). While anticoagulated patients have increased severity of bleeding following ICH, they may also be at increased risk for thromboembolic events (TEs) given that they had been prescribed OAT prior to their ICH. We hypothesized that TEs are relatively common following ICH, and that anticoagulated patients are at higher risk for these complications. Consecutive patients with primary ICH presenting to a tertiary care hospital from 1994 to 2006 were prospectively characterized and followed. Hospital records were retrospectively reviewed for clinically relevant in-hospital TEs and patients were prospectively followed for 90 day mortality. For 988 patients of whom 218 (22%) were on OAT at presentation, median hospital length of stay was 7 (IQR 4–13) days and 90-day mortality was 36%. TEs were diagnosed in 71 patients (7.2%) including pulmonary embolism (1.8%), deep venous thrombosis (1.1%), myocardial ischemia (1.6%), and cerebrovascular ischemia (3.0%). Mean time to event was 8.4 ± 7.0 days. Rates of TE were 5% among those with OAT-related ICH and 8% among those with non-OAT ICH (P = 0.2). After multivariable Cox regression, the only independent risk factor for developing a TE was external ventricular drain placement (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–4.1, P = 0.03). TEs had no effect on 90-day mortality (HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5–1.1, P = 0.1). The incidence of TEs in an unselected ICH population was 7.2%. Patients with OAT-related ICH were not at increased risk of TEs.
Predictors of congestive heart failure in the elderly: the cardiovascular health study

Abstract OBJECTIVES We sought to characterize the predictors of incident congestive heart failure (CHF), as determined by central adjudication, in a community-based elderly population. BACKGROUND The elderly constitute a growing proportion of patients admitted to the hospital with CHF, and CHF is a leading source of morbidity and mortality in this group. Elderly patients differ from younger individuals diagnosed with CHF in terms of biologic characteristics. METHODS We analyzed data from the Cardiovascular Health Study, a prospective population-based study of 5,888 elderly people >65 years old (average 73 ± 5, range 65 to 100) at four locations. Multiple laboratory measures of cardiovascular structure and function, blood chemistries and functional assessments were obtained. RESULTS During an average follow-up of 5.5 years (median 6.3), 597 participants developed incident CHF (rate 19.3/1,000 person-years). The incidence of CHF increased progressively across age groups and was greater in men than in women. On multivariate analysis, other independent predictors included prevalent coronary heart disease, stroke or transient ischemic attack at baseline, diabetes, systolic blood pressure (BP), forced expiratory volume 1 s, creatinine >1.4 mg/dl, C-reactive protein, ankle-arm index CONCLUSIONS The incidence of CHF is high in the elderly and is related mainly to age, gender, clinical and subclinical coronary heart disease, systolic BP and inflammation. Despite the high relative risk of subnormal systolic LV function and atrial fibrillation, the actual population risk of these for CHF is small because of their relatively low prevalence in community-dwelling elderly people.
Protection of 4‐Fluoroanisole from Aromatic Nucleophilic Photosubstitution by Cyclodextrins [1]

Aromatic nucleophilic photosubstitution reactions of 4-fluoroanisole with cyanide and water have been investigated in aqueous α-β-, and γ-cyclodextrin solutions. Although photoreactivity of the α- or β-cyclodextrin-complexed 4-fluoroanisole toward nucleophilic substitution is suppressed almost completely, none of the cyclodextrins had a measurable influence on the rate of 4-fluoroanisole fluorescence quenching by I−. In aqueous γ-cyclodextrin, the efficiency of photohydroxylation was increased slightly but the efficiency of photocyanation was unaffected. From Benesi-Hildebrand plots, the dissociation constants of the complexes of 4-fluoroanisole with α- and β-cyclodextrins were obtained. A good correlation between the relative quantum yields and the degree of complexation was found. Explanation for the lack of a marked effect on photosubstitution by γ-cyclodextrin is presented.
Fluid percolation through single fractures

Large deviations from "cubic-law" dependence of laminar fluid flow through fractures on the apparent mechanical aperture of a fracture can be explained by assuming: 1) cubic-law dependence of flow on the actual local aperture at the microscopic level; 2) conservation of rock volume when deforming the fracture; and 3) macroscopic flow properties are dominated by the critical neck (the smallest aperture along the path of highest aperture through the fracture).
Quantitative properties of the evolution and classification of languages

Statistical analyses of a published phylogenetic classification of languages show some properties attributable to taxonomic methods and others that reflect the nature of linguistic evolution. The inferred phylogenetic tree is less well resolved and more asymmetric at the highest taxonomic ranks, where the tree is constructed mainly by phenetic methods. At lower ranks, where cladistic methods are more prevalent, the asymmetry of well resolved parts of the tree is consistent with a stochastic birth and death process in which languages originate and become extinct at constant rates, although poorly resolved parts of the tree are still more asymmetric than predicted. Other tests applied to a sample of historically recorded languages reveal substantial fluctuations in the rates of origination and extinction, with both rates temporarily reduced when languages enter the historical record. For languages in general, the average origination rate is estimated to be only slightly higher than the average extinction rate, which in turn corresponds to an average lifetime of about 500 years or less.
Antibodies in human serum that precipitate ribonuclease P

Sera from certain patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and related rheumatic diseases contain antibodies that selectively deplete extracts of HeLa cells of RNase P activity. Most of the sera that recognize RNase P, an endoribonuclease with an essential RNA subunit, also contain antibodies against another small ribonucleoprotein known as the Th antigen. A species of RNA about 400 nucleotides in length is the only RNA species found in common in all immunoprecipitates prepared with anti-RNase P antibodies. The discovery of antibodies against RNase P defines a major class of antibodies produced by patients with autoimmune disease.
Function of the human hymen

The few existing hypotheses for the function of the human hymen are weak. These are briefly reviewed, and a new hypothesis is proposed. We suggest that the appearance of the juvenile human hymen is based on 'premature' birth, following which infant helplessness and a subsequent advantage for vaginal protection from external sources of infection allowed natural selection to increase its persistence well into juvenile life.
Impact of population age structure on Wolbachia transgene driver efficacy: ecologically complex factors and release of genetically modified mosquitoes

Wolbachia symbionts hold theoretical promise as a way to drive transgenes into insect vector populations for disease prevention. For simplicity, current models of Wolbachia dynamics and spread ignore ecologically complex factors such as the age structure of vector populations and overlapping vector generations. We developed a model including these factors to assess their impact on the process of Wolbachia spread into populations of three mosquito species (Anopheles gambiae, Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens). Depending on the mosquito species, Wolbachia parameters, released mosquito life stage and initial age structure of the target population, the number of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes that we predict would need to be released ranged from less than the threshold calculated by the simple model to a 10–30-fold increase. Transgenic releases into age-structured populations, which is an expectation for wild mosquitoes, will be difficult and depending on the circumstances may not be economically or logistically feasible due to the large number of infected mosquitoes that must be released. Our results support the perspective that understanding ecological factors is critical for designing transgenic vector-borne disease control strategies.
FACTORS AFFECTING SPRING RUNOFF ON TWO FORESTED WATERSHEDS

ABSTRACT Spring runoff from two forested watersheds in northern Minnesota is a function of annual snowfall, soil water recharge, and water supply rates. A drainage basin with a clay soil and a hardwood overstory had greater snowmelt and water supply rates than another drainage basin with a sandy soil and conifer overstory. The average soil water recharge rate for the clay soil was 28 percent less than for the sandy soil. The lower recharge rate of the clay soil resulted in spring runoff which averaged 40 percent of water supplied during the three year study while an average of two percent was produced on the sandy soil. Soil frost which affected soil water recharge varied between soil types and was influenced by amount of soil water storage and snow cover.
The Technical and Anatomical Aspects of the World's First Near-Total Human Face and Maxilla Transplant

Objective To discuss the technical and anatomical analysis and design of an osteocutaneous allograft transplant incorporating the donor maxilla and the execution of the operative protocol during the transplant. Methods The Cleveland Clinic reported the world's first successful combined face and maxilla transplant in December 2008. Unlike the 3 prior face transplants, this surgical procedure was done as a salvage operation in a patient who had undergone 23 major reconstructive procedures. The additional complexity due to significant postoperative scarring and recipient vessel depletion presented a unique challenge in this case. The extensive 3-dimensional losses of facial structures in multiple tissue planes required a Le Fort III osteomyocutaneous allotransplant incorporating the donor maxilla. Results We report the first successful transfer of a complete bony framework and soft-tissue envelope. The allograft has shown excellent integration and no long-term rejection. The traditional conception based on anatomical studies suggested that this transfer would require independent dissection of the internal maxillary vascular system. This was not required in our patient whose allograft was based solely on the facial arterial system and its arcades. Conclusions Successful near-total face and maxilla allograft transplant can be accomplished based on the facial arterial system and its arcades. This presents a novel method for reconstructing massive facial injuries with significant involvement of the facial skeleton.
Patterns of hybridization of nonnative cutthroat trout and hatchery rainbow trout with native redband trout in the Boise River, Idaho

Abstract Hybridization is one of the greatest threats to native fishes. Threats from hybridization are particularly important for native trout species as stocking of nonnative trout has been widespread within the ranges of native species, thus increasing the potential for hybridization. While many studies have documented hybridization between native cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii and nonnative rainbow trout O. mykiss, fewer have focused on this issue in native rainbow trout despite widespread threats from introductions of both nonnative cutthroat trout and hatchery rainbow trout. Here, we describe the current genetic (i.e., hybridization) status of native redband trout O. mykiss gairdneri populations in the upper Boise River, Idaho. Interspecific hybridization was widespread (detected at 14 of the 41 sampled locations), but high levels of hybridization between nonnative cutthroat trout and redband trout were detected in only a few streams. Intraspecific hybridization was considerably more widespread...
The Consequences of Postcommunism Trade Unions in Eastern Europe's Future

Following a long period in which labor in Eastern Europe had been marginalized, often with unionists' complicity, five conditions now favor revival: survival imperatives of the union bureaucracy, incorporation into the European Union, emerging international solidarity, a new generation of workers, and the end of postcommunism in the firm, or the dismissal of unessential workers. This article focuses on subjective factors: union officials' own misgivings about unions in the postcommunist era and their revived interest now that they no longer need to defend the unskilled. Yet three factors work against union revival: ideological (continued distrust of unions), organizational (plethora of small firms), and structural (location in the global economy). Labor is likely to remain weak, with a few stronger unions emerging that are more elitist, male, “producerist,” and less class oriented. Legacies continue to be the major problem, but in a twist, the problem today is the legacy not of communism but of postcommunism.
Comparison of mauthner cell size in teleosts

The Mauthner cells (M-cells) are a pair of neurons found in the medulla oblongata of most fish and amphibians. This neuron is not the same size in all teleosts. Based on the hypothesis that differences in M-cell size might be related to fish family and possibly fish habitat, M-cell and nuclear size were compared between fish families. In order to minimize effects of fish length on cell or nuclear size, statistical treatment of the data was made for four separate length classes. The results indicate at least three groupings by cell or nuclear size. The cell is large in fish from the Salmonidae, Catostomidae and Cyprinidae, small in the Stichaeidae, Cottidae and Pleuronectidae and absent in Batrachoididae, Lophiidae, Ogcocephalidae and Cylopteridae. In general a correlation exists between fish that lack or have small M-cells and a demersal habitat. Since these fish may rely on camouflage for protection against predation, the M-cells may have altered excitability or function as compared to more active fish in which the M-cell is known to function in initiating the startle response (larval zebrafish and goldfish). Differences in input to M-cells of different sizes in conjunction with known electrophysiological properties of the goldfish M-cell are discussed in relation to the function of this neuron.
Comparing Clusterings in Space

This paper proposes a new method for comparing clusterings both partitionally and geometrically. Our approach is motivated by the following observation: the vast majority of previous techniques for comparing clusterings are entirely partitional, i.e., they examine assignments of points in set theoretic terms after they have been partitioned. In doing so, these methods ignore the spatial layout of the data, disregarding the fact that this information is responsible for generating the clusterings to begin with. We demonstrate that this leads to a variety of failure modes. Previous comparison techniques often fail to differentiate between significant changes made in data being clustered. We formulate a new measure for comparing clusterings that combines spatial and partitional information into a single measure using optimization theory. Doing so eliminates pathological conditions in previous approaches. It also simultaneously removes common limitations, such as that each clustering must have the same number of clusters or they are over identical datasets. This approach is stable, easily implemented, and has strong intuitive appeal.
A Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov Lemma with affine dependence on the frequency

This paper revisits the problem of checking feasibility of a given matrix inequality with rational dependence on a real variable, omega, often interpreted as frequency. In the case the frequency variable is allowed to assume arbitrary values, the Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov (KYP) Lemma provides an equivalent formulation of this problem as a linear matrix inequality (LMI). When the frequency lies within a finite or semi-infinite range, generalizations of the KYP Lemma provide equivalent formulations as a pair of LMIs. All such tests have a particular form in which a constant, i.e. frequency independent, coefficient matrix, Theta, is used to parametrize the frequency domain inequality (FDI). Previous results showed how one of these LMI tests can be modified to render a sufficient test for a given FDI in which Theta(omega) is an affine function of omega. The main contribution of the present paper is to present a construction that proves such test is also necessary. Many interesting results are presented along the way related to the case when Theta(omega) is quadratic.
Study of Doppler Ultrasonic Peripheral Vascular Assessments Performed by Physical Therapists

The Doppler ultrasound assessment is an effective diagnostic method for determining peripheral vascular status. Because the evaluation currently is not often performed by a physical therapist, the purpose of this study was to provide objective information on the competency of a group of physical therapists who were doing these evaluations. Therapists at a state psychiatric hospital in North Carolina performed a total of 577 Doppler assessments from May 1976 to May 1981. Forty-eight of these evaluations were followed by an invasive peripheral vascular diagnostic technique, either a venogram or an arteriogram. When Doppler results were compared with invasive results, 85 percent of the Doppler evaluations agreed with results obtained using the invasive techniques. There was complete agreement with arterial evaluations, and 81 percent agreement with venous assessments. These results support the contention that Doppler ultrasonic evaluations of peripheral vascular disease can be competently performed by physical therapists trained in the technique.
Streptococcus pyogenes CovRS Mediates Growth in Iron Starvation and in the Presence of the Human Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide LL-37

We found that the global regulatory two-component signal transduction system CovRS mediates the ability of group A streptococcus (GAS) to grow under two stresses encountered during infection: iron starvation and the presence of LL-37. We also showed that CovRS regulates transcription of the multimetal transporter operon that is important for GAS growth in a low concentration of iron.
The Effects of Sex in Television Drama Shows on Emerging Adults' Sexual Attitudes and Moral Judgments

This study tests the effects of exposure to sexual television content on emerging adults' sexual attitudes and moral judgments. One hundred and ten college freshmen were randomly assigned to view shows that portrayed either positive or negative consequences of sexual intercourse. Results indicate that exposure to shows that portray negative consequences of sex leads to more negative attitudes toward premarital intercourse and to more negative moral judgments of characters engaged in this behavior. Results were observed immediately after the viewing and persisted 2 weeks later. Findings are discussed in light of social cognitive theory and previous media effects research.
Active learning and feedback patterns: version 4

These four Pedagogical Patterns are intended to extend the Feedback [5] and Active Learning [2] collections within the Pedagogical Patterns Project. The ideas here have been gathered from observing expert teachers and the descriptions of what they do.
Bonding, Bridging and Linking: How Social Capital Operated in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina

In the past decade, social capital has been explored internationally in the disaster and social work literature, particularly in terms of historical oppression and limited economic resources of disadvantaged communities. Social capital in the United States, however, has had less integration. Using a qualitative grounded theory approach, we examine the different types of social capital (bonding, bridging, and linking) through a social work lens. We examine how social capital operated in the lives of 40 families following Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana. We attempt to understand how residents utilized their social capital to survive the storm, relocate, and rebuild their lives and communities. Results indicate residents, especially those with low incomes, relied on, built upon, and collapsed all levels of social capital for individual, family, and community survival. Participants described a process through which close ties (bonding) were important for immediate support, but bridging and linking social capital offered pathways to longer term survival and wider neighborhood and community revitalization. This paper also discusses how social capital inclusion in social work can strengthen or hinder individual and community development following a catastrophic event.
A Dynamic Measurement Technique for Third-Order Distortion in Optical Phase Modulators

A novel two-tone measurement technique for characterizing distortion in optical phase modulators is proposed and demonstrated. The technique is used to characterize an InGaAsP-InP modulator in a monolithically integrated receiver. Results for forward and reverse bias conditions in the modulator show a phase IP3 of 7.2pi and 0.97pi rad, respectively
Inoculum Effects of Ceftobiprole, Daptomycin, Linezolid, and Vancomycin with Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae at Inocula of 105 and 107 CFU Injected into Opposite Thighs of Neutropenic Mice

ABSTRACT Reduced bactericidal efficacy at a high inoculum is known as the inoculum effect (IE). We used neutropenic mice to compare the IEs of ceftobiprole (CFB), daptomycin (DAP), linezolid (LZD), and vancomycin (VAN) against 6 to 9 strains of Staphylococcus aureus and 4 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae at 2 inocula in opposite thighs of the same mice. Neutropenic mice had 10 4.5 to 10 5.7 CFU/thigh (low inoculum [LI]) in one thigh and 10 6.4 to 10 7.2 CFU/thigh (high inoculum [HI]) in the opposite thigh when treated for 24 h with subcutaneous (s.c.) doses every 12 h of DAP at 0.024 to 100 mg/kg of body weight and LZD at 0.313 to 320 mg/kg and s.c. doses every 6 h of CFB at 0.003 to 160 mg/kg and VAN at 0.049 to 800 mg/kg. Dose-response data were analyzed by a maximum effect ( E max ) model using nonlinear regression. Static doses for each drug and at each inoculum were calculated, and the difference between HI and LI (IE index) gave the magnitude of IE for each drug-organism combination. Mean (range) IE indexes of S. aureus were 2.9 (1.7 to 4.6) for CFB, 4.1 (2.6 to 9.3) for DAP, 4.6 (1.7 to 7.1) for LZD, and 10.1 (6.3 to 20.3) for VAN. In S. pneumoniae, the IE indexes were 2.5 (1.3 to 3.3) for CFB, 2.0 (1.6 to 2.8) for DAP, 1.9 (1.7 to 2.2) for LZD, and 1.5 (0.8 to 3.2) for VAN; these values were similar for all drugs. In S. aureus, the IE was much larger with VAN than with CFB, DAM, and LZD ( P in vivo time course of vancomycin activity showed initiation of killing at 4- to 16-fold-higher doses at HI than at LI despite similar initial growth of controls.
Blockade of Specific NOTCH Ligands: A New Promising Approach in Cancer Therapy

Summary: The signaling specificity conveyed by distinct combination of NOTCH receptors/ligands has remained elusive. In this issue of Cancer Discovery , through the development of ligand-specific NOTCH inhibitors, Kangsamaksin and colleagues uncovered unique signaling outcomes downstream of DLL- and JAG-receptor activation and demonstrated their effects in the suppression of tumor angiogenesis. Cancer Discov; 5(2); 112–4. ©2015 AACR . See related article by Kangsamaksin et al., [p. 182][1] [1]: /lookup/volpage/5/182?iss=2
The effects of mannitol on blood viscosity

To determine the effect of mannitol on blood viscosity, serial measurements were carried out on venous blood in patients undergoing craniotomies for intracranial aneurysms. Blood samples were drawn immediately prior to, and 30 minutes, 2, and 4 hours after administration of mannitol. Complete blood counts, serum osmolarities, and erythrocyte microsieving studies were also performed on each sample. Whole-blood viscosity decreased at 30 minutes and 2 hours, but not at 4 hours after mannitol administration. This decreased appeared at high shear rates only, where erythrocyte deformability is critical viscosity. This effect was independent of the hematocrit. Removal of mannitol from the suspension returned red cell deformability to preadministration values indicating that the increased erythrocyte deformability required the presence of mannitol and the relative hyperosmolarity induced by this agent. The reduced erythrocyte rigidity and subsequent decreased whole-blood viscosity should enhance tissue perfusion in the microcirculation.
Analysis of ring and plug shear strengths for comparison of lead-free solders

The drive to replace the use of toxic lead metal and its alloys has spurred the development of many new lead-free solder alloys. Moreover, current leaded solders lack shear strength, resistance to creep and to thermal-mechanical fatigue. Solder that exhibits enhancements of these properties and retains solderability is crucial in applications where the solder joints are subjected to thermal cycling, severe vibrations, and temperatures of up to 125°C. Modified ring and plug joints were made with 18 selected lead-free solders and three well characterized lead-containing solders. Analysis of the results provides a guide for the design of additional testing.
Komodo monitor (Varanus komodoensis) feeding behavior and dental function reflected through tooth marks on bone surfaces, and the application to ziphodont paleobiology

Abstract Most functional interpretations of ziphodont dentition are based on limited morphometric, behavioral, and taphonomic studies, but few are based on controlled observations of a modern ziphodont consumer. The purpose of this study is to determine through controlled feeding observations if the behaviors indicative of a ziphodont consumer are reflected by tooth marks left on bone surfaces by Varanus komodoensis, the Komodo monitor. We document feeding behavior, expand upon dental function, and correlate these aspects with tooth mark production. We also discuss the significance and limits of applying these data to fossil assemblages. Goat carcasses were fed to 11 captive individuals. V. komodoensis modifies bone surfaces extensively. Individuals exhibit a “medial-caudal arc” when defleshing, followed by inertial swallowing. Bone crushing was not observed. The vast majority of tooth marks are scores, with pits being significantly less common. Tooth furrows and punctures are rare. “Edge marks” are produ...
A very brief introduction to computational linguistics

The ability to automatically analyze and understand natural language opens up a wide variety of applications. One of the first was machine translation; after many years of a relatively low level of effort, this area has seen a strong resurgence in the 1980's. Another application area is information retrieval; since much of the world's store of information is in written texts, systems which could understand these texts and extract information on request would have great value. The general area which has seen the greatest activity is man-machine interfaces, and in particular "question-answering systems" (natural language interfaces for data base retrieval). Current systems are still quite primitive, but such interfaces should make computer systems much more accessible to computer-naive users in the future.
The Role of Health Administration Education in Developing Healthcare Leaders

Certain proposals are difficult to challenge and appear to be beyond debate. The call for improved quality of healthcare is one of these. And certainly, the call for more leaders and more highly skilled leaders in the healthcare industry is another, especially in these times of rapid change, strained resources and concern about quality. Though the goal of preparing more leaders, and in particular preparing more highly skilled leaders, is meritorious, the premises underlying this goal and the methods of achieving it deserve careful examination. This commentary questions the ability to accurately forecast the supply of and demand for leaders in the healthcare industry and examines selected aspects of the 10 principles for leadership development proposed in the lead paper.
Opportunities for Regenerative Rehabilitation and Advanced Technologies in Physical Therapy: Perspective From Academia

As rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists must continue to stay current with advances in technologies to provide appropriate rehabilitation protocols, improve patient outcomes, and be the preferred clinician of choice. To accomplish this vision, the physical therapy profession must begin to develop a culture of lifelong learning at the early stages of education and clinical training in order to embrace cutting-edge advancements such as stem cell therapies, tissue engineering, and robotics, to name a few. The purposes of this article are: (1) to provide a current perspective on faculty and graduate student awareness of regenerative rehabilitation concepts and (2) to advocate for increased integration of these emerging technologies within the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) curriculum. An online survey was designed to gauge awareness of principles in regenerative rehabilitation and to determine whether the topic was included and assessed in doctoral curricula. The survey yielded 1,006 responses from 82 DPT programs nationwide and indicated a disconnect in familiarity with the term "regenerative rehabilitation" and awareness of the inclusion of this material in the curriculum. To resolve this disconnect, the framework of the curriculum can be used to integrate new material via guest lecturers, interdisciplinary partnerships, and research opportunities. Successfully mentoring a generation of clinicians and rehabilitation scientists who incorporate new medical knowledge and technology into their own clinical and research practice depends greatly on sharing the responsibility among graduate students, professors, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and DPT programs. Creating an interdisciplinary culture and integrating regenerative medicine and rehabilitation concepts into the curriculum will cultivate individuals who will be advocates for interprofessional behaviors and will ensure that the profession meets the goals stated in APTA Vision 2020.
Nitric oxide activates PKCα and inhibits Na+-K+-ATPase in opossum kidney cells

Nitric oxide (NO) reduces the molecular activity of Na+-K+-ATPase in opossum kidney (OK) cells, a proximal tubule cell line. In the present study, we investigated the cellular mechanisms for the in...
RECLAIMING THE MARGINS: SEITA TANSŌ'S SUIKODEN HIHYŌKAI AND THE POETICS OF CROSS-CULTURAL INFLUENCE

This article focuses on the literary criticism of the Edo-period scholar, Seita Tansō (1719–1785). Although a historian by vocation, Tansō additionally lectured extensively on the Chinese vernacular novel, Shuihu zhuan (Jp. Suikoden , En. The Water Margin ). While earlier generations of Chinese fiction aficionados in Japan had also discussed Shuihu zhuan , early eighteenth-century analysis was primarily limited to philological explication—a task necessitated by the extensive use of colloquial language in the novel. In contrast to this tradition of philological exegesis, Tansō turned his attention to the ethical content and literary structure of Shuihu zhuan . Tansō was heavily influenced by the writing of the Chinese fiction commentator Jin Shengtan (1608–1661), and in this article, I discuss Tansō's use of Jin's fiction criticism in the construction of his own interpretation of the novel. I argue that the dissemination of Chinese novels in Edo-period Japan cannot be discussed without an understanding of Japanese engagement with Chinese narrative theory, and I identify Seita Tansō as an important figure in a transition from philological to more purely narratological analysis of Chinese vernacular fiction.
Chaperones of the Endoplasmic Reticulum Associated Degradation (ERAD) Pathway

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a diverse organelle with multiple specialized functions including the folding and assembly of secretory proteins. The ER harbors a number of chaperones, foldases, and covalent modifiers that aid in these processes. Due to the high protein throughput of the ER, inevitably some of the secreted proteins fail to reach their native state and therefore must be degraded. In a process known as ER-associated degradation (ERAD), misfolded proteins are recognized, translocated out of the ER into the cytoplasm, ubiquitinated, extracted from the ER membrane, deubiquitinated, and finally degraded by the 26S proteasome to prevent toxic build-up of non-native proteins. To account for the different properties and topologies of misfolded secretory cargo, a number of ER protein complexes are employed for the distinct steps of ERAD. Some of these complexes are shared between yeast and metazoan, while other appear unique to metazoa, reflecting their increased secretory load.
Masters and Johnson's Sex Research and Sex Therapy Program: A Critical Appraisal From Down Under: A Review of: “Sex Research and Sex Therapy: A Sociological Analysis of Masters and Johnson. By Ross Morrow.”

In 1966, the Masters and Johnson research team released Human Sexual Response, the groundbreaking work outlining their four-stage model of the human sexual response cycle (Johnson & Masters, 1966)....
Abstract 500: Resting State Functional MRI Predicts Lesions When Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Fails in Ischemic Stroke

Purpose: DWI is the current standard to identify and manage stroke. We assessed the hypothesis that resting state fMRI may detect the infarcts in patients with acute ischemic stroke more effectively than DWI. Methods: We studied 10 patients within 7 days of the acute onset of stroke patients retrospectively with an approved Institutional Review Board. All patients underwent multimodal MR imaging, including DWI and resting state fMRI sequences in the using a GE 3T MRI scanner. High resolution T2-weighted images were also acquired. The resting state fMRIs were processed using a published method by a single rater with extensive experience in neuroimaging data processing to avoid inter-rater variability. DWI data was analyzed using Analyze 11.0 software. Results: fMRI provides more accurate information on the irreversible status of ischemic brain tissue during an acute stroke compared with diffusion weighted imaging. Similar results were observed across all the 4 patients studied. Results: fMRI provides more accurate information on the irreversible status of ischemic brain tissue during an acute stroke compared with diffusion weighted imaging. Similar results were observed across all the 4 patients studied. Conclusion: The results of this project have direct clinical implications. fMRI show areas of damage when DWI has normalized after an acute ischemic stroke. DWI can normalize after showing an area of restricted diffusion in areas of the brain that is irreversibly injured. Therefore, fMRI reliably indicates damaged brain tissue in the setting of acute ischemic stroke where DWI is unable to detect. Such information is critical to make treatment decisions when considering which acute stroke patients should undergo reperfusion therapies. fMRI provides complimentary information to CT/MRI perfusion and has the potential to obviate the need of CT/MRI perfusion which are invasive, time and resource intensive. Our study is limited by their qualitative nature and small sample size.
Splenic RNA and MicroRNA Mimics Promote Complement Factor B Production and Alternative Pathway Activation via Innate Immune Signaling.

Complement factor B (cfB) is an essential component of the alternative pathway (AP) and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of polymicrobial sepsis. However, the mechanism leading to cfB production and AP activation during sepsis remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that plasma cell–free RNA was significantly increased following cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), an animal model of polymicrobial sepsis, and was closely associated with sepsis severity. Quantitative RT-PCR and microRNA (miRNA) array analysis revealed an increase in bacterial RNA and multiple host miRNAs (miR-145, miR-146a, miR-122, miR-210) in the blood following CLP. Treatment with tissue RNA or synthetic miRNA mimics (miR-145, miR-146a, miR-122, miR-34a) induced a marked increase in cfB production in cardiomyocytes or macrophages. The newly synthesized cfB released into medium was biologically active because it participated in AP activation initiated by cobra venom factor. Genetic deletion of TLR7 or MyD88, but not TLR3, and inhibition of the MAPKs (JNK and p38) or NF-κB abolished miR-146a–induced cfB production. In vivo, CLP led to a significant increase in splenic cfB expression that correlated with the plasma RNA or miRNA levels. Peritoneal injection of RNA or miR-146a led to an increase in cfB expression in the peritoneal space that was attenuated in MyD88-knockout or TLR7-knockout mice, respectively. These findings demonstrate that host cellular RNA and specific miRNAs are released into the circulation during polymicrobial sepsis and may function as extracellular mediators capable of promoting cfB production and AP activation through specific TLR7 and MyD88 signaling.
Pulmonary Host Defenses in Rabbits after Immunization with Pseudomonas Antigens: The Interaction of Bacteria, Antibodies, Macrophages, and Lymphocytes

The development of humoral and cellular immunity in the lungs of rabbits was compared after intranasal and parenteral immunization with pseudomonas antigens. The in vitro effect of respiratory antibodies and immune lymphocytes (to increase the phagocytosis of Pseudomonas by alveolar macrophages) was studied in order to understand further the intricate interactions of bacteria, opsonins, and activated macrophages in the lower respiratory tract. Intranasal immunization induced both IgG and secretory IgA agglutinating antibodies in respiratory secretions; however, the opsonic activity of IgG seemed superior to that of IgA in promoting macrophage phagocytosis. Immune respiratory lymphocytes, recovered from intranasally immunized rabbits, inhibited the migration of alveolar macrophages when stimulated with the immunizing antigen in direct assays of migration inhibition factor. However, this capacity lasted only two to three weeks and suggests that respiratory cellular immunity is transient after primary immunization and that frequent booster injections or persistent antigen contact may be necessary for maintenance of this cellular activity. In vitro activation of macrophages by immune lymphocytes did not increase macrophage phagocytosis of opsonized viable Pseudomnonas or enhance bacterial killing.