cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks

In recent years, there has been increasing interest and enthusiasm for using ultrasound guidance in performing peripheral nerve blocks. The use of ultrasound guidance in regional anesthesia has led to increased use of peripheral nerve blocks and greater acceptance by healthcare providers across different specialties. Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks offer effective and safe alternatives to achieve pain control and perform a variety of medical procedures in the acute care settings. They are associated with numerous benefits including improved analgesia, decreased intravenous narcotic use, decreased complications, and reduced length of stay. Ultrasound allows real-time visualization of the anatomy of the region of interest and path of the needle resulting in accurate deposition and spread of local anesthetic around the target nerve. Ultrasound guidance has been shown to improve operator confidence and overall success rates of peripheral nerve blocks. In this chapter, we will review the basic principles of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks and a variety of upper and lower extremity ultrasound-guided nerve block techniques including the brachial plexus, forearm (median, radial, and ulnar nerves), femoral, and posterior tibial nerve blocks. These nerve blocks are described in a way that they can be incorporated into your clinical setting with already available equipment and supplies.
Hepatic HAX-1 inactivation prevents metabolic diseases by enhancing mitochondrial activity and bile salt export

Increasing hepatic mitochondrial activity through pyruvate dehydrogenase and elevating enterohepatic bile acid recirculation are promising new approaches for metabolic disease therapy, but neither approach alone can completely ameliorate disease phenotype in high-fat diet–fed mice. This study showed that diet-induced hepatosteatosis, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance can be completely prevented in mice with liver-specific HCLS1-associated protein X-1 (HAX-1) inactivation. Mechanistically, we showed that HAX-1 interacts with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-1 (InsP3R1) in the liver, and its absence reduces InsP3R1 levels, thereby improving endoplasmic reticulum–mitochondria calcium homeostasis to prevent excess calcium overload and mitochondrial dysfunction. As a result, HAX-1 ablation activates pyruvate dehydrogenase and increases mitochondria utilization of glucose and fatty acids to prevent hepatosteatosis, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance. In contrast to the reduction of InsP3R1 levels, hepatic HAX-1 deficiency increases bile salt exporter protein levels, thereby promoting enterohepatic bile acid recirculation, leading to activation of bile acid–responsive genes in the intestinal ileum to augment insulin sensitivity and of cholesterol transport genes in the liver to suppress hyperlipidemia. The dual mechanisms of increased mitochondrial respiration and enterohepatic bile acid recirculation due to improvement of endoplasmic reticulum–mitochondria calcium homeostasis with hepatic HAX-1 inactivation suggest that this may be a potential therapeutic target for metabolic disease intervention.
A single-institution study of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) using electronic brachytherapy

Two prospective randomized trials, TARGIT-A and ELIOT, have shown intraoperative radiation (IORT) to be safe and well-tolerated in low-risk patients. Electronic IORT with the Xoft Axxent system has few long-term reported results. A total of 100 patients (101 tumors) were treated with partial mastectomy and intraoperative brachytherapy. Electronic brachytherapy via IORT was utilized to deliver 20 Gy to the balloon surface in a single fraction prior to completion of surgery. Necessity of additional intervention with surgery or radiation was noted, as was the presence of clinical seroma and tumor recurrence. Patients were followed at regular intervals for at least 5 years. Patients ranged in age from 41 to 83, with a median age of 66. Out of the 101 tumors treated, T-staging consisted of 28.7% Tis, 2.0% T1mi, 11.9% T1a, 23.8% T1b, 30.7% T1c, and 3.0% T2. At a median follow up of 3.8 years, there have been two recurrences. Eighteen patients required additional surgery or radiation. Patients classified as “suitable” by the accelerated partial breast irradiation suitability criteria were less likely to require re-excision (suitable: 1.6%, cautionary: 22.6%, unsuitable: 87.5%, P < 0.001), but no less likely to require additional whole breast irradiation. Symptomatic seromas were noted in 15% of patients. IORT is a convenient and well-tolerated treatment option for the appropriately selected woman undergoing partial breast irradiation. Rates of seroma formation are similar to rates reported for multiple fraction catheter-based systems.
Limited Spin: When the Public Punishes Leaders Who Lie about Military Action:

Presidents have significant incentives to mislead the public about the use of force. Under what conditions are members of the public willing to hold presidents accountable for what they say about m...
Utility of the FABS MRI sequence in the evaluation of distal biceps pathology

The flexed elbow, abducted shoulder, forearm supinated (FABS) position has been described as a method of imaging the distal biceps tendon on its long axis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether obtaining additional MR imaging in the FABS position changes the radiologist’s assessment of the distal biceps tendon compared with traditional sequences only. Blinded review of 46 elbow MRIs when viewed without (−F) and with (+F) FABS sequences available was performed by two independent readers. The biceps tendon was graded in each case using a 0–3 scale, and a confidence level of 0–10 was assigned. −F and +F reads were compared. Reads were also compared with the surgical reference standard when available, 12 patients. Pooled intra rater reliability was 0.800 (0.714, 0.886) between the −F and +F groups. Pooled mean confidence was 7.163 (1.252) for the −F group and 8.370 (1.264) for the +F group (p < 0.001). Pooled diagnostic accuracy was 0.651 (0.420, 0.882) for the −F group and 0.615 (0.456, 0.875) for the +F group compared with the surgical reference standard. The FABS sequence changed the radiologist’s impression of the distal biceps tendon in the minority of cases and did not significantly change diagnostic accuracy. We do not recommend its use in the majority of cases. In challenging cases of high-grade partial vs complete tendon tear, FABS may be helpful to identify subtle residual tendon fibers.
Thermostable DNA polymerases.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes DNA polymerases of mesophiles and covers DNA polymerases of thermophilic Eubacteria and Archaea. It covers both thermophiles, organisms that grow optimally in the range of 50–70oC, but not at 90oC, and hyperthermophiles, organisms with an optimal growth temperature of at least 80°C, which also grow at 90°C. The most highly studied DNA polymerase is the Pol I DNA polymerase from Escherichia coli, and the truncated version of this enzyme, called the Klenow fragment, includes the C-terminal portion of E.coli Pol I containing the 3'→ 5'exonuclease and polymerase domains. Besides adding nucleotides to a growing DNA chain (polymerization), a DNA polymerase may also remove nucleotides from a DNA chain. This removal of nucleotides is referred to as the exonuclease activity of a DNA polymerase, and it can proceed in either the 3' to 5' direction (3'→ 5' exonuclease) or the 5' to 3' direction (5'→ 3'exonuclease). Proofreading is the term applied to the 3'→5'exonuclease activity of a DNA polymerase when it excises a newly synthesized mismatch. This chapter examines only the properties of the DNA polymerase catalytic polypeptide and discusses its structures and types.
Treatment for Oral Mucositis—Current Options and an Update of Small Molecules Under Development

Despite its history as one of the most impactful toxicities associated with cytotoxic cancer therapy, oral mucositis (OM) remains an unmet clinical need which affects hundreds of thousands of patients. Descriptions of its complex pathogenesis have provided mechanistic targets which are being exploited to develop an effective therapeutic intervention. Favorable results of recently completed clinical trials in which agents focused on interrupting the early stages of the mucositis biological cascade were assessed provide reason for optimism, not only for oral mucositis but also for halo indications which share its pathobiogenesis.
Size advantages of Starship Cargo vessel for Giant Magellan Telescope Observatory (GMTO) type space telescope launch

Starship Cargo Vessel’s hold is 8 meters in diameter, nine meters tall to shoulder, then conical shape to 2 meters diameter at 16 meters tall. Lifting capacity to Low Earth Orbit is rated at 150 metric tons per vessel. Shock loads remain well within industry standards, also wellknown are figures on vibration issues and G-force records. This launch vessel’s volume of the cargo hold matches well the proposed size and support structure for 8.4-meter borosilicate glass mirrors in the seven-mirror pattern utilized by GMTO. Lift capacity also compares well against the weight of the mirrors, and infrastructure. Fleet vessel numbers and variety are under development (SpaceX, 2020).
Functional State Dependence of Picosecond Protein Dynamics

We examine temperature dependent picosecond dynamics as a function of structure and function for lysozyme and cytochrome c using temperature dependent terahertz permittivity measurements. A double Arrhenius temperature dependence with activation energies E1 ~ 0.1 kJ/mol and E2 ~10 kJ/mol fits the native state response. The higher activation energy is consistent with the so-called protein dynamical transition associated with beta relaxations at the solvent-protein interface. The lower activation energy is consistent with correlated structural motions. When the structure is removed by denaturing the lower activation energy process is no longer present. Additionally the lower activation energy process is diminished with ligand binding, but not for changes in internal oxidation state. We suggest that the lower energy activation process is associated with collective structural motions that are no longer accessible with denaturing or binding. Critical to the function of proteins is both their three dimensional structure and the dynamics of this structure. On the picosecond timescale motions important for function include surface solvent, side chains and large scale correlated structural motions[1-3]. It has been suggested that the large scale correlated structural motions play a key role in the necessary structural reorganization that occurs during function [4, 5]. These correlated motions have recently been measured using coherent scattering techniques [6-8]. These exciting results raise the question of whether these correlated motions change with structure and function. Further, ref. 8 has suggested evidence of an optical mode at ~ 3 cm -1 , suggesting that optical techniques may be used to characterize these motions.
Recovering density for the Mindlin–Timoshenko system by means of a single boundary measurement

In this paper, we consider an inverse problem for the Mindlin–Timoshenko plate system, which is a strongly coupled two-dimensional system consisting of a wave equation and a system of isotropic ela...
AMODS: Autonomous mobile on-orbit diagnostic system

Researchers at the United States Naval Academy are developing an Autonomous Mobile On-orbit Diagnostic System (AMODS) which utilizes CubeSats to perform on-orbit inspections on conventional spacecraft. AMODS comprises a multiple CubeSat arrangement wherein one self-propelled transport CubeSat (BRICSat) will deliver one of several “repair” CubeSats (RSats) with manipulable arms to spacecraft for the purpose of providing diagnostic and maintenance services designed to repair or extend the life of that craft. AMODS will be validated in three phases. Phase One commenced in May 2015 with the launch of the transport module (BRICSat-P) where the effectiveness of microcathode thrusters to provide appropriate Δν was evaluated. A second transport module (BRICSat-D), which will use data from BRICSat-P to improve thruster control and demonstrate proximity operation maneuvers using the propulsion system, will launch in September 2016. Phase Two involves the 2017 launch of the prototype repair unit, RSat-P, to test the effectiveness of the robotic manipulators, and Phase Three comprises the 2018 launch of the first fully operational Space Tug, BRICSat-T and three repair modules, RSat-1,2,3 to fully validate core functionality and on-orbit feasibility. This paper provides an overview of the entire mission. It commences with an analysis of the design of the BRICSat transfer vehicle and the results of the BRICSat-P flight experiment. The paper will introduce the process and strategic details which guide the development and integration of the transport and repair units to optimize tendering and deployment functions. It will also include a summary of the RSat design, its visual, assessment and repair proficiencies and the requirements for actuations in a space environment. Finally, it will address the methods of validating the entire AMODS system on-orbit.
Control of Organelle Movements and Endoplasmic Reticulum Extension Powered by Kinesin and Cytoplasmic Dynein

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the current understanding of the molecular basis of organelle motility and speculates on how organelle motility may be controlled. It discusses several sites for the regulation of organelle motility; this regulation is likely to involve not only the motors and their accessory factors but also the organelle binding sites that are thought to determine directionality. Other microtubule-associated proteins may affect motility by forming a stable linkage between an organelle and a microtubule or by simply coating the microtubules to block the binding sites for motors. As per study, the transport of vesicular organelles and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) components along microtubules requires the microtubule-based motors––kinesin and cytoplasmic dynein. These motors are clearly the enzymes that power organelle movements, they require additional cytoplasmic components for the reconstitution of a motile organelle translocation complex, and these two microtubule motors can logically carry material outward toward the plus ends of the microtubules (kinesin) or inward toward the minus ends (cytoplasmic dynein). Although a variety of cellular functions, including endocytosis and protein and lipid synthesis and processing, continue in the absence of microtubules, the rates of these processes are often decreased (e.g, the movement of glycolipids to the apical surface of multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) cells).
lac Repressor-operator interaction. IX. The binding of lac repressor to operators containing Oc mutations.

Abstract Representative members of the six classes of operator constitutive (Oc) point mutations, which have been mapped and well characterized in vivo, were crossed into λφ80 lac phages. The phage DNAs containing the Oc mutations were used to measure the affinity of the lac repressor (R) for each Oc operator by determining the half-lives of the different ROc complexes in vitro. The results provide evidence that: (a) the higher the constitutive level of β-galactosidase in vivo, as the result of an Oc mutation, the lower the affinity of the lac repressor for that Oc operator, with a maximum difference of two orders of magnitude in affinity of the repressor for the highest Oc tested as compared to the wild type O+ operator; (b) the six classes of Oc operators appear to be twofold degenerate, in that two members of each class, which were previously distinguished by mapping, have the same affinity for the lac repressor; (c) an inducer and an anti-inducer have the same effect on the ROc complexes as on the RO+ complexes; (d) the relationship between induction ratios in vivo and the binding constant of the repressor for each Oc mutation in vitro does not follow the mass action equation but rather a more complex dependency, which is discussed. These results suggest a functional symmetry in the lac operator.
The effect of information on consumers' willingness to pay for natural and organic chicken

This study examined the effect of definitions for organic and natural on willingness to pay a premium for organic over natural chicken. Data were collected using surveys and experimental auctions that were conducted before and after information was presented. Before information, approximately two-thirds of participants inaccurately equated the requirements of natural with those for organic. After information, nearly 50% increased their premium, while 30% decreased their premium. Logistic regression results showed that consumers who had overestimated the requirements for natural were most likely to have an increased premium after information, with significantly higher bids for organic. For those who decreased their premium after information, awareness of consuming genetically modified (GM) foods was a key variable. The non-genetically modified (non-GM) requirement of organic appears to be of low value to some consumers. Overall, consumer confusion regarding organic and natural standards may be having substantial impacts on the two markets.
In vitro viral studies of cells grown from human amniotic fluid samples.

Abstract Twelve amniotic fluid samples were examined for immunoglobulin content, specific viral antibodies, and the presence of viral agents. Amniotic fluid cells were established in culture from 8 amniotic fluid samples, and 4 cell lines were found to be susceptible to infection by 9 animal viruses. These techniques are of potential value in assesment of a pregnancy for intrauterine viral infection.
Understanding the Key to Targeting the IGF Axis in Cancer: A Biomarker Assessment

Type 1 insulin like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) targeted therapies showed compelling pre-clinical evidence; however, to date, this has failed to translate into patient benefit in Phase 2/3 trials in unselected patients. This was further complicated by the toxicity, including hyperglycemia, which largely results from the overlap between IGF and insulin signaling systems and associated feedback mechanisms. This has halted the clinical development of inhibitors targeting IGF signaling, which has limited the availability of biopsy samples for correlative studies to understand biomarkers of response. Indeed, a major factor contributing to lack of clinical benefit of IGF targeting agents has been difficulty in identifying patients with tumors driven by IGF signaling due to the lack of predictive biomarkers. In this review, we will describe the IGF system, rationale for targeting IGF signaling, the potential liabilities of targeting strategies, and potential biomarkers that may improve success.
SU-E-J-33: Comparison Between Soft Tissue Alignment and Bony Alignment for Pancreatic Cancer Radiotherapy

Purpose An IGRT modality for pancreatic cancer treatment with dose escalation at our institution is in-room daily CT imaging. The purpose of this study is to assess the difference between soft tissue alignment and bony alignment for pancreatic tumor localization. Methods Eighteen patients with pancreatic tumors who underwent IMRT treatment with an inspiration breath-hold technique between July 2012 and February 2015 are included in this study. Prior to each treatment, a CT scan was acquired. The CT image guidance started with auto-alignment to either the bony anatomy (vertebral bodies) or fiducials (for the six patients with the stent in/near the tumor) and then, when necessary, manual adjustments were made based on soft tissue alignment using clinical software (CT-Assisted Targeting system). The difference between soft tissue alignment and bony/fiducial alignment was evaluated. Results Of all 380 treatments, manual adjustment was made in 225 treatments, ranging from 11% (3 treatments out of 28) to 96% (27 treatments out of 28) per patient. The mean of the difference between soft tissue alignment and bony/fiducial alignment per patient ranged from −3.6 to 0.3 mm, −1.5 to 2.8 mm, and −3.3 to 3.4 mm in the AP, SI, and RL directions, respectively. The maximum differencemore » over all treatments was −9.5, −14.6, and −14.6 mm in the AP, SI, and RL directions, respectively. Conclusion About 60% of the time, manual adjustment based on soft tissue alignment was required. The extent of manual adjustment was usually small but varied significantly from patient to patient. The ultimate goal of the IGRT modality using daily CT imaging is not to fully cover the target but to spare organs-at-risk as much as possible to avoid them moving into higher dose gradients than accepted in the treatment plan. To this end, manual adjustment based on soft tissue alignment is critically important.« less
Re-Storying the Entrepreneurial Ideal: Lifestyle Entrepreneurs as Hero?

Media and entrepreneur support organizations glorify empire building entrepreneurs, reflecting a world-view of older generations. Research on nascent entrepreneurs reveals that few of them are building organizations that fit the old ideal. Instead, their priorities and the stories they are creating better reflect the career view of the generation now entering the workforce (Generation Y). When asked about future organizational success, the 187 nascent entrepreneurs in this study focused on relationships, integrity and lifestyle. This paper explores which types of entrepreneurs may be held up as exemplary as the Baby Boomers leave positions of power and Generation Y enters the workforce: What the stories may be, and what impact this may have on education, economy, families, and public policy.
Complex formation between activator and RNA polymerase as the basis for transcriptional activation by MarA and SoxS in Escherichia coli

Transcriptional activation in Escherichia coli is generally considered to proceed via the formation of an activator-DNA-RNA polymerase (RNP) ternary complex. Although the order of assembly of the three elements is thermodynamically irrelevant, a prevalent idea is that the activator-DNA complex is formed first, and recruitment of RNP to the binary complex occurs subsequently. We show here that the closely related activators, MarA, SoxS and Rob, which activate the same family of genes, are capable of forming complexes with RNP core or holoenzyme in the absence of DNA. In addition, we find that the ternary MarA-DNA-RNP and SoxS-DNA-RNP complexes are more stable than the corresponding Rob-DNA-RNP complex, although the binary Rob-DNA complex is often more stable than the corresponding MarA- or SoxS-DNA complexes. These results may help to explain certain puzzling aspects of the MarA/SoxS/Rob system. We suggest that activator-RNP complexes scan the chromosome and bind promoters of the regulon more efficiently than either RNP or the activators alone.
An inductance realization using two operational amplifiers

The application of a synthesis technique for one-port immittances to the realization of inductance for restricted-volume applications (e.g., for microcircuits) is reported. Two experiments are described--one using two computer-grade operational amplifiers and the other using two commercial-grade, integrated-circuit amplifiers. A major obstacle to practical application is described.
A stabilized electronic multiplier

Many people engaged in the development of precision analog computing equipment have concluded that the two most useful computing circuit elements are a stabilized d-c amplifier and a high-speed precision switch. The first requirement is met by a circuit disclosed by Goldberg.1 A method of stabilizing a large number of d-c amplifiers with a single pulse amplifier was first reported by Ingerson.2
Recurrence of Hereditary Corneal Dystrophy Following Keratoplasty

There have been a few reported cases of recurrence of hereditary corneal dystrophy in the graft. Tripathi and Garner reported recurrence of granular dystrophy in a lamel­ lar graft 10 years following operation, char­ acterized histologically by superficial focal deposits. Recurrence of macular dystrophy in the graft has been reported by Morgan in two cases, who added that he had obtained histologie proof of such a recurrence. The case reported by Lorenzetti and Kaufman is complicated by the fact that the clouding of the graft occurred after cataract extraction, and histologie examination showed deposi­ tion of mucopolysaccharide in the endothelium rather than in the corneal stroma which is characteristic of macular dystrophy. These authors also reported one case of recurrence of lattice dystrophy in the graft, requiring reoperation 20 years after the primary proce­ dure.
A restriction in Frege's use of the term “true”

As is well known, Frege introduced the distinction between the sense (Sinn) and the referent (Bedeutung) of a proper name to account for the cognitive significance and truth-value of an identity sentence. The sentence "The morning star is the evening star" (where "is" must be read "is none other than" or "is the same as") is true because the referents of the names are the same object; the sentence is significant because the senses of the names (that is, the public meanings or ways in which the object is given in each case) are different. Further, Frege recognized that in certain cases of indirect reference a sense may be the object referred to.1 And finally, Frege clearly distinguished cases in which the name or a linguistic expression itself may be the object referred to by another name. In the latter case, he used quotation marks around a word to indicate that its referent was the linguistic entity only.2 Frege felt this last step was important in order to avoid confusing the objects of mathematics with the linguistic expressions by which they were named and so to avoid the formalistic thinking of his contemporaries.3 Frege carried this analysis over directly in his treatment of the sentence as a whole as a proper name. He identified the sense of the sentence as the thought or proposition (Gedanke) and the referent of the sentence as its truth-value, the object, The True or The False.4 Further, he found that the sentence used indirectly had its normal sense, the thought, as referent or object named. And finally, a sentence in quotation marks was merelv a proper name with the sentence itself as the object referred to (as for any other linguistic expression in quotation marks). The problem of this paper centers upon Frege's use of the term "true" and the limitations of the usage of this term in comparison with current treatments of this problem. The subject matter of this paper will be restricted primarily to that portion of Frege's thought found in his "Ueber Sinn und Bedeutung" wherein he states most clearly his notion of truthvalues.
Phenothiazine depression of approach and avoidance behavior.

Dose response curves for a series of phenothiazines are presented for two discrete trial behavioral procedures: conditioned avoidance and conditioned approach. Although the tasks variod considerably in type of motivation, type of response, and type of discrimination, the rank order ED50's for blocking of behavior were the same in both procedures. The possibility that the obtained rank order related to the extrapyramidal side effects obtained clinically was mentioned and supported by preliminary work with a third behavioral procedure. The higher ED50 for the avoidance trials than for the approach trials is best explained in terms of level of motivation rather than in terms of type of motivation.
Warfarin-associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage is Increasing in Prevalence in the United States

Background Warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (WAICH) is expected to increase in prevalence as the population ages. We sought to evaluate national trends, characteristics, and in-hospital outcomes among intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients taking warfarin at baseline. Methods We reviewed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify all admissions with primary diagnosis of ICH by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code (431) from 2005 to 2008. We identified premorbid warfarin use by the V code (V58.93) and calculated the proportion of WAICH among all ICH patients in each year. We employed univariate statistics and generalized estimating equation regression models to assess whether warfarin use independently increased the risk of in-hospital mortality after adjusting for relevant covariates. P value less than .05 was considered significant. Results There were 52,993 patients (mean age 68.8 years; 49.7% male) coded for ICH between 2005 and 2008. The proportion with WAICH increased each year (2005, 5.8%; 2006, 6.5%; 2007, 6.9%; 2008, 7.3%; P P P = .346). In multivariable analysis, warfarin use (adjusted odds ratio 1.35; 95% confidence interval 1.24-1.47) remained an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. Conclusions WAICH is increasing in prevalence in the United States and is associated with a 35% higher mortality than non-WAICH. While mortality has declined over time for non-WAICH, mortality after WAICH is unchanged. Specific strategies to decrease the mortality of WAICH such as rapid reversal of anticoagulation are warranted.
The Effect of Management on the Vitamin B12 Content of Poultry House Litter I. As Measured by Chick Growth

Abstract SOME evidence is found in literature indicating that litter management may effect the nutrients required in the diet of poultry. Little has been presented, however, to show specifically this relationship and the effects of litter management upon nutritional experiments. Lamoreux and Schumacher (1940) reported that hen feces contained more riboflavin than the amount in the feed which was fed, and Schumacher and Heuser (1941) isolated an organism capable of synthesizing riboflavin in hen feces. Bird and Marvel (1943) observed that hens in open front houses produced eggs of higher hatchability than hens maintained in batteries. They showed that this increased hatchability of eggs from hens in floor pens could be due to consumption of the droppings since adding 10 percent of dried feces from the hens in batteries, to their diet, gave increased hatchability. Rubin, Bird and Rothchild (1946) observed that the “animal protein factor” was present in hen feces and . . .
High-energy femtosecond Cr4+:forsterite oscillators and their applications in biomedical and material sciences

We have designed and successfully developed a long-cavity Cr4+:forsterite femtosecond oscillator, which delivers <40 fs pulses with an energy per pulse of over 15 nJ. Complete self-starting is demonstrated. Ablation and phase transformations of semiconductor materials are achieved by the tight focusing of the laser output using a microscope objective. It is also demonstrated that Cr4+:forsterite has significant advantages over Ti: sapphire for multiphoton fluorescence and coherent non-linear optical microscopy.
Evaluative judgments are based on evaluative information: Evidence against meaning change in evaluative context effects

Trait adjectives commonly employed in person perception studies have both evaluative and denotative meanings. Evaluative ratings of single traits shift with variations in the context of other traits ascribed to the stimulus person; the extent to which denotative changes underlie these evaluative context effects has been a theoretical controversy. In the first experiment, it was shown that context effects on quantitative ratings of denotation can be largely accounted for by evaluative halo effects. In the second experiment, increasing the denotative relatedness of context traits to the test trait didnot increase the effect of the context. Only the evaluative meaning of the context affected evaluation of the rated test trait. These studies suggest that the denotative relationship between a test adjective and its context has little influence on context effects in person perception, and that denotative meaning changes do not mediate context effects. Instead, evaluative judgments appear to be based on evaluative meaning.
An electron cytochemical study of mechanisms of lysosomal activity in the rat left ventricular mural myocardium

These cytochemical studies have shown that there are two distinct morphological types of primary lysosomes in the rat left ventricular mural myocardial cells, those with granular matrices and those with membranous matrices, which showed differences in acid hydrolase activity. Two different pathways of synthesis, transport, and packaging of primary lysosomes were indicated: (1) In the nuclear pole zone synthesis either occurs in the cisternae of the rough ER or granular regions of the nuclear envelope. Transport may occur from either the agranular regions of the nuclear membrane or directly from other elements of the smooth ER to the Golgi for packaging. Release appears to occur from the cisternal swollen end sacs. (2) In regions of the cell far removed from the nuclear pole zone, acid hydrolases, after synthesis in the rough ER, appear to be transported, packaged, and released as primary lysosomes directly from elements of the smooth ER, bypassing the Golgi, thus providing a more direct route for activity at distant sites within the cell. Lysosomal degradation of mitochondria in autophagic vacuoles occurs by two different mechanisms: (1) The more common involves progressive densification of the matrix, concomitant loss of cristae and outer and inner membranes, followed by further degradation to residual bodies; (2) The second and less common mechanism occurs in secondary lysosomes with much residual material and involves clarification of the mitochondrial matrix, followed by loss of the outer mitochondrial membrane and disorganization of the cristal membranes. Degradation of lipid droplets occurs by lysosomal and autooxidative activity. Acid hydrolase activity in residual bodies clearly indicates their lysosomal origin.
Statistical inference for self-designing clinical trials with a one-sided hypothesis

In the process of monitoring clinical trials, it seems appealing to use the interim findings to determine whether the sample size originally planned will provide adequate power when the alternative hypothesis is true, and to adjust the sample size if necessary. In the present paper, we propose a flexible sequential monitoring method following the work of Fisher (1998), in which the maximum sample size does not have to be specified in advance. The final test statistic is constructed based on a weighted average of the sequentially collected data, where the weight function at each stage is determined by the observed data prior to that stage. Such a weight function is used to maintain the integrity of the variance of the final test statistic so that the overall type I error rate is preserved. Moreover, the weight function plays an implicit role in termination of a trial when a treatment difference exists. Finally, the design allows the trial to be stopped early when the efficacy result is sufficiently negative. Simulation studies confirm the performance of the method.
Capillary electrophoresis in agarose solutions: Extension of size separations to DNA of 12 kb in length

The upper limit of the size range of DNA amenable to separation in agarose solutions above their gelling temperature, using capillary zone electrophoresis apparatus, was increased to 12 kb. The plot of log(bp) vs. mobility derived from electrophoresis in 1.7% agarose solution is biphasic, exhibiting higher resolving power for DNA less than 1 kb in size than that of larger sizes. Resolving power for DNA larger than 1 kb increased when the agarose concentration was increased in the range of 1.0-2.6%. It was similar in solutions at 40 degrees C of SeaPrep and SeaPlaque agaroses as well as in Acrylaide (trade names are those of the manufacturer). However, the resolving power of SeaPrep agarose at 25 degrees C was inferior to that at 40 degrees C. Concave plots of log(mobility) vs. concentration of the agarose solutions are those predicted under the assumption that the effective "equivalent radius" of the DNA molecule diminishes with increasing agarose concentration in the investigated concentration range up to 2.6%.
The Social Context of Animal Husbandry in Early Agricultural Societies: Ethnographic Insights and an Archaeological Example from Cyprus

Abstract Much of the recent literature on faunal analysis is concerned with the identification of specialized herd management strategies geared toward maximizing yields of primary and secondary products (meat, milk, wool, etc.) from domesticated animals. Models of these strategies can be very useful in the interpretation of faunal assemblages from state or market-centered economies, but their applicability to less complex societies is problematic. A review of the ethnographic literature suggests that a variety of socioideological and ritual requirements, rather than utilitarian optimizing principles, structures patterns of animal husbandry in pre-state, pre-market (or extra-state, extra-market) societies. The archaeological implications of this observation are explored in the context of prehistoric Cyprus, where long-term changes in the composition of faunal assemblages appear to be closely linked to transformations in social organization and ritual practice.
Characterization of MeV iOn-Implanted GainAs/GaAs Using X-Ray And Raman Techniques

Lattice relaxation, elastic strain, and phonon shifts are studied in as-grown, MeV ion-implanted, and thermally annealed strained GaInAs layers on GaAs(001) substrates. The degree of lattice relaxation for the as-grown samples is discussed in terms of the measured in-plane lattice constants and the calculated critical thickness. For the 15 MeV Cl or 9 MeV P ion bombarded GaInAs/GaAs, the beam-induced elastic strains and beam-induced phonon shifts are measured and discussed for samples with different degrees of initial relaxation. Thermal annealing on the as-grown and the ion-implanted GaInAs layers indicates a substantial thermal loss of indium in the thin surface layers and a full recovery of radiation damage in the GaInAs layers by 500°C.
Logarithmic Sobolev inequalities and the spectrum of Sturm-Liouville operators

Abstract We continue our study of the logarithmic Sobolev inequality of Gross and its connections with the spectrum of Sturm-Liouville operators, confining our attention to a finite interval and the circle. The analysis begins with a certain variational problem, which turns out to be related to two other variational problems. One of these gives the connection with bounds from below for the spectrum of Sturm-Liouville operators, while the other furnishes examples of logarithmic Sobolev inequalities with probability measures. The “best constant” in the latter version turns out to be related to the mass gap of certain Sturm-Liouville operators. The extension of these results to higher-dimensional manifolds will appear in a subsequent paper.
FINE STRUCTURE OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM OF HYDRA

Fine structural details of the cells and processes of the hydra nenous system are reported in this paper. Ganglion cells are small bipolar or multipolar cells situated above the muscular processes of epitheliomusiular cells. An elaborate Colgi apparatus consisting of parallel lamellae and small and large vesicles is present in these cells. Some cells are poor in ribosomes while others contain numerous free ribosomes. In the ribosome-rich cells, small membranous microtubules originating from the nuclear envelope extend into the cytoplasm and neurites. The neurites also contain vesicles and mitochondria and terminate at the bases of cnidoblasts and on the muscular processes of epitheliomuscular cells. Specialized synapses were not observed. A second cell type contains many membrane-bounded dense granules, 1000 A in diameter, and these are considered to be neurosecretory cells. Neurosecretory granules on cnidoblasts and epitheliomuscular cells. Sensory cells are small elongated cells originate in the Golgi apparatus and are abundant in neurites which also terminate situated between the apical surfaces of epithelial and digestive cells. These cells are characterized by an apical specialization which appears to be a modified cilium. Neurosensory cells were also observed. The intimate connection of the nervous system with cnidoblasts suggests a role in nematocyst discharge. The finding of neurosecretory material supports the hypothesis that the neural control of regeneration in hydra is regulated by material released at nerve endings.
Torsional Studies of DNA Denaturation using Angular Optical Trapping

Torque-induced separation of duplex DNA strands plays an important role in a wide variety of cellular processes, such as transcription, DNA replication, recombination and repair. In the present work we are investigating mechanical properties of torsionally-denatured DNA at the single-molecule level using an angular optical trap. While applying a constant tension to a DNA molecule, we simultaneously measure the extension change and torque as the DNA is wound up and denatured. We will present measurements on both tensile and torsional properties of denatured DNA. We will also discuss the implications of our findings with respect to previous theoretical work.
Comparison of conventional paint-on die spacers and those used with the all-ceramic restorations

The study compared the thickness of conventional (Tru-Fit and Belle de St. Claire) and all-ceramic (Dicor and Cerestore) die spacers. Three coats of Tru-Fit, two coats of Belle de St. Claire, and two coats of Cerestore die spacers provided a 25 microns thickness. A single coat of the Dicor spacer resulted in a 37 microns layer. A significantly thinner layer occurred at the convex occlusal line angles for all of the materials tested. This could impede the flow of the luting agent at the time of cementation.
Evolving interface design for robot search tasks

This paper describes two steps in the evolution of human-robot interaction designs developed by the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) and the Idaho National Laboratory to support urban search and rescue tasks. Usability tests were conducted to compare the two interfaces, one of which emphasized three-dimensional mapping while the other design emphasized the video feed. We found that participants desired a combination of the interface design approaches. As a result, the UML system was changed to augment its heavy emphasis on video with a map view of the area immediately around the robot. The changes were tested in a follow-up user study and the results from that experiment suggest that performance, as measured by the number of collisions with objects in the environment and time on task, is better with the new interaction techniques. Throughout the paper, we describe how we applied human-computer interaction principles and techniques to benefit the evolution of the human-robot interaction designs. While the design work is situated in the urban search and rescue domain, the results can be generalized to domains that involve other search or monitoring tasks using remotely located robots. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An in vitro model to study bacterial invasion of periodontal tissues.

In periodontal disease, the abilities of bacteria to adhere to and degrade in vivo basement membranes should be considered as two of the rate-limiting steps for the potential active or passive invasion of gingival connective tissues. To study these mechanisms in greater detail, we used the PF HR-9 basement-membrane-like matrix to establish an in vitro model of bacterial invasion and degradation. Three gram-negative anaerobic periodontopathic organisms, Bacteroides gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, bound in considerably higher numbers to the HR-9 matrix than did 6 strains of gram-positive facultative organisms typically associated with periodontal health. In a further experiment with B. gingivalis, the organism rapidly degraded Type IV collagen, the major macromolecular component constituting the HR-9 matrix. Streptococcus mitis, the nonperiodontopathic bacterium tested, did not degrade this model matrix. This study provides evidence that B. gingivalis, a period...
Emergent cardiopulmonary support circuit to allow tracheo-bronchial foreign body removal

Abstract We describe a case of peanut aspiration resulting in distal tracheal impaction. Due to an inability to ventilate the patient, we utilized emergent cardiopulmonary support with a dialysis catheter to allow removal of the aspirated fragments. This is the first reported case using the emergent cardiopulmonary support circuit for foreign body aspiration. Herein, we describe the teaching points from this case and provide flow guidelines for the available catheters.
Endotoxin Inhibits Heat-Induced HSP70 Synthesis in Rats |[bull]| 220

Protective effects of heat stress from endotoxin induced lung injury and shock is attributed to the induction of a heat stress protein (HSP70).In-vitro, endotoxin prior to heat has been shown to increase TNF production and decrease HSP70 induction. The objective of this study was to determine if endotoxin decreases the synthesis of heat induced HSP70in-vivo. Twenty five rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups: Group 1, controls, received saline infusion. Group 2 received only endotoxin (LPS) infusion over 2 min. Group 3 received heat stress (42°C for 10 min). Group 4 received heat stress followed two hrs later by LPS infusion. Group 5 received LPS infusion followed two hrs later by heat stress. Animals were sacrificed two hrs after final treatment, the spleen was removed, splenocytes were washed, and inducible HSP70 was determined by Western blot. Densitometry analysis for each HSP band was compared to its corresponding actin band and reported as% actin. Group 1, control spleen cells were negligible for inducible HSP70 (0.58 ±0.63). Group 2, treated with LPS only were similar to controls (0.33 ±0.44). Group 3, receiving heat stress only had the greatest amount of HSP70 induced (84.4 ±20.2) and were similar to group 4, treated with heat stress followed by LPS (65.4 ±10.2). However, HSP70 induction was suppressed in group 5, pretreated with LPS prior to heat stress (21.0 ±8.0) which was different from groups 3(p<0.007) and group 4 (p<0.004). The suppression of HSP 70 in group 5 was reversed by washing the splenocytes and incubating them for two additional hours which resulted in increased HSP70 synthesis (70.8 ±33.9) similar to group 3.
Gap solitons in periodic discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equations with saturable nonlinearities

The main result of the paper concerns the existence of nontrivial exponentially decaying solutions to periodic stationary discrete nonlinear Schrodinger equations with saturable nonlinearities, provided that zero belongs to a spectral gap of the linear part. The proof is based on the critical point theory in combination with periodic approximations of solutions. As a preliminary step, we prove also the existence of nontrivial periodic solutions with arbitrarily large periods.
Effect of Dietary Protein Level on Growth and Blood Parameters in Summer Flounder, Paralichthys dentatus

Abstract Summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, were fed diets with various protein levels (36.6%, 40.0%, 47.7%, 51.9%, and 56.5%), and the effect of these levels on growth and blood parameters was measured. Fish fed the highest protein level gained significantly (P 0.05) differences among mean feed conversion ratios (FCR), protein efficiency ratios (PER), net protein utilization (NPU), or mean percent total body moisture, protein, lipid, or ash content. Fish fed diets with 52 or 56% protein had red blood cell counts that were significantly (P< 0.05) higher than fish fed diets with lower protein levels. In addition, hematocrits were significantly (P< 0.001) correlated to dietary protein. There were no significant differences among mean total protein, triglyceride, glucose or phosphate. However, blood calcium levels varied with diet. Data indicate that summer flounder protein requirements are near those suggested for ...