cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dilated Right Pulmonary Veins in Mitral Insufficiency

A review of 50 proved cases of mitral insufficiency from the standpoint of the right pulmonary veins uncovered seven cases with localized dilatation of the central right pulmonary veins. In three cases this involved all the central right pulmonary veins; while in four it was confined to the right superior veins. In all seven cases there was 4+ mitral regurgitation with contrast substance refluxing into the dilated right pulmonary veins. This reflux is suggested as a possible cause of this venous dilatation.
Basolateral Membrane K Permselectivity and Regulation in Bullfrog Cornea Epithelium

In the isolated bullfrog cornea epithelium, under short-circuit conditions the regulation of the K permeability of the basolateral membrane was studied with conventional and K-selective microelectrodes in Cl-free Ringers In Cl-free Ringers, the transcellular current is less than 1 μA/cm2, allowing estimation of the basolateral membrane electromotive force from measurements of the membrane voltage (V sc). The apparent basolateral membrane K conductance was determined from measurements of the effects of single ion substitutions of K for Na on theV sc. An increase of K from 2.5 to 25mm on the stromal side depolarized the membrane voltage by 29 mV, whereas additional increases to 56 and 100mm resulted in depolarizations consistent with a Nernstian prediction. In the range between 25 and 56mm K, these decreases in membrane voltage were smaller after either decreasing the stromal-side pH from 8.1 to 7.2 or substitution of sulfate with gluconate. In contrast, preincubation with 0.1mm oubain did not change the membrane voltage depolarizations over any of the K ranges between 2.5 and 100mm. Equivalent circuit analysis, based on the effects of nystatin on the electrical parameters, was, used to validate the changes in the apparent basolateral, membrane K conductance following increases in [K], substitution of SO4 with gluconate and Na:K pump inhibition. An increase in the [K] to 120mm decreased the basolateral membrane resistance nearly three-fold, whereas gluconate substitution resulted in a 2.5-fold increase of the basolateral membrane resistance. This resistance increased an additional 2-fold after exposure to 5mm Ba. However, exposure to 0.1mm oubain had no significant effect on this resistance. Therefore, there is an agreement between the results of circuit analysis and the magnitude of membrane voltage depolarization resulting from increases in [K], gluconate substitution and pump inhibition with ouabain. Na:K pump inhibition with ouabain caused the K activity to decline slightly after 30 min from 98±7 to 83±8mm, which is consistent with a small basolateral membrane Na conductance. The estimated K permeability ranged from 3.7×10−7 to 1.1×10−6 cm/sec. The less than Nernstian predicted decline of the membrane voltage between 2.5 and 25mm K and the small basolateral membrane Na conductance suggest that the basolateral membrane is also permeable to another unknown ion.
The Case of the Unanswered Question [Patents]

Over the centuries, generations of judges have grappled with the question of what makes some inventions eligible for patent protection and others not. Although asked regularly, the result has been uniformly the same—no set of words seems to be able to accurately articulate the difference.
The use of a human endometrial carcinoma cell line (RL-95) for in vitro testing of chemotherapeutic agents

RL-95, a moderately well-differentiated adenosquamous endometrial carcinoma cell line, can be used as a model for testing chemotherapeutic agents in vitro . Cells are grown in T-75 flasks, transferred to scintillation vials, and grown for 24 hr. Following this, medium is removed and new medium containing Adriamycin (Adr) and cis -platinum (CP) is added. Effects of the two drugs are measured by cell counts and DNA synthesis. To measure DNA synthesis, cells are incubated with [ 3 H]thymidine ( 3 H-THY) for up to 24 hr. Decreased DNA synthesis is reflected in decreased 3 H-THY uptake. Cell kill is obtained with levels of drugs that are clinically achievable. Evidence is presented for increased cytotoxicity with concomitant, rather than sequential, chemotherapy. Results are also confirmed by testing the agent on MCF-7, a well-known breast cancer cell line. The results indicate that (1) endometrial carcinoma responds to Adriamycin and cis -platinum chemotherapeutic agents in vitro , and (2) RL-95 can be used as a model for testing varying concentrations, time of exposure, and combinations of chemotherapeutic agents.
Promoting Undergraduate STEM Education at a Historically Black College and University through Research Experience

Diversification of our country’s science talent pool is critically needed and can only be achieved by stimulating interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among students from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. However, motivating, increasing the number, improving retention rates, and graduation rates of underrepresented minority (URM) students in STEM disciplines continue to be a major challenge and of active pedagogical interest to historically black colleges and universities (HBCU). Early involvement of URM students in research is a viable strategy to excite minority students in STEM areas. This work reported the use of the Raising Achievement in Mathematics and Science (RAMS) scholar and Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) programs at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) as a strategy for promoting and stimulating the interest of URM students in STEM education at a HBCU institution. The influence of the RAMS scholar and SURE programs on the retention rate a...
Third molar management: a case against routine removal in adolescent and young adult orthodontic patients

In the nearly two decades since the National Institutes of Health conference, controversy and uncertainty have continued with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of impacted, nondiseased third molars in adolescents and young adults. Articles published over the past 10 years have studied the issue from the vantage point of risk management. Those who favor prophylactic removal justify this action on three premises: 1. All impacted third molars are potentially pathologic; therefore, prophylactic removal reduces or eliminates risk of future disease. 2. The presence of third molars can cause late crowding. 3. Removal during adolescence and young adulthood reduces risks of operative and postoperative complications compared with older patients. Those who favor conservative management offer three counter arguments: 1. Although impacted third molars do pose a risk of a pathologic condition, the risk is relatively small in comparison with the risks of operative and postoperative complications and the costs of unnecessary removal. 2. Although some investigators have shown a statistical association of third molars and late anterior crowding, the association is not strong enough to allow prediction of patients at risk. This is due principally to the high degree of individual variability, suggesting that many other factors interact in the development of postadolescent crowding. 3. Although studies have shown that morbidity is reduced when impacted, nondiseased third molars are removed during adolescence or young adulthood, the cost-risk-benefit data do not justify routine removal. Proponents of prophylactic removal argue that the benefits outweigh the risks. Proponents of conservative management argue that the scientific evidence is inconclusive in support of prophylactic removal. Unfortunately, much of the clinical research has been flawed. This has led to contradictory interpretations that have not fully clarified the relative risks and benefits of early intervention. Untrustworthy data have served only to fuel the debate and controversy concerning proper protocols. However, careful analyses of the published research show that routine removal of impacted or unerupted, disease-free third molars cannot be justified. A case-by-case management protocol that requires monitoring development represents the consensus of most researchers in this field.
Crime science and crime epidemics in developing countries: a reflection on kidnapping for ransom in Colombia, South America

Commonly, established nations are called upon to deal with crime epidemics in developing countries. This is particularly the case when the outside country has a vested interest in doing something about the foreign nation’s problem. One noted example of this is the US funded Plan Colombia operation in South America which targeted organized crime and guerrilla groups through the development of the Colombian government’s capacity to carry out direct offensive action, with a reported cost of over $8 billion. Yet, efforts by outside countries to establish and professionalize governmental agencies in underdeveloped countries as a means to combat crime epidemics requires an enormous investment in time and resources, things which are not always feasible. Through a retrospective examination of the kidnapping for ransom epidemic which occurred in Colombia, South America throughout the 2000s, this paper identifies the potential utility of the crime science approach as a cost effective and more direct strategy to deal with crime epidemics in developing countries. Implications and ideas for future applications are discussed.
A Longitudinal Investigation of Work-Family Strains and Gains, Work Commitment, and Subsequent Employment Status Among Partnered Working Mothers

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the work—family interface on mothers’ commitment to work and the implications of that work commitment for subsequent employment. The study included a sample of employed partnered mothers who participated in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development, all of whom had given birth at the beginning of the study. Longitudinal analyses were specified to isolate the predictors of change in work commitment during the first 3 years following childbirth. Results indicate that perceived work—family strains were uniquely associated with decreased work commitment whereas perceived work—family gains were uniquely associated with increased work commitment during this period. In addition, greater work commitment during the first 3 years following childbirth was associated with a greater likelihood that the woman would be employed 9 years later. Implications are discussed.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Working Memory Reveals Frontal Hypoactivation in Middle-Aged Adults with Cognitive Complaints

Older adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD) often complain about cognitive difficulties including reduced processing speed and attention. On cross-sectional examination, such reports relate more closely to mood than to cognitive performance; yet, in longitudinal studies, these complaints have foreshadowed cognitive decline over time. To test the hypothesis that self-reported cognitive difficulties reflect early changes in brain function, we examined cognitive complaints and depression in relation to blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) response to a cognitive task in middle-aged adults at risk for CVD. Forty-nine adults (ages 40 to 60 years) completed a measure of perceived cognitive dysfunction (Cognitive Difficulties Scale), medical history questionnaire, neuropsychological assessment and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a working memory task. Increased report of cognitive difficulties was significantly associated with weaker task-related activation in the right superior frontal/ middle frontal gyrus (F(4,44) = 3.26; p = .020, CDS s = −0.39; p = .009) and the right inferior frontal gyrus (F(4,44) = 3.14; p = .024, CDS s = −0.45; p = .003), independent of age, education, and self-reported depressive symptoms. Lower activation intensity in the right superior frontal gyrus was related to trends toward poorer task performance. Thus, self-reported cognitive difficulties among cognitively normal middle-aged adults may provide important clinical information about early brain vulnerability that should be carefully monitored. (JINS, 2011, 17, 915–924)
Promoter Activation by Repositioning of RNA Polymerase

Spo0A, a classical two-component-type response regulator in Bacillus subtilis, binds to a specific DNA sequence found in many promoters to repress or activate the transcription of over 100 genes. On the spoIIG promoter, one of the Spo0A binding sites, centered at position −40, overlaps a consensus −35 element that may also interact with region 4 of the sigma A (σA) subunit of RNA polymerase. Molecular modeling corroborated by genetic evidence led us to propose that the binding of Spo0A to this site repositions σA region 4 on the promoter. Therefore, we used a chemical nuclease, p-bromoacetamidobenzyl-EDTA-Fe, that was covalently tethered to a single cysteine in region 4 of σA to map the position of σA on the promoter. The results indicated that in the absence of Spo0A, σA region 4 of the RNA polymerase was located near the −35 element sequence centered at position −40. However, in the presence of Spo0A, σA region 4 was displaced downstream from the −35 element by 4 bp. These and other results support the model in which the binding of Spo0A to the spoIIG promoter stimulates promoter utilization by repositioning prebound RNA polymerase and stabilizing the repositioned RNA polymerase-promoter complex at a new position that aligns σA region 2 with the −10 region sequences of the promoter, thus facilitating open complex formation.
The Affordances of Blogging A Case Study in Culture and Technological Effects

Informed by Carey's cultural approach to communication, this article revisits the debate about the historical impact of new communication technologies. Several studies have pointed to technology “affordances” as offering a useful middle ground between determinist and social constructivist perspectives. This article explores how the concept of affordance might be tweaked to emphasize what an emerging technology suggests in time to the cultures using and developing it. The second half of the article illustrates the discussion with a close examination of the affordances of blogging technology and especially of a novel communications genre: news-related blogs.
When less is more (LIMO):controlled parallelism forimproved efficiency

While developing shared-memory programs, programmers often contend with the problem of how many threads to create for best efficiency. Creating as many threads as the number of available processor cores, or more, may not be the most efficient configuration. Too many threads can result in excessive contention for shared resources, wasting energy, which is of primary concern for embedded devices. Furthermore, thermal and power constraints prevent us from operating all the processor cores at the highest possible frequency, favoring fewer threads. The best number of threads to run depends on the application, user input and hardware resources available. It can also change at runtime making it infeasible for the programmer to determine this number.To address this problem, we propose LIMO, a runtime system that dynamically manages the number of running threads of an application for maximizing peformance and energy-efficiency. LIMO monitors threads' progress along with the usage of shared hardware resources to determine the best number of threads to run and the voltage and frequency level. With dynamic adaptation, LIMO provides an average of 21% performance improvement and a 2x improvement in energy-efficiency on a 32-core system over the default configuration of 32 threads for a set of concurrent applications from the PARSEC suite, the Apache web server, and the Sphinx speech recognition system.
Doctors' Wives: “Poor Little Rich Girls” of American Medicine

Doctors' wives in the United States may be the “poor little rich girls” of the medical world. Surrounded by medical expertise, they receive surprisingly poor medical care; and they pay a heavy price for the care they do receive. This paper draws on interviews with doctors' wives in northern California to show how their access to doctors is restricted; how the doctors who do treat them are less accountable for their actions and decisions; how other health care personnel relate to them; and how they are affected by the free health care they receive. Ultimately, doctors' wives develop a kind of schizophrenia in dealing with their health problems and the medical world.
Guidelines for the design of high-efficiency mode avalanche diode oscillators

In this paper, we have developed a set of guidelines for the design of high-efficiency mode avalanche diode oscillators, based on the previously published theory of this mode. An important feature in the development is the "design triangle"--an area in design space which is compatible with the existence of a set of waveforms characterized by efficiencies of up to 60 percent. The particular subregion of the design triangle which is most suitable depends on whether the goal is CW or high-pulsed-power operation. Examination of available data for the highest efficiency oscillators indicates that most of these are likely exhibiting oscillations of the type described and that the quantitative results developed are indeed applicable. In order to achieve extremely high efficiencies, severe circuit demands must be met; doing this systematically is likely to prove quite difficult. Combining the design results with thermal calculations indicates that one may anticipate UHF or L-band single-chip CW power levels of over 20 W with a conventional copper heat sink and considerably more power with a heat sink of type IIA diamond.
Controlling the Power and Area of Neural Branch Predictors for Practical Implementation in High-Performance Processors

Neural-inspired branch predictors achieve very low branch misprediction rates. However, previously proposed implementations have a variety of characteristics that make them challenging to implement in future high-performance processors. In particular, the the original Perceptron branch predictor suffers from a long access latency, and the faster path-based neural predictor (PBNP) requires deep pipelining and additional area to support checkpointing for misprediction recovery. The complexity of the PBNP predictor stems from the fact that the path history length, which determines the number of tables and pipeline stages, is equal to the history length, which is typically very long for high accuracy. We propose to decouple the path-history length from the outcomehistory length through a new technique called modulo-path history. By allowing a shorter path history, we can implement a PBNP with significantly fewer tables and pipeline stages while still exploiting a traditional long branch outcome history. The pipeline length reduction results in decreased power and implementation complexity. We also propose folded modulo-path history to allow the number of pipeline stages to differ from the path history length. We show that our modulo-path PBNP at 8KB can achieve prediction accuracy and overall performance within 0.8% (SPECint) of the original PBNP while simultaneously reducing predictor energy consumption by \sim 29% per access and predictor die area by \sim 35%. Our folded modulo-path history PBNP achieves performance within 1.3% of ideal, with a \sim 37% energy reduction and \sim 36% predictor area reduction.
A Novel Location Relay Selection Scheme for ALLIANCES

Allow improved access in the network via cooperation and energy savings (ALLIANCES) is a recently proposed cooperative random access protocol for wireless networks that capitalizes on the broadcast nature of the wireless channel. When a collision occurs, a set of nodes forms an alliance and retransmits the collision signal that they heard. The initial collision and retransmissions provide the diversity that is exploited to resolve collisions and, thus, attain high throughput. In this paper, we modify the original model to include node location information. We derive pair-wise error probability (PEP) under a Rayleigh flat-fading channel and a power-law attenuation environment. Based on the PEP analysis, we propose a location relay selection scheme that achieves significant bit-error-rate gains as compared to the random relay selection scheme in the original ALLIANCES.
Routing and Spectral Efficiency in Fading with Alamouti Coding at Two Parallel Relays

This paper compares direct and relayed transmission in a simple four node configuration with a source, a destination and two parallel relays. The channel model assumes additive white Gaussian noise, attenuation from path loss, and slow Rayleigh fading. The two parallel relays use the Alamouti code to relay data to the destination. Using outage probability as a metric, we investigate the relative advantage of relaying as a function of relay placement and the required end-to-end spectral efficiency. We first quantify the benefit derived from adding a second relay to a one-relay network; we then calculate the "critical" rate, above which direct transmission always yields a lower outage probability. It is seen that the critical rate for a two-relay system (with diversity combining) is only modestly higher than that of a one-relay system - suggesting that the addition of more parallel relays is not an effective means of increasing the range of end-to-end rates over which relaying provides an advantage over direct transmission.
Hepatic spiral CT: reduction of dose of intravenous contrast material.

PURPOSE: To assess the potential for reduction of contrast material dose in hepatic spiral computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred eighty-seven outpatients were randomized prospectively into nine biphasic and eight uniphasic injection protocols: 75, 100, or 125 mL of 240, 300, or 350 mg of iodine per milliliter of iohexol (18-44 grams of iodine). Protocols were compared according to the maximum hepatic enhancement (MAX) and the contrast enhancement index (CEI). RESULTS: Uniphasic injection was superior to biphasic injection for all protocols. No statistically significant difference in contrast enhancement was present for 38-44 grams of iodine with the uniphasic technique. Adequate enhancement thresholds (MAX > 50 HU, CEI at 30 HU > 300 HU x sec) were exceeded in more than 70% of heavy patients ( > 183 lb [83 kg]) with uniphasic injection of 38 g. For thin patients ( < 183 lb [83 kg]), uniphasic injection of 26 g produced adequate enhancement. CONCLUSION: Contrast material dose may be...
Signal reconstruction from noisy randomized projections with applications to wireless sensing

Recent results show that a relatively small number of random projections of a signal can contain most of its salient information. It follows that if a signal is compressible in some orthonormal basis, then a very accurate reconstruction can be obtained from projections of the signal onto random basis elements. We extend this type of result to show that compressible signals can be accurately recovered from random projections contaminated with noise, in many cases much more accurately than is possible using an equivalent number of conventional point samples. We also investigate the application of this new sampling and reconstruction procedure to remote wireless sensing
Computer-assisted designed and computer-assisted manufactured polyetheretherketone prosthesis for complex fronto-orbito-temporal defect.

w c t Trauma to the cranium and fronto-orbito-temporal region can result in devastating defects. Comminuted frontal-orbital bone fractures may preclude reconstruction with plates and screws. Cranial defects can also result due to the loss of bone flap from prior neurosurgical intervention such as evacuation of traumatic intracranial hematoma. Fronto-orbital defects present functional, esthetic, and psychologic consequences. Reconstruction of these defects is necessary to provide protection to the underlying brain and globe, restoring form and symmetry to the cranial vault. Presently, the most commonly used materials include autologous bone grafts, titanium mesh, methylmethacrylate, polyethylene sheets, and hydroxyapatite cements. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, and the search for an ideal calvarial replacement continues. With the advancement of computed 3D imaging and 3D rapid prototyping, computer-assisted designed and computer-assisted manufactured (CAD-CAM) prostheses are gaining popularity. Common CAD-CAM cranioplasty prostheses are highdensity polyethylene implants (Medpor; Porex Surgical Inc, Newnan, GA), titanium custom implants, and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implants. The advantages of
Elwha River Restoration: Sediment Modeling

The National Park Service, with technical support from the Bureau of Reclamation, is in the process of removing Elwha and Glines Canyon Dams on the Elwha River near Port Angeles, Washington to restore anadromous fish and the natural ecosystem and areas of cultural significance to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. Elwha Dam was completed in 1913 and forms Lake Aldwell. Glines Canyon Dam was completed upstream in 1927 and forms Lake Mills. These two dams are the largest ever removed. These dams are being removed concurrently in controlled increments over a three-year period, which began on September 17, 2011. As of July 2010, reservoir sedimentation for the two lakes was estimated to be 24 million yd 3 , of which 20 million yd 3 are stored in Lake Mills. Reservoir sediment is being eroded and redistributed by the river as the dams are removed and the reservoirs are drawn down. This paper describes a mass balance numerical model that is being used as part of the sediment adaptive management and monitoring program. This program is presently being implemented to compare measured effects with predictions and recommend corrective actions if necessary. Facilities have been constructed for water quality and flood protection to mitigate for sediment effects, including water treatment plants, new wells, a new surface water intake, raising the height of existing levees, and the construction of new levees. The sediment effects of dam removal have been predicted based on a drawdown experiment of Lake Mills, numerical modeling, and physical laboratory modeling. A numerical mass balance model was developed for use during the adaptive management program to provide up-to-date predictions based on changing hydrology and dam removal schedules. In addition, the numerical model is also being used to help guide monitoring activities and synthesize monitoring data.
A syntactic model to design and verify synthetic genetic constructs derived from standard biological parts

Motivation: The sequence of artificial genetic constructs is composed of multiple functional fragments, or genetic parts, involved in different molecular steps of gene expression mechanisms. Biologists have deciphered structural rules that the design of genetic constructs needs to follow in order to ensure a successful completion of the gene expression process, but these rules have not been formalized, making it challenging for non-specialists to benefit from the recent progress in gene synthesis. Results: We show that context-free grammars (CFG) can formalize these design principles. This approach provides a path to organizing libraries of genetic parts according to their biological functions, which correspond to the syntactic categories of the CFG. It also provides a framework for the systematic design of new genetic constructs consistent with the design principles expressed in the CFG. Using parsing algorithms, this syntactic model enables the verification of existing constructs. We illustrate these possibilities by describing a CFG that generates the most common architectures of genetic constructs in Escherichia coli. Availability: A web site allows readers to experiment with the algorithms presented in this article: www.genocad.org Contact: peccoud@vt.edu Supplementary information: Sequences and models are available at Bioinformatics online.
Regional and cellular heterogeneity of cholecystokinin receptors mediating muscle contraction in the gut

The contractile action of cholecystokinin (CCK) on smooth muscle of the gut is either direct (gallbladder and gastric fundus) or both direct and neurally mediated (small intestine). These regional differences were used to characterize pharmacologically CCK receptors on smooth muscle cells and neurons of the gastric fundus, gallbladder, and ileum of the guinea pig. In circular and longitudinal ileal smooth muscle, tetrodotoxin was used to separate direct from neurally mediated contractile effects. Cholecystokinin receptors on smooth muscle cells were found in all locations. The muscle cells displayed a decreasing order of sensitivity to the C-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin as expressed in the median doses, and to the selective cholecystokinin antagonist, proglumide, as expressed in the inhibitory dissociation constants. The median doses of the octapeptide of cholecystokinin ranged from 5.5 nM in gallbladder muscle to 185 nM in circular ileal muscle; the corresponding inhibitory dissociation constants of proglumide ranged from 180 to 437 microM [corrected]. Cholecystokinin receptors on cholinergic neurons were confined to circular and longitudinal ileal muscle; the neurons were 80-300 times more sensitive to the octapeptide of cholecystokinin (D50's 0.5 and 2.3 nM) than the corresponding muscle cells, and 19-21 times more sensitive to proglumide (inhibitory dissociation constants, 20 microM [corrected]). The results provide clear evidence of cellular heterogeneity of cholecystokinin receptors (i.e., difference in sensitivity between muscle cells and neurons from the same location) as well as regional heterogeneity (i.e., difference in sensitivity between muscle cells from various locations).
Effect of Experimental Hepatic Injury on the Clearance of Phenobarbital and Paraldehyde

Abstract Phenobarbital and paraldehyde are often used in patients with severe hepatic disease and delirium, although there are only few data on the clearance of these drugs by the damaged liver. We examined the clearance of these agents from blood in rats with liver injury induced by graded doses of carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) and common bile duct ligation of 24 and 72 hr. Progressive hepatic injury was documented by light microscopy and liver function tests. Paraldehyde was assayed enzymatically and phenobarbital by spectrophotometry. The specificity of the phenobarbital assay for the parent drug was confirmed by countercurrent analysis. Phenobarbital clearance from blood after CCl 4 was prolonged. The t 1/2 in normal rats was 18 hr and in animals given 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, and 2.5 ml of CCl 4 per kg it was 29.6, 31.7, 40.4, and 35.2 hr, respectively ( P t 1/2 with varied doses of CCl 4 is not statistically different ( P > 0.05). In nephrectomized animals, CCl 4 also prolonged the phenobarbital t In perfused livers taken from normal rats and from those given 0.15 and 0.3 ml of CCl 4 per kg, phenobarbital t 1/2, was 2.43, 5.45, and 8.48 hr, respectively ( P 4 prolongs phenobarbital clearance by a direct toxic effect on the liver, not the kidney. Bile duct ligation did not enhance phenobarbital retention. Carbon tetrachloride, even in doses of 0.1 ml per kg, markedly prolonged paraldehyde removal from blood ( P 4 (0.6 and 1.25 ml per kg) delayed even more paraldehyde clearance ( P P
Flights from reason

The quote (Random Samples, 11 Oct., p. 183) from Norman Levitt's book The Flight from Science and Reason ([1][1]) exhibits a flight from reason equivalent to that apparent in many postmodernistic critiques of “science.” Specifically, “the idea that the cultural critic can meaningfully analyze …” anything or everything does not follow from the premise that “everything that people do is ‘cultural.’” It may be “distinctly weird to listen to pronouncements on the nature of mathematics from the lips of someone who cannot tell you what a complex number is,” but it does not follow that those pronouncements have no empirical validity. The explicit methods of study that constitute “science” were created to address the question of how we can establish empirical validity. This question arises only because all human understanding is “culture.” 1. 1.[↵][2] 1. P. R. Gross, 2. N. Levitt, 3. M. W. Lewis 1. N. Levitt , P. R. Gross, N. Levitt, M. W. Lewis, Eds. The Flight from Science and Reason New York Academy of Sciences, New York, 50 (1996). [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1. in text"
Current Concepts of Selenium and Mammary Tumorigenesis

The essentiality of selenium as a trace element was recognized in 1957 (1). On the biochemical level, selenium has long been known to have an antagonistic effect on lipid peroxidation. However, it was not until 1973 that the molecular basis of the antioxidant function of selenium was established. The milestone publication from Hoekstra’s laboratory reported that glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that metabolizes peroxides, contains selenium as a prosthetic group (2). The activity of glutathione peroxidase in tissues is directly related to the availability of dietary selenium; thus low enzyme activity is invariably associated with selenium deficiency (3). Although other selenium-containing proteins have since been identified in eukaryotic cells (4,5), glutathione peroxidase is the only selenoprotein to date that is functionally characterized.
Traumatic Brain Tissue Acidosis: Experimental and Clinical Studies

We have been focusing on potential metabolic derangement associated with severe head injury and a clinical trial directed toward treating brain tissue acidosis is currently underway. More specifically, we based this study on the hypothesis that following brain trauma brain tissue acidosis develops which may contribute to the prolongation of coma and neurologic deficit. Tromethamine (THAM), a safe and low toxicity agent which buffers in major part by causing a hypocapnic alkalosis, was selected for trial. Patients admitted with GCS < 8 were randomized into one of three arms: control; THAM plus hyperventilation; hyperventilation alone. Each regimen was maintained for 5 days post injury. Our analysis of 3 and 6 months Glasgow outcome score showed that prophylactic hyperventilation retards recovery, and the use of THAM overcomes the apparent deleterious effects of hyperventilation. One explanation is that the reduced ICP instability observed in THAM treated patients may account for this improvement. Is THAM effective in buffering traumatized brain tissue? What factors account for improvement in ICP stability?
PRESENTATION OF THE CHARLES SCHUCHERT AWARD OF THE PALEONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY TO PETER J. WAGNER III

As a young man Peter Wagner fully expected to be receiving the accolades of his peers at this age, but he rather thought it would be in Cooperstown rather than Denver, and following a series of World Series appearances as the center fielder with the Chicago Cubs. Given the Cubs recent history he still might have a promising career with them, but Pete began his career with the Ann Arbor and East Lansing farm teams in Michigan before heading to the Show at the University of Chicago where he received his Ph.D. with Jack Sepkoski. Peter's master's work untangling the phylogenetic relationships of the lophospirid gastropods became the foundation for his dissertation on the morphologic and phylogenetic diversity of Upper Cambrian–Silurian gastropods. This work is significant for several reasons. First, he showed that convergence among some groups of gastropods was sufficiently high that one must …
Waiting for Saint Vladimir

Alasdair MacIntyre believes that the Aristotelian, virtue-theoretic morality he supports is incompatible with the economic arrangements of capitalism. In this brief article, I show that MacIntyre's main arguments for this thesis are based on discredited theories from Marx, not Aristotle, and that the arguments MacIntyre gives are really based on Aristotelian, virtue-theoretic notions all fail.
Altered Expression/Activity of Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 Enzyme:Implications in Drug Safety and Efficacy

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 enzyme alterations during diseases. Transcriptional or post-transcriptional down-regulation of hepatic CYP enzymes is a characteristic feature of many diseases including infections; cancer, cardiovascular diseases and liver disorders [1-5]. This disrupts CYP-mediated drug metabolism and clearance in these patients. The major drug metabolizing enzyme (DME) in human liver is CYP3A4, which metabolizes ~60% of drugs [6,7]. Recent studies in pediatric patients show that critical illness is the primary determinant of the clearance of the CYP3A4 substrate, midazolam [8]. Furthermore, diabetic kidney transplant patients had low metabolism of the immunosuppressant, cyclosporine A, likely due to reduced CYP3A4 expression [9]. These clinical observations warrant further studies to understand the molecular mechanism by which human CYP enzymes are down-regulated during diseases.
Home-Range Size as a Predictor of Mating Systems in Microtus

Breeding populations of Microtus pennsylvanicus and M. ochrogaster were studied for approximately 4 weeks each in central Pennsylvania and south-central Illinois, respectively. Identical radio-telemetric and live-trapping techniques were combined in each study to examine the possible causes of interspecific and intraspecific variation in range size. M. pennsylvanicus exhibited sexually diethic ranging behavior, whereas M ochrogaster did not. Specifically, male M pennsylvanicus had significantly larger ranges than conspecific females, and the sexual difference in range size was larger for heavier males and scrotal males. Sex, body mass, and reproductive status were not similarly related to ranging patterns in M. ochrogaster . These results are argued to be a reflection of the divergent course of sexual selection in these two species. If correct, this view suggests that sex-specific patterns of range size may serve as indicators of the prevailing mating system.
Effects of pendant ligand binding affinity on chain transfer for 1-hexene polymerization catalyzed by single-site zirconium amine bis-phenolate complexes.

The kinetics of 1-hexene polymerization using a family of five zirconium amine bis-phenolate catalysts, Zr[tBu-ONXO]Bn2 (where X = THF (1), pyridine (2), NMe2 (3), furan (4), and SMe (5)), has been investigated to uncover the mechanistic effect of varying the pendant ligand X. A model-based approach using a diverse set of data including monomer consumption, evolution of molecular weight, and end-group analysis was employed to determine each of the reaction specific rate constants involved in a given polymerization process. The mechanism of polymerization for 1–5 was similar and the necessary elementary reaction steps included initiation, normal propagation, misinsertion, recovery from misinsertion, and chain transfer. The latter reaction, chain transfer, featured monomer independent β-H elimination in 1–3 and monomer dependent β-H transfer in 4 and 5. Of all the rate constants, those for chain transfer showed the most variation, spanning 2 orders of magnitude (ca. (0.1–10) × 10–3 s–1 for vinylidene and (0...
Preliminary Evaluation of Acridine Orange as a Vital Stain for Automated Differential Leukocyte Counts

Acridine orange in dilute aqueous solution is used as a vital stain to distinguish and differentiate three populations of leukocytes from all other formed elements of the blood. Counts of the first and third of these populations with an automated cytofluorometer correlate well with manual lymphocyte and granulocyte counts on Wright-Giemsa-stained smears. Counts of the second population are systematically higher than manual counts of monocytes, for reasons that are discussed. Reproducibility is much better for the automated differential counts of cells stained with acridine orange than for manual counts of Wright-Giemsa-stained smears. Staining with acridine orange is simple, requiring no hemolysis, and automated counting rates of 100 to 1,000 cells per second are sufficiently fast to accommodate large numbers of specimens in a reasonable period of time.
Susceptibility and Response of Forests to Disturbance

Publisher Summary This chapter identifies structural and chemical indices that reflect changes in the susceptibility and response of individual trees and forests to various kinds of disturbances. Some of the indices verify the historical frequency of various types of disturbances; others indicate shifts in the availability of carbon, water, and nutrients that predispose ecosystems to disturbance. To test the reliability of these indices one can report how they change under experimental conditions and across biotic, physical, and chemical stress gradients. The chapter identifies a number of structural and chemical properties that have general or specific diagnostic value. Chemical and physical analyses of tree rings are particularly useful to assess historical variation in atmospheric deposition of heavy metals and tree responses to variation in atmospheric pollutants and CO 2 . The frequency of fire and the intensity of insect outbreaks may also be inferred from scars and historical patterns in growth efficiency. Plant community attributes provide some insight into the populations of browsing animals. Together, biochemical, isotopic, and mineral analyses of foliage, wood, and roots yield clues to the susceptibility or resistance of forests to specific agents of disturbance.
Accuracy of Rapid Tests Used for Analysis of Advanced Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Effluent

Rapid tests provide an inexpensive, desirable alternative to standard laboratory analyses for testing advanced onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) effluent in the field. Despite their potential utility, their accuracy for analysis of effluent from advanced OWTS has not been assessed. We evaluated the accuracy of an initial suite of rapid tests commonly used to analyze wastewater (test strips for ammonium, pH, nitrate, and alkalinity; pH pocket meter; titration kit for dissolved oxygen (DO)) by comparing values obtained in the field to values obtained using standard laboratory methods. We tested final effluent from three different advanced nitrogen removal OWTS technologies sampled monthly for 7 months at 42 different sites within the greater Narragansett Bay watershed in Rhode Island, USA. Significant differences between values obtained using field and standard methods were found only for nitrate and pH test strips when the data were analyzed using ANOVA on ranks. However, regression analysis indicated that all test strip-based rapid methods and the DO titration kit produced values that deviated significantly from correspondence with standard analyses. When effluent samples were analyzed in the laboratory (to minimize sources of variability) using the same rapid tests, significant differences between rapid tests and standard analysis disappeared for all the tests. Evaluation of a suite of alternative rapid tests for ammonium, nitrate, pH, and alkalinity indicated that test kits for NH4 + and multi-analysis test strips for pH provide accurate results in the field. Our results indicate that the accuracy of rapid tests needs to be evaluated under field conditions before they are used to assess effluent from advanced N-removing OWTS.
"Gender Utopias?": U.S. Student Reflections on Studying Abroad in Norway and Sweden.

This article describes a study abroad experience in Norway and Sweden that was designed to explore gender equality in two of the world’s most gender-progressive countries. Course readings explored ...
China's Quest for Energy

China’s rapid industrial growth in the past three decades — averaging nearly 12% per year — has fueled a surging demand for energy. China’s demand for energy continues to grow and is expected to account for a quarter of global energy consumption by 2035.
Corrosion of Decorative Plating Systems Containing Cobalt

SummaryDecoratively plated panels, with intermediate duplex metal layers of nickel, cobalt, or alloys of nickel and cobalt, were corroded in mobile exposure or in the EC Test. Measurements of corrosion pits and values of pit densities (number per unit area) were obtained by microscopic techniques. The measurements of corrosion from panels having about equal values of pit densities were compared. Results showed that deposits of cobalt or alloys of nickel and cobalt were more corrodible than deposits of nickel without cobalt.
The Islamic State’s information warfare: Measuring the success of ISIS’s online strategy

How successful is the Islamic State’s online strategy? To what extent does the organization achieve its goals of attracting a global audience, broadcasting its military successes, and marketing the Caliphate? Using Twitter and YouTube search data, collected throughout 2015 and early 2016, we assess how suspected ISIS accounts, sympathizers, and opponents behave across two social media platforms, offering key insights into the successes and limitations of ISIS’s information warfare strategy. Analyzing the tweet content and metadata from 16,364 suspected ISIS accounts, we find that a core network of ISIS Twitter users are producing linguistically diverse narratives, touting battlefield victories and depicting utopian life in the Caliphate. Furthermore, a dataset of over 70 million tweets, as well as analysis YouTube search data, indicates that although pro-ISIS content spreads globally and remains on message, it is far less prolific than anti-ISIS content. However, this anti-ISIS content is not necessarily anti-extremist or aligned with Western policy goals.
Applications of using conformal SCMR system for batteryless wearable sensor device

Two wearable sensor applications by using Conformal Strongly Coupled Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) wireless power transfer (WPT) system is presented. SCMR system was used to replace the battery system in these wearable sensors. The advantage of removing battery system with a WPT system is presented. Design of different shape SCMR transmitter/receiver is also discussed and demonstrated in this paper.
Accessibility of published research to practicing veterinarians

Objectives: This study established the percentage of veterinary research articles that are freely available online, availability differences inside and outside of core veterinary medicine publications, sources and trends in article availability over time, and author archiving policies of veterinary journals. This research is particularly important for unaffiliated practitioners who lack broad subscription access and the librarians who assist them. Methods: Web of Science citation data were collected for articles published from 2000–2014 by authors from twenty-eight accredited US colleges of veterinary medicine. A sample of these articles was searched by title in Google Scholar to determine which were freely available online and their sources. Journals represented in this dataset and a basic list of veterinary serials were cross-referenced with the Sherpa/RoMEO database to determine author archiving policies and the percentage of articles that could potentially be made freely available. Results: Over half (62%) of the sample articles were freely available online, most of which (57%) were available from publishers’ websites. Articles published more recently were more likely to be freely available. More articles were found to be available in 2017 (62%) than in 2015 (57%). Most (62%) of the included journals had policies allowing authors to archive copies of their articles. Conclusions: Many articles are freely available online, but opportunity exists to archive additional articles while complying with existing copyright agreements. Articles in veterinary medicine–specific journals are less likely to be freely available than those in interdisciplinary journals. Requirements for federally funded research have likely influenced article availability and may continue to do so.