cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Renal dysfunction during high-dose cisplatin therapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Effect of aminoglycoside therapy

Abstract purpose: Renal dysfunction is a common cause of morbidity after cancer therapy and bone marrow transplantation. In this study, we evaluated the effects of aminoglycosides and other nephrotoxic antibiotics on the occurrence of renal dysfunction in patients who received highdose cisplatin-containing chemotherapy regimens. patients and methods: The subjects of this analysis were 102 consecutive patients, studied from September 1985 to February 1991, who received high-dose cisplatin, administered as 40 mg/m 2 for 5 consecutive days in 3% saline with saline hydration and mannitol diuresis, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. Renal dysfunction was defined as an increase in serum creatinine greater than or equal to 44.2 μmol/L above baseline. results: Characteristics of the 43 patients who were given aminoglycosides were similar to those in patients who did not receive aminoglycosides with respect to initial renal function, age, cancer type, and previous exposure to cisplaatin. Patients who experienced serious treatment-related toxicities such as hemorrhage or septicemia were more likely to have received aminoglycoside antibiotics (p = 0.005). A multivariate analysis showed that increased duration of neutropenia, advanced patient age, and amphotericin B use were predictors of renal failure. Aminoglycoside therapy did not significantly increase the risk of renal dysfunction. conclusions: Our data suggest that with appropriate supportive care measures, aminoglycosides can safely be administered to febrile, neutropenic patients who recently have received high-dose cisplatin therapy.
A comparison between microsatellite and single-nucleotide polymorphism markers with respect to two measures of information content

Using the Genetic Analysis Workshop 14 (GAW14) simulated dataset, we compare microsatellite and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in terms of two measures of information content, the traditional entropy-based information content measure, and a new "relative information" measure. Both attempt to measure the amount of information contained in the markers about the identity-by-descent (IBD) sharing among relatives. The performance of the two information measures are compared based on their variability and ability to predict change in the LOD score (ΔLOD) as map density increases for SNP markers. Although in a linked region, LOD scores are correlated with measures of information, we observe that none of the measures predict the LOD score itself very well. In an unlinked region, the LOD score is not related to either measures of information. The information content of microsatellite markers with 7.5-cM spacing is slightly higher than that of SNP markers with 3-cM spacing. At these map densities, microsatellites are found to be uniformly more informative than SNPs irrespective of their level of heterozygosity. For SNPs, we found that as the level of heterozygosity increases, the information content increases. As reported in all other previous studies, we also found that high-density SNPs have higher information content compared to low-density microsatellites. Performance of both the two information measures considered here are similar, but the relative information measure predicts ΔLOD as marker density increases better than the traditional entropy-based information measure.
A STUDY OF RESPONSE AND RESPONSE SPECTRA OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES TO REGULAR WAVES

The response of a simplified offshore structure to waves is examined, the structure being idealizedas a mass mounted on a light circular cantilever cylinder of uniform cross-section. Waves are simple sinusoidal and wave forces are computed according to the Morison equation. The solution to the nonlinear equation of motion is obtained by assuming that the velocities of the structure are smaller than those of the fluid induced by waves and is given in a simple form so that the parameters affecting the response can be clearly seen. Based on the solution various methods of constructing response spectra for offshore structure to wave excitation are examined.
Social Networks and Jews

This paper reviews the place of social network analysis in Jewish studies. What social networks are and their roots in classic social theories are discussed. The role of Jewish networks in the Diaspora since about 100 BCE is noted, and the few examples of empirical research are referenced. The idea of social circles is presented and their application to cultural circles and especially Jewish situations is discussed. The revival of modern Hebrew literature is a case in point and the network that surrounded Yoseph Brenner, a key figure in that revival during his time in London, is graphed as a sociogram. The relationships depicted, that transcended international boundaries, provided the emotional and financial support without which there would not have been a revival of Hebrew literature. A modern example of the networks of leading power figures in top Jewish organizations in 1995 is shown. Deficiencies of asking “How many of the people you consider to be your closest friends are Jewish?” in surveys are shown. A better alternative, exploring the closest friends, Jewish or non-Jewish is proposed. One of the few Jewish studies using this procedure showed the organizational and institutional embeddedness of Jewish circles and friendships. I conclude by insisting that a list of people is not a network and lists or proportion of friends who are Jewish does little to advance the study of the place of Jews in the modern world and the structure of their institutions. It is possible to do true network studies, but by and large we have not done so.
Comparison of Methods for Dynamic Yaw Control on Vehicles With Multiple Electric Motors: A Literature Review

A literature survey is conducted that compares the body of work written about dynamic yaw-moment control (DYC) systems implemented on vehicles with multiple electric motors. Four wheel drive, rear wheel drive, and front wheel drive vehicle architectures are compared with reference to advantages for DYC systems followed by a discussion on controller design. Advantages are weighed as to whether it is better to control vehicle yaw rate, body sideslip angle, or both. Next, methods for implementing the DYC system are evaluated. Sensors used, estimations made, and controller-type utilized are all discussed. Lastly, methods for simulation and testing are reviewed. The survey suggests that little progress has been made on front wheel drive vehicles. It was also determined that more work needs to be conducted on deciding desirable vehicle dynamics for handling. Investigations should be conducted to make these systems cost-effective and robust enough for production. Finally, future studies should include as much detailed simulation work and actual vehicle testing as possible as both are needed for a complete DYC investigation.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Overview of present day treatment of Parkinson's disease.

In the light of present day knowledge, augmenting striatal dopaminergic activity is the most effective means for controlling the symptoms of parkinsonism. This is best accomplished by the administration of levodopa with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor. However, limitations in its benefits develop after long-term administration in a substantial number of patients. In an attempt to overcome these a number of pharmacological agents acting on striatal dopaminergic mechanisms have undergone clinical trial. Of those tried Deprenyl, an MAO-B inhibitor, given with levodopa and carbidopa has shown the most promise. Preliminary results in 35 patients indicate that it is useful in diminishing the incidence of “on-off” phenomena—one of the most limiting reactions to levodopa—as well as enabling some patients to recoup their loss of therapeutic benefits. Though far from resolving all of the therapeutic difficulties encountered with prolonged use of levodopa, it appears to be a valuable adjunctive agent for the long-term problem patient.
Effects of dietary cobalt on testicular structure

Adult male rats were maintained on a diet containing 265 ppm cobalt for up to 98 days. Three rats were sacrificed weekly and assayed for testicular damage by light and electron microscopy. Testicular damage was first apparent after 70 days of treatment, followed by a progressive deterioration of cell architecture and decrease in testicular volume. The degenerative changes were of a very general nature; e.g., thickening of basal lamina and basement membranes, increased packing of red blood cells in veins and arteries, formation of “giant” cells, loss of sperm tail filaments, and degeneration of sperm mitochondria. No cobalt residues could be detected by energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis. These data indicate that testicular degeneration was not a primary response to cobalt and suggest that the testes become hypoxic due both to blockage of veins and arteries by red blood cells and to changes in permeability caused by thickening of basal lamina and basement membranes.
Do Chinese students' perceptions of test value affect test performance? Mediating role of motivational and metacognitive regulation in test preparation

Abstract The effect of Chinese students' perceived test value on test performance was examined with motivational and metacognitive regulation during test preparation as mediating constructs. Participants were 7th (N = 326) and 11th graders (N = 391) in China. Two path models were examined. Students' perceived test value had a significant direct effect on motivational and metacognitive regulation as well as an indirect effect on test performance through the mediation of motivational regulation. However, the direct effect of test value on test performance was not significant. Although motivational regulation was significantly related to test performance, metacognitive regulation was not. Age differences were evident in some structural relationships. Cultural and educational implications of the current findings were discussed.
Design considerations in aircraft instruments to meet war service

New conditions, imposed by the rapid advancement in aviation, have challenged industry to develop instruments capable of meeting rigid war requirements. This paper describes by general treatment and by reference to examples, how the design features of aircraft instruments have been influenced by wide ranges of operating temperatures, extreme conditions of shock and vibration, extension of altitude ranges, worldwide climatic conditions, adoption of new power supplies for aircraft, standardization of mechanical features necessary because of large-scale use, and the requirements of servicing. The design features discussed are generally applicable to all aircraft instruments.
Analysis of synaptic transmission in Caenorhabditis elegans using an aldicarb-sensitivity assay

Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a powerful model system for studying the biology of the synapse. Here we describe a widely used assay for synaptic transmission at the C. elegans neuromuscular junction. This protocol monitors the sensitivity of C. elegans to the paralyzing affects of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, aldicarb. Briefly, adult worms are incubated in the presence of aldicarb and scored for the time-course of aldicarb-induced paralysis. Animals harboring mutations in genes that affect synaptic transmission generally exhibit a change in their sensitivity to aldicarb (either increased sensitivity for enhancements in synaptic transmission or decreased sensitivity for blockage in synaptic transmission). This technique provides a simple assay for the accurate comparative analysis of synaptic transmission in multiple C. elegans strains. The protocol described can be performed relatively quickly and is a practical alternative to other techniques used to study synaptic transmission. This protocol can also be modified to follow the paralytic effects with other pharmacological reagents. The assay can be performed in about 3-6 hours depending on the severity of synaptic transmission defects.
The importance of translucence in mobile computing systems

Mobile computing has been an active area of research for the past decade, but its importance will increase substantially in the decade to come. One problem faced by designers of mobile systems is that of maintaining the illusion of connectivity even when network performance is poor or non-existent. The Coda file system uses its cache to maintain this illusion. Extensive experience with the system suggests that, although users find the functionality provided by the system extremely valuable, new users face an arduous learning curve and even experienced users are sometimes confused by the system's behavior. The fundamental problem is that the lack of a strong network connection causes the system to violate a key property of caching: transparency. To overcome this problem, we have built an interface, called the CodaConsole, that makes caching translucent to users through controlled exposure of cache management internals. The interface exposes critical aspects of caching to support the mobile user while hiding noncritical details to preserve usability. This article presents the design, implementation, and usability evaluation of this interface. The CodaConsole successfully makes caching translucent in the presence of disconnected or weakly connected operation. The most surprising result was that novice Coda users performed almost as well as experienced Coda users.
The use of multiple intelligences in criminal justice education

This research explores Gardner's (1983) theory of multiple intelligences (MI) as it relates to career choice among criminal justice majors. The identification of the predominate intelligences of criminal justice majors may help students identify what types of careers suit them best, based on their MI strengths and weaknesses. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire of the population of enrolled criminal justice majors during spring 2001. The results of chi-square analyses indicate that criminal justice majors are predominately intrapersonal. Additional findings suggest there are significant differences between career choice and predominate intelligences.
Innovation in animation: exiting the comfort zone

In approaching the broad arena of art animation in the studio classroom it is useful to first deconstruct the defining elements of animation, stripping it of its popular connotations. Working from that vantage point, it is informative to investigate the work of some key pioneering artists and to see what innovations their visions necessitated as they created images or mechanisms that could conjure images. Such an inquiry compels the student to engage in a rich studio activity that uses a hybrid of materials, both digital and tactile, and often unorthodox. The benefit of such an approach to teaching animation prompted a full course within the animation curriculum; a course dedicated to innovation. This was initiated by the need for the students to learn to discover new methods and approaches to image making, leaving their comfort zones which often revolved around one style of drawing and a favorite software program.
Antibiotic effects of resorcinol, gallic acid and phloroglucinol on Heliothis armigera Hubner (Insecta: Noctuidae)

The antibiotic effects of 3 phenolic substances viz. resorcinol, gallic acid and phloroglucinol on the cotton bollwormHeliothis armigera Hubner were evaluated with particular reference to the feeding regimes, survival and pupation. Some of the characteristic antibiotic effects observed for resorcinol and phloroglucinol include reduction in consumption index and approximate digestability, increased efficiency of conversion of ingested food and efficiency of conversion of digested food, extended larval duration and high mortality. However, there was no alteration in the various food utilization efficiencies in the case of gallic acid treated individuals. The defensive response of the larvae to these toxic substances seems to be excessive defaecation. Frass analysis through thin-layer chromatography and ultraviolet characterisation indicated the presence of the ingested antibiotics, opening further avenues of investigation on the possible role of these antibiotics present in the frass in biological control.
Logic, Optimization, and Constraint Programming

Because of their complementary strengths, optimization and constraint programming can be profitably merged. Their integration has been the subject of increasing commercial and research activity. This paper summarizes and contrasts the characteristics of the two fields; in particular, how they use logical inference in different ways, and how these ways can be combined. It sketches the intellectual background for recent efforts at integration. It traces the history of logic-based methods in optimization and the development of constraint programming in artificial intelligence. It concludes with a review of recent research, with emphasis on schemes for integration, relaxation methods, and practical applications.
Src family kinases and the MEK/ERK pathway in the regulation of myeloid differentiation and myeloid leukemogenesis

The production of mature monocytes/macrophages and granulocytes via myeloid differentiation is a central component of the host defense mechanism against invading microorganisms. However, in myeloid leukemias genetic changes lead to blockade of myeloid differentiation. When this happens, immune responses can become severely impaired and the accumulation of proliferative blasts causes bone marrow crowding and onset of symptomatic leukemia. There is considerable hope that molecular targeting of specific signaling pathways and proteins will prove to be a viable strategy for restoring differentiation potential in myeloid leukemias. Indeed, in acute promyelocytic leukemia, treatment with ATRA can overcome the differentiation blockade and is an effective curative approach. To devise strategies and reagents that can be used to induce differentiation in other myeloid leukemias, it is important to gain an understanding of the molecular pathways that drive the normal differentiation process. Emerging evidence implicates both Src family kinases and the MEK/ERK pathway in regulating myeloid differentiation. It is interesting that Src family kinases appear to be negative regulators of myelopoiesis, while the MEK/ERK pathway is an important positive regulator of both monocytic and granulocytic differentiation. This suggests that pharmacologic inhibitors of SFKs may be of value in restoring or enhancing myeloid differentiation. In this regard, the SFK inhibitor dasatinib has recently been approved by the FDA for use in imatinib-resistant CML. Evaluation of dasatinib, alone or in combination with differentiation inducers, in the treatment of differentiation-defective AML seems warranted. The important role that the MEK/ERK pathway plays in promoting myeloid differentiation appears to conflict with observations that the MEK/ERK pathway is hyperactivated or overexpressed in a majority of primary AMLs. Moreover, pharmacologic inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway in AML results in the induction of apoptosis, indicating that MEK/ERK activation is important for the survival of AML cells. Collectively, these data suggest that the MEK/ERK pathway may play more than one role in myeloid lineage cells, depending on the cellular context. In normal myeloid cells, activation of the MEK/ERK pathway is important for promoting differentiation. However, when differentiation becomes blocked, as is the case in most AMLs, MEK/ERK activation can no longer drive differentiation, and instead begins to support cellular survival or proliferation. Thus, therapeutic strategies aimed at provoking myeloid differentiation in AML by stimulating the MEK/ERK pathway are unlikely to be successful unless the differentiation blockade is simultaneously relieved.
Overlap Integrals for Atom-Metal Surface Interactions.

Abstract : Atom-metal surface overlap integrals are of utmost importance in surface energy calculations. Direct numerical evaluation of these triple integrals can be very time consuming. However, we have developed an exact algebraic expression, where formulas for the coefficients are given for both the general case and the special case where the parallel wavevector is zero. Some numerical examples of the overlap for H on A1 are given. Addiitonal keywords: Wave functions. (Author)
Phenotypic study of a case with successful transplantation of ex vivo expanded human limbal epithelium for unilateral total limbal stem cell deficiency.

Abstract Objective To minimize the risk to the donor eye when a conjunctival limbal autograft is performed for unilateral total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a new approach has been reported of expanding limbal epithelial progenitor cells from a small limbal biopsy cultured on amniotic membrane (AM). Herein, we present for the first time the morphologic and phenotypic outcome of one such patient. Design Interventional case report. Methods A 31-year-old male with a severe acid burn to his left eye received AM transplantation at the acute stage and a keratolimbal allograft (KLAL) at the chronic stage for total LSCD. As an alternative to combat the failed KLAL, the above-mentioned new surgical procedure was performed. The corneal button, obtained after a penetrating keratoplasty performed 5.5 months later, and a normal corneal button as a control were submitted to hematoxylin-eosin and immunofluorescence staining for keratin K3, connexin 43, goblet-cell mucin MUC 5AC, laminin 5, and integrins α3β1 and α6β4. Main outcome measures Clinical and immunohistologic features. Results The resultant epithelium was stratified with five to six cell layers and anchored to laminin 5 of the amniotic basement membrane via integrins α3β1 and α6β4 in a manner similar to the normal corneal epithelium. Intriguingly, the epithelial phenotype was limbal and not corneal, based on the negative expression of keratin K3 and connexin 43 of the basal epithelium. Conclusions The technique described ensures the preservation of amniotic basement membrane, which allows formation of adhesion complexes and maintains normal corneal architecture. The preservation of a limbal epithelial phenotype on the reconstructed corneal surface indicates that AM provides a unique stromal environment conducive to the preservation and expansion of limbal epithelial progenitor cells.
Albumin facilitates zinc acquisition by endothelial cells.

. Albumin has long been observed to have a marked influence on the delivery of zinc to cells, but the mechanism of the interaction remains elusive. We examined whether albumin facilitates the acquisition of zinc by endothelial cells. Cultures of endothelial cells were used to analyze binding and acquisition of zinc and albumin to test this interaction. Our results indicate that albumin plays a role in facilitating the physiological delivery of zinc to endothelial cells. Albumin receptors that preferentially recognize albumin molecules carrying a zinc atom were demonstrated on the endothelial cell surface. Endocytosis is instrumental in albumin uptake, which was also consistently true of zinc uptake. Zinc and albumin were acquired by the cells in a 1:1 molar stoichiometry during the first 20 min of incubation in a medium with equimolar concentrations of zinc and albumin. The amount of albumin associated with the cells stabilized after 30 min, whereas the amount of zinc continued to increase. One possible explanation for this result is that a physiological route for zinc delivery into endothelial cells is by co-transport with albumin via receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Information load and consumer decision making.

In an experimental investigation of the effects of information load on consumer decision making, respondents experienced information overload when they were provided with 10, 15, 20, or 25 choice alternatives or with information on 15, 20, or 25 attributes. Alternative measures of the dependent variable yielded similar results, thus enhancing confidence in these findings.
A generalization of isolated word recognition using vector quantization

The use of vector quantization (VQ) for isolated-word speech recognition of a 20-word vocabulary was shown in previous work to achieve more than 99% accuracy for speaker-dependent recognition and 87% accuracy for speaker-independent recognition. Separate VQ codebooks were designed for each word in the recognition vocabulary, and input words were classified by performing VQ and finding the codebook that achieves the smallest average distortion. The method obviates time-normalization and makes no use of time-sequence information. This paper presents results for a generalization that incorporates time-sequence information. The generalization, which was motivated by work of Martinez, Riveria, and Buzo, is more accurate and faster than the previous method. Words in the training and input sequences are normalized linearly to the same length and then divided into sections. Separate VQ codebooks are designed for each section of each vocabulary word. Each vocabulary word is then represented by a "multisection" codebook - a time-dependent sequence of section-codebooks. New words are classified by performing VQ and finding the multi-section codebook that achieves the smallest average distortion. Initial tests on a twenty-word vocabulary resulted in accuracies greater than 97% for speaker-independent recognition.
Plasma From Preeclamptic Women Increases Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability: Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Signaling

Circulating factors in preeclamptic women are thought to cause endothelial dysfunction and thereby contribute to the progression of this hypertensive condition. Despite the involvement of neurological complications in preeclampsia, there is a paucity of data regarding the effect of circulating factors on cerebrovascular function. Using a rat model of pregnancy, we investigated blood-brain barrier permeability, myogenic activity, and the influence of endothelial vasodilator mechanisms in cerebral vessels exposed intraluminally to plasma from normal pregnant or preeclamptic women. In addition, the role of vascular endothelial growth factor signaling in mediating changes in permeability in response to plasma was investigated. A 3-hour exposure to 20% normal pregnant or preeclamptic plasma increased blood-brain barrier permeability by ≈6.5- and 18.0-fold, respectively, compared with no plasma exposure (P<0.01). Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor kinase activity prevented the increase in permeability in response to preeclamptic plasma but had no effect on changes in permeability of vessels exposed to normal pregnant plasma. Circulating factors in preeclamptic plasma did not affect myogenic activity or the influence of endothelium on vascular tone. These findings demonstrate that acute exposure to preeclamptic plasma has little effect on reactivity of cerebral arteries but significantly increases blood-brain barrier permeability. Prevention of increased permeability by inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor signaling suggests that activation of this pathway may be responsible for increased blood-brain barrier permeability after exposure to preeclamptic plasma.
Lessons learned about integrating a medical school curriculum: perceptions of students, faculty and curriculum leaders.

OBJECTIVE Recent educational reform in US medical schools has created integrated curricular structures. This study investigated how stakeholders in a newly integrated curriculum - students, course directors and curriculum leaders - define integration and perceive its successes and challenges during its first year. METHODS We conducted interviews with curriculum reform leaders, course directors and first year medical students. Interview transcripts were analysed for themes, which were compared within and across stakeholder groups. RESULTS Three curriculum leaders, four Year 1 course directors and six Year 1 medical students were interviewed. Fifteen students participated in a group interview. Four major themes emerged: interdisciplinary teaching; interdisciplinary faculty collaboration; building curricular links, and sequencing and framing curricular content. Cross-group analysis revealed participant agreement that an integrated curriculum required interdisciplinary teaching, clinical application and careful oversight. Differences among groups were also identified. Faculty (course directors and curriculum leaders) discussed faculty collaboration and the challenges of faculty buy-in and course implementation. Students highlighted the impact of integration on their learning and the challenges of sequencing and scaffolding content. Both students and course directors focused on course monitoring and conceptual links for student learning. CONCLUSIONS Integrating a curriculum is a complex process. It is differentially understood and experienced by students and faculty, and can refer to instructional method, content, faculty work or synthesis of knowledge in the minds of learners. It can occur at different rates and some subjects are integrated more easily than others. We point to some specific considerations as medical schools embark on curriculum reform.
Doppler radar with cooperative target measures to zero velocity and senses the direction of motion

A Doppler radar system is described which uses a modulated scatterer as a cooperative target. The amplitude modulation sidebands in the return signal allow effective discrimination against background reflections and enable measurement to zero velocity and sensing of the direction of motion.
High power, high efficiency PHEMTs for use at 8 GHz

Power PHEMTs from 4.8 mm to 14.4 mm gate periphery have been characterized at 8 GHz to study the effect of device scaling on output power, gain, and efficiency. The effect of unit gate width, gate to gate spacing, and substrate thickness on PHEMT performance is also described. A 14.4 mm device delivered 8.09 W with 12.67 dB associated gain and 55.8% PAE under 8 V operation at 8 GHz. >
THz time domain spectroscopy of biomolecular conformational modes

We discuss the use of terahertz time domain spectroscopy for studies of conformational flexibility and conformational change in biomolecules. Protein structural dynamics are vital to biological function with protein flexibility affecting enzymatic reaction rates and sensory transduction cycling times. Conformational mode dynamics occur on the picosecond timescale and with the collective vibrational modes associated with these large scale structural motions in the 1-100 cm(-1) range. We have performed THz time domain spectroscopy (TTDS) of several biomolecular systems to explore the sensitivity of TTDS to distinguish different molecular species, different mutations within a single species and different conformations of a given biomolecule. We compare the measured absorbances to normal mode calculations and find that the TTDS absorbance reflects the density of normal modes determined by molecular mechanics calculations, and is sensitive to both conformation and mutation. These early studies demonstrate some of the advantages and limitations of using TTDS for the study of biomolecules.
Suppression of Clostridium difficile in the gastrointestinal tracts of germfree mice inoculated with a murine isolate from the family Lachnospiraceae

The indigenous microbial community of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract determines susceptibility to Clostridium difficile colonization and disease. Previous studies have demonstrated that antibiotic-treated mice challenged with C. difficile either developed rapidly lethal C. difficile infection or were stably colonized with mild disease. The GI microbial community of animals with mild disease was dominated by members of the bacterial family Lachnospiraceae, while the gut community in moribund animals had a predominance of Escherichia coli. We investigated the roles of murine Lachnospiraceae and E. coli strains in colonization resistance against C. difficile in germfree mice. Murine Lachnospiraceae and E. coli isolates were cultured from wild-type mice. The ability of each of these isolates to interfere with C. difficile colonization was tested by precolonizing germfree mice with these bacteria 4 days prior to experimental C. difficile challenge. Mice precolonized with a murine Lachnospiraceae isolate, but not those colonized with E. coli, had significantly decreased C. difficile colonization, lower intestinal cytotoxin levels and exhibited less severe clinical signs and colonic histopathology. Infection of germfree mice or mice precolonized with E. coli with C. difficile strain VPI 10463 was uniformly fatal by 48 h, but only 20% mortality was seen at 2 days in mice precolonized with the Lachnospiraceae isolate prior to challenge with VPI 10463. These findings confirm that a single component of the GI microbiota, a murine Lachnospiraceae isolate, could partially restore colonization resistance against C. difficile. Further study of the members within the Lachnospiraceae family could lead to a better understanding of mechanisms of colonization resistance against C. difficile and novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment and prevention of C. difficile infection.
SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complexes in cardiovascular development and disease

Our understanding of congenital heart defects has been recently advanced by whole exome sequencing projects, which have identified de novo mutations in many genes encoding epigenetic regulators. Notably, multiple subunits of switching defective/sucrose non-fermenting (SWI/SNF) chromatin-remodeling complexes have been identified as strong candidates underlying these defects because they physically and functionally interact with cardiogenic transcription factors critical to cardiac development, such as TBX5, GATA-4, and NKX2-5. While these studies indicate a critical role of SWI/SNF complexes in cardiac development and congenital heart disease, many exciting new discoveries have identified their critical role in the adult heart in both physiological and pathological conditions involving multiple cell types in the heart, including cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelial cells, pericytes, and neural crest cells. This review summarizes the role of SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complexes in cardiac development, congenital heart disease, cardiac hypertrophy, and vascular endothelial cell survival. Although the clinical relevance of SWI/SNF mutations has traditionally been focused primarily on their role in tumor suppression, these recent studies illustrate their critical role in the heart whereby they regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of cardiac derived cell lines.
“Off Label” Use of FDA-Approved Devices and Digital Breast Tomosynthesis

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to clarify for radiologists the meaning of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval with respect to Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT). CONCLUSION. DBT is a major improvement over 2D mammography in the detection of cancers (sensitivity) and the reduction in recalls resulting from screening (specificity). Most imaging systems that have been approved by the FDA are used “off label” for breast imaging. Although the FDA determines which claims a manufacturer can make for a device, physicians may use approved devices, such as DBT, off label to provide better patient care.
Marginal memberships Psychological effects of identity ambiguity on professionals who are demographically different from the majority

In workplace interactions, professionals who are demographically different from the majority of others in their profession (e.g., one of a few African Americans in a predominately White group of do...
The Journey to Zero Central Catheter–Associated Bloodstream Infections: Culture Change in an Intensive Care Unit

A process change with the goal of decreasing and ultimately eliminating bloodstream infections associated with central catheters in critical care patients was implemented at Riverside Methodist Hospital. This process of implementation resulted in a culture change in the hospital's medical surgical intensive care unit. Keys to success included a multidisciplinary team approach, support from persons with a stake in the process, and provision of continuous feedback. The lessons learned in this journey at Riverside Methodist Hospital can help caregivers at other hospitals decrease the occurrence of these life-threatening infections.
High-resolution diode-laser spectroscopy of calcium

Saturated-absorption signals on the calcium 657 nm transition are observed by direct absorption using diode lasers and a high flux atomic-beam cell. Line-widths as narrow as 65 kHz are observed with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Prospects for using this system as a compact wavelength/frequency reference are considered.
The Effect of Variable Roughness of a Granite Seabed on Low-Frequency Shallow-Water Acoustic Propagation

Previously (Staal and Chapman, 1985), we reported unexplained high loss in acoustic propagation in a shallow water area with a rough granite seabed, in the frequency range 10 Hz — 100 Hz. We had a chart of seabed roughness for this area prepared for us. The chart divides the area into four roughness provinces: 0 m to 2 m, 1 m to 6 m, 4 m to 8 m, and 8 m to 20 m. We performed a second propagation experiment, placing explosive sources at 65 m depth along a circle of 13 km radius centred on a receiving location near a boundary between rough and smooth provinces. In this way, the radial propagation paths from different sources to the same receiver covered areas on the seabed which varied in roughness from path to path. The propagation data collected show correlation between the roughness and the propagation loss. However, the main high-loss feature was not removed by choosing a propagation path with a smooth bottom. We conclude that either bottom roughness alone is not responsible for this main feature, or that our measure of bottom roughness is not appropriate.
APPLE POSTHARVEST PRESERVATION IS LINKED TO PHENOLIC CONTENT AND SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE ACTIVITY

The postharvest preservation of apples indicated that well-preserved varieties of apples had increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity initially, and the activity declined during later storage as apples deteriorated. The increased SOD activity linked to better preservation correlated with higher phenolic content and free-radical scavenging-linked antioxidant activity. Well-preserved varieties were able to maintain a more stable pentose phosphate pathway (measured by the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) throughout the storage period. Proline content increased with proline dehydrogenase (PDH) activity in the initial storage period, indicating proline catabolism supporting potential adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. During later storage, succinate dehydrogenase activity increased, while PDH activity declined indicating a shift to tricarboxylic acid cycle and likely nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) generation for ATP synthesis. This shift, coupled with the declining SOD activity, coincides with rapid deterioration. The guaiacol peroxidase activity generally declined in late stages, indicating postharvest deterioration. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Understanding the phenolic-linked antioxidant response during postharvest preservation of apples has implications for understanding critical control points for preservation and determination of better biochemical markers associated with preservation and long-term storage. These insights would also help elucidate markers such as high phenolic content and antioxidant enzyme response pathways that would allow for selection and breeding of varieties that would preserve better. Higher phenolic content not only improves the postharvest storage of apples but have also shown human health benefits.
Intrinsic Risk Factors of Lateral Ankle Sprain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Context:Lateral ankle ligamentous sprain (LAS) is one of the most common injuries in recreational activities and competitive sports. Many studies have attempted to determine whether there are certa...
Policy: Reboot the debate on genetic engineering.

Arguments about whether process or product should be the focus of regulation are stalling progress, says Jennifer Kuzma.
Hemodynamic effects of unloading the old heart.

A reduction in upright exercise capacity with aging in healthy individuals is accompanied by acute left ventricular (LV) dilatation and impaired LV ejection. To determine whether acute vasodilator ...
Quantification of Adverb Intensifiers for Use in Ratings of Acceptability, Adequacy, and Relative Goodness

Survey designers often assume the existence of an underlying linear continuum with equal intervals between anchors when they create a scale. However, this is not necessarily the case when labels, such as “somewhat acceptable,” “completely acceptable”, etc. are assigned to these intervals. This study examines numeric ratings assigned by college students to adverb intensifiers.Numeric ratings (from −5 to + 5) were collected from college males (n=54), college females (n=54) for positive and negative adverb-intensifiers of acceptability (n=50), adequacy (n=50), and relative goodness (n=41). Minimal differences were noted in mean ratings, variability, and order of the ratings assigned by males and females.Three different scale development strategies were utilized to develop 54 adverb intensifier scales with intervals of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11 descriptors for acceptability, adequacy, and relative goodness. Survey designers are invited to use these scales or the raw data to develop their own scales. Those who do ...
Solubility of Water in Octan-1-ol from (275 to 369) K

The solubility of water in octan-1-ol was measured from 275.15 K to 369.15 K by coulometric Karl Fischer titration. The mass fraction solubility, sc, at 298.15 K was found to be (48.91 ± 0.13) mg·g–1. Experiments indicated the existence of a pseudoequilibrium state when there was a significant difference in the temperature of the liquid and the headspace gas. The density of water-saturated octanol (WSO) was measured from 288.15 K to 318.15 K. The density at 298.15 K was determined to be (831.7 ± 1.7) kg·m–3 with a change in density of −0.6 kg·m–3·K–1.
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The article discusses a business strategy implemented by computer software company Adobe, in which professional design programs, such as InDesign, can not longer be purchased but only rented for a perpetual monthly or yearly fee. Topics include consumer reaction to Adobe's decision to make their graphics editing program, Photoshop, subscription only, the benefits of subscription for occasional users, and the economic aspects of a shift from owning to renting.
Zwitterionic polymer-based platform with two-layer architecture for ultra low fouling and high protein loading.

High resistance to nonspecific adsorption typically accompanies loss of binding capacity and vice versa for many surface coatings and applications. In this study, a zwitterionic polycarboxybetaine acrylamide (pCB)-based binding platform with a “two-layer” structure for ultra low fouling and high protein loading properties was developed. The first pCB layer with a high packing density prepared under a water-free condition serves as a protective layer to resist nonspecific adsorption from complex media. The second pCB layer with a low packing density is used to achieve high protein binding capacity. Amounts of tetraethylthiuram disulfide (TED) and water in the reaction were varied to regulate the packing density and chain length of polymers, respectively, for the second pCB layer. The in situ modification of pCB films with antihuman thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) IgG molecules and the detection of TSH antigens were employed to demonstrate high protein immobilization and high antigen detection capabilitie...
Manufacturing demonstration of microbially mediated zinc sulfide nanoparticles in pilot-plant scale reactors

The thermophilic anaerobic metal-reducing bacterium Thermoanaerobacter sp. X513 efficiently produces zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles (NPs) in laboratory-scale (≤ 24-L) reactors. To determine whether this process can be up-scaled and adapted for pilot-plant production while maintaining NP yield and quality, a series of pilot-plant scale experiments were performed using 100-L and 900-L reactors. Pasteurization and N2-sparging replaced autoclaving and boiling for deoxygenating media in the transition from small-scale to pilot plant reactors. Consecutive 100-L batches using new or recycled media produced ZnS NPs with highly reproducible ~2-nm average crystallite size (ACS) and yields of ~0.5 g L−1, similar to the small-scale batches. The 900-L pilot plant reactor produced ~320 g ZnS without process optimization or replacement of used medium; this quantity would be sufficient to form a ZnS thin film with ~120 nm thickness over 0.5 m width × 13 km length. At all scales, the bacteria produced significant amounts of acetic, lactic, and formic acids, which could be neutralized by the controlled addition of sodium hydroxide without the use of an organic pH buffer, eliminating 98 % of the buffer chemical costs. The final NP products were characterized using XRD, ICP-OES, TEM, FTIR, PL, DLS, HPLC, and C/N analyses, which confirmed that the growth medium without organic buffer enhanced the ZnS NP properties by reducing carbon and nitrogen surface coatings and supporting better dispersivity with similar ACS.
Subjective Well‐Being and Income: A Re‐Examination of Satiation Using the Regression Kink Model With an Unknown Threshold

Summary A methodological challenge in testing Easterlin's paradox, which states that increasing income fails to boost happiness beyond a satiation point, lies in the determination of this threshold if it exists. In the existing literature, various levels of GDP per capita have been chosen based upon visual inspection of the scatter plots of the data. The estimated income–well-being gradients are sensitive to the choice of such kink points. We first replicate the results in Stevenson and Wolfers (American Economic Review, Papers and Proceedings 2013; 103(3): 598–604), then apply the methods proposed in Hansen (Journal of Business and Economic Statistics 2016), which estimate the regression kink model with an unknown threshold, to the data in Stevenson and Wolfers (2013) to re-examine the two modified versions of Easterlin's hypothesis. In most cases, we do not find the existence of any kink point. In the few cases where a kink point is detected, the estimated kink point thresholds are different from those chosen in the previous literature. Overall, we find no evidence of a satiation point, which is in support of Stevenson and Wolfers (2013). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On Localized Vapor Pressure Gradients Governing Condensation and Frost Phenomena

Interdroplet vapor pressure gradients are the driving mechanism for several phase-change phenomena such as condensation dry zones, interdroplet ice bridging, dry zones around ice, and frost halos. Despite the fundamental nature of the underlying pressure gradients, the majority of studies on these emerging phenomena have been primarily empirical. Using classical nucleation theory and Becker–Doring embryo formation kinetics, here we calculate the pressure field for all possible modes of condensation and desublimation in order to gain fundamental insight into how pressure gradients govern the behavior of dry zones, condensation frosting, and frost halos. Our findings reveal that in a variety of phase-change systems the thermodynamically favorable mode of nucleation can switch between condensation and desublimation depending upon the temperature and wettability of the surface. The calculated pressure field is used to model the length of a dry zone around liquid or ice droplets over a broad parameter space. T...