cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The psychometric testing of the functional, communicative, and critical health literacy tool

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study is to assess the validity and reliability of the English version of the FCCHL tool in urban and rural, socioeconomically vulnerable or unstable, chronic comorbid adults in the United States. Methods A cross-sectional study measuring both validity and reliability. Results A total of 276 participants were recruited. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha of α = 0.87. External reliability was measured by test-retest methodology. Construct validity was measured using Confirmatory Factor Analysis that showed good fit. Criterion validity was measured by comparing the mean scores of the FCCHL tool sub-scales. Concurrent validity was measured by comparison of means of the FCCHL tool and education level compared to the NVS and s-TOFHLA. Conclusion The results demonstrated that the FCCHL tools is measuring three different concepts. Overall, the FCCHL tool was seen to have good validity and reliability in the identified population. Practice Implications The FCCHL tool is a 14-item, self-report health literacy tool measuring more than functional health literacy. The tool can be used in practice to improve not only functional health literacy, but also communicative and critical which is highly applicable.
Rest-activity rhythms, daytime symptoms, and functional performance among people with heart failure

Sleep disturbance and decreased daytime activity are well-described among people with chronic heart failure (HF) who suffer from disabling daytime symptoms and poor function. Alterations in the cir...
Moment-Based Evidence for Simple Rational-Valued Hilbert-Schmidt Generic 2 2 Separability Probabilities

Employing the Hilbert?Schmidt measure, we explicitly compute and analyze a number of determinantal product (bivariate) moments |?|k|?PT|n, k, n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ?, with PT denoting the partial transpose, for both generic (9-dimensional) two-rebit () and generic (15-dimensional) two-qubit (? = 1) density matrices ?. The results are, then, incorporated into a general formula, parameterized by k, n and ?, with the case ? = 2, presumptively corresponding to generic (27-dimensional) quaternionic systems. Holding the Dyson-index-like parameter ? fixed, the induced univariate moments (|?||?PT|)n and |?PT|n are inputted into a Legendre-polynomial-based (least-squares) probability-distribution reconstruction algorithm of Provost (2005 Mathematica J. 9 727), yielding ?-specific separability-probability estimates. Since, as the number of inputted moments grows, estimates based on the variable |?||?PT| strongly decrease, while ones employing |?PT| strongly increase (and converge faster), the gaps between upper and lower estimates diminish, yielding sharper and sharper bounds. Remarkably, for ? = 2, with the use of 2325 moments, a separability-probability lower bound 0.999?999?987 as large as is found. For ? = 1, based on 2415 moments, a lower bound results that is 0.999?997?066 times as large as , a (simpler still) fractional value that had previously been conjectured (Slater 2007 J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 40 14279). Furthermore, for , employing 3310 moments, the lower bound is 0.999?955 times as large as , a rational value previously considered (Slater 2010 J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 43 195302).
Occurrence of neonicotinoids and sulfoxaflor in major aquifer groups in Iowa.

Abstract A statewide assessment of neonicotinoids in groundwater was conducted among a sample of public water supply wells in Iowa from October 2017 to August 2018. Samples from all the state's major aquifer groups were initially collected from 118 wells in 69 counties. Subsets of 55 untreated samples and 45 paired pre- and post-treatment samples were then collected in summer 2018, post-planting season for primarily corn and soybeans, to assess seasonal differences and the efficacy of treatment. Samples prepared using solid phase extraction were analyzed using LC/MS/MS for six neonicotinoids: acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, and a sulfoximine (i.e., sulfoxaflor). Clothianidin was the most frequently detected (34%, max: 13.4 ng/L), followed by thiamethoxam (14.4%, max: 20.6 ng/L), imidacloprid (13%, max: 2.3 ng/L), and dinotefuran (0.1%, max: 1.4 ng/L). Alluvial aquifers (unadjusted odds ratio (UOR) = 14.1; 95% CI (5.4–36.9), p=
How much can medical management alone improve the outcome of adult drug-resistant epilepsy? An exploratory study on possibilities and limitations of combining multiple therapeutic actions.

Abstract Purpose Failure to control epileptic seizures with two medications, adequately chosen and dosed, indicates drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). The chance of pharmacologically controlling seizures is low for patients with DRE and uncontrolled seizures who are not candidates for surgery, who have already undergone surgery, or who already had a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) placed. Patients experiencing these conditions must instead rely on medical management of their seizures, and there is no breakthrough solution on the horizon. Medical care of DRE might be optimized by systematically considering factors that promote and inhibit breakthrough seizures. For example, seizure control could be enhanced through measures such as increasing the frequency of follow-up visits, tracking treatment plan compliance, treating sleep disorders, rational polypharmacy, adjusting drug administration to achieve higher levels when seizures are more likely and educating patients on seizure triggers. A systematic and simultaneous implementation of all of these measures is likely to yield a sizable, clinically relevant, improvement. This paper presents an exploratory study on the effects of implementing such an approach, specifically evaluating this method’s impact on seizure frequency. Methods I performed a retrospective chart review of 659 consecutive adult patients with epilepsy followed up at the University of Utah and at the Salt Lake City VA Medical center using the multimodal approach described above. I identified 27 patients who had DRE and uncontrolled seizures and in whom a medical management optimization protocol was implemented. I measured these patients’ seizure frequency at the beginning and the end of the study period and compared the results with those of a matching control group of 48 patients. Results The optimization protocol did not increase the number of seizure-free patients with DRE; however, it was effective in minimizing seizure frequency in patients whose seizures remained uncontrolled. Among these patients, the median seizure frequency dropped by 64% in the optimization group but did not change in the control group. Conclusions Despite the high occurrence of DRE, there is no accepted protocol for the related medical management. This paper describes an effective approach that can be implemented in a clinically relevant and readily achievable manner.
Online Delivery of a Manipulative-Based Intervention Package for Finding Equivalent Fractions

Mathematics education for students with and at-risk for a disability is important and high-quality, research-supported practices should be used for online teaching—whether intentional or as a result of a global pandemic. This single-case design multiple probe replicated across participants study explored the online delivery of an intervention package consisting of the virtual-abstract instructional sequence—taught via modified explicit instruction—and the system of least prompts to three upper elementary students with a disability or at-risk in solving equivalent fractions. Researchers determined a functional relation existed between the intervention package and student accuracy. Researchers also found students were independent and able to maintain accuracy when instruction did not proceed either following the intervention or with the support of boost sessions. Implications for providing mathematical interventions to students with disabilities or at-risk online exist. Further, the study lends support to virtual manipulative-based instructional sequences, as the setting, population, and implementation of explicit instruction differed in this study as compared to previous research.
CNS Lymphocytic Vasculitis in a Young Woman With COVID-19 Infection.

Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been associated with several neurologic manifestations including the development of cerebral lesions resembling CNS vasculitis in elderly patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).1,-,4 Here, we report additional evidence for COVID-19–related CNS vasculitis, confirmed by biopsy, in a young healthy patient with otherwise mild COVID-19 infection. A 26-year-old woman experienced 4 days of anosmia, dysgeusia, malaise, and fatigue 6 days after an airplane flight in mid-March 2020. Approximately 2–3 weeks later, she noticed difficulty keeping “flip-flops” on her left foot slowly progressing to dragging …
The Eucharist and Ecumenism: Let Us Keep the Feast

Acknowledgements Introduction: ecumenical theology Part I. Real Presence: 1. The bread that we break: controversies 2. The iron in the fire: a proposal Part II. Eucharistic Sacrifice: 3. The sacrifice we offer: controversies 4. Christ our Passover: a proposal Part III. Eucharist and Ministry: 5. Eucharistic ministry: controversies 6. Eucharistic ministry: an impending impasse? Part IV. Eucharist and Social Ethics: 7. The Eucharistic transformation of culture 8. Nicene Christianity, the Eucharist and peace Conclusion: let us keep the feast Index.
6.08 – The Dynamics of Continental Breakup and Extension

The great variety of forms of continental extension zones, or rifts, may result from the interaction of a small number of processes. Observational and theoretical studies have helped constrain the relative importance of those processes. At the most basic level, either mountain building or intrusion of basaltic magma is needed to heat and weaken the lithosphere enough to allow extension at reasonable tectonic force levels. Controversies persist over what controls the form of rifting, including what controls the dip angle of extensional faults, whether rifting is generally symmetrical or asymmetrical, and why some rifts are narrow and some are wide. Increasing evidence indicates that massive magmatic events coincide with most rifts. Both the genesis of pulses of mantle melting and the effect of magma on the lithosphere are not well understood. The fact that continents split to change the pattern of plate tectonics and produce economically important basins should keep interest high in deepening understanding of extensional processes.
Classification of PARP Inhibitors Based on PARP Trapping and Catalytic Inhibition, and Rationale for Combinations with Topoisomerase I Inhibitors and Alkylating Agents

All PARP inhibitors in clinical development (veliparib, olaparib, niraparib, rucaparib, talazoparib) are potent submicromolar competitive NAD+ inhibitors for PARP1 and PARP2, thereby blocking PARylation reactions [i.e. formation of poly(ADPribose) polymers]. In addition, PARP trapping, which determines the anticancer activity of PARP inhibitors as single agents, is drug-specific, and PARP inhibitors can be ranked according to their PARP trapping potency: Talazoparib >> niraparib ˜ olaparib ˜ rucaparib > veliparib. The highly synergistic effects of PARP inhibitors in combination with alkylating agent (temozolomide or methyl methanesulfonate, MMS) and topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitors (camptothecins and indenoisoquinolines) are well documented. Both classes of drugs induce DNA single-strand breaks sensed by PARP. Yet, the molecular mechanisms of synergy are different. For alkylating agents (temozolomide and MMS), both PARP trapping and PARylation inhibition account for the synergy, whereas for Top1 inhibitors, there is no involvement of PARP trapping and it is PARylation inhibition that deters the coupling of PARP with the repair enzyme, tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase TDP1. In this chapter, we will review the differences between PARP inhibitors and the rationale for choosing among different PARP inhibitors in combination with alkylating agents or Top1 inhibitors.
Adsorption and contact angle studies

Ellipsometrically determined adsorption isotherms are reported for water on two types of pyrolytic carbon, on polyethylene, and on stearic acid-coated copper, for relative pressures up to close to the saturation pressure, P0, and for various temperatures. Contact angle data for bulk water on the same solids are included; advancing angles of 60°–90° were found. The adsorbed film thickness reaches 40–80 A in the first two systems, but only a few angstroms in the second two; correspondingly, the surface pressures of P0, π0, are large in the first two cases and small in the second two. Large contact angle thus does not necessarily imply low π0. The data are fitted to a previously published potential-distortion model, which allows adsorption and contact angle behavior to be related.
M-theory and Deformation Quantization

We discuss deformation quantization of the covariant, light-cone and conformal gauge-fixed p-brane actions (p>1) which are closely related to the structure of the classical and quantum Nambu brackets. It is known that deformation quantization of the Nambu bracket is not of the usual Moyal type. Yet the Nambu bracket can be quantized using the Zariski deformation quantization (discovered by Dito, Flato, Sternheimer and Takhtajan) which is based on factorization of polynomials in several real variables. We discuss a particular application of the Zariski deformed quantization in M-theory by considering the problem of a covariant formulation of Matrix theory. We propose that the problem of a covariant formulation of Matrix theory can be solved using the formalism of Zariski deformed quantization of the triple Nambu bracket.
Applying Practical Formal Methods to the Specification and Analysis of Security Properties

The SCR (Software Cost Reduction) toolset contains tools for specifying, debugging, and verifying system and software requirements. The utility of the SCR tools in detecting specification errors, many involving safety properties, has been demonstrated recently in projects involving practical systems, such as the International Space Station, a flight guidance system, and a U.S. weapons system. This paper briefly describes our experience in applying the tools in the development of two secure systems: a communications device and a biometrics standard for user authentication.
Experiences hosting high school summer camps to promote university outreach

With budget cuts and increasing tuition, public universities are placing increasing importance on community outreach. Such activities allow the university to play a more important role in, and give something back to their community. Universities are therefore raising expectations of faculty participation in outreach activities and in some cases directing outreach programs. At Northern Kentucky University, through local funding, faculty members in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science have offered two summer camps for bright high school students. This paper presents the outreach efforts, results, and lessons learned over the two-year period.
CRRES Measurements of Energetic Helium During the 1990–1991 Solar Maximum

During the 1990–1991 solar maximum, the CRRES satellite measured helium from 38 to 110 MeV n−1, with isotopic resolution, during both solar quiet periods and a number of large solar flares, the largest of which were seen during March and June 1991. Helium differential energy spectra and isotopic ratios are analyzed and indicate that (1) the series of large solar energetic particle (SEP) events of 2–22 June display characteristics consistent with CME-driven interplanetary shock acceleration; (2) the SEP events of 23–28 March exhibit signatures of both CME-driven shock acceleration and impulsive SEP acceleration; (3) below about 60 MeV n−1, the helium flux measured by CRRES is dominated by solar helium even during periods of least solar activity; (4) the solar helium below 60 MeV n−1 is enriched in 3He, with a mean 3He/4He ratio of about 0.18 throughout most of the CRRES mission `quiet' periods; and (5) an association of this solar component with small CMEs occurring during the periods selected as solar `quiet' times.
Low-cost high-volume RF products: dream, anticipation, or reality?

The analysis of several important high-volume RF product markets, such as the TVRO business, the more mature cable TV industry, and the cellular communications industry is the focus of this work. A look at the volumes and costs of these products, as well as the RF modules comprising them, help illustrate market demands. The role of various integrated technologies in these and future products, such as wireless cable, direct digital TV and, set-top converters are also discussed. In addition, detailed cost discussions focus on the "trade-offs" between hybrid and monolithic circuits, and Si versus GaAs technology. The remainder of the analysis concentrates on the aspects of designing for low cost production and the prediction of future trends. >
The maturation of cortisone-treated embryonic duodenum in vitro. I. The villus.

Mitotic expansion of the mucosa coupled with contraction of intrinsic longitudinal and circular muscle fibers produces previllous ridges on the luminal surface of the embryonic chick duodenum by the thirteenth day of incubation. Subsequently, remodelling by periodic indentation of the mucosal surface yields primitive villi which expand and elongate to form the tall, finger-like projections characterizing the absorptive surface of the mature duodenum (Hilton, 1902; Pap, 1933; Coulombre & Coulombre, 1958). Coincident with the morphogenesis of the villus is the acquisition of enzymatic activity in its epithelium. As early as the 14th day of incubation of the chick embryo, alkaline phosphatase is detectable in the epithelial free border of the duodenum (Hancox & Hyslop, 1954), although other investigators report later appearances for this enzyme (Moog, 1950; Hebert, 1950). The onset of this physiological activity in the duodenal epithelium may be accelerated by exposure to adrenocorticoids as originally postulated by Hebert (1950).
Adolescent alcohol use development and young adult outcomes.

This study used latent growth modeling to examine the effects of level of alcohol use and development of alcohol use during adolescence, on young adult outcomes for males and females. Adolescents (N = 480; mean = 13.03 years, S.D. = 1.44; 264 female) were assessed annually over a 4-year period and then 5-6 years later in young adulthood (mean = 22.49 years, S.D. = 1.50). Chronicity of alcohol use in adolescence was related to higher alcohol use, alcohol-related problems, aggressive behavior, theft, and suicide ideation in young adulthood among both males and females. Development of alcohol use during adolescence was related to alcohol-related problems in young adulthood for males and females, and to higher levels of alcohol use and aggressive behavior for males only. The results indicate that development of alcohol use as well as level of alcohol use in adolescence is important for future adjustment outcomes, and that these relationships vary as a function of gender.
Surface self-diffusion on gold

Abstract Measurements of surface self-diffusion on gold obtained by the multiple scratch smoothing technique are reported. Above 930°C the results may be represented as D s = D 0 exp ( −Q kT ) where Q = 65 kcal mole and D 0 = 8 × 10 6 cm 2 sec . Below 930°C there is a catastrophic decrease of Ds. A theoretical treatment is developed in terms of the terrace-ledge-kink model (TLK) of a surface.
Association of sleep duration and breast cancer OncotypeDX recurrence score

Shorter duration of sleep has been associated with risk of a number of medical conditions, including breast cancer. However, no prior study has investigated the relationship of average sleep duration before diagnosis and cancer aggressiveness. OncotypeDX is a widely utilized test to guide treatment in early stage hormone receptor positive breast cancer by predicting likelihood of recurrence. We reviewed medical records from ER+ early stage breast cancer patients participating in a case–control study for availability of OncotypeDX scores. All patients in the parent study were recruited at diagnosis and asked about average sleep duration in the 2 years before diagnosis. We analyzed data from 101 breast cancer patients with available OncotypeDX recurrence scores to test the hypothesis that shorter sleep is associated with greater likelihood of recurrence. We found that OncotypeDX recurrence scores were strongly correlated with average hours of sleep per night before breast cancer diagnosis, with fewer hours of sleep associated with a higher (worse) recurrence score (R = −0.30, p = 0.0031). This correlation was limited to post-menopausal breast cancer patients only (R = −0.41, p = 0.0011, for postmenopausal patients; R = −0.05, p = 0.80 for pre-menopausal patients). This association remains statistically significant after adjustment for age, physical activity, smoking status, and body mass index in the entire study sample (p = 0.0058) as well as in postmenopausal patients (p = 0.0021). This is the first study to suggest that women who routinely sleep fewer hours may develop more aggressive breast cancers compared with women who sleep longer hours.
The beauty of 'almost standard' VLSI

The authors discuss the advantages of semistandard VLSI, which lets a designer choose the chip for its standard features and then have the expert chip maker add special characteristics. They compare them with two other kinds of application-specific IC (ASIC), custom and semicustom VLSI chips. They describe four different ways to utilize semistandard chips and the benefit and drawbacks of each. They conclude by discussing what to expect from the semistandard approach. >
Prediction of the electrophoretic mobilities of nucleotides on neutral paper.

The electrophoretic mobilities of nucleotides on neutral paper can be predicted by U = kQM23, where U = electrophoretic mobility, k = proportionality constant, Q = charge, and M = molecular weight. The equation is accurate for molecules with molecular weights in the range 200–2000. The equation is useful for predicting whether a given set of nucleotides can be adequately separated at a particular pH. It is also valuable in the initial identification of unknown nucleotides.
Diagnostic value, feasibility, and validity of preparing cell blocks from fluid-based gynecologic cytology specimens.

BACKGROUND The current study was conducted to investigate the diagnostic value, feasibility, and validity of preparing cell blocks from fluid-based gynecologic cytology methods. METHODS The authors independently reviewed 125 cell blocks prepared from material remaining after the ThinPrep smear was diagnosed, with a concentration on those cases demonstrating abnormal results. RESULTS The majority of cases were easy to diagnose on hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. The addition of a cell block preparation increased the detection of an endocervical cell component compared with the use of ThinPrep alone. Of the 125 cell blocks studied, 15 were interpreted as high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, 70 were interpreted as low-grade SILs, 24 were interpreted as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, and 16 were determined to be within normal limits. Eighty-six of the cell blocks (69%) were found to be in agreement with the ThinPrep diagnosis, 29 (23%) demonstrated a lesser degree of abnormality on the cell block compared with the ThinPrep slide, and 10 (8%) demonstrated changes that were more severe than those diagnosed on the corresponding ThinPrep slide. Of the 54 cases for which histopathologic follow-up was available (e.g., punch biopsy, cone biopsy, or hysterectomy), the biopsies, cytologies, and cell blocks were concordant in 15 cases (28%). Biopsy results were found to agree more closely with the cell block preparation than the ThinPrep slide in eight cases, and were found to identify more closely with the ThinPrep slide in four cases. Biopsy showed changes that were less severe than those found on either cytology or cell block in 23 cases (43%). Biopsy demonstrated changes that were more severe than those observed on either cytology or cell block in 4 cases (7%). CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study demonstrate that this technique is feasible and useful as a complement to routine gynecologic cytology slide preparation and examination. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2002;96:000–000. © 2002 American Cancer Society.
Two-dimensional echocardiographic assessment of left atrial size in children☆

The ability of 2-dimensional echocardiography (2-D echo) to estimate end-systolic left atrial (LA) size and volume was assessed in 140 infants and children. These subjects were divided into 2 groups. Group A included 91 patients with normal LA volume and Group B included 49 patients with LA volume overload. Five echocardiographic views (left parasternal long-axis, left parasternal short-axis, apical 4-chamber, apical 2-chamber and subcostal 4-chamber) were used. From these views, the LA long-axis and minor-axis lengths were measured and the area was planimetered. These echocardiographically derived measurements were compared with angiographically calculated LA volume. Although all echocardiographic measurements correlated well with angiographic LA volume measurements, the echocardiographic area tracked better than length measurements. Echo LA volume was calculated using 5 single-plane and 3 biplane area-length methods. LA volume calculated from either single- or biplane methods correlated well with angiographically determined LA volume. The degree of correlation depended on the method used. Echocardiographic area and estimated LA volume measured from the parasternal long-axis and apical 2-chamber views best separated patients with LA volume overload from normal. Two-dimensional echo using these views accurately segregated all patients with a LA volume greater than 180% of normal and 15 of 21 patients (71%) with an LA volume between 138% and 179% of normal. Thus, 2-D echo is useful in the evaluation of LA size and volume in infants and children.
Self-calibration/compensation technique for microcontroller-based sensor arrays

Described is a generalized technique for real-time gain and thermal compensation of embedded microcontroller-based sensor arrays. By incorporating a single or multiple low-cost, uncalibrated thermal sensor(s) into a software feedback loop, a self-normalized calibration/compensation table for each sensor can be generated and stored in EEPROM for later use in real-time signal acquisition. The compensation is accomplished by executing a one-time initialization software routine as the sensor array is cycled through the expected temperature range. To achieve compensation to within the system resolution, the required correction loop bit width will be different from that of the system bit width. In addition to temperature compensation, the technique also includes correction for gain and voltage offset errors introduced by the analog signal conditioning as well as A/D conversion errors. An example of the technique is presented using a 68HC711E9 microcontroller for real-time acquisition and compensation of a four-element strain gage array. >
TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) causes reduction in the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor activities in the hepatic plasma membrane of the guinea pig and rat.

Abstract Administration of 1 μg/kg (single intraperitoneal injection and studied after 10 days) of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) to young male guinea pigs was found to cause a significant reduction in binding of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to its receptor on the hepatic plasma membrane. This reduction in LDL binding is not caused by the decrease of food intake by treated animals since pair-fed control animals had significantly higher LDL binding than treated animals. It was also found that primary hepatocytes from treated animals had a reduced ability to internalize LDL than controls. Such a change in the plasma membrane function may explain the resulting hyperlipidemia particularly hypercholesterolemia which occurs in this species as a result of TCDD administration.
Cyclomorphosis in Daphnia galeata mendotae Birge and D. retrocurva Forbes as a predator-induced response

SUMMARY. 1. Populations of Daphnia galeata mendotae and D. retrocurva were exposed for one generation to predators enclosed in mesh bags. The exposed Daphnia showed adaptive morphological changes that mimic cyclomorphosis in nature. The invertebrate predators Chaoborus and Notonecta induced longer helmets, while the fish Lepomis induced shorter bodies but had no effect on helmet length. Longer tail spines (relative to body length) were induced by Notonecta and Lepomis. 2. The responses of D. retrocurva were influenced by algae concentration, with the more extreme responses occurring at a higher food concentration and higher lipid index.
Enumeration of strongly connected sequential machines

Recently, attention has been given to the problem of counting the number of equivalence classes of finite automata. The enumeration problem for strongly connected sequential machines has remained unsolved. This paper develops a recursive solution from which the number of strongly connected, complete sequential machines can be determined for an arbitrary state set, input set, and output set.
Direct detection of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) by chemiluminescence without interference by IGF binding proteins.

A dot blot method for the detection of picogram quantities of human and rat insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) in serum-free conditioned media is described. The crossreactivity of human recombinant IGF-I in the assay was < 10%. None of the IGF binding proteins (IGFBP 1-6) diminished the IGF-II signal. In contrast, significant interference by the IGFBPs was observed when the same concentrations of IGFBPs and 125I-IGF-II were used in a radioimmunoassay which utilized the same antibody. Why IGF-II is detected in the dot blot assay without IGFBP interference is not understood. We speculate that the conformation of the IGF-II/binding protein complex may be altered by binding to the nitrocellulose, exposing the IGF-II epitope that is recognized by the antibody. IGF-II was detected in 1 microliter of serum-free conditioned media from BRL 3A cells (which secrete IGF-II) while no signal was generated by 50 microliters of BRL 3A2 conditioned media (which do not secrete IGF-II). In summary, this method is ideal ...
Near-infrared spectra of Scapharca homodimeric hemoglobin: characterization of the deoxy and photodissociated derivatives

The near-infrared charge transfer band at 760 nm (band III) has been investigated in deoxy and photodissociated dimeric Scapharca hemoglobin. At 300 K, the 10-ns spectrum of the carbonmonoxy derivative photoproduct is shifted by about 6 nm toward longer wavelengths with respect to the deoxy spectrum, both in buffer and in glycerol/buffer solutions. Moreover, the band III peak occurs at about the same wavelength at 300 K and at 10 K for the 10-ns photodissociated derivative, whereas in the deoxy derivative large changes in peak position and linewidth are observed as a function of temperature. These findings suggest that in dimeric Scapharca hemoglobin the photoproduct has not relaxed after 10 ns. The complete time dependence of the relaxation process has been studied both in buffer and in glycerol/buffer solutions at room temperature. The relaxation from the photoproduct to the deoxy species occurs on a microsecond time scale, in line with recent optical absorption and resonance Raman measurements.
Mass and total decay rate of unstable particles in quantum field theory

We derive a very simple expression for the total decay rate of an unstable particle analogous to the optical theorem, and demonstrate its equivalence with the total decay rate defined in terms of the imaginary part of the propagator pole. The common origin of mass shifting and total decay rate is also demonstrated.
E2 K conversion coefficients in the decay of 13 y half-life Eu152

Abstract The K conversion coefficients of the 2+ → 0+, 344 keV transition in 64Gd88152 and the 4+ → 2+, 245 keV transition in 63Sm901 2 from the decay of 13 y half-life Eu152 have been measured by the internal-external conversion method. The results are αK = (285 ± 15) × 10−4 and (91 ± 14) × 10−3 for the 344 and 245 keV transitions, respectively. These values are 8% lower and about 12% higher, respectively, than the theoretical E2 values. The theoretical value, however, falls within the limits of error of αK of the 245 keV transition. The gamma-ray intensity of the 245 keV transition was found to be about 24% of the intensity of the 344 keV transition. The photo-electric cross-section ratio φM/φN+ … for uranium was measured to be 22.6 ± 0.6 for hv = 122 keV.
The hard life of soft cells.

Cells are mechanical as well as chemical machines, and much of the energy they consume is used to apply forces to each other and to the extracellular matrix around them. The cytoskeleton, the cell membrane, and the macromolecules composing the extracellular matrix form networks that in concert with the forces generated by the cell create dynamic materials with viscoelastic properties unique to each tissue. Numerous recent studies suggest that the forces that cells create and are subjected to, as well as the mechanical properties of the materials to which they adhere, can have large effects on cell structure and function that can act in concert with or override signals from soluble stimuli. This brief review summarizes recent studies of the effects of substrate mechanics on cell motility, differentiation, and proliferation, and discusses possible mechanisms by which a cell can probe the stiffness of its surroundings.
State-based sensor fusion for surveillance

This paper presents a state-based control scheme for sensor fusion in autonomous mobile robots. States specify the sensing strategy for each sensor; the feedback rule to be applied to the sensors; and a set of failure conditions, which signal abnormal or inconsistent evidence. Experiments were conducted in the surveillance domain, where the robot was to determine if three different areas in a cluttered tool room remained unchanged after each visit. The data collected from four sensors (a Sony Hi8 color camcorder, a Pulnix black and white camera, an Inframetrics true infrared camera, and Polaroid ultrasonic transducers) and fused using the sensor fusion effects architecture (SFX) support the claims that the state-based control scheme produces percepts which are consistent with the scene being viewed, can improve the global belief in a percept, can improve the sensing quality of the robot, and it robust under a variety of conditions.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ozonisierung von 2.4-Dinitro-phenylhydrazonen†

Bei der Einwirkung von Ozon auf 2.4-Dinitro-phenylhydrazone wird die CN-Doppelbindung aufgespalten, wobei hauptsachlich Ketone und m-Dinitrobenzol entstehen. Fur die mannigfaltigen Reaktionen wird ein Mechanismus vorgeschlagen. Dabei werden u. a. die mit Hilfe eines Sauerstoffbestimmungs-Gerates und der chemischen Analyse gewonnenen Ergebnisse sowie die NMR-, die IR- und die Massen-Spektren zugrunde gelegt.
Cyclohexylamine inhibits the adhesion of lymphocytic cells to human syncytiotrophoblast

Abstract We have previously shown that lymphocytic cells adhere to cultured syncytiotrophoblast and that this may be important in the lymphocyte-mediated infection of trophoblast with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). During the course of studies aimed at investigating the role of cell surface carbohydrates in adhesion, it was discovered that a contaminant of commercial fucose-l-phosphate, dicyclohexylamine, inhibited MOLT-trophoblast adhesion. Dicyclohexylamine and the related compounds, cyclohexylamine and hexylamine, inhibited adhesion in a dose-responsive manner with half-maximal inhibition seen at about 4 mM. While the pressor effects of cyclohexylamine, the principal metabolite of cyclamate, are well known, this is the first report of an effect of this and related compounds on cell adhesion activity. The inhibitory effect was reversible and, at concentrations less than 25 mM, did not result in loss of cell viability. Several possible mechanisms of action of cyclohexylamine were examined in an attempt to explain the effect on adhesion. No evidence was found to suggest that the effects of cyclohexylamine were due to inhibition of polyamine synthesis, increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration or to a lysosomotropic effect. The concentrations of cyclohexylamine used are within the range of plasma concentrations attainable in humans, raising the possibility that the in vitro effects described here may also occur in vivo. The results also suggest that caution should be used in the interpretation of results obtained from experiments where cell adhesion is blocked using exogenous monosaccharides that are in the form of dicyclohexylammonium salts. Appropriate controls must be included or, if possible, sodium, potassium or barium salts should be chosen.
The constitution of the Nb-Zn-O system at 1800 °F

Abstract Equilibria among the binary phases Nb, NbZn, NbZn 1·5 , NbZn 2 , NbZn 3 , Zn, NbO and the ternary phase Nb 3 Zn 3 O 4·4 are defined and a probable construction of the remainder of the system is suggested from exploratory experiments. The NbO-Zn section is a quasi-binary in this system.
LOW-DOSE RECOMBINANT VACCINE ANTIGEN DELIVERY BY ENGINEERED OUTER MEMBRANE VESICLES

The use of engineered antigen carriers to optimize the immune response to recombinant subunit vaccines has seen great advances in recent years. Optimization can take several forms, such as facilitating stimulation of certain immune cells or amplifying the adjuvancy effect of the vaccine formulation. In this paper, we applied dose/response analysis to demonstrate the ability of outer membrane vesicle (OMV) antigen carriers derived from engineered Escherichia coli to produce strong antigen-specific immune responses to a model antigen at a significantly decreased antigen load compared to an industry standard alum-based control. Inflammopathology and histological analysis of extended studies further supported a capacity to enhance immune cell recruitment locally at the injection site while decreasing inflammation and eliminating injection site scaring. The results indicate a strong potential for OMV-based vaccines as recombinant antigen delivery vehicles, affording strong immunogenicity at low doses with a broadly applicable platform for recombinant subunit antigen inclusion.
On the feasibility and limits of extreme load reduction for wind turbines via advanced sensing: A LIDAR case study

This paper discusses some strategies that may be used to reduce extreme loads suffered by a wind turbine, by means of specific control actions based on wind speed measurements taken with a light detection and ranging device. Comparative results for a fully detailed wind turbine model are presented, in which the effectiveness of these strategies is demonstrated for the entire set of ultimate design load cases specified by the IEC61400-1 Ed. 2 standard.
Human Exposure Assessment of Indoor Dust: Webster and Stapleton Respond

We agree with Cao et al. that methods for sampling dust are insufficiently uniform between research groups and can be improved (Allen 2008a; Harrad et al. 2010). By using refined dust sampling methods we should be able to reduce exposure measurement error, likely random, leading to increased associations with exposure biomarkers. We have conducted several studies on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) investigating methods of dust sampling, the relationship between dust concentrations and potential sources of PBDEs, dust concentrations and biomarkers of exposure, and the use of handwipes as an intermediary step (Allen et al. 2008a, 2008b; Stapleton et al. 2008; Watkins et al. 2011, 2012; Wu et al. 2007). It is worth noting that dust sampling for environmental chemicals can have several purposes, including exposure assessment and characterization of sources. Dust sampling is also subject to a number of practical constraints such as sampling logistics and the requirement for sufficient mass of dust for adequate quantification of target compounds. We believe hand-wipes represent a more biologically relevant measure of indoor exposure for PBDEs than dust sampled from the floor of a room. Handwipes may also represent exposure experienced by direct contact with PBDE-treated sources. In addition, handwipes may integrate exposure across multiple microenvironments (Watkins et al. 2011, 2012). We agree that the dust particle size is likely to play a role in exposure to PBDEs, and this factor has received relatively little attention in the past. Recent work by Weschler and Nazaroff (2010) suggests that, on average, semi-volatile organic compounds (including relatively more volatile pentaBDE congeners) are distributed in a room between air, dust, and surface films roughly as expected by equilibrium partitioning. The levels of pentaBDEs in all of these sampling media are therefore likely to show associations with body burden, although refinement of sampling methods may improve associations. The situation may be different for BDE-209, the main constituent of decaBDE that is essentially non-volatile at room temperature. It may escape from products via friability rather than volatilization (Webster et al. 2009). The particle size distribution of BDE-209 in dust may be different than that of pentaBDEs. Finally, researchers and risk assessors estimate exposure to chemicals in dust by multiplying dust concentrations by highly uncertain exposure factors for dust ingestion (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2011). Additional research on dust ingestion factors is needed.
Clinical and financial characteristics of pediatric surgery practices

Abstract Pediatric surgical practices face many challenges. We wanted to define the clinical practice and financial support among different types of practices as follows: academic, private practice, and employed. Methods This study involved an Internet survey of members of the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA), comparisons using χ 2 and paired t test analyses. Results The response rate was 28.7% (233/811), 145 academic, 48 private, and 40 employed. More than 90% received partial to full financial hospital support. Only 7.3% received no outside support, most frequently those in private practices (16.7%; P = .016). More than 90% had resident or fellow coverage. Nearly all practices covered newborn conditions and solid tumors, with differences in pediatric trauma, patent ductus arteriosus, and urologic condition. Transfer out of community was low but increased for specific conditions during the respondents' absence, from 0.4% to 5.2% to 3.4% to 6.9% ( P = .001-0.003). A minority of respondents noted that nonpediatric surgeons treated selected pediatric conditions in their communities as follows: inguinal hernia (38.4%), umbilical hernia (42.6%), abscesses (37.5%), and trauma (36.6%). Pediatric surgeons shared call within their group in 86.3%, whereas 5.6% took call alone. Many restricted call by excluding trauma (37.2%), soft tissue infections or appendectomies (21.3% for both), and older children (>12 years, 23.8%). Nearly one fifth (18.9%) expressed interest in having an APSA surgeon serve as a locum tenens in their practices. Discussion Many pediatric surgeons receive both financial and in-kind subsidies. Although they cover a wide breadth of surgical conditions, many limit the conditions that they treat to reduce call responsibilities. The workforce shortage in pediatric surgery creates call coverage problems that may affect up to 8% of US practices.
Therapeutic potential of intermittent hypoxia: a matter of dose.

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) has been the subject of considerable research in recent years, and triggers a bewildering array of both detrimental and beneficial effects in multiple physiological system...
The chemistry of hydrothermal mounds near the Galapagos Rift

Abstract Samples dredged from the sediment mounds have a unique chemistry and mineralogy which reveals details of the hydrothermal processes that produce these deposits. The mounds form primarily by deposition of Fe, Mn and Si from hydrothermal fluids which circulate through the basalt crust and the overlying sediments. The Mn, Fe and Si are strongly fractionated in the process; the Fe and Si precipitate within the mounds under slightly reducing conditions as nontronite, while the Mn is deposited as Mn oxyhydroxides at the seawater-sediment interface. The nontronite is exceptionally well crystallized, and contains less than 200 ppm Al. The Mn minerals, todorokite and birnessite, also have exceptional crystallinity and the distribution of trace elements Cu, Ni, Zn, Co, Ca and Ba in these phases agrees with predictions made on the basis of models of their crystal structure. The environment of deposition which produces this suite of minerals — slow percolation of hydrothermal fluids through pelagic sediments — may not be unique to the Galapagos Rift, as the same suite of minerals has been found in similar setting in the Gulf of Aden and on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
THE LYMPHATIC PATHWAY FROM THE NOSE AND PHARYNX THE ABSORPTION OF CERTAIN PROTEINS

1. In a number of cats, dogs, monkeys, and in a rabbit, the cervical lymph ducts were cannulated and protein solutions dropped into the nose, and the lymph was examined afterwards for the presence of the protein employed. 2. Egg albumin was found in the lymph in all cases with one exception. Horse serum was never detected. Serum albumin did not come through in the cats, but did in a rabbit. 3. With a 1 per cent solution of T-1824 in horse serum no dye appeared in the lymph. This is regarded as confirming Gregersen and Gibson's (2) view that T-1824 combines with the serum proteins.
An Examination of the CROPS and BASC-2-SRP-A among Adjudicated Youth

This study explored the Behavior Assessment System for Children Second Edition Self Report of Personality-Adolescent (BASC-2-SRP-A) and the Child Report of Post-traumatic Stress (CROPS) profiles of a sample of adjudicated youth. Results were consistent with previous research, indicating that 56% of CROPS scores fell within the clinically significant range. Cronbach’s alpha indicated good internal consistency of the 26-item CROPS. In addition, Anxiety was found to contribute most to distinguishing between the clinically significant and clinically non-significant CROPS groups, followed by the Social Stress and Somatization subscales. Gender differences, implications, and future directions are discussed.
A Not-for-Profit Publisher's Perspective on Open Access

Recent legislative activity in the US House of Representatives and the UK House of Commons has added fuel to a debate over electronic access to the Scientific, Technical and Medical (STM) literature that was initiated in 1999 with the introduction of E-Biomed. Ongoing efforts to change the landscape of STM publishing involve moving it away from a subscription basis to an author-pays model. This article chronicles the swift evolution of electronic access to the scientific literature and asks whether the scholarly community will really be better off with government-mandated Open Access (OA) publishing.