cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Common etiologies of acute symptomatic seizures evolving from lateralized periodic discharges in patients monitored with continuous EEG (P2.233)

Objective: To identify the most common etiologies of acute symptomatic seizures evolving from lateralized periodic discharges (LPDs, also known as PLEDs) in patients monitored with continuous EEG. Background: Lateralized periodic discharges (LPDs) represent an electroencephalographic pattern often seen in the setting of an acute focal destructive structural lesion in the brain and signify potential epileptogenicity. However, LPDs do not universally lead to electrographic or clinical seizures. Several different etiologies have been found to generate LPDs, however, studies have not analyzed which underlying etiologies are most likely to be associated with seizures. Design/Methods: This is a retrospective study on 38 patients that were monitored with continuous EEG monitoring from June 2011 to May 2016, and were found to have LPDs that evolved into electrographic or clinical seizures during the monitoring period. The medical record was reviewed to identify the acute symptomatic cause of the LPDs in each case. 11 Patients in whom focal epilepsy was the cause of the LPDs were excluded. Results: 27 patients with LPDs on continuous EEG monitoring evolved into acute symptomatic seizures, the most common etiologies were ischemic stroke (19%), tumor (19%), encephalitis (19%), and subdural hematoma (15%). Conclusions: The most common high risk etiologies of acute symptomatic seizures evolving from lateralized periodic discharges in our cohort of patients were ischemic stroke, tumor, encephalitis, and subdural hematoma. Recognition of these etiologic factors may influence the duration of continuous EEG monitoring employed or the decision to institute seizure prophylaxis. A larger cohort of patients should be reviewed in a future study to confirm these findings. Disclosure: Dr. Mathew has nothing to disclose. Dr. Piran has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hantus has received personal compensation for activities with UCB Pharma as a consultant and serving on the scientific advisory board. Dr. Malpe has nothing to disclose.
A Blended Curriculum to Improve Resident Physical Exam Skills for Patients With Neuromuscular Disability

Introduction Children with neuromuscular disabilities (NMD) receive care in a wide variety of clinical settings. Residents lack training to develop physical examination skills for evaluating patien...
Investigation of mechanical behavior and physical characteristic of portland cement: Implications for destructive and non-destructive methods

Abstract Oilfield cements are a key element in well construction, during the operational phase of a well, and after its abandonment. Evaluating and understanding cement properties is crucial, since these properties are used in various engineering designs and calculations. In many scenarios, these properties are assumed constant with time, but an increasing number of studies have shown how properties change with time, temperature, and pressure. This work presents experiments run on API Class G cement mixed with and without additives and cured at 25 °C, 50 °C, and 75 °C, and constant pressure over a total of approximately two years. The influence of time, temperature, and additives on the performance of these cements is evaluated, and destructive and non-destructive testing methods are used to develop correlations to assess cement mechanical properties and to understand the development of porosity and its influence on cement performance. We applied NMR for the non-destructive evaluation of porosity, pore size distribution, cement water saturation, and curing of cement.
Prying open a glutamate receptor gate.

The transition of ion channels from the closed, nonconducting conformation to the open, conducting conformation—a process referred to as gating—is fundamental to physiology. It is in the open state, when the water-filled ion conduction pathway is formed, that ions cross the membrane to impact
Establishing Command Intent—A Case Study

In March 1945, during the campaign against Germany, the United States Army conducted an operation that showed its proficiency: the encirclement of the Ruhr.2The establishment of command intent was central to the success of this operation. While U.S. Army doctrine at the time did not explicitly describe the meaning and composition of the term command intent(sometimes also called commander’s intent), the conduct of this operation demonstrated an understanding of these concepts that had been acquired through practice at all tactical levels. The encirclement of the Ruhr, conducted both to deny resources to the German army and to draw the remainder of the Germany army’s forces to battle in the region’s defence, had always been oneof the campaign’s strategic objectives. However, the encirclement and its exact direction and force requirements were decided only as operations progressed (SHAEF, 1946).3 Implicit command intent guided the tactical decisions made as the operation progressed and linked subordinates’ exercise of initiative and coordination by tactical formations in the decentralized execution of operations. This decentralized execution of operations is the desired outcome of the mission command approach.
Examining Emergent Communities and Social Bots Within the Polarized Online Vaccination Debate in Twitter

Many states in the United States allow a “belief exemption” for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines. People’s opinion on whether or not to take the vaccine can have direct consequences in pu...
Stevens-Johnson syndrome complicated by fatal hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, life-threatening disorder characterized by multiorgan failure due to uncontrolled activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. Here, we describe a rare and difficult case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) complicated by HLH.
Density control of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes and its effect on field emission properties

Abstract Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) were synthesized directly on stainless steel substrate and their surface densities were tuned by an order of magnitude via growing them at different temperatures. The surface density of the VACNTs was correlated with the surface evolution of the substrate, a process in which catalyst nano hills were generated at different growth temperatures in the presence of reducing gas environment. Enhanced field emission (FE) properties including low turn-on electric field (ETurn-on = 0.66 V μm-1), low threshold electric field (ETh = 1.07 V μm-1), high field enhancement factor (β = 4084), and high FE stability for 600 min were obtained from VACNT arrays synthesized at 650 °C. It is speculated that the inherent features of our sample such as the conductive substrate, the low contact resistance between the substrate and the VACNTs, the uniform length and the appropriate spacing between the VACNTs have contributed to the excellent field emission properties. Simulation on the electrostatic field of various VACNT arrays was performed and the result is in good agreement with the experimental data.
Safety of autologous blood component transfusion during cesarean section in patients with Rh(D)-negative blood group

Objective To investigate the safety of autologous blood component transfusion during cesarean section in patients with Rh (D)-negative blood group.Methods Thirty ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of Rh (D)-negative blood group, aged 20-35 yr, weighing 50-80 kg, undergoing elective cesarean section, were enrolled in this study.After lactated Ringer' s solution 7 ml/kg was infused, blood was obtained from radial artery at a rate of 60-80ml/min, and blood volume was maintained by simultaneous infusion of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 at the same rate. The collected blood was subjected to two cycles of autologous blood component separation. Blood collecting during each cycle was stopped 15 s after red blood cells were separated. The autologous blood was infused when the blood loss≥20% of blood volume. The autologous blood was infused after suture of the uterus when the blood loss < 20% of blood volume. The parameters of maternal vital signs and fetal heart rate were monitored. Hypotension and tachycardia were recorded during autologous blood collecting. SpO2 was monitored routinely. Venous blood samples were taken before blood collecting (baseline), at the end of blood collecting, before autologous blood transfusion, 24 h after operation for determination of Hb, Hct, Plt, PT, APTT, INR and Fib. Umbilical arterial blood samples were obtained after delivery for blood gas analysis. Apgar score was recorded at 1 and 5 min after birth. Blood loss and allogeneic blood transfusion were also recorded. Results No hypotension and tachycardia occurred during the process of blood collecting and the fetal heart rate was within the normal range. Compared with the baseline value, there were no significant differences in SpO2 , Hb, Hct, Plt, PT, APTT, INR and FIB value at the other time points. The pH value and concentrations of base excess and lactate were within the normal range.The Apgar score was (9.0 ±0.8) and (9.2 ± 0.8) at 1 and 5 min after birth respectively. The blood loss during operation was (405 ± 28) ml and no patients received homologous blood transfusion. Conclusion The safety of autologous blood component transfusion is good during cesarean section in Rh (D)-negative blood group patients. Key words: Blood transfusion, autologous; Blood component transfusion; Rh-Hr blood-group system; Cesarean section
Pediatric Resident Communication Skills Training: Self- Reported Efficacy and Clinical Use

Background Palliative care (PC) is an important aspect of caring for children with serious illness and their families. Emphatic communication, has been shown to improve family experience and outcomes during serious illness. The AAP has emphasized the importance of PC education for trainees. Despite this, pediatric providers of all levels feel uncomfortable with PC which stems from a lack of education. Our institution implemented a Palliative Care Curriculum to improve pediatric resident comfort with care of seriously ill children and their families. One aspect of this curriculum is the institution of empathic communication skills training utilizing VitalTalk methodology. VitalTalk is a simulation-based reflective teaching program designed …
Connections that characterize callousness: Affective features of psychopathy are associated with personalized patterns of resting-state network connectivity

Abstract Background Psychopathic traits are hypothesized to be associated with dysfunction across three resting-state networks: the default mode (DMN), salience (SN), and central executive (CEN). Past work has not considered heterogeneity in the neural networks of individuals who display psychopathic traits, which is likely critical in understanding the etiology of psychopathy and could underlie different symptom presentations. Thus, this study maps person-specific resting state networks and links connectivity patterns to features of psychopathy. Methods We examined resting-state functional connectivity among eight regions of interest in the DMN, SN, and CEN using a person-specific, sparse network mapping approach (Group Iterative Multiple Model Estimation) in a community sample of 22-year-old men from low-income, urban families (N = 123). Associations were examined between a dimensional measure of psychopathic traits and network density (i.e., number of connections within and between networks). Results There was significant heterogeneity in neural networks of participants, which were characterized by person-specific connections and no common connections across the sample. Psychopathic traits, particularly affective traits, were associated with connection density between the DMN and CEN, such that greater density was associated with elevated psychopathic traits. Discussion Findings emphasize that neural networks underlying psychopathy are highly individualized. However, individuals with high levels of psychopathic traits had increased density in connections between the DMN and CEN, networks that have been linked with self-referential thinking and executive functioning. Taken together, the results highlight the utility of person-specific approaches in modeling neural networks underlying psychopathic traits, which could ultimately inform personalized prevention and intervention strategies.
Engulfment and cell motility 1 (ELMO1) and apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) as candidate genes for sickle cell nephropathy

Sickle cell disease (SCD) and apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) G1/G2 variants increase chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk in African Americans by poorly understood mechanisms. We applied bioinformatics to identify new candidate genes associated with SCD-related CKD. An interaction network demonstrated APOA1 connecting haemoglobin subunit β (HBB) and APOL1 with 36 other candidate genes. Gene expression revealed upregulation of engulfment and cell motility 1 (ELMO1) and downregulation of APOA1 in the kidney cortex of SCD versus non-SCD mice. Analysis of candidate genes identified ELMO1 rs10951509 to be associated with albuminuria and APOA1 rs11216132 with haemoglobinuria in patients with SCD. A bioinformatic approach highlights ELMO1 and APOA1 as potentially associated with SCD nephropathy.
Computed tomography findings of metabolic syndrome in patients with acute colonic diverticulitis.

Introduction Many factors associated with colonic diverticulitis are also part of the clinical definition of the metabolic syndrome. Computed tomography (CT) is commonly performed in symptomatic patients, such as those with suspected or known acute diverticulitis, and could add additional value for the health of these patients by identifying and reporting CT biomarkers of metabolic syndrome, if present and detectable. The purpose of this study was to identify CT biomarkers of metabolic syndrome in patients with acute colonic diverticulitis. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 243 patients (mean-60 yrs, M:F:126:117) diagnosed with colonic diverticulitis on CT between March 2015 and March 2017 for hepatic steatosis, vascular calcifications, abdominal diameters and fat volumes. Criteria of metabolic syndrome were obtained from medical records. Differences in imaging biomarkers were compared using chi-square comparisons stratified by metabolic syndrome, abdominal diameter and fat volume. Results Of 243 patients, 33% demonstrated hepatic steatosis and 71% atherosclerotic vascular calcifications on CT. 28% met criteria for metabolic syndrome. Patients with metabolic syndrome had higher occurrence of hepatic steatosis, sagittal diameter ≥ 35 cm, visceral fat > 5000 cm3 and subcutaneous fat > 8300 cm3 (P 0.05). Conclusions CT biomarkers of metabolic syndrome are commonly encountered in patients with acute diverticulitis. Recognizing and reporting these findings can guide towards further evaluation for metabolic syndrome.
Critiquing Syllygisms and Statistical Fallacies in the Claims about Massive Election Fraud in 2020

The amount that has been uttered/written about massive electoral fraud in the 2020 presidential election is immense, made even larger by the vast number of times the same gets repeated. Virtually all of the claims have been extensively fact checked by election officials, journalists, and academics, and the lies, half-truths, and occasional honest mistakes have been demolished -- though rebuttals largely fall on deaf ears. We see no need to go over this well-ploughed ground. Here we look at the most neglected aspect of the claims about election fraud -- claims based on actual facts, usually statistical features of the election, where the implications of these facts are completely misinterpreted. In particular, we look at what A Wuffle has labeled syllygisms, syllogistic arguments which are either fallacious in form, or which have at least one premise that is indubitably false even while another premise may be quite factual.
Noah Webster, America’s First Copyright Lobbyist

In The Federalist #43, James Madison observed, regarding the patent and copyright clause in the U.S. Constitution, that in it "the public good fully coincides … with the claims of individuals." Noah Webster, creator of “An American Dictionary of the English Language” and the 'Blue-Backed speller’, was an early and important advocate of copyright in the young Republic. He was also a lobbyist in his own interest, i.e. for-profit commercial publishing. In his efforts to bring about copyright reform, he exemplified Madison's dictum, of the coincidence of public and private interest, and so provides us with an early example of how intellectual property laws come to be crafted, and revised, a process which continues to the present day.
Comprehensive Proteomics Profiling Reveals Circulating Biomarkers of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is caused by mutations in the genes coding for proteins essential in normal myocardial contraction. However, it remains unclear through which molecular...
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Adverse Effects: A Narrative Review.

Depression is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder in the world, affecting 4.4% of the global population. Despite an array of treatment modalities, depressive disorders remain difficult to manage due to many factors. Beginning with the introduction of fluoxetine to the United States in 1988, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) quickly became a mainstay of treatment for a variety of psychiatric disorders. The primary mechanism of action of SSRIs is to inhibit presynaptic reuptake of serotonin at the serotonin transporter, subsequently increasing serotonin at the postsynaptic membrane in the serotonergic synapse. The six major SSRIs that are marketed in the USA today, fluoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, sertraline, and fluvoxamine, are a group of structurally unrelated molecules that share a similar mechanism of action. While their primary mechanism of action is similar, each SSRI has unique pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and side effect profile. One of the more controversial adverse effects of SSRIs is the black box warning for increased risk of suicidality in children and young adults aged 18–24. There is a lack of understanding of the complexities and interactions between SSRIs in the developing brain of a young person with depression. Adults, who do not have certain risk factors, which could be confounding factors, do not seem to carry this increased risk of suicidality. Ultimately, when prescribing SSRIs to any patient, a risk–benefit analysis must factor in the potential treatment effects, adverse effects, and dangers of the illness to be treated. The aim of this review is to educate clinicians on potential adverse effects of SSRIs.
The Characteristics and Outcomes of Native Aortic Valve Thrombosis: A Systematic Review.

Abstract Background There is a lack of knowledge in the current medical literature about native aortic valve thrombosis. Objectives The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the characteristics, presentations, underlying etiologies, and outcomes of native aortic valve thrombosis and to present a meta-analysis of the best available data. Methods The authors performed a literature search, identified published cases of patients with native aortic valve thrombosis, and pooled the data in this meta-analysis. The statistical analysis included calculations of the prevalence of the various presentations, underlying etiologies, aortic cusp involvement, as well as choices of diagnostic testing. They calculated the sensitivities of the various diagnostic testing as well as in-hospital mortality event rates and the univariate ORs of the risk factors for poor outcomes. Results The search strategy and screening process yielded 74 cases of native aortic valve thrombosis, which are included in this meta-analysis. The data revealed that the most common presentation was myocardial infarction in 36%, and the most common underlying etiology was hypercoagulable state in 30%. In-hospital clinical deterioration after presentation including recurrent embolism occurred in ∼38%, and in-hospital mortality rate was ∼20%. Conclusions Native aortic valve thrombosis is clinically relevant, especially in patients presenting with embolic events. Awareness about native aortic valve or root thrombosis as well as its underlying etiologies, diagnostic work-up, and management is essential, because this condition can be associated with poor outcomes.
Madonna of Divine Intervention: A Critique of the Reporting of Marie Colvin

This chapter examines the coverage of Syria by the celebrated Sunday Times war correspondent, Marie Colvin, often in the company of photojournalist Paul Conroy. The period features prominently in a Hollywood celebration of Colvin, A Private War. Respectful of the immense courage that Colvin displayed throughout her career, the chapter acknowledges that she many times advocated for the protection of deserving, desperate populations, regardless of what their newspapers or governments may have wanted. However, it is argued that Colvin, in company with many of her colleagues—however courageous and buccaneering—was catastrophically wrong about a good many things to do with the wanton destruction of Syria, but that these were avoidable errors. Colvin’s reporting is placed in the context of the recent history of “humanitarian” journalism. Her own account of the final hours before her death in 2012 is examined in detail as is an alternative, critical account by the investigative reporter, Rick Sterling. The conclusion highlights both the way in which Colvin slides comfortably into pre-existing ideological positions that are compatible with her newspaper’s and government’s interests, and the value of “humanitarianism” for simplifying narratives, engaging audience interest, justifying and normalizing partisanship.
Rapid cellulose acetate electrophoresis. I. Serum proteins.

A method of electrophoresis utilizing cellulose acetate is described wherein quantitation of serum protein fractions by densitometry is accomplished within 2 hr. of initiation of the procedure. The densitometer was found to have a linear response to amido black dye. Albumin and γ-globulin demonstrated equal dye-binding characteristics. Combined with the absence of albumin trailing, this has afforded excellent quantitations of serum protein fractions.
Differential vector quantization of real-time video using entropy-biased ANN codebooks

Describes hardware that has been built to compress video in real time using full-search vector quantization (VQ). This architecture implements a differential-vector-quantization (DVQ) algorithm which features entropy-biased codebooks designed using an artificial neural network (ANN). A special-purpose digital associative memory, the VAMPIRE chip, performs the VQ processing. The authors describe the DVQ algorithm, its adaptations for sampled NTSC composite-color video, and details of its hardware implementation. The authors conclude by presenting results drawn from real-time operation of the DVQ hardware. >
Inositol Phosphates in the Nucleus

The inositol signaling pathways in the cytoplasm are well characterized. In a Perspective, Chi and Crabtree now explain how similar inositol pathways operate in the nucleus to switch gene expression on and off. One of the key players is the kinase Ipk2p, which might stabilize components of a transcription complex ( Odom et al.).
X-ray Absorption Near Edge Studies of Cytochrome P-450-CAM, Chloroperoxidase, and Myoglobin DIRECT EVIDENCE FOR THE ELECTRON RELEASING CHARACTER OF A CYSTEINE THIOLATE PROXIMAL LIGAND

The low spin ferric and low and high spin ferrous forms of myoglobin, bacterial cytochrome P-450-CAM, and chloroperoxidase have been examined by Fe-K x-ray absorption edge spectroscopy. The positions of the absorption edge and the shapes of preedge and edge regions of imidazole adducts of ferric P-450-CAM and chloroperoxidase are essentially the same when compared with thiolate-ligated ferric myoglobin. As these three protein derivatives all have six-coordinate, low spin, ferric hemes with axial imidazole and thiolate ligands, the superposition of x-ray absorption edge spectral properties demonstrates that the protein environment does not effect the spectra, provided one compares heme iron centers with identical coordination numbers, spin and oxidation states, and ligand sets. In contrast, a 0.96 eV difference is observed in the energy of the absorption edge for imidazole- and thiolate-ligated ferric myoglobin with the latter shifted to lower energy as observed for ferrous myoglobin states. Similarly, in the low spin ferric-imidazole and ferrous-CO states, the energies of the absorption edge for chloroperoxidase and P-450-CAM are shifted in the direction of the ferrous state (to lower energy) when compared with those for analogous myoglobin derivatives. In the deoxyferrous high spin state, comparison of the edge spectra of chloroperoxidase with analogous data for cytochrome P-450-CAM suggests that the electron density at the iron is similar for these two protein states. The shifts observed in the energies of the x-ray absorption edge for the thiolate-ligated states of these proteins relative to derivatives lacking a thiolate ligand provide a direct measure of the electron releasing character of a thiolate axial ligand. These results therefore support the suggested role of the cysteinate proximal ligand of P-450 as a strong internal electron donor to promote O-O bond cleavage in the putative ferric-peroxide intermediate to generate the proposed ferryl-oxo "active oxygen" state of the reaction cycle.
Heat mutagenesis in bacteriophage T4: another walk down the transversion pathway.

Extracellular nonreplicating bacteriophage T4 particles accumulate mutations as functions of temperature, time, pH, and ionic environment via two mechanisms: 5-hydroxymethylcytidine deamination produces G.C----A.T transitions while a guanosine modification produces transversions. Neither frameshift mutations nor mutations at A.T base pairs are appreciably induced. We now show that heat induces G.C----T.A transversions which we suggest may arise via a G*.A mispair, in which G* is a modified guanosine that has experienced a glycosylic bond migration. The rate of this reaction at 37 degrees C is sufficient to present a genetic hazard, particularly to large genomes; thus, the lesion is probably efficiently repaired in cellular genomes.
Direct Simulation of Internal Wave Energy Transfer

Abstract A three-dimensional nonhydrostatic numerical model is used to calculate nonlinear energy transfers within decaying Garrett–Munk internal wavefields. Inviscid wave interactions are calculated over horizontal scales from about 1 to 80 km and for vertical mode numbers less than about 40 in an exponentially stratified model ocean 2000 m deep. The rate of energy transfer from these scales to smaller, numerically damped scales is used to make predictions of the dissipation rate e in the open ocean midlatitude thermocline. In agreement with the theoretical analyses based on resonant interaction and eikonal theories, the simulation results predict e ∝ Ē2 N2, where Ē and N are the internal wave energy density and the ambient buoyancy frequency respectively. The magnitudes of the simulated dissipation rates are shown to be in good agreement with the dissipation measurements taken from six diverse sites in the midlatitude thermocline. The results suggest that the rates of dissipation and mixing in the ocean...
Coal dust flames: A review and development of a model for flame propagation

Abstract Coal mine explosions have been a problem for hundreds of years. The projected need for coal as an energy source will demand increased subsurface mining, in turn requiring improved techniques for the prevention of dust explosions. Preventive procedures, however, must rely on fundamental knowledge concerning the behavior of coal dust combustion. To this end, a review of coal dust combustion as reported in the literature is presented, and a mathematical model of flame propagation through coal dust-air mixtures is developed in detail. The model is basically used to predict burning velocities and to study the structure of coal dust-air flames. It is well known that coal particles burn in a very complicated manner. The combustion process includes heterogeneous surface reactions, devolatilization and subsequent reaction of the volatile components, swelling, cracking, and other physiochemical changes to the particles. In addition, it is known that coal particles do not always burn simply as shrinking spheres, but can burn internally and form cenospheres (hollow spheres) as well. The composition of the volatiles released, and the combustion itself, depend upon the rate of heating in a flame, thereby making analytical description of the process extremely difficult. This paper reviews the important studies reported in the literature which describe both the heterogeneous combustion processes for coal particles, including rapid pyrolysis toward volatile matter, and the subsequent gas-phase (homogeneous) reactions of the volatiles with the air. For example, the rate of heating of the coal particles determines the ratio of volatiles to fixed char in dry (ash-free) coal. Therefore the chemical source terms in any model must attempt to include as much as is known of the reported information on this key aspect. In addition, discussion is included of the experimental measurements carried out with coal dust flames in an attempt to categorize the data into two major classes; Class I experiments, having been conducted in open tubes or on small burners, and Class II experiments performed in enclosed furnaces or ducts. The major role of such enclosures is to act as a shield against heat losses, which can have a pronounced effect on the measured flame speed. It is our contention that the Class II tests are described by our model. The model that has been developed predicts steady (laminar) flame structure and flame speeds for premixed coal dust-air mixtures. The model takes into account radiative transport, two-phase flow conservation equations, heterogeneous carbon gasification and rapid devolatilization of the coal particles, and subsequent gas-phase combustion of the volatiles.
Methods of successive quadratic programming

Abstract The occurrence of nondescent directions in successive quadratic programming is studied. It is shown that simple chemical process examples can be constructed that exhibit nondescent as a consequence of the projected indefiniteness of the Hessian matrix of the Lagrangian function. Moreover, in situations where multiple Kuhn-Tucker points for the quadratic programming sub-problems exist, the global optimum need not necessary provide a direction of descent. Thus search for a global solution is unjustified. To circumvent these difficulties, a linear programming-based trust region method is proposed to guarantee descent for any arbitrary merit function, provided such a direction exists. Geometric illustrations are used to elucidate the main ideas.
A ternary additive problem

The problem of representing a large integer $$n$$ in the form $$n=m^2+x^3+y^5$$ has been studied by a number of authors in the past decades. In this paper, we restrict $$m$$ to square-free integers, and $$x, y$$ to primes, and show that there is such a representation for all $$n\le N$$ with at most $$O(N^{1-\frac{1}{45}+\varepsilon })$$ exceptions. We also improve the recent results of Liu (Acta Math Hungar 130(1–2):118–139, 2011) and Bauer (J Math 38(4):1073–1090, 2008) on related problems.
Antiovulatory action of anordrin in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis).

Anordrin (2α,17α-diethynyl-A-nor-5α-androstane-2β,17β-diol dipropionate) was studied for its antiovulatory potency in the cynomolgus monkey. Anordrin, administered daily on days 9–13 of the menstrual cycle in doses of 4.0 and 8.0 mg/kg body weight, did not inhibit luteal activity in the cycle in which it was given, but delayed the development of ovarian follicles for 5 to 6 months. When a single low dose (0.1 or 0.2 mg/kg b.w.) was administered during the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle, follicular maturation was delayed such that luteal activity was not observed for an average of 26 and 39 days, respectively, and pregnanediol in the ensuing luteal phases was significantly decreased. Anordrin appears to inhibit follicular development when given during the stage of follicular recruitment.
Towards automated optoelectrowetting on dielectric devices for multi-axis droplet manipulation

Lab-on-a-chip technology scales down multiple laboratory processes to a chip capable of performing automated biochemical analyses. Electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) is a digital microfluidic lab-on-a-chip technology that uses patterned electrodes for droplet manipulation. The main limitations of EWOD devices are the restrictions in volume and motion of droplets due to the fixed size, layout, and addressing scheme of the electrodes. Optoelectrowetting on dielectric (OEWOD) is a recent technology that uses optical sources and electric fields for droplet actuation on a continuous surface. We describe an open surface light-actuated OEWOD device that can manipulate droplets of multiple volumes ranging from 1 to 50 μL at voltages below 45 V. To achieve lower voltage droplet actuation than previous open configuration devices, we added a dedicated dielectric layer of high dielectric constant (Al2O3 with er of 9.1) and significantly reduced the thickness of the hydrophobic layer. The device is capable of transporting droplets at speeds as high as 12 mm/sec using a data projector as an optical source. We developed a multiple axis contact pad design to apply lateral electric fields along different axes to achieve multi-axis droplet movement. We demonstrated microfluidic operations including droplet merging, mixing, and parallel droplet motion. Further, the OEWOD device is capable of droplet transportation using a tablet computer's LCD screen as an optical source.
A self-balancing transformer-core-loss bridge

Measuring transformer core loss by impedance bridge methods offers a number of advantages over conventional wattmeter methods, particularly in automation. Human errors are minimized and test accuracy is improved. The bridge is self-balancing and control can be effected either by manual or punched card programming. Direct readings, high precision, and high output torque make the self-balancing bridge particularly suitable for automation.
Vesicles tethered to microbubbles by hybridized DNA oligonucleotides: flow cytometry analysis of this new drug delivery vehicle design.

Hybridization of complementary lipid-linked DNA oligonucleotides was used to tether small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) to the lipid monolayer shells of air-microbubbles, a new attachment design for a drug delivery vehicle to be used in tandem with ultrasound imaging. Flow cytometry was used, and a novel analysis was developed, based upon light scattering and fluorescence intensity, to quantify the fraction of microbubbles of chosen size-ranges with oligonucleotide-tethered fluorescently labeled SUVs. Fluorescence microscopy was used to verify that our methodology results in successful high-density SUV tethering to a similar fraction of the microbubbles when compared to the flow cytometry statistics. The fraction of successful tetherings increased with the concentration of the complementary lipid-linked oligonucleotide as expected and decreased with the time that microbubbles were incubated with SUVs, which was not expected. Also unexpected, a large fraction of microbubbles had only background fluorescence ...
Percolation of light in 3D lattices of coupled microspheres

The propagation of light in systems of disordered coupled cavities with whispering gallery resonances is interpreted in terms of percolation theory. The existence of well connected clusters is demonstrated in scattering spectra of such lattices.
Unexpected equilibria resulting from differing growth rates of subpopulations within heterogeneous tumors

Abstract A mathematical model which describes the emergence of a new tumor subpopulation from a homogeneous neoplasm was used to study compositional equilibria in heterogeneous tumors. The dependence of compositional equilibria on the emergence and repopulation rates of the new subpopulation was of special interest in that, in some circumstances, even when the emergent subpopulation ( S 1 ) exhibited accelerated regrowth (as after exposure to differential cytotoxicity) the equilibrium mix shifted towards the slower-growing original subpopulation ( S 2 ). It was also observed in those cases that the faster the rate of emergence for the S 1 , the greater the shift towards a tumor which is predominantly composed of S 2 cells appears to be. Therefore, if competitive and emergent dynamics are displayed between subpopulations of a heterogeneous tumor, one should not necessarily expect a predictable end population mix from knowledge of the growth kinetics exhibited by the individuals subclones. The clinical and experimental consequences of emergence within this type of microecology are discussed.
Some Effects of Preservation and Acute Renal Failure on Function and Proteinuria of Renal Transplants

We assessed the effects of preservation on subsequent graft function by measuring and comparing creatinine and fractional protein clearances in 18 live-related (LR) and 38 cadaver-donor (CD) grafts, the latter selected on the basis of short warm ischemia times (
Who is performing medical procedures in the neonatal intensive care unit

Owing to resident work-hour reductions and more permanent personnel in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU), we sought to determine if pediatric housestaff are missing learning opportunities in procedural training due to non-participation. A prospective, observational study was conducted at an academic NICU using self-reported data from neonatal personnel after attempting 188 procedures on 109 neonates, and analyzed using Fisher's exact and χ2-tests. Housestaff first attempted 32% of procedures (P<0.001) and were less likely to make attempts early in the academic year (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in attempts based on urgency of situation (P=0.742). Of procedures performed by non-housestaff personnel, 93% were completed while housestaff were present elsewhere in the unit. Pediatric housestaff performed the minority of procedures in the NICU, even in non-urgent situations, and were often uninvolved in other procedures, representing missed learning opportunities.
Naturally occurring mucocutaneous histoplasmosis in a rabbit.

Abstract Mucocutaneous histoplasmosis was diagnosed in a pet rabbit. A mass protruding through the anal opening was histologically composed of a densely cellular infiltrate of macrophages which expanded the anorectal submucosa. Macrophages contained abundant yeast forms of fungi morphologically consistent with Histoplasma capsulatum . Infection appeared to be localized. Histoplasmosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of granulomatous inflammatory disease in the rabbit.
Conservative mutations in homologous proteins.

IT has been argued that most of the evolutionary changes observed in homologous proteins are the result of chance fixation of selectively neutral mutations1,2. This hypothesis would be clarified by a more detailed analysis of observed patterns of amino-acid substitutions in related proteins than has been attempted previously3.
Conventional and Accelerated Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Staphylococcus Aureus Sortase A

The targeting of surface proteins to the cell wall, necessary for the full virulence of Gram positive bacteria, can be traced back to the actions of sortase enzymes. These enzymes recognize a specific sorting sequence in proteins destined to be displayed on the surface of the bacteria, and catalyze the transpeptidation reaction that results in the attachment of the protein to a cell wall precursor molecule. With the rise of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria, sortase enzymes are promising new drug targets. Specifically, in light of the growing emergence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), we are looking at Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A (SrtA). SrtA cleaves proteins at the LPXTG sorting signal and attaches them to lipid II. Here, we have used both conventional and accelerated molecular dynamics simulations to simulate the enzyme in its apo and holo (bound to the LPATG sorting signal) states. Results reveal the importance of loop motions of which are situated proximal to the active site, specifically the β6/β7 and β7/β8 loops, and suggest dual functionality of the catalytic arginine residue. Additionally, in a subset of the holo simulations we observe movement of the sorting signal away from the active site to distinct metastable states and find that motions of the enzyme in the accelerated molecular dynamics simulations suggest an induced fit binding mechanism. These results improve our understanding of the functioning of SrtA and will ultimately aid in the development of new drugs to combat MRSA infections.
Controlling tip-sample interaction forces during a single tap for improved topography and mechanical property imaging of soft materials by AFM.

Abstract We introduce a method that exploits the “active” nature of the force-sensing integrated readout and active tip (FIRAT), a recently introduced atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe, to control the interaction forces during individual tapping events in tapping mode (TM) AFM. In this method the probe tip is actively retracted if the tip–sample interaction force exceeds a user-specified force threshold during a single tap while the tip is still in contact with the surface. The active tip control (ATC) circuitry designed for this method makes it possible to control the repulsive forces and indentation into soft samples, limiting the repulsive forces during the scan while avoiding instability due to attractive forces. We demonstrate the accurate topographical imaging capability of this method on suitable samples that possess both soft and stiff features.
The effect of high salinity on development, mortality and ray number of Echinaster spinulosus (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) at different developmental stages

Abstract 1. 1. Embryos and larvae of the asteroid Echinaster spinulosus were exposed to high salinity stress at various stages during early development. 2. 2. Highest percentages of three-rayed (9.7%) and four-rayed (29%) individuals occurred when individuals which had developed for 48 hr (appearance of pre-oral lobe) at ambient salinity (30%o) were exposed to high salinity (39%o). 3. 3. The percentage of ray-number aberrancies increased with increasing salinity. 4. 4. The ontogenetic events associated with the formation of the hydrocoelic rudiments at the pre-oral lobe stage may be sensitive to salinity and influence the development of ray number. 5. 5. The ability to induce variations of ray number in asteroids with salinity stress may yield an experimental approach for the determination of the adaptive significance of ray number in asteroids.
Interactions of Metarhizium anisoplae and Tree-based Mulches in Repellence and Mycoses Against Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Abstract The use of mulch in urban landscapes has increased in the United States for the past decade. Tree-based organic mulches can supply Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki with food, moisture, and shelter. The current research contributes to mulch management technology in termite control. A choice test arena was designed to determine the repellence and mortality caused by commercial mulches treated with different concentrations of the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) against C. formosanus. Each of six tree-based mulches (pine bark, pine straw, bald cypress, eucalyptus, water oak, and melaleuca) was coated with six conidial concentrations ranging from 1 × 103 to 1 × 108 conidia/ml. The foragers of C. formosanus were repelled significantly by the fungal-treated mulch substrates; the proportion of termites on fungal-treated mulch was usually 99% of the termites were killed in test arenas containing a chamber with mulch treated with 107 or 108 conidia/ml. M. a...
Immunohistologic demonstration of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and sis-oncogene expression in scleroderma

Although the pathogenesis and mechanisms responsible for excessive connective tissue deposition are not known, it has been thought that specific growth factors may have an effect on scar formation by increasing the fibroblast population and by affecting the amount and types of matrix synthesized. In this regard, we explored the appearance and localization of TGFα, TGFβ PDGF, and sis-onc expression in situ. Sections of skin biopsies from eight scleroderma patients were investigated using specific antibodies to TGFα TGFβ human PDGF, and sis-onc products for immunohistochemistry. Most significantly, deposition of PDGF was detected in the endothelial lining of small capillaries in association with certain mononuclear cells of the perivascular infiltrates. In particular, strong labeling was observed in the cytoplasm of macrophages. Smooth muscle also appeared to be specifically labeled. Similarly, sis-onc product localized in the same areas. No significant staining was observed with antibodies to TGFα. TGFβ was found rather diffusely throughout the dermal connective tissue and was only occasionally observed in capillaries of lesions. We conclude that the PDGF may play an important role in the pathogenesis of scleroderma.
Binding of (45)Ca (2+) to particulate fractions of coleoptile tissue.

Using recently developed techniques, we have investigated the binding of (45)Ca(2+) to membrane preparations from corn (Zea mays L) and oat (Avena sativa L) coleoptile tissue. Scatchard plot analysis reveals at least two Ca(2+)-binding sites in each tissue, a high affinity binding site (K m=7.7×10(-7) M, n=6.9×10(-10) mol·0.5 g f.w.(-1) in corn, K m=4.93×10(-6) M, n=2.29×10(-9) mol·0.5 g f.w.(-1) in Avena) and a low affinity binding site (K m=9.01×10(-5) M, n=5.4×10(-8) mol·0.5 g f.w.(-1) in corn; K m=1.03×10(-4) M, n=3.40×10(-8) mol·0.5 g f.w.(-1) in Avena). There is also some evidence of a third, lower affinity binding site in each tissue, especially corn.More detailed studies with corn coleoptile homogenates show that they contain a potent dialyzable inhibitor of Ca(2+) binding. Monovalent cations were observed to be ineffective as inhibitors of Ca(2+) binding in corn. However, of six divalent cations tested, all were capable of strong inhibition of Ca(2+)-binding and there appeared to be a relationship between size of the atomic radius of the ion and potency as an inhibitor of calcium binding.
Caffeine for reducing bird damage to newly seeded rice

Abstract The economic impact of blackbirds can be severe to rice producers in the United States. One approach to managing this damage is the application of bird-deterrent chemical to the crop. Previous pilot trials suggested that caffeine offered potential as a safe, economical bird repellent. In this study, cage feeding trials with female red-winged blackbirds and male brown-headed cowbirds confirmed that a treatment rate of 2500 ppm caffeine on rice seed reduced consumption as much as 76%. Trials with mixed species blackbird flocks in a 0.2-ha flight pen resulted in just 4% loss of caffeine-treated rice compared to 43% loss of untreated rice. Field trials of a 10,000 ppm caffeine treatment in Louisiana revealed >90% of caffeine-treated rice seed remained unconsumed on days 2 and 3 of the study whereas blackbirds consumed >80% of the untreated seed. As a rice seed treatment to deter blackbirds, caffeine appears to be effective, economical and environmentally safe, although additional aquatic toxicity testing is desirable. Improvements in formulation will be needed to make the compound practical for general agricultural spray applications and to extend the adherence of caffeine to rice seeds in field conditions.