cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tropical Cyclone Ensemble Data Assimilation

Abstract : The ultimate goal of this project is to demonstrate that in the presence of tropical cyclones (TCs) a multi-scale approach for data assimilation can significantly enhance the analyses and the ensuing forecasts. Our multiscale approach is based on coupling a lower resolution global data assimilation system and a higher resolution limited area data assimilation system in the TC region. The coupled approach has the potential to lead to a better utilization of the computer resources in atmospheric modeling. Ours is the first attempt to use an ensemble-based, coupled global-limited-area data assimilation system to improve the analysis and the forecast of TCs and their effects on the larger scale atmospheric processes. In fact, to the best of our knowledge, we have been the only research group working on a data assimilation system that generates both global and limited area analyses. Our key scientific objective is to explore the potentials and the limitations of the coupled global-limited-area data assimilation approach. This research objective is particularly relevant for the numerical weather forecasting applications of the Navy, as the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC) prepares both a global forecast and a larger number of limited are forecasts (more than 60) than any other forecast center in the world. In the first year of the project, we completed implementing our system on the North-Pacific region. In the current reporting period (the second year of the project) we carried out a large number of analysis/forecast experiments using different resolutions of the limited area component of the system. The resolutions we tested were 200 km, 100 km, 48 km, 36 km and 24 km. To asses the quality of the analyses and the forecasts, we verified them against the best track position and intensity estimates of the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). The results of these experiments have been summarized in a Master of Science Thesis and a paper.
THE UNSOLVED PROBLEM OF KERNICTERUS IN THE SUSCEPTIBLE LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANT

The article by Keenan, et al.1 in this issue of Pediatrics once again calls attention to the complex, frustrating problem of kernicterus associated with low serum concentrations of bilirubin in small sick premature infants. The new and important information contained in this article is the observation that despite the use of late phototherapy and exchange transfusion, kernicterus occurred in these four infants. Kernicterus has certainly occurred before in premature infants who have received exchange transfusions.2-6 But with regard to phototherapy, the results are open to two interpretations. One view will be that phototherapy is not effective. The other will be that it has only been shown here to be ineffective when used too late to expect any effect.
The Flight Telerobotic Servicer Project and systems overview

As part of the Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) project the authors are developing an advanced telerobotic system to assist in and reduce crew extravehicular activity (EVA) for the US Space Station. The FTS will be used for assembly, maintenance, servicing, and inspection throughout the lifetime of the Space Station. The authors give a brief overview of the FTS program and explore some of the technical and system engineering issues associated with the development of the FTS. A key to the evolutionary capability of the FTS design is the NASREM (NASA standard reference model for telerobot control system) architecture. This architecture provides the framework for future growth and permits a logical blend of teleoperation and autonomous operations as required. >
HANS STADEN AND THEREAFTER

Hans Staden’s book Hans Staden, The True History of His Captivity is responsible for the development and growth of the idea of anthropophagy in Brazil to this day. In this article we will explore its historical and social relations with modern Carnival in Brazil while paying special attention to Mikhail Bakhtin and Roberto da Matta’s theories.
Wavelet transform analyses of non-stationary tidal currents

The focus of this paper is on the use of wavelet transform analyses to extract time-varying tidal signals from current meter data. The properties of wavelet analyses are contrasted with those of traditional techniques of tidal analysis and other methods that may be used to study non-stationary signals. Wavelets are more flexible than other techniques in the vital tradeoff between time resolution and bandwidth, the only practical method for tidal analysis that allows resolution of events, and incorporate non-tidal processes gracefully. However, they do not and are not intended to achieve the frequency resolution of traditional tidal analysis methods. Two examples of the use of wavelets illustrate these points. Wavelets show clearly the response of estuarine internal asymmetry to tidal monthly variations in stratification. They also allow definition of a rapid, nonlinear response of shelf internal tides near the mouth of the Columbia river to large pulses of river flow.
On the first excited state of137Ba

The first excited state of137Ba has been excited by the inelastic scattering of accelerator-produced neutrons. The energy of this state at 283.5 keV is not in agreement with the generally accepted value of 279.2 keV, but is in accord with other recent measurements. No evidence for a doublet of states near this energy is found.
Precipitate evolution in ion-irradiated HCM12A

Abstract Precipitate evolution in HCM12A following proton irradiations to 3, 7 and 10 dpa at 400 °C, or following Fe++ irradiations to 100 and 500 dpa at 500 °C was studied. Ni/Si/Mn-rich precipitates were irradiation-induced and their nucleation was closely related to the local enrichment of Ni, Si and Mn at sinks such as dislocations due to radiation induced segregation. The composition of Ni/Si/Mn-rich precipitates evolved with irradiation dose and was different from that of the G-phase reported in irradiated ferritic–martensitic alloys. Nucleation of Cu-rich precipitates saturated after 3 dpa at 400 °C and coarsened at higher dose. Irradiation enhanced the precipitation of Cu-rich precipitates at 400 °C but suppressed the nucleation at 500 °C. Partial dissolution of Cu-rich precipitates must have occurred at 500 dpa at 500 °C as the volume fraction was smaller at 500 dpa than that at 100 dpa. Cr-rich precipitates were irradiation enhanced and were observed under irradiation at 400 °C but not observed at 500 °C due to the increase in Cr solubility with temperature. The evolution of Cr-rich precipitates with irradiation dose was likely related to the complex redistribution of Cr among chromium carbides, grain boundaries and matrix under irradiation. Radiation-induced Cr-rich carbides were observed following Fe++ irradiation to 500 dpa at 500 °C.
Improvements in the Probabilistic Prediction of Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification with Passive Microwave Observations

AbstractThe probabilistic prediction of tropical cyclone (TC) rapid intensification (RI) in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific Ocean basins is examined here using a series of logistic regression models trained on environmental and infrared satellite-derived features. The environmental predictors are based on averaged values over a 24-h period following the forecast time. These models are compared against equivalent models enhanced with additional TC predictors created from passive satellite microwave imagery (MI). Leave-one-year-out cross validation on the developmental dataset shows that the inclusion of MI-based predictors yields more skillful RI models for a variety of RI and intensity thresholds. Compared with the baseline forecast skill of the non-MI-based RI models, the relative skill improvements from including MI-based predictors range from 10.6% to 44.9%. Using archived real-time data during the period 2004–13, evaluation of simulated real-time models is also carried out. Unlike in the model develo...
The Natural History of Bone Loss in the Lower Extremity of Complete Spinal Cord-Injured Males

Bone loss at the lower extremity (LE) in complete spinal cord-injured (SCI) men is divided into three phases: acute, initial 4 months; subacute, subsequent 12 months; and chronic, yearly. Acute loss at the hip, knee, os calcis, and LE is .5%, 1%, 2%, and 2% per week, respectively; subacute loss is .5%, 1%, 1%, and 1% per month, respectively; chronic loss is the same at each site but annually. LE bone loss intensifies from proximal to distal sites. The loss is continuously downward in the LE, tibia, and os calcis but eventually slows at and above the knee with 50% of individuals eventually gaining bone mineral at the hip.
App inventor for android in a healthcare IT course

App Inventor for Android is a new programming environment that allows novice programmers to build applications for Android mobile devices. In this paper, we describe a healthcare IT course in which students with little or no programming background built healthcare related mobile applications. The course was designed based on the principles of studio-based learning, with students completing and sharing projects of their own choosing. Mobile applications were used to illustrate the role of IT applications in healthcare and teach design and user interface principles. In this paper, we discuss our experiences with this augmented course, describing the rationale, the process of introducing the new material, the student-designed applications, and the results from the course evaluation.
Structural investigations of metal–semiconductor surfaces

Abstract A complete understanding of surface phenomena in electronic materials requires knowledge of the atomic arrangement. Recent results for surface atomic structures using high resolution transmission electron microscopy and transmission electron diffraction are presented. These results include atomic level imaging of complex structures such as Si(1 1 1)-(7×7) showing not just the adatoms but also the buried dimers, and accurate refinements of surface models based on electron diffraction data. A new concept for surface phases is reviewed, replacing the typical simple diagrams showing the temperature versus coverage regime with a phase diagram obeying Gibbs phase rules (for the system Au on Si(1 1 1), submonolayer regime). Another important development, Direct Methods, constitutes a new technique to find an initial estimate for the refinement of surface atomic models. Using a Minimum Relative Entropy method, the Direct Methods approach was successful for the case of transmission electron as well as X-ray diffraction data. Its application to solving a number of surface reconstructions is discussed.
Low molecular weight heparin for the prophylaxis of thromboembolism in women with prosthetic mechanical heart valves during pregnancy

Increased thromboembolic events occur in women with mechanical prosthetic valves during pregnancy, and selecting an effective and safe anticoagulant is still a challenge. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is a promising alternative, but a recent warning and label change about its use in patients with mechanical prosthetic valves has caused confusion among physicians. The aim of the present study was to review the risks of maternal and fetal complications with mechanical heart valves treated with LMWH during pregnancy. We performed a review of the current medical literature through MEDLINE and EMBASE (1989 to 2004). Additional data sources included abstract proceedings, and reference lists of selected articles. Among 81 pregnancies in 75 women, the proportion of valve thrombosis was 8.64% (7/81; 95% CI, 2.52%-14.76%). The frequency of overall thromboembolic complication (TEC) was 12.35% (10/81; 95% CI, 5.19%-19.51%). Nine of ten patients with TEC received a fixed dose of LMWH and two of these received a fixed low dose of LMWH. Among 51 pregnancies whose anti-factor Xa levels were monitored, only one patient was reported to have a thromboembolic complication. The frequency of live births with LMWH was 87.65% (95%CI, 80.49%-94.81%). In pregnant women with mechanical heart valves, LMWH appears to be a suitable option to a vitamin K antagonist. The use of LMWH warrants monitoring and appropriate dose adjustments to maintain a 4-6 hr post-injection anti-factor Xa level at a minimum of 1.0 U/ml to decrease the incidence of TEC.
Is there regeneration of cholinergic axons through traumatic scar tissue in adult mammalian brain

After a 2-mm coronal incision was made in the cerebral cortex of adult rats, cholinergic axonal reaction and growth were assessed by acetylcholinesterase histochemistry between 3 and 56 days postinjury. Early axonal reaction in the proximal stumps consisted of hypertrophy and terminal swellings, many with extended processes. Axonal fiber density rostral to the lesion remained constant throughout the observation period; caudally it was reduced but increased with time. Cholinergic fibers appeared to cross the lesion, although definitive tracing of individual fibers was not possible.
Peritoneal calcification: causes and distinguishing features on CT.

OBJECTIVE. We undertook this study to determine the causes of peritoneal calcification seen on CT and to investigate which CT features distinguish benign from malignant peritoneal calcification.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Seventeen patients with peritoneal calcification were identified through retrospective review of reports from 74,765 abdominopelvic CT examinations performed during a 7-year period. We determined the cause of peritoneal calcification by examining medical and histopathologic records. Calcification morphology was classified as nodular or sheetlike on the basis of the consensus interpretation by two independent radiologists. The radiologists also recorded the presence or absence of associated soft-tissue components or lymph node calcification. The association between the CT findings and the cause of calcification was assessed using chi-square analysis.RESULTS. Peritoneal calcification was due to peritoneal dialysis (n = 4), prior peritonitis (n = 3), cryptogenic origin (n = 1), or peritoneal spr...
Children's understanding of interacting plans

A research application of the (interacting plans notation system) (Bruce and Newman, 1978) was discusses. A body of recent psychological research has been concerned with the child's developing understanding of other people and in particular with their understanding that one person (A) can infer how B views a situation and that A also can know that B is capable of Inferring A's point of view. The ability to coordinate multiple perspectives has been called "role-taking". The (notation system) provides a means for precisely specifying the role-taking demands of stories or videotaped skits that involve two interacting characters. The specification provides the basis for predicting the relative difficulty that elementary school children would have in telling about several skits produced for children's television which are being used as stimulus materials.
Prolonged Mild Hyperglycemia Induces Vagally Mediated Compensatory Increase in C-Peptide Secretion in Humans

Experimentally induced prolonged hyperglycemia increases insulin release in humans, and in animals has been demonstrated to increase vagal efferent activity. The objective of the present experiment was to determine whether in humans, the compensatory increase in insulin release in response to short-term mild hyperglycemia is mediated by an induction of vagal efferent activity. Lean male subjects (n = 11; body mass index, 23.6 ± 0.8 kg/m2) underwent a frequently sampled iv glucose tolerance test (FSIGT) to determine B cell function and insulin sensitivity. Subjects were then tested under four conditions over 4 months. Subjects were infused for 48 h with either glucose (15% dextrose at 200 mg/m2·min) or saline (50 ml/h). Three hours after termination of the infusion, an FSIGT was administered in the presence of either saline or atropine (0.4 mg/m2 bolus: 0.4 mg/m2·h). Glucose (117 ± 14 vs. 98 ± 5 mg/dl) and insulin (49.5 ± 10 vs. 23 ± 5 μU/ml) levels were significantly elevated during the 48-h glucose infus...
Perceptions of Family Caring and Its Impact on Peer Associations and Drug Involvement Among Rural Dwelling African American and White Adolescents

The purpose of this study was to investigate the premise that adolescent perceptions of family caring are a precipitating source of substance use deterrence. More specifically, this study examined the role of family caring on communication of substance use harm and sanctions of use and the effect of these on peer substance involvement and individual use outcomes. A sample of rural dwelling African American and White 7th and 8th grade students (N = 1780) was assessed through self-report. It was anticipated that family caring would be positively related to harm communication and sanctions of use, and that these would be negatively related to peer substance involvement and individual use. Results suggest that family caring was positively linked to harm communication and sanctions of use, and that these were both negatively related to peer substance involvement and individual use. Several significant race differences were noted, which suggest differential associations between some variables. Results are discu...
Determination of clozapine and its metabolite, N-desmethylclozapine, in serum microsamples by high-performance liquid chromatography and its application to pharmacokinetics in rats

Abstract A single solvent extraction step high-performance liquid chromatographic method is described for quantitating clozapine and its metabolite, N-desmethylclozapine, in rat serum microsamples (50 μl). The separation used a 2.1-mm I.D. reversed-phase Symmetry C 18 column with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of methanol–acetonitrile–28.6 m M sodium acetate buffer, pH 2.6 (10:20:70, v/v/v). The detection limit was 2.5 ng/ml for all the compounds using an ultraviolet detector operated at 230 nm. The method was used to study the pharmacokinetics of clozapine after an intravenous bolus dose (2.5 mg/kg).
IDENTIFICATION OF A GENE IN HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE WITH HOMOLOGY TO THE ABC TRANSPORTERS. † 1111

IDENTIFICATION OF A GENE IN HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE WITH HOMOLOGY TO THE ABC TRANSPORTERS. † 1111
Additional bibliography of metal&#8212;Insulator&#8212;Semiconductor studies

A supplementary bibliography containing 158 papers in the field of metal-insulator-semiconductor theory and technology updates the bibliography previously published in this TRANSACTIONS. The classifications are as follows: MOS transistor behavior, physics, preparation of oxide layers, techniques for evaluating insulator layers, device fabrication technology, radiation effects, alternative materials to SiO 2 .
Self-grading: an approach to supporting self-directed learning

Most graduate students and even upper-level undergraduates desire to maximize control of their learning experience. One approach to supporting self-directed learning is to allow students to control course particulars such as assignments and due dates. This presentation describes an approach that allows students to define their own grading rubric for a semester-long software project and then to self-assess their grade on the project according to the rubric. The approach has been employed successfully in a graduate web application design and development course.
The Legal Subject in Modern African Law: A Nigerian Report

In recent years, the judicial systems of African countries have been increasingly ineffective, as demonstrated in cases as varied as the genocide in Rwanda and the land seizures in Zimbabwe. It is not only in cases involving individual rights and the state that the legal system is barely existent. The situation is just as bad, if not worse, in the administration of criminal justice. Whether it is the police, the prisons or the courts, under both military and democratic governments, we are confronted with evidence of the impotence of the judiciary. This article examines the relationship between the executive and judicial branches of governments in Nigeria. It also makes recommendations to improve the responsiveness and effectiveness of African judiciaries in checking executive power.
Liquid Loading Within Hydraulic Fractures And Its Impact on Unconventional Reservoir Productivity

Slick-water fracturing has emerged as the preferred technique for fracturing and proppant placement in ultralow permeability unconventional gas reservoirs. However, significant proportions of all these completions fail to perform as well as expected. This could be due to poor reservoir quality, inefficient completions or nonoptimal flow back controls. A major concern with using water as the fracturing fluid is that of fluid retention in the tight reservoir matrix due to high capillary pressures and presence of water sensitive clays. High water saturation in the invaded zone near fracture face reduces gas relative permeability and impedes gas productivity. Fracture cleanup in itself plays an important role in achieving maximum productivity. Historically it is assumed that as long as fracture is infinitely conductive, any water within the fracture is cleaned up readily. Most of the previous studies have ignored the effect of gravity in fracture cleanup. However, in this study a 3D numerical simulation approach is adopted to investigate the effect of gravity on frac-water recovery. It is shown that under scenarios with low gas flow velocities, the water may load at the fracture bottom and maybe difficult to unload for months. This will impact the early time fracture cleanup and therefore, the gas productivity.
IKKɛ: A Bridge between Obesity and Inflammation

Obesity leads to tissue inflammation and insulin resistance, which are features of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Chiang et al. (2009) now show that the IκB kinase IKKɛ is an important link between obesity and inflammation and may be a new therapeutic target for treating obesity-related metabolic diseases.
Poland's Syndrome: Improved Surgical Management

Single-stage reconstruction of the chest wall combined with simultaneous augmentation mammoplasty and transfer of an island pedicle myocutaneous flap of latissimus dorsi muscle are major improvements over previous multiple-stage procedures that provide less satisfactory cosmetic results in management of patients with Poland's syndrome. Utilization of the single-stage technique in 2 patients demonstrated its efficacy as proven by excellent cosmetic results. In 1 patient with absent second, third, and fourth costal cartilages and ribs, Marlex mesh covered with a synthetic dura mater graft was employed to stabilize the chest wall. Simultaneously, an island pedicle myocutaneous flap of latissimus dorsi with its neurovascular bundle preserved was transferred to cover the prosthesis. The other patient had a coexistent pectus carinatum defect, which was repaired by resection of the costal cartilages and osteotomy of the sternum without use of Marlex. The breast implant was covered concomitantly with the myocutaneous flap of latissimus dorsi. No morbidity or mortality occurred. The cosmetic and functional results are superior to those obtained with standard techniques.
Quantitation of Tenofovir and Emtricitabine in Dried Blood Spots (DBS) with LC-MS/MS

A reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic (LC), tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) assay for the determination of tenofovir (TFV) and emtricitabine (FTC) in dried blood spots (DBS) from human whole blood was developed and validated. Whole blood samples were spotted, dried, and a 3mm punch was extracted with methanol for analysis by LC-MS/MS utilizing stable isotope labeled internal standards. The assay was validated over the range of 2.5-1000ng/mL for TFV and 2.5-5000ng/mL for FTC. The method was accurate (within ±15% of control) and precise (coefficient of variation ≤15%) for hematocrit concentrations ranging from 25% to 76%; using edge punches vs. center punches; and spot volumes of 10-50μL. Analytes were stable for five freeze/thaw cycles and up to 6 days at room temperature, whereas long-term storage required -20°C or -80°C. Comparison of TFV and FTC in DBS vs. plasma yielded r(2)≥0.96, indicating that DBS can be used as a plasma alternative for pharmacokinetic analyses in vivo.
End-of-Life Care as a Field of Practice in the Social Work Curriculum

Attention to end-of-life care in social work education and practice is growing. With funding from the Project on Death in America, in 2001, the University of Iowa, School of Social Work developed and implemented an End-of-Life Field of Practice. Unlike a concentration, a Field of Practice is a set of integrated courses focused on one specific area of focus. This article describes the Field of Practice, the community-based partnerships, and the curriculum that serves as a basis for training the students enrolled in this area. Strategies for other social work programs interested in developing a similar Field of Practice or specialty area in their MSW curricula are provided. These include faculty committed to the content area, comprehensive course offerings to encompass all aspects of end-of-life care, and field sites willing to help train students.
Avoided cost contracts can undermine least-cost planning

Abstract Utilities and regulatory agencies are increasingly turning to non-utility sources of electric power. In the USA, many contracts with independent power producers (IPPs) contain indexing terms under which an IPP's energy rates vary in response to energy cost changes on the purchasing utility system. Such indexing is often used to ensure that IPP rates track utility avoided costs. Unfortunately, such indexing can undermine least-cost planning if utility decisions can alter established IPP rates. Such indexing can also cause ratepayer interests to conflict with those of society. The use of regional cost indices can solve the utility planning problem. Preventing the conflict between ratepayers and society, however, may require some use of cost-based, rather than value-based, ratemaking for IPPs.
Serum lipids in spontaneously hypertensive rats and Sprague-Dawley rats fed menhaden oil.

Dietary n-3 fatty acids, abundant in fish oil, exert a variety of effects that attenuate cardiovascular disease. In this study, we assessed the effect of fish oil (menhaden oil) on the serum lipid profile in hypertensive and normotensive rats. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) or Sprague-Dawley rats (SD) were fed either standard powdered diet (L-485), or L-485+5% menhaden oil (MO) or L-485+5% corn oil (CO) from weaning through eight months of age. Systolic blood pressure (BP) was periodically determined on SHR. Serum lipid profiles were performed at eight months on sample taken from the exposed hearts of anesthetized, fasted rats. SHR, compared with SD (diets combined) had significantly lower triaclyglycerols (TG), higher cholesterol (CHOL), higher high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL CHOL), higher low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL CHOL), and a higher LDL:HDL ratio. Comparison among diets (strains combined) revealed that rats fed MO had the lowest values for TG, CHOL, LDL and LDL:HDL; HDL did no vary with diet. SHR were less responsive to diet-induced changes than were SD; no decrease in TG, LDL or LDL:HDL was observed in SHR, nor was degree of hypertension altered in SHR by the MO or CO diet. In summary, MO is more effective than CO in shifting the lipid profile of rats toward one that is less atherogenic. However, the SD rat is more susceptible to diet-induced lipid modification than is the SHR.
LOW-TEMPERATURE TRANSIENT OPTICAL SPECTROSCOPY OF POLYDIACETYLENE DCHD : EVIDENCE FOR A DISTRIBUTION OF SIDE GROUP ORIENTATIONS

We report on the transient optical response of the polydiacetylene DCHD at low temperature. Ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopic measurements reveal that excitation of the polymer N-methyl carbazolyl side group results in instantaneous (<10 ps) excitation transfer to the polymer backbone at 10 K. The slow population recovery signal seen subsequent to excitation transfer to the polymer backbone exhibits an excitation energy dependence that is indicative of the existence of multiple conformers. The energy barrier between these conformers is inferred to be <0.5 kcal/mol.
Surface Profile Measurement During Turning Using Fringe-Field Capacitive Profilometry

The use of fringe-field capacitive sensing for surface profile measurement during the turning process is described. Measurements of the local surface height are inferred from variations in a fringe electric field induced between the sensing element and the workpiece. The surface profile is determined from high-speed scanning of the sensing element across the surface. The technique is particularly well-suited to the relatively harsh environment of in-process measurement. We have implemented a system in which profile measurements are made continuously, in real-time, and immediately adjacent to the cutting tool
Edge electrostatic fluctuations and transport in a reversed-field pinch.

Electrostatic fluctuations have been measured in a large reversed-field pinch, and are large (n${\mathrm{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}}_{\mathit{e}}$/n\ensuremath{\sim}20%--40%, T${\mathrm{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}}_{\mathit{e}}$/T\ensuremath{\sim}10%--25%). Frequency and wave-number spectra are broad (\ensuremath{\Delta}n\ensuremath{\sim}70--150, \ensuremath{\Delta}m\ensuremath{\sim}3--6), and differ from measured magnetic fluctuation spectra. The transport inferred from correlation measurements indicates that electrostatic fluctuations can account for significant particle losses, but contribute 15% to energy loss.
Structural observations of time dependent oscillatory behavior of CuIICl2 solutions measured via extended X-ray absorption fine structure

Abstract Cell surface ECTO-NOX proteins exhibit a clock-related, temperature-independent entrainable pattern of periodic (24 min) oscillations in the rate of oxidation of NAD(P)H. Aqueous solutions of copper salts also oxidize NAD(P)H with a similar temperature-independent pattern. For both, five maxima are observed, two of which are separated by 6 min and the remaining three are separated by 4.5 min. In D 2 O, the pattern is retained but the period length is proportionately increased to 30 min in direct relationship to the 30 h circadian day observed with D 2 O-grown organisms. With copper solutions, periodic changes in redox potential correlate precisely with the periodic changes in the rates of NAD(P)H oxidation. Consequently, the local environment of the Cu 2+ ion in copper chloride solutions was investigated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Detailed extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analyses revealed a pattern of oscillations closely resembling those of the copper-catalyzed oxidation of NADH. With CuCl 2 in D 2 O, a pattern with a period length of 30 min was observed. The findings suggest a regular pattern of distortion in the axial and/or equatorial oxygen atoms of the coordinated water molecules which correlate with redox potential changes sufficient to oxidize NADH. A metastable equilibrium condition in the ratio of ortho to para nuclear spin orientation of the water associated hydrogen atoms would be kinetically consistent with a 24–30 min timeframe. The temperature independence of the biological clock can thus be understood as the consequence of a physical rather than a chemical basis for the timing events.
Postembryonic development of the optic lobes of Phormia regina meigen (diptera: Calliphoridae)

Abstract The postembryonic development of the optic lobes of Phormia regina Meigen was studied using reduced silver nerve stains. The ganglion cells of the optic cortices are formed from 2 neuroblast aggregates located within the optic lobes, the inner and outer optic anlagen. The lamina and medulla are formed by the outer optic anlage; and the lobula and lobula plate by the inner optic anlage. One isolated neuroblast was observed to participate in the development of the lobula. The neuropiles and cortices of the lamina, medulla and lobula plate are formed with discrete spatial and temporal orientations, resulting from the distal displacement of ganglion cells from their site of proliferation. In regard to the lamina, medulla and lobula plate, ganglion cells and neuropile located distal to the site of ganglion cell production are older and more differentiated than those located more proximally. The displacement of ganglion cells also results in specific directions of formation for the lamina, medulla and lobula plate and the formation of the first optic chiasma. The lamina forms in a posterior-to-anterior direction; the medulla and lobula plate in a medial-to-lateral direction. The first optic chiasma forms because the lamina and medulla form in opposite directions and the fibers extending between them cross-over one another and form a chiasma.
On the Origin of Massive Eccentric Planets

We propose a merger scenario for the newly discovered extrasolar planets around 70 Vir (Marcy & Butler) and HD 114762 (Latham, Stefanik, & Mazeh; Marcy & Butler). These planets have mass Mp sin i = 6.6 and 9MJ (where MJ is Jupiter's mass and i is the orbital inclination), orbital semimajor axis a = 0.43 and 0.34 AU, and eccentricity e = 0.38 and 0.35, respectively. Our scenario is based on the conventional formation model of giant planets (gas accretion onto solid cores) and the long-term orbital stability theory of planetary systems. We suggest that in a relatively massive disk, several giant planets can be formed with Mp ~ 1-3MJ and a 1 AU. Under the persistence of the disk gas, the protogiant planet system is stable during its formation epoch (within 106-107 yr). But, after the depletion of the disk gas, mutual gravitational perturbation between the planets induces a gradual increase in their orbital eccentricities, until their orbits become unstable and begin to cross each other. We present numerical calculations of the orbital evolution leading to the orbit crossing stage. Our results indicate that the inner planets have a tendency to merge into a massive planet with relatively high e (0.2-0.9) and small a (0.5-1 AU). The orbital decay is a result of the gravitational perturbation by the outer planets and the dissipation of the colliding planets' relative kinetic energy. Afterward, long-term perturbation would slightly reduce the merged body's a, while it would keep its e high. The orbital properties of the merged body are consistent with those of the massive eccentric planets around 70 Vir and HD 114762. The onset timescale for orbit crossing within a planetary system is sensitively determined by the planets' mass and separation, which may explain the diversity in the orbital properties among the newly discovered planetary systems.
Heparin Leakage by Advective-Diffusive Transport in Central Venous Catheters

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are used as a way to provide adequate access of blood flow for hemodialysis, a common treatment for end-stage kidney disease. During hemodialysis, the catheter must circulate up to 300 mL/min [1] of blood flow to the extracorporeal artificial kidney. Catheters contain two lumens: the inflow lumen provides flow to the artificial kidney, and the outflow lumen returns it to the patient’s circulation. Although catheters are used in the treatment of patients of all ages, this study is motivated by the use of central venous catheters for pediatric applications; the catheter types and calibers available for children are much more limited than for adults, thereby placing children in a further disadvantage and potentially subjecting them to increased risk of complications.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Extended Infusion of Dexmedetomidine to an Infant at Sixty Times the Intended Rate

Dexmedetomidine is an α2 adrenergic agonist which has recently been approved in the United States for procedural sedation in adults. This report describes an infant who inadvertently received an intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine at a rate which was 60 times greater than intended. We describe the hemodynamic, respiratory, and sedative effects of this overdose.
Identification of a functional Na+/Mg2+ exchanger in human trophoblast cells

Abstract Background Ionized magnesium levels are elevated in fetal blood compared with maternal blood, suggesting that the placenta may possess an active transport mechanism for magnesium. In the present study, we sought to determine the existence of an active transport mechanism for magnesium in the placenta using cultured trophoblast cells. Methods Using choriocarcinoma cells as a model system, we attempted to demonstrate the presence of a functional Na+/Mg2+ exchanger. Human choriocarcinoma JEG-3 cells cultured on glass coverslips were loaded with MAG-Fura 2-AM (5 μmol/L × 30 min) to spectrofluorometrically assess kinetics of intracellular magnesium ([Mg2+]i). Cells were superfused with various concentrations of Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and imipramine, a blocker of erythrocyte Na/Mg exchange. [Mg2+]i calibration was determined via Triton X-100 and EDTA. Results: Sequential lowering of extracellular Na+ caused progressively larger, transient increases in [Mg2+]i. These transient changes in [Mg2+]i were completely dependent on [Mg]o but was independent of extracellular calcium ([Ca]o). Although acute imipramine did not alter basal [Mg2+]i, imipramine eliminated the return-to-basal phase of the [Mg2+]i transient induced by low sodium medium. Increasing extracellular magnesium ([Mg]o) caused stepwise increases in [Mg2+]i. Conclusions The JEG-3 cells appear to possess a functional Na/Mg exchanger that functions to maintain low [Mg2+]i in cytotrophoblast cells. In addition, [Mg2+]i is acutely regulated by [Mg]o. Because placental trophoblasts are sites of maternal–fetal ion exchange, and [Mg]o is altered in preeclampsia, derangements in or modulation of this exchanger may contribute to complications of pregnancy such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and preterm labor.
Computer-based assessment and the public interest: An examination of the issues and introduction to the special issue

Abstract Computer-based assessment presents new challenges related to the protection of the public interest. This paper suggests the nature of some of those challenges. In addition, potential advantages of computerized assessment and test interpretation are provided. Finally, the content of each of the papers included in the special issue is highlighted.
Voiding dysfunction associated with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who were neurosurgical candidates were prospectively evaluated for voiding abnormalities. The patients had relatively advanced neurologic disease because of delays in presentation and in diagnosis. The 22 consecutive patients included 20 males and 2 females with average age of 57 years. Sixteen patients had voiding symptoms with 12 noting a change in voiding pattern following the onset of their neurologic symptoms. Detrusor hyperreflexia was present in 16 (73%) of the patients and external sphincter dyssynergia in 8 (36%) of the patients. Neurologically mediated voiding dysfunction was common in patients with myelopathy secondary to cervical spondylosis.
Molded monolithic rod of macroporous poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) as a separation medium for HPLC of synthetic polymers: on-column precipitation--redissolution chromatography as an alternative to size exclusion chromatography of styrene oligomers and polymers.

A process for the separation of styrene oligomers and polymers by size and composition using a novel separation medium has been demonstrated. The process involves precipitation of the macromolecules on the molded macroporous rod columns, followed by progressive elution utilizing a simple gradient of the mobile phase. Molded macroporous rod columns are ideally suited for this technique because convection through the large pores of the rod enhances the mass transport of large analyte molecules and accelerates the separation process. Styrene oligomers and polymers are separated in a 50-mm x 8-mm-i.d. column using a solvent gradient composed of a poor solvent such as water, methanol, or acetonitrile and increasing amounts of a good solvent, tetrahydrofuran. Excellent separations are obtained, demonstrating that precipitation-redissolution can be a suitable alternate to size exclusion chromatography (SEC) of some polymers. Compared to SEC, the gradient elution separation can be achieved at higher flow rates in a much shorter time. Precipitation-redissolution with gradient elution can also be used for the separation of copolymers, for which the process is controlled not only by molecular weight but also by the composition of the copolymers.
Isomerization, but not oxidation, is suppressed by a single point mutation, E361Q, in the reaction catalyzed by cholesterol oxidase

The putative active site base of cholesterol oxidase from Streptomyces has been removed by site-directed mutagenesis and the mutant enzyme characterized. When glutamate-361 is mutated to a glutamine, the isomerization chemistry catalyzed by cholesterol oxidase is suppressed and the intermediate cholest-5-ene-3-one is isolated. The specific activity for oxidation is 20-fold slower than the wild-type reaction, though the specific activity for isomerization is 10,000-fold slower. Furthermore, incubation of cholest-5-ene-3-one with the E361Q cholesterol oxidase resulted in the production of cholest-4-ene-6{beta}-hydroperoxy-3-one (6%), cholest-4-ene-3,6-dione (32%), cholest-4-ene-6{beta}-ol-3-one (36%), and cholest-4-ene-6{alpha}-hydroperoxy-3-one/ cholest-4-ene-6{alpha}-ol-3-one (13%), in addition to cholest-4-ene-3-one (13%). Measurement of reaction stoichiometry eliminated the possibility that H{sub 2}O{sub 2} or the C4a-hydroperoxy flavin was the oxygenation agent. It is proposed that cholest-4-ene-6-hydroperoxy-3-one is the product of radical chain autoxidation and that cholest-4-ene-3,6-dione and cholest-4-ene-6-ol-3-one are decomposition products of the hydroperoxy steroid radical. The characterization of the E361Q mutant chemistry has illuminated the importance of intermediate sequestration in enzyme catalysis. 42 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs.
Smoking and alcohol use may be risk factors for poorer outcome in patients with clear cell renal carcinoma.

Abstract Objectives. To correlate the clinical outcomes of 148 patients with clear cell renal carcinoma treated at a single institution with a variety of other factors. Methods. Cases were derived from a consecutive series of nephrectomy specimens obtained from 1980 to 1994. A retrospective review of clinical records was performed, with tobacco use, alcohol use, recurrence, and survival noted. Results. The median age of the patients was 62 years. The median follow-up was 4.4 years. Of 148 patients, 82% had localized disease (M0), and 18% had suspected metastases (M1) at the time of nephrectomy. Of 121 patients without metastases at diagnosis, T classification was assessed for 117: 48 (41%) had T1 disease, 18 (15%) T2, 46 (39%) T3, and 5 (4%) T4. The Fuhrman grade was 1 or 2 in 51% of patients and 3 or 4 in 45%. Both clinical stage and grade were significantly associated with overall survival ( P P = 0.0028, respectively) and recurrence-free survival ( P = 0.0002 and P = 0.0011, respectively). Smoking and alcohol use history was determined in 70% and 63% of patients, respectively. In patients with Stage M0, smokers had a significantly worse overall survival rate compared with nonsmokers ( P = 0.039). Also, in patients with Stage M0, a trend toward a worse recurrence-free survival rate was noted in alcohol users compared with those who never used alcohol regularly ( P = 0.06). Conclusions. The prognosis of clear cell renal carcinoma depends on the pathologic stage at diagnosis and the Fuhrman grade. Smoking is a known risk factor for developing renal cancer and may be associated with increased mortality from clear cell carcinoma in patients with Stage M0. Also, regular alcohol use may decrease the recurrence-free survival rate.
The identification of people for whom job descriptive index scores are inappropriate

Abstract Occasionally, personal and situational factors can adversely affect measurement accuracy of job satisfaction questionnaires. Fatigue, misunderstood instructions, and poor reading comprehension are examples where at least some observed responses to questionnaires may not be meaningfully related to an individual's existing level of job satisfaction. Appropriateness indices ( M. V. Levine & D. Rubin, Journal of Educational Statistics, 1979, 4, 269–290) are a method of quantifying the probability of response patterns in order to identify those questionnaires containing unexpected responses. The indices in this study, based on a two-parameter item response model, showed good hit rates for identifying experimentally distorted response patterns. Further predictions concerning lower scale variance in samples with lower appropriateness indices were also substantiated in three large samples of survey data. These results are discussed in relation to potential improvements in the appropriateness index, the systematic study of undesirable response distortion, and applications of the research.
Interleukin 1 beta mediates stress-induced immunosuppression via corticotropin-releasing factor.

Intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of human interleukin 1 beta (IL-1) into intact and adrenalectomized rats impairs immune function. Using antibody to IL-1 as well as an inhibitor of IL-1 action, we sought to determine if endogenous IL-1 in the central nervous system has a physiological role in mediating the immunosuppressive effects of stress. Compared with freely moving controls, rats given intermittent electric shock to the tail for 40 min exhibited a fall in T lymphocyte proliferation and natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity of 33% and 38%, respectively; however, when pretreated with icv human IL-1 monoclonal antibody, which significantly crossreacts with rat IL-1, the decrement was attenuated to 14.6% and 15%, respectively. When rats were pretreated with icv alpha-MSH, which blocks many IL-1 effects, shock-induced suppression of 42% in both T lymphocyte proliferation and NK cytotoxicity were blunted to 33% and 31%, respectively. Similar results were found in adrenalectomized rats. These findings...
Forecasting nuclear power supply with Bayesian autoregression

Abstract We explore the possibility of forecasting the quarterly US generation of electricity from nuclear power using a Bayesian autoregression model. In terms of forecasting accuracy, this approach compares favorably with both the Department of Energy's current forecasting methodology and their more recent efforts using ARIMA models, and it is extremely easy and inexpensive to implement.