cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cross-communication between fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes

The myocardium is composed of various cell types including cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and leukocytes. Although cardiomyocytes count for up to 85% of a heart’s volume, the actual cell number of cardiomyocytes account for just 30–40% of all cardiac cells. Non-cardiomyocytes constitute 60–70% of a cardiac cell and approximately 90% of these non-cardiomyocytes represent fibroblasts (1,2). Previously, the function and viability of cardiomyocytes have been treated as a primary research interest area, while fibrosis was considered as a secondary effect from the changes in cardiomyocytes. However, recent studies have suggested an influence of fibroblasts over cardiomyocytes (3,4).
Treatment strategies and recommendations for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

1. Nicholas M. Moore, MS, MLS(ASCP)[⇑][1] 1. Rush University, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Chicago, IL 2. Maribeth L. Flaws, PhD, SM(ASCP)SI 1. Rush University, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Chicago, IL 1. Address for Correspondence: Nicholas M. Moore, MS, MLS (ASCP), Department of Medical Laboratory Science, 600 S. Paulina St., Suite 1014, Chicago, IL 60612, 312-942-2111, Fax: (312) 942-6464, Nicholas_Moore{at}rush.edu 1. Describe the mechanism of action of the primary anti-pseudomonal agents. 2. List the advantages and disadvantages of combination drug therapy. 3. List the advantages and disadvantages of mono drug therapy. 4. Determine which antibiotic combinations are appropriate for treatment of various infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of infection, especially hospital-acquired infections. It is opportunistic, more often causing infection in immunocom-promised hosts and it is often antibiotic resistant, complicating the efficacy of therapy. These factors have increased the number of patients infected with P. aeruginosa , increased the severity of those infections, and caused a great deal of conflict amongst infectious disease practitioners on how to appropriately and effectively manage their treatment. The following sections will describe appropriate treatment regimens for non-cystic fibrosis patients with infections caused by P. aeruginosa and discuss empiric as well as mono versus combination therapy protocols. Anti-Pseudomonas Antibiotics The antimicrobial agents listed in Table 1 have activity against P. aeruginosa . Beta Lactams Beta-lactams are a broad group of antibiotics that include penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams and carbapenems. At the molecular level, the beta-lactams have thiazolidine and beta-lactam rings to which is attached a side chain. Beta-lactams are one of the most widely prescribed antibiotic agents in the United States. They are bactericidal and act by binding to transpeptidases [also known as penicillin-binding proteins (PBP)] thereby interfering with the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of the cell wall. Bacteria, including P. aeruginosa , become resistant to beta-lactams by either possessing enzymes (beta-lactamases) that hydrolyze the beta-lactam ring or altering the PBPs such that the antimicrobial agent can no longer bind and exert its effect. The beta-lactams that have the most activity against P. aeruginosa include piperacillin, ticarcillin, 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins (ceftazidime and cefepime respectfully), and carbapenems like imipenem… ABBREVIATIONS: DNA = Deoxyribonucleic Acid, IDSA = Infectious Disease Society of America, ATS = American Thoracic Society. 1. Describe the mechanism of action of the primary anti-pseudomonal agents. 2. List the advantages and disadvantages of combination drug therapy. 3. List the advantages and disadvantages of mono drug therapy. 4. Determine which antibiotic combinations are appropriate for treatment of various infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa . [1]: #corresp-1
On the spin and parity of a single-produced resonance at the LHC

The experimental determination of the properties of the newly discovered boson at the Large Hadron Collider is currently the most crucial task in high energy physics. We show how information about the spin, parity, and, more generally, the tensor structure of the boson couplings can be obtained by studying angular and mass distributions of events in which the resonance decays to pairs of gauge bosons, ZZ,WW, and . A complete Monte Carlo simulation of the process pp → X → V V → 4f is performed and verified by comparing it to an analytic calculation of the decay amplitudes X → V V → 4f. Our studies account for all spin correlations and include general couplings of a spin J = 0,1,2 resonance to Standard Model particles. We also discuss how to use angular and mass distributions of the resonance decay products for optimal background rejection. It is shown that by the end of the 8 TeV run of the LHC, it might be possible to separate extreme hypotheses of the spin and parity of the new boson with a confidence level of 99% or better for a wide range of models. We briefly discuss the feasibility of testing scenarios where the resonances is not a parity eigenstate.
Population Structure Drives Differential Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization Dynamics

Abstract Background Using a model of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) within an intensive care unit (ICU), we explore how differing hospital population structures impact these infection dynamics. Methods Using a stochastic compartmental model of an 18-bed ICU, we compared the rates of MRSA acquisition across three potential population structures: a Single Staff Type (SST) model with nurses and physicians as a single staff type, a model with separate staff types for nurses and physicians (Nurse-MD model), and a Metapopulation model where each nurse was assigned a group of patients. By varying the proportion of time spent with the assigned patient group (γ) within the Metapopulation model, we explored whether simpler models may be acceptable approximations to more realistic patient-healthcare staff contact patterns. Results The SST, Nurse-MD, and Metapopulation models had a mean annual number of cumulative MRSA acquisitions of 40.6, 32.2 and 19.6 respectively. All models were sensitive to the same parameters in the same direction, although the Metapopulation model was less sensitive. The number of acquisitions varied non-linearly by values of γ, with values below 0.40 resembling the Nurse-MD model, while values above that converged toward the metapopulation structure. Discussion The population structure of a modeled hospital has considerable impact on model results, with the SST model having more than double the acquisition rate of the more structured Metapopulation model. While the direction of parameter sensitivity remained the same, the magnitude of these differences varied, producing different infection rates across relatively similar populations. The non-linearity of the model’s response to differing values of γ suggests only a narrow space of relatively dispersed nursing assignments where simple model approximations are appropriate. Conclusion Simplifying assumptions around how a hospital population is modeled, especially assuming random mixing, may overestimate infection rates and the impact of interventions.
Impact of the Chicago Earned Income Tax Periodic Payment intervention on food security

Abstract This article examines the Earned Income Tax Credit Periodic Payment Pilot and its effectiveness in reducing food insecurity for low-income households. Low-income families in Chicago who were eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit provided data over four waves of data collection between 2014 and 2015. We utilize longitudinal random effects logit models to test the likelihood of experiencing food insecurity. The sample was composed mostly by women with low educational levels. The intervention significantly decreased the likelihood of experiencing food insecurity over time (T2: β = −0.23, p = .581; T3: β = −0.89, p
Effects of industrial disturbances on biodiversity of carrion-associated beetles

Abstract Energy production systems such as nuclear reactors and coal-burning power plants produce a multitude of waste contaminants including radionuclides, trace elements, and heavy metals. Among invertebrates, much of the effort to understand the impact of these contaminants has focused in aquatic environments, while relatively less attention has been on terrestrial communities. We investigated the effects of trace element and radionuclide contamination on assemblages of beetles that are drawn to vertebrate carrion. Samples were collected from riparian sites at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina to compare trap catches (i.e., measure of relative abundance) of beetles and species diversity along a habitat gradient (0–300 m) away from an aquatic habitat and between uncontaminated and contaminated sites. We collected 17,800 carrion-associated beetles representing 112 species in nine families, which were classified as either scavenger or predatory beetles. Beetle catches and species diversity were generally higher at contaminated than uncontaminated sites. These trends were likely driven by scavenger species, which showed similar patterns between sites, whereas patterns of catches and species diversity were variable between sites for predatory beetles. Species compositions of contaminated and uncontaminated sites were generally distinct, however habitat edges appeared to substantially affect beetle assemblages. Overall, our study suggests carrion beetle assemblages are sensitive to edge effects and may exhibit variable responses to the presence of anthropogenic contaminants or disturbances associated with energy production systems. Such results reflect the inherent variability among individual beetle species, populations, and communities to local environmental conditions, and underscores the need for multi-taxa approach in environmental impact assessments.
Interactive in situ visualization and analysis using Ascent and Jupyter

There is a gap in interactive in situ solutions for HPC simulations. While we have access to fully-featured visualization UIs through tools like ParaViewCatalyst and VisItLibSim,we lack in situ infrastructure to access more general interactive environments like Jupyter. The Jupyter ecosystem of tools provides a rich paradigm for interactive data analysis and is well-suited to help expand interactive use of in situ. Both the complexity of the Jupyter ecosystem and the security requirements of HPC centers pose challenges to developing software infrastructure that enables direct use of Jupyter in simulation codes.With this work, we developed a system enabling simulations instrumented with Ascent to connect to Jupyter. This system allows simulation users to interact with their data in situ using Jupyter Notebooks. The system combines Ascent's embedded Python filter infrastructure with a Client/Server Jupyter Bridge Kernel to simplify both deployment and security considerations on HPC systems. We describe the design of this system, demonstrate basic usage, and describe a prototype of an Ascent rendering UI built on top of this system.
Stability and Bifurcation in Discrete Mechanical Systems: An Experimental and Analytical Study

The curse of dimensionality looms over many studies in science and engineering. Low-order systems provide conceptual clarity but often fail to reveal the extent of possible complexity, whereas high...
Suggestive Site Planning with Conditional GAN and Urban GIS Data

In architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design, site planning refers to the organizational process of site layout. A fundamental step for site planning is the design of building layout across the site. This process is hard to automate due to its multi-modal nature: it takes multiple constraints such as street block shape, orientation, program, density, and plantation. The paper proposes a prototypical and extensive framework to generate building footprints as masterplan references for architects, landscape architects, and urban designers by learning from the existing built environment with Artificial Neural Networks. Pix2PixHD Conditional Generative Adversarial Neural Network is used to learn the mapping from a site boundary geometry represented with a pixelized image to that of an image containing building footprint color-coded to various programs. A dataset containing necessary information is collected from open source GIS (Geographic Information System) portals from the city of Boston, wrangled with geospatial analysis libraries in python, trained with the TensorFlow framework. The result is visualized in Rhinoceros and Grasshopper, for generating site plans interactively.
Changes in College Student Alcohol Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Are Perceived Drinking Norms Still Relevant?

With widespread concern for increased alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a pressing need to examine changes in young adults’ alcohol use and to identify antecedents of increased use...
Aquatic toxicity of waterpipe wastewater chemicals

Abstract Introduction The recent increase in U.S. popularity and use prevalence of water pipe (WP) tobacco smoking raises concerns about the potential environmental impacts of WP waste disposal and the need for strategies to reduce such impacts. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is required to assess the environmental impacts of its tobacco regulatory actions per the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify specific chemical constituents in WP wastewater and to determine their potential aquatic toxicity. Methods Using a modified Beirut smoking regimen, five different WP charcoal brands (n = 70) and ten WP tobacco brands (n = 35) were smoked separately using a WP smoking machine in which smoke was passed through the WP base water. We analyzed and quantified specific chemical constituents in the WP bowl wastewater through standardized U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Hazardous Waste Test Methods. We then characterized the ecological hazard for acute and chronic aquatic toxicity posed by the specific chemicals through compilations of Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and hazardous concentration values (concentration affecting 50% of the species). Results Among the list of 31 specific chemicals analyzed, we detected 22 and 11 chemicals in wastewater from WP tobacco and WP charcoal smoking, respectively. Nearly half of the 22 WP wastewater chemicals were classified as “very toxic” or “toxic” for acute and chronic aquatic toxicity per GHS classification. The most hazardous compounds with acute and chronic toxicity in aquatic organisms include acrolein, acrylonitrile, and metals (cadmium, lead, chromium, nickel, cobalt) found in both WP tobacco and charcoal wastewater, and N-nitrosonornicotine, nicotine, crotonaldehyde and selenium were additionally found in WP tobacco wastewater. All the identified chemicals are considered harmful or potentially harmful constituents in tobacco products and tobacco smoke per FDA's list, and seventeen of them represent hazardous waste per EPA's list. Conclusion Our study expands the identification and quantifies several WP wastewater chemical constituents. It characterizes the ecological hazard of these chemicals and identifies chemicals of concern, aiding our evaluation of the environmental impacts of WP waste products. Our results add to the existing evidence that WP wastewater is a source of toxins that could affect water quality and aquatic organisms, and bioaccumulate in the environment if disposed of into public sewers, on the ground, or in an onsite septic system. These findings highlight the importance of concerted efforts to raise awareness of appropriate WP waste disposal practices in both retail and residential settings, and applicable regulatory compliance requirements for WP retailer establishments, thereby limiting hazards from WP wastewater.
Prior Immunogenicity to Anti-TNF Biologics Is Not Associated with Increased Anti-drug Antibodies to Vedolizumab or Ustekinumab.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on biologic therapy may lose response to anti-tumor necrosis factor agents (anti-TNFs) due to the development of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs). A history of anti-TNF ADA increases the risk of developing ADA to subsequent anti-TNFs; however, it is not known whether ADA to anti-TNFs increases the risk of ADA development to vedolizumab (VDZ) or ustekinumab (UST). We aimed to investigate whether prior history of ADA to anti-TNF increases the risk of ADA to VDZ and UST. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients at a tertiary care IBD center over the course of four years who had previous anti-TNF drug and ADA level data during maintenance treatment and subsequent VDZ or UST drug and antibody levels, all collected as standard of care. The primary outcome was the rate of ADA development to VDZ and UST in patients with and without prior anti-TNF immunogenicity. Descriptive statistics summarized the data and univariate tested associations. Of the 152 IBD patients analyzed, 41 (27%) had a history of previous anti-TNF ADA with 22 (53.7%) having simultaneously undetectable anti-TNF drug levels. There was no significant difference in the rates of ustekinumab and vedolizumab ADA development between patients with prior ADA and patients without prior ADA (1/41 [2.7%] vs 1/111 [0.9%]; p = 0.54). There was also no difference in concomitant immunomodulator use with ustekinumab or vedolizumab initiation in patients with or without prior ADA (13/41 [31.7%] vs 31/111 [27.9%], p = 0.84). Neither patient who developed ADA to VDZ or UST was on concomitant immunomodulator at drug initiation, and both patients had detectable drug levels at the time of antibody detection. We observed that prior immunogenicity to anti-TNF agents does not confer an increased risk of immunogenicity to ustekinumab or vedolizumab. Our data support the use of vedolizumab or ustekinumab as monotherapy for the treatment of IBD.
Effects of Statins on the Incidence and Mortality of Sepsis in Patients with New Cancer Diagnosis

Statins have been associated with improved survival in cancer patients and with decreased incidence and mortality of sepsis in different populations. Our objective was to assess whether newly diagnosed cancer patients on statins had decreased incidence and mortality of sepsis. We analyzed a US database and included 119,379 patients with a new cancer diagnosis (age 55 (50-60) years, 61% female), 19,468 of them (16%) receiving statins. Statins users were older and presented more comorbidities. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, statin use was associated with decreased death hazard (HR 0.897, 95% CI 0.851-0.945, p < 0.0001). The cumulative incidence of sepsis reached 10% at 5 years but statin use was not significantly associated with sepsis hazard (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.990, 95% CI 0.932-1.050, p = 0.73), including in sensitivity analyzes in patients with hematological malignancy or sepsis within 1 year. In patients subsequently hospitalized with sepsis, hospital mortality was 23% and statin use was not associated with mortality (odds ratio 0.952, 95% CI 0.829-1.091, p = 0.48), including in sensitivity analyzes in patients with septic shock and use of statins at the time of sepsis. In summary, treatment with statin at the time of new cancer diagnosis is not associated with a decreased incidence and mortality of sepsis.
Augmentation of imatinib-induced cytotoxicity in human malignant glioma cells by suppression of autophagy

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 2269 Background: Malignant gliomas are the most common primary tumors of central nervous system. The prognosis of patients with malignant gliomas is poor in spite of current intensive therapy, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Therefore, we need to explore novel therapeutic modalities. Imatinib mesylate, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of bcr-abl, c-abl, c-kit, and PDGFR α and β, has recently been proved effective in the treatment of patients with several types of tumors such as Philadelphia chromosome positive leukemias. However, results of clinical trials for patients with recurrent malignant gliomas indicate that imatinib alone has insufficient activity. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms by which imatinib exhibits cytotoxicity against malignant glioma cells are not yet fully understood. Therefore, in this study, we determined the type of cell death caused by imatinib and explored the feasibility of sensitizing malignant glioma cells to imatinib. Materials and methods: Human malignant glioma cell lines U87-MG and U373-MG were treated with imatinib and assessed by cell viability assay, electron microscopy, and immunoblotting to determine the type of cell death. Because imatinib induced non-apoptotic cell death with autophagic features in tumor cells, autophagy was inhibited at different stages to assess the role of autophagy in cancer therapy: we used a class III phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or siRNA against Atg5 that inhibit autophagy at an early stage, or bafilomycin A1 or RTA203 that are vacuolar type H+-ATPase inhibitors and suppress autophagy at a late stage. Results: Imatinib inhibited the viability of malignant glioma cells in a dose- dependent manner. Imatinib caused non-apoptotic autophagic cell death. When imatinib-induced autophagy was suppressed by 3-MA or siRNA against Atg5, the cytotoxicity of imatinib was attenuated. In contrast, bafilomycin A1 or RTA203 inhibited autophagy and enhanced the antitumor effect of imatinib through induction of apoptotic cell death in both tumor cells. Conclusions: Imatinib causes non-apoptotic autophagy in malignant glioma cells. When autophagy was inhibited at a late stage, the cytotoxicity of imatinib was augmented by stimulation of apoptotic signal pathway. Our findings provide a potential strategy to sensitize malignant glioma cells to imatinib by inhibition of autophagy at a late stage.
Pediatric Exposure to Agricultrual Machinery

The agricultural population has been underserved and difficult to reach in terms of injury control interventions, particularly regarding children at the farm worksite. Risk factors for pediatric agricultural injuries have been hypothesized but not well documented. In order to plan appropriate interventions, it is necessary to characterize possible risk factors. To address this need, a survey of a random sample of 208 Iowa farm families with 470 children under age 19 conducted. It was found that 91% of boys and 44% of girls ages 15-18, 59% of boys and 16% of girls ages 10-14, 21% of boys and 3% of girls ages 5-9, and 3% of four-year-old boys operate tractors, with 67% of boys and 16% of girls in the oldest group doing so unsupervised. Thirty-nine percent of children under five rode with an adult on tractors without cabs and 76% in cab tractors; 37% were allowed on cab tractors only. Preschool children who mothers work full-time off-farm were least involved in machinery-related activities. Nineteen percent ...
An approach to acquiring and applying knowledge

The problem addressed in this paper is how to enable a computer system to acquire facts about new domains from tutors who are experts in their respective fields, but who have little or no training in computer science. The information to be acquired is that needed to support question-answering activities. The basic acquisition approach is "learning by being told." We have been especially interested in exploring the notion of simultaneously learning not only new concepts, but also the linguistic constructions used to express those concepts. As a research vehicle we have developed a system that is preprogrammed with deductive algorithms and a fixed set of syntactic/semantic rules covering a small subset of English. It has been endowed with sufficient seed concepts and seed vocabulary to support effective tutorial interaction. Furthermore, the system is capable of learning new concepts and vocabulary, and can apply its acquired knowledge in a prescribed range of problem-solving situations.
The CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase encoded by the licC gene of Streptococcus pneumoniae: cloning, expression, purification, and characterization.

Abstract Streptococcus pneumoniae is a member of a small group of bacteria that display phosphocholine on the cell surface, covalently attached to the sugar groups of teichoic acid and lipoteichoic acid. The putative pathway for this phosphocholine decoration is, in its first two enzymes, functionally similar to the CDP-choline pathway used for phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis in eukaryotes. We show that the licC gene encodes a functional CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (CCT). The enzyme has been expressed and purified to homogeneity. Assay conditions were optimized, particularly with respect to linearity with time, pH, Mg2+, and ammonium sulfate concentration. The pure enzyme has KM values of 890±240 μM for CTP, and 390±170 μM for phosphocholine. The kcat is 17.5±4.0 s−1. S. pneumoniae CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (SpCCT) is specific for CTP or dCTP as the nucleotide substrate. SpCCT is strongly inhibited by Ca2+. The IC50 values for recombinant and native SpCCT are 0.32±0.04 and 0.27±0.03 mM respectively. The enzyme is also inhibited by all other tested divalent cations, including Mg2+ at high concentrations. The cloning and expression of this enzyme sets the stage for design of inhibitors as possible antipneumococcal drugs.
Human cytomegalovirus UL27 is not required for viral replication in human tissue implanted in SCID mice

Inhibition of the human cytomegalovirus UL97 kinase by maribavir is thought to be responsible for the antiviral activity of this compound. Some mutations that confer resistance to maribavir map to UL97, however additional mutations that also confer resistance to the drug were mapped to UL27. These open reading frames share a low level of homology, yet the function of pUL27 remains unknown. A recombinant virus with a deletion in the UL27 open reading frame was reported previously to exhibit a slight replication deficit, but a more important function in vivo was hypothesized given its homology to the UL97 kinase. The potential for an important function in vivo was investigated by determining if these knockout viruses could replicate in human tissue implanted in SCID mice. None of the AD169 derived viruses replicated well in the implanted thymus/liver tissue, and is consistent with previous observations, although all of the viruses replicated to some degree in retinal tissue implants. Replication of the parent viruses was observed at 7 days post inoculation, whereas no replication was detected with any of the recombinant viruses with deletions in UL27. By day 14, replication was detected in two of the three knockout viruses and in all of the viruses by day 42. These data are consistent with minimal defects observed in cell culture, but are not consistent with an important role for UL27 in vivo. We conclude that UL27 is not required for viral replication in vivo.
Fabrication and Characterization of ${\rm Cd}_{0.9}{\rm Zn}_{0.1}{\rm Te}$ Schottky Diodes for High Resolution Nuclear Radiation Detectors

Cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) Schottky diodes with very low reverse leakage current have been fabricated and characterized for high resolution gamma ray detectors. The diodes were made using ${\rm Cd}_{0.9}{\rm Zn}_{0.1}{\rm Te}$ detector grade crystals grown from zone refined Cd, Zn, and Te (7N) precursor materials using low temperature tellurium solvent method. Various crystallographic defects including Te-inclusions/precipitates were identified and characterized using electron beam induced current (EBIC) measurement and thermally stimulated current (TSC) spectroscopy. The EBIC images were correlated with transmission infrared (TIR) images of CZT crystals and the EBIC contrast was attributed to the nonuniformities in spatial distribution of Te inclusions. Characterization by TSC revealed shallow and deep level centers with activation energies 0.25–0.4 eV and 0.65–0.8 eV respectively, which were attributed to intrinsic defects associated with Te inclusions. Pulse height measurements were carried out using $^{137}{\rm Cs}$ (662 keV) radiation source and energy resolution of ${\sim 1.51}\%$ full width at half maximum (FWHM) was obtained from the as-grown boule.
Solving Linear Rational Expectations Models

We describe methods for solving general linear rational expectations models in continuous or discrete timing with or without exogenous variables. The methods are based on matrix eigenvalue decompositions.
What the [beep]? Six-month-olds link novel communicative signals to meaning

Over the first year, infants tune into the signals of their native language and begin to link them to meaning. Here, we ask whether infants, like adults, can also infer the communicative function of otherwise arbitrary signals (here, tone sequences) and link these to meaning as well. We examined 6-month-olds' object categorization in the context of sine-wave tones, a signal that fails to support categorization at any point during their first year. However, before the categorization task, we exposed infants to tones in one of two vignettes. In one, the tones were produced by an actor in a rich communicative exchange; in the other, infants heard the very same tones, but these were uncoupled from the actors' activity. Infants exposed to the communicative vignette successfully formed object categories in the subsequent test; those exposed to the non-communicative vignette failed, performing identically to infants with no prior exposure to this novel signal. This reveals in 6-month-old infants a remarkable flexibility in identifying which signals in the ambient environment are communicative and in linking these signals to core cognitive capacities including categorization.
A compact modulator for RF source development

A compact, low repetition rate, pulse-modulator is being developed for use as a driver in high power microwave experiments. A single stage of the modulator consists of a 16 /spl Omega/ pulse forming network in a Blumlein configuration driving a 3:1 coaxial ferrite loaded pulse transformer. The output of the transformer is a 100 kV, 150 ns (FWHM) pulse, with a 70 ns flat top (/spl plusmn/1.0%), into a matched load. A second device, driven with a different pulse line, gives a 130 ns flat top pulse. To obtain the flat top requires tuning with a reactive circuit in the transformer primary. We plan to stack transformer modules in series to obtain a 500 kV, 1 kA modulator. A second stage is currently being built and various stacking techniques are being investigated. >
HRXCT analysis of hominoid molars: A quantitative volumetric analysis and 3D reconstruction of coronal enamel and dentin

The significance of enamel thickness in hominoid evolution has been plagued by the absence of nondestructive quantitative analysis. The aim of this investigation was to use a nondestructive method of analysis to document the volume of enamel and dentin, thereby providing a quantitative method for comparing both extant and extinct hominoid dentition. High-resolution X-ray computer tomography (HRXCT) is a nondestructive technique for visualizing and quantifying the interior of objects such as bone, teeth and minerals. HRXCT is also capable of obtaining digital information on their 3D geometries and volumetric properties. HRXCT differs from conventional medical CT-scanning in its ability to resolve details as small as a few microns in size, even when imaging objects made of high density materials like enamel and dentin. HRXCT also differs from micro-CT in its ability to examine large specimens up to 1.5 meters, with higher energy sources (typically 125–450 keV) that make the instrument capable of penetrating much denser objects including teeth and very heavily mineralized fossils. HRXCT offers several advantages over both the medical and micro-CT systems. Hominoid teeth used in this study consisted of a collection of extant hominoids as well as a number of fossil hominoids (Proconsul and Sivapithecus). HRXCT was used to obtain a data set of serially sectioned digitized images at a slice thickness of approximately 50 micrometers per section. The digital images were analyzed, and 3D reconstructions allowed for the collection of volumetric data for coronal enamel and dentin. HRXCT provides researchers with capabilities not found in other CT systems, which allows for a wider range of specimens sizes, with customizable scanning parameters unique to each specimen type. Our results demonstrate that HRXCT is an effective means by which volumetric data and 3D reconstruction of dental hard tissues are obtained from both extant and extinct hominoid dentitions.
Ultrasonic Physical Mechanisms and Chemical Effects

The sections in this article are 1 Acoustic Cavitation 2 Two-Site Model Of Sonochemical Reactivity 3 Microjet Formation During Cavitation At Liquid–Solid Interfaces 4 Sonoluminescence 5 Sonochemistry 6 Summary
Safety of gadolinium contrast angiography in patients with chronic renal insufficiency.

Abstract Objective To prevent iodinated contrast medium–induced nephrotoxicity, gadolinium has been used increasingly for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to visualize arterial anatomy in patients undergoing vascular surgery who are considered at high risk because of chronic renal insufficiency. We assessed the safety of gadolinium-based contrast medium as a substitute for iodinated contrast medium–enhanced examinations. We determined the incidence of gadolinium-induced nephrotoxicity in a clinical setting and searched for contributing risk factors. Patients and methods In a single-center retrospective study from December 1999 to January 2001, 218 inpatients underwent MRA and 42 inpatients underwent DSA, with gadolinium as the sole contrast agent. Patient comorbid conditions, indications for vascular imaging, contrast dose, urine output, baseline and post-procedure serum creatinine concentration (SCr), and outcome were recorded for all patients in whom gadolinium-induced renal failure developed. Results Of 260 patients who received gadolinium-based contrast agents, at a dose of 0.25 mmol/kg or more, 195 patients (75%) had pre-test baseline chronic renal insufficiency. In 7 of 195 patients (3.5%) acute renal failure developed after gadolinium-based contrast medium administration, for MRA (n = 153) in 3 patients (1.9%) and DSA (n = 42) in 4 patients (9.5%). Average baseline SCr in the 195 patients with chronic renal insufficiency was 38.2 ± 1.6 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , and in the 7 patients in whom acute renal failure developed, baseline SCr was 32.5 ± 7.8 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ( P = .33). Respective intravenous and intra-arterial gadolinium doses in these 7 patients ranged from 0.31 to 0.41 mmol/kg for MRA and 0.27 to 0.42 mmol/kg for DSA. Acute renal failure did not develop in any of 65 patients with normal baseline SCr. Conclusion Despite reports of negligible nephrotoxicity, rarely gadolinium-based contrast agents can cause acute renal failure in patients with underlying chronic renal insufficiency. Estimation of creatinine clearance alone does not enable prediction of which patients are likely to have acute renal failure. Patients at high-risk should be identified, and prophylactic measures should be taken to reduce the risk for nephrotoxicity.
Harmonization of Earth Observation Data: Global Change and Collective Action Conflict

ABSTRACT Earth observation by satellites is the basis for integrated scientific assessment of global environmental change. Institutional arrangements to coordinate Earth observation data collection efforts recognize harmonization as essential for the scientific assessments that are sought. The goal of harmonization is to achieve compatibility of data polices among the various Earth observation science missions. In this article, I discuss the concept of harmonization and evaluate how Earth observation data policies influence the implementation of harmonization through an examination of a number of relevant actors, strategies, and systems. This includes the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites, the Integrated Global Observing Strategy, the former International Earth Observing System, the Group on Earth Observations, the Global Earth Observation System-of-Systems, and the Earth observation programs in the United States and Europe. The results of this study indicate that the problem for realizing an opti...
The gamma to alpha phase transformation in cerium

At 295 K the fcc γ phase of cerium transforms at about 8 kbars pressure to the fcc α phase, the transformation volume decrease being about 18 pct. During decompression, the transformation reverses with a hysteresis of about 2 kbars. The microstructural integrity suggests a mediating phase, but none was found. Complete transformation to alpha and its reversal deformed the internal grain microstructure and drastically increased the lattice misorientation of the individual γ grains. Deformation bands were present along (111) planes. A similar transformation occurred during cooling of a pressurized specimen.
Team Culture and Business Strategy Simulation Performance

Many capstone strategic management courses use computer-based simulations as core pedagogical tools. Simulations are touted as assisting students in developing much-valued skills in strategy format...
Effect of Ethylene Dibromide in the Diet on the Growth of Chicks

Abstract ETHYLENE dibromide is used extensively as a component of a grain fumigant mixture. Its toxicity was encountered by poultrymen who observed a reduction in egg size when hens were fed grain treated with a fumigant containing ethylene dibromide (EDB), ethylene dichloride (EDC) and carbon tetrachloride (CTC). A number of workers (Bondi et al., 1955; Morgan, 1958; Bierer and Vickers, 1959; and Caylor and Laurent, 1959) showed that EDB caused a reduction in egg size and numbers laid, when fed to hens alone or in combination with EDC and CTC. Fuller and Morris (1962) administered these fumigant components directly into the crop of hens and established toxic levels under condition of controlled intake. Dosages of 0.5 mg. EDB/day/hen for 12 weeks (equivalent to 5 p.p.m. of the diet) were found to decrease egg weights, but the dosage required to depress egg production was between 4 and 8 mg./day/hen (equivalent to 40 …
Psychobiological stress reactivity and personality in persons with high and low stressor-induced extralaryngeal reactivity.

Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine whether persons who responded with high stressor-induced extralaryngeal muscle activity in a stress reactivity protocol differed from those with lo...
Zebrafish: A nontraditional model of traditional medicine

With a modern rise in the use of traditional medicines has come a need for model organisms that are amenable not only to treatment with these remedies, but also to testing the large number of potential therapeutics this field presents. The high-fecundity and rapid generation time of the zebrafish makes it a natural candidate for this endeavor. Additionally, the zebrafish shares genetic, anatomic and physiologic homology to higher order vertebrates. This review surveys the present state of phytotherapy research utilizing the zebrafish model organism. The studies herein described utilize the zebrafish for investigating plant-based effectors of hypercholesterolemia, angiogenesis, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. In addition to reviewing the present state of research in this area, the philosophical intersection of modern and traditional medical paradigms is discussed and future directions for investigations at this junction are suggested.
Effect of symmetry lowering on the dielectric response of BaZrO 3

We use first-principles density functional theory calculations to investigate the dielectric response of ${\mathrm{BaZrO}}_{3}$ perovskite. A previous study [Akbarzadeh et al., Phys. Rev. B 72, 205104 (2005)] reported a disagreement between experimental and theoretical low temperature dielectric constant $ϵ$ for the high symmetry ${\mathrm{BaZrO}}_{3}$ structure. We show that a fully relaxed 40 atom ${\mathrm{BaZrO}}_{3}$ structure exhibits ${\mathrm{O}}_{6}$ octahedral tilting, and $ϵ$ that agrees with experiment. The change in $ϵ$ from high-symmetry to low-symmetry structure is due to increased phonon frequencies as well as decreased mode effective charges.
Impact of computerized physician order entry alerts on prescribing in older patients.

Background A computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system provides opportunity for real-time alerts to prescribers. Winthrop University Hospital began using CPOE in 2009.
DAILY RHYTHM OF SYNANTHEDON PICTIPES (LEPIDOPTERA: AEGERIIDAE) FEMALE CALLING BEHAVIOR IN WISCONSIN: TEMPERATURE EFFECTS

Female calling behavior of Synanthedon pictipes at various constant temperatures and the daily calling rhythm under field conditions at Door County, Wisconsin were determined. At constant temperatures, no calling occurred below 21° or above 41°. Both the mean calling time per female and the percentage of females which called during the replicated 3-h observational period were strongly affected by temperature within the above limits. The optimum was between 27° and 32°. Calling activity in the field occurred only during daytime hours. It began not earlier than 7:45 AM and was terminated not later than 6:15 PM during the 12-day period of our study. Peak calling occurred between 10:45 AM and 1:15 PM (mean 11:45 AM). Cool mornings tended to delay calling. Also, the earlier the initiation of calling the earlier the termination No calling occurred at temperatures below 18°. Females exposed experimentally to 14° during the early or middle part of the day resumed calling upon return to favorable conditions. Females called 2.7 times per day for 68 min per period. The mean time from emergence to initiation of calling was 3.7 hr under field conditions. Resume RYTHME JOURNALIER DE SYNANTHEDON PICTIPES (LEPIDOPTERA: AEGERIIDAE): EFFETS DE LA TEMPERATURE SUR LE COMPORTEMENT D'APPEL SEXUEL DES FEMELLES, DANS LE WISCONSIN Le comportement d'appel sexuel des femelles de Synanthedon pictipes est etudie a diverses temperatures constantes et le rythme journalier de ce comportement d'appel est precise, dans les conditions du milieu naturel, a Door County, dans le Wisconsin. Pour des temperatures constantes, inferieures a 21° ou superieures a 41°, aucun appel sexuel des femelles ne se manifeste. A l'interieur de ces limites, la temperature influence fortement l'intensite de l'appel, apprecie par la duree moyenne du temps d'appel par femelle et par le pourcentage de femelles qui manifestent ce comportement. La temperature optimum est comprise entre 27° et 32°. Dans les conditions du milieu naturel l'appel sexuel des femelles se produit uniquement pendant le jour. Il ne commence pas avant 7 h 45 le matin et ne se prolonge pas au-dela de 18 h 15 le soir, d'apres nos observations journalieres poursuivies pendant 12 jours consecutifs. L'activite maximum des femelles (comportement d'appel) se terminant entre 10 h 45 et 13 h 15. Les matinees fraiches tendent a retarder le declenchement du comportement d'appel sexuel, mais la phase d'appel se termine d'autant plus tot qu'elle commence plus tot. Au dessous de 18° on n'observe plus d'activite d'appel sexuel des femelles. Des femelles soumises a une temperature de 14° en debut ou au milieu de la matinee reprennent leur comportement d'appel des le retour dans des conditions favorables. L'appel sexuel des femelles se deroule selon des periodes d'environ 68 min., qui se depetent, en moyenne, 2,7 fois par jour. Le premier appel des femelles intervient en moyenne 3 heures 7 apres l'emergence, dans les conditions naturelles.
Toward RNA interference‐based therapy for filovirus infections

Ebola (EBOV) and Marburg (MARV) viruses, of the family filoviridae, cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates (NHPs) with mortality rates of up to 90%. Infection is thought to occur through mucous membranes or breaks in the skin after contact with infected animal tissue or body fluids of infected individuals. Beyond naturally occurring outbreaks, the potential use of these viruses in acts of bioterrorism remains a public health and national security concern. EBOV and MARV are classified as category A bioterrorism agents by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To date, there are no licensed vaccines or therapeutics for filovirus infections. Major efforts are now under way to develop anti-viral therapeutics that use the cellular RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. Small synthetic double-stranded RNA oligonucleotides (siRNAs), or small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) enter the RNAi pathway and guide the degradation of target mRNA transcripts with homologous sequence, for experimental or therapeutic benefit. Chemical modifications improve the in vivo stability of siRNAs and various strategies are being investigated to improve delivery. Importantly, siRNAs and shRNAs have been successfully used to inhibit virus replication in vitro, and in animal models. siRNAs as therapy for a variety of ailments have now moved into clinical trials. This review provides an overview of therapeutic siRNAs and details preclinical efforts to use these molecules as therapy for filovirus infections. Drug Dev Res 70:246–254, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On the temperature dependence and mechanism of action of alcohol dehydrogenase.

Abstract The temperature dependence of reactions catalyzed by alcohol dehydrogenase is measured. The activation energies are about 14 kcal/mol. The entropies of activation and association of both the substrates and the products are small. It is concluded that the enzyme does not undergo major structural changes in the course of the reaction, and that the substrates are attached in a rather rigid, crystal-like manner to the enzyme surface that activates the hydrogen transfer. The dependence of the kinetical data on pH suggests that this activation is partially brought about by hydrogen transfer over a hydrogen bridge between the alcohol and a basic group of the enzyme. This shift accelerates the reaction in analogy to general acid base catalysis by a factor 104–108. The dependence of the rate on the structure of the substrate indicates that the enzyme affects the methyl group of the alcohol. It is suggested that the enzyme activates, by a straining of the CCH3 bond, the shift of the position of the methyl group that accompanies the change in the bond configuration in the alcohol molecule during the reaction. It seems that the influences of binding, bond straining and proton shifting by groups of the enzyme surface constitute the main catalytic effects of the enzyme.
Jealous Conflict in Dating Couples

80 steadily dating couples were assigned by sex to jealous or nonjealous role-playing conditions in which one partner was asked to assume a distancing role while the other was asked to overcome the...