cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Rezafungin (CD101) against Candida auris in the Neutropenic Mouse Invasive Candidiasis Model.

Rezafungin (CD101) is a novel echinocandin under development for once-weekly intravenous (IV) dosing. We evaluated the pharmacodynamics (PD) of rezafungin against four Candida auris strains using the neutropenic mouse invasive candidiasis model. AUC/MIC was a robust predictor of efficacy (R 2 0.76). The stasis free-drug 24-h AUC/MIC target exposure for the group was 1.88; whereas the 1-log kill free-drug 24-h AUC/MIC target exposure was 5.77. These values are very similar to previous rezafungin PD studies with other Candida spp. Based on recent surveillance susceptibility data, AUC/MIC targets are likely to be exceeded for >90% of C. auris isolates using the previously studied human dose of 400 mg IV once weekly.
Co-assembly of sugar-based amphiphilic block polymers to achieve nanoparticles with tunable morphology, size, surface charge, and acid-responsive behavior

The development of next-generation smart nanocarriers that can be tailored for specific applications requires precise control over physiochemical properties, yet modulation of nanostructures solely through synthetic routes is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. In this work, co-assembly of two degradable glucose-based amphiphilic block polymers is demonstrated as a means to control nanoparticle size, surface charge, and stimuli-responsive properties, allowing optimization of these constructs for cytosolic drug delivery applications. Polymeric particles with varying weight fractions of carboxylate- and histamine-modified poly(DL-lactide)-b-poly(D-glucose carbonate)s (PDLLA-b-PDGC) were obtained with diameters ranging from ca. 30 nm to 3 μm and zeta potential values ranging from ca. −35 mV to −1.6 mV in nanopure water. Histamine moieties imparted pH-responsive behavior due to protonation below pH 7, whereas the carboxylates imparted colloidal stability and anionic character. Blending the acid- and histamine-functionalized polymers produced co-assemblies with different pH-dependent surface charge profiles. In particular, co-assemblies with 60 wt% histamine-modified PDLLA-b-PDGC (fhistamine = 0.6) swelled upon acidification from physiological pH (7.4) to endolysosomal pH (5.5), which is anticipated to enable drug release within endolysosomal compartments. The accessible procedures presented here for engineering highly tunable nanoparticles from glucose-based, functional, degradable polymers offer versatile strategies for accelerating the development and clinical implementation of such stimuli-responsive, tailored nanocarriers.
Health Behaviors of Student Community Research Partners When Designing and Implementing a Healthy Lifestyle Intervention on College Campuses

Few studies work with college students as equal partners in all aspects of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and even less evaluate behaviors of those college partners. The current study aimed to examine health behaviors of students by designing and implementing a peer-led, social marketing campaign (Get Fruved) to promote healthier lifestyles on their campuses. Enrolled students (n = 376) were trained to either design and implement a health promotion intervention (Social Marketing and Environmental Interventionists; SMEI, n = 78), be peer mentors (PM; n = 205), or serve as control participants (n = 93). Students’ behaviors (dietary, activity, and stress) and anthropometrics were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. The population was predominately Caucasian, female, and between 19 and 20 years old. On average, fruit and vegetable consumption slightly decreased across all time points for each group with control at a larger decline. Students International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) scores showed students met recommended amounts of activity throughout the intervention, with males reporting higher activity levels. Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) analyses indicated 19 year olds had higher stress along with females had higher than males. Students involved in a CBPR approach to be trained, design, and implement a lifestyle intervention can achieve maintenance of health behaviors throughout a college year when compared to control students.
Ahuna Mons lonely no more

Volcanic domes are common in our Solar System but so far only one has been identified on dwarf planet Ceres. New research suggests that numerous volcanic domes may have formed throughout Ceres’s history, indicating that cryovolcanism may have once been more common on the dwarf planet.
Report of the Committee on Land Erosion, 1950–1951

Activities of the Committee on Land Erosion, since the present Committee was appointed in September, 1950, have been confined mainly to correspondence among members as a means of becoming better acquainted and of deciding on a suitable program for consideration of the Committee Erosion being such a far-flung and complex phenomenon defies any small group to consider all of its many facets. It is obvious, therefore, that greatest practical results would be obtained if Committee activities were confined in the main to those investigations in which members are currently engaged. Colman and Sinclair state that one of their chief current interests is the study of possibilities for decreasing creep on steep mountain slopes in Southern California. They have reason to believe that a considerable part (the precise amount being unknown) of the debris issuing from the canyons starts its way to channels as dry sliding or other type of soil movement that takes place during the dry seasons although the actual damage occurs during wet periods. Initially they hope to obtain more information on channel accumulations and to learn more about where the material comes from and how and when it moves to the channel. With this information they expect to be in a better position to study means of decreasing debris movement. The importance of debris movement into the densely populated valleys of Southern California is of such an order that additional planning along these lines can be well justified.
The Influence of Poverty on Teen Pregnancy in Texas

The purpose of this proposed study is to better understand the relationship between poverty and teen pregnancy in the state of Texas. The aim is to show that adolescents are more likely to get pregnant if they reside in a low-socioeconomic environment when compared to adolescents who do not live in a low economic area. Using the family structural theory, we will view the important dynamics of how poverty and teen pregnancy affects the household and means of avoiding contraception. A descriptive, retrospective study design will be used to assess the relationship between poverty and the occurrence of teen pregnancy, in adolescent females, in Texas. A total of 168 participants will be utilized to conduct this research. Participants aged from 13 through 19 from all ethnicities who live in Houston, Texas without pre-existing diseases will be included in the study. Data will be conducted by a positive pregnancy test and the Harris County Admissions form to determine annual income, number of pregnancies, and members within the household. A chi-square analysis will be used to determine the correlation between poverty and teen pregnancy. This study will bring awareness to the healthcare community and facilitate a broader outlook on teen pregnancy.
Data Mining and Sentiment Analysis of Real-Time Twitter Messages for Monitoring and Predicting Events

Real-time geolocation data can be used to map natural and social hazards, facilitating predictions and preventive actions. Currently, organizations such as the U.S Geological Survey, the U.S. Center for Disease Control, Weather.com and Google Trends attempt to provide information, but at a high cost and with limitations. This research represents an effort to overcome some of these challenges by offering an inexpensive alternative based on analyzed real-time data with precise geolocation, and including a dashboard informed by human factors analysis.Twitter is a social networking service that allows access to messages and geolocations created by members of the public. For this research, data was collected from Twitter and filtered through data mining techniques based on keywords and phrases. To eliminate tweets with a context other than the focus of this research, sentiment analysis was performed using machine learning algorithms. Visual representations of the results were created including maps of precipitation and earthquakes, and a dashboard showing flu spread. Human factors analysis techniques, mouse and eye trackers, and a small survey-based study were used to verify that users could make accurate interpretations and conclusions.
Regulation of Erythropoiesis: XXIII. Dissociation between Stem Cell and Erythroid Response to Hypoxia

The effect of hypoxia on red cell production and stem cells, as measured by CFU, was studied in two strains of mice. One of these strains, the CAF1, has been shown to produce relatively little erythropoietin in response to hypoxia; the other, the CF1, produces substantial amounts of erythropoietin. In the studies reported herein the CAF1 mice had an increase of ∼ 30 per cent in red cell mass after 23 days of exposure to either discontinuous (16 hrs./day) or continuous hypoxia equivalent to 23,000 feet of altitude. The CF1 mouse doubled its red cell mass after similar exposure. The splenic CFU decreased to as low as 17 per cent in the poorly responding CAF1 but remained at or near control levels in the CF1. It is suggested that the dissociation between erythroid response and changes in the CFU reflect a secondary effect of hypoxia not directly related to the erythropoietin-induced increase in red cell production.
Phenotypic and Functional Alterations in Tunneling Nanotubes Formed by Glaucomatous Trabecular Meshwork Cells

Purpose Trabecular meshwork (TM) cells detect and coordinate responses to intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye. TM cells become dysfunctional in glaucoma where IOP is often elevated. Recently, we showed that normal TM (NTM) cells communicate by forming tubular connections called tunneling nanotubes (TNTs). Here, we investigated TNTs in glaucomatous TM (GTM) cells. Methods Primary GTM and NTM cells were established from cadaver eyes. Transfer of Vybrant DiO and DiD-labeled vesicles via TNT connections was measured. Imaris software measured the number and length of cell protrusions from immunofluorescent confocal images. Live-cell imaging of the actin cytoskeleton was performed. The distribution of myosin-X, a regulator of TNTs/filopodia, was investigated in TM cells and tissue. Results GTM cells contained significantly more transferred fluorescent vesicles than NTM cells (49.6% vs. 35%). Although NTM cells had more protrusions at the cell surface than GTM cells (7.61 vs. 4.65 protrusions/cell), GTM protrusions were significantly longer (12.1 μm vs. 9.76 μm). Live-cell imaging demonstrated that the GTM actin cytoskeleton was less dynamic, and vesicle transfer between cells was significantly slower than NTM cells. Furthermore, rearrangement of the actin cortex adjacent to the TNT may influence TNT formation. Myosin-X immunostaining was punctate and disorganized in GTM cells and tissue compared to age-matched NTM controls. Conclusions Together, our data demonstrate that GTM cells have phenotypic and functional differences in their TNTs. Significantly slower vesicle transfer via TNTs in GTM cells may delay the timely propagation of cellular signals when pressures become elevated in glaucoma.
Exploring the Social-Ecological Factors that Mobilize Children into Violence

This article applies the social-ecological model to children’s mobilization into two violent groups—Central American gangs and terrorist organizations. While these two groups clearly differ in impo...
Seed germination of a rare gypsum-associated species, Arctomecon californica (Papaveraceae), in the Mojave Desert

Abstract Persistence of rare species associated with unique soil habitats is uncertain with commonly accelerating threats such as habitat loss, fragmentation, and rapid environmental change and limited availability of critical life-history information, such as seed dormancy and germination. Exemplifying rare species of unique habitats in arid environments, Arctomecon californica Torr. & Frem. (Las Vegas bearpoppy) is endemic to gypsic- (calcium sulfate dihydrate) and calcic- (calcium carbonate) soil landscapes in the Mojave Desert of southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona, USA. We examined seed dormancy and germination of A. californica using integrated field and laboratory experiments assessing whether (i) field conditioning could enhance laboratory seed germination; (ii) sulfuric acid, as a potential constituent of gypsum soil water, could break dormancy; and (iii) different temperature regimes could affect germination. Our study demonstrates three findings pertaining to A. californica germination: the promotive effect of low temperature exposure, or more specifically single to multiple cold stratification (cold-wet) events; the potential initial enhancing role of sulfuric acid on the cold stratification process, which diminishes with prolonged cold stratification exposure; and the relative ineffectiveness of a one-season field conditioning treatment on A. californica germination, suggesting that longer cold stratification events, within season or over multiple seasons, are required to trigger germination. For land managers, the efficacy of cold stratification as a dormancy break has potential to inform A. californica conservation management within suitable habitat and support restoration applications such as in breaking dormancy before seeding and propagating plants.
Silk nanocoatings of mammalian cells for cytoprotection against mechanical stress

Mammalian cells are widely used in biotechnology and regenerative medicine applications, including recombinant protein production, cell therapy, 3D bioprinting, and ex vivo engineering of tissues and organs. Unlike unicellular organisms, fungi, or plants, animal cells lack a protective cell wall, and therefore are more sensitive to processing conditions, particularly mechanical forces. Hydrodynamic forces during capillary flow can damage the plasma membrane and impact cell viability and functions, limiting the yields of protein production or the success of injection-based cell delivery and 3D bioprinting of artificial tissues and organs. Here, we present nanocoating individual murine fibroblasts as a model organism with silk-based artificial cell walls to protect against mechanical stress. Cells were coated with three bilayers of silk polyelectrolytes through layer-by-layer electrostatic deposition and subjected to mechanical stress by extrusion through needles with small inner diameters or shearing using a rheometer. The silk nanocoatings preserved membrane integrity, cell survival, and proliferation after exposure to stress in viscous polyethylene glycol solution, providing a useful strategy for cytoprotection during cell delivery and 3D bioprinting applications. Use of mammalian cells is a necessity in the industrial production of biopharmaceuticals because of proper protein folding through chaperone systems and post-translational modifications such as glycosylation being essential for functional products. Moreover, transplantation of human cells holds great promise in regeneration of serious injuries in the bone, brain, or spinal cord as well as debilitating diseases such as stroke, diabetes, arterial dysfunctions, and cancers. Cell delivery by direct injection or within 3D-printed scaffolds with well-defined, patient-specific geometry and composition has potential in filling the gap of insufficient organ transplantation. Both the delivery of mammalian cells into a bioreactor through transfer pipes or cell extrusion through fine needles or nozzles for injection-based delivery or bioprinting, however, may expose the cells to extremes of mechanical stress that impair cell viability and reduce the yield of production or overall success of the transplantation therapy. The silk nanocoatings on individual cells demonstrated in this study acted as artificial cell walls for mammalian cells and provided protection against mechanical stress during capillary flow or exposure to a constant shear force and significantly limited the loss of membrane integrity and necrotic or apoptotic cell death. The safety and simplicity of the approach involving protein-based, biocompatible silk fibroin processed through organic solvent-free, nature-friendly modification pathways allows for rapid translation in biotechnology and regenerative medicine to improve cell delivery applications.
Comment on “Scattering Cancellation-Based Cloaking for the Maxwell-Cattaneo Heat Waves”

This is a comment on the assumptions, model, and calculations in the paper by Farhat et al. [Phys. Rev. Appl. 11, 044089 (2019)] on cloaking of thermal waves in solids. The differences between the two thermal flux laws considered in the latter paper are also critically discussed, specifically showing that the chosen model does not correspond to the Maxwell-Cattaneo hyperbolic (wave) theory of heat transfer.
Hippocampal β2-GABAA receptors mediate LTP suppression by etomidate and contribute to long-lasting feedback but not feedforward inhibition of pyramidal neurons.

Etomidate exerts its anesthetic actions through GABAA receptors. However, the mechanism remains unknown. Here, using a hippocampal brain slice model, we show that β2-GABAARs are essential to this e...
Issues in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents

The treatment of traumatic stress responses in children raises issues that transverse the disciplines of neurobiology, psychodynamics, psychosocial influences, and behavioral and cognitive development. Here, the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital, we have established a research and clinical prevention intervention program in the area of violence, trauma, and sudden bereavement in childhood. We have responded to requests for assistance from numerous communities after extreme acts of violence or disaster.
The INFO-ROC Technique: A Method for Comparing and Optimizing Inspection Systems

Inspection systems are used in many areas of manufacturing to detect defects in machinery or components which might result in malfunction. Such defects often can be detected definitively by methods that establish “the truth” about whether defects are present, but these definitive methods suffer their own drawbacks: they generally are more complicated, more expensive, more time consuming and, most important of all, more destructive to the manufacturing system or components being evaluated.
Resection of Sternal Tumors

This chapter covers the resection of sternal tumors. The indications for surgery as well as the outcomes of surgical treatment are discussed in detail. The chapter also provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of surgical techniques of sternal resection as well as reconstruction of both skeletal and soft tissue defects.
Fusion Nuclear Science Facility Candidates

To move to a fusion DEMO power plant after ITER, a Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) is needed in addition to ITER and research in operating tokamaks and those under construction. The FNSF wil...
Finding Dense Clusters in Hyperspace: An Approach Based on Row Shuffling

High dimensional data sets generally exhibit low density, since the number of possible cells exceeds the actual number of cells in the set. This characteristic has prompted researchers to automate the search for subspaces where the density is higher. In this paper we present an algorithm that takes advantage of categorical, unordered dimensions to increase the density of subspaces in the data set. It does this by shuffling rows in those dimensions, so the final ordering results in increased density of regions in hyperspace. We argue for the usage of this shuffling technique as a preprocessing step for other techniques that compress the hyperspace by means of statistical models, since denser regions usually result in better-fitting models. The experimental results support this argument. We also show how to integrate this algorithm with two grid clustering procedures in order to find these dense regions. The experimental results in both synthetic and real data sets show that row-shuffling can drastically increase the density of the subspaces, leading to better clusters.
Application of doubled haploids for target gene fixation in backcross programmes of maize

With 2 figures Abstract Application of molecular markers in backcross (BC) programmes is well established. A combination of foreground and background selection is used to tag donor alleles and to accelerate BC programmes. Similarly, doubled haploid (DH) lines are increasingly used in maize and various other crops to speed up breeding programmes. The DH technology cannot accelerate the BC procedure, but it is beneficial for the final step in BC programmes. For the fixation of target gene(s), smaller population sizes are required in case of DHs compared with progeny produced by self-pollination. The objectives of this study were to determine the usefulness of DH compared with BCnF2 populations in the final step of BC programmes in relation to (i) the number of target genes and (ii) the genetic distance of a pair of target genes, linked in repulsion phase. We found that the relative advantage of using DH compared with self-pollinated progeny increases rapidly with the number of independently segregating target genes in BC programmes, and in particular in case of close linkage (recombination fraction r < 0.05).
Bacterial Degradation of Biotin VI. ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF β-HYDROXY AND β-KETO COMPOUNDS

β-Hydroxy[14C]biotin and two 14C-methyl ketones have been isolated and identified for the first time from culture filtrates of a pseudomonad grown on [14C]biotin. The methyl ketones arise from decarboxylation of the β-keto acids derived from biotin and bisnorbiotin. Also, β-hydroxy[14C]biotin sulfone was isolated from similar cultures which contained [carboxy-14C]biotin sulfone plus biotin for growth. These results confirm that the valeric acid side chain of biotin is degraded via β oxidation which can proceed only in part with the rather metabolically inactive sulfone. Biotin d-sulfoxide isolated from a culture filtrate of the pseudomonad grown on [carboxy-14C]biotin was found to have the same specific radioactivity as that of the biotin initially present. This provides strong evidence that the d-sulfoxide arises through natural oxidation of the thioether function of the vitamin. No radioactive, ring-degraded products could be detected following growth on [carboxy-14C]biotin, [carboxy-14C]biotin d-sulfoxide, [carboxy-14C]biotin 1-sulfoxide plus biotin, or [carboxy-14C]biotin sulfone plus biotin. Hence, it is increasingly certain that degradation of the side chain must precede cleavage of the bicyclic structure of this vitamin.
Associative and Competitive Principles of Learning and Development

This article reviews some principles, mechanisms, and theorems from my work over the past twenty-five years. I review these results here to illustrate their interconnectedness from a recent perspective, to indicate directions for future work, and to reaffirm an approach to theorizing on problems of mind and brain that is still not fashionable despite growing signs that it needs to become so soon.
A Hunter‐Gatherer Landscape: Southwest Germany in the Late Paleolithic and Mesolithic

. Hunter-Gatherer Landscape: Southwest Germany in the Late Paleolithic and Mesolithic. Michael A. Jochim. New York: Plenum, 1998. 248 pp.
On the problem of measuring discount rates in intertemporal transportation choices

Users of transportation systems face economic decisions that involve cash flows in different points in time. In making these intertemporal choices, users tradeoff between immediate and future benefits and costs. For example, battery electric vehicles require a higher investment but offer important energy savings that may pay off. Using an appropriate discount rate, future costs are transformed into a present equivalent that can be directly compared with upfront expenses or known prices. In this paper we review different methods for measuring individual discount rates that have been used in the literature to discuss, in particular, the findings of the “energy paradox” or undervaluation of future savings (making more difficult the adoption of energy efficient vehicles). We identify two main methods of treating discount rates in discrete choice models, namely endogenous and exogenous discounting. Exogenous discounting addresses some problems of the endogenous discounting method (attribute correlation, endogeneity, and imposition of rational evaluation of future costs), but lacks correct treatment of unobserved heterogeneity. We also review experimental elicitation of intertemporal preferences that accounts for heterogeneous discounting. In particular, we tested a modified version of a reward-over-time choice experiment that can be easily incorporated into transportation surveys. In addition, we compared the experimental discount rates with those obtained from a contingent valuation exercise. The continent valuation exercise not only provided a much higher mean for the discount rate (13.93 % was the mean experimental discount rate, whereas the contingent valuation mean was 93.9 %), but also the level of variability among respondents was unexpectedly high (6.4–267 %).
Structure−Reactivity Relationships of Flavan-3-ols on Product Generation in Aqueous Glucose/Glycine Model Systems

Ring structure−reactivity relationships of three flavan-3-ols [epicatechin (EC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)] and three simple phenolic compounds (1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene, 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene, and methylgallate as the analogous individual A, B, and C benzene rings of EGCG) on product generation in an aqueous glucose−glycine reaction model system (125 °C and 30 min) were investigated. The addition of EC, ECG, or EGCG to a glucose−glycine model was reported to similarly significantly reduce the formation of pyrazine, methyl-substituted pyrazines, and cyclotene. All three flavan-3-ols were also reported to generate phenolic-C2, C3, C4, and C6 sugar fragment adducts and to statistically reduce the concentration of glyoxal, glycolaldehyde, methylglyoxal, hydroxyacetone, diacetyl, acetoin, and 3-deoxyglucosone during the reaction time course, except for the EGCG reaction where 3-deoxyglucosone was not statistically different from the control after 20 min. For the simple ph...
The task-related competency and compliance aspects of goal setting: A clarification☆

Abstract The relative salience of the competency information and compliance aspects of the goal-setting context was manipulated to study its effect on affective task reactions to an interesting and a boring task. The results indicated that task satisfaction was the highest when goal attainment was essential for obtaining monetary incentives but highly salient competency information was also provided. This effect, however, held only for the boring task. On the interesting task, there was no evidence of an adverse effect for goals on task satisfaction regardless of the relative salience of the two aspects. Subjects performing either task were, however, significantly more satisfied with the goal-setting process itself when the goals conveyed competency information than when the goals failed to convey this information.
Comparison of endometrial cytology to endometrial histology in the detection of hyperplasia and carcinoma

Abstract Objective: The objective was to compare endometrial cytology obtained by a new device, the Tao Brush, to endometrial histology obtained by Pipelle in subjects requiring endometrial biopsy. Methods: Each subject underwent both endometrial biopsy obtained by Pipelle and endometrial cytology by the Tao Brush. Histologic samples were evaluated by a single pathologist, whereas cytologic samples were evaluated by two cytologists who were blinded to the histologic diagnoses and to each other. Results: Of the 60 subjects with adequate tissue for histologic diagnosis, 5 had endometrial hyperplasia and 2 had adenocarcinoma. Both cytologists correctly identified 4 of the 7 hyperplasia/carcinoma samples. In the three cases where neither cytologist found an abnormality, two had focal simple hyperplasia without atypia and one had focal complex hyperplasia with atypia by histology. Cytologist A correctly identifed 52 of 53 benign samples, and cytologist B correctly identified all 53 benign samples (histologic/cytologic κ for A = 0.63, B = 0.70). The sensitivity of the endometrial cytology for detecting hyperplasia/carcinoma was 57%, whereas specificity was 98% for cytologist A and 100% for cytologist B. The two cytologists agreed on the benign diagnosis versus carcinoma/hyperplasia in all but one subject (κ for interobserver agreement = 0.880). Conclusions: Endometrial cytology collected by the Tao Brush shows promise as a new technique for evaluating the endometrium when compared with endometrial histology. Further study is needed to determine if the sensitivity for detection of endometrial hyperplasia can be improved with more experience.
Cryptographically-Curated File System (CCFS): Secure, inter-operable, and easily implementable Information-Centric Networking

Cryptographically-Curated File System (CCFS) proposed in this work supports the adoption of Information-Centric Networking. CCFS utilizes content names that span trust boundaries, verify integrity, tolerate disruption, authenticate content, and provide non-repudiation. Irrespective of the ability to reach an authoritative host, CCFS provides secure access by binding a chain of trust into the content name itself. Curators cryptographically bind content to a name, which is a path through a series of objects that map human meaningful names to cryptographically strong content identifiers. CCFS serves as a network layer for storage systems unifying currently disparate storage technologies. The power of CCFS derives from file hashes and public keys used as a name with which to retrieve content and as a method of verifying that content. We present results from our prototype implementation. Our results show that the overhead associated with CCFS is not negligible, but also is not prohibitive.
Stability of liquid films adjacent to compressible streams

An analysis is presented for the linear stability of a liquid film, adjacent to a compressible viscous gas stream. The analysis is valid for all wavelengths and liquid Reynolds numbers. The pressure and shear perturbations exerted by the gas on the liquid are calculated, using a gas model which takes into account the gas viscosity, velocity profile, and heat transfer. The results show that an inviscid, uniform stream model for the gas is inadequate unless the disturbed boundary layer is very thin. Although the present linear analysis is in fairly good agreement with the experimental observations for subsonic flow, it does not predict the observed wavelengths and wave speeds for supersonic flow.
Efficient photometric feature extraction in a hierarchical learning scheme for nodule detection

In this paper, we present an efficient way of computing a run-length matrix which is used in extracting photometric features for computer vision applications such as object recognition and image retrieval. Our algorithm has two main steps which are quantisation and a fast indexing procedure for grey levels and their runs. We tested the features computed from the run-length matrix in our computer aided detection (CAD) system for lung nodule detection from computed tomography (CT) images. Our CAD system embeds a hierarchical learning scheme that allows multi-perspective and multi-level object recognition. The classification results obtained using the run-length features are promising.
Secreted Mouse Prolactin (PRL) and Stored Ovine PRL. I. Biochemical Characterization, Isolation, and Purification of Their Electrophoretic Isoforms*

The biochemical nature of the electroisomers of secreted mouse PRL and stored ovine PRL were compared. When examined on alkaline polyacrylamide gels, they exhibited electrophoretic heterogeneity. The electrophoretic isomers had the same molecular size by examination of Ferguson plots and therefore differed only in net negative charge at alkaline pH. There was no apparent charge heterogeneity in the PRL preparations when they were electrophoresed at a pH below the pKa of the side-chain carboxyl groups of aspartic acid and glutamic acid; however, they exhibited size heterogeneity owing to aggregation. The slowest migrating electroisomers (from alkaline gels) converted spontaneously into faster migrating forms at 37 C in either acid (pH 4.0) or alkaline (pH 8.0) environments. The rate constant (determined at 37 C) for the transformation of the native PRL into faster migrating isoforms was 10.76 × 106 sec–1 at pH 8.0 and 0.50 × 106 sec–1 at pH 4.0. When secreted mouse PRL was incubated in alkaline (pH 10.0) c...
A Pelvic Drain Can Often Be Avoided After Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy—An Update in 552 Cases

Abstract Objectives The routine placement of a pelvic drain following radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) may not be required. We describe our experience in 552 consecutive RRPs to emphasise the safety of this approach and explain our rationale for avoiding a drain when possible. Methods RRP was performed in 552 consecutive patients with clinically localised adenocarcinoma of the prostate between January 2002 and June 2005. Clinical and pathologic information was documented for each patient. After the prostate was removed and the anastomotic sutures tied, the bladder was gently filled with approximately 50 ml of saline through the urethral catheter. If there was no leak, a drain was not placed. Results A drain was not placed in 419 (76%) of the 552 patients. We compared the postoperative complication rates in those with (D+) and without (D−) a drain. There were 27 (5%) immediate postoperative complications and no significant difference between the two groups (D+, 6%; D−, 5%; p =0.629): three (1%) patients who did not have a drain had a urinoma, one (1%) who had a drain had a lymphocele, and two (2%) who had a drain had a small pelvic haematoma. Conclusions If the bladder neck is preserved or meticulously reconstructed, there may be little extravasation and, thus, routine drainage is unnecessary. Our 4-year experience indicates that morbidity is not increased by omitting a drain from the pelvic cavity after RRP in properly selected cases.
Inositol changes in nerve and lens of galactose fed rats.

— —(1) Major organs of rats fed a 40 per cent galactose diet for one month were surveyed for changes in free myo-inositol. The levels were reduced only in lens and sciatic nerve. (2) In nerve and lens the low myo-inositol level was associated with high concentrations of galactitol and increased water content. (3) In nerve and lens myo-inositol levels returned towards normal during a period of 1–2 weeks in which animals were fed a regular diet again. The pattern of change showed (a) an initial lag period, and (b) return to normal after galactitol concentrations had fallen to a low level and at the same time that water content returned to normal. (4) In nerve there were changes in scyllo-inositol levels that paralleled those in myoinositol. (5) The evidence suggests that the inositol changes were related to the osmotic effects of galactitol accumulation rather than to a direct inhibition of myo-inositol synthesis or uptake.
The decreased growth rate of obese strain chicken thyroid cells provides in vitro evidence for a primary target organ abnormality in chickens susceptible to autoimmune thyroiditis

The obese (OS) strain of chickens develops severe autoimmune thyroiditis, whereas its progenitor, the Cornell (CS) strain, rarely does. To detect possible developmental abnormalities in the OS thyroid, CS and OS embryonic thyroid epithelia were cultured in vitro and compared in several assays for growth and DNA metabolism. It was found that OS thyroid cells incorporated less tritiated thymidine, reached lower saturation densities, and possessed a significantly longer doubling time (26.1 hr) than CS cells (17.6 hr). The decreased growth rate of OS thyroid cells correlated with their inability to condition their own media. These abnormalities in the embryonic development of OS thyroid cells were discussed in the context of factors predisposing to autoimmune thyroiditis.
Proton and divalent cations induce synergistic but mechanistically different destabilizations of pH-sensitive liposomes composed of dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine and oleic acid.

Protons and divalent cations show synergistic effects on the destabilization of liposomes composed of unsaturated phosphatidylethanolamine and oleic acid (Duzgunes et al., Biochemistry (1985) 24, 3091). We have extended these observations and investigated the effects of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on the proton-induced destabilization of dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine/oleic acid (DOPE/OA) (4:1 molar ratio) liposomes. Temperature-induced aggregation was measured by 90° light scattering. Lipid mixing was used to monitor vesicle destabilization and freeze-fracture electron microscopy was used to examine the structures formed from DOPE/OA vesicles in the presence of Ca2+ and/or protons. Both Mg2+ and Ca2+ shift the pH required for 50% lipid mixing to higher values. Temperature-induced vesicle aggregation occurs at lower temperatures in the presence of divalent cations and/or protons, indicating that intervesicular repulsions are decreased. Freeze-fracture electron micrographs show that the structures formed from DOPE/OA in the presence of Ca2+ differ significantly from those found in the presence of protons. In general, protons induce the formation of hexagonal phase, while the presence of Ca2+ leads to the formation of extensive regions of lamellar sheets with numerous lipidic particles. The synergistic effect of divalent cations and proton may be important for the maximal biological activity of DOPE/OA liposomes.
Discovery of N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]furo[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxamide, an Agonist of the α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor, for the Potential Treatment of Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia: Synthesis and Structure−Activity Relationship

N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]furo[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxamide (14, PHA-543,613), a novel agonist of the α7 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR), has been identified as a potential treatment of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Compound 14 is a potent and selective α7 nAChR agonist with an excellent in vitro profile. The compound is characterized by rapid brain penetration and high oral bioavailability in rat and demonstrates in vivo efficacy in auditory sensory gating and, in an in vivo model to assess cognitive performance, novel object recognition.
Synthesis of DNA oligodeoxynucleotides containing structurally defined N6-(2-hydroxy-3-buten-1-yl)-adenine adducts of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene.

Abstract 3,4-Epoxy-1-butene (EB) is generated by cytochrome P450-mediated epoxidation of 1,3-butadiene (BD), an important environmental and industrial chemical classified as a probable human carcinogen. The ability of EB to induce point mutations at GC and AT base pairs has been attributed to its reactions with DNA to form covalent nucleobase adducts. Guanine alkylation is preferred at the endocyclic N7 nitrogen, while adenine can be modified at the N1-, N3-, N7-, and the N6 positions. For each of these sites, a pair of regioisomeric 2-hydroxy-3-buten-1-yl and 1-hydroxy-3-buten-2-yl adducts is produced as a result of epoxide ring opening at the terminal C-4 or the internal C-3 carbon position of EB, respectively. The N6-EB-adenine adducts are of particular interest because of their stability in DNA, potentially leading to their accumulation in vivo. In the present work, synthetic DNA oligomers containing structurally defined N6-(2-hydroxy-3-buten-1-yl)-dA (N6-HB-dA) adducts were prepared for the first time by a postoligomerization approach that involved coupling 6-chloropurine-containing DNA with synthetic 1-amino-3-buten-2-ol. N6-HB-dA-containing DNA oligomers were isolated by reversed phase HPLC, and the presence of N6-HB-dA in their structure was confirmed by molecular weight determination from HPLC–ESI−–MS of the intact strands and by HPLC–ESI+–MS/MS and MS/MS/MS analyses of the enzymatic digests using synthetic N6-HB-dA as an authentic standard. N6-HB-dA-containing oligomers generated in this study will be used for structural and biological studies.
Teaching Electricity and Magnetism

A discussion of a method for presenting the fundamental relations of the science of electricity and magnetism is presented including a brief description of the various absolute unit systems. Most of the fundamental relations of electricity and magnetism are presented in general form. The relations are called general in the sense that they are complete and correct for use with any consistent unrationalized unit system. The relations are presented in a logical and rigorous sequence, that is, the basis of each relation is found in the preceding relations.
Synthesis of +-dihydro-epi-deoxyarteannuin B.

The synthesis of (+)-dihydro-epi-deoxyarteannuin B (3) from (−)-isopulegol is described. Difficulties in the alkylation of menthone derivatives (e.g., 4a → 6a) were overcome by using Noyori's zincate enolate method. Related problems with nucleophilic addition to the hindered menthone core of 6a were resolved by using either organocerium or acetylide nucleophiles. Finally, two alternative olefin metathesis approaches are reported for the final cyclization. This study provides insight into the reactivity and synthetic processing of the artemisinin sesquiterpenes.
Quantifying cognitive impairment due to physical or mental stress

In this paper, we study impairment caused by physical stress and impairment caused by alcohol consumption. We first base line the EEG waves in a meditation state. Then we measure the EEG waves during the physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs and doing sit-ups. We also measure the effect on brain as a person spins while sitting in a revolving chair (simulating a mental stress). Finally, we measure the EEG waves after consumption of alcohol. Our study shows that EEG waves do capture the physical activities that cause impairment. The magnitude of EEG waves increases with increased intensity of stress as measured by physical exercise or alcohol consumption. The magnitude is highest for sit-ups as compared to other activities and the magnitude for sit-ups after alcohol is even higher when compared with magnitude before alcohol consumption. A higher magnitude means lower level of alertness. The results could be used to improve the care of elderly and plan the intensity of their physical activity.
Turner syndrome: transition from pediatrics to adulthood.

ABSTRACT Objective To highlight the importance of an improved, seamless, and effective transition from pediatric to adult care, especially for medically complex conditions such as Turner syndrome (TS). Methods The morbidities in adult patients with TS are reviewed, including features of the metabolic syndrome, congenital and acquired cardiovascular conditions, osteopenia and osteoporosis, autoimmune thyroid disease, and obesity, and psychobehavioral issues are addressed, in terms of promoting the development of independent selfcare and autonomy in adolescent patients. Results An essential component of high-quality health care, transition for adolescents with TS needs to be reengineered as a staged process initiated during earlystage adolescence (about age 12 years), when exogenous estrogen therapy is begun in coordination with the final phase of growth hormone therapy. At this time, the focus of care shifts from the parent to the adolescent and from maximizing final adult height to inducing puberty with gradually increasing doses of estrogen. During this transition, the development of healthful and independent healthcare behaviors should be promoted to prepare patients with TS for the adult responsibility of self-care. During the final phase of transition, an adult care plan should be formulated in collaboration with the adolescent with TS and her providers of adult care to improve the likelihood that she will continue to be carefully monitored in a way that optimizes her adult health and longevity. Conclusion The transitional period from pediatrics to adulthood is the ideal time for patients with TS to be made aware of their health history and health needs and of the evolving impact of TS into adulthood. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:775-781)
Mutational analysis of residues important for ligand interaction with the human P2Y12 receptor

The P2Y(12) receptor, a Gi protein-coupled receptor, plays a central role in platelet activation. In this study, we did a mutational analysis of residues possibly involved in the ligand interactions with the human P2Y(12) receptor. Mutant receptors were stably expressed in CHO-K1 cells with an HA-tag at the N-terminus. Expression of wild-type and mutant receptors was confirmed by detecting the HA-tag on the cell membrane. Residues in transmembrane helical domains (TMs) 3, 5, 6, and 7, which are homologous to residues important for P2Y(1) receptor activation and ligand recognition, were replaced by site-directed mutagenesis. ADP-induced inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels in the presence or absence of antagonist AR-C69931MX were investigated for each of the mutant receptors. F104S and S288P significantly increased agonist-induced receptor function without affecting the antagonism by AR-C69931MX. Arg256 in TM6 and Arg 265 in extracellular loop 3 (EL3) are more important for antagonist recognition than effect on agonist-mediated receptor function. Compared to wild-type P2Y(12) receptor, mutations in Arg 256 or/and Arg 265 significantly increased the sensitivity to antagonist AR-C69931MX. Our study shows that the cytosolic side of TM3 and the exofacial side of TM5 are critical for P2Y(12) receptor function, which is different from P2Y(1). Arg 256 in TM6 and Arg265 in EL3 appear to play a role in antagonist recognition rather than effects on agonist-induced receptor function.
Leadership in Street-Level Bureaucracy: An Exploratory Study of Supervisor-Worker Interactions in Emergency Medical Services

Street-level bureaucrats operate in a world relatively free of supervision, exercising discretionary abilities often without the presence of formal authority figures or managers. Although wide latitude in decision making is a norm of frontline work, leaders may occasionally be present to supervise service provision. This exploratory research employs narrative inquiry to examine the interactions of street-level personnel and formal authority figures during service provision in emergency medical services. Results indicate that occasions for compliance and disregard for managerial directives are manifest. Compliant behavior was evident when patient clinical needs were relatively clear and the effects of the directives were reasonably consistent with the paramedic’s preconceived notions of appropriate action. Deviation from managerial directives was apparent when patient’s positive outcomes were dependent on ignoring orders. Contributions to theory and practice, as well as avenues for future research are disc...
Radial keratotomy in an elderly patient

A 74-year-old male complained of poor vision and diplopia as a result of cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. On refraction, we found -6.25 diopters (D) of myopia in his right eye. The patient, dissatisfied with wearing contact lenses and spectacles to correct vision, opted to have refractive corneal surgery. We performed a four-incision radial keratotomy with a 4 mm clear zone. This resulted in a 3.75 D (-2.5 D residual myopia) reduction in myopia at two months of follow-up. Our results indicate that radial keratotomy may be useful for correcting unacceptable myopia in older patients.