cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic and phenotypic diversity and random association of DNA markers of isolates of the fungal plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum from soil on a fine geographic scale

Abstract Sclerotia of the soil-borne plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were collected from 1 m 2 area of the top 1.27 cm layer of soil in an alfalfa field in southeastern Washington state of the US. Out of 272 sclerotia collected, 40 were randomly selected and analyzed for genetic diversity in terms of microsatellite loci, mycelial compatibility groups (MCGs) and phenotypic diversity using five phenotypic traits (fungicide sensitivity, oxalic acid production, growth rate, colony color and virulence). Sixteen microsatellite haplotypes and 15 MCGs were found among the 40 isolates. The isolates showed three colony colors (beige, dark and white) on Difco PDA and exhibited significant differences in growth rate, oxalic acid production, and sensitivity to three fungicides, benomyl, fluazinam and iprodione. However, these isolates did not show differences in their ability to colonize detached pea leaves. No apparent relationship among the neutral genetic markers and the phenotypic traits was detected. Two of the haplotypes accounted 40% of the isolates, suggesting isolates of these haplotypes might be better adapted to the environmental conditions in this alfalfa field. Several lines of evidence indicated high levels of genetic diversity and potential outcrossing within the population of S. sclerotiorum : 1) high likelihood of five genetic populations based on Bayesian probability and the presence of admixed isolates; 2) random association of alleles in every pair-wise linkage disequilibrium test among eight independent microsatellite loci; 3) discordances between microsatellite haplotypes and MCGs and 4) lack of correspondence among the genetic markers and phenotypic traits. Multilocus Index of Association test suggested that outcrossing occurs only within interbreeding subpopulations of S. sclerotiorum .
A DFT investigation on the electronic properties of octahaloditechnetate anions: Correlation between charge and bond strength

Abstract Density functional theory (DFT) calculations using BHH X = Cl, Br; n = 2–4). The purpose of the study was to investigate the abnormal Tc 2 X 8 n − system, where the Tc–Tc bond length unexpectedly shortened from Tc 2 X 8 2− to Tc 2 X 8 3− , as the decrease in formal bond order from 4 to 3.5 normally tends to result in an increased bond length. Geometry optimizations using the functional BH&HLYP and basis sets SDD/aug-CC-PVDZ were able to reproduce this irregular change in Tc–Tc bond length. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses demonstrated that an increase in both σ and π bond strength, likely induced by the change in charge on the Tc atoms, resulted in the shortening in the Tc–Tc bond length. This study also suggested that DFT calculations on compounds with metal–metal bonds are sensitive to the choice of functionals and basis sets.
SURFACE AND INTERFACE STRESS EFFECTS IN THIN FILMS

Abstract Surface and interface stresses in solids are defined and their role in the thermodynamics of solids is presented. A discussion concerning the physical meaning of these quantities is given, along with a review of selected theoretical calculations and experimental measurements. It is shown that for a solid phase with one or more of its dimensions smaller than about 10 nm, the surface and interface stresses can be principal factors in determining the equilibrium structure and behavior of the solid. In particular, the effects of surface and interface stresses on thin films are reviered along with the related topic of surface reconstructions in metals.
Ring Contraction of Bridgehead Sultams by Photoinduced Di-π-methane Rearrangement

Triplet-sensitized irradiation of 8-thia-9-azatricyclo[7.2.1.02,7]dodeca-2,4,6,10-tetraene (16) in acetone solution gives rise exclusively to tetracyclic sultam 20. This strong preference for benzo-vinyl bridging distal to the sulfonamide functional group has also been observed in eight derivatives carrying chemically diverse functional groups at C-10. In none of these examples is regiospecificity eroded. This overall result suggests that the added substituents act in harmony with the electronic rebonding pathway found operative in the parent system. From the structural perspective, this transformation constitutes a facile means for accomplishing the ring contraction of a bridgehead sultam.
Synthesis of conolidine, a potent non-opioid analgesic for tonic and persistent pain

Management of chronic pain continues to represent an area of great unmet biomedical need. Although opioid analgesics are typically embraced as the mainstay of pharmaceutical interventions in this area, they suffer from substantial liabilities that include addiction and tolerance, as well as depression of breathing, nausea and chronic constipation. Because of their suboptimal therapeutic profile, the search for non-opioid analgesics to replace these well-established therapeutics is an important pursuit. Conolidine is a rare C5-nor stemmadenine natural product recently isolated from the stem bark of Tabernaemontana divaricata (a tropical flowering plant used in traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic and Thai medicine). Although structurally related alkaloids have been described as opioid analgesics, no therapeutically relevant properties of conolidine have previously been reported. Here, we describe the first de novo synthetic pathway to this exceptionally rare C5-nor stemmadenine natural product, the first asymmetric synthesis of any member of this natural product class, and the discovery that (±)-, (+)- and (-)-conolidine are potent and efficacious non-opioid analgesics in an in vivo model of tonic and persistent pain.
Bilayer electrodes: Theory and experiment for electron trapping reactions at the interface between two redox polymer films

Abstract Theory is presented for rates of oxidation state trapping (charge trapping) in the outer polymer film on electrodes coated with two, spatially-segregated redox polymer films (a bilayer). The linear potential sweep voltammetric response of the bilayer Pt/poly-[Ru(vbpy) 3 ] 3+ /poly-[Fe(vbpy) 3 ] 2+ in 0.1 M Et 4 NClO 4 /CH 3 CN is analyzed for two possible rate limiting steps: electron transfer across the interface between the two polymer films and charge transport (electron diffusion) within the inner film. The leading edge of the bilayer charge trapping current peak is best fit by electron diffusion theory, up to 80% of i peak . Accurate description of the concentration-potential relationship of Ru(III) states in the inner poly-[Ru(vbpy) 3 ] 2+/3+ film is crucial for quantitative comparison of the leading edge currents to theory. Currents near i peak are not controlled by inner film electron diffusion; the controlling process(es) there were not easily assignable. A redox conduction experiment with a Pt/poly-[Ru(bpy) 2 (vpy) 2 ] 2+ /poly-[Os(bpy) 2 (vpy) 2 ] 2+ /Au sandwich electrode additionally demonstrates electron diffusion limitation as opposed to interfacial electron transfer.
Effects of social deprivation in prepubescent rhesus monkeys: immunohistochemical analysis of the neurofilament protein triplet in the hippocampal formation

Social deprivation during early postnatal life has profound and long-lasting effects on the behavior of primates, including prolonged and exaggerated responses to stress as well as impaired performance on a variety of learning tasks. Although the cellular changes that underlie such alterations in behavior are unknown, environmentally induced psychopathology may involve morphologic or biochemical changes in select neuronal populations. The hippocampal formation of both socially deprived and socially reared prepubescent rhesus monkeys was selected for immunocytochemical investigation because of its association with the behavioral stress response and learning. Immunocytochemical analysis using antibodies specific for the neurofilament protein triplet was performed since these proteins are modified within degenerating neurons in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. Results from optical density measurements indicate an increase in the intensity of non-phosphorylated neurofilament protein immunoreactivity in the dentate gyrus granule cell layer of socially deprived monkeys in comparison with that of socially reared animals, suggesting that early social deprivation may result in an increase in the amount of non-phosphorylated neurofilament protein in these cells. This phenotypic difference in dentate granule cells between differentially reared monkeys supports the notion that specific subpopulations of neurons in brain regions that subserve complex behaviors may undergo long-term modifications induced by environmental conditions. Furthermore, the data suggest that constitutive chemical components related to structural integrity may be as susceptible to early environmental manipulations as the more traditionally viewed measures of cellular perturbations, such as neurotransmitter dynamics, cell density and the establishment of connectivity. The observed modifications may serve as an anatomical substrate for behavioral abnormalities that persist in later life.
The Simple Science of Flight: From Insects to Jumbo Jets

By Henk Tennekes (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2009), xii + 201 pp. $22.05/£15.95 paper. Kudos to MIT Press for publishing the revitalized and rejuvenated (cf. xii) edition of The Simple Science of Fl...
Distribution of Tritium Labeled Human Growth Hormone in Rats and Guinea Pigs.

Summary1. Biologically active labeled human growth hormone, prepared by limited acetylation with tritiated acetic anhydride, was injected intravenously into rats and guinea pigs. 2. In both rats and guinea pigs the radioactivity was distributed primarily to skeletal muscle, liver, intestine, kidney, bone, fat, and urine. 3. Autoradiographic studies indicated that intravenously injected human and bovine growth hormone were concentrated in proximal renal tubular cells of both rats and guinea pigs.
Isolation and structure elucidation of Sch 642305, a novel bacterial DNA primase inhibitor produced by Penicillium verrucosum

A novel primase inhibitor, Sch 642305 (1), was isolated from the fermentation broth of the fungal culture Penicillium verrucosum. The structure of 1 was elucidated on the basis of MS and NMR spectroscopic data as a new and unusual bicyclic 10-membered macrolide. The absolute configuration of the asymmetric centers was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis of the p-bromobenzoate derivative (3). Compound 1 exhibited inhibitory activity against bacterial DNA primase enzyme with an EC50 of 70 μM.
Risk factors for Clostridium difficile cytotoxin-positive diarrhea after control for horizontal transmission.

Objective: This study identifies risk factors that predispose hospitalized patients to diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile. Design: Unlike most previous studies, this case-control study accounts for horizontal (person-to-person) transmission of this infectious organism by matching on location. Setting: An urban community hospital of 600 beds with both primary care and referred patients. Patients: Both the 36 cases and the 36 controls came from billing printouts for C difficile cytotoxin assays. Exclusion criteria included outpatient specimens and stays of 38 days or more. Controls had negative assays and were individually matched on the basis of the floor and by the general date of specimen collection. Results: Cases had a longer mean duration of antibiotic use (6.7 versus 4.1 days, p = .006). Of the other 22 factors that were evaluated for their risk of predisposing to C difficile, only clindamycin (OR = 3.50, p =.09) and third-generation cephalosporins (OR = 3.00, p = .04) showed any association. The odds ratio for third-generation cephalosporins in the absence of clindamycin was 3.50 (p = .09). Data were collected by physicians who were not blinded. Conclusions: This study found that the clindamycin and third-generation cephalosporins were risk factors for C difficile-associated diarrhea after controlling for horizontal transmission. First-generation cephalosporins were not risk factors (OR= 0.86), while sample size considerations prevented firm conclusions about second-generation cephalosporins (OR = 1.67, p = .23). Many of the previously alleged risk factors might be explained by the horizontal transmission of an infectious disease; for instance, this seems a better explanation for an outbreak on a surgery ward than does surgery itself. (Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 1991;12:96-100.)
The receptor for advanced glycation end-products: a complex signaling scenario for a promiscuous receptor

Firstly described in 1992, the receptor for advanced glycation end-products has attracted increasing attention due to its diverse ligand repertoire and involvement in several pathophysiological processes associated with inflammation such as in diabetes, cancer, autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. This receptor in addition to its binding capacity for advanced glycation end-products also recognizes some molecules classified as both, pathogen- and damage-associated molecular patterns and thus triggering the transcription of genes encoding inflammatory mediators. Some of these ligands are common for both, the receptor of advanced glycation end-products and members of the Toll-like receptor family, generating shared signaling cascades. Furthermore, these receptors may cooperate as essential partners through the recruitment and assembly of homo- and hetero-oligomers in order to strengthen the inflammatory response. The purpose of this review is to highlight the importance of some particular features of this multiligand receptor, its signaling cascade as well as the cross-talk with some members of the Toll-like receptor family.
Self‐interaction chromatography: A tool for the study of protein–protein interactions in bioprocessing environments

We describe a new protein characterization technique called self-interaction chromatography (SIC), which exploits the specificity of protein-protein interactions that is common to protein aggregates and enables the rapid screening of protein formulation additives as physical stabilizers against aggregation. This technique also enables the identification of specific interaction sites and the determination of their relative importance for self-association. Mannitol, glycine, and dextran 40 were tested for their stabilizing effect toward the model protein lysozyme. Dextran 40 exhibited a poor stabilizing effect. While mannitol stabilized both the native and acid-denatured forms of lysozyme, glycine stabilized the native form with respect to the denatured species. These results are in good agreement with findings in the formulation literature. The SIC shows tremendous potential as a rapid formulation development tool. We also screened two putative interaction sites for involvement in the self-association of lysozyme and estimated the associated binding energies using a binding isotherm model that we developed. The sites screened consisted of residues 41-48 and 125-128 and were selected based on their apparent importance in forming crystal contacts in several different crystal forms of lysozyme. Of the two sites, only residues 125-128 were found to influence self-association under the conditions we employed. Because the success of this technique depends on the exploitation of self-interactions between native species, several important applications are also suggested such as separating native from misfolded or variant species and probing site utilization in aggregation versus crystallization phenomena.
SDH-related pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma

Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are rare tumors of adrenals as well as the sympathetic and parasympathetic paraganglia. Clinical presentation of these tumors depends on localization, secretory profile and malignant potential. Four distinct syndromes--PGL1-4--are related to mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase gene--mitochondrial complex involved in electron transfer and Krebs cycle. Here we describe etiology, genetics, as well as clinical aspects of SDH-related tumors. We also describe recent discoveries in HIF-related pathway of tumorigenesis and mutations in new SDH-related genes that have improved our understanding of this disease.
Conclusions and Future Research

We first summarize Chapters 3 through 15, without discussing any of the applications contained within a chapter, and then present our suggestions for future research. Our conclusions are at the end of the Chapter.
Powertrain sensors and actuators: driving toward optimized vehicle performance

The past background, present status, and future prospects are examined for powertrain sensors and actuators. It is noted that success in automotive electronics, especially powertrain electronics, will be predicated upon meeting stringent measures of quality, cost effectiveness, and size, while increasing the number of functions processed. As sensors and actuators become more sophisticated, additional powertrain functions will be scrutinized and/or altered. For example, fuel injectors may contain onboard memory to record initial fuel flow characteristics, thus improving the accuracy of fuel delivery and enhancing serviceability. Ford's Electronic Engine Control IV (EEC-IV) is examined to gain an appreciation of the current state of the art in powertrain sensors and actuators. Consideration is also given to the SCAP (silicon capacitance absolute pressure) sensor. Finally, powertrain sensors/actuators expected to be in use by the year 2000 and beyond are considered. >
The Action of Erythropoietin on Erythroid Cells in vitro

The in vitro action of erythropoietin on erythroid cells from bone marrow of adult rabbits was explored utilizing a plasma clot medium which enabled the study of the development of erythroid colonies from single cells. Bone marrows from normal, polycythaemic, bleeding anaemic and haemolytic anaemic rabbits were cultured with and without erythropoietin, and colonies were identified and enumerated on days 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12. Daily observations of erythropoietin-enriched cultures from normal rabbits revealed continuous emergence and disappearance of erythroid colonies for up to three weeks. Periodic examination of stained preparations led to the following conclusions: 1) The continuous emergence in erythropoietin-enriched media of early colonies throughout the period of observation supports the hypothesis that one action of erythropoietin is to cause blast transformation of stem cells to proerythroblasts. 2) Prolonged erythropoietic stimulation appears to increase the total number of erythropoietin-committed stem cells. 3) Since the speed of maturation appeared to be more rapid in erythropoietin-enriched cultures from chronic haemolytic rabbits, it seems possible that prolonged erythropoietic stress causes the formation of stem cells with an altered proliferative potential. 4) There appeared to be little, if any, effect of erythropoietin on maturing erythroid cells as shown by the lack of increase in numbers or size of late erythroid colonies in erythropoietin-enriched cultures from rabbits exposed to a brief period of erythropoietic suppression or stimulation.
Integrating adaptive on-chip storage structures for reduced dynamic power

Energy efficiency in microarchitectures has become a necessity. Significant dynamic energy savings can be realized for adaptive storage structures such as caches, issue queues, and register files by disabling unnecessary storage resources. Prior studies have analyzed individual structures and their control. A common theme to these studies is exploration of the configuration space and use of system IPC as feedback to guide reconfiguration. However when multiple structures adapt in concert, the number of possible configurations increases dramatically, and assigning causal effects to IPC change becomes problematic. To overcome this issue, we introduce designs that are reconfigured solely on local behavior. We introduce a novel cache design that permits direct calculation of efficient configurations. For buffer and queue structures, limited histogramming permits precise resizing control. When applying these techniques we show energy savings of up to 70% on the individual structures, and savings averaging 30% overall for the portion of energy attributed to these structures with an average of 2.1% performance degradation.
A high performance dataflow processor for multiprocessor systems

A configuration for a high-performance dataflow processor is proposed. The processor is equipped with a matching unit that allows multiple-token matching operations to proceed concurrently. Performance of the processor is evaluated through simulation with Livermore Fortran kernels, both vectorizable and non vectorizable, as a workload. Compared to the existing system, the proposed processor shows a substantial speedup. >
A new approach to boundary modelling for finite difference applications in solid mechanics

Procedures for extending the useful scope of the finite difference method in solid mechanics applications are presented. The improvements centre around the introduction of the physical nature of the deformations into the equations used to formulate the approximate solution. This is accomplished by evaluating the coefficients of Taylor series expansions for the displacement approximations in terms of rigid body motions, strains and derivatives of strains. This procedure is demonstrated with plane stress applications. The ability to interpret the derivative approximations physically allows the fictitious nodes typical of the finite difference method to be rationally incorporated into the model as a means of enforcing traction boundary conditions. An example problem is solved using both regular and irregular meshes. The displacements and stresses compare well with finite element solutions.
Estimating the price elasticity of US electricity demand

Abstract The use of a single electricity price has been seen as a major shortcoming of econometric models of residential electricity demand. It has been suggested that demand estimation should be based on the full rate schedule. This suggestion is evaluated here by examining demand estimates for 27 investor-owned US utilities over the period 1957–1972. The specification errors resulting from using an average revenue price are measured. It is found that statistically valid demand estimated do not necessarily require information on tariff schedules, but that state-wide aggregates of elasticity may often be inapplicable to individual utilities.
Automatic generation of fuzzy rulebase for robot arm posture selection

When performing a manipulation task, through experience we place our arm in a posture which is best suited for performing that task. Although indices for quantifying the optimality of robot arm postures with respect to task requirements have been formulated in the past, they have not been used in practice for posture selection. The primary reason for this lack of use is that finding the optimal posture according to these indices is a highly nonlinear, high dimensional optimization problem. There are many local minima that are difficult to avoid unless the initial posture (i.e., initial conditions) is already near the true optimum; and there are no guidelines for choosing initial postures. Using a cluster estimation method, we have automatically generated a fuzzy rulebase for selecting the initial posture for a redundant robot arm. From 10,000 training data relating arm posture to arm performance characteristics, 138 rules were generated. In essence, the rulebase of 138 protypical postures; each posture has a fuzzy range of performance characteristics. Given a set of desired performance characteristics (e.g., move fast in the x direction, exert force in y direction) as the input to the rulebase, the degree of fulfillment of each rule is the degree to which the posture's performance characteristics matches the task requirements. The posture with the highest degree of match is selected as the initial posture. >
A temperament for learning: The limbic system and myelomeningocele

This article was the winner of the triennial Casey Holter Memorial Prize awarded by the Society for Research into Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida, 2004.
Transactivator of Transcription Fusion Protein Transduction Causes Membrane Inversion

The transactivator of transcription (TAT) protein transduction domain is an 11-amino acid positively charged peptide that has been shown to pull diverse molecules across cell membranes in vitro and in vivo. Fusion proteins constructed with TAT rapidly enter and exit cells and have been shown to cross intracellular membranes as well. Electrostatic interactions between TAT and the cell membrane have been implicated as a part of the mechanism of transduction. Here, we report that TAT transduction causes membrane phospholipid rearrangement as evidenced by detection of phosphatidylserine on the outer surface of the cell membrane. Furthermore, these rearrangements can be blocked by positively charged polylysine, further implicating electrostatic interactions as a part of the mechanism. Neither apoptosis nor necrosis is induced in these cells after exposure to TAT. We conclude that the process of TAT·GFP transduction causes phosphatidylserine to translocate from the inner to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. These results provide insight into the mechanism of TAT protein transduction domain transduction.
Enhancing Treatment Outcome of Patients at Risk of Treatment Failure: Meta-Analytic and Mega-Analytic Review of a Psychotherapy Quality Assurance System.

Objective: Outcome research has documented worsening among a minority of the patient population (5% to 10%). In this study, we conducted a meta-analytic and mega-analytic review of a psychotherapy quality assurance system intended to enhance outcomes in patients at risk of treatment failure. Method: Original data from six major studies conducted at a large university counseling center and a hospital outpatient setting (N 6,151, mean age 23.3 years, female 63.2%, Caucasian 85%) were reanalyzed to examine the effects of progress feedback on patient outcome. In this quality assurance system, the Outcome Questionnaire–45 was routinely administered to patients to monitor their therapeutic progress and was utilized as part of an early alert system to identify patients at risk of treatment failure. Patient progress feedback based on this alert system was provided to clinicians so that they could intervene before treatment failure occurred. Meta-analytic and mega-analytic approaches were applied in intent-to-treat and efficacy analyses of the effects of feedback interventions. Results: Three forms of feedback interventions—integral elements of this quality assurance system—were effective in enhancing treatment outcome, especially for signal alarm patients. Two of the three feedback interventions were also effective in preventing treatment failure (clinical support tools and the provision of patient progress feedback to therapists). Conclusions: The current state of evidence appears to support the efficacy and effectiveness of feedback interventions in enhancing treatment outcome.
A test of NLC-type beam loading in the SLAC linac

The linac at the Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC) runs routinely with a beam loading of around 12% for the fixed target experiment E-158. Typical energy spread and energy jitter are 0.1% and 0.05%. To explore the conditions for the Next Linear Collider (NLC) the linac was operated with 20% beam loading. This was attained by increasing the beam charge from 5/spl middot/10/sup 11/ to 9/spl middot/10/sup 11/ particles and increasing the pulse length from 250 ns to 320 ns. Although the beam loading compensation was more difficult to achieve, a reliable operating point was found with a similar energy spread and energy jitter as at the lower loading. Furthermore, using the subharmonic buncher (SHB), the beam was bunched at 178.5 MHz instead of the nominal 2.8 GHz so that the charge from 16 adjacent buckets was combined into one. Increased transverse instability and beam losses along the linac were observed indicating the possible onset of beam break-up.
Questionnaire Use in Pediatric Practice Survey of Practice

A sample of members of the American Academy of Pediatrics were surveyed to determine the nature and extent of questionnaire use in pediatric practice and to assess practitioners' attitudes toward questionnaires. Thirty-eight percent of 169 respondents (of 300 contacted) reported that they were using a questionnaire in their clinical practice and an additional 36 percent indicated interest in possible future use. Most (89%) questionnaires were constructed by the practitioners themselves. Questionnaire use was associated with group practice and prepaid fee plans. Efficiency was the most common reason given for questionnaire use and impersonality was the most commonly cited objection. Practitioners' attitudes toward questionnaires are discussed.
Germ plasm and the differentiation of the germ cell line.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses germ plasm and the differentiation of the germ cell line. Germ plasm is defined as a substance present in the cytoplasm of gametes, which is segregated into specific cells during blastulation and determines that those cells shall become the progenitors of the germ cell line during subsequent development. The composition of germ plasm is discussed. The histochemical evidence for the presence of RNA in polar granules of insects and germinal plasm of amphibians indicates that RNA is present only in eggs and early embryos, while a protein component is present throughout the germ cell cycle. Good morphological and experimental evidence for the presence of germ plasm is available for only a few animal species. The germinal cells of chaetognaths were present in early stages of embryonic development and identified a group of cells at the bottom of the archenteron cavity in gastrulas of Sagitta as the primordium of the germ line. Experimental studies are given to determine the role of germinal plasm in anuran eggs by altering the cytoplasm in which it is contained.
Therapeutic Interchange of Parenteral Anticoagulants: Challenges for Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committees

This is a review of key factors for pharmacy and therapeutics committees to consider when developing a therapeutic interchange (TI) program for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis. Recent patient safety initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired VTE may increase the prescribing of thromboprophylactic agents recommended in VTE management guidelines. As a result, more pharmacy and therapeutics committees may consider TI programs for parenteral anticoagulants. However, the TI of anticoagulants appears challenging at this time. Firstly, the therapeutic equivalence of the commonly prescribed parenteral anticoagulants, enoxaparin, dalteparin and fondaparinux, has not been established. Secondly, because of the wide range of clinical indications for these anticoagulants, a blanket agent-specific TI program could lead to off-label use. Use of an indication-specific TI program could be difficult to manage administratively, and may cause prescribing confusion and errors. Thirdly, careful dosing and contraindications of certain parenteral anticoagulants in special patient populations, such as those with renal impairment, further impact the suitability of these agents for inclusion in TI programs. Finally, although TI may appear to offer lower drug-acquisition costs, it is important to determine its effect on all cost parameters and ultimately ensure that the care of patients requiring VTE prophylaxis is not compromised.
Lean Methodology in Health Care

Lean production is a process management philosophy that examines organizational processes from a customer perspective with the goal of limiting the use of resources to those processes that create value for the end customer. Lean manufacturing emphasizes increasing efficiency, decreasing waste, and using methods to decide what matters rather than accepting preexisting practices. A rapid improvement team at Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pennsylvania, implemented a plan, do, check, act cycle to determine problems in the central sterile processing department, test solutions, and document improved processes. By using A3 thinking, a consensus building process that graphically depicts the current state, the target state, and the gaps between the two, the team worked to improve efficiency and safety, and to decrease costs. Use of this methodology has increased teamwork, created user-friendly work areas and processes, changed management styles and expectations, increased staff empowerment and involvement, and streamlined the supply chain within the perioperative area.
Aviation 2006 NO x -induced effects on atmospheric ozone and HO x in Community Earth System Model (CESM)

Abstract. The interaction between atmospheric chemistry and ozone (O3) in the upper troposphere–lower stratosphere (UTLS) presents a major uncertainty in understanding the effects of aviation on climate. In this study, two configurations of the atmospheric model from the Community Earth System Model (CESM), Community Atmosphere Model with Chemistry, Version 4 (CAM4) and Version 5 (CAM5), are used to evaluate the effects of aircraft nitrogen oxide (NOx = NO + NO2) emissions on ozone and the background chemistry in the UTLS. CAM4 and CAM5 simulations were both performed with extensive tropospheric and stratospheric chemistry including 133 species and 330 photochemical reactions. CAM5 includes direct and indirect aerosol effects on clouds using a modal aerosol module (MAM), whereby CAM4 uses a bulk aerosol module, which can only simulate the direct effect. To examine the accuracy of the aviation NOx-induced ozone distribution in the two models, results from the CAM5 and CAM4 simulations are compared to ozonesonde data. Aviation NOx emissions for 2006 were obtained from the AEDT (Aviation Environmental Design Tool) global commercial aircraft emissions inventory. Differences between simulated O3 concentrations and ozonesonde measurements averaged at representative levels in the troposphere and different regions are 13% in CAM5 and 18% in CAM4. Results show a localized increase in aviation-induced O3 concentrations at aviation cruise altitudes that stretches from 40° N to the North Pole. The results indicate a greater and more disperse production of aviation NOx-induced ozone in CAM5, with the annual tropospheric mean O3 perturbation of 1.2 ppb (2.4%) for CAM5 and 1.0 ppb (1.9%) for CAM4. The annual mean O3 perturbation peaks at about 8.2 ppb (6.4%) and 8.8 ppb (5.2%) in CAM5 and CAM4, respectively. Aviation emissions also result in increased hydroxyl radical (OH) concentrations and methane (CH4) loss rates, reducing the tropospheric methane lifetime in CAM5 and CAM4 by 1.69 and 1.40%, respectively. Aviation NOx emissions are associated with an instantaneous change in global mean short-term O3 radiative forcing (RF) of 40.3 and 36.5 mWm−2 in CAM5 and CAM4, respectively.
Hepatitis C status and infectious complications in the surgical intensive care unit: a retrospective analysis of 1,941 consecutive patients.

Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is thought to be associated with immune dysfunction. We hypothesized that HCV status would be associated with increased infectious complications in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU). Methods All patients admitted to our SICU between 2008 and 2012 were included. We evaluated 90-day mortality and infectious complications in the SICU. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of infectious complications and 90-day mortality. Results A total of 1,941 patients were included. The HCV-positive group had a higher overall incidence of infectious complications (25% vs 18%), particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and bacteremia. The increased incidences of VAP and bacteremia persisted when cirrhotic patients were excluded. Prolonged intubation (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.1), abdominal surgery (OR = 1.6), and model for end-stage liver disease ≥ 15 (OR = 1.4) were independent predictors of SICU infectious complications. Conclusions The HCV-positive group had an increased incidence of infectious complications in the SICU, particularly VAP and bacteremia. This effect persisted when cirrhotic patients were excluded.
From Single Atoms to Nanocrystals: Photoreduction of [PtCl6]2– in Aqueous and Tetrahydrofuran Solutions of PVP

Structured platinum nanoclusters Ptn (n = 5–30) capped by poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) have unique and highly attractive properties as potential selective catalysts. We show that the assembly of Pt mononuclear compounds in aqueous and tetrahydrofuran (THF) solutions under UV irradiation proceed via several steps: formation of linear Ptn clusters (n = 2–8), coalescence into mesocrystals, and transformation into Pt nanocrystals. The “quantum” size range of Ptn (n = 5–100) clusters is intermediate between those clusters with molecular properties and those with metallic properties. The PVP “cage” acts as a nano reactor and can hinder diffusion of photoexcited Pt atoms. The diffusion of the Pt from the polymer cage is strongly affected by the hydrophobic or hydrophilic property of the solution. An aqueous solution of [PtCl6]2– + PVP transforms into noncrystalline aggregates of molecules of less than 1.5–2 nm in diameter, whereas in THF solution Pt nanocrystals increase proportional to the UV irradiation time...
Integrated Nanophotonics Technology for Optical Interconnects

The IBM Silicon Nanophotonics technology enables cost-efficient optical links that connect racks, modules, and chips together with ultra-low power single-die optical transceivers. I will give an overview of its historical development, technology differentiators, current status and a roadmap
Some combined electrification processes in convective clouds

A quantitative evaluation of the electrification processes due to thermal gradients in ice and inductive charging processes is made for the purpose of identifying those processes and regions in convective clouds where electrification is occurring the most strongly. When the thermal-gradient charging process is possible, due to the presence of solid particles in the clouds, it is found that initially the electrification proceeds more rapidly. This electrification stage is followed quickly by the enhancement of the existing field through induction charging processes. These processes work together to increase the electrification in clouds most rapidly and with the greatest intensity when solid precipitation at temperatures near 0°C are present in cloud air with ice particles that are several degrees colder so that the thermal gradient mechanisms can be present of the right sign and the conductivity of the ice high enough for fast charge transfer between colliding particles. Incorporation of the effects of the electric field on the relative velocities of the charged particles after collision limits the strength of the maximum field but provides for a more natural shape to the electric field growth curve. When this restriction is too severe, relative motion of charged volumes by large scale convection may be required to push the electric field to its discharge intensity.
Studies on Hymenogaster (Basidiomycotina): A Re-Evaluation of the Subgenus Dendrogaster

Type specimens of Hymenogaster brunnescens, H. diabolus, H. subcaeruleus, H. sublilacinus, H. subochraceus, and H. subolivaceus, originally described in Hymenogaster subgenus Dendrogaster, plus a n...
OVULE PACKAGING IN STOCHASTIC POLLINATION AND FERTILIZATION ENVIRONMENTS.

The modular morphology of plants has important consequences for reproductive strategies. Ovules are packaged in discrete structures (flowers) that usually vary stochastically in pollen capture and ovule fertilization, because of the vagaries of pollen transfer by external agents. Different ovule packaging schemes may use limited reproductive resources more or less effectively, so that some number of ovules per flower may be optimal, given the prevailing probabilities of ovule fertilization. I derive a phenotypic model for ovule number per flower that maximizes the expected total ovule fertilizations on a plant when pollination and fertilization vary randomly among individual flowers. This model predicts that, except for small or inexpensive flowers, ovules should be "oversupplied" relative to the mean receipt of pollen tubes, so that pollen limitation of seed set should be common. Published data are congruent with this prediction. Additional hypotheses on the relation of ovule packaging to floral cost, plant size, and variance in pollen receipt are suggested by the model, but few data exist to evaluate these hypotheses.
Validation of the Mie theory for rain attenuation at 72 and 84 GHz

This paper presents the Mie theory for propagation loss resulting from atmosphere scattering and absorption for W/V frequency bands. The theory will be validated using experiment data collected on a 23-km test and measurement range, which is instrumented with an unmodulated transmitter, a receiver, and several meteorology instruments. This research is crucial for understanding signal propagation phenomena and enabling the utilization of the W/V-bands for satellite communication.
Impact of Contraception on Female Sexual Function.

Abstract Background: Sexual dysfunction is common among US women of reproductive age, many of whom use contraception. Various contraceptive methods have been associated with changes in sexual function. Methods: In this narrative review, we selected key articles based on our collective clinical experience. We summarized findings and best practice recommendations for addressing a woman's contraception and its potential relationship to sexual function. Results: Although some hormonal contraception is associated with sexual dysfunction, studies show mixed results based on route of administration and progestin component. Interestingly, nonuse of contraception also appears to be associated with sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction. Low-dose vaginal estrogen, lubricants, and moisturizers may be used for treating vaginal dryness in the setting of hypoestrogenic states in reproductive-age women. Conclusion: A review of current contraception is appropriate for women presenting with sexual health concerns. Sexual ...
Event Selection and Efficiency

The first step in any cross section measurement is to count the number of events passing a set of signal selection cuts. These cuts attempt to isolate the DIS events from all events the detector records, and sort them into different bins of E ν and x bj based on the reconstruction. Recalling the formula for total cross section (Eq. ( 7.1)): $$\displaystyle{ \sigma _{i} = \frac{U_{ij}\left (d_{j} - b_{j}\right )} {\Delta _{i}\,\epsilon _{i}\,\Phi _{i}\,N}, }$$ the event selection populates d j in the data and simulation.
Gunn rats as a surrogate model for evaluation of hepatocyte transplantation-based therapies of crigler-najjar syndrome type 1

Liver transplantation has been established as a curative therapy for acute and chronic liver failure, as well as liver-based inherited metabolic diseases. Because of the complexity of organ transplantation and the worldwide shortage of donor organs, hepatocyte transplantation is being developed as a bridging therapy until donor organs become available, or for amelioration of inherited liver-based diseases. The Gunn rat is a molecular and metabolic model of Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 1, which is characterized by lifelong unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia due to the lack of uridinediphosphoglucuronate glucuronosyltransferase-1 (UGT1A1)-mediated bilirubin glucuronidation. Gunn rats are convenient for evaluating the effect of hepatocyte transplantation or gene therapy, because the extent of UGT1A1 replacement can be assessed by serial determination of serum bilirubin levels, and excretion of bilirubin glucuronides in bile provide definitive evidence of the function of the transplanted hepatocytes or the effect of gene therapy. The core techniques involved in hepatocyte transplantation in Gunn rats are discussed in this chapter.
“We Were the Choreographers; the Dance Teachers Were the Helpers”: Student Perceptions of Learning in a Dance Outreach Program Interpreted Through a Lens of 21st-Century Skills

ABSTRACTThis study emerged out of collaboration between an artist-educator and a dance researcher. It explores student experience participating in a school based dance outreach program at an urban elementary school. The program is supported by a local, contemporary dance company. The artist-educator approaches teaching and curriculum with values shared by constructivist, critical, and transformative pedagogical theory. An overview of teaching practices and curriculum is presented in this article. Students’ written reflections are mined for data representing students’ lived experience in dance. Findings suggest that students practice skills and develop content knowledge that aligns with student outcomes identified as essential to 21st century learning by Partnership for 21st Century Learning. This article discusses findings in relation to Framework for 21st Century Learning as a way to bridge student learning in dance with broader educational goals and curriculum.
Finding Enlightenment: U.S. Latina/o's Journey to Islam

How do Latina/o Muslims establish themselves and make their presence felt in the United States? In this article, I examine stories of reversion (conversion) by U.S. Latina/o Muslims in order to understand this process and their social location once they make that decision. After conversion U.S. Latina/o Muslims re-construct their lives, customs, and traditions (such as food and prayer) in light of their newfound religion. By analyzing their stories and experiences we see that this community is not only at the margins of society but also at the margins of their own ethnic group. They are located in-between worlds, as Other. In response, they gather in local organizations where they build a new communal identity.
Deformation correction for image guided liver surgery: An intraoperative fidelity assessment.

Background Although systems of 3-dimensional image-guided surgery are a valuable adjunct across numerous procedures, differences in organ shape between that reflected in the preoperative image data and the intraoperative state can compromise the fidelity of such guidance based on the image. In this work, we assessed in real time a novel, 3-dimensional image-guided operation platform that incorporates soft tissue deformation. Methods A series of 125 alignment evaluations were performed across 20 patients. During the operation, the surgeon assessed the liver by swabbing an optically tracked stylus over the liver surface and viewing the image-guided operation display. Each patient had approximately 6 intraoperative comparative evaluations. For each assessment, 1 of only 2 types of alignments were considered: conventional rigid and novel deformable. The series of alignment types used was randomized and blinded to the surgeon. The surgeon provided a rating, R, from −3 to +3 for each display compared with the previous display, whereby a negative rating indicated degradation in fidelity and a positive rating an improvement. Results A statistical analysis of the series of rating data by the clinician indicated that the surgeons were able to perceive an improvement (defined as a R > 1) of the model-based registration over the rigid registration ( P = .01) as well as a degradation (defined as R P = .03). Conclusion This study provides evidence of the benefit of deformation correction in providing an accurate location for the liver for use in image-guided surgery systems.