cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of soluble, salt-loaded, degradable PLGA films and their release of tetracycline

A local drug delivery system has been designed to release tetracycline over a period of 30 days from poly (lactide-co-glycolide) films. Incorporation of either soluble salt excipients or low molecular weight polymeric species has been found to modulate the release kinetics of the system. The following research describes the fabrication of the delivery system, monitors tetracycline release from the system, and fully characterizes the degradation of the polymer films via scanning electron microscopy, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Results show that the modulation via use of salts occurs without changing the inherent degradation rate of the system. We suggest that this phenomenon may be due to the increased amount of swelling and uptake of buffer by the films loaded with soluble salt. Uptake, therefore, may be creating microscopic pores that permit further diffusion of tetracycline from the polymer matrix as well as allow the free monomers to leave the system, thereby preventing autocatalysis within the system.
Characterization of microglia and macrophages in the central nervous system of rats: Definition of the differential expression of molecules using standard and novel monoclonal antibodies in normal CNS and in four models of parenchymal reaction

This report describes the development of a new panel of monoclonal antibodies produced following immunization of mice with cultured rat microglial cells. Using these new reagents and previously defined antibodies that bind to microglia or macrophages, the responses of parenchymal microglia, perivascular "microglial" cells, and infiltrating macrophage/monocytes were examined in 4 divergent models of central nervous system reaction. These were brain abscess, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, Wallerian degeneration, and stab wound. No single new antibody was specific only for microglia; all antibodies positively staining microglial cells also labeled various subsets of macrophage/monocytic cells in normal tissues of the immune system. Moreover, the results indicate that microglia are capable of different levels and a variety of types of response, as defined by the molecules they elaborate. These findings suggest that these CNS resident cells belong to the extended monocyte/macrophage/dendritic cell family and that they do not respond in a stereotypic manner to all forms of CNS insult.
Carrier detection for Sjögren-Larsson syndrome.

Sjogren-Larsson syndrome (SLS) is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with reduced activity of the fatty alcohol: NAD+ oxidoreductase complex (FAO). Recent studies indicate that SLS patients are specifically deficient in the fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase (FALDH) component of FAO. To investigate the possibility of carrier detection for SLS, FAO and FALDH activities were measured in cultured skin fibroblasts from normal controls, obligate SLS heterozygotes, and SLS homozygotes using the 18-carbon substrates octadecanol and octadecanal. Three of 11 heterozygotes for SLS had FAO activities that were within the normal range; the other 8 SLS heterozygotes had FAO activities below normal. In contrast, fibroblast FALDH activity was more effective than FAO in discriminating SLS heterozygotes from normal controls. FALDH activity (nmol min−1 (mg protein)−1) in normal controls was 8.54 ± 1.16 (mean ± SD; range 6.95–10.77;n=12) and in SLS heterozygotes was 5.12 ± 1.31 (range 3.28–6.96;n=11), or 60 ± 15% of mean normal activity. One SLS heterozygote had an FALDH activity within the lower range of normal; this heterozygote had an FAO activity below normal. None of the SLS heterozygotes had an FAO or FALDH activity that was in the range of that measured in SLS homozygotes. These results indicate that measurement of FAO and FALDH activities in cultured skin fibroblasts using 18-carbon substrates is useful for SLS carrier detection.
Complex component characterization based on elementary matrices

▪ Measurement of elementary matrix provides complete component characterization ▪ All important dispersion properties are readily available from matrix N; this eliminates the need for complex analysis of the Jones matrices. ▪ The elementary matrix directly shows the dispersive properties that are normally hidden within the Jones matrix. ▪ Concatenation formulas provided ▪ Learned that concatenation can create p's and q's not present in the individual parts ▪ High order PMD calculations are straight-forward ▪ Expect this to be a fruitful area of continued research.
EFFECT OF SINGLE VS. MULTIPLE DOSING ON PERFLUOROCHEMICAL (PFC) ELIMINATION PROFILE DURING PARTIAL LIQUID VENTILATION WITH LIQUIVENT®. † 2029

Previously, PFC elimination during partial liquid ventilation (PLV) has been qualitatively estimated from theoretical calculations, radiographic assessment, and visualization of PFC in the endotracheal tube at zero end expiratory pressure. The objective of this study was to quantitate PFC elimination kinetics following initial fill and with or without hourly dosing. Eleven adolescent New Zealand rabbits (1.55 ± 0.05 SE kg) were surgically instrumented and studied in two groups: Gr I: (n=6) PLV with LiquiVent® (S: single dose); Gr II: (n=5) PLV with LiquiVent® and hourly dosing (M: multiple doses). All rabbits were studied for four hours following initial instillation of PFC liquid (17 ± 0.72 SE ml/kg) equal to the measured gas functional residual capacity. Animals were ventilated at constant breathing frequency (30 bpm), tidal volume (9.3 ± 0.3 SE ml/kg), positive end expiratory pressure (4 cmH2O), inspiratory time(0.3 sec), and temperature (33 °C). PFC saturation of mixed expired gas(PFC-Sat) was assessed with a thermal conductivity analyzer and PFC elimination was calculated from PFC-Sat, minute ventilation, and temperature. For the M group additional doses were determined via hourly PFC elimination calculations. Arterial blood gases and lung mechanics were also assessed. PFC elimination data (mean ± SE) during 4 hrs of study are tabulated below:Table Results of this study demonstrate an appreciable increase in PFC-Sat and PFC elimination over time from the respiratory system with hourly supplementation when compared to animals which did not receive additional doses (p < 0.05). Additionally, PFC loss decreases with time independent of group (p < 0.05). These data demonstrate that PFC elimination rate is not constant and follows a non-linear decrement with time. This may have occurred due to distributional differences of ventilation and PFC between the M and S groups. These data are relevant in that the protective benefit of PFC in the lung may be sustained by frequent dosing which maintains PFC lung volume. (Supp. in part by NIH grant # R29HD26341 and Alliance Pharm. Corp.)
Wet Modes of Submerged Structures—Part 1: Theory

A method for determining the acoustic radiation and scattering response induced by harmonic excitation of a submerged elastic structure is presented. It is based on expansion vectors, called wet modes, which are the vector components of the spatial part of free harmonic vibration at the forcing frequency of the fluid-structure system. Advantages of this formulation are suggested. Numerical results for a spherical shell obtained by this method are compared with those from a series solution and with methods based on the use of in-vacuo structural modes as expansion vectors. An in-depth study of the application of the methodology to a more complex submerged structure is presented in the companion paper (Daddazio et al., 1992).
Infrared reflection-absorption of melittin interaction with phospholipid monolayers at the air/water interface

The interaction of melittin with monolayers of 1,2-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and 1,2-dipalmitoylphosphatidylserine has been investigated with infrared external reflection-absorption spectroscopy. Improved instrumentation permits determination of acyl chain conformation and peptide secondary structure in situ at the air/water interface. The IR frequency of the 1,2-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine antisymmetric acyl chain CH2 stretching vibration decreases by 1.3 cm-1 upon melittin insertion, consistent with acyl chain ordering, whereas the same vibrational mode increases by 0.5 cm-1 upon peptide interaction with the 1,2-dipalmitoylphosphatidylserine monolayer, indicative of chain disordering. Thus the peptide interacts quite differently with zwitterionic compared with negatively charged monolayer surfaces. Melittin in the monolayer adopted a secondary structure with an amide l(l') frequency (1635 cm-1) dramatically different from the alpha-helical motif (amide l frequency 1656 cm-1 in a dry or H2O hydrated environment, amide l' frequency 1645 cm-1 in an H-->D exchanged alpha-helix) assumed in bilayer or multibilayer environments. This work represents the first direct in situ spectroscopic indication that peptide secondary structure in lipid monolayers may differ from that in bilayers.
The N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists aminophosphonovaleric acid and MK-801 reduce anoxic damage to dentate granule and CA1 pyramidal cells in the rat hippocampal slice.

Abstract The effect of the N-methyl- d -aspartate antagonists, aminophosphonovaleric acid and MK-801, on irreversible transmission loss subsequent to anoxia was examined using the hippocampal slice preparation. A population spike was recorded from either the dentate granule cells or the CA1 pyramidal cells and the amplitude of this spike was compared before and 60 min following anoxia. After 10 min of anoxia the dentate granule cells recovered to 16 ± 7% (mean ± SE) of their preanoxic level when untreated and to 54 ± 15% when treated with aminophosphonovaleric acid (APV). In slices treated with MK-801 the population spikes recorded from dentate granule cells recovered to 85 ± 4% of their preanoxic level after 10 min of anoxia. Untreated CA1 pyramidal cells recovered to 8 ± 3% of their preanoxic amplitude after 5 min of anoxia; they recovered to 59 ± 6% when treated with MK-801 and 31 ± 13% when treated with APV. The recovery of slices treated with the drugs was significantly different from that of untreated slices. ATP levels were measured in both the dentate and the CA1 region of slices. ATP in both regions fell less during anoxia when the slices were pretreated with either APV or MK-801. These differences between drug-treated and untreated tissue were significant with APV and MK-801 in dentate tissue after 10 min of anoxia and with MK-801 in CA1 tissue after 5 min of anoxia. This reduced fall in ATP during anoxia was accompanied by better physiological recovery after anoxia. We conclude that these NMDA antagonists provide protection against anoxic damage to dentate granule and CA1 pyramidal cells in this in vitro hippocampal preparation. The reduced damage and maintained ATP levels during anoxia may be due to the blockade of ion flux through the NMDA receptor ion channel. The decreased ion flux could act to reduce ATP utilization for ion pumping as well as reduce damage caused by altered cytosolic levels of certain ions (e.g., calcium).
Individual variation in contractile cost and recovery in a human skeletal muscle.

Abstract This study determined the variation among individuals in ATP use during contraction and ATP synthesis after stimulation in a human limb muscle. Muscle energetics were evaluated using a metabolic stress test that separates ATP utilization from synthesis by 31P NMR spectroscopy. Epicutaneous supramaximal twitch stimulation (1 Hz) of the median and ulnar nerves was applied in combination with ischemia of the finger and wrist flexors in eight normal subjects. The linear creatine phosphate (PCr) breakdown during ischemic stimulation defined ATP use (delta PCr per twitch or approximately P/twitch) and was highly reproducible as shown by the relative standard deviation [(standard deviation/mean) x 100] of 11% in three repeated measures. The time constant of the monoexponential PCr change during aerobic recovery represented ATP synthesis rate and also showed a low relative standard deviation (9%). Individuals were found to differ significantly in both mean approximately P/twitch (PCr breakdown rates, 0.29-0.45% PCr per sec or % PCr per twitch; ANOVA, p < 0.001) and in mean recovery time constants (41-74 sec; ANOVA, P < 0.001). This range of approximately P/twitch corresponded with the range of fiber types reported for a flexor muscle. In addition, approximately P/twitch was negatively correlated with a metabolite marker of slow-twitch fiber composition (Pi/ATP). The nearly 2-fold range of recovery time constants agreed with the range of mitochondrial volume densities found in human muscle biopsies. These results indicate that both components involved in the muscle energy balance--oxidative capacity and contractile costs--vary among individuals in human muscle and can be measured noninvasively by 31 P NMR.
An Evolutionary Analysis of Variation in Parental Effort: Determinants and Assessment

SYNOPSIS Utilizing an evolutionary framework can elucidate the causes of variation in parental effort and guide measurement of relevant parenting constructs. The current article presents an evolutionary analysis of the determinants of parental effort and suggests that evolutionarily informed measures are needed to test evolutionary hypotheses. Towards this end, we employ evolutionary theory to guide development of new Parental Effort Scales, which supplement and extend extant methods for assessing coparenting.
The cross-pathway control gene of Neurospora crassa, cpc-1, encodes a protein similar to GCN4 of yeast and the DNA-binding domain of the oncogene v-jun-encoded protein.

Abstract Expression of the gene cpc-1 is required for cross-pathway-mediated regulation of amino acid-biosynthetic genes in Neurospora crassa. We have cloned cpc-1 and present an analysis of its structure and regulation. The cpc-1-encoded transcript contains three open reading frames, two of which are located in the 720-nucleotide leader segment preceding the cpc-1 coding region. The two leader open reading frames, if translated, would produce peptides 20 and 41 residues in length. The deduced amino acid sequence of the cpc-1 polypeptide, CPC1, contains segments similar to the DNA-binding and transcriptional activation domains of GCN4, the major cross-pathway regulatory protein of yeast. The structural and functional similarities of CPC1 and GCN4 proteins suggest that cpc-1 encodes the analogous transcriptional activator of N. crassa. Messenger RNA measurements indicate that cpc-1 is transcriptionally regulated in response to amino acid starvation. The segment of CPC1 similar to the DNA-binding domain of GCN4 also is similar to the DNA-binding domains of the avian sarcoma virus oncogene-encoded v-JUN protein and human c-JUN protein.
Technological advances for PICC placement and management

Placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is often complicated by the infant's small size and previous use of the peripheral veins, making the traditional means of insertion inadequate. New techniques and technologies, previously reserved for pediatric and adult patients, are now available for use in neonates and can enhance the practice of neonatal PICC teams. The modified Seldinger technique allows insertion of the PICC via smaller peripheral veins while decreasing venous trauma and enhancing the rate of successful placement. A second useful technique, the catheter exchange procedure, allows insertion of a new catheter within the same vein when complications such as occlusion, breakage, or inappropriate position occur and require removal of the currently dwelling PICC. Clinicians caring for neonates and infants must continually update their knowledge and skill by incorporating new techniques into their practice.
Transesophageal echocardiographic screening before atrial flutter ablation: is it necessary for patient safety?

Background Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is commonly used before atrial flutter (AFl) ablation to detect atrial thrombus (AT) and thereby identify a heightened risk for systemic embolism both in patients with their initial episodes of AFl and in those with prior episodes whose anticoagulation has been inadequate. This treatment strategy has been extrapolated from guidelines for atrial fibrillation. In fact, limited data exist regarding the prevalence or clinical associations of AT and spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) in patients with AFl. Both AT and SEC are believed to represent risk factors for systemic embolization. This study was designed to provide further insight into the prevalence of these and their associated clinical findings. Methods The results of transesophageal echocardiographic examinations in 347 consecutive patients with AFl in whom radiofrequency ablation procedures were planned were reviewed. In each case, specific care was taken to identify AT and SEC. The presence of either AT or more than mild SEC was considered to reflect a thrombogenic milieu (TM). Clinical and echocardiographic data were analyzed to determine the frequency and relevant clinical associations of these two markers of increased thromboembolic risk. In addition to determining the prevalence of AT and TM, the study sought to identify predictors of their presence short of TEE that might allow that procedure to be avoided. Results AT were found in 19 of the 347 patients (5.4%). TM was present in 39 patients (11.2%). SEC was associated with reduced left atrial appendage emptying velocity ( P P = .02) was associated with AT. Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction ( P = .01), reduced left atrial appendage emptying velocity ( P P = .02), congestive heart failure ( P = .04), and chronic renal insufficiency ( P = .05) were associated with a TM. Conclusions Allowing for multiple comparisons, the significant markers of the risk for systemic embolization could be obtained only from TEE. Although there are several interesting clinical and echocardiographic associations with AT and a TM, none were strong enough to obviate the need for TEE.
Theorizing Steampunk in Scott Westerfeld’s YA Series Leviathan

In this article, we offer an explanation of steampunk and theorize the genre and its functions within Scott Westerfeld’s YA series Leviathan. In order to do so, we examine the “cogs” of the genre machine and its use of nostalgic longing for a revised past/future to rebel against present day cultural norms. Critics note that steampunk takes an historical past and either reimagines it or repositions it in the future. This literary form, then, is shaped through a confluence of history, cultural memory, and fictional technologies. In mechanical fashion, the cogs of steampunk move with and against each other to produce and revise an imagined “What if?” We posit that steampunk’s complexities might be better understood by examining the parts of the machine, those cogs that make the engine of steampunk work. We identify three major elements—Victorian history, the workings of cultural memory, and the modification of and recombining of past technologies and literary forms into the genre of steampunk—and then apply these to an analysis of Westerfeld’s trilogy.
Digeorge syndrome/chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

DiGeorge syndrome is characterized by conotruncal cardiac defects, hypocalcemia, and a hypoplastic thymus. Many, but not all, patients have a heterozygous deletion of chromosome 22q11.2. In its most severe form, it represents a devastating syndrome with high mortality. Patients with severe immunodeficiendy are candidates for a thymic transplant or a fully matched bone marrow transplant. Fortunately, the majority of patients with either DiGeorge syndrome or chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome have a mild to moderate immunodeficiency. These patients may develop recurrent infections or autoimmune disease.
Later toilet training is associated with urge incontinence in children

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to determine if later toilet training is associated with urge incontinence in children. Methods We used a case–control study design to yield level 2 evidence. Results Initiation of toilet training after 32 months of age was associated with urge incontinence (P = 0.02). Conclusion For children who display signs of toilet-training readiness, training should be initiated prior to 32 months of age to reduce the risk for urge incontinence.
Interresponse time as a factor in choice

Pigeons' pecks in the presence of two concurrently available initial-link stimuli produced one of two (mutually exclusive) terminal-link stimuli on equal variable-interval schedules. Pecks during terminal-link stimuli produced food on fixed-interval schedules. In three of four birds, the probability of a peck increased on one key as a function of the time since the last choice response on either key. In the fourth bird, the probability of a peck increased with interresponse time on whichever key was pecked last (perseveration). Thus, choice responses terminating different interresponse times may not be functionally equivalent, or quantitatively interchangeable, in concurrent schedules.
Neuropeptide Y administration into the amygdala alters high fat food intake

The orexigenic effects of neuropeptide Y (NPY) are mediated through the hypothalamus, while the anxiolytic effects of NPY appear to be mediated through the amygdala. We hypothesized that intra-amygdalar administration of NPY might alter food preference without changing total food intake. Neuropeptide Y was administered into the central nucleus of the amygdala in both satiated and overnight-fasted rats, and intake and preference for a high fat diet (56%)/low carbohydrate (20%) diet or a low fat (10%)/high carbohydrate (66%) diet were measured. Intra-amygdalar NPY administration in satiated rats did not change total caloric intake, but it did produce a dose-dependent decrease in intake of and preference for high fat diet relative to low fat diet over 24 h. In overnight-fasted rats, intra-amygdalar NPY also decreased the intake and preference for a high fat diet relative to low fat diet over 24 h, without altering total caloric intake. Intra-amygdalar NPY administration did not produce conditioned taste aversions to a novel saccharin solution. These results suggest that amygdalar NPY may have a role in macronutrient selection, without altering total caloric intake.
Tasting Food, Tasting Sustainability: Defining the Attributes of an Alternative Food System with Competent, Ordinary People

Initiatives intended to create alternatives to the conventional, industrialized, global food system are now emerging. Conceptual framings of alternative food systems have been based principally on the reflections of academics and policy specialists rather than on the views of the producers and eaters who constitute the bulk of the food localization movement. At a conference hosted by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, we explored the attributes of food system sustainability with 125 persons representing a broad cross section of the alternative farm/food community. Dividing into five discussion groups, participants were asked what the characteristics of a sustainable food system would be. From their statements we abstracted a set of attributes. Participants envisioned a sustainable food system as relational, proximate, diverse, ecologically sustainable, economically sustaining, just/ethical, sacred, knowledgeable/communicative, seasonal/temporal, healthful, participatory, culturally nourishing, and...
A reaction couple study of reactions amongst Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox, Ca2PbO4, and CuO to form (Bi, Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox

Abstract Reaction couples in which Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox (2212) was in contact with a mixture of Ca2PbO4 and CuO were made to study phase evolution during the formation of (Bi, Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox [(Bi, Pb)-2223]. During heat treatment in 7.5% O2/Ar, two reaction layers formed at the interface; (Bi, Pb)-2223 formed on the 2212 side and (Sr, Ca)2CuO3 formed on the other side. Ca2PbO4 decomposed in the presence of 221.2. Ca2PbO4 has multiple roles in the formation of (Bi, Pb)-2223 that are both positive and negative. The Ca and Pb released from Ca2PbO4 react with 2212 and CuO to form (Bi, Pb)-2223, which is positive. The Ca can also react with CuO to form (Sr, Ca)2CuO3. This is a negative role, since forming (Sr, Ca)2CuO3 adds an extra step in the reaction path to form (Bi,Pb)-2223. These results show that the mixture of 2212, Ca2PbO4, and CuO is not well suited for forming (Bi, Pb)-2223, since the formation of (Sr, Ca)2CuO3 from this mixture is unavoidable.
Tertiary and Quarternary States of Fluid Flow and the Transition to Turbulence

The sequence of bifurcations from simple to complex forms of fluid motion can be studied numerically in the case of systems with high degrees of external symmetries. The relevance of tertiary and quartemary states for the problem of turbulence is discussed and as an example asymmetric traveling wave convection in a fluid layer heated from below is described.
Long-term follow-up of thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy for chronic pancreatitis pain

Background: Thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy (SPL) has been reported to give excellent short-term pain relief in chronic pancreatitis. This study prospectively evaluates the long-term efficacy of SPL in pancreatitis patients. Methods: Chronic pancreatitis patients with severe pain unrelieved by standard therapy completed a standard 10-point analogue pain scale prior to surgery and at postoperative visits. Midline and left-sided pain was treated with left SPL; right-sided pain was treated with right SPL. If pain recurred on the contralateral side, contralateral SPL was done. Results: Fifteen patients underwent SPL. Eleven of them required narcotics preoperatively. Follow-up is complete and ranges from 4.2 to 6.1 years (median, 5.75). All patients had constant pain prior to surgery. Following SPL, it decreased in the short term to a mean of 3.9 attacks a month. At long-term follow-up, the mean number of attacks was 8.6 per month. Preoperatively, the mean score for worst pain within the last 2 months was 9.1. This score decreased to 3.9, but at long-term follow-up it had increased to near preoperative values (8.6). Current severity of pain decreased from 7.2 preoperatively to 2.9 at short-term follow-up, but at long-term follow-up it had increased. The degree of disability decreased from 9.1 preoperatively to 5.1 at short-term follow-up, but in the long term it increased toward preoperative values. Although eight patients were narcotic free at early follow-up, only three remained narcotic free in the long-term. Conclusion: Thoracoscopic SPL offers short-term relief of pain from chronic pancreatitis, but the relief is not durable in most cases. Similarly, there are short-term improvements in degree of disability, mood, and freedom from narcotic use that are not sustained in the long-term. Nevertheless, two-thirds of patients stated that they would have the surgery again.
Chelating extraction and recovery of cadmium from soil using pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid

Heavy metal contamination of soil frequently occurs at hazardous waste sites in many countries of the industrialized world. The use of chelating agents to extract heavy metals from contaminated soils is seen as a treatment method. This research investigated the use of chelator pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (PDA) to extract cadmium from a spiked soil. Batch equilibration experiments over 24-hr periods were performed to test hypotheses that through a proper choice of chelator: (1) extraction could be made selective toward heavy metals, and (2) extracted metals could be, by simply raising the solution pH, recovered and the chelator reclaimed and reused. The results have shown that PDA extracts and releases cadmium reversibly, and that PDA preferentially complexes with cadmium over competing Fe and Ca ions. Chemical equilibrium modeling was found to be useful for selecting suitable chelating agents and treatment conditions for the extraction and subsequent recovery of metals.
Ionospheric signatures of sudden stratospheric warming: Ion temperature at middle latitude

[1] Sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) is a large-scale meteorological process in the winter hemisphere lasting several days or weeks. The Incoherent Scatter World Day campaign conducted on January 17–February 1, 2008 was arranged during a minor SSW event and focuses on studies of thermospheric and ionospheric response to stratospheric changes. We analyze ion temperature observations at 100–300 km height obtained by the Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar (42.6°N, 288.5°E). Alternating regions of warming in the lower thermosphere and cooling above 150km altitude were observed by the radar. We use National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) temperature data at 10hPa (∼30km) level and the F10.7 and Ap indices to identify any cause-effect relationship between observed variations in the temperature and stratospheric warming event. We conclude that the seasonal trend, solar flux and geomagnetic activity cannot account for the observed warming and cooling temperature variation and suggest that this variation is associated with stratospheric warming. This study demonstrates a link between the lower atmosphere and the ionosphere which has not been considered before and indicates that ionospheric variability as part of space weather should be considered in conjunction with stratospheric changes.
Huygens versus Fermat: No clear winner

How should we assess the appeal of multiple scientific theories when they can all explain a particular empirical phenomenon of interest? We contrast Huygens' and Fermat's explanations of the law of refraction of light and find that neither dominates the other when considering multiple criteria for assessing the overall appeal of a scientific theory. The absence of teleology in Huygens' account is a strong plus compared to Fermat's. But Huygens' wave theory scores less well with respect to other desiderata for a scientific theory. In this case, there does not appear to be a clear winner, nor need there be one.
Atherosclerotic risk factors revisited

Risk factors have traditionally been used to define the statistical likelihood of the development of clinical coronary artery disease in populations of asymptomatic patients; they provide no direct information regarding the actual presence or degree of disease in patients at a given point in time. Therefore, the correctness of the decision to initiate or withhold drug therapy based on risk factors alone is derived from probability rather than direct demonstration of the subclinical atherosclerosis that provides the framework for the clinical manifestations. CHALLENGES TO CONVENTIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT The dangers of this approach are highlighted by the work of Akosah et al, 1 who showed that 75% of previously asymptomatic younger adults (men 55 and women 65 years of age) presenting with a myocardial infarction would not have been started on a statin before the event according to the Framingham risk score-based National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. 2 Half of the highest risk group (20% 10-year risk) and 44% of the intermediate risk group (10% to 20% 10-year risk) would not have been started on drug therapy. The percentages were far worse in the 2 lowest risk categories; that is, no statin would have been prescribed for 84% of those who had a myocardial infarction and 0 to 1 risk factors in whom a Framingham risk score need not be calculated by National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines, and for 94% of the 1% to 10% Framingham 10-year risk group. These 2 lowest risk groups comprised 50% and 20% of the total group, respectively! The concept that the arbitrary parameters of lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol used to calculate the Framingham risk score define those patients who will benefit from statin therapy has been firmly rejected by the Heart Protection Study. 3 In this landmark trial, patients with LDL cholesterol 100 mg/dl achieved the same approximate 25% benefit from simvastatin therapy as those with higher levels, and the investigators concluded “The size of the benefit depends chiefly on individual’s overall risk of major vascular events, rather than on their blood lipid concentrations alone.”
Determination of Growth Stage-Specific Response of Soybean to Redbanded Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and Its Relationship to the Development of Flat Pods

The redbanded stink bug, Piezodorus guildinii Westwood (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), has recently emerged as a serious pest of soybean in the southern United States. Field cage studies were conducted to determine the response of R2 to R6 stage soybean to P. guildinii infestation. Soybean at R2 to R6 stages was infested with zero, one, two, and four P. guildinii adults per 0.3 m for 10 d using cylindrical wire mesh cages. Plant response was measured in terms of number of flat pods, seed yield, test weight, and number of seeds per pod. Results from a 2012 study showed significant yield reduction in response to P. guildinii infestations during the R3 to R6 stages. While results from a similar 2013 study showed a significant yield reduction only when R5 and R6 stage soybean were infested. Decrease in yield was owing to the combination of reduced seed weight and increased numbers of flat pods as a result of P. guildinii infestation. In addition, a field experiment was conducted to determine if flat pods are localized to the regions of P. guildinii feeding. Adults were confined to certain portions of plants (bottom, top, and both) using specially designed cages isolating these portions of the plants. Results from this experiment showed a significantly higher percentage of flat pods on plant portions infested with P. guildinii than those kept free of P. guildinii infestation, indicating that flat pods are the result of direct P. guildinii damage and are localized to the area of P. guildinii feeding.
Sieve Sample Splitter for Benthic Invertebrates

ABSTRACT A field-oriented technique for halving benthic invertebrate samples, the sieve sample splitter, was used to expedite a fish food survey of the Suwannee River, Florida. The splitter was most efficient with collections that completely covered the screen and contained high invertebrate densities.
A new approach for the optimum solution of the M by J production scheduling problem

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to develop an algorithm which solves the M by J scheduling problem on the basis of interatively changing the data of the problem while maintaining an optimum solution along the path. The algorithm is applicable to a rather broad class of optimization problems of the classical O.R. (operations research) literature where objective functions are involved which have a certain monotony property with respect to the data variables of the problem. The algorithm is then applied to the M by J scheduling problem. The approach highlights the required research in the area of analysing the structure of the set of optimum solutions of a problem which could lead to much more efficient solutions to practical problems in manufacturing industry than the available methods of O.R.
Magnetic properties of irradiated austenitic stainless steel

Abstract This report presents results of measurements on the magnetic properties of neutron irradiated austenitic steel. It is shown that exposure to high fluences of energetic neutrons produces significant changes in the magnetic permeability and introduces the phenomenon of time dependent magnetic hysteresis into the behavior of these steels for measurements below room temperature.
Experiments in multirobot air-ground coordination

This paper addresses the problem of coordinating aerial and ground vehicles in tasks that involve exploration, identification of targets and maintaining a connected communication network. We focus on the problem of localizing vehicles in urban environments where GPS signals are often unreliable or unavailable. We first describe our multi-robot testbed and the control software used to coordinate ground and aerial vehicles. We present the results of experiments in air-ground localization analyzing three complementary approaches to determining the positions of vehicles on the ground. We show that the coordination of aerial vehicles with ground vehicles is necessary to get accurate estimates of the state of the system.
Growth and the initiation of steroidogenesis in porcine follicles are associated with unique patterns of gene expression for individual componentsof the ovarian insulin-like growth factor system.

Abstract Ovarian follicular growth and steroidogenesis are controlled by the interaction of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and gonadotropins. The objective was to determine the temporal and spatial relationships for gonadotropin receptor, steroidogenic enzyme, and IGF system gene expression during the development of preovulatory porcine follicles. Sows (n = 18) were weaned and follicles were monitored by transrectal ultrasonography. Ovaries were collected from sows when the mean diameter of the preovulatory follicular cohort was approximately 2, 4, 6, or 8 mm. mRNA were measured by in situ hybridization for individual follicles within the preovulatory cohort (3 to 5 follicles per sow). Patterns of gene expression detected by in situ hybridization were confirmed by RNase protection analyses of pooled RNA samples. The amount of LH receptor mRNA and steroidogenic enzyme mRNA (17α-hydroxylase and aromatase) increased as the mean diameter of the follicular cohort increased from 2 to 6 mm, but then decrease...
Scalable Compression and Replay of Communication Traces in Massively P arallel E nvironments

Characterizing the communication behavior of large-scale applications is a difficult and costly task due to code/system complexity and their long execution times. An alternative to running actual codes is to gather their communication traces and then replay them, which facilitates application tuning and future procurements. While past approaches lacked lossless scalable trace collection, we contribute an approach that provides orders of magnitude smaller, if not near constant-size, communication traces regardless of the number of nodes while preserving structural information. We introduce intraand inter-node compression techniques of MPI events and present results of our implementation for BlueGene/L. Given this novel capability, we discuss its impact on communication tuning and beyond. To the best of our knowledge, such a concise representation of MPI traces in a scalable manner combined with deterministic MPI call replay are without any precedence.
Gender Inequality Across Local Wage Hierarchies

Is gender inequality more severe in higher paying jobs, where there is more at stake? Using a unique definition of jobs—local occupation-industry cells—and multilevel models, I offer the first investigation of how gender wage inequality varies as a function of a job’s ranking in its specific local labor-market context. The results suggest that net of various individual- and job-level controls, (a) female-dominated jobs pay less than comparable male-dominated jobs, (b) the penalty associated with female-dominated jobs is steeper for women, and (c) wage inequality increases as one ascends the wage hierarchy of local labor markets. However, there is no evidence that the tendency for female-dominated jobs to pay less than comparable male-dominated jobs is stronger in high-ranking jobs. Taken together, the results are consistent with the exclusion of women from high-ranking jobs as well as gender segregation within local occupation-industry cells.
Immunophenotyping of lymphocytes in liver tissue of patients with chronic liver diseases by flow cytometry

Immunological factors are important in the pathogenesis of a spectrum of hepatobiliary diseases. To characterize the nature of specific immunological responses in liver disease, we determined lymphocyte changes in liver tissue and in blood using flow cytometry. A total of 113 liver biopsy specimens was collected from patients with the following diseases: 19 chronic hepatitis B; 39 chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis; 27 alcoholic liver disease; 10 hepatic malignancy; 8 autoimmune hepatitis; 6 fatty liver and 4 primary biliary cirrhosis. The lymphocytes were isolated from the liver biopsy specimens by mechanical and enzymatic methods. The lymphocyte yield was 7,901 +/- 575 cells/mg of liver tissue. The viability of lymphocytes was 97.7% +/- 0.3%. Lymphocytes were stained with four pairs of two-color mixed fluorescein-conjugated monoclonal antibodies, including T4-T8 (CD4/CD8), T11-B1 (CD2-CD20), NKH1-T8 (CD56-CD8), IL-2R1-T11 (CD25-CD2), and the ratios were determined by an Epics Profile flow cytometer. Immunophenotyping of lymphocytes in whole blood samples was simultaneously analyzed. Variability in lymphocyte yield and different patterns of lymphocyte subsets were found in the liver biopsy specimens. The yields of lymphocytes from patients with chronic non-A, non-B and autoimmune hepatitis were highest, and the lowest yield was from patients with fatty liver. Patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, fatty liver and hepatic malignancy had relatively high ratios of CD4/CD8, CD56/CD8 and CD25/CD2; whereas patients with chronic hepatitis B, autoimmune hepatitis and non-A, non-B hepatitis had lower ratios of CD4/CD8, CD56/CD8 and CD25/CD2. No difference in lymphocyte ratios between the patients with cirrhotic and noncirrhotic alcoholic liver disease was found.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
PUBLIC SERVICE MOTIVATION IN THE POST‐COMMUNIST STATE

How well does public service motivation apply to occupational locus and focus in the post-communist state? Survey data from the ISSP 2005 Work Orientations module gathered in five post-communist Central and Eastern European countries and Russia are examined using multilevel binary logistic regression analysis. It is found that occupational focus is a more important correlate of public service motivation than is occupational locus in these post-communist countries. Because the relative importance of work motives varies across countries, it is important to account for national context when developing a theory of public service motivation.
Phase I Trial of Intraperitoneal Docetaxel in the Treatment of Advanced Malignancies Primarily Confined to the Peritoneal Cavity: Dose-Limiting Toxicity and Pharmacokinetics

Purpose: The purpose of this Phase I study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) of i.p. docetaxel and to determine the peritoneal pharmacokinetics and pharmacological advantage of this agent. Experimental Design : Twenty-one patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis received docetaxel administered via an implanted i.p. catheter at doses of 40, 80, 100, 125, or 156 mg/m 2 every 3 weeks. DLTs on course 1 were used to define the maximum tolerated dose. Results: Tumor types included gastric adenocarcinoma ( n = 7), ovarian cancer ( n = 4), other gastrointestinal primaries ( n = 3), and other cancers ( n = 7). Sixty cycles of i.p. docetaxel (median, 2; range, 1–11) were delivered. DLTs occurred in two patients at the 156 mg/m 2 dose level; both developed an ileus, and one patient died of neutropenic sepsis. One of five evaluable patients treated with 125 mg/m 2 docetaxel i.p. developed grade 4 neutropenic sepsis and stomatitis; another patient developed renal failure attributable to glomerulonephritis and grade 3 thrombocytopenia that was not judged to be dose-limiting. One of six patients receiving 100 mg/m 2 D, the recommended Phase II dose, developed grade 4 neutropenia lasting 2 i.p. docetaxel of 3.14 and 6.33 μm·h (ranges, 1.02–5.88 and 3.97–12.70 μm · h), respectively; the mean peritoneal AUCs were 315 and 1063 μm·h (ranges, 250–373 and 239-2222 μm·h), respectively. The mean peak plasma concentrations at 100 and 125 mg/m 2 i.p. docetaxel were 0.46 and 0.66 μm, and the mean peak peritoneal concentrations at those doses were 59 and 81 μm, respectively. The median and mean pharmacological advantage calculations (AUC peritoneal /AUC plasma ) across all dose levels were 152 and 181, respectively (range, 18.8–367.4). The mean peritoneal 24- and 96-h concentrations were 0.9 μm (range, 0.2–1.6 μm) and 0.1 μm was 31.2 h (range, 27–36.5 h). Conclusions: i.p. docetaxel can be safely delivered at a dose of 100 mg/m 2 i.p. every 3 weeks. This route of administration provides a significant peritoneal pharmacological advantage while delivering systemic concentrations consistent with the administration of standard i.v. doses.
Reply to Dr. Regina and colleagues re: protein-derived acetaminophen-cysteine in supratherapeutic ingestion

We appreciate Dr. Regina’s interest in our study; however, we believe she misread and inadvertently mischaracterized the intent and results. As we stated on the first page of the paper, “The purpose of our study was to determine if protein-derived acetaminophencysteine can be detected after repeated supratherapeutic ingestion in a population of patients in a pain management clinic.” Our results support that premise of this prospective study. We appreciate the time and energy Dr. Regina spent to create the scattergram, but as we explained numerous times to the reviewers and editors during the manuscript acceptance process, we have provided the raw data and do not believe that graphs add anything to the manuscript. It is no surprise that Dr. Regina found a negative correlation when a dozen proteinderived APAP-CYS levels were plotted against self-reported daily APAP dose, as this was never the objective of the study. One additional data point easily could change the correlation coefficient drastically. For instance, if one additional data point in the range of the maximum reported daily dosage and the maximum measured APAP-CYS concentration is added to the data set, the correlation coefficient becomes 0.0025, and suddenly the weak, statistically insignificant negative correlation becomes a weak, statistically insignificant positive correlation. It is a mistake to try to make any sweeping generalizations on a data set as small as the one described in this manuscript. As we described in the Discussion section, protein-derived APAP-CYS form as a byproduct of hepatocellular exposure to NAPQI and published data suggest a dose-related creation of protein-derived APAP-CYS in patients that have no demonstrable hepatic injury. Our study was not designed to demonstrate a dose-dependent relationship of protein-derived APAPCYS. Contrary to the concluding sentence of the letter, generation of protein-derived APAP-CYS is clearly related to APAP ingestion in chronic supratherapeutic ingestion, as we demonstrated. We agree with Dr. Regina that much more investigation is necessary to fully understand the contribution of protein-derived APAP-CYS to the development of hepatic injury.
Group Sparsity and Geometry Constrained Dictionary Learning for Action Recognition from Depth Maps

Human action recognition based on the depth information provided by commodity depth sensors is an important yet challenging task. The noisy depth maps, different lengths of action sequences, and free styles in performing actions, may cause large intra-class variations. In this paper, a new framework based on sparse coding and temporal pyramid matching (TPM) is proposed for depth-based human action recognition. Especially, a discriminative class-specific dictionary learning algorithm is proposed for sparse coding. By adding the group sparsity and geometry constraints, features can be well reconstructed by the sub-dictionary belonging to the same class, and the geometry relationships among features are also kept in the calculated coefficients. The proposed approach is evaluated on two benchmark datasets captured by depth cameras. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm repeatedly achieves superior performance to the state of the art algorithms. Moreover, the proposed dictionary learning method also outperforms classic dictionary learning approaches.