cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Small lipid-soluble cations are not membrane voltage probes for Neurospora or Saccharomyces

Abstract Small lipid-soluble cations, such as tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP+) and tetraphenylarsonium (TPA+) are frequently used as probes of membrane voltage (ΔΨ, or V m ) for small animal cells, organelles, and vesicles. Because much controversy has accompanied corresponding measurements on ‘walled’ eukaryotic cells (plants, fungi), we studied their transport and relation to V m in the large-celled fungus Neurospora crassa - where V m can readily be determined with microelectrodes - as well as in the most commonly used model eukaryotic cell, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We found no reasonable conditions under which the distribution of TPP+ or TPA+, between the cytoplasm (i) and extracellular solution (o), can serve to estimate V m , even roughly, in either of these organisms. When applied at probe concentrations (i.e., ≤ 100 μM, which did not depolarize the cells nor deplete ATP), TPP+ stabilized at ratios (i/o) below 30 in both organisms. That would imply apparent V m values positive to − 90 mV , in the face of directly measured V m values (in Neurospora) negative to − 180 mV . When applied at moderate or high concentrations (1–30 mM), TPP+ and TPA+ induced several phases of depolarization and changes of membrane resistance ( R m ), as well as depletion of cytoplasmic energy stores. Only the first phase depolarization, occurring within the perfusion-turnover time and accompanied by a nearly proportionate decline of R m , could have resulted from TPP+ or TPA+ currents per se. And the implied currents were small. Repeated testing, furthermore, greatly reduced the depolarizing effects of these lipid-soluble ions, implicating an active cellular response to decrease membrane permeability.
Application of a laser scanner to three-dimensional visual sensing and enhancement tasks

This paper describes the issues associated with using a laser scanner for visual sensing and the methods developed by the authors to address them. A laser scanner is a device that controls the direction of a laser beam by deflecting it through a pair of orthogonal mirrors, the orientations of which are specified by a computer. If a calibrated laser scanner is combined with a calibrated camera, it is possible to perform three dimensional sensing by directing the laser at objects within the field of view of the camera. There are several issues associated with using a laser scanner for three dimensional visual sensing that must be addressed in order to use the laser scanner effectively. First, methods are needed to calibrate the laser scanner and estimate three dimensional points. Second, methods are required for locating the laser spot in a cluttered image. Third, mathematical models that predict the laser scanner's performance are necessary in order to enhance three dimensional data. The authors have developed several methods to address each of these and have evaluated these methods to determine how and when they should be applied. The theoretical development, implementation, and preliminary results when used in a dual arm eighteen degree of freedom robotic system for space assembly is described.
Observation of mixed mode fracture with center notched disk specimens

Center notched disk (CND) specimens were loaded diametrically under Brazilian test configuration. By changing the notch inclination angle with respect to the loading direction the mode of fracture was varied from mode I (tensile) to mixed mode (tension-shear and compression-shear). The tests were conducted at two rates of loading. First, a quasi-static rate of loading was used under closed loop testing conditions. High rate of loading was applied using an instrumented Charpy machine. The selected impact rate of loading did not modify the failure mode. Failure was still the result of propagation of a single crack. At quasi-static rate, both laser holographic interferometry and reflection photoelasticity with conventional TV imaging were used to observe mixed mode fracture in the center notched disk specimens. Reflection photoelasticity and high speed photography were used to monitor the crack growth at impact rate. Laser holographic interferometry was also used to calibrate reflection photoelasticity recordings on similar specimens at comparable rates of loading. For all notch inclination angles, the peak load increased by a constant factor relative to the peak loads at quasi-static rate of loading. However, the increase of apparent stress intensity factor at crack initiation for tensile cracking is almost double that corresponding to shear cracking.
Entrapping the Innocent: Toward a Theory of Child Sexual Predators’ Luring Communication

This paper examines an unexplored form of communication deviance—the communicative process of entrapment used by child sexual predators to lure their victims into an ongoing sexual relationship. Specifically, using grounded theory methodology to analyze extant literature, a theory of luring communication (LCT) is proposed. The LCT begins by discussing how certain perpetrators gain access to particular types of children. Once in contact with a child, the perpetrator sets in motion the cycle of entrapment, which allows him to communicatively groom and entrap the child into accepting sexual advances. The theory then explores how certain communication responses by the perpetrator and the victim characterize the sustenance or disruption of an ongoing sexually abusive relationship. The essay ends with a series of propositional statements and suggestions for empirically testing and extending the theory.
What Parents and Adolescent Boys Want in School Vaccination Programs in the United States

Purpose Schools are increasingly a part of vaccine provision, because of laws mandating provision of information by schools about vaccination, school entry requirements, and mass vaccination campaigns. We examined preferences for programmatic aspects of voluntary school mass vaccination programs (i.e., “vaccination days”).
Gd-DTPA enhanced MR of the lumbar spinal canal in patients with claudication.

Objective The purpose of this work was to study the findings on intravenous gadolinium-enhanced MRI of the lumbar spinal canal in patients with clinically suspected neurogenic claudication. Materials and methods A prospective gadolinium-enhanced MR evaluation of seven adult patients presenting with clinical claudication thought to be related to the lumbosacral spine was undertaken. Results Of seven consecutive enhanced conventional SE MRI examinations of the lumbosacral spine in patients presenting with lower extremity claudication, five patients (71.4%) revealed abnormal intrathecal enhancement on MR at and extending craniad from the level(s) of severe spinal stenosis. Each of the seven patients (100%) showed relatively severe central stenosis of the lumbar spinal canal. The enhancement pattern was linear, curvilinear, punctate, and/or diffuse in configuration. Two of the five patients with intrathecal enhancement also showed similar abnormal intrathecal enhancement extending caudal to the severely stenotic levels. Conclusion The clinically significant intrathecal enhancement on intravenous gadolinium-enhanced MRI identified above the level of a severely stenotic lumbar spinal canal hypothetically might represent enhancement of dilated, obstructed venous structures serving the cauda equina. More likely, however, the major factor in such enhancement at, above, and/or below the stenosis signals blood-nerve barrier breakdown associated with mechanical injury, inflammatory response, and wallerian degeneration/regeneration of axons within chronically compressed nerve roots.
Predicting the Probability of 90-Day Survival of Elderly Patients With Bladder Cancer Treated With Radical Cystectomy

Purpose: Despite the increased morbidity and mortality of radical cystectomy in elderly individuals with bladder cancer numerous studies show that surgery can provide a survival benefit. We sought to better identify patients at substantial risk for postoperative mortality.Materials and Methods: We evaluated 220 consecutive patients 75 years old or older treated with radical cystectomy for bladder cancer at a single institution from 2000 to 2008. The analytical cohort comprised 169 patients with complete preoperative data available. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the value of precystectomy clinical information to predict 90-day survival after radical cystectomy. Results were used to create a nomogram predicting the probability of 90-day survival after radical cystectomy. The model was then subjected to 200 bootstrap resamples for internal validation.Results: Of the 220 patients 28 (12.7%) died within 90 days of surgery. Older age (HR 2.30, 95% CI 1.22–4.32) and lower preoperative al...
Penetrating Traumatic Diaphragm Injuries

Traumatic diaphragm injuries (TDI) are uncommon but can result in major morbidity or mortality if missed. Penetrating thoracoabdominal injuries carry a high risk of TDI, but can also pose a diagnostic dilemma due to their small size and the frequent lack of an associated hernia. Despite advances in imaging, diagnosis without presence of a hernia remains difficult and a high index of suspicion must be maintained. Chest x-ray remains an important tool in early diagnosis, but primarily relies on the presence of a hernia or a discontinuity of the diaphragm, which is not typically seen with penetrating injuries. Computed tomography has a higher sensitivity and specificity and improves preoperative diagnosis, but most TDI are still diagnosed intra-operatively. Minimally invasive modalities allow for both diagnosis and repair of suspected injuries in hemodynamically stable patients while avoiding the morbidity of an open approach. All penetrating diaphragmatic injuries require repair in order to avoid the major morbidity and mortality of a chronic diaphragmatic hernia. The principles of diaphragmatic injury repair are complete reduction of all abdominal contents, lavage and evacuation of any associated hemothorax or gastrointestinal spillage, and watertight, tension-free closure. Most injuries can be closed primarily, but some may require use of prosthetic material or other advanced reconstructive techniques for larger defects. Mortality remains primarily dependent on the mechanism of injury and the presence and severity of associated injuries, with overall Injury Severity Score serving as an independent predictor of early mortality.
MEH-PPV: Improved synthetic procedure and molecular weight control

Mechanistic studies on the polymerization of α,α‘-dibromo-2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)xylene have been performed. Polymerizations were initially carried out by adding potassium tert-butoxide to monomer in the presence of a chain transfer agent, anthracene. Anthracene showed little effect on the molecular weight of the resulting polymer, suggesting that the major polymerization route was not radically initiated. Polymerizations were also carried out by adding monomer to potassium tert-butoxide in the presence of a nucleophile, 4-methoxyphenol. The molecular weight of the resulting polymer scaled linearly with the amount of 4-methoxyphenol, suggesting an anionic mechanism. In addition, each polymerization was monitored by in-situ torque measurements to further elucidate the polymerization mechanism and optimize polymerization conditions.
Applications of microfabrication and micromachining techniques to biotechnology

Silicon-based microfabrication and micromachining techniques have demonstrated their effectiveness in various biotechnology-related applications. In this article, the current utilization of these techniques and the general microfabrication and micromachining processes are discussed. Possible future applications of the techniques to biotechnology are also assessed.
Influences of preschool policies and practices on children's physical activity.

The objective of this study was to determine if moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of 3–5 year old preschool children varied with differences in policies/practices, and overall quality of preschools. A total of 266 children (47% males, 60% African American) from 9 preschools were observed for 1 hour on 3 different days. PA of children was observed twice per minute and scored as 1–5, with 1 for stationary/motionless and 5 for fast movement. Summary MVPA was calculated over the 3 days as percent of times observed at levels of 4 or 5, and percent of time at levels 1 or 2 as sedentary activity. A structured interview about PA policies was conducted with an administrator at each preschool and overall quality of the preschool was assessed using Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised Edition (ECERS-R). Preschools were divided into groups according to whether a specific policy/practice that would be logically hypothesized to promote PA was in place at the school. MVPA differences between groups of children was assessed using mixed ANOVA controlling for preschool. When preschools offered more field trips, and more college educated teachers, the children participated in more MVPA. Children who attended preschools with lower quality spent more time in sedentary activity. In conclusion, children in preschools which may have more resources and better quality appear to show both more sedentary behavior and more MVPA.
Micropipette puller design: form of the heating filament and effects of filament width on tip length and diameter.

Abstract Though the ultrafine short tips provided by our micropipette puller are helpful for many preparations, longer tips are still needed for some cases where target cells for intracellular work are deeply embedded in tissue. Because the original ‘loop’ type of heating filament proved unsuitable for widening to provide the longer tips, we studied simpler forms of heating filaments. By comparison with the common loop design, a rectangular trough filament proved to have many advantages without any significant disadvantage. In particular, this type of filament may be used at varying widths to provide long tips as well as short ones. Thus our micropipette puller can now provide tip lengths that extend upward by continuous gradations from about 6 to 27 mm, while maintaining tip diameter in the ultrafine range of 0.1 μm or less. These long tips have proved more reliable and free from bending than long tips traditionally provided by the Livingston puller. By using narrow filaments in conjunction with other parameters that influence tip size, tips have also been formed with diameters up to 1.5 μm and lengths of only 2 3 mm.
Quality improvement and incontinence in long-term care.

The quality improvement framework provides a practical way for nursing homes to prevent and reduce urinary incontinence (UI) for residents. It provides a means for facilities to identify organizational factors that may behindering appropriate continence care from being provided to residents. It enables nursing homes to integrate evidence-based UI practices and monitor the consistent application of those practices by staff. The regular collection and analysis of data related to UI is essential for identifying problems, seeking accurate solutions, providing staff with feedback regarding their performance, and evaluating the overall quality of continence care provided to residents.
The Threat of Disease Increases as Species Move Toward Extinction

At local scales, infectious disease is a common driver of population declines, but globally it is an infrequent contributor to species extinction and endangerment. For species at risk of extinction from disease important questions remain unanswered, including when does disease become a threat to species and does it co-occur, predictably, with other threats? Using newly compiled data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, we examined the relative role and co-occurrence of threats associated with amphibians, birds, and mammals at 6 levels of extinction risk (i.e., Red List status categories: least concern, near threatened, vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered, and extinct in the wild/extinct). We tested the null hypothesis that the proportion of species threatened by disease is the same in all 6 Red List status categories. Our approach revealed a new method for determining when disease most frequently threatens species at risk of extinction. The proportion of species threatened by disease varied significantly between IUCN status categories and linearly increased for amphibians, birds, and all species combined as these taxa move from move from least concern to critically endangered. Disease was infrequently the single contributing threat. However, when a species was negatively affected by a major threat other than disease (e.g., invasive species, land-use change) that species was more likely to be simultaneously threatened by disease than species that had no other threats. Potential drivers of these trends include ecological factors, clustering of phylogenetically related species in Red List status categories, discovery bias among species at greater risk of extinction, and availability of data. We echo earlier calls for baseline data on the presence of parasites and pathogens in species when they show the first signs of extinction risk and arguably before. La Amenaza de Enfermedades Incrementa a Medida que las Especies se Aproximan a la Extincion.
Hotmap: Looking at Geographic Attention

Understanding how people use online maps allows data acquisition teams to concentrate their efforts on the portions of the map that are most seen by users. Online maps represent vast databases, and so it is insufficient to simply look at a list of the most-accessed URLs. Hotmap takes advantage of the design of a mapping system's imagery pyramid to superpose a heatmap of the log files over the original maps. Users' behavior within the system can be observed and interpreted. This paper discusses the imagery acquisition task that motivated Hotmap, and presents several examples of information that Hotmap makes visible. We discuss the design choices behind Hotmap, including logarithmic color schemes; low-saturation background images; and tuning images to explore both infrequently-viewed and frequently-viewed spaces.
On the impact of IEEE 802.11 MAC on traffic characteristics

IEEE 802.11 medium access control (MAC) is gaining widespread popularity as a layer-2 protocol for wireless local-area networks. While efforts have been made previously to evaluate the performance of various protocols in wireless networks and to evaluate the capacity of wireless networks, very little is understood or known about the traffic characteristics of wireless networks. In this paper, we address this issue and first develop an analytic model to characterize the interarrival time distribution of traffic in wireless networks with fixed base stations or ad hoc networks using the 802.11 MAC. Our analytic model and supporting simulation results show that the 802.11 MAC can induce pacing in the traffic and the resulting interarrival times are best characterized by a multimodal distribution. This is a sharp departure from behavior in wired networks and can significantly alter the second order characteristics of the traffic, which forms the second part of our study. Through simulations, we show that while the traffic patterns at the individual sources are more consistent with long-range dependence and self-similarity, in contrast to wired networks, the aggregate traffic is not self-similar. The aggregate traffic is better classified as a multifractal process and we conjecture that the various peaks of the multimodal interarrival time distribution have a direct contribution to the differing scaling exponents at various timescales.
Canonical homotopy class representative using hyperbolic structure

Homotopy group plays a role in computational topology with a fundamental importance. Each homotopy equivalence class contains an infinite number of loops. Finding a canonical representative within a homotopy class will simplify many computational tasks in computational topology, such as loop homotopy detection, pants decomposition. Furthermore, the canonical representative can be used as the shape descriptor.
When is retransplantation a viable option

As the number of recipients of heart transplantation grows over time and they survive longer, more are at risk for developing severe cardiac allograft vasculopathy and allograft dysfunction, which might lead to consideration for retransplantation. Clearly, outcomes following cardiac retransplantation are compromised, and with donor shortage, the selection of candidates must be judicious. Retransplantation appears most appropriate for those patients more than 6 months following original heart transplantation, who have severe cardiac allograft vasculopathy and associated left ventricular dysfunction, or allograft dysfunction and progressive symptoms of heart failure in the absence of acute rejection. Relative contraindications to transplantation (ie, advanced age, comorbidities, psychosocial issues) require thorough assessment when retransplantation is being considered.
TYPE-SPECIFIC PROTECTION AND IMMUNITY FOLLOWING INTRANASAL INOCULATION OF MONKEYS WITH GROUP A HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI

1. Nasopharyngeal carrier states of several weeks to several months duration were induced in the Macaca mulatta by the intranasal inoculation with matt strains of group A streptococci. 2. Following such a successful inoculation with a particular type of group A streptococcus, the animal was usually resistant to reimplantation with that same type for several months to a year or more, although reimplantation with a heterologous type could generally be easily effected. 3. This resistance was shown to be closely correlated with the antibodies directed toward the type-specific M antigen, not toward the T antigen of the strains employed. 4. A majority (83.8 per cent) of the animals in which intranasal inoculation was followed by successful implantation developed significant increases in the antistreptolysin O titres of their sera; and in a limited number of instances, type-specific agglutinins and bacteriostatic antibodies were demonstrable in the animals' sera following successful implantation. 5. Nasopharyngeal carrier states could not be induced with the glossy, avirulent variants of group A streptococci; these animals, moreover, failed to show antibody responses and were susceptible to implantation with the matt variants of the homologous glossy strains. 6. The findings are in accord with the known facts regarding immunity to group A streptococci gained through experiments on rodents; and the possible relationship of these observations to the problem of type-specific immunity in human beings is discussed.
Coordinating activity in knowledge-intensive dynamic systems

We consider the problem of coordinating activity in knowledge-intensive dynamic systems (KIDS) - large-scale, multiagent systems in which agents with significant individual capabilities work together to accomplish complex, knowledge-intensive tasks. Given the time pressure and resource limitations under which a KIDS typically operates, the establishment of plans and schedules can significantly improve organizational performance. However, there are several complicating factors: (1) there is diversity and novelty in the structure of processes that must be executed over time, requiring tight coupling of action selection with resource allocation, (2) processes are unpredictable in their outcomes and require continual dynamic adjustment and revision, (3) the collective capabilities of the agents of a KIDS are its primary asset and, to minimize future resource limitations, task allocation should consider the side effects of acquired expertise, and (4) KIDS are large-scale enterprises, requiring an ability to effectively distribute decision-making. Our previous research has developed constraint-based search techniques for continuous, dynamic scheduling that have been successfully applied to complex, large-scale transportation and manufacturing domains. We outline current work aimed at extending these models to address the above issues and provide an effective basis for managing KIDS.
Geriatric education for the physicians of tomorrow

The world's population is aging and there is need for more geriatricians. Current training programs, however, are not producing a sufficient number of geriatricians to meet that need, largely because students and residents lack interest in a career in geriatrics. A variety of reasons have been suggested to explain that lack of interest, and several changes in geriatrics training might increase the number of medical trainees who choose a career in geriatrics. These changes include recruiting medical students who are predisposed to geriatrics, loan forgiveness programs for those who enter careers in geriatrics, increased reimbursement for geriatric care, providing geriatric education to physicians in all specialties throughout their training, and refocusing geriatrics training so it includes the care of healthy vigorous older adults, rather than an exclusive focus on those with debility and chronic or fatal illnesses.
Fine-scale seafloor survey in rugged deep-ocean terrain with an autonomous robot

The rugged, mountainous regions of the deep seafloor hold both great scientific interest as well as a host of difficult challenges for autonomous robots. Exploiting its abilities for precise navigation, trackline following, and bottom-following in rough terrain, the autonomous benthic explorer collected fine-scale bathymetry, magnetic, temperature, optical backscatter and conductivity over a rugged, neo-volcanic and active tectonic zone of the southern east Pacific rise (18/spl deg/S). We combined these data sets to produce a variety of maps showing dramatic terrain in unprecedented detail. We also created the first systematic map view of hydrothermal temperature anomalies over the mid-ocean ridge.
Sliding mode tracking control of surface vessels

A sliding mode control law is presented and experimentally implemented for trajectory tracking of underactuated autonomous surface vessels. The control law is developed by introducing a first order sliding surface in terms of surge tracking errors and a second order one in terms of lateral motion tracking errors. The resulting sliding mode control law guarantees position tracking while the rotational motion remains bounded. The vessel is a small boat with two propellers in a small indoor pool. The position and orientation of the boat is measured using a camera and with two infrared diodes attached near the front and back ends of the boat. A computer with controller board processes the camera image, calculates the control forces and their corresponding input voltages, and sends the control signals to wireless receivers on the vessel using a wireless transmitter. Several experiments are performed where the vessel follows straight-line trajectories fairly accurately.
Metabolic Syndrome and Ischemic Stroke Risk Northern Manhattan Study

Background and Purpose— More than 47 million individuals in the United States meet the criteria for the metabolic syndrome. The relation between the metabolic syndrome and stroke risk in multiethnic populations has not been well characterized. Methods— As part of the Northern Manhattan Study, 3298 stroke-free community residents were prospectively followed up for a mean of 6.4 years. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to guidelines established by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for ischemic stroke and vascular events (ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, or vascular death). The etiologic fraction estimates the proportion of events attributable to the metabolic syndrome. Results— More than 44% of the cohort had the metabolic syndrome (48% of women vs 38% of men, P<0.0001), which was more prevalent among Hispanics (50%) than whites (39%) or blacks (37%). The metabolic syn...
Subsidence and growth of Pacific Cretaceous plateaus

Abstract The Ontong Java, Manihiki, and Shatsky oceanic plateaus are among the Earth's largest igneous provinces and are commonly believed to have erupted rapidly during the surfacing of giant heads of initiating mantle plumes. We investigate this hypothesis by using sediment descriptions of Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) and Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) drill cores to constrain plateau subsidence histories which reflect mantle thermal and crustal accretionary processes. We find that total plateau subsidence is comparable to that expected of normal seafloor but less than predictions of thermal models of hotspot-affected lithosphere. If crustal emplacement was rapid, then uncertainties in paleo-water depths allow for the anomalous subsidence predicted for plumes with only moderate temperature anomalies and volumes, comparable to the sources of modern-day hotspots such as Hawaii and Iceland. Rapid emplacement over a plume head of high temperature and volume, however, is difficult to reconcile with the subsidence reconstructions. An alternative possibility that reconciles low subsidence over a high-temperature, high-volume plume source is a scenario in which plateau subsidence is the superposition of (1) subsidence due to the cooling of the plume source, and (2) uplift due to prolonged crustal growth in the form of magmatic underplating. This prolonged crustal growth and uplift scenario may explain the low and thus submarine relief during plume initiation, the late stage eruptions found on Ontong Java (90 Ma) and Manihiki (∼70 Ma), a large portion of the high-seismic-velocity lower crust, and the widespread normal faults observed throughout and along the margins of the three plateaus. Such late stage underplating may have occurred continuously or in discrete stages over ∼30 m.y. and implies lower magmatic fluxes than previously estimated.
Hemispheric Asymmetry of Visual Scene Processing in the Human Brain: Evidence from Repetition Priming and Intrinsic Activity

Asymmetrical specialization of cognitive processes across the cerebral hemispheres is a hallmark of healthy brain development and an important evolutionary trait underlying higher cognition in humans. While previous research, including studies of priming, divided visual field presentation, and split-brain patients, demonstrates a general pattern of right/left asymmetry of form-specific versus form-abstract visual processing, little is known about brain organization underlying this dissociation. Here, using repetition priming of complex visual scenes and high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we demonstrate asymmetrical form specificity of visual processing between the right and left hemispheres within a region known to be critical for processing of visual spatial scenes (parahippocampal place area [PPA]). Next, we use resting-state functional connectivity MRI analyses to demonstrate that this functional asymmetry is associated with differential intrinsic activity correlations of the right versus left PPA with regions critically involved in perceptual versus conceptual processing, respectively. Our results demonstrate that the PPA comprises lateralized subregions across the cerebral hemispheres that are engaged in functionally dissociable yet complementary components of visual scene analysis. Furthermore, this functional asymmetry is associated with differential intrinsic functional connectivity of the PPA with distinct brain areas known to mediate dissociable cognitive processes.
Membrane Permeability and Cell Survival After Nanosecond Pulsed-Electric-Field Exposure—Significance of Exposure-Media Composition

Exposures to nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) are known to induce intracellular responses, such as the induction of apoptosis, offering a promising new method to treat cancer. This and other secondary biological responses are believed to be promoted by an initial formation of nanopores in cellular membranes. The primarily responsible charging mechanisms depend on pulse duration and amplitude, as well as the conductivity of the extracellular medium. In comparison, the postexposure development of membrane integrity and secondary-cell responses depend on complex interaction of biophysical and biochemical processes. To assess the effect of exposure media beyond their electrical characteristics, we studied different exposure media with similar conductivities and osmolalities. Experiments were performed using a typical nsPEF regimen, as is used in apoptosis studies (eight pulses of 60-ns duration and 60 kV/cm). We investigated the development of membrane permeability with propidium iodide and cell survival with calcein-AM on biologically relevant times out to 20 or 90 min, respectively. We found a tenfold increase in permeabilization of the plasma membrane depending on the exposure medium and a similar effect on the cell viability. The results suggest that progression of membrane permeability and cell survival strongly depend on the composition of the extracellular medium, rather than its electrical characteristic alone.
Weedborne Reservoirs and Seed Transmission of Verticillium dahliae in Lettuce

Vallad, G. E., Bhat, R. G., Koike, S. T., Ryder, E. J., and Subbarao, K. V. 2005. Weedborne reservoirs and seed transmission of Verticillium dahliae in lettuce. Plant Dis. 89:317-324. The seed transmission of Verticillium dahliae was evaluated in lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Seed collected from lettuce plants infected with V. dahliae were plated with or without surface sterilization on Sorenson’s modified NP10 medium. Of the seed plated with or without surface sterilization, 90 and 66%, respectively, yielded colonies of V. dahliae. The incidence of Verticillium wilt ranged from 55 to 80% among lettuce plants grown from seed harvested from infected plants. All evaluated isolates of V. dahliae were capable of seed transmission in lettuce. A V. tricorpus isolate failed to cause significant disease in lettuce or to become seedborne. Storage of contaminated seed at seven temperatures ranging from –20 to 15°C for up to 72 weeks did not reduce the incidence of V. dahliae in seed, whereas storage at room temperature (23 ± 2°C) for 20 to 52 weeks reduced the incidence of V. dahliae without affecting seed viability. Of the 11 weed species collected from fields with a known history of Verticillium wilt of lettuce, four yielded V. dahliae. Pathogenicity tests demonstrated that isolates of V. dahliae from Sonchus oleraceus, Capsella bursa-pastoris, and Solanum sarrachoides were as virulent as or more virulent than an isolate of V. dahliae from lettuce. These results demonstrate the potential of seedborne and weedborne inoculum to disseminate V. dahliae.
Local regularity of the complex monge-ampere equation

In this thesis, we present a self-contained account of the current development in the local regularity theory of the complex Monge-Ampere equation through the modern fully-nonlinear PDE point of view. We have apply the modern elliptic techniques to establish new local regularity results. These includes: regularity of small perturbed solutions, Holder regularity of the Hessian of the W2p solutions and a Liouville-type theorem.
Abbreviata terrapenis (Nematoda: Physalopteridae): an accidental parasite of the banded rock rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi).

The nematode, Abbreviata terrapenis (Physalopteridae) was found in 16 (6%) of 267 banded rock rattlesnakes (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) from Arizona and New Mexico. Abbreviata terrapenis in C. lepidus represents an accidental parasite in that “infection” was acquired by the ingestion of lizard prey. Feeding captive snakes on wild-caught lizards poses a risk of introducing nematodes to the snakes.
Towards a CMOS compatible ultrasonic delay line memory

In this paper, we present the concept and demonstrate the use of recirculating ultrasonic pulses as memory elements, stored in the thickness of a silicon wafer. This memory can be called SIUM, Substrate Integrated Ultrasonic Memory, and can be integrated within CMOS. We outline a theory of maximum SIUM spatial density. In this paper, we demonstrate a 2 bit delay line memory with the bulk of the silicon wafer as the delay line medium, using high frequency, thin film aluminum nitride (AlN) transducers. Pulse lengths of 16 ns was used at a carrier frequency of 1.3 GHz, at 2.1 volts peak to peak applied to the AlN films. These voltages and frequency ranges can be implemented in silicon CMOS for complete integration within an integrated circuit.
A Cartilage Growth Mixture Model With Collagen Remodeling: Validation Protocols

The attainment of specific design goals related to tissue structure and function is likely critical to the development of a consistently successful strategy for articular cartilage (AC) repair. The long-term goal of this research is to develop a cartilage growth mixture (CGM) model that may be used with experimental approaches to improve AC repair strategies. The CGM employs a “stress balance” hypothesis: at equilibrium, the crosslinked collagen (COL) network restrains the proteoglycan (PG) swelling pressure generated by fixed charge density. The specific objectives are to: 1) refine a previous CGM model [1] to include COL remodeling; 2) develop analytical protocols for model validation that are based on experimental data from select in vitro growth protocols; and 3) test CGM model hypotheses.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Who Should Select New Employees, the Head Office or the Unit Manager? Consequences of Centralizing Hiring at a Retail Chain

We examine whether centralized hiring (in this study, by the head office of a US retail chain) or decentralized hiring (by store managers) leads to higher quality employee-company matches. While centralized hiring can ensure that enough resources are invested in consistently hiring people aligned with company values, it can also neglect the unit managers’ knowledge about which individuals would best match local conditions. We use difference-in-differences analyses to examine the effects of a switch from decentralized hiring to centralized hiring at our research site. We find that, on average, centralized hiring does not increase the quality of employee-company matches (measured through employee departures of newly-hired employees, store-level employee turnover, and store performance) except when store managers are inexperienced and/or overly busy. Yet, we find that centralized hiring is associated with higher employee departure rates in stores where the manager is likely to be more informed than headquarters (e.g. in stores that are far from headquarters or that serve repeat customers).
Decreased yield of Pneumocystis carinii from cortisonized rats.

Thirty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups, including 1 control and 2 ex- perimental groups, in order to compare the efficacy of using cortisone acetate alone or in addition to intranasal inoculation of Pneumocystis carinii organisms for the purpose of inducing acute P. carinii pneumonia. The presence of P. carinii was monitored in nasal secretions on a weekly basis and in lungs at autopsy. Titers of IgG antibody were also monitored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. No rat receiving cortisone acetate injections alone and only 2 of the rats receiving both cortisone and intranasal inoculation of P. carinii organisms showed Pneumocystis organisms in the lungs. However, Pneumocystis cysts did appear in the nasal secretions of 3 of the 5 control rats, all 8 rats receiving cortisone acetate injections only, and 12 of 18 rats receiving both cortisone acetate injections and an intranasal inoculum. IgG titers of both cortisonized groups remained < 1:4 throughout the course of the experiment. The titer of the control group increased from negative to 13 (geometric mean).
Double mitral valve. Report of a case and review of the literature

A case of double mitral valve orifice associated with atrioventricular canal was found at operation. These two anomalies are frequently associated. Double mitral valve is usually subclinical and does not necessarily need to be corrected, depending on the associated anomalies, the extent of the defect, and the personal experience of the surgeon. The embryology of double mitral valve is complicated and still needs to be clarified.
Study on Connected Preference of Birth Nodes in Internet

The IP-level topology is the topology of Internet fine grained representation, AS-level topology is coarse-grained Internet topological representation, is the macro structure of Internet abstract. In this paper, from the two levels of IP-level topology and AS-topology coarse-grained to connect preference on Internet birth nodes and connecting stability are explored, verifying the presence of BA network.
Discussion of the Application of Central Randomization System

This article introduces subjects' information registration,random allocation,drug control,interviewing-on-internet,emergency revealing blind and other aspects of center-random,in order to certify that central randomization system can guarantee the accuracy of random,control bias,avoid wasting time and manpower,simplify the administration link,and raise efficiency and quality of science research.On the basis of that,this article discusses the problems of central randomization system when it is dealing with clinical science research application.
Linking Unit Collaboration and Nursing Leadership to Nurse Outcomes and Quality of Care.

OBJECTIVE:The objective of this study is to identify the effects of unit collaboration and nursing leadership on nurse outcomes and quality of care.BACKGROUND:Along with the current healthcare reform, collaboration of care providers and nursing leadership has been underscored; however, empirical evi
Abstract 1635: The histone demethylase KDM3A in Ewing Sarcoma metastasis

This study aims to explore the roles and mechanisms of new candidates for therapeutic targeting in Ewing Sarcoma. Ewing Sarcoma is an aggressive pediatric malignancy of the bone and soft tissue, driven by EWS/Ets oncogenic fusions and characterized by high propensity for metastasis and poor clinical outcomes. We have identified the histone demethylase KDM3A as a novel tumor and metastasis promoter downstream of EWS/Fli1, the most common driver in this disease. Moreover, we have identified the cell surface protein, Melanoma Cell Adhesion Molecule (MCAM), as a potential important mediator of KDM3A action. Our data show that both KDM3A and MCAM depletion can inhibit growth and metastatic phenotypes. Additionally we explore the regulation of MCAM, showing that KDM3A may upregulate MCAM expression both through a direct as well as an indirect mechanism via the Ets1 transcription factor. Since both KDM3A and MCAM are pharmacologically targetable, understanding of this pathway could provide at least two new therapeutic targets in Ewing Sarcoma, and, importantly alternatives to drugging of EWS/Ets fusions, which to date has proven very difficult. Citation Format: Marybeth Sechler, Janet Parrish, Paul Jedlicka. The histone demethylase KDM3A in Ewing Sarcoma metastasis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1635.
Identification of an intermediate methyl carrier in the radical S-adenosylmethionine methylthiotransferases RimO and MiaB.

RimO and MiaB are radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzymes that catalyze the attachment of methylthio (−SCH3) groups to macromolecular substrates. RimO attaches a methylthio group at C3 of aspartate 89 of protein S12, a component of the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome. MiaB attaches a methylthio group at C2 of N6-(isopentenyl)adenosine, found at nucleotide 37 in several prokaryotic tRNAs. These two enzymes are prototypical members of a subclass of radical SAM enzymes called methylthiotransferases (MTTases). It had been assumed that the sequence of steps in MTTase reactions involves initial sulfur insertion into the organic substrate followed by capping of the inserted sulfur atom with a SAM-derived methyl group. In this work, however, we show that both RimO and MiaB from Thermotoga maritima catalyze methyl transfer from SAM to an acid/base labile acceptor on the protein in the absence of their respective macromolecular substrates. Consistent with the assignment of the acceptor as an iron–sulfur cl...
Building an automated problem list based on natural language processing: lessons learned in the early phase of development.

Detailed problem lists that comply with JCAHO requirements are important components of electronic health records. Besides improving continuity of care electronic problem lists could serve as foundation infrastructure for clinical trial recruitment, research, biosurveillance and billing informatics modules. However, physicians rarely maintain problem lists. Our team is building a system using MetaMap and UMLS to automatically populate the problem list. We report our early results evaluating the application. Three physicians generated gold standard problem lists for 100 cardiology ambulatory progress notes. Our application had 88% sensitivity and 66% precision using a non-modified UMLS dataset. The system’s misses concentrated in the group of ambiguous problem list entries (Chi-square=27.12 p<0.0001). In addition to the explicit entries, the notes included 10% implicit entry candidates. MetaMap and UMLS are readily applicable to automate the problem list. Ambiguity in medical documents has consequences for performance evaluation of automated systems.
Analysis of Rho-GTPase Activity During Budding Yeast Cytokinesis

Rho-type small GTPases are involved in cytokinesis in various organisms, but their precise roles and regulation remain unclear. Rho proteins function as molecular switches by cycling between the active GTP-bound and inactive GDP-bound states; the GTP-bound proteins in turn interact with their downstream effectors to transmit the signal. Biochemical assays using Rho-binding domains of effector proteins have been used to specifically pull down GTP-bound Rho proteins from cell extracts. Here, we describe the application of such a method in combination with cell-cycle synchronization in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae; this approach allows dissection of the activity of Rho1 at different stages of cytokinesis. We also present data showing the importance of caution in interpreting such biochemical data and of comparing to the results obtained with other approaches where possible. The principle of this protocol is also applicable to analyses of other Rho-type GTPases and cell-cycle events.
Fuel Cells and the Hydrogen Economy

This chapter reveals that hydrogen has the necessary properties and can fulfill the role of an energy carrier that can be derived from water, which is an abundant source. It can be substituted for petroleum and coal in almost all industrial processes which require a reducing agent, such as in steel manufacturing and other metallurgical operations. Further, hydrogen can easily be converted to a variety of fuel forms such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrazine. The use of hydrogen as a fuel would allow the industrial establishment to retain its present structure. Hydrogen can be readily derived from the primary source by the decomposition of water. Hydrogen, like electricity, is a high-quality but high-cost energy carrier. Its adoption by the market depends on the availability of technologies and/or policies that put a high market value on hydrogen. One such enabling technology for hydrogen is the low temperature fuel cell (PC), which has wide market opportunities in both transportation and stationary combined heat and power applications. The fuel cell is an electrochemical device that generates electricity by chemical reaction without altering the electrodes or the electrolyte materials. This distinguishes the fuel cell from electrochemical batteries. The concept of the fuel cell is the reverse of the electrolysis of water, in which the hydrogen and oxygen are combined to produce electricity and water. The fuel cell is a static device that converts the chemical energy directly into electrical energy.