cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technology Enabled Clinical Care (TECC): Protocol for a Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study of Smartphone-Augmented Mental Health Treatment.

Background: Even before COVID-19, there has been an urgent need to expand access to and quality of mental health care. This paper introduces an 8-week treatment protocol to realize that vision—Technology Enabled Clinical Care (TECC). TECC offers innovation in clinical assessment, monitoring, and interventions for mental health. TECC uses the mindLAMP app to enable digital phenotyping, clinical communication, and smartphone-based exercises that will augment in-person or telehealth virtual visits. TECC exposes participants to an array of evidence-based treatments (cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy) introduced through clinical sessions and then practiced through interactive activities provided through a smartphone app called mindLAMP. Objective: TECC will test the feasibility of providing technology-enabled mental health care within an outpatient clinic; explore the practicality for providing this care to individuals with limited English proficiency; and track anxiety, depression, and mood symptoms for participants to measure the effectiveness of the TECC design. Methods: The TECC study will assess the acceptability and efficacy of this care model in 50 participants as compared to an age- and gender-matched cohort of patients presenting with similar clinical severity of depression, anxiety, or psychotic symptoms. Participants will be recruited from clinics in the Metro Boston area. Aspects of TECC will be conducted in both Spanish and English to ensure wide access to care for multiple populations. Results: The results of the TECC study will be used to support or adapt this model of care and create training resources to ensure its dissemination. The study results will be posted on ClinicalTrials.gov, with primary outcomes related to changes in mood, anxiety, and stress, and secondary outcomes related to engagement, alliance, and satisfaction. Conclusions: TECC combines new digital mental health technology with updated clinical protocols and workflows designed to ensure patients can benefit from innovation in digital mental health. Supporting multiple languages, TECC is designed to ensure digital health equity and highlights how mobile health can bridge, not expand, gaps in care for underserved populations.
Renal medication-related clinical decision support (CDS) alerts and overrides in the inpatient setting following implementation of a commercial electronic health record: implications for designing more effective alerts.

Objective To assess the appropriateness of medication-related clinical decision support (CDS) alerts associated with renal insufficiency and the potential/actual harm from overriding the alerts. Materials and methods Override rate frequency was recorded for all inpatients who had a renal CDS alert trigger between 05/2017 and 04/2018. Two random samples of 300 for each of 2 types of medication-related CDS alerts associated with renal insufficiency-"dose change" and "avoid medication"-were evaluated by 2 independent reviewers using predetermined criteria for appropriateness of alert trigger, appropriateness of override, and patient harm. Results We identified 37 100 "dose change" and 5095 "avoid medication" alerts in the population evaluated, and 100% of each were overridden. Dose change triggers were classified as 12.5% appropriate and overrides of these alerts classified as 90.5% appropriate. Avoid medication triggers were classified as 29.6% appropriate and overrides 76.5% appropriate. We identified 5 adverse drug events, and, of these, 4 of the 5 were due to inappropriately overridden alerts. Conclusion Alerts were nearly always presented inappropriately and were all overridden during the 1-year period studied. Alert fatigue resulting from receiving too many poor-quality alerts may result in failure to recognize errors that could lead to patient harm. Although medication-related CDS alerts associated with renal insufficiency had previously been found to be the most clinically beneficial alerts in a legacy system, in this system they were ineffective. These findings underscore the need for improvements in alert design, implementation, and monitoring of alert performance to make alerts more patient-specific and clinically appropriate.
Stochastic simulations reveal that dendritic spine morphology regulates synaptic plasticity in a deterministic manner

Dendritic spines act as computational units and must adapt their responses according to their activation history. Calcium influx acts as the first signaling step during postsynaptic activation and is a determinant of synaptic weight change. Dendritic spines also come in a variety of sizes and shapes. To probe the relationship between calcium dynamics and spine morphology, we used a stochastic reaction-diffusion model of calcium dynamics in idealized and realistic geometries. We show that despite the stochastic nature of the various calcium channels, receptors, and pumps, spine size and shape can separately modulate calcium dynamics and subsequently synaptic weight updates in a deterministic manner. The relationships between calcium dynamics and spine morphology identified in idealized geometries also hold in realistic geometries suggesting that there are geometrically determined deterministic relationships that may modulate synaptic weight change.
Vitamin D regulation of the immune system and its implications for COVID-19: A mini review

The novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is at the origin of the current pandemic, predominantly manifests with severe respiratory symptoms an...
Is an Exemption from U.S. Groundwater Regulations a Loophole or a Noose

In the United States, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) regulates most groundwater used for drinking water. The Act covers most urban areas but because it does not cover small water systems, it implicitly exempts nearly half of those living in rural America. In large measure, monitoring required by the SDWA has illustrated the prevalence of naturally occurring arsenic in groundwater in concentrated areas throughout the country. Even though many in Congress seem aware of this threat and have, indeed, supported more stringent arsenic standards, Congress, on the whole, has failed to update the SDWA to cover those water systems left unprotected by the Act. Conventional political science theory suggests that effective congressional oversight depends on Congress creating both active (e.g., hearings and commissioned studies) and passive oversight mechanisms (i.e., citizen suits and opportunities for constituent feedback). In this case, Congress had, in fact, created sufficient tools to detect a serious problem but, having identified it, nevertheless failed to respond. Why? In exploring Congress's inaction, we find something unexpected: the structure of the SDWA has created perverse incentives not only for unregulated water systems but also for regulated systems to push to keep exempted water systems unregulated. The outcome is that those outside of the SDWA’s protections remain outside and continue to drink contaminated water by the glass full. So, while Congress created a loophole, it may have inadvertently tied a noose.
Aortic dissection and ruptures in adult congenital heart disease in Texas from 2009 to 2019.

OBJECTIVES Acute thoracic aortic dissection and rupture (TADR) has an incidence of 5-7 per 100 000-person years. Today, most children with congenital heart disease (CHD) survive to become adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). This study evaluates TADR in patients with ACHD in a large, hospitalized patient population over 11 years to evaluate the incidence, risk factors and outcomes associated with TADR. METHODS This was a retrospective review of the Texas Inpatient Discharge Data Set from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2019. All non-trauma discharges of patients ≥18 years were included. ACHD discharges were identified by International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition (ICD-9)/10 diagnosis codes. TADR were identified using 2 definitions: TADR1 is an ICD-9/10 code for TADR, and TADR2 is TADR1 with an ICD-9/10 procedure code for aortic intervention. Descriptive, univariate and logistic regression statistics were used. RESULTS A total of 22 154 664 eligible discharges were identified, of which 12 584 (0.06%) were TADR1 and a subgroup of 5699 (0.03%) were TADR2. CHD was more prevalent in TADR1 (0.2% vs 0.05%; P < 0.001) and TADR2 (0.3% vs 0.04%; P < 0.001). Adjusting for known TADR risk factors, CHD had an odds ratio of 1.69 (95% confidence interval: 1.09-2.63; P = 0.020) for TADR1 and an odds ratio of 1.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.99-2.88; P = 0.056) for TADR2. No in-hospital deaths were found in patients with CHD with TADR. CONCLUSIONS ACHD discharges had a higher frequency of TADR versus the general population (0.9-1.2 vs 0.3-0.6 per 1000 discharges). There is an indication that CHD confers an increased adjusted odds of TADR. As the ACHD population continues to grow in number as well as age, it will be important to continue to assess the risk of TADR from CHD and how traditional risk factors impact this risk.
Gynecologic Interstitial Brachytherapy Curriculum Using a Low-Cost Phantom With Ultrasound Workshop and a Treatment Planning Workshop is Feasible and Effective.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) There is no standard simulation training geared towards interstitial brachytherapy (IS BT) for gynecologic malignancies. Most residents perform few IS cases during residency. However, IS BT is an integral part of care for locally advanced gynecologic malignancies. We developed and implemented a workshop curriculum for IS BT with: 1) lecture on equipment, workflow, and guidelines, 2) hands-on ultrasound-guided IS BT workshop, and 3) treatment planning workshop. MATERIALS/METHODS The cost of each gynecologic phantom was approximately $70; phantoms were composed of an acrylic vase cube, rigid PETG tubes, modeling clay, agar, glass microspheres, a custom molded cervix/uterus structure, and a water-filled condom to mimic the bladder. A hands-on ultrasound-guided IS BT workshop was performed with residents in two small groups, where they imaged the gynecologic phantom using a transabdominal ultrasound probe. Participants alternated roles of sonographer or brachytherapist, implanting the phantom using custom stainless-steel needles machined in-house. A second workshop with hands-on treatment planning was performed in planning software using a L-Q spreadsheet with the following objectives: coverage goal of D90, meeting D2cc constraints of bladder and rectum, and minimizing V200 to qualitatively involve a small volume. All residents filled out a pre- and post-survey with subjective (4 demographics; 12 Likert-style) and objective knowledge-based (13) questions about GYN IS-BT. Paired subjective data were compared with the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Paired objective data were compared with the McNemar's test of paired proportions. All statistical analysis was performed with a 2-sided P-value at the 0.05 significance level. RESULTS Four residents had prior IS BT experience. After the workshop, residents reported significantly improved comfort with skills and knowledge regarding GYN IS BT equipment and procedure, evaluating GYN anatomy using ultrasound, and CT Simulation, contouring, and plan review (median pre-session Likert score 2 [1-3] vs post session 3 [3-4], P < 0.05). The overall rate of percent correct items assessing objective radiation oncology knowledge at baseline was 44%, Following completion of the curriculum, the overall percent correct items was 88% (P < 0.0001). All residents "Agree" (2/7) and "Strongly Agree" (5/7) the session was an effective learning experience. Qualitative feedback primarily asked for more time with treatment planning and educational content beforehand. CONCLUSION Residents participating in phantom training with an ultrasound curriculum and a treatment planning session is both feasible and effective. Similar strategies should be considered to enhance and standardize radiation oncology education initiatives for gynecologic IS BT training.
Organ Preservation With Definitive Chemoradiotherapy for T4 Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Purpose/Objective(s) Randomized trials established chemoradiotherapy as standard treatment for locoregionally advanced laryngeal cancer, but T4 patients were largely excluded from RTOG 91-11. The standard of care for T4 patients includes upfront surgical resection. Our institution has experience with organ preservation for this population. The purpose of this study was to report T4 laryngeal cancer patient outcomes, including those with large volume T4 (LVT4) disease, treated with chemoradiotherapy. Materials/Methods We retrospectively reviewed all T4 larynx patients at our institution who received definitive chemoradiation. From January 2014 to December 2019, patients with T4 larynx were identified. LVT4 disease was defined as T4 laryngeal disease with anterior thyroid cartilage, base of tongue, or cricoid cartilage invasion. Induction chemotherapy typically consisted of 2 cycles of carboplatin (AUC = 6 on d1) and paclitaxel (100 mg/m2 on d1/d8/d15). Chemoradiation typically consisted of 4 to 6 alternating weekly cycles of paclitaxel (100 mg/m2 on d1), infusion 5-fluorouracil (600 mg/m2/d on d1-5), hydroxyurea (500 mg PO BID), and either 2 Gy daily or 1.5 Gy twice-daily irradiation followed by a 9-day treatment break (TFHX). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate rates of locoregional control (LRC), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS), and laryngectomy free-survival. Results Twenty-two patients met eligibility criteria and were included for analysis. Median follow-up was 43.6 months. 95% of patients were LVT4. 86% of patients received induction chemotherapy. 55% of patients were treated using a twice daily approach, while 45% were treated with daily fractionation with a median dose of 72 Gy (IQR: 70-74). Two-year locoregional control (LRC), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS), and laryngectomy-free survival (LFS) was 90%, 85%, 91%, and 90%, respectively. Four-year LRC, DMFS, OS, and LFS was 85%, 78%, 63%, and 90%, respectively. Two patients required laryngectomy for recurrent or persistent disease. Of disease-free patients, none required laryngectomy for intractable dysfunctional larynx. 73% of patients required upfront tracheostomy and 68% required a feeding tube prior to treatment. 91% of patients demonstrated normal or understandable speech and 77% of patients were able to tolerate PO intake of soft/regular food after completion of treatment. Conclusion Promising laryngectomy free survival is seen with TFHX concurrent chemoradiation for T4 laryngeal patients. T4 disease had outcomes similar to patients with less advanced disease treated on Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 91-11.
Impact of Direct Transport vs. Transfer on Out-of-Hospital Traumatic Cardiac Arrest.

Background Injured patients benefit from direct transport to a trauma center; however, it is unknown whether patients with traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) benefit from initial resuscitation at the nearest emergency department (ED) if a trauma center is farther away. We hypothesized that patients with traumatic OHCA transported directly to a trauma center have less in-hospital mortality after initial resuscitation compared to those transferred from non-trauma centers. Methods We examined patients presenting with traumatic OHCA within our institutional trauma registry and the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) and excluded patients with ED mortality. Our primary outcome was all-cause mortality during index hospitalization; multiple logistic regression controlled for age, sex, injury severity score, mechanism of injury, signs of life, emergency surgery, and level I trauma center designation. Results We identified 271 and 1,138 adult patients with traumatic OHCA in our registry and the NTDB; 28% and 16% were transferred from another facility, respectively. Following initial resuscitation, patients transferred to a trauma center had higher in-hospital mortality than those transported directly in both our local and national cohorts (aOR: 2.27, 95%CI: 1.03-4.98, and aOR: 2.66, 95%CI: 1.35 - 5.26, respectively). Discussion Patients with traumatic OHCA transported directly to a trauma center may have increased survival to discharge compared to those transferred from another facility, even accounting for initial resuscitation. Further investigation should examine the impact of both physiologic and logistic factors including distance to trauma center, traffic, and weather patterns that may impact prehospital decision-making and destination selection.
Storage Power Management for Cluster Servers Using Remote Disk Access

This paper presents a novel approach to disk storage power management for the cluster server systems which accesses remote active storage devices instead of turning on local storage devices. It is more economical to access remote storage than to spin up a standby disk both in terms of latency and power consumption. The number of active storage in the system is controlled according to the disk I/O load and demand. Unlike previous approaches to storage power savings, the proposed scheme does not rely on the special types or combinations of disk drives. The proposed scheme can be used for various storage configurations including internal disks, NAS, and SAN.
Ultraviolet cross-linking assay to measure sequence-specific DNA binding in vivo.

Publisher Summary DNA replication, gene transcription, and chromosome structure are regulated by proteins that bind specific DNA sequences. The DNA-binding specificities of many of these proteins have been characterized extensively in vitro. However, to determine the way they function in the context of a whole organism, the range of DNA sequences that they bind in vivo must be understood. This chapter describes a method that can directly quantitate binding by sequence-specific DNA binding proteins in vivo. There are three classes of in vivo DNA-binding assays: footprinting, immunolocalization, and cross-linking. The chapter describes these methods in detail and discusses the results obtained. Possible differences between transcription-factor DNA binding in prokaryotes and higher eukaryotes are also discussed. Footprinting assays provide the high-resolution mapping of DNA sequences that are protected from chemical or enzymatic attack by the binding of a protein. Immunolocalization of proteins on polytene chromosomes in Drosophila can identify the chromosomal regions at which proteins are found at their highest concentrations. Cross-linking assays employ either formaldehyde or ultraviolet (UV) light to covalently couple endogenous proteins to DNA. Although these methods have yielded important data, none can provide all of the information desired.
On evolving hardware: on-line evolution by cellular programming

Extensive research shows that the implementation of evolutionary algorithms are costly in many cases. This paper reports on an alternative construction, namely non-uniform cellular automatons (CA) with which (1) it is possible to increase the capacity for complex computations while preserving the main features of CAs, (2) evolve parallel cellular machines to perform computational tasks via cellular programming, and (3) attain evolware with implementations centering on hardware. The hardware architecture of the cellular programming evolware involves: (1) a group of individual cells is in operation rather than a single one, (2) genetic operators are implemented on-board rather than on offline computer, and (3) the evolutionary phase proceeds uninterrupted via a continuous machine's operation. The active components of the evolware complex comprise exclusively the latest cellular FPGA circuit. Accordingly, this paper is organized as follows: Section I presents fundamentals and analysis of computations in quasiuniform cellular automats in a quasi-uniform cellular space; Section II introduces the basic approach for coevolving cellular computation and cellular machines, denoted cellular programming. Section III adopts synchronization as a criteria to attain evolware centered on hardware. Cellular programming is implemented in hardware. The algorithm is slightly modified (without loss of performance): the genetic operators, one-point crossover and mutation, are replaced with the operator uniform crossover. This results in the creation of an offspring genome from two parent genomes (bit strings) with a 50% probability for each parent. Finally, Section IV analyzes performance and results.
Amnion nodosum: A lesion of the placenta apparently associated with deficient secretion of fetal urine

Abstract Amnion nodosum is a process characterized by multiple, focal lesions of the amnion, consisting of masses of adherent amniotic squamae partially invaded by amniotic mesoderm. The nodules thus formed have previously been called Amnionknotchen (amniotic nodules). This report is based on a study of amnion nodosum occurring in the placentas of eight stillborn infants or infants with major congenital renal anomalies. The study suggests that amnion nodosum is the result of processes set under way by oligohydramnios, caused most commonly by deficiency of fetal urine excretion.
From static to dynamic: Using the OPAC to generate real‐time lists of departmental acquisitions for library current awareness service

Purpose – This paper aims to report on a successful implementation of a current awareness service designed to inform teaching faculty and liaison librarians as to the status of library materials they have ordered.Design/methodology/approach – The paper looks at the methods employed by the authors, which simplify maintenance of lists of new titles by providing a single, consistent access point to new resources. The dynamic pages are compiled by using the OPAC as a platform: connecting with a Z39.50 protocol, passing keywords and phrases along via the URL query string, parsing the data with PHP, and rendering the data on the web with a combination of PHP and JavaScript.Findings – The OPAC‐as‐platform method of rendering the departmental acquisitions pages has solved every problem that had existed up to this point. With very minor changes to cataloguing workflow, the technical services department now has a low‐maintenance system in place for notifying teaching faculty and liaison librarians of new arrivals.O...
Severe infant botulism with cardiac arrest

Botulism is caused by the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. This toxin binds the peripheral presynaptic cholinergic membranes, preventing the release of acetylcholine and thereby producing a life-threatening, paralytic illness. We report the case of an infant with botulism who proceeded to cardiorespiratory arrest, but whose outcome was very satisfactory, in spite of the delay in diagnosis.
Photolysis of [Ru(bipy)2(NO)Cl](PF6)2 in frozen ionic glass matrices. Evidence for nitrosyl linkage isomerism and NO-loss in a physiologically relevant nitric oxide source

Abstract Photolysis of [Ru(bipy)2(NO)Cl](PF6)2 and its 15NO isotopomer in frozen butyl, methylimidazole (bmim) PF6 glass at ca. 90 K results in appearance of bands characteristic of isonitrosyl and side-on nitrosyl linkage isomers. In addition, weak bands corresponding to free NO in the matrix are also observed. These observations suggest that weakly bound linkage isomers of nitric oxide are likely intermediates in the photolytic release of NO in this and other physiologically relevant NO sources.
Effects of Nonprice Variables upon Participation in Water-oriented Outdoor Recreation

The increasing proportion of the population which lives and works in metropolitan areas is a primary factor in the growing demand for recreation. Recreation research concerning the allocation of land and water to meet more fully the demand for water‐oriented outdoor recreation is of increasing importance as population increases. The model developed here allows appraisal of nonprice information needed by private and government decision makers in planning for recreational uses of land and water. It permits projections of recreation participation for a population of a metropolitan area by utilizing changes in the socioeconomic composition of the population as well as its size.
Enhancing acoustic signal quality by rapidly switching between pulse-echo and through-transmission using diplexers

The increase of terrorism and its global impact has made the screening of the contents of liquid-filled containers a necessity. The ability to evaluate the contents of a container rapidly and accurately is a critical tool in maintaining global safety and security. Due to the immense quantities and large variety of containers shipped worldwide, there is a need for a technology that enables rapid and effective ways of conducting non-intrusive container inspections. Such inspections can be performed utilizing "through-transmission" or "pulse-echo" acoustic techniques, in combination with multiple frequency excitation pulses or waveforms. The challenge is combining and switching between the different acoustic techniques without distorting the excitation pulse or waveform, degrading or adding noise to the receive signal; while maintaining a portable, low-power, low-cost, and easy to use system. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has developed a methodology and prototype device focused on this challenge. The prototype relies on an advanced diplexer circuit capable of rapidly switching between both "through-transmission" and "pulse-echo" detection modes. This type of detection requires the prototype to isolate the pulsing circuitry from the receiving circuitry to prevent damage and reduce noise. The results of this work demonstrate that an advanced diplexer circuit can be effective; however, some bandwidth issues exist. This paper focuses on laboratory measurements and test results acquired with the PNNL prototype device as applied to several types of liquid-filled containers. Results of work conducted in the laboratory will be presented and future measurement platform enhancements will be discussed.
Growth responses and vascular plugging of citrus inoculated with rhizobacteria and xylem-resident bacteria

Bacteria, isolated from roots (xylem tissue) of healthy and Young Tree Decline (YTD, Blight)-affected citrus trees, and also from nursery seedlings, were screened for potential pathogenicity by the tobacco hypersensitive reaction (HR). A majority (>75%) of the HR positive strains were classified as nonfluorescent pseudomonads. These HR positive strains were subsequently inoculated into rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) and sweet orange (C. sinsensis Osbeck) seedlings or into ‘Valencia’ sweet orange budded on rough lemon root-stock. Many of the HR positive pseudomonads reduced fresh weights (up to 94%) of roots and shoots and some reduced xylem water conductance and caused scion dieback. There was no evidence of necrosis or root rot in inoculated roots. A few HR negative Pseudomonas and Enterobacter strains significantly, but less severely, inhibited (to 43%) root growth of sweet orange seedlings. HR negative mutants derived from HR positive strains were considerably less inhibitory. Postinoculation stresses (dark and cold) markedly decreased susceptibility of seedlings to bacterial-induced inhibition. Evidence of cultivar-specific effects was obtained in comparable inoculations of rough lemon and sweet orange seedlings. Soil application of a fluorescent pseudomonad, which alone was growth stimulatory, intensified inhibitory effects of nonfluorescent, growth inhibitory, psuedomonads. This study demonstrates that many rhizobacteria isolated from xylem tissue of roots have detrimental effects on citrus.
Distribution of S- and M-cones in normal and experimentally detached cat retina.

The lectin peanut agglutinin (PNA) and antibodies to short (S)- and medium to long wavelength (M/L)-sensitive cones were utilized in order to define the relative distributions of the two spectral types of cone across the domestic cat’s retina. These values, in turn, were compared to those from retinas that had been experimentally detached from the retinal pigment epithelium. The pattern of cone distribution in the normal cat’s retina is established by the preponderance of M-cones that constitute between 80% and 90% of all cones. Their peak density of over 26,000 cells/mm 2 resides at the area centralis. Though M-cone density decreases smoothly to the ora serrata where they have densities as low as 2,200 cells/mm 2 , the density decrease along the nasotemporal axis is slower,creating a horizontal region of higher cone density. S-cones constitute between 10% and 20% of all cones, the number being quite variable even between individual animals of similar age. The highest S-cone densities are found in three distinct locations: at the superior far periphery near the ora serrata, immediately at the area centralis itself, and in a broad zone comprising the central and lower half of the inferior hemiretina. S-cones in the cat retina do not form a regular geometrical array at any eccentricity. As for the detached cat retina, the density of labeled S-cone outer segments (OS) decreases rapidly as early as 1 day postdetachment and continues decreasing to day 28 when the density of cones labeling with anti-S opsin has dropped to less than 10% of normal. This response points to a profound difference between rods and cones; essentially all rods, including those without OS, continue to express their opsin even in long-term detachments. The implications of these results for visual recovery after retinal reattachment are discussed. J. Comp. Neurol. 430:343‐356, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Indexing terms: photoreceptors; blue cones; lectins; antibodies; retinal detachment
Continuous Phase Mixing on Crossflow Extraction Sieve Trays

Abstract Axial dispersion of a crossflowing continuous phase was studied in a special experimental system that simulated a “slice” from a large, commercial scale sieve tray extractor. The toluene-water system was used, and Peclet numbers were determined as functions of phase flow rates and tray geometry. It was concluded that for systems with relatively high interfacial tension, which give characteristically low point efficiencies, axial mixing is not an important issue in the design of sieve tray extractors.
The polymerase chain reaction. A new method of using molecular genetics for medical diagnosis.

THE development of molecular genetics, both as a self-contained field and as a body of techniques broadly useful in biologic investigation, has had a profound influence on medical research. The beneficiaries include every discipline in basic science and, at least indirectly, most clinical and applied medical disciplines. Certain technical milestones can be identified over the past several decades that have been particularly important in the progress of the field. One is the discovery of restriction endonucleases, which together with the development of DNA ligation and transformation procedures, led to the ability to clone and thus propagate genes of any organism . . .
Institutional journal costs in an open access environment

This study investigates the potential impact of open access pricing on institutional journal expenditures in four subject fields at nine American colleges and universities. Three pricing models are evaluated: the conventional model (the current subscription model), the PLoS open access model (based on the fees currently charged by the Public Library of Science), and the equal-revenue open access model (which maintains current levels of total aggregate spending within each subject field). Because institutional disparities in publishing productivity are far greater than institutional disparities in library holdings, the shift from a subscription-based model to either open access model would bring dramatic cost savings for most colleges and universities. At the same time, a small number of institutions—the top research universities—would pay a far higher proportion of the total aggregate cost. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spawning ofConger oceanicus andConger triporiceps (Congridae) in the Sargasso Sea and subsequent distribution of leptocephali

Distribution of leptocephali ofConger in the Western North Atlantic Ocean was studied using specimens from our collections, specimens from other collections, and various existing collection records. The presence of leptocephali ofConger oceanicus andConger triporiceps < 30 mm long over deep water in the southwestern Sargasso Sea in autumn and winter implies a protracted spawning period there. The subtropical convergence zone, meandering east-west across the Sargasso Sea, is probably the northern limit of spawning of both species. Spawning may also occur close to the Bahamas and Antilles.C. triporiceps may spawn also in the Caribbean Sea judging by the capture of small leptocephali in the western Caribbean and of the more southerly continental distribution of its juveniles. The claim of Johannes Schmidt in 1931 that the EuropeanC. conger spawns across the North Atlantic into the western Sargasso Sea is probably incorrect, because leptocephali ofConger are rare in the eastern Sargasso Sea and becauseC. triporiceps, with myomere numbers overlapping those ofC. conger, was recently described in the western North Atlantic. With increasing size, leptocephali ofC. oceanicus and a portion ofC. triporiceps spread westward and northward in the Florida Current and Gulf Stream, but larger leptocephali especially ofC. triporiceps are found also in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Spawning ofC. oceanicus in the Sargasso Sea indicates that adults cross the Florida Current-Gulf Stream, and successful leptocephali cross the current in the opposite direction to colonize juvenile habitat on the continental shelf, a migratory pattern similar to that of the American eelAnguilla rostrata (Anguillidae).
Time of the day for 11β‐HSD1 inhibition plays a role in improving glucose homeostasis in DIO mice

Aims The physiological effects of glucocorticoids in a given tissue are driven by the local level of the active glucocorticoid, which is determined by two sources: the plasma cortisol in human (or corticosterone in rodents) and the cortisol produced locally through 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) activity. Because of the circadian variation of plasma glucocorticoids, the pharmacological efficacy of 11beta-HSD1 inhibition may depend on the time of the day for inhibitor administration. Methods The circadian profile of corticosterone was established in lean and diet-induced obesity (DIO) C57BL/6 mice from blood collected at different time of the day. 11beta-HSD1 enzyme activity was also measured throughout the day in DIO mice. To determine the optimal timing for administration of an 11beta-HSD1 inhibitor to obtain maximum efficacy, we used a DIO mouse model and a small molecule inhibitor of 11beta-HSD1 from our thiazolinone series. Based on the circadian profile of corticosterone obtained, we administered the 11beta-HSD1 inhibitor to these animals at different times of the day and evaluated the effects on plasma glucose levels and glucose tolerance. Results We report that corticosterone circadian rhythm was similar between lean and DIO C57BL/6 mice, and 11beta-HSD1 enzyme activity undergoes minimal variations throughout the day. Interestingly, the compound exhibited maximum efficacy if dosed in the afternoon when plasma corticosterone is high; the morning dosing when plasma corticosterone is low did not lead to efficacy. Conclusion These data suggest that because of the circadian rhythm of circulating glucocorticoids, the time of the day for 11beta-HSD1 inhibitor administration is important in achieving efficacy.
Interactions of social, spatial and hormonal factors on the behavior of rhesus monkeys ( Macaca mulatta )

In a three year study, the interactions of social, spatial and hormonal variables on the behavior of rhesus monkeys were investigated. Observations were made on (1) an oppositelysexed pair alone in a cage; (2) the pair alone in a large room; and (3) the pair together with three ovariectomized females in the same large room. Each of four males was tested with the same group of four ovariectomized females (16 pairs, 480 1-hr tests). Each female served in turn as the focal female, namely, the hormone-treated one, and received first estradiol benzoate (EB) alone and then in combination with progesterone (P). The presence of three other females (the social variable) had a marked effect on all aspects of the behavior of the focal pair, and reduced the male's ejaculations as well as other sexual and affiliative interactions with the focal female. This was due to an inhibitory influence exerted by the dominant female on the interactions of subordinate females with the male. Comparing data from two groups of females showed that female dominance rank, and not male sexual preference, was the critical factor, and that mate competition between female rhesus monkeys was operating. Decreasing the space available for the interactions of the pair appeared to imitate a bonding effect in the male, increasing male grooming and tending to increase male sexual activity. In the group setting, treating the female with EB increased sexual activity, and additional progesterone decreased it in all three test settings. The effects of progesterone were most clearly apparent when the pair was tested alone in a large area.
Purification of Dictyostelium discoideum spores by centrifugation in Percoll density gradients with retention of morphological and biochemical integrity.

Abstract Rapid and reliable methods have been developed for the preparation and purification of dormant spores of the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum , using Percoll density gradient centrifugation. Percoll gradients were generated in situ (20,000 g ; 30 min) with subsequent banding of nondamaged dormant spores at an isopycnic density equal to about 1.12 g/cm 3 . Examination of the prepared spores by phase-contrast microscopy indicated the absence of stalk cells and other nonspore material and the retention by the spores of their morphological integrity. Biochemical integrity was also retained by the isolated spores as evidenced by their efficiency of germination and the level of endogenous trehalase activity present in crude cell-free spore extracts.
Methods of calculating composition changes in neutron-irradiated materials

Abstract A theory for calculating nuclide composition changes is presented. (By summing isotopes, the composition changes in terms of elements can also be calculated.) The core of the theory consists of differential equations of composition change that can be solved by numerical techniques or by approximate analytic methods, depending on the accuracy desired. The superposition principle for multicomponent materials and graphical techniques for the display of composition are presented. One of the graphical methods is the mixture diagram which can provide composition information for many irradiated mixtures within a mixture system.
A breastfeeding protocol.

Specific guidelines for assisting patients in breastfeeding their infants are outlined, beginning in the prenatal period and continuing through initiation of nursing and established lactation. Prevention of possible problems is emphasized, but included are methods for relieving difficulties encountered during breastfeeding, such as flat nipples, sleepy babies, sore nipples, oversupply, engorgement, multiple births, forceful expulsion of milk, and breast infections.
Network-based Modeling and Analysis of Cloud Fraction and Precipitation: A case study for the Ohio River Basin

River networks and river basins are considered as one of the natural components in the Water Networks (WN). In this paper, we propose, for the very first time, a network-based model of cloud movement; this can also become part of natural sources of freshwater in the Water Networks. More precisely, we use the cloud network model over the Ohio river basin to estimate the value of cloud fraction for the next day using the current day cloud fraction. The experimental results indicate that our model produces good results and is computationally less intensive. This is in contrast with numerical weather predicting techniques which are highly accurate, but make use of powerful servers. Further, accurate cloud fraction estimation shows that our network model is a correct representation of cloud movement dynamics. We also analyze the network properties and find that the cloud network generated by our algorithm is close to a random graph and not to a small-world network. Finally, we present a thorough analysis of cloud fraction and precipitation in the Ohio river basin. These results are a first step towards modeling the complete hydrological cycle.
Modeling of a Compact Pulser for Isentropic Compression Experiments

Summary form only given. For the past 10 years, equation-of-state experiments have been carried out using magnetic pressure to isentropically compress materials, These experiments were performed at the Z accelerator facility at Sandia National Laboratories. Recently, a compact, fast strip-line pulser was designed with the objective of doing isentropic compression experiments at low cost, with rapid turn around, with good shot-to-shot reproducibility, and with the ability to shape the current profile for the material being tested. In this work, we present 3D simulations of the compact pulser performed with the ALEGRA MHD code. In order to learn more about the pressure magnitude and uniformity, current density distributions were calculated from the capacitors to the load. Free-surface velocity measurements are compared to those obtained from the simulations and show reasonable agreement. Various results describing the electrical characteristics of the system will be discussed.
Protein and lipid adsorption by acrylic hydrogels and their relation to water wettability

Radiochemical techniques were applied to determine protein and lipid uptake by acrylic hydrogels. The water wettability of these gels was previously obtained by using contact angle goniometry and was found to depend mainly on the composition of the polymer matrix but not on the equilibrium water content. Three hydrogels, poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate), poly(glyceryl methacrylate), and poly(acrylamide), had approximately the same equilibrium water content, therefore the same approximate penetrability with respect to protein. The uptake of both the protein (bovine serum albumin) and the lipid (cholesteryl oleate) appeared to be directly related to the water–gel interfacial tension, whereas the ease of removal was inversely related to water wettability. A cationic preservative, benzalkonium chloride, increased the protein uptake somewhat for two of the hydrogels. Preexposure to proteinaceous solutions had a pronounced effect, increasing the lipid uptake by the hydrogels, with the exception of PGMA. The results obtained appear to support the minimum interfacial free-energy hypothesis of biocompatibility.
Effects of temperature on the excised frog heart.

ConclusionsAtropine and eserine apparently raise the critical temperature threshold for the thermal responses of the excised frog heart preparation. Differentially, atropine has a greater effect than eserine. The response of the excised frog heart to a slowly rising temperature does not warrant the assumption that the modulated high frequency condenser field operates entirely in the same manner.
Design of treatment trials in irritable bowel syndrome: opioid agonists and atypical benzodiazepine antagonists

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel function. Few agents are available for the treatment of IBS. Historically, one impediment to the development of agents to treat IBS was lack of a uniform and robust clinical trial design. Studies occurred with different durations of treatment, endpoints and with different target populations. Great advances have been made over the past decade in trial design including: optimal duration of study, mode of data collection, populations to evaluate and identification of endpoints. Using these refinements, it was possible to demonstrate the efficacy of some new agents. These advances are illustrated by a review of trials with kappa opioid agonists and atypical benzodiazepine antagonists, which appear to be promising new classes of treatments for symptoms in IBS.
A Comparison of Sexual Assault Cases with Child and Adult Victims

Researchers have suggested that sexual assault cases involving children are treated differently than cases involving adults; they have suggested that cases with child victims are more likely to be dismissed and are less likely to result in conviction or incarceration of the offender. The present study used data from Detroit Recorder's Court to compare the outcome of sexual assault cases involving children and adults. The results indicated that cases with child victims differed in important ways from cases with adult victims, and that these differences affected case outcomes. Cases with child victims were less likely than cases with adult victims to be aggravated sexual assaults. When these differences were taken into account, offenders convicted of assaulting children faced a higher risk of incarceration than did offenders convicted of assaulting adults.
Native and non-native students’ interaction with a text-based prompt

Abstract The present study aims to continue in a vein of research which examines the effects of essay prompts on examinees’ writing performance by closely investigating 40 student essays produced from a university-wide reading-to-write test. Quantitative and qualitative results of this study show that native and non-native writers at different proficiency levels exhibit variety in their selection of lexical items and propositional material from the background reading. Among other things, it is found that the higher-rated native group outperformed the other groups in their ability to identify topical information and in a better sense of what details from the source text to include. The two non-native groups, although able to locate superordinate propositions of the source text, lack native writers’ ability to readjust their selection of material according to the author's epistemological stance. The lower-rated native writers paid little attention to the source text and merely used the substance of the text as a “springboard” to elicit their own opinions in response to the topic. Possible explanations for these results and their implications for writing pedagogy and assessment are also discussed.
HDX-MS guided drug discovery: small molecules and biopharmaceuticals

Hydrogen/deuterium exchange coupled with mass spectrometry (HDX-MS or DXMS) has emerged as an important tool for the development of small molecule therapeutics and biopharmaceuticals. Central to these advances have been improvements to automated HDX-MS platforms and software that allow for the rapid acquisition and processing of experimental data. Correlating the HDX-MS profile of large numbers of ligands with their functional outputs has enabled the development of structure activity relationships (SAR) and delineation of ligand classes based on functional selectivity. HDX-MS has also been applied to address many of the unique challenges posed by the continued emergence of biopharmaceuticals. Here we review the latest applications of HDX-MS to drug discovery, recent advances in technology and software, and provide perspective on future outlook.