cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactive graphics for structural chemistry

Abstract An interactive graphics display system that allows users to display and to alter monoscopic or stereoscopic projections of crystallographic or quantum mechanical models and to communicate with a central computer facility is described. The display panel is a digital write-only memory plasma panel with a grid of 512 × 512 points; a mini-computer is used to drive the panel. The molecular graphics mode software has been written in BASIC with the addition of graphics—primitives that simplify the display of geometric figures. The communication mode software has been written in an assembler language routine that may be called from BASIC. The ASCII character code is presently used for communication through a 1200 baud modern to the central computer facility. Communications are effected in two modes. (1) Information from local files and the keyboard flow to the central facility and from there back to the plasma tube and local files; or (2) the graphics system and central facility appear as a two processor computer with programs cooperatively executing simultaneously on both central processors. A description of a minimal and expanded system is included. The relatively low cost of such a system suggests it is applicable to a number of limited budgets. The simplicity of the system makes it a valuable tool for teaching and research in crystallography, quantum mechanics, and topics of general chemical interest.
Azithromycin and amoxicillin in the treatment of acute maxillary sinusitis

Seventy-eight patients participated in this multicenter, third-party-blinded study comparing a single daily dose of azithromycin for 5 days (500 mg on day 1 followed by 250 mg/day for days 2-5) with amoxicillin (500 mg three times daily) for 10 days in the treatment of acute bacterial maxillary sinusitis. A total of 38 evaluable patients contributed to the efficacy analysis. The overall clinical response rate was 100% for both antibiotics. The clinical cure rate, as determined by the investigator, was 73.9% for azithromycin and 73.3% for amoxicillin; improvement was seen in 26.1% and 26.7% of patients, respectively. The bacteriologic cure rate in these 38 patients was 100% in both groups. Both antibiotics were well tolerated; side effects were reported by 4.9% of patients in the azithromycin group compared with 8.1% in the amoxicillin group. Most of these side effects were gastrointestinal disturbances that were reported by four of five (three amoxicillin, one azithromycin) patients experiencing side effects. All side effects were mild, and in both groups only minor abnormalities in laboratory data were detected. No patient discontinued the study because of treatment-related side effects. In this study, a 5-day course (one dose per day) of azithromycin proved to have efficacy, safety, and tolerability that was equal to a 10-day course (three doses per day) of amoxicillin in the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis.
Crystallization and melting of poly(oxyethylene) analyzed by temperature‐modulated calorimetry

Temperature-modulated calorimetry, TMC, is used to evaluate the temperature region of metastability between crystallization and melting. While crystals like indium can be made to melt practically reversibly during a TMC cycle of low amplitude so that sufficient crystal nuclei remain unmelted, linear macromolecules cannot, because of their need to undergo molecular nucleation. Modulation amplitudes varying from ±0.2 to ±3.0 K are used to assess the temperature gap between the slow crystallization region and the melting of metastable crystals of poly(oxyethylene) (PEO) of molar mass 1500 Da. This low molar mass PEO serves as a model compound with a metastable gap of melting/crystallization that can be bridged by TMC with a large modulation amplitude. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.11 J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 35: 1877–1886, 1997
Comparison of metridiolysin from the sea anemone with thiol-activated cytolysins from bacteria

Abstract Metridiolysin, a cytotoxic protein from the sea anemone, Metridium senile , is activated by dithiothreitol and appears to be dependent for its activity on SH-groups. In this respect it resembles a class of SH-activated cytolytic bacterial proteins of which streptolysin O is the prototype. It shares also with SH-activated bacterial cytotoxins the capacity to produce ∼ 33 nm rings demonstrable by electron microscopic examination of negatively stained preparations of membranes from metridiolysin-lysed erythrocytes. Ring formation appears to correlate with alterations in membrane structure revealed by freeze-fracture electron microscopy. Further comparison of metridiolysin with the SH-activated bacterial cytotoxins reveals that both are inhibitable by low concentrations of cholesterol and that both have biological effects that are broadly similar. They differ, however, in certain other respects including molecular weight and capacity to dissociate into subunits.
Plastids and stromules interact with the nucleus and cell membrane in vascular plants

The various metabolic activities of plastids require continuous exchange of reactants and products with other organelles of the plant cell. Physical interactions between plastids and other organelles might therefore enhance the efficiency of plant metabolism. We have observed a close apposition of plastids and nuclei in various organs of Nicotiana tabacum and Arabidopsis thaliana. In hypocotyl epidermal cells, plastids and stromules, stroma-filled tubular extensions of the plastid envelope membrane, were observed to reside in grooves and infoldings of the nuclear envelope, indicating a high level of contact between the two organelle membranes. In a number of non-green tissues, including suspension-cultured cells, perinuclear plastids were frequently associated with long stromules that extended from the cell center to the cell membrane. In cotyledon petioles, cells lying adjacent to one another frequently contained stromules that met on either side of the shared cell wall, suggesting a means of intercellular communication. Our results therefore suggest that stromules have diverse roles within plant cells, perhaps serving as pathways between nuclei and more distant regions of the cell and possibly even other cells.
Collaboration in the Cloud: Role of Interaction and Online Collaborative Tools in Enhancing Knowledge Creation in Virtual Environments

Knowledge sharing is a process through which knowledge is exchanged, resulting in the creation of new knowledge. Knowledge sharing has been highlighted as one of the main factors positively affecting team performance. However, simply putting students into teams does not guarantee increased levels of collaboration and enhanced quality of knowledge creation. This exploratory study examines students' perceptions of the quality of knowledge creation in virtual teams using collaborative online tools. The research data was collected from 169 LIS students across seven blended courses in 2011. The perceived quality of knowledge creation was measured and divided into three levels for analysis: enhanced, moderate and baseline. The role of interaction and communication was found to be critical in facilitating knowledge sharing and enhancing knowledge creation, leading to an overall superior learning experience for students. The findings also indicate that effective use of various online collaborative tools results in a perceived enhanced quality of knowledge creation.
Forced Shelf Circulation by an Alongshore Wind Band

The forced circulation over a continental shelf generated by the alongshore wind stress is studied within the frictional regime. The model alongshore wind stress has a finite extent in the alongshore direction and oscillates monochromatically, resembling a series of anticyclones traveling across the coastline. Both the shelf-wave response and the localized non-wavelike response exist within the wind band. The numerical results show that the interaction of shelf waves with locally wind-forced response generates a large increase in the phase speed within the wind band. Given an alongshore variation in the alongshore wind stress, a right-bounded phase propagation is possible even in the absence of continental shelf waves. Given a reasonable friction currently accepted for the east coast of the United States, the resonance mechanism at the cutoff frequency may not be important, and lower frequency wind events generate larger amplitude continental shelf circulation. By reducing the friction, energy at cutoff fequencies leaks out of the wind band in both directions effectively. It also is shown that non-wavelike response depends only on the local wind stress and is not affected significantly by friction.
Hierarchical Helical Assembly of Conjugated Poly(3-hexylthiophene)-block-poly(3-triethylene glycol thiophene) Diblock Copolymers

We report on the solution-state assembly of all-conjugated polythiophene diblock copolymers containing nonpolar (hexyl) and polar (triethylene glycol) side chains. The polar substituents provide a large contrast in solubility, enabling formation of stably suspended crystalline fibrils even under very poor solvent conditions for the poly(3-hexylthiophene) block. For appropriate block ratios, complexation of the triethylene glycol side chains with added potassium ions drives the formation of helical nanowires that further bundle into superhelical structures.
The ex utero intrapartum therapy procedure for high-risk fetal lung lesions

Abstract Background Indications for the ex utero intrapartum therapy (EXIT) procedure have expanded to include any fetal anomaly in which resuscitation of the neonate may be compromised. Methods We reviewed the medical records of 9 patients after resection of lung lesions during the EXIT procedure. Results The mean gestational age at EXIT procedure was 35.4 weeks. All lung masses maintained large sizes late into gestation with mean mass volume/head circumference ratio of 2.5 at presentation and 2.2 at EXIT. Seven of 9 fetuses demonstrated hydropic changes (n = 6) and/or polyhydramnios (n = 5), and underwent prenatal intervention including thoracentesis, thoracoamniotic shunt placement, amnioreduction, and/or betamethasone administration. Overall survival after EXIT for lung mass resection was 89%. The average time on placental bypass was 65 minutes. Postnatal complications included reoperation for air leak (n = 1), reoperation for bleeding (n = 1), and death from sepsis and prematurity (n = 1). Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used in 4 neonates for persistent pulmonary hypertension. Maternal prenatal complications included polyhydramnios (n = 5), preterm labor (n = 4), and chorioamnionitis (n = 1). One mother required perioperative blood transfusion. Conclusion The EXIT procedure allows for controlled resection of large fetal lung lesions at delivery, avoiding acute respiratory decompensation related to mediastinal shift, air trapping, and compression of normal lung.
The Past and Future of the New Judicial Federalism

This article argues that the new judicial federalism, the increased reliance by state judges on state declarations of rights to secure rights unavailable under the U.S. Constitution, represents not a return to an earlier federalism but rather something new. Although the basis for a state civil liberties jurisprudence had long existed, the "discovery" of state constitutional guarantees did not occur until the Warren Court pioneered an approach to civil liberties that state courts could emulate. This "discovery" has led to only intermittent reliance on state guarantees. Nonetheless, it is unlikely that state judges will return to the total deference tofederal rulings in civil liberties cases that characterized preceding decades.
Review: NSAIDs increase GI and CV events; coxibs increase mortality

Source Citation Coxib and traditional NSAID Trialists' (CNT) Collaboration. Vascular and upper gastrointestinal effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: meta-analyses of individual partici...
A psychophysical interpretation of a "categorical perception" experiment by Hary and Massaro.

In this comment, I offer a psychophysical accountof an experiment on "categorical perception" re­centlyreported by HaryandMassaro (1982). Theac­count is psychophysical in that it uses theoreticalmodels ofthe procedures used by HaryandMassaro,which have been developed in other stimulus con­texts, but which are believed to be general. The pres­ent explanation invokes no mechanisms or effectswhich have not already been found in studies of in­tensitydiscrimination, andis thus a step towards par­simony. In particular, this description of the datadoes not refer to categorical perception, in any ofitsguises.BaryandMassaroSummarizedHary and Massaro performed identification anddiscrimination experiments, of the sort usually doneto test whether a continuum is "categorically" per­ceived, using the "pluck-bow"continuum ofsawtooth­wave bursts differing in rise time. The identificationexperimentallowed onlytworesponses, "pluck" and"bow." Discriminationwas ofthe variable-standardsame-differentdesign: each discrimination trial con­tainedtwosignals whoserise time was eitherthe sameor different. On "different" trials, the rise time ofthe first signal could be either less than or greaterthan that ofthe second. The discrimination task was
Aquatic fulvic acids in microbially based ecosystems: Results from two desert lakes in Antarctica

We characterized fulvic acids from two Antarctic lakes to determine the chemical characteristics of dissolved fulvic acid derived from organic material of microbial origin. These lakes receive very limited inputs of organic material from the surrounding barren desert, but they sustain algal and bacterial populations under permanent ice cover. One lake has an extensive anoxic zone and high salinities; the other is oxic and has low salinities. Despite these differences, fulvic acids from both lakes had similar elemental compositions, carbon distributions, and amino acid contents, indicating that the chemistry of microbially derived fulvic acids is not strongly influenced by chemical conditions in the water column. Compared to fulvic acids from other natural waters, these fulvic acids have low C : N atomic ratios (19–25) and low contents of aromatic carbons (5–7% of total carbon atoms); they are most similar to marine fulvic acids.
Low-dose radiation effects: interactions and synergism.

Experimental data from the author's laboratory are discussed, which demonstrate mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of low dose and low dose-rate exposure to ionizing radiation, and the modification of these effects by various chemical agents. These data are derived from studies of mutagenesis and neoplastic transformation in vitro, as well as on the induction of lung cancer in hamsters. On the basis of these results, several avenues of future research are suggested. These include: (1) the development and application of new human cell systems for studying radiation mutagenesis and transformation; (2) the study of the effects of protraction of exposure to radiation in such systems (emerging evidence suggests the dose-rate effect for mutagenesis may be minimal or absent in human cells); and (3) further examination of the role of secondary factors in radiation carcinogenesis. It appears unlikely that important information in these areas will arise from human epidemiologic studies. Knowledge derived from experimental systems should, however, enhance our understanding of the risks of radiation exposure and possible strategies to reduce them. 40 references.
A novel approach to the psychopharmacologic treatment of insomnia in depression

Abstract Background: Depressed patients who respond to anti-depressant drugs but have persisting insomnia can be hypothesized as having one foot on the bipolar spectrum. In this hypothesis, the insomnia would respond to augmentation of the anti-depressants with anti-kindling agents (i.e., anti-convulsant drugs for the purposes of this paper) in the same way that many anti-convulsants are effective in bipolar disorders as mood-stabilizers from above (anti-manic agents) or below (anti-depressants). Case Reports: Cases supporting this augmentation strategy are presented. The patients met DSM-IV criteria for recurrent major depression, depression with psychotic features, and depression NOS. There was no discernible history of mania or hypomania and all had insomnia that did not respond or partially responded to anti-depressant drugs singly or in combinations. All responded to the addition of anti-convulsant drugs. Discussion: This augmentation strategy seems to be an effective treatment for chronic insomnia in depression, but controlled studies are needed to quantify and qualify these effects. This strategy's effectiveness may be due to the anti-kindling or inhibitory effects of anti-convulsant drugs, which are often GABAergic. Since it is becoming clear that bipolar spectrum disorders are misdiagnosed as unipolar depression at an alarming rate, and since anti-depressants often have deleterious effects on the course of bipolar illness, perhaps most depressed patients should be protected with an anti-convulsant whenever they are started on an anti-depressant.
Biexcitons in π-conjugated oligomers: Intensity-dependent femtosecond transient-absorption study

We report femtosecond transient-absorption (TA) studies of a five-ring oligomer of poly({ital para}-phenylene vinylene) prepared in two different forms: solid-state films and dilute solutions. At high pump fluences, in both types of samples, we observe generation of two-exciton states, which are detected by the evolution of TA spectra and dynamics with increasing pump intensity. In solutions, double excitation of molecules results in the formation of stable biexcitons with enhanced oscillator strength, leading to an increased efficiency of the radiative decay and a superlinear pump dependence of the stimulated emission. In solid-state samples, the two-exciton states are unstable and decay on the subpicosecond time scale due to ultrafast charge transfer, accompanied by generation of interchain excitons. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Response of CR-39 to medium energy electron irradiation.

Abstract The effect of 5–15 keV electron irradiation on the etch rate of CR-39 nuclear track detectors has been investigated for surface doses from 0.09 to 13.85 J / cm 2 . Even before etching, electrons produce a surface depression proportional to the surface dose raised to the power 0.78 ± 0.01 . Etch rate enhancement was observed in the surface region (about 4 μ m deep) and was well approximated by a Gaussian function of depth. The depth and thickness of the etch rate enhancement increase with increasing electron energy, but are independent of dose. The maximum etch rate is proportional to the peak volumetric dose raised to the power of 1.45 ± 0.06 , independent of electron energy. No signs of a saturated response were found in the etch rate. This enhanced etching rate may significantly affect nuclear track identification in situations with an electron background.
750 WATER AND ELECTROLYTE ABSORPTION IN MALNUTRITION EFFECT OF LACTOSE AND REVERSAL BY GLUCOSE

Unhydrolyzed lactose (Lac) is known to reduce normal H2O and Na absorption by the gut. In this study we investigated the effects of Lac without or with added glucose (Glu) on the jejunal absorption of H2O, Na and K in itial-(M) and well-(C) nourished rats. Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) was induced in juvenile rats by feedings of 4% protein and reduced carbohydrate. C rats received a complete diet. Absorption was studied by one-pass perfusions of 20-30 cm segments with sols, containing 60 mM Lac (I) or 60 mM Lac + 50 mM Glu (II). Both sols. included (in mEq/1) : 30 Na, 20 K and 30 HCO3 · Phenol red and 3H2O were used as markers. The net H2O flux (NWF) was the same in M and c rats with I (C= 1.81±0.09; M= 1.87±0.10 μl/min x cm), but when Glu was present (II) the improvement of NWF was greater in M rats (C= 2.52μ0.11; M= 5.66μ0.23, P<0.001). This effect of Glu was mostly due to a greatly diminished efflux (C= 4.85μ0.26; M= 0.18μ0.24, P<0.001) in rats with PEM. Na transport was changed from secretion to absorption by Glu in M rats (C= 2.9μ14.8; M= 285.0μ13.7 nEq/min x cm, P<0.001), while Lac only produced secretion in both groups (C= -5.9±0.9; M= -28.0±8.3). K absorption was greater in M rats regardless of the presence of Glu. The data suggest that in PEM a more significant inprovement over the negative effects of unhydrolyzed Lac on H2O and electrolyte transport can be achieved by the addition of a moderate amount of Glu to a feeding formula.
An impacted biliary stone

The most common cause of biliary obstruction is choledocholithiasis. Endoscopic sphincterotomy is the preferred therapy for retained common bile duct stones. However, stones may pass spontaneously or get impacted at the ampulla [1]. Recent data suggest that precut sphincterotomy is a safe and effective technique that facilitates impacted stone extraction [2]. A 60-year-old man was admitted due to obstructive jaundice (total bilirubin: 15.53 mg/dL and direct bilirubin: 11.90 mg/dL) (<0.2 mg/dL) with MRCP with MRCP showing choledocholithiasis, in order to undergo ERCP. During ERCP a stone impacted in the orifice of Vater’s papilla was detected (Fig. 1A). A precut papillotomy was performed with automatic expulsion of the stone (Fig. 1B). The patient was discharged in good general condition with improvement in the cholestatic and hepatic enzymes. Figure 1 (A) A biliary stone impacted in the orifice of Vater’s papilla (Β) Vater’s papilla after precut papillotomy
Communism and political pathology

Alastair Davidson, The Communist Party of Australia. A Short History, Hoover Institution Press, Stanford, 1970, pp. 214, $6.00.
Molecular characterization and impacts of a strain of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 2 causing asymptomatic infection in a wine grape cultivar

Grapevine leafroll (GLD) is considered as the most economically important virus disease affecting wine grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) in many grapevine-growing regions. GLD produces distinct symptoms in red- and white-berried cultivars. In this study, we determined the complete genome sequence of an asymptomatic strain of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 2 (GLRaV-2) and studied its impacts on fruit yield and berry quality attributes in an own-rooted, red-berried wine grape cultivar. The complete genome of GLRaV-2 obtained from a red-berried wine grape cultivar Sangiovese, designated as GLRaV-2-SG, was determined to be 16,474 nucleotides in length. In pairwise comparisons, using complete genome sequences of GLRaV-2 strains available in GenBank, GLRaV-2-SG was more closely related to GLRaV-2-OR1 from Oregon, USA, and GLRaV-2-93/955 from South Africa, and distantly related to GLRaV-2-BD from Italy and GLRaV-2-RG from USA. Fruit yield estimates and berry quality analysis at the time of commercial harvest indicated that GLRaV-2-SG had little impact on fruit yield and total soluble solids, juice pH and total anthocyanins of berry skin. Because so little is known about the effects of asymptomatic virus infections in wine grapes, this study expanded our knowledge of the occurrence and impacts of GLRaV-2 causing asymptomatic infections. Our results indicated that an asymptomatic strain of GLRaV-2 may not cause significant effects to overall fruit yield and berry quality in own-rooted vines, but can affect its host in more subtle ways. Since disease symptoms are not apparent, relying on visual symptoms during disease surveys may result in the escape of asymptomatic strains of GLRaV-2. Thus, it is necessary to use appropriate diagnostic assays for reliable detection of viruses causing asymptomatic infections.
Principles and challenges in network defense

Summary form only given. This tutorial begins with an introduction to the basic concepts and issues of information assurance. An assortment of important topics is discuss including vulnerability analysis, computer attacks, firewalls, vulnerability scanners, intrusion detection systems, risk analysis, data protection mechanisms, and challenges in information assurance and security
Selective induction of heme oxygenase-1 isozyme in rat testis by human chorionic gonadotropin

A radioimmunoassay was developed to assess the response of testicular HO-1 to agents known to increase the microsomal heme oxygenase activity. Treatment of rats with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) increased the microsomal heme oxygenase activity in rat testis. The following data suggest that the increase was specific to the HO-1 isozyme: (a) The elution profile of heme oxygenase activity from a DEAE-Sephacel column showed an increase in the HO-1 peak, but not in the HO-2 peak, (b) the Western immunoblot of the testis microsomes showed an increase in HO-1 protein, and (c) the amount of HO-1 protein that was present in the microsomes, when measured by radioimmunoassay, was doubled. Using radioimmunoassay, it was shown that other agents known to increase the testicular heme oxygenase, sodium arsenate and sodium arsenite, also increased the microsomal content of HO-1. An inhibitor of the testicular microsomal heme oxygenase activity, cadmium, also increased the microsomal HO-1 protein. The findings suggest that inducibility of HO-1 extends to tissues other than the liver, in this instance, the testis, and further support the possibility that HO-1 is the only inducible form of heme oxygenase.
In vitro evaluation of the surface effects on magnesium-yttrium alloy degradation and mesenchymal stem cell adhesion.

Magnesium (Mg) alloys present many advantages over current materials used in medical implants and devices. However, the rapid degradation of Mg alloys can raise the local pH and create gas cavities. Fundamental understanding of their biodegradation processes is necessary for their success in clinical applications. This study investigated how the oxidized and polished surfaces of a Mg-yttrium (Y) alloy affected the degradation mode and rate in cell culture media versus deionized water. The interactions of the alloy surfaces with cells were examined in vitro using bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells, since they are critical cells for bone tissue regeneration. The polished surface was more stable than the oxidized surface in cell culture media, but less stable in water. When comparing polished and oxidized surfaces, their degradation modes were similar in water, but different in cell culture media. The microstructure, roughness, and oxygen content of the alloy surface contributed to these differences. The presence or absence of a stable degradation layer determined the rate of Y loss and the inhibiting or promoting behavior of Y on degradation. The initial alloy surfaces not only influenced the degradation, but also determined cell attachment, which is critical for tissue integration. The polished surface showed more cell adhesion than the oxidized surface, mainly because of its slower degradation rate and lesser effect on the local pH. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that both the Mg alloy surfaces and the immersion fluids played important roles in controlling the degradation and cellular interactions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Ionic Conductivity of Doped Cerium Dioxide

The oxides most commonly considered to be good ionic conductors via oxygen-ion migration are ZrO2 and ThO2 doped with lower-valent cations, notably ZrO2:CaO (called calcia stabilized zirconia, or CSZ) and ThO2:Y2O3 (called yttria doped thoria, or YDT). In these materials, which have the fluorite structure, vacancies are introduced on the oxygen sublattice to compensate for the lower-valent cations, one vacancy for each Ca2+ or for each two Y3+ ions. Another oxide of the fluorite structure that has been well studied is CeO2, but it differs from the other two in that it undergoes large departures frem stoichioraetry in the direction of oxygen deficiency (CeO2-x) when heated in a reducing atmosphere. The oxygen vacancies thus formed are accompanied by electrons, and the material then displays n-type semiconducting properties [1]. This behavior of CeO2 is undoubtedly related to the existence of a stable Ce2O3 phase, i.e. to the fact that cerium readily goes into the 3+ state. Because of this tendency to become non-stoichicmetric, doped CeO2 is not often considered as a possible solid oxide-ion electrolyte when applications to oxygen concentration cells [2] or fuel cells [3] are under consideration.
Reconstructing chemical reaction networks: data mining meets system identification

We present an approach to reconstructing chemical reaction networks from time series measurements of the concentrations of the molecules involved. Our solution strategy combines techniques from numerical sensitivity analysis and probabilistic graphical models. By modeling a chemical reaction system as a Markov network (undirected graphical model), we show how systematically probing for sensitivities between molecular species can identify the topology of the network. Given the topology, our approach next uses detailed sensitivity profiles to characterize properties of reactions such as reversibility, enzyme-catalysis, and the precise stoichiometries of the reactants and products. We demonstrate applications to reconstructing key biological systems including the yeast cell cycle. In addition to network reconstruction, our algorithm finds applications in model reduction and model comprehension. We argue that our reconstruction algorithm can serve as an important primitive for data mining in systems biology applications.
The Lord Lieutenancy on the Eve of the Civil Wars: The Impressment of George Plowright

How and why did the civil wars begin? Were they the result of fortuitous circumstances – rebellion in Scotland and Ireland and financial crisis? Were they the product of an inexorable, inevitable slide which began at some indeterminate date in the 1620s (or indeed before)? Or does the answer lie somewhere between these two extremes?
Dynamic block relative gain and its connection with the performance and stability of decentralized control structures

The notion of dynamic block relative gain (DBRG) is introduced and new results on stability and performance of decentralized control structures are presented
The critical role of voltage-dependent calcium channel in axonal repair following mechanical trauma

Membrane disruption following mechanical injury likely plays a critical role in the pathology of spinal cord trauma. It is known that intracellular calcium is a key factor that is essential to membrane resealing. However, the differential role of calcium influx through the injury site and through voltage dependent calcium channels (VDCC) has not been examined in detail. Using a well-established ex vivo guinea-pig spinal cord white matter preparation, we have found that axonal membrane resealing was significantly inhibited following transection or compression in the presence of cadmium, a non-specific calcium channel blocker, or nimodipine, a specific L-type calcium channel blocker. Membrane resealing was assessed by the changes of membrane potential and compound action potential (CAP), and exclusion of horseradish peroxidase 60 min following trauma. Furthermore, 1 microM BayK 8644, a VDCC agonist, significantly enhanced membrane resealing. Interestingly, this effect was completely abolished when the concentration of BayK 8644 was increased to 30 microM. These data suggest that VDCC play a critical role in membrane resealing. Further, there is likely an appropriate range of calcium influx through VDCC which ensures effective axonal membrane resealing. Since elevated intracellular calcium has also been linked to axonal deterioration, blockage of VDCC is proposed to be a clinical treatment for various injuries. The knowledge gained in this study will likely help us better understand the role of calcium in various CNS trauma, which is critical for designing new approaches or perhaps optimizing the effectiveness of existing methods in the treatment of CNS trauma.
Waveform coding for dual polarization weather radars

Polarimetric variables are an essential part of algorithms for improved rainfall rate estimation, attenuation correction and hydrometeor identification. In such systems the transmit polarization state changes according to some fixed pattern that is repeated. The simultaneous mode and alternating mode waveforms are commonly used in weather radars. In the simultaneous mode of operation the horizontal and vertical polarization states are transmitted simultaneously and samples of both horizontal and vertical co-polar return are obtained A drawback of the current implementation of simultaneous mode is its inability to measure cross-polar parameters such as linear depolarization ratio. In this paper a technique to estimate cross- polar signals with a simultaneous mode waveform is presented. In this method, the horizontally and vertically polarized transmit waveforms are coded with orthogonal phase sequences. The performance of the phase coded waveform is determined by the properties of the phase codes. This paper presents the performance of the cross-polar and co-polar parameter estimation based on the simulation as well as data collected from CSU- CHILL radar.
Fasting hyperglycemia upon hospital admission is associated with higher pneumonia complication rates among the elderly

Hyperglycemia is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes during hospitalization. In patients who have pneumonia, significant hyperglycemia is associated with poor outcomes. This study evaluates the interaction of the degree of hyperglycemia and complication rates stratified by age in non-critically ill patients admitted to the hospital for care of community-acquired pneumonia. Retrospective review of patient records coded for pneumonia. Analysis included 501 non-critically ill patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in New York City. Data were stratified by diabetes status, age (less than 65 and 65 and over), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) within the first 24 hours of hospitalization. Among patients with no history of diabetes, FBG was stratified as "normal" [FBG ≤100 mg/dl (5.6 mmol/l)], "mild-hyperglycemia" [101-125 mg/dl (5.7-6.9 mmol/l)], and "severe-hyperglycemia" [≥126 mg/dl (7 mmol/l)]. The diabetic group included known diabetics regardless of FBG. The Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) was calculated for all patients. Complications rates, hospital length of stay and mortality were compared among the groups. In patients age 65 and older, complication rates were 16.7% in normoglycemics, 27.5% in the "mild-hyperglycemia" group, 28.6% in the "severe hyperglycemia" group, and 25.5% in those with known diabetes. The mild and severe-hyperglycemics had similar complication rates (p = 0.94). Compared to the normal group, mild and severe groups had higher rates of complications, p = 0.05 and p = 0.03, respectively. PSI tended to be higher in those over the age of 65. PSI was not significantly different when the normal, mild, severe, and known diabetes groups were compared. PSI did not predict complications for new hyperglycemia (normals' mean score 87, mild 84.7, severe 93.9, diabetics 100). Hospital mortality did not differ among groups. Length of stay was longer (p = 0.05) among mild-hyperglycemics (days = 8.4 s.e. 14.3) vs. normals (days = 6.2 s.e.6.5). This study shows that FBS between 101-125 mg/dl (5.7-6.9 mmol/l) on hospital admission increases pneumonia complication rates among the elderly with no previous diagnosis of diabetes.
Is the QuantiFERON-TB blood assay a good replacement for the tuberculin skin test in tuberculosis screening? a pilot study at Berkshire Medical Center.

The QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube method (QFT-GIT; Cellestis, Carnegie, Australia) is a recently US Food and Drug Administration–approved interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) for the detection of tuberculosis infection, which has been screened for by the tuberculin skin test (TST) for nearly a century. We report a pilot study comparing the QFT-GIT and TST results for screening health care workers (HCWs) at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC; Pittsfield, MA), the second hospital in Massachusetts to use QFT-GIT. For the study, 40 BMC HCWs, 20 TST+ and 20 TST–, were screened with the QFT-GIT test. All 20 TST– subjects were also QFT-GIT–, while only 10 of 20 TST+ subjects were QFT-GIT+. The overall agreement between the QFT-GIT and TST results was 75% (κ = 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.268-0.732). The suboptimal agreement was partially due to a higher specificity of QFT-GIT. Confounding factors (eg, bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccination status and birthplace) are discussed, and literature regarding IGRAs and their comparison with TST is reviewed.
Propagation Filters in PDS Networks for Sequencing and Ambiguity Resolution

We present a Parallel Distributed Semantic (PDS) Network architecture that addresses the problems of sequencing and ambiguity resolution in natural language understanding. A PDS Network stores phrases and their meanings using multiple PDP networks, structured in the form of a semantic net. A mechanism called Propagation Filters is employed: (1) to control communication between networks, (2) to properly sequence the components of a phrase, and (3) to resolve ambiguities. Simulation results indicate that PDS Networks and Propagation Filters can successfully represent high-level knowledge, can be trained relatively quickly, and provide for parallel inferencing at the knowledge level.
Rheology of water-in-oil emulsions for a medium crude oil

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the rheology of water-in-crude oil emulsions. Experiments were carried out on a medium crude oil (API gravity of 29.6, and 1.97% by weight sulfur content) at room temperature. Emulsion samples were prepared using fresh and salt water (3.8% NaCl w/v). The water concentration ranged from 5% to 60% by volume. Tests revealed that water-in-crude oil emulsions showed a shear thickening non-Newtonian behavior. Emulsions prepared using fresh water showed an increase in the emulsion viscosity as water concentration increased until phase inversion occurred, after which the viscosity dropped and then leveled out. However, for emulsions prepared using salt water, viscosity continued to increase beyond the phase inversion point with the increase in water concentration. For the same water concentration, fresh water emulsions had lower viscosity than salt water emulsions and were able to take up to 30% water, while salt water emulsions were able to take up to 15% water only. The emulsions, classified as meso-stable, showed a viscosity increase of less than one order of magnitude greater than that of the starting oil. Water salinity caused a slight increase in the non-Newtonian behavior of the oil emulsions.
The Role of Substrate Elastic Modulus in the Strain-Dependent Behavior of Electromagnetic Metamaterials: Analytic Description, Multiphysics Modeling, and Test Results

Metamaterial strain-dependent electromagnetic (EM) behavior is strongly influenced by its constituent materials. Metamaterials, like all composites, may exhibit complicated strain profiles when subjected to mechanical loading. At the unit cell level, the degree of non-uniformity in the strain profile is a function of loading, unit cell geometry, and the relative stiffness contributions of the composite’s constituent materials (in this case, copper conductive traces and a polymer dielectric substrate). Analytic expressions and multi-physics modeling are utilized to describe the relationship between substrate modulus, strain, and EM behavior. Testing was conducted to corroborate and validate the multi-physics models. An interesting result of this research is that depending upon the Elastic Modulus of the substrate, a consistent strain profile applied at the unit cell level can result in either a positive or negative shift in the metamaterial’s resonant frequency.
Mobile speed estimation for broadband wireless communications over Rician fading channels

In this paper, a new algorithm is proposed to estimate mobile speed for broadband wireless communications, which often encounter large number of fading channel taps causing severe intersymbol interference. Different from existing algorithms, which commonly assume that the fading channel coefficients are available for the speed estimators, the proposed algorithm is based on the received signals which contain unknown transmitted data, unknown frequency selective fading channel coefficients possibly including line-of-sight (LOS) components, and random receiver noise. Theoretical analysis is first carried out from the received signals, and a practical algorithm is proposed based on the analytical results. The algorithm employs a modified normalized auto-covariance of received signal power to estimate the speed of mobiles. The algorithm works well for frequency selective Rayleigh and Rician channels. The algorithm is very resistant to noise, it provides accurate speed estimation even if the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is as low as 0 dB. Simulation results indicate that the new algorithm is very reliable and effective to estimate mobile speed corresponding to a maximum Doppler up to 500 Hz. The algorithm has high computational efficiency and low estimation latency, with results being available within one second after communication is established.
Full Resistance of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1-Infected Primary Human Cells to Alpha Interferon Requires both the Us11 and γ134.5 Gene Products

The 134.5 gene product is important for the resistance of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) to interferon. However, since the inhibition of protein synthesis observed in cells infected with a 134.5 mutant virus results from the combined loss of the 134.5 gene product and the failure to translate the late Us11 mRNA, we sought to characterize the relative interferon sensitivity of mutants unable to produce either the Us11 or the 134.5 polypeptide. We now demonstrate that primary human cells infected with a Us11 mutant virus are hypersensitive to alpha interferon, arresting translation upon entry into the late phase of the viral life cycle. Furthermore, immediate-early expression of Us11 by a 134.5 deletion mutant is sufficient to render translation resistant to alpha interferon. Finally, we establish that the Us11 gene product is required for wild-type levels of replication in alpha interferontreated cells and, along with the 134.5 gene, is an HSV-1-encoded interferon resistance determinant.
A proposal for the calibration of plane-parallel ion chambers by accredited dosimetry calibration laboratories

A procedure is described by which the AAPM‐accredited dosimetrycalibration laboratories could offer calibrations of plane‐parallel ionization chambers for radiotherapydosimetry applications, by comparison with a cylindrical ion chamber in a phantom irradiated by 6 0Co γ rays. N gas can thus be determined for the plane‐parallel chamber under uniform conditions of photonscatter, and without the need for an electron fluence correction.
Cell surface proteins of Entamoeba histolytica

To ask what is new in Entamoeba histolytica research, one need look no further than the surface of this protozoan parasite. In the past year the cloning and partial characterization of five different surface antigens have been reported, a remarkable result of international research efforts against amebiosis. One of these proteins is the first protective immunogen identified in the animal model of amebic liver abscess. Barbara Mann and William Petri review these recent results, propose a nomenclature for the gene family of E. histolytica galactose lectins and discuss the roles of the different surface proteins in adhesion.
Respiratory Effect of Longterm Exposure to Two Mixes of Air Pollutants in Los Angeles County

The aerometric results indicate significant differences between the annual means for SO2 and NO2 with the Seiberling school having the higher values. The questionnaire results indicate that the Seiberling children reported more wheezing in the chest, and shortness of breath than the Betty Jane children. Daily symptoms reported by the students indicate that the Seiberling children reported twice as many incidences of upper respiratory symptoms including rhinitis, cough, and sore throat. Baseline asymptomatic lung function testing did show that the ratio FEV1/FVC was significantly lower at the Seiberling school. For both schools there was a decrease in lung function during the symptomatic phase of an acute respiratory illness (AR!), and the tests further indicate that the ARIs in the Seiberling school were more severe and/or involved the small airways more so than the ARIs at the Betty Jane school. Recovery from the ARIs were not complete after nine days with the Seiberling children showing slower recovery than the Betty Jane children. On the basis of available aerometric information it is suggested that SO2 in combination with NO2 is primarily responsible for the reduction in lung function tests and the exacerbations seen in the children at the Seiberling school.
Comorbidity between neurological illness and psychiatric disorders

Psychiatric disorders are common in many neurological disorders, including epilepsy, migraine, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and stroke. These comorbidities increase disease burden and may complicate the treatment of the combined disorders. Initial studies of the comorbidity of psychiatric and neurological disorders were cross-sectional, and time order of the associations was impossible to elucidate. More recent work has clarified time associations between psychiatric disorders and neurological disorders, particularly in epilepsy and stroke where epidemiological evidence suggests that there is a bidirectional relationship. This article takes an epidemiological approach to understanding these relationships and focuses mostly on epilepsy. Although, these relationships are understood in many neurological disorders, routine screening for psychiatric disorders in neurological disorders is infrequent, mostly due to the lack of partnerships between psychiatrists and neurologists and the paucity of neuropsychiatrists. Much more needs to be done to improve the detection and treatment of patients affected by neurological and psychiatric disorders. Understanding the scope of this overlap may inspire collaborations to improve the lives of people affected by both disorders.
Early detection of sit-to-stand transitions in a lower limb orthosis

This paper describes a method for early detection of posture transitions in a powered orthotic brace purposed for assisting elderly people in sit-to-stand transitions. The detection system is constructed using a linear Support Vector Machine classifier that is trained from features extracted from the signals produced by the sensors mounted on the orthosis. The sensors include accelerometers, potentiometers, gyroscopes and force sensors. The data were collected from 9 healthy individuals that performed various activities, including transitions between sitting, standing and walking. The collected sensor data were processed, normalized and manually annotated to label all posture transitions. A Support Vector Machine classifier was trained and validated in a leave-one-out manner to detect early onset of sit-to-stand transitions. Use of lagged windows was examined in efforts to increase accuracy. The proposed method was to detect posture transitions with a high detection rate and a relatively low number of false positives.