cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ceftriaxone as an Alternative Therapy for the Treatment of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia after Initial Clearance of Bloodstream Infection.

Introduction. Staphylococcus spp. represent the leading cause of hospital-acquired infections and second-most frequent pathogen in bloodstream infections. Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) comprise approximately half of all S. aureus isolates. Standard-of-care therapies (SOCTs) display high treatment success but require frequent dosing, are problematic in penicillin allergic patients, and are nephrotoxic. Ceftriaxone may represent an alternative treatment option. Methods. Adult patients hospitalized from January 2015 through June 2016 with positive MSSA blood cultures and treated with SOCT or ceftriaxone for ≥48 hours were included. Exclusion criteria were receipt of vancomycin or concomitant systemic antimicrobials with activity against MSSA, polymicrobial infections, and pregnant patients. Additional data collected included demographics, source/site of infection, and treatment. The primary endpoint was clinical cure (normalization of white blood cell count and temperature within 7 days and clearance of bloodstream within 7 days). Readmission within 60 days, length of stay, and discharge disposition were collected. Results. A total of 43 patients were included: 23 receiving SOCT and 20 receiving ceftriaxone group. Sixteen patients received SOCT prior to ceftriaxone while 4 patients were initiated on ceftriaxone. Clinical cure was observed in 18/23 (78%) and 10/20 (50%), respectively ( ). Clinical failure was driven by leukocytosis despite clearance of their bloodstream infection in 3/23 (13%) SOCT group compared to 8/20 (40%) in the ceftriaxone group ( ). Six patients (SOCT: 2, ceftriaxone: 4; ) had infection-related readmissions, and 1 death per group was observed. Conclusion. Ceftriaxone poses a reasonable alternative to consider for MSSA bacteremia when cost and feasibility are concerns for outpatient parenteral therapy after initial clearance of bloodstream infections.
Drivers of Transcriptional Variance in Human Intestinal Epithelial Organoids

Abstract Background & Aims Human intestinal epithelial organoids (enteroids and colonoids) are tissue cultures used for understanding the physiology of the intestinal epithelium. Here, we explored the effect on the transcriptome of common variations in culture methods, including extracellular matrix substrate, format, tissue segment, differentiation status, and patient heterogeneity. Methods RNA-sequencing datasets from 251 experiments performed on 35 human enteroid and colonoid lines from 28 patients were aggregated from several groups in the Texas Medical Center. DESeq2 and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to identify differentially expressed genes and enriched of pathways. Results PERMANOVA, Pearson correlations, and dendrogram analysis of all data indicated three tiers of influence of culture methods on transcriptomic variation: substrate (collagen vs. Matrigel) and format (3D, transwell, and monolayer) had the largest effect (7,271-1,305 differentially expressed genes-DEGs); segment of origin (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon) and differentiation status had a moderate effect (5,977-420 DEGs), and patient heterogeneity and specific experimental manipulations (e.g., pathogen infection) had the smallest effect. GSEA identified hundreds of pathways that varied between culture methods, such as IL1 cytokine signaling enriched in transwell vs. monolayer cultures, and cholesterol biosynthesis genes enriched in Matrigel vs. collagen cultures. Conclusions Surprisingly large differences in organoid transcriptome were driven by variations in culture methods such as format and substrate, whereas experimental manipulations such as infection had modest effects. These results show that common variations in culture conditions can have large effects on intestinal organoids and should be accounted for when designing experiments and comparing results between laboratories. Our data constitute the largest RNA-seq dataset interrogating human intestinal organoids.
Review: Michael V. Angrosino (1998). Opportunity House: Ethnographic Stories of Mental Retardation

Dieses Buch gibt eine Zusammenfassung von ANGROSINOs zwanzigjahrigen Erfahrungen mit Forschung und sozialem Dienst in einer gemeinnutzigen Einrichtung fur Menschen mit geistiger Behinderung. In der Einleitung wird ein lehrreicher Uberblick zu Oral History, teilnehmender Beobachtung und zu kulturellen Erzahlungen gegeben. In den folgenden Kapiteln werden das Leben, die Lebenswirklichkeiten und die alltaglichen Erfahrungen von geistig behinderten Menschen dargestellt. Der Autor tragt mit seinem Versuch, diese Menschen sowohl aus einer Insider- als auch aus einer Outsider-Perspektive zu beschreiben dazu bei, sie in ihrer Menschlichkeit, mit ihren Gefuhlen und Problemen zu verstehen. ANGROSINO verleiht mit diesem Buch einem zum Schweigen gebrachten Bevolkerungsteil eine Stimme, indem er in der Geschichte, die er erzahlt, kreative Fiktionen nutzt und die Identitat derjenigen schutzt, die gehort werden wollen – die Menschen mit geistiger Behinderung. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0204142
Autoignition of Alcohols and Ethers in a Rapid Compression Machine

The autoignition characteristics of methanol, ethanol and MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) have been investigated in a rapid compression machine at pressures in the range 20-40 atm and temperatures within 750-1000 K. All three oxygenated fuels tested show higher autoignition temperatures than paraffins, a trend consistent with the high octane number of these fuels. The autoignition delay time for methanol was slightly lower than predicted values using reported reaction mechanisms. However, the experimental and measured values for the activation energy are in very good agreement around 44 kcal/mol. The measured activation energy for ethanol autoignition is in good agreement with previous shock tube results (31 kcal/mol), although ignition times predicted by the shock tube correlation are a factor of three lower than the measured values. The measured activation energy for MTBE, 41.4 kcal/mol, was significantly higher than the value previously observed in shock tubes (28.1 kcal/mol). The onset of preignition, characterized by a slow energy release prior to early ignition was observed in some instances. Possible reasons for these ocurrences are discussed. © Copyright 1993 Society of Automotive engineers, Inc.
Future of the Beam Energy Scan program at RHIC

The first exploratory phase of a very successful Beam Energy Scan Program at RHIC was completed in 2014 with Au+Au collisions at energies ranging from 7 to 39 GeV. Data sets taken earlier extended the upper limit of energy range to the √sNN of 200 GeV. This provided an initial look into the uncharted territory of the QCD phase diagram, which is considered to be the single most important graph of our field. The main results from BES phase I, although effected by large statistical errors (steeply increasing with decreasing energy), suggest that the highest potential for discovery of the QCD Critical Point lies bellow √sNN 20 GeV. Here, we discuss the plans and the preparation for phase II of the BES program, with an order of magnitude larger statistics, which is planned for 2018-2019. The BES II will focus on Au+Au collisions at √sNN from 20 to 7 GeV in collider mode, and from √sNN 7 to 3.5 GeV in the fixed target mode, which will be run concurrently with the collider mode operation.
Backwards signing and ASL syllable structure.

A recurrent question raised by the study of signed languages concerns the linguistic effect of the modality in which the language is produced. Is the modality difference between speech and sign reflected merely in the nature of the phonetic features that map into production and perception, or is it the case that there might. be higher level organizational differences between the two linguistic modalities? The present study addresses the nature of the modality effect inside the syllable, namely whether syllables in ASL display evidence of segmental composition. Data from backwards signing are presented to demonstrate that the phonological representations that must be available to signers when they perform backwards signing tasks cannot be adequately represented with the current models that posit segmental composition of ASL syllables. Instead, it is argued that it is sufficient to make reference to distinctive features, in syllable initial and syllable final positions, and that there is no support for any ...
Application of Nonlinear Normal Mode Analysis to the Nonlinear and Coupled Dynamics of a Floating Offshore Platform with Damping

The nonlinear dynamics of ships and floating offshore platforms has attracted much attention over the last several years. However the topic of multiple-degrees-of-freedom systems has almost been completely ignored with very few exceptions. This is probably due to the complexity of analyzing strongly nonlinear and coupled systems. It turns out that coupling may be particularly important for certain critical dynamics such as the dynamics of a floating offshore platform about its diagonal axis. In a previous work, Kota et al. [1] applied the recently developed nonlinear normal mode technique to analyze the coupled nonlinear dynamics of a floating offshore platform. Although this previous work was restricted to unforced and undamped systems, in this work a comparison of the two alternative nonlinear normal mode analysis techniques was completed. Considering the relative practical importance of damping versus external forcing for this system, in the present work, we utilize just one of the two major techniques available [2] to analyze damped multiple-degrees-of-freedom nonlinear dynamics. Specifically, we investigate the effect of nonlinearity, and non-proportionate damping. Our results show that this technique allows one to simply consider the effect of nonlinearity and general damping on the resulting normal modes. This technique is particularly powerful because it allows one to visualize the modes in a geometric fashion using the invariant manifold concept from dynamical systems.
Research articles published in the Journal of Adolescent Health: a two-decade comparison

Abstract Purpose: To examine changes in subject contents and study designs of research articles published in the Journal of Adolescent Health since its inception. Methods: A retrospective review of all research articles was conducted from selected years, ranging from 1980 through 1998. The study sample was composed of the following: original articles, case reports, brief scientific reports, international articles, fellowship forum, and health briefs. Results: A total of 582 articles were evaluated. The total percentage of medical topics in research articles published in the Journal decreased from 61% in 1980–1981 to 38% in 1997–1998 ( p p p p 5% of total study designs. Finally, over the 20 years, professional background and academic departments of first authors of research broadened, with increasing contributions from nonphysicians and from non–pediatric disciplines such as psychology, public health, and nutrition. Conclusion: A shift in subject content of research articles from medical to psychosocial topics was observed over the past 2 decades. A shift in research designs from retrospective to cross-sectional and longitudinal was observed over the same period. The pool of authors has diversified.
What's the Problem - Ackerman and Ayres on Campaign Finance Reform

For many people, it is obvious that there is a problem with the way political campaigns are financed in the United States. But if you ask what the problem is, you are likely to get different answers. Is it that wealthy people have too much influence? Or is the problem that politicians, in order to raise money, must cater to special-interest groups? That is a different concern; many members of interest groups are not themselves wealthy. Or is the problem just the perception of some form of improper influence, not the reality? Is the problem that politicians spend too much time and effort on fundraising and not enough on formulating ideas and governing? Or is the problem not what the current system does to politicians or to policy but rather what it does to donors-specifically, that potential donors feel compelled to make contributions out of fear of antagonizing future officeholders? All these various potential problems are mentioned from time to time as reasons for reforming campaign finance, but it makes a difference which ones are the real problems. Different diagnoses will dictate different reforms.
Tissue stiffness regulates serine/arginine-rich protein-mediated splicing of the extra domain B-fibronectin isoform in tumors

Alternative splicing of proteins gives rise to different isoforms that play a crucial role in regulating several cellular processes. Notably, splicing profiles are altered in several cancer types, and these profiles are believed to be involved in driving the oncogenic process. Although the importance of alternative splicing alterations occurring during cancer is increasingly appreciated, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we use both biochemical and physical tools coupled with engineered models, patient samples, and a murine model to investigate the role of the mechanical properties of the tumor microenvironment in regulating the production of the extra domain-B (EDB) splice variant of fibronectin (FN), a hallmark of tumor angiogenesis. Specifically, we show that the amount of EDB-FN produced by endothelial cells increases with matrix stiffness both in vitro and within mouse mammary tumors. Matrix stiffness regulates splicing through the activation of serine/arginine rich (SR) proteins, the splicing factors involved in the production of FN isoforms. Activation of the SR proteins by matrix stiffness and the subsequent production of EDB-FN are dependent on intracellular contractility and PI3K-AKT signaling. Notably, matrix stiffness-mediated splicing is not limited to EDB-FN, but also affects splicing in the production of PKC βII and the VEGF 165b splice variant. Together, these results demonstrate that the mechanical properties of the microenvironment regulate alternative splicing and establish a previously unidentified mechanism by which cells can adapt to their microenvironment.
EGRET Observations of the Diffuse Galactic and Extragalactic Gamma-Ray Backgrounds

The Energetic Gamma-Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) on the Compton Observatory has surveyed the sky for high energy gamma-ray emission and has observed emission from several different source classes including active galaxies, pulsars, solar flares, and gamma-ray bursts. In addition to these discrete sources, EGRET’s improved angular resolution and statistics combined with its low instrumental background has allowed observations with unprecedented detail of the diffuse gamma-ray emission of Galactic and extragalactic origin. This paper (i) reviews a model of the diffuse high-energy Galactic gamma-ray emission based on the interaction of cosmic-rays with matter and lower energy photons that is used in the analysis of EGRET data; (ii) reviews EGRET observations of interstellar molecular clouds, particularly those in Ophiuchus; (iii) reviews EGRET observations of the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds and the implications these observations have for the origin of cosmic-rays; and (iv) reports on preliminary analysis of the isotropic component of the diffuse gamma-ray emission which is presumably of extragalactic origin.
Alaninyl­tryptophan hydrate, glycyl­tryptophan dihydrate and tryptophyl­glycine hydrate

The crystal structures of the title tryptophan-containing dipeptides, C14H17N3O3·H2O, (I), C13H15N3O3·2H2O, (II), and C13H15N3O3·H2O, (III), respectively, contain at least one water mol­ecule of solvation. As a result, the crystal packing of these compounds is composed of regions of water-mediated hydrogen bonding and tryptophan ring-to-ring stacking separated by the length of the mol­ecule. The tryptophan rings stack in a continuous layer that, when viewed edge-on from the outermost part of the tryptophan ring, exhibits a herring-bone motif. However, owing to the lack of direct overlap of adjacent rings, no degree of π contact or long-range delocalization of ring systems is possible here. The overall molecular conformations of (I) and (III) contain a folding of one peptide over the other, such that a minimum in molecular volume occurs without any intramolecular hydrogen bonding. In these two dipeptides, extensive hydrogen bonding is observed to and from the single water mol­ecule of solvation. In the crystal structure of (II), however, an extended mol­ecule conformation complements a more extensive hydrogen-bonding scheme involving two water mol­ecules of solvation per dipeptide.
Orbital Stability in the Elliptic Restricted Three Body Problem

Based on the concept of orbital stability introduced by G. W. Hill, a method is presented to facilitate the determination of the orbital stability of solutions to the planar elliptic restricted problem of three bodies. The invariant relation introduced by Szebehely and Giacaglia (1964) contains an integral which is expanded here about a Keplerian solution to the problem. If the expansion converges, it can be used to determine the conditions for Hill stability. With it one can also define stability in a periodic sense.
Nickel Deficiency Disrupts Metabolism of Ureides, Amino Acids, and Organic Acids of Young Pecan Foliage

The existence of nickel (Ni) deficiency is becoming increasingly apparent in crops, especially for ureide-transporting woody perennials, but its physiological role is poorly understood. We evaluated the concentrations of ureides, amino acids, and organic acids in photosynthetic foliar tissue from Ni-sufficient (Ni-S) versus Ni-deficient (Ni-D) pecan (Carya illinoinensis [Wangenh.] K. Koch). Foliage of Ni-D pecan seedlings exhibited metabolic disruption of nitrogen metabolism via ureide catabolism, amino acid metabolism, and ornithine cycle intermediates. Disruption of ureide catabolism in Ni-D foliage resulted in accumulation of xanthine, allantoic acid, ureidoglycolate, and citrulline, but total ureides, urea concentration, and urease activity were reduced. Disruption of amino acid metabolism in Ni-D foliage resulted in accumulation of glycine, valine, isoleucine, tyrosine, tryptophan, arginine, and total free amino acids, and lower concentrations of histidine and glutamic acid. Ni deficiency also disrupted the citric acid cycle, the second stage of respiration, where Ni-D foliage contained very low levels of citrate compared to Ni-S foliage. Disruption of carbon metabolism was also via accumulation of lactic and oxalic acids. The results indicate that mouse-ear, a key morphological symptom, is likely linked to the toxic accumulation of oxalic and lactic acids in the rapidly growing tips and margins of leaflets. Our results support the role of Ni as an essential plant nutrient element. The magnitude of metabolic disruption exhibited in Ni-D pecan is evidence of the existence of unidentified physiological roles for Ni in pecan.
Infinite-order differential equations and the heat equation

A method is given for solving certain infinite-order differential equations whose characteristic function is an entire function of order less than 1. The infinite-order operator is expressed as an infinite product of first-order operators and is then inverted by a sequence of integral operators. The method is a natural generalization of a finite-order method and can be computed numerically. The method is shown to converge and an error estimate is given. Applications to solutions of some heat equation problems are indicated.
Spatial approximations between residues 6 and 12 in the amino-terminal region of glucagon-like peptide 1 and its receptor: A region critical for biological activity

Understanding the molecular basis of natural ligand binding and activation of the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptor may facilitate the development of agonist drugs useful for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We previously reported molecular approximations between carboxyl-terminal residues 24 and 35 within GLP1 and its receptor. In this work, we have focused on the amino-terminal region of GLP1, known to be critical for receptor activation. We developed two high-affinity, full agonist photolabile GLP1 probes having sites of covalent attachment in positions 6 and 12 of the 30-residue peptide (GLP1(7–36)). Both probes bound to the receptor specifically and covalently labeled single distinct sites. Chemical and protease cleavage of the labeled receptor identified the juxtamembrane region of its amino-terminal domain as the region of covalent attachment of the position 12 probe, whereas the region of labeling by the position 6 probe was localized to the first extracellular loop. Radiochemical sequencing identified receptor residue Tyr145, adjacent to the first transmembrane segment, as the site of labeling by the position 12 probe, and receptor residue Tyr205, within the first extracellular loop, as the site of labeling by the position 6 probe. These data provide support for a common mechanism for natural ligand binding and activation of family B G protein-coupled receptors. This region of interaction of peptide amino-terminal domains with the receptor may provide a pocket that can be targeted by small molecule agonists.
Use of high-performance liquid chromatography for the estimation of polychlorinated biphenyls and p,p-DDE residues in marine mammals

We present a screening technique for the detection of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and p,p-DDE residue levels in marine mammal blubber using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This method modifies the standard extraction and clean-up methods for organochlorines for use with HPLC and uses a method of chemical derivatization to separate and semi-quantify the two organochlorines with HPLC.
Mapping the mind in relational psychoanalysis: Some critiques, questions, and conjectures.

Mind maps in psychoanalysis consist of hypothetical constructs, first posited and then interwoven, for generating conceptual leverage so that the analyst may make useful clinical interventions. An infinite number are conceivable; they must be tested in the clinical situation for efficacy. Maps of the mind proposed by relational analysts are examined and critiqued as pulling clinical theory too far toward environmental factors. Potential clinical dilemmas that then follow are identified. A dichotomous view that parses relational from other psychoanalytic views is discussed as a strategy that limits necessary clinical theorybuilding and evolution. A view of mind maps that attempt to coordinate a balanced view between endogenous and exogenous pressure is recommended and linked to some available evidence from human development. Questions concerning the role of representations and the developmental course of the structures in the mind are taken up
The curious pleasures of the heroic corpse

This essay traces corporeal recognition across a range of Shakespearean plays, focusing on moments at which a feminine speaker addresses or describes a masculine corpse in hyperbolic terms. Such rhetorical encounters neither affirm nor reinstate an authorized narrative of the subject who is lost. Instead they mobilize counterfactual histories and futurities, which disrupt the processes that absorb or discard individual persons in the name of collective survival. Through these ambivalent, melancholic, necrophilic engagements, excessive and often improper language reaches past static social forms to acknowledge the idiosyncratic vitality of flesh.
Modeling and estimation using job duration data

Abstract A very general approach to the analysis of job duration is developed. The data are allowed to contain varying start dates, incomplete durations, and certain common problems encountered when personnel files are reorganized. Empirical results on almost 25,000 employees for a large corporation are presented. Basic properties of these data, e.g., median duration on the job, cannot be calculated directly from these data. This formal modeling approach allows estimation of the important characteristics of the data. In addition some well-known nonparametric methods for estimating medians are compared to those parametric estimates. The approach used on the particular data set described should be of value to any organization involved in human resource planning activities.
Promiscuous catalysis by the tetrahymena group I ribozyme.

Catalytic promiscuity, the ability of an enzyme to catalyze alternative reactions, has been suggested to have played an important role in the evolution of new catalytic activities in protein enzymes. Similarly, promiscuous activities may have been advantageous in an earlier RNA world. The Tetrahymena Group I ribozyme naturally catalyzes the site-specific guanosine attack on an anionic phosphate diester and has been shown to also catalyze aminoacyl transfer to water, albeit with a small rate acceleration (<10-fold). This inefficient catalysis could be due to the differences in charge and/or geometry requirements for the two reactions. Herein, we describe a new promiscuous activity of this ribozyme, the site-specific guanosine attack on a neutral phosphonate diester. This alternative substrate lacks the negative charge at the reaction center but, in contrast to the aminoacyl substrate, can undergo nucleophilic attack with the same geometry as the natural substrate. Our results show that the neutral phosphon...
SEROLOGIC IDENTIFICATION OF SPECIES OF ORIGIN OF SAUSAGE MEATS

SUMMARY: A partially purified immunoglobulin G (lgG) solution prepared from the serum of species to be tested was heated to the specifications for sausages. The resulting supernatant fluid was decanted and the precipitate washed with saline and used to immunize rabbits. The supernatant fluid was used to sensitize tanned sheep red blood cells. The immune serum was rendered monospecific by absorptions with heterologous, heated lgG precipitates. A sample of monospecific immune serum was absorbed with a washed homogenate of sausage. Aliquots of the monospecific immune serum, both untreated and sausage absorbed, were tested with cells sensitized with the homologous heated lgG supematant fluid. A significant reduction of titer by sausage absorption indicated that the sausages contained the meat homologous to the immune serum.
Manipulating the Quantity, Quality, and Manner of C Addition to Reduce Soil Inorganic N and Increase C4:C3 Grass Biomass

Applying C to soils has been proposed as a plant community restoration tactic because it has been shown to immobilize inorganic N, which should confer a competitive advantage to slower growing plants that are often key components of the desired plant community. Disparate experimental and survey results have led to questions about the appropriate quality and quantity of C to apply. We conducted a single-season glasshouse experiment in three soil types to determine how the quality (sugar, sawdust, sugar + sawdust), quantity (1 and 5 kg sugar or sawdust/m2), and mode of application (surface applied or mixed into soil) of C affected soil inorganic N pools, net mineralization rates, and aboveground biomass of coexisting C3 and C4 plant species. Carbon applied as sawdust mixed into the soil resulted in the highest level of immobilization in the short term (6 weeks), but all combinations and rates of sugar and sawdust application resulted in immobilization over this period. In the long term (24 weeks), most amendments immobilized N and suppressed aboveground biomass of the C3 grass, Bromus inermis, but the high rate of sugar resulted in the strongest immobilization and C3 suppression. However, this treatment also maintained the highest soil inorganic N pool at season’s end, which calls into question its effectiveness if longer-term benefits are desired. Neither net mineralization rates nor soil inorganic N pools were correlated to the ratio of C4 to C3 plant biomass at season’s end indicating that the mechanisms for favorable plant response to C addition are not understood.
Run-time performance optimization and job management in a data protection solution

The amount of stored data in enterprise Data Centers quadruples every 18 months. This trend presents a serious challenge for backup management and sets new requirements for performance efficiency of traditional backup and archival tools. In this work, we discuss potential performance shortcomings of the existing backup solutions. During a backup session a predefined set of objects (client filesystems) should be backed up. Traditionally, no information on the expected duration and throughput requirements of different backup jobs is provided. This may lead to an inefficient job schedule and the increased backup session time. We analyze historic data on backup processing from eight backup servers in HP Labs, and introduce two additional metrics associated with each backup job, called job duration and job throughput. Our goal is to use this additional information for automated design of a backup schedule that minimizes the overall completion time for a given set of backup jobs. This problem can be formulated as a resource constrained scheduling problem which is known to be NP-complete. Instead, we propose an efficient heuristics for building an optimized job schedule, called FlexLBF. The new job schedule provides a significant reduction in the backup time (up to 50%) and reduced resource usage (up to 2–3 times). Moreover, we design a simulation-based tool that aims to automate parameter tuning for avoiding manual configuration by system administrators while helping them to achieve nearly optimal performance.
Molecular dynamics of drop spreading on a solid surface

We have studied the spreading of liquid drops on a solid surface by molecular-dynamics simulations of Lennard-Jones systems of liquid, vapor, and solid. As the attraction between liquid and solid increases we observe a smooth transition from partial wetting to terraced wetting, with distinct molecular layers spreading with different velocities. In the terraced case the layers are ordered but not solid, with substantial molecular diffusion both within and between layers, and a growth rate that disagrees with experiments with nonvolatile liquids as well as recent calculations.
Observations of high speed particle streams in dc glow discharge dusty plasmas

This paper reports on measurements of high speed flows of micron-sized particles in dc glow discharge dusty plasmas. In these experimental investigations, the dust particles are observed to flow towards the anode region in streams or channels with peak speeds of νst⩾30 mm/s. These speeds are 5 to 15 times faster than the average speed of the particles (νcl⩽2 mm/s) in the central dust cloud. Through the use of the particle image velocimetry measurement technique, the spatial distributions of particle velocities in these streams are directly measured. From these measurements, estimates of the spatial structure of the plasma potential in the vicinity of the dust cloud boundary are made.
Practices and Actions A Wittgensteinian Critique of Bourdieu and Giddens

This article criticizes Bourdieu's and Giddens's overintellectualizing accounts of human activity on the basis of Wittgenstein's insights into practical under standing. Part 1 describes these two t...
Nanopatterning and nanocharge writing in layer-by-layer quinquethiophene/phthalocyanine ultrathin films

Nanometer-scale patterning and charging in layer-by-layer (LbL) ultrathin films of quinquethiophene (5TN)/phthalocyanine (CuPS) provides a novel write−read device using a standard current-sensing atomic force microscopy (CS-AFM). The AFM height images showed dented or raised morphological features that could be selectively manipulated by changing the direction of the bias voltages. The conductivity was repeatedly changed between a conductive and insulating state, originating from an electrochemical charging−discharging effect. This was attributed to electrochemical ion transport and the residual mobile ions present in LbL films. Finally, the nanocharge pattern was written by CS-AFM and read out in a conductivity map image.
Dietary resveratrol does not delay engraftment, sensitize to vincristine or inhibit growth of high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells in NOD/SCID mice

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with translocation t(4;11) is a high-risk leukemia found in 60-85% of infants with ALL and is often refractory to conventional chemotherapeutics after relapse. To evaluate the efficacy of dietary resveratrol in vivo, 5-week-old NOD.CB17-Prkdcscid/J mice were fed a control diet or a diet containing 0.2% w/w resveratrol. After 3 weeks of dietary treatment, mice were engrafted with the human t(4;11) ALL line SEM by tail vein injection. Engraftment was monitored by evaluating the presence of human CD19+ cells in peripheral blood using flow cytometry. Relative to control diet, dietary resveratrol did not delay the engraftment of the leukemia cells. To determine if dietary resveratrol could increase efficacy of a chemotherapeutic agent, vincristine was injected intraperitoneally into leukemic mice fed the control or supplemented diet. Survival curves and monitoring the percentage of human leukemia cells in peripheral blood showed that resveratrol did not inhibit leukemia cell growth or influence the activity of vincristine. Mass spectrometric analysis of mouse serum revealed that the majority of resveratrol was present as glucuronidated and sulfated metabolites. These data do not support the concept that dietary resveratrol has potential as a preventative agent against the growth of high-risk t(4;11) ALL.
Characterization of long pathlength capillary waveguides for evanescent fluorescence sensing applications

Abstract The optical properties of a novel fused silica fiber-optic capillary (FOCap) waveguide for fluorescence chemical sensing are evaluated. Evanescent fluorescence from samples contained in the FOCap is measured by coupling the FOCap to a light source and a fluorescence spectrophotometer. The FOCap has negligible excitation light loss over long lengths (tested to 20 m). Evanescent fluorescence is linear in FOCaps up to 20 m long when filled with a fluorophore solution and up to 15 m when a fluorophore is covalently attached to the inner surface. Evanescent fluorescence measurements in 50, 150, and 250 μm inner diameter FOCaps indicate that greater sensitivity is achieved with thinner-walled capillaries which have more internal reflections. The ability of the waveguide to function as an indirect chemical sensor for nitroaromatic compounds is demonstrated via fluorescence quenching of a pyrene-labeled FOCap.
An unusual initial manifestation of metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma: radioiodine uptake in lymph node metastatic lesions in a patient with Graves' disease.

Objective: To report an unusual manifestation of metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma with functional metastatic lesions demonstrated by radioiodine scanning and to discuss the relationship of Gr...
Maternal Interaction, Private Speech, and Task Performance in Preschool Children.

Abstract This study examined the correspondence between ontogenetic and microgenetic change in private speech, the association of private speech with task performance, and the relationship of maternal interaction during a teaching session to preschoolers' verbal self-regulation and success in independent problem solving. Thirty 4- and 5-year-olds were observed while their mothers assisted them in solving two challenging tasks. In three subsequent sessions, children's private speech and performance were tracked as they worked on tasks requiring skills similar to those taught in the mother-child session. Correspondences between age- and session-related trends in private speech and task performance appeared that are consistent with Vygotsky's assumption that private speech undergoes progressive internalization with increasing cognitive competence. Contrary to Vygotskian assumptions, utterances accompanying action were not replaced by those preceding action (planning statements) with advancing age and task mastery. Private speech predicted gain in task performance more effectively than concurrent performance. A global index of authoritative parenting was a better predictor of private speech and task performance than were microanalytic measures of scaffolding, suggesting that microanalytic indices may miss critical features of maternal teaching behavior that promote transfer of cognitive strategies from adult to child.
Participant Perceptions of Positive and Negative Influences on Large-Scale Change

Individuals who have participated in large-scale change programs were asked to identify issues that have a highly positive impact or a highly negative impact on the change process. Managers, researchers, internal consultants, and external consultants listed over 900 issues that they believe have an impact on the ultimate success of large-scale change programs. Content analysis was utilized to group responses into meaningful categories. These categories of issues as well as differences in the responses of the four groups of individuals surveyed are discussed. The research provides an overview of key issues for consideration in the management of large-scale change efforts.
Basics of Coputerized Linear Programs for Ration Formulation

Abstract Linear programming and its underlying assumptions are introduced, followed by a discussion of nutritional and economic models. Topics include modeling ratios, upper and lower bounds on individual feedstuffs and combinations of feedstuffs, transfer activities, piece-wise linear functions as approximations of separable nonlinear relationships, separable programming as approximation of nonlinear relationships including multivariate response functions, and adjusting for variability of feedstuff nutrients and animal requirements by chance-constrained programming.
Androgyny and the perception of marital roles

To study the relationship between sex-role orientation and marital roles, 83 female and 94 male undergraduates completed the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) to describe themselves and their ideal mates. Then they rated four written descriptions of egalitarian and traditional married couples and answered a Family Background Questionnaire. The marital ratings were made by female androgynous and stereotyped and male androgynous and stereotyped groups of subjects. The results showed that androgynous subjects preferred egalitarian marriages, but stereotyped subjects indicated no significant preference for egalitarian or traditional marriages. Androgynous subjects depicted an ideal mate as possessing an androgynous sex-role orientation on the BSRI, and stereotyped subjects showed the same preference except that their ideal mates were less androgynous. All subjects' ratings of marriages were analyzed in conjunction with family background, and results revealed that the mother's occupation and parents' satisfaction with her occupation influenced attraction to the wife's role differentially for men and women, while the father's role was unrelated to any preferences.
Evaluating the bioavailability of explosive metabolites, hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazine (MNX) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine (TNX), in soils using passive sampling devices

The uptake kinetics of two major RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane) metabolites, hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazine (MNX) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine (TNX), into passive sampling devices (PSDs), and the ability of PSDs to serve as surrogates for evaluating bioavailability of MNX and TNX were investigated in laboratory sand and two soil types. The results indicate that MNX and TNX absorption into PSDs was best fitted with a polynomial curve model: y = ax2 + bx + c (y: amount of MNX or TNX absorbed into PSD; x: incubation time of PSDs in soil), with an excellent correlation coefficient (>0.95) for each type of soil amended with 10 mg/kg MNX or TNX. TNX was more readily absorbed by PSDs than MNX. Soil conditions, especially organic matter content, affected MNX and TNX uptake into PSDs. A relatively good correlation between MNX and TNX uptake into PSDs and uptake into earthworms was obtained in two types of natural soils (a silt loam soil from Nebraska and a sandy loam soil from Texas) and laboratory sand. A linear relationship between PSD uptake and earthworm uptake was observed. The correlation coefficients (r2) were > or = 0.82 for all test soils spiked with MNX or TNX. Organic matter content is one soil factor that affected the ratio of MNX or TNX uptake into earthworms versus uptake into PSDs. These data indicate that C18 PSDs may be used as a surrogate for soil organisms such as earthworms and provide a simple and easy chemical test for assessing the bioavailability of contaminants in soils.
Treatment-related toxicities with Fluosol-DA 20% infusion during radiation in advanced head and neck malignancies

Fluosol-DA 20%, a synthetic perfluorocarbon emulsion first developed as a blood substitute, is currently being investigated as a radiation sensitizer. Theoretically, an oxygen-carrying perfluorocarbon emulsion combined with oxygen inhalation might be able to increase tumor response by decreasing the relative proportion of hypoxic tumor cells. Twenty-one patients with advanced head and neck malignancies receiving primary radiation therapy were evaluated for treatment-related toxicity. Mucosal reactions and weight loss during treatment in the group of patients who received the perfluorocarbon emulsion and the group who did not were comparable. Late sequelae appeared comparable. No patient in either group who completed radiation therapy required an interruption of the treatment course. We conclude that Fluosol-DA 20% is a tolerated adjunct to primary radiation therapy. Further study is needed to determine whether the agent will improve local/regional tumor control.
Biosynthetic radiolabeling and immunoprecipitation of monoclonal antibodies

A simple method is described for the radiolabeling in vitro and immunoprecipitation of monoclonal antibodies without altering their native structures.
Development of High-Efficiency X-Band Outphasing Transmitter

We describe an advanced X-band outphasing power amplifier as a promising solution to provide high power output and wide modulation bandwidth for next-generation RF digital communication. Our proposed PA system consists of a high efficiency X-band GaN HEMT based Class-E outphasing PA MMIC.
Total Positivity, Finite Reflection Groups, and a Formula of Harish-Chandra

Let W be a finite reflection (or Coxeter) group and K: R2 ? R. We define the concept of total positivity for the function K with respect to the group W. For the case in which W = Gn, the group of permutations on n symbols, this notion reduces to the classical formulation of total positivity. We prove a basic composition formula for this generalization of total positivity, and in the case in which W is the Weyl group for a compact connected Lie group we apply an integral formula of Harish-Chandra (Amer. J. Math.79 (1957), 87-120) to construct examples of totally positive functions. In particular, the function K(x, y)= exy, (x, y) ? R2, is totally positive with respect to any Weyl group W. As an application of these results, we derive an FKG-type correlation inequality in the case in which W is the Weyl group of SO(5).
Phagocytosis and Cutaneous Delayed Hypersensitivity in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The objective of this study was to determine if the phagocytic and intracellular killing capacity of peripheral granulocytes or an expression of cellular-mediated immunity, delayed cutaneous reactivity, as measurements of native and acquired immunity, might be risk factors associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Over 100 patients with a value for their forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) less than or equal to 70 percent of normal were carefully matched with healthy participants having an FEV1 greater than or equal to 86 percent of normal, and together they served as the study group. Phagocytosis and intracellular killing were normal in patients with COPD; however, these patients demonstrated a significant impairment in the ability of their peripheral leukocytes to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium. The delayed-hypertensitivity response rate and the degree of reactivity were similar in the two groups, except for the patients with COPD having a significantly greater degree of reactivity to Monilia albicans extract ("canadin.") This finding is thought to be a consequence of reduced mucociliary clearance rather than a risk factor. The significance of decreased resting and stimulated cells' reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium in patients with COPD is not clear.
Central airway mechanics and flow limitation in acquired tracheobronchomalacia.

Background Acquired tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) can cause central airway collapse in patients with COPD and may worsen airflow obstruction and symptoms. It is usually not known whether central airway malacia contributes to airflow obstruction. This study was undertaken to quantify central airway collapsibility and relate it to expiratory flow limitation in patients with TBM. Methods Eighty patients evaluated for acquired TBM and 4 healthy control subjects were studied with measurements of central airway narrowing derived from bronchoscopic videotapes and simultaneous pressure measurements in the trachea and esophagus. Tracheal narrowing was assessed by a shape index and plotted against the transtracheal pressure to measure collapsibility. Subsequently, airflow and transpulmonary pressure (PL) were measured to identify expiratory flow limitation during quiet breathing and to determine the critical PL required for maximum expiratory flow. Results Tracheal collapsibility varied widely among patients. Some had profound tracheal narrowing during quiet breathing, and others showed substantial collapse only during forced exhalation. Of the patients, 15% were not flow limited during quiet breathing, 53% were flow limited throughout exhalation, and 30% were flow limited only during the latter part of the exhalation. Patients with flow limitation at rest showed greater tracheal narrowing than those without (p = 0.009), but the severity of expiratory flow limitation was not closely related to tracheal collapsibility. Twenty-three patients were flow limited during quiet exhalation at PLs that did not cause central airway collapse. Conclusions In TBM, central airway collapse is not closely related to airflow obstruction, and expiratory flow limitation at rest often occurs in peripheral airways without central airway collapse.