cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observational study to determine predictors of rheumatology clinic visit provider contact time.

Objective To address perceived inefficiencies in an academic rheumatology practice, a timing/work-flow evaluation was initiated to determine the factors that predict the provider contact time (PCT), i.e., the amount of time that attending physicians spend with patients during an outpatient encounter. Methods This prospective observational study was conducted at the University of Colorado Hospital Rheumatology Clinic for return patient visits in early 2008. Each patient encounter was subdivided into components, and the time for each component was recorded. Up to 20 return-visit encounters per provider were randomly selected for inclusion. Multivariate linear regression was used to predict the time, in minutes, that providers spent with patients, and logistic regression was used to determine the time intervals associated with the patient's perception that the visit ran on time. Results Variables associated with increased PCT were whether a procedure was performed in the clinic (P = 0.037) and whether the visit occurred in the afternoon (P < 0.025). For every minute a provider was late in beginning to see a patient, the PCT decreased by 0.32 minutes (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.15, 0.49). Variables associated with the patient's perception that the visit ran on time included the check-in to vitals delay (odds ratio [OR] 0.95; 95% CI 0.92, 0.99) and the provider delay (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.86, 0.99). Conclusion The patient's punctuality and the presence of a resident are not significantly associated with the time that a provider spends with a patient. However, the degree to which the provider runs late was associated with decreased PCT and diminishes the patient's perception that the visit is running on time.
Vertical surface displacements at Yellowstone Caldera, Wyoming, 1976–1986

Between first-order leveling surveys in 1976 and 1986, the east central floor of Yellowstone caldera rose 15.4 ± 1.4 mm/yr and the west central floor rose 17.0 ± 2.0 mm/yr with respect to points on the south caldera rim. The same pattern has prevailed since an initial survey in 1923, except that the western caldera rose 30% faster during 1976–1986 than during 1923–1976. The 1976–1986 uplift extends beyond the northwest caldera rim near the adjacent Hebgen Lake fault zone, site of a magnitude 7.3 earthquake in August 1959. Marginally significant displacements in the eastern caldera suggest that uplift continued during 1983–1984, stopped during 1984–1985, and reversed to subsidence during 1985–1986; thus long-term uplift may accumulate episodically. Historical uplift is especially noteworthy because regional crustal extension and thermal contraction during cooling would cause the caldera floor to subside if other processes were not acting to warp it upward. The pattern and dimensions of the uplift indicate a source in the upper crust beneath Yellowstone caldera, probably a reservoir of rhyolite magma within a cooling granitic pluton. A simple point source model would suggest a source 10–15 km deep, but the reservoir is probably lens-shaped and closer to the surface. Uplift may be caused by basaltic intrusions near the base of the reservoir or accumulation of magmatic fluids during cooling and crystallization within the reservoir. Subsidence might be a response to regional tectonic extension or release of trapped magmatic fluids. Magmatic inflation, volatile accumulation, and crustal extension may culminate eventually in renewed eruptive activity, but there is no evidence of an imminent volcanic hazard.
Thermal and spectral study of some divalent metal chelate polymers of NN′-dihydroxybipyrazolyl NN′-oxide

Abstract The thermal and spectral properties of chelates of NN′-dihydroxybipyrazolyl NN′-oxide with copper, cobalt, nickel, and zinc have been investigated. The decreasing order of thermal stability for the metal chelates is Zn>Ni>Cu>Co. All of the chelates decomposed slowly. The thermal and spectral properties of the chelates are compared with those of dicupferron.
Effect of challenging neck anatomy on mid-term migration rates in AneuRx endografts.

Objective To establish the effect of challenging neck anatomy on the mid- and long-term incidence of migration with the AneuRx bifurcated device in patients treated after Food and Drug Administration approval and to identify the predictive factors for device migration. Methods Prospectively maintained databases at the University of North Carolina (UNC) and Washington University (WU) were used to identify 595 patients (UNC, n=230; WU, n=365) who underwent endovascular repair of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with the AneuRx bifurcated stent graft. Those patients with at least 30 months of follow-up were identified and underwent further assessment of migration (UNC, n=25; WU, n=59) by use of multiplanar reconstructed computed tomographic scans. Results Eighty-four patients with a mean follow-up time of 40.3 months (range, 30-55 months) were studied. Seventy percent of the patients (n = 59) met all inclusion criteria for neck anatomy (length, angle, diameter, and quality) as defined by the revised instructions for use guidelines and are referred to as those with favorable neck anatomy (FNA). The remaining 25 patients retrospectively fell outside of the revised instructions for use guidelines and are referred to as those with unfavorable neck anatomy (UFNA). Life-table analysis for FNA patients at 2 and 4 years revealed a migration rate of 0% and 6.1%, respectively. For UFNA patients, it was 24.0% and 42.1% at 2 and 4 years, respectively ( P P = .003; relative risk, 1.7). There was no incidence of late rupture or open conversion. The relative risk of migration for UFNA patients was 2.5 compared with FNA patients ( P = .0003). A larger neck angle and a longer initial graft to renal artery distance were predictors of migration, whereas shorter neck length approached but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Patients who have unfavorable aneurysm neck anatomy experience significantly higher migration, device-related complication, and secondary intervention rates. However, there was no incidence of open conversion, rupture, or abdominal aortic aneurysm–related death, thereby supporting the AneuRx device as a feasible alternative to open repair even in patients with challenging neck characteristics. Enhanced surveillance should be used in these high-risk patients.
Vesicovaginal fistula after cervical cerclage: repair by transurethral suture cystorrhaphy.

Complications of cervical cerclage for incompetent cervix are uncommon. We report a case of a vesicovaginal fistula following cerclage that was successfully repaired by transurethral suture cystorrhaphy. To our knowledge this is the first such case to be managed by transurethral repair. CASE REPORT A 29-year-old woman (gravida III, para I) presented with cervical incompetence at 20 weeks of gestation. Obstetrical and gynecological history was remarkable for a loop electrosurgical excision procedure for a cervical lesion performed a few years previously. A polyester, cerclage (McDonald type) was placed with some difficulty by a perinatologist. The initial 5 mm. polyester band did not successfully correct the cervical dilatation. Additional silk sutures and replacement of the polyester band were required before the cervix was deemed closed at the internal os and 3 cm. in length. The patient remained at bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy and noticed only minimal incontinence and no hematuria or urinary tract infection. Chorioamniitis prompted urgent management, and a 4-pound 5-ounce neonate was successfully delivered by cesarean section at 33 weeks of gestation, at which time the cerclage was removed.
Hydrophobic strip-of-helix algorithm for selection of T cell-presented peptides

Abstract In extension of the hypothesis that an amphipathic alpha helix of I i (Phe 146 −Val 164 ) bound to the foreign antigen-presenting site (desetope) of class II MHC molecules through hydrophobic amino acid residues (Phe 146 , Leu 150 , Leu 153 , Met 157 , Ile 160 , Val 164 ) which were present in an axial strip along one side of the I i helix, we developed an algorithm to search for T cell-presented peptides showing a similar hydrophobic strip-of-helix. Such peptides might bind to the class II MHC molecule site which was complementary to the I i hydrophobic strip-of-helix. The strip-of-helix hydrophobicity index was the mean hydrophobicity (from Kyte-Doolittle values) of sets of amino acids in axial strips down sides of helices for 3–6 turns, at positions, n , n + 4, n + 7, n + 11, n + 14, and n + 18. Peptides correlating well with T cell responsiveness had: (1) 12–19 amino acids (3–5 cycles or 4–6 turns of an alpha helix), (2) a strip with highly hydrophobic residues, (3) adjacent, moderately hydrophilic strips, and (4) no prolines. The degree of hydrophilicity of the remainder of a putative antigenic helix above a threshold value did not count in this index. That is, the magnitude of amphipathicity was not judged to be the principal selecting factor for T cell-presented peptides. This simple algorithm to quantitate strip-of-helix hydrophobicity in a putative amphipathic alpha helix, allowing otherwise generally hydrophilic residues, predicted 10 of 12 T cell-presented peptides in seven well-studied proteins. The derivation and application of this algorithm were analyzed.
Improved processing of Hydrosweep DS multibeam data on the R/V Maurice Ewing

We have developed a new software package, called MB-System, for processing and display of Hydrosweep DS multibeam data on the R/V Maurice Ewing. The new software includes tools for modeling water sound velocity profiles, calculating multibeam bathymetry from travel time values by raytracing through a water sound velocity profile, interactive and automatic editing of multibeam bathymetry, as well as a variety of tools for the manipulation and display of multibeam data. A modular input/output library allows MB-System programs to access and manipulate data in any of a number of supported swath-mapping sonar data formats, including data collected on Hydrosweep DS, Sea-Beam “Classic”, SeaBeam 2000, SeaBeam 2100, H-MR1, Simrad EM12, and other sonars. Examples are presented of the software's application to Hydrosweep data recently collected on the R/V Maurice Ewing.
Introducing Online Training in an Early Childhood Professional Development System: Lessons Learned in One State.

Online educational opportunities provide improved access to high quality professional development for the early education and care workforce. Online and technology mediated learning can create sustainable education and development opportunities for states when face-to-face training is financially prohibitive. This study examined one state’s efforts to design and deliver a set of online professional development courses. Through survey research methods, the study examined the experiences of both the trainers and the early educators in these online and technology-mediated professional development courses. In this study, findings indicated that early educators used technology for personal use, but they may be less familiar with learning technologies. Our findings indicate that some early educators do have the technology skills and comfort with technology needed to use the online modules for professional development and to benefit from this format, but most early educators still preferred using both technology and feedback from an instructor or supervisor when engaging in professional development. More research is needed on how to make technology literacy and technology access available to all early childhood educators.
KINETIC MODEL FOR THE REGULATION BY SUBSTRATE OF INTRAMOLECULAR ELECTRON TRANSFER IN TRIMETHYLAMINE DEHYDROGENASE

The reaction of trimethylamine dehydrogenase (TMADH) with trimethylamine has been studied by rapid-scanning stopped-flow spectroscopy and steady-state kinetics. The covalently bound 6-S-cysteinylflavin mononucleotide (FMN) cofactor is initially reduced by substrate and exhibits a limiting first order rate constant of 230 s-1 at pH 7.5 and 30 °C. One electron is then transferred intramolecularly from the reduced FMNH2 to the oxidized [4Fe-4S]2+ center. This reaction is biphasic, and the extent of the reaction which corresponds to the faster and slower rates is dependent upon the concentration of trimethylamine. The limiting first order rate constants are 160 and 4 s-1 . At low substrate concentrations, the faster rate is dominant, and at high substrate concentrations, the slower rate is dominant. These results are used to develop a model for the reductive half-reaction of TMADH in which two molecules of substrate bind to TMADH. One binds at the active site of oxidized TMADH and is converted to products. A ...
Novel solid oxide fuel cell system controller for rapid load following

Abstract A novel SOFC system control strategy has been developed for rapid load following. The strategy was motivated from the performance of a baseline control strategy developed from control concepts in the literature. The basis for the fuel cell system control concepts are explained by a simplified order of magnitude time scale analysis. The control concepts are then investigated in a detailed quasi-two-dimensional integrated dynamic system model that resolves the physics of heat transfer, chemical kinetics, mass convection and electrochemistry within the system. The baseline control strategy is based on the standard operating method of constant utilization with no control of the combustor temperature. Simulation indicates that with this control strategy large combustor transients can take place during load transients because the fuel flow to the combustor increases faster than the air flow. To alleviate this problem, a novel control structure that maintains the combustor temperature within acceptable ranges without any supplementary hardware was introduced. The combustor temperature is controlled by manipulating the current to change the combustor inlet stoichiometry. The load following capability of SOFC systems is inherently limited by anode compartment fuel depletion during the time of fuel delivery delay. This research indicates that future SOFC systems with proper system and control configurations can exhibit excellent load following characteristics.
Foliar and shoot allometry of pollarded black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia L.

Browse of multipurpose tree species such as black locust could be used to broaden grazing options, but the temporal distribution of foliage has not been adequately studied. Our objective was to determine effects of harvest date, P fertilization (0 and 600 kg ha 1 yr 1 ), and pollard height (shoots clipped at 5-, 50-, and 100cm above ground) on foliar and shoot allometry of black locust. The experiment was conducted on a naturally regenerated 2-yr-old black locust stand (15,000 trees ha 1 ). Basal shoot diameter and foliar mass were measured monthly in June to October 2002 and 2003. Foliar and shoot dry mass (Y) was estimated from basal shoot diameter (D) by the function Y = aD b , with regression explaining ‡95% of variance. Allometry of foliar mass was affected by harvest date, increasing at a greater rate with D in September than in June or July, but not by P fertilization or pollard height. Foliar mass was predicted best by monthspecific equations for the June to October growth interval. Allometry of shoot dry mass was unaffected by harvest date, P fertilization, or pollard height. These equations could be used as a first approximation of foliar and shoot mass for pollarded black locust.
Function of C3 in a humoral response: iC3b/C3dg bound to an immune complex generated with natural antibody and a primary antigen promotes antigen uptake and the expression of co-stimulatory molecules by all B cells, but only stimulates immunoglobulin synthesis by antigen-specific B cells

Previous studies have shown that an optimal humoral response to a primary protein antigen requires C3 and CR2 (CD21). Sera from non-immunized donors contain natural IgM and IgG antibodies to the primary antigen keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH), and these have been previously shown to form immune complexes (IC) that activate the classical pathway of C, fixing iC3b/C3dg onto the KLH antigen. Such KLH IC bind to CR2 on KLH-non-specific B lymphocytes, resulting in antigen processing and MHC class II-dependent presentation to KLH-specific helper T cells. KLH IC also induce B lymphocytes to express the CD80 costimulatory molecule via simultaneous CR2 ligation with C3 and Fc gammaRII (CD32) stimulation by IgG natural antibody. The current study demonstrated that KLH IC ligation to either CR2 or Fc gammaRII resulted in activation of a second co-stimulatory molecule, LFA-1 (CD11a, CD18). The possibility of polyclonal B cell stimulation by the presentation of KLH-iC3b/C3dg by antigen-non-specific B cells was excluded by demonstration that in vitro cultivation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with KLH-iC3b/C3dg elicited only anti-KLH, and did not stimulate synthesis of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) or tetanus toxoid (TT). Of greatest significance, a specific anti-KLH response was only detectable in cultures stimulated with KLH-iC3b/C3dg and not in cultures stimulated with KLH alone or KLH-IgG. Thus, iC3b/C3dg that was bound to a primary protein antigen enhanced recognition and specific immunoglobulin synthesis by antigen-specific B cells, even though the antigen was taken up and processed via CR2 by both antigen-specific and non-specific B cells.
Mitral valve prolapse and systolic anterior motion: a dynamic spectrum.

19. arrhythmias during acute myocardial infarction. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1:43, 1979. DiMarco JP, Garan H, Ruskin JN: Mexiletine for refractory ventricular arrhythmias: Results using serial electrophysiologic testing. Am J Cardiol 47:131, 1981. Podrid PJ, Lown B: Mexiletine for ventricular arrhythmias. Am J Cardiol47:895, 1981. Smirk FH, Ng J: Cardiac ballet: Repetition of complex electrocardiographic patterns. Br Heart J 31:426, 1969. Allen JD, Ekue JM, Shanks RG, Zaidi SA: The effect of Kc 1173, a new anticonvulsant agent on experimental cardiac arrhythmias. Br J Pharmacol 45:561, 1972. Weld FM, Bigger JT Jr, Swistel D, Bordiuk J: Effects of mexiletine (Kii 1173) on electrophysiological properties of sheep cardiac Purkinje fibers. Am J Cardiol 39:292, 1977.
Low-dose IL-2 induces cytokine cascade, eosinophilia, and a transient Th2 shift in melanoma patients.

Purpose: To assess changes in serum cytokine levels in patients treated concomitantly with or without systemic low-dose IL-2. Vaccination targeted CTL responses to peptide antigens, and IL-2 was coadministered to expand activated CTL. Paradoxically, CTL responses were diminished in patients after 2 weeks of IL-2. We hypothesized that changes in the cytokine milieu may have contributed to this result. Experimental design: Serum samples were studied from 37 patients enrolled in two clinical trials of a melanoma peptide vaccine administered with or without low-dose IL-2 therapy. Twenty-two patients enrolled in the MEL36 trial received six weekly vaccinations with the four-peptide mixture and were randomized to receive subcutaneous IL-2 (3×106 IU/m2/day) daily for 6 weeks beginning either at week 1 (upfront group) or at week 4 (delayed group) of vaccine therapy. Fifteen patients on the MEL39 trial were treated with the same vaccine without concurrent IL-2 administration. Results: Circulating levels of IL-5 peaked 1 week after starting IL-2, followed 2 weeks later by a marked eosinophilia, correlating in magnitude with peak IL-5 serum levels. Levels of IFNγ, GM-CSF, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-12 had no observed relationship to IL-2 administration. At the time of the IL-5 serum peak, PBL responses to mitogen suggested a transient shift to Th2-dominance. Conclusions: Low-dose IL-2 appears to have induced a transient Th2-dominant secondary cytokine cascade at the time of vaccination, for which eosinophilia is a surrogate marker. For future vaccine therapies targeting cytotoxic T-cell responses, delaying IL-2 until after initiation of immune responses may be more effective.
Motor neuron diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Some human diseases selectively affect motor neurons of the spinal cord, brain stem and cerebral cortex. The best known of these is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease of unknown cause that poses a special challenge to neuroscientists because it involves principles of general biological importance, such as ‘selective vulnerability' and degeneration of particular sets of neurons in the ageing brain. In the past few years there have been advances in understanding toxic, viral, genetic and immunological syndromes that involve motor neurons. Better comprehension of these disorders may give us clues about ALS itself.
FLAVOR MODIFICATION OF MILK CHOCOLATE BY CONCHING IN A TWIN‐SCREW, CO‐ROTATING, CONTINUOUS MIXER

Short-time continuous conching of chocolate offers significant economic advantages over traditional long-time batch methods. High-shear continous mixers can affect conching in a matter of minutes as compared to hours for traditional systems. Milk chocolate conched in two twin-screw, co-rotating, continous mixers operating in series was compared by a variety of sensory methods to chocolate conched by a batch method. A significant difference (P < 0.05) in flavor was found between chocolates conched at 60C by the continuous and batch methods, yet there was no preference for either chocolate. Chocolate conched by the batch method (23 h at 60C) had stronger caramel flavor (P < .10) than chocolate conched continuously, but there were no significant differences (P < .10) in sweet, chocolate or milk flavor. In the continuous system, caramel flavor generally increased with conching temperature and residence time; although, at the highest temperature (95C) and the longest residence time (7.5 min) caramel flavor decreased. Increasing the temperature of continuous conching from 70 to 90C produced chocolate significantly (P < .10) more like chocolate conched in a batch system for 21.5 h at 60C.
Scale invariance in jet streams: ER-2 data around the lower-stratospheric polar night vortex

High altitude ER-2 aircraft observations in both hemispheres of the lower-stratospheric polar night jet stream reveal generalized scale invariance. The scaling exponent has systematic correlation with wind shear and temperature gradient showing across-jet persistence, along-jet anti-persistence, and an overall average value ≈5/9. The analysis provides a natural connection between generalized scale invariance and traditional large-scale dynamical meteorology. For one mission in the southern hemisphere composite variograms could be constructed for nitrous oxide and ozone, from which it was deduced that the former is a true passive scalar in the lower stratosphere, while sources and sinks are operative for the latter. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Solubilization by CHAPS Detergent of Barbiturate-Enhanced Benzodiazepine-GABA Receptor Complex

Barbiturates enhance the binding of [3H]flunitrazepam to benzodiazepine receptors solubilized with the detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]propanesulfonate (CHAPS) from bovine cortex. The enhancement by the barbiturates is seen as a decrease in the dissociation constant, KD, for specific benzodiazepine binding, with no effect on the number of binding sites. The effect of the barbiturates is facilitated by chloride ions, is concentration-dependent, and has a specificity that correlates well with the anesthetic potency of barbiturates. [3H]Flunitrazepam binding activity is stable with storage at 4 degrees C, but barbiturate enhancement of soluble benzodiazepine binding activity decayed rapidly (t 1/2 = 48 h). [3H]Muscimol binding (GABA receptor) activity was also enhanced by barbiturates. Agarose gel filtration column chromatography of the CHAPS-solubilized receptor proteins showed the same elution profile as receptors solubilized with sodium deoxycholate, and enhancement by barbiturates was observed for both the benzodiazepine and GABA binding activities.
Using Diachronic Linguistics in the Language Classroom

This article argues that knowledge of the histoTIcal background of a language can be profitably integrated into its teaching at the elementary and intermediate levels. The use of diachronic linguistics is illustrated in the teaching of first-year college French. In the first section, the rationale for using diachronic linguistics in the language classroom is presented. The second and third parts of the paper are devoted to specific applications of histoTIcal linguistics drawn from French; these encompass orthography, vocabulary, morphology, and syntax.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of renal pelvis presenting with prolonged fever and abdominal pain in children: report of 1 case and review of literature

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a reactive proliferative lesion that occurs extremely rarely in the renal pelvis, especially during childhood. We report 1 such case that occurred in a child who presented with prolonged fever and abdominal pain. Ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography revealed a left renal pelvic mass. She received conservative surgical treatment. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathological and immunohistochemical studies. Distinguishing inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor from other malignant renal pelvic tumors in children is essential to preventing unnecessary nephrectomy.
Form factor and mass corrections to weak decay amplitudes

Abstract The composite relativistic O(4.2) model of baryons and mesons that gives correct electromagnetic form factors and mass spectra is extended to weak currents. It is then possible to calculate the corrections due to mass differences and due to form factors in weak decays. These corrections can amount to as much as 20%. An internal symmetry cannot hold to a better accuracy than this in the framework of a dynamical group. It is shown that when these corrections are incorporated into the Lee-Sugawara triangle, the experimental ambiguity in the s- and p-wave decay amplitudes of ΣO+ cannot be removed on theoretical grounds.
The interaction of some microbial and mammalian proteinases with human blood trypsin inhibitors.

Abstract It has been shown that trypsin inhibitors in human serum inhibit the microbial serine proteinases subtilisin, aspergillopeptidase B, and the enzymes from Streptomyces griseus . The inhibition of these enzymes by serum was compared with the inhibition of the homologous mammalian proteinases trypsin, chymotrypsin, and elastase. The microbial proteinases were found to interact with larger quantities of the inhibitors in serum and are, therefore, less effectively inhibited by serum than the mammalian enzymes. In addition to serine proteinases, the bacterial metalloenzyme thermolysin also interacts with the inhibitors but is not appreciably inhibited by them. It was shown that the enzyme molecules must have intact active sites for the enzyme-inhibitor reaction to occur. It is suggested that the function of trypsin inhibitors is to protect tissues against the action of serine proteinases of both endogenous and exogenous origin.
SIDE: Isolated and efficient execution of unmodified device drivers

Buggy device drivers are a major threat to the reliability of their host operating system. There have been myriad attempts to protect the kernel, but most of them either required driver modifications or incur substantial performance overhead. This paper describes an isolated device driver execution system called SIDE (Streamlined Isolated Driver Execution), which focuses specifically on unmodified device drivers and strives to avoid changing the existing kernel code as much as possible. SIDE exploits virtual memory hardware to set up a device driver execution environment that is compatible with existing device drivers and yet is fully isolated from the kernel. SIDE is able to run an unmodified device driver for a Gigabit Ethernet NIC and the latency and throughput penalty is kept under 1% when augmented with a set of performance optimizations designed to reduce the number of protection domain crossings between an isolated device driver and the kernel.
Behavioral ecology of larval dragonflies and damselflies

During the past decade, larval dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) have been the subjects for very productive ecological research. Descriptive field work, enclosure experiments and laboratory behavior studies have identified fish predation, intraguild predation (especially mutual predation among odonates, including cannibalism) and interference competition as particularly strong interactions influencing larval odonate assemblages. Behavioral differences among species suggest evolutionary adaptations for coexistence with different predators, and for winning intraspecific aggressive encounters.
Where Polyelectrolyte Multilayers and Polyelectrolyte Complexes Meet

We summarize existing knowledge and present some new results on the relationship between polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) growth and phase behavior of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) in solution. Detailed understanding of competition between surface and solution as applied to PEMs requires selective labeling of polymers and/or the application of techniques that allow chemically specific monitoring of film components, such as in-situ ATR−FTIR spectroscopy. The trends observed with multilayers directly follow from the properties of PECs in solution. Effects of a number of parameters, such as the type of interacting polyelectrolyte chains, the ratio of their lengths, and ionic strength and pH of deposition solutions, on the likelihood of the multilayer stability or erosion are considered. Polycations with high density of primary amino groups and polyanions with SO3- or SO4- groups show the strongest interpolyelectrolyte binding, resulting in inhibited chain exchange within PECs and/or PEMs. With weakly boun...
A systems approach to regional energy/environment management

Abstract Energy and environmental systems have become a well-established component of national and regional planning and management. The University of Wisconsin, in collaboration with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis and other institutions, has over the past several years conducted a number of case studies in which a family of energy/environment models was developed and applied to the assessment of alternative policies. This linked set of models, which treats energy demand, energy supply, and environmental impacts, has provided long-term planning information to a spectrum of public and private institutions in the regions studied.
Solar-assisted still with vapor-compression option

Abstract In this paper, a scheme is proposed where steam, generated from solar collectors, is used to drive a multiple-effect still with novel high performance rotating-disk wiped-film evaporators, thus resulting in an order of magnitude reduction of collector area. Mechanical energy to drive pumps and other accessories would be provided by a fuel-powered heat engine. During extended sunless periods, an engine drives a vapor compressor connected across some of the effects and keeps the plant operating at reduced capacity. Preliminary analysis indicate favorable economics for a medium capacity plant.
Simulations of X and Y retinal ganglion cell behavior with a nonlinear push-pull model of spatiotemporal retinal processing

This article describes a nonlinear model of neural processing in the vertebrate retina, comprising model photoreceptors, model push-pull bipolar ecus and model ganglion cells. Previous analyses and simulations have shown that with a choice of parameters that mimics β cells, the model exhibits X-like linear spatial summation (null response to contrast-reversed gratings) in spite of photoreceptor nonlinearities; on the other hand, a choice of parameters that mimics a cells leads to Y-like frequency doubling. This article extends the previous work by showing that the model can replicate qualitatively many of the original findings on X and Y cells with a fixed choice of parameters. The results generally support the hypothesis that X and Y cells can be seen as functional variants of a single neural circuit. The model also suggests that both depolarizing and hyperpolarizing bipolar cells converge onto both ON and OFF ganglion cell types. The push-pull connectivity enables ganglion cells to remain sensitive to deviations about the mean output level of nonlinear photoreceptors. These and other properties of the push-pull model are discussed in the general context of retinal processing of spatiotemporal luminance patterns.
Selective blockade of excitatory caudate responses to nigral stimulation by microiontophoretic application of dopamine antagonists

Abstract The dopamine (DA) antagonists haloperidol (Hal), chlorpromazine (CPZ) and fluphenazine (Flu) were applied by microiontophoresis from 8-barreled micropipettes while action potentials were recorded from single neurons in the feline caudate nucleus (CN) which fired in response to afferent stimulation. These DA antagonists selectively blocked the 15--25 msec latency action potential elicited by stimulation of the substantia nigra (SN) without affecting responses to cortical or thalamic stimulation. These results suggest that dopamine is the transmitter of the excitatory response of caudate neurons to stimulation of the SN. No evidence for an inhibitory input to the caudate liberating DA was found.
Proportionate mortality study of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry.

Background This study examined causes of deaths among unionized plumbers, pipefitters and allied trades. Methods Deaths of union members from the years 1971, 1979, 1987, and 1995 were selected as a representative sample from a computer file provided by the union. These years provided 15,411 deaths for proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) analysis. Results PMRs for lung cancer and asbestosis were significantly elevated compared to U.S. white males. PMRs for chronic disease of the endocardium and cardiomyopathy were also elevated. Elevations were not observed in other a priori causes: laryngeal cancer, lymphatic cancer, and neurological disorders. PMRs for transportation accidents for pipe/steam-fitters were elevated in 1971 and 1979, but not in 1987 or 1995. Conclusion Despite the limitations of a PMR analysis, study results indicate mortality related to asbestos exposure is, and will continue to be, an area of concern for members of the union. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:950–963, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Current status of granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the immunotherapy of melanoma

In 2012, it was estimated that 9180 people in the United States would die from melanoma and that more than 76,000 new cases would be diagnosed. Surgical resection is effective for early-stage melanoma, but outcomes are poor for patients with advanced disease. Expression of tumor-associated antigens by melanoma cells makes the disease a promising candidate for immunotherapy. The hematopoietic cytokine granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has a variety of effects on the immune system including activation of T cells and maturation of dendritic cells, as well as an ability to promote humoral and cell-mediated responses. Given its immunobiology, there has been interest in strategies incorporating GM-CSF in the treatment of melanoma. Preclinical studies with GM-CSF have suggested that it has antitumor activity against melanoma and can enhance the activity of anti-melanoma vaccines. Numerous clinical studies have evaluated recombinant GM-CSF as a monotherapy, as adjuvant with or without cancer vaccines, or in combination with chemotherapy. Although there have been suggestions of clinical benefit in some studies, results have been inconsistent. More recently, novel approaches incorporating GM-CSF in the treatment of melanoma have been evaluated. These have included oncolytic immunotherapy with the GM-CSF–expressing engineered herpes simplex virus talimogene laherparepvec and administration of GM-CSF in combination with ipilimumab, both of which have improved patient outcomes in phase 3 studies. This review describes the diverse body of preclinical and clinical evidence regarding use of GM-CSF in the treatment of melanoma.
Potential ecological and human health impacts of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria from wastewater treatment plants.

The occurrence of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals in the environment has become an increasing public concern as recent environmental monitoring activities reveal the presence of a broad range of persistent pharmaceuticals in soil and water. Studies show that municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are important point sources of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment. The fate of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals in WWTPs is greatly influenced by the design and operation of treatment systems. Because knowledge on the fate of antibiotics and resistant bacteria in WWTPs is important in estimating their potential impacts on ecology and human health, investigations on occurrence, treatment, and observed effects are reviewed in this article. In addition, human health risk assessment protocols for antibiotic and resistant bacteria are described. Although data on other pharmaceutical compounds are also presented, discussion is focused on antibiotics in the environment bec...
Hepatosplenic abscesses due to Brucella melitensis: Report of a case involving a child and review of the literature

Suppurative disease of the liver and/or spleen is a rare and serious complication of human brucellosis. In the English-language literature, only nine cases have been reported, all involving adults with chronic infection. We report the case of a young child in whom abscesses of the liver and spleen developed during acute brucellosis. Brucella melitensis was cultured from an aspirate of the liver and from the bone marrow. After percutaneous drainage of the liver abscess, the patient responded to a 56-day course of antimicrobial therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of hepatosplenic abscess due to a Brucella species in a child.
High performance digital multimeter with 'internal calibration'

An approach that allows a digital multimeter to be calibrated using a minimum number of external reference standards is described. The approach centers around an extremely linear and flexible A/D converter. The linearity of the converter gives the instrument the ability to accurately measure the ratio of two DC voltages, while the speed of the converter allows for an accurate internal DC to AC transfer. In addition to reduced calibration cost and complexity, the approach allows for correction of time and temperature changes of all but a few very stable reference components. The end result is a digital multimeter able to perform DC and low-frequency AC measurements with high accuracy, precision, and speed and without the usual high cost of maintaining such an instrument. >
Estimating dietary costs of low-income women in California: a comparison of 2 approaches

Background: Currently, no simplified approach to estimating food costs exists for a large, nationally representative sample. Objective: The objective was to compare 2 approaches for estimating individual daily diet costs in a population of low-income women in California. Design: Cost estimates based on time-intensive method 1 (three 24-h recalls and associated food prices on receipts) were compared with estimates made by using less intensive method 2 [a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and store prices]. Low-income participants (n = 121) of USDA nutrition programs were recruited. Mean daily diet costs, both unadjusted and adjusted for energy, were compared by using Pearson correlation coefficients and the Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement between methods. Results: Energy and nutrient intakes derived by the 2 methods were comparable; where differences occurred, the FFQ (method 2) provided higher nutrient values than did the 24-h recall (method 1). The crude daily diet cost was $6.32 by the 24-h recall method and $5.93 by the FFQ method (P = 0.221). The energy-adjusted diet cost was $6.65 by the 24-h recall method and $5.98 by the FFQ method (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Although the agreement between methods was weaker than expected, both approaches may be useful. Additional research is needed to further refine a large national survey approach (method 2) to estimate daily dietary costs with the use of this minimal time-intensive method for the participant and moderate time-intensive method for the researcher.
Apartheid's end: South Africa's transition from racial domination

Abstract South Africa's transition to inclusive democracy does not conform to the prevalent theories of either revolution, or elite controlled ‘pact‐making’ as in Brazil. As a country long divided between supporters and opponents of racial domination, the loyalty of the former prevented a revolutionary overthrow, and the resistance of the latter drove and impinged upon negotiations. To account for South Africa's transition, we must take cognizance of the history of racial domination as the central impediment to democracy in that country. I argue that such racial domination was encoded as a means of unifying white ethnic groups, previously at war. Over the course of this century, amidst ongoing tension, intra‐white conflict was diminished with policies unifying whites on racial grounds. But such policies, excluding blacks, provoked massive resistance. When white unity had been more largely achieved, and the nation‐state and its economy threatened by growing protest by the majority, apartheid was ended. Thi...
Low-cost test for large analog IC's

This paper outlines a basic block level test translation tool for analog systems. Test translation aims at minimizing DFT overhead in a hierarchical test translation scheme to meet the ever increasing integration, performance and test re-use requirements. The concept of analog signal propagation and necessary signal attributes are introduced to achieve effective and accurate test translation. A pre-analysis of the system to identify feasible paths and utilization of behavioral basic block models provide computational effectiveness. Experimental results show that test translation reduces DFT overhead significantly while satisfying coverage requirements.
Moving through imagined space: Mentally simulating locomotion during spatial description reading

Readers mentally simulate the perceptual and motoric elements related through text. Sound is one perceptual characteristic of these embodied simulations that has received little attention. Two experiments tested whether movement sounds (walking vs. running) or metronome pulses (fast vs. slow) would modulate reading speed and memory for two different types of spatial descriptions, route and survey. Route descriptions describe environments from a first-person, ground-level perspective whereas survey descriptions use an aerial overview perspective. Experiment 1 demonstrated that route description readers altered their reading speed in correspondence with both movement and metronome sounds, progressing through descriptions faster when hearing fast-paced versus slow-paced sounds. When reading survey descriptions, however, readers only modulated their reading speed while listening to metronome pulses. Those who showed the greatest reading time effects with the route description and footstep sounds also showed difficulty solving inferences from the survey perspective. Experiment 2 demonstrated that movement sounds influenced perceptions of distance traveled such that estimates of environmental scale increased after listening to running versus walking sounds. Taken together these results demonstrate that route description readers mentally simulate a journey through a described world, and these simulations and the resulting spatial memories can be guided by auditory information.
$ {\cal H}_{2}$ -Optimal Decentralized Control Over Posets: A State-Space Solution for State-Feedback

We develop a complete state-space solution to ℋ 2 -optimal decentralized control of poset-causal systems with state-feedback. Our solution is based on the exploitation of a key separability property of the problem, that enables an efficient computation of the optimal controller by solving a small number of uncoupled standard Riccati equations. Our approach gives important insight into the structure of optimal controllers, such as degree bounds that depend on the structure of the poset. A novel element in our state-space characterization of the controller is a remarkable pair of transfer functions, that belong to the incidence algebra of the poset, are inverses of each other, and are intimately related to estimation of the state along the different paths on the poset.
A Locked-Loop Configuration in Salivary-Gland Chromosome 2R of Drosophila melanogaster

An intercalary locked-loop configuration, produced in salivary-gland chromosome 2R of Drosophila melanogaster, suggests that patterns of somatic pairing and of non-homologous association are established at about the same time in the course of development. Assumedly this is not later than the early second-instar larval stage. A high degree of polyteny is subsequently attained while the chromosome is locked in a tight loop configuration.
An area efficient mixed-signal test architecture for systems-on-a-chip

Mixed-signal systems-on-a-chip (SoCs) are tested using the IEEE 1149.4 analog test bus, but the area overhead and test time are high. We present a new mixed-signal SoC test architecture, which uses the circuit components along with design-for-testability (DFT) hardware. Rather than building a custom analog test waveform generator on chip exclusively for testing, we instead stimulate a digital core to generate a digitized version of the analog test waveform at its outputs. We use a functional digital-to-analog converter (DAC) connected to the core's outputs to convert the samples into an analog multi-tone test waveform, for the cascaded analog core. We add a small amount of DFT hardware into the digital circuit to make it generate a more accurate sample set. In this new test architecture, first, the DFT hardware is tested, and then, the DAC is tested for its static and dynamic parameters using the test tones generated from the digital core. Next, the digital core is tested using vectors applied at the primary inputs and, finally, in the analog test mode, the analog tones, generated using the digital core and the DAC, test the cascaded analog core. On five mixed-signal SoCs, the new architecture reduced average test area overhead by 78.6% and test times by 74%, compared to the 1149.4 standard.
Formation of Fibrinogen-Based Hydrogels Using Phototriggerable Diplasmalogen Liposomes

We report the triggered release of Ca2+ from liposomal compartments to induce rapid gelation of protein-based hydrogels. Phototriggerable liposomes were designed by entrapping CaCl(2) within liposomes composed of 38:57:5 diplasmenylcholine (DPPlsC):disteroylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC):bacteriochlorophyll (Bchl). These liposomes release >80% of their entrapped Ca2+ within 15 min when irradiated at 800 nm (800 mW/cm2). A precursor solution, containing liposomes suspended in aqueous human fibrinogen and transglutaminase (TGase), remained fluid for several hours in the dark, but gelled rapidly when exposed to 800 nm excitation, as a result of photosensitized Ca2+ release and TG-induced fibrinogen cross-linking. TGase and hrFXIII activities, determined using a fluorimetric dansylcadaverine assay, were found to depend strongly on irradiation time and reaction temperature. SDS-PAGE of the photolyzed reaction mixture revealed that gelation arises from enzyme-catalyzed cross-linking of predominately the alpha and gamma chains of fibrinogen. This approach to the phototriggered formation of protein hydrogels creates new opportunities for biomaterials applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing.