cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nidamental gland catechol oxidase in the little skate (Raja erinacea): latency caused by an endogenous low molecular weight factor☆

Abstract 1. 1. The enzymatic oxidation of o -diphenol substrates such as 4-methylcatechol by nidamental gland extracts from Raja erinacea is typically preceded by a latent period of several minutes. When aliquots of heat-denatured nidamental gland extract (HDE) were included in catechol oxidase assay mixtures, the latent period was extended in proportion to the concentration of HDE. Dialysis and acid hydrolysis eliminated the ability of HDE to extend the latent period. 2. 2. When nidamental gland extracts were subjected to gel filtration over Sephadex G-25, the period of oxidation latency was reduced eight-fold while catechol oxidase activity was not affected. 3. 3. When substrate concentration was elevated, the specific activity increased while the latent period decreased. When measured at differing substrate concentrations, latency was found to be inversely proportional to the rate of enzymatic oxidation. 4. 4. HDE caused a latent period to precede spontaneous oxidation of 4-methylcatechol in the absence of enzyme. The rate of non-enzymatic oxidation in the presence of HDE increased with 4-methylcatechol concentration while the latent period decreased proportionally. 5. 5. Addition of reduced glutathione to assay mixtures, like HDE, increased latency with no apparent effect on catechol oxidase activity. Oxidized glutathione had no apparent effect on either latency or oxidase activity. Other reductants such as dithiothreitol and NADPH also extended latency without affecting enzyme activity. 6. 6. These results indicate that Raja erinacea nidamental gland extracts contain a low molecular weight factor which causes a temporary latent period to precede enzymatic oxidation of 4-methylcatechol. Exogenously added reductants have a similar effect, indicating that the latency factor might be an endogenous reductant. 7. 7. The observation that the latency factor causes a latent period to precede both enzymatic and non-enzymatic oxidation indicates that the factor interacts with the substrate or with the quinones produced by oxidation, but not necessarily with the catechol oxidase.
Nurses' Attitudes toward Suicide:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether nurses' attitudes toward suicide are based on clinical specialty, age, and highest degree completed. A systematic random sample of nurses registered in North Carolina was used. The instrument used was Domino's Suicide Opinion Questionnaire (SOQ), which consists of eight clinical scales. These scales were: suicide reflects mental illness; suicide threats are “not real,” i.e., a cry for help; the right to die; importance of religion; impulsivity; suicide is normal; suicide reflects aggression/anger; and suicide is morally bad. Results from a three-way ANOVA revealed no significant differences between clinical specialty groups on any of the scales. Age and degree were significant only on the right to die scale. Subsequent Tukey's HSD tests on these variables showed that older nurses and those with advanced degrees were more likely to agree with a patient's right to die under some conditions. A descriptive analysis of representative items from each scale was ...
Optimal Allocation of Observations when Comparing Several Treatments with a Control, II: 2-Sided Comparisons

A setup involving p + 1 normal populations Π i with unknown population means μ p and known population variances σ2 i (0 ≤ i ≤ p) is considered; Π0 is the “control” population and Π i (1 ≤ i ≤ p) are the “test” populations. Based on independent observations zii (j = 1, 2, …, Ni ) from Π i (0 ≤ i ≤ p) it is desired to make an exact joint confidence statement of the form {x0 – x i – d −1, and d > 0 are specified prior to experimentation. The problem of choosing the Ni (0 ≤ i ≤ p) to maximize the confidence coefficient is considered. A procedure is described which is globally optimal if σ2 1 = σ2 2 = … = σ2 p and is optimal in a more restricted sense if not all of the σ2 i (1 ≤ i ≤ p) are equal. It is shown that the globally optimal proportion of observations i to be taken from II; (0 ≤ i ≤ p) depends only on the θ i = σ2 i /σ2 0 (1 ≤ i ≤ p) and λ = d √...
The Synergy of Laboratory and Field Studies of Dolphin Behavior and Cognition

Dolphin behavior and cognition have been studied in both the laboratory and the wild. Laboratory studies provide high levels of control over experimental variables and the opportunity to investigate the cognitive mechanisms of behavior. However, laboratory studies are typically limited to a few subjects. Field studies have the benefit of examining behavior and social interactions among large numbers of individuals. They can reveal how cognitive abilities are expressed naturally, and can provide external validity for observations in the laboratory. However, there is typically less controlover experimental variables in field studies than in the laboratory. Thus, a synergistic relationship has emerged between laboratory and field studies of dolphin behavior and cognition with each contributing information and ideas to the other that can lead to new questions and insights. This relationship is demonstrated using four issues: a) the types of percepts and mental representations dolphins can form through echolocation; b) the complexity of relationships that dolphins can understand; c) the dolphin's competency in symbolic referential communication; and d) the dolphin's ability to manage joint attention through pointing and gazing.
Atrazine tolerance of algae isolated from two agricultural streams

Based on photosynthesis (oxygen evolution) EC50s determined from short (5 min) assays, green algae (Chlorella sp. and other species of Chlorococcales) isolated at random from an atrazine‒contaminated stream (Big Spring) in midsummer exhibited similar tolerances to atrazine (range of EC50s: 42–125 μg/L) compared to algae isolated at random from a noncontaminated stream (Osage Spring) (range of EC50s: 35–162 μg/L). A laboratory strain of Chlamydomonas reinhardii known to be susceptible to atrazine responded similarly (EC50: 45 μg/L). The EC50s of these algae are similar to those previously reported for laboratory strains. In contrast, an alga (Franceia sp., Chlorococcales) isolated at random during late spring from Big Spring responded similarly to a laboratory strain of Chlamydomonas reinhardii that is resistant to atrazine (Franceia sp. EC50s: 430–774 μg/L, C. reinhardii EC50: 466 μg/L). The EC50 values of these algae are near the high end of the range of EC50s reported for green algae.
On wind‐generated wave motion at subsurface levels

The characteristics of ocean waves at subsurface levels are derived on the basis of wave spectra as a function of depth. It is shown that the decrease of total wave energy in the composite wave motion with depth is much less than would be expected for a ‘significant’ wave of the same energy at the sea surface. The wave properties change considerably with increasing depth as a result of the different attenuation of the individual wave components in the spectra. A dimensionless parameter which contains both of the variables, wind velocity and depth, simplifies the graphical representation of the derived relationships and their practical application for determining the properties of subsurface wave motion.
Cigarette smoke-induced emphysema in A/J mice is associated with pulmonary oxidative stress, apoptosis of lung cells, and global alterations in gene expression

Cigarette smoking is the major risk factor for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the fourth leading cause of deaths in the United States. Despite recent advances, the molecular mechanisms involved in the initiation and progression of this disease remain elusive. We used Affymetrix Gene Chip arrays to determine the temporal alterations in global gene expression during the progression of pulmonary emphysema in A/J mice. Chronic cigarette smoke (CS) exposure caused pulmonary emphysema in A/J mice, which was associated with pronounced bronchoalveolar inflammation, enhanced oxidative stress, and increased apoptosis of alveolar septal cells. Microarray analysis revealed the upregulation of 1,190, 715, 260, and 246 genes and the downregulation of 1,840, 730, 442, and 236 genes in the lungs of mice exposed to CS for 5 h, 8 days, and 1.5 and 6 mo, respectively. Most of the genes belong to the functional categories of phase I genes, Nrf2-regulated antioxidant and phase II genes, phase III detoxification genes, and others including immune/inflammatory response genes. Induction of the genes encoding multiple phase I enzymes was markedly higher in the emphysematous lungs, whereas reduced expression of various cytoprotective genes constituting ubiquitin-proteasome complex, cell survival pathways, solute carriers and transporters, transcription factors, and Nrf2-regulated antioxidant and phase II-responsive genes was noted. Our data indicate that the progression of CS-induced emphysema is associated with a steady decline in the expression of various genes involved in multiple pathways in the lungs of A/J mice. Many of the genes discovered in this study could rationally play an important role in the susceptibility to CS-induced emphysema.
Entangling Superconductivity and Antiferromagnetism

Today we have two families of high-transition temperature ( T c) superconductors, based respectively on compounds in which copper and iron atoms occupy a layered square lattice. An open question is how the quantum mechanics of electrons moving cooperatively on such lattices leads to high- T c superconductivity. Both families display antiferromagnetism as their chemical compositions are varied (see the figure). It is the interplay between the magnetic and electronic properties that is thought to be controlled by intricate quantum entanglement among the electrons, and to be at the origin of the superconducting properties. The antiferromagnetism is strongest at compositions at which T c is either zero or small. As the composition is varied and the antiferromagnetism decreases, a critical composition is reached at which the antiferromagnetism vanishes at zero temperature—an example of a quantum phase transition. On page 1554 of this issue, Hashimoto et al. ( 1 ) report observations of an especially well-characterized example of such a quantum critical point in a high- T c superconductor, crystals of BaFe2(As1- x P x )2 with minimal chemical disorder. A novel feature of their experiments is that the signature of a magnetic critical point is observed in an electrical property: The antiferromagnetic quantum critical point leads to a change in the ability of the electrons to carry a super-current. The results demonstrate the close connection between antiferromagnetism and high- T c superconductivity.
The interaction between apolipoprotein serum amyloid A and high-density lipoprotein.

Abstract Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a small apolipoprotein that binds to high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) via its N-terminus. The murine isoform SAA2.2 forms a hexamer in solution and the N-terminus is shielded from the solvent. Therefore, it is unclear how the SAA2.2 hexamer might bind HDL. In this study, the binding of SAA2.2 to murine HDL was investigated by glutaraldehyde cross-linking and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The hexamer did not bind HDL significantly at 20 °C. However, at temperatures between 25–30 °C, SAA2.2 became destabilized and its monomeric form bound to HDL. SAA2.2 binding did not significantly replace Apo A-I in HDL particles. At 37–45 °C SAA2.2 binds less to HDL, suggesting that its binding is weak and sensitive to physiological and pathological temperatures, and thereby, potentially modulated, in vivo, by other factors.
Intervertebral disc degeneration alters lumbar spine segmental stiffness in all modes of loading under a compressive follower load.

Abstract Background context Previous studies have investigated the relationship between the degeneration grade of the intervertebral disc (IVD) and the flexibility of the functional spinal unit (FSU) but were completed at room temperature without the presence of a compressive follower load. This study builds on previous work by performing the testing under more physiological conditions of a compressive follower load at body temperature and at near 100% humidity. Purpose The present work evaluates the effects of IVD degeneration on segmental stiffness, range of motion (ROM), hysteresis area, and normalized hysteresis (hysteresis area/ROM). This study also briefly evaluates the effect of the segment level, temperature, and follower load on the same parameters. Study design In vitro human cadaveric biomechanical investigation. Methods Twenty-one FSUs were tested in the three primary modes of loading at both body temperature and room temperature in a near 100% humidity environment. A compressive follower load of 440 N was applied to simulate the physiological conditions. Fifteen of the 21 segments were also tested without the follower load to determine the effects of the follower load on segmental biomechanics. The grade of degeneration for each segment was determined using the Thompson scale, and the torque-rotation curves were fit with the Dual-Inflection-Point Boltzmann sigmoid curve. Results Intervertebral disc degeneration resulted in statistically significant changes in segmental stiffness, ROM, and hysteresis area in axial rotation (AR) and lateral bending (LB) and statistically significant changes in ROM and normalized hysteresis in flexion-extension (FE). The progression of these changes with increased degeneration is nonlinear, with changes in the FE and LB tending to respond in concert and opposite to the changes in AR. The lumbosacral joint was significantly stiffer and demonstrated a decreased ROM and hysteresis area as compared with other lumbar segments in AR and LB. Temperature had a significant effect on the stiffness and hysteresis area in AR and on the hysteresis area in LB. Application of a compressive follower load increased the stiffness in all three modes of loading but was significant only in AR and LB. It also reduced the ROM and increased normalized hysteresis in all three modes of loading. Conclusions The results from this testing quantify the effects of degeneration on spinal biomechanics. Because the testing was conducted under physiological conditions (including a compressive follower load and at body temperature), we expect the measured response to closely match the in vivo response. The testing results can be used to guide the selection of appropriate surgical treatments in the context of IVD degeneration and to validate the mathematical and engineering models of the lumbar spine, including finite element models.
Functional 1.6 GHZ MEMS switch using aligned composite CNT membrane by dielectrophoretic self-assembly

This paper demonstrates fixed-beam switches using well-aligned composite SWNT membranes, which were prepared by dielectrophoretic process with Layer-by-Layer self-assembly. The measured DC pull-in voltages ranged from 0.9 V to 4.8 V, depending on the length of switches. AC measurements indicate a switching delay as low as 600 psec for 300 nm beams. This new SWNT composite membrane switch is promising for a variety of applications to high-end nanoelectronics and high- performance MEMS/NEMS.
A pictorial approach to poor-quality cost management

A pictorial approach to modeling poor-quality cost (PQC) is proposed. The approach is patterned after that used in a computer-based information system design. It includes two major steps: (1) specifying the PQC variables as well as the significant relationship among the variables, and mapping the variables and relationships into an influence diagram showing the structure of a PQC system: and (2) converting the structure into a well-defined entity-relationship diagram showing the input-output functions and their associated properties. Two major benefits of using the pictorial approach are that the influence diagram can provide an easy-to-understand PQC system for quality management practitioners and the entity-relationship diagram can provide an effective framework for maintaining and revising the PQC system. >
A Guideline for Managing the Industrial Hygiene Sampling Function

The “Alcoa Sampling Guideline” is an example of how one corporation manages the industrial hygiene sampling function. Its goals are to assure a healthful work environment and encourage personal monitoring. The concepts of baseline evaluations and periodic surveillance are introduced. Baselines are established whenever exposures are anticipated to approach or exceed 30% of the permissible limit. The statistical parameters of the baseline and other factors are used to determine periodic sampling needs. The periodic surveillance frequency varies from 6 months to 3 yr with three to nine samples required in each time interval. The guideline is intended to complement rather than to supplant the judgment of the industrial hygienist. As a management tool, the guideline is used to quantify plantwide sampling needs and derive sampling schedules. Moreover, criteria are available for evaluating the adequacy of a plant's exposure monitoring program.
Role of C-Reactive Protein in Cardiovascular Disease

OBJECTIVE:To discuss the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) in cardiovascular disease as a predictor of vascular events and identify key factors that increase or decrease this inflammatory marker.DATA SOURCES:Articles were identified through searches of MEDLINE (1966–July 2003), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–June 2003), and bibliographies of selected articles. Search terms included C-reactive protein, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, fenofibrate, niacin, aspirin, estrogen, thiazolidinediones, and raloxifene.DATA SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:All studies relevant to CRP and cardiovascular disease or the effects of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions on CRP levels were evaluated. All information deemed relevant to this review was included.DATA SYNTHESIS:Numerous studies have shown a strong association between CRP levels and future vascular events (i.e., coronary, cerebrovascular, peripheral vascular disease), with minimal correlation to low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. Clinical gu...
Development of a toxicity evaluation program for dental materials and products I. Screening for Irritant Responses

A broad dental toxicology screening program has been initiated to develop suitable testing methods for new dental materials or products which presently are not considered as drugs. In the report presented here, 42 materials or products have been included in an acute toxicity screening program for the evaluation of irritancy properties. Depending upon the state of the material or product, one or more testing procedures were employed. These included: (1) implantation in rabbit muscle, (2) a tissue culture test, (3) an intradermal test in rabbits, (4) an eye test in rabbits, and (5) a dermal test in rabbits. With the limited number of materials or products, the most suitable method of testing solids was the implantation method and tissue culture. Tissue culture appeared to be the only useful method for powders while tissue culture and an intradermal test the most suitable method for liquids. Other materials and products will be included using these test procedures to note if one or two might eventually be selected as a preferred method of “irritancy” testing when a large number of materials or products are to be screened for a dental or medical application. The final evaluation of safety for a dental material or product must of course be based upon its intended use.
Rethinking MIMO for Wireless Networks: Linear Throughput Increases with Multiple Receive Antennas

The benefit of multiple antenna communication is investigated in wireless ad hoc networks, and the primary finding is that throughput can be made to scale linearly with the number of receive antennas even if each transmitting node uses only a single antenna. The linear throughput gain is achieved by (i) using the receive antennas to cancel the signals of nearby interferers as well as to increase signal power (i.e., for array gain), and (ii) maintaining a constant per-link rate and increasing the spatial density of simultaneous transmissions linearly with the number of antennas at each receiver. Numerical results show that even a few receive antennas provide substantial throughput gains, thereby illustrating that the asymptotic linear scaling result is also indicative of performance for reasonable numbers of antennas.
Application of Molecular Tagging Towards Simultaneous Vibrational Temperature and Velocity Mapping in an Underexpanded Jet Flowfield

Nitric oxide planar laser -induced fluorescence has been applied towards a transitional axisymmetric highly underexpanded jet flowfield to yield simultaneous maps of vibrational temperature and streamwise velocity. This novel laser diagnostic technique makes use of the photodissociation of seeded NO 2 to produce spatially localized vibrationally excited and ground state NO which are then simultaneously probed. The experimental data have been compared against theoretical simulations to yield satisfactory results. Error analysis has shown that the technique can be used on a single -shot basis to produce instantaneous vibrational temperature and velocity mapping. Nomenclature 0 1 N = initial population of the ground state 12 B = stimulated absorption Einstein coefficient 21 B = stimulated emission Einstein coefficient sat I = saturation intensity L I = laser intensity 21 A = spontaneous emission Einstein coefficient
Preventive health practices among older men and women.

The preventive health practices of older men and women were examined from interviews with a community sample of 172 adults aged 64-96. Differences between men and women were found with only 10 of the 37 individual health practices. A mixed pattern was found in the relationship of personal and demographic characteristics, life outlook, self-health perceptions, and social network with health practices. The results suggest caution in interpreting how age and gender interact to influence the preventive health practices and health behaviors of older adults.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever : Clinical and Laboratory Observations of Monkeys after Respiratory Exposure.

tion (McDermott, 1961). The exact source of a laboratory-acquired infection is often obscure, but recent surveys have suggested "aerogenic transmission" of diseases that are ordinarily arthropod-borne (Sulkin, 1961). The capacity of certain procedures in the laboratory to set up aerosols that can infect persons by the respiratory route has been emphasized (Wedum, 1961). Investigators of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (Ricketts, 1906; Wolbach, 1919; Badger et al, 1931) noted the marked similarity of the naturally acquired disease in man to that observed in monkeys exposed to infected ticks or receiving subcutaneous or intraperitoneal inoculations of infected blood or
Shelf-life modeling of microwave-assisted thermal sterilized mashed potato in polymeric pouches of different gas barrier properties

This study investigated how the shelf-life of foods processed with microwave-assisted thermal sterilization (MATS) is affected by temperature and package gas barrier properties. We conducted accelerated shelf life testing of a mashed potato-based model food processed with MATS. The model food was processed to a lethality of F0 = 9.0 min, packaged in four pouch materials with different oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), and then stored at 23 °C, 37 °C and 50 °C for up to 12, 6, and 2.8 months, respectively. Findings showed that there were significant temperature effects and the combined effects of OTR and WVTR on the food color (ΔE). Moisture loss and lipid oxidation were also affected by package over the storage periods. Shelf-life predictions were based on the model at different temperatures and OTRs (23 °C storage) using ΔE = 12 as the end point for acceptable quality, with Q10 values ranged from 2.85 to 3.15. The results provide valuable information for selecting packaging materials for MATS and other thermally processed foods.
Understanding and addressing real-world accessibility issues in mainstream video games

Video games have become an important part of various facets of society and culture. However, due to widespread and often critical accessibility issues, many gamers with disabilities are finding themselves cut off from full participation in the world of gaming. Although game accessibility has received a fair amount of interest from our community in recent years, this work lacks adequate consideration of the real-world context of the mainstream gaming. Here, I consider limitations in the existing body of game accessibility research, outline my proposed work as a solution and its contributions to our community, discuss the current status of my research, and state my interest in participation in the ASSETS '13 Doctoral Consortium.
Government by Advice: Public Participation and Policymaking through Advisory Ballot Measures

Advisory ballot measures are a direct democracy tool that solicits voter opinions. Local election data from California are used to assess the practice and consider whether the advisory nature allows policymakers, as has been assumed, to treat the voting outcomes as nonbinding. In California, the advisory ballot measure is generally binding for elected officials while allowing limited discretion in compliance with voter preferences. Purposes include solicitation of policy guidance, directing the use of new revenues, and signaling public sentiment to higher-level governments. The results provide empirical insight into how governments respond to public participation in policy and management decisions.
Teaching innovation: equipping students to overcome real-world challenges

AbstractBusiness students beginning their careers find that they must innovate to solve nebulous problems, work in interdisciplinary groups and environments, and effectively communicate their knowledge to colleagues and clients with diverse backgrounds. Addressing this, researchers devised a flipped classroom cross-disciplinary (CD) client-based project (CBP), in which two different business classes, containing students from two different fields, worked together on a semester-long project. The project aimed to address three areas in which students tend to be weak as they attempt to begin their careers: innovativeness, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world experience. The flipped classroom CD CBP was centered around two different innovation methods (Design Thinking and Productive Thinking) in order to create an appropriate learning environment. Results showed that students recognized the value of the process, perceived improvements in their communication skills, and were left feeling more prepare...
Effects of three cold weather event simulations on early life stages of Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma)

ABSTRACTTo determine the minimum age/size at which Southern Flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma, can safely be moved to outdoor rearing facilities in Texas, we examined survival of simulated temperature drops in two distinct life stages: premetamorphic larvae and two size classes of postmetamorphic juveniles (small = 9.8 ± 0.3 mm in TL; large = 19.7 ± 0.6 mm). Temperature was lowered by −0.33°C/h to 4°C, 7°C, or 10°C, held for 48 h and then raised at +0.33°C/h back to normal rearing temperature. Fish were monitored daily for survival. Larger postmetamorphic flounder had high survival for all temperature treatments (89%–100% survival), whereas both premetamorphic larvae and smaller postmetamorphic juveniles had low survival (<30%) for all temperature treatments.
Cold exposure and absorption of colostral immunoglobulins by neonatal pigs.

To investigate the effect of cold exposure on absorption of colostral immunoglobulins, 56 piglets were weaned at birth and placed in either a thermoneutral (35 C) or cold (21 C) environmental chamber. Thermoneutral piglets had a survival rate of 62% at 48 h, but survival among cold-exposed piglets was only 36% (P less than .10). Cold aid reduced (P less than .01) rectal temperature by more than 6 C after 24 h of exposure. A constant amount of bovine colostrum was administered orally at 4 h after initiation of thermal treatments. Bovine immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) was readily absorbed and reached a serum level of 17 mg/ml after 24 h. Bovine IgM also was absorbed and increased to approximately 2 mg/ml at 24 h. However, absorption of colostral IgG1 and IgM was not affected by cold exposure. Cold air increased (P less than .05) incidence of diarrhea by over five fold after 72 h, and severity of diarrhea was nearly doubled (P less than .01). Hematocrit was also higher (P less than .05) in cold-exposed piglets. These data demonstrate that a cold stressor sufficient to induce hypothermia does not impair absorption of colostral macromolecules in piglets. However, cold exposure was related to increase incidence and severity of diarrhea.
The University of Pennsylvania Models for High-Frequency Macroeconomic Modeling

The following sections are included:IntroductionThe Methodology of the Current Quarter Model (CQM)The Methodology of the Survey CornerConclusionReferences
LINEAR NEUTRAL FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS ON A BANACH SPACE

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on linear neutral functional differential equations on a Banach space. It presents a linear autonomous neutral differential equation defined on a real Banach space X by the following relations: d/dt[x(t) − ∑Bjx(t − hj)] = A × (t) + ∑Ajx (t − hj) if t ≥ 0 and by x(t) = φ(t) if t ∈ [−h, 0]. Here 0 < h1 < h2 < … hm = h are constants, A: X → X is a closed unbounded operator with dense domain, D(A), on X that generates a semi-group of class C0, Bj, 1 < j < m are bounded endomorphisms on X such that range (Bj) ⊂ D(A) for each j, {Aj}, 1 < j < m are bounded endomorphisms on X and φ: [−h,0] → X is a continuous mapping. The chapter also discusses the Banach space of continuous mappings.
Few Atom Silver Clusters Display Broad Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity

According to the Center for Disease Control 2013 threat report, at least 2 million people suffer direct infection each year by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as Staphycoccus aureus (e.g., MRSA), resulting in 23,000 deaths in the United States alone. Healthcare associated infections claim another 75,000 lives each year, 60% of which are attributed to microbial colonization on implanted medical devices. These staggering statistics reveal the urgency in developing new antibiotics and better antimicrobial materials and in re-evaluating older, known antibacterial agents such as silver.
Assessment of myocardial injury after reperfused infarction by T1ρ cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

The evolution of T1ρ and of other endogenous contrast methods (T2, T1) in the first month after reperfused myocardial infarction (MI) is uncertain. We conducted a study of reperfused MI in pigs to serially monitor T1ρ, T2 and T1 relaxation, scar size and transmurality at 1 and 4 weeks post-MI. Ten Yorkshire swine underwent 90 min of occlusion of the circumflex artery and reperfusion. T1ρ, T2 and native T1 maps and late gadolinium enhanced (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) data were collected at 1 week (n = 10) and 4 weeks (n = 5). Semi-automatic FWHM (full width half maximum) thresholding was used to assess scar size and transmurality and compared to histology. Relaxation times and contrast-to-noise ratio were compared in healthy and remote myocardium at 1 and 4 weeks. Linear regression and Bland-Altman was performed to compare infarct size and transmurality. Relaxation time differences between infarcted and remote myocardial tissue were ∆T1 (infarct-remote) = 421.3 ± 108.8 (1 week) and 480.0 ± 33.2 ms (4 week), ∆T1ρ = 68.1 ± 11.6 and 74.3 ± 14.2, and ∆T2 = 51.0 ± 10.1 and 59.2 ± 11.4 ms. Contrast-to-noise ratio was CNRT1 = 7.0 ± 3.5 (1 week) and 6.9 ± 2.4 (4 week), CNRT1ρ = 12.0 ± 6.2 and 12.3 ± 3.2, and CNRT2 = 8.0 ± 3.6 and 10.3 ± 5.8. Infarct size was not significantly different for T1ρ, T1 and T2 compared to LGE (p = 0.14) and significantly decreased from 1 to 4 weeks (p < 0.01). Individual infarct size changes were ∆T1ρ = −3.8%, ∆T1 = −3.5% and ∆LGE = −2.8% from 1 – 4 weeks, but there was no observed change in infarct size for T2 or histologically. T1ρ was highly correlated with alterations left ventricle (LV) pathology at 1 and 4 weeks post-MI and therefore it may be a useful method endogenous contrast imaging of infarction.
3 + 7 + FLT3 inhibitors: 1 + 1 ≠ 2

In this issue of Blood, Knapper et al analyzed 2 consecutive randomized Medical Research Council (MRC) trials in newly diagnosed patients with mutant FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and suggested no benefit for the addition of the kinase inhibitor lestaurtinib to chemotherapy.1
Efflux Transporters Regulate Arsenite-Induced Genotoxicity in Double Negative and Double Positive T Cells.

Arsenite (As+3) exposure is known to cause immunotoxicity in human and animal models. Our previous studies demonstrated that As+3 at 50-500 nM concentrations induced both genotoxicity and nongenotoxicity in mouse thymus cells. Developing T cells at CD4-CD8- double negative (DN) stage, the first stage after early T cells are transported from bone marrow to thymus, were found to be more sensitive to As+3 toxicity than the T cells at CD4 + CD8 + double positive (DP) stage in vitro. Induction of Mdr1 (Abcb1) and Mrp1 (Abcc1), 2 multidrug resistance transporters and exporters of As+3, was associated with the reversal of As+3-induced double strand breaks and DNA damage. In order to confirm that the thymus cell populations have different sensitivity to As+3in vivo, male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 0, 100, and 500 ppb As+3 in drinking water for 30 d. A significant decrease in DN cell percentage was observed with exposure to 500 ppb As+3. Low to moderate concentrations of As+3 were shown to induce higher genotoxicity in sorted DN than DP cells in vitro. Calcein AM uptake and Mdr1/Mrp1 mRNA quantification results revealed that DN cells not only had limited As+3 exporter activity, but also lacked the ability to activate these exporters with As+3 treatments, resulting in a higher accumulation of intracellular As+3. Knockdown study of As+3 exporters in the DN thymic cell line, D1 using siRNA, demonstrated that Mdr1 and Mrp1 regulate intracellular As+3 accumulation and genotoxicity. Taken together, the results indicate that transporter regulation is an important mechanism for differential genotoxicity induced by As+3 in thymocytes at different developmental stages.
Parainfluenza Virus in the Hospitalized Adult

Parainfluenza virus (PIV) is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus in the Paramyxoviridae family. There are 4 serotypes that follow seasonal patterns with varying rates of infection for each serotype. PIV is an established cause of disease and death in the pediatric and immunocompromised populations, and its impact on the hospitalized adult is becoming more apparent with the increased use of multiplex molecular assays in the clinical setting. The clinical presentation of PIV in hospitalized adults varies widely and includes upper respiratory tract infections, severe lower respiratory tract infections, and exacerbations of underlying disease; 0.2%-11.5% of hospitalized patients with pneumonia have been found to have PIV infection. Currently no licensed treatment is available for PIV infection. Ribavirin has been used, but case studies show no impact on mortality rates. DAS181, an inhaled sialidase, is undergoing clinical development for the treatment of PIV in adults and children.
Ab Interno Tube Occlusion for Postoperative Hypotony in a Patient With an Ahmed Glaucoma Drainage Device.

Purpose To report a case of Ahmed glaucoma valve-induced hypotony that was successfully managed with postoperative intraluminal stenting of the aqueous shunt tube. Patient and methods We describe a 68-year-old man with advanced uveitic glaucoma with an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 25 mm Hg in the left eye. The patient initially responded well to an Ahmed glaucoma valve implant, but at 10 weeks postimplantation, the patient underwent cataract surgery and developed persistent hypotony, choroidal folds, and decreased vision. Results Before partial occlusion of the aqueous shunt tube, the patient had an IOP of 3 mm Hg and a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/60. Following intraluminal stenting of the aqueous shunt tube with 4-0 polypropylene suture (Prolene; Ethican), IOP rose from 7 to 10 mm Hg, BCVA improved to 20/30, and the choroidal folds resolved; IOP and BCVA remained stable through 1 year of follow-up and no additional surgical or pharmacological interventions were required. Conclusions Aqueous shunt-induced hypotony can be successfully managed with intraluminal stenting and should be considered before tubal ligation or shunt removal.
High-frequency ultrasonic sensor arrays based on optical micro-ring resonators

High-frequency ultrasonic sensors are an important sensing technology in structural health monitoring applications. Compared with the traditional PZT transducer as ultrasonic sensors, novel ultrasonic sensors based on optical methods such as micro-ring resonators have gained increased attention. These micro-rings can be as small as a few microns in diameter, which improves their sensitivity to high-frequency ultrasound. In principle, acoustic waves irradiating the micro-ring induce strain, changing the dimensions and refractive index of the waveguides via the elasto-optic effect. This leads to a change of the guided whispering gallery modes (WGMs), which are extremely sensitive to change in the ring radius induced by the ultrasound strain field. Based on our prior research, here we present an integrated high-frequency ultrasonic sensor array based on optical micro-ring resonator array fabricated by direct laser writing. The fabrication has been optimized to provide high optical quality factor to ensure high detection sensitivity. The experiments demonstrate the potential of the polymer micro-ring resonator working as a high-performance ultrasonic sensor. Applications of the integrated ultrasonic sensor array for acoustic-emission ultrasound detection are shown.
Continuing the Search for Order: Reflections on The Eric Voegelin Reader

ABSTRACTThis essay offers a positive assessment of The Eric Voegelin Reader and suggests that it has the potential to shift the reception of Voegelin's thought among a new generation of readers by de-emphasizing the Gnosticism thesis and focusing on Voegelin's mature work. The essay then reflects on the main themes in Voegelin's thought and argues that his accounts of the paradoxical nature of human consciousness and the nonlinear nature of history suggest that the history of human thought cannot be easily fitted into an ancient-modern division.
High Prevalence of Myocarditis Mimicking Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy Differential Diagnosis by Electroanatomic Mapping-Guided Endomyocardial Biopsy

Objectives We evaluated the diagnostic contribution and the therapeutic and prognostic implications of 3-dimensional electroanatomic mapping (EAM)-guided endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Background ARVC is a frequent cause of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death in young people. The value of current diagnostic criteria and the role of imaging techniques and EMB are still debated. Methods We studied 30 consecutive patients (17 male, mean age 43 ± 17 years) with a noninvasive diagnosis of ARVC according to current criteria. All patients underwent 3-dimensional EAM-guided EMB. Results Twenty-nine (97%) of 30 patients presented an abnormal voltage map. Histology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of ARVC in 15 patients, and showed active myocarditis according to Dallas criteria in the remaining 15 patients. Patients with ARVC were not distinguishable on the basis of clinical features, presence, and severity of structural and functional right ventricular abnormalities and 3-dimensional EAM findings. On the basis of clinical and histological features, a cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted in 13 patients with biopsy-proven ARVC and in 1 patient only with myocarditis. At a mean follow-up of 21 ± 8 months, 7 (47%) patients with ARVC experienced a recurrence of symptomatic sustained ventricular arrhythmias with appropriate defibrillator intervention in all cases. All patients with myocarditis remained asymptomatic and free from arrhythmic events. Conclusions Right ventricular myocarditis frequently mimics ARVC. Three-dimensional EAM-guided EMB is a safe and effective tool in differential diagnosis and in the selection of the most appropriate therapeutic strategy.
Covering, Packing and Knapsack Problems

We survey some of the recent results that have been obtained in connection with covering, packing, and knapsack problems formulated as linear programming problems in zero-one variables.
DNA Replication, Repair and Stress Response

Chromosomal replication is a key event in the life cycle of all living organisms including mycoplasmas, a group closely related to Gram-positive bacteria. The small genomes of this group have attracted attention for the study of a minimum gene set required for a living organism, and the study of mycoplasma DNA replication is important for this purpose (12, 47). The most thoroughly studied replication system is that of Escherichia coli. It has served as a model to understand the DNA replication machine (28). The era of complete genome sequencing has opened a new stage for research on the molecular biology of mycoplasmas by identification of mycoplasmal gene homologs that are well-studied in other bacteria. The goal of this chapter is to consolidate findings on mycoplasma DNA replication and repair and put them in the overall picture delineated by studies with other microorganisms, especially E. coli.
Varmints and Victims: Predator Control in the American West

Review of: "Varmints and Victims: Predator Control in the American West", by Frank Van Nuys.
Fifty Shades of Socializing: Slosh and Munch Events in the Bdsm Community

All over the world, BDSM practitioners meet together in public, often in restaurants and bars. The socialization that happens at these events is a critical part of the BDSM lifestyle/community. However, no previous research has collected large quantities of data to learn about the event. In this article, we look into BDSM practitioners and their experiences and attitudes towards the munch and variations on the munch. What we find in this international survey on munches, and other similar nonplay BDSM events, is that it seems to be the central social institution of the BDSM lifestyle. Respondents report going to munches frequently and rate them highly as part of their lifestyle. The data also suggest that these events tend to be much less sexually charged and alcohol driven than many outsiders would expect them to be. In general, we see that these events seem to not only be a critical institution for those in the BDSM lifestyle but also works as an important conduit to newcomers, enabling them to integrate quickly and well into the BDSM lifestyle in a safe public environment.
Neoadjuvant therapy duration and outcome of patients with resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

436Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NA CT) may improve surgical selection for resectable (R) PDAC, and margin negative resection in borderline resectable (BR) PDAC. Optimal duration of NA CT i...
Objects of Faith: 3D Modeling and Printing U.S. Religious History

In her influential article “Beyond Words,” Leora Auslander offered three reasons why historians should learn to use material culture as evidence. It turns out that these are also excellent reasons ...
A Computational Account of Tone Sandhi Interaction

This paper presents a computational account of three tone sandhi rules in Tianjin Chinese that have received a lot of attention in the literature due to the seemingly complex way in which they interact. Two of the rules apply right-to-left while the third applies left-to-right, making it difficult for both rule- and constraint-based formalisms to account for the interaction in a unified way. In the computational framework advocated for in this paper, the apparent difference in directionality of the three rules amounts to a subtle difference in computational classification: the left-to-right rule has the property of input strict locality (ISL) while the right-to-left rules share the property of output strict locality (OSL). However, the fact that the direction of rules with the ISL property doesn't actually matter, a unified account becomes possible in that all three rules can be modeled as a single input-output strictly local function.
Post-gay, Political, and Pieced Together: Queer Expectations of Straight Allies:

Past research has examined straight allyship to the queer community from allies’ perspectives, but little is known about how queer people evaluate straight allies. Drawing on in-depth interviews wi...
Sex differences in bronchoconstriction in diet-induced obese rats

Background: Obesity is a major risk factor for asthma; however, the effect of obesity on asthma risk varies by sex. The mechanisms that cause these sex differences are unclear. Aim: To test if obesity affects bronchoconstriction response in male and female adolescent rats. Methods: Six week old obese prone rats (male and female) were fed a high or low fat diet for 5 weeks. Food intake, body weight, body fat composition, and fasting glucose were measured. Bronchoconstriction was measured in vagotomized, fasted, and anesthetized rats in response to 1) electrical stimulation of vagus nerves (2-30Hz) and 2) inhaled methacholine (1-300 mM) to differentiate airway hyperresponsiveness due to changes in nerve function versus M3 muscarinic receptor function on airway smooth muscle, respectively. Results: Male and female non-obese rats (on low fat diet) had similar bronchoconstriction in response to vagal stimulation. In contrast, male obese rats (on high fat diet) had significantly greater bronchoconstriction to vagal stimulation than did female obese rats (on high fat diet). Airway responses to inhaled methacholine were not different between the sexes on high fat diet. While a high fat diet induced obesity in all animals, male rats gained significantly more body weight but had less body fat than female rats. Fasting glucose did not differ between male and female rats, regardless of diet. Conclusions: Diet-induced obesity causes increased vagally-mediated bronchoconstriction in male compared to female adolescent rats. This difference is not explained by diet or changes in M3 muscarinic receptor function on airway smooth muscle. Sex-specific factors may be involved in regulating vagally-mediated bronchoconstriction in obesity.
Implementing early intensive behavioral intervention in community settings

Although research shows early intensive behavioral intervention is efficacious when delivered in university or private intervention centers, little is known about effectiveness or feasibility of di...
A 29.2 Mb/mm 2 Ultra High Density SRAM Macro using 7nm FinFET Technology with Dual-Edge Driven Wordline/Bitline and Write/Read-Assist Circuit

A 29.2Mb/mm2 ultra high density SRAM macro has been proposed using 7-nm CMOS FinFET technology. The SRAM macro has only one SRAM cell array despite of the huge array of 512 rows × 512 columns. The circuitry of dual-edge driver for such long wordline and bitline in such huge array are newly proposed. The SRAM macro using proposed circuit was designed, and a test chip was fabricated using 7-nm CMOS FinFET technology. The minimum operation voltage is improved 170 mV by the new circuits.