cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alienation and the production of strangers: Western medical epistemology and the architectonics of the body. An historical perspective.

A critical history of the architectonics of the Western body and the scientific methodologies which underlay its construction in late seventeenth England offers insight into current experiences of alienation and estrangement on the part of a substantial number of patients and health-care providers. The bodily architectonics outlined formed normativepersonae that continue to shape a number of medical and social discourses. This essay outlines some features of this bodily architecture and summarizes some of the factors that helped shape its historical formation. Discussion then moves to consideration of those who opposed the new formulations and/or methods, and finally suggests some ways in which this bodily architecture remains both current and problematic today.
Fluorous-based carbohydrate microarrays.

The success of microarrays, such as DNA chips, for biosample screening with minimal sample usage has led to a variety of technologies for assays on glass slides. Unfortunately, for small molecules, such as carbohydrates, these methods usually rely on covalent bond formation, which requires unique functional handles and multiple chemical steps. A new simpler concept in microarray formation is based on noncovalent fluorous-based interactions. A fluorous tail is designed not only to aid in saccharide purification but also to allow direct formation of carbohydrate microarrays on fluorous-derivatized glass slides for biological screening with lectins, such as concanavalin A. The noncovalent interactions in the fluorous-based array are even strong enough to withstand the detergents used in assays with the Erythrina crystagalli lectin. Additionally, the utility of benzyl carbonate protecting groups on fucose building blocks for the formation of α-linkages is demonstrated.
The Outlook For Lasers In Medicine: Markets & Opportunities

With the increasing pressures being put on the medical system to reduce treatment costs, the use of lasers in surgery is fast becoming an effective means for achieving beneficial treatment at lowered overall treatment costs. For this and other reasons, the medical field is about to undergo a revolution in surgical therapy and in the use of laser diagnostics. This paper discusses the past, present and future outlook for medical lasers, including the markets, changes occurring in both lasers and fiber optic delivery systems, new surgical applications likely to become important and some of the leading systems suppliers.
Considerations for a free-electron laser-based extreme-ultraviolet lithography program

Recent years have seen great strides in the development of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) laser-produced plasma sources. Field deployed EUV exposure tools are now capable of facilitating advanced technology node development. Nevertheless, as the required manufacturing exposure dose scales, EUV sources must follow suit and provide 500- 1000 W to maintain production throughputs. A free-electron laser (FEL) offers a cost effective, single-source alternative for powering an entire EUV lithography program. FEL integration into semiconductor fab architecture will require both unique facility considerations as well as a paradigm shift in lithography operations. Critical accelerator configurations relating to energy recovery, multi-turn acceleration, and operational mode are discussed from engineering/scientific, cost-minimization, and safety perspectives. Furthermore, the individual components of a FEL (electron injector, RF systems, undulator, etc.) are examined with respect to both design and cost, considering existing technology as well as prospective innovations. Finally, FEL development and deployment roadmaps are presented, focusing on manufacturer deployment for the 5 nm or 3 nm technology nodes.[1-3]
Single- and double-mixed alkali-halide-cyanide crystals: model systems for orientational glasses

Abstract CN− molecules substituted into alkali-halide crystals are unique systems, permitting continuous various of their concentration x from isolated defects (x ≪ 1) up to a perfect CN− sublattice (x = 1)1. Similarly, the cationic sublattice order y can be continuously varied, initially only performed for x = i.e. cation-mixed alkali-cyanides 2, but recently extended to any chosen 0 < x < 1 value 3. This establishes within the cornerstone-framework of pure alkali-halides and - cyanides (xy) tableaus of single- or double-mixed crystals (one of them illustrated in Fig. 1), all characterized by rapidly reorienting disordered molecules and pseudo-cubic structure at 300 K. Under cooling, ferro- or antiferro-elastic molecular ordering-transitions into orthorhombic or monoclinic and rhombohedral structures occur above a critical CN− concentration xc(x,y)—and their related critical temperature functions Tc(x,y) and hysteresis effects—have been determined recently by the sudden onset of strong light-scattering d...
Cooperative Effects of Matrix Stiffness and Fluid Shear Stress on Endothelial Cell Behavior

Arterial hemodynamic shear stress and blood vessel stiffening both significantly influence the arterial endothelial cell (EC) phenotype and atherosclerosis progression, and both have been shown to signal through cell-matrix adhesions. However, the cooperative effects of fluid shear stress and matrix stiffness on ECs remain unknown. To investigate these cooperative effects, we cultured bovine aortic ECs on hydrogels matching the elasticity of the intima of compliant, young, or stiff, aging arteries. The cells were then exposed to laminar fluid shear stress of 12 dyn/cm2. Cells grown on more compliant matrices displayed increased elongation and tighter EC-cell junctions. Notably, cells cultured on more compliant substrates also showed decreased RhoA activation under laminar shear stress. Additionally, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation in response to fluid shear stress occurred more rapidly in ECs cultured on more compliant substrates, and nitric oxide production was enhanced. Together, our results demonstrate that a signaling cross talk between stiffness and fluid shear stress exists within the vascular microenvironment, and, importantly, matrices mimicking young and healthy blood vessels can promote and augment the atheroprotective signals induced by fluid shear stress. These data suggest that targeting intimal stiffening and/or the EC response to intima stiffening clinically may improve vascular health.
Effect of trace mineral supplementation on selected minerals, energy metabolites, oxidative stress, and immune parameters and its association with uterine diseases in dairy cattle

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between selected minerals' serum levels, energy metabolites, oxidative stress indicators, IL-8 and haptoglobin levels, and the potential for uterine diseases. Additionally, we investigated the effect of injectable trace mineral supplementation (ITMS) on metabolism, immune function, and animal health under field conditions involving a dairy herd with high milk production. The study was conducted in 1 dairy farm located near Ithaca, New York, with 270 multiparous cows were enrolled from October 3, 2012 until January 10, 2013. Cows were randomly allocated into 1 of 2 treatments groups: ITMS or control. Cows randomly assigned to the ITMS group received 2 injections of trace minerals at 230 and 260 d of gestation; each injection contained 300mg of Zn, 50mg of Mn, 25mg of Se, and 75mg of Cu. Retained placenta (RP) and metritis were diagnosed and treated by trained farm personnel. Clinical endometritis evaluation was performed by the investigators. Blood mineral levels, plasma nonesterified fatty acids and serum β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, plasma IL-8 concentrations, serum haptoglobin concentration, and serum superoxidase dismutase and plasma glutathione peroxidase activities were measured at various time points before and after calving. Four groups of mixed general linear models were fitted to the data using MIXED procedure of SAS. Injectable trace mineral-supplemented cows had increased serum concentration of Cu, Se, and Zn. Conversely, ITMS did not affect energy metabolites or immune and oxidative stress parameters. Serum concentration of Ca, Cu, K, Mg, Mo, Ps, Pt, Se, and Zn varied according to days relative to parturition. Cows with RP had reduced serum concentrations of Ca, Mg, Mo, and Zn when compared with cows without RP. Cows affected with metritis had significantly lower serum concentrations of Ca, Mo, soluble P, total P, Se, and Zn than nonaffected cows. Serum concentration of Ca, Cu, Mo, and Zn were reduced in cows diagnosed with endometritis in comparison to nonaffected ones.
Structures of isomeric substituted 14-crown-4 ethers and their LiSCN complexes

Abstract Crystal structures of methyleno,tetracyclopentyl-14-crown-4 (1), methyl,tetracyclopentyl-14-crown-4 (2), methyleno,didecalino14-crown-4 (3), methyl,didecalino-14-crown-4 ( 4 ), 2·LiSCN and 4·LiSCN were determined by X-ray diffraction methods. The free ligands, 2 and 4 , have their rings collapsed, but on complexation open up to accommodate an Li + ion. It is bonded to all four O atoms of the crown in each case and to an apical SCN − ion to form a rectangular pyramid. The methyl group is pseudoaxial in 2 ·LiSCN and pseudoequatorial in 4 ·LiSCN. In 2 and 4 the bridging propylene groups are disordered over two sites.
High-speed turbo-TCM-coded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing ultra-wideband systems

One of the UWB proposals in the IEEE P802.15 WPAN project is to use a multiband orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) system and punctured convolutional codes for UWB channels supporting a data rate up to 480 Mbps. In this paper, we improve the proposed system using turbo TCM with QAM constellation for higher data rate transmission. We construct a punctured parity-concatenated trellis codes, in which a TCM code is used as the inner code and a simple parity-check code is employed as the outer code. The result shows that the system can offer a much higher spectral efficiency, for example, 1.2Gbps, which is 2.5 times higher than the proposed system. We identify several essential requirements to achieve the high rate transmission, for example, frequency and time diversity and multilevel error protection. Results are confirmed by density evolution.
Romancing Rādhā: Nāgarīdās’ Royal Appropriations of Bhakti Themes:

This article looks at confluence of rīti and bhakti and at the interface of the personal and the religious, in particular at the influence of the Rādhā-Krishna mythology in construing personal identities in 18th-century North India.The article presents a case study of Sāvant Siṃh of Kishangarh (1699–1764), who wrote under the pen name Nāgarīdās. He was a prolific author of devotional verse as well as a patron of miniature paintings depicting Krishna and Rādhā. His work shows a tendency that could be termed a ‘royalization’ of Krishna poetry, and is instructive about how religious imagery became meaningful in construing personal lives in medieval India.
About Physics, Myself, and Ginzburgs

If you are also an admirer of Vitaly Lazarevich Ginzburg, you will recognize the present title as a reference to his most recent book, “About Science, Myself, and Others” [1]. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will also recognize certain similarity in the style of writing. This is deliberate and meant to be a tribute—an acknowledgement that his tenets have been noticed, understood, and appreciated. It is also meant as a reassurance that his influence will continue to live long. The most striking aspect of that book, to me, is its openness—talking so directly and candidly about one’s private thoughts and feelings. I could see no deliberate attempts to impress the reader. If you have also read “You are surely joking, Mr. Feynman,” you couldn’t but be stricken by the contrast. Don’t let me be misunderstood—Feynman is another of my personal heroes all the same; genius may come in all kinds of personalities. And Feynman is certainly not an exception at all. Most autobiographies of great men, scientists or otherwise, that I have had a chance to read [Despite our names, Natasha and I are nor Russians—we do not even speak Russion, although both of us can read it.] left me in wonder why the author felt such strong need to prove that he was really smart—as if anyone doubted. Now, while not everyone can afford what befits Vitaly, his example is enticing. (Here I will not use Vitaly Lazarevich, which would be more proper but could sound awkward to nonRussian readers.) He makes one wish to be a more sincere person—as well as a better physicist. So, here is my offering, in his style—as candid as I can be. And the topic will be the great influence Vitaly had and has in my life as a physicist.
Enhancing the lateral-flow immunoassay for detection of proteins using an aqueous two-phase micellar system

The lateral-flow (immuno)assay (LFA) has been widely investigated for the detection of molecular, macromolecular, and particle targets at the point-of-need due to its ease of use, rapid processing, and minimal power and laboratory equipment requirements. However, for some analytes, such as certain proteins, the detection limit of LFA is inferior to lab-based assays, such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and needs to be improved. One solution for improving the detection limit of LFA is to concentrate the target protein in a solution prior to the detection step. In this study, a novel approach was used in the context of an aqueous two-phase micellar system comprised of the nonionic surfactant Triton X-114 to concentrate a model protein, namely transferrin, prior to LFA. Proteins have been shown to partition, or distribute, fairly evenly between the two phases of an aqueous two-phase system, which in turn results in their limited concentration in one of the two phases. Therefore, larger colloidal gold particles decorated with antibodies for transferrin were used in the concentration step to bind to transferrin and aid its partitioning into the top, micelle-poor phase. By manipulating the volume ratio of the two coexisting micellar phases and combining the concentration step with LFA, the transferrin detection limit of LFA was improved by tenfold from 0.5 to 0.05 μg/mL in a predictive manner. In addition to enhancing the sensitivity of LFA, this universal concentration method could also be used to improve other detection assays.
Degeneration of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells induced by intraventricular kainic acid

Degeneration of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells was investigated by light and electron microscopy after intraventricular injection of the potent convulsant, kainic acid. Electron microscopy revealed evidence of pyramidal cell degeneration within one hour. The earliest degenerative changes were confined to the cell body and proximal dendritic shafts. These included an increased incidence of lysosomal structures, deformation of the perikaryal and nuclear outlines, some increase in background electron density, and dilation of the cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum accompanied by detachment of polyribosomes. Within the next few hours the pyramidal cells atrophied and became electron dense. Then these cells became electron lucent once more as ribosomes disappeared and their membranes and organelles broke up and disintegrated. Light microscopic changes correlated with these ultrastructural observations. The dendritic spines and the initial portion of the dendritic shaft became electron dense within four hours and degenerated rapidly, whereas the intermediate segment of the dendrites swelled moderately and became more electron lucent. No degenerative changes were evident in pyramidal cell axons and boutons until one day after kainic acid treatment. Less than one hour after kainic acid administration, astrocytes in the CA3 area swelled, initially in the vicinity of the cell body and mossy fiber layers. It is suggested that the paroxysmal discharges initiated in CA3 pyramidal cells by kainic acid served as the stimulus for this response. Phagocytosis commenced between one and three days after kainic acid administration, but remained incomplete at survival times of 6–8 weeks. Astrocytes, microglia, and probably oligodendroglia phagocytized the degenerating material. These results point to the pyramidal cell body and possibly also the dendritic spines as primary targets of kainic acid neurotoxicity. In conjunction with other data, they support the view that lesions made by intraventricular kainic acid can serve models of epileptic brain damage.
Walking the line: stimulant use during sex and HIV risk behavior among Black urban MSM.

Background Although the association of stimulant use to sexual risk taking and HIV transmission has been well documented among white gay men, stimulant use during sex continues to be under-explored among Black men who have sex with men (MSM).
Low-Power On-the-Fly Reconfigurable Iterative MIMO Detection and LDPC Decoding Design

Manufacturing and operation of wireless systems require a practical solution for achieving low-power and high-performance when using advance communication apparatus such as that using multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO). Often algorithm solutions achieve very high performance but over only in a narrow range of operating parameters. This paper presents a hardware design of MIMO detection that allows real-time switching between various algorithms and detection effort to achieve high performance over the wide-range of signal to noise ratio (SNR) found in realistic operating conditions. We illustrate a design with over 80% reduction in detection power that satisfies the required quality of service (QoS) in SNRs (Eb/No) as low as 8.7 dB.
Isolated Brain Stem Lesion in Children: Is It Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis or Not?

SUMMARY: Isolated brain stem lesions presenting with acute neurologic findings create a major diagnostic dilemma in children. Although the brain stem is frequently involved in ADEM, solitary brain stem lesions are unusual. We performed a retrospective review in 6 children who presented with an inflammatory lesion confined to the brain stem. Two children were diagnosed with connective tissue disorder, CNS lupus, and localized scleroderma. The etiology could not be determined in 1, and clinical features suggested monophasic demyelination in 3. In these 3 children, initial lesions demonstrated vasogenic edema; all showed dramatic response to high-dose corticosteroids and made a full clinical recovery. Follow-up MRI showed complete resolution of lesions, and none had relapses at >2 years of follow-up. In retrospect, these cases are best regarded as a localized form of ADEM. We conclude that though ADEM is typically a disseminated disease with multifocal lesions, it rarely presents with monofocal demyelination confined to the brain stem.
Lateral Optical Sensor With Slip Detection for Locating Live Products on Moving Conveyor

This paper presents a method to determine the 2-D profile and motion of a live product (such as chicken for poultry meat processing) on a moving conveyor from a lateral optical sensor that consists of an orthogonal pair of line array (LA) scanners. Unlike most line array (LA) scanners designed to provide a 2-D image of a static object, the lateral optical sensor presented here offers a practical means to detect object slippage on the conveyor in real time. Three examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of this sensing method. The first simulates the 2-D boundary of a geometrically well-defined object on an accelerating conveyor, which offers intuitive insights on the effects of conveyor dynamics and object slippage on the accuracy of the 2-D boundary measurement. The second experimentally demonstrates the extendibility of LA sensors to detect both engineering and natural objects. The final example illustrates the application of the lateral optical sensor as a real time feedback sensor for active singulation of natural objects.
Nitrogen requirement and utilization in dairy cattle.

Formulation of dairy cow rations should consider the following points regarding nitrogen utilization by lactating cows. (a) Maintenance of ruminal ammonia nitrogen in excess of 5 mg/100 ml rumen fluid has no effect on microbial protein production. (b)Supplemental nonprotein nitrogen is not utilized in typical dairy and feedlot beef rations containing more than 12 to 13% crude protein(dry matter basis). (c)Nonprotein nitrogen is approximately equal to true protein as a source of nitrogen in typical dairy and feedlot rations containing not more than 12 to 13% crude protein. (d)A scheme based upon metabolizable protein (absorbable protein) for calculating requirements and comparing protein sources is superior to crude or digestible protein designations. Ultimate expression of the requirement may be in terms of crude protein for the sake of simplicity. (e)One kilogram of crude protein, regardless of nitrogen source, equals about .75kg metabolizable protein in typical dairy and feedlot beef rations containing not more than 12 to 13% crude protein. One kilogram of plant protein (true protein) fed in excess of an amount equivalent to 12 to 13% dietary protein equals about .3 kg metabolizable protein. (f)Protein supplementation of lactating cows might be related more to stage of lactation than to milk production. (g)Lactating cows having above average lactational ability may benefit from dietary protein as high as 16 to 17% (dry matter basis) during the first third of lactation. (h)Cows in the latter two-thirds of lactation appear to require 12.5% dietary protein or less. (i)Plant protein (true protein) should be the supplemental sources of nitrogen during the first third of lactation, with NPN providing most, if not all, the supplemental nitrogen during the last two-thirds of lactation.
Load Management Study of Simulated Control of Residential Central Air Conditioners on the Detroit Edison Company System

For the first time, operating personnel of an electric utility have studied the net impact on operating revenue due to mandatory load management of air conditioners. Control was simulated over two entire summers for all residential central air conditioners on The Detroit Edison Company system.
A single gene encodes multiple neuropeptides mediating a stereotyped behavior

Egg laying in Aplysia is characterized by a stereotyped behavioral array which is mediated by several neuroactive peptides. We have sequenced two genes encoding the A and B peptides thought to initiate the egg-laying process, as well as a gene encoding egg-laying hormone (ELH) which directly mediates the behavioral array. The three genes share 90% sequence homology and are representatives of a small multigene family. Each gene encodes a protein precursor in which the active peptides are flanked by internal cleavage sites providing the potential to generate multiple small peptides. Each of the three genes consists of sequences homologous to A or B peptide as well as ELH. Although these genes share significant nucleotide homology, they have diverged such that different member genes express functionally related but nonoverlapping sets of neuroactive peptides in different tissues.
Changes in the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella isolated from the same Michigan dairy farms in 2000 and 2009

Abstract This study compared the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella collected from the same Michigan, USA dairy farms between the years 2000 and 2009. The specific objective was to understand the type and distribution of changes in antimicrobial resistance that occurred within farms over the past 10 years. Multinomial, multilevel models were constructed to estimate the differences in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between years. The MICs of most antimicrobials were significantly lower in 2009 than in 2000, but were higher for amikacin and gentamicin. Decreases in MICs were in part due to changes in the prevalence of multidrug resistant strains, but were also distributed across the susceptible population of isolates. The type and direction of within-farm changes in MICs were similar for the majority of farms. These results suggest a decrease in antimicrobial resistance and/or a change in the population structure of Salmonella that colonize dairy farms in Michigan.
From systems biology to synthetic biology.

Mol Syst Biol. 1: 2005.0032 If each of us conveys our idiosyncratic view of the elephant, then we, in communion, can imagine its wholeness (Ireland, 1997). An analogous process elucidates Molecular Systems Biology (MSB) and this journal is dedicated to it. The work of a scientist/engineer (seer for short) consists of discovery, modeling, perturbation, and invention. Cycling through these is a key practice of biology. Adding high‐throughput analyses (Ideker et al , 2001) gives one view of MSB. Systems Engineering (Wiener, 1948; Chestnut, 1967) adds a great deal more. For the next step, we recognize five unalienable rights—to search, check, design, merge, and share (in electronic media). Exercise of these is exemplary in the realms of genetics, crystallography, and sequencing. Few who use Google or Blast will doubt that text‐searching is a killer‐application. With computer searches, we can check if a discovery or design is truly new or alignable with other facts. If alignable, merging can produce a more comprehensive map of the elephant. Without these five rights, seers fall to politics, opinions, and fads. But even the most meager search presupposes a means to share and to decide on alignments. Journals and granting agencies encourage sharing promptly and unambiguously via accession numbers. We generally …
Differential excitation cross sections for electron impact on Li+: A study of continuum coupling effects.

Differential excitation cross sections for the transitions from 1 $^{1}\mathrm{S}$ to 2${\mathrm{}}^{3}$S, 2${\mathrm{}}^{1}$S, 2${\mathrm{}}^{3}$P, and 2${\mathrm{}}^{1}$P in He-like ${\mathrm{Li}}^{+}$ are calculated in the distorted-wave and close-coupling approximations in order to study their sensitivity to continuum coupling effects. Comparisons are made between nonunitarized distorted-wave, 5-state unitarized distorted-wave, 5-state close-coupling, and 11-state close-coupling calculations. The results indicate that the shape of the cross sections, as a function of scattering angle, can be significantly different for the various levels of approximation, even when the total cross sections are in reasonably close agreement.
Adopting the training cycle for trust training in swift starting action teams

This paper presents a new framework for understanding the development of trust in swift starting action teams and how metacognitive training could be used to manage this process. First, we provide underlying assumptions supporting our theoretical framework. Second, we provide a description of the training cycle approach that guides our framework. Third, we describe our proposed framework of trust development. Finally, we discuss potential training interventions for the management of trust in swift starting action teams, and conclude with some final remarks.
A Species Difference in Conditioned Emotional Response

A technique to produce a quantitative measure of CER without pretraining is presented. The response, a change in S's exploratory activity during the CS, occurs rapidly in even 3-wk. old rats and mice. Species differences occur in the reaction to CS, US, and CS-US pairings. Although rats tend to suppress activity during CS as a result of CS-US pairings, the shock or buzzer alone increases activity level; while the opposite is true of mice.
Laparoendoscopic single site nephrectomy with the SPIDER surgical system: Engineering advancements tested in a porcine model

Abstract Background and Purpose: The Single Port Instrument Delivery Extended Reach (SPIDER) surgical system was developed for true continuous instrument triangulation during laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) surgery. We present our initial preclinical experience with the SPIDER surgical system during renal surgery. Material and Methods: Bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomies were performed in a live adult porcine animal model using the SPIDER device. A standard surgical approach was used via direct video guidance. Results: The procedure was successfully performed without surgical error or complication. The SPIDER system proved easy to use with only a minimal learning curve. Intracorporeal surgical knots were tied without difficulty using this single site system. Conclusions: Our initial experience with the SPIDER surgical system during renal surgery is promising. SPIDER allows for true single port instrument triangulation offering a superior operative experience to currently available LESS surgical systems.
Admissible estimators in finite population sampling employing various types of prior information

Abstract We consider some estimators of the total and variance of a finite population from Bayesian and pseudo-Bayesian perspectives. Recently, Meeden and Ghosh (1982a, 1982b) have provided quite simple but powerful tools for proving admissibility of estimators and estimator-design pairs is finite population sampling problems. We consider what these techniques yield in the way of admissibility results for the estimators discussed.
Bioremediation of Concrete Contaminated with n-Hexadecane and Naphthalene

Retention/leaching and bioremediation of n-hexadecane and naphthalene absorbed in building grade concrete were investigated. Retention studies showed that up to 20 mg of n-hexadecane were irreversibly absorbed per 1 g of concrete (not leached out by either water or aqueous solutions of surfactants). Bioremediation studies were conducted using three naturally occurring bacterial strains including Pseudomonas aeruginosa PG201 and soil microorganisms. Incubation of contaminated concrete pieces with bacterial suspension in shaking flasks resulted in the biodegradation/biotransformation of 8-19% of n-hexadecane or 28-35% of naphthalene, whereas neat hydrocarbons were completely degraded. Naphthalene removal was similar with and without bacteria, and only the destination of the labelled carbon was different. Direct application of biomass on contaminated concrete ("overlay procedure") proved to be more efficient. Up to 70-80% of n-hexadecane and 20-55% of naphthalene (up to 80% combined with evaporation) were removed when using agar plates or filter paper with biomass. Overlay protocols using large amounts of water proved to be more efficient for the biological removal of naphthalene but detrimental for the removal of n-hexadecane. The latter was greater with low amounts of water. Evidence obtained shows that the hydrocarbon diffusion within the pores of concrete is the rate-limiting step for bioremediation.
Routine and timely sub-picoNewton force stability and precision for biological applications of atomic force microscopy.

Force drift is a significant, yet unresolved, problem in atomic force microscopy (AFM). We show that the primary source of force drift for a popular class of cantilevers is their gold coating, even though they are coated on both sides to minimize drift. Drift of the zero-force position of the cantilever was reduced from 900 nm for gold-coated cantilevers to 70 nm (N =10; rms) for uncoated cantilevers over the first 2 hours after wetting the tip; a majority of these uncoated cantilevers (60%) showed significantly less drift (12 nm, rms). Removing the gold also led to ~10-fold reduction in reflected light, yet short-term (0.1–10 s) force precision improved. Moreover, improved force precision did not require extended settling; most of the cantilevers tested (9 out of 15) achieved sub-pN force precision (0.54 ± 0.02 pN) over a broad bandwidth (0.01–10 Hz) just 30 min after loading. Finally, this precision was maintained while stretching DNA. Hence, removing gold enables both routine and timely access to sub-pN force precision in liquid over extended periods (100 s). We expect that many current and future applications of AFM can immediately benefit from these improvements in force stability and precision.
Statistical machine translation using coercive two-level syntactic transduction

We define, implement and evaluate a novel model for statistical machine translation, which is based on shallow syntactic analysis (part-of-speech tagging and phrase chunking) in both the source and target languages. It is able to model long-distance constituent motion and other syntactic phenomena without requiring a full parse in either language. We also examine aspects of lexical transfer, suggesting and exploring a concept of translation coercion across parts of speech, as well as a transfer model based on lemma-to-lemma translation probabilities, which holds promise for improving machine translation of low-density languages. Experiments are performed in both Arabic-to-English and French-to-English translation demonstrating the efficacy of the proposed techniques. Performance is automatically evaluated via the Bleu score metric.
Plasmodium fallax: high-resolution autoradiography of exoerythrocytic stages treated with Primaquine in vitro.

Abstract The distribution of 3 H-primaquine within cultures of the exoerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium fallax was studied using electron microscope autoradiography techniques. 3 H-primaquine first becomes localized within the parasite mitochondria where it is often associated with mitochondrial swelling. In advanced stages of treatment, mitochondria overlaid by silver grains are invariably swollen, although exposed grains can also be detected overlying the electron-dense paired organelles.
Detection and Assay of Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) in Alkaline Borate Buffer with UV/Visible Spectrophotometry

The detection and assay of vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) was accomplished under aqueous conditions using sodium borate buffering at pH 7.52 conditions. The absorbance spectrum of riboflavin was determined at different pH values utilizing several buffers. The buffer at pH at 7.52 is followed by accurate and sensitive assay of riboflavin by spectrophotometer at 440 nm wavelength. Where indicated an origin solution (stock) was employed by dissolving sufficient vitamin to make a stock solution of molar concentrations. Measurements of various aqueous solutions containing riboflavin were accomplished that included aqueous test samples, vitamin capsules/tablets, and water vitamin mixtures. A standard curve extended from molar to molar (a 154 folds spread in concentration). The equation of the line was = 12545 (intercept at origin) with Pearson correlation of 1.000 (). Concentration of riboflavin assayed ranged from gram per liter (0.30 ppm) to 0.0463 gram per liter (46.35 ppm). The B vitamin riboflavin can be assayed by UV/VIS spectrophotometer at 440 nm in aqueous media and using sodium borate buffer at pH 7.52. The assay can reach as low as 0.30 parts per million with high levels of accuracy and sensitivity.
Supplementary Core Sutures Increase Resistance to Gapping for Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon to Bone Surface Repair – An In Vitro Biomechanical Analysis☆

We evaluated the effects of two types of supplementary core sutures on the tensile properties and resistance to gap formation of flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon-bone repairs. Forty-five human cadaver FDP tendons were sharply released from their insertion sites and repaired to bone utilizing one of three repair techniques: four-strand modified Becker core suture (Becker only), modified Becker plus a figure-of-eight supplementary core suture (Becker plus figure-of-eight), and modified Becker plus a supplementary core suture using a bone anchor (Becker plus anchor). Ultimate (maximum) force did not differ between repair groups. However, addition of a supplementary suture significantly increased repair-site stiffness and the 1, 2 and 3 mm gap forces, while decreasing the gap at 20 N compared to the Becker only suture ( P 0.05 ). The only difference between the two supplementary suture groups was that the Becker plus anchor group had increased stiffness compared to the Becker plus figure-of-eight group. In conclusion, a supplementary figure-of-eight suture and a supplementary suture using a bone anchor provide enhanced resistance to gap formation for FDP tendon–bone repairs.
Protein simulations in confined environments

Materials surfaces mimic cell like architecture and proteins can be encapsulated by these material surfaces (e.g. a porous glass or gold). Depending on the number and types of surface interactions, this confine environment could destroy the protein or help it maintain its bioactivity. We developed computer models and simulation tools for the understanding of surface-protein interaction at the atomistic levels. At the molecular level, molecular dynamics simulations are very powerful, but the high computational cost of molecular simulations is a drawback. A viable alternative method to study protein-surface interactions is the coarse-grained molecular simulations of simplified models, such as elastic network model. At the atomic interaction level, we used ab initio simulations to calculate the potential between surface and protein atoms.
Age-related bone changes.

Bone changes occur during normal aging in both men and women. Changes are both quantitative and qualitative in nature, and include: 1) alterations in the dynamics of bone cell populations, resulting in uncoupling of the normal process of bone resorption and formation; 2) changes in bone architecture (e.g., rearrangement of trabecular struts) and cross-sectional geometry (characterized by subperiosteal expansion and enlargement of the medullary cavity); 3) accumulation of microfractures; 4) localized disparity in the concentration of deposited minerals, with hypomineralization in some areas and hypermineralization in others; 5) changes in the crystalline properties of mineral deposits; and 6) changes in the protein content of matrix material. In addition, there are age-related changes in the status of calcium and phosphate regulating hormones: parathyroid hormone increases, and production of the most active metabolites of vitamin D3 decreases. These hormonal changes undoubtedly affect the maintenance of normal bone homeostasis. Other important factors which can profoundly influence bone status in the elderly are decreased physical activity and dietary inadequacies. Bone tissue is particularly responsive to mechanical loading, and the magnitude of bone mass loss as a consequence of decreased physical activity may not be fully appreciated. Interactions of the above mentioned changes are not completely understood, and the degree to which these changes have been documented in humans varies considerably. Clearly, however, the overall net result is the occurrence of age-related loss of bone tissue and bone strength. This process is accelerated after menopause in women, resulting in the clinical condition commonly known as osteoporosis. In addition to loss of bone mass (usually reported as a decrease in bone mineral content), osteoporosis is accompanied by bone pain, spinal deformity, loss of height, and fractures.
The evolving role of the psychologist in primary health care practitioner training for mental health services

Abstract The authors describe the probable role that psychologists will play in the training of primary health care providers for the delivery of mental health services. This concept is based upon the expectation that the primary care practitioners will soon be assuming an expanded role requiring the incorporation of more specialist knowledge during his professional training period and that the psychologist will likely be the facilitator for this process in the mental health area of training.
Testing the utility of internally transcribed spacer sequences in coral phylogenetics

Reef-building corals often possess high levels of intraindividual and intraspecific ribosomal DNA (rDNA) variation that is largely polyphyletic between closely related species. Polyphyletic rDNA phylogenies coupled with high intraindividual rDNA variation have been taken as evidence of introgressive hybridization in corals. Interpreting the data is problematic because the rDNA cluster evolves in a complex fashion and polyphyletic lineages can be generated by a variety of processes — such as incomplete lineage sorting and slow concerted evolution — in addition to hybridization. Using the genetically characterized Caribbean Acropora hybridization system, we evaluate how well rDNA data perform in revealing patterns of recent introgressive hybridization in contrast to genetic data from four single-copy loci. While the rDNA data are broadly consistent with the unidirectional introgression seen in other loci, we show that the phylogenetic signature of recent introgressive hybridization is obscured in the Caribbean Acropora by ancient shared rDNA lineages that predate the divergence of the species.
On the computation of compatible trajectories for hydraulic shaketables

Dynamic testing is often used to study the response of structures under earthquake loading. Such testing is either carried out with a prescribed input such as an earthquake ground motion, or using computation-in-the-loop, where a physical substructure is made to interact with a virtual substructure. This latter form of dynamic testing is also referred to as hybrid simulation. In both cases, the test system consisting of the physical test-piece, the actuators and sensors, controls, and other computations, constitutes a dynamic system that is different from the structure whose behavior is the focus of the test. It is therefore of interest to ask if there are trajectories of the test system that are compatible with desired trajectories of the structure tested. In this paper, we formulate this problem of finding compatible trajectories, as a nonlinear least-squares problem, and propose optimization strategies. We discuss the trajectory computation with two examples, seismic testing with prescribed ground motion, and hybrid simulation with a shaketable as the transfer system.
The impact of marketing policy on promotional price elasticities and baseline sales

Looking across studies on the ability of price promotions to increase a brand's sales, one sees that the power of that instrument varies across brands, categories, retail chains, and markets. These, differences in promotional price elasticities have been shown to be systematically related to marketing policy. We add to this body of research in two ways. First, we broaden the focus to also consider the relationships between marketing policy and baseline sales. Second, we use an analytical multi-segment model of market response to develop hypotheses about the likely relationships between marketing policy and promotional price elasticities and baseline sales. Using weekly store sales data for three cleaning product categories, we find coefficients consistent with the hypothesized relationships. Interestingly, for almost all elements of the marketing mix we find that those elements that tend to be associated with higher levels of promotional price response tend also to be associated with lower levels of baseline sales. National advertising share of voice is the only element that does not follow this pattern. Higher levels of national advertising tend to be associated with higher levels of promotional price response and higher levels of baseline sales. Managerial implications are discussed. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd
DNase I homologous residues in CdtB are critical for cytolethal distending toxin-mediated cell cycle arrest.

Cytolethal distending toxins (CDTs) block cell division by arresting the eukaryotic cell cycle at G2/M. Although previously not recognized in standard blast searches, a position-specific iterated (psi) blast search of the protein data bank using CDT polypeptides as query sequences indicated that CdtB bears significant position-specific homology to type I mammalian DNases. The psiblast sequence alignment reveals that residues of DNase I involved in phosphodiester bond hydrolysis (His134 and His252) are conserved in CdtB as well as their respective hydrogen bond pairs (Glu78 and Asp212). CdtB also contains a pentapeptide motif found in all DNase I enzymes. Further, crude CDT preparations possess detectable DNase activity not associated with identical preparations from control cells. Five CdtB mutations in amino acids corresponding to DNase I active site residues were prepared and expressed together with wild-type CdtA and CdtC polypeptides. Mutation in four of the five DNase-specific active site residues resulted in CDT preparations that lacked DNase activity and failed to induce cellular distension or arrest division of HeLa cells. The fifth mutation, Glu86 (Glu78 in DNase I), retained the ability to induce a moderate level of cell cycle arrest and displayed reduced DNase activity relative to wild-type CDT. Together, these data suggest that the CDT holotoxin has intrinsic DNase activity that is associated with the CdtB polypeptide and that this DNase activity may be responsible for the CDT-induced cell cycle arrest.
Skeletal muscle IGF-binding protein-3 and -5 expressions are age, muscle, and load dependent

The purpose of the current study was to examine IGFBP-3, -4, and -5 mRNA and protein expression levels as a function of muscle type, age, and regrowth from an immobilization-induced atrophy in Fisc...
Validation of shear wave elastography in skeletal muscle.

Abstract Skeletal muscle is a very dynamic tissue, thus accurate quantification of skeletal muscle stiffness throughout its functional range is crucial to improve the physical functioning and independence following pathology. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an ultrasound-based technique that characterizes tissue mechanical properties based on the propagation of remotely induced shear waves. The objective of this study is to validate SWE throughout the functional range of motion of skeletal muscle for three ultrasound transducer orientations. We hypothesized that combining traditional materials testing (MTS) techniques with SWE measurements will show increased stiffness measures with increasing tensile load, and will correlate well with each other for trials in which the transducer is parallel to underlying muscle fibers. To evaluate this hypothesis, we monitored the deformation throughout tensile loading of four porcine brachialis whole-muscle tissue specimens, while simultaneously making SWE measurements of the same specimen. We used regression to examine the correlation between Young′s modulus from MTS and shear modulus from SWE for each of the transducer orientations. We applied a generalized linear model to account for repeated testing. Model parameters were estimated via generalized estimating equations. The regression coefficient was 0.1944, with a 95% confidence interval of (0.1463–0.2425) for parallel transducer trials. Shear waves did not propagate well for both the 45° and perpendicular transducer orientations. Both parallel SWE and MTS showed increased stiffness with increasing tensile load. This study provides the necessary first step for additional studies that can evaluate the distribution of stiffness throughout muscle.
Adaptive refinement of hierarchical B-spline finite elements with an efficient data transfer algorithm

Summary We present an adaptive B-spline FEM that employs hierarchical refinement and coarsening techniques. Hierarchical B-spline refinement augments the approximation space through the use of finer, more compactly supported B-splines. With this approach compatibility is automatic because problematic T-vertices do not arise. The process of refinement does not change the regularity of the basis functions, and can be easily generalized to arbitrary dimensions. Data transfer during both refinement and coarsening is addressed. The techniques are then applied to several time-dependent problems for which adaptivity is advantageous, and the performance of the method is evaluated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.