cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of copper sulphate on Candida albicans on heat-polymerized acrylic resin.

espanolEn las ultimas decadas se ha observado un aumento de la poblacion de adultos mayores, de los cuales un gran porcentaje es portador de protesis removible, y dos tercios pueden sufrir estomatitis subprotesica, enfermedad que es asociada a infecciones como candidiasis. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad antimicotica in vitro del sulfato de cobre en placas de resinas acrilicas de termocurado inoculadas con Candida albicans, frente a Nistatina, Hipoclorito de Sodio y Clorhexidina. Material y Metodos: Inicialmente, y mediante microdilucion del sulfato de cobre, se determino la concentracion minima inhibitoria (CMI) para Candida albicans. En la fase experimental, 54 muestras de resina se dividieron en 6 grupos correspondientes a Nistatina 100.000 UI, Hipoclorito 0.5%, Clorhexidina 0.12%, Sulfato de Cu 4.7μg/ml, Sufato de Cu 9.4 μg/ml y suero fisiologico. Las muestras fueron sumergidas en estos agentes por 6 horas, para posteriormente ser lavadas y cultivada en medios solidos a 37°C por 72 horas. Luego se realizo el conteo de unidades formadoras de colonias mediante contador tipo Quebec. El analisis estadistico se realizo mediante la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis y la prueba U de Mann-Whitney. Resultado: El sulfato de cobre a una concentracion de 9.4μg/ ml presento una efectividad similar a los otros productos, en la reduccion de colonias de Candida albicans. Conclusion: La efectividad del sulfato de cobre contra Candida albicans fue semejante a la de Nistatina, Hipoclorito y Clorhexidina. EnglishThe ageing of population is increasing, and a great percentage of these patients wear removable prostheses, and can suffer denture stomatitis, a condition that has been associated with candidiasis. Aims: To evaluate in vitro the effectiveness of Copper Sulfate against Candida albicans in samples of heat-polymerized acrylic resin, compared to nystatin, sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine. Materials and Methods: Initially, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of copper sulfate for Candida albicans was determined by microdilution. Then, 54 resin samples were divided into 6 treatment groups corresponding to Nystatin 100.000 UI, Sodium Hypochlorite 0.5%, chlorhexidine 0.12%, Copper Sulfate 4.7μg/ml, Copper Sulfate 9.4μg/ml and physiological saline solution, in which samples were submerged for 6 hours. Resin samples were then washed and cultured on solid media at 37°C for 72 hours. The number of colony-forming units was determined using a Quebec colony counter. The statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Copper sulfate at a concentration of 9.4μg/ml presented a similar effectiveness as the other control products regarding the reduction in the number of colonies of Candida albicans post-treatment. Conclusion: The effectiveness of copper sulfate against Candida albicans on acrylic resin was similar to that of nystatin, sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine.
From Bench to Bedside, the Current State of Oncolytic Virotherapy in Pediatric Glioma

Glioma continues to be a challenging disease process, making up the most common tumor type within the pediatric population. While low-grade gliomas are typically amenable to surgical resection, higher grade gliomas often require additional radiotherapy in conjunction with adjuvant chemotherapy. Molecular profiling of these lesions has led to the development of various pharmacologic and immunologic agents, although these modalities are not without great systemic toxicity. In addition, the molecular biology of adult glioma and pediatric glioma has been shown to differ substantially, making the application of current chemotherapies dubious in children and adolescents. For this reason, therapies with high tumor specificity based on pediatric tumor cell biology that spare healthy tissue are needed. Oncolytic virotherapy serves to fill this niche, as evidenced by renewed interest in this domain of cancer therapy. Initially discovered by chance in the early 20th century, virotherapy has emerged as a viable treatment option. With promising results based on preclinical studies, the authors review several oncolytic viruses, with a focus on molecular mechanism and efficacy of these viruses in tumor cell lines and murine models. In addition, current phase I clinical trials evaluating oncolytic virotherapy in the treatment of pediatric glioma are summarized.
Mirada, "vanitas" y desengaño en la representación de la mujer en tres sonetos de Quevedo

Utilizando como marco tematico un poema de Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, este articulo explora la relacion palabra-imagen en la presentacion negativa del cuerpo femenino en tres sonetos de Francisco de Quevedo. Acudiendo ademas a las categorias de vanitas y desengano, especialmente con relacion a la mirada, se analiza como los dos poetas desarrollan una preocupacion sobre los limites de toda representacion artistica, tanto verbal como visual.
Service Quality from the Other Side: Information Systems Management at Duquesne Light

Service organizations are continuously endeavoring to improve their quality of service as it is of paramount importance to them. Despite the importance of understanding the relationship of service quality and information systems, this research has not been pursued extensively. This study has addressed this gap in the research literature and studied how information systems impacts service quality. A research model is developed based on IS success model. System quality, information quality, user IT characteristics, employee IT performance and technical support are identified as important elements that influence service quality. An in depth case study from the electric utility industry is used to investigate the impact.
Trends in Imaging Radars Powered by Modern Silicon

For many decades, imaging radars were mainly experienced in remote sensing through satellite and airborne SAR. With the continuous improvements in integrated silicon technologies, early adoption of imaging radars to serve the personnel security screening market in the millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrum became feasible. Later, the race to establish robust and affordable mmWave imaging solutions for the automotive and industrial applications has also begun. This development is, however, still challenging the semiconductor community, because of the high complexity and the sophisticated requirements needed for imaging radars. In many aspects, such requirements differ significantly from conventional communication systems, which has been and yet dominating the semiconductor industry. In this paper, a general overview on the key aspects of the trending imaging radars and their possible impact on modern silicon are discussed.
Writing for Clean Water and Sanitation: Accelerating Momentum Toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals Through Action Research

This action research assignment invites students to participate in the progress of the UNâ€™s Sustainable Development Goal #6 (SDG6) by contributing knowledge to two distinct public discourse communities: Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia and Consilience: The Journal of Sustainable Development. SDG6 targets access to clean water and sanitation for all by the year 2030. But, in order to accomplish this, the rate of progress must accelerate dramatically. In small groups, students research an SDG6-related topic and improve a Wikipedia article to make it neutral, balanced, and organized in accordance with Wikipedia quality assessment standards. Simultaneously, students compose an opinion paper addressing SDG6 goals and targeting the cross-disciplinary audience of Consilience: A Journal of Sustainable Development. The project raises awareness of discourse communities while students make headway on SDG6 by publicly sharing their research. The assignment is adaptable to an extensive range of subject matter suitable in both face-to-face and online teaching platforms. Students reflect on their own connections and learn to empathize with others by analyzing how lack of access to potable water and sanitation causes suffering. Action research calls on students, thinking as global citizens, to be bold in creating a new and better worldâ€”a world where access to clean water and sanitation brings justice to all.
Use of levetiracetam in neonates: features and applications (a narrative review)

Abstract Seizures are common in the neonatal period and are often a result of hypoxia, brain bleed, or structural abnormalities. Rapid and effective treatment is critical without significant concern for detrimental long-term effects on neurodevelopment. Phenobarbital (PHB) remains the standard of care for newborns; however, given the side effect profile of PHB, other alternative antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been utilized as a result. Several case reports and systematic reviews suggest that Levetiracetam (LEV) may be as efficacious as PHB without significant concern for neurotoxicity or long-term developmental side effects. Unfortunately, high-quality efficacy and safety data is limited warranting clinical trials to clearly establish the role of LEV in treatment of neonatal seizures. Here we review evidence for LEV use in neonatal seizures.
Formation of nanoscale [Ge4O16Al48(OH)108(H2O)24]20+ from condensation of ε‐GeAl128+ Keggin polycations

Keggin-type polyaluminum cations belong to a unique class of compounds with their large positive charge, hydroxo bridges, and divergent isomerization/oligomerization. Previous reports indicated that oligomerization of this species can only occur through one isomer (δ), but herein we report the isolation of largest Keggin-type cluster that occurs through self-condensation of four ϵ-isomers ϵ-GeAl128+ to form [Ge4 O16 Al48 (OH)108 (H2 O)24 ]20+ cluster (Ge4 Al48 ). The cluster was crystallized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) and the elemental composition was confirmed by ICP-MS and SEM-EDS. Additional dynamic light scattering experiments confirms the presence of the Ge4 Al48 in thermally aged solutions. DFT calculations reveal that a single atom Ge substitution in tetrahedral site of ϵ-isomer is the key for the formation of Ge4 Al48 because it activates deprotonation at key surface sites that control the self-condensation process.
An experimental examination of interpersonal problem-solving in nonsuicidal self-injury: A pilot study.

Abstract Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) typically occurs in the presence of negative emotions. Prior research has emphasized interpersonal stress as a specific context that may elevate negative emotions in this population and even increase the likelihood of NSSI behavior. However, the factors that contribute to the relationship between interpersonal stress and NSSI have received relatively limited attention. The current pilot study aimed to experimentally examine interpersonal problem-solving as a potential moderator of the interpersonal stress – NSSI risk relationship among those with a NSSI history. Eighty-six participants (52.3% with NSSI history) were randomly assigned to one of three mood induction conditions (interpersonal negative, general negative, interpersonal neutral), after which they completed an interpersonal problem-solving task and a laboratory analogue of self-injurious behavior. Results indicated that NSSI history was associated with poorer interpersonal effectiveness. Further, individuals with a history of NSSI who experienced an interpersonally-focused negative mood and produced less effective interpersonal solutions were more self-harming on a laboratory analogue of self-injurious behavior. While the present findings are preliminary in nature, they offer guidance for research moving forward and, if replicated, suggest interpersonal problem-solving as a potential treatment target among individuals engaging in NSSI.
Sociodemographic Characteristics Associated With and Prevalence and Frequency of Cannabis Use Among Adults in the US.

Importance Cannabis use has increased, but there are few studies on frequent and daily cannabis use among US adults. Individuals who engage in higher frequency use may suffer more health consequences. Objective To examine frequency of cannabis use and associated factors among US adults. Design, setting, and participants This survey study included data from 21 US states and 2 US territories reported in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys from 2016 to 2019. Cross-sectional data on US adults ages 18 years and older were used to estimate demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral risk factors for cannabis use, taking into account the survey strata and sampling weights for the 4 years of combined data. Using a multivariable ordinal logistic analysis, the association of demographic, socioeconomic status, and behavioral risk factors with past month cannabis frequency were examined. Exposures Sociodemographic characteristic, ie, age, gender, race and ethnicity, educational attainment, employment status, and annual household income. Main outcomes and measures Ordinal categorization of number of days of cannabis use in the past 30 days in terms of nonuse, infrequent use (1-5 days), frequent use (6-29 days), and daily use. Results Among the 387 179 respondents, 58 009 (27.9%) were ages 18 to 34 years, 186 923 (50.3%) were ages 35 to 64 years, and 142 225 (21.8%) were age 65 years or older (mean [SD] age, 48.3 [0.1] years). The sample included 28 345 (9.8%) Black, 36 697 (22.6%) Hispanic, and 292 210 (57.3%) White respondents. Smoking was the most common form of cannabis use. The frequency of cannabis use varied significantly by age, gender, race, marital status, education, and employment. Higher frequency cannabis use was associated with younger age (ages 18-34 years: adjusted odds ratio [aOR],4.12; 95% CI, 3.63-4.68; ages 35-64 years: aOR,2.22; 95% CI, 1.98-2.49), Black (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.33-1.71) and Native American (aOR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.04-1.52) race, and less educational attainment (high school or less: aOR,1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.17; some college: aOR,1.27; 95% CI, 1.19-1.35). Being married (aOR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.51-0.58) or identifying as Asian (aOR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.51-0.71) or Hispanic (aOR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.65-0.77) was associated with lower-frequency cannabis use after accounting for other baseline factors. Conclusions and relevance This nationally based study found that higher-frequency cannabis use is more common among young and racial minority populations, as well as respondents with low socioeconomic status. Given the known and emerging negative health effects of cannabis use, more attention may need to be paid to high-frequency use among underserved populations in the form of screening, risk stratification, and treatment.
Addressing Disparities in Rural Health

It is estimated that by the year 2025, the USA’ racial and ethnic minority population will have increased to account for at least 40% of the nation (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2001). As the number of racial and ethnic minorities increase in America, so too does the number of adverse physical and mental health conditions among minority populations. A plethora of literature exist which document the disparities in health conditions between Whites and racial and ethnic minorities in the USA (e.g., Myers et al., 2003; Williams & Rucker, 2000), with minority populations experiencing limited access to health care, the most severe health problems, and overall poorer quality of care. Even when racial and ethnic minorities possess health coverage that is comparable to the levels of Whites, research evidence suggests that they still receive poorer quality of care for the same or similar health conditions (Alliance for Health Reform, 2004).
Diaminopimelate decarboxylase of sporulating bacteria.

The meso-diaminopimelate (DAP) decarboxylase of Bacillus licheniformis, a pyridoxal phosphate-requiring enzyme, was stabilized in vitro by 0.15 m sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) containing 1 mm 2,3-dimercaptopropan-1-ol, 100 μg of pyridoxal phosphate per ml, and 3 mm DAP. When the meso-DAP concentration was varied, the enzyme in cell-free extracts of B. licheniformis exhibited Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Pyridoxal phosphate was the only pyridoxine derivative which acted as a cofactor. The enzyme was subject to both inhibition and repression by l-lysine. The inhibitory effect of lysine was on the Km (meso-DAP). A maximum repression of about 20% was obtained. No significant inhibition or activation was produced by cadaverine, dipicolinic acid, phenylalanine, pyruvate, ethylenediamine-tetraacetate, adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, or adenosine monophosphate. When B. licheniformis was grown in an ammonium lactate-glucose-salts medium, an increase in DAP decarboxylase specific activity occurred during cellular growth with a maximal specific activity at the end of the exponential phase. As soon as growth ceased, the specific activity of the enzyme decreased to approximately one-half of the maximal specific activity and remained at this level thereafter. When B. cereus was grown in complex media, there was an increase in DAP decarboxylase specific activity up to the end of the exponential phase. Thereafter, the specific activity decreased to a nondetectable level in 4 hr. Dipicolinic acid synthesis was first detected 15 min later and was essentially complete after an additional 2.5 hr. The significance of the disappearance of DAP decarboxylase in B. cereus was discussed with regard to control of dipicolinic acid and spore mucopeptide biosynthesis.
Data-driven encoding for quantitative genetic trait prediction

Given a set of biallelic molecular markers, such as SNPs, with genotype values on a collection of plant, animal or human samples, the goal of quantitative genetic trait prediction is to predict the quantitative trait values by simultaneously modeling all marker effects. Quantitative genetic trait prediction is usually represented as linear regression models which require quantitative encodings for the genotypes: the three distinct genotype values, corresponding to one heterozygous and two homozygous alleles, are usually coded as integers, and manipulated algebraically in the model. Further, epistasis between multiple markers is modeled as multiplication between the markers: it is unclear that the regression model continues to be effective under this. In this work we investigate the effects of encodings to the quantitative genetic trait prediction problem. We first showed that different encodings lead to different prediction accuracies, in many test cases. We then proposed a data-driven encoding strategy, where we encode the genotypes according to their distribution in the phenotypes and we allow each marker to have different encodings. We show in our experiments that this encoding strategy is able to improve the performance of the genetic trait prediction method and it is more helpful for the oligogenic traits, whose values rely on a relatively small set of markers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that discusses the effects of encodings to the genetic trait prediction problem.
Choosing a leader on a hypercube

The problem of electing a leader via message passing on a network is a fundamental problem in distributed processing. The authors present a simple algorithm for election of a leader on a hypercube with n nodes in O(n) messages. >
Abstract 13242: Insulin Treated Patients With Diabetes Derive Reduction in Mortality From Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy - Results From the Madit-Crt in Trial Experience

Methods: We aimed to analyze the risk for death and HF and the effect of CRT on HF/death in diabetic patients with or without insulin treatment compared to none diabetic population. The study comprised 1278 patients with left bundle branch block in the MADIT-CRT trial with an average follow-up of 3.3y. We used time dependent survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression method. Results: In ICD arm patients with diabetes receiving insulin treatment had 2.4-fold higher risk of all-cause mortality (p=0.008), and 2.2-fold higher risk of HF (p<0.001) when compared to non diabetic patients, and 2.8-fold higher risk of death (p=0.01), and 1.6-fold higher risk of HF (p=0.06) when compared to patients with diabetes not treated with insulin. Treatment with CRT-D was associated with a significant 75% risk reduction in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR ] 0.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08-0.77; p=0.016) in patients with diabetes receiving insulin. Noteworthy, during the 3-year follow-up, reduction in all-cause mortality was not observed in patients not treated with insulin or in patients with no diabetes (interaction p-value=0.038). Significant risk reduction in HF and in HF/death after CRT treatment was observed across all three investigated groups. There were not significant differences in left ventricular reverse remodeling after CRT-D among diabetic patients with or without insulin treatment compared to the nondiabetic population. Conclusions: Patients with insulin treated diabetes derive significant reduction in mortality and heart failure after implantation of cardiac resynchronization therapy. Patients with diabetes and no insulin and patient without diabetes benefit from CRT by reduction of HF events. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Reactive latex studies, 2. Kinetics and retention of enzymatic activity in the covalent protein bonding to a polymer latex

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was coupled to the reactive chloromethyl groups of poly(vinylbenzyl chloride) latex following the process both by the amount of BSA covalently bound and the chloride ion released. The primary bond formation is very insensitive to temperature with protein adsorption probably rate determining. Subsequent bond formation has an unusually high temperature coefficient and may depend on the deformability of the BSA molecule. On covalent bonding of ribonuclease 10% of the enzyme activity is retained.
Raman and IR study of narrow bandgap a-SiGe and /spl mu/c-SiGe films deposited using different hydrogen dilution

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon-germanium (a-SiGe:H) films and n-i-p solar cells near the threshold of microcrystalline formation have been prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with a fixed germane to disilane ratio of 0.72 and a wide range of hydrogen dilution R/sub H/=(H/sub 2/ flow)/(GeH/sub 4/+Si/sub 2/H/sub 6/ flow) values of 1.7, 10, 30, 50, 120, 180 and 240. The effects of RH on the structural properties of the films were investigated using Raman scattering and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectroscopy. It is found that H dilution causes the H content, especially that in SiH/sub 2/ configuration, in a-SiGe:H films to decrease and finally leads the films through amorphous to microcrystalline transition. The onset of the phase transition occurs at RH about 180, and the crystalline formation begins first in the Si-rich region. Light soaking tests on the solar cells demonstrate that the devices with higher RH exhibit higher stabilized efficiency after 1000 hours of 1 sun light soaking.
Searching for anomalous {tau}{nu}W couplings

The capability of current and future measurements at low and high energy ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ colliders to probe for the existence of anomalous, $\mathrm{CP}$-conserving, $\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\nu}W$ dipole moment-type couplings is examined. At present, constraints on the universality of the $\ensuremath{\tau}$ charged and neutral current interactions as well as the shape of the $\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathcal{l}$ energy spectrum provide the strongest bounds on such anomalous couplings. The presence of these dipole moments are shown to influence, e.g., the extraction of ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}{(m}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}^{2})$ from $\ensuremath{\tau}$ decays and can lead to apparent violations of CVC expectations.
Aeroassisted orbital maneuvering using Lyapunov optimal feedback control

A Liapunov optimal feedback controller incorporating a preferred direction of motion at each state of the system which is opposite to the gradient of a specified descent function is developed for aeroassisted orbital transfer from high-earth orbit to LEO. The performances of the Liapunov controller and a calculus-of-variations open-loop minimum-fuel controller, both of which are based on the 1962 U.S. Standard Atmosphere, are simulated using both the 1962 U.S. Standard Atmosphere and an atmosphere corresponding to the STS-6 Space Shuttle flight. In the STS-6 atmosphere, the calculus-of-variations open-loop controller fails to exit the atmosphere, while the Liapunov controller achieves the optimal minimum-fuel conditions, despite the + or - 40 percent fluctuations in the STS-6 atmosphere.
The heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70)/PI3-K/Akt/HIF/biologic pathway as a putative determinant of hypothermic preconditioning in neuroprotection

Abstract A number of key players are associated with the neuronal protective response, although a cogent description of how they relate to each other is lacking. In particular, we hypothesize a critical role for heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt pathway. Earlier studies show that Hsp70 is dependent on the activation of the PI3-K/Akt pathway and Hsp70 binds to the oxygen-dependent domain (ODD) of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) in oxygen deprivation signaling. HIF is the transcription factor for the transcription of genes that encode a number of downstream protective pro-survival factors such as erythropoietin (Epo) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We hypothesize, based on the literature to date and preliminary findings from our laboratories, that hypothermic preconditioning of hippocampal neurons induces Hsp70 via PI3-K/Akt activation. This action stabilizes HIF allowing it to accumulate within the cell, ultimately leading to an increase in Epo which contributes to the observed protective effect. We predict that further studies exploring the mechanisms of hypothermic preconditioning are likely to implicate the Hsp70/PI3-K/Akt pathway as a determinant of stabilization leading to a significant increase of HIF-1α and Epo allowing for greater protection of a cell under certain external stressors.
Distributed pareto-optimal solutions via diffusion adaptation

We consider solving multi-objective optimization problems in a distributed manner over a network of nodes. The problem is equivalent to optimizing a global cost that is the sum of individual components. Diffusion adaptation enables the nodes to cooperate locally through in-network processing in order to approach Pareto-optimality. We analyze the mean-square-error performance of the diffusion strategy and show that, at steady-state, all nodes can be made to approach a Pareto-optimal solution.
CLARK, A HETEROGENEOUS SENSOR FUSION METHOD FOR FINDING LANES AND OBSTACLES

Abstract This paper describes Combined Likelihood Adding Radar Knowledge (CLARK), a new method for detecting lanes and obstacles by fusing information from two forward-looking vehicle mounted sensors—vision and radar. CLARK has three stages: (1) obstacle detection using a novel template matching approach; (2) lane detection using a modified version of the Likelihood Of Image Shape algorithm; (3) simultaneous estimation of both obstacle and lane positions by locally maximizing a combined likelihood function. Experimental results illustrating the efficacy of these components are presented. CLARK detects the position of lanes and obstacles accurately, even under significantly noisy conditions.
Identification of new triarylethylene oxyalkanoic acid analogues as bone selective estrogen mimetics

Previously, the estrogen receptor (ER) ligand 4-[1-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylethyl]phenoxyacetic acid (5) was found to have differential bone loss suppressive effects in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat approaching those of selective ER modulators (SERMs) such as tamoxifen. In an effort to improve efficacy, analogues of this compound were prepared which incorporated features designed to reduce polarity/ionizability. Thus, the acetic acid side chain of 5 was replaced by n-butanoic acid and 1H-tetrazol-4-ylmethyl moieties, to give 8 and 10, respectively. Also, the phenolic hydroxyl of 5 was replaced, giving deoxy analogue 9. We also developed new methods for the synthesis of triarylethylene variants of 5 and 9, namely 4-{[1-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenyl-1-butenyl]phenoxy}-n-butanoic acid (6) and its des-hydroxy counterpart (7), because the former of these had in vitro antiestrogenic effects characteristic of known SERMs. In the OVX rat, 6 and 7 were as effective as 17β-estradiol in suppressing serum markers of bone resorption/turnover, namely osteocalcin and deoxypyridinoline, but had only 30% of the uterotrophic efficacy of 17β-estradiol. This study has thus identified two triarylethylene oxybutyric acids, 6 and 7, that have differential bone/uterus effects like those of known SERMs.
Infrared heating of Comet Halleys atmosphere

The warm circumnuclear dust in the inner cometary coma reradiates in the IR in the wavelength range of the ground state rotational band of the dominant atmospheric molecule H2O. However, the interaction of this radiation with H2O has hitherto not been taken into account in cometary atmospheric models. Here, an earlier two-phase, multifluid model of the dusty atmosphere is extended by including this effect. Although this IR radiation initially pumps the rotational levels of H2O, frequent intermolecular collisions in the inner coma transfer this energy from rotational modes to translational modes. As a result the temperature in the innermost coma no longer decreases to about 10 K, as predicted by the earlier models, but reaches a minimum of only about 120 K.
Validating baseball bat compliance

Professional baseball players have attempted to illegally modify baseball bats in the hopes of increasing bat speed and thus the distance travelled by batted balls. To date, no low-cost, non-invasive, real-time solution exists to this problem. Previously proposed solutions to this problem that involved using radar to measure the scatter signature of a scanned baseball bat were found to be extremely expensive. Ultrasound technology offers the ability to provide equivalent scatter signature measurements as compared to radar technology at a much lower cost and level of complexity while still operating in real time. We therefore present an ultrasound-based implementation of a prototype for a hand-held scanner unit designed to detect illegally modified baseball bats. A detailed discussion of the performance enhancements resulting from illegally modifying a baseball bat will be provided and an analysis of the attenuative properties of wood will be presented to determine appropriate sample rates for the ultrasound unit. Data acquisition issues encountered in prototyping the scanner will be examined and measurement data for both solid wood bats and modified bats will be evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the ultrasound-based data acquisition unit and the prototype’s ability to distinguish between both types of scatter signatures.
Ultrasound backscatter and attenuation in human liver with diffuse disease.

Ultrasound backscatter and attenuation in the liver were measured in patients with diffuse liver disease and in 35 volunteers who had no history of liver ailments. Measurements were done using radiofrequency (RF) echo signals derived from a clinical scanner; a reference phantom was scanned to account for effects of gain, transmit-receive frequency response and transducer beam patterns on echo data. The mean backscatter coefficient at 3 MHz in livers of 7 patients with fatty infiltration was 6.83 10 23 cm 21 sr 21 compared to a mean of 0.5 3 10 23 cm 21 sr 21 in healthy patients. Mean attenuation at 3 MHz was 2.54 dB/cm in fatty livers compared to 1.66 dB/cm in healthy patients. A total of 7 patients with end-stage liver disease (cirrhosis) had attenuation values similar to those in the healthy group, and their mean liver backscatter was somewhat greater than the mean backscatter for healthy livers. Quantitating both backscatter and attenuation should be considered for detecting fatty infiltration; additional processing methods are needed to differentiate cirrhotic changes on the basis of acoustic signals. © 1999 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology.
Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): Expression of Resistance in Solanum berthaultii and Interspecific Potato Hybrids

A wild potato species, Solanum berthaultii Hawkes, and its interspecific hybrids with the commercial potato, S. tuberosum L., were evaluated for resistance to the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) in field and laboratory studies in New York. Field-collected summer adults produced nearly 3-fold more eggs on S. tuberosum cv. Katahdin than on S. berthaultii over a 7-day period. Egg masses laid on ‘Katahdin’ were 61% larger than those laid on S. berthaultii . In field cage plots of S. berthaultii , CPB larval development was retarded and very few larvae survived to adulthood. Densities of overwintered CPB adults and defoliation levels were significantly reduced on S. berthaultii compared with S. tuberosum in open field studies. A hybrid family had intermediate levels of defoliation and adult CPB densities. During the second CPB larval generation, densities of small (first and second instars) and large (third and fourth instars) larvae were reduced 90 and 87%, respectively, on the hybrid family and 96 and 97%, respectively, on S. berthaultii compared with cpa densities on S. tuberosum . In other field studies, three to four applications of insecticides timed by use of action thresholds were sufficient to maintain acceptably low levels of defoliation on three hybrid families, one application was needed on S. berthaultii , but three applications failed to control CPB on S. tuberosum .
Problematizing a Researcher’s Performance of “Insider Status” An autoethnography of “Designer Disabled” Identity

This article struggles with the complications of a researcher claiming insider status in an analysis of physically disabled professionals’ narratives as performance of identity when some participan...
Capsular bag opacification after experimental implantation of a new accommodating intraocular lens in rabbit eyes.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the development of capsular bag opacification in rabbit eyes after implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) designed to minimize contact between the anterior capsule and the IOL and ensure expansion of the capsular bag. Setting: David J. Apple, MD Laboratories for Ophthalmic Devices Research, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Methods: Ten New Zealand white rabbits had a study IOL (new accommodating silicone IOL [Synchrony, Visiogen, Inc.]) implanted in 1 eye and a control IOL (1-piece plate silicone IOL with large fixation holes) implanted in the other eye. Intraocular lens position, anterior capsule opacification (ACO), and posterior capsule opacification (PCO) were qualitatively assessed using slitlamp retroillumination photographs of the dilated eyes. Anterior capsule opacification and PCO were graded on a 0 to 4 scale after the eyes were enucleated (Miyake-Apple posterior and anterior views after excision of the cornea and iris). The eyes were also evaluated histopathologically. Results: The rate of ACO and PCO was significantly higher in the control group. Fibrosis and ACO were almost absent in the study group; the control group exhibited extensive capsulorhexis contraction, including capsulorhexis occlusion. Postoperative IOL dislocation into the anterior chamber and pupillary block syndrome were observed in some eyes in the study group. Conclusions: The special design features associated with the study IOL appeared to help prevent PCO. Complications in the study group were probably caused by the increased posterior vitreous pressure in rabbit eyes compared to human eyes and the relatively large size of the study IOL relative to the anterior segment of rabbit eyes.
Relationship between silent myocardial ischemia and coronary artery disease risk factors

Background The association between silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors in asymptomatic patients with no prior history of CAD referred for stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is unknown.
Thermal field emission for low voltage scanning electron microscopy

SUMMARY Low voltage scanning electron microscopy is a technique of great importance to the semiconductor industry, where inspection and testing of non-conductive devices must be done at ∼ 1 keV beam energy. In order to perform scanning electron microscopy for inspection at high speed, improved cathodes are required in order to achieve good resolution at low energy with high beam current, the chromatic spread in the electron beam is shown to be the limiting factor in the SEM and a comparison of thermionic, field emission and Schottky cathodes is made to determine which can provide the best performance. It is concluded that a thermal field emission or Schottky, cathode is superior to either conventional field emission or thermionic cathodes.
Use of KikGR a photoconvertible green-to-red fluorescent protein for cell labeling and lineage analysis in ES cells and mouse embryos

Background The use of genetically-encoded fluorescent proteins has revolutionized the fields of cell and developmental biology and in doing so redefined our understanding of the dynamic morphogenetic processes that shape the embryo. With the advent of more accessible and sophisticated imaging technologies as well as an abundance of fluorescent proteins with different spectral characteristics, the dynamic processes taking place in situ in living cells and tissues can now be probed. Photomodulatable fluorescent proteins are one of the emerging classes of genetically-encoded fluorescent proteins.
Three new species of Phacelia (Hydrophyllaceae) from Nuevo León, Mexico

Three new species ofPhacelia from Nuevo Leon, Mexico are described and illustrated. Two of these,P. hintoniorum andP. potosina, belong to theCrenulata group; the former, with included anthers, relates toP. coerulea; the latter, with exserted anthers, relates toP. alba orP. coulteri. The remaining novelty,P. zaragozana, belongs to the subgenusCosmanthus where its closest relationship is withP. laxa.
CW room-temperature operation of Y-junction semiconductor ring lasers

CW room-temperature lasing in Y-junction semiconductor ring lasers with radii as small as 50 μm is reported. The dependence of the threshold current density on device dimensions is examined for radii in the range 50–200 μm and for waveguide widths of 2–8 μm. From these quantum-well devices, 1 mW of CW single-frequency TE-polarised lasing output is obtained.
Amorphous phase separation in a shock consolidated glass-forming Ni55.8 Mo25.7 Cr9.7 B8.8 alloy powder

Amorphous phase separation upon quenching of the melt has been a common observation in ceramic glasses, and has been extensively reviewed by Uhlmann and Kolbeck (1). Although similar observations have been cited (2-10) in amorphous metallic systems, the presence of a two phase glass microstructure is still being debated. Phase separation in amorphous metals is also known to occur during quenching from the melt, but more generally during reheating of single phase glasses. The separated amorphous phase then acts as a precursor to subsequent crystallization. The phenomenon of phase separation evidenced by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and microchemical analysis has also been complemented by differential thermal analysis (OTA). However, a mechanistic understanding of the process of separation is still lacking. In this note we report the observation of a spherically shaped glassy phase in amorphous regions formed from rapid solidification of the melt at interparticle boundaries, in a shock consolidated Markomet 1064 (Ni_(55.8)Mo_(25.7)Cr_(9.7)B_(8.8)) alloy powder . It has been shown (11) that during dynamic consolidation of this glass forming alloy powder, the shock energy is preferentially utilized in heating (due to plastic deformation) and subsequent melting of interparticle surfaces. The melted regions rapidly resolidify, due to heat flow towards relatively cool particle interiors, and form amorphous material. Some of the melted regions cool sufficiently slowly to result in the formation of a two phase amorphous microstructure. This note presents TEM micrographs showing typical morphology of the separated amorphous phase. Differential thermal analysis (OTA) and semi-quantitative micro-chemical analysis supporting the microstructural observations are also reported.
Harmonic generation by an electromagnetic wave in an inhomogeneous isotropic plasma

The generation of harmonic waves by a plane electromagnetic wave normally incident on a collision-free plasma with a linear density profile is considered. The solution for the primary wave in the plasma region is first obtained, and nonlinear polarization currents for the higher harmonics are expressed in terms of the lower harmonic fields by a perturbation method. The analysis shows that the plasma excites a longitudinally oscillating second harmonic electric field which is totally confined inside the plasma and has a singularity. The third harmonic wave excited in the plasma, however, radiates back into free space, although the effect is negligibly small in a quasi-homogeneous limit. The amplitude of this radiated field oscillates as a function of \omega^{3} , and the electron density gradient has little effect on it.
Ca2+ Binding to Site I of the Cardiac Ca2+ Pump (SERCA2a) is Sufficient to Dissociate Phospholamban (PLB)

Our model of mutually exclusive binding of PLB and Ca2+ to SERCA2a suggests that the Ca2+-bound form of SERCA2a (E1) cannot interact with PLB. However, it is unclear whether Ca2+ binding to site I, site II, or both sites of SERCA2a is sufficient to dissociate PLB. To investigate this, we made several SERCA2a mutants: mutants lacking Ca2+ binding site I (E770Q or T798A), Ca2+ binding site II (E309Q or N795A), or both sites (D799N, or E309Q, E770Q double mutant). When individually expressed in insect cell microsomes, all these mutants failed to transport Ca2+, but were readily phosphorylated by Pi to form E2∼P (measured in Ca2+-free buffer favoring formation of E2, the low Ca2+ affinity conformation). Ca2+ inhibition of E2∼P formation was maintained with all site II mutants, but was lost with site I mutants, demonstrating that Ca2+ binding to site I is sufficient to prevent E2∼P formation. On the other hand, N30C-PLB cross-linked strongly to all Ca2+ binding site mutants, including those lacking either site I, site II, or both sites, thus demonstrating that PLB binds preferentially to E2, the Ca2+-free state of SERCA2a. 10 μM Ca2+ blocked cross-linking of N30C-PLB to site II mutants, yielding KCa values of 1.25 ± 0.3 μM for E309Q, and 0.32 ± 0.03 μM for N795A, compared to 0.44 ± 0.04 μM for WT-SERCA2a. However, Ca2+ had no effect on cross-linking of N30C-PLB to SERCA2a with site I mutants, even at Ca2+ concentrations of 100 μM or higher. These results demonstrate that Ca2+ binding site I of SERCA2a is the key Ca2+-binding site regulating PLB association and dissociation.
Picnics, participation and power: linking community building to social change

The main emphasis of the network centric community organizing model is to create social bonds within the neighborhood and to make bridges to connections outside of the neighborhood. The development...
Assessing Patient-Reported Outcomes for Patients with Neurogenic Bladder

Neurogenic bladder is a term applied to a malfunctioning urinary bladder due to a neurologic dysfunction or disease of the central, peripheral, or autonomic nervous system. In a patient with a neurologic disease whose quality of life (QOL) may already be severely affected, urinary incontinence (UI) can result in further reduction of QOL. While no cures are currently available for the most common neurologic diseases, there is much that can be done to improve the QOL of people with neurologic diseases, including those with neurogenic bladder. However, in order to positively impact QOL, it must first be measured. One type of measure for assessing QOL is patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Here we review the current PROs in patients with neurogenic bladder. Assessing PROs in patients with neurogenic bladders is a difficult undertaking since the groups of patients are diversified in their neurogenic conditions and symptoms.
Simple Synthesis of a Weak Nucleophilic Base (4-Ethyl-2,6-diisopropyl-3,5-dimethylpyridine) Evidencing a Double Janus Group Effect

By analogy with 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine and its 4-methyl-substituted derivatives, which are nonnucleophilic bases, 4-ethyl-2,6-diisopropyl-3,5-dimethylpyridine (4) is also such a base. The isopropyl groups (Janus-like groups) are forced by the neighboring methyl groups to turn their "tert-butyl-analogue face" toward the heteroatom, thereby protecting it sterically against electrophilic attack. The synthesis proceeds in two stages via the corresponding pyrylium salt 3 that is obtained by alkene diacylation. X-ray data for 4, its picrate, and the hexafluorophosphate of 3 confirm that the ground-state conformation agrees with the Janus effect prediction. The chemical behavior of 4 indicates that it is indeed a weak nucleophilic base, which is able to substitute the nonnucleophilic bases in organic syntheses. The compound 3 reacts at normal pressure with methylamine or ethylamine, forming N-alkylpyridinium salts. The cationic polymerization of isobutene in the presence of 4 was also investigated.
Mapping Neuropeptide Expression by Mass Spectrometry in Single Dissected Identified Neurons from the Dorsal Ganglion of the Nematode Ascaris suum

We have developed a method for dissecting single neurons from the nematode Ascaris suum, in order to determine their peptide content by mass spectrometry (MS). In this paper, we use MALDI-TOF MS and tandem MS to enumerate and sequence the peptides present in the two neurons, ALA and RID, that comprise the dorsal ganglion. We compare the peptide content determined by MS with the results of immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization of previously isolated peptides AF2, AF8, and six peptides encoded by the afp-1 transcript. We find complete agreement among the three techniques, which validates single neuron MS as a method for peptide localization. We also discovered and sequenced six novel peptides in the ALA neuron. Cloning of cDNAs and database searching of Genomic Survey Sequences showed that transcript afp-12 encodes peptide AF36 (VPSAADMMIRFamide) and afp-13 encodes AF19 (AEGLSSPLIRFamide), AF34 (DSKLMDPLIRFamide), AF35 (DPQQRIVTDETVLRFamide), and three nonamidated peptides (PepTT, PepTL, and PepGE)....
Landau levels in the valence band of tellurium

Abstract The Landau levels in p -type tellurium were calculated, treating exactly the interaction between the two upper valence bands at the corner of the Brillouin zone. Cyclotron resonance transition energies and matrix elements were computed, in excellent agreement with experimental results at 337 μ and 195 μ, using new values for the parameters of the k ∼ . p ∼ model.