cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Point-of-Care Testing in Microbiology: A Mechanism for Improving Patient Outcomes

Background: Increasingly, demands for improved health and quality of life conflict with the realities of delivering healthcare in an environment of higher expenditures, adherence to test utilization, and patient-centered experience. Patient-centered care is commonly identified as a goal of healthcare delivery, and yet healthcare systems struggle with delivery of care to patients, often failing to identify the seriously ill and capitalize on the predictive qualities of diagnostic testing. Point-of-care (POC) testing provides access to rapid diagnosis and predictive value key to realizing patient outcomes. An evaluation of cost-effective models and the clinical impact of POC testing for clinical microbiology is needed. Content: Accurate and rapid diagnostics have the potential to affect healthcare decisions to a degree well out of proportion to their cost. Contemporary healthcare models increasingly view POC testing as a mechanism for efficient deployment of healthcare. POC testing can deliver rapid diagnosis in environments where testing results can be used to direct management during patient visits and in areas where centralized laboratory testing may limit access to care. Nucleic acid assays, designed for POC testing, can match, or exceed, the sensitivity of conventional laboratory-based testing, eliminating the need for confirmation testing. Here, the goals of POC testing for microbiology, applications, and technologies, as well as outcomes and value propositions, are discussed. Summary: The combination of rapid reporting, an increasing array of organisms capable of causing disease, actionable resulting, and improved patient outcomes is key in the evolution of POC testing in clinical microbiology.
Abstract 6185: In vivo screening in HPV positive and HPV negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background: The pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) largely occurs through two pathways, human papillomavirus (HPV) mediated or chemical carcinogenesis secondary to alcohol and tobacco use. HPV status is an important prognostic factor and marker for sensitivity to radiation therapy in HNSCC patients. HPV negative HNSCC has been shown to have increased radioresistance compared to HPV positive HNSCC leading to poorer prognosis. The goal of this work is to utilize in vivo screening technology to identify key differential targets between HPV positive and negative tumors for both therapeutic purposes as well as to identify differential pathways between these two malignancies. Methods: Pooled, barcoded shRNA libraries focused on DNA damage repair (DDR) and currently targetable genes were transduced into three HPV positive (UM-SCC-147, UD-SCC-2, UPCI:SCC152) and three HPV negative (UM-SCC-22A, Cal-27, HN31) cell lines. Each cell line was injected into the mouse flank and allowed to grow to ~100mm3. Tumors were divided into control and radiation groups; the latter being treated with 6-10 Gy at 2 Gy/treatment. For each tumor type radiation was titrated to generate an approximate 20% reduction in tumor size. Tumors were then allowed to grow for an additional 2 weeks and then harvested. Barcodes from each tumor were sequenced and compared to both the reference input cells as well as untreated control tumors. Barcodes observed at decreased frequency in treated tumors indicated a potential target for therapeutic sensitization. Both p-values as well as percentile median fold change for each gene were calculated. These values were averaged for the three HPV negative and three HPV positive cell lines and used for analysis. Results: Multiple genes in the DDR and FDA libraries were identified from the HPV negative and HPV positive groups that may be associated with radioresistance in vivo. Example genes that were identified primarily in the HPV negative group include BTK, TXN, TTK, while those in the HPV positive group include RNF168, RAD50, ESR1. Inhibition of these genes may lead to increased cell death following radiation therapy through diminished DNA repair of radiation-induced damage. Conclusion: Our study identifies targetable genes that may contribute to radioresistance in both HPV negative and HPV positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and warrants further analysis. Citation Format: Mohamed K. Abdelhakiem, Liangpeng Yang, Tongxin Xie, Manish Kumar, David Molkentine, Aakash Sheth, Mitchell Frederick, Jeffrey Myers, Curtis R. Pickering, Heath D. Skinner. In vivo screening in HPV positive and HPV negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 6185.
Fast Collisionless Reconnection Condition and Self-Organization of Solar Coronal Heating

I propose that solar coronal heating is a self-regulating process that keeps the coronal plasma roughly marginally collisionless. The self-regulating mechanism is based on the interplay of two effects. First, plasma density controls coronal energy release via the transition between the slow collisional Sweet-Parker regime and the fast collisionless reconnection regime. This transition takes place when the Sweet--Parker layer becomes thinner than the characteristic collisionless reconnection scale. I present a simple criterion for this transition in terms of the upstream plasma density (n_e), the reconnecting (B_0) and guide (B_z) magnetic field components, and the global length (L) of the reconnection layer: L < 6.10^9 cm [n_e/(10^{10}/cm^3)]^(-3) (B_0/30G)^4 (B_0/B_z)^2. Next, coronal energy release by reconnection raises the ambient plasma density via chromospheric evaporation and this, in turn, temporarily inhibits subsequent reconnection involving the newly-reconnected loops. Over time, however, radiative cooling gradually lowers the density again below the critical value and fast reconnection again becomes possible. As a result, the density is highly inhomogeneous and intermittent but, statistically, does not deviate strongly from the critical value which is comparable with the observed coronal density. Thus, in the long run, the coronal heating process can be represented by repeating cycles that consist of fast reconnection events (i.e., nanoflares), followed by rapid evaporation episodes, followed by relatively long periods (1-hour) during which magnetic stresses build up and simultaneously the plasma cools down and precipitates.
HEMOCHROMATOSIS. REPORT OF A CASE FOLLOWED FOR SEVEN YEARS WITH REPEATED PHLEBOTOMIES AND LIVER BIOPSIES.

Abstract A patient with idiopathic hemochromatosis and an excellent clinical response to phlebotomy has had disappearance of hemosiderin deposits as judged from serial liver biopsies. Over a period of seven years there was no progression of cirrhosis, and the portal areas seem less cellular. Maintaining such a patient in a mildly anemic state would appear to be desirable in order to produce an optimal demand on iron stores.
The early efficacy of CABG care delivery in a low procedure-volume community hospital: operative and midterm results.

The Leapfrog Group recommended that CABG surgery should be done at high volume hospitals (> 450 per year) without corresponding surgeon-volume criteria. Recent studies have indicated that the effects of hospital volume are substantially confounded by surgeon volume, and that high surgeon volume (>125 per year) may be a more appropriate indicator of CABG quality. We thus compared operative morbidity and mortality outcomes for a low-volume hospital (LVH) (504 CABG, 2001–2003) served by five high-volume surgeons (161–285 per year) with the corresponding Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) national data over the same period. The LVH program implemented 'best practice' care including effective practice guidelines, protocols, data acquisition capabilities, case review process, dedicated facilities and support personnel (anesthesiology, intensivists and pharmacists). Operative mortality was similar for LVH and STS (OM: 2.38% vs 2.53%), and the corresponding LVH observed-to-expected mortality (O/E = 0.81) indicated good quality relative to the STS risk model (O/E 3%) categories, respectively. While postoperative leg wound infections, ventilator hours, renal failure, and atrial fibrillation were increased in the LVH, the length of stay was not. The unadjusted Kaplan–Meier survival for the LVH cohort was 96%, 94%, and 92% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Our results demonstrated that high-quality CABG care can be achieved at LVH programs when served by high-volume cardiac surgeons. This approach may prove a useful paradigm to ensure high-quality CABG care and early efficacy at low-volume institutions (Table ​(Table11 shows predictors of 0-year to 3-year mortality; Cox regression). Table 1
Applications of imaging for bacterial systems biology

Imaging has fueled exciting advances in bacterial cell biology, which have led to exquisite understanding of mechanisms of protein localization and cell growth in select cases. Nonetheless, it remains a challenge to connect subcellular dynamics to cellular phenotypes. In this review, I explore synergies between imaging and systems approaches to bacterial physiology. I highlight how single-cell, time-lapse imaging under environmental or chemical perturbations yields insights that complement traditional observations based on population-level growth on long time-scales. Next, I discuss applications of high-throughput fluorescence imaging to dissect genetic pathways and drug targets. Finally, I describe how confocal imaging is illuminating the role of spatial organization in the structure and function of bacterial communities, from biofilms to the intestinal microbiota.
A Dose Finding Study of Temsirolimus and Liposomal Doxorubicin for Patients with Recurrent and Refractory Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma

There are few effective therapies for high-risk sarcomas. Initial chemosensitivity is often followed by relapse. In vitro, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition potentiates the efficacy of chemotherapy on resistant sarcoma cells. Although sarcoma trials using mTOR inhibitors have been disappointing, these drugs were used as maintenance. We conducted a Phase I/II clinical trial to test the ability of temsirolimus to potentiate the cytotoxic effect of liposomal doxorubicin and present here the dose-finding portion of this study. Adult and pediatric patients with recurrent or refractory sarcomas were treated with increasing doses of liposomal doxorubicin and temsirolimus using a continual reassessment method for escalation, targeting a dose-limiting toxicity rate of 20%. Blood samples were drawn before and after the first dose of temsirolimus in Cycles 1 and 2 for pharmacokinetic analysis. The maximally tolerated dose combination was liposomal doxorubicin 30 mg/m(2) monthly with temsirolimus 20 mg/m(2) weekly. Hematologic toxicity was common but manageable. Dose-limiting toxicities were primarily renal. Concurrent administration of liposomal doxorubicin resulted in increased exposure to sirolimus, the active metabolite of temsirolimus. Thus, the combination of liposomal doxorubicin and temsirolimus is safe for heavily pretreated sarcoma patients. Co-administration with liposomal doxorubicin did not alter temsirolimus pharmacokinetics, but increased exposure to its active metabolite.
Greatness of Soul and the Souls of Women: Rousseau’s Use of Plato’s Laws

In his first public statement as a political philosopher, Rousseau offered an intriguing aside:"Men will always be what is pleasing to women: if then you want them to become great and virtuous, teach women what greatness of soul and virtue is. The reflections this subject provokes, and which Plato made in bygone times, greatly deserve to be better developed by a pen worthy of following such a master and of defending a cause so great."The reflections to which Rousseau refers are found primarily in Plato’s Laws, and were eventually developed by Rousseau himself in his Letter to D’Alembert on the Theater. This article takes a new look at the education of women in the Laws, and then shows how Rousseau made use of the dialogue in addressing a specific issue of political reform during his own time. The apparent inconsistency between some of Rousseau’s most important recommendations and those found in the Laws actually reflects a deeper agreement about the principles on which such reforms should be based. Those principles have largely been forgotten or implicitly rejected in our political and legal culture. They have not been proved wrong.
Thermal breakthrough calculations to optimize design of a multiple-stage Enhanced Geothermal System

Abstract We perform an optimization and sensitivity analysis for design of an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) with horizontal wells and multiple fracturing stages. The sensitivity analysis includes calculations of thermal breakthrough and the maximum flow rate that can be achieved through the system. The analysis uses idealized reservoir geometry and is intended to investigate the relationship between parameters and provide insight into how to optimize an EGS, not to provide precise predictions of performance. Conventionally, EGS wells have been nearly vertical and stimulated with openhole completion in a single stage. This study investigates a design with two parallel horizontal wells. The first well is drilled and completed with casing, and then stimulated sequentially in stages with cased hole packers rated to high temperature. The second well is drilled through the stimulated region created around the first well and completed openhole. For different combinations of well spacing, lateral length, formation permeability, and number of stages, we calculate the optimal flow rate that maximizes the present value of revenue. The calculations show that stimulating with multiple stages greatly improves economic performance, delays thermal breakthrough, and allows a higher flow rate to be circulated through the system. At low well spacing and low number of stages, it is optimal to circulate fluid more slowly than the maximum possible rate in order to delay thermal breakthrough. With greater well spacing and with more stages, thermal breakthrough is relatively delayed, and it is optimal to circulate at the maximum possible flow rate. Overall, it is optimal to use the lowest well spacing where present value is maximized by circulating at the maximum possible rate. When it is optimal to circulate at the maximum possible rate, present value is sensitive to reservoir transmissivity. When it is optimal to circulate at less than the maximum possible rate, present value is unaffected by reservoir transmissivity. Increasing lateral length beyond 1000 m is only beneficial for designs with relatively low lateral spacing and a large number of stages.
Fluorescence Modulation in Polymer Bilayers Containing Fluorescent and Photochromic Dopants

We have identified viable operating principles for the modulation of optical signals under the influence of optical stimulations. They are based on the overlap between the emission bands of a fluorescent compound and the absorption bands of one of the two forms of a bistable photochromic switch. Under these conditions, the photoinduced interconversion of the two states of the photochrome modulates efficiently the emission intensity of the fluorophore. We have implemented this mechanism for intermolecular fluorescence modulation with multilayer structures. They consist of two quartz plates sandwiching two overlapping polymer layers. One of the polymers is doped with a fluorescent benzofurazan. The other contains a photochromic spiropyran. The multilayer assembly is operated with two light sources. One of them is centered at the excitation wavelength of the fluorophore, where neither of the two states of the photochrome absorbs. The other light source is switched between ultraviolet and visible wavelengths to induce the interconversion between the two states of the photochrome. The light emitted by the fluorescent component has to propagate through the photochromic layer before reaching a detector. It can do so efficiently for only one of the two states of the photochrome. It follows that a measurement of the light intensity reaching the detector can read the state of the photochromic switch, which in turn is written and erased with optical stimulations. Thus, our strategy for all-optical processing can be used to store and retrieve binary digits, as well as to implement optical inversion, with the aid of engineered molecule-based components.
Noise in optical synthesis images. II. Sensitivity of an ^nC_2 interferometer with bispectrum imaging

We study the imaging sensitivity of a ground-based optical array of n apertures in which the beams are combined pairwise, as in radio-interferometric arrays, onto n(n - 1)/2 detectors, the so-called ^nC_2 interferometer. Groundbased operation forces the use of the fringe power and the bispectrum phasor as the primary observables rather than the simpler and superior observable, the Michelson fringe phasor. At high photon rates we find that bispectral imaging suffers no loss of sensitivity compared with an ideal array (space based) that directly uses the Michelson fringe phasor. In the opposite limit, when the number of photons per spatial coherence area per coherence time drops below unity, the sensitivity of the array drops rapidly relative to an ideal array. In this regime the sensitivity is independent of n, and hence it may be efficient to have many smaller arrays, each operating separately and simultaneously.
Special session - Applying theories of interdisciplinary collaboration in research and teaching practice

Interdisciplinary research is becoming more widespread, and the ability to function on multidisciplinary teams is one of the ABET criteria each engineering student must meet before graduation. But how can faculty more easily bridge the gaps between disciplines for themselves and their students? Through a series of fun, interactive activities, participants will explore their own past encounters with other disciplines, learn about theories that describe interdisciplinary interactions, and begin to apply some of these principles to the design of an interdisciplinary learning activity. The accompanying interactive session description (paper) describes the motivation for this approach, one theory, and one example application to designing interdisciplinary learning activities.
Optimal hematocrit theory during activity in the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

Abstract 1. There is an exponential relationship between blood viscosity (cP) and hematocrit (%) for the bullfrog; η = 1.81 e0.033Hct. The in vitro optimal hematocrit calculated for blood flow through tubes, from this relationship for bullfrog blood, is 30%. 2. Amphibian blood is a non-Newtonian fluid with viscosity dependent on shear rate. It has a finite yield shear stress of about 1.5 dynes cm−2. 3. Hematocrit of bullfrogs was increased from 27% (control) to 57% by isovolemic erythrocythemia (constant volume blood-doping). There was a slight increase in systolic, diastolic and venous blood pressure with elevated hematocrit. 4. Systemic arch blood flow rate was inversely related to blood viscosity for erythrocythemic bullfrogs. The decrease in systemic arch blood flow at high hematocrits was due primarily to reduced pulse volume rather than reduced heart rate. 5. Systemic arch blood flow, when standardised between individuals, was inversely related to blood viscosity; Qbl = 0.185 + 3.73 η−1. This relationship was significantly different from that predicted by the Poiseuille-Hagen flow formula. The in vivo optimal hematocrit calculated from this relationship was 41%. 6. Optimal hematocrit theory appears to be generally applicable for Rana calesbeiana in vitro and in vivo. Most individuals had an in vivo optimal hematocrit, but the absence of a clear optimal hematocrit for some individuals could reflect methodological variability, or in vivo physiological compensation for the increased blood viscosity at high hematocrit.
The effects of muscle relaxation on blood pressure of essential hypertensives.

Abstract Muscle relaxation and noncontinuous biofeedback were investigated as potential nonpharmaceutical treatments for essential hypertension. The two procedures were compared to a waiting list control group. Predictions were made regarding the overall treatment effect, sessions within treatment effect, and periods within session effect. The results of this experiment reveal that biofeedback significantly lowers diastolic blood pressure between premeasures and postmeasures. It was also shown that muscle relaxation has a significant effect upon lowering diastolic and systolic blood pressures between premeasures and postmeasures and has a significant effect upon lowering diastolic and systolic blood pressures as subjects progress from the first period of a treatment session to the last period of a treatment session.
Effects of repeated bouts of long-duration endurance exercise on muscle and urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in moderately trained cyclists.

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the effects of repeated bouts of long-duration endurance exercise on both muscle and urinary levels of oxidative DNA damage in moderately trained individuals. Seven moderately trained male cyclists participated in this study. All participants repeated two sessions consisting of a 5-h cycling period (equivalent to approximately 52%O2peak) followed by a 15-h rest, then a 40-km time trial. During the sessions, participants were instructed to take water ad libitum and to consume a standard sports drink consisting of 0.12 g·kg−1 body weight·hr−1 of carbohydrates. For each session, 24 h urine output was collected on the day before the 5-h exercise, and also between the 5-h exercise and 40-km time trial, in addition to between days 1–5 post-exercise. Subsequently, muscle and urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2ʹ- deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were determined using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. No significant alterations were observed ...
Prostate brachytherapy seed segmentation using spoke transform

Permanent implantation of radioactive seeds is a viable and effective therapeutic option widely used today for early stage prostate cancer. In order to perform intraoperative dosimetry the seed locations must be determined accurately with high efficiency. However, the task of seed segmentation is often hampered by the wide range of signal-to-noise ratios represented in the x-ray images due to highly non-uniform background. To circumvent the problem we have developed a new method, the spoke transform, to segment the seeds from the background. This method uses spoke-like rotating line segments within the two concentric windows. The mean intensity value of the pixels that fall on each rotated line segment best describing the intersection between the seed that we are trying to segment is chosen. The inner window gives an indication of the background level immediately surrounding the seeds. The outer window is an isolated region not being segmented and represents a non-seed area in need of enhancement and a detection decision. The advantages of the method are its ability (1) to work with spatially varying local backgrounds and (2) to segment the hidden seeds. Pd-103 and I-125 images demonstrate the effectiveness of the spoke transform.
Specific Antibody to Cryptococcus neoformans Glucurunoxylomannan Antagonizes Antifungal Drug Action against Cryptococcal Biofilms In Vitro

The fungus Cryptococcus neoformans possesses a polysaccharide capsule and can form biofilms on medical devices. We investigated the efficacy that the combination of a specific antibody to the capsular polysaccharide and antifungal therapy has against cryptococcal biofilms. The antibody enhanced the susceptibility of planktonic cells to antifungal agents, but an antagonistic effect was observed for combination therapy against C. neoformans biofilms. Our findings suggest that antibody therapies for infectious diseases that involve biofilms may antagonize certain antimicrobial therapies, and they also imply that products of the immune response may contribute to drug resistance of biofilms formed in vivo.
Floating RESURF (FRESURF) LDMOSFET devices with breakthrough BV/sub dss/-R/sub dson/ (for example: 47V - 0.28m/spl Omega/.cm/sup 2/ or 93V - 0.82 m/spl Omega/.cm/sup 2/)

In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a novel device concept, which is an extension of the conventional reduced surface field (RESURF) concept. A heavily doped n-type floating region is introduced in the conventional lateral DMOSFET (LDMOS) device structure which allows the breakdown capability of the device to be increased significantly while at the same time making it high-side capable. This floating RESURF (FRESURF) device concept allows the realization of significantly higher breakdown voltage in a thin epitaxy based power IC technology. Several different LDMOS type device structures based on the FRESURF concept are proposed, simulated and experimentally demonstrated. Breakthrough BV/sub dss/-R/sub dson/A trade-off has been realized using this device, which can be fabricated in a conventional power IC technology without any added process complexity. BV/sub dss/-R/sub dson/A figures like 47 V 0.28m/spl Omega/.cm/sup 2/ or 93 V - 0.82 m/spl Omega/.cm/sup 2/ have been realized, which are best reported figures in the industry for this class of power device and on-par with some of the figures achieved using more complicated superjunction technology.
Collaterals of spinothalamic tract cells to the periaqueductal gray: a fluorescent double-labeling study in the rat

Spinothalamic tract (STT) cells were investigated in the rat to determine the distribution of STT cells with terminals in both the ventrobasal (VB) thalamus and the lateral periaqueductal gray (PAG). Two retrogradely transported fluorescent dyes (Diamidino yellow and Granular blue) were injected into each animal. The distribution of single- and double-labeled cells was mapped in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral spinal cord. An average of 1.4% of all STT cells and 6.2% of PAG cells projected to both VB thalamus and PAG. Double-labeled cells were observed only in cervical and lumbar levels of the spinal cord, with the greatest number found in the cervical enlargement. The double-labeled cells were located in laminae I and V and also in the lateral spinal nucleus (LSN). The number of double-labeled cells found in each of these 3 areas varied depending on the spinal cord level. This population of neurons exhibiting collaterals provide an anatomical mechanism by which noxious stimuli activate neurons not only in the thalamus but also in the PAG, which is an area involved in stimulation-produced analgesia (SPA).
Monospecific dominance in tropical rain forests.

Old-growth rain forests that are dominated by a single canopy species occur throughout the tropics, though they account for a limited proportion of the total rain forest area. These forests have been considered anomalies in which development of a more diverse community is deflected by harsh conditions. Very poor soils or an otherwise extreme environment may promote monodominance by excluding potentially competing species, but it is now apparent that monodominant tropical forests also develop under more benign conditions. Field studies have shown that a single species may dominate on undisturbed sites where the soils are similar to those of adjacent old-growth, mixed forests. In these situations the dominant is a superior competitor and/or is particularly tolerant to stresses such as shade. Assertion of dominance by a single species in an old-growth forest appears most likely in areas where the species pool contains few late-succession species with similar life history traits.
Stress incontinence investigated with urodynamics 30 years ago

An article published in 1961 is reviewed. It reported on the simultaneously measured pressures in the urethra and bladder of both healthy women and women afflicted by stress incontinence. It was found that the difference between the two pressures was crucial for the preservation of continence. If pressure in one section of the urethra was higher than in the bladder, urine could not enter that section and closure was maintained. In patients with stress incontinence it was noted that when the difference in pressure, closure pressure, was lowered to zero during coughing, leakage would be noted. This was due to low urethral muscle tone causing a low resting closure pressure, as well as to an incomplete transmittance of abdominal pressure to the upper urethra. An operation for stress incontinence causes the upper urethra to be more fully exposed to increases in intra-abdominal pressure, so that physical activity has less effect on closure pressure.
Higher-Order Spectral Analysis of a Nonlinear Pitch and Plunge Apparatus

Simulated aeroelastic responses of a nonlinear pitch and plunge apparatus are analyzed using various statistical signal processing techniques including higher-order spectral methods. A MATLAB version of the Nonlinear Aeroelastic Testbed Apparatus (NATA) at the Texas A&M University is used to generate various aeroelastic response data including limit cycle oscillations (LCO). Traditional and higher-order spectral (HOS) methods are applied to the simulated aeroelastic responses. Higher-order spectral methods are used to identify critical signatures that indicate the transition from linear to nonlinear (LCO) aeroelastic behavior.
Comparative analysis of hemocyte phagocytosis between six species of arthropods as measured by flow cytometry

Phagocytosis of pathogens by hemocytes is a rapid-acting immune response and represents a primary means of limiting microbial infection in some species of arthropods. To survey the relative capacity of hemocyte phagocytosis as a function of the arthropod immune response, we examined the extent of phagocytosis among a wide taxonomic range of arthropod species including a decapod crustacean (Litopenaeus vannamei), three ixodid tick species (Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor variabilis, and Ixodes scapularis), a mosquito species (Aedes aegypti), and a larval moth (Manduca sexta). Injected fluorescent beads were used as a model to elicit phagocytosis and were measured by flow cytometry, a technique provided in detail that may be adapted for use with any species of arthropod. The data indicated that smaller arthropods generally had a higher proportion of phagocytic cells than larger arthropods.
q-field theory

One may attempt to implementq-symmetry in field theory by replacing commutators byq-commutators. The quantized field is then described byq-oscillators. This program encounters a basic difficulty, however, when one demands either causality or consistency between the twin requirements of causality and positive energy. Independent of the preceding remark, one notes that the Einstein-Bose and Fermi-Dirac thermal distributions appear as limiting cases of the quantizedq-field whenq = ± 1.
An Anolis skin melanophore assay suitable for photoaffinity labeling studies with alpha-MSH.

Visual determination of MSH-induced pigment migration in melanophores of small pieces ofAnolis carolinensis skin is standardized by first measuring photoelectrometrically the change in reflection/transmission of the whole dorsal skin in response to different hormone concentrations. This method allows the rapid and precise recording of time-response curves after photoaffinity labeling of MSH receptors or of dose-response curves of large series of synthetic compounds.
Confined phase of electroweak theory and the e+e− peaks observed in large-Z heavy-ion collisions

Abstract We discuss the speculations that the e + e − peaks seen in large- Z heavy-ion collisions are evidence for a confined phase of an effective theory similar to strongly-coupled QED. It has been suggested that the observed radiation arises from the decay of nontopological solitons in this confined phase. (In this work we develop a scenario in which a photon condensate is formed in a finite region of space. We show that the existence of such a condensate will lead to the confinement of electrons and positrons.) However, as has been recently pointed out by Peccei, Sola and Wetterich, a new phase of QED requires that the nonlinear effects in the effective Lagrangian for the electromagnetic field become large. We describe how this might come about, within the context of electroweak theory with two Higgs doublets.
The ecology, evolution, and biogeography of dioecy in the genus Solanum: With paradigms from the strong dioecy in Solanum polygamum, to the unsuspected and cryptic dioecy in Solanum conocarpum

UNLABELLED • PREMISE OF THE STUDY Island plants are over-exploited and "under-explored." Understanding the reproductive biology of plants, especially rare species, is fundamental to clarifying their evolution, estimating potential for change, and for creating effective conservation plans. Clarification of sexual systems like dioecy, and unusual manifestations of it in specific studies within Solanum, helps elucidate evolutionary patterns and genetic and ecological control of sex expression.• METHODS Studies of reproductive systems of two Caribbean endemics, S. polygamum and S. conocarpum, combined multifaceted analyses of field populations and of multiple generations of greenhouse plants.• KEY RESULTS The dioecy in both species is, like that in other solanums, largely cryptic, although the gender of S. polygamum flowers is obvious. The rare S. conocarpum is recognized as dioecious; floral gender is not obvious. Variation in sex expression facilitated experiments and promoted hypotheses on control and significance of morphological features and sex expression.• CONCLUSIONS Confirmed dioecy in at least 15 solanums is distributed across the genus, with perhaps 6 independent origins, and with crypticity in the form of morphologically hermaphroditic, but functionally unisexual, flowers characterizing all species. Dioecy is not more strongly associated with islands. Inaperturate pollen in pistillate flowers characterizes almost all, but not the two dioecious species studied herein. Dioecy in both species indicates leakiness (rare hermaphroditic flowers on male plants) that helps explain island colonization and radiation. Leakiness allowed confirmation-usually impossible for dioecious species-of self-compatibility for S. polygamum, and thus support for the hypothesis that dioecy evolved to promote outcrossing.
498: Mechanical Circulatory Support for Severe Primary Graft Dysfunction Following Pediatric Cardiac Transplantation

excluded. Results: In twelve patients CAV was detected and 19 patients were without signs of CAV. The MPI (Tei-Index) among patients with CAV was significantly higher in comparison to patients without CAV (0,64 0,13 vs. 0,40 0,06, p 0.01) reflecting altered global LV-function. LV-EF was not significantly reduced in both groups (54 vs. 61 %, p n.s.). The significantly altered MPI among the CAV group was attributed to significant prolongation of the isovolumetric contraction time (p 0.001) thus indicating mainly deterioration of the LV systolic function. Conclusions: The non invasive Doppler derived MPI (Tei-index) can differentiate between pediatric heart transplants with and without CAV. These data suggest that a larger study may be indicated to gain more information about the relevance of myocardial performance index.
Innervation patterns of the rectal pouch and fistula in anorectal malformations: A preliminary report

Abstract The innervation patterns of the rectal pouch and fistula of 52 children with anorectal malformations were investigated. Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty was used for intermediate and high anomalies; for the latter it was combined with an abdominal approach. Perineoproctoplasty was performed for low anomalies. The specimens were investigated by acetylcholinesterase staining, lactate dehydrogenase, and succinyldehydrogenase reaction. They consisted of fistula material only in 23 patients and of parts of the rectal pouch in 29. Fourty-four patients (84.6%) had follow-up, and information on bowel movements and continence was obtained after a mean of 3.3 years. Abnormal innervation patterns were found in 96% of the specimens. All fistulas were found to be aganglionic, including the adjacent part of the rectum involving the internal sphincter equivalent. Classical aganglionosis was found in 31% of the rectal pouch specimens, hypoganglionosis in 38%, neuronal intestinal dysplasia (NID) type B in 14%, and dysganglionosis in 10%. All patients with severe constipation or soiling at the time of follow-up had some histopathological correlation. Of the 25 patients for whom the specimens had consisted of rectal pouch material, nine (31%) had severe constipation. All four patients with a low-type malformation who had follow-up and pathological innervation patterns in the rectal pouch suffered from severe constipation; this was true of only five of the 19 children with intermediate or high malformations ( P
Development and evaluation of improved numerical schemes for recirculating flows

The paper examines the performance of the flux-spline scheme for convection-diffusion. Computations are presented for a number of test cases, both linear and nonlinear. It is shown that in all cases the flux-spline scheme yields results which are superior to those obtained with the lower-order formulations such as hybrid differencing. In order to improve the computational efficiency, the flux-spline scheme has been combined with a direct solution algorithm for the continuity and momentum equations. Such an approach eliminates the need for an equation for pressure or pressure correction and is found to be rapidly convergent.
Multi-country tests for price level bubbles

Abstract Flood and Garber (1980) have examined data from the German hyperinflation to test for a price level bubble. In this paper, we extend this research to other episodes of hyperinflation. By testing for a simultaneous bubble across countries, we implement the conceptual experiment proposed by Flood and Garber to derive asymptotic distributions for the test statistics.
Invariance of optimal composite waveguide geometries with respect to permittivity of the metal cladding.

We optimize the threshold gain for cylindrical composite (semiconductor-dielectric-metal) waveguides (WGs) with various metal claddings. We show that the optimal dielectric width is invariant with respect to the imaginary part of the permittivity of the metal, eM'', and weakly dependent on the real part, eM'. To explain this behavior, we compare optimal geometries of WGs with different semiconductor permittivities, eG'. Results from these comparisons indicate that the optimal effective index parallels the optimal threshold gain in its relation to eM. We use our results to heuristically propose an analytical expression for the optimal threshold gain that approximates the numerical solution to within a factor of two over the range of explored eG'. Finally, we use data from our optimizations to obtain approximate analytical expressions for the optimal dielectric width and threshold gain as functions of the total WG radius.
TRIP PURPOSES AND URBAN ACTIVITY LINKAGES

ABSTRACT Trips involving more than one stop before returning home comprise a quarter to a third of all urban travel. A high degree of similarity exists in the pattern of flow for various trip purposes because of a common dependence on the spatial arrangement of activities. Linkages among activity on a single trip, stemming from a savings in transport inputs, are also related to the areal pattern of activities and most frequently involve clustered business and commercial land uses. Several sections of the Lansing metropolitan area (used in the empirical analysis) have strong local linkages among trip purposes, but the city also has a considerable volume of spatially diffused multiple-purpose trip flows.
Measuring Sustainability: How Traffic Incident Management through Intelligent Transportation Systems has Greater Energy and Environmental Benefits than Common Construction-Phase Strategies for “Green” Roadways

The research presented in this paper compares the direct emissions and fuel consumption savings of five different strategies for greener roads. Specifically, savings from an incident management strategy using an Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) application, traffic cameras, is compared to savings from strategies focused on the construction phase including; using regionally provided materials, reducing fossil fuel use, reusing pavement, and using warm-mix asphalt. The comparison used lifecycle assessment to evaluate a 10-mile segment of a key urban interstate in South Carolina. The results revealed that within the first year of operations, implementing the selected ITS strategy would provide a fuel savings that is over 3 times greater than the combined savings that could be realized by implementing all 4 construction-phase strategies together. For an 8-year repaving schedule, the ITS strategy provides fuel savings over 30 times larger than all the construction phase strategies combined, and reduces carbon-dioxide emissions over 5 times more than any one of the construction-phase strategies. The article highlights ITS's effectiveness as a sustainability tool by comparing emissions and fuel use reductions to sustainable construction strategies. These results suggest that policies and rating systems for more sustainable roads should weigh ITS strategies considerably more than individual construction-phase strategies. The results also highlight the need for transportation policy to evaluate the benefits of all potential sustainable strategies to encourage implementation of the most effective ones.
Topological Synthesis for Linkage Mechanism Design Using the Minimum Potential Energy Principle

A mechanism is a device transmits motion in a predetermined manner in order to accomplish specific objectives. Mechanism design can be divided into three steps: type synthesis, number synthesis and dimensional synthesis, where the number synthesis is also called topological synthesis. In this paper, a new approach for topological synthesis and dimensional synthesis of linkage mechanism design with pin joints is presented. This approach is based on the discrete element approach which always provides clear definitions of number of linkages and joints. In order to extend its applications beyond the compliant mechanism, a novel analysis method based on the principle of minimum potential energy for linkage topology optimization is employed. Unlike the traditional FEM based approaches, this novel analysis method can be applied to multiple joint linkage designs directly. Genetic Algorithm is chosen as the optimizer. Finally, a few design examples from the proposed method are presented.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Clear‐cell sarcoma of tendons and aponeuroses. Three additional cases

Clear-cell sarcoma of tendons and aponeuroses is an uncommon tumor, which is readily identified. These tumors arise in the subcutaneous tissues of the extremities, recur after local excision, and ultimately tend to metastasize to regional lymph nodes and beyond. They appear as firm circumscribed nodules of grayish white tissue; absence of capsule is easily proved microscopically. The vacuolated polygonal and spindle cells in irregular spaces divided by trabeculae of various thicknesses are the microscopic features of the tumor. The cell of origin of the tumor is not known. Electron microscopic (and possibly other) studies are necessary and will doubtless be forthcoming as more of the tumors are identified.
Effects of Nymphal Populations of Three cornered Alfalfa Hopper (Homoptera: Membracidae) on ‘Florida 77’ Alfalfa Plants

High (six nymphs per plant) and moderate (three nymphs per plant) infestations of three cornered alfalfa hopper, Spissistilus festinus (Say), nymphs were placed on greenhouse-grown ‘Florida 77’ alfalfa, Medicago sativa L., plants for three harvest periods. Higher populations of nymphs caused a corresponding increase in girdle numbers on the test plants. Nymphal populations significantly increased plant chlorosis and accelerated plant maturity. Although dry-weight yield was not affected, forage quality was reduced because of a decrease in protein concentration and an increase in neutral detergent fiber. Root carbohydrate levels and stem regrowth were both significantly lower under high population levels.
Glycogen synthase kinase 3α and 3β do not colocalize with neurofibrillary tangles

Abstract Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3α and 3β are two proline-directed serine/threonine kinases that have been shown in vitro to hyperphosphorylate tau, and therefore, may contribute to neurofibillary tangle (NFT) formation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We report here that, in the human hippocampal formation of both control and AD individuals, GSK 3α and 3β are immunohistochemically localized to neurons within the presubiculum > CA1, CA3, and CA4 subfields of the hippocampus, layers III > II > IV, V, VI of entorhinal cortex, and occasional neurons in layers III, V, and VI of temporal neocortex. By contrast, NFTs occur primarily in CA1, subiculum, layers II and IV of entorhinal cortex, and layers II, III, and V of temporal neocortex. The presubiculum and other subfields are frequently spared. Thus, localization of GSK 3α and GSK 3β does not correspond to the expected pattern of neuronal vulnerability to NFT formation in AD. Interpreted within the limitations of immunohistochemical detection, these results argue against a major role of GSK 3α or GSK 3β in NFT formation in AD.
Irritant contact dermatitis induced by a common household irritant: A noninvasive evaluation of ethnic variability in skin response

Objective This study was undertaken to investigate the ethnic susceptibility to irritant contact dermatitis induced by a common dishwashing liquid using noninvasive technologies. Methods A total of 30 participants (15 Caucasian, 15 African American) were patch tested to graded concentrations of a common household irritant and evaluated using clinical scoring, reflectance confocal microscopy, transepidermal water loss, and fluorescence excitation spectroscopy. Results At 24 hours, the concentration thresholds for clinically perceptible irritancy were significantly higher for African American compared with Caucasian participants. Reflectance confocal microscopy showed stratum corneum disruption, parakeratosis, and spongiosis; these features were more severe in Caucasian participants ( P ≤ .002). Mean values for transepidermal water loss were significantly higher in the Caucasian group at comparable clinical scores ( P ≤ .005). Fluorescence excitation spectroscopy showed a broad excitation band at 300 nm (emission 340 nm) and values in both groups returned to baseline by day 7. Limitations This pilot study was limited in scope and larger studies are needed to further evaluate ethnic differences in irritant contact dermatitis and to demonstrate the applicability of our findings for other irritants. Conclusion Clinical evaluation, reflectance confocal microscopy, and transepidermal water loss showed significant differences in the cutaneous irritant response between both groups suggesting a superior barrier function of African American skin. Fluorescence excitation spectroscopy on the other hand demonstrated no differences in the hyperproliferative response after irritant exposure and indicated similar kinetics for the two groups.
Electric lighting in the first century of engineering

THIS centennial year is a fitting time to set down a few of the historical facts regarding the men and the events that created and expanded the production and application of electric light as a science, an art, and an industry. Here, too, are recorded observations on the impact electric lighting has had upon our lives.