cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scalably Testing Congestion Control Algorithms of Real-World TCP Implementations

New TCP congestion control algorithms are being developed and deployed in the Internet. However, it is challenging to test their correctness mainly due to the scalability problem caused by the extremely large number of test inputs. In this paper, we propose a scalable testing method, called SCCT, which tackles the scalability problem using two techniques. 1) SCCT tests only the congestion control algorithms of TCP at the interface level instead of the whole TCP at the packet level. 2) SCCT exercises an equivalence class of test inputs simultaneously using symbolic execution, instead of a single test input at a time. Both techniques can improve the scalability by many orders of magnitude. Our Linux TCP experiments on seven congestion control algorithms show that SCCT is scalable and quickly detects multiple Linux bugs that have not been reported before.
First Tropical American Species of the “Relict” Genus Litoleptis, and Relationships in Spaniinae (Diptera: Rhagionidae)

The genus Litoleptis has consisted of nine described species, seven of them Asian and only two in the New World: L. alaskensis Chillcott, known from two specimens from northwest Alaska, and L. chilensis Hennig, known from a male specimen from near Santiago, Chile. A third New World species is described here, Litoleptis tico, n. sp., based on a single female from Costa Rica. The species is unique for the genus in having a vestigial proboscis and lacking spermathecal accessory ducts and glands. Female terminalia are unknown for the other two New World species. A morphologically based, preliminary phylogeny of spaniines is provided, indicating Litoleptis is recently derived among spaniines and thus Rhagionidae; the Early Cretaceous Litoleptis fossilis is a stem group to the living species. A derived position of the genus, its apparently broad distribution, and an abundance in Japan where Litoleptis has been bred from liverworts (Imada and Kato, 2016a), all indicate that these flies are probably not at all relict, simply vastly undersampled because of a reliance on mass-collecting techniques.
John Cunningham Virus T-Antigen Expression on Mild and Severe Dysplasia Adenomatous Polyp, Low and High Grade Adenocarcinoma of The Colon

Background: John Cunningham Virus (JCV) was involved in pre-malignant lessions and carcinogenesis of the colon. The purpose of this study was to detect and analyze JCV T-Ag expression in mild and severe dysplasia adenomatous polyp as well as low and high grade adenocarcinoma of the colon. Materials and Methods: This study used analytic descriptive, cross sectional approach. The samples’ paraffin blocks were taken from colon adenomatous polyp cases (all grades of dysplasia) and cases of colon adenocarcinoma (all degrees) at Anatomical Pathology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia from 2010-2014 (5 years period). Samples were reviewed from HE slides to determine histopathologic diagnosis, grades of dysplasia and grading. We performed immunohistochemistry staining with monoclonal antibody anti–SV 40-T-Ag to detect JCV T-Ag expression. Results: We found 7 cases of colon adenomatous polyp, of which 4 (57%) were mild dysplasia and 3 (43%) were severe dysplasia. Positive expression of JCV T-Ag was detected in 1 (14%) mild dysplasia case. Data analysis using Fischer’s Exact Test was p >0.05. We also found 16 cases of colon adenocarcinoma. 14 cases (87.5%) of low grade variant and 2 cases (12.5%) of high grade variant. Positive expression of JCV T-Ag was detected in 2 (12.5%) low grade cases. Data analysis using Fischer’s Exact Test was p >0.05. Conclusion: There was no difference of JCV T-Ag expression in colon adenomatous polyp (mild-severe dysplasia) and colon adenocarcinoma (low-high grade) cases at Anatomical Pathology Laboratory School of Medicine, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia 2010-2014. Keywords: colon adenomatous polyp, adenocarcinoma, JCV T-Ag
The Effect of Principal Behaviors on Student, Teacher, and School Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Empirical Literature:

Principals are understood to be critical actors in improving teaching and learning conditions in schools; however, relatively little is known about the leadership strategies to which principals sho...
Cleanup and Complexity: Nuclear and Industrial Contamination at The Santa Susana Field Laboratory, California

Environmental contamination, a legacy of industrial activity borne by numerous sites around the world, poses health risks for surrounding communities and presents serious cleanup challenges. One such site, the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL), served as an aerospace and nuclear energy research facility for over 50 years, during which time radioactive and other hazardous materials were unintentionally and intentionally released into the surrounding environment. These releases, including the partial meltdown of a sodium reactor, were hidden from the public for three decades. The site is now located in suburban Los Angeles, with 730,000 people living within a 10-mile radius. This paper evaluates the technical and social challenges underlying site cleanup at SSFL, including a complex geological setting, uncertain contaminant information, and a convoluted, evolving regulatory framework. These challenges, paired with historical secrecy on the part of responsible organizations and unclear layers of responsibility, have led to uncertainty and distrust within the surrounding community. Lessons learned from other remediated sites are assessed and recommendations for the SSFL cleanup are provided.
Stealing Thunder in Negative Political Advertising: The Persuasive Impact of One-sided and Two-sided Negative Messages on Partisan Individuals:

Although two-sided persuasion is a common technique in political speeches, few research has reported the relative persuasiveness of a one-versus two-sided message in the context of negative politic...
Host mucin is exploited by Pseudomonas aeruginosa to provide monosaccharides required for a successful infection

One of the primary functions of the mucosal barrier, found lining epithelial cells, is to serve as a first-line of defense against microbial pathogens. The major structural components of mucus are heavily glycosylated proteins called mucins. Mucins are key components of the innate immune system as they aid in the clearance of pathogens and can decrease pathogen virulence. It has also been recently reported that individual mucins and derived glycans can attenuate the virulence of the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa Here, we show data indicating that mucins not only play a role in host defense but that they can also be subverted by P. aeruginosa to cause disease. We found that the mucin MUL-1 and mucin-derived monosaccharides N-acetyl-galactosamine and N-acetylglucosamine are required for P. aeruginosa killing of Caenorhabditis elegans We also found that the defective adhesion of P. aeruginosa to human lung alveolar epithelial cells, deficient in the mucin MUC1, can be reversed by the addition of individual monosaccharides. The monosaccharides identified in this study are found in a wide range of organisms where they act as host factors required for bacterial pathogenesis. While mucins in C. elegans lack sialic acid caps, which makes their monosaccharides readily available, they are capped in other species. Pathogens such as P. aeruginosa that lack sialidases may rely on enzymes from other bacteria to utilize mucin-derived monosaccharides.IMPORTANCE One of the first lines of defense present at mucosal epithelial tissues is mucus, which is a highly viscous material formed by mucin glycoproteins. Mucins serve various functions, but importantly they aid in the clearance of pathogens and debris from epithelial barriers and serve as innate immune factors. In this study, we describe a requirement of host monosaccharides, likely derived from host mucins, for the ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to colonize the intestine and ultimately cause death in Caenorhabditis elegans We also demonstrate that monosaccharides alter the ability of bacteria to bind to both Caenorhabditis elegans intestinal cells and human lung alveolar epithelial cells, suggesting that there are conserved mechanisms underlying host-pathogen interactions in a range of organisms. By gaining a better understanding of pathogen-mucin interactions, we can develop better approaches to protect against pathogen infection.
Hawkes Process Multi-armed Bandits for Disaster Search and Rescue.

We propose a novel framework for integrating Hawkes processes with multi-armed bandit algorithms to solve spatio-temporal event forecasting and detection problems when data may be undersampled or spatially biased. In particular, we introduce an upper confidence bound algorithm using Bayesian spatial Hawkes process estimation for balancing the tradeoff between exploiting geographic regions where data has been collected and exploring geographic regions where data is unobserved. We first validate our model using simulated data and then apply it to the problem of disaster search and rescue using calls for service data from hurricane Harvey in 2017. Our model outperforms the state of the art baseline spatial MAB algorithms in terms of cumulative reward and several other ranking evaluation metrics.
Chapter 37 – Order Hemiptera

Aquatic Hemiptera include the semi-aquatic bugs (Gerromorpha) which live primarily on the water’s surface and the aquatic bugs (Nepomorpha) which live submerged beneath the water, along with several other mostly terrestrial groups that live near aquatic habitats. Over 4,800 described species of aquatic Hemiptera occur across all continents except Antarctica, and occupy a diversity of habitats ranging from lakes and streams to seasonal rain pools. Taxa can be large-bodied (up to 11 cm), and most are predatory on other insects or sometimes vertebrate prey. Aquatic Hemiptera evolved terrestrially and invaded aquatic habitats secondarily. This terrestrial groundplan has influenced the evolution of aquatic Hemiptera mating behavior, respiratory physiology, and ecology.
Evaluating Oregon's occupational public health surveillance system based on the CDC updated guidelines.

Background The Oregon Occupational Public Health Program (OOPHP) monitors occupational health indicators (OHIs) to inform occupational safety and health (OSH) surveillance. In 2018, OOPHP evaluated the performance of the OSH surveillance system and identified areas for future improvement. Methods Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems, the OOPHP evaluation team engaged internal and external stakeholders using a mixed-methods approach. Operational measures for ten surveillance attributes were developed. Multiple data collection methods resulted in credible evidence for evaluation conclusions. Analyses included summary statistics and qualitative analysis of interviews, a focus group, and online surveys. Results Twenty stakeholders took part in this evaluation, with an average participation rate of 55%. Results showed the Oregon OSH surveillance system was simple, flexible, and highly accepted by its stakeholders. Funding security presents challenges for stability. A lack of timeliness of OHIs, low relevance of OHIs to local OSH issues, and the system's ineffectual data dissemination all limit the usefulness of the OSH surveillance system. A review of key data sources for the system showed good data quality and predictive value positive, but relatively poor sensitivity and representativeness. Conclusions The evaluation team successfully adapted attributes and examples in the CDC guidelines to this Oregon OSH surveillance evaluation. The evaluation findings have informed the development of recommendations for improvements to OOPHP's OSH surveillance. Future research is needed to develop guidance specific to OSH surveillance evaluation.
Left ventricular global longitudinal strain and cardiac surgical outcomes.

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) has emerged as a valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool for evaluating left ventricular (LV) function. GLS has been shown to be a more sensitive marker of LV dysfunction than LV ejection fraction alone and have prognostic impact in non-surgical cardiac populations. GLS, is validated, reproducible, and easily obtained from 2-dimensional speckle- tracking echocardiography. While there is strong evidence for using GLS in clinical decision- making in non-surgical populations, there is less summarized evidence on using GLS in the cardiac surgical population. This review combines the evidence on the implications of using baseline transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) GLS in cardiac surgical populations including ischemic and structural heart disease to determine surgical outcomes. We found that results seem promising on the prognostic utility of LV strain in cardiac surgical populations. However due to the variability of study populations and outcomes, and modalities (TTE versus TEE), further research on normal versus abnormal values for different surgical populations, as well potential treatment options that may modify and potentially decrease surgical risk for those with abnormal GLS are needed.
Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis/exfoliative dermatitis eruption

Severe drug eruption is the most common skin drug adverse reaction in clinic.Immune-mediated adverse drug reactions occur commonly in clinical practice and include mild, self-limited cutaneous eruptions, IgE-mediated hypersensitivity, and severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions.Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions represent an uncommon but potentially life-threatening form of delayed T cell-mediated reaction.The spectrum of illness ranges from acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis to drug reaction with eosinophilia with systemic symptoms, to the most severe form of illness, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.Drug-induced exfoliative dermatitis may be one of the manifestations of eosinophilia with systemic symptoms.Typical clinical manifestations, medication history, relevant physical examinations and related auxiliary examinations of patients are helpful to the early diagnosis of the disease.This article introduced in detail the research progress of acute generalized eruptive pustulosis and exfoliative dermatitis eruption. Key words: Severe drug eruption; Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis; Exfoliative dermatitis eruption
Sexually Dimorphic Heads of Eurycea bislineata

Gladwyn Kingsley Noble was the first investigator to collectively examine courtship glands and correlate their function to the tail-straddling walk in plethodontid salamanders. While mental glands and caudal courtship glands have received the majority of attention since Noble's seminal work, Noble described other glands from Eurycea bislineata that were putatively involved in courtship that have received little or no attention (e.g., glands at the temporal regions of the heads of males). Previous studies demonstrated that heads of males enlarge during the mating season and some studies indicated that the enlargement was because of Noble's previously described temporal glands; however, current consensus of male head enlargement is that skeletal muscle hypertrophy is the cause of the head growth. In this study, we examined male and female E. bislineata throughout the year to test Noble's hypothesis that males possess courtship glands in the integument of the temporal regions of their heads and to assess what underlying tissues are involved with male head enlargement during mating. We found that the temporal regions of male heads change dramatically from non-mating to mating months, exemplified by two-dimensional geometric morphometrics. This variation is a result of M. levator mandibulae externus hypertrophy rather than glandular activity underlying the integument. Although no glandular masses isolated at the temporal regions of the heads result in this dynamic shape change, simple alveolar glands that resemble stereotypical courtship glands are found in the integument of only males from the mating season. These putative courtship glands are scattered amongst mucous and serous glands within the integument around the eyelids to at least the posterior termination of the cranium. The function of these glands is unknown but is probably involved with pheromone production, similar to more thoroughly examined courtship glands.
PROSTAGLANDINS AND HEMOPOIETIC CELL RECOVERY FOLLOWING IRRADIATION

Suppressed hemopoietic recovery in patients with cancer Tumor bearing and inflammation induce microenvironmental changes PGE2 as modulator of hemopoiesis in mice with inflammation
THE FUTURE ROLE OF DESTINATION MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS: THEORIES AND METHODOLOGICAL TOOLS

The aim of this paper is to review the existing literature regarding Destination Management Organizations (DMO) and the various stakeholders that the destination consists of. The paper covers the preliminary stage of the whole research which will cover existing theories such as business ecosystem and stakeholder theories and it will also suggest for future research a systemic approach towards destinations in order to improve their effectiveness and efficiency. Finally, it will examine the various methodological tools such as benchmarking and EFQM that exist and can be used in order to research the topic. The aim is to identify the need for future research to develop an optimal model of effective DMO.
Review of Developing the next generation of library leaders

Review of Birrell, L. (2020) Developing the next generation of library leaders. Chicago, IL: Association of College and Research Libraries.
Irx3 Promotes Gap Junction Communication Between Uterine Stromal Cells to Regulate Vascularization during Embryo Implantation

Spontaneous abortions have been reported to affect up to 43% of parous women, with over 20% occurring before pregnancy is clinically diagnosed. Establishment of pregnancy is critically dependent on proper embryo-uterine interactions at the time of implantation. Besides oocyte abnormalities, implantation failure is a major contributor to early pregnancy loss. Previously, we demonstrated that two members of the Iroquois homeobox transcription factor family, IRX3 and IRX5, exhibited distinct and dynamic expression profiles in the developing ovary to promote oocyte and follicle survival. Elimination of each gene independently caused subfertility, but with different breeding pattern outcomes. Irx3 KO (Irx3LacZ/LacZ) females produced fewer pups throughout their reproductive lifespan which could only be partially explained by poor oocyte quality. Thus, we hypothesized that IRX3 is also expressed in the uterus where it acts to establish functional embryo-uterine interactions to support pregnancy. To test this hypothesis, we harvested pregnant uteri from control and Irx3 KO females to evaluate IRX3 expression profiles and the integrity of embryo implantation sites. Our results indicate that IRX3 is expressed in the endometrial stromal cells of the pregnant uterus. Notably, of the days evaluated, IRX3 expression expanded into the endometrial stroma starting at day 4 of pregnancy (D4) with peak expression at D5-6, and then greatly diminished by D7. This pattern corresponds to the critical window for implantation and remodeling of the vasculature network in mice. Further, histology and immunohistochemistry at D7 showed that while embryos were able to attach to the uterus, implantation sites in Irx3 KO pregnant mice exhibited impaired vascularization. In addition, our results showed significantly diminished expression of decidualization markers and disruptions in GJA1 organization in the decidual bed. These data, taken together with previous reports focused on the ovary, suggest that IRX3 promotes fertility via at least two different mechanisms: 1) promoting competent oocytes and 2) facilitating functional embryo-uterine interactions during implantation. Future research aims to tease apart the roles for IRX3 in the oocyte versus the uterus and the mechanisms by which it promotes early embryo survival and a successful pregnancy outcome.
Whatever Happened to Socialization

Socialization is a key mechanism of social reproduction. Yet, like the functionalists who introduced the concept, socialization has fallen out of favor, critiqued for ignoring power and agency, for...
Using Electronic Health Records to Mitigate Workplace Burnout Among Clinicians During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Field Study in Iran.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic spread worldwide in 2020. Notably, in the countries dealing with massive casualties, clinicians have worked in new conditions characterized by a heavy workload and a high risk of being infected. The issue of clinician burnout during the pandemic has attracted considerable attention in health care research. Electronic health records (EHRs) provide health care workers with several features to meet a health system’s clinical needs. Objective: We aim to examine how the use of EHR features affects the burnout of clinicians working in hospitals that have special wards for confirmed COVID-19 cases. Methods: Using an online survey, we collected data from 368 physicians, physician assistants, and nurses working in six hospitals that have implemented EHRs in the city of Tehran in Iran. We used logistic regression to assess the association between burnout and awareness of EHR features, EHR system usability, concerns about COVID-19, technology solutions, hospital technology interventions, hospital preparedness, and professional efficacy adjusted for demographic and practice characteristics. Results: The primary outcome of our study was self-reported burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 368 respondents, 36% (n=134) reported having at least one symptom of burnout. Participants indicated that the leading cause of EHR-related stress is inadequate training for using technology (n=159, 43%), followed by having less face-to-face time with patients (n=140, 38%). Positive perceptions about the EHR’s ease of use were associated with lower odds of burnout symptoms. More interventions, such as clear communication of regulations; transparency in policies, expectations, and goals regarding the use of technology in the clinical workflow; and hospital preparedness to cope with the challenges of the pandemic, were associated with lower odds of burnout. Conclusions: The use of EHR applications, hospital pandemic preparation programs, and transparent technology-related policies and procedures throughout the epidemic can be substantial mitigators of technology-based stress and clinician burnout. Hospitals will then be better positioned to devise or modify technology-related policies and procedures to support physicians’ and nurses’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Training programs, transparency in communications of regulations, and developing a clear channel for informing clinicians of changes in policies may help reduce burnout symptoms among physicians and nurses during a pandemic. Providing easily accessible mentorship through teleconsultation and 24-hour available information technology support may also help to mitigate the odds of burnout.
Distinct phases within large RNP granules of C. elegans oocytes are associated with differential stress responses of RNA binding proteins

One emerging paradigm of cellular organization of RNA and RNA binding proteins is the formation of membraneless organelles (MLOs). Examples of MLOs include several types of RNP (ribonucleoprotein) granules that form via phase separation. Proper regulation of the phase transitions of RNA binding proteins is critical as dysregulation can lead to disease states. Germ granules are small RNP granules conserved across metazoa. In C. elegans, when oogenesis undergoes an extended meiotic arrest, germ granules assemble into much larger, more complex RNP granules whose hypothesized function is to regulate RNA metabolism and maintain oocyte quality. As a step towards gaining insight into the function of RNP granules, in this report we characterize distinct phases for four RNA binding proteins in arrested oocytes. We find that PGL-1 is dynamic and has liquid-like properties, while MEG-3 has gel-like properties, both similar to their properties in small germ granules of embryos. We also show that MEX-3 exhibits gel-like properties in many regards but is more dynamic than MEG-3. We find CGH-1 is dynamic but does not consistently behave liquid-like, and may be an intermediate phase within RNP granules. We also show that the distinct phases of the RNA binding proteins are associated with differential responses to stress.
Preventing Disaster on French Creek, One of the Most Biologically Diverse Rivers in North America

Disasters created by chronic perturbations are as debilitating as acute disasters such as tsunamis and oil spills. French Creek is the most biologically diverse river in Pennsylvania but is threatened by invasive species, poorly managed farm animals, urban and agricultural runoff, leaky septic systems, and loss of riparian buffer zones. For chronic, non-point threats, prevention is the best protection and depends on education and action by watershed residents. Creek Connections at Allegheny College engages teachers and students throughout the watershed with biological and chemical research of the Creek and threats to its integrity. Through independent research, stream restoration projects and public presentations, students become an educated citizenry as vital to ecosystem protection as any regional or national response plan for more acute disasters.
Physician and Defendant: Living and Coping with a Double Life

After a bad outcome and, later, as named defendants in civil litigation, physicians, unbeknownst to others, often begin to feel as though they are living a double life. They are concerned about their affected patient and continue to devote themselves to their work with patients as though nothing has happened, but, at another level, they are preoccupied with their own concerns about survival, protecting themselves against anxiety and hurt, and devoting their time to defending their good name. How can they manage their seemingly conflicted, but all too human, concerns, carry out their work, respond to the demands of the legal process, and emerge from the experience stronger and more self-assured professionals? To master this serious life stressor and maintain their integrity and equilibrium, physicians need to explore what the event means to them personally, recognize the emotions it generates, understand the reasons for these emotions so that they can distinguish what they can and cannot control, correct any distortions related to the event, and make changes that help them emerge as a confident and healthier person.
Functional Aspects of the Three Modified Nucleotides in Yeast Mitochondrial Large-Subunit rRNA

This chapter focuses on the possible functional significance of the three highly conserved modified nucleotides in the otherwise minimally modified yeast mitochondrial large-subunit rRNA (LSU rRNA). The three modified nucleotides in yeast mitochondrial LSU rRNA, Gm2270, Um2791, and pseudouridine 2819, are equivalent to the Gm2251, Um2552, and pseudouridine 2580, respectively, in peptidyl transferase center (PTC) of Escherichia coli LSU rRna. The PET56 nuclear gene encodes an rRNA ribose methyltransferase (Pet56p) required for the formation of 2’-O-methylguanosine at G2270 in yeast mitochondrial LSU rRNA (G2251 in E. coli numbering), and PET56 function is essential for the formation of functional mitochondrial ribosomes. While PET56 is normally essential for the formation of functional yeast mitochondrial ribosomes, a dominant extragenic mutation has been isolated (SRM1-1) that suppresses, albeit very weakly, pet56 loss-of-function mutations without restoring methylation at G2270 in yeast mitochondrial LSU rRNA. The presence of only three modified nucleotides at highly conserved positions in the PTC of yeast mitochondrial LSU rRNA has fueled speculation that these particular modification might have special functional significance. The recent progress in the identification of genes responsible for specific modifications in E. coli, yeast mitochondrial, and yeast cytoplasmic rRNAs will accelerate the genetic analysis of rRNA modification in these systems. It will be particularly informative to compare the in vivo effects of depleting pseudouridine 2580 in E. coli and yeast mitochondria and Gm2251 and Um2552 in all three ribosomal systems.
The inertial mass of a pion from a quaternion field theory of matter

The quaternion field theory of matter in general relativity that was developed by this author was applied earlier to the calculation of the inertial masses of the electron and the muon, as a consequence of their (electromagnetic) coupling to their environment, in accordance with the Mach principle. As a consequence of the axiomatic structure, in this theory, the most primitive matter fields are represented by two-component spinor variables. All other « particle » fields must then be built up from these. Thus the high-energy data that are interpreted as referred to massive boson particles must be viewed here in terms of a composite of (electromagnetically) bound spinor particles. In this paper, the general field expression for the inertial mass of a boson is derived as a composite of elementary spinor fields. The neutral pion is a composite of proton and antiproton, the charged pion is a composite of a proton or antiproton with the spinor electromagnetic-field representation of a bound proton-antiproton pair. The theory is applied to a calculation of the mass ratiom(π0)/m(π±) and it is found to be within 0.1% of the experimental ratio.
DNA condensation with polyamines: II. Electron microscopic studies

Abstract Purified bacteriophage T7 DNA (final concn ~ 1 μ m ) and spermidine (final concn ~ 100 μ m ), when mixed in a medium containing 1 m m -NaCl and 1 m m -sodium cacodylate (pH 6.5) and observed under the electron microscope, showed round, compact structures of uniform size. The degree of compactness approaches that present inside the phage head, though the exact structure and dimensions depend on the specimen preparation method. The spermidineinduced condensation can be readily reversed by raising the salt concentration of the medium. Similar results were obtained when spermidine was replaced with 5 μ m -spermine and 200 μ m -bis-(3-aminopropyl) amine and when T7 DNA was replaced with λ and P4 phage DNAs. The majority of the collapsed particles contained one genome length of DNA in the case of λ or T7 and probably two or more in the case of P4.
A cellular automata model of electrical propagation in cardiac tissue

A cellular automata model of cardiac tissue is created which overcomes many of the limits of previous models. Rather than simply simulating one or a few aspects of tissue behavior, this model is generalized to include the possibility of a vast array of different tissue characteristics. In addition, the computer program used to implement this model has been written to allow easy addition or alteration to the model, with minimal or no source code rewriting. The major strength of this model comes from the basis of its description of tissue behavior. It does not try to represent each element in the model as an amount of tissue, instead it considers each element to be a sampled point in the tissue. The creation of this model 'engine' permits a specific anatomical implementation to be created quickly, without sacrificing desired accuracy. >
Cluster Expansions and Iterative Scaling for Maximum Entropy Language Models

The maximum entropy method has recently been successfully introduced to a variety of natural language applications. In each of these applications, however, the power of the maximum entropy method is achieved at the cost of a considerable increase in computational requirements. In this paper we present a technique, closely related to the classical cluster expansion from statistical mechanics, for reducing the computational demands necessary to calculate conditional maximum entropy language models.
Centering Pregnancy: practical tips for your practice

With increased access to care, current health delivery systems will need expansion to meet higher demands and needs. To define Centering Pregnancy and practical tips for implementation into both private and academic practices. Evidence was gathered through literature reviews. It was found that Centering Pregnancy offers a patient-centered, evidence-based approach to helping with access issues, as well as improving outcomes. This article describes the benefits of Centering Pregnancy to the practice, the provider, and the patient. Practical implementation tips will be offered, with suggestions for negating common implementation barriers.
IAU 242 closing summary

This paper focuses on highlights of the symposium and attempts to synthesize recent results in terms of key advances and unsolved problems related to maser research.
Process tools for sustainable community planning: an evaluation of Florida demonstration project communities

The purpose of this study is to improve understanding about the process aspects of sustainable community planning. After making a distinction between substance and process in planning, the study evaluates the selection of process tools for sustainable community planning, their different roles, and implementation impacts. Further knowledge of process tools is needed because they convey the unique longitudinal context of planning and visioning for sustainable communities. The contribution to practice lies in increasing planners' awareness regarding process tools in sustainability plans and the need to promote these tools. Overall, the implementation of regulation, evaluation, and education process tools in the Florida Demonstration Project was successful. Process aspects received considerable attention throughout the Project's five years. Discretionary implementation and regional planning were two major weaknesses of the Florida case. Civic engagement, public acceptance, and individual learning were noted a...
Issues in patch-by-patch machining of compound sculptured surfaces

Sculptured surfaces are widely used in commercial products and industrial designs because of their aesthetically pleasing shape characteristics. In such instances, it often becomes necessary to model the part using compound surfaces that consist of several individual sculptured surface patches. In comparison to single surface patches, compound surfaces give rise to additional challenges in making process planning decisions. In this paper, several fundamental issues relevant to patch-by-patch finish machining of compound sculptured surfaces are examined. In particular, efficient procedures for determination of the maximum gouge-free tool size, detection and avoidance of gouging, identification of the best isoparametric cutter path, and determination of an efficient machining sequence of the composing patches are presented.
Economic value of caregiver effort in maintaining long-term ventilator-assisted individuals at home.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To estimate the economic value of caregivers' efforts in maintaining ventilator-assisted individuals at home. DESIGN: Nonexperimental, cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Households of home-based ventilator-assisted individuals residing in 37 states PARTICIPANTS: Caregivers of 1404 ventilator-assisted individuals; 277 (19.7%) responses were received. OUTCOME MEASURES: The Home Ventilator Care Cost and Utilization Survey and the Modified Katz Index. METHODS: The economic value of caregiver effort was estimated deterministically by opportunity cost, aggregated market value, and aggregated replacement cost and estimated stochastically by ordinary least squares regression. Cost of formal home care services was estimated with the Medicare Schedule of Limits for Home Health Agency Costs. Estimates of total cost of home care for each method of valuing caregiver effort were calculated by summing the cost of formal home care services with the value of caregiver effort. RESULTS: The average monthly cost of formal home care services was estimated to be $6411 (SD, $8490; median, $2006; range, $0 to $38,607). After adding various values of caregiver effort to the cost of formal home care services, the average cost of home care increases by $960 to $12,483, depending on the method used to calculate the value of the caregiver's time; the median total cost of home care increased by $1403 to $17,793. Data also showed that, depending on the figure used to estimate the cost of long-term care and which method was used to calculate caregiver value, home care was more expensive for at least 4.6% of ventilator-assisted individuals and for as many as 36.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of the caregiver's time value into cost estimates did not substantially reduce the proportion of patients for whom home care was the least expensive alternative, except when caregiver effort was valued at a registered nurse's wage rate. However, the methods used to place an economic value on caregiver effort did not take into consideration the long-term economic impact on caregivers who reduce their work hours or forego employment or educational opportunities, nor did they take into account the lost wages of the ventilator-assisted individual or the extent to which the caregiver was financially dependent on the ventilator-assisted individual.
Chlamydia pneumoniae infection alters the junctional complex proteins of human brain microvascular endothelial cells

Abstract Chlamydia pneumoniae has been identified and associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis, although the relationship of this organism in these diseases remains controversial. We have hypothesized that one potential avenue of infection is through the junctional complexes between the blood–brain barrier (BBB) endothelia. C. pneumoniae is characteristically a respiratory pathogen, but has been implicated in atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and neuroinflammatory conditions. C. pneumoniae infection may lead to endothelial damage, junctional alterations, and BBB breakdown. Therefore, in this study, C. pneumoniae infection of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) resulted in increased expression of the zonula adherens proteins β-catenin, N -cadherin, and VE-cadherin, and decreased expression of the tight junctional protein occludin, as determined by immunocytochemistry and Western blot analyses. These events may underlie a mechanism for the regulation of paracellular permeability while maintaining barrier integrity during C. pneumoniae infection associated with neuropathologies such as MS and AD.
Teraohm on-chip resistance realisation using switched capacitor topologies

Two large-resistance realisation schemes are proposed using switched-capacitor circuits. The equivalent resistance of the array realisation increases as the third power of the number of capacitor pairs, and that of the ladder realisation increases exponentially. The equivalent resistance for the ladder scheme also grows with the capacitance ratio. Using these schemes, large resistances can be fabricated with standard CMOS process in an affordable chip area. Simulation results show that very low pole frequency (∼9 Hz in the example) can be achieved with practical element values, and with a capacitance spread of only 10 in a three-stage ladder.
Transient LW-negative red blood cells and anti-LW in a patient with Hodgkin's disease.

Abstract. LW-negative (LW4) red blood cells and anti-LW antibody were discovered in the blood of a 50-year-old white male with Hodgkin's disease and blood type O. Compatible red blood cells for transfusion could not be obtained because available LW-negative cells were either type A, LW4, or type O, LW3. Following cytotoxic therapy for his basic disease, the anti-LW disappeared and his red blood cells developed normal reactions with anti-LW sera.
Evaluation of cell death in EBV-transformed lymphocytes using agarose gel electrophoresis, light microscopy and electron microscopy. I. Induction of classic apoptosis by the bile salt, sodium deoxycholate.

In this study, we examined the effect of different concentrations of sodium deoxycholate (NaDOC), a secondary bile salt. on an Epstein-Barn virus transformed human lymphoid cell line (NC-37). We found that NaDOC induces classic apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner at 0.1-0.4 mM doses. and necrosis at much higher concentrations (0.8-3.1 mM). This is the first demonstration that a bile salt can induce apoptosis in any cell type. The mode of cell death was determined using morphologic methods (light and electron microscopy) as the gold standard. Standard agarose gel electrophoretic techniques were applied to identify the “ladder” of DNA fragments that have ken associated with apoptosis in certain cell types. Although DNA fragmentation was observed during the apoptotic death of NC-37 cells, we were not able to identify a “ladder” pattern of fragmentation. Two other types of cells, however, that previously have been reported to display a characteristic “ladder” pattern of DNA fragmentation, glucocorticoid-trea...
The effect of varying types of interference on haptic memory in the Korsakoff patient.

Abstract Nine alcoholic Korsakoff patients and nine control subjects were given haptic-verbal and haptic-nonverbal short-term memory tasks. Interference tasks were oral, haptic nonverbal, or haptic verbal. The results demonstrated again that the Korsakoff memory deficit encompasses both verbal and nonverbal material. The degree of deficit was dependent, however, upon the nature of both the recognition and interference tasks. Haptic verbal recognition tasks were most severely impaired when the interference was both the same modality (haptic) and material (verbal). Haptic-nonverbal tasks were most severely impaired when the interference was in the same modality (haptic), independent of the type of material (verbal or nonverbal).
Just moseying around and happening upon it versus a master plan: Minimizing regret in impulse versus planned sales promotion purchases

This article proposes and tests a model of regret minimization in the consumer decision-making context of sales promotions. The work examines how regret is minimized in a risk-avoiding planned purchase by conducting information search and primarily rejoicing afterwards. For risk-seeking impulse purchases, the model proposes a one-or two-pronged strategy for minimizing the regret over lost opportunities to experience immediate pleasures of an impulse purchase. The one-pronged strategy is characterized by a rapid impulse purchase without prior intent, and the two-pronged strategy involves moseying around and deliberate placement in harm's way of an impulse purchase followed by the rapid conclusion of the impulsepurchase transaction. Results from three studies indicate that regret is minimized before and after planned and impulsive purchases in different ways. The results also indicate that, consistent with the idea of defending self-image by emulating a master plan where there was none, consumers will confess to moseying around and deliberate placement in the presence of a potential impulse purchase more readily when they actually conclude the purchase as opposed to walk away from the impulsive purchase. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nutrition support of inborn errors of amino acid metabolism

Programs for nutrition support of patients with phenylketonuria, maternal phenylketonuria, branched chain ketoaciduria and vitamin B-6 non-responsive homocystinuria were written in BASIC. These programs plan diets to fill diet prescriptions using natural foods, available amino acid-free or restricted elemental products, milk or infant proprietary formulae and protein-free fat and carbohydrate sources. Emphasis is placed on satisfying the amino acid and protein prescriptions simultaneously. The final semisynthetic formula is evaluated for vitamins, minerals, renal solute load and renal net acid excretion. Fluid requirement is estimated. The paper describes how the conventional protocols are enhanced by computerization and details the requisite calculations.
Activity of bevacizumab (rhuMAB VEGF) in advanced refractory epithelial ovarian cancer.

Abstract Background. Angiogenesis is pivotal in the development and progression of ovarian cancer and is an ideal candidate for novel treatment approaches. Case. A case of advanced, recurrent and refractory serous carcinoma is presented that responded to bevacizumab 15 mg/m 2 intravenously every 3 weeks after failing eleventh line cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation. An objective durable response lasting at least 5 months was documented. Conclusion. Bevacizumab has activity in epithelial ovarian carcinoma and larger scale trials are indicated.
The Biological Basis for Seasonal Increments in Dental Cementum and Their Application to Archaeological Research

Abstract Cementum bands in teeth provide reliable and accurate data on the season of death of animals and their age of death. Controlled laboratory experiments on goats demonstrate that seasonal bands in cementum are caused by two different processes that are related primarily to seasonal variations in diet: (1) changes in the frequency and magnitude of strain from chewing different diets alter the orientation of collagen fibres in cementum; (2) changes in the nutritional status of animals cause variations in the relative mineralization of cementum bands that are deposited at different rates. In most animals, seasonal variations in diet and growth rate result in bands that differ in both collagen orientation and mineralization. In addition to presenting information about cementum biology, this paper also discusses basic techniques for preparing samples and for interpreting cementum increments from both modern and archaeological contexts.
Karst hydrology — A review☆

Abstract Karst regions of the world are characterized by limestones and other soluble rocks at or near land surface that have been modified by solutional erosion. Such surface features as sinks, long dry valleys, sparse streams, and bare rock and such subsurface features as caverns, arterial solution openings leading to large springs, and a deep water table are typical of karst terranes. These features result in an uneven distribution of permeability in karst systems and surface and subsurface hydrologic conditions that require special hydrogeologic studies. Local high permeability at shallow depth in mature karst regions leads to an ecology associated with a soilless and water-scarce surface environment. Many practical problems result from this high permeability, including: (1) scarcity and poor predictability of groundwater supplies; (2) scarcity of surface-water supplies; (3) instability of the ground; (4) leakage of surface reservoirs; and (5) an unreliable waste-disposal environment. Interest in karst hydrology has increased greatly in the past decade; this interest has resulted in the international exchange of numerous published reports on local areas and on special topical karst problems. Many of these reports have been used by the authors in preparing this paper, which synthesizes results of many workers and focuses attention on: (1) the development of karst features through hydrologic processes; and (2) hydrologic systems of karst terranes.