cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complexation of Plutonium(IV) with trans -1,2-Diaminocyclohexane- N , N , N ′, N ′-tetraacetic Acid (CDTA) in Acidic Solution

Understanding the interaction of Pu(IV) with complexing agents present in the nuclear fuel cycle is important for predicting the performance of used nuclear fuel separations. The complexation of Pu(IV) with trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (CDTA) was studied in acidic solutions of 0.10–0.50 mol·L−1 HClO4 with 1.00 mol·L−1 (Na,H)ClO4 total ionic strength by a liquid–liquid extraction method using tracer quantities of 238Pu. The acid dissociation constants of CDTA and the autoprotolysis constant of water were determined via potentiometric titrations in 0.10–2.00 mol·L−1 NaClO4 and 25.0 ± 0.1 °C. The variation of the dissociation constants with ionic strength was modeled with the Specific ion Interaction Theory (SIT) and the associated SIT parameters were obtained. The thermodynamic dissociation constants at zero ionic strength for water and CDTA were determined from this analysis as $${\text{p}}K_{\text{w}}^{\text{o}}$$ = 14.00 ± 0.03, $${\text{p}}K_{\text{a2}}^{\text{o}}$$ = 1.52 ± 0.04, $${\text{p}}K_{\text{a3}}^{\text{o}}$$ = 2.78 ± 0.05, $${\text{p}}K_{\text{a4}}^{\text{o}}$$ = 4.17 ± 0.04, $${\text{p}}K_{\text{a5}}^{\text{o}}$$ = 6.75 ± 0.02, and $${\text{p}}K_{\text{a6}}^{\text{o}}$$ = 10.64 ± 0.04 at 25.0 ± 0.1 °C. The results of the liquid–liquid extraction experiments indicated the formation of a 1:0:1 complex, PuCDTA0, and the presence of additional protonated species, Pu(HCDTA)+ and Pu(H2CDTA)2+, at these acidities. The corresponding stability constants in 1.00 mol·L−1 (Na,H)ClO4 and 23 ± 1 °C were determined to be log10 β101 = 24.2 ± 0.3, log10 β111 = 25.4 ± 0.2, and log10 β121 = 25.8 ± 0.1.
AORTIC ROOT/ASCENDING AORTOPATHY IN HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY PATIENTS UNDERGOING CARDIAC MAGNETIC RESONANCE

In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), we occasionally notice aortic root/ascending aortic (AR/AA) ectasia. In HCM patients undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), we sought to study factors associated with AR/AA ectasia. We studied 1423 consecutive HCM patients (≥18 years, 66±14 years, 60%
Where does the balance lie between doing what's right for our patients and patients' rights? Spinal cord stimulation in chronic pain smokers.

We would like to thank Drs Knezevic and Candio for the insightful questions raised in their recent article “Should Spinal Cord Stimulation Be Abandoned in Smoking Chronic Pain Patients?”[1][1] in response to our study entitled “The impact of tobacco cigarette smoking on spinal cord stimulation
The Role of Grain Boundaries in Determining the Transport Properties in Magnetite

We present magnetoresistance and Hall-effect measurements on single crystal magnetite Fe3O4 close to the Verwey transition Tv = 123.8 K. We show that the formation of grain boundaries accompanying the reduction in crystal symmetry plays a significant role in the electron scattering mechanism, and that grain boundaries can account for the apparent change in sign of the charge carriers below Tv.
Involuntary vs. voluntary flexible work: insights for scholars and stakeholders

ABSTRACTBuilding on insights from the early stages of our research partnership with a U.S. Fortune 500 organization, we came to differentiate between voluntary and involuntary schedule variability ...
Structural and solvent control over activation parameters for a pair of retro Diels-Alder reactions

We report the temperature dependent NMR of two Diels-Alder adducts of furan: one formed with maleic anhydride and the other with N-methylmaleimide. These adducts are the products of so-called ‘click’ reactions, widely valued for providing simple, reliable, and robust reactivity. Under our experimental conditions, these adducts undergo a retro Diels-Alder reaction and we use our temperature dependent NMR to determine the rates of these reactions at multiple temperatures—ultimately providing estimates of the activation parameters for the reversion. We repeat these measurements in three solvents. We find that, in all solvents, the barrier to reversion is larger for the adduct formed with N-methylmaleimide. The barrier to reversion for this adduct is relatively insensitive to changes in solvent while the adduct formed with maleic anhydride responds more strongly to changes in solvent polarity. The differences in reaction barrier and solvent dependence arises because the adduct formed with N-methylmalemide is more stable—leading to a larger barrier to reversion—while the adduct formed with maleic anhydride experiences a larger change in dipole during the reaction—leading to a larger solvent dependence.
Engaging patients and families to transform heart failure care.

For patients with advanced heart failure involvement as a member of the healthcare team is critical to safe, high-quality and goal-directed care. While recognized as an important aspect of care, pa...
Microstructure and Hardness of Porous Magnesium Processed by Powder Metallurgy Using Polystyrene as the Space Holder

Porous magnesium (Mg) with different overall porosities (4.1 ± 0.5, 6.1 ± 1.3,12.9 ± 3.3, and 19.0 ± 6.2%) were manufactured by powder metallurgy using polystyrene (PS) as the space holder. The samples were either hot pressed or cold pressed. Two types of PS were used to study the effect of molecular weight (Mw) of polymer space holder on properties of porous Mg. Porous Mg contained small amount of MgO. The utilization of lower Mw PS as the space holder introduced less amount of MgO into porous Mg. Average pore size increased from 2.0 ± 0.03 to 7.9 ± 3.3 µm with overall porosity increasing from 4.1 ± 0.5 to 19.0 ± 6.2%. Hardness of porous Mg decreased with overall porosity increasing. Using PS as the space holder, porous Mg by hot pressing route exhibited higher hardness than that by cold pressing route.
Enhanced Predictability of Eastern North Pacific Tropical Cyclone Activity Using the ENSO Longitude Index

Author(s): Balaguru, K; Patricola, CM; Hagos, SM; Leung, LR; Dong, L | Abstract: While El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influences eastern North Pacific (ENP) tropical cyclones (TCs) through a variety of atmospheric processes when examined concurrently, ocean pathways dominate at longer lead times. The eastward displacement of the warm pool during an El Nino, which carries warm water into the ENP basin, is the primary oceanic mechanism. Despite this, the question of whether an accurate knowledge of preseason ENSO conditions enhances predictability of ENP TCs has not been addressed specifically. In this study, we show that relative to traditional indices of ENSO, the ENSO Longitude Index (ELI) captures changes in the location of deep convection and associated thermocline processes more accurately. Consequently, the ELI explains more variability in the upper-ocean heat content, and thus TC activity, at lead times of several months in the ENP basin. These results motivate the need to further explore the predictability of ENP TCs associated withnENSO.
Moxifloxacin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Mediated by Moxifloxacin-Dependent IgM and IgG Antiplatelet Antibodies: A Case Report.

Moxifloxacin is a rare but important cause of drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia (DIT). We describe a patient who presented with an acute onset of severe thrombocytopenia complicated by petechial rash, epistaxis, and melena. Recent new drug exposures included moxifloxacin and two proton pump inhibitors. On presentation to the hospital, all recently initiated medications were discontinued and the patient's thrombocytopenia was treated with platelet transfusions, intravenous immunoglobulin, and high-dose corticosteroids. Her thrombocytopenia improved over the next seven days and she was discharged on hospital day 8. Serologic testing revealed strongly positive moxifloxacin-dependent IgM and IgG antiplatelet antibodies, confirming a diagnosis of moxifloxacin-induced immune thrombocytopenia. DIT has been reported with other fluoroquinolone antibiotics, especially ciprofloxacin. This case documents a rare but potentially fatal complication of exposure to moxifloxacin and is the first to demonstrate objective evidence of acute sensitization with IgM antibody positivity. It highlights the need to consider this potential reaction when choosing antibiotic therapy, particularly in patients who are at high risk for bleeding, have hematologic disorders, or are receiving myelosuppressive therapies, and perhaps in those with a history of multiple drug allergies.
Post-disaster reconstruction of transportation infrastructures: Lessons learned

Abstract The effectiveness of social and economic recovery of a society damaged by major disasters is significantly interrelated with pace of reconstruction of transportation infrastructures. If not managed delicately, post-disaster reconstruction of transportation infrastructures often encounters barriers that result in unexpected delays. An understanding of the impacts of barriers and adoption of mitigating strategies are required to successfully mitigate the adverse consequences of these barriers. In this study, (1) barriers to timely reconstruction of transportation infrastructures after natural disasters were identified; (2) strategies for alleviating the adverse impacts of each barrier were developed, and (3) preventive and corrective strategies were developed. A thorough literature review was performed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with subject matter experts (SMEs) to identify the barriers. A total of 14 potential barriers were identified and validated, and 26 mitigating strategies were developed and classified into categories of governance and planning, resource allocation and management, coordination and cooperation, and awareness enhancement. The strategies were then classified into preventive and corrective groups, based on their time of implementation. The results of the interviews showed that the SMEs considered resource allocation and management as the most important category. In addition, they indicated that resource management plays a key role in achieving effective reconstruction of transportation infrastructures. This research offers a foundation for further advancing studies on post-disaster reconstruction of transportation infrastructures. In addition, timely implementation of identified strategies will enhance effectiveness of reconstruction of disaster-affected areas.
249 Targeting IFNβ-regulated secretory profiles to overcome acquired anti-PD-L1 resistance

Background Therapeutic targeting of programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) has led to durable benefits for many cancer patients; however, the development of acquired resistance is common. Dysregulated type II interferon (IFN) signaling on tumor cells can contribute to resistance via altered expression of IFN stimulated genes (ISGs), which include cytokines and growth factors capable of immune-suppression and tumor promotion. However, the role of type I IFNs, including IFNα and IFNβ, in acquired resistance remain understudied. Here we examined the impact of chronic PD-L1 blockade to evaluate the role of IFN-related secretory changes in preclinical models of resistance. Methods Using a mouse breast EMT6 orthotopic tumor model, we selected PD-L1 drug resistant (PDR) cells from tumors initially responsive to PD-L1 blockade, but that later relapsed. Using transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, we evaluated secreted proteins associated with IFN signaling. To test for direct connections between PD-L1 and IFN signaling in secretory profile modulation, genetic and therapeutic disruption of PD-L1/IFNAR1 were conducted in vitro. Results We identified a unique gene signature for secreted proteins following acquired resistance to PD-L1 blockade that associated with IFN signaling. This secretory signature was validated using publicly available datasets derived from preclinical tumors and clinical biopsies after anti-PD-L1 treatment failure. Interestingly, genetic and antibody inhibition of PD-L1 in vitro enhanced PDR secretory signatures following IFNβ stimulation suggesting PD-L1 tumor-intrinsic functions may regulate IFN responses following acquired resistance. To test whether secretory profiles impact tumor growth, inhibition of specific ISGs (IL-6) or ISG regulators (IFNAR1) were examined and found to inhibit PDR tumors in vivo, compared to parental controls. Conclusions Together, these findings identify a secretory profile associated with acquired resistance to PD-L1 blockade that may be modulated, at least in part, by IFNβ. Selective targeting of secreted ISGs may provide a benefit for patients after anti-PD-L1 treatment failure.
A Middle School Student with Back Pain Due to a Heavy Backpack

Backpack use and weight have been suggested as possible causes of back pain in adolescents. Current literature reviews show that evidence is lacking to link backpack use and backpack characteristics with the increasing rates of adolescent back pain (Yamato, Br J Sports Med 52:1241–1245, 2018). Any association is more likely related to fatigue and loss of core/trunk stabilization strength when carrying a backpack for extended periods of time. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers recommendations on the proper use, fit, and weight of backpacks as a means to decrease strain on the adolescent spine.
Helicopter Parenting Versus Autonomy Supportive Parenting? A Latent Class Analysis of Parenting Among Emerging Adults and Their Psychological and Relational Well-Being:

We aim to identify typologies of parenting among emerging adults and describe how parenting typologies are related to their life satisfaction, self-efficacy, and parent-child relationship. Using a ...
Will It Play in Peoria? A Pilot Study of a Robotic Skills Curriculum for Surgical Oncology Fellows

To implement a mastery-based robotic surgery curriculum using virtual reality (VR) and inanimate reality (IR) drills at multiple Complex General Surgical Oncology (CGSO) fellowships. A prospective study of curriculum feasibility and efficacy was conducted at four CGSO fellowship sites. All sites had simulators, and kits were provided to perform 19 biotissue drills. Fellows from three non-UPMC sites (n = 15) in 2016–2018 were compared with fellows from University of Pittsburgh (UPMC; n = 15) where the curriculum was validated in 2014–2018. All fellows completed the pre- and post-test. There was no difference in pre-test scores between UPMC and non-UPMC sites. Only 7 of 15 non-UPMC fellows completed the VR curriculum (47% compliance) compared with all 15 UPMC fellows completing the VR curriculum (100% compliance). UPMC had higher curriculum times (217 versus 93 mins) and % mastery (86% versus 55%). Time spent on curriculum was associated with % mastery (p = 0.01). Both groups showed improvement between pre- and post-test. Post-test VR scores trended higher for UPMC (221 versus 180). Between the non-UPMC sites, there was a difference in compliance (p = 0.03) and % mastery (p = 0.03). Zero non-UPMC fellows performed the biotissue drills, while five contemporary UPMC fellows completed 253 biotissue drills. Approximately 140 UPMC faculty and 300 staff hours were spent on the pilot. A proficiency curriculum can result in improved robotic console skills. However, multiple barriers to implementation potentially exist, including availability of simulators, availability of a training robot, on-site support staff, and universal buy-in from fellows, faculty, and leadership.
Civil Procedure Law Professors' Brief Amicus Curiae in Support of Plaintiffs-Appellants, Douglass v. Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (5th Cir. No. 20-30382)

Amicus Curiae Brief on behalf of Professors Helen Hershkoff, Arthur R. Miller, Alan B. Morrison, John E. Sexton, and Adam N. Steinman This appeal raises an important question regarding Rule 4(k)(2) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which provides for personal jurisdiction for claims based on federal law when no state court would have jurisdiction. This brief argues that the district court mistakenly held that the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment, which applies to the federal courts, imposes the same constraints on federal courts as the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which applies to the state courts. In the view of amici, that ruling was not only in error, but, if upheld, would render Rule 4(k)(2) a virtual nullity. Amici provide the Court with a reading of Rule 4(k)(2) that properly authorizes jurisdiction for federal law claims when a non-US defendant does systematic and continuous business in the United States, and when that business relates generally to the plaintiffs’ claims, as is the case here.
Identification of Novel Interferon Stimulated Genes in Differentiated Hepatocytes

Pluripotent stem cells are being actively studied as a cell source for regenerating damaged liver. For long term survival of engrafting cells in the body, not only do the cells have to execute live...
The effect of visualization method on the performance of simulated microsurgery tasks

The operating microscopes may be a significant cause of fatigue and discomfort in surgeons. The need for the microscope to be placed over the operating field forces surgeons to remain at the microscope's eyepieces at an uncomfortable posture for the entirety of the surgery. This study compared the effects on microsurgical task performance for four visualization methods: a monocular microscope, a binocular microscope, a three-dimensional (3D) flat-panel television display and a two-dimensional (2D) flat-panel television display. Eleven subjects each performed two microsurgical tasks and their performance was documented by video camera. The statistical analysis performed indicated utilization of the microscope as a visualization method increased subject performance. No significant difference in performance between the 2D and stereoscopic visualization methods.
Best practices in NaF-PET/CT bone imaging in oncology

2502 Objectives PET/CT bone imaging with 18F-NaF is currently covered by Medicare through a Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) program. The objective was to determine the added value of utilizing 18F-NaF alongside new imaging technologies for castrate resistant prostate cancer patients that qualified for the 18F-NaF NOPR program. Methods The patient experience was reviewed from ordering of exam to image interpretation, focusing on enhancing patient satisfaction and incorporating new imaging technologies to current clinical practices. Current radiotracer availability was analyzed along with new emerging lines of therapy to assess demand moving forward. Results Total study time for the patient decreased from 3.5-4hrs (typical study duration using methylene diphosphonate (MDP)) to 1.5 hours by using 18F-NaF. Additionally, the use of continuous bed motion (CBM) acquisition, coupled with a time-of-flight (TOF) + point-spread-function (PSF) reconstruction, has decreased imaging time from 45 minutes to 28 minutes; resulting in an increase in patient satisfaction. Even though total radiation dose to the patient is higher with 18F-NaF (24.7 mSv) when compared to MDP (8.05 mSv), the enhanced spatial resolution and sensitivity of 18F-NaF has led to more accurate image interpretation and more complete staging of the patient9s disease process. Finally, recent global shortages of Tc-99m have caused alterations to clinical practices, increasing the demand for the more available 18F-NaF radiotracer. Conclusions By utilizing 18F-NaF instead of the less dependable MDP for skeletal imaging, we have saved our patients over 2 hours of time in the clinic. Incorporating CBM with TOF+PSF has decreased our imaging time to 28 minutes and vastly increased our patient satisfaction. Finally, higher spatial resolution has increased the accuracy of image interpretation and disease staging.
Filamentous capsulated streptococci from the human respiratory tract: chemical and immunochemical characterization of a glycoprotein capsular antigen of provisional binary capsular type 87.

The polysaccharide capsular antigen of the filamentous binary capsulated streptococcus of provisional type 87 and the polysaccharide capsular antigens of two pneumoccal strains transformed with deoxyribonucleic acid of streptococus type 87 have been purified and analyzed with regard to their component monosaccharides. The purified polysaccharides from the three strains were immunochemically identical. Each was found to contain rhamnose, glucose, galactose, galactosamine, and phosphate. Rhamnose was the immunodominant sugar.
Aesthetics of the Abstract and Explosive

To situate this inquiry— visualizing the riot —within South Africa is to take on an overload of imagery, a saturated field, and mechanisms of seeing and framing that risk topical exhaustion, cliched readings, or indiscriminate generalizations. Critical analysis of the dominant tropes of rioting in South Africa’s visual field, where rioting has powerful historic meaning and contemporary political agency, is overdue. Artists who take on visualizing the riot face multiple challenges, including being aesthetically pigeonholed (politically, nationally, or otherwise). Visualizing the riot in a landscape of complexity and contradiction, where one person’s protest is another’s art, is a delicate affair. The primary subject may be history, the riot, that which “incited” the riot, its visual aesthetic, or all these and more simultaneously. Does focus on the iconography of the riot displace or disenfranchise the realpolitik? Is this an art-historical question, or a matter of and for ethics and aesthetics?
An Investigation of the Construct Validity of the Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales

The construct validity of the Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales (PKBS) was examined using a sample of 94 Kindergarten students. Both convergent and discriminant validity were examined by c...
The impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxations in reversed vein grafts is associated with a reduced production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate.

Abstract The present study investigated the underlying mechanisms associated with the loss of responsiveness of veins grafted into the arterial circulation. In particular, the possibility that the altered response is related to modifications of the biologic properties of the vascular smooth muscle, of the endothelial cells or both was tested. Segments of jugular veins were grafted in the reverse position into the carotid arteries in rabbits. After 4 weeks the patent vein grafts and unoperated veins were removed, and endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine) and endothelium-independent (nitric oxide, SIN-1 [the active metabolite of molsidomine 32 ]) relaxations were studied in vitro. In unoperated veins, acetylcholine, nitric oxide, and SIN-1 induced a concentration-dependent relaxation in the presence and absence of the endothelium, respectively. These relaxations were associated with a time-dependent accumulation of guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP). Both relaxation and production of cyclic GMP were inhibited by methylene blue and hemoglobin. Unstimulated veins with endothelium had a significantly higher content of cyclic GMP than did preparations without endothelial cells. This difference was abolished by hemoglobin and methylene blue. In vein grafts acetylcholine induced only minor endothelium-dependent relaxations, whereas nitric oxide and SIN-1 evoked concentration-dependent relaxations in preparations without endothelium, which were shifted significantly to the right compared to unoperated veins. In vein grafts the endothelium-mediated production of cyclic GMP (basal and stimulated by acetylcholine) was significantly reduced when compared to that in unoperated veins, and that evoked by SIN-1 was not different. These results demonstrate that the production of endothelium-derived nitric oxide by endothelial cells is markedly impaired in vein grafts and also that the responsiveness of the smooth muscle is reduced, although to a smaller extent. These altered biologic responses of the grafted veins may contribute to graft failure. (J VASC SURG 1991;14:67-75.)
Using pedometers to measure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for youth with an intellectual disability.

Abstract Background Pedometers serve as one of the most feasible and cost-effective methods for frontline practitioners to measure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of youth with an intellectual disability (YwID) but, historically, pedometers have been unable to measure MVPA. Technological advancements now allow pedometers to measure MVPA via step frequency (steps per minute). Translating the output of this technology into practical information that frontline practitioners and families can use, however, will require accurate step frequency guidelines. Objective The purpose of this study was to identify steps per minute thresholds corresponding to MVPA for YwID. Methods Thirty-eight children and adolescents (10 girls, 11.8 ± 1.8 years) attending a summer camp for youth with an ID walked on a treadmill starting at 2.0 mph and increasing every 2 minutes by 0.5 mph until they reached 4.0 mph. Youth were affixed with a heart rate (HR) monitor. Steps were counted by trained observers using hand-tally counters. Data were collected during the final minute of each speed. HR at each speed was transformed into percentage of heart rate reserve (%HRR), using each participant's resting HR. Percentage of HRR corresponding to 40%HRR or higher was used to define MVPA. Random effects models were constructed to predict steps per minute from %HRR and participant characteristics. Results The results indicated that, on average, 122 steps·min−1 was the minimal threshold for MVPA. Height- and age-specific steps·min−1 ranged from 135 steps·min−1 to 112 steps·min−1. Conclusions These findings provide preliminary thresholds for steps per minute that frontline practitioners working with YwID can use to promote and evaluate MVPA in this population.
Tradition as process: creating contemporary tradition in a rural Norwegian school and community

This study is an investigation of tradition as process in a rural Norwegian school and community. Tradition is treated as having a real historical, a defined, and a living or contemporary level. Following the ideas of V.W. Turner, data on social dramas and harmonic processes are analyzed. The dramas yield the content of the defined tradition, a static polar paradigm of “the good old days” and the bad modern times. This defined tradition is found to be a strong influential factor in some of the harmonic processes which establish contemporary tradition. There are other processes in which the contribution of defined tradition is less potent and some in which it seems to be of little consequence. This analysis appears to indicate a dynamic heuristic approach to the question of how sociocultures persist through time.
The synthesis and assay of high specific activity of 14C-trimethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate

Abstract 14C-trimethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate (Meerwein's reagent) was synthesized by the exchange of 14C-dimethyl ether into triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate. Assays for both the concentration and specific activity of the oxonium salt were developed. The relative advantages of the methyl reagent over the ethyl reagent are discussed.
Women's Suffrage, Political Responsiveness, and Child Survival in American History

Women’s choices appear to emphasize child welfare more than those of men. This paper presents new evidence on how suffrage rights for American women helped children to benefit from the scientific breakthroughs of the bacteriological revolution. Consistent with standard models of electoral competition, suffrage laws were followed by immediate shifts in legislative behavior and large, sudden increases in local public health spending. This growth in public health spending fueled large-scale door-to-door hygiene campaigns, and child mortality declined by 8-15% (or 20,000 annual child deaths nationwide) as cause-specific reductions occurred exclusively among infectious childhood killers sensitive to hygienic conditions.
Genetic Population Structure of Migratory Moths: The Velvetbean Caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Genetic differentiation among populations of velvetbean caterpillars ( Anti-carsia gemmatalis Hubner) was examined to determine likely migratory pathways taken during invasion of the southeastern United States each summer. Specimens were collected from three sites in the southeastern United States in 1982 and 1983 and three sites in middle America in 1983. Nineteen of 28 enzyme loci surveyed electrophoretically were polymorphic. Single-pair crosses verified a Mendelian mode of inheritance for nine polymorphic loci exhibiting variation in the parents. Eight loci exhibited significant heterogeneity among populations. Populations collected in Louisiana and middle America were identical to each other at all loci but different from populations in South Carolina and Florida. Florida was most distinct. A rare allele analysis supported the divergence of the Florida population. Small genetic distances among populations suggest high levels of gene flow (and migration) within this species relative to other organisms. The pattern of differentiation suggests that southcentral United States populations may originate in Mexico rather than from overwintering populations in southern Florida.
The effect of aging on distraction osteogenesis in the rat.

Abstract The effect of age on bone formation in the limb lengthening model of distraction osteogenesis (DO) was investigated in two studies using Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats from two colonies at various ages (CAMM: 9 vs 24 months, Harlan: 4 vs 24 months). External fixators were placed on the right tibiae of 30 male SD rats (20 CAMM, 10 Harlan) and mid-diaphyseal osteotomies were performed. Distraction was performed at 0.2 mm bid for 20 days (CAMM) or 14 days (Harlan). The experimental (DO) and control (contra-lateral) tibiae were removed for high-resolution radiography and decalcified histology. Videomicroscopy was used to quantitate radiodensity, histology (matrix type) and relative areas of cell proliferation, which was identified by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunochemistry. Both studies demonstrated an age-related decrease in the percent mineralized bone (radiodensity) in the distraction gap (CAMM 9 vs 24 months: 68% vs 51%, P P P
Pharyngeal Colonization Dynamics of Haemophilus influenzae and Haemophilus haemolyticus in Healthy Adult Carriers

Haemophilus influenzae is an important cause of respiratory infections, including acute otitis media, sinusitis, and chronic bronchitis, which are preceded by asymptomatic H. influenzae colonization of the human pharynx. The aim of this study was to describe the dynamics of pharyngeal colonization by H. influenzae and an intimately related species, Haemophilus haemolyticus, in healthy adults. Throat specimens from four healthy adult carriers were screened for Haemophilus species; 860 isolates were identified as H. influenzae or H. haemolyticus based on the porphyrin test and on dependence on hemin and NAD for growth. Based on tests for hemolysis, for the presence of the 7F3 epitope of the P6 protein, and for the presence of iga in 412 of the isolates, 346 (84%) were H. influenzae, 47 (11%) were H. haemolyticus, 18 (4%) were nonhemolytic H. haemolyticus, and 1 was a variant strain. Carriers A and B were predominantly colonized with nontypeable H. influenzae, carrier C predominantly with b(-) H. influenzae mutants, and carrier D with H. haemolyticus. A total of 358 H. influenzae and H. haemolyticus isolates were genotyped by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) following SmaI or EagI digestion of their DNA, and the carriers displayed the following: carrier A had 11 unique PFGE genotypes, carrier B had 15, carrier C had 7, and carrier D had 10. Thus, adult H. influenzae and H. haemolyticus carriers are colonized with multiple unique genotypes, the colonizing strains exhibit genetic diversity, and we observed day-to-day and week-to-week variability of the genotypes. These results appear to reflect both evolutionary processes that occur among H. influenzae isolates during asymptomatic pharyngeal carriage and sample-to-sample collection bias from a large, variable population of colonizing bacteria.
Vascular Renin-Angiotensin System and Vascular Protection.

Vascular angiotensin plays an important role in the long-term regulation of the blood vessel function and structure. Angiotensin stimulates vascular smooth-muscle cell growth via the induction of protooncogene and autocrine growth factor gene expressions. In hypertension, atherosclerosis and restenosis, vascular angiotensin activity is increased and participates in the pathobiology of these vascular diseases. Experimental data demonstrate that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors can prevent vascular hypertrophy of hypertension, attenuate atherosclerosis, and inhibit neointimal hyperplasia of restenosis. Taken together, the data show that pharmacologic blockade of the vascular renin-angiotensin system may result in vascular protection
Skin resurfacing procedures: new and emerging options

The demand for skin resurfacing and rejuvenating procedures has progressively increased in the last decade and has sparked several advances within the skin resurfacing field that promote faster healing while minimizing downtime and side effects for patients. Several technological and procedural skin resurfacing developments are being integrated into clinical practices today allowing clinicians to treat a broader range of patients’ skin types and pathologies than in years past, with noteworthy outcomes. This article will discuss some emerging and developing resurfacing therapies and treatments that are present today and soon to be available.
Carbonate Breccia (Rauhwacke) Nappes of the Carson Sink Region, Nevada

Nappe piles of lower Mesozoic pelite in the Carson region of Nevada contain sheet-like carbonate complexes (breccia, unbrecciated masses, minor gypsum), referred to as carbonate breccia nappes and the rocks within them collectively as rauhwacke, after similar rocks in the Alpine chains. In the Carson region, rauhwacke occurs only in nappe piles of pelitic rocks, suggesting that nappe tectonics and rauhwacke origin were related. The largest and most thoroughly studied carbonate complex, the Muttlebury nappe, consists of masses of deformed carbonate rocks, 2 m to 10 km in outcrop length, that are irregularly distributed through dominant carbonate breccia. The breccia, largely polymict and massive but locally stratified, is probably of intraformational origin. It is argued that rauhwacke of the Muttlebury nappe and elsewhere in the Carson region is derivative from detached masses of the Jurassic Lovelock Formation. Gypsum in the Lovelock Formation is believed to have been partially calcitized, yielding marble, the most abundant lithology of the Muttlebury nappe. Breccia is proposed to have originated by dissolution of gypsum that escaped calcitization and by subsidence and collapse of the intercalated carbonate rocks. The Muttlebury nappe was emplaced as the sole of a thick pelite nappe, perhaps contemporaneously with solution brecciation. After emplacement, both nappes were folded with their substrate. It is hypothesized that translation of the nappe pair depended on the low strength of the gypsiferous proto-Muttlebury nappe. As gypsum dissolved, the rheologic contrast of the Muttlebury nappe and its surroundings diminished, and translation of the nappe pair was progressively hindered. Once the proportion of solution breccia was sufficient, further displacement was taken up by folding.
Reducing the Number of Variables in a Response Surface Approximation: Application to Thermal Design

Response surface approximations (RSA) are a common tool in engineering, often constructed based on finite element (FE) simulations. For some design problems, the FE models can involve a high number of parameters. However it is advantageous to construct the RSA as function of a small number of variables. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that a significant reduction in the number of variables needed for an RSA is possible through physical reasoning, dimensional analysis and global sensitivity analysis. This approach is demonstrated for a transient thermal problem, but it is applicable to any FE based surrogate model construction. The thermal problem considered is the design of an integrated thermal protection system (ITPS) for spacecraft reentry where an RSA of the maximum bottom face temperature was needed. The FE model used to evaluate the maximum temperature depended on 15 parameters of interest for the design: 9 thermal material properties and 6 geometric parameters of the ITPS panel. A small number of assumptions simplified the thermal equations allowing easy nondimensionalization, which together with a global sensitivity analysis showed that the maximum temperature mainly depends on only two nondimensional parameters. These were selected to be the design variables of the RSA for maximum temperature. The RSA was still fitted to the original non-simplified FE simulations. Having only two variables allowed a dense design of experiments thus providing a very good quality of fit. Consequently the major error remaining in the RSA is due to the fact that the two nondimensional variables account for only part (albeit the major part) of the dependence on the original 15 variables. This error was checked and good agreement was found. The two-dimensional nature of the RSA allowed graphical representation, which was used for material selection from among hundreds of possible materials for the design optimization of an ITPS panel.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Relation between use of antiinflammatory agents and left ventricular free wall rupture during acute myocardial infarction

Abstract In this retrospective study we examined the relation between corticosteroid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage in an autopsy series of patients with left ventricular (LV) free wall rupture during acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Improved healing of experimental defects in the canine mandible by grafts of decalcified allogenic bone.

Abstract Standardized surgical defects were made on the buccal surface of canine mandibles. Autologous and decalcified allogenic grafts of canine bone were placed in these defects and allowed to heal for a period of from 2 to 8 weeks. Histologic study revealed that the decalcified allogenic bone grafts underwent complete resorption which was accompanied by new bone formation. The autologous grafts maintained their viability, were not resorbed, and were accepted by the host tissues. Bone regeneration appeared to be somewhat more rapid in decalcified allogenic grafts as compared to autologous grafts. These results suggest that decalcified allogenic bone grafts should be studied in more detail, for they could be of use in the treatment of bony defects in the facial bones.
Molecular dynamics simulations of hydrophobic collapse of ubiquitin

Nine nonnative conformations of ubiquitin, generated during two different thermal denaturation trajectories, were simulated under nearly native conditions (62 degrees C). The simulations included all protein and solvent atoms explicitly, and simulation times ranged from 1-2.4 ns. The starting structures had alpha-carbon root-mean-square deviations (RMSDs) from the crystal structure of 4-12 A and radii of gyration as high as 1.3 times that of the native state. In all but one case, the protein collapsed when the temperature was lowered and sampled conformations as compact as those reached in a control simulation beginning from the crystal structure. In contrast, the protein did not collapse when simulated in a 60% methanol:water mixture. The behavior of the protein depended on the starting structure: during simulation of the most native-like starting structures (<5 A RMSD to the crystal structure) the RMSD decreased, the number of native hydrogen bonds increased, and the secondary and tertiary structure increased. Intermediate starting structures (5-10 A RMSD) collapsed to the radius of gyration of the control simulation, hydrophobic residues were preferentially buried, and the protein acquired some native contacts. However, the protein did not refold. The least native starting structures (10-12 A RMSD) did not collapse as completely as the more native-like structures; instead, they experienced large fluctuations in radius of gyration and went through cycles of expansion and collapse, with improved burial of hydrophobic residues in successive collapsed states.
Antiplatelet therapies: from aspirin to GPIIb/IIIa-receptor antagonists and beyond.

Abstract This review discusses recent advances in antiplatelet therapies, comparative analysis between the antiplatelet/ antithrombotic efficacy of various antiplatelet strategies and that of platelet glycoprotein GPIIb/IIIa-receptor antagonists, issues in the development of chronic anti-GPIIb/IIIa-receptor therapy and potential adjunct strategies using GPIIb/IIIa-receptor antagonists. Acute coronary syndromes are secondary to unstable angina, ST-segment elevation, and acute myocardial infarction. These involve the rupture of a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, leading to platelet adhesion, activation and aggregation at the site of rupture. Several studies suggest that complex or ulcerated plaques, which might promote further thrombotic events, can persist for more than one month after the acute event. These data suggest the potential added benefit of chronic oral therapy with antiplatelet drugs beyond the well-documented benefit of acute intravenous use of various GPIIb/IIIa-receptor antagonists. However the efficacy–safety ratio or the risk–benefit ratio for chronic oral antiplatelet therapy needs to be defined. Both aspirin and clopidogrel are available for chronic oral use. By contrast, there are tremendous challenges ahead with the oral GPIIb/IIIa-receptor antagonists because of their lack of expected benefit over aspirin. However, much still remains to be defined with regard to the optimization of current and future antiplatelet therapies or their optimized combinations.
Semantic grasping: Planning robotic grasps functionally suitable for an object manipulation task

We design an example based planning framework to generate semantic grasps, stable grasps that are functionally suitable for specific object manipulation tasks. We propose to use partial object geometry, tactile contacts, and hand kinematic data as proxies to encode semantic constraints, which are task-related constraints. We introduce a semantic affordance map, which relates local geometry to a set of predefined semantic grasps that are appropriate to different tasks. Using this map, the pose of a robotic hand can be estimated so that the hand is adjusted to achieve the ideal approach direction required by a particular task. A grasp planner is then used to generate a set of final grasps which have appropriate stability, tactile contacts, and hand kinematics along this approach direction. We show experiments planning semantic grasps on everyday objects and executing these grasps with a physical robot.
X-ray spectra of F-like, O-like, and N-like barium from an electron-beam ion trap.

An electron-beam ion trap has been used to study the spectra of highly ionized barium. Spectra of N-, O-, and F-like barium were produced by 10-keV electron-impact excitation and ionization and were observed using a von Hamos crystal spectrometer. Calibration lines were obtained by injection of Ti, V, Cr, and Zn into the trap and observation of H- and He-like transitions. A number of lines were identified for each of the ionization stages, and their energies were measured with a typical accuracy of about 150 ppm. These measurements have been compared to calculations using a multiconfigurational Dirac-Fock code. Agreement with the data is best for the F-like transitions, and diminishes for transitions in the more highly charged ions.
Intelligent Planning for Developing Mobile IoT Applications Using Cloud Systems

IoT (Internet of Things) is increasingly becoming more popular mainly due to the fact that almost all the smart devices nowadays are network enabled to facilitate many current and emerging applications. However, some important issues still need to be addressed before fully realizing the potential of IoT applications. One of the most important issues is to have effective approaches to planning various device actions to satisfy user requirements efficiently and securely in mobile IoT applications. A mobile IoT application can be composed of mobile cloud systems and devices, such as wearable devices, smart phones and smart cars. In this type of systems, mobile networks with elastic resources from various mobile clouds are effective to support IoT applications. In this paper an effective approach to intelligent planning for mobile IoT applications is presented. This approach includes a learning technique for dynamically assessing the users' mobile IoT application and a MDP (Markov Decision Process) planning technique for enhancing efficiency of IoT device action planning. Simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of our approach.
Anemia and blood transfusion in trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Background: Anemia is a common occurrence in the intensive care unit (ICU). Although resuscitation, including the use of blood, is a mainstay of early treatment of trauma victims, the safety and efficacy of red blood cell(RBC) transfusion has come under scrutiny recently. The issue of blood use in critically injured patients requires evaluation. Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of a subset of trauma patients (≥18 years in age) from a prospective, multicenter, observational, cohort study in the United States. Patients were enrolled within 48 hours after ICU admission and followed for up to 30 days, or until hospital discharge or death. Results: Five hundred seventy-six patients from 111 ICUs in 100 hospitals were enrolled between August 2000 and April 2001. At baseline, mean age was 44.1 ′ 20.2 years, 73.6% were men, and mean APACHE II score was 16.9 ′ 8.2. Mean baseline hemoglobin was 11.1 ′ 2.4 g/dL and patients remained anemic throughout the study either with or without transfusion; 55.4% of patients were transfused (mean, 5.8 ′ 5.5 units) during the ICU stay and 43.8% of patients had an ICU length of stay ≥ 7 days. Mean pretransfusion hemoglobin was 8.9 ′ 1.8 g/dL. Mean age of RBCs transfused was 20.1 ′ 11.4 days. As compared with the full study population, patients in the trauma subset were more likely to be transfused and received an average of 1 additional unit of blood. Conclusion: Anemia is common in critically injured trauma patients and persists throughout the duration of critical illness. These patients receive a large number of RBC transfusions during their ICU course with aged blood.
Nonlinear traveling waves in a helical wiggler free-electron laser.

Nonlinear electromagnetic wave propagation is investigated in a system consisting of a relativistic, cold-electron beam propagating through a helical wiggler magnetic field. By transforming to wiggler coordinates and introducing the traveling-wave ansatz, a set of three, coupled, nonlinear ordinary differential equations is derived which describes nonlinear wave propagation in the system. In the Compton-regime limit, the number of differential equations reduces to two. These equations are particularly useful for studying nonlinear saturated states of the free-electron-laser instability, corresponding to values of the dimensionless phase speed (\ensuremath{\beta}=u/c) that are less than the dimensionless beam speed (${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{b}$=${V}_{0}$/c).
On The Calculation Of Flow Parameters In An Image Sequence

When an object moves relative to a sensor, the motion of its image in the image plan produces an image flow field. The calculation of image flow which involves obtaining a velocity vector at each pixel is considered very important in the area of robot vision. This paper introduces a method for the calculation of optical flow generated by the motion of planar objects under orthographic projection. The proposed method consists of two phases. In the first phase an interpolation technique is introduced to obtain the correspondence of dense feature points. In the second phase a least squares method is used to estimate the optical flow parameters from the corresponding point pairs obtained in the first phase.