cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gadolinium-based contrast agents in pediatric magnetic resonance imaging

Gadolinium-based contrast agents can increase the accuracy and expediency of an MRI examination. However the benefits of a contrast-enhanced scan must be carefully weighed against the well-documented risks associated with administration of exogenous contrast media. The purpose of this review is to discuss commercially available gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) in the context of pediatric radiology. We discuss the chemistry, regulatory status, safety and clinical applications, with particular emphasis on imaging of the blood vessels, heart, hepatobiliary tree and central nervous system. We also discuss non-GBCA MRI contrast agents that are less frequently used or not commercially available.
Leveling the playing field: The use of Twitter by politicians during the 2014 Indian general election campaign

In this study, it is theorized that the communicative affordances offered by social media platforms will enable politically under-resourced candidates to contest the marginalization they face in traditional media. Multivariate analyses were conducted of the tweets of 205 political candidates of the 2014 Indian general election. Findings reveal that fringe party candidates received the least media attention and tended to use Twitter more frequently than major party candidates, especially for interaction and mobilization. Minor party candidates also received less media attention, albeit their Twitter usage patterns were not significantly different than major party candidates. The results illustrate that social media platforms can help overcome resource inequality in politics. The larger implications of this study are discussed.
CMOS Scaling Trends and Beyond

Scaling transistors and following Moore’s law have served the industry well for more than 50 years in providing integrated circuits that are denser, cheaper, higher performance, and lower power. And despite occasional reports of its demise, Moore’s law is alive and well. But progress in scaling CMOS has not come easily. We’ve had to continually invent and introduce new materials and new device structures to deliver the performance, power, and cost improvements expected of each new technology generation. This article describes trends in CMOS scaling over the past decade and discusses some of the new device options and technology directions being explored to continue scaling into the future.
Adaptive Finite Element Solution of the Porous Medium Equation in Pressure Formulation

A lack of regularity in the solution of the porous medium equation poses a serious challenge in its theoretical and numerical studies. A common strategy in theoretical studies is to utilize the pressure formulation of the equation where a new variable called the mathematical pressure is introduced. It is known that the new variable has much better regularity than the original one and Darcy's law for the movement of the free boundary can be expressed naturally in this new variable. The pressure formulation has not been used in numerical studies. The goal of this work is to study its use in the adaptive finite element solution of the porous medium equation. The MMPDE moving mesh strategy is employed for adaptive mesh movement while linear finite elements are used for spatial discretization. The free boundary is traced explicitly by integrating Darcy's law with the Euler scheme. Numerical results are presented for three two-dimensional examples. The method is shown to be second-order in space and first-order in time in the pressure variable. Moreover, the convergence order of the error in the location of the free boundary is almost second-order in the maximum norm. However, numerical results also show that the convergence order of the method in the original variable stays between first-order and second-order in the $L^1$ norm or between 0.5th-order and first-order in the $L^2$ norm. Nevertheless, the current method can offer some advantages over numerical methods based on the original formulation for situations with large exponents or when a more accurate location of the free boundary is desired.
On Conditional Homomorphisms and Semi-Norms on Banach Groups and the Unification of Operator Theory and Measure Theory

The formal similarity between certain theorems in operator theory and measure theory, e.g. between the Banach-Steinhaus and Vitali-Hahn-Saks theorems, is well-known. This paper outlines a demonstration that such formally similar results in the two subjects are in fact corollaries, if not special cases, of the same general theorems.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Bacillus sp. Strains and Four Cellulomonas sp. Strains Isolated from Heavy-Metal-Contaminated Soil.

ABSTRACT We present the draft genome sequence for Bacillus sp. strain PF3, Bacillus sp. strain K6W, Cellulomonas sp. strain B12, Cellulomonas sp. strain K38, Cellulomonas sp. strain K39, and Cellulomonas sp. strain K42B. These bacteria were isolated from contaminated soils, and their genomes contain genes related to chromate transport and reduction.
Factors influencing participation in physical activity after dysvascular amputation: a qualitative meta-synthesis

Purpose: Identifying factors associated with physical activity after dysvascular lower limb amputation (LLA) could provide targets for improving rehabilitation outcomes. The purpose of this meta-synthesis was to identify modifiable factors that may influence physical activity after LLA, a condition characterized by amputation in the setting of older age, diabetes mellitus (DM), and/or peripheral artery disease (PAD).Methods: A systematic search of the literature identified qualitative studies exploring the perceptions of physical activity in people with lower limb amputation, older age, DM, or PAD. Qualitative rigor was assessed using the McMaster University's Guidelines for Qualitative Review. Meta-synthesis was undertaken to analyze the findings of included studies.Results: Fourteen studies of variable methodological quality were included for analysis. Three overarching factors that may influence physical activity after LLA emerged: 1) educational experiences and motivation, 2) support and self-efficacy, and 3) special concerns after lower limb amputation (e.g., prosthesis, equipment, and environment).Conclusions: Physical activity after LLA is influenced by relationships among health understanding, motivation, support, and self-efficacy in the presence of disability. Themes from this meta-synthesis can be used to develop and test behavior-based interventions to improve physical activity after LLA.Implications for rehabilitationPhysical activity participation after dysvascular lower limb amputation is complicated by the presence of chronic conditions, severe disability, and unaddressed psychosocial factors.Addressing a patient's self-efficacy, social support, motivation, and understanding during physically focused rehabilitation may improve participation in physical activity after dysvascular lower limb amputation.Rehabilitation professionals can address self-efficacy, motivation, and understanding by using collaborative, empathetic communication strategies known to enhance a patient's sense of support.
Validation of the NCI Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool for baseline advanced neoplasia in a veterans cohort.

521Background: Tailoring screening strategy to colorectal cancer (CRC) risk may improve efficiency for all stakeholders. We applied the National Cancer Institute (NCI) CRC Risk Assessment Tool, whi...
Quality of YouTube videos for patient education on how to use asthma inhalers

Methods The website YouTube.com was queried for the search phrase “how to use asthma inhaler”. The resulting videos were assessed for duration, number of views, number of likes and dislikes, source of video, and content. Content was analyzed for proper inhaler usage. Specifically, videos were assessed whether they discussed the following 9 important steps of inhaler use: removing the cap, priming the inhaler, shaking the inhaler, breathing out before inhaler use, dispensing the medication, taking a deep/slow breath (or several breaths in the pediatric patient using a spacer), holding one’s breath (unless patient took several breaths with a spacer), waiting before taking a repeat dose, and rinsing the mouth after inhaler use.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Spinal Metastases

MIS approaches may reduce the risk of perioperative morbidity compared to traditional open approaches and offer benefit to pathologic fracture patients with advanced systemic disease and higher perioperative risk who might not tolerate more extensive intervention. MIS techniques facilitate the return to early systemic and radiation therapy. MIS techniques must be implemented with a clear understanding of the surgical goals and without compromising the ability to safely accomplish them.
DefeXtiles: 3D Printing Quasi-Woven Fabric via Under-Extrusion

We present DefeXtiles, a rapid and low-cost technique to produce tulle-like fabrics on unmodified fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers. The under-extrusion of filament is a common cause of print failure, resulting in objects with periodic gap defects. In this paper, we demonstrate that these defects can be finely controlled to quickly print thinner, more flexible textiles than previous approaches allow. Our approach allows hierarchical control from micrometer structure to decameter form and is compatible with all common 3D printing materials. In this paper, we introduce the mechanism of DefeXtiles, establish the design space through a set of primitives with detailed workflows, and characterize the mechanical properties of DefeXtiles printed with multiple materials and parameters. Finally, we demonstrate the interactive features and new use cases of our approach through a variety of applications, such as fashion design prototyping, interactive objects, aesthetic patterning, and single-print actuators.
From blocked flows to suppressed emotions: the life of a trope

Internal blockages and build-ups cause disease: traditionally, this principle seemed intuitive both to professionals and the laity, explained conditions as diverse as melancholy and scurvy (among many others), and justified the use of evacuative treatments to get rid of noxious matter. With the collapse of humoral medicine and the establishment of the concept of specific causation, one might have expected time-honoured tropes of obstruction to die off. They did not die off, but moved with the times and adapted to new conditions. Emphasis swung from the noxious character of retained substances to the harms of suppressed urges and emotions—harms including disabling maladjustments as a result of sexual inhibition, and cancer as a result of emotional inhibition. In both cases the causal mechanisms resemble traditional blockages. Theories of noxious inhibitions or psychological blocks, which have a familiar and perhaps even intuitive sound because they have so much history behind them, can easily lead patients into fanciful methods of prevention and treatment.
Activation for Newly Learned Words in Left Medial-Temporal Lobe During Toddlers’ Sleep is Associated with Word Learning

Infants and toddlers amass a lexicon at a rapid pace and the extent of this development is a strong predictor of important future outcomes, including educational achievements. However, little is known about the neural substrates that support early vocabulary learning. Hippocampal and anterior medial-temporal (MTL) processes have been recently hypothesized to support memory for the initial association between new words and their referents, but this hypothesis has not been tested during early child development, when a more dominant role of cortical learning has also been proposed. We assessed 2-year-olds (N = 38) for their memory of newly learned pseudo-words associated with novel objects and puppets. We tested memory for these associations after a 20-minute and a one-week delay. We then played these pseudo-words, previously known words, and completely novel pseudo-words during natural nocturnal sleep, while collecting functional magnetic resonance imaging data. We found that activation in the left hippocampus and left anterior MTL for newly learned words was associated with memory for puppet names at the 20-minute delay, and activation in these same regions for known words compared to novel words was associated with memory for the puppet names at the one-week delay. In addition, activation for newly learned words was associated with productive vocabulary, underscoring that existing vocabulary might support the engagement of hippocampal and MTL mechanisms during learning of new words.
National Internet-Based Survey of the Use, Barriers, Reasons and Beliefs of Mind-Body Practices During the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The purpose of this study was to learn about the use, barriers, reasons and beliefs regarding mind-body practices among adults living in the United States during the beginning months of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. An on-line survey was developed following the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet e-Surveys (CHERRIES) guidelines and using the online survey software program, Qualtrics® XM, platform. Pilot testing of the survey was conducted for usability and functionality. The final 24-item survey was distributed via email and social media. A total of 338 adults responded to the survey, with 68.8% indicating that they participated in mind-body activities since the start of the pandemic. Physical activity was the most frequently (61.5%, n = 227) used mind-body practice. Further, 2 of the common barriers to engaging in mind-body practices were lack of motivation and wandering mind. Frequently listed reasons for using mind-body practices were to promote health, reduce stress and relaxation. Respondents believed that mind-body practices resulted in less stress. These findings may be applicable for reducing psychological stress related to the pandemic, as the pandemic continues to impact many areas of the United States.
Late Woodland in the Kansas City Locality

14WY8, situated near Edwardsville, Kansas, is a single-component site representative of terminal Kansas City Hopewell. Comparisons with other components with similar artifact assemblages, which are radiocarbon dated, demonstrates this terminal period to be from ca. A.D. 500 to A.D. 800, and equivalent to early Late Woodland in the Illinois River Valley. Settlement and sub sistence changes are not recognizable at this time, but do occur between A.D. 800 and A.D. 1000, perhaps as reflection of the adoption of agriculture as important to the subsistence base during the late Late Woodland period.
Immunofluorescence techniques in cell cycle studies

A major goal in the study of cell cycle division, as in any area of cell biology, is to define the function of each cellular component and its interplay with other factors. Immunofluorescence microscopy allows the study of the abundance and subcellular localization of any protein throughout the cell cycle, and thus provides important information towards an understanding of their role. This technique combines the sensitivity of fluorescent probes with the spatial resolution of the light microscope and the specificity of antibodies. Several different fluorescent probes can be selectively detected in a mixture of molecules due to their distinct and characteristic excitation and emission wavelengths. By choosing different color fluorophores, simultaneous detection of multiple antigens within a cell is possible providing a direct means of comparing their relative spatial and temporal distribution.
Bile acid chenodeoxycholate activation of Cl- transport involves epidermal growth factor receptor signal transduction in human colonic T84 cells (908.4)

A role for EGFR signaling in BA action has been well described in colon cancer, but not as well in BA induced Cl- secretion. Our preliminary report (EB LB 10695, ‘13) showed that the EGFR inhibitor, AG1478, reduced CDCA (500 µM) mediated Cl- secretion by 69%, measured as short circuit current (Isc, µA.cm-2), in T84 cells. Here we aim to further elucidate this mechanism. To determine if BA action involves matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), CDCA (500 µM) was added to T84 cells ± batimastat (BAT, 20 µM, 30’). CDCA itself increases Isc in 2-3’ and the effect is sustained for > 20’. BAT inhibited the sustained phase (∆Isc: CDCA: 11.6±1.4; +BAT: 3.9±2.6, n=3). Interestingly the PKA inhibitor H89 has a similar effect (∆Isc: CDCA: 21±4.6; +H89 (30 µM): 1±0.3, n=5), suggesting that EGF and cAMP are involved in sustaining CDCA-stimulated secretion. The distal steps of EGFR action do not involve Src or MEK as their respective inhibitors PP2 (10 µM, n=3), and PD98059 (20 µM, n=3) did not alter CDCA-induced Isc. Immunob...
Electrocyclic reactions of tetraenes: Influence of terminal substituents

Abstract Conjugated tetraenes with both central double bonds of cis configuration undergo a series of thermal reactions, the observable products being markedly dependent on the nature of the terminal substituents. Dimethyl 2E,4Z,6Z,8E-decatetraene-1,10-dioate ( 16 ) was prepared and found to cyclize readily at 50° to trans dimethyl 2,4-bicyclo[4.2.0)octadiene-6,7-dicarboxylate ( 18 ). This reaction proceeds to equilibrium, and the rates and equilibrium constants at the indicated temperatures are: 3.0 × 10 -5 sec -1 −40°; 8.2 × 10 -5 sec -1 , 16.0,50°; −10.0,75°; −7.47,100° with the equilibrium favoring ( 18 ). A sample of 1,8-diphenyl-1E,3Z,5Z;7E-octatetraene ( 1 ) showed no reaction below 120°, and at 175° all trans 1,8-diphenyl-octatetraene, cis and trans stilbenes, trans -5-phenyl-6( cis -styryl)-1,3-cyclohexadiene cis -5-phenyl-6-( trans -styryl)-1,3-cyclohexadiene, and cis and trans 6,8-diphenyl-tricyclo[3.2.1.0 2.7 ]oct-3-enes were formed. At 100° in the presence of excess dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate 1 gave dimethyl trans -3,4-diphenyltricyclo[4.2.2.0 2.5 ]deca-6,9-dien-6,7-dicarboxylate. Finally 1,4-di(1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1,3-batadiyne, hydrogenated over a Lindlar catalyst, gave only tricyclo[10.4.0.0 6,11 ]hexadeca-1,3,5-triene.
Explaining temporal variation in above-ground productivity in a mesic grassland: the role of climate and flowering

Summary 1. Annual above-ground net primary productivity (ANPP) in mesic grasslands is known to be highly temporally variable. While yearly precipitation or average yearly temperature can explain some of this temporal variability, much of the variation in ANPP remains unexplained. 2. Here we address the heretofore unexplained variation in 25 years of productivity data from a mesic grassland at Konza Prairie (north-eastern Kansas) by examining the effects of precipitation and temperature during periods relevant to the phenology and growth cycle of the dominant C4 grasses and the flowering stalk production of these species. We assessed both the direct effects and indirect effects via flowering of phenologically relevant climate periods on ANPP using structural equation modelling (SEM). 3. We found ANPP to be strongly positively influenced by flowering stalk production of the dominant C4 grasses, precipitation during periods relevant to vegetative growth (15 April–14 July) and flowering stalk elongation (15 July–14 August) of the dominant grasses, and fire. In addition, flowering stalk production was negatively influenced by high temperatures during the flowering stalk elongation period, which therefore resulted in a negative indirect effect on ANPP. We found little evidence for the effects of the previous year’s total annual precipitation or mean annual temperature on ANPP. 4. By including flowering stalk production and separating climate variables into phenologically relevant periods we were able to increase the percentage of observed variance in ANPP explained by six models, relating to different topographic positions and burn regimes, from an average of 22% to 48%, with the best model explaining 61% of variation in ANPP. 5. Synthesis. The link between climatic periods relevant to the phenology and growth of dominant C4 grasses, flowering stalk production of these grasses and ANPP shown here improves our ability to predict productivity in mesic grasslands, an ecologically and economically important ecosystem.
Against the Anthropocene. A Neo-Materialist Perspective

The dawning realization that the planet may have entered a new geological epoch called the Anthropocene could prove transformative. However, over the course of its brief history, the Anthropocene concept has often been framed in ways that reinforce, rather than challenge, the conventional modernist belief in a clear dividing line between human culture and a largely passive natural world, sharply limiting the concept’s potential utility. Reflecting the overestimation of human agency and power inevitably implied by a term that is often popularly translated as the ‘Age of Humans’, some have already begun to argue that powerful humans can be trusted to create a so-called ‘Good Anthropocene’ through massive geo-engineering projects. No deeper re-examination of the human relationship to the planet is thus necessary or desired. By contrast, this article draws on emerging neo-materialist theory to suggest a radically different approach that emphasizes the ways in which humans and their cultures have been created by and with a powerful material environment. The technologies of the thermo-industrial revolution are framed not so much as evidence of human power, but as evidence that the material world has a much greater power to shape human minds, cultures, and technologies than has heretofore been recognized by most scholars. From a neo-materialist perspective, the new geological epoch might be better termed the Carbocene: an age of powerful carbon-based fuels that have helped to create ways of thinking and acting that humans now find exceedingly difficult to escape. Might a more humble and cautious view of a creative and potentially dangerous planet offer a more effective means of spurring progress in combating global climate change than the misleading anthropocentrism inherent in a term like the Anthropocene?
The localization of a non-tranquilizer phenothiazine in the dog cerebellum and associated areas☆

Abstract It was shown earlier that thiethylperazine (TPZ), a potent antiemetic, antinauseant drug, exhibited a markedly different spectrum of localization in dog brain from the tranquilizer phenothiazines, chlorpromazine and prochlorperazine. TPZ's localization in the cerebellar areas was particularly striking. A closer inquiry into the localization of TPZ among cerebellar areas has been made in an investigation of the possible correlation between sites of action and concentration among phenothiazines. Qualitative and quantitative determinations of the presence of the drug in lingula, flocculus, nodulus, uvula, posterior cortex and fastigial nucleus, as well as in restiform body and area of the vestibular nuclei, was made 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 min after i.v. administration of the drug. The flocculus and nodulus never demonstrated detectable drug. The cerebellar cortex and lingula exhibited low concentrations, and the fastigial nucleus, restiform body, and vestibular nuclear area exhibited highest concentrations. The three last-named areas are generally concerned with cerebellovestibular fibers, and this may underline the mechanism of action of this drug.
Direct execution models of processor behavior and performance

This paper discusses a modeling technique for creating efficient instruction level simulation models of von Neumann processors. In contrast to traditional approaches which use a software interpreter, this technique employs direct execution of application programs on the host computer. An assembly language program for the target machine is decompiled to a high level language, instrumented, and then recompiled and executed on the host computer. A prototype implementation modeling the Motorola MC68010 microprocessor is described, and the efficiency and accuracy of this prototype is reported. It is demonstrated that the direct execution technique can be used to produce highly accurate simulation models which are orders of magnitude faster than register transfer level simulators.
Numerical Simulation of Distribution Characteristics of Electromagnetic Field for Round Billet with Mold Electromagnetic Stirring

A three-dimensional mathematical model of mold electromagnetic stirring (M-EMS) for round billet was established. Based on Maxwell’s equations, the distribution of electromagnetic field was solved by ANSYS software. Different process parameters’ influence on magnetic flux density and electromagnetic force (EMF) was studied. The results show that the magnetic flux density reaches the maximum at the stirrer center in the axis direction and increases with the increasing distance from the circle center on the cross section of the stirrer center. The tangential EMF is symmetric about the circle center and reaches the maximum at the edge of round billet. Both the magnetic flux density and the tangential EMF increase with the increasing current intensity. With the increasing current frequency, the magnetic flux density decreases, while the tangential EMF increases in the applied range of current frequency for M-EMS.
Surgical management of aortitis with early aneurysmal dilation.

Background Aortitis is a rare and serious condition that requires expedient surgical evaluation. Diagnosis is generally made by computed tomography (CT). Surgery is most often performed when significant aneurysmal changes have already occurred. Outcomes of early surgical management of aortitis with early aneurysmal dilation have not been reported previously. Methods A retrospective review of open abdominal aortic repairs performed from 1999 to 2009 at a single center was done from a prospectively collected database. Patients with a confirmed radiographic appearance of aortitis and treated surgically were selected. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data of patients with aortitis showing early aneurysmal changes (aortic diameter 4-cm aortic diameters and with prosthetic aortic grafts were excluded. Results During the observation period, 421 open abdominal aortic repairs were performed. Of these, 10 (2.4%) were identified as having primary aortitis without significant aneurysmal changes. The mean age of the patients was 62 (range 48–77) years. There were 6 (60%) men and 4 (40%) women in the cohort. Four patients (40%) had culture-negative aortitis, whereas 6 (60%) had positive microbial cultures at the time of diagnosis. Paravisceral involvement was seen in 8 (80%) cases. All patients underwent in situ repair with aortic homografts. Mean operative time was 348 minutes and mean estimated blood loss was 2475 mL. Median follow-up time was 23.1 months with a range of 1.7–51.4 months. Operative mortality was 0%, and 1 late death occurred at 23 months postoperatively. There were 9 significant in-hospital (30-day) events occurring in 5 patients, including 3 cardiovascular events, 2 pulmonary events, 3 acute renal failures, and 1 deep surgical site infection. Conclusions Aortitis is an uncommon indication for aortic repair. Infectious aortitis is most commonly confirmed by microbiologic studies, but a significant number of cases have no demonstrable microbial source. Outcomes after early surgical management for aortitis with small aneurysms demonstrated improved mortality when compared with series reviewing outcomes in aortitis patients with large mycotic aneurysms.
Synthesis, spectroscopy, structure, and reactivity of bis-azapentadienyl–ruthenium–phosphine complexes [1]

Abstract We report the synthesis, spectroscopy, structure, and reactivity of the first examples of bis-azapentadienyl–ruthenium complexes. The parent compound, [(1,2,3-η3)-(5-tert-butylazapentadienyl)]2Ru(PPh3)2 (1), is produced by reacting Cl2Ru(PPh3)3 with two equivalents of potassium tert-butylazapentadienide. Treatment of 1 with CNCMe3, P(OMe)3, PMe3, or PEt3 (L) in THF at room temperature yields single-ligand substitution products [(1,2,3-η3)-(5-tert-butylazapentadienyl)]2Ru(PPh3)(L) (2, L = CNCMe3; 3, L = P(OMe)3; 4, L = PMe3; 5, L = PEt3), and the double-ligand substitution product, [(1,2,3-η3)-(5-tert-butylazapentadienyl)]2Ru(PEt3)2 (6). Other double-ligand substitution products, [(1,2,3-η3)-(5-tert-butylazapentadienyl)]2Ru(L)2 (7, L = PMe3; 8, L = P(OMe)3), are obtained when 1 is treated with PMe3 or P(OMe)3 in THF at reflux. Compounds 7 and 8 exist in solution as equilibrium mixtures of two structural isomers. Electron-rich compounds 6 and 7 react with triflic acid to generate dicationic products,{[(1,2,3-η3)-(CH2CHCHCH N(H)(CMe3)]2Ru(L)2}2+(−O3SCF3)2 (9, L = PEt3; 10, L = PMe3), in which both azapentadienyl nitrogen atoms have been protonated. All of the compounds reported herein have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and the structures of 2, 3, 4, 6, and 9 have been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Water Deprivation and Trichloroethylene

Rats with implanted hypothalamic electrodes were trained to press a lever for electrical brain stimulation during a daily 30 minute test period. In rats continuously deprived of water for three days, the rate of lever-pressing declined slightly on the first day but remained at that level during the next two days. Exposure of nondehydrated rats to high concentrations of trichloroethylene during the text periods markedly depressed the rate of pressing on three consecutive days. In rats deprived of water for three days and exposed to trichloroethylene daily, the onset of depression was delayed during each test period, and greater tolerance to trichloroethylene developed than in nondehydrated rats. When these rats were later deprived of water for ten days, the rate decreased progressively from days 5 to 10, which was not characteristic of control rats.
Investigation of dynamically modified optical-fiber sensors for pH sensing at the extremes of the pH scale

Abstract There exist a large number of immobilization strategies useful for preparing optical fiber (OF) sensors; one unique approach has been termed dynamic modification. Dynamic modification borrows techniques from reverse-phase high performance chromatography (RP-HPLC) to render the optical fiber surface sufficiently hydrophobic to reversibly immobilize hydrophobic probe molecules. Although RP-HPLC stationary phases are known to hydrolyze under conditions of high or low pH, the hydrophobic surface on the optical fiber shows immunity to hydrolysis under similar conditions, including increased temperature (65°C), and in organic-containing solvents at high and low pH values (33% acetonitrile at pH 12 and 2). Since the surface is stable at the extremes of the pH scale, pH sensing in these regions is possible using this strategy. Two hydrophobically derivatized, pH-sensitive fluorescein dyes were immobilized on the surface of a C-18 optical fiber; however, upon immobilization, the dyes were found to convert into a non-pH-sensitive, non-fluorescent lactone form. pH sensing was achieved over the pH range 7.5–10 by controlling the hydrophobicity of the optical fiber surface. The limitations and advantages of this approach are evaluated and discussed.
The Bone Marrow Microenvironment in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma characterized by widespread involvement of the bone marrow (BM). The BM microenvironment serves as not only a site for disease involvement, but it also appears that the interaction of WM cells with the BM is essential for the pathogenesis of WM. The BM microenvironment consists of the cellular and noncellular compartments. The BM has been shown to regulate cell proliferation, cell cycle, and drug resistance as well as cell dissemination and cell trafficking of WM cells. A better understanding of the role of the BM microenvironment in the pathogenesis of WM can help guide better therapeutic strategies that can target the tumor clone and also regulate the BM microenvironment.
Ten Take Home Lessons from the First 10 Years of the CTN and 10 Recommendations for the Future

Background: The first 10 years of the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Clinical Trials Network (CTN) yielded a wealth of data on the effectiveness of a number of behavioral, pharmacological, and combined approaches in community-based settings. Methods: We summarize some of the methodological contributions and lessons learned from the behavioral trials conducted during its first ten years, including the capacity and enormous potential of this national research infrastructure. Results: The CTN made contributions to the methodology of effectiveness research; new insights from secondary analyses; the extent to which approaches with strong evidence bases, such as contingency management, extend their effectiveness to real world clinical settings; new data on ‘standard treatment’ as actually practiced in community programs, the extent to which retention remains a major issue in the field; important data on the safety of specific behavioral therapies for addiction; and heightened the importance of continued sus...
Number theoretic application of a spin network model

We present a scalable spin-1/2 network capable of performing calculations of interest to number theory. Among these computations are primality testing and factoring. The fully connected network model is realizable with superconducting phase qubits, and very probably with other solid-state spin implementations. The spin network model offers the prospect to perform interesting calculations in quantum information processing with a modest number of qubits.
Why use population entropy? It determines the rate of convergence

The population entropy introduced by Demetrius is shown to have a precise dynamical meaning as a measure of convergence rate to the stable age distribution. First the Leslie population model is transformed exactly into a Markov chain on a state space of age-classes. Next the dynamics of convergence from a nonequilibrium state to the stable state are analyzed. The results provide the first clear biological reason why entropy is a broadly useful population statistic.
Optimizing the fluorescent yield in two-photon laser scanning microscopy with dispersion compensation

A challenge for nonlinear imaging in living tissue is to maximize the total fluorescent yield from each fluorophore. We investigated the emission rates of three fluorophores—rhodamine B, a red fluorescent protein, and CdSe quantum dots—while manipulating the phase of the laser excitation pulse at the focus. In all cases a transform-limited pulse maximized the total yield to insure the highest signal-to-noise ratio. Further, we find evidence of fluorescence antibleaching in quantum dot samples.
Kinetic energy release distribution and the mechanism for evaporation of one and two CsI molecules from sputtered Cs(CsI)n+ clusters

Abstract The average kinetic energy release (KER) and the peak shape constant, representing the KER distribution, are determined for the metastable peaks resulting from the evaporation of one and two CsI molecules from sputtered Cs(CsI) n + clusters. Results suggest that the evaporation of two CsI molecules involves a direct fission rather than a sequential process. The observed difference in the shape of the KER distribution between the two evaporation channels can best be accounted for by the difference in the type of long range interaction, implying that the evaporating CsI dimer has a near zero dipole moment.
Parallel Processing in a Restructurable Computer System

Pragmatic problem studies predict gains in computation speeds in a variety of computational tasks when executed on appropriate problem-oriented configurations of the variable structure computer. The economic feasibility of the system is based on utilization of essentially the same hardware in a variety of special purpose structures. This capability is achieved by programmed or physical restructuring of a part of the hardware. Existence of important classes of problems which the variable structure computer system promises to render practically computable, as well as use of the system for experiments in computer organization and for evaluation of new circuits and devices warrant construction of a variable structure computer. This paper describes the organization, programming, and hardware of a variable structure computer system presently under construction at UCLA.
Immunocytochemical studies using a monoclonal antibody to bovine cardiac titin on intact and extracted myofibrils.

A monoclonal antibody specific to bovine cardiac titin has been identified. The antibody recognizes a common antigenic site in striated muscles of several species. In relaxed myofibrils, specific staining at the A–I junction resulted in a doublet of fluorescent bands within a sarcomere. The distance between the doublets in successive sarcomeres varied according to the degree of myofibrillar contraction. Staining on formamide-extracted myofibrils has confirmed that this epitope is located near the outer edges of isolated A bands. Selective extraction of myofibrillar proteins resulted in different staining patterns. Disrupting the structural integrity of the M-line or the A-band centre caused a significant amount of titin to translocate toward the Z-line region. In contrast, shortening of the A-band by removal of myosin from the ends of the thick filaments resulted in anti-titin staining moving closer to the M-line region. Several conclusions can be drawn from this study: (a) two aligned groups of titin molecules are placed symmetrically to the M-line in a sarcomere; (b) titin may attach directly or via intermediary protein(s) to sites near the M-line and Z-line such that the protein is under tension and (c) removal of proteins from either region results in titin staining in the opposite region. However, the edges of the A-band give some hindrance to collaspe of the titin toward the M-line.
Radiation from Isolated Spectral Lines with Combined Doppler and Lorentz Broadening

Methods for the calculation of spectral absorption coefficients for combined Doppler and Lorentz broadening are summarized. The “curves of growth” have been extended to cover the ranges of parameters which arise in spectroscopic studies on flames.
Uncertainty in Bogue-calculated phase composition of hydraulic cements

The Bogue calculations are used for cement manufacturing process control and acceptance limits for some cement classifications. While it is commonly understood that the Bogue calculations are estimates with potential intrinsic biases, the magnitudes of such biases are not generally known. The biases stem primarily from the compositional variation in phase solid solution, resulting in deviation of their bulk chemistry from that assumed in the calculations, and from bulk oxide measurement uncertainties. Uncertainties in Bogue estimates from these sources are quantified here through propagation-of-error analysis combining effects from bulk chemical analysis imprecision and estimates of variability in chemical compositions of the four principal clinker phases. Standard deviation (1σ) values of about 9.6% for alite and belite, and 2.2% and 1.4% for aluminate and ferrite are calculated. This significant increase compared to uncertainty due to bulk oxide measurements is attributable to the imprecision of the Bogue constants.
A Technique for Ultrahigh‐Precision CCD Photometry

We present techniques for wide-field ultrahigh-precision time-sampled CCD photometry. Representing a survey of field stars, our data consist of UBVRI photometry and a V-band time series of exposures on 5 consecutive nights covering 11,500 stars in a ∼1 deg 2 field. The resulting light curves reach precisions of 0.0020 mag per exposure in the brightest stars ( ). Light curves binned and averaged over 4.5 hr reach V ∼ 14 precisions of 0.00019 mag for the brightest stars. We present example light curves and discuss one application for surveys of this type: the search for transits by extrasolar planets.
Volcanology Curricula Development Aided by Online Educational Resource

[1] Using On-Line Volcano Monitoring Data in College and University Courses: The Volcano Exploration Project: Pu`u `Ō`ō (VEPP); Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii, 26–30 July 2010; Volcanic activity is an excellent hook for engaging college and university students in geoscience classes. An increasing number of Internet-accessible real-time and near–real time volcano monitoring data are now available and constitute an important resource for geoscience education; however, relatively few data sets are comprehensive, and many lack background information to aid in interpretation. In response to the need for organized, accessible, and well-documented volcano education resources, the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), in collaboration with NASA and the University of Hawai`i at Manoa, established the Volcanoes Exploration Project: Pu`u `Ō`ō (VEPP). The VEPP Web site (http://vepp.wr.usgs.gov) is an educational resource that provides access, in near real time, to geodetic, seismic, and geologic data from the active Pu`u `Ō`ō eruptive vent on Kilauea volcano, Hawaii, along with background and context information. A strength of the VEPP site is the common theme of the Pu`u `Ō`ō eruption, which allows the site to be revisited multiple times to demonstrate different principles and integrate many aspects of volcanology.
Dispersion engineered hetero-slot waveguides for broadband on-chip second-harmonic phase-matching

We present an approach to achieve broadband second-harmonic phase-matching by engineering modal dispersions in a hetero-slot waveguide. High conversion efficiencies are achievable with a large modal overlap in a highly confined nonlinear slot area.
Sonography of intracranial air in a newborn with meningomyelocele

A newborn with an open meningomyelocele and intracranial air is described. Transfontanellar sonography allows initial detection of the unusual and previously undocumented finding of intracranial air associated with spinal dysraphism.
Electromagnetically induced gravitational perturbations

We study the physical consequences of two different but closely related perturbation schemes applied to the Einstein?Maxwell equations. In one case the starting spacetime is flat, while in the other case it is Schwarzschild. In both cases, the perturbation is due to a combined electric and magnetic dipole field. We can see within the Einstein?Maxwell equations a variety of physical consequences. They range from induced gravitational energy?momentum loss to a well-defined spin angular momentum with its loss and a center of mass with its equations of motion.
Initial biometric survey of morphological variation in the Cirsium altissimum-C. discolor complex

According to Benson (1962), pressed herbarium specimens furnish data . forming the basis for tentative conclusions and generate the stimulus for further study of questions which specimens may raise but do not answer." The present study is intended as an example of just this sort of thing-the detection of a taxonomic problem from a limited sample of standard, one-collection-persite, herbarium materials. In a way the study represents a mathematical game using morphological data to elucidate a taxonomic puzzle. The "tentative conclusion" that arises from this study is that the biologic relationships and taxonomy of plants generally considered to comprise Cirsium alttissimum (L.) Spreng. and C. discolor (Willd.) Spreng. are poorly understood and confused. Some "further study of the questions which [the] specimens" raised already has been undertaken and these supplementary studies, involving field observations and population samples, controlled pollination experiments, pollen fertility determinations, and cytology, support the contention that the problem suggested here is a real biologic problem and not just an artifact of herbarium specimen morphology. However, these supplementary data are incomplete, and it is premature to suggest an explanation for the taxonomic problem considered here. Nonetheless the present work and the supplementary data did suggest a working hypothesis needed for continuity. This tentative hypothesis is introgression. This is not to say that the present study supports this hypothesis; as a safeguard against such an interpretation nmention of the supplementary data and of introgression is held to a minimum. The bulk of this paper is devoted then only to the elaboration of a problem. The question follows, "Then why not just say there is a problem? Why go to such lengths presenting data and 'playing mathematical games' and all.... ?" To my mind one of the most important changes that plant taxonomy will undergo during the next few decades will be a gradual gain in "taxonomy, the scienee" and a corresponding loss in "taxonomy, the art." Taxonomy will gradually become more objective-a greater number of "things" that go into the makeup of taxonomy will be things that are repeatable and verifiable. Taxonomic data from observation and experiment will become increasingly quantitative. As numerical data from various sources become available statistics will receive more attention and will find a rightful place in taxonomy as it has in so
A comparison of tamoxifen and misoprostol to misoprostol alone for early pregnancy termination.

A study was undertaken to determine whether the combination of oral tamoxifen and moistened misoprostol administered vaginally was superior to that of placebo and moistened misoprostol administered vaginally for elective termination of early pregnancies.A clinical trial was conducted with a study group of 150 healthy women with pregnancies of </=56 days gestational age who desired pregnancy termination. Subjects were randomized to ingest either 20 mg of tamoxifen (group 1) or placebo (group 2) twice daily for 1 day, followed 48 h later by vaginal administration of 800 micrograms of saline-moistened misoprostol. This dose of misoprostol was repeated 24 h later and 8 days later if an abortion had not occurred. The main outcome measures were incidence of complete abortion, hemoglobin levels, duration of vaginal bleeding, and incidence of side effects. Complete abortion occurred in 709 (93.3%) in group 1 and 68 (90.7%) in group 2. There were no differences in either group between earlier (</=49 days) and later (50-56 days) gestations. The mean duration of uterine bleeding was 7.9 days and 8.2 days in group 1 and group 2, respectively. In group 1, 94.3% who aborted bled for <14 days, and in group 2, 95.6%. No subject required a blood transfusion. There were no significant differences in side effects between the two groups. These data suggest that pretreatment with tamoxifen is not necessary when using moistened vaginal misoprostol for abortion of pregnancies of </=56 days of gestation.
A machine learning approach to Cepheid variable star classification using data alignment and maximum likelihood

Abstract Our study centers on the classification of two subtypes of Cepheid variable stars. Such a classification is relatively easy to obtain for nearby galaxies, but as we incorporate new galaxies, the cost of labeling stars calls for some form of model adaptation. Adapting a predictive model to differentiate Cepheids across galaxies is difficult because of the sample bias problem in star distribution (due to the limitation of telescopes in observing faint stars as we try to reach distant galaxies). In addition, estimating the luminosity of a star as we reach distant galaxies carries some inevitable shift in the data distribution. We propose an approach to predict the class of Cepheid stars on a target domain, by first building a model on an “anchor” source domain. Our methodology then shifts the target data until it is well aligned with the source data by maximizing two different likelihood functions. Experimental results with two galaxy datasets (Large Magellanic Cloud as the source domain, and M33 as the target domain), show the efficacy of the proposed method.