cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mental arithmetic during human thalamic stimulation.

Abstract The effect of electrical stimulation of the human thalamus on a simple mental arithmetic task, counting backwards by three's, was observed during therapeutic stereotaxic operations under local anesthesia. Performance during stimulation was compared with matched trials where no stimulation occurred as to latency and accuracy of identifying the initial number, rate of counting backwards by three's, and the accuracy of these calculations. With left thalamic stimulation the rate of counting was accelerated, with an increase in calculation errors but no significant change in the latency of identifying the initial number. With right thalamic stimulation, the rate of counting was significantly slowed with a significant increase in the latency of identifying the initial number, and an increase in calculation errors. The changes in the test of simple mental arithmetic were also compared with the performance of these same patients with stimulation at these same sites and current levels on tests of object naming and short term verbal memory. The findings were interpreted as suggesting that both right and left thalamus, or structures passing through them, function in processes involved in mental arithmetic but in a differential way. Stimulation of the left thalamus evokes a specific alerting response, accelerating many higher mental processes, especially memory. Significant stimulation effects relate right thalamus to number reading, and arithmetic calculations, in particular calculations involving numbers less than ten.
Inhibition of P-TEFb (CDK9/Cyclin T) Kinase and RNA Polymerase II Transcription by the Coordinated Actions of HEXIM1 and 7SK snRNA

The positive transcriptional elongation factor b (P-TEFb), consisting of CDK9 and cyclin T, stimulates transcription by phosphorylating RNA polymerase II. It becomes inactivated when associated with the abundant 7SK snRNA. Here, we show that the 7SK binding alone was not sufficient to inhibit P-TEFb. P-TEFb was inhibited by the HEXIM1 protein in a process that specifically required 7SK for mediating the HEXIM1:P-TEFb interaction. This allowed HEXIM1 to inhibit transcription both in vivo and in vitro. P-TEFb dissociated from HEXIM1 and 7SK in cells undergoing stress response, increasing the level of active P-TEFb for stress-induced transcription. P-TEFb was the predominant HEXIM1-associated protein factor, and thus likely to be the principal target of inhibition coordinated by HEXIM1 and 7SK. Since HEXIM1 expression is induced in cells treated with hexamethylene bisacetamide, a potent inducer of cell differentiation, targeting the general transcription factor P-TEFb by HEXIM1/7SK may contribute to the global control of cell growth and differentiation.
Immunoassay for human calcitonin. II. Clinical studies.

Abstract A sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for human calcitonin has ben developed and applied to clinical studies. Under optimal conditions, the assay can be used to detect 50–100 pg of calcitonin per milliliter of human plasma. Patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma had concentrations of plasma calcitonin that could be readily detected by the assay and ranged from 60 to over 100,000 pg per milliliter. In these patients, hypercalcemia induced by calcium infusion resulted in up to a 20-fold increase in calcitonin concentration. Hypocalcemia induced by EDTA infusion suppressed the secretion of calcitonin in each patient tested. Glucagon infusion had a variable effect on calcitonin secretion. Calcitonin could not be detected with confidence in any basal peripheral sample of plasma taken from normal adults or hypercalcemic patients. Calcitonin could not be unequivocally detected in the majority of thyroid venous plasma samples taken from patients with hypercalcemia. These results suggest that the concentration of calcitonin in the peripheral blood of adults is much lower than previously reported. Further studies are required to determine if calcitonin circulates in peripheral blood even after hypercalcemic stimulation in normal human subjects.
Including preference in anthropometry-driven models for design

In the design of artifacts that interact with people, the spatial dimensions of the target user population are often used to determine the requirements of the engineered artifact. The expected variability in body dimensions (called "anthropometry") is used to indicate how much adjustability or how many sizes are required to accommodate the intended user population. However, the quantification of anthropometric variability alone is not sufficient to make these kinds of assessments in many situations. For example, two vehicle drivers with similar body dimensions might have different preferred locations for the seat. In these situations, preference can be broken down into two components: that explained by body size and the variability that remains. By quantifying the magnitude of both sources, preference can be included in modeling strategies and design decision-making. This improves the accuracy of models and predictions, and can facilitate the application of design automation tools such as optimization and robust design methodologies, resulting in products that are safer, cost effective, and more accessible to broader populations (including people with disabilities). In contrast, failure to include variability in preference that is not attributable to anthropometry can produce misleading results that underor over-approximate accommodation and prescribe inappropriate amounts of adjustability. A simulation-based approach for modeling both sources of variability and conducting designing for human variability (DfHV) assessments is presented. A stochastic component based on the residual variance in regression analysis relating body dimensions to experimental data is included in the predictive model. This ensures that a distribution of preferred configurations is produced for any given set of body dimensions. The effect of including both components of preference is quantified by comparing this approach to two traditional DfHV approaches in the context of a simple, univariate case study to determine the appropriate allocation of adjustability to achieve a desired accommodation level.
Mercury Dynamics in a San Francisco Estuary Tidal Wetland: Assessing Dynamics Using In Situ Measurements

We used high-resolution in situ measurements of turbidity and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) to quantitatively estimate the tidally driven exchange of mercury (Hg) between the waters of the San Francisco estuary and Browns Island, a tidal wetland. Turbidity and FDOM—representative of particle-associated and filter- passing Hg, respectively—together predicted 94 % of the observed variability in measured total mercury concentra- tion in unfiltered water samples (UTHg) collected during a single tidal cycle in spring, fall, and winter, 2005-2006. Continuous in situ turbidity and FDOM data spanning at least a full spring-neap period were used to generate UTHg concentration time series using this relationship, and then combined with water discharge measurements to calculate Hg fluxes in each season. Wetlands are generally considered to be sinks for sediment and associated mercury. However, during the three periods of monitoring, Browns Island wet- land did not appreciably accumulate Hg. Instead, gradual tidally driven export of UTHg from the wetland offset the large episodic on-island fluxes associated with high wind events. Exports were highest during large spring tides, when ebbing waters relatively enriched in FDOM, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and filter-passing mercury drained from the marsh into the open waters of the estuary. On-island flux of UTHg, which was largely particle- associated, was highest during strong winds coincident with flood tides. Our results demonstrate that processes driving UTHg fluxes in tidal wetlands encompass both the dissolved and particulate phases and multiple timescales, necessitating longer term monitoring to adequately quantify fluxes.
Planned hand assisted laparoscopic left radical nephrectomy involving a level 1 renal vein tumor thrombus.

Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is an established therapeutic choice for localized renal cell carcinoma. However, renal vein tumor extension remains a relative contraindication to this procedure. We believe that in select situations a hand assisted approach allows safe and controlled resection of a level 1 tumor thrombus. We describe a hand assisted laparoscopic left radical nephrectomy encompassing renal vein tumor thrombus extension to the midline.
The Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Pathway Moves Forward

The cell cycle of mammalian cells is divided into four phases: G1 (first gap), S (DNA synthesis), G2 (second gap), and M (mitosis). Quiescent cells that have not entered the cell cycle are referred to as being in G. Progression through the cell cycle requires the activation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). CDK activation is dependent on the association of the CDK with a cyclin regulatory subunit. Cyclin D/CDK4, cyclin D/CDK6, and cyclin E/CDK2 regulate transition through G1, cyclin A/CDK2 regulates S phase transition, and cyclin A/CDK2 and cyclin B/CDK2 regulate G2/M transition,1 as shown by the Figure. The activity of CDKs is also regulated by endogenous CDK inhibitors (CKIs) in the cyclin/CDK complex1 (Figure). Two families of CKIs have been characterized according to their structures and CDK targets. Kip/Cip proteins (p21Cip1, p27Kip1, and p57Kip2), which bind to both cyclin and CDK subunits, inhibit cyclin E- and A-dependent kinases but act as positive regulators of cyclin D-dependent kinases. The INK family of proteins (p16INKa, p15INKb, p18INKc, and p19INKd) exclusively binds to and inhibits CDK4 and CDK6.1 How does the cell cycle control cell migration? Cells in mid-late G1 have the greatest ability to migrate, whereas cells in the G, S, G2, and M phases are stationary. Overexpression of CKIs (p21Cip1 and p27Kip1) blocks CDK2 activity, G1 to S transition, and migration of SMCs. Furthermore, as shown by the studies of Diez-Juan and Andres,16 overexpression …
On Spectroscopic Filling Factors and the Solar Transition Region

The concept of spectroscopic filling factors is examined by assuming that observable astrophysical plasmas are inhomogeneous and must therefore be described using functions ζ(n), the emission measure differential in electron density n. Using a formal definition for the spectroscopic filling factor (fs) and simple distribution functions, it is shown that (1) fs differs from the geometric filling factor f unless the plasma is truly homogeneous [ζ(n) = ζ0δ(n - n0)], (2) fs depends on the choice of line pairs for the same ζ(n), (3) fs systematically underestimates f, and (4) fs departs more from f the broader the distribution ζ(n). Implications for the particular case of the unresolved solar transition region are discussed. A dynamic "classical" transition region model appears to satisfy observed properties, including tiny filling factors (10-5-10-2) as well as filamentary models. This work highlights the nonunique interpretation of spectral data in terms of unresolved plasma structure.
Design, Construction, and Characterization of a Novel Robotic Welding Fume Generator and Inhalation Exposure System for Laboratory Animals

Respiratory effects observed in welders have included lung function changes, metal fume fever, bronchitis, and a possible increase in the incidence of lung cancer. Many questions remain unanswered regarding the causality and possible underlying mechanisms associated with the potential toxic effects of welding fume inhalation. The objective of the present study was to construct a completely automated, computer-controlled welding fume generation and inhalation exposure system to simulate real workplace exposures. The system comprised a programmable six-axis robotic welding arm, a water-cooled arc welding torch, and a wire feeder that supplied the wire to the torch at a programmed rate. For the initial studies, gas metal arc welding was performed using a stainless steel electrode. A flexible trunk was attached to the robotic arm of the welder and was used to collect and transport fume from the vicinity of the arc to the animal exposure chamber. Undiluted fume concentrations consistently ranged from 90–150 mg...
Exploring what engineering doctoral students, aspiring to faculty careers learn about research from faculty mentors

This qualitative study explored the socialization process of doctoral students aspiring faculty careers. Using qualitative methods, 20 engineering doctoral students from four Predominately White Research Institutions were interviewed to understand what knowledge and skills students learned about research while working collaboratively with faculty mentors. Findings suggest that by conducting “problem solving” research during the research collaborative experience with faculty mentors, engineering doctoral students discovered their capabilities to contribute innovative research to the field that is highly competitive in addition to gaining perseverance during the research process.
The recovery behavior of semi-insulating GaAs in electron-beam-controlled switches

Semi-insulating GaAs is experimentally studied with respect to its application in electron-beam-controlled switches. The dark current through the switch is measured both before and after electron-beam irradiation. A lock-on effect, similar to that seen in photoconductive switches, is observed after the electron beam is terminated. This effect is characterized by the switch current continuing to flow, locked to a certain voltage, as long as the voltage is applied across the switch. A possible explanation for this effect, based on the process of electron and hole injection at the contacts, is presented. A method to minimize double injection is offered to make the electron-beam-controlled switch, along with the photoconductive switch, practical for use as both an opening and closing switch. >
Image reconstruction for quality assessment of edge detectors

Extraction of the edges is a key step in image processing and there is still a continuing research effort to develop new and effective edge detection algorithms. Despite this fact, there is no single, reliable and efficient metric to evaluate the quality of an edge detector. We introduce an original method for image reconstruction that leads to edge evaluation based on image estimation. A new quantitative metric for assessment of the performance of the edge detector is also presented. The operation of the measure is established on a diverse image database using standard edge detection algorithms and the one based on partial derivatives of Boolean functions. The uses of the measure for an assortment of purposes are demonstrated and these are backed by visual assessment as well as some distance-based error functions applied on synthetic images.
Fungi-mediated mortality of seeds of two old-field plant species1

Abstract Orrock, J. L. (Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011) and E. I. Damschen (Department of Zoology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695). Fungi-mediated mortality of seeds of two oldfield plant species. J. Torrey Bot. Soc. 132: 613–617. 2005.—Fungi are a significant source of seed mortality. Although the seeds of pokeweed, Phytolacca americana, are known to contain antifungal compounds, it is unknown if these compounds confer the presumed benefit of increased persistence of P. americana seeds in soil compared to seeds of potential competitors. We buried seeds of P. americana with seeds of a sympatric species, Chamaecrista fasciculata, that is not known to exhibit antifungal properties. Half of the buried seeds were treated with a fungicide. After three months, seeds were exhumed. Treatment of buried seeds with fungicide significantly increased the number of intact C. fasciculata seeds recovered (82% recovered with fungicide add...
Social Network Analysis in the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence

The academic community studying terrorism has changed dramatically in the past decade. From a research area that was investigated by a small number of political scientists and sociologists and employed mainly descriptive and qualitative studies that resulted in limited theoretical progress (Schmid and Jongman 1988; Crenshaw 2000), it has in a short time become one of the more vibrant and rapidly developing academic realms in the scholarly world today. Scholars from different branches of the social sciences have engaged in an effort to unravel this phenomenon, introducing new theoretical outlooks, conceptualizations, and methods.
An historical perspective on meta-analysis: Dealing quantitatively with varying study results:

Additional material for this article is available from the James Lind Library website [www.jameslindlibrary.org], where it was previously published.
Robust structured interference rejection combining

The problem of suppressing interference and jamming in a wireless communications receiver is a fundamental one. Many existing algorithms for this task are based on prewhitening of the received data so that the interference appears as white noise, and a conventional detector can be applied. However, such methods, in general, need to know the structure of the interference signal (for example, the rank of its autocorrelation matrix, m). The classical approach to the latter problem is either to assume that m is fixed (known), or to use rank detection techniques to estimate m first and then apply prewhitening in an adaptive fashion. This is suboptimal for two reasons: First, information is discarded when one takes a decision on m; second, no optimal rank detection methods exist. We present a new approach to the problem that circumvents the estimation of m. The key idea is to use a trained mixture model ("mixture of experts") to describe the received data, where each mixture component is associated with a particular rank, m. The optimal receiver for this model consists of a bank of detectors (one for each possible m) whose outputs are combined. One can think of this scheme as a way of taking "soft decisions" on the rank, m. Via numerical examples, we show that the new method significantly outperforms methods based on rank detection, at a modest increase in complexity.
Ultrasound assessment of the displacement and deformation of the median nerve in the human carpal tunnel with active finger motion.

Background: Peripheral nerves are mobile structures, stretching and translating in response to changes in the position of adjuvant anatomic structures. The objective of this study was to develop a novel method to characterize the relative motion and deformation of the median nerve on cross-sectional ultrasound images of the carpal tunnel during active finger motion. Methods: Fifteen volunteers without a history of carpal tunnel syndrome or wrist trauma were recruited. An ultrasound scanner and a linear array transducer were used to evaluate the motion of the median nerve and the flexor tendons within the carpal tunnel during motion from full extension to full flexion by the four fingers (fist motion) and by the long finger alone. The displacement of the median nerve relative to the long-finger flexor digitorum superficialis tendon as well as the perimeter, cross-sectional area, circularity, and aspect ratio of a minimum enclosing rectangle of the median nerve were measured. The data were compared between single-digit motion and fist motion and between extension and flexion positions. Results: The distance between the long-finger flexor digitorum superficialis tendon and the median nerve with isolated long-finger flexion was decreased in the ulnar-radial direction and increased in the palmar-dorsal direction as compared with the distance with four-finger flexion (p < 0.01). Compared with the values with fist motion, the aspect ratio was decreased and the circularity was increased with long-finger motion (p < 0.01). Conclusions: This report presents a method with which to assess displacement and deformation of the median nerve on a cross-sectional ultrasound image during different finger motions. This method may be useful to assess pathological changes within the carpal tunnel, and we plan to perform a similar study of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome on the basis of these preliminary data. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Software complexity and maintenance costs

While the link between the difficulty in understanding computer software and the cost of maintaining it is appealing, prior empirical evidence linking software complexity to software maintenance costs is relatively weak [21]. Many of the attempts to link software complexity to maintainability are based on experiments involving small pieces of code, or are based on analysis of software written by students. Such evidence is valuable, but several researchers have noted that such results must be applied cautiously to the large-scale commercial application systems that account for most software maintenance expenditures [13,17]
Mitochondrial DNA variation in screwworm

Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR- RFLP) analysis was used to characterize mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in screw- worms, Cochliomyia hominivorax, and secondary screwworm, C. macellaria, from the Caribbean, North America and South America . Four amplicons, totaling 7 .1 kb, were analysed with sixteen restriction enzymes . A total of 133 restriction sites was observed in the two species, 104 in C. hominivorax, of which nineteen were variable, and ninety- five in C. macellaria, none of which was variable . Fourteen mtDNA haplotypes were observed among eighteen C. hominivorax examined . Mean divergence between Cper base-pair and genotypic diversity (G) was 0 .97. Mean divergence between C. hominivorax and C. macellaria was 0 .0824 . Cochliomyia hominivorax haplotypes could be divided into three assemblages representing North America, South America and Jamaica, based on UPGMA clustering with d values . The assemblages did not exhibit complete geographic fidelity . These data were discordant with previously published allozyme data indicating little differentiation between screwworm populations . A scenario invoking historically isolated populations coming into contact with the introduction and movement of European livestock is proposed to explain the observed population structure of screwworm.
Bonding at Oxide Surfaces

Concepts in chemical bonding when combined with physics-based energetic considerations can lead to a more complete understanding of the structure, stability, and reactivity of oxide surfaces. While this symbiosis has long been understood for bulk structures, chemical bonding considerations have historically been used less frequently for surfaces. In this chapter, we analyze the chemical bonding of published surface structures of SrTiO3 and MgO using bond valence sum analysis. Bond valence theory compares favorably with complex quantum mechanical calculations in assessing surface structures and explains the experimentally observed surface structures in a readily comprehensible manner. Bond valence theory also helps explain discrepancies between DFT predicted surface stability and experimentally observed surface structures, accurately predicts the adsorption of foreign species onto surfaces, and can be used to predict changes in surface structures.
Pentobarbital anesthesia in labor.

Abstract A routine method of balanced obstetric analgesia and anesthesia which can be administered safely by the labor room nurses and the attending physicians is discussed. Eleven thousand eight hundred and twenty patients received intravenous pentobarbital. More than 2,000 of the author's patients received this type of anesthesia. The result of his last 1,000 consecutive anesthetics is discussed in detail. Maternal mortality and morbidity were zero. Corrected stillbirth and neonatal death rates were zero. Obstetric analgesia-anesthesia with the use of meperidine, propiomazine, and pentobarbital seems to be safe and is well accepted.
Thinking with Bruno Latour in Rhetoric and Composition, Paul Lynch and Nathaniel Rivers, eds

The field of rhetoric and composition has a complex relationship with critical theorists outside our discipline. On the one hand, a field that claims Plato and Aristotle often has difficulty achiev...
Preliminary Study of Fiber Optic Multi-Cardiac-Marker Biosensing System for Rapid Coronary Heart Disease Diagnosis and Prognosis

A fiber-optic biosensing system for the simultaneous quantification of four cardiac markers is currently under development, in our research group, for rapid coronary disease diagnosis and prognosis. As an initial effort, four individual BNP, cTnI, MG, and CRP sensors were developed. The sensors showed excellent performance in quantifying these cardiac markers in their clinically significant ranges within 15 minutes, at a S/N ratio of 25–50. The cross-reactivity of the four sensors was also found to be negligible. A mixture of four AF647-2o Mabs has shown only a slight interference to the four sensors, indicating that the mixture can be applied through a multi-sensing unit for simultaneous detection with an easier operation.
Pfiesteria, "the cell from hell," and other toxic algal nightmares.

In the summer and fall of 1997, in the mid-Atlantic region, illness in fish and humans caused by a toxic dinoflagellate, Pfiesteria piscicida (the "fish killer") (figure 1), became one of the hottest stories in local newspapers and on television. Frequently referred to as "the cell from hell" on late-night news reports, Pfiesteria species were identified in the early 1990s by Burkholder and colleagues [1] at North Carolina State University (Raleigh) in association with fish kills in the TarPamlico and Neuse River estuaries (figure 2). Pfiesteria species were found in the Pocomoke River on the lower eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay in 1997 (figure 2), where they were linked to fish morbidity and mortality, and, most disturbingly, to neurocognitive deficits in humans [2]. Although there was no indication that Pfiesteria species posed a health risk to anyone beyond a small circle of persons with direct exposure to affected waterways, the press attention resulted in a dramatic drop in sales of Chesapeake Bay seafood, with losses to the seafood industry in excess of $40 million. While Pfiesteria species have generated the greatest recent press attention, the appearance of these organisms is best considered in the context of worldwide increases in the occurrence
Porous Silica Xerogel

Scaling of integrated circuit (IC) feature sizes has brought tremendous performance improvement and miniaturization. The primary contribution to IC performance improvement has been from the device gate level. However, metal interconnects become the limiting factors for continued IC performance improvement when the feature size scales down to the deep-submicrometer region and below. The gain in device speed at the gate level is offset by propagation delays at metal interconnects owing to the increased RC time constant. The RC time delay can be reduced by the incorporation of low dielectric constant ( k ) materials and/or high conductivity metals. The use of low- k dielectric materials also lowers power consumption and reduces crosstalk. Low- k dielectric properties can be delivered by introducing porosity into xerogel structures which develop porosity during drying and gelation. Via this technique, the low- k dielectric possibilities for SiO 2 can be improved.
Amyloid-β and Astrocytes Interplay in Amyloid-β Related Disorders

Amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology is known to promote chronic inflammatory responses in the brain. It was thought previously that Aβ is only associated with Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome. However, studies have shown its involvement in many other neurological disorders. The role of astrocytes in handling the excess levels of Aβ has been highlighted in the literature. Astrocytes have a distinctive function in both neuronal support and protection, thus its involvement in Aβ pathological process may tip the balance toward chronic inflammation and neuronal death. In this review we describe the involvement of astrocytes in Aβ related disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and frontotemporal dementia.
Novel Synthesis, Characterization, and Corrosion Inhibition Properties of Nanodiamond−Polyaniline Films

Functional and composite nanodiamonds (NDs) are rapidly emerging as promising materials for the next generation for quantum information processing, electronic material, magnetotometry, novel imaging, and IR fluorescence applications, etc. Nanocomposites of ND particles with conductive polymers [i.e., polyaniline (PANI)] displayed novel properties resulting from the molecular level interaction of diamond with PANI molecules. We have synthesized for the first time the ND-PANI nanocomposites by oxidative polymerization of aniline using ammonium peroxydisulfate [(NH4)2S2O8)] under controlled conditions. The ND-PANI nanocomposite films were characterized by UV−vis, FTIR, electrochemistry, impedance, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and electrical conductivity techniques. Current−voltage characteristics of ND-PANI nanocomposite show the ohmic junction. The electrochemical investigation on ND-PANI revealed the wider potential values with independent redox characteristics of PANI an...
Stereoselective, Ag-Catalyzed Cyclizations To Access Polysubstituted Pyran Ring Systems: Synthesis of C1–C12 Subunit of Madeirolide A

The exploration into the scope of a silver-catalyzed cyclization (AgCC) of propargyl benzoates for accessing pyran ring systems has been reported. The impact of the degree of substitution, nature of the substitution on the carbon backbone/benzoate moiety, and stereochemistry has been evaluated. The application of this methodology to the synthesis of the C1-C12 southern fragment of madeirolide A is disclosed.
Holes in the safety net--legal immigrants' access to health insurance.

Current U.S. public policies that deny legal immigrants equal access to public insurance programs leave lawful U.S. residents and their health care providers unnecessarily vulnerable and perpetuate needless complexity in the health care system.
Nucleation and Growth of Gallium Oxide Tubes, Nanopaintbrushes and Nanowires from Molten Gallium

We have synthesized highly crystalline β-gallium oxide tubes, nanowires, and unique one-dimensional structures in the form of nanopaintbrushes using molten gallium and microwave plasma containing a mixture of monoatomic oxygen and hydrogen. Multiple nucleation and growth of gallium oxide nanostructures occurred directly out of molten gallium upon exposure to an appropriate composition of hydrogen and oxygen in the gas phase. Gallium oxide nanowires were 20 to 100 nm thick and tens to hundreds of microns long. In addition to these morphologies, we also report for the first time, non-template based synthesis of novel 2-D networks of crystalline gallium oxide nanowires and nanotubes. Demonstration of this technique with gallium oxide certainly presents a new route for synthesis of nanostructures of other important metal oxides such as indium oxide, tin oxide, and zinc oxide.
Chikungunya at the Door — Déjà Vu All Over Again?

A chikungunya fever outbreak that appeared in the Caribbean in December has spread to the Americas, where populations were not previously exposed to alphaviruses. The potential for chikungunya to become established in the Western Hemisphere must be considered.
Coma associated with nelarabine in an elderly patient with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and severe chronic renal disease

Nelarabine is a prodrug of 9-β-arabinofuranosylguanine (ara-G) and a member of the purine nucleoside analogs. In cells, ara-G is phosphorylated to ara-G triphosphate (ara-GTP), which competes with ...
An investigation on birds diversity and seasonal change at the Temple of Heaven Park in Beijing

The recent bird survey at the Temple of Heaven Park was done five years ago.To make clear of what are the changes,the authors investigated the bird diversity of species number and abundance in the park during April of 2010 to January of 2011.Combined with the geographical position and natural environment of the park,3 or 4 surveys were conducted every month and the bird community structure and seasonal changes were analyzed.The results showed that 89 bird species were recorded,among them 62 were migrant birds accounting for 69.66% of total avifauna,27 were residents accounting for 30.34%.There were 7 birds under the national protection of level two,12 species under the Beijing protection level one,and 43 species under the Beijing protection level two.The bird community structures in the park changed between seasons with the two peaks of the species number and population abundance in spring and autumn and the lowest in summer.During the spring and autumn a large migrant flock passed through with the bird species and the quantity changed dramatically.In summer the residents and summer breeders were the majority,whereas in winter theresidents and winter visitors were the majority.But the bird community structure was relatively stable in summer and winter.The multiple choice index and average index of bird community were calculated in four habitats.The multiple choice index in the nursery garden is the highest of 1.867 7 and in the scenery area is 0.621 3,the lowest.The bird average index in the scenery area is 0.823 3 which is the highest and in the nursery garden is 0.729 1 which is the lowest.Compared with previous surveys the population number of Eurasian Tree Sparrow(Passer montanus),Common Magpie(Pica pica) and Azure-winged Magpie(Cyanopica cyana) was the largest and the three birds are the dominant species in the park.In this investigation we firstly recorded the landing of Mallard in the park.
Mental health consultation in nutrition

Unsolved problems related to human behavior can sabotage the functioning of an organization. Mental health consultation offers an avenue for solution of such problems.
Differentiation of neurosensory cells in Hydra.

The differentiation of neurosensory cells in Hydra has been studied at the level of the electron microscope. These cells arise from interstitial cells (undifferentiated cells) and not from pre-existing nerve cells. Furthermore, there is no evidence to suggest that neurosensory cells represent a stage in the development of other nerve cells, i.e. ganglionic and neurosecretory cells. Major cytoplasmic changes in fine structure during differentiation include development of a cilium and associated structures (basal body, basal plate, rootlets), development of microtubules and at least two neurites, increase in Golgi lamellae and formation of dense droplets typical of neurosecretory droplets, structural variations in mitochondria and a decrease in the number of ribosomes. Granular endoplasmic reticulum is characteristically poorly developed in all stages of differentiation, including the mature neurosensory cell. Nuclear and nucleolar changes also occur during differentiation but these are less dramatic than the cytoplasmic events. The possibility of neurosensory cells being bi- or multiciliated and the presence of intercellular bridges between these cells are considered. The function of neurosensory cells is discussed briefly in relation to the function of the cilium and neurosecretory droplets.
Multivariate Analysis for Metabolomics and Proteomics Data

Abstract The large amount of data that modern proteomic and metabolomic experiments provide is a challenge to researchers. Multivariate analysis is an essential tool for the analysis and interpretation of data from modern metabolomic and proteomic experiments. This chapter is a brief summary of the two essential methods of multivariate analysis: principal component analysis and partial least squares. Two recent examples from the life science literature are discussed to illustrate these important methods.
Restoration of Immune Responsiveness to Glioma by Vaccination of Mice with Established Brain Gliomas with a Semi-Allogeneic Vaccine

Prior studies had shown the clinical efficacy of a semi-allogeneic glioma vaccine in mice with lethal GL261 gliomas. This was confirmed in the present study. As subcutaneous vaccination resulted in protection against tumor in the brain, the present study assessed the impact of this vaccination of mice bearing established GL261 brain gliomas on their cytokine production upon in vitro exposure to tumor-derived products. Mice with established GL261 brain gliomas were vaccinated subcutaneously with H-2b GL261 glioma cells fused with H-2d RAG-neo cells or with a mock vaccine of phosphate-buffered saline. The results of these analyses show that the presence of GL261 tumor-conditioned medium resulted in increased production of Th1, inflammatory and inhibitory cytokines by spleen cells from control mice and from vaccinated glioma-bearing mice. In contrast, spleen cells of tumor-bearing, mock-vaccinated mice produced lower levels of cytokines in the presence of tumor-conditioned media. However, these results also show that there was not a heightened level of cytokine production in the presence of tumor-conditioned medium by spleen cells of vaccinated mice over the production by spleen cells of control mice. Overall, these results show that vaccination slows growth of the GL261 tumors to the point where GL261-vaccinated mice do not show the signs of morbidly or splenic dysfunction exhibited by unvaccinated, late stage glioma-bearing mice.
The Trial of Galileo, 1613–1633

The first part of this book has elaborated a critical interpretation of Galileo’s work as a defense of the Copernican system. The Galilean defense was obviously multifaceted insofar as it involved questions of observational and theoretical astronomy, of hermeneutical and meta-hermeneutical theology, of general-qualitative and quantitative-mathematical physics, and of philosophical methodology and epistemology. More importantly, Galileo’s defense was reasoned, critical, open-minded, fair-minded, and rational-minded; that is, it was focused on the critical examination of the arguments for and against Copernicus, guided by the concern to be aware of the opposite arguments, to appreciate them in their strength, but also to expose their flaws, and thus to select the conclusion justified by the better arguments. These features are reflected in the fact that before I gave an account of Galileo’s replies (Chapters 3-6), I gave a lengthy account (Chapters 1-2) of the anti-Copernican objections and the traditional world view on which they were based. Equally important, I have tried to show that the Galilean defense of Copernicus was largely cogent, effective, or insightful, although I have not equated this essential correctness with complete or perfect rightness.
Applying Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change to Predict Water Consumption Instead of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Background: A substantial proportion of college students to not drink enough water and consume sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Consumption of SSBs is associated with weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dental carries, and increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Hence, the purpose of this study was to use the multi-theory model (MTM) in predicting initiation and sustenance of plain water consumption instead of sugar-sweetened beverages among college students. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a 37-item valid and reliable MTM-based survey was administered to college students in 2016 via Qualtrics at a large public university in the Southeastern United States. Overall, 410 students responded to the survey; of those, 174 were eligible for the study and completed it. Results: Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that 61.8% of the variance in the initiation of drinking plain water instead of SSBs was explained by behavioral confidence (P <0.001) and changes in the physical environment (P <0.001). Further, 58.3% of the variance in the sustenance of drinking plain water instead of SSBs was explained by emotional transformation (P <0.001) and practice for change (P =0.001). Conclusions: Multi-theory model of health behavior change is a robust theory for predicting plain water consumption instead of SSBs in college students. Interventions should be developed based on this theory for this target population.
The Origin of Life: Models and Data

A general framework for conventional models of the origin of life (OOL) is the specification of a 'privileged function.' A privileged function is an extant biological function that is excised from its biological context, elevated in importance over other functions, and transported back in time to a primitive chemical or geological environment. In RNA or Clay Worlds, the privileged function is replication. In Metabolism-First Worlds, the privileged function is metabolism. In Thermal Vent Worlds, the privileged function is energy harvesting from chemical gradients. In Membrane Worlds, the privileged function is compartmentalization. In evaluating these models, we consider the contents and properties of the Universal Gene Set of life, which is the set of orthologous genes conserved throughout the tree of life and found in every living system. We also consider the components and properties of the Molecular Toolbox of Life, which contains twenty amino acids, eight nucleotides, glucose, polypeptide, polynucleotide, and several other components. OOL models based on privileged functions necessarily depend on "takeovers" to transition from previous genetic and catalytic systems to the extant DNA/RNA/protein system, requiring replacement of one Molecular Toolbox with another and of one Universal Gene Set with another. The observed robustness and contents of the Toolbox of Life and the Universal Gene Set over the last 3.7 billion years are thought to be post hoc phenomena. Once the takeover processes are acknowledged and are reasonably considered, the privileged function models are seen to be extremely complex with low predictive power. These models require indeterminacy and plasticity of biological and chemical processes.
Requirements for Value of Information (VoI) calculation over mission specifications

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations center on providing relevant situational understanding to military commanders and analysts to facilitate decision-making for execution of mission tasks. However, limitations exist in tactical-edge environments on the ability to disseminate digital materials to analysts and decision makers. This work investigates novel methods to calculate of Value of Information tied to digital materials (termed information objects) for consumer use, based on interpretation of mission specifications. Followed by a short survey of related VoI calculation efforts, discussion is provided on mission-centric VoI calculation for digital materials via adoption of the preexisting Missions and Means Framework model.
Damping Characteristics of Horizontal Laplacian Diffusion Filters

AbstractHorizontally diffusive computational damping terms are frequently employed in 3D atmospheric simulation models to enhance stability and to suppress small-scale noise. In configuring these filters, it is desirable that damping effects are concentrated on the smaller-scale disturbances close to the grid scale and that the dissipation is spatially isotropic. On Cartesian meshes, the isotropy of the damping can vary greatly depending on the numerical formulation of the horizontal filter. The most isotropic behavior appears to result from recursive application of a 2D Laplacian that combines both along-axis and diagonal contributions. Also, the recursive application of 1D Laplacians in each coordinate direction provides better isotropy than the recursive application of the 2D Laplacian represented with a five-point operator. Increased isotropy also permits a larger maximum diffusivity, which may be beneficial in certain filter applications. On hexagonal and triangular meshes, Laplacian operators exhibi...
Composite nanofibrous microfiltration water filter

A novel environmentally friendly co-extrusion and multiplication technology in combination with a water jet procedure was utilized to produce dual-component fibrous filters. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/high-density polyethylene (HDPE) systems were selected as the filter materials. The orientation procedure was shown to greatly enhance the mechanical properties of the fibers as well as the filters. These filters were found to have micron-size pores, high porosity, and high surface areas. Various physical treatments were applied on these filters which decrease the filter pore size. It was found that filter pore size decreased to 0.2 μm and the mechanical properties were enhanced. Water flux tests and microparticle separation tests were performed on these filters to evaluate their microfiltration behavior. PVDF/HDPE filters exhibit high water flux with low pressure requirement, making them good candidates for microfiltration water filters. In addition, the PVDF/HDPE filters exhibit high separation efficiencies 90% on 1 μm particles, 96% on 2 μm particles, and 99% on 5 and 10 μm particles. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45557.
Decomposing the satellite precipitation error propagation through the rainfall-runoff processes

Abstract This study uses an analytical hydrological framework to investigate the error propagation from satellite precipitation products to hydrological simulations. Specifically, the analytical formulation of the framework allows linking the error in hydrograph properties (i.e., cumulative volume, centroid, and dispersion) to the space-time characteristics of error in satellite-precipitation, runoff generation, and routing. Main finding from this study are that (i) the error in spatial and temporal covariance between rainfall and runoff generation is not contributing significantly to the error in cumulative volume of flood events; (ii) errors in runoff generation and routing time are of equal importance in terms of the overall error in the arrival of flood event centroid; and (iii) errors in the variability of runoff generation time is the main contributor to the error in dispersion of flood event hydrograph. Furthermore, sensitivity tests show that errors in hydrograph properties are strongly correlated with errors in the space-time characteristics of precipitation, runoff generation and routing parameters estimated by the analytical framework.
Accuracy of Two Progesterone Immunoassays for Monitoring In Vitro Fertilization.

Background: Progesterone concentrations are routinely monitored during in vitro fertilization cycles. Immunoassay-based platforms are used most often in this setting because they are simple to use and amenable to same-day sample collection and result-reporting. However, immunoassay methods are subject to variation in specificity between different assay manufacturers. In this study, a set of unexpectedly high progesterone concentrations led to a method comparison between two in-house immunoassay platforms relative to the reference method. Methods: Progesterone was measured in 28 serum samples from women undergoing IVF cycles using the Siemens ADVIA Centaur Immunoassay system and the Abbott Architect i1000SR analyzer. A subset of these samples was selected for progesterone measurement by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to define the accuracy of each immunoassay. Results: The Siemens ADVIA Centaur immunoassay system overestimated progesterone concentrations by 19% and the Abbott Architect overestimated progesterone concentrations by 5%. Conclusions: The Abbott Architect progesterone immunoassay provides a more accurate measurement of serum progesterone than the Centaur immunoassay at concentrations relevant for monitoring in vitro fertilization populations.