cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Topological Metasurfaces

Recent developments in photonic topological insulators have shown that symmetry can be used to create unique electromagnetic states such as unidirectional waveguides in which modes are protected from scattering. Further research has shown that similar states can be created using defects in homogeneous materials, essentially creating chiral waveguides with polarization locked propagation. While topological protection usually refers to the band structure, it has recently become clear that such defects can have topological protection in real space as well and can lead to states that cannot be created nor destroyed, except in pairs, without global changes to the lattice. Similar isolated states can also be created as corner modes in higher order topological insulators. Much of this is not widely known within the microwave community, but these structures are will find increasing importance in the coming years for a variety of applications.
The triumphs and limitations of computational methods for scRNA-seq.

The rapid progress of protocols for sequencing single-cell transcriptomes over the past decade has been accompanied by equally impressive advances in the computational methods for analysis of such data. As capacity and accuracy of the experimental techniques grew, the emerging algorithm developments revealed increasingly complex facets of the underlying biology, from cell type composition to gene regulation to developmental dynamics. At the same time, rapid growth has forced continuous reevaluation of the underlying statistical models, experimental aims, and sheer volumes of data processing that are handled by these computational tools. Here, I review key computational steps of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis, examine assumptions made by different approaches, and highlight successes, remaining ambiguities, and limitations that are important to keep in mind as scRNA-seq becomes a mainstream technique for studying biology. This review provides an overview of recent computational developments in scRNA-seq analysis and highlights packages and tools applied in executing these analyses.
Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Respiratory Muscles

The sections in this article are: 1 Basic Concepts—Review of Muscle Mechanics 1.1 Muscle Fiber Types 1.2 Mechanics of Muscle 1.3 Electrical Properties of Skeletal Muscle 2 Individual Respiratory Muscles and Their Properties 2.1 General Considerations 2.2 Diaphragm 2.3 Intercostal Muscles 2.4 Sternocleidomastoid and Scalenus Muscles 2.5 Abdominal Muscles 2.6 Other Respiratory Muscles 3 Altered Respiratory Muscle Mechanical Properties in Disease 3.1 Obstructive Lung Disease 3.2 Diseases Characterized by Stiff Lungs 3.3 Neuromuscular Diseases 3.4 Severe Obesity
Atomic Data Needs for Laboratory and Astrophysical Plasma Physics Research

This paper presents a brief description of collisional‐radiative model benchmarking experiments performed on tokamak plasmas. The relevance of such experiments for astrophysical research is exemplified with the case of M‐shel iron emission in the soft X‐ray range.
Detectability of Symbol Manipulation by an Amplify-and-Forward Relay

This paper studies the problem of detecting a potential malicious relay node by a source node that relies on the relay to forward information to other nodes. The channel model of two source nodes simultaneously sending symbols to a relay is considered. The relay is contracted to forward the symbols that it receives back to the sources in the amplify-and-forward manner. However there is a chance that the relay may send altered symbols back to the sources. Each source attempts to individually detect such malicious acts of the relay by comparing the empirical distribution of the symbols that it receives from the relay conditioned on its own transmitted symbols with known stochastic characteristics of the channel. It is shown that maliciousness of the relay can be asymptotically detected with sufficient channel observations if and only if the channel satisfies a non-manipulable condition, which can be easily checked. As a result, the non-manipulable condition provides us a clear-cut criterion to determine the detectability of the aforementioned class of symbol manipulation attacks potentially conducted by the relay.
A multi-scale mathematical modeling framework to investigate anti-viral therapeutic opportunities in targeting HIV-1 accessory proteins

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) employs accessory proteins to evade innate immune responses by neutralizing the anti-viral activity of host restriction factors. Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme 3G (APOBEC3G, A3G) and bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST2) are host resistance factors that potentially inhibit HIV-1 infection. BST2 reduces viral production by tethering budding HIV-1 particles to virus producing cells, while A3G inhibits the reverse transcription (RT) process and induces viral genome hypermutation through cytidine deamination, generating fewer replication competent progeny virus. Two HIV-1 proteins counter these cellular restriction factors: Vpu, which reduces surface BST2, and Vif, which degrades cellular A3G. The contest between these host and viral proteins influences whether HIV-1 infection is established and progresses towards AIDS. In this work, we present an age-structured multi-scale viral dynamics model of in vivo HIV-1 infection. We integrated the intracellular dynamics of anti-viral activity of the host factors and their neutralization by HIV-1 accessory proteins into the virus/cell population dynamics model. We calculate the basic reproductive ratio (Ro) as a function of host-viral protein interaction coefficients, and numerically simulated the multi-scale model to understand HIV-1 dynamics following host factor-induced perturbations. We found that reducing the influence of Vpu triggers a drop in Ro, revealing the impact of BST2 on viral infection control. Reducing Vif׳s effect reveals the restrictive efficacy of A3G in blocking RT and in inducing lethal hypermutations, however, neither of these factors alone is sufficient to fully restrict HIV-1 infection. Interestingly, our model further predicts that BST2 and A3G function synergistically, and delineates their relative contribution in limiting HIV-1 infection and disease progression. We provide a robust modeling framework for devising novel combination therapies that target HIV-1 accessory proteins and boost antiviral activity of host factors.
Flips from 4-folds with isolated complete intersection singularities whose downstairs have rational bi-elephants

We shall investigate a flipping contraction g : X -> Y from a 4-fold X with at most isolated complete intersection singularities. If Y has an anti-bi-canonical divisor (=bi-elephant) with only rational singularities, then g carries an inductive structure chained up by blow-ups (La Torre Pendente), and in particular the flip exists. This naturally contains Miles Reid's `Pagoda' as an anti-canonical divisor (=elephant) and its proper transforms.
Soft Computing Methodology for Software Evaluation

Abstract Evaluation, comparison, and selection of software products are frequent decision problems. Soft computing offers efficient methodology for solving such problems. Our evaluation models are based on the Logic Scoring of Preference (LSP) method for system evaluation. We present an overview of the LSP method, and techniques for building evaluation criteria compatible with the ISO 9126 standard for software product evaluation. To exemplify our methodology we present the design and use of criteria for evaluation and comparison of search engines, Java IDEs, and windowed environments.
Assessing the Challenges and Opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Vietnamese Apparel Retail Market

Since the Vietnamese government implemented an economic renovation policy in 1986, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have tremendously contributed to a rapid growth in the country's economy. Although SMEs play an important role in Vietnam's apparel retail market, relatively little is known about Vietnam's apparel retailing market environment and domestic Vietnamese apparel retailers' dynamic business performance in the marketplace. Therefore, the present study aimed to extend an understanding of the competitive advantages of domestic Vietnamese small-sized apparel retail firms and examine their growth potential in Vietnam's apparel retail marketplace.
Undocumented aliens: a study of Mexican families

Ramon M. Salcido, DSW, is Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Being here is like a prison, a beautiful Angeles Times on the role of aliens golden prison. You have everything, in the U.S. economy pointed out that but at the same time you have nothing. Mexican aliens pay more in taxes than An undocumented Mexican alien they receive in aid and services.5 Fur thermore, Seldon Maram, Associate An unresolved issue facing the naProfessor of History at the California tion today is the influx of "illegal State University at Fullerton, testified aliens" from Mexico to the United before the California State Committee States. Since 1900, immigration to this on Human Resources that
Pedigree Management and Assessment Framework (PMAF)

The Pedigree Management and Assessment Framework (PMAF) is a customizable framework for writing, retrieving and assessing provenance and other metadata that reflects the quality of an information object (such as a document), the relationships between information objects and resources (such as people and organizations), etc. PMAF stores metadata in a volume-efficient format using RDF (Resource Description Framework), and can write and query metadata at a fine-grained level. Once metadata has been stored in PMAF, the user can run a variety of assessments (predefined queries) to reveal particular aspects of the metadata graph. We will demonstrate the PMAF browser interface, which can be used to view the existing metadata graph for an information object; the PMAF assessment interface, which allows the user to select and run predefined queries on the metadata; and the integration of PMAF with a standard document editor and content management system.
Financing Industrial Expansion for War: The Origin of the Defense Plant Corporation Leases

One of the recent tendencies in the United States has been the movement away from private methods of finance to finance through government agencies, a trend that has been particularly noticeable during periods of national catastrophe such as wars and depressions. In these periods we have seen, in addition to other sources of government financing, the use of the War Finance Corporation during World War I and the use on a far larger scale of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation during the Great Depression and World War II. During World War II two thirds of a total expenditure for industrial facilities of approximately $25 billion was directly financed by the government. In contrast, during the three-year period of 1917–1919, only about one tenth of the $6 billion in new facilities under construction was directly financed by the government.
An antibiotic factory caught in action.

The synthesis of aromatic polyketides, such as actinorhodin, tetracycline and doxorubicin, begins with the formation of a polyketide chain. In type II polyketide synthases (PKSs), chains are polymerized by the heterodimeric ketosynthase–chain length factor (KS-CLF). Here we present the 2.0-A structure of the actinorhodin KS-CLF, which shows polyketides being elongated inside an amphipathic tunnel ∼17 A in length at the heterodimer interface. The structure resolves many of the questions about the roles of KS and CLF. Although CLF regulates chain length, it does not have an active site; KS must catalyze both chain initiation and elongation. We provide evidence that the first cyclization of the polyketide occurs within the KS-CLF tunnel. The mechanistic details of this central PKS polymerase could guide biosynthetic chemists in designing new pharmaceuticals and polymers.
A prospective comparison of atrio-femoral and femoro-atrial flow in adult venovenous extracorporeal life support

Abstract Introduction: In the United States, venovenous extracorporeal life support has traditionally been performed with atrial drainage and femoral reinfusion (atrio-femoral flow). Although flow reversal (femoro-atrial flow) may alter recirculation and extracorporeal flow, no direct comparison of these 2 modes has been undertaken. Objective: Our goal was to prospectively compare atrio-femoral and femoro-atrial flow in adult venovenous extracorporeal life support for respiratory failure. Methods: A modified bridge enabling conversion between atrio-femoral and femoro-atrial flow was incorporated in the extracorporeal circuit. Bypass was initiated in the direction that provided the highest pulmonary arterial mixed venous oxygen saturation, and the following measurements were taken: (1) maximum extracorporeal flow, (2) highest achievable pulmonary arterial mixed venous oxygen saturation, and (3) flow required to maintain the same pulmonary arterial mixed venous oxygen saturation in both directions. Flow direction was then reversed, and the measurements were repeated. Data were compared with paired t tests and are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Results: Ten patients were studied, and 9 were included in the data analysis. Femoro-atrial bypass provided (1) higher maximal extracorporeal flow (femoro-atrial flow = 55.6 ± 9.8 mL/kg per minute, atrio-femoral flow = 51.1 ± 11.1 mL/kg per minute; P = .04) and (2) higher pulmonary arterial mixed venous oxygen saturation (femoro-atrial flow = 89.9% ± 6.6%, atrio-femoral flow = 83.2% ± 4.2%; P = .006); (3) furthermore, it required less flow to maintain an equivalent pulmonary arterial mixed venous oxygen saturation (femoro-atrial flow = 37.0 ± 12.2 mL/kg per minute, atrio-femoral flow = 46.4 ± 8.8 mL/kg per minute; P = .04). Conclusions: During venovenous extracorporeal life support, femoro-atrial bypass provided higher maximal extracorporeal flow, higher pulmonary arterial mixed venous oxygen saturation, and required comparatively less flow to maintain an equivalent mixed venous oxygen saturation than did atrio-femoral bypass. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998;116:628-32)
Arthroplasty Utilization in the United States is Predicted by Age-Specific Population Groups

Osteoarthritis is a common indication for hip and knee arthroplasty. An accurate assessment of current trends in healthcare utilization as they relate to arthroplasty may predict the needs of a growing elderly population in the United States. First, incidence data was queried from the United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1993 to 2009. Patients undergoing total knee and hip arthroplasty were identified. Then, the United States Census Bureau was queried for population data from the same study period as well as to provide future projections. Arthroplasty followed linear regression models with the population group >64 years in both hip and knee groups. Projections for procedure incidence in the year 2050 based on these models were calculated to be 1,859,553 cases (hip) and 4,174,554 cases (knee). The need for hip and knee arthroplasty is expected to grow significantly in the upcoming years, given population growth predictions.
Solder Joint Reliability of BGA Package under End-User Handling Test Conditions

Component level test methodologies to understand the reliability of package in end user handling conditions with cyclic bend and cyclic shock are presented in this paper. Displacement controlled cyclic bend tests conducted over a wide range of displacements are used to understand the behavior of solder joints at low strain rates. In cyclic shock, a new test method called "self cancelling shock pulse" is introduced that results in a single peak strain. This method enables a direct comparison with system level data as well as producing accurate cycles to failure. Board design improvements to obtain consistent failure modes are also discussed. Differences in performances of lead free solders in bend and shock tests are analyzed and explained through failure analysis and mechanisms. The testing results were compiled to create a board strain (E) versus number-of-cycles to failure (N) curve to validate these new methodologies and show their advantages and limitations with a potential as a new method for component testing and system design.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KERNEL COLOR AND PROTEIN CONTENT OF HARD RED x HARD WHITE WINTER WHEAT PROGENY

Utilization of high-protein hard red wheat germplasm in breeding high-protein hard white winter wheats for the U.S. Great Plains raised concern regarding possible genetic relationships between kernel color and protein content. Segregating F3 and F4 populations from reciprocal crosses and backcrosses involving high-protein hard red winter wheat cultivar Plainsman V and normal-protein hard white winter wheat line KS75216 were examined. Nonsignificant regression and correlation coefficients in the F3 generations of KS75216/Plainsman V, KS75216//KS75216/Plainsman V and Plainsman V//KS75216/Plainsman V indicated the absence of genetic relationships between kernel color and protein content. Therefore, despite the presence of genes for protein content and kernel color on the same chromosomes (3A, 3B and 3D), kernel color and protein content appeared as independent traits. A small but significant negative relationship between white kernel color and high protein in Plainsman V/KS75216 was attributable to the possible presence of alien genetic material in the parentage of Plainsman V. Chi-square tests indicated that Plainsman V is a mixture of genotypes for kernel color; most genotypes carry two dominant genes for red color and a few carry one or three. Genetic control of grain protein appeared to be complex. Partial dominance for high protein was indicated in the F3 generation but a generally continuous distribution and transgressive segregation also suggested other genes functioned additively. Heritability estimates by parent-offspring (F3-F4) regression were sufficiently high to ensure genetic progress in the selection of high-protein lines in the red x white wheat crosses. We concluded that development of high-protein cultivars is as feasible for white wheats as for red wheats.
Computational Design of an RNA Hexagonal Nanoring and an RNA Nanotube

The combination of computer modeling, RNA structure versatility, and siRNA function can be efficiently used to design an all-RNA nanoparticle capable of siRNA delivery. Here, we present a computational design of an RNA nanoring and a nanotube. An RNA nanoring consists of six simple linear building blocks that are assembled together via known noncovalent loop−loop contacts based on RNAI/RNAII inverse sequences. The helical sequences of the building blocks can include siRNAs for drug delivery.
Cutaneous and Soft-Tissue Manifestations of Sepsis Due to Gram-Negative Enteric Bacilli

Four patterns of tissue involvement can be distinguished in sepsis due to gram-negative enteric bacilli. When intense local inflammation predominates, cellulitis or thrombophlebitis results, often with venous or arterial obstruction. Bacteria are present in the affected tissues, but not in sufficient numbers to be seen microscopically. When bacterial proliferation is unchecked by an appropriate leukocyte response, ecthyma gangrenosum, erythema multiforme, or diffuse bullous lesions may occur with minimal clinical or histologic signs of inflammation. In symmetric peripheral gangrene associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation, bland fibrinous deposits are seen in small vessels but neither inflammatory cells nor bacteria are present. The fourth kind of lesion is that seen in bacterial endocarditis. In all four patterns a vascular component is prominent clinically and histologically. The pathogenesis of these lesions is multifactorial; in each individual case the interaction between bacterial and host factors probably determines which clinical picture will result. The appearance of symmetric soft tissue lesions of the extremities in the absence of predisposing local conditions suggests the possibility of sepsis due to gram-negative bacilli, especially if other clinical features indicate that sepsis might be present.
A tRNA(Ser(UcN)) gene in Artemia salina mitochondrial DNA: a case of mistaken identity

We have sequenced a segment of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of a crustacean, the brine shrimp, Artemia salina, that includes 3′ end-proximal regions of the genes for subunit 1 of the NADH dehydrogenase complex (ND1) and cytochrome b (Cyt b). From our data we conclude that in this mtDNA, as in the mtDNAs of Drosophila species, a tRNASer(UCN) gene separates the ND1 and Cyt b genes. This is contrary to an earlier report that the A. salina ND1 and Cyt b genes are immediately adjacent to each other.
Synaptic Regulation of Immediate Early Gene Expression in Primary Cultures of Cortical Neurons

Neuronal stimulation can rapidly activate several immediate early genes that code for transcription factors. We have used primary cortical cultures to study the regulation of four of these genes, c-fos, c-jun, jun-B, and zif268. Immunocytochemical studies with antibodies to Jun-B, c-Jun, and c-Fos demonstrate intense staining in the nuclei of a subset of cortical neurons in mature cultures (21-25 days in vitro) but not young cultures (3-7 days in vitro). To assess whether this immunoreactivity may be induced by spontaneous synaptic activity that develops with a similar profile, we examined the effects of agents that reduce this synaptic activity. Tetrodotoxin or N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists suppress basal immunoreactivity to Jun-B and c-Fos, but not c-Jun, indicating that the basal level of c-Jun expression is not dependent on electrical activity. Picrotoxin, an agent that increases synaptic excitation indirectly by blocking inhibitory synaptic currents mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptors, markedly increases the percentage of neurons displaying immunoreactivity to c-Fos, c-Jun, Jun-B, and Zif268. Northern analysis suggests that the increases in immunostaining induced by picrotoxin are secondary to a rapid increase in mRNA for these proteins. These findings provide evidence for rapid transcriptional regulation of immediate early genes in cortical neurons by synaptic activity.
Effect of air flow rate on the foam fractionation of a mixture of egg white and egg yolk

Foam fractionation was previously shown to be an effective tool for the separation of the two visible phases in a chicken egg: egg white and the egg yolk.1 This study is a continuation of the previous study with the objective of determining the optimal separation condition in terms of air flow rate. Our results show that air flow rate is a critical operational parameter when separating these protein-rich mixtures of egg white and egg yolk. The results show that respective concentrations of egg yolk and egg white phases change independently with respect to the air flow rate, leading to the observation that air flow rate could be exploited as a processing variable to selectively remove proteins from one section of the egg over the other section. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinoptilolite Zeolite Effect on Evapotranspiration Rate and Shoot Growth Rate of Creeping Bentgrass on Sand Base Greens

Clinoptilolite zeolite (CZ) has been shown to have a positive effect on turfgrass germination, establishment, growth, quality, nutrient status and yield, but data is lacking on clinoptilolite effect on water consumption in turfgrass culture. In this study, the lysimeter method was used for growing creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds. cv. Penncross) in the greenhouse to determine the shoot growth rate (SGR), and evapotranspiration rate (ET). Three N levels (98, 196, and 293 kg NFLj*-N ha') as ammonium sulfate, were included as treatments. Root zone media evaluated included sand amended with 10% (w/w) clinoptilolite zeolite (CZ) and unamended sand. Shoot growth and ET were evaluated under both a well-watered and a water-withholding period. During the irrigated period, the lysimeters with CZ-sand has a SGR 26% higher than the unamended lysimeters. In general, the water-withholding period, SGR declined but was 60% higher for creeping bentgrass grown CZ-sand than unamended sand. Increasing the...
Biodistribution of misonidazole and 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)1-nitrosourea (BCNU) in rats bearing unclamped and clamped 9L subcutaneous tumors

Abstract The biodistrybution of misonidazole (MISO) and 1,3bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) was studied using the subcutaneous (s.c.) 9L tumor model in male Fisher 344 rats. A transient hypoxia in these tumors was created by clamping the blood supply to the tumor. Reoxygenation occurred upon release of the clamp. The plasma and tumor concentrations of MISO and BCNU were quantitated by high pressure liquid chromatography. When 12 mg/kg of BCNU was given i.p. without MISO, the peak plasma concentration was about 6 μg/ml, and the elimination half-time was about 16 min. When 2.5 mmole/kg of MISO was given i.p. 150 min before the BCNU, the peak plasma concentration of BCNU increased by ≈33%, and the plasma elimination half-time increased by ≈57%. Clamping the tumor for 120 min did not significantly change the BCNU concentration in plasma, but in tumors the time to reach the peak level was delayed slightly, and the peak concentration was reduced when compared to that in the unclamped tumors. MISO pretreatment decreased the BCNU peak concentration in both unclamped and clamped, tumors, but the decrease was more pronounced in the unclamped tumors. In both unclamped and clamped tumors, the BCNU concentration and its rate of disappearance were identical about 30 min after BCNU administration, with or without MISO pretreatment. The elimination half-time of MISO from the plasma ≈142 min) was identical for rats with unclamped or clamped tumors. The half-time for the disappearance of MISO from unclamped Moors was about 98 min. BCNU had no effect on the MISO concentration in plasma and unclamped tumors. MISO disappeared in the clamped tumors with a half-time of about 40 min. When the clamp was released, the MISO concentration returned to the level in the unclamped tumors after about 45 min. BCNU delayed the return of the MISO concentration to the unclamped tumor level by about 60 min. Two conclusions can be drawn from this study. First, the pharmacokinetics of each drug changed when the two drugs were combined. Second, the data indicate that alterations in the tumor BCNU pharmacokinetics are not the major mechanism responsible for the Chemopotentiation previously measured in s.c. 9L tumors.
Percutaneous placement of ventriculoatrial shunts in the pediatric population

The percutaneous placement of ventriculoatrial (VA) shunts has been previously described, usually in adults. We report a series of 7 pediatric cases ranging from 6 to 17 years. Five patients were female and 2 were male. All patients had prior ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts for hydrocephalus, of which 1 had been subsequently converted to a ventriculopleural shunt. Indications for conversion to a VA shunt were intra-abdominal infection in 6 cases and chronic pleuritic chest pain in 1 patient. The venous entry was the subclavian vein in all cases. All patients have remained asymptomatic since the operation. There were no complications associated with the procedures, with follow-up ranging from 2 to 12 months. This technique is a viable alternative to the open cervical approach for venous entry to the right atrium in the pediatric population.
Hierarchical Pattern Formation in Thin Film Diblock Copolymers above the Order−Disorder Transition Temperature

Thin symmetric poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) diblock copolymer films at temperatures higher than the bulk order−disorder transition temperature TODT are shown to dewet silicon sub...
PLASMA CONCENTRATIONS OF MORPHINE IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC PAIN—COMPARISON OF CONTROLLED RELEASE AND REGULAR MORPHINE SULPHATE TABLETS

Summary Comparative plasma concentrations of morphine in two children with chronic pain who received controlled-release and regular morphine sulphate tablets are described. The controlled-release tablets were given every 12 h and regular tablets every 4h. At steady-state, the maximum morphine plasma concentration (Cmax) was 24·1 ng/ml at 45 mg and 18·7 ng/ml at 30 mg of controlled-release morphine sulphate tablets. The Cmax was 17·6 ng/ml at 15 mg and 31·4 ng/ml at 20 mg dose of the regular tablets. The maximum concentration occurred at 2·0 and 2·5h after controlled-release and 0·25 and 1·5 h after regular tablets. The minimum morphine plasma concentrations and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve normalized for dose were comparable for the controlled-release and regular tablets. These data indicate that controlled-release morphine sulphate may be well absorbed in relation to the regular tablets. If these results are confirmed in a large group of patients, the controlled-release morphine sulphate tablets may offer a convenient (less frequent) dosing compared with regular tablets in children suffering from chronic pain due to malignancy.
Stricture and pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is a surgical procedure used for the treatment of people with chronic ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. The surgery is intended to preserve anal sphincter function, but it carries a risk for certain complications, including pouchitis and anastomotic stricture. The purpose of this article is to review the clinical manifestations, causes, and treatment of anastomotic stricture and pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.
A Review of “The Odd Man Karakozov: Imperial Russia, Modernity and the Birth of Terrorism”

Dmitry Karakozov is hardly a minor figure in the history of late imperial Russia. His attempt to assassinate Tsar Alexander II on April 4, 1866 brought the state's waning commitment to reform to a ...
The Effect of Blending Cottons of Dissimilar Fiber Properties upon Spinning Performance and Yarn Quality

The blending of cottons with dissimilar fiber properties has been investigated to determine its effect upon processing performance, spinning performance and yarn quality in medium and fine count yarns. In these trials, the effect of grade and cavitomic damage (SM and LM, Sp.), fiber fineness (3.4 and 5.5 Micronaire reading), staple length (1/8 in. and 1 1/16 in.) and fiber strength (70,000 lb./in. 2 and 95,000 lb./in.2) was evaluated. Cotton bales differing appreciably in the property being investigated but having other pertinent properties similar were used. For each trial, the 100% components of the property being investigated and three blends of these cottons were run. The effects of varying percentages of the different cotton fiber properties upon spinning performance and yarn quality are shown.
The Serpin-Enzyme Complex Receptor Recognizes Soluble, Nontoxic Amyloid-β Peptide but Not Aggregated, Cytotoxic Amyloid-β Peptide

There is now extensive evidence that amyloid-beta peptide is toxic to neurons and that its cytotoxic effects can be attributed to a domain corresponding to amyloid-beta 25-35, GSNKGAIIGLM. We have shown recently that the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin)-enzyme complex receptor (SEC-R), a receptor initially identified for binding of alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) and other serine protease inhibitors, also recognizes the amyloid-beta 25-35 domain. In fact, by recognizing the amyloid-beta 25-35 domain, SEC-R mediates cell surface binding, internalization, and degradation of soluble amyloid-beta peptide. In this study, we examined the possibility that SEC-R mediates the neurotoxic effect of amyloid-beta peptide. A series of peptides based on the sequences of amyloid-beta peptide and alpha1-AT was prepared soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide or insoluble in water and examined in assays for SEC-R binding, for cytotoxicity in neuronal PC12 cells and murine cortical neurons in primary culture, and for aggregation in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis. The results show that amyloid-beta peptide 25-35 and amyloid-beta peptide 1-40 prepared soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide compete for binding to SEC-R, are nontoxic, and migrate as monomers in SDS-PAGE analysis. In contrast, the same peptides aged in water did not compete for binding to SEC-R but were toxic and migrated as aggregates in SDS-PAGE. An all-D-amyloid-beta 25-35 peptide was not recognized at all by SEC-R but retained full toxic/aggregating properties. Using a series of deleted, substituted, and chimeric ambeta/alpha1-AT peptides, toxicity correlated well with aggregation but poorly with SEC-R recognition. In a subclone of PC12 cells which developed resistance to the toxic effect of aggregated amyloid-beta 25-35 there was a 2.5-3-fold increase in the number of SEC-R molecules/cell compared with the parent PC12 cell line. These data show that SEC-R does not mediate the cytotoxic effect of aggregated amyloid-beta peptide. Rather, SEC-R could play a protective role by mediating clearance and catabolism of soluble, monomeric amyloid-beta peptide, if soluble amyloid-beta peptide proves to be an in vivo precursor of the insoluble, toxic peptide.
Influence of kynurenine treatment on open-field activity, elevated plus-maze, avoidance behaviors and seizures in rats

In the present studies the effects of single and daily repeated injections of kynurenine were investigated in different behavioral tests in rats. In open-field behavior a single injection of kynurenine decreased rearing activity, while the effect was more pronounced after repeated injections. Similarly, in the elevated plus-maze, kynurenine attenuated the total number of entries in the four arms of the equipment, and after chronic treatment decreased the time spent in the open arms (control: 24%; kynurenine 100 mg/kg: 16%; kynurenine 200 mg/kg: 13%). Kynurenine did not influence the passive avoidance learning paradigm (learning session and avoidance latency) and the extinction of active avoidance response. Kynurenine slightly attenuated the kainic acid-induced wet dog shakes and forelimb clonic activity with rearing. These findings suggest that kynurenine (especially after repeated peripheral injections) inhibited several behavioral responses of the experimental animals. However, in one type of highly motivated experimental paradigm (fear from the foot shock), behavioral depression was not detectable.
Many-Body Perturbation Theory for Quantum Crystals. I

The possibility of a perturbation treatment for quantum crystals is investigated. It is found that the usual form of the unperturbed Hamiltonian, being a single-particle operator, is not suitable for this situation, since it does not produce correlations necessary in a theory of quantum crystals. These correlations prevent the unperturbed ground state or low excited states from containing multiply occupied lattice sites. An unperturbed Hamiltonian is proposed which generates these correlations but is no longer a single-particle operator. The rules for a diagrammatic representation of a perturbation expansion starting from this unperturbed Hamiltonian are given. They differ from the usual rules for Goldstone diagrams. In particular, the linked-cluster theorem is not valid. Adding and subtracting pairs of mutually cancelling diagrams, in a manner similar to that in which Pauli-principle-violating diagrams are treated in the standard perturbation theory for fermions, we find new rules which, at least at low temperatures, are identical to those for spinless fermions. This result is essentially independent of the statistics of the actual lattice particles. In the case where the lattice particles are actually fermions with spin \textonehalf{}, e.g., $^{3}\mathrm{He}$, we find an expansion formally identical to the problem of spinless fermions interacting among themselves and with a set of spins \textonehalf{} localized at lattice sites.
Long-term results of treatment of Hirschsprung’s disease

Many children with Hirschsprung's disease (HD) have a good outcome following surgical treatment, but long-term follow-up studies have identified a number of concerns. Analysis of long-term function in children after surgical management is difficult. The most commonly encountered problems include constipation, incontinence, enterocolitis and the overall impact of the disease on lifestyle (quality of life). Other complications are less frequent. Each of these problems will be discussed.
Enzyme-mimic activity of ferric nano-core residing in ferritin and its biosensing applications

Ferritins are nanoscale globular protein cages encapsulating a ferric core. They widely exist in animals, plants, and microbes, playing indispensable roles in iron homeostasis. Interestingly, our study clearly demonstrates that ferritin has an enzyme-mimic activity derived from its ferric nanocore but not the protein cage. Further study revealed that the mimic-enzyme activity of ferritin is more thermally stable and pH-tolerant compared with horseradish peroxidase. Considering the abundance of ferritin in numerous organisms, this finding may indicate a new role of ferritin in antioxidant and detoxification metabolisms. In addition, as a natural protein-caged nanoparticle with an enzyme-mimic activity, ferritin is readily conjugated with biomolecules to construct nanobiosensors, thus holds promising potential for facile and biocompatible labeling for sensitive and robust bioassays in biomedical applications.
Positive dromotropic effects of the vagus nerves on the canine atrioventricular node

After muscarinic blockade with atropine, stimulation of the cervical vagal nerves produced increases in A-V nodal conduction velocity in the paced canine heart. This positive dromotropic activity was abolished by β-adrenergic blocking agents, indicating that the changes are produced by adrenergic fibres within the cervical vagal trunk.
The role of apoptosis in immune hyporesponsiveness following AAV8 liver gene transfer.

Gene therapy provides a significant opportunity to treat a variety of inherited and acquired diseases. However, adverse immune responses toward the adeno-associated virus (AAV) antigens may limit its success. The mechanisms responsible for immunity or tolerance toward AAV-encoded transgene products remain poorly defined. Studies in mice demonstrate that AAV2/8 gene transfer to liver is associated with immunological hyporesponsiveness toward both AAV vector and antigenic transgene product. To evaluate the role of activation-induced cell death (AICD) and cytokine withdrawal (intrinsic cell death) in the deletion of mature T lymphocytes, we compared immunological responses in hepatic AAV2/8 transfer in murine recipients lacking the Fas receptor, and recipients overexpressing Bcl-xL, to WT murine counterparts. Prolonged transgene expression was dependent on both Fas signaling and Bcl-xL–regulated apoptosis in T cells. Abrogation of intrinsic cell death enhanced Th1 responses, whereas AICD functioned to limit neutralizing antibody production toward AAV2/8. In addition, immune hyporesponsiveness and stable transgene expression was dependent on upregulation of FasL expression on transduced hepatocytes and a corresponding apoptosis of infiltrating Fas (+) cells. These data provide evidence that both AICD and apoptosis due to cytokine withdrawal of lymphocytes are essential for immune hyporesponsiveness toward hepatic AAV2/8-encoded transgene product in the setting of liver gene transfer.
Improvement of efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells based on analysis of equivalent circuit

Abstract The present paper discusses the principle of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) in terms of a new physics-based equivalent circuit model. This model is proposed following analysis by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the voltage dependence of the internal resistance elements of DSCs. The influence of these elements upon cell performance in areas such as short circuit current density (JSC), open circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF) was examined based on the equivalent circuit. It was demonstrated that the haze factor of TiO2 electrodes is a useful index when fabricating light-confined TiO2 electrodes to improve JSC, and that blocking the TiO2 surface with molecules is an effective way of reducing interfacial charge recombination at the TiO2 surface and of improving shunt resistance and VOC. FF was also improved by reduction of the internal series resistance, which is composed of the following three elements: the redox reaction resistance at the platinum counter electrode, the resistance of carrier transport by ions in the electrolyte, and resistance due to the sheet resistance of the transparent conducting oxide. Finally, the highest efficiency scores of 10.4% and 10.8% (aperture illumination area 1.004 cm2 and 0.2227 cm2, respectively) were confirmed by a public test center.
Hemicrania continua responds to cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors.

Background.—Hemicrania continua is a primary headache disorder defined by its absolute responsiveness to indomethacin. We report the treatment response to two cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, celecoxib and rofecoxib, in a series of patients with hemicrania continua. Methods.—Fourteen patients were treated, 9 with rofecoxib and 5 with celecoxib. Results.—Three patients in each group had a complete response to treatment. Conclusion.—The cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors may represent an alternative to indomethacin in the treatment of hemicrania continua. Their mechanism of action for this potential indication is unknown.
Crossing Borders, Crossing Seas: The Philippines, Gender and the Bounding of Cumulative Causation

In this study, we assess how the composition of migrant workers varies with migration prevalence within Filipino communities. Specifically, we test the hypothesis of past cumulative causation scholars that increased migration prevalence results in a decline in migrant selectivity. The Philippines has a social, political and geographical context that differs from that of many other countries characterized by high migration. In this study, we consider whether these different contexts and contingencies might alter the process by which the social phenomenon of cumulative causation occurs. Multiple fixed-effects models were estimated at the municipality level, with the dependent variable in each model being a demographic characteristic related to the propensity to migrate: marital status, age, sex and years of education. We find, consistent with cumulative causation theory as posited by Douglas S. Massey, that increased migration prevalence did yield a decline in selectivity for education and marital status. However, migration prevalence had no effect on the gender composition of migrants, while time did impact the gender composition, suggesting sustained selectivity by gender attributable to global demand for specifically gendered, migrant labour.
Fractal Characterization of the Structure of Aerosol Agglomerates Grown at Reduced Pressure

Experimentally grown metallic aerosol particles were found to form highly complex shapes. When the ambient pressure at which they were grown was decreased, distinctive changes in their appearance were observed. Fractal analysis was used to characterize these particles and their differences. The analysis was able to distinguish several different growth regimes and explain some of the growth-pressure effects.
Collective Action and the Second-Order Free-Rider Problem

This article examines the relationship between the first- and second-order free-rider problems in collective sanction systems, with special emphasis on the relative robustness of cooperation in the first and second levels. The results indicate that second-order cooperation exhibits surprising robustness relative to first-order cooperation. The implication is that hypocrisy, though universally maligned, may play a crucial transitional role both in the emergence of collective action and in the continuity of collective action under adverse circumstances.
The Number of γ-rays Emitted per Second from Radium B and C in Equilibrium with a Gram of Radium and the Number Emitted per Atom Disintegrating

Number of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays emitted by RaB and RaC per atom disintegrating.--- $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays entering a metal produce $\ensuremath{\beta}$-ray emissions. By a $\ensuremath{\beta}$-ray emission is meant the simultaneous emission of one or more $\ensuremath{\beta}$-rays, initially in the general direction of the exciting $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays. Those $\ensuremath{\beta}$-ray emissions which passed through the metal window front of a counting chamber were counted, using an automatic registering device previously described. Different thicknesses of various metals were used as fronts. Corrections for scattered $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays and for $\ensuremath{\beta}$-rays from the walls of the chamber were determined experimentally. A standard 1.305 mg of radium was used, placed between the poles of an electromagnet. The coefficient of absorption of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays was determined from corrected counts with different thicknesses of absorbing metal placed between the source and the counting chamber but nearer the source, and the coefficient of absorption of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-rays from a determination of the thickness of the metal cover which gave the maximum number of counts. From these coefficients and the geometrical constants, the total number of emissions which would have been produced if all the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays from RaB and RaC had been absorbed in the metal was determined for Al, Cu, Sn, Pt, and Pb and found the same for all within a mean variation of \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3 per cent, viz. 7.28\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{10}$ per gm Ra per sec. equal, within experimental error, to twice 3.57\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{10}$ which is the number of atoms of each disintegrating per second. Evidently this proves that each radioactive transformation results in the emission of a $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray entity which sooner or later produces a $\ensuremath{\beta}$-ray emission from a single atom. For the hard $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays, capable of penetrating 1.55 cm of lead, the number of counts, corrected for absorption and scattering, came out 76 per cent of the total. Ionisation experiments, repeated by the author, give about 73 per cent, the smaller figure being due to the smaller relative ionising power of the fast $\ensuremath{\beta}$-rays. Since $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays are entities, the counts seem to be more significant.Coefficient of absorption of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays from RaB and RaC and for secondary $\ensuremath{\beta}$-rays, determined from counts.---For all the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays the values found for Al, Cu, Sn, Pt, and Pb, are 0.121, 0.38, 0.36, 1.40 and 0.78 per cm, and for the hard $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays 0.11, 0.32, 0.29, 0.81 and 0.47 respectively. For the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-rays in the metal in which they were produced (1) by all the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays: 38.6, 160, 84.3, 374 and 200 per cm, (2) by hard $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays: 16.2, 58.1, 52.3, 215 and 104.
Cognitive function in dialysis patients

There are few detailed studies of cognitive function in dialysis patients. However, appreciating the prevalence and risk factors for cognitive impairment is important because cognitive impairment may decrease an individual's quality of life, increase resource utilization, and result in suboptimal medical care because of difficulty following caregiver recommendations. Cognitive impairment also is likely to become more of a problem as the dialysis population ages. In this review, we argue that cerebrovascular disease is an important cause of cognitive impairment in dialysis patients and discuss risk factors specific for vascular disease, as well as other factors that may influence cognitive function. We describe the structural brain abnormalities frequently seen in dialysis patients and the specific neurocognitive changes noted in prior studies. We explore potential measures to reduce cognitive impairment in this population. We conclude that additional research is needed in this area.