cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On Examining the Quality of Spanish Translation in Telephone Surveys: A Novel Test-Retest Approach.

Past research has shown that commonly reported cultural group disparities in health-related indices may be attributable to culturally mediated differences in the interpretation of translated survey questions and response scales. This problem may be exacerbated when administering single-item survey questions, which typically lack the reliability seen in multi-item scales. We adapt the test-retest approach for single-item survey questions that have been translated from English into Spanish and demonstrate how to use this approach as a quick and efficient pilot test before fielding a major survey. Three retest conditions were implemented (English-Spanish, Spanish-English, and English-English) on a convenience sample (n = 109) of Latinos and non-Latinos where translated items were compared against an English-English condition that served as our control. Several items were flagged for investigation using this approach. Discussion centers on the utility of this approach for evaluating the Spanish translation of single-item questions in population-based surveys.
Unsupervised Domain Adaption With Adversarial Learning (UDAA) for Emphysema Subtyping on Cardiac CT Scans: The Mesa Study

Emphysema quantification and sub-typing is actively studied on cohorts of full-lung high-resolution CT (HRCT) scans, with promising results. Transfer of quantification and classification tools to cardiac CT scans, which involve 70% of the lungs, is challenging due to lower image resolution and degradation of textural patterns. In this study, we propose an original deep-learning domain-adaptation framework to use a pre-existing dictionary of lung texture patterns (LTP), learned on gold-standard full-lung HRCT scans, to label emphysema regions on cardiac CT scans. The method exploits convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained for: 1) supervised lung texture classification on synthetic cardiac images, and 2) adversarial learning to discriminate between real and synthetic cardiac images. Combination of the classification and adversarial tasks enables to label real cardiac CT scans, and is evaluated on the MESA cohort (N = 15,357 scans). Our results show that image features derived from the adversarial training preserve the labeling accuracy on synthetic scans. LTP histogram signatures generated on 4,315 longitudinal pairs of cardiac CT scans, show high level of consistency over time and scanner generations. The ability to robustly label emphysema texture patterns on cardiac CT scans will enable large-scale longitudinal studies over 10 years of follow-up, for better understanding of the disease progression.
Redescription of Eimeria megabubonis Upton, Campbell, Weigel & McKown, 1990 (Apicomplexa: Emeriidae) from the great horned owl Bubo virginianus (Gmelin).

While nine nominal species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 have been described from strigiform birds, molecular sequence data are not available for any of these species. In the present study, oocysts of a coccidian were isolated by faecal flotation from the lower intestinal contents of an opportunistically collected, recently deceased great horned owl Bubo virginianus (Gmelin), sporulated in potassium dichromate, and subjected to morphological and molecular characterisation. Comparisons of morphological data with previous accounts of Eimeria spp. from owls were consistent with Eimeria megabubonis Upton, Campbell, Weigel & McKown, 1990. Novel molecular data for the 18S ribosomal RNA gene region and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene are provided. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated sequence data from these regions are presented and implications for the evolutionary history of Eimeria are discussed.
Alteration of apoptotic signaling molecules as a function of time after radiation in human neuroblastoma cells

5757 Ascertaining the time dependent regulation of induced apoptosis and radioresistance is important to understand the relationship between the level of spontaneous apoptosis in cells and their radiosensitivity. Accordingly, we investigated the time dependent expression of apoptosis related genes and radioresistance in neuroblastoma cells. Serum starved human SK-N-MC cells were exposed to low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation (2Gy) and incubated for 15, 30, 45min and 48h. Radioresistance was investigated by examining the NFκB DNA-binding activity, cellular toxicity, DNA fragmentation and expression of apoptotic signal transduction molecules. NFκB DNA binding activity was analyzed using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Cellular toxicity was measured using MTT assay, and DNA fragmentation was quantified by labeling with fluorescein conjugated deoxynucleotides. Microarray analysis was performed using cDNA microarray and relative gene expression was measured as % GAPDH and, subsequently validated using Q-PCR. Induction of NFκB analyzed using EMSA showed an increased DNA binding activity at all time points investigated. Induced DNA fragmentation was observed after 15, 30 and 45 min post-radiation. Relatively, induced fragmentation was reduced after 48 h. Compared to the untreated controls cellular toxicity was induced with low LET radiation after 15, 30 and 45min. Conversely, cytotoxicity was relatively less at 48 h after low LET radiation. Microarray analysis after low LET radiation revealed time dependent modulation of apoptosis-related genes that are involved in radio-adaptation, spontaneous apoptosis related early-responsive genes and late response genes. These results suggest that the time dependent regulation of apoptotic response may determine the relationship between the level of spontaneous apoptosis in cells and their radiosensitivity.
A comprehensive analysis of sialolith proteins and the clinical implications

Sialolithiasis or salivary gland stones are associated with high clinical morbidity. The advances in the treatment of sialolithiasis has been limited, however, by our understanding of their composition. More specifically, there is little information regarding the formation and composition of the protein matrix, the role of mineralogical deposition, or the contributions of cell epithelium and secretions from the salivary glands. A better understanding of these stone characteristics could pave the way for future non-invasive treatment strategies. Twenty-nine high-quality ductal stone samples were analyzed. The preparation included successive washings to avoid contamination from saliva and blood. The sialoliths were macerated in liquid nitrogen and the maceration was subjected to a sequential, four-step, protein extraction. The four fractions were pooled together, and a standardized aliquot was subjected to tandem liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS). The data output was subjected to a basic descriptive statistical analysis for parametric confirmation and a subsequent G.O.-KEGG data base functional analysis and classification for biological interpretation. The LC–MS output detected 6934 proteins, 824 of which were unique for individual stones. An example of our sialolith protein data is available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD012422. More important, the sialoliths averaged 53% homology with bone-forming proteins that served as a standard comparison, which favorably compared with 62% homology identified among all sialolith sample proteins. The non-homologous protein fraction had a highly variable protein identity. The G.O.-KEGG functional analysis indicated that extracellular exosomes are a primary cellular component in sialolithiasis. Light and electron microscopy also confirmed the presence of exosomal-like features and the presence of intracellular microcrystals. Sialolith formation presents similarities with the hyperoxaluria that forms kidney stones, which suggests the possibility of a common origin. Further verification of a common origin could fundamentally change the way in which lithiasis is studied and treated.
AlN Single Crystal Accelerometer for Nuclear Power Plants

Reliable vibration sensing is essential to the immediate detection of unusual vibrations, ensuring the safety of nuclear power plant structures. For nuclear power plant applications, the sensor element must endure the harsh environment while retaining reliable performance. Aluminum nitride (AlN) single crystal is considered a promising candidate for the sensing unit due to its robustness to high temperature (HT) and irradiation conditions. However, there are few efforts in developing industrial accelerometers using AlN bulk-machined materials. This article aims to develop a shear-type accelerometer with AlN single crystal plates. The accelerometer's design is based on the numerical simulation results, followed by the fabrication of the sensor and the extensive validation under HT (∼1000 °C). The sensitivity of the accelerometer was about 9.2 pC/g. The prototype sensor showed stable performance at varying temperatures from room temperature to 1000 °C. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the accelerometer was successfully sustained for 10 h under HT exposure of 1000 °C, and no obvious mechanical damage was detected after the test. After gamma irradiation for 1 month, the sensor performed stably, without any significant change in sensitivity. The developed AlN accelerometer can be a promising option to monitor the structural integrity of nuclear power plant structures.
Model fit and convergent and discriminant validity of the psychopathic personality inventory-short form:a comparison of competing models

The present study examined the construct validity of the PPI-SF, testing both its factor structure and the convergent and discriminant validity. Using a community sample of 1257 community members (869 females, 378 males), we tested whether a three-factor or an eight-factor model best fit the data and tested the links between the resultant factor structures and external correlates. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) findings revealed an eight-factor model best fit the data, followed by a three-factor model. Next, comparisons were made regarding the convergent and discriminant validity of the competing three- and eight-factor models. Findings showed that both models had meaningful relations with external variables, such as neuroticism, stress tolerance, and lack of empathy. The three-factor model revealed psychometric problems with the fearless dominance (FD) scale which did not exhibit good convergent discriminant validity. However, the three-factor model may consolidate the adaptive healthy traits. The eight-factor model had some additional problems with the fearlessness factor, however, showing that adaptive traits were spread across several PPI-SF factors. These findings underscore not only the importance of examining factor structure fit statistics, but also convergent and discriminant validity. The current findings suggest that both the three-and eight-factor models are viable ways to interpret the PPI-SF. However, the factors vary in whether they index adaptive or maladaptive traits. We offer some recommendations for clinicians regarding how to interpret FD and fearlessness and other trait domains within the broader psychopathy framework.
Positive twist knots and the uniform thickness property

We extend results of Positive Twist Knots and Thickenings [W. George, Positive twist knots and thickenings, J. Knot Theory Ramifications 22 (2013) 1350046] to show that positive twist knots &#x1d4a6;m, for...
A Medical Translation Assistant for Non-English-Speaking Caregivers of Children With Special Health Care Needs: Proposal for a Scalable and Interoperable Mobile App.

Background: Communication and comprehension of medical information are known barriers in health communication and equity, especially for non–English-speaking caregivers of children with special health care needs. Objective: The objective of this proposal was to develop an interoperable and scalable medical translation app for non–English-speaking caregivers to facilitate the conversation between provider and caregiver/patient. Methods: We employed user-centered and participatory design methods to understand the problems and develop a solution by engaging the stakeholder team (including caregivers, physicians, researchers, clinical informaticists, nurses, developers, nutritionists, pharmacists, and interpreters) and non–English-speaking caregiver participants. Results: Considering the lack of interpreter service accessibility and advancement in translation technology, our team will develop and test an integrated, multimodal (voice-interactive and text-based) patient portal communication and translation app to enable non–English-speaking caregivers to communicate with providers using their preferred languages. For this initial prototype, we will focus on the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking families to test technical feasibility and evaluate usability. Conclusions: Our proposal brings a unique perspective to medical translation and communication between caregiver and provider by (1) enabling voice entry and transcription in health care communications, (2) integrating with patient portals to facilitate caregiver and provider communications, and (3) adopting a translation verification model to improve accuracy of artificial intelligence–facilitated translations. Expected outcomes include improved health communications, literacy, and health equity. In addition, data points will be collected to improve autotranslation services in medical communications. We believe our proposed solution is affordable, interoperable, and scalable for health systems.
Absence of superconductivity and valence bond order in the Hubbard-Heisenberg model for organic charge-transfer solids.

A frustrated, effective -filled band Hubbard–Heisenberg model has been proposed for describing the strongly dimerized charge-transfer solid families κ-(ET)2X and Z[Pd(dmit)2]2. In addition to showing unconventional superconductivity, these materials also exhibit antiferromagnetism, candidate spin-liquid phases, and, in the case of Z=EtMe3P, a spin-gapped phase that has sometimes been referred to as a valence bond solid. We show that neither superconductivity nor the valence bond order phase occurs within the Hubbard–Heisenberg model. We suggest that a description based on -filling, that is reached when the carrier concentration per molecule instead of per dimer is considered, thus may be appropriate.
Lateral Meniscus Posterior Root Injury: MRI Findings in Children With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear

Please see the Editorial Comment by Diego Jaramillo discussing this article. BACKGROUND. Undiagnosed and unrepaired root tears are increasingly recognized as a preventable cause of accelerated oste...
Themed Entertainment in the Age of Coronavirus

This paper looks at the effects the current coronavirus pandemic has had on the themed entertainment industry-specifically on Disney Parks and Resorts. It utilizes tools from the Systems Thinking field, including stakeholder analysis, shaping force analysis, a conceptagon triple, causal loop diagrams, and systemigrams to provide insights into the problem space facing Disney theme parks. This analysis reveals aspects of the problem that need to be considered when evaluating potential solutions to interim and long-term challenges presented. It points out the natural boost that the pandemic gave to Disney’s streaming service, Disney+, and it explores ways to mimic that phenomenon to provide increased opportunities for the company. It highlights the importance of group experience to theme parks and the prominent role that destination plays in the current makeup of themed entertainment experience. It concludes that design efforts are best aimed at exploring solution spaces that place emphasis on multi-generational experiences that allow connection to the Disney brand without requiring significant extra-party interaction. Augmented Reality is one technology that shows promise for addressing social distancing concerns while fostering group experiences. Design work can and should be both interested in destination experiences and experiences that can be implemented in non-traditional locations.
Polar Bear Taxonomy and Evolution

Polar bears are members of the family Ursidae and are closely related to brown bears. Since their divergence from brown bears ~400 Kya, polar bears have evolved from terrestrial omnivores into marine carnivores in the Arctic sea ice environment. The genetic basis of these adaptations remains poorly understood, but several genes have been identified that may have facilitated the dietary transition. Despite their dramatically different ecological niches, hybridization between polar and brown bears is common. However, it has not affected polar bear diversity because gene flow has been exclusively from polar bears into brown bears (i.e., unidirectional introgression). Despite low genetic diversity, polar bear abundance is not at risk from inbreeding depression based on their long history of stable population size. Polar bear subpopulations are divided into management groups that roughly correspond to a combination of ecologic, genetic, and national boundaries, but some biological population structure is present.
Site-directed mutagenesis of the reactive center (serine 394) of antithrombin III.

Abstract Human antithrombin III (AT) shares significant sequence homology and a common inhibitory mechanism with the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily. AT has a reactive site in which the P1 residue is primarily responsible for protease specificity. The P1' residue, almost invariably serine, is critical in the inactive natural variant AT-Denver, which has a leucine substitution in that position (Stephens, A.W., Thalley, B.S., and Hirs, C.H.W. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 1044-1048). In the present study site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate eight variants with altered P1' residues. All were secreted efficiently by COS cells transiently transfected with the AT cDNA in a eukaryotic shuttle vector. All variants also bound heparin as effectively as wild-type AT. Variants were grouped into three categories with respect to thrombin-AT complex formation: 1) no detectable inhibitory activity (proline, methionine); 2) low activity (cysteine, valine, leucine); and 3) near normal activity (glycine, alanine, threonine). The leucine variant, which is in the low activity group, exhibited the same physical and functional properties as AT-Denver. We conclude that the serine hydroxyl is not critical for functional activity and that there is a side chain size optimum which is modulated by hydrophobic effects.
Susceptibility of grapevine pruning wounds to infection by Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Neofusicoccum parvum

The susceptibility of 1- and 2-year-old grapevine wood to botryosphaeria canker caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Neofusicoccum parvum was evaluated in California in two seasons. In the 2007 dormant season, pruning-wound susceptibility was highest when wounds were inoculated immediately after pruning in December (80% of pruning wounds were infected in Chardonnay for both fungal species and 75% and 98% in Cabernet Sauvignon for N. parvum and L. theobromae, respectively). In the 2008 dormant season, pruning-wound susceptibility was highest in November in Chardonnay (86% and 93% for N. parvum and L. theobromae, respectively) and in December in Cabernet Sauvignon (71% and 75% for N. parvum and L. theobromae, respectively). The lowest infection rates (13–35%) were observed when vines were pruned and inoculated in March in both dormant seasons and for both cultivars. Susceptibility of pruning wounds did not differ significantly (P = 0·7612) between 1- and 2-year-old wood and consequently, pruning-wound protection treatments should be applied to all wounds. In conclusion, grapevine pruning wounds were susceptible to infection by L. theobromae and N. parvum to varying extents throughout the dormant season in California (November–March), but, overall, susceptibility of pruning wounds was highest when inoculations were done immediately after pruning and decreased significantly as the interval between pruning and inoculation increased. Results of this study suggest that pruning grapevines in late winter (March) in California would significantly reduce the risk of infection by L. theobromae and N. parvum.
Gene Transfer in Marine Water Column and Sediment Microcosms by Natural Plasmid Transformation

We investigated the possibility for natural transformation in the marine environment by using broad-host-range plasmid multimers and a high-frequency-of-transformation (HFT) Vibrio strain as the recipient. Water and sediment samples were taken from Tampa Bay, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Shelf near Miami, and the Bahamas Bank. In water column microcosms, transformation frequencies ranged from 1.7 × 10-6 to 2.7 × 10-10 transformants per recipient, with highest frequencies occurring when low levels of nutrients (peptone and yeast extract) were added. The presence of the ambient community either reduced transformation frequency by an order of magnitude or had no effect. In sterile sediments, nutrient additions had no consistent effect on transformation, with transfer frequencies similar to those observed in the water column. Transformation was not observed in any sediment experiment when the ambient microbial community was present. These findings are the first report of natural plasmid transformation in seawater and in the presence of the ambient microbial community. This process may be a mechanism for the acquisition of small, nonconjugative plasmids, which are commonly found in aquatic bacteria. Our data also suggest that natural transformation may be more likely to occur in the water column than in native marine sediments, contradicting prior conclusions based on studies with sterile sediments.
Callus production, regeneration and evaluation of plants from cultured inflorescences of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb).

Twenty genotypes (individual plants) of ‘Kentucky 31’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb., 2n=6x=42) were evaluated to determine regeneration response, and meiotic and isozyme changes in the regenerants. Six genotypes (K8, K16, K25, K27, P3 and P13) were selected for study of efficiency in producing calli and regenerating plants. Panicle pieces (3569) were plated on Schenk & Hildebrandt medium with one of three auxins, 2,4-D (2.0 mg 1-1), pCPA (3.8 mg 1-1) or 2,4,5-T (2.5 mg 1-1). Square-root transformed data were analysed as a completely randomized 6×3 factorial with genotype and auxin as the main effects. F-protected means were compared by the Waller-Duncan K-ratio T test. Genotype K8 produced significantly more calli per panicle piece (88/877), whereas genotype K25 regenerated significantly more plantlets per panicle piece (58/214) than the other genotypes. Callus production was significantly higher using 2,4-D (102/1244 calli per piece) than pCPA or 2,4,5-T. The type of auxin did not have a statistically significant effect on plant regeneration, which suggested that genotype was the most important variable. Twelve of the 210 regenerants were albino. Cytological evaluation of 95 green regenerants showed that all plants had 21 bivalents and pollen stainability ranged from 43.0–98.4%, which suggested all plants were male fertile. Zymograms of these 95 regenerants for ACPH, ADH, GOT, MDH, 6-PGD, PGI and SOD showed no differences from that of the parental genotype, which suggested that the green plantlets regenerated from somatic tissue.
Copper, zinc, magnesium, and calcium in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with neurological diseases.

We investigated whether information on concentrations of some trace-mental concentrations in blood plasma or cerebrospinal fluid, or both, could be of value in diagnosis or management of various neurological diseases, and whether concentrations in plasma could serve as a means of estimating the protein or metal concentrations in cerebropsinal fluid. Samples of both from 82 patients were analyzed for copper, zinc, magnesium, and calcium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Protein concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid were also determined. Metal and protein concentrations in plasma and in cerebrospinal fluid were not strongly enough correlated to permit the estimation of one from the other. However, the correlation coefficients between calcium in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (r = 0.41), magnesium and protein in cerebrospinal fluid (r = 0.40), magnesium in plasma and calcium in cerebrospinal fluid (r = 0.36), and magnesium and calcium in cerebrospinal fluid (r = 0.66) were statistically significant (P less than .01). Patients with cerebral infarctions had abnormally high copper concentrations in their plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. The ratio of plasma copper to plasma zinc was also significantly higher in cases of cerebral infarction.
Using Stage-Gate Processes effectively for managing technology-based projects

Summary form only given as follows. As a management tool, the Stage-Gate Process provides a template for planning, organizing and controlling of projects, especially useful for technology-based projects with complex work and organizational interfaces. Based on field studies of best-in-class practices, the paper discusses techniques for setting up the Stage-Gate Process properly as an integrated part of a modern project management system. The important role of cross-functional linkages, involvement, commitment, communications and decision making are emphasized. Recommendations for applying the Stage-Gate Process in an engineering project environment are made.
Model Molecular Magnets

The local spin method suggested previously for defining the spin state of an atom in a molecule is applied to model manganese complexes with three and four manganese centers. This method extracts from the wave function a spin for the manganese centers that has been compared to the one suggested by chemical intuition. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations with various total spin projections in the “up” direction, M, but controlled |M| for each manganese center, gave a set of energies that were fit to the Heisenberg Hamiltonian. The eigenvalues of this model Hamiltonian then predict the ground spin state and the preferred combinations of spin orientations of the manganese centers. In some model complexes, changes in the wave function for each spin solution made the Heisenberg Hamiltonian unsuitable for fitting. For a dinuclear manganese complex, complete active space self-consistent field calculations were performed and are in reasonable agreement with the DFT results.
A quantitative comparison of oxygen transport in sheep and human subjects

Abstract A comparison is made between observed values pertinent to blood O2 transport to the tissues in unanesthetized resting sheep and reported values for awake human subjects. The rate of O2 delivery, the cardiac cost of O2 delivery and the mean O2 tension in capillary blood are remarkably similar in the two species but the characteristics of their blood for O2 transport are strikingly different. The comparatively low O2 capacity of sheep blood is compensated for by a comparatively low O2 affinity.
The separation of human serum lipoproteins by conventional descending and centrifugally accelerated paper chromatography

Abstract Employing the technique of chromatography on paper prewetted with a buffer solution (Veronal-oxalate-citrate or phosphate), two distinct lipoprotein fractions were resolved from human serum. The developing solution consisted of a mixture of the buffer solution with isopropyl alcohol or ethanol. Since the necessity of prewetting the paper negates the possibility of reporting the chromatographic properties in terms of Rf values, Rb values were introduced. They represent the ratios of the distances moved by a given substance under study divided by the distance moved by a reference substance, bromophenol blue. The correlation between the lipoprotein fractions obtained by the paper chromatographic technique and those obtained from ultracentrifugal methods was established. On the chromatograms of the lipoproteins, the zone which moved farthest from the origin corresponded to the high-density lipoproteins, the α-lipoproteins. The α-lipoproteins as prepared by ultracentrifugal procedures separated into at least two well-defined spots. Resolution of these two α-lipoproteins by the paper chromatography of serum was not found. The spot closest to the origin corresponded to the low-density lipoproteins. The limited studies on the effect of alterations in the composition of the developing solvent indicated that resolution of the lipoproteins is probably due in a large part to their lipid composition. Prestaining of the serum gave essentially the same type of chromatographic results as those obtained by the poststaining technique. The paper chromatographic separation of serum lipoproteins was compared with the ionographic method. The ratio of β-lipoproteins to α-lipoproteins as determined by paper chromatography agreed well with the results obtained by ionography. Centrifugally accelerated paper chromatography was adapted to the separation of serum lipoproteins. The paper was prewetted with Veronal, Veronal-oxalate-citrate, or phosphate buffer solution and developed with mixtures of these buffers with isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. The radial type of development on the whole circular sheet caused the migrant to “fan out”, yielding developed spots of an arc-type shape, which made ordinary densitometric scanning difficult. By cutting “spokes” into the paper sheet, the fanning out of the migrant zones as they moved radially outward from the point of origin was circumvented. The technique was found to be rapid and practical, and yielded chromatograms, especially of serum prestained for lipoproteins, of high quality, which were readily scannable.
Why are you telling me that? A conceptual model of the social function of autobiographical memory

In an effort to stimulate and guide empirical work within a functional framework, this paper provides a conceptual model of the social functions of autobiographical memory (AM) across the lifespan. The model delineates the processes and variables involved when AMs are shared to serve social functions. Components of the model include: lifespan contextual influences, the qualitative characteristics of memory (emotionality and level of detail recalled), the speaker's characteristics (age, gender, and personality), the familiarity and similarity of the listener to the speaker, the level of responsiveness during the memory-sharing process, and the nature of the social relationship in which the memory sharing occurs (valence and length of the relationship). These components are shown to influence the type of social function served and/or, the extent to which social functions are served. Directions for future empirical work to substantiate the model and hypotheses derived from the model are provided.
An efficient algorithm for evaluating coupled processes in radial fluid flow

Abstract An algorithm for calculating the solution of coupled processes such as fluid flow through fractured porous media using dual-porosity conceptualization is presented. In the Laplace domain, instead of solving the coupled system of equations using special functions as practiced by most analytical methodologies, this algorithm offers a direct solution technique using the method of differential operators. In modeling fluid flow through fractured porous media, this method maintains the rigor of fluid flow within the matrix blocks without the complications in assessing the values of special functions. This efficient algorithm is general and can be applied to any pertinent modeling of coupled processes.
Introduction to Social Media and Data Analytics Minitrack

Many of the 1.5 billion users of social media send or receive messages or post or access new content every day. The personal, social, political and business implications of this volume of activity are profound. Extracting useful information from this activity presents a challenge for scientists, technologists and also scholars in other disciplines. Taking the data deluge from on-line social media, in its many forms, and transforming it into useful information (or knowledge) is the essence of this minitrack on social media and data analytics.
Cardiac P2X purinergic receptors as a new pathway for increasing Na+ entry in cardiac myocytes

P2X4 receptors (P2X4Rs) are ligand-gated ion channels capable of conducting cations such as Na+. Endogenous cardiac P2X4R can mediate ATP-activated current in adult murine cardiomyocytes. In the pr...
The role of de novo mutations in the genetics of autism spectrum disorders

In the past few years, there have been rapid advances in the identification of the genetic components of autism spectrum disorders, particularly in the form of de novo mutations. Here, the authors review these developments in light of genetic models for autism spectrum disorders.
In situ monitoring with the Tradescantia bioassays on the genotoxicity of gaseous emissions from a closed landfill site and an incinerator.

A dual monitoring system composed of the Tradescantia-Micronucleus (Trad-MCN) and Tradescantia-Stamen-Hair-Mutation (Trad-SHM) bioassays was utilized to monitor directly the genotoxicity of the gaseous emission at a closed landfill site and around an incinerator. Four of the commonly emitted gaseous agents from the landfill flare pipes, i.e. toluene, ethylbenzene, trichloroethylene and ethyltoluene were also evaluated for their genotoxicity in the laboratory. The in situ monitoring trips (360 km one way) were carried out by transporting the plant cuttings in a clean air box or in an air-tight plastic bag to the site and exposing these test cuttings for 5–7 h. The exposed plant samples were examined for micronuclei frequencies or the pink mutation rate after the appropriate recovery periods (24 h for MCN, 7–11 days for SHM). A total of 20 monitoring trips were made to the landfill, and 8 to the nearby surroundings (100–500 m from the chimney) of the incinerator site in a two year period. The major findings of the Trad-MCN test on the clastogenicity of the gaseous emission from the flare pipe of the landfill site showed positive responses or toxic effects in 6 out of 20 trips, and that from the incinerator showed positive responses in 5 out of the 8 trips. These positive responses were closely associated with the weather, i.e. low wind velocity, high temperature and relative humidity, and especially the distance from the chimney of the incinerator. The MCN frequencies and mutation rates of the Elementary School site (E. Sch) which is about 200 m from the fence of the landfill site were mostly negative, except the test results of three trips. Trad-SHM tests on the mutagenicity of gaseous emissions from the flare pipe of the landfill showed 12 positive responses out of 20 trials and 2 positives out of 4 trials from the incinerator gaseous emissions. The average mutation rate from 20 Trad-SHM monitoring trips is positive when the ANOVA and Dunnett's t-statistic were applied to the consolidated data. There is a significant (0.01) difference between the lab control and the gas exposed groups, and between the field control and gas exposed groups. Results of the Trad-SHM test at the E. Sch. site were mostly negative except for one trip. In general, micronuclei frequencies and mutation rates of the field control groups were relatively higher than those of the lab controls. The Trad-MCN test on pure gases showed positive responses in all 3 repeated tests on toluene (50–892 ppm). The test results of ethylbenzene yielded positive responses at 172 ppm/min and 1549 ppm/min dosages and exhibited toxicity at higher concentrations. Trad-MCN tests on trichloroethylene and ethyltoluene yielded positive responses at around 100–200 ppm/min level. Three repeated Trad-SHM tests on toluene yielded no positive response at low concentrations (4.3–12.9 ppm).
Dimerization of the Extracellular Domain of the Receptor for Epidermal Growth Factor Containing the Membrane-spanning Segment in Response to Treatment with Epidermal Growth Factor

A recombinant fragment of the human receptor for epidermal growth factor containing both its extracellular domain and its membrane-spanning segment, when dissolved with Triton X-100, was observed to dimerize in response to addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) even at the lowest concentration of this fragment that could be assayed (4 nM). Consequently, the dissociation constant for the dimer of this fragment is at least 10,000-fold smaller than that for dimers of soluble, recombinant forms of the extracellular domain lacking the membrane-spanning segment. The second-order rate constant for dimerization of the fragment containing the extracellular domain and the membrane-spanning segment was estimated to be greater than 0.3 nM(-1) min(-1), more than 10-fold that of the native enzyme under the same conditions. This result suggests that the cytoplasmic domain of the intact enzyme sterically hinders its dimerization. When EGF is removed from the dimer of the fragment, the rate constant for its dissociation is greater than 0.2 min(-1), more than 40-fold that of the native enzyme. This result suggests that interfaces between cytoplasmic domains of intact EGF receptor impart significant stabilization to the dimer of the enzyme.
Hepatic hyperthermia by total isolation and regional perfusion in vivo.

Abstract A pump-oxygenator and isolation-perfusion circuit were used to selectively elevate hepatic temperature in 33 dogs to either 37, 41, or 43°C. Temperatures were maintained for 10–30 min. Survival was 75% in 8 dogs after 37°C × 30 min, 40% in 10 dogs after 41°C × 30 min (not significant), 40% in 5 dogs after 43°C × 10 min (not significant), and 0% in 10 dogs after 43°C × 30 min ( P ⩽ 0.01). Animals subjected to 43°C × 30 min hepatic perfusion exhibited an increase in fatal intraoperative arrhythmias despite maintenance of relatively normal blood pressure, systemic temperature, blood gases, and electrolytes. Six animals (2 after 43°C × 10-min perfusion, 4 after 43°C × 30-min perfusion) developed a postoperative symptom complex of progressive obtundation, fever, oliguria, hypotension, and death. Blood cultures were negative. Laboratory values in some animals suggested hepatic necrosis and early hepatic and renal failure but did not completely explain the clinical picture observed. The most striking finding in hyperthermically perfused animals was a diffuse hepatocyte vacuolopathy which on serial liver biopsies in surviving animals progressed to ballooning degeneration then complete resolution. This study demonstrates that temperatures suitable for thermotherapy of hepatic malignancies have hepatotoxic effects which are both temperature and time dependent. Present studies attempt to modulate the toxicity of hepatic hyperthermia by use of perfusate additives.
Neoplasms Involving the Central Nervous System in the Older Old

Abstract Geriatric cancer patients present special challenges for clinicians. Few large series have been published in the last 20 years on the types of neoplasms that involve the central nervous system (CNS) in older individuals. To review types of neoplasms involving the central CNS that are currently being encountered by pathologists and neurosurgeons, we identified from our databases for the years 1992–2002, inclusive, patients 75 years or older who had symptomatic lesions requiring neurosurgical interventions. Retrospective characterization of tumors by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed whenever possible and relevant to tumor type. Neurosurgical procedures (n = 125) on 119 patients were identified; 90 patients were diagnosed as having neoplasms, with clot evacuation or infections being the most frequent non-neoplastic conditions necessitating surgery. Tumor types included glioblastomas (36 patients), meningiomas (16), pituitary adenomas (12), lymphomas or other hematological malignancies (8), anaplastic gliomas (5), metastases (6), head and neck malignancies with direct intracranial extension (3), and other miscellaneous tumor types (4). Compared with older literature series, we encountered a larger number of elderly patients with CNS lymphomas and fewer who came to surgery for CNS metastatic disease. In the “older old”, glioblastomas are the most frequent symptomatic tumors necessitating surgical intervention. Glioblastomas in this aged cohort display the signature features of the small cell phenotype (62%), high cell cycle labeling indices (mean MIB-1—labeling index = 25.1%), and either amplification of epidermal growth factor receptor or gain of chromosome 7 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (93% of assessable cases).
Ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography in patients with decreased visual acuity after retinal detachment repair.

Objective To assess microstructural changes in the retina that may explain incomplete visual recovery after anatomically successful repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RD) using ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR OCT). Design Retrospective observational case series. Participants Seventeen patients with decreased visual acuity after RD repair. Twelve patients had macula-involving and 5 had macula-sparing RDs. Methods The UHR OCT prototype capable of ∼3 μm axial resolution was developed for clinical use. The UHR OCT images through the center of the fovea in 17 patients with visual complaints after RD surgery were obtained. Patients were either postoperative patients from the New England Eye Center or tertiary referrals. Baseline visual acuity, preoperative lens status, location of retinal detachment, macular involvement, and postoperative visual acuity were recorded. Main Outcome Measures The UHR OCT images after RD repair. Results The UHR OCT images were obtained 1 to 84 months (median, 5 months) postoperatively. The mean preoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity was 1.37 (Snellen equivalent, 20/390). The mean postoperative logMAR visual acuity was 0.48 (Snellen equivalent, 20/60). Anatomical abnormalities that were detected included distortion of the photoreceptor inner/outer segments (IS/OS) junction in 14 of 17 patients (82%), epiretinal membranes in 10 of 17 patients (59%), residual subretinal fluid in 3 of 17 patients (18%), and cystoid macular edema in 2 of 17 patients (12%). Of the 5 patients with preoperative macula-on detachments, 4 had distortion of the outer retina after RD repair. Conclusions The higher resolution of UHR OCT facilitates imaging of the IS/OS junction. Therefore, UHR OCT is able to confirm prior histopathologic findings that damage to photoreceptor outer segments may occur as a consequence of retinal detachment. This may explain poor postoperative visual acuity in eyes with anatomically successful repair.
Real-Time Optimal Valve Operation and Booster Disinfection for Water Quality in Water Distribution Systems

Historically, a water distribution system’s (WDS) hydraulic performance has been the primary operational concern. Over the past two decades, however, more attention has been paid to water quality behavior in WDS and today, water quality level is an equally important issue for many water utilities. In most cases, maintaining disinfectant levels is usually of interest to avoid the bacteria regrowth and to protect against the potential cross-contamination events. However, disinfectants, such as chlorine, decay over time and produce potentially harmful disinfectant by-products when they react with organic material in the water. Therefore, maintaining a minimum chlorine residual requirement throughout the WDS is a complex but important task. When online booster disinfection is combined with source disinfection, it has been shown that the total chlorine dosage can be reduced while maintaining minimum chlorine residuals across the system. Here, optimal valve operation has been combined with booster disinfection ...
Helium prewetting and nonwetting on weak-binding substrates.

New wetting and nonwetting phenomena for $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ adsorbed on weak-binding substrates such as the alkali metals are predicted. With a nonlocal density-functional model, we calculate the density profile of $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ films adsorbed on surfaces characterized by an attractive van der Waals potential tail of strength ${\mathit{C}}_{3}$ and a well depth D. As a function of ${\mathit{C}}_{3}$ and D, $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ films exhibit both nonwetting and wetting, the latter being accompanied by a prewetting transition. Specifically, we find that $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ will not wet all the alkali metals; only on Li and Na is wetting behavior, with prewetting, expected.
Evaluation of the Effects of Powder Coating Cure Temperatures on the Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Alloy Substrates

The effects of curing temperature, based on new, low-temperature powder coating methods and traditional high-temperature powder coating methods, were studied. Heat-sensitive aluminum alloys (2024-T3, 6061-T6, and 7075-T6) were subjected to two different heat-treatment cycles, which were based on temperatures of 121 and 204 °C. Findings indicate that although both cure temperatures achieved powder coatings adhesion and thickness appropriate for industrial uses, the high-temperature cure treatment negatively affected the mechanical properties.
Solubilization and partial characterization of the tetrodotoxin binding component from nerve axons.

Abstract The tetrodotoxin binding component from garfish olfactory nerve membranes has been solubilized using the nonionic detergent Triton X-100. Tetrodotoxin binds to the solubilized component with a dissociation constant KD = 2.5 × 10−9 M and under saturating conditions 1.95 × 10−12 moles of tetrodotoxin are bound per milligram of solubilized protein. Upon solubilization the toxin binding component becomes much less stable towards heat, chemical modification and enzymatic degradation. Sucrose gradient velocity sedimentation yields an S value of 9.2 for the extracted binding component and from gel filtration data the binding component appears to be slightly larger than β-D-galactosidase.
The effects of the silica source on the crystallization of zeolite NaX

Abstract The effects of varying the starting silica source on the synthesis of molecular sieve zeolite NaX were investigated, while all other reaction parameters were kept constant. The silica sources were all powders of varying types and purity. Characterizations of the silica sources, the silicate solutions, and the synthesis products were completed by powder X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, particle-size analysis, n.m.r, spectroscopy, laser light scattering, and elemental analysis. The use of different silica sources significantly influenced the outcome of the synthesis experiments. There were large differ- ences in the results from the various batch synthesis mixtures, even though the batch compositions were all the same (neglecting impurities). The experiments, all conducted at 115°C in sealed 6 ml autoclaves, yielded products of different particle sizes, different amounts of impurity zeolite phases, and different conversion rates to zeolite NaX. The n.m.r. spectra of the dissolved silica sources were all effectively the same; however, the levels of trace impurities were very different. The extent to which nuclei formed in these experiments was shown to correlate to the impurity level of any one of several elements in the silica sources, but not to the turbidity of the filtered solutions as noted by a simple light-scattering measurement.