cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Screening recall in older cancer survivors detects differences in balance and mobility.

PURPOSE Cognitive impairments have been reported by up to two-thirds of cancer survivors whose primary cancer did not occur in the central nervous system. Physical impairments as sequelae of cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) have not been well described in previous studies. Furthermore, there is scarcity of literature describing differences among physical performance in those with and without CRCI. The purpose of this study is to examine the differences in physical function of older cancer survivors based on cognitive ability to determine if physical performance differs when different cognitive screening measures are employed. METHODS Adults age 65 + with a history of cancer from the 2010 Health and Retirement Study (n = 1,953) were assigned to groups according to their cognitive ability. Between-group demographic, mobility, and cognitive differences were analyzed using chi-squared and t tests. Recall and orientation were used as cognitive variables, and physical performance outcomes included gait speed, balance, and grip strength. RESULTS Respondents with Low Recall had more impaired balance (semi-tandem, tandem) (p < .05) and slower gait speeds (p < .05). Respondents that were Not-Oriented had slower gait speed (p < .05). Between-group differences in demographics were found by recall and orientation groups. CONCLUSIONS Impairments in balance and gait speed are able to be detected when recall is screened in a population of older cancer survivors. When assessing how physical mobility is related to fall risk, a screen of cognition should go beyond just orientation.
Representation of Biosonar Information in the Auditory Cortex of the Mustached Bat, with Emphasis on Representation of Target Velocity Information

Since reviews have already appeared on the research carried out in this laboratory on the peripheral auditory system (e.g., Suga, 1978) and the auditory cortex of the mustached bat, Pteronotus parnellii rubiginosus (e.g., Suga, 1978, 1980, 1981a, 1982; Suga et al., 1981), and since several papers containing a large amount of data obtained during the last five years are in press (Suga and Manabe, 1982; O’Neill and Suga, 1982), we will not attempt another comprehensive review. Rather, we shall summarize the echolocation system of the mustached bat as we have come to understand it, and will present the unpublished data which are related to neural representation of target-velocity information in the auditory cortex.
Circular Priority Systems

WHAT should be done when an inadequate fund is to be distributed among competing claimants and under applicable rules of law, A is entitled to priority over B, who is entitled to priority over C, who is entitled to priority over A? Or, in a variant, when B and C have claims entitled to equal priority, one of which is superior, the other inferior, to A's claim? The problem has long entertained lawyers, particularly those in whom a speculative turn of mind is allied with some proficiency in mathematics.' Several exceedingly complex all-purpose theoretical solutions have been proposed. These have been ignored by the courts. A judge who finds himself face to face with a circular priority system typically reacts in the manner of a bull who has been goaded by the picadors: he paws the ground and roars with rage. The spectator can only sympathize with judge and bull. In the most comprehensive contribution to the literature on circular priorities 2 it has been suggested that there are three quite different types of situation out of which circular, or apparently circular, systems may arise and that quite different solutions are appropriate to the several situations. Confusion, which is unavoidable at best, is compounded when the three basic situations are not clearly distinguished. The simplest of the three situations, which may be dismissed as not involving a "true circularity," arises from a contractual subordination or waiver.
Correlated Wavefunction Quantum Monte-Carlo Approach to Solids

A method for calculating the electronic and structural properties of solids using correlated wavefunctions together with quantum Monte Carlo techniques is described. The approach retains the exact Coulomb interaction between the electrons and employs a many-electron wavefunction of the Jastrow-Slater form. Several examples are given to illustrate the utility of the method. Topics discussed include the cohesive properties of bulk semiconductors, the magnetic-field-induced Wigner crystal in two dimensions, and the magnetic structure of bcc hydrogen. Landau level mixing is shown to be important in determining the transition between the fractional quantum Hall liquid and the Wigner crystal. Information on electron correlations such as the pair correlation functions which are not accessible to one-electron theories is also obtained.
Within-Day Variability in the Quality of Classroom Interactions during Third and Fifth Grade

AbstractThe quality of classroom interactions has typically been studied using aggregates of ratings over time. However, within-day ratings may contain important variability. This study investigated within-day variability using the NICHD Study of Early Childcare and Youth Development’s observational data during grades 3 and 5. The first question examined the stability of classroom interaction quality within a day, and the second question examined the extent to which time of day, activity setting, numbers of adults and children, and instructional grouping predicted the quality of classroom interactions within a day. Results indicated that classroom interactions were most stable within emotional support dimensions and least stable within instructional support dimensions. Results also indicated that the start of the day and transitions were associated with lower-quality classroom interactions. Academic activities, more teachers, fewer students, and group instruction were associated with higher quality. Impli...
Abstract 19538: Brief Exposure to Marijuana Secondhand Smoke Impairs Vascular Endothelial Function

Objectives: Despite general public awareness that tobacco secondhand smoke (SHS) is harmful, much of the public still regards marijuana SHS as benign. Because marijuana smoke and tobacco smoke are chemically and physically similar (other than nicotine and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)), we tested this assumption by asking whether short exposure to marijuana SHS causes acute vascular endothelial dysfunction similar to that caused by tobacco SHS. Exposure to tobacco SHS impairs arterial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in humans and rats. Methods: We used a rat model to test the effects of secondhand marijuana smoke on FMD. We exposed anesthetized rats to marijuana SHS using a modified cigarette smoking machine, and measured FMD three times: before 30-min exposure (“pre”), 10 min after end of exposure (“post10”), and 40 min after end of exposure (“post40”). FMD was measured by micro-ultrasound measurements of femoral artery diameter before and after transient (5 min) surgical ligation of the common iliac artery. C...
Biphasic changes in left ventricular function during hyperdynamic endotoxemia

Cardiac contractility was studied in a clinically relevant conscious swine model simulating human hemodynamics during endotoxemia. The slope of the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship [end-sy...
Management of Arterial and Venous Injuries in the Dislocated Knee

Vascular injury associated with knee dislocation (KD) resulting from multiligament knee injury is a treacherous condition. The orthopaedic injury itself is uncommon and it is accompanied by a vascular injury in only a few cases. In a series of KDs reported since 1992, injury to the popliteal artery has been reported to occur in 7%-32% of cases. In 2014, reviews of 2 large databases of KD by authors from the same institution reported vascular injury frequency of 1.6%-3.3%. The outcome of missed arterial injury causing ischemia is predictably disastrous, so the index of suspicion for this uncommon entity must be high. Significant arterial injury demands prompt recognition and efficient management to prevent devastating consequences. The mechanisms of popliteal vascular injury in KD are reviewed. Diagnostic modalities used to evaluate vascular injury are discussed. Efficient detection and treatment of significant vascular injury is crucial, and an algorithm for diagnosis and management is reviewed. The salient features of vascular reconstruction are elaborated within the context of the dislocated knee and the vascular surgical approach, conduct of the procedure, and adjunctive maneuvers are described. Thoughtful location of the vascular reconstruction would facilitate subsequent orthopaedic reconstruction and minimize the risk of injury to the vascular repair.
An improved method for the determination of deuterium in organic compounds

Abstract A method for the determination of deuterium in organic compounds has been developed which is based on the oxidation of organic deuterium to deuterium chloride by HgCl2; subsequent reduction of DCl by zinc released deuterium for mass spectrometric analysis. The method is applicable to various types of organic compounds, including aliphatic, aromatic, and amino acids and gives quantitative results in the range 0.02 to 5 atom per cent excess deuterium.
DNA Ligases: Progress and Prospects

DNA ligases seal 5′-PO4 and 3′-OH polynucleotide ends via three nucleotidyl transfer steps involving ligase-adenylate and DNA-adenylate intermediates. DNA ligases are essential guardians of genomic integrity, and ligase dysfunction underlies human genetic disease syndromes. Crystal structures of DNA ligases bound to nucleotide and nucleic acid substrates have illuminated how ligase reaction chemistry is catalyzed, how ligases recognize damaged DNA ends, and how protein domain movements and active-site remodeling are used to choreograph the end-joining pathway. Although a shared feature of DNA ligases is their envelopment of the nicked duplex as a C-shaped protein clamp, they accomplish this feat by using remarkably different accessory structural modules and domain topologies. As structural, biochemical, and phylogenetic insights coalesce, we can expect advances on several fronts, including (i) pharmacological targeting of ligases for antibacterial and anticancer therapies and (ii) the discovery and design of new strand-sealing enzymes with unique substrate specificities.
Managing cholesterol in the elderly

Statins have been shown conclusively to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients aged 65–80 years with clinical cardiovascular disease. Less evidence is available for elderly patients with diabetes but without cardiovascular disease and for primary prevention with advancing age. Treatment guidelines recommend a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal of less than 100 mg/dl for those with cardiovascular disease or diabetes, but vary in their recommendations for primary prevention. Moderate-dose statins have been shown to be safe and effective in properly selected elderly patients. High-dose statins have also been demonstrated to be effective and reasonably safe in patients without significant comorbidities up to the age of 75. With advancing age, the potential for benefit from cholesterol treatment must be weighed against the increasing risk of muscle and hepatic toxicity.
Polar magnetic fields of the Sun: 1960–1971

Observations of the magnetic fields in the polar regions of the Sun are presented for the period 1960–1971. At the start of this interval the fields at the two poles were consistently of opposite sign and averaged around 1 G. Early in 1961 the field in the south decreased suddenly and the field in the north decreased in strength slowly over the next few years. By the mid-1960's the fields at both poles were quite weak and irregular. Throughout the period of these observations the fields at both poles often showed a remarkable tendency to vary in unison. About the middle of 1971 the north polar field became significantly positive, first at lower latitudes, then above 70 °. An autocorrelation analysis of the polar fields in the north shows a weak rotation peak, indicating significant ‘features’ in these regions. A comparison of field strengths in the east and west quadrants in the north suggests that even at the extreme polar latitudes the following polarity fields are inclined slightly toward the rotation and the preceding polarity field lines are inclined slightly to trail the rotation.
Phosphorimetric investigation of several tryptophan metabolites: determination of kynurenic acid in urine.

Abstract The phosphorescence characteristics of the tryptophan metabolites in ethanol and in ethanol/ethyl iodide solvents at 77°K are given. In the latter solvent, several metabolites exhibit an appreciable heavy atom effect resulting in a considerable decrease in the limit of detection and a red shift in the emission spectra. By use of a thin-layer chromatographic separation employing silica gel, kynurenic acid is separated from urine and measured by phosphorimetry. The recovery of kynurenic acid at concentration levels between 10 and 200 μg/ml urine is greater than 91% in all cases. Xanthurenic acid causes no interference in the determination of kynurenic acid in urine.
TRIM5α association with cytoplasmic bodies is not required for antiretroviral activity

The tripartite motif (TRIM) protein, TRIM5alpha, restricts infection by particular retroviruses. Many TRIM proteins form cytoplasmic bodies of unknown function. We investigated the relationship between cytoplasmic body formation and the structure and antiretroviral activity of TRIM5alpha. In addition to diffuse cytoplasmic staining, the TRIM5alpha proteins from several primate species were located in cytoplasmic bodies of different sizes; by contrast, TRIM5alpha from spider monkeys did not form cytoplasmic bodies. Despite these differences, all of the TRIM5alpha proteins exhibited the ability to restrict infection by particular retroviruses. Treatment of cells with geldanamycin, an Hsp90 inhibitor, resulted in disappearance or reduction of the TRIM5alpha-associated cytoplasmic bodies, yet exerted little effect on the restriction of retroviral infection. Studies of green fluorescent protein-TRIM5alpha fusion proteins indicated that no TRIM5alpha domain is specifically required for association with cytoplasmic bodies. Apparently, the formation of cytoplasmic bodies is not required for the antiretroviral activity of TRIM5alpha.
Analysis of the antigenic relationships among Trichomonas, Histomonas, Dientamoeba and Entamoeba. 3. Immunoelectrophoresis technics.

SYNOPSIS Antigens prepared from Trichomonas gallinae, Histomonas meleagridis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba invodens and Entamoeba histolytica were separated by electrophoresis in agar gels and reacted with antisera prepared in rabbits against each of the 5 species. The most numerous and strongest precipitin lines were obtained from reactions between the homologous antigens and antisera. Direct and cross-absorption reaction methods were employed with each antiserum and the various antigens to ascertain quantitatively the immunologic relationships among the several organisms. Trichomonas shared many common antigens with Histomonas, fewer with Dientamoeba and none with either species of Entamoeba. Histomonas was more closely related antigenically to Dientamoeba than to Trichomonas. The histomonad had only a few weakly cross-reacting antigens in common with the 2 Entamoeba species. Dientamoeba shared the most common antigens with Histomonas, fewer with Trichomonas and the fewest with Entamoeba. Somewhat stronger cross-reactivity was obtained with anti-Dientamoeba serum and E. invadens than between this immune serum and E. histolytica. The 2 species of Entamoeba shared the largest number of common antigens with each other, and to a much lesser extent both species cross reacted with Dientamoeba. Anti-Entamoeba sera had only a few weak cross-reacting precipitins with Histomonas. No antigenic relationship was found between either species of Entamoeba and Trichomonas.
Effects of nitrogen levels on rates of oxygen consumption during decay of aquatic plants

Abstract Oxygen consumption rates by microbial organisms during decomposition of Typha latifolia L., Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, Najas guadalupensis (Spreng.) Morong, Pithophora kewensis Wittrock, Chara braunii Gmelin, Spirogyra sp., Euglena proxima Dangeard, and Anabaena circinalis (Kutz.) Rabenhorst were measured by a modified biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) technique. Rates of oxygen consumption were in the following order: Anabaena > (Pithophora, Chara, Najas, Spirogyra, and Euglena) >Typha and Eichhornia. Oxygen consumption was positively correlated with nitrogen concentrations in the plants. Additions of inorganic nitrogen to the medium in BOD bottles increased the rate of oxygen consumption by microbial organisms decomposing plants of low nitrogen content.
Wind speed and wind-associated leaf injury affect severity of citrus canker on Swingle citrumelo

Citrus canker (caused by the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, Xcc) can cause severe damage to citrus. It is endemic in Florida, and occurs in other citrus growing regions. The bacterium is dispersed predominantly in rain splash. To simulate dispersal in splash, and to investigate the effect of wind speed on infection, young plants of Swingle citrumelo were exposed to sprayed inoculum at different wind speeds. Wind was generated using an axial fan, and a pressurized sprayer delivered the inoculum spray. In the five experiments, higher wind speeds (>10 m s−1) consistently resulted in higher incidence and severity of citrus canker developing. By 15 ms−1, there was a dramatic increase in disease. Visible injury to leaves of Swingle citrumelo due to wind was evident at wind speeds ≥ 13 m s−1. The relationship between wind speed and disease, and wind speed and injury was described by a logistic model. More disease was associated with visible injury as the wind speed increased, and disease not associated with visible injury also increased with wind speed. The petiole-leaflet junction was more often infected at higher wind speeds (≥17 m s−1). The concentration of the Xcc inoculum increased the incidence and severity of citrus canker in all experiments. Reducing wind speed in citrus groves with the aid of wind breaks may contribute to a reduction in the severity of an epidemic by reducing dispersal and infection events.
Quaternary pyridinium salts from olefins, pyridine and chlorine or bromine

The reaction of olefins with a halogen and pyridine (or pyridine derivative) to form α-haloalkypyridinium quaternary halides has been previously reported only for the halogens bromine and iodine monochloride. In the present study, this reaction has been extended to the use of chlorine as halogen, and to the internal double bonds of unsaturated acids and derivatives. Oleic acid, methyl oleate, methyl linoleate, oleic amide and octadecene were used as olefins. Pyridine, quinoline and γ-picoline were used as the amines. Formation of the quaternaries was shown by chemical and infrared analyses.
The wage–price spiral: International evidence and implications

Abstract Using time-series quarterly data for 12 industrial countries, the dynamics of nominal wage and price adjustments in the face of aggregate demand shocks varies with conditions in labor and product markets and in the face of positive and negative demand shocks. During expansions, the simultaneous overlap of nominal adjustments in labor and product markets prolongs output expansion while maintaining or increasing the real standard of living. In contrast, structural and institutional settings appear to have moderated the severity of contractionary demand shocks on real output growth and the real standard of living.
Power circuit analysis of a cycloconverter-induction motor drive system

The transient and steady state performance of a group-triggered cycloconverter supplying a controlled slip induction motor is studied using an analog computer. System equations are derived from equivalent circuits for the cycloconverter, source, and motor networks. The induction motor is represented in terms of qdo components in a stationary reference frame. Computer results are compared with test data on a laboratory system for both motoring and dynamic braking modes of operation. Commutation failures in the power circuit are illustrated and discussed. Good agreement between computer output and laboratory tests suggests the method of analysis can be used for optimizing circuit design and improving overall system operation.
Martharaptor greenriverensis, a new theropod dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous of Utah.

Background The Yellow Cat Member of the Cedar Mountain Formation (Early Cretaceous, Barremian?) of Utah has yielded a rich dinosaur fauna, including the basal therizinosauroid theropod Falcarius utahensis at its base. Recent excavation uncovered a new possible therizinosauroid taxon from a higher stratigraphic level in the Cedar Mountain Formation than F. utahensis. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we describe a fragmentary skeleton of the new theropod and perform a phylogenetic analysis to determine its phylogenetic position. The skeleton includes fragments of vertebrae, a scapula, forelimb and hindlimb bones, and an ischium. It also includes several well-preserved manual unguals. Manual and pedal morphology show that the specimen is distinct from other theropods from the Cedar Mountain Formation and from previously described therizinosauroids. It is here named as the holotype of a new genus and species, Martharaptor greenriverensis. Phylogenetic analysis places M. greenriverensis within Therizinosauroidea as the sister taxon to Alxasaurus + Therizinosauridae, although support for this placement is weak. Conclusions/Significance The new specimen adds to the known dinosaurian fauna of the Yellow Cat Member of the Cedar Mountain Formation. If the phylogenetic placement is correct, it also adds to the known diversity of Therizinosauroidea.
Fuzzy reasoning approach to similarity evaluation in image analysis

In image analysis, the concept of similarity has been widely explored and various measures of similarity, or of distance, have been proposed that yield a quantitative evaluation. There are cases, however, in which the evaluation of similarity should reproduce the judgment of a human observer based mainly on qualitative and, possibly, subjective appraisal of perceptual features. This process is best modeled as a cognitive process based on knowledge structures and inference strategies, able to incorporate the human reasoning mechanisms and to handle their inherent uncertainties. This articlea proposes a general strategy for similarity evaluation in image analysis considered as a cognitive process. A salient aspect is the use of fuzzy logic propositions to represent knowledge structures, and fuzzy reasoning to model inference mechanisms. Specific similarity evaluation procedures are presented that demonstrate how the same general strategy can be applied to different image analysis problems. © 1993 John Wily & Sons, Inc.
Suppressing consciousness: Mechanisms of general anesthesia

Understanding the neuronal mechanism of general anesthesia both helps and benefits from research into the neurobiological basis of consciousness. Although several theories have been proposed, current evidence from sensory electrophysiology, event-related potentials, and functional brain imaging suggests that the failure of conscious perception at a critical depth of anesthesia may best be interpreted as “information received but not perceived” due to the disintegration of cortical information processing. Cortico-cortical and thalamocortical information transfer may depend on the synchronization or coherence of gamma oscillations that may be suppressed by general anesthetic agents; however, the exact mechanism of these effects is yet unclear. The extent of thalamic involvement in the cortico-cortical disintegration of information processes in anesthesia needs further investigation. It is likely that different anesthetic agents affect different neuronal pathways in their action to produce unconsciousness. A common effect of several volatile anesthetic agents may be the suppression of recurrent feedback signaling between cortical sensory and higher association regions. Elucidation of the neurofunctional systems involved in anesthetic-induced unconsciousness is among the important future challenges for anesthesia research.
Normal Science and the Extension of Theories

Critique de la distinction kuhnienne entre science normale et science extraordinaire (ou revolutionnaire). L'A. montre, notamment sur l'exemple historique de la decouverte des Rayons-X, que le developpement " normal " des theories scientifiques (par exemple leur extension a des domaines imprevus) fait souvent intervenir un changement de paradigme au sens de Kuhn. Inversement, bien des " revolutions " scientifiques ont pris une allure progressive et continue
Chemical signatures and new drug targets for gametocytocidal drug development

Control of parasite transmission is critical for the eradication of malaria. However, most antimalarial drugs are not active against P. falciparum gametocytes, responsible for the spread of malaria. Consequently, patients can remain infectious for weeks after the clearance of asexual parasites and clinical symptoms. Here we report the identification of 27 potent gametocytocidal compounds (IC50 < 1 μM) from screening 5,215 known drugs and compounds. All these compounds were active against three strains of gametocytes with different drug sensitivities and geographical origins, 3D7, HB3 and Dd2. Cheminformatic analysis revealed chemical signatures for P. falciparum sexual and asexual stages indicative of druggability and suggesting potential targets. Torin 2, a top lead compound (IC50 = 8 nM against gametocytes in vitro), completely blocked oocyst formation in a mouse model of transmission. These results provide critical new leads and potential targets to expand the repertoire of malaria transmission-blocking reagents.
Dynamics of Pressure-Induced Phase Separation in Polymer Solutions. The Dependence of the Demixing Pressures on the Rate of Pressure Quench in Solutions of Poly(dimethylsiloxane) in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

The dynamics of pressure-induced phase separation (PIPS) is important to processes that use near-critical or supercritical fluids. In this study, controlled pressure quench experiments were conducted in a 5 wt % solution of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (Mw = 93 700; Mw/Mn = 2.99) in supercritical carbon dioxide to determine the demixing pressures and its dependence on the rate of pressure change. Pressure quench rates were changed from extremely slow (ca. 0.008 MPa/s) to extremely rapid (ca. 500 MPa/s), and the system behavior was documented by real time recording of the changes in the transmitted light intensity, temperature, and pressure during the quench using a specially designed experimental system. The experiments were conducted on both the lower and the upper critical solution temperature (LCST and UCST) branches of the liquid−liquid-phase separation boundary. Apparent demixing pressures strongly depend on the rate and the depth of the pressure quench imposed and shift to significantly higher pressures w...
Oxidized-low density lipoprotein inhibits cyclic AMP production by porcine luteal cells.

Oxidized(OX)-low density lipoprotein (LDL) inhibits steroidogenesis by luteal cells (LC) from regressing porcine CL. The present study was designed to investigate the mechanism of inhibition by determining whether OX-LDL inhibits basal and agonist-stimulated cAMP production in regressing LC. Collagenase-dispersed porcine LC (n = 7 animals, estrous cycle Day 12–15) were cultured (2.5 × 105 cells/0.5 ml) in serum-free DMEM/Hams F-12 in duplicate wells at 37°C. Approximately 18 hr after plating, media were replaced and LC were immediately treated with human LDL (0, 25, or 100 μg/ml) or OX-LDL (25 or 100 μg/ml). LC were incubated for 2 hr before addition of isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) to inhibit phosphodiesterase activity, immediately followed by hCG (100 ng/ml), cholera toxin (CT; 0.1 μM), forskolin (FS; 50 μM), or no further treatment (controls). LC were incubated for an additional 90 min. After removal of culture media, cells were extracted with 0.1 N HCl. Cell extracts were assayed for cAMP by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). HCG, CT, and FS increased (P < 0.05) cAMP production approximately four-, 10-, and 25-fold, respectively, relative to controls. OX-LDL (25 and 100 μg/ml) inhibited (P < 0.05) cAMP production by unstimulated, hCG-, and CT-stimulated LC, but not that by FS-stimulated LC. The highest concentration of OX-LDL (100 μg/ml) reduced cAMP formation by 39.8 ± 6.6%, 44.7 ± 10.5%, and 67.7 ± 4.5% in unstimulated, hCG-, and CT-stimulated LC, respectively. In contrast, unmodified LDL (25 and 100 μg/ml) did not alter cAMP production. We conclude that OX-LDL can interfere with the cAMP signaling pathway in regressing luteal cells by acting at sites proximal to adenylate cyclase activation.
Inherited thrombocytopenia: when a low platelet count does not mean ITP

Congenital thrombocytopenias, once considered rare and obscure conditions, are today recognized with increasing frequency, especially due to the measurement of platelet number as part of routine blood testing. The clinical spectrum of congenital thrombocytopenia ranges from severe bleeding diatheses, recognized within the first few weeks of life, to mild conditions that may remain undetected even in adulthood. For the latter group of diseases, distinguishing between inherited (primary) and acquired (secondary) thrombocytopenia, especially immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP), is essential to avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful treatments. In this review, the congenital thrombocytopenia syndromes are discussed with specific attention focused on diagnostic criteria, clinical presentations, genetic etiology, and current medical management. The mutated genes responsible for each syndrome are reviewed as well as the potential implications for using gene therapy or gene repair in the future.
Factors affecting splenic deposition of labeled red blood cells in the rat

Abstract Rat blood cells (RBC) were labeled with the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) 99mTc red blood cell labeling kit, and it was found that the rat can tolerate an addition of up to 2.5% of its blood volume of autologous heat-damaged red blood cells (HDRBC) without showing saturation of the splenic phagocytic capacity for the heat-damaged cells. Heat damage was found to be optimal at 49° ± 1°C for 15–30 min, but longer heating time decreased the relative uptake by the spleen. The addition of heparin to the blood before labeling protects the erythrocytes against heat damage.
Impact of children with special needs on differences in fire-safety education priorities, preferred method of education, and parent actions.

Children with special needs are at a higher risk for the devastating effects caused by a burn injury (eg, pain, appearance, and mobility changes); however, little is known about their burn prevention (BP) needs. The purpose of this project was to determine the BP needs, preferred method of parent education, and the actions of parents and professionals caring for children with and without disabilities. A novel instrument measuring fire-safety education needs, priorities, preferred method of education, and BP actions was administered to a total of 150 parents and professionals caring for children with physical limitations (n = 41), vision impairment (n = 80), and controls (n = 29). Differences in each outcome variable among the groups were tested using χ tests for categorical variables. There was no difference in ranking between parents and professionals or among groups (disability, vision impaired, and control) in preferred BP safety areas (P > .05); however, there was a difference in their preferred method for education (P Language: en
Role of the "Helix Clamp" in HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Catalytic Cycling as Revealed by Alanine-scanning Mutagenesis (∗)

Residues 259-284 of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase exhibit sequence homology with other nucleic acid polymerases and have been termed the "helix clamp" (Hermann, T., Meier, T., Gotte, M., and Heumann, H. (1994) Nucleic Acids Res. 22, 4625-4633), since crystallographic evidence indicates these residues are part of two alpha-helices (alpha H and alpha I) that interact with DNA. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis has previously demonstrated that several residues in alpha H make important interactions with nucleic acid and influence frameshift fidelity. To define the role of alpha I (residues 278-286) during catalytic cycling, we performed systematic site-directed mutagenesis from position 277 through position 287 by changing each residue, one by one, to alanine. Each mutant protein was expressed and, except for L283A and T286A, was soluble. The soluble mutant enzymes were purified and characterized. In contrast to alanine mutants of alpha H, alanine substitution in alpha I did not have a significant effect on template.primer (T.P) binding as revealed by a lack of an effect on Km, T.P, Ki for 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine 5'-triphosphate, koff, T.P and processivity. Consistent with these observations, the fidelity of the mutant enzymes was not influenced. However, alanine mutagenesis of alpha I lowered the apparent activity of every mutant relative to wild-type enzyme. Titration of two mutants exhibiting the lowest activity with T.P (L282A and R284A) demonstrated that these mutant enzymes could bind T.P stoichiometrically and tightly. In contrast, active site concentrations determined from "burst" experiments suggest that the lower activity is due to a smaller populations of enzyme bound productively to T.P. The putative electrostatic interactions between the basic side chains of the helix clamp and the DNA backbone are either very weak or kinetically silent. In contrast, interactions between several residues of alpha H and the DNA minor groove, 3-5 nucleotides from the 3'-primer terminus, are suggested to be critical for DNA binding and fidelity.
Continued encounters: the experience of after-death communication.

Purpose:To analyze and categorize the various forms of after-death communication (ADC) and describe the effects on the bereaved.Method:In this qualitative descriptive study of 9 men and 9 women, da...
Analysis of CdTe Probes

Probes have been fabricated from semiinsulating CdTe and their efficiency for photoevents compared with silicon devices of similar active volumes (?6 mm3). CdTe probes were found to be 150 times more efficient to 122 keV photons and about an order of magnitude more efficient for 60 keV x-rays. The resolution (FWHM) for probes was limited to ?15 keV by cable capacitance at lower photon energies and at higher energies by the escape of the photoelectron from the active volume. For uncapsulated devices of comparable active volumes 8 keV and 10 keV resolution was obtained for 24lAm and 57Co. For 50 mm3 devices, resolutions of 5% were obtained for 137Cs and 60Co and peak to total ratios were comparable to (137Cs) and smaller than (60Co) the ratio of the photoelectric to total absorption coefficients. The photoelectric absorption coefficient was measured for CdTe at 122 keV and found to be 5.4 ± 0.4 cm-1. Theoretical spectra were computed and were only in qualitative agreement with experimental results.
Resonant Raman spectra of deuterated polyacetylene, (CD)x

Abstract Raman spectra of films of (CD)x at 77K show dramatic isotope effects in intensity, as well as pronounced dispersion in band profiles as the excitation wavelength is varied throughout the visible. Long series of overtone lines as well as photoluminescence are seen in spectra of the cis but not the trans isomer.
Horn Coupled Multichroic Polarimeters for the Atacama Cosmology Telescope Polarization Experiment

Multichroic polarization sensitive detectors enable increased sensitivity and spectral coverage for observations of the cosmic microwave background. An array optimized for dual frequency detectors can provide 1.7 times gain in sensitivity compared to a single frequency array. We present the design and measurements of horn coupled multichroic polarimeters encompassing the 90 and 150 GHz frequency bands and discuss our plans to field an array of these detectors as part of the ACTPol project.
Receptor interactions of imidazolines. Influence of ionization constant on the diffusion of clonidine and a series of structurally related imidazolidines into and out of the central nervous system.

Abstract Clonidine and a series of structural analogs with α-adrenergic properties that have been previously characterized were evaluated for their antihypertensive activity following systemic (intravenous) administration to spontaneously hypertensive rats, and for their ability to elevate blood pressure following central (intracisternal) administration to reserpine-pretreated rats. The peripheral pressor activity after intravenous administration in pithed rats was also determined to evaluate possible differences among the compounds in α-adrenergic activity in the peripheral vasculature. Dose-response relationships for the peripheral pressor activities of the compounds indicate that the α-adrenergic activities of these imidazolidines are similar, consistent with our previous observation. A wide range in the potencies of these imidazolidines was observed when their antihypertensive activities were evaluated after systematic (intravenous) administration to spontaneously hypertensive rats. There was an excellent correlation between the antihypertensive activities of these compounds following systemic administration and their ionization constants (r = 0.90, P 0.05) existed between the pK a values and the pressor potencies of these compounds when administered intravenously to pithed rats, we conclude that the correlation observed above is not the result of differences in the peripheral vasoconstrictor effects of the compounds, and that the pressor effects observed after intracisternal administration of these agents to reserpine-pretreated rats resulted from their peripheral vasoconstrictor effects following their exit from the brain via diffusion through the blood-brain barrier. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that one major factor affecting the antihypertensive activity of clonidine-like imidazolidines is the blood-brain barrier and that this barrier is more easily penetrated, in either direction , by the un-ionized relative to the ionized species.
Lithologic Discrimination Using Geobotanical And Landsat TM Spectral Data

Detailed ground work has been undertaken to study the correlations among Landsat TM spectral data, lithologic units, geobotanical forest associations, and geomorphic site parameters in the deciduous forests of the Ridge and Valley Province, Pennsylvania. There is a strong correlation between lithologic unit and forest association; this correlation together with a strong geomorphic component is seen in the Landsat TM data.
Cell Design Considerations for Phase Change Memory as a Universal Memory

The ultimate goal of emerging memory technology researchers and developers is to devise a universal memory to replace all memories in complex hierarchies of memory systems in modern computers. These memory hierarchies are designed to bridge the performance gap between the central processing units and the memories while keeping the cost down. This paper illustrates a sample memory hierarchy in which all current computer memories are employed somewhere in the hierarchy.
Time-series analysis of Riverside, California air quality data

Abstract The air quality and weather data of Riverside, California, have been analyzed. Confined by the availability of the data, a univariate analysis of the weekly averages of the daily maxima of oxidant, CO, NO2 and total hydrocarbon covering the period August 1964–June 1972 was performed. Analyses of these data indicate that total hydrocarbons decreased by 3.2%y−1 while CO increased by 7.4%y−1. Increased CO in the face of decreased total hydrocarbon is contrary to what is expected, as well as that actually found for Los Angeles. This anomaly may be due to an as yet undetermined change in the CO measurements whose yearly average shows a sudden increase of 3 ppm (35 per cent) after June 1969. Oxidant had an increasing trend of 3.7%y−1 while NO2 decreased by 1.6%y−1. This may be attributed to the increasing NO:HC ratio of the emission sources, which would shift the oxidant peak further east, downwind from Los Angeles and also slow down the morning NO2 produced locally in Riverside. The influence of weather parameters and other primary pollutants on air quality is also of interest. But due to the limitations of the data, only the relationships between the weekly averages of the daily maxima of oxidant and the weekly averages of several weather parameters were investigated. The period covered was from 1963 to 1970. High serial correlations in the error term necessitated the use of models other than the ordinary least squares analysis. In particular, the Aitken's model, the lagged model, and the transfer function models were investigated. Interestingly, all models provide consistent values for the estimated powers of the three most important weather parameters—radiation intensity, wind speed and temperature. The powers are respectively 1. −0.44 and 2. Both radiation intensity (u.v. in particular) and temperature are known to be influential in oxidant production while the dispersive effect of the wind is clearly manifested by its negative power. The effect of these weather parameters is multiplicative. The ability to handle the impulses and responses of a system renders the transfer function method very suitable for describing the hourly behavior of air pollutants since in this time scale, the effects of input impulses from weather and primary pollutants may be felt for several hours.
Cytotoxic effect of Shiga toxin-1 on human proximal tubule cells

Cytotoxic effect of Shiga toxin-1 on human proximal tubule cells. Background Cytolytic Shiga toxins (Stx) are believed to be largely responsible for renal damage in post-diarrheal hemolytic-uremic syndrome (D+HUS). Despite the general belief that endothelial cells are the primary target of Stx, there is evidence that proximal tubules may be a site of toxin action. We hypothesized that cultured proximal tubular cells are sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of Stx. Methods Cultured human proximal tubular cells were exposed to Stx-1 in the presence and absence of a variety of inflammatory factors likely to be elevated in the kidney or serum of patients with D+HUS. Cell survival, protein synthesis, total cell levels and synthesis of Stx receptors (GB3), and Stx binding were measured. Results Proximal tubules were extremely sensitive to the cytotoxic effect of Stx-1 with an LD 50 at least equal to, if not less than, that seen with Vero cells. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and butyrate (but not tumor necrosis factor or interleukin-6) up-regulated proximal tubule sensitivity to Stx-1. IL-1 increased Stx-1 binding, but did not alter total cell levels or synthesis of GB3, the glycosphingolipid receptor for Stx-1. In contrast, LPS and butyrate, despite increasing Stx-1 sensitivity, had no effect on Stx-1 binding. Conclusions These studies indicate that proximal tubules are exquisitely sensitive to Stx-1 cytotoxicity and that inflammatory factors can increase toxin responsiveness through a variety of mechanisms. It is suggested that proximal tubules may be an important early target of Stx-1 action in D+HUS.
The emotional impact of obesity on children

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity has become a global epidemic affecting children of all ages and ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. While the physical and financial consequences are well documented, little research is available on the emotional effect of overweight and obesity on children and adolescents. Objectives: To assess the emotional effect of overweight and obesity on a child's self-esteem and self-concept. Search Strategy: The following databases were searched: CINAHL, Clinical Pharmacology, Health Source–Nursing and Academic Edition, MEDLINE, Pre-CINAHL, Psychological and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsycINFO, and Sociological Collection, along with the Cochrane Library, Joanna Briggs Institute, National Institute of Health (NIH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Selection Criteria Included: Studies published from January 1995 to December 2005 whose primary aim was to investigate psychological impact of being overweight or obese on children and adolescents of both genders and all ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Studies of 50 or more participants with outcomes that included an assessment tool of psychological measurement and weight or body mass index (BMI), and were in English or translated to English were considered. Findings: All participants reported some level of psychosocial impact from being overweight or obese. Younger children, girls, and those with little control over eating suffered the greatest consequences. Conclusions: Evidence to determine the emotional impact of being overweight in children and adolescents is limited. There is even less research focused on the efforts to address the problem of low self-esteem, depression, and other emotional consequences. More attention should be focused on the emotional effect of childhood overweight and obesity in order to provide more holistic care for this pediatric population.
Proton-Transfer Kinetics of Photoexcited 7-Hydroxy-1-Naphthalenesulfonic Acid in Aqueous Formamide Solutions

The monoanion of 7-hydroxy-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (HNS) undergoes pseudo-first order dissociation and its conjugate base, second order protonation in the lowest excited singlet state. The proton transfer kinetics in water containing formamide up to a mole fraction of about 0.95 have been evaluated as a function of formamide concentration. At mole fractions above 0.95 of formamide, proton-transfer does not measurably occur. At mole fractions below 0.95, steady state and pulsed-source fluorimetries show the rate constant for dissociation to decrease exponentially with increasing mole fraction of formamide. This is believed to be due to penetration and disruption of the aqueous solvent cage of the HNS by formamide, resulting in impairment of the Grotthus proton-transfer mechanism.
The SpeechEasy device in stuttering and nonstuttering adults: fluency effects while speaking and reading.

Abstract The SpeechEasy is an electronic device designed to alleviate stuttering by manipulating auditory feedback via time delays and frequency shifts. Device settings (control, default, custom), ear-placement (left, right), speaking task, and cognitive variables were examined in people who stutter (PWS) (n = 14) compared to controls (n = 10). Among the PWS there was a significantly greater reduction in stuttering (compared to baseline) with custom device settings compared to the non-altered feedback (control) condition. Stuttering was reduced the most during reading, followed by narrative and conversation. For the conversation task, stuttering was reduced more when the device was worn in the left ear. Those individuals with a more severe stuttering rate at baseline had a greater benefit from the use of the device compared to individuals with less severe stuttering. Our results support the view that overt stuttering is associated with defective speech-language monitoring that can be influenced by manipulating auditory feedback.
Jojoba oil as a sperm oil substitute

Abstract Laboratory evaluations of the extreme pressure and antiwear properties of the sulfurized jojoba and sperm oils indicate almost equivalent performance capabilities. Shop drilling and tapping operations confirm that sulfurized jojoba oil will perform as well as sulfurized sperm oil in practical applications. It seems reasonable to conclude, therefore, that sulfurized jojoba oil could serve as an adequate replacement for sulfurized sperm oil in many lubrication applications.