cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Injectable Neuromuscular Blockade in the Treatment of Spasticity and Movement Disorders

Neuromuscular blockade via injection of alcohol, phenol, or botulinum toxin reduces the tone of overactive muscles in order to restore the appropriate balance between agonists and antagonists. Such a restoration allows improved stretch and increased resting length and can reduce the likelihood of contracture. Alcohol or phenol, injected onto the motor nerve, denatures proteins and promotes axonal degeneration. The onset of action is within hours, whereas the duration of action is variable, ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months and beyond. The advantages of alcohol or phenol chemodenervation lie in their low cost and lack of antigenicity. The disadvantages include the technical difficulty of the injections and significant risk for pain as a result of treatment. Botulinum toxins, purified forms of Clostridium botulinum exotoxins, are injected directly into muscle, where they cleave one or more vesicle fusion proteins, thus blocking release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Three commercial products--two of serotype A and one of B--are available. Each differs in its unit potency, side effects, and duration of action. On average, botulinum toxin has a clinical onset of action approximately 12 to 72 hours after injection, with a peak effect at 1 to 3 weeks. Effects then plateau for 1 to 2 months, with patients often requiring reinjection approximately every 3 months. Side effects may include local discomfort at the site of the injection and excessive weakness of the injected or nearby muscles, although more distant effects may occur. Antibody formation is a significant clinical concern and eventually obviates treatment benefit in approximately 5% of patients. Switching serotypes may be effective, at least temporarily. Consensus dosing guidelines have been developed and are presented within. Numerous studies have suggested that botulinum toxin has a role in the care of children with spasticity or dystonia related to cerebral palsy, and may improve equinus, gait, upper extremity use, comfort, and care. Evidence of functional improvement remains equivocal in the severely impaired child; however, there is evidence for improvement in less impaired children. The optimal candidate for injectable neuromuscular blockade is one who has a limited number of muscles that need treatment, who does not have fixed contracture, and who retains selective motor control. The ultimate goal of treatment for the hypertonic child is to maximize function, comfort, and independence. Hypertonia is only one aspect of the upper motoneuron syndrome, which includes both positive and negative symptoms. The treatment program, in which chemodenervation is only one tool, requires a multidisciplinary evaluation and individualized plan to address the whole patient.
SONG AND NATIONALISM IN QUEBEC

L'A. examine la maniere dont la tradition orale, et plus specifiquement la chanson populaire, a travers l'expression des chansonniers quebecois, contribue au projet nationaliste au Quebec. Retracant notamment l'evolution du role de la chanson quebecoise dans l'affirmation de l'unite ethnique et nationale, il montre comment l'integration economique et culturelle contemporaine du Quebec dans l'environnement regional et mondial englobant, ainsi que les pressions politiques et linguistiques, ont rendu plus difficile, voire ambigu et incertain, le role de la chanson quebecoise comme marqueur identitaire.
Chapter 17 – Breast and Prostate Cancer: a Comparison of Two Common Endocrinologic Malignancies

This chapter presents a brief comparison of breast cancer and prostate cancer. A comparison between prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women reveals intriguing similarities. Together, they represent a major burden on the health care system and have captured the attention of clinicians and basic scientists alike. In breast cancer, incidence is highest in Caucasians and lowest in American Indians, but death rates are highest in African Americans. In prostate cancer, incidence and mortality have traditionally been highest for African Americans. For breast cancer, the major risk factor is prolonged and unopposed exposure to estrogen. Other factors include early onset of menarche, nulliparity, completion of first live birth after age 30, and delayed menopause. For prostate cancer, the most important risk factor is also prolonged exposure to steroid hormones. Family history is also an important factor in both the cases. The genetics of these two malignancies also share some interesting features, with the BRCA family of genes, or related and closely linked genes, potentially serving as a tangible link that may explain certain clinical associations between the cancers.
Deepwater Horizon oil spill exposures and nonfatal myocardial infarction in the GuLF STUDY.

Workers involved in the response and clean-up of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill faced possible exposures to crude oil, burning oil, dispersants and other pollutants in addition to physical and emotional stress. These exposures may have increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) among oil spill workers. Gulf Long-term Follow-up (GuLF) STUDY participants comprise individuals who either participated in the Deepwater Horizon response efforts or registered for safety training but were not hired. Oil spill-related exposures were assessed during enrollment interviews conducted in 2011–2013. We estimated risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals for the associations of clean-up work characteristics with self-reported nonfatal MI up to three years post-spill. Among 31,109 participants without history of MI prior to the spill, 77% worked on the oil spill. There were 192 self-reported MI during the study period; 151 among workers. Among the full cohort, working on the oil spill clean-up (vs not working on the clean-up) and living in proximity to the oil spill (vs further away) were suggestively associated with a possible increased risk of nonfatal MI [RR: 1.22 (0.86, 1.73) and 1.15 (0.82, 1.60), respectively]. Among oil spill workers, working for > 180 days was associated with MI [RR for > 180 days (vs 1–30 days): 2.05 (1.05, 4.01)], as was stopping working due to heat [RR: 1.99 (1.43, 2.78)]. There were suggestive associations of maximum total hydrocarbon exposure ≥3.00 ppm (vs 180 days and stopping work due to heat increased risk of nonfatal MI. Future research should evaluate whether the observed associations are related to specific chemical exposures or other stressors associated with the spill.
Long-term (>5 years) outcomes of patients implanted with artificial urinary sphincter: A single-center experience.

Introduction: This study is conducted to evaluate the long-term outcomes, including effectiveness and complications, of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation in men with primarily stress urinary incontinence. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients with complete data sets and a continuous follow-up with the device in place for 5 years or more were included. We analyzed effectiveness through pads per day use, and complications were assessed based on device revisions and explantations. Various risk factors for revisions were evaluated and revision free-survival at 15 years was estimated. Results: Thirty-four male patients were implanted and followed for a mean of 116.5 months (range: 60–285). Mean pads per day use was significantly decreased from 3.6 at baseline to 0.6 at 1 year, 1.1 at 5 years, and 1.06 at last visit (P Conclusions: The AUS provides excellent long-term outcomes with continued improvement in continence rates and
Actinyl cation-cation interactions in the gas phase: an accurate thermochemical study.

Gas phase actinyl cation–cation interactions (CCIs) were studied by an accurate composite coupled cluster thermochemical approach for the first time. A number of CCI dimers were constructed from the monomers UO22+, UO2+, NpO22+, NpO2+, PuO2+, and AmO2+. All CCI dimers studied were calculated to be thermodynamically unstable, with dissociation energies ranging from −60 to −90 kcal mol−1, but in many cases kinetic stability was indicated by calculated local minima with well depths as large as ∼15 kcal mol−1. Most of the dimers studied involved a T-shaped geometry, although one side-on dimer, (UO2+)2, was included since it was amenable to coupled cluster methods. In the T-shaped isomers the most stable dimers were calculated to arise when the oxo-group of an An(V) actinyl cation was oriented towards the metal center of an An(VI) actinyl cation. For both mixed-valent An(VI)/An(V) and mono-valent An(V) dimers, the stability as estimated from the depth of the calculated local minimum decreased in the donor series U(V) > Np(V) > Pu(V) > Am(V). These trends correlate well with experimental trends in condensed phase CCIs. A rationale for the bonding in CCIs was investigated by carrying out charge transfer analyses using the natural bond orbital (NBO) method. Augmenting the usual Lewis acid–base explanation, CCIs are the direct result of a competition between charge transfer stabilization, which can be as much as 0.11e or 30.7 kcal mol−1 at equilibrium, and Coulombic repulsive destabilization.
Effect of Angular Errors in Part Registration for PC Board Assembly

Automated printed circuit (pc) board assembly is a significant area today, affected by various critical factors. The effects of different assembly process parameter values and their variations (tolerances or errors), on the successful assembly of a part, needs to be properly understood to design an effective and efficient assembly system. Part registration before final assembly is an important phase in the assembly process. This paper analyzes the combined effect of angular and linear errors in the system on successful part registration.
Cefotaxime pharmacokinetics following a single intravenous dose to patients with varying renal function.

The pharmacokinetics of cefotaxime (HR 756) were investigated in two groups of patients (Groups I and II) with creatinine clearances of ≥60 and <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 respectively. Each of the 24 patients included in the study received 0.5 g or 1.0 g cefotaxime intravenously as a bolus injection. The decline of serum concentrations was biphasic in all patients, and the data were fitted to the pharmacokinetic two-compartment model. The mean distribution and elimination half-lives of cefotaxime in individuals in Group I were 0.2 and 1.2 hours respectively. In the uremic individuals, the pharmacokinetic parameters did not differ markedly from those in normal subjects, except when renal function was markedly reduced. In severe renal impairment, the elimination half-life increased to 8.3 hours. Cumulative 24-hour urinary excretion accounted for a mean of 59% of the dose in normal individuals, and from 0.3 to 36% of the dose in uremic individuals. Incomplete recovery of intact drug in urine of normal individuals reflects excretion by an extrarenal pathway, possibly as desacetyl cefotaxime. Urine levels were greater than the minimum inhibitory concentrations for susceptible organisms for at least eight hours after dosing in all individuals who produced urine. Because of the relatively small effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of cefotaxime, dose reduction is necessary only in cases of severe renal impairment.
Are Guidelines for Treatment of Hypertension Trustworthy

In 2009, a report that examined the scientific evidence underlying clinical practice guidelines developed by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) together with the American Heart Association (AHA) concluded that “recommendations were largely developed from lower levels of evidence or expert
ASSESSMENT OF LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTISE IN PROMOTING HEALTHCARE AMONG HEALTH CLINIC ADVISORY PANEL IN KUALA SELANGOR

In 1978, in Alma Ata Declaration and Ottawa Charter (1986), World Health Organization has highlighted their vision in health promotion is about principles of participation and empowerment. In 1994, HCAP has been introducing by Malaysia Ministry of Health as a channel to help the community to get an information regarding health and also to get health services such as health screening program, defaulter tracing program and home medical assessment review program. A cross-sectional survey of a random 36 Health Clinic Advisory Panel has been selected has been conducted in 2017. Questionnaire from Individual-Community Related Empowerment has been used to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding healthcare. All the data has been analysed used SPSS Statistics 21. On the demographic data, sample gender stat higher on a male with 52.8% (n:19) meanwhile on the second components in demographics are sample age, 30.9% (29) have come from age of 19 – 59 years old group. For the level of education, 69.2% stated are from secondary level and the last components in demographic data are sample income 77.8% (n:28) stated monthly income more than Rm 3001 per month. For assessment of level KAP. From the data analysed all components of knowledge stated 94.33%. Meanwhile, in attitude components show 96.26% and practice show 93%. An average percentage is 94.5% which from this study showed HCAP members have good knowledge, attitude, and practice in promoting healthcare.
Controlling aluminate phase hydration for sulfate resistance of Portland–limestone cements

Sulfate optimisation of the aluminate phase (C3A) in Portland–limestone cements (PLCs) is critical for improving their hydration performance. This study investigates the changes in the sulfate atta...
Barriers to caring for survivors of childhood cancer: Primary care providers’ and oncologists’ perspectives.

e19194Background: Advances in treatment have resulted in a growing population of childhood cancer survivors. As most survivors will develop at least one late effect from treatment, it is important ...
Recent Advances in the Development of Environmentally Benign Treatments to Control Root-Knot Nematodes.

Meloidogyne spp. (root-knot nematodes; RKN) are sedentary endoparasites with wide range of plant hosts. RKN negatively affect almost every crop in the world. Current management practices, though effective to some extent, are not enough to completely control the RKN. Application of certain chemicals is also being further limited in recent years due to increasing regulations and restrictions. Therefore, it is crucial to develop additional control strategies through the application of environmentally benign methods. Due to the importance of this topic, there has been much research performed around the world leading to useful outcomes and interesting findings capable of helping agriculture. Hence, it is important to have dependable resources gathering the data produced to facilitate future research. This review discusses the recent findings on the application of environmentally benign treatments to control RKN between 2015 and April 2020. A variety of biological control strategies, natural compounds, soil amendments and other emerging strategies have been included, among which, many showed promising results in RKN control in vitro and/or in vivo. The impact of biologically-based strategies on parasitic and beneficial nematodes continues to be an area of active research and new information on their efficacy will become available in the years to come. In this review, some of the mechanisms involved have been discussed and suggestions were given on maximizing the outcome of the future efforts.
Modeling, design guidelines, and detection limits of self-powered enzymatic biofuel cell-based sensors.

Abstract Enzymatic biofuel cell (EBFC)-based self-powered biochemical sensors obviate the need for external power sources thus enabling device miniaturization. While recent efforts driven by experimentalists illustrate the potential of EBFC-based sensors for real-time monitoring of physiologically relevant biochemicals, a robust mathematical model that quantifies the contributions of sensor components and empowers experimentalists to predict sensor performance is missing. In this paper, we provide an elegant yet simple equivalent circuit model that captures the complex, three-dimensional interplay among coupled catalytic redox reactions occurring in an EBFC-based sensor and predicts its output signal with high correlations to experimental observations. The model explains the trade-off among chemical design parameters such as the surface density of enzymes, various reaction constants as well as electrical parameters in the Butler–Volmer relationship. The model shows that the linear dynamic range and sensitivity of the EBFC-based sensor can be independently fine-tuned by changing the surface density of enzymes and electron mediators at the anode and by enhancing reductant concentrations at the cathode. The mathematical model derived in this work can be easily adapted to understand a wide range of two-electrode systems, including sensors, fuel cells, and energy storage devices.
Optimizing virtual and distance learning during an emergency and beyond.

Study Objectives:The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has forced program directors of sleep medicine fellowship programs, and other clinical training programs, to immediately transition l...
What Is the Price of Science

The peer-reviewed scientific literature is the bedrock of science. However, scientific publishing is undergoing dramatic changes, which include the expansion of open access, an increased number of for-profit publication houses, and ready availability of preprint manuscripts that have not been peer reviewed. In this opinion article, we discuss the inequities and concerns that these changes have wrought.
Modeling the Chemistry of Gaseous Cations Derived from Tricarbon Dioxide.

Cations CpOq+ (p ≤ 7 with q = 1,2) and CpO3+ (p = 4-7) and corresponding neutrals are modeled by B3LYP/jun-cc-pVTZ to rationalize previous mass spectrometric observations of ion reactions with neutral C3O2. Modeling yields optimized potential energies, geometries, Mulliken spin populations, electric dipole moments, electron configurations, and thermochemical parameters. Lewis diagrams are derived. Mono- and dioxide cations typically have unbranched carbon chains, but trioxides are branched. The ions are most stable as spin doublets, but low-lying quartets are found for monoxides with even p. For trioxide ions, the quartets for p = 5,7 are lower-lying than for p = 4,6. For neutral mono- and dioxides resulting from possible electron transfer to the ions, triplets are more stable than singlets for even p. Neutral trioxides are most stable as triplets except C5O3 with a singlet slightly more stable. Singlet C4O3 and C6O3 are unstable with respect to CO loss. Charge transfer is likely only for CpO+ (p = 1-3) and CpO3+ (p = 4, 6). Monocarbon insertion by C3O2 is understood as two sequential CO losses without a hypothetical C6O4+• intermediate and is thermochemically favorable for all ions considered.
Generation of scalable cancer models by combining AAV-intron-trap, CRISPR/Cas9, and inducible Cre-recombinase.

Scalable isogenic models of cancer-associated mutations are critical to studying dysregulated gene function. Nonsynonymous mutations of splicing factors, which typically affect one allele, are common in many cancers, but paradoxically confer growth disadvantage to cell lines, making their generation and expansion challenging. Here, we combine AAV-intron trap, CRISPR/Cas9, and inducible Cre-recombinase systems to achieve >90% efficiency to introduce the oncogenic K700E mutation in SF3B1, a splicing factor commonly mutated in multiple cancers. The intron-trap design of AAV vector limits editing to one allele. CRISPR/Cas9-induced double stranded DNA breaks direct homologous recombination to the desired genomic locus. Inducible Cre-recombinase allows for the expansion of cells prior to loxp excision and expression of the mutant allele. Importantly, AAV or CRISPR/Cas9 alone results in much lower editing efficiency and the edited cells do not expand due to toxicity of SF3B1-K700E. Our approach can be readily adapted to generate scalable isogenic systems where mutant oncogenes confer a growth disadvantage.
An Empirical Assessment of Comprehension Fostering Features in an Intelligent Tutoring System

This paper describes the design and evaluation of two features in an Intelligent Tutoring System designed to facilitate a deeper conceptual understanding of domain principles in conjunction with the development of procedural skills. The first feature described here relates to the timing of feedback. Some researchers have argued that immediate corrective feedback, as embodied in many cognitive tutors, can block the exercise of activities that may enable students to gain a deeper conceptual understanding of a domain. These include self-monitoring, error detection, and error correction skills. We compare an immediate feedback tutor with a tutor that allows students to reflect on problem solving outcomes, and engage in error detection and correction activities. The other feature reported here is a component of declarative instruction. We assess the use of Example Walkthroughs as a comprehension-fostering tool. Prior to procedural practice, Example Walkthroughs step students through the study of example problems and guide them to reflect on the reasoning involved in going from a problem statement to a solution. An evaluation has shown that the best learning outcomes were associated with a combination of immediate feedback and Example Walkthroughs. There are indications that a combination of lower cognitive load during procedural practice and a robust and accurate encoding of declarative concepts contributed to the observed outcomes.
Formulation and application of regional air quality modeling for integrated assessments of urban and wildland pollution

Abstract Anthropogenic emissions into the atmosphere of gaseous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NO x ) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) produce secondary atmospheric pollutants, including ozone (O 3 ), nitric acid (HNO 3 ), and aerosol nitrates (NO 3 ) that may have adverse effects on wildland ecosystems. It is difficult to quantify the sources and magnitude of the deposition fluxes of these species using ambient monitoring studies because field measurements are expensive and typically have poor spatial coverage. Moreover, ambient monitoring is not well suited for determining the sources and transport of pollutants nor for identifying optimal control strategies to reduce pollutant exposure. Complex chemistry-transport models have been widely used for short-term modeling of urban and regional air quality and have been used for long-term modeling of acid deposition in the eastern US. We report results of annual model simulations in the western US designed specifically to study regional haze and including predictions of deposition of O 3 and nitrogen (N) species in the Sierra Nevada. The modeling system used is the US Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model, which was developed in the “third generation” (Models-3) modeling system that supersedes earlier generation models such as the Regional Acid Deposition Model. The development of emissions inventories, meteorological fields, and the ambient data necessary for model performance evaluation is a large-scale, complex effort that involves multiple institutions and years of effort. We describe the model formulation and the necessary data sets, and we provide some sample results of deposition of O 3 and N in the Sierra Nevada. There are large uncertainties in the deposition fluxes estimated in this modeling study, and considerable further work is required to develop more accurate input data. Moreover, the current study used a relatively poor spatial resolution with a grid cell dimension of 36 km. Finer resolution modeling will be required to simulate more confidently the wind fields and the spatial variability of deposition fluxes in the Sierra Nevada.
The prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemia

Although the major focus of recent cerebral protection research has been aimed at developing receptorspecific drugs, this effort has currently resulted in few improvements in patient outcome. Until advances in pharmacology translate to improvements in humans, the clinician and his patients will be well served by using more traditional techniques to prevent and treat cerebral ischemic events. This approach will involve interventions to a) identify patients who are experiencing or are at risk for developing cerebral ischemia, and b) alter systemic physiology in an attempt to lessen the duration and severity of any ischemic insults. Initial therapy should include interventions to improve cerebral perfusion and the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. Once this is accomplished, measures should be taken to control blood glucose concentrations and treat fever. In otherwise stable surgical patients, mild reductions in patient temperature also may be of benefit, provided the temperature reductions do not introduce problems in systemic physiology and the patient is rewarmed prior to awakening from general anesthesia. General anesthetic choice may be of importance in controlling intracranial pressure and seizure activity; however, if direct cerebral protection is desired, the anesthetic of choice should be a barbiturate. Finally, in the patient at risk for cerebral vasospasm, nimodipine treatment should be considered. Collectively, these interventions should increase the patient’s chance for optimal neurologic recovery following ischemia.
The Molecular and Biochemical Basis of Pyrophosphate-Energized Proton Translocation at the Vacuolar Membrane

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the molecular and biochemical basis of pyrophosphate–energized proton translocation at the vacuolar membrane. Inorganic pyrophosphatases (PPase) are ubiquitous enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of pyrophosphate to orthophosphate. In most organisms, the bulk of PPase activity is soluble and considered to maximize the energy yield from the pyrophosphorylytic cleavage of nucleoside triphosphates, associated with many biosynthetic reactions, by dissipatively hydrolysing PP i . Several lines of inquiry implicate PP i as an important energy source for plant vacuolar function in particular, and plant metabolism in general. Most of the H + phosphohydrolases associated with plant membranes can be distinguished from each other by their inhibitor sensitivities. The F–type H + –ATPases of energy–coupling membranes, the P–type H + –ATPase of plasma membrane and the V–type H + –ATPase of endomembranes are selectively inhibited by azide, orthovanadate and the bafilomycins, respectively. However, strict criteria for the identification of V–PPase activity in uncharacterized membrane fractions, other than through the measurement of azide–, orthovanadate– and bafilomycin–insensitive, K + –stimulated PP i –dependent H + translocation have been lacking. A major complication when attempting to determine the ligand interactions of any PPase, whether soluble or membrane bound, are the multiple ion complexes that PP, is capable of forming in aqueous media.
Use of soil transfer for reforestation on abandoned mined lands in Alaska

Soil transfers, presumed to contain mycorrhizal fungal inoculum from a native plant community, were applied to rooted cuttings and volunteer plants of Populus balsamifera L. to improve their growth on an abandoned mined site in south central Alaska. The objectives of the study were to determine (1) if these soil transfers could be substituted for additional P fertilizer when applied with a base level of NP fertilizer to improve growth, and (2) if P added to treatments receiving a base level of NP fertilizer and soil transfer would suppress mycorrhizal formation. Physical dimensions of plants were measured near the beginning and end of each of two growing seasons. Several plants per plot were harvested at the end of year 2 to determine mycorrhizal formation, current growth, and leaf nutrient concentrations. Plant height was significantly increased only when soil transfer and additional P treatments were combined. Response to additions of P fertilization alone or soil transfer alone were not significantly different from each other. Current twig growth increased with either treatment alone or both combined. Soil transfer on cuttings resulted in more ectomycorrhizal formation than either the control or additional P. Leaf N concentrations on cuttings and volunteers increased when plants were treated with soil transfer. Similar growth responses were achieved by soil transfers or additional P, but mycorrhizal formation was improved with the soil transfer treatments. P added to the base level plus soil transfer did not suppress or improve mycorrhizal formation compared to that with soil transfer alone.
Risk Aggregation and Economic Capital

Risk management for banks involves risk measurement and risk control at the individual risk level, including market risk for trading books, credit risk for trading and banking books, operational risks and aggregate risk management. In many banks, aggregate risk is defined using a rollup or risk aggregation model; capital, as well as capital allocation, is based on the aggregate risk model. The aggregate risk is the basis for defi ning a bank’s economic capital, and is used in value-based management such as risk-adjusted performance management. In practice, different approaches to risk aggregation can be considered to be either one of two types: top-down or bottom-up aggregation. In the top-down aggregation, risk is measured on the sub-risk level such as market risk, credit risk and operational risk; subsequently, risk is aggregated and allocated using a model of risk aggregation. In the bottom-up aggregation model, the sub-risk levels are aggregated bottom-up using a joint model of risk and correlations between the different sub-risks that drive risk factors. In this method the different risk factors for credit, market, operational risk, etc. are simulated jointly. In this paper we consider the linear and copula method of risk aggregation.The copula approach provide a way of isolating the marginal behavior of individual risks from the description of their dependence structure.
Early development of the brain and spinal cord in dysraphic mice: A transmission electron microscopic study

The hindbrain and spinal cord were studied by transmission electron microscopy with and without lanthanum nitrate treatment in nine-day embryos of the loop-tail (Lp) mutant mouse. Homozygous (Lp/Lp) individuals exhibit dysraphism from the hindbrain caudally throughout the embryo; in +/+ and Lp/+ individuals, the brains and spinal cords are normal. In contrast, the ventricular cells in the abnormal hindbrain and spinal cord showed increased amounts of intericellular space in an area intermediate between the luminal border and basal zone, and a flattening which occurs variably in their luminal surfaces. A most striking difference occurred in the frequency of gap junctional vesicles, circular structures bounded by a double membrane and containing ribosome-like material. A quantitative analysis of the distribution of these organelles revealed that they are more numerous in the dysraphic hindbrain and lumbosacral spinal cord of the abnormal animals than in comparable regions of the normal; however, in the cervicothoracic spinal cord, the frequency of these vesicles is similar. In specimens treated with lanthanum, the tracer freely penetrated the luminal junctional complexes in both normal and abnormal animals, but was not present between the membranes of the gap junctional vesicles. The developmental significance of gap junctional vesicles frequently located in juxtaluminal regions of mitotic cells, but also found deeply in dividing cells, is not known; they may relate to cell-to-cell attachment and/or communication. In any event, furthe study of them may prove valuable in understanding normal and abnormal development of the neural tube.
Non-Linear BWR Stability Analysis

Power oscillations associated with density waves in boiling water reactors (BWRs) have been studied widely. Industrial research in this area is active since the invention of the first BWR. Stability measurements have been performed in various plants already during commissioning phase but especially the magnitude and divergent nature of the oscillations during the LaSalle Unit 2 nuclear power plant event on March 9, 1988, renewed concern about the state of knowledge oN BWR instabilities. The appropriate representation of the physical processes in the non-linear regime requires typically time domain stability analysis. The objective of this paper is to present a physical model, applicable for stability analysis in the non-linear regime, which extends to high amplitude oscillations where inlet reverse flow occurs. The application of this model gives a deeper insight into the physical reasons for the prevention of the uncontrolled divergence of BWR oscillations. The mechanisms that have a stabilizing effect are demonstrated.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Mössbauer spectra of K3 Fe(CN)6 at low temperatures

Abstract Mossbauer spectra of powdered K3Fe(CN)6 were taken at 4.2, 20, 77 and 300°K. Both quadropole splitting and line width increase with decreasing temperature. The low temperature data do not agree with conventional theory.
CRITICAL THEORY AND ACCOUNTING HISTORY: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract This paper briefly examines the contributions that postmodern (critical) research has made to the historical accounting literature and the opportunities that this new body of literature has created for traditional historical researchers. I suggest that the “new history” that has rendered the “familiar strange” has provided new understanding of our discipline that should be welcomed by all historians. The paper briefly examines two areas, the emergence of double entry bookkeeping and cost accounting, to demonstrate the new insights that critical historians have provided to what has been considered a settled agenda. I conclude by noting that the diversity critical research has added to the accounting history research should be celebrated, but caution that we not engage in the modernist strategy of trying to find a “certified path to knowledge.” Accounting history will be enhanced if our community adopts the values–tolerance, willingness to listen, and respect for alternative views–ithat have enabled researchers in other disciplines to flourish.
Prediction of insemination outcomes in Holstein dairy cattle using alternative machine learning algorithms.

When making the decision about whether or not to breed a given cow, knowledge about the expected outcome would have an economic impact on profitability of the breeding program and net income of the farm. The outcome of each breeding can be affected by many management and physiological features that vary between farms and interact with each other. Hence, the ability of machine learning algorithms to accommodate complex relationships in the data and missing values for explanatory variables makes these algorithms well suited for investigation of reproduction performance in dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to develop a user-friendly and intuitive on-farm tool to help farmers make reproduction management decisions. Several different machine learning algorithms were applied to predict the insemination outcomes of individual cows based on phenotypic and genotypic data. Data from 26 dairy farms in the Alta Genetics (Watertown, WI) Advantage Progeny Testing Program were used, representing a 10-yr period from 2000 to 2010. Health, reproduction, and production data were extracted from on-farm dairy management software, and estimated breeding values were downloaded from the US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory (Beltsville, MD) database. The edited data set consisted of 129,245 breeding records from primiparous Holstein cows and 195,128 breeding records from multiparous Holstein cows. Each data point in the final data set included 23 and 25 explanatory variables and 1 binary outcome for of 0.756 ± 0.005 and 0.736 ± 0.005 for primiparous and multiparous cows, respectively. The naive Bayes algorithm, Bayesian network, and decision tree algorithms showed somewhat poorer classification performance. An information-based variable selection procedure identified herd average conception rate, incidence of ketosis, number of previous (failed) inseminations, days in milk at breeding, and mastitis as the most effective explanatory variables in predicting pregnancy outcome.
Risk Assessment for Stream Modification Projects in Urban Settings

AbstractThe dynamic and stochastic nature of riverine ecosystems creates considerable uncertainty within the practice of stream modification. For streams in urban environments, this uncertainty results in risk to the environment and infrastructure. Bridges, culverts, sewers, fish populations, and drinking water sources could be negatively impacted affected by the response of a stream channel to modification. Communication about the associated risk is critical to minimize effects on water resources and infrastructure. This article describes a vulnerability-criticality risk-logic matrix that can be used to determine the relative risk of stream modification projects. Risk assessment can aid practitioners in understanding and communicating the risk associated with modifying stream channels, and provide guidance for allocating resources to project maintenance or rehabilitation. Two examples are provided to demonstrate the use of the risk assessment.
Evidence for Eurogondwana: the roles of dispersal, extinction and vicariance in the evolution and biogeography of Indo‐Pacific Hormuridae (Scorpiones: Scorpionoidea)

Scorpions previously assigned to the genus Liocheles Sundevall, 1883, of the family Hormuridae Laurie, 1896, are widely distributed in the tropical forests of the Indo-Pacific region. Revisionary systematics of these poorly known scorpions has revealed a tremendous diversity of species. As part of an ongoing investigation, the first analysis of Indo-Pacific hormurid scorpion phylogeny based on morphological data scored for all currently recognized species of Hormiops Fage, 1933, Hormurus Thorell, 1876, and Liocheles, is presented. The taxonomy of these scorpions is reassessed and their biogeography reinterpreted in the light of the phylogeny. Phylogenetic, morphological, and distributional data support the revalidation of Hormiops and Hormurus, previously synonymized with Liocheles. The phylogeny indicates that the Australasian hormurids are more closely related to the Afrotropical and Neotropical hormurids than to the Indian hormurids, as previously proposed, refuting the “out-of-India” origin of Asian hormurids. A recent paleogeographical hypothesis, the “Eurogondwana model”, is supported instead. According to this hypothesis, hormurid scorpions colonized Laurasia from Africa via the Apulia microplate (Europa terrane) in the Cretaceous, subsequently colonized the Australo-Papuan archipelago in the early-mid Cenozoic, and then went extinct in the Northern Hemisphere during the second half of the Cenozoic. These results suggest that, contrary to the traditional paradigm, dispersal and extinction may affect spatial and temporal biotic distributions as much as vicariance, even in animals with limited vagility, such as scorpions.
A transformation-dependent difference in the heparan sulfate associated with the cell surface.

Abstract Glycosaminoglycans from the surface of cultured mouse cells (3T3, SV40-3T3, 3T6) were released by trypsin digestion and separated by ion-exchange chromatography into hyaluronic acid, heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. Using a double label technique, the glycosaminoglycans from 3T3 cells were compared with those from SV40-3T3 and 3T6 cells. No differences were apparent in either the hyaluronic acid or chondroitin sulfate fractions, however, the heparan sulfate from 3T3 cells was found to elute from DEAE-cellulose at a higher ionic strength than that from transformed cells. This altered behavior implies a structural difference in the cell surface heparan sulfate which appears to be dependent upon transformation.
Automatic determination of runway edges in poor visibility conditions

The automatic detection of runway hazards from a moving platform under poor visibility conditions is a multifaceted problem. The general approach that we use relies on looking at several frames of the video imagery to determine the presence of objects. Since the platform is in motion during the acquisition of these frames, the first step in the process is to correct for platform motion. Extracting the scene structure from the frames is our next goal. To rectify, enhance the details and to remove fog we perform multiscale retinex followed by edge detection on the imagery. In this paper, we concentrate on the automatic determination of runway boundaries from the rectified, enhanced, and edge-detected imagery. We will examine the performance of edgedetection algorithms for images that have poor contrast, and quantify their efficacy as runway edge detectors. Additionally, we will define qualitative criteria to determine the best edge output image. Finally, we will find an optimizing parameter for the detector that would help us to automate the detection of objects on the runway and thus the whole process of hazard detection.
A Numerical Study Comparing Kinetic Flux-Vector Splitting for the Navier-Stokes Equations with a Particle Method

Numerical solutions based on the method of kinetic flux-vector splitting (KFVS) for the Navier?Stokes equations are compared with results from the direct simulation Monte Carlo method (DSMC) for three problems: an impulsively started piston, which emphasizes heat flux; an impulsively started flat plate, which emphasizes shearing stress; and a plate sliding past a square cavity, or the lid-driven cavity problem, which combines both stress and heat flux. Taking the view that the DSMC method provides the correct physical description near material boundaries, the comparisons which were carried out for the conditions of a slightly rarefied flow show good agreement for temperature slip, velocity slip, and in the prediction of the kinetic split fluxes, verifying the assumptions and the approach taken in the development of the KFVS method.
Optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism spectra of phytochrome.

1. 1. The optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) and circular dichroism (CD) of phytochrome in the PR and PFR forms were determined from 200 to 500 nm. Both the ORD and the CD spectra showed dramatic differences between the PR and PFR in this wavelength range. 2. 2. The CD spectra below 240 nm correspond closely with that assigned to the β-chain configuration. If, however, the protein is considered to be a mixture of α-helix and random coil, the ellipticity at 220 nm would correspond to an α-helix content of 14%.
Human proinsulin C-peptide reduces high glucose-induced proliferation and NF-κB activation in vascular smooth muscle cells

Excessive proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is one of the primary lesions in atherosclerosis development during diabetes. High glucose triggers VSMC proliferation and initiates activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB. Recently, clinical studies have demonstrated that replacement therapy with C-peptide, a cleavage product of insulin, to type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients is beneficial on a variety of diabetes-associated vascular complications. However, the mechanisms underlying the beneficial activity of C-peptide on the vasculature in conditions of hyperglycemia are largely unknown. The effects of C-peptide on the proliferation of human umbilical artery smooth muscle cell (UASMC) and aortic smooth muscle cell (AoSMC) lines cultured under high glucose for 48 h were tested. To gain insights on potential intracellular signaling pathways affected by C-peptide, we analyzed NF-kappaB activation in VSMCs since this pathway represents a key mechanism for the accelerated vascular disease observed in diabetes. High glucose conditions (25 mmol/L) stimulated NF-kappaB-dependent VSMC proliferation since the addition of two NF-kappaB-specific inhibitors, BAY11-7082 and PDTC, prevented proliferation. C-peptide at the physiological concentrations of 0.5 and 1 nmol/L decreased high glucose-induced proliferation of VSMCs that was accompanied by decreased phosphorylation of IkappaB and reduced NF-kappaB nuclear translocation. These results suggest that in conditions of hyperglycemia C-peptide reduces proliferation of VSMCs and NF-kappaB nuclear translocation. In patients with T1D, physiological C-peptide levels may exert beneficial effects on the vasculature that, under high glucose conditions, is subject to progressive dysfunction.
Exact asymptotic for infinite-server queues

Infinite-server queues are often used as a coupling tool for analyzing many-server systems that arise in telecommunications and call centers. Here we derive an exact asymptotic, up to a constant factor, for the tail probability of the number of customers in a G/G/∞ queue at a fixed time under heavy traffic. We are interested in the scenario when this exceedence is a rare event. In particular, the exceedance level for the number of customers is scaled with the arrival rate such that both of them go to infinity at a fixed ratio, and that the exceedance level is proportionately larger than the mean number of customers. Our main analytical technique is by obtaining fine estimates for the rate of convergence of the corresponding Gartner-Ellis limit via non-homogeneous renewal-theoretic bounds. Using such approach, the refined asymptotic can be seen to resemble the standard form for sum of i.i.d. random variables, as a result of the Gaussian diffusion approximation as suggested by Pang and Whitt (2010) [Two-parameter heavy-traffic limits for infinite-server queues, QUESTA, 65, 325--364]. This result extends the logarithmic asymptotic of Glynn (1995) [Large deviations for the infinite server queue in heavy traffic, IMA Vol. 71, 387--395].
Numerical Simulation of Contaminant Dispersion Within an Aircraft Interior

A hybrid numerical model has been developed to simulate contaminant dispersion within an aircraft interior. A two-equation Low-Reynolds-Number adaptive FEM model is used for simulating turbulent flow within an aircraft. Coupled with Lagrangian Particle Transport Technique, contaminant dispersion within aircraft interiors can be accurately simulated. Mesh independent studies can be avoided when using the adaptive technology, an L2 norm error estimator is used to guide the adaptation procedure. By using the adaptive algorithm, mesh independent studies can be avoided.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Electrophoresis of membrane proteins in concentrated formic acid solutions.

Abstract To obviate the difficulties resulting from partial solubility of membrane proteins in detergents or from the use of noxious solvent mixtures containing phenol or chloral, a simple procedure was devised for acrylamide gel electrophoresis of membrane proteins in 13 m formic acid. Polyacrylamide gels are equilibrated in 13 m formic acid and used in the electrophoresis assembly with 13 m formic acid as the electrolyte. Particulate proteinaceous preparations are dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid or in 24 m formic acid containing glycine to increase the density and to facilitate the solubilization of the protein. Protein samples (10 to 100 μg) migrate as polycations.